bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The quality of the extra-analytical phase of laboratory practice in some developing European countries and Mexico – a multicentric study
Authors: Simundic Ana-Maria , Bilic-Zulle Lidija , Nikolac Nora , Supak-Smolcic Vesna , Honovic Lorena , Avram Sanja , Beregovaja Elena , Dobreanu Minodora , Guimaraes Joao-Tiago , Kovacs Gabor L. , Singh Nada Majkic , Sierra-Amor Rosa Isabel , Sypniewska Grazyna , Zima Tomas
Published: December 2010

Background: This cross-sectional multicentric survey study aimed to assess the quality of the extra-analytical phase of laboratory activities in some developing European countries and Mexico. We assessed the quality of the extra-analytical practices in participating laboratories regarding the: a) sample acceptance criteria; b) phlebotomy procedures; c) test results reporting and d) recording non-conformities.

Methods: A survey was performed during the April–May 2009. A total of 15 clinical laboratories from the following countries were included: Bosnia, Croatia, Czech Republic, Hungary, Mexico, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Serbia and Ukraine. Questions were scored (scores from 1–4) and average scores was calculated for each category.

Results: The overall score for all respondents (n=443) was 3.10±0.33. The average score was 3.11±0.56 for sample acceptance criteria, 2.76±0.58 for phlebotomy and 3.34± 0.53, for test results reporting (F=116.49; p<0.001). Laboratory accreditation was associated with better practices and higher overall quality of the extra-analytical procedures (F=16.62; p<0.001). Moreover, the highest scores for sample acceptance criteria (F=8.32; p<0.001), phlebotomy procedures (F=13.28; p<0.001) and for reporting non-conformities (F=33.62; p<0.001) were observed for accredited laboratories or laboratories under preparation for accreditation.

Conclusions: The overall quality of the extra-analytical practices in countries in this survey is not satisfactory. Phlebotomy practices are the most critical extra-analytical activity. Since laboratory accreditation was associated with better practices and higher overall quality of the extra-analytical procedures, we believe that the most significant improvement could be made by implementing the total quality management system and standardizing laboratory procedures.
Enhanced Artemin/GFRα3 Levels Regulate Mechanically Insensitive, Heat-Sensitive C-Fiber Recruitment after Axotomy and Regeneration
Authors: Jankowski Michael P. , Rau Kristofer K. , Soneji Deepak J. , Anderson Collene E. , Koerber H. Richard
Published: December 2010

We have shown recently that following saphenous nerve transection and successful regeneration, cutaneous polymodal nociceptors (CPMs) lacking transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 (TRPV1) are sensitized to heat stimuli and that mechanically insensitive, heat-sensitive C-fibers (CHs) that contain TRPV1 increase in prevalence. Target-derived neurotrophic factor levels were also enhanced after axotomy and regeneration. In particular, the glial-cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) family member artemin was found to be significantly enhanced in the hairy hindpaw skin and its receptor GDNF family receptor α3 (GFRα3) was increased in the L2/L3 dorsal root ganglia (DRGs) following nerve injury. In this study, we assessed the role of enhanced artemin/GFRα3 levels on the changes in mouse cutaneous CH neurons following saphenous nerve regeneration. We used a newly developed siRNA-mediatedin vivoknockdown strategy to specifically inhibit the injury-induced expression of GFRα3 and coupled this with anex vivorecording preparation to examine response characteristics and neurochemical phenotype of different types of functionally defined neurons after injury. We found that inhibition of GFRα3 did not affect the axotomy-induced decrease in CPM threshold, but transiently prevented the recruitment of CH neurons. Western blot and real-time PCR analysis of hairy hindpaw skin and L2/L3 DRGs after saphenous nerve regeneration suggested that inhibition of the potential initial injury-induced increase in enhanced target-derived artemin signaling resulted in dynamic changes in TRPV1 expression after regeneration. These changes in TRPV1 expression may underlie the functional alterations observed in CH neurons after nerve regeneration.
The Toll-Like Receptor-3 Agonist Polyinosinic:Polycytidylic Acid Triggers Nigrostriatal Dopaminergic Degeneration
Authors: Deleidi Michela , Hallett Penelope J. , Koprich James B. , Chung Chee-Yeun , Isacson Ole
Published: December 2010

In Parkinson's disease (PD), loss of striatal dopaminergic (DA) terminals and degeneration of DA neurons in the substantia nigra (SN) are associated with glial reactions. Such inflammatory processes are commonly considered an epiphenomenon of neuronal degeneration. However, there is increasing recognition of the role of neuroinflammation as an initiation factor of DA neuron degeneration. To investigate this issue, we established a new model of brain inflammation by injecting the Toll-like receptor 3 (TLR-3) agonist polyinosinic:polycytidylic acid [poly(I:C)] in the SN of adult rats. Poly(I:C) injection induced a sustained inflammatory reaction in the SN and in the dorsolateral striatum. Significant changes were detected in proteins relevant to synaptic transmission and axonal transport. In addition, cytoplasmic mislocalization of neuronal TAR DNA binding protein TDP-43 was observed. Poly(I:C) injection increased the susceptibility of midbrain DA neurons to a subsequent neurotoxic trigger (low-dose 6-hydroxydopamine). Systemic delivery of interleukin-1 receptor antagonist protected SN DA neurons exposed to combined poly(I:C) induced inflammatory and neurotoxic oxidative stress.

These data indicate that viral-like neuroinflammation induces predegenerative changes in the DA system, which lowers the set point toward neuronal dysfunction and degeneration. New powerful neuroprotective therapies for PD might be considered by targeting critical inflammatory mechanisms, including cytokine-induced neurotoxicity.
Quantification of Indirect Pathway Inhibition by the Adenosine A2aAntagonist SYN115 in Parkinson Disease
Authors: Black Kevin J. , Koller Jonathan M. , Campbell Meghan C. , Gusnard Debra A. , Bandak Stephen I.
Published: December 2010

Adenosine A2areceptor antagonists reduce symptom severity in Parkinson disease (PD) and animal models. Rodent studies support the hypothesis that A2aantagonists produce this benefit by reducing the inhibitory output of the basal ganglia indirect pathway. One way to test this hypothesis in humans is to quantify regional pharmacodynamic responses with cerebral blood flow (CBF) imaging. That approach has also been proposed as a tool to accelerate pharmaceutical dose finding, but has not yet been applied in humans to drugs in development. We successfully addressed both these aims with a perfusion magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) study of the novel adenosine A2aantagonist SYN115. During a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover study in 21 PD patients on levodopa but no agonists, we acquired pulsed arterial spin labeling MRI at the end of each treatment period. SYN115 produced a highly significant decrease in thalamic CBF, consistent with reduced pallidothalamic inhibition via the indirect pathway. Similar decreases occurred in cortical regions whose activity decreases with increased alertness and externally focused attention, consistent with decreased self-reported sleepiness on SYN115. Remarkably, we also derived quantitative pharmacodynamic parameters from the CBF responses to SYN115. These results suggested that the doses tested were on the low end of the effective dose range, consistent with clinical data reported separately. We conclude that (1) SYN115 enters the brain and exerts dose-dependent regional effects, (2) the most prominent of these effects is consistent with deactivation of the indirect pathway as predicted by preclinical studies; and (3) perfusion MRI can provide rapid, quantitative, clinically relevant dose-finding information for pharmaceutical development.
Channel Modulation and the Mechanism of Light Adaptation in Mouse Rods
Authors: Chen Jeannie , Woodruff Michael L. , Wang Tian , Concepcion Francis A. , Tranchina Daniel , Fain Gordon L.
Published: December 2010

Vertebrate photoreceptors are thought to adapt to light by a change in Ca2+, which is postulated to mediate modulation of (1) excited rhodopsin (Rh*) by Ca2+-dependent binding of recoverin, (2) guanylyl cyclase activity via Ca2+-dependent GCAP proteins, and (3) cyclic nucleotide-gated channels by binding of Ca2+-calmodulin. Previous experiments genetically deleted recoverin and the GCAPs and showed that significant regulation of sensitivity survives removal of (1) and (2). We genetically deleted the channel Ca2+-calmodulin binding site in the mouseMus musculusand found that removal of (3) alters response waveform, but removal of (3) or of (2) and (3) together still leaves much of adaptation intact. These experiments demonstrate that an important additional mechanism is required, which other experiments indicate may be regulation of phosphodiesterase 6 (PDE6). We therefore constructed a kinetic model in which light produces a Ca2+-mediated decrease in PDE6 decay rate, with the novel feature that both spontaneously activated and light-activated PDE6 are modulated. This model, together with Ca2+-dependent acceleration of guanylyl cyclase, can successfully account for changes in sensitivity and response waveform in background light.
Leptin Rapidly Improves Glucose Homeostasis in Obese Mice by Increasing Hypothalamic Insulin Sensitivity
Authors: Koch Christiane , Augustine Rachael A. , Steger Juliane , Ganjam Goutham K. , Benzler Jonas , Pracht Corinna , Lowe Chrishanthi , Schwartz Michael W. , Shepherd Peter R. , Anderson Greg M. , Grattan David R. , Tups Alexander
Published: December 2010

Obesity is associated with resistance to the actions of both leptin and insulin via mechanisms that remain incompletely understood. To investigate whether leptin resistance per se contributes to insulin resistance and impaired glucose homeostasis, we investigated the effect of acute leptin administration on glucose homeostasis in normal as well as leptin- or leptin receptor-deficient mice. In hyperglycemic, leptin-deficient Lepob/obmice, leptin acutely and potently improved glucose metabolism, before any change of body fat mass, via a mechanism involving the p110α and β isoforms of phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase (PI3K). Unlike insulin, however, the anti-diabetic effect of leptin occurred independently of phospho-AKT, a major downstream target of PI3K, and instead involved enhanced sensitivity of the hypothalamus to insulin action upstream of PI3K, through modulation of IRS1 (insulin receptor substrate 1) phosphorylation. These data suggest that leptin resistance, as occurs in obesity, reduces the hypothalamic response to insulin and thereby impairs peripheral glucose homeostasis, contributing to the development of type 2 diabetes.
Enhancement of Odor Avoidance Regulated by Dopamine Signaling inCaenorhabditis elegans
Authors: Kimura Koutarou D. , Fujita Kosuke , Katsura Isao
Published: December 2010

The enhancement of sensory responses after prior exposure to a stimulus is a fundamental mechanism of neural function in animals. Its molecular basis, however, has not been studied in as much depth as the reduction of sensory responses, such as adaptation or habituation. We report here that the avoidance behavior of the nematodeCaenorhabditis elegansin response to repellent odors (2-nonanone or 1-octanol) is enhanced rather than reduced after preexposure to the odors. This enhancement effect of preexposure was maintained for at least 1 h after the conditioning. The enhancement of 2-nonanone avoidance was not dependent on the presence or absence of food during conditioning, which generally functions as a strong positive or negative unconditioned stimulus in the animals. These results suggest that the enhancement is acquired as a type of nonassociative learning. In addition, genetic and pharmacological analyses revealed that the enhancement of 2-nonanone avoidance requires dopamine signaling via D2-like dopamine receptor DOP-3, which functions in a pair of RIC interneurons to regulate the enhancement. Because dopamine signaling has been tightly linked with food-related information to modulate various behaviors ofC. elegans, it may play different role in the regulation of the enhancement of 2-nonanone avoidance. Thus, our data suggest a new genetic and pharmacological paradigm for nonassociative enhancement of neural responses that is regulated by dopamine signaling.
Health Inequity in Children and Youth With Chronic Health Conditions
Authors: Berry Jay G. , Bloom Sheila , Foley Susan , Palfrey Judith S.
Published: December 2010

BACKGROUND:

Over the last decades, there have been great advances in health care delivered to children with chronic conditions, but not all children have benefitted equally from them.

OBJECTIVES:

To describe health inequities experienced by children with chronic health conditions.

METHODS:

We performed a literature review of English-language studies identified from the Medline, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Cancer Institute, and Cystic Fibrosis Foundation Web sites that were published between January 1985 and May 2009, included children aged 0 to 18 years, and contained the key words “incidence,” “prevalence,” “survival,” “mortality,” or “disparity” in the title or abstract for the following health conditions: acute leukemia, asthma, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), autism spectrum disorders, cerebral palsy, cystic fibrosis, diabetes mellitus, Down syndrome, HIV/AIDS, major congenital heart defects, major depressive disorder, sickle cell anemia, spina bifida, and traumatic brain injury.

RESULTS:

Black children had higher rates of cerebral palsy and HIV/AIDS, were less likely to be diagnosed with ADHD, had more emergency department visits, hospitalizations, and had higher mortality rates associated with asthma; and survived less often with Down syndrome, type 1 diabetes, and traumatic brain injury when compared with white children. Hispanic children had higher rates of spina bifida from Mexico-born mothers, had higher rates of HIV/AIDS and depression, were less likely to be diagnosed with ADHD, had poorer glycemic control with type 1 diabetes, and survived less often with acute leukemia compared with white children.

CONCLUSIONS:

Serious racial and ethnic health and health care inequities persist for children with chronic health conditions.
Hispanic Children With Special Health Care Needs From Spanish-Language Households
Authors: Blumberg Stephen J. , Read Debra , Avila Rosa M. , Bethell Christina D.
Published: December 2010

OBJECTIVES:

We examined the specific health care needs of Hispanic children with special health care needs (CSHCN) from Spanish-language households, and we compared the needs for children in this group to those for Hispanic and non-Hispanic white CSHCN from English-language households.

METHODS:

We estimated the prevalence of parent-reported health care needs, health conditions, and functional characteristics by using data from the 2001 and 2005–2006 National Survey of Children With Special Health Care Needs. We used bivariate and multivariate methods to describe the relationship between ethnicity, language, and the demographic, socioeconomic, and health characteristics of CSHCN.

RESULTS:

Between 2001 and 2005–2006, the prevalence of special health care needs increased significantly among Hispanic and non-Hispanic white children from English-language households but not among Hispanic children from Spanish-language households. In 2005–2006, Hispanic children from Spanish-language households were only one-third as likely as other children to be identified as CSHCN. Relative to both Hispanic and non-Hispanic white CSHCN from English-language households, Hispanic CSHCN from Spanish-language households had a higher prevalence of several developmentally related conditions and of functional difficulties related to gross and fine motor coordination, self-care, speech, and communication but had a lower prevalence of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder. Lower use of prescription medications was significantly associated with Hispanic ethnicity (regardless of household language) even after we controlled for demographic and socioeconomic differences.

CONCLUSIONS:

Hispanic CSHCN from Spanish-language households are distinct from other CSHCN, and stratifying the Hispanic population by using primary household language can reveal important differences in the health and functioning characteristics of Hispanic CSHCN.
The Transition to Adult Health Care for Youth With Special Health Care Needs: Do Racial and Ethnic Disparities Exist?
Authors: Lotstein Debra S. , Kuo Alice A. , Strickland Bonnie , Tait Fan
Published: December 2010

Although the transition to adulthood for youth with special health care needs (YSHCN) has been gathering attention, the impact of racial and ethnic disparities on this process has been relatively unexamined. In this review, we explore evidence of disparities in the transition to adulthood for YSHCN, which is important because the problems that YSHCN face in transitioning to adulthood are, in large part, caused by interrupted access to high-quality health care and minority YSHCN and adults have many well-described gaps in access to quality care. Understanding the disparities in the transition process is essential to ensure that interventions designed to improve this transition will meet the needs of this high-risk population. We reviewed research on transition preparation and outcomes for YSHCN to find evidence of racial and ethnic disparities. The results of our review indicate that few YSHCN are receiving adequate transition preparation, and some evidence indicates that this situation is worse for racial and ethnic minorities. Furthermore, young adults, including YSHCN, have poorer access to care than children. Moreover, at some ages, this age-related decline in access is worse for Hispanic and black young adults than for others. Finally, low-income YSHCN are at higher risk than other YSHCN of experiencing gaps in access to care as they age into adulthood. Possible causes of racial and ethnic disparities in health care transitions are related to insurance, living in low-income communities, and sociocultural factors. Significant efforts in research, policy change, advocacy, and education of providers and families are needed to ensure optimal transition preparation and adult outcomes for YSHCN from all racial and ethnic backgrounds.
Transition Planning for Youth With Sickle Cell Disease: Embedding Neuropsychological Assessment Into Comprehensive Care
Authors: Wills Karen E. , Nelson Stephen C. , Hennessy Jane , Nwaneri M. Osita , Miskowiec Joyce , McDonough Elizabeth , Moquist Kristin
Published: December 2010

OBJECTIVE:

Sickle cell disease (SCD) conveys a high risk of neuropsychological impairment due to chronic anemia, hypoxemia, cerebrovascular ischemia and stroke, in addition to causing pain and other biomedical complications. Few families accessed neuropsychological testing via the traditional referral system. In this paper, we describe a successful alternative strategy for addressing cognitive and behavioral needs of youth with SCD.

METHOD:

The Sickle Cell Disease Program for Learning and Neuropsychological Evaluation (SCD-PLANE) was embedded in 2007 into the SCD Comprehensive Clinic of Children's Hospitals and Clinics of Minnesota. SCD-PLANE includes brief neuropsychological testing, individualized recommendations, patient education and advocacy, interdisciplinary collaboration, and follow-through to assure patients' access to recommended resources. The purpose of SCD-PLANE is to identify and recommend interventions for cognitive, academic, emotional, behavioral, or social problems affecting child development and transition to adulthood.

RESULTS:

Access to neuropsychological testing improved dramatically and is well accepted by SCD patients and families. Test results reveal increased risk of problems with executive function, speed of processing, graphomotor function, academic achievement, and parent-reported anxious/depressed symptoms, despite normal intelligence and language abilities. Patients' needs had not been previously identified or served by schools or other community agencies.

CONCLUSIONS:

The SCD-PLANE, providing brief neuropsychological testing embedded within routine annual visits to SCD Comprehensive Clinic, is an effective approach to detect unmet developmental, educational, and behavioral needs within an underserved high-risk population. As youth move towards adulthood, considering cognitive, academic, and mental health status facilitates successful health care transitions.
Residency Training in Transition of Youth With Childhood-Onset Chronic Disease
Authors: Patel Manisha S. , O'Hare Kitty
Published: December 2010

OBJECTIVE:

To assess the current medical school training of internal medicine and pediatric residents in transitioning youth with special health care needs from child-oriented to adult-oriented health care.

METHODS:

We surveyed internal medicine and pediatric residents to assess their preparedness to transition youth with special health care needs to adult-oriented health care.

RESULTS:

The survey results demonstrated that internal medicine residents felt unprepared to care for most patients with chronic childhood-onset illness; however, most pediatric residents were comfortable caring for such patients.

CONCLUSION:

Training in chronic childhood-onset illness should be included in internal medicine training programs.
Facial Skeletal Morphology in Growing Children with Pierre Robin Sequence
Authors: Shen Yoshi F. , Vargervik Karin , Oberoi Snehlata , Chigurupati Radhika
Published: December 2010

Objective

The purpose was to compare the jaw size, jaw relationship, and facial proportions of children with nonsyndromic Pierre Robin sequence with children with nonsyndromic or isolated cleft palate.

Design

This is a retrospective cohort study comparing radiographic findings in children with Pierre Robin sequence or isolated cleft palate at two time intervals: ages 4 to 7 years (T1) and ages 10 to 13 years (T2). Linear and angular measurements were obtained using cephalograms; the cephalometric values were compared with unpaired t tests, assuming unequal variances.

Setting

The study was conducted at the Center for Craniofacial Anomalies at the University of California, San Francisco.

Patients

The sample included 13 children with Pierre Robin sequence and 14 children with isolated cleft palate who were followed at University of California, San Francisco, craniofacial anomalies clinic during the period from 1971 to 2007 and met the inclusion criteria.

Main Outcome Measures

The outcome measures were mandibular length, maxillary length, and sagittal jaw relationship in Pierre Robin sequence and isolated cleft palate children at T1 and T2.

Results

During early childhood (T1: 4 to 7 years), mandibular length (Co-Gn) was similar in both Pierre Robin sequence and isolated cleft palate groups, as was the maxillary length (Co-A). In older children (T2: 10 to 13 years) mandibular length was significantly shorter in the Pierre Robin sequence group compared with the isolated cleft palate group (difference = 10.9 mm, p = .009). Maxillary length in Pierre Robin sequence and isolated cleft palate groups was similar at T2 but significantly shorter in comparison to age-matched norms with a difference of 14.5 mm ( p = .037) for Pierre Robin sequence and 12.4 mm ( p = .045) for isolated cleft palate. Children with Pierre Robin sequence did not show a sagittal jaw discrepancy due to a proportionate deficiency in maxillary and mandibular length; whereas, children with isolated cleft palate showed a greater sagittal jaw discrepancy due to normal mandibular length and deficiency in maxillary length.

Conclusion

Our study confirms the findings of some previous studies that suggest that children with nonsyndromic Pierre Robin sequence have a proportionate retrusion of the maxilla and mandible, resulting in a convex facial profile by early adolescence.
Spatial variability in ecosystem services: simple rules for predator‐mediated pest suppression
Authors: Bianchi F. J. J. A. , Schellhorn N. A. , Buckley Y. M. , Possingham H. P.
Published: December 2010

Agricultural pest control often relies on the ecosystem services provided by the predators of pests. Appropriate landscape and habitat management for pest control services requires an understanding of insect dispersal abilities and the spatial arrangement of source habitats for pests and their predators. Here we explore how dispersal and habitat configuration determine the locations where management actions are likely to have the biggest impact on natural pest control. The study focuses on the early colonization phase before predator reproduction takes place and when pest populations in crops are still relatively low. We developed a spatially explicit simulation model in which pest populations grow exponentially in pest patches and predators disperse across the landscape from predator patches. We generated 1000 computer‐simulated landscapes in which the performance of four typical but different predator groups as biological control agents was evaluated. Predator groups represented trait combinations of poor and good dispersal ability and density‐independent and density‐dependent aggregation responses toward pests. Case studies from the literature were used to inform the parameterization of predator groups. Landscapes with a small nearest‐neighbor distance between pest and predator patches had the lowest mean pest density at the landscape scale for all predator groups, but there can be high variation in pest density between the patches within these landscapes. Mobile and strongly aggregating predators provide the best pest suppression in the majority of landscape types. Ironically, this result is true except in landscapes with small nearest‐neighbor distances between pest and predator patches. The pest control potential of mobile predators can best be explained by the mean distance between a pest patch and all predator patches in the landscape, whereas for poorly dispersing predators the distance between a pest patch and the nearest predator patch is the best explanatory variable. In conclusion, the spatial arrangement of source habitats for natural enemies of agricultural pest species can have profound effects on their potential to colonize crops and suppress pest populations.
Thresholds in forest bird occurrence as a function of the amount of early‐seral broadleaf forest at landscape scales
Authors: Betts M. G. , Hagar J. C. , Rivers J. W. , Alexander J. D. , McGarigal K. , McComb B. C.
Published: December 2010

Recent declines in broadleaf‐dominated, early‐seral forest globally as a function of intensive forest management and/or fire suppression have raised concern about the viability of populations dependent on such forest types. However, quantitative information about the strength and direction of species associations with broadleaf cover at landscape scales are rare. Uncovering such habitat relationships is essential for understanding the demography of species and in developing sound conservation strategies. It is particularly important to detect points in habitat reduction where rates of population decline may accelerate or the likelihood of species occurrence drops rapidly (i.e., thresholds). Here, we use a large avian point‐count data set (N = 4375) from southwestern and northwestern Oregon along with segmented logistic regression to test for thresholds in forest bird occurrence as a function of broadleaf forest and early‐seral broadleaf forest at local (150‐m radius) and landscape (500–2000‐m radius) scales. All 12 bird species examined showed positive responses to either broadleaf forest in general, and/or early‐seral broadleaf forest. However, regional variation in species response to these conditions was high. We found considerable evidence for landscape thresholds in bird species occurrence as a function of broadleaf cover; threshold models received substantially greater support than linear models for eight of 12 species. Landscape thresholds in broadleaf forest ranged broadly from 1.35% to 24.55% mean canopy cover. Early‐seral broadleaf thresholds tended to be much lower (0.22–1.87%). We found a strong negative relationship between the strength of species association with early‐seral broadleaf forest and 42‐year bird population trends; species most associated with this forest type have declined at the greatest rates. Taken together, these results provide the first support for the hypothesis that reductions in broadleaf‐dominated early‐seral forest due to succession and intensive forest management have led to population declines of constituent species in the Pacific northwestern United States. Forest management treatments that maintain or restore even small amounts of broadleaf vegetation could mitigate further declines.
Spatiotemporal exploratory models for broad‐scale survey data
Authors: Fink Daniel , Hochachka Wesley M. , Zuckerberg Benjamin , Winkler David W. , Shaby Ben , Munson M. Arthur , Hooker Giles , Riedewald Mirek , Sheldon Daniel , Kelling Steve
Published: December 2010

The distributions of animal populations change and evolve through time. Migratory species exploit different habitats at different times of the year. Biotic and abiotic features that determine where a species lives vary due to natural and anthropogenic factors. This spatiotemporal variation needs to be accounted for in any modeling of species' distributions. In this paper we introduce a semiparametric model that provides a flexible framework for analyzing dynamic patterns of species occurrence and abundance from broad‐scale survey data. The spatiotemporal exploratory model (STEM) adds essential spatiotemporal structure to existing techniques for developing species distribution models through a simple parametric structure without requiring a detailed understanding of the underlying dynamic processes. STEMs use a multi‐scale strategy to differentiate between local and global‐scale spatiotemporal structure. A user‐specified species distribution model accounts for spatial and temporal patterning at the local level. These local patterns are then allowed to “scale up” via ensemble averaging to larger scales. This makes STEMs especially well suited for exploring distributional dynamics arising from a variety of processes. Using data from eBird, an online citizen science bird‐monitoring project, we demonstrate that monthly changes in distribution of a migratory species, the Tree Swallow (Tachycineta bicolor), can be more accurately described with a STEM than a conventional bagged decision tree model in which spatiotemporal structure has not been imposed. We also demonstrate that there is no loss of model predictive power when a STEM is used to describe a spatiotemporal distribution with very little spatiotemporal variation; the distribution of a nonmigratory species, the Northern Cardinal (Cardinalis cardinalis).
A paleozoological perspective on unionid (Mollusca: Unionidae) zoogeography in the upper Trinity River basin, Texas
Authors: Randklev Charles R. , Wolverton Steve , Lundeen Benjamin , Kennedy James H.
Published: December 2010

In north central Texas, USA, the zoogeography of unionids in the Trinity River is thought to consist of upland and lowland biogeographic components reflective of differences in upstream and downstream hydraulic conditions. Historical and modern surveys from a limited number of localities were used to delineate these zoogeographic provinces based on the absence of several species thought to occur only in the lower Trinity River drainage. Available zooarchaeological data indicate that at least one species considered absent from the upper Trinity River basin was present during the late Holocene (roughly the last 2500 years), suggesting that both biogeographical provinces shared similar mussel fauna in the recent geological past. The discrepancy between historical and zooarchaeological data is probably the result of inadequate sampling and of an extirpation gradient related to impoundments that have been constructed in this drainage during the last century. The presence of lower Trinity species during the late Holocene in the upper Trinity drainage challenges interpretations drawn from modern biogeographic studies.
Impact of logging on aboveground biomass stocks in lowland rain forest, Papua New Guinea
Authors: Bryan Jane , Shearman Phil , Ash Julian , Kirkpatrick J. B.
Published: December 2010

Greenhouse‐gas emissions resulting from logging are poorly quantified across the tropics. There is a need for robust measurement of rain forest biomass and the impacts of logging from which carbon losses can be reliably estimated at regional and global scales. We used a modified Bitterlich plotless technique to measure aboveground live biomass at six unlogged and six logged rain forest areas (coupes) across two ∼3000‐ha regions at the Makapa concession in lowland Papua New Guinea. “Reduced‐impact logging” is practiced at Makapa. We found the mean unlogged aboveground biomass in the two regions to be 192.96 ± 4.44 Mg/ha and 252.92 ± 7.00 Mg/ha (mean ± SE), which was reduced by logging to 146.92 ± 4.58 Mg/ha and 158.84 ± 4.16, respectively. Killed biomass was not a fixed proportion, but varied with unlogged biomass, with 24% killed in the lower‐biomass region, and 37% in the higher‐biomass region. Across the two regions logging resulted in a mean aboveground carbon loss of 35 ± 2.8 Mg/ha. The plotless technique proved efficient at estimating mean aboveground biomass and logging damage. We conclude that substantial bias is likely to occur within biomass estimates derived from single unreplicated plots.
Modeling the consequences of thermal trait variation for the cane toad invasion of Australia
Authors: Kolbe Jason J. , Kearney Michael , Shine Richard
Published: December 2010

Mechanistic species distribution models (SDMs) are ideally suited for predicting the nonnative distributions of invasive species, but require accurate parameterization of key functional traits. Importantly, any ability of the invader to acclimate or adapt rapidly to local conditions must be incorporated. Our field and laboratory studies measured phenotypic variation and tested for plasticity in the thermal sensitivity of locomotor performance and low‐temperature tolerance of adult cane toadsBufo marinusin eastern Australia. We used a biophysical model to explore the adaptive significance of this variation and how it affected distribution predictions. Laboratory trials showed that geographic differences in low‐temperature tolerance (i.e., the critical thermal minimum; CTMin) of field‐caught toads reflect thermal acclimation, whereas populations differed in the thermal dependence of locomotor performance even after acclimation. Incorporating low‐temperature tolerance as a dimension of the fundamental niche reduced the predicted southern distribution. To test whether these factors predicted to be range limiting were consistent with reduced performance for individuals, we used the biophysical model and daily climate data to conduct “virtual transplants.” These models predicted that acclimation reduced cold stress by 32–100% for toads sheltering near the ground surface; toads inside burrows could remain above their CTMin, but the required burrow depth increased with latitude. Low‐temperature tolerance of the adult phase may constrain the southern range limit of the cane toad in Australia, and plasticity in this trait may have facilitated the southward range expansion.
Least‐cost transportation networks predict spatial interaction of invasion vectors
Authors: Drake D. Andrew R. , Mandrak Nicholas E.
Published: December 2010

Human‐mediated dispersal among aquatic ecosystems often results in biotic transfer between drainage basins. Such activities may circumvent biogeographic factors, with considerable ecological, evolutionary, and economic implications. However, the efficacy of predictions concerning community changes following inter‐basin movements are limited, often because the dispersal mechanism is poorly understood (e.g., quantified only partially). To date, spatial‐interaction models that predict the movement of humans as vectors of biotic transfer have not incorporated patterns of human movement through transportation networks. As a necessary first step to determine the role of anglers as invasion vectors across a land–lake ecosystem, we investigate their movement potential within Ontario, Canada. To determine possible model improvements resulting from inclusion of network travel, spatial‐interaction models were constructed using standard Euclidean (e.g., straight‐line) distance measures and also with distances derived from least‐cost routing of human transportation networks. Model comparisons determined that least‐cost routing both provided the most parsimonious model and also excelled at forecasting spatial interactions, with a proportion of 0.477 total movement deviance explained. The distribution of movements was characterized by many relatively short to medium travel distances (median = 292.6 km) with fewer lengthier distances (75th percentile = 484.6 km, 95th percentile = 775.2 km); however, even the shortest movements were sufficient to overcome drainage‐basin boundaries. Ranking of variables in order of their contribution within the most parsimonious model determined that distance traveled, origin outflow, lake attractiveness, and sportfish richness significantly influence movement patterns. Model improvements associated with least‐cost routing of human transportation networks imply that patterns of human‐mediated invasion are fundamentally linked to the spatial configuration and relative impedance of human transportation networks, placing increased importance on understanding their contribution to the invasion process.
COMPARISON OF SIMULTANEOUS PROMPTING AND NO‐NO PROMPTING IN TWO‐CHOICE DISCRIMINATION LEARNING WITH CHILDREN WITH AUTISM
Authors: Leaf Justin B. , Sheldon Jan B. , Sherman James A.
Published: December 2010

This study compared no‐no prompting procedures to simultaneous prompting procedures for 3 children with autism. Using a parallel treatments design, researchers taught rote math skills, receptive labels, or answers to “wh–” questions with both prompting systems. Results indicated that no‐no prompting was effective in teaching all skills. By contrast, simultaneous prompting was effective in teaching only one pair of skills to 1 participant in the same amount of teaching time and trials. Researchers conducted a preference assessment to determine which of the two prompting procedures the 3 participants preferred. The participants showed mixed preferences for the two procedures.
AN EVALUATION OF PREFERENCE FOR VIDEO AND IN VIVO MODELING
Authors: Geiger Kaneen B. , LeBlanc Linda A. , Dillon Courtney M. , Bates Stephanie L.
Published: December 2010

We assessed preference for video or in vivo modeling using a concurrent‐chains arrangement with 3 children with autism. The two modeling conditions produced similar acquisition rates and no differential selection (i.e., preference) for all 3 participants.
EFFECTS OF VIDEO MODELING ON TREATMENT INTEGRITY OF BEHAVIORAL INTERVENTIONS
Authors: Digennaro‐Reed Florence D. , Codding Robin , Catania Cynthia N. , Maguire Helena
Published: December 2010

We examined the effects of individualized video modeling on the accurate implementation of behavioral interventions using a multiple baseline design across 3 teachers. During video modeling, treatment integrity improved above baseline levels; however, teacher performance remained variable. The addition of verbal performance feedback increased treatment integrity to 100% for all participants, and performance was maintained 1 week later. Teachers found video modeling to be more socially acceptable with performance feedback than alone, but rated both positively.
RECOMBINATIVE GENERALIZATION OF SUBWORD UNITS USING MATCHING TO SAMPLE
Authors: Mahon Catherine , Lyddy Fiona , Barnes‐Holmes Dermot
Published: December 2010

The purpose of the current study was to develop and test a computerized matching‐to‐sample (MTS) protocol to facilitate recombinative generalization of subword units (onsets and rimes) and recognition of novel onset—rime and onset—rime—rime words. In addition, we sought to isolate the key training components necessary for recombinative generalization. Twenty‐five literate adults participated. Conditional discrimination training emerged as a crucial training component. These findings support the effectiveness of MTS in facilitating recombinative generalization, particularly when conditional discrimination training with subword units is used.
ENCOURAGING ELECTRICITY SAVINGS IN A UNIVERSITY RESIDENTIAL HALL THROUGH A COMBINATION OF FEEDBACK, VISUAL PROMPTS, AND INCENTIVES
Authors: Bekker Marthinus J. , Cumming Tania D. , Osborne Nikola K. P. , Bruining Angela M. , McClean Julia I. , Leland Louis S.
Published: December 2010

This experiment investigated the combined use of visual prompts, daily feedback, and rewards to reduce electricity consumption in a university residential hall. After a 17‐day baseline period, the experimental intervention was introduced in the intervention hall, and no change was made in the control hall. Energy usage decreased in the intervention hall, but energy usage did not change appreciably in the control hall. In the intervention hall, mean daytime and nighttime savings were 16.2% and 10.7%, respectively, compared to savings of 3.8% (day) and 6.5% (night) in the control hall.
USING BEHAVIORAL SKILLS TRAINING TO PROMOTE SAFE AND CORRECT STAFF GUARDING AND AMBULATION DISTANCE OF STUDENTS WITH MULTIPLE PHYSICAL DISABILITIES
Authors: Nabeyama Bobby , Sturmey Peter
Published: December 2010

The study analyzed the effects of self‐recording and behavioral skills training on guarding responses of 3 staff members while they assisted 3 students with multiple disabilities to ambulate. The intervention increased the percentage of correct posture and guarding responses and the distance that students ambulated. These effects generalized when staff taught new students.
TRANSLATIONAL RESEARCH IN BEHAVIOR ANALYSIS: HISTORICAL TRADITIONS AND IMPERATIVE FOR THE FUTURE
Authors: Mace F. Charles , Critchfield Thomas S.
Published: December 2010

“Pure basic” science can become detached from the natural world that it is supposed to explain. “Pure applied” work can become detached from fundamental processes that shape the world it is supposed to improve. Neither demands the intellectual support of a broad scholarly community or the material support of society. Translational research can do better by seeking innovation in theory or practice through the synthesis of basic and applied questions, literatures, and methods. Although translational thinking has always occurred in behavior analysis, progress often has been constrained by a functional separation of basic and applied communities. A review of translational traditions in behavior analysis suggests that innovation is most likely when individuals with basic and applied expertise collaborate. Such innovation may have to accelerate for behavior analysis to be taken seriously as a general‐purpose science of behavior. We discuss the need for better coordination between the basic and applied sectors, and argue that such coordination compromises neither while benefiting both.
WHY PIGEONS SAY WHAT THEY DO: REINFORCER MAGNITUDE AND RESPONSE REQUIREMENT EFFECTS ON SAY RESPONDING IN SAY—DO CORRESPONDENCE
Authors: Silva Stephanie P. da , Lattal Kennon A.
Published: December 2010

The effects of reinforcer magnitude and response requirement on pigeons' say choices in an experimental homologue of human say—do correspondence were assessed in two experiments. The procedure was similar to a conditional discrimination procedure except the pigeons chose both a sample stimulus (the say component) and a comparison stimulus that corresponded to it (the do component). Correspondence was trained on red, green, and white key colors before the duration of food presentations following correspondence on each key color (Experiment 1) and the number of key pecks required as the say response on each key color (Experiment 2) were manipulated in an attempt to influence the initial say response. The frequency of say responses on each key color coincided with programmed changes in the duration of food presentations and the key‐peck requirements assigned to each key color. Correspondence accuracy remained stable in all conditions, even those in which the say responding occurred primarily on two of the three key colors. Implications for human behavior are discussed.
THE MATCHING RELATION AND SITUATION‐SPECIFIC BIAS MODULATION IN PROFESSIONAL FOOTBALL PLAY SELECTION
Authors: Stilling Stephanie T. , Critchfield Thomas S.
Published: December 2010

The utility of a quantitative model depends on the extent to which its fitted parameters vary systematically with environmental events of interest. Professional football statistics were analyzed to determine whether play selection (passing versus rushing plays) could be accounted for with the generalized matching equation, and in particular whether variations in play selection across game situations would manifest as changes in the equation's fitted parameters. Statistically significant changes in bias were found for each of five types of game situations; no systematic changes in sensitivity were observed. Further analyses suggested relationships between play selection bias and both turnover probability (which can be described in terms of punishment) and yards‐gained variance (which can be described in terms of variable‐magnitude reinforcement schedules). The present investigation provides a useful demonstration of association between face‐valid, situation‐specific effects in a domain of everyday interest, and a theoretically important term of a quantitative model of behavior. Such associations, we argue, are an essential focus in translational extensions of quantitative models.
BIAS AND UNDERMATCHING IN DELINQUENT BOYS' VERBAL BEHAVIOR AS A FUNCTION OF THEIR LEVEL OF DEVIANCE
Authors: McDowell J. J. , Caron Marcia L.
Published: December 2010

Eighty‐one 13‐ to 14‐year‐old boys at risk for delinquency (target boys) engaged in brief dyadic conversations with their peer friends. The target boys' verbal behavior was coded into two mutually exclusive content categories, rule‐break talk and normative talk. Positive social responses from peer boys for each category of talk were also recorded, and were presumed to reinforce the target boys' verbal behavior. A measure of child deviance was available for each target boy. The generalized matching law was fitted to the target boys' response and time allocation data and provided an excellent description of their verbal behavior, with an expected degree of undermatching and strong bias in favor of normative talk. When the boys' data were separated into groups of increasing child deviance, the matching law continued to provide an excellent description of the boys' verbal behavior regardless of their level of deviance, but undermatching became more severe and bias favoring normative talk became less strong as child deviance increased. Based on a selectionist theory of adaptive behavior dynamics from the basic science, it was suggested that the increasing degree of undermatching might be due to a decline in the reinforcing value of positive social responses with increasing child deviance. It was also suggested that the trend in the bias parameters might be due to different histories of reinforcement and punishment of rule‐break and normative behavior for boys characterized by different levels of child deviance.