bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Phylogeography of the mole‐shrew (Anourosorex yamashinai) in Taiwan: implications of interglacial refugia in a high‐elevation small mammal
Authors: YUAN SHOU‐LI , LIN LIANG‐KONG , OSHIDA TATSUO
Published: May 2006

To test the Pleistocene interglacial refugia hypothesis with a high‐elevation mammal, we studied the phylogeography of the mole‐shrew (Anourosorex yamashinai) using partial mitochondrial cytochrome b gene sequences (737 bases). This shrew is endemic to Taiwan. It is mainly distributed in the highlands from 1000 to 2500 m in elevation. We examined 103 specimens from 24 localities in three mountain ranges of Taiwan and found 36 haplotypes. These haplotypes separated into two major phylogroups (Northern and Southern) plus a minor phylogroup (Houhuan) of only one haplotype. This demonstrated strong association with geography. The formation of these three phylogroups may be the result of interglacial refugia during the middle Pleistocene. Distinct sublineages were not found within each major phylogroup, suggesting that the populations (phylogroups) explosively expanded from the interglacial refugia of ancestral founder haplotypes. The present distribution pattern of haplotypes suggests that Mount Houhuan is an effective refugium in central Taiwan. It was not possible to specify the refugia for the Northern and Southern phylogroups.
Genetic divergence and migration patterns in a North American passerine bird: implications for evolution and conservation
Authors: DAVIS LESLIE A. , ROALSON ERIC H. , CORNELL K. L. , MCCLANAHAN KARA D. , WEBSTER MICHAEL S.
Published: May 2006

Like many other migratory birds, the black‐throated blue warbler (Dendroica caerulescens) shows pronounced differences in migratory behaviour and other traits between populations: birds in the southern part of the breeding range have darker plumage and migrate to the eastern Caribbean during the winter, whereas those in the north have lighter plumage and migrate to the western Caribbean. We examined the phylogeography of this species, using samples collected from northern and southern populations, to determine whether differentiation between these populations dates to the Pleistocene or earlier, or whether differences in plumage and migratory behaviour have arisen more recently. We analysed variation at 369 bp of the mitochondrial control region domain I and also at seven nuclear microsatellites. Analyses revealed considerable genetic variation, but the vast majority of this variation was found within rather than between populations, and there was little differentiation between northern and southern populations. Phylogeographic analyses revealed a very shallow phylogenetic tree, a star‐like haplotype network, and a unimodal mismatch distribution, all indicative of a recent range expansion from a single refugium. Coalescent modelling approaches also indicated a recent common ancestor for the entire group of birds analysed, no split between northern and southern populations, and high levels of gene flow. These results show that Pleistocene or earlier events have played little role in creating differences between northern and southern populations, suggesting that migratory and other differences between populations have arisen very recently. The implications of these results for the evolution of migration and defining taxonomic groups for conservation efforts are discussed.
History, ocean channels, and distance determine phylogeographic patterns in three widespread Philippine fruit bats (Pteropodidae)
Authors: ROBERTS TRINA E.
Published: May 2006

The comparative phylogeography of widespread, codistributed species provides unique insights into regional biodiversity and diversification patterns. I used partial DNA sequences of the mitochondrial genes ND2 and cyt b to investigate phylogeographic structure in three widespread Philippine fruit bats. Ptenochirus jagori is endemic to the oceanic region of the Philippines and is most abundant in lowland primary forest. Macroglossus minimus and Cynopterus brachyotis are most common in disturbed and open habitats and are not endemic. In all three, genetic differentiation is present at multiple spatial scales and is associated to some degree with Pleistocene landbridge island groups. In P. jagori and C. brachyotis, genetic distance is correlated with geographic distance; in C. brachyotis and M. minimus, it is correlated with the sea‐crossing distance between islands. P. jagori has the least overall genetic structure of these three species, whereas C. brachyotis and M. minimus have more geographic association among haplotypes, suggesting that phylogeographic patterns are linked to ecology and habitat preference. However, contrary to expectation, the two widespread, disturbed habitat species have more structure than the endemic species. Mismatch distributions suggest rapid changes in effective population size in C. brachyotis and P. jagori, whereas M. minimus appears to be demographically more stable. Geologic and geographic history are important in structuring variation, and phylogeographic patterns are the result of dynamic long‐term processes rather than simply reflecting current conditions.
Distinct population structure in a phenotypically homogeneous rock‐dwelling cichlid fish from Lake Tanganyika
Authors: DUFTNER NINA , SEFC KRISTINA M. , KOBLMÜLLER STEPHAN , NEVADO BRUNO , VERHEYEN ERIK , PHIRI HARRIS , STURMBAUER CHRISTIAN
Published: May 2006

Several lineages of cichlid fishes in the East African Great Lakes display stunning levels of morphological diversification. The rapid evolution of rock‐dwelling polygynous mouthbrooders in Lake Malawi, for example, was in part ascribed to their allopatric distribution on disjunct stretches of rocky coast, where even short habitat discontinuities reduce gene flow effectively. However, as seen in other cichlids, ecological barriers do not always prevent gene flow, whereas genetic structure can develop along continuous habitat, and morphological diversification does not necessarily accompany genetic differentiation. The present study investigates the population structure of Variabilichromis moorii, a monogamous substrate‐brooding lamprologine of rocky coasts in Lake Tanganyika, which occurs over about 1000 km of shoreline almost without phenotypic variation. Phylogeographic analyses of mitochondrial DNA sequences indicated that dispersal is infrequent and generally occurs between adjacent locations only. Exceptions to this pattern are closely related haplotypes from certain locations on opposite lakeshores, a phenomenon which has been observed in other species and is thought to reflect lake crossing along an underwater ridge in times of low water level. Genetic population differentiation, estimated from mitochondrial DNA and microsatellite data in six adjacent populations, was equally high across localities separated by sandy shores and along uninterrupted stretches of rocky shore. Our results suggest that ecological barriers are not required to induce philopatric behavior in Variabilichromis, and that morphological stasis persists in the face of high levels of neutral genetic differentiation.
House dust mite allergen reduction and allergy at 4 yr: Follow up of the PIAMA‐study
Authors: Corver Karen , Kerkhof Marjan , Brussee Jessica E. , Brunekreef Bert , Van Strien Rob T. , Vos Ada P. , Smit Henriette A. , Gerritsen Jorrit , Neijens Herman J. , De Jongste Johan C.
Published: May 2006

Exposure to high allergen levels in early life is a risk factor for the development of allergy. We previously reported limited effects of mite allergen impermeable mattress covers in the prevention and incidence of asthma and mite allergy (PIAMA) cohort at the age of 1 and 2 yr. We now present the results of follow‐up at 4 yr objectives. To examine the effects of early reduction of house dust mite (HDM) allergen exposure by means of mattress covers on the incidence of allergy and asthma symptoms in the PIAMA birth cohort at the age of 4 yr. High‐risk children (allergic mother) were prenatally recruited and randomly allocated to three groups; receiving mite allergen impermeable mattress covers (n = 416), placebo covers (n = 394) or no intervention (n = 472). At 4 yr of age, atopy was assessed by questionnaire; specific Immunoglobulin E (IgE) to inhalant and food allergens was measured in serum. Dust samples collected from the children's mattresses were analysed for mite allergens. Dermatophagoides farinae1 allergen (Der f 1) levels in dust were reduced in the active group. However, Dermatophagoides pteronissinus 1 (Der p 1) levels, sensitization and atopic symptoms were similar in all groups. We found no effect of mite allergen impermeable mattress covers on sensitization and atopy at 4 yr. Moreover, the allergen reducing effects of the covers had disappeared for one of the two mite allergens that were measured.
Ultrasound Therapy in Tendinous Injury Healing in Goats
Authors: Maiti S. K. , Kumar N. , Singh G. R. , Hoque M. , Singh R.
Published: May 2006

The effect of ultrasound therapy on tendon injury healing was studied on 12 locally available non‐descript adult goats of either sex divided equally in two groups (I and II) consisting of six animals each. The superficial digital flexor tendon (SDFT) was transected and immediately repaired with nylon (2/0) using a locking loop suture pattern under atropine‐triflupromazine–lignocaine epidural analgesia and strict aseptic condition. A full limb plaster of Paris cast was applied to immobilize the operated limb for 3 days. Postoperative care was similar in both the groups. In group I, the operated limb was allowed to heal without ultrasound therapy. In group II, pulsed ultrasound therapy was started 3 days after repair of tendinous injury at an intensity of 1 W/cm2for 10 min daily for 10 consecutive days. The animals of both groups were evaluated clinically and haemato‐biochemically on days 1, 3, 7, 15, 20 and 30 postoperatively. Air tendonograms and ultrasonography were performed on days 0, 10, 20 and 30 post‐tenorrhaphy. Histopathological examination of tendon biopsy samples was performed on day 30 post‐tenorrhaphy. Resolution of inflammatory swelling, pain, weight bearing and tendon gliding movement was earlier in the test group than control. Rectal temperature, total leucocyte count and differential leucocyte count did not vary significantly at various stages of observation in both the groups. Serum glucose, cortisone and serum alkaline phosphatase levels increased significantly after tendon injury repair in all the animals and decreased slowly at all subsequent intervals in control group, whereas, it was near normal in the treatment group on day 30 post‐tenorrhaphy. Air tendenograms and ultrasonography examinations in the test group revealed that there was a marked regression of peritendinous adhesion between the tendon and skin on day 30 post‐tendon injury repaired and the tendon at the reconstructive site attained near normal thickness and density. Adhesions were present in the reconstructed site of SDFT in all animals of the control group. Histopathologically, the granulation tissue was comparatively bettered organized at the healing site in the ultrasound‐treated animals.
Oxytocin‐induced PGF2α Release in Mares With and Without Post‐breeding Delayed Uterine Clearance
Authors: Veronesi M. C. , Carluccio A. , Kindahl H. , Faustini M. , Battocchio M. , Cairoli F.
Published: May 2006

The aim of the present study was to evaluate within 24 h post‐ovulation oxytocin‐induced PGF2α release in mares with and without post‐breeding delayed uterine clearance (DUC). Twenty‐one of 34 mares with a variable amount of intrauterine fluids accumulation were considered to be affected by delayed uterine clearance (DUC group), while the other 13 mares did not show any uterine fluid accumulation, and were considered as controls (WDUC group). Both DUC and WDUC mares were administered with 20 IU oxytocin i.m. 90 min after the ultrasound examination performed 24 h after breeding. Immediately before, 5 and 10 min after oxytocin administration, blood samples were collected for 15‐ketodihydro‐PGF2α (PG‐metabolite), 17β‐estradiol, and progesterone analysis. Ultrasonography performed 24 h after oxytocin treatment showed a complete uterine clearance in all DUC mares. The oxytocin‐induced PG‐metabolite increase was detected in 71.4% DUC mares compared with 38.5% in WDUC group, with a positive trend of release, as evidenced from 5 min after oxytocin administration. In WDUC mares, no significant differences in oxytocin‐induced PG‐metabolite trend of release were observed. In conclusion, the results of the present study showed the importance of PGF2α involvement in the pathogenesis of post‐breeding DUC in the mare.
Steroid Receptor Expression and HER‐2/neu (c‐erbB‐2) Oncoprotein in the Uterus of Cats with Cystic Endometrial Hyperplasia–Pyometra Complex
Authors: Misirlioglu D. , Nak D. , Sevimli A. , Nak Y. , Ozyigit M. O. , Akkoc A. , Cangul I. T.
Published: May 2006

The presence of oestrogen‐αreceptor (ER), progesterone receptor (PR), and HER‐2/neu (c‐erbB‐2) oncoprotein in the uterine walls of 10 healthy cats and 20 subjects with cystic endometrial hyperplasia–pyometra (CEH–P) were evaluated. Lesions were graded according to the severity of cystic dilation, hyperplasia and inflammation, and were classified as normal, mild uterine hyperplasia and severe uterine hyperplasia. The ER, PR and c‐erbB‐2 expression in the endometrium, glandular epithelium, stromal fibroblasts and myometrial smooth muscle cells was quantified by immunohistochemistry. The ER, PR and c‐erbB‐2 staining patterns differed between normal uteri and uteri with CEH–P. The ER expression was tended to be higher in the endometrial surface and glandular epithelium in the severe hyperplasia group (P > 0.05) and significantly lower in the mild hyperplasia cases compared with normal endometrium (P < 0.05), whereas the PR expression in both severe and mild hyperplasia cases tended to be higher in stromal cells and glandular epithelium than those in the normal uteri. C‐erbB‐2 immunoreactivity was observed only in the endometrial surface and glandular epithelium of the uterine wall and immunostaining was found to be highest in cases with severe hyperplasia. As a conclusion, we suggest that c‐erbB‐2 oncoprotein may play a role in the pathogenesis of the CEH together with the ER and PR in cats, and that ER does not have a role in the mechanism of pyometra, whereas PR plays a role in the pathogenesis of both CEH and pyometra.
Synovial Fluid Cell Counts and Total Protein Concentration in Clinically Normal Fetlock Joints of Young Dromedarian Camels
Authors: Bani Ismail Z. , Al‐Rukibat R.
Published: May 2006

Twenty‐seven 9–12 months old healthy male dromedarian camels were used to determine total nucleated leucocyte count (TNCC), absolute and percentages of polymorphonuclear (PMN) and mononuclear leucocytes, and total protein (TP) concentration in synovial fluid from grossly and radiographically normal fetlock joints. Arthrocentesis was performed bilaterally from the fetlock joints of the forelimbs and hindlimbs. Blood contaminated samples and samples obtained from grossly or radiographically abnormal joints were excluded. The mean ± SD of TNCC in 108 samples of fetlock joint synovial fluids was 500 ± 400 cells/μl. Monocytes/macrophages were the predominant cell type. There were no significant differences in mean TNCC, absolute numbers and percentages of various leucocytes and TP concentrations between the right and left fetlock joints of the forelimbs and hindlimbs or between the fetlock joints of the forelimbs and hindlimbs. The mean ± SD of absolute numbers and percentages of various cell types were: PMN leucocytes 1 ± 2 cells/μl (2%), lymphocytes 116 ± 167 cells/μl (26%), and monocytes/macrophages 383 ± 323 cells/μl (72%). The mean ± SD of TP concentration was 2 ± 1 g/dl.
Gross and Histopathological Observations of Long‐term Catheterized Vessels in Experimental Sheep
Authors: Barraza M. L. , Strickland J. R. , Zepeda H. , Taylor J. B. , Krehbiel C. R. , Bell G. S. , Klotz J. L.
Published: May 2006

Chronic indwelling central vessel catheters provide vascular access for compartmental infusion or sampling. However, complications with catheter patency during the postoperative and/or experimental period often arise. In order to identify physiological occurrences common with such complications, 10 multicatheterized sheep (61.8 ± 7.8 kg BW), obtained from a previous nutrient flux study were used for gross and histopathological investigation. Catheters had been surgically placed in a hepatic portal vein (PVC), a hepatic vein (HVC), a distal mesenteric vein (MVC) and a mesenteric artery (MAC). In the previous study, catheters (PVC, HVC and MAC) were used to collect blood samples or infuse (MVC)p‐aminohippurate. Catheters were maintained for a total of 58 days prior to necropsy. Histopathological findings indicated that catheter failures were associated with the following tissue responses: (i) thromboses with frequent focal vasculitis; (ii) euplastic tissues associated with extensive fibrosis; (iii) granulomas; (iv) neo‐vascularization of the media; (v) calcification processes; and (vi) micro‐abscesses. Additional studies are needed that address and incorporate improvement of catheter design and placement to minimize irritation of endothelium, improvement of catheter treatments and therapeutic regimes, and development and use of alternative anti‐coagulants. A greater understanding of the mechanisms leading to failure will help researchers improve catheter performance and patency.
Serum Fructosamine Concentrations in 59 Dogs Naturally Infected withAngiostrongylus vasorum
Authors: Willesen J. L. , Jensen A. L. , Kristensen A. T. , Kjelgaard‐Hansen M. , Jessen R. , Koch J.
Published: May 2006

Retrospectively, 89 cases of dogs infected withAngiostrongylus vasorumwere examined. Fifty‐nine of these 89 dogs fulfilled the criteria of not being dually infected withCrenosoma vulpisas well as having a full biochemistry profile including serum fructosamine available. The mean serum fructosamine value of the 59 dogs was 236 μmol/l (reference value 258–348 μmol/l) and significantly lower than the serum fructosamine level of 314 μmol/l in a control group of 42 clinically healthy dogs. Eleven dogs were available for follow up after successful treatment of angiostrongylosis. In this group, the serum fructosamine value rose from a mean of 244 μmol/l to a mean of 320 μmol/l following treatment. Serum glucose, albumin and protein were all within the respective reference ranges at all sampling points. The results indicate that serum fructosamine could be affected by infection withA. vasorum. Furthermore, this change cannot be explained by measurable changes in the level of glucose, albumin or protein. The clinical impact of this study is that a low fructosamine value may indicate infection withA. vasorumthereby suggesting a Baermann test to be performed.
Auricular Rhabdomyosarcoma in a Rat
Authors: Radi Z. A.
Published: May 2006

An ear (auricular) neoplasm from a 1‐year‐old male rat was removed surgically and examined histologically. Macroscopically, the neoplasm was firm, white and measured (0.5 × 0.5 cm). Microscopically, the neoplasm was expansile, non‐encapsulated, and composed of large, pleomorphic, polygonal to spindle‐shaped cells containing multiple nuclei. Using immunohistochemical and chemical stains, the neoplastic cells were positive for vimentin, myoglobin, phosphotungstic acid haematoxylin and desmin, but had no immunoreactivity for cytokeratin or α‐smooth muscle actin. On the basis of histopathological, immunohistochemical and histochemical stains, a diagnosis of auricular rhabdomyosarcoma was made. Although reported infrequently in human, this is, to the author's knowledge, the first report that describes the detailed gross, histopathological, histochemical and immunohistochemical findings of auricular rhabdomyosarcoma in a rat.
Ecotypic variation in the context of global climate change: revisiting the rules
Authors: Millien Virginie , Kathleen Lyons S. , Olson Link , Smith Felisa A. , Wilson Anthony B. , Yom‐Tov Yoram
Published: May 2006

Patterns of ecotypic variation constitute some of the few ‘rules’ known to modern biology. Here, we examine several well‐known ecogeographical rules, especially those pertaining to body size in contemporary, historical and fossil taxa. We review the evidence showing that rules of geographical variation in response to variation in the local environment can also apply to morphological changes through time in response to climate change. These rules hold at various time scales, ranging from contemporary to geological time scales. Patterns of body size variation in response to climate change at the individual species level may also be detected at the community level. The patterns underlying ecotypic variation are complex and highly context‐dependent, reducing the ‘predictive‐power’ of ecogeographical rules. This is especially true when considering the increasing impact of human activities on the environment. Nonetheless, ecogeographical rules may help interpret the likely influences of anthropogenic climate change on ecosystems. Global climate change has already influenced the body size of several contemporary species, and will likely have an even greater impact on animal communities in the future. For this reason, we highlight and emphasise the importance of museum specimens and the continued need for documenting the earth's biological diversity.
Adiponectin in health and disease
Authors: Oh Deborah K. , Ciaraldi Theodore , Henry Robert R.
Published: May 2006

Adipose tissue is an active metabolic tissue that secretes multiple metabolically important proteins, known as adipokines. Adiponectin is an important adipokine because of its beneficial effects on glucose and lipid metabolism. Low levels of adiponectin are associated with disease states such as diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Direct administration of adiponectin has been shown to be beneficial in animal models of diabetes, obesity and atherosclerosis. Adiponectin levels in humans can be increased through indirect methods such as weight loss or treatment with thiazolidinediones. This article will review the epidemiology and therapeutic options with adiponectin.
A diabetes risk score helps identify metabolic syndrome and cardiovascular risk in Indians – the Chennai Urban Rural Epidemiology Study (CURES‐38)
Authors: Mohan V. , Sandeep S. , Deepa M. , Gokulakrishnan K. , Datta M. , Deepa R.
Published: May 2006

Aims:  The aims of the study were to compare the recently evolved Indian Diabetes Risk Score (IDRS), in subjects with different grades of glucose intolerance and to evaluate its usefulness as an indicator of cardiovascular risk in Asian Indians, a high risk group for diabetes and coronary artery disease (CAD).

Methods:  The data for the present study were obtained from the Phase 3 (n = 2350, response rate: 90.4%) of the Chennai Urban Rural Epidemiology Study, a population‐based study done in Chennai, the largest city in southern India. IDRS was developed based on multiple logistic regression analysis using four simple parameters namely age, abdominal obesity, family history of type 2 diabetes and physical activity. In all subjects, family history of diabetes was obtained, and details on physical activity were assessed using a validated questionnaire. Subjects with an IDRS of <30 was categorized as low risk, 30–50 as medium risk and those with ≥60 as high risk for diabetes. Biochemical and anthropometric measurements were done using standardized procedures. Minnesota coding was used to grade 12‐lead electrocardiogram.

Results:  The mean IDRS increased significantly with worsening glucose intolerance [normal glucose tolerance (NGT) subjects: 48 ± 17, impaired glucose tolerance (IGT): 57 ± 16, newly diagnosed diabetics (NDD): 61 ± 15 and known diabetics (KD): 68 ± 12; p for trend <0.001]. Among NGT group, the prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors increased progressively in low‐, medium‐ to high‐risk score groups; hypertension: 9.4, 22.1 and 38.2% (p for trend: < 0.001), hypertriglyceridemia: 8.8, 19.9 and 25.3% (p for trend: < 0.001), hypercholesterolemia: 7.2, 20.3 and 34.9% (p for trend: < 0.001) and metabolic syndrome: 1.8, 14.6 and 30.3% (p for trend: < 0.001), respectively. The prevalence of CAD was also significantly higher in individuals with high risk compared with those with low risk (p = 0.030) and the medium risk (p = 0.050) in the NGT group.

Conclusions:  The results suggest that in Asian Indians, (i) the diabetes risk score increases with increasing glucose intolerance, and (ii) it can serve as an effective indicator of metabolic syndrome and cardiovascular risk even among subjects with NGT.
Securities Regulation, the Timing of Annual Report Release, and Market Implications: Evidence from China
Authors: Haw In‐Mu , Park Kyung Joo , Qi Daqing , Wu Woody
Published: May 2006

Using a sample of earnings announcements of Chinese firms in the fiscal years 1994–1999, covering the periods before and after the introduction of a regulation to stagger the release of annual reports, we reassess the relation between earnings news and the timing of earnings announcements. We find that even though the reporting lag has significantly shortened as a result of the regulation, the pattern whereby good news is announced earlier than bad news persists. We then examine the behavior of stock prices before earnings announcements and find some indication of information leakage. These findings suggest that the regulation had the expected effect of reducing reporting delay and earnings release clustering. Yet, it did not appear to reduce the extent of the pre‐announcement leakage of information.
Leasing in Russia: A Case Study
Authors: Pakhtusov Sergey V. , Bay Darlene
Published: May 2006

As Russia goes through the process of converting from a command to a market economy, many old business processes and standards had to be terminated and new methods implemented. Leasing is an example of a technique long in use in more developed economies that has been transplanted to Russia, with changes made to reflect the particular circumstances there. This paper examines the current state of leasing in Russia by concentrating on the experiences of one leasing company: Volgopromleasing. Interest rates and inflation rates that fluctuate widely and are sometimes extremely high, as well as a legislative environment that may be expected to change are some of the challenges faced by the firm. However, compensating opportunities exist: many Russian firms desperately need to update their equipment, the government is strongly interested in promoting rapid economic growth, and the legislation currently in effect favors leasing over other methods of acquiring fixed assets. Although leasing has the potential to assist Russian firms in modernizing and growing, and, therefore, to help the Russian economy in its effort to rapidly move to a new market economy, this can only occur in conjunction with other economic initiatives that also provide for growth and stabilization.
After the “Bubble”: Valuation of Telecommunications Companies by Financial Analysts
Authors: Glaum Martin , Friedrich Nico
Published: May 2006

In this article, we present the results of a series of interviews given by financial analysts specializing in the European telecommunications industry. Our objective is to gain an insight into their approaches to analysis and valuation (information sources, valuation methods, determinants of recommendations, etc.). We also consider whether analysts' approaches have changed since the “high‐tech bubble”. We find that today they rely much more on the discounted cash flow analysis method than at the end of the 1990s, when valuation was largely based on multiples. In line with this, analysts have changed their focus from revenue‐oriented measures towards an assessment of profitability and cash flow generation. Further, analysts claim to have become more diligent and more critical in their analysis.
ONE FIGHT, ONE TEAM: THE 9/11 COMMISSION REPORT ON INTELLIGENCE, FRAGMENTATION AND INFORMATION
Authors: BRUIJN HANS DE
Published: May 2006

In its report published in 2004, the National Commission on Terrorist Attacks Upon the United States (known as the ‘9/11 Commission’) analyses the functioning of the Intelligence Community (ICo). It indicates that the ICo is both over‐fragmented and guilty of not sharing enough information. The Commission recommends that central control of the ICo needs to be strengthened and that more incentives for information‐sharing should be designed. This article takes a critical look at these two recommendations. Sharing information carries major risks and is therefore not something that can take place as a matter of course. Moreover, information has to be subject to a selection process before it can be shared. This selection cannot be measured objectively, so mistakes in the selection are unavoidable. Strengthening central control also poses risks: it engenders more battles over territory, it does not improve understanding of the capillaries of the organization – the capillaries being where the primary processes of information gathering, validation and assessment take place – and it involves the destruction of checks and balances. Fragmentation may even be functional since it leads to redundancy, itself a safeguard against the risk of misselecting relevant information.
THE FUTURE OF PORTUGUESE PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION AND A NEW AGENDA FOR PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION SCIENCES IN THE 21st CENTURY
Authors: TAVARES LUÍS V. , ALVES ANDRÉ A.
Published: May 2006

This paper addresses the changing role of the Portuguese state, the present priority assigned to the process of reform and the new challenges to be overcome by public administration. Such processes are demanding a new agenda for education and research in public administration sciences, shifting from the public law paradigm to an interdisciplinary problem‐solving approach and giving special attention to 10 key areas of study, which we describe in the final section of the paper. It should be noted here that the opinions expressed in this paper do not necessarily reflect the position of their institutions.
THE EUROPEAN UNION ‘MODEL’ AND ADMINISTRATIVE CO‐OPERATION: THE CASE OF NORTHERN IRELAND AND THE REPUBLIC OF IRELAND
Authors: TANNAM ETAIN
Published: May 2006

This article examines the relevance of the European Union (EU) model of governance in explaining the innovative administrative arrangements established by the 1998 Good Friday Agreement, the North‐South Ministerial Council (NSMC), and in particular its joint secretariat. The first section of the article sets out five models of the EU that may be applied to the NSMC. The second section provides an overview of the cross‐border relationship until 1998 and the third section examines the administrative relationship since 1998. In conclusion, the similarities between the NSMC secretariat and the open coordination model of the EU are highlighted.
EUROPEAN COMMISSION OVERLOAD AND THE PATHOLOGY OF MANAGEMENT REFORM: GARBAGE CANS, RATIONALITY AND RISK AVERSION
Authors: LEVY ROGER P.
Published: May 2006

Prior to the EU resignation crisis (the fall of the Santer Commission in 1999), it had long been argued that the European Commission was suffering from managerial ‘overload’. The incoming Prodi Commission embarked on a programme of administrative and managerial reform under the leadership of Commission Vice President, Neil Kinnock. Central to this programme were the objectives of improving managerial capacities and bolstering legitimacy in order that the Commission would be better able to discharge its expanded responsibilities. Using the model of governmental overload developed in the 1970s and 1980s, this article quantifies the impact of the reforms and argues that the overload problem has been aggravated rather than diminished. In this context, the rationale of the reform project is explored with reference to theories of public policy decision making.
DIFFUSION OF STANDARDS: THE IMPORTANCE OF SIZE, REGION AND EXTERNAL PRESSURES IN DIFFUSION PROCESSES
Authors: DAHL POUL SKOV , HANSEN KASPER M.
Published: May 2006

Organizational standards or guidelines, although commonly applied in public sector organizations, are rarely studied systematically. We report insights gained here into the circumstances present when organizations adopt standards by studying the diffusion of the Common Language Standard (CLS). Neo‐institutional organization theory constitutes the theoretical framework, which highlights the empirical phenomenon that standards occasionally spread extremely rapidly to some – but not all – organizations within the same field. Empirical evidence from quantitative surveys of civil servants and elected officials in Danish municipalities is used to analyse the field and organizational levels. The levels of external pressure and organizational resources are important in order to understand why some municipal organizations have adopted the CLS whereas others have not. We find that the initial source of the standard as well as regional pressure play a strong role, something which contradicts other studies indicating that diffusion from organization to organization is more significant.
COMPARING BUSH–CHENEY AND CLINTON–GORE PERFORMANCE MANAGEMENT STRATEGIES: ARE THEY MORE ALIKE THAN DIFFERENT?
Authors: MILAKOVICH MICHAEL E.
Published: May 2006

Successful performance management strategies are intrinsically linked to the political environment in which public policy‐making occurs. Since the mid‐1990s, many governments have re‐examined how to simultaneously reduce costs, increase performance and achieve results. Public agencies are experimenting with performance measurement and management systems designed to meet public policy goals and respond to citizen demands. Various reform models have been proposed and public administrators now expend considerable time, effort and resources exchanging ‘best practices’, finding ‘best value’, and ‘rethinking’ government operations. Although equally important, less effort has been devoted to performance management (PM) within increasingly complex, ideologically charged and politicized decision‐making environments. Despite significant increases in productivity, more theoretical and empirical research is needed to assist public managers in applying private market‐based alternatives to public service delivery structures. This article compares the PM initiatives of the Clinton–Gore Administration in the United States, known as the National Performance Review (NPR), with President Bush‘s Presidential Management Agenda (PMA). Following the comparison, a theory‐based research agenda is proposed to determine which of many approaches best ‘fits’ the varied and often contradictory systems for delivering public services in a decentralized governance system.
THE NEW POLITICS OF MEDICINE
Authors: Flynn Rob
Published: May 2006

THE NEW POLITICS OF MEDICINE
 
Brian Salter  Palgrave Macmillan, 2004, 236 pp., £17.99 (pb) ISBN: 0333801121
IMPLEMENTING CHANGE IN HEALTH SYSTEMS: MARKET REFORMS IN HEALTH SYSTEMS IN THE UNITED KINGDOM, SWEDEN AND THE NETHERLANDS
Authors: Allsop Judith
Published: May 2006

IMPLEMENTING CHANGE IN HEALTH SYSTEMS: MARKET REFORMS IN HEALTH SYSTEMS IN THE UNITED KINGDOM, SWEDEN AND THE NETHERLANDS
 
Michael I. Harrison  Sage, 2004, 256 pp., £21.99 (pb) ISBN: 0761961763
AGRICULTURAL POLICY IN EUROPE
Authors: Grant Wyn
Published: May 2006

AGRICULTURAL POLICY IN EUROPE
 
Alan Greer  Manchester University Press, 2005, 238 pp., £55 (hb) ISBN: 071906029X
MAKING PUBLIC POLICY
Authors: Painter Chris
Published: May 2006

MAKING PUBLIC POLICY
 
Mark Considine  Polity Press, 2005, 262 pp., £15.99 (pb) ISBN: 0745627544
THE POLITICS OF DECLINE: AN INTERPRETATION OF BRITISH POLITICS FROM THE 1940s TO THE 1970s
Authors: Chapman Richard A.
Published: May 2006

THE POLITICS OF DECLINE: AN INTERPRETATION OF BRITISH POLITICS FROM THE 1940s TO THE 1970s
 
Geoffrey K. Fry  Palgrave Macmillan, 2005, 307 pp., £55 (hb) ISBN: 0333726227
THE POLITICS OF MARKETING THE LABOUR PARTY
Authors: Shaw Eric
Published: May 2006

THE POLITICS OF MARKETING THE LABOUR PARTY
 
Dominic Wring  Palgrave Macmillan, 2005, 262 pp., £16.99 (pb) ISBN: 0333689534
COMPARATIVE HEALTH POLICY
Authors: Greener Ian
Published: May 2006

COMPARATIVE HEALTH POLICY
 
Robert H. Blank and Viola Burau  Palgrave Macmillan, 2004, 260 pp., £17.99 (pb) ISBN: 0333985990
LAW, LEGITIMACY, AND EUROPEAN GOVERNANCE. FUNCTIONAL PARTICIPATION IN SOCIAL REGULATION
Authors: Martinsen Dorte Sindbjerg
Published: May 2006

LAW, LEGITIMACY, AND EUROPEAN GOVERNANCE. FUNCTIONAL PARTICIPATION IN SOCIAL REGULATION
 
Stijn Smismans  Oxford University Press, 2004, 519 pp., £60 (hb) ISBN: 0199270309
BRITISH LOCAL GOVERNMENT INTO THE 21ST CENTURY
Authors: Kelly Josie
Published: May 2006

BRITISH LOCAL GOVERNMENT INTO THE 21ST CENTURY
 
Gerry Stoker and David Wilson (eds)  Palgrave Macmillan, 2004, 304 pp., £50.60 (hb), £18.99 (pb) ISBN: 1403918724
THE HISTORY OF GOVERNANCE IN THE NETHERLANDS: CONTINUITY AND EXCEPTIONS
Authors: De Vries Michiel
Published: May 2006

THE HISTORY OF GOVERNANCE IN THE NETHERLANDS: CONTINUITY AND EXCEPTIONS
 
W.J.M. Kickert  Reed Elsevier, 2004, 121 pp., €17.85 (pb) ISBN: 9059014359
RETHINKING URBAN COMPETITIVENESS, COHESION AND GOVERNANCE
Authors: Raco Mike
Published: May 2006

RETHINKING URBAN COMPETITIVENESS, COHESION AND GOVERNANCE
 
Nick Buck, Ian Gordon, Alan Harding and Ivan Turok (eds)  Palgrave Macmillan, 2005, 317 pp., £19.99 (pb) ISBN: 1403906807
Integrated Square Error Asymptotics for Supersmooth Deconvolution
Authors: HOLZMANN HAJO , BOYSEN LEIF
Published: May 2006

Abstract.  We derive the asymptotic distribution of the integrated square error of a deconvolution kernel density estimator in supersmooth deconvolution problems. Surprisingly, in contrast to direct density estimation as well as ordinary smooth deconvolution density estimation, the asymptotic distribution is no longer a normal distribution but is given by a normalized chi‐squared distribution with 2 d.f. A simulation study shows that the speed of convergence to the asymptotic law is reasonably fast.
In‐company training in Catalonia: organizational structure, funding, evaluation and economic impact*
Authors: Huerta Marcos Eguiguren , Audet Xavier Llinàs , Peregort Olga Pons
Published: May 2006

This study describes the status of training in Catalonia’s large companies, from an economic and organizational point of view. The results are based on empirical‐descriptive research conducted with a sample of large and medium‐sized businesses. It analyses the organizational structure of the businesses and the type of organizational structure in relation to training. From the economic point of view it seeks to identify the cost of training and the importance assigned to the different levels of evaluation of that training in the companies. This study also compares the status of training in Catalonia’s large companies with what happens in other countries and regions that may have similarly diverse economies. The final conclusions emphasize factors such as the consolidation of the training department within the companies’ organizational structures, the size of the enterprises and their turnover, as key variables of training provision. Another important feature is the significant differences between the types of organizational structure and the role of training. Lastly, it considers how training and its evaluation impact on the various economic and financial aspects of the companies.
Measuring change in work behavior by means of multisource feedback
Authors: Jellema Froukje , Visscher Adrie , Scheerens Jaap
Published: May 2006

Evaluating the effects of interventions is among the most critical issues faced by the field of human resource development today. This study addresses the potential of multisource feedback for training evaluation. The central research question is whether or not it is possible to measure change in work behavior, as a result of training, with multisource feedback in a reliable and valid way. A procedure for training evaluation was developed and three quasi‐experimental studies were carried out. The psychometric properties of the multisource feedback instruments used are discussed as well as the training effects that were found. Our conclusion is that in most cases coworkers do not perceive positive changes in the work behavior of training participants. Whenever a training effect is observed, this is observed by the ratee’s peers, rather than by the ratee’s superiors or subordinates. Overall, the results do not support multisource feedback as an efficient method for training evaluation. However, this does not mean that multisource feedback cannot be used in a training context at all. Two alternative applications are presented.
Professions, Competence and Informal Learning – Graham Cheetham and Geoff Chivers
Authors: Miller Linda
Published: May 2006

Book reviewed:

Professions, Competence and Informal Learning   Graham Cheetham and Geoff Chivers, 2005. Published by Edward Elgar Publishing, ISBN 1‐84376‐408‐3. £69.95, 337 pages.
Bond Term Premium Analysis in the Presence of Multiple Regimes
Authors: GUIDO RON , WALSH KATHLEEN
Published: May 2006

This papers addresses whether observed violations in the liquidity preference hypothesis (LPH) can be explained by the presence of multiple regimes in the term premia. The investigation directly tests the LPH via a series of inequality tests which allow the moments to be conditioned on observable information using an instrumental variables approach. The apparent rejection of the LPH is then investigated by modeling the term premia over time using a simple Bayesian Markov mixture model. The results suggest the presence of time varying term premia and multiple regimes which may explain the apparent violations of the LPH.
The SCoD Model: Analyzing Durations with a Semiparametric Copula Approach*
Authors: SAVU CORNELIA , NG WING LON
Published: May 2006

This paper applies a new methodology for modeling order durations of ultra‐high‐frequency data using copulas. While the class of common Autoregressive Conditional Duration models are characterized by strict parameterizations and high computational burden, the semiparametric copula approach proposed here offers more flexibility in modeling the dynamic duration process by separating the marginal distributions of waiting times from their temporal dependence structure. Comparing both frameworks as to their density forecast abilities, the Semiparametric Copula Duration model clearly shows a better performance.
Order Flow Patterns around Seasoned Equity Offerings and their Implications for Stock Price Movements*
Authors: HUH SAHN‐WOOK , SUBRAHMANYAM AVANIDHAR
Published: May 2006

In this study, we employ order imbalance measures to provide evidence that there is cross‐sectional heterogeneity in investor reactions to seasoned equity offerings (SEOs). The normally positive relation between imbalances and returns disappears for trade number imbalances but remains intact for dollar imbalances following SEOs. The return‐imbalance delinkage is most pronounced for SEO stocks in which institutions (non‐institutions) are net sellers (buyers). We also find that the SEO portfolio in which large institutional investors are net sellers strongly underperforms the complementary portfolio in which they are net buyers.
The complex causality of geographical parthenogenesis
Authors: Hörandl Elvira
Published: May 2006

Asexual organisms usually have larger and more northern distributions than their sexual relatives. This phenomenon, called geographical parthenogenesis, has been controversially attributed to predispositions in certain taxa; advantages of polyploidy and/or hybrid origin; better colonizing abilities because of uniparental reproduction; introgression of apomixis into sexuals; niche differentiation of clones; or biotic interactions. This review on apomictic plants demonstrates that each of these factors alone has not been able to explain the observed distributions. Establishment of the complex regulatory system of apomixis requires taxonomic and geographical predispositions; hybridization and/or polyploidization do create diversity, but they do not necessarily result in large distributions; colonizing abilities depend on clonal diversity and are outweighed by sexuals by self‐compatibility and higher potentials for speciation; niche differentiation, ploidy levels and selfing keep sympatric sexuals and apomicts separated; and the impact of biotic interactions on distributions is uncertain. In conclusion, the distributional success of apomicts has a complex causality and depends on certain circumstances and combinations of factors. The rare establishment of apomixis may help to explain the predominance of sexuality on the large scale.
Isolation and characterization of DNA microsatellite primers for Cynoscion acoupa, the most exploited sciaenid fish along the coast of Brazil
Authors: FARIAS IZENI P. , MUNIZ LARISSA B. , ASTOLFI‐FILHO SPARTACO , SAMPAIO IRACILDA
Published: May 2006

The northern mangrove coast of Brazil comprises the Brazilian states of Amapá, Pará and Maranhão. Fishes from the coastal mangrove region form a principal component of the local fishery, and account for 58% of all fish landed. The most commonly landed fishes are those of the family Sciaenidae. Cynoscion acoupa is one of the most exploited sciaenid species, with over 600 tons landed each year. Therefore, we developed 17 microsatellite markers to investigate genetic variability and population structuring of this species along the coast of Brazil.
AQUASPLATCHE: a program to simulate genetic diversity in populations living in linear habitats
Authors: NEUENSCHWANDER SAMUEL
Published: May 2006

Classical models of structured populations do not apply well to species leaving in semilinear habitats such as freshwater fishes, since these habitats are intermediate between one‐dimensional and two‐dimensional stepping‐stone models. In order to investigate the genetic diversity of such populations, we have developed a new simulation program called aquasplatche. It starts by dividing a user‐defined vectorized network into segments of arbitrary length, each segment hosting a single deme. The program then proceeds by simulating the colonization of the environment from an arbitrary source, recording the evolution of the deme densities and the migration events between adjacent demes over time. This demographic history is then used to generate genetic data of population samples located in various segments of the network, using a backward coalescent framework. Different versions of aquasplatche are freely available on http://cmpg.unibe.ch/software/aquasplatche.
Polymorphic microsatellite loci from the West Nile virus vector Culex tarsalis
Authors: RASGON JASON L. , VENKATESAN MEERA , WESTBROOK CATHERINE J. , HAUER MARY CLAIRE
Published: May 2006

Since its introduction in 1999, West Nile virus (WNV) has spread across North America. Culex tarsalis is a highly efficient WNV vector species. Many traits such as virus susceptibility, autogeny and host preference vary geographically and temporally in C. tarsalis. Culex tarsalis genomic libraries were developed and were highly enriched for microsatellite inserts (42–96%). We identified 12 loci that were polymorphic in wild C. tarsalis populations. These microsatellites are the first DNA‐based genetic markers developed for C. tarsalis and will be useful for investigating population structure and constructing genetic maps in this mosquito.
Isolation and characterization of simple sequence repeat loci in Rubus hochstetterorum and their use in other species from the Rosaceae family
Authors: LOPES M. S. , MACIEL G. BELO , MENDONÇA D. , GIL F. SABINO , DA CÂMARA MACHADO A.
Published: May 2006

The identification of microsatellite loci in Rubus hochstetterorum provides an important tool for the characterization and conservation of wild populations of this species. Cross‐species amplification of markers may be of particular interest for the study of other Rubus species. In this study, 41 simple sequence repeat markers were identified in a genomic library of R. hochstetterorum. Fifteen of the identified microsatellite loci were characterized in a set of 30 samples and revealed to be polymorphic with three to 19 alleles per locus. All the identified markers allowed cross‐species amplification in at least one of the other three tested species from the Rosaceae family.