bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Response of ground‐dwelling beetles across logging coupe edges into streamside reserves
Authors: Baker Susan C , Barmuta Leon A , Richardson Alastair M M
Published: August 2009

Streamside reserves can provide important habitat reservation in forest landscapes subject to logging. Depending on the width of streamside reserves, edge effects have the potential to compromise their effectiveness for terrestrial conservation, yet edge effects into riparian environments have rarely been assessed. It would be unwise to assume that edge effects act in the same way at streamside reserves as at the non‐riparian edges of logging coupes, as interactions with riparian influences on beetles along the stream‐upslope gradient might create unique edge conditions. In this study, we assess edge effects on ground dwelling beetles at four sites, using transects of pitfall traps across logging coupe edges into streamside reserves that have only been affected by logging on one side of the stream. Edge effects were found to extend further into streamside reserves in this study than into upslope habitat at the same sites from a concurrent study. Edge effects were site specific and appeared to extend as far as the stream in most cases (23–65 m). Comparison of beetle assemblage composition with adjacent unlogged streams supported the conclusion that beetles within 10 m of streams in streamside reserves were still responding to edge effects. These results suggest that streamside reserves might not contain habitat comparable with riparian areas away from the influences of nearby clearfelling, and wider reserves are recommended to maintain core habitat not compromised by edge effects.
The tolerance of the lucerne flea, Sminthurus viridis (Collembola: Sminthuridae), to currently registered pesticides in Australia
Authors: Roberts John M K , Umina Paul A , Hoffmann Ary A , Weeks Andrew R
Published: August 2009

Sminthurus viridis (lucerne flea) is a major crop and pasture pest throughout southern regions of Australia that experience a Mediterranean type climate. It is particularly problematic at the establishment phase, and chemicals are currently the main option available to farmers for their control. Few studies have assessed the currently registered pesticides for the control of S. viridis, and rates of application are generally similar to the frequently co‐occurring red‐legged earth mite, Halotydeus destructor, despite few comparisons between species for their susceptibility being made. Here, we examine the response of S. viridis to six pesticides (α‐cypermethrin, bifenthrin, omethoate, methidathion, chlorpyrifos and phosmet) and then directly compare them with H. destructor. S. viridis displayed similar dose–response curves for bifenthrin, omethoate, chlorpyrifos and phosmet. It had greater sensitivity to methidathion and greater tolerance to α‐cypermethrin. S. viridis was found to be significantly more tolerant than H. destructor to all pesticides tested, with the exception of chlorpyrifos. This indicates that rates of application for control of S. viridis should be greater than H. destructor and that the organophosphates are likely to provide the most effective control of this pest.
Viva La Revolución! Designing the digital renaissance in zoological taxonomy
Authors: Yeates David
Published: August 2009

Web‐based, digital taxonomy is developing rapidly, but the International Code of Zoological Nomenclature (ICZN) still requires that the primary data element of taxonomy, the description, be published in hard copy. If accepted, a recently proposed amendment to the ICZN allows for electronic publication of taxonomic names, with the names to be registered in a global, publicly accessible, web‐based archive called ZooBank. This proposal will allow for contemporary models of publication and begin the process of establishing a global register of zoological names. While on the surface this sounds like a reasonably minor step in the pathway to the new taxonomy, the logical implications of this proposal are many and far reaching. For example, this change may lead to further advances so that zoological taxonomy bypasses traditional journal publication entirely, with ZooBank or some other electronic web‐based outlet operating as the publishing vehicle and names register for the new taxonomy. While electronic publication is an important step in improving taxonomic practice, it is by no means a panacea for the critical shortage of taxonomic expertise in Australia or elsewhere.
Predictive validity of a modified fall assessment tool in nursing homes: Experience from Slovenia
Authors: Jakovljevic Miroljub
Published: August 2009

The aim of the study was to evaluate the predictive validity of the Modified Fall Assessment Tool (MFAT) in a nursing home setting. The study involved 83 residents from a nursing home in Slovenia with an average age of 81 years. To determine the predictive characteristics of the MFAT, a receiver operating characteristic curve analysis was applied. During the observation period of 12 weeks, 18 residents fell. The fallers had a significantly higher history of falls, a higher number of diagnoses, more medication, and a higher MFAT score than the non‐fallers. Using the estimated criterion of 20 points, the sensitivity of the MFAT score was 61%, its specificity was 80%, its classification accuracy was 64%, its positive likelihood ratio was 3.1, its negative likelihood ratio was 0.5, its positive predictive value was 46%, and its negative predictive value was 88%. The results showed that the MFAT is suitable for the prediction of falls and, hence, also the prevention of falls in nursing homes, whereby the recommended criterion score is 20 points.
Hyperthermia in the pediatric intensive care unit – is it malignant hyperthermia?
Authors: SCHLEELEIN LAURA E. , LITMAN RONALD S.
Published: August 2009

Objective:  To determine the characteristics of calls made to the Malignant Hyperthermia Association of the United States (MHAUS) Hotline regarding pediatric patients in the intensive care unit setting.

Aim:  Retrospective, cohort study conducting analysis of included cases to identify the cause of elevated temperature in the pediatric intensive care unit.

Background:  The etiology of hyperthermia in the pediatric intensive care unit (ICU) is multifactorial and often difficult to diagnose.

Methods/materials:  Review of all MHAUS logs for the years 1997–2005 for children, 18 years of age and younger, with elevated temperature presenting in the intensive care setting.

Results:  Sixty‐three of 1883 (3.3%) calls met inclusion criteria and these cases were characterized. Patient temperature values ranged from 38.0 to 45.0°C. Malignant hyperthermia (MH) was considered ‘definite’ in five cases and ‘probable’ in three cases. An infectious diagnosis was given to 16 cases, and a central fever was diagnosed in nine cases. The diagnosis was unknown in the remaining 30 cases. Dantrolene was administered prior to the Hotline call in 32 cases. The recommendation to continue or stop dantrolene varied according to the clinical situation. In six cases, the Hotline expert recommended initiation of dantrolene. In 17 cases, the Hotline expert recommended initiation or continuation of dantrolene as a nonspecific antipyretic, even though MH was not considered as a leading diagnosis.

Conclusions:  Cases of elevated temperature in children in an intensive care unit setting reported to the MHAUS Hotline were rarely considered to be MH related. Although MH does not represent a significant portion of diagnoses related to hyperthermia, when hyperthermia occurs in children exposed to anesthetic agents, MH should be considered in the differential diagnosis.
Salbutamol premedication in children with a recent respiratory tract infection
Authors: Von UNGERN‐STERNBERG BRITTA S. , HABRE WALID , ERB THOMAS O. , HEANEY MAIREAD
Published: August 2009

Background:  Premedication with β‐2 agonists (e.g. salbutamol) is effective in preventing increases in total respiratory resistance and in decreasing the incidence of perioperative bronchospasm in asthmatic children. Because children with recent respiratory tract infection (RTI) exhibit bronchial hyperreactivity similar to that observed in asthmatic children, the use of salbutamol in children with RTI has become popular among pediatric anesthetists for the prevention of perioperative respiratory adverse events (PRAE). In a prospective observational study, we therefore assessed the usefulness of salbutamol premedication on the occurrence of PRAE.

Methods:  Results from 600 children (0–16 years) undergoing general anesthesia were analyzed: 200 children with a recent RTI who received preoperative salbutamol 10–30 min prior to surgery, 200 children with a recent RTI without salbutamol premedication, and 200 children without a RTI during the last 4 weeks. All PRAE (laryngospasm, bronchospasm, oxygen desaturation [<95%], severe coughing) were recorded.

Results:  Children with a recent RTI who received salbutamol demonstrated a significantly reduced incidence of perioperative bronchospasm (5.5% vs 11%, P = 0.0270) and severe coughing (5.5% vs 11.5%, P = 0.0314) compared with children who had an RTI but did not receive salbutamol. However, healthy children presented with the lowest rate (bronchospasm 1.5%, severe coughing 4.5%) of respiratory complications compared with children with a recent RTI independent whether or not they received salbutamol preoperatively.

Conclusions:  The results from this audit suggest that children with a history of a recent RTI have significantly less PRAE following a premedication with salbutamol compared with no premedication. Therefore, premedication with salbutamol might be considered in children with recent RTI.
A review of nitrogen enrichment effects on three biogenic GHGs: the CO2 sink may be largely offset by stimulated N2O and CH4 emission
Authors: Liu Lingli , Greaver Tara L.
Published: August 2009

Anthropogenic nitrogen (N) enrichment of ecosystems, mainly from fuel combustion and fertilizer application, alters biogeochemical cycling of ecosystems in a way that leads to altered flux of biogenic greenhouse gases (GHGs). Our meta‐analysis of 313 observations across 109 studies evaluated the effect of N addition on the flux of three major GHGs: CO2, CH4 and N2O. The objective was to quantitatively synthesize data from agricultural and non‐agricultural terrestrial ecosystems across the globe and examine whether factors, such as ecosystem type, N addition level and chemical form of N addition influence the direction and magnitude of GHG fluxes. Results indicate that N addition increased ecosystem carbon content of forests by 6%, marginally increased soil organic carbon of agricultural systems by 2%, but had no significant effect on net ecosystem CO2 exchange for non‐forest natural ecosystems. Across all ecosystems, N addition increased CH4 emission by 97%, reduced CH4 uptake by 38% and increased N2O emission by 216%. The net effect of N on the global GHG budget is calculated and this topic is reviewed. Most often N addition is considered to increase forest C sequestration without consideration of N stimulation of GHG production in other ecosystems. However, our study indicated that although N addition increased the global terrestrial C sink, the CO2 reduction could be largely offset (53–76%) by N stimulation of global CH4 and N2O emission from multiple ecosystems.
Selecting for extinction: nonrandom disease‐associated extinction homogenizes amphibian biotas
Authors: Smith Kevin G. , Lips Karen R. , Chase Jonathan M.
Published: August 2009

Studying the patterns in which local extinctions occur is critical to understanding how extinctions affect biodiversity at local, regional and global spatial scales. To understand the importance of patterns of extinction at a regional spatial scale, we use data from extirpations associated with a widespread pathogenic agent of amphibian decline, Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis (Bd) as a model system. We apply novel null model analyses to these data to determine whether recent extirpations associated with Bd have resulted in selective extinction and homogenization of diverse tropical American amphibian biotas. We find that Bd‐associated extinctions in this region were nonrandom and disproportionately, but not exclusively, affected low‐occupancy and endemic species, resulting in homogenization of the remnant amphibian fauna. The pattern of extirpations also resulted in phylogenetic homogenization at the family level and ecological homogenization of reproductive mode and habitat association. Additionally, many more species were extirpated from the region than would be expected if extirpations occurred randomly. Our results indicate that amphibian declines in this region are an extinction filter, reducing regional amphibian biodiversity to highly similar relict assemblages and ultimately causing amplified biodiversity loss at regional and global scales.
Contact networks in a wild Tasmanian devil (Sarcophilus harrisii) population: using social network analysis to reveal seasonal variability in social behaviour and its implications for transmission of devil facial tumour disease
Authors: Hamede Rodrigo K. , Bashford Jim , McCallum Hamish , Jones Menna
Published: August 2009

The structure of the contact network between individuals has a profound effect on the transmission of infectious disease. Using a novel technology – proximity sensing radio collars – we described the contact network in a population of Tasmanian devils. This largest surviving marsupial carnivore is threatened by a novel infectious cancer. All devils were connected in a single giant component, which would permit disease to spread throughout the network from any single infected individual. Unlike the contact networks for many human diseases, the degree distribution was not highly aggregated. Nevertheless, the empirically derived networks differed from random networks. Contact networks differed between the mating and non‐mating seasons, with more extended male–female associations in the mating season and a greater frequency of female–female associations outside the mating season. Our results suggest that there is limited potential to control the disease by targeting highly connected age or sex classes.
Influence of plot characteristics and surrounding vegetation on the intra‐plot spatial distribution of Empoasca vitis
Authors: Decante Damien , Van Leeuwen Cornelis , Van Helden Maarten
Published: August 2009

Spatial distributions of adults and nymphs of Empoasca vitis were assessed during 3 years inside two adjacent vine plots having considerable intra‐plot variability, diversified natural ground cover and surrounding vegetation, and no insecticide application.

Geostatistical analysis confirmed that, in spite of repeated adult migrations, spatial distributions of summer populations were highly aggregated, similar every year and similar between adults and nymphs. Comparison of insect distribution with intra‐plot characteristics, such as vine plant vigour (leaf density and leaf chlorophyll concentration) and phenology, plot topography and surrounding vegetation, revealed that E. vitis clearly aggregates in areas with the most vigorous vine plants.

Even though the presence of natural enemies in the surrounding vegetation was confirmed by specific observations, we did not observe significant population decrease at the contiguous plot edges. Natural ground cover, together with the absence of insecticide, might allow the spreading and perennial conservation of E. vitis natural enemies inside the plots.

Clear adult aggregations observed along downwind woodlands suggest that this vegetation acts as a barrier and intercepts the adults flying passively across the plot. However, this surrounding vegetation could also serve as an alternative refuge when vine water deficit and vine foliage temperature increase.
Culturable prokaryotic diversity of deep, gas hydrate sediments: first use of a continuous high‐pressure, anaerobic, enrichment and isolation system for subseafloor sediments (DeepIsoBUG)
Authors: Parkes R. John , Sellek Gerard , Webster Gordon , Martin Derek , Anders Erik , Weightman Andrew J. , Sass Henrik
Published: August 2009

Deep subseafloor sediments may contain depressurization‐sensitive, anaerobic, piezophilic prokaryotes. To test this we developed the DeepIsoBUG system, which when coupled with the HYACINTH pressure‐retaining drilling and core storage system and the PRESS core cutting and processing system, enables deep sediments to be handled without depressurization (up to 25 MPa) and anaerobic prokaryotic enrichments and isolation to be conducted up to 100 MPa. Here, we describe the system and its first use with subsurface gas hydrate sediments from the Indian Continental Shelf, Cascadia Margin and Gulf of Mexico. Generally, highest cell concentrations in enrichments occurred close to in situ pressures (14 MPa) in a variety of media, although growth continued up to at least 80 MPa. Predominant sequences in enrichments were Carnobacterium, Clostridium, Marinilactibacillus and Pseudomonas, plus Acetobacterium and Bacteroidetes in Indian samples, largely independent of media and pressures. Related 16S rRNA gene sequences for all of these Bacteria have been detected in deep, subsurface environments, although isolated strains were piezotolerant, being able to grow at atmospheric pressure. Only the Clostridium and Acetobacterium were obligate anaerobes. No Archaea were enriched. It may be that these sediment samples were not deep enough (total depth 1126–1527 m) to obtain obligate piezophiles.
The use of Social Story DVDs to reduce anxiety levels: a case study of a child with autism and learning disabilities
Authors: O'CONNOR EILEEN
Published: August 2009

The study outlined here was an attempt to examine the use of Social Story DVDs as a single‐intervention approach in addressing the issue of anxiety around turn taking in a child with dual diagnosis of autism and learning disability. The child selected was in a school for children with additional needs. The child was taught in a daily session focusing on the Social Story DVD materials around ‘turn taking’ and accompanying ‘turn‐taking’ activities. Immediate peers were also included in the ‘turn‐taking’ sessions and the child would incorporate these skills with his peers in the classroom setting. The results showed that only through combining strategies and combining interventions can the diverse range of individual needs of those with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and learning disability be met. Using a sole intervention to address specific social deficits misses the complexity of ASD and each individual's uniqueness.
Interventions with young female offenders and teenage girls at risk: alternative educational services in a Singapore girls' home
Authors: ZHANG KAILI CHEN , CHOO ANDREW , LIM LIPING
Published: August 2009

This article presents factors that place girls at risk of delinquency and offending as well as the patterns in juvenile delinquency trends for females in Singapore. The authors also describe Singapore's overall structure of services for young offenders and the current status of alternative education programmes for young women engaged in delinquent behaviours and at‐risk teenage girls. The unique features of a Singapore girls' home are then highlighted. Finally, implications for juvenile educational programming are considered.
DO WE REALLY NEED CENTRAL BANKS?
Authors: Vaubel Roland
Published: August 2009

An analysis of economic theory and economic history suggests that central banks, with a monopoly of money‐issuing services, are not necessary. The often‐levelled arguments against private banks issuing money in competition with each other and with central banks do not stand up to close scrutiny.
CENTRAL BANKS: FROM POLITICALLY INDEPENDENT TO MARKET‐DEPENDENT INSTITUTIONS
Authors: Schwartz Pedro , Castañeda Juan
Published: August 2009

Responses to the financial crisis are undermining the Chinese walls painfully built between monetary and fiscal authorities. Central banks and state treasuries are working side by side as lenders of last resort. Central banks are helping economic ministers with purchases of public debt and discounting of private paper. Regulation and control of financial institutions is now a political football. Central banks must be seen again as market‐dependent institutions in a world of currency competition. Privatisation in law or in fact is back on the table.
IS IT TIME FOR PRICE‐LEVEL TARGETING?
Authors: Ambler Steve
Published: August 2009

This paper summarises arguments for and against a shift by central banks from inflation targeting to price‐level targeting. It concludes that the weight of the evidence favours a shift. One of the advantages of price‐level targeting is its superior macroeconomic performance when short‐term nominal interest rates are close to zero. Since this is the current situation facing many central banks, it may also be politically opportune to consider such a switch.
FINANCIAL CRISIS RESOLUTION – THE STATE AS A LENDER OF LAST RESORT?
Authors: Blankart Charles B. , Fasten Erik R.
Published: August 2009

What is the theoretical basis for spending billions of dollars to fight the financial and economic crisis? Neither the model of an omnipotent state nor that of a welfare‐maximising state seems appropriate. We propose a model of a contractual state resulting from an exchange of protection against systemic risks against regulation of the banking sector. During the years of globalisation governments have neglected to install institutions to reduce systematic risks and currently pay the price for their laxity. We evaluate what can be undertaken in both the short and long run and how far a framework can be enforced internationally.
THE TREASURY SELECT COMMITTEE: ITS REACH AND ITS ROLE IN THE FINANCIAL CRISIS
Authors: McFall John
Published: August 2009

The Treasury Select Committee's role has evolved in recent years. Since the banking crisis it has undertaken important work in holding government bodies to account and in helping to influence the policy agenda.
CONTRACTS AND PARTNERSHIPS
Authors: Hibbs John
Published: August 2009

The Transport Act 1985 provided for light control of bus services in the UK, and for privatisation. Since 1997 there has been growing pressure for re‐regulation, especially from the Passenger Transport Authorities in the former Metropolitan Counties. Steps toward this were taken in the Transport Act 2000. Now we have the Local Transport Act 2008, which could provide for this to be taken further; a Statutory Contract Scheme would enable the Integrated Transport Authority to remove commercial decision‐making from bus operators and end all competition. Other parts of the new Act would allow further steps in the same direction. This article argues that its application should be carefully watched and criticised.
WHAT ATTRACTS FOREIGN DIRECT INVESTMENT: A CLOSER LOOK
Authors: Dutta Nabamita , Roy Sanjukta
Published: August 2009

It is rational to assume that minimal trade barriers (tariffs and quotas), a bigger trade sector, lower interest rate regulations, freer international capital market, lower credit and labour market regulations will make investment in a country more lucrative for foreign investors. We confirm this and show the prevalence of non‐linearity in the relationships.
DAMN THE RULES, IT'S A PARALLEL UNIVERSE!
Authors: Steele G. R.
Published: August 2009

Even though Keynesian policy has shown itself ineffective in sustaining full employment without inflation, bogus panaceas have again been rolled out, by politicians and economists seeking to ameliorate the aftermath of excessive credit. Keynesian interventions can only impair readjustments and delay recovery.
TOP‐DOWN SUPPORT FOR BOTTOM‐UP TRADE LIBERALISATION
Authors: Zahrnt Valentin
Published: August 2009

The old days of multilateral trade rounds are over. Mercantilist bargaining is doing more harm than good. The World Trade Organization (WTO) should adapt to the new realities by promoting liberal ideas and facilitating sound policy‐making at domestic level. In particular, the trade policy reviews written by the WTO Secretariat should become more compelling arguments for trade liberalisation.
THE POLITICAL ECONOMY OF U.S. FOREIGN AID: AMERICAN LEGISLATORS AND THE DOMESTIC POLITICS OF AID
Authors: MILNER HELEN V. , TINGLEY DUSTIN H.
Published: August 2009

Are there systematic political economy factors that shape preferences for foreign aid, a key component of American foreign policy? We analyze votes in the House of Representatives from 1979 to 2003 that would increase or decrease foreign aid by considering the political, economic, and ideological characteristics of legislators and their districts. To understand who supports and opposes foreign aid, we utilize theories of foreign economic policy preferences. By examining different types of aid policy, we show that domestic politics and especially the distributional consequences of economic aid can matter. The economic characteristics of a district and its left–right ideological predispositions influence support for aid in a systematic fashion over the nearly 25‐year period. Stolper–Samuelson models along with political ideology can help explain legislators' preferences toward aid.
ESTIMATING INCUMBENCY EFFECTS IN U.S. STATE LEGISLATURES: A QUASI‐EXPERIMENTAL STUDY
Authors: UPPAL YOGESH
Published: August 2009

This paper estimates the incumbency effects in elections to the House of Representatives of 45 states in the United States using a quasi‐experimental research method, regression discontinuity design (RDD). This design isolates the causal effect of incumbency from other contemporaneous factors, such as candidate quality, by comparing incumbents and non‐incumbents in close contests. I find that incumbents in state legislative elections have a significant advantage, and this advantage serves as a strong barrier to re‐entry of challengers who had previously been defeated. However, the incumbency advantage estimated using the RDD is much smaller than are the estimates using existing methods, implying a significant selection bias in the latter.
THE IMPACT OF SOCIETAL RISK ATTITUDES ON TERRORISM AND COUNTERTERRORISM
Authors: JINDAPON PAAN , NEILSON WILLIAM S.
Published: August 2009

We analyze decisions made by a group of terrorists and a target government in a zero‐sum game in which the terrorists minimize, and the government maximizes, the expected utility of the median voter in the target country. The terrorists' strategy balances the probability and the severity of the attack while the government chooses the level of investment reducing the probability and/or mitigating the severity of attacks. We find that risk aversion affects the strategies of both the government and the terrorists, leading to more severe, less frequent attacks but not necessarily more counterterrorism expenditures.
Intraday Seasonalities and Macroeconomic News Announcements
Authors: Harju Kari , Hussain Syed Mujahid
Published: August 2009

Using a data set consisting of more than five years of 5‐minute intraday stock index returns for major European stock indices and US macroeconomic surprises, conditional means and volatility behaviour in European markets were investigated. The findings suggest that the opening of the US stock market significantly raises the level of volatility in Europe, all markets responding in an identical fashion. Furthermore, US macroeconomic surprises exert an immediate and major impact on both the European stock markets’ intraday returns and volatilities. Thus, high frequency data appear to be critical for the identification of news impacting the markets.
Dermatitis artefacta of the breast: a retrospective analysis of 27 patients (1976–2006)
Authors: Rodríguez‐Pichardo A , Hoffner MV , García‐Bravo B , Camacho FM
Published: August 2009

Background  Dermatitis artefacta (DA) is defined as all dermatological, self‐inflicted skin lesions, where the patient denies having produced the lesions.

Objectives  The purpose of this study is to make a single‐centre retrospective clinical review of patients diagnosed as DA of the breast.

Materials and methods  During a 30‐year period (1976–2006), patients diagnosed as DA of the breast, seen in the Department of Dermatology of the Virgen Macarena Hospital in Seville, were recorded. Clinical and epidemiological features are described.

Results  A total of 27 women with a mean age of 34.33 years were selected representing 13.43% of the total of DA patients recorded (n = 201) in this period. The most frequent clinical forms were: excoriations (nine patients, 33.33%) and ulcers (nine patients, 33.33%), followed by burns (six patients, 22.22%), blisters (one patient, 3.70%), contact dermatitis (one patient, 3.70%) and haematomas (one patient, 3.70%). Ten of the cases were located exclusively on the breasts, whereas 17 had also other locations such as face in seven cases, arms in five cases, abdomen in five cases and the entire body in two cases. Cutaneous lesions were treated with occlusive bandages using zinc paste or plaster splint when necessary.

Conclusion  To our knowledge, this is the major series of DA of the breast studied. This complicated psychodermatological condition requires a correct diagnosis, appropriate management and psychiatric assessment.
Stock Market Valuation, Profitability and R&D Spending of the Firm: The Effect of Technology Mergers and Acquisitions
Authors: Kallunki Juha‐Pekka , Pyykkö Elina , Laamanen Tomi
Published: August 2009

Abstract: In this paper, we investigate whether a firm can enhance the effect of its R&D spending on its current market value and future profitability through technology‐oriented M&As. On the basis of an analysis of 1,879 M&As, we find that when a technology firm acquires another technology firm, the magnitude of the stock price response to the R&D spending of an acquirer increases by 107% in the year of the M&A. In contrast, we find no such increase in the stock price response to the R&D spending of a non‐technology acquirer. We also find that technology acquirers are more successful in converting their R&D spending into positive future profitability than non‐technology acquirers. Our results are robust for different alternative specifications of our model and when various firm differences are controlled for.
Changes in body weight and intake of food by Octopus vulgaris
Authors: Nixon Marion
Published: August 2009

The changes in body weight of 12 octopuses, fed on fish or crabs, were followed under laboratory conditions for periods of 1 to 7 1/2 months. The food intake was estimated and compared with the changes in body weight of the octopuses; 25 to 55% of the total intake of food appeared to be incorporated. The range of the average increase in weight over the whole observation period of each of the animals was 1.9 to 7.7g per day (1 to 7 1/2 months); the mean value was 4.8g per day. The effect of changing the diet of small octopuses (fish or crab)was followed for four weeks but there was no evidence that alteration of the diet affected the rate of changes in body weight of animals of more than 47g initial body weight.
The diet and infection of fishes in Cavendish Dock, Barrow‐in‐Furness
Authors: Markowski S.
Published: August 2009

Some 934 fishes belonging to ten species were examined in Cavendish Dock, Walney Channel and in the River Duddon in order to study their diet and infection.

Because of the limited number of food species occurring in Cavendish Dock, the diet of fishes examined is similar and composed of twelve different species.

The diet of the flounders in Walney Channel differs markedly from those in the dock.

The infection with parasitic worms of fishes in Cavendish Dock is lower than in other localities.

Fifteen different species of parasitic worms belonging to Trematoda, Cestoda, Nematoda and Acanthocephala were recorded in fishes examined.

Salinity of the dock water influences the composition of the diet and infection of fishes in Cavendish Dock. Raised temperature and salinity are artificially introduced by human activities, and beiig controllable, could serve for experimental ecological investigations in
The axial skeleton of the labyrinthodont Eogyrinus attheyi
Authors: Panchen A. L.
Published: August 2009

An articulated length of vertebral column is used as a basis for the reconstruction of the salient features of the axial skeleton of the embolomerous anthracosaur Eogyrinus attheyi Watson, together with other material, including the holotype, in the Hancock Museum, Newcastle upon Tyne.

The trunk vertebrae are typically emboloinerous, with disoshaped notochordal pleuro‐centra, firmly attached by broad facets to this neural arches, and much thinner intercentra. Regional variation is chiefly concerned with the span of the transverse processes, which diminishes posteriorly, and the associated separation of the two heads of each rib. A longitudinal series of trunk ribs, of diminishing length from the mid‐trunk backwards, is reconstructed.

Eogyrinus has a normal tetrapod sacrum with one characteristic sacral rib. The first few caudal vertebrae bear ribs of unusual form, (of which four are preserved in sequence in the articulated specimen. The fifth caudal intercentrum bears the first and largest haemal arch and the pleurocentrum of the seventh caudal is distinguished by marked muscle origins presumably for the caudifemoral muscles.

The probability that Eogyrinus, like the few other embolomeres known, had an unusually long vertebral column for a labyrinthodont, is supported by an orthometric comparison using Romer's data on the American form Archeria.
Seasonal cycles of Notodelphys and Ascidicola, copepod associates with Ascidiella (Ascidiacea)
Authors: Gage John
Published: August 2009

The population cycles of the ascidicolous copepods Notodelphys allmani and Ascidicola rosea in Southampton Water were studied mainly by taking monthly samples (in 1962 and 1963) of their sea‐squirt “host”, Ascidiella aspersa. With N. allmani, young stages and the short‐livedm males appear in the summer when the total population greatly expands in number and nearly all of the AscidiellaMdash their numbers inflated by a fresh settlementMdashbecome “infected”. The Notodelphys population declines by wintertime when it is maintained by a few over‐wintering
Gonadal cycles and the evolution of breeding seasons in British Columbidae
Authors: Lofts B. , Murton R. K. , Westwood N. J.
Published: August 2009

The gonads of Wood‐pigeons in a Cambridgeshire study area attain peak reproductive condition in July and this condition persists until late September or early October when rapid regression takes place. Gametogenesis recommences in early March. In the same area the Stock‐dove has a similar cycle but gametogenesis begins about two months earlier and regression apparentlytakes place about one month later. A wild Rock‐dove population at Flamborough Head, Yorkshire has an even longer physiological breeding season, gametogenesis commencing from December. Seasonal regression occurs in October.
The functional basis of the retroarticular process in some fossil reptiles
Authors: Gans Carl
Published: August 2009

The functional bases for the development of a downward and forward curvature of the retroarticular process in synapsids are to be sought in the characteristics of the contracting muscles and of the lever system. The force(and moments) exerted upon a lever system should be considered in terms of the angular opening of the jaw.
The African elephant, Loxodonta africana:a field method for the estimation of age
Authors: Sikes Sylvia K.
Published: August 2009

The need for a field method of determining and describing the relative age of African elephants collected in their natural habitat arose during a recent research project, and has led to an attempt to formulate a laminary age standard for use in the field, based upon direct observations and measurements on the lower right molars. For this purpose aseries of 31 African elephants of both sexes, covering almostthe complete potential age range of an elephant's life, and of known body condition, locality and size, has been used as the basis for constructing a reference chart of molar laminary age. Eye lens weights were also obtained for 26 of these specimens, but, although indicativeof a direct correlation with laminary age, they were obtained in insufficient numbers to provide an adequate sequence. Each of the specimens used was first observed alive, then shot and examined post mortem during the course of a research project*on cardiovascular disease, in which the determination of relative age formed an integral part.
Three new leeches (Piscicolidae) from marine shore fishes (Cottidae) in British waters
Authors: Srivastava L. P.
Published: August 2009

Two species of Malmiana (=Ottoniobdella) are recorded from Cottusbubalis on the Yorkshire coast. Malmiana bubali sp. n. has sixeyes, but no metameric markings or posterior ocelli. Malmiana yorki sp. n. has four eyes and 14 posterior ocelli. The body in both is somewhat flattened, but their other characters clearly place them in this genus, the history of which is reviewed.
On the sex and distribution of the freshwater eel (Anguilla anguilla)
Authors: Jones V. R. P. Sinha AND J. W.
Published: August 2009

This paper reports the result of an examination of about 8000 eels mainly from various parts of several Welsh rivers made to try and find out whether the distribution of eels was determined by their sex. Contrary to the popular belief, males and females were found living together in freshwater and in brackish water. The organ of Syrski, which was supposed to be diagnostic of the male sex has been found ambiguous in nature and not always a precursor of a male gonad. The consequent difficulties of the identification of the sex of moderately sized eels is discussed and it is suggested that the abnormal sex ratio, as reported by some investigators, is related to the obscure structure of the organ of Syrski and the fact that gonad differentiations may not occur until the fish is quite large. The possibility that other factors such as selective fishing and a sex differential in growthrates and duration of freshwater life may also be contributory factors isdiscussed. It is suggested that the environment plays little part in sex determination.
Rectal temperature of the husky under severe winter conditions in the Antarctic
Authors: Bowra G. T.
Published: August 2009

Rectal temperatures were measured in a group of 15 huskies during the Antarctic winter at Halley Bay, and found to vary between37–55 and 40 25oC. A significant positive correlation was shown between ambient and the mean rectal temperatures. It is suggested that the dogs'reaction to the cold environment shows a possible acclimatization effect.
The mammals of Jebel Marra, Sudan
Authors: Happold D. C. D.
Published: August 2009

A small collection of mammals was made on Jebel Marra, Darfur Province, Sudan, in November 1964. Fifteen species were collected and information is given on their habitat, reproductive condition, and moulting. A general account of Jebel Marra and a list of the 36 recorded mammals from the mountain are included.
Anting and the problem of self‐stimulation
Authors: Simmons K. E. L.
Published: August 2009

Anting behaviour has been claimed for mammals but the evidence suggests that, in its characteristic forms, it is confined to birds and, in particular, to passerine birds. True anting consists of highly stereotyped movements whereby the birds apply ants to their feathers or expose their plumage to the ants. A variety of other, mainly pungent substances have also been recorded as being used (anting with substitutes).
Variation in carotenoid pigmentation of Simocephalus vetulus(Crustacea: Cladocera)
Authors: Green J.
Published: August 2009

Simocephalus vetulus (O. F. Müller) is coloured by carotenoids, which may befree in globules in the gut wall and fat body, or associated with proteins in the cytoplasm of the fat cells, carapace epidermis, ovary and eggs. A green carotenoprotein is foundin the blood. The transfer of carotenoids from one tissue to another is described; these pigments can be excreted via the gut in fully developed embryos. An intermoult cycle, related to egg laying is shown to cause variation in the pigmentation of the fat cells, carapace and blood.
The larva ofThecophora occidensis, with comments upon the biology of Conopidae:Diptera
Authors: Smith Kenneth G. V.
Published: August 2009

The larva ofThecophora occidensis(Walker) is described and it is shown that the attenuation
The larval development of the West Indian sponge crab Dromidia antillensis (Decapoda: Dromiidae)
Authors: Rice Anthony L. , Provenzano Anthony J.
Published: August 2009

Larvae hatched in the laboratory from a berried female of the sponge crab Dromidia antillensis Stimpson have been reared through metamorphosis. The larval development in the laboratory consisted of six zoeal stages and a megalopa. These larvae are compared with published descriptions of those of Dromia personatus which is the only other species of the Dromiidae of which larvae have been described.
The anatomy of the heart of Hypogeohis rostratus (Amphibia, Apoda) and its possible mode of action
Authors: Lawson R.
Published: August 2009

Previous descriptions of the heart in Hypogeophis rostratus have indicated the presence of a complete interatrial septum, and an atrio‐ventricular muscular ring, the ventricle has been described as being almost completely divided into two cavities by a large ventricular trabecula. Further, it has been stated that the bases of the common carotid arteries cross within the truncus and that a spiral fold is present which divides the truncusinto a ventral chamber, which leads to the right carotid and the systemico‐pulmonary arch, and a more dorsal chamber which leads into the left common carotid. The systemico‐pulmonary arch is said to have a connection with the left carotid artery via a lateral dorsal aorta.
An investigation of the silken chambers of the marine pseudoscorpionNeobisium maritimum
Authors: Gabbutt Peter D.
Published: August 2009

Silken chambers were examined from two collections made during September and October 1964 on Anglesey. Incomplete chambers were either empty or contained exuvial remains. Complete chambers contained either single individuals (all stages,) or single individuals plus their own exuvia, or females carrying embryos or larvae, or females accompained by their own protonymphs. The chambers had been used for hibernation, moulting or brooding. These results, taken in conjunction with previous work (Gabbutt, 1962) and substantially to our knowledge of the life‐cycle of this species.
Sisor rabdophorus – A study in adaptation and natural relationship
Authors: Mahajan C. L.
Published: August 2009

A detailed description of the head skeleton of Sisor rabdophorus Hamilton is given. It has been shown that in general the skull conforms to the normal siluroid pattern and in particular shares most of the characteristic features of the family Sisoridae. It is, however, highly specialized for sluggish bottom life and shows certain unique features not only among sisorids but all Indian siluroids, e. g. the movable articulation of the premaxillae with the ethmoid (a character shared with most highly specialized South American families, Loricariidae and Callichthyidae) and their edentulous nature; the small and edentulous nature of dentaries, etc.
Effects of thyroid drugs on the larvae of the Brown trout, Salmo trutta
Authors: Woodhead A. D.
Published: August 2009

Brown trout larvae, Salmo trutta L., were reared from hatching in solutions of the thyroid hormone, thyroxine, and the thyroid inhibitors, thiourea and thiouracil. Thyroxine treatment profoundly affected morphogenesis, while thiourea and thiouracil had little morphogenic effect. Thyroxine treatment caused abnormal growth of the head, and stimulated the rate of differentiation of the fins from the primitive fin fold, and the absorption of the external yolk sac. The epidermis and dermis were considerably thicker in thyroxine‐treated larvae than in control fish, and silvering of the skin was induced. Thiourea and thiouracil produced few morphogenic effects, but such effects as were evident were usually similar with both drugs, and opposite to those caused by thyroxine treatment.
A new dicynodont genus from the Manda Formation of Tanzania (Tanganyika)
Authors: Cruickshank A. R. I.
Published: August 2009

Triassic dicynodonts hitherto described from the Manda Formation of East Africa have been ascribed to the genera Kannemeyeria and Dicynonodon. A full description of the skeleton of one species, previously called D. njalilus, is given for the first time and a new genus Tetragonias is proposed for it. This is based on the shape of the skull in dorsal view and the structure of the palate and intertemporal bar. Tetragonias is considered to be intermediate in character between the South African Lower Triassic genus Lystrosaurus and the well‐known Cynognathus‐zone genus Kannemeyeria. Two kinds of skull are known in this new genus and it is thought they are male and female. It is concluded, from a functional study of the skeleton, that Lystrosaurus could have supplied the ancestor to the later Triassic dicynodonts. The age and correlations of the Manda Formation is discussed and it is concluded that at least part of it is contemporaneous with the Cynognathus‐zone. The closest relative of Tetragonias njalilus is the Chinese dicynodont Shansiodon wangi, Yeh.
A measure of asymmetry of the skulls of odontocete whales
Authors: Ness A. R.
Published: August 2009

Linear measurements were made of the asymmetry of the skull which is characteristic of odontocete whales. Of the living genera (except Physeter, Tasmacetus, Stenella, Feresa and Lissodelphis) at least one specimen was measured; 317 skulls in all. One species, Stenodelphis blainvillei, proved symmetrical. All other species had leftward deviation of the nasal prominence. No specimen showed inverse asymmetry.

When, for species or families, regressions were formed of the asymmetry measure on skull length the slopes formed a sequence such that Kogia >monodontids>delphinoids (except Orcinus)>ziphiids> Orcinus. In some species of delphinoid, in the delphinoids as a group, and more strongly in Monodon, the proportion of asymmetry to skull length increased with increasing size. In the ziphiids, as a family, asymmetry increased roughly linearly with bodily size. Orcinus orca proved an anomalous delphinoid in having little asymmetry for its size. The asymmetry of the skull of Monodon monoceros is independent of the possession of a tusk.

It is suggested that the leftward deviation of the dorsal aspect of the skull acts to conserve the symmetry of the body surface by countering an opposite asymmetry of the upper breathing passages, an asymmetry which is primary but whose function is unknown.