bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Applying best practices in web site redesign: the Queens College Libraries experience
Authors: Mellone James T. , Williams David J.
Published: August 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the best practices in web site redesign the authors established for its two interconnected parts, the web development process and web design. The paper demonstrates how best practices were applied to coordinate a library web site redesign project and to engineer the web site for optimum usability, resulting in the creation of a new improved web site.

Design/methodology/approach

A problem‐solution approach was used to analyze how the Queens College Libraries (QCL) fell behind in web technology and how it revitalized its web operations. The paper presents a detailed exposition of a three stage project, and provides reasons for adopting best practices in redesigning each web site area.

Findings

In a resource‐challenged mid‐sized academic library, like QCL, it is still possible to create a fully functional easy‐to‐use web site.

Practical implications

The QCL experience has lessons for other libraries in similar circumstances. A mid‐sized academic library adopting a best practices approach to web redesign can successfully coordinate an open and inclusive development process and use public web standards to engineer a functional web site responsive to user needs.

Originality/value

Unlike other case studies of web redesign projects at academic libraries, this paper focus on both the web development process and web design, explicating the establishment and application of best practices for both areas.
Developing an institutional repository at a private university in Bangladesh
Authors: Hossain Shoeb Zahid
Published: August 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to describe the procedure of setting up an institutional repository (IR) at the Independent University, Bangladesh (IUB), using open source software. IUB faculty and research scholars will be able to publish their research output in the proposed IR and make it globally visible.

Design/methodology/approach

A number of popular IR software packages have been compared. System requirements along with the steps involved in uploading and submitting contents in the IR are also illustrated.

Findings

DSpace is preferred as an IR software at IUB. This paper also provides the procedure to set up the IR along with content submission and workflow processes.

Originality/value

Systematic storing and access to the research output of IUB will be provided by the IR, which will be cost effective and centrally managed. This paper details the first time that an IR has been instituted in Bangladesh from the librarian and university library perspective. This study no doubt will foster more research on IRs for the improvement of digital content management.
Actions to implement three potent post‐crisis strategies
Authors: Berman Saul J. , Christner Richard , Bell Ragna
Published: August 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to make suggestions as to how an organization successfully manage uncertainty and complexity and, ultimately, foster growth in the wake of the recent economic crisis.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper recommends three main goals that organizations should concentrate their actions around.

Findings

The paper finds that as organizations prepare for a future ripe with uncertainty, there is urgency for companies to take actions to prepare for the key opportunities presented in this post‐crisis environment. Business leaders should start by developing clear scenarios for their industry and the overall situation that can help identify which strategies and business models will best position their organization to succeed across the range of possible future outcomes. By combining an understanding of their current position with a clear set of future scenarios, they can select decisive moves across the three recommendations identified in this study

Originality/value

The paper presents useful information on action an organization can make in order to manage uncertainty and complexity and, ultimately, foster growth.
Perception, reflection and communication: an empirical case study within the pharmaceutical industry
Authors: Ulrich Georges , Sachs Sybille , Millett Bruce
Published: August 2010

Purpose

This paper aims to show how instruments of empirical opinion research can help to provide a basis for interactive communication between a company and its stakeholders via the media, so that important issues can be identified and discussed internally and externally. By doing this, the company can actively participate in the process of forming public opinion and building trust.

Design/methodology/approach

Concentrating on the company of Pfizer, in order to acquire a comprehensive view, an empirical analysis of the opinions of those stakeholders mentioned in Pfizer's vision was conducted. In a first step, a content analysis of the Pfizer web site, two representative computer‐aided telephone interviews (CATI) surveys with the Swiss public, a content analysis over a period of two years of the five most important daily newspapers, and interviews with the top management team of Pfizer Switzerland were carried out. In a second step, the findings of the analysis were reflected on in a workshop with Pfizer's top management team.

Findings

The role of the media was recognised for its function for informing, and as a platform for initiating dialogues in appropriate areas of interaction. But it was also obvious that the reports published by the media, and the actual perception of the population, were distinctly different. In this realm, opinion research in its function of objectifying information makes a significant contribution to the ability to reflect on the actual situation.

Originality/value

The knowledge of the opinions of the relevant stakeholders based on a high standard of empirical data and the self‐reflection by senior management of its own beliefs provide an additional foundation for stakeholder‐oriented communication.
The impact and interplay of national and global CSR discourses: insights from France and Brazil
Authors: Sobczak André , Coelho Martins Ligia
Published: August 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to illustrate the interplay between national traditions and international influence on the CSR discourses and practices, in the context of two very different national contexts, namely France and Brazil.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper is based on a literature review as well as on interviews with representatives from companies and other stakeholder groups in France and Brazil.

Findings

The paper highlights the impact of national traditions, such as the strong intervention of the State in France and the lack of monitoring legislation by public authorities in Brazil, on the CSR discourses and practices in both countries. But it also shows that multinational companies, international NGOs as well as international standardization organizations lead to a certain homogenisation of the CSR discourses and practices.

Research limitations/implications

This exploratory research should be complemented in the future by more in‐depth research, for example by comparing the CSR discourses and practices of multinational companies having activities in both countries.

Practical implications

The paper highlights the importance for managers in companies having activities in different countries to adapt their CSR discourses and practices to the local contexts, while maintaining a coherent strategy at the international level based on the respect of some universal principles.

Originality/value

Few researches have been conducted on the CSR discourses and practices in France and in Brazil. This paper highlights the main characters of the CSR discourses and practices in both countries, while targeting their common points and differences.
Small to mid‐sized nonprofit leadership development initiatives: organizational lessons learned
Authors: Santora Joseph C. , Sarros James C. , Esposito Mark
Published: August 2010

Purpose

Presents findings of a recent survey conducted on small to mid‐sized nonprofit organizations about the types of leadership development initiatives they offer employees.

Design/methodology/approach

Survey and interview methods used to collect data from nonprofit executive directors who participated in this study.

Findings

Most survey participants do not have the financial and other organizational capacities to offer leadership development initiatives to employees. In‐service workshops are the most frequent type of initiative and unfortunately often this learning initiative has a low impact given its limited short‐term exposure to participants. Other leadership development initiatives may be more beneficial to employees in terms of their long‐term impact.

Practical implications

Provides recommendations for small to mid‐sized nonprofit executive directors about ways to fund leadership development initiatives.

Originality/value

Offers nonprofit executive directors with suggestions about not investing in leadership development initiatives.
Integrated approach to a multifunctional complex
Authors: Desideri Umberto , Proietti Stefania , Sdringola Paolo , Taticchi Paolo , Carbone Paolo , Tonelli Flavio
Published: August 2010

Purpose

The achievement of sustainable architectures, including control of energy relations between climate and built environment, in order to optimize energy consumption and reduce environmental impact, requires an integrated planning dealing with a multi‐scale and integral view of building‐plant system. The purpose of this paper is to describe the design of a multifunctional complex, namely “Solaria”.

Design/methodology/approach

The proposed integrated approach focuses on comfort and healthy living, sustainability of building process, containment of energy consumption and use of renewable energy sources. The building object of this research has been designed including: a high‐efficiency tri‐generation plant (525kW of electric power) coupled with a distribution network for district heating/cooling; a photovoltaic generation system with 20kW of peak power and solar thermal panels for sanitary hot water production (able to supply over 50 per cent of needs); and passive solar systems (solar greenhouses and “heat cushions”) equipped with sliding brise‐soleils.

Findings

The proposed integrated design approach has enabled the achievement of important results, such as the avoidance of CO2emissions, equal to nearly 500 tons per year. Moreover, energetic and environmental‐achievements have been certified by using various methodologies. Finally, environmental and costs analyses have been carried out in order to compare the proposed approach with traditional ones.

Originality/value

The case study proposed in this research represents a repeatable and practical application of European Directives on the energy performance of buildings (2002/91/EC) and energy end‐use efficiency and energy services (2006/32/EC). As a consequence, this research adds to the current body of knowledge.
The limits of China's growth
Authors: Troilo Michael , Sun Zhu
Published: August 2010

Purpose

Despite the global economic slowdown, China's economy continues to grow at astonishing rates. This has led some observers to conclude that China must lead the rest of world out of the doldrums, and that China's rise to become the pre‐eminent economy is imminent. The purpose of this paper is to offer a countervailing view. China's rise, while impressive, masks some serious deficiencies in its economic structure. In particular, its growth is largely input driven, and this will constrain the rate of future growth.

Design/methodology/approach

Statistics were gathered from a number of sources to make the case that China will face limited growth in the near future. A scenario analysis was performed to model possible outcomes for China vis‐à‐vis the US economy.

Findings

In the most realistic scenario, China will close the gap with the USA from its current position of 61.5 percent of the US economy, as measured by 2009 purchasing power parity gross domestic product figures to nearly 88 percent by the year 2020. This will taper to 78 percent by the year 2050.

Practical implications

This viewpoint paper serves as reminder to academics and practitioners alike that most of the media accounts of China's growth are overly rosy, because these accounts do not consider the real difference between inputs and efficiency in total factor productivity (TFP). Just as it was once fashionable to believe that the Soviet Union and Japan would overtake the USA, or in the “Asian Miracle”, so now China is the latest economy to be offered as a model to emulate.

Originality/value

The paper builds on previous scholarship about TFP to question the sustainability of China's economic trajectory in an original way. It adds value by questioning received wisdom about China's economy and its seemingly inevitable rise to become the largest in the world.
Cultural schemata: Iranian students' test‐taking processes for cloze tests
Authors: Moghaddam Sharif
Published: August 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to report on a study to determine the possible effects of cultural schemata on Iranian students' test‐taking processes for cloze tests.

Design/methodology/approach

A total of 116 students were selected as the participants. They were divided into two groups. One group completed a culturally familiar version of a cloze test, while the other did culturally unfamiliar version of the test. A number of unfamiliar words in the original cloze passage were changed to more familiar ones in the modified version. The participants were interviewed, and their retrospective protocols on the test‐taking processes and the information they could recall from the passage after they had completed the test were documented. The two groups' test‐taking activities were compared in terms of: demonstrating appropriate meaning making of the key terms while finding missing data and recalling, item performance, the amount of text information they had benefited from to fill in the blanks and the quantities and qualities of the final recalls.

Findings

The findings suggest that the students, who read the culturally familiar cloze text, generally understood the text to a greater extent which resulted in a higher score in comparison with those who read the original text. These results support the findings of some previous studies that cloze tests can measure higher order processing abilities.

Originality/value

The paper contributes to the literature on effects of cultural schemata on students' test‐taking processes for cloze tests and is original in that it is one of the few conducted in the Middle East.
Roman military copper‐alloy artefacts from Israel: questions of organization and ethnicity*
Authors: Ponting† M. J.
Published: August 2010

The published analyses of Roman military copper‐alloy metalwork from Masada are complimented by additional ICP‐AES analyses of material from Gamla enabling further discussion of alloying trends and presenting new insights into the organization of the Roman military and the cultural specificity of brass technology.
The chronology of the Neolithic sequence at Dikili Tash, Macedonia, Greece: TL dating of domestic ovens*
Authors: Roque C. , Guibert P. , Vartanian E. , Bechtel F. , Treuil R. , Darcque P. , Koukouli‐Chryssanthaki H. , Malamidou D.
Published: August 2010

The chronological sequence of a major reference site for Neolithic periods in southeastern Europe and the Aegean, Dikili Tash (Macedonia, Greece), has been reassessed by TL. Baked adobe material samples extracted from domestic ovens, directly associated with specific occupational levels, have been studied. The fine‐grain technique has been used for equivalent dose determination. K, U and Th contents and the equilibrium state of U‐series have been measured by low‐background gamma spectroscopy. Since the archaeological levels were already partly excavated, the environmental dose‐rate was evaluated by a reconstruction technique combining laboratory analysis and on‐site measurements.

The TL results (weighted average of multiple age determination, oven 400, middle of the Dikili Tash I (DT‐I) phase, 5500 ± 320bc; oven 600, end of DT‐I, 4920 ± 310bc; house 3, DT‐II, 4260 ± 280bc; house 4, DT‐II, 4510 ± 410bc) are in general agreement with the timeframe deduced from previous radiocarbon dates. This convergence strengthens the settlement's chronology, established now by independent dating methods.
An assessment of the magnetic response of an iron‐smelting site*
Authors: Powell A. J. , McDonnell J. G. , Batt C. M. , Vernon R. W.
Published: August 2010

The magnetic response derived from an iron‐smelting site was investigated by comparing magnetometry and magnetic susceptibility geophysical survey data and laboratory analyses of the magnetic characteristics of the furnace and slags. Magnetic analysis and microscopy (optical and SEM) of samples from the furnace lining and the slag deposits demonstrated the heterogeneity in the magnetic, morphological and mineral compositions of both materials. The comparison of the magnetic characteristics of the material with the geophysical survey data illustrated the importance of using both magnetometry and magnetic susceptibility survey techniques to maximize the information from an iron‐smelting site. The furnace was dated archaeomagnetically to the 14th century ad. The results demonstrate that the magnetic analysis of iron‐smelting sites is highly valuable, both to characterize sites and to improve the understanding of early iron‐working technology.
Sexing blennies using genital papilla morphology or ano‐genital distance
Authors: Ferreira F. , Santos M. M. , Reis‐Henriques M. A. , Vieira N. M. , Monteiro N. M.
Published: August 2010

Information on the genital morphology of male and female Lipophrys pholis is provided, as well as for two other sympatric blenniid species, Coryphoblennius galerita and Lipophrys trigloides. The use of non‐invasive sex determination procedures described may be extremely useful not only for ecological studies but also as a proxy for the detection of environmental exposure to endocrine disruptive chemicals, given that blennies have been proposed as potential sentinel species for chemical contamination.
Complications and mortality in older surgical patients in Australia and New Zealand (the REASON study): a multicentre, prospective, observational study*
Authors: Story D. A. , Leslie K. , Myles P. S. , Fink M. , Poustie S. J. , Forbes A. , Yap S. , Beavis V. , Kerridge R. ,   on behalf of the REASON Investigators, Australian and New Zealand College of Anaesthetists Trials Group
Published: August 2010

We conducted a prospective study of non‐cardiac surgical patients aged 70 years or more in 23 hospitals in Australia and New Zealand. We studied 4158 consecutive patients of whom 2845 (68%) had pre‐existing comorbidities. By day 30, 216 (5%) patients had died, and 835 (20%) suffered complications; 390 (9.4%) patients were admitted to the Intensive Care Unit. Pre‐operative factors associated with mortality included: increasing age (80–89 years: OR 2.1 (95% CI 1.6–2.8), p < 0.001; 90+ years: OR 4.0 (95% CI 2.6–6.2), p < 0.001); worsening ASA physical status (ASA 3: OR 3.1 (95% CI 1.8–5.5), p < 0.001; ASA 4: OR 12.4 (95% CI 6.9–22.2), p < 0.001); a pre‐operative plasma albumin < 30 g.l−1 (OR: 2.5 (95% CI 1.8–3.5), p < 0.001); and non‐scheduled surgery (OR 1.8 (95% CI 1.3–2.5), p < 0.001). Complications associated with mortality included: acute renal impairment (OR 3.3 (95% CI 2.1–5.0), p < 0.001); unplanned Intensive Care Unit admission (OR 3.1 (95% CI 1.9–4.9), p < 0.001); and systemic inflammation (OR 2.5 (95% CI 1.7–3.7), p < 0.001). Patient factors often had a stronger association with mortality than the type of surgery. Strategies are needed to reduce complications and mortality in older surgical patients.
Engagement of CD31 delivers an activating signal that contributes to the survival of chronic lymphocytic leukaemia cells
Authors: Poggi Alessandro , Prevosto Claudia , Catellani Silvia , Rocco Ilaria , Garuti Anna , Zocchi Maria R.
Published: August 2010

The present study showed that engagement of CD31 delivers a survival signal in chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL) cells. We describe two groups of CLL, showing different kinetics of apoptosis in vitro and distinct ratios between anti‐apoptotic and pro‐apoptotic proteins: CLL‐I displayed low Bcl‐xL/Bax and Bcl‐2/Bax ratio and underwent rapid apoptosis in vitro; CLL‐II had high Bcl‐xL/Bax and Bcl‐2/Bax ratio and were resistant to apoptosis for several days. Nurse‐like cells, expressing vimentin, CD68 and CD31 were detected mainly in CLL‐II cultures. Of note, CD31 cross‐linking, obtained with a specific monoclonal antibody (mAb), induced phosphatidylinositol‐3‐kinase‐dependent Akt phosphorylation and nuclear translocation of the nuclear factor‐kBp65 and p52 subunits in both CLL groups, leading to upregulation of Bcl‐2 and Bcl‐xL transcription and increased cell survival. Binding to CD31+ stable transfectants, could also deliver an anti‐apoptotic signal in B cells of both CLL‐I and CLL‐II, increasing the Bcl‐2 and Bcl‐xL protein content, regardless the expression of CD38. On the other hand, the addition of the F(ab’)2 (that is unable to oligomerize the target molecule) of the anti‐CD31 mAb prevented these effects. These data suggest that the CD31 adhesion system may play a role also in vivo in maintaining CLL survival.
Beyond incontinence: the stigma of other urinary symptoms
Authors: Elstad Emily A. , Taubenberger Simone P. , Botelho Elizabeth M. , Tennstedt Sharon L.
Published: August 2010

elstad e.a., taubenberger s.p., botelho e.m. & tennstedt s.l. (2010) Beyond incontinence: the stigma of other urinary symptoms. Journal of Advanced Nursing 66(11), 2460–2470.

Aim.  This paper is a report of a study conducted to characterize the stigma of urinary frequency and urgency and differentiate it from the stigma of incontinence and to describe race/ethnic and gender differences in the experience of stigma among a diverse sample of individuals.

Background.  Lower urinary tract symptoms, including frequency, urgency and incontinence, are susceptible to stigma, but previous stigma research has focused almost exclusively on incontinence.

Method.  The Boston Area Community Health Survey is a population‐based, random sample epidemiological survey of urologic symptoms (N = 5503). Qualitative data for this study came from in‐depth interviews conducted between 2007 and 2008 with a random subsample of 151 black, white and Hispanic men and women with urinary symptoms.

Findings.  Respondents reported stigma associated with frequency and urgency – not just incontinence. The stigma of frequency/urgency is rooted in social interruption, loss of control of the body, and speculation as to the nature of a non‐specific ‘problem’. Overall, the stigma of urinary symptoms hinged upon whether or not the problem was ‘perceptible’. Men felt stigmatized for making frequent trips to the bathroom and feared being seen as impotent. Women feared having an unclean body or compromised social identity. Hispanic people in particular voiced a desire to keep their urinary symptoms a secret.

Conclusion.  The stigma of urinary symptoms goes beyond incontinence to include behaviours associated with frequency and urgency. Healthcare practitioners should assess for stigma sequelae (e.g. anxiety, depression) in individuals with frequency and urgency, and stress treatment options to circumvent stigmatization.
The science of intervention development for type 1 diabetes in childhood: systematic review
Authors: Savage Eileen , Farrell Dawn , McManus Vicki , Grey Margaret
Published: August 2010

savage e., farrell d., mcmanus v. & grey m. (2010) The science of intervention development for type 1 diabetes in childhood: systematic review. Journal of Advanced Nursing 66(12), 2604–2613.

Aim.  This paper is a report of a review of the science of intervention development for type 1 diabetes in childhood and its implications for improving health outcomes in children, adolescents, and/or their families.

Background.  Previous reviewers have identified insufficient evidence to support the application of effective interventions for type 1 diabetes in clinical practice. The need for quality randomized controlled trials to address shortcomings in previous study designs has been highlighted as a priority for future intervention research. However, there is also a need to consider the scientific development of interventions, which to date has received little attention.

Data source.  A search for published randomized controlled trials over 5 years (2004–2008) was conducted in electronic databases (Medline, CINAHL, Cochrane Library, Psychinfo, ERIC). Reference lists of papers identified from electronic searches were examined for additional papers.

Methods.  A systematic review was conducted. Studies were included if (i) an intervention for managing any aspect of type 1 diabetes was implemented, (ii) children, adolescents and/or their families were sampled, (iii) a randomized controlled trial, (iv) published in English.

Results.  Fourteen randomized controlled trials were reviewed on education (n = 7), psychosocial (n = 5) and family therapy (n = 2) interventions. Compared to education interventions, family therapy and most psychosocial interventions were developed with greater scientific rigour, and demonstrated promising effects on more health outcomes measured.

Conclusion.  Interventions developed within clearly‐defined scientific criteria offer potential for improving health outcomes in children and adolescents with type 1 diabetes and their families. Future reviews on interventions for type 1 diabetes in childhood need to include criteria for assessing the science of intervention development.
Metacognitive Inventory for nursing students in Taiwan: instrument development and testing
Authors: Hsu Li‐Ling
Published: August 2010

li‐ling h. (2010) Metacognitive Inventory for nursing students in Taiwan: instrument development and testing. Journal of Advanced Nursing 66(11), 2573–2581.

Aim.  This paper is a report of the development and testing of an instrument that measures metacognitive abilities of nursing students.

Background.  Metacognition refers to an individual’s knowledge, awareness and command of thinking and learning strategies. Nursing students are challenged to think and learn in ways that will prepare them for practical work in a complex healthcare environment. Nursing educators have the responsibility to produce graduates who possess and use metacognitive skills to facilitate the solving of ill‐structured problems using a variety of mental processes, such as reasoning, judgment and creativity.

Methods.  In 2007, the Metacognitive Inventory for Nursing Students was developed, based on previous instruments, and administered to a sample of 802 senior nursing students in two nursing colleges and a university in Taiwan. Principal axis factor analysis and other statistical tests were performed to test the psychometric properties of the questionnaire.

Results.  Preliminary analysis reduced the original 40 items to 28. Five factors were retained, accounting for 53·09% of the variance, and these five factors were identified as self‐monitoring, self‐modification, self‐awareness, effective learning and problem‐solving. The resultant Metacognitive Inventory achieved good internal consistency reliability, with a Cronbach’s alpha coefficient of 0·94 and the coefficient for the five factors ranged from 0·73 to 0·90.

Conclusion.  Nurse educators in Taiwan could use the Metacognitive Inventory for Nursing Students to assess students and facilitate metacognitive skill development in classrooms and in practice settings.
Research citation analysis of nursing academics in Canada: identifying success indicators
Authors: Hack Thomas F. , Crooks Dauna , Plohman James , Kepron Emma
Published: August 2010

hack t.f., crooks d., plohman j. & kepron e. (2010) Research citation analysis of nursing academics in Canada: identifying success indicators. Journal of Advanced Nursing 66(11), 2542–2549.

Aim.  This article is a report of a citation analysis of research publications by Canadian nursing academics.

Background.  Citation analysis can yield objective criteria for assessing the value of published research and is becoming increasingly popular as an academic evaluation tool in universities around the world. Citation analysis is useful for examining the research performance of academic researchers and identifying leaders among them.

Methods.  The journal publication records of 737 nursing academics at 33 Canadian universities and schools of nursing were subject to citation analysis using the Scopus database. Three primary types of analysis were performed for each individual: number of citations for each journal publication, summative citation count of all published papers and the Scopus h‐index. Preliminary citation analysis was conducted from June to July 2009, with the final analysis performed on 2 October 2009 following e‐mail verification of publication lists.

Results.  The top 20 nursing academics for each of five citation categories are presented: the number of career citations for all publications, number of career citations for first‐authored publications, most highly cited first‐authored publications, the Scopus h‐index for all publications and the Scopus h‐index for first‐authored publications.

Conclusion.  Citation analysis metrics are useful for evaluating the research performance of academic researchers in nursing. Institutions are encouraged to protect the research time of successful and promising nursing academics, and to dedicate funds to enhance the research programmes of underperforming academic nursing groups.
Holocene fires and a herb‐dominated understorey track wetter climates in subalpine forests
Authors: Blarquez Olivier , Bremond Laurent , Carcaillet Christopher
Published: August 2010

1. Relationships between vegetation, climate and disturbance are likely to be altered in the near future as a result of changes in both climate and human impacts on ecosystems. These changes could trigger species losses and distribution shifts in sensitive (e.g. mountainous) ecosystems. Models project a 2.5–3 °C increase in global temperatures by the end of the 21st century, and combined with effects of current land‐use abandonment (leading to the build‐up of fuel material); these increases could cause future ecosystems to become similar to ecosystems of the first half of the Holocene when human impact was negligible.

2. A high‐resolution macroremain record from a small subalpine lake in Italy allowed us to examine 8000 years of stand vegetation dynamics. Linkages between disturbance, vegetation and climate were deciphered by reconstructing local fire occurrence patterns from charcoal remains, characterizing plant species richness by rarefaction analysis, and regional climatic reconstructions in the light of the human archaeological context.

3. Before 5100 cal. year bp, forest ecosystems had fluctuating richness and an intermediate mean fire frequency. The climate was warmer and drier than today. From c. 5100 to 2200 cal. year bp when the climate became wetter, a higher fire frequency promoted the establishment of mixed ecosystems with several tree species, a herbaceous understorey and higher richness. The last 2200 years were characterized by a decrease in richness, a lower fire frequency, and lower temperatures and precipitation. Over the last 8000 years, the probability of fire has increased with time since the last fire, probably as a result of increased fuel‐load or composition, which has assisted the spread of fire.

4. Synthesis. The fire frequency was higher when forest richness was higher, during periods of wetter climate. Temperatures had no correlation with the fire frequency and the ecosystem dynamics in the study region.
Green tea improves metabolic biomarkers, not weight or body composition: a pilot study in overweight breast cancer survivors
Authors: Stendell‐Hollis N. R. , Thomson C. A. , Thompson P. A. , Bea J. W. , Cussler E. C. , Hakim I. A.
Published: August 2010

Background:  Overweight status after breast cancer treatment may increase a woman’s risk for recurrent disease and/or early onset cardiovascular disease. Green tea has been proposed to promote weight loss and favourably modify glucose, insulin and blood lipids. This pilot study tested the effect of daily decaffeinated green tea consumption for 6 months on weight and body composition, select metabolic parameters and lipid profiles in overweight breast cancer survivors.

Methods:  The effect of daily decaffeinated green tea intake on weight, body composition and changes in resting metabolic rate, energy intake, glucose, insulin, homeostasis model assessment – insulin resistance (HOMA‐IR) and lipids was evaluated in overweight breast cancer survivors. Participants had a mean weight of 80.2 kg; body mass index (BMI) 30.1 kg m−2; and body fat 46.4%. Participants (n = 54) were randomised to 960 mL of decaffeinated green or placebo tea daily for 6 months.

Results:  Mean (SD) tea intake among study completers (n = 39) was 5952 (1176) mL week−1 and was associated with a significant reduction in energy intake (P = 0.02). Change in body weight of −1.2 kg (green tea) versus +0.2 kg (placebo) suggests a weight change effect, although this was not statistically significant. Decaffeinated green tea intake was associated with elevated high‐density lipoprotein (HDL) levels (P = 0.003) and nonsignificant improvements in the HDL/LDL ratio and HOMA‐IR (−1.1 ± 5.9: green tea; +3.2 ± 7.2: herbal).

Conclusions:  Intake of decaffeinated green tea for 6 months was associated with a slight reduction in body weight and improved HDL and glucose homeostasis in overweight breast cancer survivors.
Redox sensing: orthogonal control in cell cycle and apoptosis signalling
Authors: Jones D. P.
Published: August 2010

Abstract.  Jones DP (Department of Medicine, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA). Redox sensing: orthogonal control in cell cycle and apoptosis signalling (Symposium). J Intern Med 2010; 268: 432–448.

Living systems have three major types of cell signalling systems that are dependent upon high‐energy chemicals, redox environment and transmembranal ion‐gating mechanisms. Development of integrated systems biology descriptions of cell signalling require conceptual models incorporating all three. Recent advances in redox biology show that thiol–disulphide redox systems are regulated under dynamic, nonequilibrium conditions, progressively oxidized with the life cycle of cells and distinct in terms of redox potentials amongst subcellular compartments. This article uses these observations as a basis to distinguish ‘redox‐sensing’ mechanisms, which are more global biologic redox control mechanisms, from ‘redox signalling’, which involves conveyance of discrete activating or inactivating signals. Both redox sensing and redox signalling use sulphur switches, especially cysteine (Cys) residues in proteins which are sensitive to reversible oxidation, nitrosylation, glutathionylation, acylation, sulfhydration or metal binding. Unlike specific signalling mechanisms, the redox‐sensing mechanisms provide means to globally affect the rates and activities of the high‐energy, ion‐gating and redox‐signalling systems by controlling sensitivity, distribution, macromolecular interactions and mobility of signalling proteins. Effects mediated through Cys residues not directly involved in signalling means redox‐sensing control can be orthogonal to the signalling mechanisms. This provides a capability to integrate signals according to cell cycle and physiologic state without fundamentally altering the signalling mechanisms. Recent findings that thiol–disulphide pools in humans are oxidized with age, environmental exposures and disease risk suggest that redox‐sensing thiols could provide a central mechanistic link in disease development and progression.
Hybridization between distant lineages increases adaptive variation during a biological invasion: stickleback in Switzerland
Authors: LUCEK KAY , ROY DENIS , BEZAULT ETIENNE , SIVASUNDAR ARJUN , SEEHAUSEN OLE
Published: August 2010

The three‐spined stickleback is a widespread Holarctic species complex that radiated from the sea into freshwaters after the retreat of the Pleistocene ice sheets. In Switzerland, sticklebacks were absent with the exception of the far northwest, but different introduced populations have expanded to occupy a wide range of habitats since the late 19th century. A well‐studied adaptive phenotypic trait in sticklebacks is the number of lateral plates. With few exceptions, freshwater and marine populations in Europe are fixed for either the low plated phenotype or the fully plated phenotype, respectively. Switzerland, in contrast, harbours in close proximity the full range of phenotypic variation known from across the continent. We addressed the phylogeographic origins of Swiss sticklebacks using mitochondrial partial cytochromeband control region sequences. We found only five different haplotypes but these originated from three distinct European regions, fixed for different plate phenotypes. These lineages occur largely in isolation at opposite ends of Switzerland, but co‐occur in a large central part. Across the country, we found a strong correlation between a microsatellite linked to the high plate ectodysplasin allele and the mitochondrial haplotype from a region where the fully plated phenotype is fixed. Phylogenomic and population genomic analysis of 481 polymorphic amplified fragment length polymorphism loci indicate genetic admixture in the central part of the country. The same part of the country also carries elevated within‐population phenotypic variation. We conclude that during the recent invasive range expansion of sticklebacks in Switzerland, adaptive and neutral between‐population genetic variation was converted into within‐population variation, raising the possibility that hybridization between colonizing lineages contributed to the ecological success of sticklebacks in Switzerland.
Evidence of recent and continuous speciation in a biodiversity hotspot: a population genetic approach in southern African gladioli (Gladiolus; Iridaceae)
Authors: RYMER PAUL D. , MANNING JOHN C. , GOLDBLATT PETER , POWELL MARTYN P. , SAVOLAINEN VINCENT
Published: August 2010

There has been much debate over the origin of species diversity in biodiversity hotspots, particularly the rate of speciation over extinction and the geographic mode of speciation. Here, we looked at speciation with varying degrees of sympatry in a biodiversity hotspot, focusing on a distinct morphological clade in the Cape Floristic Region in southern Africa, the Gladiolus carinatus species complex (Iridaceae). We investigate the mechanisms involved in population and species differentiation through a combination of ecological and genomic approaches. We estimated spatial and phenological overlap, differences in floral morphology, genetic isolation and genomic selection. A genetic coalescent analysis estimated that the time of divergence between lineages followed the establishment of available habitat in the Cape littoral plain where these species currently overlap geographically. Marked shifts in flowering time and morphology, which act as barriers to gene flow, have developed to varying degrees over the last 0.3–1.4 million years. An amplified fragment length polymorphism genome scan revealed signatures of divergent and balancing selection, although half of the loci consistently behaved neutrally. Divergent species outliers (1%) and floral morph outliers (3%) represent a small proportion of the genome, but these loci produced clear genetic clusters of species and significant associations with floral traits. These results indicate that the G. carinatus complex represents a continuum of recent speciation. We provide further evidence for ecological adaptation in the face of gene flow.
Antibodies to the Plasmodium falciparum rhoptry protein RAP‐2/RSP‐2 in relation to anaemia in Cameroonian children
Authors: AWAH N. , BALOGUN H. , ACHIDI E. , MARIUBA L. A. , NOGUEIRA P. A. , ORLANDI P. , TROYE‐BLOMBERG M. , GYSIN J. , BERZINS K.
Published: August 2010

Previous studies have implicated reactive antibodies to the low molecular weight rhoptry‐associated proteins (RAP‐1, RAP‐2/RSP‐2 and RAP‐3) in erythroid cell destruction during Plasmodium falciparum infection. In this pilot study, the frequency, specificity and functional capacity of naturally acquired anti‐RAP‐2/RSP‐2 antibodies were investigated in the sera of anaemic and nonanaemic malaria‐infected Cameroonian children. All sera recognized RAP‐2/RSP‐2 by FACS, irrespective of the clinical status of the subjects. However, the anaemic children showed higher levels of IgG antibodies than the nonanaemic group, while both groups showed similar levels of IgM antibodies. Only few individuals had detectable levels of RAP‐2/RSP‐2‐specific IgG1 and IgG3 subclass antibodies, while no IgG2 and IgG4 subclass antibodies were detected in these subjects. By ELISA, the anaemic group tended to show higher levels of antibodies to RAP‐2/RSP‐2 regarding all antibody classes tested, except for IgG4 and IgE. Unexpectedly, sera from the nonanaemic group activated complement to a greater extent than those from the anaemic group. These results need to be confirmed in extended studies but indicate that the effector functions of the RAP‐2/RSP‐2‐reactive antibodies may be more important than their amounts. Such antibodies could play a role in both immunity and pathogenesis during P. falciparum infection.
Localized cowpox infection in a 5‐month‐old Rottweiler
Authors: von Bomhard Wolf , Mauldin Elizabeth A. , Breuer Wolfram , Pfleghaar Stephan , Nitsche Andreas
Published: August 2010

Cowpox virus (CPXV) infections are a sporadic cause of localized or disseminated skin disease in domestic animals and humans in Europe. Rodents are considered the primary reservoir host for CPXV. Cats can become infected by close contact with rodents and are the most important source of human infections. Recently, public awareness has also been drawn to CPXV infections by an outbreak of rat to human infections in central Europe. In dogs, CPXV infections are rare. Here we report a case of a 5‐month‐old Rottweiler with a focal nodule on the muzzle. The lesion was fully excised, and recovery was uneventful. The preliminary diagnosis of a CPXV infection was established by the characteristic inclusion bodies on histopathological examination. The diagnosis was confirmed by electron microscopy and polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Sequencing of the PCR product led to a 231 bp sequence of the orthopoxvirus HA gene that was identical to a CPXV strain previously isolated from a cat. This is the third documented case of a canine CPXV infection.
Two‐hit wonder: a novel genetic model to explain variable expressivity in severe pediatric phenotypes
Authors: Kumar RA
Published: August 2010

A recurrent 16p12.1 microdeletion supports a two‐hit model for severe developmental delay

Girirajan et al. (2010)

Nature Genetics 42(3):203–209
Untersuchungen über das Formsehen der Elritze (Phoxinus laevis)1
Authors: Fisher Paul
Published: August 2010

Elritzen (Phoxinns laevis) lernten in Dressurversuchen einzelne Buchstaben voneinander zu unterscheiden, so U gegen E, W gegen L, W gegen M, K gegen B. Durch Weglassen bestimmter Strukturteile ließen sich diese Buchstaben einander angleichen, so daß hier die Grenze des Unterscheidungsvermögens festgestellt werden konnte, wie auch die Bedeutung der einzelnen Strukturteile für die Differenzierung. Die Elritze konnte weiter Signale zu untersclieiden lernen, die sich aus zwei, drei, ja vier Buchstaben zusammensetzten. Hierbei richtet sie sich nicht nach einzelnen Buchstaben, sondern nimmt die gauze Keihe als geschlossene Gesamtform wahr. Wichtig ist für ihre Entscheidungeu auch, ob in den Zeichen die senkrechten oder waagerecliten Glieder vorherrschen, ebenso, ob sie Öffnungen aufweisen, und ob diese mehr nacli außen oder nach innen weisen. Auflösende oder zusätzliche Strukturänderungen zusammengesetzter Buchstabensignale können wahrgenommen werden. Der Grad der Wahrnehmung hängt davon ab, wie weit die Riclitungstendenz unverändert bleibt.

In Spontanwahlversuchen werden gegliederte Buchstaben weniger gegliederten Buchstaben vorgezogen. Bei gleichstark gegliederten Formen ist diejenige überlegen, deren stärkste Gliederung im oberen Teil der Form liegt. Werden einem Fisch zwei Formen dargeboten, von denen eine spontan bevorzugt wird, während die andere in der Form einer Figur einer vorangegangenen Dressur ähnelt, so wählt die Elritze im Sinne der Dressur.
Vergleichende Untersuchung des Verhaltens von Smaragdeidechsen (Lacerta viridis), Mauereidechsen (L. muralis) und Perleidechsen (L. lepida)
Authors: Weber Helmut
Published: August 2010

Wenn Eidechsen sich beim Sonnenbad annähernd rechtwinklig zur Strahlung hinlegen, richten sie sich allein nach den Wärmestrahlen, nicht nach dem Licht.

Isoliert aufgezogene Smaragdeidechsen gingen schon vom Schlüpfen an, wenn man sie in die Enge trieb, in Notwehrstellung. Auch das Drohverhalten ist angeboren, jedoch bei Jungen und Alten ein wenig verschieden; artfremde Eidechsen bedrohen sich ebenso wie artgleiche Rivalen. Im ersten Lebensjahr zeigten die Jungen keinerlei Kampfverhalten, und die Demutgebärde fehlte den isoliert Aufgezogenen noch im Alter von 18 Monaten.

Als Erbkoordinationen konnten an ihnen auch die Putzbewegungen, der Beutefang und das “Weglaufen mit Beute” nachgewiesen werden.

Im Smaragdeidechsen‐Gehege kämpft der Tyrann zur Fortpflanzungszeit stärker gegen ranghohe als gegen wesentlich schwächere ♂♂. Ranghohe Rivalen zeigten vor ihm nicht die ausgesprochene Demutgebärde, die schwächeren ♂♂ Schutz verlieh und dem Abwehrverhalten umworbener, nicht paarungswilliger ♀♀ auffallend ähnlich war. Das stärkste ♂ balzte und verpaarte sich wesentlich öfter als die schwächeren, die es oft vertrieb. Daß die Paare oder ein ♂ mit mehreren ♀♀ in Freiheit längere Zeit in einem Revier beisammen bleiben, ist nach Gehege‐Beobachtungen nicht wahrscheinlich.

Obwohl die “muralis‐Gruppe” morphologisch gut gegen die Zaun‐, Smaragd‐ und Perleidechsen abgegrenzt ist, steht unsere Mauereidechse der Smaragdeidechse im Verhalten näher als den grünen Mauereidechsen L. melisellensis und L. sicula. Das L. muralis‐♂ nähert sich dem Weibchen in Drohbalz und hört, wenn dieses es abweist, sogleich zu werben auf. Dagegen ist im Rivalenkampf die Demutgebärde unwirksam. In der Freiheit kämpfen Mauereidechsen sehr selten, und das ♂ lebt mit einem oder mehreren ♀♀ in einem Revier. Eindringlinge fliehen meist schon beim Anblick des Revierinhabers, der sie nicht über die Grenze hinaus verfolgt.

Im Gehege lebende Perleidechsen drohen breitseits wie die Zauneidechse, was der bei beiden Arten auffälligen Kontrastfärbung längs der ganzen Flanke entspricht. Wahrscheinlich haben Perleidechsen einen Kommentkampf (Kopfbiß). Sie balzten nur sehr schwach, und der Paarungsmarsch fehlte. Sobald die Paarungsbereitschaft des ♂ abgeklungen war, versuchte kein ♂ mehr, es anzubalzen. Wahrscheinlich haftet dem brünstigen ♀ ein besonderer Duft an. Die Demutgebärde der Perleidechse ist unter Wegfall von Bewegungsanteilen im Vergleich zu den kleineren Lacerta‐Arten am stärksten ritualisiert.

Die soziale Demutgebärde stimmte bei allen drei Arten weitgehend bis völlig mit dem Abwehrverhalten umworbener ♀♀ überein. Immer waren diese dadurch besser geschützt als die ♂♂, bei der Mauereidechse sogar nur die ♂♂, die ♀♀ nie. Daher ist anzunehmen, daß die soziale Demutgebärde vom weiblichen Abwehrverhalten abstammt.
Einige Beobachtungen an Ameisenigeln, Echidna aculeata Shaw (1792)
Authors: DOBRORUKA LUDEK J.
Published: August 2010

Echidna untersucht ihre Umgebung hauptsächlich mit der Nase und dem Gehör. Der Gesichtssinn ist sehr schwach. Artfremde können von Artgenossen nach dem Geruch unterschieden werden; riecht der Fremde nach Echidna, wird er als Artgenosse anerkannt.

Die drei aufeinanderfolgenden Phasen des Paarungsspieles (Abb. 3) werden beschrieben. Die Begattung kann in zweierlei Lagen erfolgen.

Echidna setzt mit der ausgestülpten Kloake Duftmarken ab.