bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Orthogonal Locally Ancillary Estimating Functions for Matched Pair Studies and Errors in Covariates
Authors: Wang Molin , Hanfelt John J.
Published: May 2007

We propose an estimating function method for two related applications, matched pair studies and studies with errors in covariates under a functional model, where a mismeasured unknown scalar covariate is treated as a fixed nuisance parameter. Our method addresses the severe inferential problem that is posed by an abundance of nuisance parameters in these two applications. We propose orthogonal locally ancillary estimating functions for these two applications that depend on merely the mean model and partial modelling of the variances of the observations (and observed mismeasured covariate, if applicable), and we achieve first-order bias correction of inferences under a ‘small dispersion and large sample size’ asymptotic. Simulation results confirm that the estimator proposed is largely improved over that using a regular profile estimating function. We apply the approach proposed to a length of hospital stay study with a mismeasured covariate.
Coefficient Sign Prediction Methods for Model Selection
Authors: Nott David J. , Kuk Anthony Y. C.
Published: May 2007

We consider a Bayesian model selection strategy based on predicting the signs of the coefficients in a regression model, i.e. we consider identification of coefficients in a full or encompassing model for which we can confidently predict whether they are positive or negative. This is useful when our main purpose in doing model selection is interpretation, since the sign of a coefficient is often of primary importance for this task. In the case of a linear model with standard non-informative prior, we connect our sign coefficient prediction approach to the classical Zheng–Loh procedure for model selection. One advantage of our approach is that only specification of a prior on the full model is required, unlike standard Bayesian variable selection approaches which require specification of prior distributions on parameters in all submodels, and specification of a prior on the model itself. We consider applying our method with proper hierarchical shrinkage priors, which makes the procedure more useful in ‘large p, small n’ regression problems with more predictors than observations and in problems involving multicollinearity. In these problems we may wish to do prediction by using shrinkage methods in the full model, but interpreting which variables are important is also of interest. We compare selection by using our coefficient sign prediction approach with the recently proposed elastic net procedure of Zou and Hastie and observe that our method shares some of the features of the elastic net such as a group selection property. The method can be extended to more complex model selection problems such as selection on variance components in random-effects models. For selection on variance components where the parameter of interest is non-negative and hence prediction of the sign of the parameter not the appropriate way to proceed, we consider instead prediction of the sign of the score component for the parameter at zero, obtaining a method that is related to classical score tests on variance components.
Non-Parametric Confidence Bands in Deconvolution Density Estimation
Authors: Bissantz Nicolai , Dümbgen Lutz , Holzmann Hajo , Munk Axel
Published: May 2007

Uniform confidence bands for densities f via non-parametric kernel estimates were first constructed by Bickel and Rosenblatt. In this paper this is extended to confidence bands in the deconvolution problem g=f*ψ for an ordinary smooth error density ψ. Under certain regularity conditions, we obtain asymptotic uniform confidence bands based on the asymptotic distribution of the maximal deviation (L∞-distance) between a deconvolution kernel estimator f^ and f. Further consistency of the simple non-parametric bootstrap is proved. For our theoretical developments the bias is simply corrected by choosing an undersmoothing bandwidth. For practical purposes we propose a new data-driven bandwidth selector that is based on heuristic arguments, which aims at minimizing the L∞-distance between f^ and f. Although not constructed explicitly to undersmooth the estimator, a simulation study reveals that the bandwidth selector suggested performs well in finite samples, in terms of both area and coverage probability of the resulting confidence bands. Finally the methodology is applied to measurements of the metallicity of local F and G dwarf stars. Our results confirm the ‘G dwarf problem’, i.e. the lack of metal poor G dwarfs relative to predictions from ‘closed box models’ of stellar formation.
Deconstructing Jaco: Genetic Heritage of an Afrikaner
Authors: Greeff J. M.
Published: May 2007

It is often assumed that Afrikaners stem from a small number of Dutch immigrants. As a result they should be genetically homogeneous, show founder effects and be rather inbred. By disentangling my own South African pedigree, that is on average 12 generations deep, I try to quantify the genetic heritage of an Afrikaner. As much as 6% of my genes have been contributed by slaves from Africa, Madagascar and India, and a woman from China. This figure compares well to other genetic and genealogical estimates. Seventy three percent of my lineages coalesce into common founders, and I am related in excess of 10 times to 20 founder ancestors (30 times to Willem Schalk van der Merwe). Significant founder effects are thus possible. The overrepresentation of certain founder ancestors is in part explained by the fact that they had more children. This is remarkable given that they lived more than 300 years (or 12 generations) ago. DECONSTRUCT, a new program for pedigree analysis, identified 125 common ancestors in my pedigree. However, these common ancestors are so distant from myself, paths of between 16 and 25 steps in length, that my inbreeding coefficient is not unusually high (f ≈ 0.0019).
Interaction of Genetic Risk Factors Confers Higher Risk for Thrombotic Stroke in Male Chinese: A Multicenter Case‐Control Study
Authors: Shen Chun‐Duo , Zhang Wei‐Li , Sun Kai , Wang Yi‐Bo , Zhen Yi‐Song , Hui Ru‐Tai
Published: May 2007

Stroke is a polygenic or multifactorial disease, and each single susceptibility gene has modest effects. We hypothesize that combined effects of multiple genes might confer a higher stroke risk than a single susceptibility gene. To test our hypothesis we initially recruited 2000 stroke patients (44.3% thrombosis, 28.3% lacunar infarction and 27.4% intracerebral hemorrhage) and 2000 controls, and examined 6 polymorphisms in 5 candidate genes for stroke. Plasma lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)] level was defined as a categorical variable and also included. Interactions between genetic risk factors were detected by the multifactor dimensionality reduction (MDR) method and further evaluated by multivariate logistic regression analyses. A significant combined effect on stroke due to the C677T polymorphism of methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR), the T2354A polymorphism of 5‐lipoxygenase activating protein (ALOX5AP), and Lp(a) level, was detected using the MDR method. Furthermore, the combination of MTHFR 677TT, ALOX5AP 2354AA and Lp(a) elevation (Lp(a) concentration≥30 mg/dL) was found to be strongly associated with thrombotic stroke in males (OR, 10.419; 95%CI, 2.602 to 41.749; P= 0.001) using the multivariate logistic regression model.

In conclusion, our results show that a combination of genetic risk factors can confer a higher risk for stroke than a single risk factor, indicating that people with multiple genetic risk factors have a higher risk of stroke and should be targets for prevention of this disease.
The testicular capsule and peritubular tissue of birds: morphometry, histology, ultrastructure and immunohistochemistry
Authors: Aire T. A. , Ozegbe P. C.
Published: May 2007

The testicular capsule was studied histologically, morphometrically, ultrastructurally and immunohistochemically in the Japanese quail, domestic fowl, turkey and duck (all members of the Galloanserae). The testicular capsule was, relative to mammals, thin, being 81.5 ± 13.7 µm in the quail, 91.7 ± 6.2 µm in the domestic fowl, 104.5 ± 29.8 µm in the turkey and 91.8 ± 18.9 µm in the duck. The orchido‐epididymal border (hilus) of the capsule was much thicker than elsewhere in all birds (from 233.7 ± 50.7 µm in the duck to 550.0 ± 147.3 µm thick in the turkey). The testicular capsule, other than the tunica serosa and tunica vasculosa, comprised, in the main, smooth muscle‐like or myoid cells running mainly in one direction, and disposed in one main mass. Peritubular tissue was similarly composed of smooth muscle‐like cells disposed in several layers. Actin and desmin intermediate filaments were immunolocalized in the inner cellular layers of the capsule in the quail, domestic fowl and duck, but uniformly in the turkey. Vimentin intermediate filament immunoreaction in the capsule was moderately and uniformly positive in the testicular capsule of only the quail. Actin and desmin, but not vimentin (except very faintly in the turkey) or cytokeratin, were immunolocalized in the peritubular tissue of all birds. The results therefore establish, or complement, some previous observations that these birds have contractile cells in their testicular capsule and peritubular tissue, whose function probably includes the transport of testicular fluid into the excurrent duct system.
GFP imaging of live astrocytes: regional differences in the effects of ischaemia upon astrocytes
Authors: Shannon Clare , Salter Mike , Fern Robert
Published: May 2007

The basic division between white matter ‘fibrous’ astrocytes and grey matter ‘protoplasmic’ astrocytes is well established in terms of their morphological differences. The availability of transgenic animals with green fluorescent protein (GFP) expression restricted to specific glial cell types now provides an approach for looking at changes in cell number and morphology in the two astrocyte types in whole mount preparations. This is an important goal, as the ease of generating astrocyte cultures has led to a proliferation of studies that have examined ischaemic effects on astrocytes in vitro. This has in turn engendered a belief that astrocytes have an extraordinary resistance to ischaemic injury, a belief that runs counter to almost all the data available from in vivo and whole‐mount preparations. One possible source of this confusion is the reactive changes that occur in astrocytes following injury, which include an increase in cell number that may obscure early astrocyte cell death and which has been reported to initiate within hours of an ischaemic event. However, we show here that neither white matter nor grey matter GFP(+) astrocytes exhibit any feature of reactive astrocytosis within a 180‐min period of reperfusion following modelled ischaemia in neonatal whole‐mount preparations. We also show that white matter astrocytes are much more sensitive to ischaemia‐reperfusion injury than are grey matter astrocytes, a feature that may have high significance for developmental disorders of white matter tracts such as cerebral palsy.
Time course and mechanisms of mental stress‐induced changes and their recovery: Hematocrit, colloid osmotic pressure, whole blood viscosity, coagulation times, and hemodynamic activity
Authors: De Boer Dolf , Ring Christopher , Wood Matthew , Ford Caroline , Jessney Nathan , McIntyre David , Carroll Douglas
Published: May 2007

The mechanisms for stress‐induced changes in hematocrit and blood viscosity are unclear. Twenty‐two males completed experimental (30 min baseline, 10 min mental stress, 30 min recovery) and no‐stress control conditions (70 min). Hemostatic and hemodynamic activity were measured throughout. Hematocrit, colloid osmotic pressure, and blood viscosity displayed parallel patterns: a progressive increase with stress, followed by a gradual recovery. Correlational and covariance analyses indicated that the increase in hematocrit may be mediated by arterial pressure whereas recovery may be mediated by colloid osmotic pressure. Analyses also indicated that acute changes in blood viscosity may depend on hematocrit. These data suggest that stress disturbs hematocrit, colloid osmotic pressure, and blood viscosity through arterial pressure. Poststress, elevated colloid osmotic pressure may drive its own recovery and that of hematocrit and blood viscosity.
Cross‐species amplification of 105 Lolium perenne SSR loci in 23 species within the Poaceae
Authors: JENSEN LOUISE BACH , HOLM PREBEN BACH , LÜBBERSTEDT THOMAS
Published: May 2007

Amplification of 105 Lolium perenne SSR markers was studied in 23 grass species representing seven tribes from three subfamilies of Poaceae. Twelve of the SSR markers are published for the first time. Between 2% and 96% of the SSR markers could be amplified within a given species. A subset of eight SSR markers was evaluated for polymorphism across nine of the 23 grass species. Four to seven of the markers were polymorphic within each species, with an average detection of 2.4 alleles per species.
Twelve polymorphic microsatellite loci from the Asian citrus psyllid, Diaphorina citri Kuwayama, the vector for citrus greening disease, huanglongbing
Authors: BOYKIN LAURA M. , BAGNALL RUTH ANN , FROHLICH DONALD R. , HALL DAVID G. , HUNTER WAYNE B. , KATSAR CATHERINE S. , MCKENZIE CINDY L. , ROSELL ROSEMARIE C. , SHATTERS JR. ROBERT G.
Published: May 2007

Twelve polymorphic microsatellite markers were developed from microsatellite‐enriched DNA libraries and mined from an expressed sequence tags library of Diaphorina citri, the vector of the citrus greening disease (huanglongbing). Analysis of 288 individuals from Florida, Texas, and Brazil showed that allelic diversity ranged from three to eight alleles per locus and observed and expected heterozygosities ranged from 0.014 to 0.569 and from 0.052 to 0.653, respectively. These variable microsatellite loci can provide means for assessing overall genetic variation and migration patterns for this agriculturally important pest species. This information can be used to aid in developing successful management strategies.
Twelve microsatellite loci for marine and riverine tucuxi dolphins (Sotalia guianensis and Sotalia fluviatilis)
Authors: CUNHA HAYDÉE A. , WATTS PHILLIP C.
Published: May 2007

Twelve dinucleotide polymorphic microsatellite loci were isolated from the marine tucuxi dolphin (Sotalia guianensis). Levels of genetic diversity were assessed using 34 individuals from the coasts of Rio de Janeiro and Pará, Brazil. Numbers of alleles varied between two and 14, and observed and expected heterozygosities ranged from 0.040 to 0.704, and from 0.093 to 0.818, respectively. Moreover, eight of these loci were variable in the riverine tucuxi Sotalia fluviatilis. This is the first description of microsatellite primers from a dolphin that does not belong to the Delphininae. These loci are currently being used in the analysis of population structure of both tucuxi species.
Skin hydration: a review on its molecular mechanisms
Authors: Verdier‐Sévrain Sylvie , Bonté Frédéric
Published: May 2007

Water is absolutely essential for the normal functioning of the skin and especially its outer layer, the stratum corneum (SC). Loss of water from the skin must be carefully regulated, a function dependent on the complex nature of the SC. The retention of water in the SC is dependent on two major components: (1) the presence of natural hygroscopic agents within the corneocytes (collectively referred to as natural moisturizing factor) and (2) the SC intercellular lipids orderly arranged to form a barrier to transepidermal water loss (TEWL). The water content of the SC is necessary for proper SC maturation and skin desquamation. Increased TEWL impairs enzymatic functions required for normal desquamation resulting in the visible appearance of dry, flaky skin. There have been recent discoveries regarding the complex mechanisms of skin hydration. In particular, it has been discovered that glycerol, a well‐known cosmetic ingredient, exists in the SC as a natural endogenous humectant. Hyaluronan, which has been regarded mainly as dermal component, is found in the epidermis and is important for maintaining normal SC structure and epidermal barrier function. More importantly, the discovery of the existence of the water‐transporting protein aquaporin‐3 in the viable epidermis and the presence of tight junction structures at the junction between the stratum granulosum and SC have brought new insights into the mechanisms of skin water distribution and barrier function.
A hydroquinone formulation with increased stability and decreased potential for irritation
Authors: Smiles Kenneth A , Dong Kelly K , Canning Matthew T , Grimson Roger , Walfield Alan M , Yarosh Daniel B
Published: May 2007

Background  Long‐term treatment with a high‐strength hydroquinone (HQ) cream (usually 4% HQ) is the mainstay therapy for hyperpigmentation disorders. Instability and high potential for irritancy hinders patient compliance. A new 4% HQ preparation has been designed with an innovative antioxidant for stability and a biomimetic of an herbal extract for skin calming.

Aims  To investigate the activity, stability, and irritancy of a new HQ cream.

Methods  To evaluate the new HQ cream in comparison with commercial 4% HQ creams for stability by temperature stress test, for irritancy by repeated‐insult patch test on human subjects, and for lightening effect using the MelanoDerm™ B skin equivalent model.

Results  The new HQ is more resistant to browning and shows less irritancy than three commercially available 4% HQ products. It has comparable bleaching effect with faster onset than a 4% HQ product containing 0.05% tretinoin and 0.01% fluocinolone acetonide.

Conclusion  Based on its improved stability, lower irritancy, and activity in skin lightening, the new approach to the formulation of 4% HQ may improve therapeutic outcomes by improving patient compliance to dosing.
Combined trichloroacetic acid peel and topical ascorbic acid versus trichloroacetic acid peel alone in the treatment of melasma: a comparative study
Authors: Soliman Mohsen Mohamed , Ramadan Shahira Abdel‐Rahman , Bassiouny Dalia Ahmed , Abdelmalek, MSc Marwa
Published: May 2007

Background  Melasma is a common acquired hypermelanosis that is difficult to treat. Several chemical peeling agents were used in treatment of melasma. Topical vitamin C was also used with minimal side effects.

Aim  To compare the effect of 20% trichloroacetic acid (TCA) peel alone vs. 20% TCA peel combined with topical 5% ascorbic acid in cases of epidermal melasma.

Patients and methods  Thirty women with bilateral epidermal melasma (Fitzpatrick skin types III and IV) were divided into two groups (A and B, 15 patients each). Before therapy, digital photography and a melasma area and severity index (MASI) score were done for each patient. Groups A and B were primed for 2 weeks before TCA peel. Group B also applied 5% ascorbic acid topically once daily; 20% TCA peel was done for all patients weekly until clearance of melasma or for a maximum of six peels. Group B continued to use 5% ascorbic acid topically in between peels and during the 16‐week follow‐up period. Patients were assessed at the end of peeling sessions and at the end of follow‐up by photography, MASI score, and a global evaluation by the patient.

Results  Group B compared with group A showed a significant decrease in MASI score at the end of TCA peels (P < 0.001) and at the end of the 16‐week follow‐up period (P < 0.003). Global evaluation showed that 13 patients (87%) in group B improved or maintained their improvement compared with only 10 patients (67%) in group A.

Conclusion  Topical ascorbic acid combined with 20% TCA peel in melasma improves the results and helps in maintaining the response to therapy.
Adverse reactions to polylactic acid injections in the periorbital area
Authors: Apikian M , Roberts S , Goodman G J
Published: May 2007

Background  Correction of aging changes and contour deformities has been addressed largely by tissue augmentation agents whose volume is injected into tissues to achieve the required result. Polylactic acid (PLA) is an agent that is injected with the aim of enhancing the host's own collagen deposition.

Objective  We describe the development of multiple nodules and one case of a foreign‐body granuloma formation following the administration of PLA to the face for correction of rhytides and contour deformities.

Methods  Four case presentations, including clinical history, injection protocol, histopathology, individual treatment, and their outcomes, are discussed with pertinent literature review.

Results  Four patients who received injections of PLA developed nodules that were clinically similar in size, shape, and consistency. Histopathologic examination revealed the presence of a foreign‐body granulomatous inflammatory reaction in one of the patients.

Conclusion  Cosmetic treatment with PLA may be complicated by disfiguring nodules that may mask a granulomatous reaction. PLA‐induced nodules and foreign‐body granulomas have proven difficult to treat. Therefore, PLA should only be injected in the infraorbital area by experienced injectors who have had appropriate training. In addition to this, PLA should be injected in a “depot” method below the muscle at a significantly diluted volume. Due to the complications encountered after the use of PLA, we feel that a cautionary warning regarding the use of PLA in this area may be prudent regardless of the abovementioned precautions.
Development and evaluation of polyherbal formulation for hair growth–promoting activity
Authors: Roy Ram Kumar , Thakur Mayank , Dixit V K
Published: May 2007

Background  Cuscuta reflexa (Roxb.), Citrullus colocynthis (Schrad.), and Eclipta alba (Hassk.) are traditionally acclaimed herbs for their hair growth–promoting potential.

Aim  In the present study, it was envisaged to prepare herbal formulations containing petroleum ether extracts of the three herbs in varying ratio and evaluating the formulations for the hair growth–promoting activity.

Methods  The formulations as well as minoxidil (2%) solution (positive control) were applied topically on shaved skin of rats, and the time required for initiation and completion of hair growth cycle was recorded.

Results and conclusions  Hair growth initiation time was markedly reduced to one third on treatment with the prepared formulation compared with control animals. The time required for complete hair growth was also reduced by 32%. Quantitative analysis of hair growth cycle after treatment with formulations and minoxidil (2%) exhibited greater number of hair follicles in anagenic phase compared with control. The results thus corroborate with the traditionally acclaimed hair growth–promoting capabilities of the plants. The prepared formulation also holds potential for treatment of alopecia.
Ecological change in British broadleaved woodland since 1947
Authors: HOPKINS JOHN J. , KIRBY KEITH J.
Published: May 2007

Over the last 60 years Britain's broadleaved woodlands have undergone a complex pattern of ecological change. The total extent has expanded fromc. 676 000 ha in 1947 toc. 904 000 ha in 2002, but there has also been significant turnover, with losses of ancient woodland and a gain from new planting. Structural change has occurred due, in part, to change in management. In 1947 21% of the broadleaved resource was classed as coppice, 28% as scrub and only 51% of the area as high forest, compared with 97% high forest in 2002. This has been accompanied by changes in ground flora and the regeneration pattern of tree species, which will impact upon the character of the woodlands. Woods have also become more ecologically isolated because of the decline in semi‐natural vegetation in the surrounding countryside, although the long‐term impacts of this are poorly understood. Other factors driving ecological change are increased pollution, change in grazing pressures, climate change, alien species and game management. Overall woodland specialist species and those of open habitats tend to be doing less well than woodland generalists. Progress has been made in reversing some adverse impacts such as acid deposition, and action is being taken to reduce the impact of others such as over‐grazing by deer. However, some drivers, notably climate change, will be more difficult to address. In the long term integrated management of woods as landscape components whilst meeting economic and societal needs will be required.
Aspiration and reality: flood policy, economic damages and the appraisal process
Authors: Johnson Clare , Penning‐Rowsell Edmund , Tapsell Sue
Published: May 2007

Research shows that flood damage potential has increased significantly in the last 15 years. At the same time, flood policy has shifted away from simplistic flood defence towards ‘living with floods’ and ‘making space for water’. This paper explores the mis‐match between the aspiration in policy ideals, the reality of rising potential economic damages and the inability of the flood risk appraisal process to match the aspiration with the reality. Unless investment appraisal procedures are changed, the increase in damages will undermine policy changes that seek a different pattern of flood risk management, away from economically dominated decision‐criteria towards more sustainable objectives.
Point pattern analysis of eruption points for the Mount Gambier volcanic sub‐province: a quantitative geographical approach to the understanding of volcano distribution
Authors: Bishop Mark A
Published: May 2007

This paper is an examination of the method of point pattern analysis, its potential and limitations, and a discussion of the patterns of volcano geography for the Mount Gambier volcanic sub‐province of southeastern Australia. Two classes of point pattern measure were employed: the centrographic measure of point dispersion and directional bias, and distance‐based measures of ordered neighbours. Spatial analysis has shown the distribution and pattern of eruption points to be heterogeneous, anisotropic and not completely spatially random, and offers through the exploration of point dispersion, orientation and pattern, a viewpoint on the geography of a low‐volume, basaltic monogenetic volcanic system.
What's in a word? Problematizing translation between languages
Authors: Müller Martin
Published: May 2007

An increasing number of geographers conduct research in foreign languages. Since the representation of research still largely takes place in English, we are inevitably confronted with the challenge of translation. All too often, however, translation is treated as a fait accompli and conceptual black box without problematizing the very act of translation as both political and highly subjective. In this paper I argue that critical translation must grapple not only with the semantic issues of translation but especially with the institutionalization of a naturalized meaning hegemony. This involves teasing out the political exclusions of translation as well as addressing the agency of the translating geographer. By way of practical examples I suggest paths to achieve such a critical treatment of translation.
(Re)constructing women: scaled portrayals of privilege and gender norms on campus
Authors: Gieseking Jen
Published: May 2007

How are privilege and/or particular gender norms for women spatially (re)produced over time and how are they challenged and changed? In interviews and mental mapping exercises with 32 students and graduates of an elite US women's college from graduating classes spanning 1937 to 2006, women's class and gender norms and expectations are found to have been produced, reproduced and reworked in their everyday experiences during college. Participants portray these norms through the scales of the body, institution and extra‐institution in regards to the particular social and physical space of the campus. Participants’ experiences, as depicted in these scales, indicate that class norms remained stable over generational cohorts, but gender norms shifted drastically because the privilege found within and granted by the elite women's college campus allowed for and prompted such changes. Transformations of women's gender norms also correspond with changes in the larger social sphere with a particular split in how participants could enact their privilege to alter their gender norms before and after the late 1960s.
Resource economies and neoliberal experimentation: the reform of industry and community in rural British Columbia
Authors: Young Nathan , Matthews Ralph
Published: May 2007

This paper argues that the current literature on neoliberalism in advanced capitalist societies has concentrated primarily on urban issues, and has thus failed to see resource economies and regions as theoretically significant sites of neoliberal reform. Using research from British Columbia, Canada, we argue that resource regions are often targets of intense neoliberal experimentation. The neoliberal project in British Columbia involves an extreme shift in state policy from a strong Fordist‐Keynesian programme to recent efforts to ‘liberate’ corporate actors from non‐market social and spatial obligations (to environment, labour and community). We argue that such policy shifts have exceptional consequences in resource regions due to strong and direct state influence in corporate‐resource and community‐level economies. We draw several theoretical lessons from this research for the mainstream literature on neoliberal reform.
US and EU experiences of tax incentives
Authors: Liard‐Muriente Carlos F
Published: May 2007

The purpose of this paper is to shed light on the controversial issue of regional development incentives. Although extensive research has been conducted, a review of the literature gives an inconclusive answer to whether economic incentives are effective. Why do researchers arrive at different conclusions, even after analysing the same programmes? Among the problems that we find, for example, is the fact that for some researchers ‘effective’ means the significant location of new firms in targeted areas, while for others the creation of jobs regardless of whether new firms are arriving in a significant fashion. Furthermore, as we elaborate, the selection of an econometric model will have a significant impact on expected results. Different models, with different limitations, will lead researchers to evaluate the same incentive programme but arrive at different conclusions regarding its effectiveness. The contribution of the paper is to inform policymakers about the potential opportunities and pitfalls when designing incentive strategies. This is particularly relevant, given that both the US and Europe have been promoting incentives as a tool for regional economic development.
Organizing accountability: co‐production of technoscientific and social worlds in a nanoscience laboratory
Authors: Doubleday Robert
Published: May 2007

Nanotechnology exemplifies the intensification of policy concerns both with relations between science and innovation, and with the public authority of scientific knowledge. This paper focuses on the negotiation of accountability by a nanoscience laboratory both to the state for public funds and to wider society for the social aspects of nanotechnology. This paper argues that geographical approaches can address questions of accountability by paying attention to the laboratory as a site for the co‐production of scientific, technological and social orders. In particular, this paper focuses on how concepts of innovation and citizenship are configured through particular moments of laboratory accounting.
Carved in living laurel: the sonnet sequence and transformations of idolatry
Authors: Kambasković‐Sawers Danijela
Published: May 2007

This essay analyses the use of idolatry in representations of desire in six Renaissance sonnet sequences (Petrarch, Sidney, Spenser, Drayton, Daniel and Shakespeare). Seeking to offer a fresh perspective on the relationship between idolatry, gender dynamics and auto‐poetics, the article reviews the changes in the use of idolatrous imagery to argue that they indicate changes in the authorial priorities relating to representations of desire and the writing self.
Artists as godfathers: Parmigianino and Correggio in the baptismal registers of Parma
Authors: Vaccaro Mary
Published: May 2007

The sacrament of baptism establishes, by definition, bonds of spiritual kinship between a parent and a godparent known as compaternitas, or co‐parenthood. This essay transcribes two hitherto unpublished entries in the registers of the Parma Baptistery that indicate Francesco Mazzola (1503–1540), better known as Parmigianino, and Antonio Allegri (1489?–1534), called Correggio after his native town – the two most celebrated artists then working in Parma – stood as godfathers for the children of other artists. The first entry clarifies a matter of confusion in the literature, whereas the second entry provides new evidence for Correggio's continued presence in his adopted city. The documents also invite us more broadly to consider the interaction among artists – some famous, others now obscure – in early sixteenth‐century Parma.
Relapse to prior therapy is the most important factor for the retreatment response in patients with chronic hepatitis C virus infection
Authors: Sagir Abdurrahman , Heintges Tobias , Akyazi Zübeyde , Oette Mark , Erhardt Andreas , Häussinger Dieter
Published: May 2007

Background: Treatment options for hepatitis C have developed rapidly in the past decade. The current treatment of choice is a combination of pegylated‐interferon‐α (PEG‐IFN‐α) and ribavirin. With the development of more therapy options, patients who failed in prior therapy hope to clear hepatitis C virus by undergoing a more effective retreatment regime. In this report, we investigated response rates to combination therapy [standard IFN‐α or PEG‐IFN‐α and ribavirin] in patients who relapsed or failed in prior therapy.

Methods: Ninety‐three patients were included in this retrospective study. All patients failed to previous IFN‐α monotherapy (n=55) or to a combination of standard IFN‐α and ribavirin (n=38). Fifty‐nine patients were nonresponders and 34 were relapsers. Thirty‐five patients were retreated with standard IFN‐α plus ribavirin and 58 received PEG‐IFN‐α combination therapy.

Results: Sustained virologic response (SVR) was induced in 31% of all patients. The highest SVR rate (58%) was observed in relapsers to standard IFN‐α combination therapy who were retreated with PEG‐IFN‐α combination therapy. The SVR rate in relapsers to standard IFN‐α monotherapy who received a standard IFN‐α combination therapy was 50%. Relapsers responded in a significantly higher proportion to retreatment than nonresponders (56% vs. 17%, P<0.001). Relapse to previous therapy was identified as an independent predictor for therapy response. The lowest SVR rate was observed in nonresponders to standard IFN‐α combination therapy who were retreated with PEG‐IFN‐α combination therapy (1/26; 4%).

Conclusions: In relapsers, retreatment with the most effective therapy regime to date a combination of PEG‐IFN‐α and ribavirin, is promising. However, retreatment with PEG‐IFN‐α combination therapy in nonresponders to standard IFN combination therapy is not effective.
Apolipoprotein AI and apolipoprotein E mRNA expression in peripheral white blood cells from patients with orthotopic liver transplantation
Authors: Martínez‐López Erika , Nuño‐González Patricia , Ruiz‐Madrigal Bertha , Rodríguez‐Sancho Luis Carlos , Hernández‐Nazará Zamira H. , Segura‐Ortega Jorge Enrique , Panduro Arturo
Published: May 2007

Background: Apolipoprotein AI/apolipoprotein E (apo‐AI/apo‐E) ratio change and its induction in non‐hepatic tissues have been reported during liver development, regeneration, and several pathophysiologic states. The clinical implication of such changes is unclear, but these could reflect recovery and/or severity of liver damage.

Methods and Results: Using RT‐PCR we analysed the mRNA expression of apo‐AI and apo‐E in peripheral white blood cells (PWBC) of patients with different liver diseases who underwent orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT) and compared its expression with the lipid profile and liver function tests. We found that patients showed higher levels of apo‐AI mRNA without detection of apo‐E mRNA on PWBC at the preoperative day, compared with healthy volunteers (HV). We found an apo‐AI/apo‐E mRNA ratio of 2.7 during the anhepatic stage, followed by a decrease to 1.3, 0.95, and 0.55 at days 30, 60, and 90, respectively. At the last time point, the apo‐AI/apo‐E ratio was similar to HV. At day 3 post‐OLT, the lowest levels of high‐density lipoprotein (HDL)‐cholesterol (17 mg/dl; P<0.05) and the highest levels of aspartate aminotransferase, total bilirubin and alkaline phosphatase (77.5 IU/l, 37.9 g/dl, 177.8 IU/l, respectively; P<0.05) were detected.

Conclusion: These results indicate that changes of HDL‐cholesterol and apo‐AI/apo‐E mRNA ratio could be a good indicator of liver damage and/or hepatic functional recovery post‐OLT.
Long‐Term Ecosystem Dynamics in the Serengeti: Lessons for Conservation
Authors: SINCLAIR A.R.E. , MDUMA SIMON A.R. , HOPCRAFT J. GRANT C. , FRYXELL JOHN M. , HILBORN RAY , THIRGOOD SIMON
Published: May 2007

Abstract:  Data from long‐term ecological studies further understanding of ecosystem dynamics and can guide evidence‐based management. In a quasi‐natural experiment we examined long‐term monitoring data on different components of the Serengeti‐Mara Ecosystem to trace the effects of disturbances and thus to elucidate cause‐and‐effect connections between them. The long‐term data illustrated the role of food limitation in population regulation in mammals, particularly in migratory wildebeest and nonmigratory buffalo. Predation limited populations of smaller resident ungulates and small carnivores. Abiotic events, such as droughts and floods, created disturbances that affected survivorship of ungulates and birds. Such disturbances showed feedbacks between biotic and abiotic realms. Interactions between elephants and their food allowed savanna and grassland communities to co‐occur. With increased woodland vegetation, predators' capture of prey increased. Anthropogenic disturbances had direct (hunting) and indirect (transfer of disease to wildlife) effects. Slow and rapid changes and multiple ecosystem states became apparent only over several decades and involved events at different spatial scales. Conservation efforts should accommodate both infrequent and unpredictable events and long‐term trends. Management should plan on the time scale of those events and should not aim to maintain the status quo. Systems can be self‐regulating through food availability and predator‐prey interactions; thus, culling may not be required. Ecosystems can occur in multiple states; thus, there may be no a priori need to maintain one natural state. Finally, conservation efforts outside protected areas must distinguish between natural change and direct human‐induced change. Protected areas can act as ecological baselines in which human‐induced change is kept to a minimum
The Conservation Relevance of Epidemiological Research into Carnivore Viral Diseases in the Serengeti
Authors: CLEAVELAND SARAH , MLENGEYA TITUS , KAARE MAGAI , HAYDON DAN , LEMBO TIZIANA , LAURENSON M. KAREN , PACKER CRAIG
Published: May 2007

Abstract: Recent outbreaks of rabies and canine distemper in wildlife populations of the Serengeti show that infectious disease constitutes a significant cause of mortality that can result in regional extirpation of endangered species even within large, well‐protected areas. Nevertheless, effective management of an infectious disease depends critically on understanding the epidemiological dynamics of the causative pathogen. Pathogens with short infection cycles cannot persist in small populations in the absence of a more permanent reservoir of infection. Development of appropriate interventions requires detailed data on transmission pathways between reservoirs and wildlife populations of conservation concern. Relevant data can be derived from long‐term population monitoring, epidemic and case‐surveillance patterns, genetic analyses of rapidly evolving pathogens, serological surveys, and intervention studies. We examined studies of carnivore diseases in the Serengeti. Epidemiological research contributes to wildlife conservation policy in terms of management of endangered populations and the integration of wildlife conservation with public health interventions. Long‐term, integrative, cross‐species research is essential for formulation of effective policy for disease control and optimization of ecosystem health.
The Role of Research in Evaluating Conservation Strategies in Tanzania: the Case of the Katavi‐Rukwa Ecosystem
Authors: MULDER MONIQUE BORGERHOFF , CARO TIM , MSAGO OMARI AYUBU
Published: May 2007

Abstract: Strict protectionism, resource extraction, protected‐area community outreach, ecotourism, an integrated conservation and development program, comanagement schemes, and citizen‐science initiatives are all being used to help conserve the remote Katavi‐Rukwa ecosystem in western Tanzania. Biological and social research show that protectionism is successful in the conservation of large mammals but fails to capture diverse species communities; extractivism is appropriate for some resources but not for others; protected‐area outreach can be effective for some communities; and devolved control over wildlife, in conjunction with ecotourism and citizen science, has considerable potential in the area. The long‐term nature of the research provides the necessary time frame to evaluate outcomes of different conservation strategies, uncovers dynamics within communities that affect attitudes and responses to conservation initiatives, provides impartial recommendations because changing research personnel offers different viewpoints, and, probably most importantly, enhances trust among stakeholders. Currently, there are limited institutional mechanisms for ensuring the input of biological and social science in shaping conservation practice in Tanzania, and long‐term research can help informally bridge the gap
The Contribution of Long‐Term Research at Gombe National Park to Chimpanzee Conservation
Authors: PUSEY ANNE E. , PINTEA LILIAN , WILSON MICHAEL L. , KAMENYA SHADRACK , GOODALL JANE
Published: May 2007

Abstract: Long‐term research projects can provide important conservation benefits, not only through research specifically focused on conservation problems, but also from various incidental benefits, such as increased intensity of monitoring and building support for the protection of an area. At Gombe National Park, Tanzania, long‐term research has provided at least four distinct benefits to wildlife conservation. (1) Jane Goodall's groundbreaking discoveries of chimpanzee (Pan troglodytes) tool use, hunting, and complex social relationships in what was then a game reserve drew attention to the area and created support for upgrading Gombe to national park status in 1968. (2) The highly publicized findings have earned Gombe and Tanzania the attention of a worldwide public that includes tourists and donors that provide financial support for Gombe, other parks in Tanzania, and chimpanzee conservation in general. (3) Crucial information on social structure and habitat use has been gathered that is essential for effective conservation of chimpanzees at Gombe and elsewhere. (4) A clear picture of Gombe's chimpanzee population over the past 40 years has been determined, and this has helped identify the greatest threats to the viability of this population, namely disease and habitat loss outside the park. These threats are severe and because of the small size of the population it is extremely vulnerable. Research at Gombe has led to the establishment of conservation education and development projects around Gombe, which are needed to build local support for the park and its chimpanzees, but saving these famous chimpanzees will take a larger integrated effort on the part of park managers, researchers, and the local community with financial help from international donors.
Assessment of Effectiveness of Protection Strategies in Tanzania Based on a Decade of Survey Data for Large Herbivores
Authors: STONER CHANTAL , CARO TIM , MDUMA SIMON , MLINGWA CHARLES , SABUNI GEORGE , BORNER MARKUS
Published: May 2007

Abstract:  Considerable controversy surrounds the effectiveness of strictly protected areas that prohibit consumptive resource use. For Tanzania we compared temporal changes in densities of large herbivores among heavily protected national parks and game reserves, partially protected game‐controlled areas, and areas with little or no protection. Comparisons based on surveys conducted in the late 1980s and early 1990s versus the late 1990s and early 2000s showed three consistent patterns across the country. First, significant declines in the densities of large herbivores between these two snapshots in time overwhelmingly outnumbered significant increases in all protection categories. Second, more species fared well (increased significantly or showed no significant change) in strictly protected national parks than in areas with partial or no protection and in heavily protected game reserves relative to areas with no protection. Third, significantly more species fared poorly (densities declined or were too low to detect a decline) than fared well in areas with partial or no protection. Our results show that although heavy protection was generally more effective in maintaining large herbivore populations than partial or no protection, continued long‐term monitoring is needed in Tanzania to inform managers whether large herbivores are experiencing declining population trends even within heavily protected areas.
How Broad‐Scale Studies of Patterns and Processes Can Serve to Guide Conservation Planning in Africa
Authors: FJELDSÅ JON
Published: May 2007

Abstract:  Analysis of large‐scale biodiversity patterns can uncover general relationships and problems that need to be taken into account when conservation strategies are developed. Nevertheless, these large‐scale patterns need to be supplemented with information from local studies that can identify specific problems and determine how the land can be divided between conservation and development interests. I analyzed biodiversity patterns at three different scales to show how various scales of research contributed to conservation planning. A gap analysis for all of sub‐Saharan Africa revealed that the network of wildlife reserves provides insufficient protection of narrowly endemic and threatened species, mainly because such species are aggregated in certain areas with dense human populations. A more fine‐grained analysis of the distribution of forest birds of eastern Africa generally confirmed the results obtained with coarse‐scale data and added precision by identifying forest tracts where conservation actions should be concentrated. Detailed local distribution data for one of the prioritized areas, the Uluguru Mountains in Tanzania, suggest that the actions to halt the loss of biodiversity should be concentrated in the submontane zone, immediately adjacent to densely populated areas. To achieve conservation on the ground, these general planning tools must be supplemented with other kinds of research concerning land‐use and local knowledge and with approaches that promote more sustainable development. Different types of institutions will be needed for these different tasks, but it is essential that researchers maintain a dialogue with planners in this area.