bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Fine‐scale genetic analysis of species‐specific female preference in Drosophila simulans
Authors: Laturney M. , Moehring A. J.
Published: June 2012

Behavioural differences are thought to be the first components to contribute to species isolation, yet the precise genetic basis of behavioural isolation remains poorly understood. Here, we used a combination of behaviour assays and genetic mapping to provide the first refined map locating candidate genes for interspecific female preference isolating Drosophila simulans from D. melanogaster. First, we tested whether two genes identified as affecting D. melanogaster female intraspecific mate choice also affect interspecific mate choice; neither of these genes was found to contribute to species‐specific female preference. Next, we used deficiency mapping to locate genes on the right arm of the third chromosome for species‐specific female preference and identified five small significant regions that contain candidate genes contributing to behavioural isolation. All five regions were located in areas that would have low interspecific recombination, which mirrors the results of other behavioural isolation studies that used quantitative trait locus (QTL) mapping, but without the potential concern of bias towards regions of low recombination that QTL mapping may have. As this model system may be refined to the individual gene level using the same methodology, this initial map we provide may potentially serve as a ready template for the identification and characterization of the first behavioural isolation genes.
Evolution of maternal care in diploid and haplodiploid populations
Authors: GARDNER A.
Published: June 2012

Maternal care has been suggested to evolve more readily in haplodiploid populations. Because maternal care appears to have been a prerequisite for the evolution of eusociality, this effect potentially explains the apparent preponderance of haplodiploidy among eusocial taxa. Here, I use a kin selection approach to model the evolution of maternal care in diploid and haplodiploid populations. In contrast to previous suggestions, I find that haplodiploidy may inhibit as well as promote the evolution of maternal care. Moreover, I find that the haplodiploidy effect vanishes in outbred populations if gene effects average rather than add together. I confirm these analytical results using numerical simulation of an explicit population genetics model. This analysis casts doubt upon the idea that haplodiploidy has promoted the evolution of maternal care and, consequently, the evolution of eusociality.
Effect of pencil grasp on the speed and legibility of handwriting after a 10‐minute copy task in Grade 4 children
Authors: Schwellnus Heidi , Carnahan Heather , Kushki Azadeh , Polatajko Helene , Missiuna Cheryl , Chau Tom
Published: June 2012

Aim

To investigate the impact of common pencil grasp patterns on the speed and legibility of handwriting after a 10‐minute copy task, intended to induce muscle fatigue, in typically developing children and in those non‐proficient in handwriting.

Methods

A total of 120 Grade 4 students completed a standardised handwriting assessment before and after a 10‐minute copy task. The students indicated the perceived difficulty of the handwriting task at baseline and after 10 minutes. The students also completed a self‐report questionnaire regarding their handwriting proficiency upon completion.

Results

The majority of the students rated higher effort after the 10‐minute copy task than at baseline (rank sum: P = 0.00001). The effort ratings were similar for the different grasp patterns (multiple linear regression: F = 0.37, P = 0.895). For both typically developing children and those with handwriting issues, the legibility of the writing samples decreased after the 10‐minute copy task but the speed of writing increased.

Conclusions and Significance of the Study

The quality of the handwriting decreased after the 10‐minute copy task; however, there was no difference in the quality or speed scores among the different pencil grasps before and after the copy task. The dynamic tripod pencil grasp did not offer any advantage over the lateral tripod or the dynamic or lateral quadrupod pencil grasps in terms of quality of handwriting after a 10‐minute copy task. These four pencil grasp patterns performed equivalently. Our findings question the practice of having students adopt the dynamic tripod pencil grasp.
Hiatal hernia and the risk of Barrett's esophagus
Authors: Andrici Juliana , Tio Martin , Cox Michael R , Eslick Guy D
Published: June 2012

Background and Aim:  Barrett's esophagus has been associated with the presence of hiatal hernia; however, to date no meta‐analysis of the relationship has been performed. We aimed to conduct a systematic review and meta‐analysis, providing a quantitative estimate of the increased risk of Barrett's esophagus associated with hiatal hernia.

Methods:  A search was conducted through four electronic databases (Medline, PubMed, Embase, and Current Contents Connect) to 4 April 2012, for observational studies of Barrett's esophagus patients. We calculated pooled odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals using a random effects model for the association of hiatal hernia with any length Barrett's esophagus, as well as with short segment Barrett's esophagus and long segment Barrett's esophagus. 33 studies comprising 4390 Barrett's esophagus patients were eligible for the meta‐analysis.

Results:  Hiatal hernia was associated with an increased risk of Barrett's esophagus of any length (odds ratio 3.94; 95% confidence interval 3.02–5.13). Heterogeneity was present (I2 = 82.03%, P < 0.001), and the Egger test for publication bias was significant (P = 0.0005). The short segment Barrett's esophagus subgroup analysis likewise showed an increased risk (odds ratio 2.87; 95% confidence interval 1.75–4.70). The strongest association was between hiatal hernia and long segment Barrett's esophagus (odds ratio 12.67; 95% confidence interval 8.33–19.25). The increased risk was present even after adjusting for reflux and body mass index.

Conclusions:  The presence of hiatal hernia was associated with an increased risk of Barrett's esophagus, even after adjusting for clinically significant confounders. The strongest association was found between hiatal hernia and long segment Barrett's esophagus.
Hepatitis B virus infection increases the risk of cholangiocarcinoma: A meta‐analysis and systematic review
Authors: Li Min , Li Jinzheng , Li Peizhi , Li Hongyang , Su Tianyi , Zhu Rongtao , Gong Jianping
Published: June 2012

Background and Aim:  A number of studies have shown that hepatitis virus infections may be associated with cholangiocarcinoma (CC). However, the relationship between hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection and CC, especially intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC), is still controversial.

Methods:  Relevant studies were identified by searching PUBMED, EMBASE and Web of Science Datebases up to September 2011. Pooled risk estimates were calculated using a random‐effects model. Potential sources of heterogeneity were performed by subgroup analyses. A total of 18 papers were included in this meta‐analysis.

Results:  The pooled risk estimate of all studies showed a statistically significant increased risk of CC among individuals with HBV infection (rate ratio [RR]: 2.66; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.97, 3.60). Compared with those without HBV infection, persons with HBV infection had an increased risk of intra‐CC (ICC) (RR: 3.42; 95% CI: 2.46, 43.74), extrahepatic CC (OR: 1.46; 95% CI: 0.98, 2.17), and CC (OR: 2.03; 95% CI: 1.15, 3.56). In a subgroup analysis of HBV infection and risk of ICC, the pooled risk estimate of studies in Asians (RR: 3.63; 95% CI: 2.56, 5.13) was higher than that in non‐Asians (RR: 1.93; 95% CI: 0.78, 4.76). A Begg funnel plot and Egger test revealed no evidence for publication bias.

Conclusions:  This meta‐analysis shows that HBV is associated with increased risk of CC, especially for ICC. Further investigation is needed to focus on the mechanism by which HBV may be involved in the pathogenesis of CC.
Efficacy of carbon dioxide‐insufflating colonoscopy in patients with irritable bowel syndrome: A randomized double‐blind study
Authors: Imai Aki , Kato Mototsugu , Ono Shouko , Shimizu Yuichi , Takeda Hiroshi , Asaka Masahiro
Published: June 2012

Background and Aim:  Colonoscopy has the disadvantage of pain and discomfort for patients. It has been shown in randomized controlled trials that carbon dioxide (CO2) insufflations significantly reduce pain and discomfort in patients undergoing colonoscopy. However, there have been no studies in which CO2 insufflation in colonoscopy of patients with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) was investigated.

Methods:  Randomized double‐blind controlled study was conducted to assess the suffering from colonoscopy in patients with IBS and the efficacy of CO2 insufflation in colonoscopy for patients with IBS. Patients with IBS and controls who received colonoscopy were randomized into an air or CO2 insufflation group. Patients' symptoms such as distension and pain were compared using a 10‐cm visual analog scale (VAS).

Results:  There were 18 patients in the IBS/air group, 19 patients in the IBS/CO2 group, 25 patients in the control/air group and 26 patients in the control/CO2 group. The mean value of severity of distension after colonoscopy and the mean value of severity of pain from during examination to one hour after the examination were higher in the IBS group than in the control group. The severity of these symptoms was reduced earlier in the CO2 group. CO2 insufflation in colonoscopy was more effective in the IBS group than in the control group from 15 min to one hour after the examination.

Conclusion:  Regarding colonoscopy‐related suffering, IBS patients showed significant differences from non‐IBS patients. CO2 insufflation in colonoscopy is effective for IBS patients, particularly for patients who commence activities after colonscopy.
Variations in zooplankton community structure and water quality conditions in three habitat types in northern Lake Victoria
Authors: Vincent Kiggundu , Mwebaza‐Ndawula L. , Makanga B. , Nachuha Sarah
Published: June 2012

Lake Victoria is vulnerable to increasing eutrophication, which has become manifested in ecological changes not yet fully understood. From October 2009 to January 2010, the influence of water quality on zooplankton community structure in three habitats in northern Lake Victoria, including sewage lagoons at the lake shores, Napoleon Gulf (NG) and the interface between the lake and the Nile River (also known as Source of the Nile River), was examined. Selected physico‐chemical parameters (dissolved oxygen concentration; water temperature; electrical conductivity; water depth) were measured in‐situ, while water samples were collected for chlorophyll‐a determinations. Zooplankton was sampled with conical plankton net (mesh size 60 μm; 0.25‐m mouth diameter). The NG and Source of the River Nile (SN) sampling sites exhibited significantly higher species richness, relative to the Sewage Lagoons (SL) site (F2,69 = 68.533; P < 0.05). Higher mean densities and dry biomass of zooplankton was generally a characteristic of the SL site (8715 ± 3241 ind L−1; 1862 ± 451 μg L−1), compared to the NG (119 ± 24 ind L−1; 53 ± 8 μg L−1) and SN sites (151 ± 26 ind L−1; 58 ± 9 μg L−1). Copepoda constituted a high numerical composition of the zooplankton at the NG and SN sites (>90% for both sites), while Rotifera dominated the zooplankton community at the SL site (97%). The mean values (±SE) of soluble reactive phosphorus (4060.7 ± 776.6 μg L−1) and nitrate–nitrogen (2121.7 ± 355.5 μg L−1) were much higher for the SL site, compared with the SN (8.2 ± 1.1 μg L−1; 28.6 ± 5.3 μg L−1, respectively), and NG site (7.8 ± 0.8 μg L−1; 32.7 ± 5.4 μg L−1, respectively). This study indicated the nutrient‐rich conditions observed at the SL site suppress the zooplankton species diversity, but favour species‐specific abundance and biomass. These study results indicate the zooplankton community structure can be used as a biological indicator of water quality in the Lake Victoria region.
Water quality assessment of a tropical coastal lake system using multivariate cluster, principal component and factor analysis
Authors: Sheela A. M. , Letha J. , Joseph S. , Chacko M. , Sanal kumar S. P. , Thomas J.
Published: June 2012

Statistical techniques represent a reliable tool for classifying, modelling and interpreting surface water quality monitoring data, particularly for lakes. The complexity associated with the analysis of a large number of measured variables, however, is a major problem in water quality assessments. Multivariate analysis, such as cluster analysis and factor analysis (FA), was utilized in this study for the analysis of water quality data (including water discharges and 28 water quality parameters) for Akkulam–Veli Lake, a tropical coastal lake system in Kerala, India. This lake is partially divided into two sub‐systems, namely Veli Lake and Akkulam Lake. Akkulam Lake exhibits freshwater characteristics, in contrast to Veli Lake, which exhibits saline water characteristics because of its close proximity to the sea. Thus, studying this lake provides insights into water quality variations in both a freshwater and saline water lake in a tropical region. Water quality patterns and variations in Akkulam–Vela Lake over three seasons, including pre‐monsoon (PRM), monsoon (MON) and post‐monsoon (POM), also were studied, utilizing multivariate techniques. The organic pollution factor played a significant role on lake water quality during PRM. The influence of organic pollution tends to decrease during MON and POM, a particular situation faced by urban lakes in tropical regions. Polluted stretches in a lake system during different seasons can easily be ascertained by hierarchical cluster analysis. Further, the factors affecting a lake system as a whole, as well as for a particular sampling site, can easily be identified by FA. Improved water quality can be observed during POM. Akkulam and Vela lakes exhibit a wide variation in water quality during all seasons, a finding that corroborates a water flow obstruction from Akkulam Lake to Veli Lake because of the bund existing between the two lakes. The location of the bund is identified as the major reason for different hydrochemical processes in A–V Lake.
Leydig cell tumor of the spermatic cord in an adolescent affected by congenital adrenal hyperplasia
Authors: Ferrari Matteo , Raber Marco , Capitanio Umberto , Russo Gianni , Ferrario Matilde , Rizzo Nathalie , Freschi Massimo , Rigatti Patrizio , Montorsi Francesco
Published: June 2012

We report the first case of a patient with extratesticular Leydig cell tumor associated with congenital adrenal hyperplasia. An 18‐year‐old congenital adrenal hyperplasia patient presented with a palpable and asymptomatic right extratesticular mass. Color Doppler sonography confirmed the presence of a capsulated and vascularised lesion. Sieric tumor markers were negative. The patient underwent surgical scrotal exploration through an inguinal right incision. The mass, 18 mm in size and located within the spermatic cord, was removed and final pathology diagnosed a benign Leydig cell tumor.
Inheritance mode of seed dormancy in the hybrid progeny of sesame, Sesamum indicum, and its wild relative, Sesamum mulayanum Nair
Authors: TANESAKA EIJI , UMEDA EIKO , YAMAMOTO MASAYUKI , MASUDA KYOJIRO , YAMADA KYOJI , YOSHIDA MOTONOBU
Published: June 2012

Sesamum mulayanum is a wild relative of cultivated sesame, Sesamum indicum, and sometimes grows in sesame crop fields as an associated weed. This species shows deep seed dormancy and is characterized by conspicuous purple pigmentation on the lower lip of the corolla. The present study examined the inheritance mode of seed dormancy by using reciprocal progeny from crosses between the two species. The seeds of S. indicum and F1 (S. indicum×S. mulayanum) showed good germination, but those of S. mulayanum and F1 (S. mulayanum×S. indicum) showed deep dormancy. The F2 seeds from both reciprocal crosses showed deep dormancy. These results, combined with the maternal inheritance of seed‐coat characteristics, indicated that the seed dormancy of S. mulayanum can be attributed to its seed‐coat structure (coat‐enhanced dormancy). The F3 (S. indicum×S. mulayanum) seeds varied in their depth of seed dormancy and those seeds with deep dormancy (<50% germination) and those with no or shallow dormancy (≥50% germination) occurred in the expected ratio of 3:1, indicating that this trait is polygenic but is controlled by a single dominant major gene. The purple pigmentation of the corolla was expressed in both reciprocal F1 plants and the presence and absence of pigmentation was segregated among the F2 plants at the expected ratio of 3:1, indicating that this trait is also controlled by a single dominant gene. The segregation of the major gene controlling seed dormancy and that controlling purple pigmentation was not independent (9:3:3:1), indicating that these genes are linked, providing insights on sesame domestication.
Tillage and herbicide treatments with inter‐row cultivation influence weed densities and yield of three industrial crops
Authors: VASILEIADIS VASILEIOS P. , FROUD‐WILLIAMS ROBERT J. , ELEFTHEROHORINOS ILIAS G.
Published: June 2012

Field experiments were conducted in northern Greece in 2003 and 2004 to evaluate effects of tillage regimes (moldboard plowing, chisel plowing, and rotary tilling), cropping sequences (continuous cotton, cotton‐sugar beet rotation, and continuous tobacco) and herbicide treatments with inter‐row hand hoeing on weed population densities. Total weed densities were not affected by tillage treatment except that of barnyardgrass (Echinochloa crus‐galli), which increased only in moldboard plowing treated plots during 2003. Redroot pigweed (Amaranthus retroflexus) and black nightshade (Solanum nigrum) densities were reduced in continuous cotton, while purple nutsedge (Cyperus rotundus), E. crus‐galli, S. nigrum, and johnsongrass (Sorghum halepense) densities were reduced in tobacco. A. retroflexus and S. nigrum were effectively controlled by all herbicide treatments with inter‐row hand hoeing, whereas E. crus‐galli was effectively reduced by herbicides applied to cotton and tobacco. S. halepense density reduction was a result of herbicide applied to tobacco with inter‐row hand hoeing. Yield of all crops was higher under moldboard plowing and herbicide treatments. Pre‐sowing and pre‐emergence herbicide treatments in cotton and pre‐transplant in tobacco integrated with inter‐row cultivation resulted in efficient control of annual weed species and good crop yields. These observations are of practical relevance to crop selection by farmers in order to maintain weed populations at economically acceptable densities through the integration of various planting dates, sustainable herbicide use and inter‐row cultivation; tools of great importance in integrated weed management systems.
Critical period for weed control in direct seeded red pepper (Capsicum annum L.)
Authors: TURSUN NIHAT , AKINCI IRFAN ERSIN , ULUDAG AHMET , PAMUKOGLU ZULEYHA , GOZCU DOGAN
Published: June 2012

Direct seeded red pepper is a cash crop in Kahramanmaraş province of Turkey as well as some other nearby provinces. Weeds are a major constraint in red pepper production. Field studies were conducted to determine critical period for weed control (CPWC) in direct seeded spice pepper in Kahramanmaraş, in 2008 and 2009. The CPWC in red pepper based on a 2.5%, 5% and 10% acceptable yield loss (AYL) was calculated by fitting logistic and Gompertz equations to relative yield data. The CPWC in red pepper was determined from 0 to 1087 growing degree days (GDD) in 2008 and from 109 to 796 GDD in 2009 for 10% AYL after crop emergence in red pepper. For 2.5–5% AYL, the CPWC starts with germination and lasts until harvest. Direct seeded red pepper is very vulnerable to weed competition and weed control programs for direct seeded spice pepper in Turkey should include pre‐emergence and residual herbicides.
Low‐grade endometrial stromal sarcoma developing in a postmenopausal woman under toremifene treatment for breast cancer
Authors: Kashiyama Tomoko , Oda Katsutoshi , Kawana Kei , Arimoto Takahide , Kanetaka Yukiko , Takazawa Yutaka , Maeda Daichi , Nakagawa Shunsuke , Yano Tetsu , Kozuma Shiro
Published: June 2012

Low‐grade endometrial stromal sarcoma (ESS) is a rare neoplasm that is generally estrogen‐receptor‐ and progesterone‐receptor‐positive and develops in premenopausal women. Although tamoxifen treatment is associated with an increased risk of ESS, the effect of other selective estrogen receptor modulators, including toremifene, on the risk of ESS is not clear. A 61‐year‐old postmenopausal woman was treated with toremifene as an adjuvant therapy for breast cancer. A cystic mass developed during the treatment, with gradual growth in the uterine myometrium. The patient was treated with hysterectomy and bilateral salpingo‐oophorectomy, and the tumor was diagnosed as low‐grade ESS (stage IA) with estrogen‐receptor and progesterone‐receptor. The patient discontinued toremifene and has been progression‐free for 21 months. Our data suggest that toremifene might be associated with the development of ESS in certain patients through its estrogen‐like effects in the uterus.
Gene‐flow between niches facilitates local adaptation in sexual populations
Authors: Gray Jeremy C. , Goddard Matthew R.
Published: June 2012

In sexual populations, gene‐flow between niches is predicted to have differential consequences on local adaptation contingent upon the nature of trade‐offs underlying local adaptation. Sex retards local adaptation if antagonistic pleiotropy underlies trade‐offs, but facilitates adaptation if mutation accumulation underlies trade‐offs. We evaluate the effect of sex in heterogeneous environments by manipulating gene‐flow between two niches in sexual and asexual populations using steady‐state microcosm experiments with yeast. We find that only sex in the presence of gene‐flow promotes simultaneous local adaptation to different niches, presumably as this exposes mutations neutrally accrued in alternate niches to selection. This finding aligns with work showing mutation accumulation underlies trade‐offs to local adaptation in asexual microbes, and with inferences of divergence in the presence of gene‐flow in natural sexual populations. This experiment shows that sex may be of benefit in heterogeneous environments, and thus helps explain why sex has been maintained more generally.
Gender, Race and Border Security Practices: A Profane Reading of ‘Muscular Liberalism’
Authors: Basham Victoria M. , Vaughan-Williams Nick
Published: June 2012

In recent years the concept of the border has been reconceptualised: borders are no longer viewed primarily as static lines at the outer edge of the state, but increasingly as mobile, bio-political and virtual apparatuses of control. While such a reconceptualisation resonates with western border security practices, however, it is vulnerable to the critique that such a totalising vision of sovereign space does not take into account the varied responses, resistances and contestations among populations targeted by those bordering practices. This article responds to such a critique by developing an interlocking account of the gendered and racialised logics that condition the possibility for contemporary border security practices. We illustrate our approach via an analysis of two visions of contemporary British society and border politics: one offered by Prime Minister David Cameron in his ‘Muscular liberalism’ speech delivered in February 2011; the other contained in Chris Morris’ jihadist comedy ‘Four Lions'.
A Case‐Based Reasoning system for complex medical diagnosis
Authors: Chattopadhyay Subhagata , Banerjee Suvendu , Rabhi Fethi A. , Acharya U. Rajendra
Published: June 2012

A Case‐Based Reasoning (CBR) system for medical diagnosis mimics the way doctors make a diagnosis. Given a new case, its accuracy in practice depends on successful retrieval of similar cases. CBR systems have had some success in dealing with simple diseases because of the robustness of their case base. However, their diagnostic accuracy suffers when dealing with complex diseases particularly those that involve multiple domains in medicine. An example of such a condition is Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) as it falls under both gynaecology and psychiatry. To address this issue, the paper proposes a CBR‐based expert system that uses the K‐nearest neighbour (KNN) algorithm to search k similar cases based on the Euclidean distance measure. The novelty of the system is in the design of a flexible auto‐set tolerance (T), which serves as a threshold to extract cases for which similarities are greater than the assigned value of T. A prototype software tool with a menu‐driven Graphical User Interface (GUI) has been developed for case input, analysis of results, and case adaptation within the system. Finally, the performance of the tool has been checked on a set of real‐world PMS cases.
A Piece of Coastal Crust: The Origins of a Second World War Defence Landscape at Walberswick, Suffolk
Authors: LIDDIARD ROBERT , SIMS DAVID
Published: June 2012

The fortification of the British coastline under threat of German invasion is a neglected dimension of the Second World War. While the various national defence programmes enacted during the conflict are well known, the mechanisms by which these schemes were actually established are poorly understood. This article sheds new light on the origins of Britain's coastal ‘crust’ via a case study of Walberswick in Suffolk. It demonstrates that the defences erected during the invasion crisis of 1940 were as much a product of local decisions made on the ground as they were of top‐down planning.
The Hidden History of Graham Greene's Vietnam War: Fact, Fiction and The Quiet American
Authors: RUANE KEVIN
Published: June 2012

In the frontispiece of his Vietnam‐set novel, The Quiet American, published in 1955, Graham Greene insisted that he had written ‘a story and not a piece of history’, yet countless readers in the decades that followed ignored these cautionary words and invested the work with historical authenticity. By writing in the first person, and by including more direct reportage (drawn from his several visits to Indo‐China in the 1950s) than can be found in any of his other novels, Greene underestimated the extent to which his readership would confuse fact and fiction. Greene did not intend his novel to function as history, but this is what happened. How, then, does it measure up as history? In addressing this question, most commentators have been concerned to establish the real‐life inspiration for Alden Pyle, the quiet American of the book's title who is secretly (and disastrously) promoting a Third Force in Vietnam equidistant between the French colonialists and the communist‐led Viet‐Minh. In this article the focus is less on personalities than on whether the Americans were indeed covertly funding and arming a Third Force. In addition, using Greene's unpublished letters and diaries as well as Foreign Office documents recently released under the UK Freedom of Information Act, it will be seen that the British, too, were involved in Third Force plotting behind French backs and that Greene himself was a party to the kind of convoluted intrigue so often to be found in the plots of his novels.
Submission and Homage: Feudo‐Vassalic Bonds and the Settlement of Disputes in Ottonian Germany
Authors: ROACH LEVI
Published: June 2012

This article seeks to shed light on the role of feudo‐vassalic relations in Ottonian Germany, approaching the subject from the angle of the role that homage played in dispute settlement. Taking as its starting point two descriptions of acts of submission which involved the ritual of homage, it argues that neither can sustain a traditional feudo‐vassalic interpretation; it would seem that homage was used in such contexts not because the parties involved were bound by a putative ‘feudal contract’, but rather because it was a flexible rite, which was by no means limited to relations between feudal lords and their enfeoffed vassals. This leads on to a broader reconsideration of feudo‐vassalic bonds in the tenth‐ and early eleventh‐century Reich, which argues that though the evidence to hand does not conform well to classic teaching regarding the ‘feudal system’, it nevertheless shows important developments towards something approximating this, which by the second half of the twelfth century comes more fully into view.
Two Sides of a Coin: Endogenous and Exogenous Effects of Corporate Diversification on Firm Value
Authors: He Xi
Published: June 2012

We investigate the value effects of two types of corporate diversification – unexpected exogenous diversification and endogenous diversification. Combining Heckman's sample‐selection estimator with a two‐stage least squares estimator and a generalized method of moments instrumental variables estimator to control for both endogeneity and sample‐selection bias, we find that while an unexpected increase in diversification caused by exogenous shocks destroys firm value, an endogenous increase in diversification due to managerial decisions will enhance firm value, indicating a diversification premium from altering organizational structures.
Agreement between histological subtype on punch biopsy and surgical excision in primary basal cell carcinoma
Authors: Roozeboom M.H. , Mosterd K. , Winnepenninckx V.J.L. , Nelemans P.J. , Kelleners‐Smeets N.W.J.
Published: June 2012

Background  Diagnosis of clinically suspected basal cell carcinoma (BCC) by histological confirmation with punch biopsy has been recommended before treatment. Even shave biopsy has been proposed as useful to predict the correct subtype in primary BCC in 76–81%, whereas the agreement between histological BCC subtype on punch biopsy and subsequent excision specimens in recurrent BCC is 67.1%. However, no large studies on the agreement between histological BCC subtype seen on punch biopsy and the following surgical excision are performed in primary BCC.

Objective  The aims of this study were (i) to establish the agreement between histological BCC subtype on punch biopsy and the subsequent surgical excision of primary BCC and; (ii) to investigate the proportion of primary BCCs in which punch biopsy enables identification of the most aggressive growth pattern.

Methods  Retrospective analyses of 243 primary BCCs with both punch biopsy and subsequent surgical excision. Analyses were based on the most aggressive histological subtype of the tumour.

Results  The agreement between BCC subtype on punch biopsy and the subsequent surgical excision of primary BCCs was 60.9%. A punch biopsy can predict the most aggressive growth pattern of primary BCCs in 84.4%. Seventy‐four percentage of all primary BCCs consisted of more than one histological subtype.

Conclusion  Dermatologists and other physicians have to be aware of the limited diagnostic value of a punch biopsy to determine the histological BCC subtype of the whole lesion. Misdiagnosis of the subtype will lead to undertreatment in one of six primary BCCs.
Writing on the land: Cuba’s literary geography
Authors: Hulme Peter
Published: June 2012

This Transactions of the IBG Plenary lecture looks at some of the ways in which writers, geographers, and artists have imagined the island of Cuba. Particular attention is paid to the image of the island as a body. The dominant context for the paper is the long historical relationship between Cuba and its powerful northern neighbour.
Phase Transition Domains in Ca‐based Complex Perovskite Dielectric Ceramics
Authors: Fu Mao Sen , Ni Lei , Liu Xiao Qiang , Chen Xiang Ming , Zeng Yue Wu
Published: June 2012

Phase transition‐induced lamellar domain structures together with the phase transition process in
Ca
[(
Mg

1/3

Ta

2/3)0.9

Ti

0.1]
O

3 complex perovskite ceramics have been investigated by high‐resolution transmission electron microscopy. As the orthorhombic and monoclinic structures coexist in the present ceramics and even in a single grain, groups of lamellar domains have been observed and analyzed in the three characteristic zone axes of the parent cubic perovskite structure: 〈100〉, 〈110〉, and 〈111〉. zone axes. The antiparallel displacement of A‐site cations, in‐phase, and antiphase oxygen octahedra tilting and B‐site 1:2 cation ordering cause superstructure reflections to destroy the symmetry of the parent cubic structure and subsequently induce domain structures. Groups of (010), (100) reflection twin domains and 90° rotation domains along the [100], [010], and [001] directions in the 〈100〉 and 〈110〉 zone axes are refined to be caused by the loss of reflection planes and fourfold rotation symmetry, whereas the loss of threefold rotoinversion and gain of twofold rotation symmetry lead to 120° and 180° rotation domains in the [111] zone axis. Rhombohedral
m and tetragonal 4/mmm structures are revealed to act as the bridging intermediate phase to make the first‐order phase transitions from the parent cubic m

m structure to the orthorhombic mmm structure and monoclinic 2/m structure without group‐subgroup relations continuous and diffusionless, and thus could occur via second order to form domain structures.
Burden of Stroke in Nepal
Authors: Shaik Munvar Miya , Loo Keat Wei , Gan Siew Hua
Published: June 2012

Based on disability-adjusted life years, stroke is one of the major causes of death and is among the top five diseases in Nepal. Despite this fact, information on the prevalence, morbidity, and mortality of stroke in Nepal is limited to urban areas, with no official reports published on the epidemiology of stroke throughout the country. The mean age of stroke patients in Nepal is between 59 and 62 years, with males affected more frequently. Hypertension, cigarette smoking, alcohol consumption, and diabetes are the main predisposing factors for stroke, and ischemic stroke is more common (63%) than hemorrhagic stroke (37%). Because of a lack of facilities and specialists, most stroke patients, especially in the rural areas, seek traditional healers to treat their conditions. More governmental and non-governmental organizations should be involved in improving facilities and implementing prevention strategies.
A novel bioflocculant produced byKlebsiella sp. and its application to sludge dewatering
Authors: Yang Qi , Luo Kun , Liao De‐xiang , Li Xiao‐ming , Wang Dong‐bo , Liu Xian , Zeng Guang‐ming , Li Xu
Published: June 2012

A bioflocculant‐producing bacterium, namedN‐10, was isolated from activated sludge and was identified asKlebsiella sp.The bioflocculant (named MBF10) produced byKlebsiella sp. had a good flocculating capability and could achieve a flocculating rate of 86.5% to kaolin suspension at the dosage of 0.034 g/L. Compared with chemical flocculants, such as Al2(SO4)3, polyaluminum chloride (PAC) and cationic polyacrylamide (PAM) at their optimal dosages, MBF10 showed a similar performance for sludge dewatering. After preconditioning, dry solids (DS) and specific resistance to filtration (SRF) of the sludge were 17.5% and 3.36 × 1012m/kg, respectively. The combined use of MBF10 and Al2(SO4)3resulted in optimum sludge dewatering properties,SRFreduced from 10.87 × 1012m/kg to 1.72 × 1012m/kg, andDSincreased from 13.1% to 21.3%. Charge neutralisation and interparticle bridging were proposed as the reasons for the enhanced performance based upon the experimental observations.
Dietary variation within and between populations of northeast Atlantic killer whales, Orcinus orca, inferred from δ13C and δ15N analyses
Authors: Foote Andrew D. , Vester Heike , Víkingsson Gísli A. , Newton Jason
Published: June 2012

Abstract

Epidermal skin samples from eastern North Atlantic killer whales, Orcinus orca, were analyzed for carbon and nitrogen stable isotope ratios. From those, comparisons within a data set of 17 samples collected from Tysfjord, Norway, in November suggested that diet is relatively specialized during this time period at this location. There were significant differences between a small set of samples from Iceland and those collected from Norway, which had all been assigned to the same population by a previous population genetics study. The results would be consistent with matrilines feeding on either the Norwegian or Icelandic stocks of Atlantic herring (Clupea harengus). There was no significant difference within Icelandic samples between those assigned to the population known to feed upon herring and those assigned to a population hypothesized to follow Atlantic mackerel (Scomber scombrus). The greatest differences were between the epidermal samples analyzed in this study and tooth and bone collagen samples from the North Sea that were analyzed previously, which also showed significantly more variation in isotopic ratios than found for skin samples. These differences could reflect differences in turnover rate, differences in diet‐tissue fractionation and discrimination due to the amino acid composition of the different tissues, and/or greater competition promoting dietary variation between groups in the North Sea.
Tactile discrimination of textures by Florida manatees (Trichechus manatus latirostris)
Authors: Bauer Gordon B. , Gaspard III Joseph C. , Colbert Debborah E. , Leach Jennifer B. , Stamper Sarah A. , Mann David , Reep Roger
Published: June 2012

Abstract

Two male Florida manatees (Trichechus manatus latirostris) demonstrated sensitive tactile discrimination in a two‐alternative forced choice task, using a modified staircase method. Stimuli were acrylic plates with vertical gratings of ridges and grooves. The standard stimulus, present on every trial, had 2 mm gratings and the comparison stimuli had wider gratings. The blindfolded subjects were trained to demonstrate discrimination by pressing the target with wider gratings. Discrimination thresholds (75% correct) for the subjects were 2.05 mm and 2.15 mm, corresponding to Weber fractions of 0.025 and 0.075, respectively. These results indicate thresholds on similar stimuli comparable to humans (index finger tasks) and better than harbor seals, Phoca vitulina, and the closely related Antillean manatee, Trichechus manatus manatus. Memory for the tactile task was quite stable for both subjects, over 2 yr in the case of one of the subjects. Video analysis of responses indicated that bristle‐like hairs, perioral bristles, and skin on the oral disk were involved in the discrimination response.
Digestive retention times for Allen's swamp monkey and L'Hoest's monkey: data with implications for the evolution of cercopithecine digestive strategy
Authors: BLAINE Kevin P. , LAMBERT Joanna E.
Published: June 2012

Primates access energy from plant fiber via bacterial fermentation in either a modified forestomach (‘foregut’), a caecocolic (‘hindgut’) chamber of the large intestine, or both. Longer digestive retention times allow for more complete fermentation; as such, primates that consume an herbivorous diet high in fiber are expected to have both relatively and absolutely longer retention times than those mammals that rely on more readily digestible plant foods, such as fruit. We used particulate markers to measure the digestive retention times of captive Allen's swamp monkeys [Allenopithecus nigroviridis (Pocock, 1907)] (n= 3) and L'Hoest's monkey (Cercopithecus lhoesti P. Sclater, 1899) (n= 2). Results indicate mean retention times of 23.2–29.4 h and 23.2–24.0 h for C. lhoesti and A. nigroviridus, respectively. Results from this study, in combination with previously published data on digestive retention times in other primate species, indicate that cercopithecines differ from other primate taxa by having lengthier retention times that can be predicted by body mass alone. These data are consistent with the hypothesis that relatively lengthy retention times are a primitive trait for Cercopithecinae.
Supplemental iodine as a key to reproduction in pandas?
Authors: MILEWSKI Antoni V. , DIERENFELD Ellen S.
Published: June 2012

Pandas are endemic to iodine‐poor environments and appear to be specialized for a goitrogenic staple diet. In particular, the importance of thiocyanate in bamboos might possibly have been overlooked in captive breeding programs. Although excreted in urine, thiocyanate first antagonizes absorption of iodine by the thyroid (of parent, fetus and suckling juveniles) and the mammary glands. In livestock and humans, subclinical deficiency of iodine is known to result in reproductive problems (including retardation of the fetus and suckling infant) even where the mother appears to be unaffected beyond slight hyperplasia of the thyroid and subtle hypothyroidism as reflected by levels of thyroid hormones. We suggest that the possibilities of iodine deficiency or excess should be carefully considered wherever the reproductive rates of pandas are unsatisfactory.
Bone micro‐environment in prostate cancer: impact, treatment and implications for nursing practice
Authors: Drudge‐Coates Lawrence , Turner Bruce
Published: June 2012

Prostate cancer is a substantial worldwide health care challenge. The disease is associated with detrimental effects on bone remodelling, mediated by the RANK/RANK ligand (RANKL) system. Androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) causes an imbalance in regular bone turnover, resulting in bone loss [cancer‐treatment‐induced bone loss (CTIBL)]. As prostate cancer progresses, bone metastases may develop, leading to a vicious cycle of increased bone turnover and tumour growth. In both cases, patients have reduced quality of life and an increased risk of fracture. However, data show that subcutaneous denosumab, a human monoclonal antibody that targets RANKL, is superior to the intravenous bisphosphonate zoledronic acid in delaying the onset of skeletal‐related events (SREs) and has a favourable safety profile in terms of nephrotoxicity and acute‐phase reactions.

Urology nurse practitioners, as members of multidisciplinary teams, have an important role to play in assessing and helping to manage patients with bone‐related disease in prostate cancer. In this review, an overview of prostate‐cancer‐related bone disease is provided. Currently available pharmacological interventions for the different stages of the disease are discussed, and implications for urological nursing practice are suggested.
Volatile Compounds of Panax ginseng C.A. Meyer Cultured with Different Cultivation Methods
Authors: Lee Ka‐Soon , Kim Gwan‐Hou , Kim Hyun‐Ho , Chang Yeong‐Il , Lee Gyu‐Hee
Published: June 2012

Abstract:  The volatile compounds of Panax ginseng C.A. Meyer analyzed to interpret whether cultivation methods affect volatile compounds. The volatile compounds in Panax ginseng C.A. Meyer cultured with 3 different cultivation methods such as good agricultural practice, organic cultivation method, and general cultivation method were isolated by solid‐phase microextraction fiber (polydimethylsiloxane 65 μm) and identified by gas chromatography mass spectrometry. Then, the scattering patterns of volatile compounds compared by principal component analysis. As the results, the 14 volatile compounds were identified from 30 ginseng samples and consisted mainly of sesquiterpene hydrocarbons. The differences among the different cultivation methods of the samples were obvious from the PC1 and PC2 scatter point plot. As the conclusion, the cultivation methods can affect to produce the volatile component of ginseng root. The organic and good agriculture practice cultivation can increase the ginseng characteristic volatile compounds.
Relevance of RH variants in transfusion of sickle cell patients
Authors: Noizat‐Pirenne F.
Published: June 2012

Transfusion is a life sustaining therapy in sickle cell disease. Allo‐immunization against red blood cells remains an important side effect responsible for post transfusion hemolysis. Numerous RH variant antigens are encountered in these patients of African descent. These RH variants can be associated with allo‐immunization when the variant belongs to the partial type and when the carrier of this partial variant is exposed to the normal antigen through transfusion or pregnancy. Variants can be characterized by molecular typing, and many commercial tools have been developed. In this review, we will discuss the involvement of RH variants in sickle cell disease transfusion, with regards to their clinical significance in term of allo‐immunization and haemolytic transfusion reaction.
ISBT Scientific Series – State of the Art Invited speakerProtein blood group systems: Berlin and beyond
Authors: Reid M. E.
Published: June 2012

As of July 2010, 24 of the 30 blood group systems recognized by the International Society of Blood Transfusion (ISBT) are protein‐based. These proteins are oriented within the red cell membrane as single pass membrane proteins, multi‐pass proteins, glycosylphosphatidylinositol‐linked proteins, or adsorbed from the plasma. At the 2010 meeting of the ISBT working party on the red cell immunogenetics and blood group terminology, 14 ‘new’ high‐incidence blood group antigens were ratified into 10 of the systems, one antigen was made obsolete, and a new collection was established. Early in 2012, two new protein‐based blood group systems were established. Both are members of the ATP‐binding cassette family of proteins.
Fetal and neonatal alloimmune thrombocytopenia: from bench to bedside
Authors: Kaplan C.
Published: June 2012

During the recent years considerable advances in the clinical and laboratory diagnosis of alloimmune thrombocytopenia have been done. Feto‐maternal alloimmunization is the commonest cause of cause of severe isolated fetal and neonatal thrombocytopenia. The condition results from maternal immunization against specific fetal platelet antigens (HPA). HPA‐1a is mostly implicated in Caucasians. The diagnosis is usually made at birth when an otherwise “well” term infant exhibits bleeding at delivery or few hours afterwards. The most feared complication of this disorder is the occurrence of intracranial hemorrhage (ICH) as a result of severe thrombocytopenia leading to death or neurological sequels. The diagnosis of alloimmune thrombocytopenia enables appropriate management of the index case and future pregnancies. Due to the recurrence and increasing severity of this condition in subsequent pregnancies with incompatible fetuses, antenatal management has been proposed. Predictive maternal parameters for severe fetal thrombocytopenia and therapy effectiveness are important for the development of non‐ invasive strategy.
Fibrinogen concentrates in bleeding trauma patients
Authors: Meyer M. A. S. , Johansson P. I.
Published: June 2012

Background  A balanced transfusion of red blood cells, fresh frozen plasma (FFP) and platelets are recommended for massively bleeding trauma patients. Fibrinogen concentrates could potentially lessen or replace the need for FFP and/or platelet transfusions.

Aim  To provide a review of the literature covering the application of fibrinogen concentrates in trauma care.

Methods  PubMed and Cochrane database search: fibrinogen and (concentrate or trauma), not congenital, published between 2000 and 2012.

Results  Six papers were identified. None were randomized controlled trials. The main conclusion of these papers was that administration of fibrinogen sometimes together with prothrombin complex concentrate might improve haemostasis in trauma patients resuscitated with synthetic colloids. Data regarding the effect of fibrinogen concentrate together with a more physiological resuscitation fluid, i.e. FFP, or as the only intervention in bleeding trauma patients is lacking.

Conclusions  Evidence for the use of fibrinogen concentrate to trauma patients with massive bleeding is sparse, of poor quality and confined to patients resuscitated with synthetic colloids. Well‐designed prospective, randomized, double‐blinded studies evaluating the effect of fibrinogen concentrate, as the only intervention, are urgently needed.