bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Does stand structure influence susceptibility of eucalypt floodplain forests to dieback?
Authors: CUNNINGHAM SHAUN C. , THOMSON J. R. , READ J. , BAKER P. J. , NALLY R. MAC
Published: October 2009

Forest dieback is a worldwide problem that is likely to increase with climate change and increasing human demands for resources. Eucalyptus camaldulensis forests are an acute example of forest dieback, with 70% of the Victorian Murray River floodplain in some state of dieback. If we are to halt dieback in these floodplain forests, we need to understand what makes stands susceptible to dieback. Forest diebacks are often related to stand structure, with dieback more severe in senescent or high‐density stands. We determined whether certain stand structures make these forests more susceptible to dieback. We undertook an extensive survey of 176 stands across 100 000 ha of forest, covering the range of stand condition on this floodplain. Large and small trees (20‐, 40‐, 80‐ and 120‐cm diameter) showed a similar reduction in the probability of being alive with decreasing stand condition. A slight improvement in stand condition was found at higher densities and basal areas, which may reflect the higher productivity or younger age of these stands. Stand condition was moderately, positively correlated with longitude, with stand condition being higher in the east of the Murray River floodplain where flooding frequencies are currently higher. This suggests that dieback of these floodplain forests would be more effectively mitigated by increased water availability through flooding than by altering stand structure.
Assessment of sampling approaches for a multi‐taxa invertebrate survey in a South African savanna‐mosaic ecosystem
Authors: LOVELL S. J. , HAMER M. L. , SLOTOW R. H. , HERBERT D.
Published: October 2009

Invertebrate diversity is seldom included in conservation assessments, primarily because information is lacking. Broad surveys may be too costly, difficult or ineffective. Here we assess a ‘shopping basket’ approach, targeting 17 taxa using a range of methods. We sampled 43 one‐hectare sites stratified within 560 km2of heterogenous African savanna. We achieved up to 80% sampling completeness for epigaeic fauna, but generally much lower completeness (around 50%) for plant‐dwelling and flying taxa. For the former we identified duplication of methods, and for the latter, addition of methods and increased temporal variation rather than effort would improve completeness. Within a taxon, sampling 75% of species present required, on average, about 784 individuals. When considering the local richness, 75% completeness required about 27 individuals per species, but these figures require validation in other areas. About 58 sites were required to achieve 75% sampling completeness, translating to about one site per 10 km2. The percentage of species sampled only in a particular month ranged between 4% and 46%, with greater temporal effects recorded for flying taxa than for epigaeic ones. The trend was similar for species unique to a particular year, with the most extreme case being 67% of the butterfly species sampled one year not previously recorded. We demonstrated and evaluated the feasibility of a simultaneous multi‐taxon survey approach to produce data useful for conservation planning and monitoring. We strongly recommend a quantified approach for surveys and inventories, with details such as specific methods decided based on the biome sampled, and taxonomic expertise available for identification.
Fissurectomy and anal advancement flap for anterior chronic anal fissure without hypertonia of the internal anal sphincter in females
Authors: Patti R. , Famà F. , Barrera T. , Migliore G. , Di Vita G.
Published: October 2009

Aim  Lateral internal sphincterotomy is considered the surgical treatment of choice for chronic anal fissure after failure of medical therapy but it risks continence. The aim of the study was to evaluate fissurectomy with advancement flap for anterior chronic anal fissure (CAAF) resistant to medical therapy.

Method  Sixteen women with CAAF without hypertonia of the internal anal sphincter, unresponsive to previous medical treatment, were included in the study. Absence of hypertonia was defined as a maximum anal resting pressure (MRP) of less than 85 mmHg. All patients underwent fissurectomy with an advancement skin flap.

Results  Complete healing occurred in all patients within 30 days. The intensity and the duration of pain after defecation reduced from the first postoperative defecation. MRP before surgery and at 6 months showed no significant difference. At 1 month, four patients experienced a continence disturbance, two of whom had it preoperatively. At 12 months, two (12.5%) patients continued to experience a continence disturbance.

Conclusion  Fissurectomy with skin advancement flap resulted in complete healing and full relief of symptoms in all patients. There was a low incidence of continence disturbance.
Downstaging of colorectal cancer by the national bowel cancer screening programme in England: first round data from the first centre
Authors: Ellul P. , Fogden E. , Simpson C. L. , Nickerson C. L. R. , Mckaig B. C. , Swarbrick E. T. , Veitch A. M.
Published: October 2009

Objective  Data from randomized controlled trials of Colorectal Cancer (CRC) screening in Nottingham, UK and Funen, Denmark and pilot data from the English and Scottish arms of the National Bowel Cancer Screening Programme (NBCSP) have demonstrated predominantly early‐stage disease amongst the screened population. The aim of this study was to investigate whether downstaging of cancers occurred in the NBCSP in Wolverhampton.

Method  A case–control study was performed to compare the staging of CRC diagnosed in the NBCSP‐screened population during the prevalent round (2 years) of screening, with cancers diagnosed prior to the introduction of the NBCSP.

Results  The total population in the screening area is 899 000. A total of 108 346 FOB kits were sent out of which 55 931 were returned (51.6% uptake), A total of 1039 colonoscopies were performed with a 94.75% unadjusted caecal intubation rate. There were three complications (haemorrhages 3) and no perforations. The NBCSP in Wolverhampton identified 106 (75% male) CRC in the first 2 years with 45.3% Dukes A, 21.7% B, 29.2% C and 3.8% D. Two hundred and fifty‐six (61% male) CRC were identified in the control group, 10.1% Dukes A, 50.0% B, 36.3% C and 3.5% D. There was a highly significant shift towards earlier stage disease in the screened group (P < 0.0001).

Conclusion  The 2‐year data from the first English centre to start bowel cancer screening demonstrates significant downstaging of cancer, consistent with both the RCT and pilot data.
Short disease‐free interval is a significant risk factor for intrapulmonary recurrence after resection of pulmonary metastases in colorectal cancer
Authors: Takakura Y. , Miyata Y. , Okajima M. , Okada M. , Ohdan Hideki
Published: October 2009

Objective  Surgical resection has been the first choice of treatment for resectable pulmonary metastases from colorectal cancer. However, early intrapulmonary recurrence is often observed and appropriate assessment of prognostic factors is controversial. The aim of this study was to define the factors affecting survival and intrapulmonary recurrence after surgical treatment of metastatic pulmonary tumours from colorectal cancer.

Method  A retrospective analysis was performed of 56 consecutive patients who underwent pulmonary resection for colorectal metastases with a focus on prognostic factors and risk factors for intrapulmonary recurrence.

Results  The overall 5‐year survival rate was 48.2%. In a univariate analysis, a short disease‐free interval (DFI), multiple pulmonary metastases and abnormal prethoracotomy carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) levels were poor prognostic factors. In a multivariate analysis, a short DFI and abnormal prethoracotomy CEA levels were independent prognostic factors. Twenty‐two (39.3%) of the 56 patients had recurrences in the remnant lung after resection for pulmonary metastases, and 8 (36.4%) of these 22 patients underwent repeated pulmonary resections. The median DFI between first and second lung metastasis was 13 months. Univariate analyses revealed that multiple and bilateral lung metastases were risk factors for intrapulmonary recurrence. There was also a strong correlation between the DFI for intrapulmonary recurrence after the first pulmonary resection and the DFI for first pulmonary metastases.

Conclusions  A short DFI was a risk factor for early tumour recurrence after resection for pulmonary metastases. The DFI might reflect oncological characteristics such as the tumour doubling time in colorectal cancer.
Effect of l‐arginine on the microcirculation in the neuropathic diabetic foot in Type 2 diabetes mellitus: a double‐blind, placebo‐controlled study
Authors: Jude E. B. , Dang C. , Boulton A. J. M.
Published: October 2009

Diabet. Med.

Objective  To investigate the effect of l‐arginine on endothelial function, transcutaneous oxygen and clinical neuropathy in patients with peripheral neuropathy as a result of diabetes.

Research design and methods  Thirty diabetic patients with peripheral neuropathy were randomized to receive l ‐arginine (3 g three times daily) or placebo (3 g three times daily) for 3 months. All patients had foot microcirculation and foot transcutaneous oxygen pressure (TcPO2), neuropathy disability score (NDS) and vibration perception threshold (VPT) assessed at baseline and follow‐up.

Results  No difference was observed in endothelium‐dependent and ‐independent vasodilation, TcPO2, NDS and VPT.

Conclusions  l‐arginine has no effect on endothelial dysfunction, TcPO2 and clinical neuropathy.
Reassessing Fiscal Policy: Perspectives from Developing Countries
Authors: Vera Leonardo
Published: October 2009

Over the last twenty‐five years an anti‐Keynesian orthodox approach has envisaged a prominent role for reductions in fiscal deficits in developing countries. Expansionary fiscal policies have been said to result in excessive expansion of aggregate demand leading to current account deficits and inflation, as well as displacing private investment, thereby inhibiting output stabilization and employment recovery. Moreover, chronic fiscal deficits are supposed to be associated with high and explosive debt/GDP ratios. The purpose of this article is to assess the theoretical adequacy of the orthodox approach in the context of developing countries. The author clarifies some common misunderstandings and finds that none of the conventional arguments against fiscal activism is wholly convincing. At the heart of the debate lies the question of assumptions, economic structure and causation mechanisms. The orthodox stories regarding the macroeconomic effects of fiscal policy very often do not go beyond the simple monetarist assumptions or seek to verify the implications against the existing experiences and empirical data from developing countries.
The Indian State in a Liberalizing Landscape
Authors: Sud Nikita
Published: October 2009

There has been much discussion recently on the ‘great Indian land grab’, that is, the acquisition of productive land by the government, and the handing over of this land to large‐scale industry. What do these ongoing land transfers tell us about the nature of the state? This article builds a picture of the state in a liberalizing landscape based on empirical evidence. It outlines the role of the state in Kutch during a transfer of 30 km2 of forest and coastal land to a cement manufacturing and exporting operation ‘Karkhana Ltd.’ (pseudonym). Karkhana's experience does not evince a state in withdrawal. Nor do we witness a regulatory state that watches a changing economy from the legal and coercive sidelines. Instead, the case study is able to reinforce heterodox perspectives that place the state at the centre of India's new economy as a close ally of big capital. Taking these views forward, the author suggests that the state's role in this alliance is that of a normative legitimator of liberalization, a buffer in the contentious politics of land, and an institutional promoter of and manoeuvrer through the new land regime. A multifaceted state is indispensable to India's liberalizing landscape.
Loggers, Development Agents and the Exercise of Power in Amazonia
Authors: Medina Gabriel , Pokorny Benno , Campbell Bruce
Published: October 2009

Many believe that Amazonian communities could benefit from the growing market for timber through self‐governed approaches to forest management. However, there is no clear understanding of how communities are to develop such approaches given logging frontiers that are characterized by informal negotiations with loggers and community forestry initiatives that are promoted by development agents. This article reports on research from four study areas in Bolivia, Brazil and Peru which reveals that external players exercise considerable power over communities. First, loggers and development agents impose forest management schemes directly on communities, hindering them from developing their own approaches. Second, paternalistic relationships with loggers and development agents prevent communities from identifying common interests and expressing these through their representative organizations. Finally, loggers and development agents use powerful discourses to shape acceptable schemes in forest management, silencing communities’ voices in debates. Through these different power mechanisms, external agents thwart the emergence of self‐governed community management approaches.
Economic Development and Poverty Reduction in Korea: Governing Multifunctional Institutions
Authors: Kwon Huck‐ju , Yi Ilcheong
Published: October 2009

Combining economic development and poverty reduction is a challenge for developing countries. In the search for mechanisms that integrate both goals, this article examines the Republic of Korea's development strategy, which transformed one of Asia's poorest nations into an industrialized country with low levels of poverty. The authors investigate the state–society nexus in which Korea's developmental state has operated and look at the role of governance for economic development, focusing especially on multifunctioning institutions performing for economic growth and poverty reduction. The article provides strategic suggestions for developing countries on managing effectively within institutional constraints and moving beyond a simple emphasis on good governance.
Social Activity, Social Isolation and Ethnicity
Authors: Platt Lucinda
Published: October 2009

This paper explores the extent to which social activity in England and Wales varies by ethnic group and whether risks of social isolation are higher for some groups than others. It aims to enhance our understanding of social deprivation as a particular dimension of poverty and its variation by ethnicity. It also provides empirical evidence that informs discussions of social capital formation which focuson informal measures of participation, and amplifies our understanding of ethnic capital within groups. Estimating the characteristics associated with four measures of social activity together, using a multivariate probit model, the analysis identifies the extent to which ethnic group is associated with low participation on any given measure. Cross-equation correlations between observables within the model can additionally indicate an underlying propensity to social isolation. The paper concludes that there are distinctive patterns of social activity across ethnic groups, that social isolation is not coterminous with material deprivation, and that greater attention should be paid to social isolation as a particular dimension of deprivation that is unevenly distributed.
Managing medical advice seeking in calls to Child Health Line
Authors: Butler Carly W. , Danby Susan , Emmison Michael , Thorpe Karen
Published: October 2009

Child Health Line is a 24‐hour Australian helpline that offers information and support for parents and families on child development and parenting. The helpline guidelines suggest that nurses should not offer medical advice; they do, however, regularly receive calls seeking such advice. This paper examines how the service guidelines are talked into being through the nurses’ management of callers’ requests for medical advice and information, and shows how nurses orient to the boundaries of their professional role and institutionally regulated authority. Three ways in which the child health nurses manage medical advice and information seeking are discussed: using membership as a nurse to establish boundaries of expertise, privileging parental authority regarding decision making about seeking treatment for their child, and respecifying a ‘medical’ problem as a child development issue. The paper contributes to research on medical authority, and nurse authority in particular, by demonstrating the impact of institutional roles and guidelines on displays of knowledge and expertise. More generally, it contributes to an understanding of the interactional enactment and consequences of service guidelines for telehealth practice, with implications for training, policy and service delivery.
Bayesian Non-Parametric Inference for Species Variety with a Two-Parameter Poisson–Dirichlet Process Prior
Authors: Favaro Stefano , Lijoi Antonio , Mena Ramsés H. , Prünster Igor
Published: October 2009

A Bayesian non-parametric methodology has been recently proposed to deal with the issue of prediction within species sampling problems. Such problems concern the evaluation, conditional on a sample of size n, of the species variety featured by an additional sample of size m. Genomic applications pose the additional challenge of having to deal with large values of both n and m. In such a case the computation of the Bayesian non-parametric estimators is cumbersome and prevents their implementation. We focus on the two-parameter Poisson–Dirichlet model and provide completely explicit expressions for the corresponding estimators, which can be easily evaluated for any sizes of n and m. We also study the asymptotic behaviour of the number of new species conditionally on the observed sample: such an asymptotic result, combined with a suitable simulation scheme, allows us to derive asymptotic highest posterior density intervals for the estimates of interest. Finally, we illustrate the implementation of the proposed methodology by the analysis of five expressed sequence tags data sets.
Controlling the Familywise Error Rate with Plug-in Estimator for the Proportion of True Null Hypotheses
Authors: Finner Helmut , Gontscharuk Veronika
Published: October 2009

Estimation of the number or proportion of true null hypotheses in multiple-testing problems has become an interesting area of research. The first important work in this field was performed by Schweder and Spjøtvoll. Among others, they proposed to use plug-in estimates for the proportion of true null hypotheses in multiple-test procedures to improve the power. We investigate the problem of controlling the familywise error rate FWER when such estimators are used as plug-in estimators in single-step or step-down multiple-test procedures. First we investigate the case of independent p-values under the null hypotheses and show that a suitable choice of plug-in estimates leads to control of FWER in single-step procedures. We also investigate the power and study the asymptotic behaviour of the number of false rejections. Although step-down procedures are more difficult to handle we briefly consider a possible solution to this problem. Anyhow, plug-in step-down procedures are not recommended here. For dependent p-values we derive a condition for asymptotic control of FWER and provide some simulations with respect to FWER and power for various models and hypotheses.
Does Volatility Improve UK Earnings Forecasts?
Authors: Petrovic Nikola , Manson Stuart , Coakley Jerry
Published: October 2009

Abstract:  We investigate the relation between UK accounting earnings volatility and the level of future earnings using a unique sample comprising some 10,480 firm‐year observations for 1,481 non‐financial firms over the 1985–2003 period. The findings confirm the in‐sample result of an inverse volatility‐earnings relation only for the 1998–2003 sub‐period and for the most profitable firms. The out‐of‐sample forecast accuracy for the top earnings quintile improves when volatility is added as a regressor to a model including only lagged earnings. The findings are consistent with the over‐investment hypothesis and the view that the earnings of the most volatile firms tend to mean revert more rapidly.
Natural and human dimensions of environmental change in the proximal reaches of Botswana's Okavango Delta
Authors: HAMANDAWANA HAMISAI , CHANDA RABAN
Published: October 2009

Though wetlands are vital for the proper functioning of terrestrial ecosystems and provisioning of a wide range of goods and services, their sustainability is being threatened by inappropriate human resource use practices due to our limited understanding of how these systems operate and lack of appropriately informed interventions. We attempt to address these limitations by using historical CORONA photographs of 1967, Landsat imagery of 1989, 1994 and 2001 and information from the literature to investigate the role of natural and human factors in influencing the direction of environmental change in the proximal reaches of Botswana's Okavango Delta. Results of this investigation point to fragmentation of natural habitats, localised degradation of areas close to perennial water supplies, significant increase in woody cover, significant decrease in open grassland, increase in scrub and shrubs, deterioration in the quality of grazing and depletion of specific woody species. With the direction of change pointing to persistent decrease in the environment's supporting potentials, there is urgent need to adopt intervention strategies potentially capable of enhancing sustainable utilisation of natural resources in this sub‐region.
Severe blunt trauma in dogs: 235 cases (1997–2003)
Authors: Simpson Stephen A. , Syring Rebecca , Otto Cynthia M.
Published: October 2009

Objective –To evaluate population characteristics, injuries, emergency diagnostic testing, and outcome of dogs with blunt trauma requiring intensive care in an urban hospital.

Design –Retrospective study 1997–2003.

Setting –All data obtained from the University of Pennsylvania – Matthew J. Ryan Veterinary Hospital.

Animals –Dogs admitted to the intensive care unit for treatment following blunt trauma.

Interventions –None.

Measurements and Main results –Of the 235 dogs that met inclusion criteria, 206 (88%) survived and 29 (12%) did not survive. Blunt vehicular trauma accounted for 91.1% of cases. Mild hyperglycemia and hyperlactatemia was common in both survivors and nonsurvivors. The chest was the most common region traumatized and the prevalence of polytrauma was 72.3%. Initial weight, vital signs, PCV, total plasma protein, BUN, glucose, lactate, acid‐base status, and electrolytes did not differ between survivors and nonsurvivors. Nonsurvivors were significantly more likely to have had head trauma (P=0.008), cranium fractures (P<0.001), recumbency at admission (P<0.001), development of hematochezia (P<0.001), clinical suspicion of acute respiratory distress syndrome (P<0.001), disseminated intravascular coagulation (P<0.001), multiorgan dysfunction syndrome (P<0.001), development of pneumonia (P<0.001), positive‐pressure ventilation (P<0.001), vasopressor use (P<0.001), and cardiopulmonary arrest (P<0.001).

Conclusions –Outcome of severe blunt trauma in dogs treated with intensive care is very good. Despite the high survival rate, several features associated with poor outcome were identified. Neither admission lactate nor glucose was able to predict outcome.
Staphylococcus aureus isolates from blood and anterior nares induce similar innate immune responses in endothelial cells
Authors: STARK LISA , MATUSSEK ANDREAS , STRINDHALL JAN , GEFFERS ROBERT , BUER JAN , KIHLSTRÖM ERIK , MONNECKE STEFAN , LÖFGREN STURE , LINDGREN PER‐ERIC
Published: October 2009

To evaluate the possibility to distinguish virulent from non‐virulent isolates, gene expression in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC) induced by invasive and colonizing isolates of Staphylococcus aureus was compared. Gene expression in HUVEC was analyzed by microarray analysis after 4 h of infection with Staphylococcus aureus, isolated from healthy nasal carriers (n = 5) and from blood of septic patients (n = 5), to explore possible differences between the groups of bacteria in interaction with HUVEC. All isolates were spa‐typed to disclose strain relatedness. Moreover, the isolates were characterized with DNA microarray to determine the presence of virulence genes and to investigate the potential genes of importance in HUVEC interaction. The expression of 41 genes was up‐regulated, and four were down‐regulated in HUVEC by all isolates. Most of the up‐regulated genes encode cytokines, chemokines, interferon‐induced proteins, proteins regulating apoptosis and cell proliferation. There was no difference in the gene expression pattern between HUVEC infected with invasive or colonizing isolates. Furthermore, there was no difference in the presence of bacterial virulence genes between the two groups. In conclusion, our data indicate that S. aureus isolates induce comparable expression patterns in HUVEC, irrespective of invasiveness or presence of virulence genes.
Serologic screening for celiac disease in children: a comparison between established assays and tests with deamidated gliadin‐derived peptides plus conjugates for both IgA and IgG antibodies
Authors: ÅBERG ANNA‐KARIN , OLCÉN PER
Published: October 2009

Selection of patients for diagnostic biopsy concerning celiac disease (CD) is mainly guided by the results with serological screening tests like anti‐tissue‐transglutaminase (tTG), anti‐endomysium (EmA) and anti‐gliadin (AGA) IgA. New tests using deamidated gliadin‐derived peptides (DGP) including both IgA and IgG antibodies have been developed, to cover the IgA‐deficient sera. In addition, a combined IgA and IgG DGP test, with or without human erythrocyte‐derived tTG, offers possible advantages. In order to explore the screening accuracy of the new combination tests sera from 167 children below 3 years of age were assayed. Biopsy had been taken in connection with serology in 32 of these children, 24 with histopathological CD. The results with the DGP and the combined test were congruent with the IgA antibody tests for tTG, EmA and AGA, all identifying 21 of 24 of the CD cases. Two of the CD patients were AGA‐IgA positive only (2/24), while 2 of 24 sera were AGA–IgA negative but positive in all the other tests. These results raises the question whether the modifications of the gliadin antigen not only decrease false positivity but also give more false‐negative results, a major drawback for a screening test for an important disease. Further studies have to be undertaken to explore this. Our results also stress that serologic screening of CD in children cannot be based on one test only.
The Function of Yeast Epsin and Ede1 Ubiquitin‐Binding Domains During Receptor Internalization
Authors: Dores Michael R. , Schnell Joshua D. , Maldonado‐Baez Lymarie , Wendland Beverly , Hicke Linda
Published: October 2009

The formation of a primary endocytic vesicle is a dynamic process involving the transient organization of adaptor and scaffold proteins at the plasma membrane. Epsins and Eps15‐like proteins are ubiquitin‐binding proteins that act early in this process. The yeast epsins, Ent1 and Ent2, carry functional ubiquitin‐interacting motifs (UIMs), whereas the yeast Eps15‐like protein, Ede1, has a C‐terminal ubiquitin‐associated (UBA) domain. Analysis of mutants lacking early endocytic adaptors reveals that the ubiquitin‐binding domains (UBDs) of Ent2 and Ede1 are likely to function primarily to mediate protein–protein interactions between components of the early endocytic machinery. Cells that lack epsin and Ede1 UBDs are able to internalize activated, ubiquitinated receptors. Furthermore, under conditions in which epsin UIMs are important for receptor internalization, receptors internalized via both ubiquitin‐dependent and ubiquitin‐independent signals require the UIMs, indicating that UIM function is not restricted to ubiquitinated receptors. Epsin UIMs share function with non‐UBD protein–protein interaction motifs in Ent2 and Ede1, and the Ede1 UBA domain appears to negatively regulate interactions between endocytic proteins. Together, our results suggest that the ubiquitin‐binding domains within the yeast epsin Ent2 and Ede1 are involved in the formation and regulation of the endocytic network.
Management of isolated rectal bleeding in newborn infants: comparison of two time periods
Authors: Maayan‐Metzger Ayala , Schushan‐Eisen Irit , Kuint Jacob
Published: October 2009

Aim:  To demonstrate the differences in treatment of isolated rectal bleeding (IRB) by comparing two study time period groups and to evaluate whether decreased treatment intensity increased complications during the follow‐up period.

Methods:  Retrospective recording of medical charts of 307 neonates with IRB during two time periods.

Results:  The rate of IRB in both period groups was similar among term and near‐term infants, but significantly lower among preterm infants in the later period study group. The rate of breast milk feeding among preterm infants increased significantly in the later compared with the early group. Duration of antibiotic treatments and feeding cessation was significantly shortened in the late period study as compared with the early period. The rates of recurrent episodes of IRB among preterm infants were similar in the early and late period groups. No infant developed necrotizing enterocolitis within the episode of isolated rectal bleeding.

Conclusions:  Decreased treatment duration to 1 day of nil per os and 2 days of antibiotics was not associated with increased rates of deterioration to severe clinical conditions, nor to recurrent episodes of isolated rectal bleeding.
Potential of endozoochorous seed dispersal by sheep in calcareous grasslands: correlations with seed traits
Authors: Kuiters A.T. , Huiskes H.P.J.
Published: October 2009

Questions: What is the potential of sheep to serve as seed dispersers via ingestion and defecation in calcareous grasslands? Is the presence of viable seeds from dung correlated with specific seed traits?

Location: Calcareous grasslands, South Limburg, the Netherlands/Belgium.

Methods: Dung samples (n=24) from sheep were collected between September 2006 and November 2007 from five sites with Mesobromion plant communities, and communities of Nardo‐Galion saxatilis. Germinability and identity of seeds in the dung samples were ascertained from germination of seedlings under glasshouse conditions. Seed traits of species with viable seeds in dung were compared with those present in the local species pool.

Results: Seventy‐two plant species from 23 plant families had viable seeds in sheep dung. The plant families encountered most frequently were Gramineae and Compositae. The most abundant and frequently recorded plant species in dung samples was Urtica dioica, accounting for >80% of the total number of seeds. Mean seed density in sheep dung was 0.8 seeds g−1 dry matter. Seeds with low seed mass and a high seed longevity index were over‐represented in dung. Viable seeds >2.5 mg were infrequent in the dung samples.

Conclusions: We conclude that sheep are potentially important dispersers of plant species in Dutch calcareous grasslands. Although smaller seeds were relatively abundant in sheep dung, it cannot be excluded that this was mainly caused by differences in seed abundance.
Symptomatic Response Rates to Testosterone Therapy and the Likelihood of Completing 12 Months of Therapy in Clinical Practice
Authors: Rhoden Ernani Luis , Morgentaler Abraham
Published: October 2009

Introduction

Despite increasing medical interest in testosterone therapy (TTh) for men with testosterone deficiency (TD) there is limited information regarding subjective response rates and acceptability of medium- to long-term TTh in routine clinical practice.

Aim

To evaluate results in a consecutive series of men in clinical practice treated with TTh.

Material and Methods

A chart review was performed for a consecutive series of men for whom TTh was initiated over 1 year for a clinical diagnosis of TD. A diagnosis of TD was based on the presence of symptoms and on laboratory evaluation indicating total testosterone (<300 ng/dL) or free testosterone (FT) (<1.5 ng/dL). Presenting symptoms were noted at baseline, and improvement was documented in domains of erectile function, libido, energy, and mood.

Main Outcome Measures

Percentage of men who completed 12 months of TTh, and symptomatic response rates.

Results

There were 127 men included in the evaluation. The most common presenting symptoms were the combination of erectile dysfunction (ED) and reduced libido in 82 (64.6%), ED alone in 29 (22.8%), and reduced libido alone in 13 (10.2%). Initial mode of TTh was injections (testosterone enanthate or cypionate) in 70 (55.1%) and transdermal gel (Androgel, Solvay Pharmaceuticals, Marietta, GA, USA) in the remainder. Improvements in erections, libido, energy, and/or mood were reported by 70% of men by 3 months. Eighty men (63%) completed 12 months of TTh with subjective benefit (responders). Treatment was discontinued in 34 (26.8%) who reported no major benefit (non-responders), and 13 (10.2%) were lost to follow-up. Among men who discontinued TTh, 64.7% failed to report benefits by 3 months. Baseline FT was lower among responders than non-responders. One case (1.25%) of prostate cancer was identified after one year of TTh.

Conclusion

Approximately two-thirds of men with TD who begin TTh will experience symptomatic benefit and will complete at least 12 months of treatment. Benefit was noted in a majority by 3 months.
Limitations of relaxation kinetics on muscular work
Authors: McDaniel J. , Elmer S. J. , Martin J. C.
Published: October 2009

Aim:  Positive net work produced during cyclic contractions is partially limited by relaxation kinetics, which to date, have not been directly investigated. Therefore, the purpose of this investigation was to determine the influence of relaxation kinetics on cyclic work.

Methods:  Soleus muscles of four cats were isolated and subjected to a series of work loops (0.5, 1, 1.5 and 2 Hz cycle frequencies) during which stimulation terminated prior to the end of the shortening phase to allow for complete muscle relaxation and matched discrete sinusoidal shortening contractions during which stimulation remained on until the completion of the shortening phase. Muscle length changes during these protocols were centred on optimum length and were performed across muscle lengths that represented walking gait.

Results:  When muscle excursions were centred on Lo relaxation kinetics decreased muscular work by 2.8 ± 0.8%, 12.1 ± 4.1%, 27.9 ± 4.5% and 40.1 ± 5.9% for 0.5, 1, 1.5 and 2 Hz respectively. However, relaxation kinetics did not influence muscular work when muscle excursions represented walking gait. In addition, muscular work produced at muscle lengths associated with walking gait was less than the work produced across Lo (55.7 ± 20.0%, 53.5 ± 21.0%, and 50.1 ± 22.0% for 0.5, 1 and 1.5 Hz respectively).

Conclusion:  These results imply that relaxation kinetics are an important factor that limit the ability of muscle to produce work; however, the influence of relaxation kinetics on physiological function may depend on the relation between the optimum length and natural excursion of a muscle.
Charge Transfer in 1,8‐Naphthalimide: A Combined Theoretical and Experimental Approach
Authors: Manna Anamika , Chakravorti Sankar
Published: October 2009

Photophysics of 1,8‐naphthalimide (NAPMD) in different solvents has been delineated in this paper. Theoretically calculated bond distance of N–H and C=O groups rule out any intramolecular proton transfer in the excited state. Concomitant increase in negative charge on O atom compared to N atom and dipole moment hints at possible intramolecular charge transfer. Progressive redshift with polarity of solvents in emission and absorption spectra also confirms the theoretical prediction. Weakening of N–H bond helps hydrogen abstraction and anion formation in water with decay time of 2.54 ns through intermolecular proton transfer. This was corroborated from the ground state photoexcitation of laboratory synthesized anion of NAPMD. Amide hydrolysis in higher pH and excess proton availability at low pH are responsible for anion emission quenching. A possible electron transfer diminishes phosphorescence at 77 K with changing pH.
In Vivo Optical Properties of Melanocytic Skin Lesions: Common Nevi, Dysplastic Nevi and Malignant Melanoma
Authors: Zonios George , Dimou Aikaterini , Carrara Mauro , Marchesini Renato
Published: October 2009

We present an in vivo study of the optical properties of common nevi, dysplastic nevi and malignant melanoma skin lesions in human subjects. Reflectance spectra were measured on 1379 skin lesions, in the visible and near‐infrared spectral regions, using a spectral imaging system, in a clinical setting. Analysis of the data using a reflectance model revealed differences between the optical properties of melanin present in nevi and melanoma lesions. These differences, which are in agreement with our previous observations on average reflectance spectra, may be potentially useful for the noninvasive characterization of pigmented skin lesions and the early diagnosis of melanoma.
What Should We Expect Students to Learn?
Authors: Finkelstein Noah , Mazur Eric , Lasry Nathaniel
Published: October 2009

A rejoinder to Sobel's comment on “Are most people too dumb for physics?” We read Michael Sobel's response with much interest and appreciate his enthusiasm and commitment to physics education. Yet, we continue to find that our goals and methods differ markedly. Foremost, because we do not agree that physics is a “different category” of hard which is accessible to a select few (i.e., “a certain sort of very bright student”), we cannot agree that ordinary, nonscience students must be taught a different kind of physics. We object to the idea of two “types” of physics—one for the layperson and one for the specialist. Physics must have relevance for everyone.
It Is Worth Thoroughly Looking at the Computer Display
Authors: Kraftmakher Yaakov
Published: October 2009

Two useful observations are possible when thoroughly looking at the cathode-ray display of a computer. First, the structure of a color image is seen with a moderate magnification. Second, the decay of different phosphors corresponding to the red, green, and blue primary colors is observable with a photodiode and oscilloscope.
Hanging an Airplane: A Case Study in Static Equilibrium
Authors: Katz Debora M.
Published: October 2009

Our classrooms are filled with engineering majors who take a semester-long course in static equilibrium. Many students find this class too challenging and drop their engineering major. In our introductory physics class, we often breeze through static equilibrium; to physicists equilibrium is just a special case of Newton's second law. While it is difficult to find more time in the syllabus for any one topic, a hands-on case study may help students to develop their physical intuition about static equilibrium and may help them to succeed in their subsequent classes. This article describes a hands-on case study that you may wish to use in your classroom. (You may also wish to check a case study involving a boat published in this journal in the 1990s.1) The hands-on case study presented here can be easily modified to work at the high school or introductory college level. There are three major components: I) planning, II) doing, and III) calculating.
Teaching General Relativity to the Layperson
Authors: Egdall Mark
Published: October 2009

This paper describes a lay course on general relativity (GR) given at the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at Florida International University. It is presented in six hour-and-a-half weekly sessions. Other courses offered by the author include special relativity (which precedes the course described here), quantum theory, and cosmology. Students are people 50 and older, mostly retired or semi-retired like me. They come from all walks of life, including medical doctors, ballet directors, educators, cruise line executives, and poets. Most are college educated, but with little or no formal physics education. A few have technical backgrounds, e.g., chemistry or physics.
Capillary Rise in a Wedge
Authors: Piva M.
Published: October 2009

In introductory-level physics courses, the concept of surface tension is often illustrated using the example of capillary rise in thin tubes.1 In this paper I describe experiments conducted using a planar geometry created with two small plates forming a thin wedge (see Fig. 1). The distribution of the fluid entering the wedge can be studied as a function of the wedge angle.
Steel Spheres and Skydiver — Terminal Velocity
Authors: Leme J. Costa , Moura C. , Costa Cíntia
Published: October 2009

This paper describes the use of open source video analysis software in the study of the relationship between the velocity of falling objects and time. We discuss an experiment in which a steel sphere falls in a container filled with two immiscible liquids. The motion is similar to that of a skydiver falling through air.
Using Ethnic Art to Emphasize Laws of Reflection
Authors: Bapat Madhuri
Published: October 2009

The Kolam (Rangolee) art (Fig. 1) from Southern India and Sona drawings (Fig. 2) from Africa show the similarity of lines going around the dots. Kolam is usually drawn, with paste made up of rice powder, on the floor in front of a house. Typically girls draw these in India on occasions such as welcoming the spring season, weddings, or birthdays. Sona drawings are drawn in the sand using fingers. Typically young boys in Africa were taught to draw these as they went through puberty. They used to impress their masters by drawing these designs quickly in sand and erasing them afterwards. So Europeans never learned these designs. Due to slavery this art or knowledge has disappeared.
Parallel in Geometry Does Not Necessarily Mean Parallel in Physics
Authors: Sokolowski Andrzej
Published: October 2009

While distinguishing between parallel and series connections, some students refer to geometrical interpretation of parallel lines to identify parallel connection of resistors.
Fermi Questions
Authors: Weinstein Larry
Published: October 2009

How much energy would the United States generate per year if we connected all of our stair-steppers, rowing machines, treadmills, etc. to electrical generators? How much money would one person save by generating his or her own electricity that way? Assume that the number of people working out does not change when we do this.
Outta This World
Authors: Riendeau Diane
Published: October 2009

Some physics misconceptions arise due to the fact that in our everyday world, air resistance and friction are always present. By taking an experiment into a “zero gravity” or “micro gravity” situation, we can often greatly reduce the effect of these undesired forces and dispel misconceptions.

I offer up these links from various space missions because they are “outta this world.”

Special thanks to Jennifer Groppe from Maret School in Washington, D.C., for submitting all these video links. If you have video links you'd like to share, please email them with a brief description to Diane Riendeau at driendeau@dist113.org.
Technology Review, published by MIT
Authors: MacIsaac Dan
Published: October 2009

I was recently directed to an article on electric motorcycles in the Sept./Oct. online edition of Technology Review. Technology Review has particularly welcome articles on energy technologies—a topic that should be of interest to us all, and one of considerable interest to the U.S. federal government. I believe that with recent initiatives, the U.S. Department of Energy, led by Secretary of Energy Dr. Steven Chu (Nobel laureate in physics, 1997) now has the largest science research budget on our planet. Wonderful science is happening in the field of energy technology; and these efforts are well overdue.
THE RELATIONSHIP OF THE RED SEA TO THE EAST AFRICAN RIFT SYSTEM
Authors: GIRDLER RONALD WILLIAM
Published: October 2009

The Red Sea is characterized by positive gravity anomalies along its centre, whereas the East African Rift Valleys have negative anomalies. The Red Sea trough is more than 200 miles wide but the gravity maximum appears to be associated with a deep trough (about 30 to 40 miles wide), the anomalies on each side being small. A table is given of gravity data for the Red Sea area, and the values have been revised so that they are directly comparable. To assist in the interpretation of these data a brief review is given of the dimensions of the Rift Valleys, and the general geological structure and history of the area. The interpretation of negative anomalies over the East African Rift Valleys is discussed and the Red Sea anomalies are described and contrasted with those of the East African Rifts. The gravity maximum is interpreted as being due to a large basic mass intruded through the down-faulted basement rocks. It is suggested that the formation of the fault trough which the Red Sea occupies and the deep, relatively narrow axial trough is connected with the intrusion and a possible mechanism is given.
THE SEDIMENTATION AND SEDIMENTARY HISTORY OF THE ABERYSTWYTH GRITS (UPPER LLANDOVERIAN)
Authors: WOOD PROFESSOR ALAN , SMITH ALEC JAMES
Published: October 2009

The greywacke beds were deposited from turbidity currents in a region within the mud belt. These currents came from an area lying to the south-west and south-south-west, its configuration varying with time. Variation in type of deposit is correlated with distance from land, and evidence of successive rejuvenations of the source area is presented. Sedimentary injection dykes occurring in the south are held to prove that some currents were set in motion by earthquakes, but slumping from the edge of the sedimentary terrace caused by loading, together with the action of storms (in the south), probably also assisted in the transfer of material to deeper water.