bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Assessing the Impact of Alternative Water Pricing Schemes on Income Distribution
Authors: Giannoccaro Giacomo , Prosperi Maurizio , Zanni Giacomo
Published: May 2010

The reform of water pricing policies may represent an effective instrument for enhancing the efficient use of water resource. However, policy makers fear that a change in the pricing methods may cause income loss for some farmers, and that this income inequality may generate public discontent and policy inertia. The aim of this paper was to compare some pricing methods in order to measure their effects on income distribution. The analysis focuses on the income distribution among different types of farms, and the income distribution between different social groups (landowners, capitalists and workers) in the short term. A linear programing model based on expected utility theory is used to take into account the effect of commodity prices and rainfall variability, which are among the most relevant factors affecting farmers’ income. According to the findings, water pricing schemes do not affect the income distribution among farm types, although a significant impact emerges on the distribution among social groups, and in particular on the wages of temporary workers.
Left Atrial Volume and Function Assessment by Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Authors: HOF IRENE E. , VELTHUIS BIRGITTA K. , VAN DRIEL VINCENT J. , WITTKAMPF FRED H. , HAUER RICHARD N. , LOH PETER
Published: May 2010

Left Atrial Volume and Function Assessment Introduction: In patients with atrial fibrillation undergoing catheter ablation, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) can determine left atrial (LA) volume and function before and after ablation. The most accurate, but time consuming, method to determine LA volume is the multiple slice method (MSM), which involves manual tracing of LA area on each slice. The area length method (ALM) offers a simplified, but unvalidated, alternative for LA volume assessment by MRI. The aim of this study was to compare LA volume and function assessment by ALM with MSM.

Methods and Results: MRI was performed before and after catheter ablation in 40 patients with atrial fibrillation (30 male, mean age 57 years). All patients had sinus rhythm during imaging. In total, 72 MRI scans were available. LA end‐diastolic and end‐systolic volumes (EDV, respectively ESV) were measured by both methods. LA function was determined by calculating LA ejection fraction (EF = (EDV‐ESV)/EDV). Measured by ALM, mean LA EDV and ESV were significantly lower than using MSM (102 mL and 49 mL vs 111 mL and 65 mL, respectively, P < 0.001) with a larger difference in mean ESV than EDV (16 mL vs 9 mL). This resulted in an overestimation of LA EF by ALM with a mean of 11% (54% by ALM and 42% by MSM, P < 0.001). ALM correlated well with MSM for LA EDV and ESV (r = 0.77, respectively 0.85), and showed no significant difference in intraobserver and interobserver variability.

Conclusion: ALM significantly underestimates LA volumes and overestimates LA function, but correlates well with the more accurate MSM. (J Cardiovasc Electrophysiol, Vol. 21, pp. 1247‐1250, November 2010)
Left Ventricular Diastolic Function and Right Atrial Size Are Important Rhythm Outcome Predictors after Intraoperative Ablation for Atrial Fibrillation
Authors: Houltz Birgitta , Johansson Birgitta , Berglin Eva , Karlsson Thomas , Edvardsson Nils , Wandt Birger
Published: May 2010

Background: Left ventricular (LV) diastolic function and right atrial (RA) size are not routinely included in preoperative echocardiographic examination in patients undergoing cardiac surgery with concomitant ablation for atrial fibrillation (AF). Objective: To investigate the role of echocardiographic variables including LV diastolic function and RA area in long‐term rhythm outcome prediction, in patients with documented AF undergoing intraoperative ablation concomitant to coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). Methods: Thirty‐five consecutive patients, scheduled for CABG, and with a history of paroxysmal or permanent AF for 8.5 ± 11.3 years (mean ± SD) (median 5.8 years), were included in this prospective study. Echocardiography was performed prior to and 2.3 ± 0.4 years after the surgical procedure. Results: Both LA and RA areas, LV diastolic function, paroxysmal AF, and sinus rhythm (SR) preoperatively were associated with SR at long‐term follow‐up. In the multivariate analysis, RA area (P = 0.004), and decreased LV diastolic function preoperatively, measured as the maximal LV long‐axis relaxation velocity (P = 0.02), predicted SR at follow‐up. Conclusions: RA size and LV diastolic function may be important variables in prediction of long‐term rhythm outcome after intraoperative ablation for AF. (Echocardiography 2010;27:961‐968)
Noninvasive Evaluation of Coronary Flow Velocity Reserve in Homozygous Familial Hypercholesterolemia by Transthoracic Doppler Echocardiography
Authors: Zhang Xiaoshan , Yang Ya , Li Zhi’an , Ren Hongyan , Lin Jie , Wang Lvya
Published: May 2010

Objective: To evaluate the value of transthoracic Doppler echocardiography (TTDE) of the left anterior descending coronary for the detection of early abnormalities of coronary arteries in asymptomatic patients with homozygous familial hypercholesterolemia (HoFH). Methods: Seventeen asymptomatic patients with HoFH and 10 controls had plasma total cholesterol, low‐density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, and triglycerides measured and underwent TTDE of their left coronary descending artery to determine peak and mean flow velocities under basal conditions and under hyperemia induced by adenosine infusion. Coronary flow velocity reserve (CFVR) was calculated from the mean flow velocities. The presence of aortic supravalvular stenosis was also determined from supravalvular flow velocity and aortic valve thickening values. Results: HoFH patients had similar basal but significantly lower hyperemic flow velocities and CFVR than control patients. Eight of the 17 HoFH patients had supravalvular aortic stenosis, and these patients had significantly higher LDL cholesterol and lower CFVR than those without this stenosis. Treatment with lipid‐lowering drugs lowered lipid levels and increased CFVR values, but neither of these parameters reached normal values. Conclusions: TTDE is a suitable noninvasive technique to detect early abnormalities of coronary arteries and to monitor the clinical efficacy of lipid‐lowering treatment in asymptomatic HoFH patients. Echocardiography 2010;27:985‐989)
Utility of Intracardiac Echocardiography for Atrial Baffle Leak Closure in Repaired Transposition of the Great Arteries
Authors: Kuppahally Suman S. , Litwin Sheldon E. , Green Larry S. , Ishihara Stephen M. , Freedman Roger A. , Michaels Andrew D.
Published: May 2010

A 27‐year‐old male with dextro‐transposition of great arteries had Senning atrial switch repair in childhood and dual‐chamber pacemaker placement for sinus node dysfunction in adulthood. Transthoracic echocardiography showed a lead in the systemic (anatomic right) ventricle. Multidetector computed tomography showed the lead perforating the baffle in the region of the body of the systemic venous atrium into the systemic ventricle. The lead was extracted, and a new lead was placed in the pulmonary (anatomic left) ventricle. A bidirectional baffle shunt persisted. The iatrogenic baffle leak was percutaneously closed with an Amplatzer septal occluder device using both intracardiac echocardiography (ICE) and three‐dimensional transesophageal echocardiography (3D‐TEE). We report the first use of ICE for baffle leak closure, which provided a good definition of the complex anatomy and guided the procedure. (Echocardiography 2010;27:E90‐E93)
An Unusual Case of a Giant Pseudoaneurysm Formation after Myocardial Infarction
Authors: Ozer Necla , Aksoy Hakan , Hazırolan Tuncay , Tulumen Erol , Deveci Onur Sinan , Okutucu Sercan , Abacı Adnan , Özdoğan Mehmet Emin , Özmen Ferhan
Published: May 2010

In the era of early and invasive therapeutic approaches, myocardial rupture has become an uncommon complication of myocardial infarction. We report an uncommon complication following inferior myocardial infarction with both left ventricular and right ventricular rupture and subsequent communication via a shared pseudoaneurysm. (Echocardiography 2010;27:E83‐E86)
Posterior Left Atrial Wall Hematoma Mimicking Cystic Intracavitary Atrial Mass
Authors: Bahnacy Yasser , Suresh Cheriyil , Dawoud Hamed , Zubaid Mohammad
Published: May 2010

Atrial myxoma is the most common benign primary tumor of the heart most commonly in the left atrium (LA). Cystic or cavitated intracardiac masses are rare. We report the case of a 43‐year‐old male patient admitted with chest infection, hemoptysis, and severe respiratory distress, who had to be ventilated. Chest computed tomography showed bilateral lung consolidation with large mass occupying the region of the LA. Transthoracic echocardiography and transesophageal echocardiography showed a large intracavitary left atrial cystic mobile mass. Open‐heart surgical exploration did not show any mass inside the LA. A posterior left atrial wall hematoma was found and evacuated. Biopsies confirmed the presence of blood clots. Posterior left atrial wall hematoma may appear as left atrial intracavitary cystic mass and should be included in the differential diagnosis of cystic left atrial mass. (Echocardiography 2010;27:E102‐E104)
A Case of Bioabsorbable Atrial Septal Closure Device Fracture Diagnosed by Transesophageal Echocardiography Just after Deployment
Authors: Duygu Hamza , Nazli Cem , Ergene Oktay
Published: May 2010

(Echocardiography 2010;27:E55‐E56)
An Exploration of Sample Representativeness in Anthropometric Facial Comparison*
Authors: Mallett Xanth D. G. , Dryden Ian , Vorder Bruegge Richard , Evison Martin
Published: May 2010

Abstract:  Faces are assumed to be unique, but their use in court has remained problematic as no method of comparison with known error rates has been accepted by the scientific community. Rather than relying on the assumed uniqueness of facial features, previous research has been directed at estimations of face shape frequency. Here, the influence of age, sex, and ancestry on variation was investigated. Statistical shape analysis was used to examine the necessity for sub‐divisions in forensic comparisons, using a large sample of facial images on which 30 anthropometric landmark points had been placed in 3D. Results showed a clear pattern of separation of the sexes in all age groups, and in different age groups in men. It was concluded that sub‐division of databases by sex will be necessary in forensic comparisons. Sub‐division by age may be necessary in men (although not necessarily in women), and may be necessary by ancestry.
Respiratory, Circulatory, and Neurological Responses to Hanging: A Review of Animal Models
Authors: Boghossian Elie , Clément Renaud , Redpath Margaret , Sauvageau Anny
Published: May 2010

Abstract:  The pathophysiology of hanging is still poorly understood. This article presents a review of eight animal models: four models of isolated occlusion of the vessels of the neck (group 1), one model of combined tracheal and vessel occlusion (group 2), and three models of true animal hanging (group 3). Occlusion of the airway passages in group 2 did not accelerate respiratory arrest compared to group 1. Cessation of cerebral blood flow, rather than airway obstruction, seems to be the main cause of respiratory decline. In general, muscular movements ceased after 1–3.5 min and early generalized tonic‐clonic convulsions were described. Complete circulatory collapse seems to occur between 4 and 8.5 min. These observations from animal models of hanging are compared with the data collected from filmed human hangings. Avenues to improve animal models are discussed.
Forensic Biomechanical Analysis of Falls from Height Using Numerical Human Body Models*
Authors: Adamec Jiri , Jelen Karel , Kubovy Petr , Lopot Frantisek , Schuller Erich
Published: May 2010

Abstract:  This article describes the method of using human body models developed originally for the use in automotive safety in forensic reconstructions of falls from height. The MADYMO® software package and multibody human body models were used in forensic analyses of two real cases—a fatal fall from a window c. 13.8 m above the ground and a fall into a c. 2.5‐m deep cellar pit resulting in isolated ankle joint injury. The performed series of numerical simulations helped to reconstruct the events and to resolve legally relevant questions concerning various aspects of the falls. The benefits as well as limitations and potential biases associated with the use of numerical simulation in forensic biomechanical settings are discussed. The method has proven to be effective under specific circumstances, though the cost (both financial and temporal) still prevents it from wider use.
Identification of the Class Characteristics in the Handwriting of Polish People Writing in English
Authors: Turnbull Susan J. , Jones Allison E. , Allen Mike
Published: May 2010

Abstract: An investigation was carried out to identify the class characteristics of Polish people writing in English and to specifically identify those characteristics that separate Polish handwriting from English handwriting. In the first stage, 40 Polish and 40 English handwriting samples were collected and systematically examined. In total, 31 features were identified that occurred in ≥25% of the Polish handwriting samples and therefore considered class characteristics. Of these, chi‐square analyses identified 21 class characteristics that occurred significantly more in Polish compared to English handwriting. Twenty‐one of the class characteristics in the Polish handwriting had similar constructions to the copybook pattern thus supporting the theory that class characteristics frequently stem from the taught writing system. In the second stage, an algorithm was developed using seventeen of the class characteristics that successfully discriminated between a further 13 Polish and 12 English handwriting samples.
Knot‐Tying Habits, Tier Handedness, and Experience*
Authors: Chisnall Robert C.
Published: May 2010

Abstract: Previous research concerning tier handedness, experience and the configuration of simple, habitual knots has been scant and conflicting. Survey data were collected from 21 disparate groups comprising 562 respondents in total. Regardless of experience, respondents tied both Granny and Reef Knots. Dextral tying was dominated by S knots. Left‐handers tied Z knots more frequently than right‐handers. However, the frequency of S and Z knots relative to tier hand dominance, which is not binary, occurred on a continuum. Averaging all survey tasks, more than 70% of knots tied by dextrals were S, whereas only 56% of those tied by sinistrals were S. These percentages varied somewhat according to specific tying tasks and the number of working ends. Furthermore, tiers’ shoelace and parcel knots were not always identical, and a ranked pattern in parcel and shoelace knots was revealed. The examination of habitual knots could benefit criminal investigations.
Farmers’ objectives as determinants of organic farming adoption: the case of Catalonian vineyard production
Authors: Kallas Zein , Serra Teresa , Gil José Maria
Published: May 2010

This article assesses the decision to adopt organic farming practices. We use Duration Analysis (DA) to determine why farmers adopt organic farming practices and what influences the timing of adoption. We extend previous studies by including farmers’ objectives, risk preferences, and agricultural policies as covariates in the DA model. The Analytical Hierarchy Process is used as a multicriteria decision‐making methodology to measure farmers’ objectives. The empirical analysis uses farm‐level data from a sample of vineyard farms in the Spanish region of Catalonia. Farmers’ objectives are found to influence the conversion decision. Moreover, farmers who are not risk averse are more likely to adopt organic farming. Results point to the policy changes that have been most relevant in motivating adoption of organic practices.
Returns to public sector plant breeding in the presence of spill‐ins and private goods: the case of bean research in Michigan
Authors: Maredia Mywish K. , Bernsten Richard , Ragasa Catherine
Published: May 2010

This article illustrates a methodology for assessing economic returns to a publicly funded breeding program in the presence of private sector investments, and spill‐ins from other contemporary public institutions and past research efforts. The approach consists of determining yield gains from bean improvement research; applying these yield gain estimates to measure benefits attributable to different institutional players and time periods; and then assessing the benefit‐cost ratios of investments in a bean improvement program since 1980 by Michigan State University (MSU). The results indicate that investments in MSU's bean breeding program have yielded benefits to costs ratio in the range of 0.7 to 2.2, depending on the attribution rule used to estimate the benefits. The estimated benefit/cost ratios reported in this study are lower‐bound estimates, as they do not account for potential benefits from area planted to MSU varieties outside of Michigan (spillover effects), which was 1.5 times greater than the area planted to MSU‐bred varieties within Michigan in the period 1998–2002. The implications of the increasingly privatized bean seed markets for the role of public sector research in bean improvement research are discussed.
Cotton market integration and the impact of China's new exchange rate regime
Authors: Ge Yuanlong , Wang Holly H. , Ahn Sung K.
Published: May 2010

This article studies the integration of China's cotton market with the international market, especially the U.S. market. Investigating the futures prices from the Intercontinental Exchange (ICE) in the U.S. and the Zhengzhou Commodity Exchange (ZCE) in China with several time series models, we find that a long‐run cointegration relationship exists between these two series. The two markets share price transmissions, and based on results from an Autoregressive Conditional Heteroskedasticity (ARCH) model, we find their price volatilities are similar. We argue that China's recent exchange rate reform and its gradual liberalization in bilateral cotton trade since it joined World Trade Organization have had important impacts on these futures markets. Based on these findings, several important economic and policy implications are derived.
The genetic and economic impact of the CIMMYT wheat breeding program on local producers in the Yaqui Valley, Sonora Mexico
Authors: Nalley Lawton L. , Barkley Andrew P. , Featherstone Allen M.
Published: May 2010

This article quantifies the productivity gain from CIMMYT‐released semidwarf bread wheat (Triticum aestivum) cultivars over time, using test plot data from Mexico's Yaqui Valley. Previous studies have shown a deceleration in irrigated wheat yield growth since the 1980s, which could be due to slowing increase in genetic potential. Our results suggest that CIMMYT cultivars contributed a 0.46% annual increase (about 38 kg/ha annually) to wheat yields in the Yaqui Valley, which raised local wheat producers’ revenue by an average of $4 million annually for the period 1990 to 2002, and by approximately $9 million in 2002.
Economic analysis of different options in integrated pest and soil fertility management in maize systems of Western Kenya
Authors: De Groote Hugo , Vanlauwe Bernard , Rutto Esther , Odhiambo George D. , Kanampiu Fred , Khan Zeyaur R.
Published: May 2010

The major biotic constraints to the production of maize, the major staple food in Western Kenya, are field pests such as Striga and stem borers, and low soil fertility. To counter these constraints, new cropping systems have been developed, including “push‐pull,” rotations with promiscuous soybean varieties and green manure crops, and imidazolinone resistant‐ (IR‐) maize. To analyze the technical and economic performance of these technologies, both with and without fertilizer, on‐farm researcher‐managed long‐term trials were implemented over six seasons in two sites each in Vihiga and Siaya districts of Western Kenya. The economic results, based on marginal analysis using a multioutput, multiperiod model, show that the new cropping systems with fodder intercropping (push‐pull) or soybean rotations were highly profitable. Push‐pull is more profitable but requires a relatively high initial investment cost. Green manure rotation, IR‐maize, and fertilizer all increased yields, but these investments were generally not justified by their increased revenue. We argue that research on rotation and cropping systems to tackle pest and soil fertility problems in Africa deserve more attention. This will require increased collaboration between agronomists and economists to set up long‐term experiments with new cropping systems to develop proper economic models.
Hard tissue formation adjacent to implants of various size and configuration immediately placed into extraction sockets: an experimental study in dogs
Authors: Caneva Marco , Salata Luiz Antonio , De Souza Sergio Scombatti , Bressan Eriberto , Botticelli Daniele , Lang Niklaus P.
Published: May 2010

Objectives: To evaluate the influence of implant size and configuration on osseointegration in implants immediately placed into extraction sockets.

Material and methods: Implants were installed immediately into extraction sockets in the mandibles of six Labrador dogs. In the control sites, cylindrical transmucosal implants (3.3 mm diameter) were installed, while in the test sites, larger and conical (root formed, 5 mm diameter) implants were installed. After 4 months of healing, the resorptive patterns of the alveolar crest were evaluated histomorphometrically.

Results: With one exception, all implants were integrated in mineralized bone, mainly composed of mature lamellar bone. The alveolar crest underwent resorption at the control as well as at the test implants. This resorption was more pronounced at the buccal aspects and significantly greater at the test (2.7±0.4 mm) than at the control implants (1.5±0.6 mm). However, the control implants were associated with residual defects that were deeper at the lingual than at the buccal aspects, while these defects were virtually absent at test implants.

Conclusions: The installment of root formed wide implants immediately into extraction sockets will not prevent the resorption of the alveolar crest. In contrast, this resorption is more marked both at the buccal and lingual aspects of root formed wide than at standard cylindrical implants.

To cite this article:
 Caneva M, Salata LA, de Souza SS, Bressan E, Botticelli D, Lang NP. Hard tissue formation adjacent to implants of various size and configuration immediately placed into extraction sockets: an experimental study in dogs. Clin. Oral Impl. Res. 21, 2010; 885–895. doi: 10.1111/j.1600‐0501.2010.01931.x
Allometric density responses in butterflies: the response to small and large patches by small and large species
Authors: Hambäck Peter A. , Bergman Karl‐Olof , Bommarco Riccardo , Krauss Jochen , Kuussaari Mikko , Pöyry Juha , Öckinger Erik
Published: May 2010

Species are differentially affected by habitat fragmentation as a consequence of differences in mobility, area requirements, use of the matrix, and responses to edges. A quantitative understanding of these differences is essential not only for conservation biology but also for basic ecological theory. Here, we examine density responses by butterflies to patch size and use a quantitative theory on the scaling of population density with patch size to interpret results. Theory suggests that the density distribution of mobile species along a patch size gradient should depend on the scaling of net migration rates, whereas the density distribution of less mobile species should depend more on local growth. Using data from 11 localities in three European countries, we calculated the slope in the relationship between patch size and population density. These slopes were evaluated in relation to butterfly traits and matrix composition. As estimates of butterfly mobility we used both wing span and expert mobility rankings. The slope of the density–area relationship changed as predicted with wing span and the association of species to grasslands. Large and highly mobile species had a negative slope, similarly for grassland specialists and generalist species, and the slope matched quantitative predictions based on the scaling of net migration rates. Small and less mobile grassland specialists had a slope that was less negative than the slope of large and mobile grassland specialists, whereas the slope did not change with size for generalist species. These analyses suggest that the variability in response among butterfly species to patch size could be explained by accounting for body size/mobility and habitat associations among species. A caveat is that edge effects are not explicitly included in the model analysis, and future research should aim to combine area and edge effects in a common theoretical framework.
A comparison of patch connectivity measures using data on invertebrates in hollow oaks
Authors: Ranius Thomas , Johansson Victor , Fahrig Lenore
Published: May 2010

This study aimed at comparing six patch connectivity measures by fitting them to field data. We used occupancy data for eight beetle and two pseudoscorpion species from 281 hollow oaks in southeast Sweden. Species occupancy was modelled in relation to tree characteristics and one measure of patch connectivity at a time. For each connectivity measure we searched for the spatial scale that generated the best fit to field data. Connectivity measures that only include occupied patches provided better model fits than those that include all patches. When occupancy data are absent for surrounding habitat patches, information that reflects occurrence probabilities can be included in the connectivity measure. However, in this study incorporation of such information resulted in only a slight improvement of model fit. A frequently used connectivity measure based on the negative exponential function was relatively poor in explaining species’ occurrence; for eight species out of nine a buffer measure was better. A better fit was obtained when the negative exponential function was modified to take into account that habitat patches may “compete” for the immigrants. The spatial scale with the best fit tended to be larger when we used connectivity measures in which dispersal sources are identified with lower precision. Thus, the outcomes from different multiple‐scale studies are not directly comparable if the density of dispersal sources is not measured in the same way. Overall we conclude that buffer measures are useful, as they give good predictions and are easy to understand and use. If a biologically more realistic measure is needed, one that up‐weights the closest patches should be used. Finally, the possibility that habitat patches may compete with each other for immigrants should be considered when selecting a connectivity measure.
Habitat fragmentation disrupts the demography of a widespread native mammal
Authors: Holland Greg J. , Bennett Andrew F.
Published: May 2010

Fragmentation theory predicts that population persistence should be positively correlated with the size of habitat fragments. The patterns of occurrence of many species are consistent with this prediction, but the demographic processes that determine how species respond to fragmentation are poorly understood. In addition, habitat quality may interact with fragment size as an influence on demographic performance. We investigated these predictions for the native bush rat Rattus fuscipes by testing the following hypotheses: 1) population performance (i.e. viability as determined by various demographic parameters) is positively correlated with fragment size; and 2) population performance is positively correlated with habitat quality. Populations of R. fuscipes were censused in two large (>49 ha) and eight small (<2.5 ha) forest fragments in an agricultural region of southeastern Australia. Fragments with high and low quality habitat were included in each size category. Fragment size influenced multiple aspects of population demography; populations in large fragments had higher densities, older age structures, received more potential immigrants, and were more likely to recruit adults than those in small fragments. Reproductive patterns were more predictable in large fragments. Habitat quality per se had less marked effects; adult females were heavier and subadults more prevalent in fragments with high quality habitat. However, high quality habitat enhanced population performance in small fragments more so than in large ones. Despite being widespread in the study area, R. fuscipes populations are profoundly impacted by habitat fragmentation, with population performance declining with fragment size. Studies based on patterns of species occurrence should be interpreted with caution as they may mask critical processes occurring at the population level. For a thorough understanding of the effects of habitat fragmentation, population‐level studies are required.
How much do we overestimate future local extinction rates when restricting the range of occurrence data in climate suitability models?
Authors: Barbet‐Massin Morgane , Thuiller Wilfried , Jiguet Frédéric
Published: May 2010

Climate suitability models are used to make projections of species’ potential future distribution under climate change. When studying the species richness with such modeling methods, the extent of the study range is of particular importance, especially when the full range of occurrence is not considered for some species, often because of geographical or political limits. Here we examine biases induced by the use of range‐restricted occurrence data on predicted changes in species richness and predicted extinction rates, at study area margins. We compared projections of future suitable climate space for 179 bird species breeding in Iberia and North Africa (27 of them breeding only in North Africa though potential colonizers in Europe), using occurrence data from the full Western Palaearctic (WP) species range and from the often‐considered European‐restricted range. Current and future suitable climatic spaces were modeled using an ensemble forecast technique applied to five general circulation models and three climate scenarios, with eight climatic variables and eight modeling techniques. The use of range‐restricted compared to the full WP occurrence data of a species led to an underestimate of its suitable climatic space. The projected changes in species richness across the focus area (Iberia) varied considerably according to the occurrence data we used, with higher local extinction rates with European‐restricted data (on average 38 vs 12% for WP data). Modeling results for species currently breeding only in North Africa revealed potential colonization of the Iberian Peninsula (from a climatic point of view), which highlights the necessity to consider species outside the focus area if interested in forecasted changes in species richness. Therefore, the modeling of current and future species richness can lead to misleading conclusions when data from a restricted range of occurrence is used. Consequently, climate suitability models should use occurrence data from the complete distribution range of species, or at least within biogeographical areas.
Fundamental biogeographic patterns across the Mexican Transition Zone: an evolutionary approach
Authors: Morrone Juan J.
Published: May 2010

Transition zones, located at the boundaries between biogeographic regions, represent events of biotic hybridization, promoted by historical and ecological changes. They deserve special attention, because they represent areas of intense biotic interaction. In its more general sense, the Mexican Transition Zone is a complex and varied area where Neotropical and Nearctic biotas overlap, from southwestern USA to Mexico and part of Central America, extending south to the Nicaraguan lowlands. In recent years, panbiogeographic analyses have led to restriction of the Mexican Transition Zone to the montane areas of Mexico and to recognize five smaller biotic components within it. A cladistic biogeographic analysis challenged the hypothesis that this transition zone is biogeographically divided along a north‐south axis at the Transmexican Volcanic Belt, as the two major clades found divided Mexico in an east‐west axis. This implies that early Tertiary geological events leading to the convergence of Neotropical and Nearctic elements may be younger (Miocene) than those that led to the east‐west pattern (Paleocene). The Mexican Transition Zone consists of five biogeographic provinces: Sierra Madre Occidental, Sierra Madre Oriental, Transmexican Volcanic Belt, Sierra Madre del Sur, and Chiapas. Within this transition zone, at least four cenocrons have been identified: Paleoamerican, Nearctic, Montane Mesoamerican, and Tropical Mesoamerican. Future studies should continue refining the identification of cenocrons and the reconstruction of a geobiotic scenario, as well as integrating ecological biogeographic studies, to allow a more complete understanding of the patterns and processes that have caused the biotic complexity of this transition zone.
Determinants of palm species distributions across Africa: the relative roles of climate, non‐climatic environmental factors, and spatial constraints
Authors: Blach‐Overgaard Anne , Svenning Jens‐Christian , Dransfield John , Greve Michelle , Balslev Henrik
Published: May 2010

Most of the Earth's biodiversity resides in the tropics. However, a comprehensive understanding of which factors control range limits of tropical species is still lacking. Climate is often thought to be the predominant range‐determining mechanism at large spatial scales. Alternatively, species’ ranges may be controlled by soil or other environmental factors, or by non‐environmental factors such as biotic interactions, dispersal barriers, intrinsic population dynamics, or time‐limited expansion from place of origin or past refugia. How species ranges are controlled is of key importance for predicting their responses to future global change. Here, we use a novel implementation of species distribution modelling (SDM) to assess the degree to which African continental‐scale species distributions in a keystone tropical group, the palms (Arecaceae), are controlled by climate, non‐climatic environmental factors, or non‐environmental spatial constraints. A comprehensive data set on African palm species occurrences was assembled and analysed using the SDM algorithm Maxent in combination with climatic and non‐climatic environmental predictors (habitat, human impact), as well as spatial eigenvector mapping (spatial filters). The best performing models always included spatial filters, suggesting that palm species distributions are always to some extent limited by non‐environmental constraints. Models which included climate provided significantly better predictions than models that included only non‐climatic environmental predictors, the latter having no discernible effect beyond the climatic control. Hence, at the continental scale, climate constitutes the only strong environmental control of palm species distributions in Africa. With regard to the most important climatic predictors of African palm distributions, water‐related factors were most important for 25 of the 29 species analysed. The strong response of palm distributions to climate in combination with the importance of non‐environmental spatial constraints suggests that African palms will be sensitive to future climate changes, but that their ability to track suitable climatic conditions will be spatially constrained.
Maternal Blood Serum and Plasma Human Tumor‐Associated Antigen RCAS1 During the Course of Uncomplicated Pregnancies: A Prospective Study
Authors: Tskitishvili Ekaterine , Sharentuya Namuxila , Tsubouchi Hiroaki , Kinugasa‐Taniguchi Yukiko , Kanagawa Takeshi , Shimoya Koichiro , Tomimatsu Takuji , Kimura Tadashi
Published: May 2010

Citation Tskitishvili E, Sharentuya N, Tsubouchi H, Kinugasa‐Taniguchi Y, Kanagawa T, Shimoya K, Tomimatsu T, Kimura T. Maternal blood serum and plasma human tumor‐associated antigen RCAS1 during the course of uncomplicated pregnancies: a prospective study. Am J Reprod Immunol 2010; 64: 218–224

Problem  We aimed to investigate the expression of the tumor‐associated RCAS1 protein in maternal blood of uncomplicated pregnancies.

Method of study  Maternal blood was obtained from women with uncomplicated pregnancies (N = 43) at 11–13, 20–22, 32–34, 37–38 weeks of gestation, and immediately after delivery. Serum RCAS1 concentration was studied by ELISA, and plasma mRNA was subjected to real‐time (RT)‐PCR.

Results  Serum RCAS1 protein concentration was significantly up‐regulated at 11–13 and 20–22 weeks than that at 32–34 weeks and after delivery. RCAS1 mRNA level was significantly increased at 11–13 weeks than that at 37–38 weeks. A significant positive correlation was defined between RCAS1 serum concentration at 11–13 weeks and gestational age at delivery and that between plasma RCAS1 mRNA levels at 37–38 weeks and umbilical cord blood base excess. A significant negative correlation was found between RCAS1 serum concentration at 37–38 weeks and umbilical cord blood pH at delivery.

Conclusions  RCAS1 protein might have importance in the development of uncomplicated pregnancies and for the prediction of pregnancy outcome.
Antinuclear Autoantibodies in Women with Recurrent Pregnancy Loss
Authors: Ticconi Carlo , Rotondi Federica , Veglia Manuela , Pietropolli Adalgisa , Bernardini Sergio , Ria Francesco , Caruso Alessandro , Di Simone Nicoletta
Published: May 2010

Citation Ticconi C, Rotondi F, Veglia M, Pietropolli A, Bernardini S, Ria F, Caruso A, Di Simone N. Antinuclear autoantibodies in women with recurrent pregnancy loss. Am J Reprod Immunol 2010; 64: 384–392

Problem  To investigate the possibility that antinuclear antibodies (ANA) are involved in recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL).

Methods  Case–control study carried out on 294 women (194 cases and 100 controls) in two University hospitals. The presence, the serum titers and the indirect immunofluorescence (IIF) patterns of ANA were determined in women with RPL and in control women.

Results  Antinuclear antibodies at titers ≥ 1:80 were detected in 97 (50%) women with RPL and in 16 (16%) control women. Elevated ANA titers (≥1:180) were detected only in RPL women, whereas all control women had ANA titers no greater than 1:80. No differences could be detected in the IIF patterns between RPL and control women. No differences in ANA positivity could be detected according to the type (primary or secondary) or number (>2 versus ≥3) of losses.

Conclusions  ANA could be of some value in identifying women with RPL with potential, although still not fully defined, immune abnormalities.
Behavioral response of manatees to variations in environmental sound levels
Authors: Miksis‐Olds Jennifer L. , Wagner Tyler
Published: May 2010

Abstract

Florida manatees (Trichechus manatus latirostris) inhabit coastal regions because they feed on the aquatic vegetation that grows in shallow waters, which are the same areas where human activities are greatest. Noise produced from anthropogenic and natural sources has the potential to affect these animals by eliciting responses ranging from mild behavioral changes to extreme aversion. Sound levels were calculated from recordings made throughout behavioral observation periods. An information theoretic approach was used to investigate the relationship between behavior patterns and sound level. Results indicated that elevated sound levels affect manatee activity and are a function of behavioral state. The proportion of time manatees spent feeding and milling changed in response to sound level. When ambient sound levels were highest, more time was spent in the directed, goal‐oriented behavior of feeding, whereas less time was spent engaged in undirected behavior such as milling. This work illustrates how shifts in activity of individual manatees may be useful parameters for identifying impacts of noise on manatees and might inform population level effects.
Sensitive detection and quantification of minimal residual disease in chronic myeloid leukaemia using nested quantitative PCR for BCR‐ABL DNA
Authors: BARTLEY P. A. , ROSS D. M. , LATHAM S. , MARTIN‐HARRIS M. H. , BUDGEN B. , WILCZEK V. , BRANFORD S. , HUGHES T. P. , MORLEY A. A.
Published: May 2010

Increasing numbers of patients with chronic myeloid leukaemia (CML) treated with tyrosine kinase inhibitors achieve undetectable levels of BCR‐ABL mRNA using sensitive quantitative real‐time reverse transcriptase PCR (RT‐qPCR) methods and a method to measure minimal residual disease (MRD) in patients with low levels could be of value. Following isolation and sequencing of the patient‐specific BCR‐ABL breakpoint, a DNA‐based nested qPCR assay was established, and MRD was measured by this method and one‐round RT‐qPCR in 38 samples from 24 patients with CML. Mixing experiments using patient DNA in normal DNA indicated that DNA qPCR could detect BCR‐ABL sequences at a limit of approximately 10−6. In 22 samples in which MRD was detectable by both methods, comparison of the results of DNA qPCR with the results obtained on the same sample by RT‐qPCR showed good correlation. In another 16 samples, BCR‐ABL mRNA was not detectable by RT‐qPCR. In 8 of the 16 samples, BCR‐ABL DNA was detected at levels ranging from 1.1 × 10−5 up to 2.8 × 10−4 and in the remaining eight samples BCR‐ABL was not detected by either method. In one patient, who had stopped imatinib, an almost 1000‐fold rise in MRD, to 5.2 × 10−4 was observed in sequential samples. Nested DNA qPCR was more sensitive than one‐round RT‐qPCR and could be used for the monitoring of patients with CML with very low levels of MRD.
Analysis of reticulocyte parameters on the Sysmex XE 5000 and LH 750 analyzers in the diagnosis of inefficient erythropoiesis
Authors: URRECHAGA E. , BORQUE L. , ESCANERO J. F.
Published: May 2010

The reticulocyte hemoglobin equivalent (Ret He) represents an indirect measure of the functional iron available for erythropoiesis over the previous 2–3 days. Only the analyzers of a single manufacturer, Sysmex (Sysmex Corporation, Kobe, Japan), include Ret He. Red blood cell size factor (RSf) is a new parameter provided by Beckman Coulter, which joins together the volume of the erythrocytes and the volume of reticulocytes. The aims of the study were to investigate the clinical usefulness of RSf in the study of erythropoiesis status and to assess its concordance with Ret He values. Samples from 417 patients were run on both LH 780 (Beckman Coulter) and Sysmex XE 5000 analyzers. Independent samples t‐test, Pearson correlation, receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis and inter‐rater reliability (κ index) were applied. Good correlation between RSf and Ret He was observed, r = 0.8184. Significant differences (P < 0.001) were detected when groups with inefficient erythropoiesis were compared with patients undergoing therapy and healthy subjects. ROC analysis for RSf in the diagnosis of inefficient erythropoiesis, cutoff 91.1 fl, area under curve 0.963, sensitivity 91.7%, specificity 88.5%. Concordance between RSf and Ret He κ = 0.68. RSf and Ret He are suitable parameters for the assessment of erythropoiesis status.
Initial performance evaluation of the UniCel® DxH 800 Coulter® cellular analysis system
Authors: HEDLEY B. D. , KEENEY M. , CHIN‐YEE I. , BROWN W.
Published: May 2010

The Beckman Coulter UniCel® DxH 800 is a hematology analyzer incorporating new electronic and mechanical design with advanced algorithm technology to perform CBC, white blood cell (WBC) differential, nucleated red blood cell (NRBC), and reticulocyte analysis. Evaluation of this instrument was performed in our 800‐bed tertiary care hospital and specifically centered upon the correlation of WBC, NRBC, and platelet (PLT) enumeration when compared to a predicate analyzer, the Coulter® LH 780, and flow cytometry (FCM) reference methods. Of particular interest were those samples with morphologically confirmed interference and extreme leukocytosis (evaluated with respect to red blood cell parameter correction). The sample set (n = 272) consisted of morphologically normal and hematologically abnormal patients. Correlation of the WBC, PLT, and NRBC showed r2 values of 0.994, 0.985, and 0.910 for the DxH 800 vs. FCM, respectively. The presence of interfering particles did not affect the accuracy of the DxH 800 with respect to WBC counts. The DxH 800 showed accurate PLT and NRBC counts in the clinically significant low range when compared to FCM. Compared to the LH 780, flagging rates were significantly reduced (NRBC flag), or equivalent (WBC, PLT flag) on the DxH 800. The DxH 800 demonstrated higher sensitivity and specificity for PLTs and NRBCs and achieved a lower NRBC false negative rate compared to the LH 780. The UniCel® DxH 800 represents a significant improvement to previous impedance analyzers in accurately detecting the presence of NRBCs at counts >1/100 WBC. Furthermore, it provides accurate PLT and WBC counts in the presence of interference and improved NRBC flagging efficiency when compared to the LH 780. Correction of red blood cell parameters is appropriate and accurate in cases of extreme leukocytosis.
Land conversion at the protected area's edge
Authors: Kramer Daniel B. , Doran Patrick J.
Published: May 2010

Protected areas are a common strategy to conserve biodiversity, ecological function, and ecosystem services. Through land market dynamics, however, protected area establishment can induce effects inimical to conservation goals. We examined the factors explaining land conversion within 2 km buffers of protected areas in Michigan, United States. We employed multilevel logistic models, with and without autocovariates, utilizing a multimodel inference paradigm. The most parsimonious models indicated that parcels with more developed, forested, and protected land in their vicinity, with well‐drained soils, at lower elevations, nearer roads and urban areas, in areas of greater population, and originally in agriculture are more likely to be developed. There is weak support for attributes of protected areas such as size, access, ownership, and protection mechanism affecting nearby land conversion. Our results stress the importance of a well‐designed system of protected areas and broad evaluations of the impacts of existing and future threats.
Incorporating asymmetric connectivity into spatial decision making for conservation
Authors: Beger Maria , Linke Simon , Watts Matt , Game Eddie , Treml Eric , Ball Ian , Possingham Hugh P.
Published: May 2010

Real patterns of ecological connectivity are seldom explicitly or systematically accounted for systematic conservation planning, in part because commonly used decision support systems can only capture simplistic notions of connectivity. Conventionally, the surrogates used to represent connectivity in conservation plans have assumed the connection between two sites to be symmetric in strength. In reality, ecological linkages between sites are rarely symmetric and often strongly asymmetric. Here, we develop a novel formulation that enabled us to incorporate asymmetric connectivity into the conservation decision support system Marxan. We illustrate this approach using hypothetical examples of a river catchment and a group of reefs, and then apply it to case studies in the Snowy River catchment and Great Barrier Reef, Australia. We show that incorporating asymmetric ecological connectivity in systematic reserve design leads to solutions that more effectively capture connectivity patterns, relative to either ignoring connectivity or assuming symmetric connectivity.