bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Is procalcitonin useful to differentiate rejection from bacterial infection in the early post‐operative period of liver transplantation in children?
Authors: Mendonça Coelho Maria Cecília , Tannuri Uenis , Aoun Tannuri Ana Cristina , Reingenheim Claudio , Troster Eduardo Juan
Published: November 2008

Abstract:  PCT is a protein that is recognized as an acute marker of inflammation. Previous studies performed in adults who underwent liver or heart transplantation indicated that PCT plasmatic levels help to differentiate between rejection and infection. The objective of this study was to evaluate whether PCT has the same role in liver‐transplanted children. Thirty‐six patients were studied between the first and the thirtieth post‐operative days, and PCT determinations were prospectively performed according to the clinical status of the patient. In the non‐complicated patients, PCT measurements performed on the first and second post‐operative days revealed a median value of 1.60 ng/mL (mean 5.68 ± 7.05; range 0.69–18.30). After the fourth day of transplantation, PCT plasma concentrations decreased to a median value of 0.21 ng/mL (mean 0.47 ± 0.59; range 0.05–2.00; normal values are less than 0.5 ng/mL). In infected patients, PCT plasma levels demonstrated a significant increase, differing from the patients with acute liver rejection whose levels were similar to those of non‐complicated patients. In conclusion, we could demonstrate that in the early post‐operative period of liver transplantation in children, measuring PCT plasmatic levels might be a useful tool for differentiation between bacterial infection and acute liver rejection.
Scale effects and constraints for sound production in katydids (Orthoptera: Tettigoniidae): correlated evolution between morphology and signal parameters
Authors: MONTEALEGRE‐Z F.
Published: November 2008

Male katydids (Orthoptera: Tettigoniidae) produce mating calls by rubbing the wings together, using specialized structures in their forewings (stridulatory file, scraper and mirror). A large proportion of species (ca. 66%) reported in the literature produces ultrasonic signals as principal output. Relationships among body size, generator structures and the acoustic parameters carrier frequency (fc) and pulse duration (pd), were studied in 58 tropical species that use pure‐tone signals. A comparative analysis, based on the only available katydid phylogeny, shows how changes in sound generator form are related to changes infcandpd. Anatomical changes of the sound generator that might have been selected viafcandpdare mirror size, file length and number of file teeth. Selection for structures of the stridulatory apparatus that enhance wing mechanics via file‐teeth and scraper morphology was crucial in the evolution of ultrasonic signals in the family Tettigoniidae.
Fitness differences associated withPgiSNP genotypes in the Glanville fritillary butterfly (Melitaea cinxia)
Authors: ORSINI L. , WHEAT C. W. , HAAG C. R. , KVIST J. , FRILANDER M. J. , HANSKI I.
Published: November 2008

Allozyme variation at the phosphoglucose isomerase (PGI) locus in the Glanville fritillary butterfly (Melitaea cinxia) is associated with variation in flight metabolic rate, dispersal rate, fecundity and local population growth rate. To map allozyme to DNA variation and to survey putative functional variation in genomic DNA, we cloned the coding sequence ofPgiand identified nonsynonymous variable sites that determine the most common allozyme alleles. We show that these single‐nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) exhibit significant excess of heterozygotes in field‐collected population samples as well as in laboratory crosses. This is in contrast to previous results for the same species in which other allozymes and SNPs were in Hardy–Weinberg equilibrium or exhibited an excess of homozygotes. Our results suggest that viability selection favoursPgiheterozygotes. Although this is consistent with direct overdominance atPgi, we cannot exclude the possibility that heterozygote advantage is caused by the presence of one or more deleterious alleles at linked loci.
Pistil anatomy and pollen tube development in Polygala vayredae Costa (Polygalaceae)
Authors: Castro S. , Silva S. , Stanescu I. , Silveira P. , Navarro L. , Santos C.
Published: November 2008

Low seed ovule ratios have been observed in natural populations of Polygala vayredae Costa, a narrowly endemic species from the oriental pre‐Pyrenees. To evaluate physical and nutritional constraints and pollen tube attrition in this endemic species, stigma and style anatomy, as well as pollen tube development along the pistil were investigated using light and fluorescence microscopy. The structural morphology of the stigmatic region was also examined with scanning electron microscopy. Pollen grains that reached the stigmatic papillae came into contact with a lipid‐rich exudate and germinated easily. Although a large number of pollen grains reach the stigmatic papillae, few pollen tubes were able to grow into the style towards the ovary. The style was hollow, with the stylar channel beginning a few cells below the stigmatic papillae. Initially, the stylar channel area was small compared to other levels of the style, and was surrounded by lipid‐rich, highly metabolic active cells. Furthermore, lipid‐rich mucilage was detected inside the stylar channel. At subsequent style levels towards the ovary, no major reserves were detected histochemically. The reduced intercellular spaces below the stigmatic papillae and the reduced area of the stylar channel at its commencement are suggested to physically constrain the number of pollen tubes that can develop. In subsequent levels of the style, the stylar channel could physically support a larger number of pollen tubes, but the lack of nutritional reserves cannot be disregarded as a cause of pollen tube attrition. Finally, the number of pollen tubes entering the ovary was greater than the number of ovules, suggesting that interactions occurring at this level play a major role in the final reproductive outcome in this species.
Effect of elevation on spatio‐temporal patterns of olive fly (Bactrocera oleae) populations in northern Greece
Authors: Kounatidis I. , Papadopoulos N. T. , Mavragani‐Tsipidou P. , Cohen Y. , Tertivanidis K. , Nomikou M. , Nestel D.
Published: November 2008

The spatio‐temporal patterns of olive fly populations in a managed olive‐growing region in the area of Chalkidiki in northern Greece were followed during 2005. The trapping grid consisted of 700 traps. Throughout the growing season (July–October), McPhail traps loaded with ammonium sulphate were inspected at 5‐day intervals. Trapping data were analysed using Getis–Ord local spatial statistics. Clustering of trapped flies was significantly related to elevation, which ranged from sea level to 700 m above sea level. The effect of elevation upon clustering depended on seasonal climatic patterns. During the summer, ‘hot‐spots’ (i.e. significant aggregations of captured insects) were located at intermediate to high elevations and ‘cold‐spots’ (i.e. areas with significantly low numbers of captured insects) were found in the valleys. In contrast, during the fall, ‘hot‐spots’ were detected at lower elevations and ‘cold‐spots’ at higher elevations. Population phenology seemed to affect spatial patterns. During periods of low population levels across the entire region, clusters of traps with relatively high amounts of captured insects were found at lower elevations. Pest management activities may have affected population levels throughout the region, but our data set does not allow quantifying their effectiveness. Our data suggest that differences in environmental temperature, as a result of altitudinal cline and season, may affect both the size of the olive fly population and its spatial patterns. The implementation of spatio‐temporal analyses for management of the olive fly is discussed.
Forms of Reproductive Disorders in Cattle and Buffaloes in Middle Egypt
Authors: Ali A , Abdel‐Razek A Kh , Derar R , Abdel‐Rheem HA , Shehata SH
Published: November 2008

Contents

The objective of this study was to investigate the common forms of reproductive disorders and trends of fertility in cattle and buffaloes in Middle Egypt, and investigate nutritional deficiencies or imbalances as a cause of infertility. During the period from 2003 to 2006 a total of 4276 animals (2755 cattle and 1521 buffaloes) were examined, during winter and summer at three districts of Middle Egypt. Based on the owner complains, animals were categorized as anestrum, repeat breeder and those for pregnancy diagnosis. Feedstuffs of these districts were assessed for nutrient and mineral contents. Animals were examined by rectal palpation and by transrectal ultrasonography. The results showed that, ovarian inactivity was the most common cause of anestrum, whereas endometritis was the main frequent finding of repeat breeding. District, season and year affected the incidences of infertility. The pregnancy rate remained constant (cattle) or increased (buffaloes) from 2003 to 2006. The incidence of ovarian inactivity in both species decreased over the same period. In winter, the commonly used feedstuffs would be adequate to supply the animals with needs, but in summer, rations seem to be deficient in many essential nutrients. In conclusion, ovarian inactivity is the main cause of infertility in cattle and buffaloes in Middle Egypt. There is a link between poor nutrition in summer and the high incidence of ovarian inactivity. Fertility trends during the past few years are encouraging.
Effects of Growth Hormone on Nuclear Maturation of Ovine Oocytes and Subsequent Embryo Development
Authors: Shirazi A , Shams‐Esfandabadi N , Ahmadi E , Heidari B
Published: November 2008

Contents

The objective of this study was to determine the effect of the presence of recombinant ovine growth hormone either alone or together with follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) during ovine oocyte in vitro maturation (IVM) on nuclear maturation and subsequent embryo development. Moreover, the effect of growth hormine (GH) on embryo development whether influenced by the presence of foetal bovine serum (FBS) was assessed. The abattoir‐derived oocytes were randomly divided into four treatment groups and cultured in maturation medium supplemented with: (i) 0.05 IU/ml FSH; (ii) 300 ng/ml roGH; (iii) FSH + roGH; and (iv) no FSH and GH (control). The percentages of germinal vesicle‐stage oocytes in GH‐treated group after 8 h of culture was significantly higher than the FSH and FSH + GH groups and lower than control (22.4%, 8.7%, 9.1%, and 32% respectively). The percentage of MII‐stage oocytes was significantly increased in the presence of GH after 16 and 24 h of culture compared to the control (44.7% and 83.1% vs 32.6% and 73.6% respectively). There was no significant synergism between GH and FSH in terms of nuclear maturation. The blastocyst rates in serum‐supplemented groups were enhanced by the presence of FSH and GH compared to the control (35.4% and 31.3 vs 11.4% respectively). Compared with either GH or FSH alone, the subsequent embryo development (blastocyst rate), however, was negatively influenced by co‐presence of both hormones (22.8%). In contrast, the corresponding values were not affected in the absence of serum. In conclusion, GH had positive effect on nuclear maturation of sheep oocytes. Moreover, the pattern of the effect of GH on embryo development was influenced by the presence of FBS during IVM.
Effect of hCG on Early Luteal Serum Progesterone Concentrations in PG600‐Treated Gilts
Authors: Manjarin R , Dominguez JC , Castro MJ , Alegre B , Driancourt MA , Kirkwood RN
Published: November 2008

Contents

Gilt oestrus and ovulation responses to injection of a combination of equine chorionic gonadotrophin (eCG) and human chorionic gonadotrophin (hCG) (PG600) can be unpredictable, possibly reflecting inadequate circulating LH activity. The objective of this study was to determine the effect of PG600 followed by supplemental hCG on gilt ovarian responses. In experiment 1, 212 Hypor gilts (160 day of age) housed on two farms in Spain received intramuscular (i.m.) injections of PG600 (n = 47), or PG600 with an additional 200 IU hCG injected either concurrently (hCG‐0; n = 39), or at 24 h (hCG‐24; n = 41) or 48 h (hCG‐48; n = 45) after PG600. A further 40 gilts served as non‐injected controls. Ovulation responses were determined on the basis of initial blood progesterone concentrations being <1 ng/ml and achieving >5 ng / ml 10 d after the PG600 injection. The incidence of ovulating gilts having progesterone concentrations >30 ng/ml were recorded. During the study period, 10% of control gilts ovulated whereas 85–100% of hormone‐treated gilts ovulated. There were no significant differences among hormone groups for proportions of gilts ovulating. The proportions of gilts having circulating progesterone concentrations >30 ng/ml were increased (p ≤ 0.02) in all hCG treated groups compared with the PG600 group. In experiment 2, a total of 76 Hypor gilts at either 150 or 200 days of age were injected with PG600 (n = 18), 400 IU eCG followed by 200 IU hCG 24 h later (n = 20), PG600 followed by 100 IU hCG 24 h later (n = 17), or 400 IU eCG followed by 300 IU hCG 24 h later (n = 21). Blood samples were obtained 10 days later for progesterone assay. There were no effects of treatment or age on incidence of ovulation, but fewer 150‐day‐old gilts treated with PG600 or 400 IU eCG followed by 200 IU hCG had progesterone concentrations >30 ng / ml. We conclude that hCG treatment subsequent to PG600 treatment will generate a higher circulating progesterone concentration, although the effect is not evident in older, presumably peripubertal, gilts. The mechanism involved and implications for fertility remain to be determined.
Baguio Mineral District: An oceanic arc witness to the geological evolution of northern Luzon, Philippines
Authors: Yumul Graciano P. , Dimalanta Carla B. , Tam Tomas A. , Ramos Estephanie Gera L.
Published: November 2008

The Baguio Mineral District exposes rock formations that evince the geological and tectonic evolution of this district from a subduction‐related marginal basin to an island arc setting. Available onshore and offshore data are consistent with an Early (onset phase) to Middle (developed phase) Miocene arc polarity reversal from the east (termination of subduction along the proto‐East Luzon Trough) to the west (initiation of subduction along the Manila Trench). Geophysical modeling and geochemical data calculation showed a 30 ± 5 km crustal thickness for the mineral district. Subduction‐related multiple arc magmatism and ophiolite accretion contributed to crustal thickening. Recent information on the Oligo–Miocene Zigzag and Klondyke formations in the mineral district reveal that the marginal basin, where these rocks were deposited, has received eroded materials from adjacent terrains characterized by siliceous lithologies. Furthermore, adakitic rocks, high permeable zones and extensional zones which are exploration markers applied to identify possible mineralization targets, are prevalent in the mineral district. The geological evolution that the district had undergone mimics the evolution of island arcs worldwide in general and northern Luzon in particular.
K‐ and Si‐rich glasses in harzburgite from Damaping, north China
Authors: Zhu Yongfeng
Published: November 2008

A study of potassium‐ and silica‐rich glass (SiO2 = 65.3–67.4%, K2O = 7.1–9.8%, Na2O = 4.4–6.5%) in spongy clinopyroxene rims from anhydrous spinel harzburgite, collected from Damaping (Hannuoba, north China), is reported here. The corroded surface of clinopyroxene along with clear chemical zonation (homogeneous core and partially melted rim) suggests that incongruent melting of primary clinopyroxene is responsible for generating the Si‐rich glass in clinopyroxene rims. The degree of clinopyroxene melting is estimated to be higher than 15%. In order to generate glass with K2O contents of 7.0 to 9.8% by clinopyroxene melting at a degree of 15% in a closed system, K2O contents in the primary clinopyroxene should be greater than 1.0 wt%, suggesting a very deep origin for the Damaping harzburgite.
The role of HPV testing in patients with possible high‐grade cervical cytology
Authors: Rao Archana , Pather Selvan , Dalrymple Chris , Mackie Adam , Deans Rebecca , Carter Jonathan
Published: November 2008

Aim:  To assess the role of human papillomavirus (HPV) testing for high‐risk types in an Australian population with the equivalent cytological result of atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance – possible high‐grade (ASC‐H).

Methods:  A retrospective review was conducted of all patients referred with a ‘possible high‐grade squamous abnormality’ Pap‐smear result who underwent HPV testing for 13 high‐risk types, colposcopy and directed biopsy, and any subsequent treatment.

Results:  The study included 100 patients. Overall, 79% of patients had a positive test for high‐risk HPV DNA types. Histopathology was available for 98 patients and demonstrated that 47% of patients had confirmed high‐grade dysplasia. HPV testing had a high sensitivity (98%), but low specificity (40%) for the detection of high grade dysplasia, and a negative predictive value of 95%.

Conclusions:  The results of this study suggest that among patients with the equivalent of ASC‐H cytology, a negative HPV DNA test for high‐risk types is a good predictor of the absence of high‐grade dysplasia. HPV testing in this patient population therefore has the potential to reduce the number women referred for colposcopy.
Soluble tumor necrosis factor receptor‐I in preterm infants with chorioamnionitis
Authors: Sato Miho , Nishimaki Shigeru , An Hiromi , Shima Yoshio , Naruto Takuya , Sugai Toshiyuki , Iwasaki Shiho , Seki Kazuo , Imagawa Tomoyuki , Mori Masaaki , Yokota Shumpei
Published: November 2008

Aim:  The aim of our study was (i) to determine whether chorioamnionitis (CAM) is associated with an elevated soluble tumor necrosis factor receptor I (sTNFR‐I) level and (ii) to examine the time course of the concentration of sTNFR‐I in preterm infants after birth.

Methods:  We measured sTNFR‐I levels in the cord blood of 112 preterm infants (gestational age ≤34 weeks), and those in peripheral blood of 30 preterm infants on days 7, 14, 21 and 28.

Results:  The median value for the sTNFR‐I was significantly elevated in 33 infants with CAM at stage 3 (4618 pg/mL) compared with the 52 infants without CAM (2866 pg/mL), or the 13 infants with CAM at stage 1 (3638 pg/mL) and the 14 infants at stage 2 (3242 pg/mL). The severity of CAM is an independent factor for the elevation of cord blood sTNFR‐I. The sTNFR‐I level on day 0 was significantly higher in eight infants with CAM at stage 3 than in the 22 infants without CAM or with CAM at stage 1 and 2; however there were no significant differences on days 7, 14, 21 and 28. The serum level of sTNFR‐I showed a significant gradual decline with time.

Conclusions:  We suggest that there is an association between elevated sTNFR‐I levels in cord blood and maternal CAM, and this elevation may reflect the fetal inflammation. However the elevation of sTNFR‐I could not persist postnatally for a long time.
Short‐term quality‐of‐life assessed after robot‐assisted radical cystectomy: a prospective analysis
Authors: Yuh Bertram , Butt Zubair , Fazili Anees , Piacente Pamela , Tan Wei , Wilding Gregory , Mohler James , Guru Khurshid
Published: November 2008

OBJECTIVE

To prospectively determine the effect of robot‐assisted radical cystectomy (RARC) on quality of life (QoL) after surgery.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

In all, 34 patients who had RARC for bladder cancer between January 2006 and December 2007 at one institution were prospectively enrolled in a study of QoL. All patients had RARC with extracorporeal urinary diversion by one surgeon. As part of the routine follow‐up, QoL was assessed at intervals. Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy‐Bladder (FACT‐BL) questionnaires were administered before and then over a 6‐month period after RARC. Patients undergoing chemotherapy were not excluded. Follow‐up FACT‐BL and individual domain scores for physical, social, emotional and functional well‐being were compared with those obtained before RARC.

RESULTS

The mean age of all patients was 65 years, 88% were men, and 13 (38%) had adjuvant chemotherapy. The mean time after RARC for the 1‐, 3‐ and 6‐month assessments was 29, 90 and 193 days, respectively; 19 patients completed three follow‐up questionnaires. Initially, there were significant decreases in the physical and functional domains, with improvements in the emotional domain (P < 0.001). Total FACT‐General and FACT‐BL scores decreased in the initial period after RARC and then progressively improved. There was no statistically significant difference in total scores at 3 months after surgery; at the 6‐month follow‐up the total FACT‐BL scores exceeded those before RARC (P = 0.048).

CONCLUSIONS

QoL appears to return promptly to, or exceed, baseline levels by 6 months after RARC. The improvement in the short term might allow for more contented patients and quicker initiation of adjuvant chemotherapy.
Threshold response of Madagascar's littoral forest to sea‐level rise
Authors: Virah‐Sawmy Malika , Willis Katherine J. , Gillson Lindsey
Published: November 2008

Aim  Coastal biodiversity hotspots are globally threatened by sea‐level rise. As such it is important to understand how ecosystems resist, respond and adapt to sea‐level rise. Using pollen, geochemistry, charcoal and diatom records in conjunction with previously published palaeoclimatic records, we investigated the mechanism, interactions and ecosystem response and resilience of Madagascar's littoral forest to late Holocene sea‐level rise.

Location  Sediment sequences were collected along the south‐east coast of Madagascar in two adjacent habitats in Mandena; the highly diverse littoral forest fragment and species‐poor Erica‐matrix.

Methods  We used a multi‐proxy approach to investigate the relative influence of environmental changes on the littoral ecosystem. We reconstructed past vegetation and fire dynamics over the past 6500 years at two sites in the littoral forest using fossil pollen and macrofossil charcoal contained in sedimentary sequences. Alongside these records we reconstructed past marine transgressions from the same sedimentary sequences using geochemical analyses, and a salinity and drought index through the analysis of fossil diatoms.

Results  Our findings indicated that it was the synergistic effect of sea‐level rise coupled with rainfall deficits that triggered a threshold event with a switch from two types of littoral forest (an open Uapaca forest and a closed littoral forest fragment) to an Erica–Myrica heath/grassland occurring in approximately less than 100 years. Resilience to sea‐level rise differed in the two adjacent habitats, suggesting that the littoral forest fragment was more resilient to the impacts of sea‐level change and aridity than the open Uapaca woodland.

Conclusions  We demonstrated that the littoral ecosystem was influenced by late Holocene sea‐level rise and climatic desiccation. While climate change‐integrated conservation strategies address the effects of climate change on species distribution and dispersal, our work suggests that more attention should be paid to the impacts of interactive climatic variables that affect ecosystem thresholds.
INCREASING OUR COMPASSION FOOTPRINT: THE ANIMALS' MANIFESTO
Authors: Bekoff Marc
Published: November 2008

Our relationships with animals are wide‐ranging. When people tell me that they love animals and then harm or kill them I tell them I'm glad they don't love me. Many individuals, including scientists, ignore their responsibility when they interact with animals and fail to recognize that doing something in the name of science, which usually means in the name of humans, is not an adequate reason for intentionally causing suffering, pain, or death. “Good welfare” usually is not “good enough”. Existing regulations allow animals to be treated in regrettable ways that demean us as a species. Compassion is the key for bettering both animal and human lives. A good way to make the world a more compassionate place for animals is to increase our compassion footprint. We could begin by deciding that we will not intrude on animals' lives unless our actions are in the best interests of the animals irrespective of our desires. It is simple to make more compassionate choices about what we eat and wear and how we educate students, conduct research, and entertain ourselves at the expense of animals. The time to make these changes is long overdue.
KENŌSIS, ANAMNĒSIS, AND OUR PLACE IN HISTORY: A NEUROPHENOMENOLOGICAL ACCOUNT
Authors: Karo Roland , Friedenthal Meelis
Published: November 2008

We assess St. Paul's account of kenōsis in Philippians 2:5–8 from a neurophenomenological horizon. We argue that kenōsis is not primarily a unique event but belongs to a class of experiences that could be called kenotic and are, at least in principle, to some degree accessible to all human beings. These experiences can be well analyzed, making use of both a phenomenological approach and the cognitive neuroscience of altered states of consciousness. We argue that kenotic experiences are ecstatic, in that they involve—both phenomenologically and neurologically—one's “stepping out of” his/her self and history. This seemingly impossible task of stepping out has led to the understanding of kenōsis as a unique event. We conclude that kenotic experiences are continuous with common, everyday experiences of the self's intimate communion with everything that exists. This means that kenotic Christology does not necessarily have to rest solely on the scriptures but can also be arrived at by way of the worldly experiences of actual, living persons.
IMPLICATIONS OF INTERPERSONAL NEUROBIOLOGY FOR A SPIRITUALITY OF COMPASSION
Authors: Hollingsworth Andrea
Published: November 2008

Interpersonal neurobiology (IPNB) is a burgeoning interdisciplinary field that focuses on ways in which relationships shape and transform the architecture and functioning of the human brain. IPNB points to four specific conditions that appear to encourage the emergence of empathy. Further, these conditions, when gathered together, may constitute the core components of a spirituality of compassion. Following definitions and a discussion of interdisciplinary method, this essay delineates IPNB's main tenets and demonstrates ways in which IPNB sheds light on important aspects of human empathy and compassion. Drawing on this analysis, it introduces the four conditions that encourage the emergence of empathy in individuals and groups and shows why they may be central elements of a spirituality of compassion. A case study, in which the Native American Ojibwe practice of the talking circle is described and assessed through the lens of the IPNB‐derived spirituality of compassion, demonstrates the evaluative usefulness of this set of conditions.
ANTHROPOLOGY, POLANYI, AND AFROPENTECOSTAL RITUAL: A SCIENTIFIC AND THEOLOGICAL EPISTEMOLOGY OF PARTICIPATION
Authors: Scandrett‐Leatherman Craig
Published: November 2008

The 1904 World's Fair in St. Louis sponsored both an International Congress of Arts and Sciences aimed at unity of knowledge and an anthropology exhibit of diverse peoples. Jointly these represented a quest for unifying knowledge in a diverse world that was fractured by isolated specializations and segregated peoples. In historical perspective, the Congress's quest for knowledge is overshadowed by Ota Benga who was part of the anthropology exhibit. The 1904 World's Fair can be viewed as a Euro‐American ritual, a global pilgrimage, which sought to celebrate the advances and resolve the challenges of modernity and human diversity. Three years later Afropentecostalism dealt with these same issues with different methods and rituals. This ritual system became the most culturally diverse and fastest growing religious movement of the twentieth century. I suggest that the anthropological method of Frank Hamilton Cushing, the postcritical epistemology of Michael Polanyi, and the Afropente‐costal ritual movement initiated by William J. Seymour are all attempts to develop a postmodern epistemology that is simultaneously constructive, focused on discerning reality, and broad enough to allow for human consciousness and diverse human communities. I explore this confluence of scientific and participatory epistemology through six theses.
An Evaluation of Youth at Risk's Coaching for Communities Programme
Authors: BERRY VASHTI , LITTLE MICHAEL , AXFORD NICK , CUSICK GRETCHEN RUTH
Published: November 2008

Abstract:Anti‐social behaviour by young people is recognised as a social problem with wide‐reaching effects. Many of the programmes aimed at reducing anti‐social behaviour, however, have not been subject to rigorous evaluation. This article presents the findings from a completed experimental evaluation of an intervention for young people displaying low‐level anti‐social behaviour. The evaluation randomly allocated young people to an intervention (n=32) and control (n=31) group. The study investigated whether the programme significantly altered a number of intermediate and ultimate outcomes. In addition to conclusions about the programme's effectiveness, the article outlines the potential for extending and enhancing the reach and impact of the programme (and programmes like it).
How Well do Sentencing Guidelines Work?: Equity, Proportionality and Consistency in the Determination of Fine Levels in the Magistrates' Courts of England and Wales
Authors: RAINE JOHN W. , DUNSTAN EILEEN
Published: November 2008

Abstract: This article considers the scope and potential of sentencing guidelines specifically in relation to the imposition of financial penalties by the courts. Evidence is presented from research with the judiciary in England on the challenge of ensuring equity (that is, equality of impact) in the burden of such penalties, proportionality in relation to the relative seriousness of different offences, and consistency in the pattern of fine levels between individual sentencers and in different courts. The research explored how magistrates and district judges went about deciding levels of penalty to impose in a series of structured fines sentencing exercises and highlighted some of the difficulties in developing a satisfactory methodology to achieve an acceptable balance between the three objectives of achieving equity, proportionality and consistency. Key among the research findings was the prime importance in sentencers' perceptions of ‘proportionality’, and accordingly the article concludes by considering the consequences of this finding for the design of guidelines on financial penalty‐setting.
Fear and Loathing, Terror and Threat: ‘Are they Tough Enough to Bring Back the Noose?’
Authors: PETTIGREW MARK
Published: November 2008

Abstract: As late modernity has re‐conceptualised criminal punishment, facilitating a rise in restorative justice ideology, community sentencing, and reformatory idealism, beneath the veneer of that progression is an increasing public yearning for corporality that underpins grass‐roots dissatisfaction, and a perceived perversity of victim identification in criminal interactions. Now, as the threat of street violence has been vigorously propagated and sensationalised as lethal and indiscriminate, the punitive sentiment it provokes adds to a swelling of public fear and loathing that counterpoint the civilising progression of contemporary criminal punishments: ‘are they tough enough to bring back the noose?’.
Understanding Applicant Reactions to Credit Checks: Uncertainty, information effects and individual differences
Authors: Kuhn Kristine M. , Nielsen Marsha L.
Published: November 2008

Credit checks are an increasingly common selection procedure for American jobs, and they are distinct in a number of ways from the selection tests typically studied by researchers. With a credit check, applicants do not actually take a test or answer questions, and most will be uncertain about what information a credit report contains, why one is being requested, and how it will be evaluated. In two experiments we assess the effects of explanations and individual differences. Experiment 1 used a sample of 408 undergraduate business students to examine reaction dimensions relevant to credit checks, and found perceptions to be mainly negative. The type of explanation read, however, interacted with perceived credit report impact to influence reactions. Results of Experiment 2, with a sample of students from a more non‐traditional population, were similar, but age was associated with greater skepticism of credit report accuracy. Privacy perceptions were the strongest predictor of intention to withdraw from the selection process.
On the Consequences of Frequent Applicants in Adverse Impact Analyses: A demonstration study
Authors: Dunleavy Eric M. , Mueller Lorin M. , Buonasera Ash K. , Kuang Daniel C. , Dunleavy Dana Glenn
Published: November 2008

Electronic résumés, online applications, and automated personnel systems have reduced the effort required for a candidate to apply for employment opportunities like selection and promotion. The nature of these systems may affect analyses of adverse impact. For example, candidates that can easily apply to many positions multiple times could strongly influence analyses of adverse impact under particular circumstances. This study demonstrates some potential consequences of including frequent applicants in adverse impact analyses. Using workforce simulation methodology, we illustrate some conditions where a lesser qualified frequent applicant substantially influences the statistical significance of adverse impact detection. In some cases, the adverse impact against a subgroup may be accounted for by a single frequent applicant; in other cases, statistically significant adverse impact may be disguised by a single frequent applicant. We also consider methods for identifying frequent applicants and present options for handling these cases in analyses.
Impact of Elaboration on Responding to Situational Judgment Test Items
Authors: Lievens Filip , Peeters Helga
Published: November 2008

Although faking has been identified as a potential problem in situational judgment tests (SJTs), no studies have investigated proactive approaches for controlling faking in SJTs. Therefore, this study examined the impact of elaboration on responding to SJT items. Elaboration was operationalized as reason‐giving. Two hundred and forty‐seven master students were assigned to either an honest or a fake condition, and to a non‐elaboration or an elaboration condition. Results showed that elaboration decreased the effect of faking for items with high familiarity. Elaboration on familiar items also decreased the percentage of fakers in the top of the distribution. Next, participants in the elaboration condition rated the SJT significantly higher in terms of allowing them to present themselves more realistically and to demonstrate their knowledge, skills, and abilities. Finally, there were no significant differences in participants' satisfaction with the SJT across the elaboration and non‐elaboration condition.
Personality, Intelligence and Assessment Centre Expert Ratings
Authors: Furnham Adrian , Jensen Troy , Crump John
Published: November 2008

Just under 3000 middle managers were rated on seven dimensions/competencies by consultants after a 1‐day assessment centre and structured interview. They also completed two cognitive ability tests and two well‐established personality tests (NEO PI‐R; MBTI). Correlational analysis showed that the rated dimensions of ‘drive to achieve’, ‘internal locus of control’ and ‘resilience’ all modestly negatively correlated with Neuroticism. All seven ratings were significantly correlated with Extraversion and three each with Openness and Agreeableness. There were few significant correlations with the MBTI but the Thinking–Feeling dimension correlated significantly with combined ratings. Correlations with the intelligence test scores were mostly non‐significant. The seven ratings factored into three identifiable factors: labelled personal assertiveness, toughness and determination and curiosity. Regressions using both a total, overall computed rating of general aptitude, as well as the three scores as criterion variables and ability, personality, participant‐gender and management level as predictor variables demonstrated that they accounted for between a quarter and a third of the variance. Predictors varied considerably as a function of the different criteria measures but ability and gender accounted for little of the variance.
The Influence of Organizational Culture on Work‐Related Personality Requirement Ratings: A multilevel analysis
Authors: Li Wen‐Dong , Wang Yong‐Li , Taylor Paul , Shi Kan , He Dan
Published: November 2008

The effects of organizational culture on job incumbents' ratings of work‐related personality requirements were investigated. Data collected from 270 customer service representatives working within 37 mobile phone service companies in China demonstrated significant between‐organization differences and sufficient within‐organization agreement on two dimensions of work‐related personality requirements, achievement orientation and conscientiousness, to suggest that these work‐related personality requirements can be interpreted as organizational‐level constructs. Furthermore, incumbents' ratings of the two personality requirements were positively related to two corresponding dimensions of organizational culture, achievement‐oriented culture and integrity‐oriented culture, respectively, and as predicted, both were positively associated with team‐oriented culture. Further analyses revealed that team‐oriented culture appeared to play a particularly salient role in predicting incumbents' perceptions about the importance of the two dimensions of personality requirements.
The Relationship Between Financial History and Counterproductive Work Behavior
Authors: Oppler Edward S. , Lyons Brian D. , Ricks Debora A. , Oppler Scott H.
Published: November 2008

To reduce employee counterproductive work behaviors (CWBs), organizations may choose to utilize a financial history (FH) instrument during the selection process. To date, no published empirical research has attempted to determine the validity of such a practice. Consequently, the purpose of this study was to determine if employees with FH concerns, which were identified during the selection process and their 5‐year subsequent reinvestigation, were more likely to engage in CWBs, which were objectively measured through an examination of misconduct cases. Results from a random sample of 2519 employees indicated that those with FH concerns were significantly more likely to engage in CWBs than those without FH concerns. Implications to research and practice are discussed.
The Relationship of Trait EI with Personality, IQ and Sex in a UK Sample of Employees
Authors: Arteche Adriane , Chamorro‐Premuzic Tomas , Furnham Adrian , Crump John
Published: November 2008

The relationships among trait emotional intelligence (EI), personality, IQ and sex were investigated in a sample of 585 employees (478 males, 107 females). Participants completed the Watson–Glaser Critical Thinking Appraisal, the Bar‐On Quotient Inventory (EQ‐i) and the Neuroticism–Extraversion–Openness Personality Inventory Revised. Bivariate correlations revealed significant associations between overall EQ‐i and Neuroticism (negative), Agreeableness, Extraversion, Openness and Conscientiousness (all positive). While there were no significant associations between overall EQ‐i and sex or IQ, significant correlations were observed when EI components were considered. Male participants scored significantly higher on Adaptability and females scored significantly higher on the Interpersonal facet. Moreover, IQ correlated with the Interpersonal composite in the male' sample. Results are discussed in the context of trait EI structure and its implications for interpretation of sex and IQ effects.
Climate change and freshwater biodiversity: detected patterns, future trends and adaptations in northern regions
Authors: Heino Jani , Virkkala Raimo , Toivonen Heikki
Published: November 2008

Current rates of climate change are unprecedented, and biological responses to these changes have also been rapid at the levels of ecosystems, communities, and species. Most research on climate change effects on biodiversity has concentrated on the terrestrial realm, and considerable changes in terrestrial biodiversity and species’ distributions have already been detected in response to climate change. The studies that have considered organisms in the freshwater realm have also shown that freshwater biodiversity is highly vulnerable to climate change, with extinction rates and extirpations of freshwater species matching or exceeding those suggested for better‐known terrestrial taxa. There is some evidence that freshwater species have exhibited range shifts in response to climate change in the last millennia, centuries, and decades. However, the effects are typically species‐specific, with cold‐water organisms being generally negatively affected and warm‐water organisms positively affected. However, detected range shifts are based on findings from a relatively low number of taxonomic groups, samples from few freshwater ecosystems, and few regions. The lack of a wider knowledge hinders predictions of the responses of much of freshwater biodiversity to climate change and other major anthropogenic stressors. Due to the lack of detailed distributional information for most freshwater taxonomic groups and the absence of distribution‐climate models, future studies should aim at furthering our knowledge about these aspects of the ecology of freshwater organisms. Such information is not only important with regard to the basic ecological issue of predicting the responses of freshwater species to climate variables, but also when assessing the applied issue of the capacity of protected areas to accommodate future changes in the distributions of freshwater species. This is a huge challenge, because most current protected areas have not been delineated based on the requirements of freshwater organisms. Thus, the requirements of freshwater organisms should be taken into account in the future delineation of protected areas and in the estimation of the degree to which protected areas accommodate freshwater biodiversity in the changing climate and associated environmental changes.
Production and evaluation of a probiotic yogurt using Lactobacillus casei ssp. casei
Authors: KORBEKANDI HASSAN , JAHADI MAHSHID , MARACY MOHAMMAD , ABEDI DARYOUSH , JALALI MOHAMMAD
Published: November 2008

Skimmed milk was inoculated with the commercial starter and Lactobacillus casei ssp. casei. pH changes, viable counts, and organoleptic properties of the produced control and probiotic yogurts were analysed. The pH decrease during the fermentation period was faster in the milk inoculated with L. casei plus starter. The growth of both starters in probiotic yogurt was significantly lower than their growth in control yogurt during the fermentation period. The viable count of the probiotic bacterium remained higher than the standard limit for probiotic products. There was no significant difference between the organoleptic properties of the control and the probiotic yogurts.
Design of an integrated supply chain model for supporting traceability of dairy products
Authors: MANIKAS IOANNIS , MANOS BASIL
Published: November 2008

An efficient traceability system must follow some rules that define which data must be gathered and stored in each stage of the supply chain. This is achieved by data standardization and typification of the messages that enable storing and communication of the data. By establishing and modelling these concepts, we developed a model that supports traceability in the food supply chain. The reference model presented in this paper consists of three distinct phases that represent stages of real‐life supply chains, and is the basis for the development of a web application for traceability management in the dairy sector.
Aggregate formation and toxicity by wild‐type and R621C synphilin‐1 in the nigrostriatal system of mice using adenoviral vectors
Authors: Krenz Antje , Falkenburger Björn H. , Gerhardt Ellen , Drinkut Anja , Schulz Jörg B.
Published: November 2008

Synphilin‐1 was described as a protein interacting with α‐synuclein and is commonly found in Lewy bodies, the pathological hallmark of Parkinson’s disease (PD). Our group has previously described and characterized in vitro a mutation in the synphilin‐1 gene (R621C) in PD patients. Providing the first characterization of synphilin‐1 expression in an animal model, we here used adenoviral gene transfer to study the effects of wild‐type (WT) and R621C synphilin‐1 in dopaminergic neurons in mouse brain. As synphilin‐1 is commonly used to trigger aggregation of α‐synuclein in cell culture, we investigated not only non‐transgenic C57Bl/6 mice but also A30P‐α‐synuclein transgenic animals. Both WT synphilin‐1 and R621C synphilin‐1 led to the formation of Thioflavine‐S positive inclusions in C57Bl/6 mice and degeneration of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra. R621C synphilin‐1 induced more aggregate formation than WT synphilin‐1 in A30P‐α‐synuclein transgenic mice, consistent with the role of the R621C mutation as a susceptibility factor for PD. Synphilin‐1 expression may be used to improve current mouse models of PD, as it induced both the formation of aggregates and degeneration of dopaminergic neurons, two core characteristics of PD that have not been well reproduced with expression of α‐synuclein.
Human land use, agriculture, pesticides and losses of imperiled species
Authors: Gibbs Katherine E. , Mackey Robin L. , Currie David J.
Published: November 2008

Aim  Anthropogenic habitat loss is usually cited as the most important cause of recent species’ extinctions. We ask whether species losses are in fact more closely related to habitat loss than to any other aspect of human activity such as use of agricultural pesticides, or human population density (which reflects urbanization).

Location  Canada.

Methods  We statistically compared areas in Canada where imperiled species currently occur, versus areas where they have been lost. Using multiple regressions, we relate the numbers of species that had suffered range reductions in an ecoregion to variables that represent present habitat loss, pesticide use and human population density.

Results  We find high losses of imperiled species in regions with high proportions of agricultural land cover. However, losses of imperiled species are significantly more strongly related to the proportion of the region treated with agricultural pesticides. The relationship between species losses and area treated with pesticides remains significant after controlling for area in agriculture.

Main conclusions  Our results are consistent with the hypothesis that agricultural pesticide use, or something strongly collinear with it (perhaps intensive agriculture more generally), has contributed significantly to the decline of imperiled species in Canada. Habitat conversion per se may be a less important cause of species declines than how that converted habitat is used.