bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Pragmatic Federalism: Australian Federalism from Hawke to Howard
Authors: Hollander Robyn , Patapan Haig
Published: August 2007

The article explores the nature of Australian federalism by examining four major themes in the period from Hawke to Howard. The investigation of these themes – Australian conceptions of federalism; the role of party in shaping federalism; the way problems and politics have influenced policy‐making and thereby federalism; and the nature of federal judicial review – suggests that Australian federalism can most accurately be characterised as pragmatic. It appears as a federalism shaped by pressing problems, specific policy agendas and the prevailing political dynamic, rather than by overarching conceptions of federalism derived from political theory or articulated in party ideology. This pragmatic federalism explains important aspects of Australian federalism, especially the trend towards centralisation of authority.
Exchange Rate Uncertainty, Sociopolitical Instability and Private Investment: Empirical Evidence from Latin America
Authors: Escaleras Monica , Thomakos Dimitrios D.
Published: August 2007

Using exchange rate uncertainty (ERU) and sociopolitical instability (SPI) as measures of macroeconomic imbalances and political disorder, respectively, we investigate the link between these two factors and private investment in Latin America. The analysis shows that while ERU and SPI negatively impact private investment jointly, the individual impact of ERU is much greater than that of SPI. Our results should prove useful both to policymakers and others interested in understanding the impact of uncertainty on private investment. Most importantly, macroeconomic policies that limit excess volatility in relative prices should lessen an economy’s general level of investment risk leading to enhanced private investment. Further, though lesser in degree, institutional reforms that reduce social tensions and strengthen property rights should also stimulate private investment. Finally, structural reforms that combine these two are likely to foster a robust market for private investment thus contributing to an economy’s growth potential.
Foreign Market Entry Strategies under Asymmetric Information*
Authors: Nastasi Alberto , Reverberi Pierfrancesco
Published: August 2007

A home firm signals her private cost information by expanding in a foreign firm’s country. Credible signaling to deter counter‐entry may occur through a direct investment (but not through exports), and may even entail entering an unprofitable market. While this produces social benefits, uninformative signaling may be welfare‐reducing. Hence, we argue that moderate to high location costs may be socially desirable. We also show that there are not simple monotonic relationships between technology/demand conditions and firms’ entry modes. Thus, the signaling interpretation of international expansion makes it possible to explain some controversial empirical findings on a theoretical ground.
Balance Sheet Effects, Growth, and Crises
Authors: Shankar Rashmi
Published: August 2007

This paper addresses two questions: are currency crises predicted by increases in a central bank’s external and contingent liabilities relative to assets, and do these “balance sheet effects” generate persistent output losses following a crisis? I find empirical evidence that the answer to both questions is yes. I use data on stocks of gross external assets and liabilities for 167 countries over 1973–2003, in an unbalanced panel probit regression to obtain robust estimates of the probability and determinants of a post‐crisis recession. Several single and simultaneous equation specifications support the idea that the output cost of a currency crisis depends on its transmission mechanism. Specifically, a recession is likely to be severe if it is preceded by a crisis that works its way through the financial sector. In addition, the results show that measures of contingent liabilities, capital flight, and lack of financial depth are significant predictors of costly crises.
Switching between Expectation Processes in the Foreign Exchange Market: a Probabilistic Approach using Survey Data*
Authors: Prat Georges , Uctum Remzi
Published: August 2007

This paper relaxes a fundamental hypothesis commonly accepted in the expectation formation literature: expectations are, unchangingly, either rational or generated by one of the three simple extrapolative, regressive, or adaptive processes. Using expectations survey data provided by Consensus Forecasts on six European exchange rates against the US dollar, we find that the rational expectations hypothesis is rejected at the aggregate level. By implementing a switching‐regression methodology with stochastic choice of regime, we show that the expectation generating process is given at any time by some combination of the three simple processes. An interpretation of this framework in terms of economically rational expectations is suggested.
The Pattern of Exchange Rate Effects on Chinese Prices, 1980–2002
Authors: Yu Xuxin
Published: August 2007

This study sheds light on the current debate on the effect of the urged appreciation of the Chinese yuan by examining the linkage between currency‐value changes and domestic producer prices, using annual data from 14 broad industry sectors in China for the years 1980–2002. A structural break analysis implies that only in the past decade, when price liberalization was essentially achieved and the deepening of state‐owned enterprise reform was in place, has an economic system in which prices respond to exchange rate fluctuations via the expected market mechanism been set up in China. Incomplete exchange rate passthrough to domestic prices is estimated and is found to vary across industries and over time. The variations are suggested to be explained by a set of variables that characterize market competitiveness, infrastructure development, and the increasing proportion of nonstate‐owned enterprises in the economy.
The Zero‐root Property: Permanent vs Temporary Terms‐of‐trade Shocks
Authors: Cardi Olivier
Published: August 2007

In this contribution, we show that the persistence and the time of occurrence of a terms‐of‐trade shock matter in determining steady‐state changes: (i) a strong persistent (temporary) terms‐of‐trade worsening induces a long‐run decline in the real expenditure greater than after a permanent disturbance; (ii) an adverse permanent shift in the terms of trade raises the real expenditure in the long run if the shock is expected to occur in the distant future. Finally, according to whether a temporary terms‐of‐trade worsening is anticipated or not, the current account displays a monotonic or a nonmonotonic adjustment.
The Optimal Degree of Exchange Rate Flexibility: a Target Zone Approach*
Authors: López Jesús Rodríguez , Mendizábal Hugo Rodríguez
Published: August 2007

This paper presents a benchmark model that rationalizes the choice of the degree of exchange rate flexibility. We show that the monetary authority may gain efficiency by reducing volatility of both the exchange rate and the interest rate at the same time. Furthermore, the model is consistent with some known stylized facts in the empirical literature on target zones that previous models were not able to generate jointly—namely, the positive relation between the exchange rate and the interest rate differential, the degree of nonlinearity of the function linking the exchange rate to fundamentals, and the shape of the exchange rate stochastic distribution.
The Scandinavian Welfare Model in Crisis? Achievements and Problems of the Danish Welfare State in an Age of Unemployment and Low Growth
Authors: Andersen Jørgen Goul
Published: August 2007

The “Scadinavian welfare model” is often considered vulnerable to mass unemployment. The Danish welfare state provides and opportunity to examine the capacities of the “Scandinavian model” to adapt to this situation. This article explores a number of alleged crisis problems of th welfare state, ground into budgetary pressures, incentive problems and legitimacy problems. It is conclude that most of these problems have been exasggerated and that the rrreal threats to the economic foundations of the welfare state should be found in political steering and incentive problems rather thant in the exogenous pressures from the social and economic system, or in pressure from th unintended side effects of welfare arrangement. It is furthermore argued that one of the main achievements of the Danish welfare state has been so prevent unemployment and labor market marginalization from developing into a broad‐ranged social marginalizaton and a political po‐larization which could undermine citizenship and solidarity in society.
Social Choice in the Real World II: Cyclical Preferences and Strategic Voting in the Finnish Presidential Elections
Authors: Lagerspetz Eerik
Published: August 2007

The empirical relevance of the theoretical results of social choice theory is still unclear. The most radical thesis, put forth by William Riker, is that politics is a highly unstable process, characterized by preference cycles and strategic voting. This article ‐ a continuation of an earlier article published in this journal ‐ examines the Finnish presidential election in 1925, 1931, 1937 and 1982. The conclusion is that preference cycle and strategic voting have had a significant impact in the discussed cases. The relevancy of the social choice approach and its relation to historical research are discussed.
Conceptualizing Politics: Strategic or Communicative Action?
Authors: Eriksen Erik Oddvar , Weigård Jarle
Published: August 2007

Following the “behavioral revolution” in the social sciences, analyzing political behavior as strategic action has become a dominant paradigm in political science. However, many political processes become incomprehensible from a purely strategic angle. Only a concept of politics ascommunicativeaction can explain how people reach mutual agreements on factual and normative matters. Some analysts seem to assume that whenever actors take a position in a debate that coincides with their own interest, the employed arguments must be understood as a strategic device to promote this self‐interest But this explanation in most cases seems too simplistic and, from a communicative perspective, beside the point. In an open debate it will still be the rational weight of the arguments that matters, not the eventual strategic interests of the participants. Rational communication is a precondition for civilized conflict resolution as well as for the stability and durability of the political order.

Max Weber provided us with a typology of goal‐oriented behavior which included, along with the rational self‐interest variety, which he calledZweckrationalität, or instrumental behavior,Wertrationalität, or absolute value‐oriented behavior, traditional or habitual behavior, and impulsive behavior. From this perspective we can see what a small part of the reality we, as social scientists, want to explain is captured by the rational choice model (Almond 1991, 49).
Economic Voting in Danish Electoral Surveys 1987‐94
Authors: Borre Ole
Published: August 2007

Economic issue effects (“sociotropic” effects) are found to eclipse “pocketbook” effects on the vote for shifting Danish governments in cross‐section surveys of the general elections of 1987. 1990 and 1994. Voter stands on the economic issue, Denmark's economic conditions, are in turn affected by left‐right orientation and by images of the competing governments as managers of the economy and in the aggregate differ markedly from real economic growth.
A standardized, comprehensive magnetic resonance imaging protocol for rapid and precise quantification of HIV‐1‐associated lipodystrophy
Authors: Bickel M , Eisen J , Stephan C , Crespi CM , Lutz T , Klauke S , Vogl TJ , Jacobi V , Yang OO , Staszewski S , Zangos S
Published: August 2007

Objectives

Although multiple methods have been proposed, there is no current gold standard for assessing HIV‐1‐associated lipodystrophy.

Methods

HIV‐1‐infected participants were randomly enrolled and surveyed about changes in the abdomen, thigh, cheek and neck areas. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) sequences of these sites were obtained. Participants were grouped according to survey results, and the MRI measurements were compared between groups.

Results

One hundred participants were included in the study, of whom 79% reported any body fat changes. Persons reporting increased abdominal girth had higher visceral ([mean±standard deviation] 142±75 vs. 59±48 cm2; P<0.0001) and total abdominal adipose tissue than those reporting no change (344±119 vs. 201±95 cm2; P<0.0001). The amount of localized fat was less for persons reporting sunken cheeks and reduced diameter of the legs compared with those who noted no changes (5.9±3.6 vs. 9.3±3.8 cm2; P<0.0001, and 35±28 vs. 112±56 cm2; P<0.0001). Participants reporting increased neck girth had a thicker fat layer in the dorsocervical region compared with those reporting no change (4.0±1.8 vs. 2.3±1.4 cm; P<0.0002).

Conclusions

MRI is a precise method for rapidly surveying body regions affected by HIV‐1‐associated lipodystrophy. Our proposed protocol provides a rapid, comprehensive survey of these areas, without the need to combine multiple modalities or to expose subjects to radiation.
Serum leptin concentrations and fat redistribution in HIV‐1‐infected children on highly active antiretroviral therapy
Authors: Dzwonek AB , Novelli V , Schwenk A
Published: August 2007

Objectives

HIV‐related lipodystrophy is a syndrome of adipose tissue redistribution, dyslipidaemia and insulin resistance. Combination antiretroviral therapy (CART) is a key risk factor. We hypothesized that fat redistribution in HIV‐infected children is related to altered endocrine function of adipose tissue, namely leptin secretion.

Methods

Serum leptin and fat redistribution were measured in 104 HIV‐infected children in a prospective observational study from 2003 to 2004. Fat redistribution was defined by clinical observation. Body fatness was estimated using body mass index and four skinfold measurements. Serum leptin was determined using an enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (Quantikine; R&D Systems, Abingdon, UK). Linear analogue models were used to adjust the leptin concentration for body fatness.

Results

There was no significant difference in serum leptin among children treated with protease inhibitors (PIs), children on non‐PI CART and children not treated with CART (P>0.05). When leptin concentrations were adjusted for body fatness, there was again no difference among PI‐treated, non‐PI‐treated and untreated children. Categorization of CART exposure as never, current or past did not change these results.

Conclusions

There is no evidence that leptin plays any role in lipodystrophy other than reflecting body fatness.
The long‐term benefits of genotypic resistance testing in patients with extensive prior antiretroviral therapy: a model‐based approach
Authors: Yazdanpanah Y , Vray M , Meynard J , Losina E , Weinstein MC , Morand‐Joubert L , Goldie SJ , Hsu HE , Walensky RP , Dalban C , Sax PE , Girard PM , Freedberg KA
Published: August 2007

Objectives

Resistance testing in HIV disease may provide long‐term benefits that are not evident from short‐term data. Our objectives were to estimate the long‐term effectiveness, cost and cost‐effectiveness of genotype testing in patients with extensive antiretroviral exposure.

Methods

We used an HIV simulation model to estimate the long‐term effectiveness and cost‐effectiveness of genotype testing. Clinical data incorporated into the model were from NARVAL, a randomized trial of resistance testing in patients with extensive antiretroviral exposure, and other randomized trials. Each simulated patient was eligible for up to three sequential regimens of antiretroviral therapy (i.e. two additional regimens beyond the trial‐based regimen) using drugs not available at the time of the study, such as lopinavir/ritonavir, darunavir/ritonavir and enfuvirtide.

Results

In the long term, projected undiscounted life expectancy increased from 132.2 months with clinical judgement alone to 147.9 months with genotype testing. Median survival was estimated at 11.9 years in the resistance testing arm vs 10.4 years in the clinical judgement alone arm. Because of increased survival, the projected lifetime discounted cost of genotype testing was greater than for clinical judgement alone (€313 900 vs €263 100; US$399 000 vs US$334 400). Genotype testing cost €69 600 (US$88 500) per quality‐adjusted life year gained compared with clinical judgement alone.

Conclusions

In patients with extensive prior antiretroviral exposure, genotype testing is likely to increase life expectancy in the long term as a result of the increased likelihood of receiving two active new drugs. Genotype testing is associated with cost‐effectiveness comparable to that of strategies accepted in patients with advanced HIV disease, such as enfuvirtide use.
Steady‐state pharmacokinetics of once‐daily fosamprenavir/ritonavir and atazanavir/ritonavir alone and in combination with 20 mg omeprazole in healthy volunteers*
Authors: Luber AD , Brower R , Kim D , Silverman R , Peloquin CA , Frank I
Published: August 2007

Objectives

Use of proton pump inhibitors in HIV‐infected patients is common. The purpose of this study was to determine the steady‐state pharmacokinetics of once‐daily (qd) fosamprenavir/ritonavir (FPV/r) and atazanavir/ritonavir (ATV/r) alone and in combination with 20 mg qd omeprazole (OMP) in healthy volunteers.

Design and methods

A prospective, open‐label, single‐site, two‐period, crossover pharmacokinetic study was carried out in healthy volunteers. Subjects received either qd FPV/r 1400 mg/200 mg or ATV/r 300 mg/100 mg in the morning for 14 days and then 20 mg OMP in the evening for an additional 7 days. The pharmacokinetics were assessed over 24 h on days 14 and 21. Following a 2‐week washout, subjects repeated the process with the other regimen. Trough protease inhibitor (PI) concentrations were taken on day 16 of each period to assess the impact of a single dose of OMP on ATV and amprenavir (APV) concentrations. Plasma ATV and APV pharmacokinetic parameters were assessed by noncompartmental analysis; geometric mean ratios (GMRs; PI+OMP/PI; 90% confidence interval) were calculated between days 14 and 21.

Results

Nineteen healthy, non‐HIV‐infected volunteers were evaluated. OMP reduced ATV exposure [area under the concentration curve at 0–24 h (AUC0–24 h)] and the minimum drug concentration (Cmin) by 27% each. In contrast, APV exposure and Cmin were decreased by 4 and 2%, respectively. Four subjects (21%) experienced greater than 50% declines in both ATV AUC0–24 h and Cmin after the addition of OMP; this was not observed in any subject following receipt of FPV/r. No alterations in APV or ATV trough concentrations were observed following a single dose of OMP.

Conclusions

The addition of 20 mg OMP administered in the evening has minimal effect on APV pharmacokinetics. In contrast, ATV pharmacokinetics were altered; a number of ATV‐treated subjects experienced pronounced declines in exposures upon the addition of 20 mg OMP administered in the evening, whereas others experienced little to no change.
Prior antiretroviral therapy experience protects against zidovudine‐related anaemia
Authors: Huffam SE , Srasuebkul P , Zhou J , Calmy A , Saphonn V , Kaldor JM , Ditangco R ,   on behalf of The TREAT Asia HIV Observational Database (TAHOD)
Published: August 2007

Objective

We investigated the use of antiretroviral therapy regimens containing zidovudine or stavudine, using data from the TREAT Asia HIV Observational Database (TAHOD), a multicentre, prospective, observational study of an HIV‐infected cohort in the Asia‐Pacific Region.

Methods

A proportional hazards regression analysis of factors associated with the time to discontinuation of initial regimens containing zidovudine or stavudine and a logistic regression analysis to identify factors associated with a diagnosis of anaemia within 6 months of commencement of zidovudine in initial or subsequent regimens were performed.

Results

Patients who started zidovudine were more likely to stop within the first 9 months of treatment than those who started on stavudine; the reverse was true after 9 months. Anaemia (haemoglobin≤10 g/dL) occurred in the first 6 months in 57 of 433 patients (13%) on zidovudine. Baseline anaemia was the strongest predictive factor for subsequent anaemia, and prior antiretroviral therapy (ART) experience was protective for development of anaemia.

Conclusions

These data support baseline haemoglobin testing and avoidance of zidovudine if the patient is anaemic. The protective effect of prior ART for development of anaemia on zidovudine supports the short‐term safety of a stavudine to zidovudine switch with routine haemoglobin monitoring in this cohort. Further studies in resource‐poor settings of longer term efficacy and toxicities of ART switch strategies are needed.
A Matter of Distrust: Explaining the Persistence of Dysfunctional Beliefs in Regional Clusters
Authors: STABER UDO
Published: August 2007

ABSTRACT Much theoretical writing on regional clusters is based on a functionalist and normative view of trust‐based social exchange underlying innovativeness and competitiveness. Empirical research, however, reports many cases of clusters that are best characterized as loosely connected agglomerations of firms, driven by intense distrust and rivalry, rather than trust and cooperation, and with outcomes that may or may not be advantageous. The aim of this paper is to offer a microlevel Darwinian explanation for the persistence of distrust in clusters. From the “meme's eye view,” a cluster may be understood as a cultural phenomenon that is created and reproduced by human agents as they selectively perceive and enact the ideas that draw their attention. The outcome is not necessarily a distribution of ideas that benefits the individual members of the cluster or enhances the performance of the cluster as a whole. This paper outlines the general evolutionary principles involved in this process and applies them in a discussion of some of the conditions under which ideas related to distrust may be selected and reproduced.
Firm Networks and Korean Subsidiaries in the United States
Authors: GRESS DOUGLAS R. , POON JESSIE P.H.
Published: August 2007

ABSTRACT This article examines the role of intra‐, inter‐, and extra‐firm networks in influencing the location and investment of Korean firms and their subsidiaries in the U.S. Based on a survey of Korean subsidiaries in the U.S. in 2004, this article finds that inter‐firm relations with customers and suppliers, as well as intra‐firm relations in the form of parent firms’ knowledge of the U.S. play an important role in locational decision. Korean subsidiaries’ relationships with U.S. places are strongly influenced by home‐based practices that favor hierarchical intra‐firm organization and embedded sociopolitical extra‐firm relationships that emphasize blood, school, and regional ties. Location in U.S. industrial clusters does not increase Korean subsidiaries’ level of autonomy from parent firm's control that could help facilitate the sourcing of local knowledge and resources. Only improved intra‐firm network positionality positively contributes to increased subsidiary autonomy. Overall, the findings indicate that while inter‐firm relations may be important in locational selection among Korean firms, network norms are largely maintained through intra‐firm and, to a lesser extent, extra‐firm relations.
Role of Services in Regional Economy Growth
Authors: KAY DAVID L. , PRATT JAMES E. , WARNER MILDRED E.
Published: August 2007

ABSTRACT  Although the final demand‐oriented export base paradigm dominates economic development theory and practice, its usefulness is increasingly questioned because of the changing structure of modern economies, empirical critiques of export‐led growth strategies, and studies that decompose the actual sources of growth. The importance of service industries, especially local services and their role in inducing economic growth, requires a measure that includes both forward and backward linkages to empirically account for the complete role of an industry. Using data for New York State, we demonstrate how the input‐output‐based method of hypothetical extraction can more appropriately measure the economic linkage of a broader range of contemporary economic sectors (including services) than traditional, final demand‐induced, backward‐linkage multipliers. Our analysis provides empirical support for greater economic development attention to be directed toward local services.
Community College Growth Opportunities: Untapped Potential in America's Heartland?
Authors: REPHANN TERANCE J.
Published: August 2007

ABSTRACT  Over 1,100 two‐year public institutions have been established in the U.S. which enroll almost two‐fifths of all students in postsecondary education. However, some parts of the country may not be adequately served by these educational institutions despite demand and supply indicators that indicate future growth potential in the sub‐baccalaureate educational market. This paper examines the geographical, demographic, and economic characteristics of counties that host community colleges. It finds that community college access is uneven. A multiple regression analysis reveals several correlates with community college location and identifies counties where opportunities may exist to “seed” additional community colleges.
Influence of demographic factors and ownership type upon organizational learning culture in Chinese enterprises
Authors: Wang Xiaohui , Yang Baiyin , McLean Gary N.
Published: August 2007

This empirical study, using Western concepts incorporated into the Dimension of Learning Organization Questionnaire (DLOQ) instrument and data collected from 919 employees in nine companies located in Guangdong Province, China, explored organizational learning culture in Chinese business settings. Findings suggest that the DLOQ is applicable to the Chinese context, and demographic variables, such as age and educational level, and the type of ownership of Chinese companies (state‐owned enterprises and privately owned enterprises), show differences in organizational learning culture. Discussions and implications are provided.
Relationships between prior experience of training, gender, goal orientation and training attitudes
Authors: Narayan Anupama , Steele‐Johnson Debra
Published: August 2007

Relationships were examined between prior experience with training, goal orientation, gender and training attitudes. Participants (n = 165) had a minimum of six months of work experience. Results from regression analyses indicated that mastery‐approach goal orientation had a beneficial effect on training attitudes for men but not for women. In addition, prior experience with training had a beneficial effect on training attitudes, and women had more favorable attitudes than men. The results provide initial evidence that gender moderates goal orientation effects in training contexts.
Measuring the learning of university teachers following online staff development courses: a Spanish case study
Authors: Villar Luis M. , Alegre Olga M.
Published: August 2007

Online education is used for a variety of purposes in higher education. Two such purposes are improving staff performance over time and allowing staff to obtain feedback about their professional skill development. Relying on data from online staff skill development courses delivered in five universities, this article explores online faculty learning through the lens of a model of professional development. This theoretical perspective offers an examination of how professional skills are understood and practiced in online staff development courses. At the core of this analysis is the contention that faculty participants understand and respond to the need for high‐quality teaching. Finally, this study highlights the points deemed important when designing, implementing and evaluating Internet training courses.
Strategic conversation quality and engagement: assessment of a new measure
Authors: Van Der Merwe Louis , Chermack Thomas J. , Kulikowich Jonna , Yang Baiyin
Published: August 2007

When considering organization strategy‐making and execution from a learning perspective, the role of conversation and engagement is of critical importance, yet little research has been conducted in this area. Recent publications have suggested an increasing role for conversation and dialogue in strategic planning processes. The present study provides initial validity and reliability scores of an instrument for measuring individual conversation quality and engagement skills in a strategic planning context. Participants were managers (n = 204) from four organizations. Results indicate an instrument with highly accurate and consistent measurement scores. Implications for practice and future research are briefly discussed.
Soil properties and the distribution of the endangered Juliana's golden mole
Authors: Jackson C. R. , Lubbe N. R. , Robertson M. P. , Setsaas T. H. , Van Der Waals J. , Bennett N. C.
Published: August 2007

The endangered Juliana's golden mole Neamblysomus julianae occurs in three small, geographically isolated populations within South Africa. As a sand‐swimmer, it is a habitat specialist and has a highly fragmented distribution within each population. There is a need for a conservation action plan for this species, but this is difficult because of the dearth of knowledge of its biology, including its habitat characteristics. To better understand its patchy distribution, we selected 48 plots that were occupied or unoccupied by golden moles and measured the soil properties in each plot. The size distribution of sand particles influenced the density and compactability of the soil, and both were positively correlated with the presence of golden moles. These soil characteristics are thus vital in understanding and describing the distribution of this cryptic species.
Effects of calcium availability on reproductive output of big brown bats
Authors: Booher C. M.
Published: August 2007

Reproduction is a period of high calcium demand in vertebrates; therefore, calcium deficiency can limit reproductive output in mammals. Nutritional analyses show that insects are a poor calcium source, suggesting that insectivorous species are more likely to be calcium deficient. During pregnancy, big brown bats Eptesicus fuscus consume between 8 and 18 times less calcium than they are estimated to require. To accommodate calcium demand during pregnancy, many mammals mobilize more calcium from the skeleton, and extensive bone loss has been observed in some bats during pregnancy. A conflict may arise between the female and developing embryo over allocation of limited calcium supplies, which could limit reproductive output with respect to offspring size, mass and number. The effects of calcium deficiency on these three factors were tested by providing pregnant captive big brown bats with either a calcium‐deficient diet or a diet providing the daily calcium requirement, as estimated for pregnant big brown bats, from the time of capture until parturition. Neonates were compared between groups for size, mass and number per female, as were the effects of maternal mass and size on neonate mass and size. Maternal mass and litter mass were positively related for the calcium‐deficient group, but not for the calcium‐supplemented group. This suggests that there is some interaction between maternal mass and calcium availability, most likely due to the relationship between body mass and skeletal mass, and that calcium availability is limiting the overall biomass of young that a female can produce.
Rafting in Antarctic Collembola
Authors: Hawes T. C. , Worland M. R. , Bale J. S. , Convey P.
Published: August 2007

Darwin was an early exponent of the importance of ‘occasional means of dispersal’ in accounting for the present‐day distribution of plants and animals. This study examined the implications of capture on the water surface of meltwater and seawater for the local and long‐range dispersal of Antarctic springtails. Individuals of the maritime Antarctic collembolanCryptopygus antarcticus, were floated on tap water and seawater at 0, 5 and 10°C. LT50s on seawater were 34 (10°C), 65 (5°C) and 75 (0°C) days. On tap water, LT50s were 69 (10°C), 126 (5°C) and 239 (0°C) days. Less than 20% escaped from the water surface. A significantly greater proportion of springtails moulted on tap water and viable offspring were produced on both tap water and seawater. Comparison across treatments of survival of moulting and non‐moulting individuals found significantly greater survival in moulting animals for three of the treatment combinations. It is suggested that moult exuviae facilitate survival on the water film through the simultaneous provision of a flotation aid and a source of nourishment – that is, an ‘edible raft’. A separate experiment measuring changes in haemolymph osmolality over time on tap water and seawater at 2 and 5°C found significant differences in all treatments. Causes of mortality are discussed in relation to osmoregulatory failure and starvation.
Echolocation calls produced by Kuhl's pipistrelles in different flight situations
Authors: Berger‐Tal O. , Berger‐Tal R. , Korine C. , Holderied M. W. , Fenton M. B.
Published: August 2007

Flexibility in the echolocation call structure of bats can improve their performances, because, in some situations, some signal designs are better than others. Hence, at least some bats should adjust their echolocation calls according to the setting in which they are operating but also to the specific task at hand, that is their behavioral intention. We studied variation in the echolocation calls ofPipistrellus kuhliiemitted during four flight situations that were similar in setting but differed in behavioral context: emergence from a roost, commuting to and from foraging sites, foraging and returning to a roost. Echolocation calls produced byP. kuhliidiffered significantly according to the flight situation. Call types differed most distinctly between foraging and commuting. We also found a high variance in the emergence calls we recorded, perhaps reflecting pre‐ and post‐takeoff calls. Discriminant function analysis on calls emitted while foraging, commuting or returning to the roost classified the calls to the correct group 73.3% of the time. The differences between bats' echolocation calls in different flight situations might indicate an intrinsic change in the bat's behavior. Recognizing these differences could be crucial when using call variables to identify bat species.
Prey spectra of two swarm‐raiding army ant species in East Africa
Authors: Schöning C. , Njagi W. , Kinuthia W.
Published: August 2007

Although swarm‐raiding army ants are considered keystone predators in tropical forest ecosystems, information on the prey spectra of most species is based on anecdotal reports and not on systematic studies with extensive sampling. We analysed prey samples of 18 colonies of the two afrotropical species Dorylus (Anomma) molestus and Dorylus (Anomma) wilverthi (4289 prey items in total) to examine the prey composition variation within and between species and to determine the best methodology to obtain reliable prey spectrum estimates for a given species, site and season. Variation in prey composition was substantial for D. molestus even within a single site and season, with the biomass proportion of the most important prey type differing by a factor of 12. Conclusions from studies using small samples sizes may thus be misleading. We demonstrate that the method of assessing prey spectra in terms of relative prey item numbers often produces biased results, and therefore recommend relative prey biomass as the more useful parameter. The near absence of earthworms, which always constituted a substantial part of the D. molestus prey, in the diet of D. wilverthi is interpreted to result from subtle differences in swarm‐raiding behaviour between these two species, but could alternatively also be due to low availability. Similar studies recording prey composition as biomass proportions and analysing large samples sizes from many colonies are needed to understand the effect of army ant swarm raids on invertebrate communities in afrotropical forests.
PERMANENT GENETIC RESOURCES: Development of microsatellite markers for the guava rust fungus, Puccinia psidii
Authors: ZHONG SHAOBIN , YANG BAOJUN , ALFENAS ACELINO COUTO
Published: August 2007

We developed and characterized 15 polymorphic microsatellite markers present in the genome of the guava rust fungus, Puccinia psidii. The primers for these microsatellite markers were designed by sequencing clones from a genomic DNA library enriched for a simple sequence repeat (SSR) motif of (AG). All these 15 primer pairs successfully amplified DNA fragments from a sample of 22 P. psidii isolates, revealing a total of 71 alleles. The observed heterozygosity at the 15 loci ranged from 0.05 to 1.00. The SSR markers developed would be useful for population genetics study of the rust fungus.
What causes dark circles under the eyes?
Authors: Freitag Fernanda Magagnin , Cestari Tania Ferreira
Published: August 2007

Dark circles under the eyes (DC) are defined as bilateral, round, homogeneous pigment macules on the infraorbital regions. Despite its significant prevalence, there are a few published studies about its pathogenesis. DC are caused by multiple etiologic factors that include dermal melanin deposition, postinflammatory hyperpigmentation secondary to atopic or allergic contact dermatitis, periorbital edema, superficial location of vasculature, and shadowing due to skin laxity. The purpose of this review is to discuss some of the available evidences about the anatomic features that could explain dark circles and the proposed treatments for this unpleasant condition.
Effects of ambient room temperature on cold air cooling during laser hair removal
Authors: Ram Ramin , Rosenbach Alan
Published: August 2007

Forced air cooling is a well‐established technique that protects the epidermis during laser heating of deeper structures, thereby allowing for increased laser fluences. The goal of this prospective study was to identify whether an elevation in ambient room temperature influences the efficacy of forced air cooling. Skin surface temperatures were measured on 24 sites (12 subjects) during cold air exposure in examination rooms with ambient temperatures of 72°F (22.2°C) and 82°F (27.8°C), respectively. Before cooling, mean skin surface temperature was 9°F (5°C) higher in the warmer room (P< 0.01). Immediately after exposure to forced air cooling (within 1 s), the skin surface temperature remained considerably higher (10.75°F, or 5.8°C,P< 0.01) in the warmer room. We conclude that forced air cooling in a room with an ambient temperature of 82°F (27.8°C) is not as effective as in a room that is at 72°F (22.2°C).
Cleansing lotion containing tamarind fruit pulp extract. II. Study of cumulative irritation effects in human
Authors: Maenthaisong Ratree , Viyoch Jarupa , Chaiyakunapruk Nathorn , Warnnissorn Prateep
Published: August 2007

Background  Cleansing lotion containing extract of tamarind fruit pulp was developed to provide skin a lighter effect. Skin irritation may occur due to keratolytic effect of α‐hydroxyl acids (AHA) in the tamarind fruit pulp extract.

Objective  To assess the cumulative irritation effect of cleansing lotion containing tamarind fruit extract with 2% (w/w) tartaric acid on human skin compared with placebo product and de‐ionized water.

Methods  The study design was a single‐blinded, randomized side of arm, and controlled study. Three samples, including test product, placebo product, and de‐ionized water, were repeatedly applied on the inner forearm of 15 healthy females (aged 28.3 ± 3.1 years) for 30 min daily for 5 days under semi‐occlusive patch. Skin irritation was measured by using visual scoring and instruments such as Tewameter® and Mexameter®. All measurements were done before application of samples every day from day 1 until day 5. Final measurements were done after the last application for 3 days (day 8).

Results  The results obtained from the visual scoring scale indicated no irritation signs and symptoms of test product. Mean differences of transepidermal water loss and erythema values between test product and de‐ionized water and between test and placebo products were not statistically significant (P > 0.05).

Conclusions  These findings indicate a preliminary safety evidence of our developed cleansing lotion containing the natural AHAs and can be used as cumulative evidence for supporting the future home use study of this product in human.
The use of light‐emitting diode therapy in the treatment of photoaged skin
Authors: Baez Fabien , Reilly Laurence R
Published: August 2007

Background  Light‐emitting diode (LED) therapy is an increasingly popular methodology for the treatment of sun damage. Combination use of light wavelengths reported to stimulate collagen synthesis and accelerate fibroblast–myofibroblast transformation may display a composite rejuvenative effect.

Objective  To clinically assess reduction in sun damage signs following a 5‐week course of LED therapy and to assess subject's perception of the treatment.

Methods  Thirteen subjects with wrinkles or fine lines in the periorbital and nasolabial region and those presenting Glogau scale photodamage grade II–III received nine 20‐min duration light treatments using the Omnilux™ LED system. The treatments combined wavelengths of 633 and 830 nm at fluences of 126 and 66 J/cm2, respectively. Sun‐damage reduction was assessed at 6, 9, and 12 weeks by clinical photography and patient satisfaction scores.

Results  The majority of subjects displayed “moderate” (50%) or “slight” (25%) response to treatment at investigator assessment. Treatment of the periorbital region was reported more effective than the nasolabial region. At 12‐week follow‐up, 91% of subjects reported improved skin tone, and 82% reported enhanced smoothness of skin in the treatment area.

Conclusion  Good response to LED therapy has been shown in this modest sample. Larger trials are needed to assess optimum frequency of light treatments and overall treatment time.
A comparison of the relative antioxidant potency of L‐ergothioneine and idebenone
Authors: Dong Kelly K , Damaghi Niusha , Kibitel Jeannie , Canning Matthew T , Smiles Kenneth A , Yarosh Daniel B
Published: August 2007

Background  L‐ergothioneine (EGT) is a stable antioxidant found in food plants as well as in animal tissue undergoing relatively high levels of oxidative stress. Idebenone is a stable analog of the antioxidant coenzyme Q10. All are potent antioxidants found in skincare products, but their relative potencies are not well described.

Aims  To establish the physiological relevance of EGT by examining transcription of the EGT transporter gene OCTN‐1 and production of the receptor protein in skin fibroblasts. In addition, to compare the inhibition of lipid peroxide formation by coenzyme Q10 and EGT. Furthermore, to compare the peroxide‐scavenging abilities of EGT and idebenone in both simple solution and in cell cultures exposed to ultraviolet A (UVA).

Methods  OCTN‐1 expression and production in cultured fibroblasts were measured through real‐time reverse transcription‐PCR and Western blotting, respectively. Alloxan‐induced lipid peroxidation in liposomes was used to evaluate the inhibition of lipid peroxide formation. The abilities of EGT and idebenone to directly scavenge hydroxyl radicals produced by H2O2 were determined. Finally, we irradiated fibroblasts with UVA340 radiation and compared antioxidant capabilities to scavenge free radicals.

Results  We found that OCTN‐1 is expressed and readily detectable in cultured human fibroblasts. EGT was more efficient in inhibiting lipid peroxide formation than coenzyme Q10 or idebenone. Samples treated with EGT had significantly less peroxide than those treated with idebenone 120 min after adding the antioxidants to H2O2. EGT acted significantly quicker and more efficiently in capturing reactive oxygen species (ROS) after UVA340 irradiation.

Conclusions  EGT is a natural skin antioxidant, as evidenced by the presence of the EGT transporter in fibroblasts. EGT is a more powerful antioxidant than either coenzyme Q10 or idebenone due to its relatively greater efficiency in directly scavenging free radicals and in protecting cells from UV‐induced ROS.
Sex differences in survival and mitochondrial bioenergetics during aging inDrosophila
Authors: Ballard J. William O. , Melvin Richard G. , Miller Joseph T. , Katewa Subhash D.
Published: August 2007

The goal of this study is to test the role of mitochondria and of mitochondrial metabolism in determining the processes that influence aging of female and maleDrosophila. We observe thatDrosophila simulansfemales tended to have shorter lifespan, higher levels of hydrogen peroxide production and significantly lower levels of catalase but not superoxide dismutase compared to males. In contrast, mammalian females tend to be longer lived, have lower rates of reactive oxygen species production and higher antioxidant activity. In bothDrosophilaand mammals, mitochondria extracted from females consume a higher quantity of oxygen when provided with adenosine diphosphate and have a greater mtDNA copy number than males. Combined, these data illustrate important similarities between the parameters that influence aging and mitochondrial metabolism inDrosophilaand in mammals but also show surprising differences.
Apolipoprotein E genotype influences vertical transmission of herpes simplex virus type 1 in a gender specific manner
Authors: Burgos Javier S. , Ramirez Carlos , Sastre Isabel , Valdivieso Fernando
Published: August 2007

There is growing evidence that herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV‐1), together with the apolipoprotein E 4 (APOE4) allele, contribute to the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease (AD), although the mechanism of their interaction remains uncertain. Here we show that the combination of inherited APOE genotype and vertical transmission of HSV‐1 confers a differential risk of brain infection. These risk factors are known to be associated with AD.
Some highlights of research on aging with invertebrates, 2006–2007
Authors: Partridge Linda
Published: August 2007

The invertebrate model organisms continue to be engines of discovery in aging research. Recent work with Drosophila stem cells has thrown light on their human equivalents, and on the role of stem cells and their niches in the decline in fecundity with age. Inspired by observations of aging in bacteria and yeast, a new theoretical study has revealed evolutionary forces that could favour asymmetry in the distribution of damaged cell constituents at division, and hence pave the way for the evolution of aging and selective maintenance of integrity of the germ line. Mechanisms of nutrient sensing and cell signalling in the response of lifespan to dietary restriction have been elucidated. Powerful invertebrate models of human aging‐related disease have been produced, and used to start to understand how the aging process acts as a risk factor for disease. In the near future, studies of invertebrate aging are likely to move away from an exclusive reliance on genetic manipulation towards a more biochemical and physiological understanding of these systems.