bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Classification of the Sibumasu and Paleo‐Tethys tectonic division in Thailand using chert lithofacies
Authors: Kamata Yoshihito , Ueno Katsumi , Hara Hidetoshi , Ichise Megumi , Charoentitirat Thasinee , Charusiri Punya , Sardsud Apsorn , Hisada Ken‐ichiro
Published: February 2009

Two types of chert are defined in Thailand based on lithology, faunal content, and stratigraphy. ‘Pelagic chert’ consists of densely packed radiolarian tests in a microcrystalline quartz matrix with no terrigenous material and is found as blocks embedded within sheared matrix. ‘Hemipelagic chert’ also has a microcrystalline quartz matrix, and contains not only scattered radiolarian tests, but also calcareous organisms such as foraminifers. The pelagic cherts range in age from Devonian to Middle Triassic, whereas hemipelagic chert is only from the Early to the Late Triassic. Lithological and stratigraphic characteristics indicate that the pelagic chert originated in the Paleo‐Tethys, whereas the hemipelagic chert accumulated on the eastern margin of the Sibumasu Block. The hemipelagic and pelagic chert are exposed in two north‐trending belt‐like zones. The western zone includes the hemipelagic chert, as well as glaciomarine and other Paleozoic to Mesozoic successions, overlying a Precambrian basement that consists exclusively of Sibumasu elements. The eastern zone contains pelagic chert and limestone and should be correlated to the Inthanon Zone. The Inthanon Zone is characterized by the presence not only of Paleo‐Tethyan sedimentary rocks, but also of Sibumasu Block elements that structurally underlie the Paleo‐Tethyan rocks. The boundary between the Sibumasu and Paleo‐Tethys zones is a north‐trending, low‐angle thrust that resulted from the collision of the Sibumasu and Indochina blocks.
Geochemistry and geochronology of Late Triassic volcanic rocks in the Chiang Khong region, northern Thailand
Authors: Srichan Weerapan , Crawford Anthony J. , Berry Ronald F.
Published: February 2009

The Chiang Khong segment of the Chiang Khong–Lampang–Tak Volcanic Belt is composed of three broadly meridional sub‐belts of mafic to felsic volcanic, volcaniclastic, and associated intrusive rocks. Associated sedimentary rocks are largely non‐marine red beds and conglomerates. Three representative Chiang Khong lavas have Late Triassic (223–220 Ma) laser ablation inductively coupled mass‐spectroscopy U–Pb zircon ages. Felsic‐dominated sequences in the Chiang Khong Western and Central Sub‐belts are high‐K calc–alkaline rocks that range from basaltic to dominant felsic lavas with rare mafic dykes. The Western Sub‐belt lavas have slightly lower high field strength element contents at all fractionation levels than equivalent rocks from the Central Sub‐belt. In contrast, the Eastern Sub‐belt is dominated by mafic lavas and dykes with compositions transitional between E‐mid‐oceanic ridge basalt and back‐arc basin basalts. The Eastern Sub‐belt rocks have higher FeO* and TiO2 and less light rare earth element enrichment than basalts in the high‐K sequences. Basaltic and doleritic dykes in the Western and Central sub‐belts match the composition of the Eastern Sub‐belt lavas and dykes. A recent geochemical study of the Chiang Khong rocks concluded that they were erupted in a continental margin volcanic arc setting. However, based on the dominance of felsic lavas and the mainly non‐marine associated sediments, we propose an alternative origin, in a post‐collisional extensional setting. A major late Middle to early Late Triassic collisional orogenic event is well documented in northern Thailand and Yunnan. We believe that the paucity of radiometric dates for arc‐like lavas in the Chiang Khong–Lampang–Tak Volcanic Belt that precede this orogenic event, coupled with the geochemistry of the Chiang Khong rocks, and strong compositional analogies with other post‐collisional magmatic suites, are features that are more typical of volcanic belts formed in a rapidly evolving post‐collisional, basin‐and range‐type extensional setting.
A new species ofSyntretusFoerster (Hymenoptera: Braconidae: Euphorinae), a parasitoid of the stingless beeTrigona carbonariaSmith (Hymenoptera: Apidae: Meliponinae)
Authors: Gloag Rosalyn , Shaw Scott R , Burwell Chris
Published: February 2009

A new species of euphorine braconid,Syntretus trigonaphagussp. nov., is described and illustrated. This is the first AustralianSyntretusspecies to be described and the first record of braconids parasitisingTrigonaJurine stingless bees. Egg‐laying by adults and emergence of larvae from the hostTrigona carbonariais detailed. A 12S ribosomal rRNA gene fragment was sequenced to confirm the association of larvae and adults of the wasp parasitoid.
Efficacy of bird‐baited traps placed at different heights for collecting ornithophilic mosquitoes in eastern Queensland, Australia
Authors: Jansen Cassie C , Zborowski Paul , Ritchie Scott A , Van Den Hurk Andrew F
Published: February 2009

To compare the efficacy of bird‐baited traps with standard CO2‐baited Centers for Disease Control (CDC) light traps for collecting ornithophilic mosquito species, seven Latin square trials were conducted at six urban sites in Cairns and Brisbane, Australia. Traps were placed 1 m above ground level and 5–10 m according to tree canopy height. CO2‐baited CDC traps consistently collected more mosquitoes of all species than the bird‐baited traps at all locations. In Brisbane, CO2‐baited CDC traps placed at ground level collected significantly more Culex annulirostris Skuse than those at canopy height during two trials, and more Aedes vigilax (Skuse) and Ae. procax (Skuse) during one trial each. Conversely, in Cairns, CO2‐baited CDC traps placed in the tree canopy collected significantly more Cx. squamosus (Taylor) during two trials, and significantly more Aedeomyia catasticta Knab and Cx. cubiculi Marks during one trial each. Consistently low yields of ornithophilic species including Cx. australicus Dobrotworsky & Drummond and Cx. quinquefasciatus Say in all traps tested suggests the need to employ alternative trapping measures to target these species in urban areas.
Mosquito‐borne disease and climate change in Australia: time for a reality check
Authors: Russell Richard C
Published: February 2009

Will warming climate increase the risk or prevalence of mosquito‐borne disease in Australia, as has been projected in a number of scientific publications and governmental reports? Unfortunately, most of these ‘predictions’ do not adequately consider the current and historical distribution of the vectors and diseases, their local ecology and epidemiology and the impact of societal features and the capacity for public health interventions in Australia. Overall, a strong case can be made that we are unlikely to see significant changes in the distribution of transmission of the exotic pathogens causing malaria and dengue, and while activity of endemic arboviruses such as Murray Valley encephalitis and Ross River viruses may possibly increase in some areas, it is likely to decrease in others. The ecologies of mosquito‐borne diseases can be complex and difficult to predict, and any evaluation of potential effects of changes in climate will need a detailed examination of site‐specific vector, host and other factors likely to influence the outcomes on human health. Of itself, climate change as currently projected, is not likely to provide great cause for public health concern with mosquito‐borne disease in Australia.
First record of the woodwasp family Xiphydriidae from Tasmania with a description of a new species and host record
Authors: Jennings John T , Austin Andrew D , Bashford Richard
Published: February 2009

Rhysacephala warraensis Jennings & Austin, sp. nov., (Hymenoptera: Xiphydriidae), is described, being the first record of a xiphydriid woodwasp from Tasmania. Four females were reared from ‘horizontal’, Anodopetalum biglandulosum (Cunoniaceae), the first confirmed host record for an Australian xiphydriid.
The Australian endemic woodwasp genus Austrocyrta Riek (Hymenoptera: Xiphydriidae)
Authors: Jennings John T , Austin Andrew D , Schiff Nathan M
Published: February 2009

The Australian xiphydriid woodwasp genus Austrocyrta, previously known only from a single species, A. australiensis Riek, is revised. A second distinctive species from Carnarvon National Park in south‐central Queensland, A. fasciculata Jennings & Austin, sp. nov., is described, and a key to separate the males of the two species is provided.
Evaluation of phloxine B as a photoinsecticide on immature stages of the horn fly, Haematobia irritans (L.) (Diptera: Muscidae)
Authors: Filiberti Adrián , Rabossi Alejandro , Argaraña Carlos E , Quesada‐Allué Luis A
Published: February 2009

The use of photoactive substances for controlling adult or immature stages of insect pests is an attractive alternative to chemical insecticides. Phloxine B is an environmentally friendly xanthene derivative that is safe for mammals but toxic for dipterans. In this study we tested the effect of phloxine B as a phototoxic larvicide against immature stages of the blood‐sucking horn fly, Haematobia irritans (L.). The mortality rate of phloxine B was very low in the dark during the larval stage (100 h) unless a 0.5‐mM dye concentration was used. However, a high mortality rate was attained when larvae III were transferred to containers exposed to 5000 lux during the last 2 h before pupariation. This was concentration‐dependent up to 0.1‐mM phloxine B. After a 2‐h larval exposure to light the phloxine B 50% lethal concentration was 0.043 mM. These results indicate that H. irritans larvae are very sensitive to this dye, which in turn seems a promising component for larvicide formulations to control horn flies.
Risk factors for lymph node metastasis in clinically node‐negative penile cancer patients
Authors: Ramkumar Aravind , Seshadri Ramakrishnan Ayloor , Narayanaswamy Kathiresan , Balasubramanian Satheesan
Published: February 2009

Objectives:  To analyze the effects of pathological T stage, grade, extent of surgery for primary tumor, and age group on the risk of developing lymph node metastasis in clinically node‐negative penile cancer patients.

Methods:  We performed a retrospective analysis of 200 clinically node‐negative penile cancer patients who were kept under surveillance, after treatment of the primary tumor in our institution. The primary outcome parameter was cytologically or histologically proven lymph node metastasis. Logistic regression analysis was used to compute odds ratios in univariate and multivariate settings.

Results:  Lymph node metastasis occurred in 31 patients at a median time of three months. Histological grade 3 and grade 2 tumors had a statistically significant increased odds ratio for lymph node metastasis, (7.1[P < 0.001] and 2.7 [P = 0.04], respectively), compared with grade 1 tumors. Although increasing pT stage was associated with increasing odds ratios, the differences were not statistically significant. Nor did the extent of surgery of the primary tumor or the age group significantly influence the risk of developing lymph node metastasis.

Conclusions:  Histological grade is the most significant parameter influencing the risk of lymph node metastasis in clinically node‐negative penile cancer patients on surveillance. Patients with grade 3 and grade 2 tumors may benefit from elective inguinal lymphadenectomy.
Widespread occurrence of an intranuclear bacterial parasite in vent and seep bathymodiolin mussels
Authors: Zielinski Frank U. , Pernthaler Annelie , Duperron Sébastien , Raggi Luciana , Giere Olav , Borowski Christian , Dubilier Nicole
Published: February 2009

Many parasitic bacteria live in the cytoplasm of multicellular animals, but only a few are known to regularly invade their nuclei. In this study, we describe the novel bacterial parasite “Candidatus Endonucleobacter bathymodioli” that invades the nuclei of deep‐sea bathymodiolin mussels from hydrothermal vents and cold seeps. Bathymodiolin mussels are well known for their symbiotic associations with sulfur‐ and methane‐oxidizing bacteria. In contrast, the parasitic bacteria of vent and seep animals have received little attention despite their potential importance for deep‐sea ecosystems. We first discovered the intranuclear parasite “Ca. E. bathymodioli” in Bathymodiolus puteoserpentis from the Logatchev hydrothermal vent field on the Mid‐Atlantic Ridge. Using primers and probes specific to “Ca. E. bathymodioli” we found this intranuclear parasite in at least six other bathymodiolin species from vents and seeps around the world. Fluorescence in situ hybridization and transmission electron microscopy analyses of the developmental cycle of “Ca. E. bathymodioli” showed that the infection of a nucleus begins with a single rod‐shaped bacterium which grows to an unseptated filament of up to 20 μm length and then divides repeatedly until the nucleus is filled with up to 80 000 bacteria. The greatly swollen nucleus destroys its host cell and the bacteria are released after the nuclear membrane bursts. Intriguingly, the only nuclei that were never infected by “Ca. E. bathymodioli” were those of the gill bacteriocytes. These cells contain the symbiotic sulfur‐ and methane‐oxidizing bacteria, suggesting that the mussel symbionts can protect their host nuclei against the parasite. Phylogenetic analyses showed that the “Ca. E. bathymodioli” belongs to a monophyletic clade of Gammaproteobacteria associated with marine metazoans as diverse as sponges, corals, bivalves, gastropods, echinoderms, ascidians and fish. We hypothesize that many of the sequences from this clade originated from intranuclear bacteria, and that these are widespread in marine invertebrates.
Antibiotic‐resistance profile in environmental bacteria isolated from penicillin production wastewater treatment plant and the receiving river
Authors: Li Dong , Yang Min , Hu Jianying , Zhang Jing , Liu Ruyin , Gu Xin , Zhang Yu , Wang Zhenyu
Published: February 2009

The antibiotic‐resistance characteristics of bacterial strains in antibiotic production wastewater treatment plants (WWTP) that contain high concentrations of antibiotics are unknown, as are the environmental effects of the discharge of wastewater from such facilities. In this study, 417 strains were individually isolated from the effluent of a WWTP that treated penicillin G production wastewater, as well as from downstream and upstream areas of the receiving river. The minimum inhibition concentrations (MICs) of 18 antibiotics representing seven classes were then determined for each of these strains. Relatively high similarity in the bacterial composition existed between the wastewater and downstream river samples when compared with the upstream sample. High resistance ratios and MIC values were observed for almost all antibiotics in wastewater isolates, followed by strains from downstream river, of which the resistance ratios and levels were still significantly higher than those of upstream strains. The resistance ratios and levels also significantly differed among strains belonged to different species in the penicillin production wastewater effluent and downstream river. In both samples, the resistances to β‐lactam antibiotics were more frequent, with much higher levels, than the other class antibiotics. Then five clinically important resistant genes mainly coding for extended‐spectrum β‐lactamases (ESBLs) were determined for all strains, only blaTEM‐1 which did not belong to ESBL was detected in 17.3% and 11.0% of strains isolated from wastewater and downstream river respectively. Class I integrons were detected in 14% of wastewater isolates and 9.1% of downstream isolates, and primarily contained gene cassettes conferring resistance to aminoglycoside antibiotics. The unexpectedly high levels of multiple antibiotic resistance in strains from wastewater and downstream river were speculated to be mainly due to multidrug efflux systems.
Structural and ultrastructural studies of male reproductive tract and spermatozoa in Xylocopa frontalis (Hymenoptera, Apidae)
Authors: Fiorillo B. S. , Zama U. , Lino‐Neto J. , Báo S. N.
Published: February 2009

Fiorillo, B. S., Zama, U., Lino‐Neto, J. and Báo, S. N. 2010. Structural and ultrastructural studies of male reproductive tract and spermatozoa in Xylocopa frontalis (Hymenoptera, Apidae). —Acta Zoologica (Stockholm) 91: 176–183.

In Xylocopa frontalis the reproductive tract is composed of testes, deferent ducts, seminal vesicles, accessory glands and an ejaculatory duct. Each testis comprises four testicular tubules in which multiple cysts are present containing approximately 64 spermatozoa per cyst. The seminal vesicle consists of an epithelium, a thick basement lamina and a muscular external sheet. In the luminal region some vesicles can be observed; however, the epithelial cells of the seminal vesicle do not display morphological features associated with secretory functions. The spermatozoa, measuring approximately 260 µm long, are similar to the hymenopteran pattern. The head region consists of an acrosome with an inner perforatorium that penetrates an asymmetrical nuclear tip. The nucleus is linear, electron‐dense and its posterior tip projects into the beginning of the axoneme. The centriolar adjunct is asymmetric with many electron‐lucent lacunae interspersed throughout. The axoneme has the 9 + 9 + 2 pattern of microtubules and in the posterior region the central microtubules finish first, followed by the doublets and finally the accessory microtubules. The mitochondrial derivatives are asymmetric in both length and diameter with paracrystalline material present only in the larger one. These features may be useful characters for taxonomy and phylogenetic studies.
Ultrastructure of spermiogenesis and mature spermatozoon of Anonchotaenia globata (von Linstow, 1879) (Cestoda, Cyclophyllidea, Paruterinidae)
Authors: Yoneva Aneta , Georgieva Katia , Mizinska Yana , Nikolov Pavel N. , Georgiev Boyko B. , Stoitsova Stoyanka R.
Published: February 2009

Yoneva, A., Georgieva, K., Mizinska, Y., Nikolov, P. N., Georgiev, B. B. and Stoitsova, S. R. 2010. Ultrastructure of spermiogenesis and mature spermatozoon of Anonchotaenia globata (von Linstow, 1879) (Cestoda, Cyclophyllidea, Paruterinidae). — Acta Zoologica (Stockholm) 91: 184–192

The ultrastructure of spermiogenesis and of the spermatozoon of a species of the family Paruterinidae is described for the first time. The spermiogenesis of Anonchotaenia globata starts with the formation of a differentiation zone with two centrioles associated with thin striated roots. One of the centrioles gives rise to a free flagellum followed by a slight flagellar rotation and a proximodistal fusion of the flagellum with the cytoplasmic protrusion. This pattern corresponds to Type III spermiogenesis in cestodes. The spermatozoon consists of five distinct regions. The anterior extremity possesses an apical cone and a single helically coiled crested body. The cortical microtubules are spirally arranged. The axoneme is surrounded by a periaxonemal sheath and a thin layer of cytoplasm filled with electron‐dense granules in Regions I–V. The periaxonemal sheath is connected with the peripheral microtubules by transverse intracytoplasmic walls in Regions III and IV. The nucleus is spirally coiled around the axoneme. Anonchotaenia globata differs from Dilepididae (where paruterinids have previously been classified) in the type of spermiogenesis, the lack of glycogen inclusions and the presence of intracytoplasmic walls. The pattern of spermiogenesis is similar to that in Metadilepididae and Taeniidae, which are considered phylogenetically close to Paruterinidae.
Scientific uncertainty and the assessment of risks posed by non‐native freshwater fishes
Authors: Leprieur F , Brosse S , García‐Berthou E , Oberdorff T , Olden J D , Townsend C R
Published: February 2009

The introduction of non‐indigenous plants, animals and pathogens is a pressing global environmental challenge. Although not all introduced species become established and the fraction of those that do often have little appreciable effect on their new ecosystems, many others exert significant ecological, evolutionary and economic impacts. Stimulating further debate, Gozlan [Fish and Fisheries (2008) Vol. 9, pp. 106–115] argued that the majority of intentional freshwater fish introductions associated with aquaculture (fish species providing societal benefits) have not been reported as having an ecological impact. We find little to argue with his suggestion that low risk of ecological impact coupled with high market value encourages further introductions. But do we have an adequate understanding of the ecological risks associated with fish introductions to support such decisions? Indeed, resource managers and decision makers require some scientific knowledge to support their management actions; without this information, a precautionary approach is the only sensible course of action. The precautionary approach implies that the lack of scientific certainty is reason enough for postponing intentional introduction of non‐native species to avoid potentially serious or irreversible harm to the environment. Here, we suggest that we actually know very little about ecological impacts associated with fish introductions and that it would be therefore wholly inappropriate to equate a lack of data with a conclusion of ‘no impact’. We discuss four major challenges for enhancing the assessment of risks posed by non‐native freshwater fishes in the face of scientific uncertainty and highlight research opportunities and some alternative approaches for confronting these challenges in the future.
Response by R Gozlan Biodiversity crisis and the introduction of non‐native fish: Solutions, not scapegoats
Authors: Gozlan R. E.
Published: February 2009

Despite knowledge of potential adverse impacts arising from non‐native fish introduction, economic drivers are still pushing forward for further introductions. Gozlan's pragmatic approach to this neo‐paradox, allows using existing knowledge to characterise and discriminate ecological risks associated with fish species introduction. It confirms what many previously suspected, that the overall risk of adverse introduction is around ten percent. Considering all fish introductions to have the same level of risk is counter productive as it does not engage with the process of risk assessment.
Voracious invader or benign feline? A review of the environmental biology of European catfish Silurus glanis in its native and introduced ranges*
Authors: Copp Gordon H , Robert Britton J , Cucherousset Julien , García‐Berthou Emili , Kirk Ruth , Peeler Edmund , Stakėnas Saulius
Published: February 2009

A popular species for food and sport, the European catfish (Silurus glanis) is well‐studied in its native range, but little studied in its introduced range. Silurus glanis is the largest‐bodied freshwater fish of Europe and is historically known to take a wide range of food items including human remains. As a result of its piscivorous diet, S. glanis is assumed to be an invasive fish species presenting a risk to native species and ecosystems. To assess the potential risks of S. glanis introductions, published and ‘grey’ literature on the species’ environmental biology (but not aquaculture) was extensively reviewed. Silurus glanis appears well adapted to, and sufficiently robust for, translocation and introduction outside its native range. A nest‐guarding species, S. glanis is long‐lived, rather sedentary and produces relatively fewer eggs per body mass than many fish species. It appears to establish relatively easily, although more so in warmer (i.e. Mediterranean) than in northern countries (e.g. Belgium, UK). Telemetry data suggest that dispersal is linked to flooding/spates and human translation of the species. Potential impacts in its introduced European range include disease transmission, hybridization (in Greece with native endemic Aristotle’s catfish [Silurus aristotelis]), predation on native species and possibly the modification of food web structure in some regions. However, S. glanis has also been reported (France, Spain, Turkmenistan) to prey intensively on other non‐native species and in its native Germany to be a poor biomanipulation tool for top‐down predation of zooplanktivorous fishes. As such, S. glanis is unlikely to exert trophic pressure on native fishes except in circumstances where other human impacts are already in force. In summary, virtually all aspects of the environmental biology of introduced S. glanis require further study to determine the potential risks of its introduction to novel environments.
Fishery‐induced demographic changes in the timing of spawning: consequences for reproductive success*
Authors: Wright Peter J. , Trippel Edward A.
Published: February 2009

Demography can have a significant effect on reproductive timing and the magnitude of such an effect can be comparable to environmentally induced variability. This effect arises because the individuals of many fish species spawn progressively earlier within a season and may produce more egg batches over a longer period as they get older, thus extending their lifetime spawning duration. Inter‐annual variation in spawning time is a critical factor in reproductive success because it affects the early environmental conditions experienced by progeny and the period they have to complete phases of development. By reducing the average lifetime spawning duration within a fish stock, fishing pressure could be increasing the variability in reproductive success and reducing long‐term stock reproductive potential. Empirical estimates of selection on birth date, from experiments and using otolith microstructure, demonstrate that there is considerable variation in selection on birth date both within a spawning season and between years. The few multi‐year studies that have linked egg production with the survival of progeny to the juvenile stage further highlight the uncertainty that adults face in timing their spawning to optimize offspring survival. The production of many small batches of eggs over a long period of time within a season and over a lifetime is therefore likely to decrease variance and increase mean progeny survival. Quantifying this effect of demography on variability in survival requires a focus on lifetime reproductive success rather than year specific relationships between recruitment and stock reproductive potential. Modelling approaches are suggested that can better quantify the likely impact of changing spawning times on year‐class strength and lifetime reproductive potential. The evidence presented strengthens the need to avoid fishing severely age truncated fish stocks.
Design and Management Strategies for Mixed Public Private Transportation Networks: A Meta‐Heuristic Approach
Authors: Unnikrishnan Avinash , Valsaraj Varunraj , Damnjanovic Ivan , Waller S. Travis
Published: February 2009

Abstract:  This article presents a new multi‐objective mathematical programming framework to model interactions between public and private sector in constructing and maintaining highway networks using the build, operate, and transfer scheme. In this study, private companies are assumed to have a degree of control over highway sections on which they perform maintenance and rehabilitation and capacity expansion activities. The private investors recover the cost of construction by levying tolls. The public agency is assumed to maintain the rest of the network with the objective of minimizing total system generalized cost. The bi‐directional impact of roadway utilization on deterioration and deterioration on utilization is modeled in this study. The model accounts for route choice of users and all users are assumed to choose routes that have equal and minimal experienced generalized cost. The nonconvex and discontinuous multi‐objective mathematical program is solved using nondominant sorting genetic algorithm‐II and the pareto‐optimal trade‐off surface between the profit of the private company and the total system cost is generated. Computational runs are conducted to demonstrate the suitability and flexibility of the developed framework in modeling various policy decisions such as the presence of noncompete clauses.
Evaluation of Disturbance Weighting Parameter of Minimax Attenuation Problems
Authors: Aldemir Unal
Published: February 2009

Abstract:  This article presents a simple evaluation of the disturbance weighting parameter of well‐known minimax disturbance attenuation problems derived for earthquake‐excited structures. It is concluded from a careful analysis of the derived closed form solutions that linear quadratic regulator (LQR) performance which corresponds to white noise assumption is the best performance of the sub‐optimal minimax control (OMC) although it is also the worst performance of the OMC and the disturbance weighting parameter is as a measure of the system stability. For the completeness of the article, OMC is also compared to LQR and unimplementable optimal control.
Multiattribute Selection from Alternative Designs of Infrastructure Components for Accidental Situations
Authors: Zavadskas Edmundas K. , Vaidogas Egidijus R.
Published: February 2009

Abstract:  The design of infrastructure systems for “accidental” situations, i.e., abnormal service conditions, may include a comparison of alternative design solutions of system components. These solutions are compared by means of applying a universal methodology known as a multiattribute selection (MAS). The alternative designs are described by a number of attributes that characterize each of them. Failure probability and quantitative measure of the risk are used as safety‐related attributes of the alternative designs. This article shows how to carry out the MAS in the presence of epistemic uncertainties in safety‐related attributes. Distributions of epistemic uncertainties are specified by means of methods used for quantitative risk assessment. The MAS is carried out as a propagation of these uncertainties. The Monte Carlo simulation is used to propagate uncertainties through the algorithm of MAS. The approach proposed in this article is illustrated by two examples, which consider alternative designs of a protective barrier and alternative sprinkler systems.
Liberalisation and Regional Market Integration: Turkish and Australian Automotive Sector Experience Compared
Authors: Darby James
Published: February 2009

With similar production strategies and shared policy objectives forming a common background in both countries, plans to liberalise automotive production and trade emerged in Turkey and Australia after 1980. The subsequent outcomes of these attempts to abandon protection were to diverge, however, and the future viability of these two formerly heavily protected markets has now come to depend increasingly upon access to regional trade blocs. Examination of the path followed by these two economies as they adjust to the consequences of automotive liberalisation clarifies not only comparative economic performance in key areas of industry and trade, it also highlights the influence of differing levels of multi‐state economic integration, as these processes create, or fail to create, new opportunities for manufacturing economies operating in their individual regional geographic settings.
Has the Byrd Amendment Affected US Imports?
Authors: Gayle Philip G. , Puttitanun Thitima
Published: February 2009

The Continued Dumping and Subsidy Offset Act (CDSOA), also known as the Byrd Amendment, allows the US government to distribute revenues from antidumping duties to domestic firms alleging harm. Prior to the amendment these revenues were not distributed to firms. In this article, we formally test the hypothesis that the Byrd Amendment effectively provides double protection to US firms to the extent that it further restricts US imports, as argued by the EU and 11 other US trading partners. Using a rich panel of 362 US manufacturing industries for the period 1998 to 2003, we find that whether or not the Byrd Amendment restricted US imports depends crucially on the level of competitiveness in the import‐competing industry. Specifically, we find that the Byrd Amendment served to restrict imports only in industries where competition is relatively weak, while the amendment is associated with an increase in imports in more competitive industries.
MOTIVATING THE GLOBAL DEMOS
Authors: WEINSTOCK DANIEL
Published: February 2009

Abstract: Debates about the possibility of global democracy and justice are plagued by a fallacious assumption made by all parties. That assumption is that there is a “naturalness” to relations among fellow nationals to which a global demos could never aspire. In fact, nation builders employed a great many tools that mobilized the psychological and moral susceptibilities of individuals in order to create a sense of solidarity out of initially heterogeneous elements. Two such tools are described and then applied to the global sphere: first, appeals to prudence through the sometimes artificial engineering of Hobbesian situations, and second, uses of philosophically inferior but motivationally optimal moral argument. The applicability of these strategies to the global sphere suggests that cosmopolitans would be well advised to examine further the nation builder's toolbox for other devices through which a global demos might be motivated.
INTRODUCTION: GLOBAL DEMOCRACY AND EXCLUSION
Authors: TINNEVELT RONALD , DE SCHUTTER HELDER
Published: February 2009

Abstract: Does democracy or popular sovereignty imply exclusion and drawing borders? And if so, what type of exclusion and borders, and what kind of justification can we give for them? Moreover, if democracy really requires some kind of exclusion, is global democracy then a paradoxical union of two contradictory ideals? Can we create a demos on the global level? The focus of this collection of essays is on this potential conflict and its underlying values.
THE CONFLICTING LOYALTIES OF STATISM AND GLOBALISM: CAN GLOBAL DEMOCRACY RESOLVE THE LIBERAL CONUNDRUM?
Authors: CHATTERJEE DEEN
Published: February 2009

Abstract: The cosmopolitan ideal of liberal universalism seems to be at odds with liberalism's insistence on national borders for liberal democratic communities, creating disparate standards of distributive justice for insiders and outsiders. The liberal's dilemma on the question of cosmopolitan justice would seem to be an extension of this broader conundrum of conflicting loyalties of statism and globalism. The challenge for liberalism, then, seems to be to show how the practices of exclusive membership embody the principle of moral equality. While discerning a variety of liberal reasons to give some scope to the claim that statism and globalism need not be an irreconcilable dilemma within liberalism, the essay argues that these reasons fail to provide a satisfactory resolution. Instead, the essay points out, global democracy can be the direction for both a statist and a cosmopolitan liberal, and the two camps a case not of conflicting loyalties but of multiple loyalties.
Cytochrome P450 2B6 516G→T is associated with plasma concentrations of nevirapine at both 200 mg twice daily and 400 mg once daily in an ethnically diverse population
Authors: Mahungu TW , Smith CJ , Turner F , Egan D , Youle M , Johnson MA , Khoo S , Back DJ , Owen A
Published: February 2009

Objectives

The aim of the study was to characterize the impact of the cytochrome P450 2B6 (CYP2B6), CYP3A4, CYP3A5 and ATP‐binding cassette sub‐family B member 1 (ABCB1) polymorphisms on nevirapine plasma concentrations.

Methods

A total of 104 patients (82% male; 26% non‐Caucasian) were genotyped for eight single nucleotide polymorphisms at four loci (CYP2B6, CYP3A4, CYP3A5 and MDR1). Nevirapine plasma concentrations were determined using high‐performance liquid chromatography.

Results

Non‐Caucasian ethnicity [5609 ng/mL (n=27) for non‐Caucasiansvs. 3771 ng/mL (n=77) for Caucasians;P<0.0001] and CYP2B6 516G→T [GG, 3574 ng/mL (n=50); GT, 4634 ng/mL (n=50); TT, 8170 ng/mL (n=4);Panalysis of variance (anova)=0.001] were significantly associated with a higher nevirapine trough concentration (Ctrough). The latter association was maintained with both 200 mg twice daily (bid) and 400 mg once daily (qd) dosing [GG, 3527 ng/mL (n=30); GT, 4525 ng/mL (n=32); TT, 7020 ng/mL (n=2);Panova=0.05 and GG, 3645 ng/mL (n=20); GT, 4861 ng/mL (n=17); TT, 9508 ng/mL (n=2);Panova=0.01, respectively]. In a multivariable analysis, CYP2B6 516G→T and non‐Caucasian ethnicity remained significant predictors of nevirapineCtroughbut CYP2B6 516G→T homozygosity had the greatest effect (108% higher, 46% higher). No associations were found between nevirapineCtroughand the remaining polymorphisms.

Conclusion

In this population, both non‐Caucasian ethnicity and carriage of the variant allele of CYP2B6 516G→T were significant predictors of nevirapineCtrough. The association between CYP2B6 516G→T and higher plasma nevirapine exposure was maintained at both bid and qd dosing.
The Argentine welfare state: enduring and resisting change
Authors: Isuani Ernesto Aldo
Published: February 2009

Isuani EA. The Argentine welfare state: enduring and resisting change Int J Soc Welfare 2010: 19: 104–114 © 2009 The Author(s), Journal compilation © 2009 Blackwell Publishing Ltd and the International Journal of Social Welfare.

It is widely accepted that during the 1990s, the Argentine state experienced a general retrenchment. This article shows that, though this may have been true in the economic realm, this retrenchment did not take place in the diverse arenas of social policy. While privatisations and labour market flexibility dismantled the foundations of Keynesianism, the components of the welfare state experienced substantial growth. At the same time, the changes experienced by the welfare state in the past quarter century have not included a transformation of its basic principles, despite the profound changes experienced by Argentine society during this period.
Is Chronic Migraine One End of a Spectrum of Migraine or a Separate Entity?
Authors: Aurora SK
Published: February 2009

Chronic migraine is associated with abnormalities in the periaqueductal grey that may be progressive. The condition is also associated with a greater degree of impairment in cortical processing of sensory stimuli than episodic migraine, perhaps due to more pervasive or persistent cortical hyperexcitability These findings fit with the model of migraine as a spectrum disorder, in which the clinical and pathophysiological features may progress over time. This progression may result from changes in nociceptive thresholds and ensuing central sensitization caused by recurrent migraine in susceptible individuals. This may lead to changes in baseline neurological function between headaches, evident not only in electrophysiological and functional imaging studies, but also as psychological and somatic complaints that occur after years of episodic migraine. From current research and migraine models, a conceptualization of chronic migraine is emerging in which relatively permanent and pervasive central changes have occurred that warrant novel and tolerable treatments.
Possible contemporary evolution in an endangered species, the Santa Cruz Island fox
Authors: Swarts H. M. , Crooks K. R. , Willits N. , Woodroffe R.
Published: February 2009

An ability to mount rapid evolutionary responses to environmental change may be necessary for species persistence in a human‐dominated world. We present evidence of the possibility of such contemporary evolution in the anti‐predator behaviour of the critically endangered Santa Cruz Island fox Urocyon littoralis. In 1994, golden eagles colonized Santa Cruz Island, CA and devastated the predator‐naïve, endemic island fox population by 95% within 10 years. In 1992, just before the arrival of golden eagles, foxes showed substantial diurnal activity, but diurnal activity was 37.0% lower in 2003–2007, after golden eagle colonization; concurrently, overall activity declined and nocturnal activity increased. Moreover, on nearby Santa Catalina Island, where golden eagles were absent but where the fox population recently crashed due to a disease epidemic, remaining foxes were significantly more diurnally active than were those on Santa Cruz Island. The weight of evidence suggests that the change in activity pattern was a response to predation, not to low population density, and that this was probably a heritable rather than a learned behavioural trait. This behavioural change may allow for prolonged island fox persistence, but also potentially represents a loss of behavioural diversity in fox populations.
Implications of river damming: the influence of aquatic hypoxia on the diving physiology and behaviour of the endangered Mary River turtle
Authors: Clark N. J. , Gordos M. A. , Franklin C. E.
Published: February 2009

River impoundments are characterized by low oxygen levels as a result of reduced water velocity and increased water depth. Bimodally respiring turtle species are likely to be highly sensitive to changes in aquatic PO2 with decreases in oxygen levels impacting upon their diving ability. The acute and long‐term effects of aquatic hypoxia on dive duration, oxygen consumption and blood respiratory properties were examined in hatchlings of the endangered Mary River turtle Elusor macrurus. It was hypothesized that acute exposure to aquatic hypoxia would cause a decrease in dive duration as a consequence of a decrease in reliance on aquatic respiration. With long‐term exposure to hypoxia, we predicted that Elu. macrurus would have the capacity to compensate for the acute effect of hypoxia and that dive duration would increase due to an increase in aquatic respiration, haemoglobin concentration and oxygen affinity (P50). When exposed to hypoxic conditions, aquatic respiration in Elu. macrurus was substantially reduced resulting in a 51% decrease in dive duration. Contrary to our predictions, Elu. macrurus hatchlings did not acclimate, and long‐term exposure to hypoxic conditions caused Elu. macrurus to lose significantly more oxygen to the hypoxic water than the normoxic acclimated turtles. The exacerbation of long‐term hypoxia on the respiratory physiology and diving ecology of Elu. macrurus raises concerns about the impacts of long‐term environmental change as a result of habitat alteration on the survival of freshwater turtle populations.
Combining genetic and ecological data to assess the conservation status of the endangered Ethiopian walia ibex
Authors: Gebremedhin B. , Ficetola G. F. , Naderi S. , Rezaei H.‐R. , Maudet C. , Rioux D. , Luikart G. , Flagstad Ø. , Thuiller W. , Taberlet P.
Published: February 2009

Knowledge about the phylogenetic history, genetic variation and ecological requirements of a species is important for its conservation and management. Unfortunately, for many species this information is lacking. Here we use multiple approaches (phylogenetics, population genetics and ecological modelling) to evaluate the evolutionary history and conservation status of Capra walie, an endangered flagship species of wild goat endemic to Ethiopia. The analysis of mitochondrial cytochrome b and Y‐chromosome DNA sequences suggests that C. walie forms a monophyletic clade with Capra nubiana, but potentially has been isolated for up to 0.8 million years from this closely related species. Microsatellite DNA analyses show that C. walie has very low genetic variation (mean heterozygosity=0.35) compared with other endangered mammals. This reduced variation likely derives from a prolonged demographic decline and small effective population size. Ecological niche modelling using the bioclimatic features of habitats occupied by C. walie, suggests ecological differences between C. walie and C. nubiana, and identifies the areas most suitable for future reintroductions of C. walie. The genetic and bioclimatic data suggest that C. walie is distinct and requires immediate conservation actions including genetic monitoring and reintroductions to establish independent populations. This study illustrates how combining noninvasive sampling along with genetic and ecological (bioclimatic) approaches can help assess conservation status of poorly known species.
A novel mating system in a solitary carnivore: the fossa
Authors: Hawkins C. E. , Racey P. A.
Published: February 2009

The mating strategies of male mammals have long been treated as broadly predictable on the basis of just two factors: the dispersion of females and the benefit of paternal care to male reproductive success. Female strategies and finer scale variations in mating systems remain poorly understood. In the fossa Cryptoprocta ferox, we had the rare opportunity to examine the mating system of a wild solitary carnivore directly, and identified features not classified or predicted by mating system theory. Males competed for mating opportunities at a traditional site monopolized by a female, high in a tree. The female mated with multiple males, repeatedly mated with some individuals and appeared to express mate choice. We observed three females thus, one replacing another on the site after each was seen to mate with four to five males over a period of 1–6 days. Copulations were prolonged (up to 3 h 8 min), involving a weak copulatory tie, and males appeared to guard females briefly after mating. Fossas are at low population density and do not use a den regularly; we suggest that both these factors impede individuals from locating a mate. We hypothesize that the observed mating system reduces this problem for both sexes, and increases the number of mates available to a female while ensuring a low risk of sexual harassment.
Early versus delayed oxytocin augmentation in nulliparous women with prolonged labour—a randomised controlled trial
Authors: Dencker A , Berg M , Bergqvist L , Ladfors L , Thorsén LS , Lilja H
Published: February 2009

Objective  To study the effects of early versus delayed oxytocin augmentation on the obstetrical and neonatal outcome in nulliparous women with spontaneous but prolonged labour.

Design  Randomised controlled study.

Setting  Two delivery units in Sweden.

Population  Healthy nulliparous women with normal pregnancies, spontaneous onset of active labour, a cervical dilatation of 4–9 cm and no progress in cervical dilatation for 2 hours and for an additional hour if amniotomy was performed due to slow progress.

Methods  Women (n = 630) were randomly allocated either to labour augmentation by oxytocin infusion (early oxytocin group) or to postponement of oxytocin augmentation for another 3 hours (expectant group).

Main outcome measure  Mode of delivery (spontaneous vaginal or instrumental vaginal delivery or caesarean section) and time from randomisation to delivery.

Results  The caesarean section rate was 29 of 314 (9%) in the early oxytocin group and 34 of 316 (11%) in the expectant group (OR 0.8, 95% CI 0.5–1.4), and instrumental vaginal delivery 54 of 314 (17%) in the early oxytocin versus 38 of 316 (12%) in the expectant group (OR 1.5, 95% CI 0.97–2.4). Early initiation of oxytocin resulted in a mean decrease of 85 minutes in the randomisation to delivery interval.

Conclusion  Early administration of oxytocin did not change the rate of caesarean section or instrumental vaginal delivery but shortened labour duration significantly in women with a 2‐hour arrest in cervical dilatation. No other clear benefits or harms were seen between early and delayed administration of oxytocin.
Infectious morbidity after total laparoscopic hysterectomy: does concomitant salpingectomy make a difference?
Authors: Ghezzi F , Cromi A , Siesto G , Bergamini V , Zefiro F , Bolis P
Published: February 2009

The study was aimed to test the hypothesis that preservation of the fallopian tubes at the time of total laparoscopic hysterectomy (TLH) increases the risk for postoperative infection. The study group consisted of 137 consecutive women undergoing TLH with conservation of the ovaries, who had concomitant bilateral total salpingectomy at the time of TLH. The control group included 145 women who had had TLH without salpingo‐oophorectomy before the study period. Women undergoing bilateral total salpingectomy at the time of TLH had a lower rate of infectious morbidity compared with those who had TLH alone (3/137 versus 14/145, P = 0.01). Multivariable analysis showed that bilateral total salpingectomy at the time of TLH and blood loss are independent predictors of infectious morbidity.