bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Why wait for a colonoscopy? An easy cure
Authors: Shoaib A. , Hamade A. , Zia A. , Basnyat P S. , Taffinder N.
Published: January 2006

Objective  Three thousand five hundred and forty‐nine patients are waiting for a colonoscopy in the Kent and Medway cancer network. New guidelines identify those who require surveillance for polyp, cancer, IBD and family history. Our hypothesis was that most of the patients on the waiting list would no longer need a colonoscopy if the new guidelines were applied.

Patients and methods  We compared the ACPGBI guidelines for screening/surveillance colonoscopy with the indications in 411 notes of one hospital's waiting list and removed patients as appropriate. In the second part of study we analysed 192 patients attending colonoscopy in seven hospitals in the region and calculated the potential impact of the guidelines on our waiting lists.

Results  Of 411 patients on the waiting list in one hospital, only 98 (24%) needed to remain on the list. 142 (34%) were cancelled completely. One hundred and seventy‐one (42%) were taken off the ‘waiting’ list and rebooked for a later date since according to the new guidelines the colonoscopy was not due yet. Of 192 colonoscopies actually performed during the study period in 7 hospitals of Kent and Medway cancer network, 72 (38%) were for surveillance. Two thirds of those were not in line with the guidelines. As a result of implementing the guidelines, waiting times for diagnostic colonoscopy fell from 12 to 4 weeks for urgent, and from 40 to 15 weeks for routine referrals.

Conclusion  A quarter of the 8000 colonoscopies performed annually in our region are unnecessary when compared to the guidelines. More than three quarters of our waiting list could be removed by reviewing the notes. Implementing the guidelines in one cancer network would save £1 million per year even on conservative estimates of £500 per colonoscopy. It would also reduce the waiting times for diagnostic colonoscopy.
Habitat and Open Space at Risk of Land‐Use Conversion: Targeting Strategies for Land Conservation
Authors: Newburn David A. , Berck Peter , Merenlender Adina M.
Published: January 2006

Funds available to purchase land and easements for conservation purposes are limited. This article provides a targeting strategy for protecting multiple environmental benefits that includes heterogeneity in land costs and probability of land‐use conversion, by incorporating spatially explicit land‐use change and hedonic price models. This strategy is compared to two alternative strategies that omit either land cost or conversion threat. Based on dynamic programming and Monte Carlo simulations with alternating periods of conservation and development, we demonstrate that the positive correlation between land costs and probability of land‐use conversion affects targeting efficiency using parcel data from Sonoma County, California.
International and Institutional R&D Spillovers: Attribution of Benefits among Sources for Brazil's New Crop Varieties
Authors: Pardey Philip G. , Alston Julian M. , Chan-Kang Connie , Magalhães Eduardo C. , Vosti Stephen A.
Published: January 2006

Reported rates of return to agricultural R&D are generally high, but they are likely to be biased, particularly because of attribution problems—mismatching research benefits with costs. The importance of attribution biases is illustrated here with new evidence for Brazil. During 1981–2003, varietal improvements in upland rice, edible beans, and soybeans yielded benefits of $14.8 billion in present value (1999 prices) terms. Attributing all of the benefits to Embrapa, a public research corporation accounting for more than half of Brazil's agricultural R&D spending, the benefit‐cost ratio would be 78:1. Under alternative attribution rules, the ratio drops to 16:1.
The Performance of Agricultural Market Advisory Services in Corn and Soybeans
Authors: Irwin Scott H. , Good Darrel L. , Martines-Filho Joao
Published: January 2006

The purpose of this article is to evaluate the performance of market advisory services for the 1995–2003 corn and soybean crops. A new database from the Agricultural Market Advisory Services (AgMAS) Project is used in the evaluation. This database should not be subject to survivorship and hindsight biases. Overall, the results provide little evidence that advisory services as a group outperform market benchmarks, particularly after considering risk. The evidence is more positive versus the farmer benchmarks, even after taking risk into account. Results also suggest that it is difficult to predict the pricing performance of advisory services across crop‐years.
Explaining Differences in Milk Quota Values: The Role of Economic Efficiency
Authors: Alvarez Antonio , Arias Carlos , Orea Luis
Published: January 2006

This article explores the relationship between milk quota values and economic efficiency in order to analyze government interventions in quota allocations among producers. For this purpose, we estimate quota values using a panel of Spanish dairy farms. Quota values are then decomposed into economic efficiency, price, and scale effects in order to assess the relative influence of these factors. We find that efficiency is important in explaining quota values but is uncorrelated with observable farm characteristics. This casts doubts on the government's ability to allocate quotas to efficient farms.
Combining Risk Assessment and Economics in Managing a Sanitary‐Phytosanitary Risk
Authors: Wilson Norbert L. W. , Antón Jesús
Published: January 2006

The Agreement on the Application of Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) Measures provides guidelines for countries to protect domestic production from pests and diseases. The guidelines permit consideration of consumer welfare. We find an optimal set of SPS measures considering total welfare and mitigation strategies. Our model suggests that it is optimal and less restrictive to apply mitigation strategies first and then an additional smaller tariff if necessary. Relative cost of mitigation determines the amount of the mitigation strategies applied in the importing and exporting countries.
Vertical Integration in the Pork Industry
Authors: Reimer Jeffrey J.
Published: January 2006

This article provides an economic explanation regarding why the share of U.S. pork raised on company‐owned farms with hired management (integration) is increasing relative to production through independently owned‐and‐operated contract growers (contracting). The article develops a property rights model that shows how in certain circumstances production contracts do not transfer sufficient control over the use of production assets to intermediaries. On the other hand, integration removes certain grower incentives, with the result that production on company farms tends to be relatively costly. Practical examples of factors that influence the likelihood of full integration are emphasized.
Estimating State‐Contingent Production Frontiers
Authors: O'Donnell C. J. , Griffiths W. E.
Published: January 2006

Chambers and Quiggin (2000) use state‐contingent representations of risky production technologies to establish important theoretical results concerning producer behavior under uncertainty. Unfortunately, perceived problems in the estimation of state‐contingent models have limited the usefulness of the approach in policy formulation. We show that fixed and random effects state‐contingent production frontiers can be conveniently estimated in a finite mixtures framework. An empirical example is provided. Compared to conventional estimation approaches, we find that estimating production frontiers in a state‐contingent framework produces significantly different estimates of elasticities, firm technical efficiencies, and other quantities of economic interest.
What we are really doing with ICT in physical education: a national audit of equipment, use, teacher attitudes, support, and training
Authors: Thomas Andrew , Stratton Gareth
Published: January 2006

This paper reports on the results from a detailed national audit of information communication technology (ICT) in physical education (PE), examining attitudes, training, numbers of pieces of equipment and hardware owned, and its employment and use across nine Local Education Authorities, six types of schools, and four types of Specialist College. After setting the context, a summary of the survey methods used and an overview of the findings from 500 schools are presented. Results from 252 questionnaires returned suggested that the majority of PE teachers felt that ICT was a valuable teaching tool; however, parity of training and ownership of equipment were not standard across the range of schools or regions. Furthermore, the data suggest a growing trend in ICT use in PE across England.
The structuration of blended learning: putting holistic design principles into practice
Authors: Stubbs Mark , Martin Ian , Endlar Lewis
Published: January 2006

This paper considers the challenges faced by those seeking to design effective blended learning. Using a 2‐year case study involving cohorts of approximately 200 students, it demonstrates how Anthony Giddens’ structuration theory can provide a metaframework for assisting educational designers in creating coherent blended learning experiences that reinforce intended learning outcomes. It calls for educational designers to be sensitive to both their audience and the unintended and unanticipated consequences of their actions and shows how a holistic annual review framework can reinforce or suppress emergent behaviour through unit development.
‘Lesson Rainbow’: the use of multiple representations in an Internet‐based, discipline‐integrated science lesson
Authors: Hsu Ying‐Shao
Published: January 2006

This paper presents the development and evaluation of a web‐based lesson—Lesson Rainbow. This lesson features multiple representations (MRs), which purposefully deliver concepts in relation to distinctive disciplinary subject areas through story‐based animations that are closely related to learners’ life experiences. The researchers selected 58 2nd‐year junior high school students as the participants (32 males and 26 females). A quasi‐experimental method together with semi‐structured interviews was utilised. This research project was intended to investigate students’ conceptual progress, and to evaluate the use of MRs and of situated learning components in the design of Lesson Rainbow. The statistical results indicated that: (1) students’ science concepts significantly increased (t= 3.84, p < 0.01) through the use of Lesson Rainbow, and (2) students thought that the use of MRs in this web‐based lesson was an effective pedagogical tool inasmuch as it allows for the learning of specific theoretical viewpoints in addition to the necessary background information. Lesson Rainbow employing MRs helps learners to understand the meanings of, and interrelationships between, different kinds of external representations. This kind of design facilitates their understanding of the correspondence between abstract symbolic expressions and real‐world situations.
Assessing technologies for teaching and learning: understanding the importance of technological pedagogical content knowledge
Authors: Ferdig Richard E.
Published: January 2006

Past and present research has provided evidence to support the claim that technologies for teaching and learning must be pedagogically sound. However, educational technologies are also part of a complex process involving the people in the implementation of the innovation. In this paper, I review existing research and explain what both of those claims entail for educational technology. In the remainder of the paper, I discuss the research agenda related to the need to provide evidence that technology innovations are successful in the implementation process. Implications of this three‐part model as well as a discussion of the importance of technological pedagogical content knowledge conclude the paper.
Spelling and grammar checkers: are they intrusive?
Authors: Figueredo Lauren , Varnhagen Connie K.
Published: January 2006

Spelling and grammar checkers help to make surface errors more apparent; do they influence the way in which people revise the content of their writing? We investigated whether the presence of checkers distracts students from making content revisions. Twenty‐five freshmen, 20 English majors and 20 graduate students revised two essays on a computer, one with the spelling and grammar checkers, and the other with a dictionary. These essays were unfamiliar to the students and rigged with content and surface errors. The checkers helped the participants to revise text for surface features but did not affect the students’ other revisions. Our findings suggest that checkers are helpful yet do not inhibit students’ ability to make content revisions.
‘WHY THEY CAME’; THE COLONIZATION OF THE COAST OF WESTERN SWEDEN AND ITS ENVIRONMENTAL CONTEXT AT THE END OF THE LAST GLACIATION
Authors: SCHMITT LOU , LARSSON STEPHAN , SCHRUM CORINNA , ALEKSEEVA IRINA , TOMCZAK MATTHIAS , SVEDHAGE KRISTER
Published: January 2006

Summary.  In this paper we will bring into view new aspects of Late Palaeolithic and early Mesolithic research on the west coast of Sweden. In doing so, we make use of oceanography and tidal modelling, in conjunction with basic research in the fields of archaeology and palynology. The focus of research concerns the Hensbacka culture group in central Bohuslän, a group of hunter‐gatherers which visited the area between c.10,300–9300 bp (10,200/10,000–8500 cal BC). Recent investigations indicate that the frequency of Hensbacka sites in the archipelago of central Bohuslän, which at that time had a total land area of c.500 sq km, might well represent the highest site density area in northern Europe during a c.1000‐year period of time at the close of the Late Glacial and beginning of the early Post Glacial. In the pages that follow, we will discuss how, and why, this ‘seasonal colonization’ was possible.
WEALTH AND POWER IN THE BRONZE AGE OF THE SOUTH‐EAST OF THE IBERIAN PENINSULA: THE FUNERARY RECORD OF CERRO DE LA ENCINA
Authors: ARANDA GONZALO , MOLINA FERNANDO
Published: January 2006

Summary.  As a result of recent fieldwork undertaken at the archaeological site of Cerro de la Encina, our knowledge of the funerary ritual has increased considerably. The funerary record shows a significant concentration of wealth in burials corresponding to the family groups of the highest social status. Dramatic social differences can also be found in the internal organization of the settlement. The locations of burials within the settlement area, under the floors of dwellings, allow us to establish that the settlement space was closely related to the social identity of the families. The high number of burials with double and triple inhumations, in contrast to other Argaric necropolis, also stands out as an important feature of Cerro de la Encina, suggesting that familial relationships seem to be more marked here than at other Argaric sites. All these data are discussed in relation to the funerary ritual of the Argaric Culture.
Penitentials and the practice of penance in the tenth and eleventh centuries
Authors: Meens Rob
Published: January 2006

This article reconsiders the function of penitentials in the tenth and eleventh centuries; were they used mainly to support priests in the administration of penance, or rather as legal texts in either the episcopal court or in the schoolroom? Through an examination of the evidence of the manuscripts from across Europe, it shows that whilst few new penitentials were composed, many older ones, especially those which gave their authorities, continued to be copied in this period, and that most were preserved in a legal rather than pastoral context. Finally, it suggests that this shift towards collections of a legal nature indicates not only tighter episcopal control, but also a concern for the better legal training of priests.
Correcting sinners, correcting texts: a context for the Paenitentiale pseudo‐Theodori
Authors: Van Rhijn Carine , Saan Marjolijn
Published: January 2006

This article presents the preliminary results of an investigation into the history of the Penitential of Pseudo‐Theodore. It outlines the text's manu‐script history, the scope of its contents, and its sources, arguing that it was a comprehensive, systematic collection. It also reconsiders the evidence for when and where it was composed, suggesting it was probably written in north‐eastern France or the eastern Rhineland in the 820s or 830s.
Penitentials in south and central Italian canon law manuscripts of the tenth and eleventh centuries
Authors: Reynolds Roger E.
Published: January 2006

This article outlines the evidence for penance in pre‐Gratian canon law manuscripts from southern and central Italy. It includes a handlist of those canon law collections compiled in this area between the tenth and the twelfth centuries which include penitential materials, divided into those manuscripts which were dependent on the south Italian Collection in Five Books, and those which were were not.
Penance and the law: the penitential canons of the Collection in Nine Books
Authors: Gaastra A.H.
Published: January 2006

This article examines the south Italian tenth‐century Collection in Nine Books, one of the first Italian compilations of canon law to incorporate a penitential handbook. It places this work in the context of other tenth‐century collections, investigating its sources, and the way in which its compiler chose to include penitential canons. It therefore contributes to the current debate about the purpose and function of penitentials as a genre in this period, arguing that they were probably intended to support the efforts of bishops to educate priests in the administration of penance.
The effect of sweeteners on the acceptability of dairy‐based espresso beverages†
Authors: BOENEKE CHARLES A , MCGREGOR JOHN U , ARYANA KAYANUSH J
Published: January 2006

A study was performed to determine the role of product formulations on the quality of coffee‐flavoured dairy beverages. The study evaluated the effect of sweetener type on product quality. Three soft‐serve mixes varying in sweetener type were manufactured using 100% sucrose, a 50:50 blend of corn sweetener and sucrose, and 100% corn sweetener. The three mixes were used as ingredients in the manufacture of espresso‐based coffee beverages. Samples were analysed for colour, separation, composition, pH and viscosity. Sensory analysis was carried out by trained panels and consumer panels.

The beverages made using soft‐serve ice cream mix sweetened solely with sucrose were sweeter and preferred by consumers. Soft‐serve ice cream mixes sweetened with sucrose were significantly more viscous and resulted in less foaming and less viscous than fresh‐blended, iced espresso beverages.
Effect of thermophilic lactic acid bacteria on the viability of Salmonella serovar Typhimurium PT8 during milk fermentation and preparation of buffalo's yogurt
Authors: NASSIB TAHA A , EL‐DIN MOHAMED ZIN , EL‐SHAROUD WALID M
Published: January 2006

Viability of dairy‐borne Salmonella enterica ssp. enterica serovar Typhimurium PT8 was studied during the fermentation of skim milk by thermophilic lactic acid bacteria (LAB). Longer generation times of Salmonella were found in mixed cultures of skim milk containing Streptococcus thermophilus, Lactobacillus delbrueckii ssp. bulgaricus or a mixture of them (1:1), as compared with single cultures of the pathogen. Salmonella was less able to survive in mixed cultures with these LAB during prolonged incubation at 41°C and also during cold storage of the fermented milk. Lactobacillus ssp. bulgaricus and its mixture with S. thermophilus were more inhibitory to the growth and survival of Salmonella than was S. thermophilus. This was associated with higher ability of L. ssp. bulgaricus and the mixture to develop acidity in milk than S. thermophilus. Examining the antibacterial activity of these LAB towards Salmonella showed that other factors including heat‐resistant and heat‐labile compounds were involved in inhibiting the pathogen by these cultures. The viability of the same Salmonella strain during the preparation and cold storage of buffalo's yogurt was also examined. Salmonella was found to survive longer in yogurt made with starter containing probiotic bacteria than in that prepared with the traditional starter. This was ascribed to the development of lower pH by the traditional starter.
The effect of mendi (Chaerophyllum sp.) on ripening of vacuum‐packed herby cheese
Authors: TARAKCI ZEKAI , SAGUN EMRULLAH , DURMAZ HISAMETTIN
Published: January 2006

The composition, biochemical and sensory parameters of control cheese (without herbs) and four herby cheeses at 0.5, 1, 2 and 3% herb levels (mendi, Chaerophyllum sp.) ripened at 4 ± 1°C for 90 days were compared. As herb levels increased from 0.5 to 3%, dry matter and pH value decreased significantly. However, dry matter of all cheeses showed similar changes during ripening. The salt content of samples changed from 3.44 to 5.47% during ripening. There was a tendency toward slightly higher titratable acidity in cheeses with more added herbs. Ripening index, trichloroacetic acid‐soluble nitrogen/total nitrogen, phosphotungstic acid‐soluble nitrogen/total nitrogen, and lipolysis values of the cheese samples were affected by adding herbs and by ripening time. The most acceptable sensory score was obtained with 1% added herbs.
Post‐juvenile and post‐breeding moult of Savi's Warblers Locustella luscinioides in Portugal
Authors: NETO JÚLIO M. , GOSLER ANDREW G.
Published: January 2006

We describe the sequence and extent of the complex and little understood post‐juvenile and post‐breeding moults of Savi's Warblers Locustella luscinioides. In contrast to previous studies, the post‐juvenile moult occurred in at least 44% of the birds, 5% of which moulted some or all tertials and greater coverts. The timing of overlap between the filling and the post‐juvenile moults, and the fact that later‐moulting birds had no post‐juvenile moult, strongly suggests that the moult extent is dependent on fledging date. From July onwards, all adult males overlapped breeding and moult, whereas only 11% of the females did so. The start of moult varied from 6 June to 25 August, and was significantly earlier in males. Only 18% of the birds completed the moult, whereas the remaining individuals retained a variable number of inner primaries and/or secondaries. Interestingly, not only was the number of retained primaries positively associated with the date of moult, but so too was the primary number of birds in which the moult started. We view this as an adaptation allowing the replacement of the most important feathers for flight when the time available for moult is short. Body condition did not vary with the progress of moult when date was taken into account, but fat reserves still tended to decrease and then increase. The body condition was correlated positively with the wing raggedness, so Savi's Warblers do not compensate for an increasing wing load during moult.
Increased nest predation in a declining and threatened Temminck's Stint Calidris temminckii population
Authors: RÖNKÄ ANTTI , KOIVULA KARI , OJANEN MIKKO , PAKANEN VELI‐MATTI , POHJOISMÄKI MARKO , RANNIKKO KARI , RAUHALA PENTTI
Published: January 2006

We measured nesting success of the Temminck's Stint Calidris temminckii along the Finnish Bothnian Bay coast during 19 breeding seasons (1983–2001) and conducted a population census (1999–2002). We found 105 pairs, showing a marked decline from the previous survey (170 pairs 1987–95). Of the 424 ‘known‐fate’ nests, 47% hatched. Depredation caused 79.9% of the nest losses. Nesting failures increased from 1983–91 to 1992–2001 owing to a rise in nest predation. The proportion of failed nests that failed because of predation rose from 48.9 to 87.7%. When only depredated nests were considered as losses, Mayfield nest survival probability over the incubation period dropped from 69 to 31% (461 nests). This pattern emerged both in man‐made and in natural habitats. Survival probability was independent of habitat type (natural vs. man‐made). In an experiment involving videotaping of dummy nests, Common Gull Larus canus and Ruddy Turnstone Arenaria interpres were found to be the most important egg predators.
Is there a cost of reproduction for Marsh TitsParus palustrisin a primeval forest?
Authors: TOMASZ WESOŁOWSKI , ROWIŃSKI PATRYK
Published: January 2006

We looked for evidence of a cost of reproduction in the Marsh TitParus palustrisliving in the last fragments of primeval temperate forest (Białowieża National Park, eastern Poland). Potential nest‐holes were superabundant but the birds had to cope with a diverse set of predators, dangerous both to broods and to parents. Taking advantage of the natural variation in realized reproductive investment that this caused in terms of the loss of nests or mates, we expected to find differences in survival and future fecundity between birds which had lost broods (reduced effort), had reared young (controls) or were either provisioning young single‐handed or had laid replacement clutches (increased effort). Despite 13 years of observation, even during seasons with very strenuous conditions, we have failed to demonstrate that the observed range of variation in parental investment caused any demographic cost of reproduction. Incubating females were regularly killed on the nest, which could indicate the existence of a cost operating in the earlier stages of the breeding cycle. Overall, these results suggest that the reproductive rate in Marsh Tits is not controlled proximately by reproductive cost.
NEW TUBE‐BEARING ANTILLOCAPRINID RUDIST BIVALVES FROM THE MAASTRICHTIAN OF JAMAICA
Authors: MITCHELL SIMON F. , GUNTER GAVIN C.
Published: January 2006

Abstract:  Two genera of tube‐bearing antillocaprinid rudist bivalves from the Maastrichtian of Jamaica are recognised: Titanosarcolites Trechmann and Parasarcolites gen. nov. Titanosarcolites is recumbent, broadly equivalve and coils parallel to the myocardinal line, with tubes on the anteriodorsal, anterior, and anterioventral regions of the inner layer; there are two teeth and two teeth‐like myophores in the left valve. Sockets for teeth have conical tabulae, those for myophores are filled with normal shell structure. A ligamental cavity is lacking. Parasarcolites is recumbent, with equal, subequal or moderately inequal valves, and the plane of coiling is at an angle of 34–63 degrees to the mediocardinal line. It has tubes in the dorsal and anterior‐dorsal regions, and a myocardinal structure with blade like myophores, with the posterior tooth and socket strongly flattened. The position of the ligament is indicated by a comma‐shaped cavity situated dorsalwards of the posterior tooth. Additional toothlets are present in the left valve. All sockets are filled with canal‐bearing shell‐structure. Five new species of Parasarcolites are described from the Upper Maastrichtian of Jamaica: Parasarcolites atkinsoni, P. baileyi, P. greeni, P. monotubularis and P. quadratus.
NEW MYSIDIELLIDAE (BIVALVIA) FROM THE ANISIAN (MIDDLE TRIASSIC) OF QINGYAN, SOUTH‐WEST CHINA
Authors: STILLER FRANK , JINHUA CHEN
Published: January 2006

Abstract:  Three new genera including four new species of the bivalve family Mysidiellidae are described from late middle to early late Anisian (Middle Triassic) deposits of Qingyan, Guizhou Province, south‐west China. The new taxa Leidapoconcha gigantea gen. et sp. nov., Waijiaoella elegans gen. et sp. nov., Waijiaoella speciosa gen. et sp. nov. and Qingyaniola mirabilis gen. et sp. nov. significantly increase the known taxonomic diversity within the Mysidiellidae. These findings suggest a somewhat endemic evolutionary development within this small bivalve family during the Middle Triassic in south‐west China.
CLADID CRINOID (ECHINODERMATA) ANAL CONDITIONS: A TERMINOLOGY PROBLEM AND PROPOSED SOLUTION
Authors: WEBSTER G. D. , MAPLES C. G.
Published: January 2006

Abstract:  Analysis of anal plates of type species of most cladid crinoid genera (excluding codiacrinid and some gasterocomacids) recognizes four catagories of anal plating conditions designated: Parioplax, Menoplax, Mesoplax and Opioplax. These four plating conditions are subdivided into 23 anal subconditions. These various anal conditions reflect recognized general evolutionary trends within all orders of the cladids. This corrects, describes more precisely, and replaces the widely used terms ‘primitive’ and ‘advanced’ to describe anal conditions, either of which can occur in older or younger cladid crinoids. The morphological terms primanal, secundanal and tertanal should be used in place of the terms radianal, anal X and right tube plate, respectively, in most cladid and flexible crinoids. Anal X should be used only for those genera for which it has been demonstrated that the primanal was resorbed or migrated out of the cup. In most genera having cups with a single anal this rectifies the misnomer of referring to the single anal as anal X when it is actually the primanal that has migrated into the position previously occupied by the secundanal, pushing the secundanal out of the cup. The origin of cladid anals is not considered homologous to camerate anals, but the use of similar terms for descriptive purposes is given precedence over use of a misnomer. Recognition of the anal‐plate positions and clarification of anal‐plate homologies are important in cladid phylogenetic analysis. Results of this study strongly support punctuated and mosaic evolution within the anal‐plate series of cladid crinoids. Application of the new terminology further implies that the classification of some polyphyletic genera and families may be the result of convergence, wherein greater emphasis has been placed on the anal condition for genus or family assignment than has been placed on other equally significant morphological features.
THE EURYPTERID ADELOPHTHALMUS SIEVERTSI (CHELICERATA: EURYPTERIDA) FROM THE LOWER DEVONIAN (EMSIAN) KLERF FORMATION OF WILLWERATH, GERMANY
Authors: POSCHMANN MARKUS
Published: January 2006

Abstract:  The eurypterid Rhenopterus sievertsi Størmer from the Lower Devonian of Germany is redescribed. Based on new morphological data, including the possession of prosomal limbs of Adelophthalmus‐type and spatulae on the genital operculum, the species is transferred to Adelophthalmus Jordan, in Jordan and von Meyer and thus is the oldest representative of this geographically and stratigraphically widespread genus. Eurypterus? trapezoides Størmer is recognized as a junior synonym of A. sievertsi.
MIDDLE LLANDOVERY (AERONIAN) GRAPTOLITES OF THE WESTERN MURZUQ BASIN AND AL QARQAF ARCH REGION, SOUTH‐WEST LIBYA
Authors: ŠTORCH PETR , MASSA DOMINIQUE
Published: January 2006

Abstract:  The taxonomy and biostratigraphy of the Aeronian graptoloid graptolites of the Tanezzuft Formation (Murzuq Basin and Al Qarqaf Arch area) is presented and discussed with respect to their palaeoenvironmental setting and palaeobiogeographical links. The gregarius‐libycus, ‘leptotheca’, convolutus and sedgwickii assemblage biozones and tenuis Subzone are recognized and correlated with the generalized zonal scheme and with graptoloid successions in peri‐Gondwanan Europe. The Rhuddanian/Aeronian boundary is tentatively placed at the base of the gregarius‐libycus Biozone. Telychian faunas have not been identified. Fourteen of the 23 species recorded herein belong to the middle Aeronian convolutus Biozone assemblage. The overall low diversity may be the result of inhabiting unstable, occasionally turbulent and/or oxic environments. The lowest diversity, but with abundant graptoloid rhabdosomes, is observed in proximal silty and sandy deposits. The presence of ‘Paraclimacograptus’ libycus suggests biogeographical links to Aeronian graptolite faunas of Jordan and South America. The convolutus Zone assemblage is very similar to the coeval faunas of the Saudi Arabian Qusayba shales. The occurrence of several species endemic to northern and north‐western Gondwana and peri‐Gondwana provides further evidence for a distinct palaeoclimatic/palaeolatitudinal control on graptolite distribution.
ULTRASTRUCTURAL AND FUNCTIONAL MORPHOLOGY OF EGGSHELLS SUPPORTS THE IDEA THAT DINOSAUR EGGS WERE INCUBATED BURIED IN A SUBSTRATE
Authors: DEEMING D. C.
Published: January 2006

Abstract:  The reproductive biology of dinosaurs is of great interest, particularly in light of the many fossil eggs assigned to this group. The ultrastructural characteristics of dinosaur eggshells are examined in order to calculate water vapour conductance, which indicates the nesting environment. Data were mainly derived from the literature but new values are also presented. Allometric analyses were carried out on a variety of shell parameters against predicted egg mass, and comparison was made with allometric equations for bird eggs. Shell thickness was generally larger than seen for extant birds. Total pore number and pores per unit area were similar to values predicted from bird eggs. Total pore area showed an isometric increase with egg mass, parallel to the relationship for birds, but the constant value was an order to magnitude higher than the bird values. Pore radius was unaffected by egg mass. Water vapour conductance showed an allometric increase with egg mass, parallel to the bird values, but for any given egg mass values for dinosaurs were an order of magnitude higher. Mass‐specific water vapour conductance was unaffected by egg mass but was an order of magnitude higher than the bird values. Water vapour conductance per pore showed an allometric decrease with egg mass but again the predicted values were an order of magnitude higher than for bird eggs. The ultrastructural characteristics of dinosaur eggshells indicate that the nesting environment had to be saturated with water vapour and that dinosaur eggs had to be fully buried in a substrate. In this sense, therefore, dinosaur eggs resemble more those of modern reptiles than those of birds. As a consequence, maintenance of incubation conditions would have depended on the prevailing environment.
Partisan politics and treaty ratification: The acceptance of International Labour Organisation conventions by industrialised democracies, 1960–1996
Authors: BOOCKMANN BERNHARD
Published: January 2006

Abstract.This article looks at the political and economic determinants of the ratification of International Labour Organisation conventions by 17 Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development countries since 1960. Two well‐known models of intra‐governmental decision making – the veto player model and the portfolio allocation model – provide alternative assumptions regarding the political process. Results from stratified Cox estimation of the ratification hazard suggest that the latter model is more appropriate than the former. They indicate that partisan preferences of government parties have a huge influence on ratification probabilities. Among economic determinants, the unemployment rate and the sectoral composition of employment exert a significant impact, but its size differs according to the government's policy position.
Does Date Stamping ICD‐9‐CM Codes Increase the Value of Clinical Information in Administrative Data?
Authors: Glance Laurent G. , Dick Andrew W. , Osler Turner M. , Mukamel Dana B.
Published: January 2006

Context. Comorbidity measures are designed to exclude complications when they map International Classification of Diseases (ICD‐9‐CM) codes to diagnostic categories. The use of data fields that indicates whether each secondary diagnosis was present at the time of hospital admission may lead to the more accurate identification of preexisting conditions.

Objective. To examine the rate of misclassification of ICD‐9‐CM codes into diagnostic categories by the Dartmouth–Manitoba adaptation of the Charlson index and by the Elixhauser comorbidity algorithm.

Data Source. Analysis of 178,838 patients in the California State Inpatient Database (CA SID) admitted in 2000 for one of seven major medical and surgical conditions. The CA SID includes a condition present at admission (CPAA) modifier for each ICD‐9‐CM code.

Study Design. The Dartmouth/Charlson index and the Elixhauser comorbidity measure were used to map the ICD‐9‐CM codes into diagnostic categories for patients in each study population. We calculated the misclassification rate for each mapping algorithm, using information from the CPAA as the “gold standard.”

Principal Findings. The Dartmouth/Charlson index underestimated the prevalence of hemiplegia/paraplegia by 70 percent, cerebrovascular disease by 70 percent, myocardial infarction by 65 percent, congestive heart failure (CHF) by 45 percent, and peptic ulcer disease by 34 percent. The Elixhauser algorithm misclassified complications as preexisting conditions for 43 percent of the coagulopathies, 25 percent of the fluid and electrolyte disorders, 18 percent of the cardiac arrhythmias, 18 percent of the cardiac arrhythmias, and 9 percent of the cases of CHF.

Conclusion. Adding the CPAA modifier to administrative data would significantly enhance the ability of the Dartmouth/Charlson index and of the Elixhauser algorithm to map ICD‐9‐CM codes to diagnostic categories accurately.
Nonparametric Statistical Methods for Cost‐Effectiveness Analyses
Authors: Dinh Phillip , Zhou Xiao‐Hua
Published: January 2006

SummaryTwo measures often used in a cost‐effectiveness analysis are the incremental cost‐effectiveness ratio (ICER) and the net health benefit (NHB). Inferences on these two quantities are often hindered by highly skewed cost data. In this article, we derive the Edgeworth expansions for the studentizedt‐statistics for the two measures and show how they could be used to guide inferences. In particular, we use the expansions to study the theoretical performance of existing confidence intervals based on normal theory and to derive new confidence intervals for the ICER and the NHB. We conduct a simulation study to compare our new intervals with several existing methods. The methods evaluated include Taylor's interval, Fieller's interval, the bootstrap percentile interval, and the bootstrap bias‐corrected acceleration interval. We found that our new intervals give good coverage accuracy and are narrower compared to the current recommended intervals.
Automated measurement of skin prick tests: an advance towards exact calculation of wheal size
Authors: Wöhrl Stefan , Vigl Kornelia , Binder Michael , Stingl Georg , Prinz Michael
Published: January 2006

Background:  Using the Khoros® image processing software environment, we developed a software‐based system capable of extracting wheal size from skin prick tests (SPTs) in mm2 for research and routine purposes.

Methods:  At 20 min, the outlines of up to 20 wheals were marked with a pen and transferred with translucent adhesive tapes to a white paper form carrying predefined markings. The form was scanned at 200 dpi. The software automatically analysed the scanned image and calculated the sizes of the wheals. In a pilot study, serial SPTs with histamine in increasing dilutions were performed in 12 healthy volunteers in duplicate on both volar forearms. We matched the application results with a reference created from the scanned pictures.

Results:  Bland–Altman analysis showed reference and software calculation reaching very high agreement. The comparison of reference/software resulted in a low centred coefficient of variation (COV) of 11.9%. This was superior to the conventional measurement of horizontal (COV 37.9%) or maximal/minimal diameter (COV 25.9%).

Conclusion:  We present an accurate tool for exactly calculating SPT wheal size in mm2.
Role of microchimerism in the pathogenesis of oral lichen planus
Authors: Weger W. , Bauer M. , Odell E. , Pertl B. , Cerroni L. , Kerl H. , Jakse N. , Pertl C.
Published: January 2006

Objective:  Microchimerism of persistent fetal cells has been implicated in some cell‐mediated autoimmune diseases. This study examines the hypothesis that fetal microchimerism plays a role in the pathogenesis of lichen planus (LP) affecting the oral cavity.

Study design:  Mucosal biopsies of 12 women with oral LP (OLP) were tested for the presence of both male cells and male DNA originating from prior pregnancies or prior blood transfusions. Six male patients with OLP served as a control group. Biopsies were analyzed for the presence of Y‐chromosome‐positive cells by fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) with X‐ and Y‐specific DNA probes. To confirm the FISH findings, we used fluorescent polymerase chain reaction (PCR) to identify Y‐chromosome sequences in DNA extracted from mucosal lesions.

Results:  Using FISH technology, all the 18 biopsy samples showed good hybridization results. In females, Y‐chromosome‐specific signals were not detected by FISH at any site of the lesions. PCR amplification demonstrated a single peak at the locus specific for the X‐chromosome.

Conclusion:  Male DNA microchimerism was not present in any of the investigated lesions, suggesting that microchimerism because of persisting male fetal cells is unlikely to play a major role in the pathogenesis of OLP.
Neutrophil Function During Pregnancy: Is Nitric Oxide Production Correlated with Superoxide Production?
Authors: Tsukimori Kiyomi , Fukushima Kotaro , Komatsu Hajime , Nakano Hitoo
Published: January 2006

Problem  Oxygen radical formation by neutrophils during pregnancy is not well studied.

Method of study  We studied neutrophil‐derived superoxide anion (O) and nitric oxide (NO) values in 75 normal pregnant women, 12 postpartum women, and 10 non‐pregnant women. O production was measured by the superoxide dismutase‐inhibitable reduction of ferricytochrome c. NO production was measured by accumulation of the stable end product nitrite using a modified Griess reaction method.

Results  O production of neutrophils stimulated by chemotactic peptide was significantly enhanced in the early second trimester of pregnancy. l‐arginine analogue‐inhibitable nitrite production was induced in neutrophils from pregnant women, but not from postpartum and non‐pregnant subjects. In third‐trimester subjects but not non‐pregnant subjects, neutrophils pre‐treated with l‐arginine analogues enhanced O production compared with untreated neutrophils.

Conclusion  These findings indicate that O and NO production by neutrophils during pregnancy were modulated separately, whereas neutrophil‐derived NO might function as a regulator of O.
Cytokine Genotyping in Preeclampsia
Authors: Daher Silvia , Sass Nelson , Oliveira Leandro G. , Mattar Rosiane
Published: January 2006

Problem  Considering that cytokines are involved in preeclampsia (PE) pathogenesis and that cytokine gene polymorphism may affect cytokine production, our purpose was to investigate the association of PE with tumor necrosis factor (TNF)‐α (−308), transforming growth factor‐β1 (+10; 25), interleukin (IL)‐10 (−1082), IL‐6 (−174), and interferon‐γ (+874) polymorphisms.

Method of study  Genotyping was performed in women with PE (56 White and 95 non‐White women) and in women without obstetric pathology (92 White and 97 non‐White women). Data were analyzed by the chi‐square or Fisher exact test. We performed a meta‐analysis encompassing these and results from other laboratories on the association of TNF‐α polymorphisms and PE.

Results  We observed a lower frequency of the IL‐10 −1082‐G/G genotype in White women with PE (PE: 5%; Control (C): 15%, P = 0.02) and no association for all other polymorphisms, including meta‐analysis of TNF‐α results.

Conclusion  Our study suggests that PE is associated with IL‐10‐(1082) polymorphism but not with TNF‐(308) polymorphism. On the basis of meta‐analysis, we confirm the need for more studies for the evaluation of cytokine genotype in disease.
Induction of IL‐1, in the Testes of Adult Mice, Following Subcutaneous Administration of Turpentine
Authors: Elhija Mahmoud Abu , Lunenfeld Eitan , Huleihel Mahmoud
Published: January 2006

Problem  Interleukin‐1 family is present in the testicular homogenates and its cellular compartments. It has been suggested that IL‐1 is involved in physiological and pathological functions of the testicular tissues. In the present study we examined the effect of acute mostly localized inflammation, using turpentine, on the expression levels of testicular IL‐1 system.

Methods of study  Mice were subcutaneously injected with steam‐distilled turpentine or saline (control). Three hours to 10 days following the injection, mice were killed and testis and spleen were homogenized and examined for interleukin (IL)‐1α, IL‐1β, and IL‐1 receptor antagonist (IL‐1ra) levels by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay and polymerase chain reaction.

Results  Subcutaneous injection of turpentine induced mice systemic inflammation, as indicated by significant increase in serum IL‐1β levels, and IL‐1α, IL‐1β and IL‐1ra in spleen homogenates. The levels of IL‐1α, IL‐1β and IL‐1ra were significantly induced in testicular homogenates of adult mice following subcutaneous injection of turpentine. The significant induction of testicular IL‐1α was detected after 3–24 hr of turpentine injection and decreased later (after 3–10 days) to levels similar to the control. However, significant induction of testicular IL‐1β was detected only after 3–10 days of turpentine injection, and for testicular IL‐1ra levels was detected after 3 hr to 6 days of turpentine injection, and after 10 days the levels were similar to the control. These results were also confirmed by mRNA expression of these factors.

Conclusion  Our results demonstrate for the first time the distant effect of acute localized inflammation on testicular IL‐1 levels. Thus, transient inflammatory response to infectious/inflammatory agents at non‐testicular sites that elicit systemic IL‐1 response should be considered during clinical treatment as a possible factor of male infertility.
DELAYED FLOWERING, an Arabidopsis Gene That Acts in the Autonomous Flowering Promotion Pathway and Is Required for Normal Development
Authors: Chen Ming‐Jie , Yuan Zheng , Huang Hai
Published: January 2006

The control of flowering time in higher plants is one of the most important physiological processes and is critical for their reproductive success. To investigate the mechanisms controlling flowering time, we screened for Arabidopsis mutants with late‐flowering phenotypes. One mutant, designated delayed flowering (dfr) in the Landsberg erecta (Ler) ecotype, was identified with delayed flowering time. Genetic analysis revealed that dfr is a single gene recessive nuclear mutant and the mutation was mapped to a locus tightly linked to UFO on chromosome 1. To our knowledge, no gene regulating flowering time has been reported yet in this region. The dfr mutant plant showed a delayed flowering time under the different growth conditions examined, including long‐ and short‐day photoperiods and gibberellic acid GA3 treatments, suggesting that DFR is a gene involved in the autonomous flowering promotion pathway. The Arabidopsis gene FLOWERING LOCUS C (FLC) plays a central role in repressing flowering and its transcripts are undetectable in wild‐type Ler. However, FLC expression was upregulated in the dfr mutant, suggesting that DFR is a negative regulator of FLC. In addition, the dfr mutant plant displayed altered valve shapes of the silique and the number of trichomes and branches of each trichome were both reduced, indicating that the DRF gene is also required for normal plant development. Moreover, dfr leafy‐5 (lfy‐5) double mutant plants showed a much later flowering time than either dfr or lfy‐5 single mutants, indicating that DFR and LFY act synergistically to promote flowering in Arabidopsis.

(Managing editor: Li‐Hui Zhao)