bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Could the median‐palate accommodate wide‐bodied implants in order to support maxillary over‐dentures? A radiomorphometric study of human cadavers
Authors: Siddiqi Allauddin , Kieser Jules A. , De Silva Rohana K. , McNaughton Andrew , Duncan Warwick J.
Published: October 2012

Introduction

Atrophy of the alveolar bone is an irreversible multifactorial phenomenon, the rate of which varies between individuals and between the jaws. This atrophy of the alveolar ridges presents severe limitations for the oral rehabilitation of the edentulous patients and poses a clinical challenge to the prosthodontists and implant surgeons. The present research aimed to investigate whether the median‐palate of elderly edentulous subjects is anatomically suitable for implant placement.

Materials and methods

A total of 32 samples were harvested from the maxillae of 16 human cadavers. One dentate male subject was included for contrast. Bone quality and quantity were analysed at two regions: the median‐palate and the edentulous maxillary alveolar ridge. Samples were scanned through micro‐CT, and the region of analysis (ROA) identified and dissected. Bone volume to tissue volume ratio (%BV/TV), trabecular thickness (Tb.Th), trabecular number (Tb.N), trabecular separation (Tb.Sp) and trabecular bone pattern factor (Tb.Pf) were evaluated for the two regions using SkyscanCTAn®.

Results

The results of bone volume fraction obtained fromCTAn®of the median‐palatal region show higher values than the respective premolar sites in 12 of 15 (80%) edentulous samples. However, this difference was statistically non‐significant (P = 0.06). Similarly, the trabecular number for 10 of 15 samples (66.6%) from the median‐palate shows greater values than the respective premolar site (P = 0.07). Trabecular thickness of 10 of 15 (66.6%) premolar samples is larger than in the median‐palatal region. However, these differences were also statistically non‐significant (P = 0.25). Statistically significant difference (P = 0.04) was found between theTb.Sp values of the two regions.

Conclusion

The results indicate that the anterior median‐palate is structurally better than their respective maxillary premolar region in elderly edentulous persons, and an implant can be placed to anchor an overdenture. The best site for a wide‐body implant was established to be 6–8 mm posterior to the incisive foramen in elderly edentulous patients.
Multiple cutaneous metastases: a rare and late sequelae of lacrimal gland adenoid cystic carcinoma
Authors: Jedrych Jaroslaw , Galan Anjela
Published: October 2012

Primary cutaneous adenoid cystic carcinoma (ACC) is an uncommon malignancy with approximately 60 cases reported in the literature. Metastatic ACC to the skin is even less frequent with eight previously published cases, including only one arising from the lacrimal gland. We report a case of a 61‐year‐old male, who developed multiple cutaneous metastases to the scalp and back from a lacrimal gland ACC 21 years after the initial diagnosis. Initially, in the absence of the past clinical history, the cutaneous lesions were interpreted as primary ACC of the skin. Histopathologically, the metastatic lesions were poorly circumscribed dermal and subcutaneous nodules that were composed of islands of basaloid epithelial cells with ducts and cribriform pattern, mucinous stroma and prominent perineural invasion. Histomorphologically, the cutaneous tumors were similar to the primary ACC. The cutaneous metastases were preceded by tumor dissemination to the lung and other visceral organs, and ultimately led to patient's demise. This report illustrates the importance of juditious clinico‐pathologic correlation and raises awareness regarding prolonged latency of cutaneous metastases in patients with visceral ACC.
The broad clinical phenotype of Type 1 diabetes at presentation
Authors: Merger S. R. , Leslie R. D. , Boehm B. O.
Published: October 2012

Immune‐mediated (auto‐immune) Type 1 diabetes mellitus is not a homogenous entity, but nonetheless has distinctive characteristics. In children, it may present with classical insulin deficiency and ketoacidosis at disease onset, whereas autoimmune diabetes in adults may not always be insulin dependent. Indeed, as the adult‐onset form of autoimmune diabetes may resemble Type 2 diabetes, it is imperative to test for diabetes‐associated autoantibodies to establish the correct diagnosis. The therapeutic response can be predicted by measuring the levels of autoantibodies to various islet cell autoantigens, such as islet cell antibodies (ICA), glutamate decarboxylase 65 (GAD65), insulin, tyrosine phosphatase (IA‐2) and IA‐2β, and zinc transporter 8 (ZnT8) and evaluating β‐cell function. A high risk of progression to insulin dependency is associated with particular genetic constellations, such as human leukocyte antigen risk alleles, young age at onset, the presence of multiple autoantibodies, including high titres of anti‐GAD antibodies; such patients should be offered early insulin replacement therapy, as they respond poorly to diet and oral hypoglycaemic drug therapy. Hence, considering the broad spectrum of phenotypes seen in adult‐onset diabetes, treatment targets can only be reached by identification of immune‐mediated cases, as their management differs from those with classical Type 2 diabetes.
Progression through diabetes therapies among new elderly users of metformin: a population‐based study
Authors: Gomes T. , Juurlink D. N. , Shah B. R. , Hellings C. R. , Paterson J. M. , Mamdani M. M.
Published: October 2012

Aims

To examine temporal changes in progression to second‐line therapies among older patients with diabetes newly treated with metformin.

Methods

We conducted a population‐based study among residents of Ontario, Canada aged 66 years and older with diabetes newly treated with metformin monotherapy in 1997, 2000, 2003 or 2006. Each annual cohort was followed until progression to a second oral hypoglycaemic agent, insulin or until 31 December 2010. Time to progression to a second oral hypoglycaemic agent or insulin was compared across the cohorts.

Results

In the four annual cohorts, we identified a total of 46 104 people newly treated with metformin monotherapy. The median time to progression to any second diabetes therapy lengthened significantly over time, from 5.0 years in 1997 to 6.1 years in 2003 (P < 0.0001). Similarly, the time to progression to insulin lengthened over the study period (P = 0.03). Furthermore, the choice of second‐line therapy changed over time. While 80.7% of new metformin users in 1997 progressed to glyburide therapy as second‐line treatment, the corresponding figure by 2006 was only 45.1% as newer treatment options emerged.

Conclusions

Although recent guidelines recommend aggressive intensification of oral therapy for patients with Type 2 diabetes, older Ontarians with diabetes who started metformin in 2006 remained on monotherapy for longer than those who started in 1997. Furthermore, although there is no consensus regarding a preferred second‐line therapy, the introduction of new alternatives has led to greater variation in the selection of second‐line therapies in this population.
Stromal‐derived factor‐1 gene variations in pediatric patients with primary immune thrombocytopenia
Authors: Ku Fan‐Chen , Tsai Chi‐Ren , Der Wang Jiaan‐ , Wang Chih Hsiang , Chang Te‐Kau , Hwang Wen‐Li
Published: October 2012

Primary immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) of childhood is an autoimmune disease characterized by abnormally increased destruction of platelets and decreased megakaryopoiesis. Stromal‐derived factor‐1 (SDF‐1) plays a role in megakaryopoiesis and may be involved in the pathogenesis of ITP. Five single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of the SDF‐1 gene, including rs1801157, rs2839693, rs2297630, rs1065297, and rs266085, were assessed in 100 children with ITP and 126 healthy controls. The genotypes were analyzed by tetra ARMS polymerase chain reaction and confirmed by direct sequencing. Compared with controls, the rs2839693 A/A and rs266085 C/T genotypes were decreased in ITP patients (P = 0.004 and 0.007, respectively). The odds ratios of the latter genotypes were 0.48, 95% CI 0.28–0.82. Further analysis of the relationship between SDF‐1 polymorphisms and clinical features showed that rs2297630 A/G was associated with protection from chronicity (P = 0.002; OR, 0.07; 95% CI, 0.01–0.61) and steroid dependence (P = 0.007; OR, 0.10; 95% CI, 0.01–0.84) in ITP patients. However, rs266085 genotype C/C was associated with risk of steroid dependence (P = 0.012, OR 3.87, 95% CI 1.27–11.77). The findings of this study suggest that SDF‐1 gene variations may be associated with the occurrence and prognosis of childhood ITP.
Micronutrient concentrations in common and novel forage species and varieties grown on two contrasting soils
Authors: Lindström B. E. M. , Frankow‐Lindberg B. E. , Dahlin A. S. , Wivstad M. , Watson C. A.
Published: October 2012

We investigated differences between forage species with regard to micronutrients that are essential to sustain livestock health. Five grasses (timothy, perennial ryegrass, meadow fescue, tall fescue and cocksfoot), three legumes (red clover, white clover and birdsfoot trefoil) and four forbs (ribwort plantain, salad burnet, caraway and chicory) were grown on one micronutrient‐poor/low pH soil and one micronutrient‐rich/high pH soil (outdoor pot experiment). In addition, six grasses (timothy, perennial ryegrass, meadow fescue, tall fescue, Festulolium hybrid and cocksfoot) and one legume (red clover) were field‐grown on the micronutrient‐poor soil. Of the twelve pot‐grown species, herbage of chicory, red clover and white clover generally had the highest micronutrient concentrations (maximum Co, Cu, Fe and Zn concentrations were 0·23, 9·8, 233 and 109 mg kg−1 DM, respectively), except for Mo, which was highest in the clovers (10·6 mg kg−1 DM), and Mn, which was highest in cocksfoot (375 mg kg−1 DM). Soil type had the strongest effect on plant Mo and Mn concentrations. We also investigated differences in micronutrients between varieties, but they were generally few and negligible. The results indicate that choice of forage species is of major importance for micronutrient concentrations in herbage and that soil type exerts a major effect through pH. Forage of chicory, red clover and white clover generally met the requirements of high‐yielding dairy cows with regard to most micronutrients; therefore, diversification of seed mixtures so as to include these species could increase micronutrient concentrations in forage.
Pegylated interferon monotherapy in patients with chronic hepatitis C with low viremia and its relationship to mutations in the NS5A region and the single nucleotide polymorphism of interleukin‐28B
Authors: Hayashi Kazuhiko , Katano Yoshiaki , Masuda Hiroko , Ishizu Youji , Kuzuya Teiji , Honda Takashi , Ishigami Masatoshi , Itoh Akihiro , Hirooka Yoshiki , Nakano Isao , Ishikawa Tetsuya , Urano Fumihiro , Yoshioka Kentaro , Toyoda Hidenori , Kumada Takashi , Goto Hidemi
Published: October 2012

Aim

Previous studies have suggested that patients with chronic hepatitis C with a low pretreatment hepatitis C virus (HCV) level have a high sustained virological response (SVR) rate, and that there would be a subpopulation of patients in which HCV can be eradicated with pegylated interferon (PEG IFN) alone without a decrease in SVR. However, the efficacy of PEG IFN monotherapy in patients with low HCV RNA levels is unclear. Several studies have reported that interferon sensitivity‐determining region (ISDR) and the single‐nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) of interleukin‐28B (IL‐28B) contribute to IFN response, but these relationships are controversial. The aim of this study was to determine whether the SNP of IL‐28B (rs8099917) and amino acid substitutions in the ISDR among patients with low HCV levels affect the response to PEG IFN monotherapy.

Methods

One hundred and four patients with low‐level HCV infection were studied. Low HCV level was defined as 100 KIU/mL or less.

Results

SVR was achieved in 94 patients (92.2%). HCV levels (≤50 KIU/mL) and ISDR (≥2 mutations) were associated with SVR on univariate analysis. The rates of SVR in the patients with IL‐28B genotypes TT, TG and GG were 94.5%, 77.8% and 100%, respectively. The G allele tended to be associated with poor response to IFN therapy (P = 0.0623). On multivariate analysis, the ISDR was the factor predictive of SVR (P = 0.004).

Conclusion

The ISDR is significantly associated with a good response to PEG IFN monotherapy in patients with low HCV levels.
Borehole receiver orientation using a 3D velocity model
Authors: Menanno Giovanni , Vesnaver Aldo , Jervis Michael
Published: October 2012

The orientation of three‐component borehole geophones used for recording during a microseismic monitoring experiment is estimated. The standard technology for deploying multi‐component geophones in a deep borehole is wireline‐based, in which the azimuthal rotation of the geophone string cannot be controlled. Each receiver can have a different rotation angle that is compensated by the particle motion analysis of the direct P‐wave arrivals, picked from a walk‐around VSP carried out in the proximity of the well. Knowing the orientation of borehole receivers is critical, as inaccuracies lead to systematic errors in determining the hypocentral coordinates of microseismic events. Additional errors arise from over‐simplifications of P‐ and S‐wave velocity Earth models.

In this paper, we propose a tomographic approach for improving the orientation estimates of borehole receivers based on hodogram analysis. The initial velocity model built from well logs and upholes is refined by 3D tomographic inversion of walk‐around VSP data and some string shots fired in a nearby borehole. Taking into account ray bending, the estimated errors due to local velocity anomalies can be reduced. This makes our estimates of fracture orientation and microseismic hypocentres more reliable when borehole receivers are used in passive seismic surveys.
Experimental measurements of the streaming potential and seismoelectric conversion in Berea sandstone
Authors: Zhu Zhenya , Nafi Toksöz M.
Published: October 2012

The streaming potential across a porous medium is induced by a fluid flow due to an electric double layer between a solid and a fluid. When an acoustic wave propagates through a porous medium, the wave pressure generates a relative movement between the solid and the fluid. The moving charge in the fluid induces an electric field and seismoelectric conversion. In order to investigate the streaming potential and the seismoelectric conversion in the same rock sample, we conduct measurements with Berea sandstone saturated by NaCl solutions with different conductivities. We measure the electric voltage (streaming potential) across a cylindrical sample in NaCl solutions with different conductivities and under different pressures to determine the DC coupling coefficients. We also measure the seismoelectric signals induced by acoustic waves with a Berea sandstone plate at different frequencies and solution conductivities. The pressures of the acoustic waves are calibrated with a standard hydrophone (Brüel & 8103) at different frequencies (15–120 kHz). We calculate the quantitative coupling coefficients of the seismoelectric conversion at DC and at high frequencies with samples saturated by solutions with different conductivities. When the Berea sandstone sample is saturated by the NaCl solution with 0.32 mS/m in conductivity, for example, the DC and seismoelectric coupling coefficients at 15 kHz are 0.024 μV/Pa and 0.019 μV/Pa, respectively. The seismoelectric coupling coefficient is an important and helpful parameter for designing a seismoelectric tool. More experimental measurements of seismoelectric coupling coefficients in the frequency range of 100 Hz to 15 kHz are needed in the future.
Acoustic full‐waveform inversion of surface seismic data using the Gauss‐Newton method with active constraint balancing
Authors: Joo Yonghwan , Seol Soon Jee , Byun Joongmoo
Published: October 2012

We propose a full‐waveform inversion algorithm using the Gauss‐Newton inversion method with active constraint balancing that uses the spatially variant damping factor and source normalized wavefield approach for surface seismic data in the frequency domain. The active constraint balancing technique automatically determines the optimum distribution of damping factors that control the stability and resolution in Gauss‐Newton inversion by using a parameter resolution matrix and spread function analysis. Through numerical experiments, we present that the active constraint balancing scheme provides stable inversion results without a severe loss of resolution compared with the conventional Gauss‐Newton method. The reconstructed image using the active constraint balancing method more closely resembles the true image for the region with low sensitivity. Also, the estimated value converges faster to the smaller RMS error level than those estimated by the conventional Gauss‐Newton method. We also implement the normalized wavefield method to overcome the lack of precise knowledge on the source. The source normalized wavefield approach effectively removes the potential inversion errors from source estimation because the source spectrum is eliminated during the normalization procedure. Our inversion algorithm, using the source normalization scheme, provides excellent inversion results even though the data are generated by two slightly different source wavelets. We present that the frequency selection scheme proposed by Sirgue and Pratt, which is based on the average amplitude of the whole received data, provides a useful guideline for selecting the proper frequencies for our inversion. Our novel inversion algorithm successfully reconstructs the velocity model within 10–30 iterations despite its starting from a homogeneous or linearly increasing velocity model. In addition, for testing the performance of our inversion algorithm on a more complicated structure, we apply the algorithm to the SEG/EAGE overthrust model. Successful inversion is achieved as the reconstructed image approaches the true model with the consistently converging RMS error even though insufficient data are used.
Seismic driven probabilistic classification of reservoir facies for static reservoir modelling: a case history in the Barents Sea
Authors: Grana Dario , Paparozzi Enrico , Mancini Silvia , Tarchiani Cristiano
Published: October 2012

In this paper we present a case history of seismic reservoir characterization where we estimate the probability of facies from seismic data and simulate a set of reservoir models honouring seismically‐derived probabilistic information. In appraisal and development phases, seismic data have a key role in reservoir characterization and static reservoir modelling, as in most of the cases seismic data are the only information available far away from the wells. However seismic data do not provide any direct measurements of reservoir properties, which have then to be estimated as a solution of a joint inverse problem. For this reason, we show the application of a complete workflow for static reservoir modelling where seismic data are integrated to derive probability volumes of facies and reservoir properties to condition reservoir geostatistical simulations. The studied case is a clastic reservoir in the Barents Sea, where a complete data set of well logs from five wells and a set of partial‐stacked seismic data are available. The multi‐property workflow is based on seismic inversion, petrophysics and rock physics modelling. In particular, log‐facies are defined on the basis of sedimentological information, petrophysical properties and also their elastic response. The link between petrophysical and elastic attributes is preserved by introducing a rock‐physics model in the inversion methodology. Finally, the uncertainty in the reservoir model is represented by multiple geostatistical realizations. The main result of this workflow is a set of facies realizations and associated rock properties that honour, within a fixed tolerance, seismic and well log data and assess the uncertainty associated with reservoir modelling.
A reduced‐energy intake, well‐balanced diet improves weight control in children with Prader‐Willi syndrome
Authors: Miller J. L. , Lynn C. H. , Shuster J. , Driscoll D. J.
Published: October 2012

How to cite this article Miller J.L., Lynn C.H., Shuster J. & Driscoll D.J. (2012) A reduced‐energy intake, well‐balanced diet improves weight control in children with Prader‐Willi syndrome.J Hum Nutr Diet.26, 2–9

Background: Children with Prader‐Willi syndrome (PWS) have a predictable pattern of weight gain, with obesity beginning in early childhood and worsening as they get older and hyperphagia increases. Data on the most effective dietary modifications are scant and primarily anecdotal. As part of a longitudinal study investigating the natural history of PWS, we evaluated the effect of a well‐balanced, energy‐restricted diet on body composition and weight in young children with PWS.

Methods: Sixty‐three children, aged 2–10 years, with genetically proven PWS participated in the present study. These children had measurements of body composition by dual‐energy X‐ray absorptiometry and resting energy expenditure (REE), as well as a 3‐day diet history analysis both before and after intervention. Energy calculations were based on the individual’s REE, with the recommendation that the macronutrients of the diet consist of 30% fat, 45% carbohydrates and 25% protein, with at least 20 g of fibre per day.

Results: Thirty‐three families adhered to our dietary recommendations for both energy intake and macronutrient distribution. Those 33 children had lower body fat (19.8% versus 41.9%;P < 0.001) and weight management (body mass index SD score 0.3 versus 2.23;P < 0.001) than those whose parents followed the energy intake recommendations but did not alter the macronutrient composition of the diet. Those who followed our recommendations also had a lower respiratory quotient (0.84 versus 0.95;P = 0.002).

Conclusions: Our recommendation for an energy‐restricted diet with a well‐balanced macronutrient composition and fibre intake improves both weight and body composition in children with PWS compared to a simple energy‐restricted diet.
Diet and the risk of unipolar depression in adults: systematic review of cohort studies
Authors: Sanhueza C. , Ryan L. , Foxcroft D. R.
Published: October 2012

Background

Nutrition may be a risk factor for unipolar depression. We aimed to review the association between dietary variables and the risk of depression.

Methods

Fifteen databases were searched up to May 2010. Only longitudinal studies for which outcomes were unipolar depression and/or depressive symptoms in adults were eligible for inclusion. Eleven studies were included and critically evaluated. Participants were in the age range 18–97 years and the study sample size was in the range 526–27 111. Follow‐up ranged from 2 to 13 years. The diversity of dietary variables and nonlinear associations precluded formal meta‐analysis and so a narrative analysis was undertaken.

Results

Variables inversely associated with depression risk were the consumption of nutrients such as folate, omega‐3 fatty acids and monounsaturated fatty acids; foods such as olive oil and fish; and a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, nuts and legumes. Some of these associations varied by sex and some showed a nonlinear association.

Conclusions

At the study level, weaknesses in the assessment of exposure and outcome may have introduced bias. Most studies investigated a cohort subgroup that may have resulted in selection bias. At the review level, there is a risk of publication bias and, in addition, narrative analyses are more prone to subjectivities than meta‐analyses. Diet may potentially influence the risk of depression, although the evidence is not yet conclusive. Strengthening healthy‐eating patterns at the public health level may have a potential benefit. Robust prospective cohort studies specially designed to study the association between diet and depression risk are needed.
Automatic section thickness determination using an absolute gradient focus function
Authors: ELOZORY D.T. , KRAMER K.A. , CHAUDHURI B. , BONAM O.P. , GOLDGOF D.B. , HALL L.O. , MOUTON P.R.
Published: October 2012

Quantitative analysis of microstructures using computerized stereology systems is an essential tool in many disciplines of bioscience research. Section thickness determination in current nonautomated approaches requires manual location of upper and lower surfaces of tissue sections. In contrast to conventional autofocus functions that locate the optimally focused optical plane using the global maximum on a focus curve, this study identified by two sharp ‘knees’ on the focus curve as the transition from unfocused to focused optical planes. Analysis of 14 grey‐scale focus functions showed, the thresholded absolute gradient function, was best for finding detectable bends that closely correspond to the bounding optical planes at the upper and lower tissue surfaces. Modifications to this function generated four novel functions that outperformed the original. The ‘modified absolute gradient count’ function outperformed all others with an average error of 0.56 μm on a test set of images similar to the training set; and, an average error of 0.39 μm on a test set comprised of images captured from a different case, that is, different staining methods on a different brain region from a different subject rat. We describe a novel algorithm that allows for automatic section thickness determination based on just out‐of‐focus planes, a prerequisite for fully automatic computerized stereology.
Temporal development and relationship amongst brown rot blossom blight, fruit blight and fruit rot in integrated and organic sour cherry orchards
Authors: Holb I. J. , Szőke S. , Abonyi F.
Published: October 2012

The aim of this 4‐year study was to characterize temporal development of brown rot blossom blight and fruit blight (caused by Monilinia spp.) and their sporulating areas in sour cherry orchards; and to determine the relationships amongst incidence and sporulating area of blossom blight, fruit blight and fruit rot. The study was performed in integrated and organic orchard blocks on two cultivars (Újfehértói fürtös and Érdi bőtermő). On both cultivars, disease progress on flowers and fruits was 2–10 times slower in the integrated than in the organic management system. The peak incidence values were 9 and 31 days after petal fall for blossom blight and fruit blight, respectively. After these dates, no new blight symptoms on flowers and/or fruits appeared and the disease was levelling off. Final blossom blight incidence ranged from 1 to 5% and from 12 to 34%, and fruit rot incidence from 2 to 6% and from 11 to 26% in the integrated and the organic orchards, respectively. The sum of fruit blight incidence ranged from 9 to 22% for the organic system, but was below 5% for the integrated system, while the final sporulating area was 5–16 mm2 and <3 mm2, respectively. Among the five highest Pearson's correlation coefficients, relationships between blossom blight and early fruit blight stage (r = 0·845, P = 0·0087 integrated; r = 0·901, P = 0·0015 organic), and between sporulating area and fruit rot (r = 0791, P = 0·0199 integrated; r = 0·874, P = 0·0039 organic) were the most significant relationships from an epidemic standpoint as they indicated a connection between different brown rot symptom types.
IgG4‐related prostatitis: A rare cause of steroid‐responsive obstructive urinary symptoms
Authors: Hart Phil A , Smyrk Thomas C , Chari Suresh T
Published: October 2012

IgG4‐related disease is an idiopathic, systemic fibroinflammatory disease that can affect a wide variety of sites, including several in the genitourinary system. We describe a patient with steroid‐responsive urinary symptoms and an abnormal digital rectal exam that were secondary to IgG4‐related prostatitis. We discuss the importance of recognizing this condition and differentiating it from prostate cancer, which can present similarly.
The Andean Hapalopsittaca parrots (Psittacidae, Aves): an example of montane‐tropical lowland vicariance
Authors: QUINTERO ESTHER , RIBAS CAMILA C. , CRACRAFT JOEL
Published: October 2012

Quintero, E., Ribas, C. C. & Cracraft, J. (2012). The Andean Hapalopsittaca parrots (Psittacidae, Aves): an example of montane‐tropical lowland vicariance. —Zoologica Scripta, 42, 28–43.

We describe a phylogenetic and biogeographical pattern connecting high montane biotas to those of the lowlands, as exemplified by the exclusively montane parrot genus Hapalopsittaca and its lowland sister genus Pyrilia, both nested within Tavares et al.’s “amazons and allies” clade. As Hapalopsittaca is the only genus within the “amazons and allies” clade that is exclusively distributed in the Andes, the optimization leads to the inference that the ancestral distribution of the branch leading to Pyrilia + Hapalopsittaca was lowland. Museum specimens were examined to determine basal diagnosably distinct taxonomic units. Based on this analysis, mitochondrial sequences (cyt b and ND2 genes) from 17 individuals, mostly from toe pads, and representing all basal taxa within Hapalopsittaca, were obtained. A divergence‐dating analysis using both nuclear (RAG‐1) and mitochondrial (cyt b) genes was conducted to explore whether the uplift of the Andes coincides temporarily with the origin of this montane group, and thus might be causally linked to its origin. Molecular dating estimates the split between Hapalopsittaca and Pyrilia to have occurred between 6.6 and 8.0 Myr; thus, the timing of this highland/lowland disjunction is consistent with that of the final uplift of the Central Andes, supporting a hypothesis of vicariance due to Andean uplift. These results suggest that the taxonomic assembly of montane biotas may be, at least in part, explained by events of Earth history rather than by long‐distance dispersal and colonization. Diversification within Hapalopsittaca and the origin of current species are more recent in time and probably are related to Pleistocene climatic oscillations, as has been shown in other montane groups.
Deltocyathiidae, an early‐diverging family of Robust corals (Anthozoa, Scleractinia)
Authors: Kitahara Marcelo V. , Cairns Stephen D. , Stolarski Jarosław , Miller David J.
Published: October 2012

Kitahara, M.V., Cairns, S.D., Stolarski, J. & Miller, D.J. (2012). Deltocyathiidae, an early‐diverging family of Robust corals (Anthozoa, Scleractinia). —Zoologica Scripta, 00, 000–000.

Over the last decade, molecular phylogenetics has called into question some fundamental aspects of coral systematics. Within the Scleractinia, most families composed exclusively by zooxanthellate species are polyphyletic on the basis of molecular data, and the second most speciose coral family, the Caryophylliidae (most members of which are azooxanthellate), is an unnatural grouping. As part of the process of resolving taxonomic affinities of ‘caryophylliids’, here a new ‘Robust’ scleractinian family (Deltocyathiidae fam. n.) is proposed on the basis of combined molecular (CO1 and 28S rDNA) and morphological data, accommodating the early‐diverging clade of traditional caryophylliids (represented today by the genus Deltocyathus). Whereas this family captures the full morphological diversity of the genus Deltocyathus, one species, Deltocyathus magnificus, is an outlier in terms of molecular data, and groups with the ‘Complex” coral family Turbinoliidae. Ultrastructural data, however, place D. magnificus within Deltocyathiidae fam. nov. Unfortunately, limited ultrastructural data are as yet available for turbinoliids, but D. magnificus may represent the first documented case of morphological convergence at the microstructural level among scleractinian corals. Marcelo V. Kitahara, Centro de Biologia Marinha, Universidade de São Paulo, São Sebastião, S.P. 11600‐000, Brazil. E‐mail:kitahara@usp.br
Emergent Marketing Strategies and Performance: The Effects of Market Uncertainty and Strategic Feedback Systems
Authors: Chari Simos , Katsikeas Constantine S. , Balabanis George , Robson Matthew J.
Published: October 2012

Although many process‐based studies appear in the strategic management literature, little attention has been devoted to the formation process of marketing strategies. Drawing on enactment and information‐processing theories, this study views the external environment as a source of information (i.e. enacted) and organizations as information‐processing entities. We propose a conceptual framework of antecedents and market performance consequences of emergent marketing strategies and test it with a sample of 214 UK enterprises. The results suggest that dimensions of market uncertainty (i.e. dynamism and complexity) and strategic feedback systems influence the formation of emergent marketing strategy. Furthermore, the data reveal that market uncertainty aspects condition the association between emergent marketing strategies and market performance in different ways. These findings provide new insights into how emergent marketing strategies evolve and influence organizational outcomes.
Extraction of Dominant Extremal Structures in Volumetric Data Using Separatrix Persistence
Authors: Günther D. , Seidel H.‐P. , Weinkauf T.
Published: October 2012

Extremal lines and surfaces are features of a 3D scalar field where the scalar function becomes minimal or maximal with respect to a local neighborhood
. These features are important in many applications, e.g. computer tomography, fluid dynamics, cell biology
. We present a novel topological method to extract these features using discrete Morse theory. In particular, we extend the notion of ‘separatrix persistence’ from 2D to 3D, which gives us a robust estimation of the feature strength for extremal lines and surfaces. Not only does it allow us to determine the most important (parts of) extremal lines and surfaces, it also serves as a robust filtering measure of noise‐induced structures. Our purely combinatorial method does not require derivatives or any other numerical computations
.
Genetic and Environmental Transmission of Political Orientations
Authors: Funk Carolyn L. , Smith Kevin B. , Alford John R. , Hibbing Matthew V. , Eaton Nicholas R. , Krueger Robert F. , Eaves Lindon J. , Hibbing John R.
Published: October 2012

This article reports results from the first twin study of adults in the United States that focuses exclusively and comprehensively on political traits. These data allow us to test whether a common set of genetic and environmental influences act upon a broad variety of values, personality traits, and political attitudes. In short, it allows us to empirically investigate whether there are a core set of predispositions that form the basis of our political orientations and, if so, whether these predispositions are shaped by the same environmental and innate forces. The key finding from our analysis is that there are core political predispositions that are rooted in common genetic and environmental influences and that these predispositions are empirically distinct from broader personality traits.
Sounds, letters and meanings: the independent influences of phonological, morphological and orthographic skills on early word reading accuracy
Authors: Deacon S. Hélène
Published: October 2012

This study was designed to examine the independent contributions of phonological awareness, orthographic processing and morphological awareness on early word reading. English‐speaking children in Grades 1 and 3 completed measures of these three constructs, as well as standardised measures of real and pseudoword reading and of vocabulary. Each of the three reading‐related variables made an independent contribution to both real and pseudoword reading. Independent contributions of phonological awareness (7–17%) were consistently larger than those of orthographic processing (5–10%) or of morphological awareness (1–2%). In terms of differences between the grades, there was particular evidence of an increase in greater contribution of orthographic processing to pseudoword reading at Grade 3 than at Grade 1. These findings are discussed in light of current models of reading development.
Too Big to Fail: UK Financial Services Reform in History and Policy
Authors: Michie Ranald
Published: October 2012

Previous banking crises have been used as opportunities for new and beneficial developments in regulation and in the market itself. The global financial crisis should be seen as such an occasion. There is a need to refine the role of the central bank as lender of last resort and also to reform deposit insurance so that it only applies to a limited range of bank accounts.
A Well‐Intentioned Folly: The Macroeconomic Implications of Solvency II
Authors: Swarup Amarendra
Published: October 2012

In January 2014, the European Union will introduce a new piece of insurance regulation, Solvency II. Its implementation will represent the latest pinnacle in the prescriptive approach adopted by EU regulators towards the insurance industry in their efforts to reduce risk and increase policyholder protection. It is also likely to become, in due course, the latest case study in the law of unintended consequences.
The EU Proposals for The Regulation of Alternative Investments
Authors: Copeland Laurence
Published: October 2012

The EU proposals for regulating so‐called alternative investment funds (AIFs) are intended to give investors more protection and to mitigate risks to the rest of the financial system, while further integrating markets inside the EU. Unfortunately, many of the provisions seem more likely to achieve the opposite of what is intended, reducing competition, reducing investor choice and increasing systemic risk. They also involve significant compliance costs. The proposals for regulating credit rating agencies seem unnecessary and are likely to be counterproductive. It would be far better to allow free competition by agencies of all kinds operating under a variety of different funding models.
Can Banks Self‐Regulate? Voluntary Agreements, Intrinsic Motivation and Games
Authors: Walsh Aidan , Magnuszewski Piotr , Slodka‐Turner Anna
Published: October 2012

This article argues that lessons on how to achieve a sustainable financial system can be learnt from the work done on sustainable commons (on common‐pool resources –CPRs – where there is no ‘tragedy of the commons’). Existing approaches to financial regulation may not give proper attention to available solutions. The article proposes that innovative solutions could be tested using experimental methods commonly used inCPRs: repeat run, feedback driven games.
Planning Reform and Housing Costs: Why The Coalition Failed and What it Means
Authors: Niemietz Kristian
Published: October 2012

Housing costs in the UK have exploded in recent decades. Contrary to what is often claimed, this has nothing to do with population density, demographics or a lack of public housing. A review of the empirical literature shows that the key determinant of housing costs is the severity of planning restrictions. Faced with a well‐organised NIMBY opposition, the coalition failed in its attempt to make the planning system more development‐friendly. This is not surprising, because the current system provides incentives which make NIMBYism a rational option. The coalition ought to address these incentives rather than trying to sidestep them.
The Role of a Firm’s Net Cash Payouts in Leland’s (1994) Model
Authors: Barsotti Flavia , Mancino Maria Elvira , Pontier Monique
Published: October 2012

We study the effects of introducing payouts on corporate debt and optimal capital structure in a structural credit risk model à laLeland (1994). We find that increasing the payout parameter not only affects the endogenous bankruptcy level, which is decreased, but modifies the magnitude of a change on the endogenous failure level as a consequence of an increase in risk‐free rate, corporate tax rate, riskiness of the firm and coupon payments. This simple analytical framework is able to capture realistic insights about optimal leverage, spreads and default probabilities more in line with historical norms (if compared to Leland’s results) and closer to predictions obtained through more sophisticated models.
Illusions of Control? The Extension of New Public Management Through Corporate Governance Regulation
Authors: Tremblay Marie‐Soleil
Published: October 2012

Abstract: This study investigates the process of adoption of a new governance regulation in the public sector. The empirical setting of this paper is the adoption by the Québec government of regulations regarding the role of boards for 24 government enterprises. Building on a Latourian framework, the investigation relies on the analysis of parliamentary debates, commission hearings, and interviews with key participants. Plans to ‘improve’ governance were initially presented in generic formats in electoral promises of reform. Plans were then promoted through the construction of linkages with global and local scandals, as well as references to discourses about increasing distrust of public institutions and the absence of markets as a means to control behaviours. My analysis suggests that regulation offered as a ‘modernization of governance’ and viewed as an irreversible phenomenon to which one cannot oppose, may be an illusion of control within the public sector. Ideals of modernized governance continue to spread in society through their construction in ‘laboratories’ (e.g., commission hearings), where effectiveness in various jurisdictions is assumed and not questioned by governance experts, accountants and their technologies.
Genetic structure and patterns of gene flow among populations of the endangered Ethiopian wolf
Authors: Gottelli D. , Sillero‐Zubiri C. , Marino J. , Funk S. M. , Wang J.
Published: October 2012

Populations of endangered mammals are often small, fragmented and have low genetic variability that can reduce the ability to evolve in response to environmental changes. The endangered Ethiopian wolf (Canis simensis) is a habitat specialist restricted to six small, isolated pockets of Afroalpine habitat, with a total population of fewer than 500 adult animals. The degradation of the Ethiopian highlands because of human expansion is ever increasing, potentially leading to further population fragmentation and local extinctions. In order to assist Ethiopian wolf conservation management, we quantified the genetic diversity, population structure and patterns of gene flow of the species using up to 14 microsatellite loci. FST, analysis of molecular variance, principal coordinates analysis and Bayesian clustering analyses revealed geographic population structuring delimited by three mountain ranges, in concert with a previous study based on mitochondrial DNA. Bayesian analysis showed that current gene flow is low, unidirectional and limited to geographically proximate populations. Given the small census size and strong population structuring with low gene flow, demographic stochasticity is likely to be the highest threat to the long‐term persistence of this species. The protection of the remaining suitable habitat, especially narrow ridges linking habitat patches within mountain blocks, is therefore essential. The genetic survey presented by this study provides vital and much needed information for the future effective management of Ethiopian wolf populations.
Coevolution of the male and female reproductive tracts in an old endemic murine rodent of Australia
Authors: Breed W. G. , Leigh C. M. , Speight N.
Published: October 2012

The male reproductive tract of most Australian hopping mice in the genus Notomys has a suite of highly derived features that differ markedly from those of other Australian rodents. These include, among others, extremely small testes, a reduced complement of accessory sex glands and a spiny penis. Here we ask the question – what are the coevolved features of the female reproductive tract? To answer this question, we used histology and resin casts to compare the reproductive tract of the Australian plains mouse (Pseudomys australis) with that of the Spinifex hopping mouse (Notomys alexis). In P. australis, the cervix is highly fibrous and has two small canals whereas the vagina has prominent fornices, a large lumen and a folded epithelial lining. By contrast, in N. alexis the cervix is not prominent and is far more cellular. It has a very small, single lumen with the boundary between it and the vagina not being readily evident. The vagina has minute fornices and is surrounded by a comparatively thick muscle coat. Shortly after ejaculation, N. alexis had many uterine sperm that associated with coagulated material but, unlike in P.australis, no large vaginal plug occurs after ejaculation. These observations support the conclusion that N. alexis has a highly derived distal region of the female reproductive tract which has coevolved with that of the male. It appears to facilitate rapid sperm transport postcoitum without the need for a large copulatory plug.
A multivariate analysis of variation in genome size and endoreduplication in angiosperms reveals strong phylogenetic signal and association with phenotypic traits
Authors: Bainard Jillian D. , Bainard Luke D. , Henry Thomas A. , Fazekas Aron J. , Newmaster Steven G.
Published: October 2012

Genome size (C‐value) and endopolyploidy (endoreduplication index, EI) are known to correlate with various morphological and ecological traits, in addition to phylogenetic placement. A phylogenetically controlled multivariate analysis was used to explore the relationships between DNA content and phenotype in angiosperms.

Seeds from 41 angiosperm species (17 families) were grown in a common glasshouse experiment. Genome size (2C‐value and 1Cx‐value) and EI (in four tissues: leaf, stem, root, petal) were determined using flow cytometry. The phylogenetic signal was calculated for each measure of DNA content, and phylogenetic canonical correlation analysis (PCCA) explored how the variation in genome size and EI was correlated with 18 morphological and ecological traits.

Phylogenetic signal (λ) was strongest for EI in all tissues, and λ was stronger for the 2C‐value than the 1Cx‐value. PCCA revealed that EI was correlated with pollen length, stem height, seed mass, dispersal mechanism, arbuscular mycorrhizal association, life history and flowering time, and EI and genome size were both correlated with stem height and life history.

PCCA provided an effective way to explore multiple factors of DNA content variation and phenotypic traits in a phylogenetic context. Traits that were correlated significantly with DNA content were linked to plant competitive ability.
A study on the texture diversity of the Artisan Ranchero Cheese from Central Mexico
Authors: Solís‐Méndez Alejandra D , Estrada‐Flores Julieta G , Castelán‐Ortega Octavio A
Published: October 2012

The objective of the present study was to determine the diversity and causative factors in the textural profile of the Artisan Ranchero Cheese (ARC), a popular soft cheese made with raw cow's milk, which is consumed fresh. These factors included climatic conditions, production zone, cheese supplies, cheesemaking procedure and chemical attributes. Texture attributes were determined using texture profile analysis method. The relationship between texture and chemical attributes of the ARC were determined by a Factor Analysis. An Agglomerative Hierarchical Clustering Analysis was used to differentiate the ARC manufactures into groups. Two groups were identified, production zone being the variable which explained the variation in the data. Finally, a Discriminant Analysis was performed to determine standardisation of the ARC attributes through the sampling periods. The 89% of cheese samples were correctly classified into their own cheese manufacture. This last analysis demonstrated that there was an important degree of standardisation of the cheesemaking procedure within each cheese manufacture, something that was not demonstrated before with artisan cheesemakers.