bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Post‐emergence handling of green turtle hatchlings: improving hatchery management worldwide
Authors: van de Merwe J. P. , Ibrahim K. , Whittier J. M. 
Published: December 2012

AbstractHatcheries are commonly used to protect sea turtle eggs from poaching and predation; however, there is currently limited scientific evidence to support good hatchery management practices, particularly post‐hatching. This study investigated the effects of retaining hatchlings in hatcheries after emergence and delaying nest excavations on the quality of green turtle Chelonia mydas hatchlings. In addition, the effect of artificial lighting on the sea‐finding ability of green turtles was investigated to highlight the importance of hatchling release locations on hatchery beaches. Hatchling running speed, an indicator of vigour and predation exposure, progressively decreased when hatchlings were retained in the hatchery for 1, 3 and 6 hours following emergence. Similarly, body condition (mass : straight carapace length), an indicator of dehydration and/or energy consumption, decreased after being retained for 3 and 6 hours. It was estimated that hatchlings retained for 6 hours after emergence would become significantly dehydrated and double their exposure to beach slope predation. Residual hatchlings that were immediately excavated from emerged nests had similar running speed and body condition to naturally emerged siblings. However, residual hatchlings removed from nests 5 days later had significantly reduced running speed and body condition, resulting in estimates of double the exposure to predation in near‐shore areas. The mean angle of hatchling dispersal varied at different sites along the Ma’Daerah beach in relation to proximity to artificial lighting. Important recommendations for post‐hatching management of sea turtle hatcheries worldwide can be made from the results of this study. To maximize release of hatchlings in the best condition as is possible, hatchlings should be released immediately after emergence, including excavation of any residual hatchlings. In addition, the dispersal angles of hatchlings should be tested at each hatchery beach to determine suitable release sites for efficient dispersal.
TRANSITORY MARKET STATES AND THE JOINT OCCURRENCE OF MOMENTUM AND MEAN REVERSION
Authors: Balvers Ronald J. , Hu Ou , Huang Dayong 
Published: December 2012

AbstractIn this article we derive and investigate the implications of the Fama–French and Poterba–Summers model—in which the market price of equity contains permanent and temporary components—to explain cross‐sectional differences in equity risk premia and returns. Shocks to the transitory component are regarded a Merton risk factor. We obtain estimates from a simple Kalman decomposition of the market price. The transitory component estimate is used in a conditional capital asset pricing model to test implications of the model related to predictability, cross‐sectional performance, and the existence of momentum and mean reversion.
SEASONED EQUITY ISSUERS’ R&D INVESTMENTS: SIGNALING OR OVEROPTIMISM
Authors: Qian Hong , Zhong Ke , Zhong Zhaodong (Ken) 
Published: December 2012

AbstractIt is well known that investors often react negatively to the announcements of seasoned equity offerings (SEOs). We posit that issuers can use positive discretionary (higher than expected) R&D investments before the SEO to signal their investment prospects to mitigate the negative announcement effect. Alternatively, positive discretionary R&D may be attributed to managerial overoptimism about future returns of R&D investments. We find strong support for the signaling hypothesis among high‐tech issuers: investors respond more favorably to the SEO announcements of high‐tech issuers with positive discretionary R&D; these issuers are more likely to use new capital in future R&D and they produce better post‐SEO operating performance. In contrast, we find some evidence of managerial overoptimism among low‐tech issuers: investors tend to penalize low‐tech firms with positive discretionary R&D at SEO announcements; they are more likely to hold new capital as cash and they fail to produce better post‐SEO operating performance.
Effect of Ventral Slot Procedure on Spinal Cord Compression in Dogs with Single Static Intervertebral Disc Disease: Preliminary Findings while Evaluating a Semiquantitative Computed Tomographic Myelographic Score of Spinal Cord Compression
Authors: Böttcher Peter , Böttcher Irene Christine , Truar Katrin , Ludewig Eberhard , Oechtering Gerhard , Flegel Thomas 
Published: December 2012

ObjectiveTo (1) evaluate pre‐ and postoperative cervical spinal cord compression (SCC) in the context of uncomplicated ventral slot (VS) decompression using computed tomographic (CT) myelography and (2) report reliability of a semiquantitative SCC score using CT myelography.Study DesignProspective and retrospective, clinical pilot study.AnimalsDogs (n = 17) with single static intervertebral disc disease.MethodsOn matched pre‐ and postoperative transverse CT myelographic images, degree and lateralization of extradural SCC were scored by 4 blinded independent observers, followed by consensus finding. Inter‐ and intraobserver variability was quantified using intraclass correlation (ICC). Nonparametric tests were performed comparing pre‐ and postoperative SCC, correlation with neurologic status and significance of lateralization.ResultsBecause of invisible contrast agent, only 13 dogs could be fully evaluated. After VS, SCC was significantly reduced whereas neurologic function significantly improved. Ten dogs had residual compression, not affecting neurologic long‐term outcome. Only preoperative compression score and neurologic status 3–7 weeks postoperatively were inversely correlated. Lateralization of SCC preoperatively did not affect postsurgical compression scores. Interobserver ICC was 0.848 and intraobserver ICC was 0.984.ConclusionsVS improves neurologic function but often fails at completely resolving extradural SCC. The proposed CT myelographic score is highly reliable, assuring consistency among and within observers.
Comparison of Clinical and Computed Tomographic Features Between Medial and Lateral Trochlear Ridge Talar Osteochondrosis in Dogs
Authors: Dingemanse Walter B. , Van Bree Henri J. J. , Duchateau Luc , Gielen Ingrid M. V. L. 
Published: December 2012

ObjectiveTo evaluate clinical and subchondral bone lesion differences between medial (MTRT‐OC) and lateral trochlear ridge tarsocrural osteochondrosis (LTRT‐OC).Study DesignRetrospective case series.AnimalsDogs (n = 66) with MTRT‐OC or LTRT‐OC.MethodsMedical records(1997–2010) of dogs with MTRT‐OC or LTRT‐OC were reviewed. Clinical data (breed, age, gender, weight, and duration of clinical signs) were retrieved. Computed tomographic examinations of the tarsocrural joints were performed. Length, width, and depth of the subchondral bone lesions on the computed tomographic images, and surface and volume of the lesions were estimated. The location of the OC lesion on the trochlear ridge (proximal, dorsal, or distal) was determined. Data collected from dogs with MTRT‐OC (n = 56) were compared with data from dogs with LTRT‐OC (n = 10).ResultsLength, width, depth, surface, and volume of LTRT‐OC lesions were significantly (P< .01) larger than those of MTRT‐OC lesions. Dogs with LTRT‐OC were significantly younger at the time of diagnosis (P< .01).ConclusionsOC lesions on the lateral trochlear ridge are significantly larger than those on the medial trochlear ridge. Dogs with lesions on the lateral trochlear ridge are significantly younger at the time of diagnosis, and tend to have a shorter duration of lameness before presentation.
Excision of the Deep Branch of the Lateral Palmar Nerve of Horses to Resolve Lameness Caused by Proximal Suspensory Desmitis
Authors: Guasco Paolo Gay , Kelly Ger , Schumacher James , Henry Robert W. 
Published: December 2012

ObjectiveTo assess outcome after neurectomy of the deep branch of the lateral palmar nerve (DBLPaN) as a treatment for horses with persistent lameness associated with chronic proximal suspensory desmitis (PSD) of the thoracic limb.Study DesignCase series.AnimalsAdult, mixed‐breed horses (n = 4), weighing 510–585 kg, used for amateur show‐jumping.MethodsRecords of 4 horses chronically lame because of PSD of one or both thoracic limbs that were treated by neurectomy of the DBLPaN were reviewed. The site of pain causing lameness was localized using regional anesthesia. The proximal aspect of the suspensory ligament of the affected limb(s) of all horses were enlarged on ultrasonographic examination, but fiber disruption was not observed. All horses remained lame after conservative therapy. Neurectomy was performed with the horses anesthetized and positioned in dorsal recumbency.ResultsAll 4 horses were sound at 6 weeks and remained sound for at least 12 months after neurectomy.ConclusionLameness in horses caused by chronic PSD can be resolved by neurectomy of the DBLPaN in horses that are refractory to conservative management.
Cross‐Border Consumption of Informal and Underground Goods: A Case Study of Alternative Consumerism in South Texas
Authors: Pisani Michael J. 
Published: December 2012

ObjectiveTo explore the determinants of informal consumption of cross‐border goods from the South Texas‐Mexico border. Twelve select informal and underground goods are examined.MethodsDerived from extensive interviews, a unique (and purposive) data set of 357 consumers from the South Texas borderlands was collected in the summer of 2010.ResultsNearly two‐thirds (64.6 percent) of borderlands consumers have engaged in, at one time or another, the purchase and consumption of cross‐border informal goods. The rate is 44.1 percent for the consumption of cross‐border underground goods. An important determinant in the cross‐border consumption of informal goods is one's self‐reported morals for buying “off the books.” This relationship is inversely bound. Immigration status, Spanish‐language ability, education, civil status, and residence location all inform participation in the consumption of informal cross‐border goods.ConclusionThe South Texas‐Mexico border clearly acts as a lever for the cross‐border consumption of informal and underground goods.
Predicting food‐web structure with metacommunity models
Authors: Baiser Benjamin , Buckley Hannah L. , Gotelli Nicholas J. , Ellison Aaron M. 
Published: December 2012

SynthesisMetacommunity theory aims to elucidate the relative influence of local and regional‐scale processes in generating diversity patterns across the landscape. Metacommunity research has focused largely on assemblages of competing organisms within a single trophic level. Here, we test the ability of metacommunity models to predict the network structure of the aquatic food web found in the leaves of the northern pitcher plantSarracenia purpurea. The species‐sorting and patch‐dynamics models most accurately reproduced nine food web properties, suggesting that local‐scale interactions play an important role in structuring Sarracenia food webs. Our approach can be applied to any well‐resolved food web for which data are available from multiple locations.The metacommunity framework explores the relative influence of local and regional‐scale processes in generating diversity patterns across the landscape. Metacommunity models and empirical studies have focused mostly on assemblages of competing organisms within a single trophic level. Studies of multi‐trophic metacommunities are predominantly restricted to simplified trophic motifs and rarely consider entire food webs. We tested the ability of the patch‐dynamics, species‐sorting, mass‐effects, and neutral metacommunity models, as well as three hybrid models, to reproduce empirical patterns of food web structure and composition in the complex aquatic food web found in the northern pitcher plantSarracenia purpurea. We used empirical data to determine regional species pools and estimate dispersal probabilities, simulated local food‐web dynamics, dispersed species from regional pools into local food webs at rates based on the assumptions of each metacommunity model, and tested their relative fits to empirical data on food‐web structure. The species‐sorting and patch‐dynamics models most accurately reproduced nine food web properties, suggesting that local‐scale interactions were important in structuringSarraceniafood webs. However, differences in dispersal abilities were also important in models that accurately reproduced empirical food web properties. Although the models were tested using pitcher‐plant food webs, the approach we have developed can be applied to any well‐resolved food web for which data are available from multiple locations.
Evidence for and against the existence of alternate attractors on coral reefs
Authors: Mumby Peter J. , Steneck Robert S. , Hastings Alan 
Published: December 2012

SynthesisCoral reefs are widely thought to exhibit multiple attractors which have profound implications for people that depend on them. If reefs become ‘stuck’ within a self‐reinforcing state dominated by seaweed, it becomes disproportionately difficult and expensive for managers to shift the system back towards its natural, productive, coral state.The existence of multiple attractors is controversial. We assess various forms of evidence and conclude that there remains no incontrovertible proof of multiple attractors on reefs. However, the most compelling evidence, which combines ecological models and field data, is far more consistent with multiple attractors than the competing hypothesis of only a single, coral attractor. Managers should exercise caution and assume that degraded reefs can become stuck there.Testing for the existence of alternate attractors in ecosystems that possess slow dynamics and frequent pulse perturbation is exceptionally challenging. Coral reefs typify such conditions and the existence of alternate attractors is controversial. We analyse different forms of evidence and assess whether they support or challenge the existence of multiple attractors on Caribbean reefs, many of which have shown profound phase shifts in community structure from coral to algal dominance. Field studies alone provide no insight into multiple attractors because the non‐equilibrial nature of reef dynamics prevents equilibria from being observed. Statistical models risk failing to sample the parameter space in which multiple attractors occur, and have failed to account for the confounding effects of heterogeneous environments, anthropogenic drivers (e.g. fishing), and major disturbances (e.g. hurricanes). Simple and complex models all find multiple attractors over some – though not all – regions of a system driver (fishing). Tests of model predictions with field data closely match theory of alternate attractors but a forward‐leaning monotonic curve with only a single attractor can also be fitted to these data. Deeper consideration of the assumptions of this monotonic relationship reveal significant ecological problems which disappear under a model of multiple attractors. To date, there is no evidence against the existence of multiple attractors on Caribbean reefs and while there remains no definitive proof, the balance of evidence and ecological reasoning favours their existence. Theory predicts that Caribbean reefs do not exhibit alternate attractors in their natural state but that disease‐induced loss of two key functional groups has generated bistability. Whether alternate attractors becomes a persistent element of reef dynamics or a brief moment in their geological history will depend, in part, on the ability of functional groups to recover and the impacts of climate change and ocean acidification on coral growth and mortality.
Electrocardiographic Assessment of Incident Atrial Fibrillation in Hemodialysis Patients
Authors: Nishi Keiko , Fujimoto Shouichi , Hisanaga Shuichi , Ogawa Osamu , Kitamura Kazuo 
Published: December 2012

AbstractThe prevalence and incidence of atrial fibrillation in hemodialysis patients have recently increased, but there are few evident predictors of incident atrial fibrillation in hemodialysis patients. The purpose of this study was to determine whether electrocardiographic findings can predict the development of atrial fibrillation in hemodialysis patients. A cohort of 299 patients (age, 63.1 ± 14.0 years; men, 59.2%; duration of hemodialysis, 80.3 ± 77.7 months) on hemodialysis therapy in December 2004 was included. To determine the incidence of atrial fibrillation, electrocardiographic findings were checked regularly every 1–3 months through December 2009. To detect paroxysmal atrial fibrillation, we examined electrocardiograms any time a patient had cardiac symptoms. Cox proportional hazard analysis was used to determine independent variables for the onset of atrial fibrillation. At the time of enrollment, 37 patients had pre‐existing atrial fibrillation, for a prevalence rate of 12.4%. On the other hand, newly developed atrial fibrillation during the 5‐year follow‐up was determined in 45 patients, for an incidence rate of 4.37/100 patient‐years. In multivariate analysis, age (hazard ratio, 1.04; 95% confidence interval, 1.01 to 1.07) and the presence of a P‐terminal force >0.04 mm/s as an electrocardiographic finding (hazard ratio, 4.89; 95% confidence interval, 2.54 to 9.90) were independently associated with new‐onset atrial fibrillation. The prevalence and incidence rates of atrial fibrillation are high in maintenance hemodialysis patients. Age and the presence of a P‐terminal force >0.04 mm/s as an electrocardiographic finding may predict new‐onset atrial fibrillation in these patients.
Kinetic Modeling of Anthocyanin Degradation and Microorganism Growth during Postharvest Storage of Açai Fruits (Euterpe oleracea)
Authors: Rogez Hervé , Akwie Santuscha N. L. T. , Moura Fábio G. , Larondelle Yvan 
Published: December 2012

Abstract:  The unavoidable damage of açai (Euterpe oleracea) fruits (AF) during picking leads to microbial contamination and anthocyanin degradation, which prejudice the consumed fruit drink. Thirteen lots of AF (24 kg) from different municipal districts of the Pará State (Brazil) were monitored during a 75‐h‐long storage in the dark at 30 °C for microbial growth, and 7 lots for anthocyanin degradation. On arrival at the laboratory, anthocyanins presented a mean concentration of 828 mg kg−1 fruits with a standard deviation of 323 mg kg−1 fruits whereas mean microbial contamination was 2.64 106 CFU g−1 of dry matter for total mesophilic bacteria, 1.98 103 MPN g−1 DM for fecal coliforms, and 1.11 105 CFU g−1 DM for moulds and yeasts. Kinetic growth of the microbes could be fitted to a quadratic equation with an unusual rapid growth during the 1st 24 h. The kinetics of anthocyanin degradation fitted a 1st‐order equation. The mean velocity constant of the reaction (k1) was of 0.0137 h−1 and the mean half‐life (t½) of the anthocyanins was 50 h. These results indicate that the AF simultaneously suffer extensive anthocyanin degradation and explosive microbial growth during the postharvest period needing a special care.Practical Application:  The data presented in this article help the industrial sector of açai (Euterpe oleracea) juice to understand: (1) the rapid kinetics of anthocyanin oxidation and (2) the uncommon kinetics of microorganism growth during a postharvest storage of açai fruits for up to 75 h. Our results allow to predict the global deterioration of açai fruits and pointed out the necessity of blanching the fruits or pasteurizing the juice.
Sensory Properties and Consumer Acceptance of Imported and Domestic Sliced Black Ripe Olives
Authors: Lee Soh Min , Kitsawad Kamolnate , Sigal Abdulkadir , Flynn Dan , Guinard Jean‐Xavier 
Published: December 2012

Abstract:  Table olives are healthy and nutritious products with high contents of monounsaturated fatty acids, phenolics, vitamins, minerals, and fiber. Understanding sensory cues affecting consumer preferences would enable the increase of olive consumption. The objectives of this study were to characterize the sensory properties of commercial sliced black ripe olives from different regions, including California, Egypt, Morocco, Portugal, and Spain, and to examine the preferences of California consumers for sliced black ripe olives. Sensory profiles and preferences for 20 sliced olive samples were determined using descriptive analysis with a trained panel and a consumer test with 104 users and likers of table olives. Aroma and flavor characteristics separated the olives according to country of origin, and were the main determinants of consumer preferences for sliced olives, even though the biggest differences among the samples were in appearance and texture. Total of 2 consumer segments were identified with 51 and 53 consumers, respectively, that both liked Californian products, but differed in the olives they disliked. Negative drivers of liking for both segments included alcohol, oak barrel, and artificial fruity/floral characteristics; however, consumers from Cluster 1 were further negatively influenced by rancid, gassy, and bitter characteristics. This study stresses the need for sound and appealing flavor quality for table olives to gain wider acceptance among U.S. consumers.Practical Application:  The characterization of the sensory properties of domestic and imported sliced black ripe olives and the identification of the preference patterns of California consumers for the products in this research will assist producers, importers, and legislators in their efforts to improve the sensory quality of sliced black ripe olives in the United States and to better market these products to U.S. consumers.
La protección social al servicio de la integración sostenible: una necesidad europea ante la crisis
Authors: Euzéby Chantal 
Published: December 2012

ResumenLa prevención del riesgo de exclusión social se ha convertido en una cuestión fundamental en la Unión Europea (UE) debido a los recortes sociales que ha impuesto la explosión de la deuda de los Estados miembros. Esta cuestión se sitúa en la encrucijada entre las políticas de empleo y de formación y las reformas orientadas a adaptar los sistemas de protección social a la nueva realidad del contexto socioeconómico (envejecimiento de la población, inestabilidad familiar, desempleo masivo, precariedad del empleo, pobreza en el trabajo y desigualdades sociales persistentes y crecientes). En el presente artículo se pretende mostrar que la promoción de la protección social dentro de un enfoque de inversión social representa un modo excelente de conciliar los objetivos de igualdad de oportunidades a lo largo del ciclo de vida, de rendimiento económico sostenible (mejora de la competitividad estructural) y de aumento de la cohesión social en favor del bienestar colectivo. En el presente artículo se atribuye especial atención a la necesidad de promover el derecho universal e individual a la movilidad y a la formación durante toda la vida. Estos derechos constituirían nuevas garantías sociales, que compensarían las exigencias relacionadas con la flexibilidad del mercado de trabajo. Se destaca también la importancia de incorporar estos derechos en toda la UE con un nivel mínimo de protección social ampliado. De este modo, se podría proporcionar una protección permanente contra el riesgo de exclusión en la UE, favorecer la integración económica y social que se pretende lograr mediante la Estrategia de Lisboa revisada (2003‐2005) y aumentar la confianza y la esperanza de los ciudadanos europeos.