bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of Acupuncture in the Management of Chemotherapy-Induced Peripheral Neuropathy
Authors: Donald Graeme K , Tobin Irene , Stringer Jacqui 
Published: August 2011

Aim To clinically evaluate the effectiveness of acupuncture when used in the management of chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (PN). Background During cancer treatment, certain chemotherapies can cause varying degrees of PN. Patients’ quality of life can be seriously impaired through loss of sensation, pain or mobility problems. Conventional medications routinely used to manage neuropathic symptoms have poor side-effect profiles and there is little or no evidence justifying their use to treat chemotherapy-related neurotoxicities. There are studies suggesting that acupuncture may be an effective therapy in treating PN across a number of different aetiologies. Design A retrospective service evaluation. Method Patients (n=18) were referred for acupuncture by the medical staff and/ornurse specialists or they self-referred for treatment. A course of six weekly acupuncture sessions was offered to them, and their details were recorded on an evaluation form prior to session one. Points were selected by acupuncturists, based on patient presentation, and needles remained in situ for 30–45 min. Treatments took place in outpatient clinics, chemotherapy day case ward or a drop-in clinic based in a physiotherapy gym. The evaluation form was completed at the end of session 6 by a therapist who had not been involved in patient care. Results 82% (n=14) of patients reported an improvement in symptoms following their course of acupuncture; one patient with advanced disease died during the 6 weeks. Some patients derived additional benefits from the treatment including a reduction in analgesic use and improved sleeping patterns. The most common acupoints used were SP6 (n=18), ST36 (n=18) and LV3 (n=14). Conclusion Although these results are encouraging, they are uncontrolled. They suggest that acupuncture could be an option for these patients and controlled trials using validated patient-reported outcome measures are justified.
A new member or an intruder: how do Sinai spiny mouse (Acomys dimidiatus) families respond to a male newcomer?
Authors: Frynta Daniel , Cížková Barbora , Šumbera Radim 
Published: August 2011

AbstractRecruitment of unrelated individuals into a group plays an important role in the social life of the group living animals. The main goal of our study was to analyze the reactions of established, breeding families of the Sinai spiny mouse, Acomys dimidiatus (Muridae, Rodentia), a social species with precocial pups, to male newcomers in the presence and the absence of a breeding resident male. We compared the behaviour of family members of different sex or age to the presence of a new male. The number of non-aggressive and aggressive interactions with the focal male (resident/newcomer male) was recorded during three periods: before, during and one month after the addition of the newcomer. Only a few aggressive and/or non-aggressive types of contacts occurred before and one month after the addition of the new male. During the experiment, both types of contacts arose, but the results were highly variable. Increased aggressive behaviour of the family toward the intruder was explained mainly by the presence of pregnant or lactating females, which suggests that aggression towards a male newcomer is associated with the reproductive status of females. This phenomenon is most likely connected with the counter-infanticide strategy.
Effects of a trematode infestation on body condition, reproduction and mating behaviors in a livebearing fish
Authors: Deaton Raelynn , Martin Rachel E. , Stoops Stacy B. , Cureton II James C. , Lewis Richard L. 
Published: August 2011

AbstractMost studies of parasite-mediated sexual selection target organisms where female or male mate choice is the major driving force of sexual selection, leaving the effects of parasites on coercive mating systems understudied. Here, we investigated the role of a trematode infestation (black spot disease (BSD)) on female body condition, female fecundity, male coercion, and female resistance in a coercive livebearing fish (the western mosquitofish, Gambusia affinis). We tested the following predictions: (1) infected females are in poorer body condition and have lower fecundity than uninfected females; (2) males prefer to coerce uninfected females; (3) infected males coerce less frequently than uninfected males; and (4) infected females are less resistant to male coercion. In contrast to our first prediction, infected females had more energy reserves than uninfected females during one month and infected females had increased fecundity compared to uninfected females. In the behavior experiments, we found BSD influenced male coercion in two of our experiments supporting our third, but not second or fourth, prediction. These results suggest this parasitic infestation may play a minor role in sexual selection on G. affinis.
Clinically healthy amphibians in captive collections and at pet fairs: A reservoir of Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis
Authors: Woeltjes Tonnie , Rendle Matthew , der Sluijs Annemarieke Spitzen-van , Haesebrouck Freddy , Martel An , Pasmans Frank , Wombwell Emma , Van Rooij Pascale , Zollinger Ronald 
Published: August 2011

Abstract
Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis is the cause of the fungal disease chytridiomycosis, a potentially lethal skin disease of amphibians. Asymptomatically infected amphibians may pose a risk for environmental pathogen pollution. This study therefore assessed the role of healthy, captive amphibians as a reservoir of Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis. Samples were collected from captive amphibians in Belgium, the Netherlands, Germany and France (559 from anurans, 330 from urodelans and 4 from gymnophians) from private owners, zoos, and laboratories. In addition to which, 78 anurans from 19 living collections were sampled during a pet fair in the Netherlands. Nearly 3% of the captive amphibians were infected by B. dendrobatidis, and 13.6% of the collections yielded at least one positive result. At the fair, 7 out of 78 anurans, representing 2 collections were positive. None of the animals that tested positive showed any obvious health problems at the time of sampling. Our results demonstrate the potential of the amphibian pet trade as a vehicle for the spread of B. dendrobatidis.
Survival of Alytes cisternasii tadpoles in stream pools: a capture-recapture study using photo-identification
Authors: Ribeiro Joana , Rebelo Rui 
Published: August 2011

AbstractFor amphibians with complex life cycles, the regulation of populations may occur in each life history stage and although available data stress the importance of studying amphibian population dynamics during the larval stage, most studies so far still focus only on the adult phase, due to the difficulty to estimate larval survival under field conditions. Through a two-months capture-recapture study of 646 photo-identified tadpoles of Alytes cisternasii we aimed to estimate tadpole survival in isolated temporary stream pools – their main habitat – as well as to evaluate how pool characteristics and intraspecific competition (tadpole density) affect this parameter. Photo-identification was performed with the help of the software I3S. We used the POPAN formulation of the Jolly-Seber model to estimate survival rates and population size in 9 stream pools. Tadpole density varied from ∼1 to 40 tadpoles · m–2. Tadpole weekly survival was relatively high, varying from 75 to 99% · week–1. Among-pool differences in survival were best explained by pool depth, and not by tadpole density or other pool characteristics. The lower survival estimates were obtained for the deep pools. The very high survival estimates for some pools are an indication that this type of discrete habitat may play an important role for this species. To our knowledge, this is the first time that photo-identification is used to obtain estimates for survival and density of tadpoles.
Eastern Garter Snakes (Thamnophis sirtalis) with proportionally larger heads are in better condition
Authors: Elgee Karen , Blouin-Demers Gabriel 
Published: August 2011

AbstractWe investigated sexual size dimorphism and trophic morphology dimorphism in Eastern Garter Snakes (Thamnophis sirtalis) to test predictions derived from the reproductive role hypothesis. Our first objective was to examine whether structures involved in feeding (head and jaws) are more divergent than body size. Female T. sirtalis were larger than males and had proportionally larger heads. Our second objective was to look for an advantage of large head size by examining the relationship between body condition and head size. Body condition was positively correlated with relative head size in T. sirtalis for both sexes, in agreement with the reproductive role hypothesis.
Tail breakage frequency as an indicator of predation risk for the aquatic snake Natrix maura
Authors: Vidal-García Marta , Llorente Gustavo A. , León Raúl , Pleguezuelos Juan M. , Filippakopoulou Aikaterini , Santos Xavier , Feriche Mónica 
Published: August 2011

AbstractIt is difficult to measure predation risk for secretive animals such as snakes. The frequency of tail breakage has been suggested as a parameter for measuring predation risk in these reptiles. Consequently, we hypothesise that tail breakage frequency is expected to vary intraspecifically between populations submitted to different numbers of predators, probably, to different predation risk. The colubrid snake Natrix maura has adapted to living on fish farms, which are protected from aerial predators by wire mesh, so that these farms provide researchers with a predator-exclusion scenario. We measured tail breakage frequency in this snake on a fish farm and compared the results with data from three populations in natural settings in the Iberian Peninsula under assumed higher predation risk from a complete community of predators. A logistic regression analysis demonstrated that snake body size and predator exclusion affected the probability of tail breakage, while sex had no effect. We found an ontogenetic increase in the frequency of tail breakage, a general pattern in snakes and, notably, marked differences between populations according to predation risk: snakes from the fish farm showed a low frequency of tail breakage (5.1%), whereas snakes from natural habitats, with five-fold more potential predators on average, demonstrated a higher frequency of tail breakage (18.7%). We conclude that tail breakage frequency is a reliable indicator of predation risk in this aquatic snake.
Mitochondrial sequences do not support the independent taxonomic position of the extinct Alpine newt subspecies Mesotriton alpestris lacusnigri
Authors: Lužnik Martina , Kryštufek Boris , Bužan Elena Varljen 
Published: August 2011

Abstract

Mesotriton alpestris lacusnigri is regarded as being an extinct subspecies of the Alpine newt endemic to a small fishless alpine lake called Črno jezero (Black Lake) in the Julian Alps in Slovenia. To re-assess its taxonomic position we sequenced fragments of two mitochondrial genes (309 bp of cytochrome b and 315 bp of 16S rRNA) of two museum specimens collected in 1953. Specimens of the ssp. lacusnigri yielded two new haplotypes which formed a monophyletic group within a cluster of other Slovenian and central European haplotypes of ssp. alpestis. The name lacusnigri is therefore merely a junior synonym of the nominotypical subspecies and should be removed from red data listing. Our study highlights the outstanding value of natural history collections as baselines for contemporary biodiversity assessments.
Symbolic Accoutrements of Power: Appropriation of Culture within the British Managerial Elite
Authors: Warde Alan 
Published: August 2011

AbstractThis paper arises from a study examining cultural participation, knowledge and taste across the British population. The study includes in-depth interviews with a small number of individuals occupying prestigious positions in British business, politics and administration. A managerial elite, they exhibit a significant degree of homogeneity of cultural attachment and invest heavily in participation in many cultural activities. Their pattern of cultural consumption is described in terms of three principles: plenitude, proficiency and capability. This paper focuses on a number of mechanisms of acculturation, which are identified and illustrated. Differences associated with social trajectory are emphasised. The everyday routine nature of intensive and selective cultural consumption for this section of the population is noted and it is shown how culture is embedded in social life through social connections. Implications for the status and changing character of legitimate culture are considered, leading to reflections on the demise of the British “Establishment” and the changing role of culture in elite formation.
Lifestyles of the Rich and Infamous: The Creation and Implications of China’s New Aristocracy
Authors: Gerth Karl 
Published: August 2011

AbstractThis essay examines how the consumption of luxury goods and services in contemporary China has become a key way of defining membership in what Chinese popularly refer to as the “new rich” (xin fu) or “new aristocracy” (xin gui). During the Maoist era (1949-1976) and extending into the first decade of the Reform Era in China (1978-1988), political power bestowed modest material advantages. But now state officials can directly - or indirectly via their friends, family, and even mistresses - convert political power into wealth and pursue more luxurious lifestyles, fueling both popular desire for the lifestyles of the rich and a deep resentment based on the belief that many of the new rich secured access to those lifestyles through graft.
Distinctly Different Everywhere: Politics of Appearance Amongst Rana Elites Inside and Outside Nepal
Authors: Lotter Stefanie 
Published: August 2011

AbstractBased on fieldwork with the Rana clan in Nepal, the author argues that ways of distinction differ between cultures but can be transferred and introduced cross culturally. Thus relocated, unfamiliar ways of distinction may be used as strategic tools to gain status otherwise unattainable. Taking the Ranas of Nepal as an example, the author shows with historical references that introducing foreign ways of distinction does however not come without complications. Customs have to be modified, the rules of religious obligations bent and first-rate performance is necessary to convince locals and foreigners that a new social hierarchy has been established.
Cosmopolitan Culture as Elite Distinction among African Business Professionals in Johannesburg
Authors: Bourgouin France 
Published: August 2011

AbstractThis article unpacks the practices of cosmopolitan elite distinction among a group of successful business professionals of African origin, who were employed in middle and senior management positions in Johannesburg during the height of the “bull market” in 2004. It considers the self-identification of these professionals as cosmopolitan in light of our theoretical understanding of social distinction. Building on Veblen, Bourdieu, and Goffman, this article shows how these business professionals claiming to belong to a cosmopolitan community enacted these hierarchies through everyday distinctions in place, leisure and dress. The article concludes that while cosmopolitanism is an escape from local African identity, appeals to a cosmopolitan community transform and reconfigure society through the inscription of new inequalities and particularities.
Elite Distinction and Regime Change: The Ethiopian Case
Authors: Vadala Alexander Attilio 
Published: August 2011

AbstractThis article analyzes the symbolic manifestations of power by Ethiopian political elites at the national level. It explains what power symbols they associate themselves with and what meanings these symbols have. More particularly, it analyzes whether these power symbols have changed over time, and if so what explains the change(s). These questions are answered by comparing the last three Ethiopian regimes. The article relies on secondary sources and on the author’s personal observations.
Image and Text in the Jewish Epitaphs of Late Ancient Rome
Authors: Williams Margaret H. 
Published: August 2011

AbstractThis paper aims to establish for the first time the relationship between the verbal and visual elements of the Jewish epitaphs from 3d/4th-century C.E. Rome. A close analysis of the approximately 500 usable inscriptions leads to the conclusion that, the Jewish character of most of the images notwithstanding, the key operative factor at every social level was Roman memorialisation practice. The study thus throws considerable light on the acculturation of Rome’s Jews in Late Antiquity. Two appendices, in which all the symbols that occur are listed individually and by cluster, complete the study.
Confession cum Deliverance:In/Dividuality of the Subject Among Kinshasa’s Born-Again Christians
Authors: Pype Katrien 
Published: August 2011

AbstractThe article deals with the social significance of confessions among Kinshasa’s born-again Christians.1 Together with conversion narratives and former witches’ testimonies, confessions represent the main discursive rituals in the religious practices of newborn Christians. The analysis departs from the observation that among Kinshasa’s born-again Christians confessions are usually preceded or followed by deliverance rituals, and, that they are rarely acted out in an intimate and private encounter with the pastor. Rather, these narratives are usually expressed in public, preferably with the sinners’ victims as audience. The public nature of the confessions and their co-occurrence with spiritual cleansing as performed via deliverance rituals allow us to embark on an analysis that foregrounds the uncertainty of the Christian subject and the ways in which the subject can emerge but also be broken down.
(In-)Dividual Pentecostals in Ghana
Authors: Daswani Girish 
Published: August 2011

AbstractHow are Ghanaian Pentecostals related to others, not just as individuals but relationally and as partible and divisible selves that have an influential force over each other? In answering this question I use the example of two Ghanaian Pentecostal women who face personal problems in their lives and who seek different alternatives in alleviating their suffering. While claims to individuality may be important in born-again conversion, I argue that we also need to consider how Pentecostal Christians are dividual and related to others. In doing so, I examine these Ghanaian Pentecostal women as ethical subjects who are involved in balancing individual achievements against moral obligations to others.
The Role of Air–Sea Interaction for Prediction of Australian Summer Monsoon Rainfall
Authors: Hendon Harry H. , Lim Eun-Pa , Liu Guo 
Published: August 2011

Abstract
Forecast skill for seasonal mean rainfall across northern Australia is lower during the summer monsoon than in the premonsoon transition season based on 25 years of hindcasts using the Predictive Ocean Atmosphere Model for Australia (POAMA) coupled model seasonal forecast system. The authors argue that this partly reflects an intrinsic property of the monsoonal system, whereby seasonally varying air–sea interaction in the seas around northern Australia promotes predictability in the premonsoon season and demotes predictability after monsoon onset. Trade easterlies during the premonsoon season support a positive feedback between surface winds, SST, and rainfall, which results in stronger and more persistent SST anomalies to the north of Australia that compliment the remote forcing of Australian rainfall from El Niño in the Pacific. After onset of the Australian summer monsoon, this local feedback is not supported in the monsoonal westerly regime, resulting in weaker SST anomalies to the north of Australia and with lower persistence than in the premonsoon season. Importantly, the seasonality of this air–sea interaction is captured in the POAMA forecast model. Furthermore, analysis of perfect model forecasts and forecasts generated by prescribing observed SST results in largely the same conclusion (i.e., significantly lower actual and potential forecast skill during the monsoon), thereby supporting the notion that air–sea interaction contributes to intrinsically lower predictability of rainfall during the monsoon.
On the Squall Lines Preceding Landfalling Tropical Cyclones in China
Authors: Meng Zhiyong , Zhang Yunji 
Published: August 2011

Based on a 3-yr (2007–09) mosaic of radar reflectivity and conventional surface and synoptic radiosonde observations, the general features of squall lines preceding landfalling tropical cyclones (TCs) (pre-TC) in China are examined and compared with their midlatitude and subtropical counterparts. The results show that about 40% of landfalling TCs are associated with pre-TC squall lines with high-occurring frequency in August and from late afternoon to midnight. Most pre-TC squall lines form in a broken-line mode with a trailing-stratiform organization. On average, they occur about 600 km from the TC center in the front-right quadrant with a maximum length of 220 km, a maximum radar reflectivity of 57–62 dBZ, a life span of 4 h, and a moving speed of 12.5 m s−1. Pre-TC squall lines are generally shorter in lifetime and length than typical midlatitude squall lines. Pre-TC squall lines tend to form in the transition area between the parent TC and subtropical high in a moist environment and with a weaker cold pool than their midlatitude counterparts. The environmental 0–3-km vertical shear is around 10 m s−1 and generally normal to the orientation of the squall lines. This weak shear makes pre-TC squall lines in a suboptimal condition according to the Rottuno–Klemp–Weisman (RKW) theory. Convection is likely initiated by low-level mesoscale frontogenesis, convergence, and/or confluence instead of synoptic-scale forcing. The parent TC may contribute to (i) the development of convection by enhancing conditional instability and low-level moisture supply, and (ii) the linear organization of discrete convection through the interaction between the TC and the neighboring environmental system.
Tunable Perovskite Semiconductor CH3NH3SnX3 (X: Cl, Br, or I) Characterized by X-ray and DTA
Authors: Yamada Koji , Nakada Kyosuke , Takeuchi Yonosuke , Nawa Kaori , Yamane Yohei 
Published: August 2011

Abstract
A series of perovskite halide solid solutions was synthesized and characterized by DTA and X-ray diffraction. The solid solution CH3NH3SnBr3−xClx (x = 0–3) changes its color from red, orange, yellow to a colorless state with increasing x. Although each highest temperature phase belongs to a cubic system, a slight trigonal distortion was observed above x = 1.0 at room temperature. Similar continuous solid solutions with black colors were confirmed for CH3NH3SnBr3−xIx (x = 0, 1, 2, and 3) keeping a cubic perovskite structure over the whole x region. On the other hand, continuous solid solutions CH3NH3SnI3−xClx could not be confirmed. The solid-state static 1H NMR suggested that the isotropic reorientation of the cation does not freeze even at 150 K for the perovskite having a large anionic sublattice. The characteristic changes of the color and the electric structure for these perovskites were discussed analytically on the basis of the tight-binding approach. This simple one-dimensional expression predicts that the tin(II) perovskite halide is a direct band gap semiconductor with tailorable properties.