bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The danger of applying the breeder's equation in observational studies of natural populations
Authors: MORRISSEY M. B. , KRUUK L. E. B. , WILSON A. J. 
Published: September 2010

AbstractThe breeder's equation, which predicts evolutionary change when a phenotypic covariance exists between a heritable trait and fitness, has provided a key conceptual framework for studies of adaptive microevolution in nature. However, its application requires strong assumptions to be made about the causation of fitness variation. In its univariate form, the breeder's equation assumes that the trait of interest is not correlated with other traits having causal effects on fitness. In its multivariate form, the validity of predicted change rests on the assumption that all such correlated traits have been measured and incorporated into the analysis. Here, we (i) highlight why these assumptions are likely to be seriously violated in studies of natural, rather than artificial, selection and (ii) advocate wider use of the Robertson–Price identity as a more robust, and less assumption‐laden, alternative to the breeder's equation for applications in evolutionary ecology.
Selection for thermostability can lead to the emergence of mutational robustness in an RNA virus
Authors: DOMINGO‐CALAP P. , PEREIRA‐GÓMEZ M. , SANJUÁN R. 
Published: September 2010

AbstractMutational robustness has important evolutionary implications, yet the mechanisms leading to its emergence remain poorly understood. One possibility is selection acting on a correlated trait, as for instance thermostability (plastogenetic congruence). Here, we examine the correlation between mutational robustness and thermostability in experimental populations of the RNA bacteriophage Qβ. Thermostable viruses evolved after only six serial passages in the presence of heat shocks, and genome sequencing suggested that thermostability can be conferred by several alternative mutations. To test whether thermostable viruses have increased mutational robustness, we performed additional passages in the presence of nitrous acid. Whereas in control lines this treatment produced the expected reduction in growth rate caused by the accumulation of deleterious mutations, thermostable viruses showed no such reduction, indicating that they are more resistant to mutagenesis. Our results suggest that selection for thermostability can lead to the emergence of mutational robustness driven by plastogenetic congruence. As temperature is a widespread selective pressure in nature, the mechanism described here may be relevant to the evolution of mutational robustness.
Infrared thermography and odour composition of the Amorphophallus gigas (Araceae) inflorescence: the cooling effect of the odorous liquid
Authors: Kakishima S. , Terajima Y. , Murata J. , Tsukaya H. 
Published: September 2010

AbstractDuring the second blooming of a cultivated Amorphophallus gigas Teijsm and Binnend in the Botanical Gardens of the University of Tokyo, the surface temperature of the inflorescence was measured using an infrared camera. Contrary to studies of other species in the genus Amorphophallus, the surface of the inflorescence showed only very faint thermogenesis and had a lower temperature than that of the background. This cooling effect appeared to be due to a loss of heat through evaporation, which was caused by the secretion of a very large amount of odorous liquid. Chemical analysis revealed that the major components of this liquid were acetic acid, propionic acid, butyric acid and valeric acids. The composition of the odorous liquid was slightly different between the spathe surface and the sterile appendix. The major component(s) of the odorous material from the spathe was butyric acid, and from the sterile appendix was valeric acids. These components would play dual roles of adding the characteristic smell to the inflorescence and cooling the inflorescence.
Incongruent patterns of genetic connectivity among four ophiuroid species with differing coral host specificity on North Atlantic seamounts
Authors: Cho Walter , Shank Timothy M. 
Published: September 2010

AbstractSeamounts are considered to play a defining role in the evolution and diversity of marine fauna, acting as ‘stepping‐stones’ for dispersal, regional centers of genetic isolation and speciation, and refugia for deep‐sea populations. This study focused on the patterns of dispersal and genetic connectivity of four seamount ophiuroid species (Asteroschema clavigera, Ophiocreas oedipus, Ophioplinthaca abyssalis, and Ophioplinthaca chelys) displaying differing levels of associative (epifaunal) specificity to cold‐water coral hosts inhabiting the New England and Corner Rise Seamount chains, and Muir Seamount in the Northwestern Atlantic. Analyses of mt16S and mtCOI revealed evidence for recent population expansion and high gene flow for all four species. However, species‐specific genetic differentiation was significant based on seamount region and depth. Significant differences were found among regional seamount groups for A. clavigera, within seamount regions and seamounts for O. chelys, among 250‐m depth intervals for A. clavigera, among 100‐m depth intervals for O. oedipus, and there were indications of isolation by distance for A. clavigera and O. oedipus. In addition, A. clavigera and O. oedipus, broadcast spawners with high fidelity to specific coral hosts, displayed predominantly westward historical migration, whereas the ophioplinthacids, with lower host‐specificity, displayed predominantly eastward migration. No congruent patterns of historical migration were evident among species and seamounts, yet these patterns can be correlated with species‐specific host specificity, specific depth strata, and dispersal strategies. Conservation efforts to protect seamount ecosystems should promote multi‐species approaches to genetic connectivity, and consider the impact of the ‘dependence’ of biodiversity on host fauna in these vulnerable marine ecosystems.
Paradigms in seamount ecology: fact, fiction and future
Authors: Rowden Ashley A. , Dower John F. , Schlacher Thomas A. , Consalvey Mireille , Clark Malcolm R. 
Published: September 2010

AbstractDespite a relatively short history, the field of seamount ecology is rife with ecological paradigms, many of which have already become cemented in the scientific literature and in the minds of advocates for seamount protection. Together, these paradigms have created a widely held view of seamounts as unique environments, hotspots of biodiversity and endemicity, and fragile ecosystems of exceptional ecological worth. However, closer examination reveals significant gaps in our knowledge, thereby calling the accuracy of some of these paradigms into question. Here, we review the evolution of the major paradigms in seamount ecology, assess their status against the weight of existing evidence to date, identify emerging paradigms, and suggest future research directions. We find the assertions that seamount communities are vulnerable to fishing, and that these communities have high sensitivity and low resilience to bottom trawling disturbance are well supported by existing data. We find plausible evidence that seamounts are stepping stones for dispersal, oases of abundance and biomass, and hotspots of species richness. Nonetheless, the poor sampling coverage of these discrete but globally distributed environments prevents us from accepting these ideas as paradigms. Also plausible, but requiring further investigation, are the emerging paradigms that seamount communities are structurally distinct, that populations of invertebrates on seamounts are the source of propagules for nearby slope sinks, and that seamounts have acted and can act as biological refugia from large‐scale catastrophic environmental events. In contrast, the generalizations that seamounts are island habitats with highly endemic faunas that comprise unique communities distinct in species composition from other deep‐sea habitats, and that they have high production supported by localized bottom‐up forcing, are not supported by the weight of existing evidence.
Effect of different suture techniques on tension dispersion in cutaneous wounds: A pilot study
Authors: Macpherson Neil , Lee Simon 
Published: September 2010

ABSTRACTBackground/Objectives:  Wound tension plays an integral role in both wound healing and cosmesis. The use of W‐plasty has been shown to evenly distribute tension, but is difficult to use in cutaneous surgery. This pilot study aimed to review suture techniques that may give the same wound‐tension distribution as W‐plasty.Methods:  Porcine skin mounted on a standard board was used. A standard grid was superimposed onto the tissue, and an incision was made which was digitally photographed. The defect was then sutured using three suture techniques: simple interrupted sutures, mattress sutures and mattress sutures with knots on alternate sides. Subcutaneous sutures were also used in conjunction with each of these suturing techniques. The grid points were compared and the variation from baseline recorded. These variations were then graphed.Results:  The simple interrupted and mattress sutures showed bias of tension opposite to the side of the knot. The alternate mattress suture demonstrated a more even distribution of tension.Conclusion:  The mattress suture with alternating knots had a tension pattern that distributed the forces equally across the wound. This is similar to the pattern of W‐plasty, suggesting the technique may be used for improved wound healing and cosmesis in areas of tension.
Recurrent distal digital keratoacanthoma of the periungual region treated with Mohs micrographic surgery
Authors: Cecchi Roberto , Troiano Michela , Buralli Lauro , Innocenti Stefania 
Published: September 2010

ABSTRACTWe report a 42‐year‐old man who presented with a recurrent painful nodule on the proximal nail fold of the left fifth finger. The tumour had been surgically excised at another department a month earlier, and histological examination had shown a keratoacanthoma. The patient underwent Mohs micrographic surgery, and no recurrence was evident 16 months later. Mohs micrographic surgery appears to be an effective option in the management of this unusual variant of keratoacanthoma, which is often difficult to eradicate.
Treatment‐resistant elephantiasic thyroid dermopathy responding to rituximab and plasmapheresis
Authors: Heyes Christopher , Nolan Richard , Leahy Michael , Gebauer Kurt 
Published: September 2010

ABSTRACTA 44‐year‐old woman was diagnosed with Graves' disease in 1995 and over the following 12 months developed thyroid dermopathy (pretibial myxoedema). Despite being trialled on multiple recognized therapies over the course of 11 years, the patient's dermopathy progressively worsened. She developed ocular proptosis, elephantiasic thyroid dermopathy and acropachy in both hands. In mid 2006, the patient was started on rituximab and plasmapheresis, with rapid response. The patient's condition stabilized and in October 2009 at the age of 58 years she was able to cease therapy.
A RECREATION AND SOCIAL PROGRAMME CONDUCTED WITH THE INSTITUTIONALIZED AGED
Authors: ASHBURNER J. K. 
Published: September 2010

AbstractThe perceived deficits in the “quality of life” of the institutionalized aged, were the lack of interpersonal behaviour and the high degree of inactivity. Thus, the programme was devised in order to increase social interaction and participation in activity. The programme was conducted for eight weeks and consisted of simple crafts, group activities and two long term projects. Comparisons of ratings of participants, on social interaction and participation in activity prior to and following the programme, revealed no significant trends. Comparison of morale scores of participants and another group who had not participated, showed that those who had not participated had higher scores on the factor “agitation” and on the overall score. Patients generally preferred “other oriented” to “self oriented” activities and preferred more purposeful activities. They also preferred working in a group to working alone. This seems to support the assumption that there are needs for social interaction and involvement in activity.
DEVELOPMENTAL DELAY: INTERVENTION PROCEDURES
Authors: COCHRANE MICHELE M. 
Published: September 2010

ABSTRACTThis article examines developmental delay and the implications of such disorders. Firstly, developmental delay is defined and the normal developmental process is briefly described. The types of problems which ensue if this process is interrupted or disturbed are then viewed. The need and importance of early intervention procedures are substantiated by experimental evidence, and the present tendency for late diagnosis, and the reasons for it, are also considered. Finally, Occupational Therapy as a discipline, it is argued, has a role to play in the treatment of children with developmental delay as well as providing support for parents.
PROPOSAL FOR A RETURN TO THE DISCIPLINE OF OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY
Authors: Hanschu Bonnie J. 
Published: September 2010

AbstractThe uniqueness of Occupational Therapy is reflected in our discipline as defined by our conceptual base and occupational therapy frames of reference. In this time of economic instability funding restrictions often necessitate a cutback in services. Role blurring must not be confused with providing complementary services which dovetail. Clear description and demonstration of the unique contributions of occupational therapy can minimise the danger of decision makers failing to support vital services. The future of occupational therapy is in our hands.
SENSORY INTEGRATIVE THERAPY AS AN INTERVENTION PROCEDURE WITH GRADE ONE “AT RISK” READERS — A THREE YEAR STUDY
Authors: Grimwood Lorraine M. , Rutherford Elizabeth M. 
Published: September 2010

AbstractThe study was concerned with assessing the effectiveness of sensory integrative therapy as an intervention method on a group of grade one children — predicted to be “at risk” for later reading failure. Following two half‐hour therapy sessions per week over twenty‐four weeks, the experimental group performed significantly higher than the control group on measures of reading ability. These gains were maintained over a two‐year non‐intervention period.
An Evaluation of Chair Bases for Use On Carpet By Children With Cerebral Palsy
Authors: BROWN SANDRA 
Published: September 2010

Children at the Mosman Spastic Centre Public School were assessed in carpeted classrooms to find a suitable chair that would promote independence. Four chair designs were compared and information recorded from aides, teachers, therapists and children. It was agreed that while the swivel chair and castor chair were unsuitable, the sled base design and rug runner attachments, two relatively new ideas, had a variety of advantages. A comparison between the two. detailing both the merits and the limitations. provides useful criteria for selecting a suitable classroom chair for the child with cerebral palsy.Since this project was started the chair with rug runners is being supplied on a regular basis throughout the school and is more recently being requested by parents for use at home. Unfortunately, the sled base, while a popular alternative, is only commercially available in an adult size. A smaller version of this chair using a variety of seat styles in preference to the polypropylene mould is currently being developed.
Seed germination and dispersal strategy of Trillium apetalon (Trilliaceae): a typical temperate woodland perennial in Japan
Authors: SUZUKI KOJIRO , KAWANO SHOICHI 
Published: September 2010

AbstractSeed dispersal and germination mechanisms of Trillium apetalon Makino were investigated in field populations and under experimental conditions. Seeds mature in mid‐June in lowland populations, and in late July to early August in montane to subalpine populations. In the field, seed dispersal and germination proceed in distinct phases. Mature seeds, each with a large soft seed elaiosome, are dispersed by ants. Following dispersal, the radicle elongates first, but the cotyledon is still covered with the seed coat. The first true leaf (plumule) develops, and then the cotylendon (d) disappears. Subsequently, the first radicle (b) disappears, but a single new root (bl) is formed, with an old radicle trace (f). Finally, the first radicle disappears completely and then a single root is formed. Approximately 70% of all seeds produced germinated in the field. Approximately half germinated in the autumn following dispersal and approximately 20% of the remaining seeds germinated in early summer, but a few remaining seeds germinated in late summer of the succeeding year, more than a year and half after seed dispersal. Light conditions did not affect germination, but seeds lost their viability under dry storage conditions. In the field, litter cover may be important because it moderates temperature and retains moisture. The hydrocarbons contained in the seed elaiosome obviously play a role, attracting ants for seed dispersal.
SHORT COMMUNICATION: Normal aerobic bacterial conjunctival flora in the Crab‐eating raccoon (Procyon cancrivorus) and Coati (Nasua nasua) housed in captivity in pernambuco and paraiba (Northeast, Brazil)
Authors: Spinelli Taciana P. , Oliveira‐Filho Edmilson F. , Silva Davi , Mota Rinaldo , Sá F. B. 
Published: September 2010

AbstractObjective To determine the normal aerobic bacterial conjunctival population of the Coatis and the Crab‐eating raccoons housed in captivity in the Pernambuco and Paraiba states of Brazil.Animals studied Ten healthy Coatis and 10 healthy Crab‐eating raccoons were selected for this study. Animals are from three zoos situated at the Pernambuco and Paraiba States in the north‐east of Brazil.Procedures After ophthalmologic examination, swabs from healthy animals were carefully collected in order to avoid contamination. Samples were identified and submitted to the laboratory. Swabs were plated for culture on ovine blood agar (8%) and agar Levine and incubated at 37 °C and observed 24 and 48 h.Results Staphylococcusspp. was the most common microorganism isolated from conjunctival sac.Shigellaspp. comprised the Gram‐negative genera isolated.Escherichia coliwere isolated from the right eye of one Coati that had no growth at contralateral eye. Nine eyes from coatis and 10 from Crab‐eating raccoons had no microorganisms isolated.Conclusion Our results were in accordance with previous studies indicatingStaphylococcussp., followed byCorynebacteriumspp. as the most common inhabitant of the eyes of most mammalian species.
B‐mode ultrasonography biometry of the Amazon Parrot (Amazona aestiva) eye
Authors: Lehmkuhl Ricardo C. , Almeida Mariana F. , Mamprim Maria J. , Vulcano Luiz C. 
Published: September 2010

AbstractPurpose Ultrasonographic evaluation of the eye is a relatively recent addition to routine ophthalmic diagnostics in small animal ophthalmology. Some parameters for ophthalmic biometry have been established. There are few studies in clinical avian ophthalmology that describe ultrasound images of eye in some nocturnal avian species and in other birds that do not belong to the Brazilian fauna, but the psittacine family is not represented. The purpose of this study was to describe the following measurements: the distances between cornea and anterior lens capsule (D1) between the anterior and posterior lens capsule (D2), between posterior lens capsule and optic papilla (D3) and the axial length.Method Sixty four transpalpebral ocular ultrasound examinations were performed on 32 Blue fronted Amazon parrots (Amazona aestiva) with no history of previous ophthalmic disease.Result and Discussion The measurements were taken in sagital planes using a 10 MHz linear probe without a standoff pad. The mean values for the left eye were; D1 0.17 ± 0.03 cm, D2 0.35 ± 0.02 cm, D3 0.73 ± 0.04 cm and the axial length 1.26 ± 0.06 cm. In the right eye D1 0.17 ± 0.02 cm, D2 0.34 ± 0.02 cm, D3 0.74 ± 0.03 cm and the axial length 1.25 ± 0.05 cm. No significant statistical difference was observed among the birds or between the left and right eye. The description of these parameters will allow the veterinary practitioner to evaluate the structural changes that specific diseases may cause in these animals.
Bilateral mydriasis in common buzzards (Buteo buteo) and little owls (Athene noctua) induced by concurrent topical administration of rocuronium bromide
Authors: Barsotti Giovanni , Briganti Angela , Spratte Johanna Roselinde , Ceccherelli Renato , Breghi Gloria 
Published: September 2010

AbstractObjective To evaluate the achievement of a bilateral mydriasis in raptors induced by a concurrent topical application of rocuronium bromide and to assess any side effects that might result from its use.Animals studied Ten healthy adult common buzzards (Buteo buteo) and 10 healthy adult little owls (Athene noctua).Procedures Common buzzards (Group 1) received a single dose of 0.40 mg of rocuronium bromide in each eye (total dose 0.80 mg/bird), whereas the little owls (Group 2) received a single dose of 0.20 mg in each eye (total dose 0.40 mg/bird). The drug was topically instilled in all the birds of both groups. The pupil diameter was measured with a pupillary gauge and the assessment of the pupillary light reflexes was performed using a standard light source.Results Maximal pupillary diameter was 8.10 ± 0.56 mm in the right eye and 8.05 ± 0.59 mm in the left eye for Group 1 and 10.0 ± 0.75 mm in both eyes for Group 2. No statistical differences were evidenced between the achieved pupillary diameters of both eyes in each group. The maximal pupillary diameter was achieved at T110 min and T40 min for Groups 1 and 2, respectively. The drug did not cause noticeable adverse effects in the examined birds.Conclusions A single concurrent topical administration of rocuronium bromide to the eyes of the examined birds induced a complete bilateral mydriasis in both eyes without causing any adverse effect.
Characterization of progressive keratitis in Otariids
Authors: Colitz Carmen M. H. , Renner Michael S. , Manire Charles A. , Doescher Bethany , Schmitt Todd L. , Osborn Steven D. , Croft Lara , Olds June , Gehring Erica , Mergl June , Tuttle Allison D. , Sutherland‐Smith Meg , Rudnick Jens Christian 
Published: September 2010

AbstractObjective  To characterize a form of progressive keratitis that occurs commonly in otariids.Materials and methods  One hundred and thirteen captive otariids were evaluated by ophthalmologic examination and digital photography.Results  Forty‐six females and 67 males were in the reference population, average age of 14 years. California sea lions predominated (n = 100); there were also six Steller sea lions, five brown fur seals, one Guadalupe fur seal and one northern fur seal. Three stages of progressive keratitis are described. Overall, 64.6% animals and 142 eyes from 113 animals (62.8%) were affected with one of three stages. The mildest form, Stage 1 keratitis, occurred in 78 of 226 eyes (34.5%); the intermediate Stage 2 keratitis occurred in 30 of 226 eyes (13.3%); and the most severe, Stage 3 keratitis, occurred in 34 of 226 eyes (15%). All but six animals had bilateral disease. Animals with Stage 1 keratitis were significantly younger than those in more advanced stages.Discussion  ‘Otariid Keratitis’ occurs in all populations of eared seals evaluated. A large‐scale epidemiological study is ongoing to identify the risk factors that contribute to this disease. Exposure to chronic sunlight appears to be an important risk factor as shade diminishes clinical signs; animals kept out of sunlight the majority of the time have less severe clinical signs. Age may be important since exposure accumulates with aging. Progression of the disease is also associated with secondary opportunistic bacterial and fungal infections. The surface immune system may be imbalanced contributing to these infections and progression.