bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The determinants of land snail diversity along a tropical elevational gradient: insularity, geometry and niches
Authors: Liew Thor‐Seng , Schilthuizen Menno , bin Lakim Maklarin 
Published: December 2009

AbstractAim  We investigated the patterns of species richness in land snails and slugs along a tropical elevational gradient and whether these patterns correlate with area, elevation, geographic constraints, and productivity. We did so both at the scale at which land snail population processes take place and at the coarser scale of elevational zones.Location  Mount Kinabalu (4096 m) and the adjacent Mount Tambuyukon (2588 m) in Kinabalu Park, Sabah, Malaysian Borneo.Methods  We used an effort‐controlled sampling protocol to determine land snail and slug species richness in 142 plots of 0.04 ha at elevations ranging from 570 to 4096 m. Extents of elevational ranges were determined by interpolation, extended where appropriate at the lower end with data from lowlands outside the study area. We used regression analysis to study the relationships between species density and richness on the one hand and elevation and area on the other. This was done for point data as well as for data combined into 300‐m elevational intervals.Results  Species density (based on the individual samples) showed a decline with elevation. Elevational range length profiles revealed that range lengths are reduced at greater elevations and that a Rapoport effect is absent. Diversity showed a mild mid‐domain effect on Kinabalu, but not on Tambuyukon. When the data were combined into 300‐m elevational intervals, richness correlated more strongly with elevation than with area. Ecomorphospace was seen to shrink with increasing elevation.Main conclusions  The elevational species richness patterns show the combined effects of (1) reduced niche diversity at elevations with lower productivity and (2) historical events in which the upward migration of lowland species as well as the speciation of highland endemics took place.
Noninvasive methods for assessment of airway inflammation in occupational settings
Authors: Quirce S. , Lemière C. , De Blay F. , Del Pozo V. , Gerth Van Wijk R. , Maestrelli P. , Pauli G. , Pignatti P. , Raulf‐Heimsoth M. , Sastre J. , Storaas T. , Moscato G. 
Published: December 2009

To cite this article: Quirce S, Lemière C, de Blay F, del Pozo V, Gerth Van Wijk R, Maestrelli P, Pauli G, Pignatti P, Raulf‐Heimsoth M, Sastre J, Storaas T, Moscato G. Noninvasive methods for assessment of airway inflammation in occupational settings. Allergy 2010; 65: 445–458.AbstractThe present document is a consensus statement reached by a panel of experts on noninvasive methods for assessment of airway inflammation in the investigation of occupational respiratory diseases, such as occupational rhinitis, occupational asthma, and nonasthmatic eosinophilic bronchitis. Both the upper and the lower airway inflammation have been reviewed and appraised reinforcing the concept of ‘united airway disease’ in the occupational settings. The most widely used noninvasive methods to assess bronchial inflammation are covered: induced sputum, fractional exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO) concentration, and exhaled breath condensate. Nasal inflammation may be assessed by noninvasive approaches such as nasal cytology and nasal lavage, which provide information on different aspects of inflammatory processes (cellular vs mediators). Key messages and suggestions on the use of noninvasive methods for assessment of airway inflammation in the investigation and diagnosis of occupational airway diseases are issued.
Do individuals in better condition survive for longer? Field survival estimates according to male alternative reproductive tactics and sex
Authors: MUNGUÍA‐STEYER R. , CÓRDOBA‐AGUILAR A. , ROMO‐BELTRÁN A. 
Published: December 2009

AbstractThere is a gap in terms of the supposed survival differences recorded in the field according to individual condition. This is partly due to our inability to assess survival in the wild. Here we applied modern statistical techniques to field‐gathered data in two damselfly species whose males practice alternative reproductive tactics (ARTs) and whose indicators of condition in both sexes are known. In Paraphlebia zoe, there are two ART: a larger black‐winged (BW) male which defends mating territories and a smaller hyaline‐winged (HW) male that usually acts as a satellite. In this species, condition in both morphs is correlated with body size. In Calopteryx haemorrhoidalis, males follow tactics according to their condition with males in better condition practicing a territorial ART. In addition, in this species, condition correlates positively with wing pigmentation in both sexes. Our prediction for both species was that males practicing the territorial tactic will survive less longer than males using a nonterritorial tactic, and larger or more pigmented animals will survive for longer. In P. zoe, BW males survived less than females but did not differ from HW males, and not necessarily larger individuals survived for longer. In fact, size affected survival but only when group identity was analysed, showing a positive relationship in females and a slightly negative relationship in both male morphs. For C. haemorrhoidalis, survival was larger for more pigmented males and females, but size was not a good survival predictor. Our results partially confirm assumptions based on the maintenance of ARTs. Our results also indicate that female pigmentation, correlates with a fitness component – survival – as proposed by recent sexual selection ideas applied to females.
Cryptic female choice via sperm dumping favours male copulatory courtship in a spider
Authors: PERETTI A. V. , EBERHARD W. G. 
Published: December 2009

AbstractMales of many animals perform ‘copulatory courtship’ during copulation, but the possible reproductive significance of this behaviour has seldom been investigated. In some animals, including the spiderPhysocyclus globosus(Pholcidae), the female discards sperm during or immediately following some copulations. In this study, we determined which of several variables associated with copulation correlated with paternity success inP. globosuswhen two males mate with a single female. Then, by determining which of these variables also correlated with sperm dumping, we inferred which variables may affect paternity via the mechanism of sperm dumping. Male abdomen vibration (a copulatory courtship behaviour) and male genitalic squeezing both correlated with both paternity and sperm dumping; so, these traits may be favoured by biased sperm dumping. Biased sperm dumping may also be the mechanism by which possible cryptic female choice favours another male trait that was the subject of a previous study, responsiveness to female stridulation.
Mixed infections may promote diversification of mutualistic symbionts: why are there ineffective rhizobia?
Authors: FRIESEN M. L. , MATHIAS A. 
Published: December 2009

AbstractWhile strategy variation is a key feature of symbiotic mutualisms, little work focuses on the origin of this diversity. Rhizobia strategies range from mutualistic nitrogen fixers to parasitic nonfixers that hoard plant resources to increase their own survival in soil. Host plants reward beneficial rhizobia with higher nodule growth rates, generating a trade‐off between reproduction in nodules and subsequent survival in soil. However, hosts might not discriminate between strains in mixed infections, allowing nonfixing strains to escape sanctions. We construct an adaptive dynamics model of symbiotic nitrogen‐fixation and find general situations where symbionts undergo adaptive diversification, but in most situations complete nonfixers do not evolve. Social conflict in mixed infections when symbionts face a survival–reproduction trade‐off can drive the origin of some coexisting symbiont strategies, where less mutualistic strains exploit benefits generated by better mutualists.
Evolutionary history of the butterflyfishes (f: Chaetodontidae) and the rise of coral feeding fishes
Authors: BELLWOOD D. R. , KLANTEN S. , COWMAN P. F. , PRATCHETT M. S. , KONOW N. , Van HERWERDEN L. 
Published: December 2009

AbstractOf the 5000 fish species on coral reefs, corals dominate the diet of just 41 species. Most (61%) belong to a single family, the butterflyfishes (Chaetodontidae). We examine the evolutionary origins of chaetodontid corallivory using a new molecular phylogeny incorporating all 11 genera. A 1759‐bp sequence of nuclear (S7I1 and ETS2) and mitochondrial (cytochrome b) data yielded a fully resolved tree with strong support for all major nodes. A chronogram, constructed using Bayesian inference with multiple parametric priors, and recent ecological data reveal that corallivory has arisen at least five times over a period of 12 Ma, from 15.7 to 3 Ma. A move onto coral reefs in the Miocene foreshadowed rapid cladogenesis within Chaetodon and the origins of corallivory, coinciding with a global reorganization of coral reefs and the expansion of fast‐growing corals. This historical association underpins the sensitivity of specific butterflyfish clades to global coral decline.
Comparative Analysis of Muscle Architecture in Primate Arm and Forearm
Authors: Kikuchi Yasuhiro 
Published: December 2009

With 7 figures and 3 tablesSummaryA comparative study of myological morphology, i.e. muscle mass (MM), muscle fascicle length and muscle physiological cross‐sectional area (an indicator of the force capacity of muscles), was conducted in nine primate species: human (Homo sapiens), chimpanzee (Pan troglodytes), gibbon (Hylobates spp.), papio (Papio hamadryas), lutong (Trachypithecus francoisi), green monkey (Chlorocebus aethiops), macaque monkey (Macaca spp.), capuchin monkey (Cebus albifrons) and squirrel monkey (Saimiri sciureus). The MM distributions and the percentages in terms of functional categories were calculated as the ratios of the muscle masses. Moreover, individual normalized data were compared directly amongst species, independent of size differences. The results show that the different ratios of forearm‐rotation muscles between chimpanzee and gibbons may be related to the differences in their main positional behaviour, i.e. knuckle‐walking in chimpanzees and brachiation in gibbons, and the different frequencies of arm‐raising locomotion between these two species. Moreover, monkeys have larger normalized MM values for the elbow extensor muscles than apes, which may be attributed to the fact that almost all monkeys engage in quadrupedal locomotion. The characteristics of the muscle internal parameters of ape and human are discussed in comparison with those of monkey.
Implication of early‐onset biliary atresia and extrahepatic congenital anomalies
Authors: Yang Ming‐Chun , Chang Mei‐Hwei , Chiu Shuenn‐Nan , Peng Shinn‐Forng , Wu Jia‐Feng , Ni Yen‐Hsuan , Chen Huey‐Ling 
Published: December 2009

AbstractBackground:  The aim of the present study was to determine the rate of early‐onset biliary atresia (BA) and its implications, for embryonic‐type BA in Taiwan, a high‐prevalence area for BA. The relationship between the timing of disease onset and congenital extrahepatic anomalies was also identified.Methods:  Medical records of 130 infants born in Taiwan with biliary atresia between January 1996 and December 2005 were reviewed retrospectively. The gold standard for the diagnosis of biliary atresia was intraoperative cholangiography. As well as medical records review, abdominal imaging and echocardiograms were performed to determine other structural anomalies. Early‐onset BA was defined as acholic stool and cholestatic jaundice observed before 2 weeks of age.Results:  On review of onset of acholic stool and cholestatic jaundice before 2 weeks of age, 31 patients (23.8%) were defined as having early‐onset BA. Twenty patients (15.4%) had major congenital extrahepatic anomalies. One (0.7%) had biliary atresia splenic malformation syndrome (BASM). Both early‐onset and late‐onset BA may be associated with other structural anomalies. Patients with early‐onset BA had a higher probability of having major extrahepatic anomaly (9/31 vs 11/99, P= 0.046). Situs anomalies accompanying major gastrointestinal (GI) tract anomalies occurred only in early‐onset BA patients.Conclusions:  After comprehensively investigating the timing of onset and associated congenital extrahepatic anomalies in BA patients in Taiwan, only one BASM with double spleen was detected. A total of 23.8% of patients had early‐onset BA, and this group of patients is prone to extrahepatic anomalies. Situs anomalies accompanying major GI tract anomaly may be indicative of embryonic‐type early‐onset BA.
Thyroid function abnormalities among first‐degree relatives of Iranian congenital hypothyroidism neonates
Authors: Hashemipour Mahin , Hasani Nasibeh , Amini Masood , Heidari Kamal , Sajadi Ali , Dastanpour Masoomeh , Ajami Ali , Hovsepian Silva , Aminorroaya Ashraf , Dehghan Bahar , Kelishadi Roya 
Published: December 2009

AbstractBackground:  Congenital hypothyroidism (CH) is a relatively common metabolic disease in neonates. Until recent years the disorder was usually regarded as occurring in a sporadic manner. Over the past few years, however, a considerable proportion of familial cases have been identified, and possible roles of autoimmune factors suggested. The aim of the present study was to evaluate abnormality of thyroid function tests in first‐degree relatives of CH neonates and compared this to the normal population.Methods:  From 2002 until 2007 thyroid function tests (T4 and thyroid‐stimulating hormone [TSH]) were done in randomly selected CH and normal neonates (n= 194 and n= 350, respectively) and their first‐degree relatives. Most mothers of the CH neonates and control groups were also evaluated for thyroid peroxidase antibody (TPOAb).Results:  Thyroid function test in first‐degree relative of neonates with CH (361 parents, 136 siblings) were compared with those in control groups (665 parents, 478 siblings). Abnormal thyroid function tests were found in 85 patients in the CH group versus 96 patients in the control group; hypothyroidism was found in 75 (15.1%) and 57 subjects (5%) person in the CH and control groups, respectively (P < 0.05). Positive TPO antibody was found in 22 mothers (17.3%) of CH neonates in comparison with 65 mothers (32.5%) of control groups (P < 0.05). Frequency of hyperthyroidism in parents of control group had trend to be higher than parents of CH neonates (P= 0.05)Conclusion:  Familial and genetic components play a role in inheritance of CH, but maternal thyroid autoimmunity may not play an important role in the development of CH in Iran.
Barriers and paths to market for genetically engineered crops
Authors: Rommens Caius M. 
Published: December 2009

SummaryEach year, billions of dollars are invested in efforts to improve crops through genetic engineering (GE). These activities have resulted in a surge of publications and patents on technologies and genes: a momentum in basic research that, unfortunately, is not sustained throughout the subsequent phases of product development. After more than two decades of intensive research, the market for transgenic crops is still dominated by applications of just a handful of methods and genes. This discrepancy between research and development reflects difficulties in understanding and overcoming seven main barriers‐to‐entry: (1) trait efficacy in the field, (2) critical product concepts, (3) freedom‐to‐operate, (4) industry support, (5) identity preservation and stewardship, (6) regulatory approval and (7) retail and consumer acceptance. In this review, I describe the various roadblocks to market for transgenic crops and also discuss methods and approaches on how to overcome these, especially in the United States.
Skill Upgrading in New Zealand, 1986–2001
Authors: Hyslop Dean , Maré Dave 
Published: December 2009

Abstract Educational attainment increased markedly in New Zealand between 1986 and 2001, while the income premia for higher qualifications first increased and then stabilised or decreased over the 1990s. We first document the growth in qualification‐based skills and then examine its contribution to average income growth and the relationship with relative demand changes. Of the 15 per cent increase in real average incomes between 1986 and 2001, upskilling accounted for 25 per cent, while 70 per cent was due to income growth across all qualifications. The pattern of qualification employment share and relative income changes provides evidence of changing demand for skills within detailed industry–occupation cells.
Dynamic Gains and Market Access Insurance: Another Look at the Australia–US Free Trade Agreement
Authors: Harris Richard G. , Robertson Peter E. 
Published: December 2009

Abstract We revisit the benefits of the Australia–US Free Trade Agreement (AUSFTA) and, in particular, evaluate the insurance value of this agreement in the face of regional and global trade wars. The insurance benefits are quantified by comparing the AUSFTA against alternative scenarios where some or all regions raise tariffs by 10 percentage points. Issues regarding expectations and the timing of potential trade wars are considered by using a dynamic model. The potential gains relative to these alternative trade war status quo scenarios are found to be as much as four times larger than the traditional efficiency gains.
Pricking Bubbles in the Wind: Could Central Banks Have Done More to Head Off the Financial Crisis?
Authors: Davies Howard 
Published: December 2009

Abstract Regulators, commercial and investment banks, hedge funds and rating agencies have all borne some blame for the current global financial crisis, but could central banks have done more? It is argued in the lecture that in a number of ways central banks should have paid more attention to asset bubbles, which have high output costs. Asset prices, especially housing prices, should be identified as an explicit factor in the consideration of policy. More generally, central banks should adopt policies that ‘lean against the wind’.
The Growth of Agricultural Protection in Europe in the 19th and 20th Centuries
Authors: Swinnen Johan F. M. 
Published: December 2009

Abstract(1247) Johan F. M. SwinnenDramatic changes took place in agricultural policies in Europe in the 19th and 20th centuries. In the 1860s European nations agreed on a series of trade agreements which spread free trade across the continent. In the 1960s European nations concluded an international agreement which spread heavy government intervention and protection against imports across the continent. This paper quantifies these changes in protection over the course of a century, relates them to changes in policies, and offers a political economy explanation for the growth in agricultural protection in Europe.
The Asian Drivers and Africa: Learning from Case Studies
Authors: Goldstein Andrea , Pinaud Nicolas , Reisen Helmut , McCormick Dorothy 
Published: December 2009

Abstract(1248) Andrea Goldstein, Nicolas Pinaud, Helmut Reisen and Dorothy McCormickWhen the OECD Development Centre launched research in 2005 to document the economic, political and social impacts of China’s and India’s economic growth on sub‐Saharan African (SSA) countries, the arrival (or resurgence) of new important players had triggered concerns among traditional donors. Accusations ran from free riding on Western debt relief over violation of governance standards and unfair company competition to fragmentation of aid delivery. At the same time, there was a tendency to neglect the diversity of SSA in terms of resource endowments, trade links and industrial development. It was time then to promote African voices from various backgrounds to reflect Africa’s heterogeneity.The introductory section presents a summary of findings about the economic impact of the two Asian giants in SSA countries by Africa‐based economists, with three practical conclusions. First, African countries should favour strategies that minimise areas of direct competition with the Asian giants. Second, industrialisation strategies are required to exploit opportunities complementary to the Asian development path. Third, sectors of mutual interest should be identified in order to develop long‐term views on how to cooperate with China and India and these views should be mainstreamed into national development plans.
The Chinisation of Africa: The Case of Angola
Authors: Aguilar Renato , Goldstein Andrea 
Published: December 2009

Abstract(1249) Renato Aguilar and Andrea GoldsteinThe relationship between the Asian Drivers and Angola has attracted an attention only paralleled by the one surrounding interactions with Sudan. Three closely related perspectives are important. First, the rapid expansion of the Chinese and Indian economies has sustained the world price for oil, of which Angola is the second‐largest producer in sub‐Saharan Africa. In the process, China has also become Angola’s third‐largest trading partner, with a sizeable trade surplus favouring Angola. Second, from an international financing perspective, China’s keen interest to diversify the portfolio of assets in which to invest its huge international reserves is only matched by Angola’s need to find alternatives to normal and concessional sources of international financing, from which it is excluded due to the lack of progress in negotiating with the Bretton Woods institutions. Third, all these issues must be understood in the broader and possibly more complex scenario of the political economy of the relationship between Angola and the world. Because of the country’s size and control over huge oil resources, the growing presence of China in Angola has reverberations across the rest of Africa. And Angola has also joined OPEC in late 2006.
The Developmental Impact of the Asian Drivers on Senegal
Authors: Hazard Eric , De Vries Lotje , Barry Mamadou Alimou , Anouan Alexis Aka , Pinaud Nicolas 
Published: December 2009

Abstract(1250) Eric Hazard, Lotje De Vries, Mamadou Alimou Barry and Alexis Aka Anouan, with Nicolas PinaudAfrican countries have deepened their commercial and diplomatic relationships with China and India, and Senegal has been no exception. The historical context of the relationships, however, has differed. While Senegal already enjoyed a long‐lasting and stable relationship with India, relations with China have been more erratic, in particular on account of Dakar’s recognition of the Republic of China. We analyse trade and investment patterns with the Asian Drivers and how Senegal can form a relationship with these two superpowers that can contribute to its national development objectives. Contrary to other countries in Africa, Senegal is not a large producer of natural resources other than phosphates and fisheries and its consumer market is also rather limited. We find scarce evidence of large‐scale FDI flows and the amount of official development assistance is similarly anecdotic. For China and India, Senegal is of some interest as a logistical and commercial centre, rather than a production base for regional or foreign markets. Over the longer run, as these two countries are likely to become more important for Senegal simply on account of their increasing relevance on the world stage, we argue that it is essential that the authorities take these factors into account in developing policies that cater for economic development and social priorities.