bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Making development accountable
Authors: Ochoki Nyamori Robert 
Published: June 2009

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to describe and critically evaluate the systems of accounting and accountability for the Constituency Development Fund (CDF) in Kenya. It suggests a new framework of accounting and accountability that places the goals and aspirations expressed in public discourse at the centre of accountability.Design/methodology/approachThe theoretical insights of Bourdieu and Foucault are mobilized so as to tease out the nature of power relations between the various fields associated with the CDF in Kenya. The study analyses newspaper commentaries as text for identifying the main themes associated with the management of the CDF in Kenya.FindingsThe paper finds that the CDF's systems of accounting and accountability are skewed towards the needs of centralized national planning and development, contrary to its expressed aim of bringing about citizens' participation in development.Research limitations/implicationsUse of newspaper commentaries and reports does not necessarily represent the views of the majority of the people of Kenya.Practical implicationsA new framework is suggested which places the goals and aspirations of public discourse at the centre of accounting with the various capitals suggested by these goals and aspirations forming the dimensions on which the CDF can be accounted for. Novel forms of accounting and accountability are suggested which include presentation of CDF implementation and results at public forums where the managers of CDF can be interrogated on the basis of the goals and aspirations expressed in public discourse.Originality/valueStudy of the CDF systems of accounting and accountability is a unique contribution to accounting for development in developing countries.
Sydney water sector change and industrial water management
Authors: Egan Matthew 
Published: June 2009

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to explain three phases of modernisation change in the Sydney water sector from the early 1980s to 2007 and comments on how those phases of change are likely to be impacting the nascent development of water management processes in Sydney‐based water consuming organisations.Design/methodology/approachA framework of modernisation reform in the Sydney water sector has been determined through literature review.FindingsThis paper demonstrates that only moderate modernisation reform occurred in the Sydney water sector in the period from the early 1980s to 2007 tempered by water scarcity and a thrust to sustainability. As a result of these reforms, it is argued that water management processes in water consuming organisations are likely to have accelerated into the early 2000s.Research limitations/implicationsThis paper calls for empirical research to understand why organisations in the Sydney region have recently developed water management practices.Practical implicationsThis paper contributes to an understanding of the impact of modernisation reform in the Sydney water sector from the early 1980s to 2007 and provides insight into the factors driving water management practices in water consuming organisations.Originality/valueThis paper provides public sector and environmental management researchers with an examination of modernisation reform in the Sydney water sector and relates this to the development of water management objectives in water consuming organisations.
Bleeding peptic ulcer – time trends in incidence, treatment and mortality in Sweden
Authors: SADIC J. , BORGSTRÖM A. , MANJER J. , TOTH E. , LINDELL G. 
Published: June 2009

SummaryBackground  The incidence of peptic ulcer disease was expected to decrease following the introduction of acid inhibitors and Helicobacter pylori eradication.Aim  To analyse possible changes in the incidence of bleeding peptic ulcer, treatment and mortality over time.Methods  Residents of Malmö hospitalized for bleeding gastric or duodenal ulcer disease during 1987–2004 were identified in hospital databases (n = 1610). The material was divided into 6‐year periods to identify changes over time. All patients who had been submitted to emergency surgery (n = 137) were reviewed.Results  The incidence rate for bleeding gastric or duodenal ulcers decreased by one half in males and by one‐third in females and emergency operations decreased significantly (9.2%, 7.5% and 5.7% during the three time periods, respectively (P < 0.05). The post‐operative mortality tended to decrease (9.7, 2.4 and 3.7%, respectively) and the 30‐day mortality rates in the whole material were 1.2%, 3.6% and 3.4% during the different time periods.Conclusion  The incidence of bleeding gastric and duodenal ulcer disease has decreased markedly. Operative treatment has been replaced by endoscopic treatment. The bleeding ulcer‐related mortality was less than 4% and has not changed over time.
Database of cattle candidate genes and genetic markers for milk production and mastitis
Authors: Ogorevc J. , Kunej T. , Razpet A. , Dovc P. 
Published: June 2009

SummaryA cattle database of candidate genes and genetic markers for milk production and mastitis has been developed to provide an integrated research tool incorporating different types of information supporting a genomic approach to study lactation, udder development and health. The database contains 943 genes and genetic markers involved in mammary gland development and function, representing candidates for further functional studies. The candidate loci were drawn on a genetic map to reveal positional overlaps. For identification of candidate loci, data from seven different research approaches were exploited: (i) gene knockouts or transgenes in mice that result in specific phenotypes associated with mammary gland (143 loci); (ii) cattle QTL for milk production (344) and mastitis related traits (71); (iii) loci with sequence variations that show specific allele‐phenotype interactions associated with milk production (24) or mastitis (10) in cattle; (iv) genes with expression profiles associated with milk production (207) or mastitis (107) in cattle or mouse; (v) cattle milk protein genes that exist in different genetic variants (9); (vi) miRNAs expressed in bovine mammary gland (32) and (vii) epigenetically regulated cattle genes associated with mammary gland function (1). Fourty‐four genes found by multiple independent analyses were suggested as the most promising candidates and were further in silico analysed for expression levels in lactating mammary gland, genetic variability and top biological functions in functional networks. A miRNA target search for mammary gland expressed miRNAs identified 359 putative binding sites in 3′UTRs of candidate genes.
Effects of ultraviolet radiation on human cutaneous nerve fibres
Authors: Rodriguez A. L. , Stefani F. S. , De Oliveira Praes C. E. , Piaceski A. , Oliveira M. P. , Martins P. , Da Silva V. D. , Bonorino C. , Bauer M. E. 
Published: June 2009

AbstractDue to an increasing number of skin diseases as a result of exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation, it is necessary to evaluate the effectiveness of new skin care formulations with broad‐spectrum sunscreens.Objectives:  This study aims to assess the status of nerve fibres in healthy human skin, to quantify effects of UV radiation on nerve endings, and to evaluate neuroprotective effects of new skin care formulations against UV exposure damage.Methods:  Samples were obtained from 34 female patients enrolled for plastic surgery and were immediately treated (10 min) with three emulsions: Cream 1, Cream 2 (placebo) and a sunscreen with sun protection factor 15 (SPF15). Control samples and those treated with the cream emulsions were exposed to UVA and UVB for 60 min. Nerve fibres were identified by immunofluorescence using a monoclonal antibody (anti‐human CD56/NCAM). Cell damage was assessed by image analysis.Results:  Several cellular nervous structures were identified in the skin samples, including free nerve endings. UVA and UVB significantly decreased (40–60%) density of nerve endings in the control samples and those treated with placebo (Cream 2) or SPF15 (all P < 0.001). Cream 1 completely blocked effects of UV radiation on nerve endings (P > 0.05 vs. control).Conclusions:  Quantification of cell damage induced by UV radiation provides useful information for identification of new skin care compounds with neuroprotective properties.
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder in pre‐school children: current findings, recommended interventions and future directions
Authors: Daley D. , Jones K. , Hutchings J. , Thompson M. 
Published: June 2009

AbstractThis paper outlines the presentation, aetiology and treatment of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in pre‐school children. A review of current parenting training interventions demonstrates that there is good evidence for their efficacy in reducing symptoms of ADHD in pre‐school children, and three interventions are evaluated: The new forest parent training programme (NFPP); the triple P – positive parenting programme and the incredible years parent training programme (IY). The evaluation of the NFPP provides strong evidence demonstrating its effectiveness for pre‐school children with ADHD, while the efficacy of the Triple – P and the IY programme have, to date, only been demonstrated on children with conduct problems and co‐morbid ADHD. It is suggested that parent training should be the first choice treatment for pre‐school children presenting signs of ADHD, and medication introduced only for those children where parent training is not effective. Few moderators of outcome have been identified for these interventions, with the exception of parental ADHD. Barriers to intervention and implementation fidelity will need to be addressed to achieve high levels of attendance, completion and efficacy. The IY programme is a good model for addressing fidelity issues and for overcoming barriers to intervention. The future directions for parent training are also discussed.
Gastrointestinal nematode infection interferes with experimental allergic airway inflammation but not atopic dermatitis
Authors: Hartmann S. , Schnoeller C. , Dahten A. , Avagyan A. , Rausch S. , Lendner M. , Bocian C. , Pillai S. , Loddenkemper C. , Lucius R. , Worm M. , Hamelmann E. 
Published: June 2009

SummaryBackground
Some helminth infections are negatively associated with the prevalence of allergic disorders, arguing for a modulation of allergic reactions by the parasites, depending on the worm species, intensity and phase of infection and the type of disease.Objective
The aim of this study was to analyse the influence of a chronic infection with the gastrointestinal nematode Heligmosomoides polygyrus, in a murine model of allergic airway disease and of atopic dermatitis (AD), respectively.Methods
Mice were infected with H. polygyrus and systemically sensitized with the model allergen ovalbumin. Subsequently, the animals were challenged with the allergen either via the airways for induction of airway disease, or via skin patches for induction of dermatitis.Results
Mice concomitantly infected with H. polygyrus showed diminished eosinophil and lymphocyte recruitment into the lungs and decreased allergen‐specific IgE levels when compared with sensitized and airway challenged controls. In addition, animals showed a trend towards reduced airway hyper‐reactivity. In contrast, no significant differences in the severity of eczematous skin lesions were observed between infected and control animals in the AD model. Although H. polygyrus infection reduced CD8+ and CD4+ T‐cell infiltration into the skin and production of allergen‐specific IgE, mast cell recruitment was significantly increased in worm‐infected mice in the dermatitis model. The worm infection was associated with significantly elevated numbers of Foxp3+ regulatory T cells (Treg) in peribronchial lymph nodes in H. polygyrus‐infected sensitized and airway challenged mice. In contrast, Treg cells were basically absent in eczematous skin and their number was not increased in skin‐draining lymph nodes of mice with experimental dermatitis.Conclusion
Infection with the gastrointestinal nematode used in our study leads to significant inhibition of mucosa‐associated but not cutaneous allergic reactions, pointing to a site specificity of the immunomodulation exerted by helminths. This finding might be an important aspect for future considerations of helminths for treatment of allergic diseases.
Clinical and genetic heterogeneity of congenital adrenal hypoplasia due to NR0B1 gene mutations
Authors: Landau Zohar , Hanukoglu Aaron , Sack Joseph , Goldstein Nurit , Weintrob Naomi , Eliakim Alon , Gillis David , Sagi Michal , Shomrat Ruth , Kosinovsky Elka Bella , Anikster Yair 
Published: June 2009

SummaryIntroduction  X‐linked adrenal hypoplasia congenita (AHC) is a rare disorder caused by mutations or complete deletion of the NR0B1 gene that encodes the DAX‐1 protein, an orphan member of the nuclear receptor superfamily. AHC is characterized by adrenal insufficiency in infancy and early childhood. Later, hypogonadotropic hypogonadism (HH) manifests as pubertal failure.Patients and methods  We evaluated the clinical, endocrine and molecular characteristics of 12 AHC patients from 5 families diagnosed between 1984 and 2007 in Israel.Results  Most of the boys (10/12) presented with signs of adrenal insufficiency such as salt wasting and failure to thrive during the neonatal period. Aldosterone deficiency usually preceded cortisol deficiency requiring early mineralocorticoid therapy. Serum cortisol levels in the first weeks of life varied from very low to high levels (<2·76 to >1776 nmol/l). Five boys showed signs of precocious sexual development during infancy and childhood, including enlargement of the penis and testes. In four patients the initial diagnoses were erroneous. Molecular analysis of the NR0B1 gene identified point mutations in six patients including a novel splice site mutation in one patient and his family (IVS1‐1G→C). Contiguous gene deletion was found in six patients from two families who manifested impaired mental development.Conclusions  In X‐linked AHC caused by different molecular defects in NR0B1 gene, the clinical spectrum of the disease is quite variable and precocious sexual development is a prominent feature. Genetic testing is indicated in boys presenting with salt‐wasting with or without cortisol deficiency if congenital adrenal hyperplasia has been ruled out.
Xylem hydraulic safety margins in woody plants: coordination of stomatal control of xylem tension with hydraulic capacitance
Authors: Meinzer Frederick C. , Johnson Daniel M. , Lachenbruch Barbara , McCulloh Katherine A. , Woodruff David R. 
Published: June 2009

Summary 1. The xylem pressure inducing 50% loss of hydraulic conductivity due to embolism (P50) is widely used for comparisons of xylem vulnerability among species and across aridity gradients. However, despite its utility as an index of resistance to catastrophic xylem failure under extreme drought, P50 may have no special physiological relevance in the context of stomatal regulation of daily minimum xylem pressure and avoidance of hydraulic failure under non‐extreme conditions. Moreover, few studies of hydraulic architecture have accounted for the buffering influence of tissue hydraulic capacitance on daily fluctuations in xylem pressure in intact plants. 2. We used data from 104 coniferous and angiosperm species representing a range of woody growth forms and habitat types to evaluate trends in three alternative xylem hydraulic safety margins based on features of their stem xylem vulnerability curves and regulation of daily minimum stem water potential (Ψstem min) under non‐extreme conditions: (i) Ψstem min − P50, (ii) Ψstem min − Pe, the difference between Ψstem min and the threshold xylem pressure at which loss of conductivity begins to increase rapidly (Pe) and (iii) Pe − P50, an estimate of the steepness of the vulnerability curve between Pe and P50. Additionally, we assessed relationships between xylem capacitance, species‐specific set‐points for daily minimum stem water potential and hydraulic safety margins in a subset of species for which relevant data were available. 3. The three types of hydraulic safety margin defined increased with decreasing species‐specific set‐points for Ψstem min, suggesting a diminishing role of stem capacitance in slowing fluctuations in xylem pressure as Ψstem min became more negative. The trends in hydraulic safety were similar among coniferous and angiosperm species native to diverse habitat types. 4. Our results suggest that here is a continuum of relative reliance on different mechanisms that confer hydraulic safety under dynamic conditions. Species with low capacitance and denser wood experience greater daily maximum xylem tension and appear to rely primarily on xylem structural features to avoid embolism, whereas in species with high capacitance and low wood density avoidance of embolism appears to be achieved primarily via reliance on transient release of stored water to constrain transpiration‐induced fluctuations in xylem tension.
Pollination networks of oil‐flowers: a tiny world within the smallest of all worlds
Authors: Bezerra Elisângela L.S. , Machado Isabel C. , Mello Marco A. R. 
Published: June 2009

Summary
1.
In the Neotropics, most plants depend on animals for pollination. Solitary bees are the most important vectors, and among them members of the tribe Centridini depend on oil from flowers (mainly Malpighiaceae) to feed their larvae. This specialized relationship within ‘the smallest of all worlds’ (a whole pollination network) could result in a ‘tiny world’ different from the whole system. This ‘tiny world’ would have higher nestedness, shorter path lengths, lower modularity and higher resilience if compared with the whole pollination network.
2.
In the present study, we contrasted a network of oil‐flowers and their visitors from a Brazilian steppe (‘caatinga’) to whole pollination networks from all over the world.
3.
A network approach was used to measure network structure and, finally, to test fragility. The oil‐flower network studied was more nested (NODF = 0·84, N = 0·96) than all of the whole pollination networks studied. Average path lengths in the two‐mode network were shorter (one node, both for bee and plant one‐mode network projections) and modularity was lower (M = 0·22 and four modules) than in all of the whole pollination networks. Extinctions had no or small effects on the network structure, with an average change in nestedness smaller than 2% in most of the cases studied; and only two species caused coextinctions. The higher the degree of the removed species, the stronger the effect and the higher the probability of a decrease in nestedness.
4.
We conclude that the oil‐flower subweb is more cohesive and resilient than whole pollination networks. Therefore, the Malpighiaceae have a robust pollination service in the Neotropics. Our findings reinforce the hypothesis that each ecological service is in fact a mosaic of different subservices with a hierarchical structure (‘webs within webs’).
Predicting the impact of stage‐specific harvesting on population dynamics
Authors: Carslake David , Townley Stuart , Hodgson David J. 
Published: June 2009

Summary
1.
Perturbation analyses of population projection matrices predict the response of a population’s growth rate to changes in lifestage‐specific vital rates. Such predictions have been widely used in population management but their reliability remains hotly debated.
2.
We grew replicate populations of the water flea Daphnia magna in controlled, density‐independent conditions and subjected treatment populations to harvesting of the largest lifestage. We predicted the growth rate of treatment populations using sensitivity analysis (a linear approximation), and transfer function analysis (TFA; which captures nonlinear responses) applied to projection matrix models parameterized from the control populations.
3.
When perturbation analyses considered only the direct effect of harvesting on adult survival, the growth rate of harvested populations (averaging 0·051) was significantly overestimated (average of 0·112) by TFA and non‐significantly underestimated (average of 0·012) by sensitivity.
4.
When the indirect effects of harvesting on other vital rates were accounted for in a structured perturbation, TFA gave accurate predictions (average growth rate of 0·068), while sensitivity gave significant underestimates (average of −0·043).
5.
Our results demonstrate two crucial sources of error that may influence predictions of the impacts of demographic perturbations on population dynamics. First, impacts of stage‐specific harvesting are inherently nonlinear, hence predictions based on sensitivity must be treated with caution. Second, stage‐specific perturbations can change non‐target demographic rates, even in the absence of adaptation.
6.
Population managers should consider both nonlinear and indirect effects of perturbations when designing management interventions. We encourage the development of methods to assess the robustness of predictions to unforeseen perturbation structures and indirect harvesting impacts.
Growth properties of 16 non‐pioneer rain forest tree species differing in sapling architecture
Authors: Aiba Masahiro , Nakashizuka Tohru 
Published: June 2009

Summary 1. Sapling architecture may be an important determinant of performance traits, such as light interception and height growth, but few studies have examined the direct relationship between sapling architecture and growth properties. To study this relationship and the potential for strategic diversification, we analysed the growth properties in saplings of 16 Bornean tree species that differ in architecture. 2. Annual net production significantly differed amongst species and was positively correlated with total above‐ground dry mass, total leaf area and crown area. In contrast, the net assimilation rate was weakly but negatively correlated with these architectural traits. The net assimilation rate was virtually independent of leaf size and specific leaf area. Relationships between sapling architecture and relative growth rate in mass were weak. 3. The relative growth rate in height did not significantly differ amongst species, although their total dry mass, a proxy for extension cost, varied fourfold across species for a given sapling height. This is because the proportional increase in net production with total dry mass, which is based on a larger total leaf area and larger crown area, cancelled out the higher extension cost. All architectural traits, including leaf size and specific leaf area, failed to predict height growth rate. 4. Synthesis. Relative growth rates in both mass and height were relatively independent of sapling architecture. Of the architectural traits, leaf size, specific leaf area and stem diameter were poor predictors of growth properties, even though they were considered functionally important. These results clearly reject the classic hypothesis that architectural variation leads to a trade‐off between height growth and light interception, at least for the species that are under shaded conditions. However, functional variation ranging from species with high net production and low net assimilation rates (in saplings of equal height) to species with the opposite traits, which was accompanied by architectural variation in total dry mass and related size factors, may be important for the coexistence of these tree species. The possibility that small total dry mass may be advantageous in height growth under well‐lit conditions should be examined in future studies.