bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Experimental manipulation reveals the importance of refuge habitat temperature selected by lizards
Authors: ANDERSSON MICHA , KROCKENBERGER ANDREW , SCHWARZKOPF LIN 
Published: October 2009

AbstractRefuges provide shelter from predators, and protection from exposure to the elements, as well as other fitness benefits to animals that use them. In ectotherms, thermal benefits may be a critical aspect of refuges. We investigated microhabitat characteristics of refuges selected by a heliothermic scincid lizard, Carlia rubrigularis, which uses rainforest edges as habitat. We approached lizards in the field, simulating a predator attack, and quantified the refuge type used, and effect of environmental temperatures (air temperature, substrate temperature and refuge substrate temperature) on the amount of time skinks remained in refuges after hiding (emergence time). In respone to our approach, lizards were most likely to flee into leaf litter, rather than into rocks or woody debris, and emergence time was dependent on refuge substrate temperature, and on refuge substrate temperature relative to substrate temperature outside the refuge. Lizards remained for longer periods in warmer refuges, and in refuges that were similar in temperature to outside. We examined lizard refuge choice in response to temperature and substrate type in large, semi‐natural outdoor enclosures. We experimentally manipulated refuge habitat temperature available to lizards, and offered them equal areas of leaf litter, woody debris and rocks. When refuge habitat temperature was unmanipulated, lizards (85%) preferred leaf litter, as they did in the field. However, when we experimentally manipulated the temperature of the leaf litter by shading, most skinks (75%) changed their preferred refuge habitat from leaf litter to woody debris or rocks. These results suggest that temperature is a critical determinant of refuge habitat choice for these diurnal ectotherms, both when fleeing from predators and when selecting daytime retreats.
Resilience of a high‐conservation‐value, semi‐arid grassland on fertile clay soils to burning, mowing and ploughing
Authors: LEWIS TOM , REID NICK , CLARKE PETER J. , WHALLEY RALPH D. B. 
Published: October 2009

AbstractIn grassland reserves, managed disturbance is often necessary to maintain plant species diversity. We carried out experiments to determine the impact of fire, kangaroo grazing, mowing and disc ploughing on grassland species richness and composition in a nature reserve in semi‐arid eastern Australia. Vegetation response was influenced by winter–spring drought after establishment of the experiments, but moderate rainfall followed in late summer–autumn. Species composition varied greatly between sampling times, and the variability due to rainfall differences between seasons and years was greater than the effects of fire, kangaroo grazing, mowing or disc ploughing. In the fire experiment, species richness and composition recovered more rapidly after spring than autumn burning. Species richness and composition were similar to control sites within 12 months of burning and mowing, suggesting that removal of the dominant grass canopy is unnecessary to enhance plant diversity. Two fires (separated by 3 years) and post‐fire kangaroo grazing had only minor influence on species richness and composition. Even disc ploughing caused only a small reduction in native richness. The minor impact of ploughing was explained by the small areas that were ploughed, the once‐off nature of the treatment, and the high degree of natural movement and cracking in these shrink‐swell soils. Recovery of the composition and richness of these grasslands was rapid because of the high proportion of perennial species that resprout vegetatively after fire and mowing. There appears to be little conservation benefit from fire, mowing or ploughing ungrazed areas, as we could identify no native plant species dependent on frequent disturbance for persistence in this grassland community. However, the ability of the Astrebla‐ and Dichanthium‐dominated grasslands to recover quickly after disturbance, given favourable seasonal conditions, suggests that they are well adapted to natural disturbances (e.g. droughts, fire, flooding and native grazing).
Disturbance affects spatial patterning and stand structure of a tropical rainforest tree
Authors: WEBBER BRUCE L. , NORTON BRIONY A. , WOODROW IAN E. 
Published: October 2009

AbstractThe distribution and spatial patterns of plant populations in natural ecosystems have recently received much attention; yet the impacts of human‐induced disturbances on these patterns and underlying processes remain poorly understood. We used the sub‐canopy tree, Ryparosa kurrangii (Achariaceae), to explore the possible effects of such disturbances on stand structure and spatial patterning in an Australian tropical rainforest. We studied three populations that differed in their extent of habitat modification: anthropogenic disturbance (proximate settlement and roads) and internal damage by an invasive alien species, the feral pig (Sus scrofa). Populations were mapped, characterized, and three size cohorts (seedlings, saplings, trees) were analysed using a suite of spatial point pattern analyses (univariate: Diggle's G and F and Ripley's K; bivariate: Diggle's G and Ripley's K). Ryparosa kurrangii has a typical stand structure for a sub‐canopy tree species, but occurs at high densities locally (>400 stems ha−1). At all sites, the tree cohort were randomly distributed and saplings were spatially aggregated at distances of up to 2–3 m. Between sites there were distinct differences in the size structure and spatial pattern of seedlings, the cohort most affected by recent habitat modification. That is, the least disturbed site had no aggregation among seedlings, the site with the greatest anthropogenic disturbance had many small, clustered seedlings that were spatially associated with trees, and the site with pig damage had clustered seedlings that had no spatial relationship with trees. We propose that habitat modification by anthropogenic and pig disturbance disrupts seed dispersal and establishment regimes, which leads to altered seedling spatial patterns. These disturbances could have long‐term implications for the population structure and health of R. Kurrangii.
Complications of transanal endoscopic microsurgery (TEMS): a prospective audit
Authors: Bignell M. B. , Ramwell A. , Evans J. R. , Dastur N. , Simson J. N. L. 
Published: October 2009

AbstractBackground  The aim of this study was to determine the postoperative complications of Transanal Endoscopic Microsurgery (TEMS) excision of rectal lesions.Method  A prospective audit of 262 consecutive TEMS procedures performed by a single surgeon between 1999 and 2008.Results  The mean age of patients was 72 years. The mean area of the lesions excised was 17.5 cm2 with a mean diameter of 4.5 cm at a mean distance of 7.4 cm from the dentate line. There were 201 full thickness excisions, 51 partial thickness excisions and nine were mixed or unclassified. Thirty‐three (13%) patients developed 41 complications. There were two (0.8%) deaths within 30 days. Pelvic sepsis occurred in seven (3%) patients and was significantly more common after excision of low lesions within 2 cm of the dentate line. Postoperative haemorrhage occurred in seven (3%) patients and was significantly less common when dissection was performed with ultrasonic dissection than with diathermy. Fourteen (5%) patients developed acute urinary retention. Four (1.5%) patients developed rectal stenosis and four (1.5%) suffered uncomplicated surgical emphysema that required no treatment.Conclusions  Transanal endoscopic microsurgery is a safe operation with a low mortality and morbidity. Pelvic sepsis is more common after excision of lesions within 2 cm of the dentate line. Ultrasonic dissection is associated with less postoperative haemorrhage than diathermy.
Building Peace with Conflict Diamonds? Merging Security and Development in Sierra Leone
Authors: Le Billon Philippe , Levin Estelle 
Published: October 2009

ABSTRACTThis article examines the merging of security and development agendas in primary commodity sectors, focusing on the case of peace‐building reforms in Sierra Leone's diamond sector. Reformers frequently assume that reforming the diamond sector through industrializing alluvial diamond mining will reduce threats to security and development, thereby contributing to peace building. Our findings, however, suggest that the industrialization of alluvial diamond mining that has taken place in Sierra Leone has not reduced threats to security and development, as it has entailed human rights abuses and impoverishment of local communities without consolidating state fiscal revenues and trust in local authorities. This suggests alternative strategies for resource‐related peace‐building initiatives, which we consider at the end of the article: the decriminalization of informal economic activities; the prioritization of local livelihoods and development needs over central government fiscal priorities and foreign direct investment; and better integration between local economies and industrial resource exploitation.
Listening to what is said – transcribing what is heard: the impact of speech recognition technology (SRT) on the practice of medical transcription (MT)
Authors: David Gary C. , Garcia Angela Cora , Rawls Anne Warfield , Chand Donald 
Published: October 2009

AbstractMedical records have become central to nearly all aspects of healthcare. However, little research exists on their creation. Using data from an ongoing ethnographic study of healthcare documentation production, this paper examines the process of medical record creation through the use of speech recognition technology (SRT) and subsequent editing by medical transcriptionists (MTs). Informed by ethnomethodology (EM) and conversation analysis (CA), the results demonstrate the professional knowledge involved in the work of medical transcription, which includes a combination of skilled worksite practices and an orientation toward the social order properties of recorded dictation. Furthermore, we examine how the advantages and limitations of SRTs can impact the work of transcription. We conclude with strategic recommendations for using SRTs to support medical records production and recommend against total automation.
Creating history: documents and patient participation in nurse‐patient interviews
Authors: Jones Aled 
Published: October 2009

AbstractStrongly worded directives regarding the need for increased patient participation during nursing interaction with patients have recently appeared in a range of ‘best‐practice’ documents. This paper focuses on one area of nurse‐patient communication, the hospital admission interview, which has been put forward as an ideal arena for increased patient participation. It uses data from a total of 27 admission interviews, extensive periods of participant observation and analysis of nursing records to examine how hospital admission interviews are performed by nurses and patients. Analysis shows that topics discussed during admission closely follow the layout of the admission document which nurses complete during the interview. Whilst it is tempting to describe the admission document as a ‘super technological power’ in influencing the interaction and restricting patient participation, this analysis attempts a more rounded reading of the data. Findings demonstrate that, whilst opportunities for patient participation were rare, admission interviews are complex interactional episodes that often belie simplistic or prescriptive guidance regarding interaction between nurses and patients. In particular, issue is taken with the lack of contextual and conceptual clarity with which best‐practice guidelines are written.
Beyond ‘doctor and patient’: developments in the study of healthcare interactions
Authors: Pilnick Alison , Hindmarsh Jon , Gill Virginia Teas 
Published: October 2009

AbstractThree decades of conversation analytic investigations of medical interaction have produced a rich collection of findings of sociological interest, from a diverse array of encounters. This paper briefly outlines the development of this field to provide a context for the special issue. The paper discusses how studies of doctor‐patient interaction have revealed the ways in which participants organise the medical visit to accomplish tasks such as diagnosing and recommending treatment for illness, and how doctors and patients address various interactional issues and dilemmas that arise as they undertake these tasks. It then highlights a growing number of CA studies that explore medical settings and activities beyond the doctor‐patient encounter. In doing so, it charts the distinctive interactional practices that emerge, for example, where participants are engaging in hands‐on treatment, medical practitioners are interacting with one another, or various technologies are employed during the encounter. Finally, papers in this special issue are introduced and shown to build upon this latter tradition. The papers address distinctive practical problems and institutional dilemmas that arise in healthcare encounters and medical settings beyond dyadic doctor‐patient interaction, with a focus on the participants’ orientations to policy, their distinctive modes of participation, and the use of technology.
Sparse Additive Models
Authors: Ravikumar Pradeep , Lafferty John , Liu Han , Wasserman Larry 
Published: October 2009

SummaryWe present a new class of methods for high dimensional non-parametric regression and classification called sparse additive models. Our methods combine ideas from sparse linear modelling and additive non-parametric regression. We derive an algorithm for fitting the models that is practical and effective even when the number of covariates is larger than the sample size. Sparse additive models are essentially a functional version of the grouped lasso of Yuan and Lin. They are also closely related to the COSSO model of Lin and Zhang but decouple smoothing and sparsity, enabling the use of arbitrary non-parametric smoothers. We give an analysis of the theoretical properties of sparse additive models and present empirical results on synthetic and real data, showing that they can be effective in fitting sparse non-parametric models in high dimensional data.
Advancing early detection of autism spectrum disorder by applying an integrated two‐stage screening approach
Authors: Oosterling Iris J. , Wensing Michel , Swinkels Sophie H. , Van Der Gaag Rutger Jan , Visser Janne C. , Woudenberg Tim , Minderaa Ruud , Steenhuis Mark‐Peter , Buitelaar Jan K. 
Published: October 2009

Background:  Few field trials exist on the impact of implementing guidelines for the early detection of autism spectrum disorders (ASD). The aims of the present study were to develop and evaluate a clinically relevant integrated early detection programme based on the two‐stage screening approach of Filipek et al. (1999), and to expand the evidence base for this approach.Methods:  The integrated early detection programme encompassed: 1) training relevant professionals to recognise early signs of autism and to use the Early Screening of Autistic Traits Questionnaire (ESAT; Dietz, Swinkels et al., 2006; Swinkels, van Daalen, van Engeland, & Buitelaar, 2006), 2) using a specific referral protocol, and 3) building a multidisciplinary diagnostic team. The programme was evaluated in a controlled study involving children in two regions (N = 2793, range 0–11 years). The main outcome variables were a difference in mean age at ASD diagnosis and a difference in the proportion of children diagnosed before 36 months.Results:  ASD was diagnosed 21 months (95% CI 9.6, 32.4) earlier in the experimental region than in the control region during the follow‐up period, with the mean age at ASD diagnosis decreasing by 19.5 months (95% CI 10.5, 28.5) from baseline in the experimental region. Children from the experimental region were 9.4 times (95% CI 2.1, 41.3) more likely than children from the control region to be diagnosed before age 36 months after correction for baseline measurements. Most of these early diagnosed children had narrowly defined autism with mental retardation.Conclusions:  The integrated early detection programme appears to be clinically relevant and led to the earlier detection of ASD, mainly in children with a low IQ.
Comparative analysis of antibiotic resistance and phylogenetic group patterns in human and porcine urinary tract infectious Escherichia coli
Authors: HANCOCK VIKTORIA , NIELSEN EVA MØLLER , KRAG LOUISE , ENGBERG JØRGEN , KLEMM PER 
Published: October 2009

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are one of the most common infectious diseases in humans and domestic animals such as pigs. The most frequent infectious agent in such infections is Escherichia coli. Virulence characteristics of E. coli UTI strains range from highly virulent pyelonephritis strains to relatively benign asymptomatic bacteriuria strains. Here we analyse a spectrum of porcine and human UTI E. coli strains with respect to their antibiotic resistance patterns and their phylogenetic groups, determined by multiplex PCR. The clonal profiles of the strains differed profoundly; whereas human strains predominantly belonged to clonal types B2 and D, these were not seen among the porcine strains, which all belonged to the E. coli clonal groups A and B1. Contrary to the human strains, the majority of the porcine strains were multidrug resistant. The distinct profiles of the porcine strains suggest selective pressure due to extensive antibiotic use.
Treatment of Erectile Dysfunction in the Obese Type 2 Diabetic ZDF Rat with Adipose Tissue-Derived Stem Cells
Authors: Garcia Maurice M. , Fandel Thomas M. , Lin Guiting , Shindel Alan W. , Banie Lia , Lin Ching-Shwun , Lue Tom F. 
Published: October 2009

ABSTRACT

Introduction
Erectile dysfunction (ED) is a major complication of type 2 diabetes, and many diabetic men with ED are refractory to common ED therapies.

Aim
To determine whether autologous adipose tissue-derived stem cells (ADSCs) injected into the penis of impotent type 2 diabetic rats improve erectile function.

Main Outcome Measures
Blood glucose levels, intracavernous pressure (ICP) increase upon cavernous nerve (CN) electrostimulation, and immunohistochemistry.

Methods
Twenty-two male Zucker diabetic fatty (ZDF) rats were used. At 22 weeks of age, all the animals underwent unilateral CN electrostimulation and ICP measurement to confirm impotence. Paragonadal adipose tissue was harvested to procure ADSCs. The impotent animals were randomized to ADSC treatment and sham control groups. At 23 weeks of age, the treatment group animals underwent a penile injection of 1 million ADSCs; the control group animals received vehicle only. Erectile function studies were repeated at 26 weeks of age, followed by tissue harvest.

Results
The rats developed diabetes within the first 10 weeks of age. At 22 weeks of age, 20 out of the 22 rats presented with ED. The post-treatment ICP increase during CN stimulation and ICP increase/mean arterial pressure were significantly higher in the treatment group compared with controls. Three weeks after injection into the corpus cavernosum, only a small number of BrdU-labeled ADSCs was detectable within corporal tissue of the treatment group. There was a significant increase in neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS) in the penile dorsal nerve and in the number of endothelial cells in the corpora cavernosa of the rats in the treatment group.

Conclusion
Autologous ADSCs injected into the penis were effective to improve erectile function and to alter the microarchitecture of the corpus cavernosum. Since the number of ADSCs retained in the corpus cavernosum is very small, we postulate that their paracrine function, not trans-differentiation to smooth muscle or endothelial cells, is responsible for the improvement in penile function.
The Sensitivity of Continuous Laboratory Measures of Physiological and Subjective Sexual Arousal for Diagnosing Women with Sexual Arousal Disorder
Authors: Meston Cindy M. , Rellini Alessandra H. , McCall Katie 
Published: October 2009

ABSTRACT

Introduction
Past findings on the diagnostic sensitivity of vaginal photoplethysmography are limited by testing among women with heterogeneous sexual dysfunctions and by the use of statistical techniques that are unable to assess how changes in subjective arousal are associated with changes in physiological arousal.

Aims
The aims of this study were to: (i) test the sensitivity of vaginal photoplethysmography and continuous measures of subjective sexual arousal in differentiating between women with and without sexual arousal or orgasm dysfunction; and (ii) examine the diagnostic utility of measuring the synchrony between genital and subjective sexual responses.

Methods
Sexual arousal was assessed in sexually healthy women (n = 12), women with orgasm disorder (OD; n = 12), and 38 women who met the criteria for the three subcategories of sexual arousal dysfunction described by Basson et al. (i.e., genital sexual arousal disorder [GAD; n = 9], subjective sexual arousal disorder [SAD; n = 13], and combined genital and subjective arousal disorder [CAD; n = 16]).

Main Outcome Measures
Physiological sexual arousal was assessed using vaginal photoplethysmography, and subjective sexual arousal was measured continuously and using a Likert-scale in response to sexual videos.

Results
Women with GAD showed the lowest and women with CAD showed the highest levels of vaginal pulse amplitude response to erotic stimuli. Women with sexual arousal disorder showed significantly lower levels of subjective sexual arousal to erotic stimuli than did sexually healthy women. Relations between subjective and physiological measures of sexual arousal were significantly weaker among women with sexual arousal disorder than sexually healthy women or women with OD.

Conclusion
Preliminary support was provided for the diagnostic utility of measuring the synchrony between subjective and genital arousal in women with sexual arousal disorder. Findings do not support the sensitivity of using vaginal photoplethysmography, or continuous or Likert-scale measures of subjective arousal for differentiating between subtypes of women with sexual arousal disorder.
Impact of Photodynamic Treatment with Meso‐substituted Porphyrin on the Immunomodulatory Capacity of White Blood Cell‐containing Red Blood Cell Products
Authors: Trannoy Laurence , Roelen Dave , Koekkoek Karin , Brand Anneke 
Published: October 2009

AbstractAfter transfusion, the presence of contaminating white blood cells (WBC) in blood components may result in either deleterious or positive immunological responses. We have previously reported that photodynamic treatment (PDT) with meso‐substituted mono‐phenyl‐tri‐(N‐methyl‐4‐pyridyl)‐porphyrin (Tri‐P(4)) and red light can inactivate pathogens in red blood cell (RBC) products. The present study explored the effect of PDT on contaminating WBC in RBC products with varying hematocrit (Hct). After PDT, we evaluated adaptive and innate immunomodulation through allogeneic and mitogenic stimulation. PDT resulted in decreased T‐cell proliferation which was more pronounced with lower Hct. Dark effect of porphyrin Tri‐P(4) was remarkable on antigen‐presenting cells affecting expression of co‐stimulatory molecules CD80/CD86. Finally, cytokine profile after PDT revealed a mixed Th1/Th2 type response while surface antigen expression supported the development of alternatively activated macrophages (AAMφ or Type 2 macrophages) instead of dendritic cells. In conclusion, PDT with Tri‐P(4) altered proliferation, allo‐stimulation, cell surface antigen expression and cytokine profiles of the cells. These results suggest that PDT may be potentially useful in preventing transfusion‐associated graft‐versus‐host disease and alloimmunization. It seems worthwhile to further explore PDT‐induced immunomodulation to optimize conditions which may result in allo‐tolerance by AAMφ.