bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The value of primary, secondary and plantation forests for fruit‐feeding butterflies in the Brazilian Amazon
Authors: BARLOW JOS , OVERAL WILLIAM L. , ARAUJO IVANEI S. , GARDNER TOBY A. , PERES CARLOS A. 
Published: July 2007

SummarySecondary forests growing on cleared lands and tree plantations are becoming increasingly widespread land‐uses in the tropics. Previous studies are divided on the conservation importance of these habitats for tropical forest butterflies.We use a robust sampling design, accounting for both seasonality and vertical stratification, to examine fruit‐feeding butterflies (Nymphalidae) in patches of secondary forest andEucalyptusplantation 2–3 orders of magnitude larger than those previously sampled.We recorded 10 587 butterflies and 128 species in 3200 trap‐days. Species richness was highest in primary forest and lowest in plantations, while butterfly abundance showed the opposite response. All habitats were distinct in terms of community structure.There was a significant interaction between habitat and season based on richness and abundance metrics, although not based on community structure. Secondary forest exhibited higher observed richness than primary forest in the peak of the dry‐season, but not at other times of the year. This observation could explain the lack of consensus in previous studies, as those reporting higher richness in secondary forest only sampled during the dry‐season.In general, habitat quality appeared to be more important than the surrounding landscape in determining butterfly community structure. However, the community structure of the strong‐flying Charaxinae was related to the amount of primary forest in surrounding landscape. There was very poor congruence between the response patterns of richness and abundance among different butterfly subfamilies.Linear regressions between resource availability and butterfly abundance showed a strong influence of leaf phenology in both primary and secondary forest, but no influence of fruit phenology.Synthesis and applications: A lack of seasonal replication and small sampling sizes may have led previous studies to over‐emphasize the conservation importance of secondary forest and plantations for butterflies. We show that these habitats are significantly poorer than primary forest in terms of number of species, and hold distinct butterfly communities. Although quantifying the number of species restricted to primary forest remains difficult, these results cast doubt on the presumption that secondary habitats will provide refuge for many of the species being lost through deforestation. We therefore strongly urge measures that prioritize the conservation of remaining primary forests where they still exist.
Has repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) treatment for depression improved? A systematic review and meta‐analysis comparing the recent vs. the earlier rTMS studies
Authors: Gross M. , Nakamura L. , Pascual‐Leone A. , Fregni F. 
Published: July 2007

Objective:  To investigate whether the recent repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) studies on depression using new parameters of stimulation have shown improved clinical results.Method:  We performed a systematic review and a meta‐analysis of the rTMS studies on depression published in the past 12 months comparing these results with an earlier meta‐analysis that analyzed the results of the initial rTMS studies on depression.Results:  Using our inclusion criteria, we selected the meta‐analysis of Martin [Br J Psychiatry (2003) Vol. 182, 480–491] that included 13 studies (324 patients) and five studies for the recent meta‐analysis (274 patients). The pooled effect size (standardized mean difference between pretreatment vs. post‐treatment) from the random effects model was −0.76 (95% confidence interval, CI, −1.01 to −0.51). This result was significantly larger than that of the earlier meta‐analysis (−0.35, 95% CI −0.66 to −0.04).Conclusion:  Our findings suggest that recent rTMS clinical trials have shown larger antidepressant effects when compared with the earlier studies.
Ciclosporin use in multi‐drug therapy for meningoencephalomyelitis of unknown aetiology in dogs
Authors: Adamo P. F. , Rylander H. , Adams W. M. 
Published: July 2007

Objective:To evaluate the efficacy and safety of ciclosporin therapy alone or in combination with corticosteroids and/or ketoconazole in dogs with diagnosis of meningoencephalomyelitis of unknown aetiology.Methods:Medical records of 10 dogs diagnosed with meningoencephalomyelitis of unknown aetiology and treated with ciclosporin therapy alone or in combination with corticosteroids and/or ketoconazole were reviewed at the Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital, University of Wisconsin‐Madison. Laboratory abnormalities, side effects, clinical and cerebrospinal fluid responses to treatment and association between blood ciclosporin level and response to treatment were evaluated. Histopathological diagnosis was available in three patients.Results:No significant abnormalities were detected on serial complete blood count and serum chemistry panel in any of the dogs. Side effects of ciclosporin therapy included excessive shedding, gingival hyperplasia and hypertrichosis. Overall median survival time for all dogs in the study was 930 days (range, 60 to more than 1290 days). In all dogs, serial cerebrospinal fluid analysis showed a marked improvement in the inflammation.ClinicalSignificance:Results suggest that ciclosporin either alone or in combination with ketoconazole may be a safe and effective treatment for meningoencephalomyelitis of unknown aetiology in dogs.
Use of an
Escherichia coli
Recombinant Producing Thermostable Polyphosphate Kinase as an ATP Regenerator To Produce Fructose 1,6-Diphosphate
Authors: Iwamoto Seishi , Motomura Kei , Shinoda Yasuharu , Urata Masaaki , Kato Junichi , Takiguchi Noboru , Ohtake Hisao , Hirota Ryuichi , Kuroda Akio 
Published: July 2007

ABSTRACT

Heat-treated
Escherichia coli
producing
Thermus
polyphosphate kinase regenerated ATP by using exogenous polyphosphate. This recombinant could be used as a platform to produce valuable compounds in combination with thermostable phosphorylating or energy-requiring enzymes. In this work, we demonstrated the production of fructose 1,6-diphosphate from fructose and polyphosphate.
Emergence of a Virulent Clade of
Vibrio vulnificus
and Correlation with the Presence of a 33-Kilobase Genomic Island
Authors: Cohen Ana Luisa V. , Oliver James D. , DePaola Angelo , Feil Edward J. , Fidelma Boyd E. 
Published: July 2007

ABSTRACT

Vibrio vulnificus
is a ubiquitous inhabitant of the marine coastal environment, and an important pathogen of humans. We characterized a globally distributed sample of environmental isolates from a range of habitats and hosts and compared these with isolates recovered from cases of human infection. Multilocus sequence typing data using six housekeeping genes divided 63 of the 67 isolates into the two main lineages previously noted for this species, and this division was also confirmed using the 16S rRNA and open reading frame VV0401 markers. Lineage I was comprised exclusively of biotype 1 isolates, whereas lineage II contained biotype 1 and all biotype 2 isolates. Four isolates did not cluster within either lineage: two biotype 3 and two biotype 1 isolates. The proportion of isolates recovered from a clinical setting was noted to be higher in lineage I than in lineage II. Lineage I isolates were also associated with a 33-kb genomic island (region XII), one of three regions identified by genome comparisons as unique to the species. Region XII contained an arylsulfatase gene cluster, a sulfate reduction system, two chondroitinase genes, and an oligopeptide ABC transport system, all of which are absent from the majority of lineage II isolates. Arylsulfatases and the sulfate reduction system, along with performing a scavenging role, have been hypothesized to play a role in pathogenic processes in other bacteria. Our data suggest that lineage I may have a higher pathogenic potential and that region XII, along with other regions, may give isolates a selective advantage either in the human host or in the aquatic environment or both.
Novel Alphaproteobacterial Root Nodule Symbiont Associated with
Lupinus texensis
Authors: Andam Cheryl P. , Parker Matthew A. 
Published: July 2007

ABSTRACT

Phylogenetic analysis of rRNA gene,
recA
,
nodA
,
nifD
, and
nifH
sequences suggested that nitrogen-fixing symbionts from two populations of
Lupinus texensis
acquired the capacity for nodule symbiosis separately from other rhizobia in the alphaproteobacteria. Their closest 16S rRNA relatives were the nonsymbiotic taxa
Chelatococcus
,
Bosea
, and
Balneomonas
.
TheIallele of theACEgene is associated with improved exercise capacity in women with McArdle disease
Authors: Gómez-Gallego F , Santiago C , Morán M , Pérez M , Maté-Muñoz J L , del Valle M Fernández , Rubio J C , Garcia-Consuegra I , Foster C , Andreu I A L , Martín M A , Arenas J , Lucia A 
Published: July 2007

Background:McArdle disease is an uncommon metabolic disorder usually characterized by marked exercise intolerance although great individual variability exists in its phenotypic manifestation.Objective:The purpose of this study was to determine the association between angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) genotypes and indices of exercise capacity (peak oxygen uptake (VO2peak), ventilatory threshold (VT) and gross mechanical efficiency (GE)) in patients with McArdle disease. Based on previous research, it was hypothesized that theIallele might favourably influence exercise capacity.Methods:Forty-four Spanish patients (23 males, 21 females) and 44 age-matched and gender-matched controls (23 males, 21 females) performed a graded cycle-ergometer test until exhaustion (for VO2peakand VT determination) and a 12 min constant-load test at the power output eliciting the VT (for GE determination).Results:No significant difference (p>0.05) was found in indices of exercise capacity betweenID + IIgenotypes andDDhomozygotes in the group of male patients, male controls and female controls. However, in the group of female patients, theID+IIgroup (n = 11) had a higher VO2peakthanDDhomozygotes (n = 10) (15.8 (SEM 1.6) ml/kg/min versus 11.9 (SEM 0.9) ml/kg/min, respectively; p<0.05).Conclusions:TheIallele of theACEgene is associated with a higher functional capacity in female patients, and might partly explain the individual variability in the phenotypic manifestation of McArdle disease.
IL-2 immunotoxin denileukin diftitox reduces regulatory T cells and enhances vaccine-mediated T-cell immunity
Authors: Litzinger Mary T. , Fernando Romaine , Curiel Tyler J. , Grosenbach Douglas W. , Schlom Jeffrey , Palena Claudia 
Published: July 2007

AbstractCD4+CD25+Foxp3+ regulatory T (Treg) cells have been implicated in the lack of effective antitumor immunity. Denileukin diftitox (DAB389IL-2), a fusion protein of interleukin 2 (IL-2) and diphtheria toxin, provides a means of targeting Treg cells. In this study, we examined (1) the effect of denileukin diftitox on the deletion of Treg cells in various lymphoid compartments and (2) the dose scheduling of denileukin diftitox in combination with a recombinant poxviral vaccine to enhance antigen-specific immune responses. Treg cells in spleen, peripheral blood, and bone marrow of normal C57BL/6 mice were variously reduced after a single intraperitoneal injection of denileukin diftitox; the reduction was evident within 24 hours and lasted approximately 10 days. Injection of denileukin diftitox 1 day before vaccination enhanced antigen-specific T-cell responses above levels induced by vaccination alone. These studies show for the first time in a murine model (1) the differential effects of denileukin diftitox on Treg cells in different cellular compartments, (2) the advantage of combining denileukin diftitox with a vaccine to enhance antigen-specific T-cell immune responses, (3) the lack of inhibition by denileukin diftitox of host immune responses directed against a live viral vector, and (4) the importance of dose scheduling of denileukin diftitox when used in combination with a vaccine.
Short term load forecasting in electric power systems: A comparison of ARMA models and extended wiener filtering
Authors: Caprio U. Di , Genesio R. , Pozzi S. , Vicino A. 
Published: July 2007

AbstractOn‐line prediction of electric load in the buses of the EHV grid of a power generation and transmission system is basic information required by on‐line procedures for centralized advanced dispatching of power generation.This paper presents two alternative approaches to on‐line short term forecasting of the residual component of the load obtained after the removal of the base load from a time series of total load. The first approach involves the use of stochastic ARMA models with time‐varying coefficients. The second consists in the use of an extension of Wiener filtering due to Zadeh and Ragazzini.Real data representing a load process measured in an area of Northern Italy and simulated data reproducing a non‐stationary process with known characteristics constitute the basis of a numerical comparison allowing one to determine under which conditions each method is more appropriate.
The accuracy of individual and group forecasts from business outlook surveys
Authors: Zarnowitz Victor 
Published: July 2007

AbstractThis paper reports on the accuracy of quarterly multiperiod predictions of inflation, real growth, unemployment and percentage changes in nominal GNP and two of its more volatile components. The survey data are highly differentiated; they cover 79 professional forecasters (mostly economists, analysts and corporate executives). Combining corresponding predictions from different sources can result in significant gains; thus the group mean forecasts are on the average over time more accurate than most of the corresponding sets of individual forecasts. But there is also a moderate degree of consistency in the relative performance of a sufficient number of the survey members, as evidenced in positive rank correlations among ratios of the individual to group root mean square errors.
Strategies for enhancing organizational effectiveness in the Third World
Authors: Blunt Peter 
Published: July 2007

AbstractWhile problems of organizational dysfunction in the public domain are a global phenomenon, the consequences of such dysfunction are generally greater in the Third World. Possible discipline‐based (human resource management) explanations for the chronicity of these problems and a number of strategies for overcoming them are advanced. These strategies are described in terms of a number of imperatives and variables of effective organization. Structural imperatives include: clearly identified and agreed missions, goals, strategies, and main functions; accountability linked to sufficient power and control; clearly specified roles; particular notions of individual effectiveness and performance appraisal tied to rewards; and effective transformational leadership. The implicit model extends contingency theory by taking account of the evidence pointing to the cross‐cultural convergence of certain organizational characteristics, but retains the central notion of adaptation and hence the possibility of adaptive and non‐adaptive culturally and/or ideologically based variation in organizational behaviour. The model is built around a central core of value imperatives. Implications for human resource management (HRM) interventions—e.g. management training—include a possible shift away from a primary focus on skill and knowledge transmission, towards value and attitude change.
Campfire decision‐making and strategic management: A politics and leadership approach to economic development
Authors: Cunningham Robert B. , Adwan Yasir 
Published: July 2007

AbstractPrivatization is recommended unconditionally by some scholars as the optimal means for achieving economic development. While privatization can be helpful medicine, it provides no universal cure for all the ills associated with low economic growth. A country's economic and political institutions are intertwined. Mandating privatization without being mindful of both political and economic consequences to such a policy can bring undesirable consequences during and after policy implementation. This paper proposes that to enhance the likelihood of economic growth a leader should blend economics with politics. Sensitive political leadership can stimulate a bonding among citizens, a bonding which can generate the commitment to risk by investing personal savings, to work the long hours which much precede the rewards, and often to be satisfied by a job well done rather than with material reward. Analogous to the chief executive officer of a successful corporation, the effective political leader involves stakeholders, steers decision processes, takes reasonable risks, encourages private investment, and rations public resources according to national priorities. Collective decision‐making guided by the political leader, who also acts as a strategic manager during implementation, is offered as a model for development.
Constraints on sustainable development in Ethiopia: Is there a future for improved wood‐stoves?
Authors: Campbell John 
Published: July 2007

AbstractA fundamental component of resource conservation in Ethiopian development programmes is sought in part through the dissemination of improved stoves. However, as an evaluation of a range of stove programmes reveals, the absence of applied research by government and non‐governmental organizations together with fundamental constraints arising out of the wider development context is resulting in programmes that are poorly targeted, inflexibly implemented and largely unable to meet the energy needs of poor rural and urban households. Despite these problems, donors continue to fund such projects, in large part because project evaluations are not made public, because of a policy lacuna, and ultimately because development thinking appears locked into finding a quick technology fix for what are essentially long‐term, intractable sociopolitical processes and problems.
Four years of the Ghana district assemblies in operation: Decentralization, democratization and administrative performance
Authors: Crook Richard C. 
Published: July 2007

AbstractGhana's District Assemblies were created in 1989 as ‘integrated’ decentralised authorities, combining oversight of deconcentrated line Ministries with the revenue powers and functions of devolved democratic local government. The frequently invoked but little studied relationships among democratisation, decentralisation and changes in the performance of government institutions are analysed on the basis of two case‐study Districts, defining performance as output effectiveness, responsiveness and process acceptability. Although development output did increase after democratisation, it remained inadequate and did not show any significantly closer responsiveness to popular needs. This was mainly because local accountability was undermined by continuing central control over staffing and finances, the clash with national policies of retrenchment and the continued power of central government agents. The communal, non‐party basis of representation also had a perverse effect on the ability of elected representatives to enhance the legitimacy of local taxation, particularly as the system embodied an unresolved contradiction between notions of community based self‐help and representative district government. One of the lessons of the Ghanaian experience is that genuine local autonomy in an agreed area‐the basic condition for effective accountability‐is better based on more modest, local‐level authorities, leaving larger, expensive functions as well as supervision of a deconcentrated civil service to more powerful regional administrations.
Local government decentralization and the health sector in Tanzania
Authors: Gilson Lucy , Kilima Peter , Tanner Marcel 
Published: July 2007

AbstractAn evaluation of primary‐level healthcare undertaken in Tanzania 1989‐91 found that district health managers felt powerless to address health care performance weaknesses, although the district is the unit to which government management functions have been decentralized. In order to understand the managers views, this article analyses the pattern of decentralization within the health system from their perspective. It reviews the hislorical development of government structures and the theory and practice of decentralization within Tanzania. The matrix of accountability for health care has become very confusing, with multiple and cross‐cutting flows of authority within and between levels of the system. District health managers have limited authority to take management action, such as managing resources, in ways that would begin to address problems of inefficiency and poor quality of care within primary care. District health management also suffers from weak resource allocation and financial management piocedures. The main obstacles preventing more effective management are: resource constraints; conflicts between the demands for central control and local discretion; limited institutional capacity; and political and cultural influences over the implementation of decentralization. Evaluation of past experience suggests that future policy influencing the organizational structure of government health services must be developed cautiously, recognizing the critical importance of complementary action to develop both institutional capacity and political and economic support for the health system.
On the Decay Analysis of Electroproduced Higher‐Spin Hadrons
Authors: Actor Alfred 
Published: July 2007

AbstractWe study exclusive electroproduction of two hadrons where one or both of the hadrons is a higherspin resonance whose decay is analysed. Interesting electroproduction experiments of this type are discussed. A complete formal apparatus is given for the decay analysis of spin‐J particles produced in this way with polarized or unpolarized electron beams and targets. The cases J = 1, 3/2, 2 and 5/2 are worked out in detail. A conventional helicity frame analysis in terms of s‐channel helicity amplitudes is given. Also we rearrange the formalism for use in the Gottfried‐Jackson frame with everything given in terms of t‐channel helicity amplitudes. The t‐channel formalism makes it possible to completely separate the contributions from longitudinal and transverse virtual photon t‐channel helicity states when only the laboratory azimuthal angle between the lepton and hadron planes is variable.
Die Diracsche Störungstheorie in Operatorform
Authors: Haase Dietrich 
Published: July 2007

AbstractDirac's perturbation solution of the time‐dependent Schrödinger equation ih\documentclass{article}\pagestyle{empty}\begin{document}$ ih\frac{d}{{dt}}\left| {\Phi \left. {\left( t \right)} \right\rangle = H} \right|\Phi \left. {\left( t \right)} \right\rangle $\end{document}, \documentclass{article}\pagestyle{empty}\begin{document}$ H = H_0 + \Psi $\end{document}is formulated by means of a well‐defined operator PD with the properties

where ϕn(t)〉 is the n‐th order correction of ϕ(t)〉. This operator PD can be used to solve the equation of motion of the evolution operator, of the statistical operator, and of quantum mechanical conserved quantities in a corresponding way. A simple proof of the quantum mechanical adiabatic theorem shows this formulation of perturbation corrections to be useful.
The Transformation Behaviour of Fields in Conformally Covariant Quantum Field Theories
Authors: Rühl W. , Yunn B. C. 
Published: July 2007

AbstractWe study the transformation behaviour of any covariant component ϕAB(x) obtained from a spinorial field operator ϕAB(x) by Fourier decomposition on the centre of the universal covering group of the conformal group for four dimensional Minkowski space.