bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Jack of all trades, master of some? On the role of phenotypic plasticity in plant invasions
Authors: Richards Christina L. , Bossdorf Oliver , Muth Norris Z. , Gurevitch Jessica , Pigliucci Massimo 
Published: August 2006

AbstractInvasion biologists often suggest that phenotypic plasticity plays an important role in successful plant invasions. Assuming that plasticity enhances ecological niche breadth and therefore confers a fitness advantage, recent studies have posed two main hypotheses: (1) invasive species are more plastic than non‐invasive or native ones; (2) populations in the introduced range of an invasive species have evolved greater plasticity than populations in the native range. These two hypotheses largely reflect the disparate interests of ecologists and evolutionary biologists. Because these sciences are typically interested in different temporal and spatial scales, we describe what is required to assess phenotypic plasticity at different levels. We explore the inevitable tradeoffs of experiments conducted at the genotype vs. species level, outline components of experimental design required to identify plasticity at different levels, and review some examples from the recent literature. Moreover, we suggest that a successful invader may benefit from plasticity as either (1) a Jack‐of‐all‐trades, better able to maintain fitness in unfavourable environments; (2) a Master‐of‐some, better able to increase fitness in favourable environments; or (3) a Jack‐and‐master that combines some level of both abilities. This new framework can be applied when testing both ecological or evolutionary oriented hypotheses, and therefore promises to bridge the gap between the two perspectives.
Importance of peripheral biopsies in maximising the detection of early prostate cancer in repeat 12‐core biopsy protocols
Authors: PHILIP JOE , HANCHANALE VISHWANATH , FOSTER CHRISTOPHER S. , JAVLÉ PRADIP 
Published: August 2006

OBJECTIVETo assess cancer‐detection rates in repeat 12‐core biopsy protocols, as extended multicore prostate biopsy protocols have become standard when investigating men with a raised prostate‐specific antigen (PSA) level, but repeat prostate biopsy protocols are still developing.PATIENTS AND METHODSDuring a 4.5‐year period, 241 of 590 patients with persistently high age‐specific PSA levels of 2.6–10 ng/mL and an initial benign biopsy were invited for repeat transrectal ultrasonography‐guided 12‐core prostatic biopsy. The protocol for repeat biopsy was identical to the first biopsy, and included a periprostatic nerve block. The first six biopsies were obtained from the periphery of the gland directed more laterally at the base, mid‐zone and apices. The remainder were parasagittal sextant biopsies. Pathological findings were analysed on an individual core basis.RESULTSThe mean age of the 241 men was 63.4 years; cancer was diagnosed in 40 (16.6%) on repeat biopsy. Men with cancer were older and had a higher median PSA level. The median Gleason score was 6, with a median of two cores positive for cancer. Maximum cancer detection rates were from peripheral apices (37.5%), basal biopsies had the lowest detection rates (23.8% and 16.3%), and parasagittal biopsies missed 35% of detected cancers. Patients with cancer also had significantly lower prostate volumes and higher PSA densities (both P < 0.001).CONCLUSIONA low cancer yield from both peripheral basal and parasagittal basal specimens on repeat biopsy indicates adequate sampling at initial biopsy. The maximum cancer yield in the peripheral mid‐zones and apical zones suggests the necessity for concentrated sampling of these zones in repeat biopsy protocols.
High‐dose chemotherapy with haematopoietic stem‐cell support in patients with poor prognosis, relapsed or refractory germ cell tumours
Authors: EL‐HELW LOAIE M. , NAIK JAY D. , CHESTER JOHN D. , JOFFE JOHNATHAN K. , SELBY PETER J. , COLEMAN ROBERT E. 
Published: August 2006

OBJECTIVETo report our experience of high‐dose chemotherapy (HDC) with haematopoietic stem‐cell support (HSC) in patients with poor risk, relapsed or refractory germ cell tumours (GCTs), as this treatment might offer effective salvage for patients with disseminated GCTs.PATIENTS AND METHODSWe retrospectively reviewed the medical records and database for 33 patients with GCT who were treated with HDC with HSC in our centres.RESULTSThirty‐three patients were treated with either one or two cycles of carboplatin and etoposide‐based HDC with HSC support, between March 1990 and October 2003. Twenty‐six patients (79%) had nonseminomatous GCT, six seminoma (18%), and one (3%) a combined seminoma and teratoma. Twenty patients (60%) had previously had a clinical complete response after previous chemotherapy ± surgery for residual disease. Most patients were treated with HDC for relapsing (49%) or relative refractory disease (30%), but seven (21%) had HDC in the first partial remission. The complete response rate to HDC was 58%. There were two treatment‐related deaths (6%). As of April 2005, 18 patients were alive and disease‐free with a median (range) follow‐up of 72 (0.5–174) months. The 5‐year overall and progression‐free survival probabilities were 57% and 56%, respectively. The median (range) times to absolute neutrophil count recovery (≥500/µL) were 13 (9–24) and 12 (10–15) days, and for platelet count recovery (≥20 000/µL) were 16 (7–50) and 13 (11–17) days, in the first and second cycles, respectively.CONCLUSIONThe role of HDC with HSC support in metastatic GCTs remains controversial, and data from randomized controlled trials are needed. Our experience suggests that, in selected patients, this approach might be a useful form of salvage therapy.
Error‐related electrocortical responses in 10‐year‐old children and young adults
Authors: Santesso Diane L. , Segalowitz Sidney J. , Schmidt Louis A. 
Published: August 2006

Abstract Recent anatomical and electrophysiological evidence suggests that the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) is relatively late to mature. This brain region appears to be critical for monitoring, evaluating, and adjusting ongoing behaviors. This monitoring elicits characteristic ERP components including the error‐related negativity (ERN), error positivity (Pe) and correct‐related negativity (CRN), with the ERN clearly relating to activation of the ACC; however, little attention has been paid to the examination of these ERP components in children. The present study examined developmental differences in the ERN, Pe, and CRN in normal 10‐year‐old children and young adults in a standard visual flanker task. We found that children had smaller ERNs than adults, with no between‐group differences on the Pe, and some ambiguity concerning the CRN. Results provide electrophysiological support either for late maturation of the ACC or late involvement of the ACC in response monitoring. Results also suggest that there is some functional independence of response‐monitoring ERP components. Error‐related ERPs may be a useful tool in studying the development of this brain region and its role in behavior in normal and atypical development.
New Ethnicities Online: Reflexive Racialisation and the Internet
Authors: Parker David , Song Miri 
Published: August 2006

In this article we analyse the emergence of Internet activity addressing the experiences of young people in two British communities: South Asian and Chinese. We focus on two web sites: www.barficulture.com and www.britishbornchinese.org.uk , drawing on interviews with site editors, content analysis of the discussion forums, and E-mail exchanges with site users. Our analysis of these two web sites shows how collective identities still matter, being redefined rather than erased by online interaction. We understand the site content through the notion of reflexive racialisation. We use this term to modify the stress given to individualisation in accounts of reflexive modernisation. In addition we question the allocation of racialised meaning from above implied by the concept of racialisation. Internet discussion forums can act as witnesses to social inequalities and through sharing experiences of racism and marginalisation, an oppositional social perspective may develop. The online exchanges have had offline consequences: social gatherings, charitable donations and campaigns against adverse media representations. These web sites have begun to change the terms of engagement between these ethnic groups and the wider society, and they have considerable potential to develop new forms of social action.
ON THE PLAUSIBILITY OF THE SUPPLY‐DRIVEN INPUT‐OUTPUT MODEL
Authors: Oosterhaven Jan 
Published: August 2006

ABSTRACT The supply‐driven input‐output model is, in all its aspects, the complete reverse of the traditional, demand‐driven input‐output model. Several authors have used it to indicate the strength of the industrial forward linkages in the economy at hand. Others have used it to indicate the impact of specific supply shortages on output levels. Finally, it has been used as a general description and projection vehicle for entire economies that are thought of as being supply‐constrained, such as centrally planned economies.This paper critically reviews this literature and concludes that most of these applications suffer from more or less severe theoretical flaws. It is argued that using the supply‐driven model as a descriptive device to indicate the strength of forward linkages is justified. In the case of impact studies, straightforward use of the model is criticized and a more careful estimation procedure is suggested. For the purpose of a general description of a supply‐driven economy, a dynamic optimization model is proposed to replace the theoretically implausible, supply‐driven input‐output model.
The Impact of Training on Productivity and Wages: Evidence from British Panel Data*
Authors: Dearden Lorraine , Reed Howard , Van Reenen John 
Published: August 2006

AbstractIt is standard in the literature on training to use wages as a sufficient statistic for productivity. This paper examines the effects of work‐related training on direct measures of productivity. Using a new panel of British industries 1983–96 and a variety of estimation techniques we find that work‐related training is associated with significantly higher productivity. A 1% point increase in training is associated with an increase in value added per hour of about 0.6% and an increase in hourly wages of about 0.3%. We also show evidence using individual‐level data sets that is suggestive of training externalities.
The development of emotion‐processing in children: effects of age, emotion, and intensity
Authors: Herba Catherine M. , Landau Sabine , Russell Tamara , Ecker Christine , Phillips Mary L. 
Published: August 2006

Background:  This study examined the effects of age and two novel factors (intensity and emotion category) on healthy children's developing emotion‐processing from 4 to 15 years using two matching paradigms.Methods:  An explicit emotion‐matching task was employed in which children matched the emotion of a target individual, and an implicit task whereby participants ignored the emotive facial stimulus and matched identity. Four intensities (25%, 50%, 75%, and 100%) for each of five emotion categories (sad, anger, happy, fear, and disgust) were included and provided a novel avenue of emotion‐processing exploration.Results:  Increasing age significantly improved children's performance on both tasks, particularly for fear and disgust. Age was not associated with more subtle processing (i.e., lower intensity of expression). When explicitly matching emotion expressions, increasing intensity was associated with improved performance. When matching identities (implicit emotion‐matching), emotion category and intensity influenced task performance. Sex effects were minimal.Conclusions:  In children, age, facial expression intensity and emotion category are important for predicting accuracy on emotion‐processing tasks. Emotion category and expression intensity differentially affect performance on explicit and implicit emotion‐processing tasks.
Upland–wetland linkages: relationship of upland and wetland characteristics with watersnake abundance
Authors: Attum O. , Lee Y. M. , Roe J. H. , Kingsbury B. A. 
Published: August 2006

AbstractLand‐use practices surrounding a wetland may be as important for maintaining wildlife populations as the wetland itself. Although imperiled species may appear to be more impacted than ubiquitous species from changes in the landscape surrounding wetlands, studies of common wetland species are useful for conservation because they provide insight into why some species persist despite landscape changes. We therefore investigated the relationship between connectivity, measured as the wetland distance to other wetlands; connectivity quality, implied by wetland distance to roads and forest area within 30, 125, 250, 500 and 1000 m buffer zones around the wetland; and patch size as indicated by wetland size with northern watersnakeNerodia sipedon sipedonabundance. Our results suggest that both upland and wetland characteristics influence the abundance ofN. s. sipedon, as wetland size and wetland connectivity to other wetlands were significantly associated with abundance. Abundance was positively correlated with increasing wetland size and wetland connectivity. We were not able to find a significant relationship between abundance and connectivity quality, and wetland distance to road or forest area within 30, 125, 250, 500 and 1000 m buffer zones. We conclude that wetland conservation should focus on wetland complexes as well as individual wetlands. In addition, common wetland species such as the northern watersnake do not appear to be negatively impacted by modifications to nearby terrestrial habitats, such as deforestation and roads, and may benefit from the creation of larger, permanent wetlands.
A method of genetic identification of pine marten (Martes martes) and stone marten (Martes foina) and its application to faecal samples
Authors: Pilot M. , Gralak B. , Goszczyński J. , Posłuszny M. 
Published: August 2006

AbstractReliable identification of species occurring in a given area is a basis of effective wildlife management and conservation. However, discrimination of species is often difficult, especially if two morphologically similar, rare and elusive species occur sympatrically. This is the case with pine marten Martes martes and stone marten Martes foina, two closely related mustelids that have overlapping ranges throughout central Europe. Here we describe a genetic method that allows for distinguishing non‐invasively collected samples (faeces or remotely plucked hair) derived from pine martens or stone martens. On the basis of the analysis of tissue samples of 31 pine martens and 26 stone martens, we found that the microsatellite locus Ma18– developed in another study for American marten Martes americana– differs substantially in allele lengths between pine martens and stone martens, thereby allowing a genetic distinction of these species. We propose combining the use of the locus Ma18 with the second one described in the literature as having the same properties. The simultaneous application of these two markers allows for unequivocal species identification. To test the practical use of this method, we analysed 365 faecal samples collected in the vicinity of the town Rogów (51°48′N, 19°53′E) in central Poland, where pine martens and stone martens occur sympatrically. We successfully identified 78 scats of stone martens and 155 of pine martens. We found that the faeces of both martens occurred inside forest complexes of the study area. Thus, it is impossible to draw any inferences on the marten species solely from the type of habitat where the faeces were found. Genetic identification of faeces or hair provides a reliable and relatively cheap method of determining the presence of two species of European martens. Its application enables the monitoring of changes in their distribution, which is important because of their different demographic trends and conservation status.
Dilated Cardiomyopathy Following Right Ventricular Pacing for AV Block in Young Patients: Resolution After Upgrading to Biventricular Pacing Systems
Authors: MOAK JEFFREY P. , HASBANI KEREN , RAMWELL CAROLYN , FREEDENBERG VICKI , BERGER JOHN T. , DIRUSSO GREGORY , CALLAHAN PATRICK 
Published: August 2006

Introduction: Cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) has been demonstrated to result in clinical improvement in older adult patients with dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM), specifically those with left bundle branch block and prolonged QRS duration. We sought to demonstrate the benefits of CRT on improvement in cardiac function and clinical outcome in young patients that developed congestive heart failure (CHF) and DCM following cardiac pacing for AV block. Methods and Results: We reviewed the charts of six patients who developed CHF or low cardiac output symptoms and DCM following implantation of right ventricular (RV)‐based pacing systems for AV block, and subsequently underwent CRT. Patients ranged in age from 6 months to 23.7 years (mean: 11.3 ± 3.6 years). AV block was congenital (3), post‐surgery (2), and acquired (1). Pacing had been performed for 0.1–14.5 (7.6 ± 2.4) years prior to development of DCM. Two patients required listing for cardiac transplantation. Following CRT: (1) QRS duration shortened from 204 ± 15 to 138 ± 10 msec, P = 0.002, (2) left ventricular ejection fraction improved from 34 ± 6 to 60 ± 2%, P = 0.003, and (3) left ventricular end diastolic dimension shortened from 5.5 ± 0.8 to 4.3 ± 0.5 cm, P =0.03. All patients demonstrated clinical improvement and have been weaned from CHF medications and listing for cardiac transplantation. Conclusions: CRT can benefit young patients that develop CHF and DCM following RV pacing for AV block. Upgrading to biventricular pacing systems should be considered early in the management of these patients prior to listing for cardiac transplantation.
Sermons on Racial Tolerance and the Parish Neighborhood Context1
Authors: Crawford Thomas J. 
Published: August 2006

A study was conducted concerning racial attitudes of a group of white, Roman Catholic residents of a large midwestern city interviewed before and after they heard two sermons opposing raeial injustice and segregation. There was no significant relationship between presermon and postsermon change in a parishioner's attitude toward racial integration and the prointegration intensity of the sermons he heard. However, variation in the prointegration intensity of sermons delivered in a parish was closely related to the socioeconomic status of the parishioners, suggesting that the priests’perception of parish norms may have influenced the contents of the sermons.The needs or functions that segregationist attitudes may serve were considered. The 3 strongest of 14 correlates of segregationist attitudes investigated in this study were (a) belief that racial integration leads to neighborhood deterioration, (b) authoritarian aggression, and (c) perception of neighbors’attitudes toward integration. These three correlates appear to reflect object appraisal needs, externalization of inner conflict needs, and social adjustment needs, respectively.
Attitudes Toward Workers and Toward their Work: More Evidence that Sex Makes a Difference
Authors: Linsenmeier Joan A W. , Wortman Camille B. 
Published: August 2006

A recent study by Pheterson, Kiesler, and Goldberg (1971) has been cited many times as providing evidence that women underrate the work of other women. Close examination of their results, however, revealed a number of ambiguities. The present study modified and extended their design in an attempt to describe the nature of sex biases more clearly. Students read and responded to descriptions of seminars which they expected to have an opportunity to attend. Independent variables included sex of student, sex of seminar leader, and type of seminar topic (female‐oriented, male‐oriented, or neutral). Analysis of the results revealed an interaction of leader expertise, leader sex, and student sex on the major dependent measures. Women indeed underrated the accomplishments of other women relative to those of other men if the other's competence had not been demonstrated, while males' evaluations were not affected by the sex of the target person.Female college students … rated paintings attributed to male art contest entrants more favorably than the identical paintings attributed to female entrants. However, when the subjects were told that the artists had been awarded prizes, they rated men and women equally.The presumed sex of the artist had no bearing on the subjects' judgments in judging paintings represented as prize winners, but when the paintings were represented as show entries, the subjects rated them higher if they thought the artists were men.
The Effectiveness of Strategies for Increasing Social Interaction with a Physically Disabled Person1
Authors: Belgrave Faye Zollicoffer 
Published: August 2006

The effectiveness of strategies a physically disabled person can use to increase a nondisabled person's willingness to engage in social interaction were investigated. In the strategies, the disabled person engages in behavior demonstrating that he/she is not preoccupied with the disability.Female college students chose the amount of time to be spent listening to music versus social interaction before and after learning that the other was a disabled male. The subject witnessed via “closed circuit” TV (actually a videotape) a brief interaction between the male and another female in the waiting room from which the subject had just come. In the Interest in others condition, the male encouraged the female to talk about herself. In the Typical activities condition, the male mentioned he had to pick up tickets, organize a party, and study for an exam. In the Athletic activities condition, the male mentioned he went swimming and bowling. In the Request condition, the male asked the female to pick up a paper he had dropped. In the Control condition, there was limited interaction. In the Inappropriate communication condition, the male mentioned the same activities as in the Typical activities condition but talked continuously without waiting for polite interest from the female.Changes in preference for social interaction were significantly more positive in the Attentive to others, Typical activities and Athletic activities conditions than in the Control conditions. It was concluded that demonstrating interest in others, typical activities and athletic activities are effective strategies.