bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Multiple modes in a coral species abundance distribution
Authors: Dornelas Maria , Connolly Sean R. 
Published: July 2008

AbstractSpecies abundance distributions are an important measure of biodiversity and community structure. These distributions are affected by sampling, and alternative species‐abundance models often make similar predictions for small sample sizes. Very large samples reveal the relative abundances of rare species, and thus provide information about species relative abundances that small samples cannot. Here, we present the species‐abundance distribution for a sample of > 40 000 coral colonies at a single site, exceeding existing samples of coral local assemblages by over an order of magnitude. This abundance distribution is multimodal when examined on a logarithmic scale. Four different model selection procedures all indicate that the underlying community abundance distribution has at least three modes. We show that the multiple modes are not caused by mixtures of species with different habitat preferences. However, spatial aggregation partially explains our results. We inspect published work on species abundance distributions, and suggest that multimodality may be a common feature of large samples.
Effects of experimental inbreeding on herbivore resistance and plant fitness: the role of history of inbreeding, herbivory and abiotic factors
Authors: Leimu Roosa , Kloss Lena , Fischer Markus 
Published: July 2008

AbstractInbreeding is common in plant populations and can affect plant fitness and resistance against herbivores. These effects are likely to depend on population history. In a greenhouse experiment with plants from 17 populations of Lychnis flos‐cuculi, we studied the effects of experimental inbreeding on resistance and plant fitness. Depending on the levels of past herbivory and abiotic factors at the site of plant origin, we found either inbreeding or outbreeding depression in herbivore resistance. Furthermore, when not damaged experimentally by snail herbivores, plants from populations with higher heterozygosity suffered from inbreeding depression and those from populations with lower heterozygosity suffered from outbreeding depression. These effects of inbreeding and outbreeding were not apparent under experimental snail herbivory. We conclude that inbreeding effects on resistance and plant fitness depend on population history. Moreover, herbivory can mask inbreeding effects on plant fitness. Thus, understanding inbreeding effects on plant fitness requires studying multiple populations and considering population history and biotic interactions.
Plasma magnesium should be monitored perioperatively in patients undergoing colorectal resection
Authors: Evans M. D. , Barton K. , Pritchard G. A. , Williams E. J. , Karandikar S. S. 
Published: July 2008

AbstractObjective  Hypomagnesemia has been shown to have several clinically important sequelae. The aims of this study were: to assess the impact of bowel preparation, with sodium picosulphate (Picolax®), on plasma electrolytes, with particular regard to plasma magnesium, in patients undergoing bowel preparation for colonoscopy and colorectal resection and to evaluate the influence of perioperative magnesium levels on postoperative cardiac dysrhythmias.Method  Sixty‐one patients receiving sodium picosulphate (Picolax®) bowel preparation were studied in two groups: Colonoscopy (31 patients) and Colorectal resection (30 patients). Plasma sodium, potassium, magnesium, calcium, urea, creatinine and blood haematocrit were measured in all patients prior to commencement of bowel preparation, at the time of colonoscopy or colorectal resection and 24 h postoperatively (surgery group only). Mean electrolyte and haematocrit levels were then compared. Postoperative cardiac dysrhythmias were recorded and analysed.Results  No significant changes following bowel preparation were observed in plasma sodium, potassium, calcium or creatinine. Plasma urea fell following bowel preparation (colonoscopy P < 0.001, resection P = 0.004) and rose following resection (P = 0.002). Magnesium levels increased following bowel preparation in both groups (colonoscopy P < 0.001, resection P = 0.007) and fell following resection (P < 0.001). Thirty‐four per cent (21/60 patients) were hypermagnesemic following bowel preparation and 20% (6/30 patients) became hypomagnesemic following surgery. Postoperative cardiac dysrhythmias were associated with lower magnesium levels at induction and postoperatively (P = 0.022 and P = 0.033).Conclusion  Bowel preparation with Picolax® does not appear to cause significant electrolyte disturbance, except in elevating plasma magnesium. Postcolorectal resection plasma magnesium dropped significantly suggesting perioperative monitoring and replacement should be routine following colorectal surgery.
Preoperative investigations for metastatic staging of colon and rectal cancer across multiple centres – what is current practice?
Authors: Kosmider S. , Stella D. L. , Field K. , Moore M. , Ananda S. , Oakman C. , Singh M. , Gibbs P. 
Published: July 2008

AbstractObjective  The optimal strategy for elective distant staging of colorectal carcinoma (CRC) has yet to be defined, with current guidelines based on small and limited series. One specific issue requiring review is the value of routine computerized tomographic (CT) chest examination. Also lacking is data on current routine clinical practice.Method  A retrospective chart review of consecutive cases of elective surgery for CRC from five hospitals.Results  Two hundred and fifty‐seven cases were reviewed, 128 colon and 129 rectal primaries. 164 (64%) of patients overall, ranging from 45% to 88% across the individual centres, had a preoperative serum CEA level performed. CT abdomen/pelvis was performed in 222 (86%) of cases, ranging from 69% to 98% per centre. CT chest was performed in 95 (37%) of cases, 47% of rectal vs 29% of colon cancers (P = 0.004). In 17 cases (18%) CT chest examinations revealed abnormalities suspicious for metastatic disease, leading to a change in management in six (35%) of these cases. Of the 17 cases with an abnormal CT chest, in only 5 of the 14 (36%) where carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) levels were also recorded was this increased, and in only three (21%) was this markedly (> 10 μg/l) elevated.Conclusions  Substantial variability exists in the preoperative evaluation of patients with CRC. Many patients do not have a CEA and/or abdominal imaging performed. Where performed, CT chest revealed suspicious findings in a significant number of patients, the vast majority of whom had a normal or near normal CEA. Future studies are required to define optimal preoperative staging.
Perineum compression during EAUS enhances visualization of anterior anal sphincter defects
Authors: Titi M. A. , Jenkins J. T. , Urie A. , Molloy R. G. 
Published: July 2008

AbstractObjective  Endo‐anal ultrasound (EAUS) can detect anal sphincter injuries. However, anterior external anal sphincter (EAS) defects can be difficult to define. We assessed different EAUS techniques to determine if any particular method improved defect identification.Method  Ninety females with faecal incontinence were prospectively studied. Wexner faecal incontinence scores were obtained. All patients underwent anorectal manometry and EAUS using three different techniques: standard, digit‐assisted (gloved finger pressing on posterior vaginal wall) and balloon‐assisted (standard balloon inflated into the vagina). The three techniques were assessed by comparing defect characteristics (detection, angle, edges and scar tissue), and perineal body thickness. All measurements were performed at the mid anal canal level. Results are expressed as medians (IQR).Results  Standard EAUS (S‐EAUS) identified a sphincter defect in 54 patients. Digit assisted EAUS (D‐EAUS) and balloon‐assisted EAUS (B‐EAUS) ultrasound revealed a sphincter defect in additional 11 and 9 patients respectively compared to S‐EAUS. Correlation of maximum squeeze pressure with EAUS findings improved on D‐EAUS and B‐EAUS. The defect angle was significantly wider with D‐EAUS and B‐EAUS [S‐EAUS 90°(63–97), D‐EAUS 100°(81–101.5), B‐EAUS 100°(80–105), P = 0.0005]. The perineal body was significantly thicker when measured with B‐EAUS [D‐EAUS 9 mm (7–10) vs B‐EAUS 10 mm (8–11), P = 0.0005]. Inter‐observer agreement was comparable [S‐EAUS (K) = 0.677, D‐EAUS (K) = 0.658, B‐EAUS (K) = 0.601].Conclusion  EAS anterior defect detection and definition on EAUS may be improved by the demarcation and gentle pressure on the posterior vaginal wall.
A retrospective study on the prevalence of primary cataracts in two pedigrees from the German population of English Cocker Spaniels
Authors: Engelhardt Anja , Stock Kathrin F. , Hamann Henning , Brahm Rolf , Grußendorf Heinrich , Rosenhagen Carsten U. , Distl Ottmar 
Published: July 2008

AbstractObjective  Two pedigrees from the German English Cocker Spaniel population are presented to illustrate the familial occurrence of primary cataract (CAT) in single‐ and multicolored English Cocker Spaniels. The aim was to characterize similarities and differences in the prevalence and formation of CAT in these separately bred color variants of English Cocker Spaniels.Materials  The study was based on the veterinary records for presumed inherited eye diseases of 1232 English Cocker Spaniels which were provided by the German panel of the European Eye Scheme for diagnosis of inherited eye diseases in animals (DOK, <http://www.dok‐vet.de>). Data included information on 615 single‐colored and 617 multicolored English Cocker Spaniels. Results  CAT was diagnosed in 92 (14.96%) of the single‐colored and 34 (5.51%) of the multicolored English Cocker Spaniels. The pedigree of the single‐colored English Cocker Spaniels included 40 ophthalmologically examined dogs with 18 unaffected and 22 affected dogs. The pedigree of the multicolored English Cocker Spaniels contained 16 ophthalmologically examined dogs with 11 unaffected and five affected dogs. Conclusions  In both color variants of the English Cocker Spaniels different forms of primary CAT with respect to location within the lens occurred among close relatives. Appearance of CAT was very heterogeneous without obvious sex differences. The sample pedigrees do not support the assumption of familial segregation of specific forms of primary CAT in English Cocker Spaniels.
Microstructure and glycosaminoglycan ratio of canine cornea after reconstructive transplantation with glycerin‐preserved porcine amniotic membranes
Authors: Tsuzuki Keiko , Yamashita Kazuto , Izumisawa Yasuharu , Kotani Tadao 
Published: July 2008

AbstractObjective  Although amniotic membranes of canine, feline, and equine species have some advantages as corneal transplantation material in many canine ocular diseases, their softness, thinness, and low availability can pose problems. As an alternative, the more abundant porcine amniotic membranes may be used. This paper describes the use of glycerin‐preserved porcine amniotic membranes in corneal transplantation in eight normal dogs.Method  A 0.4‐mm deep recipient bed in the axial cornea of the OS of all dogs was created using an 8‐mm Barron radial vacuum trephine. The recipient bed was then filled with amnion, and the entire cornea was covered with another piece of the glycerin‐preserved membrane. The ocular signs evaluated were corneal opacity and corneal vascularization. The dogs were euthanized on days 5, 10, 20, or 40 after surgery, and samples were collected to evaluate corneal thickness, parenchymal cell number, mean collagen fibril diameter, collagen fibril content and the glycosaminoglycan (GAG) ratio.Results  Corneal opacity was observed immediately after surgery. Restoration of corneal transparency, regression of corneal vascularization, and visualization of the pupil and iris were noted on day 40.Conclusions  The clinical observations were supported histologically by regained corneal thickness, parenchymal cell number, mean collagen fibril diameter, collagen fibril content, and GAG ratio, suggesting that this technique may be a novel method for the treatment of ocular surface disorders.
Retinopathy of Coton de Tulear dogs: clinical manifestations, electroretinographic, ultrasonographic, fluorescein and indocyanine green angiographic, and optical coherence tomographic findings
Authors: Grahn Bruce H. , Sandmeyer Lynne L. , Breaux Carrie 
Published: July 2008

AbstractObjectives  To document the clinical manifestations, development, progression, and mode of inheritance of the retinopathy of Coton de Tulear dogs.Materials and methods  Multiple Coton de Tulear dogs were examined with biomicroscopy, indirect ophthalmoscopy, photopic and scotopic electroretinography, fluorescein and indocyanine green angiography, optical coherence tomography, ultrasonography, and fundic photography for 3 years.Results  The retinopathy of Coton de Tulear dogs is inherited as an autosomal recessive condition and manifests as multifocal serous retinal detachments in homozygous puppies, between 3 and 4 months of age. Optic coherence tomography and ultrasonography confirm multiple focal serous retinal detachments. Serial fundic photographs confirmed minimal progression of lesions beyond 1 year of age. Electroretinography identified diminished scotopic and photopic amplitudes; however, the only significant differences between affected and age‐matched control Coton de Tulear dogs were noted during photopic flicker electroretinograms. Leakage of fluorescein or indocyanine green through the blood ocular barriers was not detected during repeated angiograms prior to, during, and after development of the retinopathy. There was no focal pooling of fluorescein in any of the dogs examined. Focal retinal thinning was detected with optical coherence tomography over each detachment and the serous content of some of the bullae diminish after several years leaving focal areas of hyper‐reflectivity.Conclusions  Multifocal retinopathy of Coton de Tulear dogs is inherited as an autosomal recessive condition. The retinopathy manifests early in life as nonprogressive multifocal bullous retinal detachments. The blood ocular barrier remains intact. Photopic and scotopic electroretinography are minimally diminished compared to age‐matched dogs.
Use of a biosynthetic material to repair the surgical defect following excision of an epibulbar melanoma in a cat
Authors: Plummer Caryn E. , Kallberg Maria E. , Ollivier Franck J. , Gelatt Kirk N. , Brooks Dennis E. 
Published: July 2008

AbstractA limbal melanoma was surgically excised from the OS of a 4‐year‐old castrated male Domestic Short‐haired cat (DSH). The resultant scleral defect was repaired by placement of A‐cell bio‐scaffold material. The patient responded well in the postoperative period with no apparent discomfort, nor any observable complications. No signs of recurrence have been evident nearly 2.5 years following surgical removal. A‐cell appears to be a safe and reasonable option to lend support to corneoscleral defects following removal of neoplastic lesions. It carries with it the advantages of availability, minimal host rejection, and reduced potential for iatrogenic spread of infections agents.
Cloning and characterization of an acyl‐CoA‐dependent diacylglycerol acyltransferase 1 (DGAT1) gene from Tropaeolum majus, and a study of the functional motifs of the DGAT protein using site‐directed mutagenesis to modify enzyme activity and oil content
Authors: Xu Jingyu , Francis Tammy , Mietkiewska Elzbieta , Giblin E. Michael , Barton Dennis L. , Zhang Yan , Zhang Meng , Taylor David C. 
Published: July 2008

SummaryA full‐length cDNA encoding a putative diacylglycerol acyltransferase 1 (DGAT1, EC 2.3.1.20) was obtained from Tropaeolum majus (garden nasturtium). The 1557‐bp open reading frame of this cDNA, designated TmDGAT1, encodes a protein of 518 amino acids showing high homology to other plant DGAT1s. The TmDGAT1 gene was expressed exclusively in developing seeds. Expression of recombinant TmDGAT1 in the yeast H1246MATα quadruple mutant (DGA1, LRO1, ARE1, ARE2) restored the capability of the mutant host to produce triacylglycerols (TAGs). The recombinant TmDGAT1 protein was capable of utilizing a range of 14C‐labelled fatty acyl‐CoA donors and diacylglycerol acceptors, and could synthesize 14C‐trierucin. Collectively, these findings confirm that the TmDGAT1 gene encodes an acyl‐CoA‐dependent DGAT1. In plant transformation studies, seed‐specific expression of TmDGAT1 was able to complement the low TAG/unusual fatty acid phenotype of the Arabidopsis AS11 (DGAT1) mutant. Over‐expression of TmDGAT1 in wild‐type Arabidopsis and high‐erucic‐acid rapeseed (HEAR) and canola Brassica napus resulted in an increase in oil content (3.5%–10% on a dry weight basis, or a net increase of 11%–30%). Site‐directed mutagenesis was conducted on six putative functional regions/motifs of the TmDGAT1 enzyme. Mutagenesis of a serine residue in a putative SnRK1 target site resulted in a 38%–80% increase in DGAT1 activity, and over‐expression of the mutated TmDGAT1 in Arabidopsis resulted in a 20%–50% increase in oil content on a per seed basis. Thus, alteration of this putative serine/threonine protein kinase site can be exploited to enhance DGAT1 activity, and expression of mutated DGAT1 can be used to enhance oil content.
A Theoretical Perspective on Multilateral Agreements on Investment*
Authors: Turrini Alessandro , Urban Dieter M. 
Published: July 2008

AbstractWhy do we observe some developing countries objecting to the prospect of a Multilateral Agreement on Investment (MAI), even though they have been keen to liberalize investment in preferential agreements in recent years? In this paper, we analyze the issue of MAI implementation and assess the welfare consequences of such kind of agreements. In our model, participation to MAI involves a tradeoff between less rent extraction from multinational firms (MNEs) and more abundant FDI inflows. At equilibrium, either all countries enter MAI, or all countries stay out, or only some of them enter. Coordination problems may induce multiple equilibria: the three types of equilibria may coexist. So, the implementation of MAI may depend not only on structural factors but also on the general “political climate.” When all countries join MAI, world welfare is maximized because this minimizes the hold‐up problem faced by MNEs and stimulates investment. However, in an asymmetric world, welfare gains are not guaranteed for all countries.
The Gender Dimension of Social Policy Reform in Turkey: Towards Equal Citizenship?
Authors: Kılıç Azer 
Published: July 2008

Abstract This article discusses the current social policy reform process in Turkey from a gender perspective. Until now, social security and labour regulations have provided women with special benefits and protections. Depending on the particular case, these gender‐specific policies can be interpreted differently – as positive discrimination, satisfying practical gender interests, or as a reinforcement of traditional gender norms and relations, stigmatizing women as a weaker, vulnerable group in need of special protection. Ongoing reform initiatives, however, neutralize most of these long‐lasting gendered policies, either by terminating rights formerly enjoyed only by women or by extending these rights to men as well. The article questions this changing nature of social policy as to whether it promises equal citizenship for women or increases their vulnerability, in the absence of former benefits and without sufficient policy measures for improved capability.
Diversity and Affirmative Action in Higher Education
Authors: EPPLE DENNIS , ROMANO RICHARD , SIEG HOLGER 
Published: July 2008

AbstractWe examine the practice of affirmative action and consequences of its proscription on the admission and tuition policies of institutions of higher education in a general equilibrium framework. Colleges are differentiated ex ante by endowments and compete for students that differ by race, household income, and academic qualification. Proscription of affirmative action requires that admission and tuition policies are race blind. Colleges then use the informational content about race in income and academic qualification in reformulating their optimal policies. We find that minority students pay lower tuition and attend higher‐quality schools because of affirmative action. A ban of affirmative action will lead to a substantial decline of minority students in the top‐tier colleges.
Tax Overpayments, Tax Evasion, and Book‐Tax Differences
Authors: GOERKE LASZLO 
Published: July 2008

AbstractA strictly risk‐averse manager makes joint decisions on a firm's tax payments and book profit declarations according to accounting standards. It is analyzed how the incentives to overpay or evade taxes and to inflate book profits are influenced by (1) the composition of the manager's remuneration, (2) the ability to control the manager's actions, (3) the costs of making untruthful profit declarations, and (4) the tax rate. If the firm's owner or the government take into account these effects when pursuing their own objectives, the changes in tax payments and book profit declarations become theoretically more ambiguous.
Analysis of Heat Wave Effects on Health by Using Generalized Additive Model and Bootstrap-Based Model Selection
Authors: Pauli Francesco , Rizzi Laura 
Published: July 2008

Summary
It is known that high summer temperature may lead to worsening health conditions among fragile individuals within exposed populations. It is also argued that multiday patterns of high temperature—heat waves—may have relevant effects on health. We discuss the possible measures of intensities of heat waves to be included in a generalized additive model explaining the number of hospital admissions that occurred during summer months in Milan. The issue of variable selection is central to the analysis: a computational method is discussed which may help in assessing the robustness of the model selection method. Eventually, we obtain evidence supporting the relevance of heat waves in driving adverse health episodes.
UNCERTAINTY AND EXPECTATIONS IN SHACKLE'S THEORY OF CAPITAL AND INTEREST
Authors: Meacci Ferdinando 
Published: July 2008

ABSTRACTThis paper is focused on the macroeconomic aspects of Shackle's theory of capital and interest. The paper highlights the strengths and weaknesses of this theory. Among the strengths is Shackle's treatment of historical time, expectations and their disappointment, ex ante and ex post magnitudes, macroeconomic equilibrium and disequilibrium. Among the weaknesses is Shackle's failure to grasp the difference between the theory of interest as such and the theory of the money rate of interest as well as the difference between the theory of capital in the context of logical time (the old Austrian approach) and the theory of capital in the context of historical time (Hayek's and Shackle's preferred approach).
In natural science, what is thought is built upon what is seen: but in economics, what is seen is built upon what is thought. (Shackle, 1972, p. 66)
Enigmatic Variations: Honours Degree Assessment Regulations in the UK
Authors: Yorke Mantz , Woolf Harvey , Stowell Marie , Allen Rick , Haines Chris , Redding Marian , Scurry Dave , Taylor‐Russell Graham , Turnbull Wayne , Walker Lawrie 
Published: July 2008

AbstractThe debate in the UK about the continued existence of the honours degree classification led to a survey of the assessment regulations in 35 varied higher education institutions. This revealed considerable variation in the way in which honours degree classifications are determined, and also in the handling of weak performances by students. Such variability, deriving from a system in which institutional autonomy is to the fore, raises a question about equitability in the treatment of students. A brief allusion is made to the variability in assessment regulations in the US and Australia.