bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Is your prescription of distance running shoes evidence-based?
Authors: Richards C E , Magin P J , Callister R 
Published: April 2008

Objectives:To determine whether the current practice of prescribing distance running shoes featuring elevated cushioned heels and pronation control systems tailored to the individual’s foot type is evidence-based.Data sources:MEDLINE (1950–May 2007), CINAHL (1982–May 2007), EMBASE (1980–May 2007), PsychInfo (1806–May 2007), Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews (2ndQuarter 2007), Cochrane Central Register of Controlled trials (2ndQuarter 2007), SPORTSDiscus (1985–May 2007) and AMED (1985–May 2007).Review methods:English language articles were identified via keyword and medical subject headings (MeSH) searches of the above electronic databases. With these searches and the subsequent review process, controlled trials or systematic reviews were sought in which the study population included adult recreational or competitive distance runners, the exposure was distance running, the intervention evaluated was a running shoe with an elevated cushioned heel and pronation control systems individualised to the wearer’s foot type, and the outcome measures included either running injury rates, distance running performance, osteoarthritis risk, physical activity levels, or overall health and wellbeing. The quality of these studies and their findings were then evaluated.Results:No original research that met the study criteria was identified either directly or via the findings of the six systematic reviews identified.Conclusion:The prescription of this shoe type to distance runners is not evidence-based.
Which lap is the slowest? An analysis of 32 world mile record performances
Authors: Noakes T D , Lambert M I , Hauman R 
Published: April 2008

Objectives:The pacing strategies adopted by world-record breakers during the 1-mile footrace in order to evaluate different models for the biological basis of pacing was determined in this study.Methods:Lap times in 32 world record performances were analysed. Average times for each of the four laps and as percentages of total race time were calculated.Results:The slowest laps in 90% of races were either the second (34%) or the third (56%) laps. In only two (6%) records was the final lap the slowest, whereas in 24 (76%), it was either the fastest (38%) or the second fastest (38%) lap. Mean times for the second and third laps were both significantly slower than were times for the first or final laps, but there was no significant difference in times for the first and final lap.Conclusion:The finding that world record beaters run the final lap in their quickest mile races faster than the second and third laps matches findings for races at longer distances. The presence of this “end spurt” suggests that the pacing strategy is regulated “in anticipation” and is not purely the result of a developing “peripheral fatigue”.
The De Bry Collection of Voyages (1590-1634): Early America reconsidered
Authors: van Groesen Michiel 
Published: April 2008

AbstractThe De Bry collection of voyages, published in Frankfurt and Oppenheim between 1590 and 1634, has traditionally been regarded as dispensing a Protestant iconography of the New World. But for the analysis of the translated travel accounts in the collection, too long considered of secondary importance to the monumental copper engravings, a fundamentally different interpretation of the editors' objectives is in order. This article studies the Latin and German versions of the narratives, which offer a mosaic of variations disclosing a careful editorial strategy. While the German volumes were aimed at a predominantly Protestant readership, their Latin counterparts were adjusted to meet the demands of Catholic customers and humanists wary of religious polemic. Hence the first comprehensive set of images of early America reached readers across the Old World, regardless of their confessional allegiance. Commercial motives rather than the desire to spread a Protestant iconography determined the collection's representations.
The Commercial Relationship between Amsterdam and the Portuguese Salt-Exporting Ports: Aveiro and Setubal, 1580-1715
Authors: Antunes Catia 
Published: April 2008

AbstractSalt was a vital product in pre-industrial societies. Its value is associated with its preserving characteristics, which allowed foodstuffs and hides to be preserved for a relatively long time. This quality made it vital for the maintenance of pre-industrial activities like the fisheries. During the Middle Ages, most of the South Western European ports produced enough salt to respond to the needs of their urban and rural populations. With the growth of maritime activity and commercial expansion during the fourteenth and fifteenth centuries, salt became one of the most important bulk products in Europe, second only to grain.This article explores the surge of Aveiro and Setubal, two Portuguese ports specialized in the export of salt to the international markets and their contribution to the establishment, growth and development of an intricate set of commercial networks linking these ports to Amsterdam, Northern Europe and the Baltic. In the Portuguese context these ports were vital to the survival of the kingdom of Portugal, since most of the mid- and late seventeenth century diplomatic settlements were paid for by salt cargos and duties. For the Portuguese, salt was more than a bulk product. After 1640, it had become a hard currency.
Queen Elizabeth I Through Moroccan Eyes
Authors: Matar Nabil 
Published: April 2008

AbstractThis article examines the image of Queen Elizabeth I (reg. 1558-1603) in Moroccan writings, focusing specifically on the period between 1588, the English victory over the Spanish Armada, and 1596, the English attack (with Moroccan logistical assistance) on Cadiz. Contrary to what some historians have claimed about Arab-Islamic ignorance of, and indifference to, Western Europe in the early modern period, the writings of Abd al-Aziz al-Fishtali (1549-1621), the Moroccan scribe in the royal court of Marrakesh during the reign of Mulay Ahmad al-Mansur (reg. 1578-1603), provide valuable information about English political and naval activity in the last decade of the 16th century. The letters of al-Fishtali include the only contemporary description of the English Queen by a non-European writer.
Counter-Terrorism and the EU Strategy for Border Security: Framing Suspects with Biometric Documents and Databases
Authors: Baldaccini Anneliese 
Published: April 2008

AbstractThis article examines the way in which the EU amd its Member States have approached border security issues since the terrorist attacks in the US on 11 September 2001. A key aspect of this approach has been to tighten control of borders and the safety of documents by the use of biometric systems. The new policies on border security and document security are resulting in the mass collection and storage of biometric data in relation to third-country nationals seeking entry into the territory of EU Member States, and in relation to EU nationals within the context of travel and identity documents. These developments are significant as the Union is considering the potential offered by biometrics not only for the effective management of borders but also for the prevention and combating of crime.
Threats of Terrorism and the European Court of Human Rights
Authors: Sikuta Jan 
Published: April 2008

AbstractThis contribution is aiming to provide a reader with a brief overview of selected relevant case-law of the European Court of Human Rights in Strasbourg ("the Court"), somehow relating to the acts of terrorism. It shows the evolution of the Courts case-law from the very first case of Lawless v. Ireland, lodged to the Court in 1959, through the case of Osman v. UK, involving the positive obligation of a State to protect the life of its citizens and case of Ocalan v. Turkey, up to the case of Cetin and Others v. Turkey, dealing with terrorism and media (Article 10 of the Convention).The aim of this contribution is also to give a very brief views on the issue of terrorism from the aspects of different provisions of the Convention, starting with the Article 1 of the Convention and ending with Article 10 of the Convention, in order to provide participants of the Conference with short, but rather "plastic" picture of the Courts' case-law related to the mentioned issue.
From Cooperation, to Complicity, to Compensation: The War on Terror, Extraordinary Rendition, and the Cost of Torture
Authors: Macklin Audrey 
Published: April 2008

AbstractAttention has turned recently to the human rights implications of Western states' cooperation with the United States in the so-called War on Terror. This paper presents the ordeal of Canadian Maher Arar as a case-study in how one state responded to contentions of complicity in the extraordinary rendition of one of its nationals. Relying in part on faulty intelligence supplied by Canada, Arar was rendered by the United States to Syria. He was imprisoned and tortured for almost a year before Canada secured his release. Under considerable public pressure, the Canadian government appointed an independent public inquiry to examine the events surrounding his rendition. Following the release of the report and its recommendations, the Canadian government formally apologized to Arar and paid him substantial compensation. The author provides an account of the function performed by independent public inquiries in responding to public calls for government accountability in face of alleged wrongdoing. The paper describes the challenge posed by competing demands for publicity and secrecy in the particular context of controversial actions taken in the name of national security. Finally the author considers the precedential value of the Arar Inquiry for other jurisdictions that face similar allegations regarding complicity in human rights violations, as well as the task of devising a fair and reasonably open process against claims of national security confidentiality.
Carotid circulatory development in turtles: using existing material to seek critical developmental stages that localize establishment of clade-specific patterns
Authors: Russell Anthony , Jamniczky Heather 
Published: April 2008

AbstractRecent re-evaluation of variation in the carotid circulation of turtles has revealed that the phylogenetic signal contained in this character complex may indicate different patterns of relationship than have previously been hypothesized. Herein we document cranial circulatory development in Apalone spp. and Chrysemys picta for the first time, with the objective of stimulating future, intensive study of the source of observed circulatory variation in turtles. Both species studied exhibit a nearly identical circulatory pattern, resembling that of adult Trionychia, in later developmental stages. This is an unexpected finding given their highly divergent adult conditions. Further study is required to elucidate the means by which the adult circulatory pattern is attained in these taxa.
An analysis of courtship behaviour in the four-eyed spotted turtle, Sacalia quadriocellata (Reptilia: Testudines: Geoemydidae)
Authors: Fu Li-rong , He Bin , Murphy Robert , Wang Ji-chao , Ma Yong-gang , Liu Yu-xiang , Shi Hai-tao , Fong Jonathan 
Published: April 2008

AbstractA total of 168 courtship sequences from 12 male and 18 female adult captive Sacalia quadriocellata were recorded on video. Thirty male and four female discrete motor patterns were defined and described. The behavioural sequences were summarized in an intra-individual dyadic transition matrix and analyzed using chi-square and kappa analyses. Courtship behaviour models and a flow diagram were constructed for this species. The male display patterns involved tactical and visual signals to induce female receptivity to mating. In response, females may emit olfactory signals for gender recognition. Female rejection of male suitors resulted in a male success rate of 4.17%. Only seven copulations were observed. Copulation only occurred when a female became quiescent and relaxed her tail for coition.
Factors affecting repatriation success of the endangered Italian agile frog (Rana latastei)
Authors: Fasola Mauro , Pellitteri-Rosa Daniele , Pupin Fabio , Scali Stefano , Sacchi Roberto , Bernini Franco , Gentilli Augusto , Razzetti Edoardo 
Published: April 2008

AbstractRepatriations and translocations are among the most frequent actions deployed for conservation of amphibians all over the world. However, very few studies have analysed the effectiveness of these actions. The aims of this study were i) to measure the success of repatriations of Rana latastei carried out within a conservation project in Lombardy (Northern Italy) from 1999 to 2001, and ii) to analyse how the environmental factors affected repatriation success. Eighteen ponds were surveyed from February to April 2006, for an overall of 45 field surveys. Each pond was carefully checked for frogs and egg masses. We classified each pond as newly excavated or pre-existing according to habitat management actions and we measured 16 variables concerning micro- and macro-habitat characteristics, human disturbance and presence of predators. Rana latastei was found in 33.3% of monitored sites and the repatriation outcome of tadpole release did not differ between newly excavated and non managed ponds. Habitat variables influenced the success of repatriations, which increased in sites with higher percentage of woodlands. Finally, repatriation outcome was also negatively influenced by human disturbance and predator occurrence.
Colour pattern variation in populations of the European Whip snake, Hierophis viridiflavus: does geography explain everything?
Authors: Zuffi Marco 
Published: April 2008

AbstractDifferent colour patterns in European Whip snake, range from normal ("viridiflavus" pattern), to abundistic (dark pattern), to melanic-melanotic (black) patterns. Sexes are highly dimorphic, with more abundistic and melanotic-melanic males, than females. Colour patterns are also distributed in well defined areas of the species' distribution range. Normal colour is distributed in N Europe, N, NW and C Italy, while abundistic snakes are typical of Corsica and Sardinia, and melanic-melanotic snakes are very common or exclusive of NE, S Italy and Sicily. Proximal causes that may have driven the distribution of present colour patterns are linked to palaeogeographic events, even if fossil reconstruction of past colonization or a suitable phylogeographic hypothesis are not available.
Foraging mode and locomotor capacities in Lacertidae
Authors: Van Damme Raoul , Verwaijen Dave 
Published: April 2008

AbstractForaging strategy is often considered to play a central role in moulding diverse aspects of an animal's general biology. Active foragers should have greater locomotor endurance, allowing high movement activity rates, while sit-and-waiting foragers may be better adapted to sprinting, allowing catching prey by a quick attack from an ambush site, and going with specific predator escape tactics. In this study we investigate these predicted patterns in a set of lacertid lizard species. There is considerable variation in foraging activity within Lacertidae, which allows the close investigation of the co-evolution of the traits considered. We found a tendency of positive correlation of foraging measures (PTM, percentage of time moving; MPM, number of movements per minute) with laboratory measured endurance capacity. However, the relationship of foraging measures with maximal sprint speed remains less clear. MPM correlates negatively with maximal sprint speed, but PTM does not. When sprint speed was corrected for body size, no correlations were found at all.
Demography of Xenosaurus platyceps (Squamata: Xenosauridae): a comparison between tropical and temperate populations
Authors: Jones Carissa , Rojas-González Isaac , Lemos-Espinal Julio , Zúñiga-Vega Jaime 
Published: April 2008

AbstractThere appears to be variation in life-history strategies even between populations of the same species. For ectothermic organisms such as lizards, it has been predicted that demographic and life-history traits should differ consistently between temperate and tropical populations. This study compares the demographic strategies of a temperate and a tropical population of the lizard Xenosaurus platyceps. Population growth rates in both types of environments indicated populations in numerical equilibrium. Of the two populations, we found that the temperate population experiences lower adult mortality. The relative importance (estimated as the relative contribution to population growth rate) of permanence and of the adult/reproductive size classes is higher in the temperate population. In contrast, the relative importance for average fitness of fecundity and growth is higher in the tropical population. These results are consistent with the theoretical frameworks about life-historical differences among tropical and temperate lizard populations.
Morphology and diet of two sympatric colubrid snakes, Chironius flavolineatus and Chironius quadricarinatus (Serpentes: Colubridae)
Authors: Augusto Vuolo Marques Otavio , Fernandes Ronaldo , Richard Pinto Roberta 
Published: April 2008

AbstractThe morphometry and diet of two sympatric species of Chironius (C. flavolineatus and C. quadricarinatus) from Brazilian Cerrado are described. The two snake species differ in external morphology, as Chironius flavolineatus was the largest species (body, tail and eyes) whereas C. quadricarinatus the heaviest. Each species also showed marked sexual size dimorphism. In terms of dietary ecology, both species feed exclusively on frogs with a heavy preference for hylids and may have tendency to eat small items, as noticed in other colubrine species. These two snake species showed a brownish colour pattern and exhibited no ontogenetic variation, suggesting that juveniles and adults use similar substrates. Chironius flavolineatus and C. quadricarinatus present a semi-arboreal habit, with active foraging behaviour, feeding in the ground most of time. Chironius flavolineatus uses higher vegetation for resting and, based on morphological results, seems to be more arboreal than C. quadricarinatus.
Does physical or acoustical disturbance cause male pickerel frogs, Rana palustris, to vocalize underwater?
Authors: Given Mac 
Published: April 2008

AbstractMale pickerel frogs (Rana palustris) vocalize both above water and underwater. Males have a complex vocal repertoire consisting of an advertisement call and two additional call types (i.e., aggressive calls) that can be elicited by the playback of a conspecific advertisement call. Additionally, in a previous study, males in these playbacks often dove and vocalized underwater for a few minutes before returning to the surface. The purpose of this study was to investigate whether physical or acoustical disturbance cause male pickerel frogs to call underwater. Experimental manipulations were performed with resident males that, initially, were calling above water. In the first, 16 males were physically disturbed with the intent to make them dive underwater. Eleven of these began to call underwater within 10 to 95 seconds and continued for up to four minutes before returning to calling above water. The second experiment involved playbacks in which males were disturbed acoustically by two minutes of continuous advertisement calling from either one Bufo americanus or Pseudacris crucifer male. Only one of 15 males dove and then called underwater in response to B. americanus calls even though most subjects emitted aggressive calls during the test period, and no male called underwater in response to P. crucifer calls (n = 13). In conclusion, male pickerel frogs will shift to underwater calling in response to a physical disturbance, but do not shift in response to the sounds of one heterospecific caller.
Group size and termite consumption in the armadillo lizard, Cordylus cataphractus
Authors: van Wyk Johannes , Mouton P. le Fras , Shuttleworth Cindy 
Published: April 2008

AbstractWe investigated possible differences in the consumption of termites (Microhodotermes viator) by individuals in different sized groups of Cordylus cataphractus during different times of the year. Scats, collected once a month from small (2-3 individuals), medium (4-10 individuals) and large C. cataphractus groups (more than 10 individuals), from January to December 2005, were analysed for the presence of termite head material. We found termite consumption to be generally greater in larger than smaller groups throughout the year, but only significantly so during the dry months, March and April. Individuals in all group categories utilized termites throughout the year, but consumption was low at the end of winter, a time when general insect abundance is high. We conclude that termitophagy is important to individuals living in large groups, particularly during the dry period of the year, most probably to reduce intragroup competition for food.
Effect of transmitter mass and tracking duration on body mass change of two anuran species
Authors: Schmidt Benedikt , Indermaur Lukas , Tockner Klement 
Published: April 2008

AbstractDuring tracking studies, the behaviour of animals may be affected by the tracking and tagging methods used, which may influence the results obtained. Our aim was to assess the impact of transmitter mass and the duration of tracking period on the body mass change (BMC) of two anuran species that were fitted with externally attached radio transmitters. Bufo b. spinosus and B. viridis were radio-tracked for three months during summer in the active tract of a large gravel-bed river (Tagliamento River, NE Italy). Our results demonstrated that transmitter mass and the duration of the tracking period did not affect BMC of the two anurans in their terrestrial summer habitats because methodological factors poorly predicted variation in BMC. Therefore, we encourage the use of tracking methods in amphibian ecology.
Habitat as a source of intrapopulational variation of ornament size in Galápagos lava lizards (Microlophus albemarlensis complex)
Authors: Jordan Mark , Snell Howard , Hollis Jennifer , Stone Paul 
Published: April 2008

AbstractGradients in habitat structure are expected to influence the outcome of selection on traits that contribute to communicative display. Galápagos lava lizards (Microlophus albemarlensis complex) on Isla Plaza Sur in the Galápagos Islands occur across a gradient of vegetative cover. Previous work in this population has shown that traits associated with predator avoidance are magnified in habitats with low vegetative cover. This pattern suggests that predation pressure differs by habitat and thus, may act to select against the elaboration of ornamentation. We measured the size of the chin patch, an ornament known to be used in intraspecific signaling, to test this hypothesis. The area of the chin patch was dependent on both snout-vent length and residual body mass. In contrast to expectation, males had larger chin patches in the sparsely vegetated habitat suggested to have high predation risk. This result raises questions about the presumed survival cost of ornament elaboration.