bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The Indochinese–Sundaic zoogeographic transition: a description and analysis of terrestrial mammal species distributions
Authors: Woodruff David S. , Turner Leslie M. 
Published: February 2009

AbstractAim We describe the distributions of mammal species between the Indochinese and Sundaic subregions and examine the traditional view that the two faunas show a transition near the Isthmus of Kra on the Thai–Malay peninsula.Location Species distributions are described along a 2000‐km transect from 20° N (northernmost Thailand) to 1° N (Singapore).Methods For the 325 species of native non‐marine mammals occurring along the transect we used published records to provide a database of their distributional records by degree of latitude.Results Along the transect we found 128 Indochinese species with southern range limits, 121 Sundaic species with northern range limits, four un‐assignable endemics and 72 widespread species. In total, 152 southern and 147 northern range limits were identified, and their distribution provides no evidence for a narrow faunal transition near the Isthmus of Kra (10°30′ N) or elsewhere. Range limits of both bats and non‐volant mammals cluster in northernmost peninsular Malaysia (5° N) and 800 km further north, where the peninsula joins the continent proper (14° N). The clusters of northern and southern range limits are not concordant but overlap by 100–200 km. Similarly, the range limits of bats and non‐volant mammals cluster at slightly different latitudes. There are 30% fewer species and range limits in the central and northern peninsula (between 6 and 13° N), and 35 more widely distributed species have range gaps in this region. In addition, we found 70 fewer species at the southern tip of the peninsula (1° N) than at 3–4° N.Main conclusions The deficiencies of both species and species range limits in the central and northern peninsula are attributed to an area effect caused by repeated sea‐level changes. Using a new global glacioeustatic curve developed by Miller and associates we show that there were > 58 rapid sea‐level rises of > 40 m in the last 5 Myr that would have resulted in significant faunal compression and local population extirpation in the narrow central and northern parts of the peninsula. This new global sea‐level curve appears to account for the observed patterns of the latitudinal diversity of mammal species, the concentration of species range limits north and south of this area, the nature and position of the transition between biogeographical subregions, and possibly the divergence of the faunas themselves during the Neogene. The decline of species diversity at the southern end of the transect is attributed to a peninsula effect similar to that described elsewhere.
Cost estimation of a health‐check intervention for adults with intellectual disabilities in the UK
Authors: Romeo R. , Knapp M. , Morrison J. , Melville C. , Allan L. , Finlayson J. , Cooper S.‐A. 
Published: February 2009

AbstractBackground  High rates of health needs among adults with intellectual disabilities flag the need for information about the economic consequences of strategies to identify and address unmet needs. Health‐check interventions are one such strategy, and have been demonstrated to effect health gains over the following 12‐month period. However, little is known about their effects on service use and costs, and hence how affordable such interventions are.Methods  We examined service use patterns and costs over a 12‐month period for 50 adult participants with intellectual disabilities who received a health‐check intervention and 50 individually matched control participants who received standard care only.Results  The health‐check intervention was cheap, and it did not have associated higher costs in terms of service usage. Indeed, mean cost of care for the adults who received standard care only was greater than for the adults who received the health‐check intervention. The higher costs were due to differences in unpaid carer support costs.Conclusion  This is the first study to report the associated service use, and costs of a health‐check intervention to improve the health of adults with intellectual disabilities and reduce health inequalities. Results suggest this intervention is cheap and affordable compared with standard care, supporting clinical outcome evidence for its introduction into health care policy and implementation. However, further research is needed to confirm this finding with a larger sample.
Repetition of contaminating question types when children and youths with intellectual disabilities are interviewed
Authors: Cederborg A.‐C. , Danielsson H. , La Rooy D. , Lamb M. E. 
Published: February 2009

AbstractBackground  The present study examined the effects of repeating questions in interviews investigating the possible sexual abuse of children and youths who had a variety of intellectual disabilities. We predicted that the repetition of option‐posing and suggestive questions would lead the suspected victims to change their responses, making it difficult to understand what actually happened. Inconsistency can be a key factor when assessing the reliability of witnesses.Materials  Case files and transcripts of investigative interviews with 33 children and youths who had a variety of intellectual disabilities were obtained from prosecutors in Sweden. The interviews involved 25 females and 9 males whose chronological ages were between 5.4 and 23.7 years when interviewed (M = 13.2 years).Results  Six per cent of the questions were repeated at least once. The repetition of focused questions raised doubts about the reports because the interviewees changed their answers 40% of the time.Conclusions  Regardless of the witnesses' abilities, it is important to obtain reports that are as accurate and complete as possible in investigative interviews. Because this was a field study, we did not know which responses were accurate, but repetitions of potentially contaminating questions frequently led the interviewees to contradict their earlier answers. This means that the interviewers' behaviour diminished the usefulness of the witnesses' testimony.
Biolaminated sedimentation in a High Arctic freshwater lake
Authors: CHUTKO KRYSTOPHER J. , LAMOUREUX SCOTT F. 
Published: February 2009

AbstractA laminated sequence of lacustrine sediment from an Arctic coastal lake was examined for potential chronological and successional information. The laminae are microbially induced sedimentary structures, the unlithified precursor of stromatolites and are previously unreported in the Arctic. The inferred annual sequence was interpreted to contain a basal clastic unit, overlain with successive cyanobacterial and extracellular polymeric substance units. The complex succession of laminae and inconclusive dating provide a challenge for identifying the chronological nature of the sedimentary structures. Markov chain and time series analyses suggest that a plausible, quasi‐annual sequence can be identified to provide a context for palaeo‐environmental reconstruction. Recognition of sedimentary structure in recent biolaminated sediments offers a first step towards the palaeo‐environmental evaluation of the geomicrobiological sequence.
Rapid colorimetric field test to determine levels of deltamethrin on PermaNet® surfaces: association with mosquito bioactivity
Authors: Green Michael D. , Atieli Frances , Akogbeto Martin 
Published: February 2009

SummaryObjective  To evaluate a simple and inexpensive colorimetric test to measure the amount of cyanopyrethroid insecticide residue from filter paper exposed to mosquito net surfaces.Method  The net sampling protocol and colorimetric test (NetTest) were evaluated for deltamethrin‐impregnated PermaNet® 2.0 by comparison with high‐performance liquid chromatographic assays and mosquito mortality (WHO Cone Test).Conclusion  The observed correlation between the amount of deltamethrin adsorbed onto the filter paper and the entire amount of deltamethrin per unit area of net material was good: 0.967, five assays. The relationship between the surface levels of deltamethrin determined by the colorimetric test and the ‘gold standard’ mosquito bioassay reveals a relatively accurate field test with a sensitivity of 91.4% and specificity if 85.4% (76 samplings from 19 nets).
Prevalence of respiratory symptoms and cases suspicious for tuberculosis among public health clinic patients in Afghanistan, 2005–2006: Perspectives on recognition and referral of tuberculosis cases
Authors: Lainez Yolanda Barberá , Todd Catherine S. , Ahmadzai Ahmadullah , Doocy Shannon C. , Burnham Gilbert 
Published: February 2009

SummaryObjectives  To assess diagnosis and management of suspected pulmonary tuberculosis (TB) among patients with respiratory complaints attending Comprehensive Health Centers (CHCs) in Afghanistan.Methods  Consecutive consenting patients presenting with respiratory complaints at 24 health centres in eight provinces were enrolled between November 2005 and February 2006. Demographics, health histories, clinic provider and study representative exam findings and diagnoses, and diagnostic test results were recorded. Correlates of TB‐suggestive symptoms (defined as cough >2 weeks and/or haemoptysis) were assessed by logistic regression.Results  There were 1401 participants; 24.6% (n = 345) were children (age 17 or under). The TB‐suggestive symptoms of cough >2 weeks and/or haemoptysis were reported by 407 (31.3%) and 44(3.3%), respectively, with 39 participants reporting both symptoms. Of 413 participants reporting TB‐suggestive symptoms, only 178 (43%) were diagnosed as having suspected TB; 22.0% received no clinical diagnosis. Suspected TB was significantly associated with having a household member residing in a refugee camp within the last 2 years (OR = 6.0; 95% CI: 4.1–8.7), seven or more people sleeping in the same room (OR = 1.9; 95% CI: 1.4–2.6) and cooking with a wood fire in the sleeping room (OR = 1.6; 95% CI: 1.2–2.2) in univariate analysis.Conclusions  Diagnostic sensitivity by the health worker for possible cases of pulmonary TB was low, as 22% of persons with suspected tuberculosis received no diagnosis. Further, some common/chronic respiratory ailments were under‐diagnosed. There is great need for improved practical training and continuing education in pulmonary disease diagnosis for clinical health workers.
Biomass production and nutrient uptake ofChromolaena odorataas compared with other weeds in a burned and a mulched secondary forest clearing planted to plantain (Musaspp.)
Authors: HAUSER S , MEKOA C 
Published: February 2009

HauserS & MekoaC (2009). Biomass production and nutrient uptake ofChromolaena odorataas compared with other weeds in a burned and a mulched secondary forest clearing planted to plantain (Musaspp.).Weed Research49, 193–200.SummaryChromolaena odorata(Siam weed; Asteraceae), is an important weed in most cropping systems of humid West and Central Africa. In plantain (Musaspp.), the most important cash food crop in Cameroon, the traditional system of slash and burn of old secondary forest with long phases of weed‐free crop growth can no longer be maintained due to invasion byC. odorata. This study evaluated the effects of burning versus mulching biomass after forest clearing onC. odoratabiomass production, nutrient uptake and its competition with all other volunteer plants. Weed biomass was sampled before each slashing over 3 years in a plantain field established in secondary forest. Total weed biomass andC. odoratabiomass were unaffected by biomass management. Biomass production increases ofC. odorataover time were larger after burning than when biomass was retained. Biomass production of trees and broad‐leaved plants (other thanC. odorata) declined over time.Chromolaena odoratacontributed up to 91% of the total volunteer biomass. Nutrient uptake byC. odoratawas promoted by burning. Biomass management after forest clearing does not offer an option to slow down invasion by, or reduce growth ofC. odorata.
Risk factors for early primary graft dysfunction after lung transplantation: a registry study
Authors: Kuntz Catherine L. , Hadjiliadis Denis , Ahya Vivek N. , Kotloff Robert M. , Pochettino Alberto , Lewis James , Christie Jason D. 
Published: February 2009

Abstract:  Background:  Primary graft dysfunction (PGD) is a leading cause of early morbidity and mortality in lung transplantation. We sought to identify risk factors for PGD using the United Network for Organ Sharing/International Society for Heart and Lung Transplant (UNOS/ISHLT) Registry.Methods:  A total of 6984 lung transplants between 1994 and 2002 were available for analysis. Potential risk factors were tested for association with PGD and multivariable logistic regression was applied to adjust for confounding.Results:  The overall incidence of PGD was 10.7% (95% CI 9.9–11.4). In multivariable analyses, factors independently associated with PGD were donor age >45 yr (p < 0.001); donor head trauma (p = 0.03); recipient body mass index >25 kg/m2 (p = 0.005); recipient female gender (p = 0.001); use of Eurocollins preservation solution (p = 0.001); single lung transplant (p = 0.005); increased ischemic time (p < 0.001); and elevated recipient pulmonary artery systolic pressure at transplant (p < 0.001). Recipient transplant diagnosis was strongly associated with PGD, with primary or secondary pulmonary hypertension (p < 0.001 for both), and idiopathic (p < 0.001) or secondary pulmonary fibrosis (p = 0.011) as significant and independent risk factors for PGD.Conclusions:  Risk factors for PGD in the UNOS/ISHLT registry are consistent with prior smaller studies. Recipient, donor, and therapy variables are independently associated with PGD, as defined in a large registry.
Automated pre‐ejection period variation indexed to tidal volume predicts fluid responsiveness after cardiac surgery
Authors: VISTISEN S. T. , STRUIJK J. J. , LARSSON A. 
Published: February 2009

Background: Reliable continuous monitoring of fluid responsiveness is an unsolved issue in patients ventilated with low tidal volume. We hypothesised that variations in the pre‐ejection period (PEP) defined as the time interval between electrocardiogram (ECG) R‐wave and onset of systolic upstroke in arterial blood pressure could reliably predict fluid responsiveness in patients ventilated with moderately low tidal volume. Furthermore, we hypothesised that indexing dynamic parameters to tidal volume would improve their prediction. The aim was to refine and automate a previously suggested algorithm for PEP variation (ΔPEP) and to test this new parameter indexed to tidal volume (PEPV), as a marker of fluid responsiveness along with central venous pressure (CVP), pulse pressure variation (PPV) and ΔPEP. Additionally, the aim was to evaluate the concept of indexing dynamic parameters to tidal volume.Methods: Arterial pressure, CVP, ECG and cardiac index (CI) were acquired from 23 mechanically ventilated post‐cardiac surgery patients scheduled for volume expansion. PEPV, PPV and ΔPEP were extracted.Results: Using responder/non‐responder classification (response=change in CI>+15%), sensitivity and specificity were 100% and 83%, respectively, for PEPV, 94% and 83% for ΔPEP, and 94% and 83% for PPV. CVP offered no relevant information. Tidal volume indexing improved sensitivity for ΔPEP to 100%.Conclusion: In this study in post‐cardiac surgery patients, a refined parameter, PEPV, predicted fluid responsiveness better than PPV and ΔPEP. Our results suggest that dynamic parameters using variations in PEP should be indexed to tidal volume.
Increased arterial pressure is not predictive of haemodynamic instability in patients undergoing adrenalectomy for phaeochromocytoma
Authors: LENTSCHENER C. , GAUJOUX S. , THILLOIS J. M. , DUBOC D. , BERTHERAT J. , OZIER Y. , DOUSSET B. 
Published: February 2009

Background: Pre‐operative hypotensive drugs are assumed to have dramatically decreased operative mortality and morbidity in patients undergoing phaeochromocytoma removal only in non‐controlled studies. We evaluated the predictive value of pre‐operative high systolic arterial pressure (SAP) on intra‐ and post‐operative haemodynamic instability, in 96 patients undergoing laparoscopic adrenalectomy for phaeochromocytoma.Methods: Ninety‐six consecutive patients underwent laparoscopic adrenalectomy for phaeochromocytoma. Pre‐operative SAP was not systematically normalised, provided that increased SAP was clinically tolerated. Intravenous nicardipine, esmolol and norepinephrine were intraoperatively titrated to treat SAP increase >150 mmHg, tachycardia >90–110/min, arrhythmia or SAP decrease under 90 mmHg, respectively. Volume expanders were not systematically administered. Patients with increased and normal pre‐operative SAP were compared with respect to (a) nicardipine, esmolol and norepinephrine requirement, (b) highest intraoperative SAP and heat rate, (c) lowest intraoperative SAP, (d) duration of surgery and (e) norepinephrine requirement following tumour removal.Results: Groups did not differ significantly with respect to data defined as being indicative of perioperative haemodynamic instability (all P values>0.05).Discussion: As previously demonstrated, in patients undergoing phaeochromocytoma removal, perioperative haemodynamic changes are mainly due to catecholamine release during tumour manipulation, and to the decrease in catecholamine level following tumour removal. Whether pre‐operative hypotensive drugs are likely to alter these changes remains questionable.Conclusion: For most patients scheduled for laparoscopic phaeochromocytoma removal, surgery can be carried out without systematic pre‐operative arterial pressure normalisation.
Day surgery in Finland: a prospective cohort study of 14 day‐surgery units
Authors: MATTILA K. , HYNYNEN M. ,   FOR THE INTENSIUM CONSORTIUM STUDY GROUP
Published: February 2009

Background: Day surgery is an established practice for elective operative care, and is considered safe and cost‐effective in several procedures and for several patients. At present, day‐surgery accounts for approximately 50% of elective surgery in Finland. The aim of this study was to prospectively describe the present situation at Finnish day‐surgery units, focusing on the quality of care.Methods: Fourteen large‐ to medium‐sized day surgery and short‐stay units were recruited, and all patient cases performed during a 2‐month study period were registered and analyzed. Quality of care was assessed by analyzing the rates and reasons for overnight admission, readmission, reoperation, and cancellations. Satisfaction of care was inquired from day‐ surgery patients during a 2‐week period. Head anesthesiologists were interviewed about functional policies.Results: Of 7915 reported cases, 84% were day surgery. Typically, several specialties were represented at the units, with orthopedics accounting for nearly 30% of all day‐surgery procedures. Patient selection criteria were in line with the present‐day recommendations, although the proportion of older patients and the ASA physical status 3 patients were still relatively low. The rate of unplanned overnight admissions was 5.9%. Return hospital visits were reported in 3.7% and readmissions in 0.7% of patients 1–28 days post‐operatively. Patient satisfaction was high.Conclusion: Along with the growing demand for day surgery, Finnish public hospitals have succeeded in providing good‐quality care, and there still seems to be potential to increase the share of day surgery. Easily accessible benchmarking tools are needed for quality control and learning from peers.
Survival of the steepest: hypersensitivity to mutations as an adaptation to soft selection
Authors: ARCHETTI M. 
Published: February 2009

AbstractDarwinian evolution favours genotypes with high fitness (‘survival of the fittest’). Models of quasi‐species evolution, however, suggest that in some cases selection may favour genotypes that are more robust against the impact of mutations (‘survival of the flattest’) even if these genotypes have lower fitness. I show that the opposite effect will be observed if competition occurs during development (e.g. among embryos or ovules) or before the adult phase (e.g. among the progeny of an individual). If viability is not affected by selection at these initial stages (soft selection), the genotypes that are more sensitive to the effects of mutations may increase in frequency because they get rid more easily of deleterious mutations. In a simple theoretical model of mutation and selection, genotypes located in steeper regions of the fitness surface are favoured (‘survival of the steepest’) even if they do not have higher viability, and even if they have slightly deleterious effects. Hypersensitive genes are potentially harmful for the individual, but with soft selection during the juvenile phase they persist in the genome because they reduce competition with their mutants. Soft selection occurs in practically all vascular plants and in many animals, therefore antirobustness may be a very common feature of the genome of multicellular organisms.
Optimal climbing speed explains the evolution of extreme sexual size dimorphism in spiders
Authors: MOYA‐LARAÑO J. , VINKOVIĆ D. , ALLARD C. M. , FOELLMER M. W. 
Published: February 2009

AbstractSeveral hypotheses have been put forward to explain the evolution of extreme sexual size dimorphism (SSD). Among them, the gravity hypothesis (GH) explains that extreme SSD has evolved in spiders because smaller males have a mating or survival advantage by climbing faster. However, few studies have supported this hypothesis thus far. Using a wide span of spider body sizes, we show that there is an optimal body size (7.4 mm) for climbing and that extreme SSD evolves only in spiders that: (1) live in high‐habitat patches and (2) in which females are larger than the optimal size. We report that the evidence for the GH across studies depends on whether the body size of individuals expands beyond the optimal climbing size. We also present an ad hoc biomechanical model that shows how the higher stride frequency of small animals predicts an optimal body size for climbing.
The teleomorph of Chalara fraxinea, the causal agent of ash dieback
Authors: Kowalski T. , Holdenrieder O. 
Published: February 2009

SummaryAsh dieback, caused by the pathogen Chalara fraxinea, is an emerging lethal disease of Fraxinus excelsior, threatening the host species in large parts of Europe. The ascomycete Hymenoscyphus albidus (Helotiaceae, Helotiales) was identified as the teleomorph of C. fraxinea by culturing from ascospores, morphological comparison and nuclear ribosomal internal transcribed spacer (ITS) sequencing.
Non‐iterative variance component estimation in QTL analysis
Authors: Rönnegård L. , Al‐Sarraj R. , Von Rosen D. 
Published: February 2009

SummaryIn variance component quantitative trait loci (QTL) analysis, a mixed model is used to detect the most likely chromosome position of a QTL. The putative QTL is included as a random effect and a method is needed to estimate the QTL variance. The standard estimation method used is an iterative method based on the restricted maximum likelihood (REML). In this paper, we present a novel non‐iterative variance component estimation method. This method is based on Henderson's method 3, but relaxes the condition of unbiasedness. Two similar estimators were compared, which were developed from two different partitions of the sum of squares in Henderson's method 3. The approach was compared with REML on data from a European wild boar × domestic pig intercross. A meat quality trait was studied on chromosome 6 where a functional gene was known to be located. Both partitions resulted in estimated QTL variances close to the REML estimates. From the non‐iterative estimates, we could also compute good approximations of the likelihood ratio curve on the studied chromosome.