bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Monitoring of sympathetic tone to assess postoperative pain: skin conductance vs surgical stress index
Authors: Ledowski T. , Ang B. , Schmarbeck T. , Rhodes J. 
Published: January 2009

SummaryThe number of fluctuations in skin conductance per second has been described as a potential tool for monitoring postoperative pain. More recently, the surgical stress index has shown promising correlations with intra‐operative painful stimuli. We compared both methods for their ability to assess postoperative pain, in 100 postoperative patients who were also asked to quantify their level of pain at different time points in the recovery room. The number of fluctuations per second and surgical stress index were significantly different between pain scoring ≤ 5/10 and > 5/10 on a numeric rating scale (mean (SE) number of fluctuations per second 0.12 (0.02) vs 0.21 (0.03), respectively; p = 0.017, and surgical stress index 57 (1.4) vs 64 (1.9) points, respectively; p = 0.001). Both number of fluctuations in skin conductance per second and surgical stress index identified timepoints with moderate to severe pain with only moderate sensitivity and specificity.
Geohistorical and current environmental influences on floristic differentiation in the Ryukyu Archipelago, Japan
Authors: Nakamura Koh , Suwa Rempei , Denda Tetsuo , Yokota Masatsugu 
Published: January 2009

AbstractAim  Floristic differentiation in the Ryukyu Archipelago has been explained primarily by geohistory, specifically landbridge formation and vicariance at the Tokara and Kerama Gaps, two deep‐sea channels through the island arc. This ignores current environmental effects, which may also be important. We therefore tested whether the floristic differentiation pattern is explained primarily by the historical effect of the gaps as barriers, or whether a better understanding of floristic differentiation is achieved when both historical and current environmental factors are incorporated.Location  Ryukyu Archipelago, Japan: an assemblage of continental islands.Methods  We compiled a presence–absence matrix of 1815 plant species on 26 islands. Floristic dissimilarity distances between islands were calculated using Simpson’s similarity index and analysed using cluster analysis. We also conducted multiple regression on distance matrices (MRM) to examine the significance of the historical factors of the gaps and current environmental factors: geographical distance among islands and differences in island area and maximum elevation.Results  We detected clear patterns of floristic differentiation across the gaps. Using the two gaps as explanatory variables, the MRM showed that both had significant effects on floristic dissimilarity distance. However, when geographical distance was added to the explanatory model, the Kerama Gap effect disappeared. When all five explanatory variables were used, the Tokara Gap and geographical distance had positive effects, but area difference had a negative effect. The Kerama Gap and difference in maximum elevation had no effect.Main conclusions  The geographical pattern of floristic differentiation appears to indicate the influence of both gaps. However, the MRM indicates that the floristic differentiation across the Kerama Gap is no more than could be explained solely by geographical distance. Across the Tokara Gap, however, floristic differentiation is larger than geographical distance alone can explain. This additional differentiation is attributable to the effect of the historical barrier. To verify the significance of historical effects of vicariance on island biota, the confounding effects of geographical distance must be considered. The distance decay of floristic similarity and negative effect of area difference on floristic differentiation demonstrate that floristic differentiation is better understood by incorporating both historical and current environmental factors.
Phylogenetics of Darwiniothamnus (Asteraceae: Astereae) – molecular evidence for multiple origins in the endemic flora of the Galápagos Islands
Authors: Andrus Nicole , Tye Alan , Nesom Guy , Bogler David , Lewis Carl , Noyes Richard , Jaramillo Patricia , Francisco‐Ortega Javier 
Published: January 2009

AbstractAim  The aims of this study were (1) to investigate whether the two growth forms of Darwiniothamnus Harling (Asteraceae) originated from the colonization of a single ancestor, (2) to identify the closest relative(s) of Darwiniothamnus, and (3) to review molecular phylogenies from other plant groups to infer the origin of Galápagos endemics.Location  Darwiniothamnus is endemic to the Galápagos Islands.Methods  All putative relatives of Darwiniothamnus plus 38 additional species were included. Nucleotide sequences of the internal transcribed spacers of the nuclear ribosomal DNA were used for Bayesian and parsimony analyses.Results  Darwiniothamnus is polyphyletic. Two species (D. lancifolius (Hook. f.) Harling and D. tenuifolius (Hook. f.) Harling) are woody shrubs that usually grow to 1–2 m in height; they belong to a clade composed of species otherwise restricted to the Caribbean. These two species are sister to Erigeron bellidiastroides Griseb., a herbaceous species endemic to Cuba. The third species (D. alternifolius Lawesson & Adsersen) is a perennial herbaceous plant, woody at the base and reaching only up to 50 cm in height. It is sister to two Chilean (Coquimbo–Valparaiso region) species that also have a perennial herbaceous habit: E. fasciculatus Colla and E. luxurians (Skottsb.) Solbrig. They are placed in an assemblage restricted to South America. The review of previous molecular phylogenetic studies revealed that two of the endemic genera and endemic species of three non‐endemic genera have their closest relatives in South America. Endemic species belonging to three non‐endemic genera have sister species in North America or the West Indies. One endemic genus and endemic species in three non‐endemic genera have sister taxa with a widespread continental distribution, or their molecular phylogenies yielded equivocal results.Main conclusions  The flora of Galápagos has affinities with both North America (including the Antilles) and South America. Darwiniothamnus exhibits both patterns: two species of this genus are sister to a taxon endemic to Cuba, supporting a connection between the Cocos plate and the West Indies; the third species, D. alternifolius, provides a link with the Coquimbo–Valparaiso region, suggesting a biogeographical connection between the Nazca plate and southern South America.
The effects of a home‐based intervention for young children with intellectual disabilities in Vietnam
Authors: Shin J. Y. , Nhan N. V. , Lee S.‐B. , Crittenden K. S. , Flory M. , Hong H. T. D. 
Published: January 2009

AbstractBackground  This study was conducted to examine the impact of a 1‐year intervention for children with intellectual disabilities (ID) in Vietnam.Method  Subjects were 30 preschool‐aged children with ID (ages 3 to 6 years). Sixteen were assigned to an intervention group and 14 to a control group. Based on the Portage Curriculum (CESA 5 2003), the intervention trained parents to work with their children through modelling and coaching by teachers during weekly home visits.Results  Comparison of pre‐, mid‐ and post‐intervention assessments of the children based on the Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scales (Sparrow et al. 1984a) indicated that the intervention was promising: children in the intervention group improved significantly in most domains of adaptive behaviours, and also performed significantly better than the control group in the areas of personal care and motor skills.Conclusions  The results from the Vietnam programme are discussed in terms of its implications and strategies for developing programmes for children with disabilities in developing countries.
Coeval versus reciprocal mixed carbonate–siliciclastic deposition, Middle Devonian Baltic Basin, Eastern Europe: implications from the regional tectonic development
Authors: TÄNAVSUU‐MILKEVICIENE KATI , PLINK‐BJÖRKLUND PIRET , KIRSIMÄE KALLE , AINSAAR LEHO 
Published: January 2009

AbstractThe Middle Devonian Narva succession in the Baltic Basin represents a significant turnaround in the history of the basin. The detailed study of core and outcrop sections and the three‐dimensional correlations across the Baltic Basin reveal a carbonate‐dominated, mixed retrogressive succession, overlain by a siliciclastic‐dominated, progradational succession. The palaeogeographic reconstructions show how the shallow, tide‐influenced basin expanded from south‐west to north‐east and, later during the transgression, also to the north, south and east. The transgressive portion of the basin fill is dominated by carbonate‐rich sabkha and supratidal to intertidal deposits on the basin margins, and subtidal carbonates in the basin centre. Siliciclastic material was derived by tidal currents and storm waves from the south‐west through a tidal inlet and flood‐tidal delta complex. This initial transgressive phase is characterized by the lack of subsidence or even episodic uplifts in the northern/north‐western part of the basin margin, shown by convergence of timelines and the thin (30 m) transgressive succession. In contrast, on the southern margin, the facies associations stack vertically into a 70 to 80 m thick succession, indicating significantly higher subsidence rates. The upper part of the transgressive phase indicates subsidence across the whole basin. The upper, progradational portion of the basin fill is dominated by coarse, siliciclastic, tide‐influenced deltaic deposits that rapidly prograded from north‐west to south‐east. This detailed study on the Narva succession shows that siliciclastic and carbonate deposition was coeval and that mixing occurred at different temporal and spatial scales. The mixing was controlled by grain‐size, volume and location of siliciclastic input rather than relative sea‐level changes as suggested in widely used reciprocal mixing models. It is suggested that the forebulge of the Scandinavian Caledonian fold‐and‐thrust belt migrated to the north‐western margin of the Baltic Basin during the earliest Eifelian, as indicated by the lack of subsidence and probable uplift in the northern/north‐western margin during the early transgressive phase. The forebulge migration ceased although the forebulge had already started to subside during the later stages of the transgressive phase. The deltaic progradation is interpreted to be associated with the orogenic collapse and uplift in the Scandinavian Caledonides that caused the erosion of the foreland basin fill and the coarse sediment transport into the Baltic Basin.
Design of epidemiological studies measuring genital and plasma HIV‐1 outcomes: lessons from a randomised controlled trial
Authors: Larke Natasha L. , Weiss Helen A. , Mayaud Philippe , Van de Perre Philippe , Clayton Tim , Ouedraogo Abdoulaye , Nagot Nicolas 
Published: January 2009

SummaryObjective  HIV‐1 genital viral loads have not been extensively used as markers of HIV transmissibility. We set out to determine whether the variability of genital HIV‐1 RNA over time necessitates design adjustments in studies measuring genital shedding to account for this variability.Methods  We used data from a completed trial of HSV suppressive therapy to estimate the correlation of plasma and genital HIV‐1 RNA quantities sampled at different times. These correlation estimates were used to estimate the relative sample sizes needed to detect an impact on HIV‐1 genital and plasma quantities assuming a variable number of pre‐ and post‐randomisation repeated measurements. The treatment effect on quantities of genital and plasma HIV‐1 RNA were analysed using random effects linear regression.Results  Post‐randomisation plasma HIV‐1 RNA was highly correlated within‐women, while genital HIV‐1 RNA was less strongly correlated. Related to this, the sample size required to detect a treatment effect on genital HIV‐1 RNA decreased with increasing numbers of post‐randomisation measurements up to 6–7 measurements, but varied less for plasma HIV‐1 RNA. In contrast, repeated pre‐randomisation measurements of plasma HIV‐1 RNA increased study power more than genital HIV‐1 RNA because of the high correlation of plasma HIV‐1 RNA measurements between the pre‐ and post‐randomisation samples. Re‐analysis of the trial data illustrated the increased precision of the treatment effect on genital HIV‐1 with increasing post‐randomisation measurements.Conclusions  Designs allowing for repeated post‐randomisation measures should be used to increase the precision in estimates of genital HIV‐1 RNA. Repeated post‐randomisation measurements of plasma HIV‐1 RNA are of limited benefit.
Early assessment of the implementation of a national programme for the prevention of mother‐to‐child transmission of HIV in Cameroon and the effects of staff training: a survey in 70 rural health care facilities
Authors: Labhardt Niklaus Daniel , Manga Engelbert , Ndam Mama , Balo Jean‐Richard , Bischoff Alexandre , Stoll Beat 
Published: January 2009

SummaryObjectives  To assess the availability of equipment and the staff’s knowledge to prevent Mother‐To‐Child Transmission (PMTCT) in rural healthcare facilities recently covered by the national PMTCT programme in Cameroon.Methods  In eight districts inventories of antiviral drugs and HIV test kits were made on site, using a standardised check‐list. Knowledge of HIV and PMTCT was evaluated with a multiple‐choice (MC) questionnaire based on typical clinical PMTCT cases. Staff participated subsequently in a 2‐day training on HIV/AIDS and the Cameroon PMTCT guidelines. Immediately after training and after 7 months, retention of knowledge was tested with the same questions but in different order and layout.Results  Sixty two peripheral nurse‐led clinics and the eight district hospitals were assessed. Whereas all district hospitals presented complete equipment, only six of the peripheral clinics (10%) were equipped with both complete testing materials and a full set of drugs to provide PMTCT. Thirty six peripheral facilities (58%) possessed full equipment for HIV‐testing and 8 (13%) stocked all PMTCT drugs. Of 137 nurses, 102 (74%) agreed to the two knowledge tests. Fewer than 66% knew that HIV‐diagnosis requires positive results in two different types of rapid tests and only 19% chose the right recommendation on infant‐feeding for HIV‐positive mothers. Correct answers on drug regimens in different PMTCT settings varied from 25% to 56%. All percentages of correct answers improved greatly with training (P < 0.001) and retention remained high 7 months after training (P < 0.001).Conclusions  Prevent Mother‐To‐Child Transmission programmes in settings such as rural Cameroon need to be adapted to the special needs of peripheral nurse‐led clinics. Appropriate short training may considerably improve nurses’ competence in PMTCT. Other important components are regular supervision and measures to guarantee supply of equipment in rural areas.
In‐vivo efficacy of amodiaquine‐artesunate in children with uncomplicated Plasmodium falciparum malaria in western Kenya
Authors: Thwing J. I. , Odero C. O. , Odhiambo F. O. , Otieno K. O. , Kariuki S. , Ord R. , Roper C. , McMorrow M. , Vulule J. , Slutsker L. , Newman R. D. , Hamel M. J. , Desai M. 
Published: January 2009

SummaryObjectives  To assess the efficacy of amodiaquine‐artesunate in an area with high chloroquine resistance in western Kenya.Methods  Twenty‐eight day in‐vivo efficacy trial of amodiaquine‐artesunate in 103 children aged 6–59 months in western Kenya with smear‐confirmed uncomplicated Plasmodium falciparum malaria.Results  The 28‐day uncorrected adequate clinical and parasitological response (ACPR) was 69.0%, with 15.5% Late Clinical Failure and 15.5% Late Parasitologic Failure rates. The PCR‐corrected 28‐day ACPR was 90.2%. Clinical risk factors for recurrent infection (recrudescences and reinfections) were lower axillary temperature at enrolment and low weight‐for‐age Z‐score. The presence of single nucleotide polymorphisms pfcrt 76T and pfmdr1 86Y at baseline was associated with increased risk of recurrent infections, both reinfections and recrudescences.Conclusion  Although artemether‐lumefantrine (Coartem®) is the first line ACT in Kenya, amodiaquine‐artesunate is registered as an option for treatment of uncomplicated P. falciparum and remains an effective alternative to Coartem® in western Kenya. Continued amodiaquine monotherapy in the private sector may jeopardise the future use of amodiaquine‐artesunate as an alternative artemisinin‐based combination therapy.
Cluster‐sample surveys and lot quality assurance sampling to evaluate yellow fever immunisation coverage following a national campaign, Bolivia, 2007
Authors: Pezzoli Lorenzo , Pineda Silvia , Halkyer Percy , Crespo Gladys , Andrews Nick , Ronveaux Olivier 
Published: January 2009

SummaryObjective  To estimate the yellow fever (YF) vaccine coverage for the endemic and non‐endemic areas of Bolivia and to determine whether selected districts had acceptable levels of coverage (>70%).Methods  We conducted two surveys of 600 individuals (25 × 12 clusters) to estimate coverage in the endemic and non‐endemic areas. We assessed 11 districts using lot quality assurance sampling (LQAS). The lot (district) sample was 35 individuals with six as decision value (alpha error 6% if true coverage 70%; beta error 6% if true coverage 90%). To increase feasibility, we divided the lots into five clusters of seven individuals; to investigate the effect of clustering, we calculated alpha and beta by conducting simulations where each cluster’s true coverage was sampled from a normal distribution with a mean of 70% or 90% and standard deviations of 5% or 10%.Results  Estimated coverage was 84.3% (95% CI: 78.9–89.7) in endemic areas, 86.8% (82.5–91.0) in non‐endemic and 86.0% (82.8–89.1) nationally. LQAS showed that four lots had unacceptable coverage levels. In six lots, results were inconsistent with the estimated administrative coverage. The simulations suggested that the effect of clustering the lots is unlikely to have significantly increased the risk of making incorrect accept/reject decisions.Conclusions  Estimated YF coverage was high. Discrepancies between administrative coverage and LQAS results may be due to incorrect population data. Even allowing for clustering in LQAS, the statistical errors would remain low. Catch‐up campaigns are recommended in districts with unacceptable coverage.
Population genetic analysis of microsatellite variation of guppies (Poecilia reticulata) in Trinidad and Tobago: evidence for a dynamic source–sink metapopulation structure, founder events and population bottlenecks
Authors: BARSON N. J. , CABLE J. , VAN OOSTERHOUT C. 
Published: January 2009

AbstractRiverine fish populations are traditionally considered to be highly structured and subject to strong genetic drift. Here, we use microsatellites to analyse the population structure of the guppy (Poecilia reticulata), focussing on the headwater floodplain area of the Caroni drainage in Trinidad. We also analyse the population genetics of guppies in the Northern Drainage in Trinidad, a habitat characterized by rivers flowing directly into the sea, and a small isolated population in Tobago. Upland Caroni populations are highly differentiated and display low levels of genetic diversity. However, we found no evidence to suggest that these upland populations experienced recent population crashes and the populations appear to approach mutation–drift equilibrium. Dominant downstream migration over both short‐ and long‐time frames has a strong impact on the population genetics of lowland Caroni populations. This drainage system could be considered a source–sink metapopulation, with the tributary furthest downstream representing a ‘super sink’, receiving immigrants from rivers upstream in the drainage. Moreover, the effective population size in the lowlands is surprisingly low in comparison with the apparently large census population sizes.
Capturing the superorganism: a formal theory of group adaptation
Authors: GARDNER A. , GRAFEN A. 
Published: January 2009

AbstractAdaptation is conventionally regarded as occurring at the level of the individual organism. However, in recent years there has been a revival of interest in the possibility for group adaptations and superorganisms. Here, we provide the first formal theory of group adaptation. In particular: (1) we clarify the distinction between group selection and group adaptation, framing the former in terms of gene frequency change and the latter in terms of optimization; (2) we capture the superorganism in the form of a ‘group as maximizing agent’ analogy that links an optimization program to a model of a group‐structured population; (3) we demonstrate that between‐group selection can lead to group adaptation, but only in rather special circumstances; (4) we provide formal support for the view that between‐group selection is the best definition for ‘group selection’; and (5) we reveal that mechanisms of conflict resolution such as policing cannot be regarded as group adaptations.
Condition‐dependent mutation rates and sexual selection
Authors: COTTON S. 
Published: January 2009

Abstract‘Good genes’ models of sexual selection show that females can gain indirect benefits for their offspring if male ornaments are condition‐dependent signals of genetic quality. Recurrent deleterious mutation is viewed as a major contributor to variance in genetic quality, and previous theoretical treatments of ‘good genes’ processes have assumed that the influx of new mutations is constant. I propose that this assumption is too simplistic, and that mutation rates vary in ways that are important for sexual selection. Recent data have shown that individuals in poor condition can have higher mutation rates, and I argue that if both male sexual ornaments and mutation rates are condition‐dependent, then females can use male ornamentation to evaluate their mate’s mutation rate. As most mutations are deleterious, females benefit from choosing well‐ornamented mates, as they are less likely to contribute germline‐derived mutations to offspring. I discuss some of the evolutionary ramifications of condition‐dependent mutation rates and sexual selection.
Die Mittlere Lebensdauer Der Veterinäranatomen an Deutschsprachigen, Tierärztlichen Bildungsstätten
Authors: Vollmerhaus B. , Vollmerhaus R. , Roos H. , Knospe C. , Reese S. 
Published: January 2009

SummaryThe average lifespan of veterinary anatomists was statistically analysed. All teachers who ever taught veterinary anatomy (formerly ‘zootomy’) and histology/embryology separately or in combination with other subjects in Germany, Austria and Switzerland were included in that circle. The observation period was from the foundation of the veterinary schools up to the present. We find that the average lifespan of this specific group is not different from that of the general population. Comparable previous opinions on the lifespan of anatomists, estimated as shorter than that of the general population by Hyrtl, and longer by Voss, are incorrect. This opportunity is also used to mention our time‐honored; especially the early completed and aged colleagues.