bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Species divergence in valleys: the phylogeny of Phrynocephalus forsythii complex and description of a new species
Authors: Liang Qianru , Shi Lei 
Published: March 2024

Background
Geographic isolation caused by high-altitude valleys promotes the formation of geographic segregation of species, leading to species differentiation. The subgenus Oreosaura contains viviparous species from the Tibetan Plateau and the vicinity of the Tarim Basin, which can be divided into three species complexes according to their geographical distribution: Phrynocephalus vlangalii, Phrynocephalus theobaldi, and Phrynocephalus forsythii. However, molecular data for the P. forsythii complex are limited and the diversity of this species complex has been greatly underestimated. Therefore, this study aimed to explore the species diversity of Oreosaura and species differentiation within the P. forsythii complex.

Methods
We analysed the species diversity of Oreosaura by combining previous data, constructed a phylogenetic tree of the subgenus based on cytochrome c oxidase subunit I and 16S sequences, and estimated the divergence time.

Results
The results suggest significant genetic differences between the Tarim Basin populations and adjacent mountain valley populations of the P. forsythii complex and that the combination of deep valley landscapes in the high mountains and ice-age events have contributed to the differentiation of the viviparous toad-headed agama lizard, which is a key factor in the phylogenetics of the P. forsythii complex. Furthermore, we identified a population collected from Wuqia County, Xinjiang, as a new species, Phrynocephalus kangsuensis sp. nov. The results will provide data for phylogenetic studies following the P. forsythii complex and help demonstrate that valleys promote the formation of Phrynocephalus species.
Dimensioning of the Work Environment and Prevalence of Pain in University Staff
Authors: Bortolazzi Isadora Pandolfo , Pimpão Heloise Angélico , Weber Vinícius Muller Reis , Portela Bruno Sergio 
Published: March 2024

Aims: The research aimed to investigate the correlation between musculoskeletal pain and the dimensions of the work environment during sitting posture among university staff.
Methodology: The evaluation of the prevalence of musculoskeletal pain using a recall record. The measurements in the sitting working posture evaluated were: popliteal height, height from elbow to seat, table height, thigh height, hip width and sacral length. The arrangement of the workstation was also evaluated, and the height of the monitor was checked. All measurements were made using a measuring tape, with a 1mm scale. The study comprised university staff from UNICENTRO who voluntarily participated in the research.
Results: The results of measurement vs estimated height, for male there was different in all variables (chair to floor, arm bent to the chair, depth measurement, eyes to the ground and table to monitor), in female group just in chair to floor, arm bent to the chair, depth measurement and table to monitor (p<0.05). The comparation of without pain vs with pain for male, there was difference in measurement from chair to floor and measurement from eyes to ground, in female group just measurement from table to monitor, (p<0.05).
Conclusion: The results suggest that inadequate work station conditions can be linked to development of pain.
Potential market segments for genetically modified food: Results from cluster analysis
Authors: Kaye‐Blake William , O'Connell Anna , Lamb Charles 
Published: October 2007

AbstractThe commercial success of genetically modified (GM) food may be improved with appropriately targeted marketing. To that end, data from a survey of supermarket shoppers in New Zealand were analysed with a cluster analysis. A six‐cluster solution found three clusters with positive intentions to purchase GM apples and three clusters with negative intentions. Positive intentions appeared to result from either price sensitivity or a desire to obtain a premium product. Negative intentions were especially strong in one cluster but appeared to be partially counteracted in two other clusters by offering respondents a specific benefit from gene technology. These results suggest that GM food may benefit from appropriate marketing to specific consumer segments. [EconLit classification: D120, M310]. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Agribusiness 23: 567–582, 2007.
Household vegetable demand in the Philippines: Is there an urban‐rural divide?
Authors: Mutuc Maria Erlinda M. , Pan Suwen , Rejesus Roderick M. 
Published: October 2007

AbstractA Nonlinear Quadratic Almost Ideal Demand System (NQAIDS) that accounts for censoring and endogeneity problems is used to assess the vegetable demand behavior of rural and urban households in the Philippines. Detailed household consumption data for a number of vegetable commodities are utilized in the analysis. The results show that most of the expenditure and own‐price elasticities of the vegetables analyzed are near or larger than unitary in both rural and urban areas. For majority of the vegetable commodities examined, only the expenditure elasticity is significantly different between rural and urban households. On the other hand, own‐price and cross‐price elasticities of most vegetables do not significantly differ between rural and urban households. The disaggregate vegetable demand elasticities in this study, as well as the insights from the rural/urban comparisons, provide valuable information that can be utilized for the analysis and design of various food‐related policies in the Philippines. [JEL Classification: R21; Q11] © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Agribusiness 23: 511–527, 2007.
Assessing the competitiveness situation of EU food and drink manufacturing industries: An index‐based approach
Authors: Fischer Christian , Schornberg Sebastian 
Published: October 2007

AbstractThe competitiveness of the food and drink (F&D) manufacturing sector in 13 countries is analyzed empirically, using 1995–2002 Eurostat data. After a review of earlier agribusiness competitiveness studies, an Industrial Competitiveness Index is proposed as a composite measure for multidimensional economic performance, covering profitability, productivity and output growth. The index approach enables relative competitiveness comparisons across industries, countries and over time. In addition, cluster analysis is used for identifying distinct groups of industries characterized by similar performance patterns. The results suggest that the beverage manufacturing industry was the most competitive EU F&D industry, while the United Kingdom was the country with the highest performance averaged across all F&D manufacturing activities. As compared to the average of the period 1995–1998, overall competitiveness in real terms slightly increased. At the same time, overall competitiveness seems also to have converged slightly across countries, implying that the performance of EU countries in F&D manufacturing has become more similar. As for the clustering results, it appears that competitiveness is in general fairly equally distributed across the different industries and that above‐ or below‐average performance is usually not sustained for long. [EconLit citations: F230, L660, Q130] © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Agribusiness 23: 473–495, 2007.
The impact of cooperatives' risk aversion and equity capital constraints on their inter‐firm consolidation and collaboration strategies—with an empirical study of the European dairy industry
Authors: van der Krogt Dirk , Nilsson Jerker , Høst Viggo 
Published: October 2007

AbstractThis article concludes that cooperative firms' choice of interfirm consolidation and collaboration strategies can be explained by two attributes, inherent in the cooperative business form, namely, risk aversion and equity capital constraints. Empirical data originate from the 15 largest EU dairy firms during a 5‐year period (1998–2002). In total 198 activities are identified. They are classified into six categories: (a) mergers, (b) acquisitions, (c) strategic share holdings, (d) joint ventures, (e) licensing, and (f) general collaboration agreements. It is shown that cooperative firms prefer mergers, collaboration agreements, joint ventures, and licensing. All of these are relatively low in terms of both performance risks and relational risks, and they demand limited amounts of equity capital. Investor‐owned firms focus on take‐over strategies—acquisitions and share holdings. Other indicators of risk aversion are that cooperatives tend to collaborate with other cooperatives and that they prefer partners in their own home market. [EconLit: Q130; P130; L200.] © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Agribusiness 23: 453–472, 2007.
Exercising flexible load contracts: Two simple strategies
Authors: Bjerksund Petter , Myksvoll Bjarte , Stensland Gunnar 
Published: October 2007

AbstractA flexible load contract is a type of swing option where the holder has the right to receive a given quantity of electricity within a specified period, at a fixed maximum effect (delivery rate). The contract is flexible, in the sense that delivery (the take hours) is called one day in advance. We investigate two simple strategies for exercising flexible load contracts, where both use price information from the forward market. For 10 contracts traded in the period 1997–2001, we calculate the performance of the two strategies and compare with the reported performance of one complex dynamic programming approach as well as the actual results obtained by three anonymous market participants. The comparison indicates that our simple computer‐efficient strategies perform better on average and produce more stable results. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
On the ‘most normal’ normal
Authors: Aubry Romain , Löhner Rainald 
Published: October 2007

AbstractGiven a set of normals in ℛ3, two algorithms are presented to compute the ‘most normal’ normal. The ‘most normal’ normal is the normal that minimizes the maximal angle with the given set of normals. A direct application is provided supposing a surface triangulation is available. The set of normals may represent either the face normals of the faces surrounding a point or the point normals of the points surrounding a point. The first algorithm is iterative and straightforward, and is inspired by the one proposed by Pirzadeh (AIAA Paper 94‐0417, 1994). The second gives more insight into the complete problem as it provides the unique solution explicitly. It would correspond to the general extension of the algorithm presented by Kallinderis (AIAA‐92‐2721, 1992). Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Aortic Dissection and Hemodialysis: A Case Report
Authors: Tong Yan‐Qing , Wang Qian , Hou Zhao‐Hui 
Published: October 2007

AbstractA 48‐year‐old Asian man experienced chest pain during hemodialysis. He subsequently presented with sudden onset of epigastric and back pain. An intimal tear of the ascending and descending aorta was noted by transthoracic ultrasound. Aortic dissection was subsequently confirmed by a contrast‐enhanced computed tomography scan. Twelve hours after the onset of symptoms and before the patient was removed to the operating center, his clinical condition deteriorated rapidly, and he was declared dead. The case indicated that keeping a high clinical index of suspicion of aortic dissection in hemodialysis patients is crucial.
Evaluation of ball and disc wear scar data in the HFRR lubricity test
Authors: Knothe Gerhard 
Published: October 2007

AbstractThe high‐frequency reciprocating rig (HFRR) lubricity tester has become a widespread method for determining the lubricity of diesel fuels. The test is a ball‐on‐disc method, in which a steel ball scrapes over a steel disc immersed in the liquid to be tested. According to standards, the wear scar generated on the ball, in the form of the average of the x‐ and y‐axes, is used for evaluating the lubricity of the sample. Generally, the smaller the wear scar, the greater the lubricity of the sample. However, a wear scar is also generated on the disc. The size of the wear scar on the disc also depends on the lubricity of the sample. In this work, the wear scar data of the balls and discs of 230 samples related to the testing of biodiesel and related compounds with petrodiesel were evaluated. Data comparisons for all wear scar combinations correlated well by linear regression. Although correlations are slightly better when using only ball wear scar data (r2 > 0.99), other wear scar data, including those generated on the disc, appear just as useable (r2 ≈ 0.97–0.99) for evaluating lubricity by the HFRR test. The wear scars on the disc have the advantage of being more easily measurable and recognisable under the microscope, especially if the wear scars are small. Limits for all wear scar values corresponding to current limits for average ball wear scar data in standards are presented. Published in 2007 by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A unique case of coincidence of early onset Parkinson's disease and multiple sclerosis
Authors: Valkovič Peter , Krastev Georgi , Mako Miroslav , Leitner Petra , Gasser Thomas 
Published: October 2007

AbstractWe report on a patient who developed left arm rest/postural tremor at age 24 and responded well to trihexyphenidyl. One year later spastic paraparesis appeared, and multiple sclerosis was diagnosed on the basis of clinical, radiological, and laboratory evidence. Although paraparesis improved after immunosuppressant therapy, a complete picture of an asymmetric parkinsonian syndrome gradually developed. Excellent response to levodopa, drug‐induced dyskinesias, and DaTSCAN revealing pathology congruent with Parkinson's disease (PD) indicate a coincidental etiopathogenetic relationship of both clinical entities: multiple sclerosis and PD. Genetic analyses focusing on autosomal recessive parkinsonism (parkin, DJ1, and PINK1) were negative. To the best of our knowledge, only 15 cases of parkinsonism in association with multiple sclerosis have been reported, and their relationship has been interpreted to be either causal or coincidental. This is the first report of a coincidence of both entities, in which the parkinsonian syndrome developed first and before age 30. © 2007 Movement Disorder Society
Measuring health‐related quality of life in MSA: The MSA‐QoL
Authors: Schrag Anette , Selai Caroline , Mathias Chris , Low Philip , Hobart Jeremy , Brady Niall , Quinn Niall Patrick 
Published: October 2007

AbstractThe objective of this study was to develop a new patient‐reported outcome measure for patients with multiple system atrophy (MSA) and to test its psychometric properties. There were three stages. First, a pool of potential scale items was generated from in‐depth patient interviews. Second, these items were administered, in the form of a questionnaire, to a sample of people with MSA and traditional psychometric methods used to develop a rating scale satisfying standard criteria for reliability and validity. Third, the psychometric properties of the rating scale were examined in a second sample. In stage one, a pool of 105 items was generated from 20 patient interviews. In stage two, a scale with three subscales (motor, 14 items; nonmotor, 12 items; emotional/social functioning, 14 items), satisfying standard criteria for reliability and validity, was developed from the response data of 317 patients with MSA (response rate 71%). In stage three, the scale was examined in 286 people with MSA. Missing data were low, scores in both subscales were evenly distributed, and floor and ceiling effects were small. Reliability was high (Cronbach's alpha 0.83–0.93; test‐retest ICC 0.88–0.92). Validity was supported by the interscale correlations (r = 0.47–0.59), known group differences, and the magnitude and pattern of correlations with four other rating scales, disease severity, and disease duration. In conclusion, the patient‐rated MSA health‐related Quality of life scale (MSA‐QoL) may be a suitable patient‐reported scale for use in clinical trials and studies in MSA. © 2007 Movement Disorder Society
Contemporary encephalitis lethargica presenting with agitated catatonia, stereotypy, and dystonia‐parkinsonism
Authors: Dale Russell C. , Webster Richard , Gill Deepak 
Published: October 2007

AbstractEncephalitis lethargica (EL) syndrome was classically described by Von Economo and has somnolent‐ophthalmoplegic, hyperkinetic, and amyostatic‐akinetic forms. We describe 2 recent cases of EL characterized by an acute encephalitis with mixed movement disorders (dystonia‐Parkinsonism plus stereotypy) and psychiatric disorders (agitated catatonia, coprolalia, and echo phenomena). Both patients suffered concurrent hyperkinetic and Parkinsonian features resulting in therapeutic challenges. Bradykinetic features responded to dopamine replacement therapy and both patients also had adverse affects to dopamine antagonists (oculogyric crises plus neuroleptic malignant syndrome). Investigation was unremarkable other than the presence of CSF lymphocytosis and oligoclonal bands. Despite prolonged in‐patient stays and intensive care management, both patients have made complete recoveries. We believe these cases support the hypothesis that this syndrome is an inflammatory encephalitis that specifically effects dopamine neurotransmission. © 2007 Movement Disorder Society
Predictors of punding in Parkinson's disease: Results from a questionnaire survey
Authors: Lawrence Andrew J. , Blackwell Andrew D. , Barker Roger A. , Spagnolo Francesca , Clark Luke , Aitken Michael R. F. , Sahakian Barbara J. 
Published: October 2007

AbstractDopamine replacement therapy (DRT) for Parkinson's disease (PD) has recently been linked to the development of a number of nonmotor behavioral control problems. Punding, one of these nonmotor problems, is a term used to describe complex, purposeless stereotyped behaviors such as the repetitive handling or sorting of objects. A self‐report questionnaire was adapted to assess punding in the context of dysfunctional hobby‐related activities. We report the results of a survey of PD outpatients from a PD research clinic (n = 141) and non‐PD controls (n = 103); conducted to identify clinical and psychological factors predictive of punding behaviors. The PD group reported hobbies and activities, which scored significantly higher on the Punding Scale than controls. Higher impulsivity, poorer disease‐related quality of life, younger age of disease onset, and concomitant daily medication dosage from dopamine receptor agonists were independently predictive of higher Punding Scale scores in the PD group. These findings are similar to those seen in dopamine dysregulation syndrome, and provide further evidence for the role of impulsivity and age at disease onset in DRT‐related nonmotor behavioral problems in PD. © 2007 Movement Disorder Society
Accuracy of DaTSCAN (123I‐ioflupane) SPECT in diagnosis of patients with clinically uncertain parkinsonism: 2‐Year follow‐up of an open‐label study
Authors: Tolosa Eduardo , Borght Thierry Vander , Moreno Emilio ,   DaTSCAN Clinically Uncertain Parkinsonian Syndromes Study Group
Published: October 2007

AbstractWe previously reported on the role of dopamine transporter (DAT) SPECT in the workup of patients with clinically uncertain parkinsonian syndromes (CUPS). The findings of that study supported the use of SPECT imaging with DaTSCAN (123I‐Ioflupane) for accurate diagnosis in this population. We report here the 2‐year follow‐up of the CUPS study, which aimed to validate the results of DaTSCAN imaging and to ascertain whether a second scan could minimize any residual diagnostic uncertainty among those with an inconclusive diagnosis. Eighty‐five of 118 patients (72%) were available at follow‐up. In 8 of 85 patients the neurologist was unable to provide a definite diagnosis (named as inconclusive). At follow‐up, clinical diagnosis agreed with initial DaTSCAN SPECT results in 69 of 77 patients (90%) in whom a specific diagnosis was established. A second SPECT scan was performed if clinical diagnosis at follow‐up differed to that suggested by the initial scan (n = 8) or was inconclusive (n = 8). Among 8 patients whose clinical diagnosis differed to DaTSCAN images, a second scan was performed in 6 (2 refused) and the results supported the final clinical diagnosis in 4. Follow‐up DaTSCAN SPECT helped to establish a diagnosis in 7 of 8 patients (87.5%) with a previously inconclusive diagnosis. DaTSCAN imaging shows a high rate of agreement with clinical diagnosis after 2‐years follow‐up. A second scan at 2 years follow‐up can reduce remaining diagnostic uncertainty that is present even after a prolonged period of observation. © 2007 Movement Disorder Society
Potential outcome measures and trial design issues for multiple system atrophy
Authors: May Susanne , Gilman Sid , Sowell B. Brooke , Thomas Ronald G. , Stern Matthew B. , Colcher Amy , Tanner Caroline M. , Huang Neng , Novak Peter , Reich Stephen G. , Jankovic Joseph , Ondo William G. , Low Phillip A. , Sandroni Paola , Lipp Axel , Marshall Frederick J. , Wooten Frederick , Shults Clifford W. ,   North American Multiple System Atrophy Study Group
Published: October 2007

AbstractMultiple system atrophy (MSA) is a neurodegenerative disorder exhibiting a combination of parkinsonism, cerebellar ataxia, and autonomic failure. A disease‐specific scale, the Unified Multiple System Atrophy Rating Scale (UMSARS), has been developed and validated to measure progression of MSA, but its use as an outcome measure for therapeutic trials has not been evaluated. On the basis of twelve months of follow‐up from an observational study of 67 patients with probable MSA, we evaluated three disease‐specific scores: Activities of Daily Living, Motor Examination, and a combined score from the UMSARS and two general health scores, the Physical Health and Mental Health scores of the SF‐36 health survey, for their use as outcome measures in a therapeutic trial. We discuss related design issues and provide sample size estimates. Scores based on the disease‐specific UMSARS seemed to be equal or superior to scores based on the SF‐36 health survey. They appeared to capture disease progression, were well correlated and required the smallest sample size. The UMSARS Motor Examination score exhibited the most favorable characteristics as an outcome measure for a therapeutic trial in MSA with 1 year of follow‐up. © 2007 Movement Disorder Society
Abnormal movements in Rett syndrome are present before the regression period: A case study
Authors: Temudo Teresa , Maciel Patricia , Sequeiros Jorge 
Published: October 2007

AbstractThe suspicion of a diagnosis of Rett syndrome (RTT) is based on clinical criteria that are often not present in the first two stages of the disease, as many of its symptoms will appear at a later age. This sometimes postpones the genetic diagnosis and an early clinical intervention. We present the case of 19‐months‐old girl who came to the consultation because of an arrest of psychomotor development noticed 5 months earlier without change in sleep pattern, behavior, or social communication. In the observation of 1 hour videotape, she presented subtle stereotypic movements of the face and hands as well as repetitive dystonic posturing of her limbs. A genetic test confirmed the diagnosis of RTT, showing a truncating mutation in the MECP2 gene (R270X). This case confirms that stereotypic movement anomalies, albeit infrequent and subtle, are already present before the regression stage and while maintaining prehension and that, in addition, repetitive dystonic postures may occur. Recognition of these early movement disorders will improve clinicians' ability to perform an earlier diagnosis of RTT. © 2007 Movement Disorder Society