bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Nonrandom extinction leads to elevated loss of angiosperm evolutionary history
Authors: Vamosi Jana C. , Wilson John R. U. 
Published: July 2008

AbstractThe phylogenetic clustering of extinction may jeopardize the existence of entire families and genera, which can result in elevated reductions of evolutionary history (EH), trait diversity, and ecosystem functioning. Analyses of globally threatened birds and mammals suggest current extinction threats will result in a much higher loss of EH than random extinction scenarios, while the analyses of the taxonomical distribution of regionally rare plants find the opposite pattern. The disproportionately high number of rare plant species within species‐rich families potentially suggests that lower losses of plant EH will be sustained than expected under random extinction. We show that at a global scale, this is not the case. Species‐poor (especially monotypic) angiosperm families are more often at risk of extinction than expected. Because these high‐risk species‐poor families are as evolutionarily distinct as other families, the expected family‐level EH plausibly lost in the next 100 years exceeds that predicted from random extinction by up to ∼1165 million years.
Challenging urban species diversity: contrasting phylogenetic patterns across plant functional groups in Germany
Authors: Knapp Sonja , Kühn Ingolf , Schweiger Oliver , Klotz Stefan 
Published: July 2008

AbstractCities are hotspots of plant species richness, harboring more species than their rural surroundings, at least over large enough scales. However, species richness does not necessarily cover all aspects of biodiversity such as phylogenetic relationships. Ignoring these relationships, our understanding of how species assemblages develop and change in a changing environment remains incomplete. Given the high vascular plant species richness of urbanized areas in Germany, we asked whether these also have a higher phylogenetic diversity than rural areas, and whether phylogenetic diversity patterns differ systematically between species groups characterized by specific functional traits. Calculating the average phylogenetic distinctness of the total German flora and accounting for spatial autocorrelation, we show that phylogenetic diversity of urban areas does not reflect their high species richness. Hence, high urban species richness is mainly due to more closely related species that are functionally similar and able to deal with urbanization. This diminished phylogenetic information might decrease the flora’s capacity to respond to environmental changes.
Soil microbial respiration in arctic soil does not acclimate to temperature
Authors: Hartley Iain P. , Hopkins David W. , Garnett Mark H. , Sommerkorn Martin , Wookey Philip A. 
Published: July 2008

AbstractWarming‐induced release of CO2 from the large carbon (C) stores in arctic soils could accelerate climate change. However, declines in the response of soil respiration to warming in long‐term experiments suggest that microbial activity acclimates to temperature, greatly reducing the potential for enhanced C losses. As reduced respiration rates with time could be equally caused by substrate depletion, evidence for thermal acclimation remains controversial. To overcome this problem, we carried out a cooling experiment with soils from arctic Sweden. If acclimation causes the reduction in soil respiration observed after experimental warming, then it should subsequently lead to an increase in respiration rates after cooling. We demonstrate that thermal acclimation did not occur following cooling. Rather, during the 90 days after cooling, a further reduction in the soil respiration rate was observed, which was only reversed by extended re‐exposure to warmer temperatures. We conclude that over the time scale of a few weeks to months, warming‐induced changes in the microbial community in arctic soils will amplify the instantaneous increase in the rates of CO2 production and thus enhance C losses potentially accelerating the rate of 21st century climate change.
A cohort study of results following elective colonic and rectal resection within an enhanced recovery programme
Authors: Faiz O. , Brown T. , Colucci G. , Kennedy R. H. 
Published: July 2008

AbstractObjective  The use of laparoscopic surgery coupled with an enhanced recovery programme (ERP) has resulted in hospital stays of 4 or less days for colonic and 6 days following rectal resection, in previously reported small selected groups of patients. This report analyses an unselected cohort to determine if such benefits are reproducible.Method   Consecutive patients undergoing elective colonic or rectal surgery at a single centre between January 2002 and January 2006 were followed. All were included in the ERP and underwent either laparoscopic or open surgery.Results   The study group comprised 241 patients (mean age of 67 ± standard deviation 14 years and 49% male sex distribution) who underwent elective colorectal resection within the context of an ERP. One hundred and fifty‐one (62.7%) patients had malignant disease. Overall, 191 (79.3%) patients underwent a laparoscopic procedure and the remaining underwent an open operation. Postoperative stay was shorter in patients undergoing laparoscopic vs open, colonic surgery (4 days vs 6 days, P = 0.002). A nonsignificant trend towards reduced postoperative stay was observed for patients undergoing laparoscopic vs open, rectal surgery (6 days vs 9 days, P = 0.088). Patients undergoing laparoscopic colectomy demonstrated significantly lower 30‐day mortality rates than those undergoing traditional colectomy (3/131 vs 3/39, P = 0.049).Conclusion  Laparoscopic colonic surgery in the context of an ERP offers reduced hospital stay and may confer a survival advantage over traditional techniques. These results confirm that previously reported benefits of laparoscopic surgery are reproducible within an unselected population.
Systematic review of economic evaluations of laparoscopic surgery for colorectal cancer
Authors: Hernández R. A. , De Verteuil R. M. , Fraser C. M. , Vale L. D. ,   on behalf of the Aberdeen Health Technology Assessment Group
Published: July 2008

AbstractObjective Colorectal cancer is one of the most common cancers and the standard surgical treatment for this cancer is open resection (OS), but laparoscopic surgery (LS) may be an alternative treatment. In 2000, a Health Technology Assessment (HTA) review found little evidence on costs and cost‐effectiveness in comparing the two methods. The evidence base has since expanded and this study systematically reviews the economic evaluations on the subject published since 2000.Method Systematic review of studies reporting costs and outcomes of LSvsOS for colorectal cancer. National Health Service Economic Evaluation Database (NHS EED) methods for abstract writing were followed. Studies were summarized and incremental cost‐effectiveness ratios (ICER) for common outcomes were calculated.Results Five studies met the inclusion criteria. LS generally had higher healthcare costs. Most studies reported longer operational time and shorter length of stay and similar long‐term outcomes with LSvsOS. Only one outcome, complications, was common across all studies but results lacked consistency (e.g. in two studies, OS was less costly but more effective; in another study, LS was less costly but more effective; and in the further two studies, LS could potentially be cost effective depending on the decision‐makers’ willingness to pay for the health gain).Conclusion The evidence on cost‐effectiveness is not consistent. LS was generally more costly than OS. However, the effectiveness data used in individual economic evaluation were imprecise and unreliable when compared with data from systematic reviews of effectiveness. Nevertheless, short‐term benefits of LS (e.g. shorter recovery) may make LS appear less costly when productivity gains are considered.
Programming InterStim™ for faecal incontinence
Authors: Cattle K. R. , Douglas L. , Kiff E. S. 
Published: July 2008

AbstractObjective  Sacral nerve stimulation (SNS) for faecal incontinence (FI) is achieved by implanting a pulse generator attached to a tined lead with individually programmable electrodes. Our aim was to establish whether the ‘ideal’ programme for the treatment of FI has been used most commonly. We also wished to determine whether re‐programming changed the symptom severity scores.Method  The following data were extracted from our SNS patient database: the frequency with which each programme was used, the length of time it was effective for, the number of months from implantation that the programme was started and the symptom severity scores prior to a change or no change in programme.Results  Thirty‐eight patients have had implanted pulse generators inserted since 2004. One hundred and two programme changes were documented in the database. The ‘ideal’ programme was not most commonly programmed. The common programmes were effective for longest. The electrode furthest from the tip was used in the initial programme only once and the median duration from implantation to the start of a programme including it is 13 months. Symptom severity scores were significantly higher in patients who required re‐programming than in those whose programme remained unchanged.Conclusions  In our patients the ‘ideal’ programme was not the programme used most frequently, nor for the longest duration. The theoretical migration of the tined lead inwards with time is upheld by our results. Patients who feel the sensation of SNS perianally have lower symptom scores than those who do not and who require re‐programming.
Short term outcome after emergency and elective surgery for colon cancer
Authors: Sjo O. H. , Larsen S. , Lunde O. C. , Nesbakken A. 
Published: July 2008

AbstractObjective  Emergency presentation of colon cancer is common and associated with high mortality and morbidity following surgical treatment. The purpose of this study was to evaluate postoperative mortality and complications in a consecutive and population based series.Method  All patients with adenocarcinoma of the colon diagnosed between 1993 and 2007 were registered prospectively. Postoperative mortality and complication rates in elective and emergency patients were compared. Logistic regression analysis was used to identify independent risk factors for postoperative complications.Results  In the study period 1129 patients were admitted, of whom 279 (25%) presented as an emergency. A total of 999 (89%) patients underwent surgical treatment; 924 patients (82%) had a major resection. The mortality rate was 3.5% after elective and 10% after emergency operation with resection (P < 0.01), and the complication rate was 24% and 38% (P < 0.01), respectively. In patients with left‐sided obstruction, the mortality rate after Hartmann’s procedure was 19% compared to 3% after resection with primary anastomosis (P < 0.01). Multivariate analyses demonstrated that emergency operation, increasing age, advanced tumour stage and ASA class IV were independent risk factors for postoperative mortality.Conclusion  Emergency operation for colon cancer was associated with high rates of complications and mortality, indicating that immediate surgery should be avoided if possible. Decompression of left sided obstruction with a stent seems promising, whereas no conclusion can be made with regard to optimal procedure if stent placement fails; in this study Hartmann’s procedure was associated with high mortality and morbidity.
Comparative study to determine the need for intraoperative colonic irrigation for primary anastomosis in left‐sided colonic emergencies
Authors: Ortiz H. , Biondo S. , Ciga M. A. , Kreisler E. , Oteiza F. , Fraccalvieri D. 
Published: July 2008

AbtractObjective  To compare the outcome of resection and primary anastomoses in patients undergoing emergency surgery of the left colon with and without intraoperative colonic irrigation.Method  From January 2004 to December 2006, 102 consecutive patients with acute occlusion or perforation of the left colon were operated on an emergency basis in two Coloproctology units. According to the sample size calculation, 61 patients from one unit underwent surgery with intraoperative colonic irrigation, whereas 41 patients from the second unit underwent surgery without intraoperative colonic irrigation. The endpoints were mortality and morbidity.Results  Thirty (49.2%) patients with intraoperative colonic irrigation and 8 (19.5%) without colonic irrigation developed one or more complications postoperatively (odds ratio 4.0, 95% CI 1.6–10.0, P = 0.002). An increased number of wound infections was seen in the group managed with colonic irrigation 15 vs 3 (P = 0.034). The postoperative mortality rate and the occurrence of dehiscence of the anastomoses were similar in both study groups.Conclusion  The present findings indicate that resection and primary anastomosis in patients undergoing emergency surgery of the left colon can be safely performed without intraoperative colonic irrigation.
Intranictitans tacking for replacement of prolapsed gland of the third eyelid in dogs
Authors: Plummer C. E. , Källberg M. E. , Gelatt K. N. , Gelatt J. P. , Barrie K. P. , Brooks D. E. 
Published: July 2008

AbstractObjective To evaluate a new procedure for fixation of prolapsed nictitans glands to the cartilage of the nictitans that will not interfere with the mobility of the nictitating membrane.Methods A prospective clinical trial utilizing a nonabsorbable suture to anchor the prolapsed gland to the cartilage of the third eyelid was undertaken. Fifteen eyes of 10 dogs were included in the study. A 4‐0 nylon suture was passed from the anterior surface of the third eyelid through the base of the cartilage to the posterior aspect and then tunneled circumferentially beneath the conjunctiva over and around the prolapsed gland. The suture was then passed through the cartilage again to the anterior face of the third eyelid. The gland was replaced into its normal position as the suture was slowly tightened and then tied on the anterior aspect of the nictitans.Results Over a period of several weeks, the glands reduced in size and took on a normal appearance. All glands but one remained in place for the length of follow‐up, which ranged from 2 weeks to 33 months.Conclusions This procedure results in acceptable cosmetic effects with the return of the gland to its normal position posterior to the nictitating membrane. The advantage of this technique over traditional tacking to the orbital rim is that the third eyelid retains its normal mobility and, thus, its protective functions. The procedure once mastered is very quick and can be performed in less time than many of the traditional replacement techniques.
Heterologous penetrating keratoplasty for treatment of a corneal sequestrum in a cat
Authors: Townsend Wendy M. , Rankin Amy J. , Stiles Jean , Krohne Sheryl G. 
Published: July 2008

AbstractA corneal sequestrum was diagnosed in an 8‐year‐old, neutered male Burmese cat. A heterologous penetrating keratoplasty (PK) (fresh canine corneal tissue) was performed to restore a clear visual axis. A heterograft was selected in order to decrease the risk of viral transmission as a screened donor was not available. One month postoperatively the graft was vascularized and opaque. The owner failed to return for recheck examinations until 16 months postoperatively at which time only a faint central nebula remained.
Use of ketamine, xylazine, and diazepam anesthesia with retrobulbar block for phacoemulsification in dogs
Authors: Hazra Sarbani , De Dipak , Roy Biswarup , Bose Arup , Nandi Samit , Konar Aditya 
Published: July 2008

AbstractObjective  The study was undertaken to evaluate the use of ketamine, xylazine, and diazepam along with a local retrobulbar nerve block for routine phacoemulsification in the dog.Animals  Ten clinically healthy mixed‐breed dogs of either sex, weighing between 10 and 15 kg.Procedures  Ten mixed‐breed dogs were selected for unilateral cataract removal by phacoemulsification. Standard preoperative preparations for cataract surgery were followed. Pre‐anesthetic medication consisted of atropine sulfate (0.02 mg/kg, SC). Anesthesia was induced by xylazine HCl (1.0 mg/kg, IM) followed by ketamine (5.0 mg/kg, IM). Anesthesia was maintained subsequently with IV ketamine and diazepam to effect and depth of anesthesia was assessed clinically by pedal reflex and jaw reflex. After induction of anesthesia, a retrobulbar nerve block was performed using 2 mL of 2% lignocaine. Eye position was graded after retrobulbar block and IOP was examined preoperative, post‐anesthetic, 6 h postoperative and 24 h after surgery. Phacoemulsification was performed using the phaco‐chop technique and an intraocular lens was placed. Anesthetic recovery and postoperative recovery following surgery was recorded.Result  The exposure of the globe in all the dogs was adequate; the desired central fixation of the eye was obtained and surgery could be performed uneventfully. The mean IOP recorded after induction of anesthesia was 15.75 ± 0.82, which was not significantly (P > 0.01) different from pre‐anesthetic values (14.85 ± 0.85).Conclusion  Phacoemulsification was successfully performed with this anesthetic regimen without encountering major intraoperative or anesthetic complications.
Changing patterns of diet, physical activity and obesity among urban, rural and slum populations in north India
Authors: Yadav K. , Krishnan A. 
Published: July 2008

SummaryRapid urbanization and accompanying lifestyle changes in India lead to transition in non‐communicable disease risk factors.A survey was done in urban, urban slum and rural population of Haryana, India, in a sample of 4129 men and 3852 women using WHO STEPS questionnaire.A very high proportion of all the three populations reported inadequate intake of fruits and vegetables. Rural men reported five times physical activity as compared with urban and urban slum men and rural women reported seven times physical activity as compared with women in the other two settings. Mean body mass index (BMI) was highest among urban men (22.8 kg m−2) followed by urban slum (21.0 kg m−2) and rural men (20.6 kg m−2) (P‐value < 0.01). Similar trend was seen for women but at a higher level than men. Prevalence of obesity (BMI ≥ 30 kg m−2) was highest for urban population (male = 5.5%, female = 12.6%) followed by urban slum (male = 1.9%, female = 7.2%) and rural populations (male = 1.6%, female = 3.8%).Urbanization increases the prevalence of the studied non‐communicable disease risk factors, with women showing a greater increase as compared with men. Non‐communicable disease control strategy needs to address urbanization and warrants gender sensitive strategies specifically targeting women.
Decentralized Wage Formation in Sweden
Authors: Granqvist Lena , Regnér Håkan 
Published: July 2008

AbstractRecent Swedish collective bargaining agreements have incorporated provisions for local pay review talks and opportunities for individuals to negotiate their own wages. Using trade union data, we show that members who participate in local pay review talks and members who negotiate their own wages have significantly higher monthly wages than those who do not. Pay decentralization either improves an individual's bargaining position or attracts more productive trade union members. Either way, trade union wage policies to increase individual‐level wage variance are achieving their intended effects.
Optimal Trade Policy under Homogeneous Bertrand Competition*
Authors: Hwang Hong , Mai Chao‐Cheng , Yang Ya‐Po 
Published: July 2008

AbstractIn a seminal paper, Eaton and Grossman (1986) conclude that an export tax is optimal if firms produce heterogeneous products and engage in Bertrand price competition. In particular, they made a comment that could be interpreted to mean that even in the case of a homogeneous product, the optimal policy is still an export tax. This paper has re‐examined the case and found that the optimal export policy can be an export subsidy, free trade, or an export tax, depending on the marginal cost differential between the domestic and the foreign firms. Moreover, if government intervention entails a cost, free trade becomes the only optimal policy.
The Transfer Problem and Real Exchange Rate Overshooting in Financial Crises: The Role of the Debt Servicing Multiplier*
Authors: Menzies Gordon , Vines David 
Published: July 2008

AbstractWe develop a real model of exchange rate overshooting due to a debt servicing multiplier. Borrowers of foreign capital are bound by noncontingent contracts to pay the world rate of return following an adverse shock. This is onerous, since the marginal product of capital is less than the world rate of return and the shock causes some capital to become extra‐marginal. If the resultant debt servicing shortfall is met by taxes on workers, this reduces their demand for nontradable goods, which feeds back onto their wage, reducing their demand for nontradable goods, etc. In the short run, when extra‐marginal projects are “stuck” in the economy, the real exchange rate can overshoot. This mechanism may help to explain overshooting of exchange rates in the 1997 Asian financial crisis.
What's in a Name? ‘Work and Family’ or ‘Work and Life’ Balance Policies in the UK since 1997 and the Implications for the Pursuit of Gender Equality
Authors: Lewis Jane , Campbell Mary 
Published: July 2008

AbstractSince 1997, Labour has developed a wide range of policies on childcare services, care leaves and flexible working hours. In 2000, the term ‘work‐life balance’ was introduced and has been used by Government Departments and by the academic community with very little discussion of its meaning vis à vis the use of ‘family‐friendly’ policies, or the promotion of ‘work and family balance’. We explore the introduction of the term work‐life balance, the reasons for it, and its significance at the policy level, especially in terms of its implications for the pursuit of gender equality. We find that at the policy level, its use was more a matter of strategic framing than substantive change. Nevertheless, because of the UK Government's largely gender‐neutral approach to the whole policy field, it is important to make explicit the tensions in the continuing use of the term work‐life balance, particularly in relation to the achievement of gender equality.
EU Integration and the Transformation of Post‐communist Welfare: Traversing a ‘Quantum Leap’?
Authors: Lendvai Noemi 
Published: July 2008

Abstract While many academic accounts treat post‐communist Europe as just another site of Europeanization with an emphasis on ‘adaptation’ and ‘learning’, this article argues that EU integration and the transformation of post‐communist Europe is a much more complex, volatile and uncertain process; not so much one of adaptation but more a ‘quantum leap’, apparently bypassing the stage of a Keynesian regime. Post‐communist Europe is asked to join an EU agenda that has many features of what Jessop calls the ‘Schumpeterian Workfare Postnational Regime’ (SWPR). In that sense, EU integration of post‐communist welfare is not simply a ‘catch‐up’, it is a complex transformation process whereby, rather than EU Enlargement and Eastern Europe being seen as a threat to ‘Social Europe’, the EU imposes its own ‘social deficit’ and economic hegemony onto Eastern Europe.