bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Why equalising trade‐offs aren’t always neutral
Authors: Turnbull Lindsay A. , Rees Mark , Purves Drew W. 
Published: July 2008

AbstractEqualising trade‐offs, such as seed mass vs. number, have been invoked to reconcile neutral theory with observed differences between species. This is an appealing explanation for the dramatic seed size variation seen within guilds of otherwise similar plants: under size‐symmetric competition, where resource capture is proportional to mass, the outcome of competition should be insensitive to whether species produce many small seeds or few large ones. However, under this assumption, stochastic variation in seed rain leads to exclusion of all but the smallest‐seeded species. Thus stochasticity in seed arrivals, a process that was previously thought to generate drift, instead results in deterministic competitive exclusion. A neutral outcome is possible under one special case of a more general equalising framework, where seed mass affects survival but not competition. Further exploration of the feasibility of neutral trade‐offs is needed to understand the respective roles of neutrality and niche structure in community dynamics.
Temporal dynamics within a contemporary latitudinal diversity gradient
Authors: Fisher Jonathan A. D. , Frank Kenneth T. , Petrie Brian , Leggett William C. , Shackell Nancy L. 
Published: July 2008

AbstractPoleward declines in species diversity [latitudinal diversity gradients (LDG)] remain among the oldest and most widespread of macroecological patterns. However, their contemporary dynamics remain largely unexplored even though changing ecological conditions, including global change, may modify LDG and their respective ecosystems. Here, we examine temporal variation within a temperate Northwest Atlantic LDG using 31 years of annual fisheries‐independent surveys and explore its dynamics in relation to a dominant climate signal [the wintertime North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO)] that varies interannually and alters the latitudinal gradient of Northwest Atlantic continental shelf bottom water temperatures. We found that the slopes of the annual LDG vary dramatically due to changes in geographic distributions of 100+ species, variations that are concealed within the cumulative, static LDG. These changes are strongly associated with changes in NAO sign and strength. This is the first illustration of temporal dynamics in a contemporary LDG and the first demonstration of the speed at which local environmental variations can alter an LDG. Our findings underscore the need to investigate factors that modify LDG separately from those that contribute to their origins.
Corneal squamous cell carcinoma in a dog: a case report
Authors: Montiani‐Ferreira Fabiano , Kiupel Matti , Muzolon Patricia , Truppel Jesse 
Published: July 2008

AbstractPurpose: To report a case of primary corneal squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) in an English Bulldog. In addition, immunohistochemistry of the corneal tissue mass was performed using a panel of antibodies. A prominent feature of the present case was the clinical history of chronic keratitis due to eyelid abnormalities.Results: No papillomavirus antigen was detected in section of normal or neoplastic corneal tissue. The corneal epithelial cells were positive for pancytokeratins AE1/AE3 and MNF116, and E‐cadherin. The neoplastic cells in close proximity to the normal epithelial lining were positive for both pancytokeratins and E‐cadherin with gradual loss of staining toward the center of the neoplastic mass. Rare neoplastic cells demonstrated positive staining for caspase 3 and a large number was strongly positive for GADD45 and p53.Conclusion and discussion: The observed loss of the various cytokeratins, the strong p53 expression, and low numbers of caspase 3 positive cells were suggestive that a p53 mutation may have caused this primary corneal SCC. Over‐expression of the tumor‐suppressor gene p53 is likely to be a consequence of ultraviolet radiation exposure. Two factors, however, may have played a role in the formation of this primary corneal SCC: chronic irritation of the corneal surface (microtrauma) and exposure to UV radiation.
Diversity and functional importance of coral‐feeding fishes on tropical coral reefs
Authors: Cole Andrew J. , Pratchett Morgan S. , Jones Geoffrey P. 
Published: July 2008

AbstractFishes that feed from live corals (corallivores) are a conspicuous component of healthy coral reef environments. However, knowledge of the occurrence and ecological significance of this feeding mode is fragmentary. Historically, very few fish were considered capable of feeding from live coral, and those few that did were considered ecologically insignificant. More recently, the role of corallivores has been re‐evaluated; published records document 128 corallivorous fish species from 11 different families, with 69 of these belonging to the family Chaetodontidae. Other families, including the Labridae, Tetraodontidae, Balistidae, Monacanthidae, Pomacentridae and Scaridae, all have between seven and ten coral‐feeding species. One‐third of coral‐feeding fishes feed almost exclusively on corals, with more than 80% of their diet based on coral. Corallivorous fish show distinct prey preferences and consume only a small subset of available corals, usually the genera Acropora, Pocillopora and Porites. This selective predation by corallivores can limit abundance and distribution of preferred corals. Chronic predation by corallivores may also exacerbate effects of coral disturbance (e.g. climate‐induced coral bleaching), impeding reef recovery and causing further coral loss. Conversely, the cover of preferred corals can be a primary determinant of corallivore abundance and physiological condition. Owing to this close association, obligate corallivores invariably decline in response to loss of coral cover. Increased knowledge of the number of corallivores and their diets suggest that this feeding mode is more important to coral reef food webs than traditionally thought.
A Cre::FLP fusion protein recombines FRT or loxP sites in transgenic maize plants†
Authors: Djukanovic Vesna , Lenderts Brian , Bidney Dennis , Lyznik L. Alexander 
Published: July 2008

SummaryThe coding sequences of Cre (site‐specific recombinase from bacteriophage P1) and FLP (yeast 2‐µm plasmid site‐specific recombinase) were fused in frame to produce a novel, dual‐function, site‐specific recombinase gene. Transgenic maize plants containing the Cre::FLP fusion expression vector were crossed to transgenic plants containing either the loxP or FRT excision substrate. Complete and precise excisions of chromosomal fragments flanked by the respective target sites were observed in the F1 and F2 progeny plants. The episomal DNA recombination products were frequently lost. Non‐recombined FRT substrates found in the F1 plants were recovered in the F2 generation after the Cre::FLP gene segregated out. They produced the recombination products in the F3 generation when crossed back to the FLP‐expressing plants. These observations may indicate that the efficiency of site‐specific recombination is affected by the plant developmental stage, with site‐specific recombination being more prevalent in developing embryos. The Cre::FLP fusion protein was also tested for excisions catalysed by Cre. Excisions were identified in the F1 plants and verified in the F2 plants by polymerase chain reaction and Southern blotting. Both components of the fusion protein (FLP and Cre) were functional and acted with similar efficiency. The crossing strategy proved to be suitable for the genetic engineering of maize using the FLP or Cre site‐specific recombination system.
Black Market and Official Exchange Rates: Long‐run Equilibrium and Short‐run Dynamics
Authors: Caporale Guglielmo Maria , Cerrato Mario 
Published: July 2008

AbstractThis paper presents further empirical evidence on the relationship between black market and official exchange rates in six emerging economies (Iran, India, Indonesia, Korea, Pakistan, and Thailand). First, it applies both time series techniques and heterogeneous panel methods to test for the existence of a long‐run relationship between these two types of exchange rates. Second, it tests formally the validity of the proportionality restriction implying a constant black‐market premium. Third, it also analyses the short‐run dynamic responses of both markets to shocks. Finally, it tries to shed some light on the determinants of the market premium. Evidence of slow reversion to the long‐run equilibrium is found. Further, it appears that capital controls and expected currency devaluation are the two main factors affecting the size of the premium and determining the breakdown in the proportionality relationship.
Loaning Supplementary Benefit and the Introduction of the Social Fund
Authors: Grover Chris 
Published: July 2008

Abstract This paper discusses an episode in social security policy making that has until now remained unexplored. This is the review, at the request of then Labour Secretary of State for Social Services, Richard Crossman MP, in the latter months of 1969 and early 1970 into the possibility of introducing loans to the Supplementary Benefit system as a replacement for some exceptional needs and exceptional circumstances payments. The paper examines files held at the National Archives to discuss the nature and extent of the proposed scheme and the objections of civil servants to loaning Supplementary Benefit. The paper demonstrates how the worst‐case scenario outlined by civil servants in 1970 was introduced some 15 years later as Social Fund loans. The paper then discusses economic, ideological and social change that provided the context for the introduction of loans as part of the Social Fund in the 1980s.
Models for Potentially Biased Evidence in Meta-Analysis using Empirically Based Priors
Authors: Welton N. J. , Ades A. E. , Carlin J. B. , Altman D. G. , Sterne J. A. C. 
Published: July 2008

SummaryWe present models for the combined analysis of evidence from randomized controlled trials categorized as being at either low or high risk of bias due to a flaw in their conduct. We formulate a bias model that incorporates between-study and between-meta-analysis heterogeneity in bias, and uncertainty in overall mean bias. We obtain algebraic expressions for the posterior distribution of the bias-adjusted treatment effect, which provide limiting values for the information that can be obtained from studies at high risk of bias. The parameters of the bias model can be estimated from collections of previously published meta-analyses. We explore alternative models for such data, and alternative methods for introducing prior information on the bias parameters into a new meta-analysis. Results from an illustrative example show that the bias-adjusted treatment effect estimates are sensitive to the way in which the meta-epidemiological data are modelled, but that using point estimates for bias parameters provides an adequate approximation to using a full joint prior distribution. A sensitivity analysis shows that the gain in precision from including studies at high risk of bias is likely to be low, however numerous or large their size, and that little is gained by incorporating such studies, unless the information from studies at low risk of bias is limited. We discuss approaches that might increase the value of including studies at high risk of bias, and the acceptability of the methods in the evaluation of health care interventions.
Sampling Bias and Logistic Models
Authors: McCullagh Peter 
Published: July 2008

SummaryIn a regression model, the joint distribution for each finite sample of units is determined by a function px(y) depending only on the list of covariate values x=(x(u1),…,x(un)) on the sampled units. No random sampling of units is involved. In biological work, random sampling is frequently unavoidable, in which case the joint distribution p(y,x) depends on the sampling scheme. Regression models can be used for the study of dependence provided that the conditional distribution p(y|x) for random samples agrees with px(y) as determined by the regression model for a fixed sample having a non-random configuration x. The paper develops a model that avoids the concept of a fixed population of units, thereby forcing the sampling plan to be incorporated into the sampling distribution. For a quota sample having a predetermined covariate configuration x, the sampling distribution agrees with the standard logistic regression model with correlated components. For most natural sampling plans such as sequential or simple random sampling, the conditional distribution p(y|x) is not the same as the regression distribution unless px(y) has independent components. In this sense, most natural sampling schemes involving binary random-effects models are biased. The implications of this formulation for subject-specific and population-averaged procedures are explored.
The Impact of League Tables on University Application Rates
Authors: Gunn Rod , Hill Steve 
Published: July 2008

AbstractIn the UK, the popular use of league tables in assessing the comparative standing of universities has escalated to such an extent that most UK national newspapers now publish them. A review of literature to date suggests there has been little academic research undertaken to establish the value of such tables or to assess their impact upon student application rates. This paper explores the relationship between league position and application rates in the UK, using rankings from the Sunday Times as an example, with important lessons for higher education across the globe. Results show that in the period when league tables were newly introduced, there was a significant negative association between league table position (ranked from highest to lowest) and the change in application rates (that is, the higher the league position, the faster the growth in applications) an association that subsequently weakened and may have even have reversed. The paper goes on to explore the notion of various divisions within the overall league table, suggesting that there are effectively two ‘selecting’ divisions, typically choosing from a surplus of applicants, and two ‘recruiting’ divisions, typically working to avoid an applications shortfall against target numbers.
Comparing Research and Teaching in University Promotion Criteria
Authors: Parker Jonathan 
Published: July 2008

AbstractThis article categorises the different criteria and weightings used to determine promotions in UK universities. The criteria were analysed to determine the extent to which they recognise research and teaching equally as evidence for promotion. The results show that universities have largely adopted formal parity in the criteria for senior and principal lecturers. However, for the higher and more prestigious ranks of reader and professor most universities exclusively require research excellence and do not allow similar applications based on teaching activities. Furthermore, there is a distinct and significant difference between promotion criteria in pre‐ and post‐1992 universities, with the post‐1992 universities much more likely to recognise research and teaching equally.
Child Labour in West Africa: Different Work – Different Vulnerabilities
Authors: Bøås Morten , Hatløy Anne 
Published: July 2008

AbstractBased on data from four different surveys – street children in Accra, Ghana; street children in Bamako, Mali; children and youth in alluvial‐diamond production in Kono district, Sierra Leone; and war‐affected children in Voinjama district, Liberia – this article analyzes how children and youth seek to use different economic strategies to shape their lives. In each of these cases, child labour is a consequence of poverty, steep school fees and the family need for the income that the children can earn. The results show school attendance among the children is low, and lowest among the street children and highest among the children in Voinjama who have recently returned after the war. All the children in this article live under difficult circumstances, but those working in the mines, or living a life as street children are particularly prone to respectively physical and mental stress. The type of labour performed in the alluvial diamond mines is extremely hard and repetitive. The life of a street child in West Africa is also very hard. It is a life that only the boldest and bravest will endure. The most fortunate ones are the returnee children in Voinjama. They have survived the Liberian civil war with their family or family‐related networks intact. The children in the study are not just passive victims of structures and actions they do not comprehend, but also people who try to adapt to a situation where education is less an option than it used to be. Faced with these constraints the children, either as miners or as street children, try to assume responsibility for their lives by the choice of the economic strategy that they are currently using. The study also indicates that efforts to support these groups should pay more attention to their lived realities of work and migration.
Multicultural Meanings of Social Support among Immigrants and Refugees
Authors: Stewart Miriam , Anderson Joan , Beiser Morton , Mwakarimba Edward , Neufeld Anne , Simich Laura , Spitzer Denise 
Published: July 2008

AbstractCanada continues to be a prominent immigrant and refugee‐receiving country in worldwide migration, resettlement, and search for refuge, yet there is a gap in our understanding of these newcomers’ views of the specific meanings of social support and their support needs and resources. The purpose of this study was to understand the meanings of social support for immigrants and refugees in Canada, and to explore the types and adequacy of formal supports. Individual interviews were conducted with 60 service providers and policymakers initially (Phase 1), and 120 immigrants and refugees (60 Chinese, 60 Somali) in the second phase. The implications of these findings were elicited in group interviews (Phase 3) of policy decision‐makers, advocates, service providers, and managers. This investigation revealed many interrelated challenges facing refugees and immigrants such as language difficulties, inadequate information on services, poor health, racism, needs for retraining, rejection of foreign qualifications, unemployment, social isolation, social insecurity, dwindling social networks, and family conflicts. The study also illuminated culturally and socio‐economically determined perceptions of social support and support‐seeking strategies. Limited personal resources and dwindling social networks are an impediment to coping with integration and settlement challenges. In many cases, newcomers’ efforts to seek help are thwarted by systemic obstacles. Newcomers experienced extensive unmet support needs, which service providers cannot adequately meet due to bureaucratic and resource constraints. Policies in various sectors that affect the lives of immigrants and refugees are inadequate for bridging their support deficiencies. These support gaps hinder the successful settlement and integration of newcomers. Policies and programs fostering culturally relevant support, and inter‐sectoral collaboration among organizations addressing the support needs of immigrants and refugees are timely.
A review of photodynamic therapy in cutaneous leishmaniasis
Authors: Van Der Snoek EM , Robinson DJ , Van Hellemond JJ , Neumann HAM 
Published: July 2008

SummaryWe present a review of six clinical studies investigating the use of photodynamic therapy (PDT) using porphyrin precursors for the treatment of Old World cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL). Thirty‐nine patients with a total of 77 lesions received PDT using a range of treatment schedules following topical application of aminolevulinic acid (ALA) or methyl‐aminolevulinate (MAL). The tissue response to PDT is accompanied by a mild burning sensation, erythema and reversible hypo‐ and hyperpigmentation. Few mechanistic studies have addressed the principles underlying the use of PDT for CL. All six reviewed papers suggest that PDT with porphyrin precursors is relatively effective in treating CL. Data are still limited, and PDT cannot at this point be recommended in routine clinical practice. The mechanism of action of this promising therapeutic modality needs to investigated further and additional controlled trials need to be performed.
The Second Time as Farce? The EU Takeover Directive, the Clash of Capitalisms and the Hamstrung Harmonization of European (and French) Corporate Governance*
Authors: CLIFT BEN 
Published: July 2008

AbstractThis article focuses on the EU Takeover Directive and its transposition into French law. French outcomes diverge from European Commission aspirations for greater clarity and uniformity. The clash of European capitalisms as well as heightened uncertainty and differentiation in takeover regulation exacerbate problems of asymmetric vulnerability of EU states (and firms) to the European Commission's liberal reform agenda. This explains the failings of EU‐level harmonization of varieties of capitalism and corporate governance.
Effect of human activities on Egyptian vulture breeding success
Authors: Zuberogoitia I. , Zabala J. , Martínez J. A. , Martínez J. E. , Azkona A. 
Published: July 2008

AbstractHabitat loss, electrocution on power poles and persecution by humans are the main threats to birds of prey. Nevertheless, the effects of human disturbance on endangered species are becoming notorious due to the increasing recreational use of the natural environment. We evaluated the effects of human disturbances on Egyptian vulture Neophron percnopterus breeding success and developed conservation measures based on minimum distance of effect and buffer areas in a high human density area of northern Spain. A total of 100 breeding attempts of 15 breeding pairs were monitored over 8 years. Human disturbances affected 42 of the breeding attempts. Those disturbances related to and originating in forestry work had the most severe effect on breeding success, being associated with the loss of 100% of 13 breeding attempts, while human disturbances related to free‐time activities caused 44% failures in 25 breeding attempts by four pairs, two of them within Natural Parks. The breeding success was significantly less in territories affected by disturbances than in those free of disturbances. Some pairs affected by disturbances changed their nest site, increasing breeding success. Adults were prevented from entering the nest to feed chicks when anyone was detected at an average distance of 307 m, while an average distance of 837.5 m allowed them access. The maximum alert distance was estimated at 605 m and the buffer area was 57 ha. We discuss the application of our results for management schemes and conservation of this species.