bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
ETHNOGRAPHIC COLLECTING AND TRAVEL: BLURRING BOUNDARIES, FORMING A DISCIPLINE
Authors: Franey Laura 
Published: October 2003

“To tell you the truth, Stein,” I said, with an effort that surprised me, “I came here to describe a specimen. . . .” “Butterfly?” he asked, with an unbelieving and humorous eagerness. “Nothing so perfect,” I answered, feeling suddenly dispirited with all sorts of doubts. “A man!” “Ach so!” he murmured, and his smiling countenance, turned to me, became grave. Then after looking at me for a while he said slowly, “Well — I am a man, too.”— Joseph Conrad, Lord Jim(ellipsis in original)ETHNOGRAPHIC TRAVEL ACCOUNTS AND THE COLLECTING of objects — whether body parts or cultural products — functioned together in the Victorian era as a means of “knowing” other peoples and places to a degree not previously possible. It is true that travelers had long been involved in the appropriation of foreign peoples and their cultural products: we need only think of Christopher Columbus or James Cook returning to Europe with Native Americans or Pacific Islanders and their handicrafts in tow.1 But the importance of both writing about and collecting foreign peoples took on new urgency at a time when scientific organizations and newly-forming disciplines were seeking not only to classify and catalog races but also to determine the moments and means of their differentiation. The historical development of a racialized humankind as the object of intense scientific inquiry, along with the general growth of scientism and the professionalization of scientific disciplines in the Victorian period, resulted in an intense need for raw materials that could be transformed or interpreted into scientific data about non-Europeans. To a considerable extent, anatomists, natural historians, armchair ethnologists, and anthropologists created this data about race based on the information supplied by travel narratives and by the objects — including skulls, skeletons, and cultural artifacts — sent or brought to Europe by travelers to Africa, Asia, and the Americas.
The Zoroastrian fire temple in the ex-Portuguese colony of Diu, India
Authors: Shokoohy Mehrdad 
Published: October 2003

AbstractThe ex-Portuguese town of Diu on the island with the same name off the south coast of Saurashtra, Gujarat, is one of the best-preserved and yet least-studied Portuguese colonial towns. Diu was the last of the Portuguese strongholds in India, the control of which was finally achieved in 1539 after many years of futile struggle and frustrating negotiations with the sultanate of Gujarat. During the late sixteenth and seventeenth century Diu remained a main staging post for Portuguese trade in the Indian Ocean, but with the appearance of the Dutch, and later the French and British, on the scene the island gradually lost its strategic importance. The town was subjected to little renovation during the nineteenth century while in the twentieth century Diu was no more than an isolated Portuguese outpost with meagre trade until it was taken over by India in 1961. As a result, unlike the other former Portuguese colonies in India – Daman and Goa – Diu has preserved most of its original characteristics: a Portuguese colonial town plan, a sixteenth-century fort and a number of old churches, as well as many of the eighteenth and nineteenth-century houses.
Is the rock partridge Alectoris graeca saxatilis threatened in the Dolomitic Alps?
Authors: Cattadori Isabella M. , Ranci‐Ortigosa Giovanna , Gatto Marino , Hudson Peter J. 
Published: October 2003

AbstractChanges in abundance and the risk of extinction of the rock partridge Alectoris graeca saxatilis in the Dolomitic Alps were investigated using a density‐dependent model that incorporated dispersal and environmental stochasticity. The study was based on spring and summer counts collected from sample areas in geographically distinct mountain groups. Extinction probability was investigated by simulating a discrete population and a metapopulation consisting of local populations connected by dispersal. Persistence was not guaranteed when the species was examined as a discrete population. When we used a metapopulation approach, the persistence was assured but local extinctions with subsequent recolonizations of a number of empty areas were observed. The analysis was repeated using hunting statistics, when there were no restrictions on hunting policies, and a similar high extinction pattern was found. Our simulations suggested that long‐term persistence of rock partridge could be guaranteed only when immigration was included into the demographic model. However, if the increased population's fragmentation recorded since the 1950s persists the extinction of some of the subpopulations appears inevitable.
Are ecological and evolutionary theories scientific?
Authors: MURRAY BERTRAM G. 
Published: October 2003

ABSTRACTScientists observe nature, search for generalizations, and provide explanations for why the world is as it is. Generalizations are of two kinds. The first are descriptive and inductive, such as Boyle's Law. They are derived from observations and therefore refer to observables (in this case, pressure and volume). The second are often imaginative and form the axioms of a deductive theory, such as Newton's Laws of Motion. They often refer to unobservables (e.g. inertia and gravitation). Biology has many inductive generalizations (e.g. Bergmann's Rule and ‘all cells arise from preexisting cells’) but few, if any, recognized universal laws and virtually no deductive theory. Many biologists and philosophers of biology have agreed that predictive theory is inappropriate in biology, which is said to be more complex than physics, and that one can have nonpredictive explanations, such as the neo‐Darwinian Theory of Evolution by Natural Selection. Other philosophers dismiss nonpredictive, explanatory theories, including evolutionary ‘theory’, as metaphysics. Most biologists do not think of themselves as philosophers or give much thought to the philosophical basis of their research. Nevertheless, their philosophy shows in the way they do research. The plethora ofad hoc(i.e. not universal) hypotheses indicates that biologists are reluctant inductivists in that the search for generalization does not have a high priority. Biologists test their hypotheses by verification. Theoretical physicists, in contrast, are deductive unifiers and test their explanatory hypotheses by falsification.I argue thattheoreticalbiology (concerned with unobservables, such as fitness and natural selection) is not scientific because it lacks universal laws and predictive theory. In order to make this argument, I review the differences between verificationism and falsificationism, induction and deduction, and descriptive and explanatory laws. I show how these differ with a specific example of a successful and still useful (even if now superseded as explanatory) deductive theory, Newton's Theory of Motion. I also review some of the philosophical views expressed on these topics because philosophers seem to be even more divided than biologists, which is not at all helpful.The fact that biologydoes nothave predictive theories does not constitute irrefutable evidence that itcannothave them. The only way to falsify this philosophical hypothesis, however, is to produce a predictive theory with universal biological laws. I have proposed such a theory, but it has been presented piecemeal. At the end of this paper, I bring the pieces together into a deductive theory on the evolution of life history traits (e.g. clutch size, mating relationships, sexual size dimorphism).
The evolution of intelligence: adaptive specializationsversusgeneral process
Authors: MAGPHAIL EUAN M. , BOLHUIS JOHAN J. 
Published: October 2003

ABSTRACTDarwin argued that between‐species differences in intelligence were differences of degree, not of kind. The contemporary ecological approach to animal cognition argues that animals have evolved species‐specific and problem‐specific processes to solve problems associated with their particular ecological niches: thus different species use different processes, and within a species, different processes are used to tackle problems involving different inputs. This approach contrasts both with Darwin's view and with the general process view, according to which the same central processes of learning and memory are used across an extensive range of problems involving very different inputs. We review evidence relevant to the claim that the learning and memory performance of non‐human animals varies according to the nature of the stimuli involved. We first discuss the resource distribution hypothesis, olfactory learning‐set formation, and the ‘biological constraints’ literature, but find no convincing support from these topics for the ecological account of cognition. We then discuss the claim that the performance of birds in spatial tasks of learning and memory is superior in species that depend heavily upon stored food compared to species that either show less dependence upon stored food or do not store food. If it could be shown that storing species enjoy a superiority specifically in spatial (and not non‐spatial) tasks, this would argue that spatial tasks are indeed solved using different processes from those used in non‐spatial tasks. Our review of this literature does not find a consistent superiority of storing over non‐storing birds in spatial tasks, and, in particular, no evidence of enhanced superiority of storing species when the task demands are increased, by, for example, increasing the number of items to be recalled or the duration of the retention period. We discuss also the observation that the hippocampus of storing birds is larger than that of non‐storing birds, and find evidence contrary to the view that hippocampal enlargement is associated with enhanced spatial memory; we are, however, unable to suggest a convincing alternative explanation for hippocampal enlargement. The failure to find solid support for the ecological view supports the view that there are no qualitative differences in cognition between animal species in the processes of learning and memory. We also argue that our review supports our contention that speculation about the phylogenetic development and function of behavioural processes does not provide a solid basis for gaining insight into the nature of those processes. We end by confessing to a belief in one major qualitative difference in cognition in animals: we believe that humans alone are capable of acquiring language, and that it is this capacity that divides our intelligence so sharply from non‐human intelligence.
Isolation of peptides of the brevinin‐1 family with potent candidacidal activity from the skin secretions of the frog Rana boylii
Authors: Conlon J. M. , Sonnevend Á. , Patel M. , Davidson C. , Nielsen P.F. , Pál T. , Rollins‐ Smith L.A. 
Published: October 2003

Abstract: The emergence of strains of the human pathogen Candida albicans with resistance to commonly used antibiotics has necessitated a search for new types of antifungal agents. Six peptides with antimicrobial activity were isolated from norepinephrine‐stimulated skin secretions from the foothill yellow‐legged frog Rana boylii. Brevinin‐1BYa (FLPILASLAA10KFGPKLF CLV20TKKC) was particularly potent against C. albicans [minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) = 3 μm] and also active against Escherichia coli (MIC = 17 μm) and Staphylococcus aureus (MIC = 2 μm), but its therapeutic potential for systemic use is limited by its strong hemolytic activity (HC50 = 4 μm). The single amino acid substitution (Phe12 → Leu) in brevinin‐1BYb resulted in a fourfold lower potency against C. albicans and the additional amino acid substitutions (Lys11 → Thr, Phe17 → Leu and Val20 → Ile) in brevinin‐1BYc resulted in a ninefold decrease in activity. Two members of the ranatuerin‐2 family and one member of the temporin family were also isolated from the secretions but showed relatively low potency against the three microorganisms tested.
Serum insulin‐like growth factors in normal pregnancy and in pregnancies complicated by preeclampsia
Authors: Hübinette Anna , Lichtenstein Paul , Brismar Kerstin , Vatten Lars , Jacobsen Geir , Ekbom Anders , Cnattingius Sven 
Published: October 2003

Background.  Lower levels of insulin‐like growth factor I (IGF‐I) have been shown to be associated with preeclampsia and also with a reduced risk of breast cancer later in life. Lower levels of IGF before clinical signs of preeclampsia could be one possible mechanism in the etiology of preeclampsia as well as for the reduced risk of breast cancer associated with preeclampsia. We have prospectively investigated maternal serum levels of IGF‐I, IGF‐II, and the main binding protein insulin‐like growth factor binding protein 3 (IGFBP‐3) in women with and without preeclampsia.Methods.  We used maternal serum samples from a Swedish–Norwegian cohort study obtained in the 17th and 33rd gestational week from 30 women who subsequently developed preeclampsia and 128 women who did not develop preeclampsia.Results.  There were no significant differences in serum concentrations IGF‐I and IGFBP‐3 in the 17th or the 33rd week of gestation between women who developed preeclampsia or not. Compared with nonpreeclamptic women, preeclamptic women had significantly higher serum levels of IGF‐II in week 33, but there was no difference in week 17.Conclusion.  In women who developed preeclampsia, we found no support for the hypothesis that the disease was preceded by lower serum levels of IGF‐I and IGF‐II, or higher serum levels of IGFBP‐3. However, among women who later developed preeclampsia, serum levels of IGF‐II were significantly higher in the 33rd gestational week.
Physical therapy for pregnancy‐related low back and pelvic pain: a systematic review
Authors: Stuge Britt , Hilde Gunvor , Vøllestad Nina 
Published: October 2003

Background.  A systematic review of prospective controlled clinical trials was performed to assess the effectiveness of physical therapy interventions for the prevention and treatment of pregnancy‐related back and pelvic pain. Pregnancy‐related low back and pelvic pain has an impact on daily life for many women. Prevention and treatment of back and pelvic pain is therefore an important issue for all those concerned with women's health.Methods.  All prospective controlled clinical trials retrieved by systematic searching of electronic databases, checking of reference lists and contacting of authors were examined. Two reviewers independently selected trials for inclusion and independently assessed the internal validity of the included trials. Authors were contacted to obtain missing information.Results.  Nine trials with a total of 1350 patients were reviewed. Except for three high‐quality studies, the validity of the trials was moderate to low. Two high‐quality studies showed no difference in pain intensity and functional status between the exercise groups and the control groups. In the third high‐quality study significant reduction in sick leave was found in favor of water gymnastics compared with no intervention. Because the included trials were considered heterogeneous with regard to study design, population intervention and outcome, no meta‐analysis was performed.Conclusions.  Because of heterogeneity and the varying quality of the studies no strong evidence exists concerning the effect of physical therapy interventions on the prevention and treatment of back and pelvic pain related to pregnancy. Future studies should meet current methodological standards, and interventions to be evaluated should be based on established theoretical framework.
Vaginal electrical stimulation of the pelvic floor: A randomized feasibility study in urinary incontinent elderly women
Authors: Spruijt Johan , Vierhout Mark , Verstraeten Rob , Janssens Jannes , Burger Curt 
Published: October 2003

Background.  To evaluate the effectiveness of intravaginal electrical stimulation (ES) of the pelvic floor for urinary incontinence in elderly women, and to determine whether ES of the pelvic floor is a preferable treatment for urinary incontinence in elderly women.Methods.  Postmenopausal women (age 65 years or older) were enrolled in a randomized clinical trial and underwent every‐other‐day ES of the pelvic floor, or a daily Kegel exercise (KE) program. Objective outcome variables were: (1) Urinary leakage (during a standardized PAD test), (2) pelvic muscle strength (measured by a perineometer), and (3) detrusor instability (on ambulant urodynamic registration). Subjective outcome variables were women's subjective assessment of change in urinary symptoms based on the PRAFAB score. Twenty‐four women treated with ES and 11 women treated with Kegel exercises completed the 8‐week study program. The Chi‐square test was used for statistical analysis.Results.  No significant improvement in objective outcome variables was observed in the population treated with ES compared with the population treated with KE (with 29.2% vs. 36.4% of the women showing objective improvement in measured urinary leakage). Neither was subjective improvement significant, with 29.2% vs. 27.3% of the women reporting improvement in the amount of urinary leakage.Conclusions.  Although the number of enrolled women was very small this study shows that:

Treating elderly women with vaginal ES of the pelvic floor has a high physical and emotional cost for the individual.
The effectiveness of ES of the pelvic floor in urinary incontinent elderly women is low.
There is no great discrepancy between objective amelioration (PAD test) and subjective amelioration (PRAFAB score/quantity of urinary leakage), if the objective improvement is adequately defined.
It is not reasonable to advise elderly women with urinary incontinence to undertake this treatment procedure. The effectiveness of treatment does not compensate for the long‐lasting and intense treatment protocol.
We terminated this study because of the negative outcome with ES.
Cause and risk of stillbirth in twin pregnancies: a retrospective audit
Authors: Skeie Annelise , FrØen J. Frederik , Vege Åshild , Stray‐Pedersen Babill 
Published: October 2003

Background.  The epidemiology of twin pregnancies complicated by stillbirth of one or both fetuses is a scarcely examined area. The risk of perinatal death in twin pregnancies is increased 2–5 times compared to singletons, and the identification of preventable risk factors becomes increasingly important as the number of multiple pregnancies is rising. We report the causes of death in twin pregnancies and their respective risk factors.Methods.  Twin pregnancies (n = 54) complicated by antepartum or intrapartum stillbirth of one or both twins (n = 68) and twin pregnancies with normal outcome (n = 103) in the counties of Oslo and Akershus, Norway, from 1986 to 1995 were included. The cases were classified and compared to the controls in multiple logistic regression analyses with regard to risk factors.Results.  The risk of stillbirth increased with monochorionicity, non‐Western origin and assisted reproduction techniques (ART). The cases could be divided into eight different groups according to the primary diagnosis. The groups did not fit any of the existing cause‐of‐death classifications used on singleton stillbirths.Conclusions.  The identification of monochorionic gestation should be made early in pregnancy to designate the level of risk. Assisted reproduction techniques leading to a high incidence of twins should be avoided. Health care professionals in the immigrant population should address the detrimental effects of consanguinity on reproductive outcome. We emphasize the need of a new cause‐of‐death classification for twin stillbirths.
Vascular endothelial growth factor and leptin: regulation in human cumulus cells and in follicles
Authors: Abbas Maysoon M. , J. Evans John , Sin Iris L. , Gooneratne Anoma , Hill Anne , Benny Peter S. 
Published: October 2003

Background.  The factors that determine oocyte competency are poorly understood. It is believed that angiogenic factors are crucial. Modulation of these factors is therefore a central consideration. The adjacent association of cumulus cells to oocytes gives these cells a particular importance in relation to oocyte behavior. We report the effects of gonadotropins on the secretion of VEGF and leptin from cumulus cells; and the concentrations of the proteins in follicular fluid and their relationship to fertilization of oocytes in vitro.Methods.  The subjects were women undergoing intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI). Oocytes and follicular fluid were collected. Leptin and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) concentrations in incubation supernatants and follicular fluid and leptin in cell lysates were measured. Fertilization of corresponding oocytes were noted. In the present study, cells from individual follicles were incubated, as well as pooled cells from a woman.Results.  For the first time we demonstrated that VEGF release by human cumulus cells was modulated by gonadotropins in a dose‐related, time‐dependent manner, but no leptin was detected in either the supernatants after cumulus cell incubations or in cell lysates. Mean leptin levels were similar whether from follicles associated with eggs that were fertilized (14.4 ± 1.1 ng/ml, mean ± SEM) or not (12.4 ± 1.1 ng/ml). Mean VEGF levels were also similar (11.1 ± 1.2 ng/ml; 12.8 ± 1.3 ng/ml). A greater proportion of VEGF in follicles was derived from follicular activities, compared with transfer from other physiological compartments, than leptin.Conclusions.  Whereas it is possible that VEGF is part of the gonadotropin‐mediated network that regulates development of the oocyte, leptin may not be produced in significant quantities by cumulus cells or be related to oocyte competency.
The relationship between the classification of Scottish ground beetle assemblages (Coleoptera, Carabidae) and the National Vegetation Classification of British plant communities
Authors: Blake Shona , McCracken David I. , Eyre Michael D. , Garside Adam , Foster Garth N. 
Published: October 2003

A sufficiently large body of knowledge on British ground beetle (Carabidae) communities now exists to allow investigation of whether habitats may be classified or described on the basis of their ground beetle communities, in the same way that the National Vegetation Classification (NVC) describes British plant communities. A data set of ground beetle abundances from pitfall traps at 481 sites in a range of natural, semi‐natural and agricultural habitats throughout Scotland was available for analysis. Multivariate analysis (detrended correspondence analysis and fuzzy cluster analysis) was carried out on proportional catch data of 156 species of ground beetle from 444 of these sites and the results related to the NVC of the sites.Initial analysis classified the sites into five broad categories: 1) peatlands, 2) calcifugous, 3) mesotrophic, 4) dry river sediments and 5) damp river sediments. Further analysis identified 15 ground beetle assemblages, each corresponding to a relatively well defined vegetation type within one of these broad categories. The major environmental factors appearing to determine the distribution of ground beetle assemblages were substratum type, disturbance and soil moisture, all of which are also important determinants of the distribution of plant communities. The presence and absence of relatively stenotopic species were important discriminants of certain habitats such as wetlands and river sediments but the relative abundances within assemblages of more eurytopic species provided good indications of a relationship between ground beetle assemblages and NVC categories.