bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Different models for evaluation of growth traits and Kleiber ratio in an experimental flock of Iranian fat‐tailed Afshari sheep
Authors: Eskandarinasab M. , Ghafouri‐Kesbi F. , Abbasi M.A.
Published: September 2009

Records for Afshari sheep were retrieved from data collected between 2000 and 2005 at the Zanjan University experimental flock, at Zanjan, Iran. (Co)variance components and corresponding genetic parameters for birth weight (BW), weaning weight (WW), 6‐month weight (W6), average daily gain from birth to weaning (ADGa), from birth to 6 months (ADGb), from weaning to 6 months (ADGc), Kleiber ratio at weaning (WWKR) and Kleiber ratio at 6 months of age (W6KR) were estimated using univariate and bivariate analyses by the DFREML procedure. The Kleiber ratio, defined as growth rate/metabolic weight, has been suggested to be a useful indicator of growth efficiency and an indirect selection criterion for feed conversion. Estimates of direct heritability (h2) were 0.23, 0.27, 0.11, 0.22, 0.07, 0.01, 0.13 and 0.06 for BW, WW, W6, ADGa, ADGb, ADGc, WWKR and W6KR, respectively. Maternal genetic effects represented a relatively large proportion of the total phenotypic variance for BW (m2 = 0.22), whereas maternal permanent environmental effects were significant for W6 (c2 = 0.15), ADGb (c2 = 0.16), ADGc (c2 = 0.14) and W6KR (c2 = 0.16). Results of bivariate analyses indicated the variable genetic correlations between traits. The largest positive genetic relationships were between adjacent measurements. The moderate estimates of h2 for early growth traits indicate that in Afshari sheep faster genetic improvement through selection is possible for these traits. In order to increase the efficiency of feed conversion, use of Kleiber ratio in selection programmes was recommended.
Estimation of genetic parameters of feed intake and daily gain in Durocs using data from electronic swine feeders
Authors: Chen C.Y. , Misztal I. , Tsuruta S. , Zumbach B. , Herring W.O. , Holl J. , Culbertson M.
Published: September 2009

Genetic parameters for daily feed intake (DFI, g/day) and daily gain (DG, g/day) were estimated using records of 1916 Duroc boars from electronic feeder stations. Management was limited and resulted in varied ranges of age and weight on test. Boars were housed in 102 pens, each equipped with one feeder, and allowed ad libitum feeding. Weekly averages of DFI and DG were used due to large variation in daily records. Six traits were defined as DFI and DG during 85–106 (period 1), 107–128 (period 2) and 129–150 days of age (period 3). A six‐trait model included age as a linear and a quadratic covariate for DFI and a linear covariate for DG with a fixed effect of year–week–pen and random effects of litter, additive genetic animal and permanent environmental animal. Variance components were estimated by a Bayesian approach using Gibbs sampling algorithm. Estimates of heritability for respective periods were 18%, 12% and 10% for DFI and 21%, 11% and 10% for DG. Genetic correlations between DFI and DG in the same period were 0.70, 0.73 and 0.32 for the respective periods. DFI and DG obtained from automatic feeders can be analysed to reveal variation across testing periods by using weekly averages when many monthly averages are incomplete.
Ultraviolet Radiation Dose to be Applied in Recipient Zebrafish Embryos for Germ‐line Chimaerism is Strain Dependent
Authors: Francisco‐Simão M , Cardona‐Costa J , Perez Camps M , García‐Ximénez F
Published: September 2009

Contents

Germ‐line chimaerism is a powerful technique that has proved to be useful to produce viable gametes when transplanted blastomeres colonize the germinal ridges in recipient embryos and obtaining offspring from such transplanted cells. In fish, ionizing radiations were commonly used for embryo penalization to cancelling the cell participation of recipient embryos in development and in gamete production. The ultraviolet (UV) radiation when compared with other radiation types is cheaper, easier and no special installations are required for its use. So, the aim of this work was to establish the optimal UV radiation dose to be applied in zebrafish embryos at mid‐blastula transition stage of development, in order to use them as penalized recipient embryos in futures chimaerism assays. A UV germicide lamp was used as radiation source (0.529 mW/cm2). Four exposure levels and three exposure times of UV radiation were tested. The survival rates obtained with the non‐dechorionated embryos without lid group suggested that it could be the optimal exposure level to achieve the objective proposed. With the obtained results, we concluded that this UV radiation dose for 60 and 30 s are optimal parameters to penalize recipient wild and gold strain zebrafish embryos, respectively in chimaerism assays, but without involving their survival and apparently normal development.
Contrasting early visual cortical activation states causally involved in visual imagery and short‐term memory
Authors: Cattaneo Zaira , Vecchi Tomaso , Pascual‐Leone Alvaro , Silvanto Juha
Published: September 2009

Whether visual imagery and visual short‐term memory (STM) share the same neural resources, and the extent to which the early visual cortex (V1/V2) is involved in these processes, has been the subject of much debate. Here, we used transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) in two separate experiments to contrast the neural states associated with visual imagery and visual STM in the early visual cortex. In Experiment 1, we investigated V1/V2 activation states at the end of the retention phase in a visual imagery and a visual STM task. V1/V2 TMS facilitated performance in both tasks; the finding that imagery and STM interacted with TMS in the same way suggests that the two processes have similar effects on early visual cortical excitability. In Experiment 2, we investigated V1/V2 activation states at the beginning of the retention phase. V1/V2 TMS impaired performance in the visual STM task, whereas it had no effect on the imagery task. Taken together, our findings show that the late phases of the early visual cortical activation state associated with visual imagery and visual STM are similar; differences between the two processes are apparent in the early phases of the tasks. Our results also suggest that the causal role of the early visual cortex in visual STM includes both the initial translation of the visual input into working memory and the subsequent maintenance of the mental representation. Finally, our findings indicate that visual STM sensory recruitment in working memory might act via excitability modulation of V1/V2 neurons.
Preconditioning selective ventral root injury promotes plasticity of ascending sensory neurons in the injured spinal cord of adult rats – possible roles of brain‐derived  neurotrophic factor, TrkB and p75 neurotrophin receptor
Authors: Li Fang , Li Li , Song Xing‐Yun , Zhong Jin‐Hua , Luo Xue‐Gang , Xian Cory J , Zhou Xin‐Fu
Published: September 2009

Preconditioning sciatic nerve injury enhances axonal regeneration of ascending sensory neurons after spinal cord injury. A key question is whether direct injury of sensory nerves is necessary for the enhanced regeneration. The lumbar 5 ventral root transection (L5 VRT) model, a model of selective motor nerve injury, provides a useful tool to address this question. Here we examined the effects of a preconditioning L5 VRT on the regeneration after a subsequent dorsal column transection (DCT) in adult Sprague–Dawley rats. We found that L5 VRT 1 week before DCT increased the number of Fast Blue (FB)‐labeled neurons in the L5 dorsal root ganglia (DRG) and promoted sprouting/regenerating axons to grow into the glial scar. L5 VRT also induced a dramatic upregulation of expression of brain‐derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in the preconditioned DRG and in the injured spinal cord. Moreover, almost all of the FB‐labeled sprouting/regenerating neurons expressed BDNF, and approximately 55% of these neurons were surrounded by p75 neurotrophin receptor‐positive glial cells. This combined injury led to an increase in the number of BDNF‐ and TrkB‐immunoreactive nerve fibers in the dorsal column caudal to the lesion site. Taken together, these findings demonstrate that L5 VRT promotes sprouting/regeneration of ascending sensory neurons, indicating that sensory axotomy may not be essential for the plasticity of injured dorsal column axons. Thus, the sensory neurons could be preprimed in the regenerative milieu of Wallerian degeneration and neuroinflammation, which might alter the expression of neurotrophic factors and their receptors, facilitating sprouting/regeneration of ascending sensory neurons.
NCAM expression induces neurogenesis in vivo
Authors: Boutin Camille , Schmitz Brigitte , Cremer Harold , Diestel Simone
Published: September 2009

Neural cell adhesion molecule (NCAM) plays an important role during neural development and in the adult brain, whereby most functions of NCAM have been ascribed to its unique polysialic acid (PSA) modification. Recently we presented evidence suggesting that expression of NCAM in vivo interferes with the maintenance of forebrain neuronal stem cells. We here aimed at investigating the fate of cells generated from NCAM‐overexpressing stem cells in postnatal mouse brain and at elucidating the functional domains of NCAM mediating this effect. We show that ectopic expression of the NCAM140 isoform in radial glia and type C cells induces an increase in cell proliferation and consequently the presence of additional neuronal type A cells in the rostral migratory stream. A mutant NCAM protein comprising only fibronectin type III repeats and immunoglobulin‐like domain 5 was sufficient to induce this effect. Furthermore, we show that the neurogenic effect is independent of PSA, as transgenic NCAM is not polysialylated in radial glia and type C cells. These results suggest that heterophilic interactions of NCAM with other components of the cell membrane must be involved.
The semaphorin 4D‐plexin‐B signalLing complex regulates dendritic and axonal complexity in developing neurons via diverse pathways
Authors: Vodrazka Peter , Korostylev Alexander , Hirschberg Alexandra , Swiercz Jakub M. , Worzfeld Thomas , Deng Suhua , Fazzari Pietro , Tamagnone Luca , Offermanns Stefan , Kuner Rohini
Published: September 2009

Semaphorins and their receptors, plexins, have emerged as key regulators of various aspects of neuronal development. In contrast to the Plexin‐A family, the cellular functions of Plexin‐B family proteins in developing neurons are only poorly understood. An activation of Plexin‐B1 via its ligand, semaphorin 4D (Sema4D), produces an acute collapse of axonal growth cones in hippocampal and retinal neurons over the early stages of neurite outgrowth. However, the functional role of Sema4D‐Plexin‐B interactions over subsequent stages of neurite development, differentiation and maturation has not been characterized. Here we addressed this question using morphogenetic assays and time‐lapse imaging on developing rat hippocampal neurons as a model system. Interestingly, Sema4D treatment over several hours was observed to promote branching and complexity in hippocampal neurons via the activation of Plexin‐B1. The activation of receptor tyrosine kinases and the Rho kinase following Sema4D treatment was found to control dendritic and axonal morphogenesis by differentially regulating branching and extension. Phosphoinositide‐3‐kinase, but not extracellular signal‐regulated kinase 1/2, was observed to be important for the stimulatory effects of Sema4D on dendritic branching. Furthermore, we observed that the mammalian target of rapamycin is activated downstream of Plexin‐B1 and contributes to Sema4D‐induced effects on dendritic branching. In contrast, glycogen synthase kinase‐3 beta, another effector of phosphoinositide‐3‐kinase signalling, was not involved. Thus, our results show that Sema4D‐Plexin‐B interactions modulate dendritic and axonal arborizations of developing neurons by co‐ordinated and concerted activation of diverse signalling pathways.
Modulation of movement‐associated cortical activation by transcranial direct current stimulation
Authors: Stagg C. J. , O’Shea J. , Kincses Z. T. , Woolrich M. , Matthews P. M. , Johansen‐Berg H.
Published: September 2009

Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) is currently attracting increasing interest as a tool for neurorehabilitation. However, local and distant effects of tDCS on motor‐related cortical activation patterns remain poorly defined, limiting the rationale for its use. Here we describe the results of a functional magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) experiment designed to characterize local and distant effects on cortical motor activity following excitatory anodal stimulation and inhibitory cathodal stimulation. Fifteen right‐handed subjects performed a visually cued serial reaction time task with their right hand in a 3‐T MRI scanner both before and after 10 min of 1‐mA tDCS applied to the left primary motor cortex (M1). Relative to sham stimulation, anodal tDCS led to short‐lived activation increases in the M1 and the supplementary motor area (SMA) within the stimulated hemisphere. The increase in activation in the SMA with anodal stimulation was found also when directly comparing anodal with cathodal stimulation. Relative to sham stimulation, cathodal tDCS led to an increase in activation in the contralateral M1 and dorsal premotor cortex (PMd), as well as an increase in functional connectivity between these areas and the stimulated left M1. These increases were also found when directly comparing cathodal with anodal stimulation. Significant within‐session linear decreases in activation occurred in all scan sessions. The after‐effects of anodal tDCS arose primarily from a change in the slope of these decreases. In addition, following sham stimulation compared with baseline, a between‐session decrease in task‐related activity was found. The effects of cathodal tDCS arose primarily from a reduction of this normal decrease.
Dissociable substrates for body motion and physical experience in the human action observation network
Authors: Cross Emily S. , Hamilton Antonia F. de C. , Kraemer David J. M. , Kelley William M. , Grafton Scott T.
Published: September 2009

Observation of human actions recruits a well‐defined network of brain regions, yet the purpose of this action observation network (AON) remains under debate. Some authors contend that this network has developed to respond specifically to observation of human actions. Conversely, others suggest that this network responds in a similar manner to actions prompted by human and non‐human cues, and that one’s familiarity with the action is the critical factor that drives this network. Previous studies investigating human and non‐human action cues often confound novelty and stimulus form. Here, we used a dance‐learning paradigm to assess AON activity during observation of trained and untrained dance cues where a human model was present or absent. Results show that individual components of the AON respond differently to the human form and to dance training. The bilateral superior temporal cortex responds preferentially to videos with a human present, regardless of training experience. Conversely, the right ventral premotor cortex responds more strongly when observing sequences that had been trained, regardless of the presence of a human. Our findings suggest that the AON comprises separate and dissociable components for motor planning and observing other people’s actions.
Identification of genes regulated by the MvaT‐like paralogues TurA and TurB of Pseudomonas putida KT2440
Authors: Renzi Francesco , Rescalli Emanuela , Galli Enrica , Bertoni Giovanni
Published: September 2009

The genome of the Pseudomonas putida strain KT2440 contains five paralogous proteins (TurA, TurB, TurC, TurD and TurE) of the H‐NS‐like MvaT class of transcription regulators. TurA and TurB belong to groups I and II, respectively, both containing orthologous MvaT proteins that are present in all Pseudomonadaceae species. On the contrary, TurC, TurD and TurE belong to group III, which contains species‐specific paralogous MvaT proteins. We analysed the global effects on the P. putida KT2440 transcriptome of eliminating the conserved TurA and TurB proteins, which had been identified in our previous studies aimed to search for novel specific co‐regulators of the upper TOL operon for toluene biodegradation. While the loss of TurA de‐repressed the expression of many genes covering a broad range of functional classes in both mid‐exponential and early stationary phases, the absence of TurB brought about a very different outcome. Although the loss of TurB affected also very different functions, the number of genes that changed in the turB mutant was fivefold smaller than that of TurA. Furthermore, TurB does not act generally as repressor. Interestingly, the degree of overlap between their mutual regulons is very limited. A closer examination of one case where such overlap clearly occurs (a gene cluster for biosynthesis of lipodepsinonapeptide phytotoxins) revealed that TurA and TurB can act in concert, perhaps by forming a heterodimer. In addition, our results indicate that TurA is the master regulator of TurB as well as of the other paralogues, TurD and TurE.
Biomarkers in bladder cancer
Authors: Bryan Richard T. , Zeegers Maurice P. , James Nicholas D. , Wallace D. Michael A. , Cheng Kar Keung
Published: September 2009

Detailed molecular insights into bladder cancer biology might allow more detailed prognostication and optimization of treatment with the objective of improving patient outcome and quality of life. However, in bladder cancer research the search for biomarkers has been called into question and has even obtained notoriety. It is unlikely that any single marker will be able to improve prognostication for patients with bladder cancer above and beyond grade and stage, but a combination of multiple independent markers might more precisely predict the outcome. From a previous review, we identified seven biomarkers to study within the setting of the Bladder Cancer Prognosis Programme (BCPP), a 5‐year multicentre programme of research based at the University of Birmingham and funded by Cancer Research UK, investigating their effectiveness in predicting recurrence and progression. As part of the ongoing quality‐assurance process for BCPP we present an updated review of our selected biomarkers, as well as highlighting other recent important developments in bladder cancer research.
Routine scrotal ultrasonography during the follow‐up of patients with testicular cancer leads to earlier detection of asynchronous tumours and a high rate of organ preservation
Authors: Stoehr Brigitte , Zangerl Florian , Steiner Eberhard , Leonhartsberger Nicolai , Fritzer Andreas , Bartsch Georg , Steiner Hannes
Published: September 2009

Study Type – Diagnosis (case series) Level of Evidence 4

OBJECTIVE

To compare outcomes of patients with asynchronous tumours detected before and after the introduction of scrotal ultrasonography (SUS) during routine follow‐up examinations.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Since January 2001 SUS was also used during the follow‐up of patients with testicular cancer. A series of 16 consecutive patients with asynchronous bilateral testicular tumours diagnosed while still complying with routine follow up investigations were identified and divided into two groups; group A was diagnosed by palpation only, before 2001, and group B was diagnosed after 2000. The groups were compared statistically for the interval between asynchronous tumours, clinical stage, tumour diameter at the time of diagnosis and rate of testis‐sparing surgery.

RESULTS

All tumours in group A were diagnosed by palpation, but only two in group B were palpable at the time of diagnosis. The mean tumour diameter was statistically significantly smaller in group B (1.2 cm) than in group A (2.68 cm); testis‐sparing surgery was used in all of group B and only three patients in group A. After organ‐sparing surgery all patients had normal testosterone levels. All patients after organ‐sparing surgery had adjuvant scrotal radiotherapy because of germ cell tumour, and no patient had a local recurrence.

CONCLUSION

Our data indicate that using SUS for the remaining testicle in routine follow‐up visits of patients with testicular cancer leads to the earlier detection of smaller tumours and, consequently, a higher rate of organ preservation. The maintenance of physiological endocrine function might finally result in a better quality of life.
Effect of the dual 5α‐reductase inhibitor, dutasteride, on serum testosterone and body mass index in men with benign prostatic hyperplasia
Authors: Hong Sung Kyu , Min Gyeong Eun , Ha Seung Bum , Doo Seung Hwan , Kang Min Yong , Park Hong Joo , Yoon Cheol Yong , Jeong Seong Jin , Byun Seok‐Soo , Lee Sang Eun
Published: September 2009

Study Type – Therapy (RCT) Level of Evidence 1b

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the effects of dutasteride on serum testosterone level and body mass index (BMI) in men who received medical therapy for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

In all, 120 patients with BPH were randomized to three treatment groups: tamsulosin 0.2 mg/day (α‐blocker group), dutasteride 0.5 mg/day (dutasteride group), or tamsulosin 0.2 mg plus dutasteride 0.5 mg/day (combination group) for 1 year. For all patients the BMI and serum testosterone levels were checked at baseline and after 1 year of treatment.

RESULTS

Among the evaluable 107 patients, the dutasteride (33) and combination groups (37) had significantly greater increases in serum testosterone level (16.3% and 15%, respectively) than the α‐blocker group (37; 0.3%) after 1 year of treatment (both P < 0.001). When analysed by baseline serum testosterone tertile, the increases in serum testosterone level among the dutasteride and combination group were greatest in the lowest tertile. For BMI, the dutasteride and combination group had mean decreases of 0.17 and 0.20 kg/m2, respectively, at 1 year, whereas the α‐blocker group had a mean increase of 0.04 kg/m2. The decreases in BMI for the dutasteride and combination group were statistically significant only in the lowest tertile (P = 0.048 and 0.010, respectively).

CONCLUSION

Our results show that dutasteride treatment in men with BPH led to a significant increase in serum testosterone level and a significant decrease in BMI among those with relatively lower baseline serum testosterone levels.
Nonword repetition in children and adults: effects on movement coordination
Authors: Sasisekaran Jayanthi , Smith Anne , Sadagopan Neeraja , Weber‐Fox Christine
Published: September 2009

Hearing and repeating novel phonetic sequences, or novel nonwords, is a task that taps many levels of processing, including auditory decoding, phonological processing, working memory, speech motor planning and execution. Investigations of nonword repetition abilities have been framed within models of psycholinguistic processing, while the motor aspects, which also are critical for task performance, have been largely ignored. We focused our investigation on both the behavioral and speech motor performance characteristics of this task as performed in a learning paradigm by 9‐ and 10‐year‐old children and young adults. Behavioral (percent correct productions) and kinematic (movement duration, lip aperture variability – an index of the consistency of inter‐articulator coordination on repeated trials) measures were obtained in order to investigate the short‐term (Day 1, first five vs. next five trials) and longer‐term (Day 1 vs. Day 2, first five vs. next five trials) changes associated with practice within and between sessions. Overall, as expected, young adults showed higher levels of behavioral accuracy and greater levels of coordinative consistency than the children. Both groups, however, showed a learning effect, such that in general, later Day 1 trials and Day 2 trials were shorter in duration and more consistent in coordination patterns than Day 1 early trials. Phonemic complexity of the nonwords had a profound effect on both the behavioral and speech motor aspects of performance. The children showed marked learning effects on all nonwords that they could produce accurately, while adults’ performance improved only when challenged by the more complex nonword stimuli in the set. The findings point to a critical role for speech motor processes within models of nonword repetition and suggest that young adults, similar to children, show short‐ and longer‐term improvements in coordinative consistency with repeated production of complex nonwords. There is also a clear developmental change in nonword production performance, such that less complex novel sequences elicit changes in speech motor performance in children, but not in adults.
The role of microcredit in reducing women's vulnerabilities to multiple disasters
Authors: Ray‐Bennett Nibedita S.
Published: September 2009

This article explores the relationship between microcredit and vulnerability reduction for women‐headed households in ‘multiple disasters’. Here multiple disasters are understood as disasters that occur in one specific place and cause severe devastation. The case study covers the super‐cyclone in 1999, floods in 2001 and 2003, and drought in 2002 in Orissa, India. The study entailed eight months fieldwork and interviews with several governmental and non‐governmental officials and 12 women‐headed households from different social castes. The findings suggest that microcredit is a useful tool to replace women's livelihood assets that have been lost in multiple disasters. But inefficient microcredit delivery can cause microdebts and exacerbate caste, class and gender inequalities. It is posited that microcredit delivery cannot achieve vulnerability reduction for women in multiple disasters unless it is complemented by effective financial services, integrated policy planning and disaster management between government, non‐governmental organisations and the community.
The functions of social service workers at a time of war against a civilian population
Authors: Boehm Amnon
Published: September 2009

This article identifies the nature of functions that social service workers employed by municipal organisations have to perform during a community disaster and subsequent reorganisation at a time of war. The article also explores to what extent the functions of workers change as a result of the transition from a peacetime routine to a war situation. Using focus groups the study assesses the knowledge of social service workers and ordinary citizens who had direct experience of the second Lebanese war in Israel (2006). Eight major functions needed at a time of disaster are distinguished among various employees. The article discusses the significance of these functions, and the need to make changes in the network of functions at a time of disaster.
Credit accessibility and corporate social responsibility in financial institutions: the case of microfinance
Authors: Prior Francesc , Argandoña Antonio
Published: September 2009

What are financial institutions' social responsibilities in developing countries? On the one hand, these institutions share the generic responsibilities of all human organizations and business enterprises. However, their specific social responsibility is the performance of the social function of financial intermediaries, which, in the case of emerging countries, consists mainly of contributing to economic growth and solving the problem of poverty. This paper describes a number of technical‐economic and moral problems that take us to a consideration of the performance of banking operations in microfinancing, with special reference to Latin America. The paper also provides a series of recommendations that, in addition to contributing to solving the development and poverty problems in emerging countries, help define financial institutions' social responsibility in such countries.
Gibbs and the problems of satisfaction and well‐being
Authors: Schwartz Michael
Published: September 2009

This paper responds to a 2004 paper by Paul Gibbs in which he remonstrates that marketing currently has no concern with the notion of well‐being; and furthermore that marketing lacks ‘an adequate moral grounding’. Gibbs advances the moral expectation that marketers consider not merely satisfying their actual customers, but also consider the well‐being of the larger society. However, this paper contemplates whether such an expectation is not due to some confusion by Gibbs between satisfaction and exchange in marketing, and questions whether marketing could pursue such aims.
Improving the lives of Ghanaian children: complementing the global agenda with a structural social work approach
Authors: Manful Saka E. , Manful Esmeranda
Published: September 2009

Manful SE, Manful E. Improving the lives of Ghanaian children: complementing the global agenda with a structural social work approach

Int J Soc Welfare 2010: 19: 115–123 © 2009 The Author(s), Journal compilation © 2009 Blackwell Publishing Ltd and the International Journal of Social Welfare.

In principle, Ghana's commitment to the global agenda for improving the welfare of children cannot be disputed. Globalisation has advanced changes in the country's institutional landscape with the introduction of economic reforms and administrative institutional frameworks to improve the welfare of children, amongst others. This article discusses the impacts of two global agendas, the Structural Adjustment Program and the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child. It argues that the economic reforms and the legal framework to ensure the welfare of children have not achieved their envisaged goals, because the global initiatives focused on institutional changes, neglecting social factors that cause inequalities. Consequently, these factors have contributed to the inability of adequate service provision for children. To alleviate the problem, this article suggests that a structural social work approach be adopted in Ghana as a complementary strategy to improve the welfare of children.
Women and Migration in Albania: A View from the Village
Authors: Vullnetari Julie
Published: September 2009

Since the fall of communism in the early 1990s, Albania has experienced migrations of epic proportions: 17 years later almost one in four Albanians has emigrated and lives abroad, primarily in Greece and Italy. Albanian emigration has by and large represented a typically male‐dominated model, whereby men have “led the way” and women have followed as family members. Despite the considerable participation of Albanian women in this migration, their roles and experiences remain under‐researched. Based on in‐depth interviews with rural migrant women and their families, as well as additional ethnographic material collected from 2004 to 2006 in Albania and Greece, this paper aims to fill this knowledge gap. The findings demonstrate the various ways in which Albanian rural women participate in the migratory process. They are often the most important pillar for supporting the family migration strategy through their productive and reproductive labour when remaining behind. They are also closely involved in decision‐making about the migration of other family members. Furthermore, they have been among the pioneers of the early 1990s migration themselves, including taking the long and risky journeys across the mountains to Greece. Overall, their contribution to the migrant household is beyond their presumed reproductive role and includes a strong economic component.

While some “traditional” norms and values persist and are reinforced during migration, changedoestake place, albeit at a slow and gradual pace. However, for the emancipatory benefits women could accrue through migration to be enhanced, immigration policies need adjusting to address their position as fully autonomous economic and social actors, thus reducing their dependency on male “bread‐winners.”

Albanian women’s particular migratory experiences, combined with their increasing numbers as migrants, make a compelling case for further attention from researchers and policymakers.
The influence of soil and biosolids type, and microbial immobilisation on nitrogen availability in biosolids‐amended agricultural soils – implications for fertiliser recommendations
Authors: Rigby H. , Perez‐Viana F. , Cass J. , Rogers M. , Smith S. R.
Published: September 2009

Soil microbial biomass interactions influencing the mineralisation of N in biosolids‐amended agricultural soil were investigated under field conditions in two soil types, a silty clay and a sandy silt loam, with contrasting organic matter contents. Soil treatments included: dewatered raw sludge (DRAW); dewatered and thermally dried, mesophilic anaerobically digested biosolids (DMAD and TDMAD, respectively); lime‐treated unstabilised sludge cake (LC); and NH4Cl as a mineral salt control for measuring nitrification kinetics. Soil mineral N and microbial biomass N (MBN) concentrations were determined over 90 days following soil amendment. Despite its lower total and mineral N contents, TDMAD had a larger mineralisable pool of N than DMAD, and was an effective rapid release N source. Increased rates of mineralisation and nitrification of biosolids‐N were observed in the silty clay soil with larger organic matter content, implying increased microbial turnover of N in this soil type compared with the sandy silt loam, but no significant difference in microbial immobilisation of biosolids‐N was observed between the two soil types. Thus, despite initial differences observed in the rates of N mineralisation, the overall extent of N release for the different biosolids tested was similar in both soil types. Therefore, the results suggest that fertiliser guidelines probably do not need to consider the effect of soil type on the release of mineral N for crop uptake from different biosolids products applied to temperate agricultural soils.
Effect of selected organic materials and inorganic fertilizer on the soil fertility of a Humic Nitisol in the central highlands of Kenya
Authors: Mugwe J. , Mugendi D. , Mucheru‐Muna M. , Odee D. , Mairura F.
Published: September 2009

The effect on soil fertility of applying particular organic resources to a humic Nitisol in the central highlands of Kenya was studied. The organic resources (Calliandra calothyrsus,Leucaena trichandra,Tithonia diversifolia,Mucuna pruriens,Crotalaria ochroleucaand cattle manure) were either applied solely or along with inorganic fertilizer in a cropping trial using maize as the experimental crop. After 4 years of continuous cultivation and manuring, soil fertility effects varied among treatments. Cattle manure proved to be the most effective and improved soil fertility by increasing pH, cations (Ca, K and Mg), and C.Calliandra, Leucaena, Tithoniaand herbaceous legumes generally reduced soil pH, C and N but increased Ca, K and Mg. Cattle manure is therefore an important resource for maintaining soil organic matter (SOM) in the area and in other similar areas with arable‐livestock systems. Reduction of soil C and N by the high quality organic materials suggests that their role in maintaining SOM in the long‐term is limited in this area. A sound nutrient management system should strive to make a balance between maximizing crop production and sustaining soil quality.
Small water bodies in Bangladesh
Authors: Huda K M Shariful , Atkins Peter J , Donoghue Daniel N M , Cox Nicholas J
Published: September 2009

Excavations are easy in the soft, unconsolidated sediments of Bangladesh and are widespread for the creation of raised, flood‐free homestead platforms. Small water bodies form in the resulting hollows and are used for fisheries, livestock management, irrigation, bathing and washing clothes. Despite their importance to everyday life, there is no up‐to‐date inventory or monitoring. The paper uses remote sensing, GIS and a number of qualitative data collection techniques to reconstruct the pattern of small water bodies in Shahjadpur thana. It concludes that there has been an expansion in their number, but no systematic planning of their use.
Adoption of sustainable agriculture practices: Evidence from a semi‐arid region of Ethiopia
Authors: Kassie Menale , Zikhali Precious , Manjur Kebede , Edwards Sue
Published: September 2009

In the wake of the resource constraints for external farm inputs faced by farmers in developing countries, sustainable agriculture practices that rely on renewable local or farm resources present desirable options for enhancing agriculture productivity. In this study, plot‐level data from the semi‐arid region of Ethiopia, Tigray are used to investigate the factors influencing farmers' decisions to adopt agriculture practices, with a particular focus on conservation tillage, compost and chemical fertilizer. A trivariate probit model is used to analyze the determinants of adoption of these practices. In addition, stochastic dominance analysis is used to compare the productivity impacts of compost with that of chemical fertilizer based on a six‐year cross‐sectional farm‐level dataset. Our results indicate heterogeneity with regard to the factors that influence adoption decisions of the three practices and the importance of both plot and household characteristics on influencing adoption decisions. In particular, we found that household endowments and access to information, among other factors, impact the choice of sustainable farming practices significantly. Furthermore, the use of stochastic dominance analysis supported the contention that sustainable farming practices enhance productivity. They even proved to be superior to the use of chemical fertilizers — justifying the need to investigate factors that influence adoption of these practices and to use this knowledge to formulate policies that encourage adoption.
The TRIPS Agreement and transfer of climate‐change‐related technologies to developing countries
Authors: Littleton Matthew
Published: September 2009

Despite numerous international commitments to promote transfer of climate‐change‐related technologies to developing countries, such transfers are not occurring at a rate fast enough to aid these nations in mitigating and adapting to the effects of climate change. The impact of the WTO Agreement on Trade‐Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS) on transfer of these technologies is discussed through a detailed examination of relevant TRIPS provisions. The article also addresses options for improving technology transfer through exploitation of existing TRIPS flexibilities, modification of the Agreement, and other public and private legal and policy avenues.
NUTRIENT EFFECTS ON SEAGRASS EPIPHYTE COMMUNITY STRUCTURE IN FLORIDA BAY1
Authors: Frankovich Thomas A. , Armitage Anna R. , Wachnicka Ania H. , Gaiser Evelyn E. , Fourqurean James W.
Published: September 2009

A field experiment was employed in Florida Bay investigating the response of seagrass epiphyte communities to nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) additions. While most of the variability in epiphyte community structure was related to uncontrolled temporal and spatial environmental heterogeneity, P additions increased the relative abundance of the red algae–cyanobacterial complex and green algae, with a concomitant decrease in diatoms. When N was added along with P, the observed changes to the diatoms and the red algae–cyanobacterial complex were in the same direction as P‐only treatments, but the responses were decreased in magnitude. Within the diatom community, species relative abundances, species richness, and diversity responded weakly to nutrient addition. P additions produced changes in diatom community structure that were limited to summer and were stronger in eastern Florida Bay than in the western bay. These changes were consistent with well‐established temporal and spatial patterns of P limitation. Despite the significant change in community structure resulting from P addition, diatom communities from the same site and time, regardless of nutrient treatment, remained more similar to one another than to the diatom communities subject to identical nutrient treatments from different sites and times. Overall, epiphyte communities exhibited responses to P addition that were most evident at the division level.
STREAM PERIPHYTON PHOTOACCLIMATION RESPONSE IN FIELD CONDITIONS: EFFECT OF COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT AND SEASONAL CHANGES1
Authors: Laviale Martin , Prygiel Jean , Lemoine Yves , Courseaux Adeline , Créach Anne
Published: September 2009

The photochemical behavior of intact stream periphyton communities in France was evaluated in response to the time course of natural light. Intact biofilms grown on glass substrata were collected at three development stages in July and November, and structural parameters of the biofilms were investigated (diatom density and taxonomy). At each season, physiological parameters based on pigment analysis (HPLC) and pulse‐amplitude‐modulated (PAM) chl fluorescence technique were estimated periodically during a day from dawn to zenith. Regardless of the community studied, the optimal quantum yield of PSII (Fv/Fm), the effective PSII efficiency (ΦPSII), the nonphotochemical quenching (NPQ), and the relative electron transport rate (rETR) exhibited clear dynamic patterns over the morning. Moreover, microalgae responded to the light increase by developing the photoprotective xanthophyll cycle. The analysis of P‐I parameters and pigment profiles suggests that July communities were adapted to higher light environments in comparison with November ones, which could be partly explained by a shift in the taxonomic composition. Finally, differences between development stages were significant only in July. In particular, photoinhibition was less pronounced in mature assemblages, indicating that self‐shading (in relation to algal biomass) could have influenced photosynthesis in older communities.
LAMINARIOCOLAX SP. (PHAEOPHYCEAE) ASSOCIATED WITH GALL DEVELOPMENTS IN LESSONIA NIGRESCENS (PHAEOPHYCEAE)1
Authors: Thomas Daniela , Beltrán Jessica , Flores Verónica , Contreras Loretto , Bollmann Edda , Correa Juan A.
Published: September 2009

As part of a long‐term study on the biology and ecology of the intertidal kelp Lessonia nigrescens Bory, we report on the occurrence of gall development on this alga, identified the possible causal agent, and assessed the extent of the phenomenon in two wild stands of the host. Our results showed that galls affecting natural populations of L. nigrescens were associated with the infection by a filamentous brown algal endophyte of the genus Laminariocolax. Assignment to Laminariocolax of the endophytes isolated from cultured gall tissue was based on the (i) high internal transcribed spacer 1 (ITS1) sequence similarity and phylogenetic relationship between the Chilean isolates and several species of the genus Laminariocolax endophytic in other kelps, (ii) reproductive and vegetative features of the endophyte in culture, and (iii) anatomical agreement of fully developed galls of Lessonia with those described for other kelp galls caused by endophytic members of Laminariocolax. Unequivocal identification at the species level of the endophytes infecting Lessonia, however, awaits further studies.
MICROSPECTROPHOTOMETRY AS A METHOD TO IDENTIFY KLEPTOPLASTIDS IN THE NAKED FRESHWATER DINOFLAGELLATE GYMNODINIUM ACIDOTUM1
Authors: Barsanti Laura , Evangelista Valtere , Passarelli Vincenzo , Frassanito Anna Maria , Coltelli Primo , Gualtieri Paolo
Published: September 2009

A relatively small number of freshwater dinoflagellates are involved in symbiotic association with cryptophytes. The chloroplasts of the cryptophytes are retained by the dinoflagellate and give it the characteristic phycobilin pigmentation, either phycoerythrin or phycocyanin. The pigment characterization of the retained chloroplasts can give precise and accurate information about the type of cryptophyte preyed upon by the dinoflagellate. For this purpose, we performed microspectrophotometric evaluation of the pigments of Gymnodinium acidotum Nygaard and three different cryptophytes present in samples collected from a tributary of the river Arno, in Tuscany (Italy). The comparison of the different spectroscopic data allowed us to discriminate effectively among the cryptophytes preyed upon by the dinoflagellate.
THE CONCHOCELIS OFPORPHYRA HAITANENSIS(RHODOPHYTA) IS PROTECTED FROM HARMFUL UV RADIATION BY THE COVERING CALCAREOUS MATRIX1
Authors: Jiang Hongxia , Gao Kunshan , Walter Helbling E.
Published: September 2009

Previous study has shown thatPorphyraconchocelis is sensitive to high levels of PAR (400–700 nm) as well as ultraviolet radiation (UVR: 280–400 nm), resulting in high inhibition of photosynthesis. However, little is known about whether the inner covering layer of the shell, in which the conchocelis lives, may provide protection against solar UVR. Our study indicates that the covering calcareous matrix is about 0.06 mm thick, transmitting 63, 47, and 28% of PAR, ultraviolet radiation A (UVA: 315–400 nm), and ultraviolet radiation B (UVB: 280–315 nm), respectively. We used a shading layer that simulated the above transmissions, and the effective quantum yield of PSII and photosynthetic carbon fixation in the conchocelis increased to greater extents in the presence of UVA or UVB. Attenuation of UVA by 19% and UVB by 37% due to the shading layer increased the PSII yield by 44%–77% and photosynthetic carbon fixation by about 60%. Our study clearly shows that the photosynthetic machinery ofPorphyra haitanensisT. J. Chang et B. F. Zheng conchocelis was efficiently protected from harmful UVR by the covering calcareous matrix.
DISTRIBUTION OF OLIGOPEPTIDE CHEMOTYPES OF THE CYANOBACTERIUM PLANKTOTHRIX AND THEIR PERSISTENCE IN SELECTED LAKES IN FENNOSCANDIA1
Authors: Rohrlack Thomas , Skulberg Randi , Skulberg Olav M.
Published: September 2009

Eighty‐seven Planktothrix (Anagnostidis and Komàrek 1988) strains isolated from 13 lakes in Scandinavia and Finland between 1964 and 2007 were screened for oligopeptides. Forty‐six individual compounds were detected in total, belonging to the structural classes anabaenopeptins (six variants), aeruginosins (six variants), cyanopeptolins (21 variants), microcystins (five variants), microginins (two variants), and microviridins (two variants). Oscillatorin was also found. Three additional compounds could not be assigned to known oligopeptide classes. Thirty oligopeptides have not been described in previous studies. Of these new compounds, five were aeruginosins and 20 cyanopeptolins. The number of oligopeptides per strain ranged from one to 13. No oligopeptide‐free strains were found, suggesting that oligopeptide production is vital for Planktothrix. On the basis of their oligopeptide patterns, the Planktothrix strains of the present study were assigned to 17 chemotypes. Three major chemotypes occurred in up to six lakes. One chemotype occurred in lakes around the city of Oslo (Norway), on the Finnish island Fasta Åland, which is situated in the Baltic Sea, and on the Finnish mainland. This wide distribution suggests that chemotypes can be subjects of recurrent dispersal and/or strong directional selection. Lake size, maximum depth, and nutrient availability appeared to be of minor importance for the ability of some chemotypes to colonize a water body successfully as long as the general requirements of Planktothrix were met. Four chemotypes were reisolated from the Oslo lake district over a period of 33–40 years, suggesting that they have been members of local Planktothrix populations for decades.
Gas‐Sensing Properties of Perovskite BiFeO3 Nanoparticles
Authors: Yu Xue‐Lian , Wang Yu , Hu Yong‐Ming , Cao Chuan‐Bao , Chan Helen Lai‐Wa
Published: September 2009

Nanoparticles of bismuth iron oxide were synthesized via a soft chemical route. X‐ray diffraction measurements indicated that the nanoparticles are of a pure perovskite phase. The gas‐sensing properties of the nanoparticles were examined. It is found that bismuth iron oxide nanoparticles are sensitive to several organic gases (e.g., acetone and alcohol) with an ultralow detection limit, rapid response, fast recovery, and good selectivity.