bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Contrasted Effects of Prolonged Root Hypoxia on Tomato Root and Fruit (Solanum lycopersicum) Metabolism
Authors: Horchani F. , Khayati H. , Raymond P. , Brouquisse R. , Aschi‐Smiti S.
Published: April 2009

The decrease in growth rate of the root system, or the complete cessation of its growth, in fruiting tomato plants is a known phenomena. It has been suggested that a limited supply of carbohydrates to this organ, because of its relative weakness in competition with the developing fruitlets is the main cause for these disorders. This hypothesis was tested in this study with tomato plants (Solanum lycopersicum cv Micro‐Tom) submitted to gradual root hypoxia (1–2 % oxygen) at first flower anthesis and with limited fruit number (six fruits per plant). To this end, a range of physiological and biochemical parameters was evaluated. Our results showed that under oxygen deficiency, root growth was severely affected. In contrast to fruits, root protein and carbohydrate contents decreased significantly, concomitantly with a significant decrease in photosynthesis. Together the present data revealed that, at the fruiting stage, the effect of flooding on root growth and metabolism is probably controlled by the relative sink strength of the fruit.
Nature of Resistance to Methyl Benzimidazole Carbamate Fungicides in Fusarium oxysporum f.sp. lilii and F. oxysporum f.sp. gladioli in Taiwan
Authors: Chung Wen Hsin , Chung Wen Chuan , Ting Pen Fen , Ru Chang Chien , Huang Hung Chang , Huang Jenn Wen
Published: April 2009

Fusarium oxysporum f.sp. gladioli and F. oxysporum f.sp. lilii cause corm rot and yellowing of gladiolus and lilies respectively. Resistance among isolates of these two pathogens to two benzimidazole (methyl benzimidazole carbamate: MBC) fungicides, benomyl and thiabendazole, has been identified. However, sensitivity to other benzimidazole fungicides among isolates of F. oxysporum f.sp. gladioli and F. oxysporum f.sp. lilii remains unclear. Sensitivity among isolates of these two pathogens to benomyl, thiophanate‐methyl, carbendazim and thiabendazole were evaluated in this study. Results showed that among six F. oxysporum f.sp. gladioli isolates, one was highly resistant, four were moderately resistant and one was highly sensitive to benomyl, five were highly resistant to thiophanate‐methyl, four were sensitive and one was highly sensitive to carbendazim and all six isolates were sensitive to thiabendazole. Among the 13 F. oxysporum f.sp. lilii isolates tested, three were moderately resistant and 10 were highly sensitive to benomyl, and five were highly resistant, three were moderately resistant and five were sensitive to thiophanate‐methyl. While all isolates were highly sensitive or sensitive to carbendazim and thiabendazole. These results strongly suggest that the mode of fungicide resistance in these two pathogens varies among members of the benzimidazole fungicide group and that cross resistance does not always occur. Sequence analysis of the partially amplified β‐tubulin gene indicated that mutation in codons 198 and 200 had not occurred in the benzimidazole resistant isolates. It was concluded that resistance found in Taiwan isolates of F. oxysporum f.sp. gladioli and F. oxysporum f.sp. lilii to these fungicides may be due to some other mechanism.
Molecular Characterization of Sclerospora graminicola, the Incitant of Pearl Millet Downy Mildew Using ISSR Markers
Authors: Sudisha Jogaiah , Kumar Soshee Ananda , Thakur Ram Padartha , Rao Veeranki Panduranga , Shetty Hunthrike Shekar
Published: April 2009

The DNA polymorphism among 22 isolates of Sclerospora graminicola, the causal agent of downy mildew disease of pearl millet was assessed using 20 inter simple sequence repeats (ISSR) primers. The objective of the study was to examine the effectiveness of using ISSR markers for unravelling the extent and pattern of genetic diversity in 22 S. graminicola isolates collected from different host cultivars in different states of India. The 19 functional ISSR primers generated 410 polymorphic bands and revealed 89% polymorphism and were able to distinguish all the 22 isolates. Polymorphic bands used to construct an unweighted pair group method of averages (UPGMA) dendrogram based on Jaccard’s co‐efficient of similarity and principal coordinate analysis resulted in the formation of four major clusters of 22 isolates. The standardized Nei genetic distance among the 22 isolates ranged from 0.0050 to 0.0206. The UPGMA clustering using the standardized genetic distance matrix resulted in the identification of four clusters of the 22 isolates with bootstrap values ranging from 15 to 100. The 3D‐scale data supported the UPGMA results, which resulted into four clusters amounting to 70% variation among each other. However, comparing the two methods show that sub clustering by dendrogram and multi dimensional scaling plot is slightly different. All the S. graminicola isolates had distinct ISSR genotypes and cluster analysis origin. The results of ISSR fingerprints revealed significant level of genetic diversity among the isolates and that ISSR markers could be a powerful tool for fingerprinting and diversity analysis in fungal pathogens.
Detection and Characterization of Chickpea Chlorotic Stunt Virus in Syria
Authors: Asaad Nader Y. , Kumari Safaa G. , Haj‐Kassem Amin A. , Shalaby Abdel‐Baset A. , Al‐Shaabi Salah , Malhotra Rajendra S.
Published: April 2009

Field surveys were conducted in Syria during the 2005/2006 and 2006/2007 growing seasons to identify viruses which affect cool‐season food legumes, volunteer crops, and weeds with yellowing, reddening and/or stunting symptoms. Serological tests (tissue blot immunoassay) showed that Faba bean necrotic yellows virus and luteoviruses including, Beet western yellows virus, Bean leafroll virus and Soybean dwarf virus were the main viruses identified. In addition, a large number of samples reacted positively with the broad spectrum legume luteovirus (5G4) monoclonal antibody but not with any other specific luteovirus monoclonal antibodies suggesting the occurrence of new luteovirus species/strains. RT‐PCR assay of 27 of such samples revealed the presence of Chickpea chlorotic stunt virus (CpCSV; genus Polerovirus, family: Luteoviridae). The coat protein nucleotide sequence analysis of the Syrian CpCSV isolate from chickpea showed a high homology (98%) to that of the Ethiopian CpCSV isolate. However, there were some differences in host range and aphid transmission characteristics between the Syrian and Ethiopian isolates. This is the first report of CpCSV naturally affecting eight legume species (Cicer arietinum L., Lens culinaris Medik., Pisum sativum L., Vicia faba L., Vicia sativa L., Vicia ervilia L. Willd., Vicia narbonensis L. and Medicago sp.) and four wild non‐legume plant species [Apium sp. (Apiaceae), Euphorbia sp. (Euphorbiaceae), Physalis longifolia Nutt. (Solanaceae) and Sinapis arvensis L. (Brassicaceae)] in Syria.
Developing culturally sensitive interventions for Vietnamese health issues: An action research approach
Authors: Gaudine Alice , Gien Lan , Thuan Tran T. , Dung Do V.
Published: April 2009

This article describes an action research approach to community development in Vietnam. An advisory committee worked with the researchers and identified the stigma of HIV/AIDS as a health issue of importance to it. The advisory committee consisted of representatives from the community. The selected issue was then explored in greater depth by individually interviewing infected persons, their family members, community members, and leaders. At the same time, focus groups were conducted for additional members of each of the above three cohorts. Through open‐ended questions, the participants described the impacts of the stigma on their life, the possible causes of the stigma, and the relevant strategies to reduce these causes. Based on the findings, the advisory committee suggested interventions to reduce the stigma. This project demonstrated an effective way in which nurses can work with communities to help them to identify local solutions to their identified health issues.
Temporal endosonographic evaluation of anal sphincter integrity after primary repair for obstetric ruptures: a case for specific training of obstetricians
Authors: Pronk P. , Van Leeuwen E. , Albicher C. , Dermout S. M. , Doornbos J. P. R. , Engel A. F.
Published: April 2009

Objective  To evaluate primary repaired obstetric lesions of the anal sphincter complex on anal endo‐ultrasound within a few days and 8 weeks after primary repair and to investigate in this way the influence of suboptimal woundhealing on the final anatomical result. Furthermore to investigate the relation between faecal incontinence and sphincter defects.

Design  A prospective cohort study.

Setting  The obstetric clinic and coloproctology outpatient clinic of the Zaans Medical Centre in Zaandam, the Netherlands.

Subjects  A cohort of 32 consecutive women with primary surgically repaired 3B, 3C or 4th degree anal sphincter defect after vaginal delivery.

Main outcome measures  Appearance of the anal sphincter complex on anal endo‐ultrasound within a few days week and 8 weeks after primary surgical repair, i.e. first and second ultrasound, respectively. Evaluation of anal continence, using the Vaizey incontinence score, at second ultrasound.

Results  No major wound breakdown was seen and four women had superficial, skin related wound problems. Twenty‐eight women (87.5%) had a repaired external anal sphincter on the first and the second ultrasound. Of four external anal sphincter defects on first ultrasound one defect was not present on second ultrasound. The internal sphincter showed a defect on first ultrasound in 11 women and this was still present in 10 on second ultrasound. A total of 11 women had a persisting anal sphincter defect (external, internal or in combination). Mean Vaizey scores were significantly higher in women with a persisting sphincter defect (EAS, IAS or in combination) than in women with no sphincter defects, 2.3 and 0.4 respectively (95% CI 0.1–3.6, P = 0.04).

Conclusion  Anal endo‐ultrasound may be used for early evaluation of surgical repair of anal sphincter lesions after vaginal delivery. Persisting defects in the anal sphincters, in this series not because of major wound breakdown, can be explained by inadequate surgical repair.
Molecular phylogeny of unculturable Karyorelictea (Alveolata, Ciliophora)
Authors: Andreoli Ilaria , Mangini Lara , Ferrantini Filippo , Santangelo Giovanni , Verni Franco , Petroni Giulio
Published: April 2009

Karyorelictea is a class of traditionally unculturable ciliates characterized by a non‐dividing macronucleus. Their classification has been recently revised and morphological redescription of many species has been performed as well. On the contrary, molecular data of karyorelictean ciliates are largely underrepresented in public databases. In the present article we resumed and improved a method to characterize 18S rRNA gene sequences through direct amplification and sequencing of single cells. Using this approach, we characterized 12 different karyorelictean molecular operational taxonomic units (MOTUs: nine trachelocercids, one Geleia, one Remanella and one Loxodes), most of which were also photo‐recorded. These molecular data were used to reconstruct phylogenetic relationships among the three orders (Protostomatida, Loxodida and Protoheterotrichida) in which the class is traditionally subdivided. The most supported tree topology shows an association between orders Loxodida (Loxodes, Remanella) and Protoheterotrichida (Geleia), in contrast with previous works associating orders Loxodida and Protostomatida (trachelocercids) on a morphological basis.
Technical description and outcomes of a continuous anastomosis in open radical prostatectomy
Authors: Forster James A. , Palit Victor , Myatt Andrew , Hadi Saifullah , Bryan Nicolas P.
Published: April 2009

OBJECTIVE

To describe the surgical technique, objective and subjective medium‐term outcomes of a novel continuous vesico‐urethral anastomotic suture in open radical prostatectomy (ORP).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

A continuous anastomosis comprising separate anterior and posterior monofilament 3–0 polydioxanone sutures, with the bladder neck ‘parachuted’ down on to the urethral stump, was used in 39 consecutive patients. A cystogram was taken after ORP in the first 23 patients. The catheter was removed as soon as patients were fully mobile. A validated postal questionnaire to determine continence and its effect on quality of life was sent to all patients ≥3 months after ORP.

RESULTS

The mean follow‐up was 18 months; there were no major complications. There was an insignificant or no leak in 91% of the patients who had a cystogram. Before discharge, 33 patients reported that they were continent, whilst five required a pad(s) for stress incontinence, and one was discharged with a catheter after failing the first catheter removal. Of the 95% who completed the questionnaire, 95% either did not leak urine, or only leaked a small amount; 84% of patients reported that leaking had a minimal effect on everyday life. No patients developed symptomatic urethral or bladder neck stricture/contracture.

CONCLUSIONS

Our technique of continuous anastomotic suturing for ORP is safe, reliable and well tolerated. Further randomized studies are warranted to compare the outcome with the standard interrupted vesico‐urethral anastomosis.
Bladder neck contracture after radical retropubic prostatectomy using an intussuscepted vesico‐urethral anastomosis: incidence with long‐term follow‐up
Authors: Garg Tullika , See William A.
Published: April 2009

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the incidence of bladder neck contracture (BNC), a known complication of radical retropubic prostatectomy (RRP), after a 9‐year experience by one surgeon using a novel approach to lower urinary tract reconstruction, the intussuscepted vesico‐urethral anastomosis (IVUA).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

After institutional review board approval, the charts of 406 patients who had RRP for clinically localized prostate cancer from March 1998 to July 2007 were reviewed retrospectively. All patients had lower urinary tract reconstruction using the IVUA technique, which involves a looped urethral suture using six double‐armed sutures that are drawn ‘inside‐to‐out’ from staggered points on the urethral stump through the bladder neck opening. When the sutures are tied down, the urethra is intussuscepted into the bladder neck opening.

RESULTS

At a median follow‐up of 48 months, three patients developed BNC: one was at increased risk secondary to a previous TURP; one had his catheter removed on the second day after RRP in the presence of a suprapubic tube and developed a BNC at his ‘dry’ anastomosis; and one with no risk factors developed a BNC. Balloon dilatation, laser incision and self obturation were successful in stabilizing the strictures while preserving continence. Overall, the incidence of BNC in this series was three of 406 (0.74%).

CONCLUSIONS

IVUA gives a lower incidence of BNC over a long‐term follow‐up than rates cited in previous reports. IVUA is a valuable technique for lower urinary tract reconstruction in patients undergoing RRP.
Learning sobriety together: behavioural couples therapy for alcoholism and drug abuse
Authors: Fals‐Stewart William , Lam Wendy (K.K.) , Kelley Michelle L.
Published: April 2009

Among the various types of partner‐ and family‐involved interventions used to treat adults with substance use disorders, Behavioural Couples Therapy (BCT) has garnered the strongest empirical support for its efficacy. During the past thirty years, multiple studies have consistently found married or cohabiting substance‐abusing patients who engage in BCT, compared to traditional individual‐based counselling or partner‐involved attention control treatments, report significantly greater (1) reductions in substance use, (2) levels of relationship satisfaction, and (3) greater improvements in other areas of relationship and family adjustment (e.g. reductions in partner violence, improvements in custodial children's adjustment). In addition to discussing the theoretical rationale for BCT as a treatment of substance abuse, this article describes specific therapeutic techniques used as part of this intervention and summarizes the relevant evaluative empirical literature.
Systemic‐motivational therapy for substance abuse disorders: an integrative model
Authors: Steinglass Peter
Published: April 2009

Although recent reviews of the literature on families and substance misuse offer compelling evidence that inclusion of families significantly improves treatment engagement, retention and outcome, family therapy remains peripheral in most substance abuse treatment programmes. Furthermore, many of the treatment approaches that have been included under the term ‘family therapy’ continue to focus on the substance abuser as the sole target of treatment. Still conspicuously absent are treatment models based on family systems approaches, with outcomes targeted at non‐abusing family members as well. This article presents an overview of one such family‐focused substance abuse treatment model – systemic‐motivational therapy – that combines a family systems approach with techniques derived from motivational interviewing, but this time is applied to work with the family as a unit. The background for the development of the model will be described, as well as the assessment/consultation, family‐level action plan, and aftercare/relapse prevention phases of the treatment approach.
Learning from Second Life
Authors: Bell David
Published: April 2009

There is currently widespread interest in exploring the opportunities to develop learning that can be delivered in three‐dimensional multiuser virtual environments (3‐D MUVEs). In this paper, I argue for the need to conduct research into the emerging cultures of use in 3‐D MUVEs, focussing on the example of Second Life. Drawing on social and cultural studies of 3‐D MUVEs, the paper briefly explores four issues in Second Life which have profound implications for the transplanting of learning: (1) the emerging ‘virtual vernacular’ of Second Life builds, (2) the development of a capitalist economy within and beyond Second Life, (3) the phenomenon of ‘griefing’, and (4) the need to take account of the everydayness of Second Life. Only by attending to the cultures of use in 3‐D MUVEs—learning from Second Life—can we begin to contemplate the potential for learning in Second Life.
Second Life in higher education: Assessing the potential for and the barriers to deploying virtual worlds in learning and teaching
Authors: Warburton Steven
Published: April 2009

Second Life (SL) is currently the most mature and popular multi‐user virtual world platform being used in education. Through an in‐depth examination of SL, this article explores its potential and the barriers that multi‐user virtual environments present to educators wanting to use immersive 3‐D spaces in their teaching. The context is set by tracing the history of virtual worlds back to early multi‐user online computer gaming environments and describing the current trends in the development of 3‐D immersive spaces. A typology for virtual worlds is developed and the key features that have made unstructured 3‐D spaces so attractive to educators are described. The popularity in use of SL is examined through three critical components of the virtual environment experience: technical, immersive and social. From here, the paper discusses the affordances that SL offers for educational activities and the types of teaching approaches that are being explored by institutions. The work concludes with a critical analysis of the barriers to successful implementation of SL as an educational tool and maps a number of developments that are underway to address these issues across virtual worlds more broadly.
The future for (second) life and learning
Authors: Salmon Gilly
Published: April 2009

This paper highlights the potential of three‐dimensional multi‐user environments such as Second Life (SL) from the perspective of future developments in the service of learning. It notes trends within the SL innovation to date, including the provision of realistic settings, the exploitation of pleasant simulated environments for groups and the links with other learning technologies. It also considers the creativity sparked by SL's potential to offer the illusion of 3‐D ‘spaces’ and buildings, and points to infinite imaginative educational possibilities. It explores aspects of the construction of virtual representations of learners and teachers as avatars, and reveals a wide range of intriguing issues yet to be researched.
Does Watching Smoking in Movies Promote Teenage Smoking?
Authors: Heatherton Todd F. , Sargent James D.
Published: April 2009

Compared to adolescents with low exposure to smoking in movies, those with high exposure are about three times as likely to try smoking or become smokers. We have observed this effect in nationally representative samples using cross-sectional and longitudinal designs. This effect remains statistically significant after controlling for numerous other traditional risk factors, such as personality, parenting style, and sociodemographics. Indeed, the movie-smoking exposure effect on adolescent smoking initiation is greatest among those traditionally considered at lower risk for smoking, such as those low in sensation seeking and those whose parents do not smoke. In this article, we consider possible moderators and mediators of this important media effect as well as health-policy implications. The take-home message is that eliminating smoking in movies may prevent a substantial number of adolescents from smoking.
Understanding the social patterning of smoking practices: a dynamic typology
Authors: Narcisse Marie‐Rachelle , Dedobbeleer Nicole , Contandriopoulos Andre‐Pierre , Ciampi Antonio
Published: April 2009

In many countries, cigarette consumption has been on a declining trend for over 20 years. However, different patterns of smoking practices have emerged. Our goal is to explore how the patterning of smoking practices occurs and persists over time, and to investigate the factors that could help interpret these patterns. Data were derived from the National Population Health Surveys and comprise a large representative sample of the population. Dynamic Typology methods reveal two main classes of typology: monothetic groups with stable patterns of behaviour over time (never‐smokers, chronically addicted smokers, long‐term ex‐smokers); and polythetic groups with substantial behavioural variations. Moreover, socioeconomic inequalities are found among all groups, and gender‐specific clusters of behaviour become apparent, with specific risk groups, such as the group of young women aged 20–24 at risk of becoming highly addicted. Our results also show that the effects of socioeconomic position on smoking practices are not significantly mediated by psychosocial variables such as self‐esteem and personal control in both females and males. However, these variables still exert independent and differential effects on smoking practices in both genders. Our findings indicate that analysis of temporal patterns of smoking is crucial for tailoring type and timing of health‐promoting interventions.
Experimental Probability in Elementary School
Authors: Andrew Lane
Published: April 2009

Concepts in probability can be more readily understood if students are first exposed to probability via experiment. Performing probability experiments encourages students to develop understandings of probability grounded in real events, as opposed to merely computing answers based on formulae.
Bede on the Britons
Authors: Foley W. Trent , Higham Nicholas J.
Published: April 2009

This paper addresses the many facets of Bede's portrayal of the Britons in the Historia ecclesiastica, first by illustrating his attempts to cast the Britons generally in the role of usually villainous biblical types and then by examining his often more positive portrayal of certain Britons and British groups independently of those types. His recommendation of certain British Christians as saints to be imitated as well as his conviction that God has not abandoned them to perdition exempts him from the charge of being unqualifiedly anti‐British. Nevertheless, his singular stereotyping of them among all the peoples of Britain reveals an especial virulence not easily explained by his biblically informed world‐view.
Kant on Recognizing Beauty
Authors: Makkai Katalin
Published: April 2009

Abstract: Kant declares the judgment of beauty to be neither ‘objective’ nor ‘merely subjective’. This essay takes up the question of what this might mean and whether it can be taken seriously. It is often supposed that Kant's denials of ‘objectivity’ to the judgment of beauty express a rejection of realism about beauty. I suggest that Kant's thought is not to be understood in these terms—that it does not properly belong in the arena of debates about the constituents of ‘reality’—motivating the suggestion by first considering a pair of opposing views on the question of whether Kant can be understood to develop a real alternative to realism about beauty at all.
Emotional Labour and Skill: A Reappraisal
Authors: Payne Jonathan
Published: April 2009

The article seeks to open up a critical discussion around the idea of emotional labour as skilled work. It has been suggested by some commentators that many front‐line service jobs, traditionally thought of as low skilled in terms of their technical aspects, may actually constitute a form of skilled work, since they require their holders to perform skilled emotional labour in their dealings with customers. Such discourses hold out the possibility of progress not only in intellectual terms but also with regard to improving the status and pay of many low‐waged service workers. The article subjects these claims to critical scrutiny and argues that applying the label ‘skill’ to all forms of emotion work is extremely problematic.
Re‐engaging the Intersections of Media, Politics and Cities — Introduction to a Debate
Authors: RODGERS SCOTT , BARNETT CLIVE , COCHRANE ALLAN
Published: April 2009

Within contemporary social theory and social science, urban and media studies are seen as zones of speciality, with distinctive theoretical traditions and substantive concerns. This introduction situates the four short essays making up this Debates and Developments section in relation to a recent interdisciplinary workshop held in June 2008 at The Open University in Milton Keynes, UK, where participants were encouraged to experiment with and rework the longstanding conceptual differences and disciplinary policing that so often sets apart media and urban studies. The essays showcased here focus on the theoretical approaches urban scholars might bring to bear on studies of how cities and media come together around matters of politics.

Dans le cadre de la théorie sociale contemporaine et des sciences sociales, les études urbaines et relatives aux médias sont considérées comme des domaines de spécialité assortis de traditions théoriques et de préoccupations majeures distinctes. Cette introduction situe les quatre courtes contributions aux ‘Débats et développements’ par rapport à un récent séminaire interdisciplinaire qui s'est tenu en juin 2008 à l'Open University de Milton Keynes, en Angleterre. Les participants y étaient invités àéprouver et remanier les divergences conceptuelles persistantes et l'ordre disciplinaire qui, si souvent, séparent études urbaines et études sur les médias. Les textes présentés ici portent principalement sur les approches théoriques que la recherche urbaine pourrait mettre en oeuvre pour étudier comment villes et médias se rejoignent autour de sujets de politique.
Extended phenotypes as signals
Authors: Schaedelin Franziska C. , Taborsky Michael
Published: April 2009

Animal signals may result from construction behaviour and can provide receivers with essential information in various contexts. Here we explore the potential benefits of extended phenotypes with a signalling function as compared to bodily ornaments and behavioural displays. Their independence of the body, their physical persistence and the morphological and cognitive conditions required for their construction allow unique communication possibilities. We classify various levels of information transfer by extended phenotype signals and explore the differences between secreted signals and signals resulting from collection and construction, which usually involve higher behavioural complexity. We examine evolutionary pathways of extended phenotypes with a signalling function with help of a comparative evaluation and conclude that often constructions first provide a direct fitness benefit, with a signalling function becoming more and more prominent during evolutionary progression. The abundance and variability of extended phenotypes as signals is impressive and provides unique possibilities for animal communication research.
Insights into torpor and behavioural thermoregulation of the endangered Juliana's golden mole
Authors: Jackson C. R. , Setsaas T. H. , Robertson M. P. , Scantlebury M. , Bennett N. C.
Published: April 2009

The cryptic, subterranean ways of golden moles (Chrysochloridae) hamper studies of their biology in the field. Ten species appear on the IUCN red list, but the dearth of information available for most inhibits effective conservation planning. New techniques are consequently required to further our understanding and facilitate informed conservation management decisions. We studied the endangered Juliana's golden moleNeamblysomus julianaeand aimed to evaluate the feasibility of using implantable temperature sensing transmitters to remotely acquire physiological and behavioural data. We also aimed to assess potential body temperature (Tb) fluctuations in relation to ambient soil temperature (Ta) in order to assess the potential use of torpor. Hourly observations revealed thatTbwas remarkably changeable, ranging from 27 to 33 °C. In several instancesTbdeclined during periods of lowTa. Such ‘shallow torpor’ may result in a daily energy saving ofc. 20%. Behavioural thermoregulation was used during periods of highTaby selecting cooler microclimates, while passive heating was used to raiseTbearly morning whenTawas increasing. In contrast to anecdotal reports of nocturnal patterns of activity, our results suggest that activity is flexible, being primarily dependent onTa. These results exemplify how behavioural patterns and microclimatic conditions can be examined in this and other subterranean mammal species, the results of which can be used in the urgently required conservation planning of endangered Chrysochlorid species.
The importance of cytosolic glutamine synthetase in nitrogen assimilation and recycling
Authors: Bernard Stéphanie M. , Habash Dimah Z.
Published: April 2009

Glutamine synthetase assimilates ammonium into amino acids, thus it is a key enzyme for nitrogen metabolism. The cytosolic isoenzymes of glutamine synthetase assimilate ammonium derived from primary nitrogen uptake and from various internal nitrogen recycling pathways. In this way, cytosolic glutamine synthetase is crucial for the remobilization of protein‐derived nitrogen. Cytosolic glutamine synthetase is encoded by a small family of genes that are well conserved across plant species. Members of the cytosolic glutamine synthetase gene family are regulated in response to plant nitrogen status, as well as to environmental cues, such as nitrogen availability and biotic/abiotic stresses. The complex regulation of cytosolic glutamine synthetase at the transcriptional to post‐translational levels is key to the establishment of a specific physiological role for each isoenzyme. The diverse physiological roles of cytosolic glutamine synthetase isoenzymes are important in relation to current agricultural and ecological issues.
Causes and consequences of variation in leaf mass per area (LMA): a meta‐analysis
Authors: Poorter Hendrik , Niinemets Ülo , Poorter Lourens , Wright Ian J. , Villar Rafael
Published: April 2009

Here, we analysed a wide range of literature data on the leaf dry mass per unit area (LMA). In nature, LMA varies more than 100‐fold among species. Part of this variation (c. 35%) can be ascribed to differences between functional groups, with evergreen species having the highest LMA, but most of the variation is within groups or biomes. When grown in the same controlled environment, leaf succulents and woody evergreen, perennial or slow‐growing species have inherently high LMA. Within most of the functional groups studied, high‐LMA species show higher leaf tissue densities. However, differences between evergreen and deciduous species result from larger volumes per area (thickness). Response curves constructed from experiments under controlled conditions showed that LMA varied strongly with light, temperature and submergence, moderately with CO2 concentration and nutrient and water stress, and marginally under most other conditions. Functional groups differed in the plasticity of LMA to these gradients. The physiological regulation is still unclear, but the consequences of variation in LMA and the suite of traits interconnected with it are strong. This trait complex is an important factor determining the fitness
of species in their environment and affects various ecosystem processes.

Contents

Summary
565

I.
LMA in perspective
566

II.
LMA in the field
567

III.
Inherent differences
568

IV.
Relation with anatomy and chemical composition
570

V.
Environmental effects
572

VI.
Differences in space and time
577

VII.
Molecular regulation and physiology
579

VIII.
Ecological consequences
580

IX.
Conclusions and perspectives
582

 
Acknowledgements
582

 
References
582

 
Appendices
587
Pregnancy outcome in women with factor V Leiden and recurrent miscarriage
Authors: Jivraj S , Makris M , Saravelos S , Li TC
Published: April 2009

We compared the outcome of 25 untreated pregnancies among women with recurrent miscarriage (RM) at <12 weeks’ gestation who were heterozygous for factor V Leiden with women with unexplained RM. The livebirth rate was lower among pregnancies in carriers of factor V Leiden (12/25; 48%) compared with pregnancies in women with unexplained RM (175/307; 57%), but the difference did not reach statistical significance. The best possible treatment regimen to improve livebirth rate in this group of women needs to be assessed in the form of a randomised controlled trial.
In vivo over‐expression of interleukin‐10 increases resistance to focal brain ischemia in mice
Authors: De Bilbao Fabienne , Arsenijevic Denis , Moll Thomas , Garcia‐Gabay Irene , Vallet Philippe , Langhans Wolfgang , Giannakopoulos Panteleimon
Published: April 2009

Early studies showed that the administration of the anti‐inflammatory cytokine interleukin‐10 (IL10) protects against permanent middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) in mice. In this study, transgenic mice expressing murine IL10 (IL10T) directed by the major histocompatibility complex Ea promoter were produced and used to explore the effect of chronically increased IL10 levels on MCAO‐related molecular mechanisms. IL10 was over‐expressed in astrocytes, microglia, and endothelial brain cells in IL10T compared with wild type mice. Four days following MCAO, IL10T mice showed a 40% reduction in infarct size which was associated to significantly reduced levels of active caspase 3 compared with wild type mice. Under basal conditions, anti‐inflammatory factors such as nerve growth factor and GSH were up‐regulated and the pro‐inflammatory cytokine IL1β was down‐regulated in the brain of IL10T animals. In addition, these mice displayed increased basal GSH levels in microglial and endothelial cells as well as a marked increase in manganese superoxide dismutase in endothelial lining blood vessels. Following ischemia, IL10T mice showed a marked reduction in pro‐inflammatory cytokines, including tumor necrosis factor‐α, interferon‐γ, and IL1β. Our data indicate that constitutive IL10 over‐expression is associated with a striking resistance to cerebral ischemia that may be attributed to changes in the basal redox properties of glial/endothelial cells.
Three amino acids in the D2dopamine receptor regulate selective ligand function and affinity
Authors: Cummings David F. , Ericksen Spencer S. , Schetz John A.
Published: April 2009

The D2dopamine receptor is an important therapeutic target for the treatment of psychotic, agitated, and abnormal behavioral states. To better understand the specific interactions of subtype‐selective ligands with dopamine receptor subtypes, seven ligands with high selectivity (>120‐fold) for the D4subtype of dopamine receptor were tested on wild‐type and mutant D2receptors. Five of the selective ligands were observed to have 21‐fold to 293‐fold increases in D2receptor affinity when three non‐conserved amino acids in TM2 and TM3 were mutated to the corresponding D4amino acids. The two ligands with the greatest improvement in affinity for the D2mutant receptor [i.e., 3‐{[4‐(4‐iodophenyl) piperazin‐1‐yl]methyl}‐1H‐pyrrolo[2,3‐b]pyridine (L‐750,667) and 1‐[4‐iodobenzyl]‐4‐[N‐(3‐isopropoxy‐2‐pyridinyl)‐N‐methyl]‐aminopiperidine (RBI‐257)] were investigated in functional assays. Consistent with their higher affinity for the mutant than for the wild‐type receptor, concentrations of L‐750,667 or RBI‐257 that produced large reductions in the potency of quinpirole’s functional response in the mutant did not significantly reduce quinpirole’s functional response in the wild‐type D2receptor. In contrast to RBI‐257 which is an antagonist at all receptors, L‐750,667 is a partial agonist at the wild‐type D2but an antagonist at both the mutant D2and wild‐type D4receptors. Our study demonstrates for the first time that the TM2/3 microdomain of the D2dopamine receptor not only regulates the selective affinity of ligands, but in selected cases can also regulate their function. Utilizing a new docking technique that incorporates receptor backbone flexibility, the three non‐conserved amino acids that encompass the TM2/3 microdomain were found to account in large part for the differences in intermolecular steric contacts between the ligands and receptors. Consistent with the experimental data, this model illustrates the interactions between a variety of subtype‐selective ligands and the wild‐type D2, mutant D2, or wild‐type D4receptors.
Influence of interocular differences in the Strehl ratio on binocular summation
Authors: Castro José J. , Jiménez José R. , Hita Enrique , Ortiz Carolina
Published: April 2009

The aim of this work is to determine the influence of interocular differences in retinal image quality on binocular visual performance. We measured the contrast sensitivity function (both monocular and binocular) and we computed binocular summation. Data on retinal image quality were taken from a double‐pass device (oqas™, Optical Quality Analysis System; Visiometrics SL. Tarrasa, Spain), providing the Strehl ratio as a parameter to quantify retinal image quality. A total of 28 observers took part in the experiments. Binocular summation for the contrast sensitivity function was found to be significantly (p < 0.001) correlated with interocular differences in the Strehl ratio. The higher the interocular differences in the Strehl ratio, the lower the binocular summation. Binocular summation is less effective as the interocular differences in retinal image increase.
Light scattering in artificial fog and simulated with light scattering filter
Authors: Ikaunieks Gatis , Colomb Michéle , Ozolinsh Maris
Published: April 2009

Disability glare, affecting e.g. road safety at night, may result either from intraocular light scattering or from external conditions such as fog. Measurements were made of light scattering in fog and compared with intraocular straylight data for normal eyes and eyes with simulated cataract. All measurements were made with a direct compensation flicker method. To estimate light scattering levels in fog, straylight measurements were carried in a fog chamber for different densities of fog. Density was characterized by the meteorological term visibility V and ranged from 7 to 25. Test distance for measurements in the fog was constant at 5 m. Cataract eye conditions were simulated by placing a light scattering polymer dispersed liquid crystal (PDLC) filter with scatterers of submicron size in front of the normal eye. All measurements were made using each of three broad‐band color stimuli – red, green and blue (produced either with LEDs or a color CRT monitor). Differences were found in both the level and the spectral characteristics of scattering under the different conditions. The measured values of the straylight parameter, s, in artificial fog showed no noticeable spectral dependence at any visibility range. Increasing the visibility range caused an exponential decrease in the straylight. Intraocular straylight measured with the clear eye showed an increase at the red and blue ends of the spectrum as compared to the green. Straylight measured using PDLC plates with different transparency levels showed a spectral dependence which decreased with wavelength. The scattering introduced by the PDLC plate therefore failed to give a valid simulation of cataract and fog conditions for polychromatic stimuli, due to its erroneous spectral dependence.
The Economics of a Temporary VAT Cut*
Authors: Crossley Thomas F. , Low Hamish , Wakefield Matthew
Published: April 2009

This paper analyses the likely implications of the temporary cut in VAT in the UK to 15 per cent, with a return to 17.5 per cent in place for the end of 2009. We distinguish between the income effect of the cut and the (intertemporal) substitution effect. The former is likely to be small because the change in lifetime income is minimal. The second effect is likely to be much more important because the reduction in the price of goods bought in 2009 compared with 2010 gives an incentive to increase consumer spending this year. With an elasticity of intertemporal substitution of about 1, we would expect the cut in VAT to boost consumer spending by about 1.2 per cent over what it would otherwise be. The distributional consequences of the VAT cut are regressive because goods subject to VAT tend to be luxuries. Unlike a cut in interest rates, there is no difference in the distributional consequences for borrowers compared with savers.
Assessing the Temporary VAT Cut Policy in the UK*
Authors: Blundell Richard
Published: April 2009

This paper concerns the likely impact of a temporary VAT cut stimulus policy on consumer demand in the UK. It suggests that around 75 per cent of the VAT reduction will be passed on to consumers and that consumers will react by maintaining their expenditure levels and therefore increasing their demand for consumption goods. The uncertainty caused by the downturn makes this a more muted impact than we might have hoped, especially on the demand for durable goods. Nevertheless, it is a substantive impact. In general, the uncertainty caused by the recession will tend to reduce the impact of any stimulus package. It is also argued that synchronising the subsequent rise with the economic upturn is critical.
What is the After‐Tax Price of R&D? An Interstate Comparison*
Authors: Paff Lolita , Watkins Todd A.
Published: April 2009

As of 2005, 31 US states offered corporate income tax credits on research and development (R&D) expenses in order to encourage more in‐state innovation activities. Empirical questions about the efficacy of such tax breaks at the state level persist, in part because the complexity of the tax laws means that simple credit‐rate comparisons across states do not fully capture the differential variation in effective after‐tax price incentives firms face in choosing where to locate R&D activities. We are unaware of any research analysing and comparing the effective prices of R&D faced by firms, across all US states and utilising micro‐level data. Using data extracted from detailed reading of individual firms' 10‐K and S‐1 filings and of state‐level tax credit rules, we estimate the effective after‐tax price of basic and qualified research expenditure each firm would have faced in each of the 50 states had they been located there. Our methodology simulates the effective tax price of each firm's marginal dollar of research expenditure, assuming the firm chose to move all of its R&D operations to each of the 49 other states. Through Monte Carlo techniques, we consider the sensitivity of our interstate comparative results to several modelling assumptions. We find significant variation in after‐tax R&D prices across states with quite different R&D tax laws. Prices range from $0.176 to $0.520 on a marginal dollar of R&D in Virginia and Washington State, respectively. We also find that the interstate variability is generally more important – indeed, much wider than we had anticipated before investigating state‐by‐state regulations – than the inter‐firm variability within states.
Borrowing to Finance Public Investment? The ‘Golden Rule of Public Finance’ Reconsidered in an Endogenous Growth Setting*
Authors: Minea Alexandru , Villieu Patrick
Published: April 2009

In this paper, we look for long‐run and short‐run effects of fiscal deficits on economic growth and welfare in a standard endogenous growth model. We show that, under very general hypotheses, the ‘golden rule of public finance’, which allows a government to run public‐investment‐oriented fiscal deficits, leads to a lower balanced‐growth path in the long run, and eventually in the short run, compared with balanced‐budget rules. Welfare effects are more difficult to assess, and depend on the form of the utility function. Our model shows that debt rules such as the golden rule may improve (if the consumption elasticity of substitution is ‘low’) or weaken (if the consumption elasticity of substitution is ‘high’) intertemporal welfare. Consequently, a balanced‐budget rule does not necessarily dominate debt rules from the point of view of welfare, while it does from the point of view of long‐run economic growth.
A review of sentinel lymph node evaluation and the need for its incorporation into veterinary oncology
Authors: Tuohy J. L. , Milgram J. , Worley D. R. , Dernell W. S.
Published: April 2009

Being the first lymph node or nodes to which many primary tumours reliably drain, the disease status of the sentinel lymph node/s (SLN) is important in the prediction of survival. SLN identification and biopsy are critical in the staging of human cancers. The status of the SLN helps determine prognosis and shape treatment plans. SLN evaluation is currently not routinely performed in veterinary oncology, not even at specialty oncology practices. Given the prognostic importance of lymph node involvement in tumours such as mammary gland carcinoma, osteosarcoma, synovial cell sarcoma and mast cell tumours, SLN evaluation should be incorporated into routine clinical practice so as to improve our clinical assessment of veterinary oncologic patients.