bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Stochastic evolutionary dynamics of direct reciprocity
Authors: Imhof Lorens A. , Nowak Martin A.
Published: October 2009

Evolutionary game theory is the study of frequency-dependent selection. The success of an individual depends on the frequencies of strategies that are used in the population. We propose a new model for studying evolutionary dynamics in games with a continuous strategy space. The population size is finite. All members of the population use the same strategy. A mutant strategy is chosen from some distribution over the strategy space. The fixation probability of the mutant strategy in the resident population is calculated. The new mutant takes over the population with this probability. In this case, the mutant becomes the new resident. Otherwise, the existing resident remains. Then, another mutant is generated. These dynamics lead to a stationary distribution over the entire strategy space. Our new approach generalizes classical adaptive dynamics in three ways: (i) the population size is finite; (ii) mutants can be drawn non-locally and (iii) the dynamics are stochastic. We explore reactive strategies in the repeated Prisoner's Dilemma. We perform ‘knock-out experiments’ to study how various strategies affect the evolution of cooperation. We find that ‘tit-for-tat’ is a weak catalyst for the emergence of cooperation, while ‘always cooperate’ is a strong catalyst for the emergence of defection. Our analysis leads to a new understanding of the optimal level of forgiveness that is needed for the evolution of cooperation under direct reciprocity.
An inducible morphological defence is a passive by-product of behaviour in a marine snail
Authors: Bourdeau Paul E.
Published: October 2009

Many organisms have evolved inducible defences in response to spatial and temporal variability in predation risk. These defences are assumed to incur large costs to prey; however, few studies have investigated the mechanisms and costs underlying these adaptive responses. I examined the proximate cause of predator-induced shell thickening in a marine snail (
Nucella lamellosa
) and tested whether induced thickening leads to an increase in structural strength. Results indicate that although predators (crabs) induce thicker shells, the response is a passive by-product of reduced feeding and somatic growth rather than an active physiological response to predation risk. Physical tests indicate that although the shells of predator-induced snails are significantly stronger, the increase in performance is no different than that of snails with limited access to food. Increased shell strength is attributable to an increase in the energetically inexpensive microstructural layer rather than to material property changes in the shell. This mechanism suggests that predator-induced shell defences may be neither energetically nor developmentally costly. Positive correlations between antipredator behaviour and morphological defences may explain commonly observed associations between growth reduction and defence production in other systems and could have implications for the evolutionary potential of these plastic traits.
Reelin and apolipoprotein E receptor 2 in the embryonic and mature brain: effects of an evolutionary change in the
apoER2
gene
Authors: Myant Nicolas B.
Published: October 2009

In the mature cerebral cortex of higher vertebrates, neurons are arranged in layers, each layer containing neurons of the same functional class. The cortical layering pattern is laid down during development by migration of young post-mitotic neurons along glial fibres to their correct positions in the cortical plate. The mechanics of whole-cell movement are well understood, but there is still uncertainty as to how a migrating neuron is instructed to leave its glial support when it reaches its destination. An intraneuronal signalling pathway initiated by reelin and containing apolipoprotein E receptor 2 (apoER2) is essential for normal cortical layering, and there is strong evidence that detachment of a migrating neuron is brought about by reelin-dependent downregulation of α3 integrin. But there remains the problem of how the reelin signal is switched on at a position in the cortex appropriate for each class of neuron. ApoER2 of placental mammals contains an amino acid sequence that is encoded in a separate exon in the
apoER2
gene and is required for normal memory and spatial learning. The separate exon is not present in marsupials, birds or reptiles. The addition of this exon to the evolving
apoER2
gene may have contributed to the success of placental mammals.
Juvenile sparrows preferentially eavesdrop on adult song interactions
Authors: Templeton Christopher N. , Akçay Çağlar , Campbell S. Elizabeth , Beecher Michael D.
Published: October 2009

Recent research has demonstrated that bird song learning is influenced by social factors, but so far has been unable to isolate the particular social variables central to the learning process. Here we test the hypothesis that eavesdropping on singing interactions of adults is a key social event in song learning by birds. In a field experiment, we compared the response of juvenile male song sparrows (Melospiza melodia) to simulated adult counter-singing versus simulated solo singing. We used radio telemetry to follow the movements of each focal bird and assess his response to each playback trial. Juveniles approached the playback speakers when exposed to simulated interactive singing of two song sparrows, but not when exposed to simulated solo singing of a single song sparrow, which in fact they treated similar to heterospecific singing. Although the young birds approached simulated counter-singing, neither did they approach closely, nor did they vocalize themselves, suggesting that the primary function of approach was to permit eavesdropping on these singing interactions. These results indicate that during the prime song-learning phase, juvenile song sparrows are attracted to singing interactions between adults but not to singing by a single bird and suggest that singing interactions may be particularly powerful song-tutoring events.
Costly major histocompatibility complex signals produced only by reproductively active males, but not females, must be validated by a ‘maleness signal’ in three-spined sticklebacks
Authors: Milinski Manfred , Griffiths Siân W. , Reusch Thorsten B. H. , Boehm Thomas
Published: October 2009

Olfactory information about individual major histocompatibility complex (MHC) immune genotypes is important for mate choice in several species. For example, during the mate choice decisions of three-spined sticklebacks, females assess males on the basis of odour cues that convey information about their MHC diversity. Here, we show that an additional ‘maleness’ signal is needed to validate the MHC signal. Furthermore, using interaction between natural odour of sticklebacks and synthetic MHC-ligand peptides, we show that MHC signals are conditional on the reproductive state in males. By contrast, we find that gravid females do not produce such signals. Since MHC olfactory signals relevant to mate choice decisions are conditional upon gender and reproductive state, we suggest that their manufacture is likely to be costly to senders, and therefore, potentially conditional on the health/parasitization status of the sender. We hypothesize that shedding of peptide–MHC complexes compromises immune function, selecting against unconditional use of these signals.
A look into the invisible: ultraviolet-B sensitivity in an insect (Caliothrips phaseoli) revealed through a behavioural action spectrum
Authors: Mazza Carlos A. , Izaguirre Miriam M. , Curiale Javier , Ballaré Carlos L.
Published: October 2009

Caliothrips phaseoli, a phytophagous insect, detects and responds to solar ultraviolet-B radiation (UV-B;λ≤ 315 nm) under field conditions. A highly specific mechanism must be present in the thrips visual system in order to detect this narrow band of solar radiation, which is at least 30 times less abundant than the UV-A (315–400 nm), to which many insects are sensitive. We constructed an action spectrum of thrips responses to light by studying their behavioural reactions to monochromatic irradiation under confinement conditions. Thrips were maximally sensitive to wavelengths between 290 and 330 nm; human-visible wavelengths (λ≥ 400 nm) failed to elicit any response. All but six ommatidia of the thrips compound eye were highly fluorescent when exposed to UV-A of wavelengths longer than 330 nm. We hypothesized that the fluorescent compound acts as an internal filter, preventing radiation withλ> 330 nm from reaching the photoreceptor cells. Calculations based on the putative filter transmittance and a visual pigment template ofλmax= 360 nm produced a sensitivity spectrum that was strikingly similar to the action spectrum of UV-induced behavioural response. These results suggest that specific UV-B vision in thrips is achieved by a standard UV-A photoreceptor and a sharp cut-off internal filter that blocks longer UV wavelengths in the majority of the ommatidia.
Urban noise and the cultural evolution of bird songs
Authors: Luther David , Baptista Luis
Published: October 2009

In urban environments, anthropogenic noise can interfere with animal communication. Here we study the influence of urban noise on the cultural evolution of bird songs. We studied three adjacent dialects of white-crowned sparrow songs over a 30-year time span. Urban noise, which is louder at low frequencies, increased during our study period and therefore should have created a selection pressure for songs with higher frequencies. We found that the minimum frequency of songs increased both within and between dialects during the 30-year time span. For example, the dialect with the highest minimum frequency is in the process of replacing another dialect that has lower frequency songs. Songs with the highest minimum frequency were favoured in this environment and should have the most effective transmission properties. We suggest that one mechanism that influences how dialects, and cultural traits in general, are selected and transmitted from one generation to the next is the dialect's ability to be effectively communicated in the local environment.
The increased risk of predation enhances cooperation
Authors: Krams Indrikis , Bērziņš Arnis , Krama Tatjana , Wheatcroft David , Igaune Kristīne , Rantala Markus J.
Published: October 2009

Theory predicts that animals in adverse conditions can decrease individual risks and increase long-term benefits by cooperating with neighbours. However, some empirical studies suggest that animals often focus on short-term benefits, which can reduce the likelihood that they will cooperate with others. In this experimental study, we tested between these two alternatives by evaluating whether increased predation risk (as a correlate of environmental adversity) enhances or diminishes the occurrence of cooperation in mobbing, a common anti-predator behaviour, among breeding pied flycatchersFicedula hypoleuca. We tested whether birds would join their mobbing neighbours more often and harass a stuffed predator placed near their neighbours' nests more intensely in areas with a higher perceived risk of predation. Our results show that birds attended mobs initiated by their neighbours more often, approached the stuffed predator significantly more closely, and mobbed it at a higher intensity in areas where the perceived risk of predation was experimentally increased. In such high-risk areas, birds also were more often involved in between-pair cooperation. This study demonstrates the positive impact of predation risk on cooperation in breeding songbirds, which might help in explaining the emergence and evolution of cooperation.
ProPhylER: A curated online resource for protein function and structure based on evolutionary constraint analyses
Authors: Binkley Jonathan , Karra Kalpana , Kirby Andrew , Hosobuchi Midori , Stone Eric A. , Sidow Arend
Published: October 2009

ProPhylER (Protein Phylogeny and Evolutionary Rates) is a next-generation curated proteome resource that uses comparative sequence analysis to predict constraint and mutation impact for eukaryotic proteins. Its purpose is to inform any research program for which protein function and structure are relevant, by the predictive power of evolutionary constraint analyses. ProPhylER currently has nearly 9000 clusters of related proteins, including more than 200,000 sequences. It serves data via two interfaces. The “ProPhylER Interface” displays predictive analyses in sequence space; the “CrystalPainter” maps evolutionary constraints onto solved protein structures. Here we summarize ProPhylER's data content and analysis pipeline, demonstrate the use of ProPhylER's interfaces, and evaluate ProPhylER's unique regional analysis of evolutionary constraint. The high accuracy of ProPhylER's regional analysis complements the high resolution of its single-site analysis to effectively guide and inform structure–function investigations and predict the impact of polymorphisms.
Tracheal intubation in patients with rigid collar immobilisation of the cervical spine: a comparison of Airtraq® and LMA CTrach™ devices*
Authors: Arslan Z. I. , Yildiz T. , Baykara Z. N. , Solak M. , Toker K.
Published: October 2009

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of the Airtraq® and CTrach™ in lean patients with simulated cervical spine injury after application of a rigid cervical collar. Eighty‐six consenting adult patients of ASA physical status 1 or 2, who required elective tracheal intubation were included in this study in a randomised manner. Anaesthesia was induced using 1 μg.kg−1 fentanyl, 3 mg.kg−1 propofol and 0.6 mg.kg−1 rocuronium, following which a rigid cervical collar was applied. Comparison was then made between tracheal intubation techniques using either the AirTraq or CTrach device. The mean (SD) time to see the glottis was shorter with the Airtraq than the CTrach (11.9 (6.8) vs 37.6 (16.7)s, respectively; p < 0.001). The mean (SD) time taken for tracheal intubation was also shorter with the Airtraq than the CTrach (25.6 (13.5) and 66.3 (29.3)s, respectively; p < 0.001). There was less mucosal damage in the Airtraq group (p = 0.008). Our findings demonstrate that use of the Airtraq device shortened the tracheal intubation time and reduced the mucosal damage when compared with the CTrach in patients who require cervical spine immobilisation.
Anosmia after general anaesthesia: a case report
Authors: Konstantinidis I. , Tsakiropoulou E. , Iakovou I. , Douvantzi A. , Metaxas S.
Published: October 2009

Although anaesthetic drugs are included among the aetiological factors of anosmia, limited reports exist of anosmia induced by general anaesthesia. We present the case of a 60‐year‐old female patient with a 3‐month history of altered smell and taste immediately after recovery from general anaesthesia for a urological operation. The anaesthetic drugs used were fentanyl, propofol and sevoflurane. Clinical examination and a computed tomography brain scan did not reveal any pathology. Psychophysical testing showed anosmia and normal taste function. Imaging studies using single photon emission computed tomography of the brain were performed twice: as a baseline examination; and after odour stimulation with phenyl ethyl alcohol. Normal brain activity without reaction to odorous stimuli suggested peripheral dysfunction or stimuli transmission problems. The patient, after four months of olfactory retraining, demonstrated significant improvement. The onset of the dysfunction in relation with the imaging findings may imply that anaesthetics could induce the olfactory dysfunction.
Litigation related to drug errors in anaesthesia: an analysis of claims against the NHS in England 1995–2007
Authors: Cranshaw J. , Gupta K. J. , Cook T. M.
Published: October 2009

Ninety‐three claims (total cost £4 915 450) filed under ‘anaesthesia’ in the NHS Litigation Authority database between 1995 and 2007, alleging patient harm directly by drug administration error or by an allergic reaction, were analysed. Alleged errors were categorised using systems employed by the National Coordinating Council for Medication Error Reporting and Prevention, the American Society of Anesthesiologists Closed Claims Project and the UK Health and Safety Executive. The severity of outcome in each claim was categorised using adapted National Patient Safety Agency definitions. Sixty‐two claims involved alleged drug administration errors (total cost £4 283 677) and 15 resulted in severe harm or death. Half alleged the administration of the wrong drug, in most (16) a neuromuscular blocker. Of the claims alleging the wrong dose had been given (25), nine alleged opioid overdose including by neuraxial routes. The most frequently recorded adverse outcomes were awake paralysis (19 claims; total cost £182 347) and respiratory depression requiring intensive care treatment (13 claims; total cost £2 752 853). Thirty‐one claims involved allergic reactions (total cost £631 773). In 20 claims, the patient allegedly received a drug to which they were known to be allergic (total cost £130 794). All claims in which it was possible to categorise the nature of the error involved human error. Fewer than half the claims appeared likely to have been preventable by an ‘ideal double checking process’.
Unrecognised dural puncture resulting in subdural hygroma and cortical vein thrombosis
Authors: Sinha A. , Petkov S. , Meldrum D.
Published: October 2009

Unrecognised dural punctures are difficult to diagnose early. Failure of recognition may lead to sinister consequences. A case of unrecognised dural puncture in a young female leading to the development of subdural hygroma and cortical vein thrombosis is presented. The dilemma in the diagnosis of headache in such patients along with the significance of follow‐up of all, including attempted, epidurals is also discussed.
The Parker Flex‐Tip™ tube for nasotracheal intubation: the influence on nasal mucosal trauma
Authors: Sanuki T. , Hirokane M. , Matsuda Y. , Sugioka S. , Kotani J.
Published: October 2009

We tested our hypothesis that use of the Parker Flex‐Tip™ tracheal tube could reduce the incidence of nasal mucosal trauma during nasotracheal intubation when compared with a conventional tip tracheal tube. One hundred and two patients, who were scheduled for elective oral surgery in which nasotracheal intubation was indicated to optimise the surgical approach, were recruited into this study. Either a Flex‐Tip tracheal tube or a conventional tip tracheal tube was chosen randomly for each nasotracheal intubation. The incidence of epistaxis using the Flex‐Tip tracheal tube (6 (11.8%)) was significantly lower than that with the conventional tip tracheal tube (18 (35.3%); p = 0.009). Nasal pain due to intubation, rated on a 100‐mm visual analogue scale, was less intense with the Flex‐Tip tracheal tube (median, (10th–90th percentile) 19 (12–28) mm compared with the conventional tip tracheal tube (30 (22–35) mm; p < 0.001). The Flex‐Tip tracheal tube thus appeared to reduce the incidence of nasal mucosal trauma during nasotracheal intubation and the incidence of post‐intubation nasal pain, compared with the conventional tip tracheal tube.
The Scottish Audit of Surgical Mortality: a review of areas of concern related to anaesthesia over 10 years
Authors: McFarlane H. J. , Van Der Horst N. , Kerr L. , McPhillips G. , Burton H.
Published: October 2009

The Scottish Audit of Surgical Mortality is a voluntary, peer reviewed, critical event analysis of patients who die under the care of consultant surgeons in acute hospitals in Scotland. The anaesthetic contribution to surgical mortality over a 10‐year period from 1996 was reviewed. The total number of deaths was 44 230 or 1.5% of all admissions. Forty thousand, eight hundred and ninety‐six deaths (92%) were audited. Deaths after elective surgery declined over 10 years. Over 80% of deaths followed emergency admission. The number of deaths where an anaesthetist was present was 16 981 or 0.6% of all admissions. Anaesthetic areas of concern were identified in 8% of deaths. Of these, 43% were related to pre‐operative assessment. Anaesthesia also played a part in a further 18% of deaths where decision making was shared with the surgical team. Of these, 41% were related to access to critical care. A further 24% related to communication failures, principally when the operation should not have been done or was unnecessary.
Use of remifentanil as a sedative agent in critically ill adult patients: a meta‐analysis
Authors: Tan J. A. , Ho K. M.
Published: October 2009

This meta‐analysis examined the benefits of using remifentanil as a sedative agent in critically ill patients. A total of 11 randomised controlled trials, comparing remifentanil with another opioid or hypnotic agent in 1067 critically ill adult patients, were identified from the Cochrane controlled trials register and EMBASE and MEDLINE databases, and subjected to meta‐analysis. Remifentanil was associated with a reduction in the time to tracheal extubation after cessation of sedation (weighted‐mean‐difference −2.04 h (95% CI −0.39 to −3.69 h); p = 0.02). Remifentanil was, however, not associated with a significant reduction in mortality (relative risk 1.01 (95% CI 0.67–1.52); p = 0.96), duration of mechanical ventilation, length of intensive care unit stay, and risk of agitation (relative risk 1.08 (95% CI 0.64–1.82); p = 0.77) when compared to an alternative sedative or analgesic agent. The current evidence does not support the routine use of remifentanil as a sedative agent in critically ill adult patients.
Peri‐operative management of a patient with hereditary angioedema undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy
Authors: Spyridonidou A. , Iatrou C. , Alexoudis A. , Vogiatzaki T. , Polychronidis A. , Simopoulos C.
Published: October 2009

Hereditary angioedema is a rare genetic disorder resulting from an inherited deficiency or dysfunction of the C1‐esterase inhibitor of the classic complement pathway. It is characterised by recurrent episodes of angioedema, without urticaria or pruritus, most often affecting the skin or the mucosal tissues of the upper respiratory and gastrointestinal tracts. We describe the peri‐operative care of a woman with hereditary angioedema undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy with emphasis on the role of anaesthetists as peri‐operative physicians.
Lipid resuscitation in a carnitine deficient child following intravascular migration of an epidural catheter*
Authors: Wong G. K. , Joo D. T. , McDonnell C.
Published: October 2009

A child with cerebral palsy and carnitine deficiency developed ventricular arrhythmias with loss of cardiac output during elective surgery under general anaesthesia with concomitant epidural analgesia. Sinus rhythm was restored on administration of adrenaline, but hypotension persisted despite resuscitation. Bolus administration of 0.8 ml.kg−1 (20 ml) lipid emulsion resulted in rapid improvement in cardiac output. Blood samples taken before and after the lipid bolus did not demonstrate toxic concentrations of bupivacaine. This case suggests that carnitine deficiency may increase susceptibility to bupivacaine cardiotoxicity.
We care about care: advice by children in care for children in care, foster parents and child welfare workers about the transition into foster care
Authors: Mitchell Monique B. , Kuczynski Leon , Tubbs Carolyn Y. , Ross Christopher
Published: October 2009

Twenty children in foster care, ages 8 to 15 years, provided advice to children in care, foster parents and child welfare workers about ways to assist service delivery during the transition into foster care. The children discussed the importance of tending to experiences such as foster home expectations, the importance of time and information, the new foster/parent–child relationship, coping with stress, the ability to be engaged in decision‐making, the benefits of foster care and the need to build a trusting and personal relationship between children in care and their caregivers. The importance of listening to children's experiences of the transition into foster care and incorporating their advice into future research, policy and practice will be discussed.
MicroRNA signature in massive macronodular adrenocortical disease and implications for adrenocortical tumourigenesis
Authors: Bimpaki Eirini I. , Iliopoulos Dimitrios , Moraitis Andreas , Stratakis Constantine A.
Published: October 2009

Purpose  Massive macronodular adrenocortical disease (MMAD) may be caused by aberrant microRNA expression. To determine the microRNA profile in MMAD and identify putative microRNA–gene target pairs involved in adrenal tumourigenesis.

Experimental design  We performed microRNA microarray analysis in 10 patients with ACTH‐independent Cushing syndrome caused by MMAD (ages 39–60 years) and four normal adrenal cortex samples were used as controls. Microarray data were validated by real‐time polymerase chain reaction (qRT‐PCR). Identification of potential microRNA–gene target pairs implicated in MMAD pathogenesis has been performed by integrating our microRNA data with previously obtained cDNA microarray data. Experimental validation of specific microRNA gene targets was performed by transfection experiments and luciferase assay.

Results  A total of 37 microRNAs were differentially expressed between MMAD and normal tissues; 16 microRNAs were down‐regulated, including miR‐200b and miR‐203, whereas 21 microRNAs were up‐regulated, miR‐210 and miR‐484 among them. Comparison of microRNA data with different clinicopathological parameters revealed miR‐130a and miR‐382 as putative diagnostic MMAD markers. Interestingly, we detected miR‐200b targeting directly Matrin 3 (MATR3) expression in an adrenocortical cancer cell line (H295R).

Conclusions  MicroRNAs appear to have distinct regulatory effects in MMAD, including an association with clinical presentation and severity of the disease, expressed by the degree of hypercortisolism. This is the first investigation of microRNAs in MMAD, a disease with complex pathogenesis; the data indicate that specific microRNAs such as miR‐200b may play a significant role in MMAD formation and/or progression.
Evaluation of a by‐catch reduction device for glass eel fishing traps
Authors: LOPEZ M. A. , GISBERT E.
Published: October 2009

Abstract  The effectiveness of a new design of glass eel, Anguilla anguilla (L.), fishing trap was tested in the Ebro River delta fishery (Eastern Mediterranean, Spain). The modified fishing trap incorporated a by‐catch reduction device (BRD) to increase trap selectivity and minimise by‐catch of non‐targeted fish, without affecting glass eel captures. The BRD is inexpensive and easy to implement, consisting of a cylinder covered with a rigid square‐mesh of 2.0–2.4 mm knot‐to‐knot, which is easily fitted to the fishing trap entrance. Testing of the BRD was made by paired comparisons between captures of targeted and non‐targeted fish species from both conventional and BRD‐modified traps. The use of a BRD in the glass eel traps resulted in a 68.9% reduction in the number of captured non‐targeted fish specimens, while it did not reduce glass eel yields. The BRD implementation was fully effective for all species and individuals with sizes >40 mm total length, with the exception of the black‐striped pipefish, Syngnathus abaster Risso. These results support the implementation of the BRD in glass eel fisheries along the Eastern coast of the Iberian Peninsula where these fishing traps are used.
Angler awareness of aquatic nuisance species and potential transport mechanisms
Authors: GATES K. K. , GUY C. S. , ZALE A. V. , HORTON T. B.
Published: October 2009

Abstract  The role anglers play in transporting aquatic nuisance species (ANS) is important in managing infestations and preventing introductions. The objectives of this study were to: (1) quantify angler movement patterns in southwestern Montana, ANS awareness and equipment cleaning practices; and (2) quantify the amount of soil transported on boots and waders. Mean distance travelled by residents from their home to the survey site was 115 km (±17, 95% CI). Mean distance travelled by non‐residents was 1738 km (±74). Fifty‐one percent of residents and 49% of non‐residents reported occasionally, rarely or never cleaning their boots and waders between uses. Mean weight of soil carried on one boot leg was 8.39 g (±1.50). Movement and equipment cleaning practices of anglers in southwestern Montana suggest that future control of ANS dispersal may require restricting the use of felt‐soled wading boots, requiring river‐specific wading equipment or providing cleaning stations and requiring their use.
Strategies for the rehabilitation of the inland fisheries sector in Central Asia
Authors: THORPE A. , VAN ANROOY R.
Published: October 2009

Abstract  The dismantling of the Soviet Union and the corresponding independence of the Central Asian states in the early 1990s had severe economic consequences for the Central Asian Region. The transition from command to free‐market economies was (and sometimes still is) accompanied by dramatic contractions in production in virtually all primary resource sectors. However, arguably the most catastrophic and ongoing declines in output were to be found in the fisheries sector. This study shows how a combination of ecological (most notably the introduction of alien invasive species and pollution), economic (increasing abstraction of water for irrigation and power generating purposes), social (increased impoverishment following the removal of employment guarantees) and governance (collapse of local management structures, decrease of support to the sector and deterioration of trade relationships with neighbouring countries) affected fisheries production and consumption in the Central Asian transition economies. In the light of these findings, some general observations as how this decline might be arrested or reversed are provided.
Development and validation of a new questionnaire for the assessment of subjective physical performance in adult patients with haemophilia – the HEP‐Test‐Q
Authors: Von MACKENSEN S. , CZEPA D. , HERBSLEB M. , HILBERG T.
Published: October 2009

Summary.  Specific research studies for the investigation of physical performance in haemophilic patients are rare. However, these instruments become increasingly more important to evaluate therapeutic treatments. Within the frame of the Haemophilia & Exercise Project (HEP), a new questionnaire, namely HEP‐Test‐Q, has been developed for the assessment of subjective physical performance in haemophilic adults. In this article, the development and validation of the HEP‐Test‐Q is described. The development consisted of different phases including item collection, pilot testing and field testing. The preliminary version was pilot‐tested in 24 German HEP‐participants. Following evaluation and preliminary psychometric analysis, the HEP‐Test‐Q was revised. The final version consists of 25 items pertaining to the domains ‘mobility’, ‘strength & coordination’, ‘endurance’ and ‘body perception’, which was administered to 43 German haemophilic patients (43.8 ± 11.2 years). Psychometric analysis included reliability and validity testing. Convergent validity was tested correlating the HEP‐Test‐Q with SF‐36, Haem‐A‐QoL, HAL and the Orthopaedic Joint Score. Discriminant validity tested different clinical subgroups. Patients accepted the questionnaire and found it easy to fill in. Psychometric testing revealed good values for reliability in terms of internal consistency (Cronbach’s α = 0.96) and test‐retest reliability (r = 0.90) as well as for convergent validity correlating highly with Haem‐A‐QoL, HAL and SF‐36. Discriminant validity testing showed significant differences for age, hepatitis A and hepatitis B and the number of target joints. HEP‐Test‐Q is a short and well‐accepted questionnaire, assessing subjective physical performance of haemophiliacs, which might be combined with objective assessments to reveal aspects, which cannot be measured objectively, such as body perception.
A study of variations in the reported haemophilia A prevalence around the world
Authors: STONEBRAKER J. S. , BOLTON‐MAGGS P. H. B. , MICHAEL SOUCIE J. , WALKER I. , BROOKER M.
Published: October 2009

Summary.  The objectives of this paper were to study the reported haemophilia A prevalence (per 100 000 males) on a country‐by‐country basis and address the following: Does the reported prevalence of haemophilia A vary by national economies? We collected prevalence data for 106 countries from the World Federation of Hemophilia (WFH) annual global surveys and the literature. We found that the reported haemophilia A prevalence varied considerably among countries, even among the wealthiest of countries. The prevalence (per 100 000 males) for high income countries was 12.8 ± 6.0 (mean ± SD) whereas it was 6.6 ± 4.8 for the rest of the world. Within a country, there was a strong trend of increasing prevalence over time – the prevalence for Canada ranged from 10.2 in 1989 to 14.2 in 2008 (R = 0.94 and P < 0.001) and for the United Kingdom it ranged from 9.3 in 1974 to 21.6 in 2006 (R = 0.94 and P < 0.001). Prevalence data reported from the WFH compared well with prevalence data from the literature. Patient registries generally provided the highest quality of prevalence data. The lack of accurate country‐specific prevalence data has constrained planning efforts for the treatment and care of people with haemophilia A. With improved information, healthcare agencies can assess budgetary needs to develop better diagnostic and treatment facilities for affected patients and families and work to ensure adequate supplies of factor VIII concentrates for treatment. In addition, this information can help manufacturers plan the production of concentrates and prevent future shortages.
Pharmacological characterization of cis‐nitromethylene neonicotinoids in relation to imidacloprid binding sites in the brown planthopper, Nilaparvata lugens
Authors: Xu X. , Bao H. , Shao X. , Zhang Y. , Yao X. , Liu Z. , Li Z.
Published: October 2009

Neonicotinoid insecticides, such as imidacloprid, are selective agonists of the insect nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) and extensively used in areas of crop protection and animal health to control a variety of insect pest species. Here we describe that two cis‐nitromethylene neonicotinoids (IPPA152002 and IPPA152004), recently synthesized in our laboratory, discriminated between the high and low affinity imidacloprid binding sites in the brown planthopper, Nilaparvata lugens, a major insect pest of rice crops in many parts of Asia. [3H]imidacloprid has two binding sites with different affinities (Kd value of 0.0035 ± 0.0006 nM for the high‐affinity site and 1.47 ± 0.22 nM for the low‐affinity site). Although the cis‐nitromethylene neonicotinoids showed low displacement ability (Ki values of 0.15 ± 0.03 µM and 0.42 ± 0.07 µM for IPPA152002 and IPPA152004, respectively) against [3H]imidacloprid binding, low concentrations (0.01 µM) of IPPA152002 completely inhibited [3H]imidacloprid binding at its high‐affinity site. In Xenopus oocytes co‐injected with cRNA encoding Nlα1 and rat β2 subunits, obvious inward currents were detected in response to applications of IPPA152002 and IPPA152004, although the agonist potency is reduced to that of imidacloprid. The previously identified Y151S mutation in Nlα1 showed significant effects on the agonist potency of IPPA152002 and IPPA152004, such as a 75.8% and 70.6% reduction in Imax, and a 2.4‐ and 2.1‐fold increase in EC50. This data clearly shows that the two newly described cis‐nitromethylene neonicotinoids act on insect nAChRs and like imidacloprid, discriminated between high and low affinity binding sites in N. lugens native nAChRs. These compounds may be useful tools to further elucidate the pharmacology and nature of neonicotinoid binding sites.
Factors affecting the permeability of transportation and riparian corridors to the movements of songbirds in an urban landscape
Authors: Tremblay Marie A. , St. Clair Colleen C.
Published: October 2009

1. Linear features associated with transportation and riparian corridors are known to inhibit the mobility of birds and other wildlife, yet the factors contributing to their barrier effects are poorly understood. The diversity of roads in urban landscapes provides an opportunity for elucidating the relative importance of factors such as noise, traffic volume, gap width and adjacent vegetation on animal movement.

2. Using an avian mobbing call as a lure, we tested the willingness of forest songbirds to cross four types of linear features in the urban landscape of Calgary, Alberta, Canada: (1) roads of varying widths and traffic volumes, (2) conventional railways and light transit lines, (3) transportation bridges across riparian corridors, and (4) rivers.

3. Using mixed effects logistic regression, we found that the size of the gap in vegetation was the most important determinant of movement (P < 0·001). As the gap in vegetation exceeded 30 m, the likelihood of movement decreased dramatically and by 45 m, birds were only half as likely to move across gaps as they were to move an equivalent distance in continuous tree cover. Traffic volume also had a significant dampening effect on movement (odds ratio = 0·952 per 1000 vehicle per day increase; P < 0·001) and generally explained more variation in the data than noise levels.

4. Railroads proved to be the most permeable of the features we tested, probably owing to their relatively narrow width, which never exceeded 30 m. Surprisingly, rivers were less permeable than the anthropogenic linear features we tested, with a significant barrier effect evident even at widths <50 m.

5. The birds in our study showed a marked preference for flying over, rather than under, transportation bridges, particularly when adjacent vegetation was available.

6.
Synthesis and applications. Our results suggest that linear features, both anthropogenic and natural, can significantly impede the movements of forest songbirds and that managing adjacent vegetation is a potentially effective way to mitigate these barrier effects in cities and other fragmented landscapes.
Wiki‐supported learning and knowledge building: effects of incongruity between knowledge and information
Authors: Moskaliuk J. , Kimmerle J. , Cress U.
Published: October 2009

This study describes the empirical test of a theoretical model of knowledge building with wikis that was recently introduced by Cress and Kimmerle. The underlying assumption of this model is that both learning (as an internal, individual process) and knowledge building (as the creation of public knowledge) are based on the interplay between an individual's knowledge and the information available in the wiki. Incongruity between individual knowledge and the information contained in the wiki will lead to learning (through the acquisition of factual and conceptual knowledge) and to knowledge building (through assimilation and accommodation). In three conditions, the experiment provided the participants with different levels of incongruity between their individual knowledge and information in the wiki by varying the amount of information that was contained in the wiki, while the amount of information that the participants possessed was kept constant. As predicted, the results confirmed that a medium level of incongruity between an individual's knowledge and the information that a wiki contains will best support learning. Moreover, a medium level of incongruity leads to more accommodative knowledge building despite the fact that high and medium levels of incongruity will result in similar amounts of assimilative knowledge building. The implications of these findings were discussed in the concluding remarks.
Neutron scattering studies of  BiFeO3 multiferroics: a review for microscopists
Authors: SOSNOWSKA I.M.
Published: October 2009

Application of the neutron scattering technique in the study of crystal and magnetic properties of multiferroic BiFeO3 is presented. The crucial role of the neutron scattering technique, complementary to X‐ray diffraction method and transmission electron microscopy, is shown. Especially the ultra high‐resolution time‐of‐flight (TOF) neutron diffraction technique used by Sosnowska et al. to detect the magnetic cycloid ordering and its role in studies of physical properties of BiFeO3 and its alloys are reviewed. The first inelastic neutron scattering patterns of magnetic excitations in BiFeO3 are also presented. Applications of different microscopy techniques such as transmission electron microscopy (TEM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), field emission TEM and SEM (FESEM and FETEM), magnetic force microscope (MFM) and polarization force microscopy (PFM) bring insight on the fundamental problem of ferroelectricity and confirm the potential of BiFeO3 multiferroic material for nanoscale devices.
Microstructure analysis of Nd‐Fe‐B sintered magnets improved by Tb‐metal vapour sorption
Authors: WATANABE N. , UMEMOTO H. , ISHIMARU M. , ITAKURA M. , NISHIDA M. , MACHIDA K.
Published: October 2009

Behaviours of constituent elements in the Nd‐Fe‐B sintered magnets improved by Tb‐metal vapour sorption have been investigated by using an analytical transmission microscopy. It was found that a triple junction of the grain boundaries consists of fine Nd‐O crystalline and amorphous phase. The energy dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy (EDS) analysis showed that the amorphous phase mainly consists of Co, Nd and Tb. The Tb‐treatment causes the formation of the amorphous Co‐Nd(Tb) wetting‐layer phase which wraps each Nd2Fe14B grain. The results suggest that the wrapped structure prevents the nucleation of magnetic reversed domains and then improves significantly the coercivity of the magnet.
Fine structures of wing scales in Sasakia charonda butterflies as photonic crystals
Authors: MATĚJKOVÁ‐PLSKOVA J. , SHIOJIRI S. , SHIOJIRI M.
Published: October 2009

We investigate the microstructure of scales in the wings of male Sasakia charonda charonda butterflies by scanning electron microscopy with the aid of optical microscopy. Six types of scales are identified: B1, W1 and R1 in brown background yellow spots and red spots, respectively; B2 in iridescent purple‐blue and W2 in white pearl, both of which characterize the male and B3 in the wing edges. The B1, W1 and R1 scales are almost the same in structure and the B2 and W2 scales are almost the same. The difference among the B, W and R scales is in species and content of pigment. The B1, W1 and R1 scales have only two layers of cuticle lapped on the ridges. In contrast with them, the B2 and W2 scales have seven multilayers of cuticle piled on the ridge. The multiple interference of light that occurs among these cuticle layers, spaced with air layers, generates the significant iridescence of the B2 and W2 scales. Thus, the characteristic purple‐blue of the male wings is ascribed to the combination of the structural and chemical colouration in the B2 scales with melanin. The photonic crystals of these scales may be applicable to fine light manipulators such as reflection elements in laser diodes. B3 has many holes between the ridges and no multilayers of cuticle on the ridges. These structures may play any role in aerodynamically easy flight and/or in drainage of wet wings.
Electron microscopy study of L10‐FePtCu nanoparticles synthesized at 613K
Authors: HIROTSU Y. , RYU H.W. , SATO K. , ISHIMARU M.
Published: October 2009

Finely dispersed hard magnetic L1o‐FePtCu nanoparticles with 〈100〉 orientation were directly synthesized by RF‐sputtering on NaCl substrate at a temperature of 613 K. The maximum coercivity of the particles was 1.4 kOe (at RT). Degrees of atomic long‐range order (LRO) for the L1o‐FePtCu nanoparticles with different sizes were obtained using nanobeam electron diffraction technique. The decrease of LRO parameter became remarkable when the size became below 8 nm. The coercivity value also decreased with decreasing the particle size. The relation between the LRO parameter decrease and the coercivity decrease with particle size was discussed.
Microstructure and properties of hot compacted powders of aluminium alloys
Authors: LITYŃSKA‐DOBRZYŃSKA L. , DUTKIEWICZ J. , MAZIARZ W. , KANCIRUK A.
Published: October 2009

Atomized 6061 aluminium alloy powders with and without the addition of 2 wt% Zr were milled for 80 h in a planetary ball mill and hot pressed in vacuum. The milled powders showed microhardness of about 170 HV, which increased after hot pressing up to 260 HV and up to 280 HV for powders without and with the Zr additions, respectively. Compression tests showed the high yield stress of 300 MPa obtained for the hot‐pressed sample produced from the initial powders compared with ultimate compression strength of above 800 MPa for that of the milled sample and slightly higher for that with Zr additions. The effect of hot pressing on the structure of powders was investigated using a conventional analytical and high‐resolution electron microscopy and high angle annular dark‐field scanning transmission electron microscopy combined with energy dispersive X‐ray microanalysis. The samples of initial powders hot pressed in vacuum showed a cell structure with particles of the Mg2Si and AlFeSi phases in intercell areas. In the milled and hot‐pressed sample, the homogeneous structure of small grains of size below 200 nm was observed. The AlFeSi and Mg2Si particles with size 20–100 nm were uniformly distributed as well as the Zr rich particles in the Zr containing alloy. The Zr‐rich particles containing up to 80 at% Zr were identified as a metastable fcc cubic phase with lattice parameter a= 0.48 nm.
TEM determination of directions of (Ga,Mn)As nanowires grown by MBE on GaAs(001) substrates
Authors: DŁUŻEWSKI P. , SADOWSKI J. , KRET S. , DĄBROWSKI J. , SOBCZAK K.
Published: October 2009

The structure of GaMnAs nanowires (NW) with nominal Mn concentration of up to 7 at% was investigated by transmission electron microscopy. The (Ga,Mn)As NW were grown on epiready GaAs(001) n‐type wafers by molecular beam epitaxy. The crystal structure of the NW was determined to be zinc‐blende. NW with Mn concentrations lower than 5 at% grow along the 〈111〉 direction. NW with higher Mn concentrations grow along the 〈110〉 direction and reveal a branching structure. The main nanowire and branches grow along the 〈110〉 directions belonging to only one {111} plane.
HRTEM studies of NiNbZr + Ag amorphous‐nanocrystalline composites
Authors: DUTKIEWICZ J. , LITYŃSKA‐DOBRZYŃSKA L. , KOVACOVA A. , ROGAL Ł. , MAZIARZ W.
Published: October 2009

Amorphous powder of composition corresponding to Ni60Ti20Zr20 (in at%) was obtained by ball milling in a high‐energy mills starting from pure elements. Formation of the amorphous structure was observed already after 20 h of milling, although complete amorphization occurred after 40 h. The microhardness of powders increased from about 30 HV for pure elements to above 400 HV (1290 MPa) after 40 h of milling. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) allowed to identify nanocrystalline inclusions of intermetallic phases of size 2–10 nm. Uniaxial hot pressing was performed in vacuum at temperature below the crystallization Tx it is 510°C and pressure of 600 MPa, Mixed amorphous powders and nanocrystalline silver powders were used to form a composite, in which microhardness was near 970 MPa HV and 400 HV for the amorphous phase and nanocrystalline silver, respectively. The compression strength of the composite containing 20 wt% of nanocrystalline Ag powder was equal to 600 MPa and plastic strain was 2%. Microstructure studies showed low porosity of composites of less than 1%, uniform distribution of the silver phase and a transition zone between both components, about 150 nm thick, where diffusion of nickel, niobium and zirconium into silver was observed. High‐resolution TEM allowed identifying the structure of nanocrystalline inclusions in the amorphous matrix after hot pressing as either Ni3Zr or Ni17Nb3. The identification was performed basing on measurements of angles and interatomic distances using inverse Fourier transformed images with enhanced contrast using Digital Micrograph computer program.