bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Living on the edge: roads and edge effects on small mammal populations
Authors: Fuentes‐Montemayor Elisa , Cuarón Alfredo D. , Vázquez‐Domínguez Ella , Benítez‐Malvido Julieta , Valenzuela‐Galván David , Andresen Ellen
Published: May 2009

Roads may affect wildlife populations through habitat loss and disturbances, as they create an abrupt linear edge, increasing the proportion of edge exposed to a different habitat. Three types of edge effects have been recognized: abiotic, direct biotic, and indirect biotic.

We explored the direct biotic edge effects of 3‐ to 4‐m wide roads, and also a previously unrecognized type of edge effect: social. We live‐trapped two threatened endemic rodents from Cozumel Island (Oryzomys couesi cozumelae and Reithrodontomys spectabilis) in 16 plots delimited by roads on two sides, to compare edge effects between two adjacent edges (corners), single‐edge and interior forest, on life history and social variables.

No significant edge effects were observed on the life‐history variables, with the exception of differences in body condition between males and females of O. c. cozumelae near edges. Both species showed significant and contrasting effects on their social variables.

O. c. cozumelae was distributed according to its age and sex: the proportion of adults and males was higher in interior than near edges, while juveniles and females were more abundant near edges. More nonreproductive females were present in corners than in single‐edge and interior, while the opposite distribution was observed for nonreproductive males.

The distribution of R. spectabilis was related to its age and reproductive condition, but not to its sex. The proportion of adults was significantly higher in corners, while juveniles were only caught in single‐edge and interior quadrants. The proportion of reproductive individuals was higher in edge than interior quadrants, while reproductive females were only present in edge quadrants.

We found significant differences between the quadrants with the greatest edge exposure in comparison with other quadrants. The social edge effects we identified complement the typology of edge effects recognized in ecological literature. Our study provides insight into the effects that sharp road edges have on biological and social characteristics of small mammal populations, highlighting how such effects vary among species. Our findings have important conservation implications for these threatened species, but are also applicable in a broader context wherever there are abrupt edges caused by linear landscape features.
The effects of thermal biology and refuge availability on the restricted distribution of an alpine lizard
Authors: Monasterio Camila , Salvador Alfredo , Iraeta Pablo , Díaz José A.
Published: May 2009

Aim  In an effort to disentangle the ecological processes that confine ectotherms to alpine environments, we studied the thermoregulatory and microhabitat selection behaviours of the rock lizard Iberolacerta cyreni, which is endemic to some mountains of central Spain, and of the wall lizard Podarcis muralis, which is a potential competitor of rock lizards.

Location  We chose three areas in the Sierra de Guadarrama (central Spain) that differed in their thermal quality [mean deviation of environmental operative temperatures from the lizards’ preferred thermal range (PTR)] and refuge availability: a pine forest (1770 m a.s.l.) in which P. muralis was the only species found, and two mixed shrub and rock sites (1770 and 1900 m a.s.l.) where both species were present.

Methods  In the field we collected data on refuge availability, sun exposure, body temperature (Tb) and operative temperature (Te). Thus, we estimated the thermal habitat quality of the areas sampled and the thermoregulation accuracy and effectiveness of both species.

Results  The pine forest had the lowest thermal quality and refuge availability. The lower‐elevation shrub site offered the best thermal quality, but refuges were much scarcer than at the higher‐elevation site. Both species thermoregulated accurately, because mean deviations of body temperature (Tb) from PTR were considerably smaller than those of Te. Podarcis muralis had higher Tb values than did I. cyreni, which had similar Tb values at both shrub sites, whereas P. muralis had lower Tb values at higher elevation. Overall, the thermoregulatory effectiveness (extent to which Tb values are closer to the PTR than are Te values) of both species was similar, but whereas I. cyreni thermoregulated more efficiently at higher elevation, the opposite was true for P. muralis. At the lower‐elevation shrub site, I. cyreni remained closer to refuges than did P. muralis.

Main conclusions  Our results suggest that the pine forest belt might prevent the expansion of rock lizards towards lower elevations as a result of its low thermal quality and scarcity of refuges, that the thermoregulatory effectiveness of rock lizards in alpine environments depends more on refuge availability than on thermal habitat quality, and that competition with wall lizards is unlikely to explain either the distribution or the thermoregulatory effectiveness of rock lizards.
Cholinergic control of inflammation
Authors: Rosas‐Ballina M. , Tracey K. J.
Published: May 2009

Cytokine production is necessary to protect against pathogens and promote tissue repair, but excessive cytokine release can lead to systemic inflammation, organ failure and death. Inflammatory responses are finely regulated to effectively guard from noxious stimuli. The central nervous system interacts dynamically with the immune system to modulate inflammation through humoral and neural pathways. The effect of glucocorticoids and other humoral mediators on inflammatory responses has been studied extensively in the past decades. In contrast, neural control of inflammation has only been recently described. We summarize autonomic regulation of local and systemic inflammation through the ‘cholinergic anti‐inflammatory pathway’, a mechanism consisting of the vagus nerve and its major neurotransmitter, acetylcholine, a process dependent on the nicotinic acetylcholine receptor α7 subunit. We recapitulate additional sources of acetylcholine and their contribution to the inflammatory response, as well as acetylcholine regulation by acetylcholinesterase as a means to attenuate inflammation. We discuss potential therapeutic applications to treat diseases characterized by acute or chronic inflammation, including autoimmune diseases, and propose future research directions.
Autoimmune associated congenital heart block: integration of clinical and research clues in the management of the maternal / foetal dyad at risk
Authors: Buyon J. P. , Clancy R. M. , Friedman D. M.
Published: May 2009

One of the strongest associations with autoantibodies directed to components of the SSA/Ro‐SSB/La ribonucleoprotein complex is the development of congenital heart block (CHB) in an offspring, an alarming prospect facing 2% of primigravid mothers with these reactivities. This risk is 10‐fold higher in women who have had a previously affected child with CHB. Anti‐Ro/La antibodies are necessary but insufficient to cause disease. In vitro and in vivo experiments suggest that the pathogenesis involves exaggerated apoptosis, macrophage/myfibroblast crosstalk, TGFβ expression and extensive fibrosis in the conducting system and in some cases surrounding myocardium. A disturbing observation is the rapidity of disease progression, with advanced heart block and life‐threatening cardiomyopathy observed <2 weeks from normal sinus rhythm. Once 3rd degree (complete) block is identified, reversal has never been achieved, despite dexamethasone. Current strategies include the evaluation of an early echocardiographic marker of injury, such as a prolonged PR interval and the use of IVIG as a preventative measure for pregnancies of mothers with previously affected children.
Autoantigens in systemic autoimmunity: critical partner in pathogenesis
Authors: Rosen A. , Casciola‐Rosen L.
Published: May 2009

Understanding the mechanisms of human autoimmune rheumatic diseases presents a major challenge, due to marked complexity involving multiple domains, including genetics, environment and kinetics. In spite of this, the immune response in each of these diseases is largely specific, with distinct autoantibodies associated with different disease phenotypes. Defining the basis of such specificity will provide important insights into disease mechanism. Accumulating data suggest an interesting paradigm for antigen selection in autoimmunity, in which target tissue and immune effector pathways form a mutually reinforcing partnership. In this model, distinct autoantibody patterns in autoimmunity may be viewed as the integrated, amplified output of several interacting systems, including: (i) the specific target tissue, (ii) the immune effector pathways that modify antigen structure and cause tissue damage and dysfunction, and (iii) the homeostatic pathways activated in response to damage (e.g. regeneration/differentiation/cytokine effects). As unique antigen expression and structure may occur exclusively under these amplifying circumstances, it is useful to view the molecules targeted as ‘neo‐antigens’, that is, antigens expressed under specific conditions, rather than ubiquitously. This model adds an important new dynamic element to selection of antigen targets in autoimmunity, and suggests that the amplifying loop will only be identified by studying the diseased target tissue in vivo.
Glial Cells: Indispensable Partners of Hypothalamic Magnocellular Neurones
Authors: Panatier A.
Published: May 2009

The hypothalamo‐neurohypophysial system is comprised of magnocellular neurones that synthesise the neuropeptides oxytocin or vasopressin. As neurohormones, these peptides intervene in the regulation of vital functions such as parturition, lactation, osmotic and cardiovascular regulation. The release of these peptides in the general circulation depends on the electrical activity of their parent neurones, which in turn is regulated by the activity of their afferent inputs conveying distinct information. Thus, in view of the diversity of information governing the activity of magnocellular neurones, it is crucial that the system adapts the appropriate release of oxytocin and vasopressin upon physiological demand. Until recently, it was considered that only neurones could provide such adaptation and regulation. However, a third partner of the synapse, the astrocyte, has been shown to provide further control. Astrocytic processes are in proximity of the magnocellular neurones and their synapses, well positioned to detect and modulate synaptic signals. For instance, astrocytes detect a synaptic signal owing to their diverse neurotransmitter/neuropeptide receptors. In addition, they release a variety of neuroactive substances (i.e. gliotransmitters), which in turn modulate synaptic activity. An important gliotransmitter is the amino acid, d‐serine, which, together with glutamate, activates NMDA receptors. Once activated, NMDA receptors govern the weight of individual inputs on magnocellular neurones and thus the impact of distinct types of information on neuronal activity. As reviewed here, numerous observations show that astrocytes must be considered as key elements in the functioning of the hypothalamo‐neurohypophysial system.
An educational evaluation of supervisor and mentor experiences when supporting Primary Care Graduate Mental Health Workers
Authors: HARRISON N. , LYONS C. , BAGULEY C. , FISHER D.
Published: May 2009

This paper reports on the findings of a postal survey used to enhance understanding into the backgrounds, experiences and support offered to supervisors and mentors of Primary Care Graduate Mental Health Workers (PCGMHWs). A postal questionnaire was sent to the total population of supervisors and mentors who had supported PCGMHW students from three universities in the Northwest of England, during the period of their introduction 2004–2006. Most supervisors and mentors had previous experience of supervision and mentorship with other types of students but not PCGMHWs. Data suggest that there were difficulties due limited understanding of the role of PCGMHWs and how it was to be operationalized. Respondents reported staff shortages, time constraints and competing commitments, which limited support available to students. The lack of organizational readiness and infrastructure to support the role was widely reported. However, the role has developed and is generally well received. The implications for future development of the PCGMHW and the preparation and support of supervisors and mentors are discussed.
Developing self‐neglect theory: analysis of related and atypical cases of people identified as self‐neglecting
Authors: LAUDER W. , ROXBURGH M. , HARRIS J. , LAW J.
Published: May 2009

Self‐neglect is a complex, relatively common and as yet not fully understood phenomenon. People who self‐neglect often do not undertake those activities which are judged necessary to maintain a socially accepted standard of personal and household hygiene or to maintain their health status. This may be explained by a variety of factors of which psychopathology, culture, social class and poverty all play a role in the construction of this phenomenon. The self‐neglect literature overwhelmingly presents professional views and focuses on the most severe cases. This paper explores some core issues in relation to self‐neglect theory through in‐depth interviews with atypical (related) cases. These cases allow the boundaries of what is and is not self‐neglect to be tested. Analysis of these cases suggests that self‐neglect remains a useful concept but contains a far wide range of presentations than previously reported.
Validity and reliability study of the Turkish psychiatric nurses of job motivation scale
Authors: ENGIN E. , CAM O.
Published: May 2009

This methodological study was planned to explore the validity and reliability of the evaluation scale for measuring the job motivation of nurses who work in psychiatric clinics. The sample was composed of 378 nurses who work in all psychiatric units or psychiatric hospitals located in Turkey's four large cities – Ankara, Istanbul, Izmir and Manisa. For testing reliability of ‘job motivation scale’, the internal consistency tests were executed with split scale analysis, Cronbach's α coefficient and item–total score correlation. For construct validity, factor analysis was used. For the first part of scale, Cronbach's α was determined to be 0.79. For the second part, Cronbach's α was 0.72. Factor analysis was performed in an attempt to establish validity and underlying associations between items in the scale. The first analysis produced nine eigenvalues (>1) and nine factors were extracted. The scree test indicated that a two‐factor model would be suitable. The factor structure of the tool for measuring the job motivation of nurses who work in psychiatric clinics was parallel with motivation concepts. Validity and reliability levels of the scale for measuring the job motivation of nurses who work in psychiatric clinics were found to be sufficient in the Turkish population.
A preliminary investigation into the experience of symptoms of psychosis in mental health professionals: implications for the psychiatric classification model of schizophrenia
Authors: FLEMING M. P. , MARTIN C. R.
Published: May 2009

The psychiatric classification system regarding the discrete category of schizophrenia remains controversial. Key concerns regarding the legitimacy of the classification system for this presentation focus on issues of study design, the relevance and inter‐relationship between symptom clusters and the lack of a coherent model of aetiology. A defining summary feature of the psychiatric model is the distinctiveness of psychotic symptoms in those with a diagnosis of schizophrenia compared with non‐clinical samples. The current study sought to challenge the prevailing psychiatric system by exploring the occurrence and experience of psychotic symptoms in mental health practitioners who routinely engage in therapeutic work with clients with a primary diagnosis of schizophrenia. A total of 16% (n = 19) of the sample indicated that they experienced voice hearing while 21% (n = 26) indicated they experienced delusions as assessed by validated assessment tools. The findings are indicative of a continuum model of psychotic symptom experience and run counter to the contemporary model of psychiatric classification of this disorder. The direction of future research is indicated.
Pharmacokinetics of monepantel and its sulfone metabolite, monepantel sulfone, after intravenous and oral administration in sheep
Authors: KARADZOVSKA D. , SEEWALD W. , BROWNING A. , SMAL M. , BOUVIER J. , GIRAUDEL J. M.
Published: May 2009

The pharmacokinetic properties of the developmental Amino‐Acetonitrile Derivative (AAD), monepantel and its sulfone metabolite, monepantel sulfone were investigated in sheep following intravenous (i.v.) and oral administrations. The sulfone metabolite was rapidly formed and predominated over monepantel 4 h after dosing, irrespective of the route of administration. The steady‐state volume of distribution, total body clearance and mean residence time of monepantel were 7.4 L/kg, 1.49 L/(kg·h) and 4.9 h, respectively and 31.2 L/kg, 0.28 L/(kg·h) and 111 h, respectively for monepantel sulfone. The overall bioavailability of monepantel was 31%, but it was demonstrated that approximately the same amount of monepantel sulfone was produced whether monepantel was given intravenously or orally (AUC(0–∞) oral/AUC(0–∞) i.v. of 94% for monepantel sulfone), making oral administration a very efficient route of administration for monepantel in terms of the amount of sulfone metabolite generated. Because monepantel sulfone is the main chemical entity present in sheep blood after monepantel administration and because it is also an active metabolite, its pharmacokinetic properties are of primary importance for the interpretation of future residue and efficacy studies. Overall, these pharmacokinetic data aid in the evaluation of monepantel as an oral anthelmintic in sheep.
Sculpin hybrid zones: natural laboratories for the early stages of speciation
Authors: SWEIGART ANDREA
Published: May 2009

Firmly rooted as we are in the genomic era, it can seem incredible that as recently as 1974, Lewontin declared, ‘we know virtually nothing about the genetic changes that occur in species formation’. To the contrary, we now know the genetic architecture of phenotypic differences and reproductive isolation between species for many diverse groups of plants, animals, and fungi. In recent years, detailed genetic analyses have produced a small but growing list of genes that cause reproductive isolation, several of which appear to have diverged by natural selection. Yet, a full accounting of the speciation process requires that we understand the reproductive and ecological properties of natural populations as they begin to diverge genetically, as well as the dynamics of newly evolved barriers to gene flow. One promising approach to this problem is the study of natural hybrid zones, where gene exchange between divergent populations can produce recombinant genotypes in situ. In such individuals, genomic variation might be shaped by introgression at universally adaptive or neutral loci, even as regions associated with local adaptation or reproductive isolation remain divergent. In Nolte et al. (2009), the authors take advantage of two independent, recently formed hybrid zones between sculpin species to investigate genome‐wide patterns of reproductive isolation. Using a recently developed genomic clines method, the authors identify marker loci that are associated with isolation, and those that show evidence for adaptive introgression. Remarkably, Nolte et al. (2009) find little similarity between the two hybrid zones in patterns of introgression, a fact that might reflect genetic variation within species or heterogeneous natural selection. In either case, their study system has the potential to provide insight into the early stages of speciation.
Development of an international standard set of barley differential genotypes for Pyrenophora teres f. teres
Authors: Afanasenko O. S. , Jalli M. , Pinnschmidt H. O. , Filatova O. , Platz G. J.
Published: May 2009

International comparison of virulence profiles of Pyrenophora teres f. teres (Ptt), the cause of barley net blotch, is seriously restricted by inconsistencies in differential testers used among researchers. This paper reports an attempt to develop an appropriate set of differentials to standardize characterization of Ptt populations globally. Fourteen barley genotypes (Canadian Lake Shore (CLS), Harbin, c‐8755, c‐20019, Manchurian, Tifang, CI 9825, CI 5791, CI 9819, Beecher, CI 9214, Skiff, Prior and Corvette) were selected from among genotypes previously used as Ptt differentials. Three cultivars (Pirkka, Haruna Nijo and Harrington) were included to identify a universally susceptible control. Genotypes were inoculated with approximately 1000 Ptt isolates from Russia, Europe, Australia and Canada. The mean reaction frequency of genotypes ranged from highly resistant (CI 9819, CI 5791, c‐8755 and CI 9825) to highly susceptible (Harrington, Haruna Nijo and Pirkka). The best differential abilities were demonstrated by Harbin, CLS, c‐20019, Manchurian and Prior. Application of cluster analyses identified genotypes with similar reaction patterns, which supported a reduction of genotypes in the set. When combined with an algorithm comparing the ability of individual genotypes to discriminate among Ptt isolates, a further reduction of genotypes was justified. A new, concise set of barley genotypes for differentiating virulences in Ptt was formulated. It is proposed that these genotypes be adopted as the standard, international differential set to characterize and identify the virulence properties of Ptt populations across environments. The new Ptt differential set consists of the genotypes c‐8755, c‐20019, CI 5791, CI 9825, CLS, Harbin, Prior, Skiff and Harrington.
Evidence of pAgK84 transfer from Agrobacterium rhizogenes K84 to natural pathogenic Agrobacterium spp. in an Italian peach nursery
Authors: Raio A. , Peluso R. , Puopolo G. , Zoina A.
Published: May 2009

Nine Italian peach nurseries, which use Agrobacterium rhizogenes strain K84 to protect plants from crown gall, were monitored for three years with the aim of determining whether transconjugant populations may arise following plasmid exchanges between K84 and autochtonous soil agrobacteria. Six hundred and seventy‐eight Agrobacterium isolates were obtained from 120 tumours developed on apricot and peach rootstocks that had been treated in pre‐planting with the antagonist. Agrobacteria were characterized for pathogenicity, biovar, opine catabolism and agrocin 84 sensitivity. Colony hybridization was used for screening the isolates harbouring plasmids pTi and/or pAgK84. Analysis of plasmid content and Southern blotting were performed on putative transconjugant agrobacteria found in tumours collected from one nursery where a biological control breakdown was observed. The RFLP analysis of 16S + IGS regions showed that pAgK84 was transferred from the antagonist to virulent and avirulent soil agrobacteria belonging to different ribotypes. Pathogenic transconjugants, inoculated on GF677 rootstocks, were not controlled in vivo by K84 and stably maintained pTi and pAgK84 in the bacterial cells for at least one year. At the end of a biocontrol trial, new transconjugant tumorigenic agrobacteria originated by the transfer of pAgK84 to the pathogen. Virulent and avirulent transconjugants may represent a real threat for biological control by K84 strain since all of them produced agrocin and were insensitive to it. Survival in soil of these populations could make the future application of K84 ineffective.
Infection of horse chestnut (Aesculus hippocastanum) by Pseudomonas syringae pv. aesculi and its detection by quantitative real‐time PCR
Authors: Green S. , Laue B. , Fossdal C. G. , A’Hara S. W. , Cottrell J. E.
Published: May 2009

Pseudomonas syringae pv. aesculi is a pathogenic bacterium causing bleeding canker disease of horse chestnut (Aesculus hippocastanum). This is a serious disease which has been affecting horse chestnut in several European countries over the last five years; however, very little is known about the biology of the causal agent. One of the obstacles to studying this pathogen is the lengthy procedure associated with confirming its presence on the host. In this study, P. syringae pv. aesculi was isolated from lesions on different parts of horse chestnut and its pathogenicity confirmed on horse chestnut saplings using two inoculation techniques. Real‐time PCR primers were developed based on gyrase B gene sequence data for the specific detection of P. syringae pv. aesculi. Primer specificity was tested on isolates of the target pathogen as well as on a broad range of related non‐target bacteria and other bacterial spp. which inhabit horse chestnut. The real‐time primers reliably amplified P. syringae pv. aesculi down to 1 pg of extracted DNA, with and without the presence of host DNA, and also amplified unextracted DNA in whole cells of the bacterium down to at least 160 colony forming units. Detection and quantification of the target pathogen in phloem and xylem of both naturally infected and inoculated horse chestnut tissues was also demonstrated. This quantitative real‐time PCR assay provides the facility to study several important aspects of the biology of P. syringae pv. aesculi on horse chestnut including its potential for dissemination in different substrates.
Evidence for hyperparasitism of coffee rust (Hemileia vastatrix) by the entomogenous fungus, Lecanicillium lecanii, through a complex ecological web
Authors: Vandermeer J. , Perfecto I. , Liere H.
Published: May 2009

The entomogenous fungus, Lecanicillium lecanii is hyperparasitic on Hemileia vastatrix, the cause of coffee leaf rust in the laboratory, and has frequently been observed attacking it in the field. The existence of a complex ecological web involving the spatially clustered mutualism of an ant (Azteca instabilis) with a scale insect (Coccus viridis), where the scale insect was infected by L. lecanii, prompted a search for a spatial correlation between the attack of L. lecanii on the scale insect and the incidence of rust in a commercial coffee crop. A weak but statistically significant effect of hyperparasitic control of coffee rust was observed on two distinct scales: in a 45‐ha plot and on a scale of approximately 10 m. It was concluded that this effect was linked to an indirect effect of the ant–coccid mutualism, where L. lecanii was a parasite of the coccid.
Sequestration of active Cryptococcus neoformans infection in the parathyroid gland despite prolonged therapy in a renal transplant recipient
Authors: Thalla R. , Kim D. , Venkat K.K. , Parasuraman R.
Published: May 2009

Abstract: Disseminated cryptococcal infection occurs mainly in the immunocompromised host, particularly in those with impaired cellular immunity. The treatment outcome depends not only on the duration and choice of antifungal therapy, but also on the activity of the organism to persist in different parts of the body despite therapy. We present a case of persistence of cryptococcal infection in the parathyroid gland in a kidney transplant recipient. A 38‐year‐old male renal transplant recipient diagnosed to have disseminated cryptococcosis was treated with discontinuation of immunosuppression, amphotericin B, and flucytosine for 2 weeks, and fluconazole subsequently. Dialysis was initiated when graft function deteriorated after discontinuation of immunosuppression. The patient showed no clinical signs of active cryptococcal infection on fluconazole therapy. One year after the diagnosis of cryptococcosis, and still on fluconazole, he underwent parathyroidectomy, for severe secondary hyperparathyroidism. Surprisingly, active cryptococcal infection with necrotizing granulomatous inflammation was demonstrated in the parathyroid, despite being on therapy. This patient illustrates that persistence of fungal infection despite prolonged therapy can occur in unusual sites such as the parathyroid and may be a source for future recurrence and dissemination.
Adaptation to an extraordinary environment by evolution of phenotypic plasticity and genetic assimilation
Authors: LANDE R.
Published: May 2009

Adaptation to a sudden extreme change in environment, beyond the usual range of background environmental fluctuations, is analysed using a quantitative genetic model of phenotypic plasticity. Generations are discrete, with time lagτbetween a critical period for environmental influence on individual development and natural selection on adult phenotypes. The optimum phenotype, and genotypic norms of reaction, are linear functions of the environment. Reaction norm elevation and slope (plasticity) vary among genotypes. Initially, in the average background environment, the character is canalized with minimum genetic and phenotypic variance, and no correlation between reaction norm elevation and slope. The optimal plasticity is proportional to the predictability of environmental fluctuations over time lagτ. During the first generation in the new environment the mean fitness suddenly drops and the mean phenotype jumps towards the new optimum phenotype by plasticity. Subsequent adaptation occurs in two phases. Rapid evolution of increased plasticity allows the mean phenotype to closely approach the new optimum. The new phenotype then undergoes slow genetic assimilation, with reduction in plasticity compensated by genetic evolution of reaction norm elevation in the original environment.
The allometric pattern of sexually size dimorphic feather ornaments and factors affecting allometry
Authors: CUERVO J. J. , MØLLER A. P.
Published: May 2009

The static allometry of secondary sexual characters is currently subject to debate. While some studies suggest an almost universal positive allometry for such traits, but isometry or negative allometry for nonornamental traits, other studies maintain that any kind of allometric pattern is possible. Therefore, we investigated the allometry of sexually size dimorphic feather ornaments in 67 species of birds. We also studied the allometry of female feathers homologous to male ornaments (female ornaments in the following) and ordinary nonsexual traits. Allometries were estimated as reduced major axis slopes of trait length on tarsus length. Ornamental feathers showed positive allometric slopes in both sexes, although that was not a peculiarity for ornamental feathers, because nonsexual tail feathers also showed positive allometry. Migration distance (in males) and relative size of the tail ornament (in females) tended to be negatively related to the allometric slope of tail feather ornaments, although these results were not conclusive. Finally, we found an association between mating system and allometry of tail feather ornaments, with species with more intense sexual selection showing a smaller degree of allometry of tail ornaments. This study is consistent with theoretical models that predict no specific kind of allometric pattern for sexual and nonsexual characters.
Demographic history, geographical distribution and reproductive isolation of distinct lineages of blue rockfish (Sebastes mystinus), a marine fish with a high dispersal potential
Authors: BURFORD M. O.
Published: May 2009

Understanding the barriers to genetic exchange in taxonomic groups that have a high dispersal potential will provide critical information on speciation in general. Blue rockfish (Sebastes mystinus) are good taxa to examine speciation because they are nonmigratory inhabitants of shallow rocky reef habitats along the eastern North Pacific with a pelagic larval stage lasting 3–5 months. The goal of this study was to analyse the evolutionary history and distribution patterns of different lineages withinS. mystinusdescribed previously and use this information to understand the speciation process in this group of high dispersal fish. The molecular data derived from specimens sampled over approximately 1650 km of theS. mystinusrange revealed a northerly and southerly distribution for the two lineages. Almost equal frequencies of both lineages occurred at centrally located sample locations, with evidence of reproductive isolation between the lineages. A demographic analysis showed that the two lineages diverged and experienced sudden expansion prior to the last glacial maximum, which affected the observed pattern of genetic structure. The spatial distribution, demographic history and degree of genetic distinctiveness found from the genetic analysis, despite the high potential for dispersal inS. mystinus, suggest both lineages diverged in allopatry.
Displacement of flowering phenologies among plant species by competition for generalist pollinators
Authors: DEVAUX C. , LANDE R.
Published: May 2009

We model the evolution of allochronic isolation between sympatric animal‐pollinated plant species via displacement of their flowering times. The plant species share generalist pollinators and either produce inviable hybrid seeds or do not hybridize at all. Displacement of flowering times between reproductively isolated species reduces competition for pollinators and the formation of inviable hybrid seeds. Under strong pollen limitation, competition for pollinators causes rapid evolution of allochronic isolation both for hybridizing and nonhybridizing species. Under weak pollen limitation, allochronic isolation evolves rapidly for hybridizing species but more slowly for nonhybridizing species. Positive density‐dependent pollinator visitation rate at low flower densities facilitates allochronic isolation under weak pollen limitation. Allochronic isolation among sympatric species sharing generalist pollinators could be common under any intensity of pollen limitation if the flowering season is sufficiently long.
Juniperus communis: victim of the combined action of climate warming and nitrogen deposition?
Authors: Verheyen K. , Adriaenssens S. , Gruwez R. , Michalczyk I. M. , Ward L. K. , Rosseel Y. , Van den Broeck A. , García D.
Published: May 2009

Research on the combined effects of climate change and nitrogen deposition on reproductive traits, and especially on the production of viable seeds, is still scarce despite their importance for population persistence and expansion. Hence, in this study we set out to investigate the direct and indirect effects of the above‐mentioned global change drivers on seed viability in the coniferous shrub Juniperus communis L. In many parts of its European range, juniper is increasingly threatened, partly because of a lack of sexual reproduction. We hypothesised that this regeneration failure is partly due to poor seed viability. Using data from 39 populations throughout Europe, we were able to demonstrate that a strong, triangular‐shaped relationship exists between the percentage of viable seeds produced and the percentage of juniper seedlings occurring in a population, which indicates that the species is indeed partly seed limited. Furthermore, based on an extended dataset of 42 populations, we found that seed viability was negatively affected by temperature, measured as mean annual growing degree‐days, and nitrogen deposition (but not by drought). Suggestions are made about the processes behind the observed patterns, but more research is required. Nevertheless, our results do raise serious concerns for the conservation of juniper in light of the predicted rise in temperature and global nitrogen emissions. Furthermore, it is likely that similar patterns can also be observed for other species.
Histology and Mucin Histochemistry of The Digestive Tract of Yellow Catfish, Pelteobagrus fulvidraco
Authors: Cao X. J. , Wang W. M.
Published: May 2009

The histology and characteristics of mucins secreted by epithelial mucous cells of the digestive tract in yellow catfish, Pelteobagrus fulvidraco were investigated using light microscope and transmission electron microscope. The digestive tract was divided into a pharynx, oesophagus, U‐shaped stomach (with a cardiac, fundic and pyloric part) and intestine, composed of anterior intestine, middle intestine and posterior intestine, which consisted of a mucosa (epithelial layer), lamina propria‐submucosa, muscularis and serosa. A large number of isolated longitudinal striated muscular bundles were present in the lamina propria‐submucosa of pharynx. Goblet cells were observed throughout the digestive tract, except in the stomach. In the cardiac and fundic stomach, a plenty of gastric glands were observed, whereas they were absent in the pyloric part. Numerous mitochondria and endoplasmic reticulum were observed in the columnar epithelial cells of the intestine, especially of the anterior part. The epithelial mucous cells contained neutral or other two mixtures of acid and neutral mucins, the first being the most common. The neutral mucin was the only type of mucins in the stomach, anterior intestine and middle intestine. The results of this study will be helpful for understanding the digestive physiology and diagnosing some gastrointestinal diseases in yellow catfish.
Rudimentary Coronary Artery in Syrian Hamsters (Mesocricetus auratus)
Authors: Durán A. C. , Arqué J. M. , Fernández B. , Fernández M. C. , Fernández‐Gallego T. , Rodríguez C. , Sans‐Coma V.
Published: May 2009

Congenital underdevelopment of one or more main branches of the coronary arteries has been reported in man, but not in non‐human mammals. In man, this defective coronary artery arrangement may cause myocardial ischaemia and even sudden death.The main goal of this study was to describe the coronary artery distribution patterns associated with the presence of a markedly underdeveloped (rudimentary) coronary artery in Syrian hamsters. Moreover, an attempt was made to explain the morphogenesis of these patterns, according to current knowledge on coronary artery development. Eleven affected hamsters belonging to a laboratory inbred family were examined by means of internal casts of the heart, great arterial trunks and coronary arteries. The aortic valve was tricuspid (normal) in seven hamsters and bicuspid in the other four. A rudimentary coronary artery arose from the right side of the aortic valve in four specimens, from the left side of the aortic valve in a further three, and from the dorsal aortic sinus in the remaining four. In all cases, a second, well‐developed coronary artery provided for all the coronary blood flow. Except for the existence of a rudimentary coronary artery, the present anomalous coronary artery distribution patterns are similar to coronary artery patterns reported in Syrian hamsters, dogs and humans in association with a solitary coronary ostium in aorta. We suggest that an unusual prolonged time interval in the development of the embryonic coronary stems might be a key factor in the formation of coronary arteries displaying significantly dissimilar developmental degrees.
Phase variation, capsular polysaccharide, pilus and flagella contribute to uptake of Vibrio vulnificus by the Eastern oyster (Crassostrea virginica)
Authors: Srivastava Milan , Tucker Matthew S. , Gulig Paul A. , Wright Anita C.
Published: May 2009

Vibrio vulnificus infections are associated with raw oyster consumption, and disease reservoirs are determined by the ability of this bacterium to infect and persist in oysters. Surface structures, such as capsular polysaccharide (CPS), pili and flagella, function as virulence factors in mouse infection models. Furthermore, virulence is related to phase variation in colony morphology, which reflects CPS expression and includes opaque (encapsulated, virulent), translucent (reduced encapsulation, avirulent) and rugose (wrinkled, biofilm‐enhanced) colony types. The role of these factors in environmental survival is unknown; therefore, mutational analysis and phase variation of V. vulnificus were examined in an oyster infection model. Oysters (Crassostrea virginica) were pre‐treated with tetracycline to reduce background bacteria and subsequently inoculated via filter feeding with 106 colony‐forming units (cfu) ml−1 of V. vulnificus wild‐type strains and phase variants, as well as strains with deletion mutations in genes related to CPS (Δwza), pili (ΔpilA), flagella (ΔflaCDE/ΔflaFBA) and motility (ΔmotAB). All mutants were significantly reduced in their dissemination to oyster haemolymph as compared with wild type; however, recovery of mutants from gills and intestinal tissue was generally similar to wild type. Translucent and rugose inocula showed induction of high‐frequency phase variation to the opaque encapsulated phenotype (100% and 72% respectively) during oyster infections that did not occur in strains recovered from seawater. Thus, multiple bacterial factors determine uptake of V. vulnificus in oysters, and phase variation during oyster infection is a likely mechanism for environmental survival and for induction of the more virulent phenotype.
Saxagliptin given in combination with metformin as initial therapy improves glycaemic control in patients with type 2 diabetes compared with either monotherapy: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Jadzinsky M. , Pfützner A. , Paz‐Pacheco E. , Xu Z. , Allen E. , Chen R. ,   CV181‐039 Investigators
Published: May 2009

Aim:  The study aim was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of initial combination therapy with saxagliptin + metformin vs. saxagliptin or metformin monotherapy in treatment‐naïve patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D) and inadequate glycaemic control.

Methods:  In this multicentre, randomized, double‐blind, active‐controlled phase 3 trial, 1306 treatment‐naïve patients with T2D ≥18 to ≤77 years, glycosylated haemoglobin (HbA1c) ≥8 to ≤12%, fasting C‐peptide concentration ≥1.0 ng/ml, body mass index ≤40 kg/m2 were randomized to receive saxagliptin 5 mg + metformin 500 mg, saxagliptin 10 mg + metformin 500 mg, saxagliptin 10 mg + placebo or metformin 500 mg + placebo for 24 weeks. From weeks 1–5, metformin was uptitrated in 500‐mg/day increments to 2000 mg/day maximum in the saxagliptin 5 mg + metformin, saxagliptin 10 mg + metformin and metformin + placebo treatment groups. The main outcome measure was HbA1c change from baseline to week 24. Selected secondary outcomes included change from baseline to week 24 in fasting plasma glucose (FPG), proportion of patients achieving HbA1c <7% and postprandial glucose area under the curve (PPG‐AUC).

Results:  At 24 weeks, saxagliptin 5 mg + metformin and saxagliptin 10 mg + metformin demonstrated statistically significant adjusted mean decreases vs. saxagliptin 10 mg and metformin monotherapies in HbA1c (−2.5 and −2.5% vs. −1.7 and −2.0%, all p < 0.0001 vs. monotherapy) and FPG (−60 and −62 mg/dl vs. −31 and −47 mg/dl, both p < 0.0001 vs. saxagliptin 10 mg; p = 0.0002 saxagliptin 5 mg + metformin vs. metformin; p < 0.0001 saxagliptin 10 mg + metformin vs. metformin). Proportion of patients achieving an HbA1c <7% was 60.3 and 59.7%, respectively, for saxagliptin 5 mg + metformin and saxagliptin 10 mg + metformin (all p < 0.0001 vs. monotherapy). PPG‐AUC was significantly reduced [−21 080 mg·min/dl (saxagliptin 5 mg + metformin) and −21 336 mg·min/dl (saxagliptin 10 mg + metformin) vs. −16 054 mg·min/dl (saxagliptin 10 mg) and −15 005 mg·min/dl (metformin), all p < 0.0001 vs. monotherapy]. Adverse event occurrence was similar across all groups. Hypoglycaemic events were infrequent.

Conclusion:  Saxagliptin + metformin as initial therapy led to statistically significant improvements compared with either treatment alone across key glycaemic parameters with a tolerability profile similar to the monotherapy components.
Cultural similarities and differences in social identification in Japan and Australia
Authors: Kashima Emiko S. , Hitokoto Hidehumi
Published: May 2009

A comparison of social identification processes in Australia and Japan found some similarities and differences. In both countries, identification with smaller face‐to‐face groups was found to be stronger than identification with larger social categories; however, Australians scored higher on the affective dimension of social identification, whereas Japanese scored higher on the cognitive dimension. Moreover, positive situations from Australia and negative situations from Japan were estimated by respondents from both cultures to be more influential in determining how much they identify with their ingroups, showing a cultural situation‐bias effect. Situational affordances of social identification across cultures are discussed.
Similarity attraction and actually selecting similar others: How cross‐societal differences in relational mobility affect interpersonal similarity in Japan and the USA
Authors: Schug Joanna , Yuki Masaki , Horikawa Hiroki , Takemura Kosuke
Published: May 2009

Several studies have demonstrated that similarity between friendship partners is higher in the West than in East Asian countries. We hypothesized that these differences could be explained by relational mobility, or the number of opportunities to form new relationships in a given society. Through two studies, we confirmed that whereas the preference for similarity did not differ, similarity between friendship partners was higher in the USA than in Japan. Furthermore, a measure of relational mobility mediated the cultural difference in similarity, supporting our hypothesis. The effectiveness of considering socio‐ecological factors when interpreting cultural differences in behaviour is discussed.
The Transition to High School as a Developmental Process Among Multiethnic Urban Youth
Authors: Benner Aprile D. , Graham Sandra
Published: May 2009

The high school transition was examined in an ethnically diverse, urban sample of 1,979 adolescents, followed from 7th to 10th grade (Mage = 14.6, SD = .37 in 7th grade). Twice annually, data were gathered on adolescents’ perceptions of school climate, psychological functioning, and academic behaviors. Piecewise growth modeling results indicate that adolescents were doing well before the transition but experienced transition disruptions in psychological functioning and grades, and many continued to struggle across high school. The immediate experience of the transition appeared to be particularly challenging for African American and Latino students when the numerical representation of their ethnic groups declined significantly from middle to high school. Findings highlight the value of examining the transition in a larger developmental context and the importance of implementing transition support.
Latino Adolescents’ Ethnic Identity: Is There a Developmental Progression and Does Growth in Ethnic Identity Predict Growth in Self‐Esteem?
Authors: Umaña‐Taylor Adriana J. , Gonzales‐Backen Melinda A. , Guimond Amy B.
Published: May 2009

The current longitudinal study of 323 Latino adolescents (50.5% male; M age = 15.31 years) examined whether ethnic identity exploration, resolution, and affirmation demonstrated significant growth over a 4‐year period and whether growth in ethnic identity predicted growth in self‐esteem. Findings from multiple‐group latent growth curve models revealed that exploration, resolution, and affirmation all increased significantly from middle to late adolescence for Latina girls. For Latino boys, only affirmation increased significantly. Furthermore, only growth in exploration predicted growth in boys’ and girls’ self‐esteem. This research indicates that patterns of growth in ethnic identity vary by adolescent sex. Furthermore, findings underscore the need to examine the unique contributions of each ethnic identity component, rather than using a composite ethnic identity score.