bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of defoliation frequency and cutting height on growth, dry‐matter yield and nutritive value of Napier grass (Pennisetum purpureum (L.) Schumach)
Authors: Tessema Z. K. , Mihret J. , Solomon M.
Published: October 2010

Growth characteristics, dry‐matter (DM) yield, chemical components and in vitro dry‐matter digestibility (IVDMD) of Napier grass were studied in a randomized complete block design with three replications at Haramaya University, Ethiopia. The treatments were three defoliation frequencies (60, 90 and 120 d after Napier grass establishment) and five cutting heights (5, 10, 15, 20 and 25 cm above ground level). Except for leaf‐to‐stem ratio, all growth characteristics increased with decreasing frequency of defoliation. Similarly, DM yield of Napier grass increased as the frequency of defoliation decreased. Total ash, crude protein (CP), hemicellulose and IVDMD contents of Napier grass increased with increasing frequency of defoliation, whereas DM, acid detergent fibre, acid detergent lignin and cellulose contents increased with a decrease in defoliation frequency. In contrast, cutting heights had no significant effect on most chemical components and IVDMD contents, although total ash and CP decreased as the height of cutting increased. The CP yield per cut and per day was highest at an intermediate defoliation frequency. The results of this study indicated that Napier grass could be categorized under medium‐ to high‐quality herbage if defoliated at 90 d after establishment in the mid and highlands of Ethiopia.
Phenology as a basis for management of exotic annual plants in desert invasions
Authors: Marushia Robin G. , Cadotte Marc W. , Holt Jodie S.
Published: October 2010

1. Exotic annual plants are an increasingly important ecological issue and new, creative approaches to management are required. In desert ecosystems of the southwestern USA, the forbs Brassica tournefortii, Erodium cicutarium and Schismus spp. dominate and alter native annual communities. Hand weeding B. tournefortii is currently the most common control method employed, but weeding is inadequate and expensive for managing large‐scale invasions. New methods must be developed to conserve and restore desert ecosystems.

2. Exotic annuals in desert systems have rapid germination and phenology compared to natives, indicating that a window for selective control of exotic annuals may occur immediately after exotic seedling emergence. We tested the role of timing in control methods by comparing a cotyledon‐stage glyphosate application to a bolting‐stage application and to hand weeding B. tournefortii, plus an untreated check. Treatments were tested at two sites dominated by either exotic or native annuals and followed for 2 years; early application was repeated the second year. Cover and richness were evaluated during seedling and peak flowering stages underneath and between shrubs.

3. Early glyphosate application did not affect native cover, but did reduce exotic cover. Late herbicide negatively impacted both exotics and natives. Natives had little positive response, and then only through hand weeding under shrubs, but the same treatment caused an increase in the exotic E. cicutarium.

4.
Synthesis and applications. The rapid phenology of exotic annuals may be exploited to control exotics while minimizing impacts on native plants in desert communities. This approach may be useful for other invasions in other ecosystems by species with rapid, early germination, or may act as a supplement to improve the efficacy of existing management regimes.
Dynamics and pathways of autotrophic and heterotrophic soil CO2 efflux revealed by forest girdling
Authors: Subke Jens‐Arne , Voke Naomi R. , Leronni Vincenzo , Garnett Mark H. , Ineson Phil
Published: October 2010

1. Quantifying pathways and temporal dynamics of carbon (C) flux between plants and soil is critical to our understanding of the long‐term fate of C stored in soils. The potential priming of old organic matter decomposition by fresh C input from plants means that the impact of environmental changes on the interactions between plant C allocation and soil C storage need to be better understood. We used forest girdling to investigate the partitioning of total soil CO2 efflux (RS) into autotrophic (RA) and heterotrophic (RH) flux components and their interaction with litter decomposition.

2. The reduction in RS in girdled plots stabilized within two weeks at 65% of control plot values, indicating that RS is dominated by RH, and that only a small pool of available non‐structural C remains in roots in late summer to sustain rhizosphere metabolic processes. RA contributions declined from 35% late in the growing season to about 25% in winter.

3. Our results indicate that actual root respiration (RR) and respiration by ectyomycorrhizas and other rhizospheric organisms (RM) contribute c. 50% each to RA between September and early November. During winter, RA remained significantly greater than zero despite frequent sub‐zero air temperatures, with RM being a dominant component of RA during this period.

4. Forest girdling significantly increased the age of C in soil‐respired CO2, consistent with the removal of contemporary C derived from RA. Partitioning of soil CO2 efflux on the basis of 14C results shows good agreement with the flux reduction observed between girdled and control plots.

5. Litter bag incubations indicate a promoting influence of an intact C supply to the rhizosphere on decomposition, indicating a positive rhizosphere priming effect.

6. Synthesis: Our results demonstrate significant contribution of mycorrhizas and other rhizosphere organisms to RS, and suggest a direct link between an intact rhizosphere and litter decomposition dynamics. These results highlight the tight coupling between autotroph activity and soil decomposition processes in forest soils, and add to the growing body of evidence that plant and soil processes cannot be treated separately.
Response of individual components of reproductive phenology to growing season length in a monocarpic herb
Authors: Haggerty Brian P. , Galloway Laura F.
Published: October 2010

1. Climate change is causing the growing season to expand and many plants are flowering earlier. However we know less about whether other components of reproductive phenology are altered or whether these changes in phenology are adaptive.

2. We evaluated reproductive phenology and fitness components for populations of Campanulastrum americanum sampled across an elevation gradient and reciprocally transplanted into common gardens at high and low elevations.

3. The low‐elevation planting site had an expanded growing season that induced the advance of bolting, flowering, average flower date, and time to fruit maturity relative to the high‐elevation site for transplants. With the exception of flowering initiation, each successive stage of reproduction was advanced more than the previous one, resulting in a compressed phenology in the warmer environment.

4. In contrast, populations from low elevation had a longer reproductive cycle when grown at both sites, with each phenological component extended relative to populations from high elevation. Fruit production indicated populations were locally adapted to elevation, suggesting these differences in phenology are adaptive.

5. Selection on phenological characters was stronger on transplants in the expanded low‐elevation growing season, favouring delayed bolting and advanced flowering. Plastic response to the longer growing season was adaptive for flowering time but maladaptive for bolt initiation.

6. Synthesis. The compressed reproductive phenology favoured in the expanded growing season expected under climate change will largely be achieved with adaptive plasticity of individual phenological traits. Traits under selection in the longer growing season were genetically differentiated between populations that currently differ in growing season length, suggesting evolutionary malleability and likely modification of reproductive phenology in response to climate change.
Expression and localization of MCsialec, a sialic acid‐specific lectin in the marine bivalve Manila clam, Ruditapes philppinarum
Authors: Adhya M , Choi K‐S , Yu Y , Cho M
Published: October 2010

A novel sialic acid‐specific lectin (MCsialec) was detected from an expressed sequenced tag (EST) sequence from Manila clam haemocytes infected with Perkinsus olseni. The cDNA of the lectin was cloned using gene‐specific primers based on a previously determined EST and characterized. The full‐length cDNA of MCsialec is 603 bp in length and encodes a polypeptide of 200 amino acids with a calculated molecular mass of 21.928 kDa. Sequence alignment and protein motif analyses showed that MCsialec shares identity with sialic acid‐specific invertebrate lectins from Cepaea hortensis, Helix pomatia and Haliotis discus discus. The lectin was expressed in Escherichia coli M15 cells and purified using a Ni‐NTA His‐binding resin matrix for antibody production. The presence of the lectin in various tissues of Perkinsus‐infected and uninfected Manila clams was analysed by both PCR and immunohistochemical localization assays. MCsialec was detected in each tissue of the clams; however, upon infection, the level of expression of the lectin increased in each tissue. Vibrio tapetis infection also induced high‐level expression of MCsialec in the haemocytes. These data suggest that MCsialec plays a crucial role in the immune system of the Manila clam during pathogenic infection.
Discovering the Brazilian bat fauna: a task for two centuries?
Authors: BERNARD Enrico , AGUIAR Ludmilla M. S. , MACHADO Ricardo B.
Published: October 2010

Brazil is the second most bat species‐rich country in the world, but the available information on the occurrence and distribution of bat species in Brazil is still heterogeneous and fragmented.

We review the occurrence and distribution of bat species in Brazil, analyse the spatial performance of inventories conducted to date and identify knowledge gaps. We also identify the main factors contributing to the recent increase in the knowledge of the Brazilian bat fauna, and make suggestions for maintaining this momentum into the near future.

We plotted record coordinates on a map, grouped them in 0.5 degrees of latitude × 0.5 degrees of longitude grid cells, and analysed records for each of the five terrestrial biomes in Brazil, and for the 1439 priority polygons for the conservation of Brazilian biodiversity.

We identified 5502 formal bat records in Brazil, indicating that less than 10% of the country is minimally surveyed, and that for nearly 60% of Brazil there is not a single record of bat species. Record coverage varies from 79% in the Atlantic Forest to 24% in Amazonia, but none of the Brazilian biomes is well surveyed for bats. Bat species have been recorded in only 15% of the priority areas for Brazilian biodiversity conservation.

If the current rate of recording bats in empty grid cells (10% every 4 years) was maintained, it would take 33 years for all cells to have a single record. If the current rate of recording ≥20 species in a grid cell (0.8% per year) was maintained, it would take 200 years for the bat fauna of Brazil to be minimally surveyed. Alarmingly, most of the data‐poor areas are at the expansion frontiers of the agro‐business, near the surrounding deforestation fronts.

We make recommendations for scientific research on bats in Brazil, to ensure the conservation of this ecologically important taxon.
Multiple hybridization events between Drosophila simulans and Drosophila mauritiana are supported by mtDNA introgression
Authors: NUNES MARIA D. S. , OROZCO‐TER WENGEL PABLO , KREISSL MICHAELA , SCHLÖTTERER CHRISTIAN
Published: October 2010

The study of speciation has advanced considerably in the last decades because of the increased application of molecular tools. In particular, the quantification of gene flow between recently diverged species could be addressed. Drosophila simulans and Drosophila mauritiana diverged, probably allopatrically, from a common ancestor approximately 250 000 years ago. However, these species share one mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) haplotype indicative of a recent episode of introgression. To study the extent of gene flow between these species, we took advantage of a large sample of D. mauritiana and employed a range of different markers, i.e. nuclear and mitochondrial sequences, and microsatellites. This allowed us to detect two new mtDNA haplotypes (MAU3 and MAU4). These haplotypes diverged quite recently from haplotypes of the siII group present in cosmopolitan populations of D. simulans. The mean divergence time of the most diverged haplotype (MAU4) is approximately 127 000 years, which is more than 100 000 years before the assumed speciation time. Interestingly, we also found some evidence for gene flow at the nuclear level because an excess of putatively neutral loci shows significantly reduced differentiation between D. simulans and D. mauritiana. Our results suggest that these species are exchanging genes more frequently than previously thought.
Plio‐Pleistocene history of West African Sudanian savanna and the phylogeography of the Praomys daltoni complex (Rodentia): the environment/geography/genetic interplay
Authors: BRYJA J. , GRANJON L. , DOBIGNY G. , PATZENHAUEROVÁ H. , KONEČNÝ A. , DUPLANTIER J. M. , GAUTHIER P. , COLYN M. , DURNEZ L. , LALIS A. , NICOLAS V.
Published: October 2010

Rodents of the Praomys daltoni complex are typical inhabitants of the Sudanian savanna ecosystem in western Africa and represent a suitable model for testing the effects of Quaternary climatic oscillations on extant genetic variation patterns. Phylogeographical analyses of mitochondrial DNA sequences (cytochrome b) across the distribution range of the complex revealed several well‐defined clades that do not support the division of the clade into the two species currently recognized on the basis of morphology, i.e. P. daltoni (Thomas, 1892) and Praomys derooi (Van der Straeten & Verheyen 1978). The observed genetic structure fits the refuge hypothesis, suggesting that only a small number of populations repeatedly survived in distinct forest‐savanna mosaic blocks during the arid phases of the Pleistocene, and then expanded again during moister periods. West African rivers may also have contributed to genetic differentiation, especially by forming barriers after secondary contact of expanding populations. The combination of three types of genetic markers (mtDNA sequences, microsatellite loci, cytogenetic data) provides evidence for the presence of up to three lineages, which most probably represent distinct biological species. Furthermore, incongruence between nuclear and mtDNA markers in some individuals unambiguously points towards a past introgression event. Our results highlight the importance of combining different molecular markers for an accurate interpretation of genetic data.
Pollen foraging behaviour of solitary Hawaiian bees revealed through molecular pollen analysis
Authors: WILSON ERIN E. , SIDHU C. SHEENA , LeVAN KATHERINE E. , HOLWAY DAVID A.
Published: October 2010

Obtaining quantitative information concerning pollinator behaviour has become a primary objective of pollination studies, but methodological limitations hinder progress towards this goal. Here, we use molecular genetic methods in an ecological context to demonstrate that endemic Hawaiian Hylaeus bees (Hymenoptera: Colletidae) selectively collect pollen from native plant species in Haleakala and Hawaii Volcanoes National Parks. We identified pollen DNA from the crops (internal storage organs) of 21 Hylaeus specimens stored in ethanol for up to 3 years. Genetic analyses reveal high fidelity in pollen foraging despite the availability of pollen from multiple plant species present at each study site. At high elevations in Haleakala, pollen was available from more than 12 species of flowering plants, but Hawaiian silversword (Argyroxiphium sandwicense subsp. macrocephalum) comprised 86% of all pollen samples removed from bee crops. At lower elevations in both parks, we only detected pukiawe (Leptecophylla (Styphelia) tameiameiae) pollen in Hylaeus crops despite the presence of other plant species in flower during our study. Furthermore, 100% of Hylaeus crops from which we successfully identified pollen contained native plant pollen. The molecular approaches developed in this study provide species‐level information about floral visitation of Hawaiian Hylaeus that does not require specialized palynological expertise needed for high‐throughput visual pollen identification. Building upon this approach, future studies can thus develop appropriate and customized criteria for assessing mixed pollen loads from a broader range of sources and from other global regions.
Cyclosporin A inhibits hepatitis C virus replication and restores interferon‐alpha expression in hepatocytes
Authors: Liu J.‐P. , Ye L. , Wang X. , Li J.‐L. , Ho W.‐Z.
Published: October 2010

J.‐P. Liu, L. Ye, X. Wang, J.‐L. Li, W.‐Z. Ho. Cyclosporin A inhibits hepatitis C virus replication and restores interferon‐alpha expression in hepatocytes. Transpl Infect Dis 2011:13:24–32. All rights reserved

Abstract:Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is the leading indication for liver transplantation and a major cause of graft failure. This study investigated whether cyclosporin A (CsA), a widely used immunosuppressant for organ transplantation, inhibits full cycle HCV replication and restores type I interferon (IFN) signaling pathway in human hepatocytes. CsA treatment of hepatocytes before, during, and after HCV infection significantly inhibited full cycle viral replication, which is evidenced by decreased expression of HCV RNA, protein, and infectious viruses in human hepatocytes. The suppression of HCV replication by CsA was associated with elevated levels of endogenous IFN‐α in infected hepatocytes. Although CsA had little effect on IFN‐α signaling pathway in uninfected hepatocytes, CsA treatment of HCV‐infected hepatocytes specifically upregulated the expression of IFN regulatory factor‐1 and inhibited the expression of suppressor of cytokine signaling‐1 and protein inhibitor of activated signal transducers and activators of transcription‐x, the primary negative regulators of IFN signaling pathway. These findings provide additional evidence to support the development of CsA‐based prevention/treatment of HCV infection for transplant recipients.
Medication discontinuity errors in the perioperative period
Authors: VAN WAES J. A. R. , DE GRAAFF J. C. , EGBERTS A. C. G. , VAN KLEI W. A.
Published: October 2010

Background: Inappropriate withdrawal or continuation of medication in the perioperative period is associated with an increased risk for adverse events. To reduce this risk, it is important that patients take their regular medication as prescribed. We evaluated this treatment objective by studying the frequency and reasons for errors related to medication discontinuity in the perioperative period.

Methods: Patients scheduled for non‐cardiac surgery were included in this cross‐sectional study. Perioperative medication intake was assessed at the holding area of the operation theatre complex and on the ward during the first 24 h after surgery. Medication intake data were obtained from medical records and by questioning patients and compared with pre‐operative instructions.

Results: The study included 701 patients, of whom 485 (69%) used regular medication. Medication was incorrectly taken or discontinued before surgery in 27% of the patients. In 57% of these patients, the reason for incorrect intake was an unclear or a falsely understood instruction before surgery. Post‐operative medication errors occurred in 26% of the patients.

Conclusion: Medication errors occur frequently in the perioperative period, even in the era of an electronic medication file. Errors in prescription, administration and intake of medication are not easily solved because no single health care professional is responsible for adequate intake of medication in surgical patients. The anaesthesiologist should take on a more prominent role in regulating perioperative medication intake in surgical patients.
New pocket echocardiography device is interchangeable with high‐end portable system when performed by experienced examiners
Authors: FREDERIKSEN C. A. , JUHL‐OLSEN P. , LARSEN U. T. , NIELSEN D. G. , EIKA B. , SLOTH E.
Published: October 2010

Background: Cardiovascular status is a crucial determinant in the pre‐operative assessment of patients for surgery as well as for the handling of patients with acute illness. We hypothesized that focus‐assessed transthoracic echocardiography (FATE) could be performed with the subject in the semi‐recumbent position. The aim was also to test whether the image quality of Vscan is interchangeable with a conventional high‐quality portable echocardiography system. Furthermore, we evaluated the time needed to achieve an interpretable four‐chamber view and to complete a full FATE examination.

Methods: Sixty‐one subjects were included. All subjects were examined in accordance with the FATE protocol in the semi‐recumbent position on two different systems: the novel Vscan pocket device and the high‐quality portable Vivid i system. Two evaluations were performed. In group A (n=30), the focus was on image quality. In group B (n=31), the focus was on the time consumed.

Results: Group A: All patients (100%) had at least one image suitable for interpretation and no significant difference in image quality (P=0.32) was found between the two different systems. Group B: The mean value for the total time consumed for a full FATE was 69.3 s (59.8–78.8) on the Vscan and 63.7s (56.7–70.8) on the Vivid i, with no significant difference among the scanners (P=0.08).

Conclusion: The Vscan displays image quality interchangeable with larger and more expensive systems. The apparatus is well suited for performing a FATE examination in a 1‐day surgery setting and could very well also be applicable in almost any situation involving patients with acute illness.
Non‐invasive monitoring of blood haemoglobin for analysis of fluid volume kinetics
Authors: HAHN R. G. , LI Y. , ZDOLSEK J.
Published: October 2010

Background: A commercially available pulse oximeter that reports blood haemoglobin (Hb) concentration is evaluated. This study considers whether this device can provide serial Hb data that would be sufficiently reliable for volume kinetic analysis of infusion fluids.

Methods: Forty infusions of 5 or 10 ml/kg of acetated Ringer's solution were given over 15 min in 10 healthy volunteers. Hb was measured on 17 different occasions over 120 min using the Radical 7 pulse oximeter and compared with the result of invasive blood sampling (control). A one‐volume kinetic model was applied to each data series. The pulse oximeter also reported the perfusion index (PI).

Results: The median deviation between the 680 invasive and non‐invasive Hb samples (the accuracy) was 1.6% and the absolute median deviation (precision) was 4.6%. Between‐subject factors explained half of the variation in the difference between non‐invasive vs. invasive sampling.

Ten of the 40 non‐invasive series of Hb values were discarded from kinetic analysis due to poor quality. The remaining 30 series showed a smaller distribution volume for the infused fluid when kinetic analysis was based on the non‐invasive method (3.0 vs. 5.3 l; P<0.001). This was due to co‐variance with the PI, which exaggerated the decrease in Hb caused by the infusions. The non‐invasive method might provide useful kinetic data at the group level, but individual curves deviated too much from the invasive data to be reliable.

Conclusions: Non‐invasive measurement of the Hb concentration during volume loading could not provide useful kinetic data for individuals.
Parallel divergence in mate guarding behaviour following colonization of a novel habitat
Authors: KARLSSON K. , EROUKHMANOFF F. , HÄRDLING R. , SVENSSON E. I.
Published: October 2010

Ecological factors can have profound effects on mating system and mating behaviour. We investigated the effect of altered ecological conditions, following colonization of a novel habitat, on precopulatory mate guarding in a freshwater isopod (Asellus aquaticus). This isopod occurs in two different ecotypes, which coexist within several different lakes in Sweden but which utilize different habitats. These ecotypes have rapidly (ca. 40 generations) diverged in parallel among lakes in several phenotypic characters, presumably as a response to different predatory pressures. Here, we demonstrate that also mate guarding characteristics have diverged in parallel between the ecotypes in different lakes. This is one of the few studies reporting parallel evolution of mating behaviour. Furthermore, our results also indicate a potential sexual conflict, as the length of mate guarding appears to lower components of female fitness. We discuss how novel environments might have strong and rapid effects on mate guarding dynamics and mating behaviour.
Genotype‐by‐environment interactions for female preference
Authors: NARRAWAY C. , HUNT J. , WEDELL N. , HOSKEN D. J.
Published: October 2010

Sexual selection is responsible for many of the most spectacular displays in nature, and female preference for certain males is central to much of this. However, female preference is relatively poorly understood, particularly the relative importance of a female’s genes, the environment and their interaction on her preference. We investigated preference in a no‐choice design using Drosophila melanogaster iso‐female lines and find that there are genotype‐by‐environment interactions for female preference. Whereas the choosiness of some female genotypes differed little across environments, that of others differed greatly, so that the choosiness rank of females in one environment did not necessarily predict their rank in another. Furthermore, the genetic variance underlying preference also varied across environments. These findings have important consequences for the evolution of female preference and the male sexual traits preference targets.
Role of epibenthic resource opportunities in the parallel evolution of lake whitefish species pairs (Coregonus sp.)
Authors: LANDRY L. , BERNATCHEZ L.
Published: October 2010

Parallel evolution of a dwarf and normal whitefish has been documented in six post‐glacial lakes. Here, we relate the structure and seasonal variations of the epibenthic invertebrate communities to the extent of phenotypic differentiation in these species pairs. The highest phenotypic differentiation occurs in lakes characterized by less overlap in size distribution between limnetic and epibenthic prey which could represent enhanced ecological opportunities for trophic specialization and adaptive divergence. Differences in community assemblages and seasonal variation of biotic and abiotic conditions may also play a role. Accumulating evidence indicates that strong directional selection acting on dwarf whitefish may be more important than divergent selection acting on both sympatric forms in driving whitefish phenotypic divergence and ultimately, ecological speciation. Along with Landry et al. (2007), this study supports the general hypothesis that parallelism in divergence among sympatric dwarf and normal whitefish is associated with parallelism in limnological adaptive landscape.
Birth–death symmetry in the evolution of a social trait
Authors: TAYLOR P.
Published: October 2010

Studies of the evolution of a social trait often make ecological assumptions (of population structure, life history), and thus a trait can be studied many different times with different assumptions. Here, I consider a Moran model of continuous reproduction and use an inclusive fitness analysis to investigate the relationships between fecundity or survival selection and birth–death (BD) or death–birth (DB) demography on the evolution of a social trait. A simple symmetry obtains: fecundity (respectively survival) effects under BD behave the same as survival (respectively fecundity) effects under DB. When these results are specialized to a homogeneous population, greatly simplified conditions for a positive inclusive fitness effect are obtained in both a finite and an infinite population. The results are established using the elegant formalism of mathematical group theory and are illustrated with an example of a finite population arranged in a cycle with asymmetric offspring dispersal.
Domestic chickens defy Rensch’s rule: sexual size dimorphism in chicken breeds
Authors: REMEŠ V. , SZÉKELY T.
Published: October 2010

Sexual size dimorphism (SSD), i.e. the difference in sizes of males and females, is a key evolutionary feature that is related to ecology, behaviour and life histories of organisms. Although the basic patterns of SSD are well documented for several major taxa, the processes generating SSD are poorly understood. Domesticated animals offer excellent opportunities for testing predictions of functional explanations of SSD theory because domestic stocks were often selected by humans for particular desirable traits. Here, we analyse SSD in 139 breeds of domestic chickens Gallus gallus domesticus and compare them to their wild relatives (pheasants, partridges and grouse; Phasianidae, 53 species). SSD was male‐biased in all chicken breeds, because males were 21.5 ± 0.55% (mean ± SE) heavier than females. The extent of SSD did not differ among breed categories (cock fighting, ornamental and breeds selected for egg and meat production). SSD of chicken breeds was not different from wild pheasants and allies (23.5 ± 3.43%), although the wild ancestor of chickens, the red jungle fowl G. gallus, had more extreme SSD (male 68.8% heavier) than any domesticated breed. Male mass and female mass exhibited positive allometry among pheasants and allies, consistently with the Rensch’s rule reported from various taxa. However, body mass scaled isometrically across chicken breeds. The latter results suggest that sex‐specific selection on males vs. females is necessary to generate positive allometry, i.e. the Rensch’s rule, in wild populations.
Phenotypically plastic traits regulate caste formation and soldier function in polyembryonic wasps
Authors: SMITH M. S. , MILTON I. , STRAND M. R.
Published: October 2010

Polyembryonic encyrtid wasps are parasitoids that have evolved a clonal form of embryogenesis and a caste system where some progeny become reproducing wasps whereas others develop into a sterile soldier caste. Theory based on the biology of Copidosoma floridanum predicts that the primary role of soldier larvae is to mediate conflict over sex ratio, which also favours female‐biased soldier production. Other data, however, suggest that female‐biased soldier production reflects a developmental constraint. Here, we assessed whether female‐biased soldier function by polyembryonic wasps reflects sex‐specific adaptation or constraint by conducting comparative studies with Copidosoma bakeri, a species that produces clutch sizes similar to C. floridanum yet rarely produces broods associated with sex ratio conflict. Our results indicate that the oviposition behaviour of adults, development of progeny and function of soldier larvae differ greatly between C. bakeri and C. floridanum. These findings indicate that caste formation and soldier function in polyembryonic encyrtid wasps are regulated by phenotypically plastic traits. Our results further suggest that the primary function of the soldier caste in some species is defence of host resources from competitors whereas in others it is the resolution of sex ratio conflict.
Child nutrition and lower respiratory tract disease burden in New Zealand: A global context for a national perspective
Authors: Grant Cameron C , Wall Clare R , Gibbons Megan J , Morton Susan M , Santosham Mathuram , Black Robert E
Published: October 2010

Aim:  To consider the contribution of malnutrition to acute lower respiratory infection (ALRI) disease burden in children <5 years old in New Zealand (NZ).

Methods:  The contribution of maternal and child malnutrition to ALRI disease burden in early childhood globally was described. A literature review was conducted to describe the nutritional status and ALRI disease burden of NZ children <5 years old.

Results:  The four key nutritional risk factors for ALRI disease burden globally are macronutrient undernutrition, low birthweight, zinc deficiency and suboptimal breastfeeding. In addition, maternal nutritional status and vitamin D deficiency are potentially important nutritional determinants of ALRI disease burden. Relative to other developed countries, NZ has a large ALRI disease burden in pre‐school‐aged children. Pneumonia and bronchiolitis hospitalisation rates are two to four times greater than other developed countries. The ALRI disease burden varies with ethnicity, being highest in Pacific, intermediate in Maori and lowest in European children. Three of the four key nutritional risk factors for global ALRI disease burden – low birthweight, zinc deficiency and suboptimal breastfeeding – are potential contributors to ALRI disease burden in NZ. In addition to these factors, vitamin D deficiency during early childhood and maternal vitamin D deficiency are also potentially important particularly with respect to the larger disease burden in Pacific and Maori children.

Conclusion:  The contribution of malnutrition to ALRI disease burden in NZ requires greater clarification. Such clarification is necessary to inform the development of nutritional policy, which seeks to improve early child health.
Drawing attention to difference: Dilemmas in discussing dysmorphism with parents
Authors: White Susan M , Hodgson Jan
Published: October 2010

Dysmorphism is a sensitive topic to discuss with parents. Discussing dysmorphism requires careful thought, awareness of parent reactions, practice and reflection. Clinical practice suggests that barriers exist for both parents and health professionals, which make these discussions challenging. Here, we explored the challenges inherent in dialogue about dysmorphism and offer suggestions for communication strategies that are grounded in both theory and practice.
A case of ant anaphylaxis
Authors: Mehr Sam , Brown Simon
Published: October 2010

A four‐year‐old girl developed anaphylaxis following ant stings at her parent's property in country New South Wales. The offending insect was identified by an entomologist as the green head ant. Ant sting anaphylactic reactions in Australia, the importance of identifying the offending insect following sting anaphylaxis and the signs of insect sting anaphylaxis are further discussed.
Urinary sulfated bile acid analysis for the early detection of biliary atresia in infants
Authors: Suzuki Mitsuyoshi , Muraji Toshihiro , Obatake Masayuki , Nio Masaki , Ito Kiichi , Suzuki Ken , Ota Kunitaka , Maisawa Shunichi , Yamashiro Yuichiro , Shimizu Toshiaki
Published: October 2010

Background:  Measurement of urinary sulfated bile acid (USBA) is a non‐invasive method to detect bile congestion. Our aim was to evaluate the feasibility of USBA analysis for the early detection of biliary atresia (BA).

Methods:  We determined the USBA‐to‐creatinine ratio (USBA/cr) in 1148 infants at 10–40 days after birth. All infants were followed until the 3‐ to 4‐month postnatal routine health check. The cutoff value for USBA/cr was 55.0 µmol/g creatinine.

Results:  Among the infants tested, 47 (4.10%) had USBA/cr ratios that exceeded the cutoff value. Two of these 47 infants had liver disease; one was diagnosed with neonatal hepatitis syndrome, and the other was diagnosed with BA. The BA patient underwent USBA analysis for the first time on day 18 after birth and hepatoportoenterostomy on day 49. No other infants were diagnosed with hepatobiliary disease during the follow‐up period.

Conclusion:  This USBA analysis provided the correct assessment without fail and identified a case of BA. This approach could be used for the screening and early detection of BA when the false‐positive rate is decreased by improving the methods for sample collection and urine storage.
Kinetics of acetylcholine quanta release at the neuromuscular junction during high‐frequency nerve stimulation
Authors: Kovyazina Irina V. , Tsentsevitsky Andrei N. , Nikolsky Evgeny E. , Bukharaeva Ellya A.
Published: October 2010

The effects of high‐frequency nerve stimulation (10–100 Hz) on the kinetics of evoked acetylcholine quanta secretion from frog motor nerve endings were studied. The amplitude and temporal parameters of uni‐ and multiquantal endplate currents were analysed to estimate the possible changes in the degree of synchrony of quantal release. The frog neuromuscular synapse is unusually long and we have placed special emphasis on evaluating the velocity of propagation of excitation along the nonmyelinated nerve ending as this might influence the synchrony of release from the whole terminal and hence affect the time course of postsynaptic currents. The data show that high‐frequency firing leads to the desynchronization of acetylcholine release from motor nerve endings governed by at least two independent factors, namely a reduction of nerve pulse propagation velocity in the nonmyelinated parts of the axon and a change of secretion kinetics at single active zones. A computer reconstruction of the multiquantal synaptic response was performed to estimate any contribution of each of the above factors to the total rate of release and amplitude and time characteristics of the endplate currents. The results indicate that modification of the kinetics of neurotransmitter quanta release during high‐frequency firing should be taken into account when mechanisms underlying the plasticity of chemical synapses are under investigation.
Efficacy and safety of pregabalin for treating neuropathic pain associated with diabetic peripheral neuropathy: a 14 week, randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled trial
Authors: Satoh J. , Yagihashi S. , Baba M. , Suzuki M. , Arakawa A. , Yoshiyama T. , Shoji S.
Published: October 2010

Diabet. Med. 28, 109–116 (2011)

Aims  To evaluate the efficacy, safety and pharmacokinetics of pregabalin in treating neuropathic pain associated with diabetic peripheral neuropathy in Japanese patients.

Methods  A randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled, multicentre 14 week clinical trial was conducted. Japanese patients with diabetic peripheral neuropathy (n = 317) were randomized to receive placebo or pregabalin at 300 or 600 mg/day. The primary efficacy measure was a change of mean pain score from baseline to end‐point from patients’ daily pain diaries.

Results  Significant reductions in pain were observed in patients treated with pregabalin at 300 and 600 mg/day vs. placebo (P < 0.05). Improvements in weekly pain scores were observed as early as week 1 and were sustained throughout the study period (300 and 600 mg/day difference from placebo at study end‐point, –0.63 and –0.74, respectively). Pregabalin produced significant improvements in weekly sleep interference scores, the short‐form McGill Pain Questionnaire, the Medical Outcomes Study–Sleep Scale, the 36‐item Short‐Form Health Survey scale, and the Patient and Clinical Global Impression of Change. Patient impressions of numbness, pain and paraesthesia were also significantly improved. Regarding treatment responders, 29.1 and 35.6% of patients treated with 300 and 600 mg/day, respectively, reported ≥50% improvement in mean pain scores (vs. 21.5% for placebo). Pregabalin was well tolerated; somnolence (26%), dizziness (24%), peripheral oedema (13%) and weight gain (11%) were the most common adverse events and generally were reported as mild to moderate.

Conclusions  Pregabalin was effective in reducing pain and improving sleep disturbances due to pain, and was well tolerated in Japanese patients with painful DPN.
INTERFUEL SUBSTITUTION: A META‐ANALYSIS
Authors: Stern David I.
Published: October 2010

Abstract This paper provides the first meta‐analysis of the interfuel substitutability literature. The sample includes 47 studies of interfuel substitution in the industrial sector, in manufacturing industry or manufacturing sub‐industries, or in the macro‐economy of a variety of developed and developing countries. Meta‐regressions are estimated for the six shadow elasticities of substitution between coal, oil, gas and electricity. I find that at the level of the industrial sector as a whole the oil–coal, oil–gas, oil–electricity and gas–electricity shadow elasticities of substitution are significantly greater than unity. The remaining elasticities – between coal and gas and coal and electricity – are insignificantly different from unity or zero due to their large standard errors. Substitution possibilities seem more constrained at the macro level and less constrained at lower levels of aggregation. Estimates of the elasticities of substitution from cross‐section regressions are generally largest whereas fixed effects panel estimates are intermediate in magnitude, and time‐series estimates are mostly much smaller. In order to obtain more precise and less biased estimates of long‐run elasticities of substitution, there is a need for additional primary studies using large samples and/or the between estimator which econometric research suggests is likely to provide the best estimates of long‐run elasticities.
The Current Framework for International Governance of Biodiversity: Is It Doing More Harm Than Good?
Authors: Jóhannsdóttir Aðalheiður , Cresswell Ian , Bridgewater Peter
Published: October 2010

The latest international status reports confirm that change, and especially loss, of biodiversity continues all over the globe. Consequently, it would seem the body of international biodiversity law and its attendant governance apparatus have failed to deliver their intended effects. From this standpoint, we argue that particular weaknesses in existing biodiversity governance are contributing to this situation, instead of being supportive. Thus, some structural changes seem inevitable if the global biodiversity governance system is to arrest the current rates of biodiversity decline. Based on these propositions and viewed through the lens of environmental law methodology, this article proposes particular changes in international biodiversity law which would enhance international biodiversity governance presently and in the future. Governments are seeking to develop new targets, goals and strategies to prevent biodiversity loss, but what is needed is little short of a revolution in biodiversity governance. We propose some first steps for a radical system redesign, which, underpinned by appropriate science, will enable the international community to regain control of the diminishing status of biodiversity.
The Evolution of Benefit Sharing: Linking Biodiversity and Community Livelihoods
Authors: Morgera Elisa , Tsioumani Elsa
Published: October 2010

This article traces the evolution of the use of the legal concept of benefit sharing in the context of the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), with a view to highlighting its contribution to indigenous and local communities' livelihoods. To this end, the article proposes a distinction between inter‐State benefit sharing (as identified in the third CBD objective and as usually linked to access to genetic resources) and notably lesser known State‐to‐community benefit sharing (in relation to the conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity). The article highlights the different legal connotations of the two dimensions of this legal concept, while supporting an integrated interpretation of the CBD. It points to a wide array of benefit‐sharing‐related tools under the CBD that can be used to support indigenous and local communities' livelihoods in pursuing the convention's three objectives. The article also identifies other international processes – in the areas of intellectual property, health and climate change – in which these conceptual developments may have a significant influence.
Variation at local government level in the support for families of severely disabled children and the factors that affect it
Authors: FORSYTH ROB , MCNALLY RICHARD , JAMES PETER , CROSSLAND KEVIN , WOOLLEY MARK , COLVER ALLAN
Published: October 2010

Aim  The aim of this study was to examine geographical variability in the support for families caring for children with severe disabilities as well as the relationships between this variability and local government social and educational performance indicators.

Method  Data were collected from a cross‐sectional, self‐completed postal survey of the families of 5862 children and young people (aged 0–24y, mean 10y 7mo; 68% male) with severe disabilities resulting in a variety of impairments (21% with autism spectrum disorders, 16% with learning disabilities,* 13% with emotional and behavioural difficulties, and 13% with cerebral palsy [CP]). Data on the severity of intrinsic impairment were assessed using the Health Utilities Index, and the need for support was assessed from the results of a novel parent‐completed questionnaire, the European Child Environment Questionnaire (ECEQ). These responses were related to data published by local authorities on educational and social policy.

Results  Higher levels of unmet need and lack of support, as reported by parents of children and young people with severe disabilities, are associated with greater impairment but not with socioeconomic deprivation. After controlling for impairment and diagnosis, variation at local government level is of the order of 1 to 1.5 ECEQ standard deviation scores. The best‐ and the worst‐performing local authorities – in terms of the averages of the ‘support’ scores reported by their surveyed residents – cluster in urban areas. For children with CP, a positive correlation was found between the reported unmet educational support requirements in each local authority area and rates of mainstream school placement for children with special educational needs. This indicates that the placement of children with disabilities into mainstream schools is associated with reported unmet need (r=0.60; p=0.01). In the case of children with autism spectrum diagnoses, the provision of additional basic educational support in mainstream primary education was associated with lower average local authority scores for unmet need, suggesting that this support was appreciated by residents (r=−0.75; p=0.005).

Interpretation  Parent‐reported unmet need in the care of children with disabilities shows significant geographical variation after adjustments for severity, type of impairment, and socioeconomic deprivation. Associations between some aspects of reported unmet need and local authority performance indicators suggest that support for families of children with severe disabilities may be improved by policy changes at local government level.
Progressive calcified tuber in a young male with tuberous sclerosis complex
Authors: GALLAGHER ANNE , MADAN NEEL , STEMMER‐RACHAMIMOV ANAT , THIELE ELIZABETH A
Published: October 2010

Tubers are the most common brain lesions in tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC), and typically remain stable in size and appearance. We present the case of a young male with global developmental impairment and autistic features as well as multiple and mixed daily seizures. The patient had a prominent right frontal cortical tuber characterized by a calcified component, which changed on consecutive magnetic resonance imaging between the age of 4 and 11 years, at which time the patient underwent a lesionectomy. A poor long‐term outcome is reported since the patient presents an intractable mixed seizure disorder status post‐epilepsy surgery and no significant neuropsychological improvements. Histopathology findings show typical characteristics of tubers in TSC as well as numerous calcifications within the resected nodular lesion. This case supports the notion that tubers with calcified components are not necessarily static lesions and can change with time. Investigation of the relationship between the presence of calcification in tubers and epileptogenecity in a large group of patients would provide insights into the pathogenesis of the seizures and cognitive impairment and hopefully, eventually provide better treatment options for patients with TSC.