bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mating Group Size and Stability in Reindeer Rangifer tarandus: The Effects of Male Characteristics, Sex Ratio and Male Age Structure
Authors: L'Italien Léon , Weladji Robert B. , Holand Øystein , Røed Knut H. , Nieminen Mauri , Côté Steeve D.
Published: June 2012

In polygynous mating systems, males compete intensely for mates and may mate several females during a single reproductive season. Accordingly, factors influencing the ability of males to control a larger number of females during the breeding season can provide information on the processes underlying sexual selection. In ungulates, age, body mass and social rank are considered good predictors of the reproductive success of males, but how male age structure and sex ratio in the population influence mating group (MG) dynamics has received little empirical testing. Between 1996 and 2005, we manipulated male age‐ and sex structure and monitored MG dynamics in a reindeer (Rangifer tarandus) population. We investigated the influence of male characteristics, percentage of males and male age structure on MG size and stability. We found that males with higher social rank (that were also older and heavier) controlled larger MGs (therefore had greater mating opportunities) and had more stable MGs (corresponding to a higher ability to maintain and control females) than males of lower social rank. Moreover, MG size and MG stability decreased as the percentage of males in the population increased, most likely resulting from greater male–male competition and increased female movements. Male age structure did not influence MG stability. Given the positive relationship between mating success and MG size (and likely MG stability), frequent female movements and intense competition among males to control females seem to be the principal components of reindeer MGs dynamic.
Spatial Group Structure as Potential Mechanism to Maintain Cooperation in Fish Shoals of Unrelated Individuals
Authors: Cisarovsky Gabriel , Bshary Andrea , Bouzelboudjen Mahmoud , Bshary Redouan
Published: June 2012

In public goods games, group members share the benefits created through individual investments. If benefits are shared equally, individual contributions readily become altruistic, and hence, a social dilemma arises in which group interests and individual interests oppose each other. However, contributions to public goods can be self‐serving if each investor gains a disproportionate benefit from its own contribution. This scenario may hold for our study system, the interactions of shoaling‐unrelated scalefin anthiasPseudanthias squamipinnisand the ectoparasitic blennyPlagiotremus tapeinosoma. The blenny bites off pieces of skin, mucus and scales from anthias that in return may chase the blenny. Chasing the blenny represents a public good as it makes the parasite change victim species for its next attack. Laboratory experiments using artificial Plexiglas hosts suggest that one reason why individuals contribute to the public good is that the blenny may specialise on non‐punishing ‘free‐riders’. Here, we investigated how far a spatial structure within the shoal and limited space use by the blenny may contribute to punishment being self‐serving. Field observation reveals that anthias indeed live in spatially structured groups and that blennies have preferred areas for attacks. Thus, some anthias individuals are consistently more exposed to blennies than others and hence may gain disproportional benefits from their punishment. In conclusion, spatial structure may contribute to the maintenance of punishment in blenny–anthias interactions even when groups are large.
For Love or Money? The Influence of Personal Resources and Environmental Resource Pressures on Human Mate Preferences
Authors: Anderson Rindy C. , Klofstad Casey A.
Published: June 2012

A growing body of evidence shows that human mating preferences, like those of other animal species, can vary geographically. For example, women living in areas with a high cost of living have been shown to seek potential mates that can provide resources (e.g., large salaries). In this study, we present data from a large (N = 2944) nationally representative (United States) sample of Internet dating profiles. The profiles allowed daters’ to report their own income and the minimum income they desired in a dating partner, and we analyzed these data at the level of zip code. Our analysis shows that women engage in more resource seeking than men. We also find a positive relationship between cost of living in the dater's zip code and resource seeking among both men and women. Importantly, however, this relationship disappears if one's own income is accounted for in the analysis; that is, individuals of both sexes seek mates with an income similar to their own, regardless of local resource pressures. Our data highlight the importance of considering individual characteristics when measuring the effects of environmental factors on behavior.
Validation of an allele‐specific marker associated with dehydration stress tolerance in a core set of foxtail millet accessions
Authors: Lata Charu , Prasad Manoj
Published: June 2012

Dehydration responsive element binding (DREB) genes play an important role in improving and enhancing stress tolerance of plants in response to abiotic stresses by interacting with DRE/CRT cis‐ element present in the promoter region of various stress‐responsive genes. Thus, characterization of these genes and development of functional markers for effective alleles is important for crop improvement programmes. Identification of a synonymous single nucleotide polymorphism associated with dehydration tolerance at 558th bp (an A/G transition) in the SiDREB2 gene of foxtail millet (Setaria italica L.) and development of an allele‐specific marker (ASM) has previously been reported by us. Here, we report on validation of the ASM in a core set of 170 foxtail millet accessions through single‐marker regression analysis. The regression of lipid peroxidation (LP) on the ASM suggested that the SiDREB2 associated trait contributed to 27.18% of the total variation in LP among the 170 accessions indicating it to be a major QTL for dehydration tolerance. Thus, this ASM can be used for marker‐aided breeding and allele‐mining for dehydration tolerance in foxtail millet.
Enhancing doubled haploid production efficiency in wheat (Triticum aestivum L. em. Thell) by in vivo colchicine manipulations in Imperata cylindrica‐mediated chromosome elimination approach
Authors: Tayeng Tisu , Chaudhary Harinder Kumar , Kishore Naval
Published: June 2012

With 1 figure and 5 tables

Colchicine doses ranging from 100 to 10 000 ppm with and without 2, 4‐D application were administered in vivo to the uppermost internodes of Imperata cylindrica‐pollinated wheat plants at various intervals for assessing the potent concentration required for doubling of chromosomes. Although injection of single dose of colchicine concentration ranging from 2000 to 5000 ppm at 48 h after pollination yielded good response, 2000 ppm was found to be the most effective and economically viable dose of colchicine for DH production. Very high doses have also responded to the doubling of the chromosomes, but the recovery of the embryos and regenerated plantlets was very poor. The doubling of the chromosomes was confirmed cytologically from the roots of the regenerated plantlets. The results of this study not only enhanced the production efficiency of DHs but also saved the time and energy required for the chromosome doubling in the haploid embryo‐regenerated plantlets. These results bear far‐reaching implications in the accelerated genetic upgradation of bread wheat and development of homozygous populations for mapping of targeted genes.
QTL underlying developmental behaviour of 100‐seed weight of soybean
Authors: Han Yingpeng , Xie Dongwei , Teng Weili , Sun Jian , Li Wenbin
Published: June 2012

With 4 tables

The objective of this study was to determine QTL underlying seed weight from earlier developmental stage to postharvest in soybean, using a F5:8‐derived recombinant inbred line (RIL) (n = 125) population. Twenty‐three unconditional QTL and 17 conditional QTL associated with seed weight were identified in different developmental stages in 2008 and 2009. Four conditional QTL QSW J‐1 (on LG J, Gm 16), QSWF‐1(on LG F, Gm 13), QSWK‐2 (on LG K, Gm 9) and QSWA2‐2 (on LG A2, Gm 8) were identified across multiple stages and the two years. Fifteen QTL with conditional additive main effect (a) and/or conditional additive ×environment interaction effect (ae) at certain stages were identified. Of them, seven conditional QTL possessed significant additive main effect (a), and ten conditional QTL had significant ae effects. Twenty‐six epistatic pairwise QTL (aae) were identified in different developmental stages. Eleven pairs showed aa effect, and twelve pairs showed aae effect in different developmental stages.
Identification of resistance to tan spot (Pyrenophora tritici‐repentis) in Hordeum chilense and its expression in its amphiploids with diploid, tetraploid and hexaploid Triticum species
Authors: Sillero Josefina C. , Rubiales Diego
Published: June 2012

With 4 tables

Hordeum chilense Roem. et Schult. is a native South American diploid wild barley with high potential for cereal breeding purposes, given its high crossability with other members of the Triticeae tribe. Amphiploids have been obtained from crosses of H. chilense with diploid, tetraploid and hexaploid Triticum species that have been postulated as a potential new crop named tritordeum or as bridges to transfer useful genes to cultivated cereals. In this paper we describe resistance in H. chilense to tan spot disease, caused by Pyrenophora tritici‐repentis (Died.) Drechs. Twenty‐two tritordeum lines together with their wheat and H. chilense parents were inoculated with three different races of P. tritici‐repentis. While all H. chilense accessions studied were resistant, wheat accessions response ranged from susceptibility to high resistance. The two tetraploid tritordeum accessions studied were very resistant as was their T. tauschii (Coss.) Schmalh. parent line. Hexa‐ and octoploid tritordeum accessions were more resistant than their parental wheat accessions. Consequently, H. chilense appears as a good reservoir of resistance to P. tritici‐repentis, accessible for wheat breeding.
Competitive underutilized crops will depend on the state funding of breeding programmes: an opinion on the example of Europe
Authors: Stamp Peter , Messmer Rainer , Walter Achim
Published: June 2012

Today, food security depends on very few major grain crops, actually an outcome of breeding success and globalization. This will not change in the near future. But action must be taken to stop the unprecedented pace of the erosion of biodiversity on arable fields; this is a prerequisite to ensure robust cropping systems as well as complementary food production for coming generations. Although this has been discussed for decades, little progress has been made. Most underutilized crops are no longer suitable for today’s agriculture. Success can be achieved only by planning long‐term breeding programmes instead of screening underutilized crops again and again. This cannot be realized, however, by market‐driven private breeders. State funding is mandatory to launch a programme of a set of well‐chosen crops. Guidelines are provided, based on case examples from cool temperate regions, where promising crops undergo stepwise selection process. In Europe, a programme could be established in the frame of a virtual institute, wisely investing a small part of the direct payments that go to farmers today, thereby safeguarding their future.
Genetic dissection of leaf area by jointing two F2 : 3 populations in maize (Zea Mays L.)
Authors: Ku Lixia , Zhang Jun , Zhang Jia Chen , Guo Shulei , Liu Haiying , Zhao Ruifang , Yan Quxia , Chen Yanhui
Published: June 2012

With 1 figure and 5 tables

Leaf area (LA) is the most important photosynthesis acceptor, and therefore, size of LA (especially the three ear‐leaves) plays a vital role in dry matter accumulation and grain yield in maize. Genetic mechanisms on LA have a theoretical significance for breeding maize with high yield. However, the genetic control of LA remains unknown in maize. In this study, QTL for LA were mapped using two sets of connected F2 : 3 populations with 229 and 245 families evaluated in two to three environments. Meta‐analysis was used to integrate genetic maps and detect QTL across two populations. A total of 38 QTL were detected, 17 in population 1 and 21 in population 2. Thirty‐eight QTL were integrated in 13 meta‐QTL (mQTL). The novel mQTL2‐1 was found to include two initial QTL, and mQTL5‐2 to include four initial QTL. Both of them had one of the initial QTL with R2 over 10%. Therefore, the chromosome regions for these two mQTL with high QTL co‐localization might be hot spots for important QTL for LA. Seven key candidate genes controlling related traits of LA were observed to be coincided with five corresponding mQTL, including Arlng1, ArPFL2/OsH1, ArCLF/ArCyCB2;3(LL), ArCYCD3;2, and Osnrl. Especially, Arlng1 was mapped within the important mQTL2‐1 interval. Fine mapping for genetic regions of such mQTL is worth further study and could be put into use in marker‐assisted breeding. The results provide useful information for further researching and understanding of the molecular mechanisms with regard to LA.
Molecular markers linked to resistance to the gall mite in blackcurrant
Authors: Mazeikiene Ingrida , Bendokas Vidmantas , Stanys Vidmantas , Siksnianas Tadeusas
Published: June 2012

With 1 figure and 3 tables

Gall mite (Cecidophyopsis ribis Westw.) is one of the most damaging pests of blackcurrants (Ribes nigrum L.) and is a vector of blackcurrant reversion virus. Ce and P genes provide resistance of blackcurrant to gall mite. A linkage map around the resistance locus controlled by predicted P gene was constructed. Forty‐three amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP) and 19 microsatellite polymorphic markers obtained from analysis of the progeny obtained in cross with P gene donor ‘Dainiai’ were mapped. The obtained consensus map covers 691.196 cM, with an average marker spacing of 14.706 cM. AFLP fragment CTA‐ACC‐107 was closely linked to resistance to blackcurrant gall mite and was detected in the sixth linkage group. Screening of cultivars and hybrids with known resistance to gall mite confirmed that this dominant 107‐bp AFLP marker is linked to gall mite resistance in a comprehensive range of available Ribes germplasm with different genetic background and it may be used for early diagnosis of resistant to gall mite hybrids.
Evidence‐based practice in occupational therapy services for children with autism spectrum disorders in Victoria, Australia
Authors: Kadar Masne , McDonald Rachael , Lentin Primrose
Published: July 2012

Background

The current practice of occupational therapy services provided for children with autism spectrum disorders in Victoria, Australia was investigated – specifically, practice in terms of the theories, assessments and intervention strategies utilised. Identification of professional development needs was also explored. The purpose was to identify how occupational therapy practice may have changed over the last decade and to explore what additional developments are required in the field.

Method

A self‐administered survey was mailed to 322 registered members of Occupational Therapy Australia Limited, Victoria Branch.

Results

A valid response rate of 20.5% was obtained. The majority of the participants worked in private practice, and had between one and five years of work experience. Theories, assessments and interventions that are associated with or based on, sensory integration and/or processing approaches are highly utilised by the participants in their service delivery with children with autism spectrum disorders. Participants indicated that they felt they needed training and courses around sensory integration.

Conclusions

We concluded that there were few changes in occupational therapy practice related to the selection of theoretical models, assessments and interventions by the participants in this study over the last decade. It is essential for occupational therapists not to neglect the goals of providing occupation‐based interventions to children with autism spectrum disorders by focusing only on sensory‐based approaches. An urgent need for occupation‐based approaches to working with children with autism spectrum disorders and their families is required.
Tephrostratigraphy of the Pliocene to Middle Pleistocene Series in Honshu and Kyushu Islands, Japan
Authors: SATOGUCHI YASUFUMI , NAGAHASHI YOSHITAKA
Published: June 2012

The Pliocene to Pleistocene Series in each sedimentary basin or area of Japan has been investigated and described; however, their stratigraphic correlation is difficult because of complex geological structures. Regional stratigraphy has therefore been established using many intercalated tephra beds, i.e. by correlating tephra beds between distant areas. A standardized stratigraphic model of the Pliocene to Middle Pleistocene Series in Japan is put forward in this paper on the basis of tephrostratigraphy, magnetostratigraphy, and biostratigraphy. This stratigraphic model is important for studies of environmental changes and explosive volcanism in this period around the Japanese island‐arc.
High frequency of t(14;18) in Hodgkin's lymphoma associated with follicular lymphoma
Authors: Yoshida Maki , Ichikawa Ayako , Miyoshi Hiroaki , Takeuchi Masanori , Kimura Yoshizo , Nino Daisuke , Ohshima Koichi
Published: June 2012

t(14;18) is a common cytogenetic abnormality in B‐cell lymphoma, especially in follicular lymphoma (FL), but is rarely seen in Hodgkin's lymphoma (HL). However, due to the small number of cases, the incidence of t(14;18) in HL associated with FL remains unclear. In this study, we applied chromogenic in situ hybridization and fluorescence in situ hybridization for t(14;18) on paraffin‐embedded tissue from four HL associated with FL cases and 11 HL cases without a history of FL for comparison. t(14;18) was present in all of the three successfully‐tested HL associated with FL cases and one case without a history of FL. The frequency of t(14;18) was significantly high in HL associated with FL (p = 0.013). All Hodgkin's and Reed‐Sternberg (HRS) cells having t(14;18) showed immunoreactivity for BCL2 and were negatively stained for nuclear factor‐κB (NF‐κB), even in Epstein‐Barr virus (EBV)‐infected cases. However, HRS cells without t(14;18) showed BCL2 and NF‐κB immunoreactivity in 33% and 57% of cases, respectively. There was an inverse correlation between t(14;18) and NF‐κB. In conclusion, we assume the incidence of t(14;18) in HL associated with FL is higher than previously believed and BCL2 expression derived from t(14;18) may play a role in the pathogenesis of HL associated with FL.
Malignant diffuse‐type tenosynovial giant cell tumor of the buttock
Authors: Kondo Reiichiro , Akiba Jun , Hiraoka Koji , Hisaoka Masanori , Hashimoto Hiroshi , Kage Masayoshi , Yano Hirohisa
Published: June 2012

Malignant diffuse‐type tenosynovial giant cell tumor (D‐TSGCT) is an unusual sarcoma. We report a case of malignant D‐TSGCT located in the left buttock. A 58‐year old woman noticed a small mass at her left buttock 3 months previously. The mass tended to enlarge rapidly, and became 6 cm in diameter. Tumor resection was performed. Grossly, the tumor showed a solid growth pattern and whitish appearance with hemorrhage and necrosis. Microscopically, the tumor was composed of a proliferation of short spindle and oval mononucleated cells with numerous osteoclast‐like multinucleated giant cells, which occasionally showed coagulative necrosis. In addition, tumor cells had high mitotic activity and atypical mitoses. Immunohistochemically, the mononucleated cells were positive for CD163 and focally positive for CD68 (clone KP‐1 and PG‐M1), CD4, smooth muscle actin and S100 protein. Osteoclast‐like multinucleated giant cells were positive for CD68 (clone KP‐1 and PG‐M1) and CD4. Pulmonary metastases were found 6 months after the operation. These findings indicate that this lesion is consistent with malignant D‐TSGCT.
An adult case of midgut volvulus in familial visceral myopathy
Authors: Nakajima Takahiko , Matsuhashi Nobuyuki , Nara Satoshi , Nakajima Atsushi , Imura Johji , Kihara Atsushi , Murata Kenichiro , Fukushima Junichi , Horiuchi Hajime
Published: June 2012

We report an adult case of midgut volvulus in familial visceral myopathy (FVM) that had affected family members over three generations. The patient was a Japanese woman in her fifties, who had chronic intestinal pseudo‐obstruction (CIPO) since the age of about 40 years and had been treated chronically with conservative therapies. Her abdominal symptoms suddenly worsened and surgery became necessary. Surgery revealed a midgut volvulus secondary to intestinal malrotation and the twisted intestine was resected. Histology revealed diffuse damage of myocytes confined to the muscularis propria throughout the resected intestine. The myocytes were irregulary arranged, contained cytoplasmic inclusions, and had mild and focal vacuolar changes. The mucsularis propria showed hypertrophy with delicate interstitial fibrosis. A diagnosis of FVM was made on the basis of this characteristic myopathy. Intestinal malrotation is known to be a complication of CIPO in children, but is rare in adults. Although midgut volvulus appears to be extremely rare, it can occur after a relatively stable chronic phase in adult CIPO patients, who should be monitored carefully to assess the risk of such complications.
Tangible evidence of historic Australian indigenous savanna management
Authors: PREECE NOEL D.
Published: June 2012

Knowledge of historic indigenous management practices in north Australian tropical savannas can benefit contemporary management by providing a long‐term ecological context. This study provides understanding of how indigenous peoples managed their resources during the period of colonization by Europeans. Traditional management practices and resource use were observed by the European explorers and missionaries, anthropologists and ethnographers who followed. The historic record shows that the savannas were managed intensively by indigenous peoples, even during the colonization era. Across the region they used fire throughout the dry seasons, which is recognized by ecologists today. Importantly, and not previously reported in the ecological literature, they constructed water wells that provided them with extended use of country into the dry seasons, built and managed fisheries to enhance and extend their food supplies, and created extensive walking paths. These findings are significant because previous ecological research has assumed implicitly that indigenous people in the region were dependent on natural waters and therefore subject to seasonal availability of water to enable them to penetrate and live in dry country, and has given scant acknowledgement of manipulation of resources. The anthropological studies were compromised by the devastating social disruptions caused by the colonizers (mostly cattle ranchers and miners) and subsequent missionaries and government administrators. Despite these disruptions, the evidence demonstrates continuity of knowledge and management practices in much of the region. This history provides contemporary ecologists and managers with evidence of consistent patterns of resource management from earlier times. The evidence also shows that indigenous people were less at the mercy of the environment than has been assumed previously. The combined evidence suggests that contemporary management should consider that traditional management practices over many thousands of years were active and ubiquitous, and continued into the present era and probably shaped the biota of the region.
Biotic and abiotic constraints to a plant invasion in vegetation communities of Tierra del Fuego
Authors: RAUBER RUTH B. , COLLANTES MARTA B. , CIPRIOTTI PABLO A. , ANCHORENA JUAN
Published: June 2012

The biotic resistance theory relates invader success to species richness, and predicts that, as species richness increases, invasibility decreases. The relationship between invader success and richness, however, seems to be positive at large scales of analysis, determined by abiotic constraints, and it is to be expected that it is negative at small scales, because of biotic interactions. Moreover, the negative relationship at small scales would be stronger within species of the same functional group, because of having similar resource exploitation mechanisms. We studied the relationship between the cover of a worldwide invader of grasslands, Hieracium pilosella L., and species richness, species diversity and the cover of different growth forms at two different levels of analysis in 128 sites during the initial invasion process in the Fuegian steppe, Southern Patagonia, Argentina. At regional level, the invader was positively correlated to total (r = 0.28, P = 0.003), exotic (r = 0.273, P = 0.004), and native species richness (r = 0.210, P = 0.026), and to species diversity (r = 0.193, P = 0.041). At community level, we found only a weak negative correlation between H. pilosella and total richness (r = −0.426, P = 0.079) and diversity (r = −0.658, P = 0.063). The relationship between the invader and other species of the same growth form was positive both at regional (r = 0.484, P < 0.001) and community (r = 0.593, P = 0.012) levels. Consequently, in the period of establishment and initial expansion of this exotic species, our results support the idea that invader success is related to abiotic factors at large scales of analysis. Also, we observed a possible sign of biotic constraint at community level, although this was not related to the abundance of species of the same growth form.
Functional characterization of a sex pheromone receptor in the pest moth Spodoptera littoralis by heterologous expression in Drosophila
Authors: Montagné Nicolas , Chertemps Thomas , Brigaud Isabelle , François Adrien , François Marie‐Christine , de Fouchier Arthur , Lucas Philippe , Larsson Mattias C. , Jacquin‐Joly Emmanuelle
Published: July 2012

Moth sex pheromone communication is recognised as a long‐standing model for insect olfaction studies, and a widespread knowledge has been accumulated on this subject thanks to numerous chemical, electrophysiological and behavioural studies. A key step has been the identification of candidate sex pheromone receptors, opening new routes to understanding the specificity and sensitivity of this communication system, but only few of these receptors have as yet been functionally characterised. In this context, we aim at unravelling the molecular bases of pheromone reception in the noctuid moth Spodoptera littoralis. Taking advantage of a collection of antennal‐expressed sequence tags, we previously identified three fragments of candidate pheromone receptors in this species. Here, we report full‐length cloning of one of these receptors, named SlitOR6. Both sequence and expression pattern analyses were consistent with its annotation as a pheromone receptor, which we further confirmed by functional characterization. Using Drosophila antennae as a heterologous expression system, we identified a single component of the pheromone blend of S. littoralis, (Z,E)‐9,12‐tetradecadienyl acetate, as the ligand of SlitOR6. Two strategies were employed: (i) expressing SlitOR6 in the majority of Drosophila olfactory neurons, in addition to endogenous receptors, and monitoring the responses to pheromone stimuli by electroantennography; (ii) replacing the Drosophila pheromone receptor OR67d with SlitOR6 and monitoring the response by single sensillum recordings. Results were fully congruent and responses to (Z,E)‐9,12‐tetradecadienyl acetate were highly specific in both heterologous systems. This approach appears to be efficient and reliable for studying moth pheromone receptors in an in vivo context.
Characterization of a rat model of Huntington’s disease based on targeted expression of mutant huntingtin in the forebrain using adeno‐associated viral vectors
Authors: Gabery Sanaz , Sajjad Muhammad U. , Hult Sofia , Soylu Rana , Kirik Deniz , Petersén Åsa
Published: June 2012

Huntington’s disease (HD) is a fatal neurodegenerative disorder caused by an expanded CAG repeat in the huntingtin (htt) gene. Neuropathology is most severe in the striatum and cerebral cortex. As mutant htt is ubiquitously expressed, it has not been possible to establish clear structure‐to‐function relationships for the clinical aspects. In the present study, we have injected recombinant adeno‐associated viral vectors of serotype 5 (rAAV5) expressing an 853‐amino‐acid fragment of htt with either 79 (mutant) or 18 (wild‐type) glutamines (Q) in the dorsal striatum of neonatal rats to achieve expression of htt in the forebrain. Rats were followed for 6 months and compared with control rats. Neuropathological assessment showed long‐term expression of the green fluorescent protein (GFP) transgene (used as a marker protein) and accumulation of htt inclusions in the cerebral cortex with the rAAV5‐htt‐79Q vectors. We estimated that around 10% of NeuN‐positive cells in the cerebral cortex and 2% of DARPP‐32 neurons in the striatum were targeted with the GFP‐expressing vector. Formation of intracellular htt inclusions was not associated with neuronal loss, gliosis or microglia activation and did not lead to altered motor activity or changes in body weight. However, the same mutant htt vector caused orexin loss in the hypothalamus – another area known to be affected in HD. In conclusion, our results demonstrate that widespread forebrain expression of mutant htt can be achieved using rAAV5‐vectors and suggest that this technique can be further explored to study region‐specific effects of mutant htt or other disease‐causing genes in the brain.
Aggressive females become aggressive males in a sex‐changing reef fish
Authors: Sprenger Dennis , Dingemanse Niels J. , Dochtermann Ned A. , Theobald Jennifer , Walker Stefan P. W.
Published: June 2012

Many animal populations display consistent individual differences in suites of correlated behaviours. While these so called ‘animal personalities’ can substantially influence the ecology and evolution of populations, little is known about cross‐sex correlations of behaviour and thus the potential of personality to limit sex‐specific behavioural adaptations. Here, we experimentally induced sex‐change in the sequentially hermaphroditic reef fish Parapercis cylindrica and demonstrate the existence of tight cross‐sex correlations for two behaviours with presumed different sex‐specific optima. Individuals that were relatively more active and aggressive females were found to become relatively more active and aggressive males. By identifying personality as a potential genetic constraint on the resolution of intralocus sexual conflict over behaviour, our findings have important ecological and evolutionary implications for a wide range of species.
Wolbachia in a major African crop pest increases susceptibility to viral disease rather than protects
Authors: Graham Robert I. , Grzywacz David , Mushobozi Wilfred L. , Wilson Kenneth
Published: June 2012

Wolbachia are common vertically transmitted endosymbiotic bacteria found in < 70% of insect species. They have generated considerable recent interest due to the capacity of some strains to protect their insect hosts against viruses and the potential for this to reduce vector competence of a range of human diseases, including dengue. In contrast, here we provide data from field populations of a major crop pest, African armyworm (Spodoptera exempta), which show that the prevalence and intensity of infection with a nucleopolydrovirus (SpexNPV) is positively associated with infection with three strains of Wolbachia. We also use laboratory bioassays to demonstrate that infection with one of these strains, a male‐killer, increases host mortality due to SpexNPV by 6–14 times. These findings suggest that rather than protecting their lepidopteran host from viral infection, Wolbachia instead make them more susceptible. This finding potentially has implications for the biological control of other insect crop pests.
Simple rules describe bottom‐up and top‐down control in food webs with alternative energy pathways
Authors: Wollrab Sabine , Diehl Sebastian , De Roos André M.
Published: June 2012

Many human influences on the world's ecosystems have their largest direct impacts at either the top or the bottom of the food web. To predict their ecosystem‐wide consequences we must understand how these impacts propagate. A long‐standing, but so far elusive, problem in this endeavour is how to reduce food web complexity to a mathematically tractable, but empirically relevant system. Simplification to main energy channels linking primary producers to top consumers has been recently advocated. Following this approach, we propose a general framework for the analysis of bottom‐up and top‐down forcing of ecosystems by reducing food webs to two energy pathways originating from a limiting resource shared by competing guilds of primary producers (e.g. edible vs. defended plants). Exploring dynamical models of such webs we find that their equilibrium responses to nutrient enrichment and top consumer harvesting are determined by only two easily measurable topological properties: the lengths of the component food chains (odd–odd, odd–even, or even–even) and presence vs. absence of a generalist top consumer reconnecting the two pathways (yielding looped vs. branched webs). Many results generalise to other looped or branched web structures and the model can be easily adapted to include a detrital pathway.
Invasion of diverse habitats by few Japanese knotweed genotypes is correlated with epigenetic differentiation
Authors: Richards Christina L. , Schrey Aaron W. , Pigliucci Massimo
Published: June 2012

The expansion of invasive species challenges our understanding of the process of adaptation. Given that the invasion process often entails population bottlenecks, it is surprising that many invasives appear to thrive even with low levels of sequence‐based genetic variation. Using Amplified Fragment Length Polymorphism (AFLP) and methylation sensitive‐AFLP (MS‐AFLP) markers, we tested the hypothesis that differentiation of invasive Japanese knotweed in response to new habitats is more correlated with epigenetic variation than DNA sequence variation. We found that the relatively little genetic variation present was differentiated among species, with less differentiation among sites within species. In contrast, we found a great deal of epigenetic differentiation among sites within each species and evidence that some epigenetic loci may respond to local microhabitat conditions. Our findings indicate that epigenetic effects could contribute to phenotypic variation in genetically depauperate invasive populations. Deciphering whether differences in methylation patterns are the cause or effect of habitat differentiation will require manipulative studies.
Behavioural traits of colony founders affect the life history of their colonies
Authors: Pruitt Jonathan N.
Published: June 2012

Social arthropods are a major feature in terrestrial ecosystems, and understanding the factors leading to their success is of broad interest. Although many studies have attempted to link colonies' phenotypic composition with their productivity, no study has linked phenotypic composition with the number of offspring colonies formed in the field. I tested whether the behavioural composition of newly founded colonies predicted colony life history patterns in the social spider Anelosimus studiosus. Individual A. studiosus exhibit either an ‘aggressive’ or ‘docile’ behavioural type (BT) and BT composition varies among colonies. I constructed artificial colonies of known BT composition and monitored their performance under two conditions: (1) foreign heterospecific spiders present and (2) foreign spiders removed. When heterospecifics were present, colonies founded by docile individuals were invaded by heterospecific spiders more quickly, grew more rapidly in size, produced more offspring colonies per year, but suffered reduced longevity. The life history trade‐offs (reproduction, longevity) experienced by colonies resemble those experienced by individuals.
Highly consistent effects of plant litter identity and functional traits on decomposition across a latitudinal gradient
Authors: Makkonen Marika , Berg Matty P. , Handa I. Tanya , Hättenschwiler Stephan , van Ruijven Jasper , van Bodegom Peter M. , Aerts Rien
Published: June 2012

Plant litter decomposition is a key process in terrestrial carbon cycling, yet the relative importance of various control factors remains ambiguous at a global scale. A full reciprocal litter transplant study with 16 litter species that varied widely in traits and originated from four forest sites covering a large latitudinal gradient (subarctic to tropics) showed a consistent interspecific ranking of decomposition rates. At a global scale, variation in decomposition was driven by a small subset of litter traits (water saturation capacity and concentrations of magnesium and condensed tannins). These consistent findings, that were largely independent of the varying local decomposer communities, suggest that decomposer communities show little specialisation and high metabolic flexibility in processing plant litter, irrespective of litter origin. Our results provide strong support for using trait‐based approaches in modelling the global decomposition component of biosphere‐atmosphere carbon fluxes.
Think pink: photosynthesis, plasmids and the Roseobacter clade
Authors: Petersen Jörn , Brinkmann Henner , Bunk Boyke , Michael Victoria , Päuker Orsola , Pradella Silke
Published: June 2012

Aerobic anoxygenic photosynthesis providing additional ATP for a photoheterotrophic lifestyle is characteristic for several representatives of the marine Roseobacter clade. The patchy distribution of photosynthesis gene clusters (PGCs) within this lineage probably results from horizontal transfers and this explanation is supported by two cases of plasmid‐located PGCs. In this study sequencing of the three Sulfitobacter guttiformis plasmids (pSG4, pSG53, pSG118) was initiated with the objective to analyse the 118 kb‐sized photosynthetic replicon, but our annotation revealed several additional important traits including key genes of the primary metabolism. The comparison of the two photosynthesis plasmids from S. guttiformis and Roseobacter litoralis showed that their replication modules are located at precisely the same position within the 45 kb‐sized PGC. However, comprehensive phylogenetic analyses of the non‐homologous replicases (RepB‐III, DnaA‐like I) and the two ParAB partitioning proteins unequivocally document an independent origin of their extrachromosomal replicons. The analogous positioning within the two photosynthesis super‐operons can be explained by a two‐step recombination scenario and seems to be the ultimate result of stabilizing selection. Our exemplary analyses of ‘pink’ plasmids document that chromosomal outsourcing is a common phenomenon in the Roseobacter clade and subsequent horizontal exchanges offer rapid access to the marine pan‐genome.
Antibiofilm polysaccharides
Authors: Rendueles Olaya , Kaplan Jeffrey B. , Ghigo Jean‐Marc
Published: June 2012

Bacterial extracellular polysaccharides have been shown to mediate many of the cell‐to‐cell and cell‐to‐surface interactions that are required for the formation, cohesion and stabilization of bacterial biofilms. However, recent studies have identified several bacterial polysaccharides that inhibit biofilm formation by a wide spectrum of bacteria and fungi both in vitro and in vivo. This review discusses the composition, modes of action and potential biological roles of antibiofilm polysaccharides recently identified in bacteria and eukarya. Some of these molecules may have technological applications as antibiofilm agents in industry and medicine.
Systemic inflammatory response is a predictor of outcome in patients undergoing preoperative chemoradiation for locally advanced rectal cancer
Authors: Carruthers R. , Tho L. M. , Brown J. , Kakumanu S. , McCartney E. , McDonald A. C.
Published: June 2012

Aim  Current management of locally advanced rectal cancer includes neoadjuvant chemoradiation in selected patients to increase the chance of a tumour‐free circumferential resection margin. There is uncertainty over the role of and selection criteria for additional systemic therapy in this group of patients. In this retrospective study we investigate the association between markers of systemic inflammatory response (SIR) and outcome from treatment.

Method  One hundred and fifteen patients with locally advanced rectal cancer undergoing preoperative chemoradiation had recording of full blood count parameters including neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and platelet/lymphocyte ratios (PLR). Postoperative surgical margins (R status) and pathological stage were documented. Outcome measures were overall survival (OS), time to local recurrence (TTLR) and disease‐free survival (DFS). Cox regression analysis was performed to identify predictors of outcome.

Results  Only NLR and R status were significant predictors for all outcome measures on univariate and multivariate analysis. Elevated NLR (≥ 5) was associated with decreased OS, [hazard ratio (HR) and 95% CI, 7.0 (2.6–19.2)], decreased TTLR [HR 3.8 (1.3–11.2)] and shorter DFS [HR 4.1 (1.7–9.8)]. Median survival for patients with an elevated NLR was 18.8 months compared with 54.4 months without an elevated NLR (P < 0.001).

Conclusion  In addition to postoperative R‐status, an elevated NLR is also a valuable prognostic marker in patients undergoing chemoradiation for locally advanced rectal carcinoma. It is associated with worse OS, TTLR and DFS. An elevated NLR may be a useful additional tool in guiding the decision‐making process for adjuvant or neoadjuvant therapies.
Corporate Incentives to Disclose Carbon Information: Evidence from the CDP Global 500 Report
Authors: Luo Le , Lan Yi‐Chen , Tang Qingliang
Published: June 2012

We investigate how the Global 500 companies respond to the challenge of climate change with regard to their carbon disclosure strategies. This paper is motivated by a growing body of research that examines the role of large companies in carbon disclosure responsibility and practices. We consider the impact of social, financial market, economic, regulatory, and institutional factors on the motivation to voluntarily participate in the 2009 Carbon Disclosure Project. We find that economic pressure is significantly associated with the decision. That is, companies facing direct economic consequence are more likely to disclose. Companies in greenhouse gas (GHG) intensive sectors show the same tendency. In addition, big companies have a higher propensity for disclosing, suggesting that social pressure plays an important role. We also provide possible explanations as to why a large proportion of our sample firms refuse to disclose. Furthermore, our results suggest that the proxies for information needs of investors are not associated with a higher propensity to disclose the amount of their emission footprints. In sum, it appears that the major driving force for climate change disclosure comes from the general public and government rather than from the other major stakeholders such as shareholders and debtholders. Our results are robust after controlling for other influences.
Stock Options and Firm Performance: New Evidence from the French Market
Authors: Triki Thouraya , Ureche‐Rangau Loredana
Published: June 2012

This study investigates the effect of stock option‐based compensation on the short‐term and long‐term performance of French companies. To the best of our knowledge, we provide the first empirical evidence describing the market reaction following initiations and renewals of Employee Stock Option (ESO) plans in France. We find that the French market reacts positively to initiations of ESO plans but does not consider their renewal as relevant information. Our results on the long‐term effect of ESO plans suggest that neither the size nor the value of the grants affect the firm's accounting and market performance. Similarly, corporate performance prior to the grant has no explanatory power of the size or value of the grant. This implies that, over our sample period, the relationship between option‐based compensation and corporate performance in France was inexistent, regardless of the direction considered.
The impact of childhood obesity on morbidity and mortality in adulthood: a systematic review
Authors: Park M. H. , Falconer C. , Viner R. M. , Kinra S.
Published: June 2012

The objective of this study was to evaluate the evidence on whether childhood obesity is a risk factor for adult disease, independent of adult body mass index (BMI). Ovid MEDLINE (1948–May 2011), EMBASE (1980–2011 week 18) and the Cochrane Library (1990–2011) were searched for published studies of BMI from directly measured weight and height in childhood (2–19 years) and disease outcomes in adulthood. Data were synthesized in a narrative fashion. Thirty‐nine studies (n 181–1.1 million) were included in the review. There was evidence for associations between childhood BMI and type 2 diabetes, hypertension and coronary heart disease. Few studies examined associations independent of adult BMI; these showed that effect sizes were attenuated after adjustment for adult BMI in standard regression analyses. Although there is a consistent body of evidence for associations between childhood BMI and cardiovascular outcomes, there is a lack of evidence for effects independent of adult BMI. Studies have attempted to examine independent effects using standard adjustment for adult BMI, which is subject to over‐adjustment and problems with interpretation. Studies that use more robust designs and analytical techniques are needed to establish whether childhood obesity is an independent risk factor for adult disease.
From Nora to the BNP: Implication of Cavell's Critique of Rawls
Authors: Woodford Clare
Published: June 2012

This article examines Cavell's critique of Rawlsian citizenship, namely that Rawls' desire to seek a democratic way of life in which citizens can reassure themselves that their behaviour has been ‘above reproach’ reflects a distorted and hence inadequate conception of the demands of the moral life. Although the aim to be ‘above reproach’ was only expressed in Rawls’ ‘A Theory of Justice’, I extend Stephen Mulhall's work to show that Cavell's concern holds not only for Rawls’‘Political Liberalism’ but also ‘The Idea of Public Reason Revisited’. Having shown that Rawls did not attend to this concern, I then demonstrate the importance of Cavell's argument in the practical context of responding to resentment in democracy. I examine the challenging case of supporters of the BNP's extremist politics, arguing that Rawlsian public reason potentially restricts justice in a way avoided by Cavell's, albeit more demanding, appeal to conversation.
LAND PRICES AND LANDSCAPE PRESERVATION RESTRICTION IN A METROPOLITAN AREA: THE CASE OF KYOTO CITY
Authors: Matsui Kazuhisa , Fukushige Mototsugu
Published: June 2012

This paper provides an empirical analysis of the effect on land prices of the “New Landscape Preservation Policy” enacted in Kyoto City in 2007. The main feature of this policy is building height restrictions in the central part of the city. We use a hedonic approach and find there has been a rise in land prices around the central part of the city, similar to the simulation results of previous studies using computational general equilibrium models. There has also been a rise in land prices in the central part of the city, which differs from the findings of previous studies. Additionally, a negative macroshock on the entire city and a fall in land prices in the urban fringe area are observable.