bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Inversion by
P
4
:
polarization-picture post-processing
Authors: Schechner Yoav Y.
Published: January 2011

Polarization may be sensed by imaging modules. This is done in various engineering systems as well as in biological systems, specifically by insects and some marine species. However, polarization per pixel is usually not the direct variable of interest. Rather, polarization-related data serve as a cue for recovering task-specific scene information. How should polarization-picture post-processing (
P
4
) be done for the best scene understanding? Answering this question is not only helpful for advanced engineering (computer vision), but also to prompt hypotheses as to the processing occurring within biological systems. In various important cases, the answer is found by a principled expression of scene recovery as an inverse problem. Such an expression relies directly on a physics-based model of effects in the scene. The model includes analysis that depends on the different polarization components, thus facilitating the use of these components during the inversion, in a proper, even if non-trivial, manner. We describe several examples for this approach. These include automatic removal of path radiance in haze or underwater, overcoming partial semireflections and visual reverberations; three-dimensional recovery and distance-adaptive denoising. The resulting inversion algorithms rely on signal-processing methods, such as independent component analysis, deconvolution and optimization.
The molecular basis of mechanisms underlying polarization vision
Authors: Roberts Nicholas W. , Porter Megan L. , Cronin Thomas W.
Published: January 2011

The underlying mechanisms of polarization sensitivity (PS) have long remained elusive. For rhabdomeric photoreceptors, questions remain over the high levels of PS measured experimentally. In ciliary photoreceptors, and specifically cones, little direct evidence supports any type of mechanism. In order to promote a greater interest in these fundamental aspects of polarization vision, we examined a varied collection of studies linking membrane biochemistry, protein–protein interactions, molecular ordering and membrane phase behaviour. While initially these studies may seem unrelated to polarization vision, a common narrative emerges. A surprising amount of evidence exists demonstrating the importance of protein–protein interactions in both rhabdomeric and ciliary photoreceptors, indicating the possible long-range ordering of the opsin protein for increased PS. Moreover, we extend this direction by considering how such protein paracrystalline organization arises in all cell types from controlled membrane phase behaviour and propose a universal pathway for PS to occur in both rhabdomeric and cone photoreceptors.
An unsuccessful attempt to elicit orientation responses to linearly polarized light in hatchling loggerhead sea turtles (Caretta caretta)
Authors: Mäthger Lydia M. , Lohmann Kenneth J. , Limpus Colin J. , Fritsches Kerstin A.
Published: January 2011

Sea turtles undertake long migrations in the open ocean, during which they rely at least partly on magnetic cues for navigation. In principle, sensitivity to polarized light might be an additional sensory capability that aids navigation. Furthermore, polarization sensitivity has been linked to ultraviolet (UV) light perception which is present in sea turtles. Here, we tested the ability of hatchling loggerheads (Caretta caretta) to maintain a swimming direction in the presence of broad-spectrum polarized light. At the start of each trial, hatchling turtles, with their magnetic sense temporarily impaired by magnets, successfully established a steady course towards a light-emitting diode (LED) light source while the polarized light field was present. When the LED was removed, however, hatchlings failed to maintain a steady swimming direction, even though the polarized light field remained. Our results have failed to provide evidence for polarized light perception in young sea turtles and suggest that alternative cues guide the initial migration offshore.
Altererythrobacter ishigakiensis sp. nov., an astaxanthin-producing bacterium isolated from a marine sediment
Authors: Matsumoto Mitsufumi , Iwama Daisuke , Arakaki Atsushi , Tanaka Akira , Tanaka Tsuyoshi , Miyashita Hideaki , Matsunaga Tadashi
Published: January 2011

A Gram-negative, non-motile, non-spore-forming, halophilic rod, designated JPCCMB0017T, was isolated from a marine sediment of the coastal area of Okinawa, Japan. The isolate formed orange–red colonies on marine agar. Bacteriochlorophyll α was absent and sphingoglycolipid 1 and other carotenoids, including astaxanthin, adonixanthin and zeaxanthin, were present. Ubiquinone-10 (Q-10) was the main respiratory quinone and C18 : 1ω7c was the major cellular fatty acid. The G+C content of DNA was 59.1 mol%. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequencing revealed that the isolate was a member of the genus Altererythrobacter in the family Erythrobacteraceae. Strain JPCCMB0017T exhibited 96.8 % 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity with Altererythrobacter marinus H32T. Unlike other members of the genus Altererythrobacter, strain JPCCMB0017T reduced nitrate. On the basis of genotypic and phenotypic data, a novel species is proposed to accommodate this isolate, with the name Altererythrobacter ishigakiensis sp. nov. The type strain is JPCCMB0017T ( = NITE-AP48T = ATCC BAA-2084T = NBRC 107699T).
Bacillus hemicentroti sp. nov., a moderate halophile isolated from a sea urchin
Authors: Chen Yi-Guang , Zhang Yu-Qin , He Jian-Wu , Klenk Hans-Peter , Xiao Jian-Qing , Zhu Hong-Yi , Tang Shu-Kun , Li Wen-Jun
Published: January 2011

A novel Gram-staining-positive, moderately halophilic, facultatively alkaliphilic, non-motile, catalase-positive, oxidase-negative, endospore-forming, facultatively anaerobic rod, designated JSM 076093T, was isolated from a sea urchin (Hemicentrotus pulcherrimus) collected from Naozhou Island in the South China Sea. Growth occurred with 0.5–25 % (w/v) NaCl (optimum 5–8 %) and at pH 6.0–10.5 (optimum pH 8.0) and 5–40 °C (optimum 30–35 °C). meso-Diaminopimelic acid was present in the cell-wall peptidoglycan. The predominant respiratory quinone was menaquinone 7 and the polar lipids consisted of diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylglycerol and one unidentified phospholipid. The major cellular fatty acids (>10 % of the total) were anteiso-C15 : 0, anteiso-C17 : 0, iso-C16 : 0 and iso-C14 : 0. The genomic DNA G+C content was 38.8 mol%. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences indicated that strain JSM 076093T belonged to the genus Bacillus and was related most closely to Bacillus hwajinpoensis SW-72T (99.1 % 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity) and Bacillus algicola KMM 3737T (97.3 %). The combination of results from the phylogenetic analysis, DNA–DNA hybridization and phenotypic and chemotaxonomic characterization supported the conclusion that strain JSM 076093T represents a novel species of the genus Bacillus, for which the name Bacillus hemicentroti sp. nov. is proposed, with JSM 076093T ( = DSM 23007T = KCTC 13710T) as the type strain.
Pseudomonas composti sp. nov., isolated from compost samples
Authors: Gibello Alicia , Vela Ana I. , Martín Margarita , Mengs Gerardo , Alonso Pilar Z. , Garbi Carlos , Fernández-Garayzábal Jose F.
Published: January 2011

Two unusual, Gram-negative, catalase- and oxidase-positive rods, designated C2Tand C5, were isolated from compost samples. Comparative 16S rRNA gene sequencing studies demonstrated that both isolates were members of the genusPseudomonasand belonged to thePseudomonas aeruginosagroup. Strain C2Twas most closely related toPseudomonas cuatrocienegasensis1NTandPseudomonas borboriR-20821T(97.9 and 97.8 % 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity, respectively). However, phylogenetic analysis based onrpoDgene sequences revealed that both isolates could be discriminated from members of theP. aeruginosagroup that exhibited >97 % 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity. The DNA G+C content of strain C2Twas 61.5 mol%. The major fatty acids of strain C2Twere a summed feature (C16 : 1ω7cand/or iso-C15 : 02-OH), C18 : 1ω7c/12t/9t, C16 : 0and C12 : 0, which supported the isolates’ affiliation with the genusPseudomonas. Moreover, strain C2Tcould be distinguished from its closest phylogenetic neighbours of the genusPseudomonasby DNA–DNA hybridization studies and biochemical tests. On the basis of both phenotypic and phylogenetic findings, it is proposed that the isolates be classified as a novel species, with the namePseudomonas compostisp. nov. The type strain is C2T( = CECT 7516T = CCUG 59231T).
Methanobacterium movens sp. nov. and Methanobacterium flexile sp. nov., isolated from lake sediment
Authors: Zhu Jinxing , Liu Xiaoli , Dong Xiuzhu
Published: January 2011

Two mesophilic methanogenic strains, designated TS-2T and GHT, were isolated from sediments of Tuosu lake and Gahai lake, respectively, in the Qaidam basin, Qinghai province, China. Cells of both isolates were rods (about 0.3–0.5×2–5 µm) with blunt rounded ends and Gram-staining-positive. Strain TS-2T was motile with one or two polar flagella and used only H2/CO2 for growth and methanogenesis. Strain GHT was non-motile, used both H2/CO2 and formate and displayed a variable cell arrangement depending on the substrate: long chains when growing in formate (50 mM) or under high pressure H2 and single cells under low pressure H2. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences placed the two isolates in the genus Methanobacterium. Strain TS-2T was most closely related to Methanobacterium alcaliphilum NBRC 105226T (96 % 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity). Phylogenetic analysis based on the alpha subunit of methyl-coenzyme M reductase also supported the affiliation of the two isolates with the genus Methanobacterium. DNA–DNA relatedness between the isolates and M. alcaliphilum DSM 3387T was 39–53 %. Hence we propose two novel species, Methanobacterium movens sp. nov. (type strain TS-2T = AS 1.5093T = JCM 15415T) and Methanobacterium flexile sp. nov. (type strain GHT = AS 1.5092T = JCM 15416T).
Evolution and variation of the nifD and hupL elements in the heterocystous cyanobacteria
Authors: Henson Brian J. , Hartman Linda , Watson Linda E. , Barnum Susan R.
Published: January 2011

In heterocystous cyanobacteria, heterocyst differentiation is accompanied by developmentally regulated DNA rearrangements that occur within thenifDandhupLgenes, referred to as thenifDandhupLelements. These elements are segments of DNA that are embedded within the coding region of each gene and range from 4 to 24 kb in length. ThenifDandhupLelements are independently excised from the genome during the later stages of differentiation by the site-specific recombinases, XisA and XisC, respectively, which are encoded within the elements themselves. Here we examine the variation and evolution of thenifDandhupLelements by comparing full-lengthnifDandhupLelement sequences and by phylogenetic analysis ofxisAandxisCgene sequences. There is considerable variation in the size and composition of thenifDandhupLelements, however, conserved regions are also present within representatives of each element. The data suggest that thenifDandhupLelements have undergone a complex pattern of insertions, deletions, translocations and sequence divergence over the course of evolution, but that conserved regions remain.
Nocardia artemisiae sp. nov., an endophytic actinobacterium isolated from a surface-sterilized stem of Artemisia annua L.
Authors: Zhao Guo-Zhen , Li Jie , Zhu Wen-Yong , Klenk Hans-Peter , Xu Li-Hua , Li Wen-Jun
Published: January 2011

A novel actinobacterium, designated YIM 65623T, was isolated from a surface-sterilized stem ofArtemisia annuaL. Strain YIM 65623Thad morphological, biochemical, physiological and chemotaxonomic properties that were consistent with its classification in the genusNocardia. Growth occurred with 0–7 % (w/v) NaCl (optimum 0–3 %), at pH 5.0–9.0 (optimum pH 6.0) and at 10–37 °C (optimum 20–28 °C). Comparative 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis showed that strain YIM 65623Tconstituted a distinct sublineage within the genusNocardiaand displayed 94.1–98.2 % sequence similarity to members of established species in the genusNocardia. However, DNA–DNA relatedness and physiological and biochemical characteristics showed that strain YIM 65623Tcould be differentiated from its closest phylogenetic relatives. The G+C content of the genomic DNA was 69.6 mol%. It is proposed that strain YIM 65623Tbe classified as a representative of a novel species,Nocardia artemisiaesp. nov. The type strain is YIM 65623T( = DSM 45379T = CCTCC AA 209038T).
Phytomonospora endophytica gen. nov., sp. nov., isolated from the roots of Artemisia annua L.
Authors: Li Jie , Zhao Guo-Zhen , Zhu Wen-Yong , Huang Hai-Yu , Xu Li-Hua , Zhang Si , Li Wen-Jun
Published: January 2011

A novel endophytic actinomycete, strain YIM 65646T, was isolated from the roots of Artemisia annua L. collected from Yunnan Province, south-west China. Growth was observed in the temperature range 10–40 °C (optimum 20–28 °C) and at pH 6.0–9.0 (optimum pH 7.0). The organism formed well-developed, branched substrate mycelia, but aerial mycelium was not produced. Phenotypic characterization and 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis indicated that strain YIM 65646T belonged to the family Micromonosporaceae (sharing ≤93.6 % sequence similarity with members of this family) and formed a distinct clade in the Micromonosporaceae phylogenetic tree. The strain contained meso-diaminopimelic acid in the cell wall and mannose, ribose, galactose and glucose in whole-cell hydrolysates. The major menaquinones were MK-10(H4), MK-10(H2), MK-8(H2), MK-9(H2) and MK-10(H6). The major fatty acids were iso-C15 : 0, anteiso-C15 : 0, anteiso-C17 : 0, iso-C17 : 0 and iso-C16 : 0. The DNA G+C content of strain YIM 65646T was 70.0 mol%. On the basis of morphological and chemotaxonomic properties and phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequence data, it is proposed that this strain should be classified in a novel genus and species, Phytomonospora endophytica gen. nov., sp. nov., in the family Micromonosporaceae. The type strain is YIM 65646T ( = CCTCC AA 209041T  = DSM 45386T).
Comparative Evolution of Photosynthetic Genes in Response to Polyploid and Nonpolyploid Duplication
Authors: Coate Jeremy E. , Schlueter Jessica A. , Whaley Adam M. , Doyle Jeff J.
Published: February 2011

The likelihood of duplicate gene retention following polyploidy varies by functional properties (e.g. gene ontologies or protein family domains), but little is known about the effects of whole-genome duplication on gene networks related by a common physiological process. Here, we examined the effects of both polyploid and nonpolyploid duplications on genes encoding the major functional groups of photosynthesis (photosystem I, photosystem II, the light-harvesting complex, and the Calvin cycle) in the cultivated soybean (Glycine max), which has experienced two rounds of whole-genome duplication. Photosystem gene families exhibit retention patterns consistent with dosage sensitivity (preferential retention of polyploid duplicates and elimination of nonpolyploid duplicates), whereas Calvin cycle and light-harvesting complex gene families do not. We observed similar patterns in barrel medic (Medicago truncatula), which shared the older genome duplication with soybean but has evolved independently for approximately 50 million years, and in Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana), which experienced two nested polyploidy events independent from the legume duplications. In both soybean and Arabidopsis, Calvin cycle gene duplicates exhibit a greater capacity for functional differentiation than do duplicates within the photosystems, which likely explains the greater retention of ancient, nonpolyploid duplicates and larger average gene family size for the Calvin cycle relative to the photosystems.
Evaluating ScanSAR Interferometry Deformation Time Series Using Bursted Stripmap Data
Authors: Buckley Sean M. , Gudipati Krishnavikas
Published: January 2011

We demonstrate scanning synthetic aperture radar (ScanSAR) advanced radar interferometry processing for surface deformation time series analysis. We apply the small baseline subsets (SBAS) technique to ScanSAR data synthesized from 40 ERS-1 and ERS-2 stripmap SAR images over known deformation in Phoenix, Arizona. The strategy is to construct a burst pattern similar to Envisat ScanSAR data for two scenarios, namely, an idealized 100% burst overlap case and a realistic variable-burst synchronization case in which any image pair has at least 50% burst overlap. We And this latter scenario to be reasonable based on an assessment of the effect of burst overlap on Phoenix interferometric phase coherence. The differences between the variable burst overlap ScanSAR and stripmap SAR SBAS-derived pixel velocities have a mean of 0.02 cm/year and a standard deviation of 0.02 cm/year. It is noted that one can expect SBAS velocity and displacement one-sigma errors of 0.1 cm/year and 0.5 cm, respectively, from multilooked stripmap data. We observe that 96% and 99% of the variable burst overlap ScanSAR pixel velocities are within ±0.1 and ±0.2 cm/year (one- and two-sigma), respectively, of our stripmap SAR pixel velocities. These results are similar to those reported for SBAS analysis applied to low-resolution multilook interferograms derived from coherence-preserving down sampling of stripmap data. We also And that the rms deviations between variable burst overlap ScanSAR and stripmap SBAS displacement estimates are 0.40 ± 0.30 cm. 68% and 94% of the variable burst overlap ScanSAR pixel displacements are within ±0.5 and ±1.0 cm, respectively, of the stripmap displacements.
AICDA expression in BCR/ABL1‐positive acute lymphoblastic leukaemia is associated with a peculiar gene expression profile
Authors: Messina Monica , Chiaretti Sabina , Iacobucci Ilaria , Tavolaro Simona , Lonetti Annalisa , Santangelo Simona , Elia Loredana , Papayannidis Cristina , Paoloni Francesca , Vitale Antonella , Guarini Anna , Martinelli Giovanni , Foà Robin
Published: January 2011

Activation‐induced cytidine deaminase (AICDA) initiates somatic hypermutation and class‐switch recombination of immunoglobulin (Ig) genes and induces mutations also in non‐Ig genes. AICDA aberrant expression was detected in B‐lineage acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (B‐ALL), particularly BCR/ABL1+ B‐ALL; patients expressing AICDA carried more copy number alterations than ‘AICDA‐negative’ cases. To determine the role of AICDA, AICDA expression and gene expression profiling were studied in adult BCR/ABL1+ B‐ALL. Patients displaying the full‐length isoform AICDA are characterized by up‐regulation of DNA repair/replication and cell cycle genes, suggesting their involvement in the genetic instability of BCR/ABL1+ B‐ALL.
The effects of hydroxycarbamide and magnesium on haemoglobin SC disease: results of the multi‐centre CHAMPS trial
Authors: Wang Winfred , Brugnara Carlo , Snyder Cathie , Wynn Lynn , Rogers Zora , Kalinyak Karen , Brown Clark , Qureshi Asif , Bigelow Carolyn , Neumayr Lynne , Smith‐Whitley Kim , Chui David H. K. , Delahunty Mardee , Woolson Rob , Steinberg Martin , Telen Marilyn , Kesler Karen
Published: January 2011

In a phase‐II multi‐centre double‐blinded trial, we evaluated haematological effects of oral hydroxycarbamide (HC) and magnesium (Mg) in patients with HbSC, aged 5–53 years old. Subjects were randomized to HC + placebo, Mg + placebo, HC + Mg, or placebo + placebo. The primary endpoint was the proportion of hyperdense red blood cells after 8 weeks. Thirty‐six subjects were evaluable, but the study was terminated early because of slow enrollment. In the combined HC groups, mean cell volume and HbF were increased, but differences were not seen in hyperdense red cells or vaso‐occlusive events. Mg had no effects. Further investigation of hydroxycarbamide as monotherapy in HbSC disease is warranted.
Services for children with developmental co‐ordination disorder: the experiences of parents
Authors: Maciver D. , Owen C. , Flannery K. , Forsyth K. , Howden S. , Shepherd C. , Rush R.
Published: January 2011

Background  Parents provide valuable information on their experiences of engaging with therapy services for their children, which can inform the future development of these services. The aim of this study was to explore the views and experiences of parents who had accessed therapy services for their child with developmental co‐ordination disorder (DCD).

Methods  Seven focus groups were conducted incorporating 52 parents who had a child diagnosed with, or fitting the diagnostic criteria for DCD. Focus groups were audiotaped, transcribed and analysed thematically.

Findings  Parents reported struggling to gain access to therapy services. When they gained access, they found the services beneficial for their child but continued to experience difficulties regarding the quality of service delivery.

Conclusions/implications  The study suggests that parents thought some health‐care professionals lacked knowledge and understanding of DCD, which they believed impacted upon early recognition and access to services. They perceived that therapy at an early age was vital for children's development, and indicated that a clearer path for accessing these services was necessary in addition to improved service quality. They called for an increase in awareness of DCD by all therapy service professionals to aid early recognition and improved treatment.
Obesity prevention in the family day care setting: impact of the Romp & Chomp intervention on opportunities for children's physical activity and healthy eating
Authors: de Silva‐Sanigorski A. , Elea D. , Bell C. , Kremer P. , Carpenter L. , Nichols M. , Smith M. , Sharp S. , Boak R. , Swinburn B.
Published: January 2011

Background  The Romp & Chomp intervention reduced the prevalence of overweight/obesity in pre‐school children in Geelong, Victoria, Australia through an intervention promoting healthy eating and active play in early childhood settings. This study aims to determine if the intervention successfully created more health promoting family day care (FDC) environments.

Methods  The evaluation had a cross‐sectional, quasi‐experimental design with the intervention FDC service in Geelong and a comparison sample from 17 FDC services across Victoria. A 45‐item questionnaire capturing nutrition‐ and physical activity‐related aspects of the policy, socio‐cultural and physical environments of the FDC service was completed by FDC care providers (in 2008) in the intervention (n= 28) and comparison (n= 223) samples.

Results  Select results showed intervention children spent less time in screen‐based activities (P= 0.03), organized active play (P < 0.001) and free inside play (P= 0.03) than comparison children. There were more rules related to healthy eating (P < 0.001), more care provider practices that supported children's positive meal experiences (P < 0.001), fewer unhealthy food items allowed (P= 0.05), higher odds of staff being trained in nutrition (P= 0.04) and physical activity (P < 0.001), lower odds of having set minimum times for outside (P < 0.001) and organized (P= 0.01) active play, and of rewarding children with food (P < 0.001).

Conclusions  Romp & Chomp improved the FDC service to one that discourages sedentary behaviours and promotes opportunities for children to eat nutritious foods. Ongoing investment to increase children's physical activity within the setting and improving the capacity and health literacy of care providers is required to extend and sustain the improvements.
Impacts of an aggressive riparian invader on community structure and ecosystem functioning in stream food webs
Authors: Hladyz Sally , Åbjörnsson Kajsa , Giller Paul S. , Woodward Guy
Published: January 2011

1. Bioassessment in running waters has focused primarily on the impacts of organic pollution on community structure. Other stressors (e.g. invasive species) and impacts on ecosystem processes have been largely ignored in many riverine biomonitoring schemes, despite being required increasingly by environmental legislation.

2. Exotic riparian plants can exert potentially powerful stresses by altering both autochthonous and allochthonous trophic pathways. We examined the impact of Rhododendron ponticum on community structure and three key ecosystem processes (decomposition, primary production, and herbivory) in nine streams bordered by three characteristic vegetation types (deciduous woodland, pasture, or Rhododendron).

3. Community structure and ecosystem process rates differed among vegetation types, with autochthonous pathways being relatively more important in the pasture streams than in the woodland reference streams. Overall ecosystem functioning, however, was compromised in the invaded streams because both allochthonous and autochthonous inputs were impaired. Rhododendron’s poor quality litter and densely shaded canopy suppressed decomposition rates and algal production, and the availability of resources to consumer assemblages.

4. Synthesis and applications. Combining measures of invertebrate abundance, rates of litter decomposition and algal production in future bioassessments of stream ecosystem functioning can help to make better informed management decisions and to develop more focused priorities for mediating the negative effects of riparian invasions. We provide a series of specific recommendations for dealing with invasive riparian plants in general, and Rhododendron in particular, in order to minimize their impacts on stream ecosystems. For instance, where the invader produces poor quality litter the canopy should be kept as open as possible over the stream channel to reduce impacts on algal production, thereby retaining alternative food chains that can be exploited by generalist consumers in the absence of viable detrital resources.
Assessing deer densities and impacts at the appropriate level for management: a review of methodologies for use beyond the site scale
Authors: PUTMAN Rory , WATSON Peter , LANGBEIN Jochen
Published: January 2011

Population density alone is unlikely to be a good predictor of the impacts of deer on their environment. The assessment of management requirements should therefore be based on assessment of deer impacts, alongside estimates of density.

Both density and impacts need to be monitored at a landscape scale, and there is a need to develop appropriate methodologies that allow managers to consider the current and likely future impact of deer.

The relevant scale for assessment (and management) varies both with deer species and context of impact, but should always encompass at least the estimated biological range of the population of deer present in an area. Some impacts (e.g. deer–vehicle collisions, and risks of disease transmission) may need to be assessed at a wider regional level.

In this review we consider various approaches available for assessing: absolute or relative animal abundance; impacts of ungulates on agriculture, forestry, amenity woodlands and other conservation sites; impacts on public safety (e.g. through road traffic accidents) and on humans or livestock through potential spread of disease.

In each case the advantages and disadvantages of a variety of methods are considered, before recommendations are made for methodologies which are sufficiently accurate, sufficiently robust and sufficiently practical to be favoured in a management context.

To address impacts at the landscape scale requires management policies that integrate information on both positive and negative impacts of deer in order to ensure appropriate and holistic management. We present a decision‐support framework suitable for use within the UK, using inputs from a variety of possible impact types to assist managers and forewarn of situations where current management may need to be modified.
Evidence for parasitoid‐induced premature mortality in the Argentine stem weevil
Authors: VEREIJSSEN JESSICA , ARMSTRONG KAREN F. , BARRATT BARBARA I. P. , CRAWFORD ALLAN M. , McNEILL MARK R. , GOLDSON STEPHEN L.
Published: January 2011

The Argentine stem weevil Listronotus bonariensis Kuschel (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) is an exotic pest of New Zealand ryegrass and the adult‐stage is parasitized by the introduced solitary endoparasitoid Microctonus hyperodae Loan (Hymenoptera: Braconidae: Euphorinae). This biological control agent is effective, although, under both laboratory and field conditions, an unexplained source of premature mortality in the weevils is observed after exposure to M. hyperodae. This premature mortality may be affected to varying degrees by the length of time of parasitoid exposure, the physiological conditions of the host, and the host to parasitoid ratios, although it occurs naturally without any physical interruption to the parasitoid ovipositional process. In the present study, the premature mortality reported in earlier studies is confirmed and it is conjectured to be the result of injection of parasitoid venom without an egg. Moreover, the lack of premature mortality resulting from longer exposure periods indicates that there might be a curative effect resulting from subsequent oviposition; the egg reverses the toxic effect induced by the injection of venom only. As discussed, this phenomenon may not be restricted to the L. bonariensis/M. hyperodae system and, accordingly, there are evolutionary, biosecurity and general pest management questions to be considered.
Early effects of salt stress on the physiological and oxidative status of Cakile maritima (halophyte) and Arabidopsis thaliana (glycophyte)
Authors: Ellouzi Hasna , Ben Hamed Karim , Cela Jana , Munné‐Bosch Sergi , Abdelly Chedly
Published: February 2011

Early changes in physiological and oxidative status induced by salt stress were monitored in two Brassicaceae plants differing in their tolerance to salinity, Cakile maritima (halophyte) and Arabidopsis thaliana (glycophyte). Growth response and antioxidant defense of C. maritima under 400 mM NaCl were compared with those of A. thaliana exposed to 100 mM NaCl. Salinity induced early growth reduction that is less pronounced in C. maritima than in A. thaliana. Maximum hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) level occurred in the leaves of both species 4 h after the onset of salt treatment. A rapid decline in H2O2 concentration was observed thereafter in C. maritima, whereas it remained high in A. thaliana. Correlatively, superoxide dismutase, catalase and peroxidase activities increased at 4 h of treatment in C. maritima and decreased thereafter. However, the activity of these enzymes remained higher in treated plants than that in controls, regardless of the duration of treatment, in A. thaliana. The concentrations of malondialdehyde (MDA) reached maximum values at 24 h of salt stress in both species. Again, MDA levels decreased later in C. maritima, but remained high in A. thaliana. The contents of α‐tocopherol remained constant during salt stress in C. maritima and decreased during the first 24 h of salt stress and then remained low in A. thaliana. The results clearly showed that C. maritima, in contrast to A. thaliana, can rapidly evolve physiological and antioxidant mechanisms to adapt to salt and manage the oxidative stress. This may explain, at least partially, the difference in salt tolerance between halophytes and glycophytes.
Operation of dual mechanisms that both lead to photoinactivation of Photosystem II in leaves by visible light
Authors: Oguchi Riichi , Terashima Ichiro , Kou Jiancun , Chow Wah Soon
Published: February 2011

Photosystem II (PS II) is photoinactivated during photosynthesis, requiring repair to maintain full function during the day. What is the mechanism(s) of the initial events that lead to photoinactivation of PS II? Two hypotheses have been put forward. The ‘excess‐energy hypothesis' states that excess energy absorbed by chlorophyll (Chl), neither utilized in photosynthesis nor dissipated harmlessly in non‐photochemical quenching, leads to PS II photoinactivation; the ‘Mn hypothesis' (also termed the two‐step hypothesis) states that light absorption by the Mn cluster in PS II is the primary effect that leads to dissociation of Mn, followed by damage to the reaction centre by light absorption by Chl. Observations from various studies support one or the other hypothesis, but each hypothesis alone cannot explain all the observations. We propose that both mechanisms operate in the leaf, with the relative contribution from each mechanism depending on growth conditions or plant species. Indeed, in a single system, namely, the interior of a leaf, we could observe one or the other mechanism at work, depending on the location within the tissue. There is no reason to expect the two mechanisms to be mutually exclusive.
Biochemical and Molecular Changes in Downy Mildew‐infected Sunflower Triggered by Resistance Inducers
Authors: Körösi Katalin , Bán Rita , Barna Balázs , Virányi Ferenc
Published: February 2011

In the present study, the mechanism of resistance to Plasmopara halstedii, the downy mildew pathogen of sunflower, triggered by three resistance‐inducing chemicals, benzo (1,2,3) thiadiazole‐7‐carbothioic acid S‐methyl ester (BTH), DL‐β‐amino butyric acid (BABA) and 2,6‐dichloroisonicotinic acid (INA), was investigated in susceptible, completely resistant and partially resistant sunflower genotypes. By applying P. halstedii‐specific primers, no detectable pathogen marker transcript accumulation was found in the infected but completely resistant sunflower hypocotyls; however, pretreatments with either of the three resistance inducers decreased the transcript accumulation in both the infected susceptible and the partially resistant lines. Benzothiadiazole pretreatment before inoculation considerably enhanced enzyme activities in the infected susceptible and the completely resistant genotypes but not in partially resistant plants. Pretreatment with resistance inducers before inoculation increased glutathione S‐transferase, defensin and catalase transcript levels in the susceptible but decreased in the partially resistant plants. Our results indicate that the resistance‐inducing chemicals can improve resistance in all of the sunflower genotypes to downy mildew and increase enzyme activities of peroxidase and polyphenol oxidase, as well as accumulation of mRNAs of glutathione S‐transferase, defensin and catalase. However, it is important to emphasize that activation of these defence‐related proteins did not correlate with the degree of resistance, but rather with the amount of necrotic tissues.
Genotypic and Pathotypic Diversity of Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzae, the Cause of Bacterial Blight of Rice in Punjab State of India
Authors: Lore Jagjeet S. , Vikal Yogesh , Hunjan Mandeep S. , Goel Ravinder K. , Bharaj Tajinder S. , Raina Girdhari L.
Published: February 2011

Bacterial blight (BB) caused by Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzae (Xoo) is a major biotic constraint in the intensive irrigated rice belt comprising Punjab and adjoining north‐western states of India. Development and deployment of host resistance is the only effective means of BB management. The pathogen is highly variable, and the current Xoo population from the state could be classified into seven distinct pathotypes (PbXo‐1 to PbXo‐7) by inducing differential reactions on a set of near‐isoganic lines in the background of IR24 and some international, national and regional cultivars. Known BB resistance genes (Xa1, Xa3, Xa10, Xa11, Xa14, Xa18) were ineffective, whereas xa13, Xa4 + xa13, xa5 + xa13, xa13 + Xa21, Xa4 + xa5 + xa13, Xa4 + xa5 + Xa21, Xa4 + xa13 + Xa21, xa5 + xa13 + Xa21 and Xa4 + xa5 + xa13 + Xa21 and rice line IET8585/Ajaya were effective against all the seven pathotypes analysed. Xa21 was effective against all the pathotypes except PbXo‐3 and PbXo‐4. PbXo‐7, the most dominant pathotype, was found to be virulent and induced susceptible/moderately susceptible reaction on 22 of the 40 test genotypes followed by PbXo‐1, PbXo‐5 and PbXo‐6; PbXo‐2 was the least virulent pathotype. Molecular profiling of these pathotypes using random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) and IS1112‐based polymerase chain reaction (PCR) generated specific and reproducible fingerprint patterns. Primers S1117, S112, S109, S1106 and JEL are more informative in distinguishing pathotypes. At a similarity of 0.50, pathotypes PbXo‐1 and PbXo‐2 were grouped together, whereas other five pathotypes showed separate lineage. The data using RAPD‐PCR and IS1112‐based PCR approaches revealed their potential in generating unique DNA fragments specific for different pathotypes that may lead to the rapid assessment of genetic variation in the pathogen population. Pyramiding of two/more partially effective known Xa genes and/or search for new disease resistance genes effective against the wider Xoo population appears to be the most appropriate approach for BB management in the near future.
Brucellosis acquired by eating imported cheese
Authors: Brough Helen A , Solomon Anthony W , Wall Robert A , Isaza Fernando , Pasvol Geoffrey
Published: January 2011

Pyrexia of unknown origin is an important clinical presentation in both paediatric and adult medicine. We present a case of pyrexia of unknown origin in a 14 year‐old boy which turned out to be due to infection with Brucella melitensis, despite the patient not having left Great Britain – an officially brucellosis‐free country – in six years. Repeated history‐taking provided a clue to the diagnosis.
Trimethylaminuria: An under‐recognised and socially debilitating metabolic disorder
Authors: Christodoulou John
Published: January 2011

Primary flavin mono‐oxygenase 3 deficiency, an inborn error of choline metabolism, leads to an accumulation of trimethylamine, which because of its associated pungent odour of rotting fish, is a socially crippling disorder. Although it often has its onset in early childhood, it may take years or even decades before the diagnosis is established. In this review the clinical biochemical and genetic features of the disorder are reported. The principles of therapy will also be covered, including dietary, pharmacological approaches, as well as techniques used to manipulate the gastrointestinal environment as a strategy to reduce the gastrointestinal load of trimethylamine.
Developmental alterations of the spinal trigeminal nucleus disclosed by substance P immunohistochemistry in fetal and infant sudden unexplained deaths
Authors: Lavezzi Anna M. , Mehboob Riffat , Matturri Luigi
Published: January 2011

We investigated the immunohistochemical expression of substance P (SP) in the brainstems of 56 subjects aged from 17 gestational weeks to 10 post natal months, who died of unknown (sudden unexplained fetal deaths and SIDS) and known causes (controls). The goals of this study were: (i) to obtain basic information about the expression of SP during the first phases of human nervous system development; (ii) to evaluate whether there are alterations of this neuromodulator in victims of sudden death; and (iii) to verify any correlation with maternal cigarette smoking. Immunohistochemistry demonstrated SP immunoreactivity in the caudal trigeminal nucleus area, with a progressive increase in the density of SP‐positive fibers of the corresponding tract during normal development from fetal life to the first post natal months. Delineation of the structure of the human trigeminal nucleus, little investigated so far, provided essential data on its morphologic and functional development. Instead, a negative or low SP expression was detectable in the fibers of this tract in a wide subset of SIDS victims and, conversely, a high SP‐expression in a wide subset of sudden fetal deaths. We postulate, on the basis of these results, that SP has a functional importance in the early phases of central nervous system development and in the regulation of autonomic functions. In addition, the observation of a significant correlation between sudden unexplained death, altered SP staining and maternal smoking leads us to suggest a close relation between the absorption of cigarette smoke in utero and a decreased functional activity of the trigeminal nucleus, that can trigger sudden death of the fetus during pregnancy or of the infant in the first months of life.
Employment Relationships and Firm Innovation: The Double Role of Human Capital
Authors: Bornay‐Barrachina Mar , De la Rosa‐Navarro Dolores , López‐Cabrales Alvaro , Valle‐Cabrera Ramón
Published: January 2011

We examine how employment relationships and human capital influence innovation in a sample of Spanish firms. Previous research has indicated that human capital directly affects innovation, but few studies have considered human capital as a variable that mediates or moderates the effects of other variables on innovation. We tested our hypotheses using a sample of 150 innovative Spanish firms and confirmed that, while human capital favours innovations, employment relationships are not directly associated with innovation unless they take human capital into account. Specifically, our analyses suggest that human capital mediates the relationship between a mutual investment employment relationship and innovation, which is characterized by high levels of incentives and expectations. However, we also found that human capital plays a moderating role when organizations develop an employment relationship characterized by low investments in personnel but high expectations from their work (the underinvestment model). We discuss the theoretical and practical implications of these results.
CORRUPTION AND FOREIGN DIRECT INVESTMENT: A PANEL GRAVITY MODEL APPROACH
Authors: Bellos Sotirios , Subasat Turan
Published: February 2011

This paper investigates the relationship between corruption and foreign direct investment (FDI) in the case of 15 transition countries by using a panel gravity model approach and suggests that corruption does not deter FDI.
Intergenerational Continuity in Child Maltreatment: Mediating Mechanisms and Implications for Prevention
Authors: Berlin Lisa J. , Appleyard Karen , Dodge Kenneth A.
Published: February 2011

In the interest of improving child maltreatment prevention, this prospective, longitudinal, community‐based study of 499 mothers and their infants examined (a) direct associations between mothers’ experiences of childhood maltreatment and their offspring’s maltreatment, and (b) mothers’ mental health problems, social isolation, and social information processing patterns (hostile attributions and aggressive response biases) as mediators of these associations. Mothers’ childhood physical abuse––but not neglect––directly predicted offspring victimization. This association was mediated by mothers’ social isolation and aggressive response biases. Findings are discussed in terms of specific implications for child maltreatment prevention.
Mentoring in Schools: An Impact Study of Big Brothers Big Sisters School‐Based Mentoring
Authors: Herrera Carla , Grossman Jean Baldwin , Kauh Tina J. , McMaken Jennifer
Published: February 2011

This random assignment impact study of Big Brothers Big Sisters School‐Based Mentoring involved 1,139 9‐ to 16‐year‐old students in 10 cities nationwide. Youth were randomly assigned to either a treatment group (receiving mentoring) or a control group (receiving no mentoring) and were followed for 1.5 school years. At the end of the first school year, relative to the control group, mentored youth performed better academically, had more positive perceptions of their own academic abilities, and were more likely to report having a “special adult” in their lives. However, they did not show improvements in classroom effort, global self‐worth, relationships with parents, teachers or peers, or rates of problem behavior. Academic improvements were also not sustained into the second school year.
The Impact of Enhancing Students’ Social and Emotional Learning: A Meta‐Analysis of School‐Based Universal Interventions
Authors: Durlak Joseph A. , Weissberg Roger P. , Dymnicki Allison B. , Taylor Rebecca D. , Schellinger Kriston B.
Published: February 2011

This article presents findings from a meta‐analysis of 213 school‐based, universal social and emotional learning (SEL) programs involving 270,034 kindergarten through high school students. Compared to controls, SEL participants demonstrated significantly improved social and emotional skills, attitudes, behavior, and academic performance that reflected an 11‐percentile‐point gain in achievement. School teaching staff successfully conducted SEL programs. The use of 4 recommended practices for developing skills and the presence of implementation problems moderated program outcomes. The findings add to the growing empirical evidence regarding the positive impact of SEL programs. Policy makers, educators, and the public can contribute to healthy development of children by supporting the incorporation of evidence‐based SEL programming into standard educational practice.
An analysis of entry and persistence among scientists in an emerging field of Science: The case of Neural Networks
Authors: Rappa Michael , Debackere Koenraad
Published: February 2011

The title of Table 4 on page 336 should read: “Ancova of factors that might influence respondents' decision to leave the field”.

The covariaties listed in the footer to Table 4 should read: “graduation cohort, experience at present”.
R&D networking in a pharmaceutical company: Some implications for human resource management
Authors: Albertini Sergio , Butler Jeff
Published: February 2011

A case‐study of the R&D networking activities of Glaxo Group Research was carried out between June and November 1993. Different types of networking situation were identified using a simple 2times2 matrix –‐ the ‘networking uncertainty map’. This paper describes the background to Glaxo's R&D networking activities, introduces and illustrates the uncertainty map and then suggests the implications of each type of network. There are implications in general for R&D management and more specifically for the management of human resources in R&D. Managers might easily apply the uncertainty map to their own R&D networking situations.
Nationalism and Community in North West Wales
Authors: Borland John , Fevre Ralph , Denney David
Published: February 2011

This paper develops an explanation for the simultaneous surge in support of both parliamentary and extra-parliamentary nationalism in North West Wales. Close analysis of the way in which the concept ‘community’ is used within the process of political mobilisation provides the key to this understanding. By demonstrating that a number of social constructions of community co-exist within the same social space (in this instance, North West Wales), the paper contributes an added dimension to the understandings of community current within sociology. The paper identifies four social constructions of community, each relating to a different variant of Nationalist ideology. The capacity within the concept community to legitimate a locality simultaneously as a place of resistance and of conflict is demonstrated to be central to the explanation for the dual rise in nationalist support.
On Male Femaling: A Grounded Theory Approach to Cross-Dressing and Sex-Changing
Authors: Ekins Richard
Published: February 2011

This preliminary report is a study in grounded theory based on eleven years of qualitative sociological research with male cross-dressers and sex-changers in the United Kingdom. It reviews the cognate literature from the standpoint of grounded theory and re-conceptualises the research area in terms of the basic social process of ‘male femaling’. ‘Male femalers’ are males who wish to ‘female’ in various ways, in various contexts, at various times, with various stagings and with varying consequences. Three major modes of ‘male femaling’ are introduced: ‘body femaling’, ‘erotic femaling’ and ‘gender femaling’, and set within a phased ‘femaling’ career path. Typical features of each phase are detailed, indicating oscillations between the major facets of sex, sexuality and gender frequently confronted in each phase. Particular reference is made to the inter-relations between the three modes of ‘femaling’, to the categorisations ‘transvestite’ and ‘transsexual’, and to the constitution of ‘femaling’ self and world as being variously sexed, sexualised and gendered.