bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Swimming in Amusium pleuronectes (Bivahia: Pectinidae)*
Authors: Morton Brian
Published: August 2009

Aspects of functional design in the Pectinidae have led scientists to speculate that scallops of the Amusium group (Hertlein, 1969) are among the best swimmers. This study of Amusium pleuronectes confirms this view, with average swimming speeds ranging from 37–45 cm/second. A speed of 73 cm/second was recorded from one scallop. Swimming times varied, on average, between 8–10 seconds; one scallop, however, swam for 18 seconds, covering a distance of 10 metres.

This study has also investigated pertinent aspects of the functional design of A. pleuronectes, including the adaptations to the shell, mantle and musculature that increase swimming efficiency: These include: (1) A thin, very smooth, biconvex, rounded shell; (2) Internal strengthening ribs; (3) A small valve convexity; (4) A more central point of maximum valve convexity; (5) Upturned antero‐ and postero‐lateral upper valve margins; (6) Emarginated anterior and posterior shell margins; (7) A highly elastic ligament; (8) A single large, centrally located, adductor muscle; (9) Small perpendicularly oriented “slow” and large obliquely oriented “quick” adductor muscle components; (10) Expulsion of water both antero‐and postero‐dorsally; (11) Highly muscular middle and inner mantle folds acting as a (mechanical) “valve” to direct and regulate water flow.

It has occasionally been reported in the literature that small scallops swim “better” than large specimens of the same species; this has been investigated for A. pleuronectes and the general conclusion is that large scallops can swim just as well as small specimens (indeed distances covered are greater in animals of the former category), but that the threshold stimulus necessary for swimming to occur is raised. This is true also of the escape reaction; small scallops are much more likely to perform an escape response of between one to three adductions than large specimens which seem to rely more on sustained adduciion for protection. Earlier authors have advocated ontogenetic allometric growth changes in the position and obliquity of the “quick” component of the adductor muscle to explain how larger scallops overcome the increasingly negative forces of gravity and drag. No evidence of such allometric changes have been recorded for A. pleuronectes and the present author believes that the increasingly negative forces of drag and gravity are easily overcome by scallops of any size. Increasing weight with age and physiological ageing of the adductor muscle is probably sufficient to account for differences in swimming ability between small and large specimens of A. pleuronectes.

It is finally concluded that swimming in A. pleuronectes is not a response to predation. Circumstantial evidence is presented which, when considered with the efficiency of swimming and aspects of functional design in this species, suggests that swimming is concerned with active and seasonal migration, possibly linked to reproduction.
Metamorphosis in the Southern Hemisphere lamprey, Geotria australis
Authors: Potter I. C. , Hilliard R. W. , Bird D. J.
Published: August 2009

This paper provides the first detailed qualitative and quantitative description of metamorphosis in the lamprey Geotria australis, which is the sole representative of the exclusively Southern Hemisphere family Geotriidae. Using a description which separates metamorphosis into seven sequential stages, emphasis has been placed on the pattern of development of ihe unique adult characters found in this family. Such characters include the spatulate shape of the teeth, the markedly tridentate anterior lingual lamina, the prominent longitudinal dorso‐lateral blue‐green stripes, the pair of enlarged oral disc papillae, and the gap between the second dorsal and caudal fins. Moreover, body proportion data demonstrate that compared with other genera, Geotria has an unusually small eye and oral disc and a relatively long trunk. While during metamorphosis the length remained relatively constant, due to compensatory increases in the actual length of some parts of the body against losses in other regions, both the mean weight and the condition factor declined. The latter reductions are clearly related to the fact that the animal does not feed during the six months between the onset of metamorphosis in late January and early February and the time when the animal embarks on its movement towards the sea in late July and early August. The length and weight data suggest that G. australis enters metamorphosis at a smaller size than any other parasitic species of lamprey. The sex ratio in the 218 individuals whose gonad was examined, indicated that the populations in south‐western Australia were characterised by a slight excess of males (1♀: M8♂). The mortality encountered when downstream migrants were transferred to 100% sea water was 36% after direct transfer and 10–12% after prior acclimation to reduced salinities.
The flea epifauna of a suburban fox (Vulpes vulpes) population
Authors: Buckle Alan , Harris Stephen
Published: August 2009

Five hundred and thirteen fleas, of eight different species, were collected from a sample of 252 foxes killed in suburban London. 25–8% of foxes carried fleas, with a mean of 204 fleas per fox. Levels of infestation of male and female hosts did not differ significantly. Possible sources of the fleas infesting foxes are discussed with respect to their seasonal occurrence and fox prey composition. No evidence was found to support the suggestion that foxes obtain the majority of their fleas from prey items, although occasional heavy infestations of some flea species were probably derived from recent meals. Although Pulex irritans, Paraceras m. melis and Ctenocephalides canis, which contributed 35 % of the flea epifauna, could be considered parasitic on the fox, it seems probable that foxes pick up the majority of their fleas from the habitat through which they move. Thus, two particularly heavily infested categories of foxes were found: (1) juveniles during July‐September, their fleas probably being accumulated during exploratory and play activities, and (2) all animals during the period October‐December.
The trigeminal jaw adductors of primitive snakes and their homologies with the lacertilian jaw adductors
Authors: Rieppel Olivier
Published: August 2009

The trigeminal jaw adductor musculature of anilioid snakes is analysed. The group is characterised by primitive characters, viz. the presence of an extensive bodenaponeurosis and of a quadrate aponeurosis. A temporal tendon gives rise to superficial (lb) fibres which are not observed in other snakes: this may be a primitive or a derived feature.

Jaw adductor muscles in snakes are usually subdivided following their relative position in an antero–posterior direction. Lacertilian jaw adductors are subdivided in a transverse plane. A detailed comparison of the anilioid and primitive lacertilian jaw adductors establishes correspondences (homologies) of parts in the transverse plane in both groups. These homologies are corroborated by innervational patterns.

Platynotan lizards are widely accepted as potential snake ancestors. A comparison of homologue jaw adductors shows different evolutionary trends to characterise platynotan lizards and snakes. Theoretically, these findings do not rule out primitive platynotan lizards as snake ancestors. On the basis of the structure of jaw adductors, snakes are to be derived from a primitive lacertilian pattern, be it platynotan or not.
Structure of the plantar sweat glands of the Bank vole Clethrionomys glareolus
Authors: Griffiths Joanna , Kendall Marion D.
Published: August 2009

The plantar pads of the hind feet of 15 male and female, young and old Clethrionomys glareolus (Rodentia–family Muridae) were examined for the presence of tubular glands. Groups of eight or nine coiled glands were found in all of the 11 plantar pads. The secretory portion of the gland lies deep in the fatty hypodermis and communicates with the plantar surface by a coiled duct whose lining cells merge with those of the stratum basale of the undersurface of the foot. Groups of shallow depressions mark the site of the duct openings. They are not associated with any hairs.

Although light microscopy shows only one cell type, electron microscopy reveals two morphologically different cell types. Neither conform directly to the light and dark secretory cells of the human sweat glands although similarities exist. Myoepithelial cells surround the secretory cells, but do not appear to be present around the duct cells.
Survival of cohorts in a fluctuating population of the vole Microtus townsendii
Authors: Beacham Terry D.
Published: August 2009

Survival patterns of cohorts are described during a population cycle of the vole Microtus townsendii near Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. A two–year live–trapping study on both enclosed and unfenced populations showed that cohorts during the increase phase of growth lived longest and had the best survival. Smaller voles in the peak density spring cohort had poor survival, but survival increased during the peak density summer. Survival of cohorts in the decline phase breeding season was very poor. The suggestions are made that changes in spacing behaviour may cause changes in cohort survival and that the causes of rapid changes in survival need to be determined.
The effects on shells of drilling by Octopus
Authors: Nixon Marion , Maconnachie Elaine , Howell P. G. T.
Published: August 2009

The holes drilled by Octopus vulgaris are compared with structures concerned with drilling– the radula, the muscular salivary papilla, and the terminal process of the posterior salivary gland duct, and with the teeth which they all bear. Comparison of the shell surface after drilling and after fracture has shown that some chemical dissolucion of the shell occurs during drilling. “Rasp marks” found on the surface of drill holes have been shown to be due to the structural formation of the gastropod shell.
Multispecies antbird societies in lowland forests of Surinam and Ecuador: stable membership and foraging differences
Authors: Wiley R. Havkn
Published: August 2009

Flocks of insectivorous birds in the understory of lowland wet forest in Surinam and eastern Ecuador regularly included two species of antshrikes in the genus Thamnomanes (ardesiacus and caesius) and four species of antwrens in the genus Myrmotherula (in Surinam, axillaris, menetriesii, longipennis, and gutturalis; in Ecuador, the first two plus hauxwelli and ornata) (Formicariidae), as well as a number of other species particularly in the families Furnariidae and Dendrocolaptidae. Each flock included only a pair or occasionally a small group of each species. Although the individuals in a flock often spread over an area 30 m in diameter, the Myrmotherula, Thamnomanes and several other species moved cohesively through the forest. Each flock persisted throughout a day and, over periods of at least a week, recurred within the same largely exclusive range in the forest. The two Thamnomanes species had distinctive vocalizations that provided the primary signals for flock cohesion and alarm calls. Although most of the species of Myrmotherula had loud vocalizations, these were uttered too infrequently to contribute to flock cohesion and played no role in reactions to predators. In Central America, on the other hand, where Thamnomanes does not occur, M. fulviventris produces loud vocalizations, that resemble those of Thamnomanes, during disturbances to a flock. The species of Myrmotherula in each locality segregated ecologically in two dimensions, height of foraging above ground and preference for foraging in live or dead foliage. A shift in the foraging height of axillaris depending on the presence or absence of longipennis in the same flock suggested that competition for food has favoured ecological segregation of foraging height by these species. Thamnomanes–Myrmotherula flocks attain an unusual degree of cohesiveness and integration of foraging specialities in comparison with other mixed aggregations of animals.
Form and function in lacertilian knee and mesotarsal joints; a contribution to the analysis of sprawling locomotion
Authors: Rewcastle Stephen C.
Published: August 2009

The structure and function of the knee and mesotarsal (ankle) joints in lizards with normally developed limbs is described. It is shown that the knee joint is strictly of the hinge type, but is asymmetrical, resulting in a mesial inflexion of the long axis of the crus relative to that of the femur. The mesotarsal joint is a complex screw joint which permits conjunct rotatory movements of the crus on the pes, as well as flexion‐extension. These movements are mediated by interlocking control surfaces on either side of the joint, and are an external expression of the geometry of these surfaces. The morphology of these joints, and the movements they permit are evaluated with reference to the movements of the limb segments during retraction.
Aspects of the structure and functional anatomy of the Middle Triassic cynodont Luangwa
Authors: Kemp T. S.
Published: August 2009

The study concerns an incomplete skull and postcranial skeleton of the traversodontid cynodont Luangwa drysdalli Brink, from the Middle Triassic Ntawere Formation of Zambia. The incisor teeth had cutting edges maintained by tooth abrasion, and the post‐canines functioned more by a puncture‐crushing mechanism than by shearing. The jaw muscles, in conjunction with the teeth, were arranged to avoid stresses at the jaw articulation.

Both the region of the orbit, and the braincase show certain tendencies towards mammalian structure.

The forelimb operated in a primitive, sprawling fashion. The equivalent of the therian supraspinatus muscle had evolved, but not the infraspinatus. The hindlimb was more or less erect, and the hip musculature was very close to mammalian. Expanded costal plates were still present on the posterior thoracic and lumbar ribs, and functioned to maintain the vertebral column virtually rigid.
Relationship between nutritional state and testes function, together with observations on patterns of feeding, in the toad, Bufo bufo bufo
Authors: Guha Kallol , J∅osrgensen C. Barker , Larsen Lis Olesen
Published: August 2009

The effects of 10 weeks of starvation, restricted feeding, or ad lib. feeding on nutritional state and testes functions were investigated in male toads that had artificially hibernated in a refrigerator before being placed at room temperature. Food intake increased for about four weeks in both the fed groups. After this initial period the toads on restricted food ate their ration for the remaining part of the experiment, and they developed fat bodies of sizes characteristic of male toads during late summer in nature. The toads fed ad lib. increased food intake to about twice that of those on restricted food. After two weeks of high feeding rate food intake rapidly declined and remained low to the end of the experiment, when the fat bodies were larger than normally seen in nature. At the end of the experiment spermatogenetic activity had declined to a low level in the starving toads, whereas it was high in the fed toads. Starvation for 10 weeks did not affect the late stages of spermatogenesis. Interstitial cells and thumbpads remained reduced in the starving toads, but were restored in the fed toads. The importance of the annual cycle in nutritional state for gonadal cycles in male and female toads is discussed.
Defensive adaptations and behaviour in Scymnodes lividigaster (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae)
Authors: Richards Aola M.
Published: August 2009

The Australian coccinellid Scymnodes lividigaster (Mulsant) makes use of elaborate and distinctive defensive adaptations and behaviour to protect itself from predators. These include a well developed larval and pupal armature, cryptic colouration, production of wax by larvae and pupae, production of a protective waxy smear surrounding the pupa, aggregation of larvae before pupation, and reflex bleeding. It is the only known coccinellid species in which the pupa has an armature of parascoli and strumae, produces large quantities of wax on dorsal and ventral surfaces, and is surrounded by a protective smear.
Oviposition behaviour and the sensilla of the ovipositor of Chilo partellus and Spodoptera littoralis (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae).
Authors: Chadha G. K. , Roome R. E.
Published: August 2009

Observations of oviposition behaviour by Chilo partellus revealed that antennae, ovipositor tip and possibly tarsi were all involved in the choice of oviposition site. Among a very large number of typical mechanoreceptor hairs on the tip of the ovipositor valves, two pairs of stouter, blunt‐tipped hairs were discovered. These hairs alone took up silver nitrate stain and transmission electron microscope sections revealed that the hair shaft had a hollow lumen within which ran a group of four or five dendrites. It is concluded that these sensilla are contact chemoreceptors and they are positioned in such a way that, with the placing of each egg, they would contact the oviposition substrate. Similar hairs were found on the ovipositor of Spodoptera littoralis. It is suggested that the hairs may prevent oviposition on surfaces directly chemically harmful to the eggs.
Morphological and functional specializations of the shell, musculature and pallial glands in the Lithophaginae (Mollusca: Bivalvia)
Authors: Morton Brian , Scott P. J. B.
Published: August 2009

The structure of the pallial glands in limestone and coral boring species of Lithophaga (Bivalvia: Lithophaginae) is examined and related to evolutionary trends in habitat specialization. Boring glands of all species occur in the middle mantle fold but display a progressive degree of complexity from simple epithelial to ducted sub‐epithelial structures coinciding with increasing specialization of habitat from natural limestone to species specific live coral dwellers. The size of this gland is relatively reduced anteriorly and along the entire length of the mantle in live coral borers.
Locomotory activity of captive Cryptomys hottentotus, (Mammalia: Bathyergidae), a fossorial rodent
Authors: Hickman Graham C.
Published: August 2009

Locomotory activity of six mole‐rats kept singly and in various sized groups was monitored for a total of 1728 hours by use of photocells, event recorder, and a 21 metre long, transparent burrow system. Movement in tunnelways was recorded for all hours of a 24 hour period. Locomotory activity for individuals and a two member group average14–24% of the total time, while a four member group averaged 57% of the total time. Approximately five rest periods per day averaged 50 minutes duration each. The effects of social isolation, burrow length, diet, and individual variation on locomotory activity of fossorial mammals are discussed.
Feral Brown rats, Rattus norvegicus, in South Georgia (South Atlantic Ocean)
Authors: Pye T. , Bonner W. N.
Published: August 2009

Brown rats were introduced to the sub‐antarctic island of South Georgia probably around 1800. They are now widespread and abundant, particularly on the north coast. The population is divided into discrete units by the rugged topography of the island, particularly the many glaciers. Rats are found mostly in dense stands of coastal tussock grass which provides both shelter and food. They dig burrows in the tussock stools and make nest chambers in the leaf canopy. Tussock, which is rich in carbohydrate, forms the main part of their diet throughout the year. Perimylopid beetles are regularly eaten, and the rats forage on the sea‐shore. Carrion is eaten where available and the rats prey on ground‐nesting birds. Breeding is probably seasonal, as litters were found only from December to February. The rats have adapted successfully to the rigorous South Georgia climate, but are dependent on tussock grass for their survival. They have made rather little impact on the vegetation. Dove prions, diving petrels and some large petrels are preyed on but breeding colonies of these birds can coexist with rats. The Antarctic pipit rarely if ever nests in rat‐infested areas. No management procedures would be possible.
Annual production of young in European hares (Lepus europaeus) in the Netherlands
Authors: Broekhuizen Sim , Maaskamp Frans
Published: August 2009

In the Netherlands, hares have a period of sexual inactivity in autumn. Even though a reactivation of spermatogenesis was found from the second half of November onwards, first conceptions did not occur until the last week of December. Throughout January, the proportion of pregnant females increased to 80% in February in healthy adults, but only to 8% in diseased ones. Due to the spread in the start of the breeding season caused by variations in health and age, no synchronization in birth was found. Consequently, in order to be able to determine the annual production of young, the gradual change in pregnancy rate and mean litter size over the year had to be taken into account. Taking mean monthly values for healthy adult females, an average annual production of nearly 11 young was found. Compared with other European countries, annual production in the Netherlands is relatively high which is probably due to a comparatively long breeding season.
On the cardiac anatomy of the Sumatran rhinoceros
Authors: Cave A. J. E.
Published: August 2009

A descriptive account is given of the cardiac anatomy of a Sumatran rhinoceros with special reference to the cardiac conducting system, hitherto undescribed for the Rhinocerotidae. In the specimen studied this system manifests a well‐developed Tawara network of Purkinje tissue, marked by obtrusive taeniae vagae, and a comparable atrial network. The sinu‐atrial and atrio‐ventricular nodes are connected by a Wenckebach bundle. The primary dextral and sinistral branches of the Kent‐His bundle arise directly from the atrioventricular node. In its general constitution the heart closely resembles its equid counterpart.
Population changes and the distribution of a herd of feral goats (Capra sp.) on Rhum, Inner Hebride, 1960–78
Authors: Boyd Ian L.
Published: August 2009

Feral goats are distributed along the western coastal fringe of the island. Male and female home ranges are distinct and are associated with coastal shelter caves. The population has fluctuated cylically since records began in 1960. This cycle has a period of about six years and is maintained by changing levels of intraspecific competition at different population sizes brought about by variation in the total reproductive output of different generations of females.
Pup growth of the New Zealand fur seal Arctocephalus forsteri on the Open Bay Islands, New Zealand
Authors: Mattlin R. H.
Published: August 2009

Growth of New Zealand fur seal pups was investigated at Taumaka, Open Bay Islands, New Zealand, from November 1974 to September 1976. Pups were weighed and curvilinear length, axillary girth and foreflipper length measured at about ages 55, 190, 235 and 290 days. Males are significantly heavier and larger than females at each age, wtih the exception of axillary girth at 235 days. Pups born during the austral summer of 1974–5 were smaller overall than were pups born during the following summer. This difference was so great that males aged 140 days in 1976 were larger and heavier than males aged 235 days in 1975. Circumstantial evidence suggests that the difference in growth rates of pups born during the two years may have been a consequence, either directly or indirectly, of environmental temperatures. Pups born during the warmer season (1974–5) had the slower growth.
Brain size and ecology in small mammals
Authors: Mace Georgina M. , Harvey Paul H. , Clutton‐Brock T. H.
Published: August 2009

Relative brain size (measured as gross brain size after body size effects are removed) differs systematically between families of rodents, insectivores and lagomorphs. The Sciuridae have the largest relative brain size, the Soricidae and Bathyergidae the smallest.

These results are discussed and compared with previous analyses of relative brain sizes among primates and bats. These differences complicate comparisons between relative brain size across phylogenetically diverse species and attempts to relate differences in relative brain size to ecological variables. To overcome these problems, best fit relationships were estimated for each family, and values for each genus were expressed as deviations from the lines of best fit. We refer to these values as Comparative Brain Size (CBS).

Differences in CBS are related to differences in habitat type (forest‐dwelling genera have larger CBS' than grassland forms), in diet (folivores have smaller CBS' than generalists or insectivores, frugivores and granivores), in zonation (arboreal genera have larger CBS' than terrestrial ones) and in activity timing (nocturnal genera have larger CBS' than dirurnal ones). However, these ecological categories are interrelated and, when the effects of other ecological differences are taken into account using analyses of variance, only the differences associated with diet, and possibly habitat remain.
Rice‐field rats of Lower sind: abundance, reproduction and diet
Authors: Fulk George W. , Lathiya Shaher Bano , Khokhar Abdul Rauf
Published: August 2009

Data on the abundance, reproduction and diet of rice field rats were collected during three rice seasons. At rice harvest, Bandicota bengalensis nearly doubled its litter size and tripled its pregancy rate and greatly increased in abundance. Millardia meltada remained abundant and maintained a relatively high pregnacy rate over all stages of crop development. These differences corresponded to differences in diet. Before the onset of grain ripening, the diet of Millardia contained more high‐energy food (weed seeds, insects and scattered grain) while the diet of Millardia contained more high‐energy food (weed seeds, insects and scattered grain) while the diet of Bandicota contained primarily low‐energy food (rice stems and unidentified plant fibres); although both species ate principally rice at harvest. During most months, Nesokia indica was seldom caught above ground and ate mostly unidentified plant fibres. However, when grain ripened, Nesokia was caught on the surface and stomachs contained principally rice grain. Nesokia showed a lower pregnancy rate and smaller litter size, but apparently greater adult survival. They bred more often in the cooler months, during and after harvest.

Some information on other topics is also presented, such as: sexual activity in males; substrate preference; relative adult longevity; the effect of excessive flooding of rice paddies; and the importance of underground rice caches, rice field weeds and swamp land to overwintering Bandicota. Estimates of the relative damage to the crop caused by each species at different stages of crop development were made by using data on rodent diet and abundanc
Genetical variation in three Pacific House mouse (Mus musculus) populations
Authors: Berry R. J. , Sage R. D. , Lidicker W. Z. , Jackson W. B.
Published: August 2009

Studies of allozymic variation at 36 loci in samples of House mouse (Mus musculus) populations collected from the island of Hawaii and two islets in the Enewetak Atoll, Marshall Islands are reported. All three populations carried a great deal of inherited variation: the Hawaiian sample had a mean heterozygosity of 16.6% per locus, which is the highest value so far found for a mouse population. The mean heterozygosities for the two atoll populations were 11.4% and 10.9%.

There were no changes in either heterozygosity or allozyme frequencies with age. In this respect, these populations from the tropical Pacific differed from populations living in cold temperate regions where natural selection has been shown to affect allele frequencies in different ways at different stages of the life cycle.
Baseline cognition, behavior, and motor skills in children with new‐onset, idiopathic epilepsy
Authors: BHISE VIKRAM V , BURACK GAIL D , MANDELBAUM DAVID E
Published: August 2009

Aim  Epilepsy is associated with difficulties in cognition and behavior in children. These problems have been attributed to genetics, ongoing seizures, psychosocial issues, underlying abnormality of the brain, and/or antiepileptic drugs. In a previous study, we found baseline cognitive differences between children with partial versus generalized and convulsive versus non‐convulsive seizures. Measures in that study focused primarily on IQ scores. In the present study, we assessed baseline function with respect to new learning, attention, and memory, thus providing a more comprehensive profile than our previous study.

Method  We examined 57 children (42 females, 15 males), aged 6 to 17 years (mean 10y 1mo, SD 2y 9mo), with new‐onset, idiopathic epilepsy, using tests of cognitive function reflective of new learning, memory, and attention. Seizures were classified as generalized convulsive (n=5), generalized non‐convulsive (n=18), or focal (n=34). Focal seizures were divided into unilateral versus bilateral independent foci, and presence versus absence of secondary generalization.

Results  Attention was a particular area of weakness across all groups. The Vocabulary score of an intelligence screen was higher for the focal seizure groups (p=0.012), primarily because of a difference between the unilateral focal and the primary generalized groups (p<0.047). Children with generalized, non‐convulsive seizures performed significantly worse than the focal group on a measure of short‐term auditory memory (p=0.019). All groups performed poorly on a test of visual–motor speed.

Interpretation  These findings suggest intrinsic abnormalities in children with new‐onset, idiopathic epilepsy at baseline.
Stability of β‐lactoglobulin/micellar casein mixtures on heating in simulated milk ultrafiltrate at pH 6.0
Authors: MOUNSEY JOHN S , O’KENNEDY BRENDAN T
Published: August 2009

The stability of β‐lactoglobulin (β‐lg)/micellar casein (MC) mixtures was examined on heating at pH 6.0 in increasing levels of lactose‐free simulated milk ultrafiltrate (SMUF). Heated β‐lg associated with MC to form stable particles (up to 771 nm in size in SMUF × 0.5). Higher levels of SMUF induced reductions in the charge on particles, resulting in greater aggregation and precipitation. Results indicated that the nonthiol‐containing αs1‐ and β‐casein fractions showed greater interaction with β‐lg on heating than the thiol‐containing fractions (αs2‐casein and κ‐casein). Casein proteins and their fractions have potential application in the development of heat‐stable dairy‐based beverages.
Women's rights in Peru: insights from two organizations
Authors: MUJICA ROSA ALAYZA , MEZA MERCEDES CRISÓSTOMO
Published: August 2009

In this article we explore the appropriation of ideas about women's rights in Lima, Peru through an ethnographic study of two non‐governmental organizations. SEA is a local NGO grounded in the Catholic Church's liberation theology movement, which seeks to promote integrated human development, and is linked to the worldwide Catholic Church. DEMUS, the second NGO, with feminist roots, actively fights gender discrimination and belongs to networks of international women's human rights movements and UN organizations. We argue that the struggle for women's rights is part of a broader struggle for recognition and equality for the poor, shaped by changing notions of national identity, citizenship and diversity. Our research revealed clear examples of vernacularization, whereby local context, values and culture played a decisive role in the adoption of women rights ideas. Encounters with other concepts and movements, including social justice, family violence and women's mobilization, intimately shaped the vernacularization of women's rights. Ultimately, the adoption of rights ideas involved changes in women's individual and collective empowerment.
Constraining carbon sources and growth rates of freshwater microbialites in Pavilion Lake using 14C analysis
Authors: BRADY A. L. , SLATER G. , LAVAL B. , LIM D. S.
Published: August 2009

This study determined the natural abundance isotopic compositions (13C, 14C) of the primary carbon pools and microbial communities associated with modern freshwater microbialites located in Pavilion Lake, British Columbia, Canada. The Δ14C of dissolved inorganic carbon (DIC) was constant throughout the water column and consistent with a primarily atmospheric source. Observed depletions in DIC 14C values compared with atmospheric CO2 indicated effects due either to DIC residence time and/or inputs of 14C‐depleted groundwater. Mass balance comparisons of local and regional groundwater indicate that groundwater DIC could contribute a maximum of 9–13% of the DIC. 14C analysis of microbial phospholipid fatty acids from microbialite communities had Δ14C values comparable with lake water DIC, demonstrating that lake water DIC was their primary carbon source. Microbialite carbonate was also primarily derived from DIC. However, some depletion in microbialite carbonate 14C relative to lake water DIC occurred, due either to residence time or mixing with a 14C‐depleted carbon source. A detrital branch covered with microbialite growth was used to estimate a microbialite growth rate of 0.05 mm year−1 for the past 1000 years, faster than previous estimates for this system. These results demonstrate that the microbialites are actively growing and that the primary carbon source for both microbial communities and recent carbonate is DIC originating from the atmosphere. While these data cannot conclusively differentiate between abiotic and biotic formation mechanisms, the evidence for minor inputs of groundwater‐derived DIC is consistent with the previously hypothesized biological origin of the Pavilion Lake microbialites.
Pharmacogenetic of response efficacy to antipsychotics in schizophrenia: pharmacodynamic aspects. Review and implications for clinical research
Authors: Blanc Olivier , Brousse Georges , Meary Alexandre , Leboyer Marion , Llorca Pierre‐Michel
Published: August 2009

Pharmacogenetics constitutes a new and growing therapeutic approach in the identification of the predictive factors of the response to antipsychotic treatment. This review aims to summarize recent finding into pharmacodynamic approach of pharmacogenetics of antipsychotics and particularly second generation. Studies were identified in the MEDLINE database from 1993 to July 2008 by combining the following Medical Subject Heading search terms: genetic, polymorphism, single nucleotide polymorphism, pharmacogenetics, antipsychotics, and response to treatment as well as individual antipsychotics names. Only pharmacodynamics studies were analyzed and we focused on efficacy studies. We also reviewed the references of ll identified articles. Most studies follow a polymorphism‐by‐polymorphism approach, and concern polymorphisms of genes coding for dopamine and serotonin receptors. Haplotypic approach has been considered in some studies. Few have studied the combinations of polymorphisms of several genes as a predictive factor of the response to antipsychotics. We present this gene‐by‐gene approach while detailing the features of the polymorphisms being studied (functionality, linkage disequilibrium) and the features of the studies (studied treatment(s), prospective/retrospective study, pharmacological dosage). We discuss the heterogeneity of the results and their potential clinical implications and extract methodological suggestions for the future concerning phenotype characterization, genotypes variants studied and methodological and statistical approach.
A Comparison of Various Patterns of Three‐Dimensional Strain Rosettes
Authors: Mulvihill D. M. , O’Driscoll C. , Stanley W. , Little E. G.
Published: August 2009

Abstract:  The strain tensor, principal strains and precision of the estimates of these values are derived for a range of different layouts of three‐dimensional strain rosettes. These values are based on the Monte Carlo technique applied to experimental work which was carried out on transducers tested in different laboratories. The estimates of precision are determined theoretically and compared with results based on experimental findings. A new design of a miniature tri‐rectangular tetrahedral rosette was manufactured and tested. Results suggest that this transducer does not perform as well as the rectangular patterns.
Undertreatment of Motor Problems in Children with ADHD
Authors: Fliers Ellen A. , Franke Barbara , Lambregts‐Rommelse Nanda N.J. , Altink Marieke E. , Buschgens Cathelijne J.M. , Nijhuis‐van der Sanden Maria W.G. , Sergeant Joseph A. , Faraone Stephen V. , Buitelaar Jan K.
Published: August 2009

Background:  Motor problems occur in 30% to 50% of children with ADHD, and have a severe impact on daily life. In clinical practice there seems to be little attention for this comorbidity with the possible consequence that these motor problems go undertreated.

Method:  Clinical interview and questionnaire survey of treatment by physiotherapy and factors predicting treatment of motor problems in 235 children with ADHD and 108 controls.

Results:  Half of motor‐affected children had received physiotherapy. Treated children had more severe motor problems, and less frequently presented with comorbid anxiety and conduct disorder. Treated and untreated children were similar in age, and rated similarly on ADHD inattentive and hyperactive‐impulsive scales and parental socio‐economic status.

Conclusion:  Currently, undertreatment of motor problems in ADHD occurs. Behavioural factors play a role in referral and intervention.
Induced translocation of glycosylphosphatidylinositol‐anchored proteins from lipid droplets to adiposomes in rat adipocytes
Authors: Müller G , Jung C , Wied S , Biemer‐Daub G
Published: August 2009

Background and purpose:  Adipocytes release membrane vesicles called adiposomes, which harbor the glycosylphosphatidylinositol‐anchored proteins (GPI proteins), Gce1 and CD73, after induction with palmitate, H2O2 and the sulphonylurea drug glimepiride. The role of lipid droplets (LD) in trafficking of GPI proteins from detergent‐insoluble, glycolipid‐enriched, plasma membrane microdomains (DIGs) to adiposomes in rat adipocytes was studied.

Experimental approach:  Redistribution of Gce1 and CD73 was followed by pulse‐chase and long‐term labelling, western blot analysis and activity determinations with subcellular fractions and cell‐free systems exposed to palmitate, H2O2 and glimepiride.

Key results:  In response to these signals, Gce1 and CD73 disappeared from DIGs, then transiently appeared in LD and finally were released into adiposomes from small, and, more efficiently, large adipocytes. From DIGs to LD, Gce1 and CD73 were accompanied by cholesterol. Cholesterol depletion from DIGs or LD caused accumulation at DIGs or accelerated loss from LD and release into adiposomes, respectively, of the GPI proteins. Blockade of translocation of Gce1, CD73, caveolin‐1 and perilipin‐A from DIGs to LD blocked LD biogenesis and long term‐accumulation of LD interfered with induced release of the GPI proteins into adiposomes. GPI protein release was up‐regulated upon long term‐depletion of LD. Adiposomes were released by a DIGs‐based cell‐free system, but only in presence of LD.

Conclusions:  GPI proteins are translocated from DIGs to LD prior to their release into adiposomes, which is regulated by cholesterol, LD content and LD biogenesis. This detour may serve to transfer information about the LD content and to control lipolysis/esterification between large and small adipocytes via GPI protein‐harbouring adiposomes.
Catecholamine synthesis and metabolism in the central nervous system of mice lacking α2‐adrenoceptor subtypes
Authors: Vieira‐Coelho MA , Serrão MP , Afonso J , Pinto CE , Moura E
Published: August 2009

Background and purpose: This study investigates the role of α2‐adrenoceptor subtypes, α2A, α2Band α2C, on catecholamine synthesis and catabolism in the central nervous system of mice.

Experimental approach: Activities of the main catecholamine synthetic and catabolic enzymes were determined in whole brains obtained from α2A‐, α2B‐ and α2C‐adrenoceptor knockout (KO) and C56Bl\7 wild‐type (WT) mice.

Key results: Although no significant differences were found in tyrosine hydroxylase activity and expression, brain tissue levels of 3,4‐dihydroxyphenylalanine were threefold higher in α2A‐ and α2C‐adrenoceptor KO mice. Brain tissue levels of dopamine and noradrenaline were significantly higher in α2Aand α2CKOs compared with WT [WT: 2.8 ± 0.5, 1.1 ± 0.1; α2AKO: 6.9 ± 0.7, 1.9 ± 0.1; α2BKO: 2.3 ± 0.2, 1.0 ± 0.1; α2CKO: 4.6 ± 0.8, 1.5 ± 0.2 nmol·(g tissue)−1, for dopamine and noradrenaline respectively]. Aromatic L‐amino acid decarboxylase activity was significantly higher in α2Aand α2CKO [WT: 40 ± 1; α2A: 77 ± 2; α2B: 40 ± 1; α2C: 50 ± 1, maximum velocity (Vmax) in nmol·(mg protein)−1·h−1], but no significant differences were found in dopamine β‐hydroxylase. Of the catabolic enzymes, catechol‐O‐methyltransferase enzyme activity was significantly higher in all three α2KO mice [WT: 2.0 ± 0.0; α2A: 2.4 ± 0.1; α2B: 2.2 ± 0.0; α2C: 2.2 ± 0.0 nmol·(mg protein)−1·h−1], but no significant differences were found in monoamine oxidase activity between all α2KOs and WT mice.

Conclusions and implications: In mouse brain, deletion of α2A‐ or α2C‐adrenoceptors increased cerebral aromatic L‐amino acid decarboxylase activity and catecholamine tissue levels. Deletion of any α2‐adrenoceptor subtypes resulted in increased activity of catechol‐O‐methyltransferase. Higher 3,4‐dihydroxyphenylalanine tissue levels in α2Aand α2CKO mice could be explained by increased 3,4‐dihydroxyphenylalanine transport.
PROGRESS IN UREMIC TOXIN RESEARCH: The Role of EUTox in Uremic Toxin Research
Authors: Vanholder Raymond , Abou‐Deif Omar , Argiles Angel , Baurmeister Ulrich , Beige Joachim , Brouckaert Peter , Brunet Philippe , Cohen Gerald , De Deyn Peter Paul , Drüeke Tilman B. , Fliser Danilo , Glorieux Griet , Herget‐Rosenthal Stefan , Hörl Walter H , Jankowski Joachim , Jörres Achim , Massy Ziad A. , Mischak Harald , Perna Alessandra F. , Rodriguez‐Portillo Juan Mariano , Spasovski Goce , Stegmayr Bernd G. , Stenvinkel Peter , Thornalley Paul J. , Wanner Christoph , Wiecek Andrzej
Published: August 2009

In this publication, we review the activities of the European Uremic Toxin Work Group (EUTox) in the field of uremic toxin research. Founded in 1999 under the umbrella of the European Society of Artificial Organs (ESAO), and active since 2000, this group focuses essentially on questions related to solute retention and removal during chronic kidney disease, and on the deleterious impact of those solutes on biological/biochemical systems. As of January 1, 2009, the group had met 28 times; it organized the third meeting, “Uremic Toxins in Cardiovascular Disease,” which took place in October 2008 in Amiens, France. The current group is composed of 25 members belonging to 23 European research institutions. As of November 1, 2008, in total 69 papers had been published to which at least two different research groups belonging to EUTox have contributed in a collaborative effort. Of these, 40 papers were on original research and eight were specific EUTox reviews or position statements. A website (http://www.eutox.info) summarizes all relevant information concerning the work group. EUTox also developed an interactive uremic toxin database, where concentrations of known toxins are displayed, to be used by researchers in the field. In the future, EUTox intends to continue its focus on bench to bedside research with specific consideration of proteomics, metabonomics, secretomics, and genomics.
PROGRESS IN UREMIC TOXIN RESEARCH: The General Picture of Uremia
Authors: Almeras Cyrielle , Argilés Àngel
Published: August 2009

The clinical presentation and manifestations of uremia that constitute the uremic syndrome are presented. The first descriptions of patients with advanced or “terminal” renal failure who were treated with hemodialysis are evoked to illustrate the wide range of signs and symptoms that are associated even to a moderate decrease in renal function, presently referred to as chronic kidney disease (CKD) stages 3–4. The kidney is a central organ guaranteeing the maintenance of the “milieu intérieur,” where all the cells of the body are generated, develop, proliferate, and die. Chronic kidney disease, by altering the “milieu intérieur,” may alter the metabolism of every type of cell or organ, leading to a wide scope of symptoms. The most frequently observed signs in daily clinical practice are summarized and put into the perspective of the renal physician. Disturbances of ion and water metabolism, hypertension, cardiovascular disease, anemia, mineral and bone disorders, endocrine, inmmunologic and neurologic syndromes are described. The addition of these clinical manifestations defines and describes each uremic patient as a specific individual. The pathophysiologic mechanisms by which each of these signs and symptoms appears and the particular compounds responsible for their occurrence, are described in depth in subsequent chapters of this issue.
PROGRESS IN UREMIC TOXIN RESEARCH: Hyperhomocysteinemia in Uremia—A Red Flag in a Disrupted Circuit
Authors: Perna Alessandra F. , Ingrosso Diego , Violetti Eleonora , Luciano Maria Grazia , Sepe Immacolata , Lanza Diana , Capasso Rosanna , Ascione Elisabetta , Raiola Ilaria , Lombardi Cinzia , Stenvinkel Peter , Massy Ziad , De Santo Natale G.
Published: August 2009

Hyperhomocysteinemia is an independent cardiovascular risk factor, according to most observational studies and to studies using the Mendelian randomization approach, utilizing the common polymorphism C677T of methylene tetrahydrofolate reductase. In contrast, the most recent secondary preventive intervention studies, in the general population and in chronic kidney disease (CKD) and uremia, which are all negative (with the possible notable exception of stroke), point to other directions. However, all trials use folic acid in various dosages as a means to reduce homocysteine levels, with the addition of vitamins B6 and B12. It is possible that folic acid has negative effects, which offset the benefits; alternatively, homocysteine could be an innocent by‐stander, or a surrogate of the real culprit. The latter possibility leads us to the search for potential candidates. First, the accumulation of homocysteine in blood leads to an intracellular increase of S‐adenosylhomocysteine (AdoHcy), a powerful competitive methyltransferase inhibitor, which by itself is considered a predictor of cardiovascular events. DNA methyltransferases are among the principal targets of hyperhomocysteinemia, as studies in several cell culture and animal models, as well as in humans, show. In CKD and in uremia, hyperhomocysteinemia and high intracellular AdoHcy are present and are associated with abnormal allelic expression of genes regulated through methylation, such as imprinted genes, and pseudoautosomal genes, thus pointing to epigenetic dysregulation. These alterations are susceptible to reversal upon homocysteine‐lowering therapy obtained through folate administration. Second, it has to be kept in mind that homocysteine is mainly protein‐bound, and its effects could be linked therefore to protein homocysteinylation. In this respect, increased protein homocysteinylation has been found in uremia, leading to alterations in protein function.