bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Proactive career behaviours and career success during the early career
Authors: De Vos Ans , De Clippeleer Inge , Dewilde Thomas
Published: November 2009

The current article tests a longitudinal model of the process of proactive career behaviours and career success with two samples of graduates making the transition from college to work. Using structural equation modelling, we tested a theoretical model that specified the relationships between career progress goals, career planning, networking behaviours, and career success. A longitudinal panel study was conducted within two samples using a 3‐year (sample 1) and 1‐year (sample 2) time lag between the first and second data collection. The results support the process model and suggest that at graduation, career planning is affected by the goal of making career progress. In turn, career planning is positively associated with networking behaviours. Both career planning and networking at graduation are positively related to career planning and networking 1 year later (sample 1) but in sample 2, in which a 3‐year time lag was used, these relationships were no longer significant. Support is found for the relationship between networking during the early career and objective and subjective career success. The findings are discussed in terms of their general implications for understanding the proactive career behaviour process through which graduates affect their career success during the first years of their professional career.
Careers research in Europe: Identity and contribution
Authors: Khapova Svetlana N. , Vinkenburg Claartje J. , Arnold John
Published: November 2009

This guest editorial introduces the special section of theJournal of Occupational and Organizational Psychology‘Careers research in Europe’. Contributing to the aim of the special section to highlight the value of the European careers research for the benefit of the global community of career scholars, as well as towards advancing researchers' understanding of contemporary careers, the guest editorial discusses two themes. The first theme concerns the importance of incorporating cultural context in career studies. The second theme concerns the value the European multilingual and multicultural context offers for career studies. It is suggested that the value of European research can be seen in the diversity it offers to views on careers. It includes: (a) diversity of social, political, and economic environments; (b) diversity of cultures; and (c) diversity of theories and methods that can be used in career studies.
Uncertainty Forecasts Improve Decision Making Among Nonexperts
Authors: Nadav-Greenberg Limor , Joslyn Susan L.
Published: November 2009

The objective of this research was to evaluate the impact of weather uncertainty information on decision making in naturalistic settings. Traditional research often reveals deficits in human decision making under uncertainty as compared with normative models of rational choice. However, little research has addressed the question of whether people in naturalistic settings make better decisions when they have uncertainty information as compared with when they have only a deterministic forecast. Two studies investigated the effect of several types of weather uncertainty information on the quality of decisions to protect roads against icing and on temperature predictions and compared them with a control condition that provided deterministic forecast only. Experiment 1 was a Web-based questionnaire that included a single trial. Experiment 2, conducted in lab, included 120 trials and provided outcome feedback and a reward based on performance. Both studies indicated enhanced performance with uncertainty information. The best kind of uncertainty information tested here was the one that provided the probability at the threshold for the task at hand. We conclude that uncertainty information can be used advantageously, even when it does not result in perfectly rational performance, and that uncertainty can be communicated effectively to nonexpert end users, resulting in improved decision making.
Measuring and Predicting Shared Situation Awareness in Teams
Authors: Saner Lelyn D. , Bolstad Cheryl A. , Gonzalez Cleotilde , Cuevas Haydee M.
Published: November 2009

In order to improve our understanding of situation awareness (SA) in teams performing in technologically advanced command, control, and communications (C3) operations, researchers need to develop valid approaches to assess both individual and shared SA. We investigated SA in an interdisciplinary military rescue operation training exercise. For this study, we developed procedures to measure the degree of shared SA between two team members and to improve the accuracy of their shared SA scores. We suggest that SA scores that are calculated using many existing methods may be inflated because they often fail to account for error in terms of both the amount of information that is thought to be relevant and in the accuracy of a person's knowledge of it. We calculated true SA scores that account for both of these types of error. The measures were then used to evaluate five potential predictors of shared SA. Our analysis suggested that failure to compensate for error in SA may lead to overestimation of performance in a situation. The results also revealed a significant relationship between shared SA and participants' distance from a central, joint service team, which acted as the organizational hub within the C3 structure. Shared SA was better the further away from the hub people were, which suggests that a person's role and position within an organization affects the level of shared SA that can be achieved with other individuals.
Functional Copies of the Mst77F Gene on the Y Chromosome of Drosophila melanogaster
Authors: Krsticevic Flavia J , Santos Henrique L , Januário Suelen , Schrago Carlos G , Carvalho A Bernardo
Published: November 2009

The Y chromosome of Drosophila melanogaster has <20 protein-coding genes. These genes originated from the duplication of autosomal genes and have male-related functions. In 1993, Russell and Kaiser found three Y-linked pseudogenes of the Mst77F gene, which is a testis-expressed autosomal gene that is essential for male fertility. We did a thorough search using experimental and computational methods and found 18 Y-linked copies of this gene (named Mst77Y-1–Mst77Y-18). Ten Mst77Y genes encode defective proteins and the other eight are potentially functional. These eight genes produce ∼20% of the functional Mst77F-like mRNA, and molecular evolutionary analysis shows that they evolved under purifying selection. Hence several Mst77Y genes have all the features of functional genes. Mst77Y genes are present only in D. melanogaster, and phylogenetic analysis confirmed that the duplication is a recent event. The identification of functional Mst77Y genes reinforces the previous finding that gene gains play a prominent role in the evolution of the Drosophila Y chromosome.
Control of Wing Size and Proportions by Drosophila Myc
Authors: Wu D Christine , Johnston Laura A
Published: November 2009

Generation of an organ of appropriate size and shape requires mechanisms that coordinate growth and patterning, but how this is achieved is not understood. Here we examine the role of the growth regulator dMyc in this process during Drosophila wing imaginal disc development. We find that dMyc is expressed in a dynamic pattern that correlates with fate specification of different regions of the wing disc, leading us to hypothesize that dMyc expression in each region directs its growth. Consistent with this view, clonal analysis of growth in each region demonstrated distinct temporal requirements for dMyc that match its expression. Surprisingly, however, experiments in which dMyc expression is manipulated reveal that the endogenous pattern has only a minor influence on wing shape. Indeed, when dMyc function is completely lacking in the wing disc over most of its development, the discs grow slowly and are small in size but appear morphologically normal. Our experiments indicate, therefore, that rather than directly influence differential growth in the wing disc, the pattern of dMyc expression augments growth directed by other regulators. Overall, however, an appropriate level of dMyc expression in the wing disc is necessary for each region to achieve a proportionately correct size.
The stability of amoxicillin trihydrate and potassium clavulanate combination in aqueous solutions
Authors: Jerzsele Ákos , Nagy Gábor
Published: November 2009

The effect of various environmental factors on the stability of aqueous solutions of amoxicillin-clavulanic acid combination in a veterinary water-soluble powder product was investigated. In the swine industry, the combination is administered via the drinking water, where both substances are quickly decomposed depending on several environmental factors. The degradation rate of the substances was determined in solutions of different water hardness levels (German hardness of 2, 6 and 10) and pH values (3.0, 7.0 and 10.0), and in troughs made of different materials (metal or plastic). Increasing the water hardness decreased the stability of both substances, amoxicillin being more stable at each hardness value than clavulanate. Amoxicillin trihydrate proved to be most stable at an acidic pH, while increasing the pH decreased its stability (P < 0.05). Maximum stability of potassium clavulanate was experienced at neutral pH, while its decomposition rate was significantly higher at acidic and alkaline pH values (P < 0.01). The stability of the amoxicillin-clavulanic acid combination depends mainly on the less stable clavulanate, although the effect of metallic ions significantly increased the decomposition rate of amoxicillin, rendering it less stable in metal troughs than clavulanate (P < 0.05). Therefore, the amoxicillin-clavulanic acid combination should be administered to the animals in soft water, at neutral pH and in plastic troughs.
Dose-related effects of cholecystokinin octapeptide administered during various phases of the migrating motor complex on small-intestinal motility in sheep
Authors: Romański Krzysztof
Published: November 2009

Cholecystokinin (CCK) may affect intestinal motility, but in ruminants its precise effects have not been entirely explored. The aim of this study was to examine the effects of CCK-octapeptide (CCK-OP) on small-intestinal myoelectric activity in rams in the course of chronic experiments. Five rams underwent implantation of bipolar platinum electrodes to the duodenal bulb, distal duodenum, and jejunum as well as a strain gauge force transducer attached near the duodenal electrode. During continuous myoelectric recordings, 0.15 M NaCl or CCK-OP were injected slowly into the jugular vein. Injections of CCK-OP at doses of 20 (over 30 s), 200 (over 30 or 60 s) and 2000 (over 30, 60 or 120 s) ng/kg of body weight were each administered 5 or 30–40 min after the onset of the duodenal phase 1 or phase 2 of the migrating myoelectric complex (MMC), respectively. Most of these CCK doses were considered physiological. Injections of the smallest dose of CCK-OP exerted a slight and mostly insignificant inhibitory effect on the duodenal bulb and the duodenal myoelectric activity index (MAI) values. In the duodenal bulb, the effects of CCK-OP on myoelectric activity were dose dependent and closely related to the phase of the MMC. In the duodenum, the high dose of the hormone evoked short stimulatory and longer inhibitory biphasic effects on the MAI. These effects were inversely related to the duration of the hormone injection. It is concluded that CCK evokes a physiological stimulatory and inhibitory (biphasic) effect on the duodenal bulb and duodenal motility in sheep, with the inhibitory effect of the hormone being more pronounced in the duodenal bulb than in the duodenum. These effects were related to the CCK dose and the MMC phase. Therefore, CCK is an important regulator of upper small bowel motility in sheep.
Comparison of aspiration and hormonal therapy for the treatment of ovarian cysts in cows
Authors: Amiridis Georgios
Published: November 2009

Despite the variety of hormonal treating regimes used, a proportion of cows with cystic ovarian disease (COD) fail to be cured. The hypothesis of this study was that cyst aspiration would improve the curing rate and/or accelerate the resumption of ovarian activity in affected cows. In four groups of cows the following treatments were administered: Group A (n = 18) only cyst aspiration, Group AGP (n = 19) cyst aspiration and a combination of GnRH and PGF
2α
, Group GP (n = 25) only GnRH and PGF
2α
, and Group C (n = 15) untreated control. Cysts were aspirated without ultrasonographic guidance, using a new device. All cows from Group AGP responded to treatment, while 5.5% from Group A and 16% from Group GP remained anoestrous (P < 0.05). These refractory cases were re-treated with the AGP protocol and exhibited oestrus within 12.4 ± 1.1 days. The interval from PGF
2α
injection to oestrus was significantly reduced in cows treated with cyst aspiration. Until day 80 post partum (pp), 11 of the 15 untreated cows (73.3%) retained the initial cyst and remained anoestrous. It is concluded that persisting cases of COD can be treated by combining aspiration with a hormonal regime. The technique presented here has no complication for the cow, is efficient, easy, safe for the operator, and requires low-cost equipment.
Testicular function and semen characteristics of Awassi rams treated with melatonin out of the breeding season
Authors: Faigl Vera , Keresztes Mónika , Kulcsár Margit , Nagy Sándor , Keresztes Zsuzsanna , Amiridis Georgios , Solti László , Huszenicza Gyula , Cseh Sándor
Published: November 2009

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of long-term melatonin treatment applied during the non-breeding season on semen characteristics, endocrine function of testicles and baseline level of insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I) in Awassi rams kept in the temperate continental zone of Europe and used as semen donors in an artificial insemination (AI) programme. On 23 February (day 0), slow-release melatonin implants were inserted subcutaneously into rams (n = 8). Control animals (n = 8) received no treatment. In both groups, basic semen parameters (concentration, total motility, fast and slow forward motility, morphology), GnRH-induced testosterone response and basal IGF-I concentration were evaluated on days 0, 47 and 71. No differences were found in concentration of spermatozoa, total motility, and numbers of spermatozoa with fast and slow progressive motility and normal/abnormal morphology between the melatonin-treated and the control group. However, in melatonin-treated animals, basal and GnRH-induced testosterone levels were slightly elevated on day 47 and became significantly higher on day 71 (P < 0.05) as compared to controls. There was no difference in plasma IGF-I levels between the groups. In conclusion, slow-release melatonin applied during the non-breeding season improves testicular testosterone production but does not influence the semen characteristics and the IGF-I level of semen donor Awassi rams used in an AI programme and kept in the temperate continental zone of Europe.
Long-Term Outcomes in Stage IIIB Breast Cancer Patients Who Achieved Less Than a Pathological Complete Response (<pCR) After Primary Chemotherapy
Authors: Ionta Maria Teresa , Atzori Francesco , Deidda Maria Cristina , Pusceddu Valeria , Palmeri Sergio , Frau Barbara , Murgia Monica , Barca Michela , Minerba Luigi , Massidda Bruno
Published: November 2009

Learning Objectives

After completing this course, the reader will be able to: Summarize the main risk factors for relapse in patients with T4 breast cancer after neoadjuvant chemotherapy.Evaluate the role of hormone receptors and HER-2 as determinants of risk of relapse after neoadjuvant treatment.Compare the difference in outcomes between patients who achieve less than pCR in relation to receptor status.

This article is available for continuing medical education credit at CME.TheOncologist.com.

Purpose.

Pathological complete response (pCR) to primary chemotherapy is the main determinant for improved disease-free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS). The primary endpoints of our study were the long-term DFS and OS rates in homogeneously treated stage IIIB breast cancer patients who failed to achieve a pCR (<pCR), in relation to residual tumor burden. The secondary endpoint was the prognostic relevance of hormone receptor (HR) and human epidermal growth factor receptor (HER)-2 status.

Methods.

We analyzed 58 of 74 consecutive stage IIIB patients treated between 1996 and 2001 who achieved <pCR following a primary cisplatin, epirubicin, and vinorelbine regimen for up to six cycles. At the time of patient accrual, trastuzumab was not available. After definitive surgery, pathological residual disease remained in 40 (69%) patients in both the breast and axilla, in 14 (24%) patients in only the breast, and in four (7%) patients in only the axilla.

Results.

Fifty-eight (78%) of 74 patients achieved <pCR and 16 (22%) had pCR both in the breast and axilla. After a median follow-up of 99 months (range, 72–134 months), in patients with <pCR the estimated 10-year DFS and OS rates were 37.6% and 50.3%, respectively, significantly worse than in the pCR group (p = .003 and p = .008, respectively). Patients with four or more axillary nodes involved had a significantly worse 10-year DFS rate (28.9% versus 62.7%; p = .036). Patients with HR− tumors had significantly lower 10-year DFS (17.3% versus 46.4%; p = .018) and OS (17.3% versus 70.2%; p = .002) rates. Overall, the triple-negative (TN) group showed only a marginally significantly worse OS rate (p = .048). HER-2 status alone, in the absence of trastuzumab, did not appear to significantly affect outcomes.

Conclusions.

Our data suggest that, in stage IIIB patients who achieve <pCR, the number of residual nodes and HR− status are strong predictors of poor outcomes. After a long follow-up time, HER-2 expression does not appear to significantly affect DFS and OS. TN patients showed a trend toward early recurrence and death.
FDA Drug Approval Summary: Bevacizumab (Avastin®) as Treatment of Recurrent Glioblastoma Multiforme
Authors: Cohen Martin H. , Shen Yuan Li , Keegan Patricia , Pazdur Richard
Published: November 2009

Learning Objectives

After completing this course, the reader will be able to: Discuss and compare currently approved drugs for treatment of glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) and explain the advantages of bevacizumab for GBM treatment.Debate the use of response rate as an endpoint for GBM treatment with bevacizumab.Differentiate between accelerated and regular drug approval by the Food and Drug Administration.

This article is available for continuing medical education credit at CME.TheOncologist.com.

On May 5, 2009, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration granted accelerated approval to bevacizumab injection (Avastin®; Genentech, Inc., South San Francisco, CA) as a single agent for patients with glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) with progressive disease following prior therapy. The approval was based on durable objective responses (independent radiologic review with stable or decreasing corticosteroid use). Two trials evaluating bevacizumab, 10 mg/kg by i.v. infusion every 2 weeks, were submitted. One trial also randomized patients to bevacizumab plus irinotecan treatment. All patients had received prior surgery, radiotherapy, and temozolomide. Patients with active brain hemorrhage were excluded. One trial enrolled 78 independently confirmed GBM patients. Partial responses were observed in 25.9% (95% confidence interval [CI], 17.0%–36.1%) of the patients. The median response duration was 4.2 months (95% CI, 3.0–5.7 months). The second trial enrolled 56 GBM patients. Partial responses were observed in 19.6% (95% CI, 10.9%–31.3%) of the patients. The median response duration was 3.9 months (95% CI, 2.4–17.4 months). Safety data were provided for the first study. The most frequently reported bevacizumab adverse events of any grade were infection, fatigue, headache, hypertension, epistaxis, and diarrhea. Grade 3–5 bevacizumab-related adverse events included bleeding/hemorrhage, central nervous system (CNS) hemorrhage, hypertension, venous and arterial thromboembolic events, wound-healing complications, proteinuria, gastrointestinal perforation, and reversible posterior leukoencephalopathy. The attribution of certain adverse events (e.g., CNS hemorrhage, wound-healing complications, and thromboembolic events) to either bevacizumab, underlying disease, or both could not be determined because of the single-arm, noncomparative study design.
Activation of mitogen-activated protein kinases by a splice variant of GHRH receptor
Authors: Barabutis Nektarios , Siejka Agnieszka , Schally Andrew V , Block Norman L , Cai Renzhi , Varga Joseph L
Published: November 2009

Hypothalamic GHRH controls the release of GH from the pituitary gland and also acts as a growth factor in a variety of cancers. The mitogenetic activity of GHRH is exerted through the binding to the pituitary type receptor (pGHRH-R) and its splice variants, mainly SV1. The intracellular signaling pathways that are activated upon the binding of GHRH to the SV1 receptor have not been elucidated. HeLa cervical cancer cells do not express GHRH or GHRH receptors (GHRHRs) and thus do not respond to GHRH or GHRH antagonists. In order to elucidate the mechanism of action of SV1 receptor, we transfected HeLa cells with plasmids for pcDNA3-GHRHR or pcDNA3-SV1. The transfected cells responded to both GHRH (1–29)NH2 and GHRH antagonist MZ-5-156, as shown by an increase or decrease respectively in the proliferation rate in vitro and the expression of proliferative cell nuclear antigen. We also demonstrated that when the cells transfected with SV1 plasmid are stimulated with GHRH (1–29)NH2, SV1 receptor activates the mitogen-activated protein kinases pathway (MAPKs), as shown previously for the cells that express pGHRH-R. Our results show, for the first time, the activation of the MAPKs cascade by the SV1 receptor. Since SV1 receptor is found in various tumors and mediates the responses to GHRH and synthetic antagonists, our findings shed light on the mechanism of action of SV1 receptor in cancer cells.
Living-cell imaging of transgenic rat anterior pituitary cells in primary culture reveals novel characteristics of folliculo-stellate cells
Authors: Horiguchi Kotaro , Kikuchi Motoshi , Kusumoto Kenji , Fujiwara Ken , Kouki Tom , Kawanishi Kotaro , Yashiro Takashi
Published: November 2009

Folliculo-stellate (FS) cells in the anterior pituitary gland appear to possess multifunctional properties. Recently, the development of transgenic rats (S100b–green fluorescent protein (GFP) rats) that express GFP specifically in FS cells in the anterior pituitary gland has allowed us to distinguish and observe living FS cells in other kinds of pituitary cells. We used S100b–GFP rats to investigate the topographic affinity of FS cells for other pituitary cells. We observed living FS cells in enzymatically dispersed anterior pituitary cells of S100b–GFP rats under a fluorescent microscope, and noted that FS cells markedly extended and contracted cytoplasmic processes and formed interconnections with neighboring FS cells. In addition, FS cells adhered to small clusters of GFP-negative cells, which were primarily hormone-producing cells, and these clusters further aggregated during the course of cytoplasmic contraction. In the presence of laminin, fibronectin, and varying types of collagen, FS cells showed marked changes in shape and specific proliferative activity; however, GFP-negative cells did not. On reverse transcription-PCR analysis and immunohistochemistry, FS cells were shown to express integrin subunits, which are the cell surface receptors for extracellular matrix (ECM). In the anterior pituitary gland, FS cells and the various types of hormone-producing cells generate a unique topography in the presence of basement membrane components and interstitial collagens. The novel characteristics of FS cells observed in the present study suggest that in the anterior pituitary gland, FS cells play important roles in determining and/or maintaining local cellular arrangement in the presence of ECM components.
Hybrid Modeling of Modified Mathematical Model for Gas Phase Olefine in Fluidized Bed Catalyst Reactors Using Artificial Neural Networks
Authors: Ibrehem Ahmmed Saadi
Published: November 2009

The complex flow patterns induced in fluidized bed catalytic reactors and the competing parameters affecting the mass and heat transfer characteristics makes the design of such reactors a challenging task to accomplish. The models of such a process rely heavily on predictive empirical correlations for mass and heat transfer coefficients. Unfortunately, published empirical based correlations have the common shortcoming of low-prediction efficiency compared with experimental data. In this work, an artificial neural network approach is used to capture the reactor characteristics in terms of heat and mass transfer based on published experimental data. The developed ANN-based heat and mass transfer coefficients relations were used in a conventional FCR model and simulated under industrial operating conditions. The hybrid model predictions of the melt-flow index and the emulsion temperature were compared to industrial measurements as well as published models. The predictive quality of the hybrid model was superior to other models. This modeling approach can be used as an alternative to conventional modeling methods.
Editorial
Authors: Nicogossian Arnauld , Kloiber Otmar , Zimmerman Tom , Koizumi Naoru
Published: November 2009

The World Medical & Health Policy Journal fills a unique niche dedicated to the interdisciplinary intersection of politics, policy, research, medicine and global public health. The Editors hope that this first issue, with notable contributors from around the world and a distinguished group of expert advisors, will help to shed light on some of the difficult decisions health care providers make on a routine basis.
Accuracy of p-values of approximate tests in testing for equality of means under unequal variances
Authors: Volaufová Júlia
Published: November 2009

Seemingly, testing for fixed effects in linear models with variance-covariance components has been solved for decades. However, even in simple situations such as in fixed one-way model with heteroscedastic variances (a multiple means case of the Behrens-Fisher problem) the questions of statistical properties of various approximations of test statistics are still alive. Here we present a brief overview of several approaches suggested in the literature as well as those available in statistical software, accompanied by a simulation study in which the accuracy of p-values is studied. Our interest is limited here to the Welch’s test, the Satterthwaite-Fai-Cornelius test, the Kenward-Roger test, the simple ANOVA F-test, and the parametric bootstrap test. We conclude that for small sample sizes, regardless the number of compared means and the heterogeneity of variance, the ANOVA F-test p-value performs the best. For higher sample sizes (at least 5 per group), the parametric bootstrap performs well, and the Kenward-Roger test also performs well.
Protocol for purification of a rat blood serum protein fraction enriched in gamma-butyrobetaine esterase activity
Authors: Bagdonienė Lida , Labeikytė Danutė , Kalviņš Ivars , Juodka Benediktas , Sjakste Nikolajs
Published: November 2009

Protocol for purification of a rat blood serum protein fraction enriched in gamma-butyrobetaine esterase activity

Although described some time ago, gamma-butyrobetaine esters and related compounds have not gained much attention from researchers, and their physiological function remains obscure. Formerly we detected GBB-esterase enzymatic activity in rat blood serum. The aim of the present work was to develop a protocol that would enable purification of the protein fraction enriched in GBB esterase activity from rat blood serum. Chromatography on DEAE Sepharose at pH 4.2 enabled to purify a protein fraction enriched in enzymatic activity, but represented by numerous polypeptides. Following separation of this fraction by means of chromatography on DEAE Sepharose at pH 6.5 or heparin Sepharose chromatography at pH 7.0 did not lead to significant decrease of polypeptide number. When the above fraction was further fractionated by means of DEAE Sepharose chromatography at pH 7.4 or Bio Gel P150 chromatography the enzymatic activity was lost. Combination of DEAE Sepharose at pH 4.2 and affinity chromatography with procainamide appears to be the most suitable approach.
Haplotypic variability and population genetic structure of Garganey Anas querquedula and common pochard Aythyla ferina in the Western Palearctic
Authors: Sruoga Aniolas , Rashal Isaak , Butkauskas Dalius , Vīksne Jānis , Žalakevičius Mečislovas , Švažas Saulius , Kaminskaitė Monika
Published: November 2009

Haplotypic variability and population genetic structure of Garganey Anas querquedula and common pochard Aythyla ferina in the Western Palearctic

The mitochondrial DNA (D-loop of mtDNA) sequencing method was used for investigation of various populations of Garganey Anas querquedula and Common Pochard Aythya ferina in the Western Palearctic. Reconstructed phylogenetic relationships based on comparison of D-loop sequences enabled to identify genetic similarity on the level of individual birds and to designate populations with different genetic structure. Identified haplotypic variability indicated the existence of two populations of Garganey with a different genetic structure in Europe. Some genetic variability was also observed among populations of Common Pochard of different origin. Haplotypic variability at different levels was found in both investigated species, despite a considerable overlap in wintering sites used by Garganeys and Common Pochards breeding in various regions.
Genetic alteration in melanoma development
Authors: Pjanova Dace , Azarjana Kristīne , Čēma Ingrīda , Heisele Olita
Published: November 2009

Genetic alteration in melanoma development

The transition from a normal to a neoplastic cell is a complex process and involves many sequential genetic events. Over the last several years, substantial progress has been made in the understanding of molecular biology of melanoma including its development, progression, and resistance to therapy. An important step in cancer development appears to be senescence — a crucial barrier that prevents the proliferation of cells that are at different stages of malignancy. This review is mainly focused on patterns of molecular changes in the different steps of neoplastic transformation in melanoma and provides an up-to-date view on our understanding of the molecular genetics of melanoma development as well as therapeutic approaches based on this knowledge.
The influence of sentential context and frequency of occurrence on the recognition of words with scrambled letters
Authors: Paciorek Wiktor , Rączaszek-Leonardi Joanna
Published: November 2009

The influence of sentential context and frequency of occurrence on the recognition of words with scrambled letters

In this paper we examine the "jumbled words" effect which denotes human ability to easily read words whose internal letters have been re-arranged as long as external letters remain in their positions. Hitherto, many explanations for this effect have focussed on the processes that operate "bottom-up". Here we suggest that "top-down" processes also play an important role and demonstrate this experimentally. First, we briefly describe the main types of word-recognition models and consider which model best explains the effect. Then, we present an experiment in which jumbled words of different frequency of occurrence were immersed in various types of contexts. Results indicate that both the frequency and semantic sentential context are involved in jumbled word recognition. The implications of these findings for word recognition models are discussed.
Introduction: The Ecology of Shrinkage
Authors: Rink Dieter , Kabisch Sigrun
Published: November 2009

Since about the 1980s, shrinkage processes have been observed mainly

in the developed countries. Although population decreases has been

the main focus, other phenomena—such as the reduction of jobs, the

restructuring of industrial and urban regions, and the scarcity of public

commodities and natural resources—also deserve attention. Shrinkage

is by no means becoming the dominant mode of development

though some regional exceptions do exist. In this sense, it is comparable

to the modern growth processes that do not run concordantly.

Modern shrinkage processes are concentrated in certain economic

branches, institutions, social groups, and last but not least, regions.

Consequently, we find profound disparities with some countries where

parts of society face shrinkage processes while others face growth

processes. As observed by some scholars (e.g., Oswalt 2008), the growth

mode is losing its dominance in modern societies. However, a paradigm

shift toward shrinkage has not yet taken place. Rather one has

to assume a longer phase of side-by-side, contra-, and co-operative

growth and shrinkage processes. This phase may be shaped by its own

contradictions and conflicts, in particular by a high level of uncertainty.

In contrast to the social growth phase roughly until the early

1970s, this phase will probably be less easy to steer. Although growth

coalitions, typical for the previous phase, were based on the assumption

that profits were redistributed as welfare, the shrinkage alliances

are confronted with the financing of losses. Shrinkage processes challenge

operational routines and bring with them new positions of interest

that require novel coalitions among actors.
Demographic Change: Impacts on Rural Landscapes
Authors: Heiland Stefan , Spielmans Silke , Demuth Bernd
Published: November 2009

The article examines the relevance of demographic change for the development of rural landscapes, especially in Germany's shrinking regions. To date, no empirical investigations have undertaken the matter. Thus, the article is mainly based on literature analysis and the findings of expert workshops. The research indicates that demographic change does not have as strong impact on landscapes as other factors such as agricultural policy, climate change, and the promotion of renewable energies. Nonetheless, from the perspective of nature conservation, there might be some indirect effects caused by structural and institutional changes of administrations, which could lead to a decline in importance of landscape-related concerns. In addition, changes in environmental consciousness due to rising cultural diversity could lead to a different societal attitude toward landscapes and their values.
Natures Running Wild: A Social-Ecological Perspective on Wilderness
Authors: Hofmeister Sabine
Published: November 2009

This article is based on the thesis that wilderness as a cultural value emerges where it has been lost as a geographical and material phenomenon. In Europe the idea of wilderness experienced a surprising upswing at the end of the twentieth and beginning of the twenty-first century, with wilderness tours, wilderness education, and self-experience trips into “wilderness” becoming widely established. Also, protection of “wilderness areas” which refers to such different phenomena as large forests, wild gardens, and urban wild is very much in demand. Against this background, the article looks into the material-ecological and symbolic-cultural senses of “wilderness” in the context of changing social relations to nature. Three forms of wilderness are distinguished. Adopting a socio-ecological perspective, the article builds on contemporary risk discourse.
USE OF STANDARD TEMPERATURE THRESHOLDS AND PHENOLOGICAL PREDICTION FOR THE EUROPEAN CORN BORER (OSTRINIA NUBILALIS HÜBNER) IN ALBERTA
Authors: Kelker Douglas H. , Lee Dennis A. , Spence John R.
Published: November 2009

A degree-day model was developed for Alberta populations of Ostrinia nubilalis Hübner. Starting with overwintered fifth-instar larvae, the model calculates the temporal distribution of first- and second-instar larvae which are the stages most vulnerable to chemical suppression. Predictions from three alternative models were compared against field data from southern Alberta. Use of a standard 10°C growth threshold to calculate physiological time scales allowed predictions as accurate as those obtained using either a pooled threshold (11.4°C) calculated specifically from Alberta populations, or a model using two thresholds (12.3°C for fifth-instar larvae to adult and 10.2°C for eggs to second-instar larvae) that incorporated significant differences in growth characteristics observed among life stages. We conclude that standard thresholds are sufficient for degree-day models for northern populations of O. nubilalis. The standard model (t0 = 10°C) predicts that moth emergence will peak at ca. 145 degree-days after median pupation, and that numbers of eggs, and first- and second-instar larvae should peak at 200, 310, and 450 degree-days, respectively. Model predictions can be used to time sampling effort in support of management decisions.
DISCOVERY OF NEMERITIS HOLMGREN (HYMENOPTERA: ICHNEUMONIDAE) IN EASTERN NORTH AMERICA
Authors: Sanborne P.M.
Published: November 2009

In 1983, while sorting Campopleginae in the Canadian National Insect Collection, Biosystematics Research Centre, Ottawa, Ont., I discovered two females of a species of Nemeritis Holmgren. In North America this genus was previously known only from the west (Townes 1970) so it was surprising to see specimens collected in Maine (Sherman Mills, 24.VI–4.VII.1973, G. Heinrich). A survey of the genus showed that these specimens are indistinguishable from the European species N. lativentris Thompson. It is impossible to determine whether or not this is a recently established species as I have been unable to locate more specimens.
OCCURRENCE OF CHALKBROOD CAUSED BY ASCOSPHAERA AGGREGATA SKOU IN A NATIVE LEAFCUTTING BEE, MEGACHILE RELATIVA CRESSON (HYMENOPTERA: MEGACHILIDAE), IN SASKATCHEWAN
Authors: Goerzen D.W. , Erlandson M.A. , Bissett J.
Published: November 2009

The alfalfa leafcutting bee, Megachile rotundata (Fab.), is an important domesticated pollinator of alfalfa grown for seed in Canada. Chalkbrood, a disease caused by the fungus Ascosphaera aggregata Skou, has caused high mortalities in M. rotundata populations in the northwestern United States since 1972. Chalkbrood was found in Manitoba in 1982, Alberta in 1983, and Saskatchewan in 1984 (Richards 1985). Although subsequent surveys have indicated the presence of A. aggregata at high levels in some southern Alberta M. rotundata populations, the disease has been detected only sporadically and at low levels in Saskatchewan populations (Goerzen 1990).
DIFFERENTIAL ENCAPSULATION OF TWO BATHYPLECTES PARASITOIDS AMONG ALFALFA WEEVIL STRAINS, HYPERA POSTICA (GYLLENHAL)
Authors: Maund Christopher M. , Hsiao T.H.
Published: November 2009

Encapsulation of Bathyplectes curculionis (Thomson) and B. anurus (Thomson) (Hymenoptera: Ichneumonidae) was investigated by dissecting parasitized larvae of three strains of the alfalfa weevil, Hypera postica (Gyllenhal) (Coleoptera: Curculionidae). In laboratory studies, there was no encapsulation of B. curculionis in the western strain of the weevil, a significant level of encapsulation in the eastern strain of the weevil, and nearly complete encapsulation in the Egyptian strain of the weevil. The rickettsia, Wolbachia postica Hsiao and Hsiao, found only in the western strain, was not involved in encapsulation. Variation in encapsulation was due to biological differences between weevil strains. Encapsulation rates among field populations of the western and Egyptian weevils were lower than in the laboratory. Encapsulation rates of weevil populations from zones in which western and Egyptian strains overlap in southern Utah, and between eastern and western strains in Colorado, were intermediate to rates of parental strains. These results imply that B. curculionis effectiveness against the western alfalfa weevil will decline with mixing of weevil strains. Bathyplectes anurus did not evoke encapsulation and was able to develop equally well in all three weevil strains. Our findings illustrate the importance of investigating the compatibility between alfalfa weevil strains and their parasitoids in devising a sound biological control strategy.
THE SPATIAL DISTRIBUTION OF LIMOTHRIPS DENTICORNIS HALIDAY (THYSANOPTERA: THRIPIDAE) EGGS ON SPRING BARLEY
Authors: Bates Barbara A. , Weiss Michael J.
Published: November 2009

The within-plant spatial distribution of Limothrips denticornis Haliday eggs on spring barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) in North Dakota was examined during the growing seasons of 1987 and 1988. In both years, most eggs were found during inflorescence emergence (growth stages 10–10.5 on the Feekes scale), although eggs were detected both prior to and after these growth stages. Once inflorescence emergence was initiated, over 8.5% of the eggs were found in the top two leaf sheaths, with the majority in the flag leaf sheath. Over all barley growth stages, significantly more eggs (P≤0.05) were found in the middle third than in either the top or bottom third of the flag leaf sheath. No difference (P≥0.05) in the within-sheath location of eggs on lower leaves was detected.
COSTS OF ENERGY SHORTFALL FOR BUMBLE BEE COLONIES: PREDATION, SOCIAL PARASITISM, AND BROOD DEVELOPMENT
Authors: Cartar Ralph V. , Dill Lawrence M.
Published: November 2009

Bumble bees rely on stored nectar to maintain high colony temperatures. This study examines some of the costs associated with exhausting stored nectar for a day in confined colonies of Bombus occidentalis Greene and B. melanopygus Nylander. Workers from energy-deprived colonies ceased incubating and allowed brood temperatures to drop to ambient levels. Workers from energy-rich colonies responded to a simulated vertebrate predator by actively moving about and buzzing loudly (apparently searching for the source of disturbance), but those from energy-depleted colonies mostly remained stationary on the comb. Workers from energy-rich colonies responded to an intruding social parasite (a Psithyrus insularis Smith queen) by chasing and attacking it, whereas those from energy-depleted colonies adopted stationary threat postures. In both cases, the more successful defensive strategy of simultaneous attack by several workers was not employed by nectar-depleted colonies. Cooling of final-instar larvae and pupae added to their development times (disproportionately so in the case of pupae), but low temperature per se did not affect their probability of survival. Hence, the costs of short-term energy shortfall include increased susceptibility to predators and parasites and a lengthened period of development. These costs probably relate to energy stores in a nonlinear manner, providing the foundation upon which risk-sensitive foraging decisions can be based.
TRICHOPRIA SP. (HYMENOPTERA: DIAPRIIDAE) REARED FROM MICRODON ALBICOMATUS NOVAK (DIPTERA: SYRPHIDAE)
Authors: Paulson G.S. , Akre R.D.
Published: November 2009

Microdon albicomatus Novak are obligate temporary myrmecophiles, passing their immature life in the nests of ants. Second and third larval instars are aggressive mimics of ant brood (Garnett et al. 1985). Larvae physically and chemically (Garnett et al. 1985; Stanley-Samuelson et al. 1990) resemble the ant cocoons upon which they prey and are transported with the ant brood by the worker ants.
CARPENTER ANTS AS PREDATORS OF SPRUCE BUDWORM IN THE BOREAL FOREST OF NORTHWESTERN ONTARIO
Authors: Sanders C.J. , Pang A.
Published: November 2009

In the boreal forest of northwestern Ontario, where carpenter ants (Camponotus spp.) construct extensive underground tunnels, few worker ants were seen on the aerial portions of trees containing colonies of the ants or on neighboring trees, even though the trees were infested by large numbers of spruce budworm [Choristoneura fumiferana (Clem.)] larvae. Immunochemical techniques detected less spruce budworm soluble protein in worker ants from this area than in a laboratory colony that had been fed budworm larvae, or in a colony located in a spruce tree that was surrounded by gravel where the ants were unable to build underground tunnels and instead foraged extensively in the tree crown. This suggests that, in contrast to evidence from western North America, carpenter ants in the boreal forests of northwestern Ontario, and perhaps elsewhere throughout the range of the spruce budworm, are of limited importance as predators of the spruce budworm.
DESCRIPTION OF THE LARVAL STAGES OF HYDROPORUS (HETEROSTERNUTA) COCHECONIS FALL 1917 (COLEOPTERA: DYTISCIDAE: HYDROPORINAE) WITH A KEY TO THE KNOWN LARVAE OF HETEROSTERNUTA STRAND
Authors: Alarie Yves
Published: November 2009

Description of structures of all three larval instars of Hydroporus (Heterosternuta) cocheconis Fall 1917 is presented. The chaetotaxy and porotaxy of the cephalic capsule, head appendages, legs, last abdominal segment, and urogomphi are discussed in detail. Hydroporus cocheconis is compared with Hydroporus (Heterosternuta) wickhami Zaitzev 1907. Both species share a very short and constricted siphon; this character state is suggested as a synapomorphy of the subgenus Heterosternuta Strand 1935.
PARASITISM OF THE ARMY CUTWORM, EUXOA AUXILIARIS (GRT.) (LEPIDOPTERA: NOCTUIDAE), BY COPIDOSOMA BAKERI (HOWARD) (HYMENOPTERA: ENCYRTIDAE) AND EFFECT ON CROP DAMAGE
Authors: Byers J.R. , Yu D.S. , Jones J.W.
Published: November 2009

During an outbreak of army cutworm in southern Alberta in the spring of 1990, the overall incidence of parasitism by the polyembryonic parasitoid, Copidosoma bakeri (Howard), was 61% in samples from seven fields. The incidence of parasitism in samples of army cutworms collected on five dates from a single location, during the spring of 1991, increased from about 20% in the early samples to about 50% in the later samples. Cutworms parasitized by C. bakeri feed for a longer time than unparasitized ones; therefore estimates of the incidence of parasitism by C. bakeri, based on samples of late-instar cutworms, are misleadingly high. Parasitized cutworms also grow considerably larger than unparasitized ones and may have a supernumerary instar. Larger hosts support larger broods of C. bakeri and apparently a successful strategy of C. bakeri is to prolong host development so as to maximize an acquired resource. Because cutworms parasitized by C. bakeri feed more and longer than unparasitized cutworms, a high rate of parasitism can exacerbate crop damage and complicate control recommendations. The life cycles of army cutworm and C. bakeri are asynchronous and it is likely that high rates of parasitism are dependent on the presence of intermediary hosts.
A REVIEW OF THE SPECIES OF NITIDOTACHINUS NEW GENUS (COLEOPTERA: STAPHYLINIDAE: TACHYPORINAE)
Authors: Campbell J.M.
Published: November 2009

A new genus, Nitidotachinus, is described in the subfamily Tachyporinae (Staphylinidae) to include the species formerly placed in the Tachyporoides and Impunctatus groups of Tachinus Gravenhorst and Tachinus excellens Bernhauer. The new genus includes 10 species, all previously described, from North America, Japan, China, and Taiwan. All major diagnostic characters for the genus are compared with those of Tachinus and illustrated with scanning electron photomicrographs or line drawings. The following new combinations are created by transferring the species from Tachinus to the new genus Nitidotachinus: N. adachii (Watanabe and Shibata), N. agilis (Horn), N. excellens (Bernhauer), N. horni (Campbell), N. impunctatus (Sharp), N. lanei (Hatch), N. sawadai (Watanabe and Shibata), N. scrutator (Gemminger and Harold), N. tachyporoides (Horn), and N. taiwanensis (Shibata).The 10 species of the genus are redescribed; the aedeagus is illustrated for all species, except N. excellens Bernhauer, known only from a unique female. A key is provided to aid in distinguishing the species and the phylogenetic relationships of the species of the genus are discussed.