bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
High recombination frequency creates genotypic diversity in colonies of the leaf-cutting ant Acromyrmex echinatior
Authors: Sirviö A. , Gadau J. , Rueppell O. , Lamatsch D. , Boomsma J. J. , Pamilo P. , Page R. E.
Published: May 2006

Honeybees are known to have genetically diverse colonies because queens mate with many males and the recombination rate is extremely high. Genetic diversity among social insect workers has been hypothesized to improve general performance of large and complex colonies, but this idea has not been tested in other social insects. Here, we present a linkage map and an estimate of the recombination rate for Acromyrmex echinatior, a leaf-cutting ant that resembles the honeybee in having multiple mating of queens and colonies of approximately the same size. A map of 145 AFLP markers in 22 linkage groups yielded a total recombinational size of 2076 cM and an inferred recombination rate of 161 kb cM−1 (or 6.2 cM Mb−1). This estimate is lower than in the honeybee but, as far as the mapping criteria can be compared, higher than in any other insect mapped so far. Earlier studies on A. echinatior have demonstrated that variation in division of labour and pathogen resistance has a genetic component and that genotypic diversity among workers may thus give colonies of this leaf-cutting ant a functional advantage. The present result is therefore consistent with the hypothesis that complex social life can select for an increased recombination rate through effects on genotypic diversity and colony performance.
Frequency-dependent predation and maintenance of prey polymorphism
Authors: Merilaita S.
Published: May 2006

In positive frequency-dependent predation, predation risk of an individual prey correlates positively with the frequency of that prey type. In a number of small-scale experiments individual predators have shown frequency-dependent behaviour, often leading to the conclusion that a population of such predators could maintain prey polymorphism. Using simulations, I studied the dynamics of frequency-dependent predation and prey polymorphism. The model suggests that persistence of prey polymorphism decreases with increasing number of predators that show frequency-dependent behaviour, questioning conclusions about polymorphism based on experiments with few predators. In addition, prey population size, prey crypsis, difference in crypsis between prey morphs and the way the behaviour was adjusted affected the persistence of polymorphism. Under some circumstances prey population remained polymorphic for a shorter time under frequency-dependent than under frequency-independent predation. This suggests that although positive frequency-dependent predator behaviour may maintain prey polymorphism, it is not a sufficient condition for persistent prey polymorphism.
Song similarity predicts hybridization in flycatchers
Authors: Qvarnström A. , Haavie J. , Sæther S. A. , Eriksson D. , Pärt T.
Published: May 2006

Given that population divergence in sexual signals is an important prerequisite for reproductive isolation, a key prediction is that cases of signal convergence should lead to hybridization. However, empirical studies that quantitatively demonstrate links between phenotypic characters of individuals and their likelihood to hybridize are rare. Here we show that song convergence between sympatric pied (Ficedula hypoleuca) and collared flycatchers (F. albicollis) influence social and sexual interactions between the two species. In sympatry, the majority of male pied flycatchers (65%) include various parts of collared flycatcher song in their song repertoire (but not vice versa). Playback experiments on male interactions demonstrate that male collared flycatchers respond similarly to this ‘mixed’ song as to conspecific song. Long-term data on pairing patterns show that males singing a converged song attract females of the other species: female collared flycatchers only pair with male pied flycatchers if the males sing the mixed song type. From the perspective of a male pied flycatcher, singing a mixed song type is associated with 30% likelihood of hybridization. This result, combined with our estimates of the frequency of mixed singers, accurately predicts the observed occurrence of hybridization among male pied flycatchers in our study populations (20.45% of 484 pairs; predicted 19.5%). Our results support the suggestion that song functions as the most important prezygotic isolation mechanism in many birds.
Relationship between thiamine concentration and fermentation patterns in the rumen fluid of dairy cows fed with graded concentrate levels
Authors: Tafaj M. , Schollenberger M. , Feofilowa J. , Zebeli Q. , Steingass H. , Drochner W.
Published: May 2006

The objective of this study was to investigate the relationship between the thiamine concentration and the fermentation patterns [pH, concentration of short‐chain fatty acids (SCFA)] in the free liquid (FRL) and particle‐associated liquid (PARL) of the rumen in dairy cows fed with graded concentrate levels in the diet. Four ruminally cannulated Holstein cows in mid lactation were fed [semi‐ad libitum, 18 kg dry matter (DM)/day] diets consisting of hay (H) and slowly degradable concentrate (C), offered in five different H:C ratios (% DM basis) in the following sequence: period 1, 30:70; period 2, 40:60; period 3, 50:50; period 4, 60:40 and period 5, 75:25. A negative quadratic relationship was observed between thiamine concentration in FRL and intake of dietary thiamine (R2 = 0.36), of concentrate (R2 = 0.38) and of digestible non‐fibre carbohydrates (R2 = 0.37). The thiamine concentration in PARL was higher (p ≤ 0.05) compared to FRL. The ruminal thiamine concentration correlated negatively to pH and positively to concentrations of SCFA and propionate in the rumen. R2 of these relationships varied markedly (0.002 and 0.77), depending on time after feeding and fluid digesta compartment. The higher R2 were observed at 8 and 11 h after the morning feeding for FRL (R2 0.46–0.71) and PARL (R2 0.41–0.77), respectively.
Bee pollen product supplementation to horses in training seems to improve feed intake: a pilot study
Authors: Turner K. K. , Nielsen B. D. , O'Connor C. I. , Burton J. L.
Published: May 2006

The objective of this study was to determine the efficacy of supplementation of Dynamic Trio 50/50, a bee pollen‐based product, to improve physical fitness, blood leukocyte profiles, and nutritional variables in exercised horses. Ten Arabian horses underwent a standardised exercise test (SET), then were pair‐matched by sex and fitness and randomly assigned to BP (receiving 118 g of Dynamic Trio 50/50 daily) or CO (receiving 73 g of a placebo) for a period of 42 days. A total collection was conducted from days 18 to 21 on six geldings to determine nutrient retention and neutral detergent fibre (NDF) and acid detergent fibre (ADF) digestibility. Horses were exercise conditioned and completed another SET on day 42.V160andV200were calculated from SET heart rates (HR). Lactate, glucose, haematocrit (HT) and haemoglobin (HB) concentrations were determined from SET blood samples. Total leukocyte count, and circulating numbers of various leukocytes and IgG, IgM and IgA concentrations were determined in rest and recovery blood samples from both SETs. Geldings on BP (n = 3) ate more feed than CO. BP had less phosphorus excretion, and tended to retain more nitrogen. BP tended to digest more NDF and ADF while having lower NDF digestibility and tending to have lower ADF digestibility. No treatment differences existed forV160andV200, HR, lactate, HT and HB. There was a trend for lymphocyte counts to be lower in BP than CO on day 42. Dynamic Trio 50/50 supplementation may have a positive effect on performance by helping horses in training meet their potentially increased nutrient demands by increasing feed intake and thus nutrient retention.
Determination of effective dosage of GH‐releasing factor for blood GH responses in mithun (Bos frontalis)
Authors: Mondal Mohan , Rajkhowa Chandan , Prakash B. S.
Published: May 2006

A study was undertaken to determine the effective dosage of GH‐releasing hormone (GRF) required to produce blood GH response in mithun (Bos frontalis), a semi‐wild ruminant species. For the purpose, 12 mithuns averaging 11.5 months of age and 146 kg body weight (BW) were randomly assigned to receive GRF (n = 12), administered at 0 (normal saline), 5, 10 and 20 μg per 100 kg BW. Blood samples were collected prior to and after GRF administration at −60, −45, −30, −15, −10, −5, 0 min and 5, 10, 15, 30 and thereafter, at 15‐min interval up to 8 h post‐GRF were assayed for plasma GH. For all the dosages, the pre‐treatment GH concentrations and corresponding area under GH response curve (AUC) were similar (p > 0.05). The post‐GRF plasma GH responses to different dosages of GRF viz. 5, 10 and 20 μg per 100 kg BW and corresponding AUCs were higher (p < 0.05) than those recorded in normal saline‐treated controls. The GH responses to 10 and 20 μg GRF per 100 kg BW and corresponding AUCs were higher (p < 0.05) than those registered in mithuns administered with 5 μg GRF per 100 kg BW. Interestingly, post‐GRF concentration of plasma GH and AUCs were not different for 10 and 20 μg GRF per 100 kg BW dosages. In all animals treated with GRF, a peak of GH was registered within 10 to 20 min post‐GRF. Following 5 μg GRF per 100 kg BW, GH concentrations were maintained at higher level for 90 min post‐GRF and thereafter became similar to that of controls and it was 435 min for 10 and 20 μg GRF per 100 kg BW dosages. In conclusion, our results suggest that 10 μg GRF per 100 kg BW is the dosage, which can be used for augmentation of mithun production.
What is Changing in Academic Research? Trends and Futures Scenarios
Authors: VINCENT‐LANCRIN STÉPHAN
Published: May 2006

What is changing in academic research? What has changed over the past decades and what might change in the coming ones? Could the research mission of universities be carried out in slightly or radically different ways in the medium term? This article aims to cast light on the trends and driving forces that can be observed in academic research over the past two decades in the OECD area. It gives an outlook of the main current characteristics of academic research at a macro level in terms of funding and activities in comparison with research performed by other sectors. It also highlights future challenges and sketches a few possible futures scenarios in a 20‐year time frame.
Dichotic listening with forced attention in patients with temporal lobe epilepsy: Significance of left hemisphere cognitive dysfunction
Authors: GRAMSTAD ARNE , ENGELSEN BERNT A. , HUGDAHL KENNETH
Published: May 2006

Fifty right‐handed patients with focal temporal lobe epilepsy were administered a dichotic listening test with consonant‐vowel syllables under non‐forced, forced right and forced left attention conditions, and a neuropsychological test battery. Dichotic listening performance was compared in subgroups with and without left hemisphere cognitive dysfunction, measured by the test battery, and in subgroups with left and right temporal epileptic focus. Left hemisphere cognitive dysfunction led to more correct responses to left ear stimuli in all three attention conditions, and fewer correct responses to right ear stimuli in the non‐forced attention condition. This was probably caused by basic left hemisphere perceptual dysfunction. Dichotic listening was less affected by a left‐sided epileptic focus than by left hemisphere cognitive dysfunction. General cognitive functioning influenced dichotic listening performance stronger in forced than in non‐forced attention conditions. Larger cerebral networks were probably involved in the forced attention conditions due to the emphasis on conscious effort.
Moving towards a favorable image: The self‐presentational benefits of exercise and physical activity
Authors: LINDWALL MAGNUS , MARTIN GINIS KATHLEEN A.
Published: May 2006

The purpose of this study was to investigate the exercise stereotype phenomenon and the moderating effects of exerciser impression motivation and construction on this stereotype in a sample of 176 female and 96 male Swedish university students. The participants read a description of one of the following female targets: a typical exerciser, an active living target, an excessive exerciser, a non‐exerciser, or a control target, and then rated these targets on 12 personality (e.g., lazy–hard worker, dependent–independent) and 8 physical (e.g., scrawny–muscular, sick–healthy) dimensions. They also completed the Self Presentation in Exercise Questionnaire, measuring motivation to self‐present as an exerciser and the propensity to construct the image of an exerciser. MANCOVAs revealed a significant main effect for both personality and physical attributes (p < 0.05). In general, the typical exerciser and active living targets received the most favorable ratings, especially on the physical attributes, whereas the excessive exerciser obtained the least positive ratings. Exerciser impression motivation moderated the exercise status/rating relationship for the physical attributes only. Differences between Swedish and North American students’ impressions of exercisers and non‐exercisers are discussed.
Does neuroscience hold promise for the further development of behavior therapy? The case of emotional change after exposure in anxiety and depression
Authors: DE RAEDT RUDI
Published: May 2006

Over the last few years, the integration of biological and psychological models has become increasingly important in clinical psychology. This paper presents a neurobiological framework for exploring how neuroscience research may be valuable in the context of new developments in behavior therapy. The importance of the cortical‐subcortical circuitry of emotion processing for investigating the working mechanisms of exposure therapy is illustrated by current neuroimaging research. The implication is that during exposure therapy the focus of attention must be fully directed towards the emotional content of the threatening situation to facilitate prefrontal control over the amygdala and that new contextual information, of emotional salience, must be added to create inhibitory projections from the hippocampus. In addition, some possible mechanisms of action for different therapeutic approaches to both anxiety and depression and the role of neuroimaging techniques in predicting treatment outcome are discussed.
The State and its Welfare State: How do Welfare State Changes Affect the Make‐up of the Nation State?
Authors: Rothgang Heinz , Obinger Herbert , Leibfried Stephan
Published: May 2006

With respect to changes in the welfare states of OECD countries, scholars most of the time are looking for common trends; that is, they look for similar movements in different states, such as welfare state retrenchment, recalibration, etc. As we show in this article, data on welfare state spending and financing do not, however, support such stark tendencies like retrenchment. We therefore suggest looking for corridor effects rather than level effects, i.e. analysing changes in the dispersion of welfare state regimes rather than shifts in the mean values. Our analysis suggests that convergence, i.e. decreasing diversity among states in spending, financing and regulation patterns, may have been the most important pattern of welfare state change in the last three decades – a pattern easily overlooked in past and current research. Convergence of welfare state regimes also affects our views on the modern nation state itself since the varieties of welfare capitalism in the twentieth century are themselves an expression of the sovereignty and autonomy of the nation state. If nation states are forced to surrender national particularities, to mellow their characteristic differences and to move incrementally towards a one‐size‐fits‐all common model via ‘shrinking corridors’, such a blurring of welfare regimes, such a beclouding of difference, should also be regarded as a significant change taking place in the centre of the Western nation state's make‐up.
Earnings of Immigrants in Sweden, 1978 to 1999
Authors: Gustafsson Björn , Zheng Jinghai
Published: May 2006

This paper aims to illuminate the deteriorating situation of immigrants in the Swedish labour market. Two questions are in focus. First, is the pattern of a deteriorating labour market situation and increased difficulty entering the economy of the host country applicable to all immigrants? Second, are immigrants more vulnerable to the state of the economy than natives? Large samples of immigrant women and immigrant men as well as large samples of native men and women for the period 1978 to 1999 are studied by observing annual earnings. Low annual earnings signal a weak labour market attachment.

The results show that while earnings of foreign‐born relative to natives deteriorated for less‐privileged immigrants, this was not the case for young adults originating from the north‐western part of Europe and North America. In addition, there were no indications of newer immigrants of such origins faring worse than their peers who had arrived earlier when observed during the same number of years since immigration. In contrast, earnings of immigrants from southern and eastern Europe and countries outside Europe, who arrived during the first part of the 1980s, were lower than for their counterparts who had arrived earlier. Non‐European immigrants who arrived during the first half of the 1980s had earnings in the mid‐1990s that were remarkably low.

Less‐privileged immigrants are more vulnerable than natives to the state of the economy as measured by the unemployment rate. Recently arrived immigrants are more vulnerable to the state of the economy and some signs indicate vulnerability weakens by year since immigration. Thus, a low unemployment rate is relatively more important for categories of immigrants that are not in a privileged situation in the host country.
How Integrated are Finns in the Swedish Labour Market? Outcomes of Free Labour Mobility
Authors: Saarela Jan , Rooth Dan‐Olof
Published: May 2006

Due to the agreement of a common Nordic labour market, Finns have for several decades constituted the largest immigrant group in Sweden. However, there have been few studies explicitly concerned with how well they are integrated in the labour market. This paper attempts to fill part of this gap by studying how they succeeded before and after the economic crisis in the 1990s. Employment levels and earnings of Finnish immigrants in prime working ages are compared with those of native Swedes by utilizing matched cross sections of the total population from 1990 and 2001. We aim to see how much of any differential can be attributed to simple background factors such as age, gender, educational level, and county of residence. Our findings reveal that earnings and employment levels of Finnish males are about 10 per cent lower than those of native Swedes, and that this performance gap tends to have become wider over time. There is, however, substantial variation across immigrant cohorts, and differentials in educational levels play a significant role only with regard to the earnings gap. In contrast with the males, Finnish females tend to be better integrated, as their labour market outcomes are very similar to those of native Swedes.
Repeated Measures of Recent Headache, Neck and Upper Back Pain in Australian Adolescents
Authors: Grimmer K , Nyland L , Milanese S
Published: May 2006

The epidemiological and clinical literature identifies strong associations between adult headache, cervical and thoracic spine dysfunction and spinal posture. This paper reports on the prevalence and incidence of headache, neck and upper back pain which occurred in the previous week, in urban Australians aged 13–17 years. Commencing in 1999, we followed a cohort of South Australian students through 5 years of secondary schooling. Of our commencing cohort of students, 132 (30±) provided data on bodily pain every year. For both girls and boys, there was a significantly decreasing prevalence of headache over the study period, while neck pain and upper back pain increased. There was a significantly increasing trend over time for boys with upper back pain. Twenty percent of girls and boys consistently reported headache, neck pain or upper back pain over 5 years. The progression of early adolescent headaches to mid-adolescent neck and upper back pain potentially reflects the adolescents’ biomechanical responses to intrinsic and extrinsic imposts. This requires further investigation to understand the causes of adolescent headache, neck and upper thoracic pain.
Local variation of haemoparasites and arthropod vectors, and intestinal protozoans in spiny mice (Acomys dimidiatus) from four montane wadis in the St Katherine Protectorate, Sinai, Egypt
Authors: Bajer A. , Harris P. D. , Behnke J. M. , Bednarska M. , Barnard C. J. , Sherif N. , Clifford S. , Gilbert F. S. , Siński E. , Zalat S.
Published: May 2006

Haemoparasite infections and infestations with potential arthropod vectors were assessed in spiny mice Acomys dimidiatus from four wadis in the arid montane region of the southern Sinai in Egypt in late summer 2000. Five taxa of haemoparasites (Haemobartonella spp. 80%, Hepatozoon sp. 20.6%, Trypanosoma acomys 17.5%, Bartonella spp. 2.5% and Babesia sp. 1.9%) were recorded. Additionally, infections with two intestinal protozoa, Cryptosporidium cf. parvum and Giardia sp., were quantified, both with similar prevalence (17.0 and 17.6%, respectively). 17.9% of mice carried fleas (Parapulex chephrensis and Xenopsylla dipodilli) and 32.1% had lice (Polyplax oxyrrhyncha and Polyplax brachyrrhycha combined). Marked differences in the prevalence and abundance of infections were detected between the four wadis, particularly with respect to T. acomys, Hepatozoon sp. and fleas, which were largely aggregated in just two of the four sites (Wadis Gharaba and Tlah). In contrast, the intestinal protozoa were more common, and abundance was higher, in Wadi El Arbaein. Intrinsic factors also contributed to a variation in prevalence, with strong age‐dependent increases in the prevalence and abundance of Hepatozoon sp., higher mean species richness, prevalence of Cr. cf. parvum, and abundance of Giardia sp. and Hepatozoon sp. in female mice. Haemobartonella spp. showed an age‐dependent reduction in abundance and higher abundance among male mice. A weak association was found between the prevalence of T. acomys and its putative flea vector. The single extrinsic factor in the study, site of capture, was more important than the intrinsic factors in explaining variation in the prevalence and abundance of haemoparasites, intestinal protozoa and arthropod vectors. In the high mountains of southern Sinai, the parasite fauna of spiny mice is distinct in each wadi, and hence we expect the parasites to exert spatially different co‐evolutionary pressures on their hosts, with a resultant variation in host life histories.
Behavioral and endocrine correlates of reproductive failure in social aggregations of captive wolverines (Gulo gulo)
Authors: Dalerum F. , Creel S. , Hall S. B.
Published: May 2006

Sociality in mammals is often viewed as a dichotomy, with sociality contrasted against solitariness. However, variation within these broad categories may have strong effects on individual fitness. For example, reproductive suppression of social subordinates is generally associated with group living, but suppression may also occur in solitary species if the behavioral and physiological processes involved can be modulated by the demographic environment. To investigate whether behavioral and physiological traits that normally are associated with group living might be latent even in a solitary species, we explored the level of sociality and investigated causes and mechanisms of reproductive failure in female wolverines Gulo gulo that experienced a highly aggregated social environment in captivity. Behaviorally, females showed low levels of aggression and intermediate levels of social interactions. Reproductive failure seemed to have been related to low social rank and to have occurred between ovulation and implantation in 13 out of 15 breeding attempts. However, three of eight females observed to mate produced offspring, indicating that no individual female fully managed to monopolize breeding. Reproductive failure was not related to elevated levels of glucocorticoid stress hormones. Rather, elevated glucocorticoid levels during the mating season were associated with successful reproduction. We suggest that social tendencies and physiological mechanisms mediating reproductive suppression may be viewed as reaction norms to the social environment. We further suggest that the social flexibility of solitary carnivores might be greater than is commonly observed, due to ecological constraints that may limit aggregation.
Ancient and modern steps during the domestication of guinea pigs (Cavia porcellus L.)
Authors: Spotorno A. E. , Marín J. C. , Manríquez G. , Valladares J. P. , Rico E. , Rivas C.
Published: May 2006

To test whether there are differences between living lineages of domestic guinea pigs Cavia porcellus, we studied 118 specimens from six breeds collected along six Andean countries as well as 15 from the wild cavy species (Cavia tschudii). The mean weight and body length of 15 adult wild cavies (295±31 g, 242±8.3 mm) were significantly smaller than 25 creole guinea pigs from Bolivia and Chile (639±157 g, 287±23.7 mm, respectively). Eighteen laboratory/pet guinea pigs (including the English Pirbright breed) were also smaller (900±173 g, 308±21 mm) than 25 improved ones from Peru (Tamborada breed, 1241±75.4 g, 317±12 mm) and Ecuador (Auqui breed, 1138±65.5 g, 307±8 mm). Similar size increases appeared in the first axis of a principal component analysis of six skeletal measurements, recovering 84% of total variation. Phylogenetic and haplotype analyses of complete cytochrome b gene sequences consistently joined all 22 domestic individuals (13 shared unambiguous substitutions, 100% bootstrap in 1000 replicates), probably from a single first ancient domestication in the western Andes. Six laboratory/pet sequences were also joined within a common branch (six shared substitutions, 96% bootstrap), probably from a documented European second phase. By contrast, those from improved Auqui joined a northern creole subgroup (one shared substitution, 84% bootstrap), and those from Nativa and improved Tamborada clustered together and with a southern creole subgroup (four shared substitutions, 86% bootstrap); this suggests at least two independent modern events during a more complex third phase, producing two improved guinea pigs selected for size and meat. Cavia tschudii sequences showed some unexpected geographic variation.
Irreversible aggregation of protein synthesis machinery after focal brain ischemia
Authors: Zhang F. , Liu C. L. , Hu B. R.
Published: May 2006

Focal brain ischemia leads to a slow type of neuronal death in the penumbra that starts several hours after ischemia and continues to mature for days. During this maturation period, blood flow, cellular ATP and ionic homeostasis are gradually recovered in the penumbral region. In striking contrast, protein synthesis is irreversibly inhibited. This study used a rat focal brain ischemia model to investigate whether or not irreversible translational inhibition is due to abnormal aggregation of translational complex components, i.e. the ribosomes and their associated nascent polypeptides, protein synthesis initiation factors and co‐translational chaperones. Under electron microscopy, most rosette‐shaped polyribosomes were relatively evenly distributed in the cytoplasm of sham‐operated control neurons, but clumped into large abnormal aggregates in penumbral neurons subjected to 2 h of focal ischemia followed by 4 h of reperfusion. The abnormal ribosomal protein aggregation lasted until the onset of delayed neuronal death at 24–48 h of reperfusion after ischemia. Biochemical study further suggested that translational complex components, including small ribosomal subunit protein 6 (S6), large subunit protein 28 (L28), eukaryotic initiation factors 2α, 4E and 3η, and co‐translational chaperone heat‐shock cognate protein 70 (HSC70) and co‐chaperone Hdj1, were all irreversibly clumped into large abnormal protein aggregates after ischemia. Translational complex components were also highly ubiquitinated. This study clearly demonstrates that focal ischemia leads to irreversible aggregation of protein synthesis machinery that contributes to neuronal death after focal brain ischemia.
Differential α2‐mediated inhibition of dopamine and noradrenaline release in the parietal and occipital cortex following noradrenaline transporter blockade
Authors: Valentini V. , Cacciapaglia F. , Frau R. , Di Chiara G.
Published: May 2006

Parietal and occipital cortices, while densely innervated by noradrenalin 2 (NA) projections, possess a comparatively sparse dopamine 2 (DA) innervation, even sparser than the prefrontal cortex. We previously reported that reboxetine and desipramine, two selective norepinephrine transporter (NET) blockers, at doses that maximally increase DA in the prefrontal cortex, do not increase DA in the parietal and occipital cortices. In the present study, we performed a full dose–response study of the effect of systemic reboxetine and desipramine on DA and NA in dialysates from the parietal and occipital cortices. Seven doses of reboxetine (0.1, 0.25, 0.5, 1.0, 2.5, 5.0 and 10 mg/kg) and four doses of desipramine (0.25, 1.0, 2.5 and 5.0 mg/kg) were tested. Reboxetine and desipramine differentially affected dialysate DA as compared with NA. Reboxetine increased DA maximally by about 100% after doses of 0.25–0.5 mg/kg and showed a bell‐shaped dose–response function in both areas; desipramine did not affect DA in the parietal cortex and increased it in the occipital cortex only at 2.5 mg/kg. NA was maximally increased by 275% by 0.5–2.5 mg/kg reboxetine and by about 300% by 5.0 mg/kg desipramine with a more linear dose–response curve. The mechanism of peculiar dose–response function of dialysate DA after reboxetine and desipramine was further investigated by testing the effect of drugs on dialysate DA and NA under α2receptor blockade. Under local perfusion of the occipital cortex with idazoxan, an otherwise ineffective dose of reboxetine and desipramine (5 mg/kg) became effective in raising extracellular DA. In contrast, the effect of reboxetine on NA was potentiated, while that of desipramine was not affected. These results suggest that, in the parietal and occipital cortices, extracellular NA, raised by NET blockade, exerts a preferential inhibitory influence on DA release by acting on local α2receptors, thus accounting for the bell‐shaped feature of the dose–response function of drugs on dialysate DA in these areas.
Cannabinoids attenuate norepinephrine‐induced melatonin biosynthesis in the rat pineal gland by reducing arylalkylamine N‐acetyltransferase activity without involvement of cannabinoid receptors
Authors: Koch Marco , Dehghani Faramarz , Habazettl Iris , Schomerus Christof , Korf Horst‐Werner
Published: May 2006

Cannabinoids modulate neuronal and neuroendocrine circuits by binding to cannabinoid receptors acting upon cAMP/Ca2+‐mediated intracellular signaling cascades. The rat pineal represents an established model to investigate intracellular signaling processes because a well defined input, the neurotransmitter norepinephrine, is transformed via cAMP/Ca2+‐dependent mechanisms into an easily detectable output signal, the biosynthesis of melatonin. Here we investigated the impact of cannabinoids on norepinephrine‐regulated melatonin biosynthesis in the rat pineal. We demonstrated that treatment of cultured rat pineals with 9‐carboxy‐11‐nor‐delta‐9‐tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), cannabidiol or cannabinol significantly reduced norepinephrine‐induced arylalkylamine N‐acetyltransferase (AANAT) activity and melatonin biosynthesis. These effects were not mimicked by the cannabinoid receptor agonist WIN55,212–2 and were not blocked by cannabinoid 1 and 2 receptor antagonists. The cannabinoids used did not affect norepinephrine‐induced increases in cAMP/Ca2+ levels. Notably, cannabinoids were found to directly inhibit AANAT activity in lysates of the pineal gland. This effect was specific in so far as cannabinoids did not influence the activity of hydroxyindole‐O‐methyltransferase (HIOMT), the last enzyme in melatonin biosynthesis. Taken together, our data strongly suggest that cannabinoids inhibit AANAT activity and attenuate melatonin biosynthesis through intracellular actions without involvement of classical cannabinoid receptor‐dependent signaling cascades.
Generation of constitutively active calcineurin by calpain contributes to delayed neuronal death following mouse brain ischemia
Authors: Shioda Norifumi , Moriguchi Shigeki , Shirasaki Yasufumi , Fukunaga Kohji
Published: May 2006

Calpain, a Ca2+‐dependent cysteine protease, in vitro converts calcineurin (CaN) to constitutively active forms of 45 kDa and 48 kDa by cleaving the autoinhibitory domain of the 60 kDa subunit. In a mouse middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) model, calpain converted the CaN A subunit to the constitutively active form with 48 kDa in vivo. We also confirmed increased Ca2+/CaM‐independent CaN activity in brain extracts. The generation of constitutively active and Ca2+/CaM‐independent activity of CaN peaked 2 h after reperfusion in brain extracts. Increased constitutively active CaN activity was associated with dephosphorylation of dopamine‐regulated phosphoprotein‐32 in the brain. Generation of constitutively active CaN was accompanied by translocation of nuclear factor of activated T‐cells (NFAT) into nuclei of hippocampal CA1 pyramidal neurons. In addition, a novel calmodulin antagonist, DY‐9760e, blocked the generation of constitutively active CaN by calpain, thereby inhibiting NFAT nuclear translocation. Together with previous studies indicating that NFAT plays a critical role in apoptosis, we propose that calpain‐induced CaN activation in part mediates delayed neuronal death in brain ischemia.
Soil quality and other factors influencing maize yield in northern Ghana
Authors: Braimoh A. K. , Vlek P. L. G.
Published: May 2006

Food security is a crucial issue in sub‐Saharan Africa as a consequence of unreliable rainfall, marginal soil fertility and a low level of inputs leading to declining crop yields. As a case study, we investigated the most important variables affecting maize yield in northern Ghana. We combined a soil quality index on a continuous scale with a social data set to model maize yield using linear multiple regression. Five significant variables have been identified (P < 0.05): soil quality index, fertilizer use, household size, distance from main market, and the interaction between fallow length and soil quality index. The effect of the interaction between soil quality and fallow on maize yield is negative, suggesting the influence of litter quality and N immobilization in the soils. Research and policy should focus on the development of site‐specific, legume‐based cropping, and the integration of crop and livestock farming in Northern Ghana and similar areas in sub‐Saharan Africa.
Factors Influencing Female Registered Nurses' Work Behavior
Authors: Brewer Carol S. , Kovner Christine T. , Wu Yow‐Wu , Greene William , Liu Yu , Reimers Cordelia W.
Published: May 2006

Objective. To analyze factors that are related to whether registered nurses (RNs) work (WK) or do not work (NW) in nursing; and if the RN works, whether she works full‐ (FT) or part‐time (PT).

Data Sources. Secondary data from National Sample Survey of Registered Nurses 2000 (NSSRN), the InterStudy Competitive Edge Part III Regional Market Analysis (2001), and the Area Resource File (2002).

Study Design. Using a cross‐sectional design we tested the relationship between WK or NW and FT or PT; and demographic, job‐related, and metropolitan statistical area (MSA)‐level variables.

Data Collection/Extraction Methods. We combined the data sources noted above to produce the analytic sample of 25,471 female RNs.

Principal Findings. Working in nursing is not independent of working FT or PT. Age (55 and older), other family income, and prior other work experience in health care are negatively related to working as an RN. The wage is not related to working as an RN, but negatively influences FT work. Age, children, minority status, student status, employment status, other income, and some job settings have a negative impact on working FT. Previous health care work has a positive effect on whether married RNs worked. Married RNs who are more dissatisfied are less likely to work FT. A greater number of market‐level factors influence FT/PT than WK/NW behavior.

Conclusions. An important contribution of this study is demonstrating that MSA‐level variables influence RN work behavior. The market environment seems to have little effect on whether a nurse works, but is influential on how much the nurse works, and has differential effects on married versus single nurses.
A New Consensus? Recent Research on Fascism in Europe, 1918–1945*
Authors: Bauerkämper Arnd
Published: May 2006

The article surveys historical research on European fascism since the 1980s. On the basis of some general considerations on the fruitfulness of theories of fascism as well as on the exhaustive controversies about the ‘nature’ of the phenomenon, the contribution provides an overview and evaluation of recent scholarship on the ideology, dynamics and style of fascist movements and regimes. Moreover, fascism’s ambivalent relationship to modernity receives attention. Altogether, the author argues that concepts and ideal types of fascism are to be considered heuristic devices which should integrate the fascist actors, their world‐views, interpretations and appropriations of ‘reality’. Conceptualisations of fascism should also avoid the pitfall of plastering over the ambivalence of reactionary and radical aspirations on the part of the fascists and the ambiguity rooted in their efforts to achieve a national renewal by supporting universal fascism.
PHYLOGENETIC RELATIONSHIPS AND TAXONOMY OF SARCINOID GREEN ALGAE: CHLOROSARCINOPSIS, DESMOTETRA, SARCINOCHLAMYS GEN. NOV., NEOCHLOROSARCINA, AND CHLOROSPHAEROPSIS (CHLOROPHYCEAE, CHLOROPHYTA)1
Authors: Watanabe Shin , Mitsui Kaoru , Nakayama Takeshi , Inouye Isao
Published: May 2006

We investigated the phylogenetic relationships and the taxonomy of 20 sarcinoid strains by their morphological features and using 18S rDNA sequence data. Nineteen strains of Chlorosarcinopsis (Gerneck) Herndon and allied genera were divided into four groups (A–D). Group A, comprising eight species, was concordant with the description of Chlorosarcinopsis and divided into four polyphyletic subgroups. Group B included two species of Chlorosarcinopsis and two strains of Desmotetra stigmatica (Deason) Deason et Floyd, all of which had parallel thylakoid membranes in pyrenoid matrices, and zoospores bearing apical stigma and subapical flagellar apparatus. The definition of Desmotetra Deason et Floyd was emended to include these features, and Chlorosarcinopsis delicata S. Watanabe was transferred to this genus. Group C comprised Chlorosarcina stigmatica Deason (ASIB.T105), for which we proposed Sarcinochlamys gen. nov., a genus distinct from Chlorosarcina Gerneck in having walled zoospores. Group D, comprising six species, corresponded to Neochlorosarcina and was divided into two subgroups. The presence of thin cell walls in Neochlorosarcina S. Watanabe was ascertained as a valid feature for circumscribing the sarcinoid genera. The physiological experiments on the species of Chlorosarcinopsis and Chlorosarcina by Groover and Bold (1968) were assessed based on the phylogenetic results. Groups (A, B, D) were roughly characterized by these features: algal mass color, utilization of selected nitrogen compounds and carbon sources under light/dark and aerobic/anaerobic conditions, and requirement for vitamin B12. Molecular analysis revealed that Chlorosphaeropsis alveolata Herndon had closer affinity with solitary Protosiphon Klebs and Spongiochloris Starr than with sarcinoid members.
Changes in Nursing Education in the European Union
Authors: Zabalegui Adelaida , Macia Loreto , Márquez Josefa , Ricomá Roser , Nuin Carmen , Mariscal Isabel , Pedraz Azucena , Germán Concepción , Moncho Joaquín
Published: May 2006

Purpose: To provide an overview of changes in nursing education in the European Union (EU) within the framework of the Bologna Declaration, signed in 1999 by the European ministers of education, and to describe specific efforts and changes in Spain.

Organizing Constructs: (a) the Bologna Declaration process, its recent reforms in all disciplines including nursing, and perspectives on future developments; (b) the Tuning Project, designed and carried out by a group of European universities to meet the challenges posed by the Bologna Declaration; and (c) efforts in a group of Spanish universities to promote higher education in nursing.

Findings and Conclusions: These changes promote enhanced academic recognition, professionalism in nursing education, and graduates' competencies in practice in most European countries by specifying the undergraduate nursing degree as the minimal entrance level for practice and master's and doctoral programs for further career development.
Understanding of Genetics Among Older Adults
Authors: Frazier Lorraine , Calvin Amy O. , Mudd Gia T. , Cohen Marlene Z.
Published: May 2006

Purpose: To describe and compare the attitudes, knowledge, and beliefs of older adults from three ethnic groups about genetic testing and genetic research, to determine how the understanding of genetics influences informed consent, and to identify factors that are important in older adults' decisions about participation in genetic research.

Methods: Three focus groups were initially conducted with 23 African American, Caucasian, and Hispanic adults in community‐based settings. Discussions were audiotaped and transcribed verbatim. Content analysis of transcripts was performed and a second session was conducted with participants from each group to confirm the analyses.

Findings: Four common themes related to genetics and informed consent for genetic testing were identified: (a) defining genetics, (b) justifying genetic testing, (c) family involvement, and (d) dignified agreement.

Conclusions: The findings from this study indicate that although these older adults had information about genetics, the information was not always accurate. In addition, deference among this cohort to providers' opinions showed the important role of healthcare professionals in providing genetic information and obtaining consent in ways that ensure it is voluntary and informed.
Outcome From Serious Injury in Older Adults
Authors: Jacoby Sara F. , Ackerson Theimann H. , Richmond Therese S.
Published: May 2006

Purpose: To analyze the research published in peer‐reviewed journals between 1996 and 2005 about factors affecting the physical outcomes of older adults after serious traumatic injury.

Organizing Construct: Twenty‐seven primary research studies published in the last 10 years pertained to in‐hospital and long‐term outcomes of serious injury among older adults. Research specific to isolated hip injury, traumatic brain injury, and burn trauma was excluded.

Methods: An integrative review of research published between January 1996 and January 2005 was carried out to examine the relationship between older age and outcome from severe injury. MEDLINE, BIOSIS previews, CINAHL, and PsycINFO databases were searched using the MeSH terms: injury, serious injury, trauma and multiple trauma, and crossed with type, severity, medical/surgical management, complication, outcome, mortality, morbidity, survival, disability, quality of life, functional status, functional recovery, function, and placement.

Findings: Older adults in these studies had higher short‐ and long‐term mortality than did younger adults. The relationship between older age and poorer outcome persisted when adjusting for injury severity, number of injuries, comorbidities, and complications. At the same time, injury severity, number of injuries, complications, and gender each independently correlated with increased mortality among older adults. The body of research is limited by overreliance on retrospective data and heterogeneity in definitional criteria for the older adult population.

Conclusions: Additional research is needed to clarify the contributory effect of variables such as psychosocial sequelae and physiologic resilience on injury outcome. The field of geriatric trauma would benefit from further population‐based prospective investigation of the determinants of injury outcome in older adults in order to guide interventions and acute care treatment.
Difficult Communication in Nursing
Authors: Sheldon Lisa Kennedy , Barrett Roseann , Ellington Lee
Published: May 2006

Purpose: To describe difficult communication in nurse‐patient interactions from nurses' perspectives.

Design: Grounded theory methodology and follow‐up questionnaire. Focus groups of nurses were conducted to explore nurses' perceptions of difficult communication in nurse‐patient interactions.

Methods: Using a semistructured interview script, the moderator guided six unit‐based focus groups at a 220‐bed, Roman Catholic, community hospital, and a recorder took field notes of the interactions. The sessions were audiotaped for transcription and analysis. Level I coding was done by the moderator and recorder after each group. Level II coding was done with the transcripts and conferral of two of the researchers. A follow‐up questionnaire with a 5‐point Likert scale was used to validate the 13 categories of difficult communication derived from the focus groups.

Findings: Five themes were identified: specific diagnoses and clinical situations, patient and family emotions, nurses' emotions, triangle of nurse‐physician‐patient communication, and nurse coping behaviors with difficult communication. Emotion was the core variable that made communication more difficult.

Conclusions: The groups described five major themes in difficult communication. They also identified the heavy emotional component of nurse‐patient communication and the difficulties arising in work relationships that complicated communication.
An Evaluation of How Well Research Reports Facilitate the Use of Findings in Practice
Authors: Leeman Jennifer , Jackson Beatrice , Sandelowski Margarete
Published: May 2006

Purpose: To analyze how research is reported in journal publications as a potential barrier to use of research findings in practice.

Design: Content analysis of 46 reports of diabetes self‐management interventions published between 1993 and 2004.

Methods: Data were extracted from the publications using a coding scheme based on concepts from Rogers' theory of the diffusion of innovations.

Findings: Authors provided only some of the information potential users need to progress through Roger's stages of adopting an intervention and implementing it in practice. Authors provided only limited information on the target population; frequency, number, and duration of patient contacts; expertise and training required to deliver the intervention; intervention protocol; and the process of adapting and implementing interventions in practice settings.

Conclusions: To close the gap between research and practice, authors should offer more information to help readers decide whether and how to adopt and implement interventions.