bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Strength and cost of an induced immune response are associated with a heritable melanin‐based colour trait in female tawny owls
Authors: Gasparini Julien , Bize Pierre , Piault Romain , Wakamatsu Kazumasa , Blount Jonathan D. , Ducrest Anne‐Lyse , Roulin Alexandre
Published: January 2009

Melanin pigments provide the most widespread source of coloration in vertebrates, but the adaptive function of such traits remains poorly known.

In a wild population of tawny owls (Strix aluco), we investigated the relationships between plumage coloration, which varies continuously from dark to pale reddish, and the strength and cost of an induced immune response.

The degree of reddishness in tawny owl feather colour was positively correlated with the concentration of phaeomelanin and eumelanin pigments, and plumage coloration was highly heritable (h2 = 0·93). No carotenoids were detected in the feathers.

In mothers, the degree of melanin‐based coloration was associated with antibody production against a vaccine, with dark reddish females maintaining a stronger level of antibody for a longer period of time compared to pale reddish females, but at a cost in terms of greater loss of body mass.

A cross‐fostering experiment showed that, independent of maternal coloration, foster chicks reared by vaccinated mothers were lighter than those reared by nonvaccinated mothers. Hence, even though dark reddish mothers suffered a stronger immune cost than pale reddish mothers, this asymmetric cost was not translated to offspring growth.

Our study suggests that different heritable melanin‐based colorations are associated with alternative strategies to resist parasite attacks, with dark reddish individuals investing more resources towards the humoral immune response than lightly reddish conspecifics.
Seed dispersal by a frugivorous marsupial shapes the spatial scale of a mistletoe population
Authors: García Daniel , Rodríguez‐Cabal Mariano A. , Amico Guillermo C.
Published: January 2009

Seed dispersal is considered critical for shaping the spatial structure of plant populations, though little empirical effort has been made to interpret this effect in terms of the scale at which plant species are distributed and cope with environmental heterogeneity. We assessed the spatial role of seed dispersal in Tristerix corymbosus, a mistletoe dispersed exclusively in the temperate forests of Patagonia by the endemic marsupial Dromiciops gliroides.

We examined how fruit resource tracking and seed dispersal by the marsupial affects mistletoe recruitment, employing a spatially explicit approach aimed at breaking down the spatial structure of the mistletoe and marsupial populations at different scales.

In a single fruiting season, we evaluated the abundance of mistletoe fruits, adult plants, dispersed seeds and recruits (seedlings and saplings), as well as the abundance of marsupials, along a 1500‐m linear transect.

Both mistletoe and marsupial abundances were distributed hierarchically in space, with large patches containing smaller ones. Marsupial patchiness matched that of mistletoe fruits, at least at a broad scale within the transect. Marsupial abundance also varied at a large‐scale, being conditioned by habitat features and decreasing progressively along the transect. Mistletoe seed rain accounted for the patchiness of adult plants and fruits, and for the large‐scale pattern of marsupial activity. The spatial pattern of mistletoe recruitment closely matched seed rain.

Synthesis. Seed dispersal by marsupials shaped the scale of mistletoe recruitment in two ways. First, marsupials created a spatial match between mistletoe adults and recruits as a result of fruit resource tracking. Second, they generated patchiness in mistletoe offspring at a larger scale than in adults. Dispersal process performed as a strong demographic filter capable of changing the mistletoe spatial structure from adults to recruits, despite a low frequency of far‐from‐adult dispersal events. Similar effects of scale shaping by seed dispersers may be generalized among plants in which there is a sharp spatial match between fruits and frugivores, and whose dispersed seeds have a higher probability of recruiting than undispersed ones.
Preclinical pharmacology of robenacoxib: a novel selective inhibitor of cyclooxygenase‐2
Authors: KING J. N. , DAWSON J. , ESSER R. E. , FUJIMOTO R. , KIMBLE E. F. , MANIARA W. , MARSHALL P. J. , O’BYRNE L. , QUADROS E. , TOUTAIN P. L. , LEES P.
Published: January 2009

This manuscript reports the results of preclinical studies in the rat with robenacoxib, a novel selective cyclooxygenase (COX)‐2 inhibitor.

Robenacoxib selectively inhibited COX‐2in vitroas evidenced from COX‐1:COX‐2 IC50ratios of 27:1 in purified enzyme preparations and >967:1 in isolated cell assays. Binding to COX‐1 was rapid and readily reversible (dissociationt1/2 << 1 min), whilst COX‐2 binding was slowly reversible (t1/2 = 25 min).In vivo, robenacoxib inhibited PGE2production (an index of COX‐2 inhibition) in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)‐stimulated air pouches (ID500.3 mg/kg) and for at least 24 h in zymosan‐induced inflammatory exudate (at 2 mg/kg). Robenacoxib was COX‐1 sparing, as it inhibited serum TxB2synthesisex vivo(an index of COX‐1 inhibition) only at very high doses (100 mg/kg but not at 2–30 mg/kg). Robenacoxib inhibited carrageenan‐induced paw oedema (ID500.40–0.48 mg/kg), LPS‐induced fever (ID501.1 mg/kg) and Randall–Selitto pain (10 mg/kg).

Robenacoxib was highly bound to plasma protein (99.9% at 50 ng/mLin vitro). After intravenous dosing, clearance was 2.4 mL/min/kg and volume of distribution at steady‐state was 306 mL/kg. Robenacoxib was preferentially distributed into inflammatory exudate; theAUCfor exudate was 2.9 times higher than for blood and theMRTin exudate (15.9 h) was three times longer than in blood (5.3 h).

Robenacoxib produced significantly less gastric ulceration and intestinal permeability as compared with the reference nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory drug (NSAID), diclofenac, and did not inhibit PGE2or 6‐keto PGF1αconcentrations in the stomach and ileum at 30 mg/kg. Robenacoxib also had no relevant effects on kidney function at 30 mg/kg.

In summary, results of preclinical studies in rats studies suggest that robenacoxib has an attractive pharmacological profile for potential use in the intended target species, cats and dogs.
Pyrilamine in the horse: detection and pharmacokinetics of pyrilamine and its major urinary metaboliteO‐desmethylpyrilamine
Authors: DIRIKOLU L. , LEHNER A. F. , HARKINS J. D. , WOODS W. E. , KARPIESIUK W. , GATES R. S. , FISHER M. , TOBIN T.
Published: January 2009

Pyrilamine is an antihistamine used in human and veterinary medicine. As antihistamines produce central nervous system effects in horses, pyrilamine has the potential to affect the performance of racehorses. In the present study,O‐desmethylpyrilamine (O‐DMP) was observed to be the predominant equine urinary metabolite of pyrilamine. After intravenous (i.v.) administration of pyrilamine (300 mg/horse), serum pyrilamine concentrations declined from about 280 ng/mL at 5 min postdose to about 2.5 ng/mL at 8 h postdose. After oral administration of pyrilamine (300 mg/horse), serum concentrations peaked at about 33 ng/mL at 30 min, falling to <2 ng/mL at 8 h postdose. Pyrilamine was not detected in serum samples at 24 h postdosing by either route. After i.v. injection of pyrilamine (300 mg/horse)O‐DMP was recovered at a level of about 20 μg/mL at 2 h postdose thereafter declining to about 2 ng/mL at 168 h postdose. After oral administration, theO‐DMP recovery peaked at about 12 μg/mL at 8 h postdose and declined to <2 ng/mL at 168 h postdose. These results show that pyrilamine is poorly bioavailable orally (18%), and can be detected by sensitive enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay tests in urine for up to 1 week after a single administration. Care should be taken as the data suggest that the withdrawal time for pyrilamine after repeated oral administrations is likely to be at least 1 week or longer.
Differential inhibition of cyclooxygenase isoenzymes in the cat by the NSAID robenacoxib
Authors: GIRAUDEL J. M , TOUTAIN P.‐L. , KING J. N. , LEES P.
Published: January 2009

Robenacoxib is a new nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory drug (NSAID) developed for use in companion animal medicine. The objectives of this study were: to quantify the inhibitory actions of robenacoxib on cyclooxygenase (COX) isoenzymes in feline whole blood assays; to establish blood concentration–time profiles of robenacoxib after intravenous and subcutaneous dosing in the cat and; to predict the time courses of inhibition of COX isoforms by robenacoxib. COX‐1 and COX‐2 activities in heparinized feline whole blood samples were induced with calcium ionophore and lipopolysaccharide, respectively. Inhibition of thromboxane B2provided a marker of both COX‐1 and COX‐2 activities and a nonlinear parametric mixed effects modelling approach was used to establish the pharmacodynamic parameters describing this inhibition. Mean values (and prediction intervals) of IC50were 28.9 (16.4–51.1) μm(COX‐1) and 0.058 (0.010–0.340) μm(COX‐2). These parameters were used to compute several selectivity indices. Selectivity IC ratios (COX‐1:COX‐2) were 502.3 (IC50/IC50), 451.6 (IC95/IC95) and 17.05 (IC20/IC80). Based on a clinically recommended dosage regimen of 2 mg/kg, it was predicted that the corresponding mean robenacoxib blood concentration over the first 12 h after drug administration corresponded to 5% inhibition of COX‐1 and 90% inhibition of COX‐2.
Analytical determination and pharmacokinetics of robenacoxib in the dog
Authors: JUNG M. , LEES P. , SEEWALD W. , KING J. N.
Published: January 2009

An analytical method was developed and validated for the measurement of the novel analgesic and anti‐inflammatory drug robenacoxib in blood and plasma of dogs and cats. To prevent nonreproducible carry‐over effects, an initial solid phase extraction procedure was followed by high pressure liquid chromatography analysis for samples with concentrations in the range 500 to 20 000 ng/mL. To improve accuracy, samples of concentration 3 to 100 ng/mL were analyzed by liquid chromatography‐mass spectrometry. Applying these methods, blood concentration‐time profiles and pharmacokinetic variables of robenacoxib in dogs were determined in a four‐phase cross‐over study, which compared different routes of administration of the drug, including intravenous (i.v.) injection, oral application with and without feed, and subcutaneous (s.c.) application. After i.v. administration the mean clearance from blood was 0.81 L/kg/h, the volume of distribution was 0.77 L/kg for the elimination phase and 0.24 L/kg for steady‐state, and the terminal half‐life in blood was 0.63 h. Maximum blood concentrations were obtained in less than 1 h following oral or s.c. application. Absolute bioavailability was 88% after s.c. injection, 84% after oral administration to fasted dogs, but was reduced to 62% when applied orally to fed dogs. In canine and feline plasma the degree of binding of robenacoxib to plasma proteinin vitrowas greater than 98%. The blood:plasma concentration ratio was 0.44:1 in the dog and 0.65:1 in the cat. In conclusion analytical methods for the quantification of robenacoxib in blood and plasma in the dog and cat were developed and validated. In dogs, robenacoxib has good bioavailability after oral (84%) and subcutaneous (88%) administration.
DNA‐based discrimination between the sibling species Aphis gossypii Glover and Aphis frangulae Kaltenbach
Authors: CARLETTO JÉRÔME , BLIN AURÉLIE , VANLERBERGHE‐MASUTTI FLAVIE
Published: January 2009

Abstract Morphologically similar species occur in various groups of insects, including aphid pests. In Europe, Aphis frangulae Kaltenbach and Aphis gossypii Glover (sometimes considered as subspecies) are differentiated usually on the basis of life cycle and host plant. We used a sexual population of A. frangulae collected on the primary host and samples of A. gossypii collected on cucurbits or cotton for the development of molecular markers. DNA sequence data for the gene encoding cytochrome b and for the barcode region of cytochrome oxidase I, as well as a length polymorphism for an intron in the sodium channel para‐type gene discriminated unambiguously between the two taxa. These markers were also used as identification keys for aphids collected on crops belonging to the Solanaceae. The cytochrome b marker differentiates host‐related Aphis gossypii haplotypes, and the para‐type gene intron might be suitable for the resolution of taxonomic problems in other aphid species complexes.
Persistent airflow obstruction in asthma of patients with Churg–Strauss syndrome and long‐term follow‐up
Authors: Cottin V. , Khouatra C. , Dubost R. , Glérant J ‐C. , Cordier J ‐F.
Published: January 2009

Background:  Little is known about the long‐term outcome of airflow obstruction in asthma of patients with Churg–Strauss syndrome (CSS).

Methods:  We conducted a retrospective study of 24 consecutive patients (aged 41.1 ± 13.5 years) with CSS in a single center. All had asthma (starting 8.1 ± 9.5 years prior to the diagnosis of CSS), blood eosinophilia (6.1 ± 4.4 × 109/l) and systemic manifestations of CSS. Antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies were found in 7 of 22 tested patients. Seven patients had smoked (a mean of 10 pack‐years). All patients received oral corticosteroids, 11 cyclophosphamide and 23 inhaled corticosteroids.

Results:  Airflow obstruction was found in 14 patients (70%) at diagnosis, and in 11 of 22 patients (50%) at the time of the clinical remission of CSS. The mean postbronchodilator FEV1/FVC and FEV1 were 69 ± 12% and 74 ± 21% of predicted at diagnosis (n = 20); 71 ± 10% and 92 ± 19% of predicted at the clinical remission (n = 22); and 64 ± 13% and 80 ± 21% at last visit (n = 13), respectively. During follow‐up, postbronchodilator FEV1 increased by 30 ± 28% in six patients with FEV1/FVC < 70% despite inhaled therapy who received higher dose of oral corticosteroids. At last visit, 5 of 13 patients (38%) with more than 3 years of follow‐up had persistent airflow obstruction as defined by postbronchodilator FEV1/FVC < 70% and FEV1 < 80% of predicted.

Conclusion:  Airflow obstruction due to uncontrolled asthma is present despite corticosteroids in many patients at diagnosis and at clinical remission of CSS, and during follow‐up. It may be still partly reversible with increased oral corticosteroid treatment.
Developmental pathways in food allergy: a new theoretical framework
Authors: DunnGalvin A. , Gaffney A. , Hourihane J. O’B.
Published: January 2009

Background:  To date, there is no model of psychosocial development based on empirical food allergy (FA) research. This limits the ability of clinicians, researchers and policy‐makers to predict and evaluate the real impact of FA on the child, with implications for prevention, treatment, intervention and health policy.

Objectives:  To provide an integrated conceptual framework to explain the onset, development and maintenance of FA‐related cognitions, emotions and behaviour, with particular attention to transition points.

Method:  Fifteen focus groups meetings were held with 62 children (6–15 years). Developmentally appropriate techniques were designed to stimulate discussion, maintain interest and minimize threat to children’s self‐esteem. Data were analysed using grounded theory.

Results:  FA impacts directly on children’s normal trajectory of psychological development in both an age‐ and disease‐specific manner. Six key themes emerged from the analysis: ‘meanings of food’; ‘autonomy, control and self‐efficacy’; ‘peer relationships’; ‘risk and safety’; ‘self/identity’; and ‘coping strategies’.

Conclusions:  Coping with FA is more than simply a strategy, it is a cumulative history of interactive processes (age, gender and disease specific) that are embedded in a child’s developmental organization.

Clinical Implications:  The early recognition and incorporation of an FA‐specific developmental framework into a treatment plan is essential and sets the stage for an effective medical care and the eventual transition from paediatric to adult care.

Capsule Summary:  This study represents a first attempt to provide an integrated developmental framework to explain the onset, development and maintenance of FA‐related cognitions, emotions and behaviour.
Serum 25‐hydroxyvitamin D and IgE – a significant but nonlinear relationship
Authors: Hyppönen E. , Berry D. J. , Wjst M. , Power C.
Published: January 2009

Background:  Hormonal vitamin D system affects the determination of T‐cell responses. It is unknown if there is an association between vitamin D status and allergic conditions. Our aim was to investigate differences in serum IgE concentrations by vitamin D status [measured by 25(OH)D] and by a genetic variation in a key vitamin D activation enzyme (CYP27B1) previously shown to be associated with type 1 diabetes.

Methods:  9377 participants in the 1958 British birth cohort completed a biomedical assessment at 45 years of age ; 7288 eligible participants had data on 25(OH)D and IgE, with 6429 having further information on CYP27B1 genotype (−1260C>A).

Results:  There was a nonlinear association between 25(OH)D and IgE (P‐value for curvature = 0.0001). Compared with the reference group with the lowest IgE concentrations [25(OH)D 100–125 nmol/l], IgE concentrations were 29% higher (95% CI 9–48%) for participants with the 25(OH)D <25 nmol/l, and 56% higher (95% CI 17–95%) for participants with 25(OH)D >135 nmol/l (adjusted for sex, month, smoking, alcohol consumption, time spent outside, geographical location, social class, PC/TV time, physical activity, body mass index and waist circumference). CYP27B1 genotype was associated with both 25(OH)D (difference for A vs. C allele: 1.88%, 95% CI 0.37–3.4%, P = 0.01) and IgE concentrations (−6.59%, −11.6% to −1.42%, P = 0.01).

Conclusions:  These data suggest that there may be a threshold effect with both low and high 25(OH)D levels associated with elevated IgE concentrations. The same CYP27B1 allele that is protective of diabetes was associated with increased IgE concentrations.
Atopic dermatitis and allergic reactions to individual fragrance chemicals
Authors: White J. M. L. , White I. R. , Kimber I. , Basketter D. A. , Buckley D. A. , McFadden J. P.
Published: January 2009

Background:  Allergic contact dermatitis prevalence is reported as equal in atopic and nonatopic dermatitis. Atopic dermatitis is under‐represented in those with allergic contact dermatitis to agents having cutaneous and dietary exposure. We compared rates of atopic dermatitis between patients with allergic contact dermatitis arising out of individual fragrance chemicals with known oral/cutaneous exposure against exclusively cutaneous exposure.

Methods:  Between 1982 and 2007, 37 065 dermatitis patients were tested with Fragrance mix I. Those who were positive were tested for individual fragrance allergy. Chemicals were categorized according to whether their exposure pattern was solely cutaneous, oral or mixed. Current and past atopic dermatitis rates were compared between the whole population and groups allergic to individual fragrances. Age and gender were controlled.

Results:  Cinnamic alcohol and cinnamal allergy groups had reduced rates of both ‘current’ [24/266 (9.0%) P = 0.0008, 38/364 (10.4%) P = 0.0005] and ‘past’ atopic dermatitis [44/266 (16.5%) P = 0.009, 70/346 (19.2%) P = 0.037]. Atopic dermatitis rates in groups allergic to Evernia prunastri and hydroxycitronellal (cutaneous exposure only) were not reduced [120/597 (20.1%) and 41/153 (26.8%)]. Groups allergic to cinnamic alcohol (P < 0.0001, P < 0.0001) and cinnamal (P < 0.0001, P < 0.004) had reductions in ‘current’ and ‘past’ atopic dermatitis, compared with Evernia prunastri.

Conclusions:  Patients allergic to individual fragrances with dietary exposure have reduced rates of atopic dermatitis. This suggests that patients with atopic dermatitis have heightened oral tolerance to dietary haptens, in contrast to the known close association of atopic dermatitis with food‐protein allergy. Haptens may interfere with food protein tolerance by binding to soluble protein to alter its configuration and immunogenic profile.
cDNA microarray analysis of pigment epithelium‐derived factor‐regulated gene expression profile in prostate carcinoma cells
Authors: Liu Weiwei , Wu Zhong , Guan Ming , Lu Yuan
Published: January 2009

Objectives:  To clarify molecular mechanisms involved in the action of pigment epithelium‐derived factor (PEDF) in hormone insensitive prostate cancer cells.

Methods:  Total ribonucleic acid from untreated and PEDF‐treated cells was subjected to microarray analysis using BioStar 8464 microarray. Real‐time polymerase chain reaction analysis was conducted to confirm the microarray data.

Results:  Twenty‐seven out of 8464 genes were found altered in both cell lines. Common gene responses altered by PEDF were identified and included genes known to alter cell signaling as well as genes involved in catalytic activity, cell proliferation, angiogenesis and apoptosis. Real‐time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction, in accordance with the microarray analysis, indicated that PEDF treatment caused an upregulation in the mRNA expression level of stanniocalcin 2, brain‐specific angiogenesis inhibitor 2 and growth arrest, DNA‐damage‐inducible, alpha, and downregulation in the messenger ribonucleic acid level of fibroblast growth factor 3, teratocarcinoma‐derived growth factor, neuropilin1, and endothelial Per/ARNT/Sim domain protein1, respectively.

Conclusions:  These findings demonstrate that PEDF administration causes significant changes in the gene expression of the prostate, providing insights into the potential role of PEDF in the treatment of prostate cancer.
Causes of spatial patterns of fruit set in waratah: Temporal vs. spatial interactions between flowers on an inflorescence
Authors: WHELAN ROBERT J. , DENHAM ANDREW J.
Published: January 2009

Spatial patterns of fruit set within inflorescences may be controlled by pollination, nutrient allocation, or inflorescence architecture. Generally, flowers that have spatial and/or temporal precedence are more likely to set fruits. We sought to separate these factors by comparing patterns of fruit set on inflorescences of two species ofTelopea(Proteaceae); one that flowers from the tip to the base of the rachis, the other from base to tip. In both species, most fruits were set at the top of the inflorescence (the last flowers to open forT. speciosissima) and this was extreme forT. mongaensis, where the top flowers open first. Fruit set was not generally limited by inadequate pollination for eitherT. mongaensisorT. speciosissima, as hand pollinations did not increase fruit set and many abscised flowers contained pollen tubes. InT. speciosissima, we tested whether removal of developing topmost fruits would ‘release’ those that had initiated but not yet aborted lower down. There was no significant effect. Plant hormones can increase the degree to which a developing fruit is a sink for nutrients, so we applied cytokinin to the developing lower fruits on some inflorescences. There was no significant effect of the hormone treatment. We conclude that temporal precedence may contribute to the skewed pattern of fruit set inT. mongaensis, because there was an extreme concentration of fruit set on the distal part of the inflorescences, but it cannot explain this pattern of fruit set inT. speciosissima, where the distal flowers are the last to open. Some other process must therefore constrain fruit set to the topmost flowers in an inflorescence. While cytokinin application had no significant effect, the power of this experiment was low and we consider that the hypothesis of hormonal control is worth further exploration.
Body mass and extinction risk in Australian marsupials: The ‘Critical Weight Range’ revisited
Authors: JOHNSON CHRISTOPHER N. , ISAAC JOANNE L.
Published: January 2009

Australian mammals have suffered an exceptionally high rate of decline and extinction over the last two hundred years. Body mass is linked to extinction risk in Australian mammals, but the nature of this association is controversial. A widely held view is that species of intermediate body mass (between 35 and 5500 g, the ‘critical weight range’, CWR) have declined most severely. However, the existence of the CWR has been disputed. In this paper we clarify the relationship of decline status and body mass in Australian marsupials. We show that the form of this relationship differs for ground‐living versus arboreal species, and for species from low versus high rainfall areas. Among ground‐living species and those from low‐rainfall areas, declines were strongly size‐selective and concentrated on species within the CWR. For the remaining species, decline was only weakly related to body mass with no evidence of heightened risk for species of intermediate size. We conclude that for terrestrial species in low rainfall areas, species within the CWR are most at risk of decline and extinction.
Differential impacts of habitat heterogeneity on male and female connectivity in a spatially structured pest system
Authors: HAMILTON G. S. , MATHER P. B.
Published: January 2009

In a previous study, a model of landscape heterogeneity was developed and applied to a spatially structured wild rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus) population. That study showed clearly the influence of resource heterogeneity on connectivity levels. The simulation study was based on female movements and used population genetic validation data appropriate for a female study. Most models assume that males and females will exhibit similar patterns, although this has rarely been tested. In the current study we extend the analysis to consider differences between female and male connectivity in the same spatially structured pest system. Amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP) markers were screened on the same samples used previously for mtDNA analysis. The mtDNA data were used to validate female results, and AFLP data were used to validate combined male and female results. Connectivity patterns from the two simulations (female, and combined male and female) connectivity patterns showed no association. However, each was concordant with appropriate validation data, showing highly significant associations between pairwise population connectivity and the genetic data. A relative connectivity metric for the combined simulation was regressed against the mean of pairwiseΦSTvalues, with almost 70% of the variation explained by a linear model. Demonstrating differential effects of habitat heterogeneity on male and female connectivity provides further evidence that spatial resource heterogeneity impacts on connectivity. Understanding differences in population connectivity will allow improved predictions of disease spread, local extinctions and recolonizations. Furthermore, modelling such differences in pest systems will allow management plans to be better targeted, for example by strategically introducing diseases for control purposes into populations which exhibit high male connectivity to aid spread, but low female connectivity to inhibit recolonization potential after control.
Chemical discrimination among predators by lizards: Responses of three skink species to the odours of high‐ and low‐threat varanid predators
Authors: LLOYD RAY , ALFORD ROSS A. , SCHWARZKOPF LIN
Published: January 2009

Animals must balance the benefits of predator avoidance with costs. Costs of predator avoidance, such as being forced to spend long periods inactive, should select for careful discrimination among predator species. Although prey responses to multiple predators have been well researched across many taxa, no studies have tested whether lizards discriminate among larger lizard predators. We examined the responses of three species of skink to two species of predatory goanna, one that occasionally consumes skinks, and the other a skink specialist. Three litter‐dwelling, tropical skink species, Carlia rostralis, C. rubrigularis and C. storri, were given a choice between a retreat site treated with the odour of one of the goanna species, and an odourless control. The two goanna species used for stimulus scents were: Varanus tristis, a species that consumes skinks as a major proportion of its diet, and Varanus varius, a species that consumes skinks occasionally. Both goannas are broadly sympatric with all three skink species. Carlia rostralis and C. storri both avoided the scent of V. tristis, whereas C. rubrigularis did not. However, no skink species avoided the odour of V. varius. Prey are clearly able to avoid predators based on chemical cues, and can discriminate among similar predators that pose different levels of threat.
Home range dynamics of the yellow‐footed rock‐wallaby (Petrogale xanthopus celeris) in central‐western Queensland
Authors: SHARP ANDY
Published: January 2009

Analyses of the interspecific differences in macropod home range size suggest that habitat productivity exerts a greater influence on range size than does body mass. This relationship is also apparent within the rock‐wallaby genus. Lim reported that yellow‐footed rock‐wallabies (Petrogale xanthopus xanthopus) inhabiting the semi‐arid Flinders Ranges (South Australia) had a mean home range of 170 ha. While consistent with the hypothesis that species inhabiting less productive habitats will require larger ranges to fulfil their energetic requirements, the ranges reported by Lim were considerably larger than those observed for heavier sympatric macropods. The aim of the current study was to document the home range dynamics of P. x. celeris in central‐western Queensland and undertake a comparison with those reported for their southern counterparts. Wallaby movements were monitored at Idalia National Park, between winter 1992 and winter 1994. Male foraging ranges (95% fixed kernel; 15.4 ha, SD = ±7.8 ha) were found to be significantly larger than those of female wallabies (11.3 ha, SD = ±4.9 ha). Because of varying distances to the wallabies' favoured foraging ground (i.e. an adjacent herb field), the direction in which the wallabies moved to forage also significantly affected range size. Mean home range size was estimated to be 23.5 ha (SD = ±15.2 ha; 95% fixed kernel) and 67.5 ha (SD = ±22.4 ha; 100% minimum convex polygon). The discrepancy between these two estimates resulted from the exclusion of locations, from the 95% kernel estimates, when the wallabies moved to a water source 1.5 km distant from the colony site. The observed foraging and home ranges approximated those that could be expected for a macropod inhabiting the semi‐arid zone (i.e. 2.4 times larger‐than‐predicted from body mass alone). Possible reasons for the disparity between the current study and that of Lim are examined.
Mammal mycophagy and fungal spore dispersal across a steep environmental gradient in eastern Australia
Authors: VERNES KARL , DUNN LINDA
Published: January 2009

We examined changes in the types of fungi consumed by six species of small mammals across a habitat gradient in north‐eastern New South Wales that graded from swamp, to woodland, to open forest and then to rainforest. All mammals ate some fungus, but only bush rats (Rattus fuscipes) regularly did so, and their diet included most of the fungal taxa that we identified across all mammals in the study. The composition of bush rat diet changed significantly with each change in habitat from woodland, to forest, to rainforest. In particular, there was a significant difference in the diets of rats caught either side of the open forest‐rainforest ecotone, which marks the change in fungal community from one dominated by ectomycorrhizal fungi, to a community dominated by arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi. Movement patterns of bush rats living around the open forest‐rainforest ecotone suggest that they transport fungal spores between these contrasting fungal communities. Therefore, bush rats have the potential, by way of spore dispersal, to influence the structure of vegetation communities.
Local richness and distribution of the lizard fauna in natural habitat mosaics of the Brazilian Cerrado
Authors: NOGUEIRA CRISTIANO , COLLI GUARINO R. , MARTINS MARCIO
Published: January 2009

We investigate local lizard richness and distribution in central Brazilian Cerrado, harbouring one of the least studied herpetofaunas in the Neotropical region. Our results are based on standardized samplings at 10 localities, involving 2917 captures of 57 lizard species in 10 families. Local richness values exceeded most presented in earlier studies and varied from 13 to 28 species, with modal values between 19 and 28 species. Most of the Cerrado lizard fauna is composed of habitat‐specialists with patchy distributions in the mosaic of grasslands, savannas and forests, resulting in habitat‐structured lizard assemblages. Faunal overlap between open and forested habitats is limited, and forested and open areas may act as mutual barriers to lizard distribution. Habitat use is influenced by niche conservatism in deep lineages, with iguanians and gekkotans showing higher use of forested habitats, whereas autarchoglossans are richer and more abundant in open habitats. Contrary to trends observed in Cerrado birds and large mammals, lizard richness is significantly higher in open, interfluvial habitats that dominate the Cerrado landscape. Between‐localities variation in lizard richness seems tied to geographical distance, landscape history and phylogenetic constraints, factors operating in other well‐studied lizard faunas in open environments. Higher richness in dominant, open interfluvial habitats may be recurrent in Squamata and other small‐bodied vertebrates, posing a threat to conservation as these habitats are most vulnerable to the fast, widespread and ongoing process of habitat destruction in central Brazil.
Dissipating or Diffusing Aggression after Non‐maternal Childcare? Commentary on a Novel Hypothesis
Authors: Linting Mariëlle , Van IJzendoorn Marinus H.
Published: January 2009

In an intriguing account, the hypothesis is proposed that elevating effects of quantity of childcare on aggression might not, as other research has suggested, be dissipating over time, but instead be diffusing across groups of children. Paradoxically, this diffusion may also affect children with little or no experience with non‐maternal care. If supported, this hypothesis may cause great concern about the increasing childcare use in western countries. In this commentary, we take a closer look at this hypothesis, focusing on limitations in ethnic and cultural diversity of the available data, on the inconclusive role of temperament, on the causal nature of some conclusions, and on the role of the father as a non‐maternal caregiver.
Research into literacy and technology in primary classrooms: an exploration of understandings generated by recent studies
Authors: Burnett Cathy
Published: January 2009

While much has been written about the implications for ‘literacy’ of practices surrounding digital technologies, there has been surprisingly little research investigating new literacies in primary classrooms. This review examines the kinds of understandings that have been generated through studies of primary literacy and technology reported during the period 2000–2006. It uses Green's distinction between ‘operational’, ‘cultural’ and ‘critical’ dimensions of primary literacy to investigate the focus and methodology of 38 empirical studies. It explores ways in which research may be informed by assumptions and practices associated with print literacy, but also highlights the kinds of studies which are beginning to investigate the implications of digital texts for primary education. The paper concludes by arguing for further ethnographic and phenomenological studies of classroom literacy practices in order to explore the complex contexts which surround and are mediated by digital texts.
Literacy in virtual worlds
Authors: Merchant Guy
Published: January 2009

Introducing new digital literacies into classroom settings is an important and challenging task, and one that is encouraged by both policy‐makers and educators. This paper draws on a case study of a 3D virtual world which aimed to engage and motivate primary school children in an immersive and literacy‐rich on‐line experience. Planning decisions, early experimentation and the experience of avatar interaction are explored. Using field notes, in‐world interviews and observations I analyse pupil and teacher perspectives on the use of digital literacy and its relationship to conventional classroom literacy routines, and use these to trace the potential and inherently disruptive nature of such work. The paper makes the case for a wider recognition of the role of technology in literacy and suggests that teachers need time for experimentation and professional development if they are to respond appropriately to new digital literacies in the classroom.
Literacy practices in Schome Park: a virtual literacy ethnography
Authors: Gillen Julia
Published: January 2009

In this paper I deploy a synthesis of methods I term virtual literacy ethnography to investigate the diverse literacy practices of the project Schome Park. Participants have been engaging over a 15‐month period in an innovative out‐of‐school project centred on use of the(Teen) Second Lifethree‐dimensional virtual world. Some ethical aspects of working with children in virtual worlds are briefly discussed. I analyse evidence from the three main communicative domains of the project: chat logs, wiki and forum, demonstrating the complexity and creativity of student literacy practices. I include in my data selection exemplars that draw on persistently valued literacy texts and demonstrate that attentive examination to literacy practices may be more fruitful than maintaining overly dichotomised boundaries between new literacies and those more established.
A randomised efficacy study of Web‐based synthetic and analytic programmes among disadvantaged urban Kindergarten children
Authors: Comaskey Erin M. , Savage Robert S. , Abrami Philip
Published: January 2009

This study explores whether two computer‐based literacy interventions – a ‘synthetic phonics’ and an ‘analytic phonics’ approach produce qualitatively distinct effects on the early phonological abilities and reading skills of disadvantaged urban Kindergarten (Reception) children. Participants (n=53) were assigned by random allocation to one of the two interventions. Each intervention was generally delivered three times per week for 13 weeks as part of a reading centre approach in Kindergarten classrooms with small groups of children. In the synthetic programme children showed, as predicted, significant (p<.05) improvement in CV and VC word blending and the articulation of final consonants. The children in the analytic phonics programme showed, as predicted, significant (p<.05) improvements in articulating shared rimes in words. These results suggest that synthetic and analytic programmes have qualitatively different effects on children's phonological development. These phonological differences are not however immediately reflected in any qualitative differences in the way children undertook word reading or nonword decoding.
How technology for comprehension training can support conversation towards the joint construction of meaning
Authors: Yuill Nicola , Pearce Darren , Kerawalla Lucinda , Harris Amanda , Luckin Rosemary
Published: January 2009

Two studies assessed the role of Separate Control of Shared Space (SCoSS) technology in supporting peer collaborative discussion and comprehension. We hypothesised that providing equitable shared input to two literacy tasks (both good predictors of comprehension skill) would support discussion to promote the joint construction of meaning, and hence individual progress. Study 1: 50 7–9‐year‐olds took a reading‐specific multiple classification (RMC) pre‐test, categorising words on two dimensions, before training on the task in pairs using SCoSS, dual‐control or individual technology. Discussion produced more accurate post‐test classification performance and SCoSS was associated with higher frequency of statements during training that combined both RMC dimensions (surface form and meaning of words). Study 2: 12 8–9‐year‐olds were pre‐tested on story recall and worked in pairs on a SCoSS‐supported story construction task, requiring collaborative inference‐making, hypothesis generation and selection. Post‐test story recall was predicted by the frequency of deductive causal statements during training. We discuss how technology can be used to promote collaboration and discussion that supports joint understanding and individual comprehension development.
Computerised screening for dyslexia in adults
Authors: Singleton Chris , Horne Joanna , Simmons Fiona
Published: January 2009

Identifying dyslexia in adulthood presents particular challenges because of complicating factors such as acquisition of compensatory strategies, differing degrees of intervention and the problem of distinguishing dyslexic adults from those whose literacy difficulties have non‐cognitive causes. One of the implications is that conventional literacy measures, per se, do not provide a satisfactory basis for screening for dyslexia in adulthood as some dyslexic adults have above‐average literacy skills and some non‐dyslexic adults have very poor literacy skills. This study examined an alternative approach to dyslexia screening, using three tests that depend heavily on phonological processing, lexical access and working memory, but which are not conventional measures of literacy. Using these tests, which are computer delivered, 70 dyslexic adults from three different types of educational institution were compared with 69 non‐dyslexic adults from the same institutions. The results showed that the dyslexic and non‐dyslexic groups were significantly different on all three computer‐based tests, with an average effect size of 1.55. Adaptive versions of these tests were then created to reduce overall administration time for the suite to about 15 minutes. Analysis showed that the combined scaled scores from the adaptive versions of the three tests significantly discriminated the dyslexic from the non‐dyslexic group with an increased effect size of 2.07 and with a sensitivity rate of 90.6% and a specificity rate of 90.0%. It was concluded that this approach is a valid and useful method of identifying dyslexia in adulthood, which, given the ease of administration to large numbers of adults, has noted advantages for education and employment.
The Success of Currency Reforms to End Great Inflations: An Empirical Analysis of 34 High Inflations
Authors: Bernholz Peter , Kugler Peter
Published: January 2009

The estimation of an ordered probit model for currency reforms attempting to end 31 hyperinflations and three huge inflations of the twentieth century shows that the introduction of an independent central bank and the adoption of a credibly fixed exchange rate are crucial for the success of a currency reform. In addition, currency reforms are demonstrated to be more difficult in centrally planned economies than in market economies.
An Alternative Core Inflation Measure
Authors: Pedersen Michael
Published: January 2009

We combine the ideas of the trimmed mean and the Edgeworth index to construct an alternative measure of core inflation named ‘Trim of Most Volatile Components (TMVC)’. At each point of time, this measure trims away the components of the price index that have been most volatile in the recent past. Statistical tests indicate that neither the trimmed mean nor the Edgeworth index dominates the TMVC in terms of tracking trend inflation.
Money Market Uncertainty and Retail Interest Rate Fluctuations: A Cross-Country Comparison
Authors: Raunig Burkhard , Scharler Johann
Published: January 2009

This paper analyzes empirically the relationship between money market uncertainty and unexpected deviations in retail interest rates in a sample of ten OECD countries.We find that, with the exception of the United States, money market uncertainty has only a modest impact on the conditional volatility of retail interest rates. Even for the United States, we find that the effects of money market uncertainty are spread out over time. Our results also indicate that money market uncertainty tends to be passed on to retail rates to a lesser extent in countries where banking relationships play a substantial role.
Cutaneous lymphomas showing prominent granulomatous component: clinicopathological features in a series of 16 cases
Authors: Gallardo F , García‐Muret MP , Servitje O , Estrach T , Bielsa I , Salar A , Abella E , Barranco C , Pujol RM
Published: January 2009

Background  The presence of a prominent granulomatous tissue reaction in skin biopsies from primary cutaneous or systemic malignant lymphomas with secondary cutaneous involvement is a rare but well‐known phenomenon.

Objective  This paper aims to characterize and study a series of cutaneous lymphomas showing a prominent granulomatous component.

Patients and methods  The clinical, histopathological and evolutive features of granulomatous variants of mycosis fungoides (5 patients, 2 of them associating ‘granulomatous slack skin’ features), Sézary syndrome (1 patient), CD30+ cutaneous T‐cell lymphoma (2 patients), CD4+ small/medium pleomorphic cutaneous T‐cell lymphoma (1 patient), primary cutaneous B‐cell lymphoma (3 patients) and peripheral T‐cell lymphoma with secondary epithelioid granulomatous cutaneous involvement (4 patients) were reviewed.

Results  The observed features were clinically non‐distinctive. Only those cases presenting with granulomatous slack skin features were clinically suspected (2 patients). Non‐necrotizing granulomata (11 patients) and granuloma annulare‐like (4 patients) were the most frequently observed histopathological patterns. In five cases, no diagnostic lymphomatous involvement was initially observed. From our series, no definite conclusions regarding prognosis could be established.

Conclusion  The diagnosis of cutaneous lymphoma may be difficult when a prominent cutaneous granulomatous inflammatory infiltrate obscures the true neoplastic nature of the condition. However, the presence of concomitant lymphoid atypia may help to suspect the diagnosis. In doubtful cases, the clinical evolution and the demonstration of a monoclonal lymphoid B‐ or T‐cell population may lead to a definite diagnosis.

Conflicts of interest

None declared.