bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Simple Traits among Diaspore Weight/Number, Plant Height and Ability of Vegetative Propagation
Authors: Šerá Božena
Published: August 2008

Several expected correlations among followed internal plant traits were confirmed using the dataset of 492 herbaceous species from the temporal zone of Central Europe. Average diaspore weight (seed mass), reproductive capacity of population (number of produced diaspores), species height, and ability of lateral spread were the plant traits considered. The evident correlations were confirmed among all investigated traits: (i) The reproductive capacity of population negatively correlated with diaspore weight, plant height, and vegetative propagation. The diaspore weight and their number are closely correlated and co‐adapted. (ii) Bigger plant species produce bigger diaspores. These trends are obvious at the inter‐ and intra‐family levels. (iii) Larger plant species showed higher ability to vegetative propagation.
The 2008 May burst activation of SGR 1627–41
Authors: Esposito P. , Israel G. L. , Zane S. , Senziani F. , Starling R. L. C. , Rea N. , Palmer D. M. , Gehrels N. , Tiengo A. , De Luca A. , Götz D. , Mereghetti S. , Romano P. , Sakamoto T. , Barthelmy S. D. , Stella L. , Turolla R. , Feroci M. , Mangano V.
Published: August 2008

In 2008 May, the soft gamma-ray repeater (SGR) SGR 1627–41 resumed its bursting activity after nearly a decade of quiescence. After detection of a bright burst, Swift pointed its X-ray telescope in the direction of the source in less than five hours and followed it for over five weeks. In this Letter, we present an analysis of the data from these Swift observations and an XMM–Newton one performed when SGR 1627–41 was still in a quiescent state. The analysis of the bursts detected with Swift/Burst Alert Telescope shows that their temporal and spectral properties are similar to those found in previous observations of SGR 1627–41 and other SGRs. The maximum peak luminosity of the bursts was ∼2 × 1041 erg s−1. Our data show that the outburst was accompanied by a fast flux enhancement and by a hardening of the spectrum with respect to the persistent emission.
The Future of the Murray River: Amenity Re‐Considered?
Authors: HOWARD J.L.
Published: August 2008

Most efforts to restore environmental flows to the Murray River assume that it means resolving a dilemma between two competing needs: those of the environment and those of agriculturalists. This paper provides evidence to show amenity is also important, it is not being adequately considered, and that this, in turn, is impeding efforts to restore environmental flows.

The paper contains a literature review of a number of studies which, when combined, show that the importance of amenity (tourism, recreation and lifestyle) is of similar scale (has significant economic value and community support) to productive values. Three case studies show that community concerns about loss of amenity values have impeded restoration programs despite evidence that existing practices are causing environmental damage. The debate about water use in the Murray is clearly not simply one between environment and production but also one involving lifestyles. The challenge is to better understand the nature and scale of amenity and its relationship to other natural resource management issues.
Family and Racial Factors Associated With Suicide and Emotional Distress Among Latino Students
Authors: Garcia Carolyn , Skay Carol , Sieving Renee , Naughton Sandy , Bearinger Linda H.
Published: August 2008

Background:  Latino youth experience disproportionate rates of mental health problems including suicide and depression. Better understanding of underlying risk and protective factors on the part of school‐based health professionals, teachers, and health care providers in their lives is warranted. The aims of this secondary analysis of 2004 Minnesota Student Survey data were to (1) describe the mental health status of a statewide sample of Latino 9th‐ and 12th‐grade students; (2) explore relationships of family protective factors (communication, caring, and connection) with suicidal ideation, suicidal attempts, and emotional distress; and (3) highlight similarities and differences in family protective factors among subgroups of Latino students.

Methods:  Parallel analyses were completed for Latino‐only and Latino‐mixed students. Bivariate logistic regression models were used to examine associations between each family variable and each study outcome.

Results:  Nearly 1 in 5 Latino high school students have had suicidal thoughts in the past year; past year suicide attempts ranged from 6% to 18.5% across grade and gender subgroups. Most concerning are ninth‐grade Latino girls, a group in which 30‐40% reported suicidal thoughts and 14‐19% reported attempting suicide in the past year.

Conclusions:  An important study finding is the high rate of suicidal ideation, suicide attempts, and emotional distress among students who self‐identified as being of mixed ethnicity. Study findings can be used to inform mental health promotion initiatives and culturally tailor interventions with Latino students.
Improvement of Rural Children’s Asthma Self‐Management by Lay Health Educators
Authors: Horner Sharon D. , Fouladi Rachel T.
Published: August 2008

Background:  The purpose of the present analysis is to examine changes in rural children’s asthma self‐management after they received lay health educator (LHE)‐delivered classes.

Methods:  Elementary schools were randomly assigned to the treatment or attention‐control condition and their participating students received either asthma education or general health promotion education, respectively. The triethnic sample was composed of 183 children (46% Hispanic, 29.5% non‐Hispanic white, 22% African American, and 2.6% other categories) who had a mean age of 8.78 years (SD = 1.24). The time frame from baseline to postintervention was 12 weeks.

Results:  Repeated measures analysis of variance found main effects in changes in scores for children’s asthma knowledge, asthma self‐management, self‐efficacy for managing asthma symptoms, and metered dose inhaler (MDI) technique and significant group interaction effects for the treatment intervention on the measures of children’s asthma knowledge, asthma self‐management, and MDI technique.

Conclusions:  The delivery of an asthma health education intervention by trained LHEs to school‐aged children was an effective means for improving children’s knowledge and skills in asthma self‐management.
Can the North Sea still save Europe?
Authors: Nakhle Carole
Published: August 2008

In the 1980s and 1990s the North Sea emerged as a key non‐Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries oil‐producing province. Yet today overall production is declining, in both the British and Norwegian sectors, and the big oil companies and investors are losing interest in what they now see as a mature province. But apparent maturity is not a bar to new prospects and new possibilities. This paper analyses not merely the still significant potential of the North Sea, but also the wider and increasingly attractive prospects offered by the opening up of the High North, the Barents Sea and part of the Arctic region—all areas of rapidly growing interest that are on Europe's doorstep. Success will depend heavily on key questions such as the world oil price trend, technological advance and the structure of fiscal regimes for oil and gas extraction. But the opportunities are there and they could be to Europe's great advantage.
Investment risk allocation in decentralised electricity markets. The need of long‐term contracts and vertical integration
Authors: Finon Dominique
Published: August 2008

None of the far‐reaching experiments in electricity industry liberalisation was able to ensure the timely and optimal capacity mix development. The theoretical market model features market failures due to the specific volatility of prices, and the difficulty of creating complete markets for hedging. In this paper, we focused on a specific failure, i.e. the impossibility of allocating the various risks borne by the producer onto suppliers and consumers in order to allow capacity development. Promotion of short‐term competition by mandating vertical de‐integration tends to distort investments in generation by impeding efficient risk allocation.

FollowingJoskow's (2006) line, we developed an empirical analysis of how to secure investments in generation through vertical arrangements between decentralised generators and large purchasers, suppliers or consumers. Empirical observations as risk analysis shows that adopting such arrangements may prove necessary. Various types of long‐term contracts between generators and suppliers (fixed‐quantity and fixed‐price contract, indexed price contract, tolling contract, financial option) appear to offer effective solutions for risk allocation. Vertical integration appears to be another effective way to allocate risk. But it remains an important complementary condition to efficient risk allocation, i.e. that retail competition is sticky or legally limited in order to have a large part of risks borne by consumers on the different market segments.
Estimating energy price elasticities for the non‐oil manufacturing industries in Kuwait
Authors: Eltony Mohamed Nagy
Published: August 2008

This study dealt with the estimation of price elasticities for the non‐oil manufacturing industrial energy demand for the case of Kuwait using the two‐stage inter‐fuel substitution approach. The estimated model has performed quite well and thus was simulated assuming a 100 per cent price shock in order to gain the short‐ and long‐run own‐ and cross‐price elasticities. The results suggest that a great deal of adjustment to higher prices comes from total energy demand and not from inter‐fuel substitution.
INTRAVENOUS IRON IN CHRONIC KIDNEY DISEASE: HAEMOGLOBIN CHANGE SHORTLY AFTER TREATMENT OF PATIENTS NEITHER ON DIALYSIS NOR ON ERYTHROPOIETIN
Authors: Tagboto Senyo , Cropper Liz , Mostafa Samiul , Turner June , Bailey Georgina , Pugh‐Clarke Karen
Published: August 2008

Anaemia is a common in chronic kidney disease. Although erythropoietin and iron supplementation are established treatments, knowledge on the use of IV iron alone in patients not on dialysis or erythropoietin is incomplete. The responses of 82 patients referred to the renal anaemia service with haemoglobin of 11.5 g/dl or less were assessed 1 week after completing four once weekly doses of 200 mg of venofer. No patients were on dialysis or erythropoietin. The haemoglobin rise 1 week after treatment was 0.53 g/dl. Ferritin levels improved from 110.8 to 410.2 ng/l and transferrin saturation from 17.7 to 27.3%. Ferritin levels remained below our target range (200–500 ng/l) in 7.7% while 25.6% had levels above this. Ferritin levels remained less than 800 ng/l in nearly all patients. Intravenous iron is cost effective and should be considered for use in patients with renal anaemia. Patients with CKD stage 5 appeared to respond less well.
CE: Continuing Education Article PATIENT MANAGEMENT IN CKD STAGES 1 TO 3
Authors: Murphy Fiona , Jenkins Karen , Chamney Melissa , McCann Margaret , Sedgewick John
Published: August 2008

This is the first article in a two‐part Continuing Education (CE) series on the management of patients with Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD). CKD is now recognised as a global public health concern. It has been classified into five stages to assist healthcare professionals to care for patients presenting with this chronic illness. Numerous risk factors are associated with CKD including anaemia, hypertension and cardiovascular risk. Nephrology nurses play an important role in the monitoring and management of these factors along with educating patients and their families/carers to encourage self‐management of their illness
QUESTIONNAIRE TO EVALUATE AND ELUCIDATE PATIENTS' PERCEPTIONS OF RENAL DIETARY ADVICE
Authors: Sutton Debbie , Hollingdale Rachel , Hart Kathryn
Published: August 2008

This study aims to explore the knowledge and beliefs of Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) patients about the role of diet in their disease presentation and management.

Focus Groups (FG) with nephrology and dialysis patients informed the development of a questionnaire. A sixty percent response rate was achieved (115/190) with 100 complete questionnaires available for analysis.

80 respondents said they would like to receive dietary advice as soon as they know they have renal damage. In most cases this would have been months or years sooner than they were referred to a dietitian. Group work and ‘expert patient’ assistance offer the means of delivering this service in a patient‐centred way.

It is also essential that doctors have access to accurate dietary advice so they can support patients appropriately to change their dietary behaviour.
DEVELOPMENT OF A SELF‐MANAGEMENT PACKAGE FOR PEOPLE WITH DIABETES AT RISK OF CHRONIC KIDNEY DISEASE (CKD)
Authors: Thomas Nicola , Bryar Ros , Makanjuola David
Published: August 2008

Kidney disease progression in diabetes can be slowed by strict blood pressure and blood sugar control, prescription of medicines that modify the renin‐angiotensin system and lifestyle changes, such as smoking cessation. This paper describes the development of a self‐management package for people with diabetes at risk of kidney damage.

This multi‐method study entailed a literature review, case‐finding of all patients with diabetes and microalbuminuria in six family practitioner (FP) surgeries and interviews with 15 patients at high‐risk of progressive kidney disease.

Results identified 23% of the study population (n = 1946) at risk of kidney damage, within a population with 3.14% incidence of diabetes.

The most important finding from the interviews was that although most people had some understanding of the possible risk of kidney disease, they had little idea of exactly how they could control the condition themselves. This study highlights the importance of incorporating self‐management tools in the care and management of patients with diabetes in primary care.
The Onset of Ion Solvation by ab initio Calculations: Comparison of Water and Methanol
Authors: Pluhařová Eva , Jungwirth Pavel
Published: August 2008

Optimal structures as well as vertical and adiabatic desolvation energies for sodium cation and fluoride and chloride anions in clusters with one to three water or methanol molecules are determined using converging ab initio methods (MP2/aug-cc-pvtz for geometries and CCSD(T) in the complete basis set limit for energetics). The results, which are in good agreement with previous calculations and experiments (if available), show that in small clusters the interactions of ions with methanol are stronger than those with water. Only upon adding more solvent molecules the situation starts to revert, approaching thus the bulk limit where water is a better solvent for alkali metal cations and halide anions than methanol.
Tailoring the Surface Reactivity: Comparison of Pd/Nb(110) and Rh/Nb(110)
Authors: Pick Štěpán
Published: August 2008

Ni, Pd and Pt overlayers deposited on many metallic surfaces show properties resembling those of noble metals. We pose the question whether a similar trend might occur also for other transition-metal overlayers. To this goal, we perform first-principles density-functional theory calculations for Pd(111), Rh(111) surfaces, Pd and Rh epitaxial monolayers deposited on Nb(110), and for CO chemisorption on these systems. Density functional calculations indicate that the behavior of the two overlayers is quite different. Whereas the Rh overlayer on Nb(110) resembles the Rh(111) surface, for the Pd overlayer the electronic structure around the Fermi level is strongly affected by hybridization with Nb electrons, which accounts for unique properties of the overlayer. We expect that the latter mechanism may be of importance just for Pd, Pt, Ni and not for other transition metals with lower d-electron occupation.
The Concerted Nature of the Enzymatic Cyclization of Rings A-D of Squalene to Hopene
Authors: Hess B. Andes , Smentek Lidia
Published: August 2008

A conformational analysis of squalene encapsulated in squalene-hopene cyclase has been performed based on Schulz's X-ray structure and our DFT calculations. Based on this analysis it is concluded that the formation of rings A-D in the cyclization of squalene are likely to be a concerted but highly asynchronous reaction.
Histological profile of tumours fromMYCNtransgenic mice
Authors: Moore H C , Wood K M , Jackson M S , Lastowska M A , Hall D , Imrie H , Redfern C P F , Lovat P E , Ponthan F , O’Toole K , Lunec J , Tweddle D A
Published: August 2008

Background:

MYCNis the most commonly amplified gene in human neuroblastomas. This proto-oncogene has been overexpressed in a mouse model of the disease in order to explore the role ofMYCNin this tumour.

Aims:

To report the histopathological features of neuroblastomas fromMYCNtransgenic mice.

Methods:

27 neuroblastomas from hemizygous transgenic mice and four tumours from homozygous mice were examined histologically; Ki67 and MYCN immunocytochemistry was performed in 24 tumours.

Results:

Tumours obtained fromMYCNtransgenic mice resembled human neuroblastomas, displaying many of the features associated with stroma-poor neuroblastoma, including heterogeneity of differentiation (but no overt ganglionic differentiation was seen), low levels of Schwannian stroma and a high mitosis karyorrhexis index. The tumours had a median Ki67 labelling index of 70%; all tumours expressed MYCN with a median labelling index of 68%. The most striking difference between the murine and human neuroblastomas was the presence of tingible body macrophages in the transgenic mouse tumours reflecting high levels of apoptosis. This has not previously been described in human or other murine neuroblastoma models.

Conclusions:

These studies highlight the histological similarities between tumours fromMYCNtransgenic mice and human neuroblastomas, and reaffirm their role as a valuable model to study the biology of aggressive human neuroblastoma.
Correlation of placental pathology with prenatal ultrasound findings
Authors: Sebire N J , Sepulveda W
Published: August 2008

There have been recent major advances in obstetric ultrasound, regarding both improved technologies and sonographer expertise, which have resulted in changes in antenatal obstetric management. The placenta is routinely examined to some extent at the time of the second trimester fetal anomaly sonogram, timing of delivery in pregnancies complicated by intrauterine growth restriction is primarily dependent on Doppler sonographic assessment of umbilical and uterine artery blood flow, and an increasing number of specific placental lesions have been described. Many non-specialist diagnostic histopathologists may be unfamiliar with these obstetric advances, but they are an increasingly common indication for submission of placentas for histological examination. Since the aims of pathological examination of the placenta are to determine the pathological basis for the clinical findings and advance understanding of the pathophysiology of pregnancy complications, this review therefore provides an overview of the most common prenatal sonographic techniques and their clinical relevance to the diagnostic pathologist, primarily focusing on conditions with specific placental implications. These range from abnormalities of placental site and cord insertion, to obstetric complications such as antepartum haemorrhage, through sonographic placental parenchymal lesions such as subchorionic and intervillous thrombi, or chorioangiomata. In addition, the pathophysiological basis of abnormal maternal and fetal maternal Doppler indices and intrauterine growth restriction are now described, being associated with decidual vasculopathy and villous changes associated with reduced intervillous blood flow respectively. Finally, rare but characteristic, sonographic appearances of villous cystic or hydropic change, may be associated with intrinsic developmental placental abnormalities such as hydatidiform mole and placental mesenchymal dysplasia, which require histological examination for their specific diagnosis.
Telephoning of interim blood culture results: a regional survey
Authors: Petkar H M , Breathnach A S
Published: August 2008

Aims:

Most staphylococci grown from blood cultures are contaminants. Since they are microscopically indistinguishable from non-contaminants, considerable time and resources may be spent following up all patients with positive blood cultures before the identification is made the following day. Since there is no formal guidance or standard available in this area, this report surveyed practice in our region.

Methods:

An interview was conducted by telephone, using a standardised questionnaire. Results were analysed using descriptive techniques.

Results:

The majority of microbiologists did not communicate all presumptive staphylococci but waited for identification in some cases.

Conclusion:

There is a range of practice in laboratories due to conflicting pressures: limited time, fear of criticism if results are not phoned, fear of causing confusion with provisional information and lack of clarity concerning what is “good practice.” This survey concludes that a decision not to telephone every presumptiveStaphylococcusin blood cultures on Day 1 is reasonable.
Assessment of the clinical significance of intestinal spirochaetosis
Authors: O’Donnell S , Swan N , Crotty P , Sangster D , O’Morain C
Published: August 2008

Background:

Spirochaetes are well known causative agents of diarrhoea in veterinary medicine. However, there is no agreement as to whether or not they have any clinical significance in humans.

Aims:

To assess the symptoms associated with intestinal spirochaetosis, their response to treatment and the natural history of untreated cases.

Methods:

A retrospective review of all cases of intestinal spirochaetosis identified within an eight year period in a single university teaching hospital was performed. A chart review and follow up telephone interview was performed to assess the indications for colonoscopy that led to the diagnosis, treatment received, and duration and nature of symptoms.

Results:

18 cases were identified. The indications for colonoscopy were diarrhoea in 50% and rectal bleeding in 16.7%; also investigation of constipation, anaemia and abdominal pain, and in two cases reassessment of chronic proctitis. Two subjects were treated with metronidazole and two were treated with aminosalicylates. 69% had complete resolution of symptoms at follow-up, 15% had persistent symptoms and 15% had intermittent symptoms. Of the two patients treated with metronidazole, one had resolution of symptoms and one has persistent abdominal pain.

Conclusion:

Symptoms do not appear to parallel spirochaete persistence or eradication and therefore it seems appropriate to adopt a wait and see approach to treatment of patients in whom spirochaetes are identified, giving a trial of antimicrobial treatment only in those who have severe or persistent symptoms. Careful consideration of both host and pathogen should be undertaken.
Sulfatase regulation and antibiotic synthesis in Cephalosporium acremonium
Authors: Dennen David W. , Carver Diane D.
Published: August 2008

The sulfatase of Cephalosporium acremonium is regulated by exogenous sulfur compounds, repressed in cells in 0.02 M sulfate, and derepressed in 5 × 10−4 M sulfate. Organic sulfur sources, such as cysteine, homocysteine, and methionine, derepress the enzyme in varying degrees while the latter amino acid is also required for maximum synthesis of the antibiotics cephalosporin C and penicillin N. Sulfatase-repressed cells transferred from sulfate to methionine-containing medium produce a high level of these antibiotics in the culture medium and a proportionate derepression of the sulfatase. Cycloheximide inhibits sulfatase derepression in cultures transferred from sulfate to methionine medium while having negligible effect on antibiotic synthesis. Mutant cultures of C. acremonium, with an increased potential to synthesize sulfur-containing antibiotics, have decreased ability to degrade methionine for other cellular requirements and sulfatase derepression is proportionately increased. The sulfatase is thus regulated by the biosynthesis of cephalosporin C and penicillin N at the expense of sulfur-containing compounds required for other cellular processes.
The olfactory bulb lesion in the hibernating squirrel (Citellus lateralis) infected with coxsackievirus B-3. I. Virus assay, light microscopic and immunofluorescent study
Authors: Grodums E. I. , Siboo R.
Published: August 2008

The olfactory bulb was studied in the normal and infected adult hibernating squirrel (Citellus lateralis). Severe damage developed in the olfactory bulbs of all the squirrels which were inoculated into the axillary adipose pad with coxsackievirus B-3. The earliest changes were observed in the small blood vessels and the large neurons. The blood vessels showed endothelial swelling but no virus antigen. Most of the large neurons showed the presence of virus antigen by the direct fluorescent antibody method. Concurrently, the virus was recovered from the olfactory bulb at a relatively high titer (LD50 10−5.25), but only traces of virus had remained in the blood. In the small neurons (the cellule nervose piccole and the granule cells) the viral antigen appeared later, by which time the large neurons had undergone complete lysis. The granule cells retained the normal morphology throughout the infection. The cellule nervose piccole showed reversible changes, and the glia cells were unaffected.
The olfactory bulb lesion in the hibernating squirrel (Citellus lateralis) infected with coxsackievirus B-3. II. Immunological study
Authors: Siboo R. , Grodums E. I.
Published: August 2008

The immunological response was studied in the adult hibernating squirrel (Citellus lateralis) infected with coxsackievirus B-3. The complement activity was considerably reduced between the 4th and 9th day of infection, but was restored to the normal level by the 11th day. The neutralizing antibody was first detected in the blood on the fourth day, reached an average ND50 of 10−2.62 on the seventh day after inoculation, and remained at this level.Gamma globulin was demonstrated in the infected olfactory bulb by the direct fluorescent antibody method on the seventh day after inoculation. The specific fluorescence appeared as a surface staining of the infected granule cells, cellule nervose piccole, and within numerous inflammatory cells. On staining with methyl green – pyronin these cells resembled the antibody-producing cells in the spleen.A sequential correlation existed between the development and appearance of the gamma-globulin-producing cells in the spleen and the olfactory bulb which indicated that the lymphoid cells infiltrated into and contributed to the tissue destruction in the olfactory bulb of the infected squirrel.
Survival and mineralization and immobilization of 15N-labelled Serratia cells in a boreal forest raw humus
Authors: Knowles R. , Chu D. T.-H.
Published: August 2008

15Nitrogen-enriched Serratia cells and (NH4)2SO4 were added separately to non-sterile, to gamma-irradiated, and to autoclaved black spruce raw humus F horizon (pH 3.4). Survival of the Serratia and the distribution of added- and of soil-N between several inorganic- and organic-N fractions were studied from 0 to 100 days.The zero time distribution of cell-N was similar to that of the soil-N, indicating that soil microorganisms probably contribute N to most of the N fractions considered. Irradiation at 1.5 Mr induced no important change in soil N fractionation, but autoclave sterilization released a small amount of exchangeable NH4+-N. In non-sterile soil, added NH4+-N was immobilized in and added cell-N was mineralized from the organic N fractions (hydrolyzable forms of N, acid-insoluble humin-N, etc.). Addition of either NH4+- or cell-N caused "N interchange" and the mineralization of soil N. In irradiated soil, transformations were much decreased and were not directly related to population size. In autoclaved soil at pH 3.4 change in cell-N and fixation of NH4+-N were negligible. There was no relation between the multiplication or disappearance of an added Serratia population (under different conditions of partial sterility and pH) and the rate of mineralization of the added cell-N.
Production of tetrathionate reductase by Salmonella
Authors: Papavassiliou J. , Samaraki-Lyberopoulou Vasso , Piperakis G.
Published: August 2008

From 195 strains of Salmonella, 175 (89.8%) produced tetrathionate reductase (TTR). TTR-negative Salmonella were found in 7 out of 31 serotypes examined: S. paratyphi A, S. paratyphi B, S. typhimurium, S. paratyphi C, S. thompson, S. typhi, and S. enteritidis. TTR-negative S. paratyphi B and S. thompson have not previously been reported. Production of TTR is valuable for the subdivision of some Salmonella serotypes into TTR-positive and TTR-negative variants.Examination of 362 strains of Enterobacteriaceae for TTR confirmed that Escherichia coli, Shigella, Klebsiella, and Aerobacter cloacae (enterobacter) are TTR-negative, while Salmonella, Citrobacter, and Proteus are usually TTR-positive.
Morphological changes in tobacco mosaic virus after exposure to space
Authors: Orlob Gert B.
Published: August 2008

Tobacco mosaic virus exposed to space during the Gemini 12 flight showed gaps in the virus coat and fragmented into smaller segments. These changes were similar to those produced by ultraviolet radiation in the laboratory and support the conclusion that solar ultraviolet radiation is a major cause of inactivation of tobacco mosaic virus in space.
On the systematic position of the genus Notomicrus Sharp (Hydradephaga, Coleoptera)
Authors: Beutel R. G. , Roughley R. E.
Published: August 2008

The systematic position of Notomicrus is clarified by a study of 13 skeletal characters of adults. Shape of antennomere I, profemoral excavation, paramedian angle of anterior metacoxal wall, "noterid platform," and the peculiar condition of the intercoxal wall are synapomorphies of Noteridae (excluding Phreatodytes) and Notomicrus. Therefore Notomicrus is a member of Noteridae. The broadened prosternal process, cranial extension of the noterid platform, metafurcal–metacoxal fusion, and swimming adaptations of the hind legs are regarded as synapomorphies of Noteridae excluding Notomicrus and Phreatodytes. Notomicrus is therefore the sister group of the remainder of Noteridae excluding Phreatodytes. Characters of the foreleg demonstrate that the noterid genera Pronoterus, Synchortus, Mesonoterus, Renotus, Noterus, Siolius, Hydrocanthus, Canthydrus, Suphisellus, and Suphis form a monophyletic unit and that Pronoterus is the sister group of the remainder of these genera. The following characters are assigned to the ground plan of Noteridae excluding Phreatodytes: antennomere I short and pseudo-two-segmented, midgular apodeme present, slender prosternal process with acuminate apex, profemoral excavation, protibia without burrowing spur, short protarsomere I, metacoxal–metasternal fusion absent, paramedian angle of the anterior metacoxal wall present, intercoxal wall forming a platform that overrides the furcal origin, noterid platform present but not extended to the metasternum, metafurcal–metacoxal fusion absent, hind legs without swimming adaptations.
Métamorphose de l'intestin antérieur et de l'intestin moyen chez Tenebrio molitor L. (Insecte, Coléoptère)
Authors: Tano Y. , François J. , Noirot-Timothée C.
Published: August 2008

The foregut and midgut of male and female Tenebrio molitor were studied just before and during metamorphosis. Three successive stages can be recognized by characteristic features of the cuticle and epithelium of the foregut, and of the peritrophic sheath, epithelium, basal lamina, and muscular connective sheath of the midgut. In the external integument, changes occur during two periods, implying two reprogramming phases. Overall, periods of change for the gut are concomitant with first the pupal molt and then the imaginal molt. However, in the foregut, cuticular secretion begins later than in the integument and is completed at the time of ecdysis. For the midgut, imaginal differentiation is slow and ends a few days after ecdysis.
Ultrastructural organization, ontogenesis, and regeneration of the periostracum in the slug Deroceras reticulatum (Mollusca)
Authors: Fournié Jean , Zylberberg Louise
Published: August 2008

Electron microscopy studies show that the periostracum of the internal reduced shell in Deroceras reticulatum is composed of two layers: an inner dense layer and an outer fibrous one. The inner dense layer, the thicker part of the periostracum, consists of stacked lamellae formed in the Golgi apparatus of all the mantle edge cells. The structure and the synthesis of the inner dense layer support the hypothesis that the reduced shell in Deroceras may be considered a typical molluscan shell. The outer fibrous layer appears as a peculiar characteristic of this species and it seems to be synthesized by the dorsal epithelium of the shell sac. Shell regeneration begins with a rapid restoration of the periostracum which forms an uninterrupted sheet enclosing a mineralization chamber. Rapid synthesis is related to the involvement of not only the mantle edge cells but also of all the mantle cells, indicating that the mantle cells that produce only the mineralized layers during shell ontogenesis can form the periostracal units also. This potentiality is expressed only when the closed mineralization chamber must be restored in a short time.
Timing of breeding and the seasonal importance of passerine prey to northern harriers (Circus cyaneus)
Authors: Barnard Phoebe , MacWhirter Bruce , Simmons Robert , Hansen Gay L. , Smith P. C.
Published: August 2008

Despite a numerical and functional dependence on microtine mammals, breeding northern harriers (Circus cyaneus) in New Brunswick preyed upon large numbers of young passerine birds following the hatch of their own nestlings. An independent index of juvenile passerine availability showed that harrier pairs switched to young passerines as soon as they became available, and not simply because their own young had hatched. Many nests in which young hatched during the period of juvenile passerine availability had high fledging success, but the mean was significantly lower than that of early nests. A seasonal decline in success was highly significant, so if an adaptive temporal breeding strategy exists, it may simply be to breed early if possible and, if not, to coincide with the flush of passerines. We conclude that the coincidence of harrier and passerine prey nesting seasons is as likely to be fortuitous as strategic.
Rival male effects on courtship behaviour in the Enos Lake species pair of sticklebacks (Gasterosteus)
Authors: Ridgway Mark S. , McPhail J. D.
Published: August 2008

Two species of stickleback (Gasterosteus) coexist in Enos Lake, on Vancouver Island. Field observations and trapping data indicate that limnetic males nest on open substrate whereas benthic males nest on substrate in vegetation. Given these habitat differences, we conducted laboratory experiments to determine the effect of conspecific rival nesting males on the courtship behaviour of the two species. Courtships of limnetic fish were longer in duration than those of benthic fish because of longer territorial interactions between limnetic males. Limnetic females, and not benthic females, reduced their positive responses to their male partner when a rival male was present. The cost of competitive courtship, in terms of male competition and female choice, is thus greater in limnetics than benthics. Differences in competitive courtship between the two species are behavioural adaptations to habitats that promote (open habitat, limnetics) or reduce (vegetation, benthics) courtship disruptions.
Why do hagfish have gill "chloride cells" when they need not regulate plasma NaCl concentration?
Authors: Mallatt Jon , Conley David M. , Ridgway Richard L.
Published: August 2008

Two enzymes implicated in branchial ion transport, Na+-K+-ATPase and carbonic anhydrase, were localized in gill ionocytes ("chloride cells") of the Pacific hagfish, Eptatretus stouti, by light microscopic histochemical techniques. In hagfish, ouabain-sensitive Na+-K+-ATPase activity was confined to apical halves of ionocytes, where most of the cytoplasmic tubular system is located. In marine teleosts, Na+-K+-ATPase was noted in chloride cells and erythrocytes. Acetazolamide and potassium cyanate sensitive carbonic anhydrase activity occurred throughout the cytoplasm and nucleus of hagfish ionocytes. Biochemical assay of hagfish gill homogenates for Na+-K+-ATPase yielded a specific activity of 3.1 μmol Pi∙mg protein−1∙h−1 at 37 °C. This resembles values we obtained for freshwater fish (Carassius auratus: 3.3 μmol Pi∙mg protein−1∙h−1; Tilapia shirana: 3.7 μmol Pi∙mg protein−1∙h−1), and is less than values we obtained for marine teleosts (Pomacentrus spp.: 13 μmol Pi∙mg protein−1∙h−1; Gillichthys mirabilis: 6.7 μmol Pi∙mg protein−1∙h−1). Hagfish resemble freshwater teleosts in many other gill features related to ion transport. The presence of carbonic anhydrase in gill ionocytes of hagfish supports the proposal that these cells function in acid–base regulation, i.e., that they exchange H+ for Na+ and [Formula: see text] for Cl−.
Strategies of digestion: digestive efficiency and retention time of forage diets in montane ungulates
Authors: Baker Dan L. , Hobbs N. Thompson
Published: August 2008

We tested the hypotheses that small-bodied ruminant browsers have higher weight-specific dry matter intake rates, shorter retention times, and lower digestive efficiency than larger-bodied grazers, and that retention time is inversely related to dietary browse concentration. We compared digestive functions of mule deer (Odocoileus hemionus), mountain sheep (Ovis canadensis), and elk (Cervus elaphus) consuming grass–browse diets and related our comparisons to previously reported diet choices of these species. Consistent with our hypotheses, mule deer had higher intake rates, shorter particulate retention times, and reduced digestibilities relative to mountain sheep and elk. Contrary to our hypothesis, increased dietary browse levels increased retention times in all species. Lignification appeared to render forage particles more resistant to comminution rather than less resistant, and consequently increased retention time rather than decreasing it. Browse prolonged retention time of grass, which in turn resulted in elevated fiber digestion in the grass component of the diet. In contrast to mountain sheep and elk, deer were able to compensate for increased retention time and reduced digestibility of browse diets by increasing gut fill, which allowed constant intake of digestible energy despite declining dry matter digestibility. Our findings suggest highly dynamic relationships among intake, fill, and passage, relationships influenced by physiological and morphological traits of the animal and by the fiber composition of the diet.
Potential use of certain parasites of brook charr (Salvelinus fontinalis) as biological indicators in the Tabusintac River, New Brunswick, Canada
Authors: Frimeth Jack P.
Published: August 2008

A survey of 1146 nonanadromous and anadromous brook charr (Salvelinus fontinalis) from the Tabusintac River for parasites revealed 36 species of parasites, of which 18 were freshwater and 18 were marine. Most freshwater parasites were either too common or too rare in their occurrence to be of any value as biological indicators; however, Diplostomum sp. (metacercariae), Truttaedacnitis truttae, and Salmincola edwardsii were useful as indicators of foci of infection in fresh water. Decreases in prevalences of infection with marine gastrointestinal parasites in the estuary, especially Brachyphallus crenatus, Neoechinorhynchus sp., and larvae of Hysterothylacium aduncum, provided evidence for the approximate times of arrival of anadromous charr from fresh water. Marine gastrointestinal parasites were also useful as biological indicators of anadromous charr in fresh water, but these parasites were lost after varying times. High prevalences of infection with metacercariae of the marine digenean Cryptocotyle lingua resulted in a black spot condition that proved to be the best indicator of anadromous charr in fresh water. The distributions of Azygia longa, Echinorhynchus lateralis, and Zoogonus lasius from charr in the Tabusintac River as well as the nearby Miramichi and Burnt Church estuaries suggested that estuarine wanderings among adjacent river systems do occur. Tetraphyllidea gen. sp. plerocercoids from anadromous charr in the Tabusintac River were useful in identifying offshore movements of these charr into the Gulf of St. Lawrence.
Pathogenicity and host specificity of Labyrinthuloides haliotidis (Protozoa: Labyrinthomorpha), a parasite of juvenile abalone
Authors: Bower Susan M.
Published: August 2008

Infections with Labyrinthuloides haliotidis, an achlorophyllous, eucaryotic protist, were lethal to almost all juvenile abalone (Haliotis kamtschatkana and Haliotis rufescens) less than 6 months of age in an abalone mariculture facility in British Columbia, Canada. In laboratory experiments, L. haliotidis isolated from infected abalone or grown in axenic nutrient medium was infective for abalone (H. kamtschatkana) less than 4.0 mm in shell length and 140 days of age. Ten days after exposure to at least 104 parasites in 20 mL of sea water, about 90% of these abalone died with numerous parasites throughout the tissues of the head and foot. By about 190 days of age, regardless of shell size, abalone mortalities were reduced to less than 50% after exposure to about 105 parasites. Finally, by about 340 days of age, most juvenile abalone (4.0 to 10.5 mm in shell length) did not succumb after three consecutive exposures, 13 days apart, to between 2 × 105 and 5 × 106L. haliotidis. Larger abalone (15 to 25 mm in shell length) did not become infected following intramuscular injections of about 1.5 × 104L. haliotidis. Small juvenile scallops (Patinopecten yessoensis) and juvenile oysters (Crassostrea gigas), both less than 8 months of age, were also resistant to infection. However, two of the oysters with badly cracked shells became infected. This suggests that if L. haliotidis can gain access, it is capable of using living oyster tissue as a source of nutrients for growth and multiplication.
Adrenal responsiveness in domestic sheep (Ovis aries) to acute and chronic stressors as predicted by remote monitoring of cardiac frequency
Authors: Harlow Henry J. , Thorne E. Tom , Williams Elizabeth S. , Belden E. Lee , Gern William A.
Published: August 2008

The concept of stress and the general adaptive syndrome as advanced by Hans Selye has received considerable attention during the past decade primarily in its interpretation of physiological changes associated with chronic stress. Our work with domestic sheep (Ovis aries) habituated to stalls and fitted with halters carrying indwelling electrocardiogram leads and jugular vein cannulas allowed us to remotely test heart rate and blood cortisol responses of these animals to graded stressors. A radioimmunoassay was validated on domestic sheep plasma. We were unable to identify significant alterations of the adrenal response test by sheep exposed to synthetic adrenocorticotropic hormone after 34 days of chronic stress, suggesting neither adrenal exhaustion nor hypersensitivity. As an indicator of acute stress, we obtained a correlation coefficient of 0.91 between heart rate and blood cortisol, which suggests that heart rate has a strong potential of being a reliable predictor of cortisol values. With a regression equation, the heart rate of observed free-living sheep monitored by telemetry could be used to predict plasma cortisol levels and that, in turn, to predict potential stress-induced changes in animal production, including immunity.
The effects of weather on runway use by rodents
Authors: Gauthier Remi , Bider J. Roger
Published: August 2008

The effects of weather on runway use by four species of rodents were investigated using animal activity data obtained from a sand track. Species studied were meadow vole (Microtus pennsylvanicus), deer mouse (Peromyscus maniculatus), meadow jumping mouse (Zapus hudsonius), and woodland jumping mouse (Napaeozapus insignis). Runway use was quantified using the quotient of the activity inside to the activity outside the runway. The weather data were analyzed using a principal component analysis. The degree of concordance between the weather factors and runway use index was assessed by canonical correlation. Results showed that runway use decreases during warm, rainy, moonless nights. During these weather conditions, a predator's ability to find small rodents may be impaired, and the rodents could explore outside their runways to find new food patches.
New taxa of Rhagidiidae (Acari: Prostigmata) from Pyrenean caves
Authors: Zacharda Miloslav
Published: August 2008

Two new species of troglobitic mites, Rhagidia (Deharvengiella) troglomorphica sp.n., subgen.n., and Troglocheles vandeli sp.n., from caves in the Pyrenees, France, are described.
Epidermal club cells are not linked with an alarm response in reedfish, Erpetoichthys (= Calamoichthys) calabaricus
Authors: Hugie D. M. , Smith R. J. F.
Published: August 2008

Club cells in the epidermis of reedfish, Erpetoichthys (= Calamoichthys) calabaricus (Pisces, Polypteriformes), are morphologically similar, perhaps homologous, to the "alarm substance cells" found in the skin of cypriniform fishes. Cypriniforms perform a fright reaction when they detect chemicals released from the damaged alarm substance cells of conspecifics. We examined the response of reedfish to conspecific skin extract and checked for a cross reaction to reedfish extract by a cypriniform fish, the zebra danio, Brachydanio rerio. Reedfish responded to conspecific skin extract with an increase in activity but this response did not resemble a fright reaction. Zebra danios responded to reedfish extract with a feeding response. We conclude that reedfish do not show a fright reaction to the skin extract of conspecifics. This suggests that if cypriniform alarm substance cells are homologous to reedfish club cells, their alarm pheromone function is a secondary adaptation.
Characteristics of feeding trips of female northern fur seals
Authors: Loughlin Thomas R. , Bengtson John L. , Merrick Richard L.
Published: August 2008

Female northern fur seals (Callorhinus ursinus) from St. Paul Island, Alaska, were equipped with head-mounted radio transmitters and located at sea to determine their movements and feeding locations during July and August. In 1984, we followed 4 fur seals and located 7 others by ship; in 1985 we located 20 by airplane. Fur seals returned to the rookery during all hours of the day and showed no tendency to arrive during any specific hour; departure was principally from late afternoon to early morning but occurred anytime. Feeding trips averaged 5.9 days and increased in duration from 3.5 days for the first trip to over 7 days for later trips; the mean duration for feeding trips was significantly shorter than those observed in the 1960s and 1970s. During both years radio-tagged fur seals were found northwest and south-southwest of St. Paul Island and some had feeding trips resulting in round-trip distances of about 400 km; one had a round trip of about 740 km. During transit the seals swam in generally direct lines to the feeding areas and one seal followed approximately the same course to and from the feeding area; while there, movement patterns were irregular. Mean swimming speed to the feeding area was 6.5 km/h, and 8.3 km/h on return.