bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Impurity behaviour under puff-and-pump radiating divertor conditions
Authors: Petrie T.W. , Porter G.D. , Brooks N.H. , Fenstermacher M.E. , Ferron J.R. , Groth M. , Hyatt A.W. , La Haye R.J. , Lasnier C.J. , Leonard A.W. , Luce T.C. , Politzer P.A. , Rensink M.E. , Schaffer M.J. , Wade M.R. , Watkins J.G. , West W.P.
Published: May 2009

The effectiveness of the puff-and-pump technique to enrich a seeded impurity in the divertor relative to the core and, thereby, to maximize radiation in the divertor depends sensitively on both the magnetic geometry and the ion B × ∇B drift direction. In the puff-and-pump scenario used here, argon impurities injected into the private flux region are inhibited from accumulation in the core plasma by enhanced plasma flows to the divertor created by a combination of deuterium gas puffing upstream of the divertor targets and particle pumping near the divertor targets. Modelling of single-null, H-mode plasmas with the UEDGE fluid transport code indicates that particle drifts in the scrape-off layer and divertor strongly affect the locations where the argon seed impurity accumulates. It is also found in double-null cases that argon always shows a larger accumulation in the divertor out of which the ion B × ∇B drift is directed, regardless of the divertor into which the argon is injected. Experiments have shown that the degree to which the deuterium gas-puffing rate inhibits the escape of the seed impurity from the divertor(s) depends critically on the direction of the ion B × ∇B drift and on whether the plasma is single-null or double-null. The transition in behaviour from double-null to single-null character during puff-and-pump occurs for |dR
sep| = 0.4 cm when the ion B × ∇B drift was pointing away from the dominant divertor. The lowest argon density buildup in the main plasma of any of the configurations studied during puff-and-pump was achieved in single-null plasmas with the ion B × ∇B drift direction away from the divertor.
How much fish is hidden in the surface and bottom acoustic blind zones?
Authors: Scalabrin Carla , Marfia Christian , Boucher Jean
Published: May 2009

Scalabrin, C., Marfia, C., and Boucher, J. 2009. How much fish is hidden in the surface and bottom acoustic blind zones? – ICES Journal of Marine Science, 66: 1355–1363. This paper presents results from the ALLEGRO-07 survey that was carried out from 1 to 15 September 2007 across the continental shelf in the Bay of Biscay by the RV “Thalassa”. The main objectives were to conduct experiments with a medium-sized, autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV) equipped with a fishery-acoustic scientific payload. This was needed to overcome the difficulties of sampling the surface and bottom blind zones, which are inaccessible to conventional, vessel-mounted transducers used for acoustic surveys in the Bay of Biscay. The AUV acoustic datasets from four dives were compared with those from the research vessel. The results were expressed for the nautical-area-scattering coefficient (sA) and biomass estimates. The AUV provided higher sA measurements than did the vessel. For particular environmental and fish-distribution patterns, the biomass estimated by the AUV was more than ten times that estimated by the vessel alone. The results presented indicate the magnitude of the error that may occur in acoustic surveys, if the biomass in the two blind zones is undetected.
Smokers with financial stress are more likely to want to quit but less likely to try or succeed: findings from the International Tobacco Control (ITC) Four Country Survey
Authors: Siahpush Mohammad , Yong Hua‐Hie , Borland Ron , Reid Jessica L. , Hammond David
Published: May 2009

Objective  To examine the association of financial stress with interest in quitting smoking, making a quit attempt and quit success.

Design and participants  The analysis used data from 4984 smokers who participated in waves 4 and 5 (2005–07) of the International Tobacco Control (ITC) Four Country Survey, a prospective study of a cohort of smokers in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom and Australia.

Measurement  The outcomes were interest in quitting at wave 4, making a quit attempt and quit success at wave 5. The main predictor was financial stress at wave 4: ‘. . . because of a shortage of money, were you unable to pay any important bills on time, such as electricity, telephone or rent bills?’. Additional socio‐demographic and smoking‐related covariates were also examined.

Findings Smokers with financial stress were more likely than others to have an interest in quitting at baseline [odds ratio (OR): 1.63; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.22–2.19], but were less likely to have made a quit attempt at follow‐up (OR: 0.74; 95% CI: 0.57–0.96). Among those who made a quit attempt, financial stress was associated with a lower probability of abstinence at follow‐up (OR: 0.53; 95% CI: 0.33–0.87).

Conclusions  Cessation treatment efforts should consider assessing routinely the financial stress of their clients and providing additional counseling and resources for smokers who experience financial stress. Social policies that provide a safety net for people who might otherwise face severe financial problems, such as not being able to pay for rent or food, may have a favorable impact on cessation rates.
Isolation of RNA from laser‐capture‐microdissected giant cells at early differentiation stages suitable for differential transcriptome analysis
Authors: PORTILLO MARY , LINDSEY KEITH , CASSON STUART , GARCÍA‐CASADO GLORIA , SOLANO ROBERTO , FENOLL CARMEN , ESCOBAR CAROLINA
Published: May 2009

Plant organ gene expression profile analyses are complicated by the various cell types, and therefore transcription patterns, present in each organ. For example, each gall formed in roots following root knot nematode infection contains between four and eight specialized feeding cells (giant cells, GCs) embedded within hypertrophied root tissues. A recent goal in plant science has been the isolation of nematode feeding cell mRNAs for subsequent gene expression analysis. By adapting current protocols for different plant species and cells, we have developed a simple and rapid method for obtaining GCs from frozen tissue sections of tomato with good morphology and preserved RNA. The tissue sections obtained were suitable for the laser capture microdissection of GCs 6–7 days post‐infection, and even of very early developing GCs (48–72 h post‐infection), by fixation of tissue with ethanol–acetic acid, infiltration with sucrose and freezing in isopentane with optimal cutting temperature medium. This process was also successful for obtaining control vascular cells from uninfected roots for direct comparison with GCs. A minimum of about 300 GCs and 600 control vascular cells was required for efficient linear RNA amplification through in vitro transcription. Laser capture microdissection‐derived RNA, after two rounds of amplification, was successfully used for microarray hybridization and validated with several differentially expressed genes by quantitative polymerase chain reaction. Consistent with our results, 117 homologous genes were found to be co‐regulated in a previous microarray analysis of Arabidopsis galls at the same developmental stage. Therefore, we conclude that our method allows the isolation of a sufficient quantity of RNA with a high quality/integrity, appropriate for differential transcriptome analysis.
Cytomegalovirus can make immune thrombocytopenic purpura refractory
Authors: DiMaggio Dina , Anderson Alan , Bussel James B.
Published: May 2009

Immune thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) is characterized by decreased platelet numbers secondary to platelet destruction and reduced platelet production. Even if the ITP persists, it typically responds to ‘ITP‐specific’ therapies, such as intravenous immunoglobulin, steroids, intravenous anti‐D, and splenectomy. Several reports, including our previous study, have implicated cytomegalovirus (CMV) in the pathogenesis of infrequent cases of ITP that were not severe in nature. A recent study from China suggested that CMV is the aetiology of some cases of acute ITP of childhood and may require different treatment. We report two adult and two paediatric patients with refractory, severe, symptomatic thrombocytopenia, who were diagnosed with ITP and found to have active CMV infection. Their presentations included fever, transaminitis, neutropenia, and atypical lymphocytosis, but in particular, treatment‐refractory, severe ITP. Treatment with steroids appeared to worsen the CMV‐ITP. All four cases showed improvement in platelet counts within two weeks of starting ganciclovir and cytogam and tapering steroids. Based on the four patients described here, we believe that, in certain cases, CMV infection will result in symptomatic, severe, refractory ITP, which may be indistinguishable from typical ITP. Eradication of CMV with antiviral therapy improved the ITP in these cases.
Does acetyl salicylic acid (ASA) have a role in the prevention of venous thromboembolism?
Authors: Karthikeyan Ganesan , Eikelboom John W. , Turpie Alexander G. G. , Hirsh Jack
Published: May 2009

Guidelines differ on whether acetyl salicylic acid (ASA, aspirin) should be used for prophylaxis in patients at high‐risk of venous thromboembolism (VTE), principally because of differences in perceptions of its efficacy. ASA is an attractive therapeutic option because it is inexpensive, easy to administer and does not require monitoring. We critically reappraised the evidence from randomized controlled trials for the efficacy of ASA in VTE prevention. ASA is clearly efficacious in preventing VTE compared to placebo or no treatment, but appears to be less efficacious than the low molecular weight heparins in small trials. There is little data for ASA in comparison with unfractionated heparin and warfarin. A large randomized controlled trial is required to clarify the role of ASA compared to contemporary anticoagulant strategies for the prevention of VTE.
Thermal tolerance experiments help establish survival probabilities for tilapia, a group of potentially invasive aquatic species
Authors: WILSON JULIE C. , NIBBELINK NATHAN P. , PETERSON DOUGLAS L.
Published: May 2009

1. Estimating the probability of establishment is an important step toward managing ecological risk posed by natural or intentional introductions. Species introductions in certain geographic areas may pose less of a threat when environmental conditions are unlikely to promote long‐term establishment. Species commonly referred to as ‘tilapia’ have become widespread in certain areas of the southeastern United States, yet concerns remain regarding their potential spread to other areas.

2. We created a model to predict the survival of tilapia in Georgia (U.S.A.) based on individual ‘thermal experience’. Laboratory experiments were conducted to measure the duration of survival of two strains of tilapia,Oreochromis niloticaandO. nilotica × O. aureushybrids, exposed to a variety of temperature regimes with three minimum temperatures and two rates of temperature decline.

3. We used Mayfield hierarchical logistic regression (MHLR) to describe the daily probability of survival as a function of the rate of temperature decline, average sustained temperature, tilapia strain and mass–length ratio.

4. Tilapia generally survived constant minimum temperatures over 12 °C but survival rate was mediated by the rate of decline, mass–length ratio and strain. For every 1 °C increase in minimum temperature, tilapia were 2.76 times more likely to survive. Fish exposed to rapid temperature decline were less likely to survive than those exposed to slowly decreasing temperature. More robust fish (higher mass–length ratio) were more likely to survive, and strain had a minimal effect despite being supported by the best MHLR model.

5. Our model can be used to estimate survival probability for tilapia under known surface water temperature regimes. Using MLHR in conjunction with experimental tolerance data may be useful for estimating the likelihood of establishment of potentially invasive species.
Are dams hotspots for Didymosphenia geminata blooms?
Authors: KIRKWOOD ANDREA E. , JACKSON LELAND J. , McCAULEY EDWARD
Published: May 2009

1. The diatom Didymosphenia geminata has emerged in recent years as a globally invasive species. Although considered native to North America, reports of nuisance blooms have increased over the last decade.

2. Previously, we determined that D. geminata was ubiquitous in two major headwaters of the South Saskatchewan River Basin (SSRB), Alberta, Canada, but found it only bloomed at certain sites, including those immediately downstream from dam outfalls. To evaluate the role of dams in the abundance and blooming of D. geminata, we compared sites just below dams to unregulated upstream reference sites in six dammed rivers of the SSRB.

3. There was a high degree of seasonal variability in D. geminata abundance among sites, but statistical analyses showed a significant propensity for the diatom to have higher cell densities and an increased frequency of blooms at dam sites.

4. Important predictor variables of D. geminata abundance included dam presence, water clarity and total phosphorus concentration. When data from dam sites were analysed, a multiple regression model using mean discharge and pH as independent predictors explained 73% of the variation in D. geminata cell density.

5. Analysis of 3 years of data from one study river (Red Deer River) revealed consistently higher D. geminata cell densities at the dam site compared to the upstream reference. This analysis also showed that average cell density fluctuated by orders of magnitude from year‐to‐year.

6. Due to the ecological and aesthetic concerns regarding the global spread and blooming of D. geminata, we recommend that dams be viewed as key candidates for mitigating blooms in flow regulated systems.
Terracing potential field data
Authors: Cooper G.R.J. , Cowan D.R.
Published: May 2009

Terracing is an operator that is applied to potential field data to produce regions of constant field amplitude that are separated by sharp boundaries, as an aid to interpretation. When applied to map data, the boundaries are defined by the zero contour of the 2D Laplacian derivative operator. An improved method is described here that defines the boundaries by the zero contour of the profile curvature. This approach gives superior results because the 2D Laplacian operator is composed only of derivatives in the EW and NS directions, while the profile curvature uses the curvature in the ‘uphill’ direction at each point, whatever that direction may be. The method is demonstrated on gravity data from South Africa. Source code in Matlab format is available from the authors on request.
The theory of the continuous wavelet transform in the interpretation of potential fields: a review
Authors: Sailhac P. , Gibert D. , Boukerbout H.
Published: May 2009

We consider the use of the continuous wavelet transform in the interpretation of potential field data. We report its development since the publication of the first paper byMoreauet al. in 1997. Basically, it consists in the interpretation in the upward continued domain since dilation of the wavelet transform is the upward continuation altitude. Thus within a range of altitudes, the wavelet transform of the noise is decreased faster than the wavelet transform of the potential field caused by underground sources; this means that the signal‐to‐noise ratio is much better than those involved in other enhancing methods (e.g., Euler deconvolution, gradient analysis, or the analytic signals). Similarly to the Euler deconvolution, its first target parameters were the source positions and shape. The method has then been developed to estimate size and directions of extended sources (e.g., faults and dikes of finite dimensions) and also the magnetization direction in the case of magnetic data. Latest developments show that when combined with a Radon transform, the continuous wavelet transform can help in the automatic detection of elongated structures in 3D, simultaneously to the estimation of their strike direction, shape and depth. Several applications to real case studies have been shown before; however for clarity's sake in the present paper, only synthetic cases have been reproduced to clearly sum up the development of the methodology.
Saturation effect on electrical properties of hematitic sandstone in the audio frequency range using non‐polarizing electrodes
Authors: Gomaa Mohamed Mahmoud
Published: May 2009

This paper is devoted to study the effect of saturation, with distilled water, on AC electrical conductivity and dielectric constant of a fully and partially saturated hematitic sandstone sample (Aswan area, Egypt). The saturation of the sample was changed from full saturation to partial saturation by air drying. Complex resistivity measurements at room temperature (∼16° C) were performed in the frequency range from 10 Hz to 100 kHz. We used non‐polarizing Cu/CuSO4 gel electrodes. Experimental electrical spectra indicate, generally, that the electrical conductivity and dielectric constant vary strongly with water saturation and frequency. The low‐frequency electrical conductivity and dielectric constant are supposed to be mainly controlled by surface conduction and polarization of the electrical double layer. Power law behaviours with frequency were noticed. The change in electrical conductivity and dielectric constant with increasing water content is fast at low saturations and slow at high saturations. The behaviour of the electrical conductivity and dielectric constant, with increasing water content, was argued to be the orientational polarization of bound water for very low saturations, displacement of the excess surface charges for relatively low saturations and free exchange of excess ions in double layer with the bulk electrolyte and generation of transient diffusional potentials, which lag behind the applied field for high saturations in addition to membrane polarization on clay and at inter‐grain and grain surface water throats having selective charge transport properties. Also, from the data a semi‐percolation behaviour was found that has a peak of dielectric constant at a certain concentration and an abrupt change in conductivity at another saturation.
Comparison of postoperative pain management using two patient‐controlled analgesia methods: nursing perspective
Authors: Lindley Pam , Pestano Cecile R. , Gargiulo Kathryn
Published: May 2009

Title.  Comparison of postoperative pain management using two patient‐controlled analgesia methods: nursing perspective.

Aim.  To compare the effect of fentanyl iontophoretic transdermal system and morphine intravenous patient‐controlled analgesia on the time‐efficiency and convenience of postoperative patient care.

Background.  Intravenous patient‐controlled analgesia with morphine is effectively used to manage postoperative pain; however, it takes time to set up and administer.

Methods.  Nurses evaluated patient‐care tasks with fentanyl iontophoretic transdermal system and/or morphine intravenous patient‐controlled analgesia in two phase IIIb studies (n = 1305) using a nurse ease‐of‐care questionnaire. A responder for time‐efficiency and convenience responded with one of the top three positive choices on all items; for satisfaction, a responder chose one of the top two positive choices on both items. Data were collected between March 2004 and April 2005.

Findings.  In both studies, greater proportions of nurses were responders for fentanyl iontophoretic transdermal system than for morphine intravenous patient‐controlled analgesia, respectively, for time‐efficiency [total hip replacement surgery, 80·9% (250/309) vs. 57·7% (172/298), P < 0·001; abdominal/pelvic surgery, 84·8% (162/191) vs. 57·7% (113/196), P < 0·001], convenience [total hip replacement surgery, 85·5% (271/317) vs. 64·1% (191/298), P < 0·001; abdominal/pelvic surgery, 89·2% (166/186) vs. 62·8% (123/196), P < 0·001], and satisfaction [total hip replacement surgery, 66·6% (247/371) vs. 33·3% (108/324), P < 0·001; abdominal/pelvic surgery, 67·4% (155/230) vs. 38·2% (84/220), P < 0·001]. Higher proportions of nurses favoured fentanyl iontophoretic transdermal system than morphine intravenous patient‐controlled analgesia in both studies (P < 0·001).

Conclusion.  The fentanyl iontophoretic transdermal system appears to be simpler, easier to use, and more satisfactory for nurses than morphine intravenous patient‐controlled analgesia.
Nurse–Physician Collaboration Scale: development and psychometric testing
Authors: Ushiro Rei
Published: May 2009

Title.  Nurse‐Physician Collaboration Scale: development and psychometric testing.

Aim.  This paper is a report of a study conducted to develop and test the psychometric properties of the Nurse–Physician Collaboration Scale.

Background.  The importance of cooperation between healthcare professionals is widely acknowledged in Europe and the United States of America, but there have been no specific studies of interactions between healthcare professionals or of nurse–physician cooperation in Japan.

Methods.  The 51‐item Nurse–Physician Collaboration Scale was developed using a process of item design, item refinement, and testing for reliability and validity. Random sampling was used to identify potential respondents from 27 of the 87 acute care hospitals in one city in Japan in 2006. Valid responses were obtained from 446 physicians and 1217 nurses (response rate 78·7% for nurses, and 54·4% for physicians). Construct validity was first confirmed by an exploratory factor analysis and then by a confirmatory factor analysis. Finally, a simultaneous analysis of several groups was performed. The test–retest method and Cronbach’s α coefficients were used to assess reliability.

Findings.  Exploratory factor analysis yielded three factors. The three‐factor models were confirmed by a confirmatory factor analysis (CFI >0·9, RMSEA <0·08). Simultaneous analysis of several groups (RMSEA = 0·046, AIC = 3115·888) showed the same factor structure for both nurses and physicians. The r values of the test–retest reliability correlations were all 0·7 or above. Internal consistency was demonstrated by a Cronbach’s α = 0·8 or above.

Conclusion.  The Nurse–Physician Collaboration Scale can be used to establish standards for nurse–physician collaboration, to measure the frequency of collaborative activity, and to verify unit‐specific relationships between collaboration and quality of care.
Significant improvement in sleep in people with intellectual disabilities living in residential settings by non‐pharmaceutical interventions
Authors: Hylkema T. , Vlaskamp C.
Published: May 2009

Background  Although about 15 to 50 percent of people with intellectual disabilities (ID) living in residential settings suffer from sleep problems, scant attention is paid to these problems. Most available studies focus on pharmaceutical solutions. In this study we focus on improving sleep in people with intellectual disabilities living in residential settings by non‐pharmaceutical interventions.

Method  The design is a multiple case study using actigraphy. Following a baseline measurement of people with ID, we recommended an intervention such as bedtime scheduling. This was followed by an effect measurement.

Results  Sleep efficiency, sleep latency and rising latency improved significantly. The time spent in bed also decreased significantly and the hours of sleep while in bed increased significantly.

Conclusion  For people with ID, sleep can be improved by non‐pharmaceutical interventions. A multidisciplinary approach is helpful in selecting an adequate intervention.
Performance on the Modified Card Sorting Test and its relation to psychopathology in adolescents and young adults with 22q11.2 deletion syndrome
Authors: Rockers K. , Ousley O. , Sutton T. , Schoenberg E. , Coleman K. , Walker E. , Cubells J. F.
Published: May 2009

Background  Approximately one‐third of individuals with 22q11.2 deletion syndrome (22q11DS), a common genetic disorder highly associated with intellectual disabilities, may develop schizophrenia, likely preceded by a mild to moderate cognitive decline.

Methods  We examined adolescents and young adults with 22q11DS for the presence of executive function deficits using a modified version of the Wisconsin Card Sorting Test (MCST) and assessed whether specific performances were associated with concurrent schizophrenia‐prodrome symptoms. We also examined possible relationships between MCST performance and broader indices of psychopathology, including self‐reported internalising and externalising behavioural symptoms.

Results  Participants with 22q11DS scored significantly below age‐matched controls on seven out of nine MCST measures, and poorer MCST performance was associated with increased positive prodromal and internalising behavioural symptoms.

Conclusions  The schizophrenia‐prodrome in 22q11DS involves executive dysfunction, and longitudinal investigation is necessary to examine if specific executive function impairments precedes or co‐occurs with the emergence of behavioural psychopathology.
Hypermethylated cap 4 maximizes Trypanosoma brucei translation
Authors: Zamudio Jesse R. , Mittra Bidyottam , Campbell David A. , Sturm Nancy R.
Published: May 2009

Through trans‐splicing of a 39‐nt spliced leader (SL) onto each protein‐coding transcript, mature kinetoplastid mRNA acquire a hypermethylated 5′‐cap structure, but its function has been unclear. Gene deletions for three Trypanosoma brucei cap 2′‐O‐ribose methyltransferases, TbMTr1, TbMTr2 and TbMTr3, reveal distinct roles for four 2′‐O‐methylated nucleotides. Elimination of individual gene pairs yields viable cells; however, attempts at double knock‐outs resulted in the generation of a TbMTr2−/−/TbMTr3−/− cell line only. Absence of both kinetoplastid‐specific enzymes in TbMTr2−/−/TbMTr3−/− lines yielded substrate SL RNA and mRNA with cap 1. TbMTr1−/− translation is comparable with wildtype, while cap 3 and cap 4 loss reduced translation rates, exacerbated by the additional loss of cap 2. TbMTr1−/− and TbMTr2−/−/TbMTr3−/− lines grow to lower densities under normal culture conditions relative to wildtype cells, with growth rate differences apparent under low serum conditions. Cell viability may not tolerate delays at both the nucleolar Sm‐independent and nucleoplasmic Sm‐dependent stages of SL RNA maturation combined with reduced rates of translation. A minimal level of mRNA cap ribose methylation is essential for trypanosome viability, providing the first functional role for the cap 4.
A whole‐genome snapshot of 454 sequences exposes the composition of the barley genome and provides evidence for parallel evolution of genome size in wheat and barley
Authors: Wicker Thomas , Taudien Stefan , Houben Andreas , Keller Beat , Graner Andreas , Platzer Matthias , Stein Nils
Published: May 2009

The genomes of barley and wheat, two of the world’s most important crops, are very large and complex due to their high content of repetitive DNA. In order to obtain a whole‐genome sequence sample, we performed two runs of 454 (GS20) sequencing on genomic DNA of barley cv. Morex, which yielded approximately 1% of a haploid genome equivalent. Almost 60% of the sequences comprised known transposable element (TE) families, and another 9% represented novel repetitive sequences. We also discovered high amounts of low‐complexity DNA and non‐genic low‐copy DNA. We identified almost 2300 protein coding gene sequences and more than 660 putative conserved non‐coding sequences. Comparison of the 454 reads with previously published genomic sequences suggested that TE families are distributed unequally along chromosomes. This was confirmed by in situ hybridizations of selected TEs. A comparison of these data for the barley genome with a large sample of publicly available wheat sequences showed that several TE families that are highly abundant in wheat are absent from the barley genome. This finding implies that the TE composition of their genomes differs dramatically, despite their very similar genome size and their close phylogenetic relationship.
STAMENLESS 1, encoding a single C2H2 zinc finger protein, regulates floral organ identity in rice
Authors: Xiao Han , Tang Jinfu , Li Yunfeng , Wang Wenming , Li Xiaobing , Jin Liang , Xie Rong , Luo Hongfa , Zhao Xianfeng , Meng Zheng , He Guanghua , Zhu Lihuang
Published: May 2009

Floral organ identity is defined by organ homoetic genes whose coordinated expression is crucial with respect to the time and place of floral organ formation. Here, we report molecular cloning and characterization of the rice STAMENLESS 1 (SL1) gene that is involved in floral development. The sl1 mutant largely resembles the rice B‐class gene mutant spw1; both exhibit homeotic conversions of lodicules and stamens to palea/lemma‐like organs and carpels. Additionally, sl1 produces flowers with varied numbers of inner floral organs, and amorphous tissues without floral organ identity were frequently formed in whorls 3 and 4. We also show that SL1 specifies lodicule and stamen identities through positive transcriptional regulation of SPW1/OsMADS16 expression. SL1 encodes a member of the C2H2 family of zinc finger proteins, closely related to JAG of Arabidopsis. The functional divergence between SL1 and JAG implies that SL1 was co‐opted for its distinctive roles in specification of floral organ identity in rice after the lineage split from Arabidopsis.
ARS5 is a component of the 26S proteasome complex, and negatively regulates thiol biosynthesis and arsenic tolerance in Arabidopsis
Authors: Sung Dong‐Yul , Kim Tae‐Houn , Komives Elizabeth A. , Mendoza‐Cózatl David G. , Schroeder Julian I.
Published: May 2009

A forward‐genetic screen in Arabidopsis led to the isolation of several arsenic tolerance mutants. ars5 was the strongest arsenate‐ and arsenite‐resistant mutant identified in this genetic screen. Here, we report the characterization and cloning of the ars5 mutant gene. ars5 is shown to exhibit an increased accumulation of arsenic and thiol compounds during arsenic stress. Rough mapping together with microarray‐based expression mapping identified the ars5 mutation in the α subunit F (PAF1) of the 26S proteasome complex. Characterization of an independent paf1 T‐DNA insertion allele and complementation by PAF1 confirmed that paf1 mutation is responsible for the enhanced thiol accumulation and arsenic tolerance phenotypes. Arsenic tolerance was not observed in a knock‐out mutant of the highly homologous PAF2 gene. However, genetic complementation of ars5 by the overexpression of PAF2 suggests that the PAF2 protein is functionally equivalent to PAF1 when expressed at high levels. No detectible difference was observed in total ubiquitinylated protein profiles between ars5 and wild‐type (WT) Arabidopsis, suggesting that the arsenic tolerance observed in ars5 is not derived from a general impairment in proteasome‐mediated protein degradation. Quantitative RT‐PCR showed that arsenic induces the enhanced transcriptional activation of several key genes that function in glutathione and phytochelatin biosynthesis in the WT, and this arsenic induction of gene expression is more dramatic in ars5. The enhanced transcriptional response to arsenic and the increased accumulation of thiol compounds in ars5, compared with WT, suggest the presence of a positive regulation pathway for thiol biosynthesis that is enhanced in the ars5 background.
The Arabidopsis CBP20 targets the cap‐binding complex to the nucleus, and is stabilized by CBP80
Authors: Kierzkowski Daniel , Kmieciak Maciej , Piontek Paulina , Wojtaszek Przemyslaw , Szweykowska‐Kulinska Zofia , Jarmolowski Artur
Published: May 2009

The cap‐binding protein complex (CBC) binds to the caps of all RNA polymerase II transcripts, and plays an important role in RNA metabolism. We characterized interactions, localization and nuclear–cytoplasmic transport of two subunits of the Arabidopsis thaliana cap‐binding protein complex (AtCBC): AtCBP20 and AtCBP80. Using CFP/YFP‐tagged proteins, we show that transport of AtCBC from the cytoplasm to the nucleus in the plant cell is different from that described in other eukaryotic cells. We show that the smaller subunit of the complex, AtCBP20, plays a crucial role in the nuclear import of AtCBC. The C‐terminal part of AtCBP20 contains two functionally independent nuclear localization signals (NLSs). At least one of these two NLSs is required for the import of CBC into the plant nucleus. The interaction between the A. thaliana CBP20 and CBP80 was also analyzed in detail, using the yeast two‐hybrid system and fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) assays. The N‐terminal part of AtCBP20 is essential for interaction with AtCBP80. Furthermore, AtCBP80 is important for the protein stability of the smaller subunit of CBC. Based on these data, we propose a model for the nuclear–cytoplasmic trafficking of the CBC complex in plants.
The petunia AGL6 gene has a SEPALLATA‐like function in floral patterning
Authors: Rijpkema Anneke S. , Zethof Jan , Gerats Tom , Vandenbussche Michiel
Published: May 2009

SEPALLATA (SEP) MADS‐box genes are required for the regulation of floral meristem determinacy and the specification of sepals, petals, stamens, carpels and ovules, specifically in angiosperms. The SEP subfamily is closely related to the AGAMOUS LIKE6 (AGL6) and SQUAMOSA (SQUA) subfamilies. So far, of these three groups only AGL6‐like genes have been found in extant gymnosperms. AGL6 genes are more similar to SEP than to SQUA genes, both in sequence and in expression pattern. Despite the ancestry and wide distribution of AGL6‐like MADS‐box genes, not a single loss‐of‐function mutant exhibiting a clear phenotype has yet been reported; consequently the function of AGL6‐like genes has remained elusive. Here, we characterize the Petunia hybrida AGL6 (PhAGL6, formerly called PETUNIA MADS BOX GENE4/pMADS4) gene, and show that it functions redundantly with the SEP genes FLORAL BINDING PROTEIN2 (FBP2) and FBP5 in petal and anther development. Moreover, expression analysis suggests a function for PhAGL6 in ovary and ovule development. The PhAGL6 and FBP2 proteins interact in in vitro experiments overall with the same partners, indicating that the two proteins are biochemically quite similar. It will be interesting to determine the functions of AGL6‐like genes of other species, especially those of gymnosperms.
Novel system for storage of buffy‐coat‐derived platelet concentrates in a glucose‐based platelet additive solution: parameters and metabolism during storage and comparison to plasma
Authors: Gyongyossy‐Issa M. I. C. , Zhang J. G. , Culibrk B. , Hunter F. , Levin E. , Scammell K. , Weiss S. , Holmes D. L. , Holme S.
Published: May 2009

Background  In Europe, buffy‐coat processing allows for the use of platelet additive solutions (PAS). These solutions, however, have long been questioned for their lack of glucose, a potentially essential nutrient for platelet storage. Using a novel, practical, two‐part system for incorporation of glucose into an additive solution (PAS‐G), this study compares platelet storage in plasma to storage in PAS‐G.

Study Design and Methods  A paired study design of platelet concentrates (PC) were prepared from leucoreduced pools of eight buffy coats (BCP) split into two equal pools, with suspension in autologous plasma, or PAS‐G. On days 2, 5, 7 and 9 of storage, samples were tested using standard in vitro platelet parameters. Data were analysed by paired Student's t‐tests.

Results  During storage, PCs in PAS‐G maintain a quality profile that is strikingly similar to PCs stored in plasma in terms of platelet activation (CD62) morphology score, swirl, glucose metabolism and pH. However, PCs in PAS‐G perform lower (P < 0·05) in the %ESC and %HSR assays.

Conclusion  PAS‐G's novel presentation allows incorporation of glucose into the additive solution so that it is roughly equivalent to plasma for the maintenance of buffy‐coat PCs.
Instability Rules Social Groups in the Communal Breeder RodentOctodon degus
Authors: Ebensperger Luis A. , Chesh Adrian S. , Castro Rodrigo A. , Tolhuysen Liliana Ortiz , Quirici Verónica , Burger Joseph Robert , Hayes Loren D.
Published: May 2009

It has been hypothesized that animal groups in socially cohesive species are inherently unstable, ultimately the result of constraints to independent breeding, and proximately the product of adult fidelity and offspring philopatry. Other processes, including emigration of individuals that join pre‐existing groups would be less important. We examined the persistence and variation in the composition of members of social groups inOctodon degus, a communal breeding rodent in which limitations to independent breeding are less obvious. This analysis was conducted during subsequent years, as well as during different seasons within years. Similar to social species in which constraints to independent breeding influence sociality, groups in degus were unstable in that they were short lived and ruled by an extensive turnover of group members across years. A relatively high turnover of group members was also recorded within years. Variation in the composition of groups was caused mostly by disappearance (presumably mortality) and immigration of adult members. Adult fidelity and offspring philopatry and dispersal played secondary roles in affecting the composition of social groups between and within years. Future studies should reexamine the importance of habitat limitations and its proximate determinant, natal philopatry, in driving the stability of social groups.
Androgens and Immune Function in Male Alternative Reproductive Morphotypes of the Peacock Blenny Salaria pavo
Authors: Ros Albert F. H. , Oliveira Rui F.
Published: May 2009

Species with alternative reproductive tactics offer the opportunity to analyse how behavioural and morphological traits are tuned to produce successfully competing phenotypes within one sex. In the teleost fish Salaria pavo, alternative reproductive tactics are sequential. The older ornamented males compete for access to females by guarding a cavity to which they attract females to spawn. Ornamented males that are found without a nest are called ‘floaters’. Younger mature males which are too small to compete with nest‐holders attempt to ‘sneak’ as female mimics into successful nests and release their sperm to fertilize freshly spawned eggs. The alternative tactics in S. pavo are associated with different levels of the androgens testosterone and 11‐ketotestosterone, which have been found to suppress immune function in several teleost fish. A field study was carried out to analyse the relationship between these reproductive tactics, androgens and blood levels of lymphocytes as a monitoring method of immune function. We expected highest investment in the immune system in sneakers because these have the lowest androgen levels and functionally because investing in self‐maintenance increases their future prospect to switch tactic and to reproduce as a nest‐holder. Indeed, the relative count of lymphocytes correlated negatively with body size and thus was highest in sneakers and lowest in nest‐holders. In concordance, 11‐ketotestosterone and testosterone levels were found to be higher in floaters and nest‐holders than in sneakers. However, no correlation was found between individual levels of testosterone or 11‐ketotestosterone and lymphocytes. Thus, a trade‐off between reproductive traits associated with high androgen levels and immunocompetence might exist at the level of alternative tactics but this might not be explained by acute immunosuppressive effects of circulating androgens.
The Development of Geographic Song Preferences in Female Song Sparrows Melospiza melodia
Authors: Hernandez Alexandra M. , Pfaff Jeremy A. , MacDougall‐Shackleton Elizabeth A. , MacDougall‐Shackleton Scott A.
Published: May 2009

Previous work suggests that early learning plays a role in auditory preferences of female songbirds. We explored whether early experience shapes preferences for local geographic song in female song sparrows (Melospiza melodia), a species that prefers local geographic song in adulthood. We hand‐reared females from two locations 450 km apart and controlled song exposure early in life. To examine the effects of experience and inherited factors on geographic song preferences, we used a counterbalanced design. Females from each location were tutored with either natal song (recorded from their location of capture) or non‐natal song (recorded from the other location) and their preferences for tutor vs. non‐tutor song assessed in adulthood. We also examined song preferences in isolate females reared with no song experience. We found that tutored females preferred their tutor song over non‐tutor song, regardless of their capture location. Furthermore, birds not exposed to song (isolates) had no geographic song preferences. Thus, song exposure early in life clearly plays an important role in adult female preferences for local song in this species.
Do Primary Males Physiologically Suppress Subordinate Males? An Experiment in a Cooperatively Breeding Passerine
Authors: Brouwer Lyanne , Groothuis Ton G. G. , Vedder Oscar , Eikenaar Cas , Richardson David S. , Komdeur Jan
Published: May 2009

Knowing why certain individuals refrain from reproduction is fundamental to our understanding of the evolution of cooperative breeding. Although many studies have focused on the role of life history and ecological factors, the proximate mechanisms underlying this behaviour have received considerably less attention. We determined the natural variation in plasma testosterone (T) level and cloacal protuberance (CP) size – an indication of sperm storage – in successfully reproducing primary male and in reproductively inactive subordinate male Seychelles warblers (Acrocephalus sechellensis). Primary males had significantly higher T levels during female’s fertile period and significantly larger CPs throughout the breeding season than subordinate males. To test if the lower T levels of subordinates were caused by their social status per se, we experimentally promoted subordinates to primary males, by permanent removal of primary males from their territories. The experimentally promoted males increased T production and CP sizes significantly, suggesting former suppression by primary males. However, T levels of the promoted males only marginally increased. As this could not be explained by their younger age, we conclude that recovery from social suppression may take a substantial time period.
Stereotypic behaviour in farm mink (Neovison vison) can be reduced by selection
Authors: Hansen B.K. , Jeppesen L.L. , Berg P.
Published: May 2009

In this article we present the first estimation of genetic variation of stereotypic behaviour (SB). Stereotypic behaviour is defined as an unvarying behaviour without any specific goal or function repeated at least five times. All types of SB were included in the analyses. Altogether 1484 adult mink females of the brown colour type were assessed for behaviour traits: SB, active or inactive behaviour, staying in nest box. Genetic correlations were based on estimates of additive genetic (co)variances obtained from a trivariate linear animal model fitted to behaviour traits, body weight and litter size. The SB has an intermediate genetic variation (h2∼0.3) and divergent selection for SB confirmed that the frequency of SB can be altered by selection. The results confirmed the hypotheses of negative genetic correlation between SB and body weight and negative genetic correlation between body weight and litter size. The hypotheses of positive correlation between SB and active behaviour and SB and litter size were not confirmed. Consequences of selection for reduced SB can be changes in other behaviour traits, body weight and litter size, depending on the genetic correlation between the traits.
Theoretical efficiency of multiple‐trait quantitative trait loci‐assisted selection
Authors: Togashi K. , Lin C. Y.
Published: May 2009

The effectiveness of five selection methods for genetic improvement of net merit comprising trait 1 of low heritability (h2 = 0.1) and trait 2 of high heritability (h2 = 0.4) was examined: (i) two‐trait quantitative trait loci (QTL)‐assisted selection; (ii) partial QTL‐assisted selection based on trait 1; (iii) partial QTL‐assisted selection based on trait 2; (iv) QTL‐only selection; and (v) conventional selection index without QTL information. These selection methods were compared under 72 scenarios with different combinations of the relative economic weights, the genetic correlations between traits, the ratio of QTL variance to total genetic variance of the trait, and the ratio of genetic variances between traits. The results suggest that the detection of QTL for multiple‐trait QTL‐assisted selection is more important when the index traits are negatively correlated than when they are positively correlated. In contrast to literature reports that single‐trait marker‐assisted selection (MAS) is the most efficient for low heritability traits, this study found that the identified QTL of the low heritability trait contributed negligibly to total response in net merit. This is because multiple‐trait QTL‐assisted selection is designed to maximize total net merit rather than the genetic response of the individual index trait as in the case of single‐trait MAS. Therefore, it is not economical to identify the QTL of the low heritability traits for the improvement of total net merit. The efficient, cost‐effective selection strategy is to identify the QTL of the moderate or high heritability traits of the QTL‐assisted selection index to facilitate total economic returns. Detection of the QTL of the low h2 traits for the QTL‐assisted index selection is justified when the low h2 traits have high negative genetic correlation with the other index traits and/or when both economic weights and genetic variances of the low h2 traits are larger as compared to the other index traits of higher h2. This study deals with theoretical efficiency of QTL‐assisted selection, but the same principle applies to SNP‐based genomic selection when the proportion of the genetic variance ‘explained by the identified QTLs’ in this study is replaced by ‘explained by SNPs’.
Nuclear Configuration, Spindle Morphology and Cytoskeletal Organization of In Vivo Maturing Horse Oocytes
Authors: Siddiqui MAR , Gastal EL , Ju JC , Gastal MO , Beg MA , Ginther OJ
Published: May 2009

Contents

Horse oocytes (n = 37) were recovered in vivo from pre‐ovulatory follicles 30 h after an ovulation‐inducing hCG injection and were examined by fluorescent staining and confocal microscopy. Percentages of metaphase‐I (MI), metaphase‐II (MII) and atypical oocytes were 11%, 78% and 11% respectively. Microtubules were concentrated in the meiotic spindle in both MI and MII oocytes. Chromosomes in the metaphase plate were anchored at the equatorial region of the spindle. Spindle orientation was perpendicular to the oolema in all MI oocytes, whereas in MII oocytes, 66% were parallel and 34% were perpendicular. In MII oocytes, the nuclear material in the polar body had no specific organization and was intertwined with microtubules. Discrete foci of microfilaments at the sub‐cortical region of the ooplasm formed an F‐actin band, as seen in the inner confocal sections. The percentage area of oocyte image with discrete foci and/or the thickness of F‐actin band was used to indicate microfilament content. Microfilament content was greater (p < 0.006) in MII oocytes than in MI oocytes and greater (p < 0.03) in MII oocytes with a perpendicular spindle than with a parallel spindle. The perpendicular spindle orientation in MII oocytes may have represented a later stage of maturation. Atypical oocytes were based on microtubules that were detached from the kinetochores and spread in the ooplasm or by microtubules that accumulated as an amorphous mass near the condensed chromatin. This is the first description of the nuclear configuration, spindle morphology and cytoskeletal organization of in vivo maturing horse oocytes.