bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Social workers in multidisciplinary teams: issues and dilemmas for professional practice
Authors: Frost Nick , Robinson Mark , Anning Angela
Published: July 2005

This paper draws on the findings of a project, funded by the Economic and Social Research Council of the UK, examining how child and family multidisciplinary teams learn and work together. It outlines the approach taken by the research team before going on to explore New Labour policy around ‘joined‐up thinking’. The paper focuses on the role of social workers in the teams and uses qualitative data to explore the experience of social workers in relation to four key issues: models of professional practice, status and power, confidentiality and information sharing, and relations with external agencies. We argue that these are complex and contested issues that are challenging for the workers concerned. We conclude that whilst joined‐up working is complex and demanding, social work is well situated to meet the challenge, and that social workers in multidisciplinary teams are committed to making them work.
Communicating misunderstandings: multi‐agency work as social practice
Authors: White Sue , Featherstone Brid
Published: July 2005

This paper reflects on the findings of an ethnographic study of interprofessional communication and social relations in an integrated child health service, during and after the relocation of different parts of the service to a single site. In the context of the governmental emphasis on restructuring services in order to facilitate better communication between different disciplines, its findings are of considerable pertinence. The study found that co‐location did not straightforwardly lead to better communication. This paper urges that greater attention be paid to the kinds of professional narratives that maintain ritualized ways of working and reinforce professional boundaries. It urges the creation of conditions where everyday practices are open to scrutiny and challenge, and aligns itself with those who call for the development of a ‘communication mindset’ among professionals.
The influence of model type and incubation time on the estimation of stable organic carbon in organic materials
Authors: Sleutel S. , De Neve S. , Prat Roibás M. R. , Hofman G.
Published: July 2005

There is a renewed interest in the stability and turnover of organic carbon (C) in organic materials added to soil, partly driven by concerns about global changes. We used mineralization data from laboratory incubations to determine the amount of stable organic C present. Four organic wastes were incubated with soil under controlled conditions and C mineralization was monitored, and four additional C mineralization experiments were selected from the literature. All data were rescaled to a common temperature, and we fitted five different models with biological significance to the C mineralization data, namely a first‐order model (M1), a parallel first‐order model (M11), a parallel first‐zero‐order model (M10), a second‐order model (M2) and a Monod kinetic model (Monod). All models could describe the mineralization data satisfactorily. However, this does not automatically imply that the individual parameter values are realistic estimates of the underlying biological processes. All models were then fitted for progressively shorter incubation times and were used to extrapolate C mineralization to predict the amount of (measured) stable organic C. The M11 and Monod models performed best in estimating stable organic C, but they did not fit the short‐term incubation data (< 100 days) for some materials. The M2 model allowed stable organic C to be estimated within less than 3% of the true value for all materials based on an incubation time of less than 60 days. The M1 and M10 models systematically and strongly under‐ or overestimated stable organic C as the incubation time was shortened, and should not be used for extrapolation from short‐term data.
Soil organic matter distribution and microaggregate characteristics as affected by agricultural management and earthworm activity
Authors: Pulleman M. M. , Six J. , Van Breemen N. , Jongmans A. G.
Published: July 2005

Stable microaggregates can physically protect occluded soil organic matter (SOM) against decomposition. We studied the effects of agricultural management on the amount and characteristics of microaggregates and on SOM distribution in a marine loam soil in the Netherlands. Three long‐term farming systems were compared: a permanent pasture, a conventional‐arable system and an organic‐arable system. Whole soil samples were separated into microaggregates (53–250 µm), 20–53 µm and < 20 µm organo‐mineral fractions, sand and particulate organic matter, after complete disruption of macroaggregates. Equal amounts of microaggregates were isolated, irrespective of management. However, microaggregates from the pasture contained a larger fraction of total soil organic C and were more stable than microaggregates from the two arable fields, suggesting greater SOM stabilization in microaggregates under pasture. Moreover, differences in the relative contribution of coarse silt (> 20 µm) versus fine mineral particles in the microaggregates of the different management systems demonstrate that different types of microaggregates were isolated. These results, in combination with micromorphological study of thin sections, indicate that the great earthworm activity under permanent pasture is an important factor explaining the presence of very stable microaggregates that are relatively enriched in organic C and fine mineral particles. Despite a distinctly greater total SOM content and earthworm activity in the organic‐ versus the conventional‐arable system, differences in microaggregate characteristics between both arable systems were small. The formation of stable and strongly organic C‐enriched microaggregates seems much less effective under arable conditions than under pasture. This might be related to differences in earthworm species' composition, SOM characteristics and/or mechanical disturbance between pasture and arable land.
Light acclimation of Chlamydomonas acidophila accumulating in the hypolimnion of an acidic lake (pH 2.6)
Authors: GERLOFF‐ELIAS ANTJE , SPIJKERMAN ELLY , SCHUBERT HENDRIK
Published: July 2005

1. The unicellular green alga Chlamydomonas acidophila accumulates in a thin phytoplankton layer in the hypolimnion (deep chlorophyll maximum, DCM) of an extremely acidic lake (Lake 111, pH 2.6, Lusatia, Germany), in which the underwater light spectrum is distorted and red‐shifted.

2. Chlamydomonas acidophila exhibited a significantly higher absorption efficiency and a higher cellular chlorophyll b content when incubated in the red shifted underwater light of Lake 111 than in a typical, blue‐green dominated, light spectrum.

3. Chlamydomonas acidophila has excellent low light acclimation properties (increased chlorophyll b content, increased oxygen yield and a low light saturation point for photosynthesis) that support survival of the species in the low light climate of the DCM.

4. In situ acclimation to the DCM under low light and temperature decreased maximum photosynthetic rate in autotrophic C. acidophila cultures, whereas the presence of glucose under these conditions enhanced photosynthetic efficiency and capacity.

5. The adaptive abilities of C. acidophila to light and temperature shown in this study, in combination with the absence of potent competitors because of low lake pH, most probably enable the unusual dominance of the green alga in the DCM of Lake 111.
Effects of floral display size and plant density on pollinator visitation rate in a natural population of Digitalis purpurea
Authors: GRINDELAND J. M. , SLETVOLD N. , IMS R. A.
Published: July 2005

Pollinator visitation patterns in relation to variation in floral display size may be modified both quantitatively and qualitatively by local plant density. In this study four measures of pollinator response by Bombus spp. (plant visitation rate, bout length, proportion of flowers visited, flower visitation rate) were investigated under two or three different plant densities in two consecutive years in a natural population of Digitalis purpurea L.

Plant visitation rate increased with floral display size in both years, and was higher in dense patches compared with sparse ones in 1999. Bout lengths increased with display size in 1999, and bouts were longer in sparse patches. However, the actual rate of increase with display size was independent of plant density for both response measures.

The proportion of flowers visited decreased with floral display size in both years, and in 1999 the decline was faster in high‐density patches. As a result, the proportion visited was higher in dense patches for the smallest display sizes, and higher in sparse patches for larger display sizes.

Flower visitation rate decreased with floral display size in both years. This is inconsistent with the idea that bees achieve an ideal free distribution across flowers. There was no significant effect of plant density.

These results demonstrate that local plant density variation may modify the functional relationship between floral display size and pollinator visitation rate, and potentially influence plant mating patterns.
Host plant exposure determines larval vulnerability – do prey females know?
Authors: TSCHANZ B. , SCHMID E. , BACHER S.
Published: July 2005

In heterogeneous environments, the risk of predation and parasitism for phytophagous insects varies among different microhabitats. Adult females can escape natural enemies by depositing their eggs on sites unfavourable for prey‐searching predators or parasitoids. Host plant characteristics can determine the availability of such spatial refuges.

We assessed the importance of host plant exposure for the predation probability of shield beetle (Cassida rubiginosa Müller) larvae by paper wasps (Polistes dominulus christ), hypothesizing that prey on exposed (i.e. free‐standing) plants are more likely to be found and eaten by predators than prey on hidden (i.e. surrounded by other vegetation) plants. Because larval predation is a major mortality factor in shield beetles, we further hypothesized that the prey would adapt and avoid high‐risk plants for oviposition. Finally, we investigated the influence of egg parasitism on the prey's host plant choice.

Host plant exposure significantly affected predation probability of Shield Beetles. Larvae on hidden host plants were less likely to be killed by the wasps than larvae on exposed shoots. However, females did not prefer the low predation risk environment of hidden plants for oviposition. The rate of parasitism was equal on exposed and hidden plants, and thus probably does not contribute to the oviposition habitat selection of prey.

Our study shows experimentally that characteristics of the first trophic level (i.e. host plant exposure) can affect the foraging success of insect predators. Different reasons, potentially responsible for the apparent non‐selective host plant choice in beetle females, are discussed.
A comparison of spreader penetration depth and load required during lateral condensation in teeth prepared using various root canal preparation techniques
Authors: Dulaimi S. F. , Wali Al‐Hashimi M. K.
Published: July 2005

Aim  To compare the influence of various root canal preparation techniques on spreader penetration depth and load required during lateral condensation with gutta‐percha and sealer.

Methodology  Eighty extracted human teeth with single and straight canals were used. Twenty teeth were instrumented using one of four root canal preparation techniques. The four preparation techniques were: step‐back technique without Gates‐Glidden drills, step‐back technique with Gates‐Glidden drills, crown‐down pressureless technique and hybrid technique (step‐down/step‐back). After root canal preparation had been completed a simulated periodontal ligament was fabricated from a uniform layer of silicone impression material. The roots were then mounted in an acrylic resin to simulate the physical condition found in tooth socket. A standardized stainless steel hand spreader of the same size as the master apical file was mounted in an Instron testing machine and lateral compaction with gutta‐percha and sealer was performed. The load value was recorded from the Instron testing machine. The spreader penetration depths were measured with an endodontic ruler. The data obtained were analysed statistically using anova and Student's t‐tests.

Results  No significant difference in initial spreader load needed to condense the master cone was found amongst the four canal preparation techniques (P > 0.05). The step‐back technique with Gates‐Glidden drills and the hybrid technique demonstrated the least difference between the initial spreader penetration and the working length (mean 1.925 and 2.25 mm, respectively). The step‐back technique without Gates‐Glidden drills and the crown‐down pressureless technique had the greatest difference between initial spreader penetration and the working length (mean 4.425 and 4.75 mm, respectively).

Conclusion  The flare created by canal preparation affected spreader penetration depth, but had no effect on the spreader load.
Reduction of excessive electrical stimulus during electric pulp testing
Authors: Nam K. C. , Ahn S. H. , Cho J. H. , Kim D. W. , Lee S. J.
Published: July 2005

Aim  To measure excessive electrical stimulus time during pulp testing via electromyography (EMG) in the anterior belly of the digastric muscle, voice and finger movement, and to determine whether excessive stimulus time could be attenuated by a specially designed automatic circuit breaker on the basis of the EMG signal.

Methodology  The signals from three human responses (EMG, finger and voice), induced by the DigitestTM (Parkell Inc., Farmingdale, NY, USA) electric pulp tester, were captured using a MP100 (Biopac System Inc., Goleta, CA, USA) and recorded into a personal computer. The excessive stimulus time from activation to the end of electrical stimulation was calculated for each of these three responses. The automatic circuit breaker was designed to disconnect the electrical output of the electric pulp testing (EPT) unit immediately after detecting the preset EMG level (100 mV). Each of the right central incisors and first premolars of 23 healthy individuals (16 males and seven females) was tested to see whether there was a difference in tooth type or gender. This was analysed by Wilcoxon signed rank test (nonparametric paired t‐test) and Mann–Whitney test (nonparametric independent t‐test), respectively.

Results  Amongst three human responses, the electrical onset occurred in the order of EMG, finger and voice. Excessive stimulus time was 347.8 ± 78.3 ms when observed by the EMG, 264.9 ± 63.9 ms when observed by finger span and 229.4 ± 41.8 ms when observed by the voice, which were all found to be significantly different (P < 0.05). When the automatic circuit breaker was used, the excessive stimulus time was 61.0 ms, which was 286.8 ms shorter than that measured from EMG onset when using the conventional EPT.

Conclusions  When the automatic circuit breaker was used, excessive stimulus time on the basis of EMG was attenuated on average by 286.8 ms.
High prevalence of apical periodontitis amongst type 2 diabetic patients
Authors: Segura‐Egea J. J. , Jiménez‐Pinzón A. , Ríos‐Santos J. V. , Velasco‐Ortega E. , Cisneros‐Cabello R. , Poyato‐Ferrera M.
Published: July 2005

Aim  To study the prevalence of AP in patients with and without type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Methodology  In a retrospective cohort study, the records of 38 subjects with diabetes and 32 control subjects were examined. All participants underwent a full‐mouth radiographic survey incorporating 14 periapical radiographs. The periapical region of all teeth, excluding third molars, was examined. Periapical status was assessed using the periapical index score. Statistical analyses were conducted using the Cohen's κ test, analysis of variance and logistic regression.

Results  Apical periodontitis in at least one tooth was found in 81.3% of diabetic patients and in 58% of control subjects (P = 0.040; OR = 3.2; 95% CI = 1.1–9.4). Amongst diabetic patients 7% of the teeth had AP, whereas in the control subjects 4% of teeth were affected (P = 0.007; OR = 1.8; 95% CI = 1.2–2.8).

Conclusions  Type 2 diabetes mellitus is significantly associated with an increased prevalence of AP.
The effects of hydrothermal processing on antinutrients, protein and starch digestibility of food legumes
Authors: ‐ur‐Rehman Zia , Salariya Abdul Majeed
Published: July 2005

The effects of hydrothermal processing on antinutrients and the protein and starch digestibility of black grams, chick peas, lentils and red and white kidney beans was investigated. The tannins and phytic acid contents in these five food legumes ranged from 770 to 1100 and 970 to 1440 mg/100 g, respectively, whereas protein and starch digestibility of the raw food legumes was found to be from 33.8 to 37.6 and 36.8 to 42.0%, respectively. A reduction in the level of these antinutrients, along with an improvement in protein and starch digestibility, was observed after cooking. The tannins and phytic acid contents were reduced by 33.1–45.7 and 28.0–51.6%, respectively, because of the use of different hydrothermal treatments at 100, 121 and 128 °C. Maximum improvement in protein digestibility (95.7–105.1%) and starch digestibility (116.7–137.7%) was observed on cooking at 121 °C for 10 min. However, cooking in boiling water resulted in improvement in protein and starch digestibility of the food legumes by 86.9–93.3 and 84.0–90.4%, respectively.
The sensory attributes of cakes containing large numbers of low sugar raisins, as evaluated by consumers and a trained sensory panel
Authors: Mandala Ioanna , Daouaher Maria
Published: July 2005

The sensory attributes of cakes, containing a greater number of low sugar raisins (LSR) than that normally used, were evaluated by two different groups of trained and untrained panellists. The purpose of this sensory evaluation was to find out whether such bakery products were more attractive to consumers than normal cakes and could be further promoted in the market. Cakes containing LSR and additional lemon peel scored more poorly than cakes containing only raisins, both in terms of taste and overall preference. Cakes containing only LSR had good sensory characteristics and could be considered as competitive products when compared with similar products already on the market. Young people found cakes with raisins tasty, but they did not consume them readily. The special advantages of these cakes are their natural ingredients, raisins with lower amount of sugars, good taste and high quality, all of which should be emphasized to make them attractive in the market.
Ambivalent effect of member portraits in virtual groups
Authors: Cress U.
Published: July 2005

AbstractKnowledge exchange with shared databases can be seen as a public‐goods dilemma. People are reluctant to contribute information because they save time, effort and perhaps social power if they withhold their knowledge and socially loaf. But if all people choose this individually efficient strategy, then no information exchange can take place, and the group is less effective than it would have been if all members contributed. Thus, in the knowledge‐exchange situation, group norms and individual norms oppose each other.

In order to strengthen people's orientation towards the group, virtual collaborative tools sometimes provide member portraits. But based on the Social Identity Model of Deindividuation Effect (SIDE)‐Model, ambivalent effects of these member portraits are expected according to people's social categorization: when people identify more strongly with the group, such portraits enhance participation, whereas when people have a stronger individual identity, they undermine participation.

This study links the concepts of social value orientation to identity salience. The assumption is that in the information‐exchange dilemma, the social value orientation of a group member will determine whether group identity or individual identity becomes salient for that group member. We then extend the SIDE‐model to the domain of social loafing and expect that portraits of the group members will have different effects for people with individual orientation and for people with prosocial orientation. An experiment confirmed this expectation and revealed a significant interaction between social value orientation and portraits. Especially striking is the result that for prosocials the provision of member portraits leads to an increase in social loafing. This is analogous to the predictions of the SIDE‐model.
Improving clinical practice in stroke through audit: results of three rounds of National Stroke Audit
Authors: Irwin P. , Hoffman A. , Lowe D. , Pearson M. , Rudd A.G.
Published: July 2005

Background  The results of three rounds of National Stroke Audit in England,  Wales and Northern  Ireland are  compared.

Methods  Audit of the organization of stroke services and retrospective case‐note audit of up to 40 consecutive cases admitted per hospital over a 3‐month period was conducted in each of 1998, 1999 and 2001/02. The changes in the organizational, case‐mix and process results of the hospitals that had participated in all three rounds were analysed.

Results  60% of all eligible trusts from England, Wales and Northern Ireland took part in all three audits in 1998, 1999 and 2001/02. Total numbers of cases were 4996, 4841 and 5152, respectively. Case‐mix variables were similar over the three rounds. Mortality at 7 and 30 days fell by 3% and 5%, respectively. The proportion of hospitals with a stroke unit rose from 48% to 77%. The proportion of patients spending most of their stay in a stroke unit rose from 17% in 1998 to 26% in 1999 and 29% in 2001/02. Improvements achieved in process standards of care between 1998 and 1999 (median change was a gain of 9%) failed to improve further by 2001/02 (median change was 0%). In all three rounds process standards  of  care  tended  to  be  better  in  stroke units.

Conclusions  Three rounds of national audit of stroke care have shown standards of care on stroke units were notably higher than on general wards. Slowing in the rise of the proportion managed on stroke units mirrors the slow down in improvement to overall national standards of care. To further improve outcomes and national standards of stroke care a much higher proportion of patients needs to be managed in stroke units.
Information‐giving sequences in general practice consultations
Authors: Goss Claudia , Mazzi Maria A. , Piccolo Lidia Del , Rimondini Michela , Zimmermann Christa
Published: July 2005

Rationale, aims and objective  Most patients want to be involved in the decision‐making process regarding their health and doctors need to improve their ability to meet these needs. Before implementing educational interventions, a better understanding of how information is provided in routine clinical practice is necessary. Aim of this study was to analyse the information‐giving sequence of general practice consultations.

Methods  This is an observational study that involved six general practitioners (GPs) in single‐handed practices and patients (aged between 16 and 74) who consulted over a 2‐month period for a new illness episode. Transcripts of 252 consultations were coded using the Verona Medical Interview Classification System that provides three categories for information giving (information on illness management; instructions on illness management and information and instructions on psychosocial aspects). Lag1 and lag2 sequential analyses were performed.

Results  Information represented about one‐third of the average consultation length. Medical and psychosocial information were preceded most often by patients’ replies to previous questions (36% and 41%, respectively) and by listening and agreement (21% and 23%, respectively), less frequently by expression of opinions (10% and 6%, respectively). Listening and agreement were the most likely patient response after information (36%). GPs rarely tried to find out patients’ view before and after the delivery of information or an instruction (<1%).

Conclusion  The low frequency of expressions of opinions and questions immediately before and after GPs’ information and instructions, and the lack of facilitating questions indicate a limited degree of patient involvement in the information‐giving sequence.
Melatonin In Humans: It's About Time
Authors: Arendt Jo
Published: July 2005

Melatonin signals night time by its rhythmic profile of secretion. Its measurement provides the best indicator of internal circadian clock timing. Treatment with melatonin induces sleepiness and lowers body temperature during ‘biological day’ (i.e. when its endogenous secretion is minimal) and it acts as a ‘chronobiotic’ to change the timing of the circadian clock. It has been used successfully to treat disorders of biological rhythms in humans
Perceptions on individualized approaches to mental health care
Authors: JONES A.
Published: July 2005

Ways of working on acute psychiatric units have come under intense scrutiny in order for service users to receive modern care and treatment. This has led to various ways not only to improve the therapeutic milieu on psychiatric wards, but also to develop standardized approaches to care. This paper reports on a study on the development of a care pathway for people diagnosed with schizophrenia, with the aim of standardizing the care process. Action research was used to develop the care pathway and views were collected, and observations made from a range of mental health professionals. Not all respondents were in agreement with a care pathway and this led to clinicians defending the individualized nature of psychiatric care. Implementation of a care pathway may help not only to rekindle the therapeutic purpose of psychiatric care, but also to build in the individualized approach to carrying out hospital care. Limitations of the study have also been briefly reported.
Culturing settlement using pre‐ and post‐migration strategies
Authors: WARD C. , STYLES I.
Published: July 2005

Appropriate pre‐ and post‐migration strategies could buffer the possible negative impact of migration and assist in settlement. This cross‐sectional study used both quantitative and qualitative approaches to establish the impact of migration on women from Britain (n = 154) now living in Perth, Western Australia; from these participants 40 were selected for in‐depth interview. Bowlby's grieving process was used as a theoretical framework to explore grief reactions to leaving the homeland (homesickness) resulting from exposure to a new culture. Crucial to successful settlement was the nature of strategies the women used to negotiate the grieving process. Participants who successfully settled and re‐invented themselves engaged in more social, cultural and country activities – those participants who were less successful in this endeavour tended toward more solitary strategies. The study has social implications for future migrants to utilize appropriate strategies that could reduce the psychological impact of relocation.
Language, therapeutic relationships and individualized care: addressing these issues in mental health care pathways
Authors: RAYNER L.
Published: July 2005

Care pathways are used extensively in inpatient medical and surgical services to facilitate the delivery of evidence‐based health care. There is a growing interest in their use in the mental health arena. However, questions remain about their acceptability to service users and staff. Most current literature is aimed at communicating the value of care pathways. Consequently, issues that are particularly pertinent to mental health, like language, therapeutic relationships and individualized care have not been fully addressed. This paper reports on the development of a care pathway in residential services in Nottingham. It will illustrate how by working in multidisciplinary groups with service users and carers these issues were incorporated into a comprehensive pathway that follows the service user's journey from admission to discharge. The paper concludes by highlighting some of the challenges of care pathway implementation and suggests ways they can be overcome.
Role of ethylene in the regulation of cell death and leaf loss in ozone‐exposed European beech
Authors: NUNN ANGELA J. , ANEGG SABINE , BETZ GUNTER , SIMONS SABINA , KALISCH GABRIELE , SEIDLITZ HARALD K. , GRAMS THORSTEN E. E. , HÄBERLE KARL‐HEINZ , Matyssek Rainer , BAHNWEG GÜNTHER , SANDERMANN HEINRICH , LANGEBARTELS CHRISTIAN
Published: July 2005

To test the involvement of ethylene in mediating ozone‐induced cell death and leaf loss in European beech (Fagus sylvatica L.), tree seedlings were exposed to proportionally increased or decreased field ozone levels for up to 6 months. Ozone treatment caused cell death and accelerated leaf loss at higher than ambient levels, but had only minor effects at ambient and no effects at subambient ozone levels. The emission of ethylene, the levels of its precursor, 1‐aminocyclopropane‐1‐carboxylate (ACC), and mRNA levels of specific ACC synthase (FS‐ACS2) and ACC oxidase (FS‐ACO1) isoforms showed a persistent increase and preceded cell death by approximately 2 weeks. Inhibition of ethylene biosynthesis led to reduced lesion formation whereas application of ACC accelerated ozone‐induced cell death and leaf loss. Similar results were obtained when adult beech trees were exposed to 2 × ozone by a whole tree free‐air canopy exposure system. The results suggest a role of ethylene in amplifying ozone effects under field conditions in this major European broad‐leaved tree species.
Development of the capacity for isoprene emission in kudzu
Authors: WIBERLEY AMY E. , LINSKEY AUTUMN R. , FALBEL TANYA G. , SHARKEY THOMAS D.
Published: July 2005

Isoprene is a biogenic hydrocarbon that has significant effects on tropospheric chemistry. It is emitted by a number of plant species, including kudzu, a leguminous vine that grows profusely in the south‐eastern United States. This study investigated development of the capacity for isoprene emission in kudzu. Previous studies examined isoprene emission during leaf development, but a molecular explanation for the observed developmental delay in emission was lacking. This study found that kudzu leaves grown at a high temperature could emit isoprene at least a week before they were fully expanded and 1 d after becoming photosynthetically competent. When grown at low temperature, however, leaves did not emit isoprene until 1 week after they became fully expanded and 2 weeks after the onset of photosynthetic competence. Levels of mRNA and protein for isoprene synthase, which catalyses the final step in isoprene biosynthesis, were investigated; it was found that transcription and translation of this gene began at the same developmental stage as onset of emission in both growth conditions. Therefore, plant growth conditions, not leaf developmental stage, have primary control over expression of isoprene synthase and onset of kudzu isoprene emission. This finding may be useful in modelling early season isoprene emission rates.
Evidence of drought‐induced stress on biotic crust moss in the Mojave Desert
Authors: BARKER DAVID H. , STARK LLOYD R. , ZIMPFER JEFF F. , MCLETCHIE NICHOLAS D. , SMITH STANLEY D.
Published: July 2005

Widespread bleaching (chlorosis) of patches of the dominant desert moss Syntrichia caninervis was observed across the northern Mojave Desert in the winter of 2002–03 following an extended period of drought interrupted by small rain events. These rain events were more frequent during the warmer months just prior to the appearance of chlorosis. We hypothesized that the patches were experiencing physiological stress due to partial hydration/rapid dehydration cycling during the warmer months. Compared to unbleached (green) shoots, chlorotic shoots exhibited significantly reduced photochemical performance, photosynthetic pigments, regenerational potential, sex expression, and lower rates of growth and productivity. However, age‐specific analyses revealed older leaves from chlorotic shoots did not show the typical decline in vigour, suggesting that stress may primarily affect younger tissues. It is concluded that this chlorosis phenomenon is indicative of physiological stress presently occurring in the Mojave Desert, and is likely due to exposure to a higher than normal frequency of light rain events (< 3.5 mm), which serve to partially hydrate moss patches that then rapidly desiccate.
Identification of Permian palaeowind direction from wave‐dominated lacustrine sediments (Lodève Basin, France)
Authors: POCHAT STÉPHANE , DRIESSCHE JEAN VAN DEN , MOUTON VALÉRIE , GUILLOCHEAU FRANÇOIS
Published: July 2005

Lacustrine environments are an excellent indicator of continental palaeoclimate. In particular, the sedimentary record of waves in lakes may be used to constrain atmospheric palaeocirculation. Wave ripples have been identified in a Permian lacustrine basin (the Salagou Formation, 260–250 Ma, Lodève Basin) located in the southern French Massif Central, part of the western European Hercynian mountain chain. Wave ripple patterns are interpreted with regards to hydrodynamics and water palaeodepth. It is shown that, in the case of the Salagou Formation, wave ripple orientations were controlled by the direction of the prevailing palaeowind. The Late Permian wind blew from between north and 20° east of north, possibly over several millions of years and certainly throughout the period of deposition of about 2000 m of strata in the Lodève Basin. Permian lacustrine sedimentation is widespread and well preserved on the Earth's surface and so wave ripple data may help constrain numerical modelling of the Earth's past climates, especially with regards to Permian times outside of desert regions.
Effects of calculation procedure and sampling site on trap method estimates of sediment resuspension in a shallow lake
Authors: HORPPILA JUKKA , NURMINEN LEENA
Published: July 2005

Resuspension estimates given by two different trap methods in a shallow lake were compared. The sensitivity of the methods to errors in estimates of gross sedimentation and organic fraction of trapped material was explored. The methods were label method, in which resuspension is estimated by determining the organic fraction of surface sediment, suspended seston and trapped material, and SPIM/SPM method, where the relationship between settling particulate inorganic matter (SPIM) and total settling particulate matter (SPM) is used. During the whole 111 day study period, according to the label method, at a sheltered station 1949 g m−2 dry weight of sediment was resuspended, whereas SPIM/SPM gave an estimate of 1815 g m−2. The difference in the estimates was probably due to mineralization loss of organic material in the traps during the two week exposure periods. Sensitivity analysis showed that of the two methods, the label method was more sensitive to variations in the organic content of trapped material. At a wind‐exposed station, the total amounts of resuspended matter given by the label method and by the SPIM/SPM method were 4966 g m−2 and 4971 g m−2, respectively. Due to wind effects, escape of trapped material took place, which caused underestimation of gross sedimentation and compensated the effects of mineralization loss to diminish the difference between the methods. Of the two methods, the SPIM/SPM method seems thus more suitable for lakes, where bacterial activity is high. If cyanobacterial blooms take place, the label method is probably more reliable, providing that the exposure time of sediment traps is kept adequately short.
Solution‐collapse breccias of the Minkinfjellet and Wordiekammen Formations, Central Spitsbergen, Svalbard: a large gypsum palaeokarst system
Authors: ELIASSEN ARILD , TALBOT MICHAEL R.
Published: July 2005

Large volumes of carbonate breccia occur in the late syn‐rift and early post‐rift deposits of the Billefjorden Trough, Central Spitsbergen. Breccias are developed throughout the Moscovian Minkinfjellet Formation and in basal parts of the Kazimovian Wordiekammen Formation. Breccias can be divided into two categories: (i) thick, cross‐cutting breccia‐bodies up to 200 m thick that are associated with breccia pipes and large V‐structures, and (ii) horizontal stratabound breccia beds interbedded with undeformed carbonate and siliciclastic rocks. The thick breccias occur in the central part of the basin, whereas the stratabound breccia beds have a much wider areal extent towards the basin margins. The breccias were formed by gravitational collapse into cavities formed by dissolution of gypsum and anhydrite beds in the Minkinfjellet Formation. Several dissolution fronts have been discovered, demonstrating the genetic relationship between dissolution of gypsum and brecciation. Textures and structures typical of collapse breccias such as inverse grading, a sharp flat base, breccia pipes (collapse dolines) and V‐structures (cave roof collapse) are also observed. The breccias are cemented by calcite cements of pre‐compaction, shallow burial origin. Primary fluid inclusions in the calcite are dominantly single phase containing fresh water (final melting points are ca 0 °C), suggesting that breccia diagenesis occurred in meteoric waters. Cathodoluminescence (CL) zoning of the cements shows a consistent pattern of three cement stages, but the abundance of each stage varies stratigraphically and laterally. δ18O values of breccia cements are more negative relative to marine limestones and meteoric cements developed in unbrecciated Minkinfjellet limestones. There is a clear relationship between δ18O values and the abundance of the different cement generations detected by CL. Paragenetically, later cements have lower δ18O values recording increased temperatures during their precipitation. Carbon isotope values of the cements are primarily rock‐buffered although a weak trend towards more negative values with increasing burial depth is observed. The timing of gypsum dissolution and brecciation was most likely related to major intervals of exposure of the carbonate platform during Gzhelian and/or Asselian/Sakmarian times. These intervals of exposure occurred shortly after deposition of the brecciated units and before deep burial of the sediments.
FHL is required for full phytochrome A signaling and shares overlapping functions with FHY1
Authors: Zhou Qingwen , Hare Peter D. , Yang Seong Wook , Zeidler Mathias , Huang Li‐Fang , Chua Nam‐Hai
Published: July 2005

Phytochrome A (phyA) plays a primary role in initiating seedling de‐etiolation and is the only plant photoreceptor known to be activated by far‐red light (FR). The signaling intermediate FHY1 appears to either participate directly in relaying the phyA signal or to positively regulate a critical signaling event(s) downstream of phyA activation. Here we identify a homolog of FHY1 named FHL (FHY1‐like) as a novel signaling factor essential for complete responsiveness to phyA. FHL possesses functional nuclear localization and nuclear export signals. Lines in which FHL function was abolished by insertional mutagenesis or attenuated by RNAi‐mediated suppression displayed a weaker hyposensitivity to continuous FR than fhy1 null mutants and most reported phyA signaling mutants. However, hypocotyl elongation assays indicated that suppression of FHL expression in fhy1‐3 caused an insensitivity of hypocotyl elongation to FR and blue light (B) indistinguishable from that seen in phyA. Real‐time PCR indicates that in FR, FHY1 transcripts are approximately 15‐fold more abundant than FHL transcripts. Although both FHY1 and FHL are capable of homo‐ and hetero‐interaction via their C‐termini, the ability of FHL overexpression to restore wild‐type (WT) morphological and molecular phenotypes to fhy1‐3 seedlings suggests that the extreme insensitivity to FR associated with suppression of FHL expression in fhy1‐3 cannot be accounted for by a critical role for FHY1‐FHL heterodimers in phyA signal transmission. Rather, we suggest that the relative abundances of FHY1 and FHL in WT plants account for the differences in the severity of fhy1 and fhl mutations. As for FHY1, FHL transcript accumulation is dependent on FHY3 and is decreased after exposure to FR, R or B light. These findings reiterate the prevalence of partial degeneracy in plant signaling networks that regulate responses crucial to survival.
Soluble starch synthase I: a major determinant for the synthesis of amylopectin in Arabidopsis thaliana leaves
Authors: Delvallé David , Dumez Sylvain , Wattebled Fabrice , Roldán Isaac , Planchot Véronique , Berbezy Pierre , Colonna Paul , Vyas Darshna , Chatterjee Manash , Ball Steven , Mérida Ángel , D'Hulst Christophe
Published: July 2005

A minimum of four soluble starch synthase families have been documented in all starch‐storing green plants. These activities are involved in amylopectin synthesis and are extremely well conserved throughout the plant kingdom. Mutants or transgenic plants defective for SSII and SSIII isoforms have been previously shown to have a large and specific impact on the synthesis of amylopectin while the function of the SSI type of enzymes has remained elusive. We report here that Arabidopsis mutants, lacking a plastidial starch synthase isoform belonging to the SSI family, display a major and novel type of structural alteration within their amylopectin. Comparative analysis of β‐limit dextrins for both wild type and mutant amylopectins suggests a specific and crucial function of SSI during the synthesis of transient starch in Arabidopsis leaves. Considering our own characterization of SSI activity and the previously described kinetic properties of maize SSI, our results suggest that the function of SSI is mainly involved in the synthesis of small outer chains during amylopectin cluster synthesis.
Longterm survival of transplanted human corneal epithelial cells and corneal stem cells
Authors: Egarth Maria , Hellkvist Josefine , Claesson Margareta , Hanson Charles , Stenevi Ulf
Published: July 2005

Purpose:  To investigate the survival of donor‐derived epithelial cells in conventional penetrating keratoplasty (PKP) and in homologous penetrating central limbal keratoplasty (HPCLK).

Methods and Patients:  Epithelial cells from 26 eyes of 26 patients were analysed. All cases were sex‐mismatched (i.e. the transplant and patient were of different genders). At suture removal more than 1 year post surgery, epithelial cells were obtained by gently wiping the removed sutures on glass slides. The cell samples were analysed using fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH) of the sex chromosomes. This technique makes it possible to allocate the origin of each cell nucleus to either the donor or the recipient.

Results:  All 19 conventional PKPs were clear and seven had donor‐derived epithelial cells at suture removal. Five of the seven HPCLK grafts were clear at the time of investigation (365–1355 days post surgery), and donor‐derived epithelial cells were found in two grafts.

Conclusion:  Harvesting cells from removed sutures in combination with FISH enables the clinical study of cell survival in corneal transplants without jeopardizing functioning grafts. From the limited sample investigated, the following tentative conclusions can be made. Donor‐derived epithelial cells can remain in conventional PKP for over 1 year. In combined stem cell and corneal grafts (HPCLK), donor‐derived epithelial cells may also be retrieved at 1 year or beyond following surgery but the correlation between their presence and a remaining clear graft is uncertain.
Effect of tillage on abundance of Japanese beetle, Popillia japonica Newman (Col., Scarabaeidae), larvae and adults in highbush blueberry fields
Authors: Szendrei Z. , Mallampalli N. , Isaacs R.
Published: July 2005

Abstract:  At 15 commercial highbush blueberry farms, fields where row middles were tilled had 72% lower larval density of Popillia japonica than fields with grass in row middles. Popillia japonica larval populations were similar in the perimeters of tilled and untilled fields. Soil parameters measured in these sites were not correlated with larval density of P. japonica. Samples of adult beetles on bushes showed that they were significantly less abundant in tilled fields compared with fields with grass in the row middles. The abundance of larvae inside fields during the spring was significantly correlated with early, but not late summer abundance of adult beetles on bushes. Comparisons of different tillage timings showed that grassy plots between rows of blueberry bushes that were tilled in spring and kept bare all year round had lower abundance of P. japonica larvae than those that retained perennial ryegrass. The effect of tillage timing on larval abundance was not consistent across 2 years, but most timings caused similar reduction in P. japonica larval density in the row middles. Tillage in the spring and in the autumn caused 50.5% and 68.8% reduction of larval density in each year respectively. These results indicate that tillage can reduce P. japonica larval and adult abundance in highbush blueberry fields.
Estimating dispersal rate of the silky cane weevil (Coleoptera: Curculionidae)*
Authors: Puche H. , Weissling T. J. , Schnell R. , Epsky N. D. , Heath R. R.
Published: July 2005

Abstract:  The objective of this study was to estimate the silky cane weevil rate of dispersal under near‐natural conditions inside a screened enclosure where an array of buckets was baited with cut sugarcane stalks. One hundred weevils were released and weevils inside the buckets were counted hourly for 8 h, and then 24 and 48 h after release. A passive diffusion model was used to estimate the weevil's dispersal and disappearance rates, within and between rows of buckets with sugarcane. The weevils concentrated around the release point and slowly moved towards the boundaries of the experimental plot over time with an overall average dispersal rate of 2.8 ± 3.58 cm2/h. Dispersal and disappearance rates within and between rows were not significantly different among the time intervals considered (1–8, 8–24 and 24–48 h after release) except for the 1–8 time interval on the array representing the release point when the dispersal rate, D, was significantly higher than those at other time intervals. Continuum of the substratum to disperse from one side of the array to another via a wooden bridge may explain the higher dispersal rate through this array. The number of buckets exposed to the sun during the morning hours was significantly higher on those rows exposed to the sun (south side of the screen enclosure) than on the shaded side. Longer times of bucket exposure to the sun may explain the predominant distribution of weevils in that area suggesting that the weevil population is constantly expanding and retracting according to micro environmental conditions.
The seasonal forms and reproductive potential of the common pistachio psylla, Agonoscena pistaciae (Hem., Psylloidea)
Authors: Mehrnejad M. R. , Copland M. J. W.
Published: July 2005

Abstract:  Two distinct seasonal forms were found for the common pistachio psylla, Agonoscena pistaciae, the most serious insect pest of cultivated pistachio trees, Pistacia vera in Iran. The two forms are different morphologically as well as biologically. The summer form is of light colour and readily mates and starts egg laying 1–2 days after emergence, whereas, the winter form is larger, generally darker and in reproductive diapause. The first form is observed under long photoperiod, while the second form is induced under a combination of short photoperiod and low temperature. The combination of long photoperiod and warm temperature enhanced post‐emergence ovarian development in the winter form, showing a close inverse correlation between pre‐oviposition period and increasing temperatures. Both forms of A. pistaciae are adapted to a wide temperature range of 20–30°C for reproduction, and the fecundity of psyllid adults of either summer‐ or winter forms was found to be very high under experimental conditions.