bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Social Construction of Contextual Rationalities in MNCs: An Anglo‐German Comparison of Subsidiary Choice*
Authors: Geppert Mike , Williams Karen , Matten Dirk
Published: September 2008

ABSTRACTThis paper seeks to examine empirically the extent to which actors in subsidiaries of multinational companies (MNCs) are able to exercise some choice in the face of global pressures from the MNC headquarters (HQ). We argue that managerial practices in MNCs are not the result of a simple imposition of a global or a MNC organizational rationality but are subject to an interactive process, where differing contextual rationalities come into play. Using data from MNC subsidiaries in Britain and Germany, the paper compares the power resources and strategic choices of subsidiary level actors and shows the ways in which they seek to influence global strategy implementation as it affects local work systems. We investigate the different abilities of German and British managers to shape global restructuring processes in their local organizational contexts and conclude that national contexts impact on both the formulation of parent company strategies via a home country rationality and on the implementation of global strategies via a host country rationality. There are greater national barriers to a MNC policy of convergence based on standardized products and processes in Germany than in the UK.
The Changing Japanese Multinational: Application, Adaptation and Learning in Car Manufacturing and Financial Services*
Authors: Whitley Richard , Morgan Glenn , Kelly William , Sharpe Diana
Published: September 2008

ABSTRACTThe combination of increasingly international operations, the continuing domestic recession, and the gradual opening of the Japanese economy to foreign investment might be expected to change many features of Japanese multinational companies. In particular, the level and mode of central control of overseas units, especially their reliance on expatriate managers, could change as firms become more willing to use foreign subsidiaries as sources of innovation and learning rather than as delivery pipelines for domestically designed and developed products. These changes are more likely in sectors dominated by non‐Japanese firms, such as international financial services. Interviews with managers of 14 Japanese manufacturing and financial service firms in the UK and Japan confirmed substantial differences in their internationalization patterns in the 1990s, both between and within sectors. Car manufacturers in particular invested major resources in transferring significant features of their domestic operations to UK units, usually with expatriate managers, and one was investing in developing an international cadre of managers.

In the case of banks and other financial service companies, the continuing banking crisis in Japan and limited profitability of their European operations, had stimulated a variety of responses. While some had simply withdrawn from serving non‐Japanese clients, or withdrawn altogether from Europe, others were trying to develop new skills and approaches to compete effectively with established Anglo‐Saxon firms at the same time as refocusing on Japanese customers to improve profitability. However, the sharply contrasting labour market practices in London and Japan made it difficult for many banks to develop firm specific skills that would enable them to become competitive in markets currently dominated by western banks. This raises general questions about how multinational companies coordinate skills and careers across differently organized skill formation and control systems.
Reproductive biology of the brown smoothhound shark Mustelus henlei, in the northern Gulf of California, México
Authors: Pérez‐Jiménez J. C. , Sosa‐Nishizaki O.
Published: September 2008

Female brown smoothhound sharks Mustelus henlei were found to reproduce annually. A mature female carried both developing oocytes in the ovary and developing embryos in the uteri concurrently for c. 1 year. A great variability in the size of embryos was recorded each month, and the maximum embryo sizes were found from late January to mid‐March. The largest oocytes in mature females were observed in mid‐March. Gestation lasted c. 10 months. A linear relationship between maternal total length (LT) and the number of pups per litter (litter size one to 21) was estimated. Birth LT was reached in c. 280 mm. Females and males matured at 570–660 and 550–560 mm LT, respectively. Difference in the litter size among Californian coast (one to 10) and northern Gulf of California (one to 21) populations existed for this smoothhound shark.
Pikeperch Sander lucioperca trapped between niches: foraging performance and prey selection in a piscivore on a planktivore diet
Authors: Persson A. , Brönmark C.
Published: September 2008

The foraging behaviour of planktivorous pikeperch Sander lucioperca during their first growing season was analysed. Field data showed that S. lucioperca feed on extremely rare prey at the end of the summer, suggesting the presence of a bottleneck. In experiments, foraging ability of planktivorous S. lucioperca was determined when fish were feeding on different prey types (Daphnia magna or Chaoborus spp.) and sizes (D. magna of lengths 1 or 2·5 mm) when they occurred alone. From these results, the minimum density requirement of each prey type was analysed. The energy gain for three different foraging strategies was estimated; a specialized diet based on either large D. magna or Chaoborus spp. or a generalist diet combining both prey types. Prey value estimates showed that Chaoborus spp. should be the preferred prey, assuming an energy maximizing principle. In prey choice experiments, S. lucioperca largely followed this principle, including D. magna in the diet only when the density of the Chaoborus spp. was below a threshold value. Splitting the foraging bout into different sequences, however, resulted in a somewhat different pattern. During an initial phase, S. lucioperca captured both prey as encountered and then switched to Chaoborus spp. if prey density was above the threshold level. The prey selection observed was mainly explained by sampling behaviour and incomplete information about environmental quality, whereas satiation only had marginal effects. It was concluded that the observed diet based on rare prey items was in accordance with an optimal foraging strategy and may generate positive growth in the absence of prey fish in suitable sizes.
Validation of annulus formation in otoliths of a temperate population of adult African sharptooth catfish Clarias gariepinus using fluorochrome marking of wild fish
Authors: Weyl O. L. F. , Booth A. J.
Published: September 2008

The deposition rate of growth zones in sagittal otoliths of wild Clarias gariepinus that were fluorochrome marked with oxytetracycline and recaptured after a period of between 0·44 and 2·13 years was consistent with the deposition of one growth increment annually.
Otolith increment width responses of juvenile Australian smelt Retropinna semoni to sudden changes in food levels: the importance of feeding history
Authors: Tonkin Z. , King A. J. , Ramsey D. S. L.
Published: September 2008

To aid the interpretation of otolith microstructure in wild fishes, the present study assessed responses in daily otolith increment widths of early juvenile Australian smelt Retropinna semoni to sudden changes in feeding conditions. There was an almost immediate response in otolith increment widths (which can be interpreted as growth in length) to sudden changes in feeding conditions, with such changes being detected statistically after c. 4 days. Fish displayed compensatory growth when food supplies were increased following a period of limited food, indicating the magnitude of the response in growth appears highly dependant on feeding history. Additionally, fish size also appeared to influence increment widths suggesting that both fish size and feeding history are important factors that must be considered when interpreting otolith microstructure for the species.
Behavioural temperature preference in a brooding male pipefish Syngnathus typhle
Authors: Ahnesjö I.
Published: September 2008

In the broad‐nosed pipefish Syngnathus typhle, brooding males positioned themselves significantly more often towards the warmer part (18° C) of an aquarium, whereas females were indifferent in this respect. This behavioural temperature preference may increase male brooding rate and indirectly influence patterns of mating competition.
Elemental chemistry of left and right sagittal otoliths in a marine fish Hippoglossus stenolepis displaying cranial asymmetry
Authors: Loher T. , Wischniowski S. , Martin G. B.
Published: September 2008

The hypothesis was tested that the sagittae of age 2 year Pacific halibut Hippoglossus stenolepis are interchangeable, by analysing whole‐otolith preparations for element‐to‐calcium ratios of 10 trace metals (7Li, 25Mg, 55Mn, 56Fe, 60Ni, 63Cu, 66Zn, 88Sr, 138Ba and 208Pb) and carbon and oxygen stable isotope ratios (δ13C and δ18O). After detrending for significant (α= 0·05) relationships between elemental concentration and otolith mass, significant (paired t‐tests, P < 0·01) asymmetry was detected in δ13C and δ18O, and 88Sr:48Ca. Right (smaller) sagittae exhibited higher δ13C and δ18O, and lower 88Sr:48Ca, than left sagittae. Significant (α= 0·05) left–right differences were not detected in the remained trace metals. Given that sagittae are the same size at hatch and diverge as H. stenolepis age, the larger otolith is presumably biased towards later‐accreted carbonate. Estuarine‐reared flatfish probably exhibit more pronounced dissimilarities than observed here, given greater environmental variability in such habitats relative to coastal halibut nurseries, and the importance of salinity and temperature in regulating elemental uptake.
Diel vertical migration of the loosejaw dragonfishes (Stomiiformes: Stomiidae: Malacosteinae): a new analysis for rare pelagic taxa
Authors: Kenaley C. P.
Published: September 2008

The diel vertical migration (DVM) of three genera of the stomiid subfamily Malacosteinae (Photostomias, Aristostomias and Malacosteus) was analysed from capture records of nearly 300 specimens in the Atlantic Ocean. To account for broad temporal and geographic scales encountered in this study, local time of capture was transformed to a corrected time representing position in a solar day. Species of Photostomias and Aristostomias undertake asynchronous DVMs characterized by a residence in the mesopelagic zone during the day and separate migrating and non‐migrating subpopulations at night. Species of Photostomias displayed an asynchronous DVM pattern characterized by a residence in the lower mesopelagic zone (>500 m) during the day and a segregated distribution at night. Specimens of Photostomias guernei captured at night in the mesopelagic were nearly identical in size to those captured in the epipelagic; however, day epipelagic specimens were stratified by size. In species of Aristostomias, few specimens were caught in the mesopelagic zone during the day and only small specimens were captured in the mesopelagic zone at night, indicating that sampling depth may not have been adequate to capture the bulk of mesopelagic daytime residents and the entire size range of the non‐migrating night‐time residents. In contrast, Malacosteus niger was distributed below 600 m, did not regularly migrate to the epipelagic zone and was stratified across the 700 m isobath. From these data, relationships between DVM patterns, morphology and foraging ecology are inferred and biases and applications of this method are discussed.
A simple technique for remote identification of individual spawning fishes
Authors: Sato T. , Kano Y.
Published: September 2008

A robust method to identify individual spawning Japanese charr Salvelinus leucomaenis japonicus using visible implant elastomer (VIE) and commercial binoculars was developed. Successful individual identification was c. 80% for 1693 observation trials, and successful pair recognition was c. 70% for 337 pairs of spawning fish.
The influence of hunger on food‐stocking behaviour of climbing perch Anabas testudineus
Authors: Binoy V. V. , Thomas K. J.
Published: September 2008

The present study demonstrated that the climbing perch Anabas testudineus collected and stocked food pellets in its mouth, a behaviour that has not yet been reported in any other species of fish. In this species, food deprivation for 24 h increased food stocking, but not food intake.
Habitat use of Atlantic salmon Salmo salar parr in a dynamic winter environment: the influence of anchor‐ice dams
Authors: Stickler M. , Enders E. C. , Pennell C. J. , Cote D. , Alfredsen K. T. , Scruton D. A.
Published: September 2008

The effect of anchor‐ice dams on the physical habitat and behavioural responses of Atlantic salmon Salmo salar parr in a small, steep stream was investigated. Anchor‐ice dams formed periodically, leading to a dynamic winter environment as the study reach alternated between riffle and walk dominated habitat. Parr demonstrated large individual variation in habitat use, utilizing most of the wetted stream width, and were generally unaffected by diel changes in the mesohabitat composition. Furthermore, parr displayed high site fidelity in areas with low embedded substrata, and demonstrated few large movements between the three mesohabitat classes present: shallow riffle, walk and pool. Findings from this study question the importance of hydraulic variables such as water depth, flow velocity and dynamic ice formation as single habitat features for juvenile stream salmonids during winter and emphasize the importance of access to substratum cover.
Reproductive biology of two co‐occurring mugilids, Liza argentea and Myxus elongatus, in south‐eastern Australia
Authors: Kendall B. W. , Gray C. A.
Published: September 2008

The reproductive biology of Liza argentea and Myxus elongatus occurring in two estuaries (Lake Macquarie and St Georges Basin) was found to differ. Gonado‐somatic index values and macroscopic staging of gonads identified the peak spawning period of L. argentea occurred between March and November in Lake Macquarie and January and April in St Georges Basin. In contrast, peak spawning of M. elongatus was concentrated between January and March in both estuaries. Spawning of L. argentea probably occurred in the lower reaches of estuaries as well as in nearshore coastal waters, whereas evidence indicated M. elongatus spawned only in ocean waters. The mean fork length at maturity (LF50) was greater for females than males in both species, and it also occurred at a larger mean LF in M. elongatus (males = 230 mm and females = 255 mm) than L. argentea (males = 180 mm and females = 207 mm). Estimates of total potential fecundity were also greater for M. elongatus (425 484–1 157 029) compared to L. argentea (159 933–548 954). Both species had determinate fecundity and displayed a group synchronous pattern of oocyte development, with two distinct size classes of oocytes present in mature ovaries. Liza argentea probably release the larger class of oocytes in one spawning event, but this could not be established for M. elongatus.
Effect of music stimulus on gilthead seabream Sparus aurata physiology under different light intensity in a re‐circulating water system
Authors: Papoutsoglou S. E. , Karakatsouli N. , Batzina A. , Papoutsoglou E. S. , Tsopelakos A.
Published: September 2008

The aim of the present study was to evaluate music effects (Mozart, K525) on gilthead seabream Sparus aurata and investigate whether its response to music was differentiated when combined with different lighting conditions. Therefore, S. aurata (mean ±s.e. 1·51 ± 0·01 g) were reared in re‐circulating water system under 80 and 200 lx and subjected to 2 and 4 h of music transmissions or to no music at all (control, ambient noise only). Underwater ambient noise of the equipment (e.g. pumps and aerators) in all experimental tanks was 121 dB re 1 μPa and music transmitted was set at 140 dB re 1 μPa. During the first 89 days of rearing, music resulted in enhanced growth. Nevertheless, at the end of the experiment (on day 117) no significant differences were found for body mass but music treatment resulted in more homogeneous fish populations than controls. Brain neurotransmitter levels were reduced especially when music transmission was combined with 200 lx. Feed utilization was significantly improved when fish were subjected to 4 h of music and 200 lx, while stomach proteolytic enzymes and intestine total carbohydrases were lower and higher, respectively, compared to controls. Some differences were also observed in liver and plasma fatty acids composition. The present results provide the initial evidence that music transmission under specific rearing conditions could have enhancing effects on S. aurata growth performance, at least at specific fish sizes. Moreover, the observed music effects on several aspects of fish physiology (e.g. digestive enzymes, fatty acid composition and brain neurotransmitters) imply that music could possibly provide even further enhancement in growth, quality, welfare and production.
Changes in swimming depths of Atlantic salmonSalmo salarpost‐smolts relative to light intensity
Authors: Davidsen J. G. , Plantalech Manel‐la N. , ØKland F. , Diserud O. H. , Thorstad E. B. , Finstad B. , Sivertsgård R. , McKinley R. S. , Rikardsen A. H.
Published: September 2008

Eight hatchery‐reared Atlantic salmonSalmo salarpost‐smolts, implanted with acoustic depth sensing transmitters and manually tracked for 5–12 h in the Hardangerfjord (Norway), spent most of their time (49–99%) at 1–3 m depth during the day, whereas four of seven fish tracked were found close (<0·5 m) to the surface at night, with a strong negative cross‐correlation between general swimming depth and surface light intensity. Hence, the actual swimming depth of post‐smolts during their early marine migration may depend on the light conditions, although the individual variation in vertical movement pattern was large. No cross‐correlations were found between light intensity and swimming depth during daytime periods with rapid changes in light intensity, indicating that other factors than light intensity were important in initiating the irregular dives that were recorded down to 6·5 m depth.
The occipital region in the basal bony fish Erpetoichthys calabaricus (Actinopterygii: Cladistia)
Authors: Claeson K. M. , Hagadorn J. W.
Published: September 2008

Erpetoichthys calabaricus has unusual cranio‐vertebral anatomy, with an occipital centrum forming a component part of the compound basiexoccipital bone, and a ‘free‐floating’ occipital neural arch that differs from accessory arches found in some teleosts. The occipital neural arch bears autapomorphic lateral projections that articulate with small rod‐like bones resembling the spatial relationship of parapophyses and ribs, a feature normally restricted to vertebral centra. Based on analyses of cleared and stained specimens, computed tomography and histology, it is hypothesized that the lateral projections and associated rod‐shaped bones are structures that share developmental homologies to the unique ‘dorsal ribs’ of Polypteridae.
The Importance of Identity in Policy: The Case For and Of Children
Authors: McDonald Catherine
Published: September 2008

This article draws out one of the core reasons why children should be conceived as active agents in research, particularly policy‐related research. The main thesis is that policy inevitably projects and, to an extent, constitutes the subject identities of its intended objects — in this case, that of ‘children’. Drawing on several bodies of theory — the ‘new’ sociology of childhood, identity theory, ‘governmentality’ and theories of discourse — the article shows why not incorporating children’s voices is a problem for social policy, and suggests that the impact of their exclusion has the potential to render policy both inappropriate and non‐responsive.
WAVE2‐ and microtubule‐dependent formation of long protrusions and invasion of cancer cells cultured on three‐dimensional extracellular matrices
Authors: Kikuchi Keiji , Takahashi Kazuhide
Published: September 2008

Invadopodia, small protrusions formed at ventral membranes of several types of invasive cancer cells upon contact with the extracellular matrix (ECM), are implicated in cell invasion; however, the relationship between invadopodia formation and cell invasion through the ECM is still unknown. To correlate the formation of membrane protrusions and cell invasion, a three‐dimensional (3‐D) gel culture system with native collagen type‐I matrix overlaid with a thin basement membrane equivalent (Matrigel) was made. Human breast cancer cell line MDA‐MB‐231 formed long protrusions in addition to small protrusions reminiscent of invadopodia and migrated into the collagen layer. Comparative analyses with other cancer cell lines indicate that cellular ability to form long protrusions, but not small protrusions or invadopodia, correlates with cellular invasiveness in the 3‐D culture. Some of the long protrusions in MDA‐MB‐231 cells appeared to extend from the adherence membrane, implying that they are derived from small protrusions. The formation of long protrusions and invasion, as well as the formation of invadopodia, required WAVE2 in MDA‐MB‐231 cells. Accumulation of tubulin was observed in long protrusions but not in invadopodia. Correspondingly, a microtubule‐stabilizing agent, paclitaxel, suppressed the formation of long protrusions and invasion, but not the formation of invadopodia, in MDA‐MB‐231 cells. These results suggest that long protrusions formed in a WAVE2‐ and microtubule‐dependent manner may identify the cells at the later stage of invasion, possibly after the formation of invadopodia in the 3‐D cultures. (Cancer Sci 2008; 99: 2252–2259)
Quantitative analysis of hTERT mRNA levels in cells microdissected from cytological specimens
Authors: Fujita Hayato , Ohuchida Kenoki , Mizumoto Kazuhiro , Egami Takuya , Miyasaka Yoshihiro , Yamaguchi Hiroshi , Yu Jun , Cui Lin , Onimaru Manabu , Takahata Shunichi , Tsuneyoshi Masazumi , Tanaka Masao
Published: September 2008

Clinicians frequently require cytopathological assessment of tumor samples for preoperative diagnosis, but in some specimens, diagnosis remains inconclusive after cytological examination. To date, several molecular markers, including human telomerase reverse transcriptase (hTERT), have been assessed for the ability to detect malignancy. However, analyses using whole cytological specimens are generally affected by contamination of untargeted cells. The present study investigated the feasibility of more sensitive examination by quantitative mRNA analysis of target cells microdissected from cytological specimens. Laser capture microdissection (LCM) was used to obtain target cells from cytological specimens. hTERT mRNA levels were then measured in target cells by quantitative real‐time RT‐PCR (qRT‐PCR). The effect of RNA fragmentation on qRT‐PCR was also assessed. Total RNA from cytological specimens was sometimes fragmented to a large degree. To avoid the effect of RNA fragmentation, gene specific priming and PCR primers generating short PCR products were used and no difference in delta Ct values between fragmented and non‐fragmented RNA were found. hTERT mRNA levels were measured in cells microdissected from 33 cytological specimens. The levels of hTERT mRNA were significantly higher in malignant cases compared to those in non‐malignant cases (P = 0.0003). The sensitivity was 96.2%, even when the specificities were 100%. High levels of hTERT mRNA were also found in three cases that were not diagnosed as malignant by cytological examination. Quantitative assessment of hTERT mRNA levels in cells microdissected from cytological specimens is a potential diagnostic tool to potentiate cytological examination in diagnosing malignancy. (Cancer Sci 2008; 99: 2244–2251)
The role of breast FNAC in diagnosis and clinical management: a survey of current practice
Authors: Kocjan G. , Bourgain C. , Fassina A. , Hagmar B. , Herbert A. , Kapila K. , Kardum‐Skelin I. , Kloboves‐Prevodnik V. , Krishnamurthy S. , Koutselini H. , Majak B. , Olszewski W. , Onal B. , Pohar‐Marinšek Ž. , Shabalova I. , Smith J. , Tani E. , Vielh P. , Wiener H. , Schenck U. , Schmitt F.
Published: September 2008

Most participating countries have now adopted a triple assessment approach, i.e. clinical,imaging and pathology, to breast diagnosis, with FNAC as the first‐line pathological investigation in both screening and symptomatic populations, with the exception of microcalcifications. Pathologists specialized in cytopathology are best qualified to collect and interpret FNAC samples, but this is not always possible or practical. Radiologists involved in breast imaging should ensure that they have the necessary skills to carry out FNAC under all forms of image guidance. Best results are achieved by a combination of both techniques, as shown in the image‐guided FNAC in the presence of the cytopathologist. The majority of European countries use similar reporting systems for breast FNAC (C1–C5), in keeping with European Guidelines for Quality Assurance in Breast Cancer Screening and Diagnosis, although some still prefer descriptive reporting only. When triple assessment is concordant, final treatment may proceed on the basis of FNAC, without a tissue biopsy. ER and PR assessment can be done safely on FNAC material. However, not all institutions may have expertise in doing this. HER‐2 protein expression on direct cytological preparations is insufficiently reliable for clinical use, although its use for FISH is possible, if expertise is available. The majority of participants practise a degree of one‐stop diagnosis with a cytopathologist present in the out‐patient clinic. Formal recognition of the importance of the time spent outside the laboratory, both for cytopathologist and cytotechnologist, is necessary in order to ensure appropriate resourcing. The use of core biopsy (CB) has increased, although not always for evidence‐based reasons. CB and FNAC are not mutually exclusive. FNAC should be used in diagnosis of benign, symptomatic lesions and CB in microcalcifications, suspicious FNAC findings and malignancies where radiology cannot guarantee stromal invasion.
STAT6 signalling is important in CD8+ T‐cell activation and defence against Toxoplasma gondii infection in the brain
Authors: Jin Donghao , Takamoto Masaya , Hu Tao , Taki Shinsuke , Sugane Kazuo
Published: September 2008

Signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT) 6 is a molecule involved in interleukin (IL)‐4 and ‐13 signalling. We investigated the role of STAT6 signalling in Toxoplasma gondii‐infected mice using STAT6‐deficient (STAT6−/−) and wild‐type (WT) mice. A significantly larger number of cysts were recovered from the brain in STAT6−/− than in WT mice on days 28 and 56 post‐infection. CD8+ T cells in cerebrospinal fluid and spleen stimulated with T. gondii antigen produced higher levels of interferon (IFN)‐γ in WT than in STAT6−/− mice. CD8+ T‐cell function, estimated by expression of CD25 and cytotoxic activity, was lower in STAT6−/− than in WT mice. Transfer of CD8+ but not CD4+ T cells, purified from infected WT mice, into STAT6−/− mice successfully prevented formation of cysts in the brain. However, transfer of naïve CD8+ T cells from WT into STAT6−/− mice did not show either activation of CD8+ T cells or a decrease in the number of cysts in the brain. Transfer of splenic adherent cells from WT into STAT6−/− mice induced activation of CD8+ T cells and decreased the number of cysts in the brain. Expression of CD86 on splenic dendritic cells and IL‐12 p40 production were weaker in STAT6−/− than in WT mice after T. gondii infection. These results indicate that STAT6 signalling is important in CD8+ T‐cell activation, possibly through regulation of antigen‐presenting cells, which could suppress T. gondii infection in the brain.
Topographic controls on the distribution of tree islands in the high Andes of south‐western Ecuador
Authors: Coblentz D. , Keating P. L.
Published: September 2008

Aim To evaluate the hypothesis that geomorphometric parameters of upper montane Andean environments have an important influence on the regional fire ecology and consequently play a role in the spatial distribution of ‘remnant’ tree islands dominated byPolylepis.

Location A glacial landscape located between 3600 and 4400 m elevation in Cajas National Park, south‐western Ecuador.

Methods The eigenvalue ratio method was used to evaluate the regional geomorphometric parameters of a 30‐m digital elevation model for Cajas National Park. The landscape character was evaluated by quantifying the topographic roughness, organization, and gradient. This information was used to determine the spatial correlations between terrain characteristics and the distribution of tree islands in the region.

Results We demonstrate a strong spatial correlation between areas of high topographic roughness and gradient, and the locations of the major tree islands. We find that there is a distinctive relationship between the topographic roughness and organization in the vicinity of the tree islands (e.g. increased upslope roughness and decreased topographic grain strength) that substantiates the notion that the tree islands are located in relatively inaccessible topography.

Main conclusions In the northern and central Andes, the location ofPolylepis‐dominated ‘forest islands’ has been shown to be a function of climate, terrain characteristics, and anthropogenic disturbances. Although the relative importance of various ecological factors has been debated, it remains clear that fires have exerted a strong influence on these ecosystems. Other authors have noted that tree islands are more likely to occur at the base of cliffs, above moist areas, and in other areas where fires do not burn frequently. Our results corroborate these observations, and demonstrate that the occurrence ofPolylepispatches is strongly correlated with specific combinations of terrain features. Although we do not discount the importance of other factors in determining the spatial position and areal extent of these forests, we demonstrate strong support for fire‐related hypotheses.
Historical biogeography of European leuciscins (Cyprinidae): evaluating the Lago Mare dispersal hypothesis
Authors: Levy André , Doadrio Ignacio , Almada Vítor C.
Published: September 2008

Aim  To test the importance of the Lago Mare stage of the Messinian Salinity Crisis for the dispersal and diversification of European leuciscins (Cyprinidae: Leuciscinae).

Location  Europe.

Methods  Cytochrome b sequences of European leuciscins were employed to investigate phylogenetic relationships among species, using Bayesian inference, and to estimate times of diversification, using a relaxed molecular clock. The distributions of 190 European leuciscins were compiled, and regional species compositions were compared using a taxonomic similarity index and an area cladogram.

Results  Leuciscins restricted to the Iberian and Italian peninsulas and the West and South Balkan regions are phylogenetically more closely related to northern European species than to species from another southern European area. Application of a relaxed molecular clock to a Bayesian phylogeny indicates that most southern clades originated and diversified prior to the Messinian. Southern European regions are taxonomically distinct from one another, and from a more taxonomically homogeneous group of areas that includes Anatolia, East Balkans, Middle East, North Europe and West Russia.

Main conclusions  The scenario of a Messinian period of dispersal of Paratethyan fauna into Mediterranean regions, via the Lago Mare, predicts a rapid period of diversification and a pattern of close association among southern European faunas. Phylogenetic relationships among leuciscins, the timing of cladogenic events, and the taxonomic similarity among geographical regions do not conform to this expectation. The depth of clades endemic to southern Europe, together with the high levels of endemism in these regions, suggests that the faunas in these regions diverged prior to the Messinian and have evolved largely in isolation from one another. Our results support a model of gradual colonization of Mediterranean regions since the Oligocene. Subsequent connections between adjacent areas may have occurred in the Messinian or Pleistocene.
A Quaternary perspective on the conservation prospects of the Tertiary relict tree Prunus lusitanica L.
Authors: Calleja J. A. , Benito Garzón M. , Sainz Ollero H.
Published: September 2008

Aim  To assess the importance of climate and human pressure as factors limiting the past, present and future distribution of Prunus lusitanica L. (the Portuguese laurel), a relict of Europe’s ancient subtropical laurel‐forest flora.

Location  The Iberian Peninsula.

Methods  A census was taken of the current populations of P. lusitanica in the Iberian Peninsula and the threats they face. The potential distribution of the species was modelled under current climatic conditions and under simulations of the climate for the Last Glacial Maximum (LGM), the mid‐Holocene and the year 2080.

Results  The present total population of 31,000 individuals is largely distributed as small, fragmented subpopulations, often threatened by agriculture or forestry. The species’ current range is much smaller than its potentially suitable range. During the LGM, P. lusitanica would have been constrained to a limited number of sites along the Atlantic coast. In the mid‐Holocene, its potential range was much wider than during the LGM and similar to that of the present day. Under the 2080 climate scenario its potential range is reduced by almost 40% compared to that of the present. This reduction includes the loss of territories currently home to three‐quarters of its Iberian population.

Main conclusions  Drastic climatic changes and the existence of refugia are usually invoked to explain the rarity and fragmented distribution – yet persistence – of a subtropical flora in southern Europe. The availability of climatically suitable habitats is, however, not necessarily the main factor limiting its distribution. Human impact would appear to have been – and continues to be – of fundamental importance in the current population sizes and potential range of P. lusitanica in the Iberian Peninsula.
Towards a generalized biogeography of the Southern Ocean benthos
Authors: Griffiths Huw J. , Barnes David K. A. , Linse Katrin
Published: September 2008

Aim  To investigate whether the biogeographical regions proposed by J. W. Hedgpeth and widely adopted by other authors hold true, are an oversimplification or with further data might show a unified Antarctic province.

Location  Southern Hemisphere.

Methods  The distributions of 1318 species of bivalves, 4656 species of gastropods, 1465 species of cheilostome and 167 species of cyclostome bryozoans were analysed for 29 regions in the Southern Hemisphere, including South American, South African, Tasmanian, New Zealand, sub‐Antarctic and Antarctic regions. We present data on species richness, rates of endemism, patterns of radiation, faunal similarities and multivariate biogeographical analyses.

Results  The most striking pattern to emerge from our data set of species counts per region was a strong east–west hemispheric asymmetry, with high species numbers in New Zealand, Tasmania and South Africa and low numbers in South America. In contrast, no difference was found in richness between the east and west parts of the Southern Ocean. We compared findings in our model taxa with published data on ascidians, cephalopods and pycnogonids. Further evidence of strong faunal links between the Antarctic and South America is reported in this study, although we found little evidence for a biogeographical relationship between the Antarctic or South America and New Zealand/Tasmania. Strong evidence exists for a long‐term influence of the Antarctic Circumpolar Current upon the distribution of Southern Ocean benthos. This is demonstrated by the reduced prevalence of South American species in the Antarctic and sub‐Antarctic with increasing distance from South America in the direction of the current. Three of our four study taxa (bivalves, cheilostomes and cyclostomes) show the Southern Ocean as a ‘single functional unit’ with no evidence for a biogeographical split between east and west.

Main conclusions  Unlike the biogeographical schemes previously proposed, we show that biogeographical regions in the Southern Ocean differ depending upon the class of animals being considered. Despite this we suggest that some general rules are viable, including species endemism rates of around 50%, a single Antarctic province and a definite distinction between the sub‐Antarctic islands influenced by South America and those of New Zealand.
When groups decide to use asynchronous online discussions: collaborative learning and social presence under a voluntary participation structure
Authors: So H.‐J.
Published: September 2008

The purpose of this study is to explore how groups decide to use asynchronous online discussion forums in a non‐mandatory setting, and, after the group decision is made, how group members use online discussion forums to complete a collaborative learning project requiring complex data gathering and research processes. While a large body of research on computer‐mediated communication (CMC) has documented successful intervention strategies to promote and sustain online discussion forums, little of the research has examined the use of online discussion forums in voluntarily contexts, wherein the decision to use online discussion forums is a personal decision and participation is not a graded component. This study approaches the research questions using a naturalistic case study of one graduate‐level blended learning course with 55 students. Employing both student interviews and content analysis methods, this study revealed that the factors affecting the group decision to use online discussion forums are (1) successful or unsuccessful experiences during the first trial, (2) perceived affordances of CMC tools, and (3) the interplay between the nature of collaborative tasks and perceived efficiency. The content analysis of online postings in two voluntary groups revealed that when groups decided to use online discussion forums, participation levels were almost equal among individual group members, and discussion threads were sustained until the final completion of the collaborative project.
Examining student satisfaction with wholly online learning
Authors: Palmer S.R. , Holt D.M.
Published: September 2008

Learner satisfaction has been shown to be positively correlated with quality of learning outcomes. An understanding of the factors that influence student satisfaction with online learning in a particular context can be used as an input to the appropriate design of learning environments, and for the provision of targeted support to students, with an aim to positively influence the student online learning experience. Following the mandatory inclusion of at least one wholly online unit of study in all undergraduate programs at Deakin University, a large ‘experiences of learning online’ (ELO) survey was undertaken to gauge students’ perceptions of studying in the wholly online mode. A multivariate linear regression of all the questionnaire items was performed against an overall satisfaction item. Five items were found to significantly contribute to a model that explained approximately 70% of reported student satisfaction. Factors that were found to positively influence student satisfaction with studying a wholly online unit primarily related to how confident they felt about their ability to communicate and learn online, having a clear understanding of what was required to succeed in the unit and how well they thought they were performing in the unit. Other results are also reported.
Antiflagellin antibodies recognize the autoantigens Toll‐Like Receptor 5 and Pals 1‐associated tight junction protein and induce monocytes activation and increased intestinal permeability in Crohn’s disease
Authors: Lunardi C. , Bason C. , Dolcino M. , Navone R. , Simone R. , Saverino D. , Frulloni L. , Tinazzi E. , Peterlana D. , Corrocher R. , Puccetti A.
Published: September 2008

Background and objectives.  Bacterial flagellin is considered an important antigen in Crohn’s disease (CD) as it activates innate immunity through Toll‐Like Receptor 5 (TLR5) engagement and induces an elevated adaptive immune response. Little is known about the presence of an autoimmune process in CD. We aimed to identify pathogenically relevant autoantigen targets in CD.

Methods.  We screened a random peptide library with pooled sera of patients with active CD. Transepithelial flux of [3H] mannitol in T84 human intestinal epithelial cell line was used to study the epithelial barrier function. Monocyte activation was evaluated by surface expression of activation markers and by production of pro‐inflammatory cytokines. Gene modulation of T84 cells exposed to antipeptide antibodies was analysed by gene array.

Results.  We identified a peptide that shares homology with Salmonella typhimurium flagellin and with self‐antigens such as TLR5 and cell junction protein, Pals 1‐associated tight junction protein. The affinity‐purified antipeptide antibodies recognized the self‐antigens and induced increased intestinal epithelial cell permeability. Moreover, the antibodies induced monocyte activation upon binding TLR5. Finally, in cultured intestinal cells (T84) the purified antibodies induced the modulation of clusters of proinflammatory genes similar to the one induced by the engagment of TLR5 by its natural ligand flagellin.

Conclusions.  Antibodies directed against an immunodominant peptide of flagellin recognize self‐antigens and are functionally active suggesting the presence of an autoimmune process that can both facilitate loss of tolerance to intestinal microflora by increasing cell permeability and amplify the innate immunity involvement through a novel mechanism of TLR5 activation.
ruvA and ruvB mutants specifically impaired for replication fork reversal
Authors: Le Masson Marie , Baharoglu Zeynep , Michel Bénédicte
Published: September 2008

Replication fork reversal (RFR) is a reaction that takes place in Escherichia coli at replication forks arrested by the inactivation of a replication protein. Fork reversal involves the annealing of the leading and lagging strand ends; it results in the formation of a Holliday junction adjacent to DNA double‐strand end, both of which are processed by recombination enzymes. In several replication mutants, replication fork reversal is catalysed by the RuvAB complex, originally characterized for its role in the last steps of homologous recombination, branch migration and resolution of Holliday junctions. We present here the isolation and characterization of ruvA and ruvB single mutants that are impaired for RFR at forks arrested by the inactivation of polymerase III, while they remain capable of homologous recombination. The positions of the mutations in the proteins and the genetic properties of the mutants suggest that the mutations affect DNA binding, RuvA–RuvB interaction and/or RuvB‐helicase activity. These results show that a partial RuvA or RuvB defect affects primarily RFR, implying that RFR is a more demanding reaction than Holliday junction resolution.
Implication of C‐terminal mutation of PopA of Ralstonia solanacearum strain OE1‐1 in suppression of bacterial wilt
Authors: Kanda A. , Ohnishi K. , Kiba A. , Hikichi Y.
Published: September 2008

Ralstonia solanacearum strain OE1‐1 causes bacterial wilt on tobacco plants. The popA‐mutant 31b, derived from OE1‐1 by insertion of transposon Tn4431, did not cause wilt on tobacco plants inoculated through the roots. However, when 31b was directly inoculated into xylem vessels, the tobacco plants wilted, similarly to those inoculated with OE1‐1. 31b retained its exopolysaccharide productivity and its type‐III secretion function. Furthermore, 31b grew in intercellular spaces and systemically infected tobacco plants, similarly to OE1‐1. popA consists of an operon with popB and popC, and suppression of popB and popC expression resulting from polar mutation by transposon insertion did not affect the virulence of 31b. The mutated popA (popA31b) was composed of 960 nucleotides, including 39 derived from Tn4431. A recombinant mutant from OE1‐1, where popA31b was introduced by marker exchange, showed the same phenotype as 31b. PopA31b protein was extracellularly secreted by 31b co‐cultured with Arabidopsis thaliana. These results suggest that PopA31b extracellularly secreted by 31b in intercellular spaces may be implicated in suppression of disease development, leading to inability of the bacteria to induce wilt on plants. Taken together, interactions between host plants and R. solanacearum existing in intercellular spaces immediately after invasion may be involved in disease development.
Pathological and biochemical changes in Brassica juncea (mustard) infected with Albugo candida (white rust)
Authors: Mishra K. K. , Kolte S. J. , Nashaat N. I. , Awasthi R. P.
Published: September 2008

Components of disease reaction, including incubation period, pustule types, inoculum production and disease index (DI); and contents of protein, phenols, soluble sugars and reducing and non‐reducing sugars were investigated in cotyledonary and true leaves of six genotypes of Brassica juncea: Varuna, Kranti, EC‐399296, EC‐399299, EC‐399313 and EC‐399301, inoculated with Albugo candida. Cotyledonary leaves were examined 14 days after inoculation (d.a.i.), whereas true leaves were scored 14 and 21 d.a.i. Disease indices were assessed on a 0% (resistant) to 100% (susceptible) scale. DIs at the cotyledonary leaf stage in the above six genotypes were 67, 65, 32, 31, 31 and 38%, respectively, whereas at the true‐leaf stage they were 21, 28, 12, 17, 9 and 4%, respectively at 14 d.a.i., and 35, 45, 17, 19, 20 and 6%, respectively at 21 d.a.i. Protein contents were highest in the genotypes with the highest DIs, such as Varuna at the cotyledonary leaf stage and Kranti at the true‐leaf stage, and lowest in the genotypes with the lowest DIs, such as EC‐399299 at the cotyledonary stage and EC‐399301 at the true‐leaf stage. Total phenols, total sugars, reducing sugars and non‐reducing sugars were generally negatively correlated with DI, but were not always consistent, particularly when differences in DI were small. The results indicated that factors conditioning the response of host genotypes to A. candida may differ or operate in different ways at different growth stages.
Effect of pea plant architecture on spatiotemporal epidemic development of ascochyta blight (Mycosphaerella pinodes) in the field
Authors: Le May C. , Ney B. , Lemarchand E. , Schoeny A. , Tivoli B.
Published: September 2008

The effect of pea canopy structure on epidemics of Mycosphaerella pinodes was investigated in four spring pea cultivars (Bridge, Obelisque, Solara and Athos) in two field experiments. These cultivars had similar levels of susceptibility to ascochyta blight and presented different architectural features (branching, standing ability and stem height). Stem height ranged from 77 to 95 cm in 1999 and from 72 to 92 cm in 2000, while leaf area index (LAI) ranged from 3·8 to 5·1 in 1999 and from 3·8 to 4·7 in 2000. Internode lengths varied from 4·6 to 6·0 in 1999 and from 3·8 to 4·7 in 2000. Mean distance between nodes in the canopy (MDN) ranged from 12·2 to 15·3 cm in 1999 and from 11·2 to 13·9 cm in 2000. Canopies with different architecture differed in disease progression on stipules and mainly on pods. The levels of disease on stipules and pods were strongly correlated. Moreover, if disease was considered as a function of stipule height up the stem, large differences in vertical disease distribution were observed between cultivars. Three architectural features acted on disease development: cumulative LAI above the node on which disease was assessed (LAIcum) and large MDN favouring disease development, and large internode length reducing disease severity. Modifying LAI distribution and plant organization could be one way to reduce the impact of ascochyta blight, by direct or indirect effects on environmental and dispersal conditions.