bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Aspects of the biology of the pygmy ribbontail catshark Eridacnis radcliffei (Proscylliidae: Carcharhiniformes) from the south‐west coast of India
Authors: Akhilesh K. V. , Bineesh K. K. , White W. T. , Pillai N. G. K.
Published: July 2012

Biological data are presented for the pygmy ribbontail catshark Eridacnis radcliffei based on specimens collected from the by‐catch of the commercial deep‐sea shrimp trawl fishery operating in the Arabian Sea off the south‐west coast of India. A total of 549 individuals, from 101 to 257 mm total length (LT) and 2·2 to 56 g, were collected. The LT at first maturity (LT50) of females and males was estimated at 183 and 170 mm, respectively, and analysis of stomach contents revealed that E. radcliffei feeds primarily on crustaceans.
Diet and feeding strategy of thornback ray Raja clavata
Authors: Šantić M. , Rađa B. , Pallaoro A.
Published: July 2012

The diet and feeding strategy of thornback ray Raja clavata, from the eastern‐central Adriatic Sea, were investigated. Stomach contents of 428 specimens, total length (LT) of 14·0–75·1 cm, were collected from commercial bottom trawls. The prey items identified in the stomachs belong to eight major groups: Cephalopoda, Polychaeta, Stomatopoda, Decapoda (Natantia and Reptantia), Mysidacea, Isopoda, Amphipoda and Teleostei. Decapods were the most important prey (index of relative important, %IRI,= 72·8) followed by teleosts (%IRI = 20·4), whereas other prey groups were only occasionally ingested. Small‐sized individuals (<25 cm LT) fed primarily on small crustaceans (mysids and amphipods), whereas large‐sized specimens consumed larger prey, such as decapods, cephalopods and teleosts. Diet composition showed little seasonal variation; decapods were the most important prey in all seasons. There was high dietary similarity between sampling locations. The percentage of empty stomachs did not differ significantly among size classes and seasons. In terms of composition by species, the diet of R. clavata was characterized by a variety of rare or unimportant prey. As a result, R. clavata could be considered a generalist predator.
Evaluation of radial and ulnar blood flow after radial artery cannulation with 20‐ and 22‐gauge cannulae using duplex Doppler ultrasound
Authors: Kim S.Y. , Lee J. S. , Kim W. O. , Sun J. M. , Kwon M. K. , Kil H. K.
Published: July 2012

This study evaluated ulnar and radial artery blood flow after radial artery cannulation during general anaesthesia using Doppler ultrasound. A total of 80 patients were randomly assigned to receive radial artery cannulation with either a 20‐G or 22‐G cannula. Arterial diameter, peak systolic velocity, end‐diastolic velocity, resistance index and mean volume flow were measured at four time points in both arteries: before anaesthesia; 5 min after intubation; immediately after cannulation; and 5 min after cannulation. After radial artery cannulation, ulnar diameters and blood flow were significantly increased, and persisted until 5 min after cannulation. Radial blood flow was decreased immediately after cannulation and recovered to pre‐cannulation values 5 min after cannulation. There were no statistical differences between groups at each time point. Radial artery cannulation causes compensatory increase in ulnar artery blood flow, and the difference in cannula size has minimal effect on this change.
Sclerotium rolfsii lectin inhibits proliferation and induces apoptosis in human ovarian cancer cell line PA‐1
Authors: Eligar S. M. , Pujari R. , Swamy B. M. , Shastry P. , Inamdar S. R.
Published: July 2012

Objectives

Sclerotium rolfsii lectin (SRL), isolated from soil born phytopathogenic fungus Sclerotium rolfsii, exhibits exquisite binding specificity to the oncofoetal Thomsen‐Friedenreich (Galβ1,3GalNAcα‐O‐Ser/Thr, T or TF) antigen and associated glycans. In the present study, we report anti‐proliferative activity of SRL and investigate underlying mechanisms of SRL‐induced apoptosis, in the human ovarian cancer cell line PA‐1.

Materials and methods

SRL‐induced anti‐proliferative effects were determined using MTT assay and induction of apoptosis was determined by flow cytometry, confocal microscopy and western blot analysis.

Results

SRL inhibited population growth of PA‐1 cells in a dose‐ and time‐dependent manner with maximum inhibition (71.3 ± 1.9%) occurring at concentration of 50 μg/ml after 72 h incubation. Observed effects of SRL could be blocked by competing glycoproteins, asialomucin, mucin and fetuin. Treatment with SRL resulted in increase in hypodiploid cell population as determine by cell cycle analysis. Increase in numbers of annexin V‐PI positive cells, and cleavage of PARP confirmed apoptosis‐inducing activity of SRL. Involvement of caspases in SRL‐mediated apoptosis was determined by cleavage of caspases‐3, ‐8 and ‐9 in a time‐dependent manner, thereby suggesting possible involvement of both intrinsic and extrinsic caspase‐dependent pathways.

Conclusion

The present study demonstrates anti‐proliferative and apoptosis‐inducing activity of SRL that can be exploited for potential application in ovarian cancer research.
Neck circumference as a simple tool for identifying the metabolic syndrome and insulin resistance: results from the Brazilian Metabolic Syndrome Study
Authors: Stabe Christiane , Vasques Ana Carolina Junqueira , Lima Marcelo Miranda Oliveira , Tambascia Marcos Antonio , Pareja Jose Carlos , Yamanaka Ademar , Geloneze Bruno
Published: July 2012

Objective

To investigate the relationship of the neck circumference (NC) with the metabolic syndrome (MetS) and insulin resistance (IR) in a large Brazilian population‐based sample, within a wide range of adiposity and glucose tolerance, and to establish cut‐off values of the NC for MetS and IR.

Context

The NC correlates with cardiovascular risk factors, IR and components of MetS. Upper‐body subcutaneous (sc) fat, as estimated by the NC, is associated with cardiovascular risk factors as much as abdominal fat, which is usually estimated by the waist circumference (WC). There are few epidemiological population‐based studies on the clinical significance of the NC to MetS and IR.

Design

This is a cross‐sectional study.

Patients

About 1053 Brazilian adults (18–60 years).

Measurements

Patients with BMI 18·5–40·0 kg/m2, with normal glucose tolerance or type 2 diabetes (T2DM), were submitted to anthropometric measurements including waist circumference (WC), NC and BMI. Abdominal visceral fat (VF) was assessed by ultrasound. Insulin sensitivity (IS) was assessed by euglycaemic–hyperinsulinaemic clamp (10% of total sample) and HOMA‐IR. Spearman correlations were used to evaluate the association between NC and IR and MetS risk factors. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were used for gender‐specific cut‐off values for the prediction of IR and MetS. Binary logistic regression analysis was used to assess the chance of developing IR or MetS according to the enlargement of NC and WC.

Results

The sample consisted of 28·6% men, with a mean age of 39·4 (12 years). T2DM diagnosis was present in 306 individuals, of whom 34% were men. NC correlated with WC and BMI in both men and women (P < 0·001). In both genders, NC showed a positive correlation with triglycerides, fasting glucose, fasting insulin and HOMA‐IR, and NC had a negative association with high‐density lipoprotein (HDL). NC and IS showed a moderate negative correlation. A significant correlation was demonstrated between VF and NC. In the ROC curves, NC presented the largest AUC for IR in women (P < 0·001), while NC presented a large AUC for MetS in both genders.

Conclusions

Neck circumference measurements are an alternative and innovative approach for determining body fat distribution. The NC is positively associated with MetS risk factors, IR and VF, with established cut‐off values for the prediction of MetS and IR.
Deconvolution analysis of 24‐h serum cortisol profiles informs the amount and distribution of hydrocortisone replacement therapy
Authors: Peters Catherine J. , Hill Nathan , Dattani Mehul T. , Charmandari Evangelia , Matthews David R. , Hindmarsh Peter C.
Published: July 2012

Background

Hydrocortisone therapy is based on a dosing regimen derived from estimates of cortisol secretion, but little is known of how the dose should be distributed throughout the 24 h. We have used deconvolution analysis of 24‐h serum cortisol profiles to determine 24‐h cortisol secretion and distribution to inform hydrocortisone dosing schedules in young children and older adults.

Methods

Twenty four hour serum cortisol profiles from 80 adults (41 men, aged 60–74 years) and 29 children (24 boys, aged 5–9 years) were subject to deconvolution analysis using an 80‐min half‐life to ascertain total cortisol secretion and distribution throughout the 24‐h period.

Results

Mean daily cortisol secretion was similar between adults (6·3 mg/m2 body surface area/day, range 5·1–9·3) and children (8·0 mg/m2 body surface area/day, range 5·3–12·0). Peak serum cortisol concentration was higher in children compared with adults, whereas nadir serum cortisol concentrations were similar. Timing of the peak serum cortisol concentration was similar (07·05–07·25), whereas that of the nadir concentration occurred later in adults (midnight) compared with children (22·48) (P = 0·003). Children had the highest percentage of cortisol secretion between 06·00 and 12·00 (38·4%), whereas in adults this took place between midnight and 06·00 (45·2%).

Conclusions

These observations suggest that the daily hydrocortisone replacement dose should be equivalent on average to 6·3 mg/m2 body surface area/day in adults and 8·0 mg/m2 body surface area/day in children. Differences in distribution of the total daily dose between older adults and young children need to be taken into account when using a three or four times per day dosing regimen.
Forest habitat, not leaf phenotype, predicts late‐season folivory of Quercus alba saplings
Authors: Stoepler Teresa M. , Rehill Brian
Published: July 2012

1. Natural sunlight gradients occur on multiple scales in space and time. However, the direct (via habitat) and indirect effects (via plant quality) of light environment are often confounded, obscuring the relative importance of each in influencing herbivore responses.

2. Potted saplings of Quercus alba (white oak, Fagaceae) were grown in either full sun or full shade from budburst to leaf hardening to manipulate leaf phenotype (creating sun or shade leaves), then placed in either sunny light gaps or adjacent shaded forest understorey habitats. This two‐way factorial design isolated the effects of sunlight level during leaf expansion from light environment late in the growing season on leaf phenology, leaf traits associated with host plant quality for herbivores, herbivore density and folivory.

3. Sunlight level during leaf expansion and hardening had strong and persistent effects on Q. alba leaf phenology and phenotype. Shade saplings had later budburst (c. 4 days), and fewer but larger leaves, resulting in greater total leaf area compared with sun leaf saplings. Shade leaves had higher water content, specific leaf area and nitrogen content, and lower toughness, carbon content, C/N ratios and concentrations of hydrolysable and condensed tannins than sun leaves.

4. Despite the apparent higher quality of shade leaves, forest habitat better predicted damage by folivores than leaf type, suggesting that the direct effects of light environment predominate for herbivory. Potted saplings of both leaf types placed in the shaded understorey suffered almost two times more folivory, on average, than saplings in sunny light gaps, despite more than three times higher mid‐season herbivore density on sun leaf saplings relative to shade leaf saplings.

5. Taken together, these results suggest that both leaf phenotype and forest habitat, two factors frequently confounded in nature, have significant but distinct effects on leaf quality and herbivory. These findings have implications for plant–herbivore interactions following disturbances such as treefalls, when shade leaves may be present in sunny habitats, and may help explain patterns of herbivory in understorey plants with early leaf flushing phenology relative to the canopy, when sun leaves are present in the shaded understorey.
Upper thermal limits in terrestrial ectotherms: how constrained are they?
Authors: Hoffmann Ary A. , Chown Steven L. , Clusella‐Trullas Susana
Published: July 2012

1. Terrestrial ectotherms are likely to face increased periods of heat stress as mean temperatures and temperature variability increase over the next few decades. Here, we consider the extent to which changes in upper thermal limits, through plasticity or evolution, might be constrained, and we survey insect and reptile data to identify groups likely to be particularly susceptible to thermal stress.

2. Plastic changes increase thermal limits in many terrestrial ectotherms, but tend to have less effect on upper limits than lower limits.

3. Although comparisons across insect species have normally not taken into account the potential for plastic responses, mid‐latitude species seem most prone to experience heat stress now and into the future, consistent with data from lizards and other groups.

4. Evolutionary adaptive potential has only been measured for some species; there is likely to be genetic variation for heat responses in populations, but selection and heritability experiments suggest that upper thermal limits may not increase much.

5. Although related species can differ by several degrees in their upper thermal limits, there is strong phylogenetic signal for upper limits. If these reflect evolutionary constraints, substantial molecular changes may be required to increase upper thermal limits.

6. Findings point to many terrestrial ectotherms having a limited potential to change their thermal limits particularly within the context of an average predicted temperature increase of 2–4 °C for mid‐latitude populations over the next few decades.
Interactive influences of ozone and climate on streamflow of forested watersheds
Authors: Sun GE , McLaughlin Samuel B. , Porter John H. , Uddling Johan , Mulholland Patrick J. , Adams Mary B. , Pederson Neil
Published: July 2012

The capacity of forests to mitigate global climate change can be negatively influenced by tropospheric ozone that impairs both photosynthesis and stomatal control of plant transpiration, thus affecting ecosystem productivity and watershed hydrology. We have evaluated individual and interactive effects of ozone and climate on late season streamflow for six forested watersheds (38–970 000 ha) located in the Southeastern United States. Models were based on 18–26 year data records for each watershed and involved multivariate analysis of interannual variability of late season streamflow in response to physical and chemical climate during the growing season. In all cases, some combination of ozone variables significantly improved model performance over climate‐only models. Effects of ozone and ozone × climate interactions were also consistently negative and were proportional to variations in actual ozone exposures, both spatially across the region and over time. Conservative estimates of the influence of ozone on the variability (R2) of observed flow ranged from 7% in the area of lowest ozone exposure in West Virginia to 23% in the areas of highest exposure in Tennessee. Our results are supported by a controlled field study using free‐air concentration enrichment methodology which indicated progressive ozone‐induced loss of stomatal control over tree transpiration during the summer in mixed aspen‐birch stands. Despite the frequent assumption that ozone reduces tree water loss, our findings support increasing evidence that ozone at near ambient concentrations can reduce stomatal control of leaf transpiration, and increase water use. Increases in evapotranspiration and associated streamflow reductions in response to ambient ozone exposures are expected to episodically increase the frequency and severity of drought and affect flow‐dependent aquatic biota in forested watersheds. Regional and global models of hydrologic cycles and related ecosystem functions should consider potential interactions of ozone with climate under both current and future warmer and ozone‐enriched climatic conditions.
Size‐density scaling in protists and the links between consumer–resource interaction parameters
Authors: DeLong John P. , Vasseur David A.
Published: July 2012

Recent work indicates that the interaction between body‐size‐dependent demographic processes can generate macroecological patterns such as the scaling of population density with body size. In this study, we evaluate this possibility for grazing protists and also test whether demographic parameters in these models are correlated after controlling for body size.

We compiled data on the body‐size dependence of consumer–resource interactions and population density for heterotrophic protists grazing algae in laboratory studies. We then used nested dynamic models to predict both the height and slope of the scaling relationship between population density and body size for these protists. We also controlled for consumer size and assessed links between model parameters. Finally, we used the models and the parameter estimates to assess the individual‐ and population‐level dependence of resource use on body‐size and prey‐size selection.

The predicted size‐density scaling for all models matched closely to the observed scaling, and the simplest model was sufficient to predict the pattern. Variation around the mean size‐density scaling relationship may be generated by variation in prey productivity and area of capture, but residuals are relatively insensitive to variation in prey size selection. After controlling for body size, many consumer–resource interaction parameters were correlated, and a positive correlation between residual prey size selection and conversion efficiency neutralizes the apparent fitness advantage of taking large prey.

Our results indicate that widespread community‐level patterns can be explained with simple population models that apply consistently across a range of sizes. They also indicate that the parameter space governing the dynamics and the steady states in these systems is structured such that some parts of the parameter space are unlikely to represent real systems. Finally, predator–prey size ratios represent a kind of conundrum, because they are widely observed but apparently have little influence on population size and fitness, at least at this level of organization.
Climatic stability in the Brazilian Cerrado: implications for biogeographical connections of South American savannas, species richness and conservation in a biodiversity hotspot
Authors: Werneck Fernanda P. , Nogueira Cristiano , Colli Guarino R. , Sites Jack W. , Costa Gabriel C.
Published: July 2012

Aim  To investigate the historical distribution of the Cerrado across Quaternary climatic fluctuations and to generate historical stability maps to test: (1) whether the ‘historical climate’ stability hypothesis explains squamate reptile richness in the Cerrado; and (2) the hypothesis of Pleistocene connections between savannas located north and south of Amazonia.

Location  The Cerrado, a savanna biome and a global biodiversity hotspot distributed mainly in central Brazil.

Methods  We generated occurrence datasets from 1000 presence points randomly selected from the entire distribution of the Cerrado, as determined by two spatial definitions. We modelled the potential Cerrado distribution by implementing a maximum‐entropy machine‐learning algorithm across four time projections: current, mid‐Holocene (6 ka), Last Glacial Maximum (LGM, 21 ka) and Last Interglacial (LIG, 120 ka). We generated historical stability maps (refugial areas) by overlapping presence/absence projections of all scenarios, and checked consistencies with qualitative comparisons with available fossil pollen records. We built a spatially explicit simultaneous autoregressive model to explore the relationship between current climate, climatic stability, and squamate species richness.

Results  Models predicted the LGM and LIG as the periods of narrowest and widest Cerrado distributions, respectively, and were largely corroborated by palynological evidence. We found evidence for two savanna corridors (eastern coastal during the LIG, and Andean during the LGM) and predicted a large refugial area in the north‐eastern Cerrado (Serra Geral de Goiás refugium). Variables related to climatic stability predicted squamate richness better than present climatic variables did.

Main conclusions  Our results indicate that Bolivian savannas should be included within the Cerrado range and that the Cerrado’s biogeographical counterparts are not Chaco and Caatinga but rather the disjunct savannas of the Guyana shield plateaus. Climatic stability is a good predictor of Cerrado squamate richness, and our stability maps could be used in future studies to test diversity patterns and genetic signatures of different taxonomic groups and as a higher‐order landscape biodiversity surrogate for conservation planning.
Chromosomal localization of actin genes in the malaria mosquito Anopheles darlingi
Authors: BRIDI L. C. , SHARAKHOVA M. V. , SHARAKHOV I. V. , CORDEIRO J. , AZEVEDO JUNIOR G. M. , TADEI W. P. , RAFAEL M. S.
Published: July 2012

Physical and genetic maps have been used for chromosomal localization of genes in vectors of infectious diseases. The availability of polytene chromosomes in malaria mosquitoes provides a unique opportunity to precisely map genes of interest. We report the physical mapping of two actin genes on polytene chromosomes of the major malaria vector in the Amazon, Anopheles darlingi (Diptera: Culicidae). Clones with actin gene sequences were obtained from a cDNA library constructed from RNA isolated from adult females and males of An. darlingi. Each of the two clones was mapped to a unique site on chromosomal arm 2L in subdivisions 21A (clone pl05‐A04) and 23B (clone pl17‐G06). The obtained results, together with previous mapping data, provide a suitable basis for comparative genomics and for establishing chromosomal homologies among major malaria vectors.
Parallel and lineage‐specific molecular adaptation to climate in boreal black spruce
Authors: PRUNIER JULIEN , GÉRARDI SÉBASTIEN , LAROCHE JÉRÔME , BEAULIEU JEAN , BOUSQUET JEAN
Published: July 2012

In response to selective pressure, adaptation may follow different genetic pathways throughout the natural range of a species due to historical differentiation in standing genetic variation. Using 41 populations of black spruce (Picea mariana), the objectives of this study were to identify adaptive genetic polymorphisms related to temperature and precipitation variation across the transcontinental range of the species, and to evaluate the potential influence of historical events on their geographic distribution. Population structure was first inferred using 50 control nuclear markers. Then, 47 candidate gene SNPs identified in previous genome scans were tested for relationship with climatic factors using an FST‐based outlier method and regressions between allele frequencies and climatic variations. Two main intraspecific lineages related to glacial vicariance were detected at the transcontinental scale. Within‐lineage analyses of allele frequencies allowed the identification of 23 candidate SNPs significantly related to precipitation and/or temperature variation, among which seven were common to both lineages, eight were specific to the eastern lineage and eight were specific to the western lineage. The implication of these candidate SNPs in adaptive processes was further supported by gene functional annotations. Multiple evidences indicated that the occurrence of lineage‐specific adaptive SNPs was better explained by selection acting on historically differentiated gene pools rather than differential selection due to heterogeneity of interacting environmental factors and pleiotropic effects. Taken together, these findings suggest that standing genetic variation of potentially adaptive nature has been modified by historical events, hence affecting the outcome of recent selection and leading to different adaptive routes between intraspecific lineages.
Laminar distribution of the pathological changes in sporadic frontotemporal lobar degeneration with transactive response (TAR) DNA‐binding protein of 43 kDa (TDP‐43) proteinopathy: a quantitative study using polynomial curve fitting
Authors: Armstrong R. A. , Hamilton R. L. , Mackenzie I. R. A. , Hedreen J. , Cairns N. J.
Published: July 2012

R. A. Armstrong, R. L. Hamilton, I. R. A. Mackenzie, J. Hedreen and N. J. Cairns (2013) Neuropathology and Applied Neurobiology39, 335–347

Laminar distribution of the pathological changes in sporadic frontotemporal lobar degeneration with transactive response (TAR) DNA‐binding protein of 43 kDa (TDP‐43) proteinopathy: a quantitative study using polynomial curve fitting

Aims: Previous data suggest heterogeneity in laminar distribution of the pathology in the molecular disorder frontotemporal lobar degeneration (FTLD) with transactive response (TAR) DNA‐binding protein of 43 kDa (TDP‐43) proteinopathy (FTLD‐TDP). To study this heterogeneity, we quantified the changes in density across the cortical laminae of neuronal cytoplasmic inclusions, glial inclusions, neuronal intranuclear inclusions, dystrophic neurites, surviving neurones, abnormally enlarged neurones, and vacuoles in regions of the frontal and temporal lobe. Methods: Changes in density of histological features across cortical gyri were studied in 10 sporadic cases of FTLD‐TDP using quantitative methods and polynomial curve fitting. Results: Our data suggest that laminar neuropathology in sporadic FTLD‐TDP is highly variable. Most commonly, neuronal cytoplasmic inclusions, dystrophic neurites and vacuolation were abundant in the upper laminae and glial inclusions, neuronal intranuclear inclusions, abnormally enlarged neurones, and glial cell nuclei in the lower laminae. TDP‐43‐immunoreactive inclusions affected more of the cortical profile in longer duration cases; their distribution varied with disease subtype, but was unrelated to Braak tangle score. Different TDP‐43‐immunoreactive inclusions were not spatially correlated. Conclusions: Laminar distribution of pathological features in 10 sporadic cases of FTLD‐TDP is heterogeneous and may be accounted for, in part, by disease subtype and disease duration. In addition, the feedforward and feedback cortico‐cortical connections may be compromised in FTLD‐TDP.
Epicuticular hydrocarbons of the sugarcane borer Diatraea saccharalis (Lepidoptera: Crambidae)
Authors: GIROTTI JUAN R. , MIJAILOVSKY SERGIO J. , JUÁREZ M. PATRICIA
Published: July 2012

The epicuticular hydrocarbons of the larval, pupal and adult stages of the sugarcane borer Diatraea saccharalis Fabricius (Lepidoptera: Crambidae) are analysed. Dramatic changes are observed between the stages studied. Adult hydrocarbons are mostly saturated, with a predominance of 1–4 methyl‐branched straight carbon skeletons of 37–47 atoms; the major components are isomeric mixtures of internally branched trimethylderivatives of C39, C37 and C41 carbon backbones. By contrast, very small amounts of methyl‐branched components are detected in the pupae, although straight chain hydrocarbons of 23–35 carbons are the prevailing structures (70.7 ± 3.4%) with n‐C29 and n‐C27 as the major components. Unsaturated hydrocarbons (29.0 ± 3.5%) of similar chain lengths elute by gas chromatography of epicuticular extracts as complex mixtures of mono‐, di‐ and trienes; with the degree of unsaturation increasing with chain length. This is the first report of very long chain unsaturated hydrocarbons in cuticular extracts of a larval lepidopteran (93.3 ± 0.6% of the lipid components), with chain lengths in the range 37–53 carbons and up to four double bonds; the major component being C49:3, which co‐elutes with C49:4 and C49:2.
Host switching between native and non‐native trees in a population of the canker pathogen Chrysoporthe cubensis from Colombia
Authors: van der Merwe N. A. , Steenkamp E. T. , Rodas C. , Wingfield B. D. , Wingfield M. J.
Published: July 2012

The purpose of this study was to test the hypothesis that Chrysoporthe cubensis on native trees in South America could be the source of the pathogen that causes severe stem cankers and often mortality in commercially propagated Eucalyptus trees. This was done by investigating populations originating from two adjacent Eucalyptus (Myrtaceae) plantations in Colombia, and wild Miconia rubiginosa trees (Melastomataceae) growing alongside these stands. Polymorphic microsatellite markers were used to quantify allele sizes in 20 and 39 isolates from the two Eucalyptus stands and 32 isolates from adjacent M. rubiginosa trees. Gene and genotypic diversities were calculated from these data, and population differentiation and assignment tests were performed to ascertain whether the populations were genetically different. Results showed that there were no differences between any of the populations using these techniques, and that they can be treated as a single population. Therefore, the results support the hypothesis that host switching has occurred in C. cubensis in Colombia.
Modification of anxiety‐like behaviors by nociceptin/orphanin FQ (N/OFQ) and time‐dependent changes in N/OFQ‐NOP gene expression following ethanol withdrawal
Authors: Aujla Harinder , Cannarsa Rosalia , Romualdi Patrizia , Ciccocioppo Roberto , Martin‐Fardon Rémi , Weiss Friedbert
Published: July 2012

Anxiety is a key consequence of ethanol withdrawal and important risk factor for relapse. The neuropeptide nociceptin/orphanin FQ (N/OFQ) or agonists at this peptide's receptor (NOP) exert anxiolytic‐like and antistress actions. N/OFQ dysfunction has been linked to both a high‐anxiety behavioral phenotype and excessive ethanol intake. Recent studies suggest a possible link between genetic polymorphisms of the NOP transcript and alcoholism. Thus, in the present study, the effects of intracerebroventricularly administered N/OFQ were tested for modification of anxiety‐like behaviors, using the shock‐probe defensive burying and elevated plus‐maze tests, in ethanol‐dependent versus non‐dependent rats, 1 and 3 weeks following termination of ethanol exposure. Additionally, prepro‐N/OFQ (ppN/OFQ) and NOP receptor gene expression was measured in the central nucleus of the amygdala, in the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis and in the lateral hypothalamus at the same timepoints in separate subjects. One week post‐ethanol, N/OFQ dose‐dependently attenuated elevated anxiety‐like behavior in ethanol‐dependent rats and produced anxiolytic‐like effects in non‐dependent controls in both behavioral tests. However, 3 weeks post‐ethanol, N/OFQ altered behavior consistent with anxiogenic‐like actions in ethanol‐dependent rats but continued to exert anxiolytic‐like actions in non‐dependent controls. These findings were paralleled by ethanol history‐dependent changes of ppN/OFQ and NOP gene expression that showed a distinctive time course in the examined brain structures. The results demonstrate that ethanol dependence and withdrawal are associated with neuroadaptive changes in the N/OFQ‐NOP system, suggesting a role of this neuropeptidergic pathway as a therapeutic target for the treatment of alcohol abuse.
Neuroplasticity, axonal guidance and micro‐RNA genes are associated with morphine self‐administration behavior
Authors: Tapocik Jenica D. , Luu Truong V. , Mayo Cheryl L. , Wang Bi‐Dar , Doyle Erin , Lee Alec D. , Lee Norman H. , Elmer Greg I.
Published: July 2012

Neuroadaptations in the ventral striatum (VS) and ventral midbrain (VMB) following chronic opioid administration are thought to contribute to the pathogenesis and persistence of opiate addiction. In order to identify candidate genes involved in these neuroadaptations, we utilized a behavior‐genetics strategy designed to associate contingent intravenous drug self‐administration with specific patterns of gene expression in inbred mice differentially predisposed to the rewarding effects of morphine. In a Yoked‐control paradigm, C57BL/6J mice showed clear morphine‐reinforced behavior, whereas DBA/2J mice did not. Moreover, the Yoked‐control paradigm revealed the powerful consequences of self‐administration versus passive administration at the level of gene expression. Morphine self‐administration in the C57BL/6J mice uniquely up‐ or down‐regulated 237 genes in the VS and 131 genes in the VMB. Interestingly, only a handful of the C57BL/6J self‐administration genes (<3%) exhibited a similar expression pattern in the DBA/2J mice. Hence, specific sets of genes could be confidently assigned to regional effects of morphine in a contingent‐ and genotype‐dependent manner. Bioinformatics analysis revealed that neuroplasticity, axonal guidance and micro‐RNAs (miRNAs) were among the key themes associated with drug self‐administration. Noteworthy were the primary miRNA genes H19 and micro‐RNA containing gene (Mirg), processed, respectively, to mature miRNAs miR‐675 and miR‐154, because they are prime candidates to mediate network‐like changes in responses to chronic drug administration. These miRNAs have postulated roles in dopaminergic neuron differentiation and mu‐opioid receptor regulation. The strategic approach designed to focus on reinforcement‐associated genes provides new insight into the role of neuroplasticity pathways and miRNAs in drug addiction.
Identification of the novel allele HLA‐A*33:22 by sequence‐based typing in a Chinese individual
Authors: Xie J.‐H. , Yan L.‐N. , Li S.‐Y. , An S.‐P. , Yuan Y.‐H.
Published: July 2012

The novel A*33:22 differs from A*33:03:01 by two nucleotides at position 12(A>G)and 19(T>G)of exon 3.
Application of microsatellite markers to evaluate the heterozygosity from the popcorn composite CMS‐43 (Zea maysL.) during eight cycles of selection
Authors: Franzoni Juliana , Scapim Carlos A. , Beviláqua Maycon R. R. , De Fátima Pires da Silva Machado Maria , Pacheco Cleso A. P. , Mangolin Claudete A.
Published: July 2012

With 5 tables

Maize breeders in Brazil developed the popcorn cultivar BRS Angela after eight cycles of recurrent selection using the composite CMS‐43. We extracted the genomic DNA from the leaves of the BRS Angela, and we used 20 microsatellite markers to assess both the genetic distance and variability of this variety along the eight cycles (C0, CI, CII, CIII, CIV, CV, CVIAand CVIB) of the composite CMS‐43. Sixty‐nine alleles were detected in the popcorn cultivar BRS Angela with an average of 3.45 alleles per polymorphic locus. There was significant effect (P ≤ 0.01) only for D allele at theUmc 2343locus and for the alleles A and B at theUmc 2226locus. There was no tendency in the changes in the allele frequencies, presumably, because of selection for grain yield and popping expansion. The observed heterozygosity along these cycles ranged from 38.67% (CIII) to 26.67% (CVIB). These values indicate the presence of heterozygosity in the breeding cycles, and therefore, the ‘BRS Angela’ can participate in new cycles of recurrent selection.
Microstructure‐texture‐fracture toughness property correlation in annealed Al‐6Mg alloy with minor scandium and zirconium additions
Authors: SEN R. , GHOSH M. , KAISER M. S.
Published: July 2012

The effect of minor addition of scandium and zirconium on the fracture toughness (FT) behaviour of aluminium‐6 wt% magnesium alloy is studied. Texture measurement and transmission electron microscopy have revealed that the evolution of texture in cast alloys after annealing is decided by the morphology and character of the precipitates. It is further demonstrated that the said minor addition influences the FT behaviour of Al‐6Mg alloy by manipulating in‐plane anisotropy as decided by the precipitate morphology. Textural situation in annealed state has also been related to the FT behaviour.
Estradiol acts during a post‐pubertal sensitive period to shorten free‐running circadian period in male Octodon degus
Authors: Hummer Daniel L. , Peckham Elizabeth M. , Lee Theresa M.
Published: July 2012

The free‐running circadian period is approximately 30 min shorter in adult male than in adult female Octodon degus. The sex difference emerges after puberty, resulting from a shortened free‐running circadian period in males. Castration before puberty prevents the emergence of the sex difference, but it is not a function of circulating gonadal hormones as such, because castration later in life does not affect free‐running circadian period. The aim of this study was to determine whether or not the shortening of the free‐running circadian period in male degus results from exposure to gonadal hormones after puberty. We hypothesized that masculinization of the circadian period results from an organizational effect of androgen exposure during a post‐pubertal sensitive period. Male degus were castrated before puberty and implanted with capsules filled with dihydrotestosterone (DHT), 17β‐estradiol (E2) or empty capsules at one of three ages: peri‐puberty (2–7 months), post‐puberty (7–12 months), or adulthood (14–19 months). Long‐term exposure to DHT or E2 did not result in a shortened free‐running circadian period when administered at 2–7 or 14–19 months of age. However, E2 treatment from 7 to 12 months of age decreased the free‐running circadian period in castrated males. This result was replicated in a subsequent experiment in which E2 treatment was limited to 8–12 months of age. E2 treatment at 7–12 months of age had no effect on the free‐running circadian period in ovariectomized females. Thus, there appears to be a post‐pubertal sensitive period for sexual differentiation of the circadian system of degus, during which E2 exposure decreases the free‐running circadian period in males. These data demonstrate that gonadal hormones can act during adolescent development to permanently alter the circadian system.
Perceptual Learning: 12‐Month‐Olds’ Discrimination of Monkey Faces
Authors: Fair Joseph , Flom Ross , Jones Jacob , Martin Justin
Published: July 2012

Six‐month‐olds reliably discriminate different monkey and human faces whereas 9‐month‐olds only discriminate different human faces. It is often falsely assumed that perceptual narrowing reflects a permanent change in perceptual abilities. In 3 experiments, ninety‐six 12‐month‐olds’ discrimination of unfamiliar monkey faces was examined. Following 20 s of familiarization, and two 5‐s visual‐paired comparison test trials, 12‐month‐olds failed to show discrimination. However, following 40 s of familiarization and two 10‐s test trials, 12‐month‐olds showed reliable discrimination of novel monkey faces. A final experiment was performed demonstrating 12‐month‐olds’ discrimination of the monkey face was due to the increased familiarization rather than increased time of visual comparison. Results are discussed in the context of perceptual narrowing, in particular the flexible nature of perceptual narrowing.
Changing Balance: The Participation and Role of Voluntary Organisations in the Swedish Policy Process
Authors: Lundberg Erik
Published: July 2012

This article focuses on the changing level of participation of voluntary organisations in the policy process between 1964 and 2009 and its implication for the role played by voluntary organisations to the state. Drawing on data from the remiss procedure – one of the most understudied parts of the Swedish policy‐making process – the results implicate a reduced role for voluntary organisations in formal arenas for policy making. While the number of participating voluntary organisations has remained stable, the relative share of participating organisations has declined and an increasing proportion of organisations have abstained from participating. In addition, the shares of conflict‐oriented and member‐benefit‐oriented organisations have decreased while consensus‐oriented and public‐benefit‐oriented organisations appear to have increased slightly. These findings are discussed in the context of changes in the coordination and implementation of public policies, implying that over time the role of voluntary organisations as arenas for deliberation and mediators of individual interests tend to have gradually lost ground in relation to the state while the share of organisations taking direct welfare responsibility has slightly increased. Although it may be premature to speak about a shifting role of voluntary organisations from input to output in the political system, the result suggest an emerging trend in that direction. Further research is needed to clarify whether this changing pattern of participation is evident in other arenas for policy making in Sweden or is an isolated feature explained from the outset of the remiss procedure.
Subsampling inference for the autocovariances and autocorrelations of long‐memory heavy‐ tailed linear time series
Authors: McElroy Tucker , Jach Agnieszka
Published: July 2012

We provide a self‐normalization for the sample autocovariances and autocorrelations of a linear, long‐memory time series with innovations that have either finite fourth moment or are heavy‐tailed with tail index 2 < α < 4. In the asymptotic distribution of the sample autocovariance there are three rates of convergence that depend on the interplay between the memory parameter d and α, and which consequently lead to three different limit distributions; for the sample autocorrelation the limit distribution only depends on d. We introduce a self‐normalized sample autocovariance statistic, which is computable without knowledge of α or d (or their relationship), and which converges to a non‐degenerate distribution. We also treat self‐normalization of the autocorrelations. The sampling distributions can then be approximated non‐parametrically by subsampling, as the corresponding asymptotic distribution is still parameter‐dependent. The subsampling‐based confidence intervals for the process autocovariances and autocorrelations are shown to have satisfactory empirical coverage rates in a simulation study. The impact of subsampling block size on the coverage is assessed. The methodology is further applied to the log‐squared returns of Merck stock.
Virtual Worlds and Their Challenge to Philosophy: Understanding the “Intravirtual” and the “Extravirtual”
Authors: Søraker Johnny Hartz
Published: July 2012

The Web, in particular real‐time interactions in three‐dimensional virtual environments (virtual worlds), comes with a set of unique characteristics that leave our traditional frameworks inapplicable. The present article illustrates this by arguing that the notion of “technology relations,” as put forward by Ihde and Verbeek, becomes inapplicable when it comes to the Internet, and this inapplicability shows why these phenomena require new philosophical frameworks. Against this background, and more constructively, the article proposes a fundamental distinction between “intravirtual” and “extravirtual” consequences—a distinction that allows us to understand and conceptualize real‐time interactions online more accurately. By relating this distinction to Searle's notion of “condition of satisfaction,” the article also shows its implications for judging real‐time, online interactions in virtual worlds as irrational and/or immoral. The ultimate purpose is to illustrate how new philosophical concepts and frameworks can allow us to better account for the unique characteristics of the Internet.
TheWeb‐Extended Mind
Authors: Smart Paul R.
Published: July 2012

This article explores the notion of theWeb‐extended mind, which is the idea that the technological and informational elements of theWeb can sometimes serve as part of the mechanistic substrate that realizes human mental states and processes. It is argued that while current forms of theWeb may not be particularly suited to the realization ofWeb‐extended minds, new forms of user interaction technology as well as new approaches to information representation do provide promising new opportunities forWeb‐based forms of cognitive extension. In addition, it is suggested that extended cognitive systems often rely on the emergence of social practices and conventions that shape how a technology is used.Web‐extended minds may thus depend on forms of socio‐technical co‐evolution in which social forces and factors play just as important a role as do the processes of technology design and development.
Web Ontologies as Renewal of Classical Philosophical Ontology
Authors: Livet Pierre
Published: July 2012

Do Web devices (addresses, tags, networks, and the rest) have counterparts in classical ontology? Yes, but they allow us also to introduce more refined distinctions. In addition, their dynamic use could inspire a dynamic reconception of classical ontology. In the process of making explicit ontological types, different types can be undistinguished at the first step (considered as “floating types”) to be defined only in a further step, one in which their function as distinguishers of other kinds of entities has to be made explicit. The fact that the ontological import of some node in a network of tags and addresses could evolve with the transformation of the network can most easily find an interpretation in this dynamic conception of ontology.
Evaluating Google as an Epistemic Tool
Authors: Simpson Thomas W.
Published: July 2012

This article develops a social epistemological analysis of Web‐based search engines, addressing the following questions. First, what epistemic functions do search engines perform? Second, what dimensions of assessment are appropriate for the epistemic evaluation of search engines? Third, how well do current search engines perform on these? The article explains why they fulfil the role of a surrogate expert, and proposes three ways of assessing their utility as an epistemic tool—timeliness, authority prioritisation, and objectivity. “Personalisation” is a current trend in Internet‐delivered services, and consists in tailoring online content to the interests of the individual user. It is argued here that personalisation threatens the objectivity of search results. Objectivity is a public good; so there is a prima facie case for government regulation of search engines.
Being, Space, and Time on the Web
Authors: Vafopoulos Michalis
Published: July 2012

TheWeb initially emerged as an “antidote” to accumulated scientific knowledge, since it enables global representation and communication at a minimum cost. Its gigantic scale and interdependence allow us our ability to find relevant information and develop trustworthy contexts. It is time for science to compensate by providing an epistemological “antidote” to Web issues. Philosophy should be in the front line by forming the salient questions and analysis. We need a theory about Web being that will bridge philosophical thinking and engineering. This article analyzes existence and spatiotemporality in the Web and how it transforms the traditional actualities. The resulting issues concern the self‐determination of a being and the way in which the Web could be a free and open platform for innovation and participation.
EU Citizenship and Political Identity: The Demos and Telos Problems
Authors: Jiménez Lobeira Pablo Cristóbal
Published: July 2012

Citizenship is the cornerstone of a democratic polity. It has three dimensions: legal, civic and affiliative. Citizens constitute the polity's demos, which often coincides with a nation. European Union (EU) citizenship was introduced to enhance ‘European identity’ (Europeans’ sense of belonging to their political community). Yet such citizenship faces at least two problems. First: Is there a European demos? If so, what is the status of peoples (nations, demoi) in the Member States? The original European project aimed at ‘an ever closer union among the peoples of Europe.’ Second: Citizens are members of a political community; to what kind of polity do EU citizens belong? Does the EU substitute Member States, assume them or coexist alongside them? After an analytical exposition of the demos and telos problems, I will argue for a normative self‐understanding of the EU polity and citizenship, neither in national nor in federal but in analogical terms.