bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Use of auditory learning to manage listening problems in children
Authors: Moore David R , Halliday Lorna F , Amitay Sygal
Published: November 2008

This paper reviews recent studies that have used adaptive auditory training to address communication problems experienced by some children in their everyday life. It considers the auditory contribution to developmental listening and language problems and the underlying principles of auditory learning that may drive further refinement of auditory learning applications. Following strong claims that language and listening skills in children could be improved by auditory learning, researchers have debated what aspect of training contributed to the improvement and even whether the claimed improvements reflect primarily a retest effect on the skill measures. Key to understanding this research have been more circumscribed studies of the transfer of learning and the use of multiple control groups to examine auditory and non-auditory contributions to the learning. Significant auditory learning can occur during relatively brief periods of training. As children mature, their ability to train improves, but the relation between the duration of training, amount of learning and benefit remains unclear. Individual differences in initial performance and amount of subsequent learning advocate tailoring training to individual learners. The mechanisms of learning remain obscure, especially in children, but it appears that the development of cognitive skills is of at least equal importance to the refinement of sensory processing. Promotion of retention and transfer of learning are major goals for further research.
Peering into an ATPase ion pump with single-channel recordings
Authors: Gadsby David C , Takeuchi Ayako , Artigas Pablo , Reyes Nicolás
Published: November 2008

In principle, an ion channel needs no more than a single gate, but a pump requires at least two gates that open and close alternately to allow ion access from only one side of the membrane at a time. In the Na+,K+-ATPase pump, this alternating gating effects outward transport of three Na+ions and inward transport of two K+ions, for each ATP hydrolysed, up to a hundred times per second, generating a measurable current if assayed in millions of pumps. Under these assay conditions, voltage jumps elicit brief charge movements, consistent with displacement of ions along the ion pathway while one gate is open but the other closed. Binding of the marine toxin, palytoxin, to the Na+,K+-ATPase uncouples the two gates, so that although each gate still responds to its physiological ligand they are no longer constrained to open and close alternately, and the Na+,K+-ATPase is transformed into a gated cation channel. Millions of Na+or K+ions per second flow through such an open pump–channel, permitting assay of single molecules and allowing unprecedented access to the ion transport pathway through the Na+,K+-ATPase. Use of variously charged small hydrophilic thiol-specific reagents to probe cysteine targets introduced throughout the pump's transmembrane segments allows mapping and characterization of the route traversed by transported ions.
Genome-scale spatiotemporal analysis of Caenorhabditis elegans microRNA promoter activity
Authors: Martinez Natalia J. , Ow Maria C. , Reece-Hoyes John S. , Barrasa M. Inmaculada , Ambros Victor R. , Walhout Albertha J.M.
Published: November 2008

The Caenorhabditiselegans genome encodes more than 100 microRNAs (miRNAs). Genetic analyses of miRNA deletion mutants have only provided limited insights into miRNA function. To gain insight into the function of miRNAs, it is important to determine their spatiotemporal expression pattern. Here, we use miRNA promoters driving the expression of GFP as a proxy for miRNA expression. We describe a set of 73 transgenic C. elegans strains, each expressing GFP under the control of a miRNA promoter. Together, these promoters control the expression of 89 miRNAs (66% of all predicted miRNAs). We find that miRNA promoters drive GFP expression in a variety of tissues and that, overall, their activity is similar to that of protein-coding gene promoters. However, miRNAs are expressed later in development, which is consistent with functions after initial body-plan specification. We find that miRNA members belonging to families are more likely to be expressed in overlapping tissues than miRNAs that do not belong to the same family, and provide evidence that intronic miRNAs may be controlled by their own, rather than a host gene promoter. Finally, our data suggest that post-transcriptional mechanisms contribute to differential miRNA expression. The data and strains described here will provide a valuable guide and resource for the functional analysis of C. elegans miRNAs.
Autophosphorylation of αCaMKII is differentially involved in new learning and unlearning mechanisms of memory extinction
Authors: Kimura Ryoichi , Silva Alcino J. , Ohno Masuo
Published: November 2008

Accumulating evidence indicates the key role of α-calcium/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II (αCaMKII) in synaptic plasticity and learning, but it remains unclear how this kinase participates in the processing of memory extinction. Here, we investigated the mechanism by which αCaMKII may mediate extinction by using heterozygous knock-in mice with a targeted T286A mutation that prevents the autophosphorylation of this kinase (αCaMKIIT286A+/–). Remarkably, partial reduction of αCaMKII function due to the T286A+/– mutation prevented the development of extinction without interfering with initial hippocampus-dependent memory formation as assessed by contextual fear conditioning and the Morris water maze. It is hypothesized that the mechanism of extinction may differ depending on the interval at which extinction training is started, being more akin to “new learning” at longer intervals and “unlearning” or “erasure” at shorter intervals. Consistent with this hypothesis, we found that extinction conducted 24 h, but not 15 min, after contextual fear training showed spontaneous recovery (reappearance of extinguished freezing responses) 21 d following the extinction, representing behavioral evidence for new learning and unlearning mechanisms underlying extinction 24 h and 15 min post-training, respectively. Importantly, the αCaMKIIT286A+/– mutation blocked new learning of contextual fear memory extinction, whereas it did not interfere with unlearning processes. Our results demonstrate a genetic dissociation of new learning and unlearning mechanisms of extinction, and suggest that αCaMKII is responsible for extinguishing memories specifically through new learning mechanisms.
Biosynthesis of t-Anethole in Anise: Characterization of t-Anol/Isoeugenol Synthase and an O-Methyltransferase Specific for a C7-C8 Propenyl Side Chain
Authors: Koeduka Takao , Baiga Thomas J. , Noel Joseph P. , Pichersky Eran
Published: November 2008

The phenylpropene t-anethole imparts the characteristic sweet aroma of anise (Pimpinella anisum, family Apiaceae) seeds and leaves. Here we report that the aerial parts of the anise plant accumulate t-anethole as the plant matures, with the highest levels of t-anethole found in fruits. Although the anise plant is covered with trichomes, t-anethole accumulates inside the leaves and not in the trichomes or the epidermal cell layer. We have obtained anise cDNA encoding t-anol/isoeugenol synthase 1 (AIS1), an NADPH-dependent enzyme that can biosynthesize t-anol and isoeugenol (the latter not found in anise) from coumaryl acetate and coniferyl acetate, respectively. In addition, we have obtained a cDNA encoding S-[methyl-14C]adenosyl-l-methionine:t-anol/isoeugenol O-methyltransferase 1 (AIMT1), an enzyme that can convert t-anol or isoeugenol to t-anethole or methylisoeugenol, respectively, via methylation of the para-OH group. The genes encoding AIS1 and AIMT1 were expressed throughout the plant and their transcript levels were highest in developing fruits. The AIS1 protein is 59% identical to petunia (Petunia hybrida) isoeugenol synthase 1 and displays apparent K  m values of 145 μ  m for coumaryl acetate and 230 μ  m for coniferyl acetate. AIMT1 prefers isoeugenol to t-anol by a factor of 2, with K  m values of 19.3 μ  m for isoeugenol and 54.5 μ  m for S-[methyl-14C]adenosyl-l-methionine. The AIMT1 protein sequence is approximately 40% identical to basil (Ocimum basilicum) and Clarkia breweri phenylpropene O-methyltransferases, but unlike these enzymes, which do not show large discrimination between substrates with isomeric propenyl side chains, AIMT1 shows a 10-fold preference for t-anol over chavicol and for isoeugenol over eugenol.
Rice Blast Fungus (Magnaporthe oryzae) Infects Arabidopsis via a Mechanism Distinct from That Required for the Infection of Rice
Authors: Park Ju-Young , Jin Jianming , Lee Yin-Won , Kang Seogchan , Lee Yong-Hwan
Published: November 2008

Magnaporthe oryzae is a hemibiotrophic fungal pathogen that causes rice (Oryza sativa) blast. Although M. oryzae as a whole infects a wide variety of monocotyledonous hosts, no dicotyledonous plant has been reported as a host. We found that two rice pathogenic strains of M. oryzae, KJ201 and 70-15, interacted differentially with 16 ecotypes of Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana). Strain KJ201 infected all ecotypes with varying degrees of virulence, whereas strain 70-15 caused no symptoms in certain ecotypes. In highly susceptible ecotypes, small chlorotic lesions appeared on infected leaves within 3 d after inoculation and subsequently expanded across the affected leaves. The fungus produced spores in susceptible ecotypes but not in resistant ecotypes. Fungal cultures recovered from necrotic lesions caused the same symptoms in healthy plants, satisfying Koch's postulates. Histochemical analyses showed that infection by the fungus caused an accumulation of reactive oxygen species and eventual cell death. Similar to the infection process in rice, the fungus differentiated to form appressorium and directly penetrated the leaf surface in Arabidopsis. However, the pathogenic mechanism in Arabidopsis appears distinct from that in rice; three fungal genes essential for pathogenicity in rice played only limited roles in causing disease symptoms in Arabidopsis, and the fungus seems to colonize Arabidopsis as a necrotroph through the secretion of phytotoxic compounds, including 9,12-octadecadienoic acid. Expression of PR-1 and PDF1.2 was induced in response to infection by the fungus, suggesting the activation of salicylic acid- and jasmonic acid/ethylene-dependent signaling pathways. However, the roles of these signaling pathways in defense against M. oryzae remain unclear. In combination with the wealth of genetic and genomic resources available for M. oryzae, this newly established pathosystem allows comparison of the molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying pathogenesis and host defense in two well-studied model plants.
ADP-Glucose Pyrophosphorylase-Deficient Pea Embryos Reveal Specific Transcriptional and Metabolic Changes of Carbon-Nitrogen Metabolism and Stress Responses
Authors: Weigelt Kathleen , Küster Helge , Rutten Twan , Fait Aaron , Fernie Alisdair R. , Miersch Otto , Wasternack Claus , Emery R. J. Neil , Desel Christine , Hosein Felicia , Müller Martin , Saalbach Isolde , Weber Hans
Published: November 2008

We present a comprehensive analysis of ADP-glucose pyrophosphorylase (AGP)-repressed pea (Pisum sativum) seeds using transcript and metabolite profiling to monitor the effects that reduced carbon flow into starch has on carbon-nitrogen metabolism and related pathways. Changed patterns of transcripts and metabolites suggest that AGP repression causes sugar accumulation and stimulates carbohydrate oxidation via glycolysis, tricarboxylic acid cycle, and mitochondrial respiration. Enhanced provision of precursors such as acetyl-coenzyme A and organic acids apparently support other pathways and activate amino acid and storage protein biosynthesis as well as pathways fed by cytosolic acetyl-coenzyme A, such as cysteine biosynthesis and fatty acid elongation/metabolism. As a consequence, the resulting higher nitrogen (N) demand depletes transient N storage pools, specifically asparagine and arginine, and leads to N limitation. Moreover, increased sugar accumulation appears to stimulate cytokinin-mediated cell proliferation pathways. In addition, the deregulation of starch biosynthesis resulted in indirect changes, such as increased mitochondrial metabolism and osmotic stress. The combined effect of these changes is an enhanced generation of reactive oxygen species coupled with an up-regulation of energy-dissipating, reactive oxygen species protection, and defense genes. Transcriptional activation of mitogen-activated protein kinase pathways and oxylipin synthesis indicates an additional activation of stress signaling pathways. AGP-repressed embryos contain higher levels of jasmonate derivatives; however, this increase is preferentially in nonactive forms. The results suggest that, although metabolic/osmotic alterations in iAGP pea seeds result in multiple stress responses, pea seeds have effective mechanisms to circumvent stress signaling under conditions in which excessive stress responses and/or cellular damage could prematurely initiate senescence or apoptosis.
The Genetic Basis of Constitutive and Herbivore-Induced ESP-Independent Nitrile Formation in Arabidopsis
Authors: Burow Meike , Losansky Anja , Müller René , Plock Antje , Kliebenstein Daniel J. , Wittstock Ute
Published: November 2008

Glucosinolates are a group of thioglucosides that are components of an activated chemical defense found in the Brassicales. Plant tissue damage results in hydrolysis of glucosinolates by endogenous thioglucosidases known as myrosinases. Spontaneous rearrangement of the aglucone yields reactive isothiocyanates that are toxic to many organisms. In the presence of specifier proteins, alternative products, namely epithionitriles, simple nitriles, and thiocyanates with different biological activities, are formed at the expense of isothiocyanates. Recently, simple nitriles were recognized to serve distinct functions in plant-insect interactions. Here, we show that simple nitrile formation in Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) ecotype Columbia-0 rosette leaves increases in response to herbivory and that this increase is independent of the known epithiospecifier protein (ESP). We combined phylogenetic analysis, a screen of Arabidopsis mutants, recombinant protein characterization, and expression quantitative trait locus mapping to identify a gene encoding a nitrile-specifier protein (NSP) responsible for constitutive and herbivore-induced simple nitrile formation in Columbia-0 rosette leaves. AtNSP1 is one of five Arabidopsis ESP homologues that promote simple nitrile, but not epithionitrile or thiocyanate, formation. Four of these homologues possess one or two lectin-like jacalin domains, which share a common ancestry with the jacalin domains of the putative Arabidopsis myrosinase-binding proteins MBP1 and MBP2. A sixth ESP homologue lacked specifier activity and likely represents the ancestor of the gene family with a different biochemical function. By illuminating the genetic and biochemical bases of simple nitrile formation, our study provides new insights into the evolution of metabolic diversity in a complex plant defense system.
The effect of a jail methadone maintenance therapy (MMT) program on inmate recidivism
Authors: McMillan Garnett P. , Lapham Sandra , Lackey Michael
Published: November 2008

Aims  To evaluate the effects of a jail‐based continuation of methadone maintenance therapy (MMT) on subsequent inmate recidivism risks.

Design  Prospective, longitudinal, observational study.

Setting  A large, Southwestern United States jail that continues MMT for heroin‐addicted inmates on MMT at the time of booking.

Participants  A total of 589 inmates booked between 22 November 2005 (the start date for the MMT program) and 31 October 2006.

Measurements  The outcome measure was time from release to subsequent re‐booking in the jail. Predictors included binary dosing with methadone in the jail, final dose received (mg), age, gender, race/ethnicity, previous bookings and days in jail.

Findings and conclusions  Random effects Weibull proportional hazards models were fit to the recidivism times to estimate the impact of treatment with MMT in the jail on re‐booking risks. There was no statistically significant effect of receiving methadone in the jail or dosage on subsequent recidivism risks (hazard ratio = 1.16; 95% confidence interval = 0.8–1.68). Offering jail‐based MMT does not increase recidivism risks by eliminating the deterrent effect of imposed withdrawal, nor does it reduce recidivism in this high‐risk population.
Alcohol industry sponsorship and hazardous drinking among sportspeople
Authors: O'Brien Kerry S. , Kypri Kypros
Published: November 2008

Aims  To examine the nature and extent of alcohol industry sponsorship of sportspeople, and its association with drinking.

Methods  A purposive sample of participants (n = 1279) from various sporting codes were asked whether they personally, their team, or club received free and/or discounted alcohol or funding from an alcohol industry body (e.g. pub, brewery, wholesaler); how much they received; and whether they felt they should drink their sponsor's product and/or at the sponsor's premises. Drinking behaviour was assessed with the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT) questionnaire.

Findings  Alcohol industry sponsorship was reported by 47.8% of the sample. Of those sponsored, 47% reported receiving free and/or discounted alcohol products. In multivariate models, those receiving sponsorship at the individual, team and club level had AUDIT scores that were, on average, 2.4 points higher [95% confidence interval (CI): 0.70–4.09] than those who received no sponsorship. Receiving free and/or discounted alcohol (βadj = 0.95, 95% CI: 0.01–1.88) and feeling that they should go to the sponsor's pub/club to drink (βadj = 1.91, 95% CI: 0.85–2.98) were also associated with higher AUDIT scores. Provision of free or discounted alcoholic beverages was associated more strongly with AUDIT scores (βadj = 1.56; 95% CI: 0.62–2.51) than other forms of sponsorship from the alcohol industry (e.g. provision of uniforms).

Conclusions  Alcohol industry sponsorship of sportspeople, and in particular the provision of free or discounted alcoholic beverages, is associated with hazardous drinking after adjustment for a range of potential confounders. Sports administration bodies should consider the health and ethical risks of accepting alcohol industry sponsorship.
Genetics of coffee consumption and its stability
Authors: Laitala Venla S. , Kaprio Jaakko , Silventoinen Karri
Published: November 2008

Background Coffee is a highly popular drink associated with the pathogenesis of several diseases and the use of tobacco and alcohol. Considering the worldwide consumption, coffee has a substantial effect on individual wellbeing and public health. The role of genetic factors contributing to interindividual differences and their stability in coffee use is not well known.

Aims We analysed the heritability of coffee consumption and its stability in a large population‐based sample of Finnish twins.

Design In 1975 and 1981 a postal questionnaire on coffee consumption was sent to all Finnish same‐sex twin pairs born before 1958. Responses were obtained from 10 716 complete twin pairs in 1975 (3409 monozygotic and 7307 dizygotic), of whom 8124 also responded in 1981. The data were analysed using classical twin modelling based on linear structural equations.

Findings Additive genetic and unique environmental factors affected coffee drinking, whereas shared environmental factors did not show any effect. Heritability of coffee consumption, adjusted for age and sex, was estimated as 0.56 in 1975 and 0.45 in 1981. Coffee consumption showed a moderate correlation between these two time‐points (r = 0.58 in men and 0.55 in women). Genetic factors affecting coffee consumption were stable: additive genetic correlations were 0.84 in men and 0.83 in women, whereas unique environmental correlations were moderate (0.45 and 0.36). Additive genetic factors had the highest contribution in young adults.

Conclusions Coffee consumption is affected by both additive genetic and unique environmental factors, each of which plays an almost equally important role. The long‐term stability of coffee consumption is affected mainly by a stable set of additive genetic factors.
Clinical trial: lubiprostone in patients with constipation‐associated irritable bowel syndrome – results of two randomized, placebo‐controlled studies
Authors: DROSSMAN D. A. , CHEY W. D. , JOHANSON J. F. , FASS R. , SCOTT C. , PANAS R. , UENO R.
Published: November 2008

Background  Effective treatments for irritable bowel syndrome with constipation (IBS‐C) are lacking.

Aim  To assess the efficacy and safety of lubiprostone in IBS‐C.

Methods  A combined analysis was performed among 1171 patients with a Rome II diagnosis of IBS‐C in two phase‐3 randomized trials of lubiprostone 8 mcg vs. placebo twice daily for 12 weeks. Using a balanced seven‐point Likert scale ranging from significantly relieved (+3), to significantly worse (−3), patients responded on their electronic diary to the question: ‘How would you rate your relief of IBS symptoms over the past week compared to how you felt before you entered the study?’. The primary efficacy endpoint was the percentage of overall responders.

Results  Using an intent‐to‐treat analysis with last observation carried forward, a significantly higher percentage of lubiprostone‐treated patients were considered overall responders compared with those treated with placebo (17.9% vs. 10.1%, P = 0.001). Patients treated with lubiprostone reported a similar incidence of adverse events to those treated with placebo.

Conclusions  The percentage of overall responders based on patient‐rated assessments of IBS‐C symptoms was significantly improved in patients treated with lubiprostone 8 mcg twice daily compared to those treated with placebo. Lubiprostone was well tolerated with a favourable safety profile.
The safety profile of anti‐tumour necrosis factor therapy in inflammatory bowel disease in clinical practice: analysis of 620 patient‐years follow‐up
Authors: LEES C. W. , ALI A. I. , THOMPSON A. I. , HO G.‐T. , FORSYTHE R. O. , MARQUEZ L. , COCHRANE C. J. , AITKEN S. , FENNELL J. , ROGERS P. , SHAND A. G. , PENMAN I. D. , PALMER K. R. , WILSON D. C. , ARNOTT I. D. R. , SATSANGI J.
Published: November 2008

Background  Anti‐TNF agents are now widely used in Crohn’s disease (CD), and in ulcerative colitis (UC).

Aim  To review the safety profile of anti‐TNF agents in all patients treated with infliximab in Edinburgh from 1999 to 2007.

Methods  Complete data were available on 202/207 patients comprising 157 CD, 42 UC and three coeliac disease. Median follow‐up was 2.4 years (1.0–4.9) with a total of 620 patient‐years follow‐up. About 19.1% of CD patients were subsequently treated with adalimumab.

Results  Seven deaths (3.3%) occurred in follow‐up; only one death was <1 year post‐infliximab (at day 72, from lung cancer). A total of six malignancies (three haematological, three bronchogenic) and six cases of suspected demyelination (three with confirmed neurological disease) were reported. In the 90 days following infliximab, 95 adverse events (36 serious) occurred in 58/202 (28.7%) patients. In all, 42/202 (20.8%) had an infectious event (22 serious) and 27/202 (13.4%) of patients had an infusion reaction: 19 acute (four serious) and eight delayed (three serious).

Conclusions  Serious infections, malignancies and neurological disease complicate anti‐TNF use in clinical practice. Although evidence for causality is unclear, potential mechanisms and predisposing factors need to be explored. In individual patients, the risk/benefit analysis needs to be carefully assessed and discussed prior to commencement of therapy.
Primary human acute myeloid leukaemia cells increase the proliferation of microvascular endothelial cells through the release of soluble mediators
Authors: Hatfield Kimberley , Øyan Anne M. , Ersvaer Elisabeth , Kalland Karl‐Henning , Lassalle Philippe , Gjertsen Bjørn T. , Bruserud Øystein
Published: November 2008

Bone marrow angiogenesis is suggested to play a role in the pathogenesis of acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) and endothelial cells may mediate chemosensitivity. This study investigated in vitro endothelial effects of coculture of microvascular endothelial cells (MVEC) with AML cells derived from 33 consecutive AML patients. A proliferation assay showed that (i) AML cells from the majority of patients examined increased endothelial cell proliferation, while cytokine neutralizing experiments had divergent effects on proliferation and (ii) the angiopoietin/Tie2 system was important for growth of AML cells, and angiopoietin‐1 induced phosphorylation of signal transducers and activators of transcription (STAT) proteins in AML cells. Finally, gene expression profiling of MVEC cocultured with AML cells was conducted in non‐contact cultures. Microarray analysis revealed that the majority of significantly expressed genes could be categorized into gene ontology terms involved in transcription, cellular organization and intracellular signalling. Our study indicates a role for the leukaemic‐endothelium crosstalk in leukaemogenesis with enhancement of endothelial cell growth and increased AML cell proliferation possibly mediated by angiopoietin‐1 and the STAT signalling pathway.
Relationships between catch and effort in Fijian multispecies reef fisheries subject to different levels of exploitation
Authors: JENNINGS S. , POLUNIN N.V.C.
Published: November 2008

Abstract The catch‐per‐unit‐effort (CPUE) and value‐of‐catch‐per‐unit‐effort (VPUE) of reef‐associated fish species from six Fijian native fishing grounds (qoliqoli) subject to different fishing intensities were determined using records of fishing activity from a voluntary logbook scheme. Line and spear fishing techniques were used for more than half the total fishing time (h person‐1 d‐1) in all qoliqoli, and yet the favoured technique in a given qoliqoli was frequently less efficient (lower CPUE) than other techniques. The popularity of relatively ineffective fishing methods implies that fishermen did not always attempt to maximize their catch rates. To compare fishing effort in different qoliqoli, all effort was rescaled on the basis of its recorded efficiency (measured as multispecies CPUE) and expressed as hours equivalent to boat‐based spear fishing over coral by day to catch fish for sale. Total fishing intensity in the six qoliqoli ranged from 72 to 4310 h km‐2 reef year‐1. The relationship between catch and effort was linear at all fishing intensities, suggesting that the qoliqoli were all fished on a sustainable basis. Furthermore, whilst there was a significant difference in CPUE and VPUE between the one or two qoliqoli with lowest fishing intensity and all the others, there were no significant differences between these other qoliqoli in terms of the VPUE of the saleable multispecies boat catch or the CPUE of species from piscivorous and carnivorous genera (Epinephelus, Lethrinus and Plectropomus) which the fishermen prefer to catch.
Pikeperch, Stizostedion lucioperca (L.), catch in relation to juvenile density and water temperature in Pärnu Bay, Estonia
Authors: LAPPALAINEN J. , ERM V. , LEHTONEN H.
Published: November 2008

Abstract The abundance of 0+ pikeperch, Stizostedion lucioperca (L.), in trawls was compared with water temperature, water level and commercial catches 6–9 years later. The abundance of juveniles in autumn was positively correlated with the water temperature but not with water level in May or in June. The sum of a year abundance of juveniles showed a strong correlation with the catch years later. This abundance and the cumulative water temperature between August and October inclusive in five consecutive years one year prior to recruitment into the commercial fishery explained 86% of the variation in catches. This empirical model indicates that catches of pikeperch depend on both juvenile abundance and water temperature.
Mass‐marking of grayling, Thymallus thymallus (L.), larvae by fluorochrome tagging of otoliths
Authors: NAGIEC M. , CZERKIES P. , GORYCZKO K. , WITKOWSKI A. , MURAWSKA E.
Published: November 2008

Abstract Larvae of grayling, Thymallus thymallus (L.) were immersed in tetracycline hydrochloride (TC) and alizarin red S (AL) solutions for 3–4 h at concentrations of 300 and 70 ppm, respectively. Fluorescent marks on the otoliths from the marked fish were identified using a UV‐light microscope. Results obtained with AL were superior to TC in marking otoliths. Fish kept in an aquarium retained good marks for 842 days. Stocking of the Carpathian River Ochotnica with marked grayling larvae revealed good mark retention for 128 days and a survival rate of approximately 12.2%.
Khawia sinensis Hsü, 1935 (Cestoda: Caryophyllidea), a tapeworm new to the British Isles: a threat to carp fisheries?
Authors: CHUBB J.C. , YEOMANS W.E.
Published: November 2008

Abstract Khawia sinensis Hsü is recorded for the first time from the British Isles. K. sinensis was recovered from many naturally infected common carp, Cyprinus carpio L., and one tench, Tinca tinca (L.) in 18 localities in England. Prevalence ranged from 4.5 to 100% and intensity of infection from one to 51 worms per fish. The worms were identified as Lytocestidae by the medullary arrangement of the vitelline glands and the cortical position of the testes, and as K. sinensis on scolex characteristics and detailed arrangement and measurements of genital organs. No evidence of pathogenicity was observed, although K. sinensis has been reported as a serious pathogen of cyprinids in overseas fisheries. The potential threat of this tapeworm to carp fisheries in England is discussed.
Habitat preference, distribution and growth of postlarvae, juvenile and pre‐adult Indian white shrimp, Penaeus indicus H. Milne Edwards, in Ghubat Hasish Bay, Gulf of Masirah, Sultanate of Oman
Authors: MOHAN R. , SIDDEEK M.S.M.
Published: November 2008

Abstract An investigation of postlarvae, early juveniles and pre‐adult Indian white shrimp, Penaeus indicus H. Milne Edwards, in Ghubat Hasish Bay around Mahawt Island in the Gulf of Masirah was carried out from January 1991 to December 1992. Peak abundance of postlarvae and juveniles was observed during March and April. The size of newly recruited postlarvae ranged from 9 to 11 mm total length. The highest concentration of postlarvae and early juveniles occurred in muddy substratum covered by mangrove detritus. Postlarvae and juvenile densities varied significantly between years, seasons and habitats. The main fishery recruitment observed in late August and early September resulted from the major postlarval abundance peaks in March and April. Growth rates of postlarvae, juveniles and pre‐adult shrimp of the main cohort recruited in March were calculated. During the peak fishing season (September to November), pre‐adults were concentrated at depths of 3–5 m in muddy substrata south‐west of Mahawt Island. An environmental impact study is recommended in this area prior to the proposed harbour development at Mahawt.
Uncertainties in the response of a forest landscape to global climatic change
Authors: XU CHONGGANG , GERTNER GEORGE Z. , SCHELLER ROBERT M.
Published: November 2008

Many studies have been conducted to quantify the possible ecosystem/landscape response to the anticipated global warming. However, there is a large amount of uncertainty in the future climate predictions used for these studies. Specifically, the climate predictions can be very different based on a variety of global climate models and alternative greenhouse emission scenarios. In this study, we coupled a forest landscape model, LANDIS‐II, and a forest process model, PnET‐II, to examine the uncertainty (that results from the uncertainty in the future climate predictions) in the forest‐type composition prediction for a transitional forest landscape [the Boundary Water Canoe Area]. Using an improved global‐sensitivity analysis technique [Fourier amplitude sensitivity test], we also quantified the amount of uncertainty in the forest‐type composition prediction contributed by different climate variables including temperature, CO2, precipitation and photosynthetic active radiation (PAR). The forest landscape response was simulated for the period 2000–2400 ad based on the differential responses of 13 tree species under an ensemble of 27 possible climate prediction profiles (monthly time series of climate variables). Our simulations indicate that the uncertainty in the forest‐type composition becomes very high after 2200 ad, which is close to the time when the current forests are largely removed by windthrow disturbances and natural mortality. The most important source of uncertainty in the forest‐type composition prediction is from the uncertainty in temperature predictions. The second most important source is PAR, the third is CO2 and the least important is precipitation. Our results also show that if the optimum photosynthetic temperature rises due to CO2 enrichment, the forest landscape response to climatic change measured by forest‐type composition may be substantially reduced.
Pan‐European regional‐scale modelling of water and  N efficiencies of rapeseed cultivation for biodiesel production
Authors: VAN DER VELDE MARIJN , BOURAOUI FAYÇAL , ALOE ALBERTO
Published: November 2008

The energy produced from the investment in biofuel crops needs to account for the environmental impacts on soil, water, climate change and ecosystem services. A regionalized approach is needed to evaluate the environmental costs of large‐scale biofuel production. We present a regional pan‐European simulation of rapeseed (Brassica napus) cultivation. Rapeseed is the European Union's dominant biofuel crop with a share of about 80% of the feedstock. To improve the assessment of the environmental impact of this biodiesel production, we performed a pan‐European simulation of rapeseed cultivation at a 10 × 10 km scale with Environmental Policy Integrated Climate (EPIC). The model runs with a daily time step and model input consists of spatialized meteorological measurements, and topographic, soil, land use, and farm management practices data and information. Default EPIC model parameters were calibrated based on literature. Modelled rapeseed yields were satisfactory compared with yields at regional level reported for 151 regions obtained for the period from 1995 to 2003 for 27 European Union member countries, along with consistent modelled and reported yield responses to precipitation, radiation and vapour pressure deficit at regional level. The model is currently set up so that plant nutrient stress is not occurring. Total fertilizer consumption at country level was compared with IFA/FAO data. This approach allows us to evaluate environmental pressures and efficiencies arising from and associated with rapeseed cultivation to further complete the environmental balance of biofuel production and consumption.
Carbon sequestration in boreal jack pine stands following harvesting
Authors: ZHA TIANSHAN , BARR ALAN G. , BLACK T. ANDY , McCAUGHEY J. HARRY , BHATTI J. , HAWTHORNE I. , KRISHNAN PRAVEENA , KIDSTON J. , SAIGUSA N. , SHASHKOV A. , NESIC Z.
Published: November 2008

A large area of boreal jack pine (Pinus banksiana Lamb.) forest in Canada is recovering from clear‐cut harvesting, and the carbon (C) balance of these regenerating forests remains uncertain. Net ecosystem CO2 exchange was measured using the eddy‐covariance technique at four jack pine sites representing different stages of stand development: three postharvest sites (HJP02, HJP94, and HJP75) and one preharvest site (OJP). The four sites, located in the southern Canadian boreal forest, Saskatchewan, Canada, are typical of low productivity jack pine stands and were 2, 10, 29, and 90 years old in 2004, respectively. Mean annual net ecosystem production (NEP) for 2004 and 2005 was −137±11, 19±16, 73±28, and 22±30 g C m−2 yr−1 at HJP02, HJP94, HJP75 and OJP, respectively, showing the postharvest jack pine stands to be moderate C sources immediately after harvesting, weak sinks at 10 years, moderate C sinks at 30 years, then weak C sinks at 90 years. Mean annual gross ecosystem photosynthesis (GEP) for the 2 years was 96±10, 347±20, 576±34, and 583±35 g C m−2 yr−1 at HJP02, HJP94, HJP75, and OJP, respectively. The ratio of annual ecosystem respiration (R) to annual GEP was 2.51±0.15, 0.95±0.04, 0.87±0.03, and 0.96±0.03. Seasonally, NEP peaked in May or June at all four sites but GEP and R were highest in July. R at a reference soil temperature of 10 °C, ecosystem quantum yield and photosynthetic capacity were lowest for the 2‐year‐old stand. R was most sensitive to soil temperature for the 90‐year‐old stand. The primary source of variability in NEP over the course of succession of the jack pine ecosystem following harvesting was stand age due to the changes in leaf area index. Intersite variability in GEP and R was an order of magnitude greater than interannual variability at OJP. For both young and old stands, GEP had greater interannual variability than R and played a more important role than R in interannual variation in NEP. Based on year‐round flux measurements from 2000 to 2005, the 10‐year stand had larger interannual variability in GEP and R than the 90‐year stand. Interannual variability in NEP was driven primarily by early‐growing‐season temperature and growing‐season length. Photosynthesis played a dominant role in the rapid rise in NEP early in stand development. Late in stand development, however, the subtle decrease in NEP resulted primarily from increasing respiration.
Nucleotide diversity in the Hsp90 gene in natural populations of Drosophila melanogaster from Australia
Authors: Sgrò C. M. , Milton C. C. , Jensen L. T. , Frydenberg J. , Loeschcke V. , Batterham P. , Hoffmann A. A.
Published: November 2008

Hsp90 is regarded as one of the best candidates for an evolved mechanism that regulates the expression of genetic and phenotypic variability. We examined nucleotide diversity in both the promoter and coding regions of Hsp90, the gene which encodes Hsp90 in Drosophila, in natural populations of Drosophila melanogaster from eastern Australia. We found that Hsp90 is polymorphic for only two nonsynonymous changes in the coding region, both of which are deletions of a lysine residue. One of these lysine deletions was in complete linkage disequilibrium with the inversion In(3L)P, and showed a significant association with latitude. The other lysine deletion reported here for the first time varied from 0 to 15% in natural populations, but did not show a clinal pattern. The regulatory and coding regions of Hsp90 showed very low nucleotide diversity compared to other nuclear genes, and chromosomes containing In(3L)P had lower levels of nucleotide diversity than the standard arrangements. Non‐neutral evolution of Hsp90 was not supported by analyses of either the regulatory or coding regions of the gene. These results are discussed within the context of Hsp90 variation being involved in thermotolerance as well as the expression of genetic and phenotypic variability.
Radiographic assessment of dental anomalies in patients with ectopic maxillary canines
Authors: SØRENSEN HELLE BUDTZ , ARTMANN LONE , LARSEN HELLE JUUL , KJÆR INGER
Published: November 2008

Background.  The aetiology of palatally and labially located ectopic maxillary canines is multifactorial. Accordingly, early prediction of this eruptional disturbance is in most cases not possible.

Aim.  The purpose of this study was to analyse dental deviations in cases with either palatal or labial ectopic canines.

Design.  Panoramic and intra‐oral radiographs from 50 patients with palatally located (38 females and 12 males) and 19 patients with labially located ectopic canines (11 females and 8 males), aged 10 years, 2 months–18 years, 1 month, were analysed. Dental deviations registered were crown and root malformations, agenesis, and eruption deviations. Registrations were performed in the maxillary incisor field and in the dentition in general.

Results.  The study documented that palatally as well as labially located ectopic canines can occur in dentitions without other dental deviations. Dental deviations occurred in approximately two‐thirds of all cases, more often in females and in cases with palatally located canines. More than half of the females with palatally located canines had deviations in the maxillary incisors and in the dentition in general.

Conclusion.  Dental deviations may be considered a risk factor for maxillary canine ectopia. Early identification of patients at risk and appropriate interceptive treatment may reduce ectopic eruption of maxillary canines.
Contextual variables affecting aggressive behaviour in individuals with mild to borderline intellectual disabilities who live in a residential facility
Authors: Embregts P. J. C. M. , Didden R. , Huitink C. , Schreuder N.
Published: November 2008

Background  Aggression is a common type of problem behaviour in clients with mild to borderline intellectual disability who live in a residential facility. We explored contextual events that elicit aggressive behaviour and variables that were associated with such events.

Method  Respondents were 87 direct‐care staff members of 87 clients with aggressive behaviour who lived in a residential facility. Staff members completed the Contextual Assessment Inventory (CAI) and a questionnaire on demographic information and types, frequency and severity of aggressive behaviour. Internal consistency of the total CAI was excellent (α = 0.95), and Cronbach alpha's for the CAI sub‐scales ranged from 0.75 to 0.93. Inter‐rater agreement for the CAI could be considered good (mean intra‐class correlation coefficient = 0.63).

Results  Both social and task‐related events were reported to evoke aggressive behaviour of clients most often. Negative interactions, task characteristics and daily routines relatively often evoked aggressive behaviour while an uncomfortable environment, medication, illness and physiological states (i.e. physical and biological events) evoked aggressive behaviour least often. Mean CAI sub‐scale scores were significantly related to gender, IQ and frequency of aggressive behaviour.

Conclusion  The present study extends our knowledge regarding events that are associated with an increased probability of aggressive behaviour. Knowledge of these contextual variables may be helpful in designing programmes (e.g. applied behaviour analysis, social skills training and cognitive behavioural therapies) for the management and prevention of aggressive behaviour in clients with mild to borderline intellectual disability who live in a residential facility.
Photoperiod–Testicular–Immune Interaction in a Seasonal Breeder Indian Palm Squirrel Funambulus pennanti During the Reproductively Inactive and Active Phases
Authors: Ahmad R. , Haldar C.
Published: November 2008

The differential effect of long (LD; 16 : 8 h light/dark), short (SD; 10 : 14 h light/dark) and natural day length (NDL; 12 : 12 h light/dark) during the reproductively inactive (RIP) and active (RAP) phases was assessed in relation to immunity and reproductive function of a tropical rodent Funambulus pennanti. They presented high immunity and low testicular activity during RIP and an opposite during RAP. SD increased spleen and thymus weight, leukocyte and lymphocyte counts, cell mediated immunity [i.e. blastogenic response in terms of percentage stimulation ratio of splenocytes and thymocytes (when challenged with concanavalin A)] and delayed type hypersensitivity to oxazolone. SD during RIP increased the above mentioned parameters and reduced testes weight compared to NDL groups. During RAP, LD reduced all the immunological parameters when compared with NDL and SD experiencing groups of RIP and RAP phases. The LD group reduced the immunological parameters compared to RAP, suggesting that LD had always an inhibitory effect on immune status being independent of reproductive phases. The intensity of the stimulatory effects of SD and inhibitory effects of LD during both reproductive phases was significantly different. We exposed another set of squirrels to the above photoperiodic schedule for prolonged period (30 weeks) during RAP. A clear testicular refractoriness followed by immunorefractoriness was observed in the group experiencing SD and LD for 30 weeks. The photorefractoriness presented by the testes was inversely related to the immunorefractoriness. The peripheral melatonin level of those squirrels reflected the photoperiodic signal perceived by squirrels for immunomodulation and gonadal function, suggesting that immune system and gonadal function might have coevolved.
Maintaining equilibrium: a theory of job satisfaction for community mental health nurses
Authors: WILSON B. , CROWE M.
Published: November 2008

This study aimed to explore what was satisfying in the role of community mental health nurse (CMHN). Previous studies have emphasized sources of dissatisfaction but the emphasis on satisfaction allowed the researchers to explore positive aspects of the role which have been largely neglected in previous studies and to explore how these nurses managed to sustain satisfaction. This study used a grounded theory, and the primary source of data was in‐depth interviews collected over a 1‐year period with 12 CMHNs. Data were analysed using the constant comparative method and theoretical sampling. The therapeutic relationship (being therapeutic, knowing oneself, knowing how) was identified as the most significant source of satisfaction for the CMHNs, but this was mediated by three properties associated with role performance – working for the organization, belonging to a team and maintaining a personal life. The properties associated with role performance affected the participants' experience of the therapeutic relationship which determined whether the CMHNs found their job satisfying. This process of balance and counter‐balance is best explained by the core category maintaining equilibrium which accounts for the dynamic interaction that occurs between the therapeutic relationship properties and the role performance properties. As a core category maintaining equilibrium describes the process in which the participants were impelled towards satisfaction.
Spatial genetic structure of a small rodent in a heterogeneous landscape
Authors: GAUFFRE B. , ESTOUP A. , BRETAGNOLLE V. , COSSON J. F.
Published: November 2008

Gene flow in natural populations may be strongly influenced by landscape features. The integration of landscape characteristics in population genetic studies may thus improve our understanding of population functioning. In this study, we investigated the population genetic structure and gene flow pattern for the common vole,Microtus arvalis, in a heterogeneous landscape characterised by strong spatial and temporal variation. The studied area is an intensive agricultural zone of approximately 500 km2crossed by a motorway. We used individual‐based Bayesian methods to define the number of population units and their spatial borders without prior delimitation of such units. Unexpectedly, we determined a single genetic unit that covered the entire area studied. In particular, the motorway considered as a likely barrier to dispersal was not associated with any spatial genetic discontinuity. Using computer simulations, we demonstrated that recent anthropogenic barriers to effective dispersal are difficult to detect through analysis of genetic variation for species with large effective population sizes. We observed a slight, but significant, pattern of isolation by distance over the whole study site. Spatial autocorrelation analyses detected genetic structuring on a local scale, most probably due to the social organisation of the study species. Overall, our analysis suggests intense small‐scale dispersal associated with a large effective population size. High dispersal rates may be imposed by the strong spatio‐temporal heterogeneity of habitat quality, which characterises intensive agroecosystems.