bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Vancouver's Promise of the World's First Sustainable Olympic Games
Authors: Holden Meg , MacKenzie Julia , VanWynsberghe Robert
Published: March 2008

Vancouver has committed to host the world's first sustainable Olympic Games in 2010. This promise is in keeping with local policy trends in the Vancouver region toward visions of sustainability and with growing attention by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) to environmental sustainability concerns. We demonstrate that interests in sustainability at local and international scales may differ markedly, however, resulting in a range of possible legacies for Vancouver and the international Olympic movement from the 2010 Winter Olympics. To move beyond the fruitless search for a universally acceptable definition of sustainability, we investigate different meanings of sustainability using the tool of the ‘language game’, originally devised by philosopher Ludwig Wittgenstein. Examining sustainability as a language game in the planning phase of the 2010 Olympics allows us to consider the potential and likely scenarios for sustainability wins and losses, internationally and in the local context. Four possible scenarios are considered. In the most optimistic scenario, sustainability language converges across the international and local language systems, aiding the development of sustainability in Vancouver policy, charting a course for Olympic cities to follow, and creating institutional change within the IOC as well. In the contrasting scenario, the failure to find common ground in sustainability pursuits could doom the concept both for future Olympic cities and for policy practice in Vancouver. Two other mixed outcome scenarios are considered as well. This analysis leads to insight into the boundaries of the meaning of sustainability in the context of a megaevent, in which, more than any particular demonstration project, the communicated message of sustainability may be the most lasting legacy.
Vulnerability and Capacity: Explaining Local Commitment to Climate-Change Policy
Authors: Zahran Sammy , Brody Samuel D , Vedlitz Arnold , Grover Himanshu , Miller Caitlyn
Published: March 2008

We examine the reasons why a US locality would voluntarily commit to the Cities for Climate Protection (CCP) campaign. Using geographic information systems analytic techniques, we map and measure a locality's vulnerability to climate-change impacts at the county level of spatial precision. We analyze multiple measures of climate-change vulnerability, including expected temperature change, extreme weather events, and coastal proximity, as well as economic variables, demographic variables, and civic-participation variables that constitute a locality's socioeconomic capacity to commit to costly climate-change policy initiatives. Bivariate and logistic regression results indicate that CCP-committed localities are quantitatively different to noncommitted localities on both climate-change risk and socioeconomic-capacity dimensions. On vulnerability measures, the odds of CCP-campaign participation increase significantly with the number of people killed and injured by extreme weather events, projected temperature change, and coastal proximity. On socioeconomic-capacity measures, the odds of CCP-campaign involvement increase with the percentage of citizens that vote Democrat and recycle, as well as the number of nonprofit organizations with an environment focus. The odds decrease in a county area as the percentage of the labor force employed in carbon-intensive industries increases.
The Influence of Picture Size on Recognition and Exploratory Behaviour in Raised-Line Drawings
Authors: Wijntjes Maarten W A , van Lienen Thijs , Verstijnen Ilse M , Kappers Astrid M L
Published: March 2008

We demonstrate the influence of picture size on haptic recognition and exploratory behaviour. The stimuli were raised-line drawings of everyday objects. Participants were instructed to think aloud during haptic exploration of the pictures. We measured the delay between initial correct speculation and final correct response. The results indicate that picture size influences accuracy but not response latency: large drawings are recognised more often but not faster. By analysing video recordings of the experiment we found that two-handed exploration increases when picture size increases and that, on average, 83% of the exploration time involves the use of two hands. The thinking-aloud data showed that the average time difference between the initial correct speculation and final correct response amounted to 23% of the total reaction time. We discuss our results with respect to the design of tactile aids and the ecological validity of single-finger exploration.
Boundary Completion, Contrast Polarity, and the Perception of Illusory Tilt
Authors: Parlangeli Oronzo , Roncato Sergio
Published: March 2008

What we perceive as a unitary object can be the result of integrative processes that generate a whole from parts. Although this issue of visual perception has been widely explored, recent experimental findings demonstrate that our knowledge is still incomplete. In particular, the question whether contour binding is affected by the sign of contrast (contrast polarity) across edges requires more in-depth examination. Here we show the effects of edge bindings that originate from the merging of laterally displaced edges with the same contrast polarity. We have studied a particular context in which such effects may emerge: a checkerboard with a series of alternated dark and light shapes superimposed on the corners of the squares. The phenomenal observations and experimental findings support the theories according to which boundary completions are originated by phenomena of edge propagation within a ‘field of completion’ (eg Shipley and Kellman, 2003 Perception32 985–999) adjacent to an edge ending. Our findings conform to the Shipley and Kellman theory that boundary completion results from the interaction of edges as well as from edges and shapes lacking in oriented contours, the latter serving as ‘receiving units’, anchoring the paths of activations generated by oriented edges. We propose to integrate this theory with the hypothesis that interactions sensitive to the contrast sign generate conjunction paths of edges that alter their perceived orientation. Based on this perspective we propose an alternative account for the Cafe Wall illusion that can be extended to other phenomena of orientation misperception and to a Cafe Wall inversion effect that has not been observed previously.
Aromaticity in Heterocyclic and Inorganic Benzene Analogues
Authors: Pierrefixe Simon C. A. H. , Bickelhaupt F. Matthias
Published: March 2008

Recently, we presented a molecular orbital (MO) model of aromaticity that explains, in terms of simple orbital-overlap arguments, why benzene (C6H6) has a regular structure with delocalized double bonds. Here, we show that the same model and the same type of orbital-overlap arguments also account for heterocyclic and inorganic benzene analogues, such as s-triazine (C3N3H3), hexazine (N6), borazine (B3N3H6), boroxine (B3O3H3), hexasilabenzene (Si6H6), and hexaphosphabenzene (P6). Our MO model is based on accurate Kohn–Sham density-functional theory (DFT) analyses of the bonding in the seven model systems, and how the bonding mechanism is affected if these molecules undergo geometrical deformations between regular, delocalized ring structures and distorted ones with localized double bonds. It turns out that also in the heterocyclic and inorganic benzene analogues, the propensity of the π electrons is always to localize the double bonds, against the delocalizing force of the σ electrons. The latter in general prevails, yielding the regular, delocalized ring structures. Interestingly, we find one exception to this rule: N6.
Evaluation of pheromone trapping of diamondback moth (Plutella xylostella) as a tool for monitoring larval infestations in cabbage crops in Samoa
Authors: Sulifoa J.B. , Ebenebe A.A.
Published: March 2008

Studies were conducted at Aleisa and Alafua in Samoa, during 2004/2005, to assess the propriety of using pheromone trapping of Plutella xylostella as a tool for monitoring larval infestations in cabbage crops. Numbers of adults and larvae of P. xylostella present in cabbage crops were monitored, concurrently, on a weekly basis at the two sites over a period of 13 and 15 months, respectively. Numbers of P. xylostella adults were monitored by using pheromone traps which were set up in cabbage fields, whereas numbers of larvae were monitored through visual observation of cabbage plants in the same fields where the pheromone traps were placed. Results showed that numbers of P. xylostella adults caught in pheromone traps were positively correlated with larval infestations in the crops (r = 0.894 for Aleisa, r = 0.589 for Alafua). Number of moths caught in traps explained 79.9% and 34.4% of variation in larval infestations at Aleisa and Alafua, respectively.
Miscibility, melting and crystallization of poly(ε-caprolactone) and poly (vinyl formal) blend
Authors: Rohindra David R. , Khurma Jagjit R.
Published: March 2008

Solution cast blends of poly(e-caprolactone) [PCL] and poly(vinyl formal) [PVF] from dichloromethane was investigated for miscibility by Differential Scanning Calorimetry [DSC], Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy [FTIR] and optical microscopy. Melting (Tm) and crystallization (Tc) temperatures were for the PCL fraction while the glass transition temperature (Tg) was for PVF fraction in the blends. Blends with 20 wt% and less PCL showed a depression in Tm and Tc. Depression in Tc indicated that during the non-isothermal crystallization process, the presence of PVF decreased the PCL segments migrating to the crystallite-melt interface thus reducing the nucleation rate, growth rate and the thickness of the lamella resulting in a depressed Tm. Crystallinity (Xc) decreased gradually with decreasing content of PCL in the blend and was due to the dilution of PCL by PVF. A depressed Tg was observed for 10 wt% PCL blend and remained the same for all other blend compositions. These observations suggested that this blend system has very low degree of miscibility. The degree of miscibility increased at low polyester concentration. FTIR spectra of the blends with low polyester concentrations showed changes in the C=O, O-H and C-O-C regions in the blended PVF and PCL spectra. Optical microscopy showed phase separation in the melt and in the PCL spherulites.
Crystal methamphetamine smoking among regular ecstasy users in Australia: increases in use and associations with harm
Authors: KINNER STUART A. , DEGENHARDT LOUISA
Published: March 2008

Introduction. This study examined (a) changes in crystal methamphetamine use among regular ecstasy users (REU) in Australia and (b) associations of crystal use and smoking with demographics, drug use and harm. Design and Methods. Cross‐sectional surveys (2000–06) of REU in three Australian capital cities, and in 2006, 750 REU in all Australian capital cities. The interview included: demographics, drug use, risk behaviour, recent criminal activity and methamphetamine dependence using Severity of Dependence Scale. Results. There was little change in overall methamphetamine use, but a marked increase in crystal methamphetamine smoking. Among recent methamphetamine users in 2006 (n = 606), crystal methamphetamine users (n = 364) reported more frequent methamphetamine use and higher levels of dependence. Compared with those who had used only other forms of methamphetamine, recent crystal methamphetamine users were more likely to ‘binge’ on drugs for 48 hours, engage in crime and experience financial and legal problems related to drug use. Non‐smoking crystal methamphetamine users (n = 78) more often reported recent injecting and heroin use. Recent smokers were more likely to have: greater polydrug use, recently overdosed on a ‘party drug’, and accessed medical services for their drug use. Many of these associations were accounted for by their injecting and heavier methamphetamine use, rather than smoking per se. Conclusions. Crystal methamphetamine smoking among REU has increased markedly and is associated with significant harm. This appears related to smokers' heavier levels of methamphetamine use. Effective harm reduction strategies should be tailored to these specific risks.
A systematic review of cognitive and behavioural therapies for methamphetamine dependence
Authors: LEE NICOLE K. , RAWSON RICHARD A.
Published: March 2008

Introduction and Aims. The use of methamphetamine is widespread and poses significant challenges for treatment providers. Much of the treatment knowledge about this group has been extrapolated from studies of treatment for cocaine dependence. Medications have been shown to be of limited effectiveness for methamphetamine users, making psychological interventions the treatment of choice. Approach. This paper describes a systematic review of cognitive–behavioural and behavioural interventions for methamphetamine users. A systematic search of published literature was undertaken focusing only on randomised trials. Key Findings. There were a relatively small number of intervention studies that compared cognitive–behavioural or behavioural interventions using randomised trial methodology. Most commonly, studies examined cognitive–behaviour therapy (CBT) and/or contingency management (CM). Treatment with CBT appears to be associated with reductions in methamphetamine use and other positive changes, even over very short periods of treatment (two and four sessions). CM studies found a significant reduction of methamphetamine during application of the procedure, but it is not clear if these gains are sustained at post‐treatment follow‐up. Implications. The review highlights that there are effective treatments for methamphetamine dependence. Alcohol and other drug (AOD) clinicians are familiar with these types of interventions and should use them and convey to clients that they are effective. Services and policy makers should ensure that best practice interventions are implemented within AOD services. Conclusion. Psychological intervention is effective in addressing methamphetamine use and dependence. CBT and contingency management are two accessible interventions that are implemented easily within current AOD services. There is still more work to conduct in improving methamphetamine treatment, however, and further research into cognitive–behavioural and behavioural treatments for methamphetamine users is required, with a focus on improving longevity of the effect of intervention and improving effectiveness among more complex presentations.
The principles of agonist pharmacotherapy for psychostimulant dependence
Authors: SHEARER JAMES
Published: March 2008

Issues. Psychostimulant dependence is a chronic, relapsing condition which is highly treatment refractory. No medications to date have been any more successful than placebo in reducing psychostimulant use in dependent patients. Agonist strategies have attracted limited attention. Approach. Successful examples of agonist pharmacotherapy in the treatment of heroin and nicotine dependence are first considered. Agonist pharmacological approaches to the treatment of psychostimulant dependence are then examined, based on the dopamine receptor agonist and indirect dopamine agonist strategies. Finally, the potential extension of the concept of agonist pharmacotherapy to include the novel non‐amphetamine‐type stimulant, modafinil, is discussed. Conclusions. Agonist approaches appear to be viable with risks outweighed by benefits in carefully selected, monitored and motivated patients. On the other hand, the effectiveness of indirect agonists such as dexamphetamine and methylphenidate are not established. Further research is required to determine optimal treatment models (whether maintenance or withdrawal), effective safe dosages and duration (short or long term).
Quite a lot of smoke but very limited fire—the use of methamphetamine in Europe
Authors: GRIFFITHS PAUL , MRAVCIK VIKTOR , LOPEZ DOMINIQUE , KLEMPOVA DANICA
Published: March 2008

Introduction and Aims. This paper provides an overview of the historical development, current situation and potential future diffusion of methamphetamine (MA) use in Europe. Design and Methods. The analysis is based on a review of published and grey literature, as well as data collected as part of the ongoing monitoring of the drug situation in Europe. Some qualitative surveys among high‐risk populations do exist, but overall the general low prevalence of methamphetamine use in most of Europe means that the data available to explore patterns of use are limited. Results. In many parts of Europe, amphetamine use is well established and the injecting of amphetamines has historically constituted an important component of the drug problem in many Nordic countries. Methamphetamine problems are long documented in the Czech and Slovak republics, but there is no current evidence of widespread use of MA elsewhere in Europe. Concern that MA use is spreading in Europe is prompted by some reports of use among high‐risk groups. However, the evidence available suggests that even in high‐risk populations, the use of MA currently remains uncommon. Europe accounted for less than 1% of worldwide MA seizures in 2005, and over the period 2004–05 European ephedrine seizures amounted for 6% of the global figure. Discussion. The spread of MA use is limited and no strong evidence exists that significant diffusion is occurring. It appears likely that methamphetamine diffusion in Europe is impeded by a strong market for other stimulant drugs [cocaine, amphetamine and methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA)]. The future potential for the diffusion of MA may be influenced by factors such as: the relative availability and popularity of other drugs; possible ‘leakage’ from areas of historical high prevalence; travel by young Europeans to areas of high prevalence; and how users perceive MA as a desirable, suitable and cost‐effective alternative to other stimulants available on the European illicit drug market.
A qualitative study of sexual behaviours among methamphetamine users in Chiang Mai, Thailand: a typology of risk
Authors: SHERMAN SUSAN G. , GANN DONALD , GERMAN DANIELLE , SIRIROJN BANGORN , THOMPSON NICHOLAS , ARAMRATTANA APINUN , CELENTANO DAVID
Published: March 2008

Introduction and Aims. Methamphetamine (MA) has become the leading drug of abuse in northern Thailand over the past several years, particularly among youth. The current qualitative study explores the relationship between sexual behaviours and MA. Design and Methods. Between March 2002 and January 2003, 48 in‐depth interviews with young MA users aged 15–2 years in Chiang Mai. Interviews were transcribed verbatim in Thai and translated into English. Data were analysed inductively using the constant comparative method common to grounded theory methods. Atlas‐ti was used for data management. The current analysis was stratified by gender. Results. Participants were 44% male and the median age was 20 years. At the time of the interviews, 70% were not using MA. A typology of experiences with and feelings about MA's relationship to sexual activity emerged: (1) enhanced libido—individuals who found that MA enhances their sexual experiences (n = 13); (2) decreased libido or no effect—individuals who found that MA detracted from sexual desire (n = 22); and (3) virgins (n = 13). Discussion and Conclusions. Participants reported several distinct patterns of relationship between MA and sex. Tailored interventions are needed that address specific patterns of sexual behaviors among youth in order to promote sustainable safer sex behaviours in this population.
The effect of social facilitation on foraging success in vultures: a modelling study
Authors: Jackson Andrew L , Ruxton Graeme D , Houston David C
Published: March 2008

The status of many
Gyps
vulture populations are of acute conservation concern as several show marked and rapid decline. Vultures rely heavily on cues from conspecifics to locate carcasses via local enhancement. A simulation model is developed to explore the roles vulture and carcass densities play in this system, where information transfer plays a key role in locating food. We find a sigmoid relationship describing the probability of vultures finding food as a function of vulture density in the habitat. This relationship suggests a threshold density below which the foraging efficiency of the vulture population will drop rapidly towards zero. Management strategies should closely study this foraging system in order to maintain effective foraging densities.
Prehistorical climate change increased diversification of a group of butterflies
Authors: Peña Carlos , Wahlberg Niklas
Published: March 2008

Satyrinae butterflies (Lepidoptera: Nymphalidae) and grasses (Poaceae) are very diverse and distributed worldwide. Most Satyrinae use grasses as host plants, but the temporal scale of this tight association is not known. Here, we present a phylogenetic study of Satyrinae butterflies and related groups, based on 5.1 kilobases from six gene regions and 238 morphological characters for all major lineages in the ‘satyrine clade’. Estimates of divergence times calibrated using a fossil from the Late Oligocene indicate that the species-rich tribe Satyrini diversified to its current 2200 species simultaneously with the expansion and radiation of grasses during the dramatic cooling and drying up of the Earth in the Oligocene. We suggest that the adaptive radiation of grass feeders in Satyrini has been facilitated by the ubiquitousness of grasses since 25 Myr ago, which was triggered by a change in global climate.
A fruit in the hand or two in the bush? Divergent risk preferences in chimpanzees and bonobos
Authors: Heilbronner Sarah R , Rosati Alexandra G , Stevens Jeffrey R , Hare Brian , Hauser Marc D
Published: March 2008

Human and non-human animals tend to avoid risky prospects. If such patterns of economic choice are adaptive, risk preferences should reflect the typical decision-making environments faced by organisms. However, this approach has not been widely used to examine the risk sensitivity in closely related species with different ecologies. Here, we experimentally examined risk-sensitive behaviour in chimpanzees (
Pan troglodytes
) and bonobos (
Pan paniscus
), closely related species whose distinct ecologies are thought to be the major selective force shaping their unique behavioural repertoires. Because chimpanzees exploit riskier food sources in the wild, we predicted that they would exhibit greater tolerance for risk in choices about food. Results confirmed this prediction: chimpanzees significantly preferred the risky option, whereas bonobos preferred the fixed option. These results provide a relatively rare example of risk-prone behaviour in the context of gains and show how ecological pressures can sculpt economic decision making.
Cooperative problem solving in rooks (
Corvus frugilegus
)
Authors: Seed Amanda M , Clayton Nicola S , Emery Nathan J
Published: March 2008

Recent work has shown that captive rooks, like chimpanzees and other primates, develop cooperative alliances with their conspecifics. Furthermore, the pressures hypothesized to have favoured social intelligence in primates also apply to corvids. We tested cooperative problem-solving in rooks to compare their performance and cognition with primates. Without training, eight rooks quickly solved a problem in which two individuals had to pull both ends of a string simultaneously in order to pull in a food platform. Similar to chimpanzees and capuchin monkeys, performance was better when within-dyad tolerance levels were higher. In contrast to chimpanzees, rooks did not delay acting on the apparatus while their partner gained access to the test room. Furthermore, given a choice between an apparatus that could be operated individually over one that required the action of two individuals, four out of six individuals showed no preference. These results may indicate that cooperation in chimpanzees is underpinned by more complex cognitive processes than that in rooks. Such a difference may arise from the fact that while both chimpanzees and rooks form cooperative alliances, chimpanzees, but not rooks, live in a variable social network made up of competitive and cooperative relationships.
Exclusion of a Proton ATPase from the Apical Membrane Is Associated with Cell Polarity and Tip Growth inNicotiana tabacumPollen Tubes
Authors: Certal Ana C. , Almeida Ricardo B. , Carvalho Lara M. , Wong Eric , Moreno Nuno , Michard Erwan , Carneiro Jorge , Rodriguéz-Léon Joaquín , Wu Hen-Ming , Cheung Alice Y. , Feijó José A.
Published: March 2008

Polarized growth in pollen tubes results from exocytosis at the tip and is associated with conspicuous polarization of Ca2+, H+, K+, and Cl− -fluxes. Here, we show that cell polarity in Nicotiana tabacum pollen is associated with the exclusion of a novel pollen-specific H+-ATPase, Nt AHA, from the growing apex. Nt AHA colocalizes with extracellular H+ effluxes, which revert to influxes where Nt AHA is absent. Fluorescence recovery after photobleaching analysis showed that Nt AHA moves toward the apex of growing pollen tubes, suggesting that the major mechanism of insertion is not through apical exocytosis. Nt AHA mRNA is also excluded from the tip, suggesting a mechanism of polarization acting at the level of translation. Localized applications of the cation ionophore gramicidin A had no effect where Nt AHA was present but acidified the cytosol and induced reorientation of the pollen tube where Nt AHA was absent. Transgenic pollen overexpressing Nt AHA-GFP developed abnormal callose plugs accompanied by abnormal H+ flux profiles. Furthermore, there is no net flux of H+ in defined patches of membrane where callose plugs are to be formed. Taken together, our results suggest that proton dynamics may underlie basic mechanisms of polarity and spatial regulation in growing pollen tubes.
Heme, a Plastid-Derived Regulator of Nuclear Gene Expression inChlamydomonas
Authors: von Gromoff Erika D. , Alawady Ali , Meinecke Linda , Grimm Bernhard , Beck Christoph F.
Published: March 2008

To gain insight into the chloroplast-to-nucleus signaling role of tetrapyrroles, Chlamydomonas reinhardtii mutants in the Mg-chelatase that catalyzes the insertion of magnesium into protoporphyrin IX were isolated and characterized. The four mutants lack chlorophyll and show reduced levels of Mg-tetrapyrroles but increased levels of soluble heme. In the mutants, light induction of HSP70A was preserved, although Mg-protoporphyrin IX has been implicated in this induction. In wild-type cells, a shift from dark to light resulted in a transient reduction in heme levels, while the levels of Mg-protoporphyrin IX, its methyl ester, and protoporphyrin IX increased. Hemin feeding to cultures in the dark activated HSP70A. This induction was mediated by the same plastid response element (PRE) in the HSP70A promoter that has been shown to mediate induction by Mg-protoporphyrin IX and light. Other nuclear genes that harbor a PRE in their promoters also were inducible by hemin feeding. Extended incubation with hemin abrogated the competence to induce HSP70A by light or Mg-protoporphyrin IX, indicating that these signals converge on the same pathway. We propose that Mg-protoporphyrin IX and heme may serve as plastid signals that regulate the expression of nuclear genes.
Haplo-Insufficiency ofMPK3inMPK6Mutant Background Uncovers a Novel Function of These Two MAPKs inArabidopsisOvule Development
Authors: Wang Huachun , Liu Yidong , Bruffett Kristin , Lee Justin , Hause Gerd , Walker John C. , Zhang Shuqun
Published: March 2008

The plant life cycle includes diploid sporophytic and haploid gametophytic generations. Female gametophytes (embryo sacs) in higher plants are embedded in specialized sporophytic structures (ovules). Here, we report that two closely related mitogen-activated protein kinases in Arabidopsis thaliana, MPK3 and MPK6, share a novel function in ovule development: in the MPK6 mutant background, MPK3 is haplo-insufficient, giving female sterility when heterozygous. By contrast, in the MPK3 mutant background, MPK6 does not show haplo-insufficiency. Using wounding treatment, we discovered gene dosage–dependent activation of MPK3 and MPK6. In addition, MPK6 activation is enhanced when MPK3 is null, which may help explain why mpk3−/− mpk6+/− plants are fertile. Genetic analysis revealed that the female sterility of mpk3+/− mpk6−/− plants is a sporophytic effect. In mpk3+/− mpk6−/− mutant plants, megasporogenesis and megagametogenesis are normal and the female gametophyte identity is correctly established. Further analysis demonstrates that the mpk3+/− mpk6−/− ovules have abnormal integument development with arrested cell divisions at later stages. The mutant integuments fail to accommodate the developing embryo sac, resulting in the embryo sacs being physically restricted and female reproductive failure. Our results highlight an essential function of MPK3 and MPK6 in promoting cell division in the integument specifically during ovule development.
A Generalized Caprine‐like Hypoplasia Syndrome is localized within a 6‐cM interval on bovine chromosome 13 in the Montbéliarde breed
Authors: Duchesne A. , Manciaux L. , Gautier M. , Floriot S. , Grohs C. , Fritz S. , Druet T. , Schelcher F. , Ducos A. , Eggen A.
Published: March 2008

Caprine‐like Generalized Hypoplasia Syndrome (or SHGC) is a new hereditary disorder described in the Montbéliarde breed. We report here the characterization of this new disease, based on the visual examination of animals affected by SHGC, and on physiological and biochemical studies undertaken on samples of both SHGC and normal animals. Biological samples for more than 150 affected calves and their parents have been collected over the past 4 years within the framework of the Bovine Genetic Disease Observatory. First, pedigree analyses showed that the mode of inheritance is most probably autosomal recessive. Then, a genome scan with 113 animals and 140 microsatellite markers revealed a single locus within a 35‐cM region on bovine chromosome 13. Genotypes of 261 animals for 18 new microsatellite markers from the region confirmed the localization of the disorder to a 6‐cM interval. Finally, based on the analysis of haplotypes in 463 Montbéliarde sires, we estimated the frequency of the SHGC mutated allele in the population and could propose a strategy for the systematic eradication of this disorder in the near future.
Microsatellite‐based parentage analysis reveals non‐ideal free distribution in a parasitoid population
Authors: TENTELIER CÉDRIC , GUILLEMAUD THOMAS , FERRY SARAH , FAUVERGUE XAVIER
Published: March 2008

Habitat selection by dispersers is the focus of much theoretical models, most of which are based on the assumption of negative density dependence. The archetype of these models is the ideal free distribution, characterized by an evolutionary stable state where more competitors aggregate in better habitats, so that the fitness benefit of resource abundance is equally offset by the cost of competition in all habitats. In this study, we used parentage analysis on microsatellite genotypes to test the ideal free distribution in a natural population of aphid parasitoids. Parentage analysis was conducted on parasitoids emerging from aphid colonies. We inferred the number of foundress females which had reproduced in each colony, as well as the number of offspring for each foundress. As predicted by the ideal free distribution, the number of offspring per foundress per colony did not depend on the number of hosts per colony. However, contrary to ideal free distribution predictions, it was affected by the number of foundresses per colony. In surprising contrast with the basic assumption of negative density dependence, individual fitness increased with the number of foundresses. Moreover, parentage analysis revealed a very low number of offspring per foundress per colony (mean = 1.8). This observed distribution questions the validity of classical models of habitat choice based on competition. Indeed, our results provide a new illustration reinforcing a growing body of theory and data on positive density dependence. Our results also suggest that the avoidance of hyperparasitism and predation, although generally neglected, may shape the distribution of parasitoids in the field.
Drifting grating stimulation reveals particular activation properties of visual neurons in the caudate nucleus
Authors: Nagy Attila , Paróczy Zsuzsanna , Márkus Zita , Berényi Antal , Wypych Marek , Waleszczyk Wioletta J. , Benedek György
Published: March 2008

The role of the caudate nucleus (CN) in motor control has been widely studied. Less attention has been paid to the dynamics of visual feedback in motor actions, which is a relevant function of the basal ganglia during the control of eye and body movements. We therefore set out to analyse the visual information processing of neurons in the feline CN. Extracellular single‐unit recordings were performed in the CN, where the neuronal responses to drifting gratings of various spatial and temporal frequencies were recorded. The responses of the CN neurons were modulated by the temporal frequency of the grating. The CN units responded optimally to gratings of low spatial frequencies and exhibited low spatial resolution and fine spatial frequency tuning. By contrast, the CN neurons preferred high temporal frequencies, and exhibited high temporal resolution and fine temporal frequency tuning. The spatial and temporal visual properties of the CN neurons enable them to act as spatiotemporal filters. These properties are similar to those observed in certain feline extrageniculate visual structures, i.e. in the superior colliculus, the suprageniculate nucleus and the anterior ectosylvian cortex, but differ strongly from those of the primary visual cortex and the lateral geniculate nucleus. Accordingly, our results suggest a functional relationship of the CN to the extrageniculate tecto‐thalamo‐cortical system. This system of the mammalian brain may be involved in motion detection, especially in velocity analysis of moving objects, facilitating the detection of changes during the animal's movement.
Risk perception, risk management and vulnerability to landslides in the hill slopes in the city of La Paz, Bolivia. A preliminary statement
Authors: Nathan Fabien
Published: March 2008

The article begins by describing the difficult living conditions of many people in the hill slopes (laderas) of La Paz, Bolivia, demonstrating that they are exposed to a combination of natural and social hazards.1 It shows that residents, community leaders and city planners tend to underestimate or deny risk, with important consequences for risk management, such as a failure to raise risk awareness. The article then proposes some hypotheses to explain risk perceptions in La Paz, discarding the usual single‐approach interpretations and suggesting instead more nuanced theoretical explanations to account for why people build their homes in such hazardous environments.
Shallow‐soil endemics: adaptive advantages and constraints of a specialized root‐system morphology
Authors: Poot Pieter , Lambers Hans
Published: March 2008

DOI: 10.1111/j.1469-8137.2008.02427.x
Frontal cognitive dysfunction in juvenile myoclonic epilepsy
Authors: Piazzini Ada , Turner Katherine , Vignoli Aglaia , Canger Raffaele , Canevini Maria Paola
Published: March 2008

Summary

Purpose: The aim of the present study was to investigate the possible frontal cognitive dysfunction in patients with juvenile myoclonic epilepsy (JME) and to compare the results with those of patients with frontal lobe epilepsy (FLE) and temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE), as well as with controls.

Methods: A total of 50 patients with JME, 40 patients with FLE, 40 patients with TLE, and 40 normal controls, all matched for age, education, and IQ, were administered tests to assess frontal functions (the Word Fluency Test and the Wisconsin Card Sorting Test [WCST]). All participants had a normal intelligence level based on the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale, and did not take medications other than antiepileptics (AEDs) or have a psychiatric history.

Results: Patients with JME had severe impairment in all administered tasks, similar to that of patients with FLE; TLE patients and controls followed in order. Multiple regression analysis did not disclose any significant effect of clinical variables on the cognitive deficits.

Discussion: These results clearly suggest that JME patients can show some frontal dysfunction, which may affect both epileptogenic features and cognitive processes. Further studies are needed to confirm these findings.
Temporal lobe epilepsy does not impair visual perception
Authors: Grant Arthur C. , Donnelly Kiely M. , Chubb Charlie , Barr William B. , Kuzniecky Ruben , Devinsky Orrin
Published: March 2008

Summary

Temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE) can impair interictal cognitive function. In the perceptual domain, previous psychophysical studies demonstrated specific deficits in auditory and tactile perception in patients with TLE. This study compared performance of 25 TLE subjects and 27 controls on two low‐level, visual tasks: luminance discrimination and frequency discrimination. Both tasks were performed under a relatively easy and a relatively difficult condition, by adjusting the stimulus duration. TLE subjects performed as well as controls on both tasks at both stimulus durations. These results imply that interictal occipital lobe function, as reflected in performance on low‐level visual tasks, is not impaired in TLE, consistent with functional imaging data. Furthermore, since TLE subjects performed normally while taking therapeutic doses of multiple AEDs, the data suggest that these AEDs do not impair visual perception.
Neuropsychological results in pediatric patients with epilepsy surgery in the parietal cortex
Authors: Gleissner Ulrike , Kuczaty Stefan , Clusmann Hans , Elger Christian E. , Helmstaedter Christoph
Published: March 2008

Summary

This study evaluated pre‐ and postoperatively cognitive functions in 15 pediatric patients with surgically treated parietal lobe epilepsy (PLE). Seizure outcome was very satisfying with 87% seizure‐free patients 1 year after surgery, and 82% in the long‐term follow‐up. Preoperative intelligence was in the subaverage range. Impairments in specific cognitive functions (memory, attention, executive functions) were evident preoperatively for 39–66% of patients. Behavioral disorders were rare. No side differences (left versus right PLE) were indicated pre‐ or postoperatively. Postoperative improvements were found in behavior and attention; other cognitive functions were unchanged. All in all, this preliminary study indicated a satisfactory neuropsychological outcome in pediatric patients with PLE.
Induction of platelet white blood cell (WBC) aggregate formation by platelets and WBCs in red blood cell units
Authors: Keating Friederike K. , Fung Mark K. , Schneider David J.
Published: March 2008

BACKGROUND: Transfusion of red blood cell (RBC) preparations is independently associated with adverse clinical outcomes in patients with acute cardiovascular disease. This study was designed to define mechanisms potentially contributing.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: The presence of platelets (PLTs), activated PLTs (PLTs expressing P‐selectin), PLT‐monocyte aggregates (PMAs), and PLT‐neutrophil aggregates (PNAs) was determined in vitro with the use of flow cytometry in whole blood from healthy volunteers, in RBCs, and in whole blood after adding aliquots of RBCs. Both prestorage leukoreduced and nonleukoreduced RBCs were analyzed. Nonleukoreduced RBCs were subfractionated with the use of centrifugation and filtration to obtain a RBC‐free and a cell‐free fraction. Formation of PMAs and PNAs was determined in whole blood after the addition of aliquots of these subfractions.

RESULTS: Nonleukoreduced RBCs contained 50 ± 18 percent of the PLTs found in whole blood from healthy volunteers, and 43 ± 16 percent of the PLTs were activated. Leukoreduced RBCs contained few PLTs (0.2 ± 0.1% of volunteer blood). The majority (>60%) of white blood cells (WBCs) in nonleukoreduced RBCs were associated with PLTs. The formation of PMAs and PNAs in whole blood was increased approximately fivefold after addition of nonleukoreduced‐RBCs (p < 0.0001) and by less than twofold with leukoreduced RBCs (p = 0.01). Addition of the essentially cell‐free fraction of nonleukoreduced RBCs did not increase the formation of PNA or PMA in whole blood significantly.

CONCLUSION: RBC preparations, particularly nonleukoreduced RBCs, contain activated PLTs and PLT‐WBC aggregates and induce formation of PLT‐WBC aggregates. This may be one mechanism contributing to adverse outcomes linked to transfusions in patients with cardiovascular disease.
Autonomic Mechanism for Complex Fractionated Atrial Electrograms: Evidence by Fast Fourier Transform Analysis
Authors: LU ZHIBING , SCHERLAG BENJAMIN J. , LIN JIAXIONG , NIU GUODONG , GHIAS MUHAMMAD , JACKMAN WARREN M. , LAZZARA RALPH , JIANG HONG , PO SUNNY S.
Published: March 2008

Introduction:
The mechanism(s) underlying complex fractionated atrial electrograms (CFAE) is not well understood. We hypothesized that CFAE may be caused by enhanced activity of the intrinsic cardiac autonomic nervous system.

Methods and Results:
In 35 anesthetized dogs, via a right or left thoracotomy, sustained atrial fibrillation was induced by local application of acetylcholine (ACh; 10, 100 mM) to the surface of the atrial appendage (AA) or by injection of ACh (10 mM) into the ganglionated plexi (GP). Fast Fourier transform analysis was performed from recordings at AA, atrial sites near the AA, mid portion of the atrium, atrial sites near the GP, and the pulmonary veins. After AF was induced with ACh either by topical application to the AA or by direct injection into the GP, CFAE exhibited a significant gradient of progressively decreasing dominant frequency and incidence of CFAE (CFAE%) from the GP toward distant sites, while regularity index progressively decreased in the opposite direction. Ablation of GP markedly attenuated CFAE and eliminated these gradients.

Conclusions:
These results suggest CFAE may result from activation of the intrinsic cardiac autonomic nervous system in these animal models of sustained AF. Ablation of GP attenuates CFAE and eliminates the DF gradient.
A Systematical Analysis of In Vivo Contact Forces on Virtual Catheter Tip/Tissue Surface Contact during Cardiac Mapping and Intervention
Authors: OKUMURA YASUO , JOHNSON SUSAN B. , BUNCH T. JARED , HENZ BENHUR D. , O'BRIEN CHRISTINE J. , PACKER DOUGLAS L.
Published: March 2008

Introduction: While catheter tip/tissue contact has been shown to be an important determinant of ablative lesions in in vitro studies, the impact of contact on the outcomes of mapping and ablation in the intact heart has not been evaluated.

Methods and Results: Twelve dogs underwent atrial ablation guided by the Senesi™ robotic catheter remote control system. After intracardiac ultrasound (ICE) validation of contact force measured by an in‐line mechanical sensor, the relationship between contact force and individual lesion formation was established during irrigated‐tipped ablation (flow 17 mL/sec) at 15 watts for 30 seconds. Minimal contact by ICE correlated with force of 4.7 ± 5.8 grams, consistent contact 9.9 ± 8.6 grams and tissue tenting produced 25.0 ± 14.0 grams. Conversely, catheter tip/tissue contact by ICE was predicted by contact force. A contact force of 10–20 and ≥20 grams generated full‐thickness, larger volume ablative lesions than that created with <10 grams (98 ± 69 and 89 ± 70 mm3 vs 40 ± 42 mm3, P < 0.05). Moderate (10 grams) and marked contact (15–20 grams) application produced 1.5 X greater electroanatomic map volumes that were seen with minimal contact (5 grams) (26 ± 3 cm3 vs 33 ± 6, 39 ± 3 cm3, P < 0.05). The electroanatomic map/CT merge process was also more distorted when mapping was generated at moderate to marked contact force.

Conclusion: This study shows that mapping and ablation using a robotic sheath guidance system are critically dependent on generated force. These findings suggest that ablative lesion size is optimized by the application of 10–20 grams of contact force, although mapping requires lower‐force application to avoid image distortions.
Preoperative Alterations in Correlation Properties and Complexity of R–R Interval Dynamics Predict the Risk of Atrial Fibrillation after Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting in Patients with Preserved Left Ventricular Function
Authors: TARKIAINEN TUULA H. , HAKALA TAPIO , HEDMAN ANTTI , VANNINEN ESKO
Published: March 2008

Introduction: We evaluated whether there are constant preoperative alterations in nonlinear R–R interval dynamics that associate with the risk of postoperative atrial fibrillation in patients with preserved left ventricular function.

Methods: We analyzed mean normal‐to‐normal R–R intervals, short‐term scaling exponent of detrended fluctuation analysis (DFA α1), approximate entropy and entropy of symbolic dynamics (SymDyn En) from 10‐minute ECG recordings during rest, paced breathing, and passive tilt performed 1 day before surgery in 67 elective coronary artery bypass grafting patients.

Results: Nineteen patients developed postoperative atrial fibrillation. The preoperative DFA α1 was constantly lower in patients developing postoperative atrial fibrillation than in patients remaining in sinus rhythm (P = 0.016); during spontaneous breathing, the DFA α1 was 0.93 ± 0.33 in patients with atrial fibrillation and 1.13 ± 0.24 in patients with sinus rhythm. The entropy of symbolic dynamics was higher during the spontaneous breathing in patients with atrial fibrillation than in patients with sinus rhythm (4.72 ± 0.51 vs 4.36 ± 0.51, P = 0.012). Higher short‐term scaling exponent of detrended fluctuation analysis during the spontaneous breathing period reduced the risk of postoperative atrial fibrillation (OR 0.31 for an interquartile increase in DFA α1, 95% CI 0.13–0.78), while higher entropy of symbolic dynamics increased it (OR 3.16 for an interquartile increase in SymDyn En, 95% CI 1.23–8.10), independently of age and clinical risk factors.

Conclusion: The preoperatively altered nonlinear R–R interval dynamics were independent predictors of postoperative atrial fibrillation and might become a useful tool for the risk assessment of atrial fibrillation.