bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Temperature acclimation in a biochemical model of photosynthesis: a reanalysis of data from 36 species
Authors: KATTGE JENS , KNORR WOLFGANG
Published: July 2007

The Farquhar et al. model of C3 photosynthesis is frequently used to study the effect of global changes on the biosphere. Its two main parameters representing photosynthetic capacity, Vcmax and Jmax, have been observed to acclimate to plant growth temperature for single species, but a general formulation has never been derived. Here, we present a reanalysis of data from 36 plant species to quantify the temperature dependence of Vcmax and Jmax with a focus on plant growth temperature, i.e. the plants' average ambient temperature during the preceding month. The temperature dependence of Vcmax and Jmax within each data set was described very well by a modified Arrhenius function that accounts for a decrease of Vcmax and Jmax at high temperatures. Three parameters were optimized: base rate, activation energy and entropy term. An effect of plant growth temperature on base rate and activation energy could not be observed, but it significantly affected the entropy term. This caused the optimum temperature of Vcmax and Jmax to increase by 0.44 °C and 0.33 °C per 1 °C increase of growth temperature. While the base rate of Vcmax and Jmax seemed not to be affected, the ratio Jmax : Vcmax at 25 °C significantly decreased with increasing growth temperature. This moderate temperature acclimation is sufficient to double‐modelled photosynthesis at 40 °C, if plants are grown at 25 °C instead of 17 °C.
Screening of mutations in the PHF8 gene and identification of a novel mutation in a Finnish family with XLMR and cleft lip/cleft palate
Authors: Koivisto AM , Ala‐Mello S , Lemmelä S , Komu HA , Rautio J , Järvelä I
Published: July 2007

We investigated the prevalence of mutations in the PHD finger protein 8 (PHF8) gene in X‐linked mental retardation (XLMR) and facial cleft starting from the original cohort of 7712 patients operated on since1 January 1950 for cleft lip/cleft palate in the Cleft Centre at the Helsinki University Hospital. From this nationwide material, 18 patients including one family with two male patients with cleft lip/cleft palate and unknown cause of mental retardation (MR) were sequenced for the coding regions and splice sites of the PHF8 gene. A novel missense mutation c.836C>T of the PHF8 gene was identified in a Finnish family with multiple‐affected male patients. The mutation resides in exon 8 and changes phenylalanine to serine (F279S) in the functionally important Jmonji C domain of the protein. The clinical phenotype of the male patients was characterized by mild MR, mild dysmorphic features, unilateral cleft lip and cleft palate in one and bilateral cleft lip and cleft palate in the other sibling. The mutation was not present in 200 anonymous blood donors (approximately 300 X‐chromosomes). To our knowledge, F279S is the third mutation of the PHF8 gene identified so far.
Die Rolle des Lymphsystems sowohl bei der Abwehr als audi bei der Ernährung
Authors: Grau Hugo
Published: July 2007

The role of the lymphatic system in the defense as well as in the nutrition of the body

The subepithelial lymphatic tissue of the digestive tract taken as a whole amounts to six and one half times that of all the other lymphatic tissues of the body combined. And in the subepithelial lymphatic tissue of the digestive tract there are three times a many lymphocytes as in the circulating blood. This concentration of lymphatic tissue in the digestive tract suggests participation in the animal's metabolism. Despite reutilization (up to 80%) of its own nucleic acids and macromolecular protein substances, the mammalian body has to extract the remaining 20% from the environment This phylogenetically increasing demand for outside substances forced the mammalian organism not only to be able to distinguish nutritious from toxic substances, but also brought about the manufacture of substances that are harmless to the body from those that were harmful when ingested. This underscores the dual function of the lymphatic tissue in both immune and metabolic reactions.
The Lymph Drainage of the Mammary Glands in the Bitch: a Lymphographic Study. Part I: The 1st, 2nd, 4th and 5th Mammary Glands
Authors: Patsikas M. N. , Dessiris A.
Published: July 2007

The objective of this paper was to study the lymph drainage of the 1st, 2nd, 4th and 5th mammary glands in the bitch using indirect lymphography. The main conclusions drawn after the study of 67 normal lactating mongrel bitches were as follows: lymph drains from the first gland, usually to the axillary nodes, and, in few cases, to the axillary and superficial cervical nodes simultaneously. The second gland drains to the axillary nodes. The fourth gland usually drains to the superficial inguinal nodes, but it may, rarely, drain to the superficial inguinal and medial iliac nodes simultaneously. The fifth gland drains to the superficial inguinal nodes. Lymphatic connection between the mammary glands could not be demonstrated. Furthermore, it was confirmed that lymph can pass from one gland to another, through their common regional lymph nodes, by retrograde flow. It was demonstrated that there is a connection between the superficial inguinal lymph nodes from either side. It is suggested that lymphatic connection between the axillary and sternal nodes and between the axillary and bronchial nodes should be possible in some cases. Lymphatics of the mammary glands that cross the midline were not demonstrated.
The Normal Anatomical, Radiographical and Ultrasonographic Appearance of the Carpal Region of One‐humped Camel (Camelus dromedarius)
Authors: Kassab A.
Published: July 2007

The macroscopic, radiographic and ultrasonographic anatomy of the carpal region of eight clinically normal camels (Camelus dromedarius) was determined with the help of a 7.5‐MHz linear transducer. At the dorsal aspect of the carpus and distal radius, the extensor carpi radialis, extensor digitorum communis and extensor digitorum lateralis tendons were easily identified. The ulnaris lateralis tendon was observed laterally. The extensor carpi obliqus tendon was identified with difficulty. At the palmar aspect, the flexor carpi radialis, the flexor digitorum superficialis and the flexor digitorum profundus tendons were observed. Other soft structures examined include the lateral collateral ligament and the medial collateral ligament. Ultrasonographic findings correlated with gross anatomy in the dissected limbs. The results of the present study serve as reference data for ultrasonographic investigation of disorders of camel carpus.
Genome scan of Diabrotica virgifera virgifera for genetic variation associated with crop rotation tolerance
Authors: Miller N. J. , Ciosi M. , Sappington T. W. , Ratcliffe S. T. , Spencer J. L. , Guillemaud T.
Published: July 2007

Abstract:  Crop rotation has been a valuable technique for control of Diabrotica virgifera virgifera for almost a century. However, during the last two decades, crop rotation has ceased to be effective in an expanding area of the US corn belt. This failure appears to be due to a change in the insect's oviposition behaviour, which, in all probability, has an underlying genetic basis. A preliminary genome scan using 253 amplified fragment‐length polymorphism (AFLP) markers sought to identify genetic variation associated with the circumvention of crop rotation. Samples of D. v. virgifera from east‐central Illinois, where crop rotation is ineffective, were compared with samples from Iowa at locations that the behavioural variant has yet to reach. A single AFLP marker showed signs of having been influenced by selection for the circumvention of crop rotation. However, this marker was not diagnostic. The lack of markers strongly associated with the trait may be due to an insufficient density of marker coverage throughout the genome. A weak but significant general heterogeneity was observed between the Illinois and Iowa samples at microsatellite loci and AFLP markers. This has not been detected in previous population genetic studies of D. v. virgifera and may indicate a reduction in gene flow between variant and wild‐type beetles.
Sex differences in body morphology and multitrophic interactions involving the foraging behaviour of the crab Carcinus maenas
Authors: Spooner Elizabeth H. , Coleman Ross A. , Attrill Martin J.
Published: July 2007

Many animals are sexually dimorphic, but the underlying evolutionary causes and ecological consequences of sexual dimorphism are not fully understood. One predicted consequence for sexual dimorphism is that different sexes show niche differentiation. If sexual dimorphism is in feeding appendages, then differences may be manifested by different diets and thus contrasting behavioural responses to potential prey. Sexual dimorphisms in feeding appendages may also result in different handling times, which may then be correlated with differences in exposure, and, hence predation risk to the predator while feeding. In addition, the prey of the sexually dimorphic predator may respond differently to cues from each sex according to the predation risk each presents to the prey. We tested these predictions using a crab (Carcinus maenas) with sexual dimorphism in chelae dimensions, its predator the cuttlefish Sepia officinalis and prey with known differences in handling times; the gastropod molluscs Gibbula umbilicalis and Littorina littorea. We demonstrated that male C. maenas orientated more frequently to cues from L. littorea whereas females orientated more towards G. umbilicalis in contradiction of patterns predicted by handling times. Male crabs had a faster heart rate than females but this was not influenced by food‐based cues. We also showed no difference in foraging times with respect to changing levels of predator risk and also no differences in gastropod responses to odours from male or female crabs. Our results showed that predictions of handling time and sexual dimorphism are not associated. The experiments indicated the male and female crabs are probably ecological equivalents and thus niche differentiation is less likely.
ANGIOTENSIN CONVERTING ENZYME AND SUBSTANCE P CHANGES IN BLISTER FLUID FOLLOWING AFFERENT NERVE STIMULATION IN THE RAT
Authors: Jackson B. , White D. , Cubela R. , Helme R.
Published: July 2007

1. We have examined the effect of electrical nerve stimulation on substance P and angiotensin converting enzyme activity in the interstitial fluid of rat skin using a blister model.

2. Following sciatic nerve stimulation, blister fluid immunoreactive substance P (fmol/ml) was increased from 118 (unstimulated side, s.e.m. = 13, n= 15) to 197 (stimulated side, s.e.m. = 26, n= 15, P < 0.0125, paired t‐test, 14 d.f.). Angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) activity (nmol HL/ml per h) was reduced in blister fluid from 26.5 (unstimulated side, s.e.m. = 2.4, n= 12) to 22.4 (stimulated side, s.e.m. = 1.4, P < 0.05, paired t‐test, 11 d.f.).

3. Electrical stimulation of afferent nerves inhibits angiotensin converting enzyme activity in vivo. This may contribute to the process of neurogenic inflammation.
INFLUENCE OF LOWERED TEMPERATURE UPON THE RESPONSE OF PROSTATIC AND EPIDIDYMAL PORTION OF THE RAT ISOLATED VAS DEFERENS TO FIELD STIMULATION
Authors: Ebong Omotayo O.
Published: July 2007

1. This paper reports the effects of lowering (bath) temperature upon contractile responses of prostatic and epididymal ends of the rat isolated vas deferens to electrical field stimulation.

2. Responses to field stimulation with single pulses at 60 s intervals were potentiated by lowering the bath temperature. This effect was maximal at temperatures of 25‐27°C and was reduced in preparations treated with phentolamine (5 μmol/l).

3. Field stimulation with trains of 50 pulses at 5 Hz every 5 min produced biphasic contractions of preparations.

The initial, twitch‐like component, prominent at the prostatic end and resistant to blockade by phentolamine (5μmol/1) was little affected by lowering the bath temperature from 37.5°C to 19°C. In contrast, the second, more prolonged, component of the response to pulse trains, which was prominent at the epididymal end of the tissue was decreased by lowering the bath temperature and by phentolamine.

4. In the epididymal segment, responses to exogenous noradrenaline were enhanced by lowering the bath temperature.

5. It is concluded that lowering the bath temperature enhances the contractility of the vas deferens in response to the release of neurotransmitters and to the application of exogenous noradrenaline via a postsynaptic action. In addition, via a presynaptic action, lowering the bath temperature depresses or delays the release of the noradrenergic transmitter from the sympathetic nerve terminals.
Ecological implications of artificial mixing and bottom‐sediment removal for a shallow urban lake, Lake Sheldon, Colorado
Authors: Oberholster P. J. , Botha A‐M. , Cloete T. E.
Published: July 2007

This paper describes the results of the investigation of a shallow urban lake before, and a second year after, restoration to determine the effects of aeration and bottom‐sediment removal on the trophic state and environmental variables controlling the lake's phytoplankton, macrovertebrates and zooplankton compositions. The anthropogenic eutrophic process of the lake is characterized by increased nutrient concentrations from urban run‐off inputs. This addition triggers a chain of events that start with a massive increase in the growth of primary producers, as these are generally growth‐limited by nutrients in freshwater ecosystems. Although the lake was artificially mixed, nuisance cyanobacteria were dominant as primary producers the second year after restoration, during the summers of 2004 and 2005, until this population collapsed and were replaced by diatoms after periods of high winds, rainfall and a decreased temperature. The absence of macrophytes in the main basin because of the removal of bottom sediment had a major effect on macroinvertebrates and zooplankton. Daphnia sp. was the dominant zooplankton species before restoration, being replaced by Bosmina sp., possibly because of the lack of refuge by macrophytes. As an alternative, Bosmina sp. used the surface blooms of cyanobacteria in summer as refuge from grazing by planktivorous fish. The greatest disturbance on the macroinvertebrate community richness and evenness was the decline of scrapers and shredders, because of the lack of macrophytes after removal of the lake bottom sediment.
IS THERE A ROLE FOR RECOMBINANT TUMOR NECROSIS FACTOR ALPHA IN THE INTRAVESICAL TREATMENT OF SUPERFICIAL BLADDER TUMORS?—A PHASE II STUDY
Authors: Serretta V , Piazza B , Pavone C , Piazza S , Pavone‐Macaluso M
Published: July 2007

Clinical use of recombinant tumor necrosis factor‐alpha is strongly limited by its severe toxicity, mainly cardiovascular, when systemically administered. Recent studies suggest that topical (intrapleural, intraperitoneal, intratumoral) administration is free of significant toxicity. Human recombinant tumor necrosis factor‐alpha was administered intravesically, at a dose of 500 mg dissolved in 30 ml of phosphate buffer (pH 7.6–7.8) plus 0.25% human albumin, weekly for two months to 18 patients with papillary transitional cell carcinoma of the bladder. Of the 15 evaluable patients, four (26%) achieved a complete response. Systemic and local tolerability were excellent.
Spatial variability of sulfate reduction in a shallow aquifer
Authors: Musslewhite Chris L. , Swift Don , Gilpen Johnnie , McInerney Michael J.
Published: July 2007

The distribution and metabolic activity of sulfate‐reducing bacteria (SRB) in a shallow, suboxic aquifer were studied. A radioimaging technique was used to visualize and quantify the activity of sulfate reducers in sediments at a centimetre‐level scale. The distribution of SRB metabolic activity was heterogeneous with areas showing little activity far outnumbering areas with high activity. Variation in sulfate‐reducing activity was not statistically correlated with variation in depth, bacterial numbers, or the following sediment properties: sediment type (sand, peat or silt), grain size, permeability and hydraulic conductivity. Sulfate‐reducing bacteria activity did vary significantly with sediment porosity (multivariate analysis, r = 0.48). We hypothesized that the small pore sizes associated with sediments with low porosity restricted the ability of SRB to grow to high numbers as well as their access to nutrients. To further explore the relationship between pore size and microbial metabolic activity, columns with varying pore diameters were constructed. Sulfate‐reducing bacteria in the columns with the smallest pore diameters had the lowest rates of metabolism and SRB metabolic rates increased as the pore diameter increased. For the aquifer studied, sediment porosities and pore sizes were the main factor controlling SRB activity.
The British Association of Urological Surgeons: guidelines for training in laparoscopy
Authors: Keeley Francis X. , Eden Christopher G. , Tolley David A. , Joyce Adrian D.
Published: July 2007

OBJECTIVE

To report the guidelines of the British Association of Urological Surgeons (BAUS), commissioned by the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) in response to safety concerns about the rapid uptake of new, complex laparoscopic procedures.

METHODS

A combination of expert opinion and review of published studies was used to produce a consensus document.

RESULTS

Patient demand and excellent published reports have prompted many consultant urologists with little previous laparoscopic training to learn laparoscopic procedures. Laparoscopic urological surgery involves some of the most complex procedures in all of surgery and there has been a lack of formal training for consultants. The guidelines produced by BAUS are designed to help consultant urologists gain experience safely, by a combination of didactic learning and mentorship. We recommend that urologists work with a mentor and master ablative laparoscopic surgery before attempting more complex procedures such as prostatectomy, cystectomy, pyeloplasty and partial nephrectomy. These guidelines were approved by BAUS Council in October 2006.

CONCLUSIONS

These guidelines are intended to be complementary to the NICE guidelines on specific procedures (available at http://www.nice.org.uk).
Prognostic significance of erythropoietin expression in human renal cell carcinoma
Authors: Michael Agniezka , Politi Ekaterini , Havranek Erik , Corbishley Catherine , Karapanagiotou Lena , Anderson Chris , Relph Kate , Syrigos Konstantinos N. , Pandha Hardev
Published: July 2007

OBJECTIVES

To investigate, in a retrospective study, the expression of erythropoietin (Epo) in human renal cell carcinoma (RCC) and its correlation with overall survival, as Epo (an haematopoietic cytokine that regulates the production of red blood cells), with its receptor, was recently localized in non‐haematopoietic tissues, e.g. liver, uterus, central nervous system, vascular endothelial cells and solid tumours.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We used data from 113 patients who had radical nephrectomy for RCC between 1990 and 2000, taking sections from formalin‐fixed and paraffin wax‐embedded tissue blocks. The association between Epo staining and the patients’ characteristics was assessed by either chi‐squared tests (for categorical variables) or two‐sample independent t‐tests (for continuous variables).

RESULTS

Tissue from 37 patients (33%) was positive for cytoplasmic Epo expression; 76 (67%) samples were negative. Univariate hazard ratio analysis confirmed that those with positive Epo staining were more than twice as likely to die as those with negative staining (hazard ratio 2.34, 95% confidence interval 1.27–4.3).

CONCLUSION

This study shows that the expression of Epo in RCC is adversely associated with overall survival. This is the first report of such an association, and might be explained by the loss of Von Hippel‐Lindau protein function in clear cell RCC. The expression of Epo might have potential use in clinical trials when stratifying high‐risk patients for adjuvant therapy after nephrectomy.
PUBLIC SECTOR PAY AND REGIONAL COMPETITIVENESS. A FIRST LOOK AT REGIONAL PUBLIC–PRIVATE WAGE DIFFERENTIALS IN ITALY*
Authors: DELL'ARINGA CARLO , LUCIFORA CLAUDIO , ORIGO FEDERICA
Published: July 2007

In this paper we investigate regional public–private wage differentials in Italy. Following the recent wave of reforms that significantly changed wage setting and employment relations in both sectors—increasing decentralization in collective bargaining and enforcing a ‘privatization’ of public sector employment contracts—we present new estimates of the public–private wage gap by geographical location. We report both ‘standardized’ public–private wage differentials and estimates obtained using geographically weighted regression methods. We show that significant differences exist in public–private wage differentials across Italian regions, and that the latter can be partly explained by local labour market conditions affecting the private sector and only marginally the public sector. Differences in public–private wage differentials across regions are expected to determine several imbalances in terms of ‘wait’ unemployment and recruitment problems in the different areas.
PUBLIC SECTOR WAGE GAPS IN SPANISH REGIONS
Authors: GARCIA‐PEREZ J. IGNACIO , JIMENO JUAN F.
Published: July 2007

Using data from the European Community Household Panel for the period 1995–2001, in this paper we show that there are sizeable public sector wage differences among regions that are mostly due to differences in returns, and to a lesser extent to differences in characteristics and to selection effects. Regional differences in public sector wage gaps vary across gender, educational levels and occupations. Also, they display a positive correlation with regional unemployment and a negative one with regional labour productivity.
Blonde and blue‐eyed? Globalizing beauty, c.1945–c.19801
Authors: JONES GEOFFREY
Published: July 2007

This article examines the globalization of the beauty industry between 1945 and 1980. This industry grew quickly. Firms employed marketing and marketing strategies to diffuse products and brands internationally, despite business, economic, and cultural obstacles to globalization. The process was difficult and complex. The globalization of toiletries proceeded faster than cosmetics, skin care, and hair care. By 1980, strong differences remained among consumer markets. Although American influence was strong, it was already evident that globalization had not resulted in the creation of a stereotyped American blonde and blue‐eyed female beauty ideal as the world standard, although it had significantly narrowed the range of variation in beauty and hygiene ideals.
Justice Enhanced: Framing an Opt‐Out Class Action for England
Authors: Mulheron Rachael
Published: July 2007

This article contends that the absence of an opt‐out class action remains a yawning gap within English civil procedure. Various recent reform proposals have favoured opt‐in procedural vehicles as the way forward. However, key features of these proposals – an opt‐in approach and the use of a representative claimant – are subject to considerable reservations in jurisprudence from both England and elsewhere. Following a critique of these features, the article proposes that an ‘opt‐out regime with brakes’ should be introduced, taking into account both the requirement for proportionality under the Civil Procedure Rules, and the invaluable lessons provided by the established Commonwealth statutory class actions regimes.
The Concept of Appropriation and The Offence of Theft
Authors: Melissaris Emmanuel
Published: July 2007

The English law of theft is confusing and problematic in principle. Since the introduction of the Theft Act 1968 there has been inconsistency in the interpretation of appropriation as court and commentators have grappled with the intuition that appropriation must entail some subjective element and cannot be purely objective. Although subjectivity is traditionally associated with culpability rather than with conduct, it is argued that some acts can be subjective and yet factual and stand as causes to effects. Appropriation is such an act, its necessary and sufficient condition being a mindset, here termed proprietary subjectivity, on the part of the actor. It is argued that clarification of the concept of appropriation can help to resolve misperceived problems. Such clarification will also reveal other problems in the law of theft. Some tentative comments de lege ferenda are made suggesting how these problems can be addressed.
Responsibility Beyond Borders: State Responsibility for Extraterritorial Violations by Corporations of International Human Rights Law
Authors: McCorquodale Robert , Simons Penelope
Published: July 2007

States routinely provide support and assistance to their corporate nationals in their global trade and investment ventures. While states may not intend to allow corporate nationals to violate human rights in their extraterritorial operations, by their actions or omissions, states may facilitate, or otherwise contribute to, a situation in which such violations by a corporation occur. This article investigates the extent to which the extraterritorial activities of transnational corporations (TNCs) that violate international human rights law can give rise to home state responsibility. The analysis shows that home states of TNCs have obligations under international law in certain situations to regulate the extraterritorial activities of corporate nationals or the latter's foreign subsidiaries and can incur international responsibility where they fail to do so.
The Gambling Act 2005: Regulatory Containment and Market Control
Authors: Light Roy
Published: July 2007

The Act marks a fundamental shift from legislative to market control of gambling. While plans for Las Vegas style casinos and internet gambling sites in Britain have suffered setbacks, restrictions on the availability, advertising and stimulation of demand for gambling, enshrined in the Gaming Act 1968, have been abandoned. In their place, a new regulatory body, the Gambling Commission, has been established to take primary responsibility for ensuring that three licensing objectives are promoted. These objectives are the prevention of crime and disorder, the conduct of gambling in a fair and open way and the protection of children and the vulnerable. The Commission has been given strong and wide ranging powers to regulate gambling, but can the safeguards proposed meet the challenge presented by a gambling industry released from restraints?
Emotion and fact in negotiating
Authors: Kniveton Bromley
Published: July 2007

In this article the authors report the results of an experiment to test the extent of the effectiveness of emotive and factual approaches in negotiating.
In support of the new working class thesis: the case of the Irish white collar worker
Authors: Kelly Aidan
Published: July 2007

This study, using data collected from 325 Irish white‐collar employees in the private sector, examines the extent to which white‐collar trade unionism may be regarded as a response to concern about the lack of achievement of desired levels of self‐expression at work.
Where is the British national press?1
Authors: MacInnes John , Rosie Michael , Petersoo Pille , Condor Susan , Kennedy James
Published: July 2007

Although globalization has highlighted the danger of conflating state, society and nation, sociologists remain insufficiently alert to such banal nationalism. Newspapers offer a strong test case of the extent of diversity in the construction of state, national and social boundaries, since Billig and Anderson have argued they comprise a special case where their orientation to an audience simultaneously located in a state, society and nation allows them to reproduce a sense of national identity. However, despite the commonsense obviousness of the term, it proves remarkably difficult to define what the ‘British national press’ might comprise. Circulation density of titles varies substantially across different parts of the UK and editorial copy is altered to address diverse ‘national’ readerships. ‘British’ newspapers also circulate in other states, especially the Republic of Ireland. After reviewing how newspapers might be defined as ‘national’ and/or ‘British’, we conclude that both Anderson and Billig over‐estimate the congruence, relevance and obviousness of state, society and national boundaries. If the conceptualization of such boundaries is problematic in the case of the press, it follows that it must be still more so for most other objects of sociological analysis, including that of ‘society’ itself.
Continuity and change in work–life balance choices
Authors: Charles Nickie , Harris Chris
Published: July 2007

This paper explores the ways in which the work–life balance choices made by heterosexual couples differ in different generations, how such choices are gendered, and the extent to which ‘individualization’ provides an adequate conceptualization of the effects of social change on heterosexual couples. It argues that processes of individualization need to be seen in the context of changing social institutions, and that it is the de‐institutionalization of ‘the family’ and the life course that is leading to a de‐gendering of work–life balance choices. The paper draws on findings from a restudy of the family and social change and a study of the gender dimensions of job insecurity both of which were carried out in the same geographical location. The studies provide evidence of generational change in work–life balance choices and increasing occupational differentiation between heterosexual partners. This leads to a situation where increasingly choices are made which blur gendered boundaries and which has been made possible by a process of de‐institutionalization of the male breadwinner family. Our findings support the contention that processes of individualization are more apparent amongst younger than older generations and that, because of changes external to the family, there is more negotiation and pragmatism amongst younger generations about work–life choices.
Polyandry by wood mice in natural populations
Authors: Booth W. , Montgomery W. I. , Prodöhl P. A.
Published: July 2007

Multiple paternity was investigated for the first time in natural populations of the wood mouse Apodemus sylvaticus. Thirteen females and their respective litters sampled within distinct habitats, seasons and years were screened for eight microsatellite loci. Allelic variation was compared with a dataset comprising 307 adult mice collected from the same source populations as pregnant females. Multiple paternity was unambiguously identified in seven litters (53.8%). In each case, a minimum of two or three male parents were involved. Populations of A. sylvaticus inhabiting the northern latitudes of the species range are characterized by annual cycles of abundance during which numbers can fluctuate by several orders of magnitude. Hence, the discovery of multiple paternity within litters sampled between May and July (high and low densities, respectively) in all years suggests that polyandry maximizes genetic diversity of the litter and, hence, survival of some of the offspring through such cycles. The results indicate that polyandry is a common mode of reproduction within wild populations of A. sylvaticus.
Use of winter habitat by roe deer at a northern latitude where Eurasian lynx are present
Authors: Ratikainen I. I. , Panzacchi M. , Mysterud A. , Odden J. , Linnell J. , Andersen R.
Published: July 2007

Winter climate at northern latitudes is a challenge to small‐bodied ungulates, and they modify behaviour to save energy and to increase the likelihood of survival. Also, the ongoing expansion of large carnivores in several European countries can lead to the recovery of (potentially energetically costly) anti‐predator behaviours. In an area recently recolonized by Eurasian lynx Lynx lynx, we snow‐tracked radio‐collared roe deer Capreolus capreolus in order to investigate their bedding and feeding behaviour during winter, and assess how environmental factors affect their habitat use. We also tested the prediction that roe deer use more open sites than locally available in areas with a stalking predator such as the lynx. Our results showed that both bed sites and foraging sites had more cover, compared with random sites. Most of the variation in canopy cover and in the distance and foraging sites between bed sites and foraging sites was explained by prevailing weather. As the winter progressed, the presumed depletion of fat reserves promoted the use of more canopy cover at foraging sites by night, less by day and a decrease in the distance between beds, foraging sites and human activities. Males used artificial feeding sites less often and bedded further from humans than females. The data fit the hypothesis of tighter energy budgets for family groups (females with fawns) or that males are more cautious towards humans. There was no support for the hypothesis that roe deer used more open habitat than locally available in order to reduce their vulnerability to lynx predation. Owing to severe winter conditions and the danger of starvation, roe deer seem to be forced to accept a high risk when predators are present, not changing their main pattern of habitat use from comparative areas where predators are absent.
Ontogenetic change in novel functions: waterfall climbing in adult Hawaiian gobiid fishes
Authors: Blob R. W. , Wright K. M. , Becker M. , Maie T. , Iverson T. J. , Julius M. L. , Schoenfuss H. L.
Published: July 2007

Juveniles from three species of Hawaiian gobiid fishes climb waterfalls as part of an amphidromous life cycle, allowing them to re‐penetrate adult upstream habitats after being swept out to the ocean upon hatching. The importance of climbing for juvenile stream gobies is well established, but adult fish in upstream island habitats also face potential downstream displacement by periodic disturbances. Thus, retention of climbing ability could be advantageous for adult stream gobies. Climbing performance might be expected to decline among adults, however, due to the tendency for mass‐specific muscular power production to decrease with body size, and a lack of positively allometric growth among structures like the pelvic sucker that support body weight against gravity. To evaluate changes in waterfall‐climbing ability with body size in Hawaiian stream gobies, we compared climbing performance and kinematics between adults and juveniles from three species: Awaous guamensis, Sicyopterus stimpsoni and Lentipes concolor. For species in which juveniles climbed using ‘powerbursts’ of axial undulation, adult performance and kinematics showed marked changes: adult A. guamensis failed to climb, and adult L. concolor used multiple pectoral fin adductions to crutch up surfaces at slow speeds, rather than rapid powerbursts. Adult S. stimpsoni, like juveniles, still used oral and pelvic suckers to ‘inch’ up surfaces and climbed at speeds comparable to those of juveniles. However, unlike juveniles, adult S. stimpsoni also add pectoral fin crutching to every climbing cycle. Thus, although powerburst species appear to be particularly susceptible to size‐related declines in waterfall‐climbing performance, the addition of compensatory mechanisms prevents the loss of this novel function in some species.
The trade‐off between tooth strength and tooth penetration: predicting optimal shape of canine teeth
Authors: Freeman P. W. , Lemen C. A.
Published: July 2007

We investigate the shape of canine teeth under the assumption that the tooth's morphology is optimized by the evolutionary trade‐off to minimize breakage and maximize ease of the penetration of prey. A series of experiments using artificial teeth to puncture the hides of a deer Odocoileus virginianus and pig Sus scrofa domesticus were conducted to establish the relationships between the tooth shape and the force needed to puncture the hide. The shapes of these teeth were also used in a beam theory analysis to calculate the strength of the teeth. Because the relative costs of puncturing and breakage were not known, a complete prediction of tooth shape was not possible. Instead, we used two independent measures of tooth shape: aspect ratio (total tooth length/tooth width at base) and rate of taper along the shank of the tooth. We quantified rate of taper in several species of felids, and by assuming this was the optimal design, we determined the relative costs of breakage and puncturing that would produce such a taper. Then, we used the relative costs to predict the aspect ratio of the optimum tooth. The average predicted value is about 2.5, very close to the average value in extant species of cats.
The underground life of the oriental mole cricket: an analysis of burrow morphology
Authors: Endo C.
Published: July 2007

The underground life of the oriental mole cricketGryllotalpa orientalishas been investigated by studying the structure of its burrows under different environmental situations and in different seasons. The different uses of different burrow types and their advantages and disadvantages have been examined. The total length, number of tunnels and combination of burrow types varied from a simple tunnel to a more complex one with branches at various angles to the surface, burrow types being divided roughly into shallow horizontal or deep vertical ones. In horizontal burrows, the branching structure was well developed in various directions. It is notable that the vertical burrows ofG. orientaliswere occupied by only one individual. Both vertical and horizontal burrows were used for foraging: vertical burrows for plants with subterranean stems and horizontal burrows for creeping plants. Vertical burrows were also used for hiding from predators, resting, moulting and overwintering, whereas horizontal burrows were used for escaping from predators and as mating routes. Egg chambers were constructed beside horizontal burrows, and calling burrows were constructed as part of horizontal burrows. Based on their current requirements, mole crickets continuously modify their burrow structures or change burrowing sites.
Effect of voriconazole on the pharmacokinetics of diclofenac
Authors: Hynninen Ville‐Veikko , Olkkola Klaus T. , Leino Kari , Lundgren Stefan , Neuvonen Pertti J. , Rane Anders , Valtonen Mika , Laine Kari
Published: July 2007

The nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory drug diclofenac is extensively metabolized by cytochrome P450 (CYP) enzymes, mainly by CYP2C9. Our objective was to study the effect of voriconazole, a potent inhibitor of several CYP enzymes, on the pharmacokinetics of diclofenac. This study had a two‐way, open, crossover design and included 10 healthy Caucasian male subjects. In the control phase, the subjects ingested a single 50‐mg oral dose of diclofenac. In the voriconazole phase, the subjects ingested voriconazole 400 mg twice daily on the first day and 200 mg twice daily on the second day, and 50 mg diclofenac was given 1 h after the last dose of voriconazole. Plasma diclofenac concentrations were determined for up to 24 h post‐dose. In the voriconazole phase, the area under the plasma concentration–time curve of diclofenac was 178% (95% CI 143–212%; P < 0.001) and the peak plasma concentration was 214% (95% CI 128–300%; P < 0.05) of the respective control value. Voriconazole did not affect significantly the elimination half‐life or time to maximum concentration of diclofenac. The renal clearance of diclofenac was decreased by 47% (95% CI −76% to −16%; P < 0.01) by voriconazole. In conclusion, voriconazole increased exposure to diclofenac, probably mainly by inhibition of its cytochrome P450 (CYP)‐mediated metabolism. The inhibition of CYP2C9, and to some extent that of CYP3A4 and CYP2C19 enzymes during the first‐pass metabolism of diclofenac seems to be involved in the interaction. The clinical importance of the interaction between voriconazole and diclofenac remains to be studied, but lower doses of diclofenac may be adequate for patients receiving voriconazole.
Barn Swallows Hirundo rustica disperse seeds of Rooikrans Acacia cyclops, an invasive alien plant in the Fynbos Biome
Authors: UNDERHILL LES G. , HOFMEYR JAN H.
Published: July 2007

Rooikrans Acacia cyclops is an invasive plant species in the coastal region of South Africa, especially the Fynbos Biome. It is endemic to southwestern Australia. Seeds are bird‐dispersed, mostly by frugivores and granivores. We report that at one locality in South Africa, Barn Swallows Hirundo rustica, normally regarded as obligate foragers of aerial arthropods, also consumed the seeds and associated arils of Rooikrans shrubs and trees. The seeds were voided and the arils digested. Three thousand Barn Swallows in the region where this was observed conceivably consumed and voided two million Rooikrans seeds during the 5‐month non‐breeding period. Barn Swallows are therefore dispersers of Rooikrans seeds. Many of the bird species known to consume Rooikrans seeds are territorial, so that seeds are not dispersed far beyond existing acacia stands. Barn Swallows cover large distances between feeding areas and roosts, and could therefore disperse seeds far from existing stands. This development adds urgency to the need to eradicate Rooikrans from the Fynbos Biome.
Maternal self‐efficacy and 1–5‐year‐old children's brushing habits
Authors: Finlayson Tracy L. , Siefert Kristine , Ismail Amid I. , Sohn Woosung
Published: July 2007

Abstract –  Objectives:  This study investigates the relationships between maternal cognitive, behavioral, and psychosocial factors and brushing practices in low‐income African‐American preschool children.

Methods:  Data are from a population‐based sample of 1021 African‐American families with at least one child <6 years of age and living in the 39 low‐income Census tracts in Detroit, Michigan. Analyses were limited to 1–5‐year‐old children and their mothers (n = 719). Mothers were surveyed about oral health‐related self‐efficacy (OHSE), knowledge about appropriate bottle use (KBU), knowledge about children's oral hygiene (KCOH), oral health fatalism (OHF), their own toothbrushing behavior, depressive symptoms (CES‐D), parenting stress, practical social support, and their child's dental history. Children's 1‐week reported brushing frequency was the main outcome measure. Analyses were conducted in sudaan to account for the complex sampling design.

Results:  Children's 1‐week brushing frequency (range 0–40) averaged 8.50 times per week among 1–3‐year olds and 9.75 among the 4–5‐year olds. Maternal OHSE was a strong and significant predictor of children's brushing frequency; for each unit increase in OHSE, 1–3‐year olds were expected to brush 18% more frequently on average during 1 week [incidence density ratios (IDR) = 1.18, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.08–1.28; P < 0.001], and 4–5‐year olds were expected to brush 9% more often (IDR = 1.09, 95% CI 1.00–1.19; P < 0.10). Mothers’ KCOH score was also significantly positively associated with brushing frequency; for each unit increase on the KCOH scale, 1–3‐year olds were expected to brush 22% more frequently (IDR = 1.22, 95% CI 1.10–1.35; P < 0.001) and 4–5‐year olds were expected to brush 13% more frequently (IDR = 1.13, 95% CI 1.02–1.26; P < 0.05). If a mother brushed her own teeth at bedtime during the week, her 1–3‐year old child's brushing frequency was expected to increase by one‐third (IDR = 1.34, 95% CI 1.12–1.60; P < 0.01) and among the 4–5‐year olds, the child's frequency was expected to increase by one‐quarter (IDR = 1.26, 95% CI 1.12–1.42; P < 0.001). Availability of help with transportation and financial support were also relevant variables for 1–3‐year olds. Higher family income and dental insurance coverage were both positively associated with brushing among 4–5‐year olds.

Conclusions:  Several maternal cognitive, behavioral, and psychosocial factors were associated with young children's brushing practices. Oral health‐specific self‐efficacy and knowledge measures are potentially modifiable cognitions; findings suggest that intervening on these factors could help foster healthy dental habits and increase children's brushing frequency early in life.
Effect of fear on dental utilization behaviors and oral health outcome
Authors: Meng Xiaoxian , Heft Marc W. , Bradley Margaret M. , Lang Peter J.
Published: July 2007

Abstract –  Objectives:  This paper assesses the effect of fear on a number of dental utilization behaviors and oral heath outcome in a sample of adult Floridians.

Methods:  A telephone survey was conducted in 2004 among 504 adult Floridians. Data collected included sociodemographic factors, specific fear of dental pain (FDP), global FDP, global dental fear, three measures of dental utilization behaviors, and one measure of oral health outcome. Chi‐squared tests and logistic regression analyses were conducted to quantify the individual and multivariate associations between fear factors and four behavior and outcome measures.

Results:  Global FDP was significantly associated with putting off making a dental appointment and approach to dental treatment. Global dental fear showed an independent negative impact on all four behavior and outcome measures; reports regarding specific fear of painful dental events were not significantly associated with four behavior and outcome measures.

Conclusions:  Our findings suggest that: (i) dental fear and FDP have independent negative effects on dental utilization behaviors and oral health outcome after controlling for other sociodemographic and general health factors; and (ii) global dental fear encompasses broader components than FDP.
The effect of fluoride gel on incipient carious lesions in a low‐caries child population
Authors: Truin Gert‐Jan , Van't Hof Martin
Published: July 2007

Abstract –  Objectives:  Secondary analyses were performed to study the cariostatic efficacy of semi‐annual professional fluoride gel application on incipient carious lesions in low‐caries children initially aged 9.5–11.5 years.

Methods:  Double‐blind randomized controlled clinical trial.

Results:  The mean treatment effect of fluoride gel for enamel and dentinal caries lesions after 4 years’ follow‐up was 0.92 D2,3FS and 0.20 D3FS, respectively. When enamel lesions were included in the DFS count (i.e. D2,3FS), the preventive fraction (PF) showed borderline significance (23%; P = 0.05). No significant treatment effect of professionally applied fluoride gel was found for D2,3FS and D3FS scores of the second molars. The PF for D2,3FS of occlusal, approximal, buccal and lingual surfaces and for buccal and palatal pits and fissures differed not significantly.

Conclusion:  Professionally applied fluoride gel showed no statistically significant caries‐inhibiting effect on both enamel and dentine lesions in the permanent dentition of low‐caries children.