bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Actinocatenispora sera sp. nov., isolated by long-term culturing
Authors: Matsumoto Atsuko , Takahashi Yōko , Fukumoto Megumi , Ōmura Satoshi
Published: October 2007

Two novel actinomycete strains, KV-744Tand KV-856, were isolated by long-term cultivation. Aerial long-chain spores were produced directly from vegetative mycelia and possessed no motility. Vegetative mycelia developed very well and exhibited fragmentation. The cell-wall peptidoglycan containedmeso-diaminopimelic acid, glycine, alanine and glutamic acid, and whole-cell hydrolysates contained arabinose, galactose and xylose. The acyl type of the peptidoglycan was glycolyl. The predominant menaquinone was MK-9(H4) and mycolic acids were not detected. The diagnostic phospholipid was phosphatidylethanolamine. The predominant cellular fatty acids were 14-methylhexadecanoic (ai-C17 : 0), 14-methylpentadecanoic (i-C16 : 0), 15-methylhexadecanoic (i-C17 : 0) and 13-methyltetradecanoic (i-C15 : 0) acids. The G+C content of the DNA was 72–73 mol%. The phenotypic and chemical properties indicated that the two isolates belong to the familyMicromonosporaceaeand the 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis suggested that the closest relationship was withActinocatenispora thailandica. The DNA–DNA hybridization values between strain KV-744Tor KV-856 andA. thailandicaTT2-10Twere 42–53 %. Based on the data above, strains KV-744Tand KV-856 should be classified as representing a novel species of the genusActinocatenispora,for which the nameActinocatenispora serasp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is KV-744T(=NRRL B-24477T=NBRC 101916T).
Effects of spatio‐temporal variation in food supply on red squirrel Sciurus vulgaris body size and body mass and its consequences for some fitness components
Authors: A. Wauters Lucas , Vermeulen Marleen , Van Dongen Stefan , Bertolino Sandro , Molinari Ambrogio , Tosi Guido , Matthysen Erik
Published: November 2007

Food availability is likely to influence body condition and, in turn, fitness. The intensity of this response may vary between populations of the same species on a small spatial and temporal scale. We used 5 yr of data from 6 Eurasian red squirrel Sciurus vulgaris populations from the southern Alps to explore differences in body size and body mass among neighbouring populations, in relation to habitat type and variation in food supply. We also investigated sexual dimorphism in these traits and whether phenotypic variation affects local survival and female reproductive success. Mean hind foot length, a measure of body size, did not differ between sexes but differed between areas. Seasonal variation in body mass was small with no evidence for fattening in autumn. Females were slightly heavier than males, but this difference was largely explained by mass gain of females during reproduction. The size of conifer seed crops, the major food supply, varied strongly over years and between habitats, but this variation corresponded only weakly with autumn body mass. Differences in size and mass between populations were partially explained by habitat‐related differences in body size and variability of seed‐crops, suggesting differential selection for smaller squirrels in spruce‐larch forests against selection for larger and heavier animals in mixed broadleaves and conifer forests and in Scots pine forests with more stable seed production. The probability of reproduction by females increased with body mass, but varied strongly between habitats and years, with more females reproducing in years with rich seed‐crops. In both sexes, body mass positively affected probability of settlement and length of residency. Our results suggest that in temporally variable environments that differ in overall amount of food resources, individual variation in body mass is related to habitat type, and that having a relatively high body mass, within each population, positively affects male and female settlement success and local survival, and female reproductive success.
Effects of species’ ecology on the accuracy of distribution models
Authors: M. McPherson Jana , Jetz Walter
Published: November 2007

In the face of accelerating biodiversity loss and limited data, species distribution models – which statistically capture and predict species’ occurrences based on environmental correlates – are increasingly used to inform conservation strategies. Additionally, distribution models and their fit provide insights on the broad‐scale environmental niche of species. To investigate whether the performance of such models varies with species’ ecological characteristics, we examined distribution models for 1329 bird species in southern and eastern Africa. The models were constructed at two spatial resolutions with both logistic and autologistic regression. Satellite‐derived environmental indices served as predictors, and model accuracy was assessed with three metrics: sensitivity, specificity and the area under the curve (AUC) of receiver operating characteristics plots. We then determined the relationship between each measure of accuracy and ten ecological species characteristics using generalised linear models.

Among the ecological traits tested, species’ range size, migratory status, affinity for wetlands and endemism proved most influential on the performance of distribution models. The number of habitat types frequented (habitat tolerance), trophic rank, body mass, preferred habitat structure and association with sub‐resolution habitats also showed some effect. In contrast, conservation status made no significant impact. These findings did not differ from one spatial resolution to the next. Our analyses thus provide conservation scientists and resource managers with a rule of thumb that helps distinguish, on the basis of ecological traits, between species whose occurrence is reliably or less reliably predicted by distribution models. Reasonably accurate distribution models should, however, be attainable for most species, because the influence ecological traits bore on model performance was only limited. These results suggest that none of the ecological traits tested provides an obvious correlate for environmental niche breadth or intra‐specific niche differentiation.
Diversity‐habitat heterogeneity relationship at different spatial and temporal scales
Authors: González‐Megías Adela , María Gómez José , Sánchez‐Piñero Francisco
Published: November 2007

The assumption that the description of any system depends on spatial and temporal scale has moved researchers to incorporate scale as another factor in determining the mechanisms explaining species diversity and distribution. Although most researchers agree that processes that occur at different spatial and temporal scales affect ecological communities, empirical support is still scarce. In this paper, we seek to discern whether the relationship between abundance, biomass, and species diversity, on the one hand, and habitat heterogeneity, on the other, holds across temporal and spatial scales. Moreover, we analyse whether the pattern/variation found depends on the taxonomic level, and the diversity index used. To answer these questions, we sampled arthropod assemblages across three nested temporal and spatial scales. In general, we found variability in the responses to habitat heterogeneity across scales according to the assemblage descriptor, the taxonomic level selected, and the diversity index used. Our results suggest that generalization is difficult and extrapolation should be made with caution. Moreover, the use of more than one diversity index would provide additional and complementary information about species‐distribution patterns and the mechanisms generating these patterns.
Response of collembolan communities to land‐use change and grassland succession
Authors: Chauvat Matthieu , Wolters Volkmar , Dauber Jens
Published: November 2007

This study focuses on the long‐term changes of collembolan communities occurring after the conversion of arable land to managed grassland. We analysed collembolan communities at grassland sites of different age that had been gradually converted over a period of 50 yr. Abundance and biomass responded rapidly and very positively to the conversion of arable land to grassland, while species richness was not affected. Collembolan assemblages changed only little during grassland maturation. The impact of land‐use change on community structure was more obvious at the functional level because the colonization processes observed in our study mostly relied on hemiedaphic species. Vegetation and soil parameters were good predictors of collembolan community structure during development of managed grassland. The present study demonstrated that past landscape patterns and processes like land‐use conversion and subsequent succession had a considerable impact on the present day pattern of species richness and community composition of Collembola within a landscape. Our results strongly differ from those obtained for other invertebrate groups, highlighting on the one hand the very diverse reactions of invertebrates to a common factor, and on the other hand the need to survey more than one taxa in order to draw conclusions on effects of land‐use change on faunistic communities.
The ability to mount multiple immune responses simultaneously varies across the range of the tree swallow
Authors: Ardia Daniel R.
Published: November 2007

Variation in immune responses is an important part of life history variation. When correlations between multiple immune measures are reported, studies report different patterns. I tested whether the correlation between levels of immune response was consistent across a species range. The ability of tree swallows Tachycineta bicolor to simultaneously produce immune responses to both a humoral immune response and T‐cell mediated local inflammation to PHA was tested at three sites that span the breeding range. Females in Tennessee maintained stronger PHA responses than did females in either New York or Alaska. In New York and Alaska, individuals that produced strong PHA responses produced low levels of antibodies to a humoral challenge of sheep red blood cells (SRBC). However, in Tennessee, individuals that showed strong local PHA inflammation also mounted strong responses to SRBC. Increasing daily daytime temperatures led to increased PHA response, but there were no differences in the effect of temperature among sites. These results indicate spatial and/or temporal variation occurs in the ability to produce multiple immune responses simultaneously; this pattern suggests important geographic (or temporal) differences in factors driving investment in immune activity. In addition, these results suggest that studies extrapolating results across populations should be careful to consider geographic variation in immune activity.
Broad‐scale geographic patterns in the distribution of vertically‐transmitted, asexual endophytes in four naturally‐occurring grasses in Sweden
Authors: Bazely Dawn R. , Ball John P. , Vicari Mark , Tanentzap Andrew J. , Bérenger Myrtille , Rakocevic Tomo , Koh Saewan
Published: November 2007

The presence and distribution of vertically‐transmitted, asexual Neotyphodium/Epichloë endophytes in four species of widely distributed grasses, all members of the sub‐family Pooideae, were determined at 57 spatially‐distinct sites across Sweden in naturally‐occurring grass populations. While these endophytes are well‐studied in agricultural systems, much less is known about their abundance and distribution in non‐agricultural systems at larger scales across landscapes. We used two screening methods to detect endophytes: 1) visual inspection of fixed, stained grass shoots, and 2) immunoblot cards with monoclonal antibodies specific for Neotyphodium/Epichloë endophytes. Infection frequency (i.e. the proportion of individuals) varied widely among species and among sites, a finding common to most studies performed in non‐agricultural ecosystems. Festuca rubra had the highest overall infection frequency (23% visual screening, 27% immunoblot screening), while Deschampsia flexuosa (4%) and Poa trivialis (4%) had low frequencies of infection. None of the sampled Agrostis capillaris populations were infected. In F. rubra, the within‐site infection frequency varied from 0 to 100%. A significant altitudinal gradient was found for F. rubra, with the infection frequency of the vertically‐transmitted endophyte Epichloë festucae decreasing with increasing altitude above sea level. The high variation across and within grass species at different geographical locations that ours and others’ studies reveal, agree with suggestions that agronomic model systems cannot be readily extrapolated to understand the ecological role of endophytes in native grasses in the wild. Further investigation into the underlying cause of the observed altitudinal gradient is required to understand broader‐scale patterns in the distribution of endophyte‐infected grasses.
Asymmetric dispersal and survival indicate population sources for grassland butterflies in agricultural landscapes
Authors: Öckinger Erik , G. Smith Henrik
Published: November 2007

We tested the hypothesis that populations in small habitat fragments remaining in agricultural landscapes are maintained by repeated immigration, using three grassland butterflies (Aphantopus hyperantus, Coenonympha pamphilus and Maniola jurtina). Transect counts in 12 matched sets of semi‐natural pastures, and linear habitat elements proximate and isolated from the pastures showed that population densities of M. jurtina and C. pamphilus were significantly higher in pastures and in linear habitats adjacent to these than in isolated linear elements. A mark‐recapture study in a 2×2 km landscape indicated that individuals of all three species are able to reach even the isolated linear elements situated at least 1 km from the grasslands. For two of the species, A. hyperantus and C. pamphilus, analysis of the mark‐recapture data revealed higher daily local survival rates in the semi‐natural pastures and more individuals dispersing from pastures to linear habitat elements. The proportion of old compared to young individuals of C. pamphilus and M. jurtina were significantly higher in linear elements than in semi‐natural pastures, which suggests that butterflies emerging in pastures subsequently dispersed to the linear elements. In combination, these results suggest that semi‐natural pastures act as population sources, from which adult butterflies disperse to surrounding linear elements. Hence, preservation of the remaining fragments of semi‐natural grassland is necessary to keep the present butterfly abundance in the surrounding agricultural landscape.
Moult migration of emperor geese Chen canagica between Alaska and Russia
Authors: Hupp Jerry W. , Schmutz Joel A. , Ely Craig R. , Syroechkovskiy, Jr. Evgeny E. , Kondratyev Alexander V. , Eldridge William D. , Lappo Elena
Published: November 2007

We studied reproductive success and post‐breeding movements of 32 adult female emperor geese Chen canagica that were marked with satellite radio transmitters on their nesting area on the Yukon‐Kuskokwim Delta (YKD), Alaska 2000–2004. All 16 females that failed to successfully reproduce departed the YKD and moulted remiges either on the north coast of the Chukotka Peninsula, Russia (n=15), or on St. Lawrence Island, Alaska (n=1). Of 16 females that successfully nested, one migrated to Russia following hatch whereas the remainder stayed on the YKD. While moulting on the Chukotka Peninsula, emperor geese with satellite transmitters primarily used coastal lagoons west of Kolyuchin Bay. We observed 21,150 adult‐plumaged emperor geese during aerial surveys in Chukotka in 2002. Most (95%) were in the same region used by geese that had been marked with satellite transmitters in Alaska. The number of emperor geese observed in Russia was comparable to our estimate of ≥20,000 adults that either do not nest or nest unsuccessfully each year on the YKD, suggesting that most nonproductive adults, or ≥28% of the adult population departs the YKD to moult elsewhere. The number of moult migrants may be substantially higher in years of poor reproductive success or if adult‐plumaged birds that are not of breeding age also leave the YKD. Moult migration of emperor geese between Alaska and Russia is likely substantially greater than previously believed. Russian moulting habitats are important to the North American population of emperor geese and events that affect survival of geese in Russia could impact population trends on the YKD. Protection of coastal lagoons on the north coast of Chukotka is warranted.
Stimuli for nestling begging in blue tits Cyanistes caeruleus: hungry nestlings are less discriminating
Authors: Dickens Megan , Hartley Ian R.
Published: November 2007

In altricial birds, nestlings usually respond to the sound and appearance of the provisioning adults by begging for food when the adults arrive at the nest. Nestlings can, however, also beg incorrectly on hearing misleading sounds in the environment and fail to beg when the adult arrives. This study uses the blue tit Cyanistes caeruleus to test the hypotheses that nestling begging strategies are influenced by the reliability of the stimulus to beg, and that nestling motivational state affects the response to different stimuli. Here, we show experimentally that nestling hunger strongly influences the response to stimuli that vary in their reliability. While hunger increases begging rate, it also increases the likelihood that nestlings will beg when the parent is absent. This is in agreement with both the predictions of signal detection theory and recent empirical work on other species. We found, however, no evidence that age‐related perceptual constraints influence the begging response of ten day old nestlings to different stimuli.
Gene expression profiling for the prediction of lymph node metastasis in patients with cervical cancer
Authors: Kim Tae‐Joong , Choi Jung‐Joo , Kim Woo Young , Choi Chel Hun , Lee Jeong‐Won , Bae Duk‐Soo , Son Dae‐Soon , Kim Jhingook , Park Byung Kwan , Ahn Geunghwan , Cho Eun Yoon , Kim Byoung‐Gie
Published: November 2007

We investigated whether gene expression profiling of primary cervical tumor tissue could be used to predict lymph node (LN) metastasis and compared this with conventional magnetic resonance imaging. We obtained 43 primary cervical cancer samples (16 with LN metastasis and 27 without LN metastasis) for microarray analysis. A prediction model for LN metastasis from the training set was developed by support vector machine methods using a 10‐fold cross‐validation. The ‘LN prediction model’ derived from the signature of 156 distinctive genes (P < 0.01) had a prediction accuracy of 77%. Correlation between mRNA expressions measured by microarray and semiquantitative reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction was ascertained in four (RBM8A, SDHB, SERPINB13, and γ‐interferon) out of 10 genes. Magnetic resonance imaging showed accuracy (69%) for the prediction of LN metastasis. These results suggest that gene expression profiling allows reliable prediction of LN metastasis in cervical cancer. (Cancer Sci 2008; 99: 31–38)
High‐throughput in planta expression screening identifies an ADP‐ribosylation factor (ARF1) involved in non‐host resistance and R gene‐mediated resistance
Authors: COEMANS BERT , TAKAHASHI YOSHIHIRO , BERBERICH THOMAS , ITO AKIKO , KANZAKI HIROYUKI , MATSUMURA HIDEO , SAITOH HIROMASA , TSUDA SHINYA , KAMOUN SOPHIEN , SÁGI LÁSZLÓ , SWENNEN RONY , TERAUCHI RYOHEI
Published: November 2007

To identify positive regulators of cell death in plants, we performed a high‐throughput screening, employing potato virus X‐based overexpression in planta of a cDNA library derived from paraquat‐treated Nicotiana benthamiana leaves. The screening of 30 000 cDNA clones enabled the identification of an ADP‐ribosylation factor 1 (ARF1) that induces cell death when overexpressed in N. benthamiana. Overexpression of the guanosine diphosphate (GDP)‐locked mutant of ARF1 did not trigger cell death, suggesting that ARF1 guanosine triphosphatase (GTPase) activity is necessary for the observed cell death‐inducing activity. The ARF1 transcript level increased strongly following treatment with Phytophthora infestans elicitor INF1, as well as inoculation with a non‐host pathogen Pseudomonas cichorii in N. benthamiana. In addition, ARF1 was induced in the interaction between the N gene and tobacco mosaic virus (TMV) in Nicotiana tabacum. By contrast, inoculation with the virulent pathogen Pseudomonas syringae pv. tabaci did not affect ARF1 expression in N. benthamiana. Virus‐induced gene silencing of ARF1 in N. benthamiana resulted in a stunted phenotype, and severely hampered non‐host resistance towards P. cichorii. In addition, ARF1 silencing partially compromised resistance towards TMV in N. benthamiana containing the N resistance gene. By contrast, and in accordance with the ARF1 gene expression profile, silencing of ARF1 transcription did not alter the susceptibility of N. benthamiana towards the pathogen P. syringae pv. tabaci. These results strongly implicate ARF1 in the non‐host resistance to bacteria and N gene‐mediated resistance in N. benthamiana.
Fatal errors in nitrous oxide delivery
Authors: Herff H. , Paal P. , Von Goedecke A. , Lindner K. H. , Keller C. , Wenzel V.
Published: November 2007

Nitrous oxide continues to be used frequently and the possibility of inadvertent fatal hypoxaemia resulting from technical errors with its administration still exists. A Medline analysis revealed only a few case reports over the last 30 years, and a closed claim analysis only reported ‘claims involving oxygen supply lines’ predating 1990. The aim of this study was to assess the frequency of nitrous oxide‐related catastrophes during general anaesthesia in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland. As nitrous oxide‐related anaesthesia casualties are rare but generally prosecuted, they almost invariably attract significant media attention. We scanned mass media archives from April 2004 until October 2006 for nitrous oxide‐related disasters during general anaesthesia. This approach detected six incidents which were almost certainly nitrous oxide ventilation‐related deaths. Searching non‐scientific data bases demonstrates that severe incidents involving oxygen supply lines occurred after 1990, and may be much more frequent than previously thought.
EEG changes and serum anticholinergic activity measured in patients with delirium in the intensive care unit
Authors: Plaschke K. , Hill H. , Engelhardt R. , Thomas C. , Von Haken R. , Scholz M. , Kopitz J. , Bardenheuer H. J. , Weisbrod M. , Weigand M. A.
Published: November 2007

The aim of this study was to examine whether serum anticholinergic activity (SAA) is a reliable indicator of delirium in the ICU, and whether there is a significant correlation between SAA and quantitative electroencephalographic (EEG) data in delirious patients. In a prospective cohort study, we assessed ICU patients diagnosed with delirium (n = 37). EEG measurements and blood analysis including SAA were performed 48 h following ICU admission. The presence of delirium was evaluated using the Confusion Assessment Method for critically ill patients in ICU (CAM‐ICU). The SAA level was measured using a competitive radioreceptor binding assay for muscarinergic receptors and quantitative EEG was measured using the CATEEM® system. We found that, under comparable conditions, patients in the delirium group showed a higher relative EEG theta power and a reduced alpha power (n = 17) than did the non‐delirious patients (n = 20). No difference in measured SAA levels were seen; therefore, there was no correlation between SAA and EEG measurements in delirious patients. We conclude that, in contrast to the EEG, the SAA level cannot be proposed as a tool for diagnosing delirium in ICU patients.
Closed‐loop feedback computer‐controlled infusion of phenylephrine for maintaining blood pressure during spinal anaesthesia for caesarean section: a preliminary descriptive study*
Authors: Ngan Kee W. D. , Tam Y. H. , Khaw K. S. , Ng F. F. , Critchley L. A. , Karmakar M. K.
Published: November 2007

We describe the novel use of a closed‐loop feedback computer‐controlled infusion of phenylephrine for maintaining blood pressure in 53 patients having spinal anaesthesia for elective caesarean section. A simple on–off algorithm was used that activated an intravenous phenylephrine infusion at 100 μg.min−1 when systolic blood pressure was less than or equal to baseline and stopped the infusion when systolic blood pressure exceeded baseline. Up to uterine incision, 94.6% of all systolic blood pressure measurements were within the range (baseline ± 20%). Seven patients (13.2%) had one or more episodes of hypotension (systolic blood pressure < 80% of baseline) and 23 patients (37.7%) had one or more episodes of hypertension (systolic blood pressure > 120% of baseline). No patient had nausea or vomiting and in no case was umbilical arterial blood pH < 7.2. Calculated system performance parameters were comparable with those of previously published closed‐loop systems and provide a reference for the potential development and comparison of more advanced algorithms.
The use of intranasal midazolam in the treatment of paediatric dental patients*
Authors: Gilchrist F. , Cairns A. M. , Leitch J. A.
Published: November 2007

The aim of this study was to assess the use of intranasal midazolam in paediatric dental patients requiring extractions or simple surgical procedures who may otherwise have required a general anaesthetic. Twenty children aged between 2–9 years who required simple surgical procedures were given 0.25 mg.kg−1 midazolam, administered using a MAD® (Mucosal Atomization Device; Wolfe Tory Medical Inc., Salt Lake City, UT, USA). Compliance with the full dose was achieved in 14 patients, 13 of whom completed the treatment. One of two patients who allowed only partial administration completed the treatment and three patients did not comply. The mean time to starting treatment was 13 min (range 6–25 min) and patients were discharged after a mean of 46 min (range 25–67 min). Physiological parameters remained stable throughout with no clinically significant episodes of desaturation. One patient vomited at home postoperatively. Midazolam in a dose of 0.25 mg.kg−1 administered intranasally provided adequate anxiolysis for the majority of children, allowing them to complete their treatment.
Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) gene (VEGFA) polymorphism can predict the prognosis in acute myeloid leukaemia patients
Authors: Kim Dong Hwan , Lee Nan Young , Lee Myung‐Hoon , Sohn Sang Kyun , Do Young Rok , Park Jae Yong
Published: November 2007

Increased angiogenesis, mediated by vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), was associated with poor prognosis in acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) patients. The current study investigated the impact of VEGF gene (VEGFA) single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) on treatment outcomes for AML. Four VEGFA SNPs were analysed for −2578C>A (rs699947), −460T>C (rs833061), +405G>C (rs2010963) and +936 C>T (rs3025039) loci in 138 AML patients. The +936 CC/CT genotype showed strong correlation with favourable leukaemia‐free survival (LFS) at 2 years (51·3%) versus with +936 CC genotype (33·6%, P = 0·03). Strong linkage disequilibrium was noted among loci −2578, −460 and +405, but not with +936. Accordingly, four haplotypes were generated based on the genotypes of −2578, −460 and +405 as follows: CTC (40·2%), CTG (35·0%), ACG (22·0%) and ATC (1·2%). The LFS and event‐free survival (EFS) inversely correlated with CTG haplotype (P = 0·03 for LFS; P = 0·05 for EFS). We scored the VEGFA polymorphism marker based on +936 C>T genotype and CTG haplotype for −2578, −460 and +405, which demonstrated a good correlation with the treatment outcomes: LFS (P = 0·01), EFS (P = 0·03) and overall survival (P = 0·01). The VEGFA +936 C>T genotype and CTG haplotype seemed to have an additive effect to predict the prognosis in AML patients.
Metabolic profile changes in the testes of mice with streptozotocin‐induced type 1 diabetes mellitus
Authors: Mallidis C. , Green B. D. , Rogers D. , Agbaje I. M. , Hollis J. , Migaud M. , Amigues E. , McClure N. , Browne R. A.
Published: October 2007

Contrary to the traditional view, recent studies suggest that diabetes mellitus has an adverse influence on male reproductive function. Our aim was to determine the effect of diabetes on the testicular environment by identifying and then assessing perturbations in small molecule metabolites. Testes were obtained from control and streptozotocin‐induced diabetic C57BL/6 mice, 2, 4 and 8 weeks post‐treatment. Diabetic status was confirmed by glycated haemoglobin, non‐fasting blood glucose, physiological condition and body weight. A novel extraction procedure was utilized to obtain protein free, low‐molecular weight, water soluble extracts which were then assessed using1H nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. Principal component analysis of the derived profiles was used to classify any variations, and specific metabolites were identified based on their spectral pattern. Characteristic metabolite profiles were identified for control and type 1 diabetic animals with the most distinctive being from mice with the largest physical deterioration and loss of body weight. Eight streptozotocin‐treated animals did not develop diabetes and displayed profiles similar to controls. Diabetic mice had decreases in creatine, choline and carnitine and increases in lactate, alanine and myo‐inositol. Betaine levels were found to be increased in the majority of diabetic mice but decreased in a few animals with severe loss of body weight and physical condition. The association between perturbations in a number of small molecule metabolites known to be influential in sperm function, with diabetic status and physiological condition, adds further impetus to the proposal that diabetes influences important spermatogenic pathways and mechanisms in a subtle and previously unrecognized manner.
Indigenous harvest, exotic pig predation and local persistence of a long‐lived vertebrate: managing a tropical freshwater turtle for sustainability and conservation
Authors: Fordham Damien A. , Georges Arthur , Brook Barry W.
Published: November 2007

Until recently, the northern snake‐necked turtle (Chelodina rugosaOgilby, 1890) provided a seasonal source of protein for indigenous communities in tropical northern Australia. Today, feral pigs (Sus scrofaLinnaeus, 1758) exert a heavy predation pressure onC. rugosa, compromising subsistence harvest rates and threatening local persistence.

We investigated the influence of pig predation and harvest (subsistence and commercial) onC. rugosapersistence at discrete water holes using a stage‐based matrix population model. Vital rates varied with wet season rainfall, pig predation and harvest. In addition, hatchling survival was density‐dependent.

We show that field‐based estimates of pig‐related turtle mortality exceed levels that can be offset by increased hatchling survival, leading to predictions of rapid population decline and certain elimination of affected populations within 50 years.

Conversely, in the absence of pigs, compensatory increases in hatchling survival were sufficient to allow an annual harvest of up to 20% of subadult and adultC. rugosawithout causing extirpation or substantial population suppression.

Synthesis and applications. This demographic modelling shows that periodic local culling of pigs, fencing of wetlands to exclude predators, and hatchling supplementation to offset losses from predation are all viable management strategies for ensuring ongoing turtle harvests. Such demonstrations of the potential resilience of long‐lived vertebrates under a properly managed harvest regime is important to convince natural resource agencies that conservation management for long‐term viability need not exclude some degree of consumptive use. These findings are broadly relevant to applied ecology, providing important implications for the management of wildlife species subject to competing ecological pressures, such as subsistence and commercial harvesting and predation by invasive species.
Long‐term change in vegetation and soil microbial communities during the phased restoration of traditional meadow grassland
Authors: Smith R. S. , Shiel R. S. , Bardgett R. D. , Millward D. , Corkhill P. , Evans P. , Quirk H. , Hobbs P. J. , Kometa S. T.
Published: November 2007

Restoration of high plant species diversity to sites where it has been reduced by intensive grassland management requires identification of appropriate management regimes. Understanding the combinatorial effects of management on above‐ground vegetation and below‐ground microbial communities will inform management prescriptions on how best to increase plant diversity, restore rare vegetation types and achieve agri‐environmental objectives.

Changes in vegetation and soil microbial community structure are described from the second phase of a 1990–2004 field trial that investigated the interacting effects of fertilizer and farmyard manure (FYM) treatments imposed after 1998, in the context of previous hay‐cut date and seed‐addition treatments.

Hay‐cut date was the main factor influencing plant species composition in phase 1, whereas FYM was the dominant factor in phase 2.

Poa trivialis and Lolium perenne increased in abundance with FYM application, particularly in combination with mineral fertilizer, and particularly in 2002 after the 2001 foot and mouth epidemic. The lowest Ellenberg fertility scores were associated with absence of FYM and mineral fertilizer but with addition of seed.

The highest plant species diversity in phase 2 was associated with seed addition and the absence of mineral fertilizer, an effect that had probably persisted from phase 1. Progressive development of the target traditional meadow vegetation occurred through phase 2.

Fungal:bacterial (F:B) ratios, a measure of changes in the relative abundance of fungi and bacteria in the microbial community, generally increased from 1996 to 2004, and were particularly high in the seed‐addition treatments and in the absence of fertilizer. Here the high F:B ratios were associated with species (including legumes) typical of traditionally managed mesotrophic grassland in northern England.

Synthesis and applications. These results demonstrate that biodiversity goals for upland meadows need to plan beyond the typical 5–10‐year management agreement period of agri‐environment schemes. Combination treatments, in which seed addition is vital, alongside appropriate fertilizer, FYM, hay‐cut date and grazing regimes, are needed for grassland restoration. However, even after 14 years the most effective treatment combinations had still not restored the target species composition and diversity. The demonstrated change in soil microbial communities, linked to the growth of legumes, might be important to facilitate future increases in plant diversity.
Characterization of agonist‐induced endothelium‐dependent vasodilatory responses in the vascular bed of the equine digit
Authors: BERHANE Y. , BAILEY S. R. , PUTIGNANO C. , ELLIOTT J.
Published: November 2007

The role of endothelium‐derived relaxing factors was studied in the regulation of vascular responses in the Krebs perfused equine isolated digit. Perfusion pressure was recorded in response to bolus doses of 5‐hydroxytryptamine (6 nmol) alone or co‐administered with carbachol (CCh; 0.2 μmol), bradykinin (BK; 0.2 nmol), substance P (SP; 0.2 nmol) or sodium nitroprusside (SNP; 0.2 μmol).Nω‐Nitro‐l‐Arginine methyl ester hydrochloride(l‐NAME; 300 μm) caused partial but significant inhibition of CCh‐induced vasodilatory response, whereas BK and SP‐induced responses were resistant tol‐NAME. High potassium (K+, 30 mm) and the cytochrome P‐450 (CYP) epoxygenase inhibitor, clotrimazole (10 μm) plusl‐NAME (100 μm), completely abolished the CCh, BK and SP‐induced vasodilatory responses, whereas the response to SNP was unaffected. In contrast, thel‐NAME‐resistant proportion of CCh, BK and SP‐induced vasodilatory response was not inhibited by the highly selective CYP2C9 inhibitor, sulphaphenazole (10 μm). The cyclo‐oxygenase inhibitor, ibuprofen (10 μm) did not affect the CCh, BK and SP‐induced responses. These data demonstrate that CCh, BK and SP‐induced relaxation in the equine digit involve a combination of the NO and endothelium‐derived hyperpolarizing factor (EDHF) pathways. These results do not support the evidence for the involvement of CYP‐derived epoxyeicosatrienoic acids and the exact nature of EDHF in the equine digit remains to be established.
Allometric basis of enrofloxacin scaling in green iguanas
Authors: MAXWELL L. K. , JACOBSON E. R.
Published: November 2007

When body size varies greatly, drug disposition can best be described as an allometric function of body weight. Therefore, the allometry of standard metabolic rate (SMR; 3/4 power) and body surface area (BSA; 2/3 power) have been advocated as surrogate markers for the prediction of key pharmacokinetic parameters. The goal of the present study was to examine the allometric basis of pharmacokinetic scaling within a species, green iguanas. Enrofloxacin was administered intravenously to 20 green iguanas (322–3824 g), and noncompartmental analysis was used to calculate standard pharmacokinetic parameters, which were log10transformed and regressed against log10body weight. The slopes of significant regressions were compared with the values of unity, 3/4, and 2/3. The slope of enrofloxacin total body clearance (Cl) was also compared with the slopes relating SMR and renalClof99mTc‐diethylenetriamine penta‐acetic acid (99mDTPA) to body weight in iguanas. EnrofloxacinCldepended allometrically on body weight with the power of 0.32. The slope of enrofloxacinClwas significantly less than those of SMR,Clof99mDTPA, and the 2/3 value. Therefore, the relationship between enrofloxacinCland body weight does not directly depend on the allometry of BSA,SMR,or renalClof99mDTPA in iguanas.
Advantages of using recombinant measles viruses expressing a fluorescent reporter gene with vibratome slice technology in experimental measles neuropathogenesis
Authors: Ludlow M. , Duprex W. P. , Cosby S. L. , Allen I. V. , McQuaid S.
Published: November 2007

Aims: In this study of experimental measles neuropathogenesis, the utility of enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP) as a sensitive indicator of measles virus (MV) cell‐to‐cell spread in the central nervous system (CNS) has been assessed in vibratome‐cut brain slices to demonstrate the degree and mechanism of viral spread in the rodent CNS. Methods: Recombinant MVs expressing EGFP were visualized at different levels in 200‐μm vibratome‐cut brain sections from infected animals by confocal scanning laser microscopy (CSLM). Comparison was made with 7‐μm microtome sections, stained for the N protein of measles by immunocytochemistry (ICC). Results: The recombinant viruses were readily visualized in infected brain tissue, with no loss of neuropathogenicity. No difference was found in the sites of infection when MV infection was detected through EGFP fluorescence or by ICC. MV‐infected cells were detected in the cerebral cortex, olfactory bulb and tract, hippocampus, thalamus, hypothalamus, ependyma and subventricular zone. However, the 200‐μm vibratome‐cut sections and confocal microscopy proved excellent for demonstrating virus distribution in neurites and for in‐depth analysis of the extent of tract infection in the white matter of the cerebral hemispheres such as selective infection of the internal capsule and anterior commissure. Conclusions: The use of self‐tracing recombinant MVs, viewed in thick vibratome‐cut sections by CSLM, demonstrated that in experimental MV neuropathogenesis the infection is selective and spreads predominately by neurites using defined anatomical pathways.
Medical practices for prevention of perinatal infections in Puerto Rico
Authors: Dayan Gustavo H. , Caquías Carmen Rodríguez , García Yaniré , Malik Tasneem , Copeland John , Bi Daoling , Reef Susan
Published: November 2007

Recommendations for screening for maternal infections and interventions to prevent disease in the fetus or newborn have been in place in Puerto Rico for more than 10 years. However, compliance with these recommendations has not been widely documented. We evaluated compliance with rubella/hepatitis B prenatal screening and vaccination recommendations, assessed hospital screening practices for syphilis and HIV, and determined risk factors for suboptimal prenatal care. Records of a random, stratified sample of 2003 pregnant women delivering in eight maternity hospitals in Puerto Rico in 2002 were reviewed. Obstetric prenatal and postnatal records were also reviewed when rubella/hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) screening was not available at the hospital, and to document rubella postpartum vaccination (PPV).

Prenatal screening rates were 98.4% for rubella and 98.8% for HBsAg. Overall, 5.4% [95% CI 4.4, 6.5] of women were susceptible to rubella. No eligible women received rubella PPV at the hospital and only 1.5% had documented rubella vaccine prescription at the obstetric records. Only one woman was found to be HBsAg positive and her newborn was adequately treated. However, only 0.9% newborns born to mothers with unknown HBsAg status received hepatitis B vaccine. Screening was documented in 85.7% of the hospital records for HIV and 87.9% for syphilis. Suboptimal prenatal care was more likely among teenagers, low‐educated women, and women with >3 previous pregnancies. Screening rates for rubella and hepatitis B were high; however, implementation of recommendations for prevention of rubella and hepatitis B needs to be improved.
Effect of tillage and soyabean on Ipomoea lacunosa and Senna obtusifolia emergence
Authors: NORSWORTHY J K , OLIVEIRA M J
Published: November 2007

Field experiments were conducted in Pendleton, South Carolina, USA, in 2004 and 2005 to determine the influence of spring tillage and no spring tillage with and without soyabean on Ipomoea lacunosa and Senna obtusifolia emergence. Ipomoea lacunosa emergence was observed from 20 April to 12 November 2004 and 19 April to 7 November 2005, with peak emergence occurring from May to early August. Ipomoea lacunosa emergence patterns were impacted minimally by soyabean and total emergence were similar with and without a soyabean canopy. Tillage generally promoted I. lacunosa emergence, reducing the time needed to achieve 25%, 50%, and 75% emergence. Senna obtusifolia emergence was observed from 26 April to 12 November 2004 and 18 April to 13 November 2005. Tillage shortened the time to 25% of total emergence by 8 to 25 days. Following soyabean canopy formation, S. obtusifolia emergence was generally negatively impacted by soyabean, but some emergence still occurred under the canopy. Peak periods of S. obtusifolia emergence occurred from early May to early October. Overall, I. lacunosa and S. obtusifolia emergence periods were similar, with both species exhibiting continual emergence from spring to early autumn. Continual emergence of I. lacunosa and S. obtusifolia beneath a soyabean canopy contributes to the difficulty in managing these weeds. The study demonstrates that an appropriate combination of sowing soyabean in late May, minimising tillage and sowing at a rate to maximise crop canopy closure will contribute significantly to management of these two important weed species.
Plate‐plume‐accretion tectonics in Proterozoic terrain of northeastern Rajasthan, India: Evidence from mafic volcanic rocks of north Delhi fold belt
Authors: Raza Mahshar , Khan MohdShamim , Azam MohdSafdare
Published: November 2007

Abstract The northern part of the Aravalli mountain belt of northwestern Indian shield is broadly composed of three Proterozoic volcano‐sedimentary domains, i.e. the Bayana, the Alwar and the Khetri basins, comprising collectively the north Delhi fold belt. Major, trace and rare earth element concentrations of mafic volcanic rocks of the three basins exhibit considerable diversity. Bayana and Alwar volcanics are typical tholeiites showing close similarity with low Ti–continental flood basalts (CFB) with the difference that the former shows enriched and the latter flat incompatible trace element and rare earth element (REE) patterns. However, the Khetri volcanics exhibit a transitional composition between tholeiite and calc‐alkaline basalts. It appears that the melts of Bayana and Alwar tholeiites were generated by partial melting of a common source within the spinel stability field possibly in the presence of mantle plume. During ascent to the surface the Bayana tholeiites suffered crustal contamination but the Alwar tholeiites erupted unaffected. Geochemically, the Khetri volcanics are arc‐like basalts which were generated in a segment of mantle overlying a Proterozoic subduction zone. It is suggested that at about 1800 Ma the continental lithosphere in northeastern Rajasthan stretched, attenuated and fractured in response to a rising plume. The produced rifts have undergone variable degrees of crustal extension. The extension and attenuation of the crust facilitated shallowing of the asthenosphere which suffered variable degree of melting to produce tholeiitic melts – different batches of which underwent different degrees of lithospheric contamination depending upon the thickness of the crust in different rifted basins. The occurrence of subduction‐related basaltic rocks of Khetri Belt suggests that a basin on the western margin of the craton developed into a mature oceanic basin.
CHIME monazite ages of metasediments from the Altai orogen in northwestern China: Devonian and Permian ages of metamorphism and their significance
Authors: Zheng Chang‐Qing , Kato Takenori , Enami Masaki , Xu Xue‐Chun
Published: November 2007

Abstract  The chemical Th‐U‐total Pb isochron method (CHIME) has been applied to determine the ages of monazite grains from metasediments of greenscshist‐amphibolite facies in the Altai orogen, northwest China. The area of distribution of these metamorphic rocks is divided into the Permian (261–268 Ma) central‐western and Devonian (377–382 Ma) eastern units on the basis of their metamorphic ages. The Devonian CHIME ages are consistent with the Pb–Pb ages of granitoid in the eastern unit, and support the idea that emplacement of the granitoids was synchronous with regional metamorphism at deep levels. The Permian metamorphic ages (the present study) and igneous ages previously reported from the central‐western unit can be interpreted in terms of subduction of crustal material and oceanic plate, and rapid exhumation.
CD98 immunoreactivity in multinucleated giant cells of glioblastomas: An immunohistochemical double labeling study
Authors: Takeuchi Hiroaki , Kubota Toshihiko , Kitai Ryuhei , Nakagawa Takao , Hashimoto Norichika
Published: November 2007

CD98, which is identical to fusion regulatory protein‐1 (FRP‐1), has been reported to induce and regulate cell fusion and multinucleated giant cell formation. To investigate the association between CD98 and multinucleated giant cells (MNGCs) in glioblastomas, we investigate the CD98 immunoreactivity of MNGCs and the proliferative potential in CD98 immunoreactive MNGCs in paraffin‐embedded sections obtained from patients with glioblastomas. Double immunohistochemical staining for CD98 and Ki67 as a mitotic marker were performed in formalin‐fixed and paraffin‐embedded specimens obtained from 16 patients with primary glioblastomas including MNGCs. Most CD98 immunoreactive (CD98+) tumor cells were negative for Ki67. CD98+ MNGCs were identified in 15 cases. CD98+ Ki67– MNGCs were identified in 14 cases and ranged in number from one to 48 (6.7 ± 11.5). CD98– Ki67+ MNGCs were identified in 15 cases and ranged in number from one to 32 (11.1 ± 9.6). Mitotic index (MI) of CD98+ MNGCs (4.8 ± 2.7%) was significantly lower than that of CD98– MNGCs (91.1 ± 24.6%) (P < 0001). These results suggest that multinucleated giant cell formation may be developed by fusion among CD98– producing cells in glioblastomas.