bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Spectral characteristics and linear–nonlinear synchronization changes of different EEG frequency bands during the CNV
Authors: Molnár Márk , Csuhaj Roland , Gaál Zsófia Anna , Czigler Balázs , Ulbert István , Boha Roland , Kondákor István
Published: February 2008

During the CNV recorded in a simple auditory working memory task, task‐specific decrease of the relative delta band and a transient increase of the absolute theta band were seen, accompanied by an increase of the absolute alpha1 and alpha2 bands in the posterior region. The decreased delta power probably corresponds to increased task‐evoked arousal, whereas the transient theta power increase corresponds to working memory demand and possibly to the orienting response. The increased alpha1 and alpha2 power may be a manifestation of a top‐down mechanism revealing control over the execution of a response. The area‐specific, task‐related, and frequency‐dependent changes of EEG complexity measures indicate frontally increasing complexity during the early part of the CNV in the beta frequency bands, which underscores the importance of this region in the mechanisms of anticipatory behavior.
Oxytocin and cortisol in romantically unattached young adults: Associations with bonding and psychological distress
Authors: Gordon Ilanit , Zagoory‐Sharon Orna , Schneiderman Inna , Leckman James F. , Weller Aron , Feldman Ruth
Published: February 2008

Despite extensive research on the involvement of oxytocin (OT) in mammalian bonding, less is known about its role in human social affiliation across the life cycle. Forty‐five romantically unattached young adults participated. Plasma oxytocin and salivary cortisol were assessed using enzyme immuno‐assay, and self‐report measures of bonding, attachment, anxiety, and depression were collected. Oxytocin was associated with bonding to own parents and inversely related to psychological distress, particularly depressive symptoms. Cortisol was related to attachment anxiety. Regression analysis indicated that the adult's representations of bonding to parents predicted OT levels above and beyond cortisol, psychological distress, and attachment. Findings are consistent with antistress models of oxytocin and suggest that oxytocin may play a role in bonding‐related cognitions across the life span.
Consumer preferences for rockmelons in Australia
Authors: Khatri Yunus , Wei Sherrie , Wei Fengheng
Published: February 2008

On the demand side, consumer's decision choice for rockmelon is often compounded by a number of factors including quality, which is often not related to the visual characteristics observed in fruits such as bananas or mangoes. On the supply side, there is a general lack of understanding of consumer response towards rockmelon attributes in Australia and consequently, great fluctuations of demand and hence supply of the fruit. Thus, objectives of this study were to evaluate and compare analytical measures by instruments and sensory assessments by consumers based on sweetness levels (8–13 oBrix) of rockmelons. Results indicated that there was a large variation in texture, juiciness and flavour for each oBrix level. A significant correlation coefficient (r = 0.829) was obtained between analytical and sensory measures for sweetness. High organoleptic scores for flavour were noted among the higher sweetness levels. It is recommended that due to the change in consumer acceptability, marketing of rockmelons should not be solely based on oBrix levels; other attributes such as flavour, texture and juiciness should be utilized.
Counting the cost of healthy eating: a Swedish comparison of Mediterranean‐style and ordinary diets
Authors: Rydén Petra , Sydner Ylva Mattsson , Hagfors Linda
Published: February 2008

The aim of this research was to examine the cost of a diet generally regarded as healthy, a Swedish version of the Mediterranean diet, and to compare it with the cost of an ordinary Swedish diet. A total of 30 individuals provided detailed dietary data collected in a randomized intervention study, examining the effect of dietary change to a Mediterranean‐style diet in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (Mediterranean group, n = 16, control group, n = 14). The data, covering 1‐month dietary intake, were examined with three different diet quality indicators to see whether the Mediterranean group consumed a healthier diet than the control group. All diet quality indicators showed that the Mediterranean group consumed a healthier diet than the control group. Consumer food prices were used to analyse the cost of the different diets. In immediate consumer cost terms, eating a healthier diet was more expensive when differences in energy intake were discounted. However, non‐energy adjusted costs showed no significant difference between the groups. Hence, if one of the reasons for choosing a healthier diet is to achieve weight loss – by consuming less energy – it is possible that healthier eating is not more expensive.
Older people and convenience in meal preparation: a European study on understanding their perception towards vegetable soup preparation
Authors: Saba Anna , Messina Federico , Turrini Aida , Lumbers Margaret , Raats Monique M. ,   the Food in Later Life Project Team
Published: February 2008

A sample of 768 seniors over 65 years, living in eight European countries, was interviewed to investigate perceptions, preferences and attitudes towards convenience in preparation of vegetable soups. In each country, a range of seven vegetables soups varying in preparation levels required before consumption was identified. The first part of the interview (in‐depth interview) was carried out by using the Repertory Grid Method, an effective method to describe perceptions of foods using consumers' own language. Overall, vegetable‐related foods with convenience in preparation were perceived in similar ways across the countries. Older adults tended to describe ready vegetable soups mainly making associations related to preparation, rather than on their own preferences and evaluations. Conversely, fresh vegetables requiring all preparation or considerable preparation (cut fresh vegetables) were mainly associated with attributes such as taste, freshness, health benefits and familiarity with the product. The second session of the interview was based in part on the Theory of Planned Behaviour. A component measuring the extent to which it is felt necessary to eat convenience foods (perceived need) was assessed as well. Generally speaking, older people did not seem to view positively the consumption of convenience foods. Additionally, they did not feel the need to consume these products nor do they have the intention to consume them in the forthcoming month. Pleasure associated with performance of the behaviour was the most important determinant of intention to eat convenience foods in Germany, Denmark and Sweden. Perceived need was the most important factor in determining the intention to eat convenience foods in the UK, Poland and Portugal. Perceived control and subjective norms were the most important factors influencing the intention to eat convenience foods in Italy. The encouragement of consuming ‘ready‐meals’ might represent an opportunity to have healthier food choices and to reduce the risk a monotonous diet for older people who cannot or do not know how to cook, combined with a low interest in food‐related activities such as cooking.
Phorbol ester induced trafficking‐independent regulation and enhanced phosphorylation of the dopamine transporter associated with membrane rafts and cholesterol
Authors: Foster James D. , Adkins Steven D. , Lever John R. , Vaughan Roxanne A.
Published: February 2008

We examined the mechanisms involved in protein kinase C (PKC)‐dependent down‐regulation of dopamine transporter (DAT) activity and cell surface expression by treating heterologously expressing cells with the clathrin‐mediated endocytosis inhibitor concanavalin A (Con A) or the cholesterol depleter/membrane raft disrupter methyl‐β‐cyclodextrin (MβC) prior to treatment with the PKC activator phorbol 12‐myristate, 13‐acetate (PMA). Con A blocked PMA‐induced surface reductions of DAT but only partially inhibited down‐regulation, while MβC partially blocked down‐regulation but did not inhibit loss of cell surface DAT, demonstrating that PKC‐induced DAT down‐regulation occurs by a combination of trafficking and non‐trafficking processes. Using density‐gradient centrifugation, we found that DATs are distributed approximately equally between Triton‐insoluble, cholesterol‐rich membrane rafts and Triton‐soluble non‐raft membranes. DATs in both populations are present at the cell surface and are active for dopamine and cocaine binding. PMA‐induced loss of cell surface DAT occurred only from non‐raft populations, demonstrating that non‐raft DATs are regulated by trafficking events and indicating the likelihood that the cholesterol‐dependent non‐trafficking regulatory mechanism occurs in rafts. PMA did not affect the DAT raft‐non‐raft distribution but stimulated the phosphorylation of DAT to a substantially greater level in rafts than non‐rafts. These findings reveal a previously unknown role for cholesterol in DAT function and demonstrate the presence of distinct subcellular DAT populations that possess multiple regulatory differences that may impact dopaminergic neurotransmission.
Directing traffic in neural cells: determinants of receptor tyrosine kinase localization and cellular responses
Authors: Romanelli Robert J. , Wood Teresa L.
Published: February 2008

The trafficking of receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs) to distinct subcellular locations is essential for the specificity and fidelity of signal transduction and biological responses. This is particularly important in the PNS and CNS in which RTKs mediate key events in the development and maintenance of neurons and glia through a wide range of neural processes, including survival, proliferation, differentiation, neurite outgrowth, and synaptogenesis. The mechanisms that regulate the targeting of RTKs to their subcellular destinations for appropriate signal transduction, however, are still elusive. In this review, we discuss evidence for the spatial organization of signaling machinery into distinct subcellular compartments, as well as the role for ligand specificity, receptor sorting signals, and lipid raft microdomains in RTK targeting and the resultant cellular responses in neural cells.
GAT‐1 regulates both tonic and phasic GABAA receptor‐mediated inhibition in the cerebral cortex
Authors: Bragina Luca , Marchionni Ivan , Omrani Azar , Cozzi Andrea , Pellegrini‐Giampietro Domenico E. , Cherubini Enrico , Conti Fiorenzo
Published: February 2008

γ‐Aminobutyric acid 1 (GAT‐1) is the most copiously expressed GABA transporter; we studied its role in phasic and tonic inhibition in the neocortex using GAT‐1 knockout (KO) mice. Immunoblotting and immunocytochemical studies showed that GAT‐2 and GAT‐3 levels in KOs were unchanged and that GAT‐3 was not redistributed in KOs. Moreover, the expression of GAD65/67 was increased, whereas that of GABA or VGAT was unchanged. Microdialysis studies showed that in KOs spontaneous extracellular release of GABA and glutamate was comparable in WT and KO mice, whereas KCl‐evoked output of GABA, but not of glutamate, was significantly increased in KOs. Recordings from layer II/III pyramids revealed a significant increase in GABAAR‐mediated tonic conductance in KO mice. The frequency, amplitude and kinetics of spontaneous inhibitory post‐synaptic currents (IPSCs) were unchanged, whereas the decay time of evoked IPSCs was significantly prolonged in KO mice. In KO mice, high frequency stimulation of GABAergic terminals induced large GABAAR‐mediated inward currents associated with a reduction in amplitude and decay time of IPSCs evoked immediately after the train. The recovery process was slower in KO than in WT mice. These studies show that in the cerebral cortex of GAT‐1 KO mice GAT‐3 is not redistributed and GADs are adaptively changed and indicate that GAT‐1 has a prominent role in both tonic and phasic GABAAR‐mediated inhibition, in particular during sustained neuronal activity.
HIF‐1 alpha is an essential effector for purine nucleoside‐mediated neuroprotection against hypoxia in PC12 cells and primary cerebellar granule neurons
Authors: Zur Nedden Stephanie , Tomaselli Bettina , Baier‐Bitterlich Gabriele
Published: February 2008

Hypoxia‐inducible factor‐1 alpha (HIF‐1α) and purine nucleosides adenosine and inosine are critical mediators of physiological responses to acute and chronic hypoxia. The specific aim of this paper was to evaluate the potential role of HIF‐1α in purine‐mediated neuroprotection. We show that adenosine and inosine efficiently rescued clonal rat pheochromocytoma (PC12) cells (up to 43.6%) as well as primary cerebellar granule neurons (up to 25.1%) from hypoxic insult, and furthermore, that HIF‐1α is critical for purine‐mediated neuroprotection. Next, we studied hypoxia or purine nucleoside increased nuclear accumulation of HIF‐1α in PC12 cells. As a possible result of increased protein stabilization or synthesis an up to 2.5‐fold induction of HIF‐1α accumulation was detected. In cerebellar granule neurons, purine nucleosides induced an up to 3.1‐fold HIF‐1α accumulation in cell lysates. Concomitant with these results, small interfering RNA‐mediated reduction of HIF‐1α completely abolished adenosine‐ and inosine‐mediated protection in PC12 cells and severely hampered purine nucleoside‐mediated protection in primary neurons (up to 94.2%). Data presented in this paper thus clearly demonstrate that HIF‐1α is a key regulator of purine nucleoside‐mediated rescue of hypoxic neuronal cells.
The role of AMPK in psychosine mediated effects on oligodendrocytes and astrocytes: implication for Krabbe Disease
Authors: Giri Shailendra , Khan Mushfiquddin , Nath Narender , Singh Inderjit , Singh Avtar K.
Published: February 2008

Krabbe disease (KD) is an inherited neurological disorder caused by the deficiency of galactocerebrosidase activity resulting in accumulation of psychosine, which leads to energy depletion, loss of oligodendrocytes, induction of gliosis, and inflammation by astrocytes in CNS. In this study, for the first time, we report the regulation of ‘cellular energy switch,’ AMP‐activated protein kinase (AMPK), by psychosine in oligodendrocytes and astrocytes. Psychosine treatment significantly down‐regulated AMPK activity, resulting in increased biosynthesis of lipids including cholesterol and free fatty acid in oligodendrocytes cell line (MO3.13) and primary astrocytes. Pharmacological activator of AMPK, 5‐aminoimidazole‐4‐carboxamide‐1‐β‐4‐ribofuranoside (AICAR) attenuated the psychosine‐mediated down‐regulation of AMPK and restored altered biosynthesis of lipids. AICAR treatment also down‐regulated psychosine induced expression of proinflammatory cytokines and inducible nitric oxide synthase in primary astrocytes. However, AICAR treatment had no effect on psychosine induced‐reactive oxygen species generation, arachidonic acid release, and death of oligodendrocytes; suggesting the specific role of AMPK in regulation of psychosine‐mediated inflammatory response of astrocytes but not in cell death of oligodendrocytes. This study delineates an explicit role for AMPK in psychosine induced inflammation in astrocytes without directly affecting the cell death of oligodendrocytes. It also suggests that AMPK activating agents act as anti‐inflammatory agents and can hold a therapeutic potential in Krabbe disease/twitcher disease, particularly when used in combination with drugs, which protect oligodendrocyte cell loss, such as sPLA2 inhibitor [Giri et al., J. Lipid Res. 47 (2006), 1478].
Experiential gaming to facilitate cultural awareness: its implication for developing emotional caring in nursing
Authors: Graham Iain , Richardson Eileen
Published: February 2008

For nurses to deliver effective transcultural care, it must be carried out in a way that recognizes cultural difference and responds sensitively to it. In this study, the authors address the meaning of ‘cultural awareness’ and its place in the development of cultural competence among healthcare professionals. They explore the difficulties of providing effective methods for enabling students to become culturally aware and consider the use of games/simulations, whereby the learning experience emphasizes action and students begin to explore and evaluate through reflection. The focus then turns to using games in promoting cultural awareness based on the authors’ experiences. Over several years, Bournemouth University and other European and American partners have developed and used with effect two particular games specifically tailored for work with healthcare professionals. The content and scope of the games are described which, together with supporting material, constitute a day's workshop and provide an excellent basis for furthering the development of cultural knowledge and skills. The final discussion describes how, with the present trend towards a scientific–technological approach to teaching/learning, the craft of nursing is being lost and therefore the complexity of caring is not being realized. This in turn jeopardizes the students’ emotional learning, thereby negating the strength of nursing and the understanding of nursing as a discipline and practice. We believe that re‐investing in forgotten teaching methods like gaming/simulation may help students interpret nursing as a caring practice that is academically defensible.
Construction of the client in physiotherapy student's practical learning sessions: a discourse analytic study
Authors: Laitinen‐Väänänen Sirpa , Talvitie Ulla , Luukka Minna‐Riitta
Published: February 2008

In recent years, there has been a tendency to stress the active role and equal partnership of clients in social and healthcare. Moreover, research in the role of clients has attracted growing interest. Clinical education has been seen as an excellent arena for learning the distinctiveness of the interaction between the client and the professional physiotherapist by giving students the chance to participate in actual healthcare encounters. This study focuses on examining the construction of various client roles through interactions between participants in practical learning sessions that physiotherapy students took part in. These sessions were real professional physiotherapy encounters. Qualitative discourse analysis was applied to 12 videotaped practical learning sessions and four constructions of the client were identified. These interpretative repertoires were named according to the client's role in the interaction as ‘receiver’, ‘executer’, ‘participator’ and ‘fellow’. The identified repertoires represented the multi‐dimensionality and contradictory construction of the client during sessions where two professionals differing in knowledge and skills worked together. Although the professional appeared to play a dominant role in constructing the client role, the client's eagerness to participate was also significant. Extrapolating from the study, we suggest that in aiming to enhance student understanding and practice of patient‐centred physiotherapy, clinical educators should be aware of the interactional practices through which the participation of the client can be supported.
Roles of c‐Src in α1B‐adrenoceptor phosphorylation and desensitization
Authors: Alcántara‐Hernández R. , Casas‐González P. , García‐Sáinz J. A.
Published: February 2008

1 The role of the protein tyrosine kinase, c‐Src, on the function and phosphorylation of α1B‐adrenoceptors (α1B‐AR) and their association with G‐protein‐coupled receptor kinase (GRK) isozymes was studied.

2 Inhibitors of this kinase (PP2 and Src Inhibitor II) decreased (≈50–75%) noradrenaline‐ (NA) and phorbol myristate acetate‐mediated receptor phosphorylation. Expression of a dominant‐negative mutant of c‐Src similarly reduced receptor phosphorylation induced by the natural agonists, active phorbol esters and endothelin‐1 (ET‐1).

3 c‐Src, GRK2, GRK3 and GRK5 coimmunoprecipitate with α1B‐ARs in the basal state. In cells treated with NA or phorbol myristate acetate the amount of coimmunoprecipitated GRK2 and GRK3 increased (≈2‐ to 3‐fold), while treatment with ET‐1 only augmented the amount of coimmunoprecipitated GRK2 (≈2‐fold). The Src inhibitor, PP2, markedly attenuated all these increases.

4 Cell pretreatment with PP2 amplified the increase in intracellular‐free calcium observed with NA, in the basal state and after the stimulation (desensitization) induced by ET‐1.

5 The data suggest a role of c‐Src in α1B‐AR desensitization/phosphorylation and in the interaction of these ARs with GRKs.
Effect of nestbox type on occupancy and breeding biology of Tree Sparrows Passer montanus in central Spain
Authors: GARCÍA‐NAVAS VICENTE , ARROYO LUIS , JOSÉ SANZ JUAN , DÍAZ MARIO
Published: February 2008

Avian life‐history studies are often conducted on populations nesting in nestboxes. However, the type of nestbox used is a potentially confounding variable, as each model shows specific characteristics. In recent decades, a new commercial model of artificial nestbox made of woodcrete, a mixture of sawdust and additives, has become popular owing to its better protection against predators compared with the classic wooden design. We assess the effect of nestbox type on the breeding ecology of Tree Sparrows Passer montanus, focusing on their thermal properties, an influential factor in nestbox selection. Occupancy rates and reproductive parameters of Tree Sparrows were compared between birds breeding in woodcrete and wooden nestboxes over 5 years. Woodcrete nestboxes had a higher occupancy rate and birds breeding in them had earlier clutches, a shorter incubation period and more reproductive attempts per season than birds nesting in wooden boxes. Clutch size and nestling condition did not differ between nestbox types, but reproductive success was higher in woodcrete nestboxes. The higher temperature in woodcrete nestboxes (1.5 °C higher on average) might explain these differences. Such differences may bias results obtained in comparative studies where more than one nestbox type is used.
Passerine diversity in the late Oligocene of Germany: earliest evidence for the sympatric coexistence of Suboscines and Oscines
Authors: MANEGOLD ALBRECHT
Published: February 2008

A passerine avifauna from the late Oligocene (c.26–25 mya) of Germany was characterized by a high diversity of conspicuously small birds ranging in size from the smallest known Oscines to moderately small forms. The avifauna comprised both Oscines and Suboscines. Other passerine fragments showed such an unexpected mosaic of characters that it was impossible to assign them with certainty to any subordinate clade within the Passeriformes. The isolated remains of oscine passerines are the earliest evidence of this taxon in the Northern Hemisphere. Coexistence of oscine and suboscine passerines during the late Oligocene is also documented for the first time in the Northern Hemisphere. These finds reduce a major gap in the passerine fossil record and allow new insights into the composition and natural history of ancient avifaunas.
Functional analysis of the Drosophila immune response during aging
Authors: Ramsden Sean , Cheung Yeuk Yu , Seroude Laurent
Published: February 2008

One of the most dramatic changes associated with aging involves immunity. In aging mammals, immune function declines and chronic inflammation develops. The biological significance of this phenomenon and its relationship with aging is a priority for aging research. Drosophila is an invaluable tool in understanding the effects of aging on the immune response. Similar to the state of chronic inflammation in mammals, Drosophila exhibits a drastic up‐regulation of immunity‐related genes with age. However, it remains unclear whether immune function declines with age as seen in mammals. We evaluated the impact of aging on Drosophila immune function by examining across age the ability to eliminate and survive different doses of bacterial invaders. Our findings show that aging reduces the capacity to survive a bacterial infection. In contrast, we found no evidence that aging affects the ability to eliminate bacteria indicating that the mechanisms underlying immune senescence are not involved in eliminating bacteria or preventing their proliferation.
Glyoxalase‐1 prevents mitochondrial protein modification and enhances lifespan in Caenorhabditis elegans
Authors: Morcos Michael , Du Xueliang , Pfisterer Friederike , Hutter Harald , Sayed Ahmed A. R. , Thornalley Paul , Ahmed Naila , Baynes John , Thorpe Suzanne , Kukudov Georgi , Schlotterer Andreas , Bozorgmehr Farastuk , El Baki Randa Abd , Stern David , Moehrlen Frank , Ibrahim Youssef , Oikonomou Dimitrios , Hamann Andreas , Becker Christian , Zeier Martin , Schwenger Vedat , Miftari Nexhat , Humpert Per , Hammes Hans‐Peter , Buechler Markus , Bierhaus Angelika , Brownlee Michael , Nawroth Peter P.
Published: February 2008

Studies of mutations affecting lifespan in Caenorhabditis elegans show that mitochondrial generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) plays a major causative role in organismal aging. Here, we describe a novel mechanism for regulating mitochondrial ROS production and lifespan in C. elegans: progressive mitochondrial protein modification by the glycolysis‐derived dicarbonyl metabolite methylglyoxal (MG). We demonstrate that the activity of glyoxalase‐1, an enzyme detoxifying MG, is markedly reduced with age despite unchanged levels of glyoxalase‐1 mRNA. The decrease in enzymatic activity promotes accumulation of MG‐derived adducts and oxidative stress markers, which cause further inhibition of glyoxalase‐1 expression. Over‐expression of the C. elegans glyoxalase‐1 orthologue CeGly decreases MG modifications of mitochondrial proteins and mitochondrial ROS production, and prolongs C. elegans lifespan. In contrast, knock‐down of CeGly increases MG modifications of mitochondrial proteins and mitochondrial ROS production, and decreases C. elegans lifespan.
Epidermal stem cells are retained in vivo throughout skin aging
Authors: Giangreco Adam , Qin Mei , Pintar John E. , Watt Fiona M.
Published: February 2008

In healthy individuals, skin integrity is maintained by epidermal stem cells which self‐renew and generate daughter cells that undergo terminal differentiation. It is currently unknown whether epidermal stem cells influence or are affected by skin aging. We therefore compared young and aged skin stem cell abundance, organization, and proliferation. We discovered that despite age‐associated differences in epidermal proliferation, dermal thickness, follicle patterning, and immune cell abundance, epidermal stem cells were maintained at normal levels throughout life. These findings, coupled with observed dermal gene expression changes, suggest that epidermal stem cells themselves are intrinsically aging resistant and that local environmental or systemic factors modulate skin aging.
Drosophila lifespan control by dietary restriction independent of insulin‐like signaling
Authors: Min Kyung‐Jin , Yamamoto Rochele , Buch Susanne , Pankratz Michael , Tatar Marc
Published: February 2008

Reduced insulin/insulin‐like growth factor (IGF) signaling may be a natural way for the reduction of dietary nutrients to extend lifespan. While evidence challenging this hypothesis is accumulating with Caenorhabditis elegans, for Drosophila melanogaster it is still thought that insulin/IGF and the mechanisms of dietary restriction (DR) might as yet function through overlapping mechanisms. Here, we aim to understand this potential overlap. We found that over‐expression of dFOXO in head fat body extends lifespan and reduces steady‐state mRNA abundance of insulin‐like peptide‐2 under conditions of high dietary yeast, but not when yeast is limiting. In contrast, conditions of DR that increase lifespan change only insulin‐like peptide‐5 (ilp5) mRNA abundance. Thus, reduction of ilp5 mRNA is associated with longevity extension by DR, while reduction of insulin‐like peptide‐2 is associated with the diet‐dependent effects of FOXO over‐expression upon lifespan. To assess whether reduction of ilp5 is required for DR to extend lifespan, we blocked its diet‐dependent change with RNAi. Loss of the ilp5 dietary response did not diminish the capacity of DR to extend lifespan. Finally, we assessed the capacity of DR to extend lifespan in the absence of dFOXO, the insulin/IGF‐responsive transcription factor. As with the knockdown of ilp5 diet responsiveness, DR was equally effective among genotypes with and without dFOXO. It is clear from many Drosophila studies that insulin/IGF mediates growth and metabolic responses to nutrition, but we now find no evidence that this endocrine system mediates the interaction between dietary yeast and longevity extension.
Operations Research and public policy for Africa: harnessing the revolution in management science instruction
Authors: Caulkins Jonathan P. , Eelman Emily , Ratnatunga Minoli , Schaarsmith David
Published: February 2008

Operations Research (OR) has made major contributions in the developed world to public policy domains that are of great relevance to Africa. Inasmuch as OR has failed to live up to its potential for addressing such issues in Africa, a principal barrier may have been distance between OR analysts and decision makers. However, the revolution in management science instruction and potential to train end‐user modelers has democratized OR. This makes training for policy makers and managers in the public and non‐profit sectors in Africa both feasible and highly beneficial. Existing management science courses for public and non‐profit leaders, such as those taught at Carnegie Mellon's Heinz School, could be adapted to fit the needs of educators and policy makers in Africa and disseminated via a “train the trainers” approach. A plan is sketched whereby 800,000 end‐user modelers might be trained in Africa (one for every 1000 people) at an annual cost of about $5 million/year. Such budgets are well within the range of investments in human capital formation currently being made in Africa.
An update on cardiovascular adrenergic receptor physiology and potential pharmacological applications in veterinary critical care
Authors: Long Kathryn M. , Kirby Rebecca
Published: February 2008

Objective:To review the recent human and veterinary literature on current adrenergic receptor physiology/pathophysiology and potential applications in veterinary critical care.

Data sources:Human and veterinary clinical studies, reviews, texts, and recent research in receptor molecular biology.

Human data synthesis:Recent development of molecular cloning and other biological research techniques has advanced the field of adrenergic physiology. The past decade of research has made available new knowledge of adrenergic receptor subtypes as well as their locations and functions. Many of the diagnostic compounds used in biochemical research to distinguish between α‐ and β‐receptor subtypes may emerge as important additions to the arsenal of cardiovascular pharmaceuticals.

Veterinary data synthesis:Veterinary adrenoceptor research is typically directed at investigating the effects of commercially available medications. Such studies demonstrate important species differences in addition to potential side effects and new indications for therapy. Many of the human molecular biology studies are performed on animal species, which can have direct application to veterinary medicine.

Conclusions:Proper cardiovascular responses are essential to maintaining tissue perfusion and cellular homeostasis. α‐ and β‐adrenergic receptors play a vital role not only in the pathophysiology but also in the therapy of diseases involving the cardiovascular system. For adrenergic pharmacotherapy to be successfully used, a thorough understanding of the mechanisms underlying adrenoceptor physiology is necessary. Recent research has illuminated various subsets within the α‐ and β‐receptor classifications. Awareness of currently available and emerging adrenoceptor subtype‐specific treatment options allows precise pharmacologic targeting of disease processes in critical illness.
Calcium channel blocker toxicity
Authors: Costello Merilee , Syring Rebecca S.
Published: February 2008

Objective: Calcium channel blockers (CCB) are frequently prescribed for veterinary patients and the incidence of toxicosis secondary to these agents is increasing. The purpose of this review is to discuss toxicity of these agents and review therapeutic options.

Etiology: Calcium plays a vital role in maintaining cellular functions within the cardiovascular system. Toxicosis secondary to these drugs can have deleterious effects on vascular tone, cardiac contractility, as well as electrical conduction in the heart.

Diagnosis: The intitial diagnosis is often made based on history of ingestion, physical examination and electrocardiography. Definitive diagnosis of CCB overdose can be made via quantification of serum concentrations of the drug ingested.

Therapy: Initial therapy should consist of inducing emesis and administration of activated charcoal. Other potential therapies include intravenous calcium, parasympatholytics, sympathomimetics, glucagon, insulin and dextrose, placement of a temporary pacemaker, or calcium channel agonists.

Prognosis: There is little data on the outcome of CCB toxicosis. Aggressive management of these cases is necessary to try and minimize morbidity and mortality.
Intussusception following methiocarb toxicity in three dogs
Authors: Corfield Gordon S. , Connor Lucy M. , Swindells Katrin L. , Johnson Victoria S. , Raisis Anthea L.
Published: February 2008

Objective: To report intussusception as a complication of methiocarb toxicity in dogs and discuss possible risk factors.

Series summary: Intestinal intussusception was diagnosed from 24 hours to 18 days following symptomatic treatment of methiocarb toxicity in three dogs. All cases had persistent clinical signs of methiocarb toxicity despite initial treatment and attempts to eliminate residual toxin. Cases 1 and 3 recovered uneventfully following supportive care, enterectomy of the affected bowel and end‐to‐end anastamosis. All dogs were <8 months of age.

New information provided: Details of three cases of methiocarb toxicity that later developed intussusception and possible risk factors in these cases.
An Index of Risk as a Measure of Biodiversity Conservation Achieved through Land Reform
Authors: WALKER SUSAN , PRICE ROBBIE , THEO STEPHENS R.T.
Published: February 2008

Abstract:  We measured the net progress of land reform in achieving a national policy goal for biodiversity conservation in the context of ongoing clearing of native vegetation and additions of land to a highly nonrepresentative (residual) reserve network, interior South Island, New Zealand. We used systematic conservation‐planning approaches to develop a spatially explicit index of risk of biodiversity loss (RBL). The index incorporated information from national data sets that describe New Zealand's remaining indigenous land cover, legal protection, and land environments and modeled risk to biodiversity on the basis of stated assumptions about the effects of past habitat loss and legal protection. The index identified irreplaceable and vulnerable native habitats in lowland environments as the most at risk of biodiversity loss, and risk was correlated with the density of threatened plant records. To measure achievement, we used changes in the index that reflected gains made and opportunity costs incurred by legal protection and privatization. Application of the index to measure the difference made by land reform showed it had caused a net increase in the risk of biodiversity loss because most land vulnerable to habitat modification and rich in threatened plant species was privatized and land at least risk of biodiversity loss was protected. The application revealed that new high‐elevation reserves did little to mitigate biodiversity decline, that privatization of low‐elevation land further jeopardized the most vulnerable biodiversity in lowland native habitats, and that outcomes of land reform for biodiversity deteriorated over time. Further development of robust achievement measures is needed to encourage more accountable biodiversity conservation decisions.
Improving Interactions between Animal Rights Groups and Conservation Biologists
Authors: PERRY DAN , PERRY GAD
Published: February 2008

Abstract: Invasive species are often considered to be a major threat to biodiversity, leading conservation biologists to often recommend their complete eradication. Animal rights groups typically categorically oppose killing animals, and their opposition has brought eradication attempts of gray squirrels in northern Italy (Europe) and mute swans in Vermont to a halt. As a result native red squirrels may disappear from Europe and ecosystem‐wide impacts are expected to be caused by the swan. In contrast, cooperation between managers and animal rights groups has resulted in a successful control program for feral pigs in Fort Worth, Texas (U.S.A.). The philosophical differences between animal rights and conservation biologists' views make cooperation seem unlikely, yet documented cases of cooperation have been beneficial for both groups. We recommend that managers dealing with invasive species should consult with social scientists and ethicists to gain a better understanding of the implications of some of their policy decisions. In addition, we recommend that animal rights groups do more to support alternatives to lethal control, which are often excluded by economic limitations. Prevention of arrival of invasive species via application of the precautionary principle may be an especially productive avenue for such collaboration because it fits the goals and values of both groups.
Ecological Correlates and Conservation Implications of Overestimating Species Geographic Ranges
Authors: JETZ WALTER , SEKERCIOGLU CAGAN H. , WATSON JAMES E. M.
Published: February 2008

Abstract:  Species range maps based on extents of occurrence (EOO maps) have become the basis for many analyses in broad‐scale ecology and conservation. Nevertheless, EOO maps are usually highly interpolated and overestimate small‐scale occurrence, which may bias research outcomes. We evaluated geographical range overestimation and its potential ecological causes for 1158 bird species by quantifying EOO map occurrence across 4040 well‐studied survey locations in Australia, North America, and southern Africa at the scale of 80–742 km2. Most species occurred in only 40–70% of the range indicated by their EOO maps. The observed proportional range overestimation affected the range‐size frequency distribution, indicating that species are more range‐restricted than suggested by EOO maps. The EOO maps most strongly overestimated the distribution of narrow‐ranging species and ecological specialists with narrow diet and habitat breadth. These relationships support basic ecological predictions about the relationship between niche breadth and the fine‐scale occurrence of species. Consequently, at‐risk species were subject to particularly high proportional range overestimation, on average 62% compared with 37% of nonthreatened species. These trends affect broad‐scale ecological analyses and species conservation assessments, which will benefit from a careful consideration of potential biases introduced by range overestimation.
Fish‐Passage Facilities as Ecological Traps in Large Neotropical Rivers
Authors: PELICICE FERNANDO MAYER , AGOSTINHO ANGELO ANTONIO
Published: February 2008

Abstract:  At present most of the large rivers of South America are impounded. Management plans historically have relied on the construction of fish passages, specifically ladders, to mitigate the impact of these waterway blockages on fisheries and biodiversity. Nevertheless, the design of these facilities is not ecologically sound and they are not monitored continually. Consequently, the real role of South American fish passages in fisheries and biodiversity management is unclear and the results of some studies suggest that ladders are problematic in fish conservation. We examined the characteristics and negative aspects of fish passages within a larger context and considered the notion that these facilities are ecological traps in some Brazilian impoundments. Four conditions are required to characterize a fish passage as an ecological trap: (1) attractive forces leading fish to ascend the passage; (2) unidirectional migratory movements (upstream); (3) the environment above the passage has poor conditions for fish recruitment (e.g., the absence of spawning grounds and nursery areas); and (4) the environment below the passage has a proper structure for recruitment. When these conditions exist individuals move to poor‐quality habitats, fitness is reduced, and populations are threatened. To exemplify this situation we analyzed two case studies in the upper Paraná River basin, Brazil, in which the four conditions were met and migratory fish populations were declining. If passages work as ecological traps, regional fisheries will be in danger of collapse and conservation policies toward biodiversity will become more difficult and ineffective. The situation demands the closing of the passage in conjunction with alternative management actions to preserve system functionality, especially the conservation of critical habitats downstream and the restoration of damaged habitats in the region.
Cost‐Effective Suppression and Eradication of Invasive Predators
Authors: BAXTER PETER W. J. , SABO JOHN L. , WILCOX CHRIS , McCARTHY MICHAEL A. , POSSINGHAM HUGH P.
Published: February 2008

Abstract:  Introduced predators can have pronounced effects on naïve prey species; thus, predator control is often essential for conservation of threatened native species. Complete eradication of the predator, although desirable, may be elusive in budget‐limited situations, whereas predator suppression is more feasible and may still achieve conservation goals. We used a stochastic predator–prey model based on a Lotka‐Volterra system to investigate the cost‐effectiveness of predator control to achieve prey conservation. We compared five control strategies: immediate eradication, removal of a constant number of predators (fixed‐number control), removal of a constant proportion of predators (fixed‐rate control), removal of predators that exceed a predetermined threshold (upper‐trigger harvest), and removal of predators whenever their population falls below a lower predetermined threshold (lower‐trigger harvest). We looked at the performance of these strategies when managers could always remove the full number of predators targeted by each strategy, subject to budget availability. Under this assumption immediate eradication reduced the threat to the prey population the most. We then examined the effect of reduced management success in meeting removal targets, assuming removal is more difficult at low predator densities. In this case there was a pronounced reduction in performance of the immediate eradication, fixed‐number, and lower‐trigger strategies. Although immediate eradication still yielded the highest expected minimum prey population size, upper‐trigger harvest yielded the lowest probability of prey extinction and the greatest return on investment (as measured by improvement in expected minimum population size per amount spent). Upper‐trigger harvest was relatively successful because it operated when predator density was highest, which is when predator removal targets can be more easily met and the effect of predators on the prey is most damaging. This suggests that controlling predators only when they are most abundant is the “best” strategy when financial resources are limited and eradication is unlikely.
Effects of Detectability on Estimates of Geographic Range Size in Bignonieae
Authors: SHETH SEEMA NAYAN , LOHMANN LÚCIA G. , CONSIGLIO TRISHA , JIMÉNEZ IVÁN
Published: February 2008

Abstract:  Extinction risk has not been evaluated for 96% of all described plant species. Given that the Global Strategy for Plant Conservation proposes preliminary conservation assessments of all described plant species by 2010, herbarium specimens (i.e., primary occurrence data) are increasingly being used to infer threat components from estimates of geographic range size. Nevertheless, estimates of range size based on herbarium data may be inaccurate due to collection bias associated with interspecific variation in detectability. We used data on 377 species of Bignonieae to test the hypothesis that there is a positive relationship between detectability and estimates of geographic range size derived from herbarium specimens. This relationship is expected if the proportion of the true geographic range size of a species that is documented by herbarium specimens is given by the product of the true geographic range size and the detectability of the species, assuming no relationship between true geographic range size and detectability. We developed 4 measures of detectability that can be estimated from herbarium data and examined the relationship between detectability and 2 types of estimates of geographic range size: area of occupancy and extent of occurrence. Our results from regressing estimates of extent of occurrence and area of occupancy on detectability across genera provided no support for this hypothesis. The same was true for regressions of estimated extent of occurrence on detectability across species within genera. Nevertheless, regressions of estimated area of occupancy on detectability across species within genera provided partial support for our hypothesis. We considered 3 possible explanations for this mixed outcome: violation of the assumption of no relationship between true geographic range size and detectability; the relationships between estimated geographic range size and detectability may be an artifact of a negative relationship between estimated area of occupancy and the sampling variance of detectability; detectability may have had 2 opposite effects on estimated species range sizes: one determines the proportion of the true range of a species documented by herbarium specimens and the other determines the distribution of true range size for the species actually observed with herbarium data. Our findings should help improve understanding of the potential biases incurred with the use of herbarium data.
Consequences of Low Mate Availability in the Rare Self‐Incompatible Species Brassica insularis
Authors: GLÉMIN SYLVAIN , PETIT CHRISTOPHE , MAURICE SANDRINE , MIGNOT AGNÈS
Published: February 2008

Abstract:  Self‐incompatibility systems prevent self‐fertilization in angiosperms. Although numerous S alleles are usually maintained by negative frequency‐dependent selection, the number of S alleles can be low in small populations, which limits mate availability and reduces fecundity in endangered populations of self‐incompatible plants. Despite the increasing evidence of the negative effect of self‐incompatibility in small populations, the direct link between the number and the distribution of S alleles and their reproductive consequences has been rarely reported. Brassica insularis is a rare self‐incompatible species with medium to very small populations. Results of a previous study showed that the smallest population has very few S alleles. We investigated whether reduced mate availability affects reproduction in this species. We compared the pollination success and the fruit set in 4 populations differing in population size and number of S alleles. Our results suggest that reproduction may be negatively affected by the low S‐allele diversity in the smallest population. Nevertheless, other populations also had reduced fruit set that could not be attributed to self‐incompatibility alone.