bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Luminescent Terbium Contrast Agent for Bone Microdamage Detection
Authors: McMahon Brian K. , Mauer Peter , McCoy Colin P. , Lee T. Clive , Gunnlaugsson Thorfinnur
Published: May 2013

The synthesis and photophysical evaluation of a new lanthanide luminescence imaging agent is presented. The agent, a terbium-based cyclen complex can, through the use of an iminodiacetate moiety, bind to damaged bone surface via chelation to exposed Ca(ii) sites, enabling the imaging of the damage using confocal fluorescence scanning microscopy.
Monitoring Supramolecular Self-Assembly using Time-Resolved Fluorescence Spectroscopy
Authors: McLean Scott C. , Scholes Colin A. , Smith Trevor A. , Gee Michelle L.
Published: May 2013

Time-resolved fluorescence spectroscopy is used to observe subtleties in supramolecular structure during the self-assembly of polymers in solution. Lifetime distribution analysis of the fluorescence decay kinetics of the solvent-sensitive fluorescent probe 1-anilino-8-naphthalene sulfonic acid associated with the di-block copolymer poly(2-vinylpyridine)41–poly(ethylene oxide)204 (P2VP-PEO) as it self-assembles enabled identification of three microdomains, distinguishable on the basis of micropolarity. These microdomains can be assigned to different supramolecular substructures: the micelle corona (high polarity), the micelle core and the P2VP globule (both low polarity), and the core–corona interface and the globule–PEO junction (both intermediate polarity). Changes in the relative population distributions of these sub-structures as a function of P2VP-PEO pinpoint the onset of micellization corresponding to the critical micelle concentration (CMC) of the copolymer, but indicate significant variation in supramolecular structure, including micelle formation, well below the CMC. This suggests that supramolecular self-assembly in polymeric systems has characteristics of a second order phase transition.
Using COSMOtherm to predict physicochemical properties of poly- and perfluorinated alkyl substances (PFASs)
Authors: Wang Zhanyun , MacLeod Matthew , Cousins Ian T. , Scheringer Martin , Hungerbühler Konrad
Published: May 2013

Environmental contextPoly- and perfluorinated alkyl substances (PFASs) include a wide range of individual compounds that are used in many consumer products, but only a few physicochemical property data are available for these chemicals. Here we provide estimates of physicochemical properties (vapour pressure, water solubility, etc.) of 130 individual PFASs derived with a quantum-chemical model. Our results provide insight into the effect of molecular structure on the properties of PFASs and a basis for estimating the environmental partitioning and fate of PFASs.
AbstractRecently, there has been concern about the presence of poly- and perfluorinated alkyl substances (PFASs) in the environment, biota and humans. However, lack of physicochemical data has limited the application of environmental fate models to understand the environmental distribution and ultimate fate of PFASs. We employ the COSMOtherm model to estimate physicochemical properties for 130 individual PFASs, namely perfluoroalkyl acids (including branched isomers for C4–C8 perfluorocarboxylic acids), their precursors and some important intermediates. The estimated physicochemical properties are interpreted using structure-property relationships and rationalised with insight into molecular interactions. Within a homologous series of linear PFASs with the same functional group, both air–water and octanol–water partition coefficient increase with increasing perfluorinated chain length, likely due to increasing molecular volume. For PFASs with the same perfluorinated chain length but different functional groups, the ability of the functional group to form hydrogen bonds strongly influences the chemicals’ partitioning behaviour. The partitioning behaviour of all theoretically possible branched isomers can vary considerably; however, the predominant isopropyl and monomethyl branched isomers in technical mixtures have similar properties as their linear counterparts (differences below 0.5log units). Our property estimates provide a basis for further environmental modelling, but with some caveats and limitations.
Adsorption of polyaromatic heterocycles on pyrophyllite surface by means of different theoretical approaches
Authors: Sainz-Díaz C. Ignacio , Francisco-Márquez Misaela , Vivier-Bunge Annik
Published: May 2013

Environmental contextVolatile organic compounds can adsorb to the surfaces of silicates present in atmospheric aerosols, but the mechanisms and interactions are not well understood. We compare theoretical approaches for describing the adsorption of polyaromatic heterocycles to a model phyllosilicate surface. The enthalpy and spectroscopic data for this adsorption provide valuable information for future experimental studies on these atmospheric pollutants.
AbstractThe adsorption of thiophene, benzothiophene and dibenzothiophene, as models of polyaromatic heterocycles, on the (001) surface of pyrophyllite, as a model of phyllosilicates, has been investigated by means of empirical interatomic potentials and quantum-mechanical methods based on Hartree–Fock and Density Functional Theory (DFT) approximations. Molecular Dynamic simulations have also been performed for this adsorption, exploring the different configurations that these polyaromatic heterocycles can adopt with respect to the surface. These adsorbates adopt more likely a planar disposition with respect to the phyllosilicate surface. Spectroscopic shifts of the main vibration frequencies upon adsorption of these heterocycles on the phyllosilicate surface have been identified. The adsorption energy calculated with different methods are compared and discussed in terms of adequacy of empirical potentials and DFT methods for describing the weak interactions observed. In addition to considering the (001) surface of pyrophyllite as an external surface of the mineral, the adsorption in the interlayer space was also explored obtaining a d(001) spacing of 12.64 Å. However, the adsorption energy is much lower than the cleavage energy of the interlayer space and it is clear that adsorption is more likely to occur on the external surface than in the interlayer space.
The effects of cane girdling before budbreak on shoot growth, leaf area and carbohydrate content of Vitis vinifera L. Sauvignon Blanc grapevines
Authors: Eltom Mark , Trought Mike , Winefield Chris
Published: May 2013

The influence of restricting available carbohydrates (CHOs) on shoot growth was studied by cane girdling field grown Vitis vinifera L. Sauvignon Blanc grapevines before budbreak. Canes were girdled 5, 10 or 20 cm from the terminal bud of the cane, and the shoot growth of the terminal bud was monitored over the course of a single growing season. A linear relationship was found between the initial rate of shoot growth and the amount of cane isolated by the girdle. A decrease in available CHOs during initial shoot growth appeared to inhibit the shoot’s ability to produce new vegetative nodes past the point of discontinuity, resulting in a decrease in total leaf area due to incomplete leaf expansion. The transition from the vine’s dependence on reserve CHOs to a net positive state appeared to occur when shoot growth reached a steady state. In the case of severe CHO restriction, no lateral growth occurred, suggesting the CHO status in the vine may play a role in lateral bud growth. The cross-sectional area of canes or shoots were shown to have a linear relationship to their CHO content, which allows for an estimation of the amount of CHOs required to obtain growth similar to the control treatment. Additionally, main shoot leaf area can be used to predict total CHO content in the shoot at harvest.
Towards a revision of the Neotropical soldierless termites (Isoptera:Termitidae): redescription of the genus Anoplotermes and description of Longustitermes, gen. nov.
Authors: Bourguignon Thomas , Scheffrahn Rudolf H. , Křeček Jan , Nagy Zoltán T. , Sonet Gontran , Roisin Yves
Published: May 2013

Soldierless termites are well represented in the Neotropics where they constitute about one-third of the total termite species richness. However, despite their substantial diversity, they have been neglected by most taxonomists because they lack soldiers. Species identification therefore relies upon worker characters, in particular the anatomy of the digestive tract and the enteric valve armature. Here, in order to provide a solid basis for future taxonomic work on this group, we supply detailed descriptions of the type species of the genus Anoplotermes, A. pacificus, and of a few common and widespread species, which we retain in Anoplotermes: A. banksi, A. parvus and A. janus, sp. nov. We transfer Anoplotermes manni to a new genus, Longustitermes, and place six species into synonymy. This redefinition of the genus Anoplotermes is complemented by DNA sequences of four genetic markers to allow species identification by molecular techniques and future phylogenetic studies. This study represents a first step towards a complete revision of the neotropical Anoplotermes-group.
DNA barcoding and species delimitation: the Stylodrilus heringianus case (Annelida : Clitellata : Lumbriculidae)
Authors: Achurra Ainara , Erséus Christer
Published: May 2013

Individuals of the aquatic oligochaete species Stylodrilus heringianus Claparède, 1862 were collected across a part of this species’ distribution range in Sweden, Estonia, Great Britain and Spain to test whether they represent a single metapopulation or several separately evolving lineages. Using sequences of the barcoding gene cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) and two nuclear genes (internal transcribed spacer region and histone 3), three different approaches were conducted: pairwise distance-method, Bayesian inference and network analysis. Both the COI phylogeny and network analyses were concordant in recovering six haplotype clusters, which showed a maximum genetic distance of 7.7% (K2P) among each other. Nevertheless, nuclear genes failed to confirm any lineage separation, and we conclude that the sampled specimens all belong to the same species. A phylogeographic history with allopatric divergence and secondary contact is suggested to explain this intraspecific pattern of mitochondrial divergence and nuclear non-divergence. The study shows that a mitochondrial single-locus approach can be problematic for the accurate delimitation of species, and we emphasise the need for nuclear genes as supplementary markers, when taxonomic resolution is assessed with COI barcodes.
DNA preservation: a test of commonly used preservatives for insects
Authors: Moreau Corrie S. , Wray Brian D. , Czekanski-Moir Jesse E. , Rubin Benjamin E. R.
Published: May 2013

Understanding the impact of collection and storage preservatives is important for all specimen-based research, ranging from morphological studies to genetic- and genomic-based research. We evaluated the effectiveness of four commonly used preservatives for their ability to preserve insect DNA for several ant species as well as the DNA from host-associated microbes of one ant species. We made replicated collections of ant specimens of different sizes and from three different environmental climates into four different preservatives (95% ethanol, dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO), propylene glycol and RNAlater), isolated DNA across two different time periods and performed PCR on all DNA extracts (n = 180 samples + 10 controls). Although ethanol returned the best overall results for DNA yield and PCR success, our analyses did not show a significant difference between specimens preserved in ethanol or propylene glycol on the timescales we investigated. We found that average DNA yield was significantly higher when specimens were originally collected in ethanol instead of DMSO, propylene glycol, or RNAlater™ (Applied Biosystems/Ambion). PCR results for both the insect and endosymbiotic bacteria showed a significant advantage for preserving ants in ethanol or propylene glycol over DMSO or RNAlater for room temperature storage. Our findings suggest that collection of insect specimens into ethanol is the preferred method for preserving host and host-associated bacterial DNA, but that propylene glycol is a suitable alternative when ethanol is not available or permitted.
Long-term increases in abundance of anemonefish and their host sea anemones in an Australian marine protected area
Authors: Scott Anna , Malcolm Hamish A. , Damiano Cristiana , Richardson Darren L.
Published: May 2013

Understanding the population dynamics of host sea anemones and their symbiotic anemonefish is important given that pressures such as aquarium collecting and bleaching events are adversely impacting their abundance in some Indo–Pacific locations. We examined long-term trends in anemone and anemonefish abundance at four sites within a ‘no-take’ zone at North Solitary Island, Australia, by comparing data from 2008 to surveys done in 1994 and 1995. Species richness was stable, comprising two anemones, Entacmaea quadricolor and Heteractis crispa, and three anemonefishes, Amphiprion akindynos, A. latezonatus, and A. melanopus. In 2008, densities of the most abundant species, E. quadricolor and A. akindynos, were substantially higher than previously recorded, with increases of up to 532% and 133%, respectively. There was a strong relationship between A. akindynos densities and anemone cover, whereas A. latezonatus had higher densities in deeper waters. Densities of this species remained similar over time, although there was a decline at one site. Heteractis crispa and A. melanopus were found in comparatively low numbers. Potential reasons for the overall increase in abundance include: protection from severe swell events, the lack of major bleaching events, the ability of E. quadricolor to reproduce rapidly by asexual reproduction, and the increasing duration of marine park protection.
Estimating sea cucumber abundance and exploitation rates using removal methods
Authors: Prescott James , Vogel Camille , Pollock Kenneth , Hyson Samuel , Oktaviani Dian , Panggabean Anthony Sisco
Published: May 2013

Removal methods were used to estimate key fishery parameters, abundance and exploitation rate for five species of tropical sea cucumbers harvested by Indonesian fishers at Scott Reef, north-western Australia. Detailed catch records were kept by the traditional fishers over a period of 58 days as needed for this method, whereas effort was estimated from aerial surveillance. Concurrently, ~1007 artificial sea cucumber surrogates, were distributed and rewards were paid for recovered surrogates. Both datasets were analysed using the Huggins closed-population procedure in program MARK to obtain maximum-likelihood estimates. This procedure allowed inclusion of effort and tide covariates and an initial search phase followed by an exploitation phase. We accounted for extreme over-dispersion which is a common problem in fishery removal data. Our results strongly suggested that some surrogates became unavailable to the fishers. However, results from both datasets demonstrated strong evidence of extreme rates of exploitation on the shallow, drying reef-top habitat. Closed-removal or depletion methods are shown to be a viable method to estimate abundance and exploitation rate for sea cucumbers harvested with intense fishing pressure during a short fishing season.
Feeding ecology of the non-indigenous fish Hypomesus nipponensis in Lake Ulungur, China: insight into the relationship between its introduction and the collapse of the native Eurasian perch population
Authors: Zhou Xiaoyu , Hu Zhongjun , Liu Qigen , Yang Lili , Wang Yubo
Published: May 2013

Studies of feeding ecology are essential in gaining an understanding of how established non-indigenous fish species interact with the invaded communities. In the present study, we investigated the composition and seasonal variation in the diet of the introduced Japanese smelt Hypomesus nipponensis, a small planktivorous fish, in Lake Ulungur, China. The objective was to examine the ecological role of this established non-indigenous smelt through the analysis of its diet, which might give more insight into the relationship between its introduction and the collapse of the native Eurasian perch population. Results showed that the Japanese smelt had a broader feeding spectrum than had been previously reported. Of 10 taxonomic or ecological categories of food, cladocerans (54.70%) and rotifers (15.39%) were the most important food items in terms of the index of relative importance (IRI), whereas surface food and chironomid larvae were the most important by weight. Although cladocerans were consistently the most important food, rotifers and copepods, together with surface food and chironomid larvae, substituted when cladocerans were scarcer. Because both rotifers and chironomid larvae are important food of larval and young perch, introduction of Japanese smelt into the lake might be responsible for the collapse of the perch population because of the suppression of rotifers and chironomid larvae in spring through seasonal predation.
Infaunal biodiversity patterns from Carnarvon Shelf (Ningaloo Reef), Western Australia
Authors: Przeslawski Rachel , McArthur Matthew A. , Anderson Tara J.
Published: May 2013

Infauna are important in many ecological processes but have been rarely considered in biodiversity assessments of coral reefs and surrounding areas. We surveyed infaunal assemblages and associated environmental factors (depth, seabed reflectance, sediment characteristics) in three areas (Mandu, Point Cloates, Gnaraloo) along the Carnarvon Shelf, Western Australia. This region supports Ningaloo Reef, a relatively pristine coral reef protected by the Ningaloo Marine Park and a Commonwealth marine reserve. Macrofauna were sampled with a Smith-McIntyre grab and sieved through 500 µm. A total of 423 species and 4036 individuals was recorded from 145 grabs, with infauna accounting for 67% of species and 78% of individuals. Rare species (≤2 individuals per species) represented 42% of the total assemblage. Assemblages were significantly different among all three areas, with the most distinct recorded from the southern-most area (Gnaraloo). Although assemblages varied significantly with depth and sediment composition (mud and gravel), these relationships were weak. Results from the current study broadly quantify macrofaunal diversity in the region and identify potential spatial and environmental patterns which will help inform future marine management plans, including the provision of baseline information to assess the efficacy of protected areas in soft-sediment habitats adjacent to coral reefs.
The additive partitioning of macroinvertebrate diversity in tropical reservoirs
Authors: Molozzi Joseline , Hepp Luiz U. , Callisto Marcos
Published: May 2013

Understanding the ways in which diversity changes across spatial scales is important for the conservation of biodiversity. The objectives of the present study were (1) to characterise the diversity of aquatic macroinvertebrates in three Brazilian tropical reservoirs and (2) to determine how the organisms were distributed at different spatial scales, by using a diversity partitioning approach. We compared the diversity-partition results with the null hypothesis that the macroinvertebrate community was uniform across all spatial scales in the study. We expected that differences in environmental variability (sediment characteristics) among the reservoirs and limitations on the dispersal of organisms among reservoirs result in higher biological variability (β diversity). The results of the spatial partitioning analysis of species richness in the reservoirs showed that each Ekman–Birge dredge-sampling unit (α) represented 43.7% of the total variation. β1 diversity (diversity among Ekman–Birge dredge-sampling units) represented 47.2% of the total variation. A partial Mantel test indicated a correlation between the particle-size matrix and the biological matrix. However, the biological matrix was not correlated with the geographical matrix. The partitioning of overall spatial diversity indicated that the distribution of species in the reservoirs was driven by local factors and that diversity was more pronounced at lower hierarchical levels.
The Teamwork Study: enhancing the role of non-GP staff in chronic disease management in general practice
Authors: Black D. A. , Taggart J. , Jayasinghe U. W. , Proudfoot J. , Crookes P. , Beilby J. , Powell-Davis G. , Wilson L. A. , Harris M. F. , Teamwork Research Team the
Published: May 2013

There is evidence for a team-based approach in the management of chronic disease in primary health care. However, the standard of care is variable, probably reflecting the limited organisational capacity of health services to provide the necessary structured and organised care for this group of patients. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of a structured intervention involving non-GP staff in GP practices on the quality of care for patients with diabetes or cardiovascular disease. A cluster randomised trial was undertaken across 60 GP practices. The intervention was implemented in 30 practices with staff and patients interviewed at baseline and at 12–15 months follow up. The change in team roles was evaluated using a questionnaire completed by practice staff. The quality of care was evaluated using the Patient Assessment of Chronic Illness Care questionnaire. We found that although the team roles of staff improved in the intervention practices and there were significant differences between practices, there was no significant difference between those in the intervention and control groups in patient-assessed quality of care after adjusting for baseline-level score and covariates at the 12-month follow up. Practice team roles were not significantly associated with change in Patient Assessment of Chronic Illness Care scores. Patients with multiple conditions were more likely to assess their quality of care to be better. Thus, although previous research has shown a cross-sectional association between team work and quality of care, we were unable to replicate these findings in the present study. These results may be indicative of insufficient time for organisational change to result in improved patient-assessed quality of care, or because non-GP staff roles were not sufficiently focussed on the aspects of care assessed. The findings provide important information for researchers when designing similar studies.
Effect of duration of the growing phase of ovulatory follicles on oocyte competence in superstimulated cattle
Authors: Dias F. C. F. , Costa E. , Adams G. P. , Mapletoft R. J. , Kastelic J. , Dochi O. , Singh J.
Published: May 2013

In the present study, we tested the hypotheses that oocyte competence is compromised by a longer duration of follicular growth and that it is not affected by FSH starvation. Cows were allocated to short FSH (n=14), FSH starvation (n=13) and long FSH (n=13) groups. The first two groups were given eight doses of FSH, whereas the third group was given 14 doses of FSH, starting from the day of wave emergence (Day 0). A progesterone-releasing device (controlled internal drug release; CIDR) was placed intravaginally at the start of the experiment in all groups. The short FSH group was given prostaglandin (PG) F2α on Day 3, whereas the two other groups received PGF2α on Day 6. In all cows, the CIDR was removed at the time of PGF treatment; porcine (p) LH was given 24h after CIDR removal and cows were inseminated 24 and 36h later. Reproductive tracts were collected 4 days after insemination and ova and/or embryos were cultured for ≥6 days. The FSH starvation group had fewer ovulations (P=0.001), and ova and/or embryos (P<0.05). No difference in embryo quality was detected between long and short FSH groups at 7, 9 or 10 days after artificial insemination. In conclusion, oocyte competence was not altered by the duration of the follicular growth phase in superstimulated cows, whereas FSH starvation substantially reduced the ability of superstimulated follicles to ovulate.
Preovulatory changes in the angiotensin II system in bovine follicles
Authors: Siqueira Lucas C. , T. dos Santos Joabel , Ferreira Rogério , Souza dos Santos Robson , dos Reis Adelina M. , Oliveira João F. , Fortune Joanne E. , Gonçalves Paulo Bayard
Published: May 2013

The present study evaluated whether the gonadotrophin surge modulates components of the renin–angiotensin system and whether angiotensin II (Ang II) plays a role in the production of hormones by follicular cells during the ovulatory process. In Experiment 1, cows were ovariectomised at various times (0, 3, 6, 12 and 24h) after GnRH injection to obtain preovulatory follicles. The concentration of Ang II in follicular fluid increased after GnRH and reached a peak at 24h, concomitant with the peak of angiotensinogen (AGT) mRNA expression in granulosa cells. AGT mRNA was not expressed in theca cells. Ang II receptor type 2 and angiotensin-converting enzyme mRNA levels were transiently upregulated in theca cells. In Experiment 2, an in vitro culture was used to determine whether Ang II could modulate hormone production by healthy dominant follicles. In the absence of LH, Ang II did not alter hormonal production by either theca or granulosa cells. Ang II plus LH increased progesterone and prostaglandin secretion by granulosa cells. In summary, the renin–angiotensin system is actively controlled during the preovulatory period and Ang II amplifies the stimulatory effects of LH on the secretion of progesterone and prostaglandins by granulosa cells.
Factors affecting reproductive performance of white-tailed deer subjected to fixed-time artificial insemination or natural mating
Authors: Mellado Miguel , Orta Claudia G. , Lozano Eloy A. , García Jose E. , Veliz Francisco G. , de Santiago Angeles
Published: May 2013

The objectives of this study were to examine the effects of several factors affecting fawning rate, litter size, litter weight and neonatal fawn mortality in white-tailed deer inseminated either transcervically or by means of laparoscopy. Oestrus synchronisation with a controlled internal drug release (CIDR)-based protocol and fixed-time artificial insemination (FTAI) was conducted in 130 white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus texanus) during three reproductive seasons (2007–2009; 271 services) in a game-hunting ranch in a hot–arid environment (26°4′ N, 101°25′ W). Ninety additional non-treated does were exposed to bucks for natural mating. Fawning rate did not differ between AI methods (40.0 vs 45.0% for transcervical and laparoscopic AI, respectively). Overall fawning rate (proportion of all does fawning after FTAI and a subsequent period of buck exposure) did not differ between transcervical (89.5%), laparoscopic (80.3%) or natural (88.9%) insemination. Litter size per fawning doe was higher (P<0.05) in naturally-served does (1.65±0.48) than in transcervically-inseminated does (1.40±0.51) or in laparoscopically-inseminated does (1.48±0.50). The main conclusion was that no enhancement of fawning rate or litter size occurred as a result of intrauterine deposition of semen by laparoscopy compared with the transcervical insemination technique.
Natural resources governance for the drylands of the Murray–Darling Basin
Authors: Marshall Graham R. , Stafford Smith D. Mark
Published: May 2013

Critiques of governance arrangements for natural resource management in Australia have expanded rapidly in recent years. Meanwhile, arguments have strengthened internationally that drylands share characteristics that justify a specific ‘drylands syndrome’ understanding of their management. These issues converge in the drylands of the Murray–Darling Basin (MDB). We explore in this paper the insights that this convergence offers for designing governance arrangements for the natural resources of the MDB. We argue that the characteristics of the MDB drylands justify transformation of these arrangements to those of adaptive governance; and more specifically that this model of governance should be founded on the related concepts of polycentricity and subsidiarity. We explain how three aspects of polycentric governance contribute to the robustness of social-ecological systems and identify the particular relevance of each to the MDB drylands. Even so, transformation to polycentric governance would face formidable obstacles from vested interests and mental models that have adapted to the status quo. Acknowledging the reality that hurdling such obstacles requires strategic preparation to exploit windows of opportunity, we propose several pragmatic steps to be followed in strategically pre-adapting the MDB drylands for this transformation. Although transforming to adaptive governance is not without risk, we argue that the risks of inaction for the MDB drylands are greater.
Relationships between landscape patterns and fire occurrence within a successional gradient in sagebrush steppe–juniper woodland
Authors: Roth Aaron D. , Bunting Stephen C. , Strand Eva K.
Published: May 2013

Expansion of western juniper (Juniperus occidentalis Hook. var. occidentalis) has altered vegetation composition, fire behaviour and fire potential throughout south-western Idaho and eastern Oregon. Utilising GIS-derived products and fire-simulation software, the influence of the spatial arrangement of different woodland developmental stages on simulated surface fire occurrence was evaluated. Custom fuel models and a recent vegetation map processed in FARSITE under moderate fire conditions were used to create a fire-occurrence grid in three sixth-order watersheds on the Owyhee Plateau of south-western Idaho. Landscape pattern metrics were selected to quantify the spatial arrangement of plant communities within a neighbourhood around points from each successional stage randomly placed within each watershed. Linear regression analysis of fire occurrence and each of the selected landscape metrics was compared for four successional stages of western juniper encroachment to assess the effect of landscape-scale vegetation arrangement on fire occurrence. The landscape structure had little influence on whether an early-successional area burns in a surface fire, whereas the surrounding landscape structure influenced whether a late-successional or mature woodland area burned. Landscape metrics that showed significance in late-successional and mature woodland stages include patch density, mean area and Simpson’s diversity.
Quantifying the influence of fuel age and weather on the annual extent of unplanned fires in the Sydney region of Australia
Authors: Price Owen F. , Bradstock Ross A.
Published: May 2013

Planned fire is used globally to minimise the risk of unplanned fire, but it is important to measure the return for effort in terms of the reduction of risk per unit area of planned fire. Here, we use 30 years of fire mapping from four subregions of the Sydney region to compare the annual extent of unplanned fire with previous planned and unplanned fire. Using linear mixed modelling, we were able to discriminate the relative influence of previous fire, seasonal rainfall and weather during the peak fire season. The mean annual area burnt over the period was 4.11%, comprising 0.53% planned and 3.58% unplanned. We found that weather during the fire season was the most influential factor. Annual rainfall had a modest negative relationship with unplanned fire area. Past fire had some influence, but the relationship implied that approximately three units of planned fire are required to reduce the unplanned fire area by one unit. Managers would need to burn 5.4% per year to halve unplanned fire extent, a ten-fold increase on recent levels. This would increase the total area burnt, and have other effects that need to be considered (from smoke and greenhouse gas emissions, and changes to biodiversity).
Dingoes affect activity of feral cats, but do not exclude them from the habitat of an endangered macropod
Authors: Wang Yiwei , Fisher Diana O.
Published: May 2013

Context
The loss of large predators has been linked with the rise of smaller predators globally, with negative impacts on prey species (mesopredator release). Recent studies suggest that the dingo, Australia’s top terrestrial predator, inhibits predation on native mammals by the invasive red fox, and therefore reduces mammal extinctions. Feral cats also have negative effects on native mammals, but evidence that dingoes suppress cats remains equivocal.

Aims
We sought to examine whether dingoes might spatially or temporally suppress the activity of feral cats at a site containing the sole wild population of an endangered macropod subject to feral cat predation (the bridled nailtail wallaby).

Methods
We used camera traps to compare coarse and fine-scale spatial associations and overlaps in activity times of mammals between August 2009 and August 2010.

Key results
Dingoes and cats used the same areas, but there was evidence of higher segregation of activity times during wet months. Potential prey showed no spatial avoidance of dingoes. Peak activity times of dingoes and their major prey (the black-striped wallaby) were segregated during the wetter time of year (December to March). We did not find evidence that cats were spatially excluded from areas of high prey activity by dingoes, but there was low overlap in activity times between cats and bridled nailtail wallabies.

Conclusions
These findings support the contention that fear of dingoes can sometimes affect the timing of activity of feral cats. However, cats showed little spatial avoidance of dingoes at a coarse scale.

Implications
Control of dingoes should not be abandoned at the site, because the potential moderate benefits of reduced cat activity for this endangered and geographically restricted wallaby may not outweigh the detrimental effects of dingo predation.
Predation risk and reproduction in the bank vole
Authors: Trebatická Lenka , Suortti Paula , Sundell Janne , Ylönen Hannu
Published: May 2013

Context
Life-history strategies are the means that organisms use to achieve successful reproduction in environments that vary in time and space. Individual animals maximise life-time reproductive success (LRS) through optimal timing of reproduction and investment in offspring. A crucial factor affecting LRS is predation risk in a highly seasonal environment. According to the breeding-suppression hypothesis (BSH), females should delay breeding under short periods of high predation risk. Delayed breeding under risk is suggested to have substantial consequences for females’ fitness.

Aims
We tested the BSH in an iteroparous boreal small rodent, the bank vole, Myodes glareolus.

Methods
We used caged-live weasels and spread weasel scent to simulate increased predation risk in four of eight 0.25-ha outdoor enclosures. We monitored females’ reproduction in three periods (May, July, August), i.e. during the breeding season over the course of summer.

Key results
Contrary to our main prediction, predation risk did not affect timing of mating, pregnancy rate or litter size in any study period.

Conclusions and implications
We conclude that during the short but resource-rich breeding season of boreal summer, postponing breeding does not seem to be an optimal strategy for females, even under high risk of predation. Under favourable summer condition, i.e. in circumstances without any constraining factors such as food or conspecific density, females manage to balance the costs of predation against benefits of resource availability and do not suppress breeding. Although the BSH has been studied widely, also our results reveal the intricacies of this adaptive behaviour.
Hidden biodiversity in rare northern Australian vertebrates: the case of the clawless geckos (Crenadactylus, Diplodactylidae) of the Kimberley
Authors: Oliver Paul M. , Doughty Paul , Palmer Russell
Published: May 2013

Context
The phylogenetic diversity and biogeography of most animal and plant lineages endemic to the Australian Monsoonal tropics remains poorly understood. Of particular note (and in contrast to many other tropical regions in both Australia and elsewhere) is the current paucity of evidence for diverse endemic radiations of restricted-range taxa.

Aims
To use recently collected material from major surveys of the Kimberley Islands, Western Australia, to expand on a previous study that provided preliminary evidence of very high levels of geographically structured phylogenetic diversity in a lineage of tiny geckos (Crenadactylus).

Methods
Mitochondrial (ND2) and nuclear (RAG-1) sequence data were used to estimate the relationships, phylogenetic diversity and timescale of diversification of all populations of Crenadactylus from northern Australia from which samples for genetic analysis were available.

Key results
In striking contrast to the two subspecies currently recognised in the Kimberley, our analyses confirm the existence of a notable diversity of highly divergent and apparently allopatric lineages within the Kimberley, including at least 10 that are estimated to date to the late Pliocene/early Miocene (or earlier) and seven that we recognise as candidate new species. Most of this diversity is concentrated in the high-rainfall zone along the western edge of the Kimberley.

Key conclusions
A growing number of genetic datasets are revealing northern Australian vertebrate clades characterised by the juxtaposition of deeply divergent and highly geographically structured genetic diversity on the one hand, and major geographic gaps in sampling that impede full assessment of the distribution and taxonomic significance of this diversity on the other.

Implications
There is a pressing need for further surveys, voucher material and phylogenetic analyses to allow us to properly understand the diversity, biogeography and conservation needs of the northern Australian biota.
Purposes, outcomes and challenges of eradicating invasive mammals from New Zealand islands: an historical perspective
Authors: Towns D. R. , West C. J. , Broome K. G.
Published: May 2013

Context
Invasive mammals have been removed from at least 100 offshore islands around New Zealand, covering a total area of around 45 000 ha.

Aims
To review the outcomes of eradications, the statutory and social environment in which the eradications were conducted, and the lessons provided for future work.

Methods
Native species to benefit from the eradications were identified, as were the reasons for the eradications and the agencies responsible. Examples are provided using case studies.

Key results
Three loosely linked work streams were revealed: research into efficient baits and baiting methods, threatened species-led projects nested within priorities for species recovery and supported by legislation, and community-led projects instigated by restoration societies. At least 180 populations of 14 species of invasive mammals were removed. Numerous species of native plants, invertebrates and more than 70 species of terrestrial vertebrates are recovering or are likely to recover as a result of the eradications. Partnerships have been formed with Māori and innovative projects developed with community groups.

Conclusions
Eradications of invasive mammals are aggressive conservation actions that can have wide benefits for biodiversity but can also be controversial, technically demanding and expensive.

Implications
Eradications are multi-scale problems. If they are to gain public acceptance, evidence is needed in support. This evidence can include understanding the detrimental effects of invasive species, the likely responses of native biodiversity, and the benefits ensuing from their recovery. However, the way this evidence is gained and communicated will also require deep understanding of nuances in regional political and cultural environments.
Can citizen science monitor whale-shark aggregations? Investigating bias in mark–recapture modelling using identification photographs sourced from the public
Authors: Davies Tim K. , Stevens Guy , Meekan Mark G. , Struve Juliane , Rowcliffe J. Marcus
Published: May 2013

Context
The conservation status of the whale shark, Rhincodon typus, remains uncertain. Throughout their range, whale sharks are a focus for wildlife tourism and many identification photographs taken by tourists have become available online, presenting a potentially valuable source of data for monitoring populations using mark–recapture techniques. However, the suitability of these photographs for mark–recapture models has yet to be investigated.

Aims
We explore the suitability of identification-photographs available from online databases to produce assessments of life-history parameters and conservation status of whale sharks in the Maldives.

Methods
To test the validity of using publically sourced images, we used photo-identification images collected from both experienced researchers and tourists between 2003 and 2008 to construct two databases. Images taken by tourists were compiled from online databases. Researcher and public databases were analysed separately and the results of mark–recapture models then compared.

Key results
The dataset constructed from online public databases did not violate the assumptions of mark–recapture modelling. Estimates of parameters and abundance obtained from models using these data were similar to those produced using data provided by experienced researchers.

Conclusions
Publically sourced data allowed for the accurate estimation of abundance of whale sharks. These estimates were not confounded by the suitability of photographs, probably because of the high encounter rate in the aggregation, the high residency rate of sharks and the retrospective nature of photo-identification, which limited heterogeneity in capture probability between marked and unmarked sharks.

Implications
Our findings support the use of publically sourced data for use in mark–recapture studies of whale sharks, at least in situations where sharks are resident to the location. This approach will be useful in regions where data collected by tourists are available online, and research funding is limited.
Evidence for orphan nuclear receptor TR4 in the etiology of Cushing disease
Authors: Du Li , Bergsneider Marvin , Mirsadraei Leili , Young Steven H. , Jonker Johan W. , Downes Michael , Yong William H. , Evans Ronald M. , Heaney Anthony P.
Published: May 2013

Cushing disease (CD) is a life-threatening disorder attributed to excess pituitary tumor-derived adrenocorticotrophic hormone (ACTH) and adrenal steroid secretion caused by pituitary tumors. Whereas CD was first described in 1932, the underlying genetic basis driving tumor growth and ACTH secretion remains unsolved. Here, we show that testicular orphan nuclear receptor 4 (TR4, nuclear receptor subfamily 2, group C, member 2) is overexpressed in human corticotroph tumors as well as in human and mouse corticotroph tumor cell lines. Forced overexpression of TR4 in both human and murine tumor cells increased proopiomelanocortin transcription, ACTH secretion, cellular proliferation, and tumor invasion rates in vitro. Conversely, knockdown of TR4 expression reversed all phenotypes. Mechanistically, we show that TR4 transcriptionally activates proopiomelanocortin through binding of a direct repeat 1 response element in the promoter, and that this is enhanced by MAPK-mediated TR4 phosphorylation. In vivo, TR4 overexpression promotes murine corticotroph tumor growth as well as enhances ACTH and corticosterone production, whereas TR4 knockdown decreases circulating ACTH and corticosterone levels in mice harboring ACTH-secreting tumors. Our findings directly link TR4 to the etiology of corticotroph tumors, hormone secretion, and cell growth as well as identify it as a potential target in the treatment of CD.
The Mongol Invasion in Iranian Drama: The Case of Bahram Beyzaie
Authors: Mahmoodi-Bakhtiari Behrooz , Manavi Mahsa
Published: May 2013

New Historicists view history as a text through whose discontinuities and breaks the repressed and suppressed voices find ways of articulation. Likewise, a literary text, in its underlying layers, alludes to the historical conditions at the time of its production. In some cases, as in Bahram Beyzaie's works, however, the author intentionally uses the past to reread the present. He recreates history as a text in which the voices repressed in the classified history are heard. As the Mongols played an important role in the history of Iran, some of Beyzaie's works pay particular attention to them. This paper analyzes some of Beyzaie's plays and screenplays to investigate the presentation of the Mongols in his fictional worlds.
EU Member State-building in the Western Balkans: (Prolonged) EU-protectorates or new model of sustainable enlargement? Conclusion
Authors: Woelk Jens
Published: May 2013

More than 20 years after the violent break-up of Yugoslavia European efforts to create sustainable States in the Western Balkans, as discussed in the papers of this Special Issue, have brought about some progress, but a lot of work remains. This conclusion will draw on some of the themes developed in the previous papers and contrast to what extent EU Member State-Building provides a new framework for enlargement and what the key questions of sustainable expansion of the EU and functional statebuilding through conditionality will be. It concludes that the EU's current engagement with the Western Balkans faces many problems and obstacles and therefore some reconsideration might be necessary.
The Democracy Cluster Classification Index
Authors: Ristei Gugiu Mihaiela , Centellas Miguel
Published: May 2013

Utilizing hierarchical cluster analysis, a new measure of democracy, the DCC index, is proposed and constructed from five popular indices of democracy (Freedom House, Polity IV, Vanahanen's index of democratization, Cheibub et al.'s index of democracy and dictatorship, and the Cingranelli-Richards index of electoral self-determination). The DCC was used to classify the regime types for twenty-four countries in the Americas and thirty-nine countries in Europe over a thirty-year period. The results indicated that democracy is a latent class variable. Sensitivity and specificity analyses were conducted for the five existing democracy indices as well as the newly proposed Unified Democracy Scores index and a predicted DCC score. This analysis revealed significant problems with existing measures. Overall, the predicted DCC index attained the highest level of accuracy although one other index achieved high levels of accuracy in identifying nondemocracies.
The Role of Arabidopsis Heterotrimeric G-Protein Subunits in MLO2 Function and MAMP-Triggered Immunity
Authors: Lorek Justine , Griebel Thomas , Jones Alan M. , Kuhn Hannah , Panstruga Ralph
Published: May 2013

Heterotrimeric G-proteins, composed of Gα, Gβ, and Gγ subunits, regulate many fundamental processes in plants. In animals, ligand binding to seven transmembrane (7TM) cell surface receptors designated G-protein coupled receptors (GPCR) leads to heterotrimeric G-protein activation. Because the plant G-protein complex is constitutively active, the exact role of plant 7TM proteins in this process is unclear. Members of the mildew resistance locus O (MLO) family represent the best-characterized 7TM plant proteins. Although genetic ablation of either MLO2 or G-proteins alters susceptibility to pathogens in Arabidopsis thaliana, it is unknown whether G-proteins directly couple signaling through MLO2. Here, we exploited two well-documented phenotypes of mlo2 mutants, broad-spectrum powdery mildew resistance and spontaneous callose deposition in leaf mesophyll cells, to assess the relationship of MLO2 proteins to the G-protein complex. Although our data reveal modulation of antifungal defense responses by Gβ and Gγ subunits and a role for the Gγ1 subunit in mlo2-conditioned callose deposition, our findings overall are inconsistent with a role of MLO2 as a canonical GPCR. We discovered that mutants lacking the Gβ subunit show delayed accumulation of a subset of defense-associated genes following exposure to the microbe-associated molecular pattern flg22. Moreover, Gβ mutants were found to be hypersusceptible to spray inoculation with the bacterial pathogen Pseudomonas syringae.