bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Translating military experiences of managing innovation and innovativeness into FM
Authors: Hinks John , Alexander Martin , Dunlop Graham
Published: September 2007

Purpose

This is a conceptual paper for facilities management (FM) practitioners and FM researchers. The paper seeks to analyse a number of well‐documented successes and failures in military exploitation of innovation, and identify several recurrent facets that resonate with the contemporary approach to, and difficulties with achieving innovation in FM.

Design/methodology/approach

Several military cases are selected for their analogous pertinence to FM. They cover military aspects of technological innovation; process innovation, including innovativeness in the modes of engagement; innovativeness within strategy and paradigm; and innovativeness in the tactical behaviours needed to realise the value of innovations. They are presented as an indirect means of illuminating systemic challenges for innovation within FM.

Findings

The paper identifies the primacy of innovativeness over individual technological innovations; and the centrality of empowerment practices and the catalysing of local tactical and operational innovative behaviours to innovativeness. The crucial factors are the attitude and behaviour of leaders, especially in terms of creating latitude for local managers; thelocusof command, control and communication; plus local empowerment to achieve clearly explained strategic targets. The authors also identify a shift in performance measurement perspective as a pivotal pre‐requisite for successfully innovating for post‐industrial FM.

Originality/value

Particular focus is made on lessons for developing a culture of organisational innovativeness and for the successful exploitation of latent innovation potential. The paper concludes that these issues represent a significant and systemic challenge to innovation and innovativeness in FM.
The significance of cognitive dissonance for the “hard and soft FM” paradigm and quality assessment practices
Authors: Spencer Robert , Hinks John
Published: September 2007

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to report on a study based around a commercial facilities management (FM) service provider's creation of an internal benchmark of how services for an acute hospital perform in terms of service quality.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper presents findings of a hard and soft FM application of the widely‐recognised SERVQUAL performance assessment tool; including its use and usefulness in a healthcare FM context. The paper proceeds to a conceptual discussion on emergent issues. It offers a questioning framework which the authors identify requires further study and debate but raises potentially profound issues for FM. Further replication‐related and conceptual development research is underway.

Findings

Principally, the paper discusses the emergence and significance of the psychological phenomenon of cognitive dissonance within the datasets for the private finance initiative hospital case study. The paper also briefly discusses the scope for using the service consumers' zone of tolerance as a management datum.

Practical implications

The paper concludes with a discussion on the implications of cognitive dissonance, which we believe poses radical and hitherto‐unaddressed questions about the appropriateness of some core aspects of POE, satisfaction measurement used in FM contract management, and the wider FM performance management paradigm. This appears to open a whole new perspective for soft FM and FM service integrators.

Originality/value

The paper challenges the conventions and major assumptions of the FM service quality assessment paradigm. It suggests cross disciplinary implications for the FM research field, and is relevant to suppliers, clients, facilities managers, service consumers, and customers, including procurement manager. Overall, the paper raises a lot of questions about the FM service quality management paradigm(s) and assumption(s).
Entrepreneurial internationalisation: a case study of Libra company
Authors: Židonis Žilvinas
Published: September 2007

Purpose

This paper aims to contribute to the understanding of internationalisation processes in transition economies, and to make an attempt to conceptualise a new model of entrepreneurial internationalisation.

Design/methodology/approach

A theoretical model of entrepreneurial internationalisation is developed, which is then tested in a case analysis of a Lithuanian company. The paper draws on Uppsala internationalisation theory, network theory and theories of international entrepreneurship.

Findings

Analysis shows that knowledge, to be a tool for decision making in the internationalisation process, is used to create beliefs or “images” of markets. Second, it is argued that incomplete, fragmented, and even contradictory knowledge results in a system of assumptions about international environment. Under the conditions of a highly turbulent business environment, risk and uncertainty could be handled once they are interpreted by creating a set of beliefs. These beliefs serve as a basis for international opportunity perception and recognition. Findings indicate that in the process of entrepreneurial internationalisation, opportunity plays a crucial role, since it shapes the mode and direction of further actions. Entrepreneurs perceive international opportunity as a future picture of reality, and their actions are organised according to this picture.

Research limitations/implications

The paper is based upon a single case study of a company from a transition economy. Further, research development through many case studies in different countries with transition economies may enhance one's understanding of international entrepreneurship.

Practical implications

The study provides valuable knowledge for organizations intending to operate in turbulent economic environments.

Originality/value

The internationalisation process of the companies from transition economies is scarcely discussed in international entrepreneurship theory – and hence the paper addresses an important research gap. The study introduces new elements in the chain “knowledge – internationalisation event”. It is argued in the paper that those elements are beliefs and opportunities. The model shows how these elements interact in the process of internationalisation.
International competitiveness and organizational change drivers anticipated by Estonian managers in the context of European integration
Authors: Elenurm Tiit
Published: September 2007

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore the way Estonian enterprises adapt strategically to European union membership. The research question is: what are the main patterns of internationally competitive business development and related organizational change and learning drivers for managers in a transitional country in the European integration process?

Design/methodology/approach

This explorative research combines a questionnaire survey and follow‐up interviews of managers from 87 enterprises in food processing, transportation and logistics, wood and furniture, information technology, mechanical engineering, textiles and professional services. The timing of the survey and follow‐up interviews brings longitudinal features to the research design.

Findings

The paper offers insights into managerial visions of future competitive advantage and links to changes induced by European integration. Respondents most often pointed out flexibility and competent staff as the key element of their competitiveness vision. Three clusters of organizational change drivers were identified: “subcontracting efficiency boosters”, “diversified internationalization opportunity users”, and “international value chain members”.

Research limitations/implications

The research focuses on industries directly influenced by EU accession, but does not build a representative sample of all enterprises operating in Estonia. Comparing the questionnaire survey and interview results with secondary information about enterprises involved in the research supports a triangulation of data sources, but the main focus of this research is to explore future change visions, rather than tracking the strategies that have already been implemented.

Practical implications

The research highlights differences in managerial perceptions of changes in the strategic environment and strategic choices in order to attain sustainable competitiveness on European markets. That information can be used as input for organizational development and learning programmes and for identifying the challenges in implementing policy initiatives supporting innovation.

Originality/value

The paper differentiates types of enterprises in a transitional country that can be described using different patterns of organizational change drivers in the context of European integration.
Identification of loci controlling non‐host disease resistance in Arabidopsis against the leaf rust pathogen Puccinia triticina
Authors: SHAFIEI REZA , HANG CUI , KANG JEONG‐GU , LOAKE GARY J.
Published: September 2007

Plant immunity against the majority of microbial pathogens is conveyed by a phenomenon termed non‐host resistance (NHR). This multifactorial trait provides durable protection against a given pathogen species. We investigated the molecular basis of NHR in Arabidopsis against the wheat leaf rust pathogen, Puccinia triticina (Ptr). Urediospores germinated with high efficiency and grew randomly over the Arabidopsis leaf surface. However, only 12% of urediospores produced a germ tube that successfully located a stoma and just 0.2% of urediospores went on to produce a haustorium within a penetrated mesophyll cell. Attempted Ptr infection induced the production of reactive oxygen intermediates (ROIs), nitric oxide (NO), salicylic acid (SA) and camalexin. The expression of SA, jasmonic acid (JA) and ROI‐dependent genes was also detected. A series of well‐characterized defence‐related mutants were challenged with Ptr, but none of these lines exhibited significantly increased susceptibility to this fungus. Our findings also suggest that attempted Ptr infection triggers transient stomatal closure in Arabidopsis. We assessed the response of a collection of 79 geographically diverse Arabidopsis accessions to Ptr. Wa‐1 plants supported a striking increase in Ptr substomatal vesicle frequency relative to all other tested accessions. Furthermore, SA and camalexin levels became elevated in Wa‐1 plants relative to the Col reference line, in response to attempted Ptr infection. Additionally, the kinetics of SA‐dependent gene expression was expedited in this accession relative to Col plants. To uncover the genetic architecture of NHR against Ptr, we assayed the response of the Arabidopsis Landsberg erecta (Ler) × Columbia (Col) recombinant inbred population to this fungus. Multiple small‐to‐medium effect quantitative trait loci were identified that govern the expression of NHR in Arabidopsis against Ptr.
Production of the toxin sirodesmin PL by Leptosphaeria maculans during infection of Brassica napus
Authors: ELLIOTT CANDACE E. , GARDINER DONALD M. , THOMAS GEORGINA , COZIJNSEN ANTON , VAN DE WOUW ANGELA , HOWLETT BARBARA J.
Published: September 2007

Sirodesmin PL is a non‐host‐selective phytotoxin produced by Leptosphaeria maculans, which causes blackleg disease of canola (Brassica napus). Previous studies have shown that sirodesmin PL biosynthesis involves a cluster of 18 co‐regulated genes and that disruption of the two‐module non‐ribosomal peptide synthetase gene (sirP) in this cluster prevents the production of sirodesmin PL. Loss of sirodesmin PL did not affect the growth or fertility of the sirP mutant in vitro, but this mutant had less antibacterial and antifungal activity than the wild‐type. When the sirP mutant was inoculated on to cotyledons of B. napus, it caused similar‐sized lesions on cotyledons as the wild‐type isolate, but subsequently caused fewer lesions and was half as effective as the wild‐type in colonizing stems, as shown by quantitative PCR analyses. However, no significant difference was observed in size of lesions when either wild‐type or mutant isolates were injected directly into the stem. The expression of two cluster genes, sirP and an ABC transporter, sirA, was studied in planta. Fungal isolates containing fusions of the green fluorescent protein gene with the promoters of these genes fluoresced after 10 days post‐inoculation (dpi). Transcripts of sirP and sirA were detected after 11 dpi in cotyledons by reverse transcriptase PCR, and expression of both genes increased dramatically in stem tissue. This expression pattern was consistent with the distribution of sirodesmin PL in planta as revealed by mass spectrometry experiments.
Satellite DNA as a target for TaqMan real‐time PCR detection of the pinewood nematode, Bursaphelenchus xylophilus
Authors: FRANÇOIS CECILE , CASTAGNONE CHANTAL , BOONHAM NEIL , TOMLINSON JENNY , LAWSON REBECCA , HOCKLAND SUE , QUILL JAMES , VIEIRA PAULO , MOTA MANUEL , CASTAGNONE‐SERENO PHILIPPE
Published: September 2007

The pinewood nematode (PWN), Bursaphelenchus xylophilus, is a major pathogen of conifers, which impacts on forest health, natural ecosystem stability and international trade. As a consequence, it has been listed as a quarantine organism in Europe. A real‐time PCR approach based on TaqMan chemistry was developed to detect this organism. Specific probe and primers were designed based on the sequence of the MspI satellite DNA family previously characterized in the genome of the nematode. The method proved to be specific in tests with target DNA from PWN isolates from worldwide origin. From a practical point of view, detection limit was 1 pg of target DNA or one individual nematode. In addition, PWN genomic DNA or single individuals were positively detected in mixed samples in which B. xylophilius was associated with the closely related non‐pathogenic species B. mucronatus, up to the limit of 0.01% or 1% of the mixture, respectively. The real‐time PCR assay was also used in conjunction with a simple DNA extraction method to detect PWN directly in artificially infested wood samples. These results demonstrate the potential of this assay to provide rapid, accurate and sensitive molecular identification of the PWN in relation to pest risk assessment in the field and quarantine regulation.
Variation in the mating system of oribi and its ecological determinants
Authors: Adamczak Vera G. , Dunbar R. I. M.
Published: September 2007

Flexibility (varying from monogamy in South Africa to polygyny in East Africa) has been documented in the mating system of the oribi (Ourebia ourebi) by several authors. To investigate this, a population was studied in Northern KwaZulu‐Natal (South Africa). The adult sex ratio was one male to 1.38 females and the mean group size was 2.1 (n = 13). Although monogamous and polygynous groups occurred in the study population, the polygynous groups were unstable and depended on seasonal food abundance. Comparison of oribi populations across Africa suggests that variation in the mating system is determined mainly by predation risk and altitude (most likely through its effect on graze quality). In areas of high predation risk, oribi can survive only when resource quality permits females to forage in groups, thereby allowing males to be polygynous.
Breeding patterns of Arvicanthis neumanni in central Tanzania
Authors: Massawe A. W. , Mrosso F. P. , Makundi R. H. , Mulungu L.S.
Published: September 2007

The breeding pattern of the grass rat, Arvicanthis neumanni, was investigated in central Tanzania in 2002/2003. Nine hundred and forty‐seven animals were captured in three age groups: juveniles, sub adults and adults. These age groups were present in the population for an extended duration, but there was an increase in the number of sexually active individuals and juveniles 2–3 months after the onset of the rains (December 2002–May 2003). A peak in reproductive activity occurred between January and April. Litter size ranged between 5.58 ± 0.42 and 6.1 ± 0.26 in two study sites. There were no significant differences in the number of embryos implanted in the right and left horns of the uterus of pregnant females (t22 = 0, P > 0.05 and t36 = 1.68, P > 0.05, respectively). Sex ratio of A. neumanni was not skewed to either males or females. Breeding was seasonal and seemed to be associated with seasonal variations in primary productivity, which relates to rainfall patterns.
Interpleural block – part 1
Authors: Dravid R. M. , Paul R. E.
Published: September 2007

Interpleural blockade is effective in treating unilateral surgical and nonsurgical pain from the chest and upper abdomen in both the acute and chronic settings. It has been shown to provide safe, high‐quality analgesia after cholecystectomy, thoracotomy, renal and breast surgery, and for certain invasive radiological procedures of the renal and hepatobiliary systems. It has also been used successfully in the treatment of pain from multiple rib fractures, herpes zoster, complex regional pain syndromes, thoracic and abdominal cancer, and pancreatitis. The technique is simple to learn and has both few contra‐indications and a low incidence of complications. In the first of two reviews, the authors cover the history, taxonomy and anatomical considerations, the spread of local anaesthetic, and the mechanism of action, physiological, pharmacological and technical considerations in the performance of the block.
Epidural infusion of levobupivacaine and sufentanil following thoracotomy*
Authors: De Cosmo G. , Congedo E. , Mascia A. , Adducci E. , Lai C. , Aceto P.
Published: September 2007

A prospective, randomised, double‐blind study was conducted to compare the efficacy of two doses of levobupivacaine combined with sufentanil for continuous epidural infusion following thoractomy. A total of 72 patients undergoing lobectomy or pneumonectomy were enrolled. An epidural catheter was inserted between the levels of T4 and T6 before induction of anaesthesia and a loading dose of levobupivacaine and sufentanil was administered. At the end of surgery an epidural infusion was commenced at 5 ml.h−1 and continued for 48 h. Patients were randomly allocated to receive either levobupivacaine 0.125% (group A) or 0.0625% (group B) and all patients also received sufentanil (1 μg.ml−1). Visual analogue pain scores after coughing (VASi) were always higher in group B (p < 0.05); VAS pain scores at rest were higher for the first 4 h and at 16 and 28 h in group B (p < 0.05). Total morphine consumption and requests number was lower in group A (p < 0.05). Better pain relief was achieved using epidural 0.125% levobupivacaine.
Effects of albumin 5% and artificial colloids on clot formation in small infants
Authors: Haas T. , Preinreich A. , Oswald E. , Pajk W. , Berger J. , Kuehbacher G. , Innerhofer P.
Published: September 2007

Albumin is often cited in textbooks as the gold standard for fluid replacement in paediatrics, but in practice artificial colloids are more frequently used. Although one concern with the use of artificial colloids is their intrinsic action on haemostasis, the available data in children are inconclusive for 6% hydroxyethyl starch 130/0.4 (HES) and no data exist for gelatine solution with respect to coagulation. A total of 42 children (3–15 kg) undergoing surgery and needing colloid replacement were randomly assigned to receive 15 ml.kg−1 of either albumin 5%, 4% modified gelatine solution or 6% hydroxyethyl starch 130/0.4 solution. Standard coagulation tests and modified thrombelastography (ROTEM) were performed. After colloid administration, routine coagulation test results changed significantly and comparably in all groups, although activated partial thromboplastin time values increased more with gelatine and HES. Coagulation time was unchanged in the children who received albumin or gelatine but other activated modified thrombelastography values were significantly impaired in all groups. After gelatine and after albumin the median clot firmness decreased significantly but remained within the normal range. Following HES, coagulation time increased significantly, and clot formation time, α angle, clot firmness, and fibrinogen/fibrin polymerisation were significantly more impaired than for albumin or gelatine, reaching median values below the normal range. From a haemostatic point of view it might be preferable to use gelatine solution as an alternative to albumin; HES showed the greatest effects on the overall coagulation process.
Cervical spine movement during laryngoscopy using the Airway Scope compared with the Macintosh laryngoscope
Authors: Hirabayashi Y. , Fujita A. , Seo N. , Sugimoto H.
Published: September 2007

The Airway Scope is a new rigid laryngoscope. This intubation device provides a non‐line‐of sight view of the glottis. A non‐line‐of sight view is expected to cause less movement of the cervical spine during laryngeal visualisation. We compared the degree of cervical spine movement during laryngoscopy with the Airway Scope and conventional direct laryngoscope. Twenty patients requiring general anaesthesia and tracheal intubation were studied. Movements of the cervical spine were measured using radiography in the same patient during laryngoscopy with the Airway Scope and a Macintosh laryngoscope. Cervical spine movement during laryngoscopy with the Airway Scope was 37%, 37% and 68% less than that with the Macintosh laryngoscope at the C0/C1, C1/C2 and C3/C4 motion segments, respectively (p < 0.05). The movement of the atlanto‐occipital distance using the Airway Scope was 42% less than that during laryngoscopy using the Macintosh laryngoscope (p < 0.05). Laryngoscopy using the Airway Scope involves less movement of the cervical spine compared to conventional laryngoscopy using the Macintosh laryngoscope.
The pharmacokinetics of ropivacaine after four different techniques of brachial plexus blockade
Authors: Rettig H. C. , Lerou J. G. C. , Gielen M. J. M. , Boersma E. , Burm A. G. L.
Published: September 2007

Arterial plasma concentrations of ropivacaine were measured after brachial plexus blockade using four different approaches: lateral interscalene (Winnie), posterior interscalene (Pippa), axillary and vertical infraclavicular. Four groups of 10 patients were given a single 3.75 mg.kg−1 injection of ropivacaine 7.5 mg.ml−1. The pharmacokinetics of ropivacaine were evaluated for 1 h after local anaesthetic injection. The supraclavicular techniques (lateral and posterior) were associated with earlier and higher peak plasma concentrations of local anaesthetic than the infraclavicular techniques (axillary and vertical infraclavicular): mean (SD) values = 3.30 (0.65) μg.ml−1 vs 2.55 (0.62) μg.ml−1 (p = 0.001) in 13.4 (6.9) min vs 25.0 (10.8) min (p = 0.0002). More ropivacaine is taken up by the systemic circulation in the first hour after the supraclavicular approaches; the mean (SD) area under the concentration‐time curve was larger: 2.63 (0.51) μg.ml−1.h vs 2.10 (0.49) μg.ml−1.h (p = 0.002). These results show that the technique used for brachial plexus blockade significantly influences the systemic uptake of ropivacaine.
The representation of anaesthesia in children's literature*
Authors: Rawlinson S. C. , Short J. A.
Published: September 2007

Hospital admission for an operation can be a frightening and bewildering experience for a child. Effective communication is a prerequisite for all those who anaesthetise children, and good pre‐operative preparation reduces anxiety and improves the child's ability to cope. Books are familiar to children and their use in providing information is an established practice in paediatric nursing. By searching web‐based bookshops, we identified 19 books whose subject was admission to hospital for an operation. These books were analysed according to the accuracy of their description of the anaesthetic element of the surgical experience. Seven of these books can be recommended as useful descriptions of the key elements involved in general anaesthesia. These books provide a simple, effective and cheap resource to help children and their parents prepare for anaesthesia. They may also provide a useful tool for trainee anaesthetists by giving an insight into the child's level of understanding.
The Miocene Saint‐Florent Basin in northern Corsica: stratigraphy, sedimentology, and tectonic implications
Authors: Cavazza William , DeCelles Peter G. , Fellin Maria Giuditta , Paganelli Luigi
Published: September 2007

Late early–early middle Miocene (Burdigalian–Langhian) time on the island of Corsica (western Mediterranean) was characterized by a combination of (i) postcollisional structural inversion of the main boundary thrust system between the Alpine orogenic wedge and the foreland, (ii) eustatic sealevel rise and (iii) subsidence related to the development of the Ligurian‐Provençal basin. These processes created the accommodation for a distinctive continental to shallow‐marine sedimentary succession along narrow and elongated basins. Much of these deposits have been eroded and presently only a few scattered outcrop areas remain, most notably at Saint‐Florent and Francardo. The Burdigalian–Langhian sedimentary succession at Saint‐Florent is composed of three distinguishing detrital components: (i) siliciclastic detritus derived from erosion of the nearby Alpine orogenic wedge, (ii) carbonate intrabasinal detritus (bioclasts of shallow‐marine and pelagic organisms), and (iii) siliciclastic detritus derived from Hercynian‐age foreland terraines. The basal deposits (Fium Albino Formation) are fluvial and composed of Alpine‐derived detritus, with subordinate foreland‐derived volcanic detritus. All three detrital components are present in the middle portion of the succession (Torra and Monte Sant'Angelo Formations), which is characterized by thin transitional deposits evolving vertically into fully marine deposits, although the carbonate intrabasinal component is predominant. The Monte Sant'Angelo Formation is characteristically dominated by the deposits of large gravel and sandwaves, possibly the result of current amplification in narrow seaways that developed between the foreland and the tectonically collapsing Alpine orogenic wedge. The laterally equivalent Saint‐Florent conglomerate is composed of clasts derived from the late Permian Cinto volcanic district within the foreland. The uppermost unit (Farinole Formation) is dominated by bioclasts of pelagic organisms. The Saint‐Florent succession was deposited during the last phase of the counterclockwise rotation of the Corsica–Sardinia–Calabria continental block and the resulting development of the Provençal oceanic basin. The succession sits at the paleogeographic boundary between the Alpine orogenic wedge (to the east), its foreland (to the west), and the Ligurian‐Provençal basin (to the northwest). Abrupt compositional changes in the succession resulted from the complex, varying interplay of post‐collisional extensional tectonism, eustacy and competing drainage systems.
The influence of diel vertical migration on zooplankton transport and recruitment in an upwelling region: estimates from a coupled behavioral‐physical model
Authors: CARR SARAH D. , CAPET XAVIER J. , MCWILLIAMS JAMES C. , PENNINGTON J. TIMOTHY , CHAVEZ FRANCISCO P.
Published: September 2007

Diel vertical migration (DVM) is a common zooplankton behavior in which organisms reside in surface or near‐surface waters at night and at deeper depths during the day. In many upwelling regions, DVM reduces the transport of organisms away from the region. It is unclear, however, what role DVM plays in recruitment (the arrival of larvae or juveniles to locations where they will become reproducing adults) to upwelling regions. In this study, we estimate the influence of DVM on zooplankton transport, the level of recruitment of locally produced propagules (self‐recruitment), and sources of recruits in the upwelling region near Monterey Bay, California, by simulating the trajectories of fixed‐depth and vertically migrating organisms with a drifter‐tracking algorithm driven by climatological velocity fields from a three‐dimensional hydrodynamic model. Our simulations suggest that DVM into subsurface poleward and onshore currents during the day does not fully compensate for equatorward and offshore transport in the surface Ekman layer at night and does not retain zooplankton in the Monterey Bay region. Our simulations also suggest that DVM decreases the ability of zooplankton to return to the region after being transported away and shifts source regions for recruits closer to the bay. While DVM does not appear to substantially increase the potential for self‐recruitment to the region, this study indicates that other mechanisms, such as transport during non‐upwelling periods, continuous transport below the surface, increases in mean transport depth over time, or seasonal changes in hydrography, may still enable relatively high levels of self‐recruitment to this highly advective region.
Accuracy and precision of archival tag data: a multiple‐tagging study conducted on a whale shark (Rhincodon typus) in the Indian Ocean
Authors: WILSON S. G. , STEWART B. S. , POLOVINA J. J. , MEEKAN M. G. , STEVENS J. D. , GALUARDI B.
Published: September 2007

Pop‐up satellite archival tags (PSATs) are now widely used to document the geographic and vertical movements of large pelagic fishes. These instruments record measurements of ambient light, depth and temperature at regular intervals and the light data are used to compute daily estimates of latitude and longitude. Several methods have been developed to improve those estimates, including the application of Kalman filter models and matching sea surface temperatures (SST) from tags with remotely sensed SSTs. Despite their widespread use, few studies have evaluated the accuracy of raw estimates of location from PSATs or quantified the improvements that may result from refinement techniques. To assess the accuracy of raw and refined estimates of locations from PSATs, we attached two PSATs and one Argos satellite‐linked transmitter (SAT tag) to one whale shark (Rhincodon typus) at Ningaloo Reef, Western Australia. The root mean square error (RMSE) in raw estimates of location provided by the PSATs was 5.16° latitude and 2.00° longitude. Estimates were more accurate after processing the data with a Kalman filter (RMSE = 2.97° latitude and 0.78° longitude) and most accurate after processing with a Kalman filter model that integrates SST measurements (RMSE = 1.84° latitude and 0.78° longitude). We also assessed the precision of the PSAT‐derived locations, and depth and temperature measurements by comparing the data from the two PSATs. Our findings support the use of archival tag data to reconstruct the large‐scale movements of marine animals and demonstrate the significant improvements that may result from two refinement techniques.
Copper and zinc mixtures induce shifts in microbial communities and reduce leaf litter decomposition in streams
Authors: DUARTE SOFIA , PASCOAL CLÁUDIA , ALVES ARTUR , CORREIA ANTÓNIO , CÁSSIO FERNANDA
Published: September 2007

1. To assess the impact of metal mixtures on microbial decomposition of leaf litter, we exposed leaves previously immersed in a stream to environmentally realistic concentrations of copper (Cu) and zinc (Zn) (three levels), alone and in all possible combinations. The response of the microbial community was monitored after 10, 25 and 40 days of metal exposure by examining leaf mass loss, fungal and bacterial biomass, fungal reproduction and fungal and bacterial diversity.

2. Analysis of microbial diversity, assessed by denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis and identification of fungal spores, indicated that metal exposure altered the structure of fungal and bacterial communities on decomposing leaves.

3. Exposure to metal mixtures or to the highest Cu concentration significantly reduced leaf decomposition rates and fungal reproduction, but not fungal biomass. Bacterial biomass was strongly inhibited by all metal treatments.

4. The effects of Cu and Zn mixtures on microbial decomposition of leaf litter were mostly additive, because observed effects did not differ from those expected as the sum of single metal effects. However, antagonistic effects on bacterial biomass were found in all metal combinations and on fungal reproduction in metal combinations with the highest Cu concentrations, particularly at longer exposure times.
Immunohistochemical biomarkers of value in distinguishing primary ovarian carcinoma from gastric carcinoma: a systematic review with statistical meta‐analysis
Authors: Heatley M K
Published: September 2007

Aims:  To compare the relative risk of antigen expression being detected immunohistochemically in ovarian and gastric carcinoma aggregated from studies performed for diagnostic purposes, with the relative risks of their expression in all patients in the English literature.

Methods and results:  Both types of series indicated that cytokeratin (CK) 7 expression was greater and that of CK20 and carcinoembryonic antigen less in ovarian than in gastric carcinoma (P < 0.05). Synthesis of all data available for MUC‐2 suggested it was more commonly expressed in ovarian carcinoma, whereas the relative risk in papers that directly compared its expression suggested that it was more common in the gastric carcinoma (P = 0.2, NS). Aggregating all possible data suggested villin was more likely to be expressed in ovarian cancers, whereas studies in which its expression was compared directly in both tumours suggested the opposite. Although statistically significant, patient numbers were small.

Conclusion:  Provided sufficient numbers of cases are studied, analysis of studies comparing antigen expression for diagnostic purposes in tumours from two body sites is likely to be supported in the wider literature. The design of such comparative studies is informed by aggregating data from single tumour studies.
Effect of air conditioning and chair cushion on scrotal temperature
Authors: Song Gook‐Sup , Kim Wonwoo , Seo Ju Tae
Published: September 2007

The hypothesis of this study is that the air conditioning temperature and thickness of the chair cushion affect a man’s scrotal, and consequently testicular, temperature. Ten healthy male subjects volunteered for the study (age: 23.4 ± 2.4 years; height: 173.8 ± 5.09 cm; weight: 71.6 ± 9.7 kg; body fat ratio: 18.6 ± 4.1%). The air conditioning temperature was controlled at 18 °C to represent the heating season, and at 26 °C to represent the cooling season. The thickness of the chair cushions was varied from 0 to 8 cm at 2 cm intervals. The changes in the scrotal surface temperature (SST) and buttock skin temperature were measured for 120 min. At the ambient temperatures (ta) of 18 and 26 °C, the average SST were 33.76 ± 1.28 and 35.02 ± 0.54 °C for the chair cushion thickness (Cthk) of 0 cm, 33.87 ± 1.07 and 34.96 ± 0.75 °C for Cthk 2 cm, 33.91 ± 0.84 and 35.03 ± 0.85 °C for Cthk 4 cm, 34.42 ± 0.89 and 35.02 ± 0.63 °C for Cthk 6 cm, and 34.65 ± 1.21 and 34.99 ± 0.62 °C for Cthk 8 cm respectively. SST was significantly affected by the air conditioning temperature (p < 0.001), but was not statistically correlated with the chair cushion thickness.
Effects of altered epididymal sperm transit time on sperm quality
Authors: Fernandez Carla Dal Bianco , Porto Elaine Manoela , Arena Arielle Cristina , Kempinas Wilma De Grava
Published: September 2007

The epididymal sperm transit time seems to have an important role in the process of sperm maturation, and it seems that alterations to the transit can harm the process. The aim of the present work was to evaluate the influence of altered sperm transit time through the epididymis on sperm parameters and fertility of rats, as well as the role of testosterone in the alterations. Sprague–Dawley adult male rats were randomly assigned to four different groups and were treated for 12 days: (i) 10 μg/rat/day DES, to accelerate the transit; (ii) 6.25 mg/kg/day guanethidine sulphate, to delay the transit; (iii) same treatment as group 1, plus androgen supplementation; (iv) control animals received the vehicles. Guanethidine treatment delayed the sperm transit time through the epididymal cauda, provoking increased sperm reserves in this region. Animals exposed to DES showed an acceleration of sperm transit time in the epididymis, and consequently decreased sperm density in both epididymal regions, the caput‐corpus and cauda, and diminished sperm motility. In both cases sperm production was not altered. Testosterone supplementation was able to restore the transit time to values close to normality, as they were higher than in the control rats. The same occurred in relation to sperm motility. Rats exposed to DES presented lower fertility after in utero artificial insemination using sperm collected from the proximal cauda epididymis. Therefore, it was concluded that the acceleration of rat sperm transit time appeared to harm normal sperm maturation, thus decreasing sperm quality and fertility capacity, in an androgen‐dependent way.
Foraging for intermittently refuged prey: theory and field observations of a parasitoid
Authors: WHITE JENNIFER A. , ANDOW D. A.
Published: September 2007

Many insect herbivores feed in concealed locations but become accessible intermittently, creating windows of greater vulnerability to attack, and generating a proportion of the prey population that is readily accessible to foraging natural enemies. We incorporated accessible prey into an extant optimal foraging model, and found that this addition allowed opportunistic exploitation of prey that have already emerged from refugia (the leaving strategy) as a viable strategy, in addition to waiting at refugia for prey to emerge (the waiting strategy).

We parameterized the model empirically for the parasitoid Macrocentrus grandii and its host, Ostrinia nubilalis, under field conditions. The model predicted that M. grandii should adopt a leaving strategy when host patch density is high (travel time between patches is short), but a waiting strategy when host patch density is low (travel time between patches is long).

Field observations of M. grandii patch tenure were consistent with model predictions, indicating that M. grandii exhibited flexible behaviour based on experience within a foraging bout, and that these behavioural shifts improved foraging efficiency.

Behaviour of M. grandii was responsive to heterogeneity in host emergence rates, and appeared to be driven by the relatively small proportion of the host population that became accessible at a fast rate. Therefore understanding forager responses to intermittently refuged prey may require characterization of the behaviour of a subset of the prey population, rather than the average prey individual.

The model can potentially be used as a framework for comparative studies across forager taxa, to understand when foragers on intermittently accessible prey should adopt fixed waiting or leaving strategies vs. a flexible strategy that is responsive to the current environment.
Plant attributes determining the regional abundance of weeds on central European arable land
Authors: Lososová Zdeňka , Chytrý Milan , Kühn Ingolf
Published: September 2007

Aim Several recent studies have aimed to identify the biological, ecological and distributional attributes that determine the regional abundance of plant species. Here we aim to assess the relationships between regional abundance and species attributes in weeds on arable land.

Location Czech Republic, central Europe.

Methods The relationships between regional abundance and species attributes were studied with a data set of 381 weed species occurring on arable land in the Czech Republic. Regional species abundances were estimated from their occurrence frequency in vegetation plots distributed across the country. Using regression tree models, abundance was related to the biological traits, ecological indicator values, geographical distribution and habitat range of species. The models were calculated for the entire country and separately for weeds in cereals, root crops, lowlands and uplands. The effects of phylogenetic relatedness among species on their regional abundance were quantified and compared with the effects of species attributes.

Results The results were similar for the whole data set and its particular subsets. Phylogeny explained 11.2–14.9% and species attributes 16.1–56.9% of the variation in regional abundance of weed species. Removal of the phylogenetic signal did not result in important changes in the effects of particular attributes. The most abundant species were those flowering in pre‐spring and early spring, adapted to low temperatures, relatively shade tolerant and with high nutrient requirements. The high regional abundance of these species positively correlated with their broad geographical (often circumpolar) distribution and broad habitat ranges.

Main conclusions The regional abundance of weeds can, to some extent, be explained by their attributes. The most important attributes are those that enable weeds to grow and reproduce in the cool season when there is limited competition with crop plants, and those that are adaptations to growth in dense vegetation stands and highly productive habitats.
The effects of El Niño–La Niña on reproductive parameters of elephant seals feeding in the Bellingshausen Sea
Authors: Vergani D. F. , Labraga J. C. , Stanganelli Z. B. , Dunn M.
Published: September 2007

Aim  To assess the impacts of El Niño–La Niña events on the pup weaning mass and diet of female southern elephant seals (Mirounga leonina) feeding in the Bellingshausen Sea, Antarctica, and to understand the ecological processes that drive these impacts.

Location  Atlantic southern elephant seal weaning mass and diet were measured at King George Island (62º14′ S, 58º30′ W). Feeding areas for pregnant female seals from King George Island are located west of Alexander Island in the Bellingshausen Sea.

Methods  Data on weaning mass were collected between 1985 and 1994 during the breeding season (September–November). Moulting females were anaesthetized and cephalopod beaks were isolated and identified from stomach contents obtained from stomach lavages. Sea‐surface temperature anomaly (SSTA) data for the ‘El Niño 3.4’ geographical region (5º N–5º S, 120º W–170º W) were used to define El Niño–Southern Oscillation (ENSO) event years (grouped as El Niño, La Niña and Neutral) as well as the strength of each ENSO event year. Using data from the US National Center for Environmental Prediction, temperature, sea ice concentration and atmospheric pressure anomalies in the Bellingshausen Sea were calculated from March to August, corresponding to the feeding period of pregnant female seals.

Results  Positive temperature anomalies and negative pressure anomalies in the Bellingshausen Sea were observed during La Niña years and negative temperature anomalies and positive pressure anomalies during El Niño years. These data correlate with sea ice concentration anomalies, which are highly negative during La Niña years and highly positive during El Niño years. Warm temperature conditions in the Bellingshausen Sea during La Niña years are strongly related to both higher weaning mass in elephant seals and to an increase in squid beaks in the stomach contents of females.

Main conclusions  It is possible that higher elephant seal weaning masses in La Niña years correlate with warmer waters in the Bellingshausen Sea leading to the rapid growth of squid and their more frequent descents to depths frequented by elephant seals. This results in increased predation by pregnant females, leading to a greater mass among weaned pups. This hypothesis may guide future research about interactions between climate and the marine biosphere.
Malvastrum leaf curl Guangdong virus is a distinct monopartite begomovirus
Authors: Wu J. , Mugiira R. B. , Zhou X.
Published: September 2007

Virus isolates GD6, GD7, GD8, GD9 and GD10 were obtained from Malvastrum coromandelianum showing leaf curl symptoms in Guangdong Province of China. A specific 500 bp product was consistently detected in total DNA extracts, amplified with universal primers specific for members of the genus Begomovirus. Analysis of their partial DNA sequences revealed that they are isolates of the same begomovirus species, sharing 92·8%–97·1% nucleotide sequence identity. The complete DNA sequences of both GD6 and GD9 were found to be 2767 nucleotides, with all the characteristic features of begomovirus genome organization. The two isolates have less than 85·2% nucleotide sequence identity with other reported begomoviruses. Consequently, GD6 and GD9 are considered to be isolates of a novel begomovirus species, for which the name Malvastrum leaf curl Guangdong virus (MLCuGdV) is proposed. Sequence analyses suggest that MLCuGdV may have arisen by recombination between viruses related to Papaya leaf curl China virus, Tomato leaf curl Philippines virus and other undiscovered virus ancestors. Neither the DNA‐B component nor the DNAβ molecule associated with these begomovirus isolates was found. An infectious clone of GD6 was constructed. GD6 efficiently infected Nicotiana benthamiana, N. glutinosa and Petunia hybrida by agro‐inoculation, and Malvastrum coromandelianum by whitefly transmission, inducing leaf curling, vein swelling and stunting symptoms. GD6 was also infectious in N. tabacum, but did not induce observable disease symptoms.
Evaluation of biological control agents for managing cucurbit powdery mildew on greenhouse‐grown melon
Authors: Romero D. , De Vicente A. , Zeriouh H. , Cazorla F. M. , Fernández‐Ortuño D. , Torés J. A. , Pérez‐García A.
Published: September 2007

An evaluation was made of the ability of two mycoparasite‐based products AQ10® (Ampelomyces quisqualis) and Mycotal® (Lecanicillium lecanii), as well as three strains of Bacillus subtilis, to manage powdery mildew disease, caused by Podosphaera fusca on melon seedlings maintained under different regimes of relative humidity and on plants grown under greenhouse conditions in Spain. In every case fungal and bacterial biocontrol agents (BCAs) performed better under conditions of high relative humidity (90–95% RH). In greenhouse experiments, the effectiveness of the mycoparasites to manage powdery mildew was absolutely dependent on mineral oil. The strains of B. subtilis provided disease control similar to that achieved with the mycoparasites or the fungicide azoxystrobin. Microscopic analysis showed the ability of these bacterial strains to efficiently colonize leaf surfaces and revealed the occurrence of antagonistic interactions between biological agents and P. fusca structures. These results confirmed the usefulness of these BCAs for managing powdery mildew on greenhouse‐grown cucurbits either as single products or as a component of integrated control programmes.
Factors affecting the incidence and severity of Spongospora subterranea infection and galling in potato roots
Authors: Van De Graaf P. , Wale S. J. , Lees A. K.
Published: September 2007

The incidence and severity of root infection and root galling caused by Spongospora subterranea were assessed in potato plants (cv. Estima) grown under controlled environmental conditions. The effects of temperature, soil type, soil moisture regime and soil inoculum level on infection and root gall development were determined by molecular and visual methods at two plant growth stages. Root gall severity was scored at harvest, after which DNA was extracted from the roots and quantified in a real‐time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay specific for S. subterranea. Root galling was severe at 17°C, with a disease score of 3·1 on a 0–4 scale, low (0·6) at 12°C, and did not occur at 9°C. The level of inoculum in soil, in the form of artificially added sporosori, had no effect on the incidence and severity of visual symptoms, with 21%, 41% and 33% incidence observed at 5, 15 and 50 sporosori g−1 soil, respectively. Incidence of infection, as detected by the real‐time PCR assay, was greater with increasing soil inoculum concentrations, ranging from 48% at 5 sporosori g−1 to 59% (15 sporosori g−1) and 73% (50 sporosori g−1) of plants infected at maturity, but this effect was not statistically significant. No correlation was found between the occurrence of galls on roots and powdery scab on tubers of the same plants.