bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A new approach to estimate parameters of speciation models with application to apes
Authors: Becquet Celine , Przeworski Molly
Published: August 2007

How populations diverge and give rise to distinct species remains a fundamental question in evolutionary biology, with important implications for a wide range of fields, from conservation genetics to human evolution. A promising approach is to estimate parameters of simple speciation models using polymorphism data from multiple loci. Existing methods, however, make a number of assumptions that severely limit their applicability, notably, no gene flow after the populations split and no intralocus recombination. To overcome these limitations, we developed a new Markov chain Monte Carlo method to estimate parameters of an isolation-migration model. The approach uses summaries of polymorphism data at multiple loci surveyed in a pair of diverging populations or closely related species and, importantly, allows for intralocus recombination. To illustrate its potential, we applied it to extensive polymorphism data from populations and species of apes, whose demographic histories are largely unknown. The isolation-migration model appears to provide a reasonable fit to the data. It suggests that the two chimpanzee species became reproductively isolated in allopatry ∼850 Kya, while Western and Central chimpanzee populations split ∼440 Kya but continued to exchange migrants. Similarly, Eastern and Western gorillas and Sumatran and Bornean orangutans appear to have experienced gene flow since their splits ∼90 and over 250 Kya, respectively.
Identification and analysis of internal promoters in Caenorhabditis elegans operons
Authors: Huang Peiming , Pleasance Erin D. , Maydan Jason S. , Hunt-Newbury Rebecca , O’Neil Nigel J. , Mah Allan , Baillie David L. , Marra Marco A. , Moerman Donald G. , Jones Steven J.M.
Published: August 2007

The current Caenorhabditis elegans genomic annotation has many genes organized in operons. Using directionally stitched promoter∷GFP methodology, we have conducted the largest survey to date on the regulatory regions of annotated C. elegans operons and identified 65, over 25% of those studied, with internal promoters. We have termed these operons “hybrid operons.” GFP expression patterns driven from internal promoters differ in tissue specificity from expression of operon promoters, and serial analysis of gene expression data reveals that there is a lack of expression correlation between genes in many hybrid operons. The average length of intergenic regions with putative promoter activity in hybrid operons is larger than previous estimates for operons as a whole. Genes with internal promoters are more commonly involved in gene duplications and have a significantly lower incidence of alternative splicing than genes without internal promoters, although we have observed almost all trans-splicing patterns in these two distinct groups. Finally, internal promoter constructs are able to rescue lethal knockout phenotypes, demonstrating their necessity in gene regulation and survival. Our work suggests that hybrid operons are common in the C. elegans genome and that internal promoters influence not only gene organization and expression but also operon evolution.
The peri‐operative management of surgical insertion and removal of the intravenous oxygenator device (IVOX)
Authors: MURDOCH L. J. , BOYD O. F. , MACKAY J. , BENNETT E. D. , GROUNDS R. M.
Published: August 2007

Intravenous oxygenation (IVOX) is a new technique for augmentation of gas exchange in patients who require near maximal conventional ventilatory support. Patients who require IVOX are, by definition, critically ill with a high expected mortality. At present, these high risk patients must be transferred to the operating theatre for the IVOX device to be inserted. This report describes the anaesthetic problems associated with nine patients in whom an IVOX device was inserted and removed in our institution. The mortality was six out of nine patients; all deaths occurred with the IVOX device in situ. Three patients died within 6 h of insertion. Four patients were female. The patients' ages ranged from 14 to 76 years. There were few immediate ventilation changes in the first 4 h after IVOX insertion. Inspired oxygenation concentration was reduced in only one patient. Positive end‐expiratory pressure was not reduced. Peak inspiratory pressure decreased in four patients. Arterial oxygen tension increased in four patients (range 0.1–2.5 kPa) and decreased in five (range 0.1–3.4 kPa). Arterial carbon dioxide tension increased in one patient (0.3 kPa) and decreased in eight (range 0.1–2.7 kPa). Inotropic support with adrenaline, dobutamine and nor adrenaline needed to be initiated or increased in eight patients. Eight patients required 2–4 units of blood to be transfused during IVOX insertion or in the following 2 h. One patient suffered an asystolic cardiac arrest during the operation, but was resuscitated successfully. Three patients survived to have the IVOX removed. There were no cardiorespiratory problems associated with its removal and although all three required a vein patch to repair the venotomy site, no patient required blood transfusion. We conclude that IVOX insertion (including transfer to and from the operating theatre) represents a significant cardiorespiratory insult to these critically ill patients. Anaesthetic staff need to be aware of the potential problems to enable them to minimise the risk of serious complications during the insertion of this novel device.
Effects of thiopentone, etomidate and propofol on beat‐to‐beat cardiovascular signals in man
Authors: SCHEFFER G. J. , TEN VOORDE B. J. , KAREMAKER J. M. , ROS H. H. , DE LANGE J. J.
Published: August 2007

Analysis of beat‐to‐beat fluctuations of heart rate and blood pressure is a promising new approach to the clinical diagnosis and management of alterations in cardiovascular regulation. We investigated the effects of three induction agents on beat‐to‐beat heart rate and blood pressure fluctuations in man. Beat‐to‐beat fluctuations were analysed by spectral analysis. Two spectral areas are of main interest. One area is centred on the respiratory frequency and shifts with changes in respiratory rate (High Frequency area). These high frequency flucuations in heart rate are caused by respiratory‐induced blood pressure fluctuations, mediated by the vagus nerve through the baroreflex mechanism. Variability in the Low Frequency area, which occurs between 0.06 and 0.12 Hz is considered to be related to haemodynamic fluctuations due to the sympathetic baroreflex control loop of vasomotor activity and heart rate. Results from our study indicate that thiopentone, etomidate and propofol show considerable differences in their effects on beat‐to‐beat variability of heart rate and blood pressure. These differences can be explained by their specific effects on the cardiovascular system.
Drug‐induced hyperthermia
Authors: NIMMO S. M. , KENNEDY B. W. , TULLETT W. M. , BLYTH A. S. , DOUGALL J. R.
Published: August 2007

Drugs with antidopaminergic properties and those capable of stimulating serotonin release can be responsible for hyperthermia syndromes such as neuroleptic malignant syndrome and serotonin syndrome. Dopamine and serotonin are important neurotransmitters in temperature regulation and it is likely that these reactions result from drug‐induced changes in neurotransmitter levels. We describe three cases of drug‐induced hyperthermia, discuss their aetiology and management, with both general measures and therapies designed to redress neurotransmitter imbalance.
A technique of awake fibreoptic intubation
Authors: Sldhu V.S. , Whltehead E.M. , Ainsworth Q.P. , Smith M. , Calder I.
Published: August 2007

We report our experience of 58 patients undergoing awake fibreoptic intubation for cervical spine surgery. Topical anaesthesia was administered using a ‘spray as you go’ technique. The tracheas of 57 patients were intubated successfully. The mean time from starting topical anaesthesia to intubation was 16. l min (SEM 1.0). The procedure was associated with cardiovascular stability, a low incidence of severe cough and had a high patient acceptance. There was a low failure rate amongst trainees. The minimum mean arterial oxygen saturation was 92.9% (SEM 1.1). There was no relationship between the time taken to intubation and the episodes of desaturation or the grade oflaryngeal visibility at direct laryngoscopy. This method of producing topical anaesthesia for awake fibreoptic intubation is recommended.
Dynamics of soil organic matter turnover and soil respired CO2 in a temperate grassland labelled with 13C
Authors: Theis D. E. , Jaeggi M. , Aeschlimann D. , Blum H. , Frossard E. , Siegwolf R. T. W.
Published: August 2007

The fate of carbon (C) in grassland soils is of particular interest since the vast majority in grassland ecosystems is stored below ground and respiratory C‐release from soils is a major component of the global C balance. The use of 13C‐depleted CO2 in a 10‐year free‐air carbon dioxide enrichment (FACE) experiment, gave a unique opportunity to study the turnover of the C sequestered during this experiment. Soil organic matter (SOM), soil air and plant material were analysed for δ13C and C contents in the last year of the FACE experiment (2002) and in the two following growing seasons. After 10 years of exposure to CO2 enrichment at 600 ppmv, no significant differences in SOM C content could be detected between fumigated and non‐fumigated plots. A 13C depletion of 3.4‰ was found in SOM (0–12 cm) of the fumigated soils in comparison with the control soils and a rapid decrease of this difference was observed after the end of fumigation. Within 2 years, 49% of the C in this SOM (0–12 cm) was exchanged with fresh C, with the limitation that this exchange cannot be further dissected into respiratory decay of old C and freshly sequestered new C. By analysing the mechanistic effects of a drought on the plant‐soil system it was shown that rhizosphere respiration is the dominant factor in soil respiration. Consideration of ecophysiological factors that drive plant activity is therefore important when soil respiration is to be investigated or modelled.
Conservation tillage on loamy soils: explaining the variability in interrill runoff and erosion reduction
Authors: Leys A. , Govers G. , Gillijns K. , Poesen J.
Published: August 2007

Previous studies have shown that runoff generation on conventionally tilled fields on loamy soils is primarily controlled by soil surface characteristics. In this study we investigate the factors controlling runoff generation and interrill erosion on fields under reduced and no‐tillage in central Belgium. Over a period of 5 years, 184 rainfall simulation experiments on small‐scale plots (∼0.73 m2) were conducted on fields planted with maize and sugar beet. The results clearly confirmed the beneficial effects of reduced tillage in terms of runoff and soil loss, with a reduction in 63 and 88% of the cases, respectively, but they also indicated that the effect of the application of conservation tillage was highly variable. The erosion‐reducing effect of conservation tillage was more pronounced when large absolute soil loss rates on the conventionally‐tilled part were recorded. Empirical regression models are proposed to explain observed variations. Overall, factors relating to the surface state of the soil, such as crusting and total cover, appear to be much more important in controlling runoff than intrinsic soil characteristics, such as organic matter content and texture. Thus, soil surface characteristics control runoff generation on loamy soils, also when conservation tillage is applied. Whereas a single empirical model for the description of the runoff response could be used for all the tillage techniques, separate relationships for each tillage technique were required for soil loss.
Do surface active substances from water repellent soils aid wetting?
Authors: Graber E. R. , Tagger S. , Wallach R.
Published: August 2007

Soil water repellency is usually unstable, as exemplified by the common method of quantifying repellency degree – the water drop penetration time (WDPT) test. Dynamic penetration and infiltration of water into repellent soils is generally attributed to either reduction of the solid‐liquid interfacial energy (γSL) or reduction of the liquid‐vapour interfacial energy (γLV), or both. The reduction of γSL can result from conformation changes, hydration, or rearrangement of organic molecules coating soil particle surfaces as a result of contact with water, while the reduction of γLV can result from dissolution of soil‐borne surface active organic compounds into the water drop. The purpose of this study was to explicitly test the role of the second mechanism in dynamic wetting processes in unstably repellent soils, by examining the drop penetration time (DPT) of water extracts from repellent soils obtained after varying extraction times and at different soil : water ratios. It was indeed found that soil extracts had lower surface tensions (γLV approx. 51–54 mN m−1) than distilled water. However, DPT of the soil extracts in water repellent soils was generally the same or greater than that of water. Salt solutions with the same electrical conductivity and monovalent/divalent cation ratio as the soil extracts, but lacking surface active organic substances, had the same DPT as did the extracts. In contrast, DPT of ethanol solutions prepared with the same γLV, electrical conductivity, and monovalent/divalent cation ratio as the soil extracts, was much faster. Ethanol solutions are usually used as an agent to reduce γLV and as such, to reduce DPT. It is concluded that the surface‐active, soil‐derived organic substances in aqueous soil extracts do not contribute to wetting dynamics, and as such, this mechanism for explaining kinetics of water penetration into water repellent soils is rejected. It is also concluded that the rapid penetration of ethanol solutions must be due not only to changes in γLV, but to also to changes in either or both γSL and the solid‐vapour interfacial energy (γSV). These results stand in sharp contrast to well‐accepted logical paradigms.
Estimation of Linear Models of Coregionalization by Residual Maximum Likelihood
Authors: Marchant B. P. , Lark R. M.
Published: August 2007

Observations of ancillary soil properties spatially correlated to a soil property of interest may be used to increase the precision and reduce the sampling costs of a geostatistical survey. The relationship between such coregionalized properties must be expressed as a linear model of coregionalization but the conventional estimator of the linear model of coregionalization is biased unless the mean value of each property is constant across the study region. However, the mean value of a soil property may vary according to a spatial trend or a deterministic relationship with other factors which vary within the study region. We therefore propose that a linear mixed model should be fitted to coregionalized soil properties by residual maximum likelihood. This approach simultaneously fits spatial trends or deterministic relationships and random effects to the observations with minimum bias. We implement a residual maximum likelihood estimator for coregionalized properties and suggest a criterion to decide what order of spatial trend and which deterministic relationships should be included in the model. The effectiveness of the estimator is proved upon simulated data and upon observations of zinc and cadmium concentrations from the Swiss Jura.
Short‐term climatic trends affect the temporal variability of macroinvertebrates in California ‘Mediterranean’ streams
Authors: BÊCHE LEAH A. , RESH VINCENT H.
Published: August 2007

1. Long‐term studies in ecology are essential for understanding natural variability and in interpreting responses to disturbances and human perturbations. We assessed the long‐term variability, stability and persistence of macroinvertebrate communities by analysing data from three regions in northern California with a mediterranean‐climate. During the study period, precipitation either increased or decreased, and extreme drought events occurred in each region.

2. Temporal trends in precipitation resulted in shifts from ‘dry‐year’ communities, dominated by taxa adapted to no or low flow, to ‘wet‐year’ communities dominated by taxa adapted to high flows. The abundance of chironomid larvae was an important driver of community change. Directional change in community composition occurred at all sites and was correlated with precipitation patterns, with more dramatic change occurring in smaller streams.

3. All communities exhibited high to moderate persistence (defined by the presence/absence of a species) and moderate to low stability (defined by changes in abundance) over the study period. Stability and persistence were correlated with climatic variation (precipitation and El Niño Southern Oscillation) and stream size. Stability and persistence increased as a result of drought in small streams (first‐order) but decreased in larger streams (second‐ and third‐order). Communities from the dry season were less stable than those from the wet‐season.

4. This study demonstrates the importance of long‐term studies in capturing the effects of and recovery from rare events, such as the prolonged and extreme droughts considered here.
Implementation of a hepatitis A prevention policy in haemophiliacs: results from the French cohort
Authors: CHAMBOST H. , DONCARLI A. , BERTRAND M.‐A. , BRIQUEL M.‐E. , GAY V. , PINCEMAILLE O. , TROSSAERT M. , CALVEZ T. ,   FOR ‘FRANCECOAG NETWORK’ GROUP
Published: August 2007

Summary.  In the early nineties, the occurrence of hepatitis A outbreaks in some patients with haemophilia in some countries led French health authorities to recommend hepatitis A virus (HAV) vaccination in HAV‐seronegative haemophiliacs. The French ‘Suivi thérapeutique National des Hémophiles’ cohort permitted to assess the implementation of this recommendation by the analysis of the vaccinal process, i.e. HAV seropositivity assessment and vaccination of HAV‐seronegative patients, in a survival approach. In a subgroup of 812 patients diagnosed earlier than 1990 (prevalent cohort), the implementation of vaccinal process increased quickly from 0% in 1993 to 41.8% in 1994 and to 71.2% in 1996, suggesting a ‘notification effect’. The vaccinal process was associated to three cofactors in a Cox model analysis (age, severity of haemophilia, centre of treatment). No infection was observed during the survey in this group. In another subgroup of 201 boys born since 1993 (incident cohort), 27.5% and 15.4% patients remained exposed to the risk at 3 and 5 years from diagnosis respectively, again with a ‘centre effect’, which might be linked to various factors such as regain in confidence for products or economic reasons. Only five infectious seroconversions were assessed over the 7‐year survey, which represents 14.5 cases per 1000 person‐year incidence without any relationship with products. Our data combined with the contemporary hepatitis A epidemiology and the current safety of anti‐haemophilic concentrates, should lead to a new assessment of the risk of hepatitis A in haemophiliacs. We suggest that among patients with bleeding disorder, as well as in other populations, HAV prevention policy might be stressed on those who already suffer from chronic liver disease and/or travel in endemic countries.
Cross‐species transferability of microsatellite markers from six aphid (Hemiptera: Aphididae) species and their use for evaluating biotypic diversity in two cereal aphids
Authors: Weng Y. , Azhaguvel P. , Michels G. J. , Rudd J. C.
Published: August 2007

The abundance and distribution of microsatellites, or simple sequence repeats (SSRs) were explored in the expressed sequence tag (EST) and genomic sequences of the pea aphid, Acyrthosiphon pisum (Harris), and the green peach aphid, Myzus persicae (Sulzer). A total of 108 newly developed, together with 40 published, SSR markers were investigated for their cross‐species transferability among six aphid species. Genetic diversity among six greenbug, Schizaphis graminum (Rondani) and two Russian wheat aphid, Diuraphis noxia (Kurdjumov) biotypes was further examined with 67 transferable SSRs. It was found that the pea aphid genome is abundant in SSRs with a unique frequency and distribution of SSR motifs. Cross‐species transferability of EST‐derived SSRs is dependent on phylogenetic closeness between SSR donor and target species, but is higher than that of genomic SSRs. Neighbor‐joining analysis of SSR data revealed host‐adapted genetic divergence as well as regional differentiation of greenbug biotypes. The two Russian wheat aphid biotypes are genetically as diverse as the greenbug ones although it was introduced into the USA only 20 years ago. This is the first report of large‐scale development of SSR markers in aphids, which are expected to have wide applications in aphid genetic, ecological and evolutionary studies.
Regulation of Junonia coenia densovirus P9 promoter expression
Authors: Shirk P. D. , Bossin H. , Furlong R. B. , Gillett J. L.
Published: August 2007

Transcriptional activity of the Junonia coenia densovirus (JcDNV) P9 promoter depends on a 557‐bp sequence located within the overlapping 3′ sequences for viral capsid and nonstructural genes. Utilizing a somatic transformation assay to assess JcDNV promoter activity in Drosophila melanogaster and Plodia interpunctella, viral sequences were subjected to deletional analysis. Removal of a 685‐bp fragment reduced P9‐driven expression to background levels. Inclusion of a second expression cassette demonstrated vector persistence and confirmed somatic transformation. P9 promoter‐driven expression was restored by insertion of a 557‐bp JcDNV fragment or by inclusion of a heterologous baculovirus hr5 enhancer. Consensus polycomb transcriptional factor binding sites were identified within the 557‐bp fragment, which suggests a potential role in regulating densoviral transcription.
Living with early‐stage dementia: the perspective of older Chinese people
Authors: Mok Esther , Lai Claudia K.Y. , Wong Fanny L.F. , Wan Pauline
Published: August 2007

Title.  Living with early‐stage dementia: the perspective of older Chinese people

Aim.  This paper is a report of a study to describe the lived experiences of people with early‐stage dementia and their ways of coping with the illness.

Background.  Emerging models of subjective experience and coping with early dementia have been developed in Western cultures. Understanding how Chinese people with early‐stage dementia adjust and cope is an important starting point in developing interventions that can enhance their adaptive coping.

Method.  A convenience sample of 15 Chinese people in the early stages of dementia were interviewed and observed during home visits. The study involved in‐depth transcribed interview data using a phenomenological approach. The data were collected in 2005.

Results.  Four themes were identified in the data: attribution of illness, experiencing losses resulting in frustration and uncertainty, adapting to a new role in relationships with family and friends and continuing to live. People with early dementia who adopted a positive outlook did so because they had made sense of and accepted the illness, received understanding and support from family and friends and were being listened to and respected.

Conclusion.  The themes emerging from the findings could be used as a framework in understanding how people cope with the onset of early dementia. The framework includes specific implications for the provision of intervention services and highlights the importance of understanding people’s own constructions of their illness and how they adjust their lives in coping.
Plasmid partition and incompatibility – the focus shifts
Authors: Bouet Jean‐Yves , Nordström Kurt , Lane David
Published: August 2007

The mitotic apparatus that a plasmid uses to ensure its stable inheritance responds to the appearance of an additional copy of the plasmid's centromere by segregating it from the pre‐existing copies: if the new copy arises by replication of the plasmid the result is partition, if it arrives on a different plasmid the result is incompatibility. Incompatibility thus serves as a probe of the partition mechanism. Coupling of distinct plasmids via their shared centromeres to form mixed pairs has been the favoured explanation for centromere‐based incompatibility, because it supports a long‐standing assumption that pairing of plasmid replicas is a prerequisite for their partition into daughter cells. Recent results from molecular genetic and fluorescence microscopy studies challenge this mixed pairing model. Partition incompatibility is seen to result from various processes, including titration, randomized positioning and a form of mixed pairing that is based on co‐activation of the same partition event rather than direct contact between partition complexes. The perspectives thus opened onto the partition mechanism confirm the continuing utility of incompatibility as an approach to understanding bacterial mitosis. The results considered are compatible with the view that direct pairing of plasmids is not essential to plasmid partition.
Identification of an α(1→6) mannopyranosyltransferase (MptA), involved in Corynebacterium glutamicum lipomanann biosynthesis, and identification of its orthologue in Mycobacterium tuberculosis
Authors: Mishra Arun K. , Alderwick Luke J. , Rittmann Doris , Tatituri Raju V. V. , Nigou Jerome , Gilleron Martine , Eggeling Lothar , Besra Gurdyal S.
Published: August 2007

Corynebacterium glutamicum and Mycobacterium tuberculosis share a similar cell wall architecture, and the availability of their genome sequences has enabled the utilization of C. glutamicum as a model for the identification and study of, otherwise essential, mycobacterial genes involved in lipomannan (LM) and lipoarabinomannan (LAM) biosynthesis. We selected the putative glycosyltransferase‐Rv2174 from M. tuberculosis and deleted its orthologue NCgl2093 from C. glutamicum. This resulted in the formation of a novel truncated lipomannan (Cg‐t‐LM) and a complete ablation of LM/LAM biosynthesis. Purification and characterization of Cg‐t‐LM revealed an overall decrease in molecular mass, a reduction of α(1→6) and α(1→2) glycosidic linkages illustrating a reduced degree of branching compared with wild‐type LM. The deletion mutant's biochemical phenotype was fully complemented by either NCgl2093 or Rv2174. Furthermore, the use of a synthetic neoglycolipid acceptor in an in vitro cell‐free assay utilizing the sugar donor β‐d‐mannopyranosyl‐1‐monophosphoryl‐decaprenol together with the neoglycolipid acceptor α‐d‐Manp‐(1→6)‐α‐d‐Manp‐O‐C8 as a substrate, confirmed NCgl2093 and Rv2174 as an α(1→6) mannopyranosyltransferase (MptA), involved in the latter stages of the biosynthesis of the α(1→6) mannan core of LM. Altogether, these studies have identified a new mannosyltransferase, MptA, and they shed further light on the biosynthesis of LM/LAM in Corynebacterianeae.
The role of VlsE antigenic variation in the Lyme disease spirochete: persistence through a mechanism that differs from other pathogens
Authors: Bankhead Troy , Chaconas George
Published: August 2007

The linear plasmid, lp28‐1, is required for persistent infection by the Lyme disease spirochete, Borrelia burgdorferi. This plasmid contains the vls antigenic variation locus, which has long been thought to be important for immune evasion. However, the role of the vls locus as a virulence factor during mammalian infection has not been clearly defined. We report the successful removal of the vls locus through telomere resolvase‐mediated targeted deletion, and demonstrate the absolute requirement of this lp28‐1 component for persistence in the mouse host. Moreover, successful infection of C3H/HeN mice with an lp28‐1 plasmid in which the left portion was deleted excludes participation of other lp28‐1 non‐vls genes in spirochete virulence, persistence and the process of recombinational switching at vlsE. Data are also presented that cast doubt on an immune evasion mechanism whereby VlsE directly masks other surface antigens similar to what has been observed for several other pathogens that undergo recombinational antigenic variation.
Spore cortex formation in Bacillus subtilis is regulated by accumulation of peptidoglycan precursors under the control of sigma K
Authors: Vasudevan Pradeep , Weaver Amy , Reichert Erin D. , Linnstaedt Sarah D. , Popham David L.
Published: August 2007

The bacterial endospore cortex peptidoglycan is synthesized between the double membranes of the developing forespore and is required for attainment of spore dehydration and dormancy. The Bacillus subtilis spoVB, spoVD and spoVE gene products are expressed in the mother cell compartment early during sporulation and play roles in cortex synthesis. Here we show that mutations in these genes block synthesis of cortex peptidoglycan and cause accumulation of peptidoglycan precursors, indicating a defect at the earliest steps of peptidoglycan polymerization. Loss of spoIV gene products involved in activation of later, σK‐dependent mother cell gene expression results in decreased synthesis of cortex peptidoglycan, even in the presence of the SpoV proteins that were synthesized earlier, apparently due to decreased precursor production. Data show that activation of σK is required for increased synthesis of the soluble peptidoglycan precursors, and Western blot analyses show that increases in the precursor synthesis enzymes MurAA, MurB, MurC and MurF are dependent on σK activation. Overall, our results indicate that a decrease in peptidoglycan precursor synthesis during early sporulation, followed by renewed precursor synthesis upon σK activation, serves as a regulatory mechanism for the timing of spore cortex synthesis.
Auditory pathology in cri‐du‐chat (5p‐) syndrome: phenotypic evidence for auditory neuropathy
Authors: Swanepoel D
Published: August 2007

5p‐(cri‐du‐chat syndrome) is a well‐defined clinical entity presenting with phenotypic and cytogenetic variability. Despite recognition that abnormalities in audition are common, limited reports on auditory functioning in affected individuals are available. The current study presents a case illustrating the auditory functioning in a 22‐month‐old patient diagnosed with 5p‐ syndrome, karyotype 46,XX,del(5)(p13). Auditory neuropathy was diagnosed based on abnormal auditory evoked potentials with neural components suggesting severe to profound hearing loss in the presence of cochlear microphonic responses and behavioral reactions to sound at mild to moderate hearing levels. The current case and a review of available reports indicate that auditory neuropathy or neural dys‐synchrony may be another phenotype of the condition possibly related to abnormal expression of the protein β‐catenin mapped to 5p. Implications are for routine and diagnostic specific assessments of auditory functioning and for employment of non‐verbal communication methods in early intervention.
Heritability of life‐history tactics and genetic correlation with body size in a natural population of brook charr (Salvelinus fontinalis)
Authors: THÉRIAULT V. , GARANT D. , BERNATCHEZ L. , DODSON J. J.
Published: August 2007

A common dimorphism in life‐history tactic in salmonids is the presence of an anadromous pathway involving a migration to sea followed by a freshwater reproduction, along with an entirely freshwater resident tactic. Although common, the genetic and environmental influence on the adoption of a particular life‐history tactic has rarely been studied under natural conditions. Here, we used sibship‐reconstruction based on microsatellite data and an ‘animal model’ approach to estimate the additive genetic basis of the life‐history tactic adopted (anadromy vs. residency) in a natural population of brook charr, Salvelinus fontinalis. We also assess its genetic correlation with phenotypic correlated traits, body size and body shape. Significant heritability was observed for life‐history tactic (varying from 0.52 to 0.56 depending on the pedigree scenario adopted) as well as for body size (from 0.44 to 0.50). There was also a significant genetic correlation between these two traits, whereby anadromous fish were genetically associated with bigger size at age 1 (rG = −0.52 and −0.61). Our findings thus indicate that life‐history tactics in this population have the potential to evolve in response to selection acting on the tactic itself or indirectly via selection on body size. This study is one of the very few to have successfully used sibship‐reconstruction to estimate quantitative genetic parameters under wild conditions.
Evaluation of methods to control Phytonemus pallidus and Anthonomus rubi in organic strawberry production
Authors: Berglund R. , Svensson B. , Nilsson C.
Published: August 2007

Abstract:  Use of the predatory mite Neoseiulus cucumeris (Oudemans) (Acari, Phytoseiidae) and a fleece cover in combination with pyrethrum application showed potential for control of two important pests in organic production of strawberry (Fragaria × ananassa Duch.), although there were some unexpected interactions between pyrethrum and the release of N. cucumeris that need to be investigated further. Two cultivars, Honeoye and Cavendish, were treated with pyrethrum with or without fleece to control strawberry blossom weevils [Anthonomus rubi Herbst. (Col., Curculionidae)] and N. cucumeris was released to control strawberry mites [Phytonemus pallidus (Banks) (Acari, Tarsonemidae)]. Number of strawberry mites, number of flower buds damaged by the weevil, incidence of grey mould and powdery mildew, and fruit yield were measured in two consecutive fruiting seasons. In Honeoye, the fleece in combination with pyrethrum decreased the proportion of damaged buds by 11–23% and increased yield by 49–91 g per plant. When pyrethrum was used alone it did not influence the number of damaged buds or yield. This indicates that the combined treatment was more effective because of the fleece. In Cavendish, the fleece and pyrethrum treatments were not found to be effective. Almost no P. pallidus was found in Honeoye and the results were not analysable. In plots with Cavendish where N. cucumeris had been released, there were approximately 50% fewer P. pallidus from the end of August onwards in 2003. However, this response did not significantly influence the succeeding year's yield. The number of fruits infected with fungi was very low and no effects were observed for any of the treatments.
Spatial distribution and abundance of bud galls caused by eriophyoid mites among host trees Carpinus tschonoskii
Authors: Ishihara M. I. , Yamasaki M. , Yoshikawa J.
Published: August 2007

Abstract:  Differences in spatial distribution and abundance of bud galls caused by eriophyoid mites (Acari: Eriophyoidea) among Carpinus tschonoskii (Betulaceae) were studied. This mite preferentially induces galls on terminal buds. Four factors influencing gall abundance were examined: host tree size, host tree's reproductive status, altitude and study site. As tree size increased, the number of galls increased to an apparent asymptote. This result suggests that tree size‐dependent characteristics such as number of terminal buds, temporal pattern of shoot elongation and reproductive status influence gall abundance.
Attractant for the sugar‐beet weevil Conorrhynchus (Cleonus) mendicus (Col.: Curculionidae)
Authors: Tóth M. , Furlan L. , Campagna G.
Published: August 2007

Abstract:  Traps baited with a 1 : 1 : 1 mixture of Grandlure I [cis‐1‐methyl‐2‐(1‐methylenethenyl)‐cyclobutaneethanol], Grandlure II [(Z)‐2‐ochtoden‐1‐ol; (Z)‐2‐(3,3‐dimethylcyclohexylidene)ethanol] and Grandlure III–IV [(Z)‐ and (E)‐2‐ochtodenal; (Z)‐ and (E)‐(3,3‐dimethyl)cyclohexylidene)acetaldehyde] caught significantly more Conorrhynchus (Cleonus) mendicus Germar (Col.: Curculionidae) weevils than traps without bait. Later tests revealed that only Grandlure III–IV was responsible for attractivity. Both sexes were attracted according to a random sample of captures. C. mendicus appeared to be very similar in its responses to the synthetic aggregation attractant as the closely related Bothynoderes (Cleonus) punctiventris (Germar), in which species, the attraction to Grandluree III–IV has recently been published. Doses from 500 to 5000 μg of Grandlure III–IV on rubber dispensers performed satisfactorily in monitoring trials and can be recommended for use in practical trapping applications for C. mendicus.
Seasonal dynamics of economic injury levels for Tetranychus urticae Koch (Acari, Tetranychidae) on Cucumis sativus L.
Authors: Park Y.‐L. , Lee J.‐H.
Published: August 2007

Abstract:  Economic injury level (EIL) for Tetranychus urticae Koch on glasshouse cucumbers was established in two ways: EILs based on the number of T. urticae introduced to cucumber early in the growing season and EILs based on mite density and feeding durations (i.e. cumulative mite‐days) in each of four growing seasons. The relationship between yield loss and T. urticae infestation level varied among four growing seasons. One mite introduced to cucumber early in the growing season could reduce the cucumber yield by 5.03, 3.20, 1.12 and 2.86 g per plant in spring, summer, autumn and winter, respectively. One mite‐day (i.e. one mite feeding in a day) reduced cucumber yield by 0.0123, 0.0074, 0.0035 and 0.0073 g per plant in spring, summer, autumn and winter, respectively. When the seasonal dynamics of market values of cucumber was considered, EILs were the lowest in spring and the highest in autumn. When four seasonal data were combined, EILs can be calculated as EIL = C/(0.00276 × K) for the number of T. urticae introduced early in the growing season and EIL = C/(6.8342 × 10−6 × K) for cumulative mite‐days, where K is efficacy of control measure and C the management cost. This study demonstrated the seasonal dynamics of EILs for T. urticae on glasshouse cucumbers, suggesting that decision making for T. urticae management on cucumber needs to be seasonally different under the glasshouse condition.
Up‐regulation of urinary UPIII mRNA levels in vesicoureteral reflux patients: Potential application as a screening test for vesicoureteral reflux
Authors: Iwaki Hideaki , Johnin Kazuyoshi , Kageyama Susumu , Kim Chul Jang , Isono Takahiro , Yoshiki Tatsuhiro
Published: August 2007

Objectives:  Vesicoureteral reflux (VUR) is the most common congenital urinary tract anomaly. This disease can pose a major threat to the kidneys as twenty percent of patients with endstage renal disease are reported to have VUR. Although genetic studies for uroplakin III (UPIII) have been reported recently, no study has focused on UPIII gene expression in VUR patients. We describe here the up‐regulation of UPIII mRNA in exfoliated urinary cells from primary VUR patients.

Methods:  A real‐time RT‐PCR for UPIII mRNA was performed on exfoliated urothelial cells from 18 primary VUR and 38 control samples. UPIII mRNA copies were calculated for each sample. The statistical differences were assessed by the Mann‐Whitney U test. Receiver operator characteristic curves were constructed for analysis of the diagnostic values.

Results:  UPIII mRNA was found to be up‐regulated to a greater extent in VUR than in control exfoliated urinary cells (mean ± SE: 497.0 ± 178.5 copies vs. 69.0 ± 10.0 copies, respectively, P < 0.001). In evaluating the measurement of urinary UPIII mRNA as a screening test for VUR, the sensitivity was 77.8% and the specificity was 76.3% by the best diagnostic cutoff point.

Conclusions:  This is the first report demonstrating up‐regulation of UPIII in mRNA levels in VUR patients. We submit that the quantitative measurement of urinary UPIII mRNA has a potential of developing into the first non‐invasive screening test for VUR.
Up‐regulation of an N‐terminal truncated 3‐hydroxy‐3‐methylglutaryl CoA reductase enhances production of essential oils and sterols in transgenic Lavandula latifolia
Authors: Muñoz‐Bertomeu Jesús , Sales Ester , Ros Roc , Arrillaga Isabel , Segura Juan
Published: August 2007

Spike lavender (Lavandula latifolia) essential oil is widely used in the perfume, cosmetic, flavouring and pharmaceutical industries. Thus, modifications of yield and composition of this essential oil by genetic engineering should have important scientific and commercial applications. We generated transgenic spike lavender plants expressing the Arabidopsis thaliana HMG1 cDNA, encoding the catalytic domain of 3‐hydroxy‐3‐methylglutaryl CoA reductase (HMGR1S), a key enzyme of the mevalonic acid (MVA) pathway. Transgenic T0 plants accumulated significantly more essential oil constituents as compared to controls (up to 2.1‐ and 1.8‐fold in leaves and flowers, respectively). Enhanced expression of HMGR1S also increased the amount of the end‐product sterols, β‐sitosterol and stigmasterol (average differences of 1.8‐ and 1.9‐fold, respectively), but did not affect the accumulation of carotenoids or chlorophylls. We also analysed T1 plants derived from self‐pollinated seeds of T0 lines that flowered after growing for 2 years in the greenhouse. The increased levels of essential oil and sterols observed in the transgenic T0 plants were maintained in the progeny that inherited the HMG1 transgene. Our results demonstrate that genetic manipulation of the MVA pathway increases essential oil yield in spike lavender, suggesting a contribution for this cytosolic pathway to monoterpene and sesquiterpene biosynthesis in leaves and flowers of the species.
Knowing and Not Knowing: The Internet and Political Information
Authors: Grönlund Kimmo
Published: August 2007

Information is an essential element in meaningful decision making. In order to make qualified democratic decisions, correct political information is required. Even though indirect democracy is mainly based on decisions taken by elected representatives, citizens need to possess relevant information on politics and understand the rules of the political game in order to cast a meaningful vote. Recently, demands for more direct and participatory democracy in mature democracies have intensified the debate on politically sophisticated versus ignorant citizenry. This article focuses on the interplay between the use of the Internet and political knowledge. First, the role of the Internet in acquiring politically relevant information is deciphered. Second, an applied test of the virtuous circle hypothesis is carried out. It suggests that the most motivated citizens are also most likely to use the political opportunities of the Internet. Therefore, a third research question is examined: Does the obtained political information accumulate into higher political knowledge levels among the Internet users? The data consist of the national election study of 2003 in Finland. The results show that the role of the Internet in seeking political information is still limited. Even so, a distinct group of citizens who seek political information on the Internet can be identified. This group of ‘modern political citizens’ is rich in political information in many ways. Thus a virtuous circle does seem to exist. On the other hand, the data indicate that Internet use itself increases political knowledge only to a marginal degree when other variables are controlled for.
The Power of the Past: A Contribution to a Cognitive Sociology of Ethnic Conflict
Authors: Rydgren Jens
Published: August 2007

The aim of this article is to demonstrate the ways in which the past matters for ethnic conflict in the present. More specifically, by presenting a sociocognitive approach to the problem, this article sets out to specify macro-micro bridging mechanisms that explain why a history of prior conflict is likely to increase the likelihood that new conflicts will erupt. People's inclination toward simplified and/or invalid (but often useful) inductive reasoning in the form of analogism, and their innate disposition for ordering events in teleological narratives—to which causality is typically attributed—will be of particular interest for this article. The article will also emphasize the ways in which collective memory sites become activated in such belief formation processes. For instance, the memory biases inherent in analogical reasoning often lead people to overestimate the likelihood of future conflict, which may lead them to mobilize in order to defend themselves, and/or to take preemptive action in ways that foment conflict.
Dispersive Nonlinear Waves in Two‐Layer Flows with Free Surface. I. Model Derivation and General Properties
Authors: Barros R. , Gavrilyuk S. L. , Teshukov V. M.
Published: August 2007

In this paper we derive an approximate multi‐dimensional model of dispersive waves propagating in a two‐layer fluid with free surface. This model is a “two‐layer” generalization of the Green–Naghdi model. Our derivation is based on Hamilton's principle. From the Lagrangian for the full‐water problem we obtain an approximate Lagrangian with accuracy O(ɛ2), where ɛ is the small parameter representing the ratio of a typical vertical scale to a typical horizontal scale. This approach allows us to derive governing equations in a compact and symmetric form. Important properties of the model are revealed. In particular, we introduce the notion of generalized vorticity and derive analogues of integrals of motion, such as Bernoulli integrals, which are well known in ideal Fluid Mechanics. Conservation laws for the total momentum and total energy are also obtained.
Phonation type as a stylistic variable: The use of falsetto in constructing a persona1
Authors: Podesva Robert J.
Published: August 2007

Although the field of sociolinguistics has witnessed a growing interest in the sociophonetic aspects of segmental and intonational variation, few studies have examined variation in voice quality. This paper addresses the gap by investigating the stylistic use of falsetto phonation. Focusing on the speech of Heath, a speaker exhibiting considerable cross‐situational variation, I show that when attending a barbecue with friends, Heath's falsetto is more frequent, longer, and characterized by higher fundamental frequency (f0) levels and wider f0 ranges. Advancing recent approaches to variation which treat linguistic features as stylistic resources for constructing social meaning, I draw on an analysis of the discourse contexts in which falsetto appears to illustrate that the feature carries expressive connotations. This meaning is employed to construct a ‘diva’ persona and may also participate in building a gay identity.
TOWARDS A FUNDAMENTAL THEOLOGICAL RE‐INTERPRETATION OF VATICAN II
Authors: DADOSKY JOHN D.
Published: August 2007

This paper argues for a fundamental theological re‐interpretation of Vatican II ecclesiology that acknowledges not one but two principal ecclesiologies inspired by the Council documents. Ecclesiastical authorities and some theologians have acknowledged that communion ecclesiology is the principal ecclesiology of Vatican II. However, this conception does not sufficiently account for the full range of relations with the Other that is a distinctive development in the Church's self‐understanding inaugurated by Vatican II; such an understanding is better represented by an ecclesiology of friendship. I thus argue there are two ecclesiologies reflected in the Council documents: communion ecclesiology and another to be developed based on mutual relations and friendship with the Other. The latter is distinctively Ignatian in spirit; further, these two ecclesiologies are not fundamentally opposed to each other but are united in the missions of the Son and the Spirit.