bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Temperature induced bacterial virulence and bleaching disease in a chemically defended marine macroalga
Authors: Case Rebecca J. , Longford Sharon R. , Campbell Alexandra H. , Low Adrian , Tujula Niina , Steinberg Peter D. , Kjelleberg Staffan
Published: October 2010

Host–pathogen interactions have been widely studied in humans and terrestrial plants, but are much less well explored in marine systems. Here we show that a marine macroalga, Delisea pulchra, utilizes a chemical defence – furanones – to inhibit colonization and infection by a novel bacterial pathogen, Ruegeria sp. R11, and that infection by R11 is temperature dependent. Ruegeria sp. R11 formed biofilms, invaded and bleached furanone‐free, but not furanone‐producing D. pulchra thalli, at high (24°C) but not low (19°C) temperatures. Bleaching is commonly observed in natural populations of D. pulchra near Sydney, Australia, during the austral summer when ocean temperatures are at their peak and the chemical defences of the alga are reduced. Furanones, produced by D. pulchra as a chemical defence, inhibit quorum sensing (QS) in bacteria, and this may play a role in furanone inhibition of R11 infection of furanone‐free thalli as R11 produces QS signals. This interplay between temperature, an algal chemical defence mechanism and bacterial virulence demonstrates the complex impact environmental change can have on an ecosystem.
ppGpp is the major source of growth rate control in E. coli
Authors: Potrykus Katarzyna , Murphy Helen , Philippe Nadège , Cashel Michael
Published: October 2010

It is widely accepted that the DNA, RNA and protein content of Enterobacteriaceae is regulated as a function of exponential growth rates; macromolecular content increases with faster growth regardless of specific composition of the growth medium. This phenomenon, called growth rate control, primarily involves regulation of ribosomal RNA and ribosomal protein synthesis. However, it was uncertain whether the global regulator ppGpp is the major determinant for growth rate control. Therefore, here we re‐evaluate the effect of ppGpp on macromolecular content for different balanced growth rates in defined media. We find that when ppGpp is absent, RNA/protein and RNA/DNA ratios are equivalent in fast and slow growing cells. Moreover, slow growing ppGpp‐deficient cells with increased RNA content, display a normal ribosomal subunit composition although polysome content is reduced when compared with fast growing wild‐type cells. From this we conclude that growth rate control does not occur in the absence of ppGpp. Also, artificial elevation of ppGpp or introduction of stringent RNA polymerase mutants in ppGpp‐deficient cells restores this control. We believe these findings strongly argue in favour of ppGpp and against redundant regulation of growth rate control by other factors in Escherichia coli and other enteric bacteria.
Regressive progression, progressive regression or neither? Phylogeny and evolution of the Percopsiformes (Teleostei, Paracanthopterygii)
Authors: Dillman Casey B. , Bergstrom Dean E. , Noltie Douglas B. , Holtsford Timothy P. , Mayden Richard L.
Published: October 2010

Dillman, C.B., Bergstrom, D.E., Noltie, D.B., Holtsford, T.P. & Mayden, R.L. (2010). Regressive progression, progressive regression or neither? Phylogeny and evolution of the Percopsiformes (Teleostei, Paracanthopterygii). —Zoologica Scripta, 40, 45–60.

Cave animals have fascinated scientists for centuries, and clades consisting primarily of cave‐adapted species are even more intriguing. The percopsiforms are an enigmatic group of fishes comprised of nine species in seven genera, with four species in three genera exhibiting characteristic troglomorphic features, such as a lack of pigmentation and eyes. Nucleotide characters presented here provide the first test of monophyly for both the Percopsiformes and Amblyopsidae with this character type and taxonomic completeness. Characters of ND2 support a monophyletic Percopsiformes and Amblyopsidae and further document phylogeographic subdivision in two stygobitic genera, Amblyopsis and Typhlichthys, in Amblyopsidae. Age estimates from time‐calibrated branch lengths utilizing two independent intra‐lineage fossils indicate that the ancestor to amblyopsids is Eocene in age, and that phylogeographic subdivision in both Amblyopsis and Typhlichthys occurred primarily in the Miocene. Interestingly, ancestral character state reconstruction for the amblyopsids strongly supports the re‐evolution of eyes and body pigment. While certainly unconventional, but supported with this character set, the hypothesis provides continued challenge to Dollo’s Law.
Incidence and clinical significance of arterial injury in varicocele repair
Authors: Cuda Scott P. , Musser John E. , Belnap Christina M. , Thibault Gregory P.
Published: October 2010

Study Type – Therapy (case series)  Level of Evidence 4

OBJECTIVE

This study was performed to histologically determine the rate of arterial injury in varicocele ligation surgery and to determine the clinical significance of these arterial injuries.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

41 men who underwent varicocele ligation surgery, and had segments of each ligated vessel examined histologically.

The patients were followed prospectively to determine the effect of arterial injury on surgical results and clinical complications.

RESULTS

Arterial ligation was identified in 6 of 41 patients (12%), and in 7 of 132 specimens (5%), which is higher than previous reports.

Arterial injury was not associated with testicular atrophy and there was no apparent effect of arterial injury on surgical outcome.

CONCLUSION

The rate of arterial injury during varicocele repair is higher than previously reported, but the clinical significance of these injuries appears to be limited.
No excess mortality after prostate biopsy: results from the European Randomized Study of Screening for Prostate Cancer
Authors: Carlsson Sigrid V. , Holmberg Erik , Moss Sue M. , Roobol Monique J. , Schröder Fritz H. , Tammela Teuvo L.J. , Aus Gunnar , Auvinen Anssi P. , Hugosson Jonas
Published: October 2010

Study Type – Harm (RCT)

Level of Evidence 1b

What’s known on the subject? and What does the study add?

Prostate biopsy can potentially have fatal outcome. This is, however, rare. In the literature a few fatal cases of septicaemia have been reported as well as life‐threatening rectal bleeding.

Prostate biopsy is not associated with excess mortality and fatal complications seem to be very rare in a screening setting.

OBJECTIVE

• To assess possible excess mortality associated with prostate biopsy among screening participants of the European Randomized Study of Screening for Prostate Cancer (ERSPC).

patientS AND METHODS

• From three centres in the ERSPC (Finland, The Netherlands and Sweden) 50 194 screened men aged 50.2–78.4 years were prospectively followed. A cohort of 12 959 first‐time screening‐positive men (i.e. with biopsy indication) was compared with another cohort of 37 235 first‐time screening‐negative men.

• Overall mortality rates (i.e. other cause than prostate cancer mortality) were calculated and the 120‐day and 1‐year cumulative mortality were calculated by the Kaplan–Meier method, with a log‐rank test for statistical significance.

• Incidence rate ratios (RR) and statistical significance were evaluated using Poisson regression analyses, adjusting for age, total PSA level, screening centre and whether a biopsy indication was present, or whether a biopsy was actually performed or not.

RESULTS

• There was no statistically significant difference in cumulative 120‐day other cause mortality between the two groups of men: 0.24% (95% CI, 0.17–0.34) for screening‐positive men vs 0.24% (95% CI, 0.20–0.30) for screening‐negative men (P= 0.96). This implied no excess mortality for screening‐positive men.

• Screening‐positive men who were not biopsied (n= 1238) had a more than fourfold risk of other cause mortality during the first 120 days compared to screening‐negative men: RR, 4.52 (95% CI, 2.63–7.74) (P < 0.001), adjusted for age, whereas men who were actually biopsied (n= 11 721) had half the risk: RR, 0.41 (95% CI, 0.23–0.73) (P= 0.002), adjusted for age.

• Only 14/31 (45%) of the screening‐positive men who died within 120 days were biopsied and none died as an obvious complication to the biopsy.

CONCLUSION

• Prostate biopsy is not associated with excess mortality and fatal complications appear to be very rare.
Percutaneous renal access training: content validation comparison between a live porcine and a virtual reality (VR) simulation model
Authors: Mishra Shashikant , Kurien Abraham , Ganpule Arvind , Muthu Veeramani , Sabnis Ravindra , Desai Mahesh
Published: October 2010

Study Type – Operational research (education) content analysis Level of Evidence 3b

OBJECTIVE

• To compare the content validity (realism and usefulness) of percutaneous renal access (PRA) obtained on a live porcine model and a high‐fidelity computer‐based surgical simulator (PERC Mentor, Simbionix; Lod, Israel) in our skills laboratory for trainees interested in PRA training, so as to determine which of the two is a more appropriate and effective training model.

MATERIALS And METHODS

• In all, 24 ‘experts’ performed PRA in a live porcine model and using the PERC Mentor.

• The porcine model access required a live anaesthetized pig with a pre‐placed ureteric catheter. The access was done with flouroscopic guidance using a 22‐G ‘skinny’ needle (Cook Medical, Bloomington, IN, USA).

• Then the specific task of PRA using a similar case scenario was done using the PERC Mentor.

• The experts rated the models using a questionnaire based on a 5‐point Likert scale, consisting of 10‐ and three‐items of realism and usefulness, respectively.

RESULTS

• Of the 10 items of realism assessed, the porcine model was rated as better than the PERC Mentor for ‘overall realism’, ‘movement of the kidney’, ‘tactile feedback of perinephric space’, ‘fluoroscopic realism’ and ‘complications encountered’ (All P < 0.001).

• It was inferior to the PERC Mentor for ‘orientation to the flank’, ‘aspiration’, ‘repetitive performance’ and ‘organisational feasibility’ (All P < 0.001).

• ‘Tactile feedback of successful access’ was similar in both models (mean [sd] points, 4.24 [0.7] vs 4.6 [0.5]).

• Of the three items of usefulness, ‘overall usefulness’ (4.6 [0.6] vs 4.65 [0.5]) and ‘use as a training tool’ (4.32 [0.5] vs 4.75 [0.4]) was similar; however, the porcine model was a much better assessment tool (P < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

• Both models have relative advantages and disadvantages. The live porcine model is a more realistic assessment tool for PRA. The specific advantage of the PERC Mentor is of repetitive tasking and easier set up feasibility.

• The overall usefulness was same for both the models.
Novel methods for the diagnosis and treatment of ejaculatory duct obstruction
Authors: Xu Bin , Niu Xiaobing , Wang Zengjun , Li Pengchao , Qin Chao , Li Jie , Liu Bianjiang , Wang Peng , Jia Yuejun , Wu Hongfei , Zhang Wei
Published: October 2010

Study Type – Therapy (case series)

Level of Evidence 4

OBJECTIVES

• To investigate a new method of vas deferens radiography for ejaculatory duct obstruction (EDO).

• To evaluate the effect of a procedure involving dilation of the ejaculatory duct by F9 seminal vesicoscopy.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

• Twenty‐two patients with EDO were diagnosed using semen analysis, semen fructose measurement, transrectal ultrasonography (TRUS) and vas deferens radiography.

• Of these, 18 patients were successfully treated by dilation of ejaculatory duct using F9 seminal vesicoscopy and four patients, whose treatment was unsuccessful, were treated by transurethral resection of the ejaculatory ducts (TURED).

• All patients were followed up for at least 3 months after treatment.

RESULTS

• Semen analyses in all 22 patients showed oligoasthenozoospermia or azoospermia, low semen volume (0–1.9 mL), low pH level (5.6–7.0) and absent or low semen fructose. TRUS and radiography showed pure dilated seminal vesicles on both sides in three patients, partial dilated seminal vesicles in one patient, dilation of both the ejaculatory duct and seminal vesicles in ten patients, dilated seminal vesicles and a prostatic cyst in four patients, and dilated ejaculatory duct or cystic lesions without dilated seminal vesicles in the remaining four patients.

• At >3‐month follow‐up after dilation or TURED, the semen characteristics of 18 patients were improved and sperm were present in the semen in 13 cases. Normal semen analyses were found in 7 patients and 6 patients had conceived.

• Voiding urethral radiography showed that no patients who had undergone dilation by seminal vesicoscopy had urine reflux into the ejaculatory duct. Only one patient showed urine reflux into the seminal vesicle after TURED.

• All patients felt that their symptoms had improved after treatment.

CONCLUSIONS

• The approach to vas deferens radiography using vas deferens aspiration has proved to be an effective and safe method for EDO diagnosis.

• The procedure involving the dilation of the ejaculatory duct using F9 seminal vesicoscopy is equally effective but has fewer postoperative complications than TURED.
Family Size and Educational Investments in Children: Evidence from Private Tutoring Expenditures in South Korea*
Authors: Kang Changhui
Published: October 2010

Relying on private tutoring expenditures in South Korea, this paper examines whether large family size has a strong negative impact on educational investments in children. To deal with endogeneity of family size, the paper employs a non‐parametric bounding method as well as an instrumental variables method. Our primary finding is that quantity–quality trade‐offs in educational investments function in a way that varies by the sex of the child. While there is a non‐negligible negative effect of large family size on educational investments for girls, there is little if any impact on those for boys. Son preferences traditionally shown by Korean parents seem to underlie such empirical findings.
Are port wines stains a feature of tuberous sclerosis?
Authors: Ben‐Amitai D. , Halachmi S. , Lapidoth M.
Published: October 2010

Background Tuberous sclerosis complex is a multisystem inherited disorder characterized by the development of tumour‐like growths in brain, skin and other organs. Although cutaneous vascular anomalies are not considered a common manifestation, we have encountered co‐occurrence of port wine stains and tuberous sclerosis.

Objective To assess the prevalence of port wine stain in patients with previously diagnosed tuberous sclerosis.

Methods All cases diagnosed with tuberous sclerosis at two tertiary care centres from 2000 to 2009 were reviewed. Cases with clinically documented port wine stains were included for evaluation.

Results Of 24 patients diagnosed with tuberous sclerosis, three (12.5%) had clinically evident port wine stains. The prevalence of port wine stains in this series of tuberous sclerosis patients was significantly higher than the 0.3% prevalence of port wine stain in the general population.

Conclusion Port wine stain rate in this population was significantly greater than the expected rate. Further studies are needed to assess the frequency of port wine stains in tuberous sclerosis and to clarify whether the finding should be added to the list of cutaneous features of tuberous sclerosis.
Patients with profuse hair shedding may reveal anagen hair dystrophy: a diagnostic clue of alopecia areata incognita
Authors: Quercetani R. , Rebora A.E. , Fedi M.C. , Carelli G. , Mei S. , Chelli A. , Poli E.
Published: October 2010

Background  Several patients, especially women, seek advice because of hair loss. They may be diagnosed clinically as having telogen effluvium (TE) or androgenetic alopecia (AGA), but histopathology may reveal that a proportion of them have in fact alopecia areata incognita (AAI).

Objectives  To detect dystrophic anagen hairs in such patients.

Methods  We studied 1932 patients with hair loss and no signs of classical alopecia areata. They were submitted to the modified wash test (which counts the total number of telogen hairs lost and the percentage of vellus hairs) and divided into patients having pure TE (403), patients with AGA + TE (1235) and patients with pure AGA (294). Dystrophic hairs were detected with a low magnification microscope.

Results  Dystrophic hairs were observed in 13 patients with TE (3.2%), in 54 with AGA + TE (4.4%) and in none with AGA. In addition, 7 patients with TE and 32 with AGA + TE developed small patches of alopecia areata in 6 to 9 weeks. No patches developed in patients with AGA.

Conclusions  The presence of dystrophic hairs and the development of patches of alopecia areata (and their absence in pure AGA) provide a first evidence of the possibility that within the heterogenous condition named TE some patients have in fact AAI.
Subcutaneous injection of liquid and foamed polidocanol: extravasation is not responsible for skin necrosis during reticular and spider vein sclerotherapy
Authors: Schuller‐Petrović S. , Pavlović M.D. , Neuhold N. , Brunner F. , Wölkart G.
Published: October 2010

Background  Cutaneous necrosis is one of the most annoying complications of reticular and spider vein sclerotherapy. The precise incidence of the complication is not known, although various sources reported incidence between 0.2% and 1.2%. Among a few mechanisms proposed to explain it, extravasation of the sclerosant into the perivascular tissue has been cited as the major cause.

Objectives  The aim of the experimental study in rats was to examine the potential of various concentrations and volumes of polidocanol in both liquid and foam forms to cause cutaneous necrosis after superficial subcutaneous injection.

Methods  Twenty‐four female Sprague Dawley rats were injected subcutaneously different concentrations (0.5%, 1%, 2% and 3%) of polidocanol as well as different preparations of polidocanol (liquid vs. foam) and volumes (0.1–0.5 mL). The animals were sacrificed 10 days after injections and biopsy specimens were obtained.

Results  Cutaneous necrosis was not seen at volumes <0.5 mL regardless of the concentration or form of polidocanol injected. Foam preparation was shown to be less potent in inducing necrosis with a minimal strength being 2% in comparison with the liquid form where 1% was sufficient to produce overt cutaneous necrosis.

Conclusions  This experimental study shows that extravasation of polidocal in usual circumstances of sclerotherapy of spider and reticular veins cannot be a significant cause of cutaneous necrosis rarely observed in this setting. It is particularly true for the foamed polidocanol where 1% strength seems safe if injected extravascularly in volumes up to 0.5 mL.
Effects of sunflower honey on the physicochemical, microbiological and sensory characteristics in set type yoghurt during refrigerated storage
Authors: SERT DURMUŞ , AKIN NIHAT , DERTLI ENES
Published: October 2010

The primary purpose of this research was to monitor the influence of sunflower honey addition (2%, 4% and 6% w/v) to yoghurt milk on survival of the microbial flora of yoghurt and the physicochemical and sensory characteristics during refrigerated storage for 4 weeks. The water activity decreased according to the addition of honey with higher concentrations in the storage period (4°C). At the end of fermentation, pH values of yoghurt samples ranged between 4.33 (without honey) and 4.52 (addition of honey with 6%). The highest water holding capacity, consistency and the lowest brightness values were determined in the groups produced with 6% honey addition. The water holding capacity and a* (redness) values of the honey incorporated yoghurt samples increased during storage. Streptococcus thermophilus and Lactobacillus delbrueckii subsp. bulgaricus values of the yoghurt with honey increased compared with the control group samples (P < 0.01). Addition of honey to yoghurt milk has affected the vitality of the characteristics starters in the incubation and storage time of the yoghurt samples (P < 0.01). Optimum sweetness was obtained with the samples containing 4% honey level.
Composition of volatile compounds in bovine milk heat treated by instant infusion pasteurisation and their correlation to sensory analysis
Authors: HOUGAARD ANNI B , VESTERGAARD JANNIE S , VARMING CAMILLA , BREDIE WENDER L P , IPSEN RICHARD H
Published: October 2010

Volatile compounds in skim milk and nonstandardised milk subjected to instant infusion pasteurisation at 80°C, 100°C and 120°C were compared with raw milk, high temperature short time pasteurised milk and milk pasteurised at 85°C/30 s. The composition of volatile compounds differed between infusion pasteurisation treated samples and the reference pasteurisations. The sensory properties of skim milk subjected to instant infusion pasteurisation were described by negative attributes, such as cardboard sour and plastic flavours, which are not associated normally with fresh milk. Partial least squares modelling showed good correlation between the volatile compounds and the sensory properties, indicating the predictive and possible causal importance of the volatile compounds for the sensory characteristics.
Effect of thiocyanate and hydrogen peroxide on the keeping quality of ovine, bovine and caprine raw milk
Authors: BOULARES MOUNA , MANKAI MÉLIKA , HASSOUNA MNASSER
Published: October 2010

The preservation of raw ovine, bovine and caprine milks by the activation of their natural lactoperoxidase (LP) systems was investigated. The LP system of the samples was activated by adding different amounts of sodium thiocyanate and sodium percarbonate to give three different concentrations of thiocyanate and hydrogen peroxide: 7, 14 and 28 mg/L and 15, 30 and 60 mg/L, respectively. Each type of raw milk, ovine, bovine and caprine, was analysed after being treated as follows: Control (C), LP inactivated (T0), LP activated with different concentrations of thiocyanate (7, 14 and 28 mg/L) and hydrogen peroxide (15, 30 and 60 mg/L) and stored at 4°C for 72 h. The results indicated that concentrations of 28 mg/L (SCN−) and 60 mg/L (H2O2) would be adequate for preserving milks of different mammals at 4°C, but we should take into consideration the international norm – 14 mg/L of SCN− and 30 mg/L of H2O2, respectively. Overall, the results have shown that, by activation of the LP system in raw milk, it was possible to store ovine, bovine and caprine milks at 4°C for several days. Changes in titratable acidity, total colony counts, psychrotrophic bacteria, coliforms, moulds and yeasts of the milk samples were followed during storage at low temperature with increasing dose. The effect of doses was greater in bovine milk than in caprine milk and finally in ovine milk.
Liver X receptor agonist treatment promotes the migration of granule neurons during cerebellar development
Authors: Xing Yan , Fan Xiaotang , Ying Dajun
Published: October 2010

J. Neurochem. (2010) 115, 1486–1494.

Liver X receptor α (LXRα) and β (LXRβ) are members of the nuclear receptor superfamily of ligand‐activated transcription factors, and expressed in the CNS. We have previously demonstrated that LXRβ is essential for migration of later‐born neurons during cerebral cortex development, although the underlying mechanism is not clear. The cerebellum is organized in an exquisitely foliated structure with a simple layered cytoarchitecture and considered to be a good model to study morphogenesis of lamination and neuronal migration. Here, we found that T0901317, a potent LXR receptor agonist, administration to neonatal C57/BL6 mice, increased dendritic growth of Purkinje cell, although the appearance of the cerebellar cortex was not affected. We further demonstrated T0901317 treatment promoted the migration of granule neurons from the external granular layer to the internal granular layer during cerebellum development. Bergmann glial fibers serve as scaffolds for granule cells inward migration during cerebellum postnatal development. T0901317 treatment also inhibited premature differentiation of Bergmann glia during cerebellum development, which is related to the decreased levels of TGF‐β1 and Smad4 in the cerebellum. Taken together, our findings suggest that endogenous LXR affects differentiation process of Bergmann glia and subsequently leads to promote the migration of granule neurons.
Project portfolio selection model, a realistic approach
Authors: Urli Bruno , Terrien François
Published: October 2010

Today, more and more companies are moving towards a project‐oriented way of managing their businesses. It sets certain challenges to companies. How to make sure that the selected projects are implementing the strategy of the company? Are the scarce resources (financial, human capital) allocated to the right projects? Which projects to select, which projects to pursue and which to kill? Project portfolio management tackles these problems and has become an important topic in recent years. Nevertheless, different empirical studies highlighted the fact that these models are not used in practice. We propose an approach based on the generation of efficient portfolios by the metaheuristic SSPMO1 and on an “objective” analysis of these portfolios in order to make good recommendation to the portfolio committee or the decision makers.
Writing as a Tool in Teaching Sketching: Implications for Architectural Design Education
Authors: Soygenis Sema , Soygenis Murat , Erktin Emine
Published: October 2010

This article discusses the process of a study designed to develop university students' sketching skills in schools of architecture. Acknowledging the relationship between cognition and writing, it aims to investigate the role of writing in learning sketching among architecture students and to examine how students regulate their thoughts by writing as they work on their free hand sketches. It includes writing texts before and after sketching tasks to improve sketching. The study was implemented in a school of architecture at a Turkish university as part of an elective course on sketching. The students' works were evaluated in terms of their sketches, texts and self‐reports of their thinking and the views and comments of the tutor who carried out the programme. This article discusses how the study was conceived and developed. The results of this study may provide insights for educators in developing strategies in teaching and learning of sketching and design, using multi modes of thinking.
Sensitising Children to Ecological Issues through Textile Eco‐Design
Authors: Taieb Amine Hadj , Hammami Manel , Msahli Slah , Sakli Faouzi
Published: October 2010

Human health is affected by pollution caused by toxic chemical substances, particularly vulnerable groups like children. So how can we make things better for people and for the environment through the textile products we design? By thinking about the environment when designing, choosing and using environmental‐friendly technology, we can play an important role in building a better world for the future. If we are going to live in a sustainable way, the technology and materials that we use have to be sustainable. This article provides an insight into how textile product design can provide a better future. It describes the design of ecological textile messages for sensitising and educating children. In the long term, such design may help towards ensuring a better quality of life for everyone, now and in the future. In this survey, the design of the sensitising messages was done using ecological techniques and raw materials to accentuate the message and took into account the intellectual and psychological level of children. All of the raw materials, process and plant dyes used were analysed from an environmental perspective.
The Attitudes and Practices that Shape Children's Drawing Experience at Home and at School
Authors: Burkitt Esther , Jolley Richard , Rose Sarah
Published: October 2010

Concept: Few empirical studies have investigated the influence of teachers, parents and children on children's drawing experience. The current study aims to examine the attitudes and practices of these three key players that shape children's drawing experience.

Method: A survey methodology was used, as typically found in previous research in this area. Participants were 270 5–14 year old children, 44 of their teachers of the National Curriculum for Art and Design, and 146 of their parents. The teachers and children participated in individual interviews and the parents completed a postal survey. Responses to most interview questions were transcribed and content analysis used to identify salient themes. The other questions involved responses on five‐point scales, these were analysed by reporting percentages.

Results: The findings are discussed in five sections. First, the positive perceptions of children's drawing behaviour and attitudes. Second, the perceived importance and principal aims of the National Curriculum for Art and Design Education. Third, the numerous sources of encouragement and support for drawing development. Fourth, the differing perceptions of what constitutes a good and bad drawing. Fifth, issues surrounding an age‐related decline in children's drawing activity.

Conclusions: The findings are related to theories of drawing education, and implications for children's drawings and drawing pedagogy are discussed.
Developing a (Non‐linear) Practice of Design Thinking
Authors: Teal Randall
Published: October 2010

Design thinking can be a powerful way to engage the world, allowing interactive understandings that are both analytic and experiential. When fully functioning, design thinking necessarily calls upon faculties often considered a‐rational, a‐causal and a‐logical. Unfortunately, such faculties often give rise to academic suspicion. That is to say, the indeterminacies of design thinking often spawn unhelpful (and undermining) reductions. When this occurs, the fullness of design thinking gets channelled into a series of steps, rules of thumb or professional categories, thereby diluting its potency.

In order to encourage a richer image of design thinking, particularly for the education of design students, this article explores ways to complement more familiar logical understandings of the design process with the functional complexity of Gilles Deleuze and Felix Guattari's ‘rhizome’. As a heuristic device, the rhizome and its related concepts are employed to provide a more complete picture of design thinking and to develop a practice that imbues design work with meaningful complexity. In this way, the rhizome promotes design thinking as a process comprised of both linear and non‐linear aspects.
Sustainability in the Architectural Design Studio: A Case Study of Designing On‐Campus Academic Staff Housing in Konya and Izmir, Turkey
Authors: Bala Havva Alkan
Published: October 2010

It is important to engender a 'sustainable’ architectural consciousness in the students who will be the next generation architects. In architectural education, design decisions taken during the early phases of the design process play an important role in ensuring concern for the sustainability issue. But, in general, all discussions about the site that have been held since the beginning of the semester get forgotten, and at the end of the design process students usually create projects that ignore the site criteria.

In this article, a specific teaching methodology which supports the sustainability issue in the design studio is presented as a teaching/learning experience. The article is an overview of the design studio process illustrated by a case study on academic staff campus housing in Konya and İzmir, Turkey.

To solve the same problem with the same brief in different regions requires developing sensitivity to climate issues. The resulting product is good evidence that teaching about sustainability in the design studio is effective.
Habitat differences and occurrence of native and exotic ants on Okinawa Island
Authors: KATAYAMA Motoki , TSUJI Kazuki
Published: October 2010

Ant fauna on Mallotus japonicus, a shrub with extrafloral nectaries, was investigated in two types of habitat (the villages and the forest‐edges) on subtropical Okinawa Island, Japan. Twenty and 16 ant species were found, including 11 and 6 tramp species in the villages and in the forest‐edges, respectively. Occurrence of tramp species was higher in the villages than in the forest edges, supporting the idea that tramp species tend to dominate in disturbed habitats. Nevertheless, the richness of native ants was almost the same across the two habitat types. Consequently, the ant species diversity on M. japonicus appeared higher in the villages. However, monitoring has to be continued to determine whether the above findings represent a stable phenomenon of the community or just a temporary state.
Directional selection by the subterranean termite Coptotermes formosanus Shiraki (Isoptera: Rhinotermitidae) at tunnel intersections
Authors: KU Sook Jung , SU Nan‐Yao , LEE Sang‐Hee
Published: October 2010

Subterranean termites construct complicated tunnel networks for foraging below ground. Thus, they often encounter tunnel intersections during foraging activity. Directional selection by termites at intersections is likely to affect foraging efficiency because depending on their selection, the path length from food resources to the nest can vary significantly. In order to understand how termites are guided to choose the most economical path without the use of pheromones, we artificially excavated two tunnels of varying widths (W1 and W2; 2, 3, or 4 mm) that intersected at a 90° angle in each of nine soil‐filled arenas. We observed the directional selection of termites at intersections in arenas with combinations of W1 (mm) and W2 (mm) (W1, W2). For (W1, W2) = (2, 2) and (4, 4), termites statistically equally chose the three directions left, right, and straight, while for the (3, 3) arena combination, termites preferentially decided to go straight. On the other hand, for (W1, W2) = (2, 3) (2, 4), and (3, 4), termites advancing from narrower tunnels into intersections tended to turn right or left, while termites coming from the wider tunnel were more inclined to go straight. On the assumption that a wider tunnel is more frequently used by termites in the field, we can deduce that the wider tunnel may represent the most efficient/shortest path. Thus, this simple selection mechanism can prevent termites from deviating from the most economical path.
Adaptive significance of the recurrent photoperiodic response in a spring‐breeding carabid beetle, Carabus yaconinus
Authors: SHINTANI Yoshinori , NUMATA Hideharu
Published: October 2010

Seasonal changes in the photoperiodic sensitivity for reproduction in adults of a spring‐breeding carabid beetle, Carabus yaconinus (Coleoptera: Carabidae), were examined by transferring adults from outdoor to photoperiodic conditions in various seasons. Newly‐emerged adults transferred to the laboratory in September to December showed a long‐day photoperiodic response, but lost photoperiodic sensitivity gradually during winter. In late April, overwintered adults were not sensitive to the photoperiod, with females continuing to have mature eggs under both long‐day and short‐day conditions. In contrast, in late June and late July, the adults were sensitive to the photoperiod, with only those kept under short‐day conditions re‐entering reproductive diapause. This recovery of photoperiodic sensitivity appears to play a definitive role in maintenance of diapause in autumn for adults that have reproduced. The adults collected in late April regained photoperiodic sensitivity in two months even after being kept under unchanged conditions. Therefore, no environmental cue is required for recovery of photoperiodic sensitivity, which apparently recovers with the lapse of time. Our results suggest that the recurrent photoperiodic response is required in long‐living adults of C. yaconinus to regulate the timing of reproduction, and also indicate a difference in photoperiodic sensitivity in summer between overwintered and newly‐emerged adults.
LOW GENETIC VARIABILITY OF SARGASSUM MUTICUM (PHAEOPHYCEAE) REVEALED BY A GLOBAL ANALYSIS OF NATIVE AND INTRODUCED POPULATIONS1
Authors: Cheang Chi Chiu , Chu Ka Hou , Fujita Daisuke , Yoshida Goro , Hiraoka Masanori , Critchley Alan , Choi Han Gil , Duan Delin , Serisawa Yukihiko , Ang Put O.
Published: October 2010

Sargassum muticum (Yendo) Fensholt is one of the most well‐known invasive species in the world. There have, however, been few genetic investigations on both its introduced and native populations. There are also some questions about the taxonomic status of this species. This study is the first to assess the genetic diversity of S. muticum on a global scale, by utilizing one marker each from the extranuclear genomes, namely, plastidial RUBISCO and mitochondrial TrnW_I spacers, as well as the nuclear internal transcribed spacer 2 (ITS2). Based on the markers investigated, both the invasive as well as the native populations of this species appeared very homogenous, when compared with other invasive and brown macroalgae. No variation in ITS2 and RUBISCO spacer was revealed in S. muticum populations, including those from its native ranges in Asia and the introduced ranges in Europe and North America. Two TrnW_I spacer haplotypes with a fixed two‐nucleotide difference were found between the populations of eastern Japan and the other 15 populations examined. This study confirms that there is no cryptic diversity in the introduced range of this species. All the materials collected globally are indeed S. muticum. Results depicting the distribution range of the two TrnW_I spacer haplotypes also support the earlier suggestion that the source of the introduced S. muticum populations is most likely western and central Japan (Seto Inland Sea), where the germlings of S. muticum were likely to have been transported with the Pacific oysters previously introduced for farming in Canada, UK, and France in earlier years.
CONTRIBUTION OF THE CLASS CRYPTOPHYCEAE TO PHYTOPLANKTON STRUCTURE IN THE GERMAN BIGHT1
Authors: Metfies Katja , Gescher Christine , Frickenhaus Stephan , Niestroy Robert , Wichels Antje , Gerdts Gunnar , Knefelkamp Britta , Wiltshire Karen , Medlin Linda
Published: October 2010

The class Cryptophyceae (Division Cryptophyta) contains ecologically relevant species, which are widespread in aquatic environments. However, classification, identification, and enumeration of cryptophytes are challenged by a morphology that must be usually examined with EM to permit species identification. The quantitative importance of this group has been revealed by HPLC data. But ecological information assessing the occurrence or seasonality of cryptophytes in the marine environment is still scarce. Molecular techniques allow for a refined assessment of taxonomically challenging taxa, such as the cryptophytes. In our laboratory, a Phylochip was developed to facilitate and refine the assessment of cryptophyte microalgae. Here, we present the results of an environmental study that took advantage of the Phylochip. The study was designed to elucidate the seasonality and contribution of cryptophytes to phytoplankton structure in the German Bight. The occurrence of cryptophytes in total plankton versus the picoplankton fraction was assessed with the Phylochip between the years 2004 and 2006. Our data indicate that cryptophytes are an important and constant contributor to phytoplankton structure of the German Bight, especially in the picoplankton fraction.
GENETIC DATA HINT AT A COMMON DONOR REGION FOR INVASIVE ATLANTIC AND PACIFIC POPULATIONS OF GRACILARIA VERMICULOPHYLLA (GRACILARIALES, RHODOPHYTA)1
Authors: Kim Su Yeon , Weinberger Florian , Boo Sung Min
Published: October 2010

Gracilaria vermiculophylla (Ohmi) Papenf., an agar‐producing red alga introduced from northeast Asia to Europe and North America, is often highly abundant in invaded areas. To assay its genetic diversity and identify the putative source of invasive populations, we analyzed the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (cox1) gene from 312 individuals of G. vermiculophylla collected in 37 native and 32 introduced locations. A total of 19 haplotypes were detected: 17 in northeast Asia and three in Europe and eastern and western North America, with only one shared among all regions. The shared haplotype was present in all introduced populations and in ∼99% of individuals in the introduced areas. This haplotype was also found at three native locations in east Korea, west Japan, and eastern Russia. Both haplotype and nucleotide diversities were extremely low in Europe and North America compared to northeast Asia. Our study indicates that the East Sea/Sea of Japan is a likely donor region of the invasive populations of G. vermiculophylla in the east and west Atlantic and the east Pacific.
Discourse on Same Sex Marriage: A Response to Kitzinger and Wilkinson
Authors: Boys Stephanie K.
Published: October 2010

Amicus briefs are powerful tools social scientists are currently using to voice concerns regarding the socially harmful and discriminatory impact of same sex marriage bans. A debate exists in the literature over how the discourse in these briefs should be framed. Should the focus be upon social justice or mental health? The author utilizes legal analysis to illustrate that neither frame is consistent with the discourse of legal precedent that judges will use to decide same sex marriage cases. Judges are trained from the time they are law students to ignore information that is not relevant to the legal framework established by precedent. The 2007 amicus brief submitted to the Supreme Court by various social scientist organizations will be used as an example of how discourses of social justice and mental health should both be included in an alternative discourse focused on evolving societal standards.
Product Innovativeness Dimensions and Their Relationships with Product Advantage, Product Financial Performance, and Project Protocol
Authors: McNally Regina C. , Cavusgil Erin , Calantone Roger J.
Published: October 2010

A considerable body of research informs the relationship of product innovativeness with firm and environmental variables as well as the impact of product innovativeness on product financial success. While providing significant insight, the extant literature exhibits conflicting findings that raise questions as to how, specifically, product innovativeness contributes to product financial performance. This study ties together several streams of research related to the product innovativeness construct to enhance understanding of the product innovativeness—product financial performance relationship. The product innovativeness construct is deconstructed by conceptualizing the relationships among three dimensions of product innovativeness: technological discontinuity, marketing discontinuity, and customer discontinuity. Product innovativeness is distinguished from product advantage, and the relationships among product innovativeness dimensions, product advantage, and product financial performance are empirically tested. The results reveal that, indeed, product innovativeness consists of three separate dimensions that exhibit no or moderate correlations with product advantage. Furthermore, product advantage positively and marketing discontinuity negatively influence product financial performance. Finally, the study also examines how project protocols impact the product innovativeness dimensions. Project protocols, also known as product definitions, describe the general parameters a new product should exhibit (i.e., target segments, product functions and features, base technology, pricing, communication and distribution channels, and required resources) as well as the priorities of the general parameters. Because they guide product design and set priorities and have been found to be a dominant driver of product financial performance, project protocols are important. The present study enhances understanding of how project protocols influence the dimensions of product innovativeness, finding that project protocols positively impact product financial performance indirectly through product advantage and marketing discontinuity.
Why Customers Value Self‐Designed Products: The Importance of Process Effort and Enjoyment*
Authors: Franke Nikolaus , Schreier Martin
Published: October 2010

This study analyzes which factors prompt customers to attribute value to products they design themselves using mass‐customization (MC) toolkits. The assumption that self‐design delivers superior customer value is fundamental to the concept of MC toolkits and can be found in almost any conceptual work in this field. However, spectacular failures reinforce the practical relevance of developing a deeper understanding of why and when MC toolkits generate value for customers—and when they do not. Research to date has assumed that the closer fit between the self‐designed product's characteristics and the preferences of the customer is the dominant source of value. In this research, it is asked whether the enjoyment and perceived effort of the self‐design process have an additional impact on the perceived value of self‐designed products. This question is interesting because one could argue that a rational actor would hardly be willing to pay ex post for an economic good already consumed. The hypotheses are tested on 186 participants designing their own scarves with an MC toolkit. After completing the process, they submitted binding bids for “their” products in Vickrey auctions. Therefore, real buying behavior, not merely stated intentions, is observed. The present study finds that the subjective value of a self‐designed product (i.e., one's bid in the course of the auction) is indeed impacted not only by the preference fit the customer expects it to deliver but also by (1) the process enjoyment the customer reports, (2) the interaction of preference fit and process enjoyment, and (3) the interaction of preference fit and perceived process effort. In addition to its main effect, preference fit can be interpreted as a moderator of the value‐generating effect of process evaluation: in cases where the outcome of the process is perceived as positive (high preference fit), the customer also interprets process effort as a positive accomplishment, and this positive effect adds (further) value to the product. It appears that the perception of the self‐design process as a good or bad experience is partly constructed on the basis of the outcome of the process. In the opposite case (low preference fit), effort creates a negative effect that further reduces the subjective value of the product. Likewise, process enjoyment is amplified by preference fit, although enjoyment also has a significant main effect, which means that regardless of the outcome, customers attribute higher value to a self‐designed product if they enjoy the process. In a way, this effect resembles of the classic story of Tom Sawyer and the fence, in which Tom manages to “frame” the tedious chore of whitewashing a fence as a rare opportunity—thus persuading his friends to pay him for letting them work. Manufacturers designing an MC system therefore are advised to designing MC toolkits in a way that they elicit positive affective reactions that make their customers value their work.