bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Magnetic resonance imaging in fetal medicine: a pictorial review of current and developing indications
Authors: Weston M J
Published: January 2010

Improvements in magnetic resonance (MR) imaging now permit diagnostic images of the fetus to be obtained. Ultrasound remains vital in all aspects of fetal imaging but MR provides a useful second line imaging test. Its value is best researched in fetal central nervous system disorders but it can be applied in other areas too. This pictorial review shows many of the commonly encountered problems. The pictures have a powerful impact on parental understanding. Future research must involve determination of the prognosis of abnormalities found at MR.
Epidemic dropsy in India
Authors: Sharma B D , Malhotra Sanjay , Bhatia Vikram , Rathee Mandeep
Published: January 2010

Epidemic dropsy is a clinical state resulting from use of edible oils adulterated with Argemone mexicana oil. Sanguinarine and dehydrosanguinarine are two major toxic alkaloids of Argemone oil, which cause widespread capillary dilatation, proliferation and increased capillary permeability. Leakage of the protein-rich plasma component into the extracellular compartment leads to the formation of oedema. The haemodynamic consequences of this vascular dilatation and permeability lead to a state of relative hypovolemia with a constant stimulus for fluid and salt conservation by the kidneys. Illness begins with gastroenteric symptoms followed by cutaneous erythema and pigmentation. Respiratory symptoms such as cough, shortness of breath and orthopnoea progressing to frank right-sided congestive cardiac failure are seen. Mild to moderate anaemia, hypoproteinaemia, mild to moderate renal azotemia, retinal haemorrhages, and glaucoma are common manifestations. There is no specific therapy. Removal of the adulterated oil and symptomatic treatment of congestive cardiac failure and respiratory symptoms, along with administration of antioxidants and multivitamins, remain the mainstay of treatment. Selective cultivation of yellow mustard, strict enforcement of the Indian Food Adulteration Act, and exemplary punishment to unscrupulous traders are the main preventive measures.
Severe hypercalcaemia in B-cell lymphoma: combined effects of PTH-rP, IL-6 and TNF
Authors: Daroszewska Anna , Bucknall Roger C , Chu Patrick , Fraser William D
Published: January 2010

Hypercalcaemia as the only manifestation of B-cell lymphoma is seen very rarely. Its pathophysiology is heterogenous and not well understood. We report a 73-year-old man who presented with severe hypercalcaemia before any signs of malignancy became evident. He was diagnosed with a B-cell lymphoma on bone marrow trephine biopsy. The hypercalcaemia was associated with high plasma concentrations of parathyroid-hormone-related protein, interleukin-6 and tumour necrosis factor. Our patient had markedly increased osteoclast and osteoblast activity as a result of synergistic effects between these factors, with consequent severe hypercalcaemia. This is the first reported example of such combined effects of these factors in humans.
Eye disease in a patient with rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Shinzato M , Yamamoto J , Hirata C E , Goldberg A C , Yoshinari N H , Bonfá E
Published: January 2010

We report the case of a 40-year-old women with diffuse uveitis, sensorineural hearing loss and cerebrospinal fluid pleocytosis as features of Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada syndrome who developed symmetric polyarthritis and stiffness of small and large joints, in addition to rheumatoid arthritis. Although their target tissues are distinct, both diseases have a possible autoimmune origin strongly associated with HLA-DRB4.
The dark side of marketing seemingly “Light” cigarettes: successful images and failed fact
Authors: Pollay R W , Dewhirst T
Published: January 2010

Objective: To understand the development, intent, and consequences of US tobacco industry advertising for low machine yield cigarettes.

Methods: Analysis of trade sources and internal US tobacco company documents now available on various web sites created by corporations, litigation, or public health bodies.

Results: When introducing low yield products, cigarette manufacturers were concerned about maintaining products with acceptable taste/flavour and feared consumers might become weaned from smoking. Several tactics were employed by cigarette manufacturers, leading consumers to perceive filtered and low machine yield brands as safer relative to other brands. Tactics include using cosmetic (that is, ineffective) filters, loosening filters over time, using medicinal menthol, using high tech imagery, using virtuous brand names and descriptors, adding a virtuous variant to a brand's product line, and generating misleading data on tar and nicotine yields.

Conclusions: Advertisements of filtered and low tar cigarettes were intended to reassure smokers concerned about the health risks of smoking, and to present the respective products as an alternative to quitting. Promotional efforts were successful in getting smokers to adopt filtered and low yield cigarette brands. Corporate documents demonstrate that cigarette manufacturers recognised the inherent deceptiveness of cigarette brands described as “Light”or “Ultra-Light” because of low machine measured yields.
Tax, price and cigarette smoking: evidence from the tobacco documents and implications for tobacco company marketing strategies: Figure 1
Authors: Chaloupka F J , Cummings K M , Morley CP , Horan JK
Published: January 2010

Objective: To examine tobacco company documents to determine what the companies knew about the impact of cigarette prices on smoking among youth, young adults, and adults, and to evaluate how this understanding affected their pricing and price related marketing strategies.

Methods: Data for this study come from tobacco industry documents contained in the Youth and Marketing database created by the Roswell Park Cancer Institute and available through http:// roswell.tobaccodocuments.org, supplemented with documents obtained fromhttp://www.tobaccodocuments.org.

Results: Tobacco company documents provide clear evidence on the impact of cigarette prices on cigarette smoking, describing how tax related and other price increases lead to significant reductions in smoking, particularly among young persons. This information was very important in developing the industry's pricing strategies, including the development of lower price branded generics and the pass through of cigarette excise tax increases, and in developing a variety of price related marketing efforts, including multi-pack discounts, couponing, and others.

Conclusions: Pricing and price related promotions are among the most important marketing tools employed by tobacco companies. Future tobacco control efforts that aim to raise prices and limit price related marketing efforts are likely to be important in achieving reductions in tobacco use and the public health toll caused by tobacco.
Influences of winter supplemental feeding on the energy balance of white-tailed deer fawns in New Hampshire, U.S.A.
Authors: Tarr Matthew D , Pekins Peter J
Published: January 2010

The purpose of this study was to determine the influence of supplemental feeding on the energy balance of white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) in northern New Hampshire, U.S.A., during JanuaryMarch 1997. We measured the field metabolic rate (FMR) and energy balance of 10 (5 males and 5 females) supplementally fed wild fawns with doubly labeled water over 1921 days. We tested whether percent acid detergent fiber (ADF) and percent neutral detergent fiber in deer fecal samples predicted the proportion of supplemental feed (pelleted concentrate) in the diet of deer. The mean FMR of fawns was 758.4 kJ·kg0.75·d1 (range = 535.91032.8 kJ·kg0.75·d1), or 2 × their basal metabolic rate (BMR). The mean FMR of male fawns was >30% higher than that of female fawns. Percent body fat (12.1 ± 1.4% (mean ± SE)) and mass loss (3.0 ± 0.9%) varied among fawns, suggesting that an individual high FMR was not detrimental to energy balance and was related to availability of feed. We estimated that a high FMR (>2 × BMR) could be maintained only if fawns consumed about 1 kg of supplemental feed daily. Radiotelemetry data indicated that the number and juxtaposition of feeding sites in an area probably influenced home range and activity of deer. Percent ADF in feces provided the best prediction of percent grain in the diet (% grain = 0.048(% ADF)2 + 1.523(% ADF) + 96.467; r2 = 0.69) and was useful for identifying populations consuming supplemental pelleted concentrate. Biologists should expect that the influence of winter feeding on energy balance and survival will vary according to the interrelationships of deer density, food availability, and winter severity at feeding sites.
Manipulating territory size via vegetation structure: optimal size of area guarded by the convict cichlid (Pisces, Cichlidae)
Authors: Breau Cindy , Grant James WA
Published: January 2010

To test the predictions of optimal territory size models, we attempted to manipulate the size of area that a dominant convict cichlid fish (Archocentrus nigrofasciatus) would defend around a food patch by placing simulated vegetation at three different distances from the edge of the patch (0, 11, and 22 cm). As expected, the size of area defended against four smaller intruders increased as the vegetation was moved farther from the patch. Consistent with optimal territory size models, both the costs of defence, measured as chase radius and chase rate, and the benefits of defence, measured as the amount of food eaten by the defender, increased with the distance of the vegetation from the patch. Growth rates of the defenders, however, did not differ among the treatments, perhaps because the benefits of monopolizing food were balanced by the costs of defending a larger area. Our data support the hypothesis that the size of a guarded area around an ephemeral resource patch affects both the costs and benefits of defence.
A standardized series of embryonic stages for the emydid turtleTrachemys scripta
Authors: Greenbaum Eli
Published: January 2010

Interspecific comparisons of embryological development in turtles have been confounded by differences in morphology, number of stages, and relative detail of information provided for stages. To mitigate this problem for the family Emydidae, the largest family of turtles, a 27-stage scheme is presented for Trachemys scripta. Because the earliest stages of development are comparable across all turtle taxa, only the latter portion of development (stages 1226) is emphasized. Stages are defined on the basis of forelimb and claw morphological criteria described previously for Chelydra serpentina.
Ultrastructural observations on rodlet-cell development in the head kidney of the southern platyfish, Xiphophorus maculatus (Teleostei: Poeciliidae)
Authors: Kramer Charles R , Potter Hugh
Published: January 2010

The enigmatic rodlet cell has been observed in tissues of marine and freshwater teleosts. The origin and function of this cell remain unclear. We describe the association of the rodlet cell with the head-kidney tissue of the southern platyfish, Xiphophorus maculatus. We have observed rodlet cells in various tissues of X. maculatus, e.g., the hemopoietic compartments of the head kidney, gill epithelia, and ovarian tissue, and in melanotic tumors. Recently, we found rodlet cells within the mesothelium and musculature. Intrigued by these observations, we began our current study of the rodlet cell  head kidney association in X. maculatus. We discerned a series of developmental stages of the rodlet cell within the hemopoietic tissue of the head kidney, including early precursor cells through degraded terminal stages. Tight junctions and desmosomes were observed between mature rodlet cells and endothelial cells. Desmosomal junctions were occasionally seen between maturing rodlet cells and neighboring cells within intertubular areas. We never observed junctional complexes between adjacent rodlet cells at any stage. Rodlet sacs were released intact and were seen to interact with other cellular components. We relate our findings to those of others who have described the development and distribution of rodlet cells in teleosts.
Utilization of copper during lactation and neonatal development in muskoxen
Authors: Rombach Emmajean P , Barboza Perry S , Blake John E
Published: January 2010

Post-natal availability of copper may affect survival of arctic ruminants such as muskoxen (Ovibos moschatus), because neonates must develop rapidly before their first winter. We hypothesized that supplemental injections of Cu for lactating females would increase Cu in milk and in circulation within their offspring. Milk was low in Cu (<4 μg Cu·g1dry matter) but was not affected by Cu supplementation through peak lactation. Muskoxen are born with high concentrations of Cu in the liver but low activity of the Cu enzyme ceruloplasmin in serum. Levels of serum ceruloplasmin and Cu increase as neonates mature, reaching adult levels in late summer, but this transition coincides with poor growth and diarrhea. Reserves of Cu established in utero are likely depleted as metabolic processes mature and as young make the transition from a milk-based to a forage-based diet. Therefore, availability of trace minerals in utero and in autumn forages may influence the growth, immune function, and survival of young muskoxen in their first year.
BmNPV alters NADP-dependent malate dehydrogenase activity and associated macromolecules and retards growth and development of the mulberry silkworm,Bombyx moriL., during the final instar
Authors: Krishnan Natraj , Chaudhuri Anathbandhu
Published: January 2010

Changes in tissue-specific NADP-dependent malate dehydrogenase (MDH) activity and protein and cholesterol contents and retardation of growth and development in the mulberry silkworm, Bombyx mori L., induced by infection with a baculovirus, the B. mori nucleopolyhedrovirus (BmNPV), were investigated. The study revealed that the relative growth rate and development of the fifth-instar larva was significantly inhibited during the progression of nuclear polyhedrosis disease at various times post inoculation (p.i.). Percent pupation and reproductive output were also adversely affected. NADP-dependent MDH activity in the hemolymph peaked sharply at 6 h p.i. and then gradually decreased, reaching a minimum at 264 h p.i., with exceptions at 30 and 72 h p.i. These levels of MDH activity were different from those in non-infected controls. In fat-body tissues, NADP-dependent MDH activity was significantly higher in infected insects than in non-infected controls of the same age. These results indicate that baculovirus infection causes significant changes in intermediary metabolic pathways, causing a significant fall and rise in protein and cholesterol contents in tissues during development of fifth-instar larvae.
Ontogeny of individual asymmetries in several traits of larvalChironomus ripariusMeigen, 1804 (Diptera, Chironomidae)
Authors: Servia María J , Cobo Fernando , González Marcos A
Published: January 2010

In recent years considerable effort has been dedicated to the analysis of alterations in the morphology of individuals, mainly fluctuating asymmetry, as bioindicators of stress. However, inconsistent results and a general lack of knowledge about the processes involved in the generation and development of asymmetries have discouraged some researchers from using this tool. We present a study of the ontogeny of individual asymmetries in several traits of Chironomus riparius larvae. Development of asymmetries through consecutive instars showed no evidence of sidedness and was in accordance with a compensatory growth model, since growth of the smaller side was typically greater than growth of the larger side during one moult. Surprisingly, however, although growth was compensatory, rightleft (R-L) values were size-dependent and increased throughout larval development. Once R-L values were corrected for size dependence, asymmetry levels proved to be similar in all instars except for instar I in one case. We discuss our findings in relation to the developmental patterns and regulation mechanisms described and proposed in similar studies. Specifically, the coincidence of our results with those of another study on insects may indicate the existence of similar regulatory systems throughout this group of animals.
Cyclic dynamics of snowshoe hares on a small island in the Yukon
Authors: Krebs Charles J , Zimmerling Todd N , Jardine Claire , Trostel Kim A , Kenney Alice J , Gilbert Scott , Hofer Elizabeth J
Published: January 2010

Snowshoe hare (Lepus americanus) populations were monitored from 1977 to 2001 on Jacquot Island (5 km2) in Kluane Lake, southwestern Yukon, and on nearby mainland sites. Jacquot Island hares averaged twice the density of mainland control populations and, although they show 10-year cycles, fluctuate with much lower amplitude than mainland populations. Three separate intensive studies over 6 years attempted to determine what caused these differences. We tested two hypotheses to explain the dynamics. Reproductive rates of hares were similar on Jacquot Island and the mainland. Adult survival rates were higher on the island in most years, with the exception of years of population decline. Juvenile survival rates from 0 to 30 days of life were much higher on the island than on the mainland except for decline summers. The adult- and juvenile-survival differences between the island and the mainland were explained most consistently by predation. Improved survival on the island is correlated with a reduction in the numbers and types of predators found on Jacquot Island compared with the mainland. In particular, red squirrels were rare on Jacquot Island, arctic ground squirrels were absent, and the larger predators, like lynx and great-horned owls, were sporadic in occurrence on this small island.
Asynchronous hatching in a blue tit population: a test of some predictions related to ectoparasites
Authors: Descamps Sébastien , Blondel Jacques , Lambrechts Marcel M , Hurtrez-Boussès Sylvie , Thomas Frédéric
Published: January 2010

Although much attention has been devoted to understanding the adaptive value of size hierarchies within broods of altricial birds, current hypotheses are the subject of much debate. Recently it has been suggested that parasites could play a role in promoting the establishment and maintenance of a nestling size hierarchy within broods. For example, the "tasty chick hypothesis" stipulates that the last-hatched chick in asynchronously hatching clutches would have the least efficient immune system, resulting in subsequent parasite aggregation on this chick and hence reducing parasitic pressure on the other chicks of the brood. From data collected during four breeding seasons and after experimental removal of the last-hatched chick, we tested three predictions based on variation in chick body characters within broods in a Corsican blue tit (Parus caeruleus ogliastrae) population exposed to high levels of ectoparasites (Protocalliphora spp.). None of the predictions were fully supported and alternative explanations could not be excluded. In particular, there was no evidence for aggregation of parasites on the last-hatched chick or for a beneficial role of this chick with respect to the others, be it "tasty" or not. Thus, our results are not consistent with the hypothesis that mechanisms responsible for size hierarchies within broods have evolved to alleviate the negative effect of parasites on the fitness of their host.
Sex-biased dispersal of greater long-tailed hamster (Tscherskia triton) revealed by microsatellites
Authors: Song Mingjing , Zhang Zhibin , Neumann Karsten , Gattermann Rolf
Published: January 2010

For 2 consecutive years we studied the effect of dispersal on the genetic diversity of greater long-tailed hamsters (Tscherskia triton (de Winton, 1899)) in farmland habitat, Hebei Province, People's Republic of China. Level of genetic diversity was estimated by analyzing six highly polymorphic microsatellite loci in terms of mean d2, allele number, allelic diversity, effective number of alleles, allelic richness, average observed heterozygosity, and expected heterozygosity. The genetic diversity in populations from both two sites and 2 years indicated that the males contained higher levels of genetic diversity than the females, which supported our prediction that male-biased dispersal increased population genetic diversity. We also found significant departures from HardyWeinberg equilibrium and a reduction in genetic diversity in samples from a partially isolated site, which was probably due to genetic drift, inbreeding, or a combination of these factors.
Conservation genetics of the wood turtle (Glyptemys insculpta) in Quebec, Canada
Authors: Tessier Nathalie , Paquette Sébastien Rioux , Lapointe François-Joseph
Published: January 2010

Throughout its range, the long-term persistence of the wood turtle (Glyptemys insculpta Le Conte, 1830) is jeopardized by habitat perturbations and commercial collection. The main objective of this study was to acquire knowledge on the genetic structure of wood turtle populations within Quebec, where the species reaches the northernmost limit of its range, to identify proper conservation units. The six known populations in Quebec were genetically characterized using five microsatellite loci. Genetic analyses revealed high variability among all populations (HOranging from 0.561 to 0.886), suggesting that past population declines have not yet affected their genetic diversity. Since populations are located on both shores of the St. Lawrence River, two colonization hypotheses were tested to determine whether the River acted as a dispersal route or as a barrier. Results of AMOVA tests, phylogenetic analyses, and assignment tests demonstrated the clear distinction between populations from both shores, and three genetically different units were identified: the two populations on the north shore and a single homogenous group on the south shore.
Population structure and stock identification of sockeye salmon (Oncorhynchus nerka) in coastal lakes in British Columbia, Canada
Authors: Beacham T D , McIntosh B , MacConnachie C
Published: January 2010

Population structure of sockeye salmon, Oncorhynchus nerka (Walbaum, 1792), from coastal lakes in British Columbia was determined from a survey of variation of 14 microsatellite loci, with approximately 6400 sockeye salmon analyzed from 40 populations. Populations from the Queen Charlotte Islands displayed fewer alleles per locus than did populations in other regions. Genetic differentiation among the populations surveyed was observed, with the mean FSTfor all loci being 0.077 (SD = 0.006). Differentiation among populations was approximately 13 times greater than annual variation within populations. Regional structuring of the populations surveyed was observed. The accuracy and precision of the estimated stock compositions generally increased as the number of observed alleles at the loci increased. Simulated mixed-stock samples generated from observed population frequencies in different regions suggested that variation at microsatellite loci provided reasonably accurate and precise estimates of stock composition for potential samples from marine or freshwater fisheries.
Note types and coding in parid vocalizations. III: The chick-a-dee call of the Carolina chickadee (Poecile carolinensis)
Authors: Bloomfield Laurie L , Phillmore Leslie S , Weisman Ronald G , Sturdy Christopher B
Published: January 2010

Species of the genus Poecile Kaup, 1829 (the chickadees) are well suited to comparative studies of acoustic communication because their songs and calls occur in similar contexts and are acoustically similar. Here we provide careful, reliable descriptions and spectrographic exemplars for seven note types observed in the chick-a-dee calls of the Carolina chickadee, Poecile carolinensis (Audubon, 1834). The note types include A, C, and D notes similar to those found in the chick-a-dee calls of the black-capped chickadee, Poecile atricapillus (L., 1766), a complex of three B-note subtypes (B1, B2, and B3) and a rare note type previously identified as high-tee-chick. In common with black-capped chickadees, the organization of note types in Carolina chickadees follows a stringent syntax; the position of note types within a call is fixed. In contrast with black-capped chickadees, the chick-a-dee call syntax of the Carolina chickadee includes a B-note complex composed of three acoustically distinct subtypes of B notes, and follows a strict syntax: A→(B1→B2→B3)→C→D. Analysis of call variability suggests that the B-note complex (in particular, the most commonly sung note, B2) and the D note may provide reliable cues for species and individual recognition.
Diet mixing in an aquatic carnivore, the harbour seal
Authors: Trumble Stephen J , Castellini Michael A
Published: January 2010

To determine the effects of diet mixing on digestive performance, harbour seals (Phoca vitulina L., 1758) were offered either pure diets of Pacific herring (Clupea pallasii Valenciennes, 1847) or walleye pollock (Theragra chalcogramma (Pallas, 1814)) or a 1:1 mix of herring and pollock. Regardless of diet, retention time decreased approximately 40% as intake quadrupled. The mean apparent digestible dry matter (ADDM) was greatest on mixed diets during low feeding frequency trials; ADDM during high feeding frequency trials was significantly reduced as intake increased for animals on the single-species (pollock or herring) diets. As intake increased, up to 45% more digestible energy was assimilated from the mixed diet than from either single-species diet. The findings of this study suggest that a mixed diet consisting of prey differing in lipid and protein amounts increased digestible energy intake in harbour seals. Our measures of intake and ADDM in harbour seals revealed digestive flexibility and indicated that digestion in harbour seals was more efficient on a mixed diet.
Thermal energetics of female big brown bats (Eptesicus fuscus)
Authors: Willis Craig K.R , Lane Jeffrey E , Liknes Eric T , Swanson David L , Brigham R Mark
Published: January 2010

We investigated thermoregulation and energetics in female big brown bats, Eptesicus fuscus (Beauvois, 1796). We exposed bats to a range of ambient temperatures (Ta) and used open-flow respirometry to record their metabolic responses. The bats were typically thermoconforming and almost always entered torpor at Tas below the lower critical temperature Tlc of 26.7 °C. Basal metabolic rate (BMR, 16.98 ± 2.04 mL O2·h–1, mean body mass = 15.0 ± 1.4 g) and torpid metabolic rate (TMR, 0.460 ± 0.207 mL O2·h–1, mean body mass = 14.7 ± 1.3 g) were similar to values reported for other vespertilionid bats of similar size and similar to a value for E. fuscus BMR calculated from data in a previous paper. However, we found that big brown bats had a lower Tlc and lower thermal conductance at low Ta relative to those measured in the previous study. During torpor, the minimum individual body temperature (Tb) that we recorded was 1.1 °C and the bats began defending minimum Tb at Ta of approximately 0 °C. BMR of big brown bats was 76% of that predicted for bats based on the relationship between BMR and body mass. However, the Vespert ilionidae have been under-represented in previous analyses of the relationship between BMR and body mass in bats. Our data, combined with data for other vespertilionids, suggest that the family may be characterized by a lower BMR than that predicted based on data from other groups of bats.
Effects of feeding height and distance from protective cover on the foraging behavior of wintering birds
Authors: Lee Ya-Fu , Kuo Yen-Min , Bollinger Eric K
Published: January 2010

Foraging behavior that balances feeding efficiency with predation risk avoidance may be selected for; thus, foraging animals may choose among sites and achieve various giving-up densities under different feeding conditions. We compared the frequency and duration of visits and the feeding efficiency of a mixed-species wintering bird flock among feeders set up at three heights within woods, at the edge between woods and dense shrub, and in open fields to investigate the feeding height preference of birds and its relationship to the extent of openness of the sites. Carolina chickadees (Parus carolinensis Audubon, 1834) and tufted titmice (Parus bicolor L., 1766) accounted for 96% of the total number of visits to feeders and 95.9% of the total time spent on feeders. Birds tended to visit higher feeders and feeders in the woods and at edge sites more frequently than they visited lower feeders and feeders in open fields. Birds also spent more time on higher feeders and feeders in the woods and at edge sites than on lower feeders and feeders in open fields. However, the feeding height preference changed over the course of observations, and different patterns were observed at different sites. In the woods and at the edge, bird visits shifted to the lower feeders earlier; in contrast, birds preferred higher feeders throughout the period of observation in open fields. Feeding efficiency was lower at open sites than in woods and at edge sites, but birds spent the least time per seed on low feeders at open sites. Seeds on higher feeders and in woods or at edge sites were removed faster. Regardless of the height and locality of feeders, birds preferred energy-rich oil-type seeds over energy-poor striped seeds.
Does chronic malaria modify the odours of its male mouse host?
Authors: Barthélémy Mathieu , Gabrion Claude , Petit Gilles
Published: January 2010

Chemical signalling, considered the most important means of communication in rodents, is controlled by the immune and endocrine systems. Several parasitic diseases are associated with modifications of the odour cues deposited by infected male mice and these modifications, conspicuous to sexually receptive females, are supposed to play a role in a parasite-mediated mate choice process. The present study clearly demonstrates, with the use of three different two choice test procedures, that females can discriminate the chemical message from malaria-infected and healthy male mice (Mus musculus L., 1758). Females spent more time sniffing soiled beddings and preputial skin rubbings collected from parasitized males at 15 days post injection and at 15, 22, 29 days post injection, respectively. Also, females could discriminate the overall body odour of a parasitized male at 35 days post injection. The cause of these modifications is discussed with regard to the numerous pathologies previously described in the genital tract of infected males. And the present study, although it avoids drawing any conclusions on a parasite-mediated mate choice under wild conditions, stresses the potential benefit that the parasite may gain from the situation.
Does reproduction influence temperature preferences in newts?
Authors: Gvoždík Lumír
Published: January 2010

The influence of reproduction on body temperatures preferred in a laboratory thermal gradient has been studied mostly in ectotherms that are either viviparous or oviparous with prolonged egg retention. In this study I investigated whether reproduction influences temperature preferences in the Italian crested newt, Triturus carnifex (Laurenti, 1768), whose females do not carry embryos in utero (strict oviparity). I compared preferred temperatures and locomotor activity among reproductive females, non-reproductive females, and males in an aquatic thermal gradient (5–32.5 °C) over 24 h. Reproductive females preferred mean body temperatures 2.3–4.3 °C higher than those of non-reproductive females and males irrespective of activity level. Females regulated body temperature more precisely when reproductive than when non-reproductive as judged by the narrower range of preferred body temperatures. The study showed that the shift in temperature preferences of reproductive females occurs not only in species with advanced reproductive modes (i.e., viviparity and oviparity with egg retention), but also in a strictly oviparous mode.
Influences of sociality and habitat on African mole-rat burrowing patterns
Authors: Romañach Stephanie S
Published: January 2010

The movement choices that animals make are influenced by many factors including resource availability, which in turn can affect whether the animals search for resources alone or in groups. Subterranean rodents are ideal for examining movement paths because they create burrows that persist for extended periods and thus serve as records of movement. African mole-rat species (Bathyergidae) are solitary, social, or eusocial, and inhabit a variety of habitat types. In this study, mole-rat burrowing patterns were examined by analyzing the spatial patterns of the soil mounds that they create as they burrow. Mound spatial patterns were examined for solitary and social species occurring in two habitats, which differed in rainfall, soil moisture, and vegetation availability. Examination of mound spatial patterns at multiple spatial scales revealed that mounds of single burrow systems were clustered at small spatial scales (<6 m), while mounds were not clustered at the larger spatial scales of the entire burrow systems. Spatial patterns of mounds did not differ in relation to sociality or habitat characteristics. These findings, as well as evidence from other taxa, may suggest common burrowing strategies for subterranean rodents.
Host–symbiont relationship and abundance of feather mites in relation to age and body condition of the barn swallow (Hirundo rustica): an experimental study
Authors: Pap Péter László , Tökölyi Jácint , Szép Tibor
Published: January 2010

We analyzed the host–symbiont relationship and factors determining the abundance of feather mites among individual barn swallows (Hirundo rustica L., 1758) in two different host populations during the breeding season and postbreeding period. By experimentally removing the feather mites from the flight feathers of the birds with an insecticide, we showed that these symbiotic organisms have neither harmful nor beneficial effects on the fitness of the host, supporting the view that mites are commensals. This was indicated by the lack of any difference in the change in wing-feather length, tail-feather length, fluctuating asymmetry in tail-feather length, breeding performance, and survival of the birds between the fumigated and control groups 1 year after the experiment. During the postbreeding period juveniles harbored fewer mites than adults and the difference was also significant between the 1-year-old birds and those over 1 year old in the breeding population. The number of mites did not change after the second year of life of the birds. We hypothesize that the difference in abundance of mites between the age classes can be explained by the low reproductive potential of the mites, which are not able to populate the exploitable space until the second year of life of the host. Alternatively, young birds might provide fewer resources than old birds. The significant negative association between the number of mites and the laying date of female barn swallows seems to support the conclusion that the abundance of mites is condition-dependent. Because there was no relationship between other condition indices for males and females and number of mites, further research is needed to confirm this conclusion.
Alarm pheromone induces a transgenerational wing polyphenism in the pea aphid, Acyrthosiphon pisum
Authors: Podjasek Joshua O , Bosnjak Lisa M , Brooker Daniel J , Mondor Edward B
Published: January 2010

In response to increased predation risk, many organisms exhibit transgenerational polyphenisms whereby offspring have behavioural and (or) morphological adaptations to avoid natural enemies. The mechanisms underlying altered phenotypic expression, however, are not well understood. Aphids commonly exhibit a transgenerational wing-induction polyphenism in response to predators and parasitoids, but the stimuli inducing winged offspring production have not yet been identified. As aphids commonly emit the alarm pheromone (E)-β-farnesene (EBF) when physically attacked, this compound is a reliable signal of increased predation risk for asexual conspecifics. Here we show that maternal detection of EBF induces a transgenerational wing polyphenism in offspring of the pea aphid, Acyrthosiphon pisum (Harris, 1776). In response to 50, 500, or 5000 ng of EBF vapor, aphids responded with 2.5-, 5.0-, and 6.0-fold increases in winged offspring production, respectively. Thus, alarm pheromone may alter aphid transgenerational phenotypic expression, thereby influencing aphid – natural enemy dynamics.
PRESYMMETRY BEYOND THE STANDARD MODEL
Authors: MATUTE ERNESTO A.
Published: January 2010

We go beyond the Standard Model guided by presymmetry, the discrete electroweak quark–lepton symmetry hidden by topological effects which explain quark fractional charges as in condensed matter physics. We show that partners of the particles of the Standard Model and the discrete symmetry associated with this partnership appear as manifestations of a residual presymmetry in the sense of Ekstein and its extension from matter to forces. This duplication of the spectrum of the Standard Model keeps spin and comes nondegenerated about the TeV scale.
WAVE EQUATION OF THE SCALAR FIELD AND SUPERFLUIDS
Authors: NADDEO A. , SCELZA G.
Published: January 2010

The new formal analogy between superfluid systems and cosmology, which emerges by taking into account the back-reaction of the vacuum to the quanta of sound waves,1 enables us to put forward some common features between these two different areas of physics. We find the condition that allows us to justify a General Relativity (GR) derivation of the hydrodynamical equation for the superfluid in a four-dimensional space whose metric is the Unruh one.2 Furthermore, we show how, in the particular case taken into account, our hydrodynamical equation can be deduced within a four-dimensional space from the wave equation of a massless scalar field.
GRAVISCALAR DARK MATTER AND SMOOTH GALAXY HALOS
Authors: PIROGOV YU. F.
Published: January 2010

In the framework of the unimodular metagravity, with the scalar graviton/graviscalar dark matter, a regular anomalous one-parameter solution to the static spherically symmetric metagravity equations in empty space is found. The solution presents a smooth graviscalar halo, with a finite central density profile, qualitatively reproducing the asymptotically flat rotation curves of galaxies. To refine the description the study of the axisymmetric case in the presence of luminous matter is required.
CAN A MINORITY GAME FOLLOW REAL MARKET DYNAMICS?
Authors: BONNET FREDERIC D. R. , ABBOTT DEREK
Published: January 2010

It is commonly known in economics that markets follow both positive and/or negative trends, crashes and bubble effects. In general a strong positive trend is followed by a crash. Famous examples of these effects were seen in the recent crash on the NASDAQ (April 2000) and prior to the crash on the Hong Kong market, which was associated with the Asian crisis in the early 1994. In this paper we use real market data input into a minority game with a variable payoff function and a nonlinear super exponential model for bubbles, to explore financial bubbles. By changing the payoff function in the minority game we study how one can get the price function to follow the dynamics of a real market.
STUDY ON PERFORMANCE-BASED SEISMIC DESIGN OF SHANGHAI WORLD FINANCIAL CENTER TOWER
Authors: LU XILIN , ZHU JIEJIANG , ZOU YUN
Published: January 2010

The height of 101-storey Shanghai World Financial Center Tower is 492 m above ground. According to the philosophy of performance-based seismic design, the seismic performance design objectives and corresponding parameters were proposed for the structure under various seismic actions from frequent to rare earthquake levels. Analytical studies including refined finite element analysis, nonlinear time-history analysis, and stress distribution analysis on the important joint have been conducted to evaluate the structural seismic performance. Along with the analytical studies, shaking table model test and the important joint tests have been carried on in order to verify the accuracies of the analytical results as well as to complement the analytical studies. The results obtained from the studies demonstrate that the structural system meets the performance-based design objectives presented in the paper.
A STOCHASTIC EQUIVALENT LINEARIZATION FOR ANALYSIS OF MULTIPLE-DEGREE-OF-FREEDOM FLEXIBLE STRUCTURES
Authors: HE YONG , JIN WEI-LIANG
Published: January 2010

Stochastic equivalent linearization (SEL) method has gained wide popularity because of its versatility in application to multiple-degree-of-freedom (MDOF) nonlinear systems. It is restricted in the random vibration analysis of flexible structures because of the implicit nonlinear system. This paper presents a new method for the equivalent nonlinear system of flexible structures. Using this method, the implicit geometrically nonlinear system can be represented as an explicit equivalent nonlinear system. According to the modal analysis method, the geometrically nonlinear force is replaced by a high-order moment of modal coordinate. The MDOF physical system is translated into a modal system, which could be solved easily. Based on the equivalent nonlinear system, the nonlinear random vibration method is presented by using SEL technology. By using the pseudo-excitation method, the efficiency of the nonlinear random vibration method is increased obviously. The rapid calculation makes it possible to analyze the nonlinear random vibration of MDOF flexible structure. The validation shows that the method has reasonable precision and high efficiency and it could be used in the random vibration analysis of practical flexible structures.
Differences in head orientation behavior for speakers and listeners
Authors: Rienks Rutger , Poppe Ronald , Heylen Dirk
Published: January 2010

An experiment was conducted to investigate whether human observers use knowledge of the differences in focus of attention in multiparty interaction to identify the speaker amongst the meeting participants. A virtual environment was used to have good stimulus control. Head orientations were displayed as the only cue for focus attention. The orientations were derived from a corpus of tracked head movements. We present some properties of the relation between head orientations and speaker--listener status, as found in the corpus. With respect to the experiment, it appears that people use knowledge of the patterns in focus of attention to distinguish the speaker from the listeners. However, the human speaker identification results were rather low. Head orientations (or focus of attention) alone do not provide a sufficient cue for reliable identification of the speaker in a multiparty setting.
Spatial learning and navigation using a virtual verbal display
Authors: Giudice Nicholas A. , Bakdash Jonathan Z. , Legge Gordon E. , Roy Rudrava
Published: January 2010

We report on three experiments that investigate the efficacy of a new type of interface called a virtual verbal display (VVD) for nonvisual learning and navigation of virtual environments (VEs). Although verbal information has been studied for route-guidance, little is known about the use of context-sensitive, speech-based displays (e.g., the VVD) for supporting free exploration and wayfinding behavior. During training, participants used the VVD (Experiments I and II) or a visual display (Experiment III) to search the VEs and find four hidden target locations. At test, all participants performed a route-finding task in the corresponding real environment, navigating with vision (Experiments I and III) or from verbal descriptions (Experiment II). Training performance between virtual display modes was comparable, but wayfinding in the real environment was worse after VVD learning than visual learning, regardless of the testing modality. Our results support the efficacy of the VVD for searching computer-based environments but indicate a difference in the cognitive maps built up between verbal and visual learning, perhaps due to lack of physical movement in the VVD.
Simulating believable forward accelerations on a stewart motion platform
Authors: Berger Daniel R. , Schulte-Pelkum Jörg , Bülthoff Heinrich H.
Published: January 2010

It is still an unsolved problem how to optimally simulate self-motion using motion simulators. We investigated how a forward acceleration can be simulated as believably as possible on a hexapod motion platform equipped with a projection screen.

Human participants rated the believability of brief forward accelerations. These were simulated as visual forward accelerations over a ground plane with people as size cues, presented together with brief forward surge translations and backward pitches of the platform, and synchronous random up--down movements of the camera in the visual scene and the platform. The magnitudes of all of the parameters were varied independently across trials.

Even though variability between participants was high, the most believable simulation occurred when visual accelerations were combined with backward pitches of the platform, which changed the gravitoinertial vector direction approximately consistent with the visual acceleration. However, a wide range of platform pitches was accepted as believable. With high visual acceleration cues most participants reported trials as realistic even when the platform tilt rate was above vestibular canal thresholds reported in other works. Other manipulated parameters had only a mild influence on the responses. These results can be used to optimize motion-cueing algorithms for simulating linear accelerations in motion simulators.
Towards a Method for Data Accuracy Assessment Utilizing a Bayesian Network Learning Algorithm
Authors: Sessions V. , Valtorta M.
Published: January 2010

This research develops a data quality algorithm entitled the Accuracy Assessment Algorithm (AAA). This is an extension of research in developing an enhancement to a Bayesian Network (BN) learning algorithm called the Data Quality (DQ) algorithm. This new algorithm is concerned with estimating the accuracy levels of a dataset by assessing the quality of the data with no prior knowledge of the dataset. The AAA and associated metrics were tested using two canonical BNs and one large-scale medical network. The article presents the results regarding the efficacy of the algorithm and the implications for future research and practice.
Interview with Kaj Grønbæk
Authors: Atzenbeck Claus
Published: January 2010

Kaj Grønbæk received his PhD in 1991 from University of Aarhus, Denmark. Since 1999 he is full professor at the Department of Computer Science, University of Aarhus, Denmark. He is a manager of the interdisciplinary Center for Interactive Spaces. His research includes hypermedia, Web-technologies, interactive spaces, augmented reality, context-aware interaction, interaction design, as well as participatory design. He has developed hypermedia systems and user interface design tools, and he has a scientific publication list including a book and more than 100 international papers. He has managed or co-managed a series of research projects, amounting to more than 60 million Dkr. in external funding. Many of the projects have taken place in collaboration with industry. He is one of the co-founders of the Multimedia and the IT-educations at University of Aarhus, and he has extensive experience in teaching. For more information and access to publications, see http://www.cs.au.dk/~kgronbak.
"An AJAX-based Graphical Cooperative Ontology Editor" by Rajinder Singh, with Jessica Rubart as Coordinator
Authors: Singh Rajinder
Published: January 2010

The Semantic Web is best described as an evolving extension of the current World Wide Web (WWW), where not only humans but machines are able to interpret Web content. To enable these machines to interpret the meaning of Web content, this meaning must be described in a machine processable form. Several standards have been proposed to facilitate in adding meaning to existing Web resources. One such standard that has gained a significant amount of interest is the Web Ontology Language (OWL), which enables knowledge to be represented through well-defined constructs.