bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
At the crossroads: diverse roles of early thymocyte transcriptional regulators
Authors: Anderson Michele K
Published: January 2006

Summary:  Transcriptional regulation of T‐cell development involves successive interactions between complexes of transcriptional regulators and their binding sites within the regulatory regions of each gene. The regulatory modules that control expression of T‐lineage genes frequently include binding sites for a core set of regulators that set the T‐cell‐specific background for signal‐dependent control, including GATA‐3, Notch/CSL, c‐myb, TCF‐1, Ikaros, HEB/E2A, Ets, and Runx factors. Additional regulators in early thymocytes include PU.1, Id‐2, SCL, Spi‐B, Erg, Gfi‐1, and Gli. Many of these factors are involved in simultaneous regulation of non‐T‐lineage genes, T‐lineage genes, and genes involved in cell cycle control, apoptosis, or survival. Potential and known interactions between early thymic transcription factors such as GATA‐3, SCL, PU.1, Erg, and Spi‐B are explored. Regulatory modules involved in the expression of several critical T‐lineage genes are described, and models are presented for shifting occupancy of the DNA‐binding sites in the regulatory modules of pre‐Tα, T‐cell receptor β (TCRβ), recombinase activating genes 1 and 2 (Rag‐1/2), and CD4 during T‐cell development. Finally, evidence is presented that c‐kit, Erg, Hes‐1, and HEBAlt are expressed differently in Rag‐2–/– thymocytes versus normal early thymocytes, which provide insight into potential regulatory interactions that occur during normal T‐cell development.
Cellular and molecular events during early thymus development
Authors: Holländer Georg , Gill Jason , Zuklys Saulius , Iwanami Norimasa , Liu Cunlan , Takahama Yousuke
Published: January 2006

Summary:  The thymic stromal compartment consists of several cell types that collectively enable the attraction, survival, expansion, migration, and differentiation of T‐cell precursors. The thymic epithelial cells constitute the most abundant cell type of the thymic microenvironment and can be differentiated into morphologically, phenotypically, and functionally separate subpopulations of the postnatal thymus. All thymic epithelial cells are derived from the endodermal lining of the third pharyngeal pouch. Very soon after the formation of a thymus primordium and prior to its vascularization, thymic epithelial cells orchestrate the first steps of intrathymic T‐cell development, including the attraction of lymphoid precursor cells to the thymic microenvironment. The correct segmentation of pharyngeal epithelial cells and their subsequent crosstalk with cells in the pharyngeal arches are critical prerequisites for the formation of a thymus anlage. Mutations in several transcription factors and their target genes have been informative to detail some of the complex mechanisms that control the development of the thymus anlage. This review highlights recent findings related to the genetic control of early thymus organogenesis and provides insight into the molecular basis by which lymphocyte precursors are attracted to the thymus.
TCR and Notch signaling in CD4 and CD8 T‐cell development
Authors: Laky Karen , Fleischacker Christine , Fowlkes B. J.
Published: January 2006

Summary:  The generation of CD4 and CD8 αβ T‐cell lineages from CD4+CD8+ double‐positive (DP) thymocyte precursors is a complex process initiated by engagement of major histocompatibility complex (MHC) by T‐cell receptor (TCR) and coreceptor. Quantitative differences in TCR signaling induced by this interaction impose an instructional bias on CD4/CD8 lineage commitment that must be reinforced by MHC recognition and TCR signaling over subsequent selection steps in order for the thymocyte to progress and mature in the adopted lineage. Our studies show that the transmembrane receptor Notch plays a role in this process by modifying TCR signal transduction in DP thymocytes. In this review, we consider the functional relationship of TCR and Notch signaling pathways in the selection and specification of CD4 and CD8 T‐cell lineages.
A comprehensive morphological analysis of talpid moles (Mammalia) phylogenetic relationships
Authors: Sánchez‐Villagra Marcelo R. , Horovitz Inés , Motokawa Masaharu
Published: January 2006

Some talpid moles show one of the most specialized suites of morphological characters seen among small mammals. Fossorial and more generalized shrew‐looking moles inhabit both North America and Eurasia but these land masses share none of the same genera. One of the central questions of mole evolution has been that of how many times specialized fossorial habits evolved. We investigated the origin of mole characters with a maximum parsimony analysis of 157 characters, mostly craniodental and postcranial, of representatives of all 17 living mole genera and three shrews and one hedgehog as outgroups. The result was one most‐parsimonious tree and its most novel aspect was the position of a Japanese shrew mole clade (Urotrichus, Dymecodon), which branched off after Uropsilus and was not closely related to the American shrew mole (Neurotrichus). The desmans (Galemys and Desmana) were the next clade in the tree, followed by Neurotrichus. We confirmed the monophyly of the Eurasian fossorial mole clade Talpini (Euroscaptor, Parascaptor, Mogera, Scaptochirus and Talpa). Condylura, the star‐nosed mole from North America, was sister group to a clade consisting of the Talpini plus Scaptonyx and the Scalopini (Scalopus, Scapanus, Parascalops, and Scapanulus). Based on our results and on the assumption that moles originated in Eurasia, it is most parsimonious to infer one migration from Eurasia to North America and two back‐migrations to Eurasia. It is ambiguous if Talpini and Scalopini evolved their full fossorial habits independently or not.

© The Willi Hennig Society 2006.
Diamonds: geology, gemmology, technology
Authors: Fleet Andrew , Hart Alan , Wall Frances
Published: January 2006

Diamonds – rough stones, cut stones, host rocks, historical jewellery, contemporary jewellery, and hi‐tech materials – were the stars of an exhibition at the Natural History Museum in London in 2005, the biggest of its kind the Museum had ever staged. Why diamonds are so rare, how they have been valued through history, and the links between the unique properties of diamond and its use were the key themes of the exhibition.
Google Earth: a new geological resource
Authors: Lisle Richard J.
Published: January 2006

Since its release in June 2005, Google Earth has been bringing satellite images of our planet into our homes, or at least to those homes with broadband connections. Computer users, excited by seeing their own houses from on high, or even their cars parked in the drive, have been raving about this impressive piece of software which can be downloaded to your PC (but not, as yet, your Mac) free of charge. After a weekend playing around with Google Earth, I can confirm that there is a whole range of potential applications for this software in teaching Earth science.
Communicative sensitivity in the bilingual healthcare setting: A qualitative study of language awareness
Authors: Irvine Fiona E. , Roberts Gwerfyl W. , Jones Peter , Spencer Llinos H. , Baker Colin R. , Williams Cen
Published: January 2006

Aim. This paper reports on the second phase of a national study in Wales. The research aimed to assess the level of Welsh language awareness amongst healthcare professionals across Wales, and to identify the factors that enhance language choice within service delivery.

Background. The literature suggests that language sensitive healthcare practice is central to ensuring high quality care. However, it is evident that language barriers continue to compromise the quality of care within nursing and other health services. One issue that has received little attention is the level of language awareness that healthcare professionals currently demonstrate. Furthermore the factors that influence language choice for bilingual/multilingual speakers are not well explored in the literature.

Methods. The study involved semi‐structured interviews with a range of healthcare professionals in acute and community settings across Wales. Using a systematic sampling matrix, a purposeful sample of 83 professionals was selected to participate. Twenty‐seven of the respondents were nurses, health visitors and midwives. The interviews focussed on the factors that facilitate or impede language sensitive healthcare practice. All interviews were audiotaped and, using a framework analysis approach, conceptual codes were developed and defined and categories and sub‐categories were constructed to create thematic charts.

Findings. Three main themes were identified: care enhancement, which focussed on the process and outcome of offering language choice to bilingual patients; organizational issues, which reflected issues relating to the infrastructure of service provision; and training implications, which focused on Welsh language learning in health care.

Conclusions. Complex dynamics of language use are in operation within bilingual healthcare settings and organizational as well as individual factors are important in facilitating appropriate language use. Many of the issues highlighted are not peculiar to the Welsh context, but apply to healthcare settings across the world, where other minority languages are in use.
Stress and well‐being among parents of children with rare diseases: a prospective intervention study
Authors: Dellve Lotta , Samuelsson Lena , Tallborn Andreas , Fasth Anders , Hallberg Lillemor R.‐M.
Published: January 2006

Aim.  This paper reports a study to assess stress, well‐being and supportive resources experienced by mothers and fathers of children with rare disabilities, and how these variables were affected by an intensive family competence intervention.

Background.  Despite diagnosis‐specific studies, little overall knowledge exists about life‐consequences for families of children with rare disorders.

Method.  We used a prospective design with baseline data and two follow‐ups (at 6 and 12 months) after an intervention. The intervention aimed at empowering parents in managing their child's disability. Parents from all parts of Sweden visiting a national centre for families of children with rare disabilities were consecutively selected (n = 136 mothers, 108 fathers). Instruments of parental stress, social support, self‐rated health, optimism and life satisfaction and perceived physical or psychological strain were used. Stratified analyses were carried out for mothers and fathers, and related to parental demands: single mothers, full‐time employment, participation in a parent association, child's age and type of disability.

Results.  We found high parental stress, physical and emotional strain among mothers, especially among single mothers. Fathers showed high stress related to incompetence, which decreased after the intervention. Decreased strain was found among full‐time working mothers and fathers after the intervention. Parents’ perceived knowledge and active coping and mothers’ perceived social support were increased at follow‐up. Factors related to parents’ overall life satisfaction (57–70% explained variance) changed after the intervention, from being more related to internal demands (perceived strain, incompetence and social isolation) to other conditions, such as problems related to spouse, paid work and social network.

Conclusion.  Parents, especially fathers and full‐time working parents, may benefit from an intensive family competence programme.
Readjustment 5 months after a first‐time myocardial infarction: reorienting the active self
Authors: Brink Eva , Karlson Bjorn W. , Hallberg Lillemor R.‐M.
Published: January 2006

Aim.  This paper reports on an interview study exploring the self‐regulation process in women and men, 5 months after a first‐time myocardial infarction.

Background.  Somatic, psychological and social factors affect readjustment after a first‐time myocardial infarction, and studies have demonstrated substantial rates of depression in patients after myocardial infarction Women report poorer mental health and physical condition than do men. Reconstruction of the self begins when disease poses novel problems and is more likely to occur in cases of long‐lasting and disruptive illnesses. Experiencing myocardial infarction is likely to alter a person's mental representation of self. However, the self‐regulation process following first‐time myocardial infarction is not yet fully understood.

Method.  Twenty‐one people (11 women, 10 men) were interviewed 5 months after first‐time myocardial infarction. The grounded theory method provided the strategies for data collection and analysis.

Findings.  Interviewees’ definition of themselves as active was threatened by fatigue and other health problems that kept them from taking part in activities as they had done before the heart attack. Although reorienting the active self was central to the process of recovery from myocardial infarction, reorienting was restricted by illness perception and coping.

Conclusion.  Participants had not established a stable health condition 5 months after first‐time myocardial infarction. They mainly preferred to moderate rather than radically change their daily life activities. They needed more knowledge and support. Nurses can help with information and advice on managing daily life activities, including dialogue about lifestyle changes at this phase of readjustment.
Development of an evidence‐based practice questionnaire for nurses
Authors: Upton Dominic , Upton Penelope
Published: January 2006

Aim.  The aim of this paper is to report the development and validation of a self‐report measure of knowledge, practice and attitudes towards evidence‐based practice (EBP).

Background.  Evidence‐based practice has become increasingly important in health care since the mid‐1990s as it provides a framework for clinical problem‐solving. However, to date no means exist to quantify the extent to which barriers, such as lack of time in the working day, lack of appropriate skills and negative attitudes, may prevent greater uptake of EBP.

Methods.  Questionnaire development was based on established psychometric methods. Principal component factor analysis was used to uncover the underlying dimensions of the scale. Internal consistency of the scale was assessed by Cronbach's α. Finally, construct validity was assessed via convergent and discriminant validity.

Results.  The final questionnaire comprised three distinct scales (EBP, attitudes towards EBP and knowledge of EBP), which had robust validity and internal reliability.

Conclusion.  This tool can be used to measure the implementation of EBP.
Understanding paradigms used for nursing research
Authors: Weaver Kathryn , Olson Joanne K.
Published: January 2006

Aims.  The aims of this paper are to add clarity to the discussion about paradigms for nursing research and to consider integrative strategies for the development of nursing knowledge.

Background.  Paradigms are sets of beliefs and practices, shared by communities of researchers, which regulate inquiry within disciplines. The various paradigms are characterized by ontological, epistemological and methodological differences in their approaches to conceptualizing and conducting research, and in their contribution towards disciplinary knowledge construction. Researchers may consider these differences so vast that one paradigm is incommensurable with another. Alternatively, researchers may ignore these differences and either unknowingly combine paradigms inappropriately or neglect to conduct needed research. To accomplish the task of developing nursing knowledge for use in practice, there is a need for a critical, integrated understanding of the paradigms used for nursing inquiry.

Methods.  We describe the evolution and influence of positivist, postpositivist, interpretive and critical theory research paradigms. Using integrative review, we compare and contrast the paradigms in terms of their philosophical underpinnings and scientific contribution.

Findings.  A pragmatic approach to theory development through synthesis of cumulative knowledge relevant to nursing practice is suggested. This requires that inquiry start with assessment of existing knowledge from disparate studies to identify key substantive content and gaps. Knowledge development in under‐researched areas could be accomplished through integrative strategies that preserve theoretical integrity and strengthen research approaches associated with various philosophical perspectives. These strategies may include parallel studies within the same substantive domain using different paradigms; theoretical triangulation to combine findings from paradigmatically diverse studies; integrative reviews; and mixed method studies.

Conclusion.  Nurse scholars are urged to consider the benefits and limitations of inquiry within each paradigm, and the theoretical needs of the discipline.
Communication skills and cultural awareness courses for healthcare professionals who care for patients with sickle cell disease
Authors: Thomas Veronica J. , Cohn Tom
Published: January 2006

Aims.  This paper reports a project evaluating the efficacy and impact of a pilot communication skills and cultural awareness course for healthcare professionals who care for patients with sickle cell disease.

Background.  Poor communication between patients with sickle cell disease and healthcare professionals causes suspicion and mistrust. Many patients feel that they are negatively labelled by the healthcare system and are sceptical of opening themselves to an unsympathetic system. They may therefore appear hostile and aggressive when interacting with healthcare professionals, which in turn leads to distortions and misunderstandings between both groups. The use of good communication skills by healthcare professionals is therefore vital for good healthcare practice.

Methods.  Forty‐seven healthcare professionals took part in a series of three pilot courses each lasting 3 days. Healthcare professionals were taught a repertoire of communication skills and cultural awareness strategies to use in challenging situations that arise in their care of sickle cell patients. Expert facilitators used a variety of teaching techniques, such as professionally‐made videos, role‐play, and group exercises. Participants’ confidence in dealing with challenging situations was assessed at baseline, immediately after the intervention, and at 3‐ and 6‐month postintervention.

Findings.  A repeated measures anova revealed a statistically significant increase in confidence from pre‐ to postcourse scores. Confidence scores further increased from immediately postcourse and 3 months postcourse follow‐up. These were then maintained at 6 months postcourse.

Conclusion.  The overall findings of this local study demonstrated that this type of communication skills and cultural awareness training had a positive and enduring impact on professionals’ perceived ability and confidence in communicating with patients with sickle cell disease. Participants attributed this to the learner‐centred approach of the course that provided them with the opportunity to transfer and apply the taught skills in their daily practice. This type of training might be helpful in reducing mistrust and increasing empathetic responses in healthcare professional.
Evaluation of a cultural competence educational programme
Authors: Brathwaite Angela Cooper , Majumdar Basanti
Published: January 2006

Aim.  This paper reports a study, which evaluated the effectiveness of a cultural competence educational programme to increase Public Health Nurses’ cultural knowledge.

Background.  Cultural competence has great significance for practising nurses and has become a priority and commitment of the Nursing profession. Public Health Nurses interact regularly with clients from a variety of culturally diverse backgrounds. Thus, there is a need for an integrated programme with theoretical and experiential knowledge related to cultural competence for PHNs to enhance their knowledge and skills to better meet the needs of the population.

Design.  This study used a combination of quantitative and qualitative methods for data collection. A one‐group Repeated Measures design was used to evaluate the effectiveness of the educational programme.

Method.  The sample consisted of 76 Public Health Nurses who attended a cultural competence educational programme, which was offered over five consecutive weeks, of 2 hours duration and reinforced by a booster session at 1 month postimplementation of the programme. Cultural knowledge was measured on the Cultural Knowledge Scale, which was a valid, reliable, 25‐item Likert scale. Data were collected at four points in time and were analysed with repeated measures analysis of variance. Qualitative data were content analysed.

Results.  Findings revealed that the intervention was effective [Wilks’ Lambda was F(3,69) = 142·02, P < 0·01] in increasing the nurses’ cultural knowledge. Qualitative results complemented the quantitative findings. Participants reported that the programme was effective in increasing their cultural knowledge.

Conclusion.  Although Public Health Nurses, who attended the educational programme increased their cultural knowledge, these findings are not generalizable to nurses working in other settings. However, the programme has clinical utility and could be adapted and given to nurses in other settings.
Eating together is important: using a dining room in an acute elderly medical ward increases energy intake
Authors: Wright L. , Hickson M. , Frost G.
Published: January 2006

Aim  To investigate the effect of eating in a supervised dining room, on nutritional intake and weight, for elderly patients on an acute medicine for the elderly ward.

Method  Patients on the intervention ward were encouraged to attend a dining room every lunchtime by a trained nursing assistant as part of the rehabilitation process. The patients on the control ward ate only by their bedside. Food intake and weight data were collected over the study period on each patient.

Results  Forty‐eight patients participated in the study. At the lunchtime meal studied the dining room group had higher intakes of energy compared with the controls [489 kcal (95% CI: 438–554) versus 360 kcal (95% CI: 289–448), P < 0.013]. There was no difference in protein intake between the groups [18.9 g (95% CI: 16.6–21.2) versus 17.7 g (95% CI: 13.2–22.2), P = 0.63]. No significant difference in weight gain between the two groups was seen (P = 0.6). However, there was a trend towards weight gain in the dining room group.

Conclusion  Food intake can be improved by using a supervised dining room, and this will potentially lead to weight gain and corresponding improvements in nutritional status and rehabilitation.
Frequency of under‐ and overfeeding in mechanically ventilated ICU patients: causes and possible consequences
Authors: Reid C.
Published: January 2006

Introduction  In critically ill patients enteral nutrition (EN) is frequently associated with underfeeding and intolerance, whilst parenteral nutrition (PN) has been associated with a greater risk of infectious complications and overfeeding.

Materials and methods  The adequacy of nutritional support provided to critically ill patients was prospectively recorded and compared with estimated requirements. The incidence of, and practices contributing to, under‐ (<80% of energy requirements) and overfeeding (>110% of energy requirements) were identified.

Results  Overall patients received approximately 81% and 76% of prescribed energy and protein intakes respectively. Underfeeding occurred on 50.3% of days. Reasons for patients failing to achieve adequate intakes included, fasting for airway management procedures (21%) and gastrointestinal intolerance (14%). Overfeeding, although less common (18.6% of days), was more likely to occur in patients with a tracheostomy requiring prolonged mechanical ventilation (>16 days). The combination of oral and nasogastric feeding or use of nutrient‐dense feeds were most frequently associated with overfeeding.

Discussion  The overall adequacy of nutritional intakes in the present study was similar to those reported elsewhere. However, the incidence of overfeeding was greater than anticipated and occurred in patients already experiencing delayed weaning from mechanical ventilation.
An audit of diabetes control, dietary management and quality of life in adults with type 1 diabetes mellitus, and a comparison with nondiabetic subjects
Authors: Tahbaz F. , Kreis I. , Calvert D.
Published: January 2006

Objectives  The study's objective was to audit current diet and disease management in a community‐based sample of people with type 1 diabetes.

Methods  The study involved adults with type 1 diabetes and control subjects. Reported amounts of dietary intake were collected. Indices of diabetes control were determined by standard methods. Quality of life of both groups was assessed with appropriate measures. Results were compared between two groups.

Results  Mean HbA1c concentration was 8.5% (SD 2.21%) for women with diabetes and 8.6% (SD 1.91%) for men. There was no significant difference between the diabetic and control subjects in self‐reported energy intake and macronutrient intake, with the exception that the contribution of saturated fatty acid to energy intake was higher in male controls than in male diabetics.

There was no association between dietary intakes and glycemic control in diabetic subjects. Anthropometric measurements, blood pressure and plasma lipids in patients were within normal range and not significantly different from the controls. Plasma fibrinogen concentration was higher in patients. Diabetic subjects did not have a diminished quality of life.

Conclusions  Dietary management in these patients was generally focused on controlling carbohydrate intake. Most had suboptimal diabetes control.
Identification of nutritionally adequate mixtures of vegetable oils by linear programming
Authors: Darmon N. , Darmon M. , Ferguson E.
Published: January 2006

Objective  To determine the types and proportions of vegetable oils to recommend for a healthy diet.

Methods  Optimal vegetable oil combinations were designed, using linear programming and, as decision variables, nine single oils and 29 basic food items. ‘Oil models’ were run to determine whether reasonable amounts of individuals oils or oil mixtures satisfied a set of constraints on essential fatty acids and vitamin E. ‘Meal models’ were run to test whether selected mixtures could be used as the sole source of added fat in a meal that met micronutrient and macronutrient recommendations.

Results  The cheapest mixture (0.97 € L−1) that solved the oil models contained 81% rapeseed and 19% sunflower oils. About 10–15 g of this mixture, alone or with olive, soya bean, wheat germ or walnut oils, also solved the meal models. Mixtures that contained a high proportion (≥50%) of the tasty olive and walnut oils also solved the models but were more expensive (4.9 € L−1 and 8.5 € L−1, respectively).

Conclusions  The consumption of a mixture composed of rapeseed and sunflower oils in a 4 : 1 proportion is an inexpensive and simple way to meet current dietary recommendations for essential fatty acids and vitamin E, favouring overall dietary nutrient adequacy.
Efficacy and efficiency of gastric electrical stimulation with short pulses in the treatment of vasopressin‐induced emetic responses in dogs
Authors: Song G. , Hou X. , Yang B. , Sun Y. , Liu J. , Qian W. , Chen J. D. Z.
Published: January 2006

Abstract  The aim of this study was to determine the most effective and efficient anti‐emetic parameters of short‐pulse gastric electrical stimulation (GES) in dogs. Seven female beagle dogs implanted with four pairs of gastric electrodes were studied in eight randomized sessions (saline, vasopressin, and six GES sessions with different parameters). Each session consisted of four 20‐min recordings of gastric slow waves and symptoms. In sessions 1 and 2, saline and vasopressin, respectively, were infused during the second 20‐min period. The protocol of the other six sessions was the same as session 2 except that GES was continuously applied. It was found that: (1) vasopressin induced gastric dysrhythmia and emetic response (P < 0.01, anova); (2) short‐pulse GES with a frequency of 14 or 40 Hz and pulse width of 0.1 or 0.3 ms, but not 0.6 ms was able to reduce symptoms induced by vasopressin; (3) short‐pulse GES with a pulse width of 0.3 ms was the most effective in preventing vasopressin‐induced symptoms; (4) none of the tested GES methods improved vasopressin‐induced gastric dysrhythmia. We conclude that vasopressin induces gastric dysrhythmia and symptoms. Short‐pulse GES with a pulse width of 0.3 ms and frequency of 14 Hz is most effective and efficient in preventing vasopressin‐induced emetic responses in dogs.
Distinct and overlapping roles of two gibberellin 3‐oxidases in Arabidopsis development
Authors: Mitchum Melissa G. , Yamaguchi Shinjiro , Hanada Atsushi , Kuwahara Ayuko , Yoshioka Yasushi , Kato Tomohiko , Tabata Satoshi , Kamiya Yuji , Sun Tai‐ping
Published: January 2006

Gibberellin (GA) 3‐oxidase, a class of 2‐oxoglutarate‐dependent dioxygenases, catalyzes the conversion of precursor GAs to their bioactive forms, thereby playing a direct role in determining the levels of bioactive GAs in plants. Gibberellin 3‐oxidase in Arabidopsis is encoded by a multigene family consisting of at least four members, designated AtGA3ox1 to AtGA3ox4. It has yet to be investigated how each AtGA3ox gene contributes to optimizing bioactive GA levels during growth and development. Using quantitative real‐time PCR analysis, we have shown that each AtGA3ox gene exhibits a unique organ‐specific expression pattern, suggesting distinct developmental roles played by individual AtGA3ox members. To investigate the sites of synthesis of bioactive GA in plants, we generated transgenic Arabidopsis that carried AtGA3ox1–GUS and AtGA3ox2–GUS fusions. Comparisons of the GUS staining patterns of these plants with that of AtCPS–GUS from previous studies revealed the possible physical separation of the early and late stages of the GA pathway in roots. Phenotypic characterization and quantitative analysis of the endogenous GA content of ga3ox1 and ga3ox2 single and ga3ox1/ga3ox2 double mutants revealed distinct as well as overlapping roles of AtGA3ox1 and AtGA3ox2 in Arabidopsis development. Our results show that AtGA3ox1 and AtGA3ox2 are responsible for the synthesis of bioactive GAs during vegetative growth, but that they are dispensable for reproductive development. The stage‐specific severe GA‐deficient phenotypes of the ga3ox1/ga3ox2 mutant suggest that AtGA3ox3 and AtGA3ox4 are tightly regulated by developmental cues; AtGA3ox3 and AtGA3ox4 are not upregulated to compensate for GA deficiency during vegetative growth of the double mutant.
The 3′ untranslated region of a soybean cytosolic glutamine synthetase (GS1) affects transcript stability and protein accumulation in transgenic alfalfa
Authors: Ortega Jose L. , Moguel‐Esponda Salvador , Potenza Carol , Conklin Cristina F. , Quintana Anita , Sengupta‐Gopalan Champa
Published: January 2006

Higher plants assimilate nitrogen in the form of ammonia through the concerted activity of glutamine synthetase (GS) and glutamate synthase (GOGAT). The GS enzyme is either located in the cytoplasm (GS1) or in the chloroplast (GS2). Glutamine synthetase 1 is regulated in different plants at the transcriptional level and there are some reports of regulation at the level of protein stability. Here we present data that clearly establish that GS1 in plants is also regulated at the level of transcript turnover and at the translational level. Using a Glycine max (soybean) GS1 transgene, with and without its 3′ untranslated region (UTR), driven by the constitutive CaMV 35S promoter in Medicago sativa (alfalfa) and Nicotiana tabacum (tobacco), we show that the 3′ UTR plays a major role in both transcript turnover and translation repression in both the leaves and the nodules. Our data suggest that the 3′ UTR mediated turnover of the transcript is regulated by a nitrogen metabolite or carbon/nitrogen ratios. We also show that the 3′ UTR of the gene for the soybean GS1 confers post‐transcriptional regulation on a reporter gene. Our dissection of post‐transcriptional and translational levels of regulation of GS in plants shows that the situation in plants strongly resembles that in other organisms where GS is regulated at almost all levels. Multistep regulation of GS shows the high priority given by organisms to regulating and ensuring optimal control of nitrogen substrates and preventing overproduction of glutamine and drainage of the glutamate pool.
Molecular cloning and characterization of Arabidopsis thaliana Golgi α‐mannosidase II, a key enzyme in the formation of complex N‐glycans in plants
Authors: Strasser Richard , Schoberer Jennifer , Jin Chunsheng , Glössl Josef , Mach Lukas , Steinkellner Herta
Published: January 2006

N‐glycosylation is one of the major post‐translational modifications of proteins in eukaryotes; however, the processing reactions of oligomannosidic N‐glycan precursors leading to hybrid‐type and finally complex‐type N‐glycans are not fully understood in plants. To investigate the role of Golgi α‐mannosidase II (GMII) in the formation of complex N‐glycans in plants, we identified a putative GMII from Arabidopsis thaliana (AtGMII; EC 3.2.1.114) and characterized the enzyme at a molecular level. The putative AtGMII cDNA was cloned, and its deduced amino acid sequence revealed a typical type II membrane protein of 1173 amino acids. A soluble recombinant form of the enzyme produced in insect cells was capable of processing different physiologically relevant hybrid N‐glycans. Furthermore, a detailed N‐glycan analysis of two AtGMII knockout mutants revealed the predominant presence of unprocessed hybrid N‐glycans. These results provide evidence that AtGMII plays a central role in the formation of complex N‐glycans in plants. Furthermore, conclusive evidence was obtained that alternative routes in the conversion of hybrid N‐glycans to complex N‐glycans exist in plants. Transient expression of N‐terminal AtGMII fragments fused to a GFP reporter molecule demonstrated that the transmembrane domain and 10 amino acids from the cytoplasmic tail are sufficient to retain a reporter molecule in the Golgi apparatus and that lumenal sequences are not involved in the retention mechanism. A GFP fusion construct containing only the transmembrane domain was predominantly retained in the ER, a result that indicates the presence of a motif promoting ER export within the last 10 amino acids of the cytoplasmic tail of AtGMII.
Aggregation Behavior in Wildtype and Transgenic Zebrafish
Authors: Snekser Jennifer L. , McRobert Scott P. , Murphy Caleb E. , Clotfelter Ethan D.
Published: January 2006

Recent advances in the development and availability of genetically modified animals enable researchers to examine the effects of phenotypic characters on social behavior. In fish, shoaling behavior is known to be influenced by characteristics such as body coloration, striping pattern, body shape, and size. GloFishTMare genetically engineered zebrafish (Danio rerio) that express red fluorescent protein (RFP), resulting in on overall red coloration under the dark longitudinal stripes. The GloFish pattern is distinct from the light body coloration underlying the dark longitudinal stripes seen in wildtype zebrafish. We presented wildtype and transgenic RFP zebrafish with same‐sex shoals of both strains of fish in dichotomous choice tests. No preference for either of the shoals was shown, however, both strains showed significant preferences for swimming near shoals vs. swimming near an empty tank compartment. When presented with opposite‐sex individuals of both strains, no preference was shown by either sex of either strain. Thus, the red body coloration of transgenic zebrafish does not appear to affect choice of social partner, in either a shoaling or a potentially reproductive context.
Effect of a Dummy Audience on Male–Male Interactions in Siamese Fighting Fish, Betta splendens
Authors: Dzieweczynski Teresa L. , Bessler Amanda M. , Shelton Delia S. , Rowland William J.
Published: January 2006

Recent research on Siamese fighting fish, Betta splendens, and other taxa has demonstrated that an audience can cause males to alter their behavior in aggressive interactions. One factor not taken into account in these studies is how exactly the audience influences these interactions. It is possible that a live audience may interact with the subjects, creating an active communication network rather than a signaler–receiver dyad with a passive audience. Here, we used a dummy audience to control for information exchange between the audience and the interactants that might cause them to modify their behavior. Audience treatments included dummies of male and female B. splendens, a dummy cichlid, and a control condition with no audience present. The presence of a dummy audience did not influence male–male interactions. However, males spent the most time near the audience tank when the audience was a dummy of a B. splendens. This suggests that some factor other than the physical presence of the audience is responsible for the modification of behavior found in previous audience effect studies in Siamese fighting fish. However, we cannot rule out definitively that our dummy audience is viewed as unimportant by the opponents and, thus, ignored. Further research is necessary to determine which component of the audience is important for producing audience effects.
Male House Finches with Elaborate Songs have Higher Reproductive Performance
Authors: Mennill Daniel J. , Badyaev Alexander V. , Jonart Leslie M. , Hill Geoffrey E.
Published: January 2006

The elaborate songs of male animals are thought to function in either territory defense (male–male communication) or mate attraction (male–female communication). In non‐territorial animals, male vocalizations are expected to function primarily in mate attraction, yet the reproductive consequences of male vocalizations in non‐territorial animals are poorly described. Here we explore the relationship between male song and male reproductive performance in a free‐living population of house finches, Carpodacus mexicanus, a non‐migratory, non‐territorial songbird. Based on recordings of 20 males, we analyzed three song features (song length, number of unique syllables per song, and song rate) and compared male song with two measures of within‐pair reproductive performance (nest initiation date and clutch size) and one measure of extra‐pair reproductive performance (whether males sired extra‐pair young). We demonstrate a positive association between male song and within‐pair reproductive performance; males that sang long songs initiated their first clutch significantly earlier and males that sang songs at a faster rate had larger clutches. Despite the fact that only one of our recorded males sired extra‐pair young in the nest of another male, this male's songs were the most elaborate for two of three song features measured, anecdotally suggesting that male song may play a role in both within‐pair and extra‐pair partner choice. These results suggest that male song is a sexually selected trait in non‐territorial house finches.
Nest Green Plants as a Male Status Signal and Courtship Display in the Spotless Starling
Authors: Veiga José P. , Polo Vicente , Viñuela Javier
Published: January 2006

The use of green nest plants by birds has received much attention in recent years. Although many hypotheses have been put forward to explain the functional significance of this trait, three of them,the courtship hypothesis,the nest protection hypothesisandthe drug hypothesis, have particularly captured the interest of researchers. In this paper we demonstrate that in the spotless starling,Sturnus unicolor(1) most of the green plants were carried to nests during the 10 d that preceded the start of egg laying, (2) males that controlled a greater number of nest boxes, so that they mated with more females, also carried a larger amount of green material to each of their nests, (3) males carried larger amounts of green plants in second than in first clutches, and (4) monogamous males did not exhibit this last tendency when they mated with inexperienced females. Thus, plants seem to exert a function during the female fertile period but not during incubation or nestling stages. The amount of green plants added by a male may be seen as a honest signal of attractiveness and status. We suggest that males uses green plants to stimulate females to breed in it so that they carry more plants in second clutches, when females might be more reluctant to breed. This strategy was apparently constrained in monogamous males mated with inexperienced females probably because parental duties, rarely recorded in polygynous males, limits the time available to carry plants to nests. We also discuss to what extent other hypotheses may further explain the evolution of green plants carrying in starlings.
Effects of different photoperiods and wavelengths of light on the life‐history traits of an aphidophagous ladybird, Coelophora saucia (Mulsant)
Authors: Omkar  , Pathak S.
Published: January 2006

Abstract:  The influence of three photoperiods, viz. short day [8 : 16 h; light : dark (L : D)], long day (16 : 8 h; L : D) and continuous light (24 : 0 h; L : D) and four wavelengths of light, viz. white (control), yellow, blue and red on pre‐imaginal development and reproductive performance of a ladybird, Coelophora (=Lemnia) saucia (Mulsant) (Col., Coccinellidae) have been investigated under laboratory conditions. Long‐day photoperiod and white light resulted in low immature stage mortality. Total larval period was longest under short‐day and red‐light conditions. Females kept at long‐day photoperiod and under white light showed better reproductive performance than those placed under other photoperiods and wavelengths.
Response of multiple generations of cotton bollworm Helicoverpa armigera Hübner, feeding on spring wheat, to elevated CO2
Authors: Wu G. , Chen F.‐J. , Ge F.
Published: January 2006

Abstract:  The growth, development and consumption of three successive generations of cotton bollworm, Helicoverpa armigera (Hübner), reared on milky grains of spring wheat grown under elevated CO2 (double‐ambient vs. ambient) in open‐top chambers (OTCs) were examined. Decreases in protein, total amino acid, water and nitrogen content, and increases in total non‐structure carbohydrates (TNCs) and ratio of TNC : nitrogen were found in wheat milky grains grown under elevated CO2 conditions. Changes in quality of wheat grains affected the growth, development and food utilization of H. armigera. Significantly longer larval lifespan for the third generation and lower pupal weight for all generations were observed in cotton bollworm fed on milky grains of spring wheat grown under elevated CO2 conditions. Bollworm fecundity was significantly decreased for the second and third generations under elevated CO2 levels. The consumption, frass per larva and relative consumption rate significantly increased in elevated CO2 compared with ambient CO2 conditions. However, the potential population consumption was significant reduced by elevated CO2 in the second and third generations. The results of this study indicate that elevated CO2 levels adversely affect grain quality, resulting in consistently increased consumption per larva for a longer period to produce less fecund bollworm through generations, suggesting that net damage of cotton bollworm on wheat will be less under elevated atmospheric CO2 levels because increased consumption is offset by slower development and reduced fecundity.
Effect of nitrogen fertilization of corn on the development, survivorship, fecundity and body weight of Peregrinus maidis (Hom., Delphacidae)
Authors: Wang J.‐J. , Tsai J. H. , Broschat T. K.
Published: January 2006

Abstract:  Corn plants, Zea mays L. cv. Saccharata ‘Guardian’ fertilized with low (100 mg N/l), medium (300 mg N/l) and high (500 mg N/l) nitrogen doses at three times per week were used to study the effect of foliar nitrogen on the development, survivorship, reproduction, intrinsic rate of increase and adult body weight of Peregrinus maidis (Ashmead), a serious pest and the vector of maize stripe tenuvirus and maize mosaic rhabdovirus in tropical and subtropical areas. The results showed that the higher nitrogen treatments resulted in the higher nitrogen concentrations in the plants. The insects that developed on corn plants receiving more nitrogen had a significantly shorter development time and higher immature survival rate and laid significantly more eggs. Plants with higher nitrogen concentration also resulted in significantly greater adult mass. Heavier body weight is advantageous because heavier adult females have greater daily oviposition rates than lighter ones. These life history parameters as well as population intrinsic rate of increase were positively correlated with the nitrogen levels in the treated plants. The differences of adult longevity and preoviposition period among different nitrogen treatments were also significant; however, no significant correlation was found between the nitrogen fertilization rate and adult longevity, as well as preoviposition period.
Nocturnal enuresis and overactive bladder in children: An epidemiological study
Authors: KAJIWARA MITSURU , INOUE KATSUMI , KATO MASAO , USUI AKIHIRO , KURIHARA MAKOTO , USUI TSUGURU
Published: January 2006

Aims:  To investigate the prevalence and characteristics of nocturnal enuresis (NE) and to examine the prevalence of overactive bladder (OAB) symptoms in primary schoolchildren.

Methods:  After conducting an anonymous questionnaire survey about voiding habits and bowel habits in primary schoolchildren, a total of 6917 schoolchildren belonging to 11 primary schools were randomly enrolled in the survey. According to the International Continence Society, we defined NE as any involuntary loss of urine during sleep, occurring more frequently than once per month. Children with NE were subdivided into two groups, monosymptomatic NE (MNE) and enuretic syndrome (ES). To evaluate the characteristic differences of MNE and ES, we assessed the relationships between NE and voiding habits, and episodes of cystitis and constipation. Overactive bladder was defined as increased daytime frequency and/or urge urinary incontinence, and its prevalence was investigated.

Results:  The response rate to the questionnaire was 76.4%. The prevalence of NE was 5.9% and was inversely related to increasing age. Monosymptomatic NE comprised 59.4% of NE cases. The annual spontaneous resolution rate of MNE was higher than that of ES. Increased daytime frequency, a history of cystitis and infrequent bowel habits were not related to MNE, but were significantly related to ES. The prevalence of OAB was 17.8%. Children with a history of cystitis had a significantly higher rate of OAB than children without it.

Conclusions:  Overall, NE and OAB were detected in 5.9% and 17.8% of primary schoolchildren, respectively. The link between NE and OAB symptoms, urinary tract infections and constipation deserves more attention.