bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Identification and characterization of two novel primate-specific histone H3 variants, H3.X and H3.Y
Authors: Wiedemann Sonja M. , Mildner Silke N. , Bönisch Clemens , Israel Lars , Maiser Andreas , Matheisl Sarah , Straub Tobias , Merkl Rainer , Leonhardt Heinrich , Kremmer Elisabeth , Schermelleh Lothar , Hake Sandra B.
Published: September 2010

Nucleosomal incorporation of specialized histone variants is an important mechanism to generate different functional chromatin states. Here, we describe the identification and characterization of two novel primate-specific histone H3 variants, H3.X and H3.Y. Their messenger RNAs are found in certain human cell lines, in addition to several normal and malignant human tissues. In keeping with their primate specificity, H3.X and H3.Y are detected in different brain regions. Transgenic H3.X and H3.Y proteins are stably incorporated into chromatin in a similar fashion to the known H3 variants. Importantly, we demonstrate biochemically and by mass spectrometry that endogenous H3.Y protein exists in vivo, and that stress stimuli, such as starvation and cellular density, increase the abundance of H3.Y-expressing cells. Global transcriptome analysis revealed that knockdown of H3.Y affects cell growth and leads to changes in the expression of many genes involved in cell cycle control. Thus, H3.Y is a novel histone variant involved in the regulation of cellular responses to outside stimuli.
The spatial variability of vehicle densities as determinant of urban network capacity
Authors: Mazloumian Amin , Geroliminis Nikolas , Helbing Dirk
Published: September 2010

Due to the complexity of the traffic flow dynamics in urban road networks, most quantitative descriptions of city traffic so far have been based on computer simulations. This contribution pursues a macroscopic (fluid-dynamic) simulation approach, which facilitates a simple simulation of congestion spreading in cities. First, we show that a quantization of the macroscopic turning flows into units of single vehicles is necessary to obtain realistic fluctuations in the traffic variables, and how this can be implemented in a fluid-dynamic model. Then, we propose a new method to simulate destination flows without the requirement of individual route assignments. Combining both methods allows us to study a variety of different simulation scenarios. These reveal fundamental relationships between the average flow, the average density and the
variability
of the vehicle densities. Considering the inhomogeneity of traffic as an independent variable can eliminate the scattering of congested flow measurements. The variability also turns out to be a key variable of urban traffic performance. Our results can be explained through the number of full links of the road network, and approximated by a simple analytical formula.
Stability of car following with human memory effects and automatic headway compensation
Authors: Sipahi Rifat , Niculescu Silviu-Iulian
Published: September 2010

This paper addresses the study of some appropriate control strategies in order to guarantee the exponential stability of a class of deterministic microscopic car-following models including human drivers’ memory effects and automated headway controllers. More precisely, the delayed action/decision of human drivers is represented using distributed delays with a gap and the considered automated controller is of proportional derivative type. The analysis is performed in both delay parameter and controller gain parameter spaces, and appropriate algorithms are proposed. Surprisingly, large delays and/or gains improve stability for the corresponding closed-loop schemes. Finally, some illustrative examples as well as various interpretations of the results complete the presentation.
Influence of spring and autumn phenological transitions on forest ecosystem productivity
Authors: Richardson Andrew D. , Andy Black T. , Ciais Philippe , Delbart Nicolas , Friedl Mark A. , Gobron Nadine , Hollinger David Y. , Kutsch Werner L. , Longdoz Bernard , Luyssaert Sebastiaan , Migliavacca Mirco , Montagnani Leonardo , William Munger J. , Moors Eddy , Piao Shilong , Rebmann Corinna , Reichstein Markus , Saigusa Nobuko , Tomelleri Enrico , Vargas Rodrigo , Varlagin Andrej
Published: September 2010

We use eddy covariance measurements of net ecosystem productivity (NEP) from 21 FLUXNET sites (153 site-years of data) to investigate relationships between phenology and productivity (in terms of both NEP and gross ecosystem photosynthesis, GEP) in temperate and boreal forests. Results are used to evaluate the plausibility of four different conceptual models. Phenological indicators were derived from the eddy covariance time series, and from remote sensing and models. We examine spatial patterns (across sites) and temporal patterns (across years); an important conclusion is that it is likely that neither of these accurately represents how productivity will respond to future phenological shifts resulting from ongoing climate change. In spring and autumn, increased GEP resulting from an ‘extra’ day tends to be offset by concurrent, but smaller, increases in ecosystem respiration, and thus the effect on NEP is still positive. Spring productivity anomalies appear to have carry-over effects that translate to productivity anomalies in the following autumn, but it is not clear that these result directly from phenological anomalies. Finally, the productivity of evergreen needleleaf forests is less sensitive to phenology than is productivity of deciduous broadleaf forests. This has implications for how climate change may drive shifts in competition within mixed-species stands.
The importance of phylogeny to the study of phenological response to global climate change
Authors: Davis Charles C. , Willis Charles G. , Primack Richard B. , Miller-Rushing Abraham J.
Published: September 2010

Climate change has resulted in major changes in the phenology—i.e. the timing of seasonal activities, such as flowering and bird migration—of some species but not others. These differential responses have been shown to result in ecological mismatches that can have negative fitness consequences. However, the ways in which climate change has shaped changes in biodiversity within and across communities are not well understood. Here, we build on our previous results that established a link between plant species' phenological response to climate change and a phylogenetic bias in species' decline in the eastern United States. We extend a similar approach to plant and bird communities in the United States and the UK that further demonstrates that climate change has differentially impacted species based on their phylogenetic relatedness and shared phenological responses. In plants, phenological responses to climate change are often shared among closely related species (i.e. clades), even between geographically disjunct communities. And in some cases, this has resulted in a phylogenetically biased pattern of non-native species success. In birds, the pattern of decline is phylogenetically biased but is not solely explained by phenological response, which suggests that other traits may better explain this pattern. These results illustrate the ways in which phylogenetic thinking can aid in making generalizations of practical importance and enhance efforts to predict species' responses to future climate change.
Why does phenology drive species distribution?
Authors: Chuine Isabelle
Published: September 2010

Despite the numerous studies which have been conducted during the past decade on species ranges and their relationship to the environment, our understanding of how environmental conditions shape species distribution is still far from complete. Yet, some process-based species distribution models have been able to simulate plants and insects distribution at a global scale. These models strongly rely on the completion of the annual cycle of the species and therefore on their accomplished phenology. In particular, they have shown that the northern limit of species' ranges appears to be caused mainly by the inability to undergo full fruit maturation, while the southern limit appears to be caused by the inability to flower or unfold leaves owing to a lack of chilling temperatures that are necessary to break bud dormancy. I discuss here why phenology is a key adaptive trait in shaping species distribution using mostly examples from plant species, which have been the most documented. After discussing how phenology is involved in fitness and why it is an adaptive trait susceptible to evolve quickly in changing climate conditions, I describe how phenology is related to fitness in species distribution process-based models and discuss the fate of species under climate change scenarios using model projections and experimental or field studies from the literature.
The effects of phenological mismatches on demography
Authors: Miller-Rushing Abraham J. , Høye Toke Thomas , Inouye David W. , Post Eric
Published: September 2010

Climate change is altering the phenology of species across the world, but what are the consequences of these phenological changes for the demography and population dynamics of species? Time-sensitive relationships, such as migration, breeding and predation, may be disrupted or altered, which may in turn alter the rates of reproduction and survival, leading some populations to decline and others to increase in abundance. However, finding evidence for disrupted relationships, or lack thereof, and their demographic effects, is difficult because the necessary detailed observational data are rare. Moreover, we do not know how sensitive species will generally be to phenological mismatches when they occur. Existing long-term studies provide preliminary data for analysing the phenology and demography of species in several locations. In many instances, though, observational protocols may need to be optimized to characterize timing-based multi-trophic interactions. As a basis for future research, we outline some of the key questions and approaches to improving our understanding of the relationships among phenology, demography and climate in a multi-trophic context. There are many challenges associated with this line of research, not the least of which is the need for detailed, long-term data on many organisms in a single system. However, we identify key questions that can be addressed with data that already exist and propose approaches that could guide future research.
Liver fat in obesity: role of type 2 diabetes mellitus and adipose tissue distribution
Authors: Bozzetto Lutgarda , Prinster Anna , Mancini Marcello , Giacco Rosalba , De Natale Claudia , Salvatore Marco , Riccardi Gabriele , Rivellese Angela A. , Annuzzi Giovanni
Published: September 2010

Eur J Clin Invest 2010; 41 (1): 39–44

Background  Fatty liver is commonly associated with insulin‐resistant conditions, often related to increased abdominal visceral fat. Our objective was to elucidate the specific roles of obesity, type 2 diabetes mellitus, insulin‐resistance and abdominal fat distribution.

Materials and methods  The study population comprised 13 diabetic obese (DO), 10 nondiabetic obese (NDO), and nine normal‐weight control (C) men aged 28–65 years, with normal plasma triglyceride levels. DO were in good glycaemic control (HbA1c = 6·8 ± 0·8%) (M ± SD) with diet (n = 8) or diet + metformin (n = 5). Liver fat content was measured by 1H‐magnetic resonance spectroscopy, abdominal fat distribution by magnetic resonance imaging and insulin sensitivity by hyperinsulinaemic euglycaemic clamp.

Results  DO and NDO subjects had similar whole‐body insulin resistance, BMI and waist circumference, higher than those of C subjects (P < 0·001). DO had more liver fat (11·9 ± 7·0%) than NDO (5·2 ± 2·8%, P < 0·05) and C (1·6 ± 1·0%, P < 0·001). Abdominal fat was greater in DO and NDO than in C (visceral: DO 3184 ± 843, NDO 2843 ± 1378 vs. C 1212 ± 587 cm3, P < 0·001; subcutaneous: DO 4029 ± 362, NDO 5197 ± 1398 vs. C 2312 ± 626 cm3, P < 0·001), visceral fat being not significantly different between the two obese groups, and subcutaneous fat significantly less in DO than in NDO (P < 0·05).

Conclusions  Type 2 diabetes is associated with increased fat accumulation in the liver, independent of obesity and whole‐body insulin resistance. The increased liver fat in DO patients may be part of an altered regional fat distribution that includes an inadequate subcutaneous fat storing capacity, rather than simply being a consequence of increased abdominal visceral content.
Purvalanol A, a CDK inhibitor, effectively suppresses Src‐mediated transformation by inhibiting both CDKs and c‐Src
Authors: Hikita Tomoya , Oneyama Chitose , Okada Masato
Published: September 2010

The nonreceptor tyrosine kinase c‐Src is frequently over‐expressed or hyperactivated in various human cancers and contributes to cancer progression in cooperation with up‐regulated growth factor receptors. However, Src‐selective anticancer drugs are still in clinical trials. To identify more effective inhibitors of c‐Src‐mediated cancer progression, we developed a new screening platform using Csk‐deficient cells that can be transformed by c‐Src. We found that purvalanol A, developed as a CDK inhibitor, potently suppressed the anchorage‐independent growth of c‐Src‐transformed cells, indicating that the activation of CDKs contributes to the c‐Src transformation. We also found that purvalanol A suppressed the c‐Src activity as effectively as the Src‐selective inhibitor PP2, and that it reverted the transformed morphology to a nearly normal shape with less cytotoxicity than PP2. Purvalanol A induced a strong G2‐M arrest, whereas PP2 weakly acted on the G1‐S transition. Furthermore, when compared with PP2, purvalanol A more effectively suppressed the growth of human colon cancer HT29 and SW480 cells, in which Src family kinases and CDKs are activated. These findings demonstrate that the coordinated inhibition of cell cycle progression and tyrosine kinase signaling by the multi‐selective purvalanol A is effective in suppressing cancer progression associated with c‐Src up‐regulation.
Up‐regulation of PSF1 promotes the growth of breast cancer cells
Authors: Nakahara Izumi , Miyamoto Mamiko , Shibata Tatsuhiro , Akashi‐Tanaka Sadako , Kinoshita Takayuki , Mogushi Kaoru , Oda Kohtaro , Ueno Masaya , Takakura Nobuyuki , Mizushima Hiroshi , Tanaka Hiroshi , Ohta Tsutomu
Published: September 2010

PSF1 is a subunit of the GINS complex that functions along with the MCM2‐7 complex and Cdc45 in eukaryotic DNA replication. Although mammalian PSF1 is predominantly expressed in highly proliferating cells and organs, little is known about the roles of PSF1 in mature cells or cancer cells. We found that PSF1 was expressed at relatively high levels in breast tumor cells, but at low levels in normal breast cells. Knockdown of PSF1 expression using small interfering RNA (siRNA) slowed the growth of breast cancer cell lines by delaying DNA replication but did not affect proliferation of normal human mammary epithelial cells. Reduced PSF1 expression also inhibited anchorage‐independent growth in breast cancer cell lines. These results suggest that PSF1 over‐expression is specifically involved in breast cancer cell growth. Therefore, PSF1 inhibition might provide new therapeutic approaches for breast cancer.
Loss of circadian rhythm and light‐induced suppression of pineal melatonin levels in Cry1 and Cry2 double‐deficient mice
Authors: Yamanaka Yujiro , Suzuki Yohko , Todo Takeshi , Honma Ken‐ichi , Honma Sato
Published: September 2010

Cryptochrome 1 and 2 (Cry1 and Cry2) are considered essential for generating circadian rhythms in mammals. The role of Cry1 and Cry2 in circadian rhythm expression and acute light‐induced suppression of pineal melatonin was assessed using Cry1 and Cry2 double‐deficient mice (Cry1−/−/Cry2−/−) developed from the C3H strain that synthesizes melatonin. We examined the circadian variation of pineal melatonin under a 12:12‐h light–dark (LD) cycle and constant darkness (DD). Light suppression of pineal melatonin concentration was analyzed by subjecting a 30‐min light pulse at the peak phase of melatonin concentration. Wild‐type mice showed significant rhythmicity in pineal melatonin concentration with the highest level at Zeitgeber time 22 (ZT22, where time of light on was defined as ZT0) under LD or ZT18 on the first day of DD. In contrast, Cry1−/−/Cry2−/− mice did not show significant circadian rhythmicity, with only a small peak observed at ZT22 in LD. Nevertheless, a significant daily variation could be observed under DD, with a small increase at ZT6 and ZT18 h. Melatonin concentration was significantly suppressed by acute light pulse at ZT22 in wild‐type mice but not in Cry1−/−/Cry2−/− mice. The present results suggest that Cry genes are required for regulating pineal melatonin synthesis via circadian and photic signals from the suprachiasmatic nucleus of the hypothalamus (SCN).
ERK1 and ERK2 are required for radial glial maintenance and cortical lamination
Authors: Imamura Osamu , Pagès Gilles , Pouysségur Jacques , Endo Shogo , Takishima Kunio
Published: September 2010

ERK1/2 is involved in a variety of cellular processes during development, but the functions of these isoforms in brain development remain to be determined. Here, we generated double knockout (DKO) mice to study the individual and combined roles of ERK1 and ERK2 during cortical development. Mice deficient in Erk2, and more dramatically in the DKOs, displayed proliferation defects in late radial glial progenitors within the ventricular zone, and a severe disruption of lamination in the cerebral cortex. Immunohistochemical analyses revealed that late‐generated cortical neurons were misplaced and failed to migrate the upper cortical layers in DKO mice. Moreover, these mice displayed fewer radial glial fibers, which provide architectural guides for radially migrating neurons. These results suggest that extracellular signal‐regulated kinase signaling is essential for the expansion of the radial glial population and for the maintenance of radial glial scaffolding. Tangential migration of interneurons and oligodendrocytes from the ganglionic eminences (GE) to the dorsal cortex was more severely impaired in DKO mice than in mice deficient for Erk2 alone, because of reduced progenitor proliferation in the GE of the ventral telencephalon. These data demonstrate functional overlaps between ERK1 and ERK2 and indicate that extracellular signal‐regulated kinase signaling plays a crucial role in cortical development.
Transcription factors BmPOUM2 and BmβFTZ‐F1 are involved in regulation of the expression of the wing cuticle protein gene BmWCP4 in the silkworm, Bombyx mori
Authors: Deng H. , Zheng S. , Yang X. , Liu L. , Feng Q.
Published: September 2010

In Bombyx mori, the wing cuticle protein gene BmWCP4 is expressed specifically in the epidermis at the onset and mid‐stage of pupation and is responsible for the formation of the pupal cuticle during the larval–pupal metamorphosis. The gene consists of four exons and three introns and is present as a single copy in the genome. Its expression was up‐regulated by 20‐hydroxyecdysone (20E) and the 20E‐induced expression was suppressed by juvenile hormone (JH) III. The upstream regulatory sequence region of the BmWCP4 gene was cloned and the regulatory elements responsible for 20E induction were identified. Two cis‐regulatory elements (CREs) bound by the transcription factors BmPOUM2 and BmβFTZ‐F1 were identified that mediated 20E‐regulated expression of this gene. An electrophoretic mobility shift assay detected two nuclear proteins isolated from the epidermis and the BmN cell line that specifically bound to the POU and βFTZ‐F1 CREs, respectively. BmPOUM2 recombinant protein explicitly bound to the POU CRE. Developmental and 20E‐induced expression of the BmWCP4, BmPOUM2 and BmβFTZ‐F1 genes showed that BmPOUM2 and BmβFTZ‐F1 were initially expressed, followed by BmWCP4. These data suggest that the 20E‐induced expression of BmWCP4 is mediated by the transcription factors BmPOUM2 and BmβFTZ‐F1 binding to their CREs in the regulatory sequence region of the BmWCP4 gene.
Radiculomegaly of permanent canines: report of endodontic treatment in OFCD syndrome
Authors: Maden M. , Savgat A. , Görgül G.
Published: September 2010

Maden M, Savgat A, Görgül G. Radiculomegaly of permanent canines: report of endodontic treatment in OFCD syndrome. International Endodontic Journal.

Aim  To present a case describing the endodontic treatment of a permanent canine with radiculomegaly and to draw the attention of the endodontic community to this rare anomaly.

Summary  Oculo‐facio‐cardio‐dental (OFCD) syndrome is a rare X‐linked dominant syndrome characterized by canine teeth with extremely large roots (radiculomegaly), dental abnormalities, congenital cataracts, dysmorphic facial features and congenital heart disease. The diagnosis of this syndrome is difficult. Unique and specific symptoms, which can be diagnosed by an endodontist or a general dentist, are present in the dental, skeletal, ocular and cardiac structures. Worldwide, only 20 cases of this syndrome have been reported to date. The patient presented in this study was a 17‐years‐old girl with a mandibular right canine (47.5 mm) tooth with two canals.

Key learning points 

Clinicians should be aware of anatomical variations in cases with OFCD syndrome.

Root canal treatment in such cases is challenging.

In general, the majority of mandibular canines have one root and root canal, but 15% may have two canals, and a smaller number may have two distinct roots.
Treatment and orthodontic movement of a root‐fractured maxillary central incisor with an immature apex: 10‐year follow‐up
Authors: Mendoza A. , Solano E. , Segura‐Egea J. J.
Published: September 2010

Mendoza A, Solano E, Segura‐Egea JJ. Treatment and orthodontic movement of a root‐fractured maxillary central incisor with an immature apex: 10‐year follow‐up. International Endodontic Journal.

Aim  To report a maxillary central incisor tooth with a horizontal root fracture and incomplete root development that healed and was then moved orthodontically some years after the traumatic injury.

Summary  A 7‐year‐old girl attended following trauma to the maxillary anterior region. Radiologic examination revealed a horizontal root fracture in the middle third of the maxillary right central incisor tooth that had an immature apex. After early treatment, the fractured tooth healed and pulpal health was retained. Recall examination after 2 years revealed complete root development. Orthodontic treatment was performed to correct an angle type I malocclusion. Clinical and radiologic controls were performed over 10 years and confirmed both pulpal and periodontal health.

Key learning point 

Orthodontic movements of teeth with previously fractured roots might be possible without adverse pulpal effects.
Limb‐bone histology of temnospondyls: implications for understanding the diversification of palaeoecologies and patterns of locomotion of Permo‐Triassic tetrapods
Authors: SANCHEZ S. , GERMAIN D. , DE RICQLÈS A. , ABOURACHID A. , GOUSSARD F. , TAFFOREAU P.
Published: September 2010

The locomotion of early tetrapods has long been a subject of great interest in the evolutionary history of vertebrates. However, we still do not have a precise understanding of the evolutionary radiation of their locomotory strategies. We present here the first palaeohistological study based on theoretical biomechanical considerations among a highly diversified group of early tetrapods, the temnospondyls. Based on the quantification of microanatomical and histological parameters in the humerus and femur of nine genera, this multivariate analysis provides new insights concerning the adaptations of temnospondyls to their palaeoenvironments during the Early Permian, and clearly after the Permo‐Triassic crisis. This study therefore presents a methodology that, if based on a bigger sample, could contribute towards a characterization of the behaviour of species during great evolutionary events.
Temporal variation in glucocorticoid levels during the resting phase is associated in opposite way with maternal and paternal melanic coloration
Authors: ROULIN A. , ALMASI B. , JENNI L.
Published: September 2010

Sex‐dependent selection can help maintain sexual dimorphism. When the magnitude of selection exerted on a heritable sex trait differs between the sexes, it may prevent each sex to reach its phenotypic optimum. As a consequence, the benefit of expressing a sex trait to a given value may differ between males and females favouring sex‐specific adaptations associated with different values of a sex trait. The level of metabolites regulated by genes that are under sex‐dependent selection may therefore covary with the degree of ornamentation differently in the two sexes. We investigated this prediction in the barn owl, a species in which females display on average larger black spots on the plumage than males, a heritable ornament. This melanin‐based colour trait is strongly selected in females and weakly counter‐selected in males indicating sex‐dependent selection. In nestling barn owls, we found that daily variation in baseline corticosterone levels, a key hormone that mediates life history trade‐offs, covaries with spot diameter displayed by their biological parents. When their mother displayed larger spots, nestlings had lower corticosterone levels in the morning and higher levels in the evening, whereas the opposite pattern was found with the size of paternal spots. Our study suggests a link between daily regulation of glucocorticoids and sex‐dependent selection exerted on sexually dimorphic melanin‐based ornaments.
Much more than a ratio: multivariate selection on female bodies
Authors: BROOKS R. , SHELLY J. P. , FAN J. , ZHAI L. , CHAU D. K. P.
Published: September 2010

Studies of the attractiveness of female bodies have focussed strongly on the waist, hips and bust, but sexual selection operates on whole phenotypes rather than the relative proportions of just two or three body parts. Here, we use body scanners to extract computer‐generated images of 96 Chinese women’s bodies with all traits unrelated to body shape removed. We first show that Chinese and Australian men and women rate the attractiveness of these bodies the same. We then statistically explore the roles of age, body weight and a range of length and girth measures on ratings of attractiveness. Last, we use nonlinear selection analysis, a statistical approach developed by evolutionary biologists to explore the interacting effects of suites of traits on fitness, to study how body traits interact to determine attractiveness. Established proxies of adiposity and reproductive value, including age, body mass index and waist‐to‐hip ratio, were all correlated with attractiveness. Nonlinear response surface methods using the original traits consistently outperform all of these indices and ratios, suggesting that indices of youth and abdominal adiposity tell only part of the story of body attractiveness. In particular, our findings draw attention to the importance of integration between abdominal measures, including the bust, and the length and girth of limbs. Our results provide the most comprehensive analysis to date of the effect of body shape and fat deposition on female attractiveness.
Genetic load, inbreeding depression and heterosis in an age‐structured metapopulation
Authors: ZHOU SHURONG , ZHOU CUICUI , PANNELL JOHN R.
Published: September 2010

In a metapopulation, the process of recurrent local extinction and recolonization gives rise to an age structure among demes. Recently established demes will tend to differ from older demes in terms of the levels of genetic diversity found within them and the way this diversity is distributed among demes in the same and different ages. The effects of population turnover on average levels of genetic diversity among demes in a metapopulation have been the focus of much attention, both for neutral and nonneutral loci, but much less is known about the distribution of nonneutral genetic diversity among demes of different ages. In this paper, we used computer simulations to study the distribution of genetic load, inbreeding depression and heterosis in an age‐structured metapopulation. We found that, for mildly deleterious mutations, within‐deme inbreeding depression increased, whereas heterosis and genetic load decreased with deme age following severe colonization bottlenecks. In contrast, recessive lethal alleles tended to be purged during colonization, with older populations showing higher genetic load and higher within‐deme inbreeding depression. Heterosis caused by recessive lethal alleles and resulting from gene flow among different demes tended to be greatest for young demes, because the mutations responsible tended to be purged in the first few generations after colonization, but its effects increased again as populations grow older as a result of immigration. Our results point to a need for estimates of genetic diversity, genetic load, within‐deme inbreeding depression and heterosis in demes of different age classes separately.
Effects of inbreeding on aversive learning in Drosophila
Authors: NEPOUX V. , HAAG C. R. , KAWECKI T. J.
Published: September 2010

Inbreeding adversely affects life history traits as well as various other fitness‐related traits, but its effect on cognitive traits remains largely unexplored, despite their importance to fitness of many animals under natural conditions. We studied the effects of inbreeding on aversive learning (avoidance of an odour previously associated with mechanical shock) in multiple inbred lines of Drosophila melanogaster derived from a natural population through up to 12 generations of sib mating. Whereas the strongly inbred lines after 12 generations of inbreeding (0.75 < F < 0.93) consistently showed reduced egg‐to‐adult viability (on average by 28%), the reduction in learning performance varied among assays (average = 18% reduction), being most pronounced for intermediate conditioning intensity. Furthermore, moderately inbred lines (F = 0.38) showed no detectable decline in learning performance, but still had reduced egg‐to‐adult viability, which indicates that overall inbreeding effects on learning are mild. Learning performance varied among strongly inbred lines, indicating the presence of segregating variance for learning in the base population. However, the learning performance of some inbred lines matched that of outbred flies, supporting the dominance rather than the overdominance model of inbreeding depression for this trait. Across the inbred lines, learning performance was positively correlated with the egg‐to‐adult viability. This positive genetic correlation contradicts a trade‐off observed in previous selection experiments and suggests that much of the genetic variation for learning is owing to pleiotropic effects of genes affecting functions related to survival. These results suggest that genetic variation that affects learning specifically (rather than pleiotropically through general physiological condition) is either low or mostly due to alleles with additive (semi‐dominant) effects.
Acclimation of thermal physiology in natural populations ofDrosophila melanogaster : a test of an optimality model
Authors: COOPER B. S. , CZARNOLESKI M. , ANGILLETTA M. J.
Published: September 2010

Many organisms modify their physiological functions by acclimating to changes in their environment. Recent studies of thermal physiology have been influenced by verbal models that fail to consider the selective advantage of acclimation and thus make no predictions about variation in acclimation capacity. We used a quantitative model of optimal plasticity to generate predictions about the capacity ofDrosophila melanogasterto acclimate to developmental temperature. This model predicts that the ability to acclimate thermal sensitivity should evolve when temperature varies greatly among generations. Based on the model, we expected that flies from the highly seasonal environment of New Jersey would acclimate thermal sensitivity more than would flies from the less seasonal environment of Florida. When raised at constant and fluctuating temperatures, flies from these populations failed to adjust their thermal optima in the way predicted by the model, suggesting that current assumptions about functional and genetic constraints should be reconsidered.
Strategic Ejaculation in the Black Scavenger Fly Sepsis cynipsea Revisited: Copula Duration as a Function of Sperm Depletion and Body Size
Authors: Teuschl Yvonne , Reim Constanze , Meister Barbara , Egger Jacqueline , Blanckenhorn Wolf U.
Published: September 2010

The massive numbers of sperm males transfer during a single mating are physiologically costly and the amount of sperm that can be stored is limited. Therefore, males can perform only a finite number of successive copulations without loss of fertility, and males should allocate sperm prudently. We investigated sperm availability and depletion in male black scavenger flies, Sepsis cynipsea (Diptera: Sepsidae), asking whether males adjust copula duration according to nutrition, their sperm stores, their own and their partner’s body size, as predicted by theory. We created a gradient of sperm limitation by restricting dung (their protein resource as adults) and subjecting males to a varying number of copulations. While male fertility did not depend on access to fresh dung (contrary to females), it did decline after three copulations, and more so when males were small. Larger females tended to lay more unfertilized eggs after copulating with previously mated males. However, copula duration was not influenced by a male’s number of previous copulations, and therefore apparently not by his current sperm stores. Nevertheless, copula duration varied with male size, with small males copulating longer, and with female size, as copulations lasted longer with larger females, suggesting that males are investing more sperm in larger, more fecund females. While male copula adjustments to their own nutrition and body size may be simple (proximate) physiological responses, responses to female size indicate more strategic and sophisticated sperm‐allocation strategies than previously thought.
A redescription and notes on biology ofCisseis fascigeraObenberger (Coleoptera: Buprestidae) on decliningEucalyptus wandooin south‐western Australia
Authors: Hooper Ryan J , Wills Allan , Shearer Bryan L , Sivasithamparam Krishnapillai
Published: September 2010

Cisseis fascigera(Coleoptera: Buprestidae), a wood‐boring insect implicated in the development of decline symptoms onEucalyptus wandoo(Myrtaceae) in south‐western Australia, is redescribed including observations on its biology onE. wandoo. Confusion surrounding generic placement was attributed to a subtle morphological divergence between sexes (termed pseudo‐dimorphism) in characters subject to historic, taxonomic controversy in Coroebini, Bedel (e.g. depression on the frontovertex) and current generic diagnostics were used to justify its placement inCisseisGory & Laporte. Holotype locality was not consistent with the radiation ofCisseisacross Australia and well‐established endemic habitats, suggesting a processing error or relict host in New Guinea.Cisseis fascigerawas distinguished from other Australian wood‐borers (e.g.Phoracanthaspp.) by a strongly selected oviposition site on twigs and longitudinally constructed galleries, implying a different attack strategy, requiring further study into a host‐stress relationship. The ability of larvae to complete a 1‐year life cycle may be influenced by factors limiting the entry into large branches prior to overwintering. High variability in larval size was recorded, suggesting ambient developmental constraints differed between host stands and/or an extended emergence period, as adult beetles were captured from November to February. Future work involving trapping large numbers of adult beetles and using gallery width as a proxy for larval instars would enable bionomic analysis and a better understanding of the biology of this important endemic buprestid.
The seasonal phenology of Bactrocera tryoni (Froggatt) (Diptera: Tephritidae) in Queensland
Authors: Muthuthantri Sakuntala , Maelzer Derek , Zalucki Myron P , Clarke Anthony R
Published: September 2010

Bactrocera tryoni is a polyphagous fruit fly, originally endemic to tropical and subtropical coastal eastern Australia, but now also widely distributed in temperate eastern Australia. In temperate parts of its range, B. tryoni populations show distinct seasonal peaks driven by changing seasonal climates, especially changing temperature. In contrast to temperate areas, the seasonal phenology of B. tryoni in subtropical and tropical parts of its range is poorly documented and the role of climate unknown. Using a large, historical (1940s and 1950s) fruit fly trapping dataset, we present the seasonal phenology of B. tryoni at nine sites across Queensland for multiple (two to seven) years per site. We correlate monthly trap data for each site with monthly weather averages (temperature, rainfall and relative humidity) to investigate climatic influences. We also correlate observed population data with predicted population data generated by an existing B. tryoni population model. Supporting predictions from climate driven models, B. tryoni did show year‐round breeding at most Queensland sites. However, contrary to predictions, there was a common pattern of a significant population decline in autumn and winter, followed by a rapid population increase in August and then one or more distinct peaks of abundance in spring and summer. Mean monthly fly abundance was significantly different across sites, but was not correlated with altitudinal, latitudinal or longitudinal gradients. There were very few significant correlations between monthly fly population size and weather variables (either for the corresponding month or for up to 3 months previously) for eight of the nine sites. For the southern site of Gatton fly population abundance was correlated with temperature. Results suggest that although climate factors may be influencing patterns of B. tryoni population abundance in southern subtropical Queensland, they are not explaining patterns of abundance in northern subtropical and tropical Queensland. In the discussion we focus on the role of other factors, particularly larval host plant availability, as likely drivers of B. tryoni abundance in tropical and subtropical parts of its range.
Biology and pest status of Uraba lugens Walker (Lepidoptera: Nolidae) in Australia and New Zealand
Authors: Berndt Lisa A , Allen Geoff R
Published: September 2010

Gumleaf skeletoniser, Uraba lugens (Lepidoptera: Nolidae), is a native Australian defoliator of many Eucalyptus and related species, and has recently established in New Zealand. Outbreaks of this species have caused significant damage to natural and commercially managed forests in Australia, and threaten plantations and amenity trees in New Zealand. With the arrival of this pest in New Zealand, research interest in U. lugens has increased. This stimulated this review and update, with previously unpublished data presented, on its taxonomy, biology, distribution, pest status and management. Host species and natural enemies are also listed, including previously unpublished records.
“That was Then, but This is Now”: Historical Perspectives on Intercountry Adoption and Domestic Child Adoption in Australian Public Policy
Authors: CUTHBERT DENISE , SPARK CERIDWEN , MURPHY KATE
Published: September 2010

This paper brings historical perspectives to bear on the ambivalent and contradictory position of adoption in Australian public policy. It examines the divergent histories of Australian domestic and intercountry adoption (ICA) since the mid‐1970s and the impact of these histories on adoption policy in Australia. It identifies tendencies in contemporary ICA to repeat elements of pre‐reform era domestic adoption. In particular, it is argued that the resistance of ICA to the move to openness in local adoption has been an unacknowledged driver of ICA for many Australian families. We offer corrective readings of the rise of ICA in relation to domestic adoption and conclude by offering alternatives for adoption policy which better align the two kinds of adoption, focusing on the needs of children, as distinct from the desires of adults.
Stacking, Stranding, and Pied‐Piping: A Proposal about Word Order
Authors: Jayaseelan K. A.
Published: September 2010

Abstract. It is assumed that verbal stems and their suffixal inflection come together by phrasal movement—specifically, remnant‐VP preposing. Remnant‐VP preposing is analyzed as two movements: the “evacuation” of a V’s complement out of the VP (termedstacking), and the “evacuated” VP’s movement to the (immediate) left of Inflection for V to pick up inflection. The VP movement can strand or pied‐pipe the stacked material, giving rise to VO or OV order. The fact that sequences of Vs in the head‐final order cannot be “interrupted” by scrambled material is shown to be a consequence of the stacking analysis. The position of Focus in VO and OV languages is also explained in this way. Stacking and VP preposing can be separated by merge of other elements than Inflection in some languages, although not in others. French allows such anticipatory stacking and English does not—giving rise to their seeming difference regarding “V raising.”
The Value of Imputation Tax Credits on Australian Hybrid Securities
Authors: FEUERHERDT CLINTON , GRAY STEPHEN , HALL JASON
Published: September 2010

Hybrid securities are becoming an increasingly important component of the capital structure of Australian firms. While displaying characteristics of both debt and equity, one principal equity attribute of hybrids is their ability to pay franked dividends. This enables resident domestic investors to claim corporate tax payments as a credit against personal tax obligations under Australia's dividend imputation tax system. This paper estimates a value for the ‘franking credits’ that attach to hybrid securities by examining stock price changes around ex‐dividend dates. We add to the literature that examines the ex‐day price changes of ordinary shares (OS) in that the hybrid securities we examine have high dividend yields and are relatively insensitive to market movements. Therefore the signal‐to‐noise ratio is much higher than for OS. Our analysis reveals that cum‐dividend day prices on hybrid securities do not include any value for franking credits. This result is consistent with the notion that the price‐setting investor in the Australian market is a foreign investor who places no value on franking credits.
Corporate Disclosures: Strategic Donation of Information*
Authors: SHIN JHINYOUNG , SINGH RAJDEEP
Published: September 2010

In this paper, we model a corporate insider's motivation of truthful pre‐trade disclosure of her private payoff‐relevant information. In a model in which disclosure has no efficiency gains like reduced cost of capital, no legal implications, and no signaling motivations, we show that a corporate insider may choose to disclose payoff‐relevant information as a means of maximizing her trading profits. This truthful disclosure is done pre‐trade and is beneficial to the corporate insider as it erodes the informational advantage of other traders with private information. This new rationale for public disclosure needs to be empirically tested by examining the trades of corporate insiders after, and not before, public disclosures.
Equity Options and Underlying Stocks' Behavior: Further Evidence from Japan*
Authors: LIU SHINHUA
Published: September 2010

In an incomplete market, introduction of options could affect the underlying stocks' market behavior. We further examine the various impacts of the advent of equity options, using a recent sample of equity options in Japan. We find that option listings in Japan lead to significant increases in price and volatility, relative to a control sample matched by probability of listing, despite that equity options were launched after the index options in Japan. We discuss the apparent differences in the price and volatility effects across the markets, and conclude that differences in regulatory environments might be responsible.
Implicit mechanistic role of the collagen, smooth muscle, and elastic tissue components in strengthening the air and blood capillaries of the avian lung
Authors: Maina John N. , Jimoh Sikiru A. , Hosie Margo
Published: September 2010

To identify the forces that may exist in the parabronchus of the avian lung and that which may explain the reported strengths of the terminal respiratory units, the air capillaries and the blood capillaries, the arrangement of the parabronchial collagen fibers (CF) of the lung of the domestic fowl, Gallus gallus variant domesticus was investigated by discriminatory staining, selective alkali digestion, and vascular casting followed by alkali digestion. On the luminal circumference, the atrial and the infundibular CF are directly connected to the smooth muscle fibers and the elastic tissue fibers. The CF in this part of the parabronchus form the internal column (the axial scaffold), whereas the CF in the interparabronchial septa and those associated with the walls of the interparabronchial blood vessels form the external, i.e. the peripheral, parabronchial CF scaffold. Thin CF penetrate the exchange tissue directly from the interparabronchial septa and indirectly by accompanying the intraparabronchial blood vessels. Forming a dense network that supports the air and blood capillaries, the CF weave through the exchange tissue. The exchange tissue, specifically the air and blood capillaries, is effectively suspended between CF pillars by an intricate system of thin CF, elastic and smooth muscle fibers. The CF course through the basement membranes of the walls of the blood and air capillaries. Based on the architecture of the smooth muscle fibers, the CF, the elastic muscle fibers, and structures like the interparabronchial septa and their associated blood vessels, it is envisaged that dynamic tensional, resistive, and compressive forces exist in the parabronchus, forming a tensegrity (tension integrity) system that gives the lung rigidity while strengthening the air and blood capillaries.
“Arapesh Warfare”: Reo Fortune's Veiled Critique of Margaret Mead's Sex and Temperament
Authors: Dobrin Lise M. , Bashkow Ira
Published: September 2010

ABSTRACT  In Sex and Temperament (1935), Margaret Mead depicted the Mountain Arapesh as a nurturing, peace‐loving people. But Mead's second husband and fieldwork partner, Reo Fortune, disagreed with this in a 1939 article, “Arapesh Warfare,” which presented evidence that before pacification Arapesh society countenanced warfare. Here we show that “Arapesh Warfare” also contains a submerged argument against Mead's personal integrity and ethnographic authority. Sex and Temperament had its own personal subtext, and Fortune responded to it by mobilizing rhetorical strategies drawn from an Arapesh framework of speaking. Our analysis provides insight into Fortune's position in an anthropological disagreement that has been seen primarily from Mead's perspective—when it has been seen at all. Fortune's peculiar approach also speaks to a limitation on reflexivity in anthropology: the illegitimacy of criticizing personal motives in cases of ethnographic dispute, although we know scholarly works are always suffused with their authors’ personal histories and perspectives.