bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Toward a synthetic understanding of the role of phenology in ecology and evolution
Authors: Forrest Jessica , Miller-Rushing Abraham J.
Published: September 2010

Phenology affects nearly all aspects of ecology and evolution. Virtually all biological phenomena—from individual physiology to interspecific relationships to global nutrient fluxes—have annual cycles and are influenced by the timing of abiotic events. Recent years have seen a surge of interest in this topic, as an increasing number of studies document phenological responses to climate change. Much recent research has addressed the genetic controls on phenology, modelling techniques and ecosystem-level and evolutionary consequences of phenological change. To date, however, these efforts have tended to proceed independently. Here, we bring together some of these disparate lines of inquiry to clarify vocabulary, facilitate comparisons among habitat types and promote the integration of ideas and methodologies across different disciplines and scales. We discuss the relationship between phenology and life history, the distinction between organismal- and population-level perspectives on phenology and the influence of phenology on evolutionary processes, communities and ecosystems. Future work should focus on linking ecological and physiological aspects of phenology, understanding the demographic effects of phenological change and explicitly accounting for seasonality and phenology in forecasts of ecological and evolutionary responses to climate change.
The Ubiquitin-Proteasome System Regulates the Accumulation ofTurnip yellow mosaic virusRNA-Dependent RNA Polymerase during Viral Infection
Authors: Camborde Laurent , Planchais Séverine , Tournier Vincent , Jakubiec Anna , Drugeon Gabrièle , Lacassagne Emmanuelle , Pflieger Stéphanie , Chenon Mélanie , Jupin Isabelle
Published: September 2010

Replication of positive-strand RNA viruses, the largest group of plant viruses, is initiated by viral RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp). Given its essential function in viral replication, understanding the regulation of RdRp is of great importance. Here, we show that Turnip yellow mosaic virus (TYMV) RdRp (termed 66K) is degraded by the proteasome at late time points during viral infection and that the accumulation level of 66K affects viral RNA replication in infected Arabidopsis thaliana cells. We mapped the cis-determinants responsible for 66K degradation within its N-terminal noncatalytic domain, but we conclude that 66K is not a natural N-end rule substrate. Instead, we show that a proposed PEST sequence within 66K functions as a transferable degradation motif. In addition, several Lys residues that constitute target sites for ubiquitylation were mapped; mutation of these Lys residues leads to stabilization of 66K. Altogether, these results demonstrate that TYMV RdRp is a target of the ubiquitin-proteasome system in plant cells and support the idea that proteasomal degradation may constitute yet another fundamental level of regulation of viral replication.
Heartburn and dyspepsia: the utility of symptom analysis
Authors: RUNE S. J.
Published: September 2010

Patients presenting with dyspepsia and heartburn are a heterogeneous group and a more precise identification of the cause of the symptoms is a prerequisite for a rational treatment. The patient's history is the basic diagnostic tool. Therefore it is important to evaluate the utility of symptoms as a predictor of any organic disease, like peptic ulcer, or as a predictor of a favourable symptomatic response to a specific drug treatment, such as omeprazole. When the history alone was used to discriminate between peptic ulcer and non‐ulcer dyspepsia half of the patients with endoscopically‐confirmed active ulcer were misdiagnosed as not having ulcers. Furthermore, in two‐thirds of the patients in whom a clinical diagnosis of peptic ulcer was made, this was not confirmed at endoscopy. Heartburn is recognized as a symptom of reflux oesophagitis, but most patients complaining of heartburn have no visible mucosal lesion at endoscopy. The predictive value of heartburn depends on its severity; one‐half of patients with severe heartburn, in fact, have oesophagitis. When symptoms of reflux oesophagitis are used in a scoring system, the diagnostic sensitivity is about 50% while the specificity is 34–85%, depending on the severity of symptoms. When a complete patient history is used as a predictor, the diagnostic value increases significantly. Patients with endoscopy‐negative dyspepsia and heartburn are a common problem and acid inhibitory drugs are widely used to manage the disease. The rationale for prescribing an acid inhibitor in this situation is the assumption that the symptoms are acid‐related, but this is only the case for a subgroup of these patients. Identification of those patients who have acid‐related symptoms is possible using omeprazole as a diagnostic tool, either in an open design or in a placebo‐controlled single‐subject trial. When heartburn is a predominant symptom, 50% of the patients respond to the acid inhibitory treatment, while this is the case for only one‐third of patients when heartburn is not the dominating symptom. It is important to identify symptoms that, when present, significantly reduce the likelihood of a specific diagnosis or condition. This is the case with the symptom of loose stools in patients with dyspepsia, where it reduces the likelihood of a symptomatic improvement during treatment with omeprazole. In conclusion, symptoms do not reliably predict the underlying disorder, whether this is an organic disease or endoscopy‐negative dyspepsia. Clusters of symptoms or the more global clinical judgement seem to have a higher discriminative value compared with a single symptom.
Importance of the psyche in heartburn and dyspepsia
Authors: DROSSMAN D. A.
Published: September 2010

There is a complex and incomplete relationship between symptoms and altered gastrointestinal physiology in patients with gastro‐oesophageal reflux disease or functional dyspepsia. In patients with reflux disease, symptoms are presumed to relate to the effects of exposure of the oesophageal mucosa to gastric acid and, generally, patients have increased symptoms when damage to the oesophageal mucosa (oesophagitis) occurs. However, it is also recognized that some patients with severe reflux, Barrett's oesophagus or stricture have little history of heartburn: conversely, there is a large group of patients who have acid sensitivity but no oesophagitis or abnormal levels of acid reflux. The relationship between symptoms and delayed gastric emptying is also variable. Clearly, the degree of physiological dysfunction manifested by altered motility (in terms of acid reflux or gastric dysmotility) is not sufficient to account for the symptoms experienced by these patients. One possible explanation for this incomplete association between symptoms and altered gastrointestinal physiology relates to evidence that there are varying degrees of mucosal and neural sensing of the physiological challenges of acid or gastric distension. The evidence for a modulatory role of psychosocial factors, via central nervous system‐enteric pathways, on symptoms of heartburn and dyspepsia is discussed. Preliminary data indicate that psychological treatments may be effective in reducing dyspeptic and psychological symptoms; further work is needed, however, to determine the degree to which these treatments affect gastrointestinal physiology.
Management of endoscopy‐negative reflux disease: progress with short‐term treatment
Authors: LAURITSEN K.
Published: September 2010

The efficacy of omeprazole in the treatment of endoscopy‐negative reflux disease has been examined in five recently completed, multicentre, double‐blind, randomized, parallel group studies. A total of 1959 patients with endoscopy‐negative reflux disease took part in these trials in which 20 mg omeprazole once daily (n = 722) was compared with placebo (n = 304) and/or 10 mg omeprazole once daily (n = 624), 150 mg ranitidine twice daily (n = 213), or 10 mg cisapride four times daily (n = 96). In all studies, the primary outcome measures were assessed after 4 weeks of treatment.

Absence of heartburn, defined as no episodes of heartburn during the fourth week of treatment, occurred in 14–29% of patients receiving placebo, 31% receiving cisapride, 35% receiving ranitidine, 31–60% receiving 10 mg omeprazole once daily, and 44–62% receiving 20 mg omeprazole once daily. Adequate control of heartburn, defined as only 1 day with episodes of mild heartburn during the seventh week of treatment, occurred in 24% of patients receiving placebo. 46% receiving cisapride, 46% receiving ranitidine, 49–60% receiving 10 mg omeprazole once daily, and 56–63% receiving 20 mg omeprazole once daily, on the basis of data from three of the studies. The differences between the two omeprazole doses and placebo, and between 20 mg omeprazole once daily, and either 10 mg omeprazole once daily, ranitidine or cisapride, were all statistically significant (P < 0.05). Diary cards for most patients who responded to omeprazole showed an absence of heartburn in the first week of treatment. Health‐related quality of life was measured at baseline and after 4 weeks of treatment, using validated questionnaires (i.e. the Psychological General Well‐Being Index and the Gastrointestinal Symptom Rating Scale). After 4 weeks of treatment, the general well‐being of patients taking 10 or 20 mg omeprazole once daily had improved significantly (P < 0.05) compared with those taking placebo.

In conclusion, 10 and 20 mg omeprazole once daily provides effective and rapid control of heartburn in patients with endoscopy‐negative reflux disease. Absence of heartburn and adequate control of heartburn occur significantly more frequently in patients treated with 20 mg omeprazole once daily, compared with patients treated with 10 mg omeprazole once daily, 150 mg ranitidine twice daily, or 10 mg cisapride four times daily. Omeprazole also restores health‐related quality of life, in terms of enhanced well‐being, to the level observed in a healthy population.
Review article: Pathophysiology of the intestinal mucosa in inflammatory bowel disease and arthritis: similarities and dissimilarities in clinical findings
Authors: ORCHARD T. , JEWELL Derek P.
Published: September 2010

Although apparently dissimilar in both structure and function, the gut and locomotor system are linked by a number of clinical syndromes in which both are involved. In inflammatory bowel disease, intestinal mucosal inflammation is the primary problem, but may be associated with both axial and peripheral arthropathies. In the seronegative spondyloarthropathies the primary problem is in the locomotor system, but intestinal abnormalities may also be present. In addition, non‐steroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs used in their treatment, may cause a distinct enteropathy which may be confused with the disease‐related intestinal abnormalities. The clinical, histological and genetic features of these conditions are examined in order to assess their relationship and the central role of the intestinal mucosa in their pathogenesis.
Review article: Role of the enteric microflora in the pathogenesis of intestinal inflammation and arthritis
Authors: SARTOR R. B.
Published: September 2010

Strong associations exist between intestinal inflammation and arthritis, ranging from infections with enteric pathogens to idiopathic inflammatory bowel disease. Increased exposure of the lamina propia and systemic circulation to enteric microflora and their products are a result of increased proliferation of the luminal bacteria, pathogenic invasion or enhanced mucosal permeability. Data suggest that anaerobic bacteria and other constituents of the normal luminal microbial flora induce and sustain chronic intestinal inflammation and arthritis. However, the normal host develops a tolerance to such bacteria and maintains homeostasis through a controlled inflammatory response and an almost impermeable mucosal barrier.
Cyclin‐dependent kinase promotes formation of the synaptonemal complex in yeast meiosis
Authors: Zhu Zhihui , Mori Saori , Oshiumi Hiroyuki , Matsuzaki Kenichiro , Shinohara Miki , Shinohara Akira
Published: September 2010

Cyclin‐dependent protein kinases (CDKs) are required for various cell cycle events both in mitosis and in meiosis. During the meiotic prophase of Saccharomyces cerevisiae, only one CDK, Cdc28, which forms a complex with B‐type cyclins, Clb5 or Clb6, promotes not only the onset of premeiotic DNA replication but also the formation of meiotic double‐strand breaks (DSBs). In this study, we showed that Cdc28 exhibits punctate staining on chromosomes during meiotic prophase I. Chromosomal localization of Cdc28, dependent on Clb5 and/or Clb6, is frequently observed in zygotene and pachytene, when formation of the synaptonemal complex (SC) occurs. Interestingly, the CDK localization is independent of DSB formation, but rather dependent on meiosis‐specific chromosome components such as Red1, Hop1 and a cohesin subunit Rec8. Compromised CDK activity in meiotic prophase leads to defective SC formation without affecting DSB formation. These results suggest that CDK‐dependent phosphorylation regulates meiotic chromosome morphogenesis.
Cutaneous‐mucosal allergic contact reaction due to topical corticosteroids
Authors: Garijo M. A. Gonzalo , González P. Bobadilla
Published: September 2010

We report the case of a 41‐year‐old nonatopic woman with a previous history of eczematous reaction due to hydrocortisone who suffered worsening of her perennial rhinitis in association with perinasal dematitis from the use of budesonide in nasal spray form, and stomatitis and pharyngitis due to budesonide in a bronchial inhaler. Patch tests with a series of 25 corticosteroids, some of them at different concentrations and in different vehicles, were positive to tixocortol pivalate, hydrocortisone, budesonide, prednisolone, hydrocortisone butyrate propionate, triamcinolone acetonide, and fluocinolone acetonide. For some of them, a 1 % solution in ethanol gave a positive reaction when a 20% mixture in petrolatum did not. Like other authors, we suggest that some multiple positives may represent sensitization to several steroids independently, true cross‐reactions, or both, and that ethanol is a better vehicle than petrolatum.
Evaluation of adverse cutaneous reactions to aminopenicillins with emphasis on those manifested by maculopapular rashes
Authors: Romano A. , di Fonso M. , Papa G. , Pietrantonio F. , Federico F. , Fabrizi G. , Venuti A.
Published: September 2010

We assessed 195 subjects with histories of adverse reactions to aminopenicillins, using 1) skin tests with penicilloyl polylysine (PPL), minor determinant mixture (MDM), benzylpenicillin (PG), amoxicillin, and ampicillin (read after 20 min and 48 h); 2) patch tests with PG, amoxicillin, and ampicillin; and 3) RAST for penicilloyls G and V. Oral challenges with ampicillin, amoxicillin, and penicillin V were administered to 34/60 patients reporting maculopapular reactions. Immediate hypersensitivity (IH), in most cases for both penicillin and aminopenicillins, was diagnosed (based on skin tests, RAST, or both) in 35 subjects who had suffered anaphylactic shock, or urticaria, angioedema, or both urticaria and angioedema. Thirty‐three of the 60 subjects reporting maculopapular reactions presented delayed intradermal and patch‐test positivity, indicating delayed hypersensitivity (DH), for ampicillin and amoxicillin, and three were also positive for PG. Diagnoses were confirmed with oral challenges in 18/33. The remaining 27/60 were negative in all allergologic tests, with oral‐challenge confirmation in 16. Our findings highlight the importance of the amino group in DH to aminopenicillins. Moreover, the mean time interval between the last reaction and our tests was significantly (P < 0.01) longer in DH subjects (54.96 months) than in those with IH (18.62 months), suggesting that the time of testing is less important in cases of DH.
Emergence of Oblong School Shape: Models and Empirical Data of Fish
Authors: Hemelrijk Charlotte K. , Hildenbrandt Hanno , Reinders José , Stamhuis Eize J.
Published: September 2010

The main benefit of the oblong shape of schools of fish is supposed to be the protection against predation. Models of self‐organised travelling groups have shown that this shape may arise as a side effect of the avoidance of collisions with group members. These models were developed for schools of fish in open water, whereas the oblong shape of schools of real fish has mostly been observed in schools in tanks. Therefore, it is not known how school shape in a tank originates neither in models nor in real fish. To find out what causes this shape, we use the combination of a theoretical and an empirical study. We test the predictions produced by our earlier models regarding the effect of school size on the school shape both in a model of self‐organised schooling in a tank and empirically. Empirically, we study the 3D positions of all individuals in the schools of 10–60 real mullets (Chelon labrosus). We calculate for each individual its distance to its nearest neighbour and its velocity and we measure per school its length and width. The relation between school shape and size in the model and in the real mullets supports our prediction and thus supports the hypothesis that school shape may be emergent from the avoidance of collisions during coordinated travelling.
In Ovo Olfactory Experience Influences Post‐hatch Feeding Behaviour in Young Chickens
Authors: Bertin Aline , Calandreau Ludovic , Arnould Cécile , Nowak Raymond , Levy Frederic , Noirot Virginie , Bouvarel Isabelle , Leterrier Christine
Published: September 2010

In several mammalian species, prenatal exposure to odours can elicit later positive consummatory behaviour in response to substrates bearing that odorant. In birds, the sense of smell has been considerably underestimated, and very little is known about the effects of early sensory experience on the regulation of feeding behaviour. We tested the hypothesis that the feeding behaviour of the domestic chicken could be regulated by olfactory learning during the embryonic life. To that end, chicken embryos were exposed to an olfactory stimulus (blend of essential oil of orange and nature identical vanillin) from embryonic day (ED) 12 to ED20, and chicks were tested between 4 and 9 d of age. In short‐term choice tests, at day 4 and 5, chickens previously exposed to a low concentration (LC) of the olfactory stimulus spent a higher proportion of time eating a familiar or an unfamiliar food bearing the olfactory stimulus compared to non‐exposed control chickens. Conversely, chickens previously exposed to a high concentration (HC) of the olfactory stimulus were found to avoid all foods bearing the olfactory stimulus. On a 24‐ h time scale at day 7–8, LC and HC birds, but not controls, ingest significantly less familiar food containing the olfactory stimulus. This result indicated a long‐term effect of the early olfactory experience on feeding preferences. We demonstrated that chickens can utilize information from their pre‐hatch chemosensory environment to guide their later feeding behaviour. A pre‐hatch effect of the intensity of odour signals in the regulation of feeding behaviour is reported here for the first time.
Incidence and Prevention of Early Parturition in Sows
Authors: Vanderhaeghe C , Dewulf J , Jourquin J , De Kruif A , Maes D
Published: September 2010

Contents

A retrospective study, based on 60 990 farrowing records from 35 commercial herds, was performed to determine the incidence of early parturition (<114d) and to investigate the relationship between early parturition and total number of piglets born, number of piglets born alive and percentage of stillborn piglets per litter. The mean gestation length was 115.4 ± 1.62d, and early parturition occurred in 10% of all farrowing records. Sows with early parturition had significantly more stillborn piglets and a larger litter size compared to sows with a normal gestation length (114–117d). Sows with a gestation length <114d were 1.2 times (95% CI: 1.19–1.21; p < 0.001) more likely to have an early parturition at the subsequent parity. A second study was performed in four herds (n = 329) to investigate the efficacy of altrenogest administration on 110–112d (T112) or 111–113d (T113) of gestation for preventing early parturition and to investigate the effect of this treatment on the reproductive performance of sows. The interval between the last altrenogest treatment and the onset of parturition was 3.3 ± 1.32 (T112) or 2.0 ± 0.89 (T113) days. The gestation length of sows of the altrenogest group (T112 + T113) (115.3 ± 1.23d) was significantly longer compared to gestation length of the non‐treated sows (114.7 ± 1.69d) (p < 0.01). Altrenogest treatment had no negative effect on the reproductive performances of the sows. In conclusion, the administration of altrenogest in late gestation is an effective and safe method to prevent early parturition and can counteract the reproductive losses because of premature farrowing, which may occur in a substantial part of the farrowing events.
Early Pregnancy Detection of Iraqi Riverine Buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) Using the BioPRYN Enzyme‐Linked Immunosorbent Assay for PSPB and the Progesterone Assay
Authors: Abdulkareem TA , Al‐Sharifi SAM , Ishak MA , Eidan SM , Alnimr MA , Passavant CW , Branen JR , Sasser RG
Published: September 2010

Contents

This study was undertaken to detect pregnancy in Iraqi riverine buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) using three different methods (rectal palpation, plasma progesterone concentration and detection of the presence of pregnancy‐specific protein B (PSPB) with the BioPRYN® enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) test. The aim of the study was to identify the most sensitive, early and accurate method for detecting pregnancy. Twenty‐two female riverine buffalo that were 6.0 ± 0.93 years old were used. Four blood samples per buffalo were taken via jugular venipuncture at days 22–24, 32–34, 42–44 and 58–61 post‐mating (PM) to measure the progesterone concentration (ng/ml) and to detect the presence of plasma PSPB. The rectal palpation method was employed to evaluate all buffalo on days 42–44 and 58–61 PM. The BioPRYN® test differed (p < 0.01) from the other tests with earlier accuracy for detecting pregnant and non‐pregnant buffalo. Eighty‐eight percent of pregnant and 76.9% of non‐pregnant buffalo were distinguished early (days 22–24 PM) using BioPRYN® and plasma PSPB‐ELISA level (2.09 ± 0.12 ng/ml) in relation to 66.7% and 53.9% detected using the progesterone assay at similar days (4.30 ± 0.40 ng/ml). In conclusion, these results described, for the first time, the early and accurate pregnancy detection of water riverine buffalo using BioPRYN® technology and provided the plasma levels of PSPB using an ELISA test. These findings will improve the reproductive and productive efficiency of Iraqi riverine buffalo by adapting the recent management and reproductive strategies in Iraq and in the world.
Deleterious Effects of Progestagen Treatment in VEGF Expression in Corpora Lutea of Pregnant Ewes
Authors: Letelier CA , Sanchez MA , Garcia‐Fernandez RA , Sanchez B , Garcia‐Palencia P , Gonzalez‐Bulnes A , Flores JM
Published: September 2010

Contents

The aim of the current study was to determine the possible effects of progestagen oestrous synchronization on vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) expression during sheep luteogenesis and the peri‐implantation period and the relationship with luteal function. At days 9, 11, 13, 15, 17 and 21 of pregnancy, the ovaries from 30 progestagen treated and 30 ewes cycling after cloprostenol injection were evaluated by ultrasonography and, thereafter, collected and processed for immunohistochemical evaluation of VEGF; blood samples were drawn for evaluating plasma progesterone. The progestagen‐treated group showed smaller corpora lutea than cloprostenol‐treated and lower progesterone secretion. The expression of VEGF in the luteal cells increased with time in the cloprostenol group, but not in the progestagen‐treated group, which even showed a decrease between days 11 and 13. In progestagen‐treated sheep, VEGF expression in granulosa‐derived parenchymal lobule capillaries was correlated with the size of the luteal tissue, larger corpora lutea had higher expression, and tended to have a higher progesterone secretion. In conclusion, the current study indicates the existence of deleterious effects from exogenous progestagen treatments on progesterone secretion from induced corpora lutea, which correlate with alterations in the expression of VEGF in the luteal tissue and, this, presumably in the processes of neoangiogenesis and luteogenesis.
The use of artificial neural networks in analysing the nutritional ecology ofChrysomya megacephala(F.) (Diptera: Calliphoridae), compared with a statistical model
Authors: Bianconi André , Von Zuben Cláudio J , De Souza Serapião Adriane B , Govone José S
Published: September 2010

Artificial neural networks (ANNs) have been widely applied to the resolution of complex biological problems. An important feature of neural models is that their implementation is not precluded by the theoretical distribution shape of the data used. Frequently, the performance of ANNs over linear or non‐linear regression‐based statistical methods is deemed to be significantly superior if suitable sample sizes are provided, especially in multidimensional and non‐linear processes. The current work was aimed at utilising three well‐known neural network methods in order to evaluate whether these models would be able to provide more accurate outcomes in relation to a conventional regression method in pupal weight predictions ofChrysomya megacephala, a species of blowfly (Diptera: Calliphoridae), using larval density (i.e. the initial number of larvae), amount of available food and pupal size as input data. It was possible to notice that the neural networks yielded more accurate performances in comparison with the statistical model (multiple regression). Assessing the three types of networks utilised (Multi‐layer Perceptron, Radial Basis Function and Generalised Regression Neural Network), no considerable differences between these models were detected. The superiority of these neural models over a classical statistical method represents an important fact, because more accurate models may clarify several intricate aspects concerning the nutritional ecology of blowflies.
New species of ant‐mimicking jumping spiders of the genus Myrmarachne MacLeay, 1839 (Araneae: Salticidae) from north Queensland, Australia
Authors: Ceccarelli F Sara
Published: September 2010

Based on taxonomic characters such as male and female genitalia and male chelicerae, four new species of Myrmarachne from Townsville, north Queensland are described. The proposed new species include: Myrmarachne rubra, Myrmarachne aurea, Myrmarachne gurgulla and Myrmarachne smaragdina. Information is also provided on the biology and ecology of these species and a comparison between the species is also presented, supported by data collected over 2.5 years.
Factors contributing to neonatal mortality rates in Macao: Evidence from 1957–2006 data
Authors: Chan Moon Fai , Van Iat K. , Ng Wai I.
Published: September 2010

The aim of this study was to examine the relationship between the neonatal mortality rate (NMR) and demographic changes, economic instability, and health resource availability in Macao. A retrospective design was used, where yearly data from Macao were collected for the period of 1957–2006. The NMR was the dependent variable and the demographic factors, socioeconomic status, and health resources were the three main explanatory variables. The results showed that higher unemployment rates, higher levels of educated women, and a greater supply of nurses are associated with a lower NMR. The results also indicated that socioeconomically disadvantaged groups are at a significantly higher risk of neonatal mortality. In contrast, increasing the number of nurses in health care significantly reduces the risk of neonatal mortality. Further international evidence suggested that greater efforts should be directed towards removing the barriers that impede access to health‐care services and increasing preventive care for disadvantaged populations, particularly during economic downturns.
Retention of mutualism in a geographically diverging interaction
Authors: Thompson John N. , Laine Anna‐Liisa , Thompson Jill F.
Published: September 2010

Ecology Letters (2010) 13: 1368–1377

A current challenge in coevolutionary biology is to understand how interactions between pairs of species change as they diversify into multispecific interactions. We tested whether the previously demonstrated pairwise mutualism between the widespread pollinating floral parasite Greya politella and its Lithophragma hostplants is ecologically enhanced or diminished in a region in which another Greya species, Greya obscura, uses the same host, Lithophragma cymbalaria. Field surveys and experimental trials showed that pollination efficacy by G. politella was more than an order of magnitude higher than by G. obscura, but G. politella abundance varied greatly between years. Greya obscura had a strongly positive effect on seed set in a year when G. politella densities were exceptionally low. Our results suggest that the coevolving mutualism between Greya and Lithophragma has potentially been enhanced rather than diminished as this interaction has diversified in the number of pollinating Greya species.
Virulence of an emerging pathogenic lineage of Vibrio nigripulchritudo is dependent on two plasmids
Authors: Le Roux Frédérique , Labreuche Yannick , Davis Brigid M. , Iqbal Naeem , Mangenot Sophie , Goarant Cyrille , Mazel Didier , Waldor Matthew K.
Published: September 2010

Vibrioses are the predominant bacterial infections in marine shrimp farms. Vibrio nigripulchritudo is an emerging pathogen of the cultured shrimp Litopenaeus stylirostris in New Caledonia and other regions in the Indo‐Pacific. The molecular determinants of V. nigripulchritudo pathogenicity are unknown; however, molecular epidemiological studies have revealed that recent pathogenic V. nigripulchritudo isolates from New Caledonia all cluster into a monophyletic clade and contain a small plasmid, pB1067. Here, we report that a large plasmid, pA1066 (247 kb), can also serve as a marker for virulent V. nigripulchritudo, and that an ancestral version of this plasmid was likely acquired prior to other virulence‐linked markers. Additionally, we demonstrate that pA1066 is critical for the full virulence of V. nigripulchritudo in several newly developed experimental models of infection. Plasmid pB1067 also contributes to virulence; only strains containing both plasmids induced the highest level of shrimp mortality. Thus, it appears that these plasmids, which are absent from non‐pathogenic isolates, may be driving forces, as well as markers, for the emergence of a pathogenic lineage of V. nigripulchritudo.
Putting the call out for more research: The poor evidence base for treating methamphetamine withdrawal
Authors: PENNAY AMY E. , LEE NICOLE K.
Published: September 2010

Issues. Treatment seeking for methamphetamine withdrawal is low in Australia. Insufficient knowledge regarding the withdrawal syndrome of methamphetamine and the appropriate management of these symptoms may be a contributing factor to the low treatment attendance.

Approach. A systematic review was performed using a range of electronic databases.

Key Findings. Common methamphetamine withdrawal symptoms include symptoms relating to depression, agitation, cognitive impairment and fatigue. These symptoms may last anywhere from a few days to a few months. Methamphetamine withdrawal is most commonly undertaken in an outpatient setting, and psychosocial interventions remain the primary treatment approach in Australia. Two withdrawal scales (Amphetamine Withdrawal Questionnaire and Amphetamine Cessation Symptom Assessment) have been validated for the assessment of methamphetamine withdrawal. Only a small number of medications for methamphetamine withdrawal have been investigated, and to date no medications stand out over the others.

Implications. Current recommendations for methamphetamine withdrawal tend to be based on clinical opinion and subsequently vary between settings. More research in the area is essential to ensure the development of more targeted, timely and effective withdrawal treatment interventions.

Conclusion. The review exposed a lack of well‐conducted research targeted towards the management of methamphetamine withdrawal. Further research is essential, and should focus on understanding the nature of methamphetamine withdrawal, its duration, course and effective treatment.[Pennay AE, Lee NK. Putting the call out for more research: The poor evidence base for treating methamphetamine withdrawal. Drug Alcohol Rev 2010]
How Management Accountants' Cognitive Style and Role Involvement Combine to Affect the Effort Devoted to Initiating Change
Authors: EMSLEY DAVID , CHUNG LAI HONG
Published: September 2010

This study examines how management accountants' cognitive style combines with their role involvement to affect not only the level of effort they devote to initiating change in their management accounting practices, but also how radical those changes are. While management accountants' cognitive style is likely to be an important indicator of the level of effort devoted to initiating change, the role they occupy in the organization (described in terms of role involvement) is also likely to be important as a means through which their efforts can be facilitated. The results from a survey of management accountants indicate that cognitive style had a positive but not significant direct effect on the level of effort management accountants devote to initiating change but, as hypothesized, there was a significant indirect effect via the mediating variable of role involvement. Moreover, this indirect relationship was more significant for radical changes than non‐radical changes.
Imperfect Ellipsis: Antecedents beyond Syntax?
Authors: Clifton. Jr. Charles E. , Frazier Lyn
Published: September 2010

Abstract. Ellipsis is subject to both syntactic and discourse conditions. Here we explore the discourse condition that favors antecedents that are part of the main assertion of an utterance. We argue that the main assertion tendency is best captured in the processor, not the grammar. Two experiments test verb‐phrase ellipsis examples with antecedents in a conditional. One suggests that, because of the main assertion tendency, a reader considers full conditional antecedents and not just verb‐phrase antecedents. However, when the antecedent of the conditional expresses already‐given information and essentially becomes redundant, fewer full conditional antecedents are chosen for the verb‐phrase ellipsis, as if the consequent clause has become the assertion of the conditional sentence with theif‐clause essentially canceling out. The second experiment explores examples where a modal is added inside theif‐clause, rendering the conditional counterfactual. As in other examples of flawed or imperfect ellipsis, the nonactuality entailment/implicature improves the acceptability of such examples.
The Lisbon Judgment of the German Constitutional Court: A Court‐Ordered Strengthening of the National Legislature in the EU
Authors: Kiiver Philipp
Published: September 2010

This article discusses the judgment of the German Constitutional Court on the constitutionality of the Treaty of Lisbon, concentrating on the court's insistence on the prerogatives of the national legislature. The court's insistence on prior national legislative ratification for the application of the simplified treaty revision procedure and of similar de facto amendment procedures, including the flexibility clause, is conservative but understandable from the perspective of German constitutional law. The prescription of prior bicameral ratification for the application of the flexibility clause makes the German government procedurally one of the most tightly controlled in the EU, although this would not be unique, and the effect of such control will depend on the cleavage between the government and the national legislature, especially the German upper chamber. None of the procedures insisted upon by the court are incompatible with EU Treaty law. Whether the new procedures will actually enhance the democratic legitimacy of EU measures in German perception will depend on the degree to which political parties in the national legislature will publicly politicise their stance on the decisions in question, allowing voters to hold them to account. All the court can do is prescribe opportunities where such politicisation may take place.
The Role of the IASB and Auditing Standards in the Aftermath of the 2008/20091 Financial Crisis
Authors: Ojo Marianne
Published: September 2010

The primary argument of this article is, namely, that the International Accounting Standards Board (IASB) is in need of an enforcement mechanism. In drawing attention to this argument, the article not only proposes considerations which are to be taken into account if such a mechanism is to be implemented, but also considers areas in which the regulation of accounting standards, and auditing standards in particular, have contributed to the recent global financial crisis. The impact of such standards on pro‐cyclicality, the level of success achieved by the IASB and other international standard setters, such as the Basel Committee on Banking Supervision, relates to how effectively the accounting and audit standard setting is implemented. As well as identifying the importance of convergence in contributing towards high quality audits and the consistent application of auditing and accounting standards, this article also acknowledges the difficulties and challenges encountered in attempting to achieve a convergent framework. Furthermore, through a discussion of recommendations aimed at consolidating transparency and accounting, as proposed by the G20, ways in which accounting standards, and, consequently, the IASB, could contribute further to the improvement of transparency and accountability of the framework for fair value measurements and evaluation, are considered. The absence of enforcement mechanisms, the fact that enforcement actions are carried out at national level in various EU Member States, present sources of obstacles to attempts to realise the proposals put forward by the G20. This article not only attempts to address such factors, but also to suggest ways in which the IASB, to an extent, could realise its goals. Through a consideration of two enforcement regimes in Europe, namely Germany and the UK, two related standards which govern enforcement in Europe, principles on which harmonisation of the institutional oversight systems in Europe may be achieved , and the vital contribution made by the Committee of European Securities Regulators and the European Financial Reporting Advisory Group, this article will consider how enforcement could be implemented by the IASB at a European level.
The Role of Executive Stock Options in On‐Market Share Buybacks*
Authors: LAMBA ASJEET S. , MIRANDA VIVEK M.
Published: September 2010

The increasing use of on‐market buyback programs in Australia may not be fully explained by the typical motivations of information signaling and free cash flows offered by previous researchers. For some firms at least, management may believe the shares are overvalued. It is in this context that we examine whether managers of firms with high levels of executive stock options have an incentive to initiate buyback programs. It has been argued that managers may be motivated to undertake on‐market buyback programs in order to neutralize the dilution of earnings per share caused by their stock options, rather than for signaling purposes. Our findings are consistent with this argument because we find that the higher the proportion of executive stock options outstanding the more likely it is for firms to undertake larger on‐market buyback programs. Overall our results indicate that the existence of executive stock options influences managers' decision to implement on‐market buyback programs but that it is not the only factor that managers take into consideration.
The spectrum of paediatric dermatoses in a university hospital in Cairo, Egypt
Authors: El‐Khateeb EA
Published: September 2010

Background  Epidemiological data on paediatric dermatoses in Egypt are scanty.

Objective  To study the spectrum of paediatric dermatoses in Cairo.

Methods  The medical records of children attending the dermatology outpatient clinics of Ain Shams University hospital for the year 2001 were retrieved. Data of 3049 patients were included. Demographic data (age and gender) and diagnoses were extracted, coded and analysed.

Results  Patients’ attendance peaked in summer (42.57%) and revealed female predominance (1.3 : 1). Infections constituted most of dermatoses (52.87%) and impetigo was most common (12.04%). Hypersensitivity came after (18.6%), and contact dermatitis prevailed (6.03%). Females predominated in most dermatoses. Bacterial infections were the most common in both genders. Age distribution revealed prevalence of bacterial infections in infants and preschool children, parasitic infections in school children and sebaceous gland disorders in adolescents. Parasitic infections prevailed in winter and spring, whereas bacterial infections prevailed in summer and autumn. Most dermatoses peaked in summer except urticaria and chicken pox that peaked in spring.

Conclusion  Infections outnumbered other paediatric dermatoses parallel to the situation in developing communities. Such diseases are potentially controllable and therefore strategies that target infections may represent a key to an efficient child health care programme.
On Flagellar Movement in Unicellular Organisms.
Authors: Lowndes A. G.
Published: September 2010

1. The flagellum is an active unit in so far that it generates at least a part of its own energy irrespective of the attached cell.

2. In all cases so far examined the impulses or waves start at the base of the flagellum and not at the tip.

3. As a wave passes along a flagellum there is always a certain amount of rotation of the tip of the flagellum.

4. A method for determining both the rate of swimming of the organism and the rate of beat of the flagellum is described.

5. The rate of transmission of an impulse along a flagellum has been measured. In Euglena viridis it was found to be of the order of 810 μ per sec. or well under a foot per minute, which is almost infinitely slow compared with the rate at which an impulse passes along a nerve.

6. The term “Tractellum” is discussed and its use should be discontinued. Tractella are simply ordinary flagella attached to the front end of the organism, the impulse starting at the base and not at the tip.

7. The rotation of the organism itself is due to the plane in which the flagellum beats. A high rate of beat of the flagellum does not necessarily imply a high rate of rotation of the organism.

8. The mechanics of the flagellum are discussed, but no attempt is made to discuss the nature of the movement within the flagellum though the slow rate of impulse is highly suggestive that it is a surface action comparable to heat conduction rather than radiation.

9. Flagella attached to the hinder end of the organism and pushing it through the water present certain mechanical difficulties and occur in nature rather seldom. The more stable mechanism is for either a single flagellum or a pair of flagella to be attached to the front end to push the organism through the water.
A comparative study of farmers' markets visitors' needs and wants: the case of Alabama
Authors: Alonso Abel D. , O'Neill Martin A.
Published: September 2010

Many studies refer to the importance of farmers' markets for both food producers and for visitors. For producers, the ability to obtain higher returns and/or market part of their produce as value‐added products can be strong incentives, while for consumers benefits include having access to fresher, often tastier foods or simply visiting as a social activity. Relatively few studies, however, explore visitors' needs and wants with regards to their farmers' market experience, that is, from visitors' perspective. The present study explores this dimension, comparing visitors' views in two different farmers' markets, one recently developed (since 2009) in a rural area vs. one already established (since 2004) in a university town (urban area). A total of 356 farmers' market visitors participated in the study. Respondents' comments from the two different farmers' markets are very much in agreement in the context of their needs and wants. Primarily, visitors want more product variety, an extended season, that is, not only limited to the summer season, and more vendors. The fact that more than half of the respondents regularly visit farmers' markets demonstrates their need and interest in locally produced foods. Given such strong interest, the potential for beneficial producer–consumer interactions in the sites studied appears to be enormous. Furthermore, farmers and other food producers have an ideal opportunity to increase the interest of consumers, ‘convert’ them to their foods and realise important benefits in the process. The overall findings also suggest opportunities for the establishment of other farmers' markets in a state (Alabama) with a long agricultural tradition.
Materialism, fashion consumers and gender: a cross‐cultural study
Authors: Workman Jane E. , Lee Seung‐Hee
Published: September 2010

The purpose of this study was to examine the relationships among materialism, gender and fashion consumer groups from two countries – one representative of an individualistic culture (US) and one representative of a collectivistic culture (Korea). Participants were 397 students from a university in Korea (n = 221) and a university in the US (n = 176) who completed the questionnaire. The materialism construct showed adequate reliability for participants in both cultures. Fashion change agents scored higher on materialism (centrality and success) than fashion followers. Females scored higher on materialism than males which seemed to be based on higher scores on the centrality subscale. Participants from the US and Korea differed on all three subscales of materialism with US participants scoring higher on centrality but lower on success and happiness than Korean participants. The findings of this study provide valuable implications for fashion marketers and retailers in Korea and US. The findings are limited to Korean and US consumers and cannot be generalized to other cultures. This paper fills a gap in the literature by comparing materialistic values between genders and fashion consumer groups in an individualistic culture (US) and a collectivistic culture (Korea).
Acetylcholine and Choline in Neuronal Tissue Measured by HPLC with Electrochemical Detection
Authors: Potter P. E. , Meek J. L. , Neff N. H.
Published: September 2010

Abstract: A simple, rapid method is presented for the determination of acetylcholine (ACh) and choline (Ch) in neuronal tissue using HPLC with electrochemical detection. The method is based on the separation of ACh and Ch by reverse‐phase HPLC and mixing the effluent as it emerges from the column with acetylcholinesterase and Ch oxidase, which converts endogenous Ch and Ch produced by the hydrolysis of ACh to betaine and hydrogen peroxide. Production of hydrogen peroxide is continuously monitored electrochemically. The sensitivity of the procedure is 1 pmol for Ch and 2 pmol for ACh. Specificity of the method is based on HPLC, two specific enzymatic reactions, and the detection of hydrogen peroxide.