bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Tool use in wild orang-utans modifies sound production: a functionally deceptive innovation?
Authors: Hardus Madeleine E. , Lameira Adriano R. , Van Schaik Carel P. , Wich Serge A.
Published: August 2009

Culture has long been assumed to be uniquely human but recent studies, in particular on great apes, have suggested that cultures also occur in non-human primates. The most apparent cultural behaviours in great apes involve tools in the subsistence context where they are clearly functional to obtain valued food. On the other hand, tool-use to modify acoustic communication has been reported only once and its function has not been investigated. Thus, the question whether this is an adaptive behaviour remains open, even though evidence indicates that it is socially transmitted (i.e. cultural). Here we report on wild orang-utans using tools to modulate the maximum frequency of one of their sounds, the kiss squeak, emitted in distress. In this variant, orang-utans strip leaves off a twig and hold them to their mouth while producing a kiss squeak. Using leaves as a tool lowers the frequency of the call compared to a kiss squeak without leaves or with only a hand to the mouth. If the lowering of the maximum frequency functions in orang-utans as it does in other animals, two predictions follow: (i) kiss squeak frequency is related to body size and (ii) the use of leaves will occur in situations of most acute danger. Supporting these predictions, kiss squeaks without tools decreased with body size and kiss squeaks with leaves were only emitted by highly distressed individuals. Moreover, we found indications that the calls were under volitional control. This finding is significant for at least two reasons. First, although few animal species are known to deceptively lower the maximum frequency of their calls to exaggerate their perceived size to the listener (e.g. vocal tract elongation in male deer) it has never been reported that animals may use tools to achieve this, or that they are primates. Second, it shows that the orang-utan culture extends into the communicative domain, thus challenging the traditional assumption that primate calling behaviour is overall purely emotional.
Adaptive basis of geographic variation: genetic, phenotypic and environmental differences among beach mouse populations
Authors: Mullen Lynne M. , Vignieri Sacha N. , Gore Jeffery A. , Hoekstra Hopi E.
Published: August 2009

A major goal in evolutionary biology is to understand how and why populations differentiate, both genetically and phenotypically, as they invade a novel habitat. A classical example of adaptation is the pale colour of beach mice, relative to their dark mainland ancestors, which colonized the isolated sandy dunes and barrier islands on Florida's Gulf Coast. However, much less is known about differentiation among the Gulf Coast beach mice, which comprise five subspecies linearly arrayed on Florida's shoreline. Here, we test the role of selection in maintaining variation among these beach mouse subspecies at multiple levels—phenotype, genotype and the environments they inhabit. While all beach subspecies have light pelage, they differ significantly in colour pattern. These subspecies are also genetically distinct: pair-wiseFst-values range from 0.23 to 0.63 and levels of gene flow are low. However, we did not find a correlation between phenotypic and genetic distance. Instead, we find a significant association between the average ‘lightness’ of each subspecies and the brightness of the substrate it inhabits: the two most genetically divergent subspecies occupy the most similar habitats and have converged on phenotype, whereas the most genetically similar subspecies occupy the most different environments and have divergent phenotypes. Moreover, allelic variation at the pigmentation gene,Mc1r, is statistically correlated with these colour differences but not with variation at other genetic loci. Together, these results suggest that natural selection for camouflage—via changes inMc1rallele frequency—contributes to pigment differentiation among beach mouse subspecies.
The hydrolethalus syndrome protein HYLS-1 links core centriole structure to cilia formation
Authors: Dammermann Alexander , Pemble Hayley , Mitchell Brian J. , McLeod Ian , Yates John R. , Kintner Chris , Desai Arshad B. , Oegema Karen
Published: August 2009

Centrioles are subcellular organelles composed of a ninefold symmetric microtubule array that perform two important functions: (1) They build centrosomes that organize the microtubule cytoskeleton, and (2) they template cilia, microtubule-based projections with sensory and motile functions. We identified HYLS-1, a widely conserved protein, based on its direct interaction with the core centriolar protein SAS-4. HYLS-1 localization to centrioles requires SAS-4 and, like SAS-4, HYLS-1 is stably incorporated into the outer centriole wall. Unlike SAS-4, HYLS-1 is dispensable for centriole assembly and centrosome function in cell division. Instead, HYLS-1 plays an essential role in cilia formation that is conserved between Caenorhabditis elegans and vertebrates. A single amino acid change in human HYLS1 leads to a perinatal lethal disorder termed hydrolethalus syndrome, and we show that this mutation impairs HYLS-1 function in ciliogenesis. HYLS-1 is required for the apical targeting/anchoring of centrioles at the plasma membrane but not for the intraflagellar transport-dependent extension of the ciliary axoneme. These findings classify hydrolethalus syndrome as a severe human ciliopathy and shed light on the dual functionality of centrioles, defining the first stably incorporated centriolar protein that is not required for centriole assembly but instead confers on centrioles the capacity to initiate ciliogenesis.
Sequence, biogenesis, and function of diverse small RNA classes bound to the Piwi family proteins of Tetrahymena thermophila
Authors: Couvillion Mary T. , Lee Suzanne R. , Hogstad Brandon , Malone Colin D. , Tonkin Leath A. , Sachidanandam Ravi , Hannon Gregory J. , Collins Kathleen
Published: August 2009

PAZ/PIWI domain (PPD) proteins carrying small RNAs (sRNAs) function in gene and genome regulation. The ciliate Tetrahymena thermophila encodes numerous PPD proteins exclusively of the Piwi clade. We show that the three Tetrahymena Piwi family proteins (Twis) preferentially expressed in growing cells differ in their genetic essentiality and subcellular localization. Affinity purification of all eight distinct Twi proteins revealed unique properties of their bound sRNAs. Deep sequencing of Twi-bound and total sRNAs in strains disrupted for various silencing machinery uncovered an unanticipated diversity of 23- to 24-nt sRNA classes in growing cells, each with distinct genetic requirements for accumulation. Altogether, Twis distinguish sRNAs derived from loci of pseudogene families, three types of DNA repeats, structured RNAs, and EST-supported loci with convergent or paralogous transcripts. Most surprisingly, Twi7 binds complementary strands of unequal length, while Twi10 binds a specific permutation of the guanosine-rich telomeric repeat. These studies greatly expand the structural and functional repertoire of endogenous sRNAs and RNPs.
Sensitive and accurate detection of copy number variants using read depth of coverage
Authors: Yoon Seungtai , Xuan Zhenyu , Makarov Vladimir , Ye Kenny , Sebat Jonathan
Published: August 2009

Methods for the direct detection of copy number variation (CNV) genome-wide have become effective instruments for identifying genetic risk factors for disease. The application of next-generation sequencing platforms to genetic studies promises to improve sensitivity to detect CNVs as well as inversions, indels, and SNPs. New computational approaches are needed to systematically detect these variants from genome sequence data. Existing sequence-based approaches for CNV detection are primarily based on paired-end read mapping (PEM) as reported previously by Tuzun et al. and Korbel et al. Due to limitations of the PEM approach, some classes of CNVs are difficult to ascertain, including large insertions and variants located within complex genomic regions. To overcome these limitations, we developed a method for CNV detection using read depth of coverage. Event-wise testing (EWT) is a method based on significance testing. In contrast to standard segmentation algorithms that typically operate by performing likelihood evaluation for every point in the genome, EWT works on intervals of data points, rapidly searching for specific classes of events. Overall false-positive rate is controlled by testing the significance of each possible event and adjusting for multiple testing. Deletions and duplications detected in an individual genome by EWT are examined across multiple genomes to identify polymorphism between individuals. We estimated error rates using simulations based on real data, and we applied EWT to the analysis of chromosome 1 from paired-end shotgun sequence data (30×) on five individuals. Our results suggest that analysis of read depth is an effective approach for the detection of CNVs, and it captures structural variants that are refractory to established PEM-based methods.
MERE1, a Low-Copy-Number Copia-Type Retroelement in Medicago truncatula Active during Tissue Culture
Authors: Rakocevic Alexandra , Mondy Samuel , Tirichine Leïla , Cosson Viviane , Brocard Lysiane , Iantcheva Anelia , Cayrel Anne , Devier Benjamin , Abu El-Heba Ghada Ahmed , Ratet Pascal
Published: August 2009

We have identified an active Medicago truncatula copia-like retroelement called Medicago RetroElement1-1 (MERE1-1) as an insertion in the symbiotic NSP2 gene. MERE1-1 belongs to a low-copy-number family in the sequenced Medicago genome. These copies are highly related, but only three of them have a complete coding region and polymorphism exists between the long terminal repeats of these different copies. This retroelement family is present in all M. truncatula ecotypes tested but also in other legume species like Lotus japonicus. It is active only during tissue culture in both R108 and Jemalong Medicago accessions and inserts preferentially in genes.
Involvement of HbPIP2;1 and HbTIP1;1 Aquaporins in Ethylene Stimulation of Latex Yield through Regulation of Water Exchanges between Inner Liber and Latex Cells in Hevea brasiliensis
Authors: Tungngoen Kessarin , Kongsawadworakul Panida , Viboonjun Unchera , Katsuhara Maki , Brunel Nicole , Sakr Soulaiman , Narangajavana Jarunya , Chrestin Hervé
Published: August 2009

Natural rubber is synthesized in specialized articulated cells (laticifers) located in the inner liber of Hevea brasiliensis. Upon bark tapping, the laticifer cytoplasm (latex) is expelled due to liber tissue turgor pressure. In mature virgin (untapped) trees, short-term kinetic studies confirmed that ethylene, the rubber yield stimulant used worldwide, increased latex yield, with a concomitant decrease in latex total solid content, probably through water influx in the laticifers. As the mature laticifers are devoid of plasmodesmata, the rapid water exchanges with surrounding liber cells probably occur via the aquaporin pathway. Two full-length aquaporin cDNAs (HbPIP2;1 and HbTIP1;1, for plasma membrane intrinsic protein and tonoplast intrinsic protein, respectively) were cloned and characterized. The higher efficiency of HbPIP2;1 than HbTIP1;1 in increasing plasmalemma water conductance was verified in Xenopus laevis oocytes. HbPIP2;1 was insensitive to HgCl2  . In situ hybridization demonstrated that HbPIP2;1 was expressed in all liber tissues in the young stem, including the laticifers. HbPIP2;1 was up-regulated in both liber tissues and laticifers, whereas HbTIP1;1 was down-regulated in liber tissues but up-regulated in laticifers in response to bark Ethrel treatment. Ethylene-induced HbPIP2;1 up-regulation was confirmed by western-blot analysis. The promoter sequences of both genes were cloned and found to harbor, among many others, ethylene-responsive and other chemical-responsive (auxin, copper, and sulfur) elements known to increase latex yield. Increase in latex yield in response to ethylene was emphasized to be linked with water circulation between the laticifers and their surrounding tissues as well as with the probable maintenance of liber tissue turgor, which together favor prolongation of latex flow.
Heterotrimeric G Protein Signaling Is Required for Epidermal Cell Death in Rice
Authors: Steffens Bianka , Sauter Margret
Published: August 2009

In rice (Oryza sativa) adventitious root primordia are formed at the nodes as part of normal development. Upon submergence of rice plants, adventitious roots emerge from the nodes preceded by death of epidermal cells above the root primordia. Cell death is induced by ethylene and mediated by hydrogen peroxide (H2O2). Pharmacological experiments indicated that epidermal cell death was dependent on signaling through G proteins. Treatment with GTP-γ-S induced epidermal cell death, whereas GDP-β-S partially inhibited ethylene-induced cell death. The dwarf1 (d1) mutant of rice has repressed expression of the Gα subunit RGA1 of heterotrimeric G protein. In d1 plants, cell death in response to ethylene and H2O2 was nearly completely abolished, indicating that signaling through Gα is essential. Ethylene and H2O2 were previously shown to alter gene expression in epidermal cells that undergo cell death. Transcriptional regulation was not generally affected in the d1 mutant, indicating that altered gene expression is not sufficient to trigger cell death in the absence of Gα. Analysis of genes encoding proteins related to G protein signaling revealed that four small GTPase genes, two GTPase-activating protein genes, and one GDP dissociation inhibitor gene but not RGA1 were differentially expressed in epidermal cells above adventitious roots, indicating that Gα activity is regulated posttranscriptionally.
Involvement of a Broccoli COQ5 Methyltransferase in the Production of Volatile Selenium Compounds
Authors: Zhou Xin , Yuan Youxi , Yang Yong , Rutzke Michael , Thannhauser Theodore W. , Kochian Leon V. , Li Li
Published: August 2009

Selenium (Se) is an essential micronutrient for animals and humans but becomes toxic at high dosage. Biologically based Se volatilization, which converts Se into volatile compounds, provides an important means for cleanup of Se-polluted environments. To identify novel genes whose products are involved in Se volatilization from plants, a broccoli (Brassica oleracea var italica) cDNA encoding COQ5 methyltransferase (BoCOQ5-2) in the ubiquinone biosynthetic pathway was isolated. Its function was authenticated by complementing a yeast coq5 mutant and by detecting increased cellular ubiquinone levels in the BoCOQ5-2-transformed bacteria. BoCOQ5-2 was found to promote Se volatilization in both bacteria and transgenic Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) plants. Bacteria expressing BoCOQ5-2 produced an over 160-fold increase in volatile Se compounds when they were exposed to selenate. Consequently, the BoCOQ5-2-transformed bacteria had dramatically enhanced tolerance to selenate and a reduced level of Se accumulation. Transgenic Arabidopsis expressing BoCOQ5-2 volatilized three times more Se than the vector-only control plants when treated with selenite and exhibited an increased tolerance to Se. In addition, the BoCOQ5-2 transgenic plants suppressed the generation of reactive oxygen species induced by selenite. BoCOQ5-2 represents, to our knowledge, the first plant enzyme that is not known to be directly involved in sulfur/Se metabolism yet was found to mediate Se volatilization. This discovery opens up new prospects regarding our understanding of the complete metabolism of Se and may lead to ways to modify Se-accumulator plants with increased efficiency for phytoremediation of Se-contaminated environments.
Managing ‘Spoiled Identities’: Parents’ Experiences of Compulsory Parenting Support Programmes
Authors: Holt Amanda
Published: August 2009

While recent years have seen a rapid growth of research exploring the usefulness of parenting support programmes, no empirical research to date has specifically explored experiences of compulsory parenting support. The present study examines the narrative accounts of 17 parents who, through a Parenting Order, were made to participate in such programmes. Findings suggest that the particular nature of court‐sanctioning, and the ‘spoiled identity’ it produces, shapes how parents subsequently experience their parenting support. It concludes that government rhetoric should not use findings from voluntary attendance to support extending the use of compulsory parenting support programmes.
p53 expression in tumor stromal fibroblasts is associated with the outcome of patients with invasive ductal carcinoma of the breast
Authors: Hasebe Takahiro , Okada Nao , Tamura Nobuko , Houjoh Takashi , Akashi‐Tanaka Sadako , Tsuda Histoshi , Shibata Tatsuhiro , Sasajima Yuko , Iwasaki Motoki , Kinoshita Takayuki
Published: August 2009

The purpose of this study was to determine whether p53 protein expression in tumor stromal fibroblasts assessed immunohistochemically by the Allred score system is significantly associated with nodal metastasis by invasive ductal carcinoma (IDC), and significantly associated with the outcome of 1042 IDC patients according to adjuvant therapy status, UICC pTNM stage, and triple‐negative IDC status, in multivariate analyses with well‐known clinicopathological factors. The Allred scores for p53 expression in tumor stromal fibroblasts were significantly associated with the number of nodal metastases, and Allred scores of 4–8 for p53 in tumor stromal fibroblasts significantly increased the hazard rate for distant organ metastasis or for tumor death in the triple‐negative IDC patients, and the UICC pTNM stage I, II, and III patients. The results indicated that p53 protein expression in tumor stromal fibroblasts is closely associated with the number of nodal metastases and the outcome of IDC patients. (Cancer Sci 2009; 00: 000–000)
Genetic alterations and signaling pathways in the evolution of gliomas
Authors: Ohgaki Hiroko , Kleihues Paul
Published: August 2009

Gliomas are the most common primary brain tumors. They account for more than 70% of all neoplasms of the central nervous system and vary considerably in morphology, location, genetic alterations, and response to therapy. Most frequent and malignant are glioblastomas. The vast majority (>90%) develops rapidly after a short clinical history and without evidence of a less malignant precursor lesion (primary or de novo glioblastoma). Secondary glioblastomas develop more slowly through progression from low‐grade or anaplastic astrocytoma. These glioblastoma subtypes constitute distinct disease entities that affect patients of different age, develop through distinct genetic pathways, show different RNA and protein expression profiles, and may differ in their response to radio‐ and chemotherapy. Recently, isocitrate dehydrogenase 1 (IDH1) mutations have been identified as a very early and frequent genetic alteration in the pathway to secondary glioblastomas as well as that in oligodendroglial tumors, providing the first evidence that low‐grade astrocytomas and oligodendrogliomas may share common cells of origin. In contrast, primary glioblastomas very rarely contain IDH1 mutations, suggesting that primary and secondary glioblastomas may originate from different progenitor cells, despite the fact that they are histologically largely indistinguishable. In this review, we summarize the current status of genetic alterations and signaling pathways operative in the evolution of astrocytic and oligodendroglial tumors. (Cancer Sci 2009; 100 2235–2241)
Pharmacokinetic‐pharmacodynamic evaluation of ceftazidime continuous infusion vs intermittent bolus injection in septicaemic melioidosis
Authors: Angus B. J. , Smith M. D. , Suputtamongkol Y. , Mattie H. , Walsh A. L. , Wuthiekanun V. , Chaowagul W. , White N. J.
Published: August 2009

Aims  Experimental studies have suggested that constant intravenous infusion would be preferable to conventional intermittent bolus administration of beta‐lactam antibiotics for serious Gram‐negative infections. Severe melioidosis (Burkholderia pseudomallei infection) carries a mortality over 40% despite treatment with high dose ceftazidime. The aim of this study was to measure the pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic effects of continuous infusion of ceftazidime vs intermittent bolus dosing in septicaemic melioidosis.

Methods  Patients with suspected septicaemic melioidosis were randomised to receive ceftazidime 40 mg kg−1 8 hourly by bolus injection or 4 mg kg−1 h−1 by constant infusion following a 12 mg kg−1 priming dose and pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic parameters were compared.

Results  Of the 34 patients studied 16 (59%) died. Twenty patients had cultures positive for B. pseudomallei of whom 12 (60%) died. The median MIC90 of B. pseudomallei was 2 mg l−1, giving a minimum target concentration (4*MIC) of 8 mg l−1. The median (range) estimated total apparent volume of distribution, systemic clearance and terminal elimination half‐lives of ceftazidime were 0.468 (0.241–0.573) l kg−1, 0.058 (0.005–0.159) l kg−1 h−1 and 7.74 (1.95–44.71) h, respectively. Clearance of ceftazidime and creatinine clearance were correlated closely (r = 0.71; P < 0.001) and there was no evidence of significant nonrenal clearance.

Conclusions  Simulations based on these data and the ceftazidime sensitivity of the B. pseudomallei isolates indicated that administration by constant infusion would allow significant dose reduction and cost saving. With conventional 8 h intermittent dosing to patients with normal renal function, plasma ceftazidime concentrations could fall below the target concentration but this would be unlikely with a constant infusion. Correction for renal failure, which is common in patients with meliodosis is Clearance =k* creatinine clearance where k = 0.72. Calculation of a loading dose gives median (range) values of loading dose, DL of 18.7 mg kg−1 (9.5–23) and infusion rate I = 3.5 mg kg−1 h−1 (0.4–13) (which equals 84 mg kg−1 day−1). A nomogram for adjustment in renal failure is given.
Mechanisms and clinical implications of glucocorticosteroids in the treatment of allergic rhinitis
Authors: Okano M
Published: August 2009

Allergic rhinitis is a common airway disease characterized by hypersensitivity, exudation, hypersecretion, inflammatory cell infiltration and remodelling. Intranasal glucocorticosteroids are the most effective drugs for controlling the inflammation caused by allergic rhinitis. Glucocorticosteroids exert anti-inflammatory effects through at least two pathways: the transactivation pathway and the transrepression pathway. Glucocorticosteroids also exert regulatory functions by inducing regulatory cytokines and forkhead box P3 (FoxP3+) regulatory T cells. Evidence suggests that intranasal glucocorticosteroids control not only nasal symptoms but also ocular symptoms. In contrast to sedating H1 receptor antagonists, intranasal glucocorticosteroids can improve impaired performance symptoms, such as daytime sleepiness, associated with allergic rhinitis. Recent studies suggest that intranasal glucocorticosteroids might also be useful for the prophylactic treatment of pollinosis; this possibility is supported by the molecular mechanism of the anti-inflammatory action of glucocorticosteroids. These findings suggest that intranasal glucocorticosteroids might be positioned as first-line drugs for the treatment of both perennial and seasonal allergic rhinitis.
Energetic costs of male reproduction in a scramble competition mating system
Authors: Lane Jeffrey E. , Boutin Stan , Speakman John R. , Humphries Murray M.
Published: August 2009

1. The assumption that the primary limitations on reproductive success differ between the sexes is inherent in traditional sexual selection theory. Although the energy that can be allocated to reproduction is assumed to be the main limitation to females, the ability to attract and defend oestrous females is assumed to be the primary limitation to males.

2. Estimates of the energetic costs of reproduction in male mammals are, however, limited and have largely been obtained from sexually dimorphic species exhibiting female defence mating systems. These studies often reveal that the energetic cost of male reproduction is similar to or even exceeds that of females, and therefore challenge long‐held assumptions of inter‐sexual reproductive limitations, but their generality is little known.

3. We coupled measurements of energy expenditure with detailed behavioural observations of reproductive male North American red squirrels (Tamiasciurus hudsonicus). This species displays minimal sexual dimorphism and exhibits a scramble competition mating system, under which sexual selection favours enhanced mate searching effort by males.

4. We conducted the study over 2 years characterized by a substantial variation in upcoming natural food availability and across two study populations that experienced either natural food abundance or anad libitumfood‐supplementation to investigate the influence of resource availability on male reproductive energy expenditure.

5. Under natural conditions, mean energy expenditure of males across the 2 years was high, approximating that of females during lactation. Furthermore, in the anticipation of high upcoming natural food availability and resultant offspring survival, expenditure approximately doubled (from 290 ± 7 to 579 ± 73 kJ day−1). When current food availability (and consequently the density of receptive females) was experimentally elevated, males displayed the highest levels of energy expenditure we recorded (873 ± 98 kJ day−1).

6. Our results provide compelling evidence that the energy available for reproductive allocation places a strong limitation on reproduction in male North American red squirrels and contribute to previous work suggesting that high and limiting energetic costs of male reproduction may be a general feature of mammalian reproduction.
Stochastic demography and population dynamics in the red kangaroo Macropus rufus
Authors: Jonzén Niclas , Pople Tony , Knape Jonas , Sköld Martin
Published: August 2009

1. Many organisms inhabit strongly fluctuating environments but their demography and population dynamics are often analysed using deterministic models and elasticity analysis, where elasticity is defined as the proportional change in population growth rate caused by a proportional change in a vital rate. Deterministic analyses may not necessarily be informative because large variation in a vital rate with a small deterministic elasticity may affect the population growth rate more than a small change in a less variable vital rate having high deterministic elasticity.

2. We analyse a stochastic environment model of the red kangaroo (Macropus rufus), a species inhabiting an environment characterized by unpredictable and highly variable rainfall, and calculate the elasticity of the stochastic growth rate with respect to the mean and variability in vital rates.

3. Juvenile survival is the most variable vital rate but a proportional change in the mean adult survival rate has a much stronger effect on the stochastic growth rate.

4. Even if changes in average rainfall have a larger impact on population growth rate, increased variability in rainfall may still be important also in long‐lived species. The elasticity with respect to the standard deviation of rainfall is comparable to the mean elasticities of all vital rates but the survival in age class 3 because increased variation in rainfall affects both the mean and variability of vital rates.

5. Red kangaroos are harvested and, under the current rainfall pattern, an annual harvest fraction of c. 20% would yield a stochastic growth rate about unity. However, if average rainfall drops by more than c. 10%, any level of harvesting may be unsustainable, emphasizing the need for integrating climate change predictions in population management and increase our understanding of how environmental stochasticity translates into population growth rate.
Leaf life span as a simple predictor of evergreen forest zonation in China
Authors: Zhang Lin , Luo Tianxiang , Zhu Huazhong , Daly Christopher , Deng Kunmei
Published: August 2009

Aim  Our aim was to investigate how the average life span of canopy leaves might be used to predict the geographical distribution of natural forests at large geographical scales, and to explore the link between leaf characteristics and ecosystem functioning. We examine whether there is a general relationship between canopy mean leaf life span and climate (i.e. temperature and precipitation) that can be used to predict evergreen forest zonation in China.

Location  Forest areas in China.

Methods  During July and August of 2002–2004, we conducted a latitudinal forest transect spanning about 30° of latitude in eastern China. The canopy mean leaf life span was calculated to include all tree species (groups) in each forest plot through weighted averages scaled up from branch‐level measurements. Data from our previous work conducted in the Tibetan Alpine Vegetation Transects (TAVT) and from other investigators were compiled to supplement our results. Based on regression equations developed on the pooled data, and using gridded temperature and precipitation datasets, we simulated the distribution of canopy mean leaf life span for forests in China. The predicted leaf life span zonation was compared with a map of Chinese forest vegetation divisions published in 1980.

Results  Canopy mean leaf life span across 10 evergreen forest plots in eastern China showed a decreasing trend as mean annual temperature increased, following a common logistic pattern consistent with the data from the TAVT and other investigators. In pooled data for 40 evergreen forest plots across tropical and boreal regions, canopy mean leaf life span generally showed a negative relationship with mean annual temperature (r2 = 0.72, P < 0.001), and a positive correlation with mean annual precipitation where mean annual temperature was > 8°C (r2 = 0.45, P < 0.01). The climate‐based simulations of leaf life span zonation compared well with the previously published boundaries of forest vegetation divisions in eastern China.

Main conclusions  Our results reveal that mean leaf life span in evergreen forests follows a common logistic pattern associated with mean annual temperature and precipitation, which can in turn be used to predict evergreen forest zonation in eastern China.
Spatially autocorrelated sampling falsely inflates measures of accuracy for presence‐only niche models
Authors: Veloz Samuel D.
Published: August 2009

Aim  Environmental niche models that utilize presence‐only data have been increasingly employed to model species distributions and test ecological and evolutionary predictions. The ideal method for evaluating the accuracy of a niche model is to train a model with one dataset and then test model predictions against an independent dataset. However, a truly independent dataset is often not available, and instead random subsets of the total data are used for ‘training’ and ‘testing’ purposes. The goal of this study was to determine how spatially autocorrelated sampling affects measures of niche model accuracy when using subsets of a larger dataset for accuracy evaluation.

Location  The distribution of Centaurea maculosa (spotted knapweed; Asteraceae) was modelled in six states in the western United States: California, Oregon, Washington, Idaho, Wyoming and Montana.

Methods  Two types of niche modelling algorithms – the genetic algorithm for rule‐set prediction (GARP) and maximum entropy modelling (as implemented with Maxent) – were used to model the potential distribution of C. maculosa across the region. The effect of spatially autocorrelated sampling was examined by applying a spatial filter to the presence‐only data (to reduce autocorrelation) and then comparing predictions made using the spatial filter with those using a random subset of the data, equal in sample size to the filtered data.

Results  The accuracy of predictions from both algorithms was sensitive to the spatial autocorrelation of sampling effort in the occurrence data. Spatial filtering led to lower values of the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve plot but higher similarity statistic (I) values when compared with predictions from models built with random subsets of the total data, meaning that spatial autocorrelation of sampling effort between training and test data led to inflated measures of accuracy.

Main conclusions  The findings indicate that care should be taken when interpreting the results from presence‐only niche models when training and test data have been randomly partitioned but occurrence data were non‐randomly sampled (in a spatially autocorrelated manner). The higher accuracies obtained without the spatial filter are a result of spatial autocorrelation of sampling effort between training and test data inflating measures of prediction accuracy. If independently surveyed data for testing predictions are unavailable, then it may be necessary to explicitly account for the spatial autocorrelation of sampling effort between randomly partitioned training and test subsets when evaluating niche model predictions.
Interspecific pairwise relationships among body size, clutch size and latitude: deconstructing a macroecological triangle in birds
Authors: Boyer Alison G. , Cartron Jean‐Luc E. , Brown James H.
Published: August 2009

Aim Ecogeographical ‘rules’, large‐scale patterns in ecological variables across geographical space, can provide important insights into the mechanisms of evolution and ecological assembly. However, interactions between rules could obscure both the observation of large‐scale patterns and their interpretation. Here, we examine a system of three variables interrelated by ecogeographical rules – the latitudinal increase in body size within closely related homeotherms (Bergmann’s rule), the negative allometry of clutch size (Calder’s rule) and the latitudinal increase in clutch size (Lack’s rule) – in a global dataset of birds.

Location Global.

Methods We used linear regressions and meta‐analysis techniques to quantify the three rules across clades and through the taxonomic hierarchy. Path analysis was used to quantify interactions between rules at multiple taxonomic levels, as a function of both phylogenetic inheritance of traits and indirect feedbacks between the three rules. Independent contrasts analyses were performed on four clades with available phylogenies, and the taxonomic partitioning of variation in each trait was quantified.

Results Standardizing across all clades, Lack’s and Bergmann’s rules were supported at all taxonomic levels, with Calder’s rule being supported at the order level. Lack’s rule was consistently stronger and more often detected than the other two rules. Path analysis showed that the indirect effects often outweighed the direct effects of Calder’s rule at the genus level and Bergmann’s rule at the order level. Strong interactions between Calder’s and Bergmann’s rules led to a trade‐off between the rules depending on taxonomic resolution.

Main conclusions We found strong interactions between Bergmann’s, Lack’s and Calder’s rules in birds, and these interactions varied in strength and direction over the taxonomic hierarchy and among avian clades. Ecogeographical rules may be masked by feedbacks from other, correlated variables, even when the underlying selective mechanism is operating. The apparently conflicting pairwise relationships among clutch size, body size and latitude illustrate the difficulty of interpreting individual pairwise correlations without recognition of interdependence with other variables.
Establishment success of invasive ring‐necked and monk parakeets in Europe
Authors: Strubbe Diederik , Matthysen Erik
Published: August 2009

Aim  Invasive alien species are a growing threat to biodiversity, and identifying the mechanisms that enable these species to establish viable populations in their new environment is paramount for management of the problems they pose. Using an unusually large number of both failed and successful documented introductions of parakeets (Aves: Psittacidae) in Europe, we test two of the major hypotheses on the establishment success of invading species, namely the climate‐matching and the human‐activity hypothesis.

Location  European human population centres where ring‐necked parakeet (Psittacula krameri) and/or monk parakeet (Myiopsitta monachus) introductions have occurred.

Methods  Data on ring‐necked and monk parakeet introductions in Europe were gathered from various sources, including published books and articles, but also from unpublished reports and local grey literature. Information was verified with experts from the region under consideration. In order to test the climate‐matching hypothesis, we verified whether the climatic factors that determine the parakeets’ native ranges also explain establishment success in Europe. Parakeet occurrence data from the native ranges were analysed using the presence‐only modelling method Maxent, and correlations between parakeet establishment and climatic and anthropogenic variables in Europe were assessed using both stepwise logistic regression and the information‐theoretic model selection approach.

Results  The establishment success of ring‐necked and monk parakeets was found to be positively associated with human population density, and, both in the native and in the introduced regions, parakeet occurrence was negatively correlated with the number of frost days. Thus, parakeets are more likely to establish in warmer and human‐dominated areas.

Main conclusions  The large number of independent parakeet introductions in Europe allows us to test the often‐used climate‐matching and human‐activity hypotheses at the species level. We show that both hypotheses offer insight into the invasion process of monk and ring‐necked parakeets. Our results suggest that, in the future, parakeet establishment probability may increase even further because global warming is likely to cause a decrease in the number of frost days and because urbanization and human populations are still increasing.
THIS ARTICLE HAS BEEN RETRACTED A psychometric evaluation of the Chinese version of the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale in patients with coronary heart disease
Authors: Wang Wenru , Chair Sek Ying , Thompson David R , Twinn Sheila F
Published: August 2009

Aim.  To evaluate further the psychometric properties of the Chinese version of the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) as a screening instrument for anxiety and depression in Chinese patients with coronary heart disease in Xian, China.

Background.  There is considerable evidence that anxiety and depression are common in patients with coronary heart disease (CHD) and are associated with increased morbidity and mortality. A valid, reliable and sensitive screening tool that can be used readily on this group of patients would be useful for assessment, intervention and outcome evaluation.

Design.  A single group, cross‐sectional study.

Method.  Measurement performance was tested on 314 Chinese patients with coronary heart disease and repeated on 173 of them two weeks later.

Results.  The Chinese version of HADS (C‐HADS) had acceptable internal consistency and test‐retest reliability, with a Cronbach alpha of 0·85 and intraclass correlation coefficient of 0·90, respectively. There was acceptable concurrent validity with significant (p < 0·05) correlations between the anxiety and depression subscales of the C‐HADS and CHD patients’ perceived health status as measured by the Chinese Mandarin version of the Short Form‐36 health survey (CM:SF‐36). Principal components analysis revealed a three‐factor solution accounting for 53% of the total variance. The three underlying sub‐scale dimensions are depression, psychic anxiety and psychomotor anxiety. The responsiveness of the C‐HADS was also satisfactory with significant correlation between the changes in the C‐HADS score and the changes in the Mental Health domain of the CM:SF‐36 (p < 0·01). Finally, over one‐third of the patients demonstrated psychological distress.

Conclusion.  Empirical data support the C‐HADS as a reliable and valid screening instrument for the assessment of anxiety and depression in Chinese‐speaking patients with CHD. A tri‐dimensional scoring approach should be considered as potentially clinically useful for this group of patients.

Relevance to clinical practice.  The C‐HADS can guide and evaluate the delivery of psychological care for Chinese patients with CHD.
Evaluation of a nursing intervention project to promote patient medication education
Authors: Nurit Porat , Bella Bar Cohen , Gila Elkokan , Revital Zelker
Published: August 2009

Aim and objective.  The purpose of this study was to evaluate patients’ knowledge regarding their medication regime following a nursing interventional project in patient medication education.

Design.  Evaluation.

Background.  Educating patients during their hospital stay regarding their medical treatment is an issue which the medical staff deals with on a daily basis. The hospitalisation period is a known critical point in the provision of influential information to the patient and related family members, probably because the hospitalised patient and family members have unique learning needs that cannot be postponed.

Methods.  The study was conducted in three internal medicine wards in a large university tertiary hospital in Jerusalem, Israel. The intervention project used structured written materials and verbal patient education related to highly potent drugs. The study evaluated patients’ knowledge regarding their medication as the main interventional outcome. In addition, the rate of patients receiving verbal and written education, rate of patient intention to take the medication and adequacy of nursing interventions according to the patients’ educational needs were also assessed. Data collection was carried out by a short structured tool that examined patient knowledge. With this tool, the nurse interviewed the patients and recorded the patient’s response and her recommended intervention.

Results.  Two hundred and fifty‐one patients participated in the study. Most of the patients (71–93%) reported that they had received instructions from nurses. The majority of the patients demonstrated a high level of knowledge regarding their medications and planned on taking their medications on a regular basis. Lack of knowledge was observed mostly on issues related to dietary recommendations. In these cases, the nurses’ intervention was not always documented and did not necessarily match the problem identified.

Conclusions.  The findings show that patients, who received medication education, demonstrated satisfactory level of knowledge and intended to take their medication. Patients’ knowledge feedback enables the nurse to assess her intervention.

Relevance to clinical practice.  Patient medication education in the hospital is a challenging task. This article suggests an applicable tool to assure that patients receive appropriate medication education, while assessing the effectiveness of this education. This tool also enables the nurses to modify their intervention according to patient response.
Molecular phylogeny of the subfamily Exoristinae (Diptera, Tachinidae), with discussions on the evolutionary history of female oviposition strategy
Authors: TACHI TAKUJI , SHIMA HIROSHI
Published: August 2009

Abstract. Phylogenetic relationships among tribes in the tachinid subfamily Exoristinae (Diptera, Tachinidae) are inferred from four genes, namely white, 18S, 28S and 16S rDNA. For phylogenetic inferences, maximum parsimony, maximum likelihood and Bayesian Markov chain Monte Carlo analyses were performed. The resultant, very similar, trees are nearly concordant with the traditional classification based on morphological characters. Our results suggest that the Tachinidae are monophyletic and sister to the Sarcophagidae. The tribal relationships within Exoristinae are supported in part with high reliabilities and are similar to those inferred by Stireman. Based on the resultant trees, the phylogenetic relationships and possible morphological synapomorphies were investigated. In addition, we evaluated the transformation of female reproductive habits in the Exoristinae, finding support for the hypothesis that ovolarviparity evolved independently from oviparity in several clades, and obtaining different results concerning the evolutionary history of micro‐ovolarviparity depending on character optimization.
Ectopic expression of MYB46 identifies transcriptional regulatory genes involved in secondary wall biosynthesis in Arabidopsis
Authors: Ko Jae‐Heung , Kim Won‐Chan , Han Kyung‐Hwan
Published: August 2009

MYB46 functions as a transcriptional switch that turns on the genes necessary for secondary wall biosynthesis. Elucidating the transcriptional regulatory network immediately downstream of MYB46 is crucial to our understanding of the molecular and biochemical processes involved in the biosynthesis and deposition of secondary walls in plants. To gain insights into MYB46‐mediated transcriptional regulation, we first established an inducible secondary wall thickening system in Arabidopsis by expressing MYB46 under the control of dexamethasone‐inducible promoter. Then, we used an ATH1 GeneChip microarray and Illumina digital gene expression system to obtain a series of transcriptome profiles with regard to the induction of secondary wall development. These analyses allowed us to identify a group of transcription factors whose expression coincided with or preceded the induction of secondary wall biosynthetic genes. A transient transcriptional activation assay was used to confirm the hierarchical relationships among the transcription factors in the network. The in vivo assay showed that MYB46 transcriptionally activates downstream target transcription factors, three of which (AtC3H14, MYB52 and MYB63) were shown to be able to activate secondary wall biosynthesis genes. AtC3H14 activated the transcription of all of the secondary wall biosynthesis genes tested, suggesting that AtC3H14 may be another master regulator of secondary wall biosynthesis. The transcription factors identified here may include direct activators of secondary wall biosynthesis genes. The present study discovered novel hierarchical relationships among the transcription factors involved in the transcriptional regulation of secondary wall biosynthesis, and generated several testable hypotheses.
Polymorphisms in inflammation genes, tobacco smoke and furred pets and wheeze in children
Authors: Sørensen Mette , Allermann Leila , Vogel Ulla , Andersen Paal Skytt , Jespersgaard Cathrine , Loft Steffen , Raaschou‐Nielsen Ole
Published: August 2009

Persistent wheeze in childhood is associated with airway inflammation. The present study investigated relationships between polymorphisms in inflammatory genes, exposure to tobacco smoke and furred pets and risk of recurrent wheeze in children. Within a birth cohort of 101,042 children we identified 1111 eighteen month old cases with recurrent wheeze and 735 wheeze‐free controls among 11942 children recruited in the Copenhagen area. Polymorphisms in IL‐4R, IL‐8, IL‐13, SPINK5, and CD14 were genotyped. Interviews at gestational wks 12 and 30, and at age 6 and 18 months included questions on number of episodes with wheeze (18 months), exposure to tobacco smoke and pet‐keeping. Recurrent wheeze was defined as at least four episodes of wheeze before the child was 18 months old. There was a statistically significant association between the IL‐13 Arg144Gln polymorphism and risk of recurrent wheeze (p = 0.01). Furthermore, there was a statistically significant interaction between this polymorphism and exposure to tobacco smoke during pregnancy, though this was probably a chance finding. There were no other statistically significant effects of the polymorphisms or interactions with exposure to tobacco smoke in relation to the risk of recurrent wheeze. Polymorphisms in IL‐8 affected the association between pet‐keeping and risk of wheeze. Polymorphisms in inflammation genes might affect the association between environmental exposures and risk of recurrent wheeze in early childhood.