bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Litter decomposition in a Cerrado savannah stream is retarded by leaf toughness, low dissolved nutrients and a low density of shredders
Authors: GONÇALVES J. F. , GRAÇA M. A. S. , CALLISTO M.
Published: May 2007

1. To assess whether the reported slow breakdown of litter in tropical Cerrado streams is due to local environmental conditions or to the intrinsic leaf characteristics of local plant species, we compared the breakdown of leaves from Protium brasiliense, a riparian species of Cerrado (Brazilian savannah), in a local and a temperate stream. The experiment was carried out at the time of the highest litter fall in the two locations. An additional summer experiment was conducted in the temperate stream to provide for similar temperature conditions.

2. The breakdown rates (k) of P. brasiliense leaves in the tropical Cerrado stream ranged from 0.0001 to 0.0008 day−1 and are among the slowest reported. They were significantly (F = 20.12, P < 0.05) lower than in the temperate stream (0.0046–0.0055). The maximum ergosterol content in decomposing leaves in the tropical Cerrado stream was 106 μg g−1, (1.9% of leaf mass) measured by day 75, which was lower than in the temperate stream where maximum ergosterol content of 522 μg g−1 (9.5% of leaf mass) was achieved by day 30. The ATP content, as an indicator of total microbial biomass, was up to four times higher in the tropical Cerrado than in the temperate stream (194.0 versus 49.4 nmoles g−1).

3. Unlike in the temperate stream, leaves in the tropical Cerrado were not colonised by shredder invertebrates. However, in none of the experiments did leaves exposed (coarse mesh bags) and unexposed (fine mesh bags) to invertebrates differ in breakdown rates (F = 1.15, P > 0.05), indicating that invertebrates were unable to feed on decomposing P. brasiliense leaves.

4. We conclude that the slow breakdown of P. brasiliense leaves in the tropical Cerrado stream was because of the low nutrient content in the water, particularly nitrate (0.05 mgN L−1), which slows down fungal activity and to the low density of invertebrates capable of using these hard leaves as an energy source.
Temporal environmental change, clonal physiology and the genetic structure of aDaphniaassemblage (D. galeata–hyalinahybrid species complex)
Authors: PINKHAUS OLAF , SCHWERIN SUSANNE , PIROW RALPH , ZEIS BETTINA , BUCHEN INA , GIGENGACK ULRIKE , KOCH MARITA , HORN WOLFGANG , PAUL RÜDIGER J.
Published: May 2007

1. In a combined field and laboratory study, seasonal relationships between water temperature and oxygen content, genetic structure (composition of MultiLocus Genotypes, MLGs) of aDaphniaassemblage (D. galeata–hyalinahybrid species complex), and the physiological properties of clones of frequent MLGs were studied. In accordance with the oxygen‐limited thermal tolerance hypothesis, essential physiological variables of oxygen transport and supply were measured within the tolerable temperature range.

2. A few MLGs (types T1–T4) were frequent during early spring and late autumn at surface temperatures below 10 °C. Clones of T1–T4 showed a low tolerance towards higher temperatures (above 20 °C) and a high phenotypic plasticity under thermal acclimation in comparison to clones derived from frequent MLGs from later seasons, and stored high–medium quantities of carbohydrates at 12 and 18 °C.

3. Another MLG (T6) succeeded the MLGs T1–T4. T6 was frequent over most of the year at temperatures above 10 °C and below 20 °C. A clone derived from T6 exhibited a high tolerance towards warm temperatures and a more restricted phenotypic plasticity. It stored high–medium quantities of carbohydrates at 12, 18 and 24 °C and showed a high capacity for acclimatory adjustments based on haemoglobin expression.

4. During the summer period at temperatures ≥20 °C, the MLG T6 was found mainly near to the thermocline, where temperature and oxygen content were distinctly lower, and to a lesser extent in surface water. At the surface, another MLG (T19) was predominant during this period. A clone of this MLG showed a very high tolerance towards warm temperatures, minimal phenotypic plasticity, low carbohydrate stores and a high capacity for circulatory adjustments to improve oxygen transport at higher temperatures.

5. This study provides evidence for connections between the spatio‐temporal genetic heterogeneity of aDaphniaassemblage and the seasonal changes of water temperature and oxygen content. The data also suggest that not only the actual temperature but also the dynamics of temperature change may influence the genetic structure ofDaphniapopulations and assemblages.
Comparison of waveform inversion, part 3: amplitude approach
Authors: Pyun Sukjoon , Shin Changsoo , Bednar J. B.
Published: May 2007

In the second paper of this three part series, we studied the case of conventional and logarithmic phase‐only approaches to full‐waveform inversion. Here, we concentrate on deriving amplitude‐only approaches for both conventional‐ and logarithmic‐based methods. We define two amplitude‐only objective functions by simply assuming that the phase of the modelled wavefield is equal to that of the observed wavefield. We do this for both the conventional least‐squares approach and the logarithmic approach of Shin and Min. We show that these functions can be optimized using the same reverse‐time propagation algorithm of the full conventional methodology. Although the residuals in this case are not really residual wavefields, they can both be considered and utilized in that sense. In contrast to the case for our phase‐only algorithms, we show through numerical tests that the conventional amplitude‐only inversion is better than the logarithmic method.
Impacts of Hurricane Frances on Florida scrub‐oak ecosystem processes: defoliation, net CO2 exchange and interactions with elevated CO2
Authors: LI JIAHONG , POWELL THOMAS L. , SEILER TROY J. , JOHNSON DAVID P. , ANDERSON HANS P. , BRACHO ROSVEL , HUNGATE BRUCE A. , HINKLE CHARLES R. , DRAKE BERT G.
Published: May 2007

Hurricane disturbances have profound impacts on ecosystem structure and function, yet their effects on ecosystem CO2 exchange have not been reported. In September 2004, our research site on a fire‐regenerated scrub‐oak ecosystem in central Florida was struck by Hurricane Frances with sustained winds of 113 km h−1 and wind gusts as high as 152 km h−1. We quantified the hurricane damage on this ecosystem resulting from defoliation: we measured net ecosystem CO2 exchange, the damage and recovery of leaf area, and determined whether growth in elevated carbon dioxide concentration in the atmosphere (Ca) altered this disturbance. The hurricane decreased leaf area index (LAI) by 21%, which was equal to 60% of seasonal variation in canopy growth during the previous 3 years, but stem damage was negligible. The reduction in LAI led to a 22% decline in gross primary production (GPP) and a 25% decline in ecosystem respiration (Re). The compensatory declines in GPP and Re resulted in no significant change in net ecosystem production (NEP). Refoliation began within a month after the hurricane, although this period was out of phase with the regular foliation period, and recovered 20% of the defoliation loss within 2.5 months. Full recovery of LAI, ecosystem CO2 assimilation, and ecosystem respiration did not occur until the next growing season. Plants exposed to elevated Ca did not sustain greater damage, nor did they recover faster than plants grown under ambient Ca. Thus, our results indicate that hurricanes capable of causing significant defoliation with negligible damage to stems have negligible effects on NEP under current or future CO2‐enriched environment.
Manual superscaffolding of honey bee (Apis mellifera) chromosomes 12–16: implications for the draft genome assembly version 4, gene annotation, and chromosome structure
Authors: Robertson Hugh M. , Reese Justin T. , Milshina Natalia V. , Agarwala Richa , Solignac Michel , Walden Kimberly K. O. , Elsik Christine G.
Published: May 2007

The euchromatic arms of the five smallest telocentric chromosomes in the honey bee genome draft Assembly v4 were manually connected into superscaffolds. This effort reduced chromosomes 12–16 from 30, 21, 25, 42, and 21 mapped scaffolds to five, four, five, six, and five superscaffolds, respectively, and incorporated 178 unmapped contigs and scaffolds totalling 2.6 Mb, a 6.4% increase in length. The superscaffolds extend from the genetically mapped location of the centromere to their identified distal telomeres on the long arms. Only two major misassemblies of 146 kb and 65 kb sections were identified in this 23% of the mapped assembly. Nine duplicate gene models on chromosomes 15 and 16 were made redundant, while another 15 gene models were improved, most spectacularly the MAD (MAX dimerization protein) gene which extends across 11 scaffolds for at least 400 kb.
Evolutionary relationships and historical biogeography of Anolis desechensis and Anolis monensis, two lizards endemic to small islands in the eastern Caribbean Sea
Authors: Rodríguez‐Robles Javier A. , Jezkova Tereza , García Miguel A.
Published: May 2007

Aim  We investigated the evolutionary relationships and historical biogeography of two lizard species (Anolis desechensis and Anolis monensis) endemic to small oceanic islands in the eastern Caribbean Sea.

Location  Desecheo, Mona and Monito Islands, in the Mona Passage, and Puerto Rico, eastern Caribbean Sea.

Methods  We reconstructed the phylogenetic relationships of A. desechensis and A. monensis from DNA sequences of two mitochondrial genes using maximum likelihood, Bayesian inference and maximum parsimony methods. The ingroup included species from Puerto Rico (Anolis cooki, Anolis cristatellus), the Bahamas (Anolis scriptus), and the British Virgin Islands (Anolis ernestwilliamsi). We also constructed a median‐joining mutational network to visualize relationships among the haplotypes of A. cooki and A. monensis from Mona and Monito Islands.

Results  The three phylogenetic methods suggested the same pattern of relationships. Anolis desechensis nests within A. cristatellus, and is most closely related to A. cristatellus from south‐western Puerto Rico. Our analyses also indicated that A. monensis is the sister species of A. cooki, an anole restricted to the south‐western coast of Puerto Rico. Although they are closely related, the populations of A. monensis from Mona and Monito can be distinguished genetically.

Main conclusions  The ancestors of A. desechensis and A. monensis colonized Desecheo, and Mona and Monito Islands, respectively, from localities in south‐western Puerto Rico, not from places on Puerto Rico geographically closer to the islands. The ancestors of these two anoline species probably arrived on the islands via waif dispersal. Anolis eggs can survive immersion in salt water for several hours, thus flotsam could successfully have transported all developmental stages of these lizards from the source area to a new locality.
Geographical differentiation, acoustic adaptation and species boundaries in mainland citril finches and insular Corsican finches, superspecies Carduelis [citrinella]
Authors: Förschler Marc Imanuel , Kalko Elisabeth K. V.
Published: May 2007

Aim  In birds, differentiation of acoustic characters is an important mechanism of reproductive isolation that may lead to an ethological–acoustic barrier, resulting in the formation of new species. We examined acoustic variation in mainland citril and insular Corsican finch populations, with the aim of assessing the degree of acoustic differentiation between both members of the superspecies Carduelis [citrinella] and documenting possible variation between local subpopulations that are geographically isolated.

Location  We chose study sites throughout the geographical ranges of citril and Corsican finches. For the citril finch, we obtained samples from the Black Forest (Germany), the Cevennes (France) and the Pyrenees (Spain); for the Corsican finch, we obtained samples from the islands Capraia and Sardinia (Italy) and Corsica (France).

Methods  We analysed frequent contact calls and elements of the perch song. Vocalization patterns of the study populations were compared by means of discriminant and hierarchical cluster analyses.

Results  There were significant differences in vocalization characteristics of perch songs and contact calls, which permitted unambiguous discrimination of citril and Corsican finch populations. However, we also detected significant differences in contact calls between mainland citril finch subpopulations. There was a pattern of clinal variation in vocalization: short, steeply modulated signals in the northern part of the geographical range (Black Forest) and long, shallowly modulated signals in the southern part (Pyrenees).

Main conclusions  Acoustically, mainland citril and insular Corsican finches separate well in their contact calls and perch songs. However, variation in the two vocalization patterns between subpopulations of mainland citril finches indicates that acoustic characteristics can evolve very quickly, not only on islands but also on the mainland. Local habitat differences may play a crucial role in the rapid evolution of these signals under full or partial isolation of small subpopulations. To judge the importance of signal variation as a pre‐mating isolating barrier, future studies will have to determine whether members of the distinct subpopulations are able to match their signals to each other if they re‐meet, and whether intraspecific species recognition is still possible.
Reproductive phenology over a 10‐year period in a lowland evergreen rain forest of central Borneo
Authors: BREARLEY FRANCIS Q. , PROCTOR JOHN , SURIANTATA  , NAGY LASZLO , DALRYMPLE GEMMA , VOYSEY BENEDICT C.
Published: May 2007

The aim of this study was to document patterns in tree reproductive phenology in a rain forest of central Borneo and examine relationships between phenology and climatic patterns.

A 10‐year data set (1990–2000) of monthly observations of flowering and fruit production of 171 trees (including 39 members of the Dipterocarpaceae) at Barito Ulu, Central Kalimantan, Indonesia, showed that most trees (73%) underwent reproductive activity on a supra‐annual timescale.

There were three general flowering (GF) events, in 1991, 1994 and 1997, which were preceded by major drought periods (30‐day sliding total rainfall of less than 100 mm for more than 10 days) in which at least 40% of dipterocarps and at least 18% of all other trees underwent synchronized reproductive activity; there was also a minor event in 1990. Around 1.3% of trees flowered and 3.8% produced fruit in months outside of these four events.

At the community level, the strongest negative correlation was found between the percentage of flowering individuals and total rainfall in the preceding 150 days.

Within three genera of dipterocarps examined in more detail (Dipterocarpus,ShoreaandVatica) there were clear and consistent patterns of sequential flowering with certain species flowering early in the GF events and others towards the end of these events.

Our results confirm the importance of large‐scale climatic fluctuations (El Niño‐Southern Oscillation) on plant reproductive phenology in South‐east Asian tropical forests and indicate that drought may be a more important cue than low night‐time temperatures.
Encounters in a locked psychiatric ward environment
Authors: JOHANSSON I. M. , SKÄRSÄTER I. , DANIELSON E.
Published: May 2007

This focused ethnographic study aims at describing encounters in the healthcare environment on a locked psychiatric ward. It was carried out in Sweden on an acute psychiatric ward for patients with affective and eating disorders. Data were collected through participant observations and informal interviews, and analysed by qualitative content analysis. The result shows that the healthcare environment on this locked psychiatric ward offered a space for encounters between people, in a continuum from professional care to private meetings and social events. It included joy and friendship as well as unintentional insights into other patients' suffering. The characteristics of the encounters formed three themes: the caring relationship, the uncaring relationship and the unrecognized relationship. The caring and the uncaring relationship concerned relationships between staff and patients or their next of kin. These revealed contrasting qualities such as respect and flexibility as well as lack of respect and mistrust. The unrecognized relationship theme visualized the patients' relationships with each other and included both supportive and intrusive elements that were probably significant for the outcome of care. The unrecognized relationship contributes with new knowledge about conditions for patients in inpatient care, and indicates that the patients' relationships with each other merit greater attention.
Family work in first‐onset psychosis: a literature review
Authors: ASKEY R. , GAMBLE C. , GRAY R.
Published: May 2007

Family intervention may be helpful for people with psychosis. We reviewed the literature for family intervention for people with a first‐onset psychosis. There is limited and conflicting evidence of the efficacy of family intervention for this population. Definitive randomized controlled trials are required to establish the efficacy. At this time, evidence suggests that in High Expressed Emotion (EE) families, family intervention is a possible effective intervention. We suggest caution in families with Low EE as one study suggests that in Low EE families, family intervention can increase the levels of EE.
Glacialin situsurvival in the Western Alps and polytopic autopolyploidy inBiscutella laevigataL. (Brassicaceae)
Authors: PARISOD CHRISTIAN , BESNARD GUILLAUME
Published: May 2007

Past climatic changes and especially the ice ages have had a great impact on both the distribution and the genetic composition of plant populations, but whether they promoted speciation is still controversial. The autopolyploid complexBiscutella laevigatais a classical example of polyploidy linked to glaciations and is an interesting model to explore migration and speciation driven by climate changes in a complex alpine landscape. Diploid taxa survived the last glacial maximum in several never‐glaciated areas and autotetraploids are clearly dominant in the central parts of the Alps; however, previous range‐wide studies failed to identify their diploid ancestor(s). This study highlights the phylogeographical relationships of maternal lineages in the Western Alps and investigates the polyploidy process using plastid DNA sequences (trnS‐trnG andtrnK‐intron) combined with plastid DNA length polymorphism markers, which were transferable among Brassicaceae species. Twenty‐one distinct plastid DNA haplotypes were distinguished in 67 populations densely sampled in the Western Alps and main lineages were identified by a median‐joining network. The external Alps harboured high levels of genetic diversity, while the Central Alps contained only a subset of haplotypes due to postglacial recolonization. Several haplotypes were restricted to local peripheral refugia and evidence ofin situsurvival in central nunataks was detected by the presence of highly differentiated haplotypes swamped by frequent ones. As hierarchical genetic structure pointed to an independent evolution of the species in different biogeographical districts, and since tetraploids displayed haplotypes belonging to different lineages restricted to either the northern or the southern parts of the Alpine chain, polytopic autopolyploidy was also apparent in the Western Alps.
Life‐history and habitat features influence the within‐river genetic structure of Atlantic salmon
Authors: VÄHÄ JUHA‐PEKKA , ERKINARO JAAKKO , NIEMELÄ EERO , PRIMMER CRAIG R.
Published: May 2007

Defining populations and identifying ecological and life‐history characteristics affecting genetic structure is important for understanding species biology and hence, for managing threatened or endangered species or populations. In this study, populations of the world's largest indigenous Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) stock were first inferred using model‐based clustering methods, following which life‐history and habitat variables best predicting the genetic diversity of populations were identified. This study revealed that natal homing of Atlantic salmon within the Teno River system is accurate at least to the tributary level. Generally, defining populations by main tributaries was observed to be a reasonable approach in this large river system, whereas in the mainstem of the river, the number of inferred populations was fewer than the number of distinct sampling sites. Mainstem and headwater populations were genetically more diverse and less diverged, while each tributary fostered a distinct population with high genetic differentiation and lower genetic diversity. Population structure and variation in genetic diversity among populations were poorly explained by geographical distance. In contrast, age‐structure, as estimated by the proportion of multisea‐winter spawners, was the most predictive variable in explaining the variation in the genetic diversity of the populations. This observation, being in agreement with theoretical predictions, emphasizes the essence of large multisea‐winter females in maintaining the genetic diversity of populations. In addition, the unique genetic diversity of populations, as estimated by private allele richness, was affected by the ease of accessibility of a site, with more difficult to access sites having lower unique genetic diversity. Our results show that despite this species’ high capacity for migration, tributaries foster relatively closed populations with little gene flow which will be important to consider when developing management strategies for the system.
Effects of dietary scFOS on immunoglobulins in colostrums and milk of bitches
Authors: Adogony V. , Respondek F. , Biourge V. , Rudeaux F. , Delaval J. , Bind J.‐L. , Salmon H.
Published: May 2007

Fructo‐oligosaccharides (scFOS) are prebiotic ingredients that improve protection against pathogens probably through promoting the growth of gastrointestinal bacteria‐like Bifidobacteria and Lactobacilli: this stimulation may lead to a better development of immune repertoire and/or stimulation of the local immune response. According to the existence of the immune entero‐mammary link, we were wondering if the dietary supplementation with scFOS could enhance the mucosal immunoglobulin level in mammary secretions. Results in this study show that bitches supplemented with scFOS exhibit higher colostrum and milk IgM content without concomitant effect on IgG1, IgG2 and IgA. In addition, intranasally immunized puppies exhibited a trend to higher Bordetella bronchiseptica‐specific IgM immune response. The dietary supplementation with scFOS increased the IgM level in colostrums and milk of bitches by mechanisms which remain to be elucidated.
Effect of captivity and mineral supplementation on body composition and mineral status of mustached bats (Pteronotus parnellii rubiginosus)
Authors: Clauss M. , Firzlaff U. , Castell J. C. , Kiefer B. , Streich W. J. , Liesegang A.
Published: May 2007

We investigated the whole‐body crude nutrient (fat, protein, ash) and mineral (Ca, P, Mg, Na, K) composition of mustached bats of three different groups: animals from the wild (n = 6), and animals from captivity on an unsupplemented feeding regime of mealworms (n = 7), and on a feeding regime in which the mealworms were kept on a mineral substrate prior to feeding (n = 6). It was shown that mealworms from the mineral substrate had higher Ca contents than mealworms from the conventional substrates. In an earlier study, differences in bone mineral density had been found between the groups. These differences, however, were not reflected in differences in whole‐body composition. Captive animals showed a larger variation in body weight and fat content, indicating potential shortcomings of the dietary and husbandry regime.
Bone metabolism of milk goats and sheep during second pregnancy and lactation in comparison to first lactation
Authors: Liesegang A. , Risteli J. , Wanner M.
Published: May 2007

Substantial losses of skeletal tissue occur during late pregnancy and lactation. The goal of the present study was to follow these changes in pregnant and lactating goats and sheep, compare these two species during their second lactation, and also compare the results to the first lactation. Blood samples were collected from 12 adult dairy goats (Saanen goat) and sheep (Ostfriesen milk sheep) monthly during gestation, 2 or 3 days postpartum (pp), 2 weeks pp, 4 weeks pp, and then monthly during lactation until 7 months after parturition. Total bone mineral content (BMC) and total bone mineral density (BMD) were quantified using peripheral quantitative computed tomography (pQCT) at the same intervals as the blood was taken. Bone resorption was assessed in serum using two different domains of the carboxyterminal telopeptide of type I collagen (ICTP and crosslaps). Bone formation was quantified in serum with osteocalcin (OC) and bone‐specific alkaline phosphatase (bAP). In addition, Ca and 1,25 dihydroxy vitamin D (VITD) were determined in serum. The same procedure was done during the first and second gestation and lactation. Mean ICTP and crosslaps concentrations of the two animal species showed an increase in the last month of gestation. In contrast, mean OC concentrations decreased slowly from the 2nd month of pregnancy until the first week pp. Also mean bAP activities showed a similar time course. Total BMC and BMD decreased until the first week pp in both species. Afterwards, BMC increased again during lactation. BMD levels of sheep and goats returned to prepartum levels during lactation. Vitamin D concentrations peaked in the first week pp. Only VITD concentrations in goats stayed elevated compared with prepartum values throughout the whole lactation during the second lactation. Around parturition and at the beginning of lactation, the bone resorptive phase of bone remodelling is accelerated, but is uncoupled from the process of bone formation. The mineral decrease in bone of these lactating animals seems to be reversible. Since during lactation, bone remodelling has bone resorption and formation phases tightly coupled. Interestingly, in these species, the bone loss in the second pregnancy and lactation measured with BMC and BMD is not as prominent as in the first lactation, but shows almost the same course, although the animals gave more milk in the second lactation. It seems that the organism adapts to the circumstances more easily in the second lactation compared to the first lactation in these two species.
Vegetable and animal food sorts found in the gastric content of Sardinian Wild Boar (Sus scrofa meridionalis)
Authors: Pinna W. , Nieddu G. , Moniello G. , Cappai M. G.
Published: May 2007

Authors report results emerging from gastric content analysis from n. 96 wild boars hunted in Sardinia isle, during the hunting tide (2001–2005), from November to January. Mean pH of the gastric content was 3.77 ± 0.69. Mean total capacity (TC) of each stomach was 1702 ± 680 g. Mean Stuff ratio (CW/TC) between the content weight (CW) and stomachs TC was 0.45. Food categories found in animal stomachs were: 19 categories of vegetal species (Allium spp., Arbutus unedo, Arisarum vulgare, Avena fatua, Avena sativa, Castanea sativa, Ceratonia siliqua, Chamaerops umilis, Cichorium intybus, Hordeum sativum, Juniperus oxycedrus, Myrtus communis, Olea europea, Pirus amygdaliformis, Pistacia lentiscus, Quercus spp., Rhamnus alaternus, Triticum durum, Zea mais); 11 categories of animal species (Agriotes lineatus, Apodemus sylvaticus dicrurus, Chalcides chalcides, Chalcides ocellatus tiligugu, Crematogaster scutellaris, Forficula auricularia, Helix aspersa, Lumbricus terrestris, Ovis aries, Podarcis tiliguerta tiliguerta, Scolopendra cingulata); three categories were identified in general terms (insects larvae, hairs of mammals, feathers of birds). Food categories found in the stomach contents of Sus scrofa meridionalis confirm observations by other researchers who report the prevalence of vegetables in spite of animal food sorts in the wild boar diet in Italian regions.
Glycaemic and insulinaemic responses to mechanical or thermal processed barley in horses
Authors: Vervuert I. , Bothe C. , Coenen M.
Published: May 2007

This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of different barley processing techniques on the glycaemic and insulinaemic responses in horses. It was hypothesized that the changes in pre‐caecal starch digestibility caused by barley processing would affect metabolic responses. Six horses were fed in random order: whole (WB), finely ground (FGB), steamed (SB), steam‐flaked (SFB) and popped barley (PB). The total barley intake was adjusted to 630 g starch/horse/day (1.2–1.5 g starch/kg BW/day). During a 10‐day stabilization period, the horses also received 6 kg grass hay/horse/day. On the blood collection day, the horses were fed their test diet (exclusively barley), and blood samples were taken at defined times for glucose and insulin analysis. The degree of starch gelatinization (DG) in the untreated or thermally processed barley was analysed using the glucoamylase method. In general, barley feeding resulted in a significant increase in mean plasma glucose and insulin concentrations within 30–45 min after feeding. While the highest glucose and insulin responses occurred after intake of SFB with a DG of 28.7%, the changes in glucose and insulin were more pronounced with PB with a DG of 95.6%, with SB (DG: 22.2%), FGB (DG: 14.9%) and WB (DG: 14.9%). The peak plasma glucose varied between 5.72 ± 0.67 mmol/l with FGB and 6.52 ± 0.64 mmol/l with SFB (treatment p < 0.05). These results confirm the post‐prandial changes in plasma glucose and insulin after intake of the different barley products, but also show that there was no association of the highest degree of gelatinization in the different barley diets with the most pronounced glycaemic or insulinaemic response.
Additional data on energy requirements of young adult cats measured by indirect calorimetry
Authors: Wichert B. , Müller L. , Gebert S. , Wenk C. , Wanner M.
Published: May 2007

Measurements of nitrogen, carbon and energy balances were done on eight female adult cats aged approximately 1.5 years with the help of respiration chambers. The cats were fed with a marked dry food for kittens (Biomill® kitten). Faeces and urine samples were collected with the help of a special cat toilet that allows the single collection of both materials. The calculated energy requirement of these eight female cats was 239.6 kJ ME/kg BW/day (R2 = 0.98). Including the data, on 12 young male adult cats, ofLäuger, (2001), an energy requirement of 238 kJ ME/kg BW/day (R2 = 0.95) could be calculated. From these data, it can be followed that the energy requirements of young, active cats are higher than that of the older cats. The method of indirect calorimetry does not necessarily lead to lower energy requirements.
Cloning and in silico Mapping of Resistance Gene Analogues Isolated from Rice Lines Containing Known Genes for Blast Resistance
Authors: Kumar S. P. , Dalal V. , Singh N. K. , Sharma T. R.
Published: May 2007

We amplified resistance gene analogues (RGAs) from the genomic DNA of 10 rice lines having varying degree of resistance to Magnaporthe grisea by using degenerate primers and various RGAs were mapped in silico on different rice chromosomes. The amplified products were grouped into 3–8 restriction fragment length polymorphic classes by using Mbo1 and Alu1 restriction enzymes. Of 98 RGAs obtained in this study, 65 RGA clones showed more than 95% homology with various RGAs sequences present in the GenBank. Phylogenetic analysis of these RGAs formed 11 groups. Using sequence homology approach, RGAs isolated in this study were physically mapped on 23 loci on chromosomes 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 10, 11 and 12. Twenty RGAs were mapped near to the chromosomal regions containing known genes/QTLs for rice blast, bacterial leaf blight and sheath blight resistance. Thirty‐nine RGA sequences also contained open reading frame representing signature of potential disease resistance genes.
Cushing syndrome associated with prostatic tumor adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) expression after maximal androgen blockade therapy
Authors: Kataoka Kazuyoshi , Akasaka Yoshikiyo , Nakajima Kouichi , Nagao Kouichi , Hara Hiroshi , Miura Kazukiyo , Ishii Nobuhisa
Published: May 2007

Abstract:  We report a patient with adenocarcinoma of the prostate, who eventually developed Cushing syndrome due to ectopic adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) secretion from the tumor. At first, maximal androgen blockade (MAB) therapy was effective for the prostate carcinoma, which was positive for prostate‐specific antigen (PSA) and negative for ACTH on the biopsy specimen. However, 3 years later, the patient complained of bilateral leg edema. A chest computed tomographic (CT) scan showed bilateral pleural effusion and inflammatory changes, focused on the right upper‐lobe. While his PSA was not elevated, and there were no obvious tumor metastases, his serum cortisol and ACTH levels were elevated, without any evidence of lesions that could release ectopic ACTH. Two weeks later, the patient complained of dyspnea and bilateral pleural effusion, and inflammatory changes were worse. Although the patient was administered inhibitors of adrenocorticoid synthesis‐metyrapone, they did not have enough clinical efficiency. Steroid pulse therapy was also administered but the patient's severe pneumonia and pleural effusion did not improve and he finally died of respiratory failure. In contrast to the initial biopsy specimen findings, on autopsy, the tumor was negative for PSA but positive for ACTH. Thus, it would appear that the tumor began to produce and release ectopic ACTH after therapy, which resulted in the development of Cushing syndrome in this patient with prostate carcinoma.
BRCA2 mutation screening is clinically relevant in breast and early prostate cancer families
Authors: Azzouzi Abdel‐Rahene , Stoppa‐Lyonnet Dominique , Roupret Morgan , Larre Stéphane , Mangin Philippe , Cussenot Oliver
Published: May 2007

Abstract:  It is known that in some families an association exists between breast and prostate cancer. Several reports have suggested that BRCA2 mutations may be associated with an increased risk of these cancers. Herein, we report three cases of early onset of prostate cancer in families with female and male breast cancers. In each case, the familial phenotype is associated with a mutation of the BRCA2 gene. More generally, genetic counseling, including screening for BRCA2 mutations, should become standard practice in kindred with prostate and breast cancers.
Risk Sensitivity and Terrorism
Authors: Kuznar Lawrence A. , Lutz James M.
Published: May 2007

One enduring question about terrorism is why individuals choose to join terrorist groups. Past studies have shown that terrorists are not always poor, and they can in fact come from more privileged groups in society. Risk sensitivity and prospect theory are approaches that can help explain some of the anomalies. They suggest that two types of group are likely to supply members for terrorist organizations in disproportionate numbers. One group consists of those who face a loss of status or position due to ongoing changes in society. A second group consists of those who have an opportunity to gain a major advance in status or position. Both groups are thus more likely or more willing to take risks such as joining dissident terrorists – either to maintain their position or to improve it. An analysis of the situation of Palestinian nationalists, nationalists in Northern Ireland and the Tamils in Sri Lanka provides support for the idea that sensitivity to risk can be an important factor in explaining the willingness of individuals to join terrorist groups.
The Transition from Temporary to Permanent Employment: Evidence from Tuscany
Authors: Corsini Lorenzo , Guerrazzi Marco
Published: May 2007

Abstract.  In this paper, by distinguishing between the decisions made by the workers and those made by the firms, we provide a probabilistic evaluation of the transition from temporary to permanent employment in a regional context. Specifically, by exploiting a multinomial nested logit strategy of estimation, we find that the transition to a permanent job is far from certain, especially for women and older workers.
Social Capital and Wages: An Econometric Evaluation of Social Networking's Effects
Authors: Delattre Eric , Sabatier Mareva
Published: May 2007

Abstract.  The goal of this paper is to get an econometric evaluation of the effects of the social network's mobilization, as a job search strategy, on wages. We make use of switching regression models to deal simultaneously with an endogenous selection issue in the network's choice and the existence of two different regimes of wage determination. Econometric estimates provide evidence for the existence of a selection effect on the choice of network but, after correcting the selection bias on the wage equations, the effect of social network on wages is negative.
The Impact of Technological and Organizational Changes on Labor Flows. Evidence on French Establishments
Authors: Askenazy Philippe , Galbis Eva Moreno
Published: May 2007

Abstract.  This paper investigates the effects of organizational and technological changes on job stability of different occupational categories in France. We conduct an empirical analysis in which we make extensive use of a unique data set on a representative sample of French establishments. Working with various indicators of labor flows (gross labor flows, hiring rate, firing rate, net labor flows, and churning flows), we find that the use of new technology seems to have a positive effect on aggregate job turnover and, more specifically, turnover among manual workers. In contrast, innovative workplace organizational practices are related to lower turnover among clerical workers and intermediate professionals and have a positive effect on churning among managers.
Diagnostic hysteroscopy in abnormal uterine bleeding: a systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Van Dongen H , De Kroon CD , Jacobi CE , Trimbos JB , Jansen FW
Published: May 2007

Background  This study was conducted to assess the accuracy and feasibility of diagnostic hysteroscopy in the evaluation of intrauterine abnormalities in women with abnormal uterine bleeding.

Search strategy  Electronic databases were searched from 1 January 1965 to 1 January 2006 without language selection. The medical subject heading (MeSH) and textwords for the following terms were used: hysteroscopy, diagnosis, histology, histopathology, hysterectomy, biopsy, sensitivity and specificity.

Setting  University Hospital.

Selection criteria  The inclusion criteria were report on accuracy of diagnostic hysteroscopy in women with abnormal uterine bleeding compared to histology collected with guided biopsy during hysteroscopy, operative hysteroscopy or hysterectomy.

Data collection and analysis  Electronic databases were searched for relevant studies and references were cross‐checked. Validity was assessed and data were extracted independently by two authors. Heterogeneity was calculated and data were pooled. Subgroup analysis was performed according to validity criteria, study quality, menopausal state, time, setting and performance of the procedure. The pooled sensitivity, specificity, likelihood ratios, post‐test probabilities and feasibility of diagnostic hysteroscopy on the prediction of uterine cavity abnormalities. Post‐test probabilities were derived from the likelihood ratios and prevalence of intrauterine abnormalities among included studies. Feasibility included technical success rate and complication rate.

Main results  One population of homogeneous data could be identified, consisting of patients with postmenopausal bleeding. In this subgroup the positive and negative likelihood ratios were 7.9 (95% CI 4.79–13.10) and 0.04 (95% CI 0.02–0.09), raising the pre‐test probability from 0.61 to a post‐test probability of 0.93 (95% CI 0.88–0.95) for positive results and reducing it to 0.06 (95% CI 0.03–0.13) for negative results. The pooled likelihood ratios of all studies included, calculated with the random effects model, were 6.5 (95% CI 4.1–10.4) and 0.08 (95% CI 0.07–0.10), changing the pre‐test probability of 0.46 to post‐test probabilities of 0.85 (95% CI 0.78–0.90) and 0.07 (0.06–0.08) for positive and negative results respectively. Subgroup analyses gave similar results. The overall success rate of diagnostic hysteroscopy was estimated at 96.9% (SD 5.2%, range 83–100%).

Conclusions  This systematic review and meta‐analysis shows that diagnostic hysteroscopy is both accurate and feasible in the diagnosis of intrauterine abnormalities.
Maternal and biochemical predictors of antepartum stillbirth among nulliparous women in relation to gestational age of fetal death
Authors: Smith GCS , Shah I , White IR , Pell JP , Crossley JA , Dobbie R
Published: May 2007

Objective  To determine whether maternal serum levels of alphafetoprotein (α‐FP) and human chorionic gonadotrophin (hCG) at 15–21 weeks provided clinically useful prediction of stillbirth in first pregnancies.

Design  Retrospective study of record linkage of a regional serum screening laboratory to national registries of pregnancy outcome and perinatal death.

Setting  West of Scotland, 1992–2001.

Population  A total of 84 769 eligible primigravid women delivering an infant at or beyond 24 weeks of gestation.

Methods  The risk of stillbirth between 24 and 43 weeks was assessed using the Cox proportional hazards model. Logistic regression models within gestational windows were then used to estimate predicted probability. Screening performance was assessed as area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve.

Main outcome measure  Antepartum stillbirth unrelated to congenital abnormality.

Results  The odds ratio (95% CI) for stillbirth at 24–28 weeks for women in the top 1% were 11.97 (5.34–26.83) for α‐FP and 5.80 (2.19–15.40) for hCG. The corresponding odds ratios for stillbirth at or after 37 weeks were 2.44 (0.74–8.10) and 0.79 (0.11–5.86), respectively. Adding biochemical to maternal data increased the area under the ROC curve from 0.66 to 0.75 for stillbirth between 24 and 28 weeks but only increased it from 0.64 to 0.65 for stillbirth at term and post‐term. Women in the top 5% of predicted risk had a positive likelihood ratio of 7.8 at 24–28 weeks, 3.7 at 29–32 weeks, 5.1 at 33–36 weeks and 3.4 at 37–43 weeks, and the corresponding positive predictive values were 0.97, 0.33, 0.47 and 0.63%, respectively.

Conclusions  Maternal serum levels of α‐FP and hCG were statistically associated with stillbirth risk. However, the predictive ability was generally poor except for losses at extreme preterm gestations, where prevention may be difficult and interventions have the potential to cause significant harm.
Aromatherapy in childbirth: a pilot randomised controlled trial
Authors: Burns E , Zobbi V , Panzeri D , Oskrochi R , Regalia A
Published: May 2007

Objectives  We aimed to determine the feasibility of conducting a randomised controlled trial (RCT) on the use of aromatherapy during labour as a care option that could improve maternal and neonatal outcomes.

Design  RCT comparing aromatherapy with standard care during labour.

Setting  District general maternity unit in Italy.

Sample  Two hundred and fifty‐one women randomised to aromatherapy and 262 controls.

Methods  Participants randomly assigned to administration of selected essential oils during labour by midwives specifically trained in their use and modes of application.

Main outcome measures  Intrapartum outcomes were the following: operative delivery, spontaneous delivery, first‐ and second‐stage augmentation, pharmacological pain relief, artificial rupture of membranes, vaginal examinations, episiotomy, labour length, neonatal wellbeing (Apgar scores) and transfer to neonatal intensive care unit (NICU).

Results  There were no significant differences for the following outcomes: caesarean section (relative risk [RR] 0.99, 95% CI: 0.70–1.41), ventouse (RR 1.5, 95% CI: 0.31–7.62), Kristeller manoeuvre (RR 0.97, 95% CI: 0.64–1.48), spontaneous vaginal delivery (RR 0.99, 95% CI: 0.75–1.3), first‐stage augmentation (RR 1.01, 95% CI: 0.83–1.4) and second‐stage augmentation (RR 1.18, 95% CI: 0.82–1.7). Significantly more babies born to control participants were transferred to NICU, 0 versus 6 (2%), P= 0.017. Pain perception was reduced in aromatherapy group for nulliparae. The study, however, was underpowered.

Conclusion  This study demonstrated that it is possible to undertake an RCT using aromatherapy as an intervention to examine a range of intrapartum outcomes, and it provides useful information for future sample size calculations.
Does Quality Improvement Work? Evaluation of the Organ Donation Breakthrough Collaborative
Authors: Howard David H. , Siminoff Laura A. , McBride Virginia , Lin Monica
Published: May 2007

Objective. The Organ Donation Breakthrough Collaborative is a quality improvement initiative to encourage adoption of “best practices” for identifying potential donors and obtaining consent for deceased organ donation. We evaluate the impact of the first phase on organ donation rates.

Setting. We study donation rates in the 95 hospitals that participated in the first phase and a control group of 125 hospitals.

Design. We use a controlled pre/post design. The preperiod is the year before the start of the Collaborative (September 2002 to August 2003), the postperiod is the final 6 months of the first phase (March 2004 to August 2004).

Data. We use administrative data from the Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network to compute the conversion rate in each hospital group and time period. The conversion rate is the proportion of eligible donors who became actual donors.

Principal Findings. Preperiod conversion rates in Collaborative and control hospitals were similar: 52 and 51 percent, respectively. In the postperiod, the conversion rate increased to 60 percent among Collaborative hospitals and remained at 51 percent among control hospitals. The relative change was 8 percentage points (95 percent confidence interval: 2–13: p<.001).

Conclusions. Our findings suggest that the Breakthrough Collaborative led to an increase in donation rates at participating hospitals.
Coconut oil as a fuel in the Pacific Islands
Authors: Cloin Jan
Published: May 2007

The steadily increasing world market prices for fossil fuels in the past years have significantly increased interest in the development of indigenous sources of energy in the Pacific islands. As an import substitution strategy, many Pacific island Governments are looking into the use of local biomass resources to replace traditionally imported fuels such as petrol and diesel by biofuels. An overview of biofuel activities is given, with experiences and key achievements in Fiji, Samoa, Vanuatu, Solomon Islands, Papua New Guinea, Kiribati and Marshall Islands with regard to efforts to develop alternative fuels. There are strong linkages between developments in the various Pacific island countries and lessons to be learned from experiences and policies implemented among Governments in the Pacific region. The paper concludes that there is a need for standardization, quality control and testing facilities for biofuels in the region. Governments need to investigate further the level of support that is required to make biofuel operations viable and maximize macroeconomic and environmental benefits.