bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The standard of neutrality: still flapping in the breeze?
Authors: PROULX S. R. , ADLER F. R. 
Published: May 2010

AbstractNeutrality plays an important role as a null model in evolutionary biology. Recent theoretical advances suggest that neutrality is not a unitary concept, and we identify three distinct forms of neutrality. Eu‐neutrality means that types do not differ in any measurable way and is thus the idealized form of neutrality. However, individuals or species that do differ in important ways can behave neutrally under some circumstances, both broadening and complicating the applicability of the concept of neutrality. Our second two types of neutrality address two quite different forms of context‐dependent neutrality. Circum‐neutrality means that two character states have the same direct effect on fitness but do not evolve neutrally because of differences in their circumstances. Iso‐neutrality means that two types are equivalent in some population or ecological contexts but not in others, producing an isocline. Confounding of these different definitions has created significant confusion about which models are truly neutral, why some models behave neutrally even when there are large differences in reproductive outputs, and what these different views of neutrality mean to practicing biologists. These complications call into question the acceptance of neutral models as null models and suggest that a better approach is to compare the predictions of models that differ in sources of stochasticity and degree of selection.
Nucleoside transport and associated metabolism*
Authors: Möhlmann T. , Bernard C. , Hach S. , Ekkehard Neuhaus H. 
Published: May 2010

AbstractNucleosides are intermediates of nucleotide metabolism. Nucleotide de novo synthesis generates the nucleoside monophosphates AMP and UMP, which are further processed to all purine and pyrimidine nucleotides involved in multiple cellular reactions, including the synthesis of nucleic acids. Catabolism of these substances results in the formation of nucleosides, which are further degraded by nucleoside hydrolase to nucleobases. Both nucleosides and nucleobases can be exchanged between cells and tissues through multiple isoforms of corresponding transport proteins. After uptake into a cell, nucleosides and nucleobases can undergo salvage reactions or catabolism. Whereas energy is preserved by salvage pathway reactions, catabolism liberates ammonia, which is then incorporated into amino acids. Keeping the balance between nitrogen consumption during nucleotide de novo synthesis and ammonia liberation by nucleotide catabolism is essential for correct plant development. Senescence and seed germination represent situations in plant development where marked fluctuations in nucleotide pools occur. Furthermore, extracellular nucleotide metabolism has become an immensely interesting research topic. In addition, selected aspects of nucleoside transport in yeast, protists and humans are discussed.
Roles of tandem‐pore K+ channels in plants – a puzzle still to be solved*
Authors: Voelker C. , Gomez‐Porras J. L. , Becker D. , Hamamoto S. , Uozumi N. , Gambale F. , Mueller‐Roeber B. , Czempinski K. , Dreyer I. 
Published: May 2010

AbstractThe group of voltage‐independent K+ channels in Arabidopsis thaliana consists of six members, five tandem‐pore channels (TPK1–TPK5) and a single Kir‐like channel (KCO3). All TPK/KCO channels are located at the vacuolar membrane except for TPK4, which was shown to be a plasma membrane channel in pollen. The vacuolar channels interact with 14‐3‐3 proteins (also called General Regulating Factors, GRFs), indicating regulation at the level of protein–protein interactions. Here we review current knowledge about these ion channels and their genes, and highlight open questions that need to be urgently addressed in future studies to fully appreciate the physiological functions of these ion channels.
Eavesdropping on Male Singing Interactions Leads to Differential Allocation in Eggs
Authors: Garcia‐Fernandez Violaine , Amy Mathieu , Lacroix André , Malacarne Giorgio , Leboucher Gérard 
Published: May 2010

AbstractFemales invest differently in their eggs depending on the quality of their mates. In oscines, female investment is influenced by the quality of male song. In domestic canariesSerinus canaria, as well as in black‐capped chickadeesPoecile atricapillus, females pay attention not only to the intrinsic quality of male song but can also gather information, by eavesdropping on male–male singing interactions, on the relative quality of males. During these interactions, overlapping the song of the rival is more threatening than alternating. Moreover eavesdropping female canaries have been shown to prefer the overlapping song rather than the overlapped song. The present study was designed to assess the effect of the information gathered by eavesdropping on female investment in eggs. First, we broadcasted overlapping interactions to female canaries. Then, we broadcasted to each female one of the two songs previously heard and collected eggs. Females exposed to overlapping songs laid eggs with greater yolk ratio than females exposed to overlapped songs. In contrast, yolk testosterone quantity and concentration were not affected by the treatment. Moreover, we found a variation between eggs with regard to the testosterone deposited in yolk: both quantity and concentration increased with laying order. Our results suggest that female canaries use information gathered by eavesdropping to differentially allocate resources into the eggs. They suggest that singing interactions could influence chick quality via female investment.
Parthenogenetic Activation of Pig Oocytes Using Pulsatile Treatment with a Nitric Oxide Donor
Authors: Petr J , Chmelíková E , Krejčová T , Řehák D , Novotná B , Jílek F 
Published: May 2010

ContentsThe nitric oxide donor (+)–S‐nitroso‐N‐acetylpenicillamine (SNAP) is capable of inducing parthenogenetic activation in pig oocytes matured in vitro. However, quite a long exposure to the nitric oxide donor, exceeding 10 h, is necessary for successful oocyte activation. Repeated short‐term treatment with 2 mm SNAP significantly increased the activation rates despite the fact that the overall exposure time to the nitric oxide donor did not exceed 4 h. With regard to the activation rate, 12 repeated treatments lasting 10 min each were found to be the most efficient regimen (63.3%). The continuous exposure to the nitric oxide donor for the same overall time induced parthenogenetic activation in 12.5% oocytes (2‐h continuous treatment with 2 mm SNAP). The development of parthenogenetic embryos increased after repeated short‐term treatment with SNAP. After continuous treatment with 2 mm SNAP for 10 h, only 6.7% of the oocytes cleaved, and none developed beyond the 4‐cell stage. Thirty‐minute treatment repeated four times with 2 mm SNAP induced cleavage in 37.5% of the oocytes, 18.3% developed to the morula stage, and 6.7% reached the blastocyst stage. Based on the results, it is concluded that pulsatile treatment can significantly improve parthenogenetic activation rate when compared with the continuous treatment using nitric oxide donors.
Pre‐transplant pharmacokinetic profiling and tacrolimus requirements post‐transplant
Authors: CAMPBELL SCOTT , HAWLEY CARMEL , IRISH ASHLEY , HUTCHISON BRIAN , WALKER ROWAN , BUTCHER BELINDA E , FERRARI PAOLO 
Published: May 2010

ABSTRACTAim:  To determine the proportion of patients achieving tacrolimus whole‐blood concentrations of ≥10 ng/mL within 3 days of kidney transplantation, after randomization either to standard dosing (control group) or post‐transplantation dosing guided by a 2‐hour (C2) level following a preoperative tacrolimus dose (T2 group).Methods:  The first postoperative tacrolimus dose was given either according to standard care (control group) or 0.15 mg/kg b.d. if the pre‐transplant C2 level was ≤20 ng/mL, 0.1 mg/kg b.d. if the C2 level was 21–59 ng/mL or 0.05 mg/kg b.d. if the C2 level was ≥60 ng/mL (T2 group). Subsequent dosing in both groups was based upon tacrolimus trough level monitoring. Participants received concomitant mycophenolate mofetil and steroids.Results:  Ninety patients were recruited, of which 84 were included in the analysis (control group n = 43; T2 group n = 41). There was no difference in the proportion of subjects achieving tacrolimus trough levels ≥10 ng/mL (82.9% Control vs 93.0% T2; P = 0.19) or between 10 and 15 ng/mL (41.5% Control vs 41.9% T2; P = 0.97) at day 3 post transplant. The T2 group achieved tacrolimus trough levels of ≥10 ng/mL significantly faster than the control group (100% achievement in 14 days (Control) versus 4 days (T2); P = 0.01).Conclusion:  Performing a pre‐transplant tacrolimus C2 does not significantly increase the high proportion of subjects achieving 10 ng/mL tacrolimus concentrations by day 3 using routine protocols. However, compared with standard care, performing a pre‐transplant tacrolimus C2 does lead to patients achieving a whole‐blood concentration of ≥10 ng/mL sooner.
Relationship between late‐life depression and life stressors: Large‐scale cross‐sectional study of a representative sample of the Japanese general population
Authors: Kaji Tatsuhiko , Mishima Kazuo , Kitamura Shingo , Enomoto Minori , Nagase Yukihiro , Li Lan , Kaneita Yoshitaka , Ohida Takashi , Nishikawa Toru , Uchiyama Makoto 
Published: May 2010

Aim:  The purpose of the present study was to clarify the relationship between late‐life depression and daily life stress in a representative sample of 10 969 Japanese subjects.Methods:  Data on 10 969 adults aged ≥50 who participated in the Active Survey of Health and Welfare in 2000, were analyzed. The self‐administered questionnaire included items on 21 reasons for life stressors and the magnitude of stress, as well as the Japanese version of the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CES‐D). The relationship between the incidence of life stressors and mild–moderate (D16) and severe (D26) depressive symptoms was examined using logistic regression analysis.Results:  A total of 21.9% of subjects had D16 symptoms, and 9.3% had D26 symptoms. Further, increased age and being female were associated with more severe depressive state. Logistic regression analysis indicated that the strongest relationship between both the incidence of D16 and D26 symptoms and life stressors stemmed from ‘having no one to talk to’ (odds ratio = 3.3 and 5.0, respectively). Late‐life depression was also associated with ‘loss of purpose in life’, ‘separation/divorce’, ‘having nothing to do’, ‘health/illness/care of self’, and ‘debt’.Conclusion:  There is a relationship between late‐life depression and diminished social relationships, experiences involving loss of purpose in life or human relationships, and health problems in the Japanese general population.
Consistently high levels of exhaled nitric oxide in children with asthma
Authors: Sakai Tadakazu , Sugiyama Nobuyoshi , Hirai Kota , Muramatsu Reiko , Hagiwara Satomi , Oh Yasumasa , Mochizuki Hiroyuki , Arakawa Hirokazu 
Published: May 2010

AbstractBackground:  Exhaled nitric oxide (eNO) levels in children are unstable because they are regulated by many potent factors. The purpose of the current study was to evaluate the reliability of eNO levels between a long interval and other lung functions in normal and asthmatic children.Methods:  Eighty‐three elementary school children (aged 11–12 years; male : female, 39 : 44) participated in this study. Lung function, airway resistance and eNO levels were measured twice: the first measurement was in autumn 2007, and the second was one year later.Results:  There were 62 non‐asthmatic control children (male : female, 31 : 31) and 21 asthmatic children (male : female, 8 : 13). In both the first and the second examination, the levels of eNO in children with asthma were higher than those in children without asthma. The parameters of lung function and the respiratory resistance in children without asthma showed a good correlation between the results of the first and second examinations. The eNO level in non‐asthmatic children showed a good correlation between the two. On the other hand, the peripheral airway parameters of lung function and the respiratory resistance in children with asthma were not correlated between the first and the second examinations. The eNO level in these patients was well correlated between the two examinations.Conclusions:  These data suggest that the eNO level showed good reproducibility in children with and without asthma. The eNO level is therefore considered to be a useful marker for reproducibly evaluating a subject's airway condition.
Multisensory cues improve sensorimotor synchronisation
Authors: Elliott M. T. , Wing A. M. , Welchman A. E. 
Published: May 2010

AbstractSynchronising movements with events in the surrounding environment is an ubiquitous aspect of everyday behaviour. Often, information about a stream of events is available across sensory modalities. While it is clear that we synchronise more accurately to auditory cues than other modalities, little is known about how the brain combines multisensory signals to produce accurately timed actions. Here, we investigate multisensory integration for sensorimotor synchronisation. We extend the prevailing linear phase correction model for movement synchronisation, describing asynchrony variance in terms of sensory, motor and timekeeper components. Then we assess multisensory cue integration, deriving predictions based on the optimal combination of event time, defined across different sensory modalities. Participants tapped in time with metronomes presented via auditory, visual and tactile modalities, under either unimodal or bimodal presentation conditions. Temporal regularity was manipulated between modalities by applying jitter to one of the metronomes. Results matched the model predictions closely for all except high jitter level conditions in audio–visual and audio–tactile combinations, where a bias for auditory signals was observed. We suggest that, in the production of repetitive timed actions, cues are optimally integrated in terms of both sensory and temporal reliability of events. However, when temporal discrepancy between cues is high they are treated independently, with movements timed to the cue with the highest sensory reliability.
Increase in midgut microbiota load induces an apparent immune priming and increases tolerance to Bacillus thuringiensis
Authors: Hernández‐Martínez Patricia , Naseri Bahram , Navarro‐Cerrillo Gloria , Escriche Baltasar , Ferré Juan , Herrero Salvador 
Published: May 2010

SummaryThe insect immune system is comprised of both humoral and cellular components that are mobilized in response to parasitic or pathogenic infections. Activation of the immune response implies a considerable expenditure of energy and that is why insects rely on inducible pathways that are activated after coming into contact with the pathogenic agent. Known as immune priming, insects can prolong the activation of the immune response and transmit their immune status to the next generation. Starting from a laboratory colony of the lepidopteran Spodoptera exigua and using the lytic zone assay as a measure of the immune status, we selected for a sub‐colony with high levels of immune activity in the absence of external challenging with bacteria. Immune‐activated insect showed characteristics that are typical reported for immune primed insects, such as increased tolerance to pathogens (Bacillus thuringiensis in our case), fitness‐cost associated to the immune status, and maternal transmission of the immune status. However, additional analysis revealed that the selection for the immune‐activated insects was based on the selection of insects carrying a higher bacterial load in the midgut. Our results suggest that activation of the immune system in S. exigua may not only occur as consequence of the immune priming but also from an increase in midgut microbiota load.
Pelagic food web patterns: do they modulate virus and nanoflagellate effects on picoplankton during the phytoplankton spring bloom?
Authors: Ory Pascaline , Hartmann Hans J. , Jude Florence , Dupuy Christine , Del Amo Yolanda , Catala Philippe , Mornet Françoise , Huet Valérie , Jan Benoit , Vincent Dorothée , Sautour Benoit , Montanié Hélène 
Published: May 2010

SummaryAs agents of mortality, viruses and nanoflagellates impact on picoplankton populations. We examined the differences in interactions between these compartments in two French Atlantic bays. Microbes, considered here as central actors of the planktonic food web, were first monitored seasonally in Arcachon (2005) and Marennes‐Oléron (2006) bays. Their dynamics were evaluated to categorize trophic periods using the models of Legendre and Rassoulzadegan as a reference framework. Microbial interactions were then compared through 48 h batch culture experiments performed during the phytoplankton spring bloom, identified as herbivorous in Marennes and multivorous in Arcachon. Marennes was spatially homogeneous compared with Arcachon. The former was potentially more productive, featuring a large number of heterotrophic pathways, while autotrophic mechanisms dominated in Arcachon. A link was found between viruses and phytoplankton in Marennes, suggesting a role of virus in the regulation of autotroph biomass. Moreover, the virus–bacteria relation was weaker in Marennes, with a bacterial lysis potential of 2.6% compared with 39% in Arcachon. The batch experiments (based on size‐fractionation and viral enrichment) revealed different microbial interactions that corresponded to the spring‐bloom trophic interactions in each bay. In Arcachon, where there is a multivorous web, flagellate predation and viral lysis acted in an opposite way on picophytoplankton. When together they both reduced viral production. Conversely, in Marennes (herbivorous web), flagellates and viruses together increased viral production. Differences in the composition of the bacterial community composition explained the combined flagellate‐virus effects on viral production in the two bays.
Land‐use changes as major drivers of mountain pine (Pinus uncinataRam.) expansion in the Pyrenees
Authors: Améztegui Aitor , Brotons Lluís , Coll Lluís 
Published: May 2010

ABSTRACTAim To assess the spatial patterns of forest expansion (encroachment and densification) for mountain pine (Pinus uncinataRam.) during the last 50 years at a whole mountain range scale by the study of different topographic and socio‐economic potential drivers in the current context of global change.Location The study area includes the whole distributional area of mountain pine in the Catalan Pyrenees (north‐east Spain). This represents more than 80 municipalities, covering a total area of 6018 km2.Methods Forest cover was obtained by image reclassification of more than 200 pairs of aerial photographs taken in 1956 and 2006. Encroachment and densification were determined according to changes in forest cover, and were expressed as binary variables on a 150 × 150 m cell‐size grid. We then used logistic regression to analyse the effects of several topographic and socio‐economic variables on forest expansion.Results In the period analysed, mountain pine increased its surface coverage by 8898 ha (an increase of more than 16%). Mean canopy cover rose from 31.0% in 1956 to 55.6% in 2006. Most of the expansion was found on north‐facing slopes and at low altitudes. Socio‐economic factors arose as major factors in mountain pine expansion, as encroachment rates were higher in municipalities with greater population losses or weaker primary sector development.Main conclusions The spatial patterns of mountain pine expansion showed a good match with the main patterns of land‐use change in the Pyrenees, suggesting that land‐use changes have played a more important role than climate in driving forest dynamics at a landscape scale over the period studied. Further studies on forest expansion at a regional scale should incorporate patterns of land‐use changes to correctly interpret drivers of forest encroachment and densification.
Pan‐continental invasion ofPseudorasbora parva: towards a better understanding of freshwater fish invasions
Authors: Gozlan Rodolphe E , Andreou Demetra , Asaeda Takashi , Beyer Kathleen , Bouhadad Rachid , Burnard Dean , Caiola Nuno , Cakic Predrag , Djikanovic Vesna , Esmaeili Hamid R , Falka Istvan , Golicher Duncan , Harka Akos , Jeney Galina , Kováč Vladimír , Musil Jiří , Nocita Annamaria , Povz Meta , Poulet Nicolas , Virbickas Tomas , Wolter Christian , Serhan Tarkan A , Tricarico Elena , Trichkova Teodora , Verreycken Hugo , Witkowski Andrzej , Guang Zhang Chun , Zweimueller Irene , Robert Britton J 
Published: May 2010

AbstractIn recent years, policy‐makers have sought the development of appropriate tools to prevent and manage introductions of invasive species. However, these tools are not well suited for introductions of non‐target species that are unknowingly released alongside intentionally‐introduced species. The most compelling example of such invasion is arguably the topmouth gudgeonPseudorasboraparva, a small cyprinid species originating from East Asia. A combination of sociological, economical and biological factors has fuelled their rapid invasion since the 1960s; 32 countries (from Central Asia to North Africa) have been invaded in less than 50 years. Based on a combination of monitoring surveys (2535 populations sampled) and literature reviews, this paper aims to quantify and characterise important invasion parameters, such as pathways of introduction, time between introduction and detection, lag phase and plasticity of life history traits. Every decade, five new countries have reportedP. parvaintroduction, mainly resulting from the movement of Chinese carps for fish farming. The mean detection period after first introduction was 4 years, a duration insufficient to prevent their pan‐continental invasion. High phenotypic plasticity in fitness related traits such as growth, early maturity, fecundity, reproductive behaviour and the ability to cope with novel pathogens has predisposedP. parvato being a strong invader. ThePseudorasboraparva invasion has provided quantitative data for the development of 1) early warning systems across different spatial scales; 2) rapid eradication programmes prior to natural spread in open systems and 3) sound risk assessments with emphasis on plasticity of life history traits.
Why and How Will a Group Act Autonomously to Make an Impact on the Development of Organizational Capabilities?
Authors: Pandza Krsto 
Published: May 2010

abstractIn this paper I report the findings of an inductive, interpretative case study of proactive and autonomous actions instigated by a group at a major pharmaceutical firm in order to accelerate and shape organizational capability at this firm. This two‐year field research was seen as an ideal vehicle for investigating why a group within a firm proactively engages with a pattern of capability development, how such proactive engagement is conducted, and what these proactive activities are. I assert that autonomous action originates from intra‐firm heterogeneity of group‐level cognitive frames and social identities. The evidence suggests that a group with a particularly distinct perception of the strategic value of a capability will be more likely to initiate autonomous action with the aim of making an impact on capability development. The likelihood of autonomous action increases further if a group acts to strengthen the distinctiveness of its own identity by raising the perceived value of a capability that compares unfavourably with other firms' capabilities. The field observations suggest that in circumstances of high inter‐group dependency and limited group authority, the group attempts to make an impact on capability development by adopting creative and socially complex framing practices. The group formalizes a collective and cognitive search process in order to legitimize the preferred action and subtly sells the issue to higher authority without causing conflict, while still sustaining the group's intent.