bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Development of Sequence‐characterized DNA Markers Linked to Temperature Insensitivity for Fruit Production in Longan (Dimocarpus longan Lour.) Cultivars
Authors: Cutler R. W. , Sitthiphrom S. , Marha J. , Anuntalabhochai S. 
Published: November 2006

AbstractIn this paper, we characterize a temperature dependence in longan (Dimocarpus longan Lour.) cultivars using the high annealing temperature random‐amplified polymorphic DNA (HAT‐RAPD) methodology. This form of genomic analysis allows a random sampling of the complete genome to provide information about phenotypic traits of interest. Using a set of 18 unique decamer primers, polymorphic bands ranging from 100 to 2500 bp were examined for 14 longan varieties from which banding patterns of interest were selected for conversion to the more reproducible and robust sequence characterized amplified region (SCAR) markers. In particular, one SCAR marker produced an electrophoresis banding pattern which could distinguish between longan varieties requiring a sustained interval at low temperatures for fruit production vs. those that do not. This band was composed of a nucleotide region 275 bases in length (DQ539047) in which the initial 90 nucleotides were >85 % identical to the 12‐oxophytodienoic acid (OPDA) reductase gene. OPDA is an immediate precursor to jasmonic acid which has been described as the ‘master switch’ for lipid‐derived environmental signalling to factors such as flowering and osmotic stress. The possible involvement of the jamonic acid signalling pathway could explain the recent success of potassium chlorate to induce off‐season flowering and fruit formation.
Effects of 15N Split‐application on Soil and Fertiliser N Uptake of Barley, Oilseed Rape and Wheat in Different Cropping Systems
Authors: Sieling K. , Beims S. 
Published: November 2006

AbstractIn intensive farming systems, farmers split up and apply the N fertilization to winter cereals and oilseed rape (OSR) at several dates to meet the need of the crop more precisely. Our objective was to determine how prior fertilizer N application as slurry and/or mineral N affects contributions of fertilizer‐ and soil‐derived N to N uptake of barley (1997), oilseed rape (OSR; 1998) and wheat (1999). In addition, residual fertilizer N effects were observed in the subsequent crop. Since autumn 1991, slurry (none, slurry in autumn, in spring, in autumn plus in spring) and mineral N fertilizer (0, 12 and 24 g N m−2) were applied annually. Each year, the treatments were located on the same plots. In 1997–1999, the splitting rates of the mineral N fertilization were labelled with 15N. Non‐fertilizer N uptake was estimated from the total N uptake and the fertilizer 15N uptake. All three crops utilized the splitting rates differently depending on the time of application. Uptake of N derived from the first N rate applied at the beginning of spring growth was poorer than that from the second splitting rate applied at stem elongation (cereals) or third splitting rate applied at ear emergence or bud formation (all three crops). In contrast, N applied later in the growing season was taken up more quickly, resulting in higher fertilizer N‐use efficiency. Mineral N fertilization of 24 g N m−2 increased significantly non‐fertilizer N uptake of barley and OSR at most of the sampling dates during the growing season. In cereals, slurry changed the contribution of non‐fertilizer N to the grain N content only if applied in spring, while OSR utilized more autumn slurry N. In OSR and wheat, only small residual effects occurred. The results indicate that 7 years of varying N fertilization did not change the contribution of soil N to crop N uptake.
Invasion speed is affected by geographical variation in the strength of Allee effects
Authors: Tobin Patrick C. , Whitmire Stefanie L. , Johnson Derek M. , Bjørnstad Ottar N. , Liebhold Andrew M. 
Published: November 2006

AbstractAllee effects can play a critical role in slowing or preventing the establishment of low density founder populations of non‐indigenous species. Similarly, the spread of established invaders into new habitats can be influenced by the degree to which small founder populations ahead of the invasion front are suppressed through Allee effects. We develop an approach to use empirical data on the gypsy moth, a non‐indigenous invader in North America, to quantify the Allee threshold across geographical regions, and we report that the strength of the Allee effect is subject to spatial and temporal variability. Moreover, we present what is to our knowledge the first empirical evidence that geographical regions with higher Allee thresholds are associated with slower speeds of invasion.
Should conservation strategies consider spatial generality? Farmland birds show regional not national patterns of habitat association
Authors: Whittingham Mark J. , Krebs John R. , Swetnam Ruth D. , Vickery Juliet A. , Wilson Jeremy D. , Freckleton Robert P. 
Published: November 2006

AbstractA key assumption underlying any management practice implemented to aid wildlife conservation is that it will have similar effects on target species across the range it is applied. However, this basic assumption is rarely tested. We show that predictors [nearly all associated with agri‐environment scheme (AES) options known to affect European birds] had similar effects for 11 bird species on sites with differing farming practice (pastoral vs. mixed farming) or which differed in the density at which the species was found. However, predictors from sites in one geographical region tended to have different effects in other areas suggesting that AES options targeted at a regional scale are more likely to yield beneficial results for farmland birds than options applied uniformly in national schemes. Our study has broad implications for designing conservation strategies at an appropriate scale, which we discuss.
Scale dependence of the correlation between human population presence and vertebrate and plant species richness
Authors: Pautasso Marco 
Published: November 2006

AbstractHuman presence is generally negatively related to species richness locally, but the relationship is positive at coarse scales. An increase in the strength of the latter correlation with increasing study resolution has been documented within studies, but it is not known whether such a scale dependence is present across different studies. We test this with data on the spatial co‐occurrence of human beings and the species richness of plants and vertebrates from a continuum of scales. The correlation coefficient between human presence and species richness is positively related to study grain and extent. The correlation turns from positive to negative below a study grain of c. 1 km and below a study extent of c. 10 000 km2. The broad‐scale positive correlation between human presence and species richness suggests that people have preferentially settled and generally flourished in areas of high biodiversity and/or have contributed to it with species introductions and habitat diversification. The scale dependency of the correlation between people and biodiversity's presence emphasizes the importance of the preservation of green areas in densely populated regions.
Assumptions within Policy: A Case Study of Information Communications and Technology Policy
Authors: Bound Helen 
Published: November 2006

The deeply embedded nature of dominant assumptions creates an accepted language and way of thinking about ICT, leaving little space for alternative perspectives and ideologies. Policy directions link information technology, the information economy, innovation, competition and global markets. Innovation and information and communications technology constructs a particular application of innovation and directs funding accordingly. Given that policy is about how we categorise, about naming and naming shapes action, the question is what lenses do policy makers use to make choices in their synthesis of social, political and economic life?Using the Australian Information Communications and Technology (ICT) policy as a case study, this article will argue that policy reflects the economic, social and political ideologies of the decision makers. Despite opportunities for input into policy multiple perspectives are limited. Specifically the article looks at claims around consultation, the assumption that the information economy will benefit all Australians, the development of framework conditions for the information economy and the role of government.
Pimecrolimus cream 1% is effective in asteatotic eczema: results of a randomized, double‐blind, vehicle‐controlled study in 40 patients
Authors: Schulz P , Bunselmeyer B , Bräutigam M , Luger TA 
Published: November 2006

AbstractBackground and objective  Pimecrolimus cream 1% is an effective treatment for atopic eczema. The aim was to investigate its efficacy in asteatotic eczema, a skin disease similar to atopic eczema and its associated dry skin and itching.Methods  Single‐centre, randomized, double‐blind, vehicle controlled study in 40 patients with asteatotic eczema. Efficacy was assessed by eczema area and severity index (EASI), investigators global assessment (IGA), patient's self‐assessment, and pruritus severity.Results  After 4 weeks of treatment, EASI, the primary efficacy variable, was reduced by 62 ± 7% from baseline in patients on pimecrolimus, compared to 21 ± 14% in patients on vehicle (P = 0.013). With pimecrolimus there was also a better control of pruritus (P = 0.042) at week 4 whereas a better control of disease according to self‐assessment could only be observed at weeks 2 (P = 0.01) and week 3 (P = 0.08).Conclusion  Pimecrolimus cream 1% is effective in patients with asteatotic eczema.
Late side‐effects with cosmetic relevance following soft X‐ray therapy of cutaneous neoplasias
Authors: Rupprecht R , Lippold A , Auras C , Bramkamp G , Breitkopf C , Elsmann H‐J , Habenicht EM , Jasnoch V , Müller‐Pannes H , Schulte K‐W , Suter L 
Published: November 2006

AbstractBackground  Cosmetic changes are to be expected after radiotherapy for skin tumours.Objectives This study aimed to answer the questions: How frequent are cosmetic changes after soft X‐ray therapy? Do treatment parameters, tumour thickness, localization and size of the irradiated field have a major influence? Were patients irritated by the visual appearance of the irradiated field?Methods  In total, 2474 examinations of 1149 irradiated fields were performed.Results  Hypopigmentation was found in 64.7% of examinations more than 90 days after therapy, teleangiectases in 43.1%, erythema in 24.8%, and hyperpigmentation in 16.8%. The frequency of hypopigmentation, teleangiectases and hyperpigmentation increased with time from X‐ray exposure; more than 4 years after therapy hypopigmentation was diagnosed in 91.8% and teleangiectases in 82.2% of examinations. Total dose, the time–dose–fractionation factor (TDF), field size and dose per fraction were significantly related to the frequency of cosmetic changes. Incidence rates of cosmetic changes differed by less than 15% if different treatment conditions were compared: thicker vs. thinner tumours, larger vs. smaller fields, higher vs. lower total doses, doses per fraction, and TDF. Frequencies of hypopigmentation, teleangiectases, erythema and hyperpigmentation differed by more than 15% between some localizations on the head. Women reported irritation by the visual appearance of the irradiated field in 12.6% of 1116 interviews, and men in 4.4% of 1284 interviews.Conclusions  Cosmetic changes after soft X‐ray therapy are relatively frequent. Treatment parameters, tumour thickness and field size have only a minor influence. Few patients, but more women than men, were irritated by the visual appearance of the irradiated field.
Moderate inbreeding depression in a reintroduced population of North Island robins
Authors: Jamieson I. G. , Tracy L. N. , Fletcher D. , Armstrong D. P. 
Published: November 2006

AbstractReintroductions of threatened species are increasingly common in conservation. The translocation of a small subset of individuals from a genetically diverse source population could potentially lead to substantial inbreeding depression due to the high genetic load of the parent population. We analysed 12 years of data from the reintroduced population of North Island robins Petroica longipes on Tiritiri Matangi Island, New Zealand, to determine the frequency of inbreeding and magnitude of inbreeding depression. The initial breeding population consisted of 12 females and 21 males, which came from a large mainland population of robins. The frequency of mating between relatives (f>0; 39%, n=82 pairs) and close relatives (f=0.25; 6.1%) and the average level of inbreeding (f=0.027) were within the range reported for other small island populations of birds. The average level of inbreeding fluctuated from year to year depending on the frequency of close inbreeding (e.g. sib–sib pairs). We found evidence for inbreeding depression in juvenile survival, with survival probability estimated to decline from 31% among non‐inbred birds (f=0) to 11% in highly inbred juveniles (f=0.25). The estimated number of lethal equivalents based on this relationship (4.14) was moderate compared with values reported for other island populations of passerines. Given that significant loss of fitness was only evident in highly inbred individuals, and such individuals were relatively rare once the population expanded above 30 pairs, we conclude that inbreeding depression should have little influence on this robin population. Although the future fitness consequences of any loss of genetic variation due to inbreeding are uncertain, the immediate impact of inbreeding depression is likely to be low in any reintroduced population that expands relatively quickly after establishment.
Muscle architecture of biceps brachii, triceps brachii and supraspinatus in the horse
Authors: Watson J. C. , Wilson A. M. 
Published: November 2006

AbstractThree muscles from the proximal equine forelimb were dissected in order to investigate their potential to contribute to proximal limb mechanics. Muscle mass, fibre length, tendon mass and tendon length were measured from biceps brachii, triceps brachii, supraspinatus and lacertus fibrosus (biceps lateral head mass 171–343.4 g and fibre length 0.5–0.8 cm; biceps medial head mass 283–500 g and fibre length 2.2–4 cm; biceps tendon mass 121.8–260 g and tendon length 35–44 cm; triceps long head mass 3200–6663 g and fibre length 19–26.3 cm; triceps lateral head mass 513.8–1240 g and fibre length 17.5–24 cm; triceps medial head mass 85.2–270.6 g and fibre length 9–16.8 cm; supraspinatus mass 793–1546 g and fibre length 4.7–12.4 cm; lacertus fibrosus mass 4.6–12.4 g and length 10–16 cm). Physiological cross‐sectional area (PCSA) and maximum isometric force were estimated for each muscle, and moment arm measurements were taken at the shoulder and elbow joints. Biceps has a greater isometric force‐generating capacity than supraspinatus. It also appears to have a larger shoulder moment arm, so could therefore have the potential to make a greater contribution to the shoulder moment than supraspinatus. Supraspinatus is likely to function primarily as a shoulder stabilizer rather than a shoulder extensor. Biceps also functions as an elbow flexor and data here indicate that it has a greater PCSA and isometric force‐generating capacity than its antagonist triceps brachii. Calculation of tendon forces showed that the biceps tendon can withstand much greater forces than lacertus fibrosus. This study will enable further investigation into the interaction between energy recycling in elastic tissues and the generation and absorption of mechanical work by adjacent muscle groups in the equine forelimb.
Psychosocial stress attenuates general sound processing and duration change detection
Authors: Simoens V. L. , Istók E. , Hyttinen S. , Hirvonen A. , Näätänen R. , Tervaniemi M. 
Published: November 2006

AbstractAn EEG‐compatible adaptation of the Trier Social Stress Test was developed to induce psychosocial stress in healthy subjects while investigating their auditory processing of unattended sounds and salivary levels of the stress hormone cortisol. The mismatch negativity (MMN) and N1/P2 were assessed using a multifeature paradigm, while subjects were attending to visual tasks with high or low attentional workload. Only the responses to duration change were affected by the stress manipulation. Cortisol levels during stress were inversely related to the MMN amplitudes of duration deviants. During anticipatory stress, responses to the standard tones (general sound processing) increased, but their amplitude was not correlated with cortisol levels. We found that psychosocial stressor anticipation attenuates both general and deviance‐specific sound processing, suggesting that cortisol interferes with cortical memory‐trace formation.
Green decisions: demographics and consumer understanding of environmental labels
Authors: D’Souza Clare , Taghian Mehdi , Lamb Peter , Peretiatko Roman 
Published: November 2006

AbstractThis research examined the demographic profiles of Australian green consumers in relation to their satisfaction of environmental labelling. It examined consumers’ understanding of labelling and empirically investigated the association of demographic profile of consumers with their attitudes towards such labels. The results indicated that some of the demographic variables were significant, which is largely consistent with earlier findings by other researchers in this area. Label dissatisfaction was higher in the older and middle age respondents. However, some respondents disagreed that labels were accurate while commenting that labels were easy to understand. The key issue arising from the findings is that in order to provide perception of accuracy in labels, it is an option to use Type I or Type III labelling on products. These labels are, arguably, more credible because they are endorsed by third party labelling experts. This would come at a cost and for green products that use third party labelling, they will also have to bear in mind to keep the prices competitive.
Developing oligodendrocytes express functional GABAB receptors that stimulate cell proliferation and migration
Authors: Luyt Karen , Slade Timothy P. , Dorward Jienchi J. , Durant Claire F. , Wu Yue , Shigemoto Ryuichi , Mundell Stuart J. , Váradi Anikó , Molnár Elek 
Published: November 2006

AbstractGABAB receptors (GABABRs) are involved in early events during neuronal development. The presence of GABABRs in developing oligodendrocytes has not been established. Using immunofluorescent co‐localization, we have identified GABABR proteins in O4 marker‐positive oligodendrocyte precursor cells (OPCs) in 4‐day‐old mouse brain periventricular white matter. In culture, OPCs, differentiated oligodendrocytes (DOs) and type 2 astrocytes (ASTs) express both the GABAB1abcdf and GABAB2 subunits of the GABABR. Using semiquantitative PCR analysis with GABABR isoform‐selective primers we found that the expression level of GABAB1abd was substantially higher in OPCs or ASTs than in DOs. In contrast, the GABAB2 isoform showed a similar level of expression in OPCs and DOs, and a significantly higher level in ASTs. This indicates that the expression of GABAB1 and GABAB2 subunits are under independent control during oligodendroglial development. Activation of GABABRs using the selective agonist baclofen demonstrated that these receptors are functionally active and negatively coupled to adenylyl cyclase. Manipulation of GABABR activity had no effect on OPC migration in a conventional agarose drop assay, whereas baclofen significantly increased OPC migration in a more sensitive transwell microchamber‐based assay. Exposure of cultured OPCs to baclofen increased their proliferation, providing evidence for a functional role of GABABRs in oligodendrocyte development. The presence of GABABRs in developing oligodendrocytes provides a new mechanism for neuronal–glial interactions during development and may offer a novel target for promoting remyelination following white matter injury.
Interleukin‐6 promotes sprouting and functional recovery in lesioned organotypic hippocampal slice cultures
Authors: Hakkoum David , Stoppini Luc , Muller Dominique 
Published: November 2006

SummaryInterleukin (IL)‐6 is a pro‐inflammatory cytokine now widely recognized to contribute to the molecular events that follow CNS injury. Little is known, however, about its action on axonal sprouting and regeneration in the brain. We addressed this issue using the model of transection of Schaffer collaterals in mice organotypic hippocampal slice cultures. Transection of slice cultures was associated with a marked release of IL‐6 that could be neutralized by an IL‐6 blocking antibody. We monitored functional recovery across the lesion by recording synaptic responses using a multi‐electrode array. We found that application of IL‐6 antibodies to the cultures after lesioning significantly reduced functional recovery across the lesion. Furthermore, the level of expression of the 43‐kDa growth‐associated protein (GAP‐43) was lower in slices treated with the IL‐6 neutralizing antibody than in those treated with a control IgG. Conversely, addition of exogenous IL‐6 to the culture medium resulted in a dose‐dependent enhancement of functional recovery across the lesion and a higher level of expression of GAP‐43. Co‐culture of CA3 hemi‐slices from thy1‐YFP mice with CA1 hemi‐slices from wild‐type animals confirmed that IL‐6‐treated co‐cultures exhibited an increased number of growing fluorescent fibres across the lesion site. Taken together these data indicate that IL‐6 plays an important role in CNS repair mechanisms by promoting regrowth and axon regeneration.
Therapeutic targets and potential of the novel brain‐ permeable multifunctional iron chelator–monoamine oxidase inhibitor drug, M‐30, for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease1
Authors: Avramovich‐Tirosh Yael , Amit Tamar , Bar‐Am Orit , Zheng Hailin , Fridkin Mati , Youdim Moussa B. H. 
Published: November 2006

AbstractNovel therapeutic approaches for the treatment of neurodegenerative disorders comprise drug candidates designed specifically to act on multiple CNS targets. We have synthesized a multifunctional non‐toxic, brain permeable iron chelator drug, M‐30, possessing propargyl monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitory neuroprotective and iron‐chelating moieties, from our prototype iron chelator VK‐28. In the present study M‐30 was shown to possess a wide range of pharmacological activities, including pro‐survival neurorescue effects, induction of neuronal differentiation and regulation of amyloid precursor protein (APP) and β‐amyloid (Aβ) levels. M‐30 was found to decrease apoptosis of SH‐SY5Y neuroblastoma cells in a neurorescue, serum deprivation model, via reduction of the pro‐apoptotic proteins Bad and Bax, and inhibition of the apoptosis‐associated phosphorylated H2A.X protein (Ser 139) and caspase 3 activation. In addition, M‐30 induced the outgrowth of neurites, triggered cell cycle arrest in G0/G1 phase and enhanced the expression of growth associated protein‐43. Furthermore, M‐30 markedly reduced the levels of cellular APP and β‐C‐terminal fragment (β‐CTF) and the levels of the amyloidogenic Aβ peptide in the medium of SH‐SY5Y cells and Chinese hamster ovary cells stably transfected with the APP ‘Swedish’ mutation. Levels of the non‐amyloidogenic soluble APPα and α‐CTF in the medium and cell lysate respectively were coordinately increased. These properties, together with its brain selective MAO inhibitory and propargylamine‐ dependent neuroprotective effects, suggest that M‐30 might serve as an ideal drug for neurodegenerative disorders, such as Parkinson's and Alzheimer's diseases, in which oxidative stress and iron dysregulation have been implicated.