bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Plant nitrogen acquisition and interactions under elevated carbon dioxide: impact of endophytes and mycorrhizae
Authors: CHEN XIN , TU CONG , BURTON MICHAEL G. , WATSON DOROTHY M. , BURKEY KENT O. , HU SHUIJIN 
Published: April 2007

AbstractBoth endophytic and mycorrhizal fungi interact with plants to form symbiosis in which the fungal partners rely on, and sometimes compete for, carbon (C) sources from their hosts. Changes in photosynthesis in host plants caused by atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO2) enrichment may, therefore, influence those mutualistic interactions, potentially modifying plant nutrient acquisition and interactions with other coexisting plant species. However, few studies have so far examined the interactive controls of endophytes and mycorrhizae over plant responses to atmospheric CO2enrichment. UsingFestuca arundinaceaSchreb andPlantago lanceolataL. as model plants, we examined the effects of elevated CO2on mycorrhizae and endophyte (Neotyphodium coenophialum)and plant nitrogen (N) acquisition in two microcosm experiments, and determined whether and how mycorrhizae and endophytes mediate interactions between their host plant species. Endophyte‐free and endophyte‐infectedF. arundinaceavarieties,P. lanceolataL., and their combination with or without mycorrhizal inocula were grown under ambient (400 μmol mol−1) and elevated CO2(ambient + 330 μmol mol−1). A15N isotope tracer was used to quantify the mycorrhiza‐mediated plant acquisition of N from soil. Elevated CO2stimulated the growth ofP. lanceolatagreater thanF. arundinacea, increasing the shoot biomass ratio ofP. lanceolatatoF. arundinaceain all the mixtures. Elevated CO2also increased mycorrhizal root colonization ofP. lanceolata, but had no impact on that ofF. arundinacea. Mycorrhizae increased the shoot biomass ratio ofP. lanceolatatoF. arundinaceaunder elevated CO2. In the absence of endophytes, both elevated CO2and mycorrhizae enhanced15N and total N uptake ofP. lanceolatabut had either no or even negative effects on N acquisition ofF. arundinacea, altering N distribution between these two species in the mixture. The presence of endophytes inF. arundinacea, however, reduced the CO2effect on N acquisition inP. lanceolata, although it did not affect growth responses of their host plants to elevated CO2. These results suggest that mycorrhizal fungi and endophytes might interactively affect the responses of their host plants and their coexisting species to elevated CO2.
Recent decline in precipitation and tree growth in the eastern Mediterranean
Authors: SARRIS DIMITRIOS , CHRISTODOULAKIS DIMITRIOS , KÖRNER CHRISTIAN 
Published: April 2007

AbstractWe present evidence of a recent drying in the eastern Mediterranean, based on weather and tree‐ring data for Samos, an island of the eastern Aegean Sea. Rainfall declined rapidly after the late 1970s following trends for the entire Mediterranean and was associated with reduced tree‐ring width in Pinus brutia. The most recent decline led to the lowest annual radial stem increment after the last 100 years (as far as records reach). As moisture availability decreased best correlations of tree growth with rainfall were obtained for progressively longer integration periods (1–2 years in moister periods, 5–6 years during the severe dryness of 20th century's last decades), suggesting increasing dependency in deep soil water. Such long‐term integration periods of tree‐growth responses to precipitation have not been reported before. They may reflect a tree‐rooting pattern adapted to cope with even several successive dry years. In late summer 2000, moisture reserves became exhausted, however, and a substantial fraction of low altitude pines died, including some 80‐year‐old trees, which underlines the exceptional extent this trend had reached. Our findings provide empirical support for Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change projections derived from global circulation models that the Mediterranean, its eastern basin in particular, should become drier as temperature rises, as was the case in the recent past.
Optimizing dispersal and corridor models using landscape genetics
Authors: EPPS CLINTON W. , WEHAUSEN JOHN D. , BLEICH VERNON C. , TORRES STEVEN G. , BRASHARES JUSTIN S. 
Published: April 2007

SummaryBetter tools are needed to predict population connectivity in complex landscapes. ‘Least‐cost modelling’ is one commonly employed approach in which dispersal costs are assigned to distinct habitat types and the least‐costly dispersal paths among habitat patches are calculated using a geographical information system (GIS). Because adequate data on dispersal are usually lacking, dispersal costs are often assigned solely from expert opinion. Spatially explicit, high‐resolution genetic data may be used to infer variation in animal movements. We employ such an approach to estimate habitat‐specific migration rates and to develop least‐cost connectivity models for desert bighorn sheepOvis canadensis nelsoni.Bighorn sheep dispersal is thought to be affected by distance and topography. We incorporated both factors into least‐cost GIS models with different parameter values and estimated effective geographical distances among 26 populations. We assessed which model was correlated most strongly with gene flow estimates among those populations, while controlling for the effect of anthropogenic barriers. We used the best‐fitting model to (i) determine whether migration rates are higher over sloped terrain than flat terrain; (ii) predict probable movement corridors; (iii) predict which populations are connected by migration; and (iv) investigate how anthropogenic barriers and translocated populations have affected landscape connectivity.Migration models were correlated most strongly with migration when areas of at least 10% slope had 1/10th the cost of areas of lower slope; thus, gene flow occurred over longer distances when ‘escape terrain’ was available. Optimal parameter values were consistent across two measures of gene flow and three methods for defining population polygons.Anthropogenic barriers disrupted numerous corridors predicted to be high‐use dispersal routes, indicating priority areas for mitigation. However, population translocations have restored high‐use dispersal routes in several other areas. Known intermountain movements of bighorn sheep were largely consistent with predicted corridors.Synthesis and applications.Population genetic data provided sufficient resolution to infer how landscape features influenced the behaviour of dispersing desert bighorn sheep. Anthropogenic barriers that block high‐use dispersal corridors should be mitigated, but population translocations may help maintain connectivity. We conclude that developing least‐cost models from similar empirical data could significantly improve the utility of these tools.
Designing a network for butterfly habitat restoration: where individuals, populations and landscapes interact
Authors: MCINTIRE ELIOT J. B. , SCHULTZ CHERYL B. , CRONE ELIZABETH E. 
Published: April 2007

Summary

Restoring biologically appropriate habitat networks is fundamental to the persistence and connectivity of at‐risk species surviving in highly fragmented environments. For many at‐risk species, this landscape planning problem requires combining detailed biological information about the species with the landscape, economic and social realities of the restoration effort.
Here, we assess the ability of potential restored landscapes to create persistent and connected populations of the federally endangered Fender's blue butterfly (Icaricia icarioides fenderi) in Oregon's Willamette Valley. Like many other at‐risk species, a very small amount (0·5%) of historic habitat remains and much of this habitat is highly degraded.
To do this, we combine extensive demography and behaviour data from prior studies of Fender's blue with landscape maps of potential restoration sites by building and running a spatially explicit landscape model. We chose a simulation approach because previous attempts using more traditional population modelling did not provide sufficiently informative answers for this restoration problem.
From our simulations, we: (a) provide a solution to the general landscape restoration problem of determining whether patches that are available according to social, economic and ecological realities are sufficient to restore persistence and connectivity; (b) supported our predictions from our previous models about persistence of our large patches and expanded our inference to include connectivity and persistence of small patches; and (c) found several emergent properties of our system, including identifying stepping‐stone patches, observing asymmetric connectivity and uncovering reciprocal effects of connectivity and population dynamics.
Synthesis and applications. Assuming no large disturbances, and relying on our 14 years of data collection and models, restoring all currently degraded and potentially available habitat patches to high quality native prairie would be sufficient for long‐term persistence of Fender's blue butterfly in the West Eugene area, Oregon. This conclusion resolves many of the shortcomings of our previous population and metapopulation models that were not able to combine the necessary landscape complexity with species behaviour to address this restoration problem.
AMLODIPINE PREVENTS MONOCROTALINE‐INDUCED PULMONARY ARTERIAL HYPERTENSION AND PROLONGS SURVIVAL IN RATS INDEPENDENT OF BLOOD PRESSURE LOWERING
Authors: Mawatari Eiichiro , Hongo Minoru , Sakai Akio , Terasawa Fumiko , Takahashi Masafumi , Yazaki Yoshikazu , Kinoshita Osamu , Ikeda Uichi 
Published: April 2007

SUMMARY

The present study was designed to examine the role of amlodipine in preventing and reversing monocrotaline (MCT)‐induced pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) in rats.
Rats were injected with MCT (40 mg/kg, s.c.) and randomly given either 6 mg/kg per day of amlodipine in drinking water or placebo for 3 weeks. Any animals treated with MCT that survived for 3 weeks were given either amlodipine or placebo for the next 3 weeks.
Blood pressure was not different between the groups. Amlodipine immediately following MCT markedly inhibited PAH with severe pulmonary vascular remodelling. The survival rate at 3 weeks after treatment was increased significantly in the amlodipine group compared with the placebo group (77%vs 43%; P < 0.01). The placebo group showed markedly diminished expression of endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) protein and mRNA levels, increased numbers of proliferating cell nuclear antigen‐positive cells, enhanced mRNA expression of matrix metalloproteinase‐2 and pro‐inflammatory cytokines in the lung tissue and upregulation of P‐selectin on the endothelium of the pulmonary arteries, whereas these effects were suppressed in the amlodipine‐treated group. Furthermore, late treatment with amlodipine did not palliate PAH or improve survival.
Amlodipine inhibited the development of PAH and improved survival in rats independent of its effect on lowering blood pressure. These effects were associated with marked inhibition of the downregulation of eNOS and improvement of pulmonary vascular endothelial activation, as well as anti‐inflammatory, antiproliferative and antifibrotic effects in the lung tissue. However, amlodipine failed to reverse established PAH. This study may provide an insight into therapeutic strategy of amlodipine in PAH.
Arvanil, anandamide and N‐arachidonoyl‐dopamine (NADA) inhibit emesis through cannabinoid CB1 and vanilloid TRPV1 receptors in the ferret
Authors: Sharkey K. A. , Cristino L. , Oland L. D. , Van Sickle M. D. , Starowicz K. , Pittman Q. J. , Guglielmotti V. , Davison J. S. , Di Marzo V. 
Published: April 2007

AbstractCannabinoid (CB) agonists suppress nausea and vomiting (emesis). Similarly, transient receptor potential vanilloid‐1 (TRPV1) receptor agonists are anti‐emetic. Arvanil, N‐(3‐methoxy‐4‐hydroxy‐benzyl)‐arachidonamide, is a synthetic ‘hybrid’ agonist of CB1 and TRPV1 receptors. Anandamide and N‐arachidonoyl‐dopamine (NADA) are endogenous agonists at both these receptors. We investigated if arvanil, NADA and anandamide were anti‐emetic in the ferret and their mechanism of action. All compounds reduced the episodes of emesis in response to morphine 6 glucuronide. These effects were attenuated by AM251, a CB1 antagonist that was pro‐emetic per se, and TRPV1 antagonists iodoresiniferatoxin and AMG 9810, which were without pro‐emetic effects. Similar sensitivity to arvanil and NADA was found for prodromal signs of emesis. We analysed the distribution of TRPV1 receptors in the ferret brainstem and, for comparison, the co‐localization of CB1 and TRPV1 receptors in the mouse brainstem. TRPV1 immunoreactivity was largely restricted to the nucleus of the solitary tract of the ferret, with faint labeling in the dorsal motor nucleus of the vagus and sparse distribution in the area postrema. A similar distribution of TRPV1, and its extensive co‐localization with CB1, was observed in the mouse. Our findings suggest that CB1 and TRPV1 receptors in the brainstem play a major role in the control of emesis by agonists of these two receptors. While there appears to be an endogenous ‘tone’ of CB1 receptors inhibiting emesis, this does not seem to be the case for TRPV1 receptors, indicating that endogenously released endocannabinoids/endovanilloids inhibit emesis preferentially via CB1 receptors.
Can targeted intervention in CRC patients’ relatives influence screening behaviour? A pilot study
Authors: Stephens J. H. , Moore J. W. E. 
Published: April 2007

AbstractObjective  This study aimed to assess the utility of a standardised risk information tool with respect to the uptake of screening activities administered to an accessible population of first‐degree relatives of patients with sporadic colorectal cancer.Method  Patients admitted for colorectal cancer resection were invited to enrol their family unit in the study. Families were randomised either to receive standard care or the intervention tool. The intervention group received a structured one page pamphlet outlining the risk associated with a family history of colorectal cancer, and the availability of and potential benefits from screening. Three months after the initial contact with the index patient, family members were invited to participate in a telephone interview. Primary end‐points were both intention to screen and uptake of screening activities.Results  Forty‐seven families had 156 eligible first degree relatives. Ninety‐one consented to participate and were enrolled: 59 received standard care, 32 received the intervention. Age and sex were similar between groups. There was no significant difference in previous screening activities. The intervention tool had no influence on perceived self‐risk of developing colorectal cancer or uptake of screening activities within the study period.Conclusion  This study suggests that the provision of targeted risk information to first‐degree relatives is not likely to positively influence screening behaviour. Health care providers need to find alternative methods of disseminating information to this high‐risk group.
Avoiding ‘Star Wars’– Celebrity Creation as Media Strategy
Authors: Franck Egon , Nüesch Stephan 
Published: April 2007

SUMMARYMedia companies generally enjoy increasing profits if more customers watch a program. The viewer drawing capability of stars serves as a prominent instrument to increase the audience. The literature distinguishes between two different types of stars: highly talented and therefore ‘self‐made’ superstars, and famous but ‘manufactured’ and thus rather trivial celebrities. Whereas ‘self‐made’ superstars attract viewers by providing services of superior quality, ‘manufactured’ celebrities draw attention by fabricated fame. Illustrating thePop Idolseries and comparing the abilities of superstars and celebrities to generate and to capture value, we show why ‘manufacturing’ celebrities is a lucrative business for the media.
The Geopolitical Framing of Localized Struggles: NGOs in Bosnia and Herzegovina
Authors: Jeffrey Alex 
Published: April 2007

ABSTRACTThe outbreak of war in Bosnia and Herzegovina was widely regarded by the international community as a ‘humanitarian nightmare’. Imagining the conflict in these terms ensured that it was non‐governmental organizations (NGOs) and aid agencies, rather than military forces, which intervened in the violence. In recent years, international agencies have been keen to reposition Bosnia as a country ‘in transition’ while advancing a series of initiatives aimed at democratizing Bosnian society. This article explores the repercussions of these geopolitical imaginaries and their associated policies on the practices of NGOs in the northern Bosnian town of Brčko. Drawing on the conceptual vocabulary of Pierre Bourdieu, it argues that NGOs have struggled to accumulate social and cultural capital, vital to ensuring donor funding and maintaining links with the local state. The author encourages reflection on the durability of international geopolitical scripts in shaping local outcomes in post‐conflict scenarios.
WHAT MOTIVATES WOMEN TO TAKE PART IN CLINICAL AND BASIC SCIENCE ENDOMETRIOSIS RESEARCH?*
Authors: AGARWAL SANJAY K. , ESTRADA SYLVIA , FOSTER WARREN G. , WALL L. LEWIS , BROWN DOUG , REVIS ELAINE S. , RODRIGUEZ SUZANNE 
Published: April 2007

ABSTRACTBACKGROUND:  The objective of this study was to identify factors motivating women to take part in endometriosis research and to determine if these factors differ for women participating in clinical versus basic science studies.METHODS:  A consecutive series of 24 women volunteering for participation in endometriosis‐related research were asked to indicate, in their own words, why they chose to volunteer. In addition, the women were asked to rate, on a scale of 0 to 10, sixteen potentially motivating factors. The information was gathered in the form of an anonymous self‐administered questionnaire.RESULTS:  Strong motivating factors (mean score >8) included potential benefit to other women's health, improvement to one's own condition, and participation in scientific advancement. Weak motivating factors (mean score <3) included financial compensation, making one's doctor happy, and use of ‘natural’ products. No difference was detected between clinical and basic science study participants.CONCLUSION:  This study is the first study to specifically investigate the factors that motivate women to take part in endometriosis research. Understanding why women choose to take part in such research is important to the integrity of the informed consent process. The factors most strongly motivating women to participate in endometriosis research related to improving personal or public health; the weakest, to financial compensation and pleasing the doctor.
WHY EBERL IS WRONG. REFLECTIONS ON THE BEGINNING OF PERSONHOOD
Authors: DECKERS JAN 
Published: April 2007

ABSTRACTIn a paper published in Bioethics, Jason Eberl has argued that early embryos are not persons and should not be granted the status possessed by them.1 Eberl bases this position upon the following claims:(1) The early embryo has a passive potentiality for development into a person.(2) The early embryo has not established both ‘unique genetic identity’ and ‘ongoing ontological identity’, which are necessary conditions for ensoulment.(3) The early embryo has a low probability of developing into a more developed embryo.This paper examines these claims. I argue against (1) that a plausible view is that the early embryo has an active potentiality to grow into a more developed embryo. Against (2), I argue that neither ‘unique genetic identity’ nor ‘ongoing ontological identity’ are necessary conditions for ensoulment, and that ‘ongoing ontological identity’ is established between early embryos and more developed embryos. Against (3), I argue that the fact that the early embryo has a low probability of developing into a more developed embryo, if true, does not warrant the conclusion that the early embryo is not a person. If Eberl is right that the human soul is that which organises the activities of a human being and that ensouled humans are persons, embryos are persons from conception.
Teaching software engineering by means of computer‐game development: Challenges and opportunities
Authors: Cagiltay Nergiz Ercil 
Published: April 2007

AbstractSoftware‐engineering education programs are intended to prepare students for a field that involves rapidly changing conditions and expectations. Thus, there is always a danger that the skills and the knowledge provided may soon become obsolete. This paper describes results and draws on experiences from the implementation of a computer game‐development course whose design addresses problems in software‐engineering education by improving students' abilities in four areas: (1) problem solving; (2) the application of previously learned knowledge; (3) the use of independent learning; and (4) learning by doing. In order to better understand this course's effect on students' performance in a software‐development project, I investigated 125 students' performance in a 1‐year senior‐project course. Results of this study show that the students who had taken the computer game‐development course became more successful in the senior‐project course than the students who had not taken it.
Trans‐boundary Pollution and Brain Drain Migration
Authors: Kondoh Kenji 
Published: April 2007

AbstractThe economic effects of international brain drain migration in the presence of trans‐boundary pollution are analyzed. In autarky, both skilled and unskilled workers are expected to migrate from the less developed foreign country to the developed home country, if permitted. Surprisingly, under certain conditions, all workers, apart from skilled foreign ones, will gain (lose) from the migration of unskilled (skilled) foreign workers. Moreover, if skilled foreign workers are employed as unskilled domestic workers, then skilled foreign workers will gain but unskilled workers in both countries will lose. Whether or not skilled domestic workers will gain depends on the magnitude of the pollution spillover parameter. Brain drain migration persists under free trade if the demand for manufactured goods is strong.
Efficiency in International Trade with Firm Heterogeneity and Networks
Authors: Hiep Nguyen , Ohta Hiroshi 
Published: April 2007

AbstractThis paper examines integrated effects of firm heterogeneity and communication network services on international trade. Patterns and effects of trade are analyzed in a general equilibrium model where firms with different productivity levels share among them the cost of network services and compete in a monopolistically competitive market for a differentiated good. The paper reveals that the more efficient country in the production of the differentiated good is not always the net exporter of the good. The less efficient country also has the chance to expand the industry and then to become the net exporter in this intra‐industry trade due to the combination of the efficiency effect induced by firm heterogeneity and the cost‐sharing effect by the existence of the network service industry.
International Income Transfer under Imperfect Competition
Authors: Okawa Masayuki 
Published: April 2007

AbstractThis paper examines the effects of an international income transfer under international monopoly. One of the markets in the donor country is monopolized and there exist two distinct types of agent: monopolist and factor owners. The transfer is provided by the agents with different lump sum tax (burden‐share) rates. The burden‐share rate plays a key role concerning the welfare effects of a transfer. We show that the government of the donor country can raise both its social welfare and the wellbeing of the recipient country by providing a further transfer and by simultaneously adjusting the burden‐share rates.