bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
High mitochondrial haplotype diversity of Coleps sp. (Ciliophora: Prostomatida)
Authors: Barth Dana , Tischer Karolin , Berger Helmut , Schlegel Martin , Berendonk Thomas U. 
Published: January 2008

SummaryTo date the awareness of the temporal population structure in eukaryotic microbes is very limited. This is exemplified in the scarce knowledge about the intraspecific genetic variation in ciliates. To elucidate the genetic variation of Coleps (Ciliophora: Prostomatida), we employed the analysis of the mitochondrial apocytochrome b gene of the Coleps community in a young lake in Germany. The analysis of 111 isolates, sampled from April 2005 to September 2006, revealed a high genetic variation for the two dominant Coleps species (11 mitochondrial haplotypes in Coleps spetai, nine in Coleps hirtus hirtus). The study represents one of the largest datasets of intraspecific diversity in a microbial eukaryote and demonstrates for the first time the suitability of a mitochondrial gene for the detection of genetic variation within populations of eukaryotic microbes. However, the results of our study warrant caution in the application of such an approach, as we amplified some non‐orthologous cob‐like sequences, whose uncritical acceptance would have led to the erroneous discovery of cryptic species.
Identification of hepatotoxin‐producing cyanobacteria by DNA‐chip
Authors: Rantala Anne , Rizzi Ermanno , Castiglioni Bianca , De Bellis Gianluca , Sivonen Kaarina 
Published: January 2008

SummaryWe developed a new tool to detect and identify hepatotoxin‐producing cyanobacteria of the genera Anabaena, Microcystis, Planktothrix, Nostoc and Nodularia. Genus‐specific probe pairs were designed for the detection of the microcystin (mcyE) and nodularin synthetase genes (ndaF) of these five genera to be used with a DNA‐chip. The method couples a ligation detection reaction, in which the polymerase chain reaction (PCR)‐amplified mcyE/ndaF genes are recognized by the probe pairs, with a hybridization on a universal microarray. All the probe pairs specifically detected the corresponding mcyE/ndaF gene sequences when DNA from the microcystin‐ or nodularin‐producing cyanobacterial strains were used as template in the PCR. Furthermore, the strict specificity of detection enabled identification of the potential hepatotoxin producers. Detection of the genes was very sensitive; only 1–5 fmol of the PCR product were needed to produce signal intensities that exceeded the set background threshold level. The genus‐specific probe pairs also reliably detected potential microcystin producers in DNA extracted from six lake and four brackish water samples. In lake samples, the same microcystin producers were identified with quantitative real‐time PCR analysis. The specificity, sensitivity and ability of the DNA‐chip in simultaneously detecting all the main hepatotoxin producers make this method suitable for high‐throughput analysis and monitoring of environmental samples.
Fitness drift of an atrazine‐degrading population under atrazine selection pressure
Authors: Devers Marion , Rouard Nadine , Martin‐Laurent Fabrice 
Published: January 2008

Summary Pseudomonas sp. ADP harbouring the atrazine catabolic plasmid ADP1 was subcultured in liquid medium containing atrazine as sole source of nitrogen. After approximately 320 generations, a new population evolved which replaced the initial population. This newly evolved population grew faster and degraded atrazine more rapidly than the initial population. Plasmid profiles and Southern blot analyses revealed that the evolved strain, unlike the ancestral strain, presented a tandem duplication of the atzB gene encoding the second enzyme of the atrazine catabolic pathway responsible for the transformation of hydroxyatrazine to N‐isopropylammelide. This duplication resulted from a homologous recombination that occurred between two direct repeats of 6.2 kb flanking the atzB gene and constituted by the insertion sequences IS1071, ISPps1 and a pdhL homologous sequence. This study highlights the IS‐mediated plasticity of atrazine‐degrading potential and demonstrates that insertion sequences not only help to disperse the atrazine‐degrading gene but also improve the fitness of the atrazine‐degrading population.
Growth phase‐dependent switch in osmolyte strategy in a moderate halophile: ectoine is a minor osmolyte but major stationary phase solute in Halobacillus halophilus
Authors: Saum Stephan H. , Müller Volker 
Published: January 2008

SummaryThe moderately halophilic, chloride‐dependent bacterium Halobacillus halophilus switches its osmolyte strategy with the salinity in its environment by the production of different compatible solutes. Ectoine is produced predominantly at very high salinities, along with proline. Interestingly, ectoine production is growth phase dependent which led to a more than 1000‐fold change in the ectoine : proline ratio from 0.04 in exponential to 27.4 in late stationary phase cultures. The genes encoding the ectoine biosynthesis pathway were identified on the chromosome in the order ectABC. They form an operon that is expressed in a salinity‐dependent manner with low‐level expression below 1.5 M NaCl but 10‐fold and 23‐fold increased expression at 2.5 and 3.0 M NaCl respectively. The temporal expression of genes involved in osmoresponse is different with gdh/gln and pro genes being first, followed by ect genes. Chloride had no effect on expression of ect genes, but stimulated cellular EctC synthesis as well as ectoine production. These data demonstrate, for the first time, a growth‐phase dependent switch in osmolyte strategy in a moderate halophile and, additionally, represent another piece of the chloride regulon of H. halophilus.
Metabolic versatility of the Riftia pachyptila endosymbiont revealed through metagenomics
Authors: Robidart Julie C. , Bench Shellie R. , Feldman Robert A. , Novoradovsky Alexey , Podell Sheila B. , Gaasterland Terry , Allen Eric E. , Felbeck Horst 
Published: January 2008

SummaryThe facultative symbiont of Riftia pachyptila, named here Candidatus Endoriftia persephone, has evaded culture to date, but much has been learned regarding this symbiosis over the past three decades since its discovery. The symbiont population metagenome was sequenced in order to gain insight into its physiology. The population genome indicates that the symbionts use a partial Calvin–Benson Cycle for carbon fixation and the reverse TCA cycle (an alternative pathway for carbon fixation) that contains an unusual ATP citrate lyase. The presence of all genes necessary for heterotrophic metabolism, a phosphotransferase system, and dicarboxylate and ABC transporters indicate that the symbiont can live mixotrophically. The metagenome has a large suite of signal transduction, defence (both biological and environmental) and chemotaxis mechanisms. The physiology of Candidatus Endoriftia persephone is explored with respect to functionality while associated with a eukaryotic host, versus free‐living in the hydrothermal environment.
Culture‐independent analysis of the gut microbiota in colorectal cancer and polyposis
Authors: Scanlan Pauline D. , Shanahan Fergus , Clune Yvonne , Collins John K. , O'Sullivan Gerald C. , O'Riordan Micheal , Holmes Elaine , Wang Yulan , Marchesi Julian R. 
Published: January 2008

SummaryA role for the intestinal microbiota is routinely cited as a potential aetiological factor in colorectal cancer initiation and progression. As the majority of bacteria in the gut are refractory to culture we investigated this ecosystem in subjects with colorectal cancer and with adenomatous polyposis who are at high risk of developing colorectal cancer, using culture‐independent methods. Twenty colorectal cancer and 20 polypectomized volunteers were chosen for this analysis. An exploration of the diversity and temporal stability of the dominant bacteria and several bacterial subgroups was undertaken using 16S rRNA gene denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis and ribosomal intergenic spacer analysis (RISA). Metabonomic analysis of the distal gut microbiota's environment was also undertaken. A significantly reduced temporal stability and increased diversity for the microbiota of subjects with colorectal cancer and polyposis was evident. A significantly increased diversity of the Clostridium leptum and C. coccoides subgroups was also noted for both disease groups. A clear division in the metabonome was observed for the colorectal cancer and polypectomized subjects compared with control volunteers. The intestinal microbiota and their metabolites are significantly altered in both colorectal cancer and polypectomized subjects compared with controls.
Actinorhodopsins: proteorhodopsin‐like gene sequences found predominantly in non‐marine environments
Authors: Sharma Adrian K. , Zhaxybayeva Olga , Papke R. Thane , Doolittle W. Ford 
Published: January 2008

SummaryProteorhodopsins are light‐energy‐harvesting transmembrane proteins encoded by genes recently discovered in the surface waters of the world's oceans. Metagenomic data from the Global Ocean Sampling expedition (GOS) recovered 2674 proteorhodopsin‐related sequences from 51 aquatic samples. Four of these samples were from non‐marine environments, specifically, Lake Gatun within the Panama Canal, Delaware Bay and Chesapeake Bay and the Punta Cormorant Lagoon in Ecuador. Rhodopsins related to but phylogenetically distinct from most sequences designated proteorhodopsins were present at all four of these non‐marine sites and comprised three different clades that were almost completely absent from marine samples. Phylogenomic analyses of genes adjacent to those encoding these novel rhodopsins suggest affiliation to the Actinobacteria, and hence we propose to name these divergent, non‐marine rhodopsins ‘actinorhodopsins’. Actinorhodopsins conserve the acidic amino acid residues critical for proton pumping and their genes lack genomic association with those encoding photo‐sensory transducer proteins, thus supporting a putative ion pumping function. The ratio of recA and radA to rhodopsin genes in the different environment types sampled within the GOS indicates that rhodopsins of one type or another are abundant in microbial communities in freshwater, estuarine and lagoon ecosystems, supporting an important role for these photosystems in all aquatic environments influenced by sunlight.
A molecular phylogeny of apple snails (Gastropoda, Caenogastropoda, Ampullariidae) with an emphasis on African species
Authors: Jørgensen Aslak , Kristensen Thomas K. , Madsen Henry 
Published: January 2008

Ampullariids are widespread in Africa, Asia, South‐ and Central America, and the Caribbean Islands. Basal phylogenetic relationships of the African genera Afropomus and Saulea have been inferred based on anatomical evidence. Until recently the Viviparidae was regarded as the sister‐group of Ampullariidae, but recent molecular data infer a sister‐group relationship with Campanilidae. We have used members of both families as outgroups in the present investigation on ampullariid phylogeny. We have used data from portions of five molecular loci, that is, the nuclear genes 18S rRNA, 28S rRNA and H3, and the mitochondrial genes 16S rRNA and COI. Our data most often infer a basal position of Afropomus. The West African species Saulea is inferred as the basal member of a clade including the South American Marisa and Pomacea. We hypothesize that evolutionary lineages leading to Saulea and the American genera were isolated from each other by vicariance events (Gondwanaland break‐up 130–110 Mya). Our individual gene analyses inferred two major clades of the African Lanistes. However, in some analyses they were not inferred as sister‐groups making Lanistes paraphyletic. The African and Asian genus Pila is most often inferred to be monophyletic (except for the generally unresolved 28S). Our analyses most often inferred a sister‐group relationship between Lanistes and Pila. The very low genetic diversity of the endemic radiation of Lanistes in Lake Malawi suggests that the morphological divergence has happened much faster than the molecular divergence as is also evidenced from the cichlid radiations.
Attractive Physical Appearance vs. Good Academic Characteristics: Which Generates More Earnings?
Authors: Tao Hung‐Lin 
Published: January 2008

SUMMARYThis study uses the entry‐level wage of Taiwanese female college graduates to ensure a clear causality between the wage and physical appearance. It is found that height raises the entry wage, and that there exists an optimal BMI. Graduates who are satisfied with their looks earn 3.4% more than the average. The wage premiums for a good college grade and for all advantageous physical characteristics are significantly lower than that for admission to a selective college. Graduates who are satisfied with their looks are more likely to become full‐time workers and are less likely to be unemployed shortly after graduation.
What Did All the Money Do? On the General Ineffectiveness of Recent West German Labour Market Programmes
Authors: Wunsch Conny , Lechner Michael 
Published: January 2008

SUMMARYWe provide new evidence on the effectiveness of West German labour market programmes by evaluating training and employment programmes that have been conducted 2000–2002 after the first large reform of German labour market policy in 1998. We employ exceptionally rich administrative data that allow us to use microeconometric matching methods and to estimate interesting effects for different types of programmes and participants at a rather disaggregated level. We find that, on average, all programmes fail to improve their participants' chances of finding regular, unsubsidised employment. Rather, participants accumulate 2–13 more months of unemployment than nonparticipants over the 2.5 years following programme start, which, in addition to direct programme costs, induces net costs in terms of benefit payments and wage subsidies amounting to, on average, 1500–7000 EUR per participant. However, we show that there is some scope for improvements in mean employment rates as well as potential for considerable cost savings by a reallocation of participants and nonparticipants to the different programmes.
THE MORAL DISTINCTION BETWEEN KILLING AND LETTING DIE IN MEDICAL CASES
Authors: ASSCHER JOACHIM 
Published: January 2008

ABSTRACTIn some medical cases there is a moral distinction between killing and letting die, but in others there is not. In this paper I present an original and principled account of the moral distinction between killing and letting die. The account provides both an explanation of the moral distinction and an explanation for why the distinction does not always hold. If these explanations are correct, the moral distinction between killing and letting die must be taken seriously in medical contexts.Defeasibly, when an agent kills she takes responsibility, but when an agent lets die she does not take responsibility. Therein lies the moral distinction between killing and letting die. The distinction, however, is defeated when an agent is already responsible for the surrounding situation. In such cases, killing does not involve taking any further responsibility and letting die does not avoid taking any responsibility. Medical examples are frequently complicated because patients’ autonomous choices impact upon medical practitioners’ surrounding responsibility.
Monopoly in the Marketplace: The Ideological Denial of Visas
Authors: MANN SUSAN 
Published: January 2008

The McCarran‐Walter Act mandates the exclusion of nonimmigrant aliens from entry into the United States. Hundred of detentions and exclusions occur yearly under the Act, and Latin Americans appear to be disproportionately likely to be excluded.This article argues that the Act, a Cold War statute, ignores current political reality and American self‐interest. The exclusionary subsections provide no more protection from terrorists and other genuine internal security risks than is available from other statutes. But they reduce the exchange of people and ideas, including foreign policy issues; fuel a negative image abroad of America; and impermissibly burden the first amendment and equal protection rights of American citizens. This article proposes that the subsections in question be repealed and replaced with narrower statutes.
The Ideologies of Mediation: The Movement's Own Story
Authors: ADLER PETER , LOVAAS KAREN , MILNER NEAL 
Published: January 2008

This paper has three aims. First, it describes the ideologies of six organizations that have been and continue to be prominent in the alternative dispute resolution (ADR) movement in the United States. These organizations all feature the use of mediation as a central component of their work and as a solution to larger social problems.Second, it elaborates some points of similarity and difference in these ideologies in light of a debate that emerged in the late 1970's between “community” and “agency” models of mediation, that is, between programs that chose to closely affiliate with the formal justice system and those that chose not to. Several years after the start of this debate, we believe there are important points of convergence and divergence that have not received enough attention by those who advocate for or against alternative dispute processing.Finally, the authors wish to use the opportunity this study provides to speculate more openly on the contemporary meaning of legal informalism and the ways in which formal and informal legal structures now seem to be linked.
Regulating Dismissal from Employment: Administrative and Judicial Procedures in the Netherlands
Authors: KNEGT ROBERT 
Published: January 2008

In Dutch law unilateral termination of labour contracts usually is only possible with the prior permission of the Director of the District Labour Office. The functions of this administrative procedure have shifted considerably over time: originally an instrument of labour market policy, it is now predominantly oriented to prevention of dismissal without reasonable grounds. Some critics claim that this shift urges for abolishing this administrative procedure and leaving the matter to the judiciary competent in civil law disputes. Constitutionally sound as this position may be, its consequences would severely threaten realisation of the principle of ‘no dismissal but on reasonable grounds’.Results of empirical research into the Labour Office procedure and into the Lower Court procedure of “dissolution for important reasons” are presented to found this evaluative conclusion. Attention is paid to the discretion of dismissal officers and to the informal way of handling cases in the Lower Court. As a preliminary dispute processing institution, the Labour Office procedure is in tune with the comparatively large contribution of informal procedures to Dutch justice.
“You Better Shop Around”: The Market for Motor Vehicle Inspection
Authors: HEMENWAY DAVID , SOLNICK SARA J. 
Published: January 2008

The effectiveness of regulations is reduced by inspector capture. An environment conducive to capture is one in which inspectors must compete for business. This type of competition is found in various regulatory contexts; it is a fundamental characteristic of a decentralized motor vehicle inspection network.Motor vehicle inspection stations in most localities are numerous, geographically dispersed, private, and hence largely outside the effective purview of state authorities. Motorists can choose their inspection station, and generally prefer quick, superficial and passing inspections. Motor vehicle inspectors therefore tend to be quite lax. Evidence is presented showing that the most lenient ones tend to get more of the inspection business.
Separate versus Equal Treatment Approaches to Parental Leave: Theoretical Issues and Empirical Evidence*
Authors: TRZCINSKI EILEEN 
Published: January 2008

This article examines the legal and economic arguments behind the separate versus equal treatment approaches to maternity/parental leave. Three sets of legal arguments that were advanced in the U. S. Supreme Court case California Federal Savings and Loan Association v. Guerra, 1987 are examined. The economic arguments that correspond to each of these legal arguments are then developed, including the arguments of groups who (1) oppose all versions of mandated leave, (2) support mandated parental leave without qualification (the Separate Treatment Approach), and (3) support some, but not all formulations (the Equal Treatment Approach).Each of these theoretical perspectives generate specific hypotheses regarding the potential compensation and employment effects for women of childbear‐ing age. These hypotheses are tested with data from the Current Population Survey, May 1979 and May 1983. Overall the empirical findings suggest that parental leave legislation can significantly improve the labor market position of women of childbearing age, but all approaches are not equal and some methods may undermine, rather than improve their position.
Environment, Self‐Regulation, and the Chemical Industry: Assessing Responsible Care*
Authors: GUNNINGHAM NEIL 
Published: January 2008

This study examines the role of self‐regulation as a strategy for environment protection. In particular it explores the chemical industry's Responsible Care Program. Responsible Care is afar‐reaching and sophisticated self‐regulatory scheme intended to reduce chemical accidents and pollution, to build industry credibility through improved performance and increased communication, and to involve the community in decision making.The study identifies the collective action problems and other weaknesses of Responsible Care and argues that a more effective approach to environmental regulation of the chemical industry would be tripartite, involving co‐regulation and a range of third party oversight mechanisms.
Family Poverty and the Exploitation of Child Labor*
Authors: LONGFORD MICHAEL 
Published: January 2008

This paper discusses five particular aspects of the problems of child labor and family poverty. First, the forms and extent of the exploitation of child labor are defined. Secondly, family poverty, and the economic, cultural and social factors leading to the exploitation of child labor are explored. In part three, the achievements and difficulties in the implementation of programs to eliminate the exploitation of child labor are examined, followed in part four by some comments about certain international instruments which relate to child labor.Finally, the paper considers future government and non‐government action at the national, regional and international levels to relieve poverty and eliminate the economic exploitation of children.
A new species of giant sengi or elephant‐shrew (genus Rhynchocyon) highlights the exceptional biodiversity of the Udzungwa Mountains of Tanzania
Authors: Rovero F. , Rathbun G. B. , Perkin A. , Jones T. , Ribble D. O. , Leonard C. , Mwakisoma R. R. , Doggart N. 
Published: January 2008

AbstractA new species of sengi, or elephant‐shrew, is described. It was discovered in the northern Udzungwa Mountains of Tanzania in 2005. Sengis (Order Macroscelidea, super‐cohort Afrotheria) include four genera and 15 species of mammals that are endemic to Africa. This discovery is a significant contribution to the systematics of this small order. Based on 49 camera trap images, 40 sightings and five voucher specimens, the new sengi is diurnal and distinguished from the other three species of Rhynchocyon by a grizzled grey face, pale yellow to cream chest and chin, orange‐rufous sides, maroon back and jet‐black lower rump and thighs. The body weight of the new species is about 700 g, which is 25–50% greater than any other giant sengi. The new Rhynchocyon is only known from two populations that cover about 300 km2 of montane forest. It has an estimated density of 50–80 individuals km−2. This discovery has important implications for the conservation of the high biodiversity that is found in the forests of the Eastern Arc Mountains.