bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Sleeping sites of black‐and‐white snub‐nosed monkeys (Rhinopithecus bieti) at Baima Snow Mountain, China
Authors: Cui L.‐W. , Quan R.‐C. , Xiao W. 
Published: June 2006

AbstractData on sleeping sites of a group of black‐and‐white snub‐nosed monkeys Rhinopithecus bieti (Colobinae, Primates) were collected between April–July and September–December 2001 to try to determine the factors affecting site selection at Nanren (99°04′E, 28°34′N, Baima Snow Mountain, China). Sleeping trees were tall emergents (27.5±3.2 m) with large diameter at breast height (57.9±16.9 cm) and broad crown diameters (6.3±1.4 m), and significantly larger than other trees. The use of large sleeping trees could provide effective shelters from attacks of terrestrial and aerial predators, heavy snow and rain. Sleeping sites were changed nightly and located at significantly lower altitudes in winter months than in other seasons, which might be a thermoregulatory adaptation or related to snow covering. Such sites tended to be at the middle of sun‐oriented slopes, possibly trading off predator avoidance and foraging efficiency.
Penile morphology of African mole rats (Bathyergidae): structural modification in relation to mode of ovulation and degree of sociality
Authors: Parag A. , Bennett N. C. , Faulkes C. G. , Bateman P. W. 
Published: June 2006

AbstractThe penile morphology and bacular structure of five species of African mole rat are described in relation to the method of ovulation, degree of sociality and polygynandry. We predicted that, with an increase in sociality, and a concomitant decrease in polygynandry and sperm competition, there would be a decrease in penis ornamentation (spinosity) and baculum size. In solitary species of African mole rat with marked seasonal reproduction and induced ovulation (Bathyergus suillus and Georychus capensis), males have numerous epidermal spines on the penis. Social, seasonally breeding, induced ovulating mole rats Cryptomys hottentotus natalensis possess less elaborate ornamentation in the form of small protrusions that are rounded at the apex. Two aseasonally breeding eusocial species with spontaneous ovulation Cryptomys damarensis and Heterocephalus glaber have ridges on the penis but lack any elaborate ornamentation. Baculae, however, showed a trend to become proportionally smaller in the solitary species. Our prediction that, with an increase in sociality and a move from induced to spontaneous ovulation, the amount and degree of penile ornamentation declines was, therefore, generally supported.
Selective foraging on woody plant species by the Eurasian beaver (Castor fiber) in Telemark, Norway
Authors: Haarberg O. , Rosell F. 
Published: June 2006

AbstractBeaversCastorspp. are generalist herbivores, feeding on the bark, shoots and leaves of woody plants, terrestrial herbs and forbs, ferns and aquatic vegetation. As central‐place foragers, beavers move out from water to select and cut trees and vegetation, and then transport it back to their refuge. These terrestrial forays are energetically costly; therefore, beavers should concentrate their foraging activity near the central place and increase the degree of selectivity for specific sizes or species of food with increasing distance from the water. The aim of this study was to test the predictions of the central place and the optimal foraging theories for the food selection of the Eurasian beaverCastor fiber, and show the foraging preferences of the focal species in the boreal conifer forest zone of Europe. Foraging intensity by beavers and the abundance of woody species were surveyed in transects positioned randomly at seven beaver territories. In compliance with the central‐place foraging theory, the foraging intensity declined with increasing distance from the river. Beavers fed preferentially on willows (Salix), rowan (Sorbus) and birches (Betula), although alders (Alnus) dominated their diet. Size selectivity showed similar patterns to previous North American studies, which were also carried out in habitats with predominantly small saplings. The probability of selection of small saplings dropped as distance increased, which is consistent with the predictions of optimal foraging models that larger prey items are more likely to be favoured with increasing provisioning distance.
Setting or mixed ability?: pupils’ views of the organisational arrangement in their school
Authors: Smith Chris M. M. , Sutherland Margaret J. 
Published: June 2006

In 1996 Her Majesty's Inspectors of schools published a report entitled Achievement for All (SOEID, 1996). This report identified a number of key principles governing the organisation of pupils by class, or within class, in Scottish schools and concluded that:
The application of these principles does not give rise to one, universally best method of organising pupils into classes. If used effectively, both mixed ability and setting may be appropriate forms of organisation (5.4).
A study was undertaken to investigate the perceptions of various groups (teachers, parents and pupils) of how well the arrangements in place were working. A total of 13 schools were included in the investigation (4 primary and 9 secondary). Groups of between 6 and 12 pupils were interviewed in each school. This paper will present the perceptions of these pupils on the setting arrangements in place in their schools.
Utilization of the Rhs core region of tc‐sepC orthologues as a degenerate system for the rapid amplification of insecticidal genes
Authors: BOCKETT N. A. , BECHER S. A. , HURST M. R. H. 
Published: June 2006

AbstractWe have developed a rapid procedure to identify the DNA sequence of candidate insecticidal genes belonging to the toxin complex (Tc) family. Using degenerate primers designed to the conserved core region of a component of the toxin complexes, we obtained consistent amplification of a ∼910 bp DNA segment of the tc‐sepC gene from various bacterial genomes. This technique not only defines whether a putative insecticidal bacterium is a member of the Tc family, but will facilitate the isolation of neighbouring genes that may encode the full compliment of tc‐like genes.
Development of simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers and their use in identification of Dendrobium varieties
Authors: YUE G. H. , LAM‐CHAN L. T. , HONG Y. 
Published: June 2006

AbstractThe aim of this study was to develop simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers for Dendrobium varieties/species, many of which have medicinal and horticultural values. Two genomic DNA libraries of Dendrobium Sonia enriched with GA repeats and CA repeats were constructed. Fourteen polymorphic SSR markers were identified when screened against 42 popular commercial Dendrobium hybrids. The average allele number was 12.0 ± 1.9 and the observed heterozyosity was averaged at 0.70. All 42 hybrids tested, except for two tissue culture mutants, were uniquely identified with the markers used. Sibling hybrids were closely clustered. Hybrids were also closer to parents. These SSR markers can be used for molecular ecology research, genetic mapping and marker‐assisted breeding. They can also help protection for new Dendrobium varieties.
Potential loss of nutrients from different rearing strategies for fattening pigs on pasture
Authors: Eriksen J. , Hermansen J. E. , Strudsholm K. , Kristensen K. 
Published: June 2006

AbstractNutrient load and distribution on pasture were investigated with fattening pigs that: (1) spent a proportion of or their entire life on pasture; (2) were fed either restrictively orad libitum; and (3) were weaned at different times of the year. N and P retention in pigs decreased the longer they were kept on pasture. The contents of soil inorganic N and exchangeable K were significantly raised compared with the soil outside the enclosures but with no differences between treatments. Pig grazing did not affect extractable soil P. Regular moving of huts, feeding and water troughs was effective in ensuring that nutrients were more evenly distributed on the paddocks. Grass cover, as determined by spectral reflectance, was not related to the experimental treatments but only to the time of year. During spring and summer, grass was present in parts of the paddocks, whereas during autumn and winter, the pigs kept grass cover below 10%. Fattening pigs on pasture carry a high risk of nutrient loss and it is concluded that the most environmentally acceptable way of keeping them on pasture involves a combination of reduced dietary N intake, reduced stocking rate and seasonal rather than round the year production.
Effects of Variation at theALDH2Locus on Alcohol Metabolism, Sensitivity, Consumption, and Dependence in Europeans
Authors: Dickson Peter A. , James Michael R. , Heath Andrew C. , Montgomery Grant W. , Martin Nicholas G. , Whitfield John B. , Birley Andrew J. 
Published: June 2006

Background:The low‐activity variant of the aldehyde dehydrogenase 2 (ALDH2) gene found in East Asian populations leads to the alcohol flush reaction and reduces alcohol consumption and risk of alcohol dependence (AD). We have tested whether other polymorphisms in theALDH2gene have similar effects in people of European ancestry.Methods:Serial measurements of blood and breath alcohol, subjective intoxication, body sway, skin temperature, blood pressure, and pulse were obtained in 412 twins who took part in an alcohol challenge study. Participants provided data on alcohol reactions, alcohol consumption, and symptoms related to AD at the time of the study and subsequently. Haplotypes based on 5 single‐nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were used in tests of the effects of variation in theALDH2gene on alcohol metabolism and alcohol's effects.Results:The typed SNPs were in strong linkage disequilibrium and 2 complementary haplotypes comprised 83% of those observed. Significant effects ofALDH2haplotype were observed for breath alcohol concentration, with similar but smaller and nonsignificant effects on blood alcohol. Haplotype‐related variation in responses to alcohol, and reported alcohol consumption, was small and not consistently in the direction predicted by the effects on alcohol concentrations.Conclusions:Genetic variation inALDH2affects alcohol metabolism in Europeans. However, the data do not support the hypothesis that this leads to effects on alcohol sensitivity, consumption, or risk of dependence.
Striatal Dopamine Release and Family History of Alcoholism
Authors: Munro Cynthia A. , McCaul Mary E. , Oswald Lynn M. , Wong Dean F. , Zhou Yun , Brasic James , Kuwabara Hiroto , Kumar Anil , Alexander Mohab , Ye Weiguo , Wand Gary S. 
Published: June 2006

Background:The offspring of alcohol‐dependent individuals are at increased risk for alcoholism. The present study was designed to determine whether mesolimbic dopamine binding potential (BP), dopamine release, stress hormones, and subjective responses to intravenous amphetamine are different in nonalcoholic offspring from families with a history of alcohol dependence [family history positive (FHP)] than in nonalcoholic offspring without a family history of alcohol dependence [family history negative (FHN)].Methods:Participants were 41 healthy men and women (11 FHP, 30 FHN; age range 18–29). After completing baseline psychiatric symptom and personality measures, striatal D2/D3dopamine BP and dopamine release in response to an amphetamine challenge were measured with positron emission tomography (PET) using the D2/D3dopamine (DA) receptor radioligand [11C]raclopride. Binding potential was defined asBmax/KD, percent change in BP from baseline defined dopamine release. During the scans, subjects rated the degree to which they were experiencing each of 10 possible drug effects. Plasma cortisol and growth hormone (GH) were also measured at scheduled intervals during the scans.Results:Neither baseline BP nor dopamine release differed by family history. Similarly, subjective responses to amphetamine did not differ by a family history of alcoholism. Although both cortisol and GH increased following administration of amphetamine, these increases did not differ between family history groups.Conclusions:Using amphetamine to provoke mesolimbic dopamine, we did not show significant differences in dopamine release, subjective responses, or stress hormone measures as a function of family history of alcoholism.
Fatty Acid Ethyl Esters in Meconium: Are They Biomarkers of Fetal Alcohol Exposure and Effect?
Authors: Ostrea Enrique M. , Hernandez Joel D. , Bielawski Dawn M. , Kan Jack M. , Leonardo Gregorio M. , Abela Michelle Buda , Church Michael W. , Hannigan John H. , Janisse James J. , Ager Joel W. , Sokol Robert J. 
Published: June 2006

Background: Biomarkers of fetal exposure to alcohol are important to establish so that early detection and intervention can be made on these infants to prevent undesirable outcomes. The aim of this study was to analyze long‐chain fatty acid ethyl esters (FAEEs) in meconium as potential biomarkers of fetal alcohol exposure and effect.Methods: Fatty acid ethyl esters were analyzed in the meconium of 124 singleton infants by positive chemical ionization gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS) and correlated to maternal ethanol use.Results: A total of 124 mother/infant dyads were enrolled in the study: 31 were in the control group and 93 were in the alcohol‐exposed group. The incidence (28% vs 9.7%, p=0.037) of ethyl linoleate detected in meconium was significantly higher in the alcohol‐exposed groups than the control groups. Similarly, when the concentrations of ethyl linoleate in meconium were grouped (trichotomized), there was a significant linear by linear association between alcohol exposure and group concentrations of ethyl linoleate (p=0.013). Furthermore, only alcohol‐exposed infants were found in the group with the highest ethyl linoleate concentration. The sensitivity of ethyl linoleate in detecting prenatal alcohol exposure was only 26.9%, and its specificity and positive predictive value were 96.8 and 96.2%, respectively. There was no significant correlation between the concentration of ethyl linoleate in meconium and absolute alcohol consumed (oz) per drinking day across pregnancy, although a trend toward a positive correlation is seen at lower amounts of alcohol consumed. Among the polyunsaturated, long‐chain FAEEs, there was weak evidence that the incidence (21.5% vs 6.5%, p=0.057) and concentration (p=0.064) of ethyl arachidonate (AA) were significantly higher in the alcohol‐exposed groups than the control groups. Ethyl linolenate and ethyl docosahexanoate (DHA) in meconium were found only in the alcohol group, although not at statistically significant levels. Highly significant correlations were found among the concentrations of ethyl linoleate, ethyl linolenate, ethyl AA, and ethyl DHA in meconium (correlations ranged between rs=0.203, p=0.024; and rs=0.594, p<0.001).Conclusion: We conclude that FAEEs in meconium, particularly ethyl linoleate and ethyl AA, are biomarkers of high specificity for prenatal exposure to alcohol in newborn infants. We also propose that ethyl AA and DHA could be potential biomarkers of fetal alcohol effects on the developing fetal brain and should be investigated further.
Disruptions in Sleep Time and Sleep Architecture in a Mouse Model of Repeated Ethanol Withdrawal
Authors: Veatch Lynn M. 
Published: June 2006

Background: Insomnia and other sleep difficulties are perhaps the most common and enduring symptoms reported by alcoholics undergoing detoxification, especially those alcoholics with a history of multiple detoxifications. While some studies have reported sleep disruptions in animal models after chronic ethanol exposure, the reports are inconsistent and few address sleep architecture across repeated ethanol exposures and withdrawals. The present study evaluated sleep time and architecture in a well‐characterized mouse model of repeated chronic ethanol exposure and withdrawal.Methods: C57BL6/J mice were fitted with electrodes in frontal cortex, hippocampus, and nuchal muscle for collection of continuous electroencephalogram (EEG)/electromyogram (EMG) data. Baseline data were collected, after which mice received 4 cycles of 16‐hour exposure to alcohol (ethanol: EtOH) vapor separated by 8‐hour periods of withdrawal or similar handling in the absence of EtOH vapor. Ethanol‐exposed mice attained a blood ethanol concentration of 165 mg%. Upon completion of vapor exposure, EEG/EMG data were again collected across 4 days of acute withdrawal. Data were subjected to automated analyses classifying 10‐second epochs into wake, non–rapid eye movement (REM) sleep, or REM sleep states.Results: Mice in withdrawal after chronic EtOH exposure showed profound disruptions in the total time asleep, across the acute withdrawal period. Sleep architecture, the composition of sleep, was also disrupted with a reduction in non‐REM sleep concomitant with a profound increase in REM sleep. While altered sleep time and non‐REM sleep loss resolved by the fourth day of withdrawal, the increase in REM sleep (“REM rebound”) persisted.Conclusions: These results mirror those reported for the human alcoholic and demonstrate that EtOH withdrawal–induced sleep disruptions are evident in this mouse model of alcohol withdrawal–induced sensitization. This mouse model may provide mechanisms to investigate fully the high correlation between unremitting sleep problems and increased risk of relapse documented clinically.
Chronic Ethanol Treatment Impairs Rac and Cdc42 Activation in Rat Hepatocytes
Authors: Schaffert Courtney S. , Todero Sandra L. , Casey Carol A. , Thiele Geoffrey M. , Sorrell Michael F. , Tuma Dean J. 
Published: June 2006

Background: The effects of chronic ethanol feeding on rat hepatocytes have been shown to include impaired cell–extracellular matrix (ECM) adhesion events, such as decreased attachment and spreading as well as increased integrin–actin cytoskeleton association. These results, observed previously by this laboratory, are highly suggestive of impaired actin cytoskeleton reorganization, an event mediated by differential activation of the Rho family GTPases Rac, Cdc42, and RhoA. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to examine the effects of chronic ethanol administration on these GTPases.Methods: Male Wistar rats were pair‐fed 4 to 5 weeks with a liquid diet containing either ethanol (as 36% of total calories) or isocaloric carbohydrate. Hepatocytes were isolated and plated on collagen IV up to 24 hours. At specific times, the hepatocytes were lysed and these lysates were analyzed for RhoA, Cdc42, and Rac activation.Results: In freshly isolated hepatocytes from ethanol‐fed rats, the GTP‐bound (active) forms of Rac and Cdc42 were significantly decreased compared with pair‐fed control rats, while the GTP‐bound form of RhoA was not significantly altered. These ethanol‐induced impairments in Rac and Cdc42 activation persisted even after plating the hepatocytes on collagen IV. Additionally, chronic ethanol treatment did not directly affect GTP binding of Cdc42 and Rac, as incorporation of GTPγS was not affected.Conclusions: Chronic ethanol administration selectively impairs Rac and Cdc42 activation in rat hepatocytes. As activation of these 2 GTPases is crucial for efficient cell attachment and spreading on ECM substrates, the results from this study suggest that the ethanol‐induced impairments in Rac and Cdc42 activation are responsible for the impaired hepatocyte–ECM adhesion events observed previously by our laboratory. Furthermore, these results raise the intriguing possibility that these GTPases are involved in other ethanol‐induced functional impairments, such as protein trafficking and receptor‐mediated endocytosis.
Comorbid personality disorder and treatment use in a community sample of youths: a 20‐year follow‐up
Authors: Kasen S. , Cohen P. , Skodol A. E. , First M. B. , Johnson J. G. , Brook J. S. , Oldham J. M. 
Published: June 2006

Objective:  The impact of comorbid personality disorder (PD) on subsequent treatment and psychotropic drug use was examined in a representative sample of over 700 individuals.Method:  Axis I disorders and PD were assessed by self‐ and mother‐report at mean ages 13 and 22 years, and by self‐report at mean age 33. Mothers reported treatment use by participants before mean age 33; participants reported treatment and psychotropic drug use at mean age 33.Results:  Individuals with multiple axis I disorders without PD, axis I disorder–PD comorbidity, and single disorders were compared simultaneously to individuals not diagnosed. Overall, odds of subsequent and past year treatment or psychotropic drug use or both were highest when PD co‐occurred with a mood, an anxiety, a disruptive, or a substance use disorder.Conclusion:  Co‐occurring personality pathology may contribute to elevated mental health service use, including use of psychotropic drugs, among young adults in the community.
Enhanced susceptibility to periodontitis in an animal model of depression: reversed by chronic treatment with the anti‐depressant tianeptine
Authors: Breivik Torbjørn , Gundersen Yngvar , Myhrer Trond , Fonnum Frode , Osmundsen Harald , Murison Robert , Gjermo Per , Von Hörsten Stephan , Opstad Per Kristian 
Published: June 2006

AbstractObjective:To test the hypothesis that the olfactory bulbectomy model of depression in rats could influence susceptibility to ligature‐induced periodontitis, and that chronic treatment with the anti‐depressant drug tianeptine could attenuate this effect.Material and Methods:Tianeptine was given twice daily (10 mg/kg, i.p.) during the entire experiment, starting 29 days before induction of olfactory bulbectomy and periodontitis. Olfactory bulbectomized (OB) rats and sham‐operated rats were given saline in a similar manner. Periodontal disease was assessed when the ligatures had been in place for 21 days. Two hours before decapitation, rats were injected with lipopolysaccharide (LPS;100 μg/kg, i.p.) to induce a robust immune and stress response.Results:Compared with sham‐operated controls, OB rats developed significantly more periodontal bone loss, exhibited characteristic behavioural responses in a novel open field test, and showed a decreased expression of glucocorticoid receptors (GRs) in the hippocampus. LPS provoked a significantly larger increase in circulating levels of the stress hormone corticosterone and the cytokine transformation growth factor (TGF)‐1β but smaller tumour necrosis factor (TNF)‐α levels. Tianeptine treatment of OB rats significantly inhibited peridodontal bone loss, normalized behavioural responses, enhanced TGF‐1β levels, and abolished TNF‐α decrease, but did not attenuate the increased corticosterone response and the decreased hippocampal GR expression.Conclusions:These experimental results are consistent with an emerging literature showing that life stress, anxiety, depression, pathological grief, and poor coping behaviour may dysregulate regulatory mechanisms within the brain involved in immune regulation, and thereby alter immune responses and influence the susceptibility/resistance to inflammatory disorders.