136 research outputs found
More than royal food - major royal jelly protein genes in sexuals and workers of the honeybee Apis mellifera
No full textBACKGROUND: In the honeybee Apis mellifera, female larvae destined to become a queen are fed with royal jelly, a
secretion of the hypopharyngeal glands of young nurse bees that rear the brood. The protein moiety of royal jelly
comprises mostly major royal jelly proteins (MRJPs) of which the coding genes (mrjp1-9) have been identified on
chromosome 11 in the honeybee’s genome.
RESULTS: We determined the expression of mrjp1-9 among the honeybee worker caste (nurses, foragers) and the
sexuals (queens (unmated, mated) and drones) in various body parts (head, thorax, abdomen). Specific mrjp
expression was not only found in brood rearing nurse bees, but also in foragers and the sexuals.
CONCLUSIONS: The expression of mrjp1 to 7 is characteristic for the heads of worker bees, with an elevated
expression of mrjp1-4 and 7 in nurse bees compared to foragers. Mrjp5 and 6 were higher in foragers compared to
nurses suggesting functions in addition to those of brood food proteins. Furthermore, the expression of mrjp9 was
high in the heads, thoraces and abdomen of almost all female bees, suggesting a function irrespective of body
section. This completely different expression profile suggests mrjp9 to code for the most ancestral major royal
jelly protein of the honeybee.AB was supported by a fellowship of the Prorectorate
for Research and Young Academics of the Martin-Luther-University Halle-
Wittenberg. The DFG provided financial support for chemicals and supplies
(RFAM).http://www.frontiersinzoology.com/content/10/1/72am201
Sperm utilization pattern in the honeybee (Apis mellifera)
No full textQueen honeybees (Apis mellifera) mate with a large number of drones on their nuptial flights. Not all drones contribute equally to the queen’s offspring and the queen’s utilization pattern of spermatozoa from different drones has an important impact on the genetic composition of the colony. Here we study the consequences of sperm use for the fitness of the queen’s mates with microsatellite DNA-fingerprinting. Eight queens were instrumentally inseminated with semen of six or seven drones. Each drone contributed either 0.5 µl or 1.0 µl semen, respectively, and we analyzed both the impact of the insemination sequence and the amount of semen on
the sperm utilization. Our data show no significant effect
of the insemination sequence but a strong impact of the
semen volume of a drone on the frequency of his worker
offspring in the colony. This effect was not linear and the
patriline frequencies of the drones contributing larger
semen volumes are disproportionately enhanced. If these
observations are also valid for natural matings, drone
honeybees should maximize the number of sperm but not
apply specific mating tactics to be first or last male in a
mating sequence
Developing countries and the Uruguay Round : negotiations on services
No full textIn the late 1980s many developing countries experienced something of a pardigm shift: governments began to pursue more market-oriented domestic policies. There was an increasing perception that liberalizing access to service markets was a potentially low-cost, effective method for improving the quality and efficiency of domestic service sectors. These unilateral policy developments increased the incentives for developing countries as a group to participate in a multilateral agreement to liberalize trade in services. The author explores the extent to which the initial negotiating positions of developing countries are reflected in the draft General Agreement on Trade in Services (GATS) that has emerged from the Uruguay Round negotiations. He investigates whether the unilateral policy changes implemented by many developing countries in the late 1980s had a discernible impact on the draft GATS for developing countries. Many developing countries are pursuing regulatory reform and liberalization. To what extent will signing the GATS help governments trying to make their service sectors more efficient? Is the result of the defensive negotiating strategy that was pursued consistent with the shift toward a policy of liberalizing service markets? This issue is of particular relevance insofar as recent liberalization-plus-privatization programs in developing countries were driven by external forces rather than domestic pressure (industry) groups - which might reduce the credibility of liberalization policies. Membership in a binding multilateral agreement could help bolster reform efforts by increasing the costs of backsliding.Trade and Services,Poverty Assessment,TF054105-DONOR FUNDED OPERATION ADMINISTRATION FEE INCOME AND EXPENSE ACCOUNT,Governance Indicators,Rules of Origin
Sperm numbers in drone honeybees (Apis mellifera) depend on body size
No full textThe effect of drone honeybee's body size on semen production was evaluated. In the same colonies, drones were either reared in drone cells (large drones) or in worker cells (small drones). Wing lengths (size indicator) and sperm numbers of small and large drones were compared. Small drones (~13% reduced wing size) produce significantly fewer spermatozoa (7.5 0.5 million) than normally sized drones (11.9 1.0 million spermatozoa). There is a significant positive correlation between sperm number and wing size within the small drones and in both groups combined. In the large group alone no correlation was found. The rearing investment per spermatozoon is lower for small than for normally sized drones because small drones produce more spermatozoa in relation to their body weight. Since colonies usually produce large drones, the enhanced investment must be outweighed by a mating advantage of large drones
Workers dominate male production in the neotropical bumblebee <it>Bombus wilmattae </it>(Hymenoptera: Apidae)
No full textAbstract Background Cooperation and conflict in social insects are closely linked to the genetic structure of the colony. Kin selection theory predicts conflict over the production of males between the workers and the queen and between the workers themselves, depending on intra-colonial relatedness but also on other factors like colony efficiency, sex ratios, cost of worker reproduction and worker dominance behaviour. In most bumblebee (Bombus) species the queen wins this conflict and often dominates male production. However, most studies in bumblebees have been conducted with only a few selected, mostly single mated species from temperate climate regions. Here we study the genetic colony composition of the facultative polyandrous neotropical bumblebee Bombus wilmattae, to assess the outcome of the queen-worker conflict over male production and to detect potential worker policing. Results A total of 120 males from five colonies were genotyped with up to nine microsatellite markers to infer their parentage. Four of the five colonies were queen right at point of time of male sampling, while one had an uncertain queen status. The workers clearly dominated production of males with an average of 84.9% +/- 14.3% of males being worker sons. In the two doubly mated colonies 62.5% and 96.7% of the male offspring originated from workers and both patrilines participated in male production. Inferring the mother genotypes from the male offspring, between four to eight workers participated in the production of males. Conclusions In this study we show that the workers clearly win the queen-worker conflict over male production in B. wilmattae, which sets them apart from the temperate bumblebee species studied so far. Workers clearly dominated male production in the singly as well the doubly mated colonies, with up to eight workers producing male offspring in a single colony. Moreover no monopolization of reproduction by single workers occurred.</p
Using bacterial biomarkers to identify early indicators of cystic fibrosis pulmonary exacerbation onset
No full textAcute periods of pulmonary exacerbation are the single most important cause of morbidity in cystic fibrosis patients, and may be associated with a loss of lung function. Intervening prior to the onset of a substantially increased inflammatory response may limit the associated damage to the airways. While a number of biomarker assays based on inflammatory markers have been developed, providing useful and important measures of disease during these periods, such factors are typically only elevated once the process of exacerbation has been initiated. Identifying biomarkers that can predict the onset of pulmonary exacerbation at an early stage would provide an opportunity to intervene before the establishment of a substantial immune response, with major implications for the advancement of cystic fibrosis care. The precise triggers of pulmonary exacerbation remain to be determined; however, the majority of models relate to the activity of microbes present in the patient's lower airways of cystic fibrosis. Advances in diagnostic microbiology now allow for the examination of these complex systems at a level likely to identify factors on which biomarker assays can be based. In this article, we discuss key considerations in the design and testing of assays that could predict pulmonary exacerbations
Gary Snyder and the Nature of Nature
No full text99學年度蔡振興教師升等參考著作This paper suggests an interpretation of Snyder's 'nature' poetry or poetics of 'wildness' that foregrounds the interplay of virtual image and real essence, since the truly 'wild' or genuinely 'natural' cannot, after all, be represented: it can only be caught in the brushstroke of the real-virtual interplay or difference. This interpretation foregrounds Lao Tzu's zi-ran (nature, self-so-ness, spontaneity) — especially as we get it in Tao Te Ching 25, where it is mentioned that Tao fa zi-ran, 'Tao/Dao follows (is conditioned by and modelled on) zi-ran'. This interpretation equally foregrounds Zen Buddhist (non-)duality or interplay of (virtual) form and (real) emptiness, and particularly emphasizes Lacan's concept of the (unrepresentable) Real. The context of this Real is a desire (taken here as Lao Tzu's spontaneous self-reversal or self-return) that has only itself as object, a desire that only reproduces itself and thus is essentially a 'lack' (manque). The author is hence suggesting that we see Snyder's ecopoetic (non-)duality of representation-as-form and represented-as-object as an interplay between an empty desire-as-representation and an empty desire-as-represented, or between the nature of nature and the nature of nature.國外紙本GB
Fitness cultures and environmental (in)justice?
No full textThis is the author's accepted manuscript. The final published article is available from the link below. Copyright @ 2009 The Author.This article focuses on the environmentalist agenda in fitness cultures. The article is an initial critical exploration and limited to an analysis of the key principles of political ecology and environmentalism and the concept of sustainability in understanding the emergence of an environmentalist agenda in fitness cultures marked by shades and grades of green consumerism. Author involvement in outdoor military fitness regimes and a series of visits to activity holiday centres and health/fitness spas in the UK all of which make some claim to being ‘green’, ‘environmentally friendly’, and/or ‘natural’, provided the empirical context for the discussion in this article. It argues for further research from the political ecological field, exploring human/non-human dynamics of the environment, to advance an understanding about which sports and fitness cultures get developed where, how and in whose interests
Zong he shi yong ding liang ji ding xing de yan jiu fang fa ping gu dian zhen zhi zhi liao gong neng xing xiao hua bu liang de qian li
No full textPh.D.Randomized controlled trials (RCT) evaluating the efficacy of acupuncture often face challenges in design and conduct process when using sham controlled approach. Acupuncture treatment in efficacy trial may not implement clinically relevant elements which are common in day-to-day practice of acupuncture. Taking into account these elements might be critical in evaluation of overall therapeutic outcomes aside from needle insertion per se, that is, the non-specific effects of acupuncture. Overall therapeutic effect of acupuncture might therefore be underestimated if non-specific effects are ignored. To overcome limitations of efficacy approach and focus on value of day-to-day acupuncture practice, it is more appropriate to use the comparative effectiveness research approach. This will allow evaluation of acupuncture against existing treatment options in real world circumstances. To express full therapeutic potential of acupuncture, it is crucial to understand what, why, and how non-specific effects of acupuncture contribute to positive or negative outcomes. This thesis aims to employ mixed method approach in evaluating the effect of acupuncture for managing functional dyspepsia (FD). Methodologies used include network meta-analysis (NMA), qualitative systematic review (SR), and qualitative study, as well as moderation and mediation analyses nested in an RCT. NMA aims to critically appraise and synthesize all clinical evidence on comparative effectiveness of different acupuncture and related therapies on FD treatment. Qualitative SR aims to synthesize existing qualitative evidence among participants who randomized to acupuncture and sham acupuncture in experiencing non-specific effects. Qualitative study aims to explore how and why responders and non-responders to acupuncture experience non-specific effects differently in FD management. Moderation and mediation analyses aim to investigate the mechanisms of electroacupuncture for relieving FD.Results from NMA demonstrated combined manual acupuncture and clebopride treatment has the greatest probability of being the best among eleven treatment choices in alleviating patient reported global FD symptoms. Patients who are contraindicated for prokinetics may utilize manual acupuncture or moxibustion as alternative. Results from qualitative SR indicated non-specific effects of acupuncture could be enhanced by maintaining professional image, applying holistic treatment approach, practicing empathy, and providing patients with appropriate explanation of therapeutic mechanism by acupuncturists. From patients' perspective, lifestyle modification advice provided by acupuncturists, maintaining positive attitude toward treatment, active engagement with acupuncturists during consultation, and making behavioural changes in response to trial experience could collectively contribute to therapeutic effect of acupuncture. Moreover, results from qualitative study showed acupuncture responders have a more trusting relationship with acupuncturist in response to their expression of empathy. Subsequently, responders were more actively engaged and followed dietary adjustment and lifestyle modification advice from acupuncturists. Meanwhile, non-responders were not satisfied with level of reassurance on acupuncture safety. Non-responders were also expecting more peer support from fellow participants as they regarded it as empowerment for initiating and sustaining lifestyle changes. Without these components, they would experience less benefit from acupuncture. Results from moderation analyses cross-validated with the results of the qualitative study quantitatively, showing higher patients' baseline expectation could increase the probability for patients to achieve adequate relief for FD symptoms and improve aggregate symptom score of nutrient drink test who received electroacupuncture. FD patients with lower depression score were more responsive to electroacupuncture. FD patients who had major depressive disorders were shown to be more responsive to electroacupuncture when they maintained a higher patients' baseline expectation. Electroacupuncture could not alleviate FD symptoms via reducing depression or anxiety, as shown in mediation analysis.In conclusion, combined acupuncture and prokinetics demonstrates to be the best among treatment options for FD management. A basis for improving and standardizing components of non-specific effects in acupuncture is generated. Non-specific effects contributing to overall effect of acupuncture should be enhanced in day-to-day practice by emphasizing empathy, trust-building, detailed explanation on safety, and organizing patient self-help groups. To increase the probability for FD patients in responding to electroacupuncture, patients' expectation should be maximized before receiving electroacupuncture. Additional acupoints or conventional treatments targeting depression should be applied among FD patients with major depressive disorders.使用隨機對照試驗評估針灸的效力經常會遇到挑戰, 包括針灸過程和研究設計。針灸的效力試驗可能忽略平常針灸實踐中常見的臨床相關因素。當進行整體針灸治療評估時, 這些因素都可能會帶來針刺以外的治療效果, 名為"非特定效應"。如忽略針灸的非特定效應, 可能會低估針灸整體治療的效果。為了突破效力試驗的局限性, 應使用"比較效果研究"的方法。這樣可將針灸作為現實世界的治療方案來評估。為顯露針灸的全部治療潛力, 應了解為何非特定效應能帶來正面或負面的治療效果。本論文旨在綜合地使用定量及定性的研究方法評估針灸治療功能性消化不良的療效。使用方法包括網絡薈萃分析, 定性系統評價和嵌套在隨機對照試驗中的定性研究, 調節變數及中介變數的定量分析。首先, 網絡薈萃分析旨在評估和綜合所有關於不同針灸和相關療法對功能性消化不良的效果的臨床證據。第二, 定性系統評價旨在綜合病人在隨機對照試驗接受針灸和假針灸時對非特定效應的體會。第三, 定性研究旨在探討為何對針灸有正面反應的病人和對針灸沒有正面反應的病人有不同的非特定效應體會。第四, 調節變數及中介變數的定量分析旨在了解關於電針灸舒緩功能性消化不良的機制。網絡薈萃分析結果顯示，在十一種治療方案中, 針灸聯合氯波必利能最有效改善功能性消化不良的整體症狀。對於不能服用胃腸動力藥的病人,可選擇使用針灸或艾灸。定性系統評價結果表示, 若中醫師能為病人採用整體治療方法，解釋針灸的理論，保持專業形象，並同情病人, 可以提高針灸的非特定效應。從病人的角度來看，若能保持積極的治療態度，主動諮詢中醫師的意見, 接受中醫師建議的生活方式，及根據試驗期間獲得的經驗作出行為的改變, 可以加強針灸的治療效果。此外，定性研究結果顯示，對針灸有反應的病人，中醫師的同情心可以得到他們的信任。因此, 病人會更積極接受針灸師建議的生活方式, 包括飲食調整。相比之下，對針灸沒有反應的病人認為針灸安全的保證需要增強。他們覺得若得到其他一起參加針灸的病人的支持, 能啟發及維持改變了的生活方式。沒有這些因素, 針灸治療帶來的益處就會減少。最後, 調節變數及中介變數的定量分析確認了定性研究的結果, 表明了對電針灸有較高期望的病人有較高機會得到病情的舒緩及改善營養飲料測試的總體症狀評分。抑鬱症狀較輕的病人對電針灸的反應有更佳的反應。電針灸沒有證明到通過減少抑鬱或焦慮而可以舒緩功能性消化不良的症狀。若患有嚴重抑鬱症的功能性消化不良病人對電針灸有較高期望的時候, 他們會對電針灸有更佳的反應。總括而言, 針灸聯合胃腸動力藥在多種治療方案中能最有效地舒緩功能性消化不良。我們亦奠定了改進和標準化針灸非特定效應的基礎。若中醫師能得到病人信任，對病人表達同情及詳細解釋針灸的安全性，而病人之間亦能互相支持，針灸的非特定效應可以進一步增強。接受電針灸治療前, 應加強病人對針灸治療的期望。額外針對舒緩抑鬱的穴位和治療可應用於患有嚴重抑鬱症的功能性消化不良病人。Ho, Sze Tak Robin.Thesis Ph.D. Chinese University of Hong Kong 2019.Includes bibliographical references (leaves 254-276).Abstracts also in Chinese.Title from PDF title page (viewed on 15, December, 2020).Ho, Sze Tak Robin
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