bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Insect outbreaks increase populations and facilitate reproduction in a cavity‐dependent songbird, the Mountain Chickadee Poecile gambeli
Authors: Norris Andrea R. , Drever Mark C. , Martin Kathy
Published: October 2012

Large‐scale insect outbreaks, typical of temperate ecosystems, may increase food availability and influence species interactions in insectivorous bird communities. We assessed how population densities of a secondary cavity nester, the Mountain Chickadee Poecile gambeli, varied with densities of avian cavity excavators, potential competitors and nest predators, during two large‐scale insect outbreaks of Western Spruce Budworm Choristoneura occidentalis and Mountain Pine Beetle Dendroctonus ponderosae. At the regional level, Mountain Chickadee densities doubled with increases in budworm and beetle availability, then declined with decreases in beetle availability, despite high budworm supply. At the site level, densities of excavators were the best predictor of site‐level variation in Chickadee densities in the following year. During and after the beetle outbreak, Mountain Chickadees used more cavities excavated by Red‐breasted Nuthatches Sitta canadensis and Downy Woodpeckers Picoides pubescens, both of which are bark insectivores that increased in densities concomitantly with the beetle outbreak and whose foraging activities may have facilitated the Mountain Chickadees' access to bark beetles. Thus, Mountain Chickadees showed a numerical response to the food pulse at the regional level, but a functional response to the pulse of nesting cavities at the site level. Plasticity in resource selection and heterospecific attraction may allow Mountain Chickadees to respond to resource pulses in highly variable environments.
The choice of adjuvant determines the cytokine profile of T cells in proteoglycan‐induced arthritis but does not influence disease severity
Authors: Stoop Jeroen N. , Tibbitt Christopher A. , van Eden Willem , Robinson John H. , Hilkens Catharien M. U.
Published: October 2012

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a debilitating autoimmune disease characterized by chronic inflammation of the synovial joints. Collagen‐induced arthritis (CIA) and proteoglycan‐induced arthritis (PGIA) are mouse models of inflammatory arthritis; CIA is a T helper type 17 (Th17) ‐dependent disease that is induced with antigen in complete Freund's adjuvant, whereas PGIA is Th1‐mediated and is induced using antigen in dimethyldioctadecyl‐ammonium bromide (DDA) as an adjuvant. To investigate whether the type of adjuvant determines the cytokine profile of the pathogenic T cells, we have compared the effect of CFA and DDA on T‐cell responses in a single arthritis model. No differences in incidence or disease severity between aggrecan‐T‐cell receptor transgenic mice immunized with aggrecan in either CFA or DDA were observed. Immunization with CFA resulted in a higher proportion of Th17 cells, whereas DDA induced more Th1 cells. However, the levels of interleukin‐17 (IL‐17) produced by T cells isolated from CFA‐immunized mice after antigen‐specific stimulation were not significantly different from those found in DDA‐immunized mice, indicating that the increased proportion of Th17 cells did not result in significantly higher ex vivo IL‐17 levels. Hence, the choice of adjuvant can affect the overall proportions of Th1 and Th17 cells, without necessarily affecting the level of cytokine production or disease incidence and severity.
Moderate influenza vaccine effectiveness with variable effectiveness by match between circulating and vaccine strains in Australian adults aged 20–64 years, 2007–2011
Authors: Kelly Heath A. , Sullivan Sheena G. , Grant Kristina A. , Fielding James E.
Published: October 2012

Please cite this paper as: Kelly et al. Moderate influenza vaccine effectiveness with variable effectiveness by match between circulating and vaccine strains in Australian adults aged 20–64 years, 2007–2011. Influenza and Other Respiratory Viruses DOI:10.1111/irv.12018.

Background  Influenza vaccines are licensed annually based on immunogenicity studies. We used five sequential years of data to estimate influenza vaccine effectiveness (VE), the critical outcome in the field.

Methods  Between 2007 and 2011, we performed annual prospective test‐negative design case–control studies among adults aged 20–64 years recruited from sentinel general practices in the Australian state of Victoria. We used PCR‐confirmed influenza as the endpoint to estimate influenza VE for all years. We compared annual VE estimates with the match between circulating and vaccine strains, determined by haemagglutination inhibition assays.

Results  The adjusted VE estimate for all years (excluding 2009) was 62% (95% CI 43, 75). By type and subtype, the point estimates of VE by year ranged between 31% for seasonal influenza A(H1N1) and 88% for influenza A(H1N1)pdm09. In 2007, when circulating strains were assessed as incompletely matched, the point estimate of the adjusted VE against all influenza was 58%. The point estimate was 59% in 2011 when all strains were assessed as well matched.

Conclusion  Trivalent inactivated vaccines provided moderate protection against laboratory‐confirmed influenza in adults of working age, although VE estimates were sensitive to the model used. VE estimates correlated poorly with circulating strain match, as assessed by haemagglutination inhibition assays, suggesting a need for VE studies that incorporate antigenic characterization data.
Characteristics of respiratory viral infections during influenza season in Canadian Hutterite Communities
Authors: Kim Tae H. , Russell Margaret L. , Fonseca Kevin , Aoki Fred , Horsman Gregory , Van Caeseele Paul , Chokani Khami , Voight Mark , Babiuk Lorne , Moss Lorraine , Webby Richard , Earn David J. D. , Singh Pardeep , Howse Cassandra , Loeb Mark
Published: October 2012

Please cite this paper as: Kim et al. (2012) Characteristics of respiratory viral infections during influenza season in Canadian Hutterite Communities. Influenza and Other Respiratory Viruses DOI:10.1111/irv.12021.

Objectives:  To determined the pathogen‐specific incidence of respiratory virus infection in Hutterite communities occurring over the 2008–2009 influenza season and assess temporal characteristics of respiratory illness related to infection.

Methods:  3273 participants community members enrolled in a cluster randomized trial of influenza vaccine were studied.

Results:  One hundred forty‐nine participants had laboratory‐confirmed influenza, and 595 had at least one episode of laboratory‐confirmed respiratory viral infection other than influenza. Entero/rhinovirus had the highest incidence among children <5 years.

Conclusions:  A decline in the incidence of infections with age was observed for influenza as well as for most other respiratory viruses.
Manta rays in the Marquesas Islands: first records of Manta birostris in French Polynesia and most easterly location of Manta alfredi in the Pacific Ocean, with notes on their distribution
Authors: Mourier J.
Published: October 2012

Based on direct observations of free‐ranging specimens, the giant manta ray Manta birostris is reported from the Marquesas Islands, the first sighting in French Polynesia. Sightings of its sister species, the reef manta ray Manta alfredi, are also reported at the most easterly location in the Pacific Ocean. Preliminary individual identification as well as notes on their distribution are also reported.
Genetic diversity shaped by historical and recent factors in the live‐bearing twoline skiffia Neotoca bilineata
Authors: Ornelas‐García C. P. , Alda F. , Díaz‐Pardo E. , Gutiérrez‐Hernández A. , Doadrio I.
Published: October 2012

The endangered twoline skiffia Neotoca bilineata, a viviparous fish of the subfamily Goodeinae, endemic to central Mexico (inhabiting two basins, Cuitzeo and Lerma‐Santiago) was evaluated using genetic and habitat information. The genetic variation of all remaining populations of the species was analysed using both mitochondrial and microsatellite markers and their habitat conditions were assessed using a water quality index (IWQ). An 80% local extinction was found across the distribution of N. bilineata. The species was found in three of the 16 historical localities plus one previously unreported site. Most areas inhabited by the remaining populations had IWQ scores unsuitable for the conservation of freshwater biodiversity. Populations showed low but significant genetic differentiation with both markers (mtDNA φST = 0·076, P < 0·001; microsatellite FST = 0·314, P < 0·001). Borbollon, in the Cuitzeo Basin, showed the highest level of differentiation and was identified as a single genetic unit by Bayesian assignment methods. Rio Grande de Morelia and Salamanca populations showed the highest genetic diversity and also a high migration rate facilitated by an artificial channel that connected the two basins. Overall, high genetic diversity values were observed compared with other freshwater fishes (average Na = 16 alleles and loci and mean ±s.d. Ho = 0·63 ± 0·10 and nucleotide diversity π = 0·006). This suggests that the observed genetic diversity has not diminished as rapidly as the species' habitat destruction. No evidence of correlation between habitat conditions and genetic diversity was found. The current pattern of genetic diversity may be the result of both historical factors and recent modifications of the hydrological system. The main threat to the species may be the rapid habitat deterioration and associated demographic stochasticity rather than genetic factors.
A likelihood framework analysis of an island radiation: phylogeography of the Lesser Antillean geckoSphaerodactylus vincenti, in comparison with the anoleAnolis roquet
Authors: Surget‐Groba Yann , Thorpe Roger S.
Published: October 2012

Aim

TheWestIndies have hosted several spectacular radiations, including that of the litter geckos of the genusSphaerodactylus. We analyse the phylogeography of theSphaerodactylus vincenticomplex and explore the possibility that there may be cryptic species to be revealed. Postulated colonization routes in this complex are estimated and compared with those of co‐distributed lizards (theAnolis roquetcomplex).

Location

Lesser Antilles.

Methods

Phylogenetic relationships (gene trees) were estimated using maximum parsimony and Bayesian analysis of the cytochromebsequence [mitochondrialDNA(mtDNA)] obtained from 53 individuals sampled inDominica,Martinique,StVincent,Bequia andMustique. TheBayesian relaxed‐clock method was used to estimate the time to the most recent common ancestor and a likelihood framework analysis was employed to probabilistically estimate the geographic origin of the main clades of theS. vincenticomplex. These methods were repeated on the co‐distributed species complex ofA. roquet, and their timing and colonization routes were compared.

Results

Phylogenetic analysis of mtDNAof theS. vincenticomplex in theLesserAntilles reveals a deep split between the northern (northMartinique andDominica) and southern (southMartinique,StVincent,Grenadines and possiblyStLucia) clades with about 22% mean divergence. Together with geological information, these results suggest that Martinique is occupied by populations that began evolving in allopatry 12.5 million years ago, and which came into secondary contact once precursor islands coalesced to produce present‐day Martinique.

Main conclusions

We regard the two main forms ofSphaerodactylusas separate species based on their substantial mtDNAdivergence and largely diagnostic scapula ocelli (present in the north, but largely absent in the south). Although there are similarities in the precursor islands occupied by theAnolisandSphaerodactylusspecies, their colonization sequence is different, probably due to the stochastic nature of the long‐distance dispersal involved in island colonization.
Divergent evolution in the polymorphic granular poison‐dart frog, Oophaga granulifera: genetics, coloration, advertisement calls and morphology
Authors: Brusa Oscar , Bellati Adriana , Meuche Ivonne , Mundy Nicholas I. , Pröhl Heike
Published: October 2012

Aim

To investigate the intra‐specific genetic divergence and phenotypic diversification in Oophaga granulifera, analysing phylogeographical patterns, population structure, coloration and traits potentially involved in reproductive isolation.

Location

Costa Rica.

Methods

Our phylogeographical analysis used the mitochondrial genes cytochrome b and 16S. We sequenced the two markers in 28 individuals belonging to 10 populations and 16 individuals from nine populations, respectively. The population structure was analysed based on seven polymorphic microsatellite loci in 7–15 individuals from 11 populations using maximum likelihood and Bayesian analyses. The colour phenotypes of 189 frogs and the reflectance spectra of 15 frogs from five populations were measured. In nine populations, we recorded the advertisement calls of 59 males and measured 10 morphological variables from 147 frogs.

Results

Our phylogeographical reconstruction supported the divergence into southern and northern lineages in O. granulifera. In a colour transition area between the main red and green morphs, we describe novel gradual intermediate phenotypes occurring in polymorphic populations. The colour distribution was asymmetrical compared to the genetic variation: the southern lineage included only monomorphic red populations while the northern lineage contained red, green and polymorphic populations. The two lineages differed significantly in advertisement calls and morphology. Microsatellites confirmed the clear inter‐lineage divergence. In the northern lineage, the red morph differed from the intermediate and green morphs in the pulse rate of the advertisement call and in body size. In the colour transition area, there was no simple genetic or colour cline.

Main conclusions

Oophaga granulifera has evolved into two genetic lineages. The reduced gene flow and diversification in advertisement calls and morphology point to reproductive isolation between lineages. Within the northern lineage, the presence of gradual intermediate morphs and the population structure support the presence of gene flow across the colour transition area while the red versus intermediate–green divergence in both calls and morphology reveals the potential for assortative mating. Our data all congruently show that O. granulifera presents deep intra‐specific divergence. The lack of genetic diversification among colour morphs and the genetic connectivity among the populations defining the colour transition area suggest that the colour diversification in the species is a recent phenomenon.
A flexible microrobotic platform for handling microscale specimens of fibrous materials for microscopic studies
Authors: SAKETI P. , VON ESSEN M. , MIKCZINSKI M. , HEINEMANN S. , FATIKOW S. , KALLIO P.
Published: October 2012

One of the most challenging issues faced in handling specimens for microscopy, is avoiding artefacts and structural changes in the samples caused by human errors. In addition, specimen handling is a laborious and time‐consuming task and requires skilful and experienced personnel. This paper introduces a flexible microrobotic platform for the handling of microscale specimens of fibrous materials for various microscopic studies such as scanning electron microscopy and nanotomography. The platform is capable of handling various fibres with diameters ranging from 10 to 1000 μm and lengths of 100 μm–15 mm, and mounting them on different types of specimen holders without damaging them. This tele‐operated microrobotic platform minimizes human interaction with the samples, which is one of the main sources contributory to introducing artefacts into the specimens. The platform also grants a higher throughput and an improved success rate of specimen handling, when compared to the manual processes. The operator does not need extensive experience of microscale manipulation and only a short training period is sufficient to operate the platform. The requirement of easy configurability for various samples and sample holders is typical in the research and development of materials in this field. Therefore, one of the main criteria for the design of the microrobotic platform was the ability to adapt the platform to different specimen handling methods required for microscopic studies. To demonstrate this, three experiments are carried out using the microrobotic platform. In the first experiment, individual paper fibres are mounted successfully on scanning electron microscopy specimen holders for the in situ scanning electron microscopy diagonal compression test of paper fibres. The performance of the microrobotic platform is compared with a skilled laboratory worker performing the same experiment. In the second experiment, a strand of human hair and an individual paper fibre bond are mounted on a specimen holder for nanotomography studies. In the third experiment, individual paper fibre bonds with controlled crossing and vertical angles are made using the microrobotic platform. If an industrial application requires less flexibility but a higher speed when handling one type of sample to a specific holder, then the platform can be automated in the future.
α1D/A‐adrenoceptor antagonist naftopidil for the male lower urinary tract symptoms associated with benign prostatic hyperplasia: Efficacy of dose increase therapy
Authors: Yamaguchi Satoshi , Osanai Hiroaki , Numata Atsushi , Watanabe Masaki , Kakizaki Hidehiro
Published: October 2012

Objectives

To examine the efficacy of dose increase therapy in patients with lower urinary tract symptoms associated with benign prostatic hyperplasia who responded poorly to 50 mg/day of naftopidil.

Methods

A total of 95 patients received 50 mg/day of naftopidil for 8 weeks. After this treatment period, they were divided into two groups: the poor responders were defined as those who either had an International Prostate Symptom Score‐Quality of Life ≥4 or with an International Prostate Symptom Score‐Quality of Life of 3 whose International Prostate Symptom Score‐Quality of Life improved <2 points (group A). All other patients were defined as responders to naftopidil 50 mg/day (group B). The dose of naftopidil was increased to 75 mg/day in group A, and maintained at 50 mg/day in group B. The treatment was continued for a further 8 weeks.

Results

The prostate volume at the baseline was significantly larger in group A than group B. The improvement of International Prostate Symptom Score total score, International Prostate Symptom Score‐Quality of Life, and voided volume after 8 weeks was significantly better in group B than in group A. However, there was no significant difference in the changes of all parameters between the two groups after 16 weeks.

Conclusions

A dose increase to 75 mg/day is an effective treatment strategy in patients with lower urinary tract symptoms associated with benign prostatic hyperplasia who responded poorly to an initial dose of 50 mg/day of naftopidil. Furthermore, a starting dose of 75 mg/day should be considered in patients with a large prostate volume, as this is a predictive factor for dose increase.
Aphasia and topic initiation in conversation: a case study
Authors: Barnes Scott E. , Candlin Christopher N. , Ferguson Alison
Published: October 2012

Background

Aphasiologists often research, assess and treat linguistic impairment and its consequences for daily life separately. Studies that link the language used by people with aphasia to routine communicative activities may expand the linguistic forms treated as relevant for successful communication by people with aphasia. Previous research has suggested that initiating topics in conversation can be problematic for people with aphasia, but it has not been widely investigated.

Aims

This paper uses Conversation Analysis to examine how a person with aphasia initiated topics in everyday conversation. It describes the utility ofand‐prefacing for topic initiation.

Methods & Procedures

A person with chronic aphasia (‘Valerie’) was recruited to participate and was video‐recorded speaking with four conversation partners. Approximately 3.5 h of recordings were collected, and transcribed according to conversation analytic conventions. Topic initiations in this data set were identified and analysed using conversation analytic procedures.

Outcomes & Results

It was found that topic initiations often led to trouble, and that Valerie recurrently usedand‐prefaced turns when initiating topics (e.g.and how was your turkey?). This paper argues thatand‐prefacing was an advantageous method for initiating topics because it smoothed the conversational discontinuities that this action creates.

Conclusions & Implications

These findings are consistent with previous observations about the hazardousness of topic initiation for people with aphasia. Valerie's use ofand‐prefacing suggests that conjunctions and other turn prefaces may be useful for promoting successful communication by people with aphasia during everyday conversation. Future investigation should identify if and how other people with aphasia use turn prefacing when initiating topics, and whether this changes over time.
The Dilemmas of Internationalization: Corporate Social Responsibility in the Multinational Corporation
Authors: Bondy Krista , Starkey Ken
Published: October 2012

We add to the global–local debate by highlighting concerns with the empirical and conceptual validity of the construct ‘integrated’ as it operates within corporate social responsibility (CSR). We do so by investigating the extent to which foreign national culture and related local issues are incorporated into the CSR policy of 37 multinational corporations, examining strategy development and implementation across global locations. This research suggests that integrated internationalization strategies do not resolve global and local CSR issues. In fact, they reinforce outcomes similar to global strategies, where core issues identified by headquarters are legitimated and local issues are marginalized, an outcome that appears somewhat at odds with the spirit of local responsiveness embedded in CSR thinking.
Participatory Organizational Research: Examining Voice in the Co‐production of Knowledge
Authors: Burns Diane , Hyde Paula , Killett Anne , Poland Fiona , Gray Richard
Published: October 2012

This paper advances participatory methods in management research. We propose the term participatory organizational research to describe this adjunct to action research. We illustrate the potential of the method to allow sometimes unheard organizational members to generate alternative perspectives that can offer the potential for the co‐production of new forms of knowledge that are locally relevant. Participatory methods originate from work with marginalized groups and have been used more commonly in community and organizational development. The aim of such research is, generally, to change the social and organizational conditions within which participants operate by using their perspectives as active participants to develop alternative possibilities. As such, this research method has significant potential for management researchers in providing the means for unheard organizational members to voice their perspectives: a central component, we argue, in knowledge co‐production. Based on a participatory study of care quality in elder care institutions, we examine in detail how participatory organizational research can enable voice and explore some of the structural limitations particularly in respect of research ethics.
Improved Floodplain Delineation Method Using High‐Density LiDAR Data
Authors: Deshpande Sagar S.
Published: October 2012

Abstract:  With the improvements in sensor technologies over the past decade, there has been a significant decrease in the cost of acquisition and increase in the density and accuracy of Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) data. Due to its advantages over traditional surveying techniques, LiDAR data are widely preferred for floodplain delineation. But, processing dense LiDAR data is time‐consuming and memory intense. Therefore, it is divided into manageable areas/tiles or simplified to raster DEM (Digital Elevation Model) format for feature extraction process such as floodplain delineation. This results in increase in processing time and decrease in accuracy due to loss of true elevation. Furthermore, as floodplain boundaries are unknown prior to delineation, processing time also increases as LiDAR data over larger extent is processed. Hence, there is a need of improved, automated method that will process only the LiDAR data that contribute to the floodplain. This article, describes a time‐efficient floodplain delineation method that divides the LiDAR data into regular tiles and processes only the tiles that contribute to floodplain. This method is experimented using LiDAR data saved in ArcGIS “Terrain” format at 0.0, 0.1, and 0.3 m pyramid levels. These data are then preprocessed to obtain elevation information which is used to filter and process only LiDAR data tiles that truly contribute to the floodplain boundary; thus, reducing processing time. Results from two pilot hydraulic models showed that this method saved 12–34% of processing time compared to the conventional method.
Ordinary Objects and Series‐Style Answers to the Special Composition Question
Authors: Silva Paul
Published: October 2012

The special composition question asks, roughly, under what conditions composition occurs. The common sense view is that composition only occurs among some things and that all and only ‘ordinary objects’ exist. Peter vanInwagen has marshaled a devastating argument against this view. The common sense view appears to commit one to giving what vanInwagen calls a ‘series‐style answer’ to the special composition question, but vanInwagen argues that series‐style answers are impossible because they are inconsistent with the transitivity of parthood. In what follows I answer this objection in addition to other, less troubling objections raised by vanInwagen.
Epistemic Contextualism: A Normative Approach
Authors: Mckenna Robin
Published: October 2012

In hisKnowledge andPracticalInterestsJasonStanley argues that the view he defends, which he calls interest‐relative invariantism, is better supported by certain cases than epistemic contextualism. In this article I argue that a version of epistemic contextualism that emphasizes the role played by the ascriber's practical interests in determining the truth‐conditions of her ‘knowledge’ ascriptions – a view that I call interests contextualism – is better supported byStanley's cases than interest‐relative invariantism or other versions of epistemic contextualism. My main aim is to show that interests contextualism is a viable, if often over‐looked, alternative to the usual positions in the contemporary debate.
The Value of Achievements
Authors: Bradford Gwen
Published: October 2012

This article gives an account of what makes achievements valuable. Although the natural thought is that achievements are valuable because of the product, such as a cure for cancer or a work of art, I argue that the value of the product of an achievement is not sufficient to account for its overall value. Rather, I argue that achievements are valuable in virtue of their difficulty. I propose a new perfectionist theory of value that acknowledges the will as a characteristic human capacity, and thus holds that the exercise of the will, and therefore difficulty, is intrinsically valuable.
Safety and the True–True Problem
Authors: Cogburn Jon , Roland Jeffrey W.
Published: October 2012

Standard accounts of semantics for counterfactuals confront the true–true problem: when the antecedent and consequent of a counterfactual are both actually true, the counterfactual is automatically true. This problem presents a challenge to safety‐based accounts of knowledge. In this paper, drawing on work by Angelika Kratzer, Alan Penczek, and Duncan Pritchard, we propose a revised understanding of semantics for counterfactuals utilizing machinery from generalized quantifier theory which enables safety theorists to meet the challenge of the true–true problem.
Modelling Occupational Stress and Employee Health and Wellbeing in a Chinese Higher Education Institution
Authors: Sang Xiaoli , Teo Stephen T.T. , Cooper Cary L. , Bohle Philip
Published: October 2012

Extensive change is evident in higher education in the People's Republic of China but there have been few studies of the effect of work stress on wellbeing in the higher education sector. The main aim of this study is to test and refine the ASSET (‘An Organizational Stress Screening Tool’) model of occupational stress in a sample of 150 academic and non‐academic employees in a Chinese higher education institute. Using partial least squares modelling, the findings showed that job stressors predicted job dissatisfaction but, surprisingly, did not predict perceived commitment. Employees who reported job dissatisfaction tended to perceive that their organisation was less committed towards them and report less commitment towards the organisation. Job stressors resulted in poorer psychological wellbeing. Greater psychological wellbeing was associated with greater physical wellbeing. The findings suggest that university management should introduce strategies aimed at minimising job stressors as these would result in higher level of job satisfaction, higher level of commitment and ultimately resulted in an improvement in physical health.
Cold perception and gene expression differ in Olea europaea seed coat and embryo during drupe cold acclimation
Authors: D'Angeli S. , Falasca G. , Matteucci M. , Altamura M. M.
Published: October 2012

FAD2 and FAD7 desaturases are involved in cold acclimation of olive (Olea europaea) mesocarp. There is no research information available on cold acclimation of seeds during mesocarp cold acclimation or on differences in the cold response of the seed coat and embryo. How FAD2 and FAD7 affect seed coat and embryo cold responses is unknown. Osmotin positively affects cold acclimation in olive tree vegetative organs, but its role in the seeds requires investigation.

OeFAD2.1, OeFAD2.2, OeFAD7 and Oeosmotin were investigated before and after mesocarp acclimation by transcriptomic, lipidomic and immunolabelling analyses, and cytosolic calcium concentration ([Ca2+]cyt) signalling, F‐actin changes and seed development were investigated by epifluorescence/histological analyses.

Transient [Ca2+]cyt rises and F‐actin disassembly were found in cold‐shocked protoplasts from the seed coat, but not from the embryo. The thickness of the outer endosperm cuticle increased during drupe exposure to lowering of temperature, whereas the embryo protoderm always lacked cuticle. OeFAD2 transcription increased in both the embryo and seed coat in the cold‐acclimated drupe, but linoleic acid (i.e. the product of FAD2 activity) increased solely in the seed coat. Osmotin was immunodetected in the seed coat and endosperm of the cold‐acclimated drupe, and not in the embryo.

The results show cold responsiveness in the seed coat and cold tolerance in the embryo. We propose a role for the seed coat in maintaining embryo cold tolerance by increasing endosperm cutinization through FAD2 and osmotin activities.
The role of C4 metabolism in the marine diatom Phaeodactylum tricornutum
Authors: Haimovich‐Dayan Maya , Garfinkel Nitsan , Ewe Daniela , Marcus Yehouda , Gruber Ansgar , Wagner Heiko , Kroth Peter G. , Kaplan Aaron
Published: October 2012

Diatoms are important players in the global carbon cycle. Their apparent photosynthetic affinity for ambient CO2 is much higher than that of ribulose 1,5‐bisphosphate carboxylase/oxygenase (Rubisco), indicating that a CO2‐concentrating mechanism (CCM) is functioning. However, the nature of the CCM, a biophysical or a biochemical C4, remains elusive. Although 14C labeling experiments and presence of complete sets of genes for C4 metabolism in two diatoms supported the presence of C4, other data and predicted localization of the decarboxylating enzymes, away from Rubisco, makes this unlikely.

We used RNA‐interference to silence the single gene encoding pyruvate‐orthophosphate dikinase (PPDK) in Phaeodactylum tricornutum, essential for C4 metabolism, and examined the photosynthetic characteristics.

The mutants possess much lower ppdk transcript and PPDK activity but the photosynthetic K1/2 (CO2) was hardly affected, thus clearly indicating that the C4 route does not serve the purpose of raising the CO2 concentration in close proximity of Rubisco in P. tricornutum. The photosynthetic Vmax was slightly reduced in the mutant, possibly reflecting a metabolic constraint that also resulted in a larger lipid accumulation.

We propose that the C4 metabolism does not function in net CO2 fixation but helps the cells to dissipate excess light energy and in pH homeostasis.
Salivary alpha‐amylase changes promoted by sustained exposure to affective pictures
Authors: Sánchez‐Navarro Juan P. , Maldonado Enrique F. , Martínez‐Selva José M. , Enguix Alfredo , Ortiz Carmen
Published: October 2012

We studied the changes in salivary alpha‐amylase (sAA) and other psychophysiological indices (heart rate, skin conductance, and corrugator supercilii activity) elicited by sustained exposure to affective pictures. Thirty‐nine subjects viewed five blocks of pictures depicting mutilations, human attack, neutral scenes, sport/adventure, and erotica. Each block comprised 12 pictures of the same content. Saliva samples were collected before and after each block of pictures. The results showed that mutilation pictures promoted the greatest increase in sAA activity and output, as well as greater corrugator supercilii activity than pleasant pictures. Skin conductance response did not differ among high arousal picture contents. Changes in sAA varied with the affective valence but not with the arousal ratings of the pictures. Our results point to sAA as an index directly related to the unpleasantness elicited by sustained exposure to affective stimuli.
Providing one‐to‐one care in labour. Analysis of ‘Birthrate Plus’ labour ward staffing in real and simulated labour ward environments
Authors: Allen M , Thornton S
Published: October 2012

Please cite this paper as: Allen M, Thornton S. Providing one‐to‐one care in labour. Analysis of ‘BirthratePlus’ labour ward staffing in real and simulated labour ward environments. BJOG 2012; DOI: 10.1111/j.1471‐0528.2012.03483.x.

Objective  To assess the ability of the ‘Birthrate Plus’ (BR+) midwife staffing system to cope with variability of workload on labour wards.

Design  Retrospective analysis of labour ward workload and computer simulation of labour wards.

Setting  The labour ward of a city hospital.

Population  A total of 5800 births (1 year).

Methods  The variation in births by time and day was analysed over a 1‐year period. Three months of BR+ data were analysed for variation of workload by case mix. A computer simulation model was built to allow prediction of the impact of changing resource levels or shift patterns, and to forecast the impact of changing number of births per year.

Main outcome measures  Labour ward overloading (when either the number of women or the BR+ Workload Index exceeds the scheduled midwife availability).

Results  Labour ward overload occurred 37% of the time when applying the BR+ method. Underlying patterns of workload were present and simulation indicated that overload could be reduced by 15–25% if available resources were matched more closely to known patterns of workload. Simulation also indicated that smaller units are predicted to suffer from overload more often than larger units, and are more prone to severe overload.

Conclusions  The BR+ formula for midwife staffing leaves labour wards vulnerable to significant periods of overload. Matching resource levels to known patterns of workload may reduce the occurrence of overload. Simulation indicates that smaller units need higher relative staffing levels to provide the same level of 1:1 care to mothers in labour.
Risk factors of recurrent anal sphincter ruptures: a population‐based cohort study
Authors: Jangö H , Langhoff‐Roos J , Rosthøj S , Sakse A
Published: October 2012

Please cite this paper as: Jangö H, Langhoff‐Roos J, Rosthøj S, Sakse A. Risk factors of recurrent anal sphincter ruptures: a population‐based cohort study. BJOG 2012;119:1640–1647.

Objective  To determine the incidence and risk factors of recurrent anal sphincter rupture (ASR).

Design  Population‐based retrospective cohort study.

Setting  Data were taken from the National Medical Birth Registry, Denmark.

Population  Patients with a first and a second vaginal delivery in the time period 1997–2010.

Methods  Univariate analysis and multivariate logistic regression were used to determine risk factors of recurrent ASR.

Main outcome measures  The incidence of recurrent ASR and odds ratios for possible risk factors of recurrent ASR: age, body mass index, grade of ASR, birthweight, head circumference, gestational age, presentation, induction of labour, oxytocin augmentation, epidural, episiotomy, vacuum extraction, forceps, shoulder dystocia, delivery interval and year of second delivery.

Results  Out of 159 446 women, 7336 (4.6%) experienced an ASR at first delivery, and 521 (7.1%) had a recurrent ASR (OR 5.91). The risk factors of recurrent ASR in the multivariate analysis were: birthweight (adjusted OR, aOR, 2.94 per increasing kg, 95% CI 2.31–3.75); vacuum extraction (aOR 2.96, 95% CI 2.03–4.31); shoulder dystocia (aOR 1.98, 95% CI 1.11–3.54); delivery interval (aOR 1.08 by year, 95% CI 1.02–1.15); year of second delivery (aOR 1.06, 95% CI 1.03–1.09); and prior fourth‐degree ASR (aOR 1.72, 95% CI 1.28–2.29). Head circumference was a protective factor (aOR 0.91 per increasing cm, 95% CI 0.85–0.98).

Conclusions  The incidence of recurrent ASR was 7.1%. Risk factors of recurrent ASR were excessive birthweight, vacuum extraction, shoulder dystocia, delivery interval, year of second delivery and prior fourth‐degree ASR. A larger head circumference reduced the risk of recurrent ASR.
Vitamin D status and recurrent preterm birth: a nested case–control study in high‐risk women
Authors: Thorp JM , Camargo CA , McGee PL , Harper M , Klebanoff MA , Sorokin Y , Varner MW , Wapner RJ , Caritis SN , Iams JD , Carpenter MW , Peaceman AM , Mercer BM , Sciscione A , Rouse DJ , Ramin SM , Anderson GB ,   for the Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development Maternal–Fetal Medicine Units Network
Published: October 2012

Please cite this paper as: Thorp J, Camargo C, McGee P, Harper M, Klebanoff M, Sorokin Y, Varner M, Wapner R, Caritis S, Iams J, Carpenter M, Peaceman A, Mercer B, Sciscione A, Rouse D, Ramin S, Anderson G. Vitamin D status and recurrent preterm birth: a nested case–control study in high‐risk women. BJOG 2012;119:1617–1623.

Objective  To determine whether vitamin D status is associated with recurrent preterm birth, and any interactions between vitamin D levels and fish consumption.

Design  A nested case–control study, using data from a randomised trial of omega‐3 fatty acid supplementation to prevent recurrent preterm birth.

Setting  Fourteen academic health centres in the USA.

Population  Women with prior spontaneous preterm birth.

Methods  In 131 cases (preterm delivery at <35 weeks of gestation) and 134 term controls, we measured serum 25‐hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] concentrations by liquid chromatography‐tandem mass spectrometry (LC‐MS) from samples collected at baseline (16–22 weeks of gestation). Logistic regression models controlled for study centre, maternal age, race/ethnicity, number of prior preterm deliveries, smoking status, body mass index, and treatment.

Main outcome measures  Recurrent preterm birth at <37 and <32 weeks of gestation.

Results  The median mid‐gestation serum 25(OH)D concentration was 67 nmol/l, and 27% had concentrations of <50 nmol/l. Serum 25(OH)D concentration was not significantly associated with preterm birth (OR 1.33; 95% CI 0.48–3.70 for lowest versus highest quartiles). Likewise, comparing women with 25(OH)D concentrations of 50 nmol/l, or higher, with those with <50 nmol/l generated an odds ratio of 0.80 (95% CI 0.38–1.69). Contrary to our expectation, a negative correlation was observed between fish consumption and serum 25(OH)D concentration (−0.18, P < 0.01).

Conclusions  In a cohort of women with a prior preterm birth, vitamin D status at mid‐pregnancy was not associated with recurrent preterm birth.
Delayed diagnosis of fetal and neonatal alloimmune thrombocytopenia: a cause of perinatal mortality and morbidity
Authors: Madani K , Kamphuis MM , Lopriore E , Porcelijn L , Oepkes D
Published: October 2012

Please cite this paper as: Madani K, Kamphuis M, Lopriore E, Porcelijn L, Oepkes D. Delayed diagnosis of fetal and neonatal alloimmune thrombocytopenia: a cause of perinatal mortality and morbidity. BJOG 2012;119:1612–1616.

Objective  To evaluate the rate and consequences of a late or missed diagnosis of fetal and neonatal alloimmune thrombocytopenia (FNAIT).

Design  Retrospective analysis of prospectively collected data of a national cohort.

Setting  National referral centre for fetal therapy in the Netherlands.

Population  Twenty‐six women with pregnancies complicated by FNAIT and at least one previous pregnancy with a thrombocytopenic child.

Methods  Retrospective analysis of data from our electronic FNAIT database. In a consecutive cohort managed between July 2008 and July 2010, timing of first diagnosis of FNAIT was correlated to severity and outcome in the subsequent pregnancies.

Main outcome measures  Occurrence of delayed diagnosis of FNAIT, and possibly associated intracranial haemorrhage (ICH).

Results  In four of 26 pregnancies, timely diagnostic testing for FNAIT was not performed despite fetal or neonatal thrombocytopenia or ICH. Down syndrome, dysmaturity and birth trauma were perceived to be the cause of the thrombocytopenia/ICH. In two of these four subsequent, untreated pregnancies, severe fetal ICH occurred. The other 22 women were treated for FNAIT using intravenous immunoglobulin, all children are alive and well.

Conclusions  All neonates with thrombocytopenia at birth should be evaluated for FNAIT. Missing this diagnosis can have severe consequences for subsequent pregnancies.
Recurrence risk of preterm birth in subsequent twin pregnancy after preterm singleton delivery
Authors: Schaaf JM , Hof MHP , Mol BWJ , Abu‐Hanna A , Ravelli ACJ
Published: October 2012

Please cite this paper as: Schaaf J, Hof M, Mol B, Abu‐Hanna A, Ravelli A. Recurrence risk of preterm birth in subsequent twin pregnancy after preterm singleton delivery.BJOG 2012;119:1624–1629.

Objective  To determine the risk of preterm birth in a subsequent twin pregnancy after previous singleton preterm birth.

Design  Cohort study.

Setting  Nationwide study in the Netherlands.

Population  In all, 4071 nulliparous women who had a singleton delivery followed by a subsequent twin delivery between the years 1999 and 2007 were studied.

Methods  Outcome of subsequent twin pregnancy of women with a history of preterm singleton delivery was compared with pregnancy outcome of women with a history of term singleton delivery. First deliveries were subdivided into iatrogenic and spontaneous preterm deliveries. Furthermore analyses were performed by subgroups for gestational age at the time of singleton delivery.

Main outcome measure  Spontaneous preterm birth (<37 weeks of gestation) in subsequent twin pregnancy.

Results  In the index singleton pregnancy, preterm birth occurred in 232 (5.7%) of 4071 women. The risk of subsequent twin preterm birth was significantly higher after previous singleton preterm delivery (56.9 versus 20.9%; odds ratio 5.0; 95% CI 3.8–6.6). Risk of subsequent twin preterm birth was dependent on the severity of previous singleton preterm birth and was highest after preceding spontaneous instead of iatrogenic singleton preterm delivery.

Conclusion  Preterm birth of a singleton gestation is associated with an increased risk of spontaneous preterm birth in a subsequent twin pregnancy.
Cladistic tests of monophyly and relationships of biostratigraphically significant conodonts using multielement skeletal data –Lochriea homopunctatus and the genus Lochriea
Authors: ATAKUL‐ÖZDEMIR AYSE , PURNELL MARK A. , RILEY NICHOLAS J.
Published: October 2012

Abstract:  Since the 1960s, huge progress has been made in reconstructing the multielement skeletons of conodont species and developing a biologically defensible taxonomy. Nevertheless, a widespread prejudice remains that certain parts of the conodont skeleton, particularly the P1 elements, are more informative than others with regard to taxonomy and evolutionary relationships. Here, we test these views. A new partial multielement reconstruction of the skeleton of the biostratigraphically significant conodont originally described as Gnathodus commutatus homopunctatus allows us to conduct a cladistic test of the alternative hypotheses of phylogenetic placement of this species. Our analysis also provides the first test of the hypothesis that Lochriea– species of which are markers for global correlation – is monophyletic and tests hypotheses concerning the origins of the genus. Our results demonstrate that homopunctatus is a species of Lochriea and that the genus is monophyletic. The widely held view that Lochriea arose from a species of Bispathodus is not supported. Our results show that it is difficult to predict a priori which parts of the conodont skeleton carry phylogenetic signal, and provide strong support for the hypothesis that similarity in the morphology of conodont P1 elements alone is not a reliable guide to relationships and taxonomic groupings of conodont species. This is because P1 elements with similar morphologies are convergently acquired in multiple conodont clades, because reliance on the characters of only one of the six or seven morphologically distinct elements of the conodont skeleton ignores phylogenetically significant data and because P1 elements can lack characters that might seem to be diagnostic of a genus. Conodonts are no different to other organisms: ignoring data that have the potential to be phylogenetically informative is unlikely to produce the most reliable hypotheses of evolutionary relationships. We suggest that other biostratigraphically significant hypotheses of relationship between conodont taxa that are based on P1 elements alone should be subject to cladistic testing.