bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Express yourself: bold individuals induce enhanced morphological defences
Authors: Hulthén Kaj , Chapman Ben B. , Nilsson P. Anders , Hollander Johan , Brönmark Christer
Published: December 2013

Organisms display an impressive array of defence strategies in nature. Inducible defences (changes in morphology and/or behaviour within a prey's lifetime) allow prey to decrease vulnerability to predators and avoid unnecessary costs of expression. Many studies report considerable interindividual variation in the degree to which inducible defences are expressed, yet what underlies this variation is poorly understood. Here, we show that individuals differing in a key personality trait also differ in the magnitude of morphological defence expression. Crucian carp showing risky behaviours (bold individuals) expressed a significantly greater morphological defence response when exposed to a natural enemy when compared with shy individuals. Furthermore, we show that fish of different personality types differ in their behavioural plasticity, with shy fish exhibiting greater absolute plasticity than bold fish. Our data suggest that individuals with bold personalities may be able to compensate for their risk-prone behavioural type by expressing enhanced morphological defences.
Successful hunting increases testosterone and cortisol in a subsistence population
Authors: Trumble Benjamin C. , Smith Eric A. , O'Connor Kathleen A. , Kaplan Hillard S. , Gurven Michael D.
Published: December 2013

Controversy over the adaptive significance of male hunting in subsistence societies hinges on the relative importance of familial provisioning and mate-quality signalling. This paper examines the proximate and ultimate motivations of hunting behaviour from a neuroendocrine perspective, using salivary testosterone and cortisol data collected before, during and after hunting focal follows from 31 Tsimane hunters aged 18–82 years. Despite circadian declines in hormone levels, testosterone and cortisol of Tsimane hunters increased at the time of a kill, and remained high as successful hunters returned home. Previous studies of hormonal changes during competitions find that high-stakes and success in the presence of relevant audiences result in increased neuroendocrine arousal. If men hunt primarily to provision their families, then an additional audience would not be expected to impact testosterone or cortisol, nor would the size of the animal killed. However, if signalling male quality by ‘showing off’ was a larger relative driver of men's hunting behaviour, one would expect greater hormonal response in cases where men returned with large sharable kills, especially in the presence of community members. Consistent with provisioning models of male hunting motivation, neither kill size nor encountering an audience of villagers while returning from hunting was associated with hormonal changes for successful hunters.
Conneconomics: The Economics of Dense, Large-Scale, High-Resolution Neural Connectomics
Authors: Marblestone Adam H. , Daugharthy Evan R. , Kalhor Reza , Peikon Ian D. , Kebschull Justus M. , Shipman Seth L. , Mishchenko Yuriy , Lee Jehyuk , Dalrymple David A. , Zamft Bradley M. , Kording Konrad P. , Boyden Edward S. , Zador Anthony M. , Church George M.
Published: December 2013

We analyze the scaling and cost-performance characteristics of current and projected connectomics approaches, with reference to the potential implications of recent advances in diverse contributing fields. Three generalized strategies for dense connectivity mapping at the scale of whole mammalian brains are considered: electron microscopic axon tracing, optical imaging of combinatorial molecular markers at synapses, and bulk DNA sequencing of trans-synaptically exchanged nucleic acid barcode pairs. Due to advances in parallel-beam instrumentation, whole mouse brain electron microscopic image acquisition could cost less than $100 million, with total costs presently limited by image analysis to trace axons through large image stacks. It is difficult to estimate the overall cost-performance of electron microscopic approaches because image analysis costs could fall dramatically with algorithmic improvements or large-scale crowd-sourcing. Optical microscopy at 50–100 nm isotropic resolution could potentially read combinatorially multiplexed molecular information from individual synapses, which could indicate the identifies of the pre-synaptic and post-synaptic cells without relying on axon tracing. An optical approach to whole mouse brain connectomics may therefore be achievable for less than $10 million and could be enabled by emerging technologies to sequence nucleic acids in-situ in fixed tissue via fluorescent microscopy. Strategies relying on bulk DNA sequencing, which would extract the connectome without direct imaging of the tissue, could produce a whole mouse brain connectome for $100k–$1 million or a mouse cortical connectome for $10k–$100k. Anticipated further reductions in the cost of DNA sequencing could lead to a $1000 mouse cortical connectome.
Climate change triggers morphological and life-history evolution in response to predators
Authors: Hart Edmund M. , Gotelli Nicholas J.
Published: December 2013

Although climate change is expected to reorganize entire communities, this restructuring might reflect either direct ecological or evolutionary responses to abiotic conditions or indirect effects mediated through altered species interactions. We tested the hypothesis that changes in trophic interaction strength due to altered predator abundance have a cascading evolutionary response in a prey species (Daphnia pulex). Using a multiyear / multigenerational field experiment, we manipulated 12 open aquatic mesocosms to simulate hydrological conditions under climate change. After a three-year press manipulation, we collectedDaphnia pulexfrom each pond and raised them in a common garden. Using quantitative genetic methods, we measured a series of quantitative traits every other day on 108 individuals for eight weeks. There was a significant decrease in tail spine length and population growth rate in groups exposed to the most extreme future climate scenarios. Structural equation models demonstrated that trait changes were best explained as an indirect effect of climate change treatments mediated through changes in predator abundance. Our results suggest climate change can trigger a cascade of ecological and evolutionary forces by reducing predator density, which in turn acts as a selective force leading to evolutionary change in prey morphology and life history.
ABA-INSENSITIVE3, ABA-INSENSITIVE5, and DELLAs Interact to Activate the Expression ofSOMNUSand Other High-Temperature-Inducible Genes in Imbibed Seeds inArabidopsis
Authors: Lim Soohwan , Park Jeongmoo , Lee Nayoung , Jeong Jinkil , Toh Shigeo , Watanabe Asuka , Kim Junghyun , Kang Hyojin , Kim Dong Hwan , Kawakami Naoto , Choi Giltsu
Published: December 2013

Seeds monitor the environment to germinate at the proper time, but different species respond differently to environmental conditions, particularly light and temperature. In Arabidopsis thaliana, light promotes germination but high temperature suppresses germination. We previously reported that light promotes germination by repressing SOMNUS (SOM). Here, we examined whether high temperature also regulates germination through SOM and found that high temperature activates SOM expression. Consistent with this, som mutants germinated more frequently than the wild type at high temperature. The induction of SOM mRNA at high temperature required abscisic acid (ABA) and gibberellic acid biosynthesis, and ABA-INSENSITIVE3 (ABI3), ABI5, and DELLAs positively regulated SOM expression. Chromatin immunoprecipitation assays indicated that ABI3, ABI5, and DELLAs all target the SOM promoter. At the protein level, ABI3, ABI5, and DELLAs all interact with each other, suggesting that they form a complex on the SOM promoter to activate SOM expression at high temperature. We found that high-temperature-inducible genes frequently have RY motifs and ABA-responsive elements in their promoters, some of which are targeted by ABI3, ABI5, and DELLAs in vivo. Taken together, our data indicate that ABI3, ABI5, and DELLAs mediate high-temperature signaling to activate the expression of SOM and other high-temperature-inducible genes, thereby inhibiting seed germination.
MHC class I molecules are incorporated into human herpesvirus‐6 viral particles and released into the extracellular environment
Authors: Ota Megumi , Serada Satoshi , Naka Tetsuji , Mori Yasuko
Published: December 2013

Human herpesvirus‐6 (HHV‐6), which belongs to the betaherpesvirus subfamily, mainly replicates in T lymphocytes. Here, we show that MHC class I molecules are incorporated into HHV‐6 viral particles and released into the extracellular environment. In addition, HHV‐6A/B‐infected T cells showed reduced surface and intracellular expression of MHC class I molecules. The cellular machinery responsible for molecular transport appears to be modified upon HHV‐6 infection, causing MHC class I molecules to be transported to virion assembly sites.
Linking dietary shifts and reproductive failure in seabirds: a stable isotope approach
Authors: Kowalczyk Nicole D. , Chiaradia Andre , Preston Tiana J. , Reina Richard D.
Published: December 2013

Diet‐related breeding failure in seabirds has been attributed to declines in key prey abundance, the quality of prey and overall prey availability. However, identifying which aspect of diet is responsible for reproductive failure is challenging due to the practicalities of measuring prey utilization and the actual availability and abundance of those resources.

In this study, stable isotope‐based Bayesian models, in combination with indices of resource availability, were used to assess the links between prey availability, seabird diet and reproductive success in a generalist, inshore top predator, the little penguin, Eudyptula minor.

The most probable causes for the sharp decrease in little penguin reproductive performance were diminished localized populations of anchovies, Engraulis australis, in combination with the scarcity of alternative prey. Low dietary diversity and the consumption of low trophic value prey were observed in this period. In the contrasting following year, penguins consumed increased levels of anchovy as well as a high diversity of prey. High dietary diversity and the consumption of high trophic value prey were observed in birds' pre‐breeding and breeding diet and likely led to early breeding and high reproductive success.

Our results highlight that resource abundance and the availability of a variety of prey taxa are critical factors in enabling this inshore seabird to adjust to changes in environmental conditions and fluctuations in prey.

An understanding of seabird diet is integral to their conservation and management. Monitoring seabird trophic niche dimensions and reproductive parameters can elucidate causes for population declines and can provide information about particular prey species and foraging locations that require protection.
Secondary metabolites ofPinus halepensisalter decomposer organisms and litter decomposition during afforestation of abandoned agricultural zones
Authors: Chomel Mathilde , Fernandez Catherine , Bousquet‐Mélou Anne , Gers Charles , Monnier Yogan , Santonja Mathieu , Gauquelin Thierry , Gros Raphael , Lecareux Caroline , Baldy Virginie
Published: December 2013

Over a century of agricultural abandonment across the Mediterranean region has favoured the installation of the pioneer expansionist species Aleppo pine (Pinus halepensisMiller). This species synthesizes a wide range of secondary metabolites that are partially released during needle decomposition, and which can thus affect the ‘brown food chain’. Litter decomposition is a key process connecting ecosystem structure and function, and involving microbial and faunal components.

The goal of this study was to determine the effect of chemical compounds from Aleppo pine needles on the litter decomposition process along a gradient of Mediterranean forest secondary succession. Usingin situlitterbags, we compared the dynamics of decomposers, particularly the relative contributions of fungal and mesofauna biomass to litter mass loss (calculations based on the measured decomposer biomass, published fungal growth efficiency and mesofauna feeding rate), against the dynamics of secondary metabolites associated with decomposed needles in three successional stages (early, middle and late, i.e. pinewoods that were aged 10, 30 and over 60 years old).

Our first key finding was that fungi accounted for the largest portion of overall litter mass loss (60–79%) and detritivorous mesofauna contributed to 8–12%. In the early stage of succession, fungal biomass after 6 months of decomposition was lower than in middle and late stages, and may be responsible for the delay in litter colonization by mesofauna. We linked this result to a clearly longer residence time for phenolic compounds in young pine forest, leading to an overall slowdown in the decomposition process.

Synthesis. Litter phenolic content emerged as a key functional trait for predicting litter decomposition, delaying the colonization of litter by decomposers in Mediterranean forest ecosystems. Another key finding is that the relative contributions of fungi and detritivores to needle mass loss were different between the successional stages. From the food‐web perspective, the organic matter available for higher trophic levels thus remains unchanged beyond 30 years after pine colonization.
Functional attributes change but functional richness is unchanged after fragmentation of Brazilian Atlantic forests
Authors: Magnago Luiz Fernando S. , Edwards David P. , Edwards Felicity A. , Magrach Ainhoa , Martins Sebastião V. , Laurance William F.
Published: December 2013

Fragmentation of tropical forests is one of the greatest threats to global biodiversity. Understanding how biological and functional attributes of communities respond to fragmentation and, in turn, whether ecosystem functioning is impacted upon are critical steps for assessing the long‐term effects and conservation values of forest fragments. Ecosystem functioning can be inferred through functional diversity metrics, including functional richness, evenness and divergence, which collectively quantify the range, distribution and uniqueness of functional traits within a community.

Our study was carried out in forest remnants of the Brazilian Atlantic rain forest, which is a global hotspot of threatened biodiversity that has undergone massive deforestation and fragmentation. We focus on trees, which play critical functional roles in forest structure, food provisioning and carbon storage, to examine community organization and functional diversity across a gradient of fragmentation, from small to large fragments and at edge versus interior habitats.

The interiors of small fragments have marginally higher species richness, but similar community structures, to the interiors of bigger fragments. In contrast, fragment edges suffered significant losses of species and changes in community structure, relative to fragment interiors.

Despite shifts in community organization, functional richness was not impacted by fragmentation, with the same number of functions provided independent of fragment size or proximity to edge. However, functional evenness and functional divergence both increased with decreasing fragment size, while fragment edges had lower functional evenness than interiors did, indicating that the abundance and dominance of functional traits has changed, with negative implications for functional redundancy and ecosystem resilience. At fragment edges, large‐fruited trees, critical as resources for fauna, were replaced by early successional, small‐seeded species. The influence of fragment size was smaller, with a reduction in very large‐fruited trees in small fragments counterbalanced by increased numbers of fleshy‐ and medium‐fruited trees. Wood density was not impacted by fragmentation.

Synthesis. These results suggest that the interiors of even small fragments can contain important biodiversity, ecosystem functions and carbon stores, offering potential opportunities for cobenefits under existing carbon markets. Retaining forest fragments is an important conservation strategy within the highly threatened Brazilian Atlantic forest biome.
A philosophy of practice for systemic psychotherapy: the case for critical realism
Authors: Pocock David
Published: December 2013

An argument is made for Bhaskar's critical realism as a more coherent, accountable and enabling philosophy of practice for systemic psychotherapy than the kinds of strong constructionism and pragmatism that are currently powerful in our field. Constructionism is positioned, not as an opponent to realism in the usual way, but – in a moderate version – as a necessary partner to give realism its critical edge. The dimensions of critical realism are sketched and its potential for the coherent support of practice is illustrated with an analysis of a moment of therapeutic change.

Practitioner points

Critical realism supports the understanding of multiply interacting causal tendencies, from genetics to discourse, providing a new platform for eclecticism and integration and a renewed, though cautious, relationship with science.

The growing split between structuralism and poststructuralism is closed by critical realism, giving the potential for systemic family therapy to become a unified field.

The covert use of realism by clinicians is made accountable by critical realism.
Synthesis and Characterization of Nano‐Encapsulated Black Pepper Oleoresin using Hydroxypropyl Beta‐Cyclodextrin for Antioxidant and Antimicrobial Applications
Authors: Teixeira Bruna N. , Ozdemir Necla , Hill Laura E. , Gomes Carmen L.
Published: December 2013

Previous studies have reported antimicrobial and antioxidant activity of black pepper oleoresin which is associated to its phenolic compounds and piperine. The ability of cyclodextrins to form an inclusion complex with a guest molecule could improve black pepper oleoresin application, bioavailability, and stability in foods. Hydroxypropyl beta‐cyclodextrin (HPBCD) inclusion complex with black pepper olereosin were synthesized using the kneading method and characterized for its physico‐chemical properties and its antioxidant and antimicrobial activities. Inclusion complex size was 103.9 ± 7.6 nm and indicated to be a polydisperse system. The entrapment efficiency was 78.3 ± 3.6%, which suggests that other constituents in black pepper oleoresin have higher affinities for HPBCD than piperine (major compound in black pepper oleoresin). Thermograms showed the disappearance of oxidation peaks of black pepper oleoresin, proving complex formation with HPBCD. Phase solubility results indicated 1:1 stoichiometric inclusion complex formation and an increase of black pepper oleoresin aqueous solubility with HPBCD concentration. Nano‐encapsulation with HPBCD did not affect (P > 0.05) total phenolic content; however, it enhanced (P < 0.05) black pepper oleoresin antioxidant activity. Black pepper oleoresin and its inclusion complex were analyzed for their antimicrobial activity against Escherichia coli K12 and Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium LT2. Both free and encapsulated black pepper oleoresin effectively inhibited bacterial growth within the concentration range tested. Black pepper oleoresin encapsulated in HPBCD was able to inhibit Salmonella at lower (P < 0.05) concentrations than its corresponding free extract. Therefore, black pepper oleoresin‐HPBCD nanocapsules could have important applications in the food industry as antimicrobial and antioxidant system.
Virulence and polar tube protein genetic diversity of Nosema ceranae (Microsporidia) field isolates from Northern and Southern Europe in honeybees (Apis mellifera iberiensis)
Authors: Van der Zee Romee , Gómez‐Moracho Tamara , Pisa Lennard , Sagastume Soledad , García‐Palencia Pilar , Maside Xulio , Bartolomé Carolina , Martín‐Hernández Raquel , Higes Mariano
Published: December 2013

Infection of honeybees by the microsporidian Nosema ceranae is considered to be one of the factors underlying the increased colony losses and decreased honey production seen in recent years. However, these effects appear to differ in function of the climatic zone, the distinct beekeeping practices and the honeybee species employed. Here, we compared the response of Apis mellifera iberiensis worker bees to experimental infection with field isolates of N. ceranae from an Oceanic climate zone in Northern Europe (Netherlands) and from a Mediterranean region of Southern Europe (Spain). We found a notable but non‐significant trend (P = 0.097) towards higher honeybee survival for bees infected with N. ceranae from the Netherlands, although no differences were found between the two isolates in terms of anatomopathological lesions in infected ventricular cells or the morphology of the mature and immature stages of the parasite. In addition, the population genetic survey of the N. ceranae PTP3 locus revealed high levels of genetic diversity within each isolate, evidence for meiotic recombination, and no signs of differentiation between the Dutch and Spanish populations. A cross‐infection study is needed to further explore the differences in virulence observed between the two N. ceranae populations in field conditions.
Thiazolidinediones and associated risk of bladder cancer: a systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Turner Richard M. , Kwok Chun S. , Chen‐Turner Chen , Maduakor Chinedu A. , Singh Sonal , Loke Yoon K.
Published: December 2013

Aims

To determine whether thiazolidinedione use is associated with a risk of bladder cancer.

Methods

We searched MEDLINE and EMBASE in June 2012 (with PubMed update to July 2013) and conducted meta‐analysis on the overall risks of bladder cancer with pioglitazone or rosiglitazone and the risk with different categories of cumulative dose or duration of drug use.

Results

We screened 230 citations and included 18 studies, comprising five randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and 13 observational studies. Meta‐analysis showed a significantly higher overall risk of bladder cancer with pioglitazone in RCTs [7878 participants; odds ratio (OR) 2.51, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.09–5.80] and observational studies (>2.6 million patients; OR for ‘ever’ users vs. non‐users 1.21, 95% CI 1.09–1.35). Subgroup analysis of observational studies by cumulative dose showed the risk of bladder cancer to be greatest with >28.0 g of pioglitazone (OR 1.64, 95% CI 1.28–2.12). A significantly increased risk was found with both 12–24 months (OR 1.41, 95% CI 1.16–1.71) and >24 months (OR 1.51, 95% CI 1.26–1.81) cumulative durations of pioglitazone exposure. No significant risk was seen with rosiglitazone in RCTs (OR 0.84, 95% CI 0.35–2.04) or ‘ever’ users vs. non‐users in observational studies (OR 1.03, 95% CI 0.94–1.12); the evidence for any relationship between bladder cancer risk and rosiglitazone cumulative duration is limited and inconsistent. Direct comparison of pioglitazone to rosiglitazone ‘ever’ users yielded an OR of 1.25 (95% CI 0.91–1.72).

Conclusions

A modest but clinically significant increase in the risk of bladder cancer with pioglitazone was found, which appears to be related to cumulative dose and duration of exposure. We recommend that prescribers limit pioglitazone use to shorter durations.
Can Rural–Urban Household Mobility Indicate Differences in Resource Management withinAmazonian Communities?
Authors: NASUTI STEPHANIE , ELOY LUDIVINE , RAIMBERT CELINE , LE TOURNEAU FRANÇOIS‐MICHEL
Published: December 2013

This article aims to understand the relationships between rural–urban mobility and economic differentiation inAmazonian communities, through a multi‐scaled methodological framework. We focus onAmazonianquilombolacommunities (ParáState,Brazil), and we use a rural–urban circulation index to untangle the concept of mobility system. We show that individual mobility patterns are embedded in a process of multilocalisation, articulating rural and urban areas at a collective level. Economic diversification relies on complementarity of circulation within households. In this sense, the ability of some families to maintain resource rights in different places is one of the premises for economic differentiation.
Women's ministerial careers in cabinet, 1921–2010: A look at socio‐demographic traits and career experiences
Authors: Tremblay Manon , Stockemer Daniel
Published: December 2013

This article probes two aspects of women's ministerial careers in federal, provincial, and territorial cabinets from 1921 to December 2010. First, we examine whether the socio‐demographic profile of women ministers differ from female legislators of the governing party. Logistic regression analysis shows that women holding cabinet portfolios differ from female legislators with no ministerial responsibilities with respect to education, parliamentary experience, and age when first elected. Women legislators elected in Quebec, and more so at the federal level, were less likely to become ministers than women legislators nominated in other provinces. Second, we consider what portfolios women had over time, and how many different portfolios they were assigned to. The results are sobering: women ministers are still largely concentrated in socio‐cultural and socio‐economic portfolios, and most only occupy one or two of these portfolios. We conclude by identifying avenues for further research.
Sexual orientation, work values, pay, and preference for public and nonprofit employment: Evidence from Canadian postsecondary students
Authors: Lewis Gregory B. , Ng Eddy S.
Published: December 2013

Evidence shows that gay men hold fewer government jobs in the US than their share of the population would predict. Two large surveys of Canadian university and college students, however, indicate no lack of interest in public sector jobs among gay, lesbian, transgender and queer people (GLBTQs). This article explores data on the differing perceptions, motivations, and expectations of GLBTQ students of public and nonprofit employment. We find that (1) GLBTQs are more likely than heterosexuals to prefer public and nonprofit sector employment; (2) GLBTQ career goals and work values predict stronger desire for public and nonprofit sector jobs than heterosexuals; and (3) GLBTQs expect to pay a smaller penalty for working in the public and nonprofit sectors.
Fetuin‐A, a new vascular biomarker of cognitive decline in older adults
Authors: Laughlin Gail A. , McEvoy Linda K. , Barrett‐Connor Elizabeth , Daniels Lori B. , Ix Joachim H.
Published: December 2013

Objectives

Fetuin‐A is an abundant plasma protein known to predict vascular disease. Fetuin‐A levels are lower in patients with Alzheimer's disease in proportion to the severity of cognitive impairment, but their association with normal cognitive ageing is unknown. We evaluated the association of serum fetuin‐A levels with cognitive function in community‐dwelling older adults.

Design/Patients/Measurements

A population‐based study of 1382 older adults (median age 75) who had plasma fetuin‐A levels and cognitive function evaluated in 1992–1996; 855 had repeat cognitive function assessment a median of 4 years later.

Results

Adjusting for age, sex, education and depression, higher levels of fetuin‐A were associated with better baseline performance on the Mini‐Mental Status Exam (MMSE; P = 0·012) and a tendency for better Trails Making B scores (P = 0·066). In longitudinal analyses, the likelihood of a major decline (highest decile of change) in Trails B was 29% lower (P = 0·010) for each SD higher baseline fetuin‐A level; odds of major decline in MMSE was 42% lower (P = 0·005) per SD higher fetuin‐A for individuals with no known CVD, but were not related to fetuin‐A in those with CVD (P = 0·33). Fetuin‐A was not related to Category Fluency performance. Results were independent of multiple vascular risk factors and comorbid conditions.

Conclusions

Higher plasma fetuin‐A concentrations are associated with better performance on tests of global cognitive function and executive function and with less likelihood of major decline in these cognitive abilities over a 4‐year period. Fetuin‐A may serve as a biological link between vascular disease and normal age‐related cognitive decline.
Multidimensional Israeliness and Tel Aviv's Tachanah Merkazit: Hearing Culture in a Polyphonic Transit Hub
Authors: HANKINS SARAH
Published: December 2013

Israel's heated public debate over the socio‐political implications of increasing demographic diversity plays out with special prominence in Tel Aviv, home to large minority citizen populations and a destination for foreign workers and refugees from Asia and Africa. The city's New Central Bus Station, or tachanah merkazit, is a transit hub and commercial complex in which multiple ethnic groups enact aesthetic and cultural dimensions of Israeli urban and national identity in flux. This paper presents a sensory ethnography of the tachanah: sonic and musical expressions of “local” and “global” Israeliness are analyzed against a backdrop of near‐constant motion and transit. The somatic and ideological dimensions of movement enable Jewish Israelis, minority citizens and foreigners to assimilate sounds of culture within the tachanah at deeply‐felt, personal levels. The tachanah's sonic activity is inherently political, having the potential to impact collective identity and civic reality in Tel Aviv and across Israel. [soundscape, sensory ethnography, migration, ethnicity, Israel]
Putting Belonging into Place: Place Experience and Sense of Belonging amongEcuadorian Migrants in anItalianAlpine Region
Authors: RAFFAETÀ ROBERTA , DUFF CAMERON
Published: December 2013

This paper explores the meaning and mechanics of belonging with a particular focus on the role of place and place‐making. It explores the ways people come to achieve a sense of belonging with reference to recent theoretical treatments of place, territory, and mobility. We ground our discussion in analysis of an ethnographic case ofEcuadorian families who have migrated toTrentino in northernItaly. Most families miss the social relationships and places they left behind, but have decided to stay permanently in Italy, giving up the “myth of return” (Anwar 1979).Trentino offers more opportunities in term of employment, education, and access to services than Ecuador. Yet the decision to stay inTrentino is based on more than a simple assessment of economic advantage. Participants spoke of a slowly unfolding sense of belonging toTrentino, with strong affective dimensions born of a specific attachment to the very materiality of place inTrentino. This attachment may be regarded as an assemblage of social, material and affective resonances, experiences and resources, revealing something of the place and feeling of belonging. Hence, theEcuadorian sense of belonging does not rely on an abstract conception of cultural affiliation, nor is it a purely psychological response. Rather, belonging accrues in particular practices and material attachments. We unpack these practices by documenting the work participants put into inhabiting an unfamiliar place as “their” place, while at the same time questioning the ontological status of space.
Lymph node harvest in single incision laparoscopic surgery for colorectal malignancy
Authors: Rink A. D. , Vestweber B. , Paul C. , Vestweber K.‐H.
Published: December 2013

Aim

Single incision laparoscopic surgery (SILS) has not been sufficiently evaluated with respect to its oncological equivalence to conventional laparoscopic or open surgery.

Method

Of 507 patients who had SILS for colorectal diseases in our institution, 87 had segmental resection for colorectal adenocarcinoma. For each of the surgical specimens the number of lymph nodes which can be expected to be identified by the pathologist was calculated using the ACPGBI lymph node harvest model, which was developed from a nationwide database of 5845 surgical specimens. The predicted number of lymph nodes was compared with the number identified in our SILS specimens.

Results

The median predicted number of lymph nodes was 11 (4.5–14.8) compared with 18 (5–44) in the SILS specimens (P < 0.001). In all subgroups analysed for various operations, the lymph node harvest in the SILS specimens was significantly higher than predicted.

Conclusion

In terms of lymph node harvest SILS seems to be comparable to conventional open or laparoscopic surgery.
Does the calcineurin inhibitor have influence on cytomegalovirus infection in heart transplantation?
Authors: Rodríguez‐Serrano María , Sánchez‐Lázaro Ignacio , Almenar‐Bonet Luis , Martínez‐Dolz Luis , Portolés‐Sanz Manuel , Rivera‐Otero Miguel , Salvador‐Sanz Antonio
Published: December 2013

Cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection is a major cause of morbidity and mortality in heart transplant (HTx). Our aim was to analyze the rate of CMV infection in HTx patients receiving treatment with cyclosporine (CsA) or tacrolimus (Tac). Ninety‐five patients were randomized to receive either CsA (53.7%) or Tac (46.3%). We performed prophylaxis with valganciclovir in patients with the highest risk of CMV infection. We considered CMV infection as an increased viral load or the presence of CMV in histological samples. We analyzed baseline characteristics, CMV infection, and other complications. Event‐free rates were calculated using the Kaplan‐Meier method. There were no significant differences in baseline characteristics between both groups. CMV infection was detected in 31.6% of patients (in 66.7% due to asymptomatic replication). The group treated with Tac had a lower rate of CMV infection (15.9% vs. 45.1%, p = 0.002) and longer CMV infection‐free survival time (1440 vs. 899 d, p = 0.001). No differences were observed in the complications analyzed in both groups. The independent risk factors for infection identified in the multivariate analysis were treatment with CsA and bacterial infections. This was the first study to demonstrate a lower rate of CMV infection in patients treated with Tac vs. those treated with CsA after HTx.
Simvastatin and bezafibrate increase cholesterol efflux in men with type 2 diabetes
Authors: Triolo Michela , Annema Wijtske , de Boer Jan Freark , Tietge Uwe J. F. , Dullaart Robin P. F.
Published: December 2013

Background

The importance of functional properties of high‐density lipoproteins (HDL) for atheroprotection is increasingly recognized. We determined the impact of lipid‐lowering therapy on 3 key HDL functionalities in Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).

Materials and methods

A placebo‐controlled, randomized cross‐over study (three 8‐week treatment periods with simvastatin (40 mg daily), bezafibrate (400 mg daily), alone and in combination) was carried out in 14 men with T2DM. Cholesterol efflux was determined using human THP‐1 monocyte‐derived macrophages, HDL antioxidative capacity was measured as inhibition of low‐density lipoprotein oxidation in vitro, and HDL anti‐inflammatory capacity was assessed as suppression of thrombin‐induced monocyte chemotactic protein 1 expression in human umbilical vein endothelial cells. Pre‐β‐HDL was assayed using crossed immunoelectrophoresis.

Results

While cholesterol efflux increased in response to simvatatin, bezafibrate and combination treatment (+12 to +23%; anova, P = 0·001), HDL antioxidative capacity (P = 0·23) and HDL anti‐inflammatory capacity (P = 0·15) did not change significantly. Averaged changes in cellular cholesterol efflux during active treatment were correlated positively with changes in HDL cholesterol, apoA‐I and pre‐β‐HDL (P < 0·05 to P < 0·001). There were no inter‐relationships between changes in the three HDL functionalities during treatment (P > 0·10). Changes in HDL antioxidative capacity and anti‐inflammatory capacity were also unrelated to changes in HDL cholesterol and apoA‐I, while changes in HDL antioxidative capacity were related inversely to pre‐β‐HDL (P < 0·05).

Conclusion

Simvastatin and bezafibrate increase cholesterol efflux, parallel to HDL cholesterol and apoA‐I responses. The antioxidative and anti‐inflammatory properties of HDL are not to an important extent affected by these therapeutic interventions.
Novel nonsense mutation in MSX1 in familial nonsyndromic oligodontia: subcellular localization and role of homeodomain/MH4
Authors: Kimura Masashi , Machida Junichiro , Yamaguchi Seishi , Shibata Akio , Tatematsu Tadashi , Miyachi Hitoshi , Jezewski Peter A. , Nakayama Atsuo , Higashi Yujiro , Shimozato Kazuo , Tokita Yoshihito
Published: December 2013

Nonsyndromic tooth agenesis is one of the most common anomalies in human development. Part of the malformation is inherited and is associated with paired box 9 (PAX9), msh homeobox 1 (MSX1), and axin 2 (AXIN2) mutations. To obtain a comprehensive understanding of the genetic and molecular mechanisms that underlie this genetic disease, we investigated six familial and seven sporadic Japanese cases of nonsyndromic tooth agenesis. Searches for mutations in these candidate genes detected a novel nonsense mutation (c.416G>A) in exon 1 of MSX1 from a family with oligodontia. This mutation co‐segregated in the affected family members. Moreover, this mutation produced a termination codon in the first exon and therefore the gene product (W139X) was truncated at the C terminus, hence, the entire homeodomain/MH4, which has many functions, such as DNA binding, protein‐protein interaction, and nuclear localization, was absent. We characterized the properties of this truncated MSX1 by investigating the subcellular localization of the mutant gene product in transfected cells. The wild‐type MSX1 localized exclusively at the nuclear periphery of transfected cells, whereas the mutant MSX1 was stable but localized diffusely throughout the whole cell. These results indicate that W139X MSX1 is responsible for tooth agenesis.
Using fuzzy‐coded traits to elucidate the non‐random role of anthropogenic stress in the functional homogenisation of invertebrate assemblages
Authors: Mondy Cédric P. , Usseglio‐Polatera Philippe
Published: December 2013

Functional homogenisation of ecological communities (i.e. communities composed mainly of generalist species) is a major concern and has been often considered as a non‐random effect of anthropogenic stress, with generalist taxa being preferentially selected under increasing stress.

However, the degree of specialisation of a given taxon for a particular resource (a convenient proxy for studying functional homogenisation) is often described simply as ‘uses the resource’ or ‘does not’, despite there being an obvious continuum of degrees of specialisation by species for many different resources. Moreover, the non‐randomness of the relationship between resource specialisation by the species making up a community and anthropogenic stress has been rarely tested.

In this study, a framework based on fuzzy‐coded traits is proposed to calculate a new continuous index of potential specialisation for a variety of taxa in a wide range of ecosystems. The use of this index is illustrated using 10 Eltonian and 11 Grinnellian traits of stream macroinvertebrate assemblages. We tested (i) the significance of the relationships between the average degree of specialisation among the taxa of a community and two types of anthropogenic stress (acidification and organic contamination) at the local scale and (ii) the non‐randomness of these relationships.

Stress gradients explained, through non‐random effects, a rather high proportion of the variability observed in the degree of taxon specialisation, with significant relationships for eight of the 21 traits studied with regard to acidification and for 18 of the 21 traits with regard to organic contamination. Although most of these relationships described functional homogenisation (i.e. decreasing specialisation with increasing stress), increasing specialisation with increasing stress was demonstrated for a few Eltonian traits.

We confirmed the importance of indicators of functional homogenisation calculated at the community level when studying the loss of biodiversity due to anthropogenic stress. The assessment of ecological specialisation seems to be a very promising strategy for understanding the effects of habitat impairment on community and ecosystem processes. Moreover, we show that the intensity of functional homogenisation depends on a trade‐off between ‘direct’ and ‘indirect’ effects of stressors, and we consider that more attention should be paid to the mechanisms by which anthropogenic stressors act on taxa.
Survival and behaviour of juvenile unionid mussels exposed to thermal stress and dewatering in the presence of a sediment temperature gradient
Authors: Archambault Jennifer M. , Cope W. Gregory , Kwak Thomas J.
Published: December 2013

Freshwater mussels (Unionidae) are a highly imperilled faunal group. One critical threat is thermal sensitivity, because global climate change and other anthropogenic activities contribute to increasing stream temperature and altered hydrologic flow that may be detrimental to freshwater mussels.

We incorporated four benthic environmental components – temperature, sediment, water level (a surrogate for flow) and a vertical thermal gradient in the sediment column – in laboratory mesocosm experiments with juveniles of two species of freshwater mussels (Lampsilis abrupta and Lampsilis radiata) and tested their effects on survival, burrowing behaviour and byssus production.

Increasing temperature diminished burrowing behaviour significantly in both species (P < 0.01), and the dewatered treatment significantly reduced burrowing in L. radiata, compared with that in the watered treatment. Increasing temperature also significantly reduced byssus production in both species (P < 0.01). Median lethal temperatures (LT50) ranged from 29.9 to 35.6 °C. Mussels did not burrow beneath the top stratum of sediment (0–2.5 cm) and thus did not use the available thermal refuge.

Our findings suggest that rising stream water temperature and dewatering may directly impact freshwater mussel abundance by causing mortality and may have indirect impacts via sublethal effects. Reduced burrowing capacity may hamper ability to escape predation or unfavourably high or low flows, and decreased byssus production may inhibit attachment and dispersal capabilities in juveniles.
Canalicular adenoma immunoprofile: a case report
Authors: Sivolella Stefano , Valente Marialuisa , De Biagi Marleen , Mazzoleni Sergio , Stellini Edoardo
Published: December 2013

Objectives

To report a case of canalicular adenoma (CA) and discuss the use of immunohistochemistry to better address the diagnosis given some unusual characteristics in this patient.

Background

CA is an uncommon benign neoplasm that can develop in minor salivary gland duct tissues throughout the oral cavity. At histology, it shares several features with other salivary tumors. Immunohistochemistry can be useful in the differential diagnosis.

Materials and methods

The clinical presentation consisted in a nodule on the left upper lip of an 85‐year‐old man. The patient's main complaint was upper denture instability secondary to soft tissue changes. The nodule was excised under local anesthesia and underwent histological and immunohistochemical examination to rule out any malignancy.

Results

Histological findings, cytokeratin positivity and the absence of any reactivity to specific markers of myoepithelial differentiation confirmed the epithelial nature of the lesion.

Conclusion

The histological diagnosis of benign salivary tumors such as CA can be confirmed by immunohistochemistry
In Situ Synthesis of a ZrB2‐Based Composite Powder Using a Mechanochemical Reaction for the Zircon/Magnesium/Boron Oxide/Graphite System
Authors: Jalaly Maisam , Bafghi Mohammad Sheikh‐Shab , Tamizifar Morteza , Gotor Francisco Jose
Published: December 2013

A ZrSiO4/B2O3/Mg/C system was used to synthesize a ZrB2‐based composite through a high‐energy ball milling process. As a result of the milling process, a mechanically induced self‐sustaining reaction (MSR) was achieved in this system. A composite powder of ZrB2–SiC–ZrC was prepared in situ by a magnesiothermic reduction with an ignition time of approximately 6 min. The mechanism for the formation of the product was investigated by studying the relevant subreactions, the stoichiometric amount of B2O3, and thermal analysis.
Comparison of extraction and isolation efficiency of catechins and caffeine from green tea leaves using different solvent systems
Authors: Choung Myoung‐Gun , Hwang Young‐Sun , Lee Min‐Seuk , Lee Jinwook , Kang Sung‐Taeg , Jun Tae‐Hwan
Published: December 2013

Catechins from green tea (Camellia sinensis L.) have received considerable attention due to their beneficial effects on human health, such as antioxidant and anticancer activities. Optimisation of extraction conditions of the catechins from green tea leaves was performed using different solvents (ethanol or distilled water), different extraction methods (ultrasound‐assisted, room temperature or reflux extractions) and various extraction times (0.5–24 h). The optimal extraction conditions were determined using 40% ethanol with ultrasound‐assisted extraction method for 2 h at 40 °C. In addition, two isolation methods for the recovery of catechins from green tea extracts were compared using different solvent combinations (chloroform/ethyl acetate versus ethyl acetate/dichloromethane). The results showed that the ethyl acetate/dichloromethane system could achieve much higher content of catechins than the other isolation approaches, indicating the method that extract catechins first with organic solvent such as ethyl acetate before removing caffeine is much effective than removing caffeine first when organic solvents are used for the recovery of catechins without caffeine from green tea extracts.
Signalling properties and pharmacology of a 5‐HT7‐type serotonin receptor from Tribolium castaneum
Authors: Vleugels R. , Lenaerts C. , Vanden Broeck J. , Verlinden H.
Published: December 2013

In the last decade, genome sequence data and gene structure information on invertebrate receptors has been greatly expanded by large sequencing projects and cloning studies. This information is of great value for the identification of receptors; however, functional and pharmacological data are necessary for an accurate receptor classification and for practical applications. In insects, an important group of neurotransmitter and neurohormone receptors, for which ample sequence information is available but pharmacological information is missing, are the biogenic amine G protein‐coupled receptors (GPCRs). In the present study, we investigated the sequence information, pharmacology and signalling properties of a 5‐HT7‐type serotonin receptor from the red flour beetle, Tribolium castaneum (Trica5‐HT7). The receptor encoding cDNA shows considerable sequence similarity with cognate 5‐HT7 receptors and phylogenetic analysis also clusters the receptor within this 5‐HT receptor group. Real‐time reverse transcription PCR demonstrated high expression levels in the brain, indicating the possible importance of this receptor in neural processes. Trica5‐HT7 was dose‐dependently activated by 5‐HT, which induced elevated intracellular cyclic AMP levels but had no effect on calcium signalling. The synthetic agonists, α‐methyl 5‐HT, 5‐methoxytryptamine, 5‐carboxamidotryptamine and 8‐hydroxy‐2‐(dipropylamino)tetralin hydrobromide, showed a response, although with a much lower potency and efficacy than 5‐HT. Ketanserin and methiothepin were the most potent antagonists. Both showed characteristics of competitive inhibition on Trica5‐HT7. The signalling pathway and pharmacological profile offer important information that will facilitate functional and comparative studies of 5‐HT receptors in insects and other invertebrates. The pharmacology of invertebrate 5‐HT receptors differs considerably from that of vertebrates. The present study may therefore contribute to establishing a more reliable classification of invertebrate 5‐HT receptors.