bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Variations in Zebra Chip Disease Expression and Tuber Biochemistry in Response to Vector Density
Authors: Rashed Arash , Wallis Christopher M. , Workneh Fekede , Paetzold Li , Rush Charles M.
Published: April 2016

Zebra chip (ZC) disease, caused by ‘Candidatus Liberibacter solanacearum’, which is transmitted by the potato psyllid, has negatively affected potato production in the United States for over a decade. The present study was conducted to evaluate the affect of the number of bacteriliferous psyllids on ‘Ca. L. solanacearum’ titer, levels of amino acids, carbohydrates, phenolics, and, subsequently, symptom severity in potato tubers. ‘Red La Soda’ and ‘Russet Norkotah’ potato were planted in the field and later inoculated with ‘Ca. L. solanacearum’ using 5, 10, and 30 bacteriliferous potato psyllids. In both cultivars, the increase in the number of psyllids resulted in elevated ‘Ca. L. solanacearum’ titer and symptom severity. In the cases of amino acids and reducing sugars, responses to vector density appeared to be cultivar specific. Overall, phenolic compounds showed a consistent increase following infection, a response that, in most cases, was positively correlated with the number of infective psyllids. Results quantified the impact of the number of infective psyllids on ‘Ca. L. solanacearum’ titer and biochemical content of infected tubers previously shown to be correlated with the degree of symptom expression. Managing vector numbers is currently the only effective approach for minimizing losses to ZC in grower’s fields. However, our findings on physiological responses to vector density suggest that, in combination with chemical control, development of more tolerant or resistant potato genotypes, with emphasis on interrupting pathways that are associated with increased phenolic activity levels, may lead to more sustainable management of ZC in the future.
The measurement of engagement
Authors: Mayo Andrew
Published: April 2016

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to clearly define the concept of engagement and distinguish it from other descriptions of positive employee well-being. It then discusses how to measure this concept objectively and reliably.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper looks at the distinctive meaning of the term “engagement” and expresses concern that the term has been diluted with its popularity. It analyses the drivers of true engagement and then looks at how the evidence of the reality can be measured and the drivers themselves. It concludes with a brief summary of the link between engagement and performance.

Findings

Some key conclusions in the paper are that engagement should not be confused with measures of satisfaction; that a clear distinction should be made between the evidence and reality of engagement and the drivers that cause it; that both should be measured and much more frequently than the typical annual opinion survey; that off-the-shelf surveys should be validated against the specific employees we are surveying and added to if necessary; and that the link between true engagement and improved performance is solidly established.

Originality/value

This paper is based partly on engagement literature and partly on models and experience of the author. It critiques a number of current practices.
Field survey on frost damage to roof tiles under climatic conditions
Authors: Iba Chiemi , Ueda Ayumi , Hokoi Shuichi
Published: April 2016

Purpose

– Frost damage is well-known as the main cause of roof tile deterioration. The purpose of this paper is to develop an analytical model for predicting the deterioration process under certain climatic conditions. This paper describes the results of a field survey conducted to acquire fundamental information useful to this aim.

Design/methodology/approach

– A field survey of roof tile damage by freezing was conducted in an old temple precinct in Kyoto, Japan. Using detailed observations and photographic recordings, the damage progress was clarified. To examine the impact of climatic conditions upon the damage characteristics, weather data and roof tile temperatures were measured and logged in the winter season.

Findings

– The deterioration process was observed under the climatic conditions associated with the measured temperature of the roof tiles. In particular, it was revealed that the orientation has a significant influence on increasing or decreasing the risk of frost damage. For certain distinctive forms of damage, the deterioration mechanisms were estimated from the viewpoint of the moisture flow and temperature distribution in the tile.

Originality/value

– This study contributes to the elucidation of the mechanism behind frost damage to roof tiles. The findings will guide the construction of a numerical model for frost damage prediction.
The presence of physician champions improved Kangaroo Mother Care in rural western India
Authors: Soni Apurv , Amin Amee , Patel Dipen V. , Fahey Nisha , Shah Nikhil , Phatak Ajay G. , Allison Jeroan , Nimbalkar Somashekhar M.
Published: April 2016

Aim

This study determined the effect of physician champions on the two main components of Kangaroo Mother Care (KMC): skin‐to‐skin care and breastfeeding.

Methods

KMC practices among a retrospective cohort of 648 infants admitted to a rural Indian neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) between January 5, 2011 and October 7, 2014 were studied. KMC champions were identified based on their performance evaluation. We examined the effect of withdrawing physician champions on overall use, time to initiation and intensity of skin‐to‐skin care and breastfeeding, using separate models.

Results

In comparison with when KMC champions were present, their absence was associated with a 45% decrease in the odds of receiving skin‐to‐skin care, with a 95% confidence interval (CI) of 64% to 17%, a 38% decrease in the rate of initiation skin‐to‐skin care (95% CI 53–82%) and an average of 1.47 less hours of skin‐to‐skin care (95% CI −2.07 to −0.86). Breastfeeding practices were similar across the different champion environments.

Conclusion

Withdrawing physician champions from the NICU setting was associated with a decline in skin‐to‐skin care, but not breastfeeding. Training health care workers and community stakeholders to become champions could help to scale up and maintain KMC practices.
The development of an intervention package to prevent children under five years old drowning in rural Bangladesh
Authors: Hossain Mosharaf , Mani Kulanthayan K.C. , Mohd Sidik Sherina , Kadir Shahar Hayati
Published: April 2016

Aim

There are an estimated 372 000 worldwide deaths by drowning every year, and it has been described as a secret epidemic in Bangladesh. The aim of this study was to develop an intervention package to prevent children under the age of five from drowning in rural Bangladesh.

Methods

This was a qualitative study using focus group discussions in three villages in rural Bangladesh. The 45 participants were mothers and fathers with children under five, the parents of children who had drowned and community leaders.

Results

The majority of the participants (71%) were male. The focus groups revealed that most drowning's occurred between 11am and 2pm and that risk factors included the following: children not being able to swim, ditches that were not filled in, lack of medical facilities, parents who were not aware of childhood drowning and lack of information through the media about how to prevent of childhood drowning. Suggestions included using a mobile‐based short messaging service or voice calls to parents, especially mothers, could increase awareness and reduce the risk of childhood drowning.

Conclusion

A safety education programme could be effective in increasing knowledge and changing attitudes, which could prevent drowning among children in Bangladesh.
The influence of a parasitoid's response to temperature on the performance of a tri‐trophic food web
Authors: FLORES‐MEJIA SANDRA , GUAY JEAN‐FRÉDÉRIC , FOURNIER VALÉRIE , CLOUTIER CONRAD
Published: April 2016

1. Food web interactions are complex and can respond to environmental changes in unpredictable ways that do not necessarily equate to the individual responses of each of the components of the food web.

2. Biomass can be used to evaluate the productivity of the three individual trophic levels, in the form of the Net Generational Productivity (NGP) and the performance of the entire food web with the newly developed tri‐trophic food web performance ratio (ϕ3t).

3. These parameters were used to evaluate the performance of nine plant‐based tri‐trophic food webs composed of: potato, Solanum tuberosum L. and two cultivars of bell pepper Capsicum annuum L; three biotypes of the aphid Macrosiphum euphorbiae Thomas (Hemiptera: Aphididae) and the parasitoid wasp Aphidius ervi (Haliday) (Hymenoptera: Braconidae).

4. The NGP showed that the thermal window for biomass productivity for each trophic level is different and is reduced by approximately 4 °C with respect to the inferior level. Aphidius ervi had the smallest thermal window for biomass productivity and development.

5. The present results showed that the performance (ϕ3t) of the tested food webs is influenced in a top‐down fashion, where the intra‐specific variation of the food web, namely the host plant, played a major role in the productivity of each of the subsequent trophic levels.

6. The ϕ3t suggested that exposure to high and low temperatures might severely affect the effectiveness of A. ervi as a biocontrol agent of the aphid M. euphorbiae in bell pepper and potato crops.
Widespread cortical thinning in patients with neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder
Authors: Kim S.‐H. , Kwak K. , Hyun J.‐W. , Jeong I. H. , Jo H.‐J. , Joung A. , Kim J.‐H. , Lee S. H. , Yun S. , Joo J. , Lee J.‐M. , Kim H. J.
Published: April 2016

Background and purpose

Studies on cortical involvement and its relationship with cognitive function in patients with neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD) remain scarce. The objective of this study was to compare cortical thickness on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) between patients with NMOSD and multiple sclerosis (MS) and to investigate its relationship with clinical features and cognitive function.

Methods

This observational clinical imaging study of 91 patients with NMOSD, 52 patients with MS and 44 healthy controls was conducted from 1 December 2013 to 30 April 2015 at the institutional referral center. Three tesla MRI of the brain and neuropsychological tests were performed. Cortical thickness was measured using three‐dimensional surface‐based analysis.

Results

Both sets of patients exhibited cortical thinning throughout the entire brain cortex. Patients with MS showed a significantly greater reduction in cortical thickness over broad regions of the bilateral frontal and parieto‐temporal cortices and the left precuneus compared to those with NMOSD. Memory functions in patients with MS were correlated with broad regional cortical thinning, whereas no significant associations were observed between cortical thickness and cognitive function in patients with NMOSD.

Conclusions

Widespread cortical thinning was observed in patients with NMOSD and MS, but the extent of cortical thinning was greater in patients with MS. The more severe cortical atrophy may contribute to memory impairment in patients with MS but not in those with NMOSD. These results provide in vivo evidence that the severity and clinical relevance of cortical thinning differ between NMOSD and MS.
Host behavior modification of Achaearanea tingo (Araneae: Theridiidae) induced by the parasitoid wasp Zatypota alborhombarta (Hymenoptera: Ichneumonidae)
Authors: Gonzaga Marcelo O. , Loffredo Ana Paula , Penteado‐Dias Angélica M. , Cardoso João Custódio F.
Published: April 2016

Behavioral manipulation involving Zatypota (Ichneumonidae: Pimplinae) parasitoids and their spider hosts is usually associated with an increase in web complexity at the location where the parasitoid larva builds its cocoon. A higher number of web threads at this location may improve stability and provide a physical barrier against potential predators. However, we observed that parasitized individuals of Achaearanea tingo attacked by Z. alborhombarta change the three‐dimensional structure of their webs to a very simple and strong structure composed of two cables attached to the surrounding vegetation. This structure holds the curled leaf formerly used by the spider as a shelter. The parasitoid larva remains protected within this shelter after killing the host. The architectural pattern of the cocoon webs of A. tingo indicates that host manipulation is characterized by the repetition of one specific subroutine involved in web construction. Similar alterations have been previously described for cocoon webs constructed by parasitized orb‐weavers, but not for the three‐dimensional webs of theridiids.
Surface water connectivity drives richness and composition of Arctic lake fish assemblages
Authors: Laske Sarah M. , Haynes Trevor B. , Rosenberger Amanda E. , Koch Joshua C. , Wipfli Mark S. , Whitman Matthew , Zimmerman Christian E.
Published: April 2016

Surface water connectivity can influence the richness and composition of fish assemblages, particularly in harsh environments where colonisation factors and access to seasonal refugia are required for species persistence.

Studies regarding influence of connectivity on Arctic fish distributions are limited and are rarely applied to whole assemblage patterns. To increase our understanding of how surface water connectivity and related hydrologic variables influence assemblage patterns, we investigated species richness and composition of Arctic lake fishes over a large region, 8500 km2, of the central Arctic Coastal Plain, Alaska.

We collected fish presence/non‐detection data from 102 lakes and used a hierarchical multispecies occupancy framework to derive species richness and inform species composition patterns. Our mean estimate of regional richness was 12.3 (SD 0.5) species. Presence of a permanent channel connection was an overriding factor affecting species richness (mean 3.6, 95% CI 3.1–4.9), presumably driving lake colonisation potential. In lakes without a permanent channel connection, data suggest richness (mean 2.0, 95% CI 1.7–3.3) increased with the availability of in‐lake winter refugia and with the potential of ephemeral connections during spring floods.

Fish species functional traits and environmental faunal filters contributed to patterns of richness and assemblage composition. Composition corresponded with richness in a coherent manner, where each successive level of richness contained several discrete assemblages that showed similar responses to the environment. Lakes with permanent channel connections contained both widespread and restricted species, while the species‐poor lakes that lacked a connection contained mainly widespread species.

This work provides useful baseline information on the processes that drive the relations between patch connectivity and fish species richness and assemblage composition. The environmental processes that organise fish assemblages in Arctic lakes are likely to change in a warming climate.
Bioactive Glass Innovations Through Academia‐Industry Collaboration
Authors: Fu Qiang , Mauro John C. , Rahaman Mohamed N.
Published: April 2016

Since the discovery of 45S5 bioactive glass by Hench in 1969, numerous studies have been conducted on the use of bioactive glasses for the repair of hard and soft tissues. However, limited progress has been achieved in the commercialization of bioactive glass as medical products, with the most successful ones being 45S5‐based Perioglas®, Novabone®, and NovaMin®. This indicates that a gap exists between academic research and industrial scale‐up. Our work attempts to provide a preliminary study on the two well‐known bioactive glasses, 45S5 and 13‐93, to evaluate their suitability for mass production in an industrial platform. Glass properties including strain, annealing, and softening points, thermal expansion, density, and liquidus temperature are characterized. Our results show that both glasses have a substantially lower liquidus viscosity than soda lime silicate (SLS) glass, suggesting that melting and forming them in an industrial continuous‐unit melting system could be challenging. Innovations in bioactive glass compositions by delving into literature, referencing relevant phase diagrams, conducting design of experiments (DOE), and utilizing modeling tools are needed. Furthermore, joint research between academia and industry on the development of new forming techniques is critical to meet the increasing demand for bioactive glass in a variety of sizes and shapes.
A garlic substance disrupts odorant‐binding protein recognition of insect pheromones released from adults of the angoumois grain moth, Sitotroga cerealella (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae)
Authors: Ma M. , Chang M.‐M. , Lei C.‐L. , Yang F.‐L.
Published: April 2016

The angoumois grain moth, Sitotroga cerealella, is one of the most serious stored‐grain pests worldwide. Control of this moth may be achieved by interfering with olfactory pathways to disrupt male–female communication with sex pheromones, using plant volatiles like garlic or its active substances. Here, three odorant‐binding protein (OBP) genes [namely Si. cerealella general OBP 1 (ScerGOBP1), ScerGOBP2 and Si. cerealella pheromone‐binding protein (ScerPBP)] were cloned from Si. cerealella antennae, and quantitative real‐time PCR showed that these genes were predominantly expressed in adult antennae. ScerPBP expression was male‐biased, but ScerGOBP1 and ScerGOBP2 were similar between sexes. The results of competitive binding assays indicated that a garlic substance, diallyl trisulphide (DATS), had similar or even higher binding affinity to ScerPBP than Si. cerealella sex pheromone, 7Z, 11E‐hexadecadien‐1‐ol acetate (HDA). In olfactometer bioassays, DATS significantly reduced the response of adults to HDA when they were exposed to air filled with HDA and DATS. Surprisingly, ScerGOBP2, which is postulated to be involved in the detection of general odours, displayed higher affinity with HDA than did ScerPBP, indicating that ScerGOBP2 may also have a role in pheromone perception. These data suggest that DATS may interfere with recognition of female‐produced sex pheromone, disrupting female and male mating behaviour and resulting in a new idea for controlling stored grain pests.
Motherhood Motivations: African Refugee Women Resettled in Australia and Return Visits to a Country of First Asylum
Authors: Ramsay Georgina
Published: April 2016

This article expands on conceptualizations of refugee “return” by examining why African women resettled as refugees in Australia return to visit the country of first asylum from which they were previously resettled. I show that their return visits do not relate to attachment to place, but are motivated by social obligations to practise “motherhood” to family members who, due to conflict‐induced displacement, remain in a country of first asylum. I argue that the phenomenon of refugee “return” cannot be conflated exclusively with return to country of origin but is, for African women in particular, centred on the reinvigoration of care relationships across diasporic settings of asylum in which family remain. Building on an emergent focus on feminization in migration studies, I show how these gendered dynamics of refugee “return” are an entry point from which to re‐consider how scholarship and policy take into account “family” in contexts of forced migration.
Thermodynamic Stability of Low‐k Amorphous SiOCH Dielectric Films
Authors: Chen Jiewei , King Sean W. , Muthuswamy Elayaraja , Koryttseva Anastasia , Wu Di , Navrotsky Alexandra
Published: April 2016

Si–O–C‐based amorphous or nanostructured materials are now relatively common and of interest for numerous electronic, optical, thermal, mechanical, nuclear, and biomedical applications. Using plasma‐enhanced chemical vapor deposition (PECVD), hydrogen atoms are incorporated into the system to form SiOCH dielectric films with very low dielectric constants (k). While these low‐k dielectrics exhibit chemical stability as deposited, they tend to lose hydrogen and carbon (as labile organic groups) and convert to SiO2 during thermal annealing and other fabrication processes. Therefore, knowledge of their thermodynamic properties is essential for understanding the conditions under which they can be stable. High‐temperature oxidative drop solution calorimetry measurement in molten sodium molybdate solvent at 800°C showed that these materials possess negative formation enthalpies from their crystalline constituents (SiC, SiO2, C, Si) and H2. The formation enthalpies at room temperature become less exothermic with increasing carbon content and more exothermic with increasing hydrogen content. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) spectroscopy examined the structure from a microscopic perspective. Different from polymer‐derived ceramics with similar composition, these low‐k dielectrics are mainly comprised of Si–O(C)–Si networks, and the primary configuration of carbon is methyl groups. The thermodynamic data, together with the structural analysis suggest that the conversion of sp2 carbon in the matrix to surface organic functional groups by incorporating hydrogen increases thermodynamic stability. However, the energetic stabilization by hydrogen incorporation is not enough to offset the large entropy gain upon hydrogen release, so hydrogen loss during processing at higher temperatures must be managed by kinetic rather than thermodynamic strategies.
Layered Structure Induced Anisotropic Low‐Energy Recoils in Ti3SiC2
Authors: Liu Bin , Petersen Benjamin , Zhang Yanwen , Wang Jingyang , Weber William J.
Published: April 2016

Low‐energy recoil events in Ti3SiC2 are studied using ab initio molecular dynamics simulations. We find that the threshold displacement energies are orientation dependent because of anisotropic structural and/or bonding characteristic. For Ti and Si in the Ti–Si layer with weak bonds that have mixed covalent, ionic, and metallic characteristic, the threshold displacement energies for recoils perpendicular to the basal planes are larger than those parallel to the basal planes, which is an obvious layered‐structure‐related behavior. The calculated minimum threshold displacement energies are 7 eV for the C recoil along the direction, 26 eV for the Si recoil along the direction, 24 eV for the Ti in the Ti–C layer along the direction and 23 eV for the Ti in the Ti–Si layer along the direction. These results will advance the understanding of the cascade processes of Ti3SiC2 under irradiation and are expected to yield new perspective on the MAX phase family that includes more than 100 compounds.
Parent insights into atypicalities of social approach behaviour in Williams syndrome
Authors: Lough E. , Rodgers J. , Janes E. , Little K. , Riby D. M.
Published: April 2016

Background

Individuals with Williams syndrome have been reported to show high levels of social interest and a desire to interact with others irrespective of their familiarity. This high social motivation, when combined with reduced intellectual capacity and a profile of atypical social behaviour, is important in terms of social vulnerability of individuals with the disorder. Therefore, social approach to unfamiliar people and the role of this behaviour within the Williams syndrome (WS) social phenotype warrant further research to inform social skills' intervention design.

Methods

The current study used parent interviews (n = 21) to probe aspects of social behaviour and interactions with strangers, as well as the impact of such behaviour on the family. Using thematic analysis, it was possible to explore themes that emerged from the interviews, offering qualitatively rich insight into the variability of social approach behaviour in WS.

Results

Thematic analysis confirmed a significant desire to interact with strangers as well as a lack of awareness of appropriate social boundaries. However, parental reports about their child's social approach behaviour varied considerably. The within‐syndrome variability of the sample was emphasised in parental reports of their child's personality characteristics (e.g. levels of impulsiveness), as well as the level of parental supervision employed.

Conclusions

These in‐depth parent insights can help target the needs of individuals with WS and emphasise that an individual approach to intervention will be essential because of the heterogeneity of the WS social profile.
Pharmacokinetics of centhaquin citrate in a dog model
Authors: O'Donnell J Nicholas , O'Donnell E Paul , Kumar E Jeevan , Lavhale Manish S , Andurkar Shridhar V , Gulati Anil , Scheetz Marc H
Published: April 2016

Objectives

Centhaquin citrate is a novel agent that is being developed for use in the resuscitation of patients with haemorrhagic shock. While pharmacokinetics have been described in small animal models, the pharmacokinetic parameters of centhaquin citrate in large mammals have yet to be described.

Methods

Four healthy Beagle dogs (two males and two females) were given an intravenous bolus of 1.0 mg/kg centhaquin citrate. Plasma concentrations were measured at baseline and at ten time points within 24 h after administration. Multiple compartmental models were built and compared. The nonparametric adaptive grid function within the Pmetrics package for R was used for parameter estimation. Predicted concentrations were calculated using population mean and individual Bayesian posterior parameters.

Key Findings

Centhaquin citrate pharmacokinetic parameters were best described using a two-compartment model. Median (IQR) values for Ke, Vc, Vp, Kcp and Kpc were 4.9 (4.4–5.2) h−1, 328.4 (304.0–331.9) l, 1000.6 (912.3–1042.4) l, 10.6 (10.3–11.1) h−1 and 3.2 (2.9–3.7) h−1, respectively.

Conclusions

Pharmacokinetic parameters of centhaquin citrate in a large mammal have been described. A large volume of distribution and rapid elimination were observed, consistent with previous work in rats.
Activation of endothelial NO synthase by a xanthine derivative ameliorates hypoxia-induced apoptosis in endothelial progenitor cells
Authors: Wu Jiunn-Ren , Hsu Jong-Hau , Dai Zen-Kong , Wu Bin-Nan , Chen Ing-Jun , Liou Shu-Fen , Yeh Jwu-Lai
Published: April 2016

Objectives

Endothelial damage is strongly associated with cardiovascular diseases such as atherosclerosis, thrombosis and hypertension. Endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) are primitive bone marrow (BM) cells that possess the capacity to mature into endothelial cells and play a role in neovascularization and vascular remodelling. This study aimed to investigate whether KMUP-1, a synthetic xanthine-based derivative, atorvastatin and simvastatin, can prevent endothelial dysfunction and apoptosis induced by hypoxia and to elucidate the underlying mechanisms.

Methods

Mononuclear cells were separated and were induced to differentiate into EPCs. KMUP-1, atorvastatin or simvastatin were administered prior to hypoxia.

Key findings

We found that EPCs exposed to hypoxia increased apoptosis as well as diminished proliferation. Pretreatment with KMUP-1, atorvastatin and simvastatin significantly prevented hypoxia-induced EPCs death and apoptosis, with associated increased of the Bcl-2/Bax ratio, and reduced caspase-3 and caspase-9 expression. We also assessed the nitrite production and Ser(1177)-phospho-eNOS expression and found that KMUP-1, atorvastatin and simvastatin not only increased the secretion of NO compared with the hypoxia group but also upregulated the eNOS activation.

Conclusions

KMUP-1 inhibited hypoxia-induced dysfunction and apoptosis in EPCs, which may be mediated through suppressing oxidative stress, upregulating eNOS and downregulating the caspase-3 signalling pathway.
Efficacy of Crystalline Lysine in Alternative Diets for Pond‐raised Hybrid Catfish, ♀ Ictalurus punctatus × ♂ Ictalurus furcatus
Authors: Li Menghe H. , Lucas Penelope M. , Kingery Kyle , Bosworth Brian G.
Published: April 2016

A study was conducted to examine the efficacy of crystalline lysine in alternative diets for pond‐raised hybrid catfish, ♀ Ictalurus punctatus × ♂ Ictalurus furcatus. Two 28% protein alternative diets supplemented with l‐lysine HCl at the required level based on 62% (previously published value) or 100% lysine availability were compared with a traditional 28% protein control diet. Hybrid catfish fingerlings (mean initial weight = 43 g/fish) were stocked into 15 earthen ponds (0.04 ha) at a density of 14,826 fish/ha with five ponds per treatment. Fish were fed once daily to apparent satiation for a 173‐d growing season. There were no significant differences in total diet fed, net yield, weight gain, and survival among dietary treatments. There were also no significant differences in carcass yield, fillet yield, and fillet proximate composition and fillet lysine concentration among treatments. Fish fed the traditional control diet had slightly, but significantly, lower feed conversion ratio than fish fed alternative diets, which is likely related to higher dietary fiber levels in the alternative diets. Results from this study show that crystalline lysine can be considered 100% available when used to supplement lysine‐deficient diets for pond‐raised hybrid catfish.
Anesthetic Efficacy of Clove Oil, Propofol, 2‐Phenoxyethanol, and Ketamine Hydrochloride on Persian Sturgeon, Acipenser persicus, Juveniles
Authors: Adel Milad , Sadegh Amin Bigham , Yeganeh Sakineh , Movafagh Ahmad Nosrati , Saoud I. Patrick
Published: April 2016

Anesthetics are commonly used in the aquaculture industry to reduce stress and prevent mortality of fish during transportation, handling, and surgical procedures. This study assessed the efficacy of four anesthetic agents (clove oil, propofol, 2‐phenoxyethanol [2‐PE], and ketamine hydrochloride) on Persian sturgeon, Acipenser persicus, juveniles. In addition, results of the first experiment were used to evaluate sedation concentrations suitable for transportation of Persian sturgeon. The concentrations of anesthetics or sedatives evaluated in the first experiment were: 25, 50, 75, and 100 mg/L for clove oil; 1, 1.25, 2.5, and 5 mg/L for propofol; 110, 330, 550, and 770 mg/L for 2‐PE; and 1250, 2500, 3750, and 5000 mg/L for ketamine hydrochloride. Results show significant reduction in time to anesthesia and significant increase in recovery time with increase in concentration of all anesthetics. The most clinically useful concentrations of anesthetics tested were between 25 and 50 mg/L for clove oil, less than 1 mg/L for propofol, 330 mg/L for 2‐PE, and none of the tested concentrations for ketamine hydrochloride. In the second experiment, juveniles were placed in low concentrations of anesthetic solutions for 24 h and survival assessed. The four anesthetics tested are suitable for light sedation during transportation of A. persicus juveniles. Results are helpful to scientists working with Persian sturgeon aquaculture and restocking programs.
The Power of an Hour: Effects of Candidate Time Expenditure in State Legislative Elections
Authors: Miller Michael G.
Published: April 2016

Using survey data from more than 500 legislative candidates in 17 states during the 2008 election, I examine whether state house candidates who devote more time to their campaign win a larger share of the major‐party vote. Consistent with previous work studying campaign spending in state legislative elections, I find a positive and significant association between campaign time and vote percentage for challengers—but not incumbents—in incumbent‐contested elections.
Is Personal Vote‐Seeking Behavior Effective?
Authors: Däubler Thomas , Bräuninger Thomas , Brunner Martin
Published: April 2016

Does representatives' legislative activity have any effect on their electoral performance? A broad theoretical literature suggests so, but real‐world evidence is scarce as empirically, personal and party votes are hard to separate. In this article, we examine whether bill initiation actually helps MPs to attract preference votes under flexible list electoral systems. In these systems, voters can accept the party‐provided rank order or vote for specific candidates, which allows a clear distinction between personal and party votes. The empirical analysis uses data on bill initiation by Belgian MPs in the period 2003–2007 to explain their personal vote in the 2007 elections. We find that particularly single‐authored proposals initiated shortly before the upcoming elections are associated with a larger personal vote.
The Ideological Congruence Illusion: The Impact of Valence
Authors: Warwick Paul V.
Published: April 2016

Considerable evidence has been generated to establish that “ideological congruence,” that is, a close matching of government policy positions with median left‐right voter opinion, generally prevails in liberal democracies. Based on a cross‐national analysis of election survey data, this article challenges that view and elaborates an alternative perspective. In this perspective, nonpolicy or valence considerations strongly influence vote choices and electoral outcomes in a directional sense—sometimes favoring the Left overall, sometimes the Right. Partly as a result, government positions typically deviate substantially from median opinion, forming a pattern that is clearly bilateralist or two‐sided rather than center‐concentrated.
Constraining a Shadowy Future: Enacting APAs in Parliamentary Systems
Authors: Baum Jeeyang Rhee , Jensen Christian B. , McGrath Robert J.
Published: April 2016

Single‐party parliamentary governments often have no institutional checks on their authority. Such governments can pass and implement policies constrained only by the need to maintain party loyalty and win elections. Literature on delegation suggests that such governments would never adopt reforms such as Administrative Procedures Acts (APAs) that are designed to constrain this freedom. Nevertheless, such governments do pass APAs: Greece, Portugal, Romania, Spain, and Sweden have all done so in the past 30 years. We argue that the possibility of losing power motivates parliamentary governments, both single‐party and coalition, to trade current policy loss for future gain with APAs.
Political Ambition in 14 Presidential Democracies
Authors: Kernecker Theresa
Published: April 2016

This article captures the nature of legislators' ambitions and explores to what extent their career paths within a context of party competition lead to progressive versus static ambition. The findings show that their previous career path and retrospective loyalty towards the party influences which offices they seek. Progressively ambitious legislators also seek offices in less competitive environments, but this finding holds for the regional executive branch or the presidency. An additional robust finding shows that ideologically conservative legislators tend to be statically ambitious. This is a first step towards mapping out ambitions in Latin America by drawing on cross‐national data.
Disruption of OsSULTR3;3 reduces phytate and phosphorus concentrations and alters the metabolite profile in rice grains
Authors: Zhao Haijun , Frank Thomas , Tan Yuanyuan , Zhou Chenguang , Jabnoune Mehdi , Arpat A. Bulak , Cui Hairui , Huang Jianzhong , He Zuhua , Poirier Yves , Engel Karl‐Heinz , Shu Qingyao
Published: April 2016

Two low phytic acid (lpa) mutants have been developed previously with the aim to improve the nutritional value of rice (Oryza sativa) grains. In the present study, the impacts of lpa mutations on grain composition and underlying molecular mechanisms were investigated.

Comparative compositional analyses and metabolite profiling demonstrated that concentrations of both phytic acid (PA) and total phosphorus (P) were significantly reduced in lpa brown rice, accompanied by changes in other metabolites and increased concentrations of nutritionally relevant compounds. The lpa mutations modified the expression of a number of genes involved in PA metabolism, as well as in sulfate and phosphate homeostasis and metabolism.

Map‐based cloning and complementation identified the underlying lpa gene to be OsSULTR3;3. The promoter of OsSULTR3;3 is highly active in the vascular bundles of leaves, stems and seeds, and its protein is localized in the endoplasmic reticulum. No activity of OsSULTR3;3 was revealed for the transport of phosphate, sulfate, inositol or inositol 1,4,5 triphosphate by heterologous expression in either yeast or Xenopus oocytes.

The findings reveal that OsSULTR3;3 plays an important role in grain metabolism, pointing to a new route to generate value‐added grains in rice and other cereal crops.
The gut and oral microbiome in HIV disease: a workshop report
Authors: Moyes DL , Saxena D , John MD , Malamud D
Published: April 2016

Recent years have seen a massive expansion in our understanding of how we interact with our microbial colonists. The development of new, rapid sequencing techniques such as pyrosequencing and other next‐generation sequencing systems have enabled us to begin to characterise the constituents of our diverse microbial communities, revealing the astonishing genetic richness that is our microbiome. Despite this, our ignorance of how these communities change over the course of an HIV infection is profound. Whilst some steps have been made to characterise the HIV microbiome at selected sites, these reports are still limited and much remains to be done. It has become apparent, however, that host‐microbiota interactions are perturbed during HIV infections, with microbial translocation of potential pathogens linked to a variety of different HIV complications, including more rapid progression of disease. The use of probiotics and prebiotics has been investigated as treatments to alleviate symptoms for a variety of conditions, and is now being proposed for the treatment of symptoms associated with HIV. However, this is a new area of investigations and many questions remain unanswered. What we know about both of these topics is a drop in the ocean compared with what we need to know. In this article, we report on a workshop where these two major under‐investigated research areas were presented, and future directions explored and discussed.
Viral infections associated with oral cancers and diseases in the context of HIV: a workshop report
Authors: Speicher DJ , Ramirez‐Amador V , Dittmer DP , Webster‐Cyriaque J , Goodman MT , Moscicki A‐B
Published: April 2016

Human herpesviruses (HHVs) and human papillomavirus (HPV) are common in the general population and, in immunocompetent people, are mostly carried asymptomatically. However, once an individual becomes immunocompromised by age, illness or HIV infection these dormant viruses can manifest and produce disease. In HIV‐positive patients, there is an increased risk of disease caused by HHVs and HPV infections and cancers caused by the oncoviruses Epstein–Barr Virus, HHV‐8 and HPV. This workshop examined four questions regarding the viruses associated with oral cancers and disease in the HIV‐positive and ‐negative populations, the immune response, and biomarkers useful for accurate diagnostics of these infections and their sequalae. Each presenter identified a number of key areas where further research is required.
Access and management of HIV‐related diseases in resource‐constrained settings: a workshop report
Authors: Dimba EAO , Yengopal V , Joshua E , Thavarajah R , Balasundaram S
Published: April 2016

With advancement of medical interventions, the lifespan of people living with HIV has increased globally. However, low‐ and middle‐income countries (LMICs) which bear the greatest burden of the HIV pandemic face a constant challenge in addressing the treatment needs of immune‐suppressed patients. An analysis of the current management protocols and access to medication in resource‐poor settings was conducted at this workshop, with emphasis on the situation in resource‐poor settings. The participants developed a consensus document based on the need to respond to the constantly changing HIV pandemic. Provision of oral health care must be guided by interconnecting principles based on population based strategies that address upstream determinants of health. Basic oral health coverage in developing countries can only be realized with a strong foundation at the primary health level. Early diagnosis of HIV‐related comorbidities including the adverse effects of ARVs is essential for the improvement of treatment outcomes. Standardization of oral health care delivery mechanisms will facilitate evaluation at national and regional levels. Oral health care workers have a moral obligation to participate in sustained campaigns to reduce the social stigma associated with HIV/AIDS in their work places at every stage of the referral chain. Future research also needs to realign itself towards prevention using the common risk factor approach, which has a broader impact on non‐communicable diseases, which are increasingly affecting patients with HIV/AIDS as their life expectancies increase.
The impact of antiretroviral therapy in resource‐limited settings and current HIV therapeutics
Authors: Kumarasamy N
Published: April 2016

Four million people of the global total of 35 million with HIV infection are from South‐East Asia. ART is currently utilized by 15 million people and has led to a dramatic decline in the mortality rate, including those in low‐ and middle‐income countries. A reduction in sexually transmitted HIV and in comorbidities including tuberculosis has also followed. Current recommendations for the initiation of antiretroviral therapy in people who are HIV+ are essentially to initiate ART irrespective of CD4 cell count and clinical stage. The frequency of HIV testing should be culturally specific and based on the HIV incidence in different key populations but phasing in viral load technology in LMIC is an urgent priority and this needs resources and capacity. With the availability of simplified potent ART regimens, persons with HIV now live longer. The recent WHO treatment guidelines recommending routine HIV testing and earlier initiation of treatment should be the stepping stone for ending the AIDS epidemic and to meet the UNAIDS mission of 90*90*90.
The clinical implications of HIV infection and aging
Authors: John M
Published: April 2016

The objectives of this study, presented as part of a plenary session at WW7 in Hyderabad, India were to review (i) the epidemiology and current clinical issues of HIV infection with regard to HIV and older populations and (ii) models for increased morbidity and mortality in older HIV‐positive individuals with implications for clinical care. HIV infection for those in treatment has become a complex chronic disease in which end‐organ injury and resulting morbidity, functional decline, and mortality do not have a single etiology but reflect cumulative loss of organ system reserve from multiple interacting sources leading to functional decline, organ system failure, and death. Emerging guidelines and recommendations suggest a need for increased awareness and treatment of the multifaceted needs of the aging HIV‐infected patient.
Osmotic potential at full turgor: an easily measurable trait to help breeders select for drought tolerance in wheat
Authors: Mart Kyle B. , Veneklaas Erik J. , Bramley Helen
Published: April 2016

This study investigated the relationship between osmotic potential at full hydration (π100) and turgor loss point (ΨTLP) in wheat (Triticum aestivum) to determine the potential of using π100 to predict ΨTLP under well‐watered (WW) and drought (WS) conditions. Two methods for determining π100 were tested: pressure–volume (PV) analysis and freezing point osmometry. The study also measured π100 in a range of 38 field‐grown wheat cultivars to determine whether there is genetic variation in π100 under field conditions. π100 correlated with ΨTLP using both methods under both water treatments, particularly WS. Genetic variation of π100 in the field, under rainfed conditions, was greater than controlled conditions and ranged from −0.94 to −1.95 MPa. Overall, the evidence supports development of π100 as a novel tool for plant breeders to screen large populations of wheat and identify genotypes with lower ΨTLP, an integrative trait that is related to drought tolerance.
The medical licensing examination debate
Authors: Archer Julian , Lynn Nick , Coombes Lee , Roberts Martin , Gale Tom , Regan de Bere Sam
Published: April 2016

National licensing examinations are typically large‐scale examinations taken early in a career or near the point of graduation, and, importantly, success is required to subsequently be able to practice. They are becoming increasingly popular as a method of quality assurance in the medical workforce, but debate about their contribution to patient safety and the improvement of healthcare outcomes continues.

A systematic review of the national licensing examination literature demonstrates that there is disagreement between assessment experts about the strengths and challenges of licensing examinations. This is characterized by a trans‐Atlantic divide between the dominance of psychometric reliability assurance in North America and the wider interpretations of validity, to include consequences, in Europe. We conclude that the debate might benefit from refocusing to what a national licensing examination should assess: to achieve a balance between assessing a breadth of skills and the capacity for such skills in practice, and focusing less on reproducibility.
Does Real Estate Defy Gravity? An Analysis of Foreign Real Estate Investment Flows
Authors: McAllister Pat , Nanda Anupam
Published: April 2016

This paper investigates the scale and determinants of foreign investment flows between national real estate markets. Using data for over 100 countries over 2007–2012, the results indicate that, consistent with previous studies for trade, foreign direct and portfolio investment variables such as size and distance have significant effects on foreign real estate investment flows. Large positive size effects are consistent with a combination of scale economies and information externalities producing investment concentration across markets and in conjunction with direct and indirect transaction costs specific to real estate markets. Physical distance coefficients are relatively small compared to the studies of FDI.
Is A Person Thinking About Suicide Likely to Find Help on the Internet? An Evaluation of Google Search Results
Authors: Thornton Louise , Handley Tonelle , Kay‐Lambkin Frances , Baker Amanda
Published: April 2016

It is unclear whether individuals searching the Internet for assistance with thoughts of suicide are likely to encounter predominantly helpful or harmful resources. This study investigated websites retrieved by searching Google for information and support for suicidal thoughts. Google searches retrieved a high percentage of irrelevant websites (26%, n = 136). Of the 329 relevant websites retrieved, the majority were suicide preventive (68%); however, a considerable proportion of sites expressed mixed (22%) or neutral (8%) suicide attitudes, and 1% were explicitly pro‐suicide. The results highlight a need for suicide prevention organization websites to be made more easily accessible. In the meantime, clinicians should be aware of appropriate websites to recommend to clients.
HLA‐C*16:01:01:02, a recently isolated HLA class I allele from Southern Africa
Authors: Shepherd B. L. , Bandason T. , Ferrand R. , Rowland‐Jones S. , Yindom L.‐M.
Published: April 2016

The full‐length nucleotide sequence of HLA‐C*16:01:01:02 differs from that of HLA‐C*16:01:01:01 with a SNP at 2996C>T.