bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Susceptibility of Koi and Yellow Perch to Infectious Hematopoietic Necrosis Virus by Experimental Exposure
Authors: Palmer Alexander D. , Emmenegger Eveline J.
Published: June 2014

Infectious hematopoietic necrosis virus (IHNV) is a novirhabdoviral pathogen that originated in western North America among anadromous Pacific salmonids. Severe disease epidemics in the late 1970s resulting from IHNV's invasion into farmed Rainbow Trout Oncorhynchus mykiss in North America, Asia, and Europe emphasized IHNV's ability to adapt to new hosts under varying rearing conditions. Yellow Perch Perca flavescens and Koi Carp Cyprinus carpio (hereafter, “Koi”) are aquaculture-reared fish that are highly valued in sport fisheries and the ornamental fish trade, respectively, but it is unknown whether these fish species are vulnerable to IHNV infection. In this study, we exposed Yellow Perch, Koi, and steelhead (anadromous Rainbow Trout) to IHNV by intraperitoneal injection (106 PFU/fish) and by immersion (5.7×105 PFU/mL) for 7 h, and monitored fish for 28 d. The extended immersion exposure and high virus concentrations used in the challenges were to determine if the tested fish had any level of susceptibility. After experimental exposure, Yellow Perch and Koi experienced low mortality (<6%) compared with steelhead (>35%). Virus was found in dead fish of all species tested and in surviving Yellow Perch by plaque assay and quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (qPCR), with a higher prevalence in Yellow Perch than Koi. Infectious virus was also detected in Yellow Perch out to 5 d after bath challenge. These findings indicate that Yellow Perch and Koi are highly resistant to IHNV disease under the conditions tested, but Yellow Perch are susceptible to infection and may serve as possible virus carriers.

Received July 29, 2013; accepted November 22, 2013
Risk Factors Associated with Enteric Septicemia of Catfish on Mississippi Commercial Catfish Farms
Authors: Cunningham Fred L. , Jack S. W. , Hardin David , Wills Robert W.
Published: June 2014

A gram-negative bacterium, Edwardsiella ictaluri, is the cause of enteric septicemia of catfish (ESC), which is one of the most prevalent bacterial diseases in farm-raised catfish. The objective of this study was to identify risk factors associated with ESC mortalities and are reported by farm personnel. To identify risk factors a catfish management database was developed. The odds ratios (OR) of the final multivariable logistic regression model were: (1) volume of the pond (OR, 0.56), (2) interval from harvest until a mortality event (OR, 1.49), (3) interval from stocking until a mortality event (OR, 0.52), (4) nitrite measured within 14 d of a mortality (OR, 3.49), (5) total ammonia measured within 14 d of a mortality (OR, 20.48), and (6) sum of feed fed for 14 d prior to the disease outbreak (OR, 1.02), all of which were significantly (P ≤ 0.05) associated with ESC occurrence. This study showed that some commonly recorded production variables were associated with ESC outbreaks and if monitored could help identify “at risk” ponds prior to disease outbreaks.

Received September 18, 2013; accepted December 17, 2013
Weight modules over infinite dimensional Weyl algebras
Authors: Futorny Vyacheslav , Grantcharov Dimitar , Mazorchuk Volodymyr
Published: June 2014

We classify simple weight modules over infinite dimensional Weyl algebras and realize them using the action on certain localizations of the polynomial ring. We describe indecomposable projective and injective weight modules and deduce from this a description of blocks of the category of weight modules by quivers and relations. As a corollary we establish Koszulity for all blocks.
On the three dimensional minimal model program in positive characteristic
Authors: Hacon Christopher , Xu Chenyang
Published: June 2014

Let

f
:
(
X
,
B
)
→
Z

f:(X,B)\to Z

be a threefold extremal dlt flipping contraction defined over an algebraically closed field of characteristic

p
>
5

p>5

, such that the coefficients of

{
B
}

\{ B\}

are in the standard set

{
1
−

1
n

|

n
∈

N

}

\{ 1-\frac 1n|n\in \mathbb N\}

, then the flip of

f
f

exists. As a consequence, we prove the existence of minimal models for any projective

Q

{\mathbb Q}

-factorial terminal variety

X
X

with pseudo-effective canonical divisor

K
X

K_X

.
Ergodicity of unipotent flows and Kleinian groups
Authors: Mohammadi Amir , Oh Hee
Published: June 2014

Let

M

\mathcal {M}

be a non-elementary convex cocompact hyperbolic

3
3

-manifold and

δ
\delta

be the critical exponent of its fundamental group. We prove that a one-dimensional unipotent flow for the frame bundle of

M

\mathcal {M}

is ergodic for the Burger-Roblin measure if and only if

δ
>
1

\delta >1

.
Eye Movement Disorders in Clinical Practice
Authors: Wray Shirley H.
Published: June 2014

This resource offers comprehensive instruction on the diagnosis and treatment of all varieties of eye movement disorders, and reflects the importance of correlating clinical signs of disorders in the oculomotor system with their neuroanatomic and neurophysiologic architecture. With its focus on signs and symptoms, it advances lesion localization of eye movement disorders as the central clinical concern, and presents a fresh review of bedside examination techniques in the ER, ICU, and walk-in clinic; productive ways of taking a clinical history; sign interpretation; source lesion localization; and, where appropriate, therapy. This resource is arranged according to objective signs - like ptosis, neuromuscular syndromes, dizziness, vertigo, and syndromes of the medulla - rather than disease entities, and features over 50 clinical cases, each one providing the anatomical guidance needed to make critical diagnostic and management decisions in patients who often present with abnormal eye movements.
The Eyelid and Its Signs
Authors: Wray Shirley H.
Published: June 2014

presents the anatomy of the eyelid and places major emphasis on interpreting the significance of the wide range of diagnostic signs that the eyelids can show. The position of the eyelid in coma is determined by the tone of the levator palpebrae superioris muscle, and a new coma scale that takes the eyelid in coma into account is now used to grade the depth of coma. Blink reflexes in coma are also fully discussed, with particular attention to the corneal reflex. Those syndromes characterized ptosis due to weakness of the levator muscle, or partial ptosis due to weakness of Mueller’s muscle, accompanied by constriction of the pupil,are commonly seen . The diagnostic characteristics of many of these syndromes are illustrated in the eight case studies and video displays published in this chapter and they include cerebral ptosis, apraxia of lid opening, apraxia of lid closure, essential blepharospasm, and rare unilateral syndromeshemifacial spasm and the Marcus-Gunn jaw winking synkinesis.
Ptosis and Neuromuscular Syndromes
Authors: Wray Shirley H.
Published: June 2014

emphasizes the clinical importance of a careful patient history detailing the onset of ptosis, its variability, and its progression. A pattern of ocular and generalized muscle weakness is a central diagnostic attribute of impaired nerve conduction due to disease of the neuromuscular junction. Generalized myasthenia gravis, ocular myasthenia gravis, MuSK-myasthenia gravis, and a case of the Lambert-Eaton syndrome illustrate the spectrum of disorders of neuromuscular transmission. The syndrome known as chronic progressive external ophthalmoplegia is by far the most common of the mitochondrial myopathies progressing to the multisystem failure that is characteristic of the Kearns-Sayre syndrome. A case of Kearns-Sayre syndrome followed for 34 years is a unique case study. Two inherited forms of myopathy, oculopharyngeal muscular dystrophy and myotonic dystrophy, are included, together with a patient with the Guillain-Barré syndrome variant, Fisher syndrome. These disorders should always be considered in the differential diagnosis of bilateral progressive ptosis.
The Extraocular Muscles and Diplopia
Authors: Wray Shirley H. , Wray Shirley H.
Published: June 2014

deals with action and innervation of the extraocular muscles. In their intact state, the extraocular muscles and the cranial nerves that innervate them are responsible for every movement of the eyes signaled by the cortex. Diplopia, or double vision, is the commonest subjective complaint associated with a lesion affecting the extraocular muscles, their neuromuscular junctions, the oculomotor nuclei or nerve, or pathways in the brainstem that maintain alignment of the eyes. The diplopia history focuses on distinguishing monocular from binocular diplopia and the diplopia examination pays attention to head position, ocular alignment, and the range of eye movements during monocular and binocular viewing as keys to diagnosis. Diplopia with full eye movements is fully discussed. Four illustrative cases are presented: episodic diplopia due to ocular myasthenia gravis; a case of esotropia (paresis of the lateral rectus with inward deviation of the eye) due to an abducens nerve palsy; a case of exotropia (paresis of the medial rectus with outward deviation of the eye) due to a fascicular oculomotor nerve palsy; and a case of hypertropia (vertical misalignment of the eyes due to paresis of the superior oblique muscle vs. skew deviation) caused by a post-traumatic trochlear nerve palsy.
Horizontal Gaze and Syndromes of the Pons
Authors: Wray Shirley H.
Published: June 2014

covers deviations and disorders of horizontal gaze, which are so significantly linked to lesions of the pons that an emphasis on pontine signs is an important focus of this chapter. The pontine syndromes presented include a congenital case of horizontal gaze palsy and progressive scoliosis, and syndromes associated with adjacent tegmental structures, especially the paramedian reticular formation, the facial nerve, and the medial longitudinal fasciculus. A lesion of the medial longitudinal fasciculus causes internuclear ophthalmoplegia Examples are provided of internuclear ophthalmoplegia in childhood, combined unilateral conjugate gaze palsy and internuclear ophthalmoplegia, the one-and-a-half syndrome, and other variants. A case of bilateral horizontal gaze palsy permits discussion of the caloric test, one of the most widely used clinical test of the vestibulo-ocular reflex.
The Cerebellum and its Syndromes
Authors: Wray Shirley H.
Published: June 2014

discusses a wide range of cerebellar syndromes and links them to specific topographic areas of the cerebellum. The hereditary ataxic syndromes include spinocerebellar ataxia, the Louis-Bar syndrome, spastic ataxia of Charlevoix-Saguenay, and the syndrome of the dorsal vermis. Oculomotor syndromes of the cerebellum—the syndrome of the flocculus/paraflocculus (tonsil), characterized by downbeat nystagmus; the syndrome of the nodulus and uvula, resulting in periodic alternating nystagmus; the syndrome of the fastigial nucleus, responsible for saccadic dysmetria; and the pancerebellar syndrome, characterized by paraneoplastic opsoclonus or flutter—are illustrated by six case studies in this chapter.
Rearing in a distorted magnetic field disrupts the ‘map sense’ of juvenile steelhead trout
Authors: Putman Nathan F. , Meinke Amanda M. , Noakes David L. G.
Published: June 2014

We used simulated magnetic displacements to test orientation preferences of juvenile steelhead trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) exposed to magnetic fields existing at the northernmost and southernmost boundaries of their oceanic range. Fish reared in natural magnetic conditions distinguished between these two fields by orienting in opposite directions, with headings that would lead fish towards marine foraging grounds. However, fish reared in a spatially distorted magnetic field failed to distinguish between the experimental fields and were randomly oriented. The non-uniform field in which fish were reared is probably typical of fields that many hatchery fish encounter due to magnetic distortions associated with the infrastructure of aquaculture. Given that the reduced navigational abilities we observed could negatively influence marine survival, homing ability and hatchery efficiency, we recommend further study on the implications of rearing salmonids in unnatural magnetic fields.
Tree-hugging koalas demonstrate a novel thermoregulatory mechanism for arboreal mammals
Authors: Briscoe Natalie J. , Handasyde Kathrine A. , Griffiths Stephen R. , Porter Warren P. , Krockenberger Andrew , Kearney Michael R.
Published: June 2014

How climate impacts organisms depends not only on their physiology, but also whether they can buffer themselves against climate variability via their behaviour. One of the way species can withstand hot temperatures is by seeking out cool microclimates, but only if their habitat provides such refugia. Here, we describe a novel thermoregulatory strategy in an arboreal mammal, the koala
Phascolarctos cinereus.
During hot weather, koalas enhanced conductive heat loss by seeking out and resting against tree trunks that were substantially cooler than ambient air temperature. Using a biophysical model of heat exchange, we show that this behaviour greatly reduces the amount of heat that must be lost via evaporative cooling, potentially increasing koala survival during extreme heat events. While it has long been known that internal temperatures of trees differ from ambient air temperatures, the relevance of this for arboreal and semi-arboreal mammals has not previously been explored. Our results highlight the important role of tree trunks as aboveground ‘heat sinks’, providing cool local microenvironments not only for koalas, but also for all tree-dwelling species.
A tale of two distributions: from few to many vortices in quasi-two-dimensional Bose–Einstein condensates
Authors: Kolokolnikov T. , Kevrekidis P. G. , Carretero-González R.
Published: June 2014

Motivated by the recent successes of particle models in capturing the precession and interactions of vortex structures in quasi-two-dimensional Bose–Einstein condensates, we revisit the relevant systems of ordinary differential equations. We consider the number of vorticesNas a parameter and explore the prototypical configurations (‘ground states’) that arise in the case of few or many vortices. In the case of few vortices, we modify the classical result illustrating that vortex polygons in the form of a ring are unstable forN≥7. Additionally, we reconcile this modification with the recent identification of symmetry-breaking bifurcations for the cases ofN=2,…,5. We also briefly discuss the case of a ring of vortices surrounding a central vortex (so-calledN+1 configuration). We finally examine the opposite limit of largeNand illustrate how a coarse-graining, continuum approach enables the accurate identification of the radial distribution of vortices in that limit.
Inertial modes in a rotating triaxial ellipsoid
Authors: Vantieghem S.
Published: June 2014

In this work, we present an algorithm that enables computation of inertial modes and their corresponding frequencies in a rotating triaxial ellipsoid. The method consists of projecting the inertial mode equation onto finite-dimensional bases of polynomial vector fields. It is shown that this leads to a well-posed eigenvalue problem, and hence, that eigenmodes are of polynomial form. Furthermore, these results shed new light onto the question whether the eigenmodes form a complete basis, i.e. whether any arbitrary velocity field can be expanded in a sum of inertial modes. Finally, we prove that two intriguing integral properties of inertial modes in rotating spheres and spheroids also extend to triaxial ellipsoids.
The false classification of extinction risk in noisy environments
Authors: Connors B. M. , Cooper A. B. , Peterman R. M. , Dulvy N. K.
Published: June 2014

Abundance trends are the basis for many classifications of threat and recovery status, but they can be a challenge to interpret because of observation error, stochastic variation in abundance (process noise) and temporal autocorrelation in that process noise. To measure the frequency of incorrectly detecting a decline (false-positive or false alarm) and failing to detect a true decline (false-negative), we simulated stable and declining abundance time series across several magnitudes of observation error and autocorrelated process noise. We then empirically estimated the magnitude of observation error and autocorrelated process noise across a broad range of taxa and mapped these estimates onto the simulated parameter space. Based on the taxa we examined, at low classification thresholds (30% decline in abundance) and short observation windows (10 years), false alarms would be expected to occur, on average, about 40% of the time assuming density-independent dynamics, whereas false-negatives would be expected to occur about 60% of the time. However, false alarms and failures to detect true declines were reduced at higher classification thresholds (50% or 80% declines), longer observation windows (20, 40, 60 years), and assuming density-dependent dynamics. The lowest false-positive and false-negative rates are likely to occur for large-bodied, long-lived animal species.
Background level of risk determines how prey categorize predators and non-predators
Authors: Chivers Douglas P. , McCormick Mark I. , Mitchell Matthew D. , Ramasamy Ryan A. , Ferrari Maud C. O.
Published: June 2014

Much of the plasticity that prey exhibit in response to predators is linked to the prey's immediate background level of risk. However, we know almost nothing of how background risk influences how prey learn to categorize predators and non-predators. Learning non-predators probably represents one of the most underappreciated aspects of anti-predator decision-making. Here, we provide larval damselfish (
Pomacentrus chrysurus
) with a high or low background risk and then try to teach them to recognize a cue as non-threatening through the process of latent inhibition. Prey from the low-risk background that were pre-exposed to the novel odour cues in the absence of negative reinforcement for 3 days, and then provided the opportunity to learn to recognize the odour as threatening, failed to subsequently respond to the odour as a threat. Fish from the high-risk background showed a much different response. These fish did not learn the odour as non-threatening, probably because the cost of falsely learning an odour as non-threatening is higher when the background level of risk is higher. Our work highlights that background level of risk appears to drive plasticity in cognition of prey animals learning to discriminate threats in their environment.
Untangling interactions: do temperature and habitat fragmentation gradients simultaneously impact biotic relationships?
Authors: Lakeman-Fraser Poppy , Ewers Robert M.
Published: June 2014

Gaining insight into the impact of anthropogenic change on ecosystems requires investigation into interdependencies between multiple drivers of ecological change and multiple biotic responses. Global environmental change drivers can act simultaneously to impact the abundance and diversity of biota, but few studies have also measured the impact across trophic levels. We firstly investigated whether climate (using temperature differences across a latitudinal gradient as a surrogate) interacts with habitat fragmentation (measured according to fragment area and distance to habitat edges) to impact a New Zealand tri-trophic food chain (plant, herbivore and natural enemy). Secondly, we examined how these interactions might differentially impact both the density and biotic processes of species at each of the three trophic levels. We found evidence to suggest that these drivers act non-additively across trophic levels. The nature of these interactions however varied: location synergistically interacted with fragmentation measures to exacerbate the detrimental effects on consumer density; and antagonistically interacted to ameliorate the impact on plant density and on the interactions between trophic levels (herbivory and parasitoid attack rate). Our findings indicate that the ecological consequences of multiple global change drivers are strongly interactive and vary according to the trophic level studied and whether density or ecological processes are investigated.
Flavobacterium faecale sp. nov., an agarase-producing species isolated from stools of Antarctic penguins
Authors: Kim Jin Ho , Choi Bo Hyun , Jo Minho , Kim Sun Chang , Lee Pyung Cheon
Published: June 2014

Taxonomic studies were performed on an agarase-producing strain, designated WV33T, isolated from faeces of Antarctic penguins. Cells of strain WV33T were Gram-staining-negative, strictly aerobic, orange and rod-shaped. Strain WV33T displayed agarase activity and was able to utilize galactose as a sole carbon source. 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis revealed that strain WV33T was closely related to

Flavobacterium algicola

TC2T (98.0 % similarity),

F. frigidarium

ATCC 700810T (96.9 %) and

F. frigoris

LMG 21922T (96.1 %). The predominant cellular fatty acids were iso-C15 : 1 G, iso-C15 : 0, C15 : 0, C16 : 0 and summed feature 3 (comprising iso-C15 : 0 2-OH and/or C16 : 1ω7c). Menaquinone 6 (MK-6) was the sole quinone identified, and the major pigment was zeaxanthin. The major polar lipid was phosphatidylethanolamine. DNA–DNA relatedness of strain WV33T with respect to its closest phylogenetic neighbours was 25 % for

F. algicola

NBRC 102673T, 23 % for

F. frigidarium

DSM 17623T and 21 % for

F. frigoris

DSM 15719T. The DNA G+C content of strain WV33T was 37±0.6 mol%. Based on the phenotypic, chemotaxonomic and phylogenetic data, strain WV33T is concluded to represent a novel species of the genus

Flavobacterium

, for which the name Flavobacterium faecale sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is WV33T ( = KCTC 32457T = CECT 8384T).
Genomic, transcriptomic and phenomic variation reveals the complex adaptation of modern maize breeding
Authors: Liu Haijun , Wang Xiaqing , Warburton Marilyn , Wen Weiwei , Jin Minliang , Deng Min , Liu Jie , Tong Hao , Pan Qingchun , Yang Xiaohong , Yan Jianbing
Published: June 2014

The temperate-tropical division of early maize germplasm to different agricultural environments was arguably the greatest adaptation process associated with the success and near ubiquitous importance of global maize production. Deciphering this history is challenging, but new insight has been gained from the genomic, transcriptomic and phenotypic variation collected from 368 diverse temperate and tropical maize inbred lines in this study. This is the first attempt to systematically explore the mechanisms of the adaptation process. Our results indicated that divergence between tropical and temperate lines seem occur 3,400-6,700 years ago. A number of genomic selection signals and transcriptomic variants including differentially expressed individual genes and rewired co-expression networks of genes were identified. These candidate signals were found to be functionally related to stress response and most were associated with directionally selected traits, which may have been an advantage under widely varying environmental conditions faced by maize as it was migrated away from its domestication center. It?s also clear in our study that such stress adaptation could involve evolution of protein-coding sequences as well as transcriptome-level regulatory changes. This latter process may be a more flexible and dynamic way for maize to adapt to environmental changes over this dramatically short evolutionary time frame.
The bHLH142 Transcription Factor Coordinates with TDR1 to Modulate the Expression of EAT1 and Regulate Pollen Development in Rice
Authors: Ko Swee-Suak , Li Min-Jeng , Sun-Ben Ku Maurice , Ho Yi-Cheng , Lin Yi-Jyun , Chuang Ming-Hsing , Hsing Hong-Xian , Lien Yi-Chen , Yang Hui-Ting , Chang Hung-Chia , Chan Ming-Tsair
Published: June 2014

Male sterility plays an important role in F1 hybrid seed production. We identified a male-sterile rice (Oryza sativa) mutant with impaired pollen development and a single T-DNA insertion in the transcription factor gene bHLH142. Knockout mutants of bHLH142 exhibited retarded meiosis and defects in tapetal programmed cell death. RT-PCR and in situ hybridization analyses showed that bHLH142 is specifically expressed in the anther, in the tapetum, and in meiocytes during early meiosis. Three basic helix-loop-helix transcription factors, UDT1 (bHLH164), TDR1 (bHLH5), and EAT1/DTD1 (bHLH141) are known to function in rice pollen development. bHLH142 acts downstream of UDT1 and GAMYB but upstream of TDR1 and EAT1 in pollen development. In vivo and in vitro assays demonstrated that bHLH142 and TDR1 proteins interact. Transient promoter assays demonstrated that regulation of the EAT1 promoter requires bHLH142 and TDR1. Consistent with these results, 3D protein structure modeling predicted that bHLH142 and TDR1 form a heterodimer to bind to the EAT1 promoter. EAT1 positively regulates the expression of AP37 and AP25, which induce tapetal programmed cell death. Thus, in this study, we identified bHLH142 as having a pivotal role in tapetal programmed cell death and pollen development.
Why is eusociality an almost exclusively terrestrial phenomenon?
Authors: Ruxton Graeme D. , Humphries Stuart , Morrell Lesley J. , Wilkinson David M.
Published: June 2014

Eusociality has evolved multiple times across diverse terrestrial taxa, and eusocial species fundamentally shape many terrestrial ecosystems. However, eusocial species are far less common and have much less ecological impact, in aquatic than terrestrial environments.

Here, we offer a potential explanation for these observations. It appears that a precondition for the evolution of eusociality is the defence and repeated feeding of offspring in a nest or other protected cavity, and so eusocial species must be able to exploit a predator‐safe, long‐lasting (multigenerational) expandable nest. We argue that a range of factors mean that opportunities for such nests are much more widespread and the advantages more compelling in terrestrial than aquatic ecosystems.
No Influence of Exogenous Hyaluronan on the Behavior of Human Cancer Cells or Endothelial Cell Capillary Formation
Authors: Seino Satoshi , Takeshita Fumitaka , Asari Akira , Masuda Yasunobu , Kunou Masaaki , Ochiya Takahiro
Published: June 2014

Hyaluronan (HA), a type of glycosaminoglycan used to construct the extracellular matrix, is involved in the proliferation and motility of cells, including cancer cells. The aim of this study was to determine whether exogenous HA has an influence on cancer in vitro and in vivo. High‐molecular‐weight HA (900 kDa) and low‐molecular‐weight HA (10 kDa) were added to several types of cancer cell lines in vitro, and proliferation and invasion were assessed. The effect of HA on capillary formation by human umbilical vein endothelial cells was also analyzed. The results showed that both types of HA had no apparent effect on cellular proliferation, invasion, or capillary formation. In an animal study, the 2 types of HA were orally administered to tumor‐bearing mice at a dosage of 200 mg/kg/d for 4 wk. Analysis using an in vivo imaging system revealed that tumor proliferation and metastasis were not greatly altered by HA administration. Furthermore, CD31 immunohistochemical staining revealed no obvious change in tumor microvessels. Taken together, these results demonstrate that exogenously administered HA has little effect on cancer. This study may support the safety of various forms of HA administration, including oral intake.
Metabolism of the Hepatotoxic Compound Sophoraflavanone G in Rat Liver Microsomes
Authors: Chen Ping , Zhang Xiuwen , Huang Taomin , Yu Qianqian , Cheng Nengneng
Published: June 2014

Our study aimed at investigating the metabolic characteristics of sophoraflavanone G (SFG), one of the hepatotoxic constituents of Sophora flavescens, in rat liver microsomes (RLMs). SFG was metabolized to 3 phase I metabolites, di‐hydroxylated SFG (M1), mono‐hydroxylated SFG (M2), dehydrogenated product of mono‐hydroxylated SFG (M3) and 3 SFG glucuronides (M4, M5, and M6) by RLMs. The formation kinetics of M2 conformed to biphasic kinetics in RLMs. The formation kinetics of M4 and M5 best‐fitted the Hill equation kinetics. Chemical inhibition studies found that CYP1A2 and CYP2E1 were the major enzymes responsible for the formation of M2, and the formation of M4 and M5 may be catalyzed by multiple UGT1A isoforms.
Efficient and sensitive identification and quantification of airborne pollen using next‐generation DNA sequencing
Authors: Kraaijeveld Ken , de Weger Letty A. , Ventayol García Marina , Buermans Henk , Frank Jeroen , Hiemstra Pieter S. , den Dunnen Johan T.
Published: June 2014

Pollen monitoring is an important and widely used tool in allergy research and creation of awareness in pollen‐allergic patients. Current pollen monitoring methods are microscope‐based, labour intensive and cannot identify pollen to the genus level in some relevant allergenic plant groups. Therefore, a more efficient, cost‐effective and sensitive method is needed. Here, we present a method for identification and quantification of airborne pollen using DNA sequencing. Pollen is collected from ambient air using standard techniques. DNA is extracted from the collected pollen, and a fragment of the chloroplast gene trnL is amplified using PCR. The PCR product is subsequently sequenced on a next‐generation sequencing platform (Ion Torrent). Amplicon molecules are sequenced individually, allowing identification of different sequences from a mixed sample. We show that this method provides an accurate qualitative and quantitative view of the species composition of samples of airborne pollen grains. We also show that it correctly identifies the individual grass genera present in a mixed sample of grass pollen, which cannot be achieved using microscopic pollen identification. We conclude that our method is more efficient and sensitive than current pollen monitoring techniques and therefore has the potential to increase the throughput of pollen monitoring.
The “Dual‐Pathway” Strategy after Acute Coronary Syndrome: Rivaroxaban and Antiplatelet Agents in the ATLAS ACS 2‐TIMI 51 Trial
Authors: Cohen Marc , Iyer Deepa
Published: June 2014

Acute coronary syndrome (ACS) is a medical emergency often associated with an occlusive coronary event with consequent myocardial underperfusion. Patients require immediate antiplatelet therapy and long‐term antithrombotic prophylaxis to reduce the risk of recurrence. Acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) alone or in combination with a platelet P2Y12 inhibitor (dual antiplatelet therapy [DAPT]) has become the clinically accepted antithrombotic prophylaxis for patients post‐ACS. Historically, studies assessing the utility of adding oral anticoagulants (OACs) have not demonstrated a clinical benefit with regard to acceptable bleeding risk. Studies with vitamin K antagonists (VKAs) such as warfarin demonstrated a potential to reduce the risk of subsequent death by reinfarction but this benefit was offset by increases in bleeding. Results from studies of two targeted non‐VKA OACs also proved disappointing, with little or no apparent reduction in the rate of ischemic events seen. However, the recent ATLAS studies assessing rivaroxaban (an oral factor Xa inhibitor) in patients with ACS demonstrated a reduction in the composite endpoint of deaths from cardiovascular causes, myocardial infarction (MI), or stroke, and a reduction in the rate of stent thrombosis. This review provides an overview of the pivotal studies in which the addition of OACs to antiplatelet therapy (the so‐called “dual‐pathway” approach) has been investigated for the management of patients post‐ACS and considers the results of the ATLAS studies and their potential impact on the management of patients after an acute event.
Maternal stress associated with juvenile idiopathic arthritis
Authors: Cox Angela , Ostring Genevieve , Piper Susan , Munro Jane , Singh‐Grewal Davinder
Published: June 2014

Objective

To assess parental stress levels of mothers of children with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) aged between 2–12 years and compare with those reported for other chronic childhood illnesses.

Methodology

Mothers of children aged between 2–12 years with JIA were recruited from hospital‐based outpatient clinics. Maternal stress was measured by using the Parenting Stress Index Long Form (PSI). The physician assessing the child completed an active joint count, a physician's global assessment and recorded the C‐reactive protein and/or erythrocyte sedimentation rate if one was clinically indicated.

Results

The mothers recruited had children with a mean age of 6 years. The mean total stress score of mothers of children with JIA measured by the PSI was 235.4 (95% CI 218.5–252.3) was greater than the mean total stress scores for mothers of normal children at 222.8 (95% CI 221.4–224.2). It was also greater than children with other chronic disorders such as insulin‐dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM), 218.1 (95% CI 204.7–231.6) and profound deafness, 221.7 (95% CI 206.4–237.0). One third of mothers had total PSI scores that were in the clinical range (Total PSI > 260), indicating a need for intervention.

Conclusion

JIA should be regarded as a significant illness in which maternal stress is at least equivalent to that associated with the care of children with other chronic diseases of childhood.
Optimal rates of 2,4‐dichlophenoxyacetic acid foliar application for control of common scab in potato
Authors: Thompson H.K. , Tegg R.S. , Corkrey R. , Wilson C.R.
Published: June 2014

Applications of the synthetic auxin 2,4‐dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4‐D) to the foliage of potato plants can reduce common scab, a tuber disease. However, in prior research effective applications at 200 mg L−1 2,4‐D resulted in phytotoxic side effects with reduced tuber yield and quality. This study showed that minimal significant threshold rates from 8.3 to 23.6 mg L−1 2,4‐D reduced disease incidence in pot trials, and from 10.8 to 41.0 mg L−1 minimised disease severity in both pot and field trials. In only one pot trial, significant phytotoxicity was found with rates of 100 mg L−1 or greater, reducing mean total tuber mass per plot and 38 mg L−1 or greater, reducing mean mass per tuber. Notably, within the field trial, a more reliable plant growth system for estimation of yield, no significant impacts were observed. Disease control was associated with decreased sensitivity of tubers to thaxtomin A, the phytotoxin produced by the common scab pathogen essential for disease induction. The amount of residual 2,4‐D in tubers at harvest varied with cultivar, Russet Burbank accumulating more 2,4‐D than Desiree. Application rates less than 100 mg L−1 resulted in levels of 2,4‐D below the Australian standard maximum residue limit. These data suggest that applications of 2,4‐D at low rates could provide a commercially suitable control strategy for common scab.
Analysts' Forecasts Following Forced CEO Changes
Authors: Choi Ka Wai , Chen Xiaomeng , Wright Sue , Wu Hai
Published: June 2014

This paper examines analysts' earnings forecasts during the period of uncertainty following a change of chief executive officer (CEO). It distinguishes between forced and non‐forced CEO changes, and examines whether analysts utilize their information advantage to reduce the heightened uncertainty of a forced change of CEO. Examining a sample of Australian companies followed by analysts between 1999 and 2009, we find that forecasting accuracy is lower and earnings forecasts are more optimistic for firms experiencing forced CEO turnover compared to firms not undergoing such a change. However, dispersion is not statistically different. The results suggest that forced CEO turnover events provide a challenge to the forecasting environment for analysts. During CEO changes, investors should be aware that forecasts are less accurate and have an optimistic bias.
Effects of human presence on the long‐term trends of migrant and resident shorebirds: evidence of local population declines
Authors: Martín B. , Delgado S. , de la Cruz A. , Tirado S. , Ferrer M.
Published: June 2014

This study examines the responses to human presence of the most abundant shorebird species in an important coastal migration staging area (Los Lances Beach, southern Spain). Long‐term census data were used to assess the relationship between bird abundances and human densities and to determine population trends. In addition, changes in individual bird behaviour in relation to human presence were evaluated by direct observation of a shorebird resident species. Our results show that a rapid increase in the recreational use of the study area in summer has dramatically reduced the number of shorebirds and gulls which occur, limiting the capacity of the site as a post‐breeding stop‐over area. In addition, the presence of people at the beach significantly reduced the time that resident species spent consuming prey. Negative effects of human presence on bird abundance remain constant over the study period, showing no habituation to human disturbance in any of the studied species. Moreover, although intense human disturbance at Los Lances Beach occurs mainly in summer, the human presence observed is sufficient to have a negative impact on the long‐term trends of a resident shorebird species. The impacts of disturbance detected on shorebirds and gulls may be reversible through management actions that decrease human presence. We suggest a minimum distance of 80 m for any track or walkway from those areas where shorebirds are usually present, particularly during spring and summer, as well as an appropriate fencing in the most sensitive area.
Treatment with a nicotine vaccine does not lead to changes in brain activity during smoking cue exposure or a working memory task
Authors: Havermans Anne , Vuurman Eric F. , van den Hurk Job , Hoogsteder Philippe , van Schayck Onno C. P.
Published: June 2014

Aims

To assess whether immunization attenuates nicotinic stimulation of the brain and elucidate brain and behavioural responses during exposure to smoking cues and a working memory task.

Design

Randomized, placebo‐controlled parallel‐group, repeated‐measures design.

Setting

Maastricht University, the Netherlands.

Participants

Forty‐eight male smokers were randomized to receive five injections with either 400 μg/ml of the 3′‐aminomethylnicotine Pseudomonas aeruginosa r‐Exoprotein‐conjugated vaccine or placebo. Subjects were tested on two occasions, once after a nicotine challenge and once after a placebo challenge, and were asked to refrain from smoking 10 hours before testing.

Measurements

Reaction‐times and accuracies were recorded during an n‐back task. Moreover, regional blood oxygenated level‐dependent (BOLD) response was measured during this task and during smoking cue exposure.

Findings

Greater activation was found in response to smoking cues compared to neutral cues in bilateral trans‐occipital sulcus (P < 0.005); however, this effect did not survive correction for multiple comparisons. There was no difference in brain activity to smoking cues between the treatment groups and no effects of acute nicotine challenge were established. For the n‐back task we found working memory load‐sensitive increases in brain activity in several frontal and parietal areas (P < 0.0025). However, no effects of immunization or nicotine challenge were observed.

Conclusion

No significant effects of immunization on brain activity in response to a nicotine challenge were established. Therefore this vaccine is not likely to be an effective aid in smoking cessation.
Just say ‘know’: how do cannabinoid concentrations influence users' estimates of cannabis potency and the amount they roll in joints?
Authors: Freeman Tom P. , Morgan Celia J. A. , Hindocha Chandni , Schafer Gráinne , Das Ravi K. , Curran H. Valerie
Published: June 2014

Aims

(1) To determine whether measured concentrations of delta‐9‐tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD) in individuals' own cannabis predict their estimates of drug potency and actual titration; and (2) to ascertain if these effects are influenced by frequency of use and cannabis type.

Design

Cross‐sectional, naturalistic.

Setting

Participants' own homes.

Participants

A total of 247 cannabis users in the United Kingdom: 152 ‘recreational’ (1–24 days/month) and 95 ‘daily’ (≥25 days/month).

Methods

Participants rated their own cannabis for its potency (1–10) and type (‘resin’, ‘herbal’, ‘skunk’) before smoking it in front of the researcher. The amount of cannabis (g) used in their joints was recorded and an additional sample was analysed for THC and CBD concentrations (%).

Findings

THC concentrations were related negatively to the amount of cannabis used [unstandardized regression coefficient: b = −0.009, 95% confidence interval (CI) = −0.017, −0.002]. Potency estimates were predicted by increasing THC (b = 0.055, 95% CI = 0.020, 0.090) and decreasing CBD (b = −0.160, 95% CI = −0.284, −0.062), and both of these associations were mediated by cannabis type (THC: b = 0.018, 95% CI = 0.006, 0.037; CBD: b = −0.105, 95% CI = −0.198, −0.028). Potency estimates were more reflective of THC as frequency of use increased (b = 0.004, 95% CI = 0.001, 0.007) and were 7.3 times more so in daily (partial r = 0.381) than recreational users (r = 0.052).

Conclusions

When using their own cannabis in a naturalistic setting, people titrate the amount they roll in joints according to concentrations of delta‐9‐tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) but not cannabidiol (CBD). Recreational users thus show poor understanding of cannabis potency.
Recalling the past: probation officers work with drug misusers during the 1960s
Authors: Sparrow Paul
Published: June 2014

Aims

Britain's first wave of non‐therapeutic drug users during the 1960s were more likely to come into contact with the criminal courts than previous, therapeutic, drug users. This paper recounts the untold history of probation officers' work with drug misusing offenders in the United Kingdom during the 1960s.

Methods

Using ‘snowballing’ to source participants (in which study subjects recruit future subjects from among their acquaintances) and in‐depth interviews as a means of eliciting information, probation officers who had supervised drug users during this time were interviewed about their experiences. Interviews were transcribed verbatim and a thematic data set produced.

Results

Front‐line probation officers in the United Kingdom in the 1960s had considerable contact with drug‐misusing offenders. In explaining drug addiction, officers tended to draw upon a psychotherapeutic interpretation, and in terms of intervention they relied heavily upon the psychiatric services to deliver treatment. Probation officers did not always make the connection between addiction and an increase in criminality.

Conclusion

In Britain's first wave of non‐therapeutic drug users in the 1960s, probation officers appear not to have made a connection with criminality, which may have limited how far they developed a formalized approach to applying the expertise of the Probation Service.
Development of communication by young people with cerebral palsy
Authors: Pennington Lindsay
Published: June 2014

This commentary is on the original article by Vos et al. on pages 951–959 of this issue.
Review and Analysis of the EU Teacher‐related Policies and Activities
Authors: Stéger Csilla
Published: June 2014

This article aims at raising awareness of the key role the EU already plays in matters of teacher policy. It takes stock of European teacher policy related documents and activities, such as relevant strategies, presidency priorities, Council Conclusions, Commission working documents, the activities of thematic working groups, of networks, of data gathering and research, and the available supports of the Lifelong Learning Programme and of the European Social Fund. Based on this, the article provides a clear picture of the labour market need‐driven, pragmatic context of teacher policies and also the main shared European teacher policy concepts, such as teacher competence profiles, the continuum of professional development and the support of teacher educators. These fundamental concepts were shared, developed and fine tuned in the process of Member States peer learning, a crucial and highly effective method of cooperation, which is also presented in the article. The article concludes by identifying both sides of the two‐way interaction process of Europeanisation taking place between Member States and the EU in teacher policy development.
Atypical histopathological findings in a 15‐year‐old Warmblood gelding diagnosed with anhidrosis in a temperate climate
Authors: Sullivan S. L. , Cudmore L. A. , Bacci B. B. , Tennent‐Brown B. S.
Published: June 2014

This case report describes the atypical histopathological findings in a horse with anhidrosis that presented for evaluation of suspected respiratory disease during autumn/winter in a temperate climate. Anhidrosis in this horse was associated with mononuclear infiltration of T lymphocytes around sweat glands, a finding not previously reported in cases of equine anhidrosis. This report highlights the importance of considering anhidrosis as a differential diagnosis in the investigation of respiratory disease and illustrates that the condition can occur in horses residing in temperate climates.
The Discipline of Family Science and the Continuing Need for Innovation
Authors: Hamon Raeann R. , Smith Suzanne R.
Published: June 2014

The discipline of family science is entering a new phase, the evaluation and innovation stage. With shrinking academic budgets and threats of departmental dissolution or mergers, it is imperative for administrators of family science programs to be able to articulate the distinctiveness of the discipline, the worth of the unique skills and perspectives afforded by family science programs, the challenges affecting the field, and the solutions and resources necessary to propel family science to new levels of relevance and application. This article reviews the history of the development of the field of family science and then reports survey results from representatives of family science programs related to each of these matters. Innovative strategies for advancing the field and family science programs are discussed.
Does Social and Economic Disadvantage Moderate the Effects of Relationship Education on Unwed Couples? An Analysis of Data from the 15‐Month Building Strong Families Evaluation
Authors: Amato Paul R.
Published: June 2014

Building Strong Families programs provide relationship education and other support services to unmarried couples with young children. This study used data from the 15‐month Building Strong Families evaluation to test the hypothesis that the degree of social and economic disadvantage moderates the effects of program participation. To test this hypothesis, the author constructed a disadvantage index based on 11 known social and economic correlates of poor relationship quality and instability. Disadvantage and treatment did not interact significantly in predicting relationship stability but did interact significantly in predicting relationship quality among couples that stayed together. The negative association between disadvantage and relationship quality was weaker in the treatment group than in the control group.