bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Influence of temperature on the reproductive success, brood development and brood fitness of the eastern larch beetle Dendroctonus simplexLeConte
Authors: McKee Fraser R. , Aukema Brian H.
Published: October 2014

The eastern larch beetle Dendroctonus simplex LeConte colonizes the phloem of tamarack Larix laricina (Du Roi) K. Koch, preferring recently dead or moribund trees weakened by insect defoliation or other factors that predispose trees to beetle attack.

Outbreaks of eastern larch beetles are typically localized, of short duration, and collapse when the supply of stressed hosts is exhausted. Although rare, landscape‐level outbreaks of eastern larch beetles can occur if large areas of tamarack become stressed.

From 2000 onward, an ongoing outbreak of eastern larch beetles in the Great Lakes Region of North America has resulted in extensive mortality to more than 75 000 ha of tamarack forest in Minnesota, U.S.A. This outbreak has no known biotic predisposing factor, such as extensive defoliation. Trends of recent climate warming, however, are suspected to be a contributing factor.

Current efforts to model the effects of climate on eastern larch beetle population dynamics are hampered by an absence of data relating beetle developmental biology to temperature. In a laboratory study, we studied eastern larch beetle reproductive success, larval development and offspring fitness at temperatures in the range 9.9–29.4 °C.

Offspring production was similar across temperatures. Successful brood development occurred at 9.9 °C, whereas the minimum and optimal developmental temperatures were calculated to be 7.5 and 27.9 °C, respectively. Offspring size and lipid content were maximized between 20 and 22 °C.

Our results indicate a potential trade‐off between temperatures that maximizes eastern larch beetle offspring fitness versus developmental rate. The implications of such a trade‐off are discussed with respect to beetle population dynamics.
Subpopulations of Macrophages within Eutopic Endometrium of Endometriosis Patients
Authors: Takebayashi Akie , Kimura Fuminori , Kishi Yohei , Ishida Mitsuaki , Takahashi Akimasa , Yamanaka Akiyoshi , Wu Di , Zheng Luyi , Takahashi Kentaro , Suginami Hiroshi , Murakami Takashi
Published: October 2014

Problem

Endometriosis is recognized as a chronic inflammatory disease and is related to immune response. There have been reports that revealed the different distribution of macrophage within the eutopic endometrium of women with endometriosis. Macrophages are functionally polarized into M1 and M2 cell lineages. We studied a difference in the subpopulations of M1 and M2 macrophages within the eutopic endometrium in patients with or without endometriosis to investigate how the eutopic endometrium is stimulated immunologically.

Method of study

Thirty‐six patients with endometriosis (endometriosis group) and 37 without endometriosis (non‐endometriosis group) were analyzed. Paraffin‐embedded endometrial specimens were used for the study. Consecutive sections were used for immunostaining of CD68 (pan‐macrophage marker) and CD163 (M2 macrophage marker). Cells positive for each marker were quantified, and the ratio of M2 macrophages in pan‐macrophages was calculated.

Result

The endometriosis group had a significantly higher number of pan‐macrophages than the control group in all phases (P < 0.05). The ratios of M2 macrophages in pan‐macrophages were significantly lower in all phases in the endometriosis group (P < 0.05).

Conclusion

The macrophage population slants toward M1 in the endometrium of endometriosis patients. The endometrium appeared to be stimulated by some organelles and/or substances that induce M1 in endometriosis patients.
Carboxyhaemoglobin formation and ECG changes during hysteroscopic surgery, transurethral prostatectomy and tonsillectomy using bipolar diathermy
Authors: Overdijk L. E. , van Kesteren P. J. M. , de Haan P. , Schellekens N. C. J. , Dijksman L. M. , Hovius M. C. , van den Berg R. G. , Bakkum E. A. , Rademaker B. M. P.
Published: October 2014

Diathermy is known to produce a mixture of waste products including carbon monoxide. During transcervical hysteroscopic surgery, carbon monoxide might enter the circulation leading to the formation of carboxyhaemoglobin. In 20 patients scheduled for transcervical hysteroscopic resection of myoma or endometrium, carboxyhaemoglobin was measured before and at the end of the surgical procedure, and compared with levels measured in 20 patients during transurethral prostatectomy, and in 20 patients during tonsillectomy. Haemodynamic data, including ST‐segment changes, were recorded. Levels of carboxyhaemoglobin increased significantly during hysteroscopic surgery from median (IQR [range]) 1.0% (0.7–1.4 [0.5–4.9])% to 3.5% (2.0–6.1 [1.3–10.3]%, p < 0.001), compared with levels during prostatectomy or tonsillectomy. Significant ST‐segment changes were observed in 50% of the patients during hysteroscopic surgery. Significant correlations were observed between the increase in carboxyhaemoglobin and the maximum ST‐segment change (ρ = −0.707, p < 0.01), between the increase in carboxyhaemoglobin and intravasation (ρ = 0.625; p < 0.01), and between intravasation and the maximum ST‐segment change (ρ = −0.761; p < 0.01). The increased carboxyhaemoglobin levels during hysteroscopic surgery appear to be related to the amount of intravasation and this could potentially be a contributing factor to the observed ST‐segment changes.
The association of thyroid peroxidase antibody risk loci with susceptibility to and phenotype of Graves' disease
Authors: Kuś Aleksander , Szymański Konrad , Peeters Robin P. , Miśkiewicz Piotr , Porcu Eleonora , Pistis Giorgio , Sanna Serena , Naitza Silvia , Płoski Rafał , Medici Marco , Bednarczuk Tomasz
Published: October 2014

Background

Despite great progress, the genetic basis of Graves' disease (GD) remains poorly understood. Recently, a population‐based genomewide association study (GWAS) identified five novel loci (ATXN2/SH2B3, MAGI3, BACH2, TPO and KALRN) as significantly associated with the presence of thyroid peroxidase autoantibodies (TPOAbs), whereas several other loci showed suggestive association.

Methods

In this study, we investigated 16 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) associated with TPOAbs for the association with susceptibility to and phenotype of GD in a cohort of 647 patients with GD and 769 controls from a Polish Caucasian population.

Results

SNPs within/near HCP5 (rs3094228, P = 1·6 × 10−12, OR = 1·88), MAGI3 (rs1230666, P = 1·9 × 10−5, OR = 1·51) and ATXN2/SH2B3 (rs653178, P = 0·0015, OR = 1·28) loci were significantly associated with susceptibility to GD. Allele frequencies differed significantly in subgroups of patients with GD stratified by age of GD onset for HCP5 (P = 0·0014, OR = 1·50) and showed a suggestive difference for MAGI3 (P = 0·0035, OR = 1·50) SNPs. Although rs11675434 located near TPO showed no association with GD susceptibility, it was significantly associated with the presence of clinically evident Graves' ophthalmopathy (GO, P = 5·2 × 10−5, OR = 1·64), and this effect was independent from smoking status, age of GD onset and gender.

Conclusions

This is the first study showing an association of the ATXN2/SH2B3 locus with susceptibility to GD. Furthermore, we observed a novel significant association within the HLA region at a SNP located near HCP5 and confirmed the association of the MAGI3 locus with GD susceptibility. HCP5 and MAGI3 SNPs were further correlated with age of GD onset. Finally, we identified TPO as a new susceptibility locus for GO.
Advances in Interaction with 3D Environments
Authors: Jankowski J. , Hachet M.
Published: October 2014

Various interaction techniques have been developed for interactive 3D environments. This paper presents an up‐to‐date and comprehensive review of the state of the art of non‐immersive interaction techniques for Navigation, Selection & Manipulation, and System Control, including a basic introduction to the topic, the challenges and an examination of a number of popular approaches. We also introduce 3D Interaction Testbed (3DIT) to firstly allow a ‘hands‐on' understanding of 3D interaction principles, and secondly to create an open platform for defining evaluation methods, stimuli as well as representative tasks akin to those found in other disciplines of science. We hope that this survey can aid both researchers and developers of interactive 3D applications in having a clearer overview of the topic and in particular can be useful for practitioners and researchers that are new to the field of interactive 3D graphics.
Effects of pond salinization on survival rate of amphibian hosts infected with the chytrid fungus
Authors: Stockwell Michelle Pirrie , Storrie Lachlan James , Pollard Carla Jean , Clulow John , Mahony Michael Joseph
Published: October 2014

The chytrid fungus Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis has been implicated in the decline and extinction of amphibian populations worldwide, but management options are limited. Recent studies show that sodium chloride (NaCl) has fungicidal properties that reduce the mortality rates of infected hosts in captivity. We investigated whether similar results can be obtained by adding salt to water bodies in the field. We increased the salinity of 8 water bodies to 2 or 4 ppt and left an additional 4 water bodies with close to 0 ppt and monitored salinity for 18 months. Captively bred tadpoles of green and golden bell frog (Litoria aurea) were released into each water body and their development, levels of B. dendrobatidis infection, and survival were monitored at 1, 4, and 12 months. The effect of salt on the abundance of nontarget organisms was also investigated in before and after style analyses. Salinities remained constant over time with little intervention. Hosts in water bodies with 4 ppt salt had a significantly lower prevalence of chytrid infection and higher survival, following metamorphosis, than hosts in 0 ppt salt. Tadpoles in the 4 ppt group were smaller in length after 1 month in the release site than those in the 0 and 2 ppt groups, but after metamorphosis body size in all water bodies was similar . In water bodies with 4 ppt salt, the abundance of dwarf tree frogs (Litoria fallax), dragonfly larvae, and damselfly larvae was lower than in water bodies with 0 and 2 ppt salt, which could have knock‐on effects for community structure. Based on our results, salt may be an effective field‐based B. dendrobatidis mitigation tool for lentic amphibians that could contribute to the conservation of numerous susceptible species. However, as in all conservation efforts, these benefits need to be weighed against negative effects on both target and nontarget organisms.
High‐dose erythropoietin for tissue protection
Authors: Lund Anton , Lundby Carsten , Olsen Niels V.
Published: October 2014

Background

The discovery of potential anti‐apoptotic and cytoprotective effects of recombinant human erythropoietin (rHuEPO) has led to clinical trials investigating the use of high‐dose, short‐term rHuEPO therapy for tissue protection in conditions such as stroke and myocardial infarction. Experimental studies have been favourable, but the clinical efficacy has yet to be validated.

Materials and methods

We have reviewed clinical studies regarding the use of high‐dose, short‐term rHuEPO therapy for tissue protection in humans with the purpose to detail the safety and efficacy of rHuEPO for this indication. A systematic literature search was performed using the PubMed/MEDLINE database for randomized, placebo‐controlled clinical trials.

Results

Twenty‐six randomized controlled trials that enrolled 3176 patients were included. The majority of trials (20 trials including 2724 patients) reported no effect of rHuEPO therapy on measures of tissue protection. Five trials including 1025 patients reported safety concerns in the form of increased mortality or adverse event rates. No studies reported reduced mortality.

Conclusions

Evidence is sparse to support a tissue‐protective benefit of rHuEPO in humans. Moreover, a number of studies indicate that short‐term administration of high‐dose rHuEPO is associated with an increased risk of mortality and serious adverse events. Further work is needed to elucidate the mechanisms of toxicity of rHuEPO in humans.
Niche partitioning and niche filtering jointly mediate the coexistence of three closely related spider species (Araneae, Philodromidae)
Authors: MICHALKO RADEK , PEKÁR STANO
Published: October 2014

1. Several mechanisms can mediate the coexistence of species, such as the neutral dynamic, niche filtering and niche partitioning. The present study investigated which of these mechanisms mediate the coexistence of closely related spider species at the scale of one locality.

2. The coexistence of three spider species of the genus Philodromus (Philodromidae) (Philodromus albidus, Philodromus aureolus and Philodromus cespitum) was studied. The study area comprised three habitat types, including a deciduous forest, a scrub and a plum tree stand. The spatial niche properties of the Philodromus species were explored by comparing their micro/macrohabitat preferences. The natural diet of these species was analysed. Laboratory experiments involving prey acceptance were conducted to investigate the trophic niche properties. The species' phenologies were studied to compare their temporal niches.

3. The philodromids had differentiated their trophic and habitat niches. The coexistence mechanisms were therefore assessed by studying the relationships between niche overlaps and the pairwise product of relative abundances. A negative relationship was observed between functional niche overlaps and the product of relative abundances, whereas a positive relationship was observed between spatial niche overlaps and the product of relative abundances.

4. The present results suggest that different mechanisms influence different niche dimensions. Niche partitioning influenced functional niches, whereas niche filtering influenced spatial niches. The results also suggest that the filtering process in one dimension was facilitated by niche differentiation in another dimension.
Potential population and assemblage influences of non‐native trout on native nongame fish in Nebraska headwater streams
Authors: Turek Kelly C. , Pegg Mark A. , Pope Kevin L. , Schainost Steve
Published: October 2014

Non‐native trout are currently stocked to support recreational fisheries in headwater streams throughout Nebraska. The influence of non‐native trout introductions on native fish populations and their role in structuring fish assemblages in these systems is unknown. The objectives of this study were to determine (i) if the size structure or relative abundance of native fish differs in the presence and absence of non‐native trout, (ii) if native fish‐assemblage structure differs in the presence and absence of non‐native trout and (iii) if native fish‐assemblage structure differs across a gradient in abundances of non‐native trout. Longnose dace Rhinichthys cataractae were larger in the presence of brown trout Salmo trutta and smaller in the presence of rainbow trout Oncorhynchus mykiss compared to sites without trout. There was also a greater proportion of larger white suckers Catostomus commersonii in the presence of brown trout. Creek chub Semotilus atromaculatus and fathead minnow Pimephales promelas size structures were similar in the presence and absence of trout. Relative abundances of longnose dace, white sucker, creek chub and fathead minnow were similar in the presence and absence of trout, but there was greater distinction in native fish‐assemblage structure between sites with trout compared to sites without trout as trout abundances increased. These results suggest increased risk to native fish assemblages in sites with high abundances of trout. However, more research is needed to determine the role of non‐native trout in structuring native fish assemblages in streams, and the mechanisms through which introduced trout may influence native fish populations.
Upregulation of Syndecan‐1 in the bone marrow microenvironment in multiple myeloma is associated with angiogenesis
Authors: Andersen Niels F. , Kristensen Ida B. , Preiss Birgitte S. , Christensen Jacob H. , Abildgaard Niels
Published: October 2014

Objectives

Syndecan‐1 (SDC1), hepatocyte growth factor (HGF), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and interleukin‐6 (IL6) are expressed by malignant plasma cells and cells in the bone marrow microenvironment and may be involved in the angiogenic process in multiple myeloma (MM).

Methods

In this study, we examined the association between bone marrow angiogenesis estimated as micro‐vessel density (MVD) and gene expression of SDC1, HGF, VEGF and IL6 in whole bone marrow biopsies from healthy volunteers (n = 10), patients with monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS) (n = 35) and MM (n = 65).

Results

MVD was significantly higher in patients with MM than MGUS (P = 0.03) and was positively correlated with plasma cell percentage (P = 0.002). SDC1 gene expression increased with increasing MVD in patients with MGUS and MM (P < 0.001). A positive correlation between bone marrow plasma cell percentage and SDC1 gene expression was detected in patients with MM (P < 0.001). Importantly, after adjustment for plasma cell percentage, the association between MVD and SDC1 gene expression remained significant (P = 0.026). No association between bone marrow angiogenesis and gene expression of HGF, VEGF and IL6 was seen.

Conclusion

Our study indicates that SDC1 expressed by the bone marrow microenvironment is involved in angiogenesis in MM.
Intracranial electroencephalography power and phase synchronization changes during monaural and binaural beat stimulation
Authors: Becher Ann‐Katrin , Höhne Marlene , Axmacher Nikolai , Chaieb Leila , Elger Christian E. , Fell Juergen
Published: October 2014

Auditory stimulation with monaural or binaural auditory beats (i.e. sine waves with nearby frequencies presented either to both ears or to each ear separately) represents a non‐invasive approach to influence electrical brain activity. It is still unclear exactly which brain sites are affected by beat stimulation. In particular, an impact of beat stimulation on mediotemporal brain areas could possibly provide new options for memory enhancement or seizure control. Therefore, we examined how electroencephalography (EEG) power and phase synchronization are modulated by auditory stimulation with beat frequencies corresponding to dominant EEG rhythms based on intracranial recordings in presurgical epilepsy patients. Monaural and binaural beat stimuli with beat frequencies of 5, 10, 40 and 80 Hz and non‐superposed control signals were administered with low amplitudes (60 dB SPL) and for short durations (5 s). EEG power was intracranially recorded from mediotemporal, temporo‐basal and temporo‐lateral and surface sites. Evoked and total EEG power and phase synchronization during beat vs. control stimulation were compared by the use of Bonferroni‐corrected non‐parametric label‐permutation tests. We found that power and phase synchronization were significantly modulated by beat stimulation not only at temporo‐basal, temporo‐lateral and surface sites, but also at mediotemporal sites. Generally, more significant decreases than increases were observed. The most prominent power increases were seen after stimulation with monaural 40‐Hz beats. The most pronounced power and synchronization decreases resulted from stimulation with monaural 5‐Hz and binaural 80‐Hz beats. Our results suggest that beat stimulation offers a non‐invasive approach for the modulation of intracranial EEG characteristics.
Activity‐dependent modulation of the axonal conduction of action potentials along rat hippocampal mossy fibers
Authors: Chida Kuniaki , Kaneko Kenya , Fujii Satoshi , Yamazaki Yoshihiko
Published: October 2014

The axonal conduction of action potentials in the nervous system is generally considered to be a stable signal for the relaying of information, and its dysfunction is involved in impairment of cognitive function. Recent evidence suggests that the conduction properties and excitability of axons are more variable than traditionally thought. To investigate possible changes in the conduction of action potentials along axons in the central nervous system, we recorded action potentials from granule cells that were evoked and conducted antidromically along unmyelinated mossy fibers in the rat hippocampus. To evaluate changes in axons by eliminating any involvement of changes in the somata, two latency values were obtained by stimulating at two different positions and the latency difference between the action potentials was measured. A conditioning electrical stimulus of 20 pulses at 1 Hz increased the latency difference and this effect, which lasted for approximately 30 s, was inhibited by the application of an α‐amino‐3‐hydroxy‐5‐methylisoxazole‐4‐propionate (AMPA)/kainate receptor antagonist or a GluK1‐containing kainate receptor antagonist, but not by an AMPA receptor‐selective antagonist or an N‐methyl‐d‐aspartate receptor antagonist. These results indicated that axonal conduction in mossy fibers is modulated in an activity‐dependent manner through the activation of GluK1‐containing kainate receptors. These dynamic changes in axonal conduction may contribute to the physiology and pathophysiology of the brain.
Impact of proteinuria and glomerular filtration rate on risk of ischaemic and intracerebral hemorrhagic stroke: a result from the Kailuan study
Authors: Li Z. , Wang A. , Cai J. , Gao X. , Zhou Y. , Luo Y. , Wu S. , Zhao X.
Published: October 2014

Background and purpose

Persons with chronic kidney disease, defined by a reduced estimated glomerular filtration rate and proteinuria, have an increased risk of cardiovascular disease including stroke. However, data from developing countries are limited. Our aim was to assess the relationship between chronic kidney disease and risk of stroke and its subtypes in a community‐based population in China.

Methods

The study was based on 92 013 participants (18–98 years old; 73 248 men and 18 765 women) of the Kailuan study who at baseline were free from stroke and myocardial infarction and had undergone tests for serum creatinine or proteinuria. Glomerular filtration rate was estimated using the Chronic Kidney Disease Epidemiology Collaboration formula and proteinuria by the urine dipstick result in laboratory databases. The primary outcome was the first occurrence of stroke. Data were analyzed using Cox proportional hazards models adjusted for relevant confounders and results are presented as hazard ratios (HRs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs).

Results

During a follow‐up of 4 years, 1575 stroke events (1128 ischaemic, 406 intracerebral hemorrhagic and 41 subarachnoid hemorrhagic strokes) occurred. After adjustment for variable confounders, patients with proteinuria were found to have increased HRs for the total and subtypes of stroke events (HR 1.61; 95% CI 1.35–1.92 for total stroke; HR 1.53; 95% CI 1.24–1.89 for ischaemic stroke; and HR 1.90; 95% CI 1.35–2.67 for hemorrhagic stroke). However, estimated glomerular filtration rate was not associated with incident stroke after adjustment for established cardiovascular risk factors.

Conclusions

Proteinuria increased the risk of stroke in a general Chinese population.
Traditional Chinese patent medicine for prophylactic treatment of migraine: a meta‐analysis of randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled trials
Authors: Xiao Y. , Yuan L. , Liu Y. , Sun X. , Cheng J. , Wang T. , Li F. , Luo R. , Zhao X.
Published: October 2014

Background and purpose

A large number of traditional Chinese patent medicines (TCPMs) are widely used to treat migraine in China. However, it is uncertain whether there is robust evidence on the effects of TCPMs for migraine. A meta‐analysis of randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled trials was performed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of TCPMs in patients with migraine.

Methods

Comprehensive searches were conducted on the Medline database, Cochrane Library, the China National Knowledge Infrastructure database, the Chinese Biomedical Literature database and the Wanfang database up to December 2013. Summary estimates, including 95% confidence intervals (CIs), were calculated for frequency of migraine attacks, response rate and headache intensity.

Results

A total of seven trials including 582 participants with migraine met the selection criteria. TCPM was significantly more likely to reduce the frequency of migraine attacks compared with placebo (standardized mean difference −0.54; 95% CI −0.72, −0.36; P < 0.001). TCPM was associated with an improvement of response rate compared with placebo (summary relative risk 4.63, 95% CI 2.74, 7.80, P < 0.001; therapeutic gain 24.1%; number needed to treat 4.1). Headache intensity was attenuated by TCPM compared with placebo (standardized mean difference −1.33; 95% CI −1.79, −0.87; P < 0.001). The adverse events of TCPM were no different from those of placebo.

Conclusion

TCPMs are effective and well tolerated in the prophylactic treatment of migraine.
PINK1 and Parkin – mitochondrial interplay between phosphorylation and ubiquitylation in Parkinson's disease
Authors: Kazlauskaite Agne , Muqit Miratul M. K.
Published: October 2014

The discovery of mutations in genes encoding protein kinase PTEN‐induced kinase 1 (PINK1) and E3 ubiquitin ligase Parkin in familial Parkinson's disease and their association with mitochondria provides compelling evidence that mitochondrial dysfunction is a major contributor to neurodegeneration in Parkinson's disease. In recent years, tremendous progress has been made in the understanding of how PINK1 and Parkin enzymes are regulated and how they influence downstream mitochondrial signalling processes. We provide a critical overview of the key advances in the field and also discuss the outstanding questions, including novel ways in which this knowledge could be exploited to develop therapies against Parkinson's disease.
Modeling the effects of commonly used drugs on human metabolism
Authors: Sahoo Swagatika , Haraldsdóttir Hulda S. , Fleming Ronan M. T. , Thiele Ines
Published: October 2014

Metabolism contributes significantly to the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of a drug. In addition, diet and genetics have a profound effect on cellular metabolism with respect to both health and disease. In the present study, we assembled a comprehensive, literature‐based drug metabolic reconstruction of the 18 most highly prescribed drug groups, including statins, anti‐hypertensives, immunosuppressants and analgesics. This reconstruction captures in detail our current understanding of their absorption, intracellular distribution, metabolism and elimination. We combined this drug module with the most comprehensive reconstruction of human metabolism, Recon 2, yielding Recon2_DM1796, which accounts for 2803 metabolites and 8161 reactions. By defining 50 specific drug objectives that captured the overall drug metabolism of these compounds, we investigated the effects of dietary composition and inherited metabolic disorders on drug metabolism and drug–drug interactions. Our main findings include: (a) a shift in dietary patterns significantly affects statins and acetaminophen metabolism; (b) disturbed statin metabolism contributes to the clinical phenotype of mitochondrial energy disorders; and (c) the interaction between statins and cyclosporine can be explained by several common metabolic and transport pathways other than the previously established CYP3A4 connection. This work holds the potential for studying adverse drug reactions and designing patient‐specific therapies.
Fisheries resource management of the daggertooth pike conger, Muraenesox cinereus, using existing limited datasets in the western Seto Inland Sea, Japan
Authors: Watari S. , Murata M. , Baba T. , Oda S. , Ishitani M. , Mishiro K. , Uchida Y.
Published: October 2014

The daggertooth pike conger, Muraenesox cinereus (Forsskål), has become an important fish resource in the western Seto Inland Sea, Japan, since the 1990s. However, introducing sustainable fisheries resource management for this species is difficult in this region because stock assessments have not been performed, and official fisheries statistics for this stock were discontinued after 2007. This study used existing limited data sets to compile the first report for fisheries resource management for this M. cinereus stock. Yield‐per‐recruit analyses showed that increasing fishing pressure above current levels would provide only a minimal increase in expected catch levels. Hence, the current harvest level is considered to represent the upper limit of fishing pressure. Age composition in a given year could potentially be used to forecast landing abundance for the following 2 years. This study provides a basis for establishing effective fisheries resource management strategies for M. cinereus.
Tailoring codend mesh size to improve the size selectivity of undifferentiated trawl species
Authors: Hunt D. E. , Maynard D. L. , Gaston T. F.
Published: October 2014

Tiger flathead, Neoplatycephalus richardsoni (Castelnau), and sand flathead, Platycephalus bassensis Cuvier, are undifferentiated and managed with a common legal minimum length (LML). The Commonwealth Trawl Sector (CTS) and the Tasmanian Danish‐seine fishery (TDSF) use a minimum codend mesh sizes of 90 and 70 mm, respectively. The codend mesh size should be tailored to the LML, which is based on the length of first maturity of females (M50). This study found the length–girth relationship of N. richardsoni and P. bassensis was not significantly different. Using the covered codend method, these two species had 50% retention lengths (L50) of 294 ± 2 and 307 ± 3 mm, in 70‐mm and 90‐mm codends, respectively. L50 estimates for mesh sizes from this study and others produced a curvilinear relationship: y = 120 ln(x) − 214, with an r2 of 0.8504. The size at maturity (M50) for female N. richardsoni was 337 mm, which is larger than the estimate for female P. bassensis (247 mm). There is a mismatch between the estimates of L50, the estimates of M50 and the LMLs in each fishery, leading to suboptimal exploitation of female Platycephalus. The model produced in this paper recommends a codend mesh size of 98 mm for both fisheries to exploit Platycephalus species sustainably.
Deep‐water microbialites of the Mesoproterozoic Dismal Lakes Group: microbial growth, lithification, and implications for coniform stromatolites
Authors: Bartley J. K. , Kah L. C. , Frank T. D. , Lyons T. W.
Published: October 2014

Offshore facies of the Mesoproterozoic Sulky Formation, Dismal Lakes Group, arctic Canada, preserve microbialites with unusual morphology. These microbialites grew in water depths greater than several tens of meters and correlate with high‐relief conical stromatolites of the more proximal September Lake reef complex. The gross morphology of these microbial facies consists of ridge‐like vertical supports draped by concave‐upward, subhorizontal elements, resulting in tent‐shaped cuspate microbialites with substantial primary void space. Morphological and petrographic analyses suggest a model wherein penecontemporaneous upward growth of ridge elements and development of subhorizontal draping elements initially resulted in a buoyantly supported, unlithified microbial form. Lithification began via precipitation within organic elements during microbialite growth. Mineralization either stabilized or facilitated collapse of initially neutrally buoyant microbialite forms. Microbial structures and breccias were then further stabilized by precipitation of marine herringbone cement. During late‐stage diagenesis, remaining void space was occluded by ferroan dolomite cement. Cuspate microbialites are most similar to those found in offshore facies of Neoarchean carbonate platforms and to unlithified, buoyantly supported microbial mats in modern ice‐covered Antarctic lakes. We suggest that such unusual microbialite morphologies are a product of the interaction between motile and non‐motile communities under nutrient‐limiting conditions, followed by early lithification, which served to preserve the resultant microbial form. The presence of marine herringbone cement, commonly associated with high dissolved inorganic carbon (DIC), low O2 conditions, also suggests growth in association with reducing environments at or near the seafloor or in conjunction with a geochemical interface. Predominance of coniform stromatolite forms in the Proterozoic—across a variety of depositional environments—may thus reflect a combination of heterogeneous nutrient distribution, potentially driven by variable redox conditions, and an elevated carbonate saturation state, which permits preservation of these unusual microbialite forms.
Changes in Rima Glottidis Area and Lack of Laryngeal Epiglottic–Glottic Seal After Unilateral Cricoarytenoid Lateralization Ex Vivo
Authors: Guillemot Alexandre , Rouvre Gérald , Autefage André , Etchepareborde Sébastien
Published: October 2014

Objective

To evaluate variation in rima glottidis (RG) area and lack of epiglottic–glottic seal (LEGS) of the canine larynx associated with different suture anchor points in the arytenoid and cricoid cartilages, dissection of the cricoarytenoid joint capsule, section of the interarytenoid band, and disarticulation of the cricothyroid joint.

Study Design

Experimental study.

Animals

Cadaveric canine larynges (n = 18).

Methods

Larynges were assigned to 2 groups: group 1 = intact cricothyroid articulation and group 2 = cricothyroid articulation sharply sectioned. In each group, the arytenoid cartilage was lateralized successively as follows: (a) intact cricoarytenoid articulation, (b) cricoarytenoid articulation sharply sectioned, and (c) division of the interarytenoid band. Each variation was performed initially with the suture passed dorsally into the cricoid cartilage then with the suture passed laterally. Each time, the increase of rima glottis area (%) and the LEGS (mm2) were measured.

Results

Rima glottis area (RGA): when the suture was placed dorsally, division of the interarytenoid band resulted in a significant increase in RGA compared with groups with an intact band. Laryngeal distortion: when the suture through the cricoid cartilage was dorsal, LEGS increased with section of the cricothyroid articulation, dissection of cricoarytenoid articulation, and division of the interarytenoid band.

Conclusion

Unilateral arytenoid lateralization results in some degree of LEGS with a misalignment of the epiglottis over the RG. Our results revealed that the optimal RGA associated with the minimal LEGS was obtained with dorsal placement of a cricoarytenoid suture when the cricothyroid joint and the interarytenoid band were intact.
Community‐level assessment of freezing tolerance: frost dictates the biome boundary between Albany subtropical thicket and Nama‐Karoo in South Africa
Authors: Duker Robbert , Cowling Richard M. , du Preez Derek R. , van der Vyver Marius L. , Weatherall‐Thomas Clayton R. , Potts Alastair J.
Published: October 2014

Aim

The sub‐escarpment coastal plains of South Africa provide remarkable opportunities to study the determinants of biome boundaries as numerous biomes are found closely juxtaposed, including the Nama‐Karoo semi‐desert shrubland and Albany subtropical thicket. The Nama‐Karoo shrubland is centred on the semi‐arid and frosty high‐elevation interior plateau of South Africa, whereas the Albany subtropical thicket inhabits the comparatively warmer sub‐escarpment coastal plains. We examined the role of winter frosts in determining the boundaries between these two biomes on the coastal plain.

Location

Kaboega, Eastern Cape, South Africa.

Methods

We determined the relative freezing tolerance of thicket and Nama‐Karoo communities by sampling dominant species from each biome in a small study site (c. 50 ha) spanning a clear vegetation and minimum temperature boundary. Freezing‐induced stress on leaf photosynthesis was measured using chlorophyll fluorescence imaging across a range of subzero treatments.

Results

In general, largely irrespective of any possible effects of temperature acclimation, freezing exposure significantly reduced photosynthetic efficiency (Fv/Fm) values in thicket species relative to those from the Nama‐Karoo shrubland across all treatments.

Main conclusions

As reduced photosynthetic efficiency is generally associated with leaf damage, and species from both these biomes are largely evergreen, we interpreted our results in terms of species‐level frost resistance. Therefore, our results support the hypothesis that frost occurrence is a primary driver of the boundary between the subtropical thicket and Nama‐Karoo shrubland in South Africa. This has implications for both regional‐ and landscape‐level planning of restoration efforts and predicting boundary shifts under altered climates of the past and future.
Quantifying the P–T–t conditions of north–south Lhasa terrane accretion: new insight into the pre‐Himalayan architecture of the Tibetan plateau
Authors: Weller O. M. , St‐Onge M. R. , Searle M. P. , Waters D. J. , Rayner N. , Chen S. , Chung S.‐L. , Palin R. M.
Published: October 2014

An integrated field, petrological and geochronological study of the Basong Tso region of south‐eastern Tibet has constrained the timing and P–T conditions of north–south Lhasa terrane accretion and provides new insight into the tectonothermal evolution of the Tibetan plateau. Two distinct high‐grade metamorphic belts are recognized in the region: a southern belt (the Basong Tso complex) that consists of sheared schist and orthogneiss; and a northern belt (the Zhala complex) that comprises paragneiss and granite. Combined pseudosection modelling and U–Pb geochronology of monazite and zircon indicates that the Basong Tso complex records peak metamorphic conditions of 9 ± 0.5 kbar and 690 ± 25 °C at c. 204–201 Ma, whereas the Zhala complex experienced peak metamorphic conditions of 5.0 ± 1.0 kbar and 740 ± 40 °C at c. 198–192 Ma. Microstructural analysis suggests that the two belts share a common early prograde history, after which the Basong Tso complex attained peak conditions following rapid burial, and the Zhala complex approached peak conditions along an isobaric path. Overall it is inferred that the Basong Tso and Zhala complexes represent the lower and upper structural levels of an evolving orogen that underwent Barrovian‐type metamorphism following collision (M1), followed by Buchan‐style overprinting at higher structural levels due to heat advection by syn‐tectonic granites (M2). Mylonitization (sensu lato) of the Basong Tso complex and juxtaposition of the two units occurred after attainment of peak conditions. The dominance of Mesozoic regional metamorphism across most of the Tibetan plateau indicates that Cenozoic crustal thickening processes, where present, are only manifested at depth.
Case‐Based Learning and Simulation: Useful Tools to Enhance Nurses’ Education? Nonrandomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Raurell‐Torredà Marta , Olivet‐Pujol Josep , Romero‐Collado Àngel , Malagon‐Aguilera Maria Carmen , Patiño‐Masó Josefina , Baltasar‐Bagué Alícia
Published: October 2014

Purpose

To compare skills acquired by undergraduate nursing students enrolled in a medical‐surgical course. To compare skills demonstrated by students with no previous clinical practice (undergraduates) and nurses with clinical experience enrolled in continuing professional education (CPE).

Design

In a nonrandomized clinical trial, 101 undergraduates enrolled in the “Adult Patients 1” course were assigned to the traditional lecture and discussion (n = 66) or lecture and discussion plus case‐based learning (n = 35) arm of the study; 59 CPE nurses constituted a comparison group to assess the effects of previous clinical experience on learning outcomes.

Methods

Scores on an objective structured clinical examination (OSCE), using a human patient simulator and cases validated by the National League for Nursing, were compared for the undergraduate control and intervention groups, and for CPE nurses (Student's t test).

Findings

Controls scored lower than the intervention group on patient assessment (6.3 ± 2.3 vs 7.5 ± 1.4, p = .04, mean difference, ‐1.2 [95% confidence interval (CI) ‐2.4 to ‐0.03]) but the intervention group did not differ from CPE nurses (7.5 ± 1.4 vs 8.8 ± 1.5, p = .06, mean difference, ‐1.3 [95% CI ‐2.6 to 0.04]). The CPE nurses committed more “rules‐based errors” than did undergraduates, specifically patient identifications (77.2% vs 55%, p = .7) and checking allergies before administering medication (68.2% vs 60%, p = .1).

Conclusions

The intervention group developed better patient assessment skills than the control group. Case‐based learning helps to standardize the process, which can contribute to quality and consistency in practice: It is essential to correctly identify a problem in order to treat it. Clinical experience of CPE nurses was not associated with better adherence to safety protocols.

Clinical Relevance

Case‐based learning improves the patient assessment skills of undergraduate nursing students, thereby preparing them for clinical practice.
Impact of oral mucositis on oral‐health‐related quality of life of patients diagnosed with cancer
Authors: Barkokebas Andreza , Silva Igor Henrique Morais , de Andrade Samantha Cardoso , Carvalho Alessandra Albuquerque Tavares , Gueiros Luiz Alcino Monteiro , Paiva Saul Martins , Leão Jair Carneiro
Published: October 2014

Introduction

Oral mucositis (OM) has been described as the oral complication most frequently associated with antineoplastic therapy. However, the influence on the quality of life of affected patients is still unclear.

Objective

To evaluate the impact of OM on the oral‐health‐related quality of life (OHRQoL) of patients diagnosed with cancer, who developed chemotherapy‐ and/or radiotherapy‐induced OM.

Methods

This is a cross‐sectional evaluation of QoL using oral health impact profile‐14 (OHIP‐14). The study group comprised a sample of 60 patients diagnosed with cancer, who developed OM during the treatment. The instrument (OHIP‐14) composed of seven dimensions was used: functional limitation, physical pain, psychological discomfort, physical deficiency, psychological deficiency, social incapacity, and deficiency.

Results

The internal consistency of OHIP‐14 measured by the Cronbach's α coefficient was of 0.76. Physical pain attained the highest score (worst quality of life) among the studied dimensions 60.8% (292/480), followed by physical limitation 52.7% (253/480), and psychological discomfort 50.8% (244/480). The dimension ‘social limitation’ obtained the lowest score 27.2% (131/480). There was statistically significant difference as regards gender (P = 0.021) for physical pain, with greater impact among patients of the male gender.

Conclusion

Oral‐health‐related quality of life is significantly affected by OM in individuals diagnosed with cancer.
Samaras of Ventilago (Rhamnaceae) from the upper Miocene of Lincang, Yunnan, China and their phytogeographic implications
Authors: Liu Ke‐Nan , Xie San‐Ping , Manchester Steven R. , Wang Yun‐Feng , Shao Yang , Li Bin‐Ke
Published: October 2014

The genus Ventilago Gaertn. usually occurs in hot, dry, and low‐altitude tropical environments. The fossil record of this genus is meager, so its origin and geographic history are still poorly understood. We describe a fossil winged fruit species—Ventilago lincangensis K. N. Liu & S. P. Xie sp. nov. from the upper Miocene Bangmai Formation of Lincang city, Yunnan Province, China. The fossil conforms to the modern genus Ventilago in architecture of the prominent fruit wing including a prominent midvein, a set of minor longitudinally secondary veins extending the full length of the fruit and reticulate higher order venation. The elliptical fruit body at the base of the wing shows an equatorial rim and has a short pedicel. This is the first report of Ventilago fruits in China, and is significant for the investigation of the origin and evolutionary history of this genus.
Effect of oxygen on coral fanning by mutualistic fish
Authors: Berenshtein Igal , Reuben Yaela , Genin Amatzia
Published: October 2014

Coral branches partially block the flow of water through the colony, creating an inner zone of reduced water exchange where hypoxic conditions can develop during the night. Previous studies have shown that this oxygen deficiency is alleviated by the fanning behavior of mutualistic damselfish that spend the night between the coral branches, constantly moving their fins. Our findings show that fin‐stroking frequency during fanning by the damselfish Dascyllus marginatus is moderately plastic, with lower frequency under higher oxygen concentration, and vice versa. The inter‐play between oxygen concentration and fin motion maintains nearly steady oxygen concentration between the coral branches during the night.
Variation in the post‐copulatory guarding behavior of Neohelice granulata (Brachyura, Grapsoidea, Varunidae) in two different habitats
Authors: Sal Moyano María P. , Gavio María A. , McLay Colin L. , Luppi Tomás
Published: October 2014

Crab guarding behaviors are influenced by the biological and physical characteristics that each population experiences in a particular habitat. We studied post‐copulatory guarding behavior and the factors affecting it, such as the presence of burrows, female receptivity duration, operational sex ratio (OSR) and male size, in two different populations of Neohelice granulata: Mar Chiquita coastal lagoon (MCL) and San Antonio Oeste (SAO). Laboratory experiments showed that post‐copulatory guarding duration varied between the study areas. In MCL, it depended upon the presence of burrows and female receptivity duration, whereas it was independent of the OSR and male size. In SAO, it was dependent upon the OSR and female receptivity duration, whereas it was independent of the presence of burrows and male size. Thus, N. granulata males display different reproductive strategies related to their post‐copulatory guarding behavior pattern in different habitats. These strategies are related to the fact that this species constructs and defends a burrow that provides shelter and a place to mate, something that other varunids do not have.