bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects of Progesterone on the Responses of Merino Ewes to the Introduction of Rams during Anoestrus
Authors: Martin CB , Scaramuzzi RJ , Oldham CM , R Lindsay d
Published: July 2016

The effects of progesterone on the responses of Merino ewes to the introduction of rams during anoestrus were investigated in two experiments. In the first experiment, the introduction of rams induced an increase in the levels of LH in entire ewes. The mean levels increased from 0�68�0�04ng/ml (mean�s.e.m.) to 4�49�1�32ng/ml within 20min in ewes not treated with progesterone (n = 10). In ewes bearing progesterone implants that provided a peripheral concentration of about 1� 5 ng progesterone per millilitre plasma, the LH response to the introduction of rams was not prevented, but was reduced in size so that the concentration was 1�38 � 0�15 ng/ml after 20 min (n = 5). Progesterone treatment begun either 2 days before or 6 h after the introduction of rams and maintained for 4 days prevented ovulation.
Inhibition of Growth of Hair Follicles by a Lectin-like Substance from Rat Skin
Authors: Frater R
Published: July 2016

A small molecular weight (5000--10000) substance has been isolated from rat skin by affinity chromatography on a column of acid-hydrolysed Sepharose. The substance agglutinates rabbit red blood cells, inhibits DNA synthesis in rat hair follicles, and causes the appearance of autophagic vacuoles in the epithelial cells of the lower follicle bulb.
Biochemical Mechanisms of Mimosine Toxicity to Sclerotium rolfsii Sacco
Authors: P Serrano Edralina , Ilag LinAL , Mae T Mendoza Evelyn
Published: July 2016

Mimosine when added at a final concentration of 2�5 mM to potato dextrose broth reduced the mycelial growth of S. rolfsii by 40-60 % and prevented the formation of sclerotia. This inhibitory action of mimosine was alleviated by 80 % by 5 mM pyridoxal-5-phosphate and by 50 % by tryptophan and 5 mM tyrosine. Phenylalanine had little effect. Among the metal ions, Fe3 + at 10 mM most effectively decreased mimosine's inhibitory effect by 93 %, AI3 + at 5 mM decreased it by 80 % while Fe2+ and Cu2 + at 5 mM exhibited the least effect (about 25 and 9 %, respectively).
Multilocus Diversity in an Outbreeding Weed, Echium piantagineum L.
Authors: Brown AHD , Burdon JJ
Published: July 2016

A population of E. plantagineum was surveyed for its genetic structure at 23 isozyme loci. More than half (13) of these loci were polymorphic, with an average number of three alleles per locus, a gene diversity of 38% and heterozygosity of 35%. More importantly, the distribution of multilocus heterozygosity over individuals was found to approximate that assuming independence among loci or no linkage disequilibrium. The population consisted of a vast array of multilocus genotypes. This pattern indicates that the outbreeding system encourages recombination sufficient to outweigh the effects on multilocus structure of bottlenecks in population size. Genic and genotypic variation presumably allows high levels of biochemical flexibility in populations of E. plantagineum. Such flexibility could hamper attempts at biological control.
Stress Suppression of Growth Hormone Secretion in the Rat: Effects of Disruption of Inhibitory Noradrenergic Afferents to the Median Eminence
Authors: A Day Trevor , J West Malcolm , O Willoughby John
Published: July 2016

The participation of a growth hormone (GH) inhibitory noradrenergic input to the median eminence in stress-induced suppression of rat GH secretion was investigated in animals with median eminence catecholamine lesions produced by intravenous injection of6-hydroxydopamine (6-0HDA). Unstressed lesioned rats exhibited an enhanced frequency of GH secretory bursts, but both intact and lesioned rats responded to stress with suppression of GH (controls: 56% suppression, 6-0HDA lesioned: 43% suppression, not significantly different). Thus noradrenergic projections to the median eminence, if they participate at all in stress-induced GH suppression, appear to have only a minor role. This study does not exclude the possibility that circulating adrenaline of adrenal medullary origin might obscure defects in GH control produced by noradrenergic denervation of the median eminence.
The Macropodid Oesophagus. II. Morphological Studies of Its Adherent Bacteria using Light and Electron Microscopy
Authors: Obendorf DL
Published: July 2016

The bacterial population attached to the oesophageal lining in herbivorous macropods is described. This feature which occurs in both browsing and grazing macropodid species (Macropus, Seton ix, Thylogale and Wallabia) is demonstrated by light and electron microscopy. These studies have shown that the oesophagus may support a large and diverse population of bacterial forms, many of which have extracellular fibrous coats or homogeneous capsules. These coats and capsules appear to mediate the attachment of bacteria to the surface epithelium and to each other so that microcolonies or communities are formed. Such aggregations of bacteria are responsible for the greenish coloration of the oesophageal lining of these herbivorous species. Further examination of the bacterial association with oesophageal cells demonstrated that the bacteria did not invade the mucosa but merely colonized the superficial layer of cells. Cells with ruptured cell membranes were invaded by bacteria which appeared to digest the cytoplasmic contents. Sloughing of such cells provided a new surface for bacterial attachment and proliferation. The importance of this bacterial association is discussed in the light of the anatomical studies of the macropodid oesophagus and the known digestive processes of herbivorous macropods. It is proposed that this adaptation may have an important bearing on our knowledge of foregut fermentative digestion in macropods.
Variable Nature of the Bacterial Cell Surface
Authors: Wicken AJ , Knox KW
Published: July 2016

Bacterial cell surfaces bear sites involved in bacterial adhesion to and colonization on other surfaces, sites that are immunogenic and sites that act as receptors for DNA and bacteriophage. The chemical natures of bacterial cell surfaces are consequently of great importance in defining many of the interactions of bacterial cells with their environments, whether these interactions involve colonization in natural ecosystems or the aetiology of bacterial disease.
Morphology of the Ultimobranchial Body in Cockerels
Authors: JMonsour PA , Kruger BJ
Published: July 2016

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Early Pregnancy Factor (EPF): A Link between Fertilization and Immunomodulation
Authors: Morton Halle
Published: July 2016

Early pregnancy factor (EPF) is a pregnancy-dependent, suppressor-releasing hormone, which can be differentiated from other known pregnancy-associated substances by its physiological, biochemical and immunological characteristics. To date studies have shown that the presence of EPF in serum at anytime except during pregnancy is pathological and is associated with tumors of germ cell origin.
Ecological Analysis of Field Trials Conducted to Assess the Potential of Sex-linked Translocation Strains for Genetic Control of the Australian Sheep Blowfly, Lucilia cuprina (Wiedemann)
Authors: Vogt WG , Woodburn TL , Foster GG
Published: July 2016

Field trials were conducted with translocation/eye colour (TE) strains of L. cuprina to measure the mating ability of the males under field conditions and assess their potential for suppressing sheep blowfly populations. Rates of increase in L. cuprina were highest in spring (3' 6-9' 1 per generation), consistently low during summer (0'1-0'6 per generation) and somewhat higher during autumn (1'1-3'4 per generation). The TE strains released had the potential to prevent population increases of this magnitude. Their failure to do so during these trials resulted from their low mating competitiveness (0' 33) relative to that of field-reared males (1 . 0), inadequacy of the larval release method and the limited capacity of the experimental mass-rearing facility.
Effects of Zinc Deficiency on the Wool Growth, Skin and Wool Follicles of Pre-ruminant Lambs
Authors: Masters DG , Chapman RE , Vaughan JD
Published: July 2016

Two groups of I-month-old pre-ruminant lambs of similar mean liveweights were fed identical liquid milkreplacer diets except that the zinc contents were either 5 p.g (deficient diet) or 32 p.g per gram of dry matter (control diet). These diets were fed for 4 weeks, after which all the lambs received the control diet for 2 weeks.
Studies on the Accumulation of Putrescine and Spermidine in Escherichia coli
Authors: Smigielski AJ , Muir ME , Wallace BJ
Published: July 2016

The rate of accumulation of the polyamines spermidine and putrescine by E. coli depended on growth rate. Spermidine ac~umulation was faster in chemostat cultures with high dilution rates than in those with low dilution rates and was slower in bacteria that had been grown for several generations with either putrescine or spermidine, suggesting that the spermidine-uptake system was repressed by exogenous polyamines. The uptake of spermidine required metabolic energy. Thus accumulation occurred in an energy-starved unc strain only upon addition of glucose (or D-lactate to a smaller extent). With glucose present accumulation occurred in an unc, frd strain under anaerobic conditions, suggesting that ATP drives uptake. However, accumulation was generally sensitive to carbonylcyanide m-chlorophenylhydrazone (CCCP), indicating that the proton motive force was involved in uptake. Unlike spermidine, putrescine accumulation was faster in slow-growing than in fast-growing cultures. This may have been due to greater efflux of putrescine at faster growth rates. Accumulation of putrescine was faster following prolonged growth with either putrescine or spermidine, suggesting induction of the putrescine-uptake system by exogenous polyamines. Like spermidine accumulation, putrescine accumulation required metabolic energy. Accumulation was insensitive to CCCP and occurred only when glucose was added to energy-starved unc bacteria, suggesting that high-energy bonds may drive the uptake of putrescine.
Gastro-intestinal Tract Function in Sheep Infused with Somatostatin
Authors: Barry TN , Faichney GJ , Redekopp Carolyn
Published: July 2016

The effect of a 5-day continuous intravenous infusion of somatostatin (4�6 ng min- I kg-I) was studied, using anoestrous ewes given 791 g dry matter per day of a 60: 40 lucerne hay: oat grain pelleted diet from a continuously moving belt. 5ICr-EDTA, I03Ru-phenanthroline and lignin were used as markers to determine digesta mean retention times (MRT) by a continuous infusion-total sampling procedure.
Testosterone Response of Cryptorchid and Hypophysectomized Rats to Human Chorionic Gonadotrophin (hCG) Stimulation
Authors: M Hodgson Y , de Kretser DM
Published: July 2016

The testosterone responses to a single injection of HCG (100 i.u.) in hypophysectomized (hypox.), cryptorchid or sham-operated rats were followed over a 5-day period. In sham-operated rats, hCG induced a biphasic rise in serum testosterone, peaks being observed at 2 and 72 h. Reduced testis weights, elevated FSH and LH levels and reduced serum testosterone levels were found after 4 weeks of cryptorchidism, but hCG stimulation resulted in a normal 2 h peak in serum testosterone. However, the secondary rise at 72 h in cryptorchid rats was significantly lower than sham-operated rats.
Transfer of Magnesium across the Perfused Choroid Plexus of Sheep
Authors: Allsop TF
Published: July 2016

Isolated perfused choroid plexus preparations from sheep were used to study the effects of low concentrations of magnesium in the perfusion fluid on the transfer of magnesium into choroid plexus fluid (CPF). A perfusion fluid of similar electrolyte composition to sheep blood resulted in CPF similar to ventricular cerebrospinal fluid at a rate of 2�2 III min - 1 mg -I dry choroidal tissue. Decreasing the concentration of magnesium in the perfusion fluid caused a fall in the concentration of magnesium in the CPF, although it remained higher than in the perfusion fluid. The rate of transfer of magnesium from the perfusion fluid to the CPF decreased in the presence of high levels of potassium in the perfusion fluid. But decreasing the concentration of calcium in the perfusion fluid had no effect on magnesium transfer rates.
Hyphal Emergence and Outgrowth of Allomyces macrogynus in Aerated Cultures
Authors: Cleary Ann , Youatt Jean , O'Brien TP
Published: July 2016

Hyphal emergence was delayed in aerated cultures of A. macrogynus. Continuous observation of individual organisms revealed alternation of growth at the tip and at the base, including an incorporation of part of the primary rhizoid into the hyphal region. Electron microscopy of sections confirmed the deposition of additional wall during the stages of development of the base. These sections also showed changes in wall structure during growth, in particular a readily removable component of early walls. Nuclei were positioned just below the emerging tips at hyphal emergence and at branching. The apical zones of exclusion contained few, if any, vesicles and multivesicular bodies. In other regions the mitochondria were observed in close proximity to the plasmalemma.
Genetic Structure of Natural Populations of Wild Sunflowers (Helianthus annuus L.) in Australia
Authors: Dry PJ , Burdon JJ
Published: July 2016

The genetic structure of 11 wild populations of H. annuus occurring in New South Wales and Queensland was determined by isozyme analysis. Considerable isozyme diversity was found among loci within and between populations, with three to five alleles being identified at each of 10 loci. Mean levels of heterozygosity ranged from o� 19 to O� 38 and gene diversity values from 0�29 to O� 52. In all populations Wright's fixation indices were positive (0�09-0� 51) suggesting a degree of inbreeding. Differences in the level of genetic differentiation between populations were not correlated with geographic distance. Indeed, notable genetic diversity was detected between six sites occurring within a 2-km radius of Gunnedah, N.S.W., where the genetic distance relationships were D = 0�13 � 0'08, the same as those between popUlations throughout the region.
Abiotic Transmission of Southern Bean Mosaic Virus in Soil
Authors: Teakle DS
Published: July 2016

When soil in pots was infested with southern bean mosaic virus (SBMV), it became infective for highly susceptible Phaseolus vulgaris bait plants. Soil could be infested by adding either infected plant tops or roots or by growing infected plants in it. Release of SBMV by roots of P. vulgaris cv. Red Kidney reached a maximum at flowering and thereafter declined, but some virus was still recovered in drainage water when the plants were dead. When grown in infested soil P. vulgaris cv. Bountiful was more susceptible to infection at 26�C than at 21 or 32�C, temperatures which were less favourable for plant growth. The addition to virus-infested soil of tomato roots carrying nematodes (Meloidogyne sp.), fungi and other soil biota did not increase virus infection in bait plants. It is concluded that SBMV resembles tobacco mosaic virus in being able to infect plant roots abiotically in infested soil.
Blood Biochemical Polymorphisms in Rabbits Presently Bred in Spain: Genetic Variation and Distances amongst Populations
Authors: Zaragoza P , Arana A , Zarazaga I , Amorena B
Published: July 2016

A total of 816 rabbits, belonging to breeds presently bred in Spain (Spanish Common, Spanish Giant, Butterfly, Lyone de Bourgogne, New Zealand White, Californian and a hybrid line obtained from crosses between selected individuals of the latter two), were tested using nine blood electrophoretic markers: Hb, Ak, Co, Tf, Es-l, Es-2, Es-3, Ada and Pgd. The latter five proteins were found polymorphic, each being controlled by one locus and showing autosomal co-dominant Mendelian inheritance. Three of these loci (Es-1, Es-2 and Pgd) have two alleles, and the remaining two (Es-3 and Ada) have three alleles. These polymorphic loci were used to study the population structure and breed similarities genetically.
Effects of Exogenous Growth Hormone on Milk Production and Nutrient Uptake by Muscle and Mammary Tissues of Dairy Cows in Mid-lactation
Authors: McDowell GH , Gooden JM , Leenanuruksa D , Jois M , English AW
Published: July 2016

Responses to exogenous growth hormone were measured in lactating dairy cows surgically prepared to allow measurement of nutrient exchanges across mammary and hind-limb muscle tissues. Cows were injected daily with either saline or growth hormone, at a dose of 0�1 mg/kg liveweight, over periods of 6 days.
Effects of Oestradiol, the Oestrous Cycle and Pregnancy on Weight, Metabolism and Cytosol Receptors in the Oviduct and Vaginal Complex of the Brushtail Possum (Trichosurus vulpecula)
Authors: Curlewis JD , Stone GM
Published: July 2016

Weight, RNA, DNA and protein content of the oviduct, vaginal cul-de-sac, lateral vagina and urogenital sinus and oestradiol and progesterone cytosol receptor concentrations in vaginal cul-de-sac, lateral vagina and urogenital sinus were examined after administration of oestradiol to ovariectomized animals and on days 0, 5, 9 and 13 of the non-pregnant cycle and on day 13 of the pregnant cycle. In ovariectomized animals, oestradiol induced an increase in weight, RNA: DNA and protein: DNA ratios and a decrease in DNA: tissue weight ratio for each organ and in addition an increase in total DNA in vaginal cul-de-sac and urogenital sinus. There was no effect of oestradiol on oestradiol cytosol receptor concentration but there was a significant increase in progesterone cytosol receptor concentration in all organs that were examined.
Gene Mapping in Marsupials and Monotremes, V. Synteny between Hypoxanthine Phosphoribosyltransferase and Phosphoglycerate Kinase in the Platypus
Authors: M Watson Jaclyn , A MarshalI Graves Jennifer
Published: July 2016

In order to extend comparative mapping studies to the monotreme mammals (subclass Prototheria), somaticcell hybrids were obtained between Chinese-hamster cells deficient in hypoxanthine phosphoribosyltransferase (HPRT) and platypus fibroblasts. The characteristics of these hybrids closely resemble those of metatherian x eutherian hybrids, in that they are recovered at low frequency and they rapidly segregate and fragment platypus chromosomes. Biochemical and cytological studies of the hybrids, their subclones and HPRT-deficient revertants indicate that phosphoglycerate kinase is syntenic with HPRT in the platypus (as it is in other mammals); however, the studies do not permit chromosomal assignment of the syntenic group. The implications of the chromosomal location of this ancient synteny group for the evolution of the mammalian X chromosome are discussed.
Changes in Milk Composition during Lactation in the Potoroo, Potorous tridactyius (Marsupialia : Potoroinae)
Authors: Crowley HM , Woodward DR , Rose RW
Published: July 2016

Milk samples from captive potoroos were analysed for composition during weeks 3-25 of the lactation period. During pouch residence, up to week 16, carbohydrate levels were high, ranging from 9 g 100 ml-I at week 5 to 15 g 100 ml-I at week 15; fat levels were consistently low, at around 2 g 100 ml-I; protein levels gradually increased from 5 g 100 ml-I before week 10 to 12 g 100 ml-I at week 16. Growth rates during this period increased exponentially, from 1 g week-I at week 3 to 40 g week-I at week 16. Thereafter, as the young left the pouch, marked changes were seen in carbohydrate and fat levels: by week 25, carbohydrate levels had fallen to 2 g 100 ml-I, and fat levels had risen to 26 g 100 ml-I. Protein levels increased moderately, reaching 15 g 100 ml-I by week 25. Growth rates further increased during this period, to reach 60 g week-I by week 25
Effect of Myiasis and Acute Restraint Stress on Plasma Levels of Immunoreactive , ß-Endorphin, Adrenocorticotrophin (ACTH) and Cortisol in the Sheep
Authors: Shutt DA , Smith AI , Wallace CA , Connell R , Fell LR
Published: July 2016

Cutaneous myiasis in sheep arising from the activity of Lucilia cuprina larvae can result in significant physiological changes in susceptible animals. The stress imposed on the pituitary-adrenal axis of the sheep in response to myiasis and acute restraint is the subject of this investigation. Merino wethers were exposed to handling restraint, and blood sampling, during examination for blowfly strike; where necessary, they were treated for cutaneous myiasis. Significant changes in the plasma concentrations of immunoreactive J3-endorphin (J3-EP), ACTH and cortisol were found in sheep with extensive myiasis, as compared with unstruck sheep or those with only localized myiasis. In five susceptible sheep with extensive cutaneous myiasis, mean plasma levels of J3-EP, ACTH and cortisol were 307 � 71 pg ml-1, 953 � 58 pg ml-1 and 232 � 46 nmoll-1 respectively, compared with 818 � 89 pg ml-1, 641 � 41 pg ml-1 and 107 � 17 nmol I-I in six unstruck sheep handled similarly. Whereas significant increases in plasma ACTH and cortisol can result from pituitary-adrenal responses to acute emotional or surgical stress, and are usually accompanied by a concomitant release of J3-EP from the pituitary, the present findings indicate a marked reduction in J3-EP levels and a significant increase in ACTH and cortisol in sheep following blowfly strike and acute handling restraint. This result suggests that cutaneous myiasis in susceptible sheep can alter the pituitaryadrenal response to acute restraint stress, and this could occur either by an alteration of precursor processing in the pituitary or by the selective release of ACTH.
Dietary Regulation of Ornithine Transcarbamylase mRNA in Liver and Small Intestine
Authors: Wraight Christopher , Hoogenraad Nicholas
Published: July 2016

In the rat, changes in dietary protein intake give rise to changes in the levels of ornithine transcarbamylase (OTC) in liver and small intestine-an increase in liver and decrease in small intestine. The changes in enzyme level are accompanied by similar changes in levels of specific mRNA. Thus in liver, there is an increase in the level of specific mRNA when protein intake is increased, whereas in small intestine there is a small decrease. Comparison of changes in specific mRNA with total poly-Acontaining RNA showed that the change in OTC mRNA in liver paralleled the change in total RNA levels. In contrast, in small intestine the small decrease in OTC mRNA levels when protein intake was increased was in the face of an increase in the level of total mRNA. Whereas the level of OTC is 20-fold higher in liver than in small intestine, the mRNA level for the enzyme differs by only 2� 5-fold.
Epithelial Notch signaling regulates lung alveolar morphogenesis and airway epithelial integrity
Authors: Tsao Po-Nien , Matsuoka Chisa , Wei Shu-Chen , Sato Atsuyasu , Sato Susumu , Hasegawa Koichi , Chen Hung-kuan , Ling Thai-Yen , Mori Munemasa , Cardoso Wellington V. , Morimoto Mitsuru
Published: July 2016

Significance

Formation of the gas-exchange region of the lung occurs largely postnatally through a process called alveologenesis. Alveolar abnormalities are a hallmark of neonatal and adult chronic lung diseases. Here we report that disruption of Notch signaling in mice, particularly by Notch2, results in abnormal enlargement of the alveolar spaces reminiscent of that seen in chronic lung diseases. We provide evidence that Notch is crucial to mediate cross-talk between different cell layers, including signals such as PDGF for formation of the alveoli and maintenance of the integrity of the conducting airways.
Dimer interface of bovine cytochrome
c
oxidase is influenced by local posttranslational modifications and lipid binding
Authors: Liko Idlir , Degiacomi Matteo T. , Mohammed Shabaz , Yoshikawa Shinya , Schmidt Carla , Robinson Carol V.
Published: July 2016

Significance

Cytochrome
c
oxidase is the last of the enzymes in the mitochondrial electron transport chain and represents a large integral membrane protein complex coupling conversion of molecular oxygen to water with proton translocation across the membrane. We used mass spectrometry to study cytochrome
c
oxidase extracted from bovine heart and provide the first evidence that both the monomer and the dimer are present in solution and are stabilized by annular and interfacial lipid interactions. We also identified posttranslational modifications and located them in the structure of cytochrome
c
oxidase; the location of the acetylated residues in particular suggests a role for this modification in modulating lipid interactions, and hence the interplay of the two monomeric subunits.
Animal-based indicators to assess welfare in zoo animals.
Authors: Manteca X. , Amat M. , Salas M. , Temple D.
Published: July 2016

Animal welfare is a priority for modern zoos and science-based welfare indicators are needed. Welfare indicators can be divided into environment-based and animal-based indicators. Environment-based indicators are usually easier to measure, but only animal-based indicators provide direct information on the welfare of animals and are therefore preferred. Animal-based indicators include abnormal behaviours; changes in the frequency, duration or intensity of normal behaviours; disease prevalence or incidence; life span; body condition, physiological parameters; telomere length; and keeper ratings. Some of the abnormal behaviours most commonly used to assess welfare are stereotypies, apathy, regurgitation-reingestion and feather-damaging behaviour. Changes in sleep, feed intake, rumination, displacement behaviours, anticipatory behaviour, play, affiliative behaviour, aggression and maternal behaviour can also be used to assess welfare in zoo animals. There is no single indicator that can provide all the information needed to assess the welfare of an animal or group of animals. Further, all potential welfare indicators have shortcomings and methodological limitations. Therefore, several indicators have to be used to assess zoo animal welfare and they should be checked for validity, reliability and feasibility. Also, both positive and negative indicators of welfare should be used. One area deserving further research is the development of welfare assessment protocols that combine the best indicators for a given species or taxonomic group. Some of the protocols developed for farm animals could be applied to zoo animals. Most research on welfare assessment of zoo animals refers to mammals and birds and identification of welfare indicators for reptiles, fish and amphibians is another research priority.
Study of subsurface initiation mechanism for white etching crack formation
Authors: Diederichs Annika M. , Barteldes Soeren , Schwedt Alexander , Mayer Joachim , Holweger Walter
Published: July 2016

The present paper describes a novel way to detect early stages in the gradual transformation of SAE 52100 bearing steel material to white etching cracks (WEC). The underlying transformation is recorded and investigated by a complementary use of Barkhausen noise measurements, ultrasonic measurements and scanning electron microscopy. While ultrasonic measurements can only be used to detect cracks in a failed component, the recently improved Barkhausen noise measurement technique can be used to detect possible early stages of microstructural transformation. A cross section from a region without ultrasonic signal but with a Barkhausen signal has been investigated by the use of scanning electron microscopes in order to reveal possible pre-stages of WEC formation. These findings support that WEC are locally initiated in subsurface regions. Within those modified regions, carbides start to dissolve in consequence of deformation accumulation, which has been identified as an early state of WEA microstructure formation.

This paper is part of a Themed Issue on Recent developments in bearing steels.
Eye tracking reveals the cost of switching between self and other perspectives in a visual perspective-taking task
Authors: Ferguson Heather J. , Apperly Ian , Cane James E.
Published: July 2016

Previous studies have shown that while people can rapidly and accurately compute their own and other people's visual perspectives, they experience difficulty ignoring the irrelevant perspective when the two perspectives differ. We used the “avatar” perspective-taking task to examine the mechanisms that underlie these egocentric (i.e., interference from their own perspective) and altercentric (i.e., interference from the other person's perspective) tendencies. Participants were eye-tracked as they verified the number of discs in a visual scene according to either their own or an on-screen avatar's perspective. Crucially in some trials the two perspectives were inconsistent (i.e., each saw a different number of discs), while in others they were consistent. To examine the effect of perspective switching, performance was compared for trials that were preceded with the same versus a different perspective cue. We found that altercentric interference can be reduced or eliminated when participants stick with their own perspective across consecutive trials. Our eye-tracking analyses revealed distinct fixation patterns for self and other perspective taking, suggesting that consistency effects in this paradigm are driven by implicit mentalizing of what others can see, and not automatic directional cues from the avatar.
Immunofluorescence Microscopy of Schizosaccharomyces pombe Using Chemical Fixation
Authors: Hagan Iain M.
Published: July 2016

Establishing the subcellular distribution of molecules of interest and the dynamics of their spatial control underpins all areas of cell and developmental biology. Although the ability to monitor the distribution of fluorescent fusion proteins has revolutionized cell and developmental biology, indirect immunofluorescence microscopy of fixed samples remains an essential complement to this approach. Immunofluorescence is often a more appropriate approach for the study of subcellular architecture. It avoids potential artifacts caused by studying fusion proteins, which might show altered function under stressful imaging conditions. Furthermore, the quantitative analysis of multiple cells in an unperturbed population by immunofluorescence invariably provides a more accurate assessment of the spatial and temporal control of a particular process than does the analysis of individual cells that is the hallmark of live-cell imaging. Parallel studies of living and fixed cells often provide complementary data sets, both of which can be considered necessary for a comprehensive understanding of molecular function. This protocol provides a method for the visualization of the Schizosaccharomyces pombe microtubule cytoskeleton by indirect immunofluorescence microscopy following chemical fixation with formaldehyde and glutaraldehyde. It includes discussion of common modifications used to monitor the distribution of other fission yeast antigens and forms a basis from which to develop protocols to localize new molecules of interest.
Military apprenticeships in the US: an implementation evaluation
Authors: Hanson Devlin , Lerman Robert I
Published: July 2016

Purpose

– Apprenticeships in the Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard, which operate under the United Services Military Apprenticeship Program (USMAP), now account for about 20 percent of all registered apprentices in the USA. The purpose of this paper is to draw on interviews and focus groups to examine the strengths and limitations of USMAP, develops implications of the study for policy, and presents ideas for demonstration projects to learn how best to improve USMAP.

Design/methodology/approach

– The primary method involved background research on USMAP and USMAP occupations, interviews with key staff members involved with USMAP operations, and 11 focus groups at two Navy and two Marine Corps bases with USMAP apprentices, USMAP completers, and USMAP supervisors.

Findings

– The study contributes by answering key questions about USMAP. Positives include the potential to upgrade skills, document occupational competencies, and smooth the transition to civilian employment. The study shows that service members have a weak understanding of the rationale for participating and for completing their apprenticeships. Logistical problems often result in incomplete documentation. Counselors lack knowledge about how to make USMAP completers attractive to employers. Finally, USMAP does little to engage employers in insuring the occupational standards are adequate for civilian jobs and in hiring those completing apprenticeships. The study draws policy implications and presents an agenda for research.

Practical implications

– The military should provide additional financial support to help the program connect participants with civilian jobs, including a website where employers could search for candidates and communicate with veterans.

Originality/value

– This study is the first to examine the operations and implementation of the USMAP.
Skilled trades to university student: luck or courage?
Authors: Watt Bonnie
Published: July 2016

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to examine participants’ experiences as they transitioned from the skilled trade labor workforce to the school teaching profession. Their goal was to work in the secondary school system as certificated teachers.

Design/methodology/approach

– The study examined interview data from a 2014 to 2015 evaluation study of participants in the Career and Technology Studies Bridge to Teacher Certification Program in Alberta. Interview comments of 20 participants were analyzed.

Findings

– Participants earning a bachelor of education degree countered their skilled trade habitus with adjustment to the university habitus, with support provided though the program and strong networks among the students. Individuals demonstrated resiliency, persistence, and optimism. The findings may have significance more broadly for a re-examination of university policies and spaces for non-traditional students.

Originality/value

– The paper provides an insight into how a well-designed program provides opportunities for individuals to transition from the skilled trade workforce to university. Further, the paper contributes to the scholarly literature in the area of second-career teachers’ habitus, fields, and capitals.
The World Englishes paradigm
Authors: Lee Kang-Young , Warren Green Randy
Published: July 2016

Purpose

The world Englishes (WE) paradigm gravitating around the recent models of English has been theoretically discussed in the applied linguistics profession: that is, English today has gone beyond the general description of post-colonial and institutionalized varieties and is being defined as the linguistic diversity realized by all global users (Ates et al., 2015). This advocates the creation of “multidialectical English speakers/listeners” among WE with intercultural insight and knowledge (Lee, 2012) by supporting linguistic and cultural diversity with cultural tolerance. While theoretical discussions on WE abound, this paper aims to focus more on local learners/users of WE: it investigates Korean university students’ perceptions of WE, their attitudes toward WE and finally factors that affect their perceptions and attitudes.

Design/methodology/approach

Sixty Korean students in a university participated in the survey. Data include questionnaires and interviews.

Findings

Results indicate that the students still have a preference and are able to more easily recognize the inner circle (IC) Englishes but have a keen interest in being exposed to WE for less stressful, more interactive, communicative and comprehensible uses. Pedagogical implications and suggestions are also discussed.

Research limitations/implications

The data enable researchers to gain more insight into several of the social, political and cultural aspects or dimensions that are at play in the WE debate. As previous studies have indicated, an individual’s attitude toward WE is not just a simple matter of choosing which form of English to learn; it is one that has important ramifications in shaping a person’s worldview and cultural perspectives. Within the context of the WE paradigm, this study reveals the influence still held by IC countries yet provides strong evidence that an awareness of the reality of and interest in WE presently exists in Korea.

Practical/implications

This finding has important implications for English instructors, institutions and educational policy makers in the expanding circle where local varieties of English are emerging.

Originality/value

This paper is all originated from the current study’s research questions and interviews. Students were all attending a university at that time. This study carries an important value, as it reports how Korean university students feel/value WE in relation to IC Englishes and how they feel and shape their attitudes toward the theoretical justification of WE.
The modulating role of group stability on fitness effects of group size is different in females and males of a communally rearing rodent
Authors: Ebensperger Luis A. , Correa Loreto A. , León Cecilia , Ramírez‐Estrada Juan , Abades Sebastian , Villegas Álvaro , Hayes Loren D.
Published: July 2016

Group size may influence fitness benefits and costs that emerge from cooperative and competitive interactions in social species. However, evidence from plural breeding mammals indicates that group size is insufficient to explain variation in direct fitness, implying other attributes of social groups were overlooked.

We studied the natural population of a social rodent during 5 years to test the hypothesis that social stability – in terms of group composition – modulates the effects of increasing number of breeding females (a proxy of communal rearing) and males on the number of offspring weaned (sired) and on the number of offspring weaned (sired) surviving to breeding age (two proxies of direct fitness). We quantified the effects of social stability (measured as changes in female or male group members between mating and the onset of lactation) on these fitness measures.

We used live trapping, telemetry andDNAmarkers to determine social and fitness measures.

Social stability in degus was variable in terms of the number of changes in group composition across groups. Low stability was mostly due to mortality and emigration of group members.

Results supported a modulating role of social stability on the relationship between group size and the number of offspring weaned (sired). Stability in female and male group composition were both modulators of fitness to females and males.

The modulatory role of stability was sex specific, where high social stability was often fitness beneficial to the females. Instead, low social stability was fitness enhancing to the males.
Distinguishing ischaemic optic neuropathy from optic neuritis by ganglion cell analysis
Authors: Erlich‐Malona Natalie , Mendoza‐Santiesteban Carlos E. , Hedges Thomas R. , Patel Nimesh , Monaco Caitlin , Cole Emily
Published: July 2016

Purpose

To determine whether a pattern of altitudinal ganglion cell loss, as detected and measured by optical coherence tomography (OCT), can be used to distinguish non‐arteritic ischaemic optic neuropathy (NAION) from optic neuritis (ON) during the acute phase, and whether the rate or severity of ganglion cell loss differs between the two diseases.

Methods

We performed a retrospective, case–control study of 44 patients (50 eyes) with ON or NAION and 44 age‐matched controls. Non‐arteritic ischaemic optic neuropathy and ON patients had OCT at presentation and four consecutive follow‐up visits. Controls had OCT at one point in time. The ganglion cell complex (GCC) was evaluated in the macula, and the retinal nerve fibre layer (RNFL) was evaluated in the peripapillary region. Ganglion cell complex thickness, RNFL thickness and GCC mean superior and inferior hemispheric difference were compared between NAION and ON patients at each time‐point using unpaired t‐tests and between disease and control subjects at first measurement using paired t‐tests.

Results

Mean time from onset of symptoms to initial presentation was 10.7 ± 6.6 days in NAION and 11.7 ± 8.6 days in ON (p = 0.67). There was a significantly greater vertical hemispheric difference in GCC thickness in NAION patients than ON patients at all time‐points (5.5–10.7 μm versus 3.1–3.6 μm, p = 0.01–0.049). Mean GCC thickness was significantly decreased at less than 2 weeks after onset in NAION compared to age‐matched controls (72.1 μm versus 82.1 μm, p < 0.001), as well as in ON compared to age‐matched controls (74.3 μm versus 84.5 μm, p < 0.001). Progression and severity of GCC and RNFL loss did not differ significantly between NAION and ON.

Conclusion

A quantitative comparison of mean superior and inferior hemispheric GCC thickness with OCT may be used to distinguish NAION from ON.
Liver stiffness measurement using acoustic radiation force impulse elastography in overweight and obese patients
Authors: Attia D. , Bantel H. , Lenzen H. , Manns M. P. , Gebel M. J. , Potthoff A.
Published: July 2016

Background

Obesity and overweight are global health problems.

Aim

To evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of liver stiffness measurement (LSM) using acoustic radiation force impulse (ARFI) elastography in overweight and obese patients for staging liver fibrosis.

Methods

Ninety‐seven patients (mean age: 50 years, 50% male) with body mass index (BMI) ≥25 kg/m2 (mean BMI: 31 kg/m2) were prospectively enrolled. All patients underwent ARFI elastography and liver biopsy. In 87/97 patients, transient elastography (TE) was performed (M‐ and XL‐probes). Patients were divided into two groups respectively: overweight: BMI <30 kg/m2 (n = 61); and obese: BMI ≥30 kg/m2 (n = 26).

Results

Acoustic radiation force impulse elastography correlated with liver fibrosis in overweight (r = 0.84, P < 0.0001) and obese patients (r = 0.85, P < 0.0001), while no correlation was observed with steatosis, steatohepatitis and BMI. Area under the curve detecting liver cirrhosis for ARFI and TE were 0.97 in overweight and 0.94 and 0.92 in obese patients. In both groups, the failure rate was lower for ARFI than TE. ARFI of liver segment 8 showed a lower discordance than TE in both groups (overweight: 3% vs. 12%, P = 0.002; obese: 8% vs. 27%, P = 0.034). Steatosis and steatohepatitis were neither predictors of discordance nor of performance in LSM by ARFI or TE in both groups.

Conclusions

In overweight and obese patients, acoustic radiation force impulse can diagnose liver cirrhosis and significant fibrosis with high diagnostic accuracy. Liver stiffness measurement using the XL‐probe reduces the influence of BMI, steatosis and steatohepatitis. The failure and discordance rates were lower for acoustic radiation force impulse than transient elastography in both patients groups.
Systematic review with meta‐analysis: the efficacy of levofloxacin triple therapy as the first‐ or second‐line treatments of Helicobacter pylori infection
Authors: Chen P.‐Y. , Wu M.‐S. , Chen C.‐Y. , Bair M.‐J. , Chou C.‐K. , Lin J.‐T. , Liou J.‐M. ,   for the Taiwan Gastrointestinal Disease and Helicobacter Consortium
Published: July 2016

Background

Levofloxacin triple therapy has been used for the first‐line and second‐line treatment of Helicobacter pylori infection for more than 10 years.

Aims

To systematically review the efficacy of levofloxacin triple therapy in the first‐ and second‐line treatment, and to assess the time trend and factors that might affect its efficacy.

Methods

Prospective trials reporting the efficacy of levofloxacin triple therapy in either the first‐line or second‐line treatment of H. pylori infection in adults were searched from the PubMed and Cochrane database from January 2000 to September 2015. Meta‐analysis was performed to calculate the cumulative eradication rate and the efficacies in subgroups.

Results

Of the 322 articles identified, a total of 4574 patients from 41 trials, including 16 trials in the first‐line treatment and 25 trials in the second‐line treatment were eligible for analysis. The cumulative eradication rate was 77.3% (95% confidence intervals, CI: 74.7–79.6) and was 80.7% (95% CI 77.1–83.7) in the first‐line treatment and 74.5% (95% CI: 70.9–77.8) in the second‐line treatment. The efficacies of levofloxacin triple therapy before 2008, between 2009 and 2011, and after 2012 were 77.4%, 79.6% and 74.8% respectively. The eradication rate was higher when levofloxacin was given once daily (80.6%, 95% CI: 77.1–83.7) than twice daily (73.6%, 95% CI: 69.7–77.2). The efficacy was significantly higher in levofloxacin‐susceptible strains than resistant strains (81.1% vs. 36.3%, risk ratio 2.18, 95% CI: 1.6–3, P < 0.001).

Conclusion

The efficacy of levofloxacin triple therapy has been lower than 80% in many countries and it is not recommended when the levofloxacin resistance is higher than 5–10%.
Understanding hydrogeomorphological dynamics and the distribution of large wood jams to promote sustainable river management strategies
Authors: Massé Simon , Buffin‐Bélanger Thomas
Published: July 2016

Key Messages

Bank erosion and old‐growth upstream riparian forest stands have been identified as key factors for large wood (LW) recruitment in the river system.

The concentration of LW jams is greater in the first 12 km of the study reach and gradually decreases downstream because of the widening and deepening of the channel.

To manage LW jams, the interdependence of recruitment and accumulation areas, as well as the relationships between hydrogeomorphology and LW dynamics, should be considered.
Cognitive Development Trajectories of Very Preterm and Typically Developing Children
Authors: Mangin Kathryn S. , Horwood L. J. , Woodward Lianne J.
Published: July 2016

Cognitive impairment is common among children born very preterm (VPT), yet little is known about how this risk changes over time. To examine this issue, a regional cohort of 110 VPT (≤ 32 weeks gestation) and 113 full‐term (FT) born children was prospectively assessed at ages 4, 6, 9, and 12 years using the Wechsler Preschool and Primary Scale of Intelligence–Revised and then Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children, 4th ed. At all ages, VPT children obtained lower scores than their FT born peers (p < .001). Growth curve modeling revealed stable cognitive trajectories across both groups. Neonatal white matter abnormalities and family socioeconomic adversity additively predicted cognitive risk. Despite some intraindividual variability, cognitive functioning of typically developing and high‐risk VPT children was stable and influenced by early neurological development and family rearing context.
Early Maternal Employment and Children's Academic and Behavioral Skills in Australia and the United Kingdom
Authors: Lombardi Caitlin McPherran , Coley Rebekah Levine
Published: July 2016

This study assessed the links between early maternal employment and children's later academic and behavioral skills in Australia and the United Kingdom. Using representative samples of children born in each country from 2000 to 2004 (Australia N = 5,093, U.K. N = 18,497), OLS regression models weighted with propensity scores assessed links between maternal employment in the 2 years after childbearing and children's skills in first grade. There were neutral associations between maternal employment and children's first‐grade skills in both countries. However, there was a slight indication that more time away from parenting was negatively linked to children's behavioral functioning in Australia and employment begun between 9 and 24 months was positively linked to cognitive skills for U.K. children of low‐wage mothers.