bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Fish embryo and juvenile size under hypoxia in the mouth-brooding African cichlid Pseudocrenilabrus multicolor
Authors: Reardon E.E. , Chapman L.J.
Published: February 2016

We used a field survey and a laboratory rearing experiment to (a) examine response (size and survival) to life-long hypoxia in offspring of the African maternal mouth-brooding cichlid Pseudocrenilabrus multicolor victoriae (Seegers) and (b) explore the degree to which developmental response can be environmentally-induced. Embryo size metrics were quantified in 9 field populations across a range of dissolved oxygen (DO) concentrations. In the laboratory, first generation (F1) broods of low-DO origin were reared under high or low DO. Brooding period was quantified for the mothers; and egg size, egg metabolic rate and juvenile size-at-release were quantified in their (F2) offspring. The F2 offspring were split and grown for 3 months post-release under high or low DO, and juvenile size and survival were quantified. In the field survey, across stages, embryos from low-DO field populations were shorter and weighed less than embryos from high-DO populations. In the laboratory experiment, F2 eggs and juveniles-at-release from mother’s mouth did not differ in mass, length, survival regardless of development DO environment. However, juveniles diverged in size after leaving mother’s mouth, exhibiting smaller size when grown under low DO. Size differences in embryo size across field populations and divergence in embryo size after release from the mother’s mouth support predictions for smaller body size under hypoxia. There was no evidence for negative effects on survival of juveniles after 3 months. Brooding period was 16% shorter in females reared under low DO suggesting that hypoxia may accelerate embryo de velopment. This work provides insights into how bearer fishes respond to hypoxic stress relative to fishes with no post-spawning parental care; a shorter brooding interval and smaller body size may provide an optimal solution to parent and embryo survival under hypoxia in brooding fishes.
Frequency-modulated second elements of two-element alarm calls do not enhance discrimination of callers in three Eurasian ground squirrels
Authors: Schneiderová Irena
Published: February 2016

Alarm calls of the European Spermophilus citellus (EGS), Taurus S. taurensis (TGS) and Anatolian S. xanthoprymnus (AGS) ground squirrels share the same basic structure. They are tonal sounds consisting primarily of two different elements. The first element, often produced without the second element, has limited frequency modulation, while the second element is more frequency modulated. The present study examined whether this frequency-modulated element enhances the individual distinc-tiveness of calls, allowing calls to be ascribed with greater confidence to individual callers of the three species. Cross-validated discriminant function analysis (DFA) based on five acoustic parameters of the first element successfully classified calls to correct individuals (EGS: 90%, TGS: 98%, AGS: 96%). Cross-validated DFA based on five acoustic parameters of the second element was also successful in classifications (EGS: 88%, TGS: 86%, AGS: 96%), though discrimination of callers based on parameters of the second versus first element was the same for the AGS, lower for the EGS and significantly lower for the TGS. Cross-validated DFA based on five acoustic parameters of two-element calls also successfully classified calls to correct individuals (EGS: 93%, TGS: 98%, AGS: 97%), though did not improve the extent to which calls could be classified to individuals beyond that based on the first element alone. Thus, the second element does not enhance the individual distinctiveness of calls, but may convey other information such as the location of the caller.
The song remains the same: Juvenile Richardson’s ground squirrels do not respond differentially to mother’s or colony member’s alarm calls
Authors: Hare James F. , Warkentin Kurtis J.
Published: February 2016

Alarm calls are emitted by Richardson’s ground squirrels Urocitellus richardsonii in response to avian and terrestrial predators. Conspecifics detecting these calls respond with increased vigilance, promoting predator detection and evasion, but in doing so, lose time from foraging. That loss can be minimized if alarm call recipients discriminate among signalers, and weight their response accordingly. For juvenile ground squirrels, we predicted that the trade-off between foraging and vigilance could be optimized via selective response to alarm calls emitted by their own dam, and/or neighboring colony members over calls broadcast by less familiar conspecifics. Alarm calls of adult female Richardson’s ground squirrels were elicited in the field using a predator model and recorded on digital audio tape. Free-living focal juveniles were subjected to playbacks of a call of their mother, and on a separate occasion a call from either another adult female from their own colony, or an adult female from another colony. Neither immediate postural responses and escape behavior, nor the duration of vigilance manifested by juveniles differed with exposure to alarm calls of the three adult female signaler types. Thus, juveniles did not respond preferentially to alarm calls emitted by their mothers or colony members, likely reflecting the high cost of ignoring alarm signals where receivers have had limited opportunity to establish past signaler reliability.
Free-ranging Sichuan snub-nosed monkeys Rhinopithecus roxellana: Neophobia, neophilia, or both?
Authors: Fu Weiwei , Zhao Dapeng , Qi Xiaoguang , Guo Songtao , Wei Wei , Li Baoguo
Published: February 2016

We studied the responsiveness of the Sichuan snub-nosed monkey Rhinopithecus roxellana, an arboreal Old World monkey, to the presence of novel stimuli associated with familiar food. We also determined differences in responses by age and sex. Results showed that monkeys exhibited neophilia and neophobia simultaneously when facing novel stimuli. Age affected the response to novel stimuli significantly, with immature individuals responding to novel stimuli most frequently and infants least frequently. No significant differences were observed for sex, although females were more responsive to the novel object than were males. Our results support the “readiness to eat” hypothesis that the presence of a novel object can increase latencies to consume familiar food.
Revealing the control of migratory fueling: An integrated approach combining laboratory and field studies in northern wheatears Oenanthe oenanthe
Authors: Bairlein Franz , Dierschke Volker , Delingat Julia , Eikenaar Cas , Maggini Ivan , Bulte Marc , Schmaljohann Heiko
Published: February 2016

Migratory birds rely on fueling prior to migratory flights. Fueling in migrants is controlled by intrinsic as well as extrinsic factors. From captive studies we have started understanding the internal mechanisms controlling bird migration. Field studies have demonstrated the effects of external factors, such as food availability, weather, competitors, parasites or diseases, on the stopover behavior of migrants. However, an integrated approach is still missing to study coherently how the innate migration program interacts with the varying environmental cues and to estimate the contribution of the innate migration program and the environment to realized migration. The northern wheatear Oenanthe oenanthe offers a unique opportunity for integrated studies. It breeds across almost the whole Holarctic with just a “gap” between eastern Canada and Alaska. All breeding populations overwinter in sub-Saharan Africa which makes the northern wheatear one of the most long-distant migratory songbirds with extraordinary long non-stop flights across oceans. It is a nocturnal migrant which travels without parental or social aid/guidance. Thus, young birds rely entirely on endogenous mechanisms of timing, route selection and fueling on their first outbound migration. By establishing indoor housing under controlled conditions the endogenous control mechanisms of northern wheatear migration could be revealed. At the same time, environmental factors controlling fueling could be investigated in the field. On migration wheatears occur in a variety of habitats with sparse vegetation where their stopover behavior could be quantitatively studied in the light of “optimal migration” theory by the use of remote balances, radio-tagging and even experimentally manipulated food availability. The present paper summarizes our approach to understand the control of migration in northern wheatears by combining field and laboratory studies at various spatial and temporal scales, and linking various sub-disciplines.
Overcoming maladaptive plasticity through plastic compensation
Authors: Morris Matthew R.J. , Rogers Sean M.
Published: February 2016

Most species evolve within fluctuating environments, and have developed adaptations to meet the challenges posed by environmental heterogeneity. One such adaptation is phenotypic plasticity, or the ability of a single genotype to produce multiple environmentally-induced phenotypes. Yet, not all plasticity is adaptive. Despite the renewed interest in adaptive phenotypic plasticity and its consequences for evolution, much less is known about maladaptive plasticity. However, maladaptive plasticity is likely an important driver of phenotypic similarity among populations living in different environments. This paper traces four strategies for overcoming maladaptive plasticity that result in phenotypic similarity, two of which involve genetic changes (standing genetic variation, genetic compensation) and two of which do not (standing epigenetic variation, plastic compensation). Plastic compensation is defined as adaptive plasticity overcoming maladaptive plasticity. In particular, plastic compensation may increase the likelihood of genetic compensation by facilitating population persistence. We provide key terms to disentangle these aspects of phenotypic plasticity and introduce examples to reinforce the potential importance of plastic compensation for understanding evolutionary change.
Multi-scale analysis to uncover habitat use of red-crowned cranes: Implications for conservation
Authors: Liu Chunyue , Jiang Hongxing , Zhang Shuqing , Li Chunrong , Hou Yunqiu , Qian Fawen
Published: February 2016

A multi-scale approach is essential to assess the factors that limit avian habitat use. Numerous studies have examined habitat use by the red-crowned crane, but integrated multi-scale habitat use information is lacking. We evaluated the effects of several habitat variables quantified across many spatial scales on crane use and abundance in two periods (2000 and 2009) at Yancheng National Nature Reserve, China. The natural wetlands decreased in area by 30,601 ha (-6.9%) from 2000 to 2009, predominantly as a result of conversion to aquaculture ponds and farmland, and the remaining was under degradation due to expansion of the exotic smooth cordgrass. The cranes are focusing in on either larger patches or those that are in close proximity to each other in both years, but occupied patches had smaller size, less proximity and more regular boundaries in 2009. At landscape scales, the area percentage of common seepweed, reed ponds and paddy fields had a greater positive impact on crane presence than the area percentage of aquaculture ponds. The cranes were more abundant in patches that had a greater percent area of common seepweed and reed ponds, while the percent area of paddy fields was inversely related to crane abundance in 2009 due to changing agricultural practices. In 2009, cranes tended to use less fragmented plots in natural wetlands and more fragmented plots in anthropogenic paddy fields, which were largely associated with the huge loss and degradation of natural habitats between the two years. Management should focus on restoration of large patches of natural wetlands, and formation of a relatively stable area of large paddy field and reed pond to mitigate the loss of natural wetlands.
Response of soil mite abundance and diversity to a monospecific timber Tectona grandis plantation in Ivory Coast
Authors: N’dri Julien Kouadio , Andre Henri Marc , LagerlöF Jan , Tondoh Jérôme Ebagnérin , Hance Thierry
Published: February 2016

This study aims to assess the impact of monospecific Tectona grandis forest plantation on the soil mite abundance and diversity. To achieve these objectives, two sites situated in Ivory Coast were investigated. The first, a primary forest was characterized by a very weak human activities whereas the second, a teak plantation was characterized by a high disturbance performed during the planting. After extracting, sorted and description, 116 mite species were described in the two sites. Mite densities were lower in teak plantation and also higher in the litter and decreased to the depth in both sites. Species richness recorded in teak plantation (52 species) was significantly lower compared to primary forest (98 species). The same trend was observed for Oribatida but not for Gamasida. The lower Oribatida (5 vs. 17) and higher Oribatida (24 vs. 41) were recorded respectively in teak plantation and primary forest. Mite Shannon index and evenness were significantly different between sites. High Jaccard index values and the appearance of exclusive species in both habitats showed that the sites are very distinct. Total number of species recorded corresponded to 58%–63% of the total number of species estimated by ACE and Chao 1&2 estimators, indicating that the sampling effort was not sufficient. Mite abundance and diversity varied depending on the characteristics of habitats. Chemical element (Corg, Ctot, Ntot, and SOM) values were lower in teak plantation (disturbed habitat) and significantly different to primary forest in the topsoil. Apart from litter height, soil depth, pH and C/N ratio, others variables were strongly correlated to mite abundance and diversity.
From deception to frankness: Benefits of ontogenetic shift in the anti-predator strategy of alder moth Acronicta alni larvae
Authors: Valkonen Janne K , Nokelainen Ossi , JokimãKi Marianne , Kuusinen Elviira , Paloranta Mirva , Peura Maiju , Mappes Johanna
Published: February 2016

Animals can avoid prédation by masquerading as objects that are not food to their predators. Alder moth Acronicta alni larvae go through an impressive ontogenetic change from masquerade to highly conspicuous appearance: early larval stages resemble bird droppings but in the last instar the larval coloration changes into striking yellow-and-black stripes. We hypothesized that such a change may be driven by differential prédation favoring dissimilar anti-predator strategies in different life stages. We show with a series of laboratory assays that larvae are distasteful to birds regardless of their developmental stage, suggesting that ontogenetic color change is not driven by the differential chemical defense. Birds showed higher variance in hesitation toward conspicuous prey; some individuals hesitated long time before attacking whereas all birds attacked instantly masqueraded prey. We also found that the activity level of the larvae increased with age, which fits to the fact that larvae need to move from foliage to pupation sites. In the field by using artificial larvae resembling the two life-history stages we found prédation risk to vary during the season: In early summer larger yellow-and-black larvae were attacked most, whereas later in the summer small ‘bird-dropping-larvae’ suffered the highest prédation. We conclude that the ontogenetic switch from masquerading to aposema-tism is adaptive most likely because actively moving prey cannot mimic immotile objects and thus, aposematism during the active and vulnerable period when larvae are searching for pupation sites becomes beneficial.
More than mimicry? Evaluating scope for flicker-fusion as a defensive strategy in coral snake mimics
Authors: Titcomb Georgia C. , Kikuchi David W. , Pfennig David W.
Published: February 2016

Coral snakes and their mimics often have brightly colored banded patterns, generally associated with warning coloration or mimicry. However, such color patterns have also been hypothesized to aid snakes in escaping predators through a “flicker-fusion” effect. According to this hypothesis, banded color patterns confuse potential predators when a snake transitions from resting to moving because its bands blur together to form a different color. To produce this motion blur, a moving snake’s bands must transition faster than the critical flicker-fusion rate at which a predator’s photoreceptors can refresh. It is unknown if coral snakes or their mimics meet this requirement. We tested this hypothesis by measuring the movement speed and color patterns of two coral snake mimics, Lampropeltis triangulum campbelli and L. elapsoides, and comparing the frequency of color transitions to the photoreceptor activity of the avian eye. We found that snakes often produced a motion blur, but moving snakes created a blurring effect more often in darker conditions, such as sunrise, sunset, and nighttime when these snakes are often active. Thus, at least two species of coral snake mimics are capable of achieving flicker-fiision, indicating that their color patterns may confer an additional defense aside from mimicry.
Conservation and behavior of Africa’s “Big Five”
Authors: Caro Tim , Riggio Jason
Published: February 2016

We examine the conservation status of Africa’s “Big Five”: lion, leopard, buffalo, black and white rhinoceros and elephant, and the role of behavioral knowledge in their conservation. Efforts to conserve these flagship species consist of in situ conservation, captive breeding and reintroductions. With a few exceptions, we find limited evidence that knowledge of behavior informs conservation programs targeted at these species. For management in the wild, knowledge of infanticide and ranging can provide guidelines for realistic hunting quotas and corridors between protected areas, respectively. For ex situ and reintroduction programs, behavioral knowledge is chiefly focused on improved animal husbandry. Despite a formidable understanding of these species’ behavior, the practicalities of using such knowledge may be diminished because exploitation of these species is so forceful and the bulk of efforts aimed at conserving these species (and indeed most other African species) are primarily in situ where behaviorally driven interventions are limited. Our comparative findings suggest that behavior has been of rather narrow use in the conservation of these flagship species [Current Zoology 60 (4): 486–499, 2014].
Assessment of food supplementation and surveillance as techniques to reduce damage caused by black capuchin monkeys Sapajus nigritus to forest plantations
Authors: Mikich Sandra Bos , Liebsch Dieter
Published: February 2016

Black capuchin monkeys Sapajus nigritus are among several mammalian species that damage forest plantations, primarily plantations of pine trees (Pinus spp.) in South Brazil. Management practices to reduce these damages include supplementary food offerings and plantation surveillance. To assess the efficiency of these techniques, four treatments were evaluated: feeding (F, with supplementary bananas and maize), surveillance (S, in situ, wherein men patrolled the plantations, deterring the monkeys), feeding + surveillance (FS) and control (no procedures) (C). The efficiency assessment of each treatment involved the number of recorded primate sightings in the treatments with the presence of guards (S and FS) and a damage inventory of the outskirts of the experimental points immediately before and after the experiment. These data were complemented by a simultaneous study of the availability of fruit, the primary item in the diet of this primate species, in the remnant native forest in the study area. Most sightings of S. nigritus occurred early in the morning, and in general, sightings were inversely proportional to the availability of native fruits. This trend was most evident in treatment FS, most likely due to the presence of food. Treatments F and FS exhibited higher percentages of damage, indicating that these are inefficient management techniques. Treatment S exhibited the lowest damage rate, but at a high cost, making this technique difficult to apply over large expanses. The development of other management techniques, such as environmental enrichment and the use of deterrents, is recommended to minimize the damage caused by capuchins in forest plantations.
Validation of a radioimmunoassay-based fecal corticosteroid assay for Richardson’s ground squirrels Urocitellus richard-sonii and behavioural correlates of stress
Authors: Hare James F. , Ryan Calen P. , Enright Chris , Gardiner Laura E. , Skyner Lindsay J , Berkvens Charlene N. , Anderson W. Gary
Published: February 2016

We validated a radioimmunoassay-based method quantifying fecal glucocorticoid metabolites (FGMs) from captive male and female Richardson’s ground squirrels Urocitellus richardsonii. Blood samples were drawn to explore the correlation between plasma cortisol and FGM concentrations. We also injected groups of squirrels with normal saline (CTL; control), adre-nocorticotropic hormone (ACTH; stimulating adrenal activity), or dexamethasone (DEX; suppressing adrenal activity). Potential correlations between stress and behaviour were explored through quantification of fecal pellet production and the intervention necessary to elicit defecation, as well as the behaviour of subjects in the context of handling. Changes in plasma cortisol concentration between capture (baseline), and following handling (stress-induced) were also quantified for free-living squirrels. While glucocorticoid concentrations recovered from feces during our captive-animal study were not well correlated with plasma cortisol concentrations, and uncorrelated with defecation or behaviour, FGM concentrations did reflect the activation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis. FGM concentrations increased significantly during initial captivity, but declined to baseline level as individuals acclimated to the novel environment. Injection of subjects with ACTH increased FGMs above baseline, confirming activation of the HPA axis. Plasma cortisol concentrations increased significantly with induced stress, indicating that capture and handling activated the glucocorticoid stress response even among previously handled, free-living subjects. Our findings validate a non-invasive tool that will afford new insight into the physiological processes underlying social, reproductive and antipredator behaviour of Richardson’s ground squirrels.
Persistent variation in spatial behavior affects the structure and function of interaction networks
Authors: Pinter-Wollman Noa
Published: February 2016

The function of a network is affected by its structure. For example, the presence of highly interactive individuals, or hubs, influences the extent and rate of information spread across a network. In a network of interactions, the duration over which individual variation in interactions persists may affect how the network operates. Individuals may persist in their behavior over time and across situations, often referred to as personality. Colonies of social insects are an example of a biological system in which the structure of the coordinated networks of interacting workers may greatly influence information flow within the colony, and therefore its collective behavior. Here I investigate the effects of persistence in walking patterns on interaction networks using computer simulations that are parameterized using observed behavior of harvester ants. I examine how the duration of persistence in spatial behavior influences network structure. Furthermore, I explore how spatial features of the environment affect the relationship between persistent behavior and network structure. I show that as persistence increases, the skewness of the weighted degree distribution of the interaction network increases. However, this relationship holds only when ants are confined in a space with boundaries, but not when physical barriers are absent. These findings suggest that the influence of animal personalities on network structure and function depends on the environment in which the animals reside.
From foraging to autonoetic consciousness: The primal self as a consequence of embodied prospective foraging
Authors: Hills Thomas T. , Butterfill Stephen
Published: February 2016

The capacity to adapt to resource distributions by modulating the frequency of exploratory and exploitative behaviors is common across metazoans and is arguably a principal selective force in the evolution of cognition. Here we (1) review recent work investigating behavioral and biological commonalities between external foraging in space and internal foraging over environments specified by cognitive representations, and (2) explore the implications of these commonalities for understanding the origins of the self. Behavioural commonalities include the capacity for what is known as area-restricted search in the ecological literature: this is search focussed around locations where resources have been found in the past, but moving away from locations where few resources are found, and capable of producing movement patterns mimicking Lévy flights. Area-restricted search shares a neural basis across metazoans, and these biological commonalities in vertebrates suggest an evolutionary homology between external and internal foraging. Internal foraging, and in particular a form we call embodied prospective foraging, makes available additional capacities for prediction based on search through a cognitive representation of the external environment, and allows predictions about outcomes of possible future actions. We demonstrate that cognitive systems that use embodied prospective foraging require a primitive sense of self, needed to distinguish actual from simulated action. This relationship has implications for understanding the evolution of autonoetic consciousness and self-awareness.
Spring and autumn migration of the red-breasted flycatcher through the Kizilirmak delta, Turkey
Authors: Erciyas-Yavuz Kiraz , Zduniak Piotr , Bariş Y. Sancar
Published: February 2016

The red-breasted flycatcher Ficedula parva is a small passerine bird that breeds in Eastern Europe and across central Asia and winters on the Indian subcontinent. Birds from the western extreme of the breeding range migrating to and from the wintering grounds utilise a large longitudinal component en route that is not typical of the majority of European passerines. Therefore, it is one of the lesser-known species in Europe with respect to migration and biometrics. The aim of this study is to describe the numbers, phenology and biometry of the red-breasted flycatcher in relation to age, sex and migration season at a stopover site in northern Turkey. The number of individuals ringed in autumn was six times higher than in the spring passage. Furthermore, the period of the spring passage was shorter than in autumn, and in spring males migrate six days earlier than females and juveniles; no such differences were found in autumn. Moreover, migrants carried more fuel reserves in spring than in autumn and no differences were recorded in the length of stopover duration. The study underlines the importance of further research into passerine migration across Turkey to better understand the whole migratory system of movements of the Palaearctic migratory passerine populations.
The movement of “false antennae” in butterflies with “false head” wing patterns
Authors: López-Palafox Tania G. , Luis-MartÍnez Armando , Cordero Carlos
Published: February 2016

In many butterfly species of the family Lycaenidae, the morphology and color pattern of the hind wings, together with certain behaviors, suggests the presence of a false head (FH) at the posterior end of the perching individual. This FH is considered an adaptation to escape from visually oriented predators. A frequent component of the FH are the tails that presumably resemble the antennae, and the typical hind wings back-and-forth movement along the sagittal plane (HWM) performed while perching apparently move the tails in a way that mimics antennal movement. By exposing 33 individuals from 18 species of Lycaenidae to a stuffed insectivorous bird, we tested two alternative hypotheses regarding HWM. The first hypothesis proposes that, when the butterfly is observed at close range, the HWM distorts the shape of the false head thus reducing its deceiving effect and, therefore, selection will favor butterflies that stop moving their wings when a predator is close by; the second hypothesis says that an increase in the frequency of HWM improves its deflective effect when the butterfly confronts a predator at close range. Our results tend to support the second hypothesis because half of the butterflies started to move their hind wings or increased the rate of HWM when exposed to the stuffed bird; however a substantial proportion of butterflies (30%) stopped moving their hind wings or decreased the rate of HWM as expected from the first hypothesis. Our observations also showed that there is great variation in the rates of HWM, and demonstrated the existence of alternative ways of producing “vivid” movement of the hind wing tails (the “false antennae”) in the absence of HWM.
Morphology, flight performance, and water crossing tendencies of Afro-Palearctic raptors during migration
Authors: Agostini Nicolantonio , Panuccio Michele , Pasquaretta Cristian
Published: February 2016

Raptors primarily use soaring-gliding flight which exploits thermals and ridge lifts over land to reduce energetic costs. However during migration, these birds often have to cross water surfaces where thermal currents are weak; during these times, birds mainly use flapping (powered) flight which increases energy consumption and mortality risk. As a result, some species have evolved strategies to reduce the amount of time spent over water by taking extensive detours over land. In this paper, we conducted a meta-analysis of water-crossing tendencies in Afro-Palearctic migrating raptors in relation to their morphology, their flight performance, and their phylogenetic relationships. In particular, we considered the aspect ratio (calculated as the wing span squared divided by wing area), the energetic cost of powered flight, and the maximum water crossing length regularly performed by adult birds. Our results suggest that energy consumption during powered flight predominately affects the ability of raptors to fly over water surfaces.
Predicting the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (Fifth Edition)
Authors: Blashfield Roger K. , Fuller A. Kenneth
Published: February 2016

Twenty years ago, slightly after the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition was published, we predicted the characteristics of the future Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (fifth edition) (Blashfield and Fuller, 1996). Included in our predictions were how many diagnoses it would contain, the physical size of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (fifth edition), who its leader would be, how many professionals would be involved in creating it, the revenue generated, and the color of its cover. This article reports on the accuracy of our predictions. Our largest prediction error concerned financial revenue. The earnings growth of the DSM’s has been remarkable. Drug company investments, insurance benefits, the financial need of the American Psychiatric Association, and the research grant process are factors that have stimulated the growth of the DSM’s. Restoring order and simplicity to the classification of mental disorders will not be a trivial task.
The First Hand Allotransplantation in Taiwan
Authors: Kuo Yur-Ren , Chen Chien-Chang , Chen Yen-Chou , Yeh Ming-Chung , Lin Pao-Yuan , Lee Chen-Hsiang , Chang Jui-Kun , Lin Yi-Chun , Huang Shun-Chen , Chiang Yuan-Cheng , Chiu Nien-Mu , Lee Yu , Huang Yu-Chi , Liang Jiun-Lung , Wu Re-Wen , Siu Ka-Kit , Chung Kuan-Chih , Chiang Min-Hsien , Pan Cheng-Chung , Wei Fu-Chan
Published: February 2016

Purpose

Hand transplantations have been initiated and have been encouraged by promising results for more than 1 decade. The aim of this study was to present the first case of hand transplantation performed in Taiwan.

Materials and Methods

On September 3, 2014, we transplanted the left distal forearm and hand of a brain-dead managed 37 years to a man aged 45 years who had traumatic amputation of the distal third of his right forearm 30 years ago. The total ischemic time during the transplantation was 6 hours and 45 minutes. Immunosuppression included anti-thymocyte globulins, and methylprednisolone (Solumedrol) was used for the induction. Maintenance therapy included systemic tacrolimus, mycophenolic acid [mycophenolate mofetil (MMF)], and prednisone. A combination of systemic (tacrolimus/MMF/prednisolone) and topical immunosuppressant cream (clobetasol and tacrolimus) was applied if acute rejection occurred. Follow-up included routine posttransplant laboratory tests, skin biopsies, intensive physiotherapy, and psychological support.

Results

The initial postoperative course was uneventful. No surgical complications were observed. Immunosuppression was well tolerated using tacrolimus, MMF, and prednisone, except for some immune-related complications. One episode of mild clinical and histological signs of cutaneous rejection was seen at 105 days after surgery. These signs disappeared after pulse therapy with Solumedrol and the topical application of immunosuppressive creams (tacrolimus and clobetasol). One infection episode occurred due to local cellulitis and axillary lymphadenopathy on day 140 and was successfully treated with antibiotics. The patient developed cytomegalovirus infection at 7 months that responded to medication. Intensive physiotherapy led to satisfactory progress in motor functioning. Sensory progress (Tinel sign) was good and reached the wrist by 3 months for the median and ulnar nerves, and could be felt in the finger tip by 9 months in response to deep pressure and light touch sensations. The patient has a lateral pinch that allows him to pick up and grip objects during daily living, although his muscle power is still insufficient.

Conclusions

Hand allotransplantation is technically feasible. Currently available immunosuppression methods seem to control vascularized composite tissue allotransplantation rejection. A combination of topical and systemic immunosuppressants is a useful method to prevent acute hand allotransplant rejection.
Reassessment of Mendelian gene pathogenicity using 7,855 cardiomyopathy cases and 60,706 reference samples
Authors: Walsh Roddy , Thomson Kate L , Ware James S , Funke Birgit H , Woodley Jessica , McGuire Karen J , Mazzarotto Francesco , Blair Edward , Seller Anneke , Taylor Jenny C , Minikel Eric V ,   Exome Aggregation Consortium, MacArthur Daniel G , Farrall Martin , Cook Stuart A , Watkins Hugh C
Published: February 2016

The accurate interpretation of variation in Mendelian disease genes has lagged behind data generation as sequencing has become increasingly accessible. Ongoing large sequencing efforts present huge interpretive challenges, but also provide an invaluable opportunity to characterize the spectrum and importance of rare variation. Here we analyze sequence data from 7,855 clinical cardiomyopathy cases and 60,706 ExAC reference samples to better understand genetic variation in a representative autosomal dominant disorder. We show that in some genes previously reported as important causes of a given cardiomyopathy, rare variation is not clinically informative and there is a high likelihood of false positive interpretation. By contrast, in other genes, we find that diagnostic laboratories may be overly conservative when assessing variant pathogenicity. We outline improved interpretation approaches for specific genes and variant classes and propose that these will increase the clinical utility of testing across a range of Mendelian diseases.

One Sentence Summary

Comparing the frequency of very rare variation between patient cohorts and very large genomic reference datasets enables the reliable re-evaluation of genes previously implicated in Mendelian disease and more accurate assessment of the likely pathogenicity of different classes of variants.
Audit and legal implications of PCAOB’s inspections among BRIC
Authors: Huang Henry , Chong H. Gin
Published: February 2016

Purpose

– This paper aims to analyze Public Companies Accounting Oversight Board (PCAOB) inspection reports on audit reports of those inspected accounting firms in Brazil, Russia, India and China (BRIC). In meeting the requirements of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act, the PCAOB conducts inspections on audit reports of firms listed on the New York Stock Exchange.

Design/methodology/approach

– The reports include those submitted by both the US audit parent firms and their secondary firms located outside the USA. In each PCAOB report, it unravels the nature of audit deficiencies. The focus is on Big Four because they play a dominant role in the marketplace and issuers’ market capitalization. All the seven-year deficiencies are documented since publications of the reports from 2004 to 2012.

Findings

– Of the 37 reports, 19 (51 per cent) were issued relating to audits conducted by the Big Four. Out of these 19 reports, 10 (53 per cent) contain inspection criticism. These include audit quality and common recurring audit deficiencies.

Research limitations/implications

– This paper is based solely on those inspection reports published by the PCAOB.

Practical implications

– The findings have significant implications to audit firms and the audit profession on improving audit quality, firms’ internal control and reports.

Originality/value

– No known prior research paper is available on the ramifications of the PCAOB’s inspection reports relating to BRIC.
Impact of a Chronic Pain Protocol on Emergency Department Utilization
Authors: Olsen Jon C. , Ogarek Joseph L. , Goldenberg Eric J. , Sulo Suela
Published: February 2016

Objectives

Patients suffering from chronic painful conditions frequently present to the emergency department (ED) for pain control. In an effort to better manage these patients we implemented and measured the effect of enrollment in a chronic pain protocol in a single ED.

Methods

A retrospective (pre) and prospective (post) study design was utilized. We identified 46 frequent ED users suffering from chronic painful conditions. We then retrospectively documented their ED use and prescription controlled substance use for 6 months prior to enrollment in a chronic pain protocol and then 6 months postenrollment.

Results

Preenrollment participating patients visited the ED on average 6.2 times in a 6‐month period. Postenrollment their mean number of visits in the following 6 months decreased significantly to 2.2 times, or a 65% decrease (p < 0.001). Similarly, preenrollment, the patients were prescribed a median of 664 controlled substance pills in the entire state compared to 471 pills in the 6‐month period postenrollment, or a 29% decrease (p < 0.022).

Conclusions

Through instituting a chronic pain protocol, we found significant reductions in the number of return visits to a single ED and the number of controlled substance medications prescribed by all providers. Additional studies using similar protocols could help establish their impact on the care of patients suffering from chronic pain and the potential to reduce healthcare costs, ED overcrowding, and prescription drug abuse.
Short‐term effects of liraglutide on kidney function and vasoactive hormones in type 2 diabetes: a randomized clinical trial
Authors: Skov J. , Pedersen M. , Holst J. J. , Madsen B. , Goetze J. P. , Rittig S. , Jonassen T. , Frøkiær J. , Dejgaard A. , Christiansen J. S.
Published: February 2016

Aims

To investigate the effects of a single dose of 1.2 mg liraglutide, a once‐daily glucagon‐like peptide‐1 (GLP‐1) receptor agonist, on key renal variables in patients with type 2 diabetes.

Methods

The study was a placebo‐controlled, double‐blind, crossover trial in 11 male patients with type 2 diabetes. Measurements included 51Cr‐EDTA plasma clearance estimated glomerular filtration rate (GFR) and MRI‐based renal blood flow (RBF), tissue perfusion and oxygenation.

Results

Liraglutide had no effect on GFR [95% confidence interval (CI) −6.8 to 3.6 ml/min/1.73 m2] or on RBF (95% CI −39 to 30 ml/min) and did not change local renal blood perfusion or oxygenation. The fractional excretion of lithium increased by 14% (p = 0.01) and sodium clearance tended to increase (p = 0.06). Liraglutide increased diastolic and systolic blood pressure (3 and 6 mm Hg) and heart rate (2 beats per min; all p < 0.05). Angiotensin II (ANG II) concentration decreased by 21% (p = 0.02), but there were no effects on other renin‐angiotensin system components, atrial natriuretic peptides (ANPs), methanephrines or excretion of catecholamines.

Conclusions

Short‐term liraglutide treatment did not affect renal haemodynamics but decreased the proximal tubular sodium reabsorption. Blood pressure increased with short‐term as opposed to long‐term treatment. Catecholamine levels were unchanged and the results did not support a GLP‐1–ANP axis. ANG II levels decreased, which may contribute to renal protection by GLP‐1 receptor agonists.
The value of crossdating to retain high‐frequency variability, climate signals, and extreme events in environmental proxies
Authors: Black Bryan A. , Griffin Daniel , van der Sleen Peter , Wanamaker Alan D. , Speer James H. , Frank David C. , Stahle David W. , Pederson Neil , Copenheaver Carolyn A. , Trouet Valerie , Griffin Shelly , Gillanders Bronwyn M.
Published: February 2016

High‐resolution biogenic and geologic proxies in which one increment or layer is formed per year are crucial to describing natural ranges of environmental variability in Earth's physical and biological systems. However, dating controls are necessary to ensure temporal precision and accuracy; simple counts cannot ensure that all layers are placed correctly in time. Originally developed for tree‐ring data, crossdating is the only such procedure that ensures all increments have been assigned the correct calendar year of formation. Here, we use growth‐increment data from two tree species, two marine bivalve species, and a marine fish species to illustrate sensitivity of environmental signals to modest dating error rates. When falsely added or missed increments are induced at one and five percent rates, errors propagate back through time and eliminate high‐frequency variability, climate signals, and evidence of extreme events while incorrectly dating and distorting major disturbances or other low‐frequency processes. Our consecutive Monte Carlo experiments show that inaccuracies begin to accumulate in as little as two decades and can remove all but decadal‐scale processes after as little as two centuries. Real‐world scenarios may have even greater consequence in the absence of crossdating. Given this sensitivity to signal loss, the fundamental tenets of crossdating must be applied to fully resolve environmental signals, a point we underscore as the frontiers of growth‐increment analysis continue to expand into tropical, freshwater, and marine environments.
An Insider–Outsider Theory of Popular Tolerance for Corrupt Politicians
Authors: Chang Eric C.C. , Kerr Nicholas N.
Published: February 2016

This article addresses the puzzle of electoral support for corrupt politicians in emerging democracies by examining citizens’ varying attitudes toward political corruption. We make an important theoretical distinction between perceptions of and tolerance for corruption, and argue that these different attitudes vary across individuals depending on whether they are political insiders or outsiders. We test our theory using Afrobarometer survey data from 18 sub‐Saharan African countries and find that individuals included within clientelistic networks simultaneously perceive corruption as ubiquitous and are more tolerant of malfeasance. Meanwhile, those individuals with partisan or ethnic ties to the incumbent are less likely to consider corruption as widespread. Finally, we explore whether variation in attitudes toward corruption influences citizens’ voting behavior, and find that insiders are less likely to “vote the rascals out.”
Sensitivity to scale of willingness‐to‐pay within the context of menorrhagia
Authors: Sanghera Sabina , Frew Emma , Gupta Janesh Kumar , Kai Joe , Roberts Tracy Elizabeth
Published: February 2016

Objectives

Willingness‐to‐pay (WTP) provides a broad assessment of well‐being, capturing benefits beyond health. However, the validity of the approach has been questioned and the evidence relating to the sensitivity of WTP to changes in health status is mixed. Using menorrhagia (heavy menstrual bleeding) as a case study, this exploratory study assesses the sensitivity to scale of WTP to change in health status as measured by a condition‐specific measure, MMAS, which includes both health and non‐health benefits. The relationship between EQ‐5D and change in health status is also assessed.

Methods

Baseline EQ‐5D and MMAS values were collected from women taking part in a randomized controlled trial for pharmaceutical treatment of menorrhagia. Following treatment, these measures were administered along with a WTP exercise. The relationship between the measures was assessed using Spearman's correlation analysis, and the sensitivity to scale of WTP was measured by identifying differences in WTP alongside differences in MMAS and EQ5D values.

Results

Our exploratory findings indicated that WTP, and not EQ‐5D, was significantly positively correlated with change in MMAS, providing some evidence for convergent validity. These findings suggest that WTP is capturing the non‐health benefits within the MMAS measure. Mean WTP also increased with percentage improvements in MMAS, suggesting sensitivity to scale.

Conclusion

When compared to quality of life measured using the condition‐specific MMAS measure, the convergent validity and sensitivity to scale of WTP is indicated. The findings suggest that WTP is more sensitive to change in MMAS, than with EQ‐5D.
In Defence of Reasonable Doubt
Authors: Gardiner Georgi
Published: February 2016

In criminal trials the state must establish, to a particular standard of proof, the defendant's guilt. The most widely used and important standard of proof for criminal conviction is the ‘beyond a reasonable doubt' standard. But what legitimates this standard, rather than an alternative? One view holds the standard of proof should be determined or justified – at least in large part – by its consequences.

In this spirit, Laudan uses crime statistics to estimate risks the average citizen runs of being violently victimised and falsely convicted. He argues that since the former risk is higher, and the aggregate harms are worse, the standard of proof should be substantially lowered. He presents a formula for calculating the preferred standard.

In this article I outline various ways Laudan's uses of crime statistics are flawed, and explain how he substantially overestimates risks of victimhood and underestimates costs of false convictions. I also explain why his formula is mistaken, and illuminate consequences Laudan neglects. I conclude that, even if consequences determine the appropriate standard of proof, Laudan's arguments fail to show the standard is too high. I conclude by suggesting that the inadequacies of Laudan's reasoning might be good news for consequence‐based justifications of the standard of proof.