bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Teaching Religion in Public Schools: Review of Warren A. Nord, Does God Make A Difference?
Authors: Feinberg Walter
Published: August 2013

In this review of Warren Nord's Does God Make a Difference? Taking Religion Seriously in Our Schools and Universities, Walter Feinberg provides a detailed analysis of Nord's argument that the study of religion should be constitutionally mandated as a corrective to the overwhelmingly secular course of study offered in contemporary public schools and universities. Nord bases his claim on both constitutional and educational grounds. His constitutional argument is that, due to their secular bias, schools fail in their requirement to take a neutral stance toward religion; he contends that this creates a school environment hostile to religion that thus requires a legal remedy. Nord's primary educational argument is that religion courses are needed to counterbalance the secular bias dominant in public schools and universities. Feinberg delineates how Nord's constitutional argument fails and how his educational argument has serious flaws and contradictions. According to Feinberg, a stronger argument for mandating courses on religion in schools would be that because public schools exist in a religiously infused environment, it is important for students to be exposed to alternative understandings that promote reflection on and criticism of one's own beliefs, including religious beliefs. Feinberg concludes that if religion is to be taught in the public schools, it needs to be justified on civic rather than religious grounds.
Efficacy of dry granular anionic polyacrylamide (PAM) on infiltration, runoff and erosion
Authors: Abrol V. , Shainberg I. , Lado M. , Ben‐Hur M.
Published: August 2013

Seal formation at the soil surface during rainstorms reduces rain infiltration and leads to runoff and erosion. Surface application of dissolved polyacrylamide (PAM) mixed with gypsum was found to be effective in decreasing seal formation, runoff and erosion. Surface application of dry granularPAMmixed with gypsum was effective in decreasing runoff and erosion. However, surface application of dry granularPAMwithout a source of electrolytes was not effective in maintaining a good infiltration rate (IR), but was effective in preventing erosion. The objectives of this study were (i) to investigate the mechanisms by which granularPAMwas effective in controlling erosion but was not effective in maintainingIR, (ii) optimize dry granularPAMdosage according to purpose of application and (iii) devise a practically viable method of applying dryPAMfor improvingIRand erosion control. GranularPAM‐A110(0, 5, 10 and 20 kg ha−1) spread on the surface of a silt loam soil (CalcicHaploxeralf) was exposed to three treatments (control; gypsum at the rate of 4 Mg ha−1; 40 mm 0.02 mCaCl2mist and drying) and all received simulated rain of deionized water (DW). The initialIRof the control treatment was good but decreased to very small values after seal formation. The initialIRof the 20 kg ha−1dryPAMtreatment was very small and remained small throughout the rain event. TheIRsof the 5 and 10 kg ha−1dryPAMtreatments were more than those of the 20 kg ha−1treatment. Whereas the smallIRof the control was through seal formation, that of the dryPAMtreatments resulted fromPAMdissolution and the very large viscosity of the infiltratingPAMsolutions. Mixing thePAMgranules with gypsum or spraying the electrolyte solution and drying were effective in maintaining a largeIRand a small erosion rate. The electrolytes in the infiltrating rain and drying of the wetted soil reduced the large viscosity of thePAMsolution in the soil and increased theIR. DissolvedPAMin runoff increased the binding of surface soil particles by thePAMpolymers, decreased soil particle detachment from the soil surface and increased the flocculation of the eroded soil particles. These processes were studied in connection with the extensive use ofPAMin preventing furrow erosion.
Organic amendments affect δ13C signature of soil respiration and soil organic C accumulation in a long‐term field experiment in Sweden
Authors: Menichetti L. , Ekblad A. , Kätterer T.
Published: August 2013

The contribution of young and old soil organic carbon (SOC) pools to soil CO2 fluxes and specific respiration rates of these fluxes was determined by using δ13C signatures in the Ultuna long‐term continuous soil organic matter experiment (C‐SOME). Initiated in 1956, the experiment had a range of treatments amended organically and with mineral nitrogen fertilizer under C3 cultivation until 1999, and thereafter under C4 (maize) cultivation. In 2011, soil respiration was measured in situ prior to planting, during growth and after harvest. The contributions from C4‐ and C3‐C as well as their specific respiration rates were estimated from δ13C differences in SOC and CO2 fluxes. The contributions from C4‐C sources were further separated into autotrophic and heterotrophic respiration by comparing respiration rates before and after harvest. Between 165 and 385 g C4‐C m−2 accumulated during 10 years of maize growth, contributing between 4.9 and 8.1% to the total SOC stock. Although recent C4‐C had an average specific respiration rate that was 8.4–22.6 times greater than C3‐C, total soil respiration was generally equally split between C3‐C and C4‐C. Both pools are therefore important sources of CO2 in the overall C budget, and a crucial factor in accounting for SOC stock change caused by management. Experimental treatments influenced specific respiration rates of C4 plant material and accumulation of SOC stock, demonstrating how greater SOC accumulation can be favoured by high‐quality C inputs.
Opposite Latitudinal Clines for First Mating and Second Mating (Remating) in Males of Drosophila melanogaster
Authors: Chahal Jyoti , Dev Kapil , Kataria Sudhir Kumar , Parkash Ravi
Published: August 2013

Although female remating has been studied extensively in insects, few studies have been carried out for male remating (second mating). In this study, we analyzed Drosophila melanogaster males for their remating potential, using iso‐female line culture initiated with wild flies collected from eight Indian geographic localities. We examined the association of latitude and percent melanization with first and second male mating (including mating‐related traits). Our results indicated that second male mating has a negative latitudinal cline opposite to that of first mating. Body melanization is negatively correlated with second mating by male and positively with first mating (measured in terms of percent mated pairs). Mating latency during first (ML1) and second (ML2) male mating has a negative latitudinal cline, but slope values differ significantly as ML2 is great at higher latitudes as compared to ML1. The difference between ML1 and ML2 is non‐significant at lower latitudes. However, copulation period of second mating (CP2) has a negative latitudinal cline, whereas copulation period of first mating (CP1) has positive latitudinal cline. Next, the latency and copulation period differ significantly between first and second male mating treatments in within‐population analyses as well as in melanic strains. Furthermore, male remating ability (number of maximum successful remating attempts continuously by a male in 12 h) also follows negative latitudinal cline. The lower latitudinal lighter males have more remating ability as compared to darker males from higher latitudes.
On the Validity of a Single (Boldness) Assay in Personality Research
Authors: Beckmann Christa , Biro Peter A.
Published: August 2013

A common method to assess behavioral types in personality research involves the use of a single emergence test (employed by researchers working on fish, avian, mammal, amphibian, and invertebrate taxa), whereby a shorter latency to emerge from a holding container into a novel environment is inferred to represent greater ‘boldness’. Although any behavior might be context specific, studies using this single assay type must assume it reflects boldness in other similar contexts, otherwise it cannot reflect personality (defined as consistency across time and/or contexts). We attempted to validate whether a single assay of this type is correlated with other similar assays of boldness under more familiar, and less stressful, situations. We compared single emergence test scores of two species of damselfish (Pomacentrus wardi; P. amboinensis) in a novel environment, with two different behavioral assays of the same fish in subsequent repeated trials in home tanks. Although behavior was highly repeatable in home tanks, we found no correlation between emergence test scores in the novel environment and measures of latency to emerge from shelter following disturbance, or activity levels, on the first, second, or third observations in home tanks; there was also no correlation when we used average home tank scores from mixed models that accounted for individual differences (i.e., plasticity) in the rate of habituation (latency) and acclimation (activity). Our results therefore lead us to question the validity of using this single emergence test assay as a predictor of general boldness and to question the use of any single assay of behavior in personality research.
Sizing‐up the Competition: Factors Modulating Male Display Behavior During Mate Competition
Authors: Swierk Lindsey , Langkilde Tracy
Published: August 2013

When competing for mates, males of many species use cues from their rivals to evaluate their chances of success. Signaling behavior is a vital component of male–male contests and courtship, and may inform males of a rival's quality or intentions. We used eastern fence lizards (Sceloporus undulatus) to investigate how the time a male spent signaling during mate competition is influenced by his quality, his rival's quality relative to his own, and the value of a contested female. Furthermore, we examined how a male's behavioral response to a competitor's signals would be mediated by his relative quality. We simulated natural encounters by allowing two males to compete over a single female in the laboratory. We measured the time males spent performing two types of displays (pushups and shudders) and categorized male behavioral responses to rival pushup and shudder displays. Time spent signaling was not related to a male's absolute quality (body and head size, condition, and badge sizes), or his quality relative to that of his rival, although males did spend more time performing pushups when competing over females in better condition. Male behavior was also influenced by his rival's signals, such that males of relatively lower quality than their opponents were more likely to aggressively respond to rival pushups and shudders. We discuss these results with respect to the evolution and function of signaling behavior in courtship and male–male contests.
Phosphorylation of Noxo1 at threonine 341 regulates its interaction with Noxa1 and the superoxide‐producing activity of Nox1
Authors: Yamamoto Asataro , Takeya Ryu , Matsumoto Masaki , Nakayama Keiichi I. , Sumimoto Hideki
Published: August 2013

Superoxide production by Nox1, a member of the Nox family NAPDH oxidases, requires expression of its regulatory soluble proteins Noxo1 (Nox organizer 1) and Noxa1 (Nox activator 1) and is markedly enhanced upon cell stimulation with phorbol 12‐myristate 13‐acetate (PMA), a potent activator of protein kinase C (PKC). The mechanism underlying PMA‐induced enhancement of Nox1 activity, however, remains to be elucidated. Here we show that, in response to PMA, Noxo1 undergoes phosphorylation at multiple sites, which is inhibited by the PKC inhibitor GF109203X. Among them, Thr341 in Noxo1 is directly phosphorylated by PKC in vitro, and alanine substitution for this residue reduces not only PMA‐induced Noxo1 phosphorylation but also PMA‐dependent enhancement of Nox1‐catalyzed superoxide production. Phosphorylation of Thr341 allows Noxo1 to sufficiently interact with Noxa1, an interaction that participates in Nox1 activation. Thus phosphorylation of Noxo1 at Thr341 appears to play a crucial role in PMA‐elicited activation of Nox1, providing a molecular link between PKC‐mediated signal transduction and Nox1‐catalyzed superoxide production. Furthermore, Ser154 in Noxo1 is phosphorylated in both resting and PMA‐stimulated cells, and the phosphorylation probably participates in a PMA‐independent constitutive activity of Nox1. Ser154 may also be involved in protein kinase A (PKA) mediated regulation of Nox1; this serine is the major residue that is phosphorylated by PKA in vitro. Thus phosphorylation of Noxo1 at Thr341 and at Ser154 appears to regulate Nox1 activity in different manners.

Structured digital abstract

Noxo1 binds to p22phox by pull down (1, 2, 3)

Noxo1 binds to Noxo1 by pull down (View interaction)

Noxa1 binds to Noxo1 by pull down (1, 2, 3, 4, 5)
A coral reef refuge in the Red Sea
Authors: Fine Maoz , Gildor Hezi , Genin Amatzia
Published: August 2013

The stability and persistence of coral reefs in the decades to come is uncertain due to global warming and repeated bleaching events that will lead to reduced resilience of these ecological and socio‐economically important ecosystems. Identifying key refugia is potentially important for future conservation actions. We suggest that the Gulf of Aqaba (GoA) (Red Sea) may serve as a reef refugium due to a unique suite of environmental conditions. Our hypothesis is based on experimental detection of an exceptionally high bleaching threshold of northern Red Sea corals and on the potential dispersal of coral planulae larvae through a selective thermal barrier estimated using an ocean model. We propose that millennia of natural selection in the form of a thermal barrier at the southernmost end of the Red Sea have selected coral genotypes that are less susceptible to thermal stress in the northern Red Sea, delaying bleaching events in the GoA by at least a century.
Inertia in an ombrotrophic bog ecosystem in response to 9 years' realistic perturbation by wet deposition of nitrogen, separated by form
Authors: Sheppard Lucy J. , Leith Ian D. , Mizunuma Toshie , Leeson Sarah , Kivimaki Sanna , Neil Cape J. , van Dijk Netty , Leaver David , Sutton Mark A. , Fowler David , Van den Berg Leon J.L. , Crossley Alan , Field Chris , Smart Simon
Published: August 2013

Wet deposition of nitrogen (N) occurs in oxidized (nitrate) and reduced (ammonium) forms. Whether one form drives vegetation change more than the other is widely debated, as field evidence has been lacking. We are manipulating N form in wet deposition to an ombrotrophic bog, Whim (Scottish Borders), and here report nine years of results. Ammonium and nitrate were provided in rainwater spray as NH4Cl or NaNO3 at 8, 24 or 56 kg N ha−1 yr−1, plus a rainwater only control, via an automated system coupled to site meteorology. Detrimental N effects were observed in sensitive nonvascular plant species, with higher cumulative N loads leading to more damage at lower annual doses. Cover responses to N addition, both in relation to form and dose, were species specific and mostly dependent on N dose. Some species were generally indifferent to N form and dose, while others were dose sensitive. Calluna vulgaris showed a preference for higher N doses as ammonium N and Hypnum jutlandicum for nitrate N. However, after 9 years, the magnitude of change from wet deposited N on overall species cover is small, indicating only a slow decline in key species. Nitrogen treatment effects on soil N availability were likewise small and rarely correlated with species cover. Ammonium caused most N accumulation and damage to sensitive species at lower N loads, but toxic effects also occurred with nitrate. However, because different species respond differently to N form, setting of ecosystem level critical loads by N form is challenging. We recommend implementing the lowest value of the critical load range where communities include sensitive nonvascular plants and where ammonium dominates wet deposition chemistry. In the context of parallel assessment at the same site, N treatments for wet deposition showed overall much smaller effects than corresponding inputs of dry deposition as ammonia.
Fractal analysis of veins in Permian carbonate rocks in the Lingtanchang anticline, western China
Authors: Deng B. , Liu S. , Jansa L. , Yong S. , Zhang Z.
Published: August 2013

Statistical analysis of the thickness distribution of veins in the Lingtanchang structure, southern Sichuan basin, western China, indicates that vein thickness conforms to fractal character and a power‐law distribution, whereas various distributions of veins are indicated by both the spacing distribution and the Cv values. According to geometry and structure, the veins in the Lingtanchang structure can be divided into confined and through‐going veins. The statistical analyses show that confined intralayer veins are consistent with a power‐law distribution in thickness, with Dt values of 1.1–1.7 and a log‐normal distribution in spacing with Cv values of 0.8–0.9. The confined intra‐ to interlayer veins show Dt values of 1.0–1.3 and an exponential distribution in spacing, with Cv values of 0.9–1.0, indicating an unconnected vein network with weak ability for paleofluid flow. However, the through‐going veins show the lowest Dt values of 0.6–0.8 with a power‐law distribution in thickness and power‐law to exponential distribution in spacing with Cv values of 1.5–3.2. Differences in spacing distribution and in the thickness of veins can be explained by different stages of vein growth from confined to through‐going veins. Such processes are dominant with percolating cluster models, which significantly controls spatial distribution of veins and paleofluid flow, and therefore the reservoir conditions in the southern Sichuan basin.
Wetting behaviour of silicone‐ and resin‐based root canal sealers
Authors: Bohn S. , Ilie N.
Published: August 2013

Aim

To evaluate the wetting behaviour of three different classes of endodontic sealers, silicone (Roekoseal Automix)‐, epoxy‐resin (2Seal, AH Plus)‐ and methacrylate‐based sealers (EndoRez, RealSeal, RealSeal SE, Seal 3D) on dentine specimens with and without chemical pre‐treatment.

Methodology

Eighty caries‐free molar teeth were used for the preparation of 160 dentine discs. Half of the discs were rinsed with distilled water, and the remainder were treated with 3% NaOCl, followed by 17% EDTA and 2% CHX to simulate the final rinse under clinical‐like conditions. For both irrigation methods, 10 droplets of each sealer were analysed. Data were statistically analysed using multivariate anova (general linear model, α = 0.05) that assessed the effects of material, irrigation procedure and time on the measured contact angle as well as their interaction.

Results

Contact angle was primarily influenced by the material (P < 0.05), followed by time (P < 0.05). Irrigation procedure had a significant influence (P < 0.05) on contact angle formation of all materials except EndoRez and AH Plus. EndoRez had the highest values, and Roekoseal Automix had the lowest values for all measurements. RealSeal SE had lower values after chemical treatment.

Conclusions

The silicone‐based sealer Roekoseal Automix had better wettability than epoxy‐resin‐ or methacrylate‐based sealers. The irrigation regime significantly favoured the wettability of 2Seal and RealSeal SE.
Antioxidant effects of rosemary extracts on sunflower oil compared with synthetic antioxidants
Authors: Chen Xiaoqiang , Zhang Ying , Zu Yuangang , Yang Lei , Lu Qi , Wang Wei
Published: August 2013

The antioxidant activities of ethanol extracts of rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis L.) (RE) were tested in natural sunflower oil stored at 60 °C by measuring their peroxide values (POV), thiobarbituric acid‐reactive substances (TBARS), free fatty acid (FFA) content and p‐anisidine value (AnV) after regular intervals compared with synthetic antioxidants. After 3 weeks of storage at 60 °C, sunflower oil containing 200 mg kg−1 rosemary extracts showed lower POVs (75.7 ± 0.47  meq kg−1), thiobarbituric acid‐reactive substances (TBARS)(0.161 ± 0.002 μg mL−1), FFA contents (0.45 ± 0.04 mg g−1) and AnV (12.4 ± 0.02) than the control sample. Sunflower oil containing 200 ppm butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA), butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT) and tert‐butylhydroquinone (TBHQ) showed POVs (204 ± 0.68, 159 ± 0.55, 20 ± 0.49 meq kg−1), thiobarbituric acid‐reactive substances (TBARS) (0.171 ± 0.002, 0.184 ± 0.002, 0.069 ± 0.001 μg mL−1), FFA contents (0.34 ± 0.03, 0.46 ± 0.03, 0.2 ± 0.01 mg g−1) and AnV (14.7 ± 0.03, 16.5 ± 0.04, 6.77 ± 0.01), respectively, after 3 weeks of storage at 60 °C. These results illustrate that rosemary extracts exhibited very strong antioxidant activity, almost equal to that of synthetic antioxidants (BHA and BHT).
Genetics of ectomycorrhizal symbiosis
Authors: ROSADO S. C. S. , KROPP B. R. , PICHÉ Y.
Published: August 2013

Seedlings from three open‐pollinated families of Pinus elliottii Engelm. var. elliottii were inoculated with 16 dikaryotic progenies of Pisolithus tinctorius (Pers.) Coker & Couch obtained from controlled crosses between monokaryotic cultures with a tetrapolar mating system. Ninety days after inoculation mycelial strand growth, number of ectomycorrhizas and percentage ectomycorrhizal colonization were assessed.

Half‐sib host families and full‐sib fungal progenies differed significantly in all these respects. There were no significant interactions between different genotypes of the two symbionts. The largest proportion of fungal genetic variability was attributable to the non‐additive genetic component. The additive genetic component was significant only for percentage ectomycorrhizal colonization. Mycelial strand growth, number of ectomycorrhizas and percentage colonization had broad‐sense heritabilities of 0·19, 0·29 and 0·23, and narrow‐sense heritabilities of 0·03, 0·00 and 0·15 respectively.

These results show that selected Pisolithus strains, obtained from specific crosses, could be used with selected host plants to improve mycelial strand growth and ectomycorrhiza formation in a combined fungal and tree breeding programme.
Bus, Bike and Random Journeys: Crowdsourcing Aid Distribution in Ivory Coast
Authors: McInerney James , Rogers Alex , Jennings Nicholas R.
Published: August 2013

Delivering supplies in poor rural areas is difficult and expensive. But people travel; and statistics can piggyback aid supplies on to the network of everyday journeys. James McInerney, Alex Rogers and Nicholas R. Jennings explore an imaginative solution to getting aid to the countryside.
Big Data and Big Business: Should Statisticians Join in?
Authors: Walker David , Fung Kaiser
Published: August 2013

Big business has embraced big data with enthusiasm. It is a love-fest; it seems they were made for each other. Should statistics make it a ménage à trois? No, says David Walker: that way lies perdition. Statisticians would lose their souls. Yes, says Kaiser Fung: the happy couple have much to offer statisticians – and will go horribly wrong without them. First, the warning voice …

Kaiser Fung argues that business, big data and statistics should consummate their long-overdue alliance.
Singing Surveys and Jedi Knights: How not to Ask Questions
Authors: Grajales Carlos Gómez
Published: August 2013

The hard part of any survey is analysing the results. Not so. Carlos Gómez Grajales questions questionnaire questions.
Young Writers Competition: GUESTimation: Breaking the Deadlock on Wedding Guest Lists
Authors: Vukcevic Damjan
Published: August 2013

Earlier this year, together with the Young Statisticians Group of the RSS, Significance ran its second Young Writers Competition. A selection of runners-up will be published on these pages and on our website, http://www.significancemagazine.com, over the coming months. Here we present the winner. Damjan Vukcevic talks us through independent variables, probability distributions, and robustness of models, all in the context of that nightmare that most of us encounter at some time in our lives – whom should we invite to our wedding?
Parasitic Light Absorption Processes in Transparent Polycrystalline MgAl2O4 and YAG
Authors: Goldstein Adrian , Shames Alexander. I. , Stevenson Adam J. , Cohen Zvi , Vulfson Marina
Published: August 2013

Parasitic radiation absorption by impurities located in transparent polycrystalline ceramic hosts may significantly impair their functioning. At least two classes of impurity which can act as parasitic absorbers were encountered: transition or rare‐earth metal cations and neutral species (molecules or atoms) trapped in lattice void spaces. The most ubiquitous parasitic absorbers, able to affect transmission in the visible domain, have been identified for the case of MgAl2O4‐spinel and Y3Al5O12‐garnet hosts; their spectral effect was described and explained. In the case of spinel, S8 type molecules and carbon atom clusters are the most damaging impurities, with Ce3+ and Y2+ also of significance for YAG host. Oxygen vacancy formation assists some of the redox processes which generate uncontrolled absorption. For instance, the Ti4+ reduction to Ti3+ is facilitated by such a process.
Single and Polycrystalline Transparent Ceramic Armor with Different Crystal Structure
Authors: Krell Andreas , Strassburger Elmar , Hutzler Thomas , Klimke Jens
Published: August 2013

Contrary to the moderate ballistic advantage of Al2O3 ceramics over MgAl2O4 polycrystals, the present study shows a reverse ratio of the ballistic strength of alumina and spinel single crystals: Spinel single crystals outperform sapphire and exhibit a similarly high stability as submicrometer Al2O3 ceramics. The results correlate with different cleavage of single crystalline spinel and sapphire, changing the fragmentation on ballistic impact.
The good, the bad and the early adopters: providers' attitudes about a common, commercial EHR
Authors: Makam Anil N. , Lanham Holly J. , Batchelor Kim , Moran Brett , Howell‐Stampley Temple , Kirk Lynne , Cherukuri Manjula , Samal Lipika , Santini Noel , Leykum Luci K. , Halm Ethan A.
Published: August 2013

Rationale, aims and objectives

To describe primary care providers' (PCP) attitudes about the impact of a mature, commercial electronic health records (EHR) on clinical practice in settings with experience using the system and to evaluate whether a provider's propensity to adopt new technologies is associated with more favourable perceptions.

Method

We surveyed PCPs in 11 practices affiliated with three health systems in Texas. Most practices had greater than 5 years of experience with the Epic EHR. The effect of early adopter of technology status was evaluated using logistic regression.

Results

One hundred forty‐six PCPs responded (70%). Most thought the EHR had a positive impact on routine tasks, such as prescription refills (94%), whereas fewer agreed for complex tasks, such as delivery of guideline‐concordant care for chronic illnesses (51%). Two‐thirds (62%) thought it interfered with eye contact with patients, and 40% reported that it interfered with in‐visit communication. Early adopters of technology reported greater positive effects of the EHR, even after adjusting for age, ranging from 2% to 15% higher on satisfaction ratings.

Conclusion

PCPs practicing in settings with considerable experience using a common commercial EHR identified many positive effects, as well as two key areas for improvement – patient centredness and intelligent decision support. Providers with a propensity to adopt new technologies have more favourable perceptions of the EHR.
Immunohistochemical characterization of polyclonal antibodies against Enteromyxum leei and Enteromyxum scophthalmi (Myxozoa: Myxosporea), intestinal parasites of fish
Authors: Estensoro I , Redondo M J , Álvarez‐Pellitero P , Sitjà‐Bobadilla A
Published: August 2013

The enteric myxozoan parasites Enteromyxum leei (Diamant, Lom et Dyková) and Enteromyxum scophthalmi Palenzuela, Redondo et Álvarez‐Pellitero are responsible for high weight loss in infected fish, which leads to subchronic disease and low mortality rates in gilthead sea bream (GSB), Sparus aurata L., and to high mortality rates in turbot, Psetta maxima (L.). The detection of initial parasite stages in histological sections is particularly difficult, but can be simplified by means of specific antibodies. Rabbit polyclonal antibodies (pAbs) were raised against E. scophthalmi and E. leei, and direct enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and immunohistochemistry were used to characterize their sensitivity and specificity. Both pAbs were adsorbed (apAb) with non‐infected intestines to avoid non‐specific labelling of fish tissues and to improve their specificity. The highest titre obtained in ELISA was 1: 32 000 for apAb‐Eleei and 1:16 000 for apAb‐Escoph. Working dilutions in immunohistochemistry were 1:1000 for apAb‐Eleei and 1:8000 for apAb‐Escoph. Both apAbs labelled proliferative and sporogonic stages with high specificity. apAb‐Escoph was very specific, whereas apAb‐Eleei cross‐reacted with Sphaerospora dicentrarchi Sitjà‐Bobadilla et Álvarez‐Pellitero and Sphaerospora testicularis Sitjà‐Bobadilla et Álvarez‐Pellitero, suggesting the presence of shared antigens. These pAbs stand as new tools for antigenic characterization and the diagnosis of both Enteromyxum species.
Silicon and Triadimenol for the Management of Coffee Leaf Rust
Authors: Lopes Ueder P. , Zambolim Laércio , Souza Neto Pedro N. , Duarte Henrique S. S. , Ribeiro José Ivo , Souza Antônio F. , Rodrigues Fabricio Á.
Published: August 2013

This study documents an experiment that was undertaken in the 2006/2007, 2007/2008 and 2008/2009 growing seasons on Coffea arabica cv. ‘Catuaí Vermelho IAC 144’ that sought to evaluate the effects of various calcium silicate rates combined with the fungicide triadimenol on the incidence of coffee leaf rust. The experimental design was a randomized complete block in a split plot with five treatments (with varied calcium silicate rates and with or without triadimenol) and four replications. Each experimental unit (split plot) consisted of seven coffee plants (14 m2), which were the central five plants used for the evaluations. Calcium silicate (CS) and lime (L) were used according to the following mixtures (M): M1: 0% CS and 100% L; M2: 25% CS and 75% L; M3: 50% CS and 50% L; M4: 75% CS and 25% L; and M5: 100% CS and 0% L. The leaf Si concentration did not increase as CS rates increased in the soil. There was no reduction in the area under rust progress curve (AURPC) as the rates of CS increased in the soil. During the growing seasons 2006/2007, 2007/2008 and 2008/2009, rust incidence reached 94, 96 and 92% on plants that did not receive triadimenol, respectively, whereas the incidence did not exceed 6, 38 and 16%, respectively, for those plants that did. For yield, no interaction was observed between the calcium silicate rates and with or without triadimenol. The yield increased by 117% for plants receiving triadimenol compared with those that did not. The 3‐year experiments indicated that soil amendment with calcium silicate had no effect on either reducing coffee leaf rust incidence or increasing yield. Conversely, as expected, coffee leaf rust symptoms were dramatically reduced on plants sprayed with triadimenol, and this was accompanied by a significant gain in yield.
Formulation optimization of hot-melt extruded abuse deterrent pellet dosage form utilizing design of experiments
Authors: Maddineni Sindhuri , Battu Sunil Kumar , Morott Joe , Soumyajit Majumdar , Repka Michael A
Published: August 2013

Objective

The objective of this study was to develop techniques for an abuse-deterrent (AD) platform utilizing the hot-melt extrusion (HME) process.

Methods

Formulation optimization was accomplished by utilizing Box–Behnken design of experiments to determine the effect of the three formulation factors: PolyOx WSR301, Benecel K15M and Carbopol 71G; each of which was studied at three levels on tamper-resistant (TR) attributes of the produced melt extruded pellets. A response surface methodology was utilized to identify the optimized formulation. Lidocaine hydrochloride was used as a model drug, and suitable formulation ingredients were employed as carrier matrices and processing aids.

Key findings

All of the formulations were evaluated for the TR attributes, such as particle size post-milling, gelling and percentage of drug extraction in water and alcohol. All of the design of experiments formulations demonstrated sufficient hardness and elasticity, and could not be reduced into fine particles (<150 μm), which is a desirable feature to prevent snorting. In addition, all of the formulations exhibited good gelling tendency in water with minimal extraction of drug in the aqueous medium. Moreover, Benecel K15M, in combination with PolyOx WSR301, could be utilized to produce pellets with TR potential.

Conclusion

HME has been demonstrated to be a viable technique with a potential to develop novel AD formulations.
The Case For a Multilingual Approach to Language Classroom Communication
Authors: Levine Glenn S.
Published: August 2013

This article presents the case for a ‘multilingual approach’ to university‐level language classroom communication. After detailing some problems with the ‘monolingual bias’ of language pedagogy, arguments against a pedagogy based on that bias are presented. Thereafter, arguments in favor of a multilingual approach are offered, as well as several principles for the use of multiple languages in the classroom.
The Role of the Putative Mirror Neuron System in Language Comprehension
Authors: Traxler Matthew J.
Published: August 2013

Single‐cell recording in macaque monkeys has uncovered mirror neurons, which respond both when a monkey observes a transitive action (an action involving an actor and an object), carries out that transitive action, or hears a sound associated with that action. Mirror neurons have been proposed to provide the neural basis for a variety of language functions, including the understanding of expressions referring to actions and the coordination of mental representations in dialogue. While mirror neurons may become active during language production and comprehension, the available evidence suggests that mirror neurons do not, by themselves, provide a sufficient basis for action understanding or alignment of mental states. Instead, mirror neurons may be a component of a larger associative network that connects production and comprehension systems.
Efficiency and Mergers in English Higher Education 1996/97 to 2008/9: Parametric and Non‐parametric Estimation of the Multi‐input Multi‐output Distance Function
Authors: Johnes Jill
Published: August 2013

This paper explores the issue of efficiency in English higher education using data envelopment analysis and stochastic frontier analysis to estimate an output distance function (which incorporates measures of both quantity and quality of teaching and research inputs and outputs) over a 13‐year period. The study compares the efficiency estimates derived from various estimation methods, and uses the results to provide guidance to researchers, managers and policymakers on undertaking efficiency studies. The length of the study under consideration allows a preliminary statistical investigation of the effects on efficiency of merger activity in higher education.
Specificity and transcriptional activity of microbiota associated with low and high microbial abundance sponges from the Red Sea
Authors: Moitinho‐Silva Lucas , Bayer Kristina , Cannistraci Carlo V. , Giles Emily C. , Ryu Taewoo , Seridi Loqmane , Ravasi Timothy , Hentschel Ute
Published: August 2013

Marine sponges are generally classified as high microbial abundance (HMA) and low microbial abundance (LMA) species. Here, 16S rRNA amplicon sequencing was applied to investigate the diversity, specificity and transcriptional activity of microbes associated with an LMA sponge (Stylissa carteri), an HMA sponge (Xestospongia testudinaria) and sea water collected from the central Saudi Arabia coast of the Red Sea. Altogether, 887 068 denoised sequences were obtained, of which 806 661 sequences remained after quality control. This resulted in 1477 operational taxonomic units (OTUs) that were assigned to 27 microbial phyla. The microbial composition of S. carteri was more similar to that of sea water than to that of X. testudinaria, which is consistent with the observation that the sequence data set of S. carteri contained many more possibly sea water sequences (~24%) than the X. testudinaria data set (~6%). The most abundant OTUs were shared between all three sources (S. carteri, X. testudinaria, sea water), while rare OTUs were unique to any given source. Despite this high degree of overlap, each sponge species contained its own specific microbiota. The X. testudinaria‐specific bacterial taxa were similar to those already described for this species. A set of S. carteri‐specific bacterial taxa related to Proteobacteria and Nitrospira was identified, which are likely permanently associated with S. carteri. The transcriptional activity of sponge‐associated microorganisms correlated well with their abundance. Quantitative PCR revealed the presence of Poribacteria, representing typical sponge symbionts, in both sponge species and in sea water; however, low transcriptional activity in sea water suggested that Poribacteria are not active outside the host context.
Variation at phenological candidate genes correlates with timing of dispersal and plumage morph in a sedentary bird of prey
Authors: Chakarov Nayden , Jonker Rudy M. , Boerner Martina , Hoffman Joseph I. , Krüger Oliver
Published: August 2013

Polymorphic genes involved in the conserved molecular signalling of circadian and circannual clocks may play important roles in governing the timing of breeding and dispersal and thereby affect fitness in vertebrates. However, relatively few studies have explored associations between phenological candidate genes and behaviour, and these are somewhat biased towards particular taxonomic groups such as passerine birds and salmonid fish. Consequently, we assayed microsatellite polymorphisms within the exonic and 3′ untranslated regions of the regulatory genes CLOCK, NPAS2, ADCYAP1 and CREB1 in the common buzzard (Buteo buteo), a polymorphic raptor species with three plumage morphs that differ in key life history traits including lifetime reproductive success. In contrast to studies of passerines, CLOCK poly‐glutamine (poly‐Q) was found to be monomorphic in 976 common buzzard nestlings as well as in three other Buteo species. Moreover, none of the candidate genes were significantly associated with fledging dates, although intermediately melanized females were found to lay earlier on average than light or dark morph individuals, and their offspring carried longer ADCYAP1 alleles. In contrast, all three candidate genes explained significant variation in one or more measures of juvenile buzzard dispersal (resighting probability, timing of dispersal and distance dispersed). Our findings contribute towards a broader body of work on the adaptive significance of CLOCK polymorphism, while also building upon previous studies that have documented links between ADCYAP1 variability and the timing of migration.
Speciation in fishes
Authors: Bernardi Giacomo
Published: August 2013

The field of speciation has seen much renewed interest in the past few years, with theoretical and empirical advances that have moved it from a descriptive field to a predictive and testable one. The goal of this review is to provide a general background on research on speciation as it pertains to fishes. Three major components to the question are first discussed: the spatial, ecological and sexual factors that influence speciation mechanisms. We then move to the latest developments in the field of speciation genomics. Affordable and rapidly available, massively parallel sequencing data allow speciation studies to converge into a single comprehensive line of investigation, where the focus has shifted to the search for speciation genes and genomic islands of speciation. We argue that fish present a very diverse array of scenarios, making them an ideal model to study speciation processes.
Contribution of Hydrogen Sulfide to the Control of Coronary Blood Flow
Authors: Casalini Eli D. , Goodwill Adam G. , Owen Meredith K. , Moberly Steven P. , Berwick Zachary C. , Tune Johnathan D.
Published: August 2013

Objective

This study examined the mechanisms by which H2S modulates coronary microvascular resistance and myocardial perfusion at rest and in response to cardiac ischemia.

Methods

Experiments were conducted in isolated coronary arteries and in open‐chest anesthetized dogs.

Results

We found that the H2S substrate l‐cysteine (1–10 mM) did not alter coronary tone of isolated arteries in vitro or coronary blood flow in vivo. In contrast, intracoronary (ic) H2S (0.1–3 mM) increased coronary flow from 0.49 ± 0.08 to 2.65 ± 0.13 mL/min/g (p < 0.001). This increase in flow was unaffected by inhibition of Kv channels with 4‐aminopyridine (p = 0.127) but was attenuated (0.23 ± 0.02–1.13 ± 0.13 mL/min/g) by the KATP channel antagonist glibenclamide (p < 0.001). Inhibition of NO synthesis (l‐NAME) did not attenuate coronary responses to H2S. Immunohistochemistry revealed expression of CSE, an endogenous H2S enzyme, in myocardium. Inhibition of CSE with β‐cyano‐l‐alanine (10 μM) had no effect on baseline coronary flow or responses to a 15‐second coronary occlusion (p = 0.82).

Conclusions

These findings demonstrate that exogenous H2S induces potent, endothelial‐independent dilation of the coronary microcirculation predominantly through the activation of KATP channels, however, our data do not support a functional role for endogenous H2S in the regulation of coronary microvascular resistance.
Virulence in Pectobacterium atrosepticum is regulated by a coincidence circuit involving quorum sensing and the stress alarmone, (p)ppGpp
Authors: Bowden Steven D. , Eyres Alison , Chung Jade C. S. , Monson Rita E. , Thompson Arthur , Salmond George P. C. , Spring David R. , Welch Martin
Published: August 2013

Pectobacterium atrosepticum (Pca) is a Gram‐negative phytopathogen which causes disease by secreting plant cell wall degrading exoenzymes (PCWDEs). Previous studies have shown that PCWDE production is regulated by (i) the intercellular quorum sensing (QS) signal molecule, 3‐oxo‐hexanoyl‐l‐homoserine lactone (OHHL), and (ii) the intracellular ‘alarmone’, (p)ppGpp, which reports on nutrient limitation. Here we show that these two signals form an integrated coincidence circuit which ensures that metabolically costly PCWDE synthesis does not occur unless the population is simultaneously quorate and nutrient limited. A (p)ppGpp null ΔrelAΔspoT mutant was defective in both OHHL and PCWDE production, and nutritional supplementation of wild type cultures (which suppresses (p)ppGpp production) also suppressed OHHL and PCWDE production. There was a substantial overlap in the transcriptome of a (p)ppGpp deficient relA mutant and of a QS defective expI (OHHL synthase) mutant, especially with regards to virulence‐associated genes. Random transposon mutagenesis revealed that disruption of rsmA was sufficient to restore PCWDE production in the (p)ppGpp null strain. We found that the ratio of RsmA protein to its RNA antagonist, rsmB, was modulated independently by (p)ppGpp and QS. While QS predominantly controlled virulence by modulating RsmA levels, (p)ppGpp exerted regulation through the modulation of the RsmA antagonist, rsmB.
Ontogeny, morphology and taxonomy of the soft‐bodied Cambrian ‘mollusc’ Wiwaxia
Authors: Smith Martin R.
Published: August 2013

The soft‐bodied Cambrian organism Wiwaxia poses a taxonomic conundrum. Its imbricated dorsal scleritome suggests a relationship with the polychaete annelid worms, whereas its mouthparts and naked ventral surface invite comparison with the molluscan radula and foot. 476 new and existing specimens from the 505‐Myr‐old Burgess Shale cast fresh light on Wiwaxia's sclerites and scleritome. My observations illuminate the diversity within the genus and demonstrate that Wiwaxia did not undergo discrete moult stages; rather, its scleritome developed gradually, with piecewise addition and replacement of individually secreted sclerites. I recognize a digestive tract and creeping foot in Wiwaxia, solidifying its relationship with the contemporary Odontogriphus. Similarities between the scleritomes of Wiwaxia, halkieriids, Polyplacophora and Aplacophora hint that the taxa are related. A molluscan affinity is robustly established, and Wiwaxia provides a good fossil proxy for the ancestral aculiferan – and perhaps molluscan – body plan.
Expression of ECRG4 is associated with lower proliferative potential of esophageal cancer cells
Authors: Matsuzaki Junichi , Torigoe Toshihiko , Hirohashi Yoshihiko , Tamura Yasuaki , Asanuma Hiroko , Nakazawa Emiri , Saka Eri , Yasuda Kazuyo , Takahashi Shuji , Sato Noriyuki
Published: August 2013

We have shown that ECRG4 suppressed Fas‐induced apoptosis in Jurkat cells. ECRG4 mRNA expression was ubiquitously detected in normal adult human tissues, suggesting that ECRG4 plays a major role in human tissues. ECRG4 mRNA expression was down‐regulated in tumor cells. Expression of ECRG4 suppressed cell growth. We established an anti‐ECRG4 monoclonal antibody. Our immunohistochemical analysis demonstrated that ECRG4‐positive cells tended to be distributed in the region that was negative for Ki‐67 in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma tissues. There was a significant inverse correlation between ECRG4 expression and Ki‐67 labeling index in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma. This study provides the first functional evidence for an association of endogenous expression of ECRG4 with cell proliferation. ECRG4 is a candidate tumor suppressor gene that might be involved in the proliferation of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma.
An immunohistochemical study of human platelets using a rabbit antibody against H18‐K24 of apolipoprotein CIII (HATKTAK)
Authors: Yamanaka Takao , Sakamoto Haruhiko , Nakagawa Toshitaka , Tanaka Sumiko , Matsumoto Kouichi , Ueno Masaki
Published: August 2013

H18‐K24 of human apolipopotein CIII (Apo CIII) (HATKTAK) is an activator of the macromolecular activators of phagocytosis from platelets (MAPPs). Using a rabbit antibody against HATKTAK, we performed an immunohistochemical study of human platelets. Indirect ELISA showed that this antibody reacts with Apo CIII‐derived peptides with a C‐terminal of HATKTAK, but not with Apo CIII. Immunoelectron microscopy revealed that reaction of anti‐HATKTAK antibody occurred in the pseudopods of activated platelets. In blood coagula produced from the peripheral blood and formalin‐fixed after various incubation periods, reaction of this antibody with platelets appeared rapidly with a peak at 3 to 6 h of incubation, and then diminished gradually. Leukocytes in the blood coagula were stained strongly positive. In tissue sections, fresh thrombi and hemorrhages with slight fibrin formation revealed a positive response of platelets to anti‐HATKTAK antibody, whereas older ones with leukocytic infiltration, fibrin formation and organization did not. In addition to platelets, endothelial cells and leukocytes were stained positive by anti‐HATKTAK antibody. All of the positive reactions by anti‐HATKTAK antibody disappeared or diminished by co‐incubation with HATKTAK. In conclusion, the anti‐HATKTAK antibody reveals platelets during the early phase of activation.