bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Detection of living Bursaphelenchus xylophilus in wood, using reverse transcriptase loop‐mediated isothermal amplification (RT‐LAMP)
Authors: Leal I. , Allen E. , Foord B. , Anema J. , Reisle C. , Uzunovic A. , Varga A. , James D.
Published: October 2014

Pinewood nematode (PWN), Bursaphelenchus xylophilus, the causal agent of pine wilt disease, is an inhabitant of native pine species of North America, where its presence has minor impact. In contrast, the introduction of this nematode to forests in Asia and Europe has devastated some pine stands and is recognized as a pest of significant phytosanitary concern by the National Plant Protection Organizations of several countries. The ability to detect PWN in internationally traded wood products is crucial to reduce the spread of this organism. Currently, the majority of molecular techniques for the detection of PWN rely on the presence of genomic DNA and thus fail to differentiate between living and dead PWN. The detection of dead nematodes could lead to unnecessary trade disruption. Therefore, accurate techniques for the detection of and differentiation between living and dead PWN are critical. We have developed a reverse transcription loop‐mediated isothermal amplification (RT‐LAMP) assay, which specifically identifies living PWN in wood by detecting the presence of mRNA encoding an expansin gene as a viability marker. This diagnostic method was found to be more sensitive, faster and less dependent on expensive laboratory equipment than PCR. In addition, unlike PCR, it allows for simple colour detection of amplification products. This method will help resolve disputes over the detection of PWN by clarifying whether it originates from live or dead organisms. Where approved treatments are implemented, unnecessary trade disruption will be avoided, thus protecting market access of wood products from PWN‐infested areas.
Stratification, Economic Adversity, and Entrepreneurial Launch: The Effect of Resource Position on Entrepreneurial Strategy
Authors: Perry–Rivers Patrice
Published: October 2014

This paper analyzes whether or not the simple theory of income choice, which indicates there is a positive relationship between economic adversity and entrepreneurship, is applicable to all groups and may have been overgeneralized in entrepreneurship research. Using social stratification theory and the resource–based view, I explore how accumulated resource position differences between advantaged and disadvantaged entrepreneurial actor groups could result in their employing different strategies when exposed to economic adversity. I find that economic adversity has no relationship with entrepreneurship (self–employment rates) in advantaged or disadvantaged groups, and these groups use resources divergently due to their converse resource positions.
Effects of fine sediment addition and removal on stream invertebrates and fish: a reach‐scale experiment
Authors: Ramezani Javad , Rennebeck Lasse , Closs Gerard P. , Matthaei Christoph D.
Published: October 2014

Land use change due to intensifying agricultural practices has profound effects on streams and rivers worldwide, and has been identified as an important source of fine sediment inputs to streams affecting both habitats and biota. Although the effects of sedimentation on stream organisms have been widely studied, manipulative field experiments involving fish and conducted at the reach scale are lacking. Further, it is unknown whether experimentally removing fine sediment from streams can reverse the negative impacts of sedimentation.

Two farmland streams were manipulated for 2 months, by adding or removing fine sediment (using a powerful water blaster) in 50‐m reaches twice (initially and 1 month later). Each stream contained one sediment addition, one removal and one control reach separated by buffer zones. Streams were sampled on five occasions, and water physicochemistry, invertebrate community variables and fish densities (native species and introduced brown trout), diet and condition were determined.

Multivariate benthic invertebrate community composition changed in response to the sediment manipulations. Total taxon richness, density of the caddis fly larvaAoteapsychespp. and brown trout density responded negatively to sediment addition and positively to its removal. A similar trend, although not statistically significant, was observed for native fish density. Trout condition was also poorer in sediment addition reaches than in removal or control reaches.

Our study provides experimental evidence from real streams that increased levels of deposited fine sediment can not only affect stream habitats and invertebrate communities, but also fish communities including trout density and condition. Further, sediment removal can reverse these negative effects, at least temporarily. These findings should help decision makers develop mitigation plans for current farming practices and improved best management systems for the future.
Cystatin C‐based estimated glomerular filtration rate and periodontitis
Authors: Iwasaki Masanori , Taylor George W. , Sato Misuzu , Nakamura Kazutoshi , Yoshihara Akihiro , Miyazaki Hideo
Published: October 2014

Background and Objective

Accumulating evidence suggests that decreased kidney function characterised by low estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) may be associated with periodontitis. Recent studies have suggested that the use of cystatin C strengthens the association between the eGFR and the risks of adverse outcomes in decreased kidney function. The aim of this cross‐sectional study was to investigate the association of cystatin C‐based eGFR (eGFRcys) and creatinine‐based eGFR (eGFRcreat), the commonly used method to assess kidney function, with periodontitis in 502 Japanese women (average age, 68.6 years).

Materials and Methods

GFR was estimated from serum cystatin C and serum creatinine, respectively, using the Japanese equation for GFR. Participants were classified into five groups according to their eGFRcys and eGFRcreat values. Poisson regression models with robust error variance assessed the associations of eGFRcys and eGFRcreat with periodontitis. Tests for trends were performed by fitting the five‐category eGFR variables in their continuous form to the regression models.

Results

Participants with eGFRcys < 50 ml/min/1.73 m2 were at significantly higher risk of periodontitis compared with the reference group (≥90 ml/min/1.73 m2) (adjusted relative risk = 2.12, 95% confidence interval = 1.12 to 4.02). Additionally, there was a trend towards a higher risk of periodontitis among participants with lower eGFRcys values (p for trend in the multivariable model = 0.008). In contrast, eGFRcreat did not show a significant association with periodontitis.

Conclusion

The findings of this study of Japanese older women showed that eGFRcys had a stronger and more linear association with periodontitis than eGFRcreat.
Hysterical Blokes and the Other's Jouissance
Authors: Dickson Andrew
Published: October 2014

This paper represents an attempt to theorize the feminine writing of organization through the Lacanian logic of sexuation. It also represents an attempt by a man to practise the feminine writing of organization. Using autoethnographic methods, I attempt to reformulate the ‘female’ problem of weight anxiety through the eyes of a weight anxious man and thus to provide a radical (re)thinking of gender. By linking a man's experience of weight anxiety to Lacan's hysteric's discourse, I demonstrate how men can experience the Other's jouissance and find themselves ‘on the feminine side’. I then use this logic to argue that the feminine writing of organization is an attempt to harness the Other's jouissance, as author to place oneself as the object of the Other's desire, in other words to become hysterical.
Influence of Groundwater Hydraulic Gradient on Bank Storage Metrics
Authors: Welch Chani , Harrington Glenn A. , Cook Peter G.
Published: October 2014

The hydraulic gradient between aquifers and rivers is one of the most variable properties in a river/aquifer system. Detailed process understanding of bank storage under hydraulic gradients is obtained from a two‐dimensional numerical model of a variably saturated aquifer slice perpendicular to a river. Exchange between the river and the aquifer occurs first at the interface with the unsaturated zone. The proportion of total water exchanged through the river bank compared to the river bed is a function of aquifer hydraulic conductivity, partial penetration, and hydraulic gradient. Total exchange may be estimated to within 50% using existing analytical solutions provided that unsaturated zone processes do not strongly influence exchange. Model‐calculated bank storage is at a maximum when no hydraulic gradient is present and increases as the hydraulic conductivity increases. However, in the presence of a hydraulic gradient, the largest exchange flux or distance of penetration does not necessarily correspond to the highest hydraulic conductivity, as high hydraulic conductivity increases the components of exchange both into and out of an aquifer. Flood wave characteristics do not influence ambient groundwater discharge, and so in large floods, hydraulic gradients must be high to reduce the volume of bank storage. Practical measurement of bank storage metrics is problematic due to the limitations of available measurement technologies and the nested processes of exchange that occur at the river‐aquifer interface. Proxies, such as time series concentration data in rivers and groundwater, require further development to be representative and quantitative.
Is nicotine replacement therapy overvalued in smoking cessation? Analysis of smokers' and quitters' communication in social media
Authors: Kurko Terhi , Linden Kari , Kolstela Maija , Pietilä Kirsi , Airaksinen Marja
Published: October 2014

Background

Internet discussion forums provide new, albeit less used data sources for exploring personal experiences of illness and treatment strategies.

Objective

To gain an understanding of how discussion forum participants value nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) in smoking cessation (SC).

Setting

Finnish national Internet‐based discussion forum, STUMPPI, supporting SC and consisting of ten free discussion areas, each with a different focus. The analysis was based on STUMPPI forum participants’ postings (n = 24 481) in five discussion areas during January 2007–January 2012.

Design

Inductive content analysis of the postings concerning NRT use or comparing NRT to other SC methods.

Results

Three major themes related to NRT in SC emerged from the discussions. These were as follows: (I) distrust and negative attitude towards NRT; (II) neutral acceptance of NRT as a useful SC method; and (III) trust on the crucial role of NRT and other SC medicines. The negative attitude was related to following perceptions: NRT use maintains tobacco dependence, fear of NRT dependence or experience of not gaining help from NRT use. NRT was perceived to be useful particularly in the initiation of SC attempts and in dealing with physiological dependence. The most highlighted factors of successful quitting were quitters’ own psychological empowerment and peer support from the discussion community.

Conclusions

The majority of STUMPPI forum participants had low or balanced expectations towards the role of NRT in SC. More research from the smokers’ and quitters’ perspective is needed to assess the real value of NRT compared to other methods in SC.
To pay or not to pay? A multicountry study on informal payments for health‐care services and consumers’ perceptions
Authors: Stepurko Tetiana , Pavlova Milena , Gryga Irena , Groot Wim
Published: October 2014

Background

Although the literature offers various theoretical explanations for the existence of informal patient payments, empirical research has mostly focused on socio‐demographic features as determinants of these payments. The role of health‐care users’ perceptions on informal payments are rarely taken into account especially in multicountry surveys.

Objective

Our aim is to examine the association between informal payments for health‐care services and perceptions of health‐care consumers about paying informally as well as socio‐demographic characteristics.

Design

We use data from a multicountry quantitative empirical research conducted in 2010.

Setting and participants

A national representative sample is drawn in six Central and Eastern European countries – Bulgaria, Hungary, Lithuania, Poland, Romania and Ukraine. In each country, about 1000 respondents are interviewed.

Main variables studied

Data related to informal payments for health‐care services consumed during the preceding 12 months are analysed in addition to data on respondents’ perceptions about paying informally and socio‐demographic data.

Results

Health‐care users in Bulgaria and Poland are less inclined to make informal payments, while health‐care users in Romania and Ukraine most often report such payments. The informal payment rates for Hungary and Lithuania fall between these two groups. In all six countries, individuals who feel uncomfortable when leaving the physician's office without a gratuity and who feel unable to refuse the request of medical staff to pay informally, more often make informal payments.

Conclusions

Such consumers’ perceptions can undermine policy efforts to eradicate these payments; therefore, health policy measures should reinforce social resistance to informal payments.
What works better for the learning of concrete and abstract words: teachers'L1 use orL2‐only explanations?
Authors: Zhao Ting , Macaro Ernesto
Published: October 2014

This study examined the differential effects of teachers' first language (L1) use and second language (L2)‐only explanations onChinese‐speaking adults' acquisition of concrete and abstractEnglish words. A quasi‐experimental research design was used, in which 50 participants were assigned to anL1‐use condition, 50 participants were assigned to anL2‐only use condition, and another 48 participants served as a comparison group. Assessed with a pre‐test, immediate post‐test, and delayed post‐test, each group's knowledge of the target words was compared with that of the other groups over time. The results suggest that teachers'L1 use, compared toL2‐only explanations, might lead to greater vocabulary gains in immediate and delayed recall. Possible explanations for these findings are proposed.
Stability Domains of NbC and Nb(CN) During Carbothermal Reduction of Niobium Oxide
Authors: Kwon Hanjung , Kim Wonbaek , Kim Jiwoong
Published: October 2014

The Gibbs free energies of formation of Nb(CO) and Nb(CN) were calculated using ab initio simulation. Phase stability diagrams of the Nb2O5–NbO2–Nb(CO)–NbC/Nb(CN) system were constructed with respect to carbon activity, oxygen pressure, and the characteristics of solution formation. The constructed diagrams suggest that Nb2O5 can be reduced without the formation of NbO owing to the formation of an Nb(CO) solid solution phase. The Nb(CO) phase might not be formed under a high partial pressure of nitrogen. This study demonstrates the absences of NbO and Nb(CO) during, respectively, the syntheses of NbC and Nb(CN) from Nb2O5. The constructed stability diagrams could also represent the conditions for syntheses of niobium carbide or stoichiometric niobium carbonitride by the carbothermal reduction of Nb2O5 under argon or nitrogen.
Interventions aimed at reducing obesity in early childhood: a meta‐analysis of programs that involve parents
Authors: Yavuz H. Melis , van Ijzendoorn Marinus H. , Mesman Judi , van der Veek Shelley
Published: October 2014

Background

Obesity is a growing problem even in very young childhood, resulting in high costs for individuals and society. As a response, numerous obesity prevention and intervention programs have been developed. Previous research has shown that early intervention programs are more effective when parents are involved, but the effectiveness of specific aspects of programs with parental involvement has not been investigated. This meta‐analysis aims to investigate the features related to the effectiveness of different types of obesity intervention programs involving parents and targeting young children (0–6‐year‐olds).

Methods

The Web of Science, PubMed, PsycInfo, CINAHL, and ERIC databases were searched for childhood obesity prevention and intervention programs involving parents. Data were analyzed using the Comprehensive Meta‐analysis (CMA) software.

Results

Fifty studies with effect sizes measured at short‐term follow‐up (within 3 months from the end of the intervention) and 26 studies with effect sizes measured at long‐term follow‐up (all reported in a total of 49 publications) were identified. The combined effect size of interventions was small but significant at short‐term follow‐up (d = .08, p < .01). The results suggested the presence of a potential publication bias in studies providing results at long‐term follow‐up, with a nonsignificant adjusted effect size (d = .02), which indicated that obesity interventions were not effective at long‐term follow‐up. Multivariate meta‐regression analyses showed that interventions were more effective when including either interactive sessions or educational materials as opposed to those including both interactive sessions and noninteractive educational materials. No other moderators regarding sample characteristics, study design, or methodological quality were significant.

Conclusion

Interventions targeting young children that require parental involvement are effective at short‐term follow‐up, specifically when interventions include one mode of intervention rather than two. However, results were not retained in the long run.
Sexual selection on female ornaments in the sex‐role‐reversed Gulf pipefish (Syngnathus scovelli)
Authors: Flanagan S. P. , Johnson J. B. , Rose E. , Jones A. G.
Published: October 2014

Understanding how selection acts on traits individually and in combination is an important step in deciphering the mechanisms driving evolutionary change, but for most species, and especially those in which sexual selection acts more strongly on females than on males, we have no estimates of selection coefficients pertaining to the multivariate sexually selected phenotype. Here, we use a laboratory‐based mesocosm experiment to quantify pre‐ and post‐mating selection on female secondary sexual traits in the Gulf pipefish (Syngnathus scovelli), a sexually dimorphic, sex‐role‐reversed species in which ornamented females compete for access to choosy males. We calculate selection differentials and gradients on female traits, including ornament area, ornament number and body size for three episodes of selection related to female reproductive success (number of mates, number of eggs transferred and number of surviving embryos). Selection is strong on both ornament area and ornament size, and the majority of selection occurs during the premating episode of selection. Interestingly, selection on female body size, which has been detected in previous studies of Gulf pipefish, appears to be indirect, as evidenced by a multivariate analysis of selection gradients. Our results show that sexual selection favours either many bands or larger bands in female Gulf pipefish.
Meiotic drive influences the outcome of sexually antagonistic selection at a linked locus
Authors: Patten M. M.
Published: October 2014

Most meiotic drivers, such as the t‐haplotype in Mus and the segregation distorter (SD) in Drosophila, act in a sex‐specific manner, gaining a transmission advantage through one sex although suffering only the fitness costs associated with the driver in the other. Their inheritance is thus more likely through one of the two sexes, a property they share with sexually antagonistic alleles. Previous theory has shown that pairs of linked loci segregating for sexually antagonistic alleles are more likely to remain polymorphic and that linkage disequilibrium accrues between them. I probe this similarity between drive and sexual antagonism and examine the evolution of chromosomes experiencing these selection pressures simultaneously. Reminiscent of previous theory, I find that: the opportunity for polymorphism increases for a sexually antagonistic locus that is physically linked to a driving locus; the opportunity for polymorphism at a driving locus also increases when linked to a sexually antagonistic locus; and stable linkage disequilibrium accompanies any polymorphic equilibrium. Additionally, I find that drive at a linked locus favours the fixation of sexually antagonistic alleles that benefit the sex in which drive occurs. Further, I show that under certain conditions reduced recombination between these two loci is selectively favoured. These theoretical results provide clear, testable predictions about the nature of sexually antagonistic variation on driving chromosomes and have implications for the evolution of genomic architecture.
Effects of riparian canopy cover on salmonid diet and prey selectivity in low nutrient streams
Authors: Ryan D. K. , Kelly‐Quinn M.
Published: October 2014

This study focuses on stream sections within a relatively low nutrient catchment in south‐east Ireland in an attempt to characterize the probable effects of riparian canopy on salmonid diet and prey selectivity within two size classes of nursery stream. Sampling found that brown trout Salmo trutta diet changed significantly in response to riparian canopy regardless of stream size. The observation that S. trutta within unshaded stream sites did not feed on drifting terrestrial prey items to the same extent as those within shaded streams was not due to a lack of availability of this food source. There was no evidence to suggest that S. trutta selectively choose particular prey items.
Plant villins: Versatile actin regulatory proteins
Authors: Huang Shanjin , Qu Xiaolu , Zhang Ruihui
Published: October 2014

Regulation of actin dynamics is a central theme in cell biology that is important for different aspects of cell physiology. Villin, a member of the villin/gelsolin/fragmin superfamily of proteins, is an important regulator of actin. Villins contain six gelsolin homology domains (G1–G6) and an extra headpiece domain. In contrast to their mammalian counterparts, plant villins are expressed widely, implying that plant villins play a more general role in regulating actin dynamics. Some plant villins have a defined role in modifying actin dynamics in the pollen tube; most of their in vivo activities remain to be ascertained. Recently, our understanding of the functions and mechanisms of action for plant villins has progressed rapidly, primarily due to the advent of Arabidopsis thaliana genetic approaches and imaging capabilities that can visualize actin dynamics at the single filament level in vitro and in living plant cells. In this review, we focus on discussing the biochemical activities and modes of regulation of plant villins. Here, we present current understanding of the functions of plant villins. Finally, we highlight some of the key unanswered questions regarding the functions and regulation of plant villins for future research.

Shanjin Huang
Men in Midwifery: A National Survey
Authors: Kantrowitz‐Gordon Ira , Adriane Ellis Simon , McFarlane Ann
Published: October 2014

Introduction

Midwifery in the United States suffers from a lack of diversity. More than 91% of midwives are white, and more than 98% are women. Little research has explored the experiences of midwives who are men or transgender.

Methods

Invitation to an Internet survey was sent to the membership of the American College of Nurse‐Midwives. Thirty‐one participants who identified as men or transgender completed the survey, which included quantitative and open‐ended questions about the impact of gender on education and practice. Data analysis of qualitative responses used qualitative description methodology to identify common themes.

Results

Four themes described participating men's experiences of education and practice of midwifery. Challenges included feeling singled out as different and being excluded. Supportive factors came from the social support of family, friends, colleagues, and patients, as well as from taking pride in one's work as a midwife. Midwives who identify as transgender described the challenges of others’ confusion about their gender, having to hide their true gender identity, and struggling with the resulting loneliness.

Discussion

This survey highlights the challenges faced by midwives who are men or transgender in education and practice. Midwifery values of respect and acceptance for all women and families need to be applied internally to all members of the profession. This will support increased diversity and openness in midwifery.
Acupuncture for the Treatment of Vulvodynia
Authors: Schlaeger Judith , Nenngui Xu , Mejta Cheryl , Wilkie Diana J.
Published: October 2014

Purpose

A randomized controlled pilot study was conducted to evaluate the effect of an acupuncture protocol for the treatment of vulvodynia.

Hypotheses

1) Acupuncture reduces vulvar pain and dyspareunia in women with vulvodynia. 2) Acupuncture increases sexual function in women with vulvodynia.

Significance

The incidence of vulvodynia in US women has been reported to be as high as 16%. Research suggests that there is no consistently effective standardized treatment for vulvodynia.

Methods

Thirty‐six women with vulvodynia met inclusion criteria, and 36 women completed the study. The women were randomly assigned either to the acupuncture group or to the wait‐list control group. The 18 participants assigned to the acupuncture group received acupuncture 2 times per week for 5 weeks for a total of 10 sessions.

Results

Vulvar pain and dyspareunia showed statistically significant reductions, and sexual function showed a statistically significant increase for women in the acupuncture group as compared to the wait‐list control group. Acupuncture showed a trend for increased vaginal lubrication and reduced affective pain. Acupuncture did not increase sexual desire, sexual arousal, ability to orgasm, or sexual satisfaction in women with vulvodynia.

Discussion

This was the first randomized controlled pilot study to examine the use of acupuncture for the treatment of vulvodynia. The acupuncture protocol was feasible and in this small sample reduced vulvar pain and dyspareunia, and increased sexual function in women with vulvodynia. This study should be replicated in a larger double‐blind randomized controlled trial, and if results indicate, this acupuncture treatment protocol should be considered a valid and important option in the treatment of this incapacitating pain syndrome.
Scheduling Strategy Using Poisson Probability to Ensure 24/7 Scheduling Coverage for Emergency Nurses Caring for Patients that Have Been Sexually Assaulted
Authors: Scannell Meredith
Published: October 2014

Background

Sexual assault patients disproportionately experience gaps in health care delivery including delays in referrals, delays in medication administration, and extended lengths of stay in emergency departments. Victims of sexual assault have unique health care needs that require nurses to have extensive knowledge and skills to adequately address them. Training nurses with simulation is one approach to enhancing knowledge and skills. However, with a large number of nurses a burden is created whereby nurses have difficulty maintaining clinical competencies due to the decreased opportunity to gain actual hands‐on experience.

Purpose

The purpose is to determine a reliable method for calculating an accurate number of nurses to select for simulation training so that one of the specially trained nurses will most likely be working in the emergency department on any given shift.

Research Question

Is there a reliable method to calculate the number of nurses to train with simulation so that there will be one trained nurse working at all times in the emergency department.

Methods

Using Poisson probability distribution the number of nurses selected for simulation training was calculated by reviewing a 6‐month period of emergency room nurses schedules. A schedule pattern was selected that achieved 24/7 coverage in 8am to 8pm and 8pm to 8am shifts. Nurses working at least six 12‐hour shifts in a 4‐week period were selected for analysis.

Results

Training 6 nurses working 8am to 8pm results in a 0.143 probability that a nurse would not be working, and training 15 nurses working a shift of 8am to 8pm resulted in a 0.006 probability that one of the nurses would not be working on a given day. Training 6 nurses working 8am to 8pm results in a 0.113 probability that a nurse would not be working, and training 15 nurses results in 0.002 probability that one of the nurses would not be working on a given day.

Conclusions and Implications

Poisson probability distribution is a reliable method to determine a number of nurses to train for simulation in order to increase the likelihood that one trained nurse is working on any given shift. Additionally, using this scheduling method, Poisson can be applied specifically to other health care specialties where there are no fixed schedules, and the need to have a health care individual with specialized skills is essential.
Continuity, Confidence, Compassion and Culture: Lessons learned from Japanese midwives
Authors: Shorten Allison , Torigoe Ikuyo , Weinstein Lisa , Muto Audrey
Published: October 2014

Purpose

To explore midwifery practice through the eyes of Japanese midwives and midwifery students, with the aim of identifying traditional childbirth practices and models of midwifery care that lead to higher rates of physiologic birth as experienced by women in Japan.

Research Questions

What specific cultural factors influence pregnancy care and childbirth practices in Japan? What factors and practices are associated with physiologic birth in Japan? How could traditional Japanese practices be utilized by midwives in the United States to improve birth outcomes?

Significance

Despite its relationship with Western culture, Japan continues to promote physiologic birth without complications, at lower rates than many other developed nations. With a comparatively low cesarean rate of 18.6% in 2011 and one of the lowest maternal mortality rates in the world, cultural factors are clearly important. Recognition of traditional Japanese midwifery practices and unique models of midwifery care that can increase opportunities for physiologic birth have the potential to reverse the increasing trend for birth intervention in other countries.

Methods

Mixed methods were used to explore midwifery practices in Japan. A pilot survey, translated into Japanese, was administered to midwives (n = 9) and midwifery students (n = 9) in 2 prefectures in Japan (one urban, one rural). Two focus groups were conducted to further explore culturally specific midwifery attitudes, practices, and future challenges in maintaining low birth‐intervention rates in Japan. Visits to hospital and community settings (Josanin or birthing homes) enhanced understanding of described practices.

Results

The prominent role of midwives in all low‐risk pregnancies in Japan was felt to increase opportunities for women to achieve physiologic birth. Interventions commonly used in the United States were reserved for complicated pregnancy. Japanese midwives recognized danger in increasing epidural use and the value of midwifery care in preventing unnecessary intervention. Important aspects of care included midwifery presence, compassion, confidence in women, non‐pharmacologic pain relief, movement/upright labor positions, and education provided by midwives.

Discussion

Greater access to continuity of midwifery care in the United States could contribute to better birth outcomes. A larger study of Japanese midwives is planned to further explore effective practices that could be used in US settings to improve opportunities for physiologic birth.
Symptomatic carotid near‐occlusion with full collapse might cause a very high risk of stroke
Authors: Johansson E. , Öhman K. , Wester P.
Published: October 2014

Background

The risk of early stroke recurrence amongst patients with symptomatic carotid near‐occlusion with and without full collapse is unknown. Therefore, the aim of this study was to analyse the 90‐day risk of recurrent ipsilateral ischaemic stroke in patients with symptomatic carotid near‐occlusion both with and without full collapse.

Methods

This study was a secondary analysis of the Additional Neurological SYmptoms before Surgery of the Carotid Arteries: a Prospective study (ANSYSCAP). We prospectively analysed 230 consecutive patients with symptomatic 50–99% carotid stenosis or near‐occlusion. Based on the combination of several imaging modalities, 205 (89%) patients were classified as having 50–99% carotid stenosis, and 10 (4%) and 15 (7%) as having near‐occlusion with and without full collapse, respectively. The 90‐day risk of recurrent ipsilateral ischaemic stroke was compared between these three groups. Only events that occurred before carotid endarterectomy were analysed.

Results

The 90‐day risk of recurrent stroke was 18% [95% confidence interval (CI) 12–25%; n = 29] for patients with 50–99% carotid stenosis, 0% for patients with near‐occlusion without full collapse and 43% (95% CI 25–89%; n = 4) for patients with near‐occlusion with full collapse (P = 0.035, log‐rank test). The increased risk of recurrent ipsilateral ischaemic stroke for patients with symptomatic near‐occlusion with full collapse remained significant after multivariable adjustment for age, sex and type of presenting event.

Conclusions

Patients with symptomatic carotid near‐occlusion with full collapse might have a very high risk of stroke recurrence. Carotid endarterectomy could be considered for these patients.
Sleeping like a baby? Infant sleep: Impact on caregivers and current controversies
Authors: Hiscock Harriet , Fisher Jane
Published: October 2014

This annotation discusses definitions of ‘sleep problems’, the impacts of infant sleep on maternal and paternal well‐being, and the evidence behind two areas of current controversy – the role of attachment versus behaviourally based parenting in infant sleep and management strategies for sleep problems in infants aged less than 6 months.
First Report ofGreeneria uvicolaCausing Bitter Rot of Grape in China
Authors: Cui Chaoyu , Jiang Junxi , Ouyang Hui , Li Cheng , Liu Dengquan , Huang Ting
Published: October 2014

In 2013, bitter rot of grape was observed in Changbei Vineyard located in Nanchang City, Jiangxi Province, China.Greeneriaspecies was consistently isolated from the diseased grape berries (Vitis labruscanacv. Kyoho) at approximately 91% of isolation rate in three independent experiments. The species was identified asGreeneria uvicolabased on the morphological characteristics, cultural appearance and sequence analysis. Koch's postulates were fulfilled through pathogenicity tests on detached healthy Kyoho grape berries. To our knowledge, this is the first report ofG. uvicolacausing bitter rot of grape in China.
Firm Patenting, Innovations, and Government Institutional Support as a Double‐Edged Sword
Authors: Shu Chengli , Wang Qin , Gao Shanxing , Liu Cuijuan
Published: October 2014

In 2012,China was ranked fourth in patent filing by region of origin. However, firm innovation quality is not comparable to such quantity. Evidence of this is that noChinese organization was named as aThomsonReuters 2011 or 2012 Top 100 Global Innovators. This paradox of firm patenting and innovations inChina challenges the traditional understanding of the role of government in industrial innovation.

This paper provides a theoretical lens through which to examine traditional protective and strategic patenting motives. Based on institutional theory and the ultimate goals of patenting motives, the paper posits that protective patenting motives are directly law‐based while strategic patenting motives are largely law‐derived. The paper also aims to empirically examine three questions: (1) What is the relative importance of various patenting motives to firm patenting behaviors? (2) What effects do patenting behaviors have on firm product and process innovations? (3) How, if at all, does governmental institutional support affect firm patenting and innovations?

This paper uses dominant analysis, structural equation modeling, and regression analysis to analyze the survey data collected from a sample of 270 firms inChina. The empirical results provide new evidence about firm patenting, innovations, and government institutional support. First, the order of relative importance of patenting motives to patenting behaviors was found to be (in the descending order of importance) reputation, exchange, blocking, and protection. Second, patenting behaviors were more relevant to product innovations than to process innovations. Third, more importantly, while government institutional support can enhance the effects of protective patenting motives on patenting behaviors, it can mitigate the effects of strategic patenting motives on patenting behaviors. Moreover, government institutional support reduces the positive effect of patenting behaviors on product innovations. These findings suggest that firm patenting and innovations are distinct activities, and that government institutional support acts as a double‐edged sword in firm patenting and innovations: On the one hand government institutional support—an extralegal formal institution—may work alongside the patent system—a law‐based formal institution—to advance science and technology, but on the other hand government institutional support may distract firms from commercializing patented knowledge into new products.

This paper primarily contributes to institutional theory, new product development literature, and innovation management practice by revealing the dynamics between two different types of formal institutions—patent system and government institutional support—by establishing an institution‐based view of patenting motives, by empirically distinguishing firm patenting and innovations, and more interestingly by uncovering a double‐edged role of government institutional support in firm patenting and innovations.
Sexual Activity and Vaginal Topography in Women with Symptomatic Pelvic Floor Disorders
Authors: Edenfield Autumn L. , Levin Pamela J. , Dieter Alexis A. , Amundsen Cindy L. , Siddiqui Nazema Y.
Published: October 2014

Introduction

Pelvic floor disorders affect vaginal anatomy and may affect sexual function.

Aims

The aims of this study were to explore the relationship between vaginal anatomy and sexual activity in women with symptomatic pelvic floor disorders and to assess whether vaginal measurements (topography) correlate with sexual function.

Methods

This is a retrospective cohort study comparing sexually active and nonsexually active women planning urogynecologic surgery. Our primary outcome was the difference in vaginal topography based on Pelvic Organ Prolapse Quantification (POP-Q) exam between cohorts. Correlations between POP-Q measurements and Pelvic Organ Prolapse/Urinary Incontinence Sexual Questionnaire short form (PISQ-12) scores were assessed in sexually active women.

Main Outcome Measure

The POP-Q is a quantitative and standardized examination for prolapse. The PISQ-12 is a condition-specific sexual function questionnaire validated in sexually active women with pelvic floor disorders.

Results

Of 535 women, 208 (39%) were sexually active and 327 (61%) were not. Median genital hiatus (GH) and perineal body (PB) measurements and a PB : GH ratio were not significantly different between the two cohorts. Total vaginal length (TVL) was longer in sexually active women (median 9 vs. 8 cm, P < 0.001). In a linear regression analysis controlling for potential confounders, sexually active women still had a longer TVL by 0.4 cm (95% confidence interval 0.07, 0.6 cm) compared with those who were not sexually active. Of the 327 nonsexually active women, 28% indicated they avoided sexual activity because of pelvic floor symptoms. There was poor correlation between TVL, GH, PB, and PB : GH ratio with PISQ-12 scores (r = 0.10, −0.05, −0.09, −0.03, respectively).

Conclusions

In women with pelvic floor disorders, sexual activity is associated with a longer vaginal length. One-quarter of women indicated they avoided sexual activity because of pelvic floor symptoms. Vaginal topography does not correlate with sexual function based on PISQ-12 scores.
Matching oceanography and genetics at the basin scale. Seascape connectivity of the Mediterranean shore crab in the Adriatic Sea
Authors: Schiavina M. , Marino I. A. M. , Zane L. , Melià P.
Published: October 2014

Investigating the interactions between the physical environment and early life history is crucial to understand the mechanisms that shape the genetic structure of marine populations. Here, we assessed the genetic differentiation in a species with larval dispersal, the Mediterranean shore crab (Carcinus aestuarii) in the Adriatic Sea (central Mediterranean), and we investigated the role of oceanic circulation in shaping population structure. To this end, we screened 11 polymorphic microsatellite loci from 431 individuals collected at eight different sites. We found a weak, yet significant, genetic structure into three major clusters: a northern Adriatic group, a central Adriatic group and one group including samples from southern Adriatic and Ionian seas. Genetic analyses were compared, under a seascape genetics approach, with estimates of potential larval connectivity obtained with a coupled physical–biological model that integrates a water circulation model and a description of biological traits affecting dispersal. The cross‐validation of the results of the two approaches supported the view that genetic differentiation reflects an oceanographic subdivision of the Adriatic Sea into three subbasins, with circulation patterns allowing the exchange of larvae through permanent connections linking north Adriatic sites and ephemeral connections like those linking the central Adriatic with northern and southern locations.
Testing models of speciation from genome sequences: divergence and asymmetric admixture in Island South‐East Asian Sus species during the Plio‐Pleistocene climatic fluctuations
Authors: Frantz Laurent A. F. , Madsen Ole , Megens Hendrik‐Jan , Groenen Martien A. M. , Lohse Konrad
Published: October 2014

In many temperate regions, ice ages promoted range contractions into refugia resulting in divergence (and potentially speciation), while warmer periods led to range expansions and hybridization. However, the impact these climatic oscillations had in many parts of the tropics remains elusive. Here, we investigate this issue using genome sequences of three pig (Sus) species, two of which are found on islands of the Sunda‐shelf shallow seas in Island South‐East Asia (ISEA). A previous study revealed signatures of interspecific admixture between these Sus species (Genome biology, 14, 2013, R107). However, the timing, directionality and extent of this admixture remain unknown. Here, we use a likelihood‐based model comparison to more finely resolve this admixture history and test whether it was mediated by humans or occurred naturally. Our analyses suggest that interspecific admixture between Sunda‐shelf species was most likely asymmetric and occurred long before the arrival of humans in the region. More precisely, we show that these species diverged during the late Pliocene but around 23% of their genomes have been affected by admixture during the later Pleistocene climatic transition. In addition, we show that our method provides a significant improvement over D‐statistics which are uninformative about the direction of admixture.
Luck Attributions and Cognitive Bias
Authors: Hales Steven D. , Johnson Jennifer Adrienne
Published: October 2014

Philosophers have developed three theories of luck: the probability theory, the modal theory, and the control theory. To help assess these theories, we conducted an empirical investigation of luck attributions. We created eight putative luck scenarios and framed each in either a positive or a negative light. Furthermore, we placed the critical luck event at the beginning, middle, or end of the scenario to see if the location of the event influenced luck attributions. We found that attributions of luckiness were significantly influenced by the framing of the scenario and by the location of the critical event. Positively framing an event led to significantly higher lucky ratings than negatively framing the same exact event. And the closer a negative event was placed toward the end of a scenario, the more unlucky the event was rated. Overall, our results raise the possibility that there is no such thing as luck and thereby pose serious challenges to the three prominent theories of luck. We instead propose that luck may be a cognitive illusion, a mere narrative device used to frame stories of success or failure.
The Aspergillus nidulans signalling mucin MsbA regulates starvation responses, adhesion and affects cellulase secretion in response to environmental cues
Authors: Brown Neil Andrew , dos Reis Thaila Fernanda , Goinski Amanda Beatriz , Savoldi Marcela , Menino Joao , Almeida Maria Teresa , Rodrigues Fernando , Goldman Gustavo Henrique
Published: October 2014

In the heterogeneous semi‐solid environment naturally occupied by lignocellulolytic fungi the majority of nutrients are locked away as insoluble plant biomass. Hence, lignocellulolytic fungi must actively search for, and attach to, a desirable source of nutrients. During growth on lignocellulose a period of carbon deprivation provokes carbon catabolite derepression and scavenging hydrolase secretion. Subsequently, starvation and/or contact sensing was hypothesized to play a role in lignocellulose attachment and degradation. In Aspergillus nidulans the extracellular signalling mucin, MsbA, influences growth under nutrient‐poor conditions including lignocellulose. Cellulase secretion and activity was affected by MsbA via a mechanism that was independent of cellulase transcription. MsbA modulated both the cell wall integrity and filamentous growth MAPK pathways influencing adhesion, biofilm formation and secretion. The constitutive activation of MsbA subsequently enhanced cellulase activity by increasing the secretion of the cellobiohydrolase, CbhA, while improved substrate attachment and may contribute to an enhanced starvation response. Starvation and/or contact sensing therefore represents a new dimension to the already multifaceted regulation of cellulase activity.
Use of computed tomography as a non‐invasive method for diagnosing cephenemyiosis in roe deer (Capreolus capreolus)
Authors: FIDALGO L. E. , LÓPEZ‐BECEIRO A. M. , VILA‐PASTOR M. , MART ÍNEZ‐CARRASCO C. , BARREIRO‐VÁZQUEZ J. D. , PÉREZ J. M.
Published: October 2014

This study was conducted to assess the reliability of computed tomography (CT) for diagnosing bot fly infestations by Cephenemyia stimulator (Clark) (Diptera: Oestridae) in roe deer (Capreolus capreolus L.) (Artiodactyla: Cervidae). For this purpose, the heads of 30 animals were analysed, firstly by CT and then by necropsy, which was used as the reference standard method. The prevalence values obtained by both methods were identical; the prevalence of infestation was 40.0% overall, and was higher in males (45.5%) than in females (25.0%). These results highlight the usefulness of CT as an alternative or non‐invasive method for diagnosing cephenemyiosis in live‐captured roe deer and in hunting trophies or museum collections that cannot be destroyed or damaged.