bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Strain effects on the band gap and optical properties of perovskite SrSnO3 and BaSnO3
Authors: Singh David J. , Xu Qiang , Ong Khuong P.
Published: January 2014

We report calculations of the band gaps and optical spectra of perovskite BaSnO3 and SrSnO3 as a function of strain. We find that the behavior of these compounds is controlled almost entirely by the volumetric strain and in particular that unlike commonly studied transition metal based perovskites, there is little sensitivity to strains other than volumetric. The most effective tuning parameters for the gap and optical properties of stannate perovskites are composition (A-site alloying) and volumetric strain.
Frontside-micromachined planar piezoresistive vibration sensor: Evaluating performance in the low frequency test range
Authors: Zhang Lan , Lu Jian , Takagi Hideki , Maeda Ryutaro
Published: January 2014

Using a surface piezoresistor diffusion method and front-side only micromachining process, a planar piezoresistive vibration sensor was successfully developed with a simple structure, lower processing cost and fewer packaging difficulties. The vibration sensor had a large sector proof mass attached to a narrow flexure. Optimization of the boron diffusion piezoresistor placed on the edge of the narrow flexure greatly improved the sensitivity. Planar vibration sensors were fabricated and measured in order to analyze the effects of the sensor dimensions on performance, including the values of flexure width and the included angle of the sector. Sensitivities of fabricated planar sensors of 0.09–0.46 mV/V/g were measured up to a test frequency of 60 Hz. The sensor functioned at low voltages (<3 V) and currents (<1 mA) with a high sensitivity and low drift. At low background noise levels, the sensor had performance comparable to a commercial device.
Alcohol and Lateral Inhibitory Interactions in Human Vision
Authors: Johnston Kevin , Timney Brian
Published: January 2014

Acute alcohol consumption detrimentally affects many aspects of visual function, but few studies have addressed the neural mechanisms underlying such changes. One candidate mechanism that may be responsible for some alcohol-induced changes in visual function is lateral inhibition. Alcohol has been shown to abolish lateral inhibitory interactions in experimental preparations in which it is applied directly to the retina, but few studies have attempted to link alcohol-induced reductions in lateral inhibitory interactions with psychophysical performance in assessments of visual function dependent on this mechanism. In the present series of studies we addressed this by investigating the effects of alcohol consumption on a perceptual phenomenon mediated in part by lateral inhibition, the Hermann grid illusion. Participants estimated the contrast of the illusory blobs present at the grid intersections using a matching procedure after consumption of a drink containing alcohol or a nonalcoholic drink. The magnitude of the illusion was diminished in the alcohol condition, and this effect was consistent when we parametrically varied the contrast of the grid squares and widths of the grid bars. These data suggest that alcohol reduces lateral inhibitory interactions in human vision.
A Role of 3-D Surface-from-Motion Cues in Motion-Induced Blindness
Authors: Rosenthal Orna , Davies Martin , Davies Anne M Aimola , Humphreys Glyn W
Published: January 2014

Motion-induced blindness (MIB), the illusory disappearance of local targets against a moving mask, has been attributed to both low-level stimulus-based effects and high-level processes, involving selection between local and more global stimulus contexts. Prior work shows that MIB is modulated by binocular disparity-based depth-ordering cues. We assessed whether the depth effect is specific to disparity by studying how monocular 3-D surface from motion affects MIB. Monocular kinetic depth cues were used to create a global 3-D hourglass with concave and convex surfaces. MIB increased for stationary targets on the convex relative to the concave area, extending the role of 3-D cues. Interestingly, this convexity effect was limited to the left visual field—replicating spatial anisotropies in MIB. The data indicate a causal role of general 3-D surface coding in MIB, consistent with MIB being affected by high-level, visual representations.
Effects of rice straw versus wheat straw as ingredients in a total mixed ration on intake, digestibility and growth of Holstein heifers
Authors: Rauch R. E. , Cun G. , Nader G. A. , Robinson P. H.
Published: January 2014

Rice straw (RS) has generally not been considered as an ingredient in dairy heifer or cow rations in the developed world, at least partly due to its tough physical character. However, recent research aimed at developing harvesting methods that increase mixability and reduce animal-sorting problems has identified straw-preparation methods with substantially improved physical properties. A ‘slicer’ baler method was used to prepare RS for use in two feeding studies, so as to determine effects of RS versus wheat straw (WS) as ingredients in a total mixed ration (TMR) on dairy heifer performance. The WS-TMR-fed heifers in Experiment 1 had substantially higher frame growth than did RS-TMR-fed heifers, and maintained body condition score, while RS heifers lost body condition score. A main reason for reduced performance with the RS-TMR-fed heifers was at least partly due to reduced DM intake, which may have been due to slower-degrading fibre and/or a higher dietary cation–anion difference (DCAD) of the RS-TMR. However, the large treatment differences may also have been due to compensatory growth in WS-TMR-fed heifers as all heifers had been fed the RS-TMR before initiation of the study. The WS-TMR-fed heifers in Experiment 2 had the same frame growth, but somewhat higher BCS accumulation, than did RS-TMR-fed heifers, which may have been due to the lower straw-inclusion levels in the diets, smaller treatment differences in DCAD versus Experiment 1 and/or a lack of compensatory growth, since all heifers had been fed a higher-energy diet before the study. However, after a further 28-day period, when all calves were fed the WS-TMR, measures of skeletal growth and BCS had converged. Overall, results support a lower nutritional value of RS than WS, while demonstrating the practical utility of using energy restriction–realimentation regimes to increase heifer growth efficiency.
A 'protein bank' of Lotus uliginosus cv. Maku as an alternative to conventional protein supplements for weaned lambs grazing on natural pastures during summer and autumn
Authors: Piaggio L. , Marichal M. de J. , Pastorín A.
Published: January 2014

The aim of this study was to evaluate the use of restricted grazing of an improved natural pasture as an alternative to conventional protein supplements for weaned lambs grazing natural pastures during summer–autumn. Two natural pastures that differed in dry matter allowances were used as basal diets. Sixty Corriedale lambs, 3 months old, were divided into 10 homogeneous groups. For each natural pasture, one group of lambs was randomly assigned to one of the following treatments (at 10 lambs/ha): continuous grazing (control); control + protein block (150 g/lamb. day); control + soybean meal (100 g/lamb. day); control + supplemental protein obtained from grazing for 3 h/day a natural pasture improved with Lotus uliginosus cv. Maku; or same as previous, except that grazing was allowed 1 in 3 days. Performance results (final bodyweight, average daily gain, and difference between initial and final body scores) were analysed as a completely randomised block design with subsampling. Lambs grazing 3 h/day or 1 in 3 days on improved pasture or supplemented with soybean meal showed better (P < 0.05) performance than non-supplemented lambs. Lambs consuming the protein block performed similarly (P > 0.05) to control lambs. The experiment demonstrated that feeding strategies using controlled grazing of natural pastures improved with lotus Maku or soybean meal supplementation are effective to achieve target growth rates of weaned lambs grazing natural pastures in summer–autumn.
Effect of the introduction of D-genome related gluten proteins on durum wheat pasta and bread making quality
Authors: Sissons Mike , Pleming Denise , Margiotta Benedetta , D'Egidio Maria Grazia , Lafiandra Domenico
Published: January 2014

Durum wheat (Triticum turgidum ssp. durum) is typically used to produce pasta. In some parts of the world, it is used to make bread but with inferior loaf volume and texture compared with common wheat bread. This study describes the effect on technological properties of pasta and bread made from durum wheat cv. Svevo (recurrent parent (S), HMW-GS null, 7+8) and two isogenic genotypes carrying pairs of additional subunits 5+10 (S 5+10) or 2+12 (S 2+12), normally present at the Glu-D1 locus in bread wheat. The semolina was re-ground to flour, mixed in various proportions with bakers flour and used to prepare loaves. The dough properties of the S 5+10 line were markedly different from Svevo, having over-strong, stable dough, low wet gluten and elasticity; S 2+12 also displayed stronger dough. Pasta prepared from these genotypes showed lower cooked firmness (adjusted for protein differences), ranked Svevo > S 5+10 = S 2+12. There were no other differences in pasta cooking quality. Bread loaf volume and loaf score decreased as more bakers flour was replaced by durum flour, but the decline varied with the genetic material and dosage. The greatest reduction in loaf volume occurred using S 5+10 and the least with S 2+12, which was similar to Svevo. Bake score was reduced with S 5+10 only. The best loaf was made using Svevo. This work shows that it is possible to manipulate the processing properties of pasta and durum–bread-wheat blends by altering the glutenin subunit composition. This represents an efficient tool to finely manipulate gluten quality in durum wheat.
Engagement of Pleasant Activities in Patients with Substance Use Disorders: A Correlational Study
Authors: Roozen Hendrik G. , Strietman Martin , Wiersema Hans , Meyers Robert J. , Lewinsohn Peter M. , Feij Jan A. , Greeven Peter G. J. , Vingerhoets Ad J. J. M. , van den Brink Wim
Published: January 2014

Background

There is a growing awareness that the treatment of patients with substance use disorders (SUDs) should target increasing patients’ involvement in alternative pleasant reinforcers that compete with the reinforcing effects of substance use. The present cross-sectional study sought to identify factors that promote or impede engaging in pleasant activities.

Methods

Patients with SUDs ( N = 265) were assessed at treatment entry on sociodemographic characteristics, primary type of substance (ie, alcohol or illicit drugs), addiction severity, craving, personality factors, and psychiatric distress.

Results

Regression analyses identified dissimilar predictor sets underlying frequency, enjoyability, and cross-product ratings, highlighting the multifaceted behavioral nature of activity engagement. Personality measures showed the strongest associations with patients’ activity engagement, with extraversion as the key predictor.

Conclusions

The present findings emphasize the complexity of patients’ involvement in pleasant non–substance-related activities and further investigation is necessary to gain more insight into the underlying mechanisms of activity engagement.
Executive Summary: 2013 IDSA Clinical Practice Guideline for Vaccination of the Immunocompromised Host
Authors: Rubin Lorry G. , Levin Myron J. , Ljungman Per , Davies E. Graham , Avery Robin , Tomblyn Marcie , Bousvaros Athos , Dhanireddy Shireesha , Sung Lillian , Keyserling Harry , Kang Insoo
Published: January 2014

An international panel of experts prepared an evidenced-based guideline for vaccination of immunocompromised adults and children. These guidelines are intended for use by primary care and subspecialty providers who care for immunocompromised patients. Evidence was often limited. Areas that warrant future investigation are highlighted.
Unit and Internal Chain Profile of Millet Amylopectin
Authors: Annor George Amponsah , Marcone Massimo , Bertoft Eric , Seetharaman Koushik
Published: January 2014

The unit chain compositions of debranched foxtail, proso, pearl, and finger millet amylopectins and their ϕ,β‐limit dextrins were analyzed by high‐performance anion‐exchange chromatography. The ϕ,β‐limit dextrins reflected amylopectin internal chain profiles. The amylopectins had average chain lengths ranging from 17.94 to 18.12. The ranges of external chain length, internal chain length, and total internal chain length of the millet amylopectins were 11.85–12.33, 4.75–5.09, and 11.64–12.28, respectively. The relative molar concentration of B‐chains in the amylopectins was close to 50% in all samples. Significant differences were, however, observed in the proportions of very short “fingerprint” B‐chains (Bfp, degree of polymerization 3–7) and the major group of short B‐chains (BSmajor): foxtail and proso millets possessed high amounts of Bfp‐chains, whereas finger and pearl millets had higher amounts of BSmajor‐chains, suggesting possible differences in the fine structure of the clusters and building blocks of the amylopectins. Millet amylopectin can be classified structurally as type 2.
Proteomics Based Study of Soybean and Phakopsora pachyrhizi Interaction
Authors: Ganiger M. , Walker D. R. , Chen Z. Y.
Published: January 2014

Phakopsora pachyrhizi, the causal agent of Asian soybean rust (ASR), has the potential to cause severe yield losses as all currently grown U.S. commercial soybean varieties are susceptible. In this proteomics study, we compared two soybean sibling lines, a resistant line 10G18 and a susceptible line 10G21 derived from Recombinant Inbred Line (RIL) population RN06-32-2 to understand the compatible and incompatible host-pathogen interactions at the molecular level. We compared the protein profile differences between the two lines over a time-course of 14 days with or without P. pachyrhizi inoculation using differential in-gel electrophoresis (DIGE). Approximately 70 differentially expressed spots between 10G18 and 10G21 lines with and without P. pachyrhizi inoculation were identified. Some of these spots, which were up- and down-regulated in resistant line 10G18, were sequenced using LC-MS/MS. Of the 70 differentially expressed protein spots, 31 up-regulated and 6 down-regulated spots in resistant line 10G18 were sequenced. These sequenced proteins were mostly involved in photosynthesis based on homology searches. The involvement in disease resistance for some of these differentially up-regulated proteins has been reported, indicating their possible role in soybean defense against ASR. However, further studies are necessary.

Accepted for publication 3 September 2013. Published 25 November 2013.
The trade-off theory revisited: on the effect of operating leverage
Authors: J. Glover Kristoffer , Hambusch Gerhard
Published: January 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to investigate the effect of operating leverage, and the subsequent abandonment option available to managers, on the relationship between corporate earnings and optimal financial leverage, thereby providing an alternative (rational) explanation for the observed negative relationship between these two quantities.

Design/methodology/approach

– Working in a dynamic capital structure setting, where corporate earnings are modelled as an exogenous stochastic process, the paper explicitly adds fixed operating costs to the firm's value optimisation. This introduces a degree of operating leverage (DOL) and a non-zero value to the implicit abandonment option of the firm's manager. Solving for the firm's optimal timing and financing decisions the paper is able to derive the relationship between current corporate earnings and optimal financial leverage for a large class of earnings uncertainty assumptions. The theoretical implications are then tested empirically using a large selection of S&P 500 firms.

Findings

– The analysis reveals that the manager's flexibility to abandon the project introduces nonlinearities into the valuation that are sufficient to reconcile the trade-off theory with the empirically observed negative earnings/financial leverage relationship. The paper further finds theoretical and empirical evidence of a positive relationship between operating and financial leverage.

Originality/value

– Previous studies have used mean-reverting earnings as an explanation for the observed negative earnings/financial leverage relationship in a trade-off theory setting. The paper shows that the relationship does not need to be process specific. Instead, it is a direct result of the financial flexibility of managers.
Long‐term outcome of nitrogen immobilization to restore endemic sand grassland in Hungary
Authors: Török Katalin , Szitár Katalin , Halassy Melinda , Szabó Rebeka , Szili‐Kovács Tibor , Baráth Norbert , Paschke Mark W.
Published: January 2014

Soil nitrogen immobilization by carbon amendment is a management technique used for conservation purposes to increase the competitive ability of late‐seral plant species over early‐seral species based on their different tolerance of low soil nitrogen content.

We immobilized nitrogen over six growing seasons on three ex‐arable fields with poor sandy soils in the Hungarian lowland in order to restore endemic sandy grassland. Sucrose and sawdust were applied at rates based on previous laboratory experiments using local soils. We tested the efficacy of long‐term carbon amendment for lowering soil nitrogen availability and favouring late‐seral native species over early‐seral weed species.

Carbon amendments resulted in significant increase in soil microbial biomass C and reduced soil nitrogen availability after 2 years.

Total vegetation cover was reduced by reducing soil nitrogen availability, but total species richness was not impacted. Cover of early‐seral species decreased, and species richness and cover of late‐seral species increased irrespective of nitrogen immobilization. However, after 4–6 years reducing soil nitrogen availability hampered the spread of moss under vascular vegetation.

Synthesis and applications. This study supports the efficacy of carbon amendment as a tool to immobilize available soil nitrogen in the upper soil layers. However, the desired impact on vegetation was not fully achieved despite application over several years. Nitrogen immobilization was most relevant to bryophytes, lacking deep root systems, which may explain the responsiveness of this group to N limitation. The different impact of N availability on the complex of early‐seral, late‐seral vascular species and that of the bryophyte layer provides opportunity for directing state transformations in arid grasslands. Bryophyte cover can be suppressed through carbon amendments in order to enhance the germination and establishment of grassland species. The advantage of the method is that it opens bryophyte cover gradually without disturbing the soil surface, possibly avoiding the establishment of invasive species. However, further studies are required for deeper insight.
Serum procollagen 1 amino‐terminal propeptide (P1NP) in prostate cancer: Pitfalls of its use as an early surrogate marker for bone metastasis
Authors: Moseshvili Eka , Joseph David J , Spry Nigel A , Cohen Ronald J , Abreu Alberta , Kautto Allison , Denham James W
Published: January 2014

Introduction

Procollagen 1 amino‐terminal propeptide (P1NP) is a bone formation marker and has been shown to have a strong association with the extent of bone metastases (BM) in patients with advanced prostate cancer. More recently, its levels were found to be affected by androgen deprivation therapies and bisphosphonates. We investigated the role of P1NP as a surrogate marker of sub‐radiological skeletal metastases in prostate cancer patients with biochemical failure (BF).

Methods

BePrepared is a prospective longitudinal substudy of RADAR trial in which serial P1NPs were collected at regular intervals for 123 patients who had completed RADAR protocol treatment.

Results

There was no trend identified in P1NP levels prior to diagnosis of BM. We found that there was no difference in P1NP concentrations at the time of diagnosis of BM in the group that developed BM compared with P1NP levels in groups with only nodal metastases or BF. In the group of patients who did not experience BF, P1NP was affected by previous luteinizing hormone‐releasing hormone‐agonist and bisphosphonate therapy. Hence, patients who received an 18‐month course of androgen deprivation without bisphosphonates had significantly higher P1NP values than patients with shorter androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) course combined with a course of bisphosphonates.

Conclusion

P1NP is not a sensitive serum marker of early BM in high‐risk prostate cancer patients with BF and low prostate‐specific antigen levels as its levels are affected by prior history of bone remodelling therapies such as ADT and bisphosphonates.
Genome‐wide variation within and between wild and domestic yak
Authors: Wang Kun , Hu Quanjun , Ma Hui , Wang Lizhong , Yang Yongzhi , Luo Wenchun , Qiu Qiang
Published: January 2014

The yak is one of the few animals that can thrive in the harsh environment of the Qinghai‐Tibetan Plateau and adjacent Alpine regions. Yak provides essential resources allowing Tibetans to live at high altitudes. However, genetic variation within and between wild and domestic yak remain unknown. Here, we present a genome‐wide study of the genetic variation within and between wild and domestic yak. Using next‐generation sequencing technology, we resequenced three wild and three domestic yak with a mean of fivefold coverage using our published domestic yak genome as a reference. We identified a total of 8.38 million SNPs (7.14 million novel), 383 241 InDels and 126 352 structural variants between the six yak. We observed higher linkage disequilibrium in domestic yak than in wild yak and a modest but distinct genetic divergence between these two groups. We further identified more than a thousand of potential selected regions (PSRs) for the three domestic yak by scanning the whole genome. These genomic resources can be further used to study genetic diversity and select superior breeds of yak and other bovid species.
Soil factors involved in the diversity and structure of soil bacterial communities in commercial organic olive orchards in Southern Spain
Authors: Landa B. B. , Montes‐Borrego M. , Aranda S. , Soriano M. A. , Gómez J. A. , Navas‐Cortés J. A.
Published: January 2014

Nowadays, there is a tendency in olive production systems to reduce tillage or keep a vegetative cover to reduce soil erosion and degradation. However, there is scarce information on the effects of different soil management systems (SMS) in soil bacterial community composition of olive groves. In this study, we have evaluated the effects of soil type and different SMS implemented to control weeds in the structure and diversity of bacterial communities of 58 soils in the two geographic areas that best represent the organic olive production systems in Spain. Bacterial community composition assessed by frequency and intensity of occurrence of terminal restriction profiles (TRFs) derived from terminal restriction fragment length polymorphism (T‐RFLP) analysis of amplified 16S ribosomal deoxyribonucleic acid were strongly correlated with soil type/field site (Eutric/Calcaric) that differed mainly in soil particle size distribution and soil pH, followed by a strong effect of SMS, in that order. Canonical discriminant (CD) analysis of TRFs properly classified all of the olive orchard soils as belonging to their respective soil type or SMS. Furthermore, only a small set of TRFs were enough to clearly and significantly differentiate soil samples according to soil type or SMS. Those specific TRFs could be used as bioindicators to assess the effect of changes in SMS aimed to enhance soil quality in olive production systems.
Longing: A Concept Analysis
Authors: Pehler Shelley‐Rae , Sjostrom Stephanie , Markwardt Michelle
Published: January 2014

Purpose

This paper uses Rodgers' evolutionary view of concept analysis to define the human response of longing. The purpose is to develop a definition of longing as the first step in diagnosis development.

Data Source

A literature review was conducted by searching the Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature, American Theological Library Association Religion, JSTOR Philosophy, JSTOR Religion, PsycINFO, and PubMed databases to yield an across‐discipline sample of articles.

Data Synthesis

Three researchers identified the attributes, antecedents, consequences, situational context, and surrogate terms of longing.

Conclusions

An operational definition was developed.

Implications for Nursing Practice

Longing is clearly a human response to loss, crossing illness and situations in which nurses encounter patients in multiple settings. This supports the need to further develop longing into a nursing diagnosis.
2,3,7,8‐Tetrachlorodibenzo‐p‐dioxin (TCDD) Increases Bilirubin Formation but Hampers Quantitative Hepatic Conversion of Biliverdin to Bilirubin in Rats with Wild‐Type AH Receptor
Authors: Niittynen Marjo , Simanainen Ulla , Pohjanvirta Raimo , Sankari Satu , Tuomisto Jouni T.
Published: January 2014

In haem degradation, haem oxygenase‐1 (HO‐1) first cleaves haem to biliverdin, which is reduced to bilirubin by biliverdin IXα reductase (BVR‐A). The environmental pollutant 2,3,7,8‐tetrachlorodibenzo‐p‐dioxin (TCDD) causes hepatic accumulation of biliverdin in moderately TCDD‐resistant line B (Kuopio) rats. Using line B and two TCDD‐sensitive rat strains, the present study set out to probe the dose–response and biochemical mechanisms of this accumulation. At 28 days after exposure to 3–300 μg/kg TCDD in line B rats, already the lowest dose of TCDD tested, 3 μg/kg, affected serum bilirubin conjugates, and after doses ≥100 μg/kg, the liver content of bilirubin, biliverdin and their conjugates (collectively ‘bile pigments’) as well as HO‐1 was elevated. BVR‐A activity and serum bile acids were increased only by the doses of 100 and 300 μg/kg TCDD, respectively. Biliverdin conjugates correlated best with biliverdin suggesting it to be their immediate precursor. TCDD (100 μg/kg, 10 days) increased hepatic bilirubin and biliverdin levels also in TCDD‐sensitive Long‐Evans (Turku/AB; L‐E) rats. Hepatic bilirubin and bile acids, but not biliverdin, were increased in feed‐restricted L‐E control rats. In TCDD‐sensitive line C (Kuopio) rats, 10 μg/kg of TCDD increased the body‐weight‐normalized biliary excretion of bilirubin. Altogether, the results suggest that at acutely toxic doses, TCDD induces the formation of bilirubin in rats. However, concurrently, TCDD seems to hamper the quantitative conversion of biliverdin to bilirubin in line B and L‐E rats' liver. Biliverdin conjugates are most likely formed as secondary products of biliverdin.
Roles of retinoic acid signaling in normal and abnormal development of the palate and tongue
Authors: Okano Junko , Udagawa Jun , Shiota Kohei
Published: January 2014

Palatogenesis involves various developmental events such as growth, elevation, elongation and fusion of opposing palatal shelves. Extrinsic factors such as mouth opening and subsequent tongue withdrawal are also needed for the horizontal elevation of palate shelves. Failure of any of these steps can lead to cleft palate, one of the most common birth defects in humans. It has been shown that retinoic acid (RA) plays important roles during palate development, but excess RA causes cleft palate in fetuses of both rodents and humans. Thus, the coordinated regulation of retinoid metabolism is essential for normal palatogenesis. The endogenous RA level is determined by the balance of RA‐synthesizing (retinaldehyde dehydrogenases: RALDHs) and RA‐degrading enzymes (CYP26s). Cyp26b1 is a key player in normal palatogenesis. In this review, we discuss recent progress in the study of the pathogenesis of RA‐induced cleft palate, with special reference to the regulation of endogenous RA levels by RA‐degrading enzymes.
Poaching is more than an Enforcement Problem
Authors: Challender Daniel W. S. , MacMillan Douglas C.
Published: January 2014

Today record levels of funding are being invested in enforcement and antipoaching measures to tackle the “war on poaching,” but many species are on the path to extinction. In our view, intensifying enforcement effort is crucial, but will ultimately prove an inadequate long‐term strategy with which to conserve high‐value species. This is because: regulatory approaches are being overwhelmed by the drivers of poaching and trade, financial incentives for poaching are increasing due to rising prices and growing relative poverty between areas of supply and centers of demand, and aggressive enforcement of trade controls, in particular bans, can increase profits and lead to the involvement of organized criminals with the capacity to operate even under increased enforcement effort. With prices for high‐value wildlife rising, we argue that interventions need to go beyond regulation and that new and bold strategies are needed urgently. In the immediate future, we should incentivize and build capacity within local communities to conserve wildlife. In the medium term, we should drive prices down by reexamining sustainable off‐take mechanisms such as regulated trade, ranching and wildlife farming, using economic levers such as taxation to fund conservation efforts, and in the long‐term reduce demand through social marketing programs.
Small‐bowel dislocation during long‐term MRI observation – insights in intestinal physiology
Authors: Bickelhaupt Sebastian , Froehlich Johannes M. , Wentz Klaus‐Ulrich , von Weymarn Constantin , Patak Michael A.
Published: January 2014

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the abdomen is a widely established imaging modality in the diagnostic workup of patients suffering from abdominal disorders. Small‐bowel motility analyses using MRI have recently been introduced to provide functional information about the intestine not provided by morphological analyses. This is of clinical importance as motility disorders correlate with inflammation. Yet motility analyses mainly rely on a series of acquisitions in coronal orientation. Temporal displacement of small‐bowel loops out of the coronal slice could falsify qualitative and quantitative motility analyses. Thus, our study quantified three‐dimensional (3D) dislocation of small‐bowel loops during abdominal MRI examinations with the patient lying in prone position to investigate its influence on motility analyses. Our study revealed segmental small‐bowel displacement during MRI examinations in prone position to predominantly occur in craniocaudal orientation and in a smaller extent in lateral and ventrodorsal orientation. However, the displacement amplitudes are rather small and might not significantly influence small‐bowel motility analyses in 2D coronal plane in general.
Stock Prices in the Presence of Liquidity Crises: The Effect of Creditor Protection
Authors: Hale Galina , Razin Assaf , Tong Hui
Published: January 2014

We develop a model predicting two channels through which creditor protection affects stock prices: (1) the probability of a liquidity crisis leading to a binding investment‐finance constraint falls with better creditor protection; (2) the stock prices under the investment‐constrained regime increase with better creditor protection. We find evidence for both predictions using data on stock markets and creditor protection for 52 countries from 1980 to 2008. In particular, better creditor protection is correlated with lower stock market volatility and lower frequency of crises. Moreover, during crises, stock prices and investment fall more in countries with poor creditor protection.
Clinical predictors of the long‐term social outcome and quality of life in juvenile myoclonic epilepsy: 20–65 years of follow‐up
Authors: Schneider‐von Podewils Felix , Gasse Christina , Geithner Julia , Wang Zhong I. , Bombach Paula , Berneiser Julia , Herzer Rosemarie , Kessler Christof , Runge Uwe
Published: January 2014

Objective

The long‐term social outcome in patients with juvenile myoclonic epilepsy (JME) is still controversial. The aim of this study was both to investigate the long‐term social outcome in relation to clinical variables and to identify epilepsy‐related factors that affect the quality of life (QoL) in JME patients with a follow‐up of at least 20 years.

Methods

A retrospective selection of 33 of 90 patients (21 female) from a tertiary epilepsy center diagnosed with JME and followed for ≥20 years (mean 37.8 years) was studied. All patients were evaluated with a thorough review of their medical records, and a subsequent face‐to‐face or telephone interview. QOLIE‐31‐P questionnaire (QoL In Epilepsy) and Beck Depression Inventory‐II were used to assess the QoL and the presence and severity of depressive symptoms, respectively.

Results

Of 33 patients, 18 (54.5%) became seizure‐free; in 4 of the patients (22.2%), antiepileptic drug (AED) treatment was discontinued. Early and long‐term seizure freedom improves both social adjustment (p = 0.02) and occupational integration (p = 0.02) and associates with a better QoL (odds ratio [OR] 2.25). A high seizure burden highly affects both aspects of personal life—family and work; notably the occurrence of frequent and/or late onset generalized tonic–clonic seizures increases the risk of concomitant diseases (p = 0.05) and lifelong AED treatment (p = 0.03), decreases the patient's employability (p = 0.02), increases the rate of employment disability pension (p = 0.05), and considerably increases public/social spending. Seizure freedom significantly increases the QoL (p = 0.001), whereas more severe courses of epilepsy (OR 3.2), AED side effects (p = 0.04), depression (p = 0.02), and sleep disturbances (OR 2.7) considerably decrease the patient's QoL.

Significance

Although patients with JME are a heterogeneous group, several predictors for the long‐term social, family, educational, and occupational outcome have been identified in our study and should be considered in the effort to both improve the patient′s QoL as well as preserve economic resources.
The cranial nuchal bursa: Anatomy, ultrasonography, magnetic resonance imaging and endoscopic approach
Authors: Abuja G. A. , García‐López J. M. , Manso‐Díaz G. , Spoormakers T. J. P. , Taeymans O.
Published: January 2014

Reasons for performing study

Although an uncommon condition, cranial nuchal bursitis can affect the performance of the equine athlete. The anatomy is not well described and there are no reports of diagnostic imaging for endoscopic approaches.

Objectives

To describe the anatomy, ultrasonographic and magnetic resonance features of and endoscopic approach to the cranial nuchal bursa in horses.

Study design

Experimental cadaver study.

Methods

Four cranial nuchal bursae were dissected, 4 specimens were frozen to prepare anatomical sections and 2 were injected with latex to document surface landmarks and topographical anatomy and to identify the possible sites for endoscopic access. Six cadaveric specimens were used to describe the ultrasonographic and magnetic resonance features of the cranial nuchal bursa before and after intrabursal injection. Sixteen cadaver specimens were evaluated with a rigid arthroscope and gross dissection to determine the endoscopic appearance of the bursa.

Results

The cranial nuchal bursa could be identified consistently in all cadavers, using ultrasonographic and magnetic resonance on both pre‐ and post injection specimens. Cranial and caudal endoscopic approaches and instrument portals were developed for the cranial nuchal bursa. Using either approach, the entire extent of the bursa could be evaluated, but separate approaches for left and right compartments of the bursa were needed owing to the lack of manoeuvrability when examining the contralateral compartment.

Conclusions

The cranial nuchal bursa can be identified on ultrasonographic and magnetic resonance images. An endoscopic approach to the cranial nuchal bursa is clinically feasible and offered an easy, repeatable entry into the cranial nuchal bursa, which allowed adequate observation of the structures within the bursa. This may be of help for diagnosis and treatment of conditions affecting the cranial nuchal bursa in horses.
Assessing anthropogenic impact on boreal lakes with historical fish species distribution data and hydrogeochemical modeling
Authors: Valinia Salar , Englund Göran , Moldan Filip , Futter Martyn N , Köhler Stephan J , Bishop Kevin , Fölster Jens
Published: January 2014

Quantifying the effects of human activity on the natural environment is dependent on credible estimates of reference conditions to define the state of the environment before the onset of adverse human impacts. In Europe, emission controls that aimed at restoring ecological status were based on hindcasts from process‐based models or paleolimnological reconstructions. For instance, 1860 is used in Europe as the target for restoration from acidification concerning biological and chemical parameters. A more practical problem is that the historical states of ecosystems and their function cannot be observed directly. Therefore, we (i) compare estimates of acidification based on long‐term observations of roach (Rutilus rutilus) populations with hindcast pH from the hydrogeochemical model MAGIC; (ii) discuss policy implications and possible scope for use of long‐term archival data for assessing human impacts on the natural environment and (iii) present a novel conceptual model for interpreting the importance of physico‐chemical and ecological deviations from reference conditions. Of the 85 lakes studied, 78 were coherently classified by both methods. In 1980, 28 lakes were classified as acidified with the MAGIC model, however, roach was present in 14 of these. In 2010, MAGIC predicted chemical recovery in 50% of the lakes, however roach only recolonized in five lakes after 1990, showing a lag between chemical and biological recovery. Our study is the first study of its kind to use long‐term archival biological data in concert with hydrogeochemical modeling for regional assessments of anthropogenic acidification. Based on our results, we show how the conceptual model can be used to understand and prioritize management of physico‐chemical and ecological effects of anthropogenic stressors on surface water quality.
Factor IX oligomerization underlies reduced activity upon disruption of physiological conditions
Authors: Simhadri V. L. , Hamasaki‐Katagiri N. , Tseng S. C. , Bentley A. A. , Zichel R. , Hershko A. Y. , Komar A. A. , Kimchi‐Sarfaty C.
Published: January 2014

Coagulation factor IX (FIX) is a serine protease that plays a pivotal role in the blood coagulation cascade. FIX deficiency leads to a blood clotting disorder known as haemophilia B. FIX, synthesized as a prepro‐peptide of 461 amino acids, is processed and secreted into plasma. The protein undergoes numerous modifications, including, but not limited to glycosylation, γ‐carboxylation and disulphide bond formation. Upon processing and limited proteolysis, the protein is converted into an active protease. Under physiological conditions, the FIX zymogen is a monomer. The purpose of this work was to analyse the conditions that may affect FIX monomeric state and promote and/or reduce oligomerization. Using native gel electrophoresis and size exclusion chromatography, we found that under decreased pH and ionic strength conditions, the FIX zymogen can oligomerize, resulting in the formation of higher molecular weight species, with a concomitant reduction in specific activity. Similarly, FIX oligomers formed readily with low bovine serum albumin (BSA) concentrations; however, increased BSA concentrations impeded FIX oligomerization. We hypothesize that normal blood physiological conditions are critical for maintaining active FIX monomers. Under conditions of stress associated with acidosis, electrolyte imbalance and low albumin levels, FIX oligomerization is expected to take place thus leading to compromised activity. Furthermore, albumin, which is commonly used as a drug stabilizer, may enhance the efficacy of FIX biological drugs by reducing oligomerization.
Phenolic profile and changes in the antioxidant activity of crabapple (Malus domestica cv Royalty) fruit during maturation on the tree
Authors: Chen Fangtian , Li Feng , Lu Lei , Zhang Xing , Xu Xiaoyan , Li Dapeng
Published: January 2014

The fruits of crabapple (Malus domestica cv Royalty) harvested at six times during fruit maturation on the tree (60, 80, 100, 120, 140 and 160 day after full bloom, DAFB) were evaluated for their antioxidant potentials by various assays such as DPPH, ABTS, superoxide anion, hydroxyl radical and ferric reducing power. Total phenolic and flavonoid were analysed and characterised using HPLC‐DAD‐MS/MS. Results showed that the Royalty fruits harvested on 60 DAFB had the strongest scavenging activity against DPPH, ABTS and radicals ( = 0.37 mg mL−1,  = 0.19 mg mL−1 and  = 4906.63 U L−1) and ferric reducing power (FRAP = 2.85 mol Fe2+ per kg dw), which highly correlated with its high amount of total phenolics of 130.17 mg gallic acid equivalents (GAE) per gram dry weight and total flavonoid of 866.15 mg rutin equivalents (RE) per gram dry weight. Eight phenolic compounds were identified in the Royalty extract of 60 DAFB as caffeic acid, eriodictyol rhamnoside, phloretin hexoside I, coumaroyl guinic acid, quercetin hexoside, phloretin hexoside II, quercetin pentoside and quercetin rhamnoside. These findings suggest that Royalty could be potentially used as a promising source of natural antioxidants in the development of functional foods.
Physicochemical properties of flour recovered from broken rice noodles during production
Authors: Liu Ya‐Fei , Chaiwanichsiri Saiwarun , Laohasongkram Kalaya
Published: January 2014

Flour recovered from broken rice noodles was evaluated by microscopy, X‐ray diffractometry, differential scanning calorimetry, in vitro starch digestibility, pasting and gel texture analyses. Rice noodle making processes destroyed the granular and crystalline structures of rice flour (RF), but the process‐induced recrystallised amylopectin and amylose‐lipid complexes were observed. Higher level of resistant starch in broken rice noodle flour (BRNF) was due to the retrograded amylose, which formed during noodle making. The absence of pasting temperature and low pasting viscosity of BRNF were distinct from those of RF, whereas gel textures of both flours were similar. BRNF‐added rice noodles showed lower hardness, but the other cooking and texture qualities were close to the one without BRNF. Up to 17% of BRNF could be incorporated into composite rice noodle making. This study thus provided an approach to the management and utilisation of food processing wastes.
Patterns of engagement: the relationship between efficacy beliefs and task engagement at the individual versus collective level
Authors: Vera María , Le Blanc Pascale M. , Taris Toon W. , Salanova Marisa
Published: January 2014

This study examines the relationship between efficacy beliefs and task engagement in and over time, at both the individual and collective levels. We conducted latent growth curve analyses using data from 372 university students (individual level) who were assigned to one of 79 e‐work groups (collective level). The participants carried out three collaborative tasks in a laboratory setting. Results reveal, at both levels, that the level of task engagement of participants and groups with high initial levels of efficacy beliefs remained stable, whereas the level of task engagement of participants and groups with low initial levels of efficacy beliefs decreased significantly over time. Moreover, the relationships linking the parallel constructs were functionally equivalent across levels. Theoretical and practical implications are discussed from the perspective of Bandura's social cognitive theory.
Effective Post‐Signing Market Check or Window Dressing? The Role of Go‐Shop Provisions in M&A Transactions
Authors: Jeon Jin Q , Lee Cheolwoo
Published: January 2014

This paper examines the use of go‐shop provisions in M&A. We find that go‐shop deals tend to have higher deal premiums and receive more competing bids while the length of the go‐shop period does not affect deal premium and competition. Also, deals are less likely to be completed when a go‐shop provision is included and when the go‐shop length is longer. However, go‐shops have no effect on the completion of high premium deals. We also find that the presence of a go‐shop provision leads to a positive market reaction to deal announcements. Overall, our findings support the proposition that go‐shops reflect the efforts of target managers to fulfill the Revlon duties in the form of a post‐signing market check, which is consistent with stewardship theory.
Comparative analysis reveals that polyploidy does not decelerate diversification in fish
Authors: Zhan S. H. , Glick L. , Tsigenopoulos C. S. , Otto S. P. , Mayrose I.
Published: January 2014

While the proliferation of the species‐rich teleost fish has been ascribed to an ancient genome duplication event at the base of this group, the broader impact of polyploidy on fish evolution and diversification remains poorly understood. Here, we investigate the association between polyploidy and diversification in several fish lineages: the sturgeons (Acipenseridae: Acipenseriformes), the botiid loaches (Botiidae: Cypriniformes), Cyprininae fishes (Cyprinidae: Cypriniformes) and the salmonids (Salmonidae: Salmoniformes). Using likelihood‐based evolutionary methodologies, we co‐estimate speciation and extinction rates associated with polyploid vs. diploid fish lineages. Family‐level analysis of Acipenseridae and Botiidae revealed no significant difference in diversification rates between polyploid and diploid relatives, while analysis of the subfamily Cyprininae revealed higher polyploid diversification. Additionally, order‐level analysis of the polyploid Salmoniformes and its diploid sister clade, the Esociformes, did not support a significantly different net diversification rate between the two groups. Taken together, our results suggest that polyploidy is generally not associated with decreased diversification in fish – a pattern that stands in contrast to that previously observed in plants. While there are notable differences in the time frame examined in the two studies, our results suggest that polyploidy is associated with different diversification patterns in these two major branches of the eukaryote tree of life.