bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The performance of range maps and species distribution models representing the geographic variation of species richness at different resolutions
Authors: Pineda Eduardo , Lobo Jorge M.
Published: January 2012

Aim The method used to generate hypotheses about species distributions, in addition to spatial scale, may affect the biodiversity patterns that are then observed. We compared the performance of range maps and MaxEnt species distribution models at different spatial resolutions by examining the degree of similarity between predicted species richness and composition against observed values from well‐surveyed cells (WSCs).

Location Mexico.

Methods We estimated amphibian richness distributions at five spatial resolutions (from 0.083° to 2°) by overlaying 370 individual range maps or MaxEnt predictions, comparing the similarity of the spatial patterns and correlating predicted values with the observed values for WSCs. Additionally, we looked at species composition and assessed commission and omission errors associated with each method.

Results MaxEnt predictions reveal greater geographic differences in richness between species rich and species poor regions than the range maps did at the five resolutions assessed. Correlations between species richness values estimated by either of the two procedures and the observed values from the WSCs increased with decreasing resolution. The slopes of the regressions between the predicted and observed values indicate that MaxEnt overpredicts observed species richness at all of the resolutions used, while range maps underpredict them, except at the finest resolution. Prediction errors did not vary significantly between methods at any resolution and tended to decrease with decreasing resolution. The accuracy of both procedures was clearly different when commission and omission errors were examined separately.

Main conclusions Despite the congruent increase in the geographic richness patterns obtained from both procedures as resolution decreases, the maps created with these methods cannot be used interchangeably because of notable differences in the species compositions they report.
Phylogenetic turnover in tropical tree communities: impact of environmental filtering, biogeography and mesoclimatic niche conservatism
Authors: Hardy Olivier J. , Couteron Pierre , Munoz François , Ramesh B. R. , Pélissier Raphaël
Published: January 2012

Aim  We addressed the roles of environmental filtering, historical biogeography and evolutionary niche conservatism on the phylogenetic structure of tropical tree communities with the following questions. (1) What is the impact of mesoclimatic gradients and dispersal limitation on phylogenetic turnover and species turnover? (2) How does phylogenetic turnover between continents compare in intensity with the turnover driven by climatic gradients at a regional scale? (3) Are independent phylogenetic reconstructions of the mesoclimatic niche of clades congruent between continents?

Location  Panama Canal Watershed and Western Ghats (India), two anciently divergent biogeographic contexts but with comparable rainfall gradients.

Methods  Using floristic data for 50 1‐ha plots in each region, independent measures of phylogenetic turnover (ΠST) and species turnover (Jaccard) between plots were regressed on geographic and ecological distances. Mesoclimatic niches were reconstructed for each node of the phylogeny and compared between the two continents.

Results  (1) The phylogenetic turnover within each region is best explained by mesoclimatic differences (environmental filtering), while species turnover depends both on mesoclimatic differences and geographic distances (dispersal limitation). (2) The phylogenetic turnover between continents (ΠST = 0.009) is comparable to that caused by mesoclimatic gradients within regions (ΠST = 0.010) and both effects seem cumulative. (3) Independent phylogenetic reconstructions of the mesoclimatic niches were strongly correlated between the two continents (r = 0.61), despite the absence of shared species.

Main conclusions  Our results demonstrate a world‐wide deep phylogenetic signal for mesoclimatic niche within a biome, indicating that positive phylogenetic turnover at a regional scale reflects environmental filtering in plant communities.
Enactments in couple therapy: identifying therapist interventions associated with positive change
Authors: Woolley Scott R. , Wampler Karen S. , Davis Sean D.
Published: January 2012

Greenberg's analytic method of process research was used to identify therapist interventions associated with positive change during thirty‐six videotaped segments of enactments. Couple interaction was coded using the rapid couple interaction scoring system. Stepwise regression analyses revealed different patterns by gender, with therapists directing and working with emotions related to husband positive interaction and therapist structuring related to wife positive interactions. A multivariate analysis of variance revealed significant differences between couples who became either positive or negative during the enactments. Structuring, directing, and supporting were used more often with positive couples. Implications for theory, therapy, and research are discussed.
Vulnerability and Robustness of a Security Skyscraper Subjected to Aircraft Impact
Authors: Nöldgen Markus , Fehling Ekkehard , Riedel Werner , Thoma Klaus
Published: January 2012

Abstract: Ultra‐high‐performance concrete (UHPC) is particularly suitable for application in aircraft‐impact‐resistant high‐rise buildings for combined load‐bearing and protective structures. The material provides very high—steel‐like—compressive strength, sufficient ductility, and fire resistance due to the addition of steel and polypropylene fibers. The following contribution is focused on two key aspects: hydro‐code simulations of structural UHPC walls which protect vertical escape and rescue routes and structural dynamic simulations of the global structure to investigate the impact resistance considering the sudden loss of external columns.

A high‐speed dynamic material model for UHPC is obtained by implementing the results of a series of Hopkinson‐Bar experiments which were recently published. The strain‐rate‐dependent material properties are implemented in the established RHT‐Concrete‐Model for hydro‐code applications being furthermore extended by a tensile softening law for fiber‐reinforced UHPC. Based on this material model a series of aircraft‐engine impact experiments are configurated supported by three‐dimensional nonlinear hydro‐code prognosis simulations. With a total of six impact experiments on combined fiber‐ and rebar‐reinforced UHPC panels, all relevant damage states of the structural wall are obtained. The experimental results are compared to the hydro‐code prognosis simulations to validate the simulative approach and the material model for UHPC.

In addition to the local impact behavior, structural dynamic numerical simulations of a global high‐rise structure are presented being focused on the effect of the sudden and notional loss of columns in coincidence with the aircraft impact load function.
Anorexia, Body Image and Peer Effects: Evidence from a Sample of European Women
Authors: Costa‐Font Joan , Jofre‐Bonet Mireia
Published: January 2012

Excessive preoccupation with self‐image (or identity) is regarded as a factor contributing to the proliferation of food disorders, especially among young women. This paper models how self‐image and peer effects influence health‐related behaviours, specifically food disorders. We empirically test our claims using data from the Eurobarometer Survey. Our findings suggest that the larger peers’ body mass, the lower the likelihood of being anorexic. Self‐image is correlated with body weight. We use several definitions of peers’ body mass, and find that all are negatively associated with the likelihood of women being thin or extremely thin.
Inhibition of Propionibacterium acnes lipase by extracts of Indian medicinal plants
Authors: Patil V. , Bandivadekar A. , Debjani D.
Published: January 2012

Synopsis

Lipases play an important role in pathogenesis of acne by hydrolysing sebum triglycerides and releasing irritating free fatty acids in the pilosebaceous follicles. Lipase is a strong chemotactic and proinflammatory antigen. Therefore, lipase has generated a high interest as a pharmacological target for antiacne drugs. The aim of this study was to identify inhibitory effects of plant extracts on the lipase activity of Propionibacterium acnes. Colorimetric microassay was used to determine lipase activity. Extracts from Terminalia chebula and Embelia ribes showed lower IC50 value (1 μg mL−1) for lipase inhibition as compared to Vitex negundo and Picrorhiza kurroa (19 and 47 μg mL−1, respectively). The active component responsible for lipase inhibition was isolated. This study reports for the first time the novel antilipase activity of chebulagic acid (IC50: 60 μmol L−1) with minimum inhibitory concentration value of 12.5 μg mL−1 against P. acnes. The inhibitory potential of plant extracts was further confirmed by plate assay. The organism was grown in the presence of subinhibitory concentrations of extracts from P. kurroa, V. negundo, T. chebula, E. ribes and antibiotics such as clindamycin and tetracycline. Extract from T. chebula showed significant inhibition of lipase activity and number of P. acnes.
The network structure of plant–arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi
Authors: Montesinos‐Navarro A. , Segarra‐Moragues J. G. , Valiente‐Banuet A. , Verdú M.
Published: January 2012

See also the Commentary by Öpik and Moora
Imaging evidence for disturbances in multiple learning and memory systems in persons with autism spectrum disorders
Authors: GOH SUZANNE , PETERSON BRADLEY S
Published: January 2012

Aim  The aim of this article is to review neuroimaging studies of autism spectrum disorders (ASD) that examine declarative, socio‐emotional, and procedural learning and memory systems.

Method  We conducted a search of PubMed from 1996 to 2010 using the terms ‘autism,’‘learning,’‘memory,’ and ‘neuroimaging.’ We limited our review to studies correlating learning and memory function with neuroimaging features of the brain.

Results  The early literature supports the following preliminary hypotheses: (1) abnormalities of hippocampal subregions may contribute to autistic deficits in episodic and relational memory; (2) disturbances to an amygdala‐based network (which may include the fusiform gyrus, superior temporal cortex, and mirror neuron system) may contribute to autistic deficits in socio‐emotional learning and memory; and (3) abnormalities of the striatum may contribute to developmental dyspraxia in individuals with ASD.

Interpretation  Characterizing the disturbances to learning and memory systems in ASD can inform our understanding of the neural bases of autistic behaviors and the phenotypic heterogeneity of ASD.
Prophylactic femoral varization osteotomy for contralateral stable hips in non‐ambulant individuals with cerebral palsy undergoing hip surgery: decision analysis
Authors: PARK MOON SEOK , CHUNG CHIN YOUB , KWON DAE GYU , SUNG KI HYUK , CHOI IN HO , LEE KYOUNG MIN
Published: January 2012

Aim  This study was undertaken to determine the need for concurrent prophylactic femoral varization osteotomy (FVO) of contralateral stable hips at the time of hip reconstructive surgery on unstable hips in non‐ambulant individuals with cerebral palsy (Gross Motor Function Classification System levels IV and V).

Method  A decision analysis model was constructed that included (1) the probability of unstable hips during observation of the contralateral stable hips, (2) unstable hip rate (subluxation or dislocation rate) after prophylactic FVO or after delayed reconstructive surgery (including FVO) for unstable hips, and (3) complication rates after concurrent prophylactic FVO or after hip reconstructive surgery. The final outcome score was based on pain utility measures. The probabilities of all cases and the utility score were obtained by literature review.

Results  The decision model favoured concurrent prophylactic FVO for the contralateral stable hips over observation (pain utility measure scores 0.814 vs 0.781). In a one‐way sensitivity analysis, the decision model favoured concurrent prophylactic FVO when the unstable hip rate of contralateral stable hips during observation was 27% or over. Concurrent prophylactic surgery also demonstrated higher utility scores than observation when the unstable hip rate after FVO was between 0% and 29%.

Interpretation  The decision analysis model demonstrated that concurrent prophylactic FVO for a contralateral stable hip in individuals with cerebral palsy undergoing hip reconstructive surgery was beneficial from a medical perspective, which was based on current evidence.
Beyond valence: The differential effect of masked anger and sadness stimuli on effort‐related cardiac response
Authors: Freydefont Laure , Gendolla Guido H. E. , Silvestrini Nicolas
Published: January 2012

This experiment investigated the moderating effect of masked anger versus sadness primes on objective task difficulty's impact on effort‐related cardiovascular response. Cardiovascular measures (ICG and blood pressure) were assessed during a habituation period and an easy versus difficult short‐term memory task during which participants were exposed to masked emotional facial expressions. As expected, sadness primes led to stronger cardiac preejection period (PEP) responses than anger primes when the task was easy. When the task was difficult, we observed the reversed pattern. Here, anger primes led to stronger PEP reactivity than sadness primes. Heart rate responses described the corresponding pattern. The results demonstrate that masked anger and sadness primes have different effects on cardiac response in easy and difficult tasks. The effect of anger primes resembles the facilitating effect of happiness primes observed in previous studies.
Techniques of Absence in Participatory Budgeting: Space, Difference and Governmentality across Buenos Aires
Authors: CENTNER RYAN
Published: January 2012

Techniques of absencedescribe some of the potentially anti‐deliberative practices that haunt recently widespread participation‐based governance schemes. Techniques of absence remove certain kinds of people – on a spatialised basis – from crucial ‘democratic’ conversations. To illustrate these, I use ethnographic accounts from the implementation of a citywide participatory budgeting programme in three neighbourhoods across Buenos Aires, Argentina, modelled after the vaunted budgeting process pioneered in Porto Alegre, Brazil since 1989. I position absencing as part of an emergent urban governmentality related to participation. This allows for an analysis of the Buenos Aires participatory budget across very different areas of the city: Puerto Madero, Abasto, and La Boca. Discussion centres on dynamics of participation and non‐participation observed during extensive fieldwork in 2004 and 2005. The research aimed to establish intense co‐presence through participant‐observation, yet instead yielded an ethnography of absences, entailing analysis of how, why and with what consequences there was lacking participation in this participatory experiment. The phenomenon of absencing points to an emergent governmentality that enables ironically pernicious, territorialised regulation of difference, which must be countered to fulfil the promise of such widespread experiments.
Ketone bodies in epilepsy
Authors: McNally Melanie A. , Hartman Adam L.
Published: January 2012

J. Neurochem. (2012) 121, 28–35.

Seizures that are resistant to standard medications remain a major clinical problem. One underutilized option for patients with medication‐resistant seizures is the high‐fat, low‐carbohydrate ketogenic diet. The diet received its name based on the observation that patients consuming this diet produce ketone bodies (e.g., acetoacetate, β‐hydroxybutyrate, and acetone). Although the exact mechanisms of the diet are unknown, ketone bodies have been hypothesized to contribute to the anticonvulsant and antiepileptic effects. In this review, anticonvulsant properties of ketone bodies and the ketogenic diet are discussed (including GABAergic and glutamatergic effects). Because of the importance of ketone body metabolism in the early stages of life, the effects of ketone bodies on developing neurons in vitro also are discussed. Understanding how ketone bodies exert their effects will help optimize their use in treating epilepsy and other neurological disorders.
Climate change might increase the invasion potential of the alien C4 grass Setaria parviflora (Poaceae) in the Mediterranean Basin
Authors: Chuine Isabelle , Morin Xavier , Sonié Laurette , Collin Christian , Fabreguettes Jacques , Degueldre David , Salager Jean‐Louis , Roy Jacques
Published: January 2012

Aim  Current climate change is supposed to be beneficial to many biological invaders, especially to C4 alien plants. While several experiments have been dedicated to measuring alien plants’ response to increased atmospheric CO2 concentration, very few studies have been undertaken to measure the response of alien plants to warming. This study was aimed to test experimentally whether the predicted climate change in the Mediterranean Basin could be beneficial to the alien C4 grass Setaria parviflora (Poir.) Kerguélen.

Location  Three populations of S. parviflora from Corsica, southern France, were grown in Montpellier, southern France.

Methods  The C4 alien grass S. parviflora was exposed to artificial climate change conditions for 3 years in open field and in competition with the local native community. We measured the response to artificial warming of +1.5 and +3 °C and artificial drought (−30% precipitation) versus ambient conditions for phenology, biomass and fecundity of S. parviflora. We compared the response of S. parviflora individuals to the response of the local community.

Results  Artificial warming strongly enhanced the biomass and the fecundity of S. parviflora, while it decreased or did not affect the biomass and fecundity of the local community. The phenology (onset of growth, first spike pollinating and fruit ripeness) of S. parviflora was advanced significantly and explained the changes observed in biomass and fecundity.

Main conclusions  Here, we report a positive effect of climate change on the growth and fertility of S. parviflora, a C4 alien plant. Our results suggest that climate change predicted for the next decades in the Mediterranean Basin might substantially enhance the performance of S. parviflora, potentially increasing its invasion success.
Comparative and meta‐analytic insights into life extension via dietary restriction
Authors: Nakagawa Shinichi , Lagisz Malgorzata , Hector Katie L. , Spencer Hamish G.
Published: January 2012

Dietary restriction (DR) extends the lifespan of a wide range of species, although the universality of this effect has never been quantitatively examined. Here, we report the first comprehensive comparative meta‐analysis of DR across studies and species. Overall, DR significantly increased lifespan, but this effect is modulated by several factors. In general, DR has less effect in extending lifespan in males and also in non‐model organisms. Surprisingly, the proportion of protein intake was more important for life extension via DR than the degree of caloric restriction. Furthermore, we show that reduction in both age‐dependent and age‐independent mortality rates drives life extension by DR among the well‐studied laboratory model species (yeast, nematode worms, fruit flies and rodents). Our results suggest that convergent adaptation to laboratory conditions better explains the observed DR–longevity relationship than evolutionary conservation although alternative explanations are possible.
Old flies have a robust central oscillator but weaker behavioral rhythms that can be improved by genetic and environmental manipulations
Authors: Luo Wenyu , Chen Wen‐Feng , Yue Zhifeng , Chen Dechun , Sowcik Mallory , Sehgal Amita , Zheng Xiangzhong
Published: January 2012

Sleep–wake cycles break down with age, but the causes of this degeneration are not clear. Using a Drosophila model, we addressed the contribution of circadian mechanisms to this age‐induced deterioration. We found that in old flies, free‐running circadian rhythms (behavioral rhythms assayed in constant darkness) have a longer period and an unstable phase before they eventually degenerate. Surprisingly, rhythms are weaker in light–dark cycles and the circadian‐regulated morning peak of activity is diminished under these conditions. On a molecular level, aging results in reduced amplitude of circadian clock gene expression in peripheral tissues. However, oscillations of the clock protein PERIOD (PER) are robust and synchronized among different clock neurons, even in very old, arrhythmic flies. To improve rhythms in old flies, we manipulated environmental conditions, which can have direct effects on behavior, and also tested a role for molecules that act downstream of the clock. Coupling temperature cycles with a light–dark schedule or reducing expression of protein kinase A (PKA) improved behavioral rhythms and consolidated sleep. Our data demonstrate that a robust molecular timekeeping mechanism persists in the central pacemaker of aged flies, and reducing PKA can strengthen behavioral rhythms.
Coloration and application of pH‐sensitive dyes on textile materials
Authors: Van der Schueren Lien , De Clerck Karen
Published: January 2012

A large number of studies have been devoted to the development of chromic textile materials because of their wide applicability as sensor systems. More recently, pH‐sensitive chromic textiles have also been investigated to a considerable extent, as the pH value is an important parameter in various circumstances. This review therefore elaborates on pH‐sensitive textile materials. The outcome of this review process demonstrates that halochromic dyes can be successfully incorporated into textile materials, leading to flexible sensors. Various textile materials and different application methods have both been shown to be effective. Yet the textile material in which the pH‐sensitive agent is present affects its halochromic behaviour and this factor should thus always be considered. Finally, this review establishes the major potential of pH‐sensitive textile materials.
Use of DNA Barcoding to Reveal Species Composition of Convenience Seafood
Authors: HUXLEY‐JONES ELIZABETH , SHAW JENNIFER L. A. , FLETCHER CARLY , PARNELL JULIETTE , WATTS PHILLIP C.
Published: January 2012

Abstract:  Increased education of consumers can be an effective tool for conservation of commercially harvested marine species when product labeling is accurate and allows an informed choice. However, generic labeling (e.g., as white fish or surimi) and mislabeling of seafood prevents this and may erode consumer confidence in seafood product labels in general. We used DNA barcoding to identify the species composition of two types of convenience seafood (i.e., products processed for ease of consumption): fish fingers (long pieces of fish covered with bread crumbs or batter, n = 241) and seafood sticks (long pieces of cooked fish, n = 30). In products labeled as either white fish or surimi, four teleost species were present. Less than 1.5% of fish fingers with species‐specific information were mislabeled. Results of other studies show substantially more mislabeling (e.g., >25%) of teleost products, which likely reflects the lower economic gains associated with mislabeling of convenience seafood compared with whole fillets. In addition to species identification, seafood product labels should be required to contain information about, for example, harvesting practices, and our data indicate that consumers can have reasonable confidence in the accuracy of the labels of convenience seafood and thus select brands on the basis of information about current fisheries practice.
Opioid Use and Dependence Among Persons With Migraine: Results of the AMPP Study
Authors: Buse Dawn C. , Pearlman Starr H. , Reed Michael L. , Serrano Daniel , Ng‐Mak Daisy S. , Lipton Richard B.
Published: January 2012

Objective.— To assess the frequency of opioid use for acute migraine treatment and characterize use groups by sociodemographics, health‐care resource utilization (HRU), comorbidities and probable dependence within a large, US population‐based sample of persons with migraine.

Background.— Opioids are used in the acute treatment of migraine. However, their use is controversial.

Methods.— Data from the 2009 American Migraine Prevalence and Prevention (AMPP) study were used to categorize persons with migraine into 4 groups based on reported opioid use: nonusers (between 2005 and 2009), previous users (history of use between 2005 and 2008 but no‐use in 2009), and current opioid users (those reporting use of opioids in the 3 months preceding the 2009 American Migraine Prevalence and Prevention survey). Current opioid users were divided into nondependent and probable dependence users according to criteria for dependence adapted for inclusion in the survey from the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders–4th edition. All opioid‐use groups were contrasted by sociodemographics, headache characteristics, medical and psychiatric comorbidities (depression [measured by the Patient Health Questionnaire‐9], anxiety [measured by the Primary Care Evaluation of Mental Health Disorders, PRIME‐MD], and cardiovascular events and risk factors), and headache‐related HRU.

Results.— In a sample of 5796 migraineurs, 4076 (70.3%) were opioid nonusers, 798 (13.8%) were previous users, and 922 (15.9%) were current opioid users. Among current opioid users, 153 (16.6%) met criteria for probable dependence and 769 (83.4%) did not. Headache‐related disability (Migraine Disability Assessment sum scores) increased across groups as follows: nonusers: 7.8, previous users: 13.3, current nondependent users: 19.1, and current probable dependence users: 44.4, as did monthly headache frequency: nonusers: 3.2 days/month, previous users: 4.3 days/month, current nondependent users: 5.6 days/month, and current probable dependence users: 8.6 days/month. The prevalence of depression and anxiety was highest among current users with probable dependence. Rates of headache‐related HRU were higher for all opioid‐use groups for emergency department/urgent care, primary care, and specialty care visits compared to nonusers.

Conclusions.— Opioid use for migraine is associated with more severe headache‐related disability, symptomology, comorbidities (depression, anxiety, and cardiovascular disease and events), and greater HRU for headache. Longitudinal studies are needed to further assess the directionality and causality between opioid use and the outcomes we examined.
Predictors of Headache Before, During, and After Pregnancy: A Cohort Study
Authors: Turner Dana P. , Smitherman Todd A. , Eisenach James C. , Penzien Donald B. , Houle Timothy T.
Published: January 2012

Objective.— The present study endeavored to identify predictors of headache during pregnancy, shortly after delivery, and at 8‐week follow‐up.

Background.— Many women suffer from headaches during pregnancy and the post‐partum period. However, little is known about factors that predict headache surrounding childbirth.

Methods.— Secondary analysis of longitudinal cohort study of 2434 parturients hospitalized for cesarean or vaginal delivery in 4 university hospitals in the United States and Europe. Data were gathered from interviews and review of medical records shortly after delivery; 972 of the women were contacted 8 weeks later to assess persistent headache. The primary outcome measures were experiencing headache during pregnancy, headache within 72 hours after delivery, and headache at 8 weeks after delivery.

Results.— Of the parturients, 10% experienced headache during pregnancy, 3.7% within 72 hours after delivery, and 3.6% at 8 weeks postdelivery. Compared to those without a history of headache, a history of headache prior to pregnancy was the strongest predictor of headache during pregnancy (9.8% vs 23.5%; risk ratio 2.4; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.4 to 4.0). Experiencing headache during pregnancy (adjusted hazard ratio HR 3.8; 95% CI: 2.4 to 6.2) and receiving needle‐based regional anesthesia for pain treatment (adjusted hazard ratio 2.2; 95% CI: 1.1 to 4.5) were independently associated with headache within 72 hours after delivery with event rates of 11.1% and 10.5%, respectively. Compared to those without such a history, headache before pregnancy was significantly associated with experiencing headache 8 weeks after delivery (4.0% vs 23.8%; risk ratio = 6.0; 95% CI: 2.0 to 8.0), but headache during pregnancy or shortly after delivery was not. Several other psychosocial predictors (eg, somatization, smoking before pregnancy) were statistically associated with at least 1 headache outcome.

Conclusions.— A history of headache prior to pregnancy is a strong predictor of headache during and after pregnancy, the latter independent of but compounded by spinal injection. Physicians should attend to prior headache history when making decisions about pain management during and after childbirth. As the lack of formal International Classification of Headache Disorders, 2nd Edition (ICHD‐II), headache diagnoses is a limitation of this study, future longitudinal studies should replicate the present design while including headache subtyping consistent with ICHD‐II nosology.

(Headache 2012;52:348‐362)
LIGHT‐REGULATED PHOTOSYNTHETIC GENE EXPRESSION AND PHOSPHORIBULOKINASE ENZYME ACTIVITY IN THE HETEROKONT ALGA VAUCHERIA LITOREA (XANTHOPHYCEAE) AND ITS SYMBIOTIC MOLLUSKAN PARTNER ELYSIA CHLOROTICA (GASTROPODA)1
Authors: Soule Kara M. , Rumpho Mary E.
Published: January 2012

Photosynthesis is composed of tightly coupled reactions requiring finely tuned nucleocytosolic‐plastid interaction. Herein, we examined the influence of light on select photosynthetic gene expression and enzyme activity in the plastid‐containing mollusk (sea slug) Elysia chlorotica and its heterokont algal prey Vaucheria litorea C. Agardh. Transcript levels of nuclear photosynthetic genes (psbO and prk) were significantly lower in E. chlorotica compared with V. litorea, whereas plastid photosynthesis genes (psaA and rbcL) were more comparable, although still lower in the animal. None of the genes responded similarly to changes in light conditions over a 24 h period in the sea slug compared with the alga. Activity of the nuclear‐encoded photosynthetic enzyme phosphoribulokinase (PRK) exhibited redox regulation in vitro in crude extracts of both organisms sequentially treated with oxidizing and reducing agents. However, PRK was differentially affected in vivo by redox and light versus dark treatment in V. litorea, but not in E. chlorotica. Overall, these results support the active transcription of algal nuclear and plastid genes in E. chlorotica, as well as sustained activity of a nuclear‐encoded plastid enzyme, even after several months of starvation (absence of algal prey). The apparent absence of tight transcriptional regulation and redox control suggests that essential nuclear‐encoded regulatory factors in V. litorea are probably not present in the sea slug. These findings are discussed relative to light regulation of photosynthetic gene expression in the green and red algal lineages and in the context of the sea slug/algal plastid kleptoplastic association.
Proposed Local Ecological Impact Categories and Indicators for Life Cycle Assessment of Aquaculture
Authors: Ford Jennifer S. , Pelletier Nathan L. , Ziegler Friederike , Scholz Astrid J. , Tyedmers Peter H. , Sonesson Ulf , Kruse Sarah A. , Silverman Howard
Published: January 2012

In this study we discuss impact categories and indicators to incorporate local ecological impacts into life cycle assessment (LCA) for aquaculture. We focus on the production stages of salmon farming—freshwater hatcheries used to produce smolts and marine grow‐out sites using open netpens.

Specifically, we propose two impact categories: impacts of nutrient release and impacts on biodiversity. Proposed indicators for impacts of nutrient release are (1) the area altered by farm waste, (2) changes in nutrient concentration in the water column, (3) the percent of carrying capacity reached, (4) the percent of total anthropogenic nutrient release, and (5) release of wastes into freshwater. Proposed indicators for impacts on biodiversity are (1) the number of escaped salmon, (2) the number of reported disease outbreaks, (3) parasite abundance on farms, and (4) the percent reduction in wild salmon survival. For each proposed indicator, an example of how the indicator could be estimated is given and the strengths and weaknesses of that indicator are discussed.

We propose that including local environmental impacts as well as global‐scale ones in LCA allows us to better identify potential trade‐offs, where actions that are beneficial at one scale are harmful at another, and synchronicities, where actions have desirable or undesirable effects at both spatial scales. We also discuss the potential applicability of meta‐analytic statistical techniques to LCA.
Associations Between Observed Mother–Adolescent Interactions and Adolescent Information Management
Authors: Rote Wendy M. , Smetana Judith G. , Campione‐Barr Nicole , Villalobos Myriam , Tasopoulos‐Chan Marina
Published: January 2012

Associations between observed mother–adolescent interactions during a conflict task and adolescents’ information management strategies were examined in 108 primarily middle class, European‐American adolescents (M = 13.80 years, SD = 1.52) and their mothers. Teens who communicated more clearly disclosed more about personal and multifaceted activities, lied less about personal activities, and engaged in less avoidance regarding multifaceted and prudential activities. Mothers’ clear communication was associated with less adolescent disclosure and more avoidance about personal and multifaceted activities. Teens with more receptive mothers omitted less prudential information but avoided discussing prudential issues more. Maternal warmth was not associated with information management. The results highlight the need to distinguish between parent and teen behaviors and between affective quality and specific communicative behaviors.
Disagreement and the Avoidance of Political Discussion: Aggregate Relationships and Differences across Personality Traits
Authors: Gerber Alan S. , Huber Gregory A. , Doherty David , Dowling Conor M.
Published: January 2012

Social networks play a prominent role in the explanation of many political phenomena. Using data from a nationally representative survey of registered voters conducted around the 2008 U.S. presidential election, we document three findings. First, we show that during this period, people discussed politics as frequently as (or more frequently than) other topics such as family, work, sports, and entertainment with frequent discussion partners. Second, the frequency with which a topic is discussed is strongly and positively associated with reported agreement on that topic among these same discussion partners. Supplementary experimental evidence suggests this correlation arises because people avoid discussing politics when they anticipate disagreement. Third, we show that Big Five personality traits affect how frequently people discuss a variety of topics, including politics. Some of these traits also alter the relationship between agreement and frequency of discussion in theoretically expected ways. This suggests that certain personality types are more likely to be exposed to divergent political information, and that not everyone is equally likely to experience cross‐cutting discourse, even in heterogeneous networks.
Analyzing the Residential Property Appraisal and Outcomes to Determine if a Property Tax Revolt is Imminent*
Authors: Hissong Rodney V. , F. Hawley Robert
Published: January 2012

Objectives

Residential property tax protests have drawn public debate, but relatively little is known about who protests, the outcomes of protests, and consistency among local review boards. This study examines these topics among 171,228 homeowners of Tarrant County, Texas who filed a protest between 2001 and 2009.

Methods

Using data from an appraisal district in Texas, this study examines market differences, housing types, and appraisal board outcomes over time to assess the degree to which market predictors contribute to differences in protest rates and outcomes in 40 municipalities.

Results

Protest rates tend to change little over time and hold within a narrow range. A small percentage of protests conclude with a full hearing; decisions tend to favor protestors.

Conclusions

Contrary to public opinion, protests are not surging. For protestors, market value within their communities emerges as a better predictor of filing a protest than simply market value of individual properties.
Atrial Electrical and Structural Remodeling Associated with Longstanding Pulmonary Hypertension and Right Ventricular Hypertrophy in Humans
Authors: MEDI CAROLINE , KALMAN JONATHAN M. , LING LIANG‐HAN , TEH ANDREW W. , LEE GEOFFREY , LEE GERALDINE , SPENCE STEVEN J. , KAYE DAVID M. , KISTLER PETER M.
Published: January 2012

Atrial Remodeling in Pulmonary Hypertension. Introduction: Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is common to a range of cardiopulmonary conditions and is associated with atrial arrhythmias. However, little is known of the isolated atrial effects of PH and right atrial dilatation (RA) in humans. To avoid the confounding effects of PH‐associated disease states, we performed detailed electrophysiological (EP) and electroanatomic (EA) mapping of the RA in patients with idiopathic PH.

Methods and Results: Eight PH patients (mean pulmonary arterial [PA] pressure 39.0 ± 15.8 mmHg) and 16 age‐matched controls (mean PA pressure 11.5 ± 4.1 mmHg, P < 0.0001) were studied. Corrected sinus node recovery times (cSNRT), atrial effective refractory periods (ERPs), conduction delay at the crista terminalis (CT), and inducibility of atrial fibrillation (AF) were evaluated. EA mapping (pacing cycle length 600 and 300 milliseconds) was performed to determine RA global and regional voltage, conduction velocities, atrial activation times, fractionated electrograms and double potentials. Patients with PH demonstrated a prolongation in cSNRT without significant change in atrial ERP and an increase in AF inducibility. PH was associated with lower tissue voltage (1.8 ± 0.4 mV in PH vs 2.2 ± 0.4 mV in controls, P = 0.02), increased low voltage areas (13.7 ± 8.2% in PH vs 6.2 ± 3.7% in controls, P < 0.01) and the presence of electrically silent areas. Conduction velocities were slower (global 67.3 ± 5.6 cm/s vs 92.8 ± 4.0 cm/s, P < 0.001) and fractionated electrograms and double potentials were more prevalent (14.7 ± 4.4% vs 6.3 ± 4.1, P < 0.01) in PH compared with controls, respectively.

Conclusion: Idiopathic PH is associated with RA remodeling characterized by: generalized conduction slowing with marked regional abnormalities; reduced tissue voltage; and regions of electrical silence. These changes provide important insights into the isolated effects of PH fundamental to a range of clinical conditions associated with AF. (J Cardiovasc Electrophysiol, Vol. 23, pp. 614–620, June 2012)
Prognosis in Patients with Atrial Fibrillation and CHA2DS2‐VASc Score = 0 in a Community‐Based Cohort Study
Authors: TAILLANDIER SOPHIE , OLESEN JONAS B. , CLÉMENTY NICOLAS , LAGRENADE ISABELLE , BABUTY DOMINIQUE , LIP GREGORY Y. H. , FAUCHIER LAURENT
Published: January 2012

Stroke and CHA2DS2‐VASc Score = 0. Objectives: Patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) and a CHA2DS2‐VASc score = 0 have a very low risk of stroke and current guidelines even recommend no antithrombotic therapy to these patients. We investigated the rate and risk of adverse events and the impact of antithrombotic management in a community based cohort of AF patients with a CHA2DS2‐VASc score = 0.

Methods and Results: Patients with AF seen in our institution between 2000 and 2010 were identified in a database. The adverse outcomes were investigated during follow‐up. Among 8,962 patients with AF, 616 (7%) had a congestive heart failure, hypertension, age ≥75 years (doubled), diabetes, stroke/TIA/thromboembolism (doubled), vascular disease (prior myocardial infarction, peripheral artery disease, or aortic plaque), age 65–74 years, sex category (female) (CHA2DS2‐VASc score) = 0. An oral anticoagulant was prescribed in 273 patients (44%), antiplatelet therapy alone in 145 patients (24%), and no antithrombotic treatment in 198 patients (32%). During a follow up of 876 ± 1,135 days (median 244, interquartile range 1,540 days), 38 patients sustained events (10 stroke/thromboembolism, 19 major bleeding, 17 deaths). Among untreated patients, rates of stroke/thromboembolism, major bleeding and mortality were 0.64%, 1.12%, and 1.08% per year. Prescription of oral anticoagulation and/or antiplatelet therapy was not associated with an improved prognosis for stroke/thromboembolism (relative risk [RR] = 0.99, 95% CI 0.25–3.99, P = 0.99), nor improved survival or net clinical benefit (combination of stroke/thromboembolism, bleeding, and death).

Conclusion: In a real life cohort study, AF patients with CHA2DS2VASc score = 0 had a low risk of stroke/thromboembolism that was not significantly different between those taking oral anticoagulation, antiplatelet therapy, or no antithrombotic therapy. This supports current guideline recommendations for no antithrombotic therapy in these “truly low‐risk” patients. (J Cardiovasc Electrophysiol, Vol. 23, pp. 708‐713, July 2012)
Effects of Al Substitution on Dielectric Response and Magnetic Behavior of Yttrium Iron Garnet Ceramics
Authors: Wu Yong Jun , Yu Chao , Chen Xiang Ming , Li Juan
Published: January 2012

Structure, dielectric response, and magnetic properties of Y3Fe5−xAlxO12 (x = 0, 0.5, 1, 2, and 3) ceramics were investigated. X‐ray diffraction (XRD) patterns indicate a single phase with garnet structure in space group Ia3d for all sintered samples. Rietveld refinement of XRD data suggest that Al3+ substitutes for Fe3+ at tetrahedral sites. All the samples show a giant dielectric response which originates from the charge carrier hopping between the Fe2+ and Fe3+. The activation energy of the hopping process increases with increasing Al substitution. The a‐d super‐exchange interaction becomes weak as the content of Al increases, which results in the decrease of saturation magnetizations and magnetic ordering temperatures.
Preparation of Core/Shell Structured Rutile/Anatase Photocatalyst via Vapor Phase Hydrolysis and its Photocatalytic Degradation of Phenol and Methylene Blue
Authors: Shi Fuzhi , Li Yaogang , Zhang Qinghong , Wang Hongzhi
Published: January 2012

The core/shell structured rutile/anatase photocatalyst is prepared via a vapor phase hydrolysis process and characterized using X‐ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), high‐resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM), N2 adsorption–desorption isotherm analysis, and Raman spectroscopy. TEM and HRTEM show that well crystalline anatase TiO2 is immobilized on the surface of rutile microspheres with dimensions of 200–500 nm prior to calcination. The crystallite size of anatase in the shell ranges from 7.1 to 15.6 nm, which depends on the temperature and time of the vapor phase hydrolysis. N2 adsorption–desorption isotherm analysis shows that the photocatalyst is composed by micropores and mesopores. The photocatalytic performances of these catalysts in methylene blue and phenol are evaluated. The rutile/anatase photocatalyst has a relatively higher activity than pure rutile or anatase alone due to the synergistic effect of rutile and anatase.
The Time Machine in Our Mind
Authors: Stocker Kurt
Published: January 2012

This article provides the first comprehensive conceptual account for the imagistic mental machinery that allows us to travel through time—for the time machine in our mind. It is argued that language reveals this imagistic machine and how we use it. Findings from a range of cognitive fields are theoretically unified and a recent proposal about spatialized mental time travel is elaborated on. The following novel distinctions are offered: external versus internal viewing of time; ‘‘watching” time versus projective ‘‘travel” through time; optional versus obligatory mental time travel; mental time travel into anteriority or posteriority versus mental time travel into the past or future; single mental time travel versus nested dual mental time travel; mental time travel in episodic memory versus mental time travel in semantic memory; and ‘‘seeing” versus ‘‘sensing” mental imagery. Theoretical, empirical, and applied implications are discussed.
White Matter Lesions Progression in Migraine with Aura: A Clinical and MRI Longitudinal Study
Authors: Dinia Lavinia , Bonzano Laura , Albano Beatrice , Finocchi Cinzia , Del Sette Massimo , Saitta Laura , Castellan Lucio , Gandolfo Carlo , Roccatagliata Luca
Published: January 2012

OBJECTIVE

To prospectively evaluate longitudinal changes in white matter lesions (WMLs) in migraineurs with aura, by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and to correlate WMLs modifications with patients’ clinical characteristics.

METHODS

Forty‐one consecutive migraineurs with aura were followed for a mean time of 33.2 months. Patients underwent MRI at baseline and follow‐up and were evaluated for cerebrovascular risk factors. Presence of WMLs on MRI was assessed by two neuroradiologists.

RESULTS

WMLs were present in 26 subjects (63.4%) at baseline MRI. At follow‐up a total of 8 patients had new WMLs (19.5%). There was a significant correlation between aura duration and number of new WMLs, and between the number of migraine attacks with aura and new WMLs.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study demonstrates that in migraine with aura WMLs number can progress over time and suggests an association between aura features and WMLs progression. Studies with a higher number of patients are required to confirm these findings.
Autosomal Short Tandem Repeat Analysis of Ancient DNA by Coupled Use of Mini‐ and Conventional STR Kits*
Authors: Oh Chang Seok , Lee Sang Jun , Park Jun Bum , Lee Soong Deok , Seo Seung Bum , Kim Hye Yeon , Kim Jaehyup , Kim Yi‐Suk , Shin Dong Hoon
Published: January 2012

Abstract:  Multiplex autosomal short tandem repeat (STR) genotyping enables researchers to obtain genetic information from ancient human samples. In this study, we tested newly developed AmpFℓSTR® MiniFiler™ kit for autosomal STR analysis of ancient DNA (aDNA), using human femurs (n = 8) collected from medieval Korean tombs. After extracting aDNA from the bones, autosomal STR analyses were repeated for each sample using the AmpFℓSTR® MiniFiler™ and Identifiler™ kits. Whereas only 21.87% of larger‐sized loci profiles could be obtained with the Identifiler™ kit, 75% of the same loci profiles were determined by MiniFiler™ kit analysis. This very successful amplification of large‐sized STR markers from highly degraded aDNA suggests that the MiniFiler™ kit could be a useful complement to conventional STR kit analysis of ancient samples.
Species Identification from Dried Snake Venom*
Authors: Singh Chandra S. , Gaur Ajay , Sreenivas Ara , Singh Lalji
Published: January 2012

Abstract:  Illegal trade in snake parts has increased enormously. In spite of strict protection under wildlife act, a large number of snakes are being killed ruthlessly in India for venom and skin. Here, an interesting case involving confiscation of crystallized dried snake venom and subsequent DNA‐based species identification is reported. The analysis using the universal primers for cytochrome b region of the mitochondrial DNA revealed that the venom was extracted from an Indian cobra (Naja naja). On the basis of this report, the forwarding authority booked a case in the court of law against the accused for illegal hunting of an endangered venomous snake and smuggling of snake venom. This approach thus has immense potential for rapid identification of snake species facing endangerment because of illegal trade. This is also the first report of DNA isolation from dried snake venom for species identification.