bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Costs of Conspecifics: Are Social Distractions or Environmental Distractions More Salient?
Authors: Yee Jennifer , Lee Joshua , Desowitz Amanda , Blumstein Daniel T.
Published: March 2013

Animals have limited attention that predisposes them to distraction, but the impact of different types of distraction is relatively unknown. We first conducted a discrimination experiment to ensure brown anoles (Anolis sagrei) responded appropriately to model predators (a rubber snake) and model conspecifics. We found anoles responded to the snake by suppressing looking and increasing locomotion, a marked difference than their response when presented with a conspecific. Next, we designed a prime and probe experiment to test the salience of social and environmental distractions on brown anoles. The social distraction consisted of a conspecific exemplar that was presented to the focal individual. Environmental distractions were vegetation that was moved at different speeds (ambient or vigorous) near the focal individual. Following 30 seconds of distraction with one of the three treatments, we presented the model snake, which was initially moved to within 1 m of a subject, and then moved closer until the subject looked in response to the approaching threat, and then fled. There was no effect of distractor on alert distance, but anoles distracted with the conspecific tolerated a closer approach with the model predator before fleeing than they did to either of the vegetative movements. These results cannot be explained by three other models of risk assessment and suggest that social cues distracted brown anoles more than environmental cues. These results may be generalizable to other social species that must simultaneously monitor conspecifics and assess predation risk.
Environmental change as a driver of diversification in temporary aquatic habitats: does the genetic structure of extant fairy shrimp populations reflect historic aridification?
Authors: Pinceel Tom , Brendonck Luc , Larmuseau Maarten H. D. , Vanhove Maarten P. M. , Timms Brian V. , Vanschoenwinkel Bram
Published: March 2013

Over the past 65 my, theAustralian continent experienced a pronounced shift from predominantly wet, tropical, conditions to a much drier climate. Little is known, however, about the effect of this important continent‐wide event on freshwater organisms and ecosystems. Fairy shrimps (Crustacea;Anostraca) are ancient and specialist inhabitants of temporary and saline aquatic habitats that typically prevail under semiarid conditions. Therefore, they present suitable evolutionary models to study scenarios of historic environmental change and the impact of a drying climate on aquatic ecosystems in particular.

Focussing on both macro‐ and micro‐evolution in the fairy shrimp genusBranchinellaand using mitochondrialDNAdata (16SandCOI), we evaluated whether patterns of contemporary genetic variation reflect historic climate change.

There is a close match between episodes ofCenozoic climate change and macro‐evolutionary diversification inAustralian fairy shrimps, presumably mediated by a progressive increase in the abundance and diversity of temporary aquatic habitats on the continent. Micro‐evolutionary patterns reflect both range expansion and recent contraction, linked to extreme drying events during the Pleistocene glacial periods.

This study effectively illustrates the potential long‐term effects of environmental change on the diversity and the evolutionary trajectories of the fauna of temporary waters. Moreover, it demonstrates the importance of adaptation to new environments and non‐adaptive processes, such as divergence in isolation, for explaining extant diversity patterns in this particular environment.
Compliance Regimes and Barriers to Behavioral Change
Authors: Weaver R. Kent
Published: March 2013

Existing research on compliance failures by individuals and businesses focuses primarily on information and incentive problems. This article develops a comprehensive framework for analyzing barriers to compliance, giving particular attention to resource and autonomy barriers, heterogeneity of the target population, multiple barriers to compliance, and problems that arise when a complex and ongoing set of actions is require to be “in compliance.” How governments react to compliance failures is heavily influenced by the social construction and political power of target populations. The propositions developed in the article are tested against the cases of theSwedish individual account pension system and welfare reform in theUnitedStates.
A call for increased public engagement in geology higher education
Authors: Robb Jane
Published: March 2013

Rising fees are forcing higher education institutions to think critically about what students are offered for their money. In geology courses there appears to be a lack of guidance for alternative careers in academia or industry, and even a lack of education about wider social, political and economic impacts of the discipline. It is possible to detect a lack of high‐impact geoscience among the popular science communication communities, such as online multidisciplinary blogging platforms. In order to enhance the student experience and the impact of geoscience on the wider public, universities need to look inwards at what they can do to help inspire and educate students to have broader career horizons and bigger public impacts through their research.
Cardiac catheterization and intervention in haemophilia patients: prospective evaluation of the 2009 institutional guideline
Authors: Tuinenburg A. , Damen S. A. J. , Ypma P. F. , Mauser‐Bunschoten E. P. , Voskuil M. , Schutgens R. E. G.
Published: March 2013

Ageing haemophilia patients are increasingly confronted with ischaemic heart disease (IHD). Treatment is complex because of the delicate equilibrium between bleeding and thrombosis. In 2009, we developed an institutional guideline on how to treat IHD in this patient population. The aim of this study was to evaluate feasibility and safety of this guideline. Haemophilia patients who underwent coronary angiography or percutaneous coronary intervention between January 2009 and June 2012 were included in the current case series. Nine diagnostic or therapeutic cardiac catheterizations were performed in six haemophilia patients. One patient with moderate haemophilia B was included, whereas the other patients had mild haemophilia A. In six of nine procedures, access to the circulation was gained via the radial artery. Only bare‐metal stents were implanted, after which dual antiplatelet treatment was given for at least 4 weeks. During cardiac catheterization/intervention and dual antiplatelet treatment, clotting factor levels were corrected. No thrombotic or clinically relevant bleeding complications occurred. In one patient, a low‐titre inhibitor recurred 10 months after catheterization. In‐stent restenosis was diagnosed in one patient. This case series indicates that treatment according to the guideline is feasible and safe. Furthermore, based on the case series and developments in new guidelines for non‐haemophilic patients with IHD, some adjustments on the 2009 guideline are proposed.
Variability in platelet‐ and collagen‐binding defects in type 2M von Willebrand disease
Authors: Larsen D. M. , Haberichter S. L. , Gill J. C. , Shapiro A. D. , Flood V. H.
Published: March 2013

Type 2M von Willebrand disease (VWD) includes qualitative defects in von Willebrand factor (VWF) function, with normal multimer distribution but a defect in VWF activity with respect to platelet or collagen binding. We characterized novel VWF gene mutations found in type 2M VWD subjects enrolled in the Zimmerman Program for the Molecular and Clinical Biology of VWD. Subjects were enrolled based on a pre‐existing diagnosis of type 2M VWD. Testing included full‐length gene sequencing, VWF antigen (VWF:Ag), VWF ristocetin cofactor activity (VWF:RCo), VWF collagen binding and multimer distribution. Recombinant VWF variants were synthesized using site‐directed mutagenesis and expressed in HEK293T cells. Platelet binding was measured by flow cytometry with fixed platelets and ELISA with recombinant glycoprotein Ibα (GPIbα). Four novel VWF A1 domain mutations were found in individuals with type 2M VWD: S1358N, S1387I, S1394F and Q1402P. All subjects had a history of bleeding, VWF:RCo < 40 IU dL−1, VWF:RCo/VWF:Ag ratios <0.6 and normal multimer distribution. No defect in expression, secretion, or multimerization was found for any of the mutations. All showed decreased binding to intact platelets, and decreased or absent binding to a mutant GPIbα construct with spontaneous VWF binding. 1387I had decreased binding to all collagen types tested. 1402P had reduced binding exclusively to type VI collagen. Type 2M VWD is a heterogeneous category comprised of both collagen‐ and platelet‐binding defects. Understanding the precise defect for each mutation may ultimately lead to better diagnosis and treatment.
From Apprentice to Master: Social Disciplining and Surgical Education in Early Modern London, 1570–1640
Authors: Chamberland Celeste
Published: March 2013

Due to its ascendancy as the administrative and commercial center of early modern England, London experienced sustained growth in the latter half of the sixteenth century, as waves of rural immigrants sought to enhance their material conditions by tapping into the city's bustling occupational and civic networks. The resultant crowded urban landscape fostered mounting demand for medical services, since injuries and ailments, ranging from consumption to contusions, proliferated within the city's teeming streets and markets. Due to consistently strong patient demand and the conventions of English common law, which stipulated that legal authorization to practice medicine was solely contingent upon patient consent, peddling medical services to the city's ill and infirm became an increasingly appealing—and potentially lucrative—venture. Consequently, London's largely unregulated medical marketplace—characterized by competition for patients, the mounting influence of print culture, and the emergence of small commercial networks—attracted a diverse array of practitioners, including university-educated physicians, who focused on treating ailments of the inner body by prognosticating and prescribing medicine; guild-licensed surgeons, who treated ailments ranging from broken bones to venereal disease through direct manual manipulation of the body; and a medley of specialist and itinerant practitioners, who were neither licensed by city authorities noraffiliated with established livery companies.
“Strictly in the Capacity of Servant”: The Interconnection Between Residential and School Segregation in Oxnard, California, 1934–1954
Authors: Garcia David G. , Yosso Tara J.
Published: March 2013

About two years ago, Haydock Grammar School was taken away from the use of the American children and given bodily over to the use of Mexicans… This leaves all of Oxnard, from fourth Street… to Hill Street, without a school for American children; and the children from the south part of town have to pass the Mexicans coming from the northerly parts of town on their ways to school… We resent the implication that the Acre Tract is a Mexican district… If there is an urgent need to care for the Mexican Children, a school should be built in Colonia Gardens, or somewhere else in close proximity to their homes.
Prevalence of deciduous tooth erosion in childhood
Authors: Moimaz SAS , Araújo PC , Chiba FY , Garbín CAS , Saliba NA
Published: March 2013

Objectives

The objective of this study was to estimate the prevalence of deciduous tooth erosion and to identify possible associations with sex, age and toothbrushing frequency in children aged 4–6 years.

Methods

The sample was drawn from attendants (n = 7058) of 57 public preschools in a Brazilian city. Tooth wear index was used to evaluate erosion. Descriptive statistical analysis consisted of the calculation of the prevalence of dental erosion; chi‐squared and Fisher's exact tests were performed to verify the association between dental erosion and sex, age and toothbrushing frequency.

Results

Two thousand and seven hundred and fifty‐nine preschool students were examined. Deciduous tooth erosion was observed in 0.6% of children and its incidence did not differ between sexes. The highest prevalence was observed in children aged 6 years (58.3%) and the most affected sextants were the fourth (22.86%) and sixth (20.00%), indicating that lingual and occlusal tooth surfaces were most frequently involved. The degree of involvement was classified as incipient in 54.29% of children and moderate in 45.71%. The significance level was set at 5%. No association was found between erosion and sex, age or toothbrushing frequency.

Conclusions

The prevalence of deciduous tooth erosion was low in Brazilian children, and this disorder is not considered a public health problem in this part of the population.
Functional analysis of 30K proteins during silk gland degeneration by a caspase‐dependent pathway in Bombyx
Authors: Ji M‐M. , Liu A‐Q. , Gan L‐P. , Xing R. , Wang H. , Sima Y‐H. , Xu S‐Q.
Published: March 2013

The 30K proteins are involved with important functions in the growth and development of Bombyx mori. In this study, the synthesis and regulation of 30K proteins were examined during the degeneration of Bombyx silk glands. On day 3 of the fifth instar, the protein level of 30Kc19 was low, whereas the silk proteins were rapidly synthesized. However, synthesis and accumulation of the 30Kc19 protein significantly increased at the prepupal stage and on day 1 of the pupal stage. At this stage, the silk gland cells were filled with 30Kc19 and genomic DNA. Moreover, the transcript levels of the 30K‐encoding genes, including 30Kc6, 30Kc12, 30Kc19 and 30Kc23 were up‐regulated during the degeneration of the Bombyx silk glands. During the time that the levels of the 30Kc19 protein were significantly up‐regulated, it is notable that the transcript levels of the BmAtg8, BmAtg6 and BmDronc genes dramatically increased to regulate the programmed cell death of this gland. On day 1 of the pupal stage, intense fragmentation of genomic DNA occurred in the silk gland cells, and the putative active form of caspase was detected in the cytoplasm, showing the complete degradation of the silk glands in one day. In conclusion, the 30K proteins are synthesized in high concentrations, while proteolysis mediates silk gland degeneration in Bombyx by a caspase‐dependent pathway. We propose that the 30K proteins may be nutrients and energy vectors to be absorbed by the developing tissues of pupae or moths.
Identification, characterization and expression of a defensin‐like antifungal peptide from the whitefly Bemisia tabaci (Gennadius) (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae)
Authors: Wang Z.‐Z. , Shi M. , Ye X.‐Q. , Chen M.‐Y. , Chen X.‐X.
Published: March 2013

Defensins are a class of small and diverse cysteine‐rich proteins which have broad‐spectrum antimicrobial activities. We identified and characterized a full‐length cDNA encoding a putative defensin‐like peptide from the whitefly Bemisia tabaci by RACE and quantitative real‐time (qRT)‐PCR. The full‐length cDNA, named Btdef, was 388 bp long and contained an open reading frame of 228 bp. The putative mature Btdef had 46 amino acids with a molecular weight of 5.06 kDa. The deduced amino acid sequence showed significant homology with insect defensins from Heliothis virescens (76%) and Galleria mellonella (75%). The predicted mature form of Btdef was expressed as a recombinant peptide in Escherichia coli. Antimicrobial assays of the purified product indicated that Btdef was most active against fungi. qRT‐PCR analyses indicated that Btdef mRNA was constitutively expressed in different tissues of B. tabaci, including fat body, midgut, ovaries and salivary gland, and was induced by fungal infection. Btdef mRNA expression was also significantly altered after feeding on different host plants, indicating that diet affects immune defences in B. tabaci. These results describe for the first time the basic properties of a defensin‐like peptide from B. tabaci that probably plays an important role in the immune response against pathogens.
Bank Loan Announcements and Borrower Stock Returns: Does Bank Origin Matter?
Authors: Ongena Steven , Roscovan Viorel
Published: March 2013

Banks play a special role as providers of informative signals about the quality and value of their borrowers. Such signals, however, may have a quality of their own as the banks' selection and monitoring abilities may differ. Using an event study methodology, we study the importance of the geographical origin and organization of the banks for the investors' assessments of firms' credit quality and economic worth following loan announcements. Our sample comprises 986 announcements of bank loans to US firms over the period of 1980–2003. We find that investors react positively to such announcements if the loans are made by foreign or local banks, but not if the loans are made by banks that are located outside the firm's headquarters state. Investor reaction is, in fact, the largest when the bank is foreign. Our evidence suggest that investors value relationships with more competitive and skilled banks rather than banks that have easier access to private information about the firms. These results are applicable also to the European markets where regulatory and economic borders do not coincide and bank identities and reputation seem to matter a great deal.
Workplace mediation and the empowerment of disputants: rhetoric or reality?
Authors: Bennett Tony
Published: March 2013

There has been a growing interest in the field of employee relations in the use of mediation in seeking to resolve disputes in the workplace. Mediation is a model of dispute resolution, it is argued, that lends itself particularly well to situations where the parties have become entrenched in their positions. The study's timeliness is evident in the Government's recent strategic focus on workplace conflict, specifically its current initiative to pilot mediation networks within the small and medium enterprises sector. The research was carried out over a nine‐month period ending in March 2012. It is based on the views and experiences of 60 respondents from over 40 cross‐sectoral organisations in the North of England. Findings revealed that the main reasons for the disputes referred for mediation were relationship problems, poor communication and poorly perceived management style and practice. Significantly, differences in sector or occupation could also impact on whether cases went to mediation.
The emerging role of photorespiration and non‐photorespiratory peroxisomal metabolism in pathogen defence
Authors: Sørhagen K. , Laxa M. , Peterhänsel C. , Reumann S.
Published: March 2013

Photorespiration represents one of the major highways of primary plant metabolism and is the most prominent example of metabolic cell organelle integration, since the pathway requires the concerted action of plastidial, peroxisomal, mitochondrial and cytosolic enzymes and organellar transport proteins. Oxygenation of ribulose‐1,5‐bisphosphate by Rubisco leads to the formation of large amounts of 2‐phosphoglycolate, which are recycled to 3‐phosphoglycerate by the photorespiratory C2 cycle, concomitant with stoichiometric production rates of H2O2 in peroxisomes. Apart from its significance for agricultural productivity, a secondary function of photorespiration in pathogen defence has emerged only recently. Here, we summarise literature data supporting the crosstalk between photorespiration and pathogen defence and perform a meta‐expression analysis of photorespiratory genes during pathogen attack. Moreover, we screened Arabidopsis proteins newly predicted using machine learning methods to be targeted to peroxisomes, the central H2O2‐producing organelle of photorespiration, for homologues of known pathogen defence proteins and analysed their expression during pathogen infection. The analyses further support the idea that photorespiration and non‐photorespiratory peroxisomal metabolism play multi‐faceted roles in pathogen defence beyond metabolism of reactive oxygen species.
How Would Population Growth Affect Investment in the Future? Asymmetric Panel Causality Evidence for Africa
Authors: Asongu Simplice A.
Published: March 2013

Our generation is experiencing the greatest demographic transition and Africa is at the centre of it. There is mounting concern over corresponding rising unemployment and depleting per capita income. We examine the issues in this paper from a long‐run perspective by assessing the relationships among population growth and a plethora of investment dynamics: public, private, foreign and domestic investments. Using asymmetric panels from 38 countries with data spanning from 1977 to 2007, our findings reveal a long‐run positive causal linkage from population growth to only public investment. But for domestic investment, permanent fluctuations in human capital affect permanent changes in other forms of investments. Robustness checks on corresponding short‐run Granger causality analysis and the long‐run ‘physical capital led investment’ nexus are consistent with the predictions of economic theory. As a policy implication, population growth may strangle only public finances in the long run. Hence, the need for measures that encourage family planning and create a conducive investment climate (and ease of doing business) for private and foreign investments. Seemingly, structural adjustments policies implemented by sampled countries may not have the desired investment effects in the distant future.
Economic Impacts of Integrated Agricultural Research for Development (IAR4D) in the Sudan Savanna of Nigeria
Authors: Ayanwale Adeolu Babatunde , Adekunle Adolphus Adekunle , Akinola Akinboye Adebayo , Adeyemo Victoria Adeyemi
Published: March 2013

This paper assesses the potential economic impacts of Integrated Agricultural Research for Development (IAR4D) conceived to address observed low productivity, prevailing poverty level, slow growth and general underperformance of the agricultural sector associated with the traditional agricultural and rural development (ARD) approach. The economic surplus analysis suggested that IAR4D research and extension, with respect to maize production, could achieve returns ranging from 30 to 38 per cent and a maximum adoption of 25 to 50 per cent for the conservative and baseline scenario, respectively. Similarly, with the same range of maximum adoption, the approach could yield returns ranging from 22 to 29 per cent for the conservative and baseline scenario, respectively in millet production. However, the same range of adoption could result in 29 to 37 per cent for the conservative and baseline scenario, respectively in sorghum production. The estimated benefits are sensitive to expected adoption rates but much less so to changes in research and extension costs. However, the estimates indicate that the production of all the crops was socially profitable under the IAR4D option. Our results were consistent with earlier economic analyses which showed that IAR4D was more productive, profitable and acceptable to farmers than the conventional Research for Development (R&D) approach.
Price Trends and Income Inequalities: Will Sub‐Saharan Africa Reduce the Gap?
Authors: Caracciolo Francesco , Santeramo Fabio Gaetano
Published: March 2013

During the past decade, commodities prices have risen substantially and the trend is likely to persist as attested by recent OECD‐FAO projections. The recent debate has not reached a clear consensus on the effects of this trend on poverty and income inequality in LDCs, thus complicating the policy planning process. Our paper aims at analysing the likely welfare and income inequality impacts of food price trends in three sub‐Saharan countries, namely Tanzania, Ghana and Ethiopia. Moreover, we test the statistical significance of changes in income inequalities. Although Tanzania is not affected, we find that price changes tend to exacerbate the income inequalities in Ethiopia and Ghana, especially for specific groups of households. The policy implications are relevant. Finally, our paper underlines the relevance of statistical inference in analysis on income inequalities, to conclude on welfare and inequalities effects of food price movements.
Exchange Rate Volatility and Trade Flows in Zambia
Authors: Chipili Jonathan M.
Published: March 2013

The study examines the impact of exchange rate volatility on trade flows in Zambia over the period 1980–2008. Import and export demand equations capturing aggregate and sectoral data are estimated using the Johansen cointegration method. Empirical estimates confirm the significance of exchange rate volatility in trade in Zambia and underscore the necessity of disaggregating trade data not previously studied in Zambia as export commodities exhibit varied sensitivity to exchange rate risk. The results suggest that a stable exchange rate is important in order to sustain the growth of trade as persistence in exchange rate volatility may influence the reallocation of resources to the non‐tradable sector.
Trade Openness and Inflation Performance: A Panel Data Analysis in the Context of African Countries
Authors: Yiheyis Zelealem
Published: March 2013

This paper tests the hypothesis of a negative relation between openness and inflation in the context of African countries. A dynamic model of inflation in which openness enters alternately as an endogenous and exogenous variable is estimated with different panel data estimation procedures. The paper finds no robust evidence that openness served as a mechanism to restrain inflation in the region. On the contrary, the results suggest that increased openness, treated as an endogenous variable, is associated with higher inflation on holding constant such factors as food supply constraint and level of economic development which are found significant co‐determinants.
Ethnicity as a Barrier to Childhood and Adolescent Health Capital in Tanzania: Evidence from the Wage‐Height Relationship
Authors: Elu Juliet U. , Price Gregory N.
Published: March 2013

This paper considers whether or not in Tanzania, ethnicity conditions access to health and nutrition during childhood and adolescence. We estimate height‐augmented Mincerian earnings functions with data from the 2004 Tanzanian Household Worker Survey. Instrumental variable parameter estimates reveal that when the effects of unobserved investments in health and nutrition during childhood and adolescence on adult height are accounted for, the labor market return on height varies across ethnic groups in our sample. This suggests that in Tanzania ethnicity is a constraint on effective health care policy as there is ethnic discrimination in the provision of health and nutrition investment during childhood and adolescence that constrains adult height, living standards and economic growth. As such, public health policy in sub‐Saharan Africa could potentially be more effective through reforms that eliminate any ethnic bias in the provision of health capital during childhood/adolescence.
Carry‐over effects of winter habitat vary with age and sex in yellow warblersSetophaga petechia
Authors: Drake Anna , Rock Christine , Quinlan Sam P. , Green David J.
Published: March 2013

We use stable isotope data to investigate the role of winter habitat use in altering the breeding phenology of yellow warblersSetophaga petechia. We first confirm that δ13C and δ15N isotopic signatures vary with winter habitat use in this species. We then examine the relationship between winter habitat use, breeding phenology and productivity within four age‐sex‐classes, since life history theory would predict that carry‐over effects should vary with age and gender. The δ13C signatures of yellow warblers using riparian habitats over winter were more depleted than the signatures of those using agricultural or scrub habitat. Individuals on the Pacific coast of Mexico were also more δ15N enriched than those on the southern Gulf of Mexico. δ13C and δ15N signatures were only correlated with earlier clutch initiation and subsequent higher productivity in first‐breeding‐season females. We estimate that shifts in δ13C equivalent to a shift from scrub to riparian winter habitat would be associated with the production of 0.8 more fledglings by yearling females. Pre‐breeding events that influence the timing of breeding could also influence the reproductive performance of older males and females, but we found little evidence that winter habitat use influenced breeding season phenology in these birds.
US energy policies and variance in the GCC stock markets
Authors: Sita Bernard Ben , Haidar Ranim
Published: March 2013

We investigate the impact of bills about energy policy, introduced and discussed in the US Congress, on the conditional variance process of the five largest Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) stock markets. Using an augmented asymmetric Generalized AutoRegressive Conditional Heteroskedasticity (GARCH) model, we investigate the hypothesis that public news associated with US energy policy leads to the reversion of the conditional variance process. Our findings are consistent with the information hypothesis. GCC stock variance tends to revert on days when bills are introduced and discussed in the US Congress.
Cost and effectiveness of treatment options for childhood obesity
Authors: Hollinghurst S. , Hunt L. P. , Banks J. , Sharp D. J. , Shield J. P.
Published: March 2013

What is already known about this subject

Approximately one‐fifth of children in the UK are obese.

There are currently few, effective interventions available in the UK.

There are very little data on relative cost‐effectiveness of childhood obesity interventions, which hampers the commissioning of future services.

What this study adds

Simple multi‐component obesity interventions can be provided at relatively low cost per 0.1 body mass index standard deviation score (BMI SDS) improvement.

More intensive and effective interventions incur greater cost per 0.1 BMI SDS reduction but this may be justified given the improved overall BMI SDS reduction attained.

Objective

To describe the costs and outcomes of three models of care for childhood obesity previously evaluated in two 2‐arm pilot randomized trials in England. The treatments were (i) a hospital clinic (control in both trials), comprising a multidisciplinary team of consultant, dietitian and exercise specialist; (ii) a nurse‐led primary care clinic replicating the service provided by the hospital and (iii) an intensive intervention using Mandometer®, a behaviour modification tool aimed at encouraging slower eating and better recognition of satiety.

Method

Patient‐level data on resources used to deliver each intervention were collected during the trials. Apart from the cost of the Mandometer® the majority of cost was staff time, dependent on discipline and grade. Outcome for both trials was body mass index standard deviation score (BMI SDS) measured at 12 months.

Results

Cost and outcome data were available for 143 children in total. Cost per child was £1749 (SD £243) in the Mandometer® group, £301 (£76) in the primary care group, and £263 (£88) and £209 (£81) in the hospital groups. Mean reduction in BMI SDS was 0.40 (0.35), 0.17 (0.26), 0.15 (0.25) and 0.14 (0.32), respectively.

Conclusion

Intensive management using Mandometer® was effective but costly (£432 per 0.1 reduction in BMI SDS) compared to conventional care (range £153–£173). A total of 26% children receiving conventional care achieved a clinically meaningful reduction in BMI SDS; however, use of Mandometer® training may be justified in children not responding to conventional lifestyle interventions.
Optical Properties of (Oxy)Nitride Materials: A Review
Authors: Xie Rong‐Jun , (Bert) Hintzen Hubertus T.
Published: March 2013

(Oxy)nitride materials, consisting mainly of transition metal and ionic‐covalent (oxy)nitrides, show a vast number of interesting physical and chemical properties due to their substantial structural diversity. The optical properties of these (oxy)nitrides, in combination with their excellent mechanical strength, thermal properties, and chemical stability, enable (oxy)nitrides to be used in a variety of industrial fields, such as photovoltaic, photothermal, photocatalytic, pigment, lighting and display, optoelectronic, and defense industries. The optical properties are extremely related to the electronic band structure of (oxy)nitrides, and can be varied significantly by changing the chemical composition (e.g., the oxygen to nitrogen ratio) and preparation/processing conditions. This article overviews the optical properties (including refractive index, reflectance, absorbance, band gap, photoluminescence, and transmittance) of (oxy)nitride materials that are in the form of thin films, powders, or bulk ceramics, and highlights their applications as antireflection coatings, solar spectral selectivity coatings, visible‐light‐driven photocatalysts, ecological pigments, phosphors for light‐emitting diodes, and transparent window materials.
Perceptions of smokers influence nonsmoker attitudes and preferences for interactions
Authors: Dillard Amanda J. , Magnan Renee E. , Köblitz Amber R. , McCaul Kevin D.
Published: March 2013

In two studies, we examined nonsmokers' perceptions of smokers and consequences of the perceptions. In Study 1, smokers answered questions about their sense of self, dependence on smoking, and motivation to quit. Nonsmokers answered questions about their perceptions of these characteristics. Differences between smokers' self‐descriptions and nonsmokers' perceptions were observed. Study 2 asked nonsmokers to judge two types of smokers for which the descriptions were based on Study 1 findings. Results showed that nonsmokers held a more negative attitude about and were less willing to engage in different close relationships with the smoker who was described in terms of nonsmokers' perceptions rather than smokers' reports. Attitude mediated the relationship between type of smoker and willingness to date a smoker.
Current status of regeneration of pancreatic β‐cells
Authors: Minami Kohtaro , Seino Susumu
Published: March 2013

Newly generated insulin‐secreting cells for use in cell therapy for insulin‐deficient diabetes mellitus require properties similar to those of native pancreatic β‐cells. Pancreatic β‐cells are highly specialized cells that produce a large amount of insulin, and secrete insulin in a regulated manner in response to glucose and other stimuli. It is not yet explained how the β‐cells acquire this complex function during normal differentiation. So far, in vitro generation of insulin‐secreting cells from embryonic stem cells, induced‐pluripotent stem cells and adult stem/progenitor‐like cells has been reported. However, most of these cells are functionally immature and show poor glucose‐responsive insulin secretion compared to that of native pancreatic β‐cells (or islets). Strategies to generate functional β‐cells or a whole organ in vivo have also recently been proposed. Establishing a protocol to generate fully functional insulin‐secreting cells that closely resemble native β‐cells is a critical matter in regenerative medicine for diabetes. Understanding the physiological processes of differentiation, proliferation and regeneration of pancreatic β‐cells might open the path to cell therapy to cure patients with absolute insulin deficiency.
Glucose‐dependent insulinotropic polypeptide and glucagon‐like peptide‐1: Incretin actions beyond the pancreas
Authors: Seino Yutaka , Yabe Daisuke
Published: March 2013

Glucose‐dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) and glucagon‐like peptide‐1 (GLP‐1) are the two primary incretin hormones secreted from the intestine on ingestion of various nutrients to stimulate insulin secretion from pancreatic β‐cells glucose‐dependently. GIP and GLP‐1 undergo degradation by dipeptidyl peptidase‐4 (DPP‐4), and rapidly lose their biological activities. The actions of GIP and GLP‐1 are mediated by their specific receptors, the GIP receptor (GIPR) and the GLP‐1 receptor (GLP‐1R), which are expressed in pancreatic β‐cells, as well as in various tissues and organs. A series of investigations using mice lacking GIPR and/or GLP‐1R, as well as mice lacking DPP‐4, showed involvement of GIP and GLP‐1 in divergent biological activities, some of which could have implications for preventing diabetes‐related microvascular complications (e.g., retinopathy, nephropathy and neuropathy) and macrovascular complications (e.g., coronary artery disease, peripheral artery disease and cerebrovascular disease), as well as diabetes‐related comorbidity (e.g., obesity, non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease, bone fracture and cognitive dysfunction). Furthermore, recent studies using incretin‐based drugs, such as GLP‐1 receptor agonists, which stably activate GLP‐1R signaling, and DPP‐4 inhibitors, which enhance both GLP‐1R and GIPR signaling, showed that GLP‐1 and GIP exert effects possibly linked to prevention or treatment of diabetes‐related complications and comorbidities independently of hyperglycemia. We review recent findings on the extrapancreatic effects of GIP and GLP‐1 on the heart, brain, kidney, eye and nerves, as well as in the liver, fat and several organs from the perspective of diabetes‐related complications and comorbidities.
Discrete colour polymorphism in the tawny dragon lizard (Ctenophorus decresii) and differences in signal conspicuousness among morphs
Authors: Teasdale L. C. , Stevens M. , Stuart‐Fox D.
Published: March 2013

Intraspecific colour variation is common in nature and can vary from the coexistence of discrete colour variants in polymorphic species to continuous variation. Whether coloration is continuous or discrete is often ambiguous and many species exhibit a combination of the two. The nature of the variation (discrete or continuous) has implications for both the genetic basis of the colour variation and the evolutionary processes generating and maintaining it. Consequently, it is important to qualify the existence of discrete morphs, particularly in relation to the animal's visual system. In this study, we quantified male throat colour variation in Ctenophorus decresii tawny dragon lizard and tested for morphological and ecological correlates of the colour variants. We confirmed that discrete throat colour morphs can be defined based on colour and pattern analyses independent of the human visual system. We also found that the colour variants differed in their conspicuousness from the background, to the lizard's visual system, which has implications for signalling. However, the morphs did not differ in morphology or microhabitat use, which suggests that these characteristics are not involved in the evolutionary maintenance of the polymorphism.
Effects of life phase and schooling patterns on the foraging behaviour of coral‐reef fishes from the genus Haemulon
Authors: Pereira P. H. C. , Ferreira B. P.
Published: March 2013

During this study (December 2009 to December 2010), underwater visual surveys using the focal animal method were performed in the coastal reefs of Tamandaré, north‐eastern Brazil. The aim was to analyse the effects of the life phase (juvenile and adult) and schooling patterns (school and solitary) on the feeding behaviour (foraging rates and substratum preferences) of four species of the genus Haemulon (Haemulon aurolineatum, Haemulon parra, Haemulon plumieri and Haemulon squamipinna). PERMANOVA analysis (P < 0·05) indicated that ontogenetic changes and schooling patterns directly influence foraging behaviour. Schooling individuals had low foraging rates (mean ± s.d. = 2·3 ± 2·1 bites 10 min−1) and mobility, usually remaining near the bottom; however, solitary fishes had high foraging rates (mean ± s.d. = 12·5 ± 4·6 bites 10 min−1). Juveniles preferred feeding in the water column (75% of the total number of bites), whereas adults foraged mainly in sand (80%) and bare rock (20%). All four Haemulon species displayed similar patterns of feeding behaviour as well as preferences for foraging sites and display competition for food resources. In contrast, little is known about their habitat use and foraging behaviour over the diel cycle, particularly the newly settled and early juvenile stages.
Rodlet cells in Murray cod, Maccullochella peelii peelii (Mitchell), affected with chronic ulcerative dermatopathy
Authors: Schultz A G , Jones P L , Toop T
Published: March 2013

We have previously identified an unknown cell type in the gills of Murray cod affected with chronic ulcerative dermatopathy (CUD), a condition that causes severe erosion of epidermis surrounding cephalic and lateral line sensory canals. The condition arises in aquaculture facilities that utilize groundwater, with the cause of the condition suggested to be an unknown contaminant(s). Light and transmission electron microscopy were used to characterize and quantify the unknown cells in CUD‐affected Murray cod. The cells were identified as rodlet cells and were characterized by their oval or round shape, basally located nucleus, thick fibrillar capsule surrounding the cell, and multiple rodlet sacs containing a central electron‐dense core within the cell. Rodlet cells were present in the gills, kidney and intestine of non‐CUD‐affected and CUD‐affected Murray cod; however, differences in the numbers were observed between the groups of fish. A significantly greater number of rodlet cells were observed in the gills and collecting ducts of CUD‐affected fish. This is the first report of rodlet cells in Murray cod, and we suggest that the increased rodlet cell numbers in CUD‐affected Murray cod may be in response to unknown water contaminant(s) present in the groundwater that give rise to CUD.
Health professionals', expert patients' and dieters' beliefs and attitudes about obesity
Authors: McConnon A. , Gribble R. , Raats M. M. , Stubbs J. , Shepherd R
Published: March 2013

Background

Research has suggested that patients and treatment providers hold different beliefs and models of obesity. This could impact upon the consistency and quality of interventions for weight management. The present study investigated the attitudes and beliefs of health professionals, commercial weight management advisors (expert patients) and overweight and obese dieters, towards obesity.

Methods

Data were collected using a self‐administered questionnaire from 287 health professionals, 85 expert patients and 116 dieters. Respondents gave their views on obesity causation and consequences, and the most efficacious means to manage obesity. Demographic data and self‐reported height and weight were also collected. Factor analysis, analysis of variance and t‐tests were used to analyse the data.

Results

Health professionals, expert patients and dieters held similar models of obesity, identifying the same causes (lifestyle causes), consequences (medical consequences) and treatments (current recommended options) of obesity/overweight.

Conclusions

The findings of the present study indicate a broader similarity between beliefs and attitudes of those involved in obesity treatment and those that they aim to treat than was previously assumed. The concordance of beliefs between patients and treatment providers is an encouraging finding and may have important implications for public health strategies in this area.
The effect of phosphatidylserine administration on memory and symptoms of attention‐deficit hyperactivity disorder: a randomised, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled clinical trial
Authors: Hirayama S. , Terasawa K. , Rabeler R. , Hirayama T. , Inoue T. , Tatsumi Y. , Purpura M. , Jäger R.
Published: March 2013

Background

Attention‐deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is the most commonly diagnosed behavioural disorder of childhood, affecting 3–5% of school‐age children. The present study investigated whether the supplementation of soy‐derived phosphatidylserine (PS), a naturally occurring phospholipid, improves ADHD symptoms in children.

Methods

Thirty six children, aged 4–14 years, who had not previously received any drug treatment related to ADHD, received placebo (n = 17) or 200 mg day–1 PS (n = 19) for 2 months in a randomised, double‐blind manner. Main outcome measures included: (i) ADHD symptoms based on DSM‐IV‐TR; (ii) short‐term auditory memory and working memory using the Digit Span Test of the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children; and (iii) mental performance to visual stimuli (GO/NO GO task).

Results

PS supplementation resulted in significant improvements in: (i) ADHD (P < 0.01), AD (P < 0.01) and HD (P < 0.01); (ii) short‐term auditory memory (P < 0.05); and (iii) inattention (differentiation and reverse differentiation, P < 0.05) and inattention and impulsivity (P < 0.05). No significant differences were observed in other measurements and in the placebo group. PS was well‐tolerated and showed no adverse effects.

Conclusions

PS significantly improved ADHD symptoms and short‐term auditory memory in children. PS supplementation might be a safe and natural nutritional strategy for improving mental performance in young children suffering from ADHD.
Can a web‐based food record accurately assess energy intake in overweight and obese women? A pilot study
Authors: Hutchesson M. J. , Truby H. , Callister R. , Morgan P. J. , Davies P. S. W. , Collins C. E.
Published: March 2013

Background

Innovative dietary intake measurement tools, such as web‐based food records, are becoming increasingly available for self‐monitoring. However, the accuracy of this method has not been well studied. This pilot study aimed to evaluate the accuracy of energy intake (EI) estimated by a web‐based food record, by comparison with total energy expenditure (TEE) measured by doubly‐labelled water (DLW) in overweight and obese women.

Methods

Total energy expenditure (TEE) was assessed in weight stable (±1 kg) women (n = 9), with a mean (SD) age of 34.5 (11.3) years and body mass index of 29.2 (1.4) kg m–2 over 10 days using the DLW technique. All food and beverages were self‐reported for 9‐days using a web‐based food record and mean daily EI calculated. Food record accuracy was assessed by calculating the absolute (EI − TEE) and percentage (EI/TEE × 100) differences between EI and TEE. Women were identified as under‐reporters of EI based on the 95% confidence limits of the expected EI : TEE of 1.

Results

The mean (SD) self‐reported EI was 8351 (1225) kJ day−1 [1996 (293) kcal day−1] and TEE was 10 648 (1774) kJ day−1 [2545 (424) kcal day−1]. The mean (SD) absolute difference in self‐reported EI and TEE was −2301 (1535) kJ day−1 [−550 (367) kcal day−1], representing a mean reporting accuracy of 79.6% (14.1%), with four participants under‐reporting EI.

Conclusions

This pilot study highlights the opportunity for the use of the Internet as a novel medium for recording and assessing dietary intake. Although further research is needed in more diverse population groups, the accuracy of web‐based food records for assessing EI appears to be consistent with other published dietary intake methods.