bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Differential effects of oxytocin on mouse hippocampal oscillations in vitro
Authors: Maier Pia , Kaiser Martin E. , Grinevich Valery , Draguhn Andreas , Both Martin
Published: September 2016

The hypothalamic neuropeptide oxytocin (OT) controls childbirth and lactation, is involved in social behaviors, plays a role in various psychiatric disorders, and has effects on learning and memory. Although behavioral effects of OT have been extensively studied, much less is known about its effects on neuronal and network activity patterns. Here, we investigate the effect of OT on two major patterns of hippocampal network activity in mouse hippocampal slices. We studied different in vitro models of gamma‐frequency oscillations and sharp wave‐ripple complexes (SPW‐R), two patterns implicated in spatial memory formation and memory consolidation respectively. Strikingly, we found a profound difference of OT on these distinct, mutually exclusive activity patterns. While gamma oscillations where not affected by the activation of hippocampal OT receptors, SPW‐R were potently and rapidly suppressed. Interestingly, the temporal precision of oscillation‐coupled spikes was enhanced at the same time. Thus, OT exerts strongly different modulatory effects on different network patterns, most likely by inhibition of different sets of inhibitory interneurons. The observed dichotomy between gamma and SPW‐R oscillations may have profound effects on the behavioral and cognitive effects of OT which are relevant to cognitive processes and to psychiatric diseases.
Can we predict ectotherm responses to climate change using thermal performance curves and body temperatures?
Authors: Sinclair Brent J. , Marshall Katie E. , Sewell Mary A. , Levesque Danielle L. , Willett Christopher S. , Slotsbo Stine , Dong Yunwei , Harley Christopher D. G. , Marshall David J. , Helmuth Brian S. , Huey Raymond B.
Published: September 2016

Thermal performance curves (TPCs), which quantify how an ectotherm's body temperature (Tb) affects its performance or fitness, are often used in an attempt to predict organismal responses to climate change. Here, we examine the key – but often biologically unreasonable – assumptions underlying this approach; for example, that physiology and thermal regimes are invariant over ontogeny, space and time, and also that TPCs are independent of previously experienced Tb. We show how a critical consideration of these assumptions can lead to biologically useful hypotheses and experimental designs. For example, rather than assuming that TPCs are fixed during ontogeny, one can measure TPCs for each major life stage and incorporate these into stage‐specific ecological models to reveal the life stage most likely to be vulnerable to climate change. Our overall goal is to explicitly examine the assumptions underlying the integration of TPCs with Tb, to develop a framework within which empiricists can place their work within these limitations, and to facilitate the application of thermal physiology to understanding the biological implications of climate change.
Cost‐effectiveness, in a randomized trial, of glass‐ionomer‐based and resin sealant materials after 4 yr
Authors: Goldman Ann S. , Chen Xi , Fan Mingwen , Frencken Jo E.
Published: September 2016

This study, conducted from a government program perspective, compared the incremental cost‐effectiveness of oral health interventions, in particular their delivery to underserved populations in whom dental sealants constitute an important, high‐yielding complement to toothbrushing in dental‐caries prevention. The study data concern the relative cost‐effectiveness of three sealant materials in four approaches to prevent cavitated dentine carious lesions in permanent molars in a community intervention trial among school‐age children in Wuhan, China. The four approaches were high‐viscosity glass‐ionomer cement without heat application (HVGIC); high‐viscosity glass‐ionomer cement with heat application [light‐emitting diode (LED) thermocured HVGIC]; glass‐carbomer; and composite resin. The costs studied were: cost of sealing permanent molars; adverse event costs for restoring cavitated dentine carious lesions developing within 4 yr in study data; and projections of 1,000 sealants per group. Preventing one more cavitated dentine carious lesion cost US$105 for the study data when comparing HVGIC (n = 405) with composite resin (n = 396) and US$59 per 1,000 sealants in the projections; LED thermocured HVGIC compared with composite resin cost US$115 for one more cavitated lesion and US$52 per 1,000 sealants, respectively. Although more expensive than composite resin, LED thermocured HVGIC was identified as the most cost‐effective among the sealant materials studied. Ease of application, minimal technical and infrastructure requirements, and cost‐effectiveness make glass‐ionomers a practicable option for governments making decisions under economic constraints.
Genetic variation may explain why females are less susceptible to dental erosion
Authors: Uhlen Marte‐Mari , Stenhagen Kjersti R. , Dizak Piper M. , Holme Børge , Mulic Aida , Tveit Anne B. , Vieira Alexandre R.
Published: September 2016

Not all individuals at risk for dental erosion (DE) display erosive lesions. The prevalence of DE is higher among male subjects. The occurrence of DE may depend on more than just acidic challenge, with genetics possibly playing a role. The aim of this study was to investigate the association of enamel‐formation genes with DE. One premolar and a saliva sample were collected from 90 individuals. Prepared teeth were immersed in 0.01 M HCl (pH 2.2), and enamel loss (μm) was measured using white light interferometry. DNA was extracted from saliva, and 15 single‐nucleotide polymorphisms were analysed. Allele and genotype frequencies were related to the enamel loss of the specimens. Single‐marker and haplotype analyses were performed using sex as a covariate. Mean enamel loss was higher for male donors than for female donors (P = 0.047). Significant associations were found between enamel loss and amelogenin, X‐linked (AMELX), tuftelin 1 (TUFT1), and tuftelin‐interacting protein 11 (TFIP11). Analyses showed significant associations between variation in enamel‐formation genes and a lower susceptibility to DE in female subjects. The results indicate that susceptibility to DE is influenced by genetic variation, and may, in part, explain why some individuals are more susceptible than others to DE, including differences between female subjects and male subjects.
Temporal lobe epilepsy following maintenance electroconvulsive therapy—Electrical kindling in the human brain?
Authors: Bryson Alexander , Gardner Helen , Wilson Ian , Rolfe Tim , Archer John
Published: September 2016

Maintenance electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is sometimes prescribed for refractory psychiatric conditions. We describe five patients who received maintenance ECT and developed florid temporal epileptiform abnormalities on electroencephalography (EEG) despite no history of epilepsy and normal neuroimaging. All patients had received regular ECT for at least 8 months. Three patients had clinical events consistent with epileptic seizures, and video‐EEG monitoring captured electrographic seizures in two patients. After cessation of ECT the EEGs normalized in all patients, and no further clinical seizures occurred. Maintenance ECT may predispose to epilepsy with a seizure focus in the temporal lobe.
Environmental predictability of taxonomic and functional community composition in high‐latitude streams
Authors: Tolonen Katri E. , Leinonen Kirsti , Marttila Hannu , Erkinaro Jaakko , Heino Jani
Published: September 2016

In stream ecology, it has traditionally been proposed that local habitat conditions pose a strong environmental filter resulting in predictable community types. However, recent studies have demonstrated continuous rather than discrete community variation along environmental gradients across streams.

Our aim was to examine the continuity of stream communities using functional traits of benthic macroinvertebrates. Using previous studies and the environmental filtering paradigm as a background, we hypothesised that the taxonomic composition of communities should vary continuously over environmental gradients, whereas the functional composition of communities should form discrete community types according to specific habitat conditions. As stream environmental characteristics vary between seasons, we also asked if this had an effect on the characteristics of community variation in time.

Our data were collected from 50 streams draining into the River Tenojoki (70°N, 27°E) in Finland and Norway. The first data set was collected during late spring 2013 and the second data set during early autumn of the same year. Using multivariate regression trees and constrained ordination methods, we analysed the relationships of taxonomic and functional composition of macroinvertebrate communities to various in‐stream environmental factors.

Our results suggest that the variation in the importance of environmental factors between seasons combined with the high heterogeneity of habitats precludes the formation of clear taxonomic and functional community types in northern streams.

Conservation efforts should hence focus on including variability in environmental conditions so as to encompass all components of biological communities. However, as there were some noticeable responses of individual traits to different environmental factors, discrete functional communities may be found if key traits of the organisms can be identified.
Social activities are associated with cognitive decline in older Koreans
Authors: Kim DaeHyun , Arai Hidenori , Kim SungHi
Published: September 2016

Aim

Social activity seems to be important for the prevention of cognitive impairment and frailty. The objective of the present study was to investigate whether social activities are associated with the development of cognitive impairment in Korean older people.

Methods

We analyzed data from the Korean National Longitudinal Study on Aging. A total of 2495 Korean community‐dwelling older adults (1163 men and 1332 women) aged between 65 and 79 years at the first wave of the Korean National Longitudinal Study on Aging were used for analysis. Cognitive function was assessed by the Mini‐Mental State Examination in 2006 and 2012. Multiple logistic regression analysis was carried out by adjusting covariates, such as age, sex, education, employment, Center for Epidemiological Studies‐Depression and instrumental activities of daily living scores, and weight loss.

Results

Among the participants, 951 participants (38.1%) showed cognitive decline. Compared with those who participated in a large number of group social activities, multivariate‐adjusted odds ratios of cognitive decline in those who participated in a moderate and small number of group activities were 1.18 (95% CI 0.93–1.48) and 1.80 (95% CI 1.16–1.90), respectively. Among six types of group social activities, two types (social club/café and alumni) showed a significant correlation with less cognitive decline; adjusted odds ratios of the group with a small number of activities were 1.31 (95% CI 1.09–1.56) and 1.46 (95% CI 1.10–1.93), respectively, compared with the group with a large number of activities. Personal social activities and the other four types of activities (religious, political, leisure and volunteer) did not affect the outcome.

Conclusions

Two social group activities (social club/café and alumni) were significantly associated with less cognitive decline in older Koreans. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2017; 17: 1191–1196.
Reliability of delivered dialysate sodium concentration
Authors: Ekbal Nasirul J , Consalus Anne , Persaud Jahm , Davenport Andrew
Published: September 2016

Background The results of studies investigating the effects of hyponatraemic dialysates have been mixed, with some reporting positive effects including reduction in blood pressure and inter‐dialytic weight gains, whereas others have not been able to demonstrate any effect. These studies assume that setting a lower dialysate sodium results in the delivery of a hyponatraemic dialysate. We therefore measured delivered sodium to determine reliability.

Methods We measured dialysate sodium in 10 BBraun Dialog+® and 6 Fresenius 4008H dialysis machines, which had been set up to deliver a sodium of 136 mmol/L, using flame photometry and indirect ion selective electrode (ISE) methods.

Results Dialysate conductivity was 13.85 ± 0.05 mS/cm, but dialysate sodium measured by flame photometry was 141.8 ± 2.9 mmol/L, and 142.5 ± 2.4 mmol/L by ISE. Both dialysis machines delivered a dialysate sodium in excess of the 136 mmol/L set, with a mean bias of 7.0 ±2.1 mmol/L for the Dialog+®, and 3.7 ± 2.6 for the 4008 with the flame photometer method, and a mean bias of 6.3 ± 1.3 mmol/L for the Dialog+®, and 6.8 ± 3.7 for the 4008 by ISE.

Conclusion It is assumed when setting a dialysate sodium concentration that this sodium concentration is delivered. However we found that the dialysate sodium concentration delivered was greater than that set, despite the dialysis machines reporting a conductivity measurement in keeping with a lower sodium dialysate. Trials of lowered dialysate sodium therefore need to measure dialysate sodium concentrations to ensure what has been set is delivered.
Nestedness of habitat specialists within habitat generalists in a butterfly assemblage
Authors: Trivellini Guido , Polidori Carlo , Pasquaretta Cristian , Orsenigo Simone , Bogliani Giuseppe
Published: September 2016

The habitat requirements of a species are the resources, conditions and space required for survival and reproduction. The habitat requirements of butterflies have been well studied, but the extent to which individuals within a species and between species utilise and share the habitat is poorly known.

In a butterfly assemblage in northern Italy, we found that adults from 30 species avoid deciduous high‐density forests and their ecotones, and they were positively related to open areas and their ecotones. Besides these common features, five groups of species can be discriminated in relation to a gradient from open area to forest, and species within groups were not equally specialised, as observed from a bipartite network analysis. In particular, some species appeared to be specialised and others appeared to be generalist, suggesting a nested pattern of resource use, rather than a clustered pattern in which each species uses a different subset of habitat types.

The degree of variation in specialisation among species varied with the number of species falling in each group. Thus, an increased number of species, and thus possibly competition, is more likely to promote the co‐occurrence of generalist and specialised species (nested patterns) rather than an increased niche segregation among species.

Ascertaining how species overlap their habitat use at a local scale can be relevant for conservation purposes, because specialised populations are potentially more susceptible to network distortions.
Lichen myxedematosus: diagnostic criteria, classification, and severity grading
Authors: Nofal Ahmad , Amer Hala , Alakad Rania , Nofal Eman , Desouky Fatma El , Yosef Ayman , Albalat Waleed , Gharib Khaled , Mostafa Inass , Fathy Sahar , Waked Monira , Ragheb Eman , Gammaz Hanan
Published: September 2016

Background

Lichen myxedematosus (LM) is a rare, chronic idiopathic disorder characterized clinically by waxy, closely set papules and histopathologically by diffuse dermal mucin deposition and fibroblast proliferation. The most recent classification of LM was proposed in 2001; however, it seems to be complex, confusing, and imprecise. Herein, we present seven cases of LM to evaluate the validity of the current classification, to propose new diagnostic criteria and classification, and to suggest a clinically relevant severity grading system for this rare disorder.

Materials and methods

The study included seven patients with different presentations and severities of LM. All patients were subjected to thorough dermatological and systemic examination, routine laboratory tests, evaluation of thyroid function, protein electrophoresis, and detailed investigations to detect systemic involvement.

Results

The current classification does not meet the requirements of proper diagnosis of different presentations of LM. Subtyping of the studied patients differs greatly according to the old classification and the newly proposed one. New diagnostic criteria, classification, and grading are consequently suggested.

Conclusions

We propose two sets of diagnostic criteria to define the disease more precisely and to avoid confusion associated with the other classification. The first set comprises constant clinical and histopathological features that are always present in every case, and the second set includes associated features that were variably reported in some patients. LM is then subclassified according to the presence or absence of systemic manifestations into a systemic severe form (scleromyxedema) and a non‐disabling, pure cutaneous form.
Continental‐scale analysis of feral cat diet in Australia, prey‐switching and the risk: benefit of rabbit control
Authors: Mutze Greg
Published: September 2016

Recent analyses of geographical variation in cats’ diet across Australia have been used to highlight rabbit control as a conservation risk, on the basis that prey‐switching by cats following rabbit control is likely to threaten Australian fauna. There is no direct evidence to support that proposition. However, there is direct evidence of repeated prey‐switching due to seasonal fluctuations in uncontrolled rabbit populations, of long‐term suppression of rabbit numbers by effective rabbit control, and that reduced rabbit abundance leads to reduced cat abundance, reduced predation of native fauna and recovery of threatened prey populations. Furthermore, rabbits are a known threat to many Australian native plants and rabbit control has proven benefits for their recovery, thereby offering long‐term benefits for dependent fauna and broader ecosystem function. On the balance of evidence, rabbit control should be encouraged in Australia wherever possible, as a national conservation priority.
Root coverage with connective tissue graft associated with coronally advanced flap or tunnel technique: a randomized, double‐blind, mono‐centre clinical trial
Authors: Azaripour Adriano , Kissinger Maren , Farina Vittorio Siro Leone , Van Noorden Cornelis J.F. , Gerhold‐Ay Aslihan , Willershausen Brita , Cortellini Pierpaolo
Published: September 2016

Aim

The aim of this randomized clinical trial was to compare the coronally advanced flap (CAF) with the modified microsurgical tunnel technique (MMTT) for treatment of Miller class I and II recessions.

Material and Methods

Forty patients with 71 gingival recessions were recruited and randomly assigned to either CAF or to MMTT. In both groups, a connective tissue graft was applied. Clinical evaluations were performed after 3, 6, and 12 months. Impressions were taken and digitally scanned three‐dimensionally to evaluate the quantitative soft tissue changes in the operative region. Patient satisfaction was measured with the root coverage aesthetic score (RES).

Results

After a period of 12 months, significant differences were not found between the two groups. Root coverage was 98.3% for CAF and 97.2% for MMTT. The evaluation of the aesthetic outcome using RES showed good results in both groups. The RES score was in accordance with subjective patient satisfaction. There was no significant difference in the amount of volumetric changes.

Conclusions

CAF and MMTT with the additional use of a graft are equally successful in covering gingival recessions of Miller class I and II, with high aesthetic results. All patients indicated their willingness for further periodontal surgery.
Measuring Consumer Preferences for Video Content Provision via Cord‐Cutting Behavior
Authors: Prince Jeffrey , Greenstein Shane
Published: September 2016

The television industry is undergoing a generational shift in structure; however, many demand‐side determinants are still not well understood. We model how consumers choose video content provision among over‐the‐air (OTA), paid subscription to cable or satellite, and online streaming (also known as over‐the‐top, or OTT). We apply our model to a U.S. data set encompassing both the digital switchover for OTA and the emergence of OTT, along with a recession, and use it to analyze cord‐cutting behavior (i.e., dropping of cable/satellite subscriptions). We find high levels of cord cutting during this time, and evidence that it became relatively more prevalent among low‐income and younger households—suggesting this group responded to changes in OTA and streaming options. We find little evidence of households weighing relative content offerings/quality when choosing their means of video provision during the timespan of our data. This last finding has important ramifications for strategic interaction between content providers.
Racial Differences in the Incidence of Cardiovascular Risk Factors in Older Black and White Adults
Authors: Howard George , Safford Monika M. , Moy Claudia S. , Howard Virginia J. , Kleindorfer Dawn O. , Unverzagt Fredrick W. , Soliman Elsayed Z. , Flaherty Matthew L. , McClure Leslie A. , Lackland Daniel T. , Wadley Virginia G. , Pulley LeaVonne , Cushman Mary
Published: September 2016

Objectives

To describe the incidence of cardiovascular risk factors, or race‐related disparities in incidence, across the age spectrum in adults.

Design

Longitudinal cohort.

Setting

National sample.

Participants

Community‐dwelling black and white adults recruited between 2003 and 2007.

Measurements

Incident hypertension, diabetes mellitus, dyslipidemia and atrial fibrillation over 10 years of follow‐up in 10,801 adults, stratified according to age (45–54, 55–64, 65–74, ≥75).

Results

There was no evidence (P ≥ .68) of an age‐related difference in the incidence of hypertension for white men (average incidence 38%), black men (48%), or black women (54%), although for white women incidence increased with age (45–54, 27%; ≥75, 40%). Incidence of diabetes mellitus was lower at older ages for white men (45–54, 15%; ≥75, 8%), black men (45–54, 29%; ≥75, 13%), and white women (45–54, 11%; ≥75, 4%), although there was no evidence (P = .11) of age‐related changes for black women (average incidence 21%). For dyslipidemia, incidence for all race–sex groups was approximately 20% for aged 45 to 54 but approximately 30% for aged 54 to 64 and 65 to 74 and approximately 22% for aged 75 and older. Incidence of atrial fibrillation was low at age 45 to 54 (<5%) but for aged 75 and older was approximately 20% for whites and 11% for blacks. The incidence of hypertension, diabetes mellitus, and dyslipidemia was higher in blacks across the age spectrum but lower for atrial fibrillation.

Conclusion

Incidence of risk factors remains high in older adults. Blacks have a higher incidence of hypertension, diabetes mellitus, and dyslipidemia after age 45, underscoring the ongoing importance of prevention of all three conditions in mid‐ to later life.
Trends in Austrian Resource Efficiency: An Exergy and Useful Work Analysis in Comparison to Material Use, CO2 Emissions, and Land Use
Authors: Eisenmenger Nina , Warr Benjamin , Magerl Andreas
Published: September 2016

In the past few years, resource use and resource efficiency have been implemented in the European Union (EU) environmental policy programs as well as international sustainable development programs. In their programs, the EU focuses on four resource types that should be addressed: materials, energy (or carbon dioxide [CO2] emissions), water, and land. In this article, we first discuss different perspectives on energy use and present the results of a long‐term exergy and useful work analysis of the Austrian economy for the period 1900–2012, using the methodology developed by Ayres and Warr. Second, we discuss Austrian resource efficiency by comparing the presented exergy and useful work data with material use, CO2 emissions, and land‐use data taken from statistical sources. This comparison provides, for the first time, a long‐term analysis of Austrian resource efficiency based on a broad understanding thereof and evaluates Austrian development in relation to EU and Austrian policy targets.
Life Cycle Impacts and Benefits of Wood along the Value Chain: The Case of Switzerland
Authors: Suter Florian , Steubing Bernhard , Hellweg Stefanie
Published: September 2016

Sustainable use of wood may contribute to coping with energy and material resource challenges. The goal of this study is to increase knowledge of the environmental effects of wood use by analyzing the complete value chain of all wooden goods produced or consumed in Switzerland. We start from a material flow analysis of current wood use in Switzerland. Environmental impacts related to the material flows are evaluated using life cycle assessment–based environmental indicators. Regarding climate change, we find an overall average benefit of 0.5 tonnes carbon dioxide equivalent per cubic meter of wood used. High environmental benefits are often achieved when replacing conventional heat production and energy‐consuming materials in construction and furniture. The environmental performance of wood is, however, highly dependent on its use and environmental indicators. To exploit the mitigation potential of wood, we recommend to (1) apply its use where there are high substitution benefits like the replacement of fossil fuels for energy or energy‐intensive building materials, (2) take appropriate measures to minimize negative effects like particulate matter emissions, and (3) keep a systems perspective to weigh effects like substitution and cascading against each other in a comprehensive manner. The results can provide guidance for further in‐depth studies and prospective analyses of wood‐use scenarios.
Material Flow Accounts and Driving Factors of Economic Growth in the Philippines
Authors: Martinico‐Perez Marianne Faith G. , Fishman Tomer , Okuoka Keijiro , Tanikawa Hiroki
Published: September 2016

This study looks into material flow trends in the Philippines from 1985 to 2010 by utilizing the methodology of economy‐wide material flow analysis. Using domestic data sources, this study presents disaggregated annual material flow trends in terms of four major material categories, namely: biomass; fossil energy carriers; ores and industrial minerals; and construction minerals. The results describe in detail the growth of material flows in a high‐density country at the onset of its development and reveal the shift of material consumption from dominance of renewable materials in 1985 to nonrenewable materials in 2010. IPAT analysis shows that the increase in material consumption was driven by population growth from 1985 to 1998 and by growth in affluence from 1999 to 2010. However, high inequalities amidst the growing economy suggest that a small group of wealthy people have influenced the acceleration of material consumption in the Philippines. The results of this research are intended to provide a thorough analysis of the processes occurring in Philippine economic growth in order to assist in tackling implications for the important issue of sustainable resource management.
Palaeobiology of Hyaenodon exiguus (Hyaenodonta, Mammalia) based on morphometric analysis of the bony labyrinth
Authors: Pfaff Cathrin , Nagel Doris , Gunnell Gregg , Weber Gerhard W. , Kriwet Jürgen , Morlo Michael , Bastl Katharina
Published: September 2016

Species of the extinct genus Hyaenodon were among the largest carnivorous mammals from the Late Eocene through Early Miocene in North America, Europe and Asia. The origin, phylogeny and palaeobiology of Hyaenodonta are still ambiguous. Most previous studies focused on teeth and dental function in these highly adapted species, which might be influenced by convergent morphologies. The anatomy of the bony labyrinth in vertebrates is generally quite conservative and, additionally, was used in functional–morphological studies. This study provides the first anatomical description of the bony labyrinth of the extinct European species Hyaenodon exiguus in comparison to selected extant carnivoran taxa discussed from a functional–morphological perspective. Hyaenodon exiguus may have occupied a hyaena‐like dietary niche with a semi‐arboreal lifestyle, based on the relative height, width and length of the semicircular canals of the inner ear. However, this contradicts previous functional–morphological studies focusing on the diameter of the canals, which presumably represent the signal of locomotion mode.
Causal Mechanisms and the Philosophy of Causation
Authors: Groff Ruth
Published: September 2016

Lack of clarity about underlying philosophical commitments leads to lack of clarity at other levels of analysis. Here I show that the literature on so‐called “causal mechanisms” is rife with conceptual problems, stemming from insufficient rigor with respect to the metaphysics of causation.
Evaluation of the safety in dogs of long‐term, daily oral administration of capromorelin, a novel drug for stimulation of appetite
Authors: Zollers B. , Huebner M. , Armintrout G. , Rausch‐Derra L. C. , Rhodes L.
Published: September 2016

The objective of the study was to evaluate the safety of capromorelin, a ghrelin agonist that stimulates appetite and causes increased body weight and the release of growth hormone (GH). Beagle dogs (n = 32) received either oral placebo or 0.3, 7, or 40 mg/kg capromorelin once daily for 12 consecutive months. Safety was evaluated by physical examinations, including ECG and ophthalmic examinations, and comprehensive clinical pathology. Serum levels of capromorelin, GH, and insulin‐like growth factor 1 (IGF‐1) were measured periodically. Necropsies and histopathological evaluations were performed at study termination. As expected, GH and IGF‐1 levels were mildly increased in capromorelin‐treated dogs. Adverse events were limited to mild emesis and loose stools in all groups and excess salivation among some dogs receiving higher capromorelin doses. Clinical pathology testing was generally normal, although blood lipids and alkaline phosphatase levels were moderately increased among dogs receiving capromorelin. Treated dogs had slightly longer post‐treatment PR intervals seen on ECG, but with no changes in cardiac histopathology. Postmortem findings were normal. Drug‐related increases in liver weight were linked to overall increases in body weight. Capromorelin was well tolerated in dogs at daily doses up to 40 mg/kg for 12 months, demonstrating a wide safety margin.
Impact of Mycotoxins on Aquaculture Fish Species: A Review
Authors: Matejova Iveta , Svobodova Zdenka , Vakula Josef , Mares Jan , Modra Helena
Published: September 2016

As the use of ingredients of plant origin has increased in aquaculture, the potential for mycotoxin poisoning in fish has increased accordingly. Feeding fish with mycotoxin‐contaminated feed can lead to a breakdown in health, manifested as tissue damage or through immunosuppression. Both effects can lead to an increase in mortality. To date, however, there have been few reports of mycotoxins in feed at toxic concentrations. The aim of this study was to describe the effects of those toxic mycotoxins most commonly found as contaminants in fish feed. In terms of fish health, the most harmful mycotoxins are aflatoxin B1 and Fusarium mycotoxins. The most sensitive fish species was rainbow trout, Oncorhynchus mykiss. Future research in the field of mycotoxicosis in fish should be focused on the effects of combinations of mycotoxins.
Temporal dynamics and persistence of sponge assemblages in a Central Pacific atoll lagoon
Authors: Knapp Ingrid S.S , Williams Gareth J. , Bell James J.
Published: September 2016

Sponges are important components of coral reef fauna, although little is known of their temporal dynamics. Sponges dominate the lagoon system at Palmyra Atoll in the Central Pacific, which may not be its natural state. Here we examined the temporal variability and recruitment rates of these sponge assemblages to determine if they are stable and examined the evidence that a recent transition has occurred from a coral‐ to sponge‐dominated system. We found 24 sponge species in permanent quadrats in the lagoon between 2009 and 2011, and 11 species on our recruitment panels. The sponge assemblage composition and abundance did not vary significantly between years and appear stable. Many sponge recruits were found in both years that the panels were examined although higher rates were recorded in the second year of the study. While it seems very possible that a change to a sponge‐dominated lagoon is associated with declining environmental quality at Palmyra as a result of modifications over 70 years ago, without pre‐modification data on reef assemblage composition this remains speculative. Our observations of short‐term temporal stability in the sponge assemblages at Palmyra highlight the potential for sponge‐dominated reef states to be maintained in degraded reef environments that are seemingly unsuitable for coral survival.
Shock‐induced thermal history of an EH3 chondrite, Asuka 10164
Authors: Kimura M. , Yamaguchi A. , Miyahara M.
Published: September 2016

Shock‐induced features are abundantly observed in meteorites. Especially, shock veins, including high‐pressure minerals, characterize many kinds of heavily shocked meteorite. On the other hand, no high‐pressure phases have been yet reported from enstatite chondrites. We studied a heavily shocked EH3 chondrite, Asuka 10164, containing a vein, which comprises fragments of fine‐grained silicate and opaque minerals, and chondrules. In this vein, we found a silica polymorph, coesite. This is the first discovery of a high‐pressure phase in enstatite chondrites. Other high‐pressure polymorphs were not observed in the vein. The assemblages and chemical compositions of minerals, and the occurrence of coesite indicate that the vein was subjected to the high‐pressure and temperature condition at about 3–10 GPa and 1000 °C. The host also experienced heating for a short time under lower temperature conditions, from ~700 to ~1000 °C, based on the opaque minerals typical of EH chondrites and textural features. Although the pressure condition of the vein in this chondrite is much lower than those in the other meteorites, our results suggest that all major meteorite groups contain high‐pressure polymorphs. Heavy shock events commonly took place in the solar system.
Diet‐related gut bacterial dysbiosis correlates with impaired development, increased mortality and Nosema disease in the honeybee (Apis mellifera)
Authors: Maes Patrick W. , Rodrigues Pedro A. P. , Oliver Randy , Mott Brendon M. , Anderson Kirk E.
Published: September 2016

Dysbiosis, defined as unhealthy shifts in bacterial community composition, can lower the colonization resistance of the gut to intrinsic pathogens. Here, we determined the effect of diet age and type on the health and bacterial community composition of the honeybee (Apis mellifera). We fed newly emerged bees fresh or aged diets, and then recorded host development and bacterial community composition from four distinct regions of the hosts’ digestive tract. Feeding fresh pollen or fresh substitute, we found no difference in host mortality, diet consumption, development or microbial community composition. In contrast, bees fed aged diets suffered impaired development, increased mortality and developed a significantly dysbiotic microbiome. The consumption of aged diets resulted in a significant reduction in the core ileum bacterium Snodgrassella alvi and a corresponding increase in intrinsic pathogen Frischella perrara. Moreover, the relative abundance of S. alvi in the ileum was positively correlated with host survival and development. The inverse was true for both F. perrara and Parasacharibacter apium. Collectively, our findings suggest that the early establishment of S. alvi is associated with healthy nurse development and potentially excludes F. perrara and P. apium from the ileum. Although at low abundance, establishment of the common midgut pathogen Nosema spp. was significantly associated with ileum dysbiosis and associated host deficiencies. Moreover, dysbiosis in the ileum was reflected in the rectum, mouthparts and hypopharyngeal glands, suggesting a systemic host effect. Our findings demonstrate that typically occurring alterations in diet quality play a significant role in colony health and the establishment of a dysbiotic gut microbiome.
How the truffle got its mate: insights from genetic structure in spontaneous and planted Mediterranean populations of Tuber melanosporum
Authors: Taschen E. , Rousset F. , Sauve M. , Benoit L. , Dubois M.‐P. , Richard F. , Selosse M.‐A.
Published: September 2016

The life cycles and dispersal of edible fungi are still poorly known, thus limiting our understanding of their evolution and domestication. The prized Tuber melanosporum produces fruitbodies (fleshy organs where meiospores mature) gathered in natural, spontaneously inoculated forests or harvested in plantations of nursery‐inoculated trees. Yet, how fruitbodies are formed remains unclear, thus limiting yields, and how current domestication attempts affect population genetic structure is overlooked. Fruitbodies result from mating between two haploid individuals: the maternal parent forms the flesh and the meiospores, while the paternal parent only contributes to the meiospores. We analyzed the genetic diversity of T. melanosporum comparatively in spontaneous forests vs. plantations, using SSR polymorphism of 950 samples from South‐East France. All populations displayed strong genetic isolation by distance at the metric scale, possibly due to animal dispersal, meiospore persistence in soil, and/or exclusion of unrelated individuals by vegetative incompatibility. High inbreeding was consistently found, suggesting that parents often develop from meiospores produced by the same fruitbody. Unlike maternal genotypes, paternal mycelia contributed to few fruitbodies each, did not persist over years, and were undetectable on tree mycorrhizae. Thus, we postulate that germlings from the soil spore bank act as paternal partners. Paternal genetic diversity and outbreeding were higher in plantations than in spontaneous truffle‐grounds, perhaps because truffle growers disperse fruitbodies to maintain inoculation in plantations. However, planted and spontaneous populations were not genetically isolated, so that T. melanosporum illustrates an early step of domestication where genetic structure remains little affected.
ClpAP is an auxiliary protease for DnaA degradation in Caulobacter crescentus
Authors: Liu Jing , Francis Laura I. , Jonas Kristina , Laub Michael T. , Chien Peter
Published: September 2016

The Clp family of proteases is responsible for controlling both stress responses and normal growth. In Caulobacter crescentus, the ClpXP protease is essential and drives cell cycle progression through adaptor‐mediated degradation. By contrast, the physiological role for the ClpAP protease is less well understood with only minor growth defects previously reported for ΔclpA cells. Here, we show that ClpAP plays an important role in controlling chromosome content and cell fitness during extended growth. Cells lacking ClpA accumulate aberrant numbers of chromosomes upon prolonged growth suggesting a defect in replication control. Levels of the replication initiator DnaA are elevated in ΔclpA cells and degradation of DnaA is more rapid in cells lacking the ClpA inhibitor ClpS. Consistent with this observation, ClpAP degrades DnaA in vitro while ClpS inhibits this degradation. In cells lacking Lon, the protease previously shown to degrade DnaA in Caulobacter, ClpA overexpression rescues defects in fitness and restores degradation of DnaA. Finally, we show that cells lacking ClpA are particularly sensitive to inappropriate increases in DnaA activity. Our work demonstrates an unexpected effect of ClpAP in directly regulating replication through degradation of DnaA and expands the functional role of ClpAP in Caulobacter.
UV‐Induced DNA Damage and Mutagenesis in Chromatin
Authors: Mao Peng , Wyrick John J. , Roberts Steven A. , Smerdon Michael J.
Published: September 2016

UV radiation induces photolesions that distort the DNA double helix and, if not repaired, can cause severe biological consequences, including mutagenesis or cell death. In eukaryotes, both the formation and repair of UV damage occur in the context of chromatin, in which genomic DNA is packaged with histones into nucleosomes and higher order chromatin structures. Here, we review how chromatin impacts the formation of UV photoproducts in eukaryotic cells. We describe the initial discovery that nucleosomes and other DNA binding proteins induce characteristic “photofootprints” during the formation of UV photoproducts. We also describe recent progress in genomewide methods for mapping UV damage, which echoes early biochemical studies, and highlights the role of nucleosomes and transcription factors in UV damage formation and repair at unprecedented resolution. Finally, we discuss our current understanding of how the distribution and repair of UV‐induced DNA damage influence mutagenesis in human skin cancers.
Ratio Bias and Policy Preferences: How Equivalency Framing of Numbers Can Affect Attitudes
Authors: Pedersen Rasmus T.
Published: September 2016

Numbers permeate modern political communication. While current scholarship on framing effects has focused on the persuasive effects of words and arguments, this article shows that framing of numbers can also substantially affect policy preferences. Such effects are caused by ratio bias, which is a general tendency to focus on numerators and pay insufficient attention to denominators in ratios. Using a population‐based survey experiment, I demonstrate how differently framed but logically equivalent representations of the exact same numerical value can have large effects on citizens' preferences regarding salient political issues such as education and taxes. Furthermore, the effects of numerical framing are found across most groups of the population, largely regardless of their political predisposition and their general ability to understand and use numerical information. These findings have significant implications for our understanding of framing effects and the role played by numbers in public opinion formation.
Honeybees can spread Colletotrichum acutatum and C. gloeosporioides among citrus plants
Authors: Gasparoto M. C. G. , Lourenço S. A. , Tanaka F. A. O. , Spósito M. B. , Marchini L. C. , Silva Junior G. J. , Amorim L.
Published: September 2016

Postbloom fruit drop (PFD) is an important citrus disease that causes up to 100% yield losses during years in which conditions are favourable for the occurrence of epidemics. The conidia of Colletotrichum acutatum and C. gloeosporioides, causal agents of PFD, are predominantly dispersed by rain splash. At the beginning of epidemics, the distribution of diseased plants is random and the disease progress rate is very high, which is unusual for pathogens spread by rain splash. As the pathogen produces abundant conidia on diseased petals, pollinating insects may contribute to disease dispersal. This study investigated honeybees (Apis mellifera) as dispersal agents of C. acutatum and C. gloeosporioides among citrus plants. Two experiments were carried out in a screenhouse in which citrus plants were protected (or not) in insect‐proof cages. The source of inoculum was placed on one side of the screenhouse, and a honeybee hive was placed on the opposite side. All uncaged plants showed symptoms of the disease, and none of the caged plants exhibited PFD symptoms. The monomolecular model showed a good fit to disease progress in both experiments. Conidium‐like structures of Colletotrichum spp. were identified attached to the bodies of the honeybees by scanning electron microscopy. These results have revealed that honeybees disperse Colletotrichum among citrus plants.
Breed differences of bull frozen‐thawed semen
Authors: Ntemka A , Tsousis G , Brozos C , Kiossis E , Boscos CM , Tsakmakidis IA
Published: September 2016

Contents

The objective of this study was to investigate the quality of frozen‐thawed semen from different bull breeds. Commercial frozen‐thawed bull semen samples (26 per breed, 130 totally) of five breeds (Holstein [Η], Brown Swiss [BS], Limousin [L], Belgian Blue [BB], Blonde d' Aquitaine [BA]) were used. After thawing, each semen sample was subjected to thermal resistance test (TR) for 0.5 and 1 hr at 38°C and hypo‐osmotic swelling test (HOST) for 1 hr at 150 mOsm at 37°C. Additionally, all samples were evaluated at times 0 hr (thawing), 0.5 hr (TR), 1 hr (TR) for kinetics by CASA [progressive, immotile, rapid, medium, slow moving spermatozoa, curvilinear velocity (VCL), average path velocity (VAP), straight line velocity (VSL), linearity (LIN), straightness (STR), beat cross‐frequency (BCF), amplitude of lateral head displacement (ALH), wobble (WOB)]. Moreover, directly after thawing, all semen samples were evaluated for morphometry, morphology, viability and DNA fragmentation. Statistical analysis was conducted using a mixed model for repeated measures. The results showed (a) higher VCL after thawing in H, L breeds compared to BB and BA, (b) higher VAP after thawing in L compared to BB, BA, (c) higher values of progressive spermatozoa after TR in H, BS compared to BB, BA, (d) higher values of rapid spermatozoa after thawing and 0.5 hr of TR in H, BS, L compared to BB, BA, (e) lower viability in BA after thawing compared to H, BS, BB, (f) lower morphological abnormalities in H compared to L, BB, (g) higher head length in Η compared to BB. No significant differences were observed in the results from HOST and DNA fragmentation between breeds. In conclusion, quality characteristics of frozen‐thawed bull semen are dependent on the breed. Frozen semen from BB and BA breeds should be handled more carefully after thawing, as it is more sensitive to stress.
Family Economy, Rural School Choice, and Flexischooling Children with Disabilities
Authors: Schafer Mark J. , Khan Shana S.
Published: September 2016

Most homeschooled students would be more accurately described as “flexischooled,” partly homeschooled and partly enrolled in school. The popularity of these two alternatives to public or private school enrollment has increased over the past several decades to the extent that, by 2012 over 2 million students, 4 percent of the population, were either flexischooled or homeschooled in the United States. To understand why parents have pursued these options over enrollment, we employed a family economy perspective, arguing that family, child, and locational considerations shaped parents' motivations for homeschooling or flexischooling over enrollment. For example, parents' decisions were partially shaped by the interaction between children's disability status and rural location. Using data from the National Household Education Survey 2012, this article first describes the prevalence of flexischooling and full‐time homeschooling. Then, it demonstrates how various family, child, and locational factors shape the odds of flexischooling and homeschooling, and then examines the interaction between location and children's disability status in detail. We discuss the implications of our findings for family economy theoretical perspectives, flexischooling, and rural education research.