bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
SOCIAL AND GENDER PERSPECTIVES IN RICE BREEDING FOR SUBMERGENCE TOLERANCE IN SOUTHEAST ASIA
Authors: MANZANILLA D. O. , PARIS T. R. , TATLONGHARI G. T. , TOBIAS A. M. , CHI T. T. N. , PHUONG N. T. , SILIPHOUTHONE I. , CHAMARERK V. , BHEKASUT P. , GANDASOEMITA R.
Published: July 2013

The risks of flooding in rice production include losses that can affect some 13 million ha of rice lands in Southeast Asia. This study integrated social and gender perspectives into the varietal evaluation process to contribute to planned faster uptake of submergence-tolerant rice (Sub1) varieties. In this study, the participatory varietal selection (PVS) process was used in eliciting male and female farmers' opinions with respect to selecting popular varieties with the SUB1 gene introgressed, for added tolerance of flash floods of up to two weeks. Fifteen Sub1 varieties and the farmers' local check were tested under the PVS researcher-managed (PVS-RM) trials, which involved farmers' preference analysis (PA). The farmers tested the pre-selected lines with the SUB1 gene in their own fields to further evaluate their performance under varying conditions. During flooding, farmers experienced lower production depending on water depth, timing with respect to rice growth stage, duration, frequency of occurrence and quality. On-farm PA results showed wide variability in the performance of the Sub1 varieties compared with local popular varieties. This implies the need for further testing of pre-released lines in terms of adaptability and the continuous development of rice genotypes for varying flood-prone rice ecosystems. Women are as knowledgeable as men because of the significant roles they play in rice production and food preparation. Moreover, farmers and breeders have almost the same criteria in choosing the best performing rice lines. Sensory tests revealed the eating and cooking qualities important to farmers. The findings of this study can provide feedback to breeding programmes to ensure a greater likelihood of adoption and ultimately increasing rice productivity in submergence-prone rice areas.
Turonian marine amniotes from the Bohemian Cretaceous Basin, Czech Republic
Authors: KEAR BENJAMIN P. , EKRT BORIS , PROKOP JOSEF , GEORGALIS GEORGIOS L.
Published: July 2013

Despite being known for over 155 years, the Late Cretaceous marine amniotes of the Bohemian Cretaceous Basin in the Czech Republic have received little recent attention. These fossils are however significant because they record a diverse range of taxa from an incompletely known geological interval: the Turonian. The presently identifiable remains include isolated bones and teeth, together with a few disarticulated skeletons. The most productive stratigraphical unit is the Lower–Middle Turonian Bílá Hora Formation, which has yielded small dermochelyoid sea turtles, a possible polycotylid plesiosaur and elements compatible with the giant predatory pliosauromorphPolyptychodon. A huge protostegid, together with an enigmatic cheloniid-like turtle,Polyptychodon-like dentigerous components, an elasmosaurid and a tethysaurine mosasauroid have also been found in strata corresponding to the Middle–Upper Turonian Jizera Formation and Upper Turonian – Coniacian Teplice Formation. The compositional character of the Bohemian Cretaceous Basin fauna is compatible with coeval assemblages from elsewhere along the peri-Tethyan shelf of Europe, and incorporates the globally terminal Middle–Upper Turonian occurrence of pliosauromorph megacarnivores, which were seemingly replaced by mosasauroids later in the Cretaceous.
Relationship between previous history ofStreptococcus uberisinfection and response to a challenge model
Authors: Turner Sally-Anne , Williamson John H , Lacy-Hulbert S Jane , Hillerton J Eric
Published: July 2013

Streptococcus uberisis the most common cause of clinical mastitis at calving in pasture-based dairy cows. Results of experimental inoculations were compared with cows' previous history of infection to help define a model for susceptibility toStr. uberismastitis. Cows used had either no apparent history of intramammary infection (IMI) byStr. uberisor other major mastitis pathogens throughout their productive lifetime (‘apparently uninfected’; AUI), or had a confirmed history ofStr. uberisIMI (‘historically infected’; HI). Cows were exposed toStr. uberisin sequential steps: dipping of the teat end (DIP;n=53 cows); a teat canal inoculation (TCI;n=33 cows); and, finally, intramammary inoculation challenge (IC;n=7 cows). Only cows that remained free of infection at each step progressed to the next phase. Infection rates were similar between AUI or HI cows following the DIP (9 and 17% respectively), or the TCI (75 and 68% respectively). Physical and biochemical traits of cows were examined. Analysis of traits prior to inoculations implied that HI cows produced more milk fat, while AUI cows tended to have longer teat canals. Analysis of traits for cows that became infected following DIP, implied that there was a positive association with milk fat production and negative association with somatic cell count (SCC), while there was a positive association with the duration of p.m. milking, and negative association with SCC in those cows that became infected following TCI. Only AUI cows became infected following the IC inoculation. Similarity in response to experimental inoculation between the two groups suggests that the current dip or teat canal inoculation (using a 3-mm depth of inoculation) models are not good predictors of natural resistance toStr. uberis. However, a population of cows was identified that remained uninfected after DIP, TCI and IC, and may comprise a resistant phenotype.
Isolation and identification of antioxidant peptides derived from whey protein enzymatic hydrolysate by consecutive chromatography and Q-TOF MS
Authors: Zhang Qiu-Xiang , Wu Hui , Ling Yu-Fang , Lu Rong-Rong
Published: July 2013

To isolate and identify antioxidant peptides from enzymatically hydrolysed whey protein, whey protein isolate was hydrolysed by different protease (trypsin, pepsin, alcalase 2·4L, promatex, flavourzyme, protease N). The hydrolysate generated by alcalase 2·4L had the highest antioxidant activities on 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radicals, superoxide radicals and in a linoleic acid peroxidation system induced by Fe2+. The IC50 values of DPPH and superoxide radical scavenging activities of the hydrolysate decreased significantly (6·89 and 38·88%, respectively) after treatment with macroporous adsorption resin. Seven different peptides showing strong antioxidant activities were isolated from the hydrolysate using consecutive chromatographic methods including gel filtration chromatography and high-performance liquid chromatography. The molecular mass and amino acids sequences of the purified peptides were determined using a Quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometer (Q-TOF MS). One of the antioxidative peptides, Trp–Tyr–Ser–Leu, displayed the highest DPPH radical scavenging activity (IC50=273·63 μm) and superoxide radical scavenging activity (IC50=558·42 μm). These results suggest that hydrolysates from whey proteins are good potential source of natural antioxidants.
Elemental stoichiometry of marine particulate matter measured by wavelength dispersive X-ray fluorescence (WDXRF) spectroscopy
Authors: Paulino A.I. , Heldal M. , Norland S. , Egge J.K.
Published: July 2013

This paper describes the development of a method for quantitative measurement of the elemental composition of particulate matter (PM) in seawater. This method is based on use of wavelength dispersive X-ray fluorescence (WDXRF) analysing PM harvested on various filter types. As the amount of material is less than a monolayer of cells on the filters we reduced the need for absorption correction. Given the appropriate combination of filters and elements the detection limits are low: <1 µg/filter for carbon (C), nitrogen (N), and <0.1 µg/filter for silicon (Si), phosphorus (P), calcium (Ca) and iron (Fe). The analytical range used was90–750 µgC,23–116 µgN and7–30 µgP, depending on the filters applied. Calibration constants for the elements included in this study were obtained from analysis of known quantities of chemical compounds on filters or silver plates. For carbon and nitrogen we also used comparative measurements ofSynechococcussp. cultures by CHN analyser and WDXRF. We harvested PM from 150 ml to 2000 ml on each filter in three replicates, obtaining less than 5% analytical variability between the replicates. One of the challenges using WDXRF as proposed here is the absorption of X-ray signals by the filter and variability of cell/particle sizes, and, consequentlyly, the variability of harvested PM on various filters. We find that an anodisc filter is best suited for C and N, while polycarbonate filters are best for heavier elements. Here we present analytical details and some data from field experiments related to C, N, P, Si, Ca and Fe in particles from seawater.
Proposed function of alternative oxidase in mitochondrial sulphide oxidation detoxification in the Echiuran worm,Urechis unicinctus
Authors: Huang Jian , Zhang Litao , Li Jinlong , Shi Xiaoli , Zhang Zhifeng
Published: July 2013

Alternative oxidase (AOX), a ubiquinol oxidase, introduces a branch pathway to the respiratory electron transport chain (ETC), bypassing complexes III and IV and catalysing the cyanide-resistant reduction of oxygen to water without translocation of protons across the inner mitochondrial membrane. Thus, it functions as a non-energy-conserving member of respiratory ETC. Previous studies of AOX focused on plants and some fungi, whereas data on animals are limited. In this study, full-length AOX cDNA was cloned from the Echiuran worm,Urechis unicinctus, a marine benthic invertebrate. In addition, mRNA expression pattern of combined activity of cytochromecoxidase (CCO) in the body wall and hindgut of the worm exposed in sulphide (50 µM and 150 µM) was measured. The results revealed that AOX mRNA expression increased in a time- and concentration-dependent manner in both tissues, was significantly increased at 48 h, and continuously increased with time. In contrast, the activity of CCO decreased significantly at 24 h and was inhibited at 48 h during exposure to 150 µM sulphide. The present data indicate the expression of AOX mRNA depended on the sulphide concentration present as well as being influenced by the physical condition of the worm, especially the CCO activity.
A Fine Balance: Negotiating fashion and respectable femininity in middle-class Hyderabad, India
Authors: GILBERTSON AMANDA
Published: July 2013

Drawing on twelve months of fieldwork in suburban Hyderabad, this paper explores the double binds experienced by middle-class young women as they attempt to meet the competing demands of ‘respectable’ and ‘fashionable’ femininity. For middle-class women, respectability requires purposeful movement, demure posture and modest clothing when in public, as well as avoidance of lower-class spaces where men congregate. Status can, however, also be achieved through more revealing fashionable clothing and consumption in elite public spaces. Whilst respectability for some sections of the middle class necessitates avoidance of even platonic relationships with the opposite sex, upper middle-class informants encourage heterosociality and for some upper middle-class and elite youth pre-marital romance is a form of ‘fashion’ due to its location in high-status spaces of leisure and consumption. The tensions described in this paper reveal the fragmentation of Hyderabad's middle class and the barriers to social mobility experienced by women for whom the relationship between legitimate cultural capital and feminine modesty is becoming increasingly complex.
Development and evaluation of loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) for rapid detection of Clonorchis sinensis from its first intermediate hosts, freshwater snails
Authors: CHEN Y. , WEN T. , LAI D.-H. , WEN Y.-Z. , WU Z.-D. , YANG T.-B. , YU X.-B. , HIDE G. , LUN Z.-R.
Published: July 2013

Clonorchiasis, caused by Clonorchis sinensis, is a key foodborne zoonosis, which is mainly found in China, Korea and Vietnam. Detection of this parasite from the second intermediate host, the freshwater fish is the common method for epidemiological surveys of this parasite, but is time consuming, labour intensive and easily leads to misdiagnosis. In this study, we have developed a rapid, sensitive and reliable molecular method for the diagnosis of C. sinensis from its first intermediate hosts, freshwater snails, based on a loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) method. The specific amplified fragment from genomic DNA of C. sinensis did not cross-react with those from other relevant trematodes and a range of hosts (freshwater fish, shrimps and snails) of C. sinensis living in similar environments. The detection limit of the LAMP method was as low as 10 fg which was 1000 times more sensitive than conventional PCR, which was also demonstrated by successful application to field samples. These results show that the LAMP method is a more sensitive tool than conventional PCR for the detection of C. sinensis infection in the first intermediate hosts and, due to a simpler protocol, is an ideal molecular method for field-based epidemiological surveys of this parasite.
Temperature during the free-living phase of an ectoparasite influences the emergence pattern of the infective phase
Authors: AMAT-VALERO M. , CALERO-TORRALBO M. A. , VALERA F.
Published: July 2013

Understanding the population dynamics and co-evolution of host–parasite systems requires detailed knowledge of their phenology which, in turn, requires a deep knowledge of the effect of abiotic factors on the life cycles of organisms. Temperature is known to be a key environmental influence that participates in the regulation of diapause. Yet, not much is known about the effect of temperature on the free-living stages of true parasites and how it may influence host–parasite interactions. Here we experimentally study the effect of ambient temperature on overwintering pupae ofCarnus hemapterus(Diptera, Carnidae), an ectoparasitic fly of various bird species. We also test whether chilling is a prerequisite for completion of diapause in this species. In the course of three winter seasons we experimentally exposed carnid pupae from nests of various host species to spring temperatures with and without chilling and recorded the emergence patterns in experimental and control groups. Experimental groups showed an advanced emergence date, a lower emergence rate and, consequently, a protracted emergence period. Chilling had no obvious effect on the start of emergence but it did advance the mean emergence date, shortened the length of the emergence period when compared with the control treatment and increased the emergence rate when compared with the spring treatment. This study identifies an environmental cue, namely temperature during the free-living stage, affecting the emergence of a widespread parasite and demonstrates the plasticity of diapause in this parasite. Our findings are of potential significance in understanding host–parasite interactions.
Altered social and non-social decision-making in recreational and dependent cocaine users
Authors: Hulka L. M. , Eisenegger C. , Preller K. H. , Vonmoos M. , Jenni D. , Bendrick K. , Baumgartner M. R. , Seifritz E. , Quednow B. B.
Published: July 2013

Background

Maladaptive decision-making is assumed to be a core feature of cocaine addiction. Indeed, numerous studies have reported deficits in non-social decision-making tasks and reward-related impulsivity in dependent cocaine users. However, social decision-making has not been examined in cocaine users yet. Moreover, it is unknown if even recreational and non-dependent cocaine use is linked to decision-making deficits. Therefore, we investigated whether recreational and dependent cocaine users exhibit alterations in social and non-social decision-making.

Method

The performance of healthy controls (n = 68), recreational cocaine users (n = 68) and dependent cocaine users (n = 30) in classical decision-making paradigms (Iowa Gambling Task, Delay Discounting) and in social interaction paradigms (Distribution Game, Dictator Game) was assessed.

Results

Decisions in the social interaction tasks of both cocaine user groups were more self-serving compared with controls as cocaine users preferred higher monetary payoffs for themselves. In the Iowa Gambling Task, only dependent cocaine users were more likely to choose disadvantageous card decks, reflecting worse decision-making. They were also more likely to choose immediate smaller rewards over larger delayed rewards in the Delay Discounting task.

Conclusions

Our results imply that both recreational and dependent cocaine users are more concerned with their own monetary gain when interacting with another person. Furthermore, primarily dependent cocaine users are less foresighted and more impulsive regarding immediate reward. Overall, social interaction deficits are already present in recreational users, while non-social decision-making deficits occur predominantly in dependent cocaine users. Thus, social interaction training and cognitive remediation strategies may improve treatment success and quality of life in cocaine dependence.
Avoidant strategy in insecure females
Authors: Chen Bin-Bin , Li Dan
Published: July 2013

This commentary cites evidence to argue that girls growing up in a competitive and aggressive environment are more likely to shift to avoidant attachment than to ambivalent attachment in middle childhood. These avoidant women are also more likely to favor a short-term mating strategy. The role of oxytocin (OT) and early experience in shaping an avoidant attachment in females is also discussed.
Synthesizing life history theory with sexual selection: Toward a comprehensive model of alternative reproductive strategies
Authors: Jackson Jenée James , Ellis Bruce J.
Published: July 2013

Del Giudice's model of sex-specific attachment patterns demonstrates the usefulness of infusing life history theory with principles of sexual selection. We believe a full synthesis between the two theories provides a foundation for a comprehensive model of alternative reproductive strategies. We extend Del Giudice's ideas based on our own program of research, focusing specifically on the importance of intrasexual competition and the individual phenotype during development.
Adaptive developmental plasticity might not contribute much to the adaptiveness of reproductive strategies
Authors: Penke Lars
Published: July 2013

Del Giudice's model belongs among those that highlight the role of adaptive developmental plasticity in human reproductive strategies; but at least three other forms of evolutionary adaptation also influence reproductive behavior. Similar to earlier models, the existing evidence suggests that Del Giudice's hypothesized effects are rather weak. In particular, adult attachment styles are hardly predictive of outcomes visible to natural selection.
Identifying the optimal response is not a necessary step toward explaining function
Authors: Brighton Henry , Olsson Henrik
Published: July 2013

Oaksford & Chater (O&C) argue that a rational analysis is required to explain why a functional process model is successful, and that, when a rational analysis is intractable, the prospects for understanding cognition from a functional perspective are gloomy. We discuss how functional explanations can be arrived at without seeking the optimal response function demanded by a rational analysis, and argue that explaining function does not require optimality.
Explaining norms and norms explained
Authors: Danks David , Eberhardt Frederick
Published: July 2013

Oaksford & Chater (O&C) aim to provide teleological explanations of behavior by giving an appropriate normative standard: Bayesian inference. We argue that there is no uncontroversial independent justification for the normativity of Bayesian inference, and that O&C fail to satisfy a necessary condition for teleological explanations: demonstration that the normative prescription played a causal role in the behavior's existence.
Bayes plus environment
Authors: McKenzie Craig R. M.
Published: July 2013

Oaksford & Chater's (O&C's) account of deductive reasoning is parsimonious at a local level (because a rational model is used to explain a wide range of behavior) and at a global level (because their Bayesian approach connects to other areas of research). Their emphasis on environmental structure is especially important, and the power of their approach is seen at both the computational and algorithmic levels.
Oaksford & Chater's theory of reasoning: High prior, lower posterior plausibility
Authors: Oberauer Klaus
Published: July 2013

Oaksford & Chater (O&C) subscribe to the view that a conditional expresses a high conditional probability of the consequent, given the antecedent, but they model conditionals as expressing a dependency between antecedent and consequent. Therefore, their model is inconsistent with their theoretical commitment. The model is also inconsistent with some findings on how people interpret conditionals and how they reason from them.
Mental probability logic
Authors: Pfeifer Niki , Kleiter Gernot D.
Published: July 2013

We discuss Oaksford & Chater's (O&C's) probabilistic approach from a probability logical point of view. Specifically, we comment on subjective probability, the indispensability of logic, the Ramsey test, the consequence relation, human nonmonotonic reasoning, intervals, generalized quantifiers, and rational analysis.
“Nonmonotonic” does not mean “probabilistic”
Authors: Stenning Keith , van Lambalgen Michiel
Published: July 2013

Oaksford & Chater (O&C) advocate Bayesian probability as a way to deal formally with the pervasive nonmonotonicity of common sense reasoning. We show that some forms of nonmonotonicity cannot be treated by Bayesian methods.
Small 3-manifolds with large Heegaard distance
Authors: LI TAO
Published: July 2013

We construct examples of closed non-Haken hyperbolic 3-manifolds with a Heegaard splitting of arbitrarily large distance.
Incidence of pertussis in patients of general practitioners in Poland
Authors: STEFANOFF P. , PARADOWSKA-STANKIEWICZ I. A. , LIPKE M. , KARASEK E. , RASTAWICKI W. , ZASADA A. , SAMUELS S. , CZAJKA H. , PEBODY R. G.
Published: July 2013

We estimated the incidence of pertussis in patients consulting general practitioners (GPs). Between July 2009 and April 2011, we conducted a prospective cohort study of patients attending 78 general practices (158 863 persons overall). We included patients aged ⩾3 years, with cough lasting 2–15 weeks, who gave informed consent. GPs interviewed eligible patients, collected a blood specimen, and a nasopharyngeal swab. At follow-up 30–60 days after the initial visit, physicians collected a second blood specimen and conducted patient interview. Cases were confirmed by specific IgA and/or IgG antibody titre exceeding significantly the general population background level or detection of bacterial DNA by real-time PCR. During the study period, 3864 patients with prolonged cough consulted the participating GPs, of those 1852 met the inclusion criteria, 1232 were recruited, and 288 were confirmed as pertussis cases (4% by PCR, 96% by serology). The adjusted incidence rate was 201·1/100 000 person-years [95% confidence interval (CI) 133·9–302·0], ranging from 456·5 (95% CI 239·3–870·8) in the 15–19 years group to 94·0 (95% CI 33·4–264·5) in the 25–29 years group. The reporting ratio was 61, ranging from 4 in those aged 3–5 years, to 167 in those aged 65–69 years. The study confirmed high incidence of pertussis in all age groups in the general population, in particular in adults, not appropriately documented by the existing surveillance system.
Indeterminacy and the Small-Improvement Argument
Authors: GUSTAFSSON JOHAN E.
Published: July 2013

In this article, I argue that the small-improvement fails since some of the comparisons involved in the argument might be indeterminate. I defend this view from two objections by Ruth Chang, namely the argument from phenomenology and the argument from perplexity. There are some other objections to the small-improvement argument that also hinge on claims about indeterminacy. John Broome argues that alleged cases of value incomparability are merely examples of indeterminacy in the betterness relation. The main premise of his argument is the much-discussed collapsing principle. I offer a new counterexample to this principle and argue that Broome's defence of the principle is not cogent. On the other hand, Nicolas Espinoza argues that the small-improvement argument fails as a result of the mere possibility of evaluative indeterminacy. I argue that his objection is unsuccessful.
Foraging ecology and choice of feeding habitat in the New Zealand Fairy TernSternula nereis davisae
Authors: ISMAR STEFANIE M. H. , TRNSKI TOM , BEAUCHAMP TONY , BURY SARAH J. , WILSON DAVID , KANNEMEYER ROBYN , BELLINGHAM MARK , BAIRD KAREN
Published: July 2013

No published information is available on the foraging ecology and choice of feeding habitat of New Zealand’s rarest breeding bird: the New Zealand Fairy Tern (NZFT)Sternula nereis davisae. To address this gap, we conducted an assessment of the largest remaining breeding population at Mangawhai Harbour, Northland, New Zealand, during the chick-rearing period of the 2010/2011 breeding season. We combined visual tracking of birds with prey surveys and stable isotope analyses, and we present the first quantitative assessment of NZFT foraging. We recorded 405 foraging dives that show NZFT foraging habitat includes the water edges, shallow channels, and pools on the tidal flats of mangrove-lined (Avicennia marinavar.resinifera) parts of the estuary; tidal pools on mud- and sandflats in the mid-estuary and lower harbour; the shallow margins of the dredged main channel in the lower harbour; the oxbow lagoons on the sand spit; and coastal shallows. Our study identifies the mangrove-lined highly tidal and shallow mid-estuary and the lagoon on the sand spit as foraging hotspots for the Mangawhai breeding population of the NZFT. The prey survey employed a seine-net sampling method at identified NZFT foraging sites and yielded 4,367 prey-sized fish of 11 species, two of which had not previously been reported in Mangawhai Harbour, as well as numerous shrimps. The most abundant fish were gobies of the genusFavonigobius. Our stable isotope results highlight gobies as the most important prey for NZFT chick rearing, also indicating that flounderRhombosoleasp. contribute to NZFT diet. We raise the possibility that shrimps may also constitute a substantial diet component for NZFT, potentially providing up to 21% of diet mass for adult birds. While our results provide a first basis to understanding the feeding ecology of NZFT during their breeding season in order to facilitate conservation planning, further research is required to address inter-annual variation and to identify key foraging grounds for this Critically Endangered bird at other breeding sites.
The Min Mean-Weight Cycle in a Random Network
Authors: MATHIEU CLAIRE , WILSON DAVID B.
Published: July 2013

The mean weight of a cycle in an edge-weighted graph is the sum of the cycle's edge weights divided by the cycle's length. We study the minimum mean-weight cycle on the complete graph on n vertices, with random i.i.d. edge weights drawn from an exponential distribution with mean 1. We show that the probability of the min mean weight being at most c/n tends to a limiting function of c which is analytic for c ≤ 1/e, discontinuous at c = 1/e, and equal to 1 for c > 1/e. We further show that if the min mean weight is ≤ 1/(en), then the length of the relevant cycle is Θp(1) (i.e., it has a limiting probability distribution which does not scale with n), but that if the min mean weight is > 1/(en), then the relevant cycle almost always has mean weight (1 + o(1))/(en) and length at least (2/π2 − o (1)) log2n log log n.
On the Non-Planarity of a Random Subgraph
Authors: FRIEZE ALAN , KRIVELEVICH MICHAEL
Published: July 2013

Let G be a finite graph with minimum degree r. Form a random subgraph Gp of G by taking each edge of G into Gp independently and with probability p. We prove that for any constant ε > 0, if $p=\frac{1+\epsilon}{r}$, then Gp is non-planar with probability approaching 1 as r grows. This generalizes classical results on planarity of binomial random graphs.
Effects of metformin on fertilisation of bovine oocytes and early embryo development: possible involvement of AMPK3-mediated TSC2 activation
Authors: Pikiou Olympia , Vasilaki Anna , Leondaritis George , Vamvakopoulos Nikos , Messinis Ioannis E.
Published: July 2013

Studies on bovine oocytes have revealed that the activation of adenosine monophosphate activated protein kinase (AMPK) by millimolar concentrations of metformin controls nuclear maturation. Tuberous sclerosis complex 2 (TSC2) has been identified as a downstream target of AMPK. The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of addition of low concentrations of metformin (1 nM to 10 μM) on the percentage of cultured cumulus–oocyte complexes (COC) giving rise to cleavage-stage embryos and AMPK-mediated TSC2 activation. Metformin was supplemented either throughout in vitro embryo production (IVP) or only during in vitro fertilization (IVF). COC were matured in vitro, inseminated, and presumptive zygotes cultured for a further 72 h post insemination before the percentage of COC that gave rise to zygotes and early embryo development was assessed. The presence of TSC2 in bovine embryos and its possible AMPK-induced activation were assessed by immunocytochemistry. Metformin had a dose-dependent effect on the numbers of cultured COC that gave rise to embryos. Drug treatment either throughout IVP or only during IVF decreased the percentage of ≥8-cell embryos (1 μM, P < 0.05; 10 μM, P < 0.01; and 0.1 μM, 10 μM, P < 0.01, respectively) and increased the percentage of 2-cell embryos (10 μM, P < 0.01 and P < 0.05 respectively). The percentage of cultured COC that gave rise to zygotes was not affected by metformin. TSC2 is expressed in early embryos. Metformin (10 μM) either throughout IVP or during IVF only, increased AMPK-induced PhosphoS1387-TSC2 immunoreactivity (P < 0.01) and this increase corresponded to the total TSC2 protein levels expressed in cells. Our results suggest that there is a dose-dependent negative effect of metformin on the ability of oocytes to cleave following insemination, possibly mediated through an AMPK-induced activation of TSC2.
Tissue motion annular displacement of the mitral valve using two-dimensional speckle tracking echocardiography predicts the left ventricular ejection fraction in normal children
Authors: Black David E , Bryant Jen , Peebles Charles , Godfrey Keith M , Hanson Mark , Vettukattil Joseph J
Published: July 2013

Background:The gold standard for determining the left ventricular ejection fraction is cardiac magnetic resonance imaging. Other parameters for determining the ejection fraction such as M-mode echocardiography are operator-dependant and often inaccurate. Assessment of the displacement of the mitral valve annulus using two-dimensional speckle tracking echocardiography may provide an accurate and simple method of determining the left ventricular ejection fraction in children.Method:We retrospectively studied 70 healthy 9-year-old children with no history of cardiovascular disease who had been assessed using cardiac magnetic resonance imaging and two-dimensional transthoracic echocardiography. Mitral displacement was determined using the tissue motion annular displacement (TMAD) feature of Philips QLAB version 9. The midpoint displacement of the mitral valve was calculated, and the predicted left ventricular ejection fraction was compared with magnetic resonance imaging-derived and M-mode-derived ejection fractions.Results:The mean ejection fraction derived from magnetic resonance imaging (64.5 (4.6)) was similar to that derived from the TMAD midpoint (60.9 (2.7), p = 0.001) and the M-mode (61.9 (7), p = 0.012). The TMAD midpoint correlated strongly with the magnetic resonance imaging-derived ejection fraction (r = 0.69, p < 0.001), as did the predicted fraction (r = 0.67, p < 0.001). The M-mode ejection fraction showed a poor linear correlation with both magnetic resonance imaging-derived and TMAD-derived fractions (r = 0.33 and 0.04, respectively).Conclusion:TMAD of the mitral valve is a simple, effective, and highly reproducible method of assessing the ejection fraction in normal children. It shows a strong linear correlation with magnetic resonance imaging-derived ejection fraction and is superior to M-mode-derived ejection fractions.
Food consumption, physical activity and socio-economic status related to BMI, waist circumference and waist-to-height ratio in adolescents
Authors: Abreu Sandra , Santos Rute , Moreira Carla , Santos Paula Clara , Mota Jorge , Moreira Pedro
Published: July 2013

Objective

To examine the association between obesity and food group intakes, physical activity and socio-economic status in adolescents.

Design

A cross-sectional study was carried out in 2008. Cole's cut-off points were used to categorize BMI. Abdominal obesity was defined by a waist circumference at or above the 90th percentile, as well as a waist-to-height ratio at or above 0·500. Diet was evaluated using an FFQ, and the food group consumption was categorized using sex-specific tertiles of each food group amount. Physical activity was assessed via a self-report questionnaire. Socio-economic status was assessed referring to parental education and employment status. Data were analysed separately for girls and boys and the associations among food consumption, physical activity, socio-economic status and BMI, waist circumference and waist-to-height ratio were evaluated using logistic regression analysis, adjusting the results for potential confounders.

Setting

Public schools in the Azorean Archipelago, Portugal.

Subjects

Adolescents (n 1209) aged 15–18 years.

Results

After adjustment, in boys, higher intake of ready-to-eat cereals was a negative predictor while vegetables were a positive predictor of overweight/obesity and abdominal obesity. Active boys had lower odds of abdominal obesity compared with inactive boys. Boys whose mother showed a low education level had higher odds of abdominal obesity compared with boys whose mother presented a high education level. Concerning girls, higher intake of sweets and pastries was a negative predictor of overweight/obesity and abdominal obesity. Girls in tertile 2 of milk intake had lower odds of abdominal obesity than those in tertile 1. Girls whose father had no relationship with employment displayed higher odds of abdominal obesity compared with girls whose father had high employment status.

Conclusions

We have found that different measures of obesity have distinct associations with food group intakes, physical activity and socio-economic status.
Compassion and Compliance: Releasing Records to Care-Leavers under Privacy and Freedom of Information Legislation
Authors: Murray Suellen
Published: July 2013

This article discusses the use of privacy and freedom of information legislation in relation to the release of care-leavers’ records in the Australian state of Victoria. First, it explains the relevance of privacy and freedom of information legislation to care-leavers’ access to records, that is that the subject of a record is entitled to access information held about them, subject to certain exemptions. Second, based on research interviews with care-leavers and record-holders, the article then discusses how the legislation is understood in practice and the difficulties that arise in determining what information can be released, particularly in relation to ‘third party data’ and ‘unreasonable disclosure’. Finally, the article considers how policy in this area could be improved to enhance the release of records.
Antarctica and supercontinental evolution: clues and puzzles
Authors: Dalziel Ian W. D.
Published: July 2013

Antarctica has been known as the “keypiece” of the Gondwana supercontinent since publication of Du Toit's 1937 classic bookOur Wandering Continents. It is also important to reconstruction of the early Neoproterozoic supercontinent Rodinia. Laurentia, with its circumferential late Precambrian rifted margins, can be regarded as the ‘keypiece’ of Rodinia. TheSouthwest US–EastAntarctica (SWEAT) hypothesis suggested former juxtaposition of the Pacific margins of Laurentia and East Antarctica. Several new lines of evidence support this hypothesis in a revised form, but must be reconciled with opening of the Pacific Ocean basin predating amalgamation, not only of Gondwana, but even of today's East Antarctic craton. The sequence of events is envisaged to have been: (1) formation prior to 1·6 Ga of a craton, including Laurentia and the Mawson craton, that extended from South Australia along the present Transantarctic margin to the Shackleton Range; (2) suturing of southernmost Laurentia to the Kalahari craton along the Grenville, Namaqua–Natal–Maud orogenic belt ca. 1·0 Ga; (3) rifting of the East Antarctic margin (Mawson craton) from western Laurentia ca. 0·7 Ga; (4) pan-African suturing of the Mawson craton to southernmost Laurentia as Gondwana amalgamated, forming the ephemeral Pannotia supercontinent; and (5) end-Precambrian separation of Laurentia as Iapetus opened.
Future progress in Antarctic science: improving data care, sharing and collaboration
Authors: Cooper Alan K.
Published: July 2013

Data are the foundation of modern observational science. High-quality science relies on high quality data. In Antarctica, unlike elsewhere, researchers must disperse data and conduct science differently. They must work within the laws enacted under Antarctic Treaty that defines Antarctica as a continent for peace and science, where data sharing and international collaboration are requisite keystones. Scientists also work under oversight guidance of the Scientific Committee on Antarctic Research (SCAR). In the last decade, rapid technological advances and vast increase in digital data volumes have changed the ways data are acquired, communicated, analysed, displayed and reported. Yet, the underlying science culture in which data are funded, utilised and cared for has changed little. Science-culture changes are needed for greater progress in Antarctic science.

We briefly summarise and discuss aspects of Antarctic ‘data care’, which is a subset of data management. We offer perceptions on how changes to some aspects of current science-culture could inspire greater data sharing and international collaboration, to achieve greater success. The changes would place greater emphasis on data visualisation, higher national priority on data care, implementation of a data-library concept for data sharing, greater individual responsibility for data care, and further integration of cultural arts into data and science presentations.

Much effort has gone into data management in the international community, and there are many excellent examples of successful collaborative Antarctic science programs within SCAR built on existing data sets. Yet, challenges in data care remain and specific suggestions we make deserve attention by the science community, to further promote peace and progress in Antarctic science.
The links between large igneous provinces, continental break-up and environmental change: evidence reviewed from Antarctica
Authors: Storey Bryan C. , Vaughan Alan P. M. , Riley Teal R.
Published: July 2013

Earth history is punctuated by events during which large volumes of predominantly mafic magmas were generated and emplaced by processes that are generally accepted as being, unrelated to ‘normal’ sea-floor spreading and subduction processes. These events form large igneous provinces (LIPs) which are best preserved in the Mesozoic and Cenozoic where they occur as continental and ocean basin flood basalts, giant radiating dyke swarms, volcanic rifted margins, oceanic plateaus, submarine ridges, and seamount chains. The Mesozoic history of Antarctica is no exception in that a number of different igneous provinces were emplaced during the initial break-up and continued disintegration of Gondwana, leading to the isolation of Antarctica in a polar position. The link between the emplacement of the igneous rocks and continental break-up processes remains controversial. The environmental impact of large igneous province formation on the Earth System is equally debated. Large igneous province eruptions are coeval with, and may drive environmental and climatic effects including global warming, oceanic anoxia and/or increased oceanic fertilisation, calcification crises, mass extinction and release of gas hydrates.

This review explores the links between the emplacement of large igneous provinces in Antarctica, the isolation of Antarctica from other Gondwana continents, and possibly related environmental and climatic changes during the Mesozoic and Cenozoic.
Heritability of Acquiescence Bias and Item Keying Response Style Associated With the HEXACO Personality Scale
Authors: Kam Chester , Schermer Julie Aitken , Harris Juliette , Vernon Philip A.
Published: July 2013

The current research investigates the heritability of two of the most common response styles: acquiescence bias (tendency to agree or disagree with survey items regardless of the items’ actual content) and item keying (differential responding related to the use of regular- and reverse-keyed items). We estimated response styles from a common personality measure (HEXACO) and examined the heritability of each with univariate genetics analyses. The results show item keying effect was heritable but acquiescence bias was not. Neither response style was strongly influenced by the shared environment of the twins. Unique environmental effects were found to be substantial for response styles. The current findings have important implications for future research of response behaviors that are often overlooked by behavioral geneticists.
Switched-at-Birth Twins in the Canary Islands: Revisited / Research Reports: Parkinson's Disease Discordance, Assisted Reproductive Technology and Neonatal Surgery, Double Embryo Transfer in a Cynomolgus Monkey, Mathematical Analysis of a Twin Convention Conundrum / Media Highlights: Twin Inventors, Basketball Duo, Two Comedians, Paired Designers, Two Musicians, Two Comedians, Twins’ Birth Interval
Authors: Segal Nancy L.
Published: July 2013

Switched-at-birth twins from Las Palmas, Gran Canaria in Spain drew international attention in May 2008 following news reports of their unexpected reunion. I visited Las Palmas in September 2009 to research this case and presented the findings in Segal and Blandón-Gitlin (Twin Research and Human Genetics, Vol. 13, 2010, pp. 115–119) and in a book, Someone Else's Twin: The True Story of Babies Switched at Birth (Segal, Prometheus Books, Amherst, New York, 2011). I traveled again to Las Palmas in November 2012 to meet with the twins, their families, and their attorneys and have updated my findings in this article. Next, new twin research on Parkinson's disease discordance, neonatal surgery, double embryo transfer in a cynomolgus monkey, and a convention conundrum are presented. Media highlights concerning twin inventors, basketball players, rappers, designers, musicians, and birth intervals are also summarized.
Key Informants’ Perspectives of Implementing Chromosomal Microarrays Into Clinical Practice in Australia
Authors: Turbitt Erin , Halliday Jane L. , Metcalfe Sylvia A.
Published: July 2013

High-resolution genomic tests have the potential to revolutionize healthcare by vastly improving mutation detection. The use of chromosomal microarray (CMA) represents one of the earliest examples of these new genomic tests being introduced and disseminated in the clinic. While CMA has clear advantages over traditional karyotyping in terms of mutation detection, little research has investigated the process by which CMA was implemented in clinical settings. Fifteen key informants, six clinicians, and nine laboratory scientists from four Australian states were interviewed about their experiences during and in the time since CMA was adopted for clinical use. Participants discussed challenges such as result interpretation and communication. Strengths were also highlighted, including the collaborative approaches of some centers. Clinical experiences and opinions can inform larger studies with a range of stakeholders, including patients. The historical perspectives from this retrospective study can be helpful in guiding the implementation of future genomic technologies such as whole exome/genome sequencing.
HGSA DNA Day Essay Contest Winner 60 Years On: Still Coding for Cutting-Edge Science
Authors: Yates Patrick
Published: July 2013

MESSAGE FROM THE EDUCATION COMMITTEE

In 2013, the Education Committee of the Human Genetics Society of Australasia (HGSA) established the DNA Day Essay Contest in Australia and New Zealand. The contest was first established by the American Society of Human Genetics in 2005 and the HGSA DNA Day Essay Contest is adapted from this contest via a collaborative partnership. The aim of the contest is to engage high school students with important concepts in genetics through literature research and reflection. As 2013 marks the 60th anniversary of the discovery of the double helix of DNA by James Watson and Francis Crick and the 10th anniversary of the first sequencing of the human genome, the essay topic was to choose either of these breakthroughs and explain its broader impact on biotechnology, human health and disease, or our understanding of basic genetics, such as genetic variation or gene expression. The contest attracted 87 entrants in 2013, with the winning essay authored by Patrick Yates, a Year 12 student from Melbourne High School. Further details about the contest including the names and schools of the other finalists can be found at http://www.hgsa-essay.net.au/. The Education Committee would like to thank all the 2013 applicants and encourage students to enter in 2014.

Joanne M. Lind, BSc, PhD

Chair, HGSA Education Committee
Objective Monitoring of mTOR Inhibitor Therapy by Three-Dimensional Facial Analysis
Authors: Baynam Gareth S. , Walters Mark , Dawkins Hugh , Bellgard Matthew , Halbert Anne R. , Claes Peter
Published: July 2013

With advances in therapeutics for rare, genetic and syndromic diseases, there is an increasing need for objective assessments of phenotypic endpoints. These assessments will preferentially be high precision, non-invasive, non-irradiating, and relatively inexpensive and portable. We report a case of a child with an extensive lymphatic vascular malformation of the head and neck, treated with an mammalian target of Rapamycin (mTOR) inhibitor that was assessed using 3D facial analysis. This case illustrates that this technology is prospectively a cost-effective modality for treatment monitoring, and it supports that it may also be used for novel explorations of disease biology for conditions associated with disturbances in the mTOR, and interrelated, pathways.