bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Benchmarking Optical/Thermal Satellite Imagery for Estimating Evapotranspiration and Soil Moisture in Decision Support Tools
Authors: Hendrickx Jan M.H. , Allen Richard G. , Brower Al , Byrd Aaron R. , Hong Sung‐ho , Ogden Fred L. , Pradhan Nawa Raj , Robison Clarence W. , Toll David , Trezza Ricardo , Umstot Todd G. , Wilson John L.
Published: December 2015

Generally, one expects evapotranspiration (ET) maps derived from optical/thermal Landsat and MODIS satellite imagery to improve decision support tools and lead to superior decisions regarding water resources management. However, there is lack of supportive evidence to accept or reject this expectation. We “benchmark” three existing hydrologic decision support tools with the following benchmarks: annual ET for the ET Toolbox developed by the United States Bureau of Reclamation, predicted rainfall‐runoff hydrographs for the Gridded Surface/Subsurface Hydrologic Analysis model developed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, and the average annual groundwater recharge for the Distributed Parameter Watershed Model used by Daniel B. Stephens & Associates. The conclusion of this benchmark study is that the use of NASA/USGS optical/thermal satellite imagery can considerably improve hydrologic decision support tools compared to their traditional implementations. The benefits of improved decision making, resulting from more accurate results of hydrologic support systems using optical/thermal satellite imagery, should substantially exceed the costs for acquiring such imagery and implementing the remote sensing algorithms. In fact, the value of reduced error in estimating average annual groundwater recharge in the San Gabriel Mountains, California alone, in terms of value of water, may be as large as $1 billion, more than sufficient to pay for one new Landsat satellite.
A Unified Bayesian Semiparametric Approach to Assess Discrimination Ability in Survival Analysis
Authors: Zhao Lili , Feng Dai , Chen Guoan , Taylor Jeremy M. G.
Published: December 2015

The discriminatory ability of a marker for censored survival data is routinely assessed by the time-dependent ROC curve and the c-index. The time-dependent ROC curve evaluates the ability of a biomarker to predict whether a patient lives past a particular time t. The c-index measures the global concordance of the marker and the survival time regardless of the time point. We propose a Bayesian semiparametric approach to estimate these two measures. The proposed estimators are based on the conditional distribution of the survival time given the biomarker and the empirical biomarker distribution. The conditional distribution is estimated by a linear-dependent Dirichlet process mixture model. The resulting ROC curve is smooth as it is estimated by a mixture of parametric functions. The proposed c-index estimator is shown to be more efficient than the commonly used Harrell's c-index since it uses all pairs of data rather than only informative pairs. The proposed estimators are evaluated through simulations and illustrated using a lung cancer dataset.
Bidirectional crosstalk via IL‐6, PGE2and PGD2between murine myofibroblasts and alternatively activated macrophages enhances anti‐inflammatory phenotype in both cells
Authors: Fernando Maria R , Giembycz Mark A , McKay Derek M
Published: December 2015

Background and Purpose

Alternatively activated macrophages (AAMs) are important cells in the resolution of inflammation and tissue repair. We examined the impact of myofibroblasts, a vital cell in wound healing and tissue repair, on the development and function of AAMs.

Experimental Approach

The interaction between AAMs and myofibroblasts was tested using conditioned medium from murine dermal myofibroblasts and bone marrow‐derived macrophages. AAMs were differentiated with IL‐4 and IL‐13.

Key Results

Conditioned medium from myofibroblasts enhanced the expression of AAM markers, arginase 1 and Ym1 (chitinase‐3‐like 3) and the spontaneous production of IL‐10, while suppressing LPS‐induced nitric oxide production. IL‐6 from the myofibroblasts contributed to the amplification of the AAM phenotype; the selective COX‐2 inhibitor, NS‐398, significantly reduced the ability of myofibroblasts to promote an AAM phenotype. Pharmacological analyses indicated that myofibroblast‐derived IL‐6 enhanced arginase activity and spontaneous IL‐10 output, while PGE2, via the EP4receptor, enhanced arginase expression and LPS‐evoked IL‐10 production. PGD2suppressed LPS‐evoked nitric oxide via the DP1receptor. Reciprocally, conditioned medium from macrophages treated with IL‐4 + IL‐13 and myofibroblast conditioned medium components, but not macrophages given IL‐4 + IL‐13 only, reduced myofibroblast migration, the expression of COX‐2, and the production of PGE2and PGD2.

Conclusions and Implications

These findings define mechanisms by which myofibroblasts enhance an AAM phenotype, which can promote wound healing directly, and/or via feedback communication to the myofibroblast, subsequently down‐regulating its capacity to promote AAM function. This is an important homeostatic regulatory pathway in wound healing that can also limit unwanted fibrosis.
The Esthetic Effect of Veneered Zirconia Abutments for Single‐Tooth Implant Reconstructions: A Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial
Authors: Thoma Daniel S , Brandenberg Francine , Fehmer Vincent , Knechtle Nathalie , Hämmerle Christoph HF , Sailer Irena
Published: December 2015

Purpose

The purposes of this study were to test whether or not veneering of the submucosal part of zirconia abutments can positively influence the esthetic outcome compared with nonveneered zirconia abutments; to evaluate the influence of the mucosal thickness on the esthetic outcomes of the veneered and nonveneered abutments; and to evaluate the thickness of the peri‐implant mucosa compared with the thickness of the gingiva of contralateral tooth sites.

Materials and Methods

Forty‐four single‐tooth implants in 44 patients were randomly restored with either cemented (CR) or screw‐retained (SR) reconstructions based on white zirconia abutments (CR‐W, SR‐W) or pink‐veneered zirconia abutments (CR‐P, SR‐P). Esthetic outcome measurements were performed based on a spectrophotometric evaluation of the peri‐implant mucosal color. In addition, the thickness of the mucosa was measured. A two‐way analysis of variance was conducted to test the effect of veneering (pink vs white) and mucosa thickness (<2 mm vs ≥2 mm) on the calculated color difference ΔE for pooled data of CR and SR reconstructions (p < .05).

Results

Analyses grouping the sites according to veneering of the abutments and mucosal thickness demonstrated less discoloration for sites with a veneered abutment irrespective of the mucosal thickness: ΔE 4.50 ± 1.93 (<2 mm) and ΔE 6.88 ± 2.45 (≥2 mm); CR‐P, SR‐P) compared with sites without veneering ΔE 9.72 ± 3.82 (<2 mm; CR‐W, SR‐W) and ΔE 8.31 ± 2.98 (≥2 mm). The differences between veneered and nonveneered abutments were significant (p = .032).

Conclusions

Veneering of zirconia abutments with pink veneering ceramic positively influenced the peri‐implant mucosal color.
Country of Origin Labeling and Structural Change in U.S. Imports of Canadian Cattle and Beef
Authors: Twine Edgar E. , Rude James , Unterschultz Jim
Published: December 2015

Mandatory country of origin labeling (COOL) has become a thorny issue in U.S.–Canada bilateral trade relations. We undertake an ex post investigation of the impact of the law on U.S. imports of Canadian beef, feeder, and fed cattle. Using a partial equilibrium framework, we derive U.S. import demand equations for Canadian cattle and beef, and employ the Bai and Perron (1998, 2003) procedure for detecting multiple structural breaks with break points being endogenously determined. We find evidence that COOL may have caused significant structural change in U.S. imports of Canadian feeder and fed cattle.

L’étiquetage du pays d'origine obligatoire est devenu un sujet épineux des relations commerciales entre le Canada et les États‐Unis. Dans la présente étude, nous effectuons une analyse ex post des répercussions de la Loi sur les importations américaines de viande de bœuf, de bovins d'engraissement et de bovins finis. À l'aide d'un modèle d’équilibre partiel, nous avons dérivé des équations de demande d'importation de bovins et de viande de bœuf de la part des États‐Unis et nous avons utilisé les tests de Bai et Perron (1998, 2003) pour déceler les ruptures structurelles multiples, dont les points de rupture ont été déterminés de façon endogène. Les résultats de notre étude montrent que l’étiquetage du pays d'origine peut avoir causé un changement structurel considérable sur les importations de bovins d'engraissement et de bovins finis.
Molecular mechanism for cyclic generation of somites: Lessons from mice and zebrafish
Authors: Yabe Taijiro , Takada Shinji
Published: December 2015

The somite is the most prominent metameric structure observed during vertebrate embryogenesis, and its metamerism preserves the characteristic structures of the vertebrae and muscles in the adult body. During vertebrate somitogenesis, sequential formation of epithelialized cell boundaries generates the somites. According to the “clock and wavefront model,” the periodical and sequential generation of somites is achieved by the integration of spatiotemporal information provided by the segmentation clock and wavefront. In the anterior region of the presomitic mesoderm, which is the somite precursor, the orchestration between the segmentation clock and the wavefront achieves morphogenesis of somites through multiple processes such as determination of somite boundary position, generation of morophological boundary, and establishment of the rostrocaudal polarity within a somite. Recently, numerous studies using various model animals including mouse, zebrafish, and chick have gradually revealed the molecular aspect of the “clock and wavefront” model and the molecular mechanism connecting the segmentation clock and the wavefront to the multiple processes of somite morphogenesis. In this review, we first summarize the current knowledge about the molecular mechanisms underlying the clock and the wavefront and then describe those of the three processes of somite morphogenesis. Especially, we will discuss the conservation and diversification in the molecular network of the somitigenesis among vertebrates, focusing on two typical model animals used for genetic analyses, i.e., the mouse and zebrafish. In this review, we described molecular mechanism for the generation of somites based on the spatiotemporal information provided by “segmentation clock” and “wavefront” focusing on the evidences obtained from mouse and zebrafish.
Foraging and Calling Behavior of Carolina chickadees (Poecile carolinensis) in Response to the Head Orientation of Potential Predators
Authors: Freeberg Todd M. , Book D. L. , Weiner Rebecca L.
Published: December 2015

When animals detect predators they modify their behavior to avoid predation. However, less is known about whether prey species modify their behavior in response to predator body and behavioral cues. Recent studies indicated that tufted titmice, a small songbird, decreased their foraging behavior and increased their calling rates when they detected a potential predator facing toward a feeder they were using, compared to a potential predator facing away from that feeder. Here, we tested whether related Carolina chickadees, Poecile carolinensis, were also sensitive not just to the presence of a predator model, but to its facial/head orientation. Although chickadees are closely related to titmice, recent studies in different populations suggest chickadees respond to risky contexts involving predators differently than titmice. We conducted two field studies near feeders the birds were exploiting. In Study One, a mask‐wearing human observer stood near the feeder. In Study Two, a model of a domestic cat was positioned near the feeder. In both studies, the potential threatening stimulus either faced toward or faced away from the feeder. Chickadees avoided the feeder more in both studies when the potential predator was present, and showed strongest feeder avoidance when the potential predator faced toward the feeder. Chickadee calling behavior was also affected by the facial orientation of the potential predator in Study 1. These results suggest that, like titmice, chickadees exhibit predation‐risk‐sensitive foraging and calling behavior, in relation to facial and head orientation of potential threats. These small birds seem to attend to the likely visual space of potential predators. Sensitivity to predator cues like behavior and body posture must become more central to our theories and models of anti‐predator behavioral systems.
Is Foraging Time Limited During Winter? – A Feeding Experiment with Tree Sparrows Under Different Predation Risk
Authors: Mónus Ferenc , Barta Zoltán
Published: December 2015

Small passerines are faced with a trade‐off when foraging during winter. Increasing energy reserves makes them more vulnerable to predators, while a low level of reserves exposes them to a high risk of starvation. Whether small birds under these circumstances are allowed to reduce their foraging activity under increased predation risk, for example in feeding sites more exposed to predators, remains controversial in former behavioural and ecological researches. In this study, we investigated the foraging activity of free‐living Tree Sparrow Passer montanus flocks feeding on an artificial feeding platform. The predation risk perceived by the sparrows was manipulated by placing the platform either close to or far from a bushy shelter. Foraging activity, assessed as cumulative activity of sparrows per unit time on the platform, did not differ between the low‐risk and the high‐risk conditions and did not significantly change during the day. Feeding efficiency, assessed as pecking rate, was not either reduced under the high‐risk condition. Our results suggest that sparrows were forced to feed almost continuously during the day in order to maintain their preferred level of energy reserves. However, several behavioural changes helped sparrows to adopt a safer foraging policy when feeding far from cover, as we found in another study. Altogether, sparrow flocks feeding far from cover decreased the overall foraging time (the time when any sparrow stayed on the platform) by approximately 20% as compared to the near cover condition. A possible way to maintain the same level of foraging activity despite of the reduction in overall foraging time is discussed.
Male Success in Intrasexual Contests Extends to the Level of Sperm Competition in a Species of Dung Roller Beetle
Authors: Chamorro‐Florescano Ivette A. , Favila Mario E.
Published: December 2015

Contests between males fighting over limited resources often determine the reproductive success of the contestants. It is possible that the outcomes of such contests are affected by traits that also contribute to the likelihood of males achieving paternity when sperm from multiple males compete to fertilize the ova of a single female; however, this relationship has been poorly characterized. In dung and carrion roller beetles, contests among males for the possession of a food ball – a vital resource for nesting – are frequent in nature. However, females that roll and nest with a male often store the sperm of previous mates, forcing males to engage in sperm competition. We analyzed the relationship between wins and losses in contests between food ball owner males and subsequent paternity success in the carrion roller beetle Canthon cyanellus using both naïve (virgin) and experienced (previously mated) males. Owner males that initiated contests were more likely to win, and contest durations were longer between experienced owner males than between naïve owners. The paternity of the winner owner males nesting with a female that had previously mated with another male was higher than for loser owner males, and the paternity of experienced owners also tended to be higher than for virgin owners. Our results indicate that winning and being an experienced male are associated with greater success at fighting and sperm competition than losing and being a naïve male.
Match–Mismatch Experiments Using Photoperiod Expose Developmental Plasticity of Personality Traits
Authors: Finkemeier Marie‐Antonine , Trillmich Fritz , Guenther Anja
Published: December 2015

Behavioural differences between individuals are often found to be consistent across contexts and/or over time, although recent studies suggest that ontogenetic processes and learning might influence personality. During ontogeny, environmental influences may play an important role in shaping an individual's personality as well as its physiology. Seasonal changes are ubiquitous and known to influence development. To study developmental plasticity, of behaviour and physiology in the wild cavy (Cavia aperea), we manipulated the photoperiod in a fully crossed match–mismatch design by simulating spring and autumn photoperiod until weaning and subsequently moving half of the animals into the mismatching photoperiod. We found developmental plasticity in behavioural and physiological traits before and after sexual maturation for growth, resting metabolic rate and fearlessness. For fearlessness, changes in response to the opposite photoperiod were more pronounced in males than in females. Exploration and boldness were only influenced by early, but not by late photoperiod. No sex differences were found for these two traits. Even though our treatment changed average trait expression, some behavioural traits proved consistent over time, but physiological traits were not. Fearlessness was consistent only in animals that did not change photoperiod during development, whereas exploration and boldness were consistent over time regardless of photoperiodic treatment. Our study shows that in response to a change in photoperiod personality traits differ substantially in developmental plasticity.
Consumers' willingness to pay for conventional, organic and functional yogurt: evidence from experimental auctions
Authors: Vecchio Riccardo , Van Loo Ellen J. , Annunziata Azzurra
Published: December 2015

This research is aimed at investigating consumers' willingness to pay (WTP) for conventional, organic and functional yogurts in two different information treatments. The basic information treatment provided respondents with yogurts labelled conventional, organic or functional while the second treatment included additional information. To elicit values for these specific products, 100 Italian consumers participated in an experimental auction using the Vickrey fifth‐price sealed‐bid mechanism. Findings reveal that providing additional information through a specific health claim increases consumer's perceived value of the functional yogurt, while for the organic counterpart additional information on organic regulation does not add much to the premium. Moreover, our study shows that specific socio‐demographic variables (as gender, age, presence of kids in the household and the need to follow a specific diet) positively affect WTP for functional and organic yogurts.
Bias in the elucidation of subjective side‐effects.
Authors: Lasagna L
Published: December 2015

1 Subjective drug‐related adverse effects need to be carefully scrutinized for accuracy and completeness. This should include inspection of patients' records and chemical evidence for drug intake. 2 The information necessary to attribute an adverse effect to a drug is suggested.
The addition of prazosin to standard triple therapy in the treatment of severe hypertension.
Authors: Heagerty AM , Russell GI , Bing RF , Thurston H , Swales JD
Published: December 2015

1 A small dose of prazosin was added to the treatment regime of sixteen hypertensive patients poorly controlled on a combination of bendrofluazide, hydralazine and propranolol. 2 There was a significant improvement in blood pressure control in all patients at 1 month (P less than 0.01) and this was maintained at 9 months (P less than 0.02). Tolerance to prazosin was not a problem. 3 The addition of prazosin to conventional triple drug therapy produces a further useful fall in blood pressure.
Der Einfluß der Zahmheit auf die sogenannte „tierische Hypnose” bei Vögeln1
Authors: Steiniger Fritz
Published: December 2015

Junge Sturmmöwen, die im Freiland eine starke Neigung zum spontanen Annehmen des als Reaktionshemmung bezeichneten Zustandes an den Tag legen, geben diese Neigung in kurzer Zeit auf, wenn sie eingefangen und gezähmt werden. Dies ist in dem Sinne zu verstehen, daß der psychologisch oder physiologisch gesehene Angstzustand der Tiere, der den Eintritt der Reaktionshemmung bedingt, nach der Zähmung durch die Annäherung eines Menschen nicht mehr ausgelöst wird. Die Ansicht von Masarky, man könne bei der Untersuchung der Reaktionshemmung alle tierpsychologischen Überlegungen ausscbalten, ist demnach uuzutreffend.
Observations on the Behavior of Rain Forest Peccaries in Perú: Why do White‐lipped Peccaries Form Herds?
Authors: Kiltie Richard A. , Terborgh John
Published: December 2015

Abstract and Summary

The ecology and behavior of Tayassu tajacu and T. pecari were studied for a total period of 16 months in the years 1975–1978 in the Manú National Park in southeastern Perú.

It appears from 132 sightings of T. tajacu at the study site, and from reports from other regions, that groups of this species in rain forest usually contain fewer than 12 individuals. The more observers were at the study site, the more frequently this species was encountered. T. tajacu also repeatedly used wallows in the forest. These observations suggested that individuals of this species were relatively sedentary.

Herds of T. pecari were encountered on 60 occasions. Five counts indicated that there were over 100 individuals in the herds. This species was encountered at practically random intervals, independent of number of observers at the site, but more frequently in the dry season than in the rainy season.

Adults of both species are prey primarily of large cats and humans.

Both species feed on green plant parts, fruits, nuts and seeds, but T. pecari feeds on more resistant seeds and nuts than T. tajacu. The hardest palm nuts that only T. pecari can consume are distributed in a patchy manner. Cracking these nuts between the teeth causes the animals to be heard more than 50 m away.

The patchy distribution of the hard nuts and seeds prevents T. pecari from being sedentary, and group formation likely has several individual benefits for foraging efficiency and defense against predators. These may include (1) avoidance of searching for food in places recently visited by others, (2) benefitting from the knowledge of experienced foragers, (3) reducing the per capita probability of detection by predators, (4) reducing the probability of being captured after group detection by predators, (5) increasing the ability to counterattack as a group, (6) increasing the probability of detecting the predator before it can attack, and (7) “confusing” the predator through escape behavior.

T. tajacu seems to live in small groups because its typical foods are distributed more evenly and because consumption of these foods does not cause individuals to be so noticeable to predators.
The Theoretical Basis for Nurse‐Midwifery Practice in the United States: A Critical Analysis of Three Theories
Authors: Cragin Leslie
Published: December 2015

The relatively recent effort of midwifery scholars has resulted in the development of three middle‐range midwifery theories in the United States. This article examines the three theoretical models that have been developed to describe the essential components of midwifery practice. The three theorists demonstrate remarkable consistency in the identification of concepts important to the discipline, which includes the following essential characteristics of the midwifery paradigm of care: 1) acknowledgment of connections between the mind and body and the person to the person's life and world; 2) assuming the perspective of the woman to investigate meaning and her experience of symptoms or conditions, so that a plan of care is developed by midwife and woman together; and 3) protection and nurturance of the “normal” in processes related to women's health, implying a judicious use of technology and intervention.
The Effect of Immunoglobulin Occurring on Human Sperm In Vivo on the Human Sperm/Hamster Ova Penetration Assay
Authors: HAAS GILBERT G. , AUSMANUS MILITZA , CULP LESLIE , TURECK RICHARD W. , BLASCO LUIS
Published: December 2015

ABSTRACT: We selected 91 infertile men who were tested for increased sperm‐associated immunoglobulin and also tested in the human sperm/hamster ova penetration assay. There was a statistically significant association between the presence of increased sperm‐associated IgG alone (p = 0.0218) and both sperm‐associated IgG and A (p = 0.0187) when correlated with the failure to penetrate any hamster ova. There was a trend but no statistical significance when sperm‐associated immunoglobulin A alone was present. There was a trend but no statistical relationship between the presence of sperm‐associated immunoglobulin and the sperm penetration assay when the criteria for normality of the sperm penetration assay was a 15% or greater ovum penetration rate.
Immunobiology of the Dunning R‐3327 Rat Prostate Adenocarcinoma Sublines: Plasma and Tumor Effusion Prostaglandins
Authors: SHAW MICHAEL W. , ABLIN RICHARD J. , RAY PAUL , RUBENSTEIN MARVIN , GUINAN PATRICK D. , McKIEL CHARLES F.
Published: December 2015

ABSTRACT: Enhanced production of prostaglandins (PGs) by experimentally‐induced and naturally occurring tumors and their effect on tumor growth and immunosurveillance have been noted. Directed toward further evaluation of the relationship between prostatic tumor growth and its milieu, i.e., microenvironment, we investigated the possible correlation between levels of PGs, tumor size, and metastatic potential. For this purpose, the levels of PGE2 and PGF2, in plasma and tumor effusions of three tumor sublines of the Dunning R‐3327 rat prostate adenocarcinoma were measured: (1) R‐3327H, well‐differentiated, slow‐growing, and poorly metastatic; (2) R‐3327G, poorly differentiated, fast‐growing, and poorly metastatic; and (3) R‐3327 Mat LyLu, anaplastic, fast‐growing, and highly metastatic. The level of PGF2α was highly variable with no significant differences being noted between the tumor sublines. The mean values of PGF2., were, however, higher, although not significantly so, in the smaller tumors within each of the sublines. The levels of PGE2 were significantly higher in Mat LyLu effusions than those from the nonmetastasizing R‐3327G and H sublines. Evaluation and comparison of the relationship between tumor burden, i.e., size versus levels of PGE2 and PGF2., showed no significant differences. A vasodilator and regulator of immunological responsiveness, PGE2, may function as a modulator of tumor metastases. In consonance with studies by others elevated levels of PGE2 may possibly serve as a prognostic marker for the high metastatic potential of neoplastic cells.
Short‐Term Failure of IUD Removal to Alter Bacterial Flora in a Patient With Chronic Anaerobic Endometritis
Authors: MONIF GILLES R.G.
Published: December 2015

ABSTRACT: A patient with cytological and clinical evidence of IUD‐associated anaerobic endometritis was studied with quantitative and qualitative bacteriological techniques. With the exception of elimination of Actinomyces israelii from the deep endocervical/endometrial culture, IUD removal induced minimal qualitative changes in the bacterial flora of the endocervical/ endometrial sample during the 35 days the patient was monitored. The interposition of menstruation did not significantly alter either the quantitative or qualitative interrelationship of the bacteria present.
Immunity to Cytomegalovirus in Women With Unexplained Recurrent Spontaneous Abortion
Authors: RADCLIFFE J.J. , HART C.A. , FRANCIS W.J.A. , JOHNSON P.M.
Published: December 2015

ABSTRACT: Humoral and cellular immunity to cytomegalovirus (CMV) has been assessed in women suffering unexplained recurrent spontaneous abortions (RSA). A significantly lower prevalence of serum anti‐CMV antibodies was observed for RSA women compared with either their male partners or age‐matched female controls, unlike for serum antibodies to Herpes simplex virus. In addition, there was a markedly impaired lymphocyte proliferative response to CMV for CMV‐sero‐positive RSA women compared with CMV‐seropositive controls. These results indicate that women with unexplained RSA have difficulty in responding to CMV, and are of significance when considering leukocyte transfusion immunotherapy.
Progesterone Enhancement of Prostaglandin E2 Production by Fetal Placental Macrophages
Authors: YAGEL S. , HURWITZ A. , ROSENN B. , KEIZER N.
Published: December 2015

ABSTRACT: The role of progesterone in immunoregulation at the fetomaternal interface at physiological concentrations (2–6 μg/ml) is controversial. This study examines the effect of progesterone on maternal lymphocyte proliferation in a one‐way mixed lymphocytic reaction (MLR) stimulated by allogenic lymphocytes as well as on prostaglandin production and secretion by fetal placental macrophages. No suppressive effect on maternal lymphocyte proliferation was found at progesterone levels of up to 20 μg/ml. However, physiological concentrations of progesterone were found to induce a significant increase in the fetal macrophage release of PGE2, which is well known as a strong immunosuppressant. PGI2 production and secretion by these cells, measured by the appearance of its 6‐ket‐PGF1α product, was not affected by incubation with progesterone. Enhancement of PGE2 secretion by progesterone may partly explain the roles of progesterone and fetal placental macrophages in immunosuppression at the fetomaternal interface.
Sperm Antibodies and Human Fertilization
Authors: CLARKE GARY N.
Published: December 2015

ABSTRACT: Previous investigations using zona‐free hamster oocytes and salt‐stored human zonae pellucidae, and retrospective analysis of routine human in vitro fertilization (IVF) results have suggested that sperm antibodies can impair the fertilizing capacity of human spermatozoa. The results of our investigations using viable human oocytes confirm that human antispermatozoal antibodies can inhibit fertilization by human spermatozoa. In the future we plan to examine the mechanism of fertilization inhibition, including characterization of the sperm antigens involved. These studies may facilitate the development of iromunocontraceptive vaccines and of new treatments for immunological infertility.
HLA Sharing and Fertility in Hutterite Couples: Evidence for Prenatal Selection Against Compatible Fetuses
Authors: OBER CAROLE , ELIAS SHERMAN , O'BRIEN ELIZABETH , KOSTYU DONNA D. , HAUCK WALTER W. , BOMBARD ALLEN
Published: December 2015

ABSTRACT: Antigenic differences between mother and fetus (i.e., blood group incompatibilities) were traditionally considered deleterious for viviparous reproduction. Recently, evidence has accumulated suggesting that maternal response to paternally derived fetal antigens, paradoxically, may facilitate maintenance of pregnancy. Thus, fetuses whose paternally derived antigens do not differ from maternal antigens (i.e., histocompatible pregnancies) may be at a selective disadvantage during pregnancy. Parents sharing histocompatibility antigens (i.e., HLA) may produce compatible fetuses and show overall reduced fertility. Indeed, increased HLA sharing has been reported in some couples experiencing repetitive spontaneous abortion. However, the effects of HLA sharing in couples not selected because of previous pregnancy losses have not been assessed. To elucidate the reproductive effects of maternal‐fetal histocompatibility, we initiated prospective population‐based studies of parental HLA sharing and reproductive outcome in the Hutterites, a population isolate that lives communally and proscribes contraception. The relationship between HLA‐A, ‐B, and ‐DR sharing and reproductive outcome was examined in 111 Hutterite couples. Intervals from marriage to each birth were no longer among couples sharing antigens; differences were significant at the second birth and remained significant through the sixth birth (P < .05). When the effects of sharing at individual loci were examined, HLA‐DR was the only individual locus that was a significant predictor of birth interval length (P = .025). Completed family sizes were 6.5 and 9.0 among couples sharing and not sharing HLA‐DR, respectively (P = .082, 2‐tailed). However, recognized fetal loss rates did not differ among couples sharing and not sharing antigens.

We interpret these results as evidence for reduced fertility among some Hutterite couples sharing HLA, as a result of maternal‐fetal compatibility for HLA‐DR, per se, or alleles at an undefined, HLA‐DR‐linked locus. Our data further suggest that longer intervals associated with HLA‐DR sharing may result from losses occurring early in gestation, before Hutterites would recognize pregnancy.
Depression and Hostility in Self‐Mutilation
Authors: Bennum I. , Phil M.
Published: December 2015

The presence of depression and hostility among self‐mutilating patients is investigated. Mutilators, depressives and controls comprised the research samples. Non‐significant differences in intropunitive hostility and depression were found between the clinical groups. Specific item differences in the depression assessment indicated a definite qualitative rather than quantitative difference in depressive symptomatology between the clinical groups. The interaction between hostility and depression and the implications for management based on these results is discussed.
Comparison of Suicides among Anglos and Hispanics in Five Southwestern States
Authors: Smith Jack C. , Mercy James A. , Warren Charles W.
Published: December 2015

ABSTRACT: Little is known about deaths resulting from self‐inflicted violent behavior for Hispanic Americans. To learn more about suicide for Hispanics of Mexican origin (Mexican Americans) we focused on the five southwestern states (Arizona, California, Colorado, New Mexico, and Texas) in which more than 60% of all Hispanics in the United States reside (86% of whom are Mexican American). We obtained data on the number of suicide deaths in the white population, with Hispanics and Anglos (white, non‐Hispanic) identified separately. Suicides of Anglos were used as a comparison group. Results show that the suicide rate for whites in the five southwestern states (15.6) was almost one‐fourth higher than the rate for whites nationally (12.7). Suicide rates for the two ethnic groups, however, showed the rate for Hispanics (9.0) to be less than the national rates for whites (12.7) and one‐half that of Anglos residing in the same area (17.3). The lower suicide rate for Hispanics relative to Anglos is seen for both males and females. The ratio of male and female suicides for Hispanics was almost twice that for Anglos (4.0 to 1 for Hispanics and 2.3 to 1 for Anglos). More than 1 in 3 Hispanic men who committed suicide and more than 1 in 4 Hispanic women who committed suicide are under the age of 25.
Cohort, Age, and Period Effects in the Analysis of U.S. Suicide Patterns: 1933–1978
Authors: Wasserman Ira M.
Published: December 2015

ABSTRACT: This study employed multiple classification analysis to examine the impact of age, period, and cohort effects on U.S. white male suicide rates between 1933 and 1978. Previous studies of cohort effects with regard to suicide behavior have been descriptive in nature, and have failed to consider the interaction of the three effects. Drawing on a study of pulmonary tuberculosis mortality by W. M. Mason and Smith (1985), the work specified seven models. The Shazam ordinary‐least‐squares computer package was employed to estimate the logit coefficients for the seven models. Period effects were found to be weaker than age and cohort effects for explaining shifts in white male suicide patterns. In this study all of the three effects were measured indirectly, and this fact limits the validity of the findings. Causal analysis, which directly measures at least one of the effects, would have improved the robustness of the findings.
Prevalence of Suicide Attempts in a Mexican‐American Population: Prevention Implications of Immigration and Cultural Issues
Authors: Sorenson Susan B. , Golding Jacqueline M.
Published: December 2015

Self‐reported suicide ideation and suicide attempts were examined among 2,393 Mexican‐Americans (706 born in Mexico, 538 born in the United States) and non‐Hispanic whites (1,149 born in the United States). Mexican‐Americans born in Mexico reported significantly lower age‐ and gender‐adjusted lifetime rates of suicide thoughts (4.5%, 2.7–6.3%) than Mexican‐Americans born in the United States (13.0%, 10.0–15.9%), who reported significantly lower rates than non‐Hispanic whites born in the United States (19.2%, 17.4–21.0%). Adjusted rates of suicide attempt were lowest among Mexican‐Americans born in Mexico (1.6%, 0.6–2.6%) and higher among both Mexican‐Americans (4.8%, 2.4–7.2%) and non‐Hispanic whites (4.4%, 3.4–5.4%) born in the United States. Rates were not affected by degree of acculturation when immigration status was controlled. High schools and the Catholic church are suggested as sites for programs designed to prevent suicide and suicide attempts among Mexican‐Americans.
Different brain responses during empathy in autism spectrum disorders versus conduct disorder and callous‐unemotional traits
Authors: Klapwijk Eduard T. , Aghajani Moji , Colins Olivier F. , Marijnissen Godfried M. , Popma Arne , van Lang Natasja D. J. , van der Wee Nic J. A. , Vermeiren Robert R. J. M.
Published: December 2015

Background

Deficits in empathy are reported in autism spectrum disorders (ASD) and also underlie antisocial behavior of individuals with conduct disorder and callous‐unemotional traits (CD/CU+). Many studies suggest that individuals with ASD are typically impaired in cognitive aspects of empathy, and individuals with CD/CU+ typically in affective aspects. In the current study, we compared the neural correlates of cognitive and affective aspects of empathy between youth with ASD and youth with CD/CU+.

Methods

Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) was used to assess boys with ASD (N = 23), boys with CD/CU+ (N = 23), and typically developing (TD) boys (N = 33), aged 15–19 years. Angry and fearful faces were presented and participants were asked to either infer the emotional state from the face (other‐task; emotion recognition) or to judge their own emotional response to the face (self‐task; emotional resonance).

Results

During emotion recognition, boys with ASD showed reduced responses compared to the other groups in the ventromedial prefrontal cortex (vmPFC). During emotional resonance, the CD/CU+ and ASD groups showed reduced amygdala responses compared to the TD controls, boys with ASD showed reduced responses in bilateral hippocampus, and the CD/CU+ boys showed reduced responses in the inferior frontal gyrus (IFG) and anterior insula (AI).

Conclusion

Results suggest differential abnormal brain responses associated with specific aspects of empathic functioning in ASD and CD/CU+. Decreased amygdala responses in ASD and CD/CU+ might point to impaired emotion processing in both disorders, whereas reduced vmPFC responses suggest problems in processing cognitive aspects of empathy in ASD. Reduced IFG/AI responses, finally, suggest decreased emotional resonance in CD/CU+.
The Value of Employee Retention: Evidence From a Natural Experiment
Authors: Younge Kenneth A. , Marx Matt
Published: December 2015

We estimate the firm‐level returns to retaining employees using difference‐in‐differences analysis and a natural experiment where the enforcement of employee noncompete agreements was inadvertently reversed in Michigan. We find that noncompete enforcement boosted the short‐term value of publicly traded companies by approximately 9%. The effect is increasing in local competition and growth opportunities, and offset by patenting.
Quantifying Global Impacts to Society from the Consumption of Natural Resources during Environmental Remediation Activities
Authors: Harclerode Melissa A. , Lal Pankaj , Miller Michael E.
Published: December 2015

Environmental remediation activities often require the management of large volumes of water and the consumption of significant amounts of local natural resources, including energy and fossil fuels. Traditionally, proposed remedial approaches for a specific cleanup scenario are evaluated by overall project implementation cost, time frame of the cleanup, and effectiveness to meet cleanup goals. A new paradigm shift, referred to as sustainable remediation, has influenced the remediation industry to consider environmental, social, and economic impacts from cleanup activities. An environmental footprint analysis is the most common method to evaluate environmental implications of cleanup approaches. Presently, these footprint tools do not associate the environmental implications with global impacts. In this article, the method has been extended to integrate the social cost of carbon emissions to quantify global impacts. The case study site is a former aircraft parts manufacturing facility that caused chlorinated solvent contamination in soil and groundwater beneath the building. A groundwater pump‐and‐treat system was initially installed, followed by its gradual phase‐out with concurrent phase in of in situ bioremediation. The case study evaluates the monetized societal benefits from quantifying carbon emission impacts of the proposed cleanup approaches and alternative scenarios. Our results suggest that societal impacts based on monetized carbon emissions can be reduced by 27% by optimizing the remediation processes. The sensitivity analysis results elucidate how variation in carbon prices and social discount rates can influence cleanup decisions for remediation projects.
Grosvenor Mountains 95 howardite pairing group: Insights into the surface regolith of asteroid 4 Vesta
Authors: Lunning Nicole G. , Welten Kees C. , McSween Harry Y. , Caffee Marc W. , Beck Andrew W.
Published: December 2015

Regolithic howardites are analogs for the surface materials of asteroid 4 Vesta, recently mapped by the Dawn spacecraft. Rigorously evaluating pairing of howardites recovered in 1995 in the Grosvenor Mountains (GRO 95), Antarctica, enables an examination of a larger, more representative regolith sample. Previous work on two of the howardites studied here concluded that GRO 95602 and GRO 95535 are solar wind‐rich surface regolith samples and that they are not paired with each other, leading to uncertainty regarding pairing relationships between the other GRO 95 howardites. Based on petrology, cosmic‐ray exposure history, and terrestrial age, four GRO 95 howardites are paired. The paired howardites (GRO 95534, 95535, 95574, 95581) were from a meteoroid with radius of 10–15 cm, a preatmospheric size comparable to that of Kapoeta, the largest known regolithic howardite. The paired GRO 95 howardites contain clasts of at least 18 separate HED lithologies, providing evidence they were assembled from diverse source materials. The total eucrite:diogenite mixing ratio (ratio of all eucrite lithologies to all diogenite lithologies) in the paired GRO 95 howardites is ~2:1. Petrographically determined basaltic eucrite:cumulate eucrite ratios in regolithic howardites, studied here and previously, vary more widely than total eucrite:diogenite ratios. Relative to eucritic pyroxene, plagioclase is depleted in these howardites, which provides evidence that plagioclase is preferentially comminuted in the vestan regolith. The extent of plagioclase depletion could be an indicator of regolith maturity.
Genome‐wide transcriptomic analyses provide insights into the lifestyle transition and effector repertoire of Leptosphaeria maculans during the colonization of Brassica napus seedlings
Authors: Haddadi Parham , Ma Lisong , Wang Haiyan , Borhan M. Hossein
Published: December 2015

Molecular interaction between the causal agent of blackleg disease, Leptosphaeria maculans (Lm), and its host, Brassica napus, is largely unknown. We applied a deep RNA‐sequencing approach to gain insight into the pathogenicity mechanisms of Lm and the defence response of B. napus. RNA from the infected susceptible B. napus cultivar Topas DH16516, sampled at 2‐day intervals (0–8 days), was sequenced and used for gene expression profiling. Patterns of gene expression regulation in B. napus showed multifaceted defence responses evident by the differential expression of genes encoding the pattern recognition receptor CERK1 (chitin elicitor receptor kinase 1), receptor like proteins and WRKY transcription factors. The up‐regulation of genes related to salicylic acid and jasmonic acid at the initial and late stages of infection, respectively, provided evidence for the biotrophic and necrotrophic life stages of Lm during the infection of B. napus cotyledons. Lm transition from biotrophy to necrotropy was also supported by the expression function of Lm necrosis and ethylene‐inducing (Nep‐1)‐like peptide. Genes encoding polyketide synthases and non‐ribosomal peptide synthetases, with potential roles in pathogenicity, were up‐regulated at 6–8 days after inoculation. Among other plant defence‐related genes differentially regulated in response to Lm infection were genes involved in the reinforcement of the cell wall and the production of glucosinolates. Dual RNA‐sequencing allowed us to define the Lm candidate effectors expressed during the infection of B. napus. Several candidate effectors suppressed Bax‐induced cell death when transiently expressed in Nicotiana benthamaina leaves.
War‐affected children's approach to resettlement: Implications for child and family services
Authors: BLANCHET‐COHEN NATASHA , DENOV MYRIAM
Published: December 2015

In Canada, the resettlement of thousands of war‐affected children every year poses new challenges to child and family services. Since young people arrive from multiple contexts either alone or accompanied by family or caregiver(s), after having endured significant trauma, stress, and adversity, conventional approaches to service delivery are seldom adequate. Drawing on anthropology of childhood literature, this paper calls for increased inclusion of young people's experiences and perspectives in reconfiguring psychosocial services. Interactive focus groups and in‐depth interviews with youth from war‐affected countries and service providers in Québec uncovered the ways that war alters family and how young people rely on both formal and informal support systems during resettlement. Young people and service providers reflected on inadequacies of current services in meeting the complex needs of youth while service professionals reported being ill‐equipped to support war‐affected youth. This paper posits that perspectives from the anthropology of childhood are critical in liaising between youth and professionals to provide services that build on a socioecological view of development, provide healing, and recognize the diversity of children and families’ kinship ties.