bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Genetic structure of populations of Rhizoctonia solani AG‐4 from five provinces in Iran
Authors: Haratian M. , Safaie N. , Sharifnabi B. , Mahmudi S. B. , Ariana A.
Published: August 2012

Rhizoctonia solani anastomosis group 4 (AG‐4) is a serious pathogen causing damping off and root rot in many important crop plants. A total of 190 isolates of R. solani AG‐4 HG‐I were collected from host fields in five provinces of Iran. The genetic structure of this pathogen was evaluated using seven microsatellite loci, focusing particularly on geographic differentiation. Most of the multilocus genotypes (MLGTs) were unique, with few MLGTs shared among populations. High to moderate levels of gene flow among populations was indicated by low to moderate differentiation between pairs of populations based on the fixation index (FST). Gametic equilibrium of most pairs of microsatellite loci and moderate genotypic diversity were found for two out of five populations, indicating that these populations were sexually recombining in structure. High genotypic diversity, moderate clonal fractions and site‐specific genotypes were consistent with mixed reproductive systems for the remaining populations. The findings of departures from Hardy–Weinberg (HW) equilibrium, gametic disequilibrium and a significant excess of homozygotes in half or more than half of the loci were probably caused by the presence of null alleles and the Wahlund effect. This is the first study to consider the population genetics of the root and crown rot pathogen R. solani AG‐4.
The Palaeocene “top chron C27n” transient greenhouse episode: evidence from marine pelagic Atlantic and peri‐Tethyan sections
Authors: Dinarès‐Turell Jaume , Pujalte Victoriano , Stoykova Kristalina , Baceta Juan I. , Ivanov Marin
Published: August 2012

Terra Nova, 24, 477–486, 2012

The early Cenozoic, which is punctuated by several negative carbon isotope excursions (CIEs), was a time of climatic and oceanographic transition from ‘Greenhouse’ to ‘Icehouse’ conditions. The occurrence of a ∼0.5‰ CIE starting at the top of Chron C27n (TC27N) is reconfirmed with stable isotope data from Zumaia (Spain) and Bjala (Bulgaria) localities. Spectral analysis on respective carbonate/magnetic susceptibility proxy records substantiates the orbital cyclostratigraphy allowing correlation to a high‐resolution benthic foraminifera isotope record from ODP Pacific Site 1209, that indicates a coeval 2 °C transient warming. The hyperthermal event lasts ∼200 ka, contrasting with other short‐lived events from the Eocene, and displays a relatively rapid onset and a longer tailing back to pre‐event values similar to the Palaeocene–Eocene Thermal Maximum (PETM), though lower in amplitude. That a causal trigger for the TC27N event may be the onset of volcanism in the North Atlantic Igneous Province (NAIP) can be inferred from a ∼200‐m‐thick lava pile erupted during C27n/C26r polarity transition in the E Greenland margin.
Composition and physiological function of the chloroplast NADH dehydrogenase‐like complex in Marchantia polymorpha
Authors: Ueda Minoru , Kuniyoshi Tetsuki , Yamamoto Hiroshi , Sugimoto Kazuhiko , Ishizaki Kimitsune , Kohchi Takayuki , Nishimura Yoshiki , Shikanai Toshiharu
Published: August 2012

The chloroplast NADH dehydrogenase‐like (NDH) complex mediates cyclic electron transport and chloro‐respiration and consists of five sub‐omplexes, which in angiosperms further associate with photosystem I (PSI) to form a super‐complex. In Marchantia polymorpha, 11 plastid‐encoded subunits and all the nuclear‐encoded subunits of the A, B, membrane and ferredoxin‐binding sub‐complexes are conserved. However, it is unlikely that the genome of this liverwort encodes Lhca5 and Lhca6, both of which mediate NDH–PSI super‐complex formation. It is also unlikely that the subunits of the lumen sub‐complex, PnsL1–L4, are encoded by the genome. Consistent with this in silico prediction, the results of blue‐native gel electrophoresis showed that NDH subunits were detected in a protein complex with lower molecular mass in Marchantia than the NDH–PSI super‐complex in Arabidopsis. Using the plastid transformation technique, we knocked out the ndhB gene in Marchantia. Although the wild‐type genome copies were completely segregated out, the ΔndhB lines grew like the wild‐type photoautotrophically. A post‐illumination transient increase in chlorophyll fluorescence, which reflects NDH activity in vivo in angiosperms, was absent in the thalli of the ΔndhB lines. In ruptured chloroplasts, antimycin A‐insensitive, and ferredoxin‐dependent plastoquinone reduction was impaired, suggesting that chloroplast NDH mediates similar electron transport in Marchantia and Arabidopsis, despite its possible difference in structure. As in angiosperms, linear electron transport was not strongly affected in the ΔndhB lines. However, the plastoquinone pool was slightly more reduced at low light intensity, suggesting that chloroplast NDH functions in redox balancing of the inter system, especially under low light conditions.
Rhizobacteria Bacillus subtilis restricts foliar pathogen entry through stomata
Authors: Kumar Amutha Sampath , Lakshmanan Venkatachalam , Caplan Jeffrey L. , Powell Deborah , Czymmek Kirk J. , Levia Delphis F. , Bais Harsh P.
Published: August 2012

Plants exist in a complex multitrophic environment, where they interact with and compete for resources with other plants, microbes and animals. Plants have a complex array of defense mechanisms, such as the cell wall being covered with a waxy cuticle serving as a potent physical barrier. Although some pathogenic fungi infect plants by penetrating through the cell wall, many bacterial pathogens invade plants primarily through stomata on the leaf surface. Entry of the foliar pathogen, Pseudomonas syringae pathovar tomato DC3000 (hereafter PstDC3000), into the plant corpus occurs through stomatal openings, and consequently a key plant innate immune response is the transient closure of stomata, which delays disease progression. Here, we present evidence that the root colonization of the rhizobacteria Bacillus subtilis FB17 (hereafter FB17) restricts the stomata‐mediated pathogen entry of PstDC3000 in Arabidopsis thaliana. Root binding of FB17 invokes abscisic acid (ABA) and salicylic acid (SA) signaling pathways to close light‐adapted stomata. These results emphasize the importance of rhizospheric processes and environmental conditions as an integral part of the plant innate immune system against foliar bacterial infections.
Salivary levels of HNP 1–3 are related to oral ulcer activity in Behçet’s disease
Authors: Mumcu Gonca , Cimilli Hale , Karacayli Ümit , Inanc Nevsun , Türe‐Özdemir Filiz , Eksioglu‐Demiralp Emel , Ergun Tülin , Direskeneli Haner
Published: August 2012

Background  Saliva contains antimicrobial peptides derived from oral epithelium as well as neutrophils in the innate immune response. The aim of this study was to examine the association between salivary human neutrophil peptide (HNP) 1–3 levels originating from neutrophils and oral ulcers in patients with Behçet’s disease (BD).

Methods  Ninety‐five patients with BD (F/M: 39/56; mean age: 38.7 ± 11.9 years) and 53 healthy controls (HC; F/M: 23/30; mean age: 35.2 ± 10.1 years) were included in the study. The disease control group (F/M: 20/33; mean age: 33.7 ± 10.7 years) was comprised of patients with oral infection regarding endodontic infection (n = 32) and pericoronitis (n = 21). Salivary HNP 1–3 levels of groups were measured in unstimulated samples by ELISA (Hycult, the Netherlands).

Results  A statistically significant increase was found in salivary HNP 1–3 levels of patients with BD (2268.28 ± 1216.38 μg/ml) compared with HC (1836.49 ± 857.76 μg/ml), patients with endodontic infection (849.9 ± 376.1 μg/ml), and patients with pericoronitis (824.3 ± 284.02 μg/ml; P = 0.024, 0.000 and 0.000, respectively). The ratio of active oral ulcer (100%, n = 14) was higher in low HNP 1–3 levels (≤1000 μg/ml) than the others (66.7%, n = 54) in active patients with BD (P = 0.008). Moreover, salivary HNP 1–3 levels were significantly lower in patients with endodontic infection and patients with pericoronitis compared with those in the HC group and patients with BD (P = 0.000).

Conclusion  A decrease in salivary HNP 1–3 levels might be a biological factor for predisposition to oral ulcers in patients with BD and oral infection in healthy patients.
Escalation of intake under intermittent ethanol access in diverse mouse genotypes
Authors: Rosenwasser Alan M. , Fixaris Michael C. , Crabbe John C. , Brooks Peter C. , Ascheid Sonja
Published: August 2012

Experimental animals offered continuous 24‐hour free choice access to ethanol rarely display voluntary ethanol consumption at levels sufficient to induce intoxication or to engender dependence. One of the simplest ways to increase voluntary ethanol intake is to impose temporal limitations on ethanol availability. Escalation of ethanol intake has been observed in both rats and mice under a variety of different schedules of alternating ethanol access and deprivation. Although such effects have been observed in a variety of rat and mouse genotypes, little is known concerning possible genetic correlations between responses to intermittent ethanol access and other ethanol‐related phenotypes. In the present study, we examined the effects of intermittent ethanol access in mouse genotypes characterized by divergent responses to ethanol in other domains, including ethanol preference (C57BL/6J and C3H/HeJ mice), binge‐like ethanol drinking (High Drinking in the Dark and HS/Npt mice) and ethanol withdrawal severity (Withdrawal Seizure‐Prone and Withdrawal Seizure‐Resistant mice). Although intermittent ethanol access resulted in escalated ethanol intake in all tested genotypes, the robustness of the effect varied across genotypes. On the other hand, we saw no evidence that the effects of intermittent access are correlated with either binge‐like drinking or withdrawal severity, and only weak evidence for a genetic correlation with baseline ethanol preference. Thus, these different ethanol‐related traits appear to depend on largely unique sets of genetic mediators.
Association of GATA4 sequence variation with alcohol dependence
Authors: Karpyak Victor M. , Winham Stacey J. , Biernacka Joanna M. , Cunningham Julie M. , Lewis Kriste A. , Geske Jennifer R. , Colby Colin L. , Abulseoud Osama A. , Hall‐Flavin Daniel K. , Loukianova Larissa L. , Schneekloth Terry D. , Frye Mark A. , Heit John A. , Mrazek David A.
Published: August 2012

To further explore reports of association of alcohol dependence and response to acamprosate treatment with the GATA4 rs13273672 single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP), we genotyped this and 10 other GATA4 SNPs in 816 alcohol‐dependent cases and 1248 controls. We tested for association of alcohol dependence with the 11 SNPs individually and performed a global test for association using a principle components analysis. Our analyses demonstrate significant association between GATA4 and alcohol dependence at the gene level (P = 0.009) but no association with rs13273672. Further studies are needed to identify potential causal GATA4 variation(s) and the functional mechanism(s) contributing to this association.
Calcium and salinity as selective factors in plate morph evolution of the three‐spined stickleback (Gasterosteus aculeatus)
Authors: Spence R. , Wootton R. J. , Przybylski M. , Zięba G. , Macdonald K. , Smith C.
Published: August 2012

Identifying the causal factors underlying natural selection remains a key challenge in evolutionary biology. Although the genetic basis for the plate morph evolution of three‐spined stickleback (Gasterosteus aculeatus) is well described, the environmental variables that form the basis for different morphs are not understood. We measured the effects of dissolved calcium and salinity on the growth of sticklebacks with different plate morphs fromScotland andPoland. There was a significant interaction of calcium with plate morph for fish from both regions, withcompletemorph sticklebacks growing more slowly at low calcium concentrations andlowmorph sticklebacks showing divergent responses to calcium concentration. AScottish anadromous population showed evidence of local adaptation to high salinity, which was independent of plate morph.Polish andScottish populations diverged in their response to salinity, suggesting a difference in osmotic regulation. The results implicate a role for calcium in selecting for plate morph evolution in sticklebacks, possibly as a limiting element in skeletal growth.
Evaluation of two, commercial, multi‐dye, nucleic acid amplification technology tests, for HBV/HCV/HIV‐1/HIV‐2 and B19V/HAV, for screening blood and plasma for further manufacture
Authors: Müller M. M. , Fraile M. I. G. , Hourfar M. K. , Peris L. B. , Sireis W. , Rubin M. G. , López E. M. , Rodriguez G. T. , Seifried E. , Saldanha J. , Schmidt M.
Published: August 2012

Background  The cobas® TaqScreen MPX Test, version 2.0, a multiplex, multi‐dye nucleic acid amplification technology (NAT) test from Roche was evaluated by two European Blood Banks, the German Red Cross Blood Donor Service, Frankfurt, Germany and Centro de Hemoterapia y Hemodonación de Castilla y León, Valladolid, Spain. In addition, the cobas® TaqScreen DPX Test was evaluated for the simultaneous detection and quantitation of parvovirus B19 and the detection of hepatitis A virus (HAV).

Study Design and Methods  The performances of the two tests were evaluated regarding the analytical sensitivity, the reproducibility of the tests using samples containing low concentrations of each virus and cross‐contamination using samples containing high titres of virus.

Results  The analytical sensitivity of the MPX Test, version 2.0, obtained by the German Red Cross Blood Donor Service was 1·1, 3·9 and 43·3 IU/ml for HBV, HCV and HIV‐1, respectively. The comparable analytical sensitivity at Centro de Hemoterapia y Hemodonación de Castilla y León was 3·5, 17·6 and 50·6 IU/ml for HBV, HCV and HIV‐1, respectively. The analytical sensitivity of the DPX test determined by the German Red Cross Blood Donor Service was 0·6 and 3·8 IU/ml for HAV and B19.

Conclusion  These multiplex and multi‐dye blood screening assays represent a flexible NAT screening system for mini‐pools between 6 and 96 samples per pool and fulfil all requirements of the European Pharmacopoeia for HCV and B19V testing of plasma for fractionation. The inclusion of a new multi‐dye technology means discriminatory assays are no longer required for either test thus improving workflow, turn‐around time and minimize the risk of obtaining a reactive result for which the virus cannot be identified.
Spirulina as a livestock supplement and animal feed
Authors: Holman B. W. B. , Malau‐Aduli A. E. O.
Published: August 2012

Summary Spirulina (Athrospira sp.) is an edible microalga and a highly nutritious potential feed resource for many agriculturally important animal species. Research findings have associated Spirulina to improvements in animal growth, fertility, aesthetic and nutritional product quality. Spirulina intake has also been linked to an improvement in animal health and welfare. Its influence over animal development stems from its nutritive and protein‐rich composition, thus leading to an increased commercial production to meet consumer demand. Consequently, Spirulina is emerging as a cost‐effective means of improving animal productivity for a sustainable and viable food security future. However, our present knowledge of animal response to dietary Spirulina supplementation is relatively scanty and largely unknown. Therefore, the primary objective of this paper was to review past and current findings on the utilisation of Spirulina as a feed supplement and its impact on animal productivity and health. Only animals deemed to be of agricultural significance were investigated; hence, only ruminants, poultry, swine and rabbits and their responses to dietary Spirulina supplementation are covered.
Probiotics in neonatology
Authors: Hickey Leah , Jacobs Susan E , Garland Suzanne M ,   on behalf of the ProPrems Study Group
Published: August 2012

Probiotics are micro‐organisms that confer health benefits on the host. Postulated mechanisms include: increasing resistance of the mucosal barrier to migration of bacteria and their toxins by strengthening intestinal cell junctions, modification of host response to microbial products, augmentation of immunoglobulin A mucosal responses, enhancement of enteral nutrition to inhibit the growth of pathogens; production of antimicrobial proteins; and competitive exclusion of potential pathogens. Published meta‐analyses and systematic reviews report the effects of probiotics on important clinical outcomes in neonates. This paper will review the evidence for probiotic supplementation in neonatology, with a focus on preterm infants.
First cytogenetic study of a member of the harvestman family Pettalidae (Opiliones: Cyphophthalmi)
Authors: Šťáhlavský František , Boyer Sarah L , Harvey Mark S , Giribet Gonzalo
Published: August 2012

We present the karyotype of the Australian harvestman Austropurcellia arcticosa (Cantrell, 1980) (Arachnida: Opiliones: Cyphophthalmi: Pettalidae), which represents the first cytogenetic analysis of Opiliones from the Australasian ecozone. The diploid complement comprised 30 chromosomes, as reported earlier for two other species of Cyphophthalmi in the family Sironidae, but with a predominance of biarmed chromosomes in A. arcticosa. Morphologically differentiated sex chromosomes were not observed. The course of meiosis is described in the suborder Cyphophthalmi for the first time.
New approach to the study of intraosseous vasculature
Authors: Papakonstantinou Maritsa K. , Pan Wei‐Ren , le Roux Cara Michelle , Richardson Martin D.
Published: August 2012

Background

The study of intraosseous vasculature has always been challenging due to the hard, calcified structure of bone. Techniques used to study intraosseous vasculature usually involve diaphanization with a Spalteholz technique, followed by X‐ray imaging to display the radio contrast‐injected blood vessels. These techniques produce results with fine detail when successfully executed. However, high failure rates and the extensive length of time required to perform these techniques are drawbacks. This paper describes a faster, alternative method for the study of intraosseous vasculature.

Method

Five embalmed and two fresh shoulder girdles were harvested from six cadavers. Cannulas were inserted into the origins of the anterior (ACHA) and posterior (PCHA) circumflex humeral arteries and injected with ink diluted in water or 6% hydrogen peroxide. The arteries and their branches were dissected until they entered their respective bony foraminae. A hammer, chisel, bone nibbler and mounted needles were used to follow the intraosseous course of these arteries and their branches.

Results

The intraosseous vasculature was seen in all specimens. The branches of the main nutrient artery to the proximal humerus were followed until they reached articular cartilage or crossed cortical bone again to enter the rotator cuff tendons.

Discussion

An innovative, new approach to the study of intraosseous vasculature with direct visualization of the intraosseous arteries of the proximal humerus is described.
Anti‐dyskinetic mechanisms of amantadine and dextromethorphan in the 6‐OHDA rat model of Parkinson’s disease: role of NMDA vs. 5‐HT1A receptors
Authors: Paquette Melanie A. , Martinez Alex A. , Macheda Teresa , Meshul Charles K. , Johnson Steven W. , Berger S. Paul , Giuffrida Andrea
Published: August 2012

Amantadine and dextromethorphan suppress levodopa (L‐DOPA)‐induced dyskinesia (LID) in patients with Parkinson’s disease (PD) and abnormal involuntary movements (AIMs) in the unilateral 6‐hydroxydopamine (6‐OHDA) rat model. These effects have been attributed to N‐methyl‐d‐aspartate (NMDA) antagonism. However, amantadine and dextromethorphan are also thought to block serotonin (5‐HT) uptake and cause 5‐HT overflow, leading to stimulation of 5‐HT1A receptors, which has been shown to reduce LID. We undertook a study in 6‐OHDA rats to determine whether the anti‐dyskinetic effects of these two compounds are mediated by NMDA antagonism and/or 5‐HT1A agonism. In addition, we assessed the sensorimotor effects of these drugs using the Vibrissae‐Stimulated Forelimb Placement and Cylinder tests. Our data show that the AIM‐suppressing effect of amantadine was not affected by the 5‐HT1A antagonist WAY‐100635, but was partially reversed by the NMDA agonist d‐cycloserine. Conversely, the AIM‐suppressing effect of dextromethorphan was prevented by WAY‐100635 but not by d‐cycloserine. Neither amantadine nor dextromethorphan affected the therapeutic effects of L‐DOPA in sensorimotor tests. We conclude that the anti‐dyskinetic effect of amantadine is partially dependent on NMDA antagonism, while dextromethorphan suppresses AIMs via indirect 5‐HT1A agonism. Combined with previous work from our group, our results support the investigation of 5‐HT1A agonists as pharmacotherapies for LID in PD patients.
Ultrasound‐guided supraclavicular cannulation of the brachiocephalic vein in infants: a retrospective analysis of a case series
Authors: Breschan Christian , Platzer Manuela , Jost Robert , Stettner Haro , Feigl Georg , Likar Rudolf
Published: August 2012

Background: In this study, we analyze the impact of the choice of either the left or right brachiocephalic vein (BCV) on the cannulation success when using the ultrasound‐guided supraclavicular in‐plane technique approach to the longitudinally viewed BCV in infants.

Methods: The central vascular protocols of 183 infants were reviewed retrospectively.

Results: The weight ranged from 0.7 to 10 kg. Central venous catheter placement was eventually successful in 98.9%. In 141 patients (82.9%), the left BCV was successfully punctured on the first attempt, in 23 patients (13.5%) after 2 and in 6 patients (3.5%) after 3 attempts. The right BCV was successfully punctured on the first attempt in five patients (38.4%), in three patients (15.3%) after two and in five patients (38.4%) after three attempts, respectively. Significantly more puncture attempts were required for the right BCV (chi‐square analysis:P < 0.01). There was also a significant improvement of the success rate over the time course of the case series (Jonckheere‐test:P < 0.01).

Conclusion: It seems to be easier to cannulate the left BCV than the right BCV when using this ultrasound‐guided supraclavicular strict in‐plane technique. Gaining experience with this method seems to improve the cannulation success.
Contribution of rubredoxin:oxygen oxidoreductases and hybrid cluster proteins of Desulfovibrio vulgarisHildenborough to survival under oxygen and nitrite stress
Authors: Yurkiw Marcy A. , Voordouw Johanna , Voordouw Gerrit
Published: August 2012

A genomic island (GEI) of the sulfate‐reducing bacterium Desulfovibrio vulgaris Hildenborough, found to be able to migrate between two tRNA‐Met loci of the genome, contains genes for rubredoxin:oxygen oxidoreductase‐1 (roo1) and hybrid cluster protein‐1 (hcp1) with additional copies for these genes (roo2 and hcp2) being found elsewhere on the chromosome. A suite of mutants was created in which roo2 and/or hcp2 and/or the GEI were either present or missing. The GEI and roo2 increased survival under microaerobic conditions and allowed growth in closer proximity to the air–water interface of soft agar tubes, two properties which appeared to be closely linked. When Hcp2+ GEI+ or Hcp2− GEI+ cells, harbouring cytochrome c nitrite reductase (NrfHA) and growing on lactate and sulfate, were amended with 10 mM nitrite at mid‐log phase (8–10 mM sulfide), all nitrite was reduced within 30 h with a rate of 3.0 mmol (g biomass)−1 h−1 after which sulfate reduction resumed. However, Hcp2+ GEI− or Hcp2− GEI− cells were unable to use lactate, causing sulfide to be used as electron donor for nitrite reduction at a sixfold lower rate. Complementation studies indicated that hcp1, not roo1, enhanced the rate of nitrite reduction under these conditions. Hcp2 enhanced the rate of nitrite reduction when, in addition to lactate, hydrogen was also present as an electron donor. These results indicate a critical role of Hcps in alleviating nitrite stress in D. vulgaris Hildenborough by maintaining the integrity of electron transport chains from lactate or H2 to NrfHA through removal of reactive nitrogen species. It thus appears that the GEI contributes considerably to the fitness of the organism, allowing improved growth in microaerobic environments found in sulfide–oxygen gradients and in environments, containing both sulfide and nitrite, through the action of Roo1 and Hcp1 respectively.
Fungi, bacteria and soil pH: the oxalate–carbonate pathway as a model for metabolic interaction
Authors: Martin Gaëtan , Guggiari Matteo , Bravo Daniel , Zopfi Jakob , Cailleau Guillaume , Aragno Michel , Job Daniel , Verrecchia Eric , Junier Pilar
Published: August 2012

The oxalate–carbonate pathway involves the oxidation of calcium oxalate to low‐magnesium calcite and represents a potential long‐term terrestrial sink for atmospheric CO
2. In this pathway, bacterial oxalate degradation is associated with a strong local alkalinization and subsequent carbonate precipitation. In order to test whether this process occurs in soil, the role of bacteria, fungi and calcium oxalate amendments was studied using microcosms. In a model system with sterile soil amended with laboratory cultures of oxalotrophic bacteria and fungi, the addition of calcium oxalate induced a distinct pH shift and led to the final precipitation of calcite. However, the simultaneous presence of bacteria and fungi was essential to drive this pH shift. Growth of both oxalotrophic bacteria and fungi was confirmed by qPCR on the frc (oxalotrophic bacteria) and 16S rRNA genes, and the quantification of ergosterol (active fungal biomass) respectively. The experiment was replicated in microcosms with non‐sterilized soil. In this case, the bacterial and fungal contribution to oxalate degradation was evaluated by treatments with specific biocides (cycloheximide and bronopol). Results showed that the autochthonous microflora oxidized calcium oxalate and induced a significant soil alkalinization. Moreover, data confirmed the results from the model soil showing that bacteria are essentially responsible for the pH shift, but require the presence of fungi for their oxalotrophic activity. The combined results highlight that the interaction between bacteria and fungi is essential to drive metabolic processes in complex environments such as soil.
Medical management of Charcot arthropathy
Authors: Petrova N. L. , Edmonds M. E.
Published: August 2012

Charcot arthropathy is a major complication of diabetes and it poses management challenges to health care professionals. Early diagnosis and timely intervention are essential for improved outlook of these patients. Casting therapy has been accepted as the mainstay treatment of the acute Charcot foot, although there are still controversies regarding its duration, the choice of removable and non‐removable device and weight‐bearing casts vs. non‐weight‐bearing casts. Two groups of antiresorptive therapies have been evaluated in the treatment of the acute Charcot foot, bisphosphonates (intravenous and oral) and calcitonin. These therapies have clearly shown a reduction of bone turnover, although, they have not shown a significant effect on temperature reduction. Current evidence to support their use is weak. An anabolic agent to speed up clinical resolution and fracture healing may be helpful and a clinical trial to evaluate the possible benefit of 1–84 recombinant human parathyroid hormone on fracture healing in the acute Charcot foot is in progress. This paper summarises the current approach to medical management of acute Charcot arthropathy with specific emphasis on casting and pharmacological therapy. Emerging new studies of the pathogenesis of this condition are also discussed.
Weight change with liraglutide and comparator therapies: an analysis of seven phase 3 trials from the liraglutide diabetes development programme
Authors: Niswender K. , Pi‐Sunyer X. , Buse J. , Jensen K. H. , Toft A. D. , Russell‐Jones D. , Zinman B.
Published: August 2012

Aim

We investigated the relationship between weight change and related factors in subjects with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) treated with liraglutide versus comparator diabetes therapies.

Methods

Twenty‐six‐week data from seven phase 3, randomized trials in the liraglutide T2DM development programme were analysed by trial and treatment group: liraglutide (1.2 and 1.8 mg), active comparator and placebo. Outcome measures included proportions of subjects in various weight change categories and their percentage weight change from baseline; impact of body mass index (BMI) and gastrointestinal (GI) adverse events (AEs) on weight change and correlation of weight change with change in glycosylated haemoglobin (HbA1c).

Results

A number of subjects experienced >5% weight loss during the trials (24.4% liraglutide 1.8 mg and 17.7% liraglutide 1.2 mg; 17.7% exenatide, 10.0% sitagliptin, 3.6−7.0% sulphonylurea, 2.6% thiazolidinedione and 2.6% glargine; 9.9% placebo). More weight loss was seen with liraglutide 1.2 and 1.8 mg than with active comparators except exenatide. Across trials, higher initial BMI was associated with slightly greater weight loss with liraglutide. Mean weight loss increased slightly the longer GI AEs persisted. Although HbA1c reduction was slightly larger in higher weight loss categories across treatments (including placebo), sample sizes were small and no clear correlation could be determined. Liraglutide‐treated subjects experienced additional HbA1c reduction beyond that which appeared weight induced; thus, not all HbA1c‐lowering effect appears weight mediated.

Conclusions

The majority of liraglutide‐treated T2DM subjects experienced weight loss in this analysis. Weight loss was greater and occurred more in glucagon‐like peptide‐1 receptor agonist‐treated subjects than in active comparator‐treated subjects.
Treatment persistence, hypoglycaemia and clinical outcomes in type 2 diabetes patients with dipeptidyl peptidase‐4 inhibitors and sulphonylureas: a primary care database analysis
Authors: Rathmann W. , Kostev K. , Gruenberger J. B. , Dworak M. , Bader G. , Giani G.
Published: August 2012

Aims

To investigate therapy persistence, frequency of hypoglycaemia and macrovascular outcomes among type 2 diabetes patients with dipeptidyl peptidase‐4 (DPP‐4) inhibitors (DPP‐4) and sulphonylureas (SU).

Methods

Data from 19 184 DPP‐4 (mean age: 64 years; 56% males) and 31 110 SU users (69 years; 51%) with new prescriptions (index date), without additional antidiabetics except metformin, in 1201 general practises in Germany were analysed. Therapy discontinuation (prescription gap >90 days), hypoglycaemia [International Classification of Diseases (ICD‐10)] and macrovascular outcomes (ICD‐10) (2‐year follow‐up) were compared adjusting for age, sex, diabetes duration, metformin, previous hypoglycaemia, health insurance, hypertension, hyperlipidaemia, antihypertensives, lipid‐lowering and antithrombotic drugs, microvascular complications and Charlson co‐morbidity score using logistic or Cox regression models.

Results

Two years after index date, DDP‐4 (non‐persistence: 39%) were associated with a lower risk of discontinuation compared to SU (49%) [adjusted hazard ratio (HR): 0.74; 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.71–0.76]. Hypoglycaemias (≥1) were documented in 0.18% patients with DPP‐4 and in 1.00% with SU [odds ratio (OR): 0.21; 95%CI: 0.08–0.57]. Hypoglycaemias were significantly associated with incident macrovascular complications (HR: 1.6; 95% CI: 1.1–2.2). Risk of macrovascular events was 26% lower in DPP‐4 than in SU users.

Conclusions

Lack of persistence with antidiabetic therapy is frequently found in primary care patients. DPP‐4 was associated with lower therapy discontinuation and a fivefold reduced frequency of patients with hypoglycaemia compared to SU. The low absolute numbers of hypoglycaemias are most likely due to the fact that only severe events were documented. DPP‐4 treatment was associated with reduced incidence of macrovascular events relative to SU in type 2 diabetes patients in primary care practises.
Eliciting donations to disaster victims: Psychological considerations
Authors: Zagefka Hanna , Noor Masi , Brown Rupert , Hopthrow Tim , de Moura Georgina Randsley
Published: August 2012

Predictors of monetary donations to victims of humanitarian disasters were examined. Participants (N = 219) chose between donating to different scenarios and justified their choices in an open response format. This was followed by a questionnaire. The perceived extent of the victims’ Need, the Impact of a potential donation, and the Amount donated by others all influenced donation decisions. There was a three‐way interaction between these factors: The perceived Need for help only mattered if the perceived Impact of a donation was high, and the perceived Amount donated by others was small. Implications for theory and practice are discussed.
Beyond Warmth and Conflict: The Developmental Utility of a Boundary Conceptualization of Sibling Relationship Processes
Authors: Bascoe Sonnette M. , Davies Patrick T. , Cummings E. Mark
Published: August 2012

Translating relationship boundaries conceptualizations to the study of sibling relationships, this study examined the utility of sibling enmeshment and disengagement in predicting child adjustment difficulties in a sample of 282 mothers and adolescents (mean age = 12.7 years). Mothers completed a semistructured interview at the first measurement occasion to assess sibling interaction patterns. Adolescents, mothers, and teachers reported on children’s adjustment problems across 2 annual waves of assessment. Supporting the incremental utility of a boundary conceptualization of sibling relationships, results of latent difference score analyses indicated that coder ratings of sibling enmeshment and disengagement uniquely predicted greater adolescent adjustment difficulties even after taking into account standard indices of sibling relationship quality (i.e., warmth and conflict) and sibling structural characteristics (e.g., sex).
Spanking and Child Development During the First 5 Years of Life
Authors: Maguire‐Jack Kathryn , Gromoske Andrea N. , Berger Lawrence M.
Published: August 2012

Using data from the Fragile Families and Child Wellbeing Study (N = 3,870) and cross‐lagged path analysis, the authors examined whether spanking at ages 1 and 3 is adversely associated with cognitive skills and behavior problems at ages 3 and 5. The authors found spanking at age 1 was associated with a higher level of spanking and externalizing behavior at age 3, and spanking at age 3 was associated with a higher level of internalizing and externalizing behavior at age 5. The associations between spanking at age 1 and behavioral problems at age 5 operated predominantly through ongoing spanking at age 3. The authors did not find an association between spanking at age 1 and cognitive skills at age 3 or 5.
Chinese Mothers and Adolescents’ Views of Authority and Autonomy: A Study of Parent–Adolescent Conflict in Urban and Rural China
Authors: Chen‐Gaddini Min
Published: August 2012

Eighty‐five dyads of eighth‐grade adolescents (mean age = 14.15 years, SD = 0.39) and their mothers in China (30 dyads from urban one‐child families, 27 from urban multiple‐children families, and 28 from rural multiple‐children families) were interviewed individually. They described daily parent–adolescent conflicts, justified their perspectives on disputes, and evaluated conflict resolutions. The results indicated that across urban and rural areas, for both one‐child and multiple‐children families, adolescents differed significantly from their mothers in their views of parental authority and individual autonomy. The results also showed several regional differences, pointing to the importance of considering the specific context in which conflicts occur.
Toddlers Use the Number Feature in Determiners During Online Noun Comprehension
Authors: Robertson Erin K. , Shi Rushen , Melançon Andréane
Published: August 2012

Function words support many aspects of language acquisition. This study investigated whether toddlers understand the number feature of determiners and use it for noun comprehension. French offers an ideal “test case” as number is phonetically marked in determiners but not in nouns. Twenty French‐learning 24‐month‐olds completed a split‐screen experiment. Looking times to target pictures were measured under 3 trial types varying in the degree to which the determiner matched the number displayed in the object(s). Children looked longer when the determiner matched the object(s), and were confused in trials of clear mismatch. Importantly, their processing resembled that of French adults (D. Dahan, D. Swingley, M. K. Tanenhaus, & J. S. Magnuson, 2000). Thus, children understand the determiner number feature early in acquisition and use this knowledge to constrain online comprehension.
Maternal Education Preferences Moderate the Effects of Mandatory Employment and Education Programs on Child Positive and Problem Behaviors
Authors: Gassman‐Pines Anna , Godfrey Erin B. , Yoshikawa Hirokazu
Published: August 2012

Grounded in person–environment fit theory, this study examined whether low‐income mothers’ preferences for education moderated the effects of employment‐ and education‐focused welfare programs on children’s positive and problem behaviors. The sample included 1,365 families with children between ages 3 and 5 years at study entry. Results 5 years after random assignment, when children were ages 8–10 years, indicated that mothers’ education preferences did moderate program impacts on teacher‐reported child behavior problems and positive behavior. Children whose mothers were assigned to the education program were rated by teachers to have less externalizing behavior and more positive behavior than children whose mothers were assigned to the employment program but only when mothers had strong preferences for education.
Effects of Interactive Real‐Time Simulations and Humanoid Avatars on Consumers’ Responses in Online House Products Marketing
Authors: Mahdjoubi Lamine , Hao Koh Jing , Moobela Cletus
Published: August 2012

Interactive product presentation techniques have recently gained importance in online marketing of house products. Real‐time simulation offers a high level interactive presentation with more powerful features to present product functions and variations. This article presents a novel computational approach for engaging and supporting consumers in making informed choices about purchasing house products. It involved the development and testing of an online interactive real‐time simulation for house product marketing (the Virtual House Showroom‐VHS). This model also included optional humanoid avatars, representing a virtual buyer–seller experience. The research assessed the effectiveness of the VHS on consumers’ cognitive and affective responses. In particular, it examined whether consumers’ responses to real‐time simulation with a humanoid avatar are significantly different from their responses to the model without the avatar. Participants (n = 110) were organized into two groups. Group 1 (n = 56) evaluated VHS without the humanoid avatar and group 2 (n = 54) appraised the model with the avatar. The results confirmed that interactive online real‐time simulation technologies without the avatar have significant effects on consumers’ cognitive learning, affect, and behavior. However, it was found that the humanoid avatar had no significant effect on respondents’ decision‐making. Further research was suggested to improve the usability of real‐time simulation in the marketing of house products.
Brought Up to Rebel in the Sixties: Birth Order Irrelevant, Parental Worldview Decisive
Authors: Førland Tor Egil , Korsvik Trine Rogg , Christophersen Knut‐Andreas
Published: August 2012

In Born to Rebel 1997 [1996] and subsequent works Frank Sulloway asserts that laterborns are more supportive of radical rebellions than are firstborns. Failure to replicate his historical cases and lack of significant sibling differences in contemporary studies of personality have produced fierce debate and grave doubts about the theory. It has yet to find robust support from studies of contemporary rebellions. Using retrospective survey data on the 1960s radicalization from 1,246 former students at the University of Oslo, we find no effect of birth order on who became student radicals. What we find are strong effects on political orientation of conventional radicalizing factors: upbringing in an urban environment and in particular in a home with radical parents. Within the group of radicals, birth order did not increase the propensity for political protest activity such as demonstrations and civil disobedience. Laterborns moreover had no higher proclivity than firstborns to apolitical protest behavior such as using cannabis or letting males' hair grow. Coming on top of concerns about the empirical support for other parts of the theory, our findings indicate that Sulloway's contested claim about the extrafamilial effects of birth order is not viable.
The Persistent Significance of Jurisdiction*
Authors: KYRITSIS DIMITRIOS
Published: August 2012

According to Joseph Raz's sources thesis, the existence and content of authoritative directives must be identifiable by resort to the social fact of their provenance from a de facto authority, without regard to any of the normative considerations that the authority in question is supposed to rely on in its judgment. This article argues that the sources thesis fails to account for the role of jurisdictional considerations (namely, considerations about the scope of a de facto authority's power) in the identification of valid law. It examines a legal system with a legislature and courts and a practice of constitutional review of legislation by the courts for its conformity with fundamental rights and argues that the special normative status of (at least some) authoritative directives in this legal system depends on respect for jurisdiction. An assessment of whether an authority has stayed intra vires involves recourse to the normative considerations that it is the authority's job to weigh up. This criticism of the sources thesis highlights the importance of incorporating jurisdiction into our philosophical accounts of legal authority.
The Paradox of the Moral Irrelevance of the Government and the Law: A Critique of Carlos Nino's Approach
Authors: CIANCIARDO JUAN
Published: August 2012

Some authors have speculated about the fact that if the law were connected to morality, then it would not be relevant, because morality would be enough to regulate social life. A study of this objection to the connection thesis will be outlined in this paper. In other words, the possible answers to the question about the practical difference that law gives to morality will be analyzed. The work of the Argentine philosopher Carlos Nino will be taken as the starting point for this task.
Mapping Collaboration in Open Source Geospatial Ecosystem
Authors: Shao Jianhua , Kuk George , Anand Suchith , Morley Jeremy G. , Jackson Mike J. , Mitchell Tyler
Published: August 2012

Over the last decade, there has been a tremendous growth and exploitation of open source geospatial software and technologies. A combination of factors is driving this momentum, including the contributions made by hundreds of developers and the leading role played by the Open Source Geospatial Foundation (OSGeo), aiming primarily to support and promote the collaborative development of open source geospatial technologies and data. This article seeks to map out the social history of collaborative activities within the OSGeo ecosystem. We used the archival logs of developers' contributions, specifically looking for boundary spanning activities where contributions crossed multiple projects. The analysis and visualization of these activities allow us to have a better understanding of the role of boundary spanning in the resourcing of each project, the incubation mechanism advocated by OSGeo, and the significance of the social interrelatedness among projects. The data consisted of the subversion (SVN) commit history made by individual developers in the programming code repository. We applied several network analytical and visualization techniques to explore the data. Our findings indicate that more than one in seven developers spanned multiple projects which potentially had the effects of shaping the projects' directions, and increased knowledge flow and innovation. In addition, the OSGeo's incubation mechanism provided an important encouragement for boundary spanning and increased knowledge sharing. By studying the social history of contributions, further tools can be developed in future to assist tracking of the social history, and make developers mindful of the significance of the interdependence among projects and hence continuously contribute to the health of the OSGeo ecosystem.
A Self System Perspective on Young Adolescents’ Motivation to Learn English in Urban and Rural Settings
Authors: Lamb Martin
Published: August 2012

This study examined the motivation to learn English of Indonesian junior high school pupils, 13–14 years of age, in three distinct contexts: a metropolitan city, a provincial town, and a rural district. Utilizing Dörnyei's second language (L2) Motivational Self System as the theoretical framework, this study employed a 50‐item questionnaire to sample the views of 527 learners, and a C‐test to measure their current proficiency in English. Motivation was found to be similar in strength and character in the two urban settings but significantly different in the rural setting. A positive view of the experience of learning English was the strongest predictor of both motivated learning behavior and L2 proficiency, whereas the Ideal L2 self was only a significant factor among the metropolitan group.
Written Languaging, Direct Correction, and Second Language Writing Revision
Authors: Suzuki Wataru
Published: August 2012

It has been argued that languaging plays a crucial role in learning a second language (L2). The effects of languaging, especially oral languaging (e.g., collaborative dialogue, private speech), have been tested on the learning of L2 knowledge domains. This study explored the effects of written languaging by asking 24 Japanese learners of English to write out their own explanations in Japanese of the corrections they received on a draft they had written. The effects of the type (e.g., grammar based vs. lexis based) of written languaging were then assessed by inspecting the success of immediate subsequent text revisions. Two major findings emerged. First, written languaging about direct feedback on linguistic errors in the first essay helped learners successfully correct these errors during immediate revision. Second, both lexis‐ and grammar‐based written languaging were associated with improved accuracy. These findings support arguments that providing learners with the opportunity to language about or reflect on their developing linguistic knowledge in the course of L2 learning mediates L2 learning and development. Theoretical and pedagogical implications are also discussed.
Volunteer Militaries, The Draft, and Support for War
Authors: Warren Patrick L.
Published: August 2012

This study models how a nation's military manpower system affects the decision to go to war. Manpower systems differ primarily in how they distribute costs: the volunteer system shares the war's manpower costs broadly, whereas the draft forces a subset of the population to bear a disproportionate share of the load. This difference affects an office‐ and policy‐motivated politician's decision to go to war. The draft induces prowar policy‐makers to pursue more wars than the volunteer military does, whereas the volunteer system induces antiwar policy‐makers to pursue more wars than the draft does. The manpower systems cannot be generically ranked by efficiency because each makes errors the other avoids, but the volunteer system induces selection of more efficient wars for a large class of plausible preference distributions.