bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A sex allocation cost to polyandry in a parasitoid wasp
Authors: Boulton Rebecca A. , Shuker David M.
Published: June 2015

The costs and benefits of polyandry are central to understanding the near-ubiquity of female multiple mating. Here, we present evidence of a novel cost of polyandry: disrupted sex allocation. In
Nasonia vitripennis
, a species that is monandrous in the wild but engages in polyandry under laboratory culture conditions, sexual harassment during oviposition results in increased production of sons under conditions that favour female-biased sex ratios. In addition, females more likely to re-mate under harassment produce the least female-biased sex ratios, and these females are unable to mitigate this cost by increasing offspring production. Our results therefore argue that polyandry does not serve to mitigate the costs of harassment (convenience polyandry) in
Nasonia
. Furthermore, because males benefit from female-biased offspring sex ratios, harassment of ovipositing females also creates a novel cost of that harassment for males.
More than one way to spin a crystallite: multiple trajectories through liquid crystallinity to solid silk
Authors: Walker Andrew A. , Holland Chris , Sutherland Tara D.
Published: June 2015

Arthropods face several key challenges in processing concentrated feedstocks of proteins (silk dope) into solid, semi-crystalline silk fibres. Strikingly, independently evolved lineages of silk-producing organisms have converged on the use of liquid crystal intermediates (mesophases) to reduce the viscosity of silk dope and assist the formation of supramolecular structure. However, the exact nature of the liquid-crystal-forming-units (mesogens) in silk dope, and the relationship between liquid crystallinity, protein structure and silk processing is yet to be fully elucidated. In this review, we focus on emerging differences in this area between the canonical silks containing extended-β-sheets made by silkworms and spiders, and ‘non-canonical’ silks made by other insect taxa in which the final crystallites are coiled-coils, collagen helices or cross-β-sheets. We compared the amino acid sequences and processing of natural, regenerated and recombinant silk proteins, finding that canonical and non-canonical silk proteins show marked differences in length, architecture, amino acid content and protein folding. Canonical silk proteins are long, flexible in solution and amphipathic; these features allow them both to form large, micelle-like mesogens in solution, and to transition to a crystallite-containing form due to mechanical deformation near the liquid–solid transition. By contrast, non-canonical silk proteins are short and have rod or lath-like structures that are well suited to act both as mesogens and as crystallites
without
a major intervening phase transition. Given many non-canonical silk proteins can be produced at high yield in
E. coli
, and that mesophase formation is a versatile way to direct numerous kinds of supramolecular structure, further elucidation of the natural processing of non-canonical silk proteins may to lead to new developments in the production of advanced protein materials.
Behavioural mimicry in flight path of Batesian intraspecific polymorphic butterflyPapilio polytes
Authors: Kitamura Tasuku , Imafuku Michio
Published: June 2015

Batesian mimics that show similar coloration to unpalatable models gain a fitness advantage of reduced predation. Beyond physical similarity, mimics often exhibit behaviour similar to their models, further enhancing their protection against predation by mimicking not only the model's physical appearance but also activity. In butterflies, there is a strong correlation between palatability and flight velocity, but there is only weak correlation between palatability and flight path. Little is known about how Batesian mimics fly. Here, we explored the flight behaviour of four butterfly species/morphs: unpalatable modelPachliopta aristolochiae, mimetic and non-mimetic females of female-limited mimicPapilio polytes, and palatable controlPapilio xuthus. We demonstrated that the directional change (DC) generated by wingbeats and the standard deviation of directional change (SDDC) of mimetic females and their models were smaller than those of non-mimetic females and palatable controls. Furthermore, we found no significant difference in flight velocity among all species/morphs. By showing that DC and SDDC of mimetic females resemble those of models, we provide the first evidence for the existence of behavioural mimicry in flight path by a Batesian mimic butterfly.
Delay of gratification is associated with white matter connectivity in the dorsal prefrontal cortex: a diffusion tensor imaging study in chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes)
Authors: Latzman Robert D. , Taglialatela Jared P. , Hopkins William D.
Published: June 2015

Individual variability in delay of gratification (DG) is associated with a number of important outcomes in both non-human and human primates. Using diffusion tensor imaging (DTI), this study describes the relationship between probabilistic estimates of white matter tracts projecting from the caudate to the prefrontal cortex (PFC) and DG abilities in a sample of 49 captive chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes). After accounting for time between collection of DTI scans and DG measurement, age and sex, higher white matter connectivity between the caudate and right dorsal PFC was found to be significantly associated with the acquisition (i.e. training phase) but not the maintenance of DG abilities. No other associations were found to be significant. The integrity of white matter connectivity between regions of the striatum and the PFC appear to be associated with inhibitory control in chimpanzees, with perturbations on this circuit potentially leading to a variety of maladaptive outcomes. Additionally, results have potential translational implications for understanding the pathophysiology of a number of psychiatric and clinical outcomes in humans.
Triplex Domain Finder: Detection of Triple Helix Binding Domains in Long Non-Coding RNAs
Authors: Hänzelmann Sonja , Kuo Chao-Chung , Kalwa Marie , Wagner Wolfgang , Costa Ivan G.
Published: June 2015

Long (>200vbps) non-coding RNAs (lncRNA) can act as a scaffold promoting the interaction of several proteins, RNA and DNA. Some lncRNAs interact with the DNA via a triple helix formation. Triple helices are formed by a single stranded RNA/DNA molecule, which binds to the major groove of a double helix following a canonical code. Recently, sequence analysis methods have been proposed to detect triple helices for a given RNA and DNA sequences. We propose the Triplex Domain Finder (TDF) to detect DNA binding domains in RNA molecules. For a candidate lncRNA and potential target DNA regions, i.e. promoter of genes differentially regulated after the knockdown of the lncRNA, TDF evaluates whether particular RNA regions are likely to form DNA binding domains (DBD). Moreover, the DNA binding sites from the predicted DBDs are used to indicate potential target DNA regions, i.e. genes with high binding site coverage in their promoter. The command line tool provides results on a user friendly and graphical html interface. A case study on FENDRR, an lncRNA known to form triple helices, demonstrates that TDF is able to recover both previously discovered DBDs and DNA binding sites. Source code, tutorial and case studies are available atwww.regulatory-genomics.org/tdf.
Formal and semi-formal verification of a web voting system
Authors: Cristia Maximiliano , Frydman Claudia
Published: June 2015

Purpose

– This paper aims to present the verification process conducted to assess the functional correctness of the voting system. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET) is the most important research institution in Argentina. It depends directly from Argentina’s President but its internal authorities are elected by around 8,000 research across the country. During 2011, the CONICET developed a Web voting system to replace the traditional mail-based process. In 2012 and 2014, CONICET conducted two Web election with no complaints from candidates and voters. Before moving the system into production, CONICET asked the authors to conduct a functional and security assessment of it.

Design/methodology/approach

– This process is the result of integrating formal, semi-formal and informal verification activities from formal proof to code inspection and model-based testing.

Findings

– Given the resources and time available, a reasonable level of confidence on the correctness of the application could be transmitted to senior management.

Research limitations/implications

– A formal specification of the requirements must be developed.

Originality/value

– Formal methods and semi-formal activities are seldom applied to Web applications.
International adjustment of female vs male business expatriates. A replication study in Switzerland
Authors: Salamin Xavier , Davoine Eric
Published: June 2015

Purpose

– Reasons for women’s underrepresentation in international assignments include stereotypical assumptions within organizations about their ability to adjust abroad and more broadly a lack of trust from the corporate headquarters. Female expatriates’ adjustment may strongly vary depending on the host country and on host-country nationals’ attitudes toward them. Yet up until today, very few studies have examined female expatriate adjustment in a single and non-Asian host country. The purpose of this paper is to address this gap by comparing the cross-cultural adjustment of male and female expatriates in Switzerland.

Design/methodology/approach

– This study replicates Selmer and Leung’s (2003a) study design in order to compare adjustment of male and female expatriates working in multinational companies in the French-speaking part of Switzerland. Based on 152 valid questionnaires collected, the authors performed a multivariate analysis of covariance and further analyses of covariance to compare male and female expatriate adjustment.

Findings

– The authors find that female expatriates have significantly higher interaction and work adjustment levels than their male counterparts, while no significant differences between men and women were observed in terms of general adjustment. These findings in a European context are consistent with those of Selmer and Leung in an Asian context.

Originality/value

– Very few studies to date have examined the adjustment of female expatriates in a western host-country context, despite the fact that host-country cultural norms might strongly influence women’s experiences. The research brings new empirical evidence about cross-cultural adjustment of female and male expatriates in a western location. Contrary to persistent stereotypical assumptions, results emphasize again that women are able to adjust better or at least as well as their male counterparts.
But does it work? The role of regulation in improving the quality of residential care for older people in Europe
Authors: O'Dwyer Ciara
Published: June 2015

Purpose

– Regulation is the tool preferred by policy-makers to manage the quality of residential care for older people. However, it remains unclear which form of regulation is most effective. The residential care sector for older people in Europe offers a unique opportunity to explore this issue as countries vary in how they control quality in the sector. The paper aims to discuss this issue.

Design/methodology/approach

– The study used a comparative approach, collating secondary data from various sources and conducting qualitative comparative analysis on the data.

Findings

– Three regulatory approaches were in operation – many Northern European countries operate on a self-regulatory basis, and are associated with the highest quality. Many continental countries, the UK and Ireland operate a command-and-control regulatory approach, with a moderate standard of care. Mediterranean and Eastern European countries have limited regulation, with care of a lower standard. However, the type of regulation appears to be a product of the prevailing culture and philosophy of care within each country. Thus, quality outcomes are a measure of financial investment in care.

Social implications

– Consistent calls for command-and-control style regulation may be misguided; high-quality care requires high-public investment and a professional workforce with the freedom to focus on quality improvement mechanisms.

Originality/value

– The paper provides a framework for analysing outcomes associated with different types of regulation. While a self-regulatory model is linked with the best outcomes, financial investment and the philosophy of care may be more important factors influencing the quality of care.
The role of movie images and its impact on destination choice
Authors: Quintal Vanessa , Phau Ian
Published: June 2015

Purpose

– This study aims to examine whether movies are pivotal in developing empathy, nostalgia, perceived risk, place familiarity and place image that can shape viewer attitude towards and intention to visit a place.

Design/methodology/approach

– Data were collected from two sample frames of patrons at a large cinema chain located in a major shopping centre in Perth, Western Australia. The experimental group watched the romantic comedy,Friends with Benefits. The control group watched the romantic comedy,Desi Boyzwhich is set in London and India and is not associated with New York. A quota for data collection was set at 230 subjects in each group. The two groups watched their movies concurrently in different theatres at the same cinema chain in the same shopping centre. Subjects in both groups were asked for their responses to New York immediately after viewing the movie.

Findings

– In an experimental study, subjects who watched a romantic comedy set in New York had significantly higher empathy, place familiarity, attitude towards and intention to visit New York and significantly lower performance/financial risk associated with visiting New York than the control group. However, perceived risk played no significant role in influencing place familiarity in the experimental group, whereas nostalgia played no significant role in influencing place familiarity in the control group.

Originality/value

– The proposed decision-making framework provides academics with theoretical underpinning for future empirical tourism studies in the research area. The findings also encourage more collaboration between government, movie producers, destination management organisations and marketers to deliver a movie that provides consistent branding in its story, location and product placement strategies.
Association between depression and glycemic control among type 2 diabetes patients in Lima, Peru
Authors: Crispín‐Trebejo Brenda , Robles‐Cuadros María Cristina , Bernabé‐Ortiz Antonio
Published: June 2015

Introduction

There is limited and controversial information regarding the potential impact of depression on glycemic control. This study aims to evaluate the association between depression and poor glycemic control. In addition, the prevalence of depression and rates of poor glycemic control were determined.

Methods

Cross‐sectional study performed in the endocrinology unit of two hospitals of ESSALUD in Peru. The outcome of interest was poor glycemic control, evaluated by glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c: < 7% versus ≥ 7%), whereas the exposure of interest was depression defined as 15 or more points in the Patient Health Questionnaire‐9 tool.

The association of interest was evaluated using Poisson regression models with robust standard errors reporting prevalence ratios (PR) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) adjusting for potential confounders.

Results

A total of 277 participants, 184 (66.4%) males, mean age 59.0 (SD: 4.8), and 7.1 (SD: 6.8) years of disease were analyzed. Only 31 participants (11.2%; 95% CI: 7.5%–14.9%) had moderately severe or severe depression, whereas 70 (25.3%; 95% CI 20.3%–30.8%) had good glycemic control. Depression increased the probability of having poor glycemic control (PR = 1.32; 95% CI 1.15–1.51) after adjusting for several potential confounders.

Conclusions

There is an association between depression and poor glycemic control among type 2 diabetes patients. Our results suggest that early detection of depression might be important to facilitate appropriate glycemic control and avoid further metabolic complications.
Role of RAI in the management of incidental N1a disease in papillary thyroid cancer
Authors: Wang Laura Y. , Palmer Frank L. , Migliacci Jocelyn C. , Nixon Iain J. , Shaha Ashok R. , Shah Jatin P. , Tuttle Robert Michael , Patel Snehal G. , Ganly Ian
Published: June 2015

Background

Following total thyroidectomy (TT) for papillary thyroid cancer (PTC), pathological assessment can occasionally reveal incidental perithyroidal lymph nodes (LNs) with occult metastases. These cN0pN1a patients often receive radioactive iodine (RAI) therapy for this indication alone. The aim of this study was to determine the central compartment nodal recurrence‐free survival in patients treated without RAI compared to those who received RAI treatment.

Methods

An institutional database of 3664 previously untreated patients with differentiated thyroid cancer operated between 1986 and 2010 was reviewed. A total of 232 pT1‐3 patients managed with TT and no neck dissection were subsequently found to have incidental level 6 LNs on pathology. Patients with other indications for RAI, such as extrathyroidal extension and close or positive margins, were excluded. One hundred and four patients remained for analysis. Kaplan–Meier method was used to determine central neck LN recurrence‐free survival (RFS).

Results

The median age of the cohort was 40 years (range 17–83). The median follow‐up was 53 months (range 1–211). The median number of positive LNs removed and maximum LN diameter were 1 (range 1–8) and 5 mm (range 1–16 mm), respectively. A total of 67 (64%) patients had adjuvant RAI and 37 (36%) did not. Patients with vascular invasion (P = 0·01), LNs >2 mm (P = 0·07) and >2 positive nodes (P = 0·06) were more likely to be selected for adjuvant RAI therapy. Patients without RAI therapy had similar 5‐year central neck LN RFS compared to those treated with RAI: 96·2% vs 94·6%, respectively (P = 0·92).

Conclusion

There is no difference in the 5‐year central compartment nodal recurrence‐free survival in patients treated without RAI compared to those who received RAI treatment.
Factors influencing incidental representation of previously unknown conservation features in marine protected areas
Authors: Bridge Tom C.L. , Grech Alana M. , Pressey Robert L.
Published: June 2015

Spatially explicit information on species distributions for conservation planning is invariably incomplete; therefore, the use of surrogates is required to represent broad‐scale patterns of biodiversity. Despite significant interest in the effectiveness of surrogates for predicting spatial distributions of biodiversity, few researchers have explored questions involving the ability of surrogates to incidentally represent unknown features of conservation interest. We used the Great Barrier Reef marine reserve network to examine factors affecting incidental representation of conservation features that were unknown at the time the reserve network was established. We used spatially explicit information on the distribution of 39 seabed habitats and biological assemblages and the conservation planning software Marxan to examine how incidental representation was affected by the spatial characteristics of the features; the conservation objectives (the minimum proportion of each feature included in no‐take areas); the spatial configuration of no‐take areas; and the opportunity cost of conservation. Cost was closely and inversely correlated to incidental representation. However, incidental representation was achieved, even in a region with only coarse‐scale environmental data, by adopting a precautionary approach that explicitly considered the potential for unknown features. Our results indicate that incidental representation is enhanced by partitioning selection units along biophysical gradients to account for unknown within‐feature variability and ensuring that no‐take areas are well distributed throughout the region; by setting high conservation objectives that (in this case >33%) maximize the chances of capturing unknown features incidentally; and by carefully considering the designation of cost to planning units when using decision‐support tools for reserve design. The lessons learned from incidental representation in the Great Barrier Reef have implications for conservation planning in other regions, particularly those that lack detailed environmental and ecological data.
Credibility and advocacy in conservation science
Authors: Horton Cristi C. , Peterson Tarla Rai , Banerjee Paulami , Peterson Markus J.
Published: June 2015

Conservation policy sits at the nexus of natural science and politics. On the one hand, conservation scientists strive to maintain scientific credibility by emphasizing that their research findings are the result of disinterested observations of reality. On the other hand, conservation scientists are committed to conservation even if they do not advocate a particular policy. The professional conservation literature offers guidance on negotiating the relationship between scientific objectivity and political advocacy without damaging conservation science's credibility. The value of this guidance, however, may be restricted by limited recognition of credibility's multidimensionality and emergent nature: it emerges through perceptions of expertise, goodwill, and trustworthiness. We used content analysis of the literature to determine how credibility is framed in conservation science as it relates to apparent contradictions between science and advocacy. Credibility typically was framed as a static entity lacking dimensionality. Authors identified expertise or trustworthiness as important, but rarely mentioned goodwill. They usually did not identify expertise, goodwill, or trustworthiness as dimensions of credibility or recognize interactions among these 3 dimensions of credibility. This oversimplification may limit the ability of conservation scientists to contribute to biodiversity conservation. Accounting for the emergent quality and multidimensionality of credibility should enable conservation scientists to advance biodiversity conservation more effectively.
Knowledge co‐production and boundary work to promote implementation of conservation plans
Authors: Nel Jeanne L. , Roux Dirk J. , Driver Amanda , Hill Liesl , Maherry Ashton C. , Snaddon Kate , Petersen Chantel R. , Smith‐Adao Lindie B. , Van Deventer Heidi , Reyers Belinda
Published: June 2015

Knowledge co‐production and boundary work offer planners a new frame for critically designing a social process that fosters collaborative implementation of resulting plans. Knowledge co‐production involves stakeholders from diverse knowledge systems working iteratively toward common vision and action. Boundary work is a means of creating permeable knowledge boundaries that satisfy the needs of multiple social groups while guarding the functional integrity of contributing knowledge systems. Resulting products are boundary objects of mutual interest that maintain coherence across all knowledge boundaries. We examined how knowledge co‐production and boundary work can bridge the gap between planning and implementation and promote cross‐sectoral cooperation. We applied these concepts to well‐established stages in regional conservation planning within a national scale conservation planning project aimed at identifying areas for conserving rivers and wetlands of South Africa and developing an institutional environment for promoting their conservation. Knowledge co‐production occurred iteratively over 4 years in interactive stake‐holder workshops that included co‐development of national freshwater conservation goals and spatial data on freshwater biodiversity and local conservation feasibility; translation of goals into quantitative inputs that were used in Marxan to select draft priority conservation areas; review of draft priority areas; and packaging of resulting map products into an atlas and implementation manual to promote application of the priority area maps in 37 different decision‐making contexts. Knowledge co‐production stimulated dialogue and negotiation and built capacity for multi‐scale implementation beyond the project. The resulting maps and information integrated diverse knowledge types of over 450 stakeholders and represented >1000 years of collective experience. The maps provided a consistent national source of information on priority conservation areas for rivers and wetlands and have been applied in 25 of the 37 use contexts since their launch just over 3 years ago. When framed as a knowledge co‐production process supported by boundary work, regional conservation plans can be developed into valuable boundary objects that offer a tangible tool for multi‐agency cooperation around conservation. Our work provides practical guidance for promoting uptake of conservation science and contributes to an evidence base on how conservation efforts can be improved.
Understanding Farmer Decision Making in Northern Lao PDR
Authors: Roberts Michelle S.
Published: June 2015

Everyday farmers in upland Laos negotiate and strategize a sea of constraints to try to feed their families. Through the use of ranking, participant observation, and semi‐structured interviews, this article examines farmer decision‐making environments in Northern Lao PDR where the political ecology of the country greatly undermines development efforts on every level. Government agendas limit farmer access to land while development projects and corruption exploit upland resources. Laos' historically embedded system of patronage and socio‐ethnic hierarchy benefit the rich at the expense of the rural, ethnic minority poor. Work culture, ethnic background, gender, and stakeholder interests influence crop preferences and farming patterns. Farmers consider geography, physical environment, lack of infrastructure, and market access. Though a state‐sanctioned agricultural transition from subsistence to cash crop farming is under way, the state's commitment to this development scheme is in question.
From ‘Closing the Gap’ to an Ethics of Affirmation. Reconceptualising the Role of Early Childhood Services in Times of Uncertainty
Authors: Urban Mathias
Published: June 2015

In this article, I offer a critical enquiry into the landscape of European and international policy approaches and strategies towards young children, their families and communities in a rapidly changing global context. Early childhood has attracted unprecedented attention among policy makers and international bodies in the last two decades. The apparent consensus about the ‘need to increase participation in early childhood education and care’ has been framed mainly by a ‘human capital’ discourse that promises high returns on investment in early intervention, and social cohesion through increased educational achievement. While members of the early childhood research and practice community have welcomed (or actively contributed to) this argument in order to raise visibility and support, questions arise whether policies and practices grounded in this logic are appropriate and make a difference in the lives of children and families, especially those from marginalised backgrounds. Drawing on experiences from recent European and international research projects, this article argues that early childhood policies that aim at ‘closing the gap’ between children from marginalised and dominant groups in society are grounded in a logic of integration and assimilation into an assumed normality that no longer exists. Instead, marginalisation, hyper‐diversity, inequality and fragmentation have become the defining feature of all societies. Against this background, the article explores possibilities and strategies for developing ‘competent systems’ for all children, families and communities that are based on democratic practices, recognition and affirmation.
Intraspecific variation of a dominant grass and local adaptation in reciprocal garden communities along aUSGreat Plains' precipitation gradient: implications for grassland restoration with climate change
Authors: Johnson Loretta C. , Olsen Jacob T. , Tetreault Hannah , DeLaCruz Angel , Bryant Johnny , Morgan Theodore J. , Knapp Mary , Bello Nora M. , Baer Sara G. , Maricle Brian R.
Published: June 2015

Identifying suitable genetic stock for restoration often employs a ‘best guess’ approach. Without adaptive variation studies, restoration may be misguided. We test the extent to which climate in centralUSgrasslands exerts selection pressure on a foundation grass big bluestem (Andropogon gerardii), widely used in restorations, and resulting in local adaptation. We seeded three regional ecotypes ofA. gerardiiin reciprocal transplant garden communities across 1150 km precipitation gradient. We measured ecological responses over several timescales (instantaneous gas exchange, medium‐term chlorophyll absorbance, and long‐term responses of establishment and cover) in response to climate and biotic factors and tested if ecotypes could expand range. The ecotype from the driest region exhibited greatest cover under low rainfall, suggesting local adaptation under abiotic stress. Unexpectedly, no evidence for cover differences between ecotypes exists at mesic sites where establishment and cover of all ecotypes were low, perhaps due to strong biotic pressures. Expression of adaptive differences is strongly environment specific. Given observed adaptive variation, the most conservative restoration strategy would be to plant the local ecotype, especially in drier locations. With superior performance of the most xeric ecotype under dry conditions and predicted drought, this ecotype may migrate eastward, naturally or with assistance in restorations.
The genetic influences on oxycodone response characteristics in human experimental pain
Authors: Olesen Anne E. , Sato Hiroe , Nielsen Lecia M. , Staahl Camilla , Droney Joanne , Gretton Sophy , Branford Ruth , Drewes Asbjørn M. , Arendt‐Nielsen Lars , Riley Julia , Ross Joy
Published: June 2015

Human experimental pain studies are of value to study basic pain mechanisms under controlled conditions. The aim of this study was to investigate whether genetic variation across selected mu‐, kappa‐ and delta‐opioid receptor genes (OPRM1, OPRK1and OPRD1, respectively) influenced analgesic response to oxycodone in healthy volunteers. Experimental multimodal, multitissue pain data from previously published studies carried out in Caucasian volunteers were used. Data on thermal skin pain tolerance threshold (PTT) (n = 37), muscle pressure PTT (n = 31), mechanical visceral PTT (n = 43) and thermal visceral PTT (n = 41) were included. Genetic associations with pain outcomes were explored. Nineteen opioid receptor genetic polymorphisms were included in this study. Variability in oxycodone response to skin heat was associated with OPRM1 single‐nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) rs589046 (P < 0.0001) and rs563649 (P < 0.0001). Variability in oxycodone response to visceral pressure was associated with four OPRM1 SNPs: rs589046 (P = 0.015), rs1799971 (P = 0.045), rs9479757 (P = 0.009) and rs533586 (P = 0.046). OPRM1 SNPs were not associated with oxycodone visceral heat threshold, however, one OPRD1 rs419335 reached significance (P = 0.015). Another OPRD1 SNP rs2234918 (P = 0.041) was associated with muscle pressure. There were no associations with OPRK1 SNPs and oxycodone response for any of the pain modalities. Associations were found between analgesic effects of oxycodone and OPRM1 and OPRD1 SNPs; therefore, variation in opioid receptor genes may partly explain responder characteristics to oxycodone.
Transferring from the poor to the rich: Examining regressive redistribution inChinese social insurance programmes
Authors: Liu Junqiang , Liu Kai , Huang Yunong
Published: June 2015

Social insurance promotes progressive redistribution through risk pooling and cross‐subsidy. However, inChina, risks and protection are mismatched, with benefits and protection accruing to the privileged while high‐risk groups are inadequately protected. This article reports on a study of the sources of regressive redistribution inChinese pension, health and unemployment insurance programmes, and discusses the possible cause of this redistribution paradox. It argues that the government has adopted different strategies for welfare reform towards different socioeconomic groups. For the core groups, such as public employees, reform has been characterised by replacing old programmes with new (i.e., a replacement strategy). For marginal groups, the government has handed off its responsibilities to individuals and the market (a retrenchment strategy). This political pecking order of welfare reform is the cause of distorted distributional outcomes. As social policy programmes continue to spread in developing countries,China's case illustrates that they may reinforce existing disparities rather than realise progressive redistribution, risk management and social inclusion.
Thiostrepton interacts covalently with Rpt subunits of the 19S proteasome and proteasome substrates
Authors: Sandu Cristinel , Chandramouli Nagaranjan , Glickman Joseph Fraser , Molina Henrik , Kuo Chueh‐Ling , Kukushkin Nikolay , Goldberg Alfred L. , Steller Hermann
Published: May 2015

Here, we report a novel mechanism of proteasome inhibition mediated by Thiostrepton (Thsp), which interacts covalently with Rpt subunits of the 19S proteasome and proteasome substrates. We identified Thsp in a cell‐based high‐throughput screen using a fluorescent reporter sensitive to degradation by the ubiquitin–proteasome pathway. Thiostrepton behaves as a proteasome inhibitor in several paradigms, including cell‐based reporters, detection of global ubiquitination status, and proteasome‐mediated labile protein degradation. In vitro, Thsp does not block the chymotrypsin activity of the 26S proteasome. In a cell‐based IκBα degradation assay, Thsp is a slow inhibitor and 4 hrs of treatment achieves the same effects as MG‐132 at 30 min. We show that Thsp forms covalent adducts with proteins in human cells and demonstrate their nature by mass spectrometry. Furthermore, the ability of Thsp to interact covalently with the cysteine residues is essential for its proteasome inhibitory function. We further show that a Thsp modified peptide cannot be degraded by proteasomes in vitro. Importantly, we demonstrate that Thsp binds covalently to Rpt subunits of the 19S regulatory particle and forms bridges with a proteasome substrate. Taken together, our results uncover an important role of Thsp in 19S proteasome inhibition.
Predictors of post‐partum stress in Vietnamese immigrant women in Taiwan
Authors: Lee Li‐Chun , Hung Chich‐Hsiu
Published: June 2015

Aim

The post‐partum period is a stressful time of change, particularly for immigrant women, but, to the best of the present authors' knowledge, the subject has not been explored. This study aimed to examine immigrant women's post‐partum stress, depression, and levels of social support, and to determine the predictors of post‐partum stress for Vietnamese immigrant women in Taiwan.

Methods

A cross‐sectional design was used. In this descriptive survey, 208 Vietnamese immigrant women were telephone interviewed by a trained Vietnamese research assistant during one of their 6 weeks post‐partum. Data were collected through telephone interviews using three questionnaires, including the Hung Postpartum Stress Scale, Beck Depression Inventory, and Social Support Scale.

Results

The result shows that Vietnamese women had low level post‐partum stress scores. Participants' family support rated higher than friend support. The incidence of depression was 0.5%. Social support, number of post‐partum days, and family income were found to be predictors for post‐partum stress, accounting for 26.6% of the variance. The Vietnamese immigrant women experienced significant stress regarding their maternal roles and received most of their support from their families rather than from friends.

Conclusion

Nurses caring for this cohort should therefore consider these factors in order to help them cope with their post‐partum stress. Healthcare providers should offer available resources to these immigrant women and their spouses during this critical period in their lives. For instance, antenatal education classes could be provided to help immigrant women manage and overcome post‐partum issues.
Association between apolipoprotein A‐IV concentrations and chronic kidney disease in two large population‐based cohorts: results from the KORA studies
Authors: Stangl S. , Kollerits B. , Lamina C. , Meisinger C. , Huth C. , Stöckl A. , Dähnhardt D. , Böger C. A. , Krämer B. K. , Peters A. , Kronenberg F.
Published: June 2015

Background

Apolipoprotein A‐IV (apoA‐IV) is an anti‐atherogenic and antioxidative glycoprotein. Plasma apoA‐IV levels are elevated in patients with primary chronic kidney disease (CKD) or renal failure. The association between apoA‐IV and kidney function has not been investigated in the general population; therefore, we analysed this relationship in two large population‐based cohorts.

Methods

Plasma apoA‐IV concentrations were measured in the Cooperative Health Research in the Region of Augsburg (KORA) F3 (n = 3159) and KORA F4 (n = 3061) studies. CKD was defined by the serum creatinine‐estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) and/or urine albumin‐to‐creatinine ratio.

Results

Mean (±SD) apoA‐IV concentration was 17.3 ± 4.7 mg dL−1 in KORA F3 and 15.3 ± 4.3 mg dL−1 in KORA F4. Fully adjusted linear mixed models revealed a significant association between apoA‐IV concentration and lower eGFR in the third and fourth versus the first quartile of apoA‐IV (β = −1.78 mL min−1/1.73 m², P = 0.0003 and β = −5.09 mL min−1/1.73 m², P = 2.83 × 10–23, respectively). ApoA‐IV was significantly associated with an eGFR of <60 mL min−1/1.73 m², which was observed in 601 of the 6220 study participants [odds ratio (OR) 1.46, P = 0.03 and OR 3.47, P = 6.84 × 10−15 for the third and fourth vs. the first quartile of apoA‐IV, respectively]. Adding apoA‐IV (fourth vs. first quartile) to the fully adjusted model significantly improved discrimination of eGFR <60 mL min−1/1.73 m² in KORA F3 [integrated discrimination improvement (IDI) 0.03, P = 1.30 × 10−7] and KORA F4 (IDI 0.04, P = 1.32 × 10−9) beyond classical risk factors for CKD.

Conclusion

The present analysis in two population‐based cohorts revealed that high plasma apoA‐IV concentrations are strongly associated with low kidney function defined by eGFR independent of major CKD risk factors. ApoA‐IV appears to be an early marker of impaired kidney function.
Understanding readers' differing understandings
Authors: Kucer Stephen B.
Published: June 2015

This research examines the characteristics of reader understandings that vary from those stated in the text. Eighty‐seven fourth graders orally read complex academic literary and scientific texts, followed by probed retellings. Retold ideas not directly supported by, or reflective of, the texts were identified. These differing understandings served as a foundation for the development of a taxonomy that classified them by type: conflation, conceptual knowledge, text/rhetorical structure, lexical knowledge, cause/effect, extension, association and misremembering. Approximately 60% of the differing understandings across the texts were conflations and extensions. However, particular texts did reflect particular types of differing understandings. In general, differing understandings were found to be reflective of the very active nature of the comprehension process. These meanings serve as a challenge to the current emphasis on close reading and the generation of text‐based meanings because the natural consequence of such activity are differing understandings.
Sustainability of A Pay‐as‐you‐Go Pension System in A Small Open Economy with Ageing, Human Capital and Endogenous Fertility
Authors: Stauvermann Peter J. , Kumar Ronald R.
Published: June 2015

The aim of the article is to theoretically investigate if a pay‐as‐you‐go (PAYG) pension system is sustainable in the presence of a declining population and increasing longevity of the retired generation. For this purpose, we use an overlapping generation model with endogenous fertility, endogenous longevity and human capital accumulation in a small open economy. We find that pensions will always increase as long as it is beneficial for parents to invest in human capital. Furthermore, we get the result that the ratio between pension benefits and the consumption of the young generation will strive to a positive limit value, and that a pure PAYG pension system will not run into any solvency problem due to a decreasing fertility rate or ageing.
A family empowerment program for families having children with thalassemia, Thailand
Authors: Wacharasin Chintana , Phaktoop Maneerat , Sananreangsak Siriyupa
Published: June 2015

The purpose of this quasi‐experimental design study was to examine the effectiveness of a family empowerment program (FEP) on family functioning and empowerment among 56 families having children with thalassemia. The 26 families in the experimental group received the FEP and usual care, while 30 families in the control group received usual care. Data collection occurred through family functioning and empowerment questionnaires. Between‐group differences were tested with t‐tests and analysis of variance. The result revealed that family caregivers who participated in the FEP had significantly increased family functioning and empowerment scores over time. The FEP can be used as a powerful intervention for assisting families and children with thalassemia and the education of health professionals.
Maize maintains growth in response to decreased nitrate supply through a highly dynamic and developmental stage‐specific transcriptional response
Authors: Plett Darren , Baumann Ute , Schreiber Andreas W. , Holtham Luke , Kalashyan Elena , Toubia John , Nau John , Beatty Mary , Rafalski Antoni , Dhugga Kanwarpal S. , Tester Mark , Garnett Trevor , Kaiser Brent N.
Published: June 2015

Elucidation of the gene networks underlying the response to N supply and demand will facilitate the improvement of the N uptake efficiency of plants. We undertook a transcriptomic analysis of maize to identify genes responding to both a non‐growth‐limiting decrease in provision and to development‐based N demand changes at seven representative points across the life cycle. Gene co‐expression networks were derived by cluster analysis of the transcript profiles. The majority of ‐responsive transcription occurred at 11 (D11), 18 (D18) and 29 (D29) days after emergence, with differential expression predominating in the root at D11 and D29 and in the leaf at D18. A cluster of 98 probe sets was identified, the expression pattern of which is similar to that of the high‐affinity transporter (NRT2) genes across the life cycle. The cluster is enriched with genes encoding enzymes and proteins of lipid metabolism and transport, respectively. These are candidate genes for the response of maize to N supply and demand. Only a few patterns of differential gene expression were observed over the entire life cycle; however, the composition of the classes of the genes differentially regulated at individual time points was unique, suggesting tightly controlled regulation of ‐responsive gene expression.
Identification and validation of a quantitative trait locus associated with wheat yellow mosaic virus pathotype I resistance in a Japanese wheat variety
Authors: Kojima Hisayo , Nishio Zenta , Kobayashi Fuminori , Saito Mika , Sasaya Takahide , Kiribuchi‐Otobe Chikako , Seki Masako , Oda Shunsuke , Nakamura Toshiki
Published: June 2015

Yellow mosaic disease, caused by wheat yellow mosaic virus (WYMV), is one of the most serious diseases of winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) in Japan. The three pathotypes of WYMV are distributed in different geographical areas: pathotype I is found mainly in western and central Japan (Kanto), pathotype II in northern Japan (Tohoku and Hokkaido) and pathotype III on the southern island of Japan (Kyushu). A total of 246 doubled‐haploid (DH) lines, derived from a cross between ‘Yumechikara’ (resistant) and ‘Kitahonami’ (susceptible), were evaluated for 2 years for their resistance to WYMV pathotype I. A single major quantitative trait locus, Q.Ymym, mapping to chromosome 2D was associated with resistance to pathotype I in ‘Yumechikara’. This is the first time a QTL responsible for pathotype I resistance has been identified. Fine mapping of Q.Ymym indicated that it was on a tight linkage block originating from ‘Yumechikara’, and the markers associated with this block will accelerate the development of varieties resistant to WYMV pathotype I.
Controls of the quantum yield and saturation light of isoprene emission in different‐aged aspen leaves
Authors: Niinemets Ülo , Sun Zhihong , Talts Eero
Published: June 2015

Leaf age alters the balance between the use of end‐product of plastidic isoprenoid synthesis pathway, dimethylallyl diphosphate (DMADP), in prenyltransferase reactions leading to synthesis of pigments of photosynthetic machinery and in isoprene synthesis, but the implications of such changes on environmental responses of isoprene emission have not been studied. Because under light‐limited conditions, isoprene emission rate is controlled by DMADP pool size (SDMADP), shifts in the share of different processes are expected to particularly strongly alter the light dependency of isoprene emission. We examined light responses of isoprene emission in young fully expanded, mature and old non‐senescent leaves of hybrid aspen (Populus tremula x P. tremuloides) and estimated in vivo SDMADP and isoprene synthase activity from post‐illumination isoprene release. Isoprene emission capacity was 1.5‐fold larger in mature than in young and old leaves. The initial quantum yield of isoprene emission (αI) increased by 2.5‐fold with increasing leaf age primarily as the result of increasing SDMADP. The saturating light intensity (QI90) decreased by 2.3‐fold with increasing leaf age, and this mainly reflected limited light‐dependent increase of SDMADP possibly due to feedback inhibition by DMADP. These major age‐dependent changes in the shape of the light response need consideration in modelling canopy isoprene emission.
Using CBPR to Assess Client Needs at a Social Service Agency
Authors: Amendola Mary Grace , Nazario Noelia , Sanchez Veronica
Published: June 2015

Community‐based participatory research (CBPR) has become an important research approach for universities to partner with social service agencies by uniting them in project design, planning, implementation, and evaluation.

Objectives

This study involved FOCUS, an urban social service agency, and Rutgers College of Nursing (RUCON) collaboratively conducting a needs assessment to compare the health needs of its clients and their employees' perception of their clients health needs, utilizing CBPR.

Design

Qualitative data was collected using the focus group method, field notes, photographs, and observation. The employees of FOCUS facilitated focus groups, participant recruitment, and transcribed and translated data.

Results

Three themes emerged: Health Education, Cost of Health Care, and Barriers to Health Care.

Conclusion

This study contributes to the growing body of knowledge of integrating the CBPR approach when conducting a community needs assessment with a social service agency. The CBPR approach closely reflects the identified health needs of its clients resulting in interventions that will meet their specific health needs.