bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
THE COPYING OF UPRIGHT AND TILTED SQUARES BY SWAZI CHILDREN AND ADULTS
Authors: Broderick Pia , Laszlo Judith I.
Published: January 2013

Children aged 5–12, and adults from a rural area of Swaziland, along with urban based adults were assessed on their copying ability for a square orientated in two ways, squarely and obliquely; and under five different conditions. The children and rural adults experienced significant difficulties in copying the obliquely orientated shape, while the urban adults produced the shape without difficulty, although they all easily perceived the shapes and programmed the required movements. The results indicate that the process of planning the fine movements for drawing is learned, improves with age, and practice is necessary. Where planning is more complex, in the production and combination of oblique lines, it appears that the lack of practice in Swazi rural schools, and generally little requirement to use the skills, results in a delay of those particular drawing abilities.
A TEST OF SHAVELSON'S HIERARCHICAL MULTIFACETED SELF‐CONCEPT MODEL IN A FILIPINO COLLEGE SAMPLE
Authors: Watkins David , Fleming James S. , Alfon Maria Carmen A.
Published: January 2013

Shavelson's hierarchical, multifaceted self‐concept model (HMFM) has proven useful to educational and psychological researchers. The reliability and factorial validity of a well‐known HMFM instrument ‐ the Fleming‐Courtney Self‐Rating Scales (SRS) ‐ were examined for a sample of 198 Filipino college students. Confirmatory factor analysis compared six structural models. A six‐factor, oblique model that included two social factors (Social Acceptance and Social Anxiety) fit the data best, and a second‐order factor analysis supported the hierarchical structure of the SRS. The men were significantly higher than the women on three self‐concept scales, but the only large effect was for Physical Abilities, consistent with findings in a U.S. college sample. Results provided some support for the utility of both the SRS and HMFM for Filipinos.
TURKISH STUDENTs' SELF CONCEPTS AND REFLECTED APPRAISALS OF SIGNIFICANT OTHERS
Authors: Hortaçsu Nuran
Published: January 2013

It was argued that self concept, being a social construct, should be investigated with instruments developed within the culture studied. A measure based on self descriptions of Turkish students was used to investigate self concepts of Turkish adolescents. Two subsamples of subjects reported on parents' and friends'/strangers' reflected appraisals respectively in addition to ideal self concepts. Regression analyses performed on data from male and female subsamples reporting on parents' reflected appraisals revealed that mothers' reflected appraisals were significant predictors for both sexes, whereas fathers' reflected appraisals and ideal self concepts were significant for females and males respectively. Regression analyses performed on the second subsample demonstrated that friends' and strangers' reflected appraisals were significant for both males and females. Ideal self concept was a significant predictor for males but not for females. Analyses of variance (Sex × Age × SES) revealed that females reported more positive self concepts than males. Significant effects of Age and SES also emerged.

Il est proposé que le concept de soi, en tant que structure sociale, soit étudié avec des instruments conçus spécialement pour une culture particulière. Un instrument de mesure, basé sur les auto‐évaluations d'étudiants turcs, a été utilisé pour examiner le concept de soi chez des adolescents turcs. Deux échantillons de sujets ont présenté, respectivement, des rapports concernant les évaluations réfléchies de leurs parents, ou d'amis et d'étrangers, en měme temps que des concepts de soi idéaux. Des analyses de régression réalisées à partir des données recueillies auprès de sous‐échantillons d'hommes et de femmes livrant des évaluations réfléchies de leurs parents ont révélé que les évaluations réfléchies des mères étaient des prédicteurs significatifs pour les deux sexes; d'autre part, les évaluations réfléchies des pères, ainsi que les concepts de soi idéaux, permettaient, respectivement, l'obtention de résultats significatifs pour les femmes et les hommes. Des analyses de régression réalisées à partir du deuxième sous‐échantillon ont démontré que les évaluations réfléchies des amis et des étrangers étaient significatives à la fois pour les hommes et les femmes. Par ailleurs, le concept de soi idéal était un prédicteur significatif pour les hommes, mais pas pour les femmes. Des analyses de variance (sexe × âge × statut socio‐économique) ont révélé que les femmes rapportent des concepts de soi plus positifs que les hommes. L'âge et le statut socio‐économique ont également livré des différences significatives.
COGNITIVE EFFECTS OF LOGO AMONG BLACK AND WHITE ZIMBABWEAN GIRLS AND BOYS
Authors: Mundy‐Castle A.C. , Wilson D.J. , Sibanda P.S. , Sibanda J.S.
Published: January 2013

The cognitive effects of LOGO were examined among 11–12‐year‐old black and white Zimbabwean girls and boys. Fifty‐two experimental group children were exposed to a BBC LOGO programme with a screen turtle. Forty‐one control group children received no exposure to computers at school. Pre‐tests on four WISC‐R subscales were held in January, 1987 and post‐tests on the same four WISC‐R subscales were held in November/December, 1987. The data were analyzed with multivariate analysis of covariance, using pre‐test scores as the covariate. The results suggested that children in the experimental group did better on the WISC‐R Arithmetic scale and that black girls exposed to LOGO showed particular gains in spatial reasoning, as measured by the WISC‐R Block Design scale. It is concluded that LOGO appears to facilitate cognitive growth. Methodological limitations of the present study are discussed and suggestions for future research are presented.
MORAL DEVELOPMENT OF CHINESE STUDENTS IN HONG KONG
Authors: Hau Kit‐Tai , Lew William J.F.
Published: January 2013

The Defining Issues Test (DIT) of moral judgment by Rest was administered to 242 Chinese secondary school and university students in Hong Kong. Metric unfolding analysis on the stage scores of different groups of both sexes and various educational levels revealed that the moral development of the Chinese students were in agreement with Kohlberg's major distinctions of preconventional, conventional and postconventional levels. The sequence of stage development within the same level (e.g., between stages 5 and 6), however, was sometimes ambiguous. Results also showed that older university students were morally more mature than the younger secondary school students in their P%, D, and stages 5 and 6 scores. The applicability of DIT in the Chinese culture and the universality of Kohlberg's 6‐stage model were generally supported.
COOPERATION, COMPETITION, INDIVIDUALISM AND INTERPERSONALISM IN JAPANESE FIFTH AND EIGHTH GRADE BOYS*
Authors: Shwalb David , Shwalb Barbara , Murata Koji
Published: January 2013

The study compared the expression of cooperation, competition, individualism and interpersonalism in Japanese youth. Forty‐two 5th grade boys and 42 8th grade boys first completed two questionnaires about cooperation/competition and group/individualized activities. Their group structure was then coded (as working in trios, in duos, or separately) as trios of boys built houses with playing cards. The experimental design crossed instructions (1) to work individually or in a group and (2) compete or do one's own best. Subjects were questioned about their awareness of, liking for and preferences for the cooperative, individualistic, and group‐centered aspects of the experimental tasks.

On orientation scales, 8th graders chose equal numbers of individualistic and group‐centered activities, while 5th graders chose more group activities. Both age groups strongly favored cooperative over competitive items. In group trials of the experiment, 8th graders tended to work alone for greater proportions of time than did 5th graders. Questionnaire data indicated that (1) 8th graders reported greater enjoyment of the individualistic aspect of the task than did 5th graders, (2) both age groups evidenced a strong sense of interpersonalism, and (3) cooperation was rated more positively than competition at both ages. The study was discussed in relation to recent studies on Japanes school socialization and cooperation/competition.
Effects of Aquarium-Related Stressors on the Zebrafish: A Comparison of Behavioral, Physiological, and Biochemical Indicators
Authors: Gronquist David , Berges John A.
Published: January 2013

Fishes in aquaria and aquaculture settings may experience a variety of stressors including crowding, different lighting, periods of food deprivation, and vibrations from sources including pumps and tapping of tank sides. The effects of such low-level chronic stress are poorly explored. We used replicate sets of six Zebrafish Danio rerio in four series of experiments to compare the effects of (1) stocking densities ranging from 0.13 to 1.2 fish/L, (2) cool white (6,500 K), warm white (4,100 K), and ultraviolet-enhanced (420 actinic) fluorescent lighting, (3) food deprivation for up to 9 d, and (4) random mechanical tapping on the tank side sufficient to induce a startle response on specific behaviors (fin display, body fluttering, aggression, mouth gaping, and chattering), dissolved cortisol released into aquarium water (collected on a chromatography column and analyzed with an immunoassay), and heat-shock proteins (HSPs 27, 40, 60, and 70) detected immunochemically in western blots of muscle tissue. Of all the treatments, only food deprivation resulted in significant differences between control and treatment fish; dissolved cortisol declined after 120 h of starvation and HSP40 and HSP60 in muscle tissue increased significantly after 216 h. High variability in behaviors and HSP measurements was noted within all controls and treatments, suggesting that effects of treatments were experienced unequally by individuals within a treatment. Social stressors resulting from dominance hierarchies may play a critical role in modifying the effects of aquarium and aquaculture stressors on captive fish.

Received March 14, 2012; accepted November 4, 2012
Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome protein–mediated actin dynamics control type-I interferon production in plasmacytoid dendritic cells
Authors: Prete Francesca , Catucci Marco , Labrada Mayrel , Gobessi Stefania , Castiello Maria Carmina , Bonomi Elisa , Aiuti Alessandro , Vermi William , Cancrini Caterina , Metin Ayse , Hambleton Sophie , Bredius Robbert , Notarangelo Luigi Daniele , van der Burg Mirjam , Kalinke Ulrich , Villa Anna , Benvenuti Federica
Published: January 2013

Mutations in Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome (WAS) protein (WASp), a regulator of actin dynamics in hematopoietic cells, cause WAS, an X-linked primary immunodeficiency characterized by recurrent infections and a marked predisposition to develop autoimmune disorders. The mechanisms that link actin alterations to the autoimmune phenotype are still poorly understood. We show that chronic activation of plasmacytoid dendritic cells (pDCs) and elevated type-I interferon (IFN) levels play a role in WAS autoimmunity. WAS patients display increased expression of type-I IFN genes and their inducible targets, alteration in pDCs numbers, and hyperresponsiveness to TLR9. Importantly, ablating IFN-I signaling in WASp null mice rescued chronic activation of conventional DCs, splenomegaly, and colitis. Using WASp-deficient mice, we demonstrated that WASp null pDCs are intrinsically more responsive to multimeric agonist of TLR9 and constitutively secrete type-I IFN but become progressively tolerant to further stimulation. By acute silencing of WASp and actin inhibitors, we show that WASp-mediated actin polymerization controls intracellular trafficking and compartmentalization of TLR9 ligands in pDCs restraining exaggerated activation of the TLR9–IFN-α pathway. Together, these data highlight the role of actin dynamics in pDC innate functions and imply the pDC–IFN-α axis as a player in the onset of autoimmune phenomena in WAS disease.
Surveillance of Hospital-Acquired Central Line–Associated Bloodstream Infections in Pediatric Hematology-Oncology Patients Lessons Learned, Challenges Ahead
Authors: Gaur Aditya H. , Bundy David G. , Gao Cuilan , Werner Eric J. , Billett Amy L. , Hord Jeff D. , Siegel Jane D. , Dickens David , Winkle Cindi , Miller Marlene R. ,   Children's Hospital Association Hematology-Oncology Quality Transformation Collaborative Project
Published: January 2013

Across 36 US pediatric oncology centers, 576 central line-associated bloodstream infections (CLABSIs) were reported over a 21-month period. Most infections occurred in those with leukemia and/or profound neutropenia. The contribution of viridans streptococci infections was striking. Study findings depict the contemporary epidemiology of CLABSIs in hospitalized pediatric cancer patients.
Conservation Auctions: Should Information about Environmental Benefits Be Made Public?
Authors: Glebe Thilo W.
Published: January 2013

Most bid evaluation systems in conservation auctions consider both the proposed payment and the environmental attributes. When auctioneers have a more comprehensive understanding of the conservation benefits than bidders do, information becomes a central element of the auction design. Concealing information about conservation benefits may be the optimal strategy when entry decisions are not relevant. However, disclosing information may motivate landholders whose lands are associated with high environmental benefits to participate in an auction. The present study demonstrates that revealing information about conservation benefits can be an optimal strategy if it enhances an auction's participation rate when bid acceptance rates are high.
An Analysis of Selectivity in the Productivity Evaluation of Biotechnology: An Application to Corn
Authors: Shi Guanming , Chavas Jean-Paul , Lauer Joseph , Nolan Elizabeth
Published: January 2013

We investigate selectivity bias in the evaluation of biotech hybrid productivity. The analysis is applied to experimental data on Wisconsin corn yields from 1990 to 2010. Relying on a Heckman‐like factor that accounts for selectivity, we find evidence of selection bias, indicating that some of the observed yield advantage associated with GM hybrids can be attributed to their conventional genes. We document how the rising market concentration of biotech firms has contributed to increasing selectivity bias in corn yield. The impact, however, is offset by the negative effect of the rising adoption rate of GM corn on selectivity bias.
Extracting 3D cell parameters from dense tissue environments: application to the development of the mouse heart
Authors: Pop Sorin , Dufour Alexandre C. , Le Garrec Jean-François , Ragni Chiara V. , Cimper Clémire , Meilhac Sigolène M. , Olivo-Marin Jean-Christophe
Published: January 2013

Motivation: In developmental biology, quantitative tools to extract features from fluorescence microscopy images are becoming essential to characterize organ morphogenesis at the cellular level. However, automated image analysis in this context is a challenging task, owing to perturbations induced by the acquisition process, especially in organisms where the tissue is dense and opaque.

Results: We propose an automated framework for the segmentation of 3D microscopy images of highly cluttered environments such as developing tissues. The approach is based on a partial differential equation framework that jointly takes advantage of the nuclear and cellular membrane information to enable accurate extraction of nuclei and cells in dense tissues. This framework has been used to study the developing mouse heart, allowing the extraction of quantitative information such as the cell cycle duration; the method also provides qualitative information on cell division and cell polarity through the creation of 3D orientation maps that provide novel insight into tissue organization during organogenesis.

Availability: The proposed framework is free, open-source and available on the Icy platform (http://www.icy.bioimageanalysis.org/).

Contact:  adufour@pasteur.fr or jcolivo@pasteur.fr

Supplementary information:  Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
Characterization of Esophageal Motility Following Esophageal Atresia Repair Using High‐Resolution Esophageal Manometry
Authors: Lemoine Caroline , Aspirot Ann , Le Henaff Gaelle , Piloquet Hugues , Lévesque Dominique , Faure Christophe
Published: January 2013

Background:

Esophageal dysmotility, a considerable issue following esophageal atresia (EA) repair, has been reported but has not been precisely described and characterized. Using high‐resolution esophageal manometry (HREM), we characterized the esophageal motility patterns in children with repaired EA and compared these patterns of dysmotility with symptomatology.

Methods:

HREM was performed as an outpatient procedure in patients with repaired EA. The tracings were analyzed using the software provided by the company and were then reviewed visually. Charts were reviewed for medical/surgical histories and symptoms were assessed by a standardized questionnaire.

Results:

Forty patients (25 boys, 15 girls) with a median age of 8 years (11 months–18 years) underwent an HREM. Thirty‐five patients had type C EA and 5 had type A EA. Only 7 patients were asymptomatic at the time of the examination. HREM results were abnormal in all of the patients. Three different esophageal motility patterns were derived from HREM tracing analysis: aperistalsis (15 patients, 38%), pressurization (6 patients, 15%), and distal contractions (19 patients, 47%). Distal contractions pattern was found exclusively in type C EA. Dysphagia was encountered in the 3 groups. Gastroesophageal reflux disease‐related symptoms predominated in the aperistalsis group.

Conclusions:

HREM improves our understanding and allows precise characterization of esophageal dysmotility in patients who have undergone EA repair.
Autologous Intestinal Reconstructive Surgery to Reduce Bowel Dilatation Improves Intestinal Adaptation in Children With Short Bowel Syndrome
Authors: Almond Sarah L. , Haveliwala Zeni , Khalil Basem , Morabito Antonino
Published: January 2013

Objectives:

Intestinal failure (IF) is a common consequence of neonatal small bowel pathology. In our experience, bowel dilatation is often responsible for the IF state in patients who fail to adapt despite adequate residual bowel length. The aim of the present study was to investigate the role of surgery to reduce bowel dilatation, and thus favour PN independence, for these children.

Methods:

Data were collected prospectively for all of the patients referred to our unit for a 7‐year period (2004–2011). Eight patients (2 congenital atresia, 2 gastroschisis with atresia, 1 simple gastroschisis, 3 necrotising enterocolitis) with gut dilatation who failed adaptation despite a bowel length >40 cm were identified. Preoperatively, all patients were totally dependent on parenteral nutrition (PN). Patients were managed by longitudinal intestinal lengthening and tailoring (n = 3), serial transverse enteroplasty (n = 2), or tapering enteroplasty (n = 3).

Results:

Median age at time of surgery was 273 days (103–1059). Mean gut length increased from 51 (35–75) to 73 cm (45–120) following surgery (P = 0.02). Incidence of sepsis (P = 0.01) and peak serum bilirubin levels (P = 0.005) were reduced postoperatively. PN was discontinued after a median of 110 days (35–537) for 7 patients; 1 patient remains on PN 497 days after surgery.

Conclusions:

These data indicate that reconstructive surgery to reduce bowel diameter may be an effective technique for treating IF in patients with short bowel syndrome, without sacrificing intestinal length. We suggest that this technique may reduce the need for bowel transplantation in this group of patients.
Polyandry as a mediator of sexual selection before and after mating
Authors: Kvarnemo Charlotta , Simmons Leigh W.
Published: January 2013

The Darwin–Bateman paradigm recognizes competition among males for access to multiple mates as the main driver of sexual selection. Increasingly, however, females are also being found to benefit from multiple mating so that polyandry can generate competition among females for access to multiple males, and impose sexual selection on female traits that influence their mating success. Polyandry can reduce a male's ability to monopolize females, and thus weaken male focused sexual selection. Perhaps the most important effect of polyandry on males arises because of sperm competition and cryptic female choice. Polyandry favours increased male ejaculate expenditure that can affect sexual selection on males by reducing their potential reproductive rate. Moreover, sexual selection after mating can ameliorate or exaggerate sexual selection before mating. Currently, estimates of sexual selection intensity rely heavily on measures of male mating success, but polyandry now raises serious questions over the validity of such approaches. Future work must take into account both pre- and post-copulatory episodes of selection. A change in focus from the products of sexual selection expected in males, to less obvious traits in females, such as sensory perception, is likely to reveal a greater role of sexual selection in female evolution.
Selection on female remating interval is influenced by male sperm competition strategies and ejaculate characteristics
Authors: Alonzo Suzanne H. , Pizzari Tommaso
Published: January 2013

Female remating rate dictates the level of sperm competition in a population, and extensive research has focused on how sperm competition generates selection on male ejaculate allocation. Yet the way ejaculate allocation strategies in turn generate selection on female remating rates, which ultimately influence levels of sperm competition, has received much less consideration despite increasing evidence that both mating itself and ejaculate traits affect multiple components of female fitness. Here, we develop theory to examine how the effects of mating on female fertility, fecundity and mortality interact to generate selection on female remating rate. When males produce more fertile ejaculates, females are selected to mate less frequently, thus decreasing levels of sperm competition. This could in turn favour decreased male ejaculate allocation, which could subsequently lead to higher female remating. When remating simultaneously increases female fecundity and mortality, females are selected to mate more frequently, thus exacerbating sperm competition and favouring male traits that convey a competitive advantage even when harmful to female survival. While intuitive when considered separately, these predictions demonstrate the potential for complex coevolutionary dynamics between male ejaculate expenditure and female remating rate, and the correlated evolution of multiple male and female reproductive traits affecting mating, fertility and fecundity.
Polyandry and alternative mating tactics
Authors: Neff Bryan D. , Svensson Erik I.
Published: January 2013

Many species in the animal kingdom are characterized by alternative mating tactics (AMTs) within a sex. In males, such tactics include mate guarding versus sneaking behaviours, or territorial versus female mimicry. Although AMTs can occur in either sex, they have been most commonly described in males. This sex bias may, in part, reflect the increased opportunity for sexual selection that typically exists in males, which can result in a higher probability that AMTs evolve in that sex. Consequently, females and polyandry can play a pivotal role in governing the reproductive success associated with male AMTs and in the evolutionary dynamics of the tactics. In this review, we discuss polyandry and the evolution of AMTs. First, we define AMTs and review game theoretical and quantitative genetic approaches used to model their evolution. Second, we review several examples of AMTs, highlighting the roles that genes and environment play in phenotype expression and development of the tactics, as well as empirical approaches to differentiating among the mechanisms. Third, ecological and genetic constraints to the evolution of AMTs are discussed. Fourth, we speculate on why female AMTs are less reported on in the literature than male tactics. Fifth, we examine the effects of AMTs on breeding outcomes and female fitness, and as a source, and possibly also a consequence, of sexual conflict. We conclude by suggesting a new model for the evolution of AMTs that incorporates both environmental and genetic effects, and discuss some future avenues of research.
How multiple mating by females affects sexual selection
Authors: Shuster Stephen M. , Briggs William R. , Dennis Patricia A.
Published: January 2013

Multiple mating by females is widely thought to encourage post-mating sexual selection and enhance female fitness. We show that whether polyandrous mating has these effects depends on two conditions. Condition 1 is the pattern of sperm utilization by females; specifically, whether, among females, male mating number,m(i.e. the number of times a male mates with one or more females) covaries with male offspring number,o. Polyandrous mating enhances sexual selection only when males who are successful at multiple mating also sire most or all of each of their mates' offspring, i.e. only when Cov♂(m,o), is positive. Condition 2 is the pattern of female reproductive life-history; specifically, whether female mating number,m, covaries with female offspring number,o. Only semelparity does not erode sexual selection, whereas iteroparity (i.e. when Cov♀(m,o), is positive) always increases the variance in offspring numbers among females, which always decreases the intensity of sexual selection on males. To document the covariance between mating number and offspring number for each sex, it is necessary to assign progeny to all parents, as well as identify mating and non-mating individuals. To document significant fitness gains by females through iteroparity, it is necessary to determine the relative magnitudes of male as well as female contributions to the total variance in relative fitness. We show how such data can be collected, how often they are collected, and we explain the circumstances in which selection favouring multiple mating by females can be strong or weak.
The dynamic relationship between polyandry and selfish genetic elements
Authors: Wedell Nina
Published: January 2013

Selfish genetic elements (SGEs) are ubiquitous in eukaryotes and bacteria, and make up a large part of the genome. They frequently target sperm to increase their transmission success, but these manipulations are often associated with reduced male fertility. Low fertility of SGE-carrying males is suggested to promote polyandry as a female strategy to bias paternity against male carriers. Support for this hypothesis is found in several taxa, where SGE-carrying males have reduced sperm competitive ability. In contrast, when SGEs give rise to reproductive incompatibilities between SGE-carrying males and females, polyandry is not necessarily favoured, irrespective of the detrimental impact on male fertility. This is due to the frequency-dependent nature of these incompatibilities, because they will decrease in the population as the frequency of SGEs increases. However, reduced fertility of SGE-carrying males can prevent the successful population invasion of SGEs. In addition, SGEs can directly influence male and female mating behaviour, mating rates and reproductive traits (e.g. female reproductive tract length and male sperm). This reveals a potent and dynamic interaction between SGEs and polyandry highlighting the potential to generate sexual selection and conflict, but also indicates that polyandry can promote harmony within the genome by undermining the spread of SGEs.
Beyond promiscuity: mate-choice commitments in social breeding
Authors: Boomsma Jacobus J.
Published: January 2013

Obligate eusociality with distinct caste phenotypes has evolved from strictly monogamous sub-social ancestors in ants, some bees, some wasps and some termites. This implies that no lineage reached the most advanced form of social breeding, unless helpers at the nest gained indirect fitness values via siblings that were identical to direct fitness via offspring. The complete lack of re-mating promiscuity equalizes sex-specific variances in reproductive success. Later, evolutionary developments towards multiple queen-mating retained lifetime commitment between sexual partners, but reduced male variance in reproductive success relative to female's, similar to the most advanced vertebrate cooperative breeders. Here, I (i) discuss some of the unique and highly peculiar mating system adaptations of eusocial insects; (ii) address ambiguities that remained after earlier reviews and extend the monogamy logic to the evolution of soldier castes; (iii) evaluate the evidence for indirect fitness benefits driving the dynamics of (in)vertebrate cooperative breeding, while emphasizing the fundamental differences between obligate eusociality and cooperative breeding; (iv) infer that lifetime commitment is a major driver towards higher levels of organization in bodies, colonies and mutualisms. I argue that evolutionary informative definitions of social systems that separate direct and indirect fitness benefits facilitate transparency when testing inclusive fitness theory.
Polyandry: the history of a revolution
Authors: Parker Geoff A. , Birkhead Tim R.
Published: January 2013

We give a historic overview and critical perspective of polyandry in the context of sexual selection. Early approaches tended to obfuscate the fact that the total matings (copulations) by the two sexes is equal, neglecting female interests and that females often mate with (or receive ejaculates from) more than one male (polyandry). In recent years, we have gained much more insight into adaptive reasons for polyandry, particularly from the female perspective. However, costs and benefits of multiple mating are unlikely to be equal for males and females. These must be assessed for each partner at each potential mating between maleiand femalej, and will often be highly asymmetric. Interests ofiandjmay be in conflict, with (typically, ultimately because of primordial sex differences)ibenefitting andjlosing from mating, although theoretically the reverse can also obtain. Polyandry reduces the sex difference in Bateman gradients, and the probability of sexual conflict over mating by: (i) reducing the potential expected value of each mating to males in inverse proportion to the number of mates per female per clutch, and also often by (ii) increasing ejaculate costs through increased sperm allocation. It can nevertheless create conflict over fertilization and increase conflict over parental investment. The observed mean mating frequency for the population (and hence the degree of polyandry) is likely, at least in part, to reflect a resolution of sexual conflict. Immense diversity exists across and within taxa in the extent of polyandry, and views on its significance have changed radically, as we illustrate using avian polyandry as a case study. Despite recent criticisms, the contribution of the early pioneers of sexual selection, Darwin and Bateman, remains generally valid, and should not, therefore, be negated; as with much in science, pioneering advances are more often amplified and refined, rather than replaced with entirely new paradigms.
Sexual networks: measuring sexual selection in structured, polyandrous populations
Authors: McDonald Grant C. , James Richard , Krause Jens , Pizzari Tommaso
Published: January 2013

Sexual selection is traditionally measured at the population level, assuming that populations lack structure. However, increasing evidence undermines this approach, indicating that intrasexual competition in natural populations often displays complex patterns of spatial and temporal structure. This complexity is due in part to the degree and mechanisms of polyandry within a population, which can influence the intensity and scale of both pre- and post-copulatory sexual competition. Attempts to measure selection at the local and global scale have been made through multi-level selection approaches. However, definitions of local scale are often based on physical proximity, providing a rather coarse measure of local competition, particularly in polyandrous populations where the local scale of pre- and post-copulatory competition may differ drastically from each other. These limitations can be solved by social network analysis, which allows us to define a unique sexual environment for each member of a population: ‘local scale’ competition, therefore, becomes an emergent property of a sexual network. Here, we first propose a novel quantitative approach to measure pre- and post-copulatory sexual selection, which integrates multi-level selection with information on local scale competition derived as an emergent property of networks of sexual interactions. We then use simple simulations to illustrate the ways in which polyandry can impact estimates of sexual selection. We show that for intermediate levels of polyandry, the proposed network-based approach provides substantially more accurate measures of sexual selection than the more traditional population-level approach. We argue that the increasing availability of fine-grained behavioural datasets provides exciting new opportunities to develop network approaches to study sexual selection in complex societies.
catena-Poly[[[triaqua[3-(4-carboxyphenoxy)phthalato-κO2]manganese(II)]-μ-4,4′-bipyridine-κ2N:N′] 4,4′-bipyridine monosolvate dihydrate]
Authors: Sun Wei
Published: January 2013

In the title compound, {[Mn(C15H8O7)(C10H8N2)(H2O)3]·C10H8N2·2H2O}n, the bridging mode of the coordinating 4,4′-bipyridine ligands leads to the formation of polymeric zigzag chains parallel to [0-11]. The chains are separated by 4,4′-bipyridine and water solvent molecules. Within a chain, the MnIIatom is six-coordinated by two N atoms of the bridging 4,4′-bipyridine ligands, three water O atoms and one carboxylate O atom of a single deprotonated 3-(4-carboxyphenoxy)phthalic acid ligand. Both coordinating and solvent 4,4′-bipyridine molecules are situated on centres of inversion. An intricate network of O—H...O and O—H...N hydrogen bonds involving the carboxy group, the coordinating water molecules and the two types of solvent molecules leads to the formation of a three-dimensional network.
7-Methoxy-2-phenylchroman-4-one
Authors: Piaskowska Agata , Hodorowicz Maciej , Nitek Wojciech
Published: January 2013

In the title compound, C16H14O3, the ring O atom and the two adjacent non-fused C atoms, as well as the attached phenyl ring, exhibit static disorder [occupancy ratio 0.559 (12):0.441 (12)]. The crystal packing features π–π [centroid–centroid distance = 3.912 (1) Å] and C—H...π interactions.
4-Methylpyridinium 4-hydroxybenzoate
Authors: Sudhahar S. , Krishnakumar M. , Sornamurthy B. M. , Chakkaravarthi G. , Mohankumar R.
Published: January 2013

In the crystal structure of the title salt, C6H8N+·C7H5O3−, the anions and cations are linked by classical N—H...O hydrogen bonds. The anions are connected by pairs of C—H...O hydrogen bonds into inversion dimers and further linked by classical O—H...O hydrogen bonds. Weak π–π interactions [centroid–centroid distances = 3.740 (3) and 3.855 (3) Å] also occur. The dihedral angle between the CO2−group and the benzene ring to which it is attached is 20.95 (8)°.
rac-4a,10b-cis,10b,5c-trans-5-(7-Methyl-2-oxo-2H-chromen-4-yl)-3,4,4a,5,6,10b-hexahydro-2H-pyrano[3,2-c]quinoline
Authors: Kayalvizhi M. , Vasuki G. , Samant Shriniwas D. , Sanap Kailas K.
Published: January 2013

In the racemic title compound, C22H21NO3, the nitrogen-containing ring of the pyranoquinoline moiety adopts a slightly distorted half-chair conformation and the oxygen-containing ring adopts a slightly distorted chair conformation. The benzene rings make a dihedral angle of 84.97 (8)°. In the crystal, weak C—H...O interactions link the molecules into chains extending along thea-axis direction.
Evaluation of Mechanical Properties of Tubular Materials With Hydraulic Bulge Test for Superconducting Radio Frequency (SRF) Cavities
Authors: Kim H , Sumption M , Lim H , Collings E
Published: January 2013

The plastic constitutive equation of tubular materials under hydraulic pressure needs to be determined for the successful application of hydroforming technique to the seamless fabrication of multicell superconducting radiofrequency cavities. This paper provides the empirical constitutive properties of tubular material determined by tensile and hydraulic bulge tests. During an experimental bulge test, the internal pressure, bulge height and wall thickness were continuously measured. Based on this data, the flow stress curves were calculated using an analytical model. From the obtained flow stress curves, numerical simulations were performed, and the resulting bulge heights and wall thicknesses obtained were compared with the experimental results to verify the procedure.
Role of angiotensin AT2 receptors in natriuresis: Intrarenal mechanisms and therapeutic potential
Authors: Carey Robert M , Padia Shetal H
Published: January 2013

The renin–angiotensin system is a coordinated hormonal cascade critical for the regulation of blood pressure (BP) and kidney function. Angiotensin (Ang) II, the major angiotensin effector peptide, binds to two major receptors, namely AT1 and AT2 receptors. The AT1 receptors engender antinatriuresis and raise BP, whereas AT2 receptors oppose these effects, inducing natriuresis and reducing BP.

There is high AT2 receptor expression in the adult kidney, especially in the proximal tubule. In AT2 receptor‐null mice, long‐term AngII infusion results in pressor and antinatriuretic hypersensivivity compared with responses in wild‐type mice.

The major endogenous receptor ligand for AT2 receptor‐mediated natriuretic responses appears to be des‐aspartyl1‐AngII (AngIII) instead of AngII. Recent studies have demonstrated that AngII requires metabolism to AngIII by aminopeptidase A to induce natriuresis and that inhibition of aminopeptidase N increases intrarenal AngIII and augments AngIII‐induced natriuresis.

The renal dopaminergic system is another important natriuretic pathway. Renal proximal tubule the D1 and D5 receptor subtypes (D1‐like receptors (D1LIKER)) control approximately 50% of basal sodium excretion. Recently, we have found that natriuresis induced by proximal tubule D1LIKER requires AT2 receptor activation and that D1LIKER stimulation induces recruitment of AT2 receptors to the apical plasma membrane via a cAMP‐dependent mechanism.

Initial studies using the potent AT2 receptor non‐peptide agonist Compound 21 demonstrate natriuresis in both the presence and absence of AT1 receptor blockade, indicating the therapeutic potential of this compound in fluid‐retaining states and hypertension.
Potential Role of Neutrophil Gelatinase‐Associated Lipocalin in Identifying Critically Ill Patients With Acute Kidney Injury Stage 2–3 Who Subsequently Require Renal Replacement Therapy
Authors: Tiranathanagul Khajohn , Amornsuntorn Sukgasem , Avihingsanon Yingyos , Srisawat Nattachai , Susantitaphong Paweena , Praditpornsilpa Kearkiat , Tungsanga Kriang , Eiam‐Ong Somchai
Published: January 2013

Delayed initiation of renal replacement therapy (RRT) in critically ill acute kidney injury (AKI) patients results in high mortality while too early RRT causes unnecessary risks of the treatment. Current traditional indications cannot clearly identify the appropriate time for initiating RRT. This prospective cohort study was conducted to determine the accuracy of using plasma neutrophil gelatinase‐associated lipocalin (pNGAL) and urine NGAL (uNGAL) in early identifying of the AKI patients who subsequently required RRT. Forty‐seven critically ill patients with AKI stage 2–3 who did not reach the traditional indications for RRT were enrolled in this study. The pNGAL, uNGAL, and other parameters were determined in each patient. The primary end point was RRT initiation according to the traditional indications within 3 days. The mean age of the patients was 63.0 ± 18.1 years. pNGAL could predict subsequent RRT requirements with area under ROC 0.813 (P < 0.001, 95%CI 0.66–0.90). The cut‐off point of 960 ng/mL provided sensitivity and specificity of 72.2 and 89.6%, respectively, and positive and negative predictive values of 81.25% and 83.8%, respectively. The uNGAL provided slightly lower significance of statistical parameters. The combination of pNGAL level of 960 ng/mL and APACHE II score of 20 improved statistical values. In conclusion, pNGAL is an excellent early biomarker for RRT initiation in critically ill patients with AKI stage 2–3. The pNGAL value of 960 ng/mL, alone or in combination with APACHE II score might be used as the early new indicator for early initiation of RRT in AKI stage 2–3 and this might improve patient survival.
Estimated radiation dose and image quality comparison of the scan protocols in dual‐source computed tomography coronary angiography
Authors: Karaarslan Ercan , Ulus Sıla , Bavbek Cengiz
Published: January 2013

Introduction

Radiation exposure from computed tomography coronary angiography (CTCA) is of particular concern and several techniques have been introduced to lower the radiation dose. In this study, we aimed to compare the diagnostic image quality and estimated radiation dose of the three CTCA acquisition protocols in a recently introduced second generation dual‐source computed tomography.

Methods

Two hundred consecutive subjects underwent dual‐source CTCA by using high‐pitch spiral, sequential and retrospective spiral protocols. Effective radiation dose, expressed in millisieverts, was calculated as the product of the dose‐length product times a conversion factor of 0.014. Image quality was evaluated on a per‐segment basis, with a four‐point scale.

Results

For the high‐pitch spiral, sequential and retrospective spiral protocols, mean effective radiation doses were 1.41 ± 0.56, 5.50 ± 2.06 and 7.79 ± 2.25 mSv and mean per‐subject image scores were 2.8 ± 0.7, 2.2 ± 0.8 and 2.5 ± 0.8, respectively. Radiation dose of the high‐pitch mode was significantly lower (P < 0.001) than the sequential and retrospective spiral modes, and statistical analysis for image quality revealed a significant difference between the high‐pitch spiral and the sequential modes (P < 0.05).

Conclusion

Dual‐source CTCA using high‐pitch acquisition considerably lowers radiation exposure in subjects with a low and stable heart rate and maintains good image quality, especially when the subjects have a body mass index ≤25 and a tube voltage of 80 or 100 kV is used. However, when sequential and retrospective spiral modes are used in the same device, mean radiation doses can increase roughly three and five times more, respectively.
Biodiversity as a source for synthetic domestication of useful specific traits
Authors: Rech E.L. , Arber W.
Published: January 2013

Plant and animal domestication form the foundation of agriculture. Currently, there are considerable efforts and hypotheses to understand adaptation and regulatory processes involving domestication and biodiversity organisms. Here, we propose the use of recombinant DNA as a foundation for the synthetic domestication of biodiversity traits. For example, we commented on current studies involving synthetic spider‐like fibres production in bacteria and mimicking oil seed species in genetically manipulated soybean. We suggest that this approach constitutes a sustainable and viable option for conservation and development of value‐added processes and products from biodiversity.
Political Homophily and Collaboration in Regional Planning Networks
Authors: Gerber Elisabeth R. , Henry Adam Douglas , Lubell Mark
Published: January 2013

We study the extent of political homophily—the tendency to form connections with others who are politically similar—in local governments’ decisions to participate in an important form of intergovernmental collaboration: regional planning networks. Using data from a recent survey of California planners and government officials, we develop and test hypotheses about the factors that lead local governments to collaborate within regional planning networks. We find that local governments whose constituents are similar politically, in terms of partisanship and voting behavior, are more likely to collaborate with one another in regional planning efforts than those whose constituents are politically diverse. We conclude that political homophily reduces the transaction costs associated with institutional collective action, even in settings where we expect political considerations to be minimal.
Five‐year results of surgical colorectal cancer treatment in rural Australia
Authors: Wichmann Matthias W. , Beukes Eben , Esufali Shaukat T. , Plaumann Lutz , Maddern Guy
Published: January 2013

Background

The incidence of colorectal cancer in Australia is among the highest worldwide. We investigate whether similar treatment results for colorectal cancer can be achieved in rural surgery as reported from metropolitan centres.

Methods

Retrospective analysis of prospectively collected follow‐up data in a rural surgical centre in South Australia has been carried out. Results of all patients undergoing surgical treatment for colorectal cancer are analysed, and all cancer stages and interventions over a 5‐year period are included.

Results

Five‐year survival of all patients (n = 194) treated for colorectal cancer independent of stage and cause of death was 56%, cancer‐specific 5‐year survival was 64%. Perioperative mortality was 1.7%. Overall survival was 96% in stage 1, 92% in stage 2, 58% in stage 3 and 0% for patients with metastatic disease at the time of diagnosis. Cancer‐specific survival ranged from 100% in stage 1 to 0% for patients with metastatic disease.

Conclusions

Assessment of overall and cancer‐specific survival of all patients undergoing surgery for colorectal cancer over a 5‐year time period in a rural South Australian centre shows that good long‐term results can be achieved with low perioperative mortality. These findings compare well with the results of other groups.
Perioperative complications in patients on low‐molecular‐weight heparin bridging therapy
Authors: Breen Daniel T. , Chavalertsakul Nuttaya , Paul Eldho , Gruen Russell L. , Serpell Jonathan
Published: January 2013

Background

Patients taking warfarin are often given interim anticoagulation in the perioperative period. Institutional guidelines that use low‐molecular‐weight heparin (LMWH) ‘bridging’ while the international normalized ratio (INR) is sub‐therapeutic are often based on the American College of Chest Physicians Anticoagulation Guidelines.

Purpose

This study aims to identify if patients at a tertiary referral hospital were anticoagulated in line with these guidelines, and the incidence and nature of bleeding and thromboembolic complications.

Methods

A retrospective review of the Alfred Hospital General Surgical and ‘Hospital at Home’ databases was conducted, identifying patients who underwent elective general surgical procedures and received bridging anticoagulation with enoxaparin. Demographics, indication for anticoagulation, bleeding and thromboembolism rates were recorded. Thromboembolic risk was estimated.

Results

The study identified 108 patients. Three‐quarters of all patients were anticoagulated with LMWH doses in accordance with the guidelines. Thirty of the 108 patients suffered bleeding complications. This group was younger, weighed less, received higher doses of enoxaparin and were at higher predicted risk of thromboembolism than non‐bleeding patients. Wound haematoma, rectal bleeding and intra‐abdominal bleeding were the most frequent complications. The peak time of bleeding was 3.5 days after surgery. Twelve patients returned to theatre, 13 were readmitted and 3 received blood transfusion. One patient suffered pulmonary emboli on the first post‐operative day.

Conclusion

LMWH bridging therapy when prescribed appropriately is associated with low rates of inpatient thromboembolism in elective general surgical patients within our institution, but an unexpectedly high rate of bleeding complications.