bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Epidemiology, identification and disease management of grape black rot and potentially useful metabolites of black rot pathogens for industrial applications – a review
Authors: Molitor D. , Beyer M.
Published: September 2014

Phyllosticta ampelicida (teleomorph: Guignardia bidwellii) is the fungal plant pathogen that causes black rot on grapevine. It is able to infect all green, expanding grape tissues. Black rot poses a threat to both yield and wine quality; a severe attack can virtually cause a complete crop loss. The fungus is native to North America, and was spread to Europe at the end of the 19th century. With the beginning of the 21st century, an increasing importance of the disease was observed in several European winegrowing regions. Successful black rot control strategies combine sanitary measures, cultural techniques, growing cultivars with reduced susceptibility and the use of effective fungicides. Berries are most susceptible to infections between flowering and bunch closure and consequently, fungicide applications against black rot need to focus on this period. In this paper, forecast models and decision support systems that help to achieve satisfactory control with a minimum of fungicide input are presented. Black rot in grapevine was reported to be well controlled in field experiments by a broad range of fungicide classes including quinone outside inhibitors (98 ± 3% efficacy), demethylation inhibitors (98 ± 3% efficacy) and dithiocarbamates (92 ± 7% efficacy). Average efficacies of other fungicide classes tested so far ranged from 32 to 69%; meta data on the efficacy of fungicides in numerous field trials are given. At present, black rot causes major problems primarily if vineyard management and fungicide use were reduced or abandoned. Organically managed vineyards are highly affected. Hence, site and cultivar selection as well as cultural measures are of the highest importance especially in organic viticulture. Recent studies showed that some strains formerly classified as G. bidwellii in fact belong to a distinct species (P. parthenocissi). Black rot pathogens produce some phytotoxic secondary metabolites, such as phenguignardic acid, guignardic acid, alaguignardic acid and the guignardianones A, E and F, which could stimulate the development of new herbicides of natural origin.
Distribution of Galanin and Galanin Receptor 2 in the Pre‐optic Area of the Female Guinea Pig
Authors: Hermanowicz B. , Bogus‐Nowakowska K. , Równiak M. , Żakowski W. , Wasilewska B. , Najdzion J. , Robak A.
Published: September 2014

This study describes the distribution of galanin (Gal) and galanin receptor 2 (GalR2) in the pre‐optic area (POA) of the female guinea pig. Frozen sections were undergone for a routine immunofluorescence labelling. Gal and GalR2 display immunoreactivity in all parts of the pre‐optic area. Gal shows reactivity both in perikarya and fibres, whereas GalR2 was observed only in perikarya. Gal‐ and GalR2‐immunoreactive (‐ir) perikarya were the most numerous in the medial pre‐optic area (MPA) with the highest reactivity in its dorsal part. In the median pre‐optic nucleus (MPN) and periventricular pre‐optic nucleus (PPN), only single Gal‐ and GalR2‐ir neurons were observed. The highest density of Gal‐ir fibres was revealed in the PPN and the lowest in the lateral pre‐optic area (LPA). The results of this study indicate that the distribution pattern of Gal containing neurons overlaps well with the distribution pattern of GalR2‐positive neurons, especially in the MPA. This may suggest GalR2‐dependent activity in this brain region.
The first Australian Baseline Series: Recommendations for patch testing in suspected contact dermatitis
Authors: Toholka Ryan , Wang Yi‐Shi , Tate Bruce , Tam Mei , Cahill Jennifer , Palmer Amanda , Nixon Rosemary
Published: September 2014

Background and Objectives

Patch testing is a standard diagnostic tool used in the identification of causative allergens in allergic contact dermatitis. Ongoing surveillance of rates of allergen positivity is vitally important to detect trends and allow comparisons between countries. The objective of this study was to propose the first evidence‐based Australian baseline series, based on retrospective review of our patch test data. We aimed to identify the most important and most relevant allergens in our population.

Methods

We conducted a 10‐year (2001–2010) retrospective review of data from the contact dermatitis clinic and the occupational dermatitis clinic from our institution.

Results

We patch tested 5281 patients in all. The top 20 allergens with the highest number of relevant positive patch test reactions were: fragrance mix 1: nickel, potassium dichromate, Myroxylon pereirae, formaldehyde, p‐phenylenediamine (PPD), thiuram mix, colophony (rosin), dermatophagoides mix, ammonium persulfate, quaternium‐15, cobalt chloride, methylchloroisothiazolinone or methylisothiazolinone, diazolidinylurea, epoxy resin, 1,3‐dimethylol‐5,5‐dimethyl hydantoin, Compositae mix, toluenesulfonamide formaldehyde resin, basic red 46 and imidazolidinyl urea.

Conclusion

We have elucidated the most frequent and relevant contact allergens in our patient population and used this information to construct the first Australian baseline series.
Regulatory focus as a predictor of omission bias in moral judgment: Mediating role of anticipated regrets
Authors: Chung Eun Kyoung , Kim Soo Jung , Sohn Young Woo
Published: September 2014

Omission bias occurs when people are more reluctant to accept negative consequences caused by their actions than by their inaction. Recent research on omission bias in decision‐making has found evidence for individual differences, thus indicating that some people are more likely to show omission inclination than others. The present research aims to explore the role of regulatory focus as individual difference variables in omission bias. Moreover, we examine whether anticipated regret mediates the relationship between regulatory focus and moral judgement. Moral judgement tasks utilized include: (i) moral dilemma scenarios (Study 1); and (ii) ethical scenarios embracing apparent legal rule violations (Study 2). The results of both studies show that only prevention focus is significantly related to omission bias in moral judgement. Specifically, this relationship holds regardless of the nature of the ‘omission’ (whether they are deontological or utilitarian). In addition, anticipated regret/guilt for action was found to mediate the relationship between prevention focus and omission bias. Implications and limitations are discussed based on the results of the current study.
Myopic perception of having a deadline in negotiations: An anchoring effect due to question order
Authors: Au Al K.C. , Lau Ivy Yee‐Man
Published: September 2014

In negotiations, people tend to perceive a deadline as more detrimental to themselves than to their opponents. This phenomenon is termed myopic perception. The present research proposes that myopic perception can be understood as a result of an anchoring effect due to the question order used in probing the perception of a deadline. When people estimate deal prices before rating the influence of a deadline, their judgements are anchored on their negotiation outcomes, making their perception egocentric, which leads to myopic perception. As a result, myopic perception was hypothesized to be reduced by reversing the above question order to change the respondents' judgement anchor from negotiation outcomes to negotiation procedures. In Study 1, myopic perception disappeared when participants rated the general influence of a deadline before estimating deal price in a negotiation scenario. In Study 2, pairs of participants negotiated under a tight deadline. Myopic perception of a deadline was manipulated before the negotiation. Dyads without myopic perception had a smaller discrepancy in reservation price. However, myopic perception had no effect on impasse rates or final deal prices. The results are discussed with respect to behavioural forecasting and practical implications of myopic perception.
Individualism and sociocultural adaptation: Discrimination and social capital as moderators among rural‐to‐urban migrants in China
Authors: Du Hongfei , Li Xiaoming , Lin Danhua
Published: September 2014

This study examined the associations of sociocultural adaptation with individualism and collectivism and the moderating roles of discrimination and social capital in the associations among rural‐to‐urban migrants (N = 641) in Beijing, China. Results indicated that individualism was associated with poorer adaptation for migrants reporting low perceived discrimination or low social capital. However, migrants reporting high perceived discrimination showed poorer adaptation, regardless of individualism; and migrants reporting high social capital showed better adaptation, regardless of individualism. Collectivism was not related to adaptation. Findings suggest that individualism may be detrimental to migrants’ adjustment to a collectivistic society.
Chromium chloride increases insulin‐stimulated glucose uptake in the perfused rat hindlimb
Authors: Doerner P. G. , Liao Y.‐H. , Ding Z. , Wang W. , Ivy J. L. , Bernard J. R.
Published: September 2014

Aim

To determine the effect of chromium chloride (CrCl3) on healthy skeletal muscle glucose uptake in the absence and presence of submaximal insulin using the rat hindlimb perfusion technique.

Methods

Sprague–Dawley rats were randomly assigned to an experimental group: basal (Bas), chromium chloride (Cr), submaximal insulin (sIns) or chromium chloride plus submaximal insulin (Cr‐sIns).

Results

Insulin significantly increased [H3]‐2 deoxyglucose (2‐DG) uptake in the gastrocnemius muscles. Additionally, Cr‐sIns displayed greater rates of 2‐DG uptake than sIns (Cr‐sIns 6.86 ± 0.74 μmol g h−1 vs. sIns 4.83 ± 0.42 μmol g h−1). There was no difference between Cr and Bas treatment groups. It has been speculated that chromium works to increase glucose uptake by increasing insulin signalling. We found that Akt and AS160 phosphorylation was increased in the sINS treatment group, while chromium treatment had no additional effect on Akt or AS160 phosphorylation in the absence or presence of insulin. Cr‐sIns significantly increased plasma membrane GLUT4 concentration above that of sIns (Cr‐sIns 72.22 ± 12.7%, sIns 53.4 ± 6.1%), but in the absence of insulin, chromium had no effect.

Conclusion

Exposure of healthy skeletal muscle to chromium may increase skeletal muscle insulin‐stimulated GLUT4 translocation and glucose uptake. However, these effects do not appear to result from enhanced insulin signalling proximal to AS160.
Dorsolateral prefrontal hemodynamic responses during a verbal fluency task in hypomanic bipolar disorder
Authors: Nishimura Yukika , Takahashi Katsuyoshi , Ohtani Toshiyuki , Ikeda‐Sugita Reina , Kasai Kiyoto , Okazaki Yuji
Published: September 2014

Objectives

Neuroimaging studies have suggested prefrontal dysfunction in response to cognitive activation in bipolar disorder (BD). However, its characteristics in manic states have not been well understood. Thus, we compared prefrontal hemodynamic responses during a cognitive task between hypomanic and depressive states in BD. We then longitudinally compared hypomanic and subsequent euthymic states.

Methods

The prefrontal function of 27 patients with BD (11 hypomanic and 16 depressed) and 12 age‐ and gender‐matched healthy controls (HCs) was evaluated using near‐infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) during a verbal fluency task (VFT). Hypomanic symptoms were assessed using the Young Mania Rating Scale. Among the 11 hypomanic patients, eight participated in the second NIRS measurement after their hypomanic symptoms resolved.

Results

VFT performance did not differ among hypomanic, depressed, and HC groups. Both BD groups exhibited significantly lower activation during the VFT than HCs in the broader bilateral prefrontal cortex. Hemodynamic changes in the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) in the hypomanic patients with BD were significantly larger than those in the depressed patients. In addition, hypomanic symptom severity was positively correlated with activation in the left DLPFC and frontopolar cortex in patients with BD. Follow‐up measurement of the hypomanic patients revealed that prefrontal activation was decreased after hypomanic symptoms resolved.

Conclusions

Combining cross‐sectional and longitudinal assessments, the present results suggest that prefrontal hemodynamic responses associated with cognitive activation differ between hypomanic and depressive states in BD. NIRS measurement could be a useful tool for objectively evaluating state‐dependent characteristics of prefrontal hemodynamics in BD.
Approaches to academic growth assessment
Authors: Anderman Eric M. , Gimbert Belinda , O'Connell Ann A. , Riegel Lisa
Published: September 2014

Background

There is much interest in assessing growth in student learning. Assessments of growth have important implications and affect many policy decisions at many levels.

Aims

In the present article, we review some of the different approaches to measuring growth and examine the implications of their usage.

Sample

Samples used in research on growth models typically include students enrolled in public schools that primarily serve kindergarten through the 12th grade.

Method

Definitions of growth and gain are reviewed, and five types of growth models are examined: (1) Student Gain Score Model, (2) The Covariate Adjustment Model, (3) The Student Percentile Gain Model – referred to as single‐wave value‐added models, (4) Univariate Value‐Added Response Models, and (5) Multivariate Value‐Added Response Models.

Results

Modelling approaches are vastly different, whereas Student Gain Models are mathematically and conceptually simple, Multivariate Models are highly complex.

Conclusion

Educators assessing growth must make critical decisions about measurement. The type of instrument that is selected and the type of analytic techniques selected are of great importance. Growth must be considered from technical, pedagogical, and policy perspectives.
Factors associated with the timing and onset of cannabis use and cannabis use disorder: Results from the 2007 Australian National Survey of Mental Health and Well‐Being
Authors: Butterworth Peter , Slade Tim , Degenhardt Louisa
Published: September 2014

Introduction and Aims

To investigate the predictors of both initiation of cannabis use and transition to cannabis use disorder (CUD) in a nationally representative sample using discrete‐time survival analyses.

Design and Methods

Data from a nationally representative sample of 6935 Australian adults. Retrospective data on age of first cannabis use and onset of CUD were used to construct pseudo‐longitudinal datasets and survival models used to evaluate factors associated with age of first use and time from first use to onset of CUD.

Results

The oldest cohort (born 1942–1951) had lower cannabis use than younger cohorts, with first use also occurring at an older age. Multivariable discrete‐time survival models showed other substance use, tobacco and alcohol use at very young ages, and mental disorders were associated with increased risk of cannabis use. There were 7.5% of those <65 years old at interview who had a lifetime CUD; mean time from first use to the onset of CUD was 3.3 years, with 90% of cases within eight years. Younger age of initiation and other substance use were strong predictors of the transition from use to CUD. Women with depression were more likely to develop a CUD; social phobia and panic disorder were also associated with transition from cannabis use to CUD.

Discussion and Conclusions

Patterns of cannabis use differ across birth cohorts. There are multiple factors associated with use and transition to CUD, with other substance use a strong predictor. Mental disorders also predict initiation and progression to CUD. [Butterworth P, Slade T, Degenhardt L. Factors associated with the timing and onset of cannabis use and cannabis use disorder: Results from the 2007 Australian National Survey of Mental Health and Well‐Being. Drug Alcohol Rev 2014;33:555‐563]
Influence of hybridization on niche shifts in expanding coyote populations
Authors: Thornton Daniel H. , Murray Dennis L.
Published: September 2014

Aim

The degree to which niches of species change over time or space has important implications for ecology and evolutionary biology. However, conditions that give rise to niche shifts remain poorly understood. In particular, the relative influence of release from predation or competition (change in realized niche) vs. genetically based alterations (change in fundamental niche) has received little attention. We studied niche shifts in expanding coyote (Canis latrans) populations. During expansion from their historic range, coyotes experienced marked changes in competitive regimes and also genetic changes (i.e. hybridization), and these alterations occurred unevenly across the expanding front. The goal of this study was to determine the presence and degree of niche shifts in expanding coyote populations and the potential influence of hybridization on these patterns.

Location

North America.

Methods

We developed species distribution models and compared climatic niche overlap between historic and expanding coyote populations with different levels of genetic introgression with wolves. We also developed harvest models to examine differences in how coyote and coyote hybrids responded to human disturbance and land use.

Results

Niche differentiation is most pronounced for expanding coyote populations that have experienced substantial hybridization with wolves. An examination of response curves suggests that coyotes in the north‐east may have shifted to a more wolflike niche.

Main conclusions

Hybridization or other processes that promote genetic changes in populations may be associated with niche shifts. These findings help explain why hybridization often leads to increased invasiveness, and further support the notion that genetic differentiation below the level of species can lead to niche divergence. Our results also highlight the caution needed when predicting distributional changes due to invasion or climate change, particularly among populations exposed to genetic change.
The association between congenital anomalies and autism spectrum disorders in a Finnish national birth cohort
Authors: Timonen‐Soivio Laura , Vanhala Raija , Malm Heli , Leivonen Susanna , Jokiranta Elina , Hinkka‐Yli‐Salomäki Susanna , Gissler Mika , Brown Alan S , Sourander Andre
Published: September 2014

Aim

The first aim of this study was to evaluate the association between different subgroups of autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) (childhood autism, Asperger syndrome, and pervasive developmental disorder/pervasive developmental disorder – not otherwise specified [PDD/PDD‐NOS]) and congenital anomalies. Second, we assessed the association among intellectually disabled children with ASDs in the subgroups of childhood autism and PDD/PDD‐NOS.

Method

Nationwide population‐based register data for children with a diagnosis of ASD (n=4449; 3548 males, 901 females) were collected during years 1987–2000 from the Finnish Hospital Discharge Register. Data on congenital anomalies were derived from the National Register of Congenital Malformations. Conditional logistic regression models were used as a statistical method. The association between ASD subgroups and congenital anomalies was stratified by the presence or absence of intellectual disability.

Results

Congenital anomalies occurred more frequently in all subgroups of ASD than in comparison participants (adjusted odds ratio [OR] for major congenital anomalies 1.8, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.5–2.2, p<0.001). The association between congenital anomalies and childhood autism (OR 2.4, 95% CI 1.6–3.6, p<0.001) and between congenital anomalies and PDD/PDD‐NOS (OR 3.7, 95% CI 2.4–5.7, p<0.001) among children with an intellectual disability was strong but remained significant also without intellectual disability (childhood autism: OR 1.7, 95% CI 1.3–2.3, p<0.001; PDD/PDD‐NOS: OR 2.3, 95% CI 1.9–2.8, p<0.001).

Interpretation

The results suggest a significant association between ASDs and congenital anomalies regardless of the ASD subgroup. The association between childhood autism and PDD/PDD‐NOS and congenital anomalies is stronger among children with intellectual disability is stronger than among those without intellectual disability. These results may have relevance in examining early risk factors in autism during fetal neurodevelopment.
Increased arginase levels contribute to impaired perfusion after cardiopulmonary resuscitation
Authors: Jung Christian , Quitter Felix , Lichtenauer Michael , Fritzenwanger Michael , Pfeil Alexander , Shemyakin Alexey , Franz Marcus , Figulla Hans R. , Pfeifer Ruediger , Pernow John
Published: September 2014

Objectives

The postcardiac arrest syndrome occurs after global hypoxia leading to microcirculatory impairment. Nitric oxide (NO) is a key molecule regulating microvascular function. The enzyme arginase has been suggested to modulate microvascular function by regulating NO metabolism. Therefore, we investigated whether arginase increases following global hypoxia and resuscitation and tested whether arginase inhibition influences altered microcirculation in resuscitated patients.

Methods

To determine the effect of global hypoxia on circulating arginase levels, fourteen healthy subjects were exposed to hypoxia in a normobaric hypoxia chamber (FiO² = 9·9%). In addition, 31 resuscitated patients were characterized clinically, and arginase 1 was measured on days 1 and 3. In eight resuscitated patients, a microcirculatory analysis was performed using a sidestream darkfield microcirculation camera. Perfused capillary density (PCD) was recorded before and after sublingual incubation of N‐omega‐hydroxy‐nor‐l‐arginine (nor‐NOHA) alone or together with the NOS inhibitor NG‐monomethyl‐l‐arginine (l‐NMMA).

Results

Circulating arginase 1 levels increased in healthy volunteers following global hypoxia in the hypoxic chamber (P < 0·01). In addition, arginase 1 levels were higher on day 1 (69·1 ± 83·3 ng/mL) and on day 3 (44·2 ± 65·6 ng/mL) after resuscitation than in control subjects (P < 0·001). Incubation of the sublingual mucosa with nor‐NOHA increased microcirculatory perfusion (P < 0·001). This effect was inhibited by co‐incubation with K‐NMMA.

Conclusions

Circulating arginase 1 levels are increased following exposure to global hypoxia and in patients who have been successfully resuscitated after cardiac arrest. Topical arginase inhibition improves microcirculatory perfusion following resuscitation. This is of potential therapeutic importance for the postcardiac arrest syndrome.
Uricaemia and left ventricular mass in hypertensive patients
Authors: Catena Cristiana , Colussi GianLuca , Capobianco Frine , Brosolo Gabriele , Sechi Leonardo A.
Published: September 2014

Background

Both hyperuricaemia and left ventricular (LV) hypertrophy are associated with the metabolic syndrome and increased cardiovascular risk. The relationship between uric acid levels and left ventricular mass in hypertension, however, is unclear. In this study, we have investigated this relationship in hypertensive patients without the metabolic syndrome.

Materials and methods

In a cross‐sectional study, 367 nondiabetic, essential hypertensive patients (age 52 ± 14; 194 males and 173 females) free of clinically relevant cardiovascular complications and without the metabolic syndrome were consecutively recruited at a university hypertension clinic. In these patients, we measured plasma levels of uric acid, lipids, glucose and insulin at fast and after an oral glucose load (OGTT), renal function and performed both conventional and tissue Doppler echocardiography.

Results

Hypertensive patients with LV hypertrophy had higher uric acid levels and greater prevalence of hyperuricemia than patients with normal left ventricular mass. Uric acid levels were directly related with fasting and post‐OGTT plasma insulin and with the HOMA index and inversely with 24‐h creatinine clearance. Uric acid was also significantly and directly related with the left ventricular mass and multivariate regression analysis showed that this relationship was independent from components of the metabolic syndrome and renal function in women, but not in men.

Conclusions

Elevated uric acid levels are independently related to the left ventricular mass in hypertensive women without the metabolic syndrome. In these patients with a low cardiovascular risk profile, uric acid might contribute to the development of subclinical cardiac damage.
First report of seed dispersal by ants in Dicentra peregrina (Papaveraceae), an alpine plant in the Japanese Alps
Authors: Komatsu Takashi , Itino Takao , Ueda Shouhei
Published: September 2014

Seed dispersal by ants, known as myrmecochory, is commonly observed among various plant taxa. The seeds of these plants have an elaiosome to attract ants. In Japan, myrmecochory has been well studied in several lowland plant species, but not in highland plant species that grow above the tree line. We investigated whether the seeds of Dicentra peregrina, known as the “queen of the alpine plants” in Japan, are carried by Formica gagatoides ants at 2510 m a.s.l. on Mt Norikura, Kita‐Alps, Japan. We observed F. gagatoides workers picking up D. peregrina seeds by grasping the elaiosome and carrying the seeds into their nests. We inferred from the observed ant behavior and the seed morphology that D. peregrina is a myrmecochorous species.
Socioemotional Wealth Conflict in Family Firms
Authors: Vardaman James M. , Gondo Maria B.
Published: September 2014

While Cruz, Larraza–Kintana, Garcés–Galdeano, and Berrone demonstrate how SEW can simultaneously elicit good and bad behavior in regard to corporate social responsibility, their findings also give rise to the idea that maintaining control and influence over day–to–day operations (internal socioemotional wealth [SEW]) and maintaining positive assessments of the firm's reputation (external SEW) may at times be in conflict. This commentary builds upon this notion by highlighting the need to explicitly examine SEW conflict, as well as offering initial theorizing on how family firms will pursue SEW preservation in these situations. Drawing on image theory, we theorize a process where preserving internal SEW is generally used as the guiding script in family firms because it is more salient on an everyday basis. However, we propose that if its preservation threatens the organization's identity and reputation, the script will be disrupted, precipitating a shift to preserving external SEW. The article concludes by discussing the broader theoretical implications of SEW conflict for family firms.
Memantine delayed N‐methyl‐D‐aspartate ‐induced convulsions in neonatal rats
Authors: Dhir Ashish , Chopra Kanwaljit
Published: September 2014

Memantine (1‐amino‐3,5‐dimethyladamantane) is a moderate‐affinity uncompetitive antagonist of N‐methyl‐d‐aspartate (NMDA) receptors. In this study, we have explored the effect of memantine against N‐methyl‐d‐aspartate (NMDA)‐induced seizures in neonatal rats. Here, we evaluated various behavioral seizure abnormalities in neonatal rats (Sprague–Dawley; postnatal day 9) after an intraperitoneal administration of NMDA. Further, we explored whether an acute administration of memantine could protect these neonates against different phases of convulsions induced by NMDA. In a separate study, we have compared the effect of levetiracetam in the same animal model. Exogenous administration of NMDA (30 mg/kg., i.p.) in neonatal rats resulted in arrest of activity, emprosthotonos curvature (trunk is bent forward by the entire muscles), myoclonic jerks, and forelimb/hindlimb clonus. The clonus phase in neonates was followed by loss of righting reflex and continuous seizures (for more than 5 min) suggesting status epilepticus, tonic extension, and death. Pretreatment of memantine hydrochloride (10–30 mg/kg., i.p.) dose‐dependently delayed the onset of different phases of convulsions induced by NMDA. Memantine at the highest dose was found to be ataxic in rat neonates, while lower doses were free of any observed behavioral signs of toxicity. Levetiracetam (25 mg/kg., i.p.) when administered 30 min before the NMDA challenge blocked only the jerk phase and did not affect other phases of NMDA‐induced convulsions. These data indicated that memantine and other safer uncompetitive NMDA receptor antagonists may be protective in the management of neonatal seizures.
Spatial patterns of recreational exploitation in eastern Australian ROFAs: implications for zonal management
Authors: Ochwada‐Doyle F. A. , Mcleod J. , Barrett G. , Clarke G. , Gray C. A.
Published: September 2014

Effective management of recreational fisheries requires information on fine‐scale spatial patterns of recreational exploitation. Such information is particularly important for specially designated regions such as recreational‐only fishing areas (ROFAs). Using data acquired through progressive counts and interview‐based surveys, this study quantitatively compared recreational effort, harvest‐per‐unit‐effort (HPUE) and species composition among zonal habitats in three representative estuarine ROFAs in eastern Australia. The zones compared were as follows: (1) entrance channels; (2) lake areas; (3) artificial reefs; (4) tributary creeks; (5) rivers; and (6) canals. In most cases, effort was concentrated in the lake zones, which had the greatest access to fisheries resources. The lake and channel zones were associated with some of the highest HPUEs for key taxa [Acanthopagrus spp. (hybrid complex of Acanthopagrus butcheri (Munro) × Acanthopagrus australis (Owen)), Platycephalus fuscus (Cuvier), Sillago ciliata (Cuvier) and Girella tricuspidata (Quoy & Gaimard)] and a greater number of highly sought‐after species. Drawing on specific examples from these findings, this paper concludes by illustrating how spatial information on exploitation gained from this type of research can be used to meet the fundamental goals of recreational fisheries management at fine spatial scales.
Tropical tree assembly depends on the interactions between successional and soil filtering processes
Authors: Réjou‐Méchain Maxime , Flores Olivier , Pélissier Raphaël , Fayolle Adeline , Fauvet Nicolas , Gourlet‐Fleury Sylvie
Published: September 2014

Aim

Successional and soil filtering processes are key drivers of the assembly of tropical tree communities, yet little is known about how they interact. Herein, we determine whether successional pathways depend on soil type, how the soil filtering effect varies during forest succession and whether succession is accompanied by changes in trait composition.

Location

South‐western Central African Republic.

Methods

We used inventory data on 90 dominant tree species (72% of the stems ≥ 30 cm d.b.h.) in 15,420 plots (each 0.5 ha) distributed over an 8300‐km2 mosaic of primary and secondary forests on contrasting clay and sandy soils. We gathered data on six traits: dispersal mode, nitrogen fixation, deciduousness, leaf area, wood density and maximum diameter. After validation with historical information, we used a successional index based on pioneer proportion to assess variations in trait composition, and in α‐ and β‐diversity, in forest succession, and within and between soil types.

Results

Taxonomic and functional dissimilarities between clay and sandy soils decreased continuously during forest succession. Within soil types, early‐successional communities had a low taxonomic but relatively high functional α‐diversity. At the landscape scale, β‐diversity was higher among earlier successional stages, except in rich soils where taxonomic β‐diversity was high throughout the succession. Mean values for all traits, except leaf area, showed marked variations during forest succession in both soil types.

Main conclusions

The effect of soil type on community composition declines during succession, suggesting that the relative importance of neutral processes is higher in mature forests. Successional pathways were fairly similar in both soil types: disturbances reduced taxonomic diversity locally and enhanced β‐diversity between sites, probably because the disturbances varied in type. We also demonstrated how easy‐to‐collect traits help improve predictions of ecological patterns and deepen our understanding of species assembly processes.
How Different Are Higher Education Institutions in the UK, US and Australia? The Significance of Government Involvement
Authors: Moodie Gavin
Published: September 2014

Governments in the UK and many other countries have long sought to promote the diversity of their higher education institutions. However, diversity is hard to define, harder to measure and even more difficult to compare between countries. Most empirical analyses of the diversity of higher education systems use categorical variables, which shape the extent of diversity found. This study examines continuous variables of institutions’ enrolment size and proportions of postgraduate, fulltime and international students to find the extent of variation amongst doctoral granting and all higher education institutions in the United Kingdom, United States and Australia. The study finds that there is less variety amongst all higher education institutions in the United Kingdom than in Australia, which in turn has much less variety than the United States. The paper argues that the extent of government involvement in higher education is not so important for institutional variety as the form that it takes. More tentatively, the paper suggests that the more limited the range of institutions for which government funding is available the stronger government involvement is needed to have variety among the limited range of institutions for which government financial support is available.
Scientific Reforms, Feminist Interventions, and the Politics of Knowing: An Auto‐ethnography of a Feminist Neuroscientist
Authors: Giordano Sara
Published: September 2014

Feminist science studies scholars have documented the historical and cultural contingency of scientific knowledge production. It follows that political and social activism has impacted the practice of science today; however, little has been done to examine the current cultures of science in light of feminist critiques and activism. In this article, I argue that, although critiques have changed the cultures of science both directly and indirectly, fundamental epistemological questions have largely been ignored and neutralized through these policy reforms. I provide an auto‐ethnography of my doctoral work in a neuroscience program to a) demonstrate how the culture of science has incorporated critiques into its practices and b) identify how we might use these changes in scientific practices to advance feminist science agendas. I critically analyze three areas in current scientific practice in which I see obstacles and opportunities: 1) research ethics, 2) diversity of research subjects and scientists, and 3) identification of a project's significance for funding. I argue that an understanding of the complicated and changing cultures of science is necessary for future feminist interventions into the sciences that directly challenge science's claim to epistemic authority.
Influence of a new push‐out test method on the bond strength of three resin‐based sealers
Authors: Scelza M. Z. , da Silva D. , Scelza P. , de Noronha F. , Barbosa I. B. , Souza E. , De Deus G.
Published: September 2014

Aim

Compare the displacement resistance of AH Plus, Ad Seal and Real Seal on dentine discs (DDs) treated with 10% citric acid, 17% EDTA or 2.5% NaOCl, through a new push‐out test method.

Methodology

From the middle third of the roots of 15 maxillary central incisors, three dentine discs 1 ± 0.1 mm thick were obtained. On the axial surface of each dentine disc, three 1.2‐mm‐wide holes were drilled. In the third dentine disc from the same root, each hole was treated with one of three irrigating solutions for 30 s, rinsed with distilled water and dried. Each hole of the same dentine disc was filled with sealer, and the discs were maintained at 37 °C for 7 days. The dentine discs were fixed on a testing machine to test the shear strength. Data were compared using the univariate anova test with a 5% significance level. The Tukey test was used for multiple comparisons.

Results

The irrigating solutions did not affect the adhesion of the sealers (P > 0.05). There was no significant difference between the Ad Seal and AHPlus (P > 0.05); however, Real Seal had a significantly lower shear bond strength (P < 0.05).

Conclusion

The use of different irrigating solutions did not affect resistance to the displacement of resin sealers. Real Seal sealer was less resistant than Ad Seal and AHPlus.
John Henry Newman on Mystery as a Hermeneutical Problem
Authors: Ekeh Ono
Published: September 2014

John Henry Newman believed that all Christian doctrines must be accessible to all Christian believers, both the intellectually sophisticated and the uneducated. This implied that the intellectually simple must be able to apprehend and assent to mysteries, such as that of the Trinity. This paper discussion what Newman understood by the idea of mystery. Mystery for Newman was primarily a hermeneutical problem. Mystery was a result of the human incapacity and inability to grasp the fullness of truth. In Newman, the hermeutical problematic is one of limitations of language thus leading to submission of intellect to a sublime truth.
Misunderstood as mothers: women's stories of being hospitalized for illness in the postpartum period
Authors: Power Tamara , Jackson Debra , Carter Bernie , Weaver Roslyn
Published: September 2014

Aim

This paper aims to explore women's experiences with healthcare providers to ascertain ways health care may be improved for women disrupted in their mothering.

Background

Women can find it difficult to relinquish care even when they are acutely unwell requiring hospitalization. Despite mothering being a priority for women, many healthcare professionals do not understand the importance of continuing to mother during maternal illness.

Design

This research used a qualitative methodology drawing on principles of feminism and storytelling.

Methods

Women's stories were collected through face‐to‐face interviews, email and via the telephone. The twenty‐seven women who participated were from either Australia or the USA, had between one and six children and identified themselves as having been disrupted in their mothering by illness. Data were collected in 2011 and were analysed thematically.

Findings

The majority of participants had been hospitalized at some point in time for acute illness. A subset of participants reported feeling judged by nurses and that their efforts to continue to mother their newborn children despite their illness were misunderstood and not facilitated.

Conclusion

Findings from this study suggest that women are more likely to remember times that health professionals failed to understand the primacy that mothering held for them or facilitate their efforts to continue to mother despite illness. Nurses and midwives should regularly reflect on their personal values in regard to mothering, validate women's attempts to mother to the best of their ability during illness and find ways to support and empower women in their mothering.
Quality of life in stroke survivor–caregiver dyads: a new conceptual framework and longitudinal study protocol
Authors: Savini Serenella , Buck Harleah G. , Dickson Victoria Vaughan , Simeone Silvio , Pucciarelli Gianluca , Fida Roberta , Matarese Maria , Alvaro Rosaria , Vellone Ercole
Published: September 2014

Aim

To describe a new conceptual framework and the research protocol of a study designed to examine the quality of life in stroke survivor–caregiver dyads.

Background

Stroke has a significant impact on the patient–caregiver dyad. Few studies have been guided by a specific conceptual framework which considers the interactions among pre‐existing situations prior to stroke, the new situation caused by the stroke and the moderating effects of environmental and caregiver‐related variables.

Design

Longitudinal study.

Methods

A sample of stroke survivor–caregiver dyads will be enrolled at patient discharge from rehabilitation hospitals and will be surveyed every 3 months for 1‐year. Hypotheses generated from the conceptual framework will test predictors, mediators and moderators of stroke survivor and caregiver quality of life from the pre‐existing situation prior to the stroke, the new situation mediation poststroke and situation moderators. The study is supported by a grant from the Centre of Excellence for Nursing Scholarship, Rome, December 2013.

Discussion

This study seeks to identify variables in the pre‐existing situation prior to the stroke (e.g. living condition), the new situation mediation poststroke (e.g. type of stroke and caregiver burden) as well as situation moderators (e.g. social support) that influence stroke survivor‐caregiver dyad's quality of life across the stroke trajectory. Also, the study will inform clinical practice and research by identifying variables that are potentially modifiable and therefore amenable to intervention. The proposed framework will also be helpful for future research focused on stroke survivor–caregiver dyads.
Automated tracking of wild hummingbird mass and energetics over multiple time scales using radio frequency identification (RFID) technology
Authors: Hou Lily , Verdirame Michael , Welch Kenneth C.
Published: September 2014

We examined the feasibility of automating the collection of hummingbird mass data facilitated by low‐cost, low‐power radio frequency identification (RFID) technology. In a field study in southern Ontario, wild hummingbirds were captured, subcutaneously implanted with passive integrated transponder (PIT) tags, and released over a three‐year period. Tagged hummingbirds were detected at specially designed feeder stations outfitted with low‐cost, low‐power RFID readers coupled with a perch secured to a digital balance. When tagged birds visited the feeder, transponder detection initiated the recording of the perched hummingbird's mass at regular intervals continuing as long as the bird remained. This permitted a nearly continuous record of mass during each visit. Mass data collected from tagged hummingbirds showed consistent trends at multiple temporal scales: the individual feeder visit, single days, and even whole seasons. These results further confirm that RFID technology is safe for use in the smallest birds. The effective detection range is a function of RFID reader power, antenna, and tag size. Yet, we find that careful arrangement of feeders and detectors allows for reliable detection even when detection range is low. When coupled with additional technologies, such as a precision electronic balance, this approach can yield robust serial measures of physiological parameters such as mass, an indicator of energy balance over time.
Adipokines: Novel Players in Resistant Hypertension
Authors: de Faria Ana Paula , Modolo Rodrigo , Fontana Vanessa , Moreno Heitor
Published: September 2014

Resistant hypertension (RH) is a multifactorial disease, frequently associated with obesity and characterized by blood pressure above goal (140/90 mm Hg) despite the concurrent use of ≥3 antihypertensive drugs of different classes. The mechanisms of obesity‐related hypertension include, among others, aldosterone excess and inflammatory adipokines, which have demonstrated a significant role in the pathogenesis of metabolic syndrome andRH. This review aims to summarize recent studies on the role of the adipokines leptin, resistin, and adiponectin in the pathophysiology ofRHand target‐organ damage associated with this condition. The deregulation of adipokine levels has been associated with clinical characteristics frequently recognized inRHsuch as diabetes, hyperactivity of sympathetic and renin‐angiotensin‐aldosterone systems, and vascular and renal damage. Strategies to regulate adipokines may be promising for the management ofRHand some clinical implications must be considered when managing controlled and uncontrolled patients withRH.
Ultrasound as predictor of histologic subtypes linked to recurrence in basal cell carcinoma of the skin
Authors: Wortsman X. , Vergara P. , Castro A. , Saavedra D. , Bobadilla F. , Sazunic I. , Zemelman V. , Wortsman J.
Published: September 2014

Background

Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) recurrences, especially in the facial region, represent a complex cosmetic problem. To date the possibility of predicting recurrence is supported solely by the histologic subtype.

Objective

To evaluate the relationship between BCC histologic subtypes linked to high and low risk of recurrence and the presence of hyperechoic spots on sonography.

Methods

Retrospective analysis of the pre‐surgical ultrasound examinations of primary BCC tumours with visualization and counting of intra‐tumoural hyperechoic spots. The data were then correlated with the corresponding histologic subtype.

Results

Thirty one patients with histologically proven BCC were included in the study. Hyperechoic spots were detected in all cases and there was a positive, statistically significant association between hyperechoic spots count and high recurrence risk histologic subtypes. Higher hyperechoic spots count was found in the recurrence‐prone micronodular, sclerosing variant and morpheiform BCC subtypes. Low risk and high risk of recurrence showed a significant difference on the mean hyperechoic spots count of 5.5 (range: 3–25) and 8 (4–81). A cut‐off point ≥7 hyperechoic spots presented a sensitivity of 79% and specificity of 53% for predicting the high risk of recurrence subtypes.

Conclusion

The presence and count of hyperechoic spots within BCC lesions may help predicting the high risk of recurrence histologic subtypes.
The strength of assortative mating for flowering date and its basis in individual variation in flowering schedule
Authors: Weis A. E. , Nardone E. , Fox G. A.
Published: September 2014

Although it has been widely asserted that plants mate assortatively by flowering time, there is virtually no published information on the strength or causes of phenological assortment in natural populations. When strong, assortative mating can accelerate the evolution of plant reproductive phenology through its inflationary effect on genetic variance. We estimated potential assortative mating for flowering date in 31 old‐field species in Ontario, Canada. For each species, we constructed a matrix of pairwise mating probabilities from the individual flowering schedules, that is the number of flower deployed on successive dates. The matrix was used to estimate the phenotypic correlation between mates, ρ, for flowering date. We also developed a measure of flowering synchrony within species, S, based upon the eigenstructure of the mating matrix. The mean correlation between pollen recipients and potential donors for flowering date was  = 0.31 (range: 0.05–0.63). A strong potential for assortative mating was found among species with high variance in flowering date, flowering schedules of short duration and skew towards early flower deployment. Flowering synchrony, S, was negatively correlated with potential assortment (r = −0.49), but we go on to show that although low synchrony is a necessary condition for phenological assortative mating, it may not be sufficient to induce assortment for a given phenological trait. The potential correlation between mates showed no seasonal trend; thus, as climate change imposes selection on phenology through longer growing seasons, spring‐flowering species are no more likely to experience an accelerated evolutionary response than summer species.