bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Can male Eurasian jays disengage from their own current desire to feed the female what she wants?
Authors: Ostojić Ljerka , Legg Edward W. , Shaw Rachael C. , Cheke Lucy G. , Mendl Michael , Clayton Nicola S.
Published: March 2014

Humans' predictions of another person's behaviour are regularly influenced by what they themselves might know or want. In a previous study, we found that male Eurasian jays (
Garrulus glandarius
) could cater for their female partner's current desire when sharing food with her. Here, we tested the extent to which the males' decisions are influenced by their own current desire. When the males' and female's desires matched, males correctly shared the food that was desired by both. When the female's desire differed from their own, the males' decisions were not entirely driven by their own desires, suggesting that males also took the female's desire into account. Thus, the male jays' decisions about their mates' desires are partially biased by their own desire and might be based upon similar processes as those found in humans.
The adaptive function of melanin-based plumage coloration to trace metals
Authors: Chatelain M. , Gasparini J. , Jacquin L. , Frantz A.
Published: March 2014

Trace metals produced by anthropogenic activities are of major importance in urban areas and might constitute a new evolutionary force selecting for the ability to cope with their deleterious effects. Interestingly, melanin pigments are known to bind metal ions, thereby potentially sequestering them in inert body parts such as coat and feathers, and facilitating body detoxification. Thus, a more melanic plumage or coat coloration could bring a selective advantage for animals living in polluted areas. We tested this hypothesis by investigating the link between melanin-based coloration and zinc and lead concentrations in feathers of urban feral pigeons, both at capture time and after one year of captivity in standardized conditions. Results show that differently coloured pigeons had similar metal concentrations at capture time. Metal concentrations strongly decreased after one year in standardized conditions, and more melanic pigeons had higher concentrations of zinc (but not lead) in their feathers. This suggests that more melanic pigeons have a higher ability to store some metals in their feathers compared with their paler counterparts, which could explain their higher success in urbanized areas. Overall, this work suggests that trace metal pollution may exert new selective forces favouring more melanic phenotypes in polluted environments.
James Franklin Crow. 18 January 1916 — 4 January 2012
Authors: Hartl Daniel L. , Temin Rayla Greenberg
Published: March 2014

James Crow enjoyed relating how he and the first issue of the journal
Genetics
were scheduled to arrive on the same day—18 January 1916—and how he was delivered on time, whereas the journal was delivered several weeks late. The coincidence was altogether fitting, as Crow became one of the leading geneticists of the twentieth century. Renowned as scholar, teacher, mentor, author and historian, he had a career in science that spanned 70 years, primarily at the University of Wisconsin–Madison. Professor Crow’s research was in theoretical and experimental population genetics, focusing on
Drosophila
as his model organism and extending his results to human genetics. He had further influence on the field of genetics as a writer and speaker and as a synthesizer and disseminator of knowledge, and he performed service to his colleagues in many different capacities.
Characterization of microstructures using contour tree connectivity for fluid flow analysis
Authors: Aydogan Dogu Baran , Hyttinen Jari
Published: March 2014

Quantifying the connectivity of material microstructures is important for a wide range of applications from filters to biomaterials. Currently, the most used measure of connectivity is the Euler number, which is a topological invariant. Topology alone, however, is not sufficient for most practical purposes. In this study, we use our recently introduced connectivity measure, called the contour tree connectivity (CTC), to study microstructures for flow analysis. CTC is a new structural connectivity measure that is based on contour trees and algebraic graph theory. To test CTC, we generated a dataset composed of 120 samples and six different types of artificial microstructures. We compared CTC against the Euler parameter (EP), the parameter for connected pairs, the nominal opening dimension (
d
nom
) and the permeabilities estimated using direct pore scale modelling. The results show that
d
nom
is highly correlated with permeability (
R
2
= 0.91), but cannot separate the structural differences. The groups are best classified with feature combinations that include CTC. CTC provides new information with a different connectivity interpretation that can be used to analyse and design materials with complex microstructures.
A dose and time response Markov model for the in-host dynamics of infection with intracellular bacteria following inhalation: with application toFrancisella tularensis
Authors: Wood R. M. , Egan J. R. , Hall I. M.
Published: March 2014

In a novel approach, the standard birth–death process is extended to incorporate a fundamental mechanism undergone by intracellular bacteria, phagocytosis. The model accounts for stochastic interaction between bacteria and cells of the immune system and heterogeneity in susceptibility to infection of individual hosts within a population. Model output is the dose–response relation and the dose-dependent distribution of time until response, where response is the onset of symptoms. The model is thereafter parametrized with respect to the highly virulent Schu S4 strain ofFrancisella tularensis, in the first such study to consider a biologically plausible mathematical model for early human infection with this bacterium. Results indicate a median infectious dose of about 23 organisms, which is higher than previously thought, and an average incubation period of between 3 and 7 days depending on dose. The distribution of incubation periods is right-skewed up to about 100 organisms and symmetric for larger doses. Moreover, there are some interesting parallels to the hypotheses of some of the classical dose–response models, such as independent action (single-hit model) and individual effective dose (probit model). The findings of this study support experimental evidence and postulations from other investigations that response is, in fact, influenced by both in-host and between-host variability.
Ferrous iron formation following the co-aggregation of ferric iron and the Alzheimer's disease peptide β-amyloid (1–42)
Authors: Everett J. , Céspedes E. , Shelford L. R. , Exley C. , Collingwood J. F. , Dobson J. , van der Laan G. , Jenkins C. A. , Arenholz E. , Telling N. D.
Published: March 2014

For decades, a link between increased levels of iron and areas of Alzheimer's disease (AD) pathology has been recognized, including AD lesions comprised of the peptide β-amyloid (Aβ). Despite many observations of this association, the relationship between Aβ and iron is poorly understood. Using X-ray microspectroscopy, X-ray absorption spectroscopy, electron microscopy and spectrophotometric iron(II) quantification techniques, we examine the interaction between Aβ(1–42) and synthetic iron(III), reminiscent of ferric iron stores in the brain. We report Aβ to be capable of accumulating iron(III) within amyloid aggregates, with this process resulting in Aβ-mediated reduction of iron(III) to a redox-active iron(II) phase. Additionally, we show that the presence of aluminium increases the reductive capacity of Aβ, enabling the redox cycling of the iron. These results demonstrate the ability of Aβ to accumulate iron, offering an explanation for previously observed local increases in iron concentration associated with AD lesions. Furthermore, the ability of iron to form redox-active iron phases from ferric precursors provides an origin both for the redox-active iron previously witnessed in AD tissue, and the increased levels of oxidative stress characteristic of AD. These interactions between Aβ and iron deliver valuable insights into the process of AD progression, which may ultimately provide targets for disease therapies.
Convolutionless Nakajima–Zwanzig equations for stochastic analysis in nonlinear dynamical systems
Authors: Venturi D. , Karniadakis G. E.
Published: March 2014

Determining the statistical properties of stochastic nonlinear systems is of major interest across many disciplines. Currently, there are no general efficient methods to deal with this challenging problem that involves high dimensionality, low regularity and random frequencies. We propose a framework for stochastic analysis in nonlinear dynamical systems based on goal-oriented probability density function (PDF) methods. The key idea stems from techniques of irreversible statistical mechanics, and it relies on deriving evolution equations for the PDF of quantities of interest, e.g. functionals of the solution to systems of stochastic ordinary and partial differential equations. Such quantities could be low-dimensional objects in infinite dimensional phase spaces. We develop the goal-oriented PDF method in the context of the time-convolutionless Nakajima–Zwanzig–Mori formalism. We address the question of approximation of reduced-order density equations by multi-level coarse graining, perturbation series and operator cumulant resummation. Numerical examples are presented for stochastic resonance and stochastic advection–reaction problems.
A reduced-order model from high-dimensional frictional hysteresis
Authors: Biswas Saurabh , Chatterjee Anindya
Published: March 2014

Hysteresis in material behaviour includes both signum nonlinearities as well as high dimensionality. Available models for component-level hysteretic behaviour are empirical. Here, we derive a low-order model for rate-independent hysteresis from a high-dimensional massless frictional system. The original system, being given in terms of signs of velocities, is first solved incrementally using a linear complementarity problem formulation. From this numerical solution, to develop a reduced-order model, basis vectors are chosen using the singular value decomposition. The slip direction in generalized coordinates is identified as the minimizer of a dissipation-related function. That function includes terms for frictional dissipation through
signum
nonlinearities at many friction sites. Luckily, it allows a convenient analytical approximation. Upon solution of the approximated minimization problem, the slip direction is found. A final evolution equation for a few states is then obtained that gives a good match with the full solution. The model obtained here may lead to new insights into hysteresis as well as better empirical modelling thereof.
On ill-posedness of truncated series models for water waves
Authors: Ambrose David M. , Bona Jerry L. , Nicholls David P.
Published: March 2014

The evolution of surface gravity waves on a large body of water, such as an ocean, is reasonably well approximated by the Euler system for ideal, free-surface flow under the influence of gravity. The well-posedness theory for initial-value problems for these equations, which has a long and distinguished history, reveals that solutions exist, are unique, and depend continuously upon initial data in various function–space contexts. This theory is subtle, and the design of stable, accurate, numerical schemes is likewise challenging. Depending upon the wave regime in question, there are many different approximate models that can be formally derived from the Euler equations. As the Euler system is known to be well-posed, it seems appropriate that associated approximate models should also have this property. This study is directed to this issue. Evidence is presented calling into question the well-posedness of a well-known class of model equations which are widely used in simulations. A simplified version of these models is shown explicitly to be ill-posed and numerical simulations of quadratic- and cubic-order water-wave models, initiated with initial data predicted by the explicit analysis of the simplified model, lends credence to the general contention that these models are ill-posed.
Metabolic dominance of bivalves predates brachiopod diversity decline by more than 150 million years
Authors: Payne Jonathan L. , Heim Noel A. , Knope Matthew L. , McClain Craig R.
Published: March 2014

Brachiopods and bivalves feed in similar ways and have occupied the same environments through geological time, but brachiopods were far more diverse and abundant in the Palaeozoic whereas bivalves dominate the post-Palaeozoic, suggesting a transition in ecological dominance 250 Ma. However, diversity and abundance data alone may not adequately describe key changes in ecosystem function, such as metabolic activity. Here, we use newly compiled body size data for 6066 genera of bivalves and brachiopods to calculate metabolic rates and revisit this question from the perspective of energy use, finding that bivalves already accounted for a larger share of metabolic activity in Palaeozoic oceans. We also find that the metabolic activity of bivalves has increased by more than two orders of magnitude over this interval, whereas brachiopod metabolic activity has declined by more than 50%. Consequently, the increase in bivalve energy metabolism must have occurred via the acquisition of new food resources rather than through the displacement of brachiopods. The canonical view of a mid-Phanerozoic transition from brachiopod to bivalve dominance results from a focus on taxonomic diversity and numerical abundance as measures of ecological importance. From a metabolic perspective, the oceans have always belonged to the clams.
Rapid parallel evolution of standing variation in a single, complex, genomic region is associated with life history in steelhead/rainbow trout
Authors: Pearse Devon E. , Miller Michael R. , Abadía-Cardoso Alicia , Garza John Carlos
Published: March 2014

Rapid adaptation to novel environments may drive changes in genomic regions through natural selection. Such changes may be population-specific or, alternatively, may involve parallel evolution of the same genomic region in multiple populations, if that region contains genes or co-adapted gene complexes affecting the selected trait(s). Both quantitative and population genetic approaches have identified associations between specific genomic regions and the anadromous (steelhead) and resident (rainbow trout) life-history strategies ofOncorhynchus mykiss. Here, we use genotype data from 95 single nucleotide polymorphisms and show that the distribution of variation in a large region of one chromosome, Omy5, is strongly associated with life-history differentiation in multiple above-barrier populations of rainbow trout and their anadromous steelhead ancestors. The associated loci are in strong linkage disequilibrium, suggesting the presence of a chromosomal inversion or other rearrangement limiting recombination. These results provide the first evidence of a common genomic basis for life-history variation inO. mykissin a geographically diverse set of populations and extend our knowledge of the heritable basis of rapid adaptation of complex traits in novel habitats.
Species distribution and antifungal susceptibility profile of Candida isolates from bloodstream infections in Lima, Peru
Authors: Bustamante B. , Martins M. A. , Bonfietti L. X. , Szeszs M. W. , Jacobs J. , Garcia C. , Melhem M. S. C.
Published: March 2014

Yeast identification and in vitro susceptibility testing provide helpful information for appropriate administration of antifungal treatments; however, few reports from the Latin American region have been published. The aim of this study was to identify the species present in isolates from bloodstream infections diagnosed in nine hospitals in Lima, Peru and to determine their in vitro susceptibility to four antifungal drugs. We tested and identified 153 isolates collected between October 2009 and August 2011 using standard methods. PCR and PCR-RFLP assays were performed to distinguish Candida albicans from Candida dubliniensis and to identify species of the Candida parapsilosis and Candida glabrata complexes. Antifungal susceptibility testing for fluconazole, anidulafungin and voriconazole was performed using the CSLI M27-A3 method, and amphotericin B susceptibility was determined using the Etest method. The most frequently isolated species were: C. albicans (61; 39.9 %), C. parapsilosis (43; 28.1 %), C. tropicalis (36; 23.5%) and C. glabrata (8; 5.2 %). The overall susceptibility rates were 98.0 %, 98.7 %, 98.0 % and 97.4 % for amphotericin B, fluconazole, voriconazole and anidulafungin, respectively. No isolate was resistant to more than one drug. These results showed that the rate of resistance to four antifungal drugs was low among Candida bloodstream isolates in Lima, Peru.
High-resolution mapping defines the cooperative architecture of Polycomb response elements
Authors: Orsi Guillermo A. , Kasinathan Sivakanthan , Hughes Kelly T. , Saminadin-Peter Sarah , Henikoff Steven , Ahmad Kami
Published: March 2014

Polycomb-mediated chromatin repression modulates gene expression during development in metazoans. Binding of multiple sequence-specific factors at discrete Polycomb response elements (PREs) is thought to recruit repressive complexes that spread across an extended chromatin domain. To dissect the structure of PREs, we applied high-resolution mapping of nonhistone chromatin proteins in native chromatin of Drosophila cells. Analysis of occupied sites reveal interactions between transcription factors that stabilize Polycomb anchoring to DNA, and implicate the general transcription factor ADF1 as a novel PRE component. By comparing two Drosophila cell lines with differential chromatin states, we provide evidence that repression is accomplished by enhanced Polycomb recruitment both to PREs and to target promoters of repressed genes. These results suggest that the stability of multifactor complexes at promoters and regulatory elements is a crucial aspect of developmentally regulated gene expression.
Widespread context dependency of microRNA-mediated regulation
Authors: Erhard Florian , Haas Jürgen , Lieber Diana , Malterer Georg , Jaskiewicz Lukasz , Zavolan Mihaela , Dölken Lars , Zimmer Ralf
Published: March 2014

Gene expression is regulated in a context-dependent, cell-type-specific manner. Condition-specific transcription is dependent on the presence of transcription factors (TFs) that can activate or inhibit its target genes (global context). Additional factors, such as chromatin structure, histone, or DNA modifications, also influence the activity of individual target genes (individual context). The role of the global and individual context for post-transcriptional regulation has not systematically been investigated on a large scale and is poorly understood. Here we show that global and individual context dependency is a pervasive feature of microRNA-mediated regulation. Our comprehensive and highly consistent data set from several high-throughput technologies (PAR-CLIP, RIP-chip, 4sU-tagging, and SILAC) provides strong evidence that context-dependent microRNA target sites (CDTS) are as frequent and functionally relevant as constitutive target sites (CTS). Furthermore, we found the global context to be insufficient to explain the CDTS, and that flanking sequence motifs provide individual context that is an equally important factor. Our results demonstrate that, similar to TF-mediated regulation, global and individual context dependency are prevalent in microRNA-mediated gene regulation, implying a much more complex post-transcriptional regulatory network than is currently known. The necessary tools to unravel post-transcriptional regulations and mechanisms need to be much more involved, and much more data will be needed for particular cell types and cellular conditions in order to understand microRNA-mediated regulation and the context-dependent post-transcriptional regulatory network.
Jasmonate-Activated MYC2 Represses ETHYLENE INSENSITIVE3 Activity to Antagonize Ethylene-Promoted Apical Hook Formation inArabidopsis
Authors: Zhang Xing , Zhu Ziqiang , An Fengying , Hao Dongdong , Li Pengpeng , Song Jinghui , Yi Chengqi , Guo Hongwei
Published: March 2014

The apical hook is an essential structure that enables epigeal plants to protrude through the soil. Arabidopsis thaliana HOOKLESS1 (HLS1) is reported to be a key regulator of hook development and a direct target gene of the ethylene (ET)-activated transcription factors ETHYLENE INSENSITIVE3 (EIN3) and its close homolog EIN3-Like1. Previous research has shown that the phytohormones jasmonate (JA) and ET antagonistically regulate apical hook development, although the underlying molecular mechanism is largely unknown. Here, we report that JA represses hook formation by reducing HLS1 expression. Our results further reveal that the JA-activated transcription factor MYC2 represses EIN3 function to reduce HLS1 expression through at least the following two layers of regulation: (1) MYC2 binds to the promoter of an F-box gene, EIN3 BINDING F-BOX PROTEIN1, to induce its expression and thus promote EIN3 degradation; and (2) MYC2 physically interacts with EIN3 and inhibits its DNA binding activity. Collectively, our findings shed light on the molecular mechanism underlying the antagonism between JA and ET during apical hook development and provide insight into the coaction of multiple phytohormones in the regulation of plant growth and development.
Flower plantings increase wild bee abundance and the pollination services provided to a pollination‐dependent crop
Authors: Blaauw Brett R. , Isaacs Rufus
Published: March 2014

Pollination services from wild insects contribute to crop productivity around the world, but are at risk of decline in agricultural landscapes. Using highbush blueberry as a model system, we tested whether wildflower plantings established adjacent to crop fields would increase the abundance of wild pollinators during crop bloom and enhance pollination and yield.

Plantings were seeded in 2009 with a mix of 15 perennial wildflower species that provided season‐long bloom and increased plant density and floral area during the subsequent 3 years.

Honeybees visiting blueberry flowers had similar abundance in enhanced and control fields in all 4 years of this study, whereas wild bee and syrphid abundance increased annually in the fields adjacent to wildflower plantings.

Crop pollination parameters including percentage fruit set, berry weight and mature seeds per berry were significantly greater in fields adjacent to wildflower plantings 3 and 4 years after seeding, leading to higher crop yields and with the associated revenue exceeding the cost of wildflower establishment and maintenance.

Synthesis and applications. We suggest that provision of forage habitat for bees adjacent to pollinator‐dependent crops can conserve wild pollinators in otherwise resource‐poor agricultural landscapes. Over time, these plantings can support higher crop yields and bring a return on the initial investment in wildflower seed and planting establishment, also insuring against loss of managed pollinators. Further understanding of the importance of planting size, location and landscape context will be required to effectively implement this practice to support crop pollination.
‘They were a little family’: an exploratory study of parental involvement in nurture groups – from a practitioner and parent perspective
Authors: Kirkbride Rebecca
Published: March 2014

The approach taken by nurture groups emphasises that difficult early experiences can be modified through creating opportunities to develop security and attachment from alternative sources other than parents. Despite previous research indicating the positive impact parental involvement can have on both parents and children, research into parental involvement in nurture groups has been identified as being sparse and requiring further investigation. This exploratory study provides an insight into the perceptions of parents and nurture group staff regarding parental involvement. In‐depth qualitative data were collected from semi‐structured interviews with parents and nurture group staff. Inductive thematic analysis was applied to draw out themes from the data. Findings highlight different experiences of parents and staff, but also common themes of relationships, communication and sharing practice. Findings are discussed in relation to the research questions and the relevant literature regarding parental involvement. Implications for nurture groups and schools are discussed.
The evolution of special education in Malaysia
Authors: Lee Lay Wah , Low Hui Min
Published: March 2014

This article traces the evolution of special education in Malaysia across four chronological stages: before and during the early colonial period (before 1900), pre‐independence (1900–1957), post‐independence (1957–1990) and modern Malaysia (1990 to the present), through document analysis. By placing current issues and trends within a historical perspective, we can provide a context for understanding current practices in relation to shifts in policy paradigms. The effects of policy changes throughout the years are discussed in the context of issues facing special education today. Identifiable areas of improvements are organised into eight themes: (1) provision of education for students with special needs and the degree to which they are inclusive; (2) encouragement of diversity within highly structured education systems; (3) the importance of funding; (4) restructuring pre‐service teacher preparation; (5) multidisciplinary support and collaboration; (6) programme outcomes; (7) provision of related services; and (8) epidemiological data.
Special education in Swedish and Finnish schools: seeing the forest or the trees?
Authors: Takala Marjatta , Ahl Astrid
Published: March 2014

The purpose of this research was to study the content of the work of two special education professions in Sweden, special teachers and special pedagogues. In addition, we compare their work to the work of Finnish special teachers. The Swedish participants were 74 special educators: 27 special teachers and 47 special pedagogues. The Finnish data were from an earlier study, involving 133 special teachers. Participants in both countries were approached via a questionnaire. The results show that Swedish special pedagogues do more consultative work and Swedish special teachers more direct work with pupils. However, there is plenty of overlap in the work profiles of Swedish special pedagogues and special teachers. Most of the work content is in line with the Finnish findings, except that Finnish special teachers had a minor consultative role. It seems that the work duties across the two professions, special pedagogues and special teachers, are somewhat similar. Their ways of working in practice are discussed.
How Biology Became Social, and What it Means for Social Theory
Authors: Meloni Maurizio
Published: March 2014

In this paper I first offer a systematic outline of a series of conceptual novelties in the life-sciences that have favoured, over the last three decades, the emergence of a more social view of biology. I focus in particular on three areas of investigation: (1) technical changes in evolutionary literature that have provoked a rethinking of the possibility of altruism, morality and prosocial behaviours in evolution; (2) changes in neuroscience, from an understanding of the brain as an isolated data processor to the ultrasocial and multiply connected social brain of contemporary neuroscience; and (3) changes in molecular biology, from the view of the gene as an autonomous master of development to the ‘reactive genome’ of the new emerging field of molecular epigenetics. In the second section I reflect on the possible implications for the social sciences of this novel biosocial terrain and argue that the postgenomic language of extended epigenetic inheritance and blurring of the nature/nurture boundaries will be as provocative for neo-Darwinism as it is for the social sciences as we have known them. Signs of a new biosocial language are emerging in several social-science disciplines and this may represent an exciting theoretical novelty for twenty-first social theory.
Crisis Management Planning among Tier 2 Automobile Suppliers: Why Suppliers Fail to Plan
Authors: Burns Kenneth F. , Marx Thomas G.
Published: March 2014

One of the greatest threats facing automobile suppliers is a disruption to the supply chain resulting from a crisis. This paper explores why nearly two‐thirds of Tier 2 automobile suppliers fail to plan for these substantial risks by comparing the identification of potential crises, and assessments of the risk of occurrence and impacts on the firm between suppliers that do and do not plan for potential crises. The results show that suppliers that do not plan identified fewer potential crises, and rated their risks and impacts lower. These assessments weigh heavily against the decision to develop crisis management plans, and are rated more important by suppliers than the cost of planning or the availability of resources to plan.
Uterine sutures at prior caesarean section and placenta accreta in subsequent pregnancy: a case–control study
Authors: Sumigama S , Sugiyama C , Kotani T , Hayakawa H , Inoue A , Mano Y , Tsuda H , Furuhashi M , Yamamuro O , Kinoshita Y , Okamoto T , Nakamura H , Matsusawa K , Sakakibara K , Oguchi H , Kawai M , Shimoyama Y , Tamakoshi K , Kikkawa F
Published: March 2014

Objective

To clarify the effects of uterine myometrial suture techniques at prior caesarean section on the incidence of pathologically diagnosed placenta accreta in placenta praevia with prior caesarean section (PPPC).

Design

Case–control study.

Setting

Eleven tertiary referral hospitals in central Japan.

Population

A total of 98 cases of placenta praevia, a history of one or more prior caesarean sections, and a history of uterine transverse incision and usage of only absorbable thread for myometrial sutures at the prior caesarean section. Exclusions were a history of myomectomy or Strassmann's operation.

Methods

Cases were grouped into a pathologically diagnosed placenta accreta group (38 cases) and a no accreta group (60 cases). Clinical characteristics including uterine suture methods at prior caesarean section were compared (single‐layer versus double‐layer closure; continuous versus interrupted sutures in the inner myometrial layer).

Main outcome measure

The incidence of placenta accreta.

Results

No difference was found comparing single‐layer with double‐layer closure in the incidence of placenta accreta (37.1 versus 39.7%, P = 0.805); however, a significant difference was found comparing continuous with interrupted sutures (58.1 versus 29.9%, P = 0.008). Multivariable logistic regression analysis with stepwise selection for the eight factors meeting the criterion of P < 0.10 in univariate analysis was used, and four independent factors were selected, as follows: gravidity ≥ 3 (adjusted odds ratio, aOR, 3.4, 95% confidence interval, 95% CI, 0.99–11.6, P = 0.050); total praevia (versus non‐total, aOR 18.4, 95% CI 3.2–107.0, P = 0.001); anterior/centre placenta (versus posterior, aOR 16.4, 95% CI 3.7–72.2, P < 0.001); and continuous sutures (versus interrupted, aOR 6.0, 95% CI 1.4–25.2, P = 0.015).

Conclusions

In this limited study, a history of continuous sutures on the inner side of the uterine wall showed potential to influence the development of placenta accreta in PPPC patients.
The Power of Contextual Effects in Forensic Anthropology: A Study of Biasability in the Visual Interpretations of Trauma Analysis on Skeletal Remains
Authors: Nakhaeizadeh Sherry , Hanson Ian , Dozzi Nathalie
Published: March 2014

The potential for contextual information to bias assessments in the forensic sciences has been demonstrated, in several forensic disiplines. In this paper, biasability potential within forensic anthropology was examined by analyzing the effects of external manipulations on judgments and decision‐making in visual trauma assessment. Three separate websites were created containing fourteen identical images. Participants were randomly assigned to one website. Each website provided different contextual information, to assess variation of interpretation of the same images between contexts. The results indicated a higher scoring of trauma identification responses for the Mass grave context. Furthermore, a significant biasing effect was detected in the interpretation of four images. Less experienced participants were more likely to indicate presence of trauma. This research demonstrates bias impact in forensic anthropological trauma assessments and highlights the importance of recognizing and limiting cognitive vulnerabilities that forensic anthropologists might bring to the analysis.
Competition under consumer loss aversion
Authors: Karle Heiko , Peitz Martin
Published: March 2014

We address the effect of expectation‐based consumer loss aversion on firm strategy in imperfect competition. Consumers are fully informed about match value and price at the moment of purchase. However, some consumers are initially uninformed about their tastes and form a reference point consisting of an expected match value and price distribution, whereas others are perfectly informed all the time. We show that if firms have symmetric costs, a larger share of informed consumers leads to a more competitive outcome. The reverse holds if cost asymmetry in duopoly is sufficiently large.
Naked exclusion with minimum‐share requirements
Authors: Chen Zhijun , Shaffer Greg
Published: March 2014

We consider a class of contracts in which buyers commit to giving a seller some minimum share of their total purchases. We show that such contracts can be used by an incumbent seller to reduce the probability of entry by a rival seller when the incumbent can commit to its selling price as part of the contract. We further show that such contracts can be profitable for the incumbent even when exclusive dealing would not be, and even when buyers can coordinate their accept‐or‐reject decisions. The average price paid by the buyers will be higher and welfare will be lower whether or not the incumbent's exclusionary conduct turns out to be successful in preventing entry.
Adverse selection in the used‐car market: evidence from purchase and repair patterns in the Consumer Expenditure Survey
Authors: Peterson Jonathan R. , Schneider Henry S.
Published: March 2014

We analyze adverse selection in the used‐car market using a new approach that considers a car as an assemblage of parts, some with symmetric information and others with asymmetric information. Using data from the Consumer Expenditure Survey and Consumer Reports, we examine turnover and repair patterns. We find evidence of adverse selection due to the conditions of the transmission, engine, and, during colder months, air‐conditioning; and sorting due to the conditions of the vehicle body and, during warmer months, air‐conditioning. Our quantification exercises indicate that adverse selection may have a meaningful effect on trade volume and quality in the secondhand market.
Insurer pricing and consumer welfare: evidence from Medigap
Authors: Starc Amanda
Published: March 2014

This article examines the welfare impact of imperfect competition in the Medicare supplement insurance (Medigap) market. Two firms control nearly three fourths of the Medigap market, and premiums exceed claims by over 25%. I find that a low price elasticity and consumers' brand preferences lead firms to engage in substantial marketing and price above cost. Therefore, the strategic behavior of insurers facing relatively inelastic demand is critical in explaining poor market performance. I also find that insurers do not capture all of the rents in this market; rents also accrue to actors who perform marketing functions, including agents and brokers.
Effects of a flooding event on a threatened black bear population in Louisiana
Authors: O'Connell‐Goode K. C. , Lowe C. L. , Clark J. D.
Published: March 2014

The Louisiana black bear, Ursus americanus luteolus, is listed as threatened under the Endangered Species Act as a result of habitat loss and human‐related mortality. Information on population‐level responses of large mammals to flooding events is scarce, and we had a unique opportunity to evaluate the viability of the Upper Atchafalaya River Basin (UARB) black bear population before and after a significant flooding event. We began collecting black bear hair samples in 2007 for a DNA mark‐recapture study to estimate abundance (N) and apparent survival (φ). In 2011, the Morganza Spillway was opened to divert floodwaters from the Mississippi River through the UARB, inundating > 50% of our study area, potentially impacting recovery of this important bear population. To evaluate the effects of this flooding event on bear population dynamics, we used a robust design multistate model to estimate changes in transition rates from the flooded area to non‐flooded area (ψF→NF) before (2007–2010), during (2010–2011) and after (2011–2012) the flood. Average N across all years of study was 63.2 (se = 5.2), excluding the year of the flooding event. Estimates of ψF→NF increased from 0.014 (se = 0.010; meaning that 1.4% of the bears moved from the flooded area to non‐flooded areas) before flooding to 0.113 (se = 0.045) during the flood year, and then decreased to 0.028 (se = 0.035) after the flood. Although we demonstrated a flood effect on transition rates as hypothesized, the effect was small (88.7% of the bears remained in the flooded area during flooding) and φ was unchanged, suggesting that the 2011 flooding event had minimal impact on survival and site fidelity.
Chronic alcohol alters rewarded behaviors and striatal plasticity
Authors: DePoy Lauren , Daut Rachel , Wright Tara , Camp Marguerite , Crowley Nicole , Noronha Bianca , Lovinger David , Holmes Andrew
Published: March 2014

Chronic intermittent ethanol (CIE) alters neural functions and behaviors mediated by the dorsolateral striatum (DLS) and prefrontal cortex. Here, we examined the effects of prolonged (16‐bout) CIE on DLS plasticity and DLS‐mediated behaviors. Ex vivo electrophysiological recordings revealed loss in efficacy of DLS synaptically induced activation and absent long‐term depression after CIE. CIE increased two‐bottle choice drinking and impaired Pavlovian‐to‐instrumental transfer but not discriminated approach. These data suggest prolonged CIE impaired DLS plasticity, to produce associated changes in drinking and cue‐controlled reward‐seeking. Given recent evidence that less‐prolonged CIE can promote certain dorsal striatal‐mediated behaviors, CIE may drive chronicity‐dependent adaptations in corticostriatal systems regulating behavior.
Preferences for International Redistribution: The Divide over the Eurozone Bailouts
Authors: Bechtel Michael M. , Hainmueller Jens , Margalit Yotam
Published: March 2014

Why do voters agree to bear the costs of bailing out other countries? Despite the prominence of public opinion in the ongoing debate over the eurozone bailouts, voters' preferences on the topic are poorly understood. We conduct the first systematic analysis of this issue using observational and experimental survey data from Germany, the country shouldering the largest share of the EU's financial rescue fund. Testing a range of theoretical explanations, we find that individuals' own economic standing has limited explanatory power in accounting for their position on the bailouts. In contrast, social dispositions such as altruism and cosmopolitanism robustly correlate with support for the bailouts. The results indicate that the divide in public opinion over the bailouts does not reflect distributive lines separating domestic winners and losers. Instead, the bailout debate is better understood as a foreign policy issue that pits economic nationalist sentiments versus greater cosmopolitan affinity and other‐regarding concerns.
Ultrastructure of UVR‐B‐induced cataract and repair visualized with electron microscopy
Authors: Meyer Linda M. , Wegener Alfred R. , Holz Frank G. , Kronschläger Martin , Bergmanson Jan P. , Soderberg Per G.
Published: March 2014

Purpose

The aim of the study is to investigate and visualize the ultrastructure of cataract morphology and repair, after in vivo exposure to double threshold dose UVR‐B in the C57BL/6 mouse lens.

Methods

Twenty‐six‐week‐old C57BL/6 mice received in vivo double threshold dose (6.4 kJ/m2) UVR‐B for 15 min. The radiation output of the UVR‐source had λMAX at 302.6 nm. After a latency period of 1, 2, 4 and 8 days following UVR‐B exposure, the induced cataract was visualized with electron microscopy techniques. Induced, cataract was quantified as forward lens light scattering. Damage to the lens epithelium and the anterior cortex was investigated with light microscopy in toluidine blue‐stained semi‐thin sections, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and dark field illumination photography.

Results

UVR‐B‐exposed lenses developed anterior subcapsular and/or cortical and nuclear cataract after 1 day. Lens light scattering peaked 2 days after exposure. Lens epithelial cell damage was seen in TEM as apoptotic cells, apoptotic bodies, nuclear chromatin condensation, and swollen and disrupted anterior cortex fibres throughout the sections of the whole anterior lens surface. These morphologic changes were also visualized with SEM. Within 8 days, anterior subcapsular cataract was repaired towards the anterior sutures.

Conclusion

UVR‐B exposure of double cataract threshold dose induces a subtotal loss of epithelial cells across the whole anterior surface of the lens. This damage to the epithelium is repaired by epithelial cell movement from the equator towards the lens sutures, thus in retrograde direction to regular epithelial cell differentiation.
Randomized, contralateral eye study to evaluate the effect of standard and inverted side‐cut angle on corneal biomechanical properties during femtosecond laser‐assisted in situ keratomileusis
Authors: Yip Yolanda W. Y. , Yu Marco C. Y. , Jhanji Vishal
Published: March 2014

Purpose

To evaluate the effect of side‐cut angle profile on corneal biomechanical properties after femtosecond laser in situ keratomileusis (FS‐LASIK).

Methods

Ninety‐six myopic eyes of 48 patients underwent FS‐LASIK. One eye of each patient was randomized to flap creation with a side‐cut angle of 115°. The fellow eye flap side‐cut angle was adjusted to 70°. Mean absolute error of flap diameter and mean change in Goldmann‐correlated intra‐ocular pressure (IOPg), corneal‐compensated IOP (IOPcc), corneal hysteresis (CH), corneal resistance factor (CRF), p1 area, p2 area, p1 area 1 and p2 area 1 were compared between both groups.

Results

Overall, the mean IOPg and CRF showed significant reduction at the end of 1 and 3 months, as well as between 1 and 3 months postoperatively (p ≤ 0.03). The mean IOPcc and CH showed significant reduction (p < 0.001) at the end of 3 months postoperatively. The parameters p1 area, p2 area, p1 area 1 and p2 area 1 changed significantly at the end of 1 and 3 months postoperatively (p < 0.001). There was no significant difference between both groups with regards to the mean change of IOPg, IOPcc, CH, CRF, p1 area, and p1 area 1. In 115° group, the mean absolute error in flap diameter was greater compared with 70° group (p = 0.014).

Conclusions

The stability of IOP and corneal biomechanical properties were not enhanced in FS‐LASIK flaps with an inverted side‐cut angle. The size of corneal flap created with 70° side‐cut angle was more accurate compared with 115° side‐cut angle.
Plasma vitamin D and serum total immunoglobulin E levels in patients with seasonal allergic conjunctivitis
Authors: Dadaci Zeynep , Borazan Mehmet , Kiyici Aysel , Oncel Acir Nursen
Published: March 2014

Purpose

To evaluate plasma 25‐hydroxyvitamin D and serum total immunoglobulin E (IgE) levels in patients with seasonal allergic conjunctivitis (SAC).

Methods

This observational case–control study involved 49 patients with SAC without any other ocular and systemic diseases, and 44 consecutive, age‐ and sex‐matched healthy subjects. Plasma 25‐hydroxyvitamin D and serum total IgE levels of all subjects were quantified with electrochemiluminescence technique. Results were compared between the groups, and p values of <0.05 were considered as statistically significant.

Results

No significant differences were found between the groups with respect to age (p = 0.41) and sex (p = 0.98). Plasma vitamin D levels of the subjects with SAC (median 8.03 ng/ml, range 3.00–17.97 ng/ml) were significantly lower than the control group (median 10.52 ng/ml, range 3.30–25.92 ng/ml) (p = 0.007). Serum total IgE levels of patients with SAC (median 48.65 IU/ml, range 1.77–812.00 IU/ml) were significantly higher when compared to the control group (median 32.49 IU/ml, range 0.14–104.60 IU/ml) (p = 0.003).

Conclusions

We found lower plasma vitamin D levels and higher serum total IgE levels in patients with SAC.
Review article: evidence for the role of gut microbiota in irritable bowel syndrome and its potential influence on therapeutic targets
Authors: DuPont H. L.
Published: March 2014

Background

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a prevalent gastrointestinal disease with a substantial social and economic burden. Treatment options remain limited and research on the aetiology and pathophysiology of this multifactorial disease is ongoing.

Aim

To discuss the potential role of gut microbiota in the pathophysiology of IBS and to identify possible interactions with pathophysiologic targets in IBS.

Methods

Articles were identified via a PubMed database search [‘irritable bowel syndrome’ AND (anti‐bacterial OR antibiotic OR flora OR microbiota OR microflora OR probiotic)]. English‐language articles were screened for relevance. Full review of publications for the relevant studies was conducted, including additional publications that were identified from individual article reference lists.

Results

The role of gut microbiota in IBS is supported by varying lines of evidence from animal and human studies. For example, post‐infectious IBS in humans is well documented. In addition, certain probiotics and nonsystemic antibiotics appear to be efficacious in the treatment of IBS. Mechanisms involved in improving IBS symptoms likely go beyond mere changes in the composition of the gut microbiota, and accumulating animal data support the interplay of microbiota with other IBS targets, such as the gut–brain axis, visceral hypersensitivity, mucosal inflammation and motility.

Conclusion

The role of the gut microbiota is still being elucidated; however, it appears to be one of several important factors that contributes to the aetiology and pathophysiology of the irritable bowel syndrome.