bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Logging and forest edges reduce redundancy in plant–frugivore networks in an old‐growth European forest
Authors: Albrecht Jörg , Berens Dana G. , Blüthgen Nico , Jaroszewicz Bogdan , Selva Nuria , Farwig Nina
Published: June 2013

Seed dispersal by frugivores is the basis for regeneration of fleshy‐fruited plants in forest ecosystems. Previous studies have reported a decrease in forest specialist frugivores due to logging and forest edges. Forest generalists appear less sensitive and may even increase at forest edges. Such changes in the abundance of frugivores may have consequences for consumer/resource ratios and competition in plant–frugivore networks.

Optimal foraging theory predicts an increase in dietary specialization of animals at low consumer/resource ratios due to reduced competition. A decrease in forest specialists in logged forests should cause decreased consumer/resource ratios, increased dietary specialization and reduced redundancy, whereas an increased abundance of forest generalists at edges may compensate for a loss of specialists.

In Europe's last old‐growth lowland forest (Białowieża, Eastern Poland), we recorded fruit removal by frugivores from fleshy‐fruited plant species in the interior and at edges of logged and old‐growth forests for 2 consecutive years.

The abundance of forest generalists increased at forest edges, whereas specialists were unaffected. Conversely, logging resulted in a decrease in abundance of forest specialists but had no effect on the abundance of generalists. Accordingly, consumer/resource ratios increased from interior to edges and were reduced in the interior of logged forests compared with the interior of old‐growth forests. As predicted by optimal foraging theory, a decrease in consumer/resource ratios coincided with increased dietary specialization and a loss of redundancy in the interior of logged forests. Despite low dietary specialization, redundancy was reduced at forest edges as forest generalists dominated plant–frugivore interactions.

Synthesis. We show that a shift in frugivore assemblages at forest edges and increased dietary specialization of frugivores in the interior of logged forests involved a loss of redundancy compared with continuous old‐growth forests. This suggests that seed dispersal services in secondary forest habitats depend on an impoverished subset of dispersal vectors and may suffer reduced adaptive potential to changing environmental conditions. Thus, our study highlights the value of old‐growth forests for the conservation of frugivore‐mediated seed dispersal processes.
Combined effects of fragmentation and herbivory on Posidonia oceanica seagrass ecosystems
Authors: Gera Alessandro , Pagès Jordi F. , Romero Javier , Alcoverro Teresa
Published: June 2013

Fragmentation is a major agent for seagrass meadow decline, yet little is known about how it interacts with processes like herbivory, an important functional driver of seagrass meadows. The interaction with external stressors like fragmentation could exacerbate the effects of internal ecosystem drivers like herbivory, with distinct implications for ecosystem management.

We used manipulative field experiments to assess these interactive effects in two Posidonia oceanica seagrass meadows. We monitored replicated plots in small and large patches in two meadows suffering fragmentation with and without herbivores (using exclusion cages) to test whether fragment size and herbivory could act together to alter ecosystem functioning. We measured changes in defoliation rates, primary production, canopy height and nutrient content in all plots after 4 months of herbivore exclusion.

Our results show that herbivores increased defoliation rates resulting in reduced primary production, nutrient content and canopy structure (canopy height). Patch size (fragment) on its own also reduced primary production, nutrient content and canopy structure. We also observed significant additive interactions between herbivores and fragmentation on canopy structure and production responses. In addition, small patches showed nutrient limitation but were able to accumulate more carbohydrate reserves, probably due to a higher light availability. This may explain why small patches can persist under significant herbivore pressure.

Synthesis. While fragmentation has already been identified as an important external agent of seagrass decline, the combination of fragmentation and herbivory can seriously exacerbate structural losses and affect primary production, profoundly compromising the role of seagrasses as habitat‐forming ecosystems. These interactions between external stressors and internal drivers may result in large unexpected consequences that may flow on to the rest of the ecosystem.
Protective arms of the renin–angiotensin‐system in neurological disease
Authors: Sumners Colin , Horiuchi Masatsugu , Widdop Robert E , McCarthy Claudia , Unger Thomas , Steckelings Ulrike M
Published: June 2013

In recent years it has been firmly established that apart from the classic renin–angiotensin system (RAS) comprising angiotensin (Ang) II, angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE; responsible for AngII generation) and the angiotensin AT1 receptor (AT1R), there also exist protective arms of the RAS that comprise the angiotensin AT2 receptor (AT2R), Ang‐(1–7), ACE2 (mainly responsible for Ang‐(1–7) synthesis) and Mas, the receptor for Ang‐(1–7).

 Stimulation of AT2R promotes neuronal differentiation, neurite outgrowth and axonal regeneration, which results in an acceleration of repair and improved functional outcome after injury of peripheral nerves or the spinal cord.

 Stimulation of AT2R and the receptor Mas has been shown to reduce infarct size and ameliorate neurological deficits in various animal models of stroke. The underlying mechanisms of action are comprised of activation of direct neurotrophic, anti‐inflammatory and anti‐oxidant pathways, as well as the augmentation of cerebral blood flow.

 Cognitive function is improved by AT2R stimulation due, at least in part, to increased cerebral blood flow. There is indirect evidence that Ang‐(1–7) could also play a role in protection against cognitive decline, but studies confirming this have not yet been published.

 In view of the data reviewed in this article, it can be assumed that the protective arms of the RAS are putative targets in the treatment of neurological diseases, which involve tissue damage or cognitive impairment.
Voice, Schooling, Inequality, and Scale
Authors: Collins James
Published: June 2013

The rich studies in this collection show that the investigation of voice requires analysis of “recognition” across layered spatial‐temporal and sociolinguistic scales. I argue that the concepts of voice, recognition, and scale provide insight into contemporary educational inequality and that their study benefits, in turn, from paying attention to social inequality.
Genetic risk of suicidal behavior in bipolar spectrum disorder: analysis of 737 pedigrees
Authors: Manchia Mirko , Hajek Tomas , O'Donovan Claire , Deiana Valeria , Chillotti Caterina , Ruzickova Martina , Del Zompo Maria , Alda Martin
Published: June 2013

Objectives

Suicide is a significant cause of mortality in patients with major affective disorders (MAD), and suicidal behavior andMADco‐aggregate in families. However, the transmission of suicidal behavior is partially independent from that ofMAD. We analyzed the lifetime prevalence of completed and attempted suicides in a large sample of families with bipolar disorder (BD), its relation to family history ofMADandBD, and the contribution of clinical and treatment factors to the risk of suicidal behavior.

Methods

We studied 737 families of probands withMADwith 4919 first‐degree relatives (818 affected, 3948 unaffected, and 153 subjects with no information available). Lifetime psychiatric diagnoses and suicidal behavior in first‐degree relatives were assessed using semi‐structured interviews, family history methods, and reviews of clinical records. Cox proportional hazard and logistic regression models were used to investigate the role of clinical covariates in the risk of suicidal behavior, and in the prevalence ofMADandBD.

Results

The estimated lifetime prevalence of suicidal behavior (attempted and completed suicides) in 737 probands was 38.4 ± 3.0%. Lithium treatment decreased suicide risk in probands (p = 0.007). In first‐degree relatives, a family history of suicidal behavior contributed significantly to the joint risk ofMADand suicidal behavior (p = 0.0006).

Conclusions

The liability to suicidal behavior is influenced by genetic factors (particularly family history of suicidal behavior andMAD). Even in the presence of high genetic risk for suicidal behavior, lithium treatment decreases suicide rates significantly.
Examining patient safety attitudes among urology trainees
Authors: Geraghty Alistair , Reid Sarah , McIlhenny Craig
Published: June 2013

Objectives

To identify current attitudes to patient safety among urology trainees.

To examine whether these have changed with the recent increase in emphasis on patient safety and the introduction of new working procedures in operating theatres.

Subjects and Methods

Subjects included 28 urology trainees, based in the West of Scotland, UK.

Trainee attitudes were examined using the Operating Room Management Attitudes Questionnaire, a validated tool for examining attitudes towards patient safety.

Results

Attitudes to teamwork were highly positive, with 89–100% of trainees acknowledging the need to share information and conduct pre‐ and postoperative briefs, and 82–96% being accepting of multidisciplinary feedback on performance. Attitudes to preoperative briefing and multidisciplinary feedback were improved compared with a similar historical cohort.

Trainees were reluctant to acknowledge the effect of stress and fatigue on personal performance; 50% felt they worked effectively in critical phases of operations even when tired, only 50% would tell team members their workload was becoming excessive and only 36% of trainees recognized that personal problems could affect their performance. There was no significant change in these attitudes from 2006 data.

Regarding leadership and confidence assertion, 68% of trainees felt that leadership in the operating theatre should rest with the medical staff, 18% stated senior decisions or actions should not be questioned unless they threaten safety and 7% that they should not be questioned at all. This was similar to previous data.

Conclusions

Attitudes to briefing and multidisciplinary feedback appear to have improved since the introduction of the World Health Organization surgical checklist and wider use of feedback tools; other safety attitudes remain largely unchanged.

Urology trainees may benefit from further training to better understand the mechanisms of error development, to raise awareness of human performance limitation, particularly the effects of stress and fatigue, and to develop techniques to challenge decisions/respond to challenges.
Influence of extrafloral nectary phenology on ant–plant mutualistic networks in a neotropical savanna
Authors: LANGE DENISE , DÁTTILO WESLEY , DEL‐CLARO KLEBER
Published: June 2013

Temporal variation has been one remarkable feature of ecological interactions. In ant–plant mutualism, this variation is widely known, although little is understood about the mechanisms that shape these variations.

This study tested whether or not the phenology of extrafloral nectaries (EFNs) influences the temporal variation of two properties of an ant–plant interaction network.

The network under investigation exhibited a nested pattern and low specialisation over most months. Monthly nestedness and specialisation in the network were negatively correlated, both being influenced by temporal variations in extrafloral nectar production of the plant community. The months of highest activity in the nectaries (August–November) were those when the level of generalisation in the network was at its highest. Although there were temporal variations in the properties of the network, the generalist core of the species remained the same over time.

The stable core enhances the coevolutionary importance of ant–plant interactions for the community. Thus, it can be concluded that the phenology of EFNs is one effective mechanism shaping the temporal variation in ant–plant interaction.
A pilot study of a school‐based prevention and early intervention program to reduce oppositional defiant disorder/conduct disorder
Authors: Winther Jo , Carlsson Anthony , Vance Alasdair
Published: June 2013

Oppositional defiant disorder (ODD) or conduct disorder (CD) occurs when children's disruptive and antisocial behaviours start to interfere with their academic, emotional and/or social development. Recently, there has been a considerable investment to implement national school‐based early intervention programs to help prevent the onset of ODD/CD.

Aim:

This paper describes the delivery of the Royal Children's Hospital, Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service and Schools Early Action Program: a whole school, multi‐level, multidisciplinary approach to address emerging ODD/CD and pre‐ versus post‐delivery assessment in 40 schools over a 4‐year period (2007–2010).

Methods:

All children from preparatory to grade 3 (ages 4–10 years) were screened for conduct problems (n = 8546) using the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire. Universal, targeted and indicated interventions were delivered in school settings. In total, 304 children participated in the targeted group program where the Child Behaviour Checklist was used as a pre‐ and post‐intervention measure. Cohen's d effect sizes and a reliability change index were calculated to determine clinical significance.

Results:

Significant reductions in both parent‐ and teacher‐reported internalizing and externalizing symptoms were noted. Parent, teacher and child feedback were very positive.

Conclusions:

A future randomized controlled trial of the program would address potential placebo and selection bias effects.
A case report of cognitive behavioural therapy for social anxiety in an ultra‐high risk patient
Authors: Haglund Margaret , Cabaniss Deborah , Kimhy David , Corcoran Cheryl M.
Published: June 2013

Aim:

Psychological treatments such as cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) may have efficacy in young people at ultra‐high risk (UHR) for psychosis. Case reports can illuminate the obstacles and challenges, and potential trajectory of symptom changes, observed with this treatment.

Methods:

This is a detailed case report of a young adult at UHR for psychosis who received manualized CBT for accompanying social anxiety.

Results:

Cognitive deficits and suspiciousness created initial challenges for successful implementation of CBT. Engagement in treatment occurred with slowing of pace and simplification of material, and modelling of social interaction. Treatment of social anxiety was accompanied by decreases in suspiciousness, conceptual disorganization, and social anhedonia, and increase in range of affect.

Conclusions:

Adaptation of manualized CBT to accommodate cognitive deficits and suspiciousness in UHR patients may improve engagement. CBT focused on social anxiety can lead to improvement across symptom domains in UHR patients.
National Constitutional Jurisprudence in a Post‐National Europe: The ESM Ruling of the German Federal Constitutional Court and the Disavowal of Conflict
Authors: Deters Henning
Published: June 2013

In its pending decision on the constitutionality of the European Stability Mechanism and Fiscal Compact, the German Federal Constitutional Court (FCC) has recently ruled on several applications for temporary injunctions against the transposition of these instruments. The problem of democratic self‐determination under the constraints of monetary integration has been a main concern in the ruling. Yet, the democracy‐safeguards the FCC has prescribed are parochial in not considering their impact on other EU Member States, and the Court's view of autonomy is skewed towards the issue of spending. Both concepts are at odds with the current level of transnational interdependence, which the FCC as relay to ‘integration by stealth’ has facilitated during two decades of EU‐jurisprudence. Constitutional jurisdiction should acknowledge its role in this state of affairs and fortify its effort in building judicial networks of deliberative exchange to overcome outworn parochialisms.
Composition characterization and clinical efficacy study of a salmon egg extract
Authors: Lønne G. K. , Gammelsæter R. , Haglerød C.
Published: June 2013

Synopsis

Objective

There is an increasing demand for scientifically documented over‐the‐counter products on the cosmetic market. Salmon eggs are rich in proteins, vitamins and minerals with anti‐oxidative and anti‐inflammatory properties, as well as free amino acids and lipids documented to be beneficial for skin. Of the fatty acids, several are commonly used as skin penetration enhancers. The unique combination of active substances led us to study whether an extract from salmon eggs could serve as an ingredient for skin care.

Methods

We conducted a double‐blinded, randomized clinical trial with 66 healthy female volunteers. Efficacy of the salmon egg extract was evaluated at concentrations of 1% and 5% in vehicle formulation, and responses after 7, 14, 28 and 56 days of treatment were compared with baseline. Composition of the extract was analysed to improve the understanding of the effects of the extract on skin. The salmon egg extract was safety‐tested by repeat insult patch test.

Results

Treatment of facial skin with the salmon egg extract significantly improved all parameters investigated, wrinkles, pigmentation, redness, brightness and hydration and led to global improvement of the facial skin. Efficacy of the extract was dose dependent and time dependent. There were no adverse reactions noted during the course of the repeat insult patch test, demonstrating that the extract causes neither skin irritation nor sensitization. Furthermore, chemical analyses of the extract revealed the composition of a vast number of active substances, including unsaturated fatty acids, vitamins, proteins, minerals, DNA and RNA.

Conclusion

The salmon egg extract serves as a skin care ingredient that significantly improves characteristics important for perception of skin ageing and health. The efficacy of the treatment is conceivably accounted for by the unique combination of numerous active substances present in the salmon egg extract.
Investigating polypharmacy and drug burden index in hospitalised older people
Authors: Best O. , Gnjidic D. , Hilmer S. N. , Naganathan V. , McLachlan A. J.
Published: June 2013

Aims

To investigate the changes in polypharmacy and the drug burden index (DBI) occurring during hospitalisation for older people. The secondary aim was to examine the associations of these two measures with the length of hospital stay and admission for falls or delirium.

Methods

A retrospective analysis of patients' medical records was undertaken at a large university teaching hospital (Sydney, Australia) for patients with the age of ≥65 years and admitted under the care of the geriatric medicine or rehabilitation teams. Polypharmacy was defined as the use of more than five regular medications. The DBI measures exposure to drugs with anticholinergic and sedative effects. Logistic regression analysis was conducted to investigate the associations between polypharmacy and DBI with outcome measures. Data are presented using odds ratios with 95% confidence intervals.

Results

A total of 329 patients was included in this study. The mean (± standard deviation) age of the population was 84.6 ± 7.0 years, 62% were female and 40% were admitted from residential aged‐care facilities. On admission, polypharmacy was observed in 60% of the cohort and DBI exposure for 50%. DBI and polypharmacy exposure decreased during hospitalisation, but only the number of medications taken decreased by a statistically significant margin (P = 0.02). Patients with a high DBI (≥1) were approximately three times more likely to be admitted for delirium than those with no DBI exposure (odds ratio, 2.95; 95% confidence interval, 1.34–6.51).

Conclusions

In the present study, DBI was associated with an increased risk of hospital admission for delirium only. Polypharmacy was not associated with any of the clinical measures.
Alumina Region of the Lithium Aluminosilicate System: A New Window for Temperature Ultrastable Materials Design
Authors: García‐Moreno Olga , Kriven Waltraud M. , Moya José Serafín , Torrecillas Ramón
Published: June 2013

Revisiting classic phase diagrams and chemical phase relations in the solid state of a very well‐studied oxide system, such as the lithium aluminosilicate (LAS) system, can open a new window for the design of new advanced materials with improved properties. Crystal chemistry and phase equilibria are used to demonstrate the ability to design materials with particular desired properties in the alumina‐rich corner of the LAS phase diagram. The experimental results demonstrate the alumina and β‐eucryptite solid‐state compatibility.
Risk factors associated with physical restraints in residential aged care facilities: a community‐based epidemiological survey in Taiwan
Authors: Huang Hui Chi , Huang Yu Tai , Lin Kuan Chia , Kuo Yong Fang
Published: June 2013

Aim

To identify the rate and risk factors of physical restraint in residential aged care facilities in Taiwan.

Background

In Taiwan, physical restraint is commonly used in aged care facilities to prevent accidents. Many are unaware of the associated risks. Restrained residents cannot move freely, increasing the risk of atrophy and leading to reduced physical functioning.

Design

A community‐based epidemiological survey.

Methods

Data were collected from June–December 2007 across 178 residential aged care facilities with 5,173 residential beds in the target city of Taiwan. Twenty facilities were sampled using probability proportional to size by beds and accreditation ranking. In all, 256 primary caregivers (78 nurses and 178 care aides) and 847 residents completed the study questionnaires and tests. A multilevel analysis approach was used to identify individual‐ and facility‐level risk factors for physical restraint and assess the variation in physical restraint at the individual‐ and facility‐level.

Results

Of 847 residents, 62% (527) were restrained during the study period. The main reasons for restraint use were fall prevention and prevention of tube removal. Resident level risk factors for physical restraint included lower Barthel Index scores (more dependent) and an agreement allowing the use of physical restraint to avoid injury signed by a family member or social worker. A facility‐level risk factor for physical restraint was younger primary caregivers.

Conclusion

To reduce the incidence of physical restraint in residential aged care facilities in Taiwan, educational programmes should target primary caregivers and families in facilities.
An Optimization Method for Estimating Constituent Mean Concentrations in Base Flow‐Dominated Flow
Authors: Ahiablame Laurent , Engel Bernard , Chaubey Indrajeet
Published: June 2013

Pollutant coefficients have been widely used to assess runoff nonpoint source pollution from individual land uses (e.g., agricultural, residential) of a watershed. Pollutant coefficients, known as event mean concentrations (EMCs), were developed by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's Nationwide Urban Runoff Program (NURP) to serve as a national measure for characterizing pollutant loading in a receiving water body. The term “baseflow pollutant coefficient (BPC)” is used in this study as a surrogate for EMC to describe mean concentration of pollutants in base flow‐dominated flow. A method for characterizing base flow quantity and quality for different land uses was explored using inverse modeling with two optimization techniques (a least square method and a genetic algorithm [GA] optimization), land use information, and streamflow quantity and quality data. The inverse model was formulated as a constrained minimization problem and demonstrated with data for 15 watersheds in Indiana. Results showed that estimated pollutant coefficients are comparable to the published literature. This indicates that the proposed method has the potential to effectively estimate constituent mean concentrations for pollutant load determination in gauged and ungauged watersheds, albeit more analysis with larger and more robust datasets is desirable to further refine and validate the accuracy of the approach.
Determining the effect of environmental accidents on responses to a Gulf of Mexico recreational for‐hire fishing industry surveya
Authors: Savolainen M. A. , Kazmierczak R. F. , Caffey R. H.
Published: June 2013

A survey designed to collect economic, attitudinal and policy data from the recreational for‐hire (RFH) fishing industry in the U.S. Gulf of Mexico was conducted before and during the largest marine oil spill in U.S. history (the April 2010 Deepwater Horizon blowout). Respondents were grouped into two time periods based on when the survey was completed, where the break in groups was determined through the examination of the Pew Research Center's media coverage index and the per cent of fishing area closures due to the oil spill. A logistic regression was used to test variables that might predict the time period of a response. Results indicated that recall bias was not present in the financial variables examined, but that firm operating and demographic characteristics (i.e. vessel size, annual number of trips, number of vessels operating in the firm, tenure and household income) were significant in explaining the time period in which surveys were completed.
New insights into carbon allocation by trees from the hypothesis that annual wood production is maximized
Authors: McMurtrie Ross E. , Dewar Roderick C.
Published: June 2013

Allocation of carbon (C) between tree components (leaves, fine roots and woody structures) is an important determinant of terrestrialCsequestration. Yet, because the mechanisms underlyingCallocation are poorly understood, it is a weak link in current earth‐system models. We obtain new theoretical insights intoCallocation from the hypothesis (MaxW) that annual wood production is maximized.

MaxWis implemented using a model of treeCand nitrogen (N) balance with a vertically resolved canopy and root system for stands of Norway spruce (Picea abies).

MaxWpredicts optimal vertical profiles of leafNand root biomass, optimal canopy leaf area index and rooting depth, and the associated optimal pattern ofCallocation.

Key insights include a predicted optimal C–N functional balance between leaves at the base of the canopy and the deepest roots, according to which the netCexport from basal leaves is just sufficient to grow the basal roots required to meet their N requirement.MaxWlinks the traits of basal leaves and roots to whole‐treeCandNuptake, and unifies two previous optimization hypotheses (maximum gross primary production, maximum N uptake) that have been applied independently to canopies and root systems.
SNP‐based Bayesian networks can predict oral mucositis risk in autologous stem cell transplant recipients
Authors: Sonis ST , Antin JH , Tedaldi MW , Alterovitz G
Published: June 2013

Objective

Approximately 40% of patients receiving conditioning chemotherapy prior to autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplants (aHSCT) develop severe oral mucositis (SOM). Aside from disabling pain, ulcerative lesions associated with SOM predispose to poor health and economic outcomes. Our objective was to develop a probabilistic graphical model in which a cluster of single‐nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) derived from salivary DNA could be used as a tool to predict SOM risk.

Methods

Salivary DNA was extracted from 153 HSCT patients and applied to Illumina BeadChips. Using sequential data analysis, we filtered extraneous SNPs, selected loci, and identified a predictive SNP network for OM risk. We then tested the predictive validity of the network using SNP array outputs from an independent HSCT cohort.

Results

We identified an 82‐SNP Bayesian network (BN) that was related to SOM risk with a 10‐fold cross‐validation accuracy of 99.3% and an area under the ROC curve of 99.7%. Using samples from a small independent patient cohort (n = 16), we demonstrated the network's predictive validity with an accuracy of 81.2% in the absence of any false positives.

Conclusions

Our results suggest that SNP‐based BN developed from saliva‐sourced DNA can predict SOM risk in patients prior to aHSCT.
Mutation of Arabidopsis CATALASE2 results in hyponastic leaves by changes of auxin levels
Authors: GAO XIANG , YUAN HONG‐MEI , HU YE‐QIN , LI JING , LU YING‐TANG
Published: June 2013

Auxin and H2O2 play vital roles in plant development and environmental responses; however, it is unclear whether and how H2O2 modulates auxin levels. Here, we investigate this question using cat2‐1 mutant, which exhibits reduced catalase activity and accumulates high levels of H2O2 under photorespiratory conditions. At a light intensity of 150 μmol m−2 s−1, the mutant exhibited up‐curled leaves that have increased H2O2 contents and decreased auxin levels. At low light intensities (30 μmol m−2 s−1), the leaves of the mutant were normal, but exhibited reduced H2O2 contents and elevated auxin levels. These findings suggest that H2O2 modulates auxin levels. When auxin was directly applied to cat2‐1 leaves, the up‐curled leaves curled downwards. In addition, transformation of cat2‐1 plants with pCAT2:iaaM, which increases auxin levels, rescued the hyponastic leaf phenotype. Using qRT‐PCR, we demonstrated that the transcription of auxin synthesis‐related genes and of genes that regulate leaf curvature is suppressed in cat2‐1. Furthermore, application of glutathione rescued the up‐curled leaves of cat2‐1 and increased auxin levels, but did not change H2O2 levels. Thus, the hyponastic leaves of cat2‐1 reveal crosstalk between H2O2 and auxin signalling that is mediated by changes in glutathione redox status.
Effect of Concentration on the Photophysics of Dyes in Light‐Scattering Materials.
Authors: Rodríguez Hernán B. , San Román Enrique
Published: June 2013

Photoactive materials based on dye molecules incorporated into thin films or bulk solids are useful for applications as photosensitization, photocatalysis, solar cell sensitization and fluorescent labeling, among others. In most cases, high concentrations of dyes are desirable to maximize light absorption. Under these circumstances, the proximity of dye molecules leads to the formation of aggregates and statistical traps, which dissipate the excitation energy and lower the population of excited states. The search for enhancement of light collection, avoiding energy wasting requires accounting the photophysical parameters quantitatively, including the determination of quantum yields, complicated by the presence of light scattering when particulate materials are considered. In this work we summarize recent advances on the photophysics of dyes in light‐scattering materials, with particular focus on the effect of dye concentration. We show how experimental reflectance, fluorescence and laser‐induced optoacoustic spectroscopy data can be used together with theoretical models for the quantitative evaluation of inner filter effects, fluorescence and triplet formation quantum yields and energy transfer efficiencies.
Cat scratch‐induced Pasteurella multocida necrotizing cellulitis in a dog
Authors: Banovic Frane , Linder Keith , Boone Alison , Jennings Sam , Murphy K. Marcia
Published: June 2013

Background

In humans, rapidly developing Pasteurella multocida cellulitis after a cat scratch or bite is a well‐known entity that sometimes progresses to necrotizing fasciitis and can be fatal.

Case report

A 3‐year‐old female spayed whippet dog developed ecchymosis, swelling and pain within 24 h of being scratched by a cat on the ventral thorax. Over the following days, while being treated only with pain medications, the lesions rapidly progressed into haemorrhagic bullae with expanding skin necrosis. A heavy growth of P. multocida was seen on bacterial cultures, and histological examination showed marked, suppurative panniculitis with necrosis of the epidermis, dermis and panniculus. Special histological stains highlighted a moderate amount of Gram‐negative coccobacilli admixed with inflammatory cells. Complete resolution was achieved with surgical debridement, skin grafting and intravenous antibiotic treatment. Positive bacterial culture for P. multocida, in conjunction with the history, clinical findings, histology results and the rapid response to therapy, strongly supports a diagnosis of P. multocida necrotizing cellulitis.

Conclusions and clinical importance

Complications of cat bite‐associated P. multocida infections in humans are well known. To the authors' knowledge, this is the first documentation of P. multocida necrotizing cellulitis in a dog following a cat scratch wound. This case highlights the rapidity and severity of P. multocida cellulitis, if not recognized and treated early. Veterinarians should include P. multocida in the differential diagnosis of any local wound infection following a cat scratch.
Development of speech motor control: Lip movement variability
Authors: Schötz Susanne , Frid Johan , Löfqvist Anders
Published: June 2013

This study examined variability of lip movements across repetitions of the same utterance as a function of age in Swedish speakers. The specific purpose was to extend earlier findings by examining variability in both phase and amplitude. Subjects were 50 typically developed native Swedish children and adults (28 females, 22 males, aged 5 to 31 yr). Lip movements were recorded during 15 to 20 repetitions of a short Swedish phrase using three-dimensional articulography. After correction for head movements, the kinematic records were expressed in a maxilla-based coordinate system. Movement onset and offset of the utterance were identified using kinematic landmarks. The Euclidean distance between receivers on the upper and lower lips was calculated and subjected to functional data analysis to assess both phase and amplitude variability. Results show a decrease in both indices as a function of age, with a greater reduction of amplitude variability. There was no difference between males and females for either index. The two indices were moderately correlated with each other, suggesting that they capture different aspects of speech production. Utterance duration also decreased with age, but variability was unrelated to duration. The standard deviation of utterance duration also decreased with age. The present results thus suggest that age related changes in speech motor control continue up until 30 years of age.
Physical and non-physical energy in scattered wave source-receiver interferometry
Authors: Angelo Meles Giovanni , Curtis Andrew
Published: June 2013

Source-receiver interferometry allows Green's functions between sources and receivers to be estimated by means of convolution and cross-correlation of other wavefields. Source-receiver interferometry has been observed to work surprisingly well in practical applications when theoretical requirements (e.g., complete enclosing boundaries of other sources and receivers) are contravened: this paper contributes to explain why this may be true. Commonly used inter-receiver interferometry requires wavefields to be generated around specific stationary points in space which are controlled purely by medium heterogeneity and receiver locations. By contrast, application of source-receiver interferometry constructs at least kinematic information about physically scattered waves between a source and a receiver by cross-convolution of scattered waves propagating from and to any points on the boundary. This reduces the ambiguity in interpreting wavefields generated using source-receiver interferometry with only partial boundaries (as is standard in practical applications), as it allows spurious or non-physical energy in the constructed Green's function to be identified and ignored. Further, source-receiver interferometry (which includes a step of inter-receiver interferometry) turns all types of non-physical or spurious energy deriving from inter-receiver interferometry into what appears to be physical energy. This explains in part why source-receiver interferometry may perform relatively well compared to inter-receiver interferometry when constructing scattered wavefields.
Perceptual and production training of intervocalic /d, ɾ, r/ in American English learners of Spanish
Authors: Herd Wendy , Jongman Allard , Sereno Joan
Published: June 2013

This study investigates the effectiveness of three high variability training paradigms in training 42 speakers of American English to correctly perceive and produce Spanish intervocalic /d, ɾ, r/. Since Spanish spirantization and English flapping both affect /d/ intervocalically, the acquisition of the /d/-/ɾ/ contrast proves difficult for English learners of Spanish. The acquisition of the trill /r/ is also problematic because it is a new phoneme for English learners and is articulatorily difficult to produce. Past research reported that high-variability perceptual training improves both perception and production [Bradlow et al., J. Acoust. Soc. Am. 101, 2299–2310 (1997); Wang et al., J. Acoust. Soc. Am. 113, 1033–1043 (2003)] and that production training improves both as well [Hirata, Comp. Assisted Lang. Learning 17, 357–376 (2004)]. However, trainees were able to listen to stimuli during production training, making it unclear whether production training alone transfers to perception. This study systematically controls both training modalities so they can be directly compared and introduces a third training methodology that includes both perception and production. All three training paradigms proved effective. While perception and production trainees primarily made gains in perception, combination trainees made gains in production. The effectiveness of each training modality depended on the nature of the contrast being trained and the modality of the test.
Guided wave mode selection for health monitoring of sub-surface hidden defects on fuel weep holes
Authors: Doherty C. , Chiu W. K.
Published: June 2013

The in situ health monitoring of defects on the blind side of open holes using ultrasonic plate waves is a challenging problem. Scattering phenomena in this hard-to-inspect region can be used indicate the presence of the defect. This is especially advantageous if these phenomena give rise to the scattering of a wave mode that is unique to the interaction between the incident wave mode and defect. When the defect in question is located within an inaccessible structure, an understanding of how the incident ultrasonic elastic wave field can be scattered from this hidden defect propagates to the accessible surface is important. This paper presents a series of computational investigations to highlight the essential physics that explains the scattering phenomena by a defect located on the blind side of an open hole. The work presented is relevant to the monitoring of defects located in hard-to-inspect regions of future unitized metallic and composite structures. The outcomes advance the knowledge base of inspection of hard-to-access regions with actuators and sensors placed in easily accessible locations.
Compensation for channel interaction in a simultaneous cochlear implant coding strategy
Authors: Bader Paul , Kals Mathias , Schatzer Reinhold , Griessner Andreas , Zierhofer Clemens
Published: June 2013

This study evaluated a concept to reduce detrimental effects of spatial channel interaction in case of simultaneous stimulation with cochlear implants. The hypothesis was that effects of simultaneous channel interaction can be compensated by an algorithm such that no difference in hearing performance between simultaneous pulsatile stimulation and a strictly sequential reference strategy can be found. The simultaneous strategies used in this study stimulated two or three electrodes simultaneously in a monopolar configuration and used a specific compensation algorithm to reduce detrimental effects of simultaneous channel interaction. Overall stimulation rate was kept constant throughout conditions. Three of the configurations applied extended pulse phase durations. The German Oldenburg sentence and a German vowel test were used to measure speech recognition in 12 cochlear implant users. The results support the initial hypothesis. No significant differences in performance were found. A small spatial distance between simultaneous electrodes yielded slightly better results than a large distance. Extending the pulse phase durations had no significant effect on hearing performance. However, it significantly reduced stimulation amplitudes. Thus strategies implementing channel interaction compensated simultaneous stimulation with extended pulse phase durations might be a viable option for reducing power consumption and increasing battery life in cochlear implants.
The effect of bone conduction microphone placement on intensity and spectrum of transmitted speech items
Authors: Tran Phuong K. , Letowski Tomasz R. , McBride Maranda E.
Published: June 2013

Speech signals can be converted into electrical audio signals using either conventional air conduction (AC) microphone or a contact bone conduction (BC) microphone. The goal of this study was to investigate the effects of the location of a BC microphone on the intensity and frequency spectrum of the recorded speech. Twelve locations, 11 on the talker's head and 1 on the collar bone, were investigated. The speech sounds were three vowels (/u/, /a/, /i/) and two consonants (/m/, /∫/). The sounds were produced by 12 talkers. Each sound was recorded simultaneously with two BC microphones and an AC microphone. Analyzed spectral data showed that the BC recordings made at the forehead of the talker were the most similar to the AC recordings, whereas the collar bone recordings were most different. Comparison of the spectral data with speech intelligibility data collected in another study revealed a strong negative relationship between BC speech intelligibility and the degree of deviation of the BC speech spectrum from the AC spectrum. In addition, the head locations that resulted in the highest speech intelligibility were associated with the lowest output signals among all tested locations. Implications of these findings for BC communication are discussed.
Piezoelectric slotted ring transducer
Authors: Aronov Boris S.
Published: June 2013

Analytical treatment of a slotted piezoelectric ceramic ring transducer vibrating in flexure is presented. The mode shape of the slotted ring vibration is determined, and parameters of the equivalent electromechanical circuit of the transducer are calculated. Possibilities to optimize the effective electromechanical coupling coefficient of the transducer by combining active and passive materials are considered. Acoustic loading for typical projectors made from slotted rings is estimated. Challenges in implementing the slotted ring transducers in terms of depth limitation and radiated power are discussed.
Beam forming of the underwater sound field from impact pile driving
Authors: Dahl Peter H. , Reinhall Per G.
Published: June 2013

Observations of underwater noise from impact pile driving were made with a vertical line array. Previous studies [Reinhall and Dahl, J. Acoust. Soc. Am. 130, 1209–1216 (2011)] show that the dominant underwater noise from impact driving is from the Mach wave associated with the radial expansion of the pile that propagates down the pile at supersonic speed after impact. Here precise estimates of the vertical arrival angles associated with the down- and up-going Mach wave are made via beam forming, and the energy budget of the arrival structure is quantified.
Dual Receptor T Cells Mediate Pathologic Alloreactivity in Patients with Acute Graft-Versus-Host Disease
Authors: Morris Gerald P. , Uy Geoffrey L. , Donermeyer David , DiPersio John F. , Allen Paul M.
Published: June 2013

Expansion of dual TCR T cells in patients after HSC transplantation is significantly associated with acute GVHD.
Antigen-Specific Tolerance by Autologous Myelin Peptide–Coupled Cells: A Phase 1 Trial in Multiple Sclerosis
Authors: Lutterotti Andreas , Yousef Sara , Sputtek Andreas , Stürner Klarissa H. , Stellmann Jan-Patrick , Breiden Petra , Reinhardt Stefanie , Schulze Christian , Bester Maxim , Heesen Christoph , Schippling Sven , Miller Stephen D. , Sospedra Mireia , Martin Roland
Published: June 2013

Antigen-coupled cells result in antigen-specific tolerization for treatment of multiple sclerosis.
Keeping Metastasis at Bay
Authors: Ghajar Cyrus M.
Published: June 2013

A small therapeutic peptide may induce a tumor-suppressive response at metastatic sites.
Imaging the Transport Dynamics of Single Alphaherpesvirus Particles in Intact Peripheral Nervous System Explants from Infected Mice
Authors: Granstedt Andrea E. , Brunton Bingni W. , Enquist Lynn W.
Published: June 2013

Alphaherpesvirus particles travel long distances in the axons of neurons using host microtubule molecular motors. The transport dynamics of individual virions in neurons have been assessed in cultured neurons, but imaging studies of single particles in tissue from infected mice have not been reported. We developed a protocol to image explanted, infected peripheral nervous system (PNS) ganglia and associated innervated tissue from mice infected with pseudorabies virus (PRV). This
ex vivo
preparation allowed us to visualize and track individual virions over time as they moved from the salivary gland into submandibular ganglion neurons of the PNS. We imaged and tracked hundreds of virions from multiple mice at different time points. We quantitated the transport velocity, particle stalling, duty cycle, and directionality at various times after infection. Using a PRV recombinant that expressed monomeric red fluorescent protein (mRFP)-VP26 (red capsid) and green fluorescent protein (GFP)-Us9 (green membrane protein), we corroborated that anterograde transport in axons occurs after capsids are enveloped. We addressed the question of whether replication occurs initially in the salivary gland at the site of inoculation or subsequently in the neurons of peripheral innervating ganglia. Our data indicate that significant amplification of infection occurs in the peripheral ganglia after transport from the site of infection and that these newly made particles are transported back to the salivary gland. It is likely that this reseeding of the infected gland contributes to massive invasion of the innervating PNS ganglia. We suggest that this “round-trip” infection process contributes to the characteristic peripheral neuropathy of PRV infection.

IMPORTANCE
Much of our understanding of molecular mechanisms of alphaherpesvirus infection and spread in neurons comes from studying cultured primary neurons. These techniques enabled significant advances in our understanding of the viral and neuronal components needed for efficient replication and directional spread between cells. However,
in vitro
systems cannot recapitulate the environment of innervated tissue
in vivo
with associated defensive properties, such as innate immunity. Therefore, in this report, we describe a system to image the progression of infection by single virus particles in tissue harvested from infected animals. We explanted intact innervated tissue from infected mice and imaged fluorescent virus particles in infected axons of the specific ganglionic neurons. Our measurements of virion transport dynamics are consistent with published
in vitro
results. Importantly, this system enabled us to address a fundamental biological question about the amplification of a herpesvirus infection in a peripheral nervous system circuit.