bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Time‐varying analysis of aggregate electricity demand in Ghana: a rolling analysis
Authors: Adom Philip Kofi
Published: March 2013

Using the rolling regression technique, the study investigated how the effects of income, economic structure and industry efficiency on aggregate electricity demand vary with time. The Quandt–Andrews test was used to examine the presence or otherwise of structural breaks in the data set. The long‐run estimate of aggregate electricity demand based on fully modified ordinary least squares reveals that the variables carried their a priori expectations with the positive income effect playing the most significant role followed by industry efficiency with structural effect playing the least role. The result of the Quandt–Andrews test showed rejection of the null hypothesis of no structural breaks with the maximum statistic occurring in 1987, which is the most likely breakpoint location. The rolling regression result revealed evidence of constant shifting of poles of the estimated demand model. The plot of the evolution of demand elasticities showed variations over time with some evidence of strong linkages with periods of policy regime changes. Changing economic structure, improving energy efficiency and integrating electricity production, distribution and transmission into the overall macroeconomic planning will go a long way to stabilise the situation in the electricity market.
Price effect of domestic oil tax under vertically related market structure: evidence from the United States, EU and Japan
Authors: Sun Zesheng , Hong Junjie , Xu Xiangdong
Published: March 2013

Domestic oil tax influences not only consumer price, but also oil company's bid–ask spread and international oil price via vertically related markets. In order to examine oil tax price effects, a random‐effect variable‐coefficient model is introduced and estimated based on data from 1970 to 2010. Results show that domestic oil taxes in major oil‐importing countries are shouldered by both international and domestic markets, with the latter including the oil companies and consumers in the importing country. However, the impacts of oil taxes on domestic consumer prices can be quite different, with relatively weak consequences in the United States, and significantly positive and strong influence in the European Union and Japan.
Oil revenue, institutions and macroeconomic indicators in Nigeria
Authors: Ushie Vanessa , Adeniyi Oluwatosin , Akongwale Sabastine
Published: March 2013

The influx of massive revenues during periods of abnormally high oil prices creates enormous challenges for policy‐makers in oil‐producing countries. In Nigeria, the prudent utilisation of oil revenues has remained elusive for policy‐makers over time. While the country has earned sizeable oil revenues from its natural endowment, poverty and income inequality have been persistent. This study tests the sensitivity of several important macroeconomic indicators to oil revenue shocks. We additionally test for the effect of ‘institutional quality’, in recognition of the important role played by the domestic institutional context in shaping the policy responses adopted by successive Nigerian governments to oil windfalls over time. The sensitivity analysis supports the general view that fluctuations in oil revenues have resulted in inflation, lower output growth and real exchange rate appreciation in Nigeria. More importantly, the aforementioned institutional variable is found to be very significant. This finding is consistent with the general assessment of fiscal performance in Nigeria during oil windfalls as being driven by domestic institutional dynamics. Ostentatious public consumption widened fiscal deficits, and government spending has been highly pro‐cyclical during windfall episodes. In conclusion, the study offers appropriate policy recommendations, which could be adopted to enhance the management of future oil windfalls in Nigeria.
Properties ofCa–(Y)–Si–Al–O–N–FGlasses: Independent and Additive Effects of Fluorine and Nitrogen
Authors: García‐Bellés A. R. , Monzó M. , Barba A. , Clausell C. , Pomeroy M. J. , Hanifi A. R. , Hampshire S.
Published: March 2013

Thirty glasses of composition (in equivalent percent) 20‐xCa:xY:50Si:30Al:(100‐y‐z)O:yN:zF, withx = 0, 10;y = 0, 10, 20, andz = 0, 1, 3, 5, 7 were prepared by melting and casting. All glasses were X‐ray amorphous. Glass molar volumes (MV) decreased with nitrogen substitution for oxygen for all fluorine contents and, correspondingly, glass fractional compactness increased. Fluorine substitution of oxygen had virtually no effect on molar volume or fractional glass compactness for the three nitrogen contents tested. Young's modulus and microhardness were virtually unaffected by fluorine substitution for oxygen while nitrogen substitution for oxygen caused increases in these two properties. Glass‐transition temperature and dilatometric‐softening point values all decreased with increasing fluorine substitution levels, while increasing nitrogen substitution caused values for these thermal properties to increase. Correspondingly, the thermal expansion coefficient increased with fluorine and decreased with nitrogen substitution levels. Using property value differences between glasses containing fluorine and the corresponding glass containing 0 eq.% F enabled 24 data points to be used to determine the effect of fluorine onTg,dilandTDS. The trends were linear with a gradient for both properties of the order of −22°C (eq.% F)−1. For the nitrogen effect, 20 data points were analyzed for trend effects. As expected from earlier work, all trends had good linearity. Gradients were forTg,dilandTDS+2.5°C (eq.% N)−1, which are fairly similar to previous results in oxynitride systems. All of the data collected and its analysis clearly shows that the substitution effects of fluorine for oxygen and nitrogen for oxygen are independent and additive with the fluorine substitution. The property trends of the glasses are discussed in terms of their implications for glass structure.
Organ donation: the role of gender in the attitude–behavior relationship
Authors: Mohs Anja , Hübner Gundula
Published: March 2013

Positive attitudes toward organ donation often do not translate into behavior. The present study analyzes gender as a moderator of the attitude–behavior relationship. Due to helping behavior stereotypes, we expected women to show higher donation attitudes but a weaker attitude–behavior link than men. In Germany, 60 women and 61 men participated in a questionnaire survey. Indeed, women showed higher positive attitudes, empathy, and norms compared to men. While intention to card signing seemed unaffected by gender, the moderator effect was confirmed: The link between attitudes and intention to sign was stronger for men than women. In predicting behavior, the moderator effect showed a trend toward significance. The results provide a new understanding of the link between donation attitudes and behavior.
Sexual selection and the evolution of secondary sexual traits: sex comb evolution inDrosophila
Authors: Snook Rhonda R. , Gidaszewski Nelly A. , Chapman Tracey , Simmons Leigh W.
Published: March 2013

Sexual selection can drive rapid evolutionary change in reproductive behaviour, morphology and physiology. This often leads to the evolution of sexual dimorphism, and continued exaggerated expression of dimorphic sexual characteristics, although a variety of other alternative selection scenarios exist. Here, we examined the evolutionary significance of a rapidly evolving, sexually dimorphic trait, sex comb tooth number, in twoDrosophilaspecies. The presence of the sex comb in bothD. melanogasterandD. pseudoobscurais known to be positively related to mating success, although little is yet known about the sexually selected benefits of sex comb structure. In this study, we used experimental evolution to test the idea that enhancing or eliminating sexual selection would lead to variation in sex comb tooth number. However, the results showed no effect of either enforced monogamy or elevated promiscuity on this trait. We discuss several hypotheses to explain the lack of divergence, focussing on sexually antagonistic coevolution, stabilizing selection via species recognition and nonlinear selection. We discuss how these are important, but relatively ignored, alternatives in understanding the evolution of rapidly evolving sexually dimorphic traits.
Ecomorphology of the African felid ensemble: The role of the skull and postcranium in determining species segregation and assembling history
Authors: Morales M. M. , Giannini N. P.
Published: March 2013

Morphology of extant felids is regarded as highly conservative. Most previous studies have focussed on skull morphology, so a vacuum exists about morphofunctional variation in postcranium and its role in structuring ensembles of felids in different continents. The African felid ensemble is particularly rich in ecologically specialized felids. We studied the ecomorphology of this ensemble using 31 cranial and 93 postcranial morphometric variables measured in 49 specimens of all 10 African species. We took a multivariate approach controlling for phylogeny, with and without body size correction. Postcranial and skull + postcranial analyses (but not skull‐only analyses) allowed for a complete segregation of species in morphospace. Morphofunctional factors segregating species included body size, bite force, zeugopodial lengths and osteological features related to parasagittal leg movement. A general gradient of bodily proportions was recovered: lightly built, long‐legged felids with small heads and weak bite forces vs. the opposite. Three loose groups were recognized: small terrestrial felids, mid‐to‐large sized scansorial felids and specialized Acinonyx jubatus and Leptailurus serval. As predicted from a previous study, the assembling of the African felid ensemble during the Plio‐Pleistocene occurred by the arrival of distinct felid lineages that occupied then vacant areas of morphospace, later diversifying in the continent.
The coevolution of long‐term pair bonds and cooperation
Authors: Song Z. , Feldman M. W.
Published: March 2013

The evolution of social traits may not only depend on but also change the social structure of the population. In particular, the evolution of pairwise cooperation, such as biparental care, depends on the pair‐matching distribution of the population, and the latter often emerges as a collective outcome of individual pair‐bonding traits, which are also under selection. Here, we develop an analytical model and individual‐based simulations to study the coevolution of long‐term pair bonds and cooperation in parental care, where partners play a Snowdrift game in each breeding season. We illustrate that long‐term pair bonds may coevolve with cooperation when bonding cost is below a threshold. As long‐term pair bonds lead to assortative interactions through pair‐matching dynamics, they may promote the prevalence of cooperation. In addition to the pay‐off matrix of a single game, the evolutionarily stable equilibrium also depends on bonding cost and accidental divorce rate, and it is determined by a form of balancing selection because the benefit from pair‐bond maintenance diminishes as the frequency of cooperators increases. Our findings highlight the importance of ecological factors affecting social bonding cost and stability in understanding the coevolution of social behaviour and social structures, which may lead to the diversity of biological social systems.
Adaptive latitudinal cline of photoperiodic diapause induction in the parasitoid Nasonia vitripennis in Europe
Authors: Paolucci S. , van de Zande L. , Beukeboom L. W.
Published: March 2013

Living in seasonally changing environments requires adaptation to seasonal cycles. Many insects use the change in day length as a reliable cue for upcoming winter and respond to shortened photoperiod through diapause. In this study, we report the clinal variation in photoperiodic diapause induction in populations of the parasitoid wasp Nasonia vitripennis collected along a latitudinal gradient in Europe. In this species, diapause occurs in the larval stage and is maternally induced. Adult Nasonia females were exposed to different photoperiodic cycles and lifetime production of diapausing offspring was scored. Females switched to the production of diapausing offspring after exposure to a threshold number of photoperiodic cycles. A latitudinal cline was found in the proportion of diapausing offspring, the switch point for diapause induction measured as the maternal age at which the female starts to produce diapausing larvae, and the critical photoperiod for diapause induction. Populations at northern latitudes show an earlier switch point, higher proportions of diapausing individuals and longer critical photoperiods. Since the photoperiodic response was measured under the same laboratory conditions, the observed differences between populations most likely reflect genetic differences in sensitivity to photoperiodic cues, resulting from local adaptation to environmental cycles. The observed variability in diapause response combined with the availability of genomic tools for N. vitripennis represent a good opportunity to further investigate the genetic basis of this adaptive trait.
Endolimax piscium sp. nov. (Amoebozoa), causative agent of systemic granulomatous disease of cultured sole, Solea senegalensis Kaup
Authors: Constenla M , Padrós F , Palenzuela O
Published: March 2013

A new amoeba species pathogenic for Senegalese sole is described based on ultrastructural analysis and SSU rDNA phylogenetic inference. The parasite presents round to ovoid trophozoites (<5 μm) with a high degree of intracellular simplification. No mitochondria were observed, but mitosome‐like organelles were present. No cysts could be detected. Phylogenetic analysis confirmed the Senegalese sole parasite as an amitochondriate Archamoeba related to Endolimax nana and Iodamoeba spp., and we tentatively describe it as a new species in the genus Endolimax, Endolimax piscium. However, the genetic distance with E. nana is quite large, with only 60% pairwise identity between both SSU rDNA genotypes. Although the overall topology of the Archamoebae cladograms containing E. piscium was consistent, the support for the branching of Endolimax spp. relative to its closest neighbours was variable, being higher with distance or parsimony‐based inference methods than with ML or Bayesian trees. The use of stringent alignment sampling masks also caused instability and reduced support for some branches, including the monophyly of Endolimax spp. in the most conservative data sets. The characterization of other Archamoebae parasitizing fish could help to clarify the status of E. piscium and to interpret the large genetic distance observed between Endolimax species.
Association Between Intraoperative Blood Transfusions and Early Postoperative Delirium in Older Adults
Authors: Behrends Matthias , DePalma Glen , Sands Laura , Leung Jacqueline
Published: March 2013

Objectives

To determine whether intraoperative blood transfusion, a known trigger and amplifier of inflammation, is an independent risk factor for early postoperative delirium (POD), an acute state of confusion with fluctuating consciousness and inattention after surgery, in older adults undergoing surgery.

Design

Secondary analysis using a database created for a prospective cognitive outcomes study.

Setting

University hospital.

Participants

Four hundred seventy‐two individuals aged 65 and older undergoing major noncardiac surgery.

Measurements

Perioperative data were examined for association with POD on the first postoperative day. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was conducted to determine whether intraoperative blood transfusion independently predicts POD after adjusting for covariates known to be associated with onset of delirium and blood transfusions.

Results

One hundred thirty‐seven individuals (29%) developed delirium on the first postoperative day. The multivariable logistic regression model identified age, sex, history of central nervous system disorder, preoperative cognitive dysfunction, and pain, as well as blood transfusions, as independent risk factors for POD. Intraoperative administration of more than 1,000 mL of red blood cells (RBCs) was the strongest predictor of POD on the first postoperative day (odds ratio = 3.68; 95% confidence interval = 1.32–10.94; P < .001).

Conclusion

Intraoperative blood transfusion of more than 1,000 mL of RBCs increases the risk of delirium on the first postoperative day in older adults undergoing noncardiac surgery.
Majority Shareholder Ownership and Real Earnings Management: Evidence from Korea
Authors: Goh Jaimin , Lee Ho‐Young , Lee Jung‐Wha
Published: March 2013

This article examines the influence of majority shareholder ownership on real earnings management. It investigates whether there is a conflict between or an alignment of majority and minority shareholders' interests. If majority shareholders' interests are aligned with those of minority shareholders, a greater majority shareholder ownership lowers real earnings management. On the other hand, if they are not aligned, majority shareholders' attempts to exploit minority shareholders will increase real earnings management. This study does not find a systematic relationship between majority shareholder ownership and real earnings management. However, real earnings management significantly decreases in the upward earnings management incentive bracket as majority shareholder ownership increases. This occurs primarily because majority shareholders are more sensitive to upward real earnings management, which has a negative effect on future performance. These results suggest that the larger the ownership of majority shareholders, the more they play a positive role in mitigating real earnings management. This positive role is only effective in the post‐Asian economic crisis period. These results may suggest that the economic crisis in Korea helped majority shareholders more conscious of the long‐term costs of real earnings management. These findings support the convergence‐of‐interests hypothesis, providing evidence by investigating real earnings management instead of accruals‐based earnings management.
The Changing Pecking Order of Consumer Defaults
Authors: ANDERSSON FREDRIK , CHOMSISENGPHET SOUPHALA , GLENNON DENNIS , LI FENG
Published: March 2013

In the wake of the recent housing and financial crisis, many have argued that consumers are defaulting on their mortgage for strategic reasons, either because they are “underwater” or to preserve access to credit from other types of debt products, in order to maintain their consumption of other essential goods. In this paper, we examine the extent to which nonprime mortgage borrowers prioritize payments on their monthly mortgage over credit card debt obligations over a 9‐year period (2001–09). Before the recent financial crisis, our default order data suggest that consumers were eight times more likely to prioritize payments on mortgage debt over credit card payments. As of late 2008, in contrast, the similar consumers were just as likely to default on mortgage debt as on credit card debt. Our results reveal that important explanations for the observed changes in the pecking order of defaults include: strategic mortgage default behavior among consumers with low and negative housing equity, illiquidity in the form of available credit, the rising costs of servicing mortgage debt, and lowered underwriting standards and the greater penetration of nontraditional mortgage products. These results support the importance of strategic consumer behavior, but also emphasize that the changes in the pecking order of defaults have come about because of ability‐to‐pay considerations.
Dynamic Auction Markets with Fiat Money
Authors: KAMIYA KAZUYA , SHIMIZU TAKASHI
Published: March 2013

In this paper, we consider various types of models where fiat money is used to facilitate trades, and investigate whether models with fiat money have the same equilibrium allocations. In particular, we investigate whether or not such models have a continuum of stationary equilibria. We first present a dynamic centralized auction market model with money, which has not been investigated in the literature. We compare its outcome with that of Walrasian models with cash‐in‐advance constraints, and show that the outcomes are very different: the Walrasian markets model has determinate stationary equilibria and the auction markets model has a continuum of stationary equilibria. Moreover, we also build models on decentralized auction markets and on decentralized markets with bargaining, and obtain results similar to those of the dynamic centralized auction markets model.
Oil and U.S. GDP: A Real‐Time Out‐of‐Sample Examination
Authors: RAVAZZOLO FRANCESCO , ROTHMAN PHILIP
Published: March 2013

We study the real‐time predictive content of crude oil prices for U.S. real GDP growth through a pseudo out‐of‐sample (OOS) forecasting exercise. Comparing our benchmark model “without oil” against alternatives “with oil,” we strongly reject the null hypothesis of no OOS population‐level predictability from oil prices to GDP at the longer forecast horizon we consider. This examination of the global OOS relative performance of the models we consider is robust to use of ex post revised data. But when we focus on the forecasting models’ local relative performance, we observe strong differences across use of real‐time and ex post revised data.
Progression in multiple sclerosis is associated with low endogenous NCAM
Authors: Gnanapavan Sharmilee , Ho Peggy , Heywood Wendy , Jackson Sam , Grant Donna , Rantell Khadija , Keir Geoff , Mills Kevin , Steinman Lawrence , Giovannoni Gavin
Published: March 2013

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a CNS disorder characterized by demyelination and neurodegeneration. Although hallmarks of recovery (remyelination and repair) have been documented in early MS, the regenerative capacity of the adult CNS per se remains uncertain with the wide held belief that it is either limited or non‐existent. The neural cell adhesion molecule (NCAM) is a cell adhesion molecule that has been widely implicated in axonal outgrowth, guidance and fasciculation. Here, we used in vitro and in vivo of MS to investigate the role of NCAM in disease progression. We show that in health NCAM levels decrease over time, but this occurs acutely after demyelination and remains reduced in chronic disease. Our findings suggest that depletion of NCAM is one of the factors associated with or possibly responsible for disease progression in MS.
Open knot‐tying skills: Resident skills assessed
Authors: van Empel Pieter J. , Verdam Mathilde G. E. , Huirne Judith A. , Bonjer H. Jaap , Meijerink W. Jeroen , Scheele Fedde
Published: March 2013

Aim

Open knot‐tying and suturing skills are fundamental surgical skills, founding many alternative knot‐tying techniques. It is therefore mandatory for residents to possess adequate basic open knot‐tying skills. The aim of this study was to compare an objective assessment of open knot‐tying skills by residents to a resident's own estimation of his or her knot‐tying skills, before and after a knot‐tying course.

Material and Methods

A prospective observational cohort study was performed. At baseline level, after 1 training day in the Advanced Suturing Course (ASC) in the Netherlands and Belgium and after 6 weeks of autonomous practice (i.e. self‐practice), 99 residents' open knot‐tying skills were objectively evaluated using the Objective Structured Assessment of Technical Skills (OSATS). The resident's own confidence in these skills was also evaluated.

Results

The ASC substantially and significantly improved residents' knot‐tying skills according to the OSATS between baseline and post‐measurement. The observed improvement after 1 training day decreased after 6 weeks of autonomous practice. Self‐confidence increased directly after the training program and was maintained 6 weeks later. Residents having completed the first 3 years of residency displayed an overall greater self‐confidence than residents not having completed the first 3 years of residency, although the increase in self‐confidence was significantly larger in the latter after 6 weeks' autonomous training.

Conclusion

There is a divergence between residents' objectified open knot‐tying skills and self‐confidence in these skills. The ASC improved open knot‐tying skills according to the OSATS, however this improvement decreased after a 6‐week period of autonomous practice. Self‐confidence, in contrast, was maintained or increased. Further research is needed to correlate validated training programs with clinical outcomes and to determine whether residents' open knot‐tying skills and self‐confidence are retained beyond 1 year.
A comparative immunohistochemical and immunophenotypical study on lymphocytes expression in patients affected by oral lichen planus
Authors: Lorenzini Guido , Viviano Massimo , Chisci Elettra , Chisci Glauco , Picciotti Maria
Published: March 2013

Background

Oral lichen planus (OLP) is an immune‐mediated mucocutaneous disease of uncertain aetiology. OLP has many manifestations: reticular, erosive, atrophic, plaque like, papular, bullous, with unique etiopathogenetic working. The purpose of this study is to find a link between different clinical types of lichen and the alterations of lymphocytes on peripheral blood and oral mucosa.

Materials and Methods

A total of 21 patients were enrolled in this study. The mean age of patients was 53.82 years, between 31 and 78 years. OLP Diagnosis was afterwards confirmed by histopathology. Selected patients underwent to clinical evaluation, lesion characterization, incisional biopsy, samples histological analysis, peripheral blood collection. Blood specimens were submitted to cell count determination with differential, characterization of populations and circulating lymphocyte subpopulations using monoclonal antibodies in flow cytometry. Referring to the clinical presentation of lesions, patients were divided in two groups: red lesions (RL) and white lesions (WL) and compared with an age‐matched control group.

Results

The results of the immunophenotypic study showed correlation between WL and the expression of CD19 lymphocytes (r = 0.693, P = 0.0005). The results of immunohistochemical study performed on histological specimens showed a significant correlation between RL group and expression of all lymphocyte tested (CD3 r = 0.722 P = 0.0002, CD4 r = 0.579 P = 0.0060, CD56 r = 0.513 P = 0.0173, CD8 r = 0.548 P = 0.0102).

Conclusions

We assume there is the responsibility of the expression of lymphocytes, not only type but also as quantity, in determining RL or WL manifestation of OLP. Circulating lymphocytes may have a role, too.
Is prophylactic atropine necessary during ketamine sedation in children?
Authors: Chong Jin Ho , Chew So‐phia , Ang Angelina Su Yin
Published: March 2013

Aim

To quantify clinically significant hypersalivation and other adverse events requiring intervention, with and without the use of atropine during ketamine use, using a consensus‐based, standardised terminology.

Methods

This was a retrospective study based on paediatric patients who received ketamine for procedures done at the children's emergency department from July 2010 to September 2010. Patients who were given atropine were compared with patients who were not given atropine with regard to clinically significant hypersalivation. All other side effects of ketamine (airway, respiratory, cardiovascular, neurological and gastrointestinal side effects) were documented.

Results

Two out of the 164 (1.2%) patients who received atropine and 1 out of the 119 (0.8%) patients who did not receive atropine had desaturation (odds ratio (OR) 1.5; 95% CI 0.1–16.3). These three patients were all under 5 years old (P = 0.3) and had airway malalignment requiring repositioning. None had hypersalivation requiring intervention. Two out of 164 (1.2%) who received atropine and 3 out of 119 (2.5%) who did not receive atropine had vomiting (OR 0.5; CI 0.1–2.9). One patient who vomited did not receive atropine and was given ondansetron. The others had delayed discharges following a longer period of observation in the unit.

Conclusions

There was no clinically significant hypersalivation in children given ketamine sedation, with or without the coadministration of atropine. Ketamine is a relatively safe drug for use in children with few intervention‐based side effects.
Negative ion chemistry in the coma of comet 1P/Halley
Authors: Cordiner M. A. , Charnley S. B.
Published: March 2013

Negative ions (anions) were identified in the coma of comet 1P/Halley during in situ Electron Electrostatic Analyzer measurements performed by the Giotto spacecraft in 1986. These anions were detected with masses in the range 7–110 amu, but with insufficient mass resolution to permit unambiguous identification. We present details of a new chemical‐hydrodynamic model for the coma of comet Halley that includes—for the first time—atomic and molecular anions, in addition to a comprehensive hydrocarbon chemistry. Anion number densities are calculated as a function of radius in the coma, and compared with the Giotto results. Important anion production mechanisms are found to include radiative electron attachment, polar photodissociation, dissociative electron attachment, and proton transfer. The polyyne anions C4H−and C6H−are found to be likely candidates to explain the Giotto anion mass spectrum in the range 49–73 amu. TheCN−anion probably makes a significant contribution to the mass spectrum at 26 amu. Larger carbon‐chain anions such as C8H−can explain the peak near 100 amu provided there is a source of large carbon‐chain‐bearing molecules from the cometary nucleus.
A search for amino acids and nucleobases in the Martian meteorite Roberts Massif 04262 using liquid chromatography‐mass spectrometry
Authors: Callahan Michael P. , Burton Aaron S. , Elsila Jamie E. , Baker Eleni M. , Smith Karen E. , Glavin Daniel P. , Dworkin Jason P.
Published: March 2013

The investigation into whether Mars contains signatures of past or present life is of great interest to science and society. Amino acids and nucleobases are compounds that are essential for all known life on Earth and are excellent target molecules in the search for potential Martian biomarkers or prebiotic chemistry. Martian meteorites represent the only samples from Mars that can be studied directly in the laboratory on Earth. Here, we analyzed the amino acid and nucleobase content of the shergottite Roberts Massif (RBT) 04262 using liquid chromatography‐mass spectrometry. We did not detect any nucleobases above our detection limit in formic acid extracts; however, we did measure a suite of protein and nonprotein amino acids in hot‐water extracts with high relative abundances of β‐alanine and γ‐amino‐n‐butyric acid. The presence of only low (to absent) levels of several proteinogenic amino acids and a lack of nucleobases suggest that this meteorite fragment is fairly uncontaminated with respect to these common biological compounds. The distribution of straight‐chained amine‐terminal n‐ω‐amino acids in RBT 04262 resembled those previously measured in thermally altered carbonaceous meteorites (Burton et al. 2012; Chan et al. 2012). A carbon isotope ratio of −24‰ ± 6‰ for β‐alanine in RBT 04262 is in the range of reduced organic carbon previously measured in Martian meteorites (Steele et al. 2012). The presence of n‐ω‐amino acids may be due to a high temperature Fischer‐Tropsch‐type synthesis during igneous processing on Mars or impact ejection of the meteorites from Mars, but more experimental data are needed to support these hypotheses.
Is local selection so widespread in river organisms? Fractal geometry of river networks leads to high bias in outlier detection
Authors: Fourcade Yoan , Chaput‐Bardy Audrey , Secondi Jean , Fleurant Cyril , Lemaire Christophe
Published: March 2013

Identifying local adaptation is crucial in conservation biology to define ecotypes and establish management guidelines. Local adaptation is often inferred from the detection of loci showing a high differentiation between populations, the so‐called FST outliers. Methods of detection of loci under selection are reputed to be robust in most spatial population models. However, using simulations we showed that FST outlier tests provided a high rate of false‐positives (up to 60%) in fractal environments such as river networks. Surprisingly, the number of sampled demes was correlated with parameters of population genetic structure, such as the variance of FSTs, and hence strongly influenced the rate of outliers. This unappreciated property of river networks therefore needs to be accounted for in genetic studies on adaptation and conservation of river organisms.
Paternal imprinting of mating preferences between natural populations of house mice (Mus musculus domesticus)
Authors: Montero Inka , Teschke Meike , Tautz Diethard
Published: March 2013

The evolutionary divergence of cues for mate recognition can contribute to early stages of population separation. We compare here two allopatric populations of house mice (Mus musculus domesticus) that have become separated about 3000 years ago. We have used paternity assignments in semi‐natural environments to study the degree of mutual mate recognition according to population origin under conditions of free choice and overlapping generations. Our results provide insights into the divergence of mating cues, but also for the mating system of house mice. We find frequent multiple mating, occurrence of inbreeding and formation of extended family groups. In addition, many animals show strong mate fidelity, that is, frequent choice of the same mating partners in successive breeding cycles, indicating a role for familiarity in mating preference. With respect to population divergence, we find evidence for assortative mating, but only under conditions where the animals had time to familiarize themselves with mating partners from their own population. Most interestingly, the first‐generation offspring born in the enclosure showed a specific mating pattern. Although matings between animals of hybrid population origin with animals of pure population origin should have occurred with equal frequency with respect to matching the paternal or maternal origin, paternal matching with mates from their own populations occurred much more often. Our findings suggest that paternally imprinted cues play a role in mate recognition between mice and that the cues evolve fast, such that animals of populations that are separated since not more than 3000 years can differentially recognize them.
A molecular analysis of African lion (Panthera leo) mating structure and extra‐group paternity in Etosha National Park
Authors: Lyke M. M. , Dubach J. , Briggs M. B.
Published: March 2013

The recent incorporation of molecular methods into analyses of social and mating systems has provided evidence that mating patterns often differ from those predicted by group social organization. Based on field studies and paternity analyses at a limited number of sites, African lions are predicted to exhibit a strict within‐pride mating system. Extra‐group paternity has not been previously reported in African lions; however, observations of extra‐group associations among lions inhabiting Etosha National Park in Namibia suggest deviation from the predicted within‐pride mating pattern. We analysed variation in 14 microsatellite loci in a population of 164 African lions in Etosha National Park. Genetic analysis was coupled with demographic and observational data to examine pride structure, relatedness and extra‐group paternity (EGP). EGP was found to occur in 57% of prides where paternity was analysed (n = 7), and the overall rate of EGP in this population was 41% (n = 34). Group sex ratio had a significant effect on the occurrence of EGP (P < 0.05), indicating that variation in pride‐level social structure may explain intergroup variation in EGP. Prides with a lower male‐to‐female ratio were significantly more likely to experience EGP in this population. The results of this study challenge the current models of African lion mating systems and provide evidence that social structure may not reflect breeding structure in some social mammals.
Haplotype structure, adaptive history and associations with exploratory behaviour of theDRD4gene region in four great tit (Parus major) populations
Authors: Mueller Jakob C. , Korsten Peter , Hermannstaedter Christine , Feulner Thomas , Dingemanse Niels J. , Matthysen Erik , van Oers Kees , van Overveld Thijs , Patrick Samantha C. , Quinn John L. , Riemenschneider Matthias , Tinbergen Joost M. , Kempenaers Bart
Published: March 2013

The assessment of genetic architecture and selection history in genes for behavioural traits is fundamental to our understanding of how these traits evolve. The dopamine receptor D4 (DRD4) gene is a prime candidate for explaining genetic variation in novelty seeking behaviour, a commonly assayed personality trait in animals. Previously, we showed that a single nucleotide polymorphism in exon 3 of this gene is associated with exploratory behaviour in at least one of four Western European great tit (Parus major) populations. These heterogeneous association results were explained by potential variable linkage disequilibrium (LD) patterns between this marker and the causal variant or by other genetic or environmental differences among the populations. Different adaptive histories are further hypothesized to have contributed to these population differences. Here, we genotyped 98 polymorphisms of the completeDRD4gene including the flanking regions for 595 individuals of the four populations. We show that theLDstructure, specifically around the original exon 3SNPis conserved across the four populations and does not explain the heterogeneous association results. Study‐wide significant associations with exploratory behaviour were detected in more than one haplotype block around exon 2, 3 and 4 in two of the four tested populations with different allele effect models. This indicates genetic heterogeneity in the association between multipleDRD4polymorphisms and exploratory behaviour across populations. The association signals were in or close to regions with signatures of positive selection. We therefore hypothesize that variation in exploratory and other dopamine‐related behaviour evolves locally by occasional adaptive shifts in the frequency of underlying genetic variants.
Candidate gene polymorphisms for behavioural adaptations during urbanization in blackbirds
Authors: Mueller J. C. , Partecke J. , Hatchwell B. J. , Gaston K. J. , Evans K. L.
Published: March 2013

Successful urban colonization by formerly rural species represents an ideal situation in which to study adaptation to novel environments. We address this issue using candidate genes for behavioural traits that are expected to play a role in such colonization events. We identified and genotyped 16 polymorphisms in candidate genes for circadian rhythms, harm avoidance and migratory and exploratory behaviour in 12 paired urban and rural populations of the blackbirdTurdus merulaacross theWesternPalaearctic. An exonic microsatellite in theSERTgene, a candidate gene for harm avoidance behaviour, exhibited a highly significant association with habitat type in an analysis conducted across all populations. Genetic divergence at this locus was consistent in 10 of the 12 population pairs; this contrasts with previously reported stochastic genetic divergence between these populations at random markers. Our results indicate that behavioural traits related to harm avoidance and associated with theSERTpolymorphism experience selection pressures during most blackbird urbanization events. These events thus appear to be influenced by homogeneous adaptive processes in addition to previously reported demographic founder events.
Recent rapid speciation and ecomorph divergence inIndo‐Australian sea snakes
Authors: Sanders Kate L. , Rasmussen Arne R. , Mumpuni  , Elmberg Johan , de Silva Anslem , Guinea Michael L. , Lee Michael S. Y.
Published: March 2013

The viviparous sea snakes (Hydrophiinae) are a young radiation of at least 62 species that display spectacular morphological diversity and high levels of local sympatry. To shed light on the mechanisms underlying sea snake diversification, we investigated recent speciation and eco‐morphological differentiation in a clade of four nominal species with overlapping ranges in Southeast Asia and Australia. Analyses of morphology and stomach contents identified the presence of two distinct ecomorphs: a ‘macrocephalic’ ecomorph that reaches >2 m in length, has a large head and feeds on crevice‐dwelling eels and gobies; and a ‘microcephalic’ ecomorph that rarely exceeds 1 m in length, has a small head and narrow fore‐body and hunts snake eels in burrows. Mitochondrial sequences show a lack of reciprocal monophyly between ecomorphs and among putative species. However, individual assignment based on newly developed microsatellites separated co‐distributed specimens into four significantly differentiated clusters corresponding to morphological species designations, indicating limited recent gene flow and progress towards speciation. A coalescent species tree (based on mitochondrial and nuclear sequences) and isolation‐migration model (mitochondrial and microsatellite markers) suggest between one and three transitions between ecomorphs within the last approximately 1.2 million to approximately 840 000 years. In particular, the macrocephalic ‘eastern’ population ofHydrophis cyanocinctusand microcephalicH. melanocephalusappear to have diverged very recently and rapidly, resulting in major phenotypic differences and restriction of gene flow in sympatry. These results highlight the viviparous sea snakes as a promising system for speciation studies in the marine environment.
Disseminated histoplasmosis and aids: relapse and late mortality in endemic area in north‐eastern Brazil
Authors: Dasmasceno Lisandra Serra , Novaes Jr Alberto Ramos , Alencar Carlos Henrique Morais , Lima Daniel Teixeira , Sidrim José Júlio Costa , Gonçalves Maria Vânia Freitas , de Mesquita Jacó Ricarte Lima , Leitão Terezinha do Menino Jesus Silva
Published: March 2013

The State of Ceará in north‐eastern Brazil has one of the highest rates in the world of relapse and death due to disseminated histoplasmosis (DH) in acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) patients. The objective of this study is to characterise the relapse and mortality of DH in AIDS cases residents in Ceará. We performed a retrospective analysis of the medical records of AIDS patients who had a first episode of DH from 2002 to 2008. We analysed the outcomes until December 31, 2010. A total of 145 patients participated in the study. The mean clinical follow‐up duration was 3.38 years (SD = 2.2; 95% CI = 3.01–3.75). The majority of the subjects were male with a mean age of 35 years (SD = 2.2; 95% CI = 3.01–3.75) and were born in the capital of Ceará. DH was the first manifestation of AIDS in 59% of the patients. The relapse rate was 23.3%, with a disseminated presentation in 90% of these patients. The overall mortality during the study period was 30.2%. The majority of patients who relapsed or died had irregular treatment with antifungals or highly active antiretroviral therapy and did not have active clinical follow‐up. High rates of recurrence and mortality were found in AIDS‐associated DH in this area of the country.
Economic evaluation of micafungin vs. Liposomal Amphotericin B (LAmB) for the treatment of candidaemia and Invasive Candidiasis (IC)
Authors: Neoh Chin Fen , Liew Danny , Slavin Monica A. , Marriott Debbie , Chen Sharon C.‐A. , Morrissey Orla , Stewart Kay , Kong David C. M.
Published: March 2013

Micafungin was non‐inferior to liposomal amphotericin B (LAmB) for the treatment of candidaemia and invasive candidiasis (IC) in a major clinical trial. The present study investigated the economic impact of micafungin vs.LAmB in treating candidaemia andIC. A decision analytical model was constructed to capture downstream consequences of using micafungin orLAmB as primary definitive therapy. The main outcomes were treatment success and treatment failure due to mycological persistence, or death. Outcome probabilities were derived from key published sources. Resource used was estimated by an expert panel and cost inputs were from the latest Australian resources. The analysis was from an Australian hospital perspective. Sensitivity analyses using Monte Carlo simulation were conducted. Micafungin (AU$61 426) had a lower total cost thanLAmB (AU$72 382), with a total net cost‐saving ofAU$10 957 per patient. This was primarily due to the lower cost associated with initial antifungal treatment and shorter length of stay for patients in the micafungin arm. Hospitalisation was the main cost driver for both arms. Results were robust over a wide range of variables. The uncertainty analysis demonstrated that micafungin had a 99.9% chance of being cost‐saving compared withLAmB. Micafungin was associated with cost‐saving relative toLAmB in the treatment of candidaemia andICin Australia.
Quality of life in patients with toenail onychomycosis
Authors: Milobratović Danica , Janković Slavenka , Vukičević Jelica , Marinković Jelena , Janković Janko , Railić Zoran
Published: March 2013

Onychomycosis is a common, chronic fungal nail infection that can have a significant negative impact on patients' physical and social functioning and emotional well‐being. This study was undertaken to assess health‐related quality of life (HRQoL) in patients with toenail onychomycosis. The Onychomycosis QoL questionnaire (ONYCHO), as a disease‐specific instrument, and the Short Form 36 Health Survey (SF‐36) as a generic instrument, were applied in 140 consecutive patients affected by onychomycosis. Women and patients who were experiencing toenail onychomycosis for more than 2 years were reporting worse disease‐specific HRQoL. The patients working in blue‐collar occupations and patients with greater involvement of individual nails were more affected by onychomycosis regarding symptoms. The results of this study confirm that although onychomycosis is not a life‐threatening disease, it can significantly reduce patients' QoL.
Pulmonary blastomycosis: a new endemic area inNewYork state
Authors: Permpalung Nitipong , Kaewpoowat Quanhathai , Prasidthrathsint Kunatum , Chongnarungsin Daych , Hyman Charles L.
Published: March 2013

We describe three cases of pulmonary blastomycosis in patients from central New York State (NYS). Two of these cases occurred in 2012, and in patients who resided in the same county. Moreover, two of these cases manifested with acute respiratory distress syndrome and survived. Interestingly, one of the two received corticosteroids and was extubated within 1 week. To the best of our knowledge, these are the first cases of human blastomycosis to be reported fromNYSand we propose that corticosteroids administration might reduce hospitalisation time and ventilator‐associated complications, even though it is not currently recommended in standard treatment.