bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Episodic predation of mammals by stream fishes in a boreal river basin
Authors: Lisi Peter J. , Bentley Kale T. , Armstrong Jonathan B. , Schindler Daniel E.
Published: December 2013

Stream‐dwelling fish typically feed on small prey items, such as benthic invertebrates, but maintain the capacity to opportunistically feed on rare, large‐bodied prey when available. However, consumption of particularly large prey is typically viewed as isolated events that are not organised spatially or temporally across watersheds. We assessed the occurrence of small mammals in the stomach contents of rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) andArctic grayling (Thymallus arcticus) over 13 years in theWoodRiver basin,Alaska (59°34′N, 158°48′W). Shrews (Sorexspp.) were the dominant mammals observed episodically every 2–3 years in the stomach contents of fish. Notably, shrew consumption was correlated in bothArctic grayling and rainbow trout within individual streams, and across the river basin in several subwatersheds. Predators of shrews were usually the largest individuals within each population, suggesting that smaller fish are gape‐limited and that dominant fish monopolised mammal prey. On average, 24% (11–38%) ofArctic grayling >298 mm (fork length) and rainbow trout >290 mm contained mammal prey during peak years. Small mammal populations often cycle every 2–5 years with well‐known functional and numerical effects for terrestrial predators, a dynamic that may be reflected in our 13 years data set of diet contents for aquatic predators. Although numerically infrequent when averaged over time, small mammal subsidies to streams may be episodically important to the energy budgets of long‐lived consumers in freshwater environments.
Heidegger, Sociality, and Human Agency
Authors: Rousse B. Scot
Published: December 2013

According to Heidegger's Being and Time, social relations are constitutive of the core features of human agency. On this view, which I call a ‘strong conception’ of sociality, the core features of human agency cannot obtain in an individual subject independently of social relations to others. I explain the strong conception of sociality captured by Heidegger's underdeveloped notion of ‘being‐with’ by reconstructing Heidegger's critique of the ‘weak conception’ of sociality characteristic of Kant's theory of agency. According to a weak conception, sociality is a mere aggregation of individual subjects and the core features of human agency are built into each individual mind. The weak conception of sociality remains today widely taken for granted. I show that Christine Korsgaard, one of the most creative contemporary appropriators of Kant, operates with a weak conception of sociality and that this produces a problematic explanatory deficiency in her view: she is unable to explain the peculiar motivational efficacy of shared social norms. Heidegger's view is tailor made to explain this phenomenon. I end by sketching how Heidegger provides a social explanation of a major systematic concern animating Korsgaard, the concern with the importance of individual autonomy and answerability in human life.
Identifying optimal parameters for quantification of changes in pelvic movement symmetry as a response to diagnostic analgesia in the hindlimbs of horses
Authors: Pfau T. , Spicer‐Jenkins C. , Smith R. K. , Bolt D. M. , Fiske‐Jackson A. , Witte T. H.
Published: December 2013

Reasons for performing study

Subjective evaluation of the response to diagnostic analgesia of hindlimb lameness is influenced by expectation bias. Quantification of pelvic movement with inertial measurement units is possible, but it is unclear which measure of movement symmetry best reflects the changes seen after diagnostic analgesia.

Objectives

To test our hypothesis that objective measures closely relating to those used for subjective visual lameness scoring (quantifying the difference between sacral upward or downward movement or between movement amplitudes of the left and righttubera coxae) would show the largest and most consistent response.

Study design

Retrospective analysis of subjective and objective clinical lameness data.

Methods

Thirteen horses with hindlimb lameness underwent visual lameness scoring and independent gait assessment with inertial measurement units. Established objective measures were calculated and changes before/after diagnostic analgesia regressed against the change in lameness grade. Slopes of regression lines were calculated and confidence intervals assessed.

Results

All objective parameters showed variation between horses and across lameness grades. The following 3 measures documented a consistent increase in symmetry for each grade of change in lameness score: difference between sacral displacement minima; upward movement difference; and range of motion difference between thetubera coxae.

Conclusions

Several pelvic parameters are suitable for objective quantification of changes after diagnostic analgesia in hindlimb‐lame horses. A change of 9–13% per lameness grade can be expected. Upward movement of thetubera coxaeis the most sensitive objective measure for quantifying a response to diagnostic analgesia. However, when assessed visually, this measure requires simultaneous focusing on pelvic and limb movements. Other parameters that show a similar response might be more easily perceived, requiring only assessment oftubera coxaerange of motion or downward displacement of the sacrum without simultaneous focus on limb movement.
Comparison of magnetic resonance imaging with standing cervical radiographs for evaluation of vertebral canal stenosis in equine cervical stenotic myelopathy
Authors: Janes J. G. , Garrett K. S. , McQuerry K. J. , Pease A. P. , Williams N. M. , Reed S. M. , MacLeod J. N.
Published: December 2013

Reasons for performing study

The sensitivity and specificity of lateral cervical radiographs to evaluate horses suspected of cervical stenotic myelopathy (CSM) are limited by the assessment being restricted to the sagittal plane.

Objective

To determine whether magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) allows for a more accurate identification of stenosis than lateral cervical radiographs in horses withCSM.

Study design

Case control study.

Methods

Nineteen Thoroughbred horses withCSM(17 males, 2 females, age 6–50 months) were compared to 9 control Thoroughbreds (6 males, 3 females, age 9–67 months).Ante mortem, the subjects had neurological examinations and standing cervical radiographs with sagittal ratios calculated fromC3 toC7. Intact cervical columnMRIscans and histological examinations of the spinal cord were performedpost mortem. Morphometric parameters were measured on the vertebral canal, spinal cord and intervertebral foramen.

Results

Radiographic cervical canal height measurements categorised by standard minimal sagittal diameter intravertebral and intervertebral ratios produced several false positive and false negative determinations of canal stenosis as defined by spinal cord histopathology.Post mortem MRImeasurements of canal area and cord canal area ratio more accurately predicted sites of cord compression inCSMcases. No differences in spinal cord measurements were observed when comparingCSMto control horses, but each of the vertebral canal parameters achieved significance at multiple sites.

Conclusions

Vertebral canal area and cord canal area ratio are better parameters to predict the location of cervical canal stenosis compared to only the sagittal plane of canal height. Additional visual planes and measurements obtained byMRI, specifically vertebral canal area and the cord canal area ratio, will provide a more accurate method to identify regions of canal stenosis than lateral cervical radiographs. The development ofMRIor computed tomography equipment capable of evaluating the cervical column of mature horses may substantially enhance evaluation ofCSMpatients.

The Summary is available in Chinese – see Supporting information.
The effect of triple glutamic mutations E9Q/E194Q/E204Q on the structural stability of bacteriorhodopsin
Authors: Lazarova Tzvetana , Mlynarczyk Krzysztof , Filipek Slawomir , Kolinski Michal , Wassenaar Tsjerk A. , Querol Enric , Renugopalakrishnan Venkatesan , Viswanathan Sowmya , Padrós Esteve
Published: December 2013

In the present study, we report on the structural features of the bacteriorhodopsin triple mutant E9Q/E194Q/E204Q (3Glu) of bacteriorhodopsin by combining experimental and molecular dynamics (MD) approaches. In 3Glu mutant, Glu9, Glu194 and Glu204 residues located at the extracellular side of the protein were mutated altogether to glutamines. UV‐visible and differential scanning calorimetry experiments served as diagnostic tools for monitoring the resistance against thermal stress of the active site and the tertiary structures of the 3Glu. The analyses of the UV‐visible thermal difference spectra demonstrate that the spectral forms at room temperature and the thermal unfolding path differ in the wild‐type bacteriorhodopsin and the 3Glu. Even with these spectral differences, the thermal unfolding of the active site occurs at rather similar melting temperatures in both proteins. A noteworthy consequence of the mutations is the altered two‐dimensional packing revealed by the lack of the pre‐transition peak in differential scanning calorimetry traces of 3Glu mutant, as previously detected in wild‐type and the corresponding single mutants. The infrared spectroscopy data agree with the loss of paracrystalinity, illustrating a substantial conversion of αII to αI helical conformation in the 3Glu mutant. Molecular dynamics simulations show higher dynamics flexibility of most of the extracellular regions of 3Glu, which may account for the somewhat lower tertiary structural stability of the mutated protein. Finally, hydrogen bond analysis reveals that the mutated Glu194 and Glu204 residues create ~ 50% less hydrogen bonds with water molecules compared to wild‐type bacteriorhodopsin. These results exemplify the role of the water hydrogen‐bonding network for structural integrity and conformational flexibility of bacteriorhodopsin.
Invasion trajectory of alien trees: the role of introduction pathway and planting history
Authors: Donaldson Jason E. , Hui Cang , Richardson David M. , Robertson Mark P. , Webber Bruce L. , Wilson John R.U.
Published: December 2013

Global change is driving a massive rearrangement of the world's biota. Trajectories of distributional shifts are shaped by species traits, the recipient environment and driving forces with many of the driving forces directly due to human activities. The relative importance of each in determining the distributions of introduced species is poorly understood. We consider 11 Australian Acacia species introduced to South Africa for different reasons (commercial forestry, dune stabilization and ornamentation) to determine how features of the introduction pathway have shaped their invasion history. Projections from species distribution models (SDMs) were developed to assess how the reason for introduction influences the similarity between climatic envelopes in native and alien ranges. A lattice model for an idealized invasion was developed to assess the relative contribution of intrinsic traits and introduction dynamics on the abundance and extent over the course of simulated invasions. SDMs show that alien populations of ornamental species in South Africa occupy substantially different climate space from their native ranges, whereas species introduced for forestry occupy a similar climate space in native and introduced ranges. This may partly explain the slow spread rates observed for some alien ornamental plants. Such mismatches are likely to become less pronounced with the current drive towards ‘eco gardens’ resulting in more introductions of ornamental species with a close climate match between native and newly introduced regions. The results from the lattice model showed that the conditions associated with the introduction pathway (especially introduction pressure) dominate early invasion dynamics. The placement of introduction foci in urban areas limited the extent and abundance of invasive populations. Features of introduction events appear to initially mask the influence of intrinsic species traits on invasions and help to explain the relative success of species introduced for different purposes. Introduction dynamics therefore can have long‐lasting influences on the outcomes of species redistributions, and must be explicitly considered in management plans.
Impact of Heterogeneity on Oxygen Transfer in a Fluctuating Capillary Fringe
Authors: Haberer Christina M. , Rolle Massimo , Cirpka Olaf A. , Grathwohl Peter
Published: December 2013

We performed quasi‐two‐dimensional flow through laboratory experiments to study the effect of a coarse‐material inclusion, located in the proximity of the water table, on flow and oxygen transfer in the capillary fringe. The experiments investigate different phases of mass transfer from the unsaturated zone to anoxic groundwater under both steady‐state and transient flow conditions, the latter obtained by fluctuating the water table. Monitoring of flow and transport in the different experimental phases was performed by visual inspection of the complex flow field using a dye tracer solution, measurement of oxygen profiles across the capillary fringe, and determination of oxygen fluxes in the effluent of the flow‐through chamber. Our results show significant effects of the coarse‐material inclusion on oxygen transfer during the different phases of the experiments. At steady state, the oxygen flux across the unsaturated/saturated interface was considerably enhanced due to flow focusing in the fully water‐saturated coarse‐material inclusion. During drainage, a zone of higher water saturation formed in the fine material overlying the coarse lens. The entrapped oxygen‐rich aqueous phase contributed to the total amount of oxygen supplied to the system when the water table was raised back to its initial level. In case of imbibition, pronounced air entrapment occurred in the coarse lens, causing oxygen to partition between the aqueous and gaseous phases. The oxygen mass supplied to the anoxic groundwater following the imbibition event was found to be remarkably higher (approximately seven times) in the heterogeneous system compared with a similar experiment performed in a homogeneous porous medium.
Characterization of Focused Seepage Through an Earthfill Dam Using Geoelectrical Methods
Authors: Ikard S. J. , Revil A. , Schmutz M. , Karaoulis M. , Jardani A. , Mooney M.
Published: December 2013

Resistivity and self‐potential tomography can be used to investigate anomalous seepage inside heterogeneous earthen dams. The self‐potential (SP) signals provide a unique signature to groundwater flow because the source current density responsible for the SP signals is proportional to the Darcy velocity. The distribution of the SP signals is also influenced by the distribution of the resistivity; therefore, resistivity and SP need to be used in concert to elucidate groundwater flow pathways. In this study, a survey is conducted at a small earthen dam in Colorado where anomalous seepage is observed on the downstream face at the dam toe. The data reveal SP and direct current resistivity anomalies that are used to delineate three anomalous seepage zones within the dam and to estimate the source of the localized seepage discharge. The SP data are inverted in two dimensions using the resistivity distribution to determine the distribution of the Darcy velocity responsible for the observed seepage. The inverted Darcy velocity agrees with an estimation of the Darcy velocity from the hydraulic conductivity obtained from a slug test and the observed head gradient.
Changes in factor XIII level during pregnancy
Authors: Sharief L. T. , Lawrie A. S. , Mackie I. J. , Smith C. , Peyvandi F. , Kadir R. A.
Published: December 2013

Pregnancy is associated with significant haemostatic changes, with a progressive rise in most clotting factors. There is limited data on the changes of factor XIII (FXIII) level during pregnancy. This study assesses changes in FXIII activity during normal pregnancy and establish FXIII reference range during each trimester of pregnancy and immediate postnatal period. This is a cross sectional study of 376 women with normal uneventful pregnancies. Plasma FXIII activity was measured during first (weeks 0–12, n = 116), second (weeks13–28, n = 132), third trimester (weeks 29–42, n = 128) and postnatal (day 0–3; n = 30). Samples were also collected from non‐pregnant women (n = 25) as a control group. FXIII was assayed on CS‐5100 analyser using chromogenic reagent. The mean ± SD FXIII activity was 112 ± 29 IU dL−1 during first trimester, 96 ± 26 IU dL−1 during second trimester, 83 ± 21 IU dL−1 during third trimester, 90 ± 19 IU dL−1 during postnatal period, and 113 ± 26 IU dL−1 in the control. The reference range was calculated during the first (55–169 IU dL−1), second (45–147 IU dL−1), third trimester (42–125 IU dL−1) and postnatal period (61–137 IU dL−1). There was a significant reduction in the mean FXIII activity during the second and third trimester compared to the first trimester and control group (P < 0.0001). During the immediate postnatal period, the mean FXIII activity was not statistically different compared to the third and second trimester levels but was significantly lower compared to the first trimester (P < 0.0001) level and the control group (P = 0.0002). This study establishes the reference range for FXIII activity during the three trimesters of normal pregnancy and immediate postnatal period. Women have a significantly decreased level of FXIII activity during a normal uneventful pregnancy.
Effects of flipper bands and injected transponders on the survival of adult Little Penguins Eudyptula minor
Authors: Dann Peter , Sidhu Leesa A. , Jessop Roz , Renwick Leanne , Healy Margaret , Dettmann Belinda , Baker Barry , Catchpole Edward A.
Published: December 2013

Tagging is essential for many types of ecological and behavioural studies, and it is generally assumed that it does not affect the fitness of the individuals being examined. However, the tagging of birds has been shown to have negative effects on some aspects of their lives. Here we investigate the influence of tagging on apparent survival. We examined the effects of flipper bands and injected transponders on the apparent survival of adult Little Penguins by comparing the survival probabilities of 2483 Little Penguins marked at Phillip Island, Australia, between 1995 and 2001 in one of three ways: with bands, with transponders or with both. The design of the study and our method of analysis allowed us to estimate tag loss and ensured that tag loss did not bias the survival estimates. Birds marked with flipper bands had lower survival probabilities than those marked with transponders (with apparent survival probabilities in the first year after tagging of 75% for banded birds and 80% for birds fitted with transponders, and in subsequent years of 87% for banded birds and 91% for birds fitted with transponders). We estimated both band and transponder loss probabilities for the first time, and found that transponder loss probabilities were substantially higher than band loss probabilities, particularly in the first year after marking when the tag loss probability was 5% for transponders and 0.7% for bands. Survival probabilities were lower in the first year after marking than in subsequent years for all birds. Studies of penguins that have used flipper bands to identify individuals may have underestimated annual adult survival probabilities, as banded penguins were likely to have lower than average survival probabilities than those of unbanded birds. The higher annual survival probabilities of individuals marked with transponders indicate that this should be the preferred marking technique for Little Penguins. However, future studies will, like ours, need to consider the higher rates of transponder loss when estimating survival, possibly by double‐tagging some birds.
Pulsed electric field treatment prior to freezing carrot discs significantly maintains their initial quality parameters after thawing
Authors: Shayanfar Shima , Chauhan OP , Toepfl Stefan , Heinz Volker
Published: December 2013

The interaction of pulsed electric fields (PEF) with different cryoprotectant and texturizing agents in quality retention of carrot discs was analysed. Increasing the permeability properties by PEF may lead to better accessibility of intracellular materials to freezing and thus reducing the freezing time, leading to better maintaining the texture after thawing. Carrot discs of 5 mm thickness were immersed in different solutions of CaCl2, glycerol, trehalose and tap water, and subsequently were treated with PEF (1 kV/cm, 100 pulses, 4 Hz). Then, the samples were drained and packed along with a control group in separate prepared polypropylene pouches. All the samples were frozen at −18 °C for 24 h and thawed during 3 h at ambient temperature (20 °C) the following day. The quality of the thawed carrot discs was certified by measuring weight loss, firmness, microscopic studies and CIE colorimetric attributes. All the PEF‐treated samples, no matter what solution they were soaked in, could significantly (P < 0.05) maintain the firmness as well as colour attributes. However, it was deducted that application of CaCl2 in conjunction with PEF can result in a firmer texture. Firmness analyses determined that application of PEF alone results in 5.84 N, while its combination with CaCl2 leads to higher value of 6.63 N. Firmness in control samples was found to be 3.46 N. The SEM studies supported the results of firmness analysis and depicted more integrity in the cell walls of the samples treated with CaCl2 and glycerol. The weight loss values varied among different samples, and the highest amount and lowest amount were reported in CaCl2 and solely PEF‐treated samples, respectively. There was no significant difference between the colour attributes measured in different groups including control sample (P > 0.05).
Simultaneous separation and preconcentration of Ni(II) and Cu(II) ions by coprecipitation without any carrier element in some food and water samples
Authors: Duran Celal , Tumay Sureyya O. , Ozdes Duygu , Serencam Huseyin , Bektas Hakan
Published: December 2013

A simple and highly sensitive separation and preconcentration procedure, which has minimal impact on the environment, has been developed. The procedure is based on the carrier element‐free coprecipitation of Ni(II) and Cu(II) ions by using 2‐{4‐[2‐(1H‐Indol‐3‐yl)ethyl]‐3‐(4‐chlorobenzyl)‐5‐oxo‐4,5‐dihydro‐1H‐1,2,4‐triazol‐1‐yl}‐N′‐(pyrrol‐2‐ylmethyliden)acetohydrazide (ICOTPA), as an organic coprecipitant. The levels of analyte ions were determined by flame atomic absorption spectrometry. The detection limits for Ni(II) and Cu(II) ions were found to be 0.27 and 0.58 μg L−1, respectively, and the relative standard deviations for the analyte ions were lower than 4.0%. Spike tests and certified reference material analyses were performed to validate the method. The method was successfully applied for the determination of Ni(II) and Cu(II) ions levels in sea and stream water as liquid samples and red lentil and rice as solid samples.
Can antibrowsing defense regulate the spread of woody vegetation in arctic tundra?
Authors: Bryant John P. , Joly Kyle , Chapin F. Stuart , DeAngelis Donald L. , Kielland Knut
Published: December 2013

Global climate warming is projected to promote the increase of woody plants, especially shrubs, in arctic tundra. Many factors may affect the extent of this increase, including browsing by mammals. We hypothesize that across the Arctic the effect of browsing will vary because of regional variation in antibrowsing chemical defense. Using birch (Betula) as a case study, we propose that browsing is unlikely to retard birch expansion in the region extending eastward from the Lena River in central Siberia across Beringia and the continental tundra of central and eastern Canada where the more effectively defended resin birches predominate. Browsing is more likely to retard birch expansion in tundra west of the Lena to Fennoscandia, Iceland, Greenland and South Baffin Island where the less effectively defended non‐resin birches predominate. Evidence from the literature supports this hypothesis. We further suggest that the effect of warming on the supply of plant‐available nitrogen will not significantly change either this pan‐Arctic pattern of variation in antibrowsing defense or the resultant effect that browsing has on birch expansion in tundra. However, within central and east Beringia warming‐caused increases in plant‐available nitrogen combined with wildfire could initiate amplifying feedback loops that could accelerate shrubification of tundra by the more effectively defended resin birches. This accelerated shrubification of tundra by resin birch, if extensive, could reduce the food supply of caribou causing population declines. We conclude with a brief discussion of modeling methods that show promise in projecting invasion of tundra by woody plants.
The richness–heterogeneity relationship differs between heterogeneity measures within and among habitats
Authors: Bar‐Massada Avi , Wood Eric M.
Published: December 2013

The positive monotonic relationship between habitat heterogeneity and species richness is a cornerstone of ecology. Recently, it was suggested that this relationship should be unimodal rather than monotonic due to a tradeoff between environmental heterogeneity and population sizes, which increases local species extinctions at high heterogeneity levels. Here, we studied the richness–heterogeneity relationship for an avian community using two different environmental variables, foliage‐height diversity and cover type diversity. We analyzed the richness–heterogeneity within different habitat types (grasslands, savannas, or woodlands) and at the landscape scale. We found strong evidence that both positive and unimodal relationships exist at the landscape scale. Within habitats we found positive relationships between richness and heterogeneity in grasslands and woodlands, and unimodal relationships in savannas. We suggest that the length of the environmental heterogeneity gradient (which is affected by both spatial scale and the environmental variable being analyzed) affects the type of the richness–heterogeneity relationship. We conclude that the type of the relationship between species richness and environmental heterogeneity is non‐ubiquitous, and varies both within and among habitats and environmental variables.
A High‐Temperature Neutron Diffraction and First‐Principles Study of Ti3AlC2 and Ti3(Al0.8Sn0.2)C2
Authors: Lane Nina J. , Vogel Sven C. , Caspi El'ad N. , Dubois Sylvain , Gauthier‐Brunet Véronique , Bei Guo Ping , Barsoum Michel W.
Published: December 2013

Herein, we report on the temperature‐dependent crystal structures of
Ti

3

AlC

2 and
Ti

3

Al

0.8

Sn

0.2

C

2 in the 373–1273 K temperature range, as determined by Rietveld analysis of high‐temperature neutron diffraction time‐of‐flight data. The compositions are 86(1) wt%
Ti

3

AlC

2 and 14(1) wt%
TiC

0.92(2) for the sample with no
Sn
, and 95(1) wt%
Ti

3(
Al

0.8

Sn

0.2)
C

2 and 5(1) wt%
Ti

2

AlC
for the solid solution with
Sn
. The average linear volumetric thermal expansion is 8.0(2) × 10−6 K
−1 for
Ti

3

AlC

2 and 8.2(5) × 10−6 K−1 for
Ti

3(
Al

0.8

Sn

0.2)
C

2. The average linear thermal expansion in the a and c directions, respectively, are 7.6(2) × 10−6 K−1 and 8.9(2) × 10−6 K−1 for
Ti

3

AlC

2. For
Ti

3(
Al

0.8

Sn

0.2)
C

2, the respective values are 8.0(5) × 10−6 K−1 and 8.6(6) × 10−6 K−1. In the case of the solid solution, the quadratic thermal expansion coefficients are also given. Detailed bond lengths analysis shows that the thermal expansions along the a and c directions are controlled by the thermal expansions of the
Ti
–
C
, and
Ti
–
Al
bond lengths, respectively. The atomic displacement parameters (ADPs) show that the
Al
and
Sn
atoms vibrate with a higher amplitude than the Ti and C atoms. Consistent with first‐principles calculations, the ADPs of the Al/Sn site(s) in
Ti

3(
Al

0.8

Sn

0.2)
C2

are lower than the ADPs of Al in
Ti

3

AlC

2.
Polarization‐Induced Photoluminescence Quenching in (Ba0.7Ca0.3TiO3)–(BaZr0.2Ti0.8O3):Pr Ceramics
Authors: Zhang Qiwei , Sun Haiqin , Zhang Yin
Published: December 2013

Pr3+‐doped (Ba0.85Ca0.15)(Zr0.1Ti0.9)TiO3 ceramics were prepared by a solid‐state reaction method. The effects of doping concentration, sintering temperature, and ferroelectric remanent polarization on photoluminescence (PL) properties of samples were systematically investigated. The PL spectra of samples exhibit strong green and red emissions with a broad blue excitation band ranging from 430 to 500 nm, in a good agreement with all commercial blue LEDs emission wavelength. Except for the concentration and temperature PL quenching, the polarization‐induced PL quenching was obviously observed, and the degree of PL quenching changes with Pr3+ concentrations, the origin of the change is well interpreted by field‐induced structural phase transitions between rhombohedral (R3m) and tetragonal (P4mm) for BCZT: xPr ceramics near the morphotropic phase boundary.
The Legal Mind of the Internal Market: A Governmentality Perspective on the Judicialization of Monitoring Practices
Authors: Vifell Åsa Casula , Sjögren Ebba
Published: December 2013

The purpose of this article is to contribute to the understanding of the broader effects of monitoring practices in the European Union. The empirical setting is Solvit, a Commission‐initiated network tasked with informal resolution of misapplications of internal market directives by national authorities. All Member States must operate a Solvit centre within their administrations. Using a governmentality approach, the article investigates the normative underpinnings of the technologies deployed by Solvit and the experts which operate them. A survey study of the Solvit network shows the development of an EU identity and a cognitive judicialization which contributes to a depoliticization of issues. This allows Solvit to expand its remit from ex post monitoring to ex ante regulation. While a governance instrument can be designed for a delimited task, a governmentality approach highlights more general mechanisms by which such an instrument's influence and reach may be extended beyond its modest appearances.
Combined effects of physiologically relevant disturbed wall shear stress and glycated albumin on endothelial cell functions associated with inflammation, thrombosis and cytoskeletal dynamics
Authors: Maria Zahra , Yin Wei , Rubenstein David Alan
Published: December 2013

Aims/Introduction

Diabetes mellitus is a major risk factor in the development of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). The presence of advanced glycation end‐products (AGEs) promotes CVDs by upregulating endothelial cell (EC) inflammatory and thrombotic responses, in a similar manner as disturbed shear stress. However, the combined effect of disturbed shear stress and AGEs on EC function has yet to be determined. Our goal was to evaluate these effects on EC responses.

Materials and Methods

ECs were incubated with AGEs for 5 days. ECs were then subjected to physiological or pathological shear stress. Cell metabolic activity, surface expression of intercellular adhesion molecule‐1, thrombomodulin, connexin‐43 and caveolin‐1, and cytoskeleton organization were quantified.

Results

The results show that irreversibly glycated albumin and pathological shear stress increased EC metabolic activity, and upregulated and downregulated the EC surface expression of intercellular adhesion molecule‐1 and thrombomodulin, respectively. Expression of connexin‐43, caveolin‐1 and cytoskeletal organization was independent of shear stress; however, the presence of irreversibly glycated AGEs markedly increased connexin‐43, and decreased caveolin‐1 expression and actin cytoskeletal connectivity.

Conclusions

Our data suggest that irreversibly glycated albumin and disturbed shear stress could promote CVD pathogenesis by enhancing EC inflammatory and thrombotic responses, and through the deterioration of the cytoskeletal organization.
Relaxed trait covariance in interspecific cichlid hybrids predicts morphological diversity in adaptive radiations
Authors: Selz O. M. , Lucek K. , Young K. A. , Seehausen O.
Published: December 2013

The process of adaptive radiation involves multiple events of speciation in short succession, associated with ecological diversification. Understanding this process requires identifying the origins of heritable phenotypic variation that allows adaptive radiation to progress. Hybridization is one source of genetic and morphological variation that may spur adaptive radiation. We experimentally explored the potential role of hybridization in facilitating the onset of adaptive radiation. We generated first‐ and second‐generation hybrids of four species of African cichlid fish, extant relatives of the putative ancestors of the adaptive radiations ofLakesVictoria andMalawi. We compared patterns in hybrid morphological variation with the variation in the lake radiations. We show that significant fractions of the interspecific morphological variation and the major trajectories in morphospace that characterize whole radiations can be generated in second‐generation hybrids. Furthermore, we show that covariation between traits is relaxed in second‐generation hybrids, which may facilitate adaptive diversification. These results support the idea that hybridization can provide the heritable phenotypic diversity necessary to initiate adaptive radiation.
Natural selection and glucocorticoid physiology
Authors: Patterson S. H. , Hahn T. P. , Cornelius J. M. , Breuner C. W.
Published: December 2013

Glucocorticoid hormones are considered potent modulators of trade‐offs between reproduction and survival. As such, selection should affect glucocorticoid physiology, although relatively little is known about how selection may act on glucocorticoid profiles. In general, the evolution of physiology is less studied and less well understood than morphological or life history traits. Here, we used a long‐term data set from a population of mountain white‐crowned sparrows to estimate natural selection on glucocorticoid profiles. Our study suggests that survival selection favours higher hormone concentrations for multiple components of glucocorticoid physiology (both baseline and stress‐induced glucocorticoid levels). Fecundity selection varies depending on the component of hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal physiology; greater reproductive output was associated with higher baseline glucocorticoid levels, but lower stress‐induced glucocorticoid levels. Additionally, the selection gradient was greater for glucocorticoids than for a morphological trait (wing length). These results support the hypothesis that stress‐induced glucocorticoids increase survival over reproduction within a wild population (the CORT‐trade‐off hypothesis). Taken together, these results add to our knowledge of how selection operates on physiological traits and also provide an evolutionary and ecological perspective on several key open issues in the field of glucocorticoid physiology.
Honey bee hygienic behaviour does not incur a cost via removal of healthy brood
Authors: Bigio G. , Al Toufailia H. , Ratnieks F. L. W.
Published: December 2013

In the honey bee, hygienic behaviour, the removal of dead or diseased brood from capped cells by workers, is a heritable trait that confers colony‐level resistance against brood diseases. This behaviour is quite rare. Only c. 10% of unselected colonies show high levels of hygiene. Previous studies suggested that hygiene might be rare because it also results in the removal of healthy brood, thereby imposing an ongoing cost even when brood diseases are absent. We tested this hypothesis by quantifying hygienic behaviour in 10 colonies using a standard technique, the freeze‐killed brood (FKB) bioassay. At the same time, we also quantified the removal of untreated brood. The study colonies showed a wide range in hygienic behaviour, removing 19.7–100% of the FKB. The removal of untreated brood ranged from 2% to 44.4%. However, there was no correlation between the two removal rates for any of the four age groups of untreated brood studied (eggs, young larvae, older larvae from uncapped cells and larvae/pupae from capped cells). These results do not support the cost‐to‐healthy‐brood hypothesis for the rarity of hygienic behaviour.
Conflicting selection on the timing of germination in a natural population of Arabidopsis thaliana
Authors: Akiyama R. , Ågren J.
Published: December 2013

The timing of germination is a key life‐history trait that may strongly influence plant fitness and that sets the stage for selection on traits expressed later in the life cycle. In seasonal environments, the period favourable for germination and the total length of the growing season are limited. The optimal timing of germination may therefore be governed by conflicting selection through survival and fecundity. We conducted a field experiment to examine the effects of timing of germination on survival, fecundity and overall fitness in a natural population of the annual herb Arabidopsis thaliana in north‐central Sweden. Seedlings were transplanted at three different times in late summer and in autumn covering the period of seed germination in the study population. Early germination was associated with low seedling survival, but also with high survival and fecundity among established plants. The advantages of germinating early more than balanced the disadvantage and selection favoured early germination. The results suggest that low survival among early germinating seeds is the main force opposing the evolution of earlier germination and that the optimal timing of germination should vary in space and time as a function of the direction and strength of selection acting during different life‐history stages.
Arginine Vasotocin Treatment Induces a Stress Response and Exerts a Potent Anorexigenic Effect in Rainbow Trout, Oncorhynchus mykiss
Authors: Gesto M. , Soengas J. L. , Rodríguez‐Illamola A. , Míguez J. M.
Published: December 2013

The peptide arginine vasotocin (AVT), homologous to mammalian arginine vasopressin, is involved in many aspects of fish physiology, such as osmoregulation, regulation of biological rhythms, reproduction, metabolism or responses to stress, and the modulation of social behaviours. Because a decrease in appetite is a general response to stress in fish and other vertebrates, we investigated the role of AVT as a possible food intake regulator in fish. We used i.c.v. injections for central administration of AVT to rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss). In a first experiment, we evaluated the temporal response of food intake after AVT treatment. In a second experiment, we investigated the effects of central AVT administration on the response of typical stress markers (plasma cortisol, glucose and lactate), as well as brain serotonergic, noradrenergic and dopaminergic activity. In addition, the mRNA levels of genes involved in food intake regulation [neuropetide Y, pro‐opiomelanocortin (POMC), cocaine‐ and amphetamine‐regulated transcript (CART) and corticotrophin‐releasing factor (CRF)] and in CRF‐ (CRF‐binding protein) and AVT‐signalling (pro‐VT and AVT receptor), were also assessed after AVT treatment. Our results showed that AVT is a potent anorexigenic factor in fish. Increases of plasma cortisol and glucose after AVT treatment strongly suggest that AVT administration induced a stress response and that AVT action was mediated by hypothalamic‐pituitary‐interrenal axis activation, which was also supported by the increase of the serotonergic activity in trout telencephalon and hypothalamus. The increased hypothalamic levels of POMC and CART suggest that these peptides might have a role in the anorexigenic action of AVT, whereas the involvement of CRF signalling is unclear.
Towards the natural classification of tectarioid ferns: Confirming the phylogenetic relationships ofPleocnemiaandPteridrys(eupolypods I)
Authors: LIU Hong‐Mei , HE Li‐Juan , SCHNEIDER Harald
Published: December 2013

The phylogenetic relationships of the two derived fern generaPleocnemiaandPteridryswere considered ambiguous even with molecular evidence from previous studies. In the present study we determined the phylogenetic position based on five plastid DNA regions, namelyatpA,atpB,rbcL, therps4 + rps4–trnSintergenic spacer, and thetrnL‐Fregion, and an expanded taxonomic coverage including several accessions of each of the two genera. Our results showed that the monophyletic genusPleocnemiabelonged to the Dryopteridaceae and was not related to the Tectariaceae, as it had been in the past.Pleocnemiawas found to be closely related to the bolbitidoid and lastreopsioid ferns. The monophyletic genusPteridryswas found to be sister to a clade comprisingTriplophyllumandTectarias.l. Thus, the placement of this genus into Tectariaceae was confirmed. The sinus teeth, the unique similarity shared byPleocnemiaandPteridrys, evolved independently in the two genera. Both genera appeared to have diverged from their closest extant relatives at least since the Eocene, whereas the crown group ages indicated radiation events in the Late Miocene for both genera.
Epileptic seizures as condensed sleep: an analysis of network dynamics from electroencephalogram signals
Authors: Gast Heidemarie , Müller Markus , Rummel Christian , Roth Corinne , Mathis Johannes , Schindler Kaspar , Bassetti Claudio L.
Published: December 2013

Both deepening sleep and evolving epileptic seizures are associated with increasing slow‐wave activity. Larger‐scale functional networks derived from electroencephalogram indicate that in both transitions dramatic changes of communication between brain areas occur. During seizures these changes seem to be ‘condensed’, because they evolve more rapidly than during deepening sleep. Here we set out to assess quantitatively functional network dynamics derived from electroencephalogram signals during seizures and normal sleep. Functional networks were derived from electroencephalogram signals from wakefulness, light and deep sleep of 12 volunteers, and from pre‐seizure, seizure and post‐seizure time periods of 10 patients suffering from focal onset pharmaco‐resistant epilepsy. Nodes of the functional network represented electrical signals recorded by single electrodes and were linked if there was non‐random cross‐correlation between the two corresponding electroencephalogram signals. Network dynamics were then characterized by the evolution of global efficiency, which measures ease of information transmission. Global efficiency was compared with relative delta power. Global efficiency significantly decreased both between light and deep sleep, and between pre‐seizure, seizure and post‐seizure time periods. The decrease of global efficiency was due to a loss of functional links. While global efficiency decreased significantly, relative delta power increased except between the time periods wakefulness and light sleep, and pre‐seizure and seizure. Our results demonstrate that both epileptic seizures and deepening sleep are characterized by dramatic fragmentation of larger‐scale functional networks, and further support the similarities between sleep and seizures.
Mother‐reported sleep, accelerometer‐estimated sleep and weight status in Mexican American children: sleep duration is associated with increased adiposity and risk for overweight/obese status
Authors: Martinez Suzanna M. , Greenspan Louise C. , Butte Nancy F. , Gregorich Steven E. , De Groat Cynthia L. , Deardorff Julianna , Penilla Carlos , Pasch Lauri A. , Flores Elena , Tschann Jeanne M.
Published: December 2013

We know of no studies comparing parent‐reported sleep with accelerometer‐estimated sleep in their relation to paediatric adiposity. We examined: (i) the reliability of mother‐reported sleep compared with accelerometer‐estimated sleep; and (ii) the relationship between both sleep measures and child adiposity. The current cross‐sectional study included 303 Mexican American mother–child pairs recruited from Kaiser Permanente Northern California. We measured sleep duration using maternal report and accelerometry and child anthropometrics. Concordance between sleep measures was evaluated using the Bland–Altman method. We conducted zero‐ordered correlations between mother‐reported sleep, accelerometer‐estimated sleep and child BMI z‐scores (BMIz). Using linear regression, we examined three models to assess child BMIz with mother‐reported sleep (model 1), accelerometer‐estimated sleep (model 2) and both sleep measures (model 3). Children had an average age of 8.86 years (SD = 0.82). Mothers reported that their child slept 9.81 ± 0.74 h [95% confidence interval (CI): 9.72, 9.89], compared to 9.58 ± 0.71 h (95% CI: 9.50, 9.66) based on accelerometry. Mother‐reported sleep and accelerometer‐estimated sleep were correlated (r = 0.33, P < 0.001). BMIz outcomes were associated negatively with mother‐reported sleep duration (model 1: β = −0.13; P = 0.02) and accelerometer‐estimated sleep duration (model 2: β = −0.17; P < 0.01). Accounting for both sleep measures, only accelerometer‐measured sleep was related to BMIz (model 3: β = −0.14, P = 0.02). Each sleep measure was related significantly to adiposity, independent of covariates. Accelerometry appeared to be a more reliable measure of children's sleep than maternal report, yet maternal report may be sufficient to examine the sleep–adiposity relationship when resources are limited.
Analysis of Seroreactivity against Cell Culture–DerivedBartonellaspp. Antigens in Dogs
Authors: Hegarty B.C. , Bradley J.M. , Lappin M.R. , Balakrishnan N. , Mascarelli P.E. , Breitschwerdt E.B.
Published: December 2013

Background

Little is known about the specificity ofBartonellaspp. immunofluorescent antibody (IFA) assays in dogs. Bacteremia in sick dogs most often has been associated withBartonella henselae(Bh), Bartonella vinsoniisubspeciesberkhoffii(Bvb), andBartonella koehlerae(Bk). Clarification of the diagnostic utility ofIFAserology when testing against these organisms is needed.

Objective

To evaluate the specificity ofBartonellaIFAassays utilizing 6 cell culture–grown antigen preparations.

Animals

Archived sera fromSPFdogs (n = 29) and from dogs experimentally infected withBvb(n = 10) andBh(n = 3).

Methods

Antibodies (Abs) toBvbgenotypes I, II, and III,Bhserotype I, strains H‐1 andSA2, and toBkwere determined byIFAtesting.

Results

Serum from naïveSPFdogs shown to be negative forBartonellabacteremia did not react with any of the 6Bartonellaantigens byIFAtesting. Dogs experimentally infected withBvbgenotype I developed Abs against homologous antigens, with no cross‐reactivity to heterologousBvbgenotypes,BhH‐1,SA2 strains, or toBk. Dogs experimentally infected withBhserotype I developed Abs againstBhH‐1, but not toBhSA2 strain with no cross‐reactive Abs toBvbgenotypes I–IIIor toBk.

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

Bartonellaspp. Ab responses during acute experimental infections are species and type specific.