bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Influence of cabbage resistance and colour upon the diamondback moth and its parasitoid Oomyzus sokolowskii
Authors: Colares Felipe , Silva‐Torres Christian S. A. , Torres Jorge B. , Barros Eduardo M. , Pallini Angelo
Published: June 2013

Host plant resistance and biological control are vital integrated pest management tools against the diamondback moth (DBM), Plutella xylostella (L.) (Lepidoptera: Plutellidae), but to date no study has investigated this system including the DBM parasitoid Oomyzus sokolowskii (Kurdjumov) (Hymenoptera: Eulophidae). We examined oviposition and development of P. xylostella exposed to two commercial cabbage cultivars (green ‘Chato de quintal’ and red ‘Roxo’) and possible effects upon O. sokolowskii. Under free‐choice tests, DBM females laid significantly more eggs on plants of the green cabbage, even though several population growth parameters showed that DBM developed better on the red cabbage. Furthermore, a laboratory free‐choice test with artificially green‐ and red‐painted kale leaf discs demonstrated a similar oviposition preference pattern, with green colour being preferred over red colour. The preference was apparently visually mediated; olfactometer tests showed similar attraction of moths to both green and red cultivars in choice and non‐choice tests. Host plant cultivar had no statistically significant effect on female parasitoid behaviour towards DBM larvae, nor on parasitoid numbers or longevity. Moreover, wasps parasitizing DBM larvae reared on the green cultivar developed more quickly and in larger numbers per parasitized larva. Thus, feeding on green cabbage rather than red does not hinder, and potentially even enhances, control of DBM by O. sokolowskii. On a practical level, these results suggest that intercalating green cabbage cultivars as a trap crop might help protect more profitable red cultivars in growing fields.
Predation promotes survival of beetles with lower resting metabolic rates
Authors: Krams Indrikis , Kivleniece Inese , Kuusik Aare , Krama Tatjana , Mänd Raivo , Rantala Markus J. , Znotiņa Santa , Freeberg Todd M. , Mänd Marika
Published: June 2013

The energetic definition of fitness predicts that natural selection will maximize the residual energy available for growth and reproduction suggesting that energy metabolism might be a target of selection. In this experimental study, we investigated whether female and male yellow mealworm beetles, Tenebrio molitor L. (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae), differ in their hiding behaviour, individual response latency time, and duration of immobility to treatments mimicking an approaching predation threat. We experimentally tested whether consistently repeatable anti‐predatory responses and resting metabolic rates (RMR) correlated with survival rates of individuals exposed to a nocturnal predator, the brown rat, Rattus norvegicus (Berkenhout) (Rodentia: Muridae). Resting metabolic rate was part of a syndrome involving anti‐predator behaviour. Individuals with lower RMR concealed themselves against predators in substrate more successfully than individuals with higher RMR, and hiding was associated with longer periods of immobility. Ultimately, mortality was higher in the high‐RMR beetles compared to the low‐RMR beetles. Our results provide direct evidence of natural selection against mobility, i.e., for reduced RMR in T. molitor beetles.
Hybrid rice and insect herbivores in Asia
Authors: Horgan Finbarr G. , Crisol Eduardo
Published: June 2013

Since the late 1970s, the area of agricultural land dedicated to hybrid rice has rapidly increased throughout Asia, particularly in China, India, and Vietnam. The pace of hybrid adoption, a generally low genetic diversity of hybrid varieties, and higher agrochemical inputs with hybrid rice compared to conventional varieties has significantly changed the rice landscape. Some authors have associated these changes with an increasing incidence of damage to rice by herbivorous insects. This review examines trends in hybrid adoption in Asia, the associated problems with insect herbivores, and possible solutions to these problems. A series of hypotheses are presented to explain the increased incidence of damage as related to issues of crop susceptibility (hybrid physiology and genetics) and crop vulnerability (management‐related issues). Evidence suggests that hybrid rice has been highly vulnerable to damage from a range of insects. Inadequate attention to issues of planthopper resistance, linked with high agrochemical inputs and a new, vigorous rice type, likely contributed to high levels of planthopper damage in some hybrid rice varieties. Furthermore, hybrid susceptibility to the whitebacked planthopper, Sogatella furcifera (Horváth) (Hemiptera: Delphacidae), has been linked to the female (wild abortive‐cytoplasmic male sterile) parent of some hybrid lines. Meanwhile, a high incidence of stem borer damage to hybrids has likely resulted from the interaction of several plant traits with normal hybrid management, and particularly with the higher fertilizer applications associated with hybrid rice. Despite apparently low levels of resistance, hybrid varieties have high tolerance to herbivore damage; however, aspects of hybrid tolerance have been largely neglected in the literature, in breeding programs, and during development of pest management actions. This review suggests that research into the entomology of hybrid rice needs updating as hybrid varieties and management options continue to change over time. Pest management areas that require further research (including strategies for deployment of resistant varieties) are highlighted and a call is made for increased attention to issues of hybrid tolerance for sustainable herbivore management.
A role for the ventral pallidum in context‐induced and primed reinstatement of alcohol seeking
Authors: Perry Christina J. , McNally Gavan P.
Published: June 2013

The ventral pallidum (VP) is a major target of projections from the nucleus accumbens, and has been implicated in the reinstatement of psychostimulant seeking as part of a cortical–striatal–pallidal ‘final common pathway’ for relapse. Here, we studied the role of the VP in context‐induced and primed reinstatement of alcoholic beer seeking, using a combination of microinjections and tract tracing studies. In experiment 1, rats were trained to respond to alcoholic beer in one context (A), and then extinguished in a second context (B), prior to testing for reinstatement (ABA renewal) and extinction (ABB). VP microinjection of the μ‐opioid receptor (MOR) antagonist CTAP prevented reinstatement. In experiment 2, VP microinjection of CTAP also prevented the primed reinstatement of alcoholic beer seeking after rats were trained, extinguished, and tested in the same context. In experiment 3, we employed retrograde neural tract tracing together with c‐Fos immunohistochemistry to identify the VP afferents recruited during context‐induced reinstatement of alcoholic beer seeking. There was evidence for the recruitment of accumbens core→VP, basolateral amygdala→VP and paraventricular thalamus→VP pathways during context‐induced reinstatement. These results indicate that the VP MORs are critical for context‐induced reinstatement, and that the VP receives inputs from a number of regions known to be important in reinstatement of drug seeking.
How specialised must natural enemies be to facilitate coexistence among plants?
Authors: Sedio Brian E. , Ostling Annette M.
Published: June 2013

The Janzen‐Connell hypothesis proposes that plant interactions with host‐specific antagonists can impair the fitness of locally abundant species and thereby facilitate coexistence. However, insects and pathogens that associate with multiple hosts may mediate exclusion rather than coexistence. We employ a simulation model to examine the effect of enemy host breadth on plant species richness and defence community structure, and to assess expected diversity maintenance in example systems. Only models in which plant enemy similarity declines rapidly with defence similarity support greater species richness than models of neutral drift. In contrast, a wide range of enemy host breadths result in spatial dispersion of defence traits, at both landscape and local scales, indicating that enemy‐mediated competition may increase defence‐trait diversity without enhancing species richness. Nevertheless, insect and pathogen host associations in Panama and Papua New Guinea demonstrate a potential to enhance plant species richness and defence‐trait diversity comparable to strictly specialised enemies.
The epidermal growth factor receptor variant III (EGFRvIII): where wild things are altered
Authors: Gan Hui K. , Cvrljevic Anna N. , Johns Terrance G.
Published: June 2013

The epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) is overexpressed in a variety of human epithelial tumors, often as a consequence of gene amplification. Tumors with EGFR gene amplification frequently contain EGFR gene rearrangements, with the most common extracellular domain mutation being EGFRvIII. This mutation leads to a deletion of exons 2–7 of the EGFR gene and renders the mutant receptor incapable of binding any known ligand. Despite this, EGFRvIII displays low‐level constitutive signaling that is augmented by reduced internalization and downregulation. Aberrant EGFRvIII signaling has been shown to be important in driving tumor progression and often correlates with poor prognosis. It is clear that EGFRvIII is expressed in a considerable proportion of patients with glioblastoma multiforme (GBM). The presence of EGFRvIII in other tumor types, however, remains controversial. In this review, we critically analyze the evidence for the expression of EGFRvIII in a range of tumor types and discuss recent findings pertinent to its function and biology in GBM.
Comparative analysis of known miRNAs across platyhelminths
Authors: Jin Xiaoliang , Lu Lixia , Su Hailong , Lou Zhongzi , Wang Fang , Zheng Yadong , Xu Guo‐Tong
Published: June 2013

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are a subtype of small regulatory RNAs that are involved in numerous biological processes through small RNA‐induced silencing networks. In an attempt to explore the phylogeny of miRNAs across five platyhelminths, we integrated annotated miRNAs and their full genomes. We identified conserved miRNA clusters and, in particular, miR‐71/2 was conserved from planarian to parasitic flatworms and was expanded in free‐living Schmidtea mediterranea. Analysis of 22 miRNA loci provided compelling evidence that most known miRNAs are conserved across platyhelminths. Meanwhile, we also observed alterations of known protein‐coding genes flanking miRNA(s), such as transcriptional direction conversion and locus relocation, in around ~ 41% of 22 known miRNA loci. Compared with Echinococcus multilocularis, the majority of these events occurred in evolution‐distant Hymenolepis microstoma, Schistosoma japonicum or/and S. mediterranea. These results imply rearrangement events occurred near the known miRNA loci.
Very high cycle fatigue characteristics of a chrome‐molybdenum steel treated by ultrasonic nanocrystal surface modification technique
Authors: Suh M.‐S. , Suh C.‐M. , Pyun Y.‐S.
Published: June 2013

Characterization of very high cycle fatigue (VHCF) performance is of significant issue for ensuring long‐term durability and reliability of machinery and structural components due to the growing industrial demands and significant requirements of the advanced systems. In this study, VHCF characteristics of nanocrystallized skins (nanoskin) on JIS SCM435 (AISI 4137) steels were investigated as three different nanoskins on the surface, which was fabricated by altering the static load of ultrasonic nanocrystal surface modification (UNSM) treatment. The fatigue characterization, which shows linearly proportional correlation in the range of 80–120 µm depth of subsurface, was subjected to severe plastic deformation by altering the static loads of UNSM treatment to 40, 70 and 100 N, respectively. The fatigue strength increased up to 30% in the regime of VHCF. The improved strength mainly resulted from the generation of nanocrystalline structure, the enhanced surface uniformity, hardness and residual stress.
Cross‐species genetics converge to TLL2 for mouse avoidance behavior and human bipolar disorder
Authors: de Mooij‐van Malsen J.G. , van Lith H.A. , Laarakker M.C. , Brandys M.K. , Oppelaar H. , Collier D.A. , Olivier B. , Breen G. , Kas M.J.
Published: June 2013

Interspecies genetic analysis of neurobehavioral traits is critical for identifying neurobiological mechanisms underlying psychiatric disorders, and for developing models for translational research. Recently, after screening a chromosome substitution strain panel in an automated home cage environment, chromosomes 15 and 19 were identified in female mice for carrying genetic loci that contribute to increased avoidance behavior (sheltering preference). Furthermore, we showed that the quantitative trait locus (QTL) for baseline avoidance behavior on chromosome 15 is homologous with a human linkage region for bipolar disorder (8q24). Similarly, we now performed comparative analysis on the QTL for avoidance behavior found on chromosome 19 and correspondingly revealed an overlap of the mouse interval and human homologous region 10q23‐24, which has been previously linked to bipolar disorders. By means of a comparative genetic strategy within the human homologous region, we describe an association for TLL2 with bipolar disorder using the genome‐wide association study (GWAS) data set generated by the Wellcome Trust Case Control Consortium (WTCCC). On the basis of genetic homology and mood stabilizer sensitivity, our data indicate the intriguing possibility that mouse home cage avoidance behavior may translate to a common biochemical mechanisms underlying bipolar disorder susceptibility. These findings pave new roads for the identification of the molecular mechanisms and novel treatment possibilities for this psychiatric disorder, as well as for the validity of translational research of associated psychiatric endophenotypes.
Climate and ecosystem linkages explain widespread declines in North American Atlantic salmon populations
Authors: Mills Katherine E. , Pershing Andrew J. , Sheehan Timothy F. , Mountain David
Published: June 2013

North American Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) populations experienced substantial declines in the early 1990s, and many populations have persisted at low abundances in recent years. Abundance and productivity declined in a coherent manner across major regions of North America, and this coherence points toward a potential shift in marine survivorship, rather than local, river‐specific factors. The major declines in Atlantic salmon populations occurred against a backdrop of physical and biological shifts in Northwest Atlantic ecosystems. Analyses of changes in climate, physical, and lower trophic level biological factors provide substantial evidence that climate conditions directly and indirectly influence the abundance and productivity of North American Atlantic salmon populations. A major decline in salmon abundance after 1990 was preceded by a series of changes across multiple levels of the ecosystem, and a subsequent population change in 1997, primarily related to salmon productivity, followed an unusually low NAO event. Pairwise correlations further demonstrate that climate and physical conditions are associated with changes in plankton communities and prey availability, which are ultimately linked to Atlantic salmon populations. Results suggest that poor trophic conditions, likely due to climate‐driven environmental factors, and warmer ocean temperatures throughout their marine habitat area are constraining the productivity and recovery of North American Atlantic salmon populations.
Ecological emergence of thermal clines in body size
Authors: Edeline Eric , Lacroix Gérard , Delire Christine , Poulet Nicolas , Legendre Stéphane
Published: June 2013

The unprecedented rate of global warming requires a better understanding of how ecosystems will respond. Organisms often have smaller body sizes under warmer climates (Bergmann's rule and the temperature‐size rule), and body size is a major determinant of life histories, demography, population size, nutrient turnover rate, and food‐web structure. Therefore, by altering body sizes in whole communities, current warming can potentially disrupt ecosystem function and services. However, the underlying drivers of warming‐induced body downsizing remain far from clear. Here, we show that thermal clines in body size are predicted from universal laws of ecology and metabolism, so that size‐dependent selection from competition (both intra and interspecific) and predation favors smaller individuals under warmer conditions. We validate this prediction using 4.1 × 106 individual body size measurements from French river fish spanning 29 years and 52 species. Our results suggest that warming‐induced body downsizing is an emergent property of size‐structured food webs, and highlight the need to consider trophic interactions when predicting biosphere reorganizations under global warming.
Cost‐minimization analysis of a tailored oral health intervention designed for immigrant older adults
Authors: Mariño Rodrigo J , Fajardo Jorge , Calache Hanny , Morgan Mike
Published: June 2013

Aim

This paper presents an economic evaluation, from a societal viewpoint, comparing a community‐based oral health promotion program aimed at improving the gingival health of immigrant older adults, with one‐on‐one chairside oral hygiene instructions at a public dental clinic in Melbourne, Australia.

Methods

The costs associated with implementing and operating the oral health promotion program were identified and measured using 2008 prices. The intervention was based on the Oral Health Information Seminars/Sheets model, and consisted of 10 20‐min oral hygiene group seminars and four 10‐min supervised individual brushing sessions carried out by a non‐oral health professional educator. Health outcomes were measured as a reduction in gingival bleeding. Clinical data showed a 75% reduction in mean gingival bleeding scores among those who took part in the intervention. A population of 100 active, independent‐living older adults living in Melbourne, and members of Italian social clubs, was used for modeling in this analysis.

Results

This analysis estimated that if an oral hygiene program using the Oral Health Information Seminars/Sheets model was available to 100 older adults, the net cost from a societal perspective would be AUD$6965.20. In comparison, a standard individual oral hygiene instruction program, at public dental clinics, given equivalent levels of case complexity and assuming the same level of effectiveness, would cost AUD$40 185.00. Per participant cost of a community‐based oral health promotion program was $69.65 versus $401.85 for chairside instruction.

Conclusions

Findings confirm that community‐based oral health interventions are highly cost‐effective and an efficient use of society's financial resources. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2013; 14: 336–340.
The Registered Sex Offender Population as a Marker of Social Disorganisation
Authors: Gordon Karen E.
Published: June 2013

This study examines characteristics of socially‐disorganised neighbourhoods alongside the density of registered sex offenders (RSOs) using data from the public registry and 2000 and 2010 US census data. While RSOs are found in all types of neighbourhoods, this research suggests that RSOs are more often found in areas with higher than average poverty rates and housing vacancies and lower‐than‐average owner‐occupied housing units and median incomes, potentially causing further stress on already disorganised areas. It is argued that RSO density and average percentages of RSOs within neighbourhoods should be taken into consideration as markers of neighbourhood social disorganisation.
Democracy on Display: A Case for Public Sanctions
Authors: Shemtob Zachary Baron
Published: June 2013

This article begins by discussing the work of Jason Brennan, who argues that voter ignorance is inherently and instrumentally problematic to democratic governance. I then apply this point to the contemporary criminal justice system and penology. I argue that voters' lack of knowledge here is both unjust on those punished and, using the recent work of William J. Stuntz and others, has resulted in egregious consequences. The majority of the article focuses on the advantages and disadvantages of public punishments, concluding that such sanctions have great potential to challenge citizens' ignorance of our penal system. Ultimately, the goal is not to offer any sort of definitive conclusion, but to begin a long‐overdue discussion on the role of public ignorance in our broken prison system, and one way in which such ignorance might be dispelled.
Clinical antibacterial effectiveness of the self‐adjusting file system
Authors: Neves M. A. S. , Rôças I. N. , Siqueira J. F.
Published: June 2013

Aim

To evaluate in vivo the antibacterial effectiveness of the self‐adjusting file (SAF) using molecular methods.

Methodology

Root canals from single‐rooted teeth with apical periodontitis were instrumented using the SAF system under continuous irrigation with 2.5% NaOCl. DNA extracts from samples taken before and after instrumentation were subjected to quantitative analysis of total bacteria counts and levels of streptococci by quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR). The reverse‐capture checkerboard assay was also used to identify 28 bacterial taxa before (S1) and after (S2) SAF instrumentation. SAF was also compared with a conventional hand nickel–titanium instrumentation technique for total bacterial reduction. Data from qPCR were analysed statistically within groups using the Wilcoxon matched pairs test and between groups using the Mann–Whitney U‐test and the Fisher's exact test, with significance level set at P < 0.05.

Results

Self‐adjusting file significantly reduced the total bacterial counts from a mean number of 1.96 × 107 cells to 1.34 × 104 cells (P < 0.001). Quantitatively, the 99.9% reduction in total bacterial counts associated with the SAF system was significantly superior to the 95.1% reduction obtained by hand instrumentation (P < 0.001). Qualitatively, SAF resulted in significantly more cases with negative PCR results for bacteria (54.5%) than hand instrumentation (4.5%) (P < 0.001). The SAF system succeeded in significantly reducing the streptococcal levels, but four cases still harboured these bacteria in S2. Checkerboard analysis revealed that not only streptococci but also some anaerobic and even as‐yet‐uncultivated bacteria may resist the effects of chemomechanical procedures.

Conclusion

The SAF instrumentation system was highly effective in reducing bacterial populations from infected root canals and performed significantly better than hand instrumentation. However, because half of the samples still had detectable bacteria after preparation with SAF, supplementary disinfection is still required to maximize bacterial elimination.
Compositional and Temporal Dynamics of International Migration in the EU/EFTA: A New Metric for Assessing Countries’ Immigration and Integration Policies
Authors: DeWaard Jack
Published: June 2013

In this article, I derive estimates of migrants’ expected years of residence in each of 31 countries in the European Union and European Free Trade Association each year from 2002 to 2007. A country-level measure summarizing the temporal dynamics of international migration, I compare my results against the often used compositional measure of the percent foreign born, and show that these two measures reflect different population processes. I likewise demonstrate the utility of the measure derived here as a tool to assess countries’ integration policies on long-term residence per their scores in the Migrant Integration Policy Index. Key theoretical and policy implications are discussed.
Needed but Not Liked – The Impact of Labor Market Policies on Natives’ Opinions about Immigrants
Authors: Careja Romana , Andreß Hans-Jürgen
Published: June 2013

This article builds on the notion that immigrants’ integration into the labor market benefits migrants and shapes natives’ opinions about immigrants. Using insights from the newest literature on labor immigration and drawing upon the literature on attitudes toward immigrants, the article explores in a multilevel design the impact that regulations in the EU member states concerning immigrants’ access to domestic labor markets have on threat perceptions and on opinions about immigrants’ economic role. It finds that labor market regulations have a positive effect on opinions about immigrants’ economic role and reduce the negative relationships between precarious labor market status and opinions about the economic role. However, a robust effect of labor market regulations on threat perceptions was not found. Our results imply that labor market incorporation rules need to be accompanied by other measures to close the gap between natives and immigrants.
Mediation: a Family Therapy Technique?
Authors: Favaloro Geoffrey J.
Published: June 2013

Family mediation dovetails with family therapy approaches, in particular the brief, solution‐based family therapies, such that these two interventive approaches may be considered to be notionally quite similar. Comparisons are made, and the implications of moving from mediation to therapy are explored, for both workers and clients.
Worth a Third Read: Six ANZJFT Readers Remember
Authors: O'Gorman Lorraine , Lobsinger Chris , Casey Des , MacKenzie Colin , Grimwade Jo , Lohyn Marta
Published: June 2013

If we do not sometimes look back over our shoulders to remind ourselves of the ANZJFT's past achievements, we may forget, and newcomers may never be stimulated to explore earlier contributions for themselves. For this reason, six subscribers were asked to write five hundred words in answer to the question ‘Over the time you have been reading the Journal, what article sticks in your memory the most?’ The one restriction that was placed upon their choice was that if they found themselves unable to choose between two articles, they were to discuss the older of the two, to help assure a wider spread.
Limits and Possibilities of the Postmodern Narrative Self
Authors: Flaskas Carmel
Published: June 2013

The task of theorising the self has been of little interest historically in systemic therapy, yet becomes more interesting in the postmodern turn to the narrative metaphor and social constructionist ideas. Within this frame, the self is theorised as relational, fluid, and existing in narrative. The ‘postmodern narrative self’ counters modernist assumptions of self as an autonomous and fixed ‘internal’ entity, and brings with it theory and practice possibilities. However, any theory also brings limits, and this paper explores the limits of the central ideas of the postmodern narrative self. Through questioning and discussion, an argument is made for holding a dialectic in our thinking about the relational and autonomous self, for acknow‐ledging very real boundaries on the fluidity of self, and for thinking of narrative as one way of knowing self, rather than exclusively constituting the ‘being’ of self.
The ‘Unfashionable’ John Byng‐Hall: Narrative, Myths and Attachment
Authors: Larner Glenn
Published: June 2013

John Byng‐Hall would not want to be called a ‘hero’ or ‘pioneer’ of family therapy, nonetheless that is what he is. He has acted as a major figure in the development of the profession in the United Kingdom since the 1960s, co‐founding the family therapy course at the Tavistock clinic, where he was a Consultant Child and Family Psychiatrist until he retired in 1997. As an author and editor of internationally recog‐nised books and papers on family scripts, myths and legends, narrative and attachment, John has bridged systemic, attachment, psychoanalytic and narrative approaches to family therapy. Like his ancestor Admiral Byng, John's own narrative challenges the existing political order, which in current family therapy involves conformity to Postmodern fashion and denigration of things historical.
Home Visiting Family Therapy for Children at Risk
Authors: Huston Cathie , Armstrong Ken
Published: June 2013

Home visiting has a long history in the areas of health and welfare (Baldock, 1990: 121). Early intervention through home visiting programs has been found effective in preventing abuse and neglect in many countries including the USA (Olds, 1992), Ireland (Johnson, 1993) and Europe (Cox, 1993). The success of these programs lay in their effectiveness in reducing social isolation, improving parenting skills and enhancing self esteem. This paper reports on the role of family therapy in home‐based early intervention for families with newborn infants.
Single Session Interventions: An Example of Clinical Research in Practice
Authors: Campbell Alistair
Published: June 2013

Single session consultations seem to be an efficient and effective way of providing therapeutic interventions at a time of increasing demands for services and shrinking resources. Though ‘one‐off’ consultations have a long clinical history, specific interest in their use was sparked by Talmon's (1990) observation that 78% of his clients who had had only one consultation had experienced improvement in their presenting problems. Several Australian studies have supported Talmon's advocacy of this approach (Boyhan, 1996; Hampson, O'Hanlon, Pentony and Cramby, 1994; Price, 1994) but have significant methodological flaws. The present study used a pre–post methodology to assess the effectiveness of single session interventions and explored whether family dynamics impacted on changes in the presenting problem and in level of coping. The results indicated significant changes in both. Family pride or morale was identified as a major factor in positive response to the interventions. The implications for the use of single sessions and for further clinically based research are discussed.
Family Therapy is Just One Option
Authors: Foote Wendy
Published: June 2013

I trace my development as a family therapist from being a single model worker in systemic family therapy to a more eclectic approach. The context of my work is children's services and private practice. Failure to appreciate when one method of therapy is more suitable than another can lead to family therapy being applied when it is not indicated. The dangers in such mistakes and a lack of careful assessment that includes the ‘feeling state’ of the therapist are illustrated by case vignettes. A possible effect of some therapy techniques is to create a ‘distance’ from clients and to shield the therapist from their emotional distress. I outline situations where I would not use family therapy.
THE INFORMATION CONTENT OF MANAGEMENT EARNINGS FORECASTS: AN ANALYSIS OF HARD VERSUS SOFT INFORMATION
Authors: Brockman Paul , Cicon Jim
Published: June 2013

We examine the announcement effects of hard (quantitative) and soft (qualitative) information contained in management earnings forecasts. Consistent with previous studies, we confirm a positive relation between the earnings surprise component of the announcement and the magnitude of the abnormal return. In contrast to previous studies, we examine the effect of soft information on abnormal returns while controlling for hard information. Our results show that soft information generally explains more of the announcement effect of earnings forecasts than does hard information. Overall, our findings contribute to the growing literature that examines the economic significance of qualitative information.
THE PRICING EFFICIENCY OF LEVERAGED EXCHANGE‐TRADED FUNDS: EVIDENCE FROM THE U.S. MARKETS
Authors: Charupat Narat , Miu Peter
Published: June 2013

We examine the pricing efficiency of leveraged exchange‐traded funds, whose goal is to generate daily returns that are in a positive or a negative multiple of the underlying index returns. We find that bull funds (i.e., those with positive multiples) tend to trade at a discount more often than bear funds (i.e., those with negative multiples) do. Also, price deviations of bull (bear) funds are negatively (positively) correlated with their underlying index returns. These behaviors are more pronounced in funds with high leverage ratios, and can be partly explained by the funds' daily exposure adjustments to maintain their leverage ratios.
REGIME‐DEPENDENT LIQUIDITY DETERMINANTS OF CREDIT DEFAULT SWAP SPREAD CHANGES
Authors: Guo Biao , Newton David
Published: June 2013

In this article we construct a liquidity measure for credit default swaps (CDS) and investigate the relation between the changes in CDS spreads and the determinants implied by structural models of default, including firm leverage, volatility, risk‐free interest rate, and liquidity. Using a dummy‐variable pooling regression and a Markov regime‐switching model, we show strong evidence that these determinants, especially the liquidity determinant, are significant and time varying.
Hyperphagia among patients with Bardet‐Biedl syndrome
Authors: Sherafat‐Kazemzadeh R. , Ivey L. , Kahn S. R. , Sapp J. C. , Hicks M. D. , Kim R. C. , Krause A. J. , Shomaker L. B. , Biesecker L. G. , Han J. C. , Yanovski J. A.
Published: June 2013

Background

The importance of hyperphagia as a cause for energy imbalance in humans with Bardet‐Biedl syndrome (BBS) has not been established. We therefore compared hyperphagic symptoms in patients with BBS vs. controls.

Methods: 

We studied 13 patients with BBS and 23 non‐syndromic controls with similar age, sex and body mass index (BMI) z‐score. A 13‐item hyperphagia questionnaire was completed by patients' parents/guardians.

Results

Total hyperphagia questionnaire score was higher in BBS than controls (27.6 ± 9.0 vs. 19.1 ± 7.9, P = 0.005). Behaviour and drive subscales were higher for BBS than controls (12.5 ± 4.1 vs. 7.8 ± 3.2, P = 0.001, and 11.2 ± 4.1 vs. 8.3 ± 3.8, P = 0.04, respectively); severity was not significantly different between groups (3.8 ± 1.5 vs. 3.0 ± 1.3, P = 0.072). After adjustment for demographic variables and BMI z‐score, total and behaviour subscale scores remained significantly different between groups, suggesting food‐seeking activity, rather than preoccupation with food may be the main hyperphagic feature among patients with BBS.

Conclusion

Appetite dysregulation may contribute to obesity in BBS.
Comparative Proteomic Analysis of Rice Shoots Exposed to High Arsenate
Authors: Liu Yanli , Li Ming , Han Chao , Wu Fengxia , Tu Bingkun , Yang Pingfang
Published: June 2013

Consumption of arsenic contaminated water and cereals is a serious threat to humans all over the world. Rice (Oryza sativa “Nipponbare”), as a main cereal crop, can accumulate arsenic more than 10‐fold that of in other cereals. To gain a comprehensive understanding of the response of rice subjected to 100 µM arsenate stress, a comparative proteomic analysis of rice shoots in combination with morphological and biochemical investigations have been performed in this study. The results demonstrated that arsenate suppressed the growth of rice seedlings, destroyed the cellular ultra‐structure and changed the homeostasis of reactive oxygen species. Moreover, a total of 38 differentially displayed proteins, which were mainly involved in metabolism, redox and protein‐metabolism, were identified. The data suggest the arsenic can inhibit rice growth through negatively affecting chloroplast structure and photosynthesis. In addition, upregulation of the proteins involved in redox and protein metabolism might help the rice to be resistant or tolerant to arsenic toxicity. In general, this study improves our understanding about the rice arsenic responsive mechanism.
Levels of plasma sulfatides C18 : 0 and C24 : 1 correlate with disease status in relapsing–remitting multiple sclerosis
Authors: Moyano Ana L , Pituch Katarzyna , Li Guanan , van Breemen Richard , Mansson Jan E , Givogri Maria I
Published: June 2013

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is considered an autoimmune demyelinating disease of the CNS and myelin‐derived glycolipids are one of the targets of this autoimmune attack. In this study, we examined for the first time the plasma distribution of sulfatide isoforms. Sulfatides with long‐chain (C24 : 0 or C24 : 1) and short‐chain (C16 : 0 or C18 : 0) fatty acids were quantified in plasma of relapsing–remitting MS patients by ultra‐high‐performance liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry. We found that C18 : 0 and C24 : 1 sulfatide plasma levels positively correlated with the Expanded Disability Status Scale. C16/C18 : 0 and C16/C24 : 0 ratios also correlated with the age and the time since last relapse. Healthy women showed higher levels of C16 : 0 sulfatide than healthy men; however, this gender difference disappeared in MS patients. Our data underline the potential use of sulfatides as biomarkers in relapsing–remitting MS and points to a possible association with the higher susceptibility of women to develop MS.

image

Sulfatides are glycolipids highly enriched in myelin that have been associated with multiple sclerosis (MS). In this study, we have found a positive correlation between levels of specific sulfatides in plasma and increased disability in patients with relapsing‐remitting MS. These findings underline the potential use of these molecules as biomarkers for MS.
Ischemic post‐conditioning facilitates brain recovery after stroke by promoting Akt/mTOR activity in nude rats
Authors: Xie Rong , Wang Peng , Ji Xunming , Zhao Heng
Published: June 2013

While pre‐conditioning is induced before stroke onset, ischemic post‐conditioning (IPostC) is performed after reperfusion, which typically refers to a series of mechanical interruption of blood reperfusion after stroke. IPostC is known to reduce infarction in wild‐type animals. We investigated if IPostC protects against brain injury induced by focal ischemia in Tcell–deficient nude rats and to examine its effects on Akt and the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathway. Although IPostC reduced infarct size at 2 days post‐stroke in wild‐type rats, it did not attenuate infarction in nude rats. Despite the unaltered infarct size in nude rats, IPostC increased levels of phosphorylated Akt (p‐Akt) and Akt isoforms (Akt1, Akt2, Akt3), and p‐mTOR, p‐S6K and p‐4EBP1 in the mTOR pathway, as well as growth associated Protein 43 (GAP43), both in the peri‐infarct area and core, 24 h after stroke. IPostC improved neurological function in nude rats 1–30 days after stroke and reduced the extent of brain damage 30 days after stroke. The mTOR inhibitor rapamycin abolished the long‐term protective effects of IPostC. We determined that IPostC did not inhibit acute infarction in nude rats but did provide long‐term protection by enhancing Akt and mTOR activity during the acute post‐stroke phase.

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Post‐conditioning did not attenuate infarction in nude rats measured 2 days post‐stroke, but improved neurological function in nude rats and reduced brain damage 30 days after stroke. It resulted in increased‐activities of Akt and mTOR, S6K and p‐4EBP1. The mTOR inhibitor rapamycin abolished the long‐term protective effects of IPostC.
Let the Punishment Fit the Crime: Enforcement with Error
Authors: CHAKRABORTY INDRANIL , MCAFEE R. PRESTON
Published: June 2013

Given an externality function that implements a social objective, this paper examines the possibility of implementing the social objective when the action is observed with error. Provided that the signal is informative in the sense that it separates certain distributions of actions and agents are risk‐neutral, the social objective remains implementable even with observational error. In addition, when errors are small, there is a closed form second‐order approximation for the penalty function that depends only on first and second moments and two derivatives of the externality function. The formula is applicable when activity is measured reasonably accurately, which is necessary for an acceptable implementation. This formula is simple enough to lend itself to actual implementation.
Phylogeny of Hanabusaya (Campanulaceae), a Korean endemic, based on ITS sequences of nuclear ribosomal DNA
Authors: CHEON Kyeong‐Sik , YOO Ki‐Oug
Published: June 2013

The phylogenetic position of the genus Hanabusaya was verified using the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) sequences data of 181 individuals of 176 taxa in Campanulaceae, including allied genera such as genus Campanula, Adenophora, Symphyandra, and Zeugandra. The phylogenetic analysis showed that Hanabusaya is more closely allied to Adenophora than to Symphyandra, Zeugandra, and Campanula. Accordingly, the connate anthers of Hanabusaya are considered to have evolved independently of Symphyandra or Zeugandra. However, Hanabusaya and sect. Remotiflorae of Adenophora were unresolved within a clade. Therefore, the relationship between Hanabusaya and its allies should be more accurately determined through a broader study on diverse genetic regions.
BESSEL PROCESSES, STOCHASTIC VOLATILITY, AND TIMER OPTIONS
Authors: Li Chenxu
Published: June 2013

Motivated by analytical valuation of timer options (an important innovation in realized variance‐based derivatives), we explore their novel mathematical connection with stochastic volatility and Bessel processes (with constant drift). Under the Heston (1993) stochastic volatility model, we formulate the problem through a first‐passage time problem on realized variance, and generalize the standard risk‐neutral valuation theory for fixed maturity options to a case involving random maturity. By time change and the general theory of Markov diffusions, we characterize the joint distribution of the first‐passage time of the realized variance and the corresponding variance using Bessel processes with drift. Thus, explicit formulas for a useful joint density related to Bessel processes are derived via Laplace transform inversion. Based on these theoretical findings, we obtain a Black–Scholes–Merton‐type formula for pricing timer options, and thus extend the analytical tractability of the Heston model. Several issues regarding the numerical implementation are briefly discussed.
The postantifungal effect of nystatin and its impact on adhesion attributes of oral Candida dubliniensis isolates
Authors: Ellepola Arjuna N. B. , Joseph Bobby K. , Chandy Rachel , Khan Z. U.
Published: June 2013

The postantifungal effect (PAFE) has an impact on candidal pathogenicity. However, there is no information on either the PAFE or its impact on adhesion traits of oral Candida dubliniensis isolates. Oral candidosis can be treated topically with nystatin. Adhesion to buccal epithelial cells (BEC), germ tube (GT) formation and relative cell surface hydrophobicity (CSH) are all colonisation attributes of candidal pathogenicity. Hence, the main objective of this study was to investigate the in vitro PAFE on 20 C. dubliniensis isolates following exposure to nystatin. In addition, the impact of nystatin‐induced PAFE on adhesion to BEC, GT formation and relative CSH of C. dubliniensis isolates were also evaluated. After determining the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of nystatin, C. dubliniensis isolates were exposed to sublethal concentrations of nystatin for 1 h. Following this exposure, the drug was removed and PAFE, adhesion to BEC, GT formation and relative CSH were determined by a previously described turbidometric method, adhesion assay, germ tube induction assay and biphasic aqueous‐hydrocarbon assay respectively. MIC (μg/ml) of C. dubliniensis isolates to nystatin ranged from 0.09 to 0.78. The nystatin‐induced mean PAFE (hours) on C. dubliniensis isolates was 2.17. Compared with the controls, exposure to nystatin suppressed the ability of C. dubliniensis isolates to adhere BEC, GT formation and relative CSH by a mean percentage reduction of 74.45% (P < 0.0001), 95.92% (P < 0.0001) and 34.81 (P < 0.05) respectively. Hence, brief exposure of C. dubliniensis isolates to nystatin would continue to wield an antifungal effect by suppressing growth as well as its adhesion attributes.
Phytochrome‐mediated regulation of plant respiration and photorespiration
Authors: IGAMBERDIEV ABIR U. , EPRINTSEV ALEXANDER T. , FEDORIN DMITRY N. , POPOV VASILY N.
Published: June 2013

The expression of genes encoding various enzymes participating in photosynthetic and respiratory metabolism is regulated by light via the phytochrome system. While many photosynthetic, photorespiratory and some respiratory enzymes, such as the rotenone‐insensitive NADH and NADPH dehydrogenases and the alternative oxidase, are stimulated by light, succinate dehydrogenase, subunits of the pyruvate dehydrogenase complex, cytochrome oxidase and fumarase are inhibited via the phytochrome mechanism. The effect of light, therefore, imposes limitations on the tricarboxylic acid cycle and on the mitochondrial electron transport coupled to ATP synthesis, while the non‐coupled pathways become activated. Phytochrome‐mediated regulation of gene expression also creates characteristic distribution patterns of photosynthetic, photorespiratory and respiratory enzymes across the leaf generating different populations of mitochondria, either enriched by glycine decarboxylase (in the upper part) or by succinate dehydrogenase (in the bottom part of the leaf).
Potential involvement of Aspergillus flavus laccases in peanut invasion at low water potential
Authors: Arias R. S. , Sobolev V. S. , Orner V. A. , Dang P. M. , Lamb M. C.
Published: June 2013

Aspergillus flavus accumulates carcinogenic aflatoxins in peanuts, mainly in immature kernels during drought. Aspergillus flavus invasion induces accumulation of phytoalexins, mostly stilbenoids in peanut, as a plant defence mechanism. Because fungal laccases are often related to pathogenicity and can degrade stilbenoids, this study reports for the first time the expression of A. flavus laccases in the presence of kernels, hulls and low water potential in relation to the accumulation of phytoalexins in peanut kernels. Packed‐cell volume (PCV) of A. flavus biomass was significantly higher (P ≤ 0·01) in the presence of mature kernels, dead kernels, and mature and immature peanut hulls than the control. The presence of kernels and hulls lowered the level of expression of three A. flavus laccases by 4–6‐fold (P < 0·01), whereas 3% sucrose up‐regulated them by 35–304‐fold, and low water potential (−1·1 MPa) up‐regulated them by 85–248‐fold (P < 0·01). Phytoalexins that accumulated in peanut kernels in the presence of A. flavus and were quantified by HPLC‐DAD‐MS were primarily the stilbenoids: 3′‐isopentadienyl‐3,5,4′‐trihydroxystilbene (IPD), chiricanine‐A, arachidin‐2, arachidin‐3 and arahypin‐1. Apparent degradation of phytoalexins was observed when using a priori induction of phytoalexins in seeds in combination with a priori induction of laccases in A. flavus. The up‐regulation of laccase expression observed at −1·1 MPa and at high sucrose concentration could be contributing to peanut invasion in immature kernels under drought conditions.