bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Monitoring and managing microbes in aquaculture – Towards a sustainable industry
Authors: Bentzon‐Tilia Mikkel , Sonnenschein Eva C. , Gram Lone
Published: July 2016

Microorganisms are of great importance to aquaculture where they occur naturally, and can be added artificially, fulfilling different roles. They recycle nutrients, degrade organic matter and, occasionally, they infect and kill the fish, their larvae or the live feed. Also, some microorganisms may protect fish and larvae against disease. Hence, monitoring and manipulating the microbial communities in aquaculture environments hold great potential; both in terms of assessing and improving water quality, but also in terms of controlling the development of microbial infections. Using microbial communities to monitor water quality and to efficiently carry out ecosystem services within the aquaculture systems may only be a few years away. Initially, however, we need to thoroughly understand the microbiomes of both healthy and diseased aquaculture systems, and we need to determine how to successfully manipulate and engineer these microbiomes. Similarly, we can reduce the need to apply antibiotics in aquaculture through manipulation of the microbiome, i.e. by the use of probiotic bacteria. Recent studies have demonstrated that fish pathogenic bacteria in live feed can be controlled by probiotics and that mortality of infected fish larvae can be reduced significantly by probiotic bacteria. However, the successful management of the aquaculture microbiota is currently hampered by our lack of knowledge of relevant microbial interactions and the overall ecology of these systems.
Capturing Darwin's dream
Authors: Glenn Travis C. , Faircloth Brant C.
Published: July 2016

Evolutionary biologists from Darwin forward have dreamed of having data that would elucidate our understanding of evolutionary history and the diversity of life. Sequence capture is a relatively old DNA technology, but its use is growing rapidly due to advances in (i) massively parallel DNA sequencing approaches and instruments, (ii) massively parallel bait construction, (iii) methods to identify target regions and (iv) sample preparation. We give a little historical context to these developments, summarize some of the important advances reported in this special issue and point to further advances that can be made to help fulfill Darwin's dream.
discomark: nuclear marker discovery from orthologous sequences using draft genome data
Authors: Rutschmann Sereina , Detering Harald , Simon Sabrina , Fredslund Jakob , Monaghan Michael T.
Published: July 2016

High‐throughput sequencing has laid the foundation for fast and cost‐effective development of phylogenetic markers. Here we present the program discomark, which streamlines the development of nuclear DNA (nDNA) markers from whole‐genome (or whole‐transcriptome) sequencing data, combining local alignment, alignment trimming, reference mapping and primer design based on multiple sequence alignments to design primer pairs from input orthologous sequences. To demonstrate the suitability of discomark, we designed markers for two groups of species, one consisting of closely related species and one group of distantly related species. For the closely related members of the species complex of Cloeon dipterum s.l. (Insecta, Ephemeroptera), the program discovered a total of 78 markers. Among these, we selected eight markers for amplification and Sanger sequencing. The exon sequence alignments (2526 base pairs) were used to reconstruct a well‐supported phylogeny and to infer clearly structured haplotype networks. For the distantly related species, we designed primers for the insect order Ephemeroptera, using available genomic data from four sequenced species. We developed primer pairs for 23 markers that are designed to amplify across several families. The discomark program will enhance the development of new nDNA markers by providing a streamlined, automated approach to perform genome‐scale scans for phylogenetic markers. The program is written in Python, released under a public licence (GNU GPL version 2), and together with a manual and example data set available at: https://github.com/hdetering/discomark.
Pro‐inflammatory cytokine single nucleotide polymorphisms in Kawasaki disease
Authors: Assari Raheleh , Aghighi Yahya , Ziaee Vahid , Sadr Maryam , Rahmani Farzaneh , Rezaei Arezou , Sadr Zeinab , Moradinejad Mohammad Hassan , Raeeskarami Seyed Reza , Rezaei Nima
Published: July 2016

Aim

Kawasaki disease (KD) is a systemic vasculitis of children associated with cardiovascular sequelae. Proinflammatory cytokines play a major role in KD pathogenesis. However, their role is both influenced and modified by regulatory T‐cells. IL‐1 gene cluster, IL‐6 and TNF‐α polymorphisms have shown significant associations with some vasculitides. Herein we investigated their role in KD.

Methods

Fifty‐five patients with KD who were randomly selected from referrals to the main pediatric hospital were enrolled in this case‐control study. Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of the following genes were assessed in patients and 140 healthy subjects as control group: IL‐1α at −889 (rs1800587), IL‐1β at −511 (rs16944), IL‐1β at +3962 (rs1143634), IL‐1R at Pst‐I 1970 (rs2234650), IL‐1RN/A at Mspa‐I 11100 (rs315952), TNF‐α at −308 (rs1800629), TNF‐α at ‐238, IL‐6 at −174 (rs1800795) and IL‐6 at +565.

Results

Twenty‐one percent of the control group had A allele at TNF‐α −238 while only 8% of KD patients had A allele at this position (P = 0.003, OR [95%CI] = 0.32 [0.14–0.71]). Consistently, TNF‐α genotype GG at −238 had significant association with KD (OR [95% CI] = 4.31 [1.79–10.73]). Most controls carried the CG genotype at IL‐6 −174 (n = 93 [66.9%]) while GG genotype was the most common genotype (n = 27 [49%]) among patients. Carriers of the GG haplotype at TNF‐α (−308, −238) were significantly more prevalent among the KD group. No association was found between IL‐1 gene cluster, allelic or haplotypic variants and KD.

Conclusion

TNF‐α GG genotype at −238 and GG haplotype at positions −308 and −238 were associated with KD in an Iranian population.
A Comparison of Exchange Rate Exposure between Manufacturing vis‐à‐vis Service Sector Firms in India
Authors: Mohapatra Sonali Madhusmita
Published: July 2016

This paper examines the exchange rate exposure of firms in the manufacturing and service sectors in India, and measures this exposure by considering the trade weighted exchange rate as an explanatory variable by using monthly data from January 2000 to December 2013. The results show that Indian firms were highly exposed to the exchange rate during that period. A comparison of firms in the manufacturing and service sectors showed that the degree of exposure was higher for firms in the manufacturing sector. Overall, the results suggest that firms were more vulnerable to exchange rate changes in the post‐ than pre‐crisis period.
Determining the cost‐effectiveness of endoscopic surveillance for gastric cancer in patients with precancerous lesions
Authors: Wu Jin Tong , Zhou Jun , Naidoo Nasheen , Yang Wen Yu , Lin Xiao Cheng , Wang Pei , Ding Jin Qin , Wu Chen Bin , Zhou Hui Jun
Published: July 2016

Aim

To identify the optimal strategy for gastric cancer (GC) prevention by evaluating the cost‐effectiveness of esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD)‐based preventive strategies.

Methods

We conducted a model‐based cost‐effectiveness analysis. Adopting a healthcare payer's perspective, Markov models simulated the clinical experience of the target population (Singaporean Chinese 50–69 years old) undergoing endoscopic screening, endoscopic surveillance and usual care of do‐nothing. The screening strategy examined the cohort every alternate year whereas the surveillance strategy provided annual EGD only to people with precancerous lesions. For each strategy, discounted lifetime costs ($) and quality adjusted life years (QALY) were estimated and compared to generate incremental cost‐effectiveness ratio (ICER). Deterministic and probabilistic sensitivity analysis was conducted to identify influential parameters and quantify the impact of model uncertainties.

Results

Annual EGD surveillance with an ICER of $34 200/QALY was deemed cost‐effective for GC prevention within the Singapore healthcare system. To inform implementation, the models identified six influential factors and their respective thresholds, namely discount rate (<4.20%), age of starting surveillance (>51.6 years), proportion of program cost in delivering endoscopy (<65%), cost of follow‐up EGD (<$484), utility of stage 1 GC patients (>0.72) and odds ratio of GC for high‐risk subjects (>3.93). The likelihood that surveillance is the most cost‐effective strategy is 69.5% accounting for model uncertainties.

Conclusion

Endoscopic surveillance of gastric premalignancies can be a cost‐effective strategy for GC prevention. Its implementation requires careful assessment on factors influencing the actual cost‐effectiveness.
Enterocutaneous fistula: analysis of clinical outcomes from a single Victorian tertiary referral centre
Authors: Leang Yit J. , Bell Stephen W. , Carne Peter , Chin Martin , Farmer Chip , Skinner Steward , Wale Roger , Warrier Satish K.
Published: July 2016

Background

Enterocutaneous fistulas (ECFs) are complex and can result in significant morbidity and mortality. The study aimed to evaluate ECF outcomes in a single tertiary hospital.

Methods

A retrospective study of all patients treated with ECF between the period of January 2009 and June 2014 was conducted. Baseline demographic data assessed included the primary aetiology of the fistula, site of the fistula and output of the fistula. Outcomes measures assessed included re‐fistulation rate, return to theatre, wound complications, fistula closure rate and death over the study period.

Results

A total of 16 patients with ECF were recorded within the study period. Mean age of the patient cohort was 55.8 ± 11.8 years with a female predominance (11 females, 5 males). Primary aetiology were Crohn's disease (31%), post intra‐abdominal surgery not related to bowel neoplasia (50%) and post intra‐abdominal surgery related to bowel neoplasia (19%). Majority of the fistulas developed from the small bowel (75%) and had low output (63%). Operative intervention was required in 81% of patients with an overall closure rate of 100%. Median operations required for successful closure was 1.15 operations. Mean duration between index operation and curative operation was 8 ± 12.7 months.

Conclusion

Appropriate bundle of care (perioperative care, surgical timing and surgical technique) can produce excellent results in patients with ECF.
Investigation of serotype distribution and resistance genes profile in group B Streptococcus isolated from pregnant women: a Chinese multicenter cohort study
Authors: Yan Yuzhong , Hu Hua , Lu Tingyan , Fan Huiqing , Hu Yan , Li Gang , Zhang Xianhua , Shi Yi , Xia Rong
Published: July 2016

We surveyed the group B Streptococcus (GBS) strains isolated from four teaching hospitals during 1‐year period to investigate the current serotypes and antimicrobial resistance status of these strains. A total of 231 non‐duplicate colonizing GBS isolates were collected from pregnant women. Antimicrobial susceptibility of these isolates was tested by the disk diffusion method. Serotype was performed by a multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR) method. Analysis of the resistance mechanisms was performed by PCR amplification and DNA sequencing. Seven serotypes (Ia, Ib, II, III, V, VI, and VIII) were identified, and the prevalence ranged from 0.9 to 35.9%. All isolates were susceptible to the penicillin, ceftriaxone, and vancomycin. The resistance of all the isolates to erythromycin, clindamycin, and levofloxacin was 61.5, 51.9, and 35.5%, respectively. The erythromycin resistance was mainly associated with the genes ermB and ermB‐mef(A/E) (69.8%). The most predominant phenotype was cMLSB (77.5%). Five gene panels, including gyrA, parC, parE, gyrA‐parC, and gyrA‐parC‐parE, were detected. The most predominant genotype was gyrA‐parC‐parE triple mutation (69.5%). The S81L in gyrA gene, S79Y mutation in parC gene, and H225Y mutation in parE gene were discovered. The isolates with serotype III, V, and Ia were the most important clone concerning the prevalence and resistance.
Percutaneous trans‐abdominal external looped needle with two holes in the trocar sheath for port‐site closures in difficult obese cases
Authors: Lasheen Ahmed E , Salem Ayman , Abd Elaal Salah , Elsheweal Abd Elhafez , Osman Gamal , Alkilany Mohammed , Ibrahim Amr
Published: July 2016

Introduction

Port closure is essential after successful laparoscopic surgery to prevent incisional hernia. However, good fascial closure still represents a problem, especially in obese patients and when the port wound is oblique. We report a novel technique for port‐site closures in such cases.

Methods

This study involved 67 obese patients who underwent laparoscopic surgery. We used a novel technique for port‐site closure that employed a looped needle passed through two holes in the port sheath.

Results

The method was used in 67 patients (45 laparoscopic cholecystectomies, 22 laparoscopic hernia repairs), with a mean BMI of 35.7 kg/m2. No intraoperative incidents or port‐site hernias were reported during follow‐up (mean, 22 months).

Conclusion

Our procedure is safe, easy, and effective for fascial port site closures, especially in cases of difficult obese patients and oblique port wounds.
The devil in the corner: A mixed‐methods study of metaphor use by those with spinal cord injury‐specific neuropathic pain
Authors: Hearn Jasmine Heath , Finlay Katherine Anne , Fine Philip A.
Published: July 2016

Objectives

Metaphorical expressions of persistent pain play an influential role in the modulation of pain. This may be particularly distressing for those with physical disabilities such as spinal cord injury (SCI). Neuropathic pain (NP) after SCI is often described using metaphorical expressions such as burning and electricity. This study explored the use of metaphors by those with NP after SCI.

Design

A qualitative, semi‐structured interview design was employed.

Methods

Data were analysed using content analysis (CA) and interpretative phenomenological analysis to explore prevalence of metaphor use and its meaning. Sixteen individuals aged between 23 and 82 years, with chronic NP (persisting for 3 months or longer), arising from SCI were interviewed in their homes or on hospital wards (M = 10, F = 6). Interviews lasted between 40 and 120 min.

Results

The results capture a range of metaphorical expressions embedded in participants’ accounts. Three themes emerged: (1) pain as a personal attack, (2) the desire to be understood, and (3) conveying distress without adequate terminology. CA revealed that younger age, female gender, and outpatient status were associated with increased metaphor use.

Conclusions

This study highlights the power of metaphor in eliciting understanding of NP after SCI from others, whilst demonstrating the challenge of communicating NP. Cognitive treatment that incorporates image‐based techniques with acceptance and mindfulness‐based therapies may encourage adaptive responses to, and interpretation of, pain. This may subsequently reduce pain‐related distress and catastrophizing.

Statement of contribution

What is already known on this subject?

Neuropathic pain is often described with metaphorical language such as burning and crushing.

For those with physical limitations, metaphor use may induce or exacerbate psychological distress.

However, for those with spinal cord injuries, metaphor use has received little attention.

What does this study add?

Metaphor use is common in those with spinal cord injury, with differences across gender and age.

Core metaphors used conceptualized pain as an attacker or likened pain to heat and burning.

Such language may have benefits in terms of improved understanding and increased empathy, but may be reflective of catastrophic thinking.
Do more specific plans help you lose weight? Examining the relationship between plan specificity, weight loss goals, and plan content in the context of a weight management programme
Authors: Dombrowski Stephan U. , Endevelt Ronit , Steinberg David M. , Benyamini Yael
Published: July 2016

Objectives

The conditions under which planning for behaviour change is most effective are not fully understood. In the context of a weight management programme, we examined the interrelationship between plan specificity, type of behaviour planned (diet vs. exercise), and weight loss goals.

Design

Prospective design and content analysis of plans formed by participants of a 10‐week weight management programme.

Methods

Participants (n = 239) formulated two plans, for dietary and exercise behaviours, respectively. Plans were rated for specificity by examining the number of plan components. Weight loss goals were assessed by asking how much weight participants intend to lose. Weight was measured objectively each of the 10 weeks. Changes in body mass index (BMI) over time and the interactions between plan specificity and weight loss goals, for all plans and separately for diet and exercise, were estimated using linear mixed models.

Results

Plan specificity was unrelated to weight loss, but interacted with weight loss goals in predicting linear change in BMI (t = −2.48): More specific plans were associated with higher decreases in weight in participants with high weight loss goals. Separate interaction tests for plans formulated for diet and exercise change showed that more specific dietary plans, but not exercise plans, were associated with higher decreases in weight in participants with high weight loss goals (t = −2.21).

Conclusions

Within a population that is highly motivated to lose weight, the combination of high weight loss goals and formulating detailed plans for changing dietary behaviours may be most effective in supporting weight loss.

Statement of contribution

What is already known on this subject?

More specific plans are associated with increased performance of health‐related behaviours.

More motivated individuals form more specific plans.

The interrelationship between plan specificity, plan content and behaviour‐related goals in relation intervention effectiveness has not been explored to date.

What does this study add?

The effectiveness of forming specific plans may depend on the strength of behaviour‐related goals as well as the behaviour selected for change.

More detailed plans, in particular dietary plans, were related to greater weight loss, but only for participants with higher initial weight loss goals.

Detailed exercise plans were not associated with weight loss, regardless of initial weight loss goals.
The surgical challenge of carotid artery and Fallopian canal dehiscence in chronic ear disease: a pitfall for endoscopic approach
Authors: Pauna H.F. , Monsanto R.C. , Schachern P.A. , Costa S.S. , Kwon G. , Paparella M.M. , Cureoglu S.
Published: July 2016

Objective

Endoscopic procedures are becoming common in middle ear surgery. Inflammation due to chronic ear disease can cause bony erosion of the carotid artery and Fallopian canals, making them more vulnerable during surgery. The objective of this study was to determine whether or not chronic ear disease increases dehiscence of the carotid artery and Fallopian canals.

Design

Comparative human temporal bone study.

Setting

Otopathology laboratory.

Participants

We selected 78 temporal bones from 55 deceased donors with chronic otitis media or cholesteatoma and then compared those two groups with a control group of 27 temporal bones from 19 deceased donors with no middle ear disease.

Main outcome measures

We analysed the middle ear, carotid artery canal and Fallopian canal, looking for signs of dehiscence of its bony coverage, using light microscopy.

Results

We found an increased incidence in dehiscence of the carotid artery and Fallopian canals in temporal bones with chronic middle ear disease. The size of the carotid artery canal dehiscence was larger in the middle ear‐diseased groups, and its bony coverage, when present, was also thinner compared to the control group. Dehiscence of the carotid artery canal was more frequently located closer to the promontory. The incidence of Fallopian canal dehiscence was significantly higher in temporal bones from donors older than 18 years with chronic middle ear disease.

Conclusion

The increased incidence of the carotid artery and Fallopian canal dehiscence in temporal bones with chronic middle ear disease elevates the risk of adverse events during middle ear surgery.
Use of a linear stapler for the treatment of ileocolic fistula in Crohn's disease
Authors: Ballester‐Pla N. , Pous‐Serrano S. , Palasí‐Giménez R. , García‐Granero E.
Published: July 2016

Aim

The study reports an easy technique for surgical management of some forms of ileocolic fistula in Crohn's disease.

Method

Five patients with Crohn's disease with ileocolic fistula (2011–2014) have been managed by the application of linear stapler devices.

Results

Postoperative course was satisfactory in all patients. At 1 year there was no evidence of stricture or fistula formation and no patient had required reoperation.

Conclusion

The technique is easy and effective and can be used in open and laparoscopic surgery.
Reference values for left ventricular systolic synchrony according to phase analysis of ECG‐gated myocardial perfusion SPECT
Authors: Hämäläinen Hanna , Hedman Marja , Laitinen Tiina , Hedman Antti , Kivelä Antti , Laitinen Tomi
Published: July 2016

Background

The aim of this study was to define reference values for left ventricular systolic synchrony and for the volume parameters of the left ventricle using myocardial perfusion SPECT‐derived phase analysis method.

Methods

We evaluated data of 433 patients who underwent myocardial perfusion SPECT/CT during January 2012–February 2013 in Kuopio University Hospital. The final study population consisted of 52 patients (aged 42–84 years) who met the criteria: (1) no previously diagnosed cardiac disease, (2) normal ECG at rest, (3) no advanced coronary artery disease in CT and 4) normal myocardial perfusion in stress/rest myocardial perfusion SPECT/CT. The severity of mechanical dyssynchrony was assessed by phase analysis of gated myocardial SPECT at stress stage after pharmacological exercise and at rest using Quantitative Gated SPECT (QGS) software. Volume parameters of the left ventricle were also assessed.

Results

The phase histogram bandwidth at rest was 28.0 [63.7] degrees (median [95th percentile]). The standard deviation of phase histogram at rest was 7.8 [26.5] degrees. Entropy at the rest study was 54.0 [63.7] %. All left ventricular dyssynchrony parameters were statistically significantly higher at stress compared to rest. There were no statistically significant differences in dyssynchrony values between men and women. In volume parameters, reference values in male were expectedly higher than in female. Cardiac output did not differ significantly between genders.

Conclusion

In subjects without signs of cardiac diseases, the left ventricular systolic function is well synchronized. Phase analysis measurement does not depend on gender, age, BMI or blood pressure, but the values of dyssynchrony parameters increase during pharmacological stress.
Preserved dopaminergic homeostasis and dopamine‐related behaviour in hemizygous TH‐Cre mice
Authors: Runegaard Annika H. , Jensen Kathrine L. , Fitzpatrick Ciarán M. , Dencker Ditte , Weikop Pia , Gether Ulrik , Rickhag Mattias
Published: July 2016

Cre‐driver mouse lines have been extensively used as genetic tools to target and manipulate genetically defined neuronal populations by expression of Cre recombinase under selected gene promoters. This approach has greatly advanced neuroscience but interpretations are hampered by the fact that most Cre‐driver lines have not been thoroughly characterized. Thus, a phenotypic characterization is of major importance to reveal potential aberrant phenotypes prior to implementation and usage to selectively inactivate or induce transgene expression. Here, we present a biochemical and behavioural assessment of the dopaminergic system in hemizygous tyrosine hydroxylase (TH)‐Cre mice in comparison to wild‐type (WT) controls. Our data show that TH‐Cre mice display preserved dopaminergic homeostasis with unaltered levels of TH and dopamine as well as unaffected dopamine turnover in striatum. TH‐Cre mice also show preserved dopamine transporter expression and function supporting sustained dopaminergic transmission. In addition, TH‐Cre mice demonstrate normal responses in basic behavioural paradigms related to dopaminergic signalling including locomotor activity, reward preference and anxiolytic behaviour. Our results suggest that TH‐Cre mice represent a valid tool to study the dopamine system, though careful characterization must always be performed to prevent false interpretations following Cre‐dependent transgene expression and manipulation of selected neuronal pathways.
Forecasting financial time series using a methodology based on autoregressive integrated moving average and Taylor expansion
Authors: Zhang Guisheng , Zhang Xindong , Feng Hongyinping
Published: July 2016

Financial time series prediction is regarded as one of the most challenging job because of its inherent complexity, and the hybrid forecasting model incorporating autoregressive integrated moving average and support vector machine (SVM) has been implemented widely to deal with the both linear and nonlinear patterns in time series data. However, the SVM model does not take into consideration the time correlation knowledge between different data points in time series, which impacts the learning efficiency of the SVM in real application. To overcome this restriction, this paper proposes the Taylor Expansion Forecasting model as an alternative to the SVM and develops a novel hybrid methodology via combining autoregressive integrated moving average and Taylor Expansion Forecasting to exploit the comprehensive forecasting capacity to the financial time series data with noise. Both theoretical proof and empirical results obtained on several commodity future prices demonstrate that the proposed hybrid model improves greatly the forecasting accuracy.
Cumulative effects matter: multi‐brood responses of Daphnia to hypoxia
Authors: Lyu Kai , Wang Qianqian , Yang Zhou , Montagnes David J. S.
Published: July 2016

Periods of hypoxia lasting up to weeks are now anticipated in fresh waters, owing to anthropogenic influences. However, the cumulative effects of hypoxia on Daphnia, over multiple broods, have received virtually no attention, and to establish and evaluate such responses there is a need to make measurements over a wide range of oxygen concentrations, potentially revealing non‐linear patterns. We predict that the effect of hypoxia on growth, survival and fecundity (i.e., production of new individuals) of Daphnia will increase over multiple broods, and with increasing oxygen these responses will approach asymptotic maxima, following a rectangular hyperbolic response.

Daphnia similoides were exposed to 1.0, 2.0, 3.0, 4.0, 5.0, 6.0 and 8.0 mg oxygen L−1. To determine effects on the first brood we examined: number of offspring; time to the first eggs; time to the first brood and size of the female at the first eggs and the first brood. To determine cumulative effects of oxygen over multiple broods (up to 8 broods over 21 days), we measured: total number of offspring produced by a female; survival time and total number of moults and broods. To investigate how the cumulative effects arose over the multiple broods, we examined the number of offspring per brood in each brood over eight broods. To assess treatment effects and indicate responses, functions were fit to data using the most parsimonious function that reflected trends in the data.

Measurements associated with a single brood responded linearly, or not at all, with changing oxygen concentration, whereas measurements made over the 21 days followed a rectangular hyperbolic response, increasing to an asymptote as oxygen increased. For the first brood, as oxygen concentration was raised from 1 to 8 mg L−1 the number of offspring produced and the time required to produce the brood were not affected; the time required to produce eggs decreased ˜0.3‐fold; and the size of individuals at the time when the eggs and the brood were produced increased ˜0.1‐fold. Over the 21 days, between 1 and 8 mg L−1 the total number of offspring increased ˜3.4‐fold; individual survival and the number of moults increased ˜2‐fold, and the number of broods increased ˜1‐fold. For single‐brood responses, there was no effect of decreasing oxygen levels on the number of offspring in the first brood, but there were negative effects on the second‐to‐fourth broods; the number of offspring in the remaining broods was not significantly related to oxygen levels, as there were fewer data at low levels due to poor survival.

We conclude that assessments of Daphnia demographics should not rely on estimates of the effect of oxygen concentration on single broods. Instead, studies should consider cumulative changes over multiple broods. Following our approach, researchers may now explore the impacts of hypoxia on congeners and other zooplankton, and investigate the mechanisms associated with multi‐brood responses.
‘To Do Or Not To Do (Gender)’ and Changing the Sex‐Typing of British Theatre
Authors: Sage Daniel , Rees Catherine
Published: July 2016

Concepts of doing, and undoing, gender have become increasingly prevalent within studies of sex‐typed work. However, these concepts, as currently figured and applied, contain a significant analytical lacuna: they tend not to register changes in the sex‐typing of work. In this study we engage this research gap by addressing the changing sex‐typing of British theatre — specifically, the shift from female‐dominated amateur to male‐dominated professional theatre work. We draw upon and develop concepts of doing and undoing gender to understand changes in the sex‐typing of work. In so doing, we explain how spatially and temporally differentiated ways of doing ‘male’ and ‘female’ become implicated in how people make sense of, and enact, the changing spaces and times of ‘amateur/female’ ‘professional/male’ work. Our analysis of theatre work suggests that, despite recent criticisms of their wider significance, concepts of un/doing gender are useful to understand broader changes in the sex‐typing of work. Thus, it also appears possible to (un)change such sex‐typings by undoing gender. However, our analysis suggests that such subversive acts remain ineffective, unless those involved in such gendered undoings engage with, rather than renounce, the gendered doings that help enact the changing sex‐typing of work.
Individual variation in orientation promotes a 3000‐km latitudinal change in wintering grounds in a long‐distance migratory raptor
Authors: Mellone Ugo , Lucia Giuseppe , Mallìa Egidio , Urios Vicente
Published: July 2016

Migrating juvenile birds rely on endogenous information in choosing the direction in which to fly, but such input may be overridden by social interactions with experienced individuals. We tagged seven juvenile Short‐toed EaglesCircaetus gallicuswithGPStransmitters in southern Italy. This trans‐Saharan migrant flies mainly by soaring and is therefore not well adapted to performing long water crossings. Five of the seven tagged juveniles used the longer but apparently safer route towards the Strait of Gibraltar, and two migrated along a southerly trajectory and subsequently spent the winter in Sicily, apparently forced to do so by the 150‐km‐wide Sicily Channel. One of these individuals took the longer route the following autumn. These results, combined with long‐term (15 years) visual field observations involving thousands of individuals, suggest that inexperienced Short‐toed Eagles may learn their migratory routes from experienced adults, whereas some of them migrate south in response to an innate orientation instinct. Transport costs, inherited information and geography apparently interact, forcing some Short‐toed Eagles to winter 3000 km to the north of the majority of their conspecifics.
Mn‐Doped Ba0.45Sr0.55TiO3 Ceramic Systems: Dielectric and Impedance Spectroscopic Characterization
Authors: Mahmood Asad , Naeem Abdul , Ullah Asad , Iqbal Yaseen
Published: July 2016

Mn‐doped Ba0.45Sr0.55TiO3 (x = 0.00, 0.01, 0.02, 0.03, 0.04, 0.05) ceramics were processed by solid‐state route at 1300°C for 6 h in air. Impedance spectroscopic studies showed that the total resistance (RT) decreased with the increase in temperature. Samples with x = 0.00, 0.03, and 0.05 exhibited grain boundary contribution to the conduction mechanism. Samples with x = 0.01, 0.02, 0.04 compositions showed both grain (bulk) and grain boundary contributions. Mn substitution proved to be an effective way to optimize the dielectric properties of BST ceramics.
From Refuge to Riches? An Analysis of Refugees’ Wage Assimilation in the United States1
Authors: Giri Animesh
Published: July 2016

Given that refugees may be fleeing from political, social, racial, ethnic, or religious persecution, they are not expected to be economically independent upon arrival to the United States. Considerable state and federal resources are specifically aimed at the economic assimilation of refugees in the United States. In this article, I examine the extent to which average refugee wages have assimilated toward those of their native counterparts in the United States. Among synthetic cohorts from 1990 to 2000, most recent young refugees increase average refugee wages by approximately 17 percent within a decade. Similarly, in the period between 2000 and 2010, the gains for young and recent refugees increase average refugee wages by approximately 22 percent. In contrast, across both decades, duration effects for the oldest refugee cohorts — irrespective of their length of stay in the United States — exert a considerable downward push on average refugee wages. The contrasts in wage contributions for the oldest and youngest cohorts are less extreme for non-refugee immigrants. These findings underscore the importance of age at entry into the United States for wage assimilation, especially in the case of refugees.
Canopy Architecture and Leaf Nitrogen Distribution of Rice (Oryza sativa L.) under Chronic Soil Water Deficit
Authors: Okami M. , Kato Y. , Yamagishi J.
Published: July 2016

The development of vertical gradients of specific leaf nitrogen (SLN) in accordance with light gradients within a canopy is important for maximising resource‐use efficiency. In this study, we aimed to clarify the effect of chronic soil water deficit on the SLN gradient in rice. In a series of field experiments, SLN gradients of an indica cultivar and a tropical japonica cultivar were investigated under chronic soil water deficit. As a result, SLN gradient of an indica cultivar tended to be more uniform than that of a tropical japonica cultivar during the recovery period after dry spells under aerobic conditions: an indica cultivar distributed much N in shaded leaves while a japonica cultivar enhanced the SLN in the upper layers. We conclude that vertical gradient of SLN of indica cultivars becomes less optimal for photo‐assimilation under chronic soil water deficit, although they can take‐up sufficient amounts of N. This would be attributable to the rapid increase in tiller number upon rainfall or irrigation and prolonged tillering period for their recovery growth, leading to a more compact canopy architecture. The tillering habit in the current indica irrigated rice cultivars would be associated with the response of SLN gradients to chronic soil water deficit.
Taxonomic and functional diversity patterns reveal different processes shaping European and Amazonian stream fish assemblages
Authors: Cilleros Kévin , Allard Luc , Grenouillet Gaël , Brosse Sébastien
Published: July 2016

Aim

Differences in dispersal limitation and environmental filtering have been proposed to explain differences in diversity patterns between regions. Incorporating functional traits into studies of assembly rules allows the relative strengths of such processes to be distinguished. We test the predictions that assemblages in a similar environment under strong dispersal limitation should be differentiated taxonomically but not functionally, whereas strong environmental filtering should more differentiate assemblages functionally.

Location

French Guiana and France.

Methods

We used two datasets on fish assemblage composition: one for French Guiana and one for continental France. We constrained both dataset to have similar geographical extent and similar environment using site location and topographic variables of the French Guiana dataset to select continental France data. We estimated functional diversity using a combination of 15 fish morphological traits. We computed species and functional richness at regional and local scales for both regions. We calculated taxonomic and functional turnover between sites and compared them within and between regions.

Results

Taxonomic and functional richness were higher in tropical fish assemblages than in temperate ones both on regional and local scales. Species richness differences between the two regions resulted in very similar functional richness. Temperate assemblages showed a higher functional turnover than tropical assemblages, but a lower taxonomic turnover. We found a stronger turnover in taxonomic diversity than in functional diversity between tropical assemblages, and the opposite pattern between temperate ones.

Main conclusions

The higher functional richness in tropical assemblages was mainly caused by an increased number of species compared to temperate assemblages, probably linked with an increase in available niches. Dispersal limitation was the predominant process in structuring Guianese stream fish assemblages causing strong species replacement, whereas French stream fish assemblages were mainly under strong environmental filtering resulting in local adaptations to different environments.
Why is the Court of Justice of the European Union not more Contested? Three Mechanisms of Opposition Abatement
Authors: Werner Benjamin
Published: July 2016

The Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU) is famous for playing a central role in promoting the process of European integration. Although the Court has always been criticized for this pro‐integrationist role, Member States have never cut back the CJEU's power. Recently, however, the environment for legal integration has changed: the CJEU is dealing more and more with politically sensitive issues; and that in a period when the integration project as such is becoming increasingly contested. Contrary to the expectations of many scholars, this had not led to more resistance against the CJEU's case law or its power. This article approaches this surprising fact by investigating the CJEU's jurisprudence on Golden Shares, which has substantially reduced national competencies in the contentious issue of corporate control. It shows that the persistent acceptance of the CJEU can be explained with the low and manageable short‐term costs of legal integration.
When to invest in clinical guidelines for children? A practice oriented tool to facilitate decision‐making
Authors: Schalkers Inge , Enthoven Clair , Bunders Joske , Dedding Christine
Published: July 2016

Rationale, aims and objectives

Children are not just small adults; they need to be diagnosed and treated in the context of their rapid growth and development. However, in guideline development, children's needs and interests are still overlooked. This study aims (1) to develop a tool that could stimulate guideline developers to take children into account on a more structural basis and (2) to explore how to facilitate children's participation in the process of guideline development.

Methods

The method used was a three‐phase multimethod sequential design. Professionals involved in guideline development participated in interviews (n = 12), filled in a questionnaire (n = 60) and/or participated in the focus group meeting (n = 11).

Results

This study results in a comprehensive understanding of the considerations that professionals take into account when deciding whether guidelines need to apply to children specifically. This resulted in a tool that assists guideline developers to make this assessment more accurately. It takes the form of a flowchart that guides users through a series of critical questions.

Conclusions

The flowchart reminds guideline developers to consider children as a particular patient population when prioritizing and demarcating new guideline topics. It will help to ensure that clinical guidelines address children's unique health care needs and perspectives. Facilitating children's and parents' participation in the process of guideline development is perceived as challenging; nevertheless, it should be the next step in making paediatric guidelines more child‐centred and family‐centred.
A comprehensive theoretical framework for the implementation and evaluation of opt‐out HIV testing
Authors: Leidel Stacy , Leslie Gavin , Boldy Duncan , Girdler Sonya
Published: July 2016

Opt‐out HIV testing (in which patients are offered HIV testing as a default) is a potentially powerful strategy for increasing the number of people who know their HIV status and thus limiting viral transmission. Like any change in clinical practice, implementation of opt‐out HIV testing in a health service requires a change management strategy, which should have theoretical support. This paper considers the application of three theories to the implementation and evaluation of an opt‐out HIV testing programme: Behavioural Economics, the Health Belief Model and Normalisation Process Theory. An awareness, understanding and integration of these theories may motivate health care providers to order HIV tests that they may not routinely order, influence their beliefs about who should be tested for HIV and inform the operational aspects of opt‐out HIV testing. Ongoing process evaluation of opt‐out HIV testing programmes (based on these theories) will help to achieve individual health care provider self‐efficacy and group collective action, thereby improving testing rates and health outcomes.
Waste Classification as a Craft under Construction: The Worker's Experience at Buenos Aires’ “Social Classification Plants”
Authors: Carenzo Sebastián
Published: July 2016

En este trabajo presentamos resultados de un análisis etnográfico realizado con habitantes del mayor relleno sanitario actualmente activo en el Gran Buenos Aires. Estas personas que se abastecían ingresando al basural, son quienes actualmente gestionan una de las “plantas de clasificación y separación” habilitadas dentro del relleno. El análisis sostiene la necesidad de recuperar los sentidos que estas personas conjugan para definir sus prácticas laborales, suspendiendo nociones preconstruídas como trabajo “informal” o “precario”. En particular destaca un sentido emergente por el cual estas labores de recuperación y clasificación de residuos adquieren la forma de un nuevo “oficio”. Nuestros datos señalan la necesidad de repensar en las etiquetas que circulan en el mundo del trabajo y que inciden en la configuración de políticas y programas. [Argentina, conflicto, política, trabajo]
The oligodendrocyte‐specific antibody ‘CC1’ binds Quaking 7
Authors: Bin Jenea M. , Harris Stephanie N. , Kennedy Timothy E.
Published: July 2016

The mouse monoclonal antibody marketed as anti‐adenomatous polyposis coli clone CC1, often referred to as CC1, is the antibody most commonly used to specifically label mature oligodendrocytes without labeling myelin. Previous studies have shown that despite being raised against adenomatous polyposis coli, this antibody binds another unknown antigen. We show that the CC1 antibody binds Quaking 7, an RNA‐binding protein that is highly up‐regulated in myelinating oligodendrocytes in the central nervous system.

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The monoclonal antibody anti‐adenomatous polyposis coli (APC) clone CC1, is the antibody most commonly used to specifically label the cell bodies of mature oligodendrocytes. Despite being raised against APC, previous studies showed this antibody binds another unknown antigen. We show that the CC1 antibody binds Quaking (QKI) 7, an RNA‐binding protein which is highly up‐regulated in myelinating oligodendrocytes.
Functional Characterisation of Eel Dopamine D2 Receptors and Involvement in the Direct Inhibition of Pituitary Gonadotrophins
Authors: Jolly C. , Rousseau K. , Prézeau L. , Vol C. , Tomkiewicz J. , Dufour S. , Pasqualini C.
Published: July 2016

In various vertebrate species, dopamine (DA) exerts an inhibitory action on reproduction. In the European eel, DA plays a pivotal role in the inhibitory control of gonadotroph function and the blockade of puberty. In vivo studies have suggested that this effect is mediated by receptors pharmacologically related to the D2 family. In the European eel, two distinct D2 receptor (D2‐R) paralogous genes have been identified (D2A‐R and D2B‐R) and both were shown to be expressed in the pituitary. We investigated the potential role of each paralogue in the control of gonadotroph function in this species. Eel recombinant D2A‐R or D2B‐R were expressed in HEK 293 cells, with a universal Gα subunit, and receptor activation was followed by inositol phosphate production. Recombinant D2‐Rs exhibited a comparable affinity for DA, although they had differential affinities for mammalian D2‐R agonists and antagonists, supporting subtle structure/activity differences. Furthermore, using eel pituitary cell primary cultures, the expression by gonadotroph cells of both native eel D2‐R paralogues was examined by in situ hybridisation of D2A‐R or D2B‐R transcripts, coupled with immunofluorescence of luteinising hormone (LH)β or follicle‐stimulating (FSH)β. LH and to a lesser extent, FSH cells expressed both D2‐R transcripts but with a clear predominance of D2B‐R. Notably, D2B‐R transcripts were detected for the majority of LH cells. Accordingly, using these cultures, we showed that DA potently inhibited basal and testosterone‐stimulated LHβ expression and less potently basal and activin‐stimulated FSHβ expression. We also tested some D2‐R antagonists, aiming to select the most adequate one to be used in innovative protocols for induction of eel sexual maturation. We identified eticlopride as the most potent inhibitor of DA action on basal and stimulated LH expression in vitro. Our data suggest a differential functionalisation of the duplicated receptor genes and demonstrate that mainly D2B‐R is involved in the dopaminergic inhibitory control of eel gonadotroph function.