bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evidence for niche similarities in the allopatric sister species Lepus castroviejoi and Lepus corsicanus
Authors: Acevedo Pelayo , Melo‐Ferreira José , Real Raimundo , Alves Paulo C.
Published: January 2014

Aim

Lepus castroviejoi and Lepus corsicanus are sister species with allopatric distributions that share extensive phenotypic and genetic variation. Under the framework of niche conservatism, we assessed whether these species have similar ecological niches, which could provide insights into their mode of divergence, conservation, and taxonomic status.

Location

The distribution range of L. castroviejoi in the northern Iberian Peninsula, and that of L. corsicanus in mainland Italy and Sicily.

Methods

We developed spatially explicit ecological models to characterize the niches of the two species by modelling them separately and together. Individual models were transferred to the territory of the sister species to explore their niche relationships. Predictions were assessed for discrimination and calibration in a cross‐assessment procedure.

Results

The model trained with L. castroviejoi was not able to predict the range of L. corsicanus, whereas the model trained with L. corsicanus was able to discriminate the L. castroviejoi distribution better than by chance alone (AUC = 0.814), although the reliability of the predictions was limited. The model trained with L. corsicanus in Italy's mainland (excluding the range in Sicily), however, discriminated L. castroviejoi presences/absences (AUC = 0.788) and accurately predicted its probability of occurrence. Furthermore, a well‐calibrated model, which was able to discriminate the species distributions (L. castroviejoi, AUC = 0.828; L. corsicanus, AUC = 0.956), was obtained when the species were considered together.

Main conclusions

Our results suggest that L. castroviejoi and L. corsicanus share extensive niche properties, which reinforces their possible conspecific status. The ecological niche of their ancestor may have resembled the present occupied niche of L. corsicanus in mainland Italy, given that this model was able to accurately predict the distribution range of both species. Finally, ecological evidence suggests that niche conservatism may explain the fragmentation in the distribution range of their ancestor, which may have been the driver of the initial stages of divergence.
Modeling preservice teachers’ TPACK competencies based on ICT usage
Authors: Kabakci Yurdakul I. , Coklar A. N.
Published: January 2014

The purpose of this study was to build a model that predicts the relationships between the Technological Pedagogical Content Knowledge (TPACK) competencies and information and communication technology (ICT) usages. Research data were collected from 3105 Turkish preservice teachers. The TPACK‐Deep Scale, ICT usage phase survey and the ICT usage level survey were used to collect the research data. The structural regression model was conducted to test the model regarding the fact that ICT usage phases and ICT usage levels were predictors of TPACK competencies. The ICT usage phase was a statistically significant predictor of TPACK competency for all such sub‐factors of the TPACK‐Deep Scale as design (β = 0.12; p < 0.01), exertion (β = 0.20; p < 0.01), ethics (β = 0.93; p < 0.01) and proficiency (β = 0.41; p < 0.01). Similarly, the ICT usage level was a statistically significant predictor of TPACK competency for all such sub‐dimensions of the scale as design (β = 0.23; p < 0.01), exertion (β = 0.12; p < 0.01), ethics (β = 0.78; p < 0.01) and proficiency (β = 0.21; p < 0.01). The research findings demonstrated that ICT use based on ICT usage phase and level and technology use knowledge and skills also influence overall TPACK competencies. When ICT usage phases and/or ICT usage levels are increased with the help of ICT training, it could be stated that TPACK competencies might be influenced; however, certain sub‐dimensions might be influenced more, and some dimensions might be influenced less.
Frugivores and cheap fruits make fruiting fruitful
Authors: Encinas‐Viso F. , Revilla T. A. , van Velzen E. , Etienne R. S.
Published: January 2014

Animal seed dispersal provides an important ecosystem service by strongly benefiting plant communities. There are several theoretical studies on the ecology of plant–animal seed–disperser interactions, but few studies have explored the evolution of this mutualism. Moreover, these studies ignore plant life history and frugivore foraging behaviour. Thus, it remains an open question what the conditions for the diversification of fruit traits are, in spite of the multitude of empirical studies on fruit trait diversity. Here, we study the evolution of fruit traits using a spatially explicit individual‐based model, which considers the costs associated with adaptations inducing dispersal by frugivory, as well as frugivore foraging behaviour and abundance. Our model predicts that these costs are the main determinants of the evolution of fruit traits and that when the costs are not very high, the evolution of larger fruit traits (e.g. fleshy/colourful fruits) is controlled by the choosiness and response thresholds of the frugivores as well as their numerical abundance.
The Long‐Term Sustainability of IRT Scaling Methods in Mixed‐Format Tests
Authors: Keller Lisa A. , Hambleton Ronald K.
Published: January 2014

Due to recent research in equating methodologies indicating that some methods may be more susceptible to the accumulation of equating error over multiple administrations, the sustainability of several item response theory methods of equating over time was investigated. In particular, the paper is focused on two equating methodologies: fixed common item parameter scaling (with two variations, FCIP‐1 and FCIP‐2) and the Stocking and Lord characteristic curve scaling technique in the presence of nonequivalent groups. Results indicated that the improvements made to fixed common item parameter scaling in the FCIP‐2 method were sustained over time. FCIP‐2 and Stocking and Lord characteristic curve scaling performed similarly in many instances and produced more accurate results than FCIP‐1. The relative performance of FCIP‐2 and Stocking and Lord characteristic curve scaling depended on the nature of the change in the ability distribution: Stocking and Lord characteristic curve scaling captured the change in the distribution more accurately than FCIP‐2 when the change was different across the ability distribution; FCIP‐2 captured the changes more accurately when the change was consistent across the ability distribution.
Bacillus anthracis‐Like Strain‐Carrying Pseudomonas FPVA Gene Occurs as Endophyte in Vegetables
Authors: Srinath R. , Siva R. , Babu S.
Published: January 2014

We isolated Bacillus anthracis‐like strain from internal tissues of marketed vegetables (onion and cucumber). Further analysis of the pigment‐producing cucumber strain implicates a possible horizontal gene transfer of pyoverdine (pvd) uptake receptor gene from Pseudomonas sp. augmenting Bacillus strain's ability to infect and survive in cucumber internal tissues. To our knowledge, the animal anthrax causing bacterium has not been reported previously in agricultural produce and hence we propose that acquired virulence gene provides enhanced survivability within alternate hosts. Thus, we present the first report of this pathogen being isolated from internal tissues of marketed vegetables.

Practical Application

The observation of Bacillus anthracis‐like strain in onion and cucumber tissues indicates changing ecology of this pathogenic bacterium. This warrants proper pre‐harvest as well as post‐harvest handling as these vegetables are consumed as fresh salads also. The results of the study will help in developing strategies to avoid contamination from farm to the dining table.
Marital satisfaction ofChinese mothers of children with autism and intellectual disabilities inHongKong
Authors: Kwok S. Y. C. L. , Leung C. L. K. , Wong D. F. K.
Published: January 2014

Background

Previous research showed an association among perceived stigma, perceived caregiving burden and marital satisfaction of mothers. However, little is known about their relationship among mothers of young children with disabilities in theChinese context. The mediating role of perceived caregiving burden between perceived stigma and marital satisfaction was seldom explored. Hence, the present study aims to investigate the relationship between perceived stigma, perceived caregiving burden and marital satisfaction ofChinese mothers of children with intellectual disabilities or autism spectrum disorders inHongKong.

Methods

A cross‐sectional survey using convenience sampling was conducted with mothers of pre‐school children with disabilities aged from 2 to 6. A total of 160 completed questionnaires were collected from five special child care centres inHongKong.

Results

The findings in the hierarchical regression analyses showed that perceived stigma and perceived caregiving burden were significant predictors of mothers' marital satisfaction. Perceived burden, including perceived social burden, emotional burden and developmental burden but excluding time‐dependence and physical burden, were found to be significant mediators between perceived stigma and marital satisfaction.

Conclusion

To address the negative consequences brought on by stigma, measures can be taken to prevent stigmatisation and minimise the harmful effects. To alleviate mothers' perceived burden,Acceptance andCommitmentTherapy, mutual support groups and psycho‐educational and skills training programmes can be conducted for the mothers.
Guillain‐Barré syndrome: subtypes and predictors of outcome from India
Authors: Kalita Jayantee , Misra Usha K. , Goyal Gaurav , Das Moromi
Published: January 2014

There is a paucity of large studies evaluating the subtypes of Guillain‐Barré syndrome (GBS) and their outcome from Southeast Asia. We report cliniconeurophysiological subtypes of GBS and their correlation with triggering events and 3‐month outcome from northern India. Three hundred and twenty eight consecutive patients with GBS were clinically evaluated, including their triggers, severity, autonomic involvement, cranial nerve palsy, and respiratory paralysis. Nerve conduction study (NCS) was repeated at 3 weeks if the initial study was normal. They were categorized into acute inflammatory demyelinating polyradiculoneuropathy (AIDP), acute motor axonal neuropathy (AMAN), acute motor sensory axonal neuropathy (AMSAN), inexcitable motor nerve, and equivocal. Clinically, 204 (62.2%) patients had pure motor, 106 (32.3%) motor sensory, 16 (4.9%) Miller Fisher syndrome, and 2 (0.6%) pure sensory GBS. Based on NCS, 242 (73.8%) had AIDP, 44 (13.4%) AMAN, 15 (4.6%) AMSAN, 8 (2.4%) inexcitable motor nerves, and 27 (8.2%) equivocal GBS. AIDP patients were older, more common in summer, had lesser peak disability, and better outcome compared to those with AMAN. Eleven (3.4%) patients died and 48 (14.6%) had poor outcome at 3 months. The poor outcome was related to severity, dysautonomia, and inexcitable motor nerves. AIDP is the commonest variant of GBS in our study and has better outcome compared to AMAN.
Comparison of adenoid cystic carcinomas arising from the parotid gland vs. the submandibular gland: focus on systemic metastasis and tumor‐associated blood vessels
Authors: Shin Da‐Yong , Jang Kyu‐Sun , Kim Bo Young , Choi Ji Eun , Yoon Heejei , Ko Young‐Hyeh , Jeong Han‐Sin
Published: January 2014

Background

Although several studies reported that distant metastasis occurs more frequently in the tumors of submandibular gland (SMG) than parotid gland (PG), why SMG tumors preferentially metastasize to distant organs is not fully understood. We aimed to identify the differential tumor microenvironment for distant metastasis and possible underlying mechanisms.

Methods

We retrieved 27 cases of 1–4‐cm‐sized adenoid cystic carcinomas (ACCs) arising from the PG (n = 12) and SMG (n = 15). c‐KIT, VEGF‐R2, and CD31 staining were quantified by image‐based analysis to define the positive expression or tumor‐associated vessel areas in two representative sections per case. In addition, angiogenesis‐related genomic expression profiling was carried out to explore the underlying mechanism, which was confirmed by RT‐PCR and immunohistochemistry.

Results

Earlier systemic dissemination within 2 years was detected exclusively in SMG ACCs (5/15). The area of tumor‐associated blood vessels was larger in SMG ACCs than PG ACCs, and ACCs showing distant metastasis had greater blood vessel area than those without metastasis. Interestingly, normal SMG had more blood vessels per area than PG. Among angiogenesis‐related signals, the level of IL‐6 was significantly lower in SMG ACCs than PG ACCs. Moreover, IL‐6 expression decreased significantly in SMG ACCs compared with that in normal SMG, whereas it was up‐regulated in PG ACCs.

Conclusion

ACCs in the SMG microenvironment have more abundant tumor‐associated blood vessels than PG ACCs, which may explain the higher risk of distant metastasis from SMG tumors.
Antenatal antioxidant treatment with melatonin to decrease newborn neurodevelopmental deficits and brain injury caused by fetal growth restriction
Authors: Miller Suzanne L. , Yawno Tamara , Alers Nicole O. , Castillo‐Melendez Margie , Supramaniam Veena G. , VanZyl Niel , Sabaretnam Tharani , Loose Jan M. , Drummond Grant R. , Walker David W. , Jenkin Graham , Wallace Euan M.
Published: January 2014

Fetal intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) is a serious pregnancy complication associated with increased rates of perinatal morbidity and mortality, and ultimately with long‐term neurodevelopmental impairments. No intervention currently exists that can improve the structure and function of the IUGR brain before birth. Here, we investigated whether maternal antenatal melatonin administration reduced brain injury in ovine IUGR. IUGR was induced in pregnant sheep at 0.7 gestation and a subset of ewes received melatonin via intravenous infusion until term. IUGR, IUGR + melatonin (IUGR + MLT) and control lambs were born naturally, neonatal behavioral assessment was used to examine neurological function and at 24 hr after birth the brain was collected for the examination of neuropathology. Compared to control lambs, IUGR lambs took significantly longer to achieve normal neonatal lamb behaviors, such as standing and suckling. IUGR brains showed widespread cellular and axonal lipid peroxidation, and white matter hypomyelination and axonal damage. Maternal melatonin administration ameliorated oxidative stress, normalized myelination and rescued axonopathy within IUGR lamb brains, and IUGR + MLT lambs demonstrated significant functional improvements including a reduced time taken to attach to and suckle at the udder after birth. Based on these observations, we began a pilot clinical trial of oral melatonin administration to women with an IUGR fetus. Maternal melatonin was not associated with adverse maternal or fetal effects and it significantly reduced oxidative stress, as evidenced by reduced malondialdehyde levels, in the IUGR + MLT placenta compared to IUGR alone. Melatonin should be considered for antenatal neuroprotective therapy in human IUGR.
Nitrogen retention and partitioning at the initiation of lipid accumulation in nitrogen‐deficient algae
Authors: Adams Curtis , Bugbee Bruce
Published: January 2014

Nitrogen (N) deficiency promotes lipid accumulation in many oleaginous algae, but we have a poor understanding of the associations between the initiation of lipid accumulation and algal N retention and partitioning. Here, we report on total cell N, five bulk pools of N in the cell (protein, free amino acids, DNA, RNA, chl), and lipids from N saturation to growth cessation in three species. While the maximum level of N uptake differed among species, the ratio of minimum retained N to N retained at the initiation of lipid accumulation was consistent among species at 0.5 ± 0.04. This suggests that the cellular initiation of lipid accumulation was associated with a common magnitude of N deficiency among species. Concerning the partitioning of N, the concentration of RNA and the protein to RNA ratio were most similar among species at the initiation of lipid accumulation with averages of 3.2 ± 0.26 g · L−1 (8.2% variation) and 16 ± 1.5 (9.2% variation), respectively. All other pools and physiologically relevant ratios were considerably more variable. The species commonalities in RNA and protein show a similar reduction in general cellular function due to N deficiency before cellular initiation of lipid accumulation. These results provide insight into the physiological drivers for lipid accumulation in N‐deficient algae and data for modeling these associations.
A missing piece from a bigger puzzle: declining occurrence of a transient group of bottlenose dolphins off Southeastern Brazil
Authors: Lodi Liliane , Cantor Maurício , Daura‐Jorge Fábio G. , Monteiro‐Neto Cassiano
Published: January 2014

Bottlenose dolphins are widespread off South America with patchy distributions throughout coastal, nearshore and offshore waters. Only limited information on the connectivity between individuals from these different habitats exists, despite the importance of understanding the overall population structure. A group of bottlenose dolphins in an insular habitat off Brazil may help provide evidence of the structure of a larger pelagic population in Brazilian waters. It is unknown whether the dolphins that use this habitat seasonally are part of an open population, a closed population of transient animals, or even individuals from offshore or nearshore groups. To explore the nature of these seasonal visitors we combined two strategies. First, by assessing the population parameters, we described a small group of individuals (maximum of 38 individuals in 2004 and five individuals in 2010) characterized by wide‐ranging behavior, low survival probabilities (64%) and an apparent population decline. Secondly, by exploring their social organization at a fine scale, we observed that within a stable group, the dyadic associations are fluid and mostly of short duration, similar to well‐known coastal bottlenose dolphin societies. The evidence of a non‐structured social network seems to be coupled with apparent seasonal use of this insular protected area for calf rearing and/or reproductive strategies. Overall, our findings suggest that this group may not be an aggregation of individuals from different populations in a specific area, but a relatively stable group formed by the same animals. While continuing research efforts are necessary along the South America coast, the abandonment of the study area by this group may hamper the understanding of population structure and connectivity among pelagic and coastal populations of bottlenose dolphins, as well as the ecological and behavioral mechanisms driving their seasonal occurrence in oceanic habitats.
Insular Decision Making in the Board Room: Why Boards Retain and Hire Substandard CEOs
Authors: Adachi‐Sato Meg
Published: January 2014

This paper explores why a corporate board often fails to replace a substandard CEO. I consider the situation in which the incumbent CEO and directors make decisions in the absence of the new CEO. I show that the board and the CEO maximize the expected utilities of the negotiating parties that do not include the expected utility of the potential CEO. This sometimes results in the retention of an inefficient CEO. I argue this same logic provides a theoretical explanation for how a new CEO is chosen in relation to both the voluntary and enforced replacement of an existing CEO.
Ancient hyaenas highlight the old problem of estimating evolutionary rates
Authors: Shapiro Beth , Ho Simon Y. W.
Published: January 2014

Phylogenetic analyses of ancient DNA data can provide a timeline for evolutionary change even in the absence of fossils. The power to infer the evolutionary rate is, however, highly dependent on the number and age of samples, the information content of the sequence data and the demographic history of the sampled population. In this issue of Molecular Ecology, Sheng et al. () analysed mitochondrial DNA sequences isolated from a combination of ancient and present‐day hyaenas, including three Pleistocene samples from China. Using an evolutionary rate inferred from the ages of the ancient sequences, they recalibrated the timing of hyaena diversification and suggest a much more recent evolutionary history than was believed previously. Their results highlight the importance of accurately estimating the evolutionary rate when inferring timescales of geographical and evolutionary diversification.
Temporal trend analysis of nurses' knowledge about implantable cardioverter defibrillators
Authors: Norekvål Tone M , Peersen Lene RL , Seivaag Kirsten , Fridlund Bengt , Wentzel‐Larsen Tore
Published: January 2014

Background

Although crucial, research on nurses' knowledge on the use of implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICDs) is scant. The aims of the study were to investigate (i) the level of nurses' knowledge on care of patients with ICDs, (ii) whether knowledge level is related to education and type of hospital where nurses practice and (iii) whether knowledge level changes among nurses over time.

Methods

We developed a questionnaire comprising 27 items in four parts: (1) Sociodemographics, (2) Technical facts about ICDs, (3) Daily life challenges and (4) Self‐evaluation of knowledge. After validation, surveys were conducted during 1‐week cardiac educational courses in 2003–2010. In total, 463 nurses working in cardiology‐related areas participated, yielding a response rate of 91%.

Results

Practical and technical knowledge about ICDs was lacking. Nurses were unaware or did not know that mobile phones can affect the device (80%), that patients are restricted from driving heavy vehicles (69%), and that ICDs can deliver unintended shock therapy (73%). However, they were aware that ICD patients can resume sexual (87%) and physical activity (85%). There were few significant differences with regard to education and type of hospital where nurses practiced, but significant time trends in correct answers regarding kitchen appliances, resumption of physical activity and shock delivery.

Conclusion

Over an 8‐year period, despite the increased usage of ICDs, overall nurses had a lack of knowledge in relation to specific key clinical issues on the care of ICD patients. As a consequence, these patients may fail to receive qualified care. Future research should assess knowledge of other health care professionals and focus on interventions that increase and maintain an appropriate knowledge level in care of ICD patients.

Relevance to clinical practice The level of nurses' knowledge on care of patients with ICDs needs to be systematically raised in order to ensure appropriate counselling and nursing care.
Pacing or Ablation: Which Is Better for Paroxysmal Atrial Fibrillation‐Related Tachycardia‐Bradycardia Syndrome?
Authors: CHEN YING‐WEI , BAI RONG , LIN TAO , SALIM MOHAMED , SANG CAI‐HUA , LONG DE‐YONG , YU RONG‐HUI , TANG RI‐BO , GUO XUE‐YUAN , YAN XIAN‐LIANG , NIE JUN‐GANG , DU XIN , DONG JIAN‐ZENG , MA CHANG‐SHENG
Published: January 2014

Background

Symptomatic prolonged sinus pauses on termination of atrial fibrillation (AF) are an accepted indication for pacemaker implantation. We evaluated the outcome of AF ablation in patients with paroxysmal AF‐related tachycardia‐bradycardia syndrome and compared the efficacy of catheter ablation with permanent pacing plus antiarrhythmic drugs (AADs).

Methods and Results

Patients with prolonged symptomatic sinus pauses on termination of AF were retrospectively analyzed. Forty‐three consecutive patients who underwent catheter ablation (ABL group) were compared to 57 patients who underwent permanent pacing plus AADs (PM group). All 43 patients in the ABL group fulfilled Class I indication for pacemaker implantation at baseline but they actually underwent AF ablation. Reevaluation after 20.1 ± 9.6 months of follow‐up showed that 41 patients (95.3%) did no longer need a pacemaker (Class III indication). Total cardiac‐related rehospitalization was not significantly different between the two groups (P = 0.921). Tachycardia‐related hospitalization was significantly higher in the PM group than the ABL group (14.0% and 0%, P = 0.029). More patients in the PM group were on AADs (PM 40.4%, ABL 4.7%, P < 0.001) while sinus rhythm maintenance was remarkably higher in the ABL group at the end of follow‐up (83.7% vs 21.1% in PM group, P < 0.001).

Conclusions

In patients with paroxysmal AF‐related tachycardia‐bradycardia syndrome, AF ablation seems to be superior to a strategy of pacing plus AAD. Pacemaker implantation can be waived in the majority of patients after a successful ablation.
Psychological Indices as Predictors for Phantom Shocks in Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator Recipients
Authors: STARRENBURG ANNEMIEKE , KRAAIER KARIN , PEDERSEN SUSANNE , SCHOLTEN MARCOEN , VAN DER PALEN JOB
Published: January 2014

Background

A phantom shock—the sensation of an implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) discharge in the absence of an actual discharge—is a phenomenon that can occur in ICD patients. Little is known about the influence of psychological factors on the incidence of phantom shocks. We evaluated psychological correlates of phantom shocks 2 years post‐ICD implant in a cohort of Dutch ICD recipients.

Methods

Consecutive patients (N = 300; 87.5% men; mean age = 62.3) willing to participate in a prospective study (Twente ICD Cohort Study) on psychological factors in ICD recipients received an ICD between September 2007 and February 2010. At baseline, patients complete the 36‐item Short Form Health Survey, Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, and the Type D Scale. Lifetime presence of anxiety and depression was assessed with the MINI structural interview.

Results

During a follow‐up of 24 months, 16 patients (5.4%) experienced a phantom shock. Median time to (first) phantom shock was 13 weeks (range 0–48 weeks). In univariable analysis, no significant relationships were found between clinical or psychological indices and the occurrence of phantom shocks, nor was there an association between phantom shocks and type D personality, symptoms of anxiety, or a history of anxiety and depression.

Conclusions

Neither symptoms of anxiety and depression nor psychiatric history were associated with the occurrence of phantom shocks. Further studies using more explorative, qualitative research techniques are warranted to examine the correlates of phantom shocks.
Stimulation of Dorsal Root Ganglia for the Management of Complex Regional Pain Syndrome: A Prospective Case Series
Authors: Van Buyten Jean‐Pierre , Smet Iris , Liem Liong , Russo Marc , Huygen Frank
Published: January 2014

Background

Complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) is a chronic and progressive pain condition usually involving the extremities and characterized by sensorimotor, vascular, and trophic changes. Spinal cord stimulation (SCS) is an effective intervention for this condition, but is hampered by the technical challenges associated with precisely directing stimulation to distal extremities. Dorsal root ganglia (DRG) may be more effective as a physiological target for electrical modulation due to recruitment of the primary sensory neurons that innervate the painful distal anatomical regions.

Methods

Eleven subjects diagnosed with uni‐ or bilateral lower‐extremity CRPS were recruited as part of a larger study involving chronic pain of heterogeneous etiologies. Quadripolar epidural leads of a newly developed neurostimulation system were placed near lumbar DRGs using conventional percutaneous techniques. The neurostimulators were trialed; 8 were successful and permanently implanted and programed to achieve optimal pain–paresthesia overlap.

Results

All 8 subjects experienced some degree of pain relief and subjective improvement in function, as measured by multiple metrics. One month after implantation of the neurostimulator, there was significant reduction in average self‐reported pain to 62% relative to baseline values. Pain relief persisted through 12 months in most subjects. In some subjects, edema and trophic skin changes associated with CRPS were also mitigated and function improved. Neuromodulation of the DRG was able to provide excellent pain–paresthesia concordance in locations that are typically hard to target with traditional SCS, and the stimulation reduced the area of pain distributions.

Conclusions

Neuromodulation of the DRG appears to be a promising option for relieving chronic pain and other symptoms associated with CRPS. The capture of discrete painful areas such as the feet, combined with stable paresthesia intensities independent of body position, suggests this stimulation modality may allow more selective and consistent targeting of painful areas than traditional SCS.
Pregabalin Does Not Affect Sperm Production in Healthy Volunteers: A Randomized, Double‐blind, Placebo‐controlled, Noninferiority Study
Authors: Sikka Suresh C. , Chen Crystal , Almas Mary , Dula Eugene , Knapp Lloyd E. , Hellstrom Wayne J.G.
Published: January 2014

Objective

The primary objective of this study was to compare the effects of pregabalin and placebo on sperm concentration in healthy male subjects. Changes in follicle‐stimulating hormone (FSH), testosterone, sperm motility, semen volume, and sperm morphology were also examined.

Methods

This was a phase 4, multicenter, double‐blind, randomized, placebo‐controlled, noninferiority study. A 12‐week treatment period (placebo or 600 mg/day of pregabalin) was followed by a 1‐week taper period and a 13‐week washout period. The primary outcome measure was the percentage of subjects with a ≥ 50% reduction from baseline in sperm concentration at End of Study.

Results

One hundred and nine subjects received placebo and 111 subjects received pregabalin. The difference between placebo and pregabalin with respect to the percentage of subjects with a ≥ 50% reduction from baseline in sperm concentration at End of Study was 6% (95% CI: −2.29 to 14.3%). Noninferiority of pregabalin compared to placebo was declared as the upper bound of the 95% CI was less than the prespecified noninferiority margin of 20%. There were no significant differences between placebo and pregabalin groups with respect to their effects on FSH, testosterone, or sperm motility. Changes in semen volume and sperm morphology were numerically similar in both treatment groups. Adverse events were consistent with the known safety profile of pregabalin. Treatment with 600 mg/day pregabalin for 12 weeks does not adversely affect spermatogenesis or serum levels of FSH and testosterone in healthy males.
Molecular mapping of black rot resistance locusXca1boon chromosome 3 inIndian cauliflower (Brassica oleraceavar.botrytisL.)
Authors: Saha Partha , Kalia Pritam , Sonah Humira , Sharma Tilak R.
Published: January 2014

Black rot is the most devastating disease of cauliflower worldwide causing severe damage to crop. The identification of markers linked to loci that control resistance can facilitate selection of plants for breeding programmes. In the present investigation,F2population derived from a cross between ‘PusaHimjyoti’, a susceptible genotype, and ‘BR‐161’, a resistant genotype, was phenotyped by artificial inoculation usingXccrace 1. Segregation analysis ofF2progeny indicated that a single dominant locus governed resistance toXccrace 1 in ‘BR‐161’. Bulk segregant analysis in resistant and susceptible bulks ofF2progeny revealed seven differentiating polymorphic markers (threeRAPD, twoISSRand twoSSR) of 102 markers screened. Subsequently, these markers were used to genotype the entire F2population, and a genetic linkage map covering 74.7 cM distance was developed. The major locusXca1bowas mapped in 1.6‐cM interval flanked by the markersRAPD04833andISSR11635. TheXca1bolocus was located on chromosome 3. The linked markers will be useful for marker‐assisted resistance breeding in cauliflower.
Characterization of distinct root and shoot responses to low‐oxygen stress in Arabidopsis with a focus on primary C‐ and N‐metabolism
Authors: MUSTROPH ANGELIKA , BARDING JR GREGORY A. , KAISER KAYLA A. , LARIVE CYNTHIA K. , BAILEY‐SERRES JULIA
Published: January 2014

Oxygen deficiency, caused by flooding of all or a portion of a plant, leads to significant gene regulatory and metabolic responses associated with survival. When oxygen‐deprived in light, aerial organs and root systems respond in distinct manners because of their respective autotrophy and heterotrophy, as well as intrinsic differences in cell biology and organ function. To better understand organ‐specific responses to oxygen deficiency, we monitored changes in the metabolome of roots and shoots of Arabidopsis thaliana seedlings using gas chromatography–mass spectrometry and 1H‐nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. Only roots accumulated high amounts of γ‐aminobutyrate (GABA) and lactate, whereas both organs accumulated alanine (Ala) upon hypoxia. Meta‐analysis of gene regulation data revealed higher induction of mRNAs coding for fermentative enzymes in roots as compared with shoots. However, the elevation in GABA level was not correlated with changes in transcript abundance, supporting the proposal that post‐translational mechanisms are important in metabolic acclimation to hypoxia. The biosynthesis, degradation and function of GABA and Ala during oxygen deprivation and re‐aeration is discussed. Finally, a systematic survey of low‐oxygen mediated regulation of genes associated with primary metabolism across organs and cell types reveals exciting new avenues for future studies.
Temperature at the early stages of Clavibacter michiganensis subsp. michiganensis infection affects bacterial canker development and virulence gene expression
Authors: Sharabani G. , Manulis‐Sasson S. , Chalupowicz L. , Borenstein M. , Shulhani R. , Lofthouse M. , Sofer M. , Frenkel O. , Dror O. , Shtienberg D.
Published: January 2014

Clavibacter michiganensis subsp. michiganensis (Cmm), the causal agent of bacterial canker and wilt, causes severe economic losses in tomato net‐houses and greenhouses worldwide. In this study, seedlings which were transplanted and inoculated monthly over 2 years wilted and died earlier in the spring (21–24°C) and autumn (18–23°C) than in the winter (15–18°C) and summer (28–31°C): T50 (the time taken for 50% of the plants to wilt or die) was 2 and 3–4 months after inoculation, respectively. A highly significant correlation was found between the average temperatures during the first month after inoculation and T50; the shortest T50 mortality (70 days) was observed for an average temperature of 26°C. Expression of virulence genes (pat‐1, celA, chpC and ppaA) by Cmm was higher in plants inoculated in the spring than in those inoculated in the summer. In another set of experiments, seedlings were inoculated and maintained in controlled‐environment growth chambers for 2 weeks. Subsequently, they were transplanted and maintained in commercial‐type greenhouses for 4–5 months. The temperatures prevailing in the first 48 h after inoculation were found to affect Cmm population size and virulence gene expression and to have season‐long effects on bacterial canker development.
Comparison of In Vitro Developmental Competence of Cloned Caprine Embryos Using Donor Karyoplasts from Adult Bone Marrow Mesenchymal Stem Cells vs Ear Fibroblast Cells
Authors: Kwong PJ , Nam HY , Wan Khadijah WE , Kamarul T , Abdullah RB
Published: January 2014

Contents

The aim of this study was to produce cloned caprine embryos using either caprine bone marrow‐derived mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) or ear fibroblast cells (EFCs) as donor karyoplasts. Caprine MSCs were isolated from male Boer goats of an average age of 1.5 years. To determine the pluripotency of MSCs, the cells were induced to differentiate into osteocytes, chondrocytes and adipocytes. Subsequently, MSCs were characterized through cell surface antigen profiles using specific markers, prior to their use as donor karyoplasts for nuclear transfer. No significant difference (p > 0.05) in fusion rates was observed between MSCs (87.7%) and EFCs (91.3%) used as donor karyoplasts. The cleavage rate of cloned embryos derived with MSCs (87.0%) was similar (p > 0.05) to those cloned using EFCs (84.4%). However, the in vitro development of MSCs‐derived cloned embryos (25.3%) to the blastocyst stage was significantly higher (p < 0.05) than those derived with EFCs (20.6%). In conclusion, MSCs could be reprogrammed by caprine oocytes, and production of cloned caprine embryos with MSCs improved their in vitro developmental competence, but not in their fusion and cleavage rate as compared to cloning using somatic cells such as EFCs.
Bioethanol Combustion in an Industrial Gas Turbine Combustor: Simulations and Experiments
Authors: Sallevelt Joost L. H. P. , Pozarlik Artur K. , Beran Martin , Axelsson Lars-Uno , Brem Gerrit
Published: January 2014

Combustion tests with bioethanol and diesel as a reference have been performed in OPRA's 2 MWe class OP16 gas turbine combustor. The main purposes of this work are to investigate the combustion quality of ethanol with respect to diesel and to validate the developed CFD model for ethanol spray combustion. The experimental investigation has been conducted in a modified OP16 gas turbine combustor, which is a reverse-flow tubular combustor of the diffusion type. Bioethanol and diesel burning experiments have been performed at atmospheric pressure with a thermal input ranging from 29 to 59 kW. Exhaust gas temperature and emissions (CO, CO2, O2, NOx) were measured at various fuel flow rates while keeping the air flow rate and air temperature constant. In addition, the temperature profile of the combustor liner has been determined by applying thermochromic paint. CFD simulations have been performed with ethanol for five different operating conditions using ANSYS FLUENT. The simulations are based on a 3D RANS code. Fuel droplets representing the fuel spray are tracked throughout the domain while they interact with the gas phase. A liner temperature measurement has been used to account for heat transfer through the flame tube wall. Detailed combustion chemistry is included by using the steady laminar flamelet model. Comparison between diesel and bioethanol burning tests show similar CO emissions, but NOx concentrations are lower for bioethanol. The CFD results for CO2 and O2 are in good agreement, proving the overall integrity of the model. NOx concentrations were found to be in fair agreement, but the model failed to predict CO levels in the exhaust gas. Simulations of the fuel spray suggest that some liner wetting might have occurred. However, this finding could not be clearly confirmed by the test data.
High Fidelity Simulation of the Spray Generated by a Realistic Swirling Flow Injector
Authors: Li Xiaoyi , Soteriou Marios C. , Kim Wookyung , Cohen Jeffrey M.
Published: January 2014

Practical aero-engine fuel injection systems are highly complicated, combining complex fuel atomizer and air swirling elements to achieve good fuel-air mixing and long residence time in order to enhance both the combustion efficiency and stability. While a detailed understanding of the multiphase flow processes occurring in a realistic injector has been limited due to the complex geometries and the challenges in near-field measurements, high fidelity, first principles simulation offers, for the first time, the potential for a comprehensive physics-based understanding. In this work, such simulations have been performed to investigate the spray atomization and subsequent droplet transport in a swirling air stream generated by a complex multinozzle/swirler combination. A coupled level set and volume of fluid (CLSVOF) approach is used to directly capture the liquid-gas interface and an embedded boundary (EB) method is applied to flexibly handle the complex injector geometry. The ghost fluid (GF) method is also used to facilitate simulations at a realistic fuel-air density ratio. Adaptive mesh refinement (AMR) and Lagrangian droplet models are used to efficiently resolve the multiscale processes. To alleviate the global constraint on the time step imposed by the locally activated AMR near liquid jets, a separate AMR simulation focusing on jet atomization was performed for a relatively short physical time and the resulting Lagrangian droplets are coupled into another simulation on a uniform grid at larger time-steps. The high cost simulations were performed at the U.S. Department of Defense high performance computing facilities using over 5000 processors. Experiments at the same flow conditions were conducted at the United Technologies Research Center (UTRC). The simulation details of flow velocity and vorticity due to the interaction of the fuel jet and swirling air are presented. The velocity magnitude is compared with the experimental measurement at two downstream planes. The two-phase spray spreading is compared with experimental images and the flow details are further analyzed to enhance the understanding of the complex physics.
HfC(310) high brightness sources for advanced imaging applications
Authors: Mackie William A. , Lovell Josh M. , Curtis Todd W. , Magera Gerald G.
Published: January 2014

The authors report on electron emission from HfC(310) operating in extended Schottky emission mode. Data are gathered from test stands as well as through operation in a commercial scanning electron microscope. Emitter end-form geometry consisted of rounded, via electrochemical etching, and truncated, via ion milling. The authors demonstrate high angular intensity operation of >60 mA/sr especially for the rounded end-form emitters. Advantages include robustness of the material, which is not reliant on material supply as is the case with standard ZrO/W(100) sources. Hence, operation is available over a much larger range of temperatures, fields, and potentially pressures. Operation in a commercial scanning electron microscope gave ten times higher beam currents for identical operational parameters over a standard Schottky source.
Study of thermal stability of distributed Bragg reflectors based on epitaxial rare-earth oxide and silicon heterostructures
Authors: Dargis Rytis , Leathersich Jeffrey , Clark Andrew , Arkun Erdem
Published: January 2014

Thermal stability of rare-earth oxide/silicon multilayer heterostructure-based distributed Bragg reflectors under typical metal organic chemical vapor deposition process temperatures with an ambience of typical process gases was studied. Gadolinium oxide or erbium oxide based two period (¼λ oxide, ¾λSi) blue light (λ = 450 nm) mirrors with Si layer on the top were annealed in H2, N2, and H2 + NH3 gases for 20 min at 1015 °C in a metal organic chemical vapor deposition chamber. Changes in the structure were analyzed using x-ray diffraction and transmission electron microscopy. Reflectivity measurements were used for evaluation of optical properties of the reflectors before and after annealing. Chemical reaction between gadolinium oxide and silicon are revealed by reduction of reflectivity of Gd2O3/Si based distributed Bragg's reflector and GdSi2-x attributed peaks detected by x-ray diffraction. No major changes were detected in the Er2O3/Si heterostructure-based reflector, indicating good chemical and crystal stability of erbium oxide.
An experimental analysis of a vibrating guitar string using high-speed photography
Authors: Whitfield Scott B. , Flesch Kurt B.
Published: January 2014

We use high-speed photography (1200 frames/s) to investigate the vibrational motion of a plucked guitar string over several cycles. We investigate the vibrational pattern for plucking the string at two different locations along the string's length, and with different initial amplitudes. The vibrational patterns are then compared to a standing wave model of the string vibrations. We find excellent agreement between the observed vibrational patterns and the model for small-initial-amplitude displacement of the string. For larger amplitude displacements, the qualitative behavior of the string's vibrational pattern differs significantly from the small-amplitude displacement. This behavior may be due to the presence of inharmonicity, as suggested by its incorporation into the model calculations.
Applying the principle of angular momentum to constrained systems of point masses
Authors: Casey James
Published: January 2014

An argument is presented to justify the application of the principle of angular momentum to systems of point masses that are constrained by massless internal connections.
Electromagnetic wave interactions with a conducting medium: A graphic illustration of dispersive properties
Authors: Shen M. K. , Chu K. R.
Published: January 2014

Electromagnetic wave behavior in a conducting medium is a thought-provoking subject for a graduate-level electrodynamics course. Here, we focus on electromagnetic waves incident upon a conductor and highlight how the same dispersion relation, spanning 20 orders of magnitude in frequency, transforms the conductor from a perfectly reflecting to a perfectly transparent medium according to the classical free-electron model. We show that the spectral responses of the conductor can be divided into three radically different regimes. This article presents a graphic illustration of wave reflection, transmission, and penetration properties for copper in these regimes, along with physical interpretations and a brief discussion on the limitations of the free-electron model.
Visualization of Dynamics of Single Endogenous mRNA Labeled in Live Mouse
Authors: Park Hye Yoon , Lim Hyungsik , Yoon Young J. , Follenzi Antonia , Nwokafor Chiso , Lopez-Jones Melissa , Meng Xiuhua , Singer Robert H.
Published: January 2014

The transcription and transport of messenger RNA (mRNA) are critical steps in regulating the spatial and temporal components of gene expression, but it has not been possible to observe the dynamics of endogenous mRNA in primary mammalian tissues. We have developed a transgenic mouse in which all β-actin mRNA is fluorescently labeled. We found that β-actin mRNA in primary fibroblasts localizes predominantly by diffusion and trapping as single mRNAs. In cultured neurons and acute brain slices, we found that multiple β-actin mRNAs can assemble together, travel by active transport, and disassemble upon depolarization by potassium chloride. Imaging of brain slices revealed immediate early induction of β-actin transcription after depolarization. Studying endogenous mRNA in live mouse tissues provides insight into its dynamic regulation within the context of the cellular and tissue microenvironment.
A Different Form of Color Vision in Mantis Shrimp
Authors: Thoen Hanne H. , How Martin J. , Chiou Tsyr-Huei , Marshall Justin
Published: January 2014

One of the most complex eyes in the animal kingdom can be found in species of stomatopod crustaceans (mantis shrimp), some of which have 12 different photoreceptor types, each sampling a narrow set of wavelengths ranging from deep ultraviolet to far red (300 to 720 nanometers) (
1
–
3
). Functionally, this chromatic complexity has presented a mystery (
3
–
5
). Why use 12 color channels when three or four are sufficient for fine color discrimination? Behavioral wavelength discrimination tests (Δλ functions) in stomatopods revealed a surprisingly poor performance, ruling out color vision that makes use of the conventional color-opponent coding system (
6
–
8
). Instead, our experiments suggest that stomatopods use a previously unknown color vision system based on temporal signaling combined with scanning eye movements, enabling a type of color recognition rather than discrimination.
Bordering Fiction
The Circle
A Novel

by Dave Eggers

Knopf, New York/McSweeney's Books, San Francisco, 2013. 501 pp. $27.95. ISBN 9780385351393. Hamish Hamilton, London. £18.99. ISBN 9780241146484.
Authors: Barabási Albert-László
Published: January 2014

Eggers portrays a world—in which an omnipotent social networking company encourages everyone to monitor everybody everywhere—that feels eerily everyday.
Hiding in Plain View—An Ancient Dog in the Modern World
Authors: Parker Heidi G. , Ostrander Elaine A.
Published: January 2014

The sequence of a transmissible cancer provides a snapshot of a dog from the distant past.

[Also see Report by

Murchison
et al.

]