bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Memory Considerations for Low Energy Ray Tracing
Authors: Kopta D. , Shkurko K. , Spjut J. , Brunvand E. , Davis A.
Published: August 2014

We propose two hardware mechanisms to decrease energy consumption on massively parallel graphics processors for ray tracing. First, we use a streaming data model and configure part of the L2 cache into a ray stream memory to enable efficient data processing through ray reordering. This increases L1 hit rates and reduces off‐chip memory energy substantially through better management of off‐chip memory access patterns. To evaluate this model, we augment our architectural simulator with a detailed memory system simulation that includes accurate control, timing and power models for memory controllers and off‐chip dynamic random‐access memory . These details change the results significantly over previous simulations that used a simpler model of off‐chip memory, indicating that this type of memory system simulation is important for realistic simulations that involve external memory. Secondly, we employ reconfigurable special‐purpose pipelines that are constructed dynamically under program control. These pipelines use shared execution units that can be configured to support the common compute kernels that are the foundation of the ray tracing algorithm. This reduces the overhead incurred by on‐chip memory and register accesses. These two synergistic features yield a ray tracing architecture that reduces energy by optimizing both on‐chip and off‐chip memory activity when compared to a more traditional approach.
Physical activity and sitting time in bariatric surgery patients 1–16 years post‐surgery
Authors: Herman K. M. , Carver T. E. , Christou N. V. , Andersen R. E.
Published: August 2014

Physical activity (PA) is an important adjunct to bariatric surgery in the treatment of severe obesity; however, patient PA levels prior to and in the short‐term following surgery are usually low. Scarce data exist describing PA and sedentary behaviours in the long term following surgery. The objectives were to describe PA and sitting time in bariatric patients 1–16 years post‐surgery and assess their associations with patient, surgery and weight‐loss characteristics. A total of 398 bariatric patients (73% female; mean age 47 ± 11 years, mean 6 ± 4 years since surgery) completed a telephone questionnaire. Patients reported moderate‐to‐vigorous PA (MVPA: # sessions week−1 ≥30 min), sitting time (h d−1) and change in PA and sitting time vs. pre‐surgery (more/same/less). Associations with patient, surgery and weight‐loss characteristics were assessed. Only 53% of patients reported ≥1 session week−1 MVPA, mean sitting time was 7 ± 4 h d−1, 74% of patients reported more PA and 53% reported less sitting, now vs. pre‐surgery. Age, sex, smoking status, pre‐surgery body mass index, time‐since‐surgery and percent excess weight lost were significantly associated with PA and/or sitting outcomes. Patients currently experiencing ≥50% excess weight loss had over three times the odds of reporting ≥1 session week−1 MVPA (odds ratio [95% confidence interval] 3.28 [1.57, 6.89]) and almost four times greater odds of reporting ‘more’ PA vs. pre‐surgery (3.78 [2.15, 6.62]) compared with their less successful counterparts. Results point to low PA and high sedentariness among bariatric patients in the long‐term following surgery, associated with several characteristics. Associations with long‐term weight management highlight the need for tailored interventions to promote active living in this patient population.
Putting People on the Map through an Approach That Integrates Social Data in Conservation Planning
Authors: STEPHANSON SHERI L. , MASCIA MICHAEL B.
Published: August 2014

Conservation planning is integral to strategic and effective operations of conservation organizations. Drawing upon biological sciences, conservation planning has historically made limited use of social data. We offer an approach for integrating data on social well‐being into conservation planning that captures and places into context the spatial patterns and trends in human needs and capacities. This hierarchical approach provides a nested framework for characterizing and mapping data on social well‐being in 5 domains: economic well‐being, health, political empowerment, education, and culture. These 5 domains each have multiple attributes; each attribute may be characterized by one or more indicators. Through existing or novel data that display spatial and temporal heterogeneity in social well‐being, conservation scientists, planners, and decision makers may measure, benchmark, map, and integrate these data within conservation planning processes. Selecting indicators and integrating these data into conservation planning is an iterative, participatory process tailored to the local context and planning goals. Social well‐being data complement biophysical and threat‐oriented social data within conservation planning processes to inform decisions regarding where and how to conserve biodiversity, provide a structure for exploring socioecological relationships, and to foster adaptive management. Building upon existing conservation planning methods and insights from multiple disciplines, this approach to putting people on the map can readily merge with current planning practices to facilitate more rigorous decision making.

Poner a la Gente en el Mapa por Medio de una Estrategia que Integra Información Social en la Planeación de la Conservación
Applications of Very High‐Resolution Imagery in the Study and Conservation of Large Predators in the Southern Ocean
Authors: LARUE MICHELLE A. , KNIGHT JOSEPH
Published: August 2014

The Southern Ocean is one of the most rapidly changing ecosystems on the planet due to the effects of climate change and commercial fishing for ecologically important krill and fish. Because sea ice loss is expected to be accompanied by declines in krill and fish predators, decoupling the effects of climate and anthropogenic changes on these predator populations is crucial for ecosystem‐based management of the Southern Ocean. We reviewed research published from 2007 to 2014 that incorporated very high‐resolution satellite imagery to assess distribution, abundance, and effects of climate and other anthropogenic changes on populations of predators in polar regions. Very high‐resolution imagery has been used to study 7 species of polar animals in 13 papers, many of which provide methods through which further research can be conducted. Use of very high‐resolution imagery in the Southern Ocean can provide a broader understanding of climate and anthropogenic forces on populations and inform management and conservation recommendations. We recommend that conservation biologists continue to integrate high‐resolution remote sensing into broad‐scale biodiversity and population studies in remote areas, where it can provide much needed detail.

Aplicaciones de Imágenes de Muy Alta Resolución en el Estudio y Conservación de Grandes Depredadores en el Océano Antártico
The effect of scientific evidence on conservation practitioners’ management decisions
Authors: Walsh Jessica C. , Dicks Lynn V. , Sutherland William J.
Published: August 2014

A major justification of environmental management research is that it helps practitioners, yet previous studies show it is rarely used to inform their decisions. We tested whether conservation practitioners focusing on bird management were willing to use a synopsis of relevant scientific literature to inform their management decisions. This allowed us to examine whether the limited use of scientific information in management is due to a lack of access to the scientific literature or whether it is because practitioners are either not interested or unable to incorporate the research into their decisions. In on‐line surveys, we asked 92 conservation managers, predominantly from Australia, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom, to provide opinions on 28 management techniques that could be applied to reduce predation on birds. We asked their opinions before and after giving them a summary of the literature about the interventions’ effectiveness. We scored the overall effectiveness and certainty of evidence for each intervention through an expert elicitation process—the Delphi method. We used the effectiveness scores to assess the practitioners’ level of understanding and awareness of the literature. On average, each survey participant changed their likelihood of using 45.7% of the interventions after reading the synopsis of the evidence. They were more likely to implement effective interventions and avoid ineffective actions, suggesting that their intended future management strategies may be more successful than current practice. More experienced practitioners were less likely to change their management practices than those with less experience, even though they were not more aware of the existing scientific information than less experienced practitioners. The practitioners’ willingness to change their management choices when provided with summarized scientific evidence suggests that improved accessibility to scientific information would benefit conservation management outcomes.

El Efecto de la Evidencia Científica sobre las Decisiones de Manejo de Quienes Practican la Conservación
The combined diagnosis of allergic and irritant contact dermatitis in a retrospective cohort of 1000 consecutive patients with occupational contact dermatitis
Authors: Schwensen Jakob F. , Menné Torkil , Johansen Jeanne D.
Published: August 2014

Background

The diagnosis of combined allergic and irritant contact dermatitis is an accepted subdiagnosis for hand dermatitis, and it is often considered in a patient with contact dermatitis, a positive and relevant patch test result, and wet work exposure. We therefore hypothesize that it is arbitrary for wet work exposure to be taken into consideration in a patient with newly diagnosed relevant contact allergy. Furthermore, an overestimation of the diagnosis will probably occur if the criteria for wet work exposure are applied correctly, as many occupations have an element of wet work.

Objectives

To find the statistically expected number of combined allergic and irritant contact dermatitis cases in 1000 patients, and to evaluate the diagnostic criteria for the diagnosis.

Methods

One thousand consecutive patients with occupational contact dermatitis from a hospital unit in Denmark were assessed.

Results

The expected number of cases with the diagnosis of combined allergic and irritant contact dermatitis was 0.33%, as compared with the observed number of 6.4%. Females occupied in wet occupations were often diagnosed with combined allergic and irritant contact dermatitis (p < 0.005).

Conclusion

The diagnosis of combined allergic and irritant contact dermatitis should be used critically to avoid misclassification, and possible criteria for the diagnosis are proposed.
Wastewater testing compared with random urinalyses for the surveillance of illicit drug use in prisons
Authors: Brewer Alex J. , Banta‐Green Caleb J. , Ort Christoph , Robel Alix E. , Field Jennifer
Published: August 2014

Introduction and Aims

Illicit drug use is known to occur among inmate populations of correctional (prison) facilities. Conventional approaches to monitor illicit drug use in prisons include random urinalyses (RUA). Conventional approaches are expected to be prone to bias because prisoners may be aware of which days of the week RUAs are conducted. Therefore, we wanted to compare wastewater loads for methamphetamine and cocaine during days with RUA testing and without.

Design and Methods

We collected daily 24‐h composite samples of wastewater by continuous sampling, computed daily loads for 1 month and compared the frequency of illicit drug detection to the number of positive RUAs. Diurnal data also were collected for 3 days to determine within‐day patterns of illicit drugs excretion.

Results

Methamphetamine was observed in each sample of prison wastewater with no significant difference in daily mass loads between RUA testing and non‐testing days. Cocaine and its major metabolite, benzoylecgonine, were observed only at levels below quantification in prison wastewater. Six RUAs were positive for methamphetamine during the month while none were positive for cocaine out of the 243 RUAs conducted.

Discussion and Conclusions

Wastewater analyses offer data regarding the frequency of illicit drug excretion inside the prison that RUAs alone could not detect. [Brewer AJ, Banta‐Green CJ, Ort C, Robel AE, Field J. Wastewater testing compared with random urinalyses for the surveillance of illicit drug use in prisons. Drug Alcohol Rev 2016;35:133–7]
INCOMPLETE INFORMATION STRENGTHENS THE EFFECTIVENESS OF SOCIAL APPROVAL
Authors: Greiff Matthias , Paetzel Fabian
Published: August 2014

We present a theoretical model of a public good game in which the expression of social approval induces pro‐social behavior. Using a laboratory experiment with earned heterogeneous endowments, we test our model. The main hypothesis is that the expression of social approval increases cooperative behavior even if reputation building is impossible. We vary the information available and investigate how this affects the expression of social approval and individual contributions. The expression of social approval significantly increases contributions. However, the increase is smaller if additional information is provided, suggesting that social approval is more effective if subjects receive a noisy signal about others' contributions.(JELC72, C91, D71, D83)
Early predictors of refractory status epilepticus: an international two‐center study
Authors: Sutter R. , Kaplan P. W. , Marsch S. , Hammel E. M. , Rüegg S. , Ziai W. C.
Published: August 2014

Background and purpose

Status epilepticus (SE) refractory to first‐ and second‐line antiepileptic drugs carries high mortality. Little is known on early prediction of refractory SE (RSE) – an essential tool for planning appropriate therapy. Our aim was to identify and validate independent early RSE predictors in adults.

Methods

Clinical and laboratory data on consecutive intensive care unit patients with SE from two academic care centers (a derivation data set from a Swiss center and a validation data set from a US center) were assessed. Multivariable analysis was performed with the derivation set to identify RSE predictors at SE onset. Their external validity was evaluated with an independent validation set. Measures of calibration and discrimination were assessed.

Results

In all, 302 patients were analyzed (138 with and 164 without RSE), 171 in the derivation data set and 131 in the validation data set. Acute SE etiology, coma/stupor and serum albumin <35 g/l at SE onset were independent predictors for RSE in the derivation data set [odds ratio (OR) 2.02, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.01–4.07; OR 4.83, 95% CI 2.42–9.68; OR 2.45, 95% CI 1.16–5.16]. The prediction model showed good measures of calibration (Hosmer–Lemesow goodness‐of‐fit test P = 0.99) and discrimination (area under the receiver operating characteristic curve 0.8) on the derivation data set ‐ results that were similar in the validation data set (Hosmer–Lemeshow P = 0.24; area under the receiver operating characteristic curve 0.73).

Conclusions

This study confirms the independent prognostic value of readily available parameters for early RSE prediction. Prospective studies are needed to identify additional robust predictors, which could be added to the proposed model for further optimization towards a reliable prediction scoring system.
Anthropogenic noise compromises antipredator behaviour in European eels
Authors: Simpson Stephen D. , Purser Julia , Radford Andrew N.
Published: August 2014

Increases in noise‐generating human activities since the Industrial Revolution have changed the acoustic landscape of many terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems. Anthropogenic noise is now recognized as a major pollutant of international concern, and recent studies have demonstrated impacts on, for instance, hearing thresholds, communication, movement and foraging in a range of species. However, consequences for survival and reproductive success are difficult to ascertain. Using a series of laboratory‐based experiments and an open‐water test with the same methodology, we show that acoustic disturbance can compromise antipredator behaviour – which directly affects survival likelihood – and explore potential underlying mechanisms. Juvenile European eels (Anguilla anguilla) exposed to additional noise (playback of recordings of ships passing through harbours), rather than control conditions (playback of recordings from the same harbours without ships), performed less well in two simulated predation paradigms. Eels were 50% less likely and 25% slower to startle to an ‘ambush predator’ and were caught more than twice as quickly by a ‘pursuit predator’. Furthermore, eels experiencing additional noise had diminished spatial performance and elevated ventilation and metabolic rates (indicators of stress) compared with control individuals. Our results suggest that acoustic disturbance could have important physiological and behavioural impacts on animals, compromising life‐or‐death responses.
Peculiar Role of the Metallic States on the Nano‐MoS2 Ceramic Particle Surface in Antimicrobial and Antifungal Activity
Authors: Karwowska Ewa , Kostecki Marek , Sokołowska Aleksandra , Chodun Rafał , Zdunek Krzysztof
Published: August 2014

This study concerns the interactions of two chemically different materials hBN (covalent‐ionic bonds) and MoS2 (covalent‐ionic and dispersive bonds) with bacteria and fungi. The materials used in the study were in the form of micro‐ and nanocrystals. Countable inactivation of microorganisms (Staphylococcus aureus, Sarcina lutea, Aspergillus niger, Escherichia coli) took place only in the case of MoS2 nanosheets. The authors of the study suppose that the bioactivity of nano‐MoS2 can be associated with the presence of “metallic states,” which are present only on their surface.
Being green: from attitude to actual consumption
Authors: Miniero Giulia , Codini Anna , Bonera Michelle , Corvi Elisabetta , Bertoli Giuseppe
Published: August 2014

Interest in issues associated with environmental sustainability is continuously growing and sustainable consumption is now a mainstream topic at the top of the international public administration agenda. However, the many studies about the general inconsistency between green consumer attitudes and green consumption have not considered two individual differences that seem to be interesting in order to explain the ethical consumer attitude–intention gap: regulatory focus and time horizon. Regulatory focus, being the strategic orientation individuals use to pursue their goals, might enhance consumers' sense of duty towards environmental issues. Time horizon represents the consumers' perceived time lag between their decision and its outcome, and can induce them to immediately engage in a specific behaviour. With this goal in mind, the present work illustrates the results of three experimental studies that focus on individual differences (regulatory focus and time horizon) that might influence consumers to comply with green consumption. Results show that prevention‐focused individuals demonstrate a higher compliance with green behaviour, both in the short‐term and in the long‐term outcome horizons.
Referral patterns and general anesthesia in a specialized paediatric dental service
Authors: Alkilzy Mohammad , Qadri Ghalib , Horn Janina , Takriti Moutaz , Splieth Christian
Published: August 2014

Objectives

The caries patterns of child populations in Germany have changed during the last 20 years. This affects the referrals and provision of specialist dental care for children. This study has two aims: first, to investigate referrals received by a specialized pediatric dental institution in 1995 and 2008, and second, to assess the treatments performed during full oral rehabilitations under general anesthesia in this institution from 2007 to 2008.

Methods

All data of referred patients were evaluated for 1995 and 2008 separately. Comparisons were carried out for different socio‐demographic, medical, and dental parameters. All patients treated under general anesthesia (GA) between March/2007 and December/2008 were examined retrospectively and their data were analyzed.

Results

In 1995 (n = 191), significantly older children were referred to specialized pediatric dental care compared to 2008 (n = 179). In addition, a shift of surgical referrals to very young children with high caries levels was clearly noticed, resulting in considerably more oral rehabilitation performed under GA in 2008 (n = 73). Thus, the mean values of 6.4 fillings and 2.7 extractions per child were quite high.

Conclusions

Preventive treatment approaches for primary dentition in Germany need further improvement by focusing on high caries‐risk groups, as specialized pediatric dentistry bears the great burden of providing oral rehabilitations under GA in young children.
A monoclonal antibody‐based immunoassay for measuring the potency of 2009 pandemic influenza H1N1 vaccines
Authors: Schmeisser Falko , Vasudevan Anupama , Soto Jackeline , Kumar Arunima , Williams Ollie , Weir Jerry P.
Published: August 2014

Background

The potency of inactivated influenza vaccines is determined using a single radial immunodiffusion (SRID) assay. This assay is relatively easy to standardize, it is not technically demanding, and it is capable of measuring the potency of several vaccine strain subtypes in a multivalent vaccine. Nevertheless, alternative methods that retain the major advantages of the SRID, but with a greater dynamic range of measurement and with reduced reagent requirements, are needed.

Objectives

The feasibility of an ELISA‐based assay format was explored as an alternative potency assay for inactivated influenza vaccines.

Methods

Several murine monoclonal antibodies (mAbs), specific for the 2009 pandemic H1N1 influenza virus hemagglutinin (HA), were evaluated for their potential to capture and quantify HA antigen. Vaccine samples, obtained from four licensed influenza vaccine manufacturers, included monovalent bulk vaccine, monovalent vaccine, and trivalent vaccine. Traditional SRID potency assays were run in parallel with the mAb–ELISA potency assay using the reference antigen standard appropriate for the vaccine samples being tested.

Results

The results indicated that the ELISA potency assay can quantify HA over a wide range of concentrations, including vaccine at subpotent doses, and the ELISA and SRID potency values correlated well for most vaccine samples. Importantly, the assay was capable of quantifying A/California HA in a trivalent formulation.

Conclusions

This study demonstrates the general feasibility of the mAb approach and strongly suggests that such ELISAs have potential for continued development as an alternative method to assay the potency of inactivated influenza vaccines.
Designing on‐demand education for simultaneous development of domain‐specific and self‐directed learning skills
Authors: Taminiau E.M.C. , Kester L. , Corbalan G. , Spector J.M. , Kirschner P.A. , Van Merriënboer J.J.G.
Published: August 2014

On‐demand education enables individual learners to choose their learning pathways according to their own learning needs. They must use self‐directed learning (SDL) skills involving self‐assessment and task selection to determine appropriate pathways for learning. Learners who lack these skills must develop them becauseSDLskills are prerequisite to developing domain‐specific skills. This article describes the design of an on‐demand learning environment developed to enable novices to simultaneously develop theirSDLand domain‐specific skills. Learners receivedadviceon their self‐assessments and their selections of subsequent learning tasks. In the domain of system dynamics – a way to model a dynamic system and draw graphs depicting the system's behaviour over time – advice on self‐assessment is provided in a scoring rubric containing relevant performance standards. Advice on task selection indicates all relevant task aspects to be taken into account, including recommendations for suitable learning tasks which meet the individual learner's needs. This article discusses the design of the environment and the learners' perceptions of its usefulness. Most of the times, the learners found the advice appropriate and they followed it in 78% of their task selections.
Preferred Health Resources and Use of Social Media to Obtain Health and Depression Information by Adolescent Mothers
Authors: Logsdon M. Cynthia , Bennett Gary , Crutzen Rik , Martin LuAnn , Eckert Diane , Robertson Ashley , Myers John , Tomasulo Roselyn , Gregg Jennifer , Barone Michael , Lynch Tania , Flamini Laura
Published: August 2014

Problem

Little is known about how adolescent mothers use social media and the Internet, especially to access health information.

Methods

In this cross‐sectional, descriptive study, adolescent mothers were recruited from an academic medical center after the birth of their child (n = 94) or from a state‐funded, home visitation program during the first year after birth (n = 91). They completed the Pew Internet Survey: 37 questions related to use of social media and Internet, particularly in regard to obtaining health information.

Findings

All adolescent mothers used a computer and almost all went online. Most accessed the Internet by cell phone (67.4%) and used social media. The health topics searched most frequently were pregnancy/birth control (85.8%), sexually transmitted diseases (n = 134, 72.6%) and HIV (66.3%). Response to survey questions differed between the two groups (adolescent mothers surveyed after birth from academic medical center and adolescent mothers surveyed in the first postpartum year in the community).

Conclusions

Adolescent mothers spend significant time on the Internet including searching for health information. Cell phones are their preferred methods for accessing the Internet, and they use social media. Thus, social media and the Internet are potentially feasible and acceptable vehicles to deliver health interventions to adolescent mothers.
Reducing Seclusion and Restraint During Child and Adolescent Inpatient Treatment: Still an Underdeveloped Area of Research
Authors: Valenkamp Marije , Delaney Kathleen , Verheij Fop
Published: August 2014

Problem

Half of all youth hospitalized in inpatient psychiatric facilities manifest aggressive behavior. When aggression escalates to the point of danger, measures must be employed to guarantee safety of both patients and staff. In this paper, the current empirical evidence for intervention models to reduce restriction and restraint utilization in children and adolescents is reviewed.

Method

PubMed and PsycINFO were searched for English‐language articles published between 2006 and 2013. Included were empirical studies of child or adolescent inpatient populations using a pretest and posttest design.

Finding

Included in this review are three empirical papers describing two different intervention models that met the inclusion criteria.

Conclusions

The review indicates there are two empirical supported intervention models that are helpful in reducing seclusion and restraint utilization in children and adolescents. The promising empirical findings support evidence and application to the child/adolescent population for at least three of the six National Association of State Mental Health Program Directors core strategies for restraint reduction. The modest number of empirical papers reflects that reducing restrictive measures in child/adolescent inpatient treatment remains an underdeveloped area of research.
Did We Have an Impact? Changes in Racial and Ethnic Composition of Patient Populations Following Implementation of a Pilot Program
Authors: Webster Pamela S. , Sampangi Swathi
Published: August 2014

High‐quality data are necessary to eliminate health disparities, and are necessary in cancer prevention and control. A pilot project to improve the collection of race and ethnicity data was undertaken. The approach included train‐the‐trainer and staff training, and racial and ethnic categories were expanded to include “granular ethnicity” or ancestry terms in the patient registration system at five acute care hospitals in Rhode Island. The self‐reported racial and ethnic distribution of the patient population was examined for each pilot hospital. Two of the five pilot hospitals reported significant increases in the identification of Hispanic patients. At two other pilot hospitals, the proportion reporting unknown on either race or ethnicity was reduced. Evidence that Hispanics struggle to identify with existing racial categories is also highlighted. These results suggest that a modest program of staff training and resources can significantly increase the identification of racial and ethnic minorities, improving the quality of hospital and state cancer registry data. This has many possible benefits, including better alignment with language services for the patient population, better understanding of the healthcare needs of different racial and ethnic groups, and better strategies to not only address disparities, but also assess those efforts.
Morphine and cocaine increase serum‐ and glucocorticoid‐inducible kinase 1 activity in the ventral tegmental area
Authors: Heller Elizabeth A. , Kaska Sophia , Fallon Barbara , Ferguson Deveroux , Kennedy Pamela J. , Neve Rachael L. , Nestler Eric J. , Mazei‐Robison Michelle S.
Published: August 2014

Drugs of abuse modulate the function and activity of the mesolimbic dopamine circuit. To identify novel mediators of drug‐induced neuroadaptations in the ventral tegmental area (VTA), we performed RNA sequencing analysis on VTA samples from mice administered repeated saline, morphine, or cocaine injections. One gene that was similarly up‐regulated by both drugs was serum‐ and glucocorticoid‐inducible kinase 1 (SGK1). SGK1 activity, as measured by phosphorylation of its substrate N‐myc downstream regulated gene (NDRG), was also increased robustly by chronic drug treatment. Increased NDRG phosphorylation was evident 1 but not 24 h after the last drug injection. SGK1 phosphorylation itself was similarly modulated. To determine the role of increased SGK1 activity on drug‐related behaviors, we over‐expressed constitutively active (CA) SGK1 in the VTA. SGK1‐CA expression reduced locomotor sensitization elicited by repeated cocaine, but surprisingly had the opposite effect and promoted locomotor sensitization to morphine, without affecting the initial locomotor responses to either drug. SGK1‐CA expression did not significantly affect morphine or cocaine conditioned place preference, although there was a trend toward increased conditioned place preference with both drugs. Further characterizing the role of this kinase in drug‐induced changes in VTA may lead to improved understanding of neuroadaptations critical to drug dependence and addiction.

image

We find that repeated, but not acute, morphine or cocaine administration induces an increase in serum‐ and glucocorticoid‐inducible kinase (SGK1) gene expression and activity in the ventral tegmental area (VTA). This increase in SGK1 activity may play a role in drug‐dependent behaviors and suggests a novel signaling cascade for potential intervention in drug dependence and addiction.
BDNF and Huntingtin protein modifications by manganese: implications for striatal medium spiny neuron pathology in manganese neurotoxicity
Authors: Stansfield Kirstie H. , Bichell Terry Jo , Bowman Aaron B. , Guilarte Tomás R.
Published: August 2014

High levels of manganese (Mn) exposure decrease striatal medium spiny neuron (MSN) dendritic length and spine density, but the mechanism(s) are not known. The Huntingtin (HTT) gene has been functionally linked to cortical brain‐derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) support of striatal MSNs via phosphorylation at serine 421. In Huntington's disease, pathogenic CAG repeat expansions of HTT decrease synthesis and disrupt transport of cortical–striatal BDNF, which may contribute to disease, and Mn is a putative environmental modifier of Huntington's disease pathology. Thus, we tested the hypothesis that changes in MSN dendritic morphology Mn due to exposure are associated with decreased BDNF levels and alterations in Htt protein. We report that BDNF levels are decreased in the striatum of Mn‐exposed non‐human primates and in the cerebral cortex and striatum of mice exposed to Mn. Furthermore, proBDNF and mature BDNF concentrations in primary cortical and hippocampal neuron cultures were decreased by exposure to Mn confirming the in vivo findings. Mn exposure decreased serine 421 phosphorylation of Htt in cortical and hippocampal neurons and increased total Htt levels. These data strongly support the hypothesis that Mn‐exposure‐related MSN pathology is associated with decreased BDNF trophic support via alterations in Htt.

image

In this study, we provide evidence that brain‐derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) concentrations are decreased in the striatum of manganese‐exposed mice and non‐human primates with implications to medium spiny neuron (MSN) pathology. Manganese (Mn) effects on huntingtin protein levels and phosphorylation at serine 421 may be associated with impaired cortical–striatal BDNF transport and reduced BDNF concentrations in the striatum. These findings suggest a mechanism by which exposure to excess manganese alters MSN morphology and influences basal ganglia function. Htt = Huntingtin protein.
ARFI elastography as a complementary diagnostic method for mammary neoplasia in female dogs – preliminary results
Authors: Feliciano M. A. R. , Maronezi M. C. , Pavan L. , Castanheira T. L. , Simões A. P. R. , Carvalho C. F. , Canola J. C. , Vicente W. R. R.
Published: August 2014

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the applicability of acoustic radiation force impulse elastography as a complementary method in diagnosing mammary neoplasia in dogs.

METHODS

Mammary tumours from 50 female dogs were evaluated and divided into two groups: G1 (benign tissue) and G2 (malignant tumours). The nodules were assessed by B‐Mode ultrasonography, qualitative and quantitative acoustic radiation force impulse elastography and histopathology.

RESULTS

B‐Mode ultrasound examination was ineffective at separating the tumours into the two groups. Likewise, there was no correlation between the grayscale images of the mammary tissue by qualitative elastography. A difference was found in the deformity of the mammary masses between the malignant and benign groups (P = 0 · 002). Using quantitative elastography, the mean values of shear velocity were 3 · 33 m/s for malignant tumours and 1 · 28 m/s for benign tissue (P < 0 · 0001).

CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE

The use of acoustic radiation force impulse elastography may help to differentiate between malignant and benign mammary neoplasms.
Gastrointestinal Ultrasonography of Normal Standardbred Neonates and Frequency of Asymptomatic Intussusceptions
Authors: Abraham M. , Reef V.B. , Sweeney R.W. , Navas de Solís C.
Published: August 2014

Background

Ultrasonographic appearance of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract of equine neonates has not been completely described.

Objectives

To describe (1) sonographic characteristics of theGIsegments in normal nonsedated equine neonates, (2) intra‐ and interobserver variation in wall thickness, and (3) the sonographic appearance of asymptomatic intussusceptions, and (4) to compare age and sonographic findings of foals with and without asymptomatic intussusceptions.

Animals

Eighteen healthy Standardbred foals ≤5 days of age.

Methods

Prospective, cross‐sectional blinded study. Gastrointestinal sonograms were performed stall‐side. Intraobserver variability in wall thickness measurements was determined by calculating the coefficient of variation (CV). The Bland–Altman method was used to assess interobserver bias. Student'st‐test and Fisher's exact test were used to test the association among presence of intussusceptions, age, and selected sonographic findings.

Results

The reference ranges (95% predictive interval) for wall thickness were 1.6–3.6 mm for the stomach, 1.9–3.2 mm for the duodenum, 1.9–3.1 mm for the jejunum, 1.3–2.2 mm for the colon, and 0.8–2.7 mm for the cecum. Intraobserver wall thicknessCVranged from 8 to 21% for the 2 observers for 5 gastrointestinal segments. The interobserver bias for wall thickness measurements was not significant except for the stomach (0.14 mm,P < .05) and duodenum (0.29 mm,P < .05). Diagnostic images of mural blood flow could not be obtained. Asymptomatic intussusceptions were found in 10/18 neonates. Associations between sonographic variables or age and the presence of intussusceptions were not found.

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

Sonographic characteristics of theGItract of normal Standardbred neonates can be useful in evaluating ill foals. Asymptomatic small intestinal intussusceptions occur in normal Standardbred neonates.
Looks and Labor: Do Attractive People Work More?
Authors: Gehrsitz Markus
Published: August 2014

Using the German General Social Survey (ALLBUS) 2008, I investigate how looks affect an individual's labor supply decision. My results are, by and large, in line with predictions derived from the neoclassical model of labor supply. Applying regular probit, bivariate probit, Tobit and Heckman selection regression models, I find that good looks go hand in hand with higher employment probabilities and more hours of market work. Furthermore, physical attractiveness is positively associated with spousal income and spousal employment. Hence, beauty appears to affect labor supply decisions both directly and through the marriage market.
Individual performance in relation to cytonuclear discordance in a northern contact zone between long‐toed salamander (Ambystoma macrodactylum) lineages
Authors: Lee‐Yaw Julie A. , Jacobs Chris G. C. , Irwin Darren E.
Published: August 2014

Cytonuclear discordance in contact zones between related lineages is common, with mitochondrial clines often being displaced from clines in nuclear allele frequency. Proposed explanations for such a pattern include adaptive introgression of mtDNA or a neutral wake of mtDNA being left behind following hybrid zone movement. However, studies investigating these hypotheses are rare. Our previous survey of genetic variation in the long‐toed salamander (Ambystoma macrodactylum) highlighted a potential case of cytonuclear discordance between two lineages in western Canada. Here, we use additional markers and samples to clarify the extent of this discordance. We simultaneously assess the feeding performance of individuals in a common environment to test for an association between mitotype and individual performance. The genetic results confirm a general pattern of cytonuclear discordance in the focal region. However, we also observed more limited introgression of a diagnostic nuclear marker. Intriguingly, although there were differences in individual performance associated with the transition between mitotypes, these differences were not fully explained by mitotype. Instead, the lowest performance was observed in individuals demonstrating the greatest mismatch between mtDNA and all nuclear markers, suggesting the potential for cytonuclear incompatibilities to be acting. These results highlight the complexity of understanding the causes and consequences of mtDNA introgression and cytonuclear discordance in contact zones.
Transcriptional control of floral anthocyanin pigmentation in monkeyflowers (Mimulus)
Authors: Yuan Yao‐Wu , Sagawa Janelle M. , Frost Laura , Vela James P. , Bradshaw Harvey D.
Published: August 2014

A molecular description of the control of floral pigmentation in a multi‐species group displaying various flower color patterns is of great interest for understanding the molecular bases of phenotypic diversification and pollinator‐mediated speciation.

Through transcriptome profiling, mutant analyses and transgenic experiments, we aim to establish a ‘baseline’ floral anthocyanin regulation model in Mimulus lewisii and to examine the different ways of tinkering with this model in generating the diversity of floral anthocyanin patterns in other Mimulus species.

We find one WD40 and one bHLH gene controlling anthocyanin pigmentation in the entire corolla of M. lewisii and two R2R3‐MYB genes, PELAN and NEGAN, controlling anthocyanin production in the petal lobe and nectar guide, respectively. The autoregulation of NEGAN might be a critical property to generate anthocyanin spots. Independent losses of PELAN expression (via different mechanisms) explain two natural yellow‐flowered populations of M. cardinalis (typically red‐flowered). The NEGAN ortholog is the only anthocyanin‐activating MYB expressed in the M. guttatus flowers.

The mutant lines and transgenic tools available for M. lewisii will enable gene‐by‐gene replacement experiments to dissect the genetic and developmental bases of more complex floral color patterns, and to test hypotheses on phenotypic evolution in general.
Herbicidal β‐triketones are compartmentalized in leaves of Leptospermum species: localization by Raman microscopy and rapid screening
Authors: Killeen Daniel P. , van Klink John W. , Smallfield Bruce M. , Gordon Keith C. , Perry Nigel B.
Published: August 2014

The New Zealand mānuka shrub, Leptospermum scoparium, and the Australian L. morrisonii produce herbicidal β‐triketones in their leaves. The localization of these potential self‐toxicants has not been proven.

We investigated the localization of these compounds in leaves using Raman microscopy. The results are presented as heat maps derived from principal component analysis (PCA) of the Raman spectra from sampling grids of leaf sections. This approach used undirected, data‐driven analysis to qualitatively distinguish localized plant chemistry. The presence of β‐triketones and lipophilic flavonoids was confirmed by GC‐MS and 1H NMR spectroscopy.

Grandiflorone was compartmentalized within the leaf oil glands of L. morrisonii. Leptospermum scoparium also contained high concentrations of grandiflorone, previously reported as only a trace component in essential oils, localized in the oil glands in the leaves of varieties from diverse geographical locations. Raman microscopy was used to probe the chemistry of oil glands in several ornamental mānuka varieties, revealing high concentrations of bioactive flavonoids localized in these glands.

The compartmentalization of β‐triketones within oil glands inside leaves of Leptospermum shrubs may defend the plants against herbicidal activity.
A League of their Own: Female Supporters ofHallyuandKorea–Japan Relations
Authors: Oh Ingyu , Lee Choong‐Mook
Published: August 2014

Many researchers agree thatHallyu(theKoreanWave) has been pivotal in promoting a positiveKorean national image worldwide, including inJapan, due toHallyu's unique cultural power, which has touched the hearts of many female fans. However, scholars disagree on the effectiveness ofHallyuas a reliable soft power forKorean public diplomacy. The attractiveness ofHallyuseems to have decidedly waned inJapan amid the emergence of the secondAbe cabinet, which did not curtail routinized large‐scale anti‐Hallyudemonstrations inTokyo. Simultaneously, theAbe government is strongly assertingJapan's new identity as a normal state that could maintain a standing army, while openly engaging in territorial disputes with neighbors and denying wartime atrocities through routine cabinet‐level visits to theYasukuniShrine. We argue, however, thatHallyusoft power has an enduring impact on the large number of female supporters ofHallyuinJapan, includingAbe's spouse, by empowering them in politics and international relations as a new feminine power group. Unlike the traditional patrimonial households, whereJapanese fathers inculcate a strong sense of anti‐Korea discourse in their children, the newHallyu“moms” are now decidedly training their children to be politically neutral and culturally appreciative ofKorea. We find thatHallyu, as a cultural alternative to the male‐dominated Japanese pop culture, is gaining unremitting popular support among Japanese women who are disgruntled overJapan's “lost decades.”
Hegemonic Disputes and the Limits of theASEANRegional Forum
Authors: Jho Whasun , Chae Soo A
Published: August 2014

Although theASEANRegional Forum (ARF) has made significant progress providing confidence‐building mechanisms, it remains inconsistent in moving towards a shared goal of collective defense arrangements and this raises the issue of theARF's overall efficacy in the region. This article analyzes the reasons for the inconsistent efficacy of theARFin improving territorial conflicts. Based upon realists' insights, this article analyzes how the role of theARFin resolving theSouthChinaSea disputes has changed periodically based on participation of theUnitedStates andChina, which have exercised their expansionary or conservative interest goals in the region. This article pays close attention to the way in which the respective national interests of theUnitedStates andChina have changed chronologically and how these adopted strategies have affected their rival's participation strategies and theARF's role. This article argues that theARF's ability to resolve problems has fluctuated noticeably according to the changes in the nature and level of powerful states' hegemonic interests.
Japanese History Textbook Controversies, 1995–2010: Transnational Activism versus Neo‐nationalist Movement
Authors: Ku Yangmo
Published: August 2014

How and to what extent did both transnational activist networks and Japanese conservative forces affect Japanese historical narrative and textbook policy during the period of 1995–2010? Addressing this question, this article first establishes the concepts of Type I and II transnational activism regarding history textbooks. The article argues that starting in the late 1990s, a positive trend of Japanese historical narrative and textbook policy was reversed by a systematic conservative campaign, despite the presence of strong Type I and II transnational activism. Nevertheless, Type I transnational activism – pushing for a perpetrator state to change its policy – played a pivotal role in lowering the adoption rate of Japan's nationalistic history textbooks at the local level, although not reversing the conservative direction of Japan's historical narrative and textbook policy at the state level. In the long run, with vibrant Type I transnational activism it would be necessary to strengthen Type II transnational activism – textbook cooperation and historians' dialogue – in order to resolve the issue of biased Japanese historical textbooks.
Vapour pressure deficit during growth has little impact on genotypic differences of transpiration efficiency at leaf and whole‐plant level: an example from Populus nigra L.
Authors: RASHEED FAHAD , DREYER ERWIN , RICHARD BÉATRICE , BRIGNOLAS FRANCK , BRENDEL OLIVER , LE THIEC DIDIER
Published: August 2014

Poplar genotypes differ in transpiration efficiency (TE) at leaf and whole‐plant level under similar conditions. We tested whether atmospheric vapour pressure deficit (VPD) affected TE to the same extent across genotypes. Six Populus nigra genotypes were grown under two VPD. We recorded (1) 13C content in soluble sugars; (2) 18O enrichment in leaf water; (3) leaf‐level gas exchange; and (4) whole‐plant biomass accumulation and water use. Whole‐plant and intrinsic leaf TE and 13C content in soluble sugars differed significantly among genotypes. Stomatal conductance contributed more to these differences than net CO2 assimilation rate. VPD increased water use and reduced whole‐plant TE. It increased intrinsic leaf‐level TE due to a decline in stomatal conductance. It also promoted higher 18O enrichment in leaf water. VPD had no genotype‐specific effect. We detected a deviation in the relationship between 13C in leaf sugars and 13C predicted from gas exchange and the standard discrimination model. This may be partly due to genotypic differences in mesophyll conductance, and to its lack of sensitivity to VPD. Leaf‐level 13C discrimination was a powerful predictor of the genetic variability of whole‐plant TE irrespective of VPD during growth.