bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The susceptibility of Echinacea angustifolia to a specialist aphid: eco‐evolutionary perspective on genotypic variation and demographic consequences
Authors: Shaw Ruth G. , Wagenius Stuart , Geyer Charles J.
Published: June 2015

Plants and their herbivores may influence each other's fitness and, hence, genetic dynamics, as well as their demography. Conversely, variation in fitness‐related traits may influence the occurrence or intensity of the interaction. Disentangling the fitness consequences of an interaction in nature from the influence of fitness variation on it is challenging, but important to clarifying the ecological and evolutionary dynamics of plants with their herbivores.

As part of a larger effort to elucidate eco‐evolutionary dynamics in a population of Echinacea angustifolia that is subject to severe fragmentation, we initiated an experiment in 2001 to evaluate differences in fitness among plants of three genotypic classes resulting from matings of plants from different remnant populations (‘between’, B), plants randomly chosen from the same remnant (‘within’, W) and maternal siblings (‘inbreds’, I). The experiment was planted into a field undergoing restoration to a prairie community. Fitness components of individual plants were recorded through 2012. During 2004–2010, each plant was also monitored for its load of Aphis echinaceae, a specialist insect herbivore.

Within a season, aphid‐load depended consistently on a plant's location and on its load the previous season. Further, flowering individuals generally harboured more aphids than non‐flowering plants. In analyses of overall plant fitness, within each genotypic class, fitness was greatest for plants with the greatest aphid‐loads, consistent with the preference of aphids for flowering individuals. Inbreeding depression was severe, with I plants producing 60% fewer achenes than W or B plants, and varied with aphid‐load. To distinguish the role of aphid choice from the effect of aphid herbivory in the relationship between plant fitness and aphid‐load, we evaluated how components of fitness varied with prior aphid‐load. Notably, genotype I plants with high aphid‐loads the previous year produced far fewer achenes per flower head than those that carried fewer aphids.

Synthesis. Sibmating reduces individuals’ demographic contribution by 60% over the first 12 years. Outbred individuals tolerate this aphid; each produces on average about 200 achenes per head in a year, despite a heavy aphid‐load the previous year. However, inbreeding, which is greater in severely fragmented prairie habitat, results in poor tolerance. Aphid herbivory exacerbates inbreeding depression, further reducing the contribution of those individuals to population growth. This study illustrates an approach that helps to distinguish fitness‐dependent attraction of herbivores from the effects of herbivory on plant fitness and demography, a goal that is critically important to eco‐evolutionary understanding.
Eco‐evolutionary dynamics in plants: interactive processes at overlapping time‐scales and their implications
Authors: Shefferson Richard P. , Salguero‐Gómez Roberto
Published: June 2015

Evolution can happen rapidly and frequently. This realization has motivated a rethinking of ecological and evolutionary time‐scales and their overlap, and stimulated research on processes at their interface. This premise lays at the heart of eco‐evolutionary dynamics, a relatively recent field redeveloping how we conceive of ecological and evolutionary processes.

Classical evolutionary theory and empirical evidence has generally supported a gradualist view of evolution as occurring on much longer time‐scales than ecological processes. The systematic documentation of rapid evolution beginning in the 1970s served as a catalyst to question this basic assumption. The commonness of rapid evolution suggests that ecological and evolutionary processes often occur at the same time‐scale, which may allow them to interact.

As a new field, eco‐evolutionary dynamics faces some important challenges. First, the field is primarily driven by theoretical research and empirical work on organisms with simple, short life cycles, typically animals, and mostly performed under controlled conditions. Secondly, it is unclear whether interactions between ecology and evolution are driven through a few common mechanisms, or whether all interactions are context dependent. Thirdly, there is a lack of eco‐evolutionary research at higher organizational levels (e.g. ecosystem and landscape), although it is at those levels that the impact of evolution on our greatest conservation challenges may be most acute. Finally, it remains unclear how genetic diversity impacts eco‐evolutionary dynamics, although the strong relationships between additive genetic variance, fitness and the speed of evolution suggest that it is important.

Summary. This Special Feature includes five research manuscripts expanding our knowledge of eco‐evolutionary dynamics in plants and the organisms they interact with. Its contributors address the aforementioned challenges outlined above, ranging from demonstrating the impacts of genetic variation on plant and herbivore populations, to exploring the role of density in the evolution of plant life‐history traits and to documenting genetic covariation among co‐occurring communities. This Special Feature highlights the cutting‐edge exploration of the dynamic effects of interacting ecological and evolutionary processes, including the potential for complex life histories to influence eco‐evolutionary interactions, for common mechanisms to underlie most eco‐evolutionary dynamics, for evolution to impact higher organizational levels and for genetic changes to cascade through communities.
Affective Practices, Care and Bioscience: A Study of Two Laboratories
Authors: Kerr Anne , Garforth Lisa
Published: June 2015

Scientific knowledge-making is not just a matter of experiments, modelling and fieldwork. It also involves affective, embodied and material practices ( Wetherell, 2012 ) which can be understood together as ‘matters of care’ ( Puig de la Bellacasa, 2011 ). In this paper we explore how affect spans and connects material, subjective and organizational practices, focusing in particular on the patterns of care we encountered in an observational study of two bioscience laboratories. We explore the preferred emotional subjectivities of each lab and their relation to material practice. We go on to consider flows and clots in the circulation of affect and their relation to care through an exploration of belonging and humour in the labs. We show how being a successful scientist or group of researchers involves a careful choreography of affect in relation to materials, colleagues and others to produce scientific results, subjects and workplaces. We end by considering how thinking with care troubles dominant constructions of scientific practice, successful scientific selves and collectives.
High‐throughput SNPs for all: genotyping‐in‐thousands
Authors: Pavey Scott A.
Published: June 2015

Understanding the genetic structure of species is essential for conservation. It is only with this information that managers, academics, user groups and land‐use planners can understand the spatial scale of migration and local adaptation, source‐sink dynamics and effective population size. Such information is essential for a multitude of applications including delineating management units, balancing management priorities, discovering cryptic species and implementing captive breeding programmes. Species can range from locally adapted by hundreds of metres (Pavey et al. ) to complete species panmixia (Côté et al. ). Even more remarkable is that this essential information can be obtained without fully sequenced or annotated genomes, but from mere (putatively) nonfunctional variants. First with allozymes, then microsatellites and now SNPs, this neutral genetic variation carries a wealth of information about migration and drift. For many of us, it may be somewhat difficult to remember our understanding of species conservation before the widespread usage of these useful tools. However most species on earth have yet to give us that ‘peek under the curtain’. With the current diversity on earth estimated to be nearly 9 million species (Mora et al. ), we have a long way to go for a comprehensive meta‐phylogeographic understanding. A method presented in this issue by Campbell and colleagues (Campbell et al. ) is a tool that will accelerate the pace in this area. Genotyping‐in‐thousands (GT‐seq) leverages recent advancements in sequencing technology to save many hours and dollars over previous methods to generate this important neutral genetic information.
Genomic Resources Notes accepted 1 February 2015 – 31 March 2015
Authors:   Genomic Resources Development Consortium, Arthofer Wolfgang , Bertini Laura , Caruso Carla , Cicconardi Francesco , Delph Lynda F. , Fields Peter D. , Ikeda Minoru , Minegishi Yuki , Proietti Silvia , Ritthammer Heike , Schlick‐Steiner Birgit C. , Steiner Florian M. , Wachter Gregor A. , Wagner Herbert C. , Weingartner Laura A.
Published: June 2015

This article documents the public availability of (i) raw transcriptome sequence data, assembled contigs and BLAST hits of the Antarctic plant Colobanthus quitensis grown in two different climatic conditions, (ii) the draft genome sequence data (raw reads, assembled contigs and unassembled reads) and RAD‐tag read data of the marbled flounder Pseudopleuronectes yokohamae, (iii) transcriptome resources from four white campion (Silene latifolia) individuals from two morphologically divergent populations and (iv) nuclear DNA markers from 454 sequencing of reduced representation libraries (RRL) based on amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP) PCR products of four species of ants in the genus Tetramorium.
Multi‐slice computed tomography characteristics of solitary pulmonary ground‐glass nodules: Differences between malignant and benign
Authors: Hu Haiyang , Wang Qingguo , Tang Huamei , Xiong Liwen , Lin Qiang
Published: June 2015

Background

Ground‐glass nodules (GGNs), which are possible precursors of lung cancer, attract increasing attention. Many studies have attempted to identify the characteristic imaging features of GGNs for their qualitative diagnosis; however, the comprehension of GGNs remains controversial. We performed this study to identify imaging characteristics helpful to the differential diagnosis of solitary GGNs.

Methods

We retrospectively evaluated 112 solitary GGNs resected from 112 patients, pathologically examined after surgical resection. Imaging features of the GGNs, such as size, shape, a solid component, lobulation, spiculation, vascular convergence sign, pleural tag, and air cavity density, were assessed. Differences between malignant and benign nodules were analyzed using binary logistic regression analysis.

Results

Of the 112 GGNs, 82 were malignant and 30 were benign. A solid component, vascular convergence sign, and a larger diameter were risk factors for malignancy, with a sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of 93.9%, 60.0%, and 84.8%, respectively. Lobulation, spiculation, air cavity densities, and pleural tags were also important indicators of malignancy, with positive predictive values of 93.5%, 83.3%, 91.7%, and 87.2%, respectively.

Conclusion

GGNs with a solid component, vascular convergence sign, and a larger diameter are highly suggestive of malignancy. The possibility of a neoplasm should also be considered in the case of GGNs that show lobulation, spiculation, air cavity densities, or pleural tags. To obtain a comprehensive and accurate analysis of the nodules, three‐dimensional reconstruction is highly recommended.
Beta‐globin gene evolution in the ruminants: evidence for an ancient origin of sheep haplotype B
Authors: Jiang Y. , Wang X. , Kijas J. W. , Dalrymple B. P.
Published: June 2015

Domestic sheep (Ovis aries) can be divided into two groups with significantly different responses to hypoxic environments, determined by two allelic beta‐globin haplotypes. Haplotype A is very similar to the goat beta‐globin locus, whereas haplotype B has a deletion spanning four globin genes, including beta‐C globin, which encodes a globin with high oxygen affinity. We surveyed the beta‐globin locus using resequencing data from 70 domestic sheep from 42 worldwide breeds and three Ovis canadensis and two Ovis dalli individuals. Haplotype B has an allele frequency of 71.4% in O. aries and was homozygous (BB) in all five wild sheep. This shared ancestry indicates haplotype B is at least 2–3 million years old. Approximately 40 kb of the sequence flanking the ~37‐kb haplotype B deletion had unexpectedly low identity between haplotypes A and B. Phylogenetic analysis showed that the divergent region of sheep haplotype B is remarkably distinct from the beta‐globin loci in goat and cattle but still groups with the Ruminantia. We hypothesize that this divergent ~40‐kb region in haplotype B may be from an unknown ancestral ruminant and was maintained in the lineage to O. aries, but not other Bovidae, evolving independently of haplotype A. Alternatively, the ~40‐kb sequence in haplotype B was more recently acquired by an ancestor of sheep from an unknown non‐Bovidae ruminant, replacing part of haplotype A. Haplotype B has a lower nucleotide diversity than does haplotype A, suggesting a recent bottleneck, whereas the higher frequency of haplotype B suggests a subsequent spread through the global population of O. aries.
Relationship between wild greylag and European domestic geese based on mitochondrial DNA
Authors: Heikkinen M. E. , Ruokonen M. , Alexander M. , Aspi J. , Pyhäjärvi T. , Searle J. B.
Published: June 2015

The origins of the European domestic goose are uncertain. The available information comes from archaeological findings and historical literature, but genetic evidence has hitherto been scarce. The domestic goose in Europe is derived from the greylag goose (Anser anser), but it is not known where the initial domestication took place and which of the two subspecies of greylag goose was ancestral. We aimed to determine the amount and geographical distribution of genetic diversity in modern populations of greylag geese as well as in different breeds of the domestic goose to make inferences about goose domestication. We studied DNA sequence variation in the mitochondrial control region of greylag geese from multiple populations across Europe and western Asia as well as specimens of domestic geese representing 18 modern breeds and individuals not belonging to any recognised breed. Our results show notable differences in genetic diversity between different greylag goose populations and the presence of six mitochondrial haplogroups which show a degree of geographical partitioning. The genetic diversity of the domestic goose is low, with 84% of sampled individuals having one of two major closely related haplotypes, suggesting that modern European domestic geese may derive from a narrow genetic base. The site of domestication remains unresolved, but domestic geese in Turkey were unusually diverse, indicating the importance of further sampling in the vicinity of the eastern Mediterranean and the Near East. There appears to be past or ongoing hybridisation between greylags and domestic geese in particular areas, consistent with field observations.
Prevalence of Deafness‐Associated Connexin‐26 (GJB2) and Connexin‐30 (GJB6) Pathogenic Alleles in a Large Patient Cohort from Eastern Sicily
Authors: Amorini Maria , Romeo Petronilla , Bruno Rocco , Galletti Francesco , Di Bella Chiara , Longo Patrizia , Briuglia Silvana , Salpietro Carmelo , Rigoli Luciana
Published: June 2015

Mutations in the gene encoding the gap junction protein connexin 26 (GJB2) and connexin 30 (GJB6) have been shown to be a major contributor to prelingual, sensorineural, nonsyndromic deafness.

The aim of this study was to characterize and establish the prevalence of GJB2 and GJB6 gene alterations in 196 patients affected by sensorineural, nonsyndromic hearing loss, from Eastern Sicily. We performed sequence analysis of GJB2 and identified sequence variants in 68 out of 196 patients (34.7%); (28 homozygous for c.35delG, 22 compound heterozygous and 11 with only one variant allele). We found 12 different allelic variants, the most prevalent being c.35delG, which was found on 89 chromosomes (65.5%), followed by other alleles with different frequencies (p.E47X, c.‐23+1G>A, p.L90P, p.R184W, p.M34T, c.167delT, p.R127H, p.M163V, p.V153I, p.W24X, and p.T8M).

Importantly, for the first time we present the frequency and spectrum of GJB2 mutations in NSHL patients from Eastern Sicily. No alterations were found in the GJB6 gene, confirming that alterations in this gene are uncommon in our geographic area.

Note that 65.3% and 23.5% of our patients, respectively were found to be negative or carriers by GJB2 molecular screening. This emphasizes the need to broaden the genetic analysis to other genes involved in hearing loss.
Common Regulatory Variants ofCYFIP1Contribute to Susceptibility for Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and Classical Autism
Authors: Wang Jian , Tao Yu , Song Fan , Sun Yue , Ott Jurg , Saffen David
Published: June 2015

Based on the analysis of mRNA expression and genotype data from the “Brain Cloud” database, we identified seven SNPs within or near the autism candidate geneCYFIP1that show nominally significant correlations between genotype andCYFIP1mRNA expression in human dorsolateral prefrontal cortex. Analysis of transmission disequilibrium test (TDT) odds ratios (ORs) for these SNPs in a large Autism Genome Project (AGP) trio‐based association study revealed the high‐expression alleles of four of these SNPs (rs8028440, rs2289823, rs7403800 and rs3751566) to be susceptibility alleles. Correlations between the regression coefficients for mRNA expression and log10‐transformed TDT ORs were statistically significant [P = 0.008 (ASD); P = 0.002 (classical autism)]. Similarly, statistically significant correlations were obtained between levels ofCYFIP1mRNA expression predicted using the regression equations obtained from multiple linear regression analysis and log10‐transformed TDT ORs for specific combinations of genotypes for both ASD (rs2289823 + rs3751566: P = 0.008) and classical autism (rs2289823 + rs3751566: P = 0.008; rs2289823 + rs3751566 + rs765763: P = 0.0006) diagnoses. Together, these results support the hypothesis that high expression ofCYFIP1mRNA increases susceptibility for both ASD and classical autism.
Unmethylated‐maspin DNA in maternal plasma is associated with severe preeclampsia
Authors: Qi Yan‐Hua , Teng Fei , Zhou Qi , Liu Yu‐Xin , Wu Jin‐Fang , Yu Shan‐Shan , Zhang Xin , Ma Miao‐Yan , Zhou Ni , Chen Li‐Juan
Published: June 2015

Introduction

Cell‐free fetal DNA in maternal plasma is associated with complications of pregnancy, including preeclampsia. Determination of levels is affected by fetal gender and genetic polymorphisms. Unmethylated maspin (u‐maspin) is present in the placenta, and is placental‐specific. The purpose of this study was to determine whether u‐maspin DNA in maternal blood could serve as a marker of preeclampsia by measuring levels in different trimesters of normal pregnancies and in those complicated by preeclampsia.

Material and methods

This case‐control study was set in a tertiary care hospital.

The population consisted of 45 women with normal pregnancies (15 in the 1st trimester, 15 in the 2nd trimester, 15 in the 3rd trimester), 20 women with mild preeclampsia, 25 women with severe preeclampsia, and six women with gestational trophoblastic disease.

Peripheral blood was collected and methylation‐specific PCR and fluorescence quantitative PCR were performed to measure the content of u‐maspin DNA in maternal blood.

Results

U‐maspin DNA was 5.5‐fold higher in women with severe preeclampsia than in those with a normal 3rd trimester pregnancy (p < 0.05). During normal pregnancy, u‐maspin DNA in maternal plasma tended to increase with advancing gestational age (p = 0.06). U‐maspin DNA was not detected in healthy non‐pregnant women or those with gestational trophoblastic disease.

Conclusion

U‐maspin DNA in maternal blood is associated with severe preeclampsia.
A surgical technique using the ovarian vein in non‐human primate models of potential living‐donor surgery of uterus transplantation
Authors: Kisu Iori , Banno Kouji , Mihara Makoto , Hara Hisako , Umene Kiyoko , Adachi Masataka , Nogami Yuya , Aoki Daisuke
Published: June 2015

Aim

Living donor surgery in organ transplantation should be performed in a minimally invasive manner under conditions that are as safe as possible. The objective of this study is to examine whether the procedure for using the ovarian vein makes donor surgery less invasive in a cynomolgus monkey model of potential living‐donor surgery of uterus transplantation.

Material and methods

Twenty‐two female cynomolgus monkeys aged 6–9 years and with body weights of 3.55 ± 1.28 kg were used in the study. Vessels and tissues surrounding the uterus were dissected while preserving the uterine artery/vein. The deep uterine vein was used as a venous pedicle in four monkeys (Group 1), and the ovarian vein was used instead of the deep uterine vein in 18 monkeys (Group 2). With the uterine artery/vein and deep uterine vein (Group 1) or ovarian vein (Group 2) connected to the uterus, the vaginal canal was cut. The vessels were then clamped to produce a donor surgery model. Surgical time, intraoperative organ and vascular injury were examined in each animal.

Results

The average surgical time from laparotomy to clamping of vessels was 230 ± 112 min in all 22 cynomolgus monkeys, and significantly longer in Group 1 (n = 4) than in Group 2 (n = 18) (393 ± 71 vs. 194 ± 84 min, p < 0.05). Surgical time in Group 2 showed a tendency to decrease in animals treated later in the study, with a significantly longer time in the first 10 monkeys compared with the last 8 (253 ± 65 vs. 120 ± 26 min, p < 0.05). All monkeys had no complications, including no injuries to other organs and no unanticipated vascular injury.

Conclusion

The procedure using the ovarian vein was less invasive than that using the deep uterine vein in mimicking living‐donor surgery in a cynomolgus monkey model of uterus transplantation.
Preterm birth may be a larger risk factor for increased blood pressure than intrauterine growth restriction
Authors: Steen Emma , Bonamy Anna‐Karin , Norman Mikael , Hellström‐Westas Lena
Published: June 2015

Aim

Very low birthweight (VLBW) and prematurity have been associated with an increased risk of high blood pressure (BP). We compared BP and salivary cortisol responses to a stressful situation between adolescents with a VLBW and controls.

Methods

We compared three groups aged 12–17 years: 30 born VLBW but appropriate for gestational age (AGA) at a mean of 27 weeks, 19 born VLBW but small for gestational age (SGA) at a mean of 31 weeks and 43 term‐born AGA controls. Three consecutive BP measurements were performed before a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) examination. Salivary cortisol and perceived stress were assessed before and after the MRI.

Results

Systolic and diastolic BP decreased significantly for each repeated measurement in the VLBW‐SGA group and controls, but remained unchanged in the VLBW‐AGA group. The third systolic BP measurement was 9–12 mmHg higher in the VLBW‐AGA group than the other groups (p < 0.05). There were no differences in salivary cortisol between the groups, before and after the MRI or between the sexes.

Conclusion

Dynamic BP responses differed between adolescents born VLBW‐AGA and the other groups, indicating that extremely preterm birth may be a larger risk factor for increased BP than intrauterine growth restriction.
Adverse Events Associated with Flumazenil Treatment for the Management of Suspected Benzodiazepine Intoxication – A Systematic Review with Meta‐Analyses of Randomised Trials
Authors: Penninga Elisabeth I , Graudal Niels , Ladekarl Morten Bækbo , Jürgens Gesche
Published: June 2015

Flumazenil is used for the reversal of benzodiazepine overdose. Serious adverse events (SAEs) including seizures and cardiac arrhythmias have been reported in patients treated with flumazenil, and the clinical advantage of flumazenil treatment has been questioned. The objective was to assess the risk of (S)AEs associated with the use of flumazenil in patients with impaired consciousness due to known or suspected benzodiazepine overdose. Studies included in the meta‐analyses were identified by literature search in Medline, Cochrane Library and Embase using combinations of the words flumazenil, benzodiazepines, anti‐anxiety agents, poisoning, toxicity and overdose. Randomised clinical trials (RCTs) in verified or suspected benzodiazepine overdose patients comparing treatment with flumazenil versus placebo were included. Pre‐defined outcome measures were AEs, SAEs and mortality. Thirteen trials with a total of 994 randomised (990 evaluable) patients were included. AEs were significantly more common in the flumazenil group (138/498) compared with the placebo group (47/492) (risk ratio: 2.85; 95% confidence interval: 2.11–3.84; p < 0.00001). SAEs were also significantly more common in the flumazenil group compared with the placebo group (12/498 versus 2/492; risk ratio: 3.81; 95% CI: 1.28–11.39; p = 0.02). The most common AEs in the flumazenil group were agitation and gastrointestinal symptoms, whereas the most common SAEs were supraventricular arrhythmia and convulsions. No patients died during the blinded phase of the RCTs. The use of flumazenil in a population admitted at the emergency department with known or suspected benzodiazepine intoxication is associated with a significantly increased risk of (S)AEs compared with placebo. Flumazenil should not be used routinely, and the harms and benefits should be considered carefully in every patient.
Depression and prospection
Authors: Roepke Ann Marie , Seligman Martin E. P.
Published: June 2015

Objectives

Prospection, the mental representation of possible futures, is usually adaptive. When it goes awry, however, it disrupts emotion and motivation. A negative view of the future is typically seen as one symptom of depression, but we suggest that such negative prospection is the core causal element of depression. Here, we describe the empirical evidence supporting this framework, and we explore the implications for clinical interventions.

Methods

We integrate several literatures: Using the database PsycInfo, we retrieved empirical studies with the keywords prospection, prediction, expectation, pessimism, mental simulation, future‐thinking, future‐directed thinking, foresight, and/or mental time travel, in conjunction with depression, depressed, or depressive.

Results

Three kinds of faulty prospection, taken together, could drive depression: Poor generation of possible futures, poor evaluation of possible futures, and negative beliefs about the future. Depressed mood and poor functioning, in turn, may maintain faulty prospection and feed a vicious cycle. Future‐oriented treatment strategies drawn from cognitive‐behavioural therapy help to fix poor prospection, and they deserve to be developed further.

Conclusions

Prospection‐based techniques may lead to transdiagnostic treatment strategies for depression and other disorders.

Practitioner points

Faulty prospection may be the core process underlying depression.

Three general problems of prospection, taken together, could drive depression: Poor generation of possible futures, poor evaluation of possible futures, and negative beliefs about the future.

Faulty prospection can be helped using future‐oriented treatment strategies from cognitive‐behavioural therapy, and basic research on prospection points to additional future‐oriented clinical strategies for alleviating depression.

More research is needed to determine whether prospection drives depression, and whether future‐focused interventions are more effective than those focused on the past and present.
Insight into children's prosocial lies: Comment on Warneken and Orlins
Authors: Ceci Stephen J. , Burd Kayla A. , Helm Rebecca K.
Published: June 2015

In their article, Warneken and Orlins () provide insight into children's prosocial lie‐telling. Their work adds to a growing body of literature regarding the development of prosocial behaviour and indicates that young children will tell ‘white lies’ in order to improve the mood of others. This work has important implications for forensic contexts that we note.
Bullying: The impact of teacher management and trait emotional intelligence
Authors: Casas José A. , Ortega‐Ruiz Rosario , Del Rey Rosario
Published: June 2015

Background

The bullying phenomenon has serious consequences for those that are involved. In order to find more effective ways to eradicate it from the schools, more research is needed. In this context, teacher management and emotional intelligence (EI) are shown to be relevant keys to consider.

Aim

The aim of this study was to analyse the ways in which teacher management and trait EI affect involvement in bullying aggression and victimization.

Sample

A total of 2,806 Spanish schoolchildren (51.8% girls; Age M = 15.44; SD = 1.79) participated in this transversal study.

Methods

Self‐report questionnaires were administrated; four of the dimensions of the Schoolwide Climate Scale: Bullying victimization; bullying aggression; positive teacher management; and negative teacher management. They also completed the Spanish version of the TMMS‐24 EI questionnaire. After encoding the data, six structural equation models were created to study the direct and joint effects of teacher management and trait EI on bullying aggression and victimization. The models were run for both the whole sample and split samples based on the education cycles and sex.

Results

Results showed that both positive and negative teacher management were closely linked to involvement in bullying aggression and victimization. EI was also found to be directly related to bullying involvement. Furthermore, results revealed that teacher management was directly related to trait EI. Education cycle differences were found, but no sex‐specific differences were apparent in the sample.

Conclusions

Conclusions of the study highlight the important role that teacher management plays with regard to bullying involvement and trait EI, and include a discussion of the need to include teacher management in bullying prevention programmes at schools.
Using virtual online simulations in Second Life® to engage undergraduate psychology students with employability issues
Authors: Ward Tony , Falconer Liz , Frutos‐Perez Manuel , Williams Bryn , Johns James , Harold Sinead
Published: June 2015

This study compares online simulation in Second Life® (Linden Labs, San Francisco, California, USA) with equivalent face‐to‐face activities for three scenarios. The intention was that the three sets of activities would increase participant awareness of how psychology is applied in relation to work‐based contexts. These were a Dragons' Den‐style activity to increase awareness of entrepreneurialism, a supermarket‐based activity based on consumer and work psychology and a counselling agency. After engaging in the activities, participants completed various measures, including a satisfaction questionnaire. In the supermarket scenario, Second Life® was rated significantly better in terms of student satisfaction and the extent to which awareness of the application of psychology in this context had increased. For the other scenarios, Second Life® and face‐to‐face activities were largely equivalent on the various measures. The exception was that in the online counselling scenario, participants did not indicate to a significant degree that they were now more aware of how psychology was applied in this setting. This might be linked to the perceived quality of interaction with the chatbot avatars. It is suggested that the overall superiority of the online supermarket scenario is because this complex problem‐based activity achieved greater immersion in the online version.

A video abstract of this article can be viewed at https://youtu.be/_NrZiElz_UA.
Impact of OER use on teaching and learning: Data from OER Research Hub (2013–2014)
Authors: Farrow Robert , Pitt Rebecca , de los Arcos Beatriz , Perryman Leigh‐Anne , Weller Martin , McAndrew Patrick
Published: June 2015

The true power of comparative research around the impact and use of open educational resources is only just being realised, largely through the work done by the Hewlett‐funded OER Research Hub, based at The Open University (UK). Since late 2012, the project has used a combination of surveys, interviews and focus groups to gather data about the use of open educational resources (OER) by educators, formal learners and informal learners across the globe. These data focus on the overall picture emerging from the survey research of the project, which presently comprises more than 6390 responses, 50.3% of which are informal learners, 24.7% of which are formal learners, 21.6% of which are educators and 3.4% of which are librarians. Results from more than 20 individual questionnaires have been compiled, including surveys of K12 and Flipped Learning teachers; college educators from the CCCOER consortium; users of iTunesU, OpenLearn, OpenStax, Saylor, Siyavula and the YouTube channel of The Open University.
Research and trends in mobile learning from 1976 to 2013: A content analysis of patents in selected databases
Authors: Chiang Feng‐Kuang , Zhu Gaoxia , Wang Qi , Cui Zhenfeng , Cai Su , Yu Shengquan
Published: June 2015

Mobile learning has been a very popular topic in the past several decades. As more patents in this field have been submitted, the analysis of patents has surfaced as an important mechanism to understand trends, uses, targeted audiences and other aspects in the mobile learning space. Based on the CNIPR, USPTO, and Espacenet databases, this paper provides an analysis of mobile learning from 1976, when the first patent in mobile learning emerged, to 2013. One hundred thirty patents were analyzed from two dimensions: the instructional dimension (including target audience, situation and purpose) and the patent dimension (including technology and style). It was found that “students” was the most popular target audience; “out of class for education” was the most utilized situation; “provide more friendly peripheral service” was the primary purpose; “wireless, mobile and ubiquitous technologies for learning, pervasive computing for learning, u‐computing in learning” were the most utilized technologies; and “system and method” was the most common style. Currently, patents in mobile learning are more inclined to provide personalized, contextualized, easily‐retrievable, auto‐updated and intelligent pushed learning content. Additionally, providing multipresentation, supporting seamless learning, adopting learner analysis, improving learner diversity and context awareness are becoming the characteristics of mobile learning patents.
Massively Open Online Course for Educators (MOOC‐Ed) network dataset
Authors: Kellogg Shaun , Edelmann Achim
Published: June 2015

This paper presents the Massively Open Online Course for Educators (MOOC‐Ed) network dataset. It entails information on two online communication networks resulting from two consecutive offerings of the MOOC called The Digital Learning Transition in K‐12 Schools in spring and fall 2013. The courses were offered to educators from the USA and abroad. Though based on the same course, minor controlled variations were made to both MOOCs in terms of the course length, discussion prompts and group size. The dataset provides opportunities to examine how participants leverage online communication forums to support their learning. In particular, it allows modeling network mechanisms to better understand factors that facilitate or impede the exchange of information among educators.
An interactive activation and competition model of person knowledge, suggested by proactive interference by traits spontaneously inferred from behaviours
Authors: Wang Yuanbo E. , Higgins Nancy C. , Uleman James S. , Michaux Aaron , Vipond Douglas
Published: June 2015

People unconsciously and unintentionally make inferences about others’ personality traits based on their behaviours. In this study, a classic memory phenomenon – proactive interference (PI) – is for the first time used to detect spontaneous trait inferences. PI should occur when lists of behaviour descriptions, all implying the same trait, are to be remembered. Switching to a new trait should produce ‘release’ from proactive interference (or RPI). Results from two experiments supported these predictions. PI and RPI effects are consistent with an interactive activation and competition model of person perception (e.g., McNeill & Burton, 2002, J. Exp. Psychol., 55A, 1141), which predicts categorical organization of social behaviours based on personality traits. Advantages of this model are discussed.
Oncogenic activity of BIRC2 and BIRC3 mutants independent of nuclear factor‐κB‐activating potential
Authors: Yamato Azusa , Soda Manabu , Ueno Toshihide , Kojima Shinya , Sonehara Kyuto , Kawazu Masahito , Sai Eirin , Yamashita Yoshihiro , Nagase Takahide , Mano Hiroyuki
Published: June 2015

BIRC2 and BIRC3 are closely related members of the inhibitor of apoptosis (IAP) family of proteins and play pivotal roles in regulation of nuclear factor‐κB (NF‐κB) signaling and apoptosis. Copy number loss for and somatic mutation of BIRC2 and BIRC3 have been frequently detected in lymphoid malignancies, with such genetic alterations being thought to contribute to carcinogenesis through activation of the noncanonical NF‐κB signaling pathway. Here we show that BIRC2 and BIRC3 mutations are also present in a wide range of epithelial tumors and that most such nonsense or frameshift mutations confer direct transforming potential. This oncogenic function of BIRC2/3 mutants is largely independent of their ability to activate NF‐κB signaling. Rather, all of the transforming mutants lack an intact RING finger domain, with loss of ubiquitin ligase activity being essential for transformation irrespective of NF‐κB regulation. The serine‐threonine kinase NIK was found to be an important, but not exclusive, mediator of BIRC2/3‐driven carcinogenesis, although this function was independent of NF‐κB activation. Our data thus suggest that, in addition to the BIRC2/3–NIK–NF‐κB signaling pathway, BIRC2/3–NIK signaling targets effectors other than NF‐κB and thereby contributes directly to carcinogenesis. Identification of these effectors may provide a basis for the development of targeted agents for the treatment of lymphoid malignancies and other cancers with BIRC2/3 alterations.
Sleep as a Window Into Early Neural Development: Shifts in Sleep‐Dependent Learning Effects Across Early Childhood
Authors: Gómez Rebecca L. , Edgin Jamie O.
Published: June 2015

Sleep is an important physiological state for children and adults to consolidate and generalize new learning. In this article, we review research on sleep‐dependent memory consolidation and generalization in infants and preschool children, and place the findings in the context of the development of the neural systems underlying memory (the hippocampus and its connections to the cortex). Based on the extended trajectory of hippocampal development, transitions in the nature of sleep‐dependent learning are expected. The studies we review show that the nature of sleep‐dependent learning changes across early childhood, with sleep facilitating generalization in infants but enhancing precise memory in children 18–24 months and older. Looking ahead, studies on sleep‐dependent learning in infants and young children must consider these transitions in early brain development.
Mutation Analysis of COQ2 in Chinese Patients with Cerebellar Subtype of Multiple System Atrophy
Authors: Wen Xiao‐Dan , Li Hong‐Fu , Wang Hong‐Xia , Ni Wang , Dong Yi , Wu Zhi‐Ying
Published: June 2015

Aims

Recently, mutations in COQ2 encoding para‐hydroxybenzoate‐polyprenyl transferase have been identified to increase the risk of multiple system atrophy (MSA) in multiplex families and sporadic cases. The prevalence of COQ2 mutations was showed to be higher in cerebellar subtype (MSA‐C) than parkinsonism subtype (MSA‐P). The aim of this study was to investigate the association between COQ2 mutations and MSA‐C in Chinese patients.

Methods

A Chinese cohort of 116 patients with MSA‐C and 192 healthy control individuals were recruited. Sanger sequencing of COQ2 was performed in all these subjects.

Results

Two missense mutations (p.L402F and p.R173H) and one synonymous mutation (p.A32A) were detected in 3 patients, respectively. They were not found in the 192 controls as well as the 1000 Genomes Database. The p.L402F and p.A32A were novel.

Conclusion

Our results indicated that COQ2 tended to play a population‐specific and subtype‐depended role in conferring susceptibility to MSA.
The Pro‐inflammatory Cytokine Interleukin‐1β is a Key Regulatory Factor for the Postictal Suppression in Mice
Authors: Tao An‐Feng , Xu Zheng‐Hao , Chen Bin , Wang Yi , Wu Xiao‐Hua , Zhang Jing , Tang Yang‐Shun , Xu Ceng‐Lin , Zhao Hua‐Wei , Hu Wei‐Wei , Shi Li‐Yun , Zhang Shi‐Hong , Chen Zhong
Published: June 2015

Aims

The postictal suppression (PS) is a common and important period following an epileptic seizure but has not been well studied. This study was designed to determine whether interleukin‐1β (IL‐1β) is involved in the PS.

Methods

The effects of IL‐1β on the PS were tested in three independent seizure models induced by hippocampal kindling, maximal electroshock seizure (MES), and 4‐aminopyridine, respectively.

Results

IL‐1R1 knockout or IL‐1RA enhanced the seizure refractory phenomenon without influencing the baseline seizure threshold in intermittent MES model. IL‐1β attenuated the seizure refractory phenomenon without affecting the severity of the preceding seizures in hippocampal kindling model, while IL‐1RA enhanced it. Besides, IL‐1β reduced the postictal EEG suppression period, while IL‐1RA prolonged it. And IL‐1β showed no further effect on the postictal EEG suppression and seizure refractory phenomenon in IL‐1R1 knockout mice. In addition, 30 min after intrahippocampal injection of 4‐aminopyridine, IL‐1β increased the incidence of SE, while IL‐1RA prolonged the intervals between recurrent seizures.

Conclusions

This study provides the first direct evidence that IL‐1β is key regulatory factor for the PS, and its receptor IL‐1R1 may be a potential target for adjuvant treatment of postictal problems.
Lovastatin Differentially Affects Neuronal Cholesterol and Amyloid‐β Production in vivo and in vitro
Authors: Mendoza‐Oliva Aydé , Ferrera Patricia , Fragoso‐Medina Jorge , Arias Clorinda
Published: June 2015

Background and Aims

Epidemiological and experimental studies indicate that high cholesterol may increase susceptibility to age‐associated neurodegenerative disorders, such as Alzheimer's disease (AD). Thus, it has been suggested that statins, which are inhibitors of the enzyme 3‐hydroxy‐3‐methylglutaryl‐CoA reductase (HMGCR), may be a useful therapeutic tool to diminish the risk of AD. However, several studies that analyzed the therapeutic benefits of statins have yielded conflicting results. Herein, we investigated the role of lovastatin on neuronal cholesterol homeostasis and its effects on amyloid β protein production in vivo and in vitro.

Methods and Results

Lovastatin effects were analyzed in vitro using differentiated human neuroblastoma cells and in vivo in a lovastatin‐fed rat model. We demonstrated that lovastatin can differentially affect the expression of APP and Aβ production in vivo and in vitro. Lovastatin‐induced HMGCR inhibition was detrimental to neuronal survival in vitro via a mechanism unrelated to the reduction of cholesterol. We found that in vivo, dietary cholesterol was associated with increased Aβ production in the cerebral cortex, and lovastatin was not able to reduce cholesterol levels. However, lovastatin induced a remarkable increase in the mature form of the sterol regulatory element‐binding protein‐2 (SREBP‐2) as well as its target gene HMGCR, in both neuronal cells and in the brain.

Conclusions

Lovastatin modifies the mevalonate pathway without affecting cholesterol levels in vivo and is able to reduce Aβ levels only in vitro.
Unfavorable Outcome of Thrombolysis in Chinese Patients with Cardioembolic Stroke: a Prospective Cohort Study
Authors: Wang Xin‐Gao , Zhang Li‐Qun , Liao Xiao‐Ling , Pan Yue‐Song , Shi Yu‐Zhi , Wang Chun‐Juan , Wang Yi‐Long , Liu Li‐Ping , Zhao Xing‐Quan , Wang Yong‐Jun , Li Dong , Wang Chun‐Xue ,   the Thrombolysis Implementation and Monitoring of acute ischemic Stroke in China (TIMS‐China) Investigators
Published: June 2015

Background

Thrombolysis with alteplase is an effective and safe treatment for acute ischemic stroke (AIS). It is controversial whether the outcome of thrombolysis in cardioembolic stroke is different from that of other stroke subtypes. This study compares the outcomes at 3 months postthrombolysis in Chinese patients with AIS secondary to cardioembolism (CE) to the outcomes of those with large‐artery atherosclerosis (LAA).

Methods

Using the Thrombolysis Implementation and Monitoring of Acute Ischemic Stroke in China (TIMS‐China) cohort, we prospectively followed 827 patients treated within 4.5 h of onset symptoms with alteplase as an intravenous thrombolytic agent. CE and LAA were defined according to TOAST criteria. We compared symptomatic intracerebral hemorrhage (SICH), mortality, and functional outcome at 3 months using multivariables logistic regression analysis.

Results

In this cohort, 221 (19.6%) had CE and 606 (53.7%) had LAA. Approximately 2/3 of patients with CE had atrial fibrillation. Symptoms at onset were more severe in patients with CE than in those with LAA (NIHSS, 15.0 vs. 11.0; P < 0.0001); increased rate of SICH (5.9% vs. 0.8%; P < 0.0001); higher mortality (18.6% vs. 10.3%; P = 0.0015); and reduced functional independence (43.6% vs. 55.9%; P = 0.0018) at 3‐month follow‐up. After adjustment for baseline variables, the clinical outcome of patients with CE was worse than that of patients with LAA (OR, 0.62; 95% CI, 0.39 to 0.97, P = 0.0378).

Conclusions

Patients with cardioembolic stroke had more SICH after thrombolysis, and worse clinical outcome at 3‐month follow‐up compared with those with LAA. This emphasizes the importance of preventing cardioembolism.
Head Transplantation in Mouse Model
Authors: Ren Xiao‐Ping , Ye Yi‐Jie , Li Peng‐Wei , Shen Zi‐Long , Han Ke‐Cheng , Song Yang
Published: June 2015

Aims

The mouse model of allo‐head and body reconstruction (AHBR) has recently been established to further the clinical development of this strategy for patients who are suffering from mortal bodily trauma or disease, yet whose mind remains healthy. Animal model studies are indispensable for developing such novel surgical practices. The goal of this work was to establish head transplant mouse model, then the next step through the feasible biological model to investigate immune rejection and brain function in next step, thereby promoting the goal of translation of AHBR to the clinic in the future.

Methods and Results

Our approach involves retaining adequate blood perfusion in the transplanted head throughout the surgical procedure by establishing donor‐to‐recipient cross‐circulation by cannulating and anastomosing the carotid artery on one side of the body and the jugular vein on the other side. Neurological function was preserved by this strategy as indicated by electroencephalogram and intact cranial nerve reflexes.

Conclusions

The results of this study support the feasibility of this method for avoiding brain ischemia during transplantation, thereby allowing for the possibility of long‐term studies of head transplantation.