bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Insect Herbivores and Leaf Damage along Successional and Vertical Gradients in a Tropical Dry Forest
Authors: Neves Frederico S. , Silva Jhonathan O. , Espírito‐Santo Mário M. , Fernandes Geraldo W.
Published: October 2013

The availability and quality of resources for herbivores in tropical dry forests (TDFs) vary in time and space, affecting herbivore guilds differently across spatial scales (both horizontally and vertically), with consequences to the distribution of leaf damage in these forests. We attempted to elucidate the distribution patterns of herbivorous insect guilds and leaf damage throughout the secondary succession and vertical stratification along the rainy season in a Brazilian TDF. With the advance of the succession, a greater richness and abundance of herbivorous insects were found, resulting in higher leaf damage in intermediate and late stages. This pattern, however, was not observed for the frequency of leaf miners. At a smaller spatial scale, the host tree height positively affected the richness and abundance of insects. The higher leaf damage was found in canopy, which also harbored a greater richness and abundance of chewing herbivores compared to the understory at both the beginning and the end of the rainy season. Although for sap‐sucking insects, this was only true at the beginning of the season. We detected a decrease in insect richness and abundance at the end of the rainy season, probably due to a synchronization of insect activity with the availability of young, highly nutritious plant tissues. These results are consistent with other studies that found a general trend of increasing richness and abundance of herbivorous insects and leaf damage throughout the secondary succession (early to late stages) and between vertical strata (understory to canopy), suggesting that forest complexity positively affects herbivores.
Coastal Ecosystems: A Critical Element of Risk Reduction
Authors: Spalding Mark D. , McIvor Anna L. , Beck Michael W. , Koch Evamaria W. , Möller Iris , Reed Denise J. , Rubinoff Pamela , Spencer Thomas , Tolhurst Trevor J. , Wamsley Ty V. , van Wesenbeeck Bregje K. , Wolanski Eric , Woodroffe Colin D.
Published: October 2013

The conservation of coastal ecosystems can provide considerable coastal protection benefits, but this role has not been sufficiently accounted for in coastal planning and engineering. Substantial evidence now exists showing how, and under what conditions, ecosystems can play a valuable function in wave and storm surge attenuation, erosion reduction, and in the longer term maintenance of the coastal profile. Both through their capacity for self repair and recovery, and through the often considerable cobenefits they provide, ecosystems can offer notable advantages over traditional engineering approaches in some settings. They can also be combined in “hybrid” engineering designs. We make 10 recommendations to encourage the utilization of existing knowledge and to improve the incorporation of ecosystems into policy, planning and funding for coastal hazard risk reduction.
Physiological serum bilirubin concentrations are inversely associated with the prevalence of cardiovascular autonomic neuropathy in patients with Type 2 diabetes
Authors: Chung J. O. , Cho D. H. , Chung D. J. , Chung M. Y.
Published: October 2013

Aims

Although severe hyperbilirubinaemia causes kernicterus in neonates, normal to modestly elevated bilirubin concentrations have been reported to be neuroprotective. However, the relationship between serum bilirubin concentrations and cardiovascular autonomic neuropathy in patients with Type 2 diabetes is currently unknown. This study assessed the relationships between physiological serum total bilirubin concentrations and cardiovascular autonomic neuropathy in patients with Type 2 diabetes.

Methods

A total of 2991 patients with Type 2 diabetes were investigated in this cross‐sectional study. Cardiovascular autonomic neuropathy was diagnosed by a cardiovascular reflex test. According to the American Diabetes Association criteria, the degree of cardiovascular autonomic dysfunction was graded into normal, early, definite and severe. Cardiovascular autonomic neuropathy was either definite or severe in the present study. An analysis of covariance after adjustment for other covariates was performed. A logistic regression model was used to assess an association of cardiovascular autonomic neuropathy with serum total bilirubin tertiles.

Results

Serum total bilirubin concentrations were significantly lower in subjects with cardiovascular autonomic neuropathy. The mean total bilirubin values differed significantly according to the severity of cardiovascular autonomic dysfunction (normal 13.0 μmol/l; early 12.3 μmol/l; definite 11.8 μmol/l; severe 10.1 μmol/l; P for trend < 0.001) after adjustment for other covariates. In multivariate analysis, serum total bilirubin levels were significantly associated with cardiovascular autonomic neuropathy (odds ratio 0.36; 95% CI 0.21–0.63 for the highest vs. the lowest bilirubin tertile, P < 0.001).

Conclusions

Serum total bilirubin concentrations within the physiologic range are inversely associated with the prevalence of cardiovascular autonomic neuropathy in patients with Type 2 diabetes.
The association between BMI and hospitalization for heart failure in 83 021 persons with Type 2 diabetes: a population‐based study from the Swedish National Diabetes Registry
Authors: Glogner S. , Rosengren A. , Olsson M. , Gudbjörnsdottir S. , Svensson A.‐M. , Lind M.
Published: October 2013

Aim's

The aim was to To study the relationship between BMI and hospitalization for heart failure in people with Type 2 diabetes.

Methods

We identified 83 021 individuals with Type 2 diabetes from the Swedish National Diabetes Registry during 1998–2003, who were followed until hospitalization for heart failure, death or end of follow‐up on 31 December 2009. Cox regression analyses were performed, adjusting for age, sex, HbA1c, blood pressure, diabetes duration, smoking, microalbuminuria, cardiac co‐morbidities, glucose‐lowering and anti‐hypertensive medications.

Results

During a median follow‐up of 7.2 years, 10 969 patients (13.2%) were hospitalized with heart failure. By categories of BMI, with BMI 20 to < 25 kg/m2 as the reference, hazard ratios for patients during follow‐up were 1.07 (95% CI 0.91–1.26) for a mean BMI of < 20 kg/m2, 1.04 (95% CI 0.98–1.11) for BMI 25 to < 27.5 kg/m2, 1.22 (95% CI 1.15–1.30) for BMI 27.5 to < 30 kg/m2, 1.54 (95% CI 1.45–1.63) for BMI 30 to < 35 kg/m2, 2.16 (95% CI 2.00–2.33) for BMI 35 to < 40 kg/m2 and 3.22 (95% CI 2.88–3.60) for BMI 40 kg/m2 or higher. There was a significant interaction between BMI and sex (P = 0.0006), with numerically higher hazard ratios for hospitalization for heart failure within each BMI category for men than for women.

Conclusions

Obesity is strongly related to hospitalization for heart failure in people with Type 2 diabetes, and the relationship is somewhat stronger for men than for women. Preventing weight gain and promoting weight loss may be crucial in reducing the incidence of future hospitalizations for heart failure in this population.
Cardiac Arrest during Exercise; Rupture of the Sinus of Valsalva with Dissection into the Interventricular Septum
Authors: Yoo Seung Jin , Shin Dae‐Hee , Kim Eun Jung , Lee Je Hoon , Oh Kwang Hoon , Choi Kyu Un
Published: October 2013

Mini‐Abstract

We report the case of a healthy 26‐year‐old man with rupture of the sinus of Valsalva with dissection into the interventricular septum presented as ventricular fibrillation. Echocardiography showed precisely the ruptured site initiated from the right coronary cusp into the interventricular septal wall. That made a false cavity in the septum without outlet. There was moderate aortic regurgitation, but no significant dynamic left ventricular outflow tract obstruction. This finding was confirmed on chest computed tomography scan.
Cerebellar continuous theta‐burst stimulation affects motor learning of voluntary arm movements in humans
Authors: Li Voti Pietro , Conte Antonella , Rocchi Lorenzo , Bologna Matteo , Khan Nashaba , Leodori Giorgio , Berardelli Alfredo
Published: October 2013

In this study we investigated in healthy subjects whether continuous theta‐burst stimulation (cTBS) over the lateral cerebellum alters motor practice and retention phases during ipsilateral index finger and arm reaching movements. In 12 healthy subjects we delivered cTBS before repeated index finger abductions or arm reaching movements differing in complexity (reaching‐to‐grasp and reaching‐to‐point). We evaluated kinematic variables for index finger and arm reaching movements and changes in primary motor cortex (M1) activity tested with transcranial magnetic stimulation. Peak acceleration increased during motor practice for index finger abductions and reaching‐to‐grasp movements and persisted during motor retention. Peak acceleration decreased during motor practice for reaching‐to‐point movements and the decrease remained during motor retention. Cerebellar cTBS left the changes in peak acceleration during motor practice for index finger abductions and reaching‐to‐grasp arm movements unchanged but reduced peak acceleration at motor retention. Cerebellar cTBS prevented the decrease in peak acceleration for reaching‐to‐point movements during motor practice and at motor retention. Index finger abductions and arm reaching movements increased M1 excitability. Cerebellar cTBS decreased the motor evoked potential (MEP) facilitation induced by index finger movements, but increased the MEP facilitation after reaching‐to‐grasp and reaching‐to‐point movements. Cerebellar stimulation prevents motor retention for index finger abductions, reaching‐to‐grasp and reaching‐to‐point movements and degrades motor practice only for reaching‐to‐point movements. Cerebellar cTBS alters practice‐related changes in M1 excitability depending on how intensely the cerebellum contributes to the task. Changes in M1 excitability reflect mechanisms of homeostatic plasticity elicited by the interaction of an ‘exogenous’ (cTBS‐induced) and an ‘endogenous’ (motor practice‐induced) plasticity‐inducing protocol.
Astrocyte‐restricted disruption of connexin‐43 impairs neuronal plasticity in mouse barrel cortex
Authors: Han Yong , Yu Han‐xiao , Sun Man‐li , Wang Yiner , Xi Wang , Yu Yan‐qin
Published: October 2013

There is intensive gap‐junctional coupling between glial processes, but their significance in sensory functions remains unknown. Connexin‐43 (Cx43), a major component of astrocytic gap‐junction channels, is abundantly expressed in astrocytes. To investigate the role of Cx43‐mediated gap junctions between astrocytes in sensory functions, we generated Cx43 knockout (KO) mice with a mouse line carrying loxP sites flanking exon 2 of the Cx43 gene and the transgenic line expressing Cre recombinase under control of the glial fibrillary acidic protein promoter, which exhibited a significant loss of Cx43 in astrocytes in the barrel cortex. Although Cx43 expression between the astrocytes measured by immunohistochemistry was virtually abolished in Cx43 KO mice, they had normal architecture in the barrel cortex but the intensity of cytochrome oxide histochemistry decreased significantly. In vivo electrophysiological analysis revealed that the long‐term potentiation of the vibrissal evoked responses in the barrel cortex evoked by high‐frequency rhythmic vibrissal stimuli (100 Hz, 1 s) was abolished in Cx43 KO mice. Current source density analysis also revealed that astrocytic Cx43 was important to the flow of excitation within the laminar connections in barrel cortex. Behavioral tests showed that the ability of Cx43 KO mice to sense the environment with their whiskers decreased. Even so, the jump‐stand experiment showed that they could still discriminate rough from smooth surfaces. Our findings suggest that Cx43‐mediated gap‐junctional coupling between astrocytes is important in the neuron–glia interactions required for whisker‐related sensory functions and plasticity.
Giants' shoulders 15 years later: lessons, challenges and guidelines in fisheries meta‐analysis
Authors: Thorson James T , Cope Jason M , Kleisner Kristin M , Samhouri Jameal F , Shelton Andrew O , Ward Eric J
Published: October 2013

Meta‐analysis has been an integral tool for fisheries researchers since the late 1990s. However, there remain few guidelines for the design, implementation or interpretation of meta‐analyses in the field of fisheries. Here, we provide the necessary background for readers, authors and reviewers, including a brief history of the use of meta‐analysis in fisheries, an overview of common model types and distinctions, and examples of different goals that can be achieved using meta‐analysis. We outline the primary challenges in implementing meta‐analyses, including difficulties in discriminating between alternative hypotheses that can explain the data with equal plausibility, the importance of validating results using multiple lines of evidence, the trade‐off between complexity and sample size and problems associated with the use of model output. For each of these challenges, we also provide suggestions, such as the use of propensity scores for dealing with selection bias and the use of covariates to control for confounding effects. These challenges are then illustrated with examples from diverse subfields of fisheries, including (i) the analysis of the stock–recruit relationship, (ii) fisheries management, rebuilding and population viability, (iii) habitat‐specific vital rates, (iv) life‐history theory and (v) the evaluation of marine reserves. We conclude with our reasons for believing that meta‐analysis will continue to grow in importance for these and many other research goals in fisheries science and argue that standards of practice are therefore essential.
Bounding the vision of a Single European Sky
Authors: Lawless Christopher
Published: October 2013

This commentary focuses on the challenges facing the implementation of the Single European Sky (SES) initiative. Intended to reduce the inefficiencies of air travel across the region, SES represents an attempt to transcend national systems of airspace management, replacing them with an organisationally and technologically integrated pan‐continental system. So far, however, outcomes have not fully matched the original vision of SES. In this commentary I consider how outcomes to date reflect tensions between technocratic visions on one hand, and political and economic interests on the other. In outlining these tensions, I demonstrate how SES represents a fruitful problematique for geographic inquiry.
Chronological and paleoceanographic constraints ofMiocene toPliocene ‘mud sea’ in theRyukyuIslands (southwesternJapan) based on calcareous nannofossil assemblages
Authors: Imai Ryo , Sato Tokiyuki , Iryu Yasufumi
Published: October 2013

TheCenozoic sedimentary succession inOkinawa‐jima, including the upperMiocene toPleistocene siliciclastic deposits (ShimajiriGroup) and thePleistocene reef to shelf deposits (RyukyuGroup), suggests a drastic paleoceanographic change from a ‘mud sea’ to a ‘coral sea.’ To delineate the paleoceanographic evolution of the mud sea, we quantified the stratigraphic distribution of the calcareous nannofossil assemblages from theShimajiriGroup in a 2119.49 m‐deep well (NanjoR1ExploratoryWell) drilled in southernOkinawa‐jima (RyukyuIslands, southwesternJapan). Four lateMiocene andPliocene datum planes were found in the studied interval: the first occurrence ofAmaurolithusspp. (7.42 Ma), the last occurrence ofDiscoaster quinqueramus(5.59 Ma), the first occurrence ofCeratolithus rugosus(5.12 Ma), and the last occurrence ofReticulofenestra pseudoumbilicus(3.70 Ma). The calcareous nannofossil assemblages from theTomigusukuFormation and the lower part of theYonabaruFormation are characterized by a lower total number of coccoliths and abundantSphenolithus abiesthat is associated, at times, with commonDiscoasterspp. Overall, these suggest the existence of oligotrophic conditions between 5.3 and >8.3 Ma. The total number of coccoliths increased and smallReticulofenestraspp. became more common in the middle part of theYonabaru Formation, suggesting that eutrophic conditions were present between 3.5 and 5.3 Ma. The rare occurrence of calcareous nannofossils in the upper part of theYonabaruFormation indicates a return to oligotrophic conditions at 3.5 Ma. Micropaleontological evidence suggests that these oceanographic changes were likely caused by local tectonic movement (shallowing of the sedimentary basin in which theShimajiriGroup was deposited).
Origins of Birimian (ca 2.2 Ga) mafic magmatism and the Paleoproterozoic ‘greenstone belt’ metallogeny: a review
Authors: Nyame Frank K.
Published: October 2013

The Birimian of the West African Craton is an important repository of Paleoproterozoic mafic magmatism, described by many workers as petrologically dominated by basaltic to andesitic rocks. In spite of extensive work done, opinions still differ on the origin and other salient features in these globally significant igneous rocks. Even less well understood is the relationship that may exist between the mafic rocks and prolific metalliferous deposits such as manganese and gold that are hosted in these rocks. This review suggests that the frequently observed association between mafic rocks and important mineral deposits may have far more genetic implications than previously envisaged.
Gender, Age, and Psychosocial Context of the Perception of Facial Esthetics
Authors: Tole Nikoleta , Lajnert Vlatka , Kovacevic Pavicic Daniela , Spalj Stjepan
Published: October 2013

Objective

To explore the effects of gender, age, and psychosocial context on the perception of facial esthetics.

Methods

The study included 1,444 Caucasian subjects aged 16 to 85 years. Two sets of color photographs illustrating 13 male and 13 female Caucasian facial type alterations, representing different skeletal and dentoalveolar components of sagittal maxillary–mandibular relationships, were used to estimate the facial profile attractiveness. The examinees graded the profiles based on a 0 to 10 numerical rating scale. The examinees graded the profiles of their own sex only from a social perspective, whereas opposite sex profiles were graded both from the social and emotional perspective separately.

Results

The perception of facial esthetics was found to be related to the gender, age, and psychosocial context of evaluation (p < 0.05). The most attractive profiles to men are the orthognathic female profile from the social perspective and the moderate bialveolar protrusion from the emotional perspective. The most attractive profile to women is the orthognathic male profile, when graded from the social aspect, and the mild bialveolar retrusion when graded from the emotional aspect. The age increase of the assessor results in a higher attractiveness grade.

Conclusions

When planning treatment that modifies the facial profile, the clinician should bear in mind that the perception of facial profile esthetics is a complex phenomenon influenced by biopsychosocial factors.

Clinical Significance

This study allows a better understanding of the concept of perception of facial esthetics that includes gender, age, and psychosocial context.
The GAFa domain of phosphodiesterase‐6 contains a rod outer segment localization signal
Authors: Cheguru Pallavi , Zhang Zhongming , Artemyev Nikolai O.
Published: October 2013

Photoreceptor phosphodiesterase‐6 (PDE6) is a peripheral membrane protein synthesized in the inner segment of photoreceptor cells. Newly synthesized PDE6 is transported to the outer segment (OS) where it serves as a key effector enzyme in the phototransduction cascade. Proper localization of PDE6 in photoreceptors is critically important to the function and survival of photoreceptor cells. The mechanism of PDE6 transport to the OS remains largely unknown. In this study, we investigated potential OS targeting signals of PDE6 by constructing cGMP‐binding, cGMP‐specific phosphodiesterase‐5/PDE6 chimeric proteins and analyzing their localization in rods of transgenic Xenopus laevis. We found that efficient OS localization of chimeric isoprenylated PDE enzymes required the presence of a targeting motif within the PDE6 GAFa domain. Furthermore, the GAFa‐dependent localization signal was sufficient to target GAFa fusion protein to the OS. Our results support the idea that effective trafficking of the peripheral membrane proteins to the OS of photoreceptor cells requires a sorting/targeting motif in addition to a membrane‐binding signal.

image

Trafficking of phosphodiesterase 6 (PDE6), the key phototransduction enzyme, was analyzed in rods of transgenic X. laevis by constructing transgenes for rod‐specific expression of chimeric PDE6/PDE5 proteins. Analysis of localization of chimeric PDE proteins reveals a novel GAFa domain–dependent targeting signal involved in proper trafficking of PDE6 to the rod outer segment.
Neuronal cytoskeleton in synaptic plasticity and regeneration
Authors: Gordon‐Weeks Phillip R. , Fournier Alyson E.
Published: October 2013

During development, dynamic changes in the axonal growth cone and dendrite are necessary for exploratory movements underlying initial axo‐dendritic contact and ultimately the formation of a functional synapse. In the adult central nervous system, an impressive degree of plasticity is retained through morphological and molecular rearrangements in the pre‐ and post‐synaptic compartments that underlie the strengthening or weakening of synaptic pathways. Plasticity is regulated by the interplay of permissive and inhibitory extracellular cues, which signal through receptors at the synapse to regulate the closure of critical periods of developmental plasticity as well as by acute changes in plasticity in response to experience and activity in the adult. The molecular underpinnings of synaptic plasticity are actively studied and it is clear that the cytoskeleton is a key substrate for many cues that affect plasticity. Many of the cues that restrict synaptic plasticity exhibit residual activity in the injured adult CNS and restrict regenerative growth by targeting the cytoskeleton. Here, we review some of the latest insights into how cytoskeletal remodeling affects neuronal plasticity and discuss how the cytoskeleton is being targeted in an effort to promote plasticity and repair following traumatic injury in the central nervous system.
Comparison between placental gene expression of 11β‐hydroxysteroid dehydrogenases and infantile growth at 10 months of age
Authors: Muramatsu‐Kato Keiko , Itoh Hiroaki , Kobayashi‐Kohmura Yukiko , Murakami Hirotake , Uchida Toshiyuki , Suzuki Kazunao , Sugihara Kazuhiro , Kanayama Naohiro , Tsuchiya Kenji J. , Takei Nori ,   Hamamatsu Birth Cohort (HBC) Study Team
Published: October 2013

Aim

The local expression of two isoenzymes of 11β‐hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase, type 1 (11βHSD‐1) and type 2 (11βHSD‐2), regulates the access of glucocorticoid hormones to their target cells. Reports on the association between the placental expression of 11βHSD and infantile growth are limited. The aim of the present study was to investigate if the placental gene expression of 11βHSD affects infantile growth at 10 months of age.

Methods

Placentas and umbilical venous cord blood were obtained from 42 singleton cases of cesarean deliveries between 31 and 40 weeks of gestation at Hamamatsu University Hospital between March 2009 and June 2010. The gene expression of both 11βHSD‐1 and 11βHSD‐2 was measured by quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction. Adiponectin and leptin levels in umbilical cord blood were measured using enzyme‐linked immunoassay.

Results

11βHSD‐1 and 11βHSD‐2 gene expression in human placentas did not correlate with bodyweight or the ponderal index (PI) at 10 months of age, whereas the gene expression of 11βHSD‐1, but not 11βHSD‐2, correlated with birthweight as well as PI at birth. Adiponectin levels in umbilical cord blood significantly correlated with the placental gene expression of 11βHSD‐1 as well as bodyweight and PI at 10 months of age, although no direct correlation was observed between them.

Conclusion

No direct correlation was observed between the placental gene expression of 11βHSD and infantile growth at 10 months of age. However, the placental gene expression of 11βHSD‐1 may be indirectly connected with infantile growth via adiponectin‐associated metabolic regulation represented by adiponectin levels in umbilical cord blood.
Potential impact of combined high‐ and low‐risk human papillomavirus infection on the progression of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia 2
Authors: Okadome Masao , Saito Toshiaki , Tanaka Hideyuki , Nogawa Takayoshi , Furuta Reiko , Watanabe Kayoko , Kita Tsunekazu , Yamamoto Kaichiro , Mikami Mikio , Takizawa Ken ,   Japanese Gynecologic Oncology Group (JGOG)
Published: October 2013

Aim

Few studies have examined the effect of combined low‐risk human papillomavirus (LR‐HPV) and high‐risk human papillomavirus (HR‐HPV) infection on the progression of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN)2 to CIN3. This multi‐institutional prospective cohort study investigated the risk of progression of CIN2 with various combinations of HR‐HPV and LR‐HPV infection.

Methods

Between January 2007 and May 2008, 122 women with CIN2 (aged 20–50 years) from 24 hospitals throughout Japan were enrolled in the study. Ninety‐three women were analyzed after a 2‐year follow‐up with cytology, colposcopy, HR‐HPV testing and HPV genotyping. Colposcopy‐directed biopsy was performed at entry and the end of this study, or when disease progression was suspected.

Results

Among 93 women with CIN2, 87 (93.5%) had HR‐HPV infection. Among these 87 cases, 24 (27.6%) progressed to CIN3 and 49 (56.3%) regressed. None of the six women with CIN2 without HR‐HPV infection progressed. The progression rate was significantly lower in women with combined HR‐HPV and LR‐HPV infection (3/28, 10.7%) than in those with HR‐HPV infection only (21/59, 35.6%; P = 0.016). Multivariate analyses showed that CIN2 progression in women with HR‐HPV infection was negatively associated with LR‐HPV co‐infection (hazard ratio = 0.152; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.042–0.553). CIN2 regression was positively associated with LR‐HPV co‐infection (odds ratio = 4.553; 95% CI = 1.378–15.039).

Conclusion

The risk of CIN2 progression is low in women with combined infection of HR‐HPV and LR‐HPV. The finding may be useful for management of women diagnosed with CIN2.
Expression of neuropeptide Y and pro‐opiomelanocortin in hypothalamic arcuate nucleus in 17α‐ethinyl estradiol‐induced intrahepatic cholestasis pregnant rat offspring
Authors: Shi Qingyun , Wang Jingjing , Yan Shi , Zhao Jin , Li Hongxia
Published: October 2013

Aim

The purpose of this study was to investigate the expression of neuropeptide Y (NPY) and pro‐opiomelanocortin (POMC) in the hypothalamic arcuate nucleus of intrahepatic cholestasis pregnant (ICP) offspring.

Methods

The model of ICP rats was established by injecting s.c. 17α‐ethinyl estradiol. The expression of NPY and POMC in female offspring was determined by quantitative real‐time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction, western blotting and immunohistochemistry at birthday and 6 months.

Results

ICP group offspring had lower bodyweight at birthday. ICP offspring were markedly heavier than control offspring after 6 months. mRNA and protein expression of NPY and POMC significantly increased at 6 months as compared with the birthday among control offspring. Among ICP offspring, mRNA and protein expression of NPY and POMC also were higher at 6 months than at birthday. The mRNA and protein expression of NPY were higher in ICP offspring than that of control offspring at birthday. The mRNA and protein expression of POMC were decreased in ICP offspring than that of control offspring. After 6 months, the mRNA expression and protein expression of NPY also were higher in ICP offspring than that of control offspring. The mRNA expression and protein expression of POMC also were decreased in ICP offspring than that of control offspring. The results were confirmed by immunohistochemistry.

Conclusion

ICP offspring demonstrated evidence of persistent appetite stimulation with significantly upregulated NPY expression and reduced POMC expression at birthday and 6 months. ICP offspring showed a hunger state and then gained weight.
Emergency cerclage versus expectant management for prolapsed fetal membranes: A retrospective, comparative study
Authors: Aoki Shigeru , Ohnuma Emi , Kurasawa Kentaro , Okuda Mika , Takahashi Tsuneo , Hirahara Fumiki
Published: October 2013

Aim

To compare outcomes after emergency cerclage versus expectant management for prolapsed fetal membranes in women with cervical incompetency.

Methods

The January 2000–December 2012 hospital database was analyzed to identify women managed for prolapsed fetal membranes who did not have premature rupture of membranes, clinically discernible chorioamnionitis, or treatment‐resistant uterine contractions from 15 to 26 weeks of gestation retrospectively. Durations of pregnancy prolongation and numbers of deliveries after 32 and 28 weeks were compared between women undergoing emergency cervical cerclage and those receiving expectant management.

Results

Fifteen of the 35 women underwent emergency cervical cerclage (‘cerclage group’), while the other 20 were managed expectantly (‘bedrest group’). In the cerclage group, median gestational ages at procedure and delivery times were 22.6 (15.9–26.1) and 32.4 (19.4–41.6) weeks, respectively. Median gestational ages on admission and at delivery in the bedrest group were 23.4 (21.1–26.4) and 26.0 (23.1–36.4) weeks, respectively. The median duration of pregnancy prolongation was 44 days (4–165) in the cerclage group and 12.5 days (2–93) in the bedrest group (P < 0.01). Numbers of deliveries after 28 and 32 weeks were both significantly higher in the cerclage than in the bedrest group (P < 0.05).

Conclusion

In women with prolapsed fetal membranes but no signs of infection or painful uterine contractions, emergency cervical cerclage prolonged pregnancy duration as compared with expectant management.
Control Rights Over Intellectual Property
Authors: Bhattacharya Sudipto , Guriev Sergei
Published: October 2013

We consider an incomplete contracting model of bilateral trade in intellectual property (IP) with sequential investments in its quality and with financial constraints. A financially‐constrained inventor invests in an idea which she then sells to a buyer. The buyer in turn invests in developing this idea into a marketable product. We propose a novel formulation of ex ante control rights of an IP buyer, over the financially‐constrained IP seller. We do not assume alienability of the inventor's ideas; the control right is defined as ex ante prescribed prohibition of ex interim financial contracting with third parties. We show that such an agreement strengthens the seller's ex ante incentives to invest in the quality of her product which is to be traded at the interim stage. The enforcement of this control right is credible, or renegotiation‐proof, only for the controlling buyer (a downstream user of the IP), and not for other potential partners of the seller, such as independent venture capitalists. We thereby obtain a rationale for a key role of Corporate Venturing in promoting innovative activities.
Inventors and Impostors: An Analysis of Patent Examination with Self‐Selection of Firms into R&D
Authors: Schuett Florian
Published: October 2013

I present a model in which firms differing in R&D productivity choose between ambitious research projects, which are socially desirable, and unambitious ones, which are socially undesirable. The patent office must decide how rigorously to examine applications, which affects the probability of weeding out bad applications but also how firms self‐select into R&D. I show that when a subset of firms is financially constrained, the patent office should examine their applications more rigorously. This generates a number of predictions that I test by exploiting the 1982 reform that introduced firm‐size dependent fees in the United States.
First Report of Leaf Blight Disease Caused by Fusarium verticillioides (Teleomorph Gibberella moniliformis) in Kentucky Bluegrass
Authors: Lee Jung Han , Oh Sojin , Kim Dong Soo , Kwak Youn‐Sig
Published: October 2013

Leaf blight symptom caused by Gibberella moniliformis was observed in the seedlings of Kentucky bluegrass (cv. Perfection) in Jinju, Korea, in January 2013. The symptoms first appeared as brown to yellow lesions on leaves, which later became white and bleached. The pathogen was isolated from turfgrass leaves and identified as G. moniliformis by using the internal transcribed spacer (ITS)1 and ITS4 sequences of rRNA. G. moniliformis was confirmed by a pathogenicity test, and the causal agent was reisolated from infected turfgrass.
The Impact of District Magnitude on Campaign Fundraising
Authors: Curry James M. , Herrnson Paul S. , Taylor Jeffrey A.
Published: October 2013

The number of legislators elected in a single district influences many aspects of state legislative elections. However, there is a dearth of research on how district magnitude influences campaign fundraising. We theorize that the greater competition for funds in multimember districts results in candidates raising less money and encourages them to be more entrepreneurial in their fundraising efforts. Specifically, we expect multimember district candidates to raise contributions from more diverse sets of interests than candidates in single‐member districts, raise more funds out of state, and create more unique financial constituencies. Using data on candidates for Maryland's House of Delegates in 2006 and 2010, we find support for our hypotheses.
Principal climatic and edaphic determinants of Culicoides biting midge abundance during the 2007–2008 bluetongue epidemic in the Netherlands, based on OVI light trap data
Authors: SCOLAMACCHIA F. , VAN DEN BROEK J. , MEISWINKEL R. , HEESTERBEEK J. A. P. , ELBERS A. R. W.
Published: October 2013

Palaearctic Culicoides midges (Diptera: Ceratopogonidae) represent a vital link in the northward advance of certain arboviral pathogens of livestock such as that caused by bluetongue virus. The effects of relevant ecological factors on weekly Culicoides vector abundances during the bluetongue virus serotype 8 epidemics in the Netherlands in 2007 and 2008 were quantified within a hurdle modelling framework. The relative role of meteorological parameters showed a broadly consistent association across species, with larger catches linked to temperature‐related variables and lower wind speed. Moreover, vector abundance was found to be influenced by edaphic factors, likely related to species‐specific breeding habitat preferences that differed markedly amongst some species. This is the first study on Culicoides vector species in the Netherlands identified during an entomological surveillance programme, in which an attempt is made to pinpoint the factors that influence midge abundance levels. In addition to providing key inputs into risk‐mitigating tools for midge‐borne pathogens and disease transmission models, the adoption of methods that explicitly address certain features of abundance datasets (frequent zero‐count observations and over‐dispersion) helped enhance the robustness of the ecological analysis.
The use of essential oils in veterinary ectoparasite control: a review
Authors: ELLSE L. , WALL R.
Published: October 2013

There is a growing body of evidence indicating the potential value of essential oils as control agents against a range of arthropod ectoparasites, particularly lice, mites and ticks. Toxicity has been demonstrated following immersion and physical contact with treated surfaces, as well as after exposure to the vapour of these oils; the last of these factors implies that there is a neurotoxic, rather than simply a mechanical, pathway in their mode of action. However, the volatile nature of essential oils suggests that their residual activity is likely to be short‐lived. A possible advantage of essential oils over conventional ectoparasite treatments may refer to their reported ovicidal efficacy, although it is unclear whether this results from neurotoxicity or mechanical suffocation. There are many difficulties in comparing the findings of existing studies of essential oil toxicity. One major issue is the wide variation among batches in the relative concentrations of oil constituents. A second issue concerns the fact that many experimental designs make it difficult to confirm that the effect seen is attributable to the oil; in many cases inappropriate controls mean that the effects of the excipient on mortality cannot be distinguished. Hence, it is important that an excipient‐only control is always included in these bioassays. Furthermore, in direct contact assays, when attempting to identify the toxicity pathway of the essential oil tested, it is important to include a hydrophobic control. Without this, it is impossible to distinguish simple mechanical effects from neurological or other cellular toxicity. The use of essential oils in the control of veterinary ectoparasites is an area which holds considerable potential for the future and research into their use is still at an early stage. More extensive field trials, the standardization of components, the standardization of extraction, the standardization of good experimental design, mammalian toxicology profiling and excipient development, as well as further investigation into the residual activities and shelf‐lives of these oils are all required to allow the full realization of their potential.
GENERAL EQUILIBRIUM ECOSYSTEM MODELING WITH ALTERNATIVE PREFERENCE SPECIFICATIONS
Authors: STRONG AARON , OLIVER MATTHEW E.
Published: October 2013

This paper reconciles two sets of literature with regard to the interactive ecological and economic impacts of invasive grass species and cattle stocking. We model cattle as optimal foragers, satiation foragers, and proportional foragers in order to understand the impact that each assumption imposes on predicted economic and ecological outcomes. Through this model sensitivity (as opposed to parameter sensitivity) analysis, we are able to identify three main drivers of plant invasions: exogenous forces such as climate change or nitrogen deposition, poor land management decisions, and a misalignment of incentives between cattle and ranchers even when ranchers behave optimally.
How do Migrants Choose Their Destination Country? An Analysis of Institutional Determinants
Authors: Geis Wido , Uebelmesser Silke , Werding Martin
Published: October 2013

We analyze the effects of socio‐economic and institutional determinants, especially labor‐market institutions and features of social protection systems, on migrants’ location choices. Based on micro‐data for France, Germany, the UK, and the USA, we study migration to one of these four countries using a multinomial choice framework. Our estimates confirm conventional results regarding wages, networks, and unemployment rates. In addition, we find that there are indications of “insider–outsider effects” for union coverage and unemployment benefits, while employment protection does not have a clear‐cut impact on migration. Good education and health systems tend to attract migrants, while generous pension systems deter them.
Export Spillovers of FDI on China's Domestic Firms
Authors: Chen Chunlai , Sheng Yu , Findlay Christopher
Published: October 2013

This paper examines the horizontal and vertical export spillovers of foreign direct investment (FDI) on China's manufacturing domestic firms by using firm‐level census data over the period of 2000–03. Based on a Heckman two‐step procedure combining first differencing and instrumental variable regression techniques, it is found that FDI has had a positive impact on the export value of domestic firms mainly through backward technology spillovers and a positive impact on the export‐to‐sales ratio of domestic firms through horizontal export‐related information spillovers. After decomposing FDI by different market orientation and domestic firms by different ownership, the paper finds that the positive impact on domestic firms' export values is mainly from the nonexporting and the exporting foreign‐invested enterprises while the positive impact on domestic firms' export‐to‐sales ratios is mainly from the high‐exporting foreign‐invested enterprises. Both types of export spillovers are mainly diffused to domestic non‐state‐owned enterprises.
A Win–Win–Win Tariff–Tax Reform under Imperfect Competition
Authors: Fujiwara Kenji
Published: October 2013

Taking into account non‐constant marginal costs, this paper considers the effects of a tariff cut combined with a consumption tax increase on welfare, government revenue, and market access. We show that welfare, government revenue, and market access can all improve with this policy reform under decreasing marginal costs. This result may provide a theoretical rationale for the above policy reform, which is guided by the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank.
Is Corporate Environmentalism Good for Domestic Welfare?
Authors: Jinji Naoto
Published: October 2013

Many private firms voluntarily care about the environment and declare that their products and production processes are environmentally friendly. This paper shows that corporate environmentalism may reduce the effectiveness of government policies. A simple third‐market trade model with strategic environmental and trade policy is employed, in which an environmentally conscious domestic firm competes with a profit‐maximizing foreign firm. It is shown that even if emission taxes and export subsidies are both available, corporate environmentalism may reduce domestic welfare when pollution is transboundary. In the realistic situation where export subsidies are prohibited, welfare may fall even if pollution is local.
The Effects of Trade Liberalization in a Vertical Structure
Authors: Liu Yao , Mukherjee Arijit
Published: October 2013

Despite the importance of international trade on intermediate goods, the literature did not pay much attention to this aspect in determining the effects of trade liberalization in the presence of a labor union. We take up this issue here and show the effects of trade liberalization on the final goods and/or the intermediate goods, where the domestic firm pays unionized wage and imports intermediate goods. We show that trade liberalization on the intermediate goods (final goods) increases (decreases) the unionized wage, labor union's utility and domestic profit. Trade liberalization on both the final goods and intermediate goods may either increase or decrease the domestic unionized wage, labor union's utility and domestic profit depending on the input coefficients and the initial tariff levels. Our qualitative results are robust with respect to the intermediate goods market structure, the pricing strategy of the intermediate goods producers and the union's objective function.
Technological Constraints, Firm Heterogeneity, and Location Choice of Multinational Enterprises
Authors: Nishiyama Hiroyuki , Yamaguchi Masao
Published: October 2013

This paper aims to examine the relationship between the location choices of multinational enterprises and their productivity considering the North–South differences in regard to technological constraints. We find that home firms with the highest level of productivity choose to undertake foreign direct investment (FDI) in the developed countries and they choose to export to, rather than do FDI in, developing countries. This result explains why not many high tech industries exist in developing countries. Using Japanese firm level data, we also confirm that Japanese high tech firms tend to undertake FDI in developed countries, but hesitate to invest in developing countries empirically.
Trade Liberalization and the Degree of Competition in International Duopoly
Authors: Ashournia Damoun , Svejstrup Hansen Per , Worm Hansen Jonas
Published: October 2013

This paper analyzes how a reduction in trade costs influences the possibility for firms to engage in international cartels, and hence how trade liberalization affects the degree of competition. We consider a particular intra‐industry trade model amended to allow for firms producing differentiated products. Our main finding is that trade liberalization may have an anti‐competitive effect. We find that there is no unique relation between a reduction in trade costs and the degree of competition. When products are differentiated, a lowering of trade costs is pro‐competitive if trade costs are initially high, but anti‐competitive if trade costs initially are low. Hence, trade policy is not necessarily a substitute for competition policy.
Phase‐shifting response to light in older adults
Authors: Kim Seong Jae , Benloucif Susan , Reid Kathryn Jean , Weintraub Sandra , Kennedy Nancy , Wolfe Lisa F. , Zee Phyllis C.
Published: October 2013

Key points

Ageing is characterized by changes in circadian rhythms.

Reduced light exposure or reduced responsiveness to light in older adults may contribute to age‐related circadian changes.

We hypothesized that the aged circadian clock would exhibit a decreased response to light at a lower intensity (2000 lux) but not to light at a higher intensity (8000 lux). Here, we assessed phase‐shifting responses to 2 h of broad‐spectrum white light at two different intensities in 29 healthy younger and 16 healthy older subjects.

Older subjects had a significantly earlier phase and lower amplitude of melatonin rhythm compared with younger subjects.

There was no evidence of age‐related changes in the magnitude or direction of phase shifts of melatonin midpoint in response to 2 h of broad‐spectrum white light at either 2000 lux or 8000 lux; this indicates that the acute phase‐shifting response to light is not significantly affected by age.

Abstract  Age‐related changes in circadian rhythms may contribute to the sleep disruption observed in older adults. A reduction in responsiveness to photic stimuli in the circadian timing system has been hypothesized as a possible reason for the advanced circadian phase in older adults. This project compared phase‐shifting responses to 2 h of broad‐spectrum white light at moderate and high intensities in younger and older adults. Subjects included 29 healthy young (25.1 ± 4.1 years; male to female ratio: 8: 21) and 16 healthy older (66.5 ± 6.0 years; male to female ratio: 5: 11) subjects, who participated in two 4‐night and 3‐day laboratory stays, separated by at least 3 weeks. Subjects were randomly assigned to one of three different time‐points, 8 h before (−8), 3 h before (−3) or 3 h after (+3) the core body temperature minimum (CBTmin) measured on the baseline night. For each condition, subjects were exposed in a randomized order to 2 h light pulses of two intensities (2000 lux and 8000 lux) during the two different laboratory stays. Phase shifts were analysed according to the time of melatonin midpoint on the nights before and after light exposure. Older subjects in this study showed an earlier baseline phase and lower amplitude of melatonin rhythm compared to younger subjects, but there was no evidence of age‐related changes in the magnitude or direction of phase shifts of melatonin midpoint in response to 2 h of light at either 2000 lux or 8000 lux. These results indicate that the acute phase‐shifting response to moderate‐ or high‐intensity broad spectrum light is not significantly affected by age.