bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Early origin of viviparity and multiple reversions to oviparity in squamate reptiles
Authors: Pyron R. Alexander , Burbrink Frank T.
Published: August 2013

Viviparity has putatively evolved 115 times in squamates (lizards and snakes), out of only ~ 140 origins in vertebrates, and is apparently related to colder climates and other factors such as body size. Viviparity apparently evolves from oviparity via egg‐retention, and such taxa may thus still have the machinery to produce thick‐shelled eggs. Parity mode is also associated with variable diversification rates in some groups. We reconstruct ancestral parity modes accounting for state‐dependent diversification in a large‐scale phylogenetic analysis, and find strong support for an early origin of viviparity at the base of Squamata, and a complex pattern of subsequent transitions. Viviparous lineages have higher rates of speciation and extinction, and greater species turnover through time. Viviparity is associated with lower environmental and body temperatures in lizards and amphisbaenians, but not female mass. These results suggest that parity mode is a labile trait that shifts frequently in response to ecological conditions.
Serum uric acid levels correlate with benign paroxysmal positional vertigo
Authors: Celikbilek A. , Gencer Z. K. , Saydam L. , Zararsiz G. , Tanik N. , Ozkiris M.
Published: August 2013

Background and purpose

Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) is a frequently encountered condition that can severely affect the quality of life. In this study, we aimed to assess the possible relations between serum uric acid (SUA) levels and BPPV.

Methods

Fifty patients with BPPV, and 40 age‐ and sex‐matched control subjects were enrolled in the study. All the patients and controls underwent a complete audio‐vestibular test battery including the Dix–Hallpike maneuver and supine roll test for posterior semicircular canal (PSC) and horizontal semicircular canal, respectively. Routine hematological and biochemical analyses were performed in both groups. In the BPPV group, measurements of SUA levels were repeated 1 month after the vertigo attack.

Results

The lipid profiles and SUA levels were higher in patients with BPPV than detected in controls (P < 0.05 and P < 0.001, respectively). Albumin and SUA values were independently associated with BPPV in multiple logistic regression models (P < 0.05 and P < 0.001, respectively). A cutoff value of 4 for SUA level with a sensitivity of 0.72 (0.58–0.84) and a specificity of 0.60 (0.43–0.75) was obtained in the receiver operating characteristic analyses. There was a significant decrement in SUA level 1 month after the vertigo attack compared with the values obtained during the attack (P < 0.001). Among the most involved type of BPPV (PSC BPPV), the right side was affected in 26 patients (57.8%) and the left side in 19 patients (42.2%). SUA levels did not differ statistically in patients with PSC BPPV for either the right or left sides (P > 0.05).

Conclusions

Elevated SUA is positively correlated with BPPV, requiring further efforts to clarify the exact mechanism.
Laryngeal fistula formation after laryngoplasty in two Warmblood mares
Authors: Bienert‐Zeit A. , Roetting A. , Reichert C. , Ohnesorge B.
Published: August 2013

Recurrent laryngeal neuropathy usually results in left‐sided laryngeal hemiparesis or hemiplegia and is one of the most common problems of the upper respiratory tract in equids. There are multiple methods of management, and the laryngoplasty procedure is still the most common surgical treatment. Different nonabsorbable suture materials and techniques are used for laryngoplasty. Post surgical complications are not uncommon. Of these complications, coughing is the most common. The following case report describes diagnosis and treatment of 2 horses with chronic coughing after laryngoplasty due to infection at the surgical site and laryngeal fistula formation. In both horses an elastic material (probably Lycra) had been used as part of the prosthesis implant. This material had deteriorated into multiple small pieces making removal difficult, and therefore use of this material for a laryngoplasty procedure should be avoided.
Selective proliferation of normal human melanocytes in vitro in the presence of phorbol ester and cholera toxin by Eisinger and Marko
Authors: Scott Glynis
Published: August 2013

Melanocytes are pigment producing cells that arise from the neural crest and migrate to the skin early in fetal development. The pigment that melanocytes synthesize, melanin, plays a critical role in protecting the skin from mutagenic ultraviolet irradiation. Melanocytes are also precursor cells for melanoma, a deadly form of skin cancer. Because melanocytes make up a minority population of cells in the epidermis they have been difficult to propagate in culture. The landmark paper by Eisinger and Marko, described below, was the first successful report of large scale propagation of pure cultures of melanocytes. This paper set the stage for an explosive growth in knowledge in the biology of human melanocytes and allowed scientists to begin dissecting the different oncogenic events involved in the transition of melanocytes to melanoma.
Hairless and the polyamine putrescine form a negative regulatory loop in the epidermis
Authors: Luke Courtney T. , Casta Alexandre , Kim Hyunmi , Christiano Angela M.
Published: August 2013

Hairless (HR) is a nuclear protein with corepressor activity that is highly expressed in the skin and hair follicle. Mutations in Hairless lead to hair loss accompanied by the appearance of papules (atrichia with papular lesions), and similar phenotypes appear when the key polyamine enzymes ornithine decarboxylase (ODC) and spermidine/spermine N1‐acetyltransferase (SSAT) are overexpressed. Both ODC and SSAT transgenic mice have elevated epidermal levels of putrescine, leading us to investigate the mechanistic link between putrescine and HR. We show here that HR and putrescine form a negative regulatory network, as epidermal ODC expression is elevated when HR is decreased and vice versa. We also show that the regulation of ODC by HR is dependent on the MYC superfamily of proteins, in particular MYC, MXI1 and MXD3. Furthermore, we found that elevated levels of putrescine lead to decreased HR expression, but that the SSAT‐TG phenotype is distinct from that found when HR is mutated. Transcriptional microarray analysis of putrescine‐treated primary human keratinocytes demonstrated differential regulation of genes involved in protein–protein interactions, nucleotide binding and transcription factor activity, suggesting that the putrescine‐HR negative regulatory loop may have a large impact on epidermal homeostasis and hair follicle cycling.
Cotton GhMPK6a negatively regulates osmotic tolerance and bacterial infection in transgenic Nicotiana benthamiana, and plays a pivotal role in development
Authors: Li Yuzhen , Zhang Liang , Wang Xiuling , Zhang Wei , Hao Lili , Chu Xiaoqian , Guo Xingqi
Published: August 2013

Mitogen‐activated protein kinase (MAPK) cascades play important roles in the perception of external signals and the generation of suitable responses. Cotton (Gossypium hirsutum) is an important fibre‐producing and oil‐producing crop worldwide. However, few MAPKs and their interaction partners have been functionally characterized in cotton. In the present study, the group A MAPK G. hirsutum (Gh)MPK6a was identified and characterized. GhMPK6a expression can be induced through multiple defence‐related signal molecules and abiotic and biotic stresses. The ectopic expression of GhMPK6a in Nicotiana benthamiana reduced drought and salt tolerance, with elevated malondialdehyde content, higher reactive oxygen species content and lower abscisic acid content than in wild‐type plants. Moreover, plants overexpressing GhMPK6a were sensitive to the bacterial pathogen Ralstonia solanacearum. Histochemical analysis of β‐glucuronidase activity revealed that GhMPK6a showed tissue‐specific expression during postgermination development, mixed bud differentiation, and pollination. Most importantly, GhMPK6a interacts with the upstream MAPK kinase GhMKK4, as shown by the use of yeast two‐hybrid and bimolecular fluorescence complementation systems, compensating for a deficiency of MAPK interaction partners in cotton crops. Taken together, these results suggest that GhMPK6a negatively regulates osmotic stress and bacterial infection, and plays an important role in developmental processes. These results provide useful information for elucidating the roles of MAPK cascades in cotton crops.

Structured digital abstract

GhMPK6a physically interacts with GhMPK4 by two hybrid (View interaction)

GhMPK6a and GhMPK4 physically interact by bimolecular fluorescence complementation (View interaction)
Strong spatial differentiation of N and P deficiency, primary productivity and community composition between Nyanza Gulf and Lake Victoria (Kenya, East Africa) and the implications for nutrient management
Authors: Gikuma‐Njuru P. , Guildford S. J. , Hecky R. E. , Kling H. J.
Published: August 2013

Study of phytoplankton nutrient status, biomass, productivity and species composition was carried out between March 2005 and March 2006, along a transect between north‐eastern open Lake Victoria and the large, shallow Nyanza Gulf in order to examine how the terrestrial run‐off can influence phytoplankton community and nutrient status and determine whether nutrient management of catchment run‐off has the potential to control the algal blooms in the gulf.

Hydrological and nutrient differences between the open lake and the gulf create a transition from P deficiency for phytoplankton within the gulf to nitrogen deficiency in open lake. The shallow and turbid gulf was continuously dominated by non‐nitrogen‐fixing filamentous and chroococcale colonial cyanobacteria, but seasonal stratification and deeper mixing depth in the open lake favoured diazotrophic cyanobacteria and diatoms.

Seston ratios and metabolic nutrient assays indicated the gulf to be sufficiently phosphorus deficient to impose P limitation on phytoplankton growth and biomass. In contrast, the open lake is not P deficient and is more likely to experience N deficiency that favours diazotrophic cyanobacteria. Because of high turbidity in the gulf, the euphotic zone is very shallow, limiting integral primary productivity compared to the less turbid open lake; high PAR extinction may also favour Microcystis blooms in the gulf.

Increased P loading into the gulf may translate to higher algal biomass, mainly of the bloom‐forming and potentially toxic cyanobacteria, and therefore, reduction in P loading into the gulf should be a management priority. However, a review of historical data indicates that the greatest change in water quality in the gulf is increased turbidity that reduces light availability and may limit algal growth more than P deficiency in years of high rainfall and river discharge.
Habitat heterogeneity and intraguild interactions modify distribution and injury rates in two coexisting genera of damselflies
Authors: Witt Jonathan W. , Forkner Rebecca E. , Kraus Richard T.
Published: August 2013

Sublethal effects of predation can affect both population and community structure. Despite this, little is known about how the frequency of injury varies in relation to habitat, aquatic community characteristics or between trophically similar, coexisting taxa.

In a tidal freshwater ecosystem, we first examined injuries (lamellar autotomy) of Enallagma and Ischnura damselfly larvae, which have unique behaviours and susceptibilities to predation, as a function of habitat type, body size and overall odonate density. We also examined relative abundance of these genera and potential anisopteran predators as a function of habitat type.

The frequency of injury to Enallagma was high when larvae were small and overall odonate density was high. For Ischnura, however, the frequency of injury depended on habitat and was high for small larvae in less disturbed habitats low on the shore. Ischnura were most frequently found in more disturbed habitats high on the shore, whereas Enallagma were more frequently found in less disturbed habitats low on the shore.

The relative importance of factors hypothesised to structure odonate communities varied between coexisting Enallagma and Ischnura. Distinctive distributions and patterns of injury for each genus provided new insights on the potential for intraguild interactions to modify habitat associations in tidal freshwater ecosystems.
Synergistic and species‐specific effects of climate change and water colour on cyanobacterial toxicity and bloom formation
Authors: Ekvall Mattias K. , de la Calle Martin Javier , Faassen Elisabeth J. , Gustafsson Susanne , Lürling Miquel , Hansson Lars‐Anders
Published: August 2013

Cyanobacterial blooms are a worldwide phenomenon in both marine and freshwater ecosystems and are predicted to occur more frequently due to global climate change. However, our future water resources may also simultaneously suffer from other environmental threats such as elevated amounts of humic content and consequent increased water colour, a phenomenon called ‘brownification’.

In order to investigate the effects of temperature and water colour in combination, we performed a mesocosm experiment combining a 3 °C increase in temperature and a doubling in water colour. With this, we created a projected future scenario for our water resources, and we specifically focused on how these changes would affect cyanobacterial bloom formation and toxicity.

We showed that despite total cyanobacterial biomass remaining unaffected, the abundance of one individual cyanobacterial species, Microcystis botrys, increased in response to the combination of elevated temperature and increased water colour. Furthermore, population fluctuations in M. botrys explained the majority of the variations in microcystin concentrations, suggesting that this species was responsible for the more than 300% higher microcystin concentrations in the future scenario treatment compared to the ambient scenario. Hence, it was not a change in cyanobacterial biomass, but rather a species‐specific response that had the most profound impact on bloom toxicity.

We argue that understanding such species‐specific responses to multiple stressors is crucial for proper management decisions because toxic blooms can significantly affect both biodiversity and ecosystem functioning, as well as ecosystem services such as drinking water supply and recreation.
Prevalence of minimal hepatic encephalopathy and quality of life in patients with decompensated cirrhosis
Authors: Mina Aline , Moran Segundo , Ortiz‐Olvera Nayeli , Mera Robertino , Uribe Misael
Published: August 2013

Aim

Minimal hepatic encephalopathy (MHE) affects more than 30% of patients with cirrhosis, and it has been suggested that despite no recognizable clinical symptoms of neurological abnormalities, it may affect health‐related quality of life (HRQL); however, this fact remains controversial. The aim of our study was to evaluate the prevalence of MHE and HRQL in patients diagnosed with decompensated cirrhosis.

Methods

Patients with liver cirrhosis were selected independent of the etiology of the disease. All patients underwent a complete clinical history, and only patients with decompensated hepatic cirrhosis were included. Psychometric tests were applied to evaluate the presence of MHE along with the Chronic Liver Disease Questionnaire. Appetite was measured by verbal and visual analog scales.

Results

One hundred and twenty‐five patients were included with a median age of 56.0 years. They were classified according to the Child–Pugh index as A, (n = 56), B, (n = 51) and C (n = 18). Prevalence of MHE was 44.0% (n = 55). In patients with MHE, a significant reduction was observed in domains of activity (3.3 [2.0] vs 4.8 [2.8]), fatigue (3.2 [2.0] vs 3.9 [2.3]), systemic symptoms (3.8 [2.0] vs 4.8 [1.7]), emotional function (3.6 [1.9] vs 4.0 [1.9]) and global scoring (3.7 [1.7] vs 4.3 [1.8]) when compared with non‐MHE patients (n = 70). Twenty‐two percent of the patients with MHE reported little appetite compared with 11% in the non‐MHE group.

Conclusion

The results suggest that MHE and a reduction in appetite are associated with deterioration in HRQL in patients with decompensated cirrhosis.
Synthesis of High‐Temperature‐Stable TiO2 and its Application on Ag+‐Activated Ceramic Tile
Authors: Gurbuz Mevlut , Atay Burcak , Dogan Aydin
Published: August 2013

The main purpose of study was to provide a common synergy using Ag+‐doped calcium phosphate powder and high‐temperature‐stable TiO2 for antibacterial and photocatalytic tile applications. Thermally stable SiO2‐modified TiO2 active layer was deposited on Ag+‐activated ceramic tiles by spray coating. The results showed that a nearly 100% cleanability degree was detected for SiO2‐modified TiO2 (TS)‐coated antibacterial tiles when compared uncoated and unmodified TiO2‐coated tiles. Antibacterial tests and colorimetric analyses indicated that ceramic tiles provide both antibacterial and photocatalytic properties simultaneously.
Preparation of iron‐fortified rice using edible coating materials
Authors: Mridula D. , Pooja Jha
Published: August 2013

Iron‐fortified rice premix (IFRP) was prepared using soaking and spraying method followed by coating with hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose (HPMC), methyl cellulose (MC), combination of HPMC and MC, zein, palmitic acid (PA) and stearic acid (SA). Steaming caused a reduction in iron content in iron‐fortified rice premix than without steaming treatment. Iron content ranged from 1.33 to 7.11 and 1.61 to 4.49 mg g−1, respectively, in IFRP prepared using soaking and spraying method. Retention of iron in IFRP samples coated with 9% PA, 7% and 9% SA, and combination of HPMC and MC at 2% level, respectively, after washing twice with distilled water was similar (P > 0.05). Retention of iron in these coated IFRP ranged from 87.34% to 89.39% (P > 0.05) as compared to 39.12% in uncoated IFRP. Sensory acceptability indicated the scope for the production of IFRP by spraying of iron solution with iron content 20.1 mg mL−1, 180‐min tempering time and coating with 2% HPMC and MC followed by drying.
The nature of employability skills: empirical evidence from Singapore
Authors: Sung Johnny , Ng Michael Chi Man , Loke Fiona , Ramos Catherine
Published: August 2013

This paper concerns the changing nature of employability skills, moving from the original life skills or basic skills concepts to the increasingly work‐oriented interpretation. The early concept of employability skills linked employability skills to job readiness and holding down employment. However, the work‐oriented focus is increasingly linking the impact of employability skills to organizational (or performance) outcomes, which in turn are linked to workers' career mobility and wage gains. This paper makes use of recent skills utilization data in Singapore to map out the relationship between employability skills and mobility. It shows that employability skills in Singapore are increasingly job context related, going beyond just holding down a job. As such, mobility is likely to be influenced by the extent to which employability skills are shared between industries. Recognition of the context‐related nature of employability skills has led to the modification of workforce development training in Singapore in order to meet the needs for greater employability skills effectiveness through ‘contextualized’ training provision.
Employability development in the context of doctoral studies: systemic tensions and the views of key stakeholders
Authors: Golovushkina Elena , Milligan Colin
Published: August 2013

Although the employability of doctoral candidates has been a topic of much discussion, the views of key institutional stakeholders on the subject are little understood. In order to address this gap, this study explores the perceptions of doctoral candidates, supervisors and researcher developers through semi‐structured interviews. This small‐scale exploratory study adopted activity theory as an analytical lens in order to explore the key components of the employability development process and the tensions that might arise as a result of their interaction. Tensions identified relate to mismatches between the perceptions of key stakeholders and external requirements, drawbacks of employability development support as well as engagement of community members and low awareness of the rules that underpin the employability development process. The paper argues that in order for the employability agenda to be successful, it needs to become an integral part of the doctoral learning process.
Adolescent Friendships, BMI, and Physical Activity: Untangling Selection and Influence Through Longitudinal Social Network Analysis
Authors: Simpkins Sandra D. , Schaefer David R. , Price Chara D. , Vest Andrea E.
Published: August 2013

Bioecological theory suggests that adolescents’ health is a result of selection and socialization processes occurring between adolescents and their microsettings. This study examines the association between adolescents’ friends and health using a social network model and data from the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health (N = 1,896, mean age = 15.97 years). Results indicated evidence of friend influence on BMI and physical activity. Friendships were more likely among adolescents who engaged in greater physical activity and who were similar to one another in BMI and physical activity. These effects emerged after controlling for alternative friend selection factors, such as endogenous social network processes and propinquity through courses and activities. Some selection effects were moderated by gender, popularity, and reciprocity.
Dielectric Properties and Impedance Analysis of K0.5Na0.5NbO3–Ba2NaNb5O15 Ceramics with Good Dielectric Temperature Stability
Authors: Chen Xiuli , Wang Yiliang , Chen Jie , Zhou Huanfu , Fang Liang , Liu Laijun
Published: August 2013

(1−x)(K0.5Na0.5)NbO3–xBa2NaNb5O15 [(1−x)KNN–xBNN, 0 ≤ x ≤0.1] ceramics were prepared by solid‐state reaction method. X‐ray diffraction analysis of the ceramics revealed that the crystal structure changed from orthorhombic to rhombohedral with increasing BNN content. Dielectric measurement showed that the ceramics exhibited good dielectric temperature stability over a wide temperature range. Basic mechanisms of the conduction and relaxation processes have been investigated using impedance spectroscopy analyses. It was concluded that the conduction and relaxation processes were thermally activated and oxygen vacancies were the possible ionic charge carriers at higher temperatures.
Grain‐Boundary and Thermally Stimulated Current Characteristics of Y2O3‐Doped ZnO Varistor
Authors: Tu Youping , Zheng Zenghui , Li Xiao , Wang Qian , Luo Meixin
Published: August 2013

The doping of rare‐earth oxides can greatly improve the electrical characteristics ofZnOvaristors. Thermally stimulated current (TSC) characteristic test, capacitance voltage (C–V) characteristic test, scanning electron microscope (SEM) test, and voltage current (V–I) test were carried out to study the influence ofY2O3content on the electrical properties ofZnOvaristors in this study. The results show that the grain size decreases while the voltage gradient increases as theY2O3content is increased. The reaction ofY2O3with other additives leads to the decrease in grain‐boundary defects, which accounts for the decrement of barrier height, donor density, and surface state density. The trap level and trapped charge ofZnOvaristors decrease as theY2O3content is increased from 0.3 to 0.9 mol%, which means the shallow traps insideZnOvaristors reduce, and theY2O3additive can greatly improve theTSCcharacteristic ofZnOvaristors.
Assessment of Target Organ Damage in the Evaluation and Follow‐Up of Hypertensive Patients: Where Do We Stand?
Authors: Shlomai Gadi , Grassi Guido , Grossman Ehud , Mancia Giuseppe
Published: August 2013

Hypertension is associated with damage to the heart, kidneys, and vascular tree. Assessment of target organ damage (TOD) allows better prediction of cardiovascular risk than conventional risk assessment. Regression of TOD during antihypertensive treatment, which depends on the blood pressure (BP) reduction and the specific ancillary properties of each drug, may indirectly indicate that BP is well controlled. It is unclear whether regression of TOD during treatment is associated with favorable outcome and should be used as a surrogate endpoint. There is evidence that regression of left ventricular hypertrophy and albuminuria are associated with a favorable outcome. However, recent studies cast doubts on this evidence. Thus, assessment of TOD is important to define cardiovascular risk, but, so far, regression of TOD cannot be regarded as a major surrogate therapeutic target. The present paper will provide a critical overview of the data available in the literature.
Schooling and variation in the COMT gene: the devil is in the details
Authors: Campbell Daniel , Bick Johanna , Yrigollen Carolyn M. , Lee Maria , Joseph Antony , Chang Joseph T. , Grigorenko Elena L. ,   Learning Disabilities Project: Zambia
Published: August 2013

Background

Schooling is considered one of the major contributors to the development of intelligence within societies and individuals. Genetic variation might modulate the impact of schooling and explain, at least partially, the presence of individual differences in classrooms.

Method

We studied a sample of 1,502 children (mean age = 11.7 years) from Zambia. Approximately 57% of these children were enrolled in school, and the rest were not. To quantify genetic variation, we investigated a number of common polymorphisms in the catechol‐O‐methyltransferase (COMT) gene that controls the production of the protein thought to account for >60% of the dopamine degradation in the prefrontal cortex.

Results

Haplotype analyses generated results ranging from the presence to absence of significant interactions between a number of COMT haplotypes and indicators of schooling (i.e., in‐ vs. out‐of‐school and grade completed) in the prediction of nonverbal intelligence, depending on the parameter specification. However, an investigation of the distribution of corresponding p‐values suggested that these positive results were false.

Conclusions

Convincing evidence that the variation in the COMT gene is associated with individual differences in nonverbal intelligence either directly or through interactions with schooling was not found. p‐values produced by the method of testing for haplotype effects employed here may be sensitive to parameter settings, invalid under default settings, and should be checked for validity through simulation.
Comparative effect of topical silicone gel and topical tretinoin cream for the prevention of hypertrophic scar and keloid formation and the improvement of scars
Authors: Kwon S.Y. , Park S.D. , Park K.
Published: August 2013

Background

Numerous modalities have been used to treat keloids and hypertrophic scars; however, optimal treatment has not yet been established. Therefore, prevention is the mainstay. Recently, silicone gel and tretinoin cream have been shown to be useful for the prevention of hypertrophic scars and keloids. However, there has been no comparative study of the two topical agents thus far.

Objective

To determine and compare the effectiveness of silicone gel and tretinoin cream for the prevention of hypertrophic scars and keloids resulting from postoperative wounds and for scar improvement.

Method

This study included 26 patients with 44 different wounds. The postoperative wounds were divided into two treatment groups and one control group. The patients in the first and second treatment group applied silicone gel and tretinoin cream, respectively, twice a day on their wounds after their stitches were removed. In contrast, the control group patients did not apply anything. We used the Modified Vancouver Scar Scale to quantitatively examine the effectiveness of silicone gel and tretinoin cream just after stitches removal, and at 4, 8, 12 and 24 weeks after removal of the stitches.

Results

The silicone gel and tretinoin cream effectively prevented hypertrophic scars and keloids and improved scar effects in the two treatment groups compared with those in the control group. However, no significant difference was noted between the two treatment groups.

Conclusion

To prevent hypertrophic scars and keloids and improve scars after surgery, application of a silicone gel or a tretinoin cream to the wounds is needed.
Cephalic morphological variation in freshwater silversides Odontesthes hatcheri and Odontesthes bonariensis in Patagonia: introgression and ecological relationships
Authors: Crichigno S. , Conte‐Grand C. , Battini M. , Cussac V.
Published: August 2013

Based on geometric morphometrics and discriminant analysis, the percentage of silverside Odontesthes hatcheri and Odontesthes bonariensis individuals identified by a taxonomic key and misclassified by discriminant analysis was obtained and a negative correlation between the percentage of misclassified individuals of O. hatcheri and the distance to the nearest hatchery stocking silversides was found, suggesting a genetic introgression. Morphological analyses between species, between populations and within populations pointed to the same anatomical structures, suggesting a nested variation related to environmental cues such as availability of littoral shelter. The dependence between the cephalic morphology of O. hatcheri and body size would be in agreement with the trophic niche shifts of the species. Introgression adds a new threat to the already observed decline of populations of O. hatcheri and suggests that this species deserves particular consideration in terms of conservation guidelines.
Revealing interdyad differences in naturally occurring staff reactions to challenging behaviour of clients with severe or profound intellectual disabilities by means of Clusterwise Hierarchical Classes Analysis (HICLAS)
Authors: Wilderjans T. F. , Lambrechts G. , Maes B. , Ceulemans E.
Published: August 2013

Background

Investigating interdyad (i.e. couples of a client and their usual caregiver) differences in naturally occurring patterns of staff reactions to challenging behaviour (e.g. self‐injurious, stereotyped and aggressive/destructive behaviour) of clients with severe or profound intellectual disabilities is important to optimise client–staff interactions. Most studies, however, fail to combine a naturalistic setup with a person‐level analysis, in that they do not involve a careful inspection of the interdyad differences and similarities.

Method

In this study, the recently proposed Clusterwise Hierarchical Classes Analysis (HICLAS) method is adopted and applied to data of in which video fragments (recorded in a naturalistic setting) of a client showing challenging behaviour and the staff reacting to it were analysed. In a Clusterwise HICLAS analysis, the staff–client dyads are grouped into a number of clusters and the prototypical behaviour–reaction patterns that are specific for each cluster (i.e. interdyad differences and similarities) are revealed.

Results

Clusterwise HICLAS discloses clear interdyad differences (and similarities) in the prototypical patterns of clients' challenging behaviour and the associated staff reactions, complementing and qualifying the results of earlier studies in which only general patterns were disclosed.

Conclusions

The usefulness and clinical relevance of Clusterwise HICLAS is demonstrated. In particular, Clusterwise HICLAS may capture idiosyncratic aspects of staff–client interactions, which may stimulate direct support workers to adopt person‐centred support practices that take the specific abilities of the client into account.
Estrogen receptor‐β regulates human tryptophan hydroxylase‐2 through an estrogen response element in the 5′ untranslated region
Authors: Hiroi Ryoko , Handa Robert J.
Published: August 2013

In the dorsal raphe nucleus, 17β‐estradiol (E2) increases the expression of the brain‐specific, rate‐limiting enzyme for serotonin biosynthesis, tryptophan hydroxylase‐2 (Tph2). Although estrogen receptor beta (ERβ) has been localized to Tph2 neurons, little is known about the transcriptional regulation of the Tph2 gene by estrogen. Since the ERβ agonist, diarylpropionitrile (DPN) also increases Tph2 expression, we tested the hypothesis that E2 regulates the Tph2 promoter through direct interactions with ERβ. A serotonergic cell line, B14, which endogenously expresses ERβ was transiently transfected with a fragment of the human TPH2 5′‐untranslated region (5′‐UTR) cloned into a luciferase reporter vector (TPH2‐luc). Treatment with E2 or DPN caused a dose‐dependent increase of TPH2‐luc activity. In contrast, E2 conjugated to bovine serum albumin, which is cell membrane impermeable, had no effect on TPH2‐luc activity. An estrogen receptor (ER) antagonist blocked E2 or DPN‐induced TPH2‐luc activity suggesting a classical ER mechanism. In silico analysis revealed an estrogen‐response element (ERE) half‐site located within the TPH2 5′‐UTR. Deletion and site‐directed mutation of this site abolished ligand‐induced TPH2‐luc activity. These results support the concept that there is a direct and functional interaction between E2:ERβ and the ERE half‐site of the TPH2 promoter to regulate Tph2 expression.

image

We illustrate a direct regulation of the TPH2 transcription by estradiol and ERβ via a newly identified ERE half‐site within the TPH2 promoter: (i) Estradiol‐ or an ERβ agonist‐induced TPH2 transcription was blocked by an ER antagonist, while (ii) membrane impermeable form of estradiol did not induce transcription. (iii) Deletion or mutation of the ERE half‐site abolished ligand‐induced TPH2 transcription.
Tuftsin signals through its receptor neuropilin‐1 via the transforming growth factor beta pathway
Authors: Nissen Jillian C. , Selwood David L. , Tsirka Stella E.
Published: August 2013

Tuftsin (Thr‐Lys‐Pro‐Arg) is a natural immunomodulating peptide found to stimulate phagocytosis in macrophages/microglia. Tuftsin binds to the receptor neuropilin‐1 (Nrp1) on the surface of cells. Nrp1 is a single‐pass transmembrane protein, but its intracellular C‐terminal domain is too small to signal independently. Instead, it associates with a variety of coreceptors. Despite its long history, the pathway through which tuftsin signals has not been described. To investigate this question, we employed various inhibitors to Nrp1's coreceptors to determine which route is responsible for tuftsin signaling. We use the inhibitor EG00229, which prevents tuftsin binding to Nrp1 on the surface of microglia and reverses the anti‐inflammatory M2 shift induced by tuftsin. Furthermore, we demonstrate that blockade of transforming growth factor beta (TGFβ) signaling via TβR1 disrupts the M2 shift similar to EG00229. We report that tuftsin promotes Smad3 phosphorylation and reduces Akt phosphorylation. Taken together, our data show that tuftsin signals through Nrp1 and the canonical TGFβ signaling pathway.

image

Despite the 40‐year history of the tetrapeptide tuftsin (TKPR), a macrophage and microglial activator, its mechanism of action has not been defined. Here, we report that the tuftsin‐mediated anti‐inflammatory M2 shift in microglia is caused specifically by tuftsin binding to the receptor neuropilin‐1 (Nrp1) and signaling through TGFβ receptor‐1, a coreceptor of Nrp1. We further show that tuftsin signals via the canonical TGFβ pathway and promotes TGFβ release from target cells.
Risk‐taking behaviours and beliefs about fertility in university students
Authors: Gungor Ilkay , Rathfisch Gulay , Kizilkaya Beji Nezihe , Yarar Makbule , Karamanoglu Fatma
Published: August 2013

Aims and objectives

To investigate the risk‐taking behaviours and beliefs about fertility among university students in Turkey.

Background

Young people are usually ignorant about reproductive health and engage in risky practices.

Design

A descriptive cross‐sectional study.

Methods

The convenience sample of the study was consisted of 1030 undergraduate students. Data were collected using a self‐administered question form, and students' reproductive health and lifestyle behaviours related with infertility, their beliefs about the risk factors and fertility myths were questioned.

Results

The mean age of the students was 20·4 (SD = 2) and ranged between the ages of 16–37. Sexual activity rate was higher among men and 47% of men had more than one sexual partner. Condom use rate was low among women. Underweight was more common among women, while overweight was seen more among men. Students mostly did not exercise regularly. Alcohol was not common, and the rates of smoking were 15% and 23% for women and men, respectively. Only 35–50% of students thought that smoking, alcohol, stress, sexually transmitted diseases, infections, pollution, chemicals, radiation and cancer treatment could be risk factors for fertility. Advanced age and obesity were seen as risk factors for women. Of the students, 50–65% believed that having more than one sexual partner, being underweight, high‐level exercise, excessive caffeine, chronic disease and medications could not have an effect on fertility. Women were more concerned about being infertile, and half of students believed that infertility is preventable.

Conclusion

Turkish university students have insufficient knowledge of reproductive health, and they have false beliefs that might affect their risk perception or views about fertility.

Relevance to clinical practice

Reproductive healthcare services for young adults should be made more widespread and accessible, and nurses, health providers and instructors should be supportive of them in these matters.
Investigating support needs for people living with heart disease
Authors: Pryor Tess , Page Karen , Patsamanis Harry , Jolly Kellie‐Ann
Published: August 2013

Aim and objectives

To identify the issues that required ongoing support for people who have completed a cardiac rehabilitation programme.

Background

Surviving a serious cardiac event is a stressful and traumatic experience, often resulting in major changes in a person's lifestyle, work, finances and family dynamics. Individuals who have experienced a cardiac event and completed a cardiac rehabilitation programme may require ongoing support. The issues requiring support are unclear.

Design

A qualitative, descriptive study.

Methods

Nine participants, who were at least four weeks postcompletion of a cardiac rehabilitation programme, were interviewed. Data were collected using semi‐structured interviews and analysed using thematic analysis.

Results

The participants in this project clearly articulated that informational, psychological and social supports were imperative in enabling recovery from a serious cardiac event. Even though participation in a cardiac rehabilitation programme is seen as being very valuable, there is a need for ongoing support to absorb shock, maintain lifestyle changes and navigate a new way of life.

Conclusions

This study highlights the gap in ongoing support for people postparticipation in cardiac rehabilitation programmes and the need for different levels of support during their recovery. Agencies such as Heart Foundation are well placed to facilitate connections between people living with heart disease and available support programmes and services. Initiatives that link individuals to community‐run, peer‐led support groups, walking and exercise programmes would be especially valuable.

Relevance to clinical practice

Individuals who have experienced an acute cardiac event need ongoing support across the recovery continuum. Consideration needs to be given to care models that address this need including exploring the potential of peer support.
Longitudinal association between serum urate and subclinical atherosclerosis: the Coronary Artery Risk Development in Young Adults (CARDIA) study
Authors: Wang H. , Jacobs D. R. , Gaffo A. L. , Gross M. D. , Goff D. C. , Carr J. J.
Published: August 2013

Objective

The aim of the present study was to determine whether serum urate (sUA) concentration is positively associated with subclinical atherosclerosis, independent of body mass index (BMI), amongst generally healthy adults.

Design and setting

The CARDIA study followed 5115 Black and White individuals aged 18–30 years in 1985–1986 (year 0). Subclinical atherosclerosis comprised coronary artery calcified plaque (CAC; years 15, 20 and 25), and maximum common carotid intima–media thickness (IMT; year 20). sUA (years 0, 10, 15 and 20) was modelled as gender‐specific quartiles that were pooled. Discrete‐time hazard regressions and generalized linear regressions were used for analyses.

Results

Mean sUA concentration was lower in women than in men and increased with age. Adjusting for demographic and lifestyle factors, the highest versus lowest quartile of sUA at year 0 was associated with a 44% [95% confidence interval (CI) 20%, 73%] greater risk of CAC progression from years 15 to 25 (Ptrend < 0.001), which was attenuated by adjustment for BMI at year 0 (Ptrend = 0.45). A stronger association was found between sUA at year 15 and CAC progression at year 20 or 25 (hazard ratio 2.07, 95% CI 1.66, 2.58 for the highest versus lowest sUA quartile Ptrend < 0.001), which was attenuated, but remained significant with additional adjustment for BMI at year 15 (Ptrend = 0.01). A greater increment in sUA concentration from year 0 to year 15, independent of change in BMI, was related to a higher risk of CAC progression (Ptrend < 0.001). Similar associations were found between sUA and IMT, but only in men.

Conclusion

sUA may be an early biomarker for subclinical atherosclerosis in young adults; starting in early middle age, sUA predicts subclinical atherosclerosis independently of BMI.
Status‐Based Influence Processes: The Role of Norm Salience in Contagion of Adolescent Risk Attitudes
Authors: Rambaran Ashwin J. , Dijkstra Jan Kornelis , Stark Tobias H.
Published: August 2013

This study examined whether classroom norms based on status explained between‐class variations in selection processes and particularly influence processes on adolescents’ risk attitudes in a sample of 1092 adolescents (age 12–13) across 47 classrooms. Based on the association between status (popularity) and risk attitudes (norm salience), it was hypothesized that risk attitudes would proliferate more via peer influence processes in classes with a more positive correlation between status and risk attitudes, compared with classes with a somewhat positive or neutral correlation. Results were in line with these expectations. These findings show that classroom norms based on status affect adolescents’ susceptibility to peer influence on risk attitudes in friendship networks, suggesting status‐based influence processes.
Selection, Deselection, and Socialization Processes of Happiness in Adolescent Friendship Networks
Authors: van Workum Nicole , Scholte Ron H. J. , Cillessen Antonius H. N. , Lodder Gerine M. A. , Giletta Matteo
Published: August 2013

This study investigated selection, deselection, and influence processes of happiness in adolescent friendship networks. Longitudinal data on friendship networks and happiness of 426 adolescents (M = 15.78, SD = 0.65) were analyzed, using stochastic actor‐based models. Although happiness similarity did not predict friendship formation (selection), happiness dissimilarity predicted friendship dissolution (deselection). In addition, adolescents influenced each other's happiness over time (influence). Our findings indicated that happiness influence can involve either increases or decreases in adolescent happiness, depending on the average level of happiness of their friends. The results highlighted that, in order to understand the development of adolescents’ happiness, it is important to examine the happiness of their friends.
Dynamic Social Networks and Physical Aggression: The Moderating Role of Gender and Social Status Among Peers
Authors: Rulison Kelly L. , Gest Scott D. , Loken Eric
Published: August 2013

We examined three interrelated questions: (1) Who selects physically aggressive friends? (2) Are physically aggressive adolescents influential? and (3) Who is susceptible to influence from these friends? Using stochastic actor‐based modeling, we tested our hypotheses using a sample of 480 adolescents (ages 11–13) who were followed across four assessments (fall and spring of 6th and 7th grade). After controlling for other factors that drive network and behavioral dynamics, we found that physically aggressive adolescents were attractive as friends, physically aggressive adolescents and girls were more likely to select physically aggressive friends, and peer‐rejected adolescents were less likely to select physically aggressive friends. There was an overall peer influence effect, but gender and social status were not significant moderators of influence.
Network–Behavior Dynamics
Authors: Veenstra René , Dijkstra Jan Kornelis , Steglich Christian , Van Zalk Maarten H. W.
Published: August 2013

Researchers have become increasingly interested in disentangling selection and influence processes. This literature review provides context for the special issue on network–behavior dynamics. It brings together important conceptual, methodological, and empirical contributions focusing on longitudinal social network modeling. First, an overview of mechanisms underlying selection and influence is given. After a description of the shortcomings of previous studies in this area, the stochastic actor‐based model is sketched; this is used in this special issue to examine network–behavior dynamics. The preconditions for such analyses are discussed, as are common model specification issues. Next, recent empirical advances in research on adolescence are discussed, focusing on new insights into moderating effects, initiation of behaviors, time heterogeneity, mediation effects, and negative ties.
Molecular Identification, Mycotoxin Production and Comparative Pathogenicity of Fusarium temperatum Isolated from Maize in China
Authors: Wang Jian‐Hua , Zhang Jing‐Bo , Li He‐Ping , Gong An‐Dong , Xue Sheng , Agboola Rebecca S. , Liao Yu‐Cai
Published: August 2013

A recently isolated Fusarium population from maize in Belgium was identified as a new species, Fusarium temperatum. From a survey of Fusarium species associated with maize ear rot in nineteen provinces in 2009 in China, ten strains isolated from Guizhou and Hubei provinces were identified as F. temperatum. Morphological and molecular phylogenetic analyses based on the DNA sequences of individual translation elongation factor 1‐alpha and β‐tubulin genes revealed that the recovered isolates produced macroconidia typical of four‐septate with a foot‐shaped basal cell and belonged to F. temperatum that is distinctly different from its most closely related species F. subglutinans and others within Gibberella fujikuroi complex species from maize. All the strains from this newly isolated species were able to infect maize and wheat in field, with higher pathogenicity on maize. Mycotoxin determination of maize grains infected by the strains under natural field condition by ultra‐high‐performance liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry and gas chromatography–mass spectrometry analyses showed that among fifteen mycotoxins assayed, two mycotoxins fumonisin B1 and B2 ranging from 9.26 to 166.89 μg/g were detected, with massively more FB2 mycotoxin (2.8‐ to 108.8‐fold) than FB1. This mycotoxin production profile is different from that of the Belgian population in which only fumonisin B1 was barely detected in one of eleven strains assayed. Comparative analyses of the F. temperatum and F. subglutinans strains showed that the highest fumonisin producers were present among the F. temperatum population, which were also the most pathogenic to maize. These results suggested a need for proper monitoring and controlling this species in the relevant maize‐growing regions.