bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An analysis of structure: biomass structure relationships for characteristic species of the western Kalahari, Botswana
Authors: Meyer Thoralf , D'Odorico Paolo , Okin Greg S. , Shugart Herman H. , Caylor Kelly K. , O'Donnell Frances C. , Bhattachan Abi , Dintwe Kebonyethata
Published: May 2013

Savannah ecosystems are important carbon stocks on the Earth, and their quantification is crucial for understanding the global impact of climate and land‐use changes in savannahs. The estimation of aboveground/belowground plant biomass requires tested allometric relationships that can be used to determine total plant biomass as a function of easy‐to‐measure morphological indicators. Despite recent advances in savannah ecology, research on allometric relations in savannahs remains confined to a few site‐specific studies where basal area is typically used as the main morphometric parameter with plant biomass. We investigate allometric relations at four sites along a 950‐km transect in the Kalahari across mean rainfall gradient 170 mm yr−1–550 mm yr−1. Using data from 342 harvested trees/shrubs, we relate basal area, height and crown diameter to aboveground biomass. These relationships are strongest in trees and weakest in small shrubs. Strong allometric relationships are also determined for morphologically similar groups of woody vegetation. We show that crown diameter can be used as an alternative to basal area in allometric relationships with plant biomass. This finding may enhance the ability to determine aboveground biomass over large areas using high‐resolution aerial or satellite imagery without requiring ground‐based measurements of basal area.
Pharmacological means of reducing human drug dependence: a selective and narrative review of the clinical literature
Authors: Lin Shih‐Ku
Published: May 2013

Substance abuse or addictive disorder is a global problem. A greater understanding of the associated changes in brain pathophysiology supports the notion that pharmacological treatments are part of the necessary treatment options. Craving is a core symptom of addictive disorder. It refers to a strong desire to use drugs again either to re‐experience positive effects or to diminish negative experiences. Currently there are a number of medicines that are effective in the treatment of addictive disorders. These medications can either be for substitution (same pharmacological effect as the abused substance) or anticraving (decrease the craving of the abused substance). In this MEDLNE based review, specific compounds (naltrexone, acamprosate, topiramate, disulfiram, baclofen, N‐acetylcysteine and bupropion) were selected that are known to diminish desire to use (anticraving effect) and that have been trialled for a number of different substance addictive disorders. Their therapeutic potential in clinical practice is discussed in light of their efficacy.
Implications of genome‐wide association studies in cancer therapeutics
Authors: Patel Jai N. , McLeod Howard L. , Innocenti Federico
Published: May 2013

Genome wide association studies (GWAS) provide an agnostic approach to identifying potential genetic variants associated with disease susceptibility, prognosis of survival and/or predictive of drug response. Although these techniques are costly and interpretation of study results is challenging, they do allow for a more unbiased interrogation of the entire genome, resulting in the discovery of novel genes and understanding of novel biological associations. This review will focus on the implications of GWAS in cancer therapy, in particular germ‐line mutations, including findings from major GWAS which have identified predictive genetic loci for clinical outcome and/or toxicity. Lessons and challenges in cancer GWAS are also discussed, including the need for functional analysis and replication, as well as future perspectives for biological and clinical utility. Given the large heterogeneity in response to cancer therapeutics, novel methods of identifying mechanisms and biology of variable drug response and ultimately treatment individualization will be indispensable.
Five‐year oncological outcomes of endoscopic extraperitoneal radical prostatectomy (EERPE) for prostate cancer: results from a medium‐volume UK centre
Authors: McNeill S. Alan , Good Daniel W. , Stewart Grant D. , Stolzenburg Jens‐Uwe
Published: May 2013

Objective

To determine the 5‐year oncological outcomes of endoscopic extraperitoneal radical prostatectomy (EERPE) from a medium‐volume centre, thereby providing much needed data on outcomes from the UK.

Patients and Methods

From January 2006 to January 2012, 575 patients underwent EERPE for localized prostate cancer, performed by a single surgeon who had completed a modular training programme.

Follow‐up was as per local hospital policy and data were collected in our prospective database.

A retrospective review of patient demographics, prostate‐specific antigen (PSA) levels, pathological T stages, Gleason scores, surgical margin status and biochemical recurrence (BCR) data was performed. BCR was defined as PSA >0.2 μg/L.

Results

The mean (range) patient age was 62 (40.3–76.5) years and the mean (range) follow‐up was 30 (12–72) months. The median (interquartile range [IQR]) operating time was 135 (120–170) min and the median (IQR) blood loss was 200 (100–250) mL.

Of the 575 patients, 135 (23.5%) had positive surgical margins (PSMs). The PSM rate for pT2 disease was 66/406 patients (16.3%) and for pT3 disease it was 68/168 patients (40.5%). Overall BCR‐free survival at 5‐years was 81.5%.

Multivariate Cox analysis showed that PSMs, Gleason score, D'Amico risk category and pT stage were independent predictors of BCR‐free survival.

Conclusions

This assessment of the oncological results of EERPE, which included the surgical learning curve, shows that the adoption of EERPE after mentored fellowship training translates into mid‐term oncological outcomes in line with those of retropubic/transperitoneal laparoscopic approaches and with large‐volume centres worldwide which have pioneered laparoscopic radical prostatectomy.

The study shows that EERPE in a medium‐volume second generation laparoscopic centre (that introduced EERPE after adequate training in pioneering centres) produces results with good 5‐year oncological outcomes, similar to those of other major series, for patients in the UK.
Latency, Biopolitics and the Reproductive Arena: An Alternative Masculinity in Ricardo Larraín's La frontera
Authors: THAKKAR AMIT
Published: May 2013

In the Chilean film La frontera (1991), the dissident Ramiro is condemned to internal exile (relegación) under Pinochet's regime. My reading of the film is informed by three theories: I argue that this punishment is an act of Johan Galtung's ‘structural violence’ against Ramiro's masculinity, that strategies of ‘hiding’ individual bodies for the sake of the ‘social body’ are relevant to biopolitics (Michel Foucault), and that La frontera exploits the formal potential of latency to reveal how Ramiro rebuilds his masculinity within what Raewyn Connell would term the ‘reproductive arena’. Ramiro's resulting, alternative masculinity represents a challenge for the reconstruction of post‐Pinochet Chile.
The Relative Importance of Fungal Infection, Conspecific Density and Environmental Heterogeneity for Seedling Survival in a Dominant Tropical Tree
Authors: Chanthorn Wirong , Caughlin Trevor , Dechkla Sukhum , Brockelman Warren Y.
Published: May 2013

A gap remains in our understanding of how host‐specific fungal pathogens impact negative density dependence (NDD). Here, we investigated survival ofCinnamomum subaveniumMiq. seedlings, the dominant canopy species in a seasonal tropical evergreen forest, Thailand. It is infected by a host‐specific fungus that is easily identifiable in the field. We quantified the effects of conspecific seedling and adult density on fungal infection and seedling survival over a wide range of environmental heterogeneity in elevation, understory vegetation and presence of forest gaps. Generalized linear mixed models (GLMMs) for seedling survival revealed that fungal infection significantly reduced survival and had the strongest effect on seedling survival as compared with conspecific density and environmental heterogeneity. Adult conspecific density was not, however, significantly correlated with the probability of infection, and conspecific seedling density was positively associated with increased infection only at high elevations. In contrast to infection, we found a significant positive correlation between conspecific seedling density and the probability of seedling survival. Consequently, our results demonstrate that fungal infection can have major impacts on seedling survival, but not in a manner consistent with localNDDeffects on seedlings, as assumed in the Janzen–Connell hypothesis. Our study provides an example of how quantifying the interaction between environmental heterogeneity and a host‐specific plant‐pathogen can yield unexpected insights into the dynamics of seedling populations. The combined effects of host‐specific pathogens and environmental heterogeneity on survival of dominant seedling species may ultimately provide a chance for rarer species to recruit.
“In the shadows of hierarchy”: Intergovernmental governance in Canada and the European Union
Authors: Bakvis Herman
Published: May 2013

The articles in this issue suggest that intergovernmental governance takes a different form in Canada and the EU, raising questions about the transference of practices and institutions from one to the other. In both systems, non‐hierarchical modes of governance provide coordination in social policy. Hierarchy also plays a role, though not in a manner that one might expect. In the EU, hierarchy is tempered by members' direct participation in policy formulation. In Canada, hierarchy is important, but within rather than between governments, resulting in executive dominance of the intergovernmental process at the expense of devolving power to civil society and sub‐provincial governments.
S100A9 promotes human lung fibroblast cells activation through receptor for advanced glycation end-product-mediated extracellular-regulated kinase 1/2, mitogen-activated protein-kinase and nuclear factor-κB-dependent pathways
Authors: Xu X , Chen H , Zhu X , Ma Y , Liu Q , Xue Y , Chu H , Wu W , Wang J , Zou H
Published: May 2013

S100A9 belongs to the S100 family of calcium-binding proteins and plays a key role in many inflammatory conditions. Recent studies have found that S100A9 was elevated significantly in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis patients, and might be a biomarker for fibrotic interstitial lung diseases. However, the exact function of S100A9 in pulmonary fibrosis needs further studies. We performed this study to investigate the effect of S100A9 on human embryo lung fibroblast (HLF) proliferation and production of cytokines and collagen, providing new insights into the possible mechanism. S100A9 promoted proliferation of fibroblasts and up-regulated expression of both proinflammatory cytokines interleukin (IL)-6, IL-8, IL-1β and collagen type III. S100A9 also induced HLF cells to produce α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) and receptor for advanced glycation end-product (RAGE). In addition, S100A9 caused a significant increase in extracellular-regulated kinase (ERK)1/2 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) phosphorylation, while the status of p38 and c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) phosphorylation remained unchanged. Treatment of cells with S100A9 also enhanced nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) activation. RAGE blocking antibody pretreatment inhibited the S100A9-induced cell proliferation, cytokine production and pathway phosphorylation. S100A9-mediated cell activation was suppressed significantly by ERK1/2 MAPK inhibitor and NF-κB inhibitor. In conclusion, S100A9 promoted HLF cell growth and induced cells to secret proinflammatory cytokines and collagen through RAGE signalling and activation of ERK1/2 MAPK and NF-κB pathways.
Conservation outside Protected Areas and the Effect of Human‐Dominated Landscapes on Stress Hormones in Savannah Elephants
Authors: AHLERING M. A. , MALDONADO J. E. , EGGERT L. S. , FLEISCHER R. C. , WESTERN D. , BROWN J. L.
Published: May 2013

Biodiversity conservation strategies are increasingly focused on regions outside national protected areas, where animals face numerous anthropogenic threats and must coexist with human settlements, livestock, and agriculture. The effects of these potential threats are not always clear, but they could have profound implications for population viability. We used savannah elephants (Loxodonta africana) as a case study to assess the physiological stress associated with living in a human‐livestock‐dominated landscape. We collected samples over two 3‐month periods in 2007 and 2008. We used fecal DNA to identify 96 individual elephants in a community conservation area (CCA) and measured fecal glucocorticoid metabolite (FGM) concentrations as a proxy for stress. The CCA is community Maasai land managed for livestock and wildlife. We compared the FGM concentrations from the CCA to FGM concentrations of 40 elephants in Amboseli National Park and 32 elephants in the Maasai Mara National Reserve, where human settlements and intense livestock grazing were absent. In the CCA, we found no significant individual differences in FGM concentrations among the elephants in 2007 (p = 0.312) or 2008 (p = 0.412) and no difference between years (p = 0.616). The elephants in the CCA had similar FGM concentrations to the Maasai Mara population, but Amboseli elephants had significantly lower FGM concentrations than those in either Maasai Mara or the CCA (Tukey pairwise test, p < 0.001), due primarily to females excreting significantly lower FGM relative to males (p = 0.025). In the CCA, there was no relation among female group size, average pairwise group relatedness, and average group FGM concentration. We found no clear evidence of chronic stress in elephants living on CCA communal land, which is encouraging for conservation strategies promoting the protection of animals living outside protected areas.

Conservación Fuera de Áreas Protegidas y el Efecto de Paisajes Dominados por Humanos sobre Hormonas del Estrés en Elefantes Africanos
Contrasts in Livelihoods and Protein Intake between Commercial and Subsistence Bushmeat Hunters in Two Villages on Bioko Island, Equatorial Guinea
Authors: VEGA MARÍA GRANDE , CARPINETTI BRUNO , DUARTE JESÚS , FA JULIA E.
Published: May 2013

Across West and Central Africa, wildlife provides a source of food and income. We investigated the relation between bushmeat hunting and household wealth and protein consumption in 2 rural communities in Bioko Island, Equatorial Guinea. One village was dedicated to commercial hunting, the other trapped game primarily for food. We tested whether commercial‐hunter households were nutritionally advantaged over subsistence‐hunter households due to their higher income from the bushmeat trade and greater access to wild‐animal protein. We conducted bushmeat‐offtake surveys in both villages (captures by hunters and carcasses arriving to each village). Mammals (including threatened primates: black colobus [Colobus satanas], Preussi's guenon [Allochrocebus preussi], and russet‐eared guenon [Cercopithecus erythrotis]), birds, and reptiles were hunted. The blue duiker (Philantomba monticola), giant pouched rat (Cricetomys emini), and brush‐tailed porcupine (Atherurus africanus) contributed almost all the animal biomass hunted, consumed, or sold in both villages. Monkeys and Ogilbyi's duikers (Cephalophus ogilbyi) were hunted only by commercial hunters. Commercial hunters generated a mean of US$2000/year from bushmeat sales. Households with commercial hunters were on average wealthier, generated more income, spent more money on nonessential goods, and bought more products they did not grow. By contrast, households with subsistence hunters spent less on market items, spent more on essential products, and grew more of their own food. Despite these differences, average consumption of vegetable protein and domestic meat and bushmeat protein did not differ between villages. Our results highlight the importance of understanding the socioeconomic and nutritional context of commercial and subsistence bushmeat hunting to correctly interpret ways of reducing their effects on threatened species and to enable the sustainable offtake of more productive taxa.

Contrastes en el Sustento y la Ingesta de Proteínas entre Carne de Caza de Subsistencia y Comercial en Dos Aldeas en Isla Bioko, Guinea Ecuatorial
THE EFFECT OF WELFARE ASSET RULES ON AUTO OWNERSHIP, EMPLOYMENT, AND WELFARE PARTICIPATION: A LONGITUDINAL ANALYSIS
Authors: RICE LORIEN , BANSAK CYNTHIA
Published: May 2013

This paper investigates how asset tests for welfare eligibility affect auto ownership, employment, and welfare participation for single mothers without a college degree. We combine longitudinal data from the 1996 Survey of Income and Program Participation with data on state‐level welfare program rules from the Urban Institute and data on state‐level controls to test whether these single mothers were more likely to (1) own a car, (2) be employed, and (3) be off of welfare, depending on the welfare asset rules instituted in their state. We find evidence that, taken as a group, the asset rules have a statistically significant effect on the probability of car ownership. Ordinary least squares results and cross‐sectional two‐stage least squares (2SLS) results using the asset rules to instrument for car ownership show a large, positive, statistically significant effect of car ownership on employment. However, in 2SLS models controlling for prior car ownership and prior employment, the asset instruments are weaker and we do not find an effect of car ownership on employment. Of significance for policy makers, we find that the asset rules do not have a statistically significant joint effect on welfare participation, even after addressing possible endogeneity. (JEL I38, J68, J08)
A Comparison of American and Nepalese Children's Concepts of Freedom of Choice and Social Constraint
Authors: Chernyak Nadia , Kushnir Tamar , Sullivan Katherine M. , Wang Qi
Published: May 2013

Recent work has shown that preschool‐aged children and adults understand freedom of choice regardless of culture, but that adults across cultures differ in perceiving social obligations as constraints on action. To investigate the development of these cultural differences and universalities, we interviewed school‐aged children (4–11) in Nepal and the United States regarding beliefs about people's freedom of choice and constraint to follow preferences, perform impossible acts, and break social obligations. Children across cultures and ages universally endorsed the choice to follow preferences but not to perform impossible acts. Age and culture effects also emerged: Young children in both cultures viewed social obligations as constraints on action, but American children did so less as they aged. These findings suggest that while basic notions of free choice are universal, recognitions of social obligations as constraints on action may be culturally learned.
Immune function assay (ImmuKnow) as a predictor of allograft rejection and infection in kidney transplantation
Authors: He Jun , Li Yang , Zhang Hui , Wei Xudong , Zheng Hao , Xu Chao , Bao Xiaojing , Yuan Xiaoni , Hou Jianquan
Published: May 2013

Background

The Cylex ImmuKnow (IK) assay provides a rapid and quantitative assessment of T‐cell‐mediated immune function. Studies have shown correlations between ImmuKnow assay and adverse events, such as immunosuppression and low or high calcineurin inhibitor trough levels. We investigated the correlation between IK changes and rejection or infection in kidney transplant patients and studied the potential application of the IK assays in optimizing individual immunosuppressive therapy.

Methods

ImmuKnow assay was used to determine dynamic intracellular ATP changes in CD4 cells in 193 samples from 42 kidney transplant patients and 25 healthy subjects. Patients were categorized into rejection, infection, and event‐free groups. The IK values were assayed and analyzed between kidney transplant patients and healthy controls.

Results

Most IK values fell between 200 and 599 ng/mL from pre‐transplantation to 30 months post‐transplantation. The mean IK values continuously increased throughout 30 months. Incidental allograft rejection patients had significantly higher IK values compared with the event‐free patients and controls. However, infection patients had significantly lower IK values. Seven days after treatment, IK values in rejection/infection patients were different compared with the values in autograft patients, and there was a significant correlation between calcineurin inhibitor (FK506) trough levels and IK values in rejection/infection patients. Serum creatinine levels in the rejection patients were significantly higher than those in the event‐free patients, and C‐reactive protein levels were significantly higher in the infection patients compared with the event‐free patients.

Conclusions

The IK assay combined with other biomarkers can be used to identify kidney transplant patients at high risk of rejection and infection.
Longitudinal Youth‐At‐Risk Study (LYRIKS): outreach strategies based on a community‐engaged framework
Authors: Mitter Natasha , Nah Guo Quan Ryan , Bong Yioe Ling , Lee Jimmy , Chong Siow‐Ann
Published: May 2013

Schizophrenia and psychoses are debilitating disorders often leading to serious functional impairments. Early detection efforts have shifted focus to the prodromal phase and the emphasis is now on individuals at risk of developing psychosis.

Aim

The Longitudinal Youth‐At‐Risk Study (LYRIKS) seeks to elucidate the biological markers of psychosis. This paper describes the application of a community‐engaged framework to the outreach strategies of LYRIKS. It describes the outreach goals, strategies used and their impact, as well as the various challenges faced by the research team and community partners.

Methods

The target population was defined. Community organizations having close ties with the target population were identified and approached for collaboration. These included educational and healthcare institutions, and government and welfare organizations. Strategies were categorized as active or passive. Active strategies included clinical screening and recruitment, workshops, roadshows and student internships. Passive strategies included utilizing print and social media.

Results

Three thousand three hundred twenty‐one youth were approached and 401 called the hotline to find out more about the study. Three thousand five hundred one were pre‐screened; 864 were further screened using the Comprehensive Assessment of At Risk Mental State. One hundred seventy‐eight and 346 were eventually recruited as subjects and controls, respectively.

Conclusions

Challenges encountered included differing priorities, maintaining collaborative relationships, stigmatization and inadequate understanding of the profile of at risk youth. Future community‐engaged research should be conducted more comprehensively to generate maximum benefits.
Odorant responsiveness of embryonic mouse olfactory sensory neurons expressing the odorant receptors S1 or MOR23
Authors: Lam Rebecca S. , Mombaerts Peter
Published: May 2013

The mammalian olfactory system has developed some functionality by the time of birth. There is behavioral and limited electrophysiological evidence for prenatal olfaction in various mammalian species. However, there have been no reports, in any mammalian species, of recordings from prenatal olfactory sensory neurons (OSNs) that express a given odorant receptor (OR) gene. Here we have performed patch‐clamp recordings from mouse OSNs that express the OR gene S1 or MOR23, using the odorous ligands 2‐phenylethyl alcohol or lyral, respectively. We found that, out of a combined total of 20 OSNs from embryos of these two strains at embryonic day (E)16.5 or later, all responded to a cognate odorous ligand. By contrast, none of six OSNs responded to the ligand at E14.5 or E15.5. The kinetics of the odorant‐evoked electrophysiological responses of prenatal OSNs are similar to those of postnatal OSNs. The S1 and MOR23 glomeruli in the olfactory bulb are formed postnatally, but the axon terminals of OSNs expressing these OR genes may be synaptically active in the olfactory bulb at embryonic stages. The upper limit of the acquisition of odorant responsiveness for S1 and MOR23 OSNs at E16.5 is consistent with the developmental expression patterns of components of the olfactory signaling pathway.
Kv7 potassium channel activation with ICA‐105665 reduces photoparoxysmal EEG responses in patients with epilepsy
Authors: Kasteleijn‐Nolst Trenité Dorotheé G. A. , Biton Victor , French Jacqueline A. , Abou‐Khalil Bassel , Rosenfeld William E. , Diventura Bree , Moore Elizabeth L. , Hetherington Seth V. , Rigdon Greg C.
Published: May 2013

Purpose

To assess the effects of ICA‐105665, an agonist of neuronal Kv7 potassium channels, on epileptiform EEG discharges, evoked by intermittent photic stimulation (IPS), the so‐called photoparoxysmal responses (PPRs) in patients with epilepsy.

Methods

Male and female patients aged 18–60 years with reproducible PPRs were eligible for enrollment. The study was conducted as a single‐blind, single‐dose, multiple‐cohort study. Four patients were enrolled in each of the first three cohorts. Six patients were enrolled in the fourth cohort and one patient was enrolled in the fifth cohort. PPR responses to 14 IPS frequencies (steps) were used to determine the standard photosensitivity range (SPR) following placebo on day 1 and ICA‐105665 on day 2. The SPR was quantified for three eye conditions (eyes closing, eyes closed, and eyes open), and the most sensitive condition was used for assessment of efficacy. A partial response was defined as a reduction in the SPR of at least three units at three separate time points following ICA‐105665 compared to the same time points following placebo with no time points with more than three units of increase. Complete suppression was defined by no PPRs in any eye condition at one or more time points.

Key Findings

Six individual patients participated in the first three cohorts (100, 200, and 400 mg). Six patients participated in the fourth cohort (500 mg), and one patient participated in the fifth cohort (600 mg). Decreases in SPR occurred in one patient at 100 mg, two patients receiving 400 mg ICA‐105665 (complete abolishment of SPR occurred in one patient at 400 mg), and in four of six patients receiving 500 mg. The most common adverse events (AEs) were those related to the nervous system, and dizziness appeared to be the first emerging AE. The single patient in the 600 mg cohort developed a brief generalized seizure within 1 h of dosing, leading to the discontinuation of additional patients at this dose, per the predefined protocol stopping rules.

Significance

ICA‐105665 reduced the SPR in patients at single doses of 100 (one of four), 400 (two of four), and 500 mg (four of six). This is the first assessment of the effects of activation of Kv7 potassium channels in the photosensitivity proof of concept model. The reduction of SPR in this patient population provides evidence of central nervous system (CNS) penetration by ICA‐105665, and preliminary evidence that engagement with neuronal Kv7 potassium channels has antiseizure effects.
Computational characterization of reflectance confocal microscopy features reveals potential for automated photoageing assessment
Authors: Raphael Anthony P. , Kelf Timothy A. , Wurm Elizabeth M. T. , Zvyagin Andrei V. , Soyer Hans Peter , Prow Tarl W.
Published: May 2013

Skin photoageing results from a combination of factors including ultraviolet (sun) exposure, leading to significant changes in skin morphology and composition. Conventional methods assessing the degree of photoageing, in particular histopathological assessment involve an invasive multistep process. Advances in microscopy have enabled a shift towards non‐invasive in vivo microscopy techniques such as reflectance confocal microscopy (RCM) in this context. Computational image analysis of RCM images has the potential to be of use in the non‐invasive assessment of photoageing. In this report, we computationally characterized a clinical RCM data set from younger and older Caucasians with varying levels of photoageing. We identified several mathematical relationships that related to the degree of photoageing as assessed by conventional scoring approaches (clinical photography, SCINEXA and RCM). Furthermore, by combining the mathematical features into a single computational assessment score, we observed significant correlations with conventional RCM (P < 0.0001) and the other clinical assessment techniques.
The unintended consequences of simplifying the sea: making the case for complexity
Authors: Howarth Leigh M , Roberts Callum M , Thurstan Ruth H , Stewart Bryce D
Published: May 2013

Many over‐exploited marine ecosystems worldwide have lost their natural populations of large predatory finfish and have become dominated by crustaceans and other invertebrates. Controversially, some of these simplified ecosystems have gone on to support highly successful invertebrate fisheries capable of generating more economic value than the fisheries they replaced. Such systems have been compared with those created by modern agriculture on land, in that existing ecosystems have been converted into those that maximize the production of target species. Here, we draw on a number of concepts and case‐studies to argue that this is highly risky. In many cases, the loss of large finfish has triggered dramatic ecosystem shifts to states that are both ecologically and economically undesirable, and difficult and expensive to reverse. In addition, we find that those stocks left remaining are unusually prone to collapse from disease, invasion, eutrophication and climate change. We therefore conclude that the transition from multispecies fisheries to simplified invertebrate fisheries is causing a global decline in biodiversity and is threatening global food security, rather than promoting it.
Magnesium alloy defectology AZ91D high‐pressure die cast and influence on the fatigue behaviour
Authors: Lorenzo M. , Alegre J. M. , Cuesta I. I.
Published: May 2013

The fatigue results of a high‐pressure die cast of AZ91D magnesium alloy revealed the presence of different types of casting defects, which account for the large scattering in the number of cycles until failure. In this paper, this magnesium alloy has been analysed, and in an effort to reproduce the same surface and material conditions exhibited in automotive service components, the fatigue test samples were manufactured using a die that employs the same casting process and equipment. To examine the fracture surface of all the fatigue tests, a scanning electron microscope was used, and the source of the failure, so as to relate fatigue life with casting defect type, was identified. Five casting defect types that influence the fatigue behaviour were observed and classified: (a) isolated pores (blowholes), (b) micro‐porosity areas, (c) circular shrinkage cavities associated with the contraction and geometry of the casted specimen, (d) surface burrs associated with the die‐casting mould and (e) the presence of oxides or inclusions.
Oral Proficiency Standards and Foreign Language Teacher Candidates: Current Findings and Future Research Directions
Authors: Glisan Eileen W. , Swender Elvira , Surface Eric A.
Published: May 2013

The renewed national focus on teacher quality and effectiveness has resulted in more rigorous standards that describe the knowledge and skills required of teacher candidates across all disciplines. In the area of foreign languages, three sets of professional standards address the oral proficiency of teachers in the target languages they teach across the career continuum. For teacher candidates, the ACTFL/NCATE Program Standards for the Preparation of Foreign Language Teachers (2002) establish minimum oral proficiency levels based on the ACTFL Proficiency Guidelines—Speaking (2012). Utilizing ACTFL Oral Proficiency Interview (OPI) data, this study examines to what extent candidates are attaining the ACTFL/NCATE Oral Proficiency Standard of Advanced Low in most languages or Intermediate High in Arabic, Chinese, Japanese, and Korean. Findings indicate that 54.8% of candidates attained the required standard between 2006 and 2012 and that significant differences emerged for language, year tested, and university program results. Further research that takes into account additional contextual information about candidates and programs will inform continuing professional dialogue about the oral proficiency of teacher candidates entering the profession.
Pea aphid promotes amino acid metabolism both in Medicago truncatula and bacteriocytes to favor aphid population growth under elevated CO2
Authors: Guo Huijuan , Sun Yucheng , Li Yuefei , Tong Bin , Harris Marvin , Zhu‐Salzman Keyan , Ge Feng
Published: May 2013

Rising atmospheric CO2 levels can dilute the nitrogen (N) resource in plant tissue, which is disadvantageous to many herbivorous insects. Aphids appear to be an exception that warrants further study. The effects of elevated CO2 (750 ppm vs. 390 ppm) were evaluated on N assimilation and transamination by two Medicago truncatula genotypes, a N‐fixing‐deficient mutant (dnf1) and its wild‐type control (Jemalong), with and without pea aphid (Acyrthosiphon pisum) infestation. Elevated CO2 increased population abundance and feeding efficiency of aphids fed on Jemalong, but reduced those on dnf1. Without aphid infestation, elevated CO2 increased photosynthetic rate, chlorophyll content, nodule number, biomass, and pod number for Jemalong, but only increased pod number and chlorophyll content for dnf1. Furthermore, aphid infested Jemalong plants had enhanced activities of N assimilation‐related enzymes (glutamine synthetase, Glutamate synthase) and transamination‐related enzymes (glutamate oxalate transaminase, glutamine phenylpyruvate transaminase), which presumably increased amino acid concentration in leaves and phloem sap under elevated CO2. In contrast, aphid infested dnf1 plants had decreased activities of N assimilation‐related enzymes and transmination‐related enzymes and amino acid concentrations under elevated CO2. Furthermore, elevated CO2 up‐regulated expression of genes relevant to amino acid metabolism in bacteriocytes of aphids associated with Jemalong, but down‐regulated those associated with dnf1. Our results suggest that pea aphids actively elicit host responses that promote amino acid metabolism in both the host plant and in its bacteriocytes to favor the population growth of the aphid under elevated CO2.
Unraveling environmental drivers of a recent increase in Swiss fungi fruiting
Authors: Büntgen Ulf , Peter Martina , Kauserud Håvard , Egli Simon
Published: May 2013

Disentangling biotic and abiotic drivers of wild mushroom fruiting is fraught with difficulties because mycelial growth is hidden belowground, symbiotic and saprotrophic supply strategies may interact, and myco‐ecological observations are often either discontinuous or too short. Here, we compiled and analyzed 115 417 weekly fungal fruit body counts from permanent Swiss inventories between 1975 and 2006. Mushroom fruiting exhibited an average autumnal delay of 12 days after 1991 compared with before, the annual number of fruit bodies increased from 1801 to 5414 and the mean species richness doubled from 10 to 20. Intra‐ and interannual coherency of symbiotic and saprotrophic mushroom fruiting, together with little agreement between mycorrhizal yield and tree growth suggests direct climate controls on fruit body formation of both nutritional modes. Our results contradict a previously reported declining of mushroom harvests and propose rethinking the conceptual role of symbiotic pathways in fungi‐host interaction. Moreover, this conceptual advancement may foster new cross‐disciplinary research avenues, and stimulate questions about possible amplifications of the global carbon cycle, as enhanced fungal production in moist mid‐latitude forests rises carbon cycling and thus increases greenhouse gas exchanges between terrestrial ecosystems and the atmosphere.
Vom Diskurs in der Enge zum Diskurs in die Weite: Hugo Loetschers Konzept der “Pluralen Heimat” als Schlüsselbegriff in der neueren Literatur der deutschsprachigen Schweiz
Authors: Dewulf Jeroen
Published: May 2013

Ziel dieses Aufsatzes ist eine kritische Auseinandersetzung mit der viel beachteten These Pia Reinachers in Je Suisse (2003), dass sich die jüngste Generation Deutschschweizer Autoren durch einen Mangel an Interesse für die eigene Nation von der älteren Generation unterscheidet. Gezeigt wird, dass diese These der Komplexität der neueren Literatur der deutschsprachigen Schweiz nicht gerecht wird. Mit Rücksicht auf den Band Diskurse in die Weite (2010), in dem Hugo Loetscher als Schlüsselfigur der Schweizer Nachkriegsliteratur positioniert wird, wird hier eine alternative These vorgeschlagen: die der “pluralen Heimat.” Ausgangspunkt dieser These ist, dass Loetschers Ansichten zu Identität und Heimat in der Tat richtunggebend für einen entscheidenden Wechsel im Umgang mit dem Thema Heimat in der deutschsprachigen Literatur der Schweiz waren.
Influence of Migraine and of Migraine Aura on Balance and Mobility – A Controlled Study
Authors: Carvalho Gabriela F. , Chaves Thais C. , Dach Fabíola , Pinheiro Carina F. , Gonçalves Maria C. , Florencio Lidiane L. , Ferreira Karen S. , Bigal Marcelo E. , Bevilaqua‐Grossi Débora
Published: May 2013

Background

Migraine, especially migraine with aura (MA), appears to be a risk factor for ischemic lesions in the posterior fossa. The clinical relevance of the lesions is uncertain. Accordingly, herein, we identified individuals with MA, migraine without aura (MO), and without migraine (controls) in order to investigate their balance and mobility.

Methods

Participants were selected among patients seen in an outpatient headache clinic. Controls had no history of headache. Balance was assessed by measuring the oscillation area using force plates and mobility was assessed with the Timed Up and Go test.

Results

Of 92 volunteers, 31 had MO (38 ± 10 years), 31 had MA (37 ± 8), and 30 were controls (33 ± 9). Subjects with MA had larger oscillation area (2.5 ± 1.4 cm2 and 3.7 ± 2.9 cm2) relative to those with MO (2.0 ± 1.7 cm2 and 2.1 ± 2.2 cm2, P = .02) and controls (1.5 ± 0.8 cm2 and 1.7 ± 1.2 cm2, P < .001) when standing in the bipodal position, respectively, with opened and closed eyes. MA was different with MO while standing in the unipodal position with eyes opened (right leg 6.7 ± 2.5 cm2 vs 4.9 ± 1.7 cm2, P = .002; left leg 6.5 ± 2.7 cm2 and 4.8 ± 1.4 cm2, P = .008). No differences were seen between MA and MO regarding the Timed Up and Go, although both groups were different than controls (8.5 seconds. and 6.5 seconds, P < .001; 8.2 and 6.5 seconds, P < .01, respectively). Dizziness symptoms happened in 25/31 (80%) of those with MA and 20/31 (65%) with MO, relative to 2/30 (6.5%) in controls (P < .0001 and P < .001).

Conclusion

Aura negatively affects static balance and mobility in individuals with migraine. Dizziness is a prevalent symptom in this population.
Effects of oral intake of hydrogen water on liver fibrogenesis in mice
Authors: Koyama Yukinori , Taura Kojiro , Hatano Etsuro , Tanabe Kazutaka , Yamamoto Gen , Nakamura Kojiro , Yamanaka Kenya , Kitamura Koji , Narita Masato , Nagata Hiromitsu , Yanagida Atsuko , Iida Taku , Iwaisako Keiko , Fujinawa Hikohito , Uemoto Shinji
Published: May 2013

Aim

Liver fibrosis is the universal consequence of chronic liver diseases. Sustained hepatocyte injury initiates an inflammatory response, thereby activating hepatic stellate cells, the principal fibrogenic cells in the liver. Reactive oxygen species are involved in liver injury and are a promising target for treating liver fibrosis. Hydrogen water is reported to have potential as a therapeutic tool for reactive oxygen species‐associated disorders. This study aimed to investigate the effects of hydrogen water on liver fibrogenesis and the mechanisms underlying these effects.

Methods

C57BL/6 mice were fed with hydrogen water or control water, and subjected to carbon tetrachloride, thioacetamide and bile duct ligation treatments to induce liver fibrosis. Hepatocytes and hepatic stellate cells were isolated from mice and cultured with or without hydrogen to test the effects of hydrogen on reactive oxygen species‐induced hepatocyte injuries or hepatic stellate cell activation.

Results

Oral intake of hydrogen water significantly suppressed liver fibrogenesis in the carbon tetrachloride and thioacetamide models, but these effects were not seen in the bile duct ligation model. Treatment of isolated hepatocyte with 1 μg/mL antimycin A generated hydroxyl radicals. Culturing in the hydrogen‐rich medium selectively suppressed the generation of hydroxyl radicals in hepatocytes and significantly suppressed hepatocyte death induced by antimycin A; however, it did not suppress hepatic stellate cell activation.

Conclusion

We conclude that hydrogen water protects hepatocytes from injury by scavenging hydroxyl radicals and thereby suppresses liver fibrogenesis in mice.
Omega‐3 fatty acid therapy reduces triglycerides and interleukin‐6 in hypertriglyeridemic HIV patients
Authors: Metkus TS , Timpone J , Leaf D , Goetz M Bidwell , Harris WS , Brown TT
Published: May 2013

Objectives

Cardiovascular disease and osteoporosis are common in HIV‐infected patients and residual systemic inflammation is thought to contribute to both of these disorders. We performed a randomized placebo‐controlled trial of omega‐3‐acid (O3A) ethyl esters in HIV‐infected patients with hypertriglyceridaemia, hypothesizing that O3A would decrease serum levels of triglycerides, markers of systemic inflammation, and markers of bone turnover.

Methods

HIV‐infected patients (n = 48 recruited at three sites) with CD4 count >200 cells/μL, suppressed viral load, and triglycerides >200 mg/dL were randomized to placebo or 3.6 g/d of O3A. Fasting lipid profiles and markers of inflammation and bone turnover were assessed at baseline and after 8 weeks of treatment.

Results

Baseline HIV status, lipid profile, bone metabolism and cardiovascular risk factors were similar between the groups. Inflammatory markers were similar between the treatment groups at baseline, except for interleukin (IL)‐6 and tumour necrosis factor (TNF)‐α, which were higher in the O3A group. The concentration of triglycerides in patients receiving O3A decreased by a median (interquartile range (IQR)) of −34 (−149, 9.5) mg/dL vs. a median increase of 46.5 (−51, 123) mg/dL in the placebo group (P = 0.01). The median percentage change in IL‐6 was greater in the O3A group compared with the placebo group [−39% (−63, 12%) vs. 29% (10, 177%), respectively; P = 0.006]. Similar results were observed for TNF‐α, but not other inflammatory or bone turnover markers.

Conclusions

O3A ethyl esters decreased the concentrations of triglycerides, IL‐6 and TNF‐α in patients with well‐controlled HIV infection and hypertriglyceridaemia. Larger studies are required to confirm these findings and investigate their clinical significance.
Accuracy of working length measurement: electronic apex locator versus cone‐beam computed tomography
Authors: Lucena C. , López J. M. , Martín J. A. , Robles V. , González‐Rodríguez M. P.
Published: May 2013

Aim

To compare the accuracy of working length (WL) determination using the Raypex 6® electronic apex locator and cone‐beam computed tomography (CBCT).

Methodology

A total of 150 extracted human teeth were decoronated and randomly assigned to five groups (n = 30). WL was measured with the Raypex 6® at both the ‘constriction’ and the ‘apex’ marks under dry conditions (group 1) or with 2.5% NaOCl, distilled water or Ultracain® (groups 2–4). The radiological WL (group 5) was calculated from bucco‐lingual and mesio‐distal CBCT sections. Differences between electronic, CBCT measurements and actual length (AL) were calculated. Positive and negative values, respectively, indicate measurements falling short or long of AL. Two‐way anova and the Bonferroni and Welch tests were used to compare mean differences amongst groups. The chi‐squared and Fisher's exact tests were used to compare percentages of precise, ±0.5 and ±1.0 mm of the AL measurements amongst the experimental groups. Statistical analysis was performed at α = 0.05.

Results

Mean differences with respect to AL ranged from 0.26 to −0.36 mm and from 0.05 to 0.18 mm, respectively, for the electronic measurements at the ‘constriction’ mark and ‘apex’ mark. CBCT measurements were an average of 0.59 mm shorter than AL. Percentages of electronic measurements falling within ±0.5 mm of the corresponding AL referred to the ‘apex’ mark were greater than at the ‘constriction’ mark, but the differences were only significant in group 4 (with Ultracain®). Percentages of CBCT measurements falling within ±0.5 mm of AL (46.7%) were significantly lower than electronic measurements, regardless of the condition of the root canal. In 30–38.5% of the measurements taken at the ‘apex’ mark and in 3.4–13.3% of those at the ‘constriction’ mark, the file tip extended beyond the foramen.

Conclusions

Electronic measurements were more reliable than CBCT scans for WL determination. The Raypex 6® was more accurate in locating the major foramen than the apical constriction under the experimental set‐up.
Effect of commercial enzymatic preparation with pectolytic activities on conventional extraction and ultrasound‐assisted extraction of oil from grape seed (Vitis vinifera L.)
Authors: Da Porto Carla , Decorti Deborha , Natolino Andrea
Published: May 2013

Conventional solvent extraction (CE) and ultrasound‐assisted extraction (UAE) in hexane for oil from untreated and enzyme‐treated grape seeds were investigated and compared. Among the output power tested (50, 100 and 150 W) in UAE on untreated seeds, UAE at 150 W for 30 min with liquid‐to‐solid ratio 8:1 (v/w) gave oil extraction yield comparable to CE (ca. 14% w/w) for 6 h with liquid‐to‐solid ratio 12:1 (v/w). CE and UAE at 150 W did not influence the fatty acid profiles of oil. CE oil was found to be the most oxidised. The enzymatic treatments (2, 4 and 6 g per 100 g seeds of Rapidase® Expression) prior to CE enhanced by 2.5% of the oil yield. Enzymatic treatments higher than 2 g per 100 g seeds increased relative value of some fatty acids both in CE and UAE. Enzymatic pretreatment from 2 to 4 g per 100 g seeds significantly improved some physicochemical parameters of oil quality when extracted by CE, but not by UAE.