bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Bergmann's rule across the equator: a case study in Cerdocyon thous (Canidae)
Authors: Martinez Pablo A. , Marti Dardo A. , Molina Wagner F. , Bidau Claudio J.
Published: April 2013

The variation in cranial size of the crab‐eating fox Cerdocyon thous was analysed in relation to latitude and several environmental variables throughout its distribution in South America.

We tested the existence of clines to determine whether this canid follows Bergmann's rule to the north and south of the Equator. Also, using niche modelling, we analysed whether the climatic changes during the last glaciation could have influenced Bergmann's rule in this species. We quantified the size of the cranium of C. thous (n = 300). The data were divided into two groups: (i) south of the Equator (n = 163) and (ii) north of the Equator (n = 137). We performed correlations, OLS regressions and simultaneous autoregressions to analyse the relationship between the variation in size and different geographic and environmental variables. Data of occurrence (n = 594) together with ambient variables from the present and the last glacial maximum (LGM) were used to predict the occurrence of C. thous with the implementation of the maximum entropy method. Present‐day and historical distribution maps were obtained.

The variation in the size of the cranium of C. thous showed two trends. In the south of Equator, we observed that the size of the skull shows an inverse relationship with temperature‐related variables and a positive one with precipitation, while in north of the Equator, we observed the opposite relationship. Populations south of the Equator follow Bergmann's rule showing increasing size with increasing latitude. To the north of the Equator, a non‐Bergmannian pattern occurs because size decreases with increasing latitude.

Niche modelling showed two present‐day groupings in South America, one north of Amazonia and the other south. However, for the period of the LGM, four groups emerged, possibly related to the four subspecies presently described for C. thous. Therefore, it is possible that the observed pattern – southern populations following Bergmann's rule while northern populations reflecting the opposite – has been influenced by the events that occurred during the LGM that could have led to the differentiation of populations.
Preface to Opicinus de Canistris: concluding lecture by C.G. Jung, Eranos, Ascona, 1943 and Further studies on Jung's Eranos seminar on Opicinus de Canistris
Authors: Bernardini Riccardo , Quaglino Gian Piero , Romano Augusto
Published: April 2013

In 1943, Jung held a seminar at Eranos for a limited number of students dedicated to ‘solar myths’, which were exemplified specifically in the cartographic art of Opicinus de Canistris (c. 1296–1352). This seminar has stayed out of print until a few years ago. Notes taken during the seminar by one of Jung's students, Alwine von Keller (1878–1965), were discovered in the Eranos archives and published. Now, for the first time ever, the notes of another of his students, Rivkah Schärf Kluger, taken during the same seminar, are being published. This second series of notes are more extensive. They complete the first series by adding many features and so allow us to put together a more complete picture of Jung's seminar. James Hillman, who received these notes from William McGuire in 1976, firmly believed that they were important enough to be published. Now, seventy years after this seminar, thanks to the support of the Stiftung der Werke von C. G. Jung, the Eranos Foundation and the Journal of Analytical Psychology, these notes are finally being published.
Further studies on Jung's Eranos seminar on Opicinus de Canistris
Authors: Bernardini Riccardo , Quaglino Gian Piero , Romano Augusto
Published: April 2013

Translations of Preface

En 1943, Jung a tenu un séminaire à Eranos pour un nombre limité d'étudiants, sur les « mythes solaires », tels ceux qui sont plus particulièrement illustrés dans l'art cartographique d'Opicinus de Canistris (1296‐1352). Ce séminaire n'avait pas été édité jusqu'à ce que, il y a quelques années, les notes prises pendant ce séminaire par l'un des étudiants de Jung, Alwine von Keller (1878‐1965), furent découvertes dans les archives d'Eranos et publiées. Maintenant, pour la première fois, les notes d'un de ses autres étudiants, Rikvah Schärf Kluger, prises lors du même séminaire, sont publiées ici. Cette seconde série de notes est plus approfondie. Elle complète la première série, ajoutant de nombreux éléments, nous permettant de nous faire une idée plus complète du séminaire de Jung. James Hillman, qui avait reçu ces notes de William McGuire en 1976, avait la ferme conviction que les notes étaient suffisamment intéressantes pour être publiées. Aujourd'hui, grâce au soutien de la Stiftung der Werke von C.G. Jung, de la Fondation Eranos et du Journal of Analytical Psychology, ces notes sont enfin publiées. Suit un commentaire des conférences.
Microbial Succession and Metabolite Changes during Long‐Term Storage of Kimchi
Authors: Jeong Sang Hyeon , Lee Se Hee , Jung Ji Young , Choi Eun Jin , Jeon Che Ok
Published: April 2013

Kimchi is often stored for a long period of time for a diet during the winter season because it is an essential side dish for Korean meals. In this study pH, abundance of bacteria and yeasts, bacterial communities, and metabolites were monitored periodically to investigate the fermentation process of kimchi for 120 d. Bacterial abundance increased quickly with a pH decrease after an initial pH increase during the early fermentation period. After 20 d, pH values became relatively stable and free sugars were maintained at relatively constant levels, indicating that kimchi fermentation by lactic acid bacteria (LAB) was almost completed. After that time, a decrease in bacterial abundance and a growth in Saccharomyces occurred concurrently with increased free sugar consumption and production of glycerol and ethanol. Finally, after 100 d, the growth of Candida was observed. Community analysis using pyrosequencing revealed that diverse LAB including Leuconostoc citreum, Leuconostoc holzapfelii, Lactococcus lactis, and Weissella soli were present during the early fermentation period, but the LAB community was quickly replaced with Lactobacillus sakei, Leuconostoc gasicomitatum, and Weissella koreensis as the fermentation progressed. Metabolite analysis using 1H‐NMR showed that organic acids (lactate, acetate, and succinate) as well as bioactive substances (mannitol and gamma‐aminobutyric acid (GABA)) were produced during the kimchi fermentation, and Leuconostoc strains and Lactobacillus sakei were identified as the producers of mannitol and GABA, respectively.

Practical Application In this study, we have shown that the growth inhibition of yeasts including Saccharomyces and Candida is necessary to extend the shelf life of kimchi in long‐term storage. Additionally, we have shown that a mixed culture of Leuconostoc strains and Lactobacillus sakei is necessary to produce kimchi that contains both mannitol and gamma‐aminobutyric acid.
Glycoproteins in the Buccal Epithelium of a Carp, Cirrhinus mrigala (Pisces, Cyprinidae): A Histochemical Profile
Authors: Yashpal M. , Kumari U. , Mittal S. , Mittal A. K.
Published: April 2013

Glycoproteins (GPs) were visualized histochemically in the secretory cells – the mucous goblet cells (the type A and the type B), the rodlet cells and the epithelial cells in different regions of the buccal cavity of Cirrhinus mrigala. The type A mucous goblet cells, the type B mucous goblet cells, the rodlet cells and the epithelial cells elaborate GPs with oxidizable vicinal diols and GPs with sialic acid residue without O‐acyl substitution. The type A mucous goblet cells, in addition, contain moderate amounts of GPs with O‐sulphate esters. The type B mucous goblet cells, in contrast, contain high concentrations of GPs with O‐sulphate esters. The rodlet cells secrete small amounts of GPs with oxidizable vicinal diols. The analysis of the results elucidates interesting differences in the composition and concentration of GPs in the mucus elaborated by the secretory cells indicating the potential importance of the glycoproteins in the buccal cavity. These GPs could be considered to represent a mechanism for modulation of the composition of the protective mucus layer correlated to specific functions.
Psychological insights into Indonesian Islamic terrorism: The what, the how and the why of violent extremism
Authors: Kruglanski Arie W.
Published: April 2013

The three articles in this special section of the Asian Journal of Social Psychology illuminate several aspects of the psychology of Islamist Indonesian terrorists. This analysis partitions these into the contents (the what) of the terrorists' belief system, the motivational underpinnings (the why) of these beliefs, and the social process (the how), whereby motivational concerns are translated into ideological beliefs that, under conditions of utter commitment to ideological dictates, foster violent action. This discussion addresses the universal process of radicalization exemplified in the Indonesian case, and the unique ways in which it is manifested in this particular context.
Transgenesis of the Wolffian duct visualizes dynamic behavior of cells undergoing tubulogenesis in vivo
Authors: Atsuta Yuji , Tadokoro Ryosuke , Saito Daisuke , Takahashi Yoshiko
Published: April 2013

Deciphering how the tubulogenesis is regulated is an essential but unsolved issue in developmental biology. Here, using Wolffian duct (WD) formation in chicken embryos, we have developed a novel method that enables gene manipulation during tubulogenesis in vivo. Exploiting that WD arises from a defined site located anteriorly in the embryo (pronephric region), we targeted this region with the enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP) gene by the in ovo electroporation technique. EGFP‐positive signals were detected in a wide area of elongating WD, where transgenic cells formed an epithelial component in a mosaic manner. Time‐lapse live imaging analyses further revealed dynamic behavior of cells during WD elongation: some cells possessed numerous filopodia, and others exhibited cellular tails that repeated elongation and retraction. The retraction of the tail was precisely regulated by Rho activity via actin dynamics. When electroporated with the C3 gene, encoding Rho inhibitor, WD cells failed to contract their tails, resulting in an aberrantly elongated process. We further combined with the Tol2 transposon‐mediated gene transfer technique, and could trace EGFP‐positive cells at later stages in the ureteric bud sprouting from WD. This is the first demonstration that exogenous gene(s) can directly be introduced into elongating tubular structures in living amniote embryos. This method has opened a way to investigate how a complex tubulogenesis proceeds in higher vertebrates.
Optogenetic manipulation of neural and non‐neural functions
Authors: Yawo Hiromu , Asano Toshifumi , Sakai Seiichiro , Ishizuka Toru
Published: April 2013

Optogenetic manipulation of the neuronal activity enables one to analyze the neuronal network both in vivo and in vitro with precise spatio‐temporal resolution. Channelrhodopsins (ChRs) are light‐sensitive cation channels that depolarize the cell membrane, whereas halorhodopsins and archaerhodopsins are light‐sensitive Cl− and H+ transporters, respectively, that hyperpolarize it when exogenously expressed. The cause‐effect relationship between a neuron and its function in the brain is thus bi‐directionally investigated with evidence of necessity and sufficiency. In this review we discuss the potential of optogenetics with a focus on three major requirements for its application: (i) selection of the light‐sensitive proteins optimal for optogenetic investigation, (ii) targeted expression of these selected proteins in a specific group of neurons, and (iii) targeted irradiation with high spatiotemporal resolution. We also discuss recent progress in the application of optogenetics to studies of non‐neural cells such as glial cells, cardiac and skeletal myocytes. In combination with stem cell technology, optogenetics may be key to successful research using embryonic stem cells (ESCs) and induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) derived from human patients through optical regulation of differentiation‐maturation, through optical manipulation of tissue transplants and, furthermore, through facilitating survival and integration of transplants.
Bionomic notes onPachysomoidessp. (Hymenoptera: Ichneumonidae), a parasitoid of theNeotropical social waspPolistes satan Bequaert (Hymenoptera:Vespidae)
Authors: Kudô Kazuyuki , Komatsu Kazuma , Konishi Kazuhiko , Mateus Sidnei , Zucchi Ronaldo , Nascimento Fabio S.
Published: April 2013

Although most polistine wasp species are found in the Neotropical region, mainly inBrazil, only a very limited number ofSouthAmerican parasitoids or parasites are known to exist. We assessed the frequency of a hymenopterous parasitoid,Pachysomoidessp. (Ichneumonidae,Cryptinae), in the nests of theBrazilian independent‐founding waspPolistes satanand compared the rates of the parasitization ofP.satanbyPachysomoidessp. between the dry (winter) and wet (summer) seasons.Pachysomoidessp. larvae were seen to feed onP.satanpupa and were found in both the upper and lower parts of the host pupal cell (ca. 10 individuals in each host pupal cell). Approximately one‐third of the pupal cells in theP.satancolonies were parasitized in the dry season, whereas there were no parasitized pupal cells in the wet season. Consequently, the rates of parasitization byPachysomoidessp. were significantly greater during the dry season than during the wet season due to unknown reasons.
New field of insect science: Research on the use of insect properties
Authors: Takeda Satoshi
Published: April 2013

In recent years, research on “insect properties” has been attracting much attention for industrial applications of insect technology. This is a new field of research that attempts to analyze specific physiological properties of insects to develop technology for helping humankind. The term “insect properties” has been used to refer to “specific biological functions of insects” since around 1986, and it is now widely accepted in Japan. From 1996, the National Institute of Sericultural and Entomological Science (NISES) promoted “Research for utilization of insect properties” as a “Center of Excellence (COE)” project funded by the Science and Technology Agency. At this point, a new research field called “Research for utilization of insect properties” was initiated, and this led to the recognition of this field by the academic community. In the 21st century, remarkable results, including the development of transgenic silkworms and the full decoding of the silkworm genome, have been achieved. It is expected that this advanced technology will be a powerful tool for progress of research on the use of insect properties. This review presents an overview of the current state of research on use of insect properties as a new technology.
Does Say‐on‐Pay Matter? Evidence from Say‐on‐Pay Proposals in the United States
Authors: Burns Natasha , Minnick Kristina
Published: April 2013

We investigate the effect of say‐on‐pay (SOP) proposals on changes in executive and director compensation. Relative to non‐SOP firms, SOP firms’ total compensation to CEOs does not significantly change after the proposal. However, the mix of compensation does change—companies move away from using cash compensation toward more incentive compensation, offsetting the reduction in bonus. Further, the mix of compensation of non‐CEO executives changes similarly to that of CEOs. Compensation to directors of SOP firms increases less than non‐SOP firms. Firms whose CEOs are well compensated, especially with cash‐based compensation, are most likely to receive a proposal.
Headache Medicine Meets Neuro‐Ophthalmology: Exam Techniques and Challenging Cases
Authors: Friedman Deborah I. , Digre Kathleen B.
Published: April 2013

The neuro‐ophthalmology examination is critical to anyone who sees patients with the common symptom of headache. By examining the visual acuity, pupils, visual fields, motility, and fundus, clues to both secondary causes of headache and primary headaches exist. In this review, we discuss how to do the neuro‐ophthalmology examination and we review cases of primary and secondary headache where key features of the examination assisted in making the correct diagnosis.
Caries prevalence (ICDAS) in 12‐year‐olds from low caries prevalence areas and association with independent variables
Authors: Jablonski‐Momeni Anahita , Winter Julia , Petrakakis Pantelis , Schmidt‐Schäfer Sonja
Published: April 2013

Background

In areas with low caries prevalence, indices are needed for caries detection, which can also be used to identify initial lesions.

Aim

The aim of this study was to assess the caries prevalence among 12‐year‐olds using ICDAS criteria and to investigate the influence of independent variables on the findings.

Design

The study was conducted in two regions of Germany. In Region 1, children received regular school‐based prophylaxis, including fluoride varnish 2×/yr. In Region 2, there was no use of fluoride varnish in schools. Information on different factors influencing the outcome variable of caries experience was collected using structured questionnaires.

DF‐S values were calculated at different ICDAS cut‐off points. To compare the mean caries scores of the subgroups, nonparametric tests were performed. Variables associated with caries were included in a binary logistic regression analysis.

Results

At D1–6FS and D1+2FS level, the differences between the regions were statistically significant (P = 0.005 and P = 0.01, respectively). Regression analysis identified the variables ‘use of fluoridated toothpaste’, ‘fissure sealants’, and ‘ethnic origin’ as factors significant to the prevention of caries at various stages.

Conclusion

In a population with low caries prevalence, significant differences between subgroups could only be found when initial lesions were included.
Taxonomic review of Afrotropical Watshamia Bouček (Hymenoptera: Pteromalidae), with description of a new species
Authors: Mitroiu Mircea‐Dan
Published: April 2013

Watshamia Bouček, 1974 (Hymenoptera: Pteromalidae) has three known world species described by Bouček: W. versicolor and W. turneri (Afrotropical), and W. malaica (Oriental). In this paper, Watshamia gero sp. nov. is described from Kenya. It is the only known species in which females have hyaline fore wings. Wing interference pattern (WIP) is used for the first time in the taxonomy of Pteromalidae as a differential feature. An illustrated key to females and males of Afrotropical Watshamia is given and the first indications of the biology of the Afrotropical species are presented. Watshamia versicolor is newly reported from the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Overcoming Opportunism in Public‐Private Project Finance
Authors: Moszoro Marian
Published: April 2013

The possibility of opportunistic behavior, whether by the private investors who operate public‐private projects or by the government agencies who oversee and administer them, can become a powerful deterrent to raising public‐private project financing, especially considering the scale of the investment in infrastructure. Nevertheless, both parties can protect themselves against the counterparty's possible opportunism by giving the investor an “exit” (or put) option and the public agent a “bail‐out” (or call) option on the private investor's shares.

In describing the role and design of such puts and calls, this paper presents a mechanism for converting “natural monopolies” into competitive or contestable markets by using over‐the‐counter option contracts that combine the stability of long‐term contracts and the flexibility of short‐term contracts. In the language of economists, the exit/bail‐out option mechanisms presented here are seen as reducing barriers to entry by streamlining incomplete long‐term contracts and avoiding contractual problems related to “bounded rationality” and opportunism.
Toll‐like receptors in prostate infection and cancer between bench and bedside
Authors: Gambara Guido , De Cesaris Paola , De Nunzio Cosimo , Ziparo Elio , Tubaro Andrea , Filippini Antonio , Riccioli Anna
Published: April 2013

Toll‐Like receptors (TLRs) are a family of evolutionary conserved transmembrane proteins that recognize highly conserved molecules in pathogens. TLR‐expressing cells represent the first line of defence sensing pathogen invasion, triggering innate immune responses and subsequently priming antigen‐specific adaptive immunity. In vitro and in vivo studies on experimental cancer models have shown both anti‐ and pro‐tumoural activity of different TLRs in prostate cancer, indicating these receptors as potential targets for cancer therapy. In this review, we highlight the intriguing duplicity of TLR stimulation by pathogens: their protective role in cases of acute infections, and conversely their negative role in favouring hyperplasia and/or cancer onset, in cases of chronic infections. This review focuses on the role of TLRs in the pathophysiology of prostate infection and cancer by exploring the biological bases of the strict relation between TLRs and prostate cancer. In particular, we highlight the debated question of how reliable mutations or deregulated expression of TLRs are as novel diagnostic or prognostic tools for prostate cancer. So far, the anticancer activity of numerous TLR ligands has been evaluated in clinical trials only in organs other than the prostate. Here we review recent clinical trials based on the most promising TLR agonists in oncology, envisaging a potential application also in prostate cancer therapy.
A revision of the Lower Guinean Hepsetus species (Characiformes; Hepsetidae) with the description of Hepsetus kingsleyae sp. nov
Authors: Decru E. , Vreven E. , Snoeks J.
Published: April 2013

An α‐taxonomic revision of the African pike, Hepsetus odoe, from Lower Guinea is provided. The results show that three different species occur in Lower Guinea instead of one. Hepsetus akawo, recently described from West Africa, is present in the northern part of Lower Guinea; Hepsetus lineata, the most widespread species within Lower Guinea, is known from the Sanaga (Cameroon) in the north to the Shiloango (Democratic Republic of the Congo) in the south and Hepsetus kingsleyae sp. nov. is endemic to the Ogowe Basin. The new species H. kingsleyae is described and H. lineata, which is elevated here to the species level, is redescribed. Hepsetus lineata can easily be recognized by its prominent horizontal line pattern on the flanks and differs further from H. akawo and H. kingsleyae in the number of lateral‐line scales and the number of gill rakers. Hepsetus kingsleyae differs from H. lineata and H. akawo by its narrow head, elongated snout and narrow, knife‐shaped body. All three species are also distinguishable from H. odoe and the recently revalidated H. cuvieri. A few exceptional specimens could not be allocated to one of the three species and may represent hybrids because of their mixed diagnostic characters or their intermediate values.
Adenomyomectomy, curettage, and then uterine artery pseudoaneurysm occupying the entire uterine cavity
Authors: Matsubara Shigeki , Usui Rie , Sato Tomomi , Kuwata Tomoyuki , Ohkuchi Akihide , Nakata Manabu
Published: April 2013

Uterine artery pseudoaneurysm can occur after cesarean section or traumatic delivery, usually manifesting as postpartum hemorrhage. Pregnant women after adenomyomectomy sometimes suffer some adverse events, among which uterine rupture has been widely acknowledged. We describe a post‐abortive woman who had uterine artery pseudoaneurysm occupying the entire uterine cavity. She underwent adenomyomectomy and became pregnant. She experienced a missed abortion and underwent evacuation and curettage, which caused bleeding. Several days later, ultrasound revealed an intrauterine mass with marked blood flow. Angiography revealed the un‐ruptured left uterine artery pseudoaneurysm, with arterial embolization stopping the flow within the pseudoaneurysm. Adenomyomectomy with subsequent curettage was considered to have caused the pseudoaneurysm. We must be cautious that pseudoaneurysm may occur in post‐abortive women after adenomyomectomy.
Doppler sonographic evaluation of arteriovenous shunt flow in a fetus with dural sinus malformation
Authors: Sato Yuka , Fujita Yasuyuki , Anami Ai , Yumoto Yasuo , Fukushima Kotaro , Wake Norio
Published: April 2013

Dural sinus malformation (DSM) is a rare congenital malformation characterized by a dilated dural sinus pouch. We present a case of prenatally diagnosed DSM and propose a parameter to predict poor fetal outcome. Detailed ultrasonography at 26 weeks of our patient showed an intracranial cyst in the left posterior fossa. Color Doppler study indicated an arteriovenous shunt within the cyst with increased blood flow velocity. Based on these findings, fetal DSM with arteriovenous shunt was diagnosed. Because of fetal hydrops with high‐output cardiac failure and maternal pregnancy‐induced hypertension, labor was induced at 32 weeks and resulted in stillbirth. In conclusion, based on the present case, we can deduce that color Doppler study is useful for prenatal diagnosis of DSM with arteriovenous shunt and that a high‐flow velocity to the cystic lesion is a possible predictor of hydropic change in such fetuses.
Postoperative administration of dienogest plus estradiol valerate versus levonorgestrel‐releasing intrauterine device for prevention of pain relapse and disease recurrence in endometriosis patients
Authors: Morelli Michele , Sacchinelli Angela , Venturella Roberta , Mocciaro Rita , Zullo Fulvio
Published: April 2013

Aim

In recent years, both dienogest, a fourth‐generation progestin, and levonorgestrel‐releasing intrauterine device have been found to be effective in terms of endometriosis‐related pelvic pain improvement. No data, however, are available about their efficacy in terms of postoperative recurrence prevention in women recently submitted to surgery for endometriosis at every stage. Our objective was to compare two postoperative medical approaches for pain control and reduction of recurrences in patients undergoing surgery for endometriosis.

Material and Methods

Ninety‐two patients undergoing surgery for endometriosis and subsequent treatment by estradiol valerate + dienogest (EP) (group A) or levonorgestrel‐releasing uterine device (LNG‐IUD) (Group B) between January 2009 and June 2010 were retrospectively analyzed. The primary endpoints were pain relapse and disease recurrence rate at 12 and 24 months. The secondary endpoint was patient satisfaction with the therapy at 24 months.

Results

Forty‐eight patients in Group A and 44 in Group B were examined. At 12 and 24 months a statistically greater reduction both in Ca125 levels and VAS score was seen in women treated with EP compared to LNG‐IUD. The recurrence rate at 12 and 24 months follow‐up was slightly lower, but not at a significant level, in Group A than in Group B. Finally, satisfaction with treatment at 24 months was significantly higher in Group B.

Conclusion

EP administration is significantly more effective than LNG‐IUD in reducing pelvic pain and more effective in reducing recurrence rate but not at a significant level. LNG‐IUD, however, has significantly higher patient satisfaction.
Labor induction by transcervical balloon catheter and cerebral palsy associated with umbilical cord prolapse
Authors: Yamada Takahiro , Cho Kazutoshi , Yamada Takashi , Morikawa Mamoru , Minakami Hisanori
Published: April 2013

Aim

The aim of this study was to determine whether the use of transcervical balloon catheter (TCBC) for induction of labor (IOL) is a risk factor for cerebral palsy (CP) associated with umbilical cord prolapse (UCP‐CP) in singleton pregnancies with cephalic presentation.

Material and Methods

Among all 102 infants with CP who were preliminarily determined as caused by antenatal and/or intrapartum hypoxemia by the Japan Council for Quality Health Care until April 2012, all 56 infants who met all of the following criteria were studied: cephalic singleton pregnancy, reassuring fetal status on electronic cardiotocogram at time of admission to obstetric facilities for labor pains, ruptured fetal membranes, and/or IOL, and hypoxic‐ischemic encephalopathy at birth. Clinical backgrounds were compared between six infants with UCP‐CP and the remaining 50 infants with CP not associated with UCP (non‐UCP‐CP).

Results

Frequencies of IOL (83% [5/6] vs 32% [16/50], P = 0.0236), use of TCBC (67% [4/6] vs 10% [5/50], P = 0.0044), and amniotomy (67% [4/6] vs 24% [12/50], P = 0.0494) were significantly higher in the UCP‐CP than the non‐UCP‐CP group. Only TCBC was a risk factor significantly associated with UCP‐CP after logistic regression analysis, yielding an odds ratio of 18.0 (95% confidence interval, 2.6–124; P = 0.003). Saline volumes of 80–150 mL were used for TCBC inflation in the four UCP‐CP patients.

Conclusion

Use of TCBC with a saline volume ≥ 80 mL was a significant risk factor for UCP‐CP; however, the absolute risk of UCP‐CP was estimated to be very low, approximately one in 7875 TCBC users.
Decreasing full‐term neonatal birthweight over the past 2 decades in a single institute in Japan
Authors: Orita Yuji , Tajima Masaki , Hiwatashi Sayuri , Terao Sayori , Iwamoto Ichiro , Oki Toshimichi , Douchi Tsutomu
Published: April 2013

Aim

The aim of this study was to investigate whether full‐term neonatal birthweight is decreasing or not.

Material and Methods

Subjects were selected from the registration database of full‐term singletons from a single local practitioner at two time‐points, 1991 (n = 750) and 2011 (n = 442). Maternal age, parity, and smoking habits were recorded. Baseline characteristics included pre‐pregnancy bodyweight (BW), body mass index (BMI), bodyweight before parturition, and weight gain during pregnancy. Neonatal birthweight and height were recorded. Variables correlated with neonatal size were investigated.

Results

Male birthweight decreased from 3248 ± 409 (n = 373) to 3149 ± 430 g (n = 230) (P < 0.001). Female birthweight also decreased from 3148 ± 378 (n = 377) to 3063 ± 343 g (n = 212) (P < 0.01). Gestational age was shorter (40.1 ± 1.1 to 39.6 ± 1.1 weeks, P < 0.001). Pre‐pregnancy maternal BMI did not change (20.7 ± 2.6, n = 750 to 20.5 ± 2.7, n = 442). Weight gain during pregnancy decreased (11.3 ± 3.8 to 10.8 ± 3.4 kg, P < 0.05) and was positively correlated with birthweight (P < 0.001). On multiple regression analysis, time was inversely correlated with birthweight, while it was positively correlated with pre‐pregnancy BMI, weight gain during pregnancy, and gestational age.

Conclusions

In addition to maternal slenderness, increasing lower weight gain during pregnancy and medical intervention by physicians may in part contribute to the decrease in full‐term birthweight over the past 2 decades.
Philosophy Unbound: The Idea of Global Philosophy
Authors: Brooks Thom
Published: April 2013

The future of philosophy is moving towards “global philosophy.” The idea of global philosophy is the view that different philosophical approaches may engage more substantially with each other to solve philosophical problems. Most solutions attempt to use only those available resources located within one philosophical tradition. A more promising approach might be to expand the range of available resources to better assist our ability to offer more compelling solutions. This search for new horizons in order to improve our clarity about philosophical issues is at the heart of global philosophy. The idea of global philosophy encourages us to look beyond our traditions to improve our philosophical problem‐solving by our own lights. Global philosophy is a new approach whose time is coming. This essay offers the first account of this approach and an assessment of its future promise.
Models, Models, and Models
Authors: Wheeler Gregory
Published: April 2013

Michael Dummett famously maintained that analytic philosophy was simply philosophy that followed Frege in treating the philosophy of language as the basis for all other philosophy (1978, 441). But one important insight to emerge from computer science is how difficult it is to animate the linguistic artifacts that the analysis of thought produces. Yet, modeling the effects of thought requires a new skill that goes beyond analysis: procedural literacy. Some of the most promising research in philosophy makes use of a variety of modeling techniques that go beyond basic logic and elementary probability theory. What unifies this approach is a focus on what Alan Perlis called procedural literacy. This essay argues that the future spoils in philosophical research will disproportionally go to those who are procedurally literate.
Relationship between fatigue and social support in hemodialysis patients
Authors: Karadag Ezgi , Kilic Serap Parlar , Metin Ozgur
Published: April 2013

The aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship between fatigue and social support in hemodialysis patients in Turkey. This study was conducted on 73 patients receiving hemodialysis treatment in a hemodialysis unit in the province of Malatya between July and November 2011. A questionnaire consisting of 16 questions for sociodemographic and disease data was used together with the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS) and the Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS). In statistical evaluation, the Mann–Whitney U‐test, independent t‐test, Kruskal–Wallis test, and Pearson's correlation analysis were used. Correlation analysis between severity of fatigue in hemodialysis patients and social support revealed a significant relationship in the negative direction between fatigue severity and support from family (r = −0.404, P < 0.05), support from friends (r = −0.635, P < 0.05), support from a special person (r = −0.638, P < 0.05) and overall support (r = −0.643, P < 0.05). Patients with severe fatigue had low mean scores for support from family, friends, a special person and overall, whereas a high level of social support decreased the level of fatigue. When giving care to patients on hemodialysis, nurses should consider the effect of social support on fatigue and approach their patients from this perspective.
A confirmatory factor analysis of the Self‐Directed Learning Readiness Scale
Authors: Williams Brett , Brown Ted
Published: April 2013

The Self‐Directed Learning Readiness Scale measures readiness for self‐directed learning among undergraduate healthcare students. While several exploratory factor analyses and one confirmatory factor analysis have examined the psychometric properties of the Self‐Directed Learning Readiness Scale, questions have been raised regarding the underlying latent constructs being measured. The objective of this study was to determine the best‐fitting Self‐Directed Learning Readiness Scale factorial structure among three models published in the literature. Data from the three‐factor 40‐item Self‐Directed Learning Readiness Scale completed by 233 undergraduate paramedic students from four Australian universities (response rate of 26%) were analyzed using maximum likelihood confirmatory factor analysis. Comparison of model fit from the 40‐item version was undertaken with the previously documented four‐factor 36‐item and three‐factor 29‐item Self‐Directed Learning Readiness Scales. The model fit indices of the three one‐factor congeneric models with maximum likelihood analysis demonstrate that the 40‐item Self‐Directed Learning Readiness Scale does not fit the data well. The best fitting model was the four‐factor 36‐item Self‐Directed Learning Readiness Scale followed by the three‐factor 29‐item models. The confirmatory factor analysis results did not support the overall construct validity of the original 40‐item Self‐Directed Learning Readiness Scale.
Pleistocene climate change and the origin of two desert plant species, Pugionium cornutum and Pugionium dolabratum (Brassicaceae), in northwest China
Authors: Wang Qian , Abbott Richard J. , Yu Qiu‐Shi , Lin Kao , Liu Jian‐Quan
Published: April 2013

Pleistocene climate change has had an important effect in shaping intraspecific genetic variation in many species; however, its role in driving speciation is less clear. We examined the possibility of a Pleistocene origin of the only two representatives of the genus Pugionium (Brassicaceae), Pugionium cornutum and Pugionium dolabratum, which occupy different desert habitats in northwest China.

We surveyed sequence variation for internal transcribed spacer (ITS), three chloroplast (cp) DNA fragments, and eight low‐copy nuclear genes among individuals sampled from 11 populations of each species across their geographic ranges.

One ITS mutation distinguished the two species, whereas mutations in cpDNA and the eight low‐copy nuclear gene sequences were not species‐specific. Although interspecific divergence varied greatly among nuclear gene sequences, in each case divergence was estimated to have occurred within the Pleistocene when deserts expanded in northwest China.

Our findings point to the importance of Pleistocene climate change, in this case an increase in aridity, as a cause of speciation in Pugionium as a result of divergence in different habitats that formed in association with the expansion of deserts in China.
Unusual Clinical Manifestations in a Case ofAlagille Syndrome
Authors: Gadkari Reshma , Doshi Bhavana , Nayak Chitra , Ghildiyal Radha , Madke Bhushan , Ghia Deepti
Published: April 2013

Alagille syndrome, also known as arteriohepatic dysplasia, is a multisystem autosomal dominant disorder characterized by chronic cholestasis due to a paucity of intrahepatic bile ducts, peripheral pulmonary artery stenosis with associated vertebral, ocular, and renal anomalies, and characteristic facies. We report a case ofAlagille syndrome in a 3‐year‐old boy with associated pruritus, follicular keratoses, palmar pits, and keratoderma‐like changes over the dorsum of the hands. There have been single isolated case reports of phrynoderma and keratoderma. Palmar pits have not been reported in the literature.
Regulatory mechanisms after short‐ and long‐term perturbed lysine biosynthesis in the aspartate pathway: the need for isogenes in Arabidopsis thaliana
Authors: Van Bochaute Pieter , Novoa Alexandre , Ballet Steven , Rognes Sven Erik , Angenon Geert
Published: April 2013

The aspartate‐derived amino acid pathway in plants is an intensively studied metabolic pathway, because of the biosynthesis of the four essential amino acids lysine, threonine, isoleucine and methionine. The pathway is mainly controlled by the key regulatory enzymes aspartate kinase (AK; EC 2.7.2.4), homoserine dehydrogenase (HSDH; EC 1.1.1.3) and 4‐hydroxy‐tetrahydrodipicolinate synthase (EC 4.3.3.7), formerly referred to as dihydrodipicolinate synthase (DHDPS). They are encoded by isoenzyme families and it is not known why such families are evolutionarily maintained. To gain more insight into the specific roles and regulation of the isoenzymes, we inhibited DHDPS in Arabidopsis thaliana with the chemical compound (N,N‐dimethylglycinatoboranyloxycarbonylmethyl)‐dimethylamine‐borane (DDAB) and compared the short‐term effects on the biochemical and biomolecular level to the long‐term adaptations in dhdps knockout mutants. We found that DHDPS2 plays a crucial role in controlling lysine biosynthesis, thereby stabilizing flux through the whole aspartate pathway. Moreover, DHDPS2 was also shown to influence the threonine level to a large extent. In addition, the lysine‐sensitive AKs, AKLYS1 and AKLYS3 control the short‐ and long‐term responses to perturbed lysine biosynthesis in Arabidopsis thaliana.
Whole‐exome targeted sequencing of the uncharacterized pine genome
Authors: Neves Leandro G. , Davis John M. , Barbazuk William B. , Kirst Matias
Published: April 2013

The large genome size of many species hinders the development and application of genomic tools to study them. For instance, loblolly pine (Pinus taeda L.), an ecologically and economically important conifer, has a large and yet uncharacterized genome of 21.7 Gbp. To characterize the pine genome, we performed exome capture and sequencing of 14 729 genes derived from an assembly of expressed sequence tags. Efficiency of sequence capture was evaluated and shown to be similar across samples with increasing levels of complexity, including haploid cDNA, haploid genomic DNA and diploid genomic DNA. However, this efficiency was severely reduced for probes that overlapped multiple exons, presumably because intron sequences hindered probe:exon hybridizations. Such regions could not be entirely avoided during probe design, because of the lack of a reference sequence. To improve the throughput and reduce the cost of sequence capture, a method to multiplex the analysis of up to eight samples was developed. Sequence data showed that multiplexed capture was reproducible among 24 haploid samples, and can be applied for high‐throughput analysis of targeted genes in large populations. Captured sequences were de novo assembled, resulting in 11 396 expanded and annotated gene models, significantly improving the knowledge about the pine gene space. Interspecific capture was also evaluated with over 98% of all probes designed from P. taeda that were efficient in sequence capture, were also suitable for analysis of the related species Pinus elliottii Engelm.
Striatal neurones have a specific ability to respond to phasic dopamine release
Authors: Castro Liliana R. V. , Brito Marina , Guiot Elvire , Polito Marina , Korn Christoph W. , Hervé Denis , Girault Jean‐Antoine , Paupardin‐Tritsch Danièle , Vincent Pierre
Published: April 2013

Key points

Dopamine D1 receptors activate the cAMP/protein kinase A (PKA) pathway in both cortex and striatum, with different types of signalling enzymes being involved in cAMP/PKA signal integration. We investigated the functional implications of such differences.

Biosensor imaging in mouse brain slice preparations revealed that the cAMP/PKA signal increases faster, reaches higher levels and lasts longer in striatal neurones than in cortical neurones.

These differences result from faster cAMP production and lower degradation by type 4 phosphodiesterase activities in the striatum than in the cortex. In addition, DARPP‐32 in the striatum prolongs the PKA response by inhibiting phosphatases.

These molecular features confers on striatal neurones a particular ability to temporally decode sub‐second dopamine signals associated with reward and learning.

Abstract  The cAMP/protein kinase A (PKA) signalling cascade is ubiquitous, and each step in this cascade involves enzymes that are expressed in multiple isoforms. We investigated the effects of this diversity on the integration of the pathway in the target cell by comparing prefrontal cortical neurones with striatal neurones which express a very specific set of signalling proteins. The prefrontal cortex and striatum both receive dopaminergic inputs and we analysed the dynamics of the cAMP/PKA signal triggered by dopamine D1 receptors in these two brain structures. Biosensor imaging in mouse brain slice preparations showed profound differences in the D1 response between pyramidal cortical neurones and striatal medium spiny neurones: the cAMP/PKA response was much stronger, faster and longer lasting in striatal neurones than in pyramidal cortical neurones. We identified three molecular determinants underlying these differences: different activities of phosphodiesterases, particularly those of type 4, which strongly damp the cAMP signal in the cortex but not in the striatum; stronger adenylyl cyclase activity in the striatum, generating responses with a faster onset than in the cortex; and DARPP‐32, a phosphatase inhibitor which prolongs PKA action in the striatum. Striatal neurones were also highly responsive in terms of gene expression since a single sub‐second dopamine stimulation is sufficient to trigger c‐Fos expression in the striatum, but not in the cortex. Our data show how specific molecular elements of the cAMP/PKA signalling cascade selectively enable the principal striatal neurones to respond to brief dopamine stimuli, a critical process in incentive learning.
Azimuth-elevation direction finding using a microphone and three orthogonal velocity sensors as a non-collocated subarray
Authors: Song Yang , Wong Kainam Thomas
Published: April 2013

An acoustic vector-sensor consists of three identical but orthogonally oriented acoustic particle-velocity sensors, plus a pressure sensor—all spatially collocated in a point-like geometry. At any point in space, this tri-axial acoustic vector-sensor can sample an acoustic wavefield as a 3 × 1 vector, instead of simply as a scalar of pressure. This vector, after proper self-normalization, would indicate the incident wave-field's propagation direction, and thus the incident emitter's azimuth-elevation direction-of-arrival. This “self-normalization” direction-of-arrival estimator is predicated on the spatial-collocation among the three particle-velocity sensors and the pressure-sensor. This collocation constriction is relaxed here by this presently proposed idea, to realize a spatially distributed acoustic vector-sensor, allowing its four component-sensors to be separately located. This proposed scheme not only retains the algorithmic advantages of the aforementioned “self-normalization” direction-of-arrival estimator, but also will significantly extend the spatial aperture to improve the direction-finding accuracy by orders of magnitude.
Contribution of temporal fine structure information and fundamental frequency separation to intelligibility in a competing-speaker paradigm
Authors: Jackson Helen M. , Moore Brian C. J.
Published: April 2013

The speech reception threshold (SRT) for identifying a target speaker in a background speaker was measured as a function of the difference (F0sep) in fundamental frequency (F0) between the two speakers. The amount of original temporal fine structure (TFS) information in the mixed signals was manipulated by tone vocoding channels above a certain cutoff channel (CO). When the natural variations in F0 of both speakers were preserved, the SRT did not decrease with increasing F0sep, indicating that short-term differences in F0 can allow perceptual segregation of two speakers even when their F0s cross. When F0 variations were removed from both speakers, increasing F0sep led to decreased (better) SRTs. The decrease was greater for unprocessed signals than for fully tone-vocoded signals. However, the decrease was similar for unprocessed signals and for signals with original TFS below 1600 Hz, suggesting that most of the benefit from increasing F0 difference depends on the use of TFS information at lower frequencies. Adding original TFS information to channels centered above 1600 Hz produced roughly the same decrease in SRT as adding original TFS information to channels centered below 1600 Hz, suggesting a benefit from original TFS information apart from that related to differences in F0.
Absolute pitch is associated with a large auditory digit span: A clue to its genesis
Authors: Deutsch Diana , Dooley Kevin
Published: April 2013

Auditory and visual digit span tests were administered to a group of absolute pitch (AP) possessors, and a group of AP nonpossessors matched for age, and for age of onset and duration of musical training. All subjects were speakers of English. The AP possessors substantially and significantly outperformed the nonpossessors on the auditory test, while the two groups did not differ significantly on the visual test. It is conjectured that a large auditory memory span, including memory for speech sounds, facilitates the development of associations between pitches and their verbal labels early in life, so promoting the acquisition of AP.