bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
CharacterizingDNApreservation in degraded specimens ofAmara alpina(Carabidae:Coleoptera)
Authors: Heintzman Peter D. , Elias Scott A. , Moore Karen , Paszkiewicz Konrad , Barnes Ian
Published: November 2013

DNApreserved in degraded beetle (Coleoptera) specimens, including those derived from dry‐stored museum and ancient permafrost‐preserved environments, could provide a valuable resource for researchers interested in species and population histories over timescales from decades to millenia. However, the potential of these samples as genetic resources is currently unassessed. Here, using Sanger and Illumina shotgun sequence data, we exploredDNApreservation in specimens of the ground beetleAmara alpina, from both museum and ancient environments. Nearly all museum specimens had amplifiableDNA, with the maximum amplifiable fragment length decreasing with age. Amplification ofDNAwas only possible in 45% of ancient specimens. Preserved mitochondrialDNAfragments were significantly longer than those of nuclearDNAin both museum and ancient specimens. Metagenomic characterization of extractedDNAdemonstrated that parasite‐derived sequences, includingWolbachiaandSpiroplasma, are recoverable from museum beetle specimens. AncientDNAextracts contained beetleDNAin amounts comparable to museum specimens. Overall, our data demonstrate that there is great potential for both museum and ancient specimens of beetles in future genetic studies, and we see no reason why this would not be the case for other orders of insect.
Maternal and neonatal morbidity during off peak hours in a busy obstetric unit. Are deliveries after midnight more complicated?
Authors: Hehir Mark P. , Walsh Jennifer M. , Higgins Shane , Mahony Rhona
Published: November 2013

Objective

We sought to compare maternal and neonatal outcomes in deliveries occurring overnight with those in daylight hours.

Design

Prospective observational study.

Setting

Large national tertiary referral center.

Population

All singleton laboring nulliparous parturients delivering infants >500 g over a 2‐year period, 1 January 2008 to 31 December 2009.

Methods

Details of intrapartum characteristics and neonatal outcomes of deliveries occurring between midnight and 08.00 h were compared with deliveries occurring outside of these hours.

Main outcome measures

Maternal and neonatal morbidity.

Results

During the study period there were 8450 nulliparous deliveries. 2668 (31.6%) delivered between midnight and 08.00 h, and 5782 (68.4%) outside of these hours. There was a significant difference between the time periods in the number of babies born with a cord pH <7.1: 10.8% (44/406) of babies were born between midnight and 08.00 h, and 6.3% (63/1007) of babies were born outside these hours (p = 0.003). There was no significant difference in terms of Apgar score <7 at 5 min (p = 0.17). There was a trend toward a larger number of anal sphincter injuries occurring between midnight and 08.00 h (3% vs. 2.3%; p = 0.05).

Conclusion

Our findings suggest that infants are more likely to be born with a pH <7.1 and there was a trend toward an increased rate of anal sphincter injury during time periods when staffing levels are low and clinician fatigue may play a role in decision‐making and patient management. This may play a role in service provision planning and staff recruitment.
The Impact of Active Site Mutations of South African HIV PR on Drug Resistance: Insight from Molecular Dynamics Simulations, Binding Free Energy and Per‐Residue Footprints
Authors: Ahmed Shaimaa M. , Maguire Glenn E. M. , Kruger Hendrik G. , Govender Thirumala
Published: November 2013

Molecular dynamics simulations and binding free energy calculations were used to provide an understanding of the impact of active site drug‐resistant mutations of the South African HIV protease subtype C (C‐SA HIV PR), V82A and V82F/I84V on drug resistance. Unique per‐residue interaction energy ‘footprints’ were developed to map the overall drug‐binding profiles for the wild type and mutants. Results confirmed that these mutations altered the overall binding landscape of the amino acid residues not only in the active site region but also in the flaps as well. Four FDA‐approved drugs were investigated in this study; these include ritonavir (RTV), saquinavir (SQV), indinavir (IDV), and nelfinavir (NFV). Computational results compared against experimental findings were found to be complementary. Against the V82F/I84V variant, saquinavir, indinavir, and nelfinavir lose remarkable entropic contributions relative to both wild‐type and V82A C‐SA HIV PRs. The per‐residue energy ‘footprints’ and the analysis of ligand–receptor interactions for the drug complexes with the wild type and mutants have also highlighted the nature of drug interactions. The data presented in this study will prove useful in the design of more potent inhibitors effective against drug‐resistant HIV strains.
Individual Differences in Children's and Parents' Generic Language
Authors: Gelman Susan A. , Ware Elizabeth A. , Kleinberg Felicia , Manczak Erika M. , Stilwell Sarah M.
Published: November 2013

Generics (“Dogsbark”) convey important information about categories and facilitate children's learning. Two studies with parents and their 2‐ or 4‐year‐old children (N = 104 dyads) examined whether individual differences in generic language use are as follows: (a) stable over time, contexts, and domains, and (b) linked to conceptual factors. For both children and parents, individual differences in rate of generic production were stable across time, contexts, and domains, and parents' generic usage significantly correlated with that of their own children. Furthermore, parents' essentialist beliefs correlated with their own and their children's rates of generic frequency. These results indicate that generic language use exhibits substantial stability and may reflect individual differences in speakers' conceptual attitudes toward categories.
C3 dysregulation due to factor H deficiency is mannan-binding lectin-associated serine proteases (MASP)-1 and MASP-3 independentin vivo
Authors: Ruseva M M , Takahashi M , Fujita T , Pickering M C
Published: November 2013

Uncontrolled activation of the complement alternative pathway is associated with complement-mediated renal disease. Factor B and factor D are essential components of this pathway, while factor H (FH) is its major regulator. In complete FH deficiency, uncontrolled C3 activation through the alternative pathway results in plasma C3 depletion and complement-mediated renal disease. These are dependent on factor B. Mannan-binding lectin-associated serine proteases 1 and 3 (MASP-1, MASP-3) have been shown recently to contribute to alternative pathway activation by cleaving pro-factor D to its active form, factor D. We studied the contribution of MASP-1 and MASP-3 to uncontrolled alternative pathway activation in experimental complete FH deficiency. Co-deficiency of FH and MASP-1/MASP-3 did not ameliorate either the plasma C3 activation or glomerular C3 accumulation in FH-deficient mice. Our data indicate that MASP-1 and MASP-3 are not essential for alternative pathway activation in complete FH deficiency.
Expression of transforming growth factor β and fibroblast growth factor 2 in the lens epithelium of Morioka cataract mice
Authors: Kondo Tomohiro , Ishiga‐Hashimoto Naoko , Nagai Hiroaki , Takeshita Ai , Mino Masaki , Morioka Hiroshi , Kusakabe Ken Takeshi , Okada Toshiya
Published: November 2013

In the Morioka cataract (MCT) mice, lens opacity appears at 6 to 8 weeks of age, and swollen lens fiber is electron‐microscopically observed at 3 weeks after birth. The present study was designed to characterize the expression of transforming growth factor β (TGFβ) and fibroblast growth factor 2 (FGF2) in the lens epithelium of the MCT mice. Immunohistochemical analysis showed that the expression of TGFβ in the lens epithelium of the MCT mice was stronger than that of the wild‐type ddY mice at 2 and 4 weeks after birth. The expression of TGFβ receptors (TGFβRI and TGFβRII) and FGF2 in the lens epithelium of the MCT mice was stronger than that of the wild‐type ddY mice at 4 weeks and weaker than that of the wild‐type ddY mice at 15 weeks after birth. Using real time polymerase chain reaction (PCR), quantitative RT‐PCR analysis showed that expression of TGFβ1 and TGFβ2 mRNA in the lens of 2‐week‐old MCT mice was significantly higher compared to age‐matched wild‐type ddY mice. These findings indicate that the lens epithelium of MCT mice has increased expression of TGFβ before cataract affection and that changes in the expression of FGF2 as well as TGFβ may contribute to the progression of the cataract in the mice.
Clinical spectrum and molecular basis of recessive congenital methemoglobinemia in India
Authors: Warang P.P. , Kedar P.S. , Shanmukaiah C. , Ghosh K. , Colah R.B.
Published: November 2013

We report the clinical features and molecular characterization of 23 patients with cyanosis due to NADH‐cytochrome b5 reductase (NADH‐CYB5R) deficiency from India. The patients with type I recessive congenital methemoglobinemia (RCM) presented with mild to severe cyanosis only whereas patients with type II RCM had cyanosis associated with severe neurological impairment. Thirteen mutations were identified which included 11 missense mutations causing single amino acid changes (p.Arg49Trp, p.Arg58Gln, p.Pro145Ser, p.Gly155Glu, p.Arg160Pro, p.Met177Ile, p.Met177Val, p.Ile178Thr, p.Ala179Thr, p.Thr238Met, and p.Val253Met), one stop codon mutation (p.Trp236X) and one splice‐site mutation (p.Gly76Ser). Seven of these mutations (p.Arg50Trp, p.Gly155Glu, p.Arg160Pro, p.Met177Ile, p.Met177Val, p.Ile178Thr, and p.Thr238Met) were novel. Two mutations (p.Gly76Ser and p.Trp236X) were identified for the first time in the homozygous state globally causing type II RCM. We used the three‐dimensional (3D) structure of human erythrocyte NADH‐CYB5R to evaluate the protein structural context of the affected residues. Our data provides a rationale for the observed enzyme deficiency and contributes to a better understanding of the genotype–phenotype correlation in NADH‐CYB5R deficiency.
Prognostic Value of a Nine‐Gene Signature in Glioma Patients Based on mRNA Expression Profiling
Authors: Bao Zhao‐Shi , Li Ming‐Yang , Wang Jia‐Yin , Zhang Chuan‐Bao , Wang Hong‐Jun , Yan Wei , Liu Yan‐Wei , Zhang Wei , Chen Ling , Jiang Tao
Published: November 2013

Introduction

Gliomas are the most common primary brain tumors in adults and a significant cause of cancer‐related mortality. A 9‐gene signature was identified as a novel prognostic model reflecting survival situation obviously in gliomas.

Aims

To identify an mRNA expression signature to improve outcome prediction for patients with different glioma grades.

Results

We used whole‐genome mRNA expression microarray data of 220 glioma samples of all grades from the Chinese Glioma Genome Atlas (CGGA) database (http://www.cgga.org.cn) as a discovery set and data from Rembrandt and GSE16011 for validation sets. Data from every single grade were analyzed by the Kaplan–Meier method with a two‐sided log‐rank test. Univariate Cox regression and linear risk score formula were applied to derive a gene signature with better prognostic performance. We found that patients who had high risk score according to the signature had poor overall survival compared with patients who had low risk score. Highly expressed genes in the high‐risk group were analyzed by gene ontology (GO) and gene set variation analysis (GSVA). As a result, the reason for the divisibility of gliomas was likely due to cell life processes and adhesion.

Conclusion

This 9‐gene‐signature prediction model provided a more accurate predictor of prognosis that denoted patients with high risk score have poor outcome. Moreover, these risk models based on defined molecular profiles showed the considerable prospect in personalized cancer management.
Activation of Muscarinic Receptors Protects against Retinal Neurons Damage and Optic Nerve Degeneration In Vitro and In Vivo Models
Authors: Tan Pan‐Pan , Yuan Hai‐Hong , Zhu Xu , Cui Yong‐Yao , Li Hui , Feng Xue‐Mei , Qiu Yu , Chen Hong‐Zhuan , Zhou Wei
Published: November 2013

Aims

Muscarinic acetylcholine receptor agonist pilocarpine reduces intraocular pressure (IOP) of glaucoma mainly by stimulating ciliary muscle contraction and then increasing aqueous outflow. It is of our great interest to know whether pilocarpine has the additional properties of retinal neuroprotection independent of IOP lowering in vitro and in vivo models.

Methods

In rat primary retinal cultures, cell viability was measured using an MTT assay and the trypan blue exclusion method, respectively. Retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) were identified by immunofluorescence and quantified by flow cytometry. For the in vivo study, the retinal damage after retinal ischemia/reperfusion injury in rats was evaluated by histopathological study using hematoxylin and eosin staining, transmission electron microscopy, and immunohistochemical study on cleaved caspase‐3, caspase‐3, and ChAT.

Results

Pretreatment of pilocarpine attenuated glutamate‐induced neurotoxicity of primary retinal neurons in a dose‐dependent manner. Protection of pilocarpine in both retinal neurons and RGCs was largely abolished by the nonselective muscarinic receptor antagonist atropine and the M1‐selective muscarinic receptor antagonist pirenzepine. After ischemia/reperfusion injury in retina, the inner retinal degeneration occurred including ganglion cell layer thinning and neuron lost, and the optic nerve underwent vacuolar changes. These degenerative changes were significantly lessened by topical application of 2% pilocarpine. In addition, the protective effect of pilocarpine on the ischemic rat retina was favorably reflected by downregulating the expression of activated apoptosis marker cleaved caspase‐3 and caspase‐3 and upregulating the expression of cholinergic cell marker ChAT.

Conclusions

Taken together, this highlights pilocarpine through the activation of muscarinic receptors appear to afford significant protection against retinal neurons damage and optic nerve degeneration at clinically relevant concentrations. These data also further support muscarinic receptors as potential therapeutic neuroprotective targets in glaucoma.
Interactions between Carbon Sequestration and Shade Tree Diversity in a Smallholder Coffee Cooperative in El Salvador
Authors: RICHARDS MERYL BRETON , MÉNDEZ V. ERNESTO
Published: November 2013

Agroforestry systems have substantial potential to conserve native biodiversity and provide ecosystem services. In particular, agroforestry systems have the potential to conserve native tree diversity and sequester carbon for climate change mitigation. However, little research has been conducted on the temporal stability of species diversity and aboveground carbon stocks in these systems or the relation between species diversity and aboveground carbon sequestration. We measured changes in shade‐tree diversity and shade‐tree carbon stocks in 14 plots of a 35‐ha coffee cooperative over 9 years and analyzed relations between species diversity and carbon sequestration. Carbon sequestration was positively correlated with initial species richness of shade trees. Species diversity of shade trees did not change significantly over the study period, but carbon stocks increased due to tree growth. Our results show a potential for carbon sequestration and long‐term biodiversity conservation in smallholder coffee agroforestry systems and illustrate the opportunity for synergies between biodiversity conservation and climate change mitigation.

Interacciones entre el Secuestro de Carbono y la Diversidad de Árboles de Sombra en una Cooperativa de Café de Pequeños Agricultores en El Salvador
Healing under pressure: hyperbaric oxygen and myocutaneous flap repair for extreme persistent perineal sinus after proctectomy for inflammatory bowel disease
Authors: Chan X. H. S. , Koh C. E. , Glover M. , Bryson P. , Travis S. P. L. , Mortensen N. J.
Published: November 2013

Aim

Persistent perineal sinus (PPS) following proctectomy for inflammatory bowel disease affects about 50% of patients. Up to 33% of cases of PPS remain unhealed at 12 months and the most refractory cases are unhealed at 24 months despite optimal conventional therapy. Reports of hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) for chronic wounds and Crohn's perianal disease led us to explore perioperative HBOT with rectus abdominis myocutaneous (RAM) flap repair in a highly selected group of patients with extreme PPS who had failed all other interventions.

Method

Patients with extreme PPS received preoperative HBOT (a 90‐min session at 2.2–2.4 atmospheres, five times per week for 5–6 weeks, for a total of up to 30 sessions), before abdominoperineal PPS excision and perineal reconstruction with vertical or transverse RAM flap repair within 2–4 weeks of completing HBOT. Postoperative HBOT (10 further 90‐min sessions) was administered within 2 weeks where practicable.

Results

Between 2007 and 2011, four patients with extreme PPS underwent RAM flap repair with preoperative HBOT; two also received postoperative HBOT. The median (range) duration of PPS before HBOT was 88.5 (23–156) months. All patients had previously failed multiple (5 to > 35) surgical procedures. Complete healing occurred in all patients at a median (range) follow‐up of 2.5 (2–3) months. There were no further hospital admissions for PPS at a median (range) follow‐up of 35 (8–64) months.

Conclusion

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy combined with PPS excision and perineal reconstruction with a RAM flap led to complete perineal healing in four patients with extreme PPS and appears a safe and effective extension to the therapeutic pathway for exceptionally treatment‐refractory PPS.
Effects of a Mangifera indica L. stem bark extract and mangiferin on radiation‐induced DNA damage in human lymphocytes and lymphoblastoid cells
Authors: Rodeiro I. , Delgado R. , Garrido G.
Published: November 2013

Objectives

Mangifera indica L. (mango) stem bark aqueous extract (MSBE) that has antioxidant, anti‐inflammatory and immunomodulatory properties, can be obtained in Cuba. It is rich in polyphenols, where mangiferin is the main component. In this study, we have tested DNA damage and protection effects of MSBE and mangiferin on primary human lymphocytes and lymphoblastoid cells.

Material and methods

Cell suspensions were incubated with the products (50–1000 μg/ml) for experiments on damage induction, and evaluation of any potential protective effects (5–100 μg/ml) for 60 min at 37 °C. Irradiation was performed using a γ‐ray source, absorbed dose 5 Gy. At the end of exposure, DNA damage, protection and repair processes were evaluated using the comet assay.

Results

MSBE (100–1000 μg/ml) induced DNA damage in a concentration dependent manner in both cell types tested, primary cells being more sensitive. Mangiferin (200 μg/ml) only induced light DNA damage at higher concentrations. DNA repair capacity was not affected after MSBE or mangiferin exposure. On the other hand, MSBE (25 and 50 μg/ml) and mangiferin (5–25 ug/ml) protected against gamma radiation‐induced DNA damage.

Conclusions

These results show MSBE has protector or harmful effects on DNA in vitro depending on the experimental conditions, which suggest that the extract could be acting as an antioxidant or pro‐oxidant product. Mangiferin was involved in protective effects of the extract.
e‐Learning recommender system for a group of learners based on the unified learner profile approach
Authors: Dwivedi Pragya , Bharadwaj Kamal K.
Published: November 2013

In the age of information explosion, e‐learning recommender systems (eL_RSs) have emerged as effective information filtering techniques that attempt to provide the most appropriate learning resources for learners while using e‐learning systems. These learners are differentiated on the basis of their learning styles, goals, knowledge levels and others. Several attempts have been made in the past to design eL_RSs to recommend resources to individuals; however, an investigation of recommendations to a group of learners in e‐learning is still in its infancy. In this paper, we focus on the problem of recommending resources to a group of learners rather than to an individual. The major challenge in group recommendation is how to merge the individual preferences of different learners that form a group and extract a pseudo unified learner profile (ULP) that closely reflects the preferences of all learners. Firstly, we propose a profile merging scheme for the ULP by utilizing learning styles, knowledge levels and ratings of learners in a group. Thereafter, a collaborative approach is proposed based on the ULP for effective group recommendations. Experimental results are presented to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed group recommendation strategy for e‐learning.
Estrogen receptor α mediates proliferation of breast cancer MCF–7 cells via a p21/PCNA/E2F1‐dependent pathway
Authors: Liao Xing–Hua , Lu Da–Lin , Wang Nan , Liu Long–Yue , Wang Yue , Li Yan–Qi , Yan Ting–Bao , Sun Xue–Guang , Hu Peng , Zhang Tong–Cun
Published: November 2013

High expression of estrogen receptor α (ERα) is associated with a poor prognosis that correlates closely with cellular proliferation in breast cancer. However, the exact molecular mechanism by which ERα controls breast cancer cell proliferation is not clear. Here we report that ERα regulates the cell cycle by suppressing p53/p21 and up‐regulating proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) and proliferation‐related Ki–67 antigen (Ki–67) to promote proliferation of MCF–7 cells. In addition, 17–β–estradiol (E2) enhances ERα‐induced proliferation of MCF–7 cells by stimulating expression of PCNA and Ki–67. Knockdown of ERα significantly affects PCNA/Ki–67 and p53/p21 expression. Furthermore, ERα inhibits the transcriptional activity of p53/p21 in an estrogen response element‐dependent manner. More importantly, we provide new evidence that ERα mediates proliferation of MCF–7 cells by up‐regulating miR–17 to silence the expression of p21. Thus, these data provide new insights into the underlying effect of ERα on breast cancer proliferation.
Vulnerability of dynamic genetic conservation units of forest trees in Europe to climate change
Authors: Schueler Silvio , Falk Wolfgang , Koskela Jarkko , Lefèvre François , Bozzano Michele , Hubert Jason , Kraigher Hojka , Longauer Roman , Olrik Ditte C.
Published: November 2013

A transnational network of genetic conservation units for forest trees was recently documented in Europe aiming at the conservation of evolutionary processes and the adaptive potential of natural or man‐made tree populations. In this study, we quantified the vulnerability of individual conservation units and the whole network to climate change using climate favourability models and the estimated velocity of climate change. Compared to the overall climate niche of the analysed target species populations at the warm and dry end of the species niche are underrepresented in the network. However, by 2100, target species in 33–65 % of conservation units, mostly located in southern Europe, will be at the limit or outside the species' current climatic niche as demonstrated by favourabilities below required model sensitivities of 95%. The highest average decrease in favourabilities throughout the network can be expected for coniferous trees although they are mainly occurring within units in mountainous landscapes for which we estimated lower velocities of change. Generally, the species‐specific estimates of favourabilities showed only low correlations to the velocity of climate change in individual units, indicating that both vulnerability measures should be considered for climate risk analysis. The variation in favourabilities among target species within the same conservation units is expected to increase with climate change and will likely require a prioritization among co‐occurring species. The present results suggest that there is a strong need to intensify monitoring efforts and to develop additional conservation measures for populations in the most vulnerable units. Also, our results call for continued transnational actions for genetic conservation of European forest trees, including the establishment of dynamic conservation populations outside the current species distribution ranges within European assisted migration schemes.
Evaluation of forage yield performance in advanced generations of a timothy “clone and strain synthesis” strain
Authors: Tanaka Tsuneki , Tamaki Hiroyuki , Ashikaga Kazunori , Fujii Hiroki , Sato Koichi , Iwabuchi Kei , Adachi Mieko
Published: November 2013

Clone and strain synthesis (CSS) is similar to variety synthesis to boost improvement of yield in perennial self‐incompatible forage grasses such as timothy (Phleum pratense L.). This study was undertaken to investigate the scale of inbreeding depression in advanced generations of CSS. The second to fourth synthetic generations (Syn2–4) of timothy CSS strain, ‘Kitakei 04306,’ were compared for cumulative annual dry matter yields (DMYs) and some agro‐morphological characteristics of 2009–2011. No significant difference was found among the generations for any examined characteristic, aside from a slight yield decrease (–1.7% for Syn2–4) with the advance of generations. Furthermore, DMY of Syn4, corresponding to a generation propagated as commercial seeds, remained 9.0% higher than that of its pollen parent. These results indicate the yield superiority of ‘Kitakei 04306.’ A risk of severe yield decrease in CSS could not be shown in our limited experiments.
Assessing the potential for Grey Squirrels Sciurus carolinensis to compete with birds at supplementary feeding stations
Authors: Bonnington Colin , Gaston Kevin J. , Evans Karl L.
Published: November 2013

Supplementary feeding of birds, particularly in urban areas, is often associated with increased population size and fecundity. In the UK, the non‐native Grey Squirrel Sciurus carolinensis is common in rural and urban habitats. It exploits supplementary feeders and may induce interference competition by excluding birds, but empirical evidence of this is unavailable. Using controlled model presentation experiments, we demonstrate that Grey Squirrels could reduce bird use of supplementary feeders and induce interference competition. Total bird resource use was reduced by 98% and most species exhibited similar sensitivities. The likelihood and magnitude of interference competition will depend on how rapidly displaced birds find alternative food sources; it will be greatest where there are high Grey Squirrel densities and few supplementary feeders. Other studies suggest that supplementary feeding increases Grey Squirrel numbers, and the species is also predicted to expand its non‐native range across most of Europe. Our data indicate that Grey Squirrels may eventually alter the net effect of supplementary feeding on bird populations across the European continent; increased use of squirrel‐proof feeders may help to minimize such effects.
The decline ofAfro‐Palaearctic migrants and an assessment of potential causes
Authors: Vickery Juliet A. , Ewing Steven R. , Smith Ken W. , Pain Deborah J. , Bairlein Franz , Škorpilová Jana , Gregory Richard D.
Published: November 2013

There is compelling evidence thatAfro‐Palaearctic (A‐P) migrant bird populations have declined inEurope in recent decades, often to a greater degree than resident or short‐distance migrants. There appear to have been two phases of decline. The first in the 1960s–1970s, and in some cases into the early 1980s, largely affected species wintering predominantly in the aridSahelian zone, and the second since the 1980s has mostly affected species wintering in the humid tropics andGuinea forest zone. Potential drivers of these declines are diverse and are spread across and interact within the migratory cycle. Our knowledge of declining species is generally better for the breeding than the non‐breeding parts of their life cycles, but there are significant gaps in both for many species. On the breeding grounds, degradation of breeding habitats is the factor affecting the demography of the largest number of species, particularly within agricultural systems and woodland and forests. In the non‐breeding areas, the interacting factors of anthropogenic habitat degradation and climatic conditions, particularly drought in the Sahel zone, appear to be the most important factors. Based on our synthesis of existing information, we suggest four priorities for further research: (1) use of new and emerging tracking technologies to identify migratory pathways and strategies, understand migratory connectivity and enable field research to be targeted more effectively; (2) undertake detailed field studies in sub‐SaharanAfrica and at staging sites, where we understand little about distribution patterns, habitat use and foraging ecology; (3) make better use of the wealth of data from theEuropean breeding grounds to explore spatial and temporal patterns in demographic parameters and relate these to migratory pathways and large‐scale patterns of habitat change and climatic factors; and (4) make better use of remote sensing to improve our understanding of how and where land cover is changing across these extensive areas and how this impactsA‐Pmigrants. This research needs to inform and underpin a flyway approach to conservation, evaluating a suite of drivers across the migratory cycle and combining this with an understanding of land management practices that integrate the needs of birds and people in these areas.
Divergent post‐breeding distribution and habitat associations of fledgling and adult Black‐footed AlbatrossesPhoebastria nigripesin theNorth Pacific
Authors: Gutowsky Sarah E. , Tremblay Yann , Kappes Michelle A. , Flint Elizabeth N. , Klavitter John , Laniawe Leona , Costa Dan P. , Naughton Maura B. , Romano Marc D. , Shaffer Scott A.
Published: November 2013

Past tracking studies of marine animals have primarily targeted adults, biasing our understanding of at‐sea habitat use toward older life stages. Anthropogenic threats persist throughout the at‐sea ranges of all life stages and it is therefore of interest to population ecologists and managers alike to understand spatiotemporal distributions and possible niche differentiation between age‐classes. In albatrosses, particularly little is known about the juvenile life stage when fledglings depart the colonies and venture to sea with no prior experience or parental guidance. We compared the dispersal of 22 fledgling Black‐footed AlbatrossPhoebastria nigripesbetween 2006 and 2008 using satellite telemetry and 16 adults between 2008 and 2009 using geolocaters from Midway Atoll National Wildlife Refuge, Northwest Hawaiian Islands. Following tag deployment, all fledglings spent several days within the calm atoll waters, then travelled northward until reaching 750–900 km from the colony. At this point, fledgling distributions approached the productiveNorth Pacific Transition Zone (NPTZ). Rather than reaching the high chlorophylladensities on the leading edge of this zone, however, fledglings remained in areas of low productivity in the subtropical gyre. In contrast, adult albatrosses from the same breeding colony did not utilize theNPTZat this time of year but rather ranged throughout the highly productive northern periphery of the Pacific Ocean Basin among the shelf regions offJapan and theAleutian Islands. The dichotomy in habitat use between fledglings and adults from Midway Atoll results in complete spatial segregation between age‐classes and suggests ontogenetic niche separation in this species. This research fills a large knowledge gap in at‐sea habitat use during a little known yet critical life stage of albatrosses, and contributes to a more comprehensive understanding of differential mortality pressure between age‐classes and overall conservation status for the vulnerable Black‐footed Albatross.
Asymptotics for Autocovariances and Integrated Periodograms for Linear Processes Observed at Lower Frequencies
Authors: Niebuhr Tobias , Kreiss Jens‐Peter
Published: November 2013

One of the most frequently used class of processes in time series analysis is the one of linear processes. For many statistical quantities, among them sample autocovariances and sample autocorrelations, central limit theorems are available in the literature. We investigate classical linear processes under a nonstandard observation pattern; namely, we assume that we are only able to observe the linear process at a lower frequency. It is shown that such observation pattern destroys the linear structure of the observations and leads to substantially different asymptotic results for standard statistical quantities. Central limit theorems are given for sample autocovariances and sample autocorrelations as well as more general integrated periodograms and ratio statistics. Moreover, for specific autoregressive processes, the possibilities to estimate the parameters of the underlying autoregression from lower frequency observations are addressed. Finally, we suggest for autoregressions of order 2 a valid bootstrap procedure. A small simulation study demonstrates the performance of the bootstrap proposal for finite sample size.
What a smartphone is to me: understanding user values in using smartphones
Authors: Jung Yoonhyuk
Published: November 2013

The objective of this study is twofold. First, it aims to investigate the various values users achieve with smartphones, which is a form of user‐empowering information technology (IT). The other objective is to introduce a means‐end chain approach into IT‐user studies. An important attraction of smartphones is their personalized environment, which is mainly provided by varied applications. The user personalization ability implies that users achieve diverse benefits with smartphones; that is, users decide what a smartphone is to them rather than adopt a given product. Thus, investigating what values users pursue with a smartphone (i.e. a value‐oriented approach) will give insights into understanding the users. To investigate user values in using smartphones, we conducted a laddering interview with 54 smartphone users and analyzed the data by using a means‐end chain approach to understand consumers' hierarchical value structure. This study contributes to value‐oriented research on user‐empowering IT by revelling how users benefit from smartphones. Furthermore, the study advances value‐oriented research by showing what users actually do with smartphones, from concrete activities to abstract values. In addition, a means‐end chain approach introduced in the study can be another angle for the investigation of user adoption of technology, in that it can describe IT use contexts and practices, which become an important object of analysis in the information systems research.
Policy advocacy experiences of Saskatchewan nonprofit organizations: Caught between rocks and hard places with multiple constituents?
Authors: DeSantis Gloria C.
Published: November 2013

In Canada, nonprofit, social service, community‐based organizations (CBOs) play an important role in advocating for social policies intended to positively influence people's lives. This article explores the challenges and opportunities that exist within the dynamic relations among social service CBOs, the marginalized communities they serve, and governments, as these CBOs attempt to influence social policy development. Qualitative data were collected from CBOs from 18 communities throughout the province of Saskatchewan and these data show how CBOs find themselves having to juggle and negotiate with multiple constituents and their myriad perspectives, often resulting in feelings of being caught between rocks and hard places. Nonetheless, analysis of the data also indicates these CBOs manoeuvre themselves around these precarious circumstances to find soft spots for progressive change. In my conclusion, I focus on the multiple constituent perspectives with which CBOs must contend, the potential salience of constituents in advocacy theory, the possible role of geographic and spatial variables in advocacy theory, iterative decision‐making loops that may better characterize advocacy than decisions made in serial fashion, and finally, advocacy chill and advocacy warmth.
Primulina jianghuaensis sp. nov. (Gesneriaceae) from a limestone cave in southern Hunan, China
Authors: Cai Xiu‐Zhen , Yi Ren‐Yuan , Zhou Lei , Kuang Ren‐Ping , Liu Ke‐Ming
Published: November 2013

A new species of Gesneriaceae, Primulina jianghuaensis K. M. Liu & X. Z. Cai, from a limestone cave in Hunan Province, China, is identified and described. Its seed and pollen grain morphology are described. The new species is morphologically closely related to P. lingchuanensis ( =Chiritopsis lingchuanensis) and P. danxiaensis ( =Chiritopsis danxiaensis), but it can be distinguished by its 12–25 (–30) leaves, ovate or broad ovate leaf blade, subcordate, truncate or slightly decurrent leaf base, undulate leaf margin, 5–20 cymes, and 2–3 staminodes.
Zonation of plant cover and environmental factors in wetlands of the Sanjiang Plain, northeast China
Authors: Lou Yanjing , Wang Guoping , Lu Xianguo , Jiang Ming , Zhao Kuiyi
Published: November 2013

The zonation of depressional and riparian wetlands in the Sanjiang Plain of northeastern China was studied to describe their vegetation composition and environmental variables. We sampled 108 plots in 6 depression and riparian wetlands. Samples were classified into 4 groups using two‐way indicator species analysis (TWINSPAN). Emergent marsh vegetation was characterized by Carex lasiocarpa and C. pseudocuraica, meadow marsh vegetation by tussock species such as Carex appendiculata and C. meyeriana, wet meadow vegetation by Calamangrostis angustifolia and Carex appendiculata, and shrub meadow vegetation by the shrubs Betula fruticosa, Alnus sibirica and Salix rosmarinifolia and the graminids Carex schmidtii and Calamagrostis angustifolia. CCA ordination showed that water table, organic matter and available N were the major factors explaining the vegetation zonation pattern. Compared with other Northern Hemisphere regions, bog and fen vegetation are completely absent due to climatic conditions unfavorable for peat formation. Out of four vegetation types, only the Carex lasiocarpa community and the C. pseudo‐curaica community have been found in other regions. However, at the species level many species are widespread and some species are vicariant or pseudovicariant to other regions in the world. Our study suggests that topography and hydrology may be the most important determinants of the vegetation pattern in this region.
British foreign policy in an Asian century
Authors: Alexander Douglas , Kearns Ian
Published: November 2013

Looking at the global challenges of a rapidly changing world, Douglas Alexander and Ian Kearns base their progressive vision for British foreign policy on four foundations: extended multilateralism, smart power, legitimacy and the rebuilding of domestic strength.
Glial Regulation of Extrasynaptic NMDA Receptor‐Mediated Excitation of Supraoptic Nucleus Neurones During Dehydration
Authors: Joe N. , Scott V. , Brown C. H.
Published: November 2013

Magnocellular neurosecretory cells (MNCs) of the supraoptic nucleus (SON) project to the posterior pituitary gland where they release the hormones, vasopressin and oxytocin into the circulation to maintain plasma osmolality. Hormone release is proportionate to SON MNC action potential (spike) firing rate. When activated by ambient extracellular glutamate, extrasynaptic NMDA receptors (eNMDARs) mediate a tonic (persistent) depolarisation to increase the probability of action potential firing. In the present study, in vivo single‐unit electrophysiological recordings were made from urethane‐anaesthetised female Sprague–Dawley rats to investigate the impact of tonic eNMDAR activation on MNC activity. Water deprivation (for up to 48 h) caused an increase in the firing rate of SON MNCs that was associated with a general increase in post‐spike excitability. To determine whether eNMDAR activation contributes to the increased MNC excitability during water deprivation, memantine, which preferentially blocks eNMDARs, was administered locally into the SON by microdialysis. Memantine significantly decreased the firing rate of MNCs recorded from 48‐h water‐deprived rats but had no effect on MNCs recorded from euhydrated rats. In the presence of the glial glutamate transporter‐1 (GLT‐1) blocker, dihydrokainate, memantine also reduced the MNC firing rate in euhydrated rats. Taken together, these observations suggest that GLT‐1 clears extracellular glutamate to prevent the activation of eNDMARs under basal conditions and that, during dehydration, eNMDAR activation contributes to the increased firing rate of MNCs.
Establishing Magnetic Resonance Images Orientation for the EADC‐ADNI Manual Hippocampal Segmentation Protocol
Authors: Boccardi Marina , Bocchetta Martina , Apostolova Liana G. , Preboske Gregory , Robitaille Nicolas , Pasqualetti Patrizio , Collins Louis D. , Duchesne Simon , Jack Clifford R. , Frisoni Giovanni B.
Published: November 2013

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

An effort to define and validate a Harmonized Protocol for standard hippocampal segmentation is being carried out. We wished to estimate the effect of magnetic resonance image (MRI) spatial orientation on manual hippocampal segmentations to define optimal standard orientation of MRIs for hippocampal volumetry.

METHODS

Three expert tracers segmented twice the hippocampi of 10 ADNI subjects on MRI slices oriented perpendicular to the anterior‐posterior commissure (AC‐PC) line and the long hippocampal axes plane, following internationally harmonized landmarks. We computed intra and interrater reliability figures for total volumes and similarity coefficients.

RESULTS

Total volume reliability was similar for both orientations. Similarity coefficients were significantly higher for the AC‐PC orientation (exact P = 0.002).

DISCUSSION

These data show that AC‐PC orientation is slightly more reliable for manual segmentations, possibly due to better visualization of the cerebrospinal fluid spaces separating hippocampal head and amygdala. A Delphi panel of experts has used these data to decide on the optimal orientation for a Harmonized Protocol for hippocampal segmentation.
Smoking‐related cotinine levels and host responses in chronic periodontitis
Authors: Ebersole J. L. , Steffen M. J. , Thomas M. V. , Al‐Sabbagh M.
Published: November 2013

Background and Objective

Smoking has been reported to increase the risk of periodontal disease by disrupting the balance of immune responses and tissue repair processes; however, this risk varies among smokers. Cotinine levels in saliva are routinely used to measure the level of smoking, and reflect the quantity of nicotine, and other smoking‐related xenobiotics that challenge host systems. This study delineated characteristics of inflammatory mediators in saliva and serum antibody responses to both periodontal pathogens and commensal bacteria in smokers as they related to cotinine levels.

Materials and Methods

This case–control study (n = 279) examined salivary inflammatory mediator responses [interleukin (IL)‐1ß, IL‐10, prostaglandin E2, myeloperoxidase and plasminogen activator inhibitor‐1], and serum IgG antibody responses to three periodontal pathogens (Aggregatibacter actinomyce‐temcomitans, Porphyromonas gingivalis, Treponema denticola) and five commensal oral microorganisms (Veillonella parvula, Streptococcus sanguis, Prevotella loescheii, Actinomyces naeslundii, Capnocytophaga ochracea).

Results

The patients were stratified into health (n = 30), gingivitis (n = 55) and periodontitis (n = 184); cotinine levels correlated with reported smoking habits in health, less so with gingivitis, and were not correlated in periodontitis. Of the inflammatory mediators/acute phase proteins, only IL‐1ß levels were positively associated (p < 0.001) with the pack years and cotinine levels. As might be predicted, patients with periodontitis smoked more (p < 0.001) and had higher levels of cotinine. IL‐1ß and antibody to A. actinomycetemcomitans, P. gingivalis and T. denticola were significantly higher in the patients with periodontitis than either patients with gingivitis or who were healthy.

Conclusions

Generally, antibody to the pathogens and commensals was lower with decreased cotinine levels. Smoking exacerbated differences in both inflammatory mediators and three antibody in periodontal disease compared to healthy subjects.
Prevention of Recurrent Ischemic Priapism with Ketoconazole: Evolution of a Treatment Protocol and Patient Outcomes
Authors: Hoeh Michael P. , Levine Laurence A.
Published: November 2013

Introduction

The management of recurrent ischemic priapism (RIP) is not clearly defined. Ketoconazole (KTZ) is used to treat RIP and produces a temporary hypogonadal state to suppress sleep-related erections (SREs), which often evolve into episodes of ischemic priapism in this population.

Aim

We review our experience to prevent RIP using KTZ and present our outcomes using a decreased dose regimen.

Methods

A retrospective chart review and phone survey of 17 patients with RIP was performed. KTZ inhibits adrenal and gonadal testosterone production with a half-life of 8 hours. By suppressing testosterone levels, SREs are interrupted. We compared our previous protocol of three times daily (TID) KTZ dosing with prednisone for 6 months with our current regimen of initiating KTZ 200 mg TID with prednisone 5 mg daily for 2 weeks and then tapering to KTZ 200 mg nightly for 6 months.

Main Outcome Measures

The primary outcome was the prevention of RIP using KTZ. Secondary outcomes included side effects secondary to KTZ use and patient satisfaction.

Results

All men experienced daily or almost daily episodes of prolonged, painful erections prior to starting KTZ. The mean number of emergency room (ER) visits per patient prior to starting KTZ was 6.5. No patient required an ER visit for RIP while on KTZ. Sixteen of 17 patients (94%) had complete resolution of priapism while on KTZ with effects noted immediately after starting therapy and no reported sexual side effects attributed to KTZ. One man stopped therapy after 4 days because of nausea/vomiting. Fourteen of 16 men eventually discontinued KTZ after a median duration of 7 months. Twenty-nine percent reported no recurrent priapic episodes after discontinuing. A total of 78.6% had partial or complete resolution of symptoms persisting after KTZ was discontinued with a mean post-treatment follow-up of 36.7 months.

Conclusion

No reliable effective preventative therapy has been identified for RIP. In our relatively sizable single-center experience, KTZ appears to be a reasonably effective, safe, and inexpensive treatment to prevent RIP while preserving sexual function. We now recommend our tapered dose regimen listed above. After 6 months, we recommend stopping the medication as we have found a majority of patients will not need to resume nightly KTZ.