bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Land use intensification differentially benefits alien over native predators in agricultural landscape mosaics
Authors: Grez Audrey A. , Rand Tatyana A. , Zaviezo Tania , Castillo‐Serey Francisca
Published: January 2013

Aim

Both anthropogenic habitat disturbance and the breadth of habitat use by alien species have been found to facilitate invasion into novel environments, and these factors have been hypothesized to be important within coccinellid communities specifically. In this study, we address two questions: (1) Do alien species benefit more than native species from human‐disturbed habitats? (2) Are alien species more generalized in their habitat use than natives within the invaded range or can their abundance patterns be explained by specialization on the most common habitats?

Location

Chile.

Methods

We quantified the use of different habitat types by native and alien coccinellid beetles by sampling individuals in nine habitat types that spanned a gradient in disturbance intensity, and represented the dominant natural, semi‐natural and agricultural habitats in the landscape.

Results

Our results provide strong support for the hypotheses that more‐disturbed habitats are differentially invaded. Both the proportion of alien individuals and the proportion of alien species increased significantly with increasing disturbance intensity. In contrast, we found no evidence that alien species were more generalized in their habitat use than native species; in fact, the trend was in the opposite direction. The abundance of specialized alien coccinellid species was not correlated with the area of the habitat types in the landscape.

Main conclusion

The results suggest that successfully established alien coccinellid species may be ‘disturbance specialists’ that thrive within human‐modified habitats. Therefore, less‐disturbed agroecosystems are desirable to promote the regional conservation of native species within increasingly human‐dominated landscapes.
Rare or elusive? A test of expert knowledge about rarity of Amazon forest birds
Authors: Cerqueira Marconi C. , Cohn‐Haft Mario , Vargas Claudeir F. , Nader Carlos E. , Andretti Christian B. , Costa Thiago V. V. , Sberze Monica , Hines James E. , Ferraz Gonçalo
Published: January 2013

Aim

To offer a test of expert knowledge about rarity of twenty Amazon forest bird species following an approach that equates rarity with low site occupancy and formally accounts for imperfect species detection. We define ten pairs of closely related species, each pair with one hypothetically common and one hypothetically rare species. Our null hypothesis is that members of each pair have similar occupancy, with hypothesized differences due to detection errors alone.

Location

A 1000‐ha plot of primary rainforest in the central Brazilian Amazon.

Methods

We visited each of 55 sampling sites multiple times per season for three field seasons and estimated the probability of site occupancy by each species following a maximum likelihood state‐space approach that also estimates the probability that a species is present yet undetected at a site. To maximize detection and account for its variation, we employed three different sampling techniques while systematically training and testing observer's ability to recognize species.

Results

Occupancy estimates agree with expert predictions in all but two species pairs and show no evidence of clear temporal variation in occupancy between sampling seasons. Detection probability had a positive relation with observer ability, a strong relation to time of day across species, and a strong relation with the use of playback for some species. Detection with point counts and with autonomous recorders varied between species pairs.

Main conclusions

We reject the null hypothesis of equal occupancy within pairs, concluding that expert knowledge on species rarity is useful and worth eliciting. Our results replace qualitative ratings of rarity with statistical estimates of occupancy, establishing a reliable baseline for future comparisons. Besides illustrating the relevance of expert knowledge, this application to Amazonian birds illustrates a flexible approach that can be used for testing knowledge about rarity for a variety of species groups and spatial scales.
Red noise increases extinction risk during rapid climate change
Authors: Mustin Karen , Dytham Calvin , Benton Tim G. , Travis Justin M. J.
Published: January 2013

Aim

As the global climate is changing rapidly, there is a need to make conservation decisions to facilitate species' persistence under climate change. Models employed to make predictions regarding the impacts of climate change on species' distributions, and ultimately persistence, typically assume that interannual variability in environmental conditions is independent between years. However, the colour of environmental noise has been shown to affect extinction risk in populations occupying spatially static environments, and should therefore affect persistence during climate change. This study aims to investigate the importance of noise colour for extinction risk during climate‐induced range shifts.

Methods

We use a spatially explicit coupled map lattice with a latitudinal gradient in climatic suitability, together with time series of environmental noise, to simulate periods of directional climate change and investigate the effects of noise colour on extinction risk and range size.

Results

Extinction risk increases with reddening of the environmental noise, and this effect is particularly pronounced over short time frames when climate change is rapid.

Main conclusions

Given that management decisions are typically made over such short time frames, and the rapid rates of climate change currently being experienced, we highlight the importance of incorporating realistic time series of environmental noise into models used for conservation planning under climate change.
Biotic homogenization as a threat to native affiliate species: fish introductions dilute freshwater mussel's host resources
Authors: Douda Karel , Lopes‐Lima Manuel , Hinzmann Mariana , Machado Jorge , Varandas Simone , Teixeira Amílcar , Sousa Ronaldo
Published: January 2013

Aim

The indirect consequences of biotic homogenization, the process of a gradual increase in the similarity of regional biotas driven by the combined effects of species invasions and extinctions, are still poorly understood. In this study, we aimed to assess the ability of a native affiliate species to maintain its host resources under the condition of biotic homogenization of host communities.

Location

Central (Vltava River Basin, Czech Republic) and western (Douro River Basin, Portugal) Europe.

Methods

We tested the ability of non‐native species to serve as an alternative partner in local host–affiliate relationships. We used a European freshwater mussel, Anodonta anatina, which is considered to be a host generalist of native fish species, and compared the compatibility of its glochidia with native versus non‐native fishes in two distinct European regions. Subsequently, we projected the obtained host compatibility data into the recent progress of biotic homogenization and estimated the degree of host dilution.

Results

We found significant differences in the ability of A. anatina glochidia to parasitize the native and non‐native fish species in both the central and peripheral parts of the mussel's distribution range. As a result, the increasing presence of non‐native species within fish communities across Europe likely significantly decreases the availability of the mussel's host. Biotic homogenization of host communities may interfere with general life history traits (host specificity) of their local affiliate species.

Main conclusions

This study demonstrates that the mixing of regional biotas may lead to an excessive loss of host availability even for host generalists, such as the freshwater mussel A. anatina, with potentially broad consequences for their population dynamics. Conservation strategies of endangered affiliate species need to incorporate the biogeographical context of host–affiliate relationships and particularly the consequences of biotic homogenization.
Recall of HbA1c and self‐management behaviours, patient activation, perception of care and diabetes distress in Type 2 diabetes
Authors: Willaing I. , á Rogvi S. , Bøgelund M. , Almdal T. , Schiøtz M.
Published: January 2013

Aims

The aim of this study was to investigate associations between HbA1c recall by patients with Type 2 diabetes and self‐management behaviours, patient activation, perception of care and diabetes distress.

Methods

In a cross‐sectional survey, 993 patients with Type 2 diabetes reported their latest HbA1c. Validated scales measured self‐management behaviours, patient activation, perception of care and diabetes distress. Self‐reported HbA1c was compared with latest measured HbA1c. Using logistic regressions, associations between HbA1c recall and the variables of interest were investigated.

Results

Sixty‐four per cent of patients recalled their latest HbA1c. Poor HbA1c recall was significantly associated with unhealthy eating behaviour, low level of exercise, low level of patient activation, poor glycaemic control, not knowing target HbA1c level, low educational level and being female. There were no associations between recall of HbA1c and diabetes distress or perceived care.

Conclusions

Recall of HbA1c level may increase patient activation and health‐promoting behaviours. However, low educational level may be a barrier for using HbA1c as a motivator for health‐promoting behaviours. This study indicates a need for studies of causal relationships, as well as mechanisms and challenges in using patient awareness of HbA1c as a driver for health‐promoting behaviours.
Blood β‐hydroxybutyrate vs. urine acetoacetate testing for the prevention and management of ketoacidosis in Type 1 diabetes: a systematic review
Authors: Klocker A. A. , Phelan H. , Twigg S. M. , Craig M. E.
Published: January 2013

Abstact

Aim

Diabetic ketoacidosis is a life‐threatening complication of Type 1 diabetes. Blood β‐hydroxybutyrate testing is now widely available as an alternative to urine acetoacetate testing for detecting ketosis. The aim of this study was to review the effectiveness of capillary or serum β‐hydroxybutyrate compared with urine acetoacetate testing in prevention and management of diabetic ketoacidosis.

Methods

MEDLINE, EMBASE, EBM Reviews, The Cochrane Library and CINAHL (until April 2012, no language restrictions, studies in humans) were searched for experimental and observational studies comparing the effectiveness of blood β‐hydroxybutyrate and urine acetoacetate testing. Outcomes examined were prevention of diabetic ketoacidosis, time to recovery from diabetic ketoacidosis, healthcare costs and patient or caregiver satisfaction. Additional sources included reference lists, conference proceedings and contact with experts in the field.

Results

Four studies (two randomized controlled trials and two cohort studies) met eligibility criteria, including 299 participants across 11 centres. Risk of bias was low to moderate. Blood ketone testing compared with urine testing was associated with reduced frequency of hospitalization (one study), reduced time to recovery from diabetic ketoacidosis (three studies), cost benefits (one study) and greater satisfaction (one study, intervention group only). No study assessed prevention of diabetic ketoacidosis. Meta‐analysis could not be performed because of heterogeneity in study design and published data.

Conclusions

There is evidence suggesting that blood β‐hydroxybutyrate testing is more effective than urine acetoacetate testing in reducing emergency department assessment, hospitalization and time to recovery from diabetic ketoacidosis, as well as potentially lowering healthcare expenditure. Further research in both young people and adults is needed.
ATP and arterial calcification
Authors: Fish Richard S. , Klootwijk Enriko , Tam Frederick W. K. , Kleta Robert , Wheeler David C. , Unwin Robert J. , Norman Jill
Published: January 2013

Background

Arterial calcification (AC) is a major health problem associated with extreme morbidity and a shortened survival. It is currently without any effective treatment. ATP and the purinergic system in general are now emerging as being important in the pathogenesis of AC and potentially provide a new focus for novel therapies.

Methods

This review systematically analyses and discusses the current literature examining the relevance of the purinergic system to AC. Particular emphasis is given to the enzymes associated with ATP metabolism and their role in maintaining a balance between promotion and inhibition of arterial mineralization. Points of controversy are highlighted, and areas for future research are suggested.

Conclusion

The potential roles of ATP and the purinergic system in AC are beginning to be elucidated. While further work is necessary, current knowledge suggests that several components of the purinergic system could be targeted to develop new treatments for AC.
Treatment of class II malocclusion with open bite and absence of central maxillary incisor lost by trauma aided by use of orthodontic mini‐implants
Authors: Pithon Matheus Melo
Published: January 2013

The aim of this article is to report the clinical case of non‐surgical treatment of a Class II malocclusion with anterior open bite, associated with absence of a maxillary central incisor avulsed due to trauma. Treatment proceeded with the use of orthodontic mini‐implants as an anchorage device for intrusion of the maxillary molars and for mesial movement of the lateral incisor to replace the central incisor. Treatment resulted in good occlusion, with anterior and lateral guides, enhancement of the facial profile, and good dental esthetic appearance without the need for prosthetic treatment. The treatment outcome was satisfactory but needs long‐term or permanent retention.
Attenuation of auditory N1 results from identity‐specific action‐effect prediction
Authors: Hughes Gethin , Desantis Andrea , Waszak Florian
Published: January 2013

The auditory N1 event‐related potential has previously been observed to be attenuated for tones that are triggered by human actions. This attenuation is thought to be generated by motor prediction mechanisms and is considered to be important for agency attribution. The present study was designed to rigorously test the notion of action prediction‐based sensory attenuation. Participants performed one of four voluntary actions on each trial, with each button associated with either predictable or unpredictable action effects. In addition, actions with each hand could result in action effects that were either congruent or incongruent with hand‐specific prediction. We observed no significant differences in N1 amplitude between predictable and unpredictable tones. When contrasting action effects that were congruent or incongruent with hand‐specific prediction, we observed significant attenuation for prediction‐congruent compared to prediction‐incongruent action‐effects. These novel findings suggest that accurate action‐effect prediction drives sensory attenuation of auditory stimuli. These findings have important implications for understanding the mechanisms of action‐effect prediction and sensory attenuation, and may have clinical implications for studies investigating action awareness and agency in schizophrenia.
Thermal acclimation in widespread heterotrophic soil microbes
Authors: Crowther Thomas W. , Bradford Mark A.
Published: January 2013

Respiration by plants and microorganisms is primarily responsible for mediating carbon exchanges between the biosphere and atmosphere. Climate warming has the potential to influence the activity of these organisms, regulating exchanges between carbon pools. Physiological ‘down‐regulation’ of warm‐adapted species (acclimation) could ameliorate the predicted respiratory losses of soil carbon under climate change scenarios, but unlike plants and symbiotic microbes, the existence of this phenomenon in heterotrophic soil microbes remains controversial. Previous studies using complex soil microbial communities are unable to distinguish physiological acclimation from other community‐scale adjustments. We explored the temperature‐sensitivity of individual saprotrophic basidiomycete fungi growing in agar, showing definitively that these widespread heterotrophic fungi can acclimate to temperature. In almost all cases, the warm‐acclimated individuals had lower growth and respiration rates at intermediate temperatures than cold‐acclimated isolates. Inclusion of such microbial physiological responses to warming is essential to enhance the robustness of global climate‐ecosystem carbon models.
Automated morphometric magnetic resonance imaging analysis for the detection of periventricular nodular heterotopia
Authors: Pascher Bettina , Kröll Judith , Mothersill Ian , Krämer Günter , Huppertz Hans‐Jürgen
Published: January 2013

Purpose:  To describe a novel magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) postprocessing technique for the detection of periventricular nodular heterotopia (PNH) and to evaluate its diagnostic value. The method is a further development of voxel‐based morphometric analysis with focus on a region of interest around the lateral ventricles to increase the sensitivity and specificity for automated detection of abnormally located gray matter in this area.

Methods:  T1‐weighted MRI volume data sets were normalized and segmented in statistical parametric mapping (SPM 5 software), and the distribution of gray matter was compared to a normal database. As a new approach, individual masks derived from segmentation of the lateral ventricles were used to restrict the search for ectopic gray matter to the periventricular area. PNH were automatically detected by localizing the maximum deviation from the normal database in this area, provided that the z‐score exceeded a certain threshold. The optimal z‐score threshold for maximum sensitivity and specificity was determined by a receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis. The method was applied in 40 patients with PNH and 400 controls.

Key Findings:  PNH were detected in 37 of 40 patients, and false positives were found in 34 of 400 controls, amounting to 92.5% sensitivity and 91.5% specificity. In 17 of the patients in whom PNH could be identified, these lesions had been overlooked in the past, and in 8 patients even in the high‐resolution MRI subsequently used for postprocessing.

Significance:  The results suggest that automated morphometric MRI analysis with focus on ectopic gray matter in the periventricular areas facilitates the evaluation of MRI data and increases the sensitivity for the detection of PNH.
How much do fish aggregating devices (FADs) modify the floating object environment in the ocean?
Authors: Dagorn Laurent , Bez Nicolas , Fauvel Thomas , Walker Emily
Published: January 2013

Natural floating objects (e.g., logs) have always been a component of the habitat of tropical tunas. However, the introduction of fish aggregating devices (FADs) modifies this environment. To assess the changes due to the deployment of FADs, we compared the spatial distribution of natural and artificial floating objects (FADs), using data from observers onboard tuna purse seine vessels in the Indian Ocean from December 2006 to December 2008. Although natural objects occur more commonly in waters south of 7°S and FADs are more common in waters north of 7°S, all types of floating objects can be found everywhere. Using different spatial scales (quadrats of size 1° × 1°, 2° × 2°, 5° × 5°, and 10° × 10°), we computed the proportion of FADs observed in quadrats without natural objects. The scale of 2° × 2° quadrats represented a threshold: distributions of the two types of objects were different at scales smaller than this threshold. The strongest change that has occurred since the introduction of FADs (besides the increased catches) has been the dramatic increase in the total number of floating objects. Since the introduction of FADs, the number of objects has at least doubled everywhere (except in the Mozambique Channel and Chagos) and in some areas (e.g., Somalia area) the multiplication factor has reached as high as 20 or 40. Our study sets the ranges of values of key parameters of the floating object environment, which are crucial in the design of future experimental studies aimed at investigating the impacts of FADs on the ecology of tunas.
The potential trade‐off between artisanal fisheries production and hydroelectricity generation on the Kafue River, Zambia
Authors: DEINES ANDREW M. , ADAM BEE C. , Katongo Cyprian , JENSEN RICHARD , LODGE DAVID M.
Published: January 2013

1. Freshwater resource managers are increasingly obligated to consider the impacts of large river engineering projects on ecosystem services. We evaluated the effect of altered water regime from the operation of a large dam on the production of the downstream tropical floodplain fishery of the Kafue River, Zambia. We compared the benefits of increased hydropower relative to potentially lost fishery production.

2. We compiled a long‐term data set consisting of experimental gillnet catches, artisanal harvesting effort and monthly river flows for 25 years prior to and 29 years after the 1977 completion of the upstream Itezhi‐Tezhi Dam. As a metric of the flood regime, we calculated a canonical correlation score for each hydrological year before and after dam closure. For the period following dam construction, we used the Muskingum method of flood routing to estimate ‘no‐dam’ flows through the fishery area and downstream hydroelectric turbines at the Kafue Gorge Dam.

3. We compared 16 alternative models of catch per unit effort (CPUE) with and without an effect of water regime on fish population growth rate. Using the two best fitting models, we estimated the total observed fishery harvest and simulated ‘no‐dam’ fisheries harvest and found no significant effect of altered water regime on fishery production.

4. We estimate that the large upstream dam increases downstream hydropower production by about $18 million USD per annum. The reduction in fishery production caused by the altered water regime is not significantly different than zero, although the average reduction amounts to about $2.3 million annually. The total estimated value of harvest ranges from $1.3 million to $56 million annually.

5. Large observed declines in fish abundance over the 54‐year study period are attributed primarily with similarly large increases in total fishing effort in this mostly open‐access artisanal fishery.

6. These results contrast with other examples of the effects of flow alteration on fish, probably because levels of fisheries exploitation on the Kafue River are very high relative to better studied regions on other continents; our focus on the whole fish community; and the unprecedented length of the time series we considered. If the goal is to sustain fishery production, investments in altering flow regime are likely to be less effective than investments to decrease fishing effort.
Organic enrichment of sediments reduces arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi in oligotrophic lake plants
Authors: MØLLER CLAUS L. , KJØLLER RASMUS , SAND‐JENSEN KAJ
Published: January 2013

1. Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) commonly colonise isoetid species inhabiting oxygenated sediments in oligotrophic lakes but are usually absent in other submerged plants. We hypothesised that organic enrichment of oligotrophic lake sediments reduces AMF colonisation and hyphal growth because of sediment O2 depletion and low carbon supply from stressed host plants.

2. We added organic matter to sediments inhabited by isoetids and measured pore‐water chemistry (dissolved O2, inorganic carbon, Fe2+ and ), colonisation intensity of roots and hyphal density after 135 days of exposure.

3. Addition of organic matter reduced AMF colonisation of roots of both Lobelia dortmanna and Littorella uniflora, and high additions stressed the plants. Even small additions of organic matter almost stopped AMF colonisation of initially un‐colonised L. uniflora, though without reducing plant growth. Mean hyphal density in sediments was high (6 and 15 m cm−3) and comparable with that in terrestrial soils (2–40 m cm−3). Hyphal density was low in the upper 1 cm of isoetid sediments, high in the main root zone between 1 and 8 cm and positively related to root density. Hyphal surface area exceeded root surface area by 1.7–3.2 times.

4. We conclude that AMF efficiently colonise isoetids in oligotrophic sediments and form extensive hyphal networks. Small additions of organic matter to sediments induce sediment anoxia and reduce AMF colonisation of roots but cause no apparent plant stress. High organic addition induces night‐time anoxia in both the sediment and the plant tissue. Tissue anoxia reduces root growth and AMF colonisation, probably because of restricted translocation of nutrient ions and organic solutes between roots and leaves. Isoetids should rely on AMF for P uptake on nutrient‐poor mineral sediments but are capable of growing without AMF on organic sediments.
Stocked trout have minimal effects on littoral invertebrate assemblages of productive fish‐bearing lakes: a whole‐lake BACI study
Authors: HANISCH JUSTIN R. , TONN WILLIAM M. , PASZKOSWKI CYNTHIA A. , SCRIMGEOUR GARRY J.
Published: January 2013

1. Rainbow Trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss [Walbaum]) is commonly stocked as a sport fish throughout the world but can have serious negative effects on native species, especially in headwater systems. Productive fish‐bearing lakes represent a frequently stocked yet infrequently studied system, and effects of trout in these systems may differ from those in headwater lakes.

2. We used a Before‐After Control‐Impact (BACI) design to determine how stocked trout affected assemblage‐level and taxon‐level biomass, abundance and average length of littoral invertebrates in a stocked lake relative to three unstocked control lakes in the boreal foothills of Alberta, Canada. Lakes were studied 1 year before and for 2 years after stocking. Because characteristics of productive fish‐bearing lakes should buffer impacts of introduced fish, we predicted that trout would not affect assemblage‐level structure of littoral invertebrates but might reduce the abundance or average length of large‐bodied taxa frequently consumed by trout.

3. Relative to the unstocked control lakes, biomass, but not abundance, of the littoral invertebrate assemblage was affected indirectly by trout through increases of some taxa after trout stocking. At the individual taxon‐level, trout stocking did not affect most (23 of the 27) taxa, with four taxa increasing in abundance or biomass after stocking. Only one taxon, Chironomidae, showed evidence of size‐selective predation by trout, being consumed frequently by trout and decreasing significantly in average length after stocking.

4. Our results contrast with the strong negative effects of trout stocking on invertebrate assemblages commonly reported from headwater lakes. A combination of factors, including large and robust native populations of forage fish, the generalised diet of trout, overwinter aeration, relatively high productivity and dense macrophyte beds, likely works in concert to reduce potentially negative effects of stocked trout in these systems. As such, productive, fish‐bearing lakes may represent a suitable system for trout stocking, especially where native sport fish populations are lacking.
A study of the possible association between adenosine A2A receptor gene polymorphisms and attention‐deficit hyperactivity disorder traits
Authors: Molero Y. , Gumpert C. , Serlachius E. , Lichtenstein P. , Walum H. , Johansson D. , Anckarsäter H. , Westberg L. , Eriksson E. , Halldner L.
Published: January 2013

The adenosine A2A receptor (ADORA2A) is linked to the dopamine neurotransmitter system and is also implicated in the regulation of alertness, suggesting a potential association with attention‐deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) traits. Furthermore, animal studies suggest that the ADORA2A may influence ADHD‐like behavior. For that reason, the ADORA2A gene emerges as a promising candidate for studying the etiology of ADHD traits. The aim of this study was to examine the relationship between ADORA2A gene polymorphisms and ADHD traits in a large population‐based sample. This study was based on the Child and Adolescent Twin Study in Sweden (CATSS), and included 1747 twins. Attention‐deficit hyperactivity disorder traits were assessed through parental reports, and samples of DNA were collected. Associations between six single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and ADHD traits were examined, and results suggested a nominal association between ADHD traits and three of these SNPs: rs3761422, rs5751876 and rs35320474. For one of the SNPs, rs35320474, results remained significant after correction for multiple comparisons. These results indicate the possibility that the ADORA2A gene may be involved in ADHD traits. However, more studies replicating the present results are warranted before this association can be confirmed.
Did life originate from a global chemical reactor?
Authors: Stüeken E. E. , Anderson R. E. , Bowman J. S. , Brazelton W. J. , Colangelo‐Lillis J. , Goldman A. D. , Som S. M. , Baross J. A.
Published: January 2013

Many decades of experimental and theoretical research on the origin of life have yielded important discoveries regarding the chemical and physical conditions under which organic compounds can be synthesized and polymerized. However, such conditions often seem mutually exclusive, because they are rarely encountered in a single environmental setting. As such, no convincing models explain how living cells formed from abiotic constituents. Here, we propose a new approach that considers the origin of life within the global context of the Hadean Earth. We review previous ideas and synthesize them in four central hypotheses: (i) Multiple microenvironments contributed to the building blocks of life, and these niches were not necessarily inhabitable by the first organisms; (ii) Mineral catalysts were the backbone of prebiotic reaction networks that led to modern metabolism; (iii) Multiple local and global transport processes were essential for linking reactions occurring in separate locations; (iv) Global diversity and local selection of reactants and products provided mechanisms for the generation of most of the diverse building blocks necessary for life. We conclude that no single environmental setting can offer enough chemical and physical diversity for life to originate. Instead, any plausible model for the origin of life must acknowledge the geological complexity and diversity of the Hadean Earth. Future research may therefore benefit from identifying further linkages between organic precursors, minerals, and fluids in various environmental contexts.
Markers of microbial translocation predict hypertension in HIV‐infected individuals
Authors: Manner IW , Baekken M , Kvale D , Oektedalen O , Pedersen M , Nielsen SD , Nowak P , Os I , Trøseid M
Published: January 2013

Objectives

The aim of the study was to test the hypothesis that microbial translocation, quantified by levels of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and subsequent monocyte activation [soluble (sCD14)], is associated with hypertension in HIV‐infected individuals.

Methods

In this exploratory substudy, 42 patients were recruited from a larger, longitudinal HIV‐infected cohort study on blood pressure. LPS and sCD14 levels were measured retrospectively at the time of nadir CD4 cell count, selecting untreated HIV‐infected patients with both advanced immunodeficiency and preserved immunocompetence at the time of nadir. Patients with later sustained hypertension (n = 16) or normotension (n = 26) throughout the study were identified. LPS was analysed using the Limulus Amebocyte Lysate colorimetric assay (Lonza, Walkersville, MD) and sCD14 using an enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Nonparametric statistical tests were applied.

Results

In the HIV‐infected patients [median (interquartile range) age 42 (32–46) years; 79% male and 81% Caucasian], LPS and sCD14 levels were both negatively correlated with nadir CD4 cell count. Plasma levels of LPS (P < 0.001) and sCD14 (P = 0.024) were elevated in patients with later hypertension compared with patients with normotension. There was a stepwise increase in the number of patients with hypertension across tertiles of LPS (P = 0.001) and sCD14 (P = 0.007). Both LPS and sCD14 were independent predictors of elevated blood pressure after adjustment for age and gender. For each 10‐unit increase in LPS (range 66–272 pg/ml), the increment in mean blood pressure in the first period of blood pressure recording was 0.86 (95% confidence interval 0.31–1.41) mmHg (P = 0.003).

Conclusions

As LPS and sCD14 were both independently associated with elevated blood pressure, microbial translocation may be linked to the development of hypertension.
Fabrication of Embedded Microstructures Via Lamination of Thick Gel‐Casted Ceramic Layers
Authors: Cheah Kean How , Chin Jit Kai
Published: January 2013

This article describes a new approach to fabricate various embedded ceramic microstructures. Design geometries of the microstructures are replicated onto a soft reusable polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) mold. Rapid consolidation of ceramic suspension on the molds using gel‐casting technique produces structured ceramic layers. 85% aqueous glycerol solution has been identified as suitable adhesive agent to laminate the ceramic layers. Capability of the approach in fabricating embedded microstructures of 3‐dimensional and aspect ratio as high as 20 and 50 has been demonstrated. Ceramic microthruster and Y‐shaped microfluidic reactor are fabricated using this new approach to show its potential to construct various ceramic microdevices.
Do Finnish home economics and health education textbooks promote constructivist learning in nutrition education?
Authors: Hokkanen Säde , Kosonen Anna‐Liisa
Published: January 2013

In Finnish secondary schools, nutrition education is integrated mainly in home economics and health education lessons. The aim of this research was to describe the content and pedagogical style in food‐ and nutrition‐related texts in secondary school textbooks. Textbooks are important learning tools in education in so far as they reflect current pedagogical thinking and the objectives set in the national core curriculum. The study data consisted commonly used home economics (n = 4) and health education (n = 3) textbooks. Nutrition contents of the textbooks were compatible with the national core curriculum. The scope of nutrition education in health education textbooks was health centred, whereas home economics textbooks considered also cultural and environmental aspects of nutrition education. All textbooks considered adolescents' current nutrition issues. The pedagogical style was usually participative in exercises and neutral informative in a plain text; however, a considerable amount of text was written on using a persuasive style. Overall, textbook pedagogical style supported the constructivist idea of learning, and textbooks can be a positive agent for change as we strive towards a better nutrition health in children and adolescents.
Does preserved kidney volume predict 1 year donor renal function after laparoscopic living donor nephrectomy?
Authors: Yakoubi Rachid , Autorino Riccardo , Kassab Ahmad , Long Jean Alexandre , Haber Georges‐Pascal , Kaouk Jihad H
Published: January 2013

The aim of the present study was to evaluate whether preserved kidney volume predicts donor renal function at 1‐year post‐surgery. Data of patients who underwent laparoscopic living donor nephrectomy between October 2006 and September 2010 were retrospectively reviewed. All patients underwent computed tomography scan with an estimation of kidney volume by using an automated segmentation algorithm. We also calculated kidney volume adjusted for donor body surface area and donor preserved kidney volume ratio (split volume). Estimated glomerular filtration rate was estimated using the Modification of Diet in Renal Disease equation. Predictors of the estimated glomerular filtration rate at 1 year were assessed by multiple linear regression. The 1‐year estimated glomerular filtration rate was available in 140 patients. The median age was 40 years, and median adjusted preserved kidney volume was 160.5 cc/1.73 m2 (interquartile range 143.7–177.9). Median estimated glomerular filtration rate was 92.4 (interquartile range 81.9–101.2) and 61.2 mL/min/1.73 m2 (interquartile range 53.4–68.7), respectively, at baseline and at 1 year. Preserved kidney volume adjusted to body surface area (P = 0.02) with age (P = 0.002) and preoperative estimated glomerular filtration rate (P < 0.001) were independent predictors of estimated glomerular filtration rate at 1 year. However, split kidney volume was not statistically related to estimated glomerular filtration rate at 1 year (P = 0.47). In order to maximize preservation of donor renal function, the pre‐donation kidney volume adjusted to body surface area might be a useful parameter to consider when deciding on living kidney donation.
Variable induction of vitellogenin genes in the varroa mite, Varroa destructor (Anderson & Trueman), by the honeybee, Apis mellifera L, host and its environment
Authors: Cabrera Cordon A. R. , Shirk P. D. , Duehl A. J. , Evans J. D. , Teal P. E. A.
Published: January 2013

Transcript levels of vitellogenins (Vgs) in the varroa mite, Varroa destructor (Anderson & Trueman), were variably induced by interactions between the developing honeybee, Apis mellifera L, as a food source and the capped honeybee cell environment. Transcripts for two Vgs of varroa mites were sequenced and putative Vg protein products characterized. Sequence analysis of VdVg1 and VdVg2 proteins showed that each had greater similarity with Vg1 and Vg2 proteins from ticks, respectively, than between themselves and were grouped separately by phylogenetic analyses. This suggests there was a duplication of the ancestral acarine Vg gene prior to the divergence of the mites and ticks. Low levels of transcript were detected in immature mites, males and phoretic females. Following cell invasion by phoretic females, VdVg1 and VdVg2 transcript levels were up‐regulated after cell capping to a maximum at the time of partial cocoon formation by the honeybee. During oviposition the two transcripts were differentially expressed with higher levels of VdVg2 being observed. A bioassay based on assessing the transcript levels was established. Increases in VdVg1 and VdVg2 transcripts were induced experimentally in phoretic females when they were placed inside a cell containing an early metamorphosing last instar bee but not when exposed to the metamorphosing bee alone. The variable response of Vg expression to the food source as well as environmental cues within the capped cell demonstrates that perturbation of host−parasite interactions may provide avenues to disrupt the reproductive cycle of the varroa mites and prevent varroasis.
Transgene‐mediated suppression of the RNA interference pathway in Aedes aegypti interferes with gene silencing and enhances Sindbis virus and dengue virus type 2 replication
Authors: Khoo C. C. H. , Doty J. B. , Heersink M. S. , Olson K. E. , Franz A. W. E.
Published: January 2013

RNA interference (RNAi) is the major innate antiviral pathway in Aedes aegypti that responds to replicating arboviruses such as dengue virus (DENV) and Sindbis virus (SINV). On the one hand, the mosquito's RNAi machinery is capable of completely eliminating DENV2 from Ae. aegypti. On the other, transient silencing of key genes of the RNAi pathway increases replication of SINV and DENV2, allowing the viruses to temporally overcome dose‐dependent midgut infection and midgut escape barriers (MEB) more efficiently. Here we expressed Flock house virus B2 (FHV‐B2) from the poly‐ubiquitin (PUb) promoter in Ae. aegypti using the ΦC31 site‐directed recombination system to investigate the impact of transgene‐mediated RNAi pathway suppression on infections with SINV‐TR339eGFP and DENV2‐QR94, the latter of which has been shown to be confronted with a strong MEB in Ae. aegypti. FHV‐B2 was constitutively expressed in midguts of sugar‐ and blood‐fed mosquitoes of transgenic line PUbB2 P61. B2 over‐expression suppressed RNA silencing of carboxypeptidase A‐1 (AeCPA‐1) in midgut tissue of PUbB2 P61 mosquitoes. Following oral challenge with SINV‐TR339eGFP or DENV2‐QR94, mean titres in midguts of PUbB2 P61 females were significantly higher at 7 days post‐bloodmeal (pbm) than in those of nontransgenic control mosquitoes. At 14 days pbm, infection rates of carcasses were significantly increased in PubB2 P61 mosquitoes infected with SINV‐TR339eGFP. Following infection with DENV2‐QR94, midgut infection rates were significantly increased in the B2‐expressing mosquitoes at 14 days pbm. However, B2 expression in PUbB2 P61 did not increase the DENV2‐QR94 dissemination rate, indicating that the infection phenotype was not primarily controlled by RNAi.
Human resource management practices with Vietnamese characteristics: a study of managers’ responses
Authors: Zhu Ying , Verstraeten Michel
Published: January 2013

As an emerging economy, Vietnam has experienced many changes at both macroeconomic and enterprise levels since the economic renovation, namely Doi moi started in the middle of 1980s. One of the key areas of change is in the practices of human resource management (HRM) which could bring competitiveness to enterprises. However, how far such change has gone is not clear. Given the diversity of enterprises operating in Vietnam, we explore several key questions based on the survey results of 1282 managers working in different organisations in Vietnam. The theoretical and empirical implications are presented at the end of the paper.
Development of an Effective Treatment for A 5‐Log Reduction of Escherichia coli in Refrigerated Pickle Products
Authors: Lu Huiying J. , Breidt Frederick , Pérez‐Díaz Ilenys
Published: January 2013

Refrigerated cucumber pickle products cannot be heat processed due to the loss of characteristic sensory attributes. Typically brined refrigerated pickles contain less than 100 mM acetic acid with pH values of 3.7 to 4.0. Refrigeration (4 to 10 °C) helps to inhibit the growth of spoilage bacteria and maintain flavor, texture, and appearance of the pickles. Previous research has shown that pathogenic Escherichia coli strains are unusually acid resistant and survive better in refrigerated acid solutions than at higher temperatures. We found that E. coli O157:H7 can survive for 1 mo or longer at 4 °C in brines typical of commercial refrigerated pickles. Our objective was to develop methods to assure a 5‐log reduction of pathogenic E. coli in these types of products, while maintaining the sensory characteristics. A novel brine formulation was developed, based on current commercial refrigerated pickle brines, which contained 25 mM fumaric acid, 5 mM benzoic acid, 70 mM acetic acid, and 342 mM (2%) sodium chloride, with a pH of 3.8. Sensory data indicate that this formulation did not affect flavor or other sensory attributes of the product, compared to traditional formulations. We achieved a 5‐log reduction of E. coli O157:H7 at 30 °C for 1.52 ± 0.15 d, at 20 °C for 3.12 ± 0.34 d, or at 10 °C for 8.83 ± 0.56 d. Growth of lactic acid bacteria was also inhibited. These results can be used by manufacturers to assure a 5‐log reduction in cell numbers of E. coli O157:H7 and Salmonella without a heat process during the manufacture of refrigerated pickle products.

Practical Application: While refrigerated acidified vegetable products are exempt from the acidified foods regulations, we have shown that the vegetative microbial pathogens E. coli O157:H7 can survive for up to 1 mo in these products, given current commercial production practices. To improve the safety of refrigerated pickle products, a brine formulation with reduced acetic acid, but containing fumaric acid, was developed to assure a 5‐log reduction in cell numbers of E. coli O157:H7 without a heat process. The formulation can be used to assure the safety of refrigerated pickled vegetables without altering sensory characteristics.
A retrospective analysis of survival outcomes for two different radiotherapy fractionation schedules given in the same overall time for limited stage small cell lung cancer
Authors: Bettington Catherine S , Tripcony Lee , Bryant Guy , Hickey Brigid , Pratt Gary , Fay Michael
Published: January 2013

Purpose

To compare survival outcomes for two fractionation schedules of thoracic radiotherapy, both given over 3 weeks, in patients with limited stage small cell lung cancer (LS‐SCLC).

Methods and Materials

At Radiation Oncology Mater Centre (ROMC) and the Royal Brisbane & Women's Hospital (RBWH), patients with LS‐SCLC treated with curative intent are given radiotherapy (with concurrent chemotherapy) to a dose of either 40 Gy in 15 fractions (‘the 40 Gy/15# group’) or 45 Gy in 30 fractions (‘the 45 Gy/30# group’). The choice largely depends on institutional preference. Both these schedules are given over 3 weeks, using daily and twice‐daily fractionation respectively. The records of all such patients treated from January 2000 to July 2009 were retrospectively reviewed and survival outcomes between the two groups compared.

Results

Of 118 eligible patients, there were 38 patients in the 40 Gy/15# group and 41 patients in the 45 Gy/30# group. The median relapse‐free survival time was 12 months in both groups. Median overall survival was 21 months (95% CI 2–37 months) in the 40 Gy/15# group and 26 months (95% CI 1–48 months) in the 45 Gy/30# group. The 5‐year overall survival rates were 20% and 25%, respectively (P = 0.24). On multivariate analysis, factors influencing overall survival were: whether prophylactic cranial irradiation (PCI) was given (P = 0.01) and whether salvage chemotherapy was given at the time of relapse (P = 0.057).

Conclusions

Given the small sample size, the potential for selection bias and the retrospective nature of our study it is not possible to draw firm conclusions regarding the efficacy of hypofractionated thoracic radiotherapy compared with hyperfractionated accelerated thoracic radiotherapy however hypofractionated radiotherapy may result in equivalent relapse‐free survival.
Maternal cigarette smoking during pregnancy and pubertal development in sons. A follow‐up study of a birth cohort
Authors: Håkonsen L. B. , Olsen J. , Støvring H. , Ernst A. , Thulstrup A. M. , Zhu J. L. , Shrestha A. , Ramlau‐Hansen C. H.
Published: January 2013

Epidemiological studies have raised concern about the reproductive consequences of prenatal cigarette smoking exposure, possibly affecting semen quality and onset of pubertal development of the offspring. The aim of this study was to further investigate pubertal development in young men exposed to cigarette smoking in foetal life. In a Danish pregnancy cohort, information on maternal smoking during pregnancy was available from questionnaires administered in 1984–1987, and information on pubertal development, assessed by age at first nocturnal emission, acne, voice break and regular shaving, was obtained from a follow‐up questionnaire administered in 2005 to the young men (age: 18–21). We found no significant association between prenatal cigarette smoking exposure and earlier onset of puberty, but we did observe a tendency towards earlier age of first nocturnal emission, acne and voice break, indicating an accelerated age of pubertal development. Men exposed to ≥15 cigarettes/day had 3.1 months (95% CI: −6.4; 0.2) earlier age at acne and 2.2 months (95% CI: −7.3; 3.0) earlier age at first nocturnal emission, 1.2 months (95% CI: −4.6; 2.2) earlier age at voice break, however, 1.3 months (95% CI: −1.6; 4.3) later age at regular shaving, compared with unexposed men. Prenatal cigarette smoking exposure may induce an earlier age at onset of puberty in young men, but larger studies with prospectively collected data on pubertal development are needed to explore this hypothesis further.