bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Interpreting the replacement and richness difference components of beta diversity
Authors: Legendre Pierre
Published: July 2014

Aim

The variation in species composition among sites, or beta diversity, can be decomposed into replacement and richness difference. A debate is ongoing in the literature concerning the best ways of computing and interpreting these indices. This paper first reviews the historical development of the formulae for decomposing dissimilarities into replacement, richness difference and nestedness indices. These formulae are presented for species presence–absence and abundance using a unified algebraic framework. The indices decomposing beta play different roles in ecological analysis than do beta‐diversity indices.

Innovation

Replacement and richness difference indices can be interpreted and related to ecosystem processes. The pairwise index values can be summed across all pairs of sites; these sums form a valid decomposition of total beta diversity into total replacement and total richness difference components. Different communities and study areas can be compared: some may be dominated by replacement, others by richness/abundance difference processes. Within a region, differences among sites measured by these indices can then be analysed and interpreted using explanatory variables or experimental factors. The paper also shows that local contributions of replacement and richness difference to total beta diversity can be computed and mapped. A case study is presented involving fish communities along a river.

Main conclusions

The different forms of indices are based upon the same functional numerators. These indices are complementary; they can help researchers understand different aspects of ecosystem functioning. The methods of analysis used in this paper apply to any of the indices recently proposed. Further work, based on ecological theory and numerical simulations, is required to clarify the precise meaning and domain of application of the different forms. The forms available for presence–absence and quantitative data are both useful because these different data types allow researchers to answer different types of ecological or biogeographic questions.
The burden and management of FXIII deficiency
Authors: de Jager T. , Pericleous L. , Kokot‐Kierepa M. , Naderi M. , Karimi M.
Published: July 2014

Factor XIII congenital deficiency (FXIII CD) is a serious bleeding disorder resulting in a lifelong bleeding tendency, defective wound healing and recurrent miscarriage. The aim of this study was to review available literature on the burden and management of FXIII CD. To this end, Medline, Embase and Cochrane databases were searched. In current literature, FXIII CD is described as one of the most severe forms of a congenital coagulation disorder, primarily due to a high risk of severe bleeding events. The published literature suggests that over 50% of untreated FXIII CD patients experience severe bleeding symptoms. Intracranial haemorrhage (ICH) – a major cause of death and morbidity – is reported to occur in up to one‐third of patients. Nonetheless, data on the social and financial burden in patients with FXIII CD are sparse. Identified reports on the effectiveness and safety of recommended treatments support that patients with FXIII CD should receive prophylactic treatment as early as possible in their lives to prevent the occurrence of bleeds, including potentially life‐threatening ICHs. In conclusion, limited data on the social and economic consequences related specifically to FXIII CD have been published to date. However, it is widely acknowledged that the high risk of severe bleeds and ICH results in a high level of burden in patients with bleeding disorders. To inform future clinical decision‐making and reimbursement decisions, further research is required to gain insight in how specifically FXIII CD affects quality of life and to fully understand associated economic consequences.
Assessment of the efficacy of the utilisation of conventional and electric toothbrushes by the older adults
Authors: Nobre Cristiane V. C. , Gomes Ana M. M. , Gomes Ana P. M. , Gomes Antonio A. , Nascimento Ana P. C.
Published: July 2014

Objective:  To evaluate the efficacy of electric and conventional toothbrushes for a group of elderly individuals.

Background:  Although the electric toothbrush has been recommended for elderly individuals, there had previously never been a study regarding its efficacy.

Material and methods:  Sixty independent elders of both genders with different oral conditions from the Center Adult Day Vitória, Espírito Santo, Brazil, were randomly divided into two groups of 30 individuals. One group received the Oral B CrossAction Power electric toothbrush, whereas the other received a conventional Bitufo Class 32 soft toothbrush to perform oral hygiene. The bacterial plaque index (O’Leary Plaque Index) and DMFT index were assessed as a measure of oral hygiene and oral health. The data were analysed using the Shapiro–Wilk, Mann–Whitney and Wilcoxon tests.

Results:  The results of the efficacy of the Oral B Cross Action Power electric toothbrush demonstrated that on the 7th and 15th days, the bacterial plaque indexes were 24.91 ± 12.81 and 22.11 ± 14.46, respectively, which corresponds to a 50.24% removal of bacterial plaque on the 7th and 55.83% on the 15th days. Although the electric toothbrush removed more bacterial plaque than the conventional toothbrush, the difference was not statistically significant.

Conclusion:  Both the conventional and the electric toothbrushes were effective in removing bacterial plaque within the elderly group. More studies are necessary to test the efficacy of electric toothbrushes in relation to conventional toothbrushes for elderly patients.
Personality and adolescent pregnancy outcomes
Authors: Harville Emily W. , Madkour Aubrey Spriggs , Xie Yiqiong
Published: July 2014

Aims

To examine the relationship between personality, pregnancy and birth outcomes in adolescents.

Background

Personality has been shown to be a strong predictor of many health outcomes. Adolescents who become pregnant have worse birth outcomes than adults.

Design

Cross‐sectional study using data from the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health (baseline, 1994–1995; follow‐up, 2007–2008).

Methods

The study sample was 6529 girls, 820 of whom reported on pregnancy outcomes for a teenage birth. Personality data were taken from the Mini International Personality Item Pool personality tool, which measures the five‐factor personality traits of neuroticism, conscientiousness, intellect/imagination, extraversion and agreeableness. Logistic regression was used to predict teen pregnancy and linear regression was used to predict birth weight and gestational age with adjustment for confounders and stratification by race.

Results

Agreeableness and intellect/imagination were associated with a reduced likelihood of becoming pregnant as an adolescent, while neuroticism, conscientiousness and extraversion were all associated with an increased likelihood of becoming pregnant. Higher neuroticism was associated with lower birth weight and gestational age among Black girls, but not non‐Black. Conscientiousness was associated with lower gestational age among non‐Black girls. No relationships were found with extraversion or agreeableness and birth outcomes. Receiving late or no prenatal care was associated with higher intellect/imagination.

Conclusions

Personality is understudied with respect to pregnancy and birth outcomes compared with other health outcomes. Such research could help professionals and clinicians design and target programmes that best fit the characteristics of the population most likely to need them, such as those with high neuroticism.
Key sites residues involved in interacting with chemicals of pheromone‐binding proteins from Lymantria dispar
Authors: Ma F. , Yu Y. X. , Qin H. , Zhang J. H. , Zhu S. F. , Chen N. Z. , Luo Y. Q.
Published: July 2014

Pheromone‐binding proteins (PBPs) are distributed widely on the antennae of insects, and they are believed to be involved in the process of chemical signal transduction, but their interaction with chemicals is largely unknown. Here, we present our findings on the key amino acid residues of PBPs in the gypsy moth, Lymantria dispar. Potential key residues were screened with the Calculate Mutation Energy program and molecular docking methods. Mutated proteins were obtained by mutating residues to alanine via site‐directed mutagenesis. Circular dichroism (CD) spectroscopy showed that the mutated proteins formed α‐helix, and the stability of protein structure was influenced due to mutations. Fluorescence binding assays were further conducted with the mutated proteins, sex pheromones and analogues. Results showed that to PBP 1, tyrosine at position 41 and phenylalanine at position 76 could be the key amino acid residues influencing the stability of structure; in addition, phenylalanine at 36 and lysine at position 94 could be key amino acid residues interacting with chemicals. To PBP 2, glycine at position 49, phenylalanine at position 76 and lysine at position 121 could be the key amino acid residues in the structural stability. These results shed light on the relationship between the specific amino acids and functions of PBPs in transmitting the chemical signals.
Manipulation of oviposition and overwintering site choice of common green lacewings with synthetic lure (Neuroptera: Chrysopidae)
Authors: Koczor S. , Knudsen G. K. , Hatleli L. , Szentkirályi F. , Tóth M.
Published: July 2014

Common green lacewings (Chrysoperla carnea species complex) are important predators of several insect pests, particularly aphids. Due to their potential in biological control, several efforts have been made to find means to retain common green lacewing adults or even to increase their numbers at a given site. In the course of field experiments conducted in Hungary and Norway, we tested the effect of a known ternary bait (phenylacetaldehyde, methyl salicylate, acetic acid) on oviposition and overwintering site choice of common green lacewings. In an orchard in Hungary, overwintering chambers were set up with and without baits. For the experiment on oviposition in Norway, a number of lacewing eggs were compared on trees with and without baits in selected sectors of the canopy. With the ternary bait, more common green lacewings could be attracted to overwintering chambers, and also significantly more eggs were found in the vicinity of baits than in other selected parts of the canopy, suggesting that this bait has the potential to manipulate both overwintering site choice and oviposition site choice of these important beneficial insects.
Physical changes in specimens of five species of Cyprinidae preserved in ethanol and frozen
Authors: Korwin‐Kossakowski M.
Published: July 2014

Preservation in 30% ethanol and freezing to a temperature of −20 ± 2° C is an appropriate method for measurement of fish eggs, larvae and juveniles. Egg diameter of the common carp Cyprinus carpio increased insignificantly by 1·32% after preservation compared with live size. The total length (LT) of 1 day post‐hatching (dph) larvae as well as the standard length (LS) of 16 dph larvae of C. carpio increased significantly (2·95 and 1·50%, respectively) after preservation. Egg diameter as well as the LT of 1 dph larvae of barbel Barbus barbus increased significantly after preservation, by 1·74 and 1·96%, respectively over their original size. The standard length (LS) of 14 dph larvae of B. barbus as well as juveniles of B. barbus, crucian carp Carassius carassius, common nase Chondrostoma nasus and tench Tinca tinca decreased significantly after preservation (−0·56 to −5·54%), whereas their body mass increased significantly (11·46–18·57%). Preserved eggs of C. carpio and B. barbus were hard, round and transparent. The larvae and juveniles of examined fishes, preserved in frozen ethanol, were straight, flexible and easily measurable after 60 days. Integrity of body surface and fins, as well as preservation of colours were much better in larvae or juveniles frozen and thawed only once than in specimens frozen and thawed thrice. Cooling in 30% ethanol to a temperature of 6 ± 2° C and freezing in water to a temperature of −20 ± 2° C are not appropriate preservation methods for eggs and larvae of C. carpio (1 and 16 dph).
Monitoring of a Sugar Crystallization Process with Fuzzy Logic and Digital Image Processing
Authors: Villanueva Daniel , Posada Rubén , González Israel , García Ángel , Martínez Albino
Published: July 2014

The sugar crystallization process is a solid–liquid separation where molecules are transferred from a solute dissolved in a liquid phase to a solid phase. The aim of this research is to present a monitoring computational framework to model sugar crystallization process based on expert knowledge using fuzzy logic and digital image techniques from direct samples of crystallization slurries, which determine the size of sugar crystals. The framework acquires images that feed a diffuse network automatically. Therefore, it is determined when displaying an image to various times in the process of crystallization. This allows us to know the growth behavior and to determine the optimum crystallization of the sugar crystals. The results show that using fuzzy logic techniques with digital images can be incorporated as a complementary tool for monitoring a sugar crystallization process.

Practical Application

In the sugar industry, it is very important to have a monitoring system for the crystallization process of sugar. This kind of system for the monitoring process can generate products of the highest quality and can facilitate energy savings in the industry. Moreover, the image processing‐based systems can also be used as a visual monitoring tool for the sugar crystallization process, allowing to improve the final quality of the products and to optimize the manufacturing process.
Evaluation of Chicory Roots Submitted to HTST Drying Process and Its Optimization
Authors: Sánchez‐Sáenz Carolina M. , de Oliveira Rafael A. , Park Kil J.
Published: July 2014

Drying of food and biological products has been prominent because of recovery of quality of life; considering this process ensures conservation of nutritional quality of product. It was intended in this project to submit chicory roots, rich in inulin, both fresh and frozen samples to a process of convective pre‐drying applying pulse of high temperature and short time (HTST). The objective was to determine the influence of pre‐drying in the final moisture content, texture and soluble solids content after extraction using chicory roots and assessing energy consumption (kWh) of process. It used central composite rotatable design 22, with three central points (level 0). Thus, each factor was studied in five temperature levels (between 110 and 150C) and application time (between 0 and 28 min). The higher levels of variables presented the best results, both in moisture content and texture. Therefore, they were used in process optimization. Experimental runs with longer application times coincide with those of smaller moisture content and higher values of Young's modulus. The concentration of soluble solids did not vary in studied conditions levels, showing that the concentration of soluble solids was not influenced by factors in the process. The suggested models for moisture content and Young's modulus had satisfactory fitting to experimental data. The variables temperature and drying time were statistically significant for energy consumption of process.

Practical Applications

Chicory roots are a highly perishable product, requiring, from an industrial point of view, a short processing period. Thus, to enable a better dimensioning of an agro‐industrial plant to obtain inulin and ensure a continuous provision of product, it is required to study a way of making available the chicory root throughout the year. Then, drying would be an alternative to reduce the water activity of raw material, and consequently, extend storage time. Moreover, as HTST methodology ensure a better structure, the rehydration of dry roots will enable good inulin extraction, as it is carried out with hot water.
Quantitative Validation of Two Novel Selective Media for the Enumeration of Bacillus cereus in Naturally Contaminated Fermented Sauce Samples
Authors: Kim Dong‐Hyeon , Chon Jung‐Whan , Kim Hyunsook , Hwang Dae‐Geun , Seo Kun‐Ho
Published: July 2014

We compared two novel selective media, blood–yolk–polymyxin B–trimethoprim agar (BYPTA) and modified mannitol–yolk–polymyxin B agar (mMYPA), with mannitol–yolk–polymyxin B agar (MYPA) for the isolation and enumeration of Bacillus cereus in naturally contaminated Korean fermented sauce samples such as red pepper paste, soybean paste, ssamjang and chunggukjang. A total of 81 fermented sauce samples were purchased from a local retail market in Seoul, South Korea. No statistical differences were observed in quantitative enumeration and isolation rates (P > 0.05) among the three selective media. However, BYPTA and mMYPA exhibited higher selectivity than MYPA in excluding the background microflora. In addition, BYPTA (22/81, 27%) and mMYPA (21/81, 26%) detected more fermented sauces with unacceptable levels of B. cereus than MYPA (16/81, 20%) suggesting that the two novel selective media could be used to efficiently detect unacceptable levels of B. cereus in Korean fermented sauce. The two novel selective media could be powerful tools to enumerate the level of B. cereus in fermented sauce samples that have a high level of background microflora.

Practical Applications

In previous studies, we developed two novel selective media, BYPTA and mMYPA for the enumeration of Bacillus cereus in foods. It is well known that naturally fermented Korean soybean sauces are commonly contaminated with B. cereus, and a high level of background microflora in these foods could behave competitively during the detection of B. cereus. These sauces are also commonly consumed without additional heat treatment. Therefore, highly specific and sensitive media for the enumerative detection of B. cereus in the fermented sauces are needed. In this study, we found that the two novel selective media exhibited greater selectivities and isolation capabilities for B. cereus in the fermented sauces than MYPA. In addition, BYPTA and mMYPA detected more fermented sauces with unacceptable levels of B. cereus than MYPA. We recommend these two media be used in food manufacturing plants and food safety authorities to monitor B. cereus in fermented sauces that have a high level of background microflora.
Accounting for Emissions and Sinks from the Biogeochemical Cycle of Carbon in the U.S. Economic Input‐Output Model
Authors: Singh Shweta , Bakshi Bhavik R.
Published: July 2014

Biogeochemical cycles are essential ecosystem services that continue to degrade as a result of human activities, but are not fully considered in efforts toward sustainable engineering. This article develops a model that integrates the carbon cycle with economic activities in the 2002 U.S. economy. Data about the carbon cycle, including emissions and sequestration flows, is obtained from the greenhouse gas inventory of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Economic activities are captured by the economic input‐output model available from the Bureau of Economic Analysis. The resulting model is more comprehensive in its accounting for the carbon cycle than existing methods for carbon footprint (CF) calculations. Examples of unique flows in this model include the effect of land‐use and land‐cover change on carbon dioxide flow within the U.S. national boundary, carbon sequestration in urban trees, and emissions resulting from liming. This model is used to gain unique insight into the carbon profile of U.S. economic sectors by providing the life cycle emissions and sequestration in each sector. Such insight may be used to support policies, manage supply chains, and be used for more comprehensive CF calculations.
Coseismic formation of eclogite facies cataclasite dykes at Yangkou in the Chinese Su‐Lu UHP metamorphic belt
Authors: Yang J.‐J. , Fan Z.‐F. , Yu C. , Yan R.
Published: July 2014

Eclogite facies cataclasite is recognized at Yangkou in the Chinese Su‐Lu ultrahigh‐P metamorphic belt. The cataclasite dykes (5−15 cm wide) are bounded by mylonite/ultramylonite zones, cutting through unfoliated metagabbro and/or eclogite. The cataclasite veins (generally 2–4 cm wide) are free of mylonite boundary zones, cutting through the foliation of the high‐P host rock. The dykes and veins are dominated by eclogite fragments consisting of debris of omphacite, garnet, quartz, phengite and kyanite, in a matrix of variable amounts of a schist rich in quartz, phengite and kyanite. Garnet clasts in the fragments are welded and overgrown by more Ca‐rich garnet containing mineral inclusions different from those in the garnet cores. The micropoikilitic texture of garnet is typical of eclogitic pseudotachylytes. Crack‐sealing K‐feldspar veinlets in the cataclasite dykes also imply frictional or shock‐induced melting of K‐mica. The modal abundances in the cataclasite and the schist imply that the dykes formed by flow of the omphacite and garnet‐dominated cataclasites into the fractures during seismic faulting, while the lower density minerals (quartz, phengite and kyanite) were largely left in the ultramylonite boundary zones. The dykes have the same composition as their host rocks, except for slightly lower Si and large ion lithophile elements and higher Mg, Ca, Cr, Co and Ni. Chromite, probably spurted from the nearby ultramafic rock, is found as rare particles in the cataclasite fragments. This indicates that material exchange occurred by mechanical mixing between the dykes and the ultramafic rock during seismic faulting. The Cr‐rich eclogite minerals grown on the chromite are evidence for coseismic high‐P crystallization. Short‐lived crystal growth is implied by the fine grain sizes of the eclogite minerals and very limited element diffusion between the garnet clasts and their overgrowths. The fact that the host rocks are more hydrated implies that the dyke formation was not related to fluid infiltration. It appears, therefore, that stress was the key factor inducing the high‐P phase transformation in the dykes. Both stress and temperature were only transiently high in the dykes, which have been metastable since they were formed.
Stress and the Reproductive Axis
Authors: Toufexis D. , Rivarola M. A. , Lara H. , Viau V.
Published: July 2014

There exists a reciprocal relationship between the hypothalamic‐pituitary‐adrenal (HPA) and the hypothalamic‐pituitary‐gonadal (HPG) axes, wherein the activation of one affects the function of the other and vice versa. For example, both testosterone and oestrogen modulate the response of the HPA axis, whereas activation of the stress axis, especially activation that is repeating or chronic, has an inhibitory effect upon oestrogen and testosterone secretion. Alterations in maternal care can produce significant effects on both HPG and HPA physiology, as well as behaviour in the offspring at adulthood. For example, changes in reproductive behaviour induced by altered maternal care may alter the expression of sex hormone receptors such as oestrogen receptor (ER)α that govern sexual behaviour, and may be particularly important in determining the sexual strategies utilised by females. Stress in adulthood continues to mediate HPG activity in females through activation of a sympathetic neural pathway originating in the hypothalamus and releasing norepinephrine into the ovary, which produces a noncyclic anovulatory ovary that develops cysts. In the opposite direction, sex differences and sex steroid hormones regulate the HPA axis. For example, although serotonin (5‐HT) has a stimulatory effect on the HPA axis in humans and rodents that is mediated by the 5‐HT1A receptor, only male rodents respond to 5‐HT1A antagonism to show increased corticosterone responses to stress. Furthermore, oestrogen appears to decrease 5‐HT1A receptor function at presynaptic sites, yet increases 5‐HT1A receptor expression at postsynaptic sites. These mechanisms could explain the heightened stress HPA axis responses in females compared to males. Studies on female rhesus macaques show that chronic stress in socially subordinate female monkeys produces a distinct behavioural phenotype that is largely unaffected by oestrogen, a hyporesponsive HPA axis that is hypersensitive to the modulating effects of oestrogen, and changes in 5‐HT1A receptor binding in the hippocampus and hypothalamus of social subordinate female monkeys that are restored or inverted by oestrogen replacement. This review summarises all of these studies, emphasising the profound effect that the interaction of the reproductive and stress axes may have on human reproductive health and emotional wellbeing.
Long‐Term Effects of Early‐Life Exposure to Environmental Oestrogens on Ovarian Function: Role of Epigenetics
Authors: Cruz G. , Foster W. , Paredes A. , Yi K. D. , Uzumcu M.
Published: July 2014

Oestrogens play an important role in development and function of the brain and reproductive tract. Accordingly, it is considered that developmental exposure to environmental oestrogens can disrupt neural and reproductive tract development, potentially resulting in long‐term alterations in neurobehaviour and reproductive function. Many chemicals have been shown to have oestrogenic activity, whereas others affect oestrogen production and turnover, resulting in the disruption of oestrogen signalling pathways. However, these mechanisms and the concentrations required to induce these effects cannot account for the myriad adverse effects of environmental toxicants on oestrogen‐sensitive target tissues. Hence, alternative mechanisms are assumed to underlie the adverse effects documented in experimental animal models and thus could be important to human health. In this review, the epigenetic regulation of gene expression is explored as a potential target of environmental toxicants including oestrogenic chemicals. We suggest that toxicant‐induced changes in epigenetic signatures are important mechanisms underlying the disruption of ovarian follicular development. In addition, we discuss how exposure to environmental oestrogens during early life can alter gene expression through effects on epigenetic control potentially leading to permanent changes in ovarian physiology.
Presidential Address: Investment Noise and Trends
Authors: STAMBAUGH ROBERT F.
Published: July 2014

During the past few decades, the fraction of the equity market owned directly by individuals declined significantly. The same period witnessed investment trends that include the growth of indexing as well as shifts by active managers toward lower fees and more index‐like investing. I develop an equilibrium model linking these investment trends to the decline in individual ownership, interpreting the latter as a reduction in noise trading. Active management corrects most noise trader–induced mispricing, and the fraction left uncorrected shrinks as noise traders' stake in the market declines. Less mispricing then dictates a smaller footprint for active management.
Prosthetic Reconstruction of a Patient with an Acquired Nasal Defect Using Extraoral Implants and a CAD/CAM Copy‐Milled Bar
Authors: Vera Carolina , Barrero Carlos , Shockley William , Rothenberger Sandra , Minsley Glenn , Drago Carl
Published: July 2014

Traditionally, patients with maxillofacial defects have been challenging to treat. A multitude of challenges associated with maxillofacial prosthetic treatment are not typically seen with patients who need conventional prosthodontic treatment. These types of patients generally require replacement of significant amounts of hard and soft tissues than do conventional prosthodontic patients. Most maxillofacial patients also warrant more emotional support than do conventional prosthodontic patients. Successful maxillofacial prosthetics still need to embrace the traditional goals of prosthodontic treatment: stability, support, retention, and esthetics. It is unlikely that a maxillofacial prosthesis will exactly duplicate the anatomy and function of missing or damaged structures. Although craniofacial implants (CFI's) have lower cumulative survival rates (CSR's) than intraoral endosseous implants, osseointegrated CFI's have proven to be significant adjuncts to improving retention of maxillofacial prostheses. However, CSR's of CFI's have been reported to be lower than CSR's for intraoral endosseous implants. Lately, computer‐assisted design and computer‐assisted machining (CAD/CAM) has been used in dentistry to facilitate fabrication of implant‐supported frameworks. CAD/CAM protocols have numerous advantages over conventional casting techniques, including improved accuracy and biocompatibility, and decreased costs. The purpose of this paper is to review the literature on cumulative survival rates (CSR's) reported for CFI's and to illustrate the treatment of a maxillofacial patient using CFI's and a CAD/CAM copy‐milled framework for retention and support of a nasal prosthesis.
The Impact of the Financial Crisis and Natural Catastrophes on CAT Bonds
Authors: Gürtler Marc , Hibbeln Martin , Winkelvos Christine
Published: July 2014

This article employs secondary market data to examine how natural catastrophes or financial crises affect CAT bond premiums. We find evidence that both the financial crisis and Hurricane Katrina significantly affected CAT bond premiums. The premium increase resulting from natural catastrophes can primarily be attributed to an increased coefficient of expected loss calculated by catastrophe modeling companies. Furthermore, our results indicate a positive relationship between corporate spreads and CAT bond premiums. Thus, CAT bonds should not be regarded as “zero‐beta” securities. Moreover, our results indicate that deal complexity, ratings, and the reinsurance cycle are significant drivers of CAT bond premiums.
Unexpected records of ‘deep‐sea’ carnivorous sponges Asbestopluma hypogea in the shallow NE Atlantic shed light on new conservation issues
Authors: Chevaldonné Pierre , Pérez Thierry , Crouzet Jean‐Michel , Bay‐Nouailhat Wilfried , Bay‐Nouailhat Anne , Fourt Maïa , Almón Bruno , Pérez Jacinto , Aguilar Ricardo , Vacelet Jean
Published: July 2014

Marine cave communities have been a continued source of ecological surprises, among other things because of their close ecological and evolutionary ties with the deep sea. The discovery of cladorhizid sponges, the deepest occurring poriferan family, in shallow Mediterranean caves in the 1990s was one such surprise, leading to the generally accepted hypothesis that the whole family was carnivorous, an unprecedented feeding mode for sponges. The recent observation of the cave species Asbestopluma hypogea in the Mediterranean bathyal, confirmed the view that some shallow caves can occasionally shelter otherwise deep‐dwelling species. Here we present new distribution data of A. hypogea, from deep Mediterranean locations, and for the first time from Atlantic locations. Among the new Atlantic records, the most surprising ones are located in three different geographic areas (Ria de Arousa, Groix Island and Cherbourg) of the NW European coasts, from the Iberian Peninsula to the English Channel, where A. hypogea reaches SCUBA depths (5–50 m), while not sheltered in marine caves. The carnivorous sponge however reaches its shallowest occurrence (5 m), in a small cave at Groix Island. The ecological significance of these discoveries, particularly the very patchy distribution and peculiar dynamics, are noteworthy, and the shallow occurrence of A. hypogea, together with other deep‐water or uncommon species, constitute unique assemblages that must be considered in conservation plans.
Diel feeding of the transparent goby Aphia minuta (Pisces, Gobiidae) in the Northwestern Adriatic Sea in spring time
Authors: Tirelli Valentina , Legovini Sara , Borme Diego , Di Poi Elena , La Mesa Mario
Published: July 2014

The present study provides the first estimate of the daily ration for a goby species in the Mediterranean Sea, using a new approach to determine the mass of fish stomach contents through the sum of individual prey dry mass derived indirectly from prey size. Diel feeding activity and daily ration of the pelagic goby Aphia minuta were studied under natural conditions in the coastal waters off Comacchio (Northwestern Adriatic Sea) during the spring season. A total of 318 individuals of A. minuta, collected by 14 trawls carried out on 4 consecutive days, was examined for gut contents. The diel pattern of the vacuity index and the stomach fullness index indicated that A. minuta has nocturnal feeding behaviour. The daily ration, computed over a period of 16 h, was equivalent to 2.23% wet body mass.
Mixed‐methods study identifies key strategies for improving infant and young child feeding practices in a highly stunted rural indigenous population in Guatemala
Authors: Brown Kelley , Henretty Nicole , Chary Anita , Webb Meghan Farley , Wehr Heather , Moore Jillian , Baird Caitlin , Díaz Anne Kraemer , Rohloff Peter
Published: July 2014

Guatemala's rural indigenous population suffers from one of the highest rates of chronic child malnutrition (stunting) in the world. Successfully addressing stunting requires defining the barriers to and opportunities for new behaviour‐change initiatives. We undertook a mixed‐methods assessment of feeding practices and food purchasing behaviours around infants and young children aged 6–36 months in two rural indigenous Guatemalan communities. We found that most caregivers were aware only of acute forms of child malnutrition and that they greatly underestimated the local prevalence of malnutrition. Despite moderate adherence to exclusive breastfeeding and timing of complementary food introduction, diets had poor diversity and inadequate meal frequency. Furthermore, perceptions of food insecurity were high even in the presence of land ownership and agricultural production. Although fortified foods were highly valued, they were considered expensive. At the same time, proportionally equivalent amounts of money were spent on junk foods or other processed foods by most participants. Biological mothers often lacked autonomy for food purchasing and nutritional decisions because of the power exerted by husbands and paternal grandmothers. Our findings suggest several creative and community‐based programming initiatives including education about the acute vs. chronic malnutrition distinction, engaging landowners in discussions about domestic food consumption, engaging with caregivers to redirect funds towards fortified foods rather than junk food purchases and directing behaviour‐change initiatives towards all household stakeholders.
Hematocrit Distribution and Tissue Oxygenation in Large Microcirculatory Networks
Authors: Gould Ian G. , Linninger Andreas A.
Published: July 2014

Objective

Oxygen tension in the brain is controlled by the microcirculatory supply of RBC, but the effect of non‐Newtonian blood flow rheology on tissue oxygenation is not well characterized. This study assesses different biphasic blood flow models for predicting tissue oxygen tension as a function of microcirculatory hemodynamics.

Methods

Two existing plasma‐skimming laws are compared against measured RBC distributions in rat and hamster microcirculatory networks. A novel biphasic blood flow model is introduced. The computational models predict tissue oxygenation in the mesentery, cremaster muscle, and the human secondary cortex.

Results

This investigation shows deficiencies in prior models, including inconsistent plasma‐skimming trends and insufficient oxygen perfusion due to the high prevalence (33%) of RBC‐free microvessels. Our novel method yields physiologically sound RBC distributions and tissue oxygen tensions within one standard deviation of experimental measurements.

Conclusions

A simple, novel biphasic blood flow model is introduced with equal or better predictive power when applied to historic raw data sets. It can overcome limitations of prior models pertaining to trifurcations, anastomoses, and loops. This new plasma‐skimming law eases the computations of bulk blood flow and hematocrit fields in large microcirculatory networks and converges faster than prior procedures.
Interactions among the three adaptation systems of Bacillus subtilis chemotaxis as revealed by an in vitro receptor‐kinase assay
Authors: Walukiewicz Hanna E. , Tohidifar Payman , Ordal George W. , Rao Christopher V.
Published: July 2014

The Bacillus subtilis chemotaxis pathway employs three systems for sensory adaptation: the methylation system, the CheC/CheD/CheYp system, and the CheV system. Little is known in general about how these three adaptation systems contribute to chemotaxis in B. subtilis and whether they interact with one another. To further understand these three adaptation systems, we employed a quantitative in vitro receptor‐kinase assay. Using this assay, we were able to determine how CheD and CheV affect receptor‐kinase activity as a function of the receptor modification state. CheD was found to increase receptor‐kinase activity, where the magnitude of the increase depends on the modification state of the receptor. The principal new findings concern CheV. Little was known about this protein before now. Our data suggest that this protein has two roles depending on the modification state of the receptor, one for sensory adaptation when the receptors are modified (methylated) and the other for signal amplification when they are unmodified (unmethylated). In addition, our data suggest that methylation of site 630 tunes the strength of the CheV adaptation system. Collectively, our results provide new insight regarding the integrated function of the three adaptation systems in B. subtilis.
The prevalence of metabolically healthy obesity: a systematic review and critical evaluation of the definitions used
Authors: Rey‐López J. P. , de Rezende L. F. , Pastor‐Valero M. , Tess B. H.
Published: July 2014

We performed a systematic review of the prevalence of metabolically healthy obesity (MHO). Medline, Web of Science and EMBASE were searched for original articles from inception to November 2013. Only prospective and cross‐sectional studies were included. After screening 478 titles, we selected 55 publications, of which 27 were population‐based studies and were used in the narrative synthesis. From the 27 studies, we identified 30 definitions of metabolic health, mainly based on four criteria: blood pressure, high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol, triglycerides and plasma glucose. Body mass index ≥30 kg m−2 was the main indicator used to define obesity (74% of the studies). Overall, MHO prevalence ranged between 6% and 75%. In the studies that stratified the analysis by sex, prevalence was higher in women (seven out of nine studies) and in younger ages (all four studies). One‐third of the studies (n = 9) reported the response rate. Of these, four reported a response rate of ≥70% and they showed MHO prevalence estimates between 10% and 51%. The heterogeneity of MHO prevalence estimates described in this paper strengthens calls for the urgent need for a commonly established metabolic health definition.
Obscure Configurations of Desire
Authors: Kluge Sofie
Published: July 2014

Seventeenth‐century Spain produced an impressive amount of mythological poetry with virtually every lyrical genre and all poetic registers represented. In this poetic treasure house we find mythological canciones, sonnets and letrillas alongside minor poetic forms, and serious as well as burlesque versions of famous classical myths such as those of Apollo and Daphne, Narcissus, Ganymede, and Venus and Adonis. The present article takes off from the heuristic thesis that the baroque mythological corpus yields interesting insights into seventeenth‐century patterns of thought regarding a series of issues that were at odds with contemporary ideology, but could be related to and explored through classical myth. One such issue was sexual desire, whose representation in literature the theologians at Trent had recently prohibited. The period's interrelation of myth and desire is eloquently documented in contemporary art, which explored the amorous adventures of the pagan gods to create a kind of erudite erotica. Similarly, mythological poetry, epic and drama exploited the stories about the loves of the gods related by ancient poets such as, notably, Ovid. However, one genre in particular cultivated the relation between myth and desire: the sonnet.
The antibody response against MART‐1 differs in patients with melanoma‐associated leucoderma and vitiligo
Authors: Teulings Hansje‐Eva , Willemsen Karin J. , Glykofridis Iris , Krebbers Gabrielle , Komen Lisa , Kroon Marije W. , Kemp E. Helen , Wolkerstorfer Albert , van der Veen J. P. Wietze , Luiten Rosalie M. , Tjin Esther P. M.
Published: July 2014

Patients with melanoma may develop skin depigmentation spontaneously or following therapy, referred to as melanoma‐associated leucoderma (MAL). As clinical presentation of MAL may precede primary/metastatic melanoma detection, recognition of MAL is important to prevent its misdiagnosis as vitiligo and the subsequent application of immunosuppressive treatment. To reveal the immunity involved in MAL development, we investigated the presence of antibody and T‐cell immune responses directed against the melanocyte‐differentiation‐antigens MART‐1 (Melan‐A), tyrosinase and gp100 in patients with MAL, as compared to patients with vitiligo. Autoantibodies to gp100 and tyrosinase were commonly found in both diseases. Interestingly, MART‐1 antibodies were only present in patients with MAL. Melanocyte antigen‐specific T cells were found in all patients, with relatively more specific T cells in patients with active vitiligo. Although MAL and vitiligo may appear clinically similar, our results indicate that the humoral immune responses against MART‐1 differ between these diseases, which can help to differentiate MAL from vitiligo.
Automated Integrative Complexity
Authors: Conway Lucian Gideon , Conway Kathrene R. , Gornick Laura Janelle , Houck Shannon C.
Published: July 2014

Integrative complexity is a conceptually unique and very popular measurement of the complexity of human thought. We believe, however, that it is currently being underutilized because it takes quite a bit of time to score. More time‐efficient computer‐based measurements of complexity that are currently available are correlated with integrative complexity at fairly low levels. To help fill in this gap, we developed a novelautomated integrative complexitysystem designed specifically from the integrative complexity theoretical framework. This new automatedICsystem achieved analphaof .72 on the standard integrative complexity coding test. In addition, across nine datasets covering over 1,300 paragraphs, this new automated system consistently showed modest relationships with human‐scored integrative complexity (averagealpha = .62; averager = .46). Further analyses revealed that this relationship consistently remained significant when controlling for superficial markers of complexity and that the new system accounted for both the differentiationandintegration components of integrative complexity. Although the overlap between the automated and human‐scored systems is only modest (and thus suggests the continued usefulness of human scoring), it nonetheless provides the best automated integrative complexity measurement to date.
Epidural Analgesia in Labour and Risk of Caesarean Delivery
Authors: Bannister‐Tyrrell Melanie , Ford Jane B. , Morris Jonathan M. , Roberts Christine L.
Published: July 2014

Background

A Cochrane Systematic Review of randomised controlled trials of epidural analgesia compared with other or no analgesia in labour reported no overall increased risk of caesarean delivery. However, many trials were affected by substantial non‐compliance, and there are concerns about the external validity of some trials for contemporary maternity populations. We aimed to explore the association between epidural analgesia in labour and caesarean delivery in clinical practice and compare with findings from randomised controlled trials.

Methods

Population‐based cohort of pregnant women (n = 210 708) without major obstetrical complications who delivered a singleton live infant in hospitals in New South Wales, Australia, 2007–10. Data were obtained from linked, validated population‐based data collections. Propensity score matching was used to examine the association between epidural analgesia in labour and caesarean delivery.

Results

Epidural analgesia in labour was used by a third (31.5%, n = 66 317) of the women, and 9.8% (n = 20 531) had a caesarean delivery. Epidural analgesia in labour was associated with increased risk of caesarean delivery {risk ratio [RR] 2.5, [95% confidence interval (CI) 2.5, 2.6]}. The association with epidural analgesia in labour was higher for caesarean delivery for failure to progress {RR 3.0, [95% CI 2.9, 3.0]} than for caesarean delivery for fetal distress {RR 1.9, [95% CI 1.8, 2.0]}.

Conclusions

Epidural analgesia in labour is associated with caesarean delivery in a large maternity population. Population‐based studies contribute important data about obstetrical care, when research settings and participants may not represent the clinical settings or broader population in which obstetrical interventions in labour are applied.
The 2012 Iowa Republican Caucus and Its Effects on the Presidential Nomination Contest
Authors: Donovan Todd , Redlawsk David , Tolbert Caroline
Published: July 2014

We surveyed Iowa caucus goers and other Republicans to assess how representative the 2012 caucuses were of Republicans in Iowa. We find that demographically and ideologically, people reporting they would attend the caucus were quite similar to self‐identified Iowa Republicans who said they would not caucus. We then model outcomes in Iowa and New Hampshire as a function of mass media expectations and find the model predicts Mitt Romney's Iowa vote share well but underpredicts Rick Santorum's Iowa result substantially. As in previous elections, we find national media attention shifted to a candidate (Santorum) who the media overlooked prior to Iowa and that this likely made Santorum's eventual second‐place finish possible. Romney strengthened his front‐runner share of media attention by meeting expectations in Iowa and then winning New Hampshire. This study confirms research documenting the important influence that early states have in the nomination process.
When general recommendations fail: how to search in single innovation project settings
Authors: Horváth Annette , Enkel Ellen
Published: July 2014

External sources are main elements of a firm's search strategy as they positively influence a firm's innovation activities. While previous research has almost exclusively focused on search patterns on firm level, we focus on search mechanisms in single innovation project settings. Based on an inductive case study of eight cross‐industry innovation projects, we present a theoretical framework of three archetypes. In our research, we transfer the concept of breadth and depth from firm to project level and present decisive criteria. We provide evidence that search on project level is not only influenced by breadth and depth, but the character of search represented by its level of abstraction plays a major role. Furthermore, we show that at least in our context and contrary to firm level, not always high levels of breadth and depth are required. In addition, our research contributes to an enhanced operation of search in firms applying our archetypes.