bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Grasshoppers amensalistically suppress caterpillar performance and enhance plant biomass in an alpine meadow
Authors: Xi Xinqiang , Griffin John N. , Sun Shucun
Published: December 2012

Amensalism may be common between non‐trophically linked animals in natural ecosystems, where variation among species in body sizes and foraging modes may give rise to one‐sided interference. However, species and ecosystem‐level consequences of animal–animal amensalism are largely unknown. In a Tibetan alpine meadow, dominant herbivorous grasshoppers trigger a death feigning anti‐predator response of co‐occurring grassland caterpillars despite posing no consumptive threat. We hypothesized that: 1) grasshoppers reduce the performance of caterpillars while incurring no cost to themselves; and 2) this amensalism reduces top–down control of plant composition and biomass. We tested these hypotheses by factorial manipulation of both herbivores within replicate field enclosures. Grasshoppers significantly suppressed caterpillar feeding, growth rate, survival, reproductive effort and delayed metamorphosis. In contrast, grasshopper performance was unaffected by the caterpillars. Suppression of caterpillar feeding decreased overall herbivore suppression of plant biomass by 58% and shifted the functional composition of the plant community (i.e. increased sedge: forb ratio). These results suggest that consideration of non‐trophic interactions such as amensalism will help predict the consequences of species losses for the structure and functioning of ecosystems.
Is There a Relationship Between Chronic Periodontitis and Erectile Dysfunction?
Authors: Oğuz Fatih , Eltas Abubekir , Beytur Ali , Akdemir Ender , Uslu Mustafa Özay , Güneş Ali
Published: December 2012

Introduction

Chronic periodontitis (CP) is characterized with inflammation of the gingival tissues, which causes endothelial dysfunction in different organs.

Aim

In this study, we investigated the association of CP with the erectile dysfunction (ED).

Methods

The study group included 80 male patients with ED and 82 male patients without ED (control), aged between 30 and 40 years. The International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF) questionnaire was used to assess male sexual function, particularly the presence or absence of ED.

Main Outcome Measures

The patients in the study and control groups were statistically compared according to their plaque index (PI), bleeding on probing (BoP), probing depth (PD), and clinical attachment level (CAL).

Results

In the non-ED and the ED groups, the mean age was 35.7 ± 4.8 and 34.9 ± 4.9 years, respectively. Patients' characteristics including body mass index, household income, and education status were similar in both groups (P > 0.05). Nineteen patients (23%) had severe CP in the non-ED group; 42 patients (53%) had severe CP in the ED group. Logistic regression analysis showed a significantly high association between ED and the severity of CP (odds ratio: 3.29, 95% confidence interval: 1.36–9.55, P < 0.01). The mean values of PI, BoP, and the percentages of sites with PD >4 mm and sites with CAL >4 mm were significantly higher in the ED group than in the control group (P < 0.05). The mean values of PD and CAL were not significantly different in the two groups (P > 0.05). The decayed, missing, filled teeth scores were also significantly higher in the ED group than in the non-ED group (P < 0.05).

Conclusion

Our results have suggested that CP had a high association with ED in young adults at 30–40 years. We think that it will be of benefit to consider periodontal disease as a causative clinical condition of ED in such patients.
Characteristics of Cerebral Ischemia in Major Rat Stroke Models of Middle Cerebral Artery Ligation through Craniectomy
Authors: Shmonin Alexey , Melnikova Elena , Galagudza Michael , Vlasov Timur
Published: December 2012

Background

The refinement of experimental stroke models is important for further development of neuroprotective interventions.

Aims and/or hypothesis

Our goal was to study the reproducibility of outcomes obtained in five rat models of middle cerebral artery (MCA) ligation in order to identify the optimal model for the preclinical studies.

Methods

In Part 1 of the experiments, systolic blood flow velocity (sBFV) and cerebral area at risk (AR) were determined immediately after the onset of brain ischemia induced in different ways in Wistar rats. After that, another set of experiments was performed (Part 2 of the experiments), now aimed at the assessment of the delayed outcome of five different models of cerebral ischemia designated as Versions 1–5. The versions were: Version 1 – 40-minute left MCA (LMCA) occlusion with reperfusion; Version 2 – permanent LMCA ligation; Version 3 – permanent ligation of both LMCA and left common carotid artery (CCA); Version 4 – permanent LMCA and bilateral CCA (bCCA) ligation; Version 5 – permanent LMCA ligation and 40-minute bCCA occlusion. The infarct size (IS) was quantified using triphenyltetrazolium chloride staining. The severity of neurological deficit was assessed by the Garcia score. The extent of brain edema was determined by calculating the difference in volumes of affected and contralateral hemispheres.

Results

Within a relatively big AR, Versions 1 and 2 resulted in a small IS [0·2 (0·0; 0·4)% and 0·3 (0·0; 0·7)%, respectively, P > 0·05]. Unlike that and comparable with AR, Version 3 resulted in a greater, albeit more variable IS [5·9 (2·1; 8·3)%, P < 0·0001 vs. Version 2]. Also comparable with AR, Versions 4 and 5 produced greatest values of IS [14·5 (11·4; 17·9)% and 11·3 (10·1; 14·2)%, respectively]; this parameter was most reproducible in Version 5. A significant decrease in neurological deficit score was found in Versions 4 and 5. Again, the reproducibility of the data on neurological outcome was higher in Version 5 versus Version 4.

Conclusions

Comparative analysis of several Versions of focal cerebral ischemia within a single study might be helpful in better understanding of the mechanisms underlying the development and aftermath of stroke. Permanent LMCA ligation plus transient bilateral CCA occlusion produced most consistent results and might be recommended for preclinical studies.
Promising‐Part 1
Authors: Heuer Ulrike
Published: November 2012

The explanation of promising is fraught with problems. In particular the problem that promises can be valid even when nothing good comes of keeping the promise (the problem of ‘bare wrongings’), and the bootstrapping problem with explaining how the mere intention to put oneself under an obligation can create such an obligation have been recognized since Hume’s famous discussion of the topic. There are two influential accounts of promising, and promissory obligation, which attempt to solve the problems: The expectation account and the practice account. While those accounts solve both the bootstrapping problem and the problem of bare wrongings, it turns out that they encounter numerous problems of their own.
Ways of Being
Authors: Spencer Joshua
Published: November 2012

Ontological pluralism is the view that there are ways of being. Ontological pluralism is enjoying a revival in contemporary metaphysics. We want to say that there are numbers, fictional characters, impossible things, and holes. But, we don’t think these things all exist in the same sense as cars and human beings. If they exist or have being at all, then they have different ways of being. Fictional characters exist as objects of make‐believe and holes exist as absences in objects. But, human beings and cars exist in a much more robust sense. What are ways of being? Why should be believe in them and what should we believe about them? This short essay provides an overview of the recent revival of ways of being and explores some of the surrounding issues.
The determinants of current account balance in an oil‐rich exporting country: the case of Nigeria
Authors: Uneze Eberechukwu , Ekor Maxwell
Published: December 2012

This paper examines the determinants of current accounts balance in Nigeria with emphasis on oil‐related variables using the Johansen–Julius vector error correction estimation approach, the impulse response function and the variance decomposition analysis. The results showed that oil price, oil balance and oil revenue are positively related with the current account, with only oil wealth having a significant negative impact in the long run. We find that the impact of oil price on the current balance is only significant in the short run. The variance decomposition analysis indicated that the variance in the current account is better explained by shocks to itself followed by shocks to oil price, oil balance and fiscal balance.
Environmental comparison of intensive and integrated agriculture–aquaculture systems for striped catfish production in the Mekong Delta, Vietnam, based on two existing case studies using life cycle assessment
Authors: Kluts Ingeborg N. , Potting José , Bosma Roel H. , Phong Le T. , Udo Henk M. J.
Published: December 2012

Vietnam is the largest producer for the export of striped catfish. Traditionally striped catfish production in the Mekong Delta took place in integrated agriculture–aquaculture systems, but has shifted recently to intensive systems to meet increasing export demands. A recent study quantified the environmental impact of intensive striped catfish production in Vietnam. Another did the same for integrated systems. Both studies used life cycle assessment, covered similar environmental impact categories, and were roughly matched in the production stages included. However, an environmental comparison of both systems has not been made so far. The objective of this paper is to make a comparative life cycle assessment of striped catfish production in intensive and integrated systems. The comparison was based on existing life cycle assessments on these systems, but their methodological choices and data had to be aligned. The results show that striped catfish production in intensive systems contributes considerably more to seven of the nine assessed impact categories (global warming, ozone depletion, acidification, eutrophication, photochemical oxidation, human toxicity, freshwater ecotoxicity, marine aquatic ecotoxicity, fossil depletion). Only contributions to eutrophication and freshwater ecotoxicity were higher for the integrated systems than for the intensive systems. In both systems, grow‐out fish farming contributes most to eutrophication and freshwater ecotoxicity, whereas feed production contributes most to all other impact categories. The environmental performance of integrated striped catfish production is convincingly better in most impact categories. This raises questions about whether (elements of) these systems can be used to mitigate the environmental impact of intensive striped catfish production.
A general and simple method for obtaining R2 from generalized linear mixed‐effects models
Authors: Nakagawa Shinichi , Schielzeth Holger
Published: December 2012

The use of both linear and generalized linear mixed‐effects models (LMMs and GLMMs) has become popular not only in social and medical sciences, but also in biological sciences, especially in the field of ecology and evolution. Information criteria, such as Akaike Information Criterion (AIC), are usually presented as model comparison tools for mixed‐effects models.

The presentation of ‘variance explained’ (R2) as a relevant summarizing statistic of mixed‐effects models, however, is rare, even though R2 is routinely reported for linear models (LMs) and also generalized linear models (GLMs). R2 has the extremely useful property of providing an absolute value for the goodness‐of‐fit of a model, which cannot be given by the information criteria. As a summary statistic that describes the amount of variance explained, R2 can also be a quantity of biological interest.

One reason for the under‐appreciation of R2 for mixed‐effects models lies in the fact that R2 can be defined in a number of ways. Furthermore, most definitions of R2 for mixed‐effects have theoretical problems (e.g. decreased or negative R2 values in larger models) and/or their use is hindered by practical difficulties (e.g. implementation).

Here, we make a case for the importance of reporting R2 for mixed‐effects models. We first provide the common definitions of R2 for LMs and GLMs and discuss the key problems associated with calculating R2 for mixed‐effects models. We then recommend a general and simple method for calculating two types of R2 (marginal and conditional R2) for both LMMs and GLMMs, which are less susceptible to common problems.

This method is illustrated by examples and can be widely employed by researchers in any fields of research, regardless of software packages used for fitting mixed‐effects models. The proposed method has the potential to facilitate the presentation of R2 for a wide range of circumstances.
Mapping River Bathymetry With a Small Footprint Green LiDAR: Applications and Challenges1
Authors: Kinzel Paul J. , Legleiter Carl J. , Nelson Jonathan M.
Published: December 2012

Kinzel, Paul J., Carl J. Legleiter, and Jonathan M. Nelson, 2012. Mapping River Bathymetry with a Small Footprint Green LiDAR: Applications and Challenges. Journal of the American Water Resources Association (JAWRA) 1‐22. DOI: 10.1111/jawr.12008

Abstract:  Airborne bathymetric Light Detection And Ranging (LiDAR) systems designed for coastal and marine surveys are increasingly sought after for high‐resolution mapping of fluvial systems. To evaluate the potential utility of bathymetric LiDAR for applications of this kind, we compared detailed surveys collected using wading and sonar techniques with measurements from the United States Geological Survey’s hybrid topographic/bathymetric Experimental Advanced Airborne Research LiDAR (EAARL). These comparisons, based upon data collected from the Trinity and Klamath Rivers, California, and the Colorado River, Colorado, demonstrated that environmental conditions and postprocessing algorithms can influence the accuracy and utility of these surveys and must be given consideration. These factors can lead to mapping errors that can have a direct bearing on derivative analyses such as hydraulic modeling and habitat assessment. We discuss the water and substrate characteristics of the sites, compare the conventional and remotely sensed river‐bed topographies, and investigate the laser waveforms reflected from submerged targets to provide an evaluation as to the suitability and accuracy of the EAARL system and associated processing algorithms for riverine mapping applications.
Hyperpigmentation: types, diagnostics and targeted treatment options
Authors: Nieuweboer‐Krobotova L.
Published: December 2012

Background  Pigment formation is highly complex. It is involved in inflammation, sun protection and many other processes. For practical purposes, such as exposure time for sun tanning, six skin types are distinguished according to Fitzpatrick, listed in decreasing lightness. The hyperpigmentation commonly occurs in Fitzpatrick skin types III to VI and can have a considerable impact on quality of life.

Material & Methods  In this article we will give an overview of normal variations of pigmentation and the most often common pigment abnormalities. It also reviews diagnostics and the current targeted treatment options of epidermal and dermal pigmentation.

Results  There are multiple hyperpigmented skin lesions, classification of pigmentation is based on histology or Woods light examination. Bleaching agents with phenolic compounds with non‐phenolic agens as follow‐up therapy appears to be the most beneficial treatment options for the hyperpigmentation.

Conclusions  The effective treatment of pigment disorders is characterized by influence of melanin formation, but the therapy should be based on a the correct diagnosis and always targeted to the other histopathological processes in the skin. The Woods light examination shows clinical aspect of the lesions and may be helpful in the determination of the diagnosis.
Effect of Condensed Tannins on Bovine Rumen Protist Diversity Based on 18S rRNA Gene Sequences
Authors: Tan Hui Yin , Sieo Chin Chin , Abdullah Norhani , Liang Juan Boo , Huang Xiao Dan , Ho Yin Wan
Published: December 2012

Molecular diversity of protists from bovine rumen fluid incubated with condensed tannins of Leucaena leucocephala hybrid‐Rendang at 20 mg/500 mg dry matter (treatment) or without condensed tannins (control) was investigated using 18S rRNA gene library. Clones from the control library were distributed within nine genera, but clones from the condensed tannin treatment clone library were related to only six genera. Diversity estimators such as abundance‐based coverage estimation and Chao1 showed significant differences between the two libraries, although no differences were found based on Shannon–Weaver index and Libshuff.
The N‐Terminal Sequences of Four Major Hydrogenosomal Proteins Are Not Essential for Import into Hydrogenosomes of Trichomonas vaginalis
Authors: Zimorski Verena , Major Peter , Hoffmann Kathrin , Brás Xavier Pereira , Martin William F. , Gould Sven B.
Published: December 2012

The human pathogen Trichomonas vaginalis harbors hydrogenosomes, organelles of mitochondrial origin that generate ATP through hydrogen‐producing fermentations. They contain neither genome nor translation machinery, but approximately 500 proteins that are imported from the cytosol. In contrast to well‐studied organelles like Saccharomyces mitochondria, very little is known about how proteins are transported across the two membranes enclosing the hydrogenosomal matrix. Recent studies indicate that—in addition to N‐terminal transit peptides—internal targeting signals might be more common in hydrogenosomes than in mitochondria. To further characterize the extent to which N‐terminal and internal motifs mediate hydrogenosomal protein targeting, we transfected Trichomonas with 24 hemagglutinin (HA) tag fusion constructs, encompassing 13 different hydrogenosomal and cytosolic proteins of the parasite. Hydrogenosomal targeting of these proteins was analyzed by subcellular fractionation and independently by immunofluorescent localization. The investigated proteins include some of the most abundant hydrogenosomal proteins, such as pyruvate ferredoxin oxidoreductase (PFO), which possesses an amino‐terminal targeting signal that is processed on import into hydrogenosomes, but is shown here not to be required for import into hydrogenosomes. Our results demonstrate that the deletion of N‐terminal signals of hydrogenosomal precursors generally has little, if any, influence upon import into hydrogenosomes. Although the necessary and sufficient signals for hydrogenosomal import recognition appear complex, targeting to the organelle is still highly specific, as demonstrated by the finding that six HA‐tagged glycolytic enzymes, highly expressed under the same promoter as other constructs studied here, localized exclusively to the cytosol and did not associate with hydrogenosomes.
Roles of Ubiquitination in the Control of Phosphate Starvation Responses in PlantsF
Authors: Rojas‐Triana Mónica , Bustos Regla , Espinosa‐Ruiz Ana , Prat Salomé , Paz‐Ares Javier , Rubio Vicente
Published: December 2012

Throughout evolution, plants have evolved sophisticated adaptive responses that allow them to grow with a limited supply of phosphate, the preferential form in which the essential macronutrient phosphorus is absorbed by plants. Most of these responses are aimed to increase phosphate availability and acquisition through the roots, to optimize its usage in metabolic processes, and to protect plants from the deleterious effects of phosphate deficiency stress. Regulation of these adaptive responses requires fine perception of the external and internal phosphate levels, and a complex signal transduction pathway that integrates information on the phosphate status at the whole‐plant scale. The molecular mechanisms that participate in phosphate homeostasis include transcriptional control of gene expression, RNA silencing mediated by microRNAs, regulatory non‐coding RNAs of miRNA activity, phosphate transporter trafficking, and post‐translational modification of proteins, such as phosphorylation, sumoylation and ubiquitination. Such a varied regulatory repertoire reflects the complexity intrinsic to phosphate surveying and signaling pathways. Here, we describe these regulatory mechanisms, emphasizing the increasing importance of ubiquitination in the control of phosphate starvation responses.

image[Vicente Rubio(Corresponding author)]
Do Moral Choices Make Us Feel Good? The Development of Adolescents’ Emotions Following Moral Decision Making
Authors: Malti Tina , Keller Monika , Buchmann Marlis
Published: December 2012

Some people believe that making the morally right decision makes people feel good. However, until now, there has been no empirical evidence in support of this belief. In a representative two‐wave longitudinal study of 995 15‐year‐old adolescents followed for 3 years (until the age of 18) in Switzerland, adolescents were asked about their decisions and emotions following hypothetical dilemmas involving moral obligations versus self‐interest. Adolescents predominantly made moral decisions and reported feeling good following these decisions. With age, participants reported more positive emotions following moral decisions. A small number of adolescents made selfish decisions and reported feeling good following these decisions.
Dream Recall Frequency and Unusual Dream Experiences in Early Adolescence: Longitudinal Links to Behavior Problems
Authors: Soffer‐Dudek Nirit , Sadeh Avi
Published: December 2012

Unique dream patterns are related to psychopathological distress in adults. In adolescence, this was investigated almost exclusively regarding nightmares. This longitudinal study examines developmental trajectories of various adolescent‐reported dream patterns, and their associations with parent‐reported psychopathology (internalization and externalization problems) in early adolescence. Ninety‐four 10‐ to 11‐year‐old normally developing children completed a week of sleep, dreaming, and pubertal development assessments. Parents reported behavior problems. Assessments were repeated after 1 and 2 years. Reports of unusual dreams decreased over time, and dream recall decreased among girls. Internalizing symptoms longitudinally predicted an increase in dream recall and unusual dreams. Moreover, unusual dreams longitudinally predicted increased behavior problems (internalization and externalization). Assessing dream patterns during early adolescence may help early detection of covert psychopathological distress.
Sexually Explicit Websites and Sexual Initiation: Reciprocal Relationships and the Moderating Role of Pubertal Status
Authors: Vandenbosch Laura , Eggermont Steven
Published: December 2012

A two‐wave panel study was conducted among adolescents (Mean age = 14.78; N = 639) to examine the relationship between using sexually explicit websites and sexual initiation with particular attention to adolescents' pubertal status. Structural equation modeling and logistic regression analysis indicated that frequent users of sexually explicit websites were five times more likely to initiate sexual intercourse than nonusers. Pubertal status moderated this relationship: an increased likelihood to initiate sex was found among adolescents in an early pubertal stage who frequently viewed sexually explicit websites. However, a lower likelihood to initiate sex was found among adolescents in an advanced pubertal stage. The possibility of a reciprocal relationship was also examined but was not supported.
Suppression of Tobacco Mosaic Virus by Bacillus amyloliquefaciens Strain Ba33
Authors: Shen Lili , Wang Fenglong , Liu Yanhua , Qian Yumei , Yang Jinguang , Sun Huiqing
Published: December 2012

Suppression of Tobacco Mosaic Virus (TMV) by B. amyloliquefaciens Ba33 was evaluated on Nicotiana tabacum by spraying before (①), after (②) and simultaneously with (③) TMV inocula. The results suggested that Ba33 treatments reduced local necrotic lesion number and disease index, showing ③ treatment was the best and ① treatment was better than ② treatment in TMV suppression. It also showed Ba33 virus‐contaminated scissors could be disinfected by dipping. Field trials showed that Ba33 had an inhibitory effect of 48.59% in 2009 and 50.54% in 2010, close to the effect of Ningnanmycin, a registered antiviral agent in tobacco. In conclusion, Ba33 might be used as a soil disinfector and an antiviral agent against TMV.
Psychometric properties of a Chinese version of the Jefferson Scale of Empathy‐Health Profession Students
Authors: Hsiao C‐Y. , Tsai Y‐F. , Kao Y‐C.
Published: December 2012

Accessible summary

Empathy is considered as an integral component of the therapeutic nurse–patient relationship.

Valid and reliable Chinese instruments to assess nursing students' empathy are scarce.

This study evaluates psychometric properties of a Chinese version of the Jefferson Scale of Empathy‐Health Profession Students among Taiwanese undergraduate nursing students.

A Chinese version of the Jefferson Scale of Empathy‐Health Profession Students is a reliable and valid instrument for assessing the degree of empathy in undergraduate nursing students.

Empathy is central to a therapeutic nurse–patient relationship. Valid and reliable Chinese instruments to assess nursing students' empathy are lacking. The aim of this study was to examine the psychometric properties of a Chinese version of the Jefferson Scale of Empathy‐Health Profession Students (C‐JSE‐HPS) among Taiwanese undergraduate nursing students. A convenience sample of 613 Taiwanese nursing students participated in the study. Content validity, construct validity, internal consistency reliability and test–retest reliability were examined. Content validity was confirmed by a content validity index of 0.89. Factor analysis yielded three components of perspective taking, compassionate care and standing in the patient's shoes, explaining 57.14% of total variance. Women scored higher on empathy than men. Also, students who were enrolled in the 4‐year Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) indicated greater empathy degrees than those in the 2‐year Registered Nurse to Bachelor of Science in Nursing (RN‐to‐BSN). Cronbach's alpha coefficient and the test–retest reliability were 0.93 and 0.92 respectively. A C‐JSE‐HPS demonstrated satisfactory psychometric properties to measure empathy of undergraduate nursing students. Educators may use this instrument to assess empathic qualities among students and design effective empathy‐oriented nursing curricula to improve the quality of nursing care.
Cryptic Speciation in the Genus Cryptoglena (Euglenaceae) Revealed by Nuclear and Plastid SSU and LSU rRNA Gene
Authors: Kim Jong Im , Shin Woongghi , Triemer Richard E.
Published: December 2012

The photosynthetic euglenoid genus Cryptoglena is differentiated from other euglenoid genera by having a longitudinal sulcus, one chloroplast, two large trough‐shaped paramylon plates positioned between the chloroplast and pellicle, and lack of metaboly. The genus contains only two species. To understand genetic diversity and taxonomy of Cryptoglena species, we analyzed molecular and morphological data from 25 strains. A combined data set of nuclear SSU and LSU and plastid SSU and LSU rRNA genes was analyzed using Bayesian, maximum likelihood, maximum parsimony, and distance (neighbor joining) methods. Although morphological data of all strains showed no significant species‐specific pattern, molecular data segregated the taxa into five clades, two of which represented previously known species: C. skujae and C. pigra, and three of which were designated as the new species, C. soropigra, C. similis, and C. longisulca. Each species had unique molecular signatures that could be found in the plastid SSU rRNA Helix P23_1 and LSU rRNA H2 domain. The genetic similarity of intraspecies based on nr SSU rDNA ranged from 97.8% to 100% and interspecies ranged from 95.3% to 98.9%. Therefore, we propose three new species based on specific molecular signatures and gene divergence of the nr SSU rDNA sequences.
Women's Perceptions About Lubricant Use and Vaginal Wetness During Sexual Activities
Authors: Jozkowski Kristen N. , Herbenick Debby , Schick Vanessa , Reece Michael , Sanders Stephanie A. , Fortenberry J. Dennis
Published: December 2012

Introduction

Exogenous lubricant use in the United States is common among women; however, there is little empirical research describing women's perceptions of lubricants, lubricant use, and vaginal wetness or dryness during penile-vaginal intercourse or other sexual behaviors.

Aims

To assess women's perceptions about lubricant use, women's perceptions about vaginal wetness during sexual activities, lubricant purchasing and application patterns, and the relationship of age to women's perceptions of lubricants and vaginal wetness.

Methods

Cross-sectional baseline data from an online daily diary study of 2,451 women enrolled in a study of lubricant use were analyzed.

Main Outcome Measures

Demographic items, women's lubricant purchasing patterns, lubrication use, perceptions about lubrication, and perceptions about vaginal wetness.

Results

Overall, women felt positively about lubricant and lubricant use, preferred sex to feel more wet, felt that they were more easily orgasmic when sex was more wet, and thought their partner preferred sex to feel more wet than dry. Perceptions varied by age group with women in their forties reporting more positive perceptions of lubricants than women under the age of 30.

Conclusions

Findings suggest that women generally feel positively about lubricants and lubricant use and prefer vaginal-penile intercourse to feel more wet. Such insights into women's perceptions of lubricants and lubricant use can be helpful to medical and other health professionals as well as sexual health educators, who routinely make recommendations to women about ways to incorporate products, such as lubricants, into their sexual activities.
Association between Granulomatous Colitis in French Bulldogs and Invasive Escherichia coli and Response to Fluoroquinolone Antimicrobials
Authors: Manchester A.C. , Hill S. , Sabatino B. , Armentano R. , Carroll M. , Kessler B. , Miller M. , Dogan B. , McDonough S.P. , Simpson K.W.
Published: December 2012

Background

French Bulldogs develop a form of granulomatous colitis (GC) with histopathological resemblance to GC of Boxer dogs (GCB). GCB is associated with mucosally invasive Escherichia coli whose eradication correlates with clinical remission.

Hypothesis/Objectives

To characterize the clinical and histopathological features, presence or absence of invasive colonic bacteria, and response to fluoroquinolones in French Bulldogs with GC.

Animals

A total of 6 French Bulldogs with a histological diagnosis of GC.

Methods

Retrospective study of medical records. Bacterial colonization was evaluated using 16S rRNA probes for eubacteria and E. coli. Biopsy specimens from 3 dogs were cultured for bacteria. Clinical response to fluoroquinolone antimicrobials was determined.

Results

All dogs were ≤1 year of age with hematochezia that was refractory to empirical therapy. Clinicopathologic and fecal analysis did not reveal abnormalities. Abdominal ultrasound revealed patchy thickening of the colon in 4/5 dogs and regional lymphadenopathy in 5/5. Colonoscopic abnormalities included irregularly thickened and ulcerated mucosa, hyperemia, and overt bleeding in 4/6 cases. Multifocal accumulations of PAS‐positive macrophages and intramucosal E. coli were present in colonic biopsies of all 6 dogs. Administration of enrofloxacin (5/6) or marbofloxacin (1/6) at 4.4–10 mg/kg (median 10 mg/kg) PO q24h for 6–10 weeks was associated with clinical improvement within 5–14 days. All dogs remained in remission over a 3–30 month follow‐up period.

Conclusions

Granulomatous colitis in young French Bulldogs is associated with the presence of invasive E. coli and closely parallels GCB. Treatment with fluoroquinolone antimicrobials can induce lasting clinical remission.
Sex offenders with intellectual disability referred to levels of community and secure provision: Comparison and prediction of pathway
Authors: Carson Derek , Lindsay William R. , Holland Anthony J. , Taylor John L. , O'Brien Gregory , Wheeler Jessica R. , Steptoe Lesley , Johnston Susan
Published: December 2012

Purpose

To compare characteristics of sex offenders with an intellectual disability (ID) referred to community‐based and different levels of secure services. To identify those characteristics, which predict referrals to community‐based or secure services.

Methods

A total of 131 cases of sex offenders withIDreferred to anIDservice in a number of health board regions in theUKin 2002 (and 2003 for high secure referrals) were reviewed. Data were collected on demographic information, ethnicity, level of learning disability, possible medical diagnoses, psychiatric diagnoses, abuse experienced in childhood, living circumstances, employment or occupation, referring agent, legal status on day of referral, index behaviour, age at time of index behaviour, charges, legal status on day of index behaviour, previous problematic behaviour, and previous offending. Data were entered into a binomial logistic regression model in an attempt to predict the referrals to community‐based services.

Results

Numerous characteristics were found to be associated with the different levels of service security, but only two predictor variables retained a strong association with community or secure referrals in the model. The likelihood of the offender being referred to a community‐based service increased if they were based in the community at the time of the index behaviour and decreased as the diversity of problematic behaviour exhibited by the offenders increased.

Conclusions

Given the relatively high proportion of referrals to community‐based services and the fact that many of these referrals had a complicated offence history, it is important that community‐based services are properly equipped and resourced to deal with such referrals. In particular, the case is made that services for sexual offenders withIDat all levels of security should at least have available interventions directed at aggression.
Population genomics of Pacific lamprey: adaptive variation in a highly dispersive species
Authors: Hess Jon E. , Campbell Nathan R. , Close David A. , Docker Margaret F. , Narum Shawn R.
Published: December 2012

Unlike most anadromous fishes that have evolved strict homing behaviour, Pacific lamprey (Entosphenus tridentatus) seem to lack philopatry as evidenced by minimal population structure across the species range. Yet unexplained findings of within‐region population genetic heterogeneity coupled with the morphological and behavioural diversity described for the species suggest that adaptive genetic variation underlying fitness traits may be responsible. We employed restriction site–associated DNA sequencing to genotype 4439 quality filtered single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) loci for 518 individuals collected across a broad geographical area including British Columbia, Washington, Oregon and California. A subset of putatively neutral markers (N = 4068) identified a significant amount of variation among three broad populations: northern British Columbia, Columbia River/southern coast and ‘dwarf’ adults (FCT = 0.02, P ≪ 0.001). Additionally, 162 SNPs were identified as adaptive through outlier tests, and inclusion of these markers revealed a signal of adaptive variation related to geography and life history. The majority of the 162 adaptive SNPs were not independent and formed four groups of linked loci. Analyses with matsam software found that 42 of these outlier SNPs were significantly associated with geography, run timing and dwarf life history, and 27 of these 42 SNPs aligned with known genes or highly conserved genomic regions using the genome browser available for sea lamprey. This study provides both neutral and adaptive context for observed genetic divergence among collections and thus reconciles previous findings of population genetic heterogeneity within a species that displays extensive gene flow.
ChIP‐seq and transcriptome analysis of the OmpR regulon of Salmonella enterica serovars Typhi and Typhimurium reveals accessory genes implicated in host colonization
Authors: Perkins Timothy T. , Davies Mark R. , Klemm Elizabeth J. , Rowley Gary , Wileman Thomas , James Keith , Keane Thomas , Maskell Duncan , Hinton Jay C. D. , Dougan Gordon , Kingsley Robert A.
Published: November 2012

OmpR is a multifunctional DNA binding regulator with orthologues in many enteric bacteria that exhibits classical regulator activity as well as nucleoid‐associated protein‐like characteristics. In the enteric pathogen Salmonella enterica, using chromatin immunoprecipitation of OmpR:FLAG and nucleotide sequencing, 43 putative OmpR binding sites were identified in S. enterica serovar Typhi, 22 of which were associated with OmpR‐regulated genes. Mutation of a sequence motif (TGTWACAW) that was associated with the putative OmpR binding sites abrogated binding of OmpR:6×His to the tviA upstream region. A core set of 31 orthologous genes were found to exhibit OmpR‐dependent expression in both S. Typhi and S. Typhimurium. S. Typhimurium‐encoded orthologues of two divergently transcribed OmpR‐regulated operons (SL1068–71 and SL1066–67) had a putative OmpR binding site in the inter‐operon region in S. Typhi, and were characterized using in vitro and in vivo assays. These operons are widely distributed within S. enterica but absent from the closely related Escherichia coli. SL1066 and SL1067 were required for growth on N‐acetylmuramic acid as a sole carbon source. SL1068–71 exhibited sequence similarity to sialic acid uptake systems and contributed to colonization of the ileum and caecum in the streptomycin‐pretreated mouse model of colitis.
Polyploidy enhances the occupation of heterogeneous environments through hydraulic related trade‐offs inAtriplex canescens(Chenopodiaceae)
Authors: Hao Guang‐You , Lucero Mary E. , Sanderson Stewart C. , Zacharias Elizabeth H. , Holbrook N. Michele
Published: December 2012

Plant hydraulic characteristics were studied in diploid, tetraploid and hexaploid cytotypes ofAtriplex canescens(Chenopodiaceae) to investigate the potential physiological basis underlying the intraspecific habitat differentiation among plants of different ploidy levels.

Populations ofA. canescensfrom different habitats of the Chihuahuan Desert (New Mexico,USA) were analyzed using flow cytometry to determine ploidy levels. Traits related to xylem water transport efficiency and safety against drought‐induced hydraulic failure were measured in both stems and leaves.

At the stem level, cytotypes of higher ploidy showed consistently lower leaf‐specific hydraulic conductivity but greater resistance to drought‐induced loss of hydraulic conductivity. At the leaf level, comparisons in hydraulics between cytotypes did not show a consistent pattern, but exhibited high plasticity to proximal environmental conditions related to soil water availability.

The results suggest that a trade‐off between stem hydraulic efficiency and safety across ploidy levels underlies niche differentiation among different cytotypes ofA. canescens. Polyploidization may have been facilitated by environmental heterogeneity related to water availability, and variation in water‐related physiology found in the present study suggests an important functional basis for the niche differentiation and coexistence ofA. canescenscytotypes in desert environments.
Root‐lodging resistance in maize as an example for high‐throughput genetic mapping via single nucleotide polymorphism‐based selective genotyping
Authors: Farkhari Mohammad , Krivanek Alan , Xu Yunbi , Rong Tingzhao , Naghavi Mohammad R. , Samadi Bahman Y. , Lu Yanli
Published: December 2012

Large‐scale selective genotyping and high‐throughput analysis are two important strategies for low‐cost and high‐effective genetic mapping. In this study, selective genotyping was applied to four maize F2 populations. Thirty plants were selected from each of the two tails of the original F2 populations to represent extreme resistant and susceptible plants to root lodging, and genotyped individually with 1536 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). A quantitative trait locus (QTL) was declared when at least three closely linked SNPs showed significant allele frequency difference between the two tails. Nine QTL were identified for root lodging across the four populations, which were located on chromosomes 2, 4, 5, 7, 8 and 10 and one of them was shared between two populations. A total of 20 segregation distortion regions (SDRs) were identified across the four populations, one of which was co‐localized with a QTL on chromosome 4. The tightly linked SNPs identified in this study can be used for marker‐assisted selection for root lodging. Selective genotyping, when combined with pooled DNA analysis, can be used to develop strategies for high‐throughput genetic mapping for all crops.
Measuring the 2D Residual Surface Stress Mapping in Tempered Glass under the Cooling Jets: the Influence of Process Parameters on the Stress Homogeneity and Isotropy
Authors: Chen Y. , Lochegnies D. , Defontaine R. , Anton J. , Aben H. , Langlais R.
Published: December 2012

Abstract:  In glass products, thermally tempered on industrial lines for automotive and architectural industries, the distribution of residual stress is highly inhomogeneous and, in certain situations, can produce optical defects that are more visible in sunlight because of the impact of the cooling jets on the hot glass during the tempering process. To analyse the influence of the process parameters on stress inhomogeneity, flat square glass samples were tempered with PRELCO tempering production unit without oscillation and with oscillation under cooling jets, thus reproducing the current industrial practice for the latter. To measure the residual stress distributions in the tempered glass samples, we developed a fully automatic system that combines the scattered light polariscope (SCALP) and a four‐axis machine, with three linear axes and one rotational one. Using the SCALP manually with the dedicated software makes it possible to access the glass surface at the laser beam’s entering point. With a four‐axis Computer Numerical Control (CNC) machine, we determined the 2D residual stress distribution under the cooling jets and analysed the influence of the cooling rate and oscillation on the homogeneity and the isotropy of the residual surface stress in the tempered glass samples.
Basolateral EGF Receptor Sorting Regulated by Functionally Distinct Mechanisms in Renal Epithelial Cells
Authors: Cotton Calvin U. , Hobert Michael E. , Ryan Sean , Carlin Cathleen R.
Published: December 2012

Proliferation of epithelial tissues is controlled by polarized distribution of signaling receptors including the EGF receptor (EGFR). In kidney, EGFRs are segregated from soluble ligands present in apical fluid of nephrons by selective targeting to basolateral membranes. We have shown previously that the epithelial‐specific clathrin adaptor AP1B mediates basolateral EGFR sorting in established epithelia. Here we show that protein kinase C (PKC)‐dependent phosphorylation of Thr654 regulates EGFR polarity as epithelial cells form new cell–cell junctional complexes. The AP1B‐dependent pathway does not override a PKC‐resistant T654A mutation, and conversely AP1B‐defective EGFRs sort basolaterally by a PKC‐dependent mechanism, in polarizing cells. Surprisingly, EGFR mutations that interfere with these different sorting pathways also produce very distinct phenotypes in three‐dimensional organotypic cultures. Thus EGFRs execute different functions depending on the basolateral sorting route. Many renal disorders have defects in cell polarity and the notion that apically mislocalized EGFRs promote proliferation is still an attractive model to explain many aspects of polycystic kidney disease. Our data suggest EGFR also integrates various aspects of polarity by switching between different basolateral sorting programs in developing epithelial cells. Fundamental knowledge of basic mechanisms governing EGFR sorting therefore provides new insights into pathogenesis and advances drug discovery for these renal disorders.
Comparison of Elastic and Plastic Reference Volume Approaches
Authors: Reddy Gudimetla P. S. , Katna Munaswamy
Published: November 2012

For finding out reliable limit load multipliers in pressure vessel components or structures using simplified limit load methods, proper estimation of reference volume is important. In this paper, two empirical methods namely elastic reference volume method (ERVM) and plastic reference volume method (PRVM) for reference volume correction are presented and compared. These reference volume correction concepts are used in combination with mα-tangent method and elastic modulus adjustment procedure to achieve converged limit load multiplier solution. These multipliers are compared with nonlinear finite element analysis results and are found to be lower bounded. Elastic reference volume method is the simplest method for reference volume correction when compared to plastic reference volume method.
Performance and Water Consumption of the Solar Steam-Injection Gas Turbine Cycle
Authors: Livshits Maya , Kribus Abraham
Published: November 2012

Solar heat at moderate temperatures around 200 °C can be utilized for augmentation of conventional steam-injection gas turbine power plants. Solar concentrating collectors for such an application can be simpler and less expensive than collectors used for current solar power plants. We perform a thermodynamic analysis of this hybrid cycle, focusing on improved modeling of the combustor and the water recovery condenser. The cycle's water consumption is derived and compared to other power plant technologies. The analysis shows that the performance of the hybrid cycle under the improved model is similar to the results of the previous simplified analysis. The water consumption of the cycle is negative due to water production by combustion, in contrast to other solar power plants that have positive water consumption. The size of the needed condenser is large, and a very low-cost condenser technology is required to make water recovery in the solar STIG cycle technically and economically feasible.
Addenda to “On Singularity of Rigid-Body Dynamics Using Quaternion-Based Models”
Authors: Choi Homin , Yang Bingen
Published: November 2012

Although quaternions are singularity-free in modeling and analysis of rigid bodies in three-dimensional motion, description of torques may lead to unbounded response of a quaternion-based model. This paper gives theorems on the conditions of torque-induced singularity in four coordinate systems: inertial frame, body frame, Euler basis, and dual Euler basis. According to the theorems, torques applied in an inertial frame or a body frame or a Euler basis will never cause unbounded motion; torques applied in a dual Euler basis, however, may lead to unbounded motion.