bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Complications Associated With Perineal Urethrotomy in 27 Equids
Authors: Kilcoyne Isabelle , Dechant Julie E.
Published: March 2014

Objective

To report the clinical findings, incidence of complications, and outcome associated with perineal urethrotomy in equids.

Study Design

Retrospective case series.

Animals

Equids (n = 27).

Methods

Medical records (January 2000 to December 2010) of equids that had a perineal urethrotomy were reviewed. Data retrieved and evaluated were breed, age, surgical technique, use of general anesthesia, complications, time from surgery to development of complications and their management, and outcome.

Results

Perineal urethrotomy was performed for urolithiasis (n = 22), for treatment of urethral rents (3), severe balanoposthitis (1), and bladder atony caused by equine protozoal myeloencephalitis (1). The incidence of complications was 52%, including recurrence of urolithiasis in 5 (23%) equids. Horses that had postoperative cystoscopy and bladder lavage were significantly less like likely to have recurrence of urolithiasis (P = .039). Of equids that had postoperative indwelling urinary catheters, 75% developed complications.

Conclusions

Perineal urethrotomy can be an effective for treatment of urolithiasis, hematuria, and urethral trauma. Postoperative cystoscopy and bladder lavage significantly reduced the incidence of postoperative recurrence of urolithiasis.
Comparison of Growth Factor Treatments on the Fibrochondrogenic Potential of Canine Fibroblast‐Like Synoviocytes for Meniscal Tissue Engineering
Authors: Spina Jason , Warnock Jennifer , Duesterdieck‐Zellmer Katja , Baltzer Wendy , Ott Jesse , Bay Brian
Published: March 2014

Objective

To determine thein vitroeffects of differing growth factor treatments on the fibrochondrogenic potential of fibroblast‐like synoviocytes from cruciate ligament deficient femorotibial joints of dogs.

Study Design

In vitrostudy.

Sample Population

Synoviocytes from dogs (n = 8) with naturally occurring cruciate ligament insufficiency.

Methods

Synoviocytes were cultured in monolayer and synthesized into tensioned synoviocyte bioscaffolds (TSB) suspended in media containing TGF‐β3, or FGF‐2, TGF‐β1, and IGF‐I. The 1,9‐dimethylmethylene blue (DMMB) assay and toluidine blue stain assessed glycosaminoglycan content; hydroxyproline assay, and collagen I and II immunohistochemistry assessed collagen content. Biomechanical properties were determined by materials testing/force–deformation curves.

Results

All tissue cultures formed tensioned fibrous tissue‐like constructs. Mean tissue cellularity and cellular viability was significantly greater in the triple growth factor‐treated TSB by 0.09% and 44%, respectively. Percentage collagen content, and relative gene expression for collagen I, II, and aggrecan was not significantly different between groups. Median percentage of GAG content was significantly greater in triple growth factor‐treated TSB by 1.6%. Biomechanical properties were not different in compression. Triple growth factor‐treated TSB were significantly stronger in toughness, peak load to failure, and stiffness in tension.

Conclusions

TGF‐β3 cultured bioscaffolds failed to outperform triple growth factor‐treated TSB. Architectural extracellular matrix (ECM) organization and cellularity likely explained the differences between groups. TGF‐β3 alone cannot be recommended at this time forin vitroformation of autologous fibrocartilage bioscaffolds for meniscal deficiency.
Biomechanical Analysis of Laparoscopic Incisional Gastropexy With Intracorporeal Suturing Using Knotless Polyglyconate
Authors: Imhoff Darren J. , Cohen Andrea , Monnet Eric
Published: March 2014

Objective

To evaluate load to failure of laparoscopic incisional gastropexy performed with intracorporeal suturing using knotless polyglyconate (KP).

Study Design

Cadaveric study.

Animals

Canine cadavers (n = 12).

Methods

Laparoscopic incisional gastropexy using 2 strands of KP was performed in 6 canine cadavers and by an open approach in 6 cadavers. Length of the gastropexy, number of suture bites on each side of the gastropexy, and number of inadvertent full thickness gastric suture bites were recorded. Load to failure was measured.

Results

There was no significant difference in mean (±SD) gastropexy load to failure for the open (46.3 ± 19.6 N) and laparoscopic (69.0 ± 26.0 N) approaches (P = .123). No significant differences between laparoscopic and open approaches were detected for mean stomach (3.1 ± 0.1 cm; 3.0 ± 0.2 cm; P = .353) or abdominal wall (3.1 ± 0.2 cm; 3.0 ± 0.2 cm; P = .553) incision lengths. There was no significant difference between groups for number of suture bites medially (P = .448) or laterally (P = .363). There were 3 instances of a single gastric intraluminal suture for the laparoscopic group and none for the open approach (P = .023).

Conclusion

Incisional gastropexy performed with laparoscopic intracorporeal suturing and KP has a load to failure that is comparable with an open method. Load to failure was similar to reported values for open incisional gastropexy with knotless glycomer 631.
Early identification of ineffective cooperative learning teams
Authors: Hsiung C.M. , Luo L.F. , Chung H.C.
Published: March 2014

Cooperative learning has many pedagogical benefits. However, if the cooperative learning teams become ineffective, these benefits are lost. Accordingly, this study developed a computer‐aided assessment method for identifying ineffective teams at their early stage of dysfunction by using the Mahalanobis distance metric to examine the difference between the sequential test scores of the unknown team and the test scores of a reference group of functioning teams. The effectiveness of the proposed method was verified by conducting field experiments over an 18‐week engineering course in Taiwan. Forty‐eight students were randomly assigned to cooperative learning teams. The students' learning performance was evaluated by means of unit tests and homework tests. The functioning of the cooperative teams was examined at seven different points during the course of the study. The ineffective teams were identified with quantified type I errors. It was found that some teams failed persistently. Such teams require some form of external intervention to remedy the group dynamics. The results also showed that teams can become ineffective at any stage of the cooperative learning process. Thus, continuous monitoring is required to ensure that appropriate remedial actions are taken in a timely manner.
A Collaborative National Model to Assess Competencies for Medical Students, Residents, and Other Healthcare Practitioners in Gait and Falls Risk Evaluation
Authors: Atkinson Hal H. , Tan Zaldy S. , Brennan Maura , Granville Lisa
Published: March 2014

To ensure that the healthcare workforce is adequately prepared to care for the growing population of older adults, minimum competencies in geriatrics have been published for medical students and primary care residents. Approaches to teaching and assessing these competencies are needed to guide medical schools, residencies, and continuing medical education programs. With sponsorship by the Education Committee and Teachers Section of the American Geriatrics Society (AGS), geriatrics educators from multiple institutions collaborated to develop a model to teach and assess a major domain of student and resident competency: Gait and Falls Risk Evaluation. The model was introduced as a workshop at annual meetings of the AGS and the American College of Physicians in 2011 and 2012. Participants included medical students, residents, geriatrics fellows, practicing physicians, and midlevel practitioners. At both national meetings, participants rated the experience highly and reported statistically significant gains in overall competence in gait and falls risk evaluation. The largest gains were observed for medical students, residents, and practicing physicians (P < .001 for all); geriatrics fellows reported a higher level of baseline competence and therefore had a lower magnitude of improvement, albeit still significant (P = .02). Finally, the majority of participants reported intent to disseminate the model in their institutions. This article describes the design, implementation, and evaluation of this collaborative national model. A number of institutions have used the model, and the goal of this article is to aid in further dissemination of this successful approach to teaching and assessing geriatrics competencies.
An Educational Intervention to Improve Internal Medicine Interns' Awareness of Hazards of Hospitalization in Acutely Ill Older Adults
Authors: Wilkerson Loren M. , Iwata Isao , Wilkerson Matthew D. , Heflin Mitchell T.
Published: March 2014

Hospitalized older adults are susceptible to complications termed “hazards of hospitalization” (HOH), which collectively result in poor patient outcomes. Previous research has shown that residents are not aware of their patients' risk factors for HOH. This study investigated the effect of an educational intervention to increase internal medicine interns' knowledge and self‐efficacy of HOH and to improve their care of hospitalized older adults as measured by their documentation of HOH. Targeted learners were internal medicine interns on their geriatrics rotation at a large academic hospital in 2011 to 2012. The intervention covered 10 specific HOH: delirium, pressure ulcers, urinary incontinence and retention, functional decline, falls, suboptimal prescribing, dehydration and malnutrition, infection, depression, and inappropriate interventions. Knowledge and self‐efficacy were measured before and after training. HOH documentation rates of interns who did and did not complete the training were compared over a preset 8‐week period. Forty‐two of 43 eligible interns completed the curriculum. After training, knowledge was significantly greater (approximately 1 more correct question out of 3, P < .001). Self‐reported confidence in managing each hazard also significantly increased (13 questions on two 5‐point Likert scales, P < .001). Trained interns had significantly more‐frequent documentation of patients' activities of daily living, gait, and plan for functional decline prevention than interns who were not trained (P < .05). Conversely, documentation of instrumental activities of daily living was more frequent among interns who were not trained (P < .01). Implementation of an educational intervention was successful in improving educational and behavior change outcomes regarding HOH.
The relationship between living arrangement and adherence to antiepileptic medications among individuals with developmental disabilities
Authors: Hom C. L. , Touchette P. , Nguyen V. , Fernandez G. , Tournay A. , Plon L. , Himber P. , Lott I. T.
Published: March 2014

Background

Non‐adherence to antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) is associated with considerable morbidity and mortality in the general population but little is known about adherence in individuals with intellectual disability (ID).

Method

Using the records of a closed pharmacy billing system over a 30 month period, we examined the medication non‐adherence rates for AEDs among 793 individuals with ID. We calculated the medication possession ratio (number of days each participant was in possession of an AED), and defined non‐adherence as 25% or more of the exposure days without the possession of an AED. All participants studied had filled prescriptions for AEDs spanning at least 6 months.

Results

Controlling for age and gender, we found non‐adherence rates varied by living arrangement. Compared with those living in group homes, individuals with ID living in family homes or in semi‐independent settings were significantly less adherent to AEDs (P < 0.0003).

Conclusion

Non‐adherence to AEDs is a potential medical risk for individuals with ID that is significantly impacted by the type of community living arrangement.
Three‐dimensional optical transfer functions in the aberration‐corrected scanning transmission electron microscope
Authors: JONES L. , NELLIST P.D.
Published: March 2014

In the scanning transmission electron microscope, hardware aberration correctors can now correct for the positive spherical aberration of round electron lenses. These correctors make use of nonround optics such as hexapoles or octupoles, leading to the limiting aberrations often being of a nonround type. Here we explore the effect of a number of potential limiting aberrations on the imaging performance of the scanning transmission electron microscope through their resulting optical transfer functions. In particular, the response of the optical transfer function to changes in defocus are examined, given that this is the final aberration to be tuned just before image acquisition. The resulting three‐dimensional optical transfer functions also allow an assessment of the performance of a system for focal‐series experiments or optical sectioning applications.
Environmental Control of Biological Rhythms: Effects on Development, Fertility and Metabolism
Authors: Amaral F. G. , Castrucci A. M. , Cipolla‐Neto J. , Poletini M. O. , Mendez N. , Richter H. G. , Sellix M. T.
Published: March 2014

Internal temporal organisation properly synchronised to the environment is crucial for health maintenance. This organisation is provided at the cellular level by the molecular clock, a macromolecular transcription‐based oscillator formed by the clock and the clock‐controlled genes that is present in both central and peripheral tissues. In mammals, melanopsin in light‐sensitive retinal ganglion cells plays a considerable role in the synchronisation of the circadian timing system to the daily light/dark cycle. Melatonin, a hormone synthesised in the pineal gland exclusively at night and an output of the central clock, has a fundamental role in regulating/timing several physiological functions, including glucose homeostasis, insulin secretion and energy metabolism. As such, metabolism is severely impaired after a reduction in melatonin production. Furthermore, light pollution during the night and shift work schedules can abrogate melatonin synthesis and impair homeostasis. Chronodisruption during pregnancy has deleterious effects on the health of progeny, including metabolic, cardiovascular and cognitive dysfunction. Developmental programming by steroids or steroid‐mimetic compounds also produces internal circadian disorganisation that may be a significant factor in the aetiology of fertility disorders such as polycystic ovary syndrome. Thus, both early and late in life, pernicious alterations of the endogenous temporal order by environmental factors can disrupt the homeostatic function of the circadian timing system, leading to pathophysiology and/or disease.
Gonadal Steroids Differentially Modulate the Actions of Orphanin FQ/Nociceptin at A Physiologically Relevant Circuit Controlling Female Sexual Receptivity
Authors: Borgquist A. , Rivas V. M. , Kachani M. , Sinchak K. , Wagner E. J.
Published: March 2014

Orphanin FQ/nociceptin (OFQ/N) inhibits the activity of pro‐opiomelanocortin (POMC) neurones located in the hypothalamic arcuate nucleus (ARH) that regulate female sexual behaviour and energy balance. We tested the hypothesis that gonadal steroids differentially modulate the ability of OFQ/N to inhibit these cells via presynaptic inhibition of transmitter release and postsynaptic activation of G protein‐gated, inwardly‐rectifying K+ (GIRK)‐1 channels. Whole‐cell patch clamp recordings were performed in hypothalamic slices prepared from ovariectomised rats. OFQ/N (1 μm) decreased the frequency of miniature excitatory postsynaptic currents (mEPSCs) and miniature inhibitory postsynaptic currents (mIPSCs), and also caused a robust outward current in the presence of tetrodotoxin, in ARH neurones from vehicle‐treated animals. A priming dose of oestradiol benzoate (EB; 2 μg) increased basal mEPSC frequency, markedly diminished both the OFQ/N‐induced decrease in mEPSC frequency and the activation of GIRK‐1 currents, and potentiated the OFQ/N‐induced decrease in mIPSC frequency. Steroid treatment regimens that facilitate sexual receptivity reinstate the basal mEPSC frequency, the OFQ/N‐induced decrease in mEPSC frequency and the activation of GIRK‐1 currents to levels observed in vehicle‐treated controls, and largely abolish the ability of OFQ/N to decrease mIPSC frequency. These effects were observed in an appreciable population of identified POMC neurones, almost one‐half of which projected to the medial preoptic nucleus. Taken together, these data reveal that gonadal steroids influence the pleiotropic actions of OFQ/N on ARH neurones, including POMC neurones, in a disparate manner. These temporal changes in OFQ/N responsiveness further implicate this neuropeptide system as a critical mediator of the gonadal steroid regulation of reproductive behaviour.
Knowledge Spillovers and Alliance Formation
Authors: Phene Anupama , Tallman Stephen
Published: March 2014

Our study examines the conditions under which firms enter into strategic alliances subsequent to knowledge spillovers. We propose that spillovers serve as signals of knowledge dependence and potential complementarity, encouraging alliance formation to enable better learning and limit appropriation. We posit that the likelihood of a knowledge alliance subsequent to a spillover is contingent on the specialization of each of the firms in the knowledge involved in the spillover. We also hypothesize that the effects of such specialization on knowledge alliance formation are moderated by technological ties and geographic distance between the dyad involved in the spillover. Our results demonstrate significance for the effects of specialization, supporting learning and appropriation motivations. Technological ties strengthen while geographic distance weakens the relationship between specialization and alliance formation.
Reasons for failures of oral implants
Authors: Chrcanovic B. R. , Albrektsson T. , Wennerberg A.
Published: March 2014

This study reviews the literature regarding the factors contributing to failures of dental implants. An electronic search was undertaken including papers from 2004 onwards. The titles and abstracts from these results were read to identify studies within the selection criteria. All reference lists of the selected studies were then hand‐searched, this time without time restrictions. A narrative review discussed some findings from the first two parts where separate data from non‐comparative studies may have indicated conclusions different from those possible to draw in the systematic analysis. It may be suggested that the following situations are correlated to increase the implant failure rate: a low insertion torque of implants that are planned to be immediately or early loaded, inexperienced surgeons inserting the implants, implant insertion in the maxilla, implant insertion in the posterior region of the jaws, implants in heavy smokers, implant insertion in bone qualities type III and IV, implant insertion in places with small bone volumes, use of shorter length implants, greater number of implants placed per patient, lack of initial implant stability, use of cylindrical (non‐threaded) implants and prosthetic rehabilitation with implant‐supported overdentures. Moreover, it may be suggested that the following situations may be correlated with an increase in the implant failure rate: use of the non‐submerged technique, immediate loading, implant insertion in fresh extraction sockets, smaller diameter implants. Some recently published studies suggest that modern, moderately rough implants may present with similar results irrespective if placed in maxillas, in smoking patients or using only short implants.
Determination of a pressure pain threshold cut‐off value for the diagnosis of temporomandibular joint arthralgia
Authors: Cunha C. O. , Pinto‐Fiamengui L. M. S. , Castro A. C. P. C. , Lauris J. R. P. , Conti P. C. R.
Published: March 2014

Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders are divided by the American Academy of Orofacial Pain into five categories. The most common ones are joint pain, as arthralgia and joint disorders, as disc displacements. An important clinical presentation of arthralgia is the painful tenderness to manual palpation or decreased pressure pain threshold (PPT). The authors conducted a study to determine the appropriate PPT value to discriminate asymptomatic TMJ individuals from those with moderate to severe arthralgia. Forty‐nine individuals was evaluated and divided into groups: TMJ arthralgia, asymptomatic disc displacement and control group. Magnetic resonance images were obtained for all the groups, and algometry was performed on the TMJ lateral pole. Patients with arthralgia filled out a visual analogue scale (VAS). anova test with 1% of significance analysed the data. Specificity, sensitivity and ROC curve were also determined. Arthralgia group had significant lower PPT (mean of 1·07 kgf cm−2) than the others. Asymptomatic disc displacement group (mean of 1·64 kgf cm−2) has shown significant lower PPT than the control (mean of 2·35 kgf cm−2). 89·66% of specificity and 70% of sensitivity were obtained when 1·36 kgf cm−2 was applied to the TMJ (ROC area = 0·90). This value was considered to be the most appropriate to detected moderate to severe TMJ arthralgia. Indeed, the presence of disc displacement seems to significantly decrease PPT levels in asymptomatic subjects. The PPT value of 1·36 kgf cm−2 can be used in the calibration procedures of the professionals involved with temporomandibular disorders and orofacial pain.
Comparative Value of a Sorting Procedure and Quantitative Descriptive Analysis to Investigate the Influence of Processing Parameters: Case Study of Hydrolysate Production From Salmon By‐Products
Authors: Cardinal Mireille , Baron Régis , Kouakou Christelle , Prost Carole , Courcoux Philippe
Published: March 2014

Many papers have recently discussed the value of a free sorting method as a rapid and simple alternative to quantitative descriptive analysis, considered the reference tool for food sensorial characterization. The aim of the present paper is to evaluate whether this method of free sorting can also be used to investigate the influence of processing parameters. An experimental design was applied to production conditions of enzymatic hydrolysates from salmon by‐products. The effect of four processing parameters (time and temperature of hydrolysis, sugar and antioxidant addition) on the odor of the hydrolysates was studied using a sorting task with 45 untrained panelists and a quantitative descriptive analysis carried out with 11 trained panelists. This study on 21 enzymatic hydrolysates confirms the similarity of the two sensory maps and shows the value of free sorting in the sensory characteristic description step, especially to avoid missing some descriptors. It also highlights in this example that a holistic approach as sorting can reveal more easily than profiling the significant effects of process parameters on sensory characteristics and the relationships between sensory dimensions and instrumental measurements of volatile compounds.

Practical Applications

Having a rapid and simple method to evaluate the sensory properties of food products and to investigate the effect of processing parameters could be useful during product development steps. Results from the present case study showed that compared with quantitative and descriptive analysis, the holistic approach of sorting task could clearly relate sensory characteristics to processing parameters and seemed efficient for industrial applications and product development.
Childhood obesity prevention: a review of school nurse perceptions and practices
Authors: Quelly Susan B.
Published: March 2014

Purpose

The purpose of this review is to examine key school nurse perceptions that may promote or deter school nurse involvement in childhood obesity prevention (COP) practices.

Conclusions

Ten research articles were identified through a systematic review of the literature. School nurse participation in COP is inconsistent, and this variation is not well understood. Some variations in COP practices may be explained by differences in self‐efficacy, perceived benefits, and perceived barriers.

Practice Implications

Efforts are needed to develop and implement interventions and policies to modify those perceptions that may promote school nurse active engagement in COP practices.
Health literacy in adolescents: an integrative review
Authors: Perry Elizabeth L.
Published: March 2014

Purpose

To determine the state of the science of health literacy instruments and interventions for use in adolescents.

Conclusions

There is a scarcity of literature regarding health literacy instruments and interventions for adolescents. Ten studies were included in the final table for analysis. One instrument shows high validity and reliability in English. Most interventions are exploratory, with two studies showing significant outcomes.

Practice Implications

More research is needed to establish the appropriate evaluation of and effective interventions for health literacy in adolescents.
Differences between Age Groups in the Use of the Temporal Dominance of Sensations Technique across a Range of Food Textures
Authors: Hutchings Scott C. , Foster Kylie D. , Hedderley Duncan I. , Morgenstern Marco P.
Published: March 2014

Understanding the use of temporal dominance of sensations methodology (TDS) with older adults is important for food manufacturers targeting products to older consumers. The aim of this study was to investigate differences in the use of TDS with food texture between a young (21–29) and an older (55–70) age group across a range of different foods (cheese, chocolate, gelatin gel and shortbread). Total duration of the TDS sequence and the number of attributes used and selected were similar between age groups for all food products. The time to first attribute selection and average time per selection differed between age groups only for some products. Selection rates of each attribute were similar between age groups, with the most notable exception of sticky, which was selected at a greater rate by the younger group. Results show that TDS is an appropriate technique to measure the perception of food texture in older adults.

Practical Applications

In Western society, a growing aging population presents an opportunity for food manufacturers to design new food products of specific textures. Developing novel textures for this generation requires an understanding of their perception of the texture of any product under development. This study investigates the validity of the relatively new temporal dominance of sensations (TDS) technique with older and younger subjects using a wide range of food textures, and concludes that TDS can be used effectively with older subjects for the assessment of texture perception.
Does Formal Education for Older Workers Increase Earnings? — Evidence Based on Rich Data and Long‐term Follow‐up
Authors: Stenberg Anders , de Luna Xavier , Westerlund Olle
Published: March 2014

Governments inEurope,Canada and theUSAhave expressed an ambition to stimulate education of older. In this paper, we analyse if there are effects on annual earnings of formal education for participants aged 42–55 at the time of enrolment in 1994–95. The analysis explores longitudinal population register data stretching from 1982 to 2007. The method used is difference‐in‐differences propensity score matching based on a rich set of covariates, including indicators of health and labor market marginalization. Our findings underline the importance of long follow up periods and imply positive effects for women, especially so for women with children, and no significant average earnings effects for men. These results differ from earlier studies but are stable to several alternative assumptions regarding unobservable characteristics. Data further indicate that the gender gap in our estimates may stem from differences in underlying reasons for enrolment.
First detection of endosymbiotic bacteria in biting midges Culicoides pulicaris and Culicoides punctatus, important Palaearctic vectors of bluetongue virus
Authors: LEWIS S. E. , RICE A. , HURST G. D. D. , BAYLIS M.
Published: March 2014

Heritable bacteria have been highlighted as important components of vector biology, acting as required symbionts with an anabolic role, altering competence for disease transmission, and affecting patterns of gene flow by altering cross compatibility. In this paper, we tested eight U.K. species of Culicoides (Diptera: Ceratopogonidae) midge for the presence of five genera of endosymbiotic bacteria: Cardinium (Bacteroidales: Bacteroidaceae); Wolbachia (Rickettsiales: Rickettsiaceae); Spiroplasma (Entomoplasmatales: Spiroplasmataceae); Arsenophonus (Enterobacteriales: Enterobacteriaceae), and Rickettsia (Rickettsiales: Rickettsiaceae). Cardinium spp. were detected in both sexes of Culicoides pulicaris and Culicoides punctatus, two known vectors of bluetongue virus. Cardinium spp. were not detected in any other species, including the Culicoides obsoletus group, the main vector of bluetongue and Schmallenberg viruses in northern Europe. The other endosymbionts were not detected in any Culicoides species. The Cardinium strain detected in U.K. Culicoides species is very closely related to the Candidatus Cardinium hertigii group C, previously identified in Culicoides species in Asia. Further, we infer that the symbiont is not a sex ratio distorter and shows geographic variation in prevalence within a species. Despite its detection in several species of Culicoides that vector arboviruses worldwide, the absence of Cardinium in the C. obsoletus group suggests that infections of these symbionts may not be necessary to the arboviral vector competence of biting midges.
Exploring plant defense theory in tall goldenrod, Solidago altissima
Authors: Heath Jeremy J. , Kessler André , Woebbe Eric , Cipollini Don , Stireman John O.
Published: March 2014

Understanding the evolutionary reasons for patterns of chemical defense in plants is an ongoing theoretical and empirical challenge. The goal is to develop a model that can reliably predict how defenses are distributed within the plant over space and time. This is difficult given that evolutionary, ecological, and physiological processes and tradeoffs can operate over different spatial and temporal scales.

We evaluated the major predictions of two leading defense theories, the growth‐differentiation balance hypothesis (GDBH) and optimal defense theory (ODT). To achieve this, enemies, fitness components, terpenoids, and protease inhibitors were measured in Solidago altissima and used to construct conventional univariate and structural equation models (SEMs).

Leaf‐tissue value indices extracted from an SEM revealed a strong correlation between tissue value and terpenoid defense that supports ODT. A tradeoff between serine protease inhibition and growth as well as an indirect tradeoff between growth and terpenoids manifested through galling insects supported the GDBH. Interestingly, there was a strong direct effect of terpenoids on rhizome mass, suggesting service to both storage and defense.

The results support established theories but unknown genotypic traits explained much of the variation in defense, confirming the need to integrate emerging theories such as pollination constraints, defense syndromes, tolerance, mutualisms, and facilitation.
Late Miocene lineage divergence and ecological differentiation of rare endemic Juniperus blancoi: clues for the diversification of North American conifers
Authors: Moreno‐Letelier Alejandra , Mastretta‐Yanes Alicia , Barraclough Timothy G.
Published: March 2014

Western North America and Mexico contain a large number of conifer species. This diversity could be the product of orographic and climate changes of the late Tertiary and Quaternary. In this study, we focus on the evolutionary history of Juniperus blancoi, in order to determine the impact of climate change and environmental heterogeneity on population differentiation.

We estimated the population structure, phylogenetic relationships and historical demography of J. blancoi populations using nuclear genes. We correlated genetic structure with ecological differentiation, divergence times and changes in population size.

Populations of J. blancoi are differentiated into three lineages that correspond to low‐, mid‐ and high‐altitude populations. The three groups diversified in the late Miocene, early Pliocene, with only a few events of gene flow since then. Two lineages in the north exhibited a pattern of population growth during the Pleistocene that could be linked to climate changes.

Populations of J. blancoi experienced significant ecological differentiation and early divergence events, which correspond to periods of global cooling and mountain uplift during the Miocene. This suggests that mountain ranges in tropical and subtropical latitudes play an important role in the speciation and persistence of conifer taxa in diversity hotspots, by providing diverse environmental conditions.
The Two Worlds of Municipal Bonds: Are Lower‐Rated Bonds Punished More by Financial Crisis?
Authors: Peng Jun , Kriz Ken , Wang Qiushi
Published: March 2014

Since the inception of the financial crisis in late 2008, the municipal bond market has undergone tremendous disruption. While some parts of the market are returning to normal, other parts are still under pressure in the aftermath of the financial crisis. By comparing the yields on municipal bonds and comparable corporate bonds, we find that since the crisis, municipal bonds of lower investment grade ratings, those rated A and BBB, are now paying a significantly higher risk premium than their corporate counterparts as seen in light of the traditional yield spread between these two bond markets. This higher risk premium has negative implications for the municipal bond market. Factors for this perception of increased risk in the municipal bond market are discussed and potential solutions are suggested.
The performance of pathogenic bacterial phytosensing transgenic tobacco in the field
Authors: Fethe Michael H. , Liu Wusheng , Burris Jason N. , Millwood Reginald J. , Mazarei Mitra , Rudis Mary R. , Yeaman Duncan G. , Dubosquielle Marion , Stewart Charles Neal
Published: March 2014

Phytosensors are useful for rapid‐on‐the‐plant detection of contaminants and agents that cause plant stress. Previously, we produced a series of plant pathogen‐inducible synthetic promoters fused to an orange fluorescent protein (OFP) reporter gene and transformed them into tobacco and Arabidopsis thaliana plants; in these transgenic lines, an OFP signal is expressed commensurate with the presence of plant pathogens. We report here the results of 2 years of field experiments using a subset of these bacterial phytosensing tobacco plants. Time‐course analysis of field‐grown phytosensors showed that a subset of plants responded predictably to treatments with Pseudomonas phytopathogens. There was a twofold induction in the OFP fluorescence driven by two distinct salicylic acid‐responsive synthetic promoters, 4 × PR1 and 4 × SARE. Most notably, transgenic plants containing 4 × PR1 displayed the earliest and highest OFP induction at 48 and 72 h postinoculation (h p.i.) upon inoculation with two phytopathogens Pseudomonas syringae pv. tomato and P. syringae pv. tabaci, respectively. These results demonstrate transgenic tobacco harbouring a synthetic inducible promoter‐driven OFP could be used to facilitate monitoring and early‐warning reporting of phytopathogen infections in agricultural fields.
Vulnerability to cavitation in Olea europaea current‐year shoots: further evidence of an open‐vessel artifact associated with centrifuge and air‐injection techniques
Authors: Torres‐Ruiz José M. , Cochard Hervé , Mayr Stefan , Beikircher Barbara , Diaz‐Espejo Antonio , Rodriguez‐Dominguez Celia M. , Badel Eric , Fernández José Enrique
Published: March 2014

Different methods have been devised to analyze vulnerability to cavitation of plants. Although a good agreement between them is usually found, some discrepancies have been reported when measuring samples from long‐vesseled species. The aim of this study was to evaluate possible artifacts derived from different methods and sample sizes. Current‐year shoot segments of mature olive trees (Olea europaea), a long‐vesseled species, were used to generate vulnerability curves (VCs) by bench dehydration, pressure collar and both static‐ and flow‐centrifuge methods. For the latter, two different rotors were used to test possible effects of the rotor design on the curves. Indeed, high‐resolution computed tomography (HRCT) images were used to evaluate the functional status of xylem at different water potentials. Measurements of native embolism were used to validate the methods used. The pressure collar and the two centrifugal methods showed greater vulnerability to cavitation than the dehydration method. The shift in vulnerability thresholds in centrifuge methods was more pronounced in shorter samples, supporting the open‐vessel artifact hypothesis as a higher proportion of vessels were open in short samples. The two different rotor designs used for the flow‐centrifuge method revealed similar vulnerability to cavitation. Only the bench dehydration or HRCT methods produced VCs that agreed with native levels of embolism and water potential values measured in the field.
Intermittent Fasting Promotes Bacterial Clearance and Intestinal IgA Production in Salmonella typhimurium‐Infected Mice
Authors: Godínez‐Victoria M. , Campos‐Rodriguez R. , Rivera‐Aguilar V. , Lara‐Padilla E. , Pacheco‐Yepez J. , Jarillo‐Luna R. A. , Drago‐Serrano M. E.
Published: March 2014

The impact of intermittent fasting versus ad libitum feeding during Salmonella typhimurium infection was evaluated in terms of duodenum IgA levels, bacterial clearance and intestinal and extra‐intestinal infection susceptibility. Mice that were intermittently fasted for 12 weeks or fed ad libitum were infected with S. typhimurium and assessed at 7 and 14 days post‐infection. Next, we evaluated bacterial load in the faeces, Peyer's patches, spleen and liver by plate counting, as well as total and specific intestinal IgA and plasmatic corticosterone levels (by immunoenzymatic assay) and lamina propria IgA levels in plasma cells (by cytofluorometry). Polymeric immunoglobulin receptor, α‐ and J‐chains, Pax‐5 factor, pro‐inflammatory cytokine (tumour necrosis factor‐α and interferon‐γ) and anti‐inflammatory cytokine (transforming growth factor‐β) mRNA levels were assessed in mucosal and liver samples (by real‐time PCR). Compared with the infected ad libitum mice, the intermittently fasted infected animals had (1) lower intestinal and systemic bacterial loads; (2) higher SIgA and IgA plasma cell levels; (3) higher mRNA expression of most intestinal parameters; and (4) increased or decreased corticosterone levels on day 7 and 14 post‐infection, respectively. No contribution of liver IgA was observed at the intestinal level. Apparently, the changes following metabolic stress induced by intermittent fasting during food deprivation days increased the resistance to S. typhimurium infection by triggering intestinal IgA production and presumably, pathogen elimination by phagocytic inflammatory cells.
The Syntax of Null Subjects
Authors: Kučerová Ivona
Published: March 2014

This paper presents a case study of a group of null‐subject languages in which there is referentialprothat fails to satisfy the Extended Projection Principle (EPP) because it does not move to Spec,TP. Thus, this group of null‐subject languages contrasts with the more familiar type of null‐subject languages, such as Romance and Greek, in which the EPP is always satisfied either byproor a D‐feature in T. To account for the syntactic distribution of null subjects in these languages, some form of the EPP requirement must be taken into account. This empirical observation has consequences for the typology of null‐subject languages and contributes to the growing literature showing that the [± null‐subject] parameter might need to be refined in order to capture the continuum of types of null‐subject languages attested crosslinguistically.
Rice OsPAD4 functions differently from Arabidopsis AtPAD4 in host‐pathogen interactions
Authors: Ke Yinggen , Liu Hongbo , Li Xianghua , Xiao Jinghua , Wang Shiping
Published: March 2014

The extensively studied Arabidopsis phytoalexin deficient 4 (AtPAD4) gene plays an important role in Arabidopsis disease resistance; however, the function of its sequence ortholog in rice is unknown. Here, we show that rice OsPAD4 appears not to be the functional ortholog of AtPAD4 in host‐pathogen interactions, and that the OsPAD4 encodes a plasma membrane protein but that AtPAD4 encodes a cytoplasmic and nuclear protein. Suppression of OsPAD4 by RNA interference (RNAi) increased rice susceptibility to the biotrophic pathogen Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzae (Xoo), which causes bacteria blight disease in local tissue. OsPAD4‐RNAi plants also show compromised wound‐induced systemic resistance to Xoo. The increased susceptibility to Xoo was associated with reduced accumulation of jasmonic acid (JA) and phytoalexin momilactone A (MOA). Exogenous application of JA complemented the phenotype of OsPAD4‐RNAi plants in response to Xoo. The following results suggest that OsPAD4 functions differently than AtPAD4 in response to pathogen infection. First, OsPAD4 plays an important role in wound‐induced systemic resistance, whereas AtPAD4 mediates systemic acquired resistance. Second, OsPAD4‐involved defense signaling against Xoo is JA‐dependent, but AtPAD4‐involved defense signaling against biotrophic pathogens is salicylic acid‐dependent. Finally, OsPAD4 is required for the accumulation of terpenoid‐type phytoalexin MOA in rice‐bacterium interactions, but AtPAD4‐mediated resistance is associated with the accumulation of indole‐type phytoalexin camalexin.
Decreased capacity for sodium export out of Arabidopsis chloroplasts impairs salt tolerance, photosynthesis and plant performance
Authors: Müller Maria , Kunz Hans‐Henning , Schroeder Julian I. , Kemp Grant , Young Howard S. , Neuhaus H. Ekkehard
Published: March 2014

Salt stress is a widespread phenomenon, limiting plant performance in large areas around the world. Although various types of plant sodium/proton antiporters have been characterized, the physiological function of NHD1 from Arabidopsis thaliana has not been elucidated in detail so far. Here we report that the NHD1–GFP fusion protein localizes to the chloroplast envelope. Heterologous expression of AtNHD1 was sufficient to complement a salt‐sensitive Escherichia coli mutant lacking its endogenous sodium/proton exchangers. Transport competence of NHD1 was confirmed using recombinant, highly purified carrier protein reconstituted into proteoliposomes, proving Na+/H+ antiport. In planta NHD1 expression was found to be highest in mature and senescent leaves but was not induced by sodium chloride application. When compared to wild‐type controls, nhd1 T–DNA insertion mutants showed decreased biomasses and lower chlorophyll levels after sodium feeding. Interestingly, if grown on sand and supplemented with high sodium chloride, nhd1 mutants exhibited leaf tissue Na+ levels similar to those of wild‐type plants, but the Na+ content of chloroplasts increased significantly. These high sodium levels in mutant chloroplasts resulted in markedly impaired photosynthetic performance as revealed by a lower quantum yield of photosystem II and increased non‐photochemical quenching. Moreover, high Na+ levels might hamper activity of the plastidic bile acid/sodium symporter family protein 2 (BASS2). The resulting pyruvate deficiency might cause the observed decreased phenylalanine levels in the nhd1 mutants due to lack of precursors.
Globalisation and Corruption, Revisited
Authors: Badinger Harald , Nindl Elisabeth
Published: March 2014

This paper presents new empirical evidence on the determinants of corruption, focussing on the role of globalisation and inequality. The estimates for a panel of 102 countries over the period 1995–2005 point to three main results: (i) Detection technologies, reflected in a high level of development, human capital and political rights reduce corruption, whereas natural resource rents increase corruption; (ii) Globalisation (in terms of both trade and financial openness) has a negative effect on corruption, which is more pronounced in developing countries; (iii) Inequality increases corruption, and once the role of inequality is accounted for, the impact of globalisation on corruption is halved. In line with recent theory, this suggests that globalisation – besides reducing corruption through enhanced competition – affects corruption also by reducing inequality.
Polyion Complex Chitosan Membrane Consisting of Sodium Alginate/Chitosan for the Pervaporation Separation of Methanol/Methyl tert-butyl Ether Mixtures
Authors: Mohd Nawawi M. G. , Zamrud Zafifah
Published: March 2014

The polyion complex (PIC) composite membranes consisting of chitosan (CS) and sodium alginate (SA) were prepared for the separation of methanol/methyl tert-butyl ether (MTBE) mixtures via pervaporation process. Membrane morphologies showed that CS and SA were homogenously intermixed for all blended ratio tested. Swelling characteristics observed all membranes were readily swelled in the solution mixtures containing more methanols. Separation performance of the membranes via pervaporation was performed on the effect of SA composition in the membrane blend, effect of MTBE concentration in the feed and effect of feed temperature. Overall separation performances showed that the membranes were highly permselective towards methanol due to the affinity and polarity for all the studied parameters.
Quantitative Relationship between Strain and Acoustic Emission Response in Monitoring Fatigue Damage
Authors: Mohammad M. , Abdullah S. , Jamaludin N. , Innayatullah O.
Published: March 2014

This study was carried out to investigate the relationship between the strain and acoustic emission (AE) signals, thus, to confirm the capability of AE technique to monitor the fatigue failure mechanism of a steel component. To achieve this goal, strain and AE signals were captured on the steel specimen during the cyclic fatigue test.  Both signals were collected using specific data acquisition system by attaching the strain gauge and AE piezoelectric transducer simultaneously at the specimen during the test. The stress loading used for the test was set at 600 MPa, and the specimens were fabricated using the SAE 1045 carbon steel.  The related parameters for both signals were determined at every 2000 seconds until the specimen failed.  It was found that a meaningful correlation of all parameters, i.e. amplitude, kurtosis and energy, was established. Finally, all AE parameters are correlated with the damage values, which have been estimated using the Coffin-Manson model.  Hence, it was suggested that the AE technique can be used as a monitoring tool for fatigue failure mechanism in a steel component.
Isu dalam Pembiayaan Perumahan: Analisis Perbandingan Produk Berasaskan Musharakah Mutanaqisah dan Konvensional
Authors: Shuib Mohd Sollehudin , Daud Mohd Zaidi , Sulaiman@Mohamad Ahmad Azam
Published: March 2014

Produk pembiayaan secara Islam pada dasarnya pastilah berbeza dengan produk pinjaman konvensional. Produk pembiayaan Islam adalah berdasarkan kepada konsep-konsep syariah seperti Murabahah, Bay 'Bithaman Ajil (BBA), BBA komoditi, Ijarah Thumma Bay`, Istisna' dan musyarakah mutanaqisah (MM). Walaupun pinjaman konvensional adalah berdasarkan kepada konsep pinjaman. Musyarakah Mutanaqisah (MM) adalah kontrak hibrid berdasarkan perkongsian dan berakhir dengan pemilikan tunggal. Konsep ini digunakan dalam amalan perbankan Islam di Malaysia selepas alaf baru. Konsep berasaskan ekuiti adalah amat digalakkan penggunaannya dalam amalan perbankan Islam berdasarkan berbanding dengan hutang seperti Bay 'Bithaman Ajil (BBA). Oleh itu, artikel ini akan menganalisis dan perbandingan antara konsep produk berasaskan musyarakah mutanaqisah (MM) dengan produk pinjaman konvensional. Fokus untuk perbandingan adalah kira-kira pembiayaan dan produk pinjaman perumahan di Malaysia.