bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Out-of-Season Spawning Method for Florida Largemouth Bass to Produce Advanced-Sized Fingerlings by Early Spring
Authors: Matthews Michael D , Stout Richard B
Published: November 2013

The objective of this research was to establish a production-scale “out-of-season” (OS) spawning protocol yielding Florida Largemouth Bass Micropterus salmoides floridanus swim-up fry in a 3- to 4-week period in the fall. The OS photothermal manipulation began each year on approximately June 18 and was completed by September 20. The intent was to simulate winter to spring temperatures and day length over a 90-d period to naturally induce gonad development without the use of hormones. Adult bass were stocked at a 1:1 or 2:3 male-to-female sex ratio and spawned in late September through mid-October. Total numbers of spawns collected for 2009, 2010, and 2011 were 193, 205, and 199, representing an average 1.4, 2.0, and 1.0 spawns per female, respectively. Spawning duration required to achieve production numbers were 26, 31, and 23 d, respectively. Off-season spawning was accomplished without photothermal manipulation in December 2008–January 2009, but cold pond temperatures resulted in 10% survival. The OS spawning technique allows for biannual production seasons from the same broodstock population and the production of large numbers of 100-mm bass by March. Increased production, spawning latency, broodstock behavior, hatchery efficiency, and temporal limitations are discussed.
Performance of a Recirculating Aquaculture System Utilizing an Algal Turf Scrubber for Scaled-Up Captive Rearing of Freshwater Mussels (Bivalvia: Unionidae)
Authors: Huang Zhitao , Jones Jess , Gu Junye , Hallerman Eric , Lane Timothy , Song Xiefa , Wan Rong
Published: November 2013

To develop a system supporting rapid growth of juvenile freshwater mussels, a recirculating aquaculture system was designed and built at the Laboratory for Conservation Aquaculture and Aquatic Ecology, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University. The system included a rectangular trough tank, a sump (biofilter), a pump, a microalgae drip feeder, and an air delivery system. An algal turf scrubber (ATS) was evaluated for its potential to maintain and improve water quality within the system. Growth and survival rates of juvenile rainbow mussels Villosa iris after 90 d were compared between system units with and without ATSs. Flow rate through the culture units was approximately 23.3 L/min. Results showed no statistically significant differences between the growth and survival rates of juvenile mussels reared in systems with ATSs and those reared in systems without ATSs. Ammonia and nitrite levels were low and did not differ among treatments. However, systems with ATSs exhibited significantly lower levels of nitrate and phosphate than systems without ATSs. Our results show that freshwater mussel culture systems can be scaled up to increase production and that the use of ATSs may help to maintain water quality in recirculating aquaculture systems during long-term culture of freshwater mussels.
Effect of Short-Term Holding without Feeding after Capture on Reduction in Oxidative Stress and Maintenance of Lipid and Amino Acid Contents in Decapterus maraudsi
Authors: Tanaka Ryusuke , Fukushima Hideto , Maeda Toshimichi , Kumazawa Taisei , Sugiura Yoshimasa , Matsushita Teruo , Hatate Hideo , Fukuda Yutaka
Published: November 2013

Changes in hydroxyl lipids (L-OHs; a stress level indicator), body weight, triglycerides, fatty acids, and free amino acids (FAAs) were investigated in Decapterus maraudsi caught by purse seine from two different ocean regions near Japan to determine the effect of short-term holding without feeding on the reduction in oxidative stress. In experiment 1, the L-OHs in the dorsal muscle significantly decreased by 9 d, whereas those in the liver decreased significantly by the end of the 33-d holding period. The body weight, lipid content, and triglyceride composition did not change significantly for 9 d and then decreased significantly by 33 d. Fatty acid composition of the dorsal muscle and liver did not change significantly within the holding period. The FAA content in the dorsal muscle did not change until 9 d and then decreased by 33 d. In experiment 2, the L-OHs in the dorsal muscle had significantly increased at 33 d, whereas the levels in the liver of the fish after transport to port were twice as high as those in the fish that had just been caught, but then they decreased significantly by the end of the holding period. The change in body weight, lipid content, and triglyceride composition were the same as in experiment 1. The fatty acid compositions changed at 33 d, and the total FAA content did not change until 20 d and then decreased at 33 d. Both results suggest that to avoid stress and to obtain a higher quality fish product, fish captured by purse seine should be held without feeding for 8–9 d rather than immediately shipped after capture. The results of this study may be useful for improving the quality and commodity value of fish captured in commercial fisheries, such as by purse seine, and those held in aquaculture operations, such as in sea cages.
Erlins restrict SREBP activation in the ER and regulate cellular cholesterol homeostasis
Authors: Huber Michael D. , Vesely Paul W. , Datta Kaustuv , Gerace Larry
Published: November 2013

Cellular cholesterol levels are controlled by endoplasmic reticulum (ER) sterol sensing proteins, which include Scap and Insig-1. With cholesterol sufficiency, Insig inhibits the activation of sterol regulatory element binding proteins (SREBPs), key transcription factors for cholesterol and fatty acid biosynthetic genes, by associating with Scap–SREBP complexes to promote their ER retention. Here we show that the multimeric ER proteins erlins-1 and -2 are additional SREBP regulators. Depletion of erlins from cells grown with sterol sufficiency led to canonical activation of SREBPs and their target genes. Moreover, SREBPs, Scap, and Insig-1 were physically associated with erlins. Erlins bound cholesterol with specificity and strong cooperativity and responded to ER cholesterol changes with altered diffusional mobility, suggesting that erlins themselves may be regulated by cholesterol. Together, our results define erlins as novel cholesterol-binding proteins that are directly involved in regulating the SREBP machinery. We speculate that erlins promote stability of the SREBP–Scap–Insig complex and may contribute to the highly cooperative control of this system.
Axonal spectrins: All-purpose fences
Authors: Eshed-Eisenbach Yael , Peles Elior
Published: November 2013

A membrane barrier important for assembly of the nodes of Ranvier is found at the paranodal junction. This junction is comprised of axonal and glial adhesion molecules linked to the axonal actin–spectrin membrane cytoskeleton through specific adaptors. In this issue, Zhang et al. (2013. J. Cell Biol. http://dx.doi.org/10.1083/jcb.201308116) show that axonal βII spectrin maintains the diffusion barrier at the paranodal junction. Thus, βII spectrin serves to compartmentalize the membrane of myelinated axons at specific locations that are determined either intrinsically (i.e., at the axonal initial segment), or by axoglial contacts (i.e., at the paranodal junction).
Formation of virions is strictly required for turnip yellows virus long-distance movement in plants
Authors: Hipper Clémence , Monsion Baptiste , Bortolamiol-Bécet Diane , Ziegler-Graff Véronique , Brault Véronique
Published: November 2013

Viral genomic RNA of the Turnip yellows virus (TuYV; genus Polerovirus; family Luteoviridae) is protected in virions formed by the major capsid protein (CP) and the minor component, the readthrough (RT*) protein. Long-distance transport, used commonly by viruses to systemically infect host plants, occurs in phloem sieve elements and two viral forms of transport have been described: virions and ribonucleoprotein (RNP) complexes. With regard to poleroviruses, virions have always been presumed to be the long-distance transport form, but the potential role of RNP complexes has not been investigated. Here, we examined the requirement of virions for polerovirus systemic movement by analysing CP-targeted mutants that were unable to form viral particles. We confirmed that TuYV mutants that cannot encapsidate into virions are not able to reach systemic leaves. To completely discard the possibility that the introduced mutations in CP simply blocked the formation or the movement of RNP complexes, we tested in trans complementation of TuYV CP mutants by providing WT CP expressed in transgenic plants. WT CP was able to facilitate systemic movement of TuYV CP mutants and this observation was always correlated with the formation of virions. This demonstrated clearly that virus particles are essential for polerovirus systemic movement.
The use of copulas in explaining crop yield dependence structures for use in geographic diversification
Authors: Larsen Ryan , W. Mjelde James , Klinefelter Danny , Wolfley Jared
Published: November 2013

Purpose

– What copulas are, their estimation, and use is illustrated using a geographical diversification example. To accomplish this, dependencies between county-level yields are calculated for non-irrigated wheat, upland cotton, and sorghum using Pearson linear correlation and Kendall's tau. The use of Kendall's tau allows the implementation of copulas to estimate the dependency between county-level yields. The paper aims to discuss these issues.

Design/methodology/approach

– Four parametric copulas, Gaussian, Frank, Clayton, and Gumbel, are used to estimate Kendall's tau. These four estimates of Kendall's tau are compared to Pearson's linear correlation, a more typical measure of dependence. Using this information, functions are estimated to determine the relationships between dependencies and changes in geographic and climate data.

Findings

– The effect on county-level crop yields based on changes of geographical and climate variables differed among the different dependency measures among the three different crops. Implementing alternative dependency measures changed the statistical significance and the signs of the coefficients in the sorghum and cotton dependence functions. Copula-based elasticities are consistently less than the linear correlation elasticities for wheat and cotton. For sorghum, however, the copula-based elasticities are generally larger. The results indicate that one should not take the issue of measuring dependence as a trivial matter.

Originality/value

– This research not only extends the current literature on geographical diversification by taking a more detailed examination of factors impacting yield dependence, but also extends the copula literature by comparing estimation results using linear correlation and copula-based rank correlation.
Critical factors of service quality in a graduate school of Malaysia
Authors: Hazilah Abd Manaf Noor , Ahmad Khaliq , Ahmed Selim
Published: November 2013

Purpose

– This paper aims to evaluate the service quality of a higher educational institute in Malaysia based on the seven dimensions, namely administrative service, tangibles, academic programmes, academic staff, delivery of teaching, assurance, and empathy of academic staff.

Design/methodology/approach

– This study surveyed 221 students of IIUM Graduate School of Management (GSM) based on the self-administrative research questionnaire. The research data were analyzed by using exploratory factor analysis, reliability analysis, independent samplest-test, and multiple regression analysis.

Findings

– Results indicate IIUM GSM students have positive and significant perception on administrative service, tangibles, delivery teaching and assurance, but they do not have significant perception on academic programmes, academic staff and empathy of academic staff.

Research limitations/implications

– This research only conducted in a graduate school of Malaysia and this result might not represent all Malaysian graduate schools.

Originality/value

– This study's major contribution is that it focuses on the critical factors of service quality in a graduate school of Malaysia and measures the service quality according to the Malaysian contexts.
A model of the perception gap between different actors
Authors: Kanno Taro , Furuta Kazuo , Chou Tsai-Hsuan
Published: November 2013

Purpose

– The purpose of this article is to propose a model that describes and categorizes the perception gap between different persons and groups/stakeholders.

Design/methodology/approach

– Based on the concept of mutual beliefs and a theory of expectation, a model of the perception gap between different actors is deductively constructed along with the formulation of model components. Several theoretical and practical implications of the model are presented. Using a case-study approach, the applicability and partial validity of the proposal is shown.

Findings

– The model provides a detailed description and categorization of the perception gap between different actors. A model-based method could describe and identify the different types of perception gap between different actors.

Originality/value

– This study contributes to the better understanding of inter- and intra-personal perception gap and provides a basis for future theoretical and empirical research about perception gap between different actors under various contexts.
Assisted Living Technology in social care: workforce development implications
Authors: Wigfield Andrea , Wright Katy , Burtney Elizabeth , Buddery Diane
Published: November 2013

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to look at the implications of the increasing use of Assisted Living Technology in the social care sector and to assess the implications for the workforce in terms of job roles, skills, knowledge, training, and support.

Design/methodology/approach

– A mixed methods approach was used, through a quantitative electronic survey of staff working in social care (as well as some health care) organisations in England, and three qualitative case studies of local authorities.

Findings

– The research shows that the organisations involved in delivering Assisted Living Technology, the types of Assisted Living Technology being introduced, and the way in which it is being delivered, have implications for job roles and the skills and knowledge needed by staff. The associated training and workforce development similarly varies across the social care sector; it is ad hoc, disparate, and provided primarily by individual employers or by suppliers and manufacturers.

Research limitations/implications

– There is a need for a standardised Assisted Living Technology workforce development approach which can be used across the social care sector.

Practical implications

– The varied nature of Assisted Living Technology providers and delivery models presents a challenge to the development and implementation of a standardised programme of workforce development.

Originality/value

– This paper presents the results of new empirical research arising from a quantitative and qualitative study of the workforce development implications of Assisted Living Technology in the English social care sector.
The role of public relations in foreign policy planning and execution
Authors: Pētersone Baiba
Published: November 2013

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to understand the role of public relations, conceptualized as a strategic management function, in foreign policy making, and implementation. This research study emphasizes the relational perspective and seeks to examine its applicability to the practice of public relations in foreign policy settings.

Design/methodology/approach

– This qualitative research study was based on in-depth interviews with nine individuals who were in charge of public relations aspects of a particular foreign policy issue in Latvian government institutions. The examined foreign policy issue was development cooperation.

Findings

– The research findings revealed that public relations contributed to the strategic management of the foreign policy process to a certain extent. Public relations built and cultivated relationships, researched and scanned environments, built communities around a foreign policy issue, facilitated dialogic encounters and socialized foreign policies. However, the public relations function was not involved in the entire strategic management process: analysis, planning, implementation, and evaluation. Although the relational perspective may be applicable to foreign policy settings and relationships that are cultivated by public relations practitioners in these settings bring outcomes on three different levels – national, organizational, and personal – this study found that public relations is not the only function that deals with relationships between an organization and its key publics.

Originality/value

– This research study investigated two areas that are little explored in the public relations research literature: the strategic management role of public relations in government institutions and public relations contributions to policy, especially foreign, making.
Sustainability information sources: employee knowledge, perceptions, and learning
Authors: A. Craig Christopher , W. Allen Myria
Published: November 2013

Purpose

– The information sources employees in one Fortune 100 organization draw on to learn about sustainability are identified. The linkages between knowledge about sustainability, perceptions of the organization's involvement in sustainability initiatives, and interest in learning more about sustainability are investigated.

Design/methodology/approach

– Employees (n=1,952) completed an online survey investigating what they knew and thought about sustainability, and the sources of their information. The information sources investigated included external association sources, media sources, supply-chain sources, interpersonal sources, and intraorganizational sources.

Findings

– Important external information sources include professional/industry associations, faith-based institutions, and supply-chain partners. Important internal sources include supervisors, company meetings, and the company sustainability report. Those who think sustainability is important to their organization's long-term success were interested in learning more about sustainability. Awareness of the organization's sustainability initiatives is related to the belief sustainability is important to the organization's success.

Research limitations/implications

– Limitations include a cross-sectional study, single-item measures, and nominal data.

Practical implications

– Companies launching sustainability initiatives need to understand and manage the information sources their employees utilize.

Originality/value

– This is a large empirical study that focusses on information sources and employee perceptions involving sustainability.
Risks ahead: the transformation of the corporate real estate function
Authors: Sharp Doug
Published: November 2013

Purpose

– This paper aims to detail key findings from Jones Lang LaSalle's (JLL's) biennial Global Corporate Real Estate Trends (GCRES) 2013 study and highlight risks for corporate real estate (CRE) departments arising from global trends.

Design/methodology/approach

– JLL's second GCRES report is based on a survey conducted in 2012, concluding in December. Its findings are based on 636 responses from CRE executives spread across 39 countries, representing a 24 increase in respondents from the 2011 survey. The base sample used within the report covers 545 companies, each employing more than 1,000 people worldwide. Survey responses reflect the views of CRE leaders from a diverse range of sectors, domicile and operational locations, as well as companies of varied size.

Findings

– The paper focuses on risks to the CRE function arising from the most significant trends, such as portfolio right-sizing in mature US and European markets versus growth opportunities in emerging markets. Such risks include excessive real estate cost cutting and lack of investment capital for revenue-enhancing workplace strategies; procurement-driven outsourcing decisions; the focus on cost-per-square-foot rather than more holistic productivity metrics; the growth of shared services; and the challenging of entering less-developed markets that have significantly less market transparency that mature regions. CRE professionals will gain valuable and timely insights into current trends, along with practical guidance for responding to these trends and risks.

Research limitations/implications

– This paper focuses on global trends. However, mature and emerging markets tend to diverge in terms of trends and risks facing CRE executives. An individual country may diverge significantly from the overall global trend.

Practical implications

– The global financial crisis increased the importance of CRE to CEOs as a tangible lever for enhancing revenue growth – even as cost-cutting has resulted in historic lows in the departmental budgets, and a slashed pool of in-house talent. Amid continuing global economic challenges, CRE executives now face new C-suite demands to dramatically affect the culture, productivity and performance of their companies.

Originality/value

– This study is one of very few that includes data about CRE outsourcing trends, the growth of the shared services model and numerous other trends affecting CRE executives.
Resolving Europe's banking crisis through market discipline: a note
Authors: A. Benink Harald
Published: November 2013

Purpose

– The purpose is to analyse how the policy approach to the immediate problems in the European financial sector has long-term effects on implicit protection of banks' creditors and, thereby, on risk-taking incentives.

Design/methodology/approach

– The near term issues in European banking are discussed within a framework for long-term reform along the lines proposed for a European banking union.

Findings

– The author advocates conducting a thorough stress test with potential consequences for unsecured creditors of banks proven to be insolvent. Losses may have to be imposed on these creditors, following the example of recent cases in Cyprus and in The Netherlands.

Originality/value

– There is widespread consensus among international policy makers that the European banking system is seriously undercapitalized. Unlike the USA, Europe failed to recapitalize its biggest banks following the financial crisis of 2007-2009. It is now urgent to start recognizing losses on balance sheets to avoid a proliferation of Japanese-style zombie banks in Europe.
Traits allowing some ant species to nest syntopically with the fire ant Solenopsis saevissima in its native range
Authors: Dejean Alain , Corbara Bruno , Céréghino Régis , Leponce Maurice , Roux Olivier , Rossi Vivien , Delabie Jacques H. C. , Compin Arthur
Published: November 2013

Supercolonies of the red fire ant Solenopsis saevissima (Smith) develop in disturbed environments and likely alter the ant community in the native range of the species. For example, in French Guiana only 8 ant species were repeatedly noted as nesting in close vicinity to its mounds. Here, we verified if a shared set of biological, ecological, and behavioral traits might explain how these 8 species are able to nest in the presence of S. saevissima. We did not find this to be the case. We did find, however, that all of them are able to live in disturbed habitats. It is likely that over the course of evolution each of these species acquired the capacity to live syntopically with S. saevissima through its own set of traits, where colony size (4 species develop large colonies), cuticular compounds which do not trigger aggressiveness (6 species) and submissive behaviors (4 species) complement each other.
Tebufenozide resistance is associated with sex‐linked inheritance in Plutella xylostella
Authors: Cao Guang‐Chun , Han Zhao‐Jun
Published: November 2013

The diamondback moth (DBM), Plutella xylostella (L.), is a major pest of cruciferous crops. Tebufenozide, a novel nonsteroidal ecdysone agonist, exhibits good efficacy and has played an increasingly important role in the control of Lepidopteran pests in China. For its resistance management, the genetic basis of tebufenozide resistance was studied using a laboratory selected resistant strain of DBM (resistant ratio, RR = 268). A series of crosses with laboratory susceptible and resistant strains revealed that tebufenozide resistance in this pest was partially biased toward female heredity, with a large difference in RR for F1 (RR = 29) and rF1 progeny (RR = 147). The dominance calculated for these 2 cross progeny was −0.788 and 0.09, respectively. Further analysis showed that the susceptible male and female larvae were similar in their sensitivity to tebufenozide, but the resistant female larvae showed significantly higher resistance than the resistant male larvae. The heredity of tebufenozide resistance in DBM might be linked with the W sex chromosome, which suggested that DBM has the ability to develop high levels of resistance to tebufenozide. This is the first report of sex‐linked inheritance of tebufenozide resistance in P. xylostella (L.).
Loss of Amino Acids Into Dialysate During Hemodialysis Using Hydrophilic and Nonhydrophilic Polyester–Polymer Alloy and Polyacrylonitrile Membrane Dialyzers
Authors: Yokomatsu Atsuko , Fujikawa Tetsuya , Toya Yoshiyuki , Shino‐Kakimoto Midori , Itoh Yoko , Mitsuhashi Hiroshi , Tamura Kouichi , Hirawa Nobuhito , Yasuda Gen , Umemura Satoshi
Published: November 2013

During hemodialysis, amino acid loss through the dialysate remained a significant problem and was not clear in some dialyzers; therefore, we investigated amino acid loss with hydrophilic and nonhydrophilic polyester–polymer alloy membranes and polyacrylonitrile membranes. Nine maintenance hemodialysis patients were studied to assess amino acid loss during hemodialysis with the three membranes. Total amino acid losses were 85.7 ± 27.2 mg/L, 83.3 ± 16.1 mg/L, and 72.1 ± 22.5 mg/L with the hydrophilic, nonhydrophilic polyester–polymer alloy, and polyacrylonitrile membranes, respectively. Amino acid losses were greater with the hydrophilic membrane compared with the polyacrylonitrile membrane for ornithine (2.0 ± 0.6 vs. 1.4 ± 0.4 mg/L, P = 0.025), phenylalanine (2.4 ± 0.9 vs. 1.8 ± 0.8 mg/L, P = 0.012), and tryptophan (0.6 ± 0.2 vs. 0.4 ± 0.2 mg/L, P = 0.023). Amino acid losses were greater with the nonhydrophilic membrane than with the polyacrylonitrile membrane for ornithine (2.0 ± 0.4 vs. 1.4 ± 0.4 mg/L, P = 0.017), phenylalanine (2.3 ± 0.5 vs. 1.8 ± 0.8 mg/L, P = 0.018), tryptophan (0.7 ± 0.2 vs. 0.4 ± 0.2 mg/L, P = 0.003), and cystine (3.2 ± 0.7 vs. 2.0 ± 0.7 mg/L, P = 0.005). In conclusion, greater losses of ornithine, phenylalanine, tryptophan, and cystine were observed with polyester–polymer alloy than with polyacrylonitrile membranes during hemodialysis. Constant attention should be paid to the amino acid loss profile to improve nutritional control in hemodialysis patients.
Detection of hepatitis E virus (HEV) through the different stages of pig manure composting plants
Authors: García M. , Fernández‐Barredo S. , Pérez‐Gracia M. T.
Published: November 2013

Hepatitis E virus (HEV) is an increasing cause of acute hepatitis in industrialized countries. The aim of this study was to evaluate the presence of HEV in pig manure composting plants located in Spain. For this purpose, a total of 594 samples were taken in 54 sampling sessions from the different stages of composting treatment in these plants as follows: slurry reception ponds, anaerobic ponds, aerobic ponds, fermentation zone and composting final products. HEV was detected by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT‐nested PCR) in four (80%) of five plants studied, mainly in the first stages of the process. HEV was not detected in any final product (compost) sample, destined to be commercialized as a soil fertilizer, suggesting that composting is a suitable method to eliminate HEV and thus, to reduce the transmission of HEV from pigs to humans.
Civil War and Social Cohesion: Lab‐in‐the‐Field Evidence from Nepal
Authors: Gilligan Michael J. , Pasquale Benjamin J. , Samii Cyrus
Published: November 2013

We study effects of wartime violence on social cohesion in the context of Nepal's 10‐year civil war. We begin with the observation that violence increased levels of collective action like voting and community organization—a finding consistent with other recent studies of postconflict societies. We use lab‐in‐the‐field techniques to tease apart such effects. Our causal‐identification strategy exploits communities' exogenous isolation from the unpredictable path of insurgency combined with matching. We find that violence‐affected communities exhibit higher levels of prosocial motivation, measured by altruistic giving, public good contributions, investment in trust‐based transactions, and willingness to reciprocate trust‐based investments. We find evidence to support two social transformation mechanisms: (1) a purging mechanism by which less social persons disproportionately flee communities plagued by war and (2) a collective coping mechanism by which individuals who have few options to flee band together to cope with threats.
Protein biomarkers in vernix with potential to predict the development of atopic eczema in early childhood
Authors: Holm T. , Rutishauser D. , Kai‐Larsen Y. , Lyutvinskiy Y. , Stenius F. , Zubarev R. A. , Agerberth B. , Alm J. , Scheynius A.
Published: November 2013

Background

Atopic eczema (AE) is a chronic inflammatory skin disease, which has increased in prevalence. Evidence points toward lifestyle as a major risk factor. AE is often the first symptom early in life later followed by food allergy, asthma, and allergic rhinitis. Thus, there is a great need to find early, preferentially noninvasive, biomarkers to identify individuals that are predisposed to AE with the goal to prevent disease development.

Objective

To investigate whether the protein abundances in vernix can predict later development of AE.

Methods

Vernix collected at birth from 34 newborns within the Assessment of Lifestyle and Allergic Disease During INfancy (ALADDIN) birth cohort was included in the study. At 2 years of age, 18 children had developed AE. Vernix proteins were identified and quantified with liquid chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometry.

Results

We identified and quantified 203 proteins in all vernix samples. An orthogonal projections to latent structures‐discriminant analysis (OPLS‐DA) model was found with R2 = 0.85, Q2 = 0.39, and discrimination power between the AE and healthy group of 73.5%. Polyubiquitin‐C and calmodulin‐like protein 5 showed strong negative correlation to the AE group, with a correlation coefficient of 0.73 and 0.68, respectively, and a P‐value of 8.2 E‐7 and 1.8 E‐5, respectively. For these two proteins, the OPLS‐DA model showed a prediction accuracy of 91.2%.

Conclusion

The protein abundances in vernix, and particularly that of polyubiquitin‐C and calmodulin‐like protein 5, are promising candidates as biomarkers for the identification of newborns predisposed to develop AE.
Exposure to Bisphenol A Affects Lipid Metabolism in Drosophila melanogaster
Authors: Williams Michael J. , Wang Yi , Klockars Anica , Monica Lind P. , Fredriksson Robert , Schiöth Helgi B.
Published: November 2013

Exposure to bisphenol A (BPA) in rodents was shown to induce obesity, yet the mechanism by which BPA might induce obesity is still unclear. We employed the genetically tractable model organism, Drosophila melanogaster, to test the effects of raising them on food containing various concentrations of BPA. Of note, raising males on food containing BPA were susceptible to starvation, possibly by inhibiting their ability to perform lipolysis during starvation, leading to significantly increased lipid content after 24 hr of fasting. Furthermore, feeding males with BPA significantly inhibited the expression of insulin‐like peptides. From these results, we conclude that BPA may inhibit lipid recruitment during starvation in Drosophila.
Jaguar Panthera onca Habitat Modeling in Landscapes Facing High Land‐use Transformation Pressure—Findings from Mato Grosso, Brazil
Authors: Zeilhofer Peter , Cezar Adelaine , Tôrres Natália M. , de Almeida Jácomo Anah T. , Silveira Leandro
Published: November 2013

The modeling of top predators' habitats and the understanding of their environmental requirements in landscapes facing high land‐use transformation pressure have long‐standing importance for the development of conservation strategies. Multi‐distance spatial cluster analysis and logistic regression with environmental weighting for pseudo‐absence designation were applied to understand spatial patterns of jaguar occurrence in Mato Grosso state (Central Western Brazil). This location has been under intense deforestation pressure since the 1970s and is historically one of the most important jaguar habitats in the world. By using a model of five independent variables, we were able to achieve a 73.2 percent success rate of case/non‐case classification and indicate not only a general loss of habitat suitability, but also an increasing interruption of potential migration corridors in the state. Our analysis on a regional scale demonstrates the importance of forest and savannah woodland for jaguar habitat maintenance in the Mato Grosso state. The jaguar species demonstrates a sensitivity to landscape fragmentation, which can be parameterized for improved model building by metrics such as edge density and patch size. Comparisons with previous studies in South America show that parameter selection for jaguar habitat modeling is highly scale‐dependent and that habitat suitability in partially transformed landscapes could be maintained if fragmentation is minimized. Recent land‐use transformation, however, has significantly weakened the conservation status of the Pantanal‐Amazon corridor.
Flumatinib, a selective inhibitor of BCR‐ABL/PDGFR/KIT, effectively overcomes drug resistance of certain KIT mutants
Authors: Zhao Jie , Quan Haitian , Xu Yongping , Kong Xiangqian , Jin Lu , Lou Liguang
Published: November 2013

Activating mutations in KIT have been associated with gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs). The tyrosine kinase inhibitor imatinib mesylate has revolutionized the treatment of GISTs. Unfortunately, primary or acquired resistance to imatinib does occur in GISTs and forms a major problem. Although sunitinib malate, a multi‐kinase inhibitor, has shown effectiveness against imatinib‐resistant GISTs, recent studies have indicated that some imatinib‐resistant GISTs harboring secondary mutations in the KIT activation loop were also resistant to sunitinib. Therefore, new drugs capable of overcoming the dual drug resistance of GISTs probably have potential clinical utility. In this study, we investigated the efficacy of flumatinib, an inhibitor of BCR‐ABL/PDGFR/KIT, against 32D cells transformed by various KIT mutants and evaluated its potency to overcome the drug resistance of certain mutants. Interestingly, our in vitro study revealed that flumatinib effectively overcame the drug resistance of certain KIT mutants with activation loop mutations (i.e., D820G, N822K, Y823D, and A829P). Our in vivo study consistently suggested that flumatinib had superior efficacy compared with imatinib or sunitinib against 32D cells with the secondary mutation Y823D. Molecular modeling of flumatinib docked to the KIT kinase domain suggested a special mechanism underlying the capability of flumatinib to overcome the drug‐resistance conferred by activation loop mutations. These findings suggest that flumatinib could be a promising therapeutic agent against GISTs resistant to both imatinib and sunitinib because of secondary mutations in the activation loop.
Decision‐making in rectal surgery
Authors: MacDermid E. , Young C. J. , Young J. , Solomon M.
Published: November 2013

Aim

The decision to create a stoma after anterior resection has significant consequences. Decisions under uncertainty are made with a variety of cognitive tools, or heuristics. Past experience has been shown to be a powerful heuristic in other domains. Our aim was to identify whether the misfortune of recent anastomotic leakage or surgeon propensity to take everyday risks would affect their decision to defunction a range of anastomoses.

Method

Questionnaires were sent to members of the Colorectal Surgical Society of Australia and New Zealand. Participants were asked for demographic information, questions regarding risk‐taking propensity, when their last anastomotic leakage occurred and whether they would defunction a range of hypothetical rectal anastomoses grouped according to height, American Society of Anesthesiologists grade and use of preoperative radiotherapy. Scores were derived for hypothetical patient likelihood of having a stoma created and individual surgeon propensity for stoma formation. Hazard regression analysis was used to assess demographic predictors of stoma formation.

Results

In total, 110 (75.3%) of 146 surveyed surgeons replied; 72 (65.5%) reported anastomotic leakage within the last 12 months. Surgeons' propensity for risk‐taking was comparable (24.6 vs 27.53, 95% confidence interval, Mann–Whitney‐U) to previously studied participants in economic models. Surgeon age (< 50 years) and lower propensity for risk‐taking were demonstrated to be independent predictors of stoma formation on regression analysis.

Conclusion

Although the decision to create a stoma after anterior resection may be made in the belief that its foundation derives from rational thought, it appears that other unrecognized operator factors such as age and risk‐taking exert an effect.
Myocardial infarct size measurement using geometric angle calculation
Authors: Lichtenauer Michael , Schreiber Catharina , Jung Christian , Beer Lucian , Mangold Andreas , Gyöngyösi Mariann , Podesser Bruno Karl , Ankersmit Hendrik Jan
Published: November 2013

Background

In basic cardiovascular research focusing on animal models of myocardial infarction (MI), the measurement of infarct size is performed by planimetry of histological sections of the heart. However, in the setting of chronic MI with ongoing changes in ventricular geometry caused by wall thinning and hypertrophy, the scar area tends to become smaller.

Materials and Methods

Here, in this study we compared infarct measurements in tissue sections (of rat and porcine hearts) based on three different calculation approaches, that is, infarct area, infarct lengths and infarct angles utilizing the centroid of the left ventricle using a newly developed calculation approach.

Results

Infarct sizes from all three measurement approaches showed significant correlation with parameters of cardiac function. However, results derived from area measurements were significantly smaller than those obtained using the other two measurement approaches due to scar thinning (infarct size area: 14·81% ± 1·27 SEM, length: 23·94% ± 2·04 SEM, angle: 24·75% ± 2·13 SEM, P < 0·0001, n = 30). Moreover, results from angle measurements evidenced a much better correlation with parameters of cardiac function in a small animal model of chronic MI (e.g. ejection fraction, angle: r = −0·73; length: r = −0·64; area: r = −0·59, n = 30) as well as in a large animal model of acute MI (angle: r = −0·82; area: r = −0·67, n = 10).

Conclusions

We concluded that area‐, length‐ and angle‐based measurements can be used to determine the relative infarct size in acute MI models, although an area‐based measurement might be less accurate in the setting of chronic MI. Our new method of infarct angle measurement is a reliable and simple way to calculate infarct size compared with conventional measurement approaches.
Image analysis of soil thin sections for a non‐destructive quantification of aggregation in the early stages of pedogenesis
Authors: Jangorzo N. S. , Schwartz C. , Watteau F.
Published: November 2013

One major challenge facing soil micromorphology is the direct quantification of aggregation. This study proposes a generic protocol to quantify aggregation properties directly in undisturbed soil samples by image analysis of soil thin sections. We worked on a constructed Technosol proposed as an experimental model with controlled characteristics. Two sampling campaigns were conducted in 2008 and 2010 on an in situ plot, where 24 undisturbed soil samples were collected each year. Thin sections were prepared, scanned to generate images and processed using the protocol developed. Aggregates from 50 to 2000 µm equivalent diameters were monitored. Six aggregate properties were quantified: number, area, perimeter, eccentricity, shape and equivalent diameter. A synthetic mean index of aggregation (MIAia) was calculated from image analysis. We confirmed that aggregation is closely related to porosity, as highlighted by the MIAia. Three aggregate properties: number, area and shape were selected as the indicators most representative of aggregation evolution during the early stages of pedogenesis. In further developments, direct (image analysis) and indirect (stability tests) methods for the quantification of aggregation could be proposed as complementary ways of describing and quantifying total quantities of stable macroaggregates in soils.

Résumé

L'un des défis de la micromorphologie en sciences du sol est de pouvoir quantifier globalement et de manière directe l'agrégation. Cette étude propose un protocole générique de quantification directe des paramètres d'agrégation par analyse d'images de lames minces d'échantillons de sols non perturbés. Nous avons travaillé sur un Technosol construit proposé comme un modèle expérimental présentant des caractéristiques connues. Deux campagnes d'échantillonnage ont été conduites en 2008 et 2010 sur une parcelle expérimentale in situ, au cours desquelles 24 échantillons non perturbés de Technosols ont été collectés chaque année. Des lames minces ont été réalisées, scannées et les images obtenues ont été analysées à l'aide du protocole spécifiquement développé. Les agrégats de diamètres compris entre 50 et 2000 µm ont été suivis au cours du temps. Pour cela six paramètres ont été quantifiés : nombre, surface, périmètre, excentricité, forme et diamètre équivalent. Un indice synthétique : Indice Moyen d'Agrégation en analyse d'image (IMAai) a été calculé. Nous avons confirmé que l'agrégation est étroitement corrélée à la porosité, cette relation étant plus marquée en utilisant l'IMAai. Trois paramètres descriptifs des agrégats sont sélectionnés comme indicateurs de l'évolution de l'agrégation dans les stades précoces de la pédogenèse. Des perspectives de développement résident dans l'utilisation complémentaire de méthodes directes (analyse d'images) et indirectes (tests de stabilité) de quantification de l'agrégation pour décrire et quantifier l'ensemble des macroagrégats et leur fraction stable dans les sols.
Equine multi‐systemic eosinophilic epitheliotropic disease
Authors: Pucheu‐Haston C. M. , Del Piero F.
Published: November 2013

See also article by Horan et al.
The Dominican Order in Late Medieval and Early Modern History
Authors: Vose Robin
Published: November 2013

Firmly established by the 14th century throughout much of Europe, men and women associated with the Dominican Order emerged as leading voices within the Roman Catholic Church during its difficult yet also creative and expansive transition from late medieval to early modern times. Dominican friars, nuns, and growing numbers of lay penitents who accepted their supervision all contributed to the emergence of new spiritual directions and cultural productions, while also in many instances firmly upholding conservative and strictly disciplined versions of Catholic orthodoxy. This essay briefly surveys recent approaches to the Dominican legacy as it unfolded from the crisis years of Black Death and Schism, through the challenges of Observant, Protestant, and Tridentine reform movements, to the dawning of a global colonial age.
Interdependence of Stroke Outcome Scales: Reliable Estimates from the Virtual International Stroke Trials Archive (VISTA)
Authors: Goldie F. C. , Fulton R. L. , Frank B. , Lees K. R.
Published: November 2013

Background and Purpose

Clinical deficits from stroke are diverse, prompting measurement in trials by a range of outcome scales. Statistical and clinical advantage can be gained by combining scales into a global outcome provided combinations are chosen with limited correlations. We aimed to clarify the interdependence of outcome scales by systematic review of published data and by novel analysis of data from completed acute trials.

Summary of Review

We systematically searched ScienceDirect and PubMed to summarize published data on correlations between stroke outcome scales. We generated new data on correlations among salient scales at 90 days poststroke in patients from the Virtual International Stroke Trials Archive (VISTA). We calculated Pearson and Spearman-Rank correlation coefficients for continuous and ordinal measures, respectively. We also assessed partial correlations, adjusted for baseline National Institute of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS), and age. Published estimates of interdependence were limited to small single-trial cohorts and gave divergent results. From the more extensive VISTA dataset, we found that the modified Rankin Scale at 90 days poststroke explained 80.8% of the National Institute of Health Stroke Scale at 90 days poststroke and 86·5% of the European Stroke Scale. National Institute of Health Stroke Scale explained 75.9% of the Barthel Index and 81·2% of the Scandinavian Stroke Scale. After adjustment, modified Rankin Scale explained 56.6% of National Institute of Health Stroke Scale, 75.2% of Barthel Index. National Institute of Health Stroke Scale explained 60.2% of Barthel Index.

Conclusion

Correlations and partial correlations among stroke outcome scales in trial datasets are higher than previously reported. The new estimates are more reliable for trial planning due to the sample size and diversity.
Prevention of Poststroke Cognitive Decline: ASPIS – a Multicenter, Randomized, Observer-Blind, Parallel Group Clinical Trial to Evaluate Multiple Lifestyle Interventions – Study Design and Baseline Characteristics
Authors: Brainin Michael , Matz Karl , Nemec Matthias , Teuschl Yvonne , Dachenhausen Alexandra , Asenbaum-Nan Susanne , Bancher Christian , Kepplinger Berthold , Oberndorfer Stefan , Pinter Michaela , Schnider Peter , Tuomilehto Jaakko
Published: November 2013

Background

Cognitive impairment after stroke is a considerable burden to patients and their caregivers and occurs in one-third of stroke survivors. No strategy to prevent cognitive decline after stroke exists thus far. Established vascular risk factors have been associated with cognitive decline and may be a target for therapeutic interventions in stroke survivors.

Aim

To test whether intensive multifactorial non-pharmacologic interventions based on lifestyle modification can reduce the risk of cognitive decline in patients who recently suffered ischemic stroke.

Methods

A randomized, controlled, multicenter, observer-blind trial was designed. The reference group obtains stroke care according to standard guidelines. The intervention group additionally receives intensive control and motivation for better compliance with prescribed evidence-based medication, regular blood pressure measurements, healthy diet, regular physical activity and cognitive training. Primary outcomes are the rate of cognitive decline at 24 months, assessed by a neuropsychological test battery and the cognitive subscale of the Alzheimer's Disease Assessment Scale.

Results

202 patients (29% women), aged 62 ± 9 years, were recruited during 2010 to 2012. Stroke related impairment at inclusion was low (mean National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale: 1.9±1.8, median modified Rankin Scale: 1 (0-1)). At baseline, groups did not differ significantly in demographic, clinical or lifestyle characteristics.

Conclusion

The recruitment was successful and the groups are balanced regarding potential confounding variables. The study will provide essential data about the feasibility and efficacy of lifestyle intervention after stroke in order to develop a new approach to prevent cognitive decline in patients with mild ischemic stroke.