bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Is the Tonic Decerebrate Inhibition of Reflex Paths Mediated by Monoaminergic Pathways?
Authors: Engberg I. , Lundberg A. , Ryall R. W.
Published: July 2014

In unanesthetized decerebrate cats the effect of monoamine blockers has been investigated on the decerebrate tonic inhibitory control of transmission from the FRA (flexor reflex afferents) to motoneurones. No certain effect is obtained after injection of phenoxybenzamine but S‐hydroxytryptamine antagonists (BOL or Deseril) give a partial release from the tonic descending control of transmission from the FRA. The monoamine oxidase inhibitor, nialamide, increased the effectiveness of the tonic control. The tonic decerebrate control may in part remain after complete destruction of the raphae nuclei. It is tentatively suggested that a 5‐hydroxytryptaminergic pathway descending from the raphae nuclei may contribute to, but probablv is not solely responsible for, the tonic decerebrate control of transmission from the FRA.
Transmembrane Electrical Potential Differences and Ionic Composition of Mucosal Cells of Rat Colon
Authors: Edmonds C. J. , Nielsen O. E.
Published: July 2014

Using glass microelectrodes, stable electrical potential differences (p.d.) have been measured across the cell membranes of mucosal cells of rat colon in vivo and in vitro in tissue mounted in a chamber. The intracellular content of Na, K, Cl and water has been determined under similar conditions.

The serosal transmembrane p.d. was slightly greater than the luminal transmembrane p.d., in both cases the inside of the cell being negative with respect to the exterior. The cell Na content was low and cell K high when compared with extracellular fluid but the transmembrane p.d. measurements were considerably less than expected if they were simply K diffusion potentials.

The present results have been considered in the relationship to the known ionic fluxes and it is suggested that a) Na and K ‘pumps’ are present on the serosal side of the mucosal cells and b) that, since the transmembrane fluxes of Na and Cl are inconsistent with the observed transmembrane potentials and the mucosal ionic composition, the bulk of these ions cross the mucosa either through special cells or by pathways between the cells.
Evidence‐based recommendations on the role of dermatologists in the diagnosis and management of psoriatic arthritis: systematic review and expert opinion
Authors: Richard M.‐A. , Barnetche T. , Rouzaud M. , Sevrain M. , Villani A.P. , Aractingi S. , Aubin F. , Beylot‐Barry M. , Joly P. , Jullien D. , Le Maître M. , Misery L. , Ortonne J.‐P. , Cantagrel A. , Paul C.
Published: July 2014

Background

Psoriatic arthritis (PsA) can develop at any time during the course of psoriasis.

Aims

The aims of these practical recommendations are to help dermatologists identify patients at risk of PsA, to diagnose PsA in collaboration with rheumatologists and to gain a better understanding of initial PsA management.

Materials and methods

A scientific committee consisting of 10 dermatologists and a rheumatologist selected clinically relevant questions to be addressed by evidence‐based recommendations using the DELPHI method. For each question, a systematic literature review was performed in Medline, Embase and the Cochrane Library databases. The levels of evidence of all selected and reviewed articles were appraised according to the Oxford levels of evidence.

Results

An expert board of 30 dermatologists reviewed and analysed the evidence and developed recommendations for the selected questions. Agreement among participants was assessed on a 10‐point scale, and the potential impact of the recommendations on clinical practice was evaluated. Among the 6960 references identified, 190 relevant articles were included in the reviews. Three recommendations regarding risk factors for PsA and one regarding PsA prevalence were issued. The mean agreement score between participants varied from 7.8 to 9.6. Three recommendations on PsA screening tools that can be used by dermatologists were issued. The mean agreement score between participants varied from 7.7 to 9.4. Initial PsA treatment options according to published guidelines were critically appraised for axial and peripheral involvement and enthesitis/dactylitis. Three recommendations were issued. The mean agreement score between participants varied from 7.6 to 8.7.

Discussion

The systematic literature research and meta‐analyses did not provide high‐quality evidence to support recommendations regarding PsA screening. Conversely, PsA treatment options were supported by strong evidence.

Conclusion

Cooperation between dermatologists and rheumatologists should be emphasized to better identify and manage PsA patients.
Is there a psoriasis skin phenotype associated with psoriatic arthritis? Systematic literature review
Authors: Rouzaud M. , Sevrain M. , Villani A.P. , Barnetche T. , Paul C. , Richard M.‐A. , Jullien D. , Misery L. , Le Maître M. , Aractingi S. , Aubin F. , Joly P. , Cantagrel A. , Ortonne J.‐P. , Beylot‐Barry M.
Published: July 2014

Psoriatic arthritis (PsA) is associated with psoriasis with a prevalence varying from 5.94% to 23.9%. The aim of this study was to assess if some psoriatic skin features are associated with a higher risk of PsA. A systematic literature search was carried out from 1980 to January 2013, in the Embase and Pubmed databases, using a combination of keywords including (Psoriasis) AND (PsA). Of the 2746 articles retrieved, 25 references were selected. Meta‐analysis was performed when possible. Mean age at psoriasis onset appeared to be similar among patients with skin disease alone and in those with PsA. There was no clinical type of psoriasis specifically associated with PsA, including pustular psoriasis of palms and soles. Nonetheless specific psoriasis localizations were significantly associated with an increased risk of developing PsA in one cohort study: scalp lesions [Hazard Ratio (HR) 3.89 (95% confidence interval (CI):2.18–6.94)] and intergluteal/perianal lesions [HR 2.35 (95%CI:1.32–4.19)]. A similar association was found in two cross‐sectional studies. Nail involvement was significantly associated with PsA in the meta‐analysis [Odds Ratio (OR) 2.92 (95% CI 2.34–3.64)], particularly onycholysis [OR 2.38 (95% CI 1.74–3.26)]. Moreover, nail psoriasis was also associated with distal interphalangeal joint arthritis. The extent of psoriasis appeared to be associated with PsA in one cohort study [≥3 sites: HR 2.24 (95% CI 1.23–4.08)], one case–control study [body surface area >75%: OR 2.52 (95% CI 1.33–4.75)] and three cross‐sectional studies. The meta‐analysis suggested a trend for an association between high PASI and PsA risk [mean difference 3.39 (95% CI 0.94–5.83)]. Therefore, psoriasis patients with such clinical features may require a particular attention for early and close detection of PsA during the course of the cutaneous disease.
Accelerated Aging Effects on Color and Translucency of Flowable Composites
Authors: Korkmaz Ceyhan Yonca , Ontiveros Joe C. , Powers John M. , Paravina Rade D.
Published: July 2014

Objectives

To evaluate the effect of accelerated aging on color and translucency parameter of composites.

Materials and Methods

Filtek Supreme Ultra Flowable, shades A1, A3, White, Tetric EvoFlow, shades A1, A3, Bleach, and Filtek Z250 shades A1, A3, B1 were evaluated. Color and translucency were recorded using a spectrophotometer after 24‐hour storage (baseline) and after accelerated aging. The data were analyzed by analysis of variance.

Results

Fisher's PLSD intervals for comparisons among products and shades were 0.4, 0.1, 0.3, and 0.4 for ΔL*, Δa*, Δb*, and ΔE*, respectively. The data showed significant ΔE* and ΔL* main effects for composite product and shades (p < 0.001) and their interactions (p = 0.008 and p = 0.03), respectively. Tetric EvoFlow displayed the smallest aging‐dependent color shift followed by Filtek Z250 and Filtek Supreme Ultra Flowable. Accelerated aging did not significantly affected the composites for translucency (p > 0.05).

Conclusion

The effects of aging on color of resin composites were composite and shade dependent. Translucency was not affected by accelerated aging.

Clinical Significance

The effects of aging on color of resin composites were composite and shade dependent.
A putative plant organelle RNA recognition protein gene is essential for maize kernel development
Authors: Chettoor Antony M. , Yi Gibum , Gomez Elisa , Hueros Gregorio , Meeley Robert B. , Becraft Philip W.
Published: July 2014

Basal endosperm transfer layer (BETL) cells are responsible for transferring apoplastic solutes from the maternal pedicel into the endosperm, supplying the grain with compounds required for embryo development and storage reserve accumulation. Here, we analyze the maize (Zea mays L.) empty pericarp6 (emp6) mutant, which causes early arrest in grain development. The Emp6+gene function is required independently in both the embryo and endosperm. The emp6 mutant causes a notable effect on the differentiation of BETL cells; the extensive cell wall ingrowths that distinguish BETL cells are diminished and BETL marker gene expression is compromised in mutant kernels. Transposon tagging identified the emp6 locus as encoding a putative plant organelle RNA recognition (PORR) protein, 1 of 15 PORR family members in maize. The emp6 transcript is widely detected in plant tissues with highest levels in embryos and developing kernels. EMP6‐green fluorescent protein (GFP) fusion proteins transiently expressed in Nicotiana benthamiana leaves were targeted specifically to mitochondria. These results suggest that BETL cell differentiation might be particularly energy intensive, or alternatively, that mitochondria might confer a developmental function.
Inpatient Children and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS): outcomes of young people with and without intellectual disability
Authors: Chaplin R. , Roach S. , Johnson H. , Thompson P.
Published: July 2014

Background

Little is known about the effectiveness of inpatient care for young people with co‐morbid mental illness and intellectual disability (ID). This study aims to compare the demographics and outcome of young people with mental illness with or without ID admitted to psychiatric hospital. A secondary aim is to look into the outcome of those with ID admitted to general mental health young people's units.

Method

Data were collected on the outcome of young people's admissions to specialist ID and general adolescent mental health units as part of a larger quality improvement project run by the College Centre for Quality Improvement. Health of the Nation Outcome Scales for Children and Adolescents (HoNOSCA) scores were completed by local clinical staff at admission and discharge on 38 young people with and 113 people without ID from 14 units.

Results

Young people with mental disorders significantly improved clinically over the admission whether or not they had ID. There were no differences between the groups in age or use of the Mental Health Act but people admitted with ID were more likely to be male and had longer lengths of stay. Admission to a general adolescent unit was associated with clinical improvement for people with ID.

Conclusions

This study needs replication because of the small sample and incomplete data but it suggests that young people with ID and mental disorders significantly improve clinically when admitted to hospital as do their non‐disabled peers.
The relationship between area deprivation and contact with community intellectual disability psychiatry
Authors: Nicholson L. , Hotchin H.
Published: July 2014

Background

People with intellectual disabilities (ID) have high rates of psychiatric illness and are known to live in more deprived areas than the general population. This study investigated the relationship between area deprivation and contact with ID psychiatry.

Method

Psychiatric case notes and electronic records were used to identify all patients who had face‐to‐face contact with community ID psychiatric services over 1 year in the North East Community Health Partnership of Greater Glasgow and Clyde (estimated population 177 867). The Scottish Index of Multiple Deprivation (SIMD) were determined for the patient sample and for the general population living in the same area.

Results

Between 1 June 2012 and 1 June 2013, 184 patients were seen by ID psychiatry over a total of 553 contacts, with valid SIMD data for 179 patients and 543 contacts. Fifty‐two per cent of patients (n = 93) lived in the most deprived SIMD decile, and 90.5% (n = 152) in the lowest 5 deciles. Compared with the general population, there were significantly more patients than expected living in the most deprived decile (Fisher's Exact test, P = 0.009) and in the most deprived 5 deciles (Fisher's Exact test, P = 0.001). The median number of contacts was 2 (interquartile range = 1–3). There was no significant association between the number of contacts and SIMD decile. Forty‐eight point one per cent (n = 261) of all contacts were with patients living in the most deprived decile and 88.6% (n = 481) in the most deprived 5 deciles. This was significantly more than expected compared with general population data (Fisher's Exact test, P = 0.008 and Fisher's Exact test, P ≤ 0.001).

Conclusions

In the area under study, contact with ID psychiatry was greater in more deprived areas. Given the high psychiatric morbidity of people with ID, if services do not adjust for deprivation, this may lead to further discrimination in an already disadvantaged population.
Beyond the floor effect on the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children – 4th Ed. (WISC‐IV): calculating IQ and Indexes of subjects presenting a floored pattern of results
Authors: Orsini A. , Pezzuti L. , Hulbert S.
Published: July 2014

Background

It is now widely known that children with severe intellectual disability show a ‘floor effect’ on the Wechsler scales. This effect emerges because the practice of transforming raw scores into scaled scores eliminates any variability present in participants with low intellectual ability and because intelligence quotient (IQ) scores are limited insofar as they do not measure scores lower than 40.

Method

Following Hessl et al.'s results, the present authors propose a method for the computation of the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children – 4th Ed. (WISC‐IV)'s IQ and Indexes in intellectually disabled participants affected by a floored pattern of results. The Italian standardization sample (n = 2200) for the WISC‐IV was used. The method presented in this study highlights the limits of the ‘floor effect’ of the WISC‐IV in children with serious intellectual disability who present a profile with weighted scores of 1 in all the subtests despite some variability in the raw scores.

Results

Such method eliminates the floor effect of the scale and therefore makes it possible to analyse the strengths and weaknesses of the WISC‐IV's Indexes in these participants.

Conclusions

The Authors reflect on clinical utility of this method and on the meaning of raw score of 0 on subtest.
Stone Replicas: The Iteration and Itinerancy of Mexican Patrimonio
Authors: Rozental Sandra
Published: July 2014

En el 2007, los habitantes de Coatlinchan consagraron una estatua hecha de concreto al darle los poderes meteorológicos de una deidad del agua antigua. La figura es una réplica exacta de un monolito prehispánico de 167 toneladas que fue notoriamente trasladado de Coatlinchan al Museo Nacional de Antropología en la Ciudad de México en 1964. Sin embargo, esta no es la primera vez que una réplica de la piedra tallada ha sido transformada en un ente capaz de producir agua: en los años 60, el estado mexicano construyó réplicas de la efigie en sus proyectos de infraestructura hidráulica. En este artículo, sostengo que las reproducciones del monolito van de la mano con su transformación como parte de un complejo más amplio de cosas patrimoniales en México. Mediante estos casos de reproducción, muestro de qué manera una formación supuestamente diseñada para convertir deidades antiguas en objetos de patrimonio únicos en realidad revitaliza la capacidad de estos objetos de funcionar como vínculos que anclan y producen localidad y colectividad en México.
Retrieval Technique for Full‐Arch Implant‐Supported Fixed Prosthesis: A Clinical Report
Authors: Simamoto‐Júnior Paulo César , Fernandes‐Neto Alfredo Júlio , Neves Flávio Domingues , Dantas Talita Souza , Naves Lucas Zago
Published: July 2014

In the event of the loss of an implant and to take advantage of the preexisting structures, a rescue procedure that allows continuous use of the original fixed restoration during the restoration of the tripod support at the implant level can be used. When nonphysiological occlusion forces are avoided, the success rate of this rescue procedure is very similar to any other rehabilitation made following a conventional protocol. Furthermore, the fact that the patient has already adapted to the prosthesis position and its vertical dimension results in easier functional adaptation in the postoperative period and, consequently, greater comfort.
Identification of Clt‐1‐Regulated Proteins Associated with the Production of Non‐Host‐Specific Toxin and Pathogenicity in Cochliobolus lunatus
Authors: Gao Jin‐Xin , Jing Jing , Liu Tong , Chen Jie
Published: July 2014

The Curvularia leaf spot is caused by Curvularia lunata (telemorph: Cochliobolus lunatus), which produces a non‐host‐specific toxin known as methyl 5‐(hydroxymethyl) furan‐2‐carboxylate (M5HF2C). The Clt‐1 gene, which is from a pathogen closely associated with M5HF2C production and pathogenicity, was successfully cloned. However, the proteins related to toxin production or pathogenicity were not identified. In this study, a proteomic approach based on two‐dimensional gel electrophoresis (2‐DE) and mass spectrometry (MS) techniques was used to identify the specific proteins associated with Clt‐1 expression in C. lunatus wild‐type CX‐3 and Clt‐1 deletion mutant ΔClt‐1. Five upregulated and two downregulated proteins were identified in ΔClt‐1. Succinate dehydrogenase flavoprotein subunit (Sdh1p) functions as a coenzyme of dehydrogenase in the anabolism of toxin. Eukaryotic elongation factor 3 (EF‐3) facilitates the synthesis of important proteins required for the production of toxins in C. lunatus. Melanin synthesis‐related protein scytalone dehydratase (SCD) and stress tolerance‐related proteins (HSP30 and HSP70) contribute to the pathogenicity of C. lunatus. Real‐time quantitative PCR (RT‐qPCR) analysis showed that the Scd gene exhibited similar expression pattern at the transcriptional level, corresponding to the protein detected by 2‐DE. Bioinformatics analysis showed that Scd encodes a scytalone dehydratase subunit of 188 amino acids, which is clustered into one branch with dothideomycete SCD homologs in a phylogenetic tree. Further study on the exact role of the Scd gene is underway.
Trading Effects of the FIFA World Cup
Authors: Avsar Veysel , Unal Umut
Published: July 2014

This study analyzes the trading effects of FIFA World Cup in two dimensions. First, we show that participating in the World Cup significantly increases exports from the participant countries to the host countries, relative to a control group of non‐participants. Second, we demonstrate that trade is reasonably higher for host‐participant pairs compared to other country pairs. We also provide dynamic estimates for both cases and offer plausible arguments and important channels for our findings.
National Identity and Religious Diversity
Authors: Harttgen Kenneth , Opfinger Matthias
Published: July 2014

People are attracted to the idea of nationalism and a national identity. Existing literature proposes that social heterogeneity has a detrimental effect on national identity. We contribute to this literature by proposing that religious diversity, as another form of social heterogeneity, can better explain the formation of a national identity. We construct an index for national identity using information from the World Values Survey on peoples' affection for their nation. We then analyze the relationship between national identity and religious diversity. The results suggest that religious diversity is significantly and negatively related to national identity. We also find support for the previous finding that ethnic diversity does not seem to be related to national identity. Democratic institutions and mobility throughout the country are positively related to national identity if religious diversity is sufficiently high. Democratic institutions can overcome the negative effect of religious diversity on national identity.
Winners and Losers in Transition: Preferences for Redistribution and Nostalgia for Communism in Eastern Europe
Authors: Okulicz‐Kozaryn Adam
Published: July 2014

I study the preferences for redistribution in Eastern Europe. After the collapse of communism c. 1990, preferences for redistribution did not decrease by 2000, and if anything, they increased. One explanation is the so‐called “public values effect”: individual beliefs shape preferences for redistribution. East Europeans continue to believe that it is the responsibility of the state to provide for the poor, and hence, they prefer redistribution. Income and expected income also affect preferences for redistribution but to a lesser degree than relative income and income history. The ‘winners’ of the transition, i.e., those who are better off after the collapse of communism, prefer less redistribution.
Marco Polo: Factotum, Auditor. Language and Political Culture in the Mongol World Empire
Authors: Wolfe Alexander C.
Published: July 2014

From its earliest reception, Marco Polo's “Description of the World” has been read as the record of a Venetian traveler's adventure in Asia, despite its author's claim to have spent two decades as an official of the Mongol state. This article provides a fresh assessment of Marco's narrative by placing his assertions in the context of recent scholarship on the political and cultural structures of the Mongol world empire. Where once the Mongols were only appreciated as military actors, who destroyed or crudely manipulated civil societies, a new picture has emerged of a polyglot, multiethnic system run in considerable part by outsiders like Marco. Viewing his work as part of a project of Mongol governance, we see better how cultural diversity and the exchange of information and skilled individuals was a major strength of the Mongol world system.
Globalizing Imperium: Thirteenth‐Century Perspectives on the Mongols
Authors: Kim Margaret
Published: July 2014

This paper investigates thirteenth‐century perspectives on Mongol imperium from different parts of the world, by comparing Franciscan John of Plano Carpini's *History of the Mongols* and the anonymous *Secret History of the Mongols*, considered the authoritative history of the empire by an anonymous Mongol author close to the imperial family. In the thirteenth century, Mongol ascendency in the East facilitated direct farreaching trade, communication, and exchange between various parts of the world unparalleled before in human history. While globalization did not exist then in the same way that it does today, I term the reach of the Mongol imperium “global” in the sense that it enabled, on an unprecedented scale, the amazing circulation of people and exchange of ideas between different regions, cultures, and communities in the East and West. Yet at the same time that they made world order and transformed history, contemporary observers of the nomads from different civilizations characterized them as the Other. My paper investigates the characterization of the Mongols as the paradoxical embodiment of savagery and absolute power from perspectives in both the East and West in this global context. It suggests that the Mongols offered a model of absolute rule and imperial dominance that resonated with non‐nomadic observers and permutated from East to West in the global thirteenth century.
Early Globalities, Global Literatures: Introducing a Special Issue on the Global Middle Ages
Authors: Heng Geraldine , Ramey Lynn
Published: July 2014

“Early Globalities, Global Literatures” introduces a selection of global literatures from premodernity and critically discusses why the study of The Global Middle Ages serves contemporary culture and society.
New Voices for Expressive Pragmatism: Bridging the Divide between Pragmatism and Perfectionism
Authors: Frega Roberto
Published: July 2014

This article explores the theme of moral rationality by examining two distinct philosophical approaches, those of perfectionism and pragmatism broadly construed. It does this by comparing Cora Diamond's reading of J. M. Coetzee's novel The Lives of Animals with an imaginary reading of the same novel tuned to a moral sensibility closer to Deweyan pragmatism. By comparing a real account with an imaginary one, the article intends to press Diamond's perfectionist understanding of problematic moral experience into confrontation with a pragmatist account of the same phenomenon. This reading becomes the starting point for a broader confrontation between two larger philosophical conceptions: perfectionism and pragmatism. By this comparison, the article means to extend a dialogue begun more than a century ago, showing in particular that integrating both perspectives within a common moral epistemology provides new insights into our understanding of moral experience. The general claim is that their differences notwithstanding, perfectionism and pragmatism share a common moral sensibility, although they part ways on some decisive issues that the article makes explicit.
GIL, a new c‐di‐GMP‐binding protein domain involved in regulation of cellulose synthesis in enterobacteria
Authors: Fang Xin , Ahmad Irfan , Blanka Andrea , Schottkowski Marco , Cimdins Annika , Galperin Michael Y. , Römling Ute , Gomelsky Mark
Published: July 2014

In contrast to numerous enzymes involved in c‐di‐GMP synthesis and degradation in enterobacteria, only a handful of c‐di‐GMP receptors/effectors have been identified. In search of new c‐di‐GMP receptors, we screened the Escherichia coli ASKA overexpression gene library using the Differential Radial Capillary Action of Ligand Assay (DRaCALA) with fluorescently and radioisotope‐labelled c‐di‐GMP. We uncovered three new candidate c‐di‐GMP receptors in E. coli and characterized one of them, BcsE. The bcsE gene is encoded in cellulose synthase operons in representatives of Gammaproteobacteria and Betaproteobacteria. The purified BcsE proteins from E. coli, Salmonella enterica and Klebsiella pneumoniae bind c‐di‐GMP via the domain of unknown function, DUF2819, which is hereby designated GIL, GGDEF I‐site like domain. The RxGD motif of the GIL domain is required for c‐di‐GMP binding, similar to the c‐di‐GMP‐binding I‐site of the diguanylate cyclase GGDEF domain. Thus, GIL is the second protein domain, after PilZ, dedicated to c‐di‐GMP‐binding. We show that in S. enterica, BcsE is not essential for cellulose synthesis but is required for maximal cellulose production, and that c‐di‐GMP binding is critical for BcsE function. It appears that cellulose production in enterobacteria is controlled by a two‐tiered c‐di‐GMP‐dependent system involving BcsE and the PilZ domain containing glycosyltransferase BcsA.
Learning from Trade through Innovation
Authors: Damijan Jože P. , Kostevc Črt
Published: July 2014

This paper explores the idea that firms learn from trade by introducing either new products or processes influenced by their trade links with foreign markets. By exploring microdata for Spain, including data on innovation and trade, we find a robust relationship between imports, exports and innovation. The results suggest that firms learn primarily from import links, which enable them to innovate and to ‘dress up’ for starting to export. This sequencing between trade and innovation, however, is shown to be more pronounced for small firms only and technologically advanced firms.
Little evidence for release from herbivores as a driver of plant invasiveness from a multi‐species herbivore‐removal experiment
Authors: Dawson Wayne , Bottini Annamaria , Fischer Markus , van Kleunen Mark , Knop Eva
Published: July 2014

Enemy release is frequently posed as a main driver of invasiveness of alien species. However, an experimental multi‐species test examining performance and herbivory of invasive alien, non‐invasive alien and native plant species in the presence and absence of natural enemies is lacking. In a common garden experiment in Switzerland, we manipulated exposure of seven alien invasive, eight alien non‐invasive and fourteen native species from six taxonomic groups to natural enemies (invertebrate herbivores), by applying a pesticide treatment under two different nutrient levels. We assessed biomass production, herbivore damage and the major herbivore taxa on plants. Across all species, plants gained significantly greater biomass under pesticide treatment. However, invasive, non‐invasive and native species did not differ in their biomass response to pesticide treatment at either nutrient level. The proportion of leaves damaged on invasive species was significantly lower compared to native species, but not when compared to non‐invasive species. However, the difference was lost when plant size was accounted for. There were no differences between invasive, non‐invasive and native species in herbivore abundance. Our study offers little support for invertebrate herbivore release as a driver of plant invasiveness, but suggests that future enemy release studies should account for differences in plant size among species.
Validation of Aintegumenta as a gene to modify floral size in ornamental plants
Authors: Manchado‐Rojo María , Weiss Julia , Egea‐Cortines Marcos
Published: July 2014

The gene AINTEGUMENTA (AtANT) is an APETALA2 transcription factor in Arabidopsis activating growth downstream of auxin signalling. Lateral organ size is positively correlated with ANT expression in Arabidopsis. We tested the use of AtANT as a tool to modify floral size in two different plants used as model organisms and ornamental crops, Petunia × hybrida and Antirrhinum majus. Petunia plants expressing PhANT RNAi showed a decrease in PhANT expression correlated with smaller petal limbs. In contrast Petunia plants overexpressing AtANT had larger petal limbs. Petal tube length was less affected in down‐regulation of PhANT or overexpression of AtANT. Overexpression of AtANT in Antirrhinum caused increased flower size via increased petal limb width and tube length. Down‐regulation of PhANT showed an effect on cell size while overexpression of AtANT in Petunia and Antirrhinum caused significant increases in cell expansion that could explain the differences in floral organ size. The endogenous expression levels of PhANT and AmANT tended to be higher in the limb than in the tube in both Antirrhinum and Petunia. AtANT overexpression caused significant AmANT up‐regulation in Antirrhinum limbs but not of PhANT in Petunia, indicating differences in the regulatory network. The differential effect of AtANT on limb and tube in Petunia and Antirrhinum correspond to phenotypic differences observed in natural variation in the corresponding genus indicating a relation between the phenotypic space of a genus and the effect of modified ANT levels, validating ANT as a gene to modify floral size.
Genotypes of the renin–angiotensin system and glucocorticoid complications
Authors: Nakamura Akio
Published: July 2014

Background

Angiotensinogen (AGT) and angiotensin‐converting enzyme (ACE) are recognized as important regulators of body mass index (BMI) and systemic blood pressure (BP). An association between these single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) of AGT and ACE genes and obesity or hypertension has been established. This study examined relationships between the molecular variants of the AGT and ACE genes and bodyweight or BP in children treated with glucocorticoids for nephrotic syndrome.

Methods

Twenty Japanese children (male, n = 14; female, n = 6; age, 2–13 years) were genotyped for AGT polymorphisms (M235T and A‐6G) and the ACE polymorphisms (insertion/deletion: I/D and rs4341). All of the children studied were treated with daily prednisolone 2 mg/kg for 4 weeks and thereafter alternate‐day prednisolone for 8 weeks. BMI, BMI z‐scores, blood lipids, renal function and BP in each group were evaluated during the study period.

Results

BMI and BMI z‐scores during the glucocorticoid therapy were significantly higher in the TT genotype of the AGT M235T polymorphisms and the AA genotype of the AGT A‐6G polymorphisms compared to other genotypes (P < 0.05). In contrast, the molecular variant of ACE I/D and rs4341 genotypes did not change bodyweight during the glucocorticoid exposure. It was evident, however, that the BP and blood lipids and renal function were not significantly influenced by the AGT and ACE polymorphisms.

Conclusions

The TT genotype of the AGT M235T and the AA genotype of the A‐6G polymorphisms may predispose children to bodyweight gain when initially treated with glucocorticoids for nephrotic syndrome.
Effects of temperature on nutrient self‐selection in the silverfish Lepisma saccharina
Authors: DeVries Zachary C. , Appel Arthur G.
Published: July 2014

Nutrient self‐selection represents an important behaviour that has been measured across many taxa. Despite the amount of research on this phenomenon, few studies report the evaluation of the effects of environmental variables such as temperature on nutrient selection by animals. In the present study, the nutrient selections of the silverfish Lepisma saccharina L. are measured across a range of temperatures (10, 15, 20, 25, 30 and 35 °C) using feeding arenas with three nutrient choices: carbohydrate (sucrose), protein (casein) and fat (lard). An overall preference for carbohydrates is shown across the range of temperatures, followed by protein, and then fat. However, the proportional consumption of each dietary component changes with temperature; the proportional carbohydrate consumption decreases dramatically with increasing temperature (>94% of the diet at 15 °C but <58% at 30 °C), whereas the proportional protein and lipid consumption increases with increasing temperature up to 30 °C. Changes in nutrient selection with temperature may be related to the dietary requirements of the insect at different temperatures.
Doulas’ Perspectives about Providing Support to Incarcerated Women: A Feasibility Study
Authors: Shlafer Rebecca J. , Hellerstedt Wendy L. , Secor‐Turner Molly , Gerrity Erica , Baker Rae
Published: July 2014

Objective

To document the logistical feasibility of a doula program for pregnant incarcerated women and to assess doulas' perceptions of their achievements.

Design and Sample

Six doulas provided written case notes (“birth stories”) about their experiences with 18 pregnant women in one Midwestern state prison.

Measures

The birth stories were analyzed by two coders to identify major themes related to doulas' perceptions about providing support to incarcerated women. Analyses involved coder consensus about major themes and doula affirmation of findings.

Results

All doulas reported that they met key objectives for a successful relationship with each of their clients. Key themes were their ability to empower clients, establish a trusting relationship, normalize the delivery, and support women as they were separated from their newborns.

Conclusions

The intervention was logistically feasible, suggesting that doulas can adapt their practice for incarcerated women. Doulas may need specific training to prepare themselves for institutional restrictions that may conflict with the traditional roles of doula care. It may be important for doulas to understand the level of personal and professional resources they may have to expend to support incarcerated women if they are separated from their infants soon after delivery.
ROS and p53 in Regulation of UVB‐induced HDM2 Alternative Splicing
Authors: Tong Lingying , Wu Shiyong
Published: July 2014

Alternative splicing plays an important role in proteasome diversity and gene expression regulation in eukaryotic cells. Hdm2, the human homolog of mdm2 (murine double minute oncogene 2), is known to be an oncogene as its role in suppression of p53. Hdm2 alternative splicing, occurs in both tumor and normal tissues, is believed to be a response of cells for cellular stress, and thus modulate p53 activity. Therefore, understanding the regulation of hdm2 splicing is critical in elucidating the mechanisms of tumor development and progression. In this study, we determined the effect of ultraviolet B light (UVB) on alternative splicing of hdm2. Our data indicated that UVB (50 mJ cm−2) alone is not a good inducer of alternative splicing of hdm2. The less effectiveness could be due to the induction of ROS and p53 by UVB because removing ROS by L‐NAC (10 mm) in p53 null cells could lead to alternative splicing of hdm2 upon UVB irradiation.
Photoactive Hybrid Materials of Lanthanide (Eu3+, Tb3+, Sm3+) Beta‐Diketonates and Polymer Resin Through Ionic Liquid Bridge
Authors: Mei Ying , Yan Bing
Published: July 2014

A special multifunctional ionic liquid compound (1‐methyl‐3‐(2‐(thiocarboxyoxy)‐ethyl)‐2H‐imidazole‐1,3‐diium bromide (SHIL)) is used as the chemical bridge to link lanthanide beta‐diketonates and polymer resin, which are designated as Ln(L)4‐SHIL‐WR/MR (Ln = Eu, Tb, Sm; L = thenoyltrifluoroacetonate (TTA), acetylacetonate (AA), dibenzoylmethane (DBM); WR = Wang resin, MR = Merrifield resin). Among SHIL and polymer resin are assembled to form covalently bonded system through condensation reaction. Then tetrakis lanthanide beta‐diketonates are linked to SHIL through ion‐exchange reaction. Physical characterization and especially the photoluminescent performance of the multicomponent hybrids are studied. The hybrid materials possess good stability and excellent luminescent property. The results provide useful path to obtain luminescent hybrids for further practical application.
Linking waterlogging tolerance with Mn2+ toxicity: a case study for barley
Authors: Huang X. , Shabala S. , Shabala L. , Rengel Z. , Wu X. , Zhang G. , Zhou M.
Published: July 2014

Vast agricultural areas are affected by flooding, causing up to 80% yield reduction and resulting in multibillion dollar losses. Up to now, the focus of plant breeders was predominantly on detrimental effects of anoxia, while other (potentially equally important) traits were essentially neglected; one of these is soil elemental toxicity. Excess water triggers a progressive decrease in soil redox potential, thus increasing the concentration of Mn2+ that can be toxic to plants if above a specific threshold. This work aimed to quantify the relative contribution of Mn2+ toxicity to waterlogging stress tolerance, using barley as a case study. Twenty barley (Hordeum vulgare) genotypes contrasting in waterlogging stress tolerance were studied for their ability to cope with toxic (1 mm) amounts of Mn2+ in the root rhizosphere. Under Mn2+ toxicity, chlorophyll content of most waterlogging‐tolerant genotypes (TX9425, Yerong, CPI‐71284‐48 and CM72) remained above 60% of the control value, whereas sensitive genotypes (Franklin and Naso Nijo) had 35% less chlorophyll than 35% of controls. Manganese concentration in leaves was not related to visual Mn2+ toxicity symptoms, suggesting that various Mn2+ tolerance mechanisms might operate in different tolerant genotypes, i.e. avoidance versus tissue tolerance. The overall significant (r = 0.60) correlation between tolerance to Mn2+ toxicity and waterlogging in barley suggests that plant breeding for tolerance to waterlogging traits may be advanced by targeting mechanisms conferring tolerance to Mn2+ toxicity, at least in this species.
Use of intraspecific variation in thermal responses for estimating an elevational cline in the timing of cold hardening in a sub‐boreal conifer
Authors: Ishizuka W. , Ono K. , Hara T. , Goto S.
Published: July 2014

To avoid winter frost damage, evergreen coniferous species develop cold hardiness with suitable phenology for the local climate regime. Along the elevational gradient, a genetic cline in autumn phenology is often recognised among coniferous populations, but further quantification of evolutionary adaptation related to the local environment and its responsible signals generating the phenological variation are poorly understood. We evaluated the timing of cold hardening among populations ofAbies sachalinensis, based on time series freezing tests using trees derived from four seed source populations × three planting sites. Furthermore, we constructed a model to estimate the development of hardening from field temperatures and the intraspecific variations occurring during this process. An elevational cline was detected such that high‐elevation populations developed cold hardiness earlier than low‐elevation populations, representing significant genetic control. Because development occurred earlier at high‐elevation planting sites, the genetic trend across elevation overlapped with the environmental trend. Based on the trade‐off between later hardening to lengthen the active growth period and earlier hardening to avoid frost damage, this genetic cline would be adaptive to the local climate. Our modelling approach estimated intraspecific variation in two model components: the threshold temperature, which was the criterion for determining whether the trees accumulated the thermal value, and the chilling requirement for trees to achieve adequate cold hardiness. A higher threshold temperature and a lower chilling requirement could be responsible for the earlier phenology of the high‐elevation population. These thermal responses may be one of the important factors driving the elevation‐dependent adaptation ofA. sachalinensis.
Personality, Ideological Attitudes, and Group Identity as Predictors of Political Behavior in Majority and Minority Ethnic Groups
Authors: Duckitt John , Sibley Chris G.
Published: July 2014

Prior research on personality and politics has largely investigated relationships using national samples from North America and Europe. In contrast, we used multigroup path analysis to assess how Big Five personality, ideological attitudes (RWA, SDO), and group identities (National and Ethnic Identification) predicted right versus left Political Behavior (party support, past voting, present voting intention) across majority and minority ethnic groups in a New Zealand national sample (N = 6,333). The effects of personality on ideological attitudes and group identities were mostly invariant across ethnic groups and consistent with prior findings. In contrast, the effects of ideological attitudes on Political Behavior varied across ethnic groups being moderately strong for the European majority but nonsignificant for the minorities. Group identities had little effect on Political Behavior. We discuss cultural and contextual factors that might account for this disconnect between ideology and politics among the minority ethnic groups.
The Effect of 9/11 on the Heritability of Political Trust
Authors: Ojeda Christopher
Published: July 2014

Following the attacks of September 11, 2001, a rally effect led to a precipitous rise in political trust. However, the increase in political trust concealed a simultaneous decline among a smaller portion of the population. This article examines the psychological mechanisms underlying these heterogeneous attitudes towards government and shows that a biosocial model best explains the observed patterns of response. The interplay of genetic and environmental factors of political trust reveals the stable but dynamic nature of heritability: genetic influences of political trust increased immediately following 9/11 but quickly decayed to pre‐9/11 levels.
Rapid categorization of sound objects in anesthetized rats as indexed by the electrophysiological mismatch response
Authors: Astikainen Piia , Ruusuvirta Timo , Näätänen Risto
Published: July 2014

It is not known whether animals can, similarly to humans, categorize auditory objects based on an abstract rule in combining their physical features. We recorded local‐field potentials from the dura above the primary auditory cortex in urethane‐anesthetized rats presented with sound series occasionally violating a rule (e.g., “the higher the frequency, the weaker the intensity”). In a separate control condition, the same frequency and intensity levels were applied in the sound objects, but they obeyed no rule. Responses found selectively to the violations of the rule suggest that an abstract rule was represented in the rat brain, enabling auditory categorization.
Toward a capability‐based conceptualization of business model innovation: insights from an explorative study
Authors: Mezger Florian
Published: July 2014

Although business model innovation (BMI) is more and more being acknowledged as key strategic task, current research is missing a conceptualization of core elements and relevant organizational capabilities. These research gaps impede a full theoretical understanding and a systematic and purposeful managerial application. By drawing on dynamic capability literature, this study addresses the question of how firms systematically and purposefully pursue BMI. Empirical analysis is based on six case studies in the specialized publishing industry, in which technological change has triggered numerous opportunities for new business models. The findings demonstrate that BMI can be conceptualized as a distinct dynamic capability. This capability can be disaggregated into a firm's capacity to sense business model opportunities, seize them through the development of valuable and unique business models, and reconfigure the firms' competences and resources accordingly. The present study outlines how distinct organizational routines and processes undergird these capacities. A conceptualization as dynamic capability contributes to a theoretical underpinning of BMI by integrating previously discussed dimensions of this phenomenon. Moreover, managers can gain concrete guidelines about how to systematically and purposefully approach BMI.
The Impact of Aramaic (especially Syriac) on the Qur'ān
Authors: Elbadawi Emran
Published: July 2014

The impact of Aramaic (especially Syriac) on the Qur'ān has long been a matter of debate among scholars, especially among those of the western academe but also within circles of traditional Muslim scholarship. Central to this discussion is the language and audience of the Qur'ān. Studies on the Qur'ān's foreign vocabulary gradually gave way to more in depth analyses on the text's relationship to Syriac Christian literature as well as debates surrounding the Jewish‐Christian dimensions, the text's audience. The textual theories employed in studying the Qur'ān's relationship to the Syriac language and Biblical canon contain the strongest debate concerning the impact of Aramaic (especially Syriac) on the Qur'ān. These textual theories have been given consideration in recent scholarship, which reads the Qur'ān in light of the Aramaic translations of the Gospels, as well as the Syriac translation of theDidascalia Apostolorum.
Love in Islamic Thought
Authors: Chittick William
Published: July 2014

Love occupied the attention of numerous Muslim scholars from early times. Taking inspiration from the Qur'an, the Hadith, pre‐Islamic poetry, and the Hellenistic legacy, they explained love's nature in order to bring out the existential import of Islam's fundamental teaching, the assertion of divine unity (tawīd). The 5th–6th/11th–12th centuries witnessed an upsurge in the literature of love, especially in Persian. Theoreticians and poets explained it as the energizing power that brings all things into existence and drives everything to its final goal. They held that God created human beings precisely because of His beginningless love for them, and that people are innately endowed with love because they were created in His image. The varieties of human love were taken as metaphors (majāz) for love's reality (aqīqa), which is God's love for beauty. Authors of such works directed their efforts not at instructing people in right conduct, which is the role of the jurists, nor at clarifying right belief, which is the job of the Kalam experts, but at helping them recognize that all pain and suffering are signs of separation from the One Beloved, and that the only truly human goal is to surrender to love's demands.