bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Dual-task costs in aging are predicted by formal education
Authors: Vallesi Antonino
Published: May 2015

The capacity to manage different concurrent tasks at the same time decays in older adults. There is however a considerable amount of inter-individual variability in this capacity even in healthy aging. The purpose of this empirical study is to investigate which factors help explaining this variability. A dual-task paradigm was administered to 64 older adults and 31 younger controls. In this paradigm, a primary simple response time task had to be carried out either by itself (single-task condition) or while concurrently performing a secondary subtraction task (dual-task condition). Dual-task costs were operationalized by comparing dual-task and single-task conditions. Older adults showed higher dual-task interference than younger controls. Within the older group, the influence of age, general cognitive abilities, performance on the secondary task, and years of formal education was assessed with a multiple regression analysis. The results showed that years of formal education in older adults were the best predictor that significantly explained a portion of the variance in dual-task performance. These findings extend previous literature by showing that formal education provides an important dose of cognitive reserve, which is useful to successfully implement cognitive dual-task management despite aging.
Effect of abomasal or ruminal administration of citrus pulp and soybean oil on milk fatty acid profile and antioxidant properties
Authors: de Lima Luciano Soares , Santos Geraldo T D , Schogor Ana Luiza B , de Marchi Francilaine E , de Souza Moacir R , Santos Nadine W , Santos Fabio S , Petit Hélène V
Published: May 2015

Soybean oil (SBO) is rich in polyunsaturated fatty acids (FA) and rumen bypass of SBO can contribute to increase the polyunsaturated FA proportion in milk fat. Citrus pulp (CPP) is a source of antioxidants but there is little information on the effects of CP administration on milk properties. This study was performed to determine the role of rumen microorganisms in the transfer of antioxidants from CPP into milk when cows receive SBO as a source of polyunsaturated FA. Four ruminally fistulated lactating Holstein cows were assigned to a 4 × 4 Latin square design with a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement of treatments: (1) SBO administered in the rumen; (2) SBO infused in the abomasum; (3) SBO + CPP administered in the rumen; and (4) SBO + CPP infused in the abomasum. Product and site of administration had no effect on yield of milk components. Concentrations of total polyphenols and flavonoids, reducing power and production of conjugated diene (CD) hydroperoxides in milk were not affected by products, but infusion in the abomasum compared with administration in the rumen increased production of CD. Milk fat FA profile was not affected by products. However, cows infused in the abomasum compared with those administered in the rumen showed lower proportions of short-chain and monounsaturated FA and higher proportions of polyunsaturated, omega 3 and omega 6 FA in milk fat, which resulted in enhanced health-promoting index of milk. Administration of SBO and CPP (0·2 + 1·0 kg/d) in the rumen or the abomasum resulted in similar milk antioxidant properties, thus suggesting that the rumen microbes have little involvement in the metabolism of antioxidants from CPP.
Production of lactulose oligosaccharides by isomerisation of transgalactosylated cheese whey permeate obtained by β-galactosidases from dairyKluyveromyces
Authors: Padilla Beatriz , Frau Florencia , Ruiz-Matute Ana Isabel , Montilla Antonia , Belloch Carmela , Manzanares Paloma , Corzo Nieves
Published: May 2015

β-Galactosidases fromKluyveromyces lactisandKluyveromyces marxianusisolated from artisanal ewes’ milk cheeses, were used to transgalactosylate lactose from cheese whey permeate (WP). The content of galactooligosaccharides (GOS) obtained by transgalactosylation was comparable with that formed using pure lactose as substrate. In order to obtain a mixture with higher prebiotic oligosaccharide content, isomerisation of the transgalactosylated WP was carried out using sodium aluminate as catalyst. The transgalactosylated mixtures at 6 h of reaction contained amounts of prebiotic carbohydrates (tagatose, lactulose, GOS and oligosaccharides derived from lactulose, OsLu) close to 50 g/100 g of total carbohydrates for all the strains tested, corresponding to 322 g prebiotics/kg whey permeate. Thus, the suitability of this methodology to produce mixtures of dietary non-digestible carbohydrates with prebiotic properties from WP has been demonstrated, which is interesting for the food industry since it increases the value and the applicability of this by-product from cheese manufacture.
Occurrence of Atlantic humpback (Sousa teuszii) and bottlenose (Tursiops truncatus) dolphins in the coastal waters of Guinea-Bissau, with an updated cetacean species checklist
Authors: Leeney Ruth H. , Weir Caroline R. , Campredon Pierre , Regalla Aissa , Foster Jeff
Published: May 2015

There is a paucity of information on the cetacean fauna of Guinea-Bissau in West Africa. We compiled records published in the literature and novel unpublished sighting data (2008–2014) to examine the occurrence and distribution of cetacean species. At least 10 species were verified to occur in Guinea-Bissau waters, of which eight were documented from a small number of sightings, whaling captures or skeletal remains. By far the most frequently recorded species were the common bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus) (N = 146) and the Atlantic humpback dolphin (Sousa teuszii) (N = 110). These two species were sympatric in distribution, both being found throughout coastal waters from the northern regions of Canal de Jeta and Rio Mansôa south to the Rio Cacine and around the Arquipélago dos Bijagós. However, differences were apparent in their finer-scale distribution and in the distance of sightings from shore, with bottlenose dolphin sightings generally occurring further from shore (and especially in the region of the Canal do Gêba) than Atlantic humpback dolphins. Sightings indicate that both species likely inhabit Guinea-Bissau waters throughout the year. Dedicated systematic cetacean survey work is urgently needed in coastal Bissau-Guinean waters in order to ascertain the abundance, spatio-temporal distribution, population structure and causes of mortality of bottlenose and Atlantic humpback dolphins, particularly given the Vulnerable conservation status of the latter species. Clarification of the status of cetaceans in offshore waters requires survey effort throughout the Guinea-Bissau EEZ.
Ea Superstitione:Christian Martyrdom and the Religion of Freelance Experts
Authors: Wendt Heidi
Published: May 2015

This paper situates Roman actions undertaken against Christians amidst an unofficial pattern of measures employed throughout the imperial period to manage the expanding influence of freelance religious experts. Questions about the historical circumstances of martyrdom or persecution tend to proceed from the assumption that Christians were perceived and dealt with as a distinct religious community. However, the penalties alleged by writers such as Paul and Justin were more commonly issued against self-authorized individuals (magi, astrologers, prophets, diviners, philosophers, and so forth) than against undifferentiated religious groups. Thus, I propose that Roman motivations for investigating and punishing Christians, at least in the first and second centuries, are best understood in relation to the wider phenomenon of freelance expertise and the range of concerns that it engendered.
ESTIMATING THE VOLATILITY OCCUPATION TIME VIA REGULARIZED LAPLACE INVERSION
Authors: Li Jia , Todorov Viktor , Tauchen George
Published: May 2015

We propose a consistent functional estimator for the occupation time of the spot variance of an asset price observed at discrete times on a finite interval with the mesh of the observation grid shrinking to zero. The asset price is modeled nonparametrically as a continuous-time Itô semimartingale with nonvanishing diffusion coefficient. The estimation procedure contains two steps. In the first step we estimate the Laplace transform of the volatility occupation time and, in the second step, we conduct a regularized Laplace inversion. Monte Carlo evidence suggests that the proposed estimator has good small-sample performance and in particular it is far better at estimating lower volatility quantiles and the volatility median than a direct estimator formed from the empirical cumulative distribution function of local spot volatility estimates. An empirical application shows the use of the developed techniques for nonparametric analysis of variation of volatility.
Spatial and Seasonal Ionospheric Error Growth in DGPS Measurement: A Case Study in Malaysia
Authors: Wan Aris W.A. , Musa T.A. , Ooi W.H. , Hairizam A. , Musliman I.A. , Othman R. , Moslin S.I. , Abdullah K.A.
Published: May 2015

This paper tackles the Equatorial ionosphere and its effects on Differential Global Positioning System (DGPS) error growth over Malaysia by using a network of GPS Continuously Operating Reference Stations (CORS). Seasonal variation of ionospheric delay has been examined and findings show that the effect of spatial variation of ionospheric errors in DGPS is very significant during the equinoctial seasons. Furthermore, a DGPS regression model was developed and tested during the solar maximum year in 2013 by using internet-based DGPS. The results show that the model is capable of estimating DGPS positional errors for distances of user to reference station less than 680 km.
Impact of Navigational Safety Level on Seaport Fairway Capacity
Authors: Wang Wenyuan , Peng Yun , Song Xiangqun , Zhou Yong
Published: May 2015

In this paper, the definition of seaport fairway capacity, considering port service level, is given by referring to both road and inland waterway capacity combined with the features of coastal fairways. In view of the navigation environment and ships' behaviour, the safety distance of ships entering and leaving a seaport is chosen as an overall index to evaluate the navigational safety level of a fairway. Based on the ship-following theory, an Arena-based seaport operating system simulation model is constructed to analyse the impact of safety level on seaport fairway capacity. For different navigational safety levels (i.e., minimum, general and adequate), seaport fairway capacity corresponding to different service levels and navigation durations is obtained. The results show that fairway capacity varies with safety level for a given port service level, and the lower the safety level is, the higher the fairway capacity is. Finally, a recommended navigational safety level and its associated fairway capacity are given to provide a theoretical foundation for fairway design and management.
A Differential Measurement Method for Solving the Ephemeris Observability Issues in Autonomous Navigation
Authors: Liao Shilong , Qi Zhaoxiang , Tang Zhenghong
Published: May 2015

The autonomous navigation of navigation and positioning systems such as the Global Positioning System (GPS) and other Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS) was motivated to improve accuracy and survivability of the navigation function for 180 days without ground contact. These improvements are accomplished by establishing inter-satellite links in the constellation for pseudo-range observations and communications between satellites. But observability issues arise for both ephemeris and clock since the pseudo-range describes only the relative distance between satellites. A differential measurement method is proposed to measure the rotation of the constellation as a whole for the first time. The feasibility of the proposed method is verified by simulations.
Non-Renounceable Rights, Paternalism and Autonomy
Authors: MIDTGAARD SøREN FLINCH
Published: May 2015

The notion of a non-renounceable right – that is, a right one cannot irrevocably relinquish – is an integral part of recent liberal reconciliatory attempts to justify apparently paternalistic policies, such as compulsory insurance or providing people with certain goods irrespective of their subjective preferences, non-paternalistically. However, non-renounceable rights cannot be justified non-paternalistically. A critical scrutiny of the liberal reconciliatory arguments in question reveals this and points towards a plausible paternalist justification of the policies in question.
Apartheid Resistance and Biblical Interpretation: From Christian Confession to Materialist Analysis
Authors: McKay Niall
Published: May 2015

The rhetorical resistance to Apartheid in South Africa appealed to many sources of authority. In Christian communities, the New Testament was brought into creative conversation with traditional “confessional” texts, modern scholarship, and Marxist class analysis in order to develop contextually-located theologies and practices of resistance. This article highlights the important insights of Allan Boesak, Albert Nolan, and Itumeleng Mosala, which served the Apartheid struggle. After noting key differences in the methods and conclusions of these scholars, I suggest that another look at their insights may well be critical in developing Christian responses to the deep structural injustices of the post-Apartheid period.
Taking the multidimensionality of democracy seriously: institutional patterns and the quality of democracy
Authors: Bernauer Julian , Bühlmann Marc , Vatter Adrian , Germann Micha
Published: May 2015

Democracies come in all shapes and sizes. Which configuration of political institutions produces the highest democratic quality is a notorious debate. The lineup of contenders includes ‘consensus’, ‘Westminster’, and ‘centripetal’ democracy. A trend in the evaluation of the relationship between empirical patterns of democracy and its quality is that the multidimensional nature of both concepts is increasingly taken into account. This article tests the assertion that certain centripetal configurations of proportionality in party systems and government, and unitarism in the remaining state structure, might outperform all other alternatives both in terms of inclusiveness and effectiveness. Analyzing 33 democracies, the results of interactive regression models only partially support this claim. Proportional–unitary democracies have the best track record in terms of representation, but there are little differences in participation, transparency, and government capability compared with other models.
Highly luminescent and cytocompatible cationic Ag2S NIR-emitting quantum dots for optical imaging and gene transfection
Authors: Duman Fatma Demir , Hocaoglu Ibrahim , Ozturk Deniz Gulfem , Gozuacik Devrim , Kiraz Alper , Yagci Acar Havva
Published: May 2015

Cationic Ag2S quantum dots that are strongly luminescent in the NIR-I region with a quantum yield as high as 150% are developed by a simple aqueous technique. In vitro optical imaging and gene delivery experiments have demonstrated their value as new theranostic materials.
Near-infrared fluorescence activation probes based on disassembly-induced emission cyanine dye
Authors: Hou Tai-Cheng , Wu Ying-Yi , Chiang Po-Yi , Tan Kui-Thong
Published: May 2015

In the presence of target analyte, bright fluorescence in the near-IR region is emitted through the recognition-induced disassembly of the probe aggregate.
Solution-phase synthesis and thermal conductivity of nanostructured CdSe, In2Se3, and composites thereof
Authors: Ma Yuanyu , Liu Minglu , Jaber Abbas , Wang Robert Y.
Published: May 2015

We synthesize and characterize nanoparticle-in-matrix composites. These crystalline inorganic nanocomposites have very low thermal conductivities comparable to amorphous polymers.
An evaluation of the genetic structure of seed sources and the maintenance of genetic diversity during establishment of two yellow box (Eucalyptus melliodora) seed-production areas
Authors: Broadhurst Linda M. , Fifield Graham , Vanzella Bindi , Pickup Melinda
Published: May 2015

Vegetation clearing and land-use change have depleted many natural plant communities to the point where restoration is required. A major impediment to the success of rebuilding complex vegetation communities is having regular access to sufficient quantities of high-quality seed. Seed-production areas (SPAs) can help generate this seed, but these must be underpinned by a broad genetic base to maximise the evolutionary potential of restored populations. However, genetic bottlenecks can occur at the collection, establishment and production stages in SPAs, requiring genetic evaluation. This is especially relevant for species that may take many years before a return on SPA investment is realised. Two recently established yellow box (Eucalyptus melliodora A.Cunn. ex Schauer, Myrtaceae) SPAs were evaluated to determine whether genetic bottlenecks had occurred between seed collection and SPA establishment. No evidence was found to suggest that a significant loss of genetic diversity had occurred at this stage, although there was a significant difference in diversity between the two SPAs. Complex population genetic structure was also observed in the seed used to source the SPAs, with up to eight groups identified. Plant survival in the SPAs was influenced by seed collection location but not by SPA location and was not associated with genetic diversity. There were also no associations between genetic diversity and plant growth. These data highlighted the importance of chance events when establishing SPAs and indicated that the two yellow box SPAs are likely to provide genetically diverse seed sources for future restoration projects, especially by pooling seed from both SPAs.
Interactive effect of biochar and plant growth-promoting bacterial endophytes on ameliorating salinity stress in maize
Authors: Akhtar Saqib Saleem , Andersen Mathias Neumann , Naveed Muhammad , Zahir Zahir Ahmad , Liu Fulai
Published: May 2015

The objective of this work was to study the interactive effect of biochar and plant growth-promoting endophytic bacteria containing 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylate deaminase and exopolysaccharide activity on mitigating salinity stress in maize (Zea mays L.). The plants were grown in a greenhouse under controlled conditions, and were subjected to separate or combined treatments of biochar (0% and 5%, w/w) and two endophytic bacterial strains (Burkholderia phytofirmans (PsJN) and Enterobacter sp. (FD17)) and salinity stress. The results indicated that salinity significantly decreased the growth of maize, whereas both biochar and inoculation mitigated the negative effects of salinity on maize performance either by decreasing the xylem Na+ concentration ([Na+]xylem) uptake or by maintaining nutrient balance within the plant, especially when the two treatments were applied in combination. Moreover, in biochar-amended saline soil, strain FD17 performed significantly better than did PsJN in reducing [Na+]xylem. Our results suggested that inoculation of plants with endophytic baterial strains along with biochar amendment could be an effective approach for sustaining crop production in salt-affected soils.
BLOC-2 targets recycling endosomal tubules to melanosomes for cargo delivery
Authors: Dennis Megan K. , Mantegazza Adriana R. , Snir Olivia L. , Tenza Danièle , Acosta-Ruiz Amanda , Delevoye Cédric , Zorger Richard , Sitaram Anand , de Jesus-Rojas Wilfredo , Ravichandran Keerthana , Rux John , Sviderskaya Elena V. , Bennett Dorothy C. , Raposo Graça , Marks Michael S. , Setty Subba Rao Gangi
Published: May 2015

Hermansky–Pudlak syndrome (HPS) is a group of disorders characterized by the malformation of lysosome-related organelles, such as pigment cell melanosomes. Three of nine characterized HPS subtypes result from mutations in subunits of BLOC-2, a protein complex with no known molecular function. In this paper, we exploit melanocytes from mouse HPS models to place BLOC-2 within a cargo transport pathway from recycling endosomal domains to maturing melanosomes. In BLOC-2–deficient melanocytes, the melanosomal protein TYRP1 was largely depleted from pigment granules and underwent accelerated recycling from endosomes to the plasma membrane and to the Golgi. By live-cell imaging, recycling endosomal tubules of wild-type melanocytes made frequent and prolonged contacts with maturing melanosomes; in contrast, tubules from BLOC-2–deficient cells were shorter in length and made fewer, more transient contacts with melanosomes. These results support a model in which BLOC-2 functions to direct recycling endosomal tubular transport intermediates to maturing melanosomes and thereby promote cargo delivery and optimal pigmentation.
The expanding implications of polyploidy
Authors: Schoenfelder Kevin P. , Fox Donald T.
Published: May 2015

Polyploid cells, which contain more than two genome copies, occur throughout nature. Beyond well-established roles in increasing cell size/metabolic output, polyploidy can also promote nonuniform genome, transcriptome, and metabolome alterations. Polyploidy also frequently confers resistance to environmental stresses not tolerated by diploid cells. Recent progress has begun to unravel how this fascinating phenomenon contributes to normal physiology and disease.
The couplonopathies: A comparative approach to a class of diseases of skeletal and cardiac muscle
Authors: Ríos Eduardo , Figueroa Lourdes , Manno Carlo , Kraeva Natalia , Riazi Sheila
Published: May 2015

A novel category of diseases of striated muscle is proposed, the couplonopathies, as those that affect components of the couplon and thereby alter its operation. Couplons are the functional units of intracellular calcium release in excitation–contraction coupling. They comprise dihydropyridine receptors, ryanodine receptors (Ca2+ release channels), and a growing list of ancillary proteins whose alteration may lead to disease. Within a generally similar plan, the couplons of skeletal and cardiac muscle show, in a few places, marked structural divergence associated with critical differences in the mechanisms whereby they fulfill their signaling role. Most important among these are the presence of a mechanical or allosteric communication between voltage sensors and Ca2+ release channels, exclusive to the skeletal couplon, and the smaller capacity of the Ca stores in cardiac muscle, which results in greater swings of store concentration during physiological function. Consideration of these structural and functional differences affords insights into the pathogenesis of several couplonopathies. The exclusive mechanical connection of the skeletal couplon explains differences in pathogenesis between malignant hyperthermia (MH) and catecholaminergic polymorphic ventricular tachycardia (CPVT), conditions most commonly caused by mutations in homologous regions of the skeletal and cardiac Ca2+ release channels. Based on mechanistic considerations applicable to both couplons, we identify the plasmalemma as a site of secondary modifications, typically an increase in store-operated calcium entry, that are relevant in MH pathogenesis. Similar considerations help explain the different consequences that mutations in triadin and calsequestrin have in these two tissues. As more information is gathered on the composition of cardiac and skeletal couplons, this comparative and mechanistic approach to couplonopathies should be useful to understand pathogenesis, clarify diagnosis, and propose tissue-specific drug development.
The Hill analysis and co-ion–driven transporter kinetics
Authors: Lolkema Juke S. , Slotboom Dirk-Jan
Published: May 2015

Interaction of multiple ligands with a protein or protein complex is a widespread phenomenon that allows for cooperativity. Here, we review the use of the Hill equation, which is commonly used to analyze binding or kinetic data, to analyze the kinetics of ion-coupled transporters and show how the mechanism of transport affects the Hill coefficient. Importantly, the Hill analysis of ion-coupled transporters can provide the exact number of transported co-ions, regardless of the extent of the cooperativity in ion binding.
A novel essential domain perspective for exploring gene essentiality
Authors: Lu Yao , Lu Yulan , Deng Jingyuan , Peng Hai , Lu Hui , Lu Long Jason
Published: May 2015

Motivation: Genes with indispensable functions are identified as essential; however, the traditional gene-level studies of essentiality have several limitations. In this study, we characterized gene essentiality from a new perspective of protein domains, the independent structural or functional units of a polypeptide chain.

Results: To identify such essential domains, we have developed an Expectation–Maximization (EM) algorithm-based Essential Domain Prediction (EDP) Model. With simulated datasets, the model provided convergent results given different initial values and offered accurate predictions even with noise. We then applied the EDP model to six microbial species and predicted 1879 domains to be essential in at least one species, ranging 10–23% in each species. The predicted essential domains were more conserved than either non-essential domains or essential genes. Comparing essential domains in prokaryotes and eukaryotes revealed an evolutionary distance consistent with that inferred from ribosomal RNA. When utilizing these essential domains to reproduce the annotation of essential genes, we received accurate results that suggest protein domains are more basic units for the essentiality of genes. Furthermore, we presented several examples to illustrate how the combination of essential and non-essential domains can lead to genes with divergent essentiality. In summary, we have described the first systematic analysis on gene essentiality on the level of domains.

Contact:  huilu.bioinfo@gmail.com or Long.Lu@cchmc.org

Supplementary Information:  Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
Preliminary Development of a Performance Assessment Tool for Documentation of History Taking in Child Physical Abuse
Authors: Burrell Tanya , Moffatt Mary , Toy Serkan , Nielsen-Parker Monica , Anderst James
Published: May 2015

Objectives

This study aimed to develop a performance assessment tool for the history-taking components of the medical evaluation of physical abuse in young children by (1) determining the consensus-based injury history and social components for documentation, (2) identifying preliminary performance standards, (3) assessing current level-specific performance using the created tools, and (4) evaluating reliability and validity of the created tools.

Methods

The Physical Abuse Assessment Tool (PHAAT) was developed in 2 steps: (1) a modified Delphi survey was used to identify the injury history and social components for documentation in a medical evaluation for physical abuse, and (2) level-specific (“novice,” “competent,” “expert”) practice standards (minimum passing scores) were created using the identified components via the Angoff method. To evaluate validity, reliability, and level-specific performance of the PHAAT, a chart review of 50 consecutive cases from each of the 3 levels was performed.

Results

Seventy-one child abuse pediatricians and 39 social workers participated in the modified Delphi survey, and 67 child abuse pediatricians and 27 social workers participated in the Angoff method. The resulting PHAAT included 2 checklists for use based on presence or absence of a history of an injurious event. One-way analysis of variance shows significant differences in performance based on team level (P < 0.001), indicating construct validity. Intrarater and interrater reliability evaluations showed strong (r
s = 0.64-0.92) and moderate to strong (intraclass correlation coefficient = 0.81-0.98) correlations, respectively.

Conclusions

Initial evaluation suggests the PHAAT may be a reliable and valid practice assessment tool for the medical evaluation of physical abuse.
Deep sequencing of small RNA facilitates tissue and sex specific microRNA discovery in zebrafish
Authors: Vaz Candida , Wee Choon Wei , Lee Serene Gek Ping , Ingham Philip W , Tanavde Vivek , Mathavan Sinnakaruppan
Published: May 2015

Role of microRNAs in gene regulation has been well established. Though the number of genes appear to be equal between human and zebrafish, miRNAs detected in zebrafish (~247) is significantly low compared to human (~2000; miRBase Release 19). It appears that most of the miRNAs in zebrafish are yet to be discovered. Using next generation sequencing technology, we sequenced small RNAs from brain, gut, liver, ovary, testis, eye, heart and embryo of zebrafish. In few tissues (brain, gut, liver) sequencing was done sex specifically. About 16-62% of the sequenced reads mapped to known miRNAs of zebrafish, with the exceptions of ovary (5.7%) and testis (7.8%). We used miRDeep2, the miRNA predication tool, to discover the novel miRNAs using the un-annotated reads that ranged from 7.6 to 23.0%, with exceptions of ovary (51.4%) and testis (55.2%) that had the largest pool of un-annotated reads. The prediction tool identified a total of 459 novel pre-miRNAs. Comparison of miRNA expression data of the tissues showed the presence of tissue and sex specific miRNAs that could serve as biomarkers. The brain and liver had highest number of tissue specific (36) and sex specific (34) miRNAs, respectively. Taken together, we have made a comprehensive approach to identify tissue and sex specific miRNAs from zebrafish. Further, we have discovered 459 novel pre-miRNAs (~30% homology to human miRNA) as additional genomic resource for zebrafish. This resource can facilitate further investigations to understand miRNA-mRNA gene regulatory network in zebrafish which will have implications to understand human miRNA function.
Endorsing Darwin – Global biogeography of the epipelagic goose barnacles Lepas spp. (Cirripedia, Lepadomorpha) proves cryptic speciation
Authors: Schiffer Philipp H. , Herbig Hans-Georg
Published: May 2015

Aim We studied different species of gooseneck barnacles from the globally distributed rafting genus Lepas to examine whether the most widespread species are true cosmopolitans and to explore the factors influencing the phylogeny and biogeography of these epipelagic rafters. Location Temperate and tropical parts of the Atlantic, Pacific, and Indic oceans. Methods We used a phylogenetic approach based on mitochondrial 16S and coI sequences, and the nuclear 18S gene to elucidate patterns of inter- and intra-species divergence. Altogether, five species of Lepas from 18 confined regions of the Atlantic, Pacific and Indic oceans were analyzed. Results A combination of nuclear and mitochondrial sequences provided robust phylogenetic signals for biogeographic classification of subgroups in Lepas species. Lepas australis, restricted to cold-temperate waters of the southern hemisphere shows two separate populations in the southern hemisphere (coastal Chile, other circum- Antarctic sampling sites) most probably related to temperature differences in the southern Pacific current systems. A more complex differentiation is seen for the cosmopolitan L. anatifera that thrives in warmer waters. In total, it is differentiated in four regional subgroups (coastal Chile, Oregon, Indopacific in general, Atlantic) and a global group, which might be either an ancient stemgroup, but more probably is an anthropogenic artefact. Separation into subgroups likely reflect geological vicariance effects. For Lepas, these were closure of the Isthmus of Panama, installation of the cool Benguela Current in the later Miocene including its persistence into the Present, Pleistocene current systems in the western Pacific differing from today, and in general lowered Pleistocene temperatures, and finally present-day current systems. The extreme ecologicalgeneralists L. anserifera and L. pectinata are not differentated according to available data and might represent true global species. Data for L. testudinata remain ambiguous. Main conclusions Our data indicate cryptic speciation in some but not all species of the cosmopolitan epipelagic genus Lepas. Regional distribution of genetically different populations rely on a wealth of in part interacting inherited geological factors and modern traits. Controlling factors differ between species according to their ecospace limits and demonstrate the need for studies on species level to avoid unjustified generalizations. Data indicate that allopatric speciation is the main mode of divergence. True global species, if existent at all, need to be extreme ecological generalists, like Lepas pectinata and L. anserifera.
Probing the structure of framework materials by high pressure and the example of a magnetic, non-porous coordination polymer
Authors: Fabbiani Francesca P. A.
Published: May 2015

High pressure has become an indispensable research tool in the quest for novel functional materials. High-pressure crystallographic studies on non-porous, framework materials based on coordination compounds are markedly on the rise, enabling the unravelling of structural phenomena and taking us a step closer to the derivation of structure–property relationships.
Xeroderma pigmentosum complementation group F: Report of a case and review of Japanese patients
Authors: Tofuku Yukari , Nobeyama Yoshimasa , Kamide Ryoichi , Moriwaki Shinichi , Nakagawa Hidemi
Published: May 2015

Xeroderma pigmentosum (XP) is an autosomal recessive genetic disorder characterized by extraordinary sensitivity to sunlight, resulting in cutaneous malignant tumors. Among XP, XP‐F presents relatively uniquely in Japanese. To clarify the characteristics of this group, we describe a case of XP‐F and review Japanese cases previously reported. A 50‐year‐old Japanese woman was referred to us with multiple, variously sized, light‐ or dark‐brown macules on the face and sunlight‐exposed extremities. She had experienced bulla formation with approximately 10 min of sunlight exposure during her elementary school years. Her parents had been first cousins, and her mother and sister had photosensitivity. She showed no neurological or developmental abnormalities. Ultraviolet (UV) irradiation testing revealed normal levels for minimal erythema dose with UV‐A and UV‐B. Sensitivity to UV‐C and DNA repair ability in the patient's fibroblasts were indicated between that in normal individuals and that in an XP‐A patient. Complementation assay revealed that transfection of the XPF gene led most efficient DNA repair compared with the other XP genes. Therefore, the patient was diagnosed with XP‐F. Twenty‐three cases of Japanese patients (six males, 17 females) with XP‐F have been reported, including the present case. Our review suggested a relatively high prevalence of 50% (11/22) for cutaneous malignant tumors. A significant difference was evident in the mean age at first medical consultation between patients with cutaneous malignant tumors (53.6 years) and patients without such tumors (30.8 years). This suggests that cutaneous malignant tumors could occur in the age range of 30–50 years in XP‐F patients.
Development of bullous pemphigoid during treatment of psoriatic onycho‐pachydermo periostitis with ustekinumab
Authors: Nakayama Chihiro , Fujita Yasuyuki , Watanabe Mika , Shimizu Hiroshi
Published: May 2015

Ustekinumab is a human monoclonal antibody that specifically binds to the p40 subunit of interleukin (IL)‐12 and IL‐23, inhibiting the activity of both cytokines, thereby blocking the T‐helper (Th)1 and Th17 inflammatory pathways. While biologic agents have dramatically changed the strategies of psoriasis treatment, increasing cases of autoimmune diseases during the use of such agents have been reported. We experienced a case of bullous pemphigoid occurring during treatment of a rare variant of psoriatic arthritis, psoriatic onycho‐pachydermo periostitis with ustekinumab. Only six cases of autoimmune blistering diseases during treatment with biologic agents have ever been reported including our case, and we herein review the published work of these cases. Dermatologists must be attentive to the possibility of autoimmune blistering diseases during ustekinumab treatment.
Ecosystem‐level effects of a globally spreading invertebrate invader are not moderated by a functionally similar native
Authors: Penk Marcin , Irvine Kenneth , Donohue Ian
Published: May 2015

Biological invasions are a key element of human‐induced global environmental change. However, lack of knowledge of the indirect consequences of invasions, combined with poor understanding of how their ecological effects depend upon competitive attributes of the receiving community, hinders our ability to manage and predict the effects of invasive species on ecosystems.

We established an experiment using a combination of both additive and substitutive experimental designs to explore the effects of the globally spreading mysid shrimpHemimysis anomalaon the biological structure of outdoor pond mesocosms in the absence and presence of a functionally similar native competitor,Mysis salemaai.

The naturally smallerH. anomalahad considerably stronger effects on primary producers, multiple aspects of consumer assemblages and overall biological structure of the ponds in comparison with the functionally similar native. Moreover, the magnitude of these effects was generally independent of the presence ofM. salemaaiand even total mysid density.Hemimysis anomalareduced both the abundance and diversity of zooplankton assemblages significantly, triggering a strong trophic cascade on phytoplankton and a simultaneous increase of benthic invertebrate biomass. These findings indicate that invasion byH. anomalamay exacerbate the effects of nutrient enrichment on lakes.

Our results demonstrate that introduced species can, irrespective of the presence of functionally similar natives, induce complex changes to ecosystems that reach beyond direct consumptive effects. Moreover, the cascading indirect effects of invasion can exacerbate the impacts of other stressors. Disregarding the complexity of indirect effects therefore risks underestimating significantly the global ecological footprint of biological invasions.
Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungal effects on plant competition and community structure
Authors: Lin Guigang , McCormack M. Luke , Guo Dali
Published: May 2015

Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) mediate plant interspecific competition and community structure. However, the magnitude and direction of AMF effects and underlying mechanisms are not clear. Here, we synthesized the results of 304 studies to evaluate how AMF affect plant competition and community structure and which abiotic and biotic conditions in experimental design modify these AMF effects.

The magnitude and direction of AMF effects on plant competitive ability (in terms of competitive response) differed markedly among plant functional groups. When AMF inoculum was added, competitive ability was strongly enhanced in N‐fixing forbs and was significantly suppressed in C3 grasses, whereas no effect was observed in C4 grasses, non‐N‐fixing forbs and woody species. Furthermore, AMF inoculation increased competitive ability of perennial species when their competitors were annual species.

AMF inoculation differentially influenced separate aspects of plant community structure and species composition. AMF inoculation significantly increased plant diversity but had no effects on plant productivity. Response of dominant plant species to AMF inoculation was the determining factor in explaining variations in how and to what degree plant diversity was influenced by AMF inoculation. When dominant species derived strong benefits from AMF, their dominance level was increased by AMF inoculation, which consequently decreased plant diversity. We did not find stronger AMF effects on plant diversity and productivity when greater numbers of AMF species were used in the inoculation.

Synthesis. Despite large variations in AMF effects among studies, a unifying mechanism was observed that the mycorrhizal responsiveness (differences in plant growth between AMF and non‐AMF colonization treatments) of target and neighbouring plant species can determine AMF effects on the competitive outcome among plant species, which in turn influenced plant species diversity and community composition. Given that plant traits, soil nutrient conditions and probably mycorrhizal fungal traits are all factors determining the degree of mycorrhizal response of plant species, future studies should explicitly consider each of these factors in experimental design to better understand AMF effects on plant coexistence, plant community dynamics and ecosystem processes.
Development of two forensically important blowfly species (Chrysomya megacephala and Chrysomya rufifacies) (Diptera: Calliphoridae) at four temperatures in India
Authors: Bala Madhu , Singh Devinder
Published: May 2015

The development of the Oriental latrine fly, Chrysomya megacephala (Fabricius), and hairy maggot blowfly, C. rufifacies (Macquart) (Diptera: Calliphoridae), was studied at four different temperatures (22°C, 25°C, 29°C and 31°C) in order to draw correlations between larval age, body length and body dry weight. The mean larval body length increased steadily from a minimum of 1.4 mm for C. megacephala and 1.8 mm for C. rufifacies to a maximum of 17.4 mm for C. megacephala and 15.9 mm for C. rufifacies at different temperatures. Similarly, the mean dry weight increased steadily from a minimum of 0.0007 g for C. megacephala (second instar) and 0.0008 g for C. rufifacies (second instar) to a maximum of 0.0290 g for C. megacephala and 0.0270 g for C. rufifacies at different temperatures. Entomological evidence is often used to estimate the minimum postmortem interval (mPMI) and both of these species are important from a forensic point of view. Graphs of age of larvae vs. body length and age of larvae vs. dry body weight at different temperatures can be used to estimate the larval age of these two species.
Insights into accounting choice from the adoption timing of International Financial Reporting Standards
Authors: Stent Warwick , Bradbury Michael E. , Hooks Jill
Published: May 2015

This paper collects survey evidence on the costs and benefits of adopting International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS). It also examines the motivations for the timing of IFRS adoption. Significant differences exist between early and late adopters for three of nine benefits and for one of six cost measures. No significant differences exist in terms of firm size or the impact of IFRS on contracts. Early adopters perceive themselves as market leaders. They are more certain about the manageability of implementing IFRS and are more specific with regard to the impact of IFRS adoption. Late adoption decisions are motivated by adverse consequences and uncertainty.
“Sub is a weird drug:” A web‐based study of lay attitudes about use of buprenorphine to self‐treat opioid withdrawal symptoms
Authors: Daniulaityte Raminta , Carlson Robert , Brigham Gregory , Cameron Delroy , Sheth Amit
Published: May 2015

Background

Illicit use of buprenorphine has increased in the U.S., but our understanding of its use remains limited. This study aims to explore Web‐forum discussions about the use of buprenorphine to self‐treat opioid withdrawal symptoms.

Methods

PREDOSE, a novel Semantic Web platform, was used to extract relevant posts from a Web‐forum that allows free discussions on illicit drugs. First, we extract information about the total number of buprenorphine‐related posts per year between 2005 and 2013. Second, PREDOSE was used to identify all posts that potentially contained discussions about buprenorphine and opioid withdrawal. A total number of 1,217 posts that contained these terms were extracted and entered into NVivo data base. A random sample of 404 (33%) posts was selected and content analyzed.

Results

Buprenorphine‐related posts increased over time, peaking in 2011. The posts were about equally divided between those that expressed positive and negative views about the effectiveness of buprenorphine in relieving withdrawal symptoms. Web‐forum participants emphasized that buprenorphine's effectiveness may become compromised because of the “size of a person habit,” and/or when users repeatedly switch back and forth between buprenorphine and other illicit opioids. Most posts reported use of significantly lower amounts of buprenorphine (≤2 mg) than doses used in standard treatment. Concomitant use of other psychoactive substances was also commonly reported, which may present significant health risks.

Conclusions

Our findings highlight the usefulness of Web‐based data in drug abuse research and add new information about lay beliefs about buprenorphine that may help inform prevention and policy measures. (Am J Addict 2015;24:403 –409)
A pilot study of the relationship between Doppler‐estimated carotid and brachial artery flow and cardiac index
Authors: Weber U. , Glassford N. J. , Eastwood G. M. , Bellomo R. , Hilton A. K.
Published: May 2015

We measured carotid and brachial artery blood flow by Doppler ultrasound in 11 human volunteers, and related these to cardiac index and to each other. The median (IQR [range]) carotid arterial blood flow was 0.334 (0.223–0.381 [0.052–0.563]) l.min−1 on the right and 0.315 (0.223–0.369 [0.061–0.690]) l.min−1 on the left. The brachial arterial blood flow was 0.049 (0.033–0.062 [0.015–0.204]) l.min−1 on the right and 0.039 (0.027–0.054 [0.011–0.116]) on the left. Cardiac index was 3.2 (2.8–3.5 [1.9–5.4]) l.min−1.m−2. There was a moderate to good correlation between right‐and left‐sided flows (brachial: ρ = 0.45; carotid: ρ = 0.567). Brachial and carotid flow had no or a negative correlation with cardiac index (right brachial: ρ = −0.145, left brachial: ρ = −0.349; right carotid: ρ = −0.376, left carotid: ρ = −0.285). In contrast to some previous studies, we found that Doppler‐estimated peripheral arterial blood flows only show a weak correlation with cardiac index and cannot be used to provide non‐invasive estimates of cardiac index in man.
9 Archaeological Conservation at Ek’ Balam and its influence on the Perception of the Pre‐Hispanic Past and Cultural Identity in the Maya Communities of Hunukú, Ek’ Balam, and Santa Rita
Authors: Alonso Olvera Alejandra
Published: May 2015

The Ek’ Balam Archaeological Conservation Project includes the participation of the local Maya communities of Hunukú, Ek’ Balam, and Santa Rita, who have contributed their work to the project for more than ten years. This chapter explores the diversity of meanings that the archaeological site has for the local population, the importance of archaeology, and the participatory impact in the definition of cultural identity of these marginal groups. Following Magnoni et al. (2007) I use Ingold's model (2000:133) as a conceptual framework for understanding how the contemporary Maya conceptualize the pre‐Hispanic past and how this influences their own cultural identity. Ingold's model is a useful theoretical tool for determining the impact of archaeological work and conservation in modeling the interaction between local communities and the archaeological past.
11 Managing Legacy in Oaxaca: Observations on the Development of a Community Museum in San Mateo Macuilxóchitl
Authors: Faulseit Ronald K.
Published: May 2015

Since the 1980s, indigenous communities in Mexico have shown increased demand to control the narrative associated with the archaeological remains found on their communal lands. Subsequently, the National Institute of Anthropology and History (INAH) has initiated a program for the development of communitarian museums, providing a means for people to present their heritage on their own terms, and therefore, establish the legacy between the modern and ancient communities. In this paper, I discuss the background behind this movement, as wells as my own experience curating the materials from archaeological investigations in the communitarian museum of an indigenous community in Oaxaca.