bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Identification During Imposed Change: The Roles of Personal Values, Type of Change, and Anxiety
Authors: Sverdlik Noga , Oreg Shaul
Published: May 2014

Using a person‐situation perspective, we explain what happens to individuals' identification with a collective in the context of a change. We propose that given the anxiety that often emerges during change, individuals' personal values (conservation and openness to change) interact with type of change (imposed vs. voluntary) in predicting identification following change. In a pilot, longitudinal field study (N = 61, 67% female) of an imposed university campus relocation, we measured employees' values and identification with the university before and several months after the relocation. In two lab experiments (Study 1: N = 104, 91.3% female; Study 2: N = 113, 75.2% female), we manipulated a change to be either imposed or voluntary and compared the relationships between values and identification across types of change. In Study 2, we also measured anxiety from the change. When change was imposed (all three studies), but not when voluntary (Studies 1 and 2), individuals' conservation was positively, and openness negatively, related to individuals' post‐change identification. The effects emerged only for individuals who experienced change‐related anxiety (Study 2). Our findings demonstrate that individuals' identification with a changing collective depends on the amount of anxiety change elicits and on the particular combination of their values and type of change.
Vitamin C supplementation has no effect on American bullfrog's immune response
Authors: Knoop R. , Dias D. C. , França F. M. , Antonucci A. M. , Teixeira P. C. , Viau P. , Oliveira C. A. , Hipolito M. , Ferreira C. M.
Published: May 2014

American bullfrog (Lithobates catesbeianus) is the only species raised in Brazilian commercial frog farms, and the intensive culture of these animals has gained great popularity in Brazil over the past several years. Stress is one of the major obstacles in frog culture. To minimise this problem, the aim of the present study was to investigate the role of added vitamin C in the diet of American bullfrogs as an antistress factor through the assessment of plasma corticosterone, leucocyte levels and macrophage activation in animals raised in confinement. The experimental design was entirely randomised, with six treatments (supplementation of 0, 250, 500, 750, 1000 and 2000 mg of vitamin C/kg of feed) and four replications. The plasma corticosterone level, leucocyte level and macrophage activation were evaluated. It was concluded that vitamin C had no influence on the evaluated parameters due to the possible adaptation of the animals to life in captivity (domestication). The results of this research indicate that farmers should not increase the levels of vitamin C in commercial feeds because this would only enhance production costs.
Sleep‐related eye symptoms and their potential for identifying driver sleepiness
Authors: Filtness Ashleigh J. , Anund Anna , Fors Carina , Ahlström Christer , Åkerstedt Torbjørn , Kecklund Göran
Published: May 2014

The majority of individuals appear to have insight into their own sleepiness, but there is some evidence that this does not hold true for all, for example treated patients with obstructive sleep apnoea. Identification of sleep‐related symptoms may help drivers determine their sleepiness, eye symptoms in particular show promise. Sixteen participants completed four motorway drives on two separate occasions. Drives were completed during daytime and night‐time in both a driving simulator and on the real road. Ten eye symptoms were rated at the end of each drive, and compared with driving performance and subjective and objective sleep metrics recorded during driving. ‘Eye strain’, ‘difficulty focusing’, ‘heavy eyelids’ and ‘difficulty keeping the eyes open’ were identified as the four key sleep‐related eye symptoms. Drives resulting in these eye symptoms were more likely to have high subjective sleepiness and more line crossings than drives where similar eye discomfort was not reported. Furthermore, drivers having unintentional line crossings were likely to have ‘heavy eyelids’ and ‘difficulty keeping the eyes open’. Results suggest that drivers struggling to identify sleepiness could be assisted with the advice ‘stop driving if you feel sleepy and/or have heavy eyelids or difficulty keeping your eyes open’.
Predicting vulnerability to sleep deprivation using diffusion model parameters
Authors: Patanaik Amiya , Zagorodnov Vitali , Kwoh Chee Keong , Chee Michael W. L.
Published: May 2014

We used diffusion modelling to predict vulnerability to decline in psychomotor vigilance task (PVT) performance following a night of total sleep deprivation (SD). A total of 135 healthy young adults (69 women, age = 21.9 ± 1.7 years) participated in several within‐subject cross‐over design studies that incorporated the PVT. Participants were classified as vulnerable (lower tertile) or non‐vulnerable (upper tertile) according to their change in lapse rate [lapse = reaction time (RT) ≥ 500 ms] between the evening before (ESD) and the morning after SD. RT data were fitted using Ratcliff's diffusion model. Although both groups showed significant change in RT during SD, there was no significant group difference in RT during the ESD session. In contrast, during ESD, the mean diffusion drift of vulnerable subjects was significantly lower than for non‐vulnerable subjects. Mean drift and non‐decision times were both adversely affected by sleep deprivation. Both mean drift and non‐decision time showed significant state × vulnerability interaction. Diffusion modelling appears to have promise in predicting vulnerability to vigilance decline induced by a night of total sleep deprivation.
Variable effects of termite mounds on African savanna grass communities across a rainfall gradient
Authors: Davies Andrew B. , Robertson Mark P. , Levick Shaun R. , Asner Gregory P. , van Rensburg Berndt J. , Parr Catherine L.
Published: May 2014

Questions

Termite mounds of the genus Macrotermes are prominent features in African savannas, forming nutrient hotspots that support greater plant diversity, which is of higher nutritional value than the surrounding savanna matrix. However, little is known about grass communities on and around mounds or how the functional importance of mounds varies across sites. As mean annual rainfall increases, savannas in southern Africa become increasingly dystrophic through increased denitrification (including pyrodenitrification) and the leaching of soil nutrients. The functional importance of mounds is concomitantly expected to increase as the difference in foliar nutrient levels between mounds and the savanna matrix increases. We tested this prediction on grass communities across a rainfall gradient to: (i) determine the degree to which grass assemblages differ between termite mounds and the savanna matrix; (ii) determine the spatial extent to which mounds influence grass communities; and (iii) investigate whether these patterns differ across savanna types.

Location

Kruger National Park, South Africa.

Methods

Grass communities were surveyed at three savanna sites differing in mean annual rainfall (550–750 mm·yr−1). Grass diversity and tissue nitrogen concentrations were measured on and off termite mounds and along transects away from mounds in order to calculate the spatial influence of termite mounds on savanna grass communities. Using termite mound densities estimated from airborne LiDAR, we up‐scaled field‐based results to determine the percentage of the landscape influenced by Macrotermes termite activity.

Results

Although species richness of grasses was lower on mounds than in the savanna matrix, the assemblage composition varied significantly, with higher nutrient concentrations in grasses located on mounds. This pattern became more distinct with increasing rainfall. The spatial extent of these nutrient‐rich grasses also differed across the rainfall gradient, with a larger sphere of influence around mounds in wetter areas. Mounds distinctly altered grass communities over ca. 2% of the entire landscape.

Conclusions

Our results show that Macrotermes mounds are important components of savanna heterogeneity, and reveal that the functional importance of mounds increases with increasing rainfall.
Growth and population dynamics of the non‐indigenous species Branchiomma luctuosum Grube (Annelida, Sabellidae) in the Ionian Sea (Mediterranean Sea)
Authors: Mastrototaro Francesco , Chimienti Giovanni , Matarrese Alfonso , Gambi Maria Cristina , Giangrande Adriana
Published: May 2014

The population dynamics and gametogenesis of the non‐indigenous polychaete species Branchiomma luctuosum Grube, 1869 (Annelida, Sabellidae) has been investigated at three sites in the Taranto Seas (Ionian Sea, Mediterranean Sea). The species, probably introduced from the Red Sea, has been reported in the Mediterranean Sea since 1983. The species is hermaphrodite, and the reproductive season is between June and October when the largest mean size of oocytes was recorded together with the presence of mature spermatozoa. Small oocytes are present in specimens reaching about 20–25 mm in length. Therefore oogenesis seems to begin early during the first year of life, but the first reproduction can occur when the worms attain a larger size and are at least 6 months of age. Although most of the individuals reproduce seasonally within a discrete period, some individuals can reproduce in different periods during the year, the oogenesis of individuals not being synchronous. A life span of at least 2 years is highlighted, with a faster growth rate during the first months (about 20 mm per month) decreasing to about 10 mm from the 3rd to the 8th months and slowing down again after the worm reaches 100 mm in size. Some differences in growth performance are discussed, enhanced by comparing the sites located at greater depth (5–7 m) and those located at 0.5 m depth, together with the possible interactions of this alien species with the autochthonous sabellid Sabella spallanzanii.
Untangling the hybrid nature of modern pig genomes: a mosaic derived from biogeographically distinct and highly divergent Sus scrofa populations
Authors: Bosse Mirte , Megens Hendrik‐Jan , Madsen Ole , Frantz Laurent A. F. , Paudel Yogesh , Crooijmans Richard P. M. A. , Groenen Martien A. M.
Published: May 2014

The merging of populations after an extended period of isolation and divergence is a common phenomenon, in natural settings as well as due to human interference. Individuals with such hybrid origins contain genomes that essentially form a mosaic of different histories and demographies. Pigs are an excellent model species to study hybridization because European and Asian wild boars diverged ~1.2 Mya, and pigs were domesticated independently in Europe and Asia. During the Industrial Revolution in England, pigs were imported from China to improve the local pigs. This study utilizes the latest genomics tools to identify the origin of haplotypes in European domesticated pigs that are descendant from Asian and European populations. Our results reveal fine‐scale haplotype structure representing different ancient demographic events, as well as a mosaic composition of those distinct histories due to recently introgressed haplotypes in the pig genome. As a consequence, nucleotide diversity in the genome of European domesticated pigs is higher when at least one haplotype of Asian origin is present, and haplotype length correlates negatively with recombination frequency and nucleotide diversity. Another consequence is that the inference of past effective population size is influenced by the background of the haplotypes in an individual, but we demonstrate that by careful sorting based on the origin of haplotypes, both distinct demographic histories can be reconstructed. Future detailed mapping of the genomic distribution of variation will enable a targeted approach to increase genetic diversity of captive and wild populations, thus facilitating conservation efforts in the near future.
A high‐density linkage map enables a second‐generation collared flycatcher genome assembly and reveals the patterns of avian recombination rate variation and chromosomal evolution
Authors: Kawakami Takeshi , Smeds Linnéa , Backström Niclas , Husby Arild , Qvarnström Anna , Mugal Carina F. , Olason Pall , Ellegren Hans
Published: May 2014

Detailed linkage and recombination rate maps are necessary to use the full potential of genome sequencing and population genomic analyses. We used a custom collared flycatcher 50 K SNP array to develop a high‐density linkage map with 37 262 markers assigned to 34 linkage groups in 33 autosomes and the Z chromosome. The best‐order map contained 4215 markers, with a total distance of 3132 cM and a mean genetic distance between markers of 0.12 cM. Facilitated by the array being designed to include markers from most scaffolds, we obtained a second‐generation assembly of the flycatcher genome that approaches full chromosome sequences (N50 super‐scaffold size 20.2 Mb and with 1.042 Gb (of 1.116 Gb) anchored to and mostly ordered and oriented along chromosomes). We found that flycatcher and zebra finch chromosomes are entirely syntenic but that inversions at mean rates of 1.5–2.0 event (6.6–7.5 Mb) per My have changed the organization within chromosomes, rates high enough for inversions to potentially have been involved with many speciation events during avian evolution. The mean recombination rate was 3.1 cM/Mb and correlated closely with chromosome size, from 2 cM/Mb for chromosomes >100 Mb to >10 cM/Mb for chromosomes <10 Mb. This size dependence seemed entirely due to an obligate recombination event per chromosome; if 50 cM was subtracted from the genetic lengths of chromosomes, the rate per physical unit DNA was constant across chromosomes. Flycatcher recombination rate showed similar variation along chromosomes as chicken but lacked the large interior recombination deserts characteristic of zebra finch chromosomes.
Landscape genomics and a common garden trial reveal adaptive differentiation to temperature across Europe in the tree species Alnus glutinosa
Authors: De Kort Hanne , Vandepitte Katrien , Bruun Hans Henrik , Closset‐Kopp Déborah , Honnay Olivier , Mergeay Joachim
Published: May 2014

The adaptive potential of tree species to cope with climate change has important ecological and economic implications. Many temperate tree species experience a wide range of environmental conditions, suggesting high adaptability to new environmental conditions. We investigated adaptation to regional climate in the drought‐sensitive tree species Alnus glutinosa (Black alder), using a complementary approach that integrates genomic, phenotypic and landscape data. A total of 24 European populations were studied in a common garden and through landscape genomic approaches. Genotyping‐by‐sequencing was used to identify SNPs across the genome, resulting in 1990 SNPs. Although a relatively low percentage of putative adaptive SNPs was detected (2.86% outlier SNPs), we observed clear associations among outlier allele frequencies, temperature and plant traits. In line with the typical drought avoiding nature of A. glutinosa, leaf size varied according to a temperature gradient and significant associations with multiple outlier loci were observed, corroborating the ecological relevance of the observed outlier SNPs. Moreover, the lack of isolation by distance, the very low genetic differentiation among populations and the high intrapopulation genetic variation all support the notion that high gene exchange combined with strong environmental selection promotes adaptation to environmental cues.
Comparative analysis of Gram's stain, PNA‐FISH and Sepsityper with MALDI‐TOF MS for the identification of yeast direct from positive blood cultures
Authors: Gorton Rebecca L. , Ramnarain P. , Barker K. , Stone N. , Rattenbury S. , McHugh T. D. , Kibbler C. C.
Published: May 2014

Fungaemia diagnosis could be improved by reducing the time to identification of yeast from blood cultures. This study aimed to evaluate three rapid methods for the identification of yeast direct from blood cultures; Gram's stain analysis, the AdvanDX Peptide Nucleic Acid in Situ Hybridisation Yeast Traffic Light system (PNA‐FISH YTL) and Bruker Sepsityper alongside matrix‐assisted laser desorption ionisation time of flight mass spectrometry (MALDI‐TOF MS). Fifty blood cultures spiked with a known single yeast strain were analysed by blinded operators experienced in each method. Identifications were compared with MALDI‐TOF MS CHROMagar Candida culture and ITS rRNA sequence‐based identifications. On first attempt, success rates of 96% (48/50) and 76% (36/50) were achieved using PNA‐FISH YTL and Gram's stain respectively. MALDI‐TOF MS demonstrated a success rate of 56% (28/50) when applying manufacturer's species log score thresholds and 76% (38/50) using in‐house parameters, including lowering the species log score threshold to >1.5. In conclusion, PNA‐FISH YTL demonstrated a high success rate successfully identifying yeast commonly encountered in fungaemia. Sepsityper™ with MALDI‐TOF MS was accurate but increased sensitivity is required. Due to the misidentification of commonly encountered yeast Gram's stain analysis demonstrated limited utility in this setting.
Increasing cannabis use: What we still need to know about its effects on the lung
Authors: Tashkin Donald P.
Published: May 2014

See article, page 655
Legal Reform, Contract Enforcement and Firm Size in Mexico
Authors: Dougherty Sean M.
Published: May 2014

The variation in legal system quality across states in Mexico is used to examine the relationship between judicial quality and firm size over the course of the 2000s, when systemic changes were taking place. Using economic census microdata and survey‐based measures of legal institutions, a robust effect of judicial quality is observed on the firm size distribution and efficiency, instrumenting for underlying historical determinants of institutions. Indicative evidence is found that the effect is strongest in more capital‐intensive industries. Market size and distance‐to‐market are also found to matter for firm size outcomes, consistent with the new trade literature.
Mapping Large Spatial Flow Data with Hierarchical Clustering
Authors: Zhu Xi , Guo Diansheng
Published: May 2014

It is challenging to map large spatial flow data due to the problem of occlusion and cluttered display, where hundreds of thousands of flows overlap and intersect each other. Existing flow mapping approaches often aggregate flows using predetermined high‐level geographic units (e.g. states) or bundling partial flow lines that are close in space, both of which cause a significant loss or distortion of information and may miss major patterns. In this research, we developed a flow clustering method that extracts clusters of similar flows to avoid the cluttering problem, reveal abstracted flow patterns, and meanwhile preserves data resolution as much as possible. Specifically, our method extends the traditional hierarchical clustering method to aggregate and map large flow data. The new method considers both origins and destinations in determining the similarity of two flows, which ensures that a flow cluster represents flows from similar origins to similar destinations and thus minimizes information loss during aggregation. With the spatial index and search algorithm, the new method is scalable to large flow data sets. As a hierarchical method, it generalizes flows to different hierarchical levels and has the potential to support multi‐resolution flow mapping. Different distance definitions can be incorporated to adapt to uneven spatial distribution of flows and detect flow clusters of different densities. To assess the quality and fidelity of flow clusters and flow maps, we carry out a case study to analyze a data set of 243,850 taxi trips within an urban area.
Peritonitis caused by Blastomyces dermatitidis in a kidney transplant recipient: case report and literature review
Authors: Barocas J.A. , Gauthier G.M.
Published: May 2014

Blastomyces dermatitidis is a dimorphic fungus endemic to the midwestern, south‐central, and southeastern United States known to cause disseminated infection in immunocompromised individuals. We report a case of B. dermatitidis peritonitis in a renal allograft recipient with new‐onset ascites and cytomegalovirus encephalitis. Peritoneal blastomycosis is a rare clinical entity and, to our knowledge, this patient represents the first known case of peritoneal blastomycosis in a solid organ transplant recipient. We review the clinical characteristics of B. dermatitidis peritonitis as well as the literature on fungal peritonitis with emphasis on dimorphic fungal pathogens. Clinical features suggestive of fungal peritonitis include new‐onset ascites, abdominal pain, and fevers, especially with antecedent or concomitant pneumonia. A high index of clinical suspicion, along with the use of culture and non‐culture diagnostics, is needed for early diagnosis and prompt initiation of therapy.
Control of clonorchiasis in Korea: effectiveness of health education for community leaders and individuals in an endemic area
Authors: Oh Jin‐Kyoung , Lim Min Kyung , Yun E. Hwa , Cho Heeyoun , Park Eun Young , Choi Min‐Ho , Shin Hai‐Rim , Hong Sung‐Tae
Published: May 2014

Objectives

To develop effective intervention programmes to control Clonorchis sinensis infection, three interventions were evaluated in a clonorchiasis‐endemic area of Korea.

Methods

Four thousand two hundred and sixty‐seven voluntary participants in Sancheong county were tested at baseline and two follow‐up surveys after 1 and 3 years. Faecal samples were examined for C. sinensis eggs using the Kato‐Katz method. Participants were divided into three intervention groups by areas and year recruited: national prevention programme only (mass health campaign and praziquantel treatment) for Group A; health education for community leaders added for Group B; and individual health education added for Group C.

Results

The prevalence of C. sinensis infection fell substantially in all three intervention groups between baseline and 3‐year follow‐up: from 31.1% to 14.9% in Group A, from 29.6% to 6.8% in Group B and from 21.9% to 8.6% in Group C. The control effectiveness was highest in Group B with 76.8%. The new infection rate was 16.3%, 12.8% and 7.6% in Group A, B and C, respectively. The reinfection rate was lower in Group B (3.8%) than Group C (12.2%).

Conclusions

To control C. sinensis infection in endemic areas of Korea, health education for community leaders or individuals on prevention of C. sinensis infection should be added to national control programmes.
RNA‐directed DNA methylation requires stepwise binding of silencing factors to long non‐coding RNA
Authors: Böhmdorfer Gudrun , Rowley M. Jordan , Kuciński Jan , Zhu Yongyou , Amies Ivan , Wierzbicki Andrzej T.
Published: May 2014

Ribonucleic acid‐mediated transcriptional gene silencing (known as RNA‐directed DNA methylation, or RdDM, in Arabidopsis thaliana) is important for influencing gene expression and the inhibition of transposons by the deposition of repressive chromatin marks such as histone modifications and DNA methylation. A key event in de novo methylation of DNA by RdDM is the production of long non‐coding RNA (lncRNA) by RNA polymerase V (Pol V). Little is known about the events that connect Pol V transcription to the establishment of repressive chromatin modifications. Using RNA immunoprecipitation, we elucidated the order of events downstream of lncRNA production and discovered interdependency between lncRNA‐associated proteins. We found that the effector protein ARGONAUTE4 (AGO4) binds lncRNA independent of the RNA‐binding protein INVOLVED IN DE NOVO2 (IDN2). In contrast, IDN2 binds lncRNA in an AGO4‐dependent manner. We further found that the de novo DNA methyltransferase DOMAINS REARRANGED METHYLTRANSFERASE2 (DRM2) also associates with lncRNA produced by Pol V and that this event depends on AGO4 and IDN2. We propose a model where the silencing proteins AGO4, IDN2 and DRM2 bind to lncRNA in a stepwise manner, resulting in DNA methylation of RdDM target loci.
Gross, histologic, and micro‐computed tomographic anatomy of the lacrimal system of snakes
Authors: Souza Nicole M. , Maggs David J. , Park Shin Ae , Puchalski Sarah M. , Reilly Christopher M. , Paul‐Murphy Joanne , Murphy Christopher J.
Published: May 2014

Objective

To describe the lacrimal system of snakes using contrast micro‐computed tomography (micro‐CT) with 3‐dimensional reconstruction, fluorescein passage (‘Jones’) testing, histology, and gross dissection.

Animals studied

One royal python and 19 snake cadavers representing 10 species.

Procedures

Direct observation following injection of fluorescein into the subspectacular space, micro‐CT following injection of three contrast agents into the subspectacular space, gross dissection following injection of latex into the subspectacular space, and histopathology.

Results

Injection of fluorescein confirmed patency, but not course of the lacrimal duct. Barium enabled clear visualization of the lacrimal duct, whereas two iodinated contrast agents proved inadequate. Collectively, micro‐CT, anatomic dissections, and histology suggest tears are produced by a single, large, serous, retrobulbar gland, released into the subspectacular space via several ductules, and drained through a single punctum originating in the ventronasal subspectacular space, and the lacrimal duct, which takes one of three routes of variable tortuosity before opening into the oral cavity in close association with the opening of the duct of the vomeronasal organ.

Conclusions

The ophidian lacrimal duct has a generally tortuous course, and the details of its anatomy are species‐variable. The tortuous course of the duct likely predisposes snakes to duct occlusion and must be considered when planning medical and surgical interventions in snakes with pseudobuphthalmos and subspectacular abscessation.
Penetrating sclerokeratoplasty and autologous pinnal cartilage and conjunctival grafting to treat a large limbal melanoma in a dog
Authors: Mathes Rachel L. , Moore Philip A. , Ellis Angela E.
Published: May 2014

A four‐year‐old neutered male Labrador retriever presented to Portland Veterinary Specialists Ophthalmology Service for evaluation of a pigmented mass oculus sinister (OS) of approximately 4‐month duration. Complete ophthalmic examination revealed a large, pigmented, raised, well‐demarcated, epibulbar mass appearing to originate from the nasodorsal limbal region. The mass was smooth and roughly circular, extending approximately 4 mm into the sclera and 14 mm into the nasodorsal cornea. Gonioscopy directly under the mass was not possible due to mass size. The visible iridocorneal angle was normal. High‐resolution B‐scan ultrasound showed mass extension to Descemet's membrane and deep sclera, but no intraocular invasion. Penetrating sclerokeratoplasty was performed followed by autologous pinnal cartilage and conjunctival grafting to repair the corneoscleral defect (20 mm x 19 mm) and to restore globe integrity and function. Histopathology confirmed the mass to be a benign limbal melanoma with complete excision. The surgery site healed without complication, and the pinnal cartilage became fully incorporated into the globe. Twelve months postoperatively, the patient remains visual with a normal intraocular and fundic examination. The pinnal harvest site on the right ear healed without complication. To the authors’ knowledge, this is the first reported case of corneoscleral grafting using autologous pinnal cartilage. This may represent a viable alternative to other corneoscleral grafting procedures for large defects and is an attractive treatment option due to lack of host rejection, readily available source of donor cartilage, and provision of tectonic support to the globe.
The Potential of Mesenchymal Stem Cell in Prion Research
Authors: Mediano D. R. , Sanz‐Rubio D. , Ranera B. , Bolea R. , Martín‐Burriel I.
Published: May 2014

Scrapie and bovine spongiform encephalopathy are fatal neurodegenerative diseases caused by the accumulation of a misfolded protein (PrPres), the pathological form of the cellular prion protein (PrPC). For the last decades, prion research has greatly progressed, but many questions need to be solved about prion replication mechanisms, cell toxicity, differences in genetic susceptibility, species barrier or the nature of prion strains. These studies can be developed in murine models of transmissible spongiform encephalopathies, although development of cell models for prion replication and sample titration could reduce economic and timing costs and also serve for basic research and treatment testing. Some murine cell lines can replicate scrapie strains previously adapted in mice and very few show the toxic effects of prion accumulation. Brain cell primary cultures can be more accurate models but are difficult to develop in naturally susceptible species like humans or domestic ruminants. Stem cells can be differentiated into neuron‐like cells and be infected by prions. However, the use of embryo stem cells causes ethical problems in humans. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) can be isolated from many adult tissues, including bone marrow, adipose tissue or even peripheral blood. These cells differentiate into neuronal cells, express PrPC and can be infected by prions in vitro. In addition, in the last years, these cells are being used to develop therapies for many diseases, including neurodegenerative diseases. We review here the use of cell models in prion research with a special interest in the potential use of MSCs.
Old Aegean palaeoevents driving the diversification of an endemic isopod species (Oniscidea, Trachelipodidae)
Authors: Kamilari Maria , Klossa‐Kilia Elena , Kilias George , Sfenthourakis Spyros
Published: May 2014

The Greek endemic isopod species Trachelipus aegaeus is distributed in Aegean islands and the adjacent coastal parts of the Greek mainland. Major palaeogeographic events of the Aegean archipelago, such as the formation of the mid‐Aegean trench and the Messinian Salinity Crisis, have been often employed as major causal factors of evolutionary events and phylogeographic patterns exhibited by several taxa. Herein, we infer phylogenetic relationships among T. aegaeus populations using partial cytochrome oxidase subunit I (COI) and 16S rRNA sequences. Due to the poor preservation of the specimens, we propose a modified DNA extraction protocol, which returned highly positive results in terms of the quality of the total extracted DNA. We implement a calibrated molecular clock and path sampling analysis, using alternative palaeogeographic events and rates of substitution, to evaluate the biogeographic history of the species and to estimate the chronology of diversification events among its populations. Our results are clearly in favour of the scenario of the MAT triggering vicariance among most T. aegaus populations. Moreover, the large intraspecific genetic divergence (0–19% for COI and 0–20.3% for the 16S rRNA) and the overall phylogeographic patterns depicted herein seem not to have been obscured by more recent palaeogeological events. A role of dispersal, probably human‐aided, is assumed for certain ‘deviant’ cases.
Acute silicosis with bilateral pneumothorax
Authors: Srivastava G N , Prasad Rajniti , Meena Manoj , Hussain Moosa
Published: May 2014

We present a case of acute silicosis with bilateral pneumothorax of a 28-year-old man working at a stone crusher factory for 1 year. He presented to the emergency department with cough, respiratory distress and diffuse chest pain. The patient was managed with bilateral intercostal tube drainage under water seal, oxygen inhalation and conservative therapy. On follow-up he showed improvement of resting dyspnoea and was doing well. This case is being reported because of the rare complications of acute silicosis as bilateral pneumothorax.
What the mind knows but the eyes may still miss: reducing the ‘Acromegalic Window’
Authors: De Parijat , Foucault Danielle R G
Published: May 2014

A 46-year-old Asian man was referred to our endocrine unit (April 2013) by his general practitioner for investigation of a neck mass. Ultrasound scan of the neck and serum thyroid-stimulating hormone levels revealed a euthyroid multinodular goitre. He presented with symptoms of frequent headaches, polydypsia, polyuria, perspiration and night sweats and demonstrated classic physical features of acromegaly. In retrospect, the patient's medical history included encounters with numerous physicians from an array of specialties for over 20 years, mostly for symptoms well recognised to be attributed to growth hormone (GH) excess. Random insulin-like growth factor-1 level was elevated at 103 nmol/L (normal 13–37 nmol/L) and oral glucose tolerance test showed non-suppressible GH secretion (15.06 mIU/L at 120 min). MRI revealed a mildly enlarged pituitary gland. The patient has been referred for surgery. This case highlights that, even with classic features of acromegaly, there may be a wide-ranging ‘Acromegalic Window’ between first presentation and clinical suspicion to eventual diagnosis.
Effects of vitamin E supplementation on exercise-induced oxidative stress: a meta-analysis
Authors: Stepanyan Vahan , Crowe Melissa , Haleagrahara Nagaraja , Bowden Bruce
Published: May 2014

Tocopherols (commonly referred to as “vitamin E”) are frequently studied antioxidants in exercise research. However, the studies are highly heterogeneous, which has resulted in contradicting opinions. The aim of this review is to identify similar studies investigating the effects of tocopherol supplementation on exercise performance and oxidative stress and to perform minimally biased qualitative comparisons and meta-analysis. The literature search and study selection were performed according to Cochrane guidelines. A 2-dimensional study execution process was developed to enable selection of similar and comparable studies. Twenty relevant studies were identified. The high variability of study designs resulted in final selection of 6 maximally relevant studies. Markers of lipid peroxidation (malondialdehyde) and muscle damage (creatine kinase) were the 2 most frequently and similarly measured variables. Meta comparison showed that tocopherol supplementation did not result in significant protection against either exercise-induced lipid peroxidation or muscle damage. The complex antioxidant nature of tocopherols and low accumulation rates in muscle tissues could underlie an absence of protective effects.
Quantifying deer and turkey leaf litter disturbances in the eastern deciduous forest: have nontrophic effects of consumers been overlooked?
Authors: Chips Michael J. , Magliocca Michael R. , Hasson Bill , Carson Walter P.
Published: May 2014

Vertebrate herbivores and omnivores modify forest regeneration not only via direct and indirect trophic pathways, but also via nontrophic pathways such as litter and soil disturbances that may favor the regeneration of some species but not others. Deer are overabundant throughout vast portions of the eastern deciduous forest, and turkeys, once nearly extirpated, are now far more common; their foraging habits disturb litter over large areas, though this has rarely been evaluated. We quantified the size and frequency of litter disturbances created by both deer and turkeys. In addition, we tested the hypothesis that excluding vertebrates via fences would cause a reduction in the abundance and size of litter disturbances. We tested this hypothesis inside and outside six exclosures and adjacent control plots in an old-growth deciduous forest in Pennsylvania. Bare soil patches were ∼60% smaller and between 50% and 90% less abundant inside exclosures. The mean size of turkey litter disturbances was large (mean > 30 m2) and significantly greater than deer disturbances (p = 0.002), though turkey disturbances were less frequent. Our findings should apply broadly and are some of the first to demonstrate the extent of turkey disturbances. In addition, we demonstrate that exclosure studies reduce physical disturbances as well as browsing, both of which may synergistically act to cause changes in forest communities. We also caution that many deer fences exclude other vertebrates such as turkeys, which are important herbivores, seed predators, and major agents of disturbance. Consequently, we argue that studies that use fences to exclude deer should explicitly consider nontrophic indirect effects, particularly leaf disturbances and the potential impact of other large consumers as well (e.g., turkeys).
Prevalence, transmission, and genetic diversity of blood parasites infecting tundra-nesting geese in Alaska
Authors: Ramey A.M. , Reed J.A. , Schmutz J.A. , Fondell T.F. , Meixell B.W. , Hupp J.W. , Ward D.H. , Terenzi J. , Ely C.R.
Published: May 2014

A total of 842 blood samples collected from five species of tundra-nesting geese in Alaska was screened for haemosporidian parasites using molecular techniques. Parasites of the genera Leucocytozoon Danilewsky, 1890, Haemoproteus Kruse, 1890, and Plasmodium Marchiafava and Celli, 1885 were detected in 169 (20%), 3 (<1%), and 0 (0%) samples, respectively. Occupancy modeling was used to estimate prevalence of Leucocytozoon parasites and assess variation relative to species, age, sex, geographic area, year, and decade. Species, age, and decade were identified as important in explaining differences in prevalence of Leucocytozoon parasites. Leucocytozoon parasites were detected in goslings sampled along the Arctic Coastal Plain using both historic and contemporary samples, which provided support for transmission in the North American Arctic. In contrast, lack of detection of Haemoproteus and Plasmodium parasites in goslings (n = 238) provided evidence to suggest that the transmission of parasites of these genera may not occur among waterfowl using tundra habitats in Alaska, or alternatively, may only occur at low levels. Five haemosporidian genetic lineages shared among different species of geese sampled from two geographic areas were indicative of interspecies parasite transmission and supported broad parasite or vector distributions. However, identical Leucocytozoon and Haemoproteus lineages on public databases were limited to waterfowl hosts suggesting constraints in the range of parasite hosts.
Tunable optical properties of silver–dielectric–silver nanoshell
Authors: Shirzaditabar Farzad , Saliminasab Maryam
Published: May 2014

Tunable optical properties of silver–dielectric–silver nanoshell including surface plasmon resonance (SPR) and resonance light scattering (RLS) based on quasi-static theory are investigated. When the silver core radius increases, the longer resonance wavelength red shifts and light scattering cross-section decreases whereas the shorter resonance wavelength blue shifts and the light scattering cross-section increases. The effect of middle dielectric thickness on the light scattering cross-section of nanoshell is different from those of the silver core radius changes. As middle dielectric radius increases, the longer resonance wavelength first blue shifts and then red shifts and the light scattering cross-section increases whereas the shorter resonance wavelength always red shifts and the light scattering cross-section decreases. The sensitivity of RLS to the refractive index of embedding medium is also reported. As the silver core radius increases, the sensitivity of silver–dielectric–silver nanoshell decreases whereas increasing the middle dielectric thickness leads to increase the sensitivity of silver–dielectric–silver nanoshell. Tunable optical properties of silver–dielectric–silver nanoshell verify the biosensing potential of this nanostructure.
A large-scale cold atom source in an integrating sphere
Authors: Zheng Ben-Chang , Cheng Hua-Dong , Meng Yan-Ling , Liu Peng , Wang Xiu-Mei , Xiao Ling , Wan Jin-Yin , Liu Liang
Published: May 2014

An integrating sphere with a diameter of 10 cm is developed for cooling atoms. The maximum number of 2 × 1010 cold atoms is obtained from a background vapor with 220 mW cooling laser power. The cold atom number can be increased by further increasing the cooling power. Such cold atom source would have potential use for Raman–Ramsey atomic clock with good signal-to-noise ratio (SNR).
Controllable optical steady behavior from nonradiative coherence in GaAs quantum well driven by a single elliptically polarized field
Authors: Zhu Zhonghu , Chen Ai-Xi , Bai Yanfeng , Yang Wen-Xing , Lee Ray-Kuang
Published: May 2014

In this paper, we analyze theoretically the optical steady behavior in GaAs quantum well structure which interacts with a single elliptically polarized field (EPF) and a π-polarized probe field. Due to the existence of the robust nonradiative coherence, we demonstrate that the controllable optical steady behavior including multi-stability (OM) and optical bistability (OB) can be obtained. More interestingly, our numerical results also illustrate that tuning the phase difference between two components of polarized electric field of the EPF can realize the conversion between OB and OM. Our results illustrate the potential to utilize the optical phase for developing the new all-optical switching devices, as well as a guidance in the design for possible experimental implementations.
A COMPARATIVE STUDY OF SMALL BUSINESS OWNER-MANAGERS' IDENTITY CONSTRUCTION IN B2B RELATIONSHIP MARKETING AND BUSINESS NETWORKING DISCOURSE IN THE UK AND CHINA
Authors: PREECHANONT PIYANUCH , LU TAO
Published: May 2014

In a small business context, the importance of relationship marketing has not attracted much academic attention. This study explores the discursive resources on which small business owner-managers draw, when making sense of business to business (B2B) relationships and networks and constructing identities in various socio-cultural contexts. Through unstructured interviews with 21 British and 22 Chinese owner-managers, we find that both British and Chinese respondents show a noticeable preference for long-term interactive relationships and portray themselves as being interpersonal skillful. Yet British owner-managers describe themselves as being relational, trustworthy, and committed mostly at interorganizational level. According to them, interpersonal relationships are merely employed as a marketing technique supporting organizational goals. In contrast, Chinese owner-managers make sense of their identity merely at interpersonal level. They shape their self-images as trustworthy "friends" on both cognitive and affective dimensions. Chinese owner-managers present themselves as being personally committed to their relationship partners and highlight the importance of being reciprocal, cooperative, flexible, empathetic, respectful of "face", and willing to compromise. Chinese owner-managers verbally attach interorganizational relationship to interpersonal relationship and thus present a more complicated image of self. Some discourses of Chinese owner-managers show similar pattern of sensemaking with British owner-managers. This echoes structural changes of economic ideology as well as legal and contractual infrastructure. The concrete findings support the utility of sensemaking and identity construction as a framework for studying relationship marketing and business networking.
Regioselective addition of amines to the trifluoromethyl-β-diketonate moiety of a chlorophyll derivative
Authors: Kinoshita Yusuke , Tamiaki Hitoshi
Published: May 2014

The terminal trifluoroacetyl moiety in a β-diketonate group at the 3 position of a synthetic chlorophyll derivative was reacted with butylamine in dichloromethane to give the hemiaminal-type adduct. Electronic absorption spectra showed the keto carbonyl group at the 3 position of the adduct was converted into the enol type under the basic conditions.
$\widetilde{S}_k$-Factorization of the symmetric digraph of wreath product of graphs
Authors: Hemalatha P. , Muthusamy A.
Published: May 2014

In this paper, we show that the necessary and sufficient condition for the existence of an [Formula: see text]-factorization of [Formula: see text] is n ≡ 0 ( mod k(k - 1)), for all m > 3. In fact, our result together with a result of Ushio gives a complete solution for the existence of an [Formula: see text]-factorization of [Formula: see text] for all m ≥ 3. Further, we have obtained some necessary or sufficient conditions for the existence of an [Formula: see text]-factorization of [Formula: see text], for all even k ≥ 4 and m > 3.
Relationships between Plasma Micronutrients, Serum IgE, and Skin Test Reactivity and Asthma among School Children in Rural Southwest Nigeria
Authors: Oluwole Oluwafemi , Arinola Olatunbosun G. , Adu Mary D. , Adepoju Adedayo , Adedokun Babatunde O. , Olopade Olufunmilayo I. , Olopade Christopher O.
Published: May 2014

Objective. Increasing prevalence of asthma has been attributed to changes in lifestyle and environmental exposures. We conducted a case-control study to investigate the relationship between serum micronutrients and asthma in rural school children in Nigeria.Methods. We administered questionnaires to 1,562 children to identify children with asthma. Serum concentration levels of 12 micronutrients were determined in asthma cases (N=37) and controls (N=30). Allergy skin prick test and spirometry were also performed.Results. Plasma levels of the following micronutrients were significantly different between cases and controls: calcium (7.48±2.16versus8.29±1.62 mg/dL;P=0.04), manganese (44.1±11.5versus49.3±7.9 mg/L;P=0.01), selenium (76.1±14.9versus63.3±26.8 μg/L;P=0.02), and albumin (3.45±0.90versus3.91±0.99 g/dL;P=0.04). Plasma concentrations of iron and selenium were positively correlated with lung function,r=0.43(P<0.05in each case) while manganese serum concentration was negatively correlated with asthma (r=-0.44;P<0.05).Conclusions. Children with asthma had reduced levels of plasma manganese, calcium, and albumin but raised level of selenium. The protective or risk effects of these micronutrients on asthma warrant further investigation.
Production and Biochemical Characterization of a High Maltotetraose (G4) Producing Amylase fromPseudomonas stutzeriAS22
Authors: Maalej Hana , Ben Ayed Hanen , Ghorbel-Bellaaj Olfa , Nasri Moncef , Hmidet Noomen
Published: May 2014

Amylase production and biochemical characterization of the crude enzyme preparation fromPseudomonas stutzeriAS22 were evaluated. The highestα-amylase production was achieved after 24 hours of incubation in a culture medium containing 10 g/L potato starch and 5 g/L yeast extract, with initial pH 8.0 at 30°C under continuous agitation at 200 rpm. The optimum temperature and pH for the crudeα-amylase activity were 60°C and 8.0, respectively. The effect of different salts was evaluated and it was found that bothα-amylase production and activity were Ca2+-dependent. The amylolytic preparation was found to catalyze exceptionally the formation of very high levels of maltotetraose from starch (98%, w/w) in the complete absence of glucose since the initial stages of starch hydrolysis (15 min) and hence would have a potential application in the manufacturing of maltotetraose syrups.