bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A critical review of the literature on the pest
Erionota
spp. (Lepidoptera, Hesperiidae): taxonomy, distribution, food plants, early stages, natural enemies and biological control.
Authors: Cock M. J. W.
Published: June 2015

The classification, taxonomy, distribution, spread, food plants, early stages, natural enemies and biological control of South-East Asian
Erionota
spp. (Hesperiidae, Hesperiinae,
incertae sedis
) are reviewed with specific attention to
Erionota thrax
(Linnaeus),
Erionota torus
Evans and
Erionota acroleuca
(Wood-Mason and de Nicéville) (=
E. hiraca
(Moore)).
Erionota thrax
and
E. torus
are shown to be pests of
Musa
spp. but not palms, while
E. acroleuca
is a pest of various palms. Where they overlap in distribution in mainland South-East Asia and the Southern Philippines,
E. thrax
and
E. torus
have not been distinguished in the economic literature. The species which became established in Mauritius around 1968 and subsequently the target of a successful biological control programme is shown to be
E. torus
, and not
E. thrax
as hitherto reported. Research gaps are identified, including the need to find diagnostic features or tools to separate the immature stages of the three species in order to confirm these conclusions, and clarify the ecology and pest status of the pest species.
Orientation and Position of Fish Affects Recovery Time from Electrosedation
Authors: Rous Andrew M. , Forrest Alexandra , McKittrick Elisabeth Hart , Letterio George , Roszell Jordan , Wright Taylor , Cooke Steven J.
Published: June 2015

Commercially available electrosedation apparatuses (e.g., the Smith‐Root Portable Electroanesthesia System [PES]) are growing in popularity within the fisheries research community. This technology can be used to immobilize fish rapidly and does not require a withdrawal period before fish are released. A number of studies examined how various settings (e.g., duration, frequency, voltage) influence the performance of the PES for fish sedation, but comparatively less is known about the role of fish orientation and position on the efficacy of electrosedation within the PES. We compared recovery times of Bluegill Lepomis macrochirus upon manipulation of three variables: orientation of fish, electric field size (i.e., spacing between the anode and cathode), and fish proximity relative to the anode. Fish were individually exposed to pulsed DC with a standardized frequency (100 Hz), voltage (90 V), and shock duration (3 s). Full recovery time was significantly longer for fish oriented at horizontal angles (0° and 180°) than at acute angles (45° and 135°). Significant interactions were found between orientation and electrode spacing, as well as between orientation and fish proximity. These findings are pertinent to researchers in the field looking to optimize recovery time for a quick release after surgery, tagging, or any other time fish sedation is required.
A Synthesis of Findings from an Integrated Hatchery Program after Three Generations of Spawning in the Natural Environment
Authors: Fast David E , Bosch William J , Johnston Mark V , Strom Charles R , Knudsen Curtis M , Fritts Anthony L , Temple Gabriel M , Pearsons Todd N , Larsen Donald A , Dittman Andrew H , May Darran
Published: June 2015

The Cle Elum Supplementation and Research Facility in the Yakima River basin, Washington, is an integrated spring Chinook Salmon Oncorhynchus tshawytscha hatchery program designed to test whether artificial propagation can increase natural production and harvest opportunities while keeping ecological and genetic impacts within acceptable limits. Only natural-origin (naturally spawned) fish are used for hatchery broodstock. Spawning, incubation, and early rearing occur at a central facility; presmolts are transferred for final rearing, acclimation, and volitional release at sites adjacent to natural spawning areas, where returning adults can spawn with natural-origin fish. The first wild broodstock were collected in 1997, and age-4 adults have returned to the Yakima River since 2001. An unsupplemented population in the adjacent Naches River watershed provides a reference for evaluating environmental influences. The program has been comprehensively monitored from its inception. A synthesis of findings, many already published, is as follows: supplementation increased the harvest, redd counts, and spatial distribution of spawners; natural-origin returns were maintained; straying to nontarget systems was negligible; natural-origin females had slightly higher breeding success (production of surviving fry) in an artificial spawning channel, while the behavior and breeding success of natural- and hatchery-origin males were similar; hatchery-origin fish showed differences in morphometric and life history traits; high rates of hatchery age-2 (minijack) production were reported, but the observed proportions of out-migrating juvenile and adult (ages 4 and 5) returning males were comparable for hatchery- and natural-origin fish; hatchery smolts did not affect the levels of pathogens in natural smolts; and the ecological interactions attributed to the program were within adopted guidelines. Continued study is required to assess the long-term impacts on natural production and productivity.
Contribution of Hatchery-Reared Walleyes to Populations in Northern Green Bay, Lake Michigan
Authors: Zorn Troy G
Published: June 2015

The effectiveness of stocking hatchery-reared Walleyes Sander vitreus to supplement native populations in large, open systems like the Great Lakes has not been thoroughly evaluated. I quantified recent contributions of stocked Walleye fingerlings to populations in Little Bay de Noc (LBDN) and Big Bay de Noc (BBDN) in northern Green Bay, Lake Michigan. Oxytetracycline-marked Walleye fingerlings were stocked in June, and late summer gill-net and night-time boat electrofishing surveys were used to index Walleye year-class abundance and collect juvenile Walleyes for hatchery mark evaluation. For the 2004–2009 year-classes, 76% of the age-0 to age-3 Walleyes examined from LBDN were of wild origin and 62% in BBDN were naturally reproduced fish. Survey catch rates of juvenile Walleyes were similar for stocked and nonstocked year-classes. Assessment catch rates of age-1 and age-2 Walleyes differed significantly by location, with average catch rates in LBDN often being ten times higher than those in BBDN. Age-0 Walleyes persisted to older ages and were well-represented at numerous sampling locations in LBDN, but few age-1 and older Walleyes were caught in BBDN. The differences in growth between hatchery-reared and wild Walleyes were minor compared with the differences between bays. Based on stocking records and creel estimates available since 1985, the harvest rate of Walleyes was not significantly correlated to the numbers of Walleyes stocked 4–6 years earlier in LBDN or BBDN. Despite low stocking rates, stocked fish likely provided some contribution (though not a statistically significant one) to Walleye year-classes and the sport fishery in LBDN, but their contribution in BBDN was less apparent. Managers should weigh the trade-offs of supplemental stocking in Great Lakes waters when considering requests for hatchery Walleyes in smaller lakes and rivers, especially when stocking resources are limited.
Novel epigenetic determinants of type 2 diabetes in Mexican-American families
Authors: Kulkarni Hemant , Kos Mark Z. , Neary Jennifer , Dyer Thomas D. , Kent Jack W. , Göring Harald H.H. , Cole Shelley A. , Comuzzie Anthony G. , Almasy Laura , Mahaney Michael C. , Curran Joanne E. , Blangero John , Carless Melanie A.
Published: June 2015

Although DNA methylation is now recognized as an important mediator of complex diseases, the extent to which the genetic basis of such diseases is accounted for by DNA methylation is unknown. In the setting of large, extended families representing a minority, high-risk population of the USA, we aimed to characterize the role of epigenome-wide DNA methylation in type 2 diabetes (T2D). Using Illumina HumanMethylation450 BeadChip arrays, we tested for association of DNA methylation at 446 356 sites with age, sex and phenotypic traits related to T2D in 850 pedigreed Mexican-American individuals. Robust statistical analyses showed that (i) 15% of the methylome is significantly heritable, with a median heritability of 0.14; (ii) DNA methylation at 14% of CpG sites is associated with nearby sequence variants; (iii) 22% and 3% of the autosomal CpG sites are associated with age and sex, respectively; (iv) 53 CpG sites were significantly associated with liability to T2D, fasting blood glucose and insulin resistance; (v) DNA methylation levels at five CpG sites, mapping to three well-characterized genes (TXNIP, ABCG1 and SAMD12) independently explained 7.8% of the heritability of T2D (vi) methylation at these five sites was unlikely to be influenced by neighboring DNA sequence variation. Our study has identified novel epigenetic indicators of T2D risk in Mexican Americans who have increased risk for this disease. These results provide new insights into potential treatment targets of T2D.
Integrating research into operational practice
Authors: Ross Alastair
Published: June 2015

Research and development can be classified into three categories: technology adoption, technology extension, and knowledge and technology creation. In general, technology adoption is embedded in operational forensic science laboratory practice but the latter two categories require partnerships with industry and/or academia both to conduct the research and implement the outcomes. In a 2012 survey, Australian and New Zealand forensic science laboratories identified a number of ‘roadblocks’ to undertaking research and operationalizing research outcomes. These included insufficient time and funding, a lack of in-house research experience and the absence of a tangible research culture. Allied to this is that, increasingly, forensic science research is conducted in a ‘commercial in confidence’ environment and the outcomes are not readily or cost-effectively available to be integrated into operational forensic science laboratories. The paper is predominantly reflective of the current situation in Australia and New Zealand
Machine Learning Biogeographic Processes from Biotic Patterns: A New Trait-Dependent Dispersal and Diversification Model with Model-Choice By Simulation-Trained Discriminant Analysis
Authors: Sukumaran Jeet , Economo Evan P. , Knowles L. Lacey
Published: June 2015

Current statistical biogeographical analysis methods are limited in the ways ecology can be related to the processes of diversification and geographical range evolution, requiring conflation of geography and ecology, and/or assuming ecologies that are uniform across all lineages and invariant in time. This precludes the possibility of studying a broad class of macro-evolutionary biogeographical theories that relate geographical and species histories through iineage-specific ecological and evolutionary dynamics, such as taxon cycle theory. Here we present a new model that generates phylogenies under a complex of superpositioned geographical range evolution, trait evolution, and diversification processes that can communicate with each other.This means that, under our model, the diversification and transition of the states of a lineage through geographical space is separate from, yet is conditional on, the state of the lineage in trait space (or vice versa). We present a likelihood-free method of inference under our model using discriminant analysis of principal components of summary statistics calculated on phylogenies, with the discriminant functions trained on data generated by simulations under our model. This approach of model classification is shown to be efficient, robust, and performant over a broad range of parameter space defined by the relative rates of dispersal, trait evolution, and diversification processes. We apply our method to a case study of the taxon cycle, i.e. testing for habitat and trophic-level constraints in the dispersal regimes of the Wallacean avifaunal radiation.
Picosecond-resolved X-ray absorption spectroscopy at low signal contrast using a hard X-ray streak camera
Authors: Adams Bernhard W. , Rose-Petruck Christoph , Jiao Yishuo
Published: June 2015

A picosecond-resolving hard-X-ray streak camera has been in operation for several years at Sector 7 of the Advanced Photon Source (APS). Several upgrades have been implemented over the past few years to optimize integration into the beamline, reduce the timing jitter, and improve the signal-to-noise ratio. These include the development of X-ray optics for focusing the X-rays into the sample and the entrance slit of the streak camera, and measures to minimize the amount of laser light needed to generate the deflection-voltage ramp. For the latter, the photoconductive switch generating the deflection ramp was replaced with microwave power electronics. With these, the streak camera operates routinely at 88 MHz repetition rate, thus making it compatible with all of the APS fill patterns including use of all the X-rays in the 324-bunch mode. Sample data are shown to demonstrate the performance.
Assessment of freeware programs for the reconstruction of tomography datasets obtained with a monochromatic synchrotron-based X-ray source
Authors: Wolkowski Bailey , Snead Elisabeth , Wesolowski Michal , Singh Jaswant , Pettitt Murray , Chibbar Rajni , Melli Seyedali , Montgomery James
Published: June 2015

Synchrotron-based in-line phase-contrast computed tomography (PC-CT) allows soft tissue to be imaged with sub-gross resolution and has potential to be used as a diagnostic tool. The reconstruction and processing of in-line PC-CT datasets is a computationally demanding task; thus, an efficient and user-friendly software program is desirable. Four freeware programs (NRecon,PITRE,H-PITREandAthabasca Recon) were compared for the availability of features such as dark- and flat-field calibration, beam power normalization, ring artifact removal, and alignment tools for optimizing image quality. An in-line PC-CT projection dataset (3751 projections, 180° rotation, 10.13 mm × 0.54 mm) was collected from a formalin-fixed canine prostate at the Biomedical Imaging and Therapy Bending Magnet (BMIT-BM) beamline of the Canadian Light Source. This dataset was processed with each of the four software programs and usability of the program was evaluated. Efficiency was assessed by how each program maximized computer processing power during computation.Athabasca Reconhad the least-efficient memory usage, least user-friendly interface, and lacked a ring artifact removal feature.NRecon,PITREandH-PITREproduced similar quality images, but theAthabasca Reconreconstruction suffered from the lack of a native ring remover algorithm. The 64-bit version ofNReconuses GPU (graphics processor unit) memory for accelerated processing and is user-friendly, but does not provide necessary parameters for in-line PC-CT data, such as dark-field and flat-field correction and beam power normalization.PITREhas many helpful features and tools, but lacks a comprehensive user manual and help section.H-PITREis a condensed version ofPITREand maximizes computer memory for efficiency. To conclude,NReconhas fewer imaging processing tools thanPITREandH-PITRE, but is ideal for less experienced users due to a simple user interface. Based on the quality of reconstructed images, efficient use of computer memory and parameter availability,H-PITREwas the preferred of the four programs compared.
Crystal structure of 2-(4-tert-butylphenyl)-3-hydroxy-4H-chromen-4-one
Authors: Narita Fuka , Takura Akihiro , Fujihara Takashi
Published: June 2015

Yellow–green fluorescent crystals of the title compound, C19H18O3, were obtained by the reaction of hydroxyacetophenone and 4-tert-butylbenzaldehyde with hydrogen peroxide as oxidant. The plane of the benzene ring is slightly twisted to the mean plane of the 4H-chromene-4-one moiety (r.m.s. deviation = 0.0191 Å) by 10.53 (8)°. In the crystal, molecules are linked by pairs of O—H...O hydrogen bonds, forming inversion dimers with anR22(10) ring motif. The dimers are linkedviaC—H...π interactions, forming sheets parallel to (10-1).
An empirical investigation of the impact of management accounting on structural capital and business performance
Authors: Cleary Peter
Published: June 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to develop and test a series of conceptual models that investigates the impact of management accounting (MA) (systems and information) on firms’ structural capital and business performance. It also replicates previous research in this area which focused on the interplay between the three primary elements of intellectual capital (IC) (i.e. human capital, structural capital and relational capital) and business performance.

Design/methodology/approach

– A survey instrument was used to collect the data required to conduct the study. All respondents who participated occupied the role of chief financial officer or equivalent and were employed by firms competing within the indigenous Irish information and communications technology sector. Consistent with prior quantitative IC-based research, a form of structural equation modelling called partial least squares was used to test the data collected.

Findings

– The findings reject the suggestion that MA is most appropriately situated as an element of firms’ structural capital. The findings support a plausible and statistically significant relationship between advanced MA systems and business performance. The findings also generally support previous research on the relationship between the three elements of IC and business performance.

Originality/value

– Although much has been written about the potential role for MA in the IC area, little empirical evidence has yet emerged. This exploratory research begins to address this deficiency by developing and testing a series of MA-related constructs within the IC research domain.
Anti money laundering using a two-phase system
Authors: Moustafa Tamer Hossam , Abd El-Megied Mohamed Zaki , Sobh Tarek Salah , Shafea Khaled Mohamed
Published: June 2015

Purpose

– This paper aims to compete and detect suspicious transactions that can lead to detecting money laundering cases.

Design/methodology/approach

– This paper presents a plan-based framework for anti-money laundering systems (PBAMLS). Such a framework is novel and consists of two phases, in addition to several supporting modules. The first phase, the monitoring phase, utilizes an automata approach as a formalism to detect probable money laundering. The detection process is based on a money laundering deterministic finite automaton that has been obtained from the corresponding regular expressions which specify different money laundering processes. The second phase is STRIPS-based planning phase that aims at strengthening the belief in the probable problems discovered in the first (monitoring) phase. In addition, PBAMLS contains several supporting modules for data collection and mediation, link analysis and risk scoring. To assess the applicability of PBAMLS, it has been tested using different cases studies.

Findings

– This framework provides a clear shift of anti-money laundering systems (AML) from depending heuristic and human expertise to making use of a rigorous formalism to accomplish concrete decisions. It minimizes the possibilities of false positive alarms and increases the certainty in decision-making.

Practical implications

– This framework enhances the detection of money laundering cases. It also minimizes the number of false-positive alarms that waste the investigators’ efforts and time; it decreases the efforts presented by the investigators.

Originality/value

– This work proposes PBAMLS as a novel plan-based framework for AML systems.
Green marketing innovations in small Indian firms
Authors: Kumar Prashant
Published: June 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to explore green marketing innovations in small Indian firms which serve as decisive dimensions for developing green identity of small firms in the market.

Design/methodology/approach

– Data were obtained by interviewing marketing managers for green products in small Indian firms.

Findings

– Six categories of green marketing innovations are identified – marketing compliance, marketing strategic partnership, marketing environmental commitment, marketing green team, marketing benchmarking and marketing (environmental) ethical behaviour.

Research limitations/implications

– Though limited to small Indian firms, this study determined their distinct green marketing approaches and innovations.

Practical implications

– The distinct green marketing approaches and innovations determined indicate that contemporary marketing innovations and decisions have moved beyond limited alternatives predetermined by product and market definitions, and downstream market-related activities such as advertising, packaging, selling or distribution, and are now based on compliance, commitment and leadership in context of small firms.

Originality/value

– This study is unique to employ natural resource-based view theory in context of determining green marketing innovations in small firms.
The level of compliance with International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS 7)
Authors: Sarea Adel Mohammed , Abdulla Al Dalal Zahra
Published: June 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to examine the level of compliance with International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS 7) by listed companies in Bahrain Bourse (BB).

Design/methodology/approach

– First, the authors design disclosure compliance checklist of ten requirements of IFRS 7. Second, a score of 3 is assigned if high level of compliance, 2 is assigned if medium level of compliance, 1 is assigned if low level of compliance. The sample of the study comprises of (21) companies listed in BB for year 2013.

Findings

– The main findings are, the level of compliance varied by industry and the highest level of compliance reported for the investment sector whereas the lowest for the insurance industry. This result indicates that all listed companies are complying with IFRS 7 in terms of the standard disclosure requirements.

Practical implications

– In this paper attempt has been made to support the argument of previous studies. The paper attempts to test and answer the research question; does the financial sector in Bahrain comply with IFRS 7? These results could lead to high level of awareness about the financial instruments. Adoption of the IFRS 7 could lead to high level of compliance and play a significant role in attracting global investors’ interest to the local markets, especially in a developing country like Bahrain.

Originality/value

– This paper provides an insight from the reality of the financial market in Bahrain as a result of answering this question; does the financial sector in Bahrain comply with IFRS 7?
Trust, personality, risk taking and entrepreneurship
Authors: Zeffane Rachid
Published: June 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to examine the impact of trust, personality and risk taking on entrepreneurial intentions (EIs). In this perspective, it explores gender differences among nascent and actual entrepreneurs in the context of the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

Design/methodology/approach

– Survey data were collected from two sets of populations: 370 students attending business courses in a university in the UAE (as proxies to nascent entrepreneurs) and 324 small business owners/operators (as proxies to actual entrepreneurs). The scales used in the study were borrowed from previous research and were also empirically confirmed through reliability tests.

Findings

– In support of previous research, analyses of variance confirmed the hypotheses that females are less inclined to become entrepreneurs and are less likely to take risk. Females were also found to be less trusting than males. Regression analysis revealed that, the intention to engage in entrepreneurship is most significantly affected by the propensity to trust. These confirm the study hypotheses.

Research limitations/implications

– This study is set in a single country and as such, its findings may be constrained by cultural/national specificities. Future research could consider examining the variables of this study (particularly gender differences and their relevance to the effects of trust and risk taking on EIs) in a wider cross-national context.

Practical implications

– The findings of this study clearly indicate that trust is an important variable that can be cultivated at the pre-entrepreneurial stage so that future entrepreneurs (females in particular) are appropriately equipped and geared to cope with risk in entrepreneurship activities.

Originality/value

– Research on gender, trust, risk taking and entrepreneurial behaviors in the UAE/Middle East context remains lacking. Also, studies using samples of both actual and nascent entrepreneurs remain lacking. This study fills these gaps and also provides a platform for further understanding the importance of gender differences in relation to trust, personality, risk taking and EIs.
Technique to detect flower‐visiting insects in video monitoring and time‐lapse photography data
Authors: Nakase Yuta , Suetsugu Kenji
Published: June 2015

Recent developments in video monitoring and time‐lapse photography techniques have increased the efficiency of observing floral visitors. However, such approaches still require a great investment of time and effort to extract the relevant information from the large quantity of data produced. In an attempt to shorten this time‐consuming process and make it more efficient, we have developed a system to automatically detect moving objects. This new system involves the comparison of consecutive frames to detect differences between the images and highlights those frames that are likely to contain insect visitors. The specifications of the system and the results from a pilot study using the data of the orchid species Platanthera ussuriensis are described below.
INTIMATE PARTNER VIOLENCE RISK AMONG VICTIMS OF YOUTH VIOLENCE: ARE EARLY UNIONS BAD, BENEFICIAL, OR BENIGN?
Authors: KUHL DANIELLE C. , WARNER DAVID F. , WARNER TARA D.
Published: June 2015

Youth violent victimization (YVV) is a risk factor for precocious exits from adolescence via early coresidential union formation. It remains unclear, however, whether these early unions 1) are associated with intimate partner violence (IPV) victimization, 2) interrupt victim continuity or victim–offender overlap through protective and prosocial bonds, or 3) are inconsequential. By using data from the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent to Adult Health (N = 11,928; 18–34 years of age), we examine competing hypotheses for the effect of early union timing among victims of youth violence (n = 2,479)—differentiating across victimization only, perpetration only, and mutually combative relationships and considering variation by gender. The results from multinomial logistic regression models indicate that YVV increases the risk of IPV victimization in first unions, regardless of union timing; the null effect of timing indicates that delaying union formation would not reduce youth victims’ increased risk of continued victimization. Gender‐stratified analyses reveal that earlier unions can protect women against IPV perpetration, but this is partly the result of an increased risk of IPV victimization. The findings suggest that YVV has significant transformative consequences, leading to subsequent victimization by coresidential partners, and this association might be exacerbated among female victims who form early unions. We conclude by discussing directions for future research.
Structure–activity relationships of bumetanide derivatives: correlation between diuretic activity in dogs and inhibition of the human NKCC2A transporter
Authors: Lykke Kasper , Töllner Kathrin , Römermann Kerstin , Feit Peter W , Erker Thomas , MacAulay Nanna , Löscher Wolfgang
Published: June 2015

Background and Purpose

The N‐K‐Cl cotransporters (NKCCs) mediate the coupled, electroneutral movement of Na+, K+ and Cl− ions across cell membranes. There are two isoforms of this cation co‐transporter, NKCC1 and NKCC2. NKCC2 is expressed primarily in the kidney and is the target of diuretics such as bumetanide. Bumetanide was discovered by screening ∼5000 3‐amino‐5‐sulfamoylbenzoic acid derivatives, long before NKCC2 was identified in the kidney. Therefore, structure–activity studies on effects of bumetanide derivatives on NKCC2 are not available.

Experimental Approach

In this study, the effect of a series of diuretically active bumetanide derivatives was investigated on human NKCC2 variant A (hNKCC2A) expressed in Xenopus laevis oocytes.

Key Results

Bumetanide blocked hNKCC2A transport with an IC50 of 4 μM. There was good correlation between the diuretic potency of bumetanide and its derivatives in dogs and their inhibition of hNKCC2A (r2 = 0.817; P < 0.01). Replacement of the carboxylic group of bumetanide by a non‐ionic residue, for example, an anilinomethyl group, decreased inhibition of hNKCC2A, indicating that an acidic group was required for transporter inhibition. Exchange of the phenoxy group of bumetanide for a 4‐chloroanilino group or the sulfamoyl group by a methylsulfonyl group resulted in compounds with higher potency to inhibit hNKCC2A than bumetanide.

Conclusions and Implications

The X. laevis oocyte expression system used in these experiments allowed analysis of the structural requirements that determine relative potency of loop diuretics on human NKCC2 splice variants, and may lead to the discovery of novel high‐ceiling diuretics.
Selective activation of D1 dopamine receptors impairs sensorimotor gating in Long–Evans rats
Authors: Mosher Laura J , Frau Roberto , Pardu Alessandra , Pes Romina , Devoto Paola , Bortolato Marco
Published: June 2015

Background and Purpose

Sensorimotor gating is a perceptual process aimed at filtering out irrelevant information. In humans and animal models, this function can be operationally measured through the prepulse inhibition (PPI) of the acoustic startle reflex. Notably, PPI deficits are associated with numerous neuropsychiatric conditions characterized by gating disturbances, including schizophrenia and Tourette syndrome. Ample evidence has shown that dopamine plays a key role in PPI regulation and, in particular, rodent studies indicate that this neurotransmitter modulates PPI through D1 and D2 dopamine receptors. In mice, the relative contributions of these two families of receptors are strain‐dependent. Conversely, the role of D1 receptors in the regulation of PPI across different rat strains remains unclear.

Experimental Approach

We tested the effects of selective D1 and D2 receptor agonists and antagonists on the startle reflex and PPI of Sprague‐Dawley, Wistar and Long–Evans rats.

Key Results

In contrast with Sprague‐Dawley and Wistar rats, the full D1 receptor agonist SKF82958 elicited significant PPI deficits in Long–Evans rats, an effect sensitive to the selective D1 antagonist SCH23390.

Conclusions and Implications

Our results suggest that, in Long–Evans rats, D1 receptor activation may be sufficient to significantly impair PPI. These data emphasize the role of D1 receptors in the pathophysiology of neuropsychiatric disorders featuring alterations in sensorimotor gating, and uphold the importance of the genetic background in shaping the role of dopamine receptors in the regulation of this key information‐processing function.

Linked Articles

This article is part of a themed section on Updating Neuropathology and Neuropharmacology of Monoaminergic Systems. To view the other articles in this section visit http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/bph.v173.13/issuetoc
Betulinic acid exerts anti‐hepatitis C virus activity via the suppression of NF‐κB‐ and MAPK‐ERK1/2‐mediated COX‐2 expression
Authors: Lin Chun‐Kuang , Tseng Chin‐Kai , Chen Kai‐Hsun , Wu Shih‐Hsiung , Liaw Chih‐Chuang , Lee Jin‐Ching
Published: June 2015

Background and Purpose

This study was designed to evaluate the effect of betulinic acid (BA), extracted from Avicennia marina, on the replication of hepatitis C virus (HCV) and to investigate the mechanism of this BA‐mediated anti‐HCV activity.

Experimental Approach

HCV replicon and infectious systems were used to evaluate the anti‐HCV activity of BA. Exogenous COX‐2 or knock‐down of COX‐2 expression was used to investigate the role of COX‐2 in the anti‐HCV activity of BA. The effects of BA on the phosphorylation of NF‐κB and on kinases in the MAPK signalling pathway were determined. The anti‐HCV activity of BA in combination with other HCV inhibitors was also determined to assess its use as an anti‐HCV supplement.

Key Results

BA inhibited HCV replication in both Ava5 replicon cells and in a cell culture‐derived infectious HCV particle system. Treatment with a combination of BA and IFN‐α, the protease inhibitor telaprevir or the NS5B polymerase inhibitor sofosbuvir resulted in the synergistic suppression of HCV RNA replication. Exogenous overexpression of COX‐2 gradually attenuated the inhibitory effect of BA on HCV replication, suggesting that BA reduces HCV replication by suppressing the expression of COX‐2. In particular, BA down‐regulated HCV‐induced COX‐2 expression by reducing the phosphorylation of NF‐κB and ERK1/2 of the MAPK signalling pathway.

Conclusions and Implications

BA inhibits HCV replication by suppressing the NF‐κB‐ and ERK1/2‐mediated COX‐2 pathway and may serve as a promising compound for drug development or as a potential supplement for use in the treatment of HCV‐infected patients.
Genetic deficit of KCa3.1 channels protects against pulmonary circulatory collapse induced by TRPV4 channel activation
Authors: Wandall‐Frostholm Christine , Dalsgaard Thomas , Bajoriūnas Vytis , Oliván‐Viguera Aida , Sadda Veeruanjaneyulu , Beck Lilliana , Mogensen Susie , Stankevicius Edgaras , Simonsen Ulf , Köhler Ralf
Published: June 2015

Background and Purpose

The intermediate conductance calcium/calmodulin‐regulated K+ channel KCa3.1 produces hyperpolarizing K+ currents that counteract depolarizing currents carried by transient receptor potential (TRP) channels, and provide the electrochemical driving force for Cl− and fluid movements. We investigated whether a deficiency in KCa3.1 (KCa3.1−/−) protects against fatal pulmonary circulatory collapse in mice after pharmacological activation of the calcium‐permeable TRP subfamily vanilloid type 4 (TRPV4) channels.

Experimental Approach

An opener of TRPV4 channels, GSK1016790A, was infused in wild‐type (wt) and KCa3.1−/− mice; haemodynamic parameters, histology and pulmonary vascular reactivity were measured; and patch clamp was performed on pulmonary arterial endothelial cells (PAEC).

Key Results

In wt mice, GSK1016790A decreased right ventricular and systemic pressure leading to a fatal circulatory collapse that was accompanied by increased protein permeability, lung haemorrhage and fluid extravasation. In contrast, KCa3.1−/− mice exhibited a significantly smaller drop in pressure to GSK1016790A infusion, no haemorrhage and fluid water extravasation, and the mice survived. Moreover, the GSK1016790A‐induced relaxation of pulmonary arteries of KCa3.1−/− mice was significantly less than that of wt mice. GSK1016790A induced TRPV4 currents in PAEC from wt and KCa3.1−/− mice, which co‐activated KCa3.1 and disrupted membrane resistance in wt PAEC, but not in KCa3.1−/− PAEC.

Conclusions and Implications

Our findings show that a genetic deficiency of KCa3.1 channels prevented fatal pulmonary circulatory collapse and reduced lung damage caused by pharmacological activation of calcium‐permeable TRPV4 channels. Therefore, inhibition of KCa3.1channels may have therapeutic potential in conditions characterized by abnormal high endothelial calcium signalling, barrier disruption, lung oedema and pulmonary circulatory collapse.
CD4 T cell differentiation in type 1 diabetes
Authors: Walker L S K , von Herrath M
Published: June 2015

Susceptibility to type 1 diabetes is associated strongly with human leucocyte antigen (HLA) genes, implicating T cells in disease pathogenesis. In humans, CD8 T cells predominantly infiltrate the islets, yet their activation and propagation probably requires CD4 T cell help. CD4 T cells can select from several differentiation fates following activation, and this choice has profound consequences for their subsequent cytokine production and migratory potential. In turn, these features dictate which other immune cell types T cells interact with and influence, thereby determining downstream effector functions. Obtaining an accurate picture of the type of CD4 T cell differentiation associated with a particular immune-mediated disease therefore constitutes an important clue when planning intervention strategies. Early models of T cell differentiation focused on the dichotomy between T helper type 1 (Th1) and Th2 responses, with type 1 diabetes (T1D) being viewed mainly as a Th1-mediated pathology. However, several additional fate choices have emerged in recent years, including Th17 cells and follicular helper T cells. Here we revisit the issue of T cell differentiation in autoimmune diabetes, highlighting new evidence from both mouse models and patient samples. We assess the strengths and the weaknesses of the Th1 paradigm, review the data on interleukin (IL)-17 production in type 1 diabetes and discuss emerging evidence for the roles of IL-21 and follicular helper T cells in this disease setting. A better understanding of the phenotype of CD4 T cells in T1D will undoubtedly inform biomarker development, improve patient stratification and potentially reveal new targets for therapeutic intervention.
Toward a Social Science Research Agenda for Large Marine Protected Areas
Authors: Gruby Rebecca L. , Gray Noella J. , Campbell Lisa M. , Acton Leslie
Published: June 2015

Large marine protected areas (LMPAs) are a high‐profile trend in global marine conservation. Although the social sciences have become well integrated into marine protected area research and practice, human dimensions considerations have not been an early priority in the development of many LMPAs. This article argues that because LMPAs exhibit unique characteristics in form, function, and/or conceptualization, they warrant a distinct social science research agenda. We outline an agenda for social science research on and for LMPAs in four related themes: scoping of human dimensions, governance, politics, and social and economic outcomes. The article is informed by interviews, participant observation at the 2014 World Parks Congress, a literature review and the authors’ research experiences.  LMPAs are at an early stage in what promises to be a globally significant, long‐term project of ocean conservation and governance. There is a timely opportunity to translate relevant insights from decades of social science research to LMPAs and generate new knowledge, where necessary, to give them their best chance at biological and social success.
Is one motor cortex enough for two hands?
Authors: Fiori Simona , Staudt Martin , Pannek Kerstin , Borghetti Davide , Biagi Laura , Scelfo Danilo , Rose Stephen E , Tosetti Michela , Cioni Giovanni , Guzzetta Andrea
Published: June 2015

We report on a patient with mirror movements sustained by a mono‐hemispheric fast control of bilateral hand muscles and normal hand function. Transcranial magnetic stimulation of the right motor cortex evoked contractions of muscles in both hands while no responses were observed from the left hemisphere. Somatosensory‐evoked potentials, functional magnetic resonance, and diffusion tractography showed evidence of sensorimotor dissociation and asymmetry of corticospinal projections, suggestive of reorganization after early unilateral left brain lesion. This is the first evidence that, in certain rare conditions, good hand function is possible with ipsilateral corticospinal reorganization, supporting the role of unexplored mechanisms of motor recovery.
Impacts of inoculation withHerpotrichia pinetorum, Gremmenia infestansandGremmeniella abietinaonPinus nigrasubsp.pallasianaandCedrus libaniseedlings in the field
Authors: Doğmuş‐Lehtijärvi H. T. , Lehtijärvi A. , Woodward S. , Oskay F.
Published: June 2015

Herpotrichia pinetorum,Gremmenia infestansandGremmeniella abietinawere inoculated onto 2‐year‐old Anatolian black pine (Pinus nigrasubsp.pallasiana) and Taurus cedar (Cedrus libani) seedlings planted in a high mountain forest (1800 m a.s.l) in south‐western Turkey, to determine the effects of these fungi during winter. In June, 8 months after inoculation, 39.9% of experimental plants were dead and 20.4% of the surviving plants failed to flush.Gremmeniella abietinaandH. pinetorumcaused the most fatalities. Prevention of new shoot formation on surviving plants, however, was mainly an effect ofG. abietinainfections, although many surviving plants inoculated withG. infestansorH. pinetorumalso failed to flush. All three pathogens had the potential to severely damage young plants ofP. nigrasubsp.pallasianaandC. libanigrowing at high elevations near to forests with heavy inoculum loads. The implications of this finding forP. nigraafforestations at high altitudes in Turkey are discussed. This study is also the first to report thatG. infestanscan infect and cause disease on youngC. libaniplants.
The Painful Legacy of Childhood Violence: Migraine Headaches Among Adult Survivors of Adverse Childhood Experiences
Authors: Brennenstuhl Sarah , Fuller‐Thomson Esme
Published: June 2015

Background

Childhood adversities have been associated with adult migraine in the general population. However, most research has focused on only a few types of maltreatment and has not always controlled for factors correlated with early adversities and migraine.

Objectives

The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between early adversities and migraine, while controlling for a range of potential explanatory factors.

Methods

We analyzed data from the 2012 Canadian Community Health Survey – Mental Health. Using a representative sample of 10,358 men and 12,638 women, we undertook gender‐specific logistic regression analyses to determine the association between number and type of self‐reported childhood adversities (physical abuse, sexual abuse, and witnessing parental domestic violence) and migraine, while controlling for sociodemographics, comorbid adversities, health behaviors, depression, and anxiety.

Results

In total, 6.5% of men and 14.2% of women reported migraines. All three adversities were significantly associated with migraine for both genders, even after controlling for a range of variables. The fully adjusted odds of migraine associated with physical abuse, parental domestic violence, and sexual abuse were 1.61 (95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.42‐1.83), 1.64 (95% CI = 1.39‐1.93), and 1.32 (95% CI = 1.11‐1.57), respectively, for women, and 1.50 (95% CI = 1.25‐1.80), 1.52 (95% CI = 1.16‐1.98), and 1.70 (95% CI = 1.22‐2.36) for men. Greater number of adversities was also associated with increasing odds of migraine. Men reporting all three adversities had over three times (odds ratio = 3.26; 95% CI = 2.09‐5.07) and women over two times (OR = 2.85; 95% CI = 2.25‐3.60) the odds of migraine compared with those without childhood adversities.

Conclusions

Number and type of early adversities are associated with migraine among Canadian men and women.
Detection accuracy of root fractures in cone‐beam computed tomography images: a systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Ma R. H. , Ge Z. P. , Li G.
Published: June 2015

The aim of this review was to evaluate whetherCBCTis reliable for the detection of root fractures in teeth without root fillings, and whether the voxel size has an impact on diagnostic accuracy. The studies published in PubMed, Web of Science, ScienceDirect, Cochrane Library, Embase, Scopus,CNKIand Wanfang up to May 2014 were the data source. Studies on nonroot filled teeth with the i‐CAT(n = 8) and 3D AccuitomoCBCT(n = 5) units were eventually selected. In the studies on i‐CAT, the pooled sensitivity was 0.83 and the pooled specificity was 0.91; in the 3D Accuitomo studies, the pooled sensitivity was 0.95 and pooled specificity was 0.96. The i‐CATgroup comprised 5 voxel size subgroups and the 3D Accuitomo group contained 2 subgroups. For the i‐CATgroup, there was a significant difference amongst the five subgroups (0.125, 0.2, 0.25, 0.3 and 0.4 mm;P = 0.000). Pairwise comparison revealed that 0.125 mm voxel subgroup was significantly different from those of 0.2, 0.25 and 0.3 mm voxel subgroups, but not from the 0.4 mm voxel subgroup. There were no significant differences amongst any other two subgroups (by α′ = 0.005). No significant difference was found between 0.08 mm and 0.125 mm voxel subgroups (P = 0.320) for the 3D Accuitomo group. The present review confirms the detection accuracy of root fractures inCBCTimages, but does not support the concept that voxel size may play a role in improving the detection accuracy of root fractures in nonroot filled teeth.
Effect of an Antagonistic Yeast in Combination with Microwave Treatment on Postharvest Blue Mould Rot of Jujube Fruit
Authors: Guo Dongqi , Yang Baoqiu , Ren Xiaopu , Zhu Lixia
Published: June 2015

The potential of using an antagonistic yeast alone or in combination with microwave treatment for controlling blue mould rot of jujube fruit, and its effect on postharvest quality of fruit, was investigated. The results showed that the growth of Penicillium citrinum was completely inhibited by a 2450‐MHz microwave heating for 2 or more minutes in vitro. The population density of P. citrinum in surface wounds of fruit treated with microwave treatment for 2–3 min was significantly lower than that of controls. When tested on jujube fruit, antagonistic yeast or microwave treatment, as stand‐alone treatment, the disease incidence of infected wounds was reduced from 100% to 45.0% and 36.0%, and lesion diameters were reduced from 1.92 cm to 1.50 cm and 1.38 cm, respectively. However, in fruit treated with a combination of Metschnikowia pulcherrima and microwave treatment, the disease incidence of infected wounds and lesion diameters was only 21.0% and 1.00 cm, respectively. The natural decay incidence on jujube fruit treated with the combination of microwave treatment and M. pulcherrima was 6.2% after storage at 2 ± 1°C for 45 days and at 22°C for 7 days. None of the treatments impaired quality parameters of fruits. Thus, the combination of microwave treatment and M. pulcherrima could provide an alternative to synthetic fungicides for controlling postharvest blue mould rot of jujube fruit.