bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Prevention of early childhood caries: a public health perspective
Authors: Weintraub Jane A.
Published: April 2013

Abstract—

This paper proposes strategies for preventing early childhood caries (ECC), preferably for the greatest number of children at the lowest cost. Population‐based, public health approaches are more likely to reach the target population groups at risk of developing ECC than individual, private practice‐based approaches. Different prevention and early intervention strategies are discussed and the following recommendations are made: 1) Continue to promote community water fluoridation. 2) Evaluate the effectiveness of other public health oriented measures to prevent ECC. 3) Develop a national ECC and rampant caries registry. 4) Link oral health screening and easily implemented, low‐cost interventions with immunization schedules and public health nursing activities. 5) Increase opportunities for community‐based interventions conducted by dental hygienists. 6) Change insurance reimbursement schedules to provide incentives for dentists to prevent disease. 7) Include dentistry in new child health insurance legislation for children as well as parents of infants and preschool children.
Research issues in early childhood caries
Authors: Horowitz Herschel S.
Published: April 2013

Abstract—

Research 3 needed to establish what nomenclature and case definition for early childhood caries (ECC) are most relevant to health care professionals and to the public. Profiles or indexes for predicting the prevalence of ECC in communities should be developed on the basis of the socioeconomic factors, immigrant status and ethnic/racial backgrounds of populations. Future research should target risk factors of ECC, particularly prenatal and perinatal histories, nutritional status and microbiologic factors. Determining the relation of malnutrition of infants and young children, low birthweight, complicated pregnancies and traumatic births with the development of enamel linear hypoplasia deserves research attention. Factors that affect how and when infants and young children are colonized by mutans streptococci also need further study. The evaluation of chemotherapeutic preventive agents will likely yield more fruitful interventions for prevention than trying to change behaviors. Research in young children to prevent ECC, however, has particular ethical considerations. Withholding treatments or administering placebos to vulnerable subjects is not acceptable. Consequently, future clinical research likely will determine the relative rather than the absolute effectiveness of preventive regimens; the former requires large sample sizes and may necessitate multi‐center studies. Human studies may be hampered by problems of recruitment, compliance and transiency of subjects. Because federal support for research on dental caries has declined in recent years, a special initiative that focuses specifically on ECC may be necessary to obtain adequate funding for research on the disease.
Response to Horowitz: Research issues in early childhood caries
Authors: Johnsen David C.
Published: April 2013

Abstract—

Interest in early childhood caries (ECC) remains strong internationally, yet a name remains elusive. Baby bottle tooth decay (BBTD) was widely recognized by non‐dental health professionals — a factor to consider in choosing a more appropriate name. Due to limits in historic data, progress against the disease remains difficult to determine. As reflected by Dr Horowitz's list of recommendations, a focused agenda is not at hand on research leading to specific interventions. We also struggle to develop a specific set of interventions suitable for public health settings. In the absence of research‐based effective interventions, I hope we do not withdraw from efforts to reduce ECC.
Effect of Continuing Nursing Education on Nurses' Attitude Toward and Accuracy of Nursing Diagnosis
Authors: Collins Anita
Published: April 2013

Purpose

To test the effectiveness of a 12‐hr educational course on nursing diagnosis, critical thinking, and clinical reasoning.

Method

This two‐group, quasi‐experimental study was conducted with 100 practicing nurses, 50 in each group. Attitude was measured by the Positions on Nursing Diagnosis scale. Accuracy of nursing diagnosis was measured with three valid and reliable case studies, and the Lunney scoring method.

Findings

After completion, there was a significant difference in the mean attitude between control and experimental groups, and in the accuracy of nursing diagnosis.

Conclusions

Continuing education can improve clinical reasoning, as shown by improved attitudes toward and accuracy of nursing diagnosis.

Practice Implications

Nurse educators should create educational strategies for practicing nurses to improve clinical reasoning skills.
Exploring Patterns of Unwanted Behaviours in Adults with Prader–Willi Syndrome
Authors: Pignatti Riccardo , Mori Ileana , Bertella Laura , Grugni Graziano , Giardino Daniela , Molinari Enrico
Published: April 2013

Background

Obsessive‐compulsive (O‐C) traits, and excessive food intake are well known behavioural manifestations among individuals with Prader–Willi Syndrome (PWS). Other unwanted behaviours are also frequently observed, but they need a more specific investigation, especially in the adult population.

Methods

The behaviour of 31 PWS adults was investigated via the Symptom Checklist‐90‐Revised (SCL‐90‐R), the Yale‐Brown Obsessive Compulsive Scale Symptom Checklist (Y‐BOCS‐SC), and the Prader–Willi Behavioural Checklist (PBC). The PBC is a quick screening questionnaire prompted specifically for the investigation on adults with PWS.

Results

Statistical clustering revealed two patterns of unwanted behaviours from the PBC. Behaviours belonging to the first cluster (e.g. Excessive food intake, Skin picking) appear to be linked to the usual phenotypic manifestation of PWS. By contrast, many other behaviours (e.g. some O‐C symptoms and aggressive actions) could show a relationship also to individual psychopathologies.

Conclusions

Both internal (Anxiety and Depression) and external (Hostility) difficulties in managing impulses should account for individually distinct behaviours in adults with PWS.
Multiphase method for analysing online discussions
Authors: Häkkinen P.
Published: April 2013

Several studies have analysed and assessed online performance and discourse using quantitative and qualitative methods. Quantitative measures have typically included the analysis of participation rates and learning outcomes in terms of grades. Qualitative measures of postings, discussions and context features aim to give insights into the nature of learning activities taking place in the online learning environment. No matter what the particular method, one of the critical aspects in these analyses is the coherence between theory and methodology as well as the explicit focus on the unit(s) of analysis. Technology‐enhanced learning (TEL) settings typically involve processes (e.g. cognitive or social) at different levels, and these processes are often intertwined with each other in a way that is not reducible to any one level only. In this article, a short review on the challenges of research‐based evaluation of TEL, and computer‐supported collaborative learning in particular, is made. With these challenges in the background, the integration of different levels of analysis is demonstrated with the aid of the method developed for analysing the level and reciprocity of discussions in a Web‐based learning setting.
Growth Factor Receptor‐Bound Protein 10‐Mediated Negative Regulation of the Insulin‐Like Growth Factor‐1 Receptor‐Activated Signalling Pathway Results in Cognitive Disorder in Diabetic Rats
Authors: Ma L. , Wei Q. , Deng H. , Zhang Q. , Li G. , Tang N. , Xie J. , Chen Y.
Published: April 2013

Growth factor receptor‐bound protein 10 (Grb10) is a Src homology 2 domain‐containing protein and one of the binding partners for several transmembrane tyrosine kinase receptors, including insulin receptor (IR) and insulin‐like growth factor‐1 receptor (IGF1‐R). The hippocampus, which is critical for cognitive functions, is one of the main distribution areas of Grb10 in the central nervous system. In recent years, diabetic encephalopathy has been defined as a third type of diabetes and the IGF1‐IR pathway was shown to be critical for the neuropathogenic process of cognitive disorder in diabetes. However, the role of endogenous Grb10 in regulating the IGF1‐IR pathway and neurobehavioural changes is not explicit. The present study aimed to determine the in vivo function of endogenous Grb10 in diabetic encephalopathy and the underlying mechanisms. Using stereotaxic surgical techniques and lentiviral vectors expressing specific short hairpin RNA, we could steadily knockdown Grb10 expression in the hippocampus. More importantly, we demonstrated that hippocampus‐specific modulation of Grb10 protein levels led to a prominent remission of cognitive disorder, including improvements in both ultrastructural pathology and abnormal neurobehavioural changes. Our findings indicate that endogenous overexpression of Grb10 functions as a suppressor of the IGF1‐IR pathway, which may represent an important mechanism for regulating cognitive disorder in diabetes.
THE EFFECTS OF AGGLOMERATION ON WAGES: EVIDENCE FROM THE MICRO‐LEVEL
Authors: Fingleton Bernard , Longhi Simonetta
Published: April 2013

This paper estimates individual wage equations to test two rival non‐nested theories of economic agglomeration, namely New Economic Geography (NEG), as represented by the NEG wage equation and urban economic (UE) theory, in which wages relate to employment density. In the U.K. context, we find that for male respondents, there is no significant evidence that wage levels are an outcome of the mechanisms suggested by NEG or UE theory, but this is not the case for female respondents. We speculate on the reasons for the gender difference.
Carfilzomib: a novel agent for multiple myeloma
Authors: Redic Kimberly
Published: April 2013

Objectives

Carfilzomib is a new agent for the treatment of relapsed and refractory multiple myeloma (MM). This article presents a comprehensive overview of the pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, dosing schedule, safety, efficacy, preparation and administration of carfilzomib, and its role in treating MM patients.

Key findings

Carfilzomib is a selective proteasome inhibitor that differs structurally and mechanistically from bortezomib. In patients' whole-blood and peripheral-blood mononuclear cells, carfilzomib inhibited proteasomal and immunoproteasomal activity by 70–80%. Approved carfilzomib dosing is based on body surface area, and is given on days 1, 2, 8, 9, 15 and 16 of a 28-day cycle (20 mg/m2 in cycle 1; 27 mg/m2 in cycle 2+). Premedication with dexamethasone and adequate hydration are recommended to reduce the risk of adverse events. The median t1/2 of carfilzomib is short (0.29–0.48 h), with no accumulation detected between doses. In clinical studies in relapsed and refractory MM. and in combinations in newly diagnosed MM, single-agent carfilzomib demonstrated significant durable activity, good tolerability and a favourable safety profile, supporting its extended use.

Conclusions

Carfilzomib represents an important addition to the treatment armamentarium for patients with relapsed and/or refractory MM, and studies are underway evaluating the role of single-agent carfilzomib in additional clinical settings as well as in different combinations.
Product Development and Management Association's 2012 Comparative Performance Assessment Study
Authors: Markham Stephen K. , Lee Hyunjung
Published: April 2013

Results of Product Development and Management Association (PDMA)'s Comparative Performance Assessment Study are presented from 453 companies. In addition to baseline questions from previous studies, new sections on culture, social media, services, sustainability, open innovation, and global product development practices are introduced. Extensive comparison between the best performing companies and the rest of the sample reveal numerous practices that lead to higher product performance in the market. Comparisons are also made between this study and previous PDMA best practices studies. In addition, geographic differences among North America, Europe, and Asia are explored. Practices leading to higher commercial performance are identified.
Acute infection of avian malaria impairs concentration of haemoglobin and survival in juvenile altricial birds
Authors: Krams I. A. , Suraka V. , Rantala M. J. , Sepp T. , Mierauskas P. , Vrublevska J. , Krama T.
Published: April 2013

Blood parasites are often considered as indicators of immunity in birds, and data on parasite prevalence and intensity of infections are essential to reveal information about the condition of both individuals and populations. We prevented parasite vectors from biting and infecting nestling great tit Parus major by using insect repellent inside nest boxes. We found that in the absence of blood parasites, great tit nestlings had higher concentrations of haemoglobin, and they survived at significantly higher rates through the nestling phase and also during the first weeks of their fledgling period. This is the first demonstration so far of the impact these parasites have on haemoglobin levels of the hosts, which reveals one mechanism of adverse impact by blood parasites. This study shows that the effects of blood parasites can be assessed without using anti‐malaria drugs, which can cause additional risk of oxidative stress.
The Linguistic Cycle and the Language Faculty
Authors: van Gelderen Elly
Published: April 2013

Because there has been a recent surge of interest in the linguistic cycle, this article presents a survey of cyclical change and shows how that change provides a unique perspective on the language faculty. The article provides a general background to the linguistic cycle and cyclical change. It reviews some of the cycles that we know and provides a possible account for them. © 2013 The Author. Language and Linguistics Compass © 2013 Blackwell Publishing Ltd
Experimental Methods for Linguists
Authors: Arunachalam Sudha
Published: April 2013

Linguists are increasingly using experiments to provide insight into linguistic representations and linguistic processing. But linguists are rarely trained to think experimentally, and designing a carefully controlled study is not trivial. This paper provides a practical introduction to experiments. We examine issues in experimental design and survey several methodologies. The goal is to provide readers with some tools for understanding and evaluating the rapidly growing literature using experimental methods, as well as for beginning to design experiments in their own research. © 2013 The Author. Language and Linguistics Compass © 2013 Blackwell Publishing Ltd.
The immunology and ecology of co‐infection
Authors: Paterson Steve
Published: April 2013

It's a wormy world. All natural vertebrate populations are subject to infection and re‐infection with helminth parasites (Stoll 1947). Even in humans, around one billion people in developing nations are infected by one or several of a range of helminth parasites (Lustigman et al. 2012). Infection by worms is therefore the norm and is reflected in vertebrate immune responses. Thus, there is probably little point in generating an inflammatory response to clear every last worm, with ensuing collateral damage to our own tissue, when rapid re‐infection from the environment by another worm is pretty much assured. Instead, the vertebrate immune system modifies its response to worms, controlling (but not always clearing) these infections and at the same time limiting damage to host tissue caused by inflammatory immune responses (Jackson et al. 2009). The immune system, however, has to fight battles on several fronts and, while fighting a prolonged war of attrition against helminth parasites, it also has to protect against periodic invasion by bacteria, where a rapid response to kill invading microbes before they spread is essential (Fig. ). In this issue of Molecular Ecology, Friberg et al. (2013) ask what effect worm infections have on a host's ability to mount antimicrobial responses.

Helminths generally produce chronic infections that elicit immune responses characterized by both the activation of T helper type 2 (Th2) cells and the production of regulatory responses, such as the cytokines transforming growth factor beta (TGF‐β) and interleukin‐10 (IL‐10) and regulatory T helper cells (TREG). In combination, this immunological phenotype is often called a ‘modified’ Th2 response. Bacterial infections are recognized by pattern recognition receptors such as the Toll‐like receptors (TLRs) that are able to detect bacterial molecules such as lipopolysaccharides (by TLR‐4), flagellins (by TLR‐5) and unmethylated CpG (by TLR‐9) and generate a rapid inflammatory response [characterized by tumour necrosis factor (TNF)‐α production], particularly at the site of infection. As indicated by the dashed line, these contrasting responses have the potential to interact, especially in animals that spend much of their life harbouring chronic helminth infections that may have systemic anti‐inflammatory effects.

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Divergence in coloration and ecological speciation in the Anolis marmoratus species complex
Authors: Muñoz Martha M. , Crawford Nicholas G. , McGreevy Thomas J. , Messana Nicholas J. , Tarvin Rebecca D. , Revell Liam J. , Zandvliet Rosanne M. , Hopwood Juanita M. , Mock Elbert , Schneider André L. , Schneider Christopher J.
Published: April 2013

Adaptive divergence in coloration is expected to produce reproductive isolation in species that use colourful signals in mate choice and species recognition. Indeed, many adaptive radiations are characterized by differentiation in colourful signals, suggesting that divergent selection acting on coloration may be an important component of speciation. Populations in the Anolis marmoratus species complex from the Caribbean island of Guadeloupe display striking divergence in the colour and pattern of adult males that occurs over small geographic distances, suggesting strong divergent selection. Here we test the hypothesis that divergence in coloration results in reduced gene flow among populations. We quantify variation in adult male coloration across a habitat gradient between mesic and xeric habitats, use a multilocus coalescent approach to infer historical demographic parameters of divergence, and examine gene flow and population structure using microsatellite variation. We find that colour variation evolved without geographic isolation and in the face of gene flow, consistent with strong divergent selection and that both ecological and sexual selection are implicated. However, we find no significant differentiation at microsatellite loci across populations, suggesting little reproductive isolation and high levels of contemporary gene exchange. Strong divergent selection on loci affecting coloration probably maintains clinal phenotypic variation despite high gene flow at neutral loci, supporting the notion of a porous genome in which adaptive portions of the genome remain fixed whereas neutral portions are homogenized by gene flow and recombination. We discuss the impact of these findings for studies of colour evolution and ecological speciation.
A road map for molecular ecology
Authors: Andrew Rose L. , Bernatchez Louis , Bonin Aurélie , Buerkle C. Alex. , Carstens Bryan C. , Emerson Brent C. , Garant Dany , Giraud Tatiana , Kane Nolan C. , Rogers Sean M. , Slate Jon , Smith Harry , Sork Victoria L. , Stone Graham N. , Vines Timothy H. , Waits Lisette , Widmer Alex , Rieseberg Loren H.
Published: April 2013

The discipline of molecular ecology has undergone enormous changes since the journal bearing its name was launched approximately two decades ago. The field has seen great strides in analytical methods development, made groundbreaking discoveries and experienced a revolution in genotyping technology. Here, we provide brief perspectives on the main subdisciplines of molecular ecology, describe key questions and goals, discuss common challenges, predict future research directions and suggest research priorities for the next 20 years.
The role of mosses in carbon uptake and partitioning in arctic vegetation
Authors: Street Lorna E. , Subke Jens‐Arne , Sommerkorn Martin , Sloan Victoria , Ducrotoy Helene , Phoenix Gareth K. , Williams Mathew
Published: April 2013

The Arctic is already experiencing changes in plant community composition, so understanding the contribution of different vegetation components to carbon (C) cycling is essential in order to accurately quantify ecosystem C balance. Mosses contribute substantially to biomass, but their impact on carbon use efficiency (CUE) – the proportion of gross primary productivity (GPP) incorporated into growth – and aboveground versus belowground C partitioning is poorly known.

We used 13C pulse‐labelling to trace assimilated C in mosses (Sphagnum sect. Acutifolia and Pleurozium schreberi) and in dwarf shrub–P. schreberi vegetation in sub‐Arctic Finland. Based on 13C pools and fluxes, we quantified the contribution of mosses to GPP, CUE and partitioning.

Mosses incorporated 20 ± 9% of total ecosystem GPP into biomass. CUE of Sphagnum was 68–71%, that of P. schreberi was 62–81% and that of dwarf shrub–P. schreberi vegetation was 58–74%. Incorporation of C belowground was 10 ± 2% of GPP, while vascular plants alone incorporated 15 ± 4% of their fixed C belowground.

We have demonstrated that mosses strongly influence C uptake and retention in Arctic dwarf shrub vegetation. They increase CUE, and the fraction of GPP partitioned aboveground. Arctic C models must include mosses to accurately represent ecosystem C dynamics.
Can Body Surface Microvolt T‐Wave Alternans Distinguish Concordant and Discordant Intracardiac Alternans?
Authors: FLORÉ VINCENT , CLAUS PIET , SYMONS ROLF , SMITH GODFREY L. , SIPIDO KARIN R. , WILLEMS RIK
Published: April 2013

Introduction

There is convincing experimental evidence that cellular action potential duration (APD) alternans is arrhythmogenic but its relationship with body surface microvolt T‐wave alternans (MTWA) remains unclear. We investigated the relationship between MTWA and APD alternans induced by alternating cycle length (CL) pacing in a pig model.

Methods

In 10 pigs, catheters in the right atrium (RA) and right (RV) and left ventricle (LV) allowed pacing and recording of monophasic action potentials (MAP). During RA pacing at stable 500‐ms CL, LV was paced at alternating CL (505 ms and 495 ms). Changing the alternating LV (A‐LV) pacing delay changes the size of the region with alternating ventricular activation. Spectral analysis of intracardiac MAP was correlated with body surface MTWA. In a similar setup (during alternating pacing in RV and LV), we investigated concordant versus discordant APD alternans.

Results

Pacing the LV with subtle alternating cycle lengths at short A‐LV delay leads to broad QRS (97 ± 10 ms), body surface MTWA (mean Valt 4.2 ± 1.8 µV), and positive RR‐interval alternans. At longer A‐LV delay, not resulting in QRS widening (68 ± 5 ms), body surface RR alternans was absent but MTWA remained detectable and was even more pronounced (8.7 ± 5.1 µV, P < 0.01). During both concordant and discordant pacing MTWA was present. The precordial leads were better for detecting discordant APD alternans (8.0 ± 2.9 µV and 12.8 ± 4.52 µV, P = 0.02).

Conclusion

MTWA is a potent technique to detect subtle and isolated intracardiac APD alternans that is artificially induced by alternating pacing. In the same model, discordant activation alternans can only be discriminated from concordant when using a quantifying approach of MTWA analysis.
The Gender‐Paradox among Patients with Implantable Cardioverter‐Defibrillators: A Propensity‐Matched Study
Authors: BHAVNANI SANJEEV P. , PAVULURI VAMSIMOHAN , COLEMAN CRAIG I. , GUERTIN DANETTE , YARLAGADDA RAVI K. , CLYNE CHRISTOPHER A. , KLUGER JEFFERY
Published: April 2013

Background

Several meta‐analyses of the implantable cardioverter‐defibrillator (ICD) clinical trials have demonstrated that while men derived a mortality reduction with prophylactic ICD implantation, women did not. These trials also observed that women receive less appropriate ICD shock therapy compared to men. We aimed to investigate this “gender‐paradox” among a heterogeneous community cohort of patients receiving ICDs.

Methods

We identified 1,445 consecutive patients undergoing ICD implantation from 1997 to 2007. The study population consisted of 582 patients, of whom 291 were women who could be propensity matched to 291 men, based on age, ejection fraction, implantation indication (primary or secondary), etiology of cardiomyopathy (ischemic or nonischemic), and the presence of a cardiac resynchronization therapy‐defibrillator (CRT‐D) device. The impact of gender difference on the probability of death and appropriate ICD shocks for ventricular arrhythmias was calculated using multivariable Cox proportional hazards analyses.

Results

During a mean follow‐up of 909 ± 901 days, compared to men, women demonstrated a similar risk of death (25% vs 25%, adjusted hazard ratio [AHR] 1.05 [95% confidence interval (CI) 0.81–1.35], P = 0.74). In contrast, women demonstrated a decreased probability of appropriate ICD‐shock therapy (14% vs 19%, AHR 0.80 [95% CI 0.59–0.88], P = 0.03) compared to men, and among cohorts with a nonischemic cardiomyopathy (10% vs 20%, P < 0.001) and CRT‐D devices (7% vs 19%, P = 0.01).

Conclusion

Among a community cohort with ICDs, women have a similar mortality compared to men while experiencing less appropriate ICD therapy. These results support the findings of a lower arrhythmic mortality among women.
REFORM AND TRANSITION IN PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION THEORY AND PRACTICE IN GREATER CHINA
Authors: SU TSAI‐TSU , WALKER RICHARD M. , XUE LAN
Published: April 2013

Public administration has undergone a fundamental change in China since Deng Xiaoping initiated a process of openness and reform in the late 1970s. While reform is widespread in Greater China (China, Taiwan, Hong Kong, and Macau), only limited scholarship has been conducted to theorize these changes and empirically document them. This is somewhat surprising given the growing international prominence of China as a major powerhouse in the world economy and a political leader. This symposium seeks to contribute towards building knowledge and evidence on the changing nature of public administration in Greater China. In this article, key themes unique to Greater China are drawn out, the emergent status of public administration scholarship in China is discussed, and the key ingredients of a research agenda are presented.
Size‐correlated morpho‐physiology of the aroid vine Rhodospatha oblongata along a vertical gradient in a Brazilian rain forest
Authors: Filartiga A. L. , Vieira R. C. , Mantovani A.
Published: April 2013

In this work, we analyse morpho‐physiological modifications presented during the allomorphic growth of the aroid vine Rhodospatha oblongata Poepp throughout its ascent into the forest canopy. We test the hypothesis that morphological modifications in the root, shoot and leaf are followed by a gradual improvement of the xylem vascular system in order to increase water acquisition and transport as body size increases. The characterisation of these structural modifications was based on 30–35 specimens divided into six size classes. The dimensions of shoots, leaves and roots were quantified and qualified. The transition from the terrestrial to the epiphytic phase was followed by a simultaneous increase of leaf number and lamina area, together with increased length and diameter of the petiole. Furthermore, as the plant grows, the shoot internodes become shorter and thicker. However, occurrence of aerial roots is the most important characteristic in the ascending phase. In taller individuals, the increase in number of roots with wider xylem vessels guarantees an increased theoretical xylem hydraulic conductance for this growth phase. Along an acropetal direction of the same shoot, the diameter of xylem vessels increased, while the number of vessels per stele area decreased, in contrast with such allometric models as that of West, Brown and Enquist, showing that xylem vessel number and diameter taper in a reverse manner along the same direction. Such structural changes of R. oblongata allow improved foraging for light and water, facilitating the survival of bigger‐sized plants of this vine in the canopy.
The temperature acclimation potential of tropical bryophytes
Authors: Wagner S. , Zotz G. , Bader M. Y.
Published: April 2013

Bryophyte biomass and diversity in tropical moist forests decrease dramatically from higher altitudes towards the lowlands. High respiratory carbon losses at high temperatures may partly explain this pattern, if montane species are unable to acclimatise their metabolic rates to lowland temperatures. We transplanted ten bryophyte species from two altitudes (1200 and 500 m a.s.l.) to lower (warmer) altitudes (500 m and sea level) in Panama. We studied short‐term temperature acclimation of CO2 exchange for 2.5 months, and survival and growth for 21 months following transplantation. Short‐term acclimation did not occur, and on a longer time scale mortality was highest and growth lowest in the transplanted samples. A few transplanted samples of most species, however, survived the whole experiment and finished with growth rates similar to controls. This recovery of growth rate suggests temperature acclimation, in spite of no measurable metabolic changes in smaller random samples. This acclimation even compensated for shorter periods of CO2 uptake due to more rapid drying. Nevertheless, these species are not abundant in lowland forests, perhaps due to dispersal or establishment limitation. The apparent heterogeneity of the acclimation potential within species may allow populations to adapt locally and avoid being forced uphill under climatic warming.
Pollen packaging and dispensing: adaption of patterns of anther dehiscence and flowering traits to pollination in three Epimedium species
Authors: Li X.‐X. , Wang H. , Gituru R. W. , Guo Y.‐H. , Yang C.‐F.
Published: April 2013

Pollen presentation theory (PPT) predicts that plant species typically pollinated by frequent and wasteful pollinators ought to be much more parsimonious and only gradually release pollen compared to plant species pollinated by infrequent pollinators that are efficient at delivering the pollen they remove. To test PPT, we compare the pollen presentation schedules and pollination systems in three related Epimedium species, having different pollinators. Results showed that differences in anther dehiscence and flowering traits resulted in different pollen packaging schedules. For E. sutchuenense and E. franchetii, a special ‘roll‐up’ movement of the anther wall during anther dehiscence increased pollen removal compared to the dehiscence pattern in E. mikinorii, which lacked the ‘roll‐up’ movement. Investigations revealed that honeybees had a higher pollen removal rate and lower stigmatic pollen load compared to bumblebees. In accordance with PPT, E. sutchuenense presents pollen sequentially and slowly for the frequent and wasteful honeybees. In comparison to E. sutchuenense, E. franchetii had a faster presentation rate and was adapted to the efficient and infrequent bumblebees. However, E. mikinorii was pollinated by both bumblebees and honeybees at high frequency and had the fastest pollen presentation. This pattern could reduce pollen wastage by honeybees and might be an adaptation to its short flower longevity (less than 1 day), to increase the chances of pollen deposition on stigmas. The study indicates that pollen presentation schedules can be a consequence of interactions among anther dehiscence, flowering traits and pollination environments for a given species.
Seasonal variation of the agar quality and chemical composition of Gracilaria veleroae and Gracilaria vermiculophylla (Rhodophyceae, Gracilariaceae) from Baja California Sur, Mexico
Authors: Rodríguez‐Montesinos Yoloxochitl Elizabeth , Arvizu‐Higuera Dora Luz , Hernández‐Carmona Gustavo , Muñoz‐Ochoa Mauricio , Murillo‐Álvarez Jesús Iván
Published: April 2013

Yield and physico‐chemical properties of agar from Gracilaria veleroae E.Y. Dawson and Gracilaria vermiculophylla (Ohmi) Papenfuss were studied and the chemical composition of the two seaweeds was determined. Samples were collected seasonally from summer 2003 to spring 2005. The agar yield did not vary significantly between seasons for both species. The lowest agar gel strength was obtained from G. veleroae (207.5 g cm–2) in summer 2003 and the highest from G. vermiculophylla (793.1 g cm–2) in winter 2004. Melting temperatures and hysteresis were higher in G. vermiculophylla, whereas gelling temperatures and 3,6‐anhydrogalactose content were higher for G. veleroae. Moisture, ash, crude fiber, and ether extract showed no significant seasonal variation for G. veleroae. The chemical composition of G. vermiculophylla showed significant seasonal variation. G. vermiculophylla possesses a better agar quality than G. veleroae and is a species that could be considered as a source of agar for commercial use.
Molecular characterization of Chlorella cultures of the National Institute for Environmental Studies culture collection with description of Micractinium inermum sp. nov., Didymogenes sphaerica sp. nov., and Didymogenes soliella sp. nov. (Chlorellaceae, Trebouxiophyceae)
Authors: Hoshina Ryo , Fujiwara Yuko
Published: April 2013

Chlorella Beijerinck (Chlorellaceae, Trebouxiophyceae) strains from the collection of the National Institute for Environmental Studies (NIES) were characterized using gene sequence data. The misidentification of a number of strains was rectified. Chlorella vulgaris Beijerinck NIES‐2173 was reclassified as C. sorokiniana Shihira et Krauss. Chlorella sp. NIES‐2171 was described as a new species in the genus Micractinium Fresinius, M. inermum Hoshina et Fujiwara. Chlorella sorokiniana NIES‐2167 and Chlorella sp. NIES‐2330 were found to be phylogenetically related to Didymogenes Schmidle. We propose these two strains be transferred to the genus Didymogenes and given new names: D. sphaerica Hoshina et Fujiwara and D. soliella Hoshina et Fujiwara. Taxonomic decisions were primarily based on small subunit‐internal transcribed spacer ribosomal DNA phylogeny for genus assignment and ITS2 sequence‐structure to determine species autonomy. Our findings suggest that this strategy is the most effective way to use the species concept among autosporic coccoids.
Novel means for variety breeding and sporeling production in the brown seaweed Undaria pinnatifida (Phaeophyceae): Crossing female gametophytes from parthenosporophytes with male gametophyte clones
Authors: Shan Ti Feng , Pang Shao Jun , Gao Su Qin
Published: April 2013

The unialgal haploid gametophyte clones are frequently used for variety breeding and sporeling production in the brown seaweed Undaria pinnatifida because a single crossing of a pair of the selected male and female gametophyte clones can generate sporophytic offspring with identical genotype and phenotype. As the seeds to be sprayed on the collectors, the detachment rate of the filamentous gametophytes is high in comparison to the seeded spores. In this investigation, we report the use of parthenogenesis to achieve the same goal in variety selection and sporeling production but with higher efficiency. The selected female unialgal gametophyte clone (Code: 06‐8‐1F) was induced to produce parthenosporophytes. These sporophytes were grown up in a controlled system and used to release zoospores. All zoospores generated into female gametophytes. These female gametophytes were allowed to go through parthenogenesis for the second year to confirm the applicability of this means. In the third year, the zoospores released from the parthenosporophytes were seeded on collectors over summer in female gametophyte form. In the early autumn, a selected male unialgal gametophyte clone (code: 5#F1‐2‐5M) was used to cross the seeded female gametophytes on the collectors. When the sporelings reached a mean length of 780 μm, they were transplanted to open sea on longlines for growing up. At harvest, the average length, width and wet weight of the adult sporophytes were 211 cm, 48.8 cm and 373 g, respectively. The sporophytic blades were uniformly smooth without wrinkles on both sides of the midrib, indicating top quality of the products. Amplified fragment length polymorphism analyses confirmed the identical genotypes of sporophytic offspring. These results suggested that this novel variety breeding and sporeling production method could serve as an efficient alternative to the traditional breeding technique for U. pinnatifida and possibly other commercial kelps that have identical life cycles.
Modeling Imbalanced Economic Recovery Following a Natural Disaster Using Input‐Output Analysis
Authors: Li Jun , Crawford‐Brown Douglas , Syddall Mark , Guan Dabo
Published: April 2013

Input‐output analysis is frequently used in studies of large‐scale weather‐related (e.g., Hurricanes and flooding) disruption of a regional economy. The economy after a sudden catastrophe shows a multitude of imbalances with respect to demand and production and may take months or years to recover. However, there is no consensus about how the economy recovers. This article presents a theoretical route map for imbalanced economic recovery called dynamic inequalities. Subsequently, it is applied to a hypothetical postdisaster economic scenario of flooding in London around the year 2020 to assess the influence of future shocks to a regional economy and suggest adaptation measures. Economic projections are produced by a macro econometric model and used as baseline conditions. The results suggest that London's economy would recover over approximately 70 months by applying a proportional rationing scheme under the assumption of initial 50% labor loss (with full recovery in six months), 40% initial loss to service sectors, and 10–30% initial loss to other sectors. The results also suggest that imbalance will be the norm during the postdisaster period of economic recovery even though balance may occur temporarily. Model sensitivity analysis suggests that a proportional rationing scheme may be an effective strategy to apply during postdisaster economic reconstruction, and that policies in transportation recovery and in health care are essential for effective postdisaster economic recovery.
Optimal Food Safety Sampling Under a Budget Constraint
Authors: Powell Mark R.
Published: April 2013

Much of the literature regarding food safety sampling plans implicitly assumes that all lots entering commerce are tested. In practice, however, only a fraction of lots may be tested due to a budget constraint. In such a case, there is a tradeoff between the number of lots tested and the number of samples per lot. To illustrate this tradeoff, a simple model is presented in which the optimal number of samples per lot depends on the prevalence of sample units that do not conform to microbiological specifications and the relative costs of sampling a lot and of drawing and testing a sample unit from a lot. The assumed objective is to maximize the number of nonconforming lots that are rejected subject to a food safety sampling budget constraint. If the ratio of the cost per lot to the cost per sample unit is substantial, the optimal number of samples per lot increases as prevalence decreases. However, if the ratio of the cost per lot to the cost per sample unit is sufficiently small, the optimal number of samples per lot reduces to one (i.e., simple random sampling), regardless of prevalence. In practice, the cost per sample unit may be large relative to the cost per lot due to the expense of laboratory testing and other factors. Designing effective compliance assurance measures depends on economic, legal, and other factors in addition to microbiology and statistics.
Analysis of binary data with the possibility of wrong ascertainment
Authors: Roy Surupa , Das Kalyan , Sarkar Angshuman
Published: April 2013

Most genetic studies recruit high‐risk families, and the discoveries are based on non‐random selected groups. We must consider the consequences of this ascertainment process to apply the results of genetic research to the general population. In addition, in epidemiological studies, binary responses are often misclassified. We proposed a binary logistic regression model that provides a novel and flexible way to correct for misclassification in binary responses, taking into account the ascertainment issues. A hierarchical Bayesian analysis using Markov chain Monte Carlo method has been carried out to investigate the effect of covariates on disease status. The focus of this paper is to study the effect of classification errors and non‐random ascertainment on the estimates of the model parameters. An extensive simulation study indicated that the proposed model results in substantial improvement of the estimates. Two data sets have been revisited to illustrate the methodology.
Contracting urban primary healthcare services in Bangladesh – effect on use, efficiency, equity and quality of care
Authors: Heard Anna , Nath Dhiraj Kumar , Loevinsohn Benjamin
Published: April 2013

Objective

To evaluate a large, ongoing effort to improve urban primary health care (PHC) in Bangladesh through expansion of publicly funded urban health facilities and contracting with partner non‐governmental organisations (NGOs).

Methods

A part of Chittagong was assigned to a contracted NGO while the other parts of the city were contracted to the local government. Performance was assessed by baseline and follow‐on household surveys, an endline health facility survey and routinely collected data.

Results

The results of a health facility survey indicated that overall quality of care was better in the NGO area, and routinely collected data showed that the NGO provided many more services per capita. Based on household survey data, the NGO area of Chittagong was poorer and had lower coverage at baseline. There were significant improvements in both government and NGO‐run areas. However, larger improvements were observed on some coverage indicators in the NGO area compared to the government area. Improvements in coverage among the poorest 50% of the population were greater in the NGO‐run area. The cost per service delivered was 47% lower in the NGO area.

Conclusions

Investments in urban PHC led to an improvement in the coverage of basic services. Contracting with an NGO had an additional effect in terms of improving coverage, equity, quality of care and efficiency. Increased investments in PHC facilities and contracting with NGOs may be effective in improving urban health services.
Analysis of genomic mutation and immunohistochemistry of platelet‐derived growth factor receptors in canine vascular tumours
Authors: Abou Asa S. , Mori T. , Maruo K. , Khater A. , El‐sawak A. , Abd el‐Aziz E. , Yanai T. , Sakai H.
Published: April 2013

We examined whether mutation of the platelet‐derived growth factor receptor protein tyrosine kinase (PDGFR)‐α and PDGFR‐β genes contributes to their overexpression in canine vascular tumours. Genomic sequences of trans‐ or juxtamembrane regions of PDGFR‐α and PDGFR‐β were analysed with immunohistochemical staining and polymerase chain reaction‐direct sequencing using DNA from paraffin‐embedded neoplastic tissues of 27 hemangiosarcomas (HSAs) and 20 hemangiomas (HAs). Immunohistochemically, 75% of the HA cases were positive for PDGFR‐α and almost most of the HA cases were negative for PDGFR‐β. Of the HSA cases, 55.6% were negative for PDGFR‐α and 63% were strongly positive for PDGFR‐β. Among the HA cases, 1 missense mutation was detected in PDGFR‐α exon 18 and 1 in PDGFR‐β exon 17. Two HSA cases had missense mutations in exon 14 and 1 in exon 17 of PDGFR‐β. Thus, genomic mutation of trans‐ or juxtamembrane regions of PDGFRs was not the main mechanism driving the activation of receptors in HSA and HA.
The diagnostic relevance of NT‐proBNP and proANP 31–67 measurements in staging of myxomatous mitral valve disease in dogs
Authors: Wolf Johanna , Gerlach Nicola , Weber Karin , Klima André , Wess Gerhard
Published: April 2013

Background

There is no agreement in current publications regarding the reliability of serum concentrations of natriuretic peptides (NPs) to detect dogs with subclinical myxomatous mitral valve disease (MMVD) and to differentiate between asymptomatic stages.

Objectives

We sought to compare N‐terminal pro‐B‐type natriuretic peptide (NT‐proBNP) and pro‐atrial natriuretic peptide 31‐67 (proANP) concentrations between various stages of canine MMVD and to investigate the influence of age, weight, and sex.

Methods

In this prospective study, dogs were classified in different disease stages using the modified Canine Heart failure International Expert Forum (CHIEF) system. Serum NP concentrations were compared between groups.

Results

A total of 559 samples from 116 healthy dogs and 236 dogs with MMVD were analyzed. Using cut‐off values (1207 pmol/L for NT‐proBNP, 1578 fmol/mL for proANP), dogs with MMVD with and without congestive heart failure (CHF) could be differentiated with a sensitivity of 83% for both and specificities of 85% and 86%, respectively. Dogs staged in CHIEF B1 and B2 could not be distinguished based on NP concentrations due to wide variation within the groups. Intact females (means 598 pmol/L and 1036 fmol/mL, respectively) had significantly higher values of both NPs than intact males (315 pmol/L and 836 fmol/mL).

Conclusions

NPs in canine MMVD are useful to discriminate between asymptomatic dogs and dogs with CHF. Due to a large overlap of NP‐concentrations between the groups, NPs do not seem to be useful to differentiate between dogs in stages B1 and B2. Interpretation of NT‐proBNP and proANP values should include consideration of sex‐specific differences.
The role of ubiquitin‐mediated pathways in regulating synaptic development, axonal degeneration and regeneration: insights from fly and worm
Authors: Tian Xiaolin , Wu Chunlai
Published: April 2013

Abstract  The covalent attachment of the 76 amino acid peptide ubiquitin to target proteins is a rapid and reversible modification that regulates protein stability, activity and localization. As such, it is a potent mechanism for sculpting the synapse. Recent studies from two genetic model organisms, Caenorhabditis elegans and Drosophila, have provided mounting evidence that ubiquitin‐mediated pathways play important roles in controlling the presynaptic size, synaptic elimination and stabilization, synaptic transmission, postsynaptic receptor abundance, axonal degeneration and regeneration. While the data supporting the requirement of ubiquitination/deubiquitination for normal synaptic development and repair are compelling, detailed analyses of signalling events up‐ and downstream of these ubiquitin modifications are often challenging. This article summarizes the related research conducted in worms and flies and provides insight into the fundamental questions facing this field.