bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Active Management of Protected Areas Enhances Metapopulation Expansion Under Climate Change
Authors: Lawson Callum R. , Bennie Jonathan J. , Thomas Chris D. , Hodgson Jenny A. , Wilson Robert J.
Published: May 2013

There is a need to adapt biodiversity conservation to climate change, but few empirical studies are available to guide decision‐making. Existing networks of protected areas (PAs) have been preferentially colonized during species’ range expansions, but this could be due to their original habitat quality and/or to ongoing management activity. Here, we examine how PA status and active conservation management have influenced the range expansion of a butterfly Hesperia comma through fragmented landscapes. PAs under active conservation management were over three times more likely to be colonized than unprotected, unmanaged sites of the same basic vegetation type. Conservation action also increased the survival rate of existing populations inside and outside of PAs. We conclude that PAs facilitate range expansions by preventing habitat degradation and encouraging active conservation that improves habitat quality, and that conservation interventions on nondesignated sites also have a role to play in adapting conservation to climate change.
Does Aconitum septentrionale chemically protect floral rewards to the advantage of specialist bumblebees?
Authors: GOSSELIN MATTHIAS , MICHEZ DENIS , VANDERPLANCK MARYSE , ROELANTS DOROTHÉE , GLAUSER GAETAN , RASMONT PIERRE
Published: May 2013

Chemical protection of plants against herbivory is a well‐studied phenomenon. However, chemical protection of floral rewards remains relatively unexplored. As with herbivore–plant interactions, toxic rewards may impact generalist and specialist foragers in different ways.

This study focuses on the toxic plant Aconitum septentrionale (Ranunculaceae). This plant is visited by specialist and generalist bumblebees. Alkaloid concentrations and profiles for the different parts of A. septentrionale were analysed to detect a potential chemical toxicity of floral rewards. In the same way, sequestration of alkaloids was tested on a pollen specialist species Bombus consobrinus and a generalist species Bombus wurflenii.

A liquid chromatography‐quadrupole time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry method was developed to discriminate 16 major compounds in the plant. These alkaloids were present in all parts of the plant, but in different ratios. The concentration was high in the roots but also in pollen, providing evidence of chemical protection of this reward. By contrast, nectar had the lowest concentration of alkaloids. Only six alkaloids were detected in B. consobrinus tissues, at trace levels. For the generalist bumblebee B. wurflenii, no traces of alkaloids were detected.

Lappaconitine was the major alkaloid compound in pollen, nectar and B. consobrinus tissues. Low accumulation of alkaloids in B. consobrinus tissues could be an ecological advantage for this specialist species in terms of pathogen and predatory avoidance.
Both female castes contribute to colony emigration in the polygynous ant Mystrium oberthueri
Authors: BOUCHET DIANE C. , PEETERS CHRISTIAN , FISHER BRIAN L. , MOLET MATHIEU
Published: May 2013

Nest emigrations are perilous for social insect colonies. Outside their nests, adults and brood are exposed to dangers. The behavioural mechanisms of emigration are thus likely to be under strong selective pressures.

Most studies on emigration have focused on monogynous species where survival of the queen is paramount, but emigration processes are largely unknown for species having several queens per colony.

In colonies of Mystrium oberthueri Forel, members of the morphological queen caste are as numerous as workers, although only a few of them mate and reproduce (polygyny). All queens perform intranidal tasks, such as brood care. Accordingly, we expected them to participate actively in emigration and to be less well protected.

Using four colonies, we studied the dynamics of 16 emigrations with a special focus on individual behavioural profile.

Workers were more involved than non‐reproductive queens in recruitment and brood transport. Reproductive queens and young ants preferentially walked directly to the new nest without carrying brood. A chemical trail was probably used. The physiological status of individuals had more impact on their behavioural profile than their morphological caste.

This highly organized emigration process may underpin dependent colony foundation, as both involve the coordinated movement of nestmates.
Character, Attitude and Disposition
Authors: Webber Jonathan
Published: May 2013

Recent debate over the empirical psychological presuppositions of virtue ethics has focused on reactive behavioural dispositions. But there are many character traits that cannot be understood properly in this way. Such traits are well described by attitude psychology. Moreover, the findings of attitude psychology support virtue ethics in three ways. First, they confirm the role of habituation in the development of character. Further, they show virtue ethics to be compatible with the situation manipulation experiments at the heart of the recent debate. Finally, they show how the cognitive‐affective theory of personality and the two‐system theory of behavioural cognition are compatible, thereby undermining the current empirical challenge to virtue ethics. Empirical research into the nature and development of attitudes should therefore be central to philosophical discussions of virtue and character.
Evidence based library and information practice: what's in it for you?
Authors: Wilson Virginia , Grant Maria J.
Published: May 2013

With its roots in evidence‐based medicine, Evidence Based Library and Information Practice emerged 15 years ago and, with health librarians leading the way, has since been adopted by librarians and libraries in all sectors. EBLIP is an iterative process that may see you undertaking your own research although most likely, it will see you integrate your experience as a library and information professionals with research evidence generated both within and without the library science sector. As a library and information worker, you can use the Evidence Based Library and Information Practice process to help inform your decision‐making, streamline services and identify ways forward to fit your personal context.
Somatostatin receptor expression in thyroid disease
Authors: Atkinson Helen , England James A. , Rafferty Amy , Jesudason Vim , Bedford Karen , Karsai Laszlo , Atkin Stephen L.
Published: May 2013

Summary

Somatostatin analogues are commercially available and used for the management of acromegaly and neuroendocrine tumours, but the expression of the receptors as a target in thyroid disease has not been explored. To assess somatostatin (SST) and somatostatin receptor (SSTR1‐5) expression in both normal and thyroid disorders, as a potential target for somatostatin analogue therapy, 67 thyroid tissue specimens were reviewed: 12 differentiated thyroid carcinomas, 14 follicular adenomas, 17 multinodular goitres, 14 Graves disease, 10 Hashimotos thyroiditis specimens and five normal thyroids. Tissue was immunostained for SST and SSTR1‐5. Positivity and the degree of positivity were recorded by double‐blinded observers. Somatostatin receptor expression was highly expressed in normal tissue for SSTR1, 3, 4 and 5 (5 of 5, 4 of 5, 4 of 5 and 5 of 5 respectively) whilst SST and SSTR 2a and b were not expressed at all. The commonest receptor expressed for all pathological subtypes grouped together was SSTR2b (63 specimens). The commonest receptors expressed in differentiated thyroid cancer were SSTR5 (11 of 12 specimens) and SSTR2b (10 of 12 specimens). The commonest receptor expressed in benign disease was SSTR2b (53 of 55 specimens). SSTR5 was significantly under‐expressed in Graves disease (P < 0.05). This study illustrates that SSTR 1, 3, 4 and 5 are highly expressed in normal, benign and malignant thyroid tissue. SSTR 2a and 2b appear absent in normal tissue and present in benign and malignant thyroid tissue (P < 0.02). This suggests that focussed SSTR2 treatment may be a potential therapeutic target.
Foetal exposure to Panax ginseng extract reverts the effects of prenatal dexamethasone in the synthesis of testosterone by Leydig cells of the adult rat
Authors: Wanderley Maria I. , Saraiva Karina L. A. , César Vieira Juliany S. B. , Peixoto Christina A. , Udrisar Daniel P.
Published: May 2013

The aim of this study was to examine the effect of maternal exposure to Panax ginseng extract (GE) on the prenatal dexamethasone (DEXA)‐induced increase in testosterone production by isolated Leydig cells in adult rats. Pregnant rats were treated with (i) GE (200 mg/kg) or vehicle on days 10–21; (ii) DEXA (100 μg/kg) or vehicle on days 14–21; or (iii) a combination of GE plus DEXA at the same doses and with the same regimen. Testosterone production was induced either by the activator of protein kinase A (dbcAMP) or substrates of steroidogenesis [22(R)‐hydroxycholesterol (22(R)‐OH‐C)] and pregnenolone. The capacity of rat Leydig cells exposed to DEXA to synthesize testosterone induced by dbcAMP, 22(R)‐OH‐C or pregnenolone was increased in comparison with the control group. Combined exposure to DEXA + GE prevented the effect of DEXA on the responsiveness of Leydig cells to all inductors of testosterone synthesis, whereas GE alone did not modify the response to inductors. No modifications in testosterone production were observed under basal conditions. StAR immunoexpression in Leydig cells was not modified by prenatal exposure to DEXA, GE or DEXA + GE. P450scc and glucocorticoid receptor immunoexpression was higher in offspring exposed to DEXA in comparison with the control group. This increased expression was prevented by combined treatment with DEXA + GE. The present findings demonstrate that GE is capable of reversing the effect of DEXA on testosterone synthesis by rat Leydig cells.
Cyclic guanosine monophosphate‐enhancing reduces androgenic extracellular regulated protein kinases‐phosphorylation/Rho kinase II‐activation in benign prostate hyperplasia
Authors: Liu Chi‐Ming , Fan Ya‐Chin , Lo Yi‐Ching , Wu Bin‐Nan , Yeh Jwu‐Lai , Chen Ing‐Jun
Published: May 2013

Objectives

To investigate whether 7‐[2‐[4‐(2‐chlorophenyl) piperazinyl] ethyl]‐1,3‐di‐methylxanthine (KMUP‐1) inhibits the effects of testosterone on the development of benign prostatic hyperplasia and sensitizes prostate contraction.

Methods

A benign prostatic hyperplasia animal model was established by subcutaneous injections of testosterone (3 mg/kg/day, s.c.) for 4 weeks in adult male Sprague–Dawley rats. Animals were divided into six groups: control, testosterone, testosterone with KMUP‐1 (2.5, 5 mg/kg/day), sildenafil (5 mg/kg/day) or doxazosin (5 mg/kg/day). After 4 weeks, the animals were killed, and prostate tissues were prepared for isometric tension measurement and western blotting analysis. KMUP‐1, Y27632, zaprinast, doxazosin or tamsulosin were used at various concentrations to determine the contractility sensitized by phenylephrine (10 μmol/L).

Results

KMUP‐1 inhibited testosterone‐induced phosphorylation of extracellular signal‐regulated phosphorylated protein kinase and mitogen‐activated protein kinase kinase and Rho kinase‐II activation. Sildenafil and doxazosin significantly decreased benign prostatic hyperplasia‐induced mitogen‐activated protein kinase kinase and Rho kinase‐II activation. The decreased expressions of soluble guanylate cyclase α1 was reversed by KMUP‐1, doxazosin and sildenafil. Soluble guanylate cyclase β1 and protein kinase G were increased by KMUP‐1, doxazosin, and sildenafil in the testosterone‐treated benign prostatic hyperplasia group. Phosphodiesterase‐5A was increased by testosterone and inhibited by KMUP‐1 (5 mg/kg/day) or sildenafil (5 mg/kg/day). KMUP‐1 inhibited phenylephrine‐sensitized prostate contraction of rats treated with testosterone.

Conclusions

Mitogen‐activated protein kinase 1/extracellular regulated protein kinases kinase, soluble guanylate cyclase/cyclic guanosine monophosphate, protein kinase/protein kinase G and Rho kinase‐II are related to prostate smooth muscle tone and proliferation induced by testosterone. KMUP‐1 inhibits testosterone‐induced prostate hyper‐contractility and mitogen‐activated protein kinase 1/extracellular regulated protein kinases kinase‐phosphorylation, and it inactivates Rho kinase‐II by cyclic guanosine monophosphate, protein kinase and α1A‐adenergic blockade. Thus, KMUP‐1 might be a beneficial pharmacotherapy for benign prostatic hyperplasia.
Attracting and Retaining Globally Mobile Skilled Migrants: Policy Challenges based on Australian Research
Authors: Khoo Siew‐Ean
Published: May 2013

For people with managerial, professional or technical skills and work experience, the job market is global, if they so choose. Their skills and work experience are sought after in a number of countries and they have a choice of where they would prefer to work. This article1 examines globally mobile skilled migrants' reasons for migration and return migration, as indicated in Australian research, and the policy challenges some of these reasons may pose for source and destination countries that want to retain or attract these people. This is because while some reasons or factors motivating the migration or return migration of skilled workers can be influenced by government policy, others such as lifestyle or quality of life factors may pose more difficulties for policy influence.
Prognostic nomogram for diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma incorporating the International Prognostic Index with interim‐positron emission tomography findings
Authors: Chow A. , Phillips M. , Siew T. , Cull G. , Augustson B. , Ward M. , Joske D.
Published: May 2013

Background/Aims

Results from interim‐positron emission tomography (PET) studies in diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma (DLBCL) patients are varied. We evaluated the prognostic value of interim‐PET in our centre. To improve concordance, interim‐PET was combined with the International Prognostic Index (IPI).

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed 100 new consecutive DLBCL patients treated with immunochemotherapy from 2005 to 2010. Twenty‐four patients did not receive interim‐PET and were excluded. Interim‐PET images were re‐examined using a qualitative assessment technique. Progression‐free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) were analysed by the Cox proportional hazards model and prognostic accuracy was assessed using Harrell's C statistics (C).

Results

Eleven patients were positive, and 65 were negative at interim‐PET. The 2‐year OS and PFS were 70.8% and 60.0%, respectively, in the PET‐negative group, 36.4% and 36.4% for the PET‐positive group (log‐rank P‐value 0.0008 for PFS, 0.0001 for OS). The IPI and interim‐PET were minimally correlated. On Cox regression analysis, both were significant indicators of PFS (P < 0.001 and P = 0.002 respectively). The prognostic accuracy for PFS of a negative PET result was limited (C = 0.63), as it was for IPI (C = 0.75), but with the two indicators combined, the predictive accuracy was improved (C = 0.81). A nomogram, predictive for relapse‐free survival at 2 years, was constructed.

Conclusion

In DLBCL patients treated with immunochemotherapy, the IPI and interim‐PET provide independent prognostic information. In combination, a more powerful predictive model may be created as a nomogram. This can be refined in prospective trials and may help clinical decision making.
Carbon monoxide exposure improves immune function in lupus‐prone mice
Authors: Mackern‐Oberti Juan P. , Llanos Carolina , Carreño Leandro J. , Riquelme Sebastián A. , Jacobelli Sergio H. , Anegon Ignacio , Kalergis Alexis M.
Published: May 2013

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is an autoimmune disease characterized by multiple alterations affecting the normal function of immune cells, such as lymphocytes, dendritic cells (DCs) and monocytes. Although the understanding of autoimmunity has significantly increased, the breakthrough in effective therapies has been modest, making necessary the development of new therapeutic strategies. Here we propose that a new potential target for therapy is haem oxygenase‐1 (HO‐1), an enzyme that catalyses the degradation of the haem group into biliverdin, carbon monoxide (CO) and Fe2+. These products exhibit immunosuppressive and anti‐inflammatory effects, which can contribute to improving tolerance during organ transplantation. Because HO‐1 is highly expressed by immune cells involved in SLE pathogenesis, such as monocytes and DCs, we evaluated whether induction of HO‐1 expression or the administration of CO could ameliorate disease in the FcγRIIb knockout (KO) mouse model for SLE. We found that CO administration decreased the expansion of CD11b+ cells, prevented the decline of regulatory T cells and reduced anti‐histone antibodies observed in untreated FcγRIIb KO mice. Furthermore, CO‐treated animals and HO‐1 induction showed less kidney damage compared with untreated mice. These data suggest that HO‐1 modulation and CO administration can ameliorate autoimmunity and prevent the lupus symptoms shown by FcγRIIb KO mice, highlighting HO‐1 as a potential new target for autoimmune therapy.
Changes of effective gene dispersal distances by pollen and seeds across successive life stages in a tropical tree
Authors: Berens Dana Gertrud , Griebeler Eva Maria , Braun Carsten , Chituyi Benson Bwibo , Nathan Ran , Böhning‐Gaese Katrin
Published: May 2013

Pollen and seed dispersal are the two key processes in which plant genes move in space, mostly mediated by animal dispersal vectors in tropical forests. Due to the movement patterns of pollinators and seed dispersers and subsequent complex spatial patterns in the mortality of offspring, we have little knowledge of how pollinators and seed dispersers affect effective gene dispersal distances across successive recruitment stages. Using six highly polymorphic microsatellite loci and parentage analyses, we quantified pollen dispersal, seed dispersal, and effective paternal and maternal gene dispersal distances from pollen‐ and seed‐donors to offspring across four recruitment stages within a population of the monoecious tropical tree Prunus africana in western Kenya. In general, pollen‐dispersal and paternal gene dispersal distances were much longer than seed‐dispersal and maternal gene dispersal distances, with the long‐distance within‐population gene dispersal in P. africana being mostly mediated by pollinators. Seed dispersal, paternal and maternal gene dispersal distances increased significantly across recruitment stages, suggesting strong density‐ and distance‐dependent mortality near the parent trees. Pollen dispersal distances also varied significantly, but inconsistently across recruitment stages. The mean dispersal distance was initially much (23‐fold) farther for pollen than for seeds, yet the pollen‐to‐seed dispersal distance ratio diminished by an order of magnitude at later stages as maternal gene dispersal distances disproportionately increased. Our study elucidates the relative changes in the contribution of the two processes, pollen and seed dispersal, to effective gene dispersal across recruitment. Overall, complex sequential processes during recruitment contribute to the genetic make‐up of tree populations. This highlights the importance of a multistage perspective for a comprehensive understanding of the impact of animal‐mediated pollen and seed dispersal on small‐scale spatial genetic patterns of long‐lived tree species.
Intrinsic Mechanical Properties of 20 MAX‐Phase Compounds
Authors: Ching Wai‐Yim , Mo Yuxiang , Aryal Sitaram , Rulis Paul
Published: May 2013

The intrinsic mechanical properties of 20 MAX‐phase compounds are calculated using an ab initio method based on density functional theory. A stress versus strain approach is used to obtain the elastic coefficients and thereby obtain the bulk modulus, shear modulus, Young's modulus, and Poisson's ratio based on the Voigt–Reuss–Hill (VRH) approximation for polycrystals. The results are in good agreement with available experimental data. It is shown that there is an inverse correlation between Poisson's ratio and the Pugh ratio of shear modulus to bulk modulus in MAX phases. Our calculations also indicate that two MAX compounds, Ti2AsC and Ti2PC, show much higher ductility than the other compounds. It is concluded that the MAX‐phase compounds have a wide range of mechanical properties ranging from very ductile to brittle with the “A” in the MAX phase being the most important controlling element. The measured Vickers hardness in MAX compounds has no apparent correlation with any of the calculated mechanical parameters or their combinations.
Role of Alumina in the Preparation of Platelike NaNbO3 Powder by Molten Salt Synthesis and Proposal of New Preparation Method
Authors: Ishii Keisuke , Tashiro Shinjiro , Kikuchihara Anna , Kimura Toshio
Published: May 2013

The preparation of platelike NaNbO3 grains via single‐step molten salt synthesis using Bi2O3, Na2CO3, Nb2O5, and NaCl as reactants was examined. When a new alumina crucible was used, platelike NaNbO3 grains were obtained, but a repeatedly used alumina crucible resulted in irregularly shaped NaNbO3 grains. When a platinum crucible was used, even NaNbO3 could not be obtained. Addition of alumina substrates and alumina granules to the reaction mixture in the platinum crucible resulted in the formation of platelike NaNbO3 grains and second‐phase grains. The second‐phase grains, which were composed of Al2O3, Bi2O3, Na2O, and Nb2O5 and had a pyrochlore structure, could be removed by sieving. The second phase acted as a scavenger for Bi2O3 and hence, the possibility of using another scavenger was attempted. The new scavenger was a mixture of Na2CO3 and Nb2O5, and using them, platelike NaNbO3 grains were successfully obtained with NaNb5Bi2O16 as a byproduct, which could then be removed by sieving.
The willingness of a society to act on behalf of Indigenous Australians and refugees: the role of contact, intergroup anxiety, prejudice, and support for legislative change
Authors: Turoy‐Smith Katrine M. , Kane Robert , Pedersen Anne
Published: May 2013

The relationship between contact and prejudice against Indigenous Australians and refugees was explored. Using path analysis, increased quality of contact significantly decreased prejudice toward Indigenous Australians, both directly and indirectly through intergroup anxiety; while increased quantity of contact reduced prejudice via a direct pathway. Decreased levels of prejudice toward Indigenous Australians led to increases in support for legislation, which led to increases in willingness to act. Similar results were found for the refugee analysis, except that there was no relationship between quantity of contact and other variables. Qualitative analyses revealed the importance of context, the nature of experience and indirect experience, and societal factors. Our results indicate the power of contact, as well as other structural, interpersonal, and personal factors.
Reconciliation responses, blame, and expressions of guilt or shame
Authors: Kamau Caroline , Giner‐Sorolla Roger , Zebel Sven
Published: May 2013

Recipients of intergroup apologies have been found to prefer expressions of shame over guilt. However, there is little research comparing the responses of a wronged group with those of a blamed group. Kenyans/Britons evaluated guilt/shame statements about colonialism, with blame measured as the assignment of collective guilt to Britain. Among Britons, there was a significant interaction, with high in‐group blamers expecting more reconciliation from shame than from guilt, and vice versa for low in‐group blamers. Among Kenyans, there was no main effect of blame, but more reconciliation was expected from shame than from guilt. Wronged groups thus appear to prefer shame over guilt, whereas preference for guilt/shame among members of a blamed group depends on the level of in‐group blame.
Examination of ethnic group differential responding on a biodata instrument
Authors: Dean Michelle A.
Published: May 2013

Biodata is a selection device that is often cited for high criterion validity and low adverse impact, yet little research examines the latter point. Further, little is known about whether differential biodata item responding by ethnic group occurs, and if so, whether this impacts ethnic group differences, predictive bias, adverse impact, and criterion validity. Data from 5,242 applicants for a government agency position indicated that elimination of biodata item response options with differential ethnic group selection rates from scoring consideration resulted in a large decrease in ethnic group differences, no predictive bias, less potential adverse impact, and a nonsignificant decrease in criterion validity. Results are compared to a general mental ability measure. Implications and future research directions are discussed.
SLIDE, The Protein Interacting Domain of Imitation Switch Remodelers, Binds DDT‐Domain Proteins of Different Subfamilies in Chromatin Remodeling Complexes
Authors: Dong Jiaqiang , Gao Zheng , Liu Shujing , Li Guang , Yang Zhongnan , Huang Hai , Xu Lin
Published: May 2013

The Imitation Switch (ISWI) type adenosine triphosphate (ATP)‐dependent chromatin remodeling factors are conserved proteins in eukaryotes, and some of them are known to form stable remodeling complexes with members from a family of proteins, termed DDT‐domain proteins. Although it is well documented that ISWIs play important roles in different biological processes in many eukaryotic species, the molecular basis for protein interactions in ISWI complexes has not been fully addressed. Here, we report the identification of interaction domains for both ISWI and DDT‐domain proteins. By analyzing CHROMATIN REMODELING11 (CHR11) and RINGLET1 (RLT1), an Arabidopsis thaliana ISWI (AtISWI) and AtDDT‐domain protein, respectively, we show that the SLIDE domain of CHR11 and the DDT domain together with an adjacent sequence of RLT1 are responsible for their binding. The Arabidopsis genome contains at least 12 genes that encode DDT‐domain proteins, which could be grouped into five subfamilies based on the sequence similarity. The SLIDE domain of AtISWI is able to bind members from different AtDDT subfamilies. Moreover, a human ISWI protein SNF2H is capable of binding AtDDT‐domain proteins through its SLIDE domain, suggesting that binding to DDT‐domain proteins is a conserved biochemical function for the SLIDE domain of ISWIs in eukaryotes.
Antecedents to supportive supervision: An examination of biographical data
Authors: Paustian‐Underdahl Samantha C. , Shanock Linda R. , Rogelberg Steven G. , W. Scott Cliff , Justice Logan , Altman David G.
Published: May 2013

The purpose of this study was to contribute to the limited body of knowledge of antecedents to supervisor support by utilizing the ecology model to explore the biographical information that differentiates highly supportive supervisors from those who are less supportive. We analysed qualitative biographical data from 65 supervisors rated as highly supportive and 63 supervisors rated as less supportive by their subordinates, comparing and contrasting their personality characteristics, work experiences, and life experiences. We found that highly supportive supervisors were more likely to see themselves as being warm and sociable, to think that their communication and leadership skills were their key strengths, and they were more involved in a variety of social and professional groups than less supportive supervisors. Supportive supervision is one way organizations can inexpensively work to build the job skills, abilities, and the interpersonal skills of organizational members. On the basis of the findings of this study, we propose some ways in which an organization can hire and develop supervisors to be more supportive.

Practitioner points

Utilizing the ecology model as a framework, potential antecedents to supervisor supportiveness are examined.

Implications for research and practice related to developing and selecting for supportive supervision are discussed.
The use of the Oral Health Impact Profile to measure the impact of mild, moderate and severe hypodontia on oral health‐related quality of life in young adults
Authors: Anweigi L. , Allen P. F. , Ziada H.
Published: May 2013

There is limited understanding of the subjective impact of congenital absence of teeth in patients with hypodontia. This study aimed to investigate the impact of mild, moderate and severe hypodontia on oral health‐related quality of life (OHRQoL) and its relationship to age, gender and extent of hypodontia prior to treatment. 82 patients (43 females and 39 males, age range from 16 to 34 years) with a confirmed diagnosis of non‐syndromic hypodontia were recruited for this study prior to treatment. Demographic details were recorded and a clinical examination documented the number and location of missing teeth. Participants were also asked to complete an oral health‐related quality of life measure, the OHIP‐49. The impact was of hypodontia was significant, with appearance concerns being the most prevalent impacts on oral health‐related quality of life. Gender was a significant predictor of the overall OHIP‐49 score, with females having higher level of impacts. The number and location of missing permanent teeth was not a good predictor of quality of life. However, location of missing teeth was a predictor of the psychological discomfort subscale score. There was a positive correlation between age and the functional limitation and physical disability subscale scores. This study shows that the impact of hypodontia on oral health‐related quality of life is substantial.
Emergency department presentations by Aboriginal children: Issues for consideration for appropriate health services
Authors: Duncan Catriona , Williams Katrina , Nathanson Dania , Thomas Susan , Cottier Carolyn , O'Meara Matthew , Zwi Karen
Published: May 2013

Aim

This study describes the presentations made to the Sydney Children's Hospital (SCH) Emergency Department (ED) by local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander (Aboriginal) children with particular reference to children who present frequently or whose presentation was preventable.

Methods

Data from the SCH ED Information System were extracted for all presentations made by children who identified as Aboriginal, aged between 0–15 years, who presented between 2005–2008. Presentations were coded according to the presenting problem, diagnosis, outcome, and whether the presentations were potentially preventable. Preventable presentations include those presentations considered to be avoidable and those that could have been managed by a local primary care or community service.

Results

There were 1252 presentations to the SCH ED by 453 Aboriginal children aged 0–15 years. More than 50% of children presented more than once. Seventy‐nine children presented more than five times. Nearly 45% of presentations were coded as potentially preventable.

Conclusions

A significant proportion of ED presentations were potentially preventable with the use of culturally appropriate and accessible local community and primary health care services and better referral pathways back to these services. Community engagement is required to raise awareness of common presentations and to look at strategies to prevent common problems both occurring and presenting to the ED. This will enhance the health of urban Aboriginal children.
Optimal Monetary Policy in OLG Models with Long‐Lived Agents: A Note
Authors: HIRAGUCHI RYOJI
Published: May 2013

This note reexamines Crettez, Michel, and Wigniolle (), who studied a two‐period overlapping generations model with cash‐in‐advance constraints and showed that a combination of saving tax and monetary policy involving positive nominal interest rates could achieve the first‐best allocation. The note shows that their result does not hold if agents live for three periods. The implementation of the first best requires the Friedman rule. If agents are long‐lived, saving tax cannot offset a distortion caused by the positive nominal interest rate.
Should Sales Taxes Be Imposed on E‐Commerce?
Authors: DAKHLIA SAMI , STRAUSS ROBERT P.
Published: May 2013

We study the impact of E‐commerce across state lines in the United States on tax revenue, public good provision, and real income. In particular, in light of the unenforceable nature of interstate taxation, we evaluate the potential gains from coordinating sales and income state taxes among sovereign jurisdictions. We find that the revenue at risk is small and that the welfare gains or losses of any countervailing policy measures, in particular those associated with the Streamlined Sales Tax Project, are even smaller.
Mixed Duopoly and Environment
Authors: PAL RUPAYAN , SAHA BIBHAS
Published: May 2013

We show under general demand and cost conditions that in a mixed duopoly with pollution the government can implement the socially optimal outputs and abatements by a tax‐subsidy scheme and keeping the public firm fully public. The scheme requires taxing outputs and subsidizing abatements at different rates, unlike a pollution tax. Our result improves on the shortcoming of a pollution tax to implement the social optimum. We also show that when the private firm is partly foreign‐owned, the government will adopt some privatization and will not implement the social optimum, though the social optimum is implementable.
Interactive effects of molasses by homofermentative and heterofermentative inoculants on fermentation quality, nitrogen fractionation, nutritive value and aerobic stability of wilted alfalfa (Medicago sativa L) silage
Authors: Hashemzadeh‐Cigari F. , Khorvash M. , Ghorbani G. R. , Ghasemi E. , Taghizadeh A. , Kargar S. , Yang W. Z.
Published: May 2013

The effect of adding molasses (0, UM or 50 g/kg on DM basis, M) and two types of inoculant including homofermentative (HO) and a combination of homofermentative and propionate‐producing bacterial (HOPAB) inoculants on silage fermentation quality, nitrogen fractionation and aerobic stability of pre‐bloom, wilted alfalfa (AS) was determined in laboratory silos. The HOPAB inoculant was more effective than HO in reducing the alfalfa silage pH but increased propionate content in the absence of M (p < 0.05). Inoculation of HOPAB reduced (p < 0.01) acid detergent fibre (ADF) and increased (p < 0.01) lactate to acetate ratio compared with uninoculated AS. Acetate concentration was lower (p < 0.01) in HOPAB‐inoculated than other AS. This difference was more pronounced in M‐added AS (inoculants × M interaction, p = 0.01). Both inoculants reduced (p < 0.01) ammonia‐N content in AS added with M, whereas only HOPAB decreased (p < 0.01) ammonia‐N concentration in silage without M. Inoculants increased (p < 0.01) B2 fraction in AS with M addition but had no effect on AS without M. Treating silages with HO‐UM increased (p < 0.05) C fraction (acid‐detergent insoluble‐N) but HOPAB decreased C fraction at two levels of M. Treating alfalfa crop with M and HOPAB improved aerobic stability by increasing the concentration of acetate and propionate of AS respectively. Adding M tended (p < 0.10) to increase short‐chain fatty acids (SCFA) and cumulative gas production (CGP). HOPAB alone increased DM disappearance at 24 h post‐incubation and effective degradability assuming outflow rate of 8%/h relative to untreated AS (p < 0.05). It was concluded that adding M had no pronounced effects on AS fermentation quality, but increased aerobic stability. HOPAB‐inoculated AS with no addition of M improved fermentation quality and increased DM degradability compared with HO.
Regulated fractionally integrated processes
Authors: Trokić Mirza
Published: May 2013

Regulated (bounded) integrated time series are of significant practical importance and a recent development in the time series literature. Although regulated integrated series are characterized by asymptotic distributions that differ substantially from their unregulated counterparts, most inferential exercises continue to be performed with complete disregard for this potential feature of time series data. To date, only Cavaliere (2005) and Cavaliere and Xu (2011) have attempted to develop a theory for regulated integrated time series, particularly in the context of unit root testing. Unfortunately, no such theory has been developed for regulated fractionally integrated series, which are particularly important in financial time series and also in some unit root testing literature. This article achieves just this: it establishes a framework for regulated fractionally integrated processes and develops their functional central limit distributions. In addition, this article presents some simulation evidence and discusses several algorithms for obtaining the limiting distributions for these processes.
Antihypertensive Treatment Improves Microvascular Rarefaction and Reactivity in Low‐Risk Hypertensive Individuals
Authors: Kaiser Sérgio E. , Sanjuliani Antonio F. , Estato Vanessa , Gomes Marilia B. , Tibiriçá Eduardo
Published: May 2013

Objective

To test whether long‐term antihypertensive treatment with metoprolol succinate (a β1‐adrenoceptor blocker) or olmesartan medoxomil (an angiotensin II AT1‐receptor blocker) reverses microvascular dysfunction in hypertensive patients.

Methods

This study included 44 hypertensive outpatients and 20 age and sex‐matched healthy controls. We used skin capillaroscopy to measure capillary density and recruitment at rest and during PORH. Endothelium‐dependent vasodilation of skin microcirculation was evaluated with a LDPM system in combination with ACh iontophoresis, PORH, and LTH.

Results

Pretreatment capillary density in hypertensive patients was significantly reduced compared with controls (71.3 ± 1.5 vs. 80.6 ± 1.8 cap/mm2; p < 0.001), as was PORH (71.7 ± 1.5 vs. 79.5 ± 2.6 cap/mm2; p < 0.05). After treatment for six months, capillary density increased to 75.4 ± 1.1 cap/mm2 (p < 0.01) at rest and 76.8 ± 1.1 cap/mm2 during PORH. During LTH, CVC in perfusion units (PU)/mmHg was similar in patients (1.71 [1.31–2.12]) and controls (1.60 [1.12–1.91]) and increased significantly (1.82 [1.30–2.20]) after treatment. Maximal CVC during PORH was reduced in hypertensive patients (0.30 [0.22–0.39]) compared to controls (0.39 [0.31–0.49], p < 0.001) and increased (0.41 [0.29–0.51], p < 0.001) after treatment.

Conclusions

Capillary rarefaction and microvascular endothelial dysfunction in hypertensive patients responded favorably to long‐term pharmacological treatment.
Regulated proteolysis of Candida albicans Ras1 is involved in morphogenesis and quorum sensing regulation
Authors: Piispanen Amy E. , Grahl Nora , Hollomon Jeffrey M. , Hogan Deborah A.
Published: May 2013

In Candida albicans, a fungal pathogen, the small G‐protein Ras1 regulates many important behaviors including white‐opaque switching, biofilm formation, and the induction and maintenance of hyphal growth. Like other Ras proteins, Ras1 is activated upon guanine triphosphate binding, and its activity is further modulated by post‐translational lipid modifications. Here, we report that the levels of membrane‐associated, full‐length Ras1 were higher in hyphae than in yeast, and that yeast contained a shorter, soluble Ras1 species that resulted from cleavage. Deletion of the putative cleavage site led to more rapid induction of hyphal growth and delayed hypha‐to‐yeast transitions. The cleaved Ras1 species was less able to activate its effector, adenylate cyclase (Cyr1), unless tethered to the membrane by a heterologous membrane‐targeting domain. Ras1 cleavage was repressed by cAMP‐signalling, indicating the presence of a positive feedback loop in which Cyr1 and cAMP influence Ras1. The C. albicans quorum sensing molecule farnesol, which inhibits Cyr1 and represses filamentation, caused an increase in the fraction of Ras1 in the cleaved form, particularly in nascent yeast formed from hyphae. This newly recognized mode of Ras regulation may control C. albicans Ras1 activity in important ways.
Topographic and soil influences on root productivity of three bioenergy cropping systems
Authors: Ontl Todd A. , Hofmockel Kirsten S. , Cambardella Cynthia A. , Schulte Lisa A. , Kolka Randall K.
Published: May 2013

Successful modeling of the carbon (C) cycle requires empirical data regarding species‐specific root responses to edaphic characteristics. We address this need by quantifying annual root production of three bioenergy systems (continuous corn, triticale/sorghum, switchgrass) in response to variation in soil properties across a toposequence within a Midwestern agroecosystem.

Using ingrowth cores to measure annual root production, we tested for the effects of topography and 11 soil characteristics on root productivity.

Root production significantly differed among cropping systems. Switchgrass root productivity was lowest on the floodplain position, but root productivity of annual crops was not influenced by topography or soil properties. Greater switchgrass root production was associated with high percent sand, which explained 45% of the variation. Percent sand was correlated negatively with soil C and nitrogen and positively with bulk density, indicating this variable is a proxy for multiple important soil properties.

Our results suggest that easily measured soil parameters can be used to improve model predictions of root productivity in bioenergy switchgrass, but the edaphic factors we measured were not useful for predicting root productivity in annual crops. These results can improve C cycling modeling efforts by revealing the influence of cropping system and soil properties on root productivity.
Nonagricultural reservoirs contribute to emergence and evolution of Pseudomonas syringae crop pathogens
Authors: Monteil Caroline L. , Cai Rongman , Liu Haijie , Mechan Llontop Marco E. , Leman Scotland , Studholme David J. , Morris Cindy E. , Vinatzer Boris A.
Published: May 2013

While the existence of environmental reservoirs of human pathogens is well established, less is known about the role of nonagricultural environments in emergence, evolution, and spread of crop pathogens.

Here, we analyzed phylogeny, virulence genes, host range, and aggressiveness of Pseudomonas syringae strains closely related to the tomato pathogen P. syringae pv. tomato (Pto), including strains isolated from snowpack and streams.

The population of Pto relatives in nonagricultural environments was estimated to be large and its diversity to be higher than that of the population of Pto and its relatives on crops. Ancestors of environmental strains, Pto, and other genetically monomorphic crop pathogens were inferred to have frequently recombined, suggesting an epidemic population structure for P. syringae. Some environmental strains have repertoires of type III‐secreted effectors very similar to Pto, are almost as aggressive on tomato as Pto, but have a wider host range than typical Pto strains.

We conclude that crop pathogens may have evolved through a small number of evolutionary events from a population of less aggressive ancestors with a wider host range present in nonagricultural environments.
Nematode effector proteins: an emerging paradigm of parasitism
Authors: Mitchum Melissa G. , Hussey Richard S. , Baum Thomas J. , Wang Xiaohong , Elling Axel A. , Wubben Martin , Davis Eric L.
Published: May 2013

Phytonematodes use a stylet and secreted effectors to modify host cells and ingest nutrients to support their growth and development. The molecular function of nematode effectors is currently the subject of intense investigation. In this review, we summarize our current understanding of nematode effectors, with a particular focus on proteinaceous stylet‐secreted effectors of sedentary endoparasitic phytonematodes, for which a wealth of information has surfaced in the past 10 yr. We provide an update on the effector repertoires of several of the most economically important genera of phytonematodes and discuss current approaches to dissecting their function. Lastly, we highlight the latest breakthroughs in effector discovery that promise to shed new light on effector diversity and function across the phylum Nematoda.

Contents

Summary
879

I.
Introduction
879

II.
Nematode effector regulation and delivery into host cells
881

III.
Nematode effectors as probes of plant cell biology
883

IV.
Functional characterization of effectors
885

V.
Cell cycle and cytoskeleton
885

VI.
New approaches for effector identification
888

VII.
A global perspective of nematode effector function
889

Acknowledgements
890

References
890
Phylogenetic relationships among host plants explain differences in fungal species richness and community composition in ectomycorrhizal symbiosis
Authors: Tedersoo Leho , Mett Marit , Ishida Takahide A. , Bahram Mohammad
Published: May 2013

Geographic and taxonomic host ranges determine the distribution of biotrophic organisms. Host phylogenetic distance strongly affects the community composition of pathogens and parasites, but little is known about the host phylogeny effect on communities of mutualists, such as plant–pollinator and plant–mycorrhizal fungi systems.

By incorporating phylogenetic eigenvectors into univariate and multivariate models, we aimed to determine the relative contribution of host phylogeny and environmental variables to mycorrhizal traits and community composition of ectomycorrhizal (EcM) fungi in Salicaceae at the local scale.

Host phylogeny explained 75% of the variation in fungal species richness and 20% of the variation in community composition. We also re‐analyzed a system involving eight hosts from Japan, in which host phylogeny explained 26% and 9% of the variation in fungal richness and community composition, respectively. [Correction added after online publication 21 May
2013: in the preceding sentence the values 9% and 26% have been transposed.]

Phylogenetic eigenvectors that differentially account for clades and terminal taxa across the phylogeny revealed stronger host effects than did the treatment of host species as categorical or dummy variables in multiregression models, and in comparison with methods such as Mantel test and its analogs. Our results indicate the usefulness of the eigenvector method for the quantification of the host phylogeny effect, which represents an integrated complex function of taxonomic sampling effect and phylogenetic distance per se.
Void space inside the developing seed of Brassica napus and the modelling of its function
Authors: Verboven Pieter , Herremans Els , Borisjuk Ljudmilla , Helfen Lukas , Ho Quang Tri , Tschiersch Henning , Fuchs Johannes , Nicolaï Bart M. , Rolletschek Hardy
Published: May 2013

The developing seed essentially relies on external oxygen to fuel aerobic respiration, but it is currently unknown how oxygen diffuses into and within the seed, which structural pathways are used and what finally limits gas exchange.

By applying synchrotron X‐ray computed tomography to developing oilseed rape seeds we uncovered void spaces, and analysed their three‐dimensional assembly. Both the testa and the hypocotyl are well endowed with void space, but in the cotyledons, spaces were small and poorly inter‐connected. In silico modelling revealed a three orders of magnitude range in oxygen diffusivity from tissue to tissue, and identified major barriers to gas exchange.

The oxygen pool stored in the voids is consumed about once per minute. The function of the void space was related to the tissue‐specific distribution of storage oils, storage protein and starch, as well as oxygen, water, sugars, amino acids and the level of respiratory activity, analysed using a combination of magnetic resonance imaging, specific oxygen sensors, laser micro‐dissection, biochemical and histological methods.

We conclude that the size and inter‐connectivity of void spaces are major determinants of gas exchange potential, and locally affect the respiratory activity of a developing seed.