bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Variation in resistance of loblolly pine (Pinus taedaL.) families againstLeptographiumandGrosmanniaroot fungi
Authors: Singh A. , Anderson D. , Eckhardt L. G.
Published: March 2014

Pine decline poses a serious threat to forest sustainability in the south‐easternUnitedStates. Complex interactions between biotic and abiotic factors are involved in the decline and include root‐feeding bark beetles and their associated fungal genera,LeptographiumandGrosmannia. A study was conducted to determine the relative tolerance of loblolly pine (Pinus taedaL.) families when challenged with eitherLeptographiumorGrosmanniaspecies. In the first study, bare root seedlings from 23 loblolly pine families were screened withL. procerum,L. terebrantis,G. huntiiandG. alacrisusing an artificial inoculation method. In a second study, containerized seedlings from 27 loblolly pine families were screened withG. huntiiandL. terebrantis. Measured seedling responses to the inoculations included lesion length, lesion width and occlusion of vascular tissues, measured 8 weeks after inoculations. The most common host response was dark brown lesions and resinous occluded stem tissue. Seedling families had a wide range of host responses to the differentLeptographiumandGrosmanniaspecies and showed that it could be possible to select the families that may be tolerant toLeptographiumandGrosmanniafungal species based on these results.
Restless legs syndrome and multiple sclerosis: a population based case−control study in Catania, Sicily
Authors: Bruno E. , Nicoletti A. , Messina S. , Lo Fermo S. , Raciti L. , Quattrocchi G. , Dibilio V. , Paradisi V. ,   the SIMG General Practitioners, Maimone D. , Patti F. , Zappia M.
Published: March 2014

Background and purpose

A population‐based case−control study in the city of Catania, Sicily, was carried out to determine restless legs syndrome (RLS) prevalence and its association with multiple sclerosis (MS).

Methods

Patients were randomly selected from a cohort of MS patients resident in the study area and a group of age and sex matched controls was enrolled from the general population. RLS was diagnosed according to the International Restless Legs Syndrome Study Group criteria.

Results

In total, 152 MS patients and 431 controls were included in the study. A significantly higher prevalence of RLS amongst MS patients (14.5%) compared with controls (6.0%) was detected, corresponding to an almost threefold increased risk (odds ratio 2.7, 95% confidence interval 1.4–5.0) of developing RLS. Spinal cord lesions in MS patients were associated with a higher risk of RLS (odds ratio 3.7, 95% confidence interval 1.1–13.5).

Conclusion

RLS was strongly associated with MS, with a significantly higher risk in patients presenting spinal cord lesions.
Transcriptional regulation of proteoglycan 4 by 17β‐estradiol in immortalized baboon temporomandibular joint disc cells
Authors: McDaniel Jennifer S. , Akula Suresh Babu Ramya , Navarro Mary M. , LeBaron Richard G.
Published: March 2014

Temporomandibular joint disorders (TMDs) affect a significant portion of the population of the USA, with the majority of those seeking treatment being women of childbearing age. Owing to this striking sexual dimorphism it has been postulated that sex hormones play a role in the maintenance of normal temporomandibular joint (TMJ) function. Proteoglycan 4 (PRG4) is a secreted lubricating molecule required for maintaining low frictional levels within articular joints; however, its role in the TMJ is not well characterized. In this study we describe the development of immortalized baboon cells isolated from specific regions of the TMJ disc and their use in the investigation of PRG4 expression and localization patterns in the TMJ. We identified conserved estrogen response elements within the 5′ flanking region of the PRG4 gene of several species, and found that treatment of baboon TMJ disc cells with estrogen led to reduced PRG4 promoter activity and reduced expression of PRG4 mRNA in vitro. The observed negative regulation of PRG4 by estrogen could lead to increased friction and degradation of joint components over time. This study, for the first time, provides evidence of the regulatory potential of estrogen on PRG4 gene expression and suggests a novel etiology for the gender disparity observed among TMD patients.
SME Entrepreneurial Orientation, International Performance, and the Moderating Role of Strategic Alliances
Authors: Brouthers Keith D. , Nakos George , Dimitratos Pavlos
Published: March 2014

International entrepreneurship research maintains that firms with strong entrepreneurial orientations expand to international markets to enhance performance. Yet these firms can suffer from resource constraints as they move abroad. To alleviate this problem, previous research has suggested participation in strategic alliances. We developed and tested a theoretical perspective that merged these ideas, maintaining that firm–level entrepreneurial orientation is associated with higher international performance both directly and in combination with participation in foreign market research or marketing alliances. Based on surveys of U.S. and U.K. firms, our findings indicate that small and medium–sized enterprises (SMEs) have higher international performance when they possess greater entrepreneurial orientation (EO) and when the type of alliance (research or marketing) used is aligned with the capabilities of the firm. Further we find that participating in alliances strengthens the relation between EO and international performance. These results have important implications for managers and policy makers interested in improving SME international performance.
Effects of Acute and Chronic Exposure to Predatory Cues on Spatial Learning Capabilities in the Subterranean Rodent Ctenomys talarum (Rodentia: Ctenomyidae)
Authors: Brachetta Valentina , Schleich Cristian E. , Zenuto Roxana R.
Published: March 2014

Spatial learning, the cognitive ability that allows animals to efficiently locate food, partners or avoid predators, can be affected by various factors such as stress. Stressors represent a threat to the animal's homeostasis and trigger a set of physiological and behavioral changes known as stress response. The herbivorous rodent Ctenomys talarum (tuco‐tuco) inhabits underground complex gallery systems. Dispersal as well as food collection occurs on the surface, where they are exposed to terrestrial and aerial predators. We evaluated the effect of a natural stress factor, predation, on spatial learning of C. talarum. Additionally, we collected data on neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio, hematocrit, blood glucose, and plasma cortisol to assess physiological levels of stress. The acute exposure to direct cues indicating the presence of a predator (immobilization + cat urine) increased the time needed to reach the goal in a longitudinal labyrinth. The number of errors also increased albeit the difference was only marginally significant. The chronic exposure to predator cues (immobilization, cat urine, and cat fur) presented in an unpredictable order significantly increased both time and errors committed by tuco‐tucos during learning trials in the labyrinth. Results show the strong impact of predatory stress on the spatial abilities of C. talarum, a key cognitive process involved in most of their vital activities. They also highlight the importance of investigating wild species as regards the development of antipredatory defensive behaviors that contribute both to the avoidance of deleterious consequences of a direct attack and the influence on food search and mate localization performance.
Liberation upon Hearing: Voice, Morality, and Death in a Buddhist World
Authors: Desjarlais Robert
Published: March 2014

This essay considers morally salient dimensions of dying, death, and mourning among Yolmo Buddhists of Nepal. It attends in particular to certain procedures of speech, touch, vision, and bodily and vocal guidance and copresence in times of dying and grief. An ethics of care informs the ways in which people comfort the dying and console the grief stricken. The moral responsibility that people observe here is a question of support and guidance, of providing attendant rhythms, and of a subtle “liberation upon hearing.” Through words and prayers, people create a gentle space for dying and accompany a person up to the moment of death. They also try to draw people back from the despair of grief. With these culturally informed arrangements of care and mourning, it is clear that language, prayer, music, and bodily presence serve as vehicles of moral support, attunement, and alteration.
Benzodiazepines increase the reward effects of buprenorphine in a conditioned place preference test in the mouse
Authors: Ma Lin‐Lin , Freret Thomas , Lange Mathilde , Bourgine Joanna , Coquerel Antoine , Lelong‐Boulouard Véronique
Published: March 2014

Buprenorphine (BPN) is widely used as a substitution treatment for opioid addiction. Some cases of abuse and misuse, especially associated with various benzodiazepines (BZDs), have been described, and a previous study has shown that BZDs increase the sedative effect of BPN and decrease its anxiogenic properties. To investigate the reward effect that may lead to the abusive combination of BPN and BZD, we studied the influence of different doses of three BZDs extensively used with BPN by drug addicts on conditioned place preference behavior in mice. BPN (0.3, 1, 3 mg/kg) was injected subcutaneously into male mice alone or in combination with a BZD administered intraperitoneally: dipotassium clorazepate (CRZ; 1, 4, 16 mg/kg), diazepam (DAZ; 0.5, 1, 5 mg/kg), or bromazepam (BMZ; 0.5, 1, 3 mg/kg). Amphetamine (8 mg/kg) was used as a reference drug. Reward effects of BPN alone or in combination were measured in a conditioned place preference paradigm using an unbiased procedure. Our results showed that groups treated with BPN associated with different doses of diazepam and clorazepate, but not bromazepam, spent significantly more time in the drug‐paired compartment compared to the group treated with BPN alone. Our study shows that joint consumption of diazepam and clorazepate, but not bromazepam, can increase the reward properties of BPN alone in mice. These results could help to explain the use of this type of drug combination in the drug addict population.
The missing link: tidal‐influenced activity a likely candidate to close the migration triangle in brown shrimp Crangon crangon (Crustacea, Decapoda)
Authors: Hufnagl Marc , Temming Axel , Pohlmann Thomas
Published: March 2014

Life cycle closure for species inhabiting areas with daily varying currents but directed net water transport requires specific behavior to minimize losses due to advection of passive drifting life stages. Variations in swimming activity of different‐sized Crangon crangon (15–65 mm total length) were therefore monitored under constant laboratory conditions immediately after being caught in the German Wadden Sea. Activity of shrimps of different sizes, caught at different seasons, always peaked at times corresponding with ebb tide in the habitat from where they were taken. This behavior was maintained for several days if no external stimuli were present but shifted to night activity if a light–dark cycle was provided. The observed behavior/activity pattern was included in a coupled hydrodynamic and individual‐based model (IBM) and the shift in the location of a shrimp cohort was monitored over time. Performance of ebb tide activity not only allowed the shrimps to reach the preferred deeper winter and spawning areas but also allowed them to migrate against the dominating current from eastern nurseries to more western located spawning areas. Passively drifting larvae released at these locations and later larval and juvenile stages that perform flood tide transport can reach the nurseries again. This links the nurseries and adult spawning grounds and closes the migration triangle.
A Supervenient Trinity: An Alternative to Latin and Social Trinitarian Theories
Authors: Fisher Matthew Zaro
Published: March 2014

The Latin Trinity (LT) and the Social Trinity (ST) represent the two dominant approaches for interpreting the doctrine of the Trinity in contemporary philosophical theology. Both approaches have consequences for Christian theology, however, and I believe that neither sufficiently overcomes the charges of modalism or tritheism, respectively. Moreover, the charge of the overall logical incoherency of the doctrine of the Trinity remains a viable criticism. In order to defend the doctrine of the Trinity against charges of incoherency, while avoiding the modalistic and tritheistic leanings of the LT and ST models, I argue that the unitary nature of God‐as‐three‐hypostases is best understood in terms of a relationship of supervenience between the revelation of (1) Deut. 6:4 and (2) the Gospel of John. The Hypostases of the Trinity supervene on the unitary identity of God insofar as to be ‘God’ is to entail the perichoretic relationship of unbegottenness, begottenness, and spiratation (procession). The Supervenient Trinity (SvT), as an analogical model, provides a way to understand God as (1) and (2) that better avoids the modalist and tritheistic difficulties raised by the LT and the ST approaches.
Pathological features and clinical outcomes of breast cancer according to levels of oestrogen receptor expression
Authors: Zhang Zhang , Wang Jianmin , Skinner Kristin A , Shayne Michelle , Hajdu Steven I , Bu Hong , Hicks David G , Tang Ping
Published: March 2014

Aims

Historically, nuclear staining of ≥10% of invasive tumour cells has been used for oestrogen receptor (ER) positivity. In 2010, ASCO/CAP guidelines recommended the cut‐off value be changed to nuclear staining of ≥1%. This study will analyse the relationships between levels of ER expression and clinicopathological features and clinical outcomes, with an emphasis on the ER 1–10% subgroup.

Methods and results

We analysed clinicopathological features in five subgroups based on ER expression levels in 1700 consecutive invasive breast cancer patients diagnosed and treated at our institution between 2000 and 2011. Of the cases, 24% had ER expression <1%, 2% were ER 1–10%, 5% were 11–50%, 5% were 51–70% and 64% were 71–100%. We observed four subgroups of patient cohorts (ER <1%, 1–10%, 11–70% and 71–100%) that were unique in Nottingham grade, nuclear grade, progesterone receptor expression and disease‐free survival. Of the 341 patients with follow‐up data, we found no significant differences in pathological features between patients in the ER 11–50% and ER 51–70% subgroups.

Conclusion

These data support the important role of ER in breast cancer, and the importance of accurate testing and quantitative reporting for ER. Tumours with ER 1–10% are not common, and further studies are needed to understand more clearly this subgroup of breast cancer.
Poverty Reduction and Effects of Pro‐poor Policies in Rural China
Authors: Li Shi
Published: March 2014

The present paper describes changes in poverty reduction in recent decades and the effects of income growth and inequality on poverty reduction in rural China. The paper also examines the main poverty alleviation policies implemented in rural areas over the past 10 years and assesses the effectiveness and efficiency of these policies from the perspective of targeting accuracy. It is found that China has achieved significant progress in rural poverty reduction in recent decades, although the speed of poverty reduction has varied from one period to another. The largest contribution to rural poverty reduction has been economic growth, which has been increasingly offset by the inequality effect on poverty reduction. In addition, poverty alleviation policies are effective, but not efficient.
Correlation between expression of CatSper family and sperm profiles in the adult mouse testis following Iranian Kerack abuse
Authors: Amini M. , Shirinbayan P. , Behnam B. , Roghani M. , Farhoudian A. , Joghataei M. T. , Koruji M.
Published: March 2014

Illicit drug use can be an important cause of male infertility. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of an Iranian illicit drug, Kerack, on sperm parameters, testicular structure and CatSper genes expression of mice. In this study, 25 male mice were divided into five groups consisting of control, sham and three experimental groups. All animal in experimental groups were addicted to Kerack for 7 days. These experimental groups include experimental I which was given Kerack at a dose of 5 mg/kg, experimental II, 35 mg/kg and experimental III, 70 mg/kg, intraperitoneally twice a day for a period of 35 days. Mice were then sacrificed and spermatozoas were removed from cauda epididymis and analyzed for count, motility, morphology (normal/abnormal) and viability. Right testes were removed, weighed and processed for light microscopic studies whereas left testes removed were subjected to total mRNA extraction for using in real‐time PCR (RT‐PCR). The results were analyzed by performing anova (Tukey's tests) and Pearson correlation coefficient. Sperm parameters and seminiferous epithelium thickness were decreased in experimental groups (dose‐dependently) vs. sham and control groups (p < 0.05). RT‐PCR results showed that CatSper 2, 3, 4 genes expressions were reduced with 35 and 70 mg/kg injected Kerack when compared with control testes (p ≤ 0.05). However, CatSper1 expression was only reduced with high dose injected Kerack (70 mg/kg) in comparison to control testes (p ≤ 0.05). This study shows the deleterious effects of Kerack used in Iran on testis structure and sperm parameters in general, and particularly sperm morphology in adult mouse. It could down‐regulate the expression of CatSper genes, resulting in depression of sperm motility.
Development of children's creativity and manual skills within digital game‐based learning environment
Authors: Hsiao H‐S. , Chang C‐S. , Lin C‐Y. , Hu P‐M.
Published: March 2014

In this study, we developed a digital game‐based learning (DGBL) system, called the ToES, to foster students’ creativity. Fifty‐one fifth‐grade students from two classes in a public school in Taipei, Taiwan, were recruited and consented to participate. Both classes consisted of students with mixed abilities studying a foundation unit entitled “Electrical Science” in a natural science course. One class was chosen to be the experimental group (EG) and the other class was the control group (CG). The goal of this study was to examine how different instructional strategies (i.e., traditional instruction and instruction using digital games) affected the students’ creativity and their performance on manual skills. The analytical results indicated that the students’ creativity and their performance on manual skills displayed positive growth when they were involved in acquiring knowledge and resolving tasks in a DGBL environment, which fostered their creativity and facilitated the generation of flow experiences. Moreover, there were three interesting findings related to the use of DGBL: (1) the ToES was an effective learning tool for cultivating the students’ creativity; (2) there was a positive effect of creativity and their performance of manual skills; and (3) the ToES accelerated the improvement of practical behaviors regarding manual skills.

Highlights

We design a digital game with creativity called the ToES. We prove differences in creativity and manual skills between traditional classroom and digital game‐based environment. Students were able to achieve better learning performances in DGBL environment. DGBL facilitates the generation of flow experience.
Efficacy of antimicrobial photodynamic therapy in the management of chronic periodontitis: a randomized controlled clinical trial
Authors: Betsy Joseph , Prasanth Chandra S. , Baiju Kamalasanan V. , Prasanthila Janam , Subhash Narayanan
Published: March 2014

Aim

To evaluate the potential of antimicrobial photodynamic therapy (aPDT) as an adjunct to scaling and root planing (SRP) in the treatment of chronic periodontitis.

Material and Methods

In a single‐centred randomized and controlled clinical trial, 90 patients (51 females and 39 males) with untreated chronic periodontitis were randomly assigned to receive SRP with aPDT (test group) or SRP alone (control group). Clinical parameters and halitosis were recorded for 6 months after treatment by a periodontist who was blinded to the procedure.

Results

Inter‐group and intra‐group statistical analyses were performed. Significant difference between the two groups with respect to each variable was assessed using non‐parametric Rank Order ancova. Probing pocket depth and clinical attachment levels showed statistically significant reduction in the test group on evaluation at 3 months and 6 months as compared to the control group (p < 0.05). A statistically significant improvement in gingival index and gingival bleeding index was seen for the test group after 2 weeks and 1 month of aPDT (p < 0.01), whereas the improvement in gingival index and gingival bleeding index at 3 months and in plaque index at 2 weeks after aPDT was less (p < 0.05). Also, a significant difference was detected for the test group at 1 month in terms of halitosis (p < 0.05), which did not persist for long.

Conclusions

Antimicrobial photodynamic therapy acts as a beneficial adjunct to SRP in non‐surgical treatment and management of chronic periodontitis in short‐term. Further studies are required to assess the long‐term effectiveness of aPDT.
Mechanistic constraints and the unlikely evolution of reciprocal cooperation
Authors: André J.‐B.
Published: March 2014

Social evolution theory faces a puzzle: a gap between theoretical and empirical results on reciprocity. On the one hand, models show that reciprocity should evolve easily in a wide range of circumstances. On the other hand, empirically, few clear instances of reciprocity (even in a broad sense) have been found in nonhuman animals. In this paper, I aim to suggest and evaluate a novel reason concurring to solve this puzzle. I propose that it is difficult for reciprocity to evolve because it raises an evolutionary problem ofbootstrapping: it requires that two complementary functions: (i) the ability to cooperate and (ii) the ability to respond conditionally to the cooperation of others, arise together and reach a significant frequency, whereas neither of them can be favoured in the absence of the other. I develop analytical models and simulations showing that, for this reason, the evolutionary emergence of reciprocal cooperation is highly unlikely. I then discuss the consequences of this result for our understanding of cooperation.
The ecology of sexual reproduction
Authors: Lively C. M. , Morran L. T.
Published: March 2014

Sexual reproduction is widely regarded as one of the major unexplained phenomena in biology. Nonetheless, while a general answer may remain elusive, considerable progress has been made in the last few decades. Here, we first review the genesis of, and support for, the major ecological hypotheses for biparental sexual reproduction. We then focus on the idea that host–parasite coevolution can favour cross‐fertilization over uniparental forms of reproduction, as this hypothesis currently has the most support from natural populations. We also review the results from experimental evolution studies, which tend to show that exposure to novel environments can select for higher levels of sexual reproduction, but that sex decreases in frequency after populations become adapted to the previously novel conditions. In contrast, experimental coevolution studies suggest that host–parasite interactions can lead to the long‐term persistence of sex. Taken together, the evidence from natural populations and from laboratory experiments point to antagonistic coevolution as a potent and possibly ubiquitous force of selection favouring cross‐fertilization and recombination.
Tie‐fibre structure and organization in the knee menisci
Authors: Andrews Stephen H. J. , Rattner Jerome B. , Abusara Ziad , Adesida Adetola , Shrive Nigel G. , Ronsky Janet L.
Published: March 2014

The collagenous structure of the knee menisci is integral to the mechanical integrity of the tissue and the knee joint. The tie‐fibre structure of the tissue has largely been neglected, despite previous studies demonstrating its correlation with radial stiffness. This study has evaluated the structure of the tie‐fibres of bovine menisci using 2D and 3D microscopy techniques. Standard collagen and proteoglycan (PG) staining and 2D light microscopy techniques were conducted. For the first time, the collagenous structure of the menisci was evaluated using 3D, second harmonic generation (SHG) microscopy. This technique facilitated the imaging of collagen structure in thick sections (50–100 μm). Imaging identified that tie‐fibres of the menisci arborize from the outer margin of the meniscus toward the inner tip. This arborization is associated with the structural arrangement of the circumferential fibres. SHG microscopy has definitively demonstrated the 3D organization of tie‐fibres in both sheets and bundles. The hierarchy of the structure is related to the organization of circumferential fascicles. Large tie‐fibre sheets bifurcate into smaller sheets to surround circumferential fascicles of decreasing size. The tie‐fibres emanate from the lamellar layer that appears to surround the entire meniscus. At the tibial and femoral surfaces these tie‐fibre sheets branch perpendicularly into the meniscal body. The relationship between tie‐fibres and blood vessels in the menisci was also observed in this study. Tie‐fibre sheets surround the blood vessels and an associated PG‐rich region. This subunit of the menisci has not previously been described. The size of tie‐fibre sheets surrounding the vessels appeared to be associated with the size of blood vessel. These structural findings have implications in understanding the mechanics of the menisci. Further, refinement of the complex structure of the tie‐fibres is important in understanding the consequences of injury and disease in the menisci. The framework of meniscus architecture also defines benchmarks for the development of tissue‐engineered replacements in the future.
Colonialism, Decolonisation, and the Right to be Human: Britain and the 1951 Geneva Convention on the Status of Refugees
Authors: Mayblin Lucy
Published: March 2014

The Geneva Convention on the Status of Refugees is central to scholarship on refugee and asylum issues. It is the primary basis upon which asylum seekers make their claims to the majority of host states today and, as a key text of the human rights framework, has come to be associated with the very idea of a universalised rights‐bearing human being. Yet British asylum policy today is characterized by efforts to limit access to the right to asylum. Many scholars believe this is because asylum seekers today are different, in character and number, to previous cohorts of applicants. This article goes back to the founding of the refugee rights regime and investigates the exclusions of colonized peoples from access to the right to asylum. Using Chimni's concept of the “myth of difference”, the article demonstrates that asylum seekers have long existed outside of Europe, and that their exclusion from international rights has been both longstanding and intentional. This historical sociology suggests that the basis for critical work on the issue of asylum policy today must be one which takes colonial histories into account.
The Prevalence of Coronary Sinus and Left Circumflex Artery Overlap in Relation to the Mitral Valve
Authors: SPENCER JULIANNE H. , PRAHL GARRETT , IAIZZO PAUL A.
Published: March 2014

Objectives

Characterize where the circumflex artery crosses between the coronary sinus and mitral valve in order to minimize the occurrence of coronary compression during percutaneous indirect mitral valve interventions.

Background

Treatment of mitral valve regurgitation using an indirect percutaneous approach via access through the coronary sinus remains under active research and development. Characterization of anatomical locations where the circumflex artery crosses between the coronary sinus and mitral valve is important for mitigation of serious ischemic complications.

Methods

Magnetic resonance images were obtained for 65 perfusion‐fixed human hearts. Three‐dimensional reconstructions of anatomical orientations of the coronary sinus, circumflex artery, and mitral valve annulus were generated. The prevalence and location of sites where the circumflex artery coursed between the coronary sinus and mitral valve were assessed.

Results

The circumflex artery coursed between the coronary sinus and mitral valve in 88% of specimens. Overlaps between the circumflex artery and coronary sinus were less prevalent more proximal to the coronary sinus ostium. The coronary sinus did not lie in the same plane as the mitral annulus in roughly 20% of the hearts.

Conclusion

The prevalence of circumflex overlap between the coronary sinus and mitral valve was common across the sample size. The large variability in anatomy confirms the value of imaging individual patient cardiac anatomy prior to performing indirect percutaneous mitral valve annuloplasty to avoid impairment to the circumflex artery. This novel database can be utilized in the development of additional cardiac therapies that require access to the coronary sinus, such as therapeutic ablations. (J Interven Cardiol 2014;27:308–316)
Fish assemblage structure on sandy beaches with different anthropogenic influences and proximity of spawning grounds
Authors: Pereira Hamilton H , Neves Leonardo M , da Costa Marcus R , Araújo Francisco G
Published: March 2014

Fish assemblages in an insular (preserved) and a continental (disturbed) sandy beach were compared to assess any changes that could be attributed to anthropogenic influences and/or the proximity of the fish spawning grounds. We expected that the closer geographical position to the spawning grounds and the small amount of anthropogenic disturbance on the insular beach would be likely to provide more suitable conditions for early fish development compared with the continental beach. A total of 192 samples (96 in each beach) were taken, yielding 68 fish species, mostly young‐of‐the‐year. Fish assemblage structure differed significantly between the two beaches. Moreover, the insular beach had higher number of species, number of individuals and biomass compared with the continental beach. The commercially important Clupeiformes Harengula clupeola, Anchoa tricolor and Anchoa januaria, Perciformes Micropogonias furnieri and Mugiliformes Mugil liza were typical species on the insular beach, partitioning the seasonal use of the beach. On the other hand, a few abundant non‐commercial species, mainly the Atheriniformes Atherinella brasiliensis and the Perciformes Eucinostomus argenteus and Diapterus rhombeus, occurred all year round at the continental beach. The high fish richness and abundance and the more conspicuous species turnover across seasons on the insular beach are probable indications of more complex and dynamic organization of the communities favored by better geographical position and less anthropogenic disturbance in the area.
Partitioning of the feeding niche along spatial, seasonal and size dimensions by the fish community in a tropical Bay in Southeastern Brazil
Authors: Guedes Ana Paula P. , Araújo Francisco G. , Pessanha André L. M. , Milagre Rosana R.
Published: March 2014

Feeding guilds and spatial, seasonal and ontogenetic changes in the diets of 24 fish species in a tropical bay in Southeastern Brazil were examined. The hypotheses tested were that groups of species form specific trophic guilds and that the feeding partitioning differs along the niche dimensions. Five trophic guilds (Polychaeta, Copepoda, Teleostei, Teleostei/Crustacea and Polychaeta/Crustacea) and two species with specialised feeding, one teleost (Aspistor luniscutis) and one bivalvia (Sphoeroides testudineus), were found. Polychaeta was the most important resource for nine fish species, followed by Copepoda (6 spp.), Teleostei (5 spp.) and Caprelidae Amphipoda (3 spp.). Polychaeta was the most used resource for species in the inner bay zone, and Crustaceans in the outer bay zone. We detected a predominance of Polychaeta between the spring and autumn, whereas crustaceans were consumed at a greater rate in the winter. The most conspicuous changes in diet occurred along the spatial and seasonal dimensions, rather than the size dimensions. The hypotheses tested were accepted. Identifying and incorporating information about the bay food web is a first step towards developing management strategies that are sensitive to this particular ecosystem.
Temporal and spatial zonation of macroepiphytes on Posidonia oceanica (L.) Delile leaves in a meadow off Tunisia
Authors: Mabrouk Lotfi , Ben Brahim Mounir , Hamza Asma , Bradai Med‐Najmeddine
Published: March 2014

The aim of this survey was to study the cover and the composition of macroepiphytic species on the leaves of Posidonia oceanica in the east of Tunisia. Surveys were conducted in December 2009 (winter period), March (spring period) and August 2010 (summer period) in a fringing reef located in Chebba. At each sampling date, 15 adult leaves were randomly collected and divided into basal and apical parts. The inner face of each part was examined with ocular glasses and microscope to estimate species cover by orthogonal projection. PERMANOVA and ANOSIM were used to test for differences of cover between sampling dates and leaf parts. SIMPER, cluster analysis, and PCA were used to ordinate species assemblages. Comparison of epiphytic cover along leaf blades showed significant differences for all groups, except cyanophycea, with high cover of hydrozoans and bryozoans in the basal part and high cover of algae in the apical part. The species composition and cover also vary with sampling date; minimum values were detected in December and the epiphytic community was composed of a few pioneer species, whereas maximum epiphytic cover values were registered in August, with the epiphytic community being composed of a more mature and more diverse community, termed ‘climax’. The main regulatory factors for this distribution are discussed.
Research report appraisal: how much understanding is enough?
Authors: Lipscomb Martin
Published: March 2014

When appraising research papers, how much understanding is enough? More specifically, in deciding whether research results can inform practice, do appraisers need to substantively understand how findings are derived or is it sufficient simply to grasp that suitable analytic techniques were chosen and used by researchers? The degree or depth of understanding that research appraisers need to attain before findings can legitimately/sensibly inform practice is underexplored. In this paper it is argued that, where knowledge/justified beliefs derived from research evidence prompt actions that materially affect patient care, appraisers have an epistemic duty to demand high (maximal) rather than low (minimal) levels of understanding regards finding derivation (i.e. appraisers have a duty to seek a superior epistemic situation). If this argument holds assumptions about appraiser competence/ability and the feasibility of currentUKconceptions of evidence based practice are destabilized.
Fine‐tuning levels of heterologous gene expression in plants by orthogonal variation of the untranslated regions of a nonreplicating transient expression system
Authors: Meshcheriakova Yulia A. , Saxena Pooja , Lomonossoff George P.
Published: March 2014

A transient expression system based on a deleted version of Cowpea mosaic virus (CPMV) RNA‐2, termed CPMV‐HT, in which the sequence to be expressed is positioned between a modified 5′ UTR and the 3′ UTR has been successfully used for the plant‐based expression of a wide range of proteins, including heteromultimeric complexes. While previous work has demonstrated that alterations to the sequence of the 5′ UTR can dramatically influence expression levels, the role of the 3′ UTR in enhancing expression has not been determined. In this work, we have examined the effect of different mutations in the 3′UTR of CPMV RNA‐2 on expression levels using the reporter protein GFP encoded by the expression vector, pEAQexpress‐HT‐GFP. The results showed that the presence of a 3′ UTR in the CPMV‐HT system is important for achieving maximal expression levels. Removal of the entire 3′ UTR reduced expression to approximately 30% of that obtained in its presence. It was found that the Y‐shaped secondary structure formed by nucleotides 125–165 of the 3′ UTR plays a key role in its function; mutations that disrupt this Y‐shaped structure have an effect equivalent to the deletion of the entire 3′ UTR. Our results suggest that the Y‐shaped secondary structure acts by enhancing mRNA accumulation rather than by having a direct effect on RNA translation. The work described in this paper shows that the 5′ and 3′ UTRs in CPMV‐HT act orthogonally and that mutations introduced into them allow fine modulation of protein expression levels.
Evolutionary and biotechnology implications of plastid genome variation in the inverted‐repeat‐lacking clade of legumes
Authors: Sabir Jamal , Schwarz Erika , Ellison Nicholas , Zhang Jin , Baeshen Nabih A , Mutwakil Muhammed , Jansen Robert , Ruhlman Tracey
Published: March 2014

Land plant plastid genomes (plastomes) provide a tractable model for evolutionary study in that they are relatively compact and gene dense. Among the groups that display an appropriate level of variation for structural features, the inverted‐repeat‐lacking clade (IRLC) of papilionoid legumes presents the potential to advance general understanding of the mechanisms of genomic evolution. Here, are presented six complete plastome sequences from economically important species of theIRLC, a lineage previously represented by only five completed plastomes. A number of characters are compared across theIRLCincluding gene retention and divergence, synteny, repeat structure and functional gene transfer to the nucleus. The loss ofclpPintron 2 was identified in one newly sequenced member ofIRLC,Glycyrrhiza glabra. Using deeply sequenced nuclear transcriptomes from two species helped clarify the nature of the functional transfer ofaccDto the nucleus inTrifolium, which likely occurred in the lineage leading to subgenusTrifolium. Legumes are second only to cereal crops in agricultural importance based on area harvested and total production. Genetic improvement via plastid transformation ofIRLCcrop species is an appealing proposition. Comparative analyses of intergenic spacer regions emphasize the need for complete genome sequences for developing transformation vectors for plastid genetic engineering of legume crops.
Introgression of phenoxy herbicide resistance from Raphanus raphanistrum into Raphanus sativus
Authors: Jugulam Mithila , Walsh Michael , Hall John Christopher
Published: March 2014

Phenoxy herbicides such as 2,4‐dichlorophenoxy acetic acid (2,4‐D) and 4‐chloro‐2‐methylphenoxy acetic acid (MCPA) are selective herbicides used extensively in agriculture for weed control. Wild radish (Raphanus raphanistrum) is a problem weed across the globe and heavily infests crop fields in Australia. Phenoxy herbicides are used to selectively control dicot weeds, including wild radish. As a result of selection, phenoxy‐resistant wild radish populations evolved in Western Australia. In this research, introgression of phenoxy resistance from wild radish to cultivated radish (Raphanus sativus) was investigated following classical breeding procedures. F1 progeny were generated by crossing MCPA‐resistant R. raphanistrum and MCPA‐susceptible R. sativus. F1 hybrids were screened for MCPA resistance. The MCPA‐resistant F1 hybrids were used to produce three generations of backcross progeny. Genetic analyses of F1 and backcross progeny demonstrated introgression of the MCPA‐resistant trait from wild radish to cultivated radish. Implications of phenoxy resistance introgression into cultivated radish include potential development of herbicide‐tolerant radish cultivars or other members of the Brassicaceae family.
Pollen viability and meiotic behaviour in intraspecific hybrids of Hydrangea aspera subsp. aspera Kawakami group x subsp. sargentiana
Authors: Crespel Laurent , Morel Philippe
Published: March 2014

Pollen viability and male meiosis in intraspecific hybrids of Hydrangea aspera subsp. aspera Kawakami group (2n = 2x = 36) and subsp. sargentiana (2n = 2x = 34) were investigated. Although it had been assumed that they were sterile, pollen viability was observed; it varied from 2.5% to 12.1%. The production of gametes with different chromosome numbers was implied by the analysis of the dispersion of the diameter distribution of pollen grains. Analysis of male meiosis made it possible to identify the origins with two major categories of meiotic aberrations: abnormal chromosome distribution (early chromosome migration at metaphase, lagging chromosomes at anaphase, micronuclei at telophase), leading to the formation of unbalanced tetrads and/or ones with supernumerary microspores; and abnormal spindle orientation in metaphase II (tripolar, fused and parallel spindles), leading to the formation of dyads or triads. The mode of 2n pollen formation is of the First Division Restitution type. The high level of parental heterozygosity that is normally associated with them should facilitate the transfer of a polygenic trait in breeding programme.
Environment as a risk factor in delayed development in premature, low‐birthweight and mild asphyxia children
Authors: Yanuarti Hestu Putri , Rusmil Kusnandi , Effendi Sjarif Hidajat
Published: March 2014

Background

Premature infants with low birthweight (LBW) and asphyxia are at high risk of delay of language and visual–motor development. Environmental risk factors contributing to the delay include parents' education, family income, number of children in the family, exclusive breast‐feeding, and the mother's parenting time. Lack of research in Indonesia on premature, LBW and mild asphyxia children minimizes information to parents on the importance of an optimal environment. The aim of this study was to observe the role of the environment as a risk factor for delay in language and visual–motor development.

Methods

A cross‐sectional study was carried out from June to December 2011 of 12–24‐month‐old children born premature, with LBW and mild asphyxia at the Hasan Sadikin, Bandung City, and Muhammadiyah Hospitals. Language and visual–motor development were measured by Capute scales. Risk factors were analyzed using chi‐squared test and multivariate logistic regression analysis.

Results

Of the 70 subjects, 49% had language and visual–motor delay. Environmental factors related to the delay were low parental education, low family income, non‐exclusive breast‐feeding (P < 0.001) and full‐time maternal parenting (P < 0.05). On multivariate analysis non‐exclusive breast‐feeding was associated with a 175‐fold risk (prevalence rate [PR], 174.756; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 10.407–2934.516, P < 0.001), and low family income, a 0.042‐fold risk (PR 0.042; 95%CI: 0.005–0.321, P < 0.05).

Conclusion

Low family income and non‐exclusive breast‐feeding are risk factors for delay in language and visual–motor development in 12–24‐month‐old children born premature, with LBW and mild asphyxia.
Depressive symptoms in children with chronic gastrointestinal disorders
Authors: Jayanath Subhashini , Lee Way Seah , Chinna Karuthan , Boey Christopher CM
Published: March 2014

Background

Children with chronic illness may have depressive symptoms. The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence of depressive symptoms among children attending a pediatric gastroenterology outpatient clinic in Malaysia, and whether it differed by age, gender and diagnosis.

Methods

This was a cross‐sectional study, with data collected over a 16 month period (April 2010–July 2011). Patients aged 7–17 years on follow up at the pediatric gastroenterology clinic at University Malaya Medical Centre, Kuala Lumpur, were recruited consecutively. They were classified into high, average and low scores based on responses to questions in the Children's Depression Inventory (CDI; high, T‐score >55; average, T‐score 45–55; low, T‐score <45). Children with high scores were considered to have depressive symptoms.

Results

The response rate was 93%. One hundred children (44 boys; 56 girls) were studied. Major diagnoses were: functional abdominal pain (n = 22), inflammatory bowel disease (n = 26), biliary atresia (n = 17) and miscellaneous gastrointestinal conditions (n = 35). The overall prevalence of high CDI for depressive symptoms was 27.0%, while 43.0% and 30.0% had average and low scores, respectively. There were no significant differences in the prevalence of high scores among children with different diagnoses.

Conclusions

Depressive symptoms were common among children attending a pediatric gastroenterology clinic. It is important to recognize symptoms of depression in children with gastrointestinal disorders.
Luteoprotective Role of Equine Chorionic Gonadotropin (eCG) During Pregnancy in the Mare
Authors: Flores‐Flores G , Velázquez‐Cantón E , Boeta M , Zarco L
Published: March 2014

Contents

The effects of repeated cloprostenol administration were compared in mares impregnated by horses and mares impregnated by donkeys in order to assess the role of eCGon the development of pregnancy‐associated resistance to the luteolytic and abortifacient effects ofPGF2α. Eleven mares impregnated by donkey (mule pregnancy) and 9 mares impregnated by horse (horse pregnancy) were used. Six mares with mule pregnancy and four with horse pregnancy were injected with cloprostenol (0.25 mg) when they were between day 65 and day 75 of pregnancy, and the treatment was repeated 48, 72 and 96 h latter. The rest of the mares remained as controls. Concentrations of eCGwere 10 times higher (p < 0.001) in mares impregnated by horses than in mares impregnated by donkeys, and they were not affected by cloprostenol treatment. Luteolysis was completed 30 h after the first cloprostenol injection in mule pregnancies, while mares with horse pregnancies required 96 h and three cloprostenol injections to complete luteolysis. Regression analysis revealed significant associations between eCGconcentrations at time 0 and the time required for completion of luteolysis (p < 0.001), foetal death (p < 0.01) and foetal expulsion (p < 0.05). It is concluded that high eCGconcentrations in mares impregnated by horses protect the corpora lutea of pregnancy against the luteolytic effects ofPGF2α. Low eCGconcentrations in mares carrying mule foetuses afford them less protection against the luteolytic effect ofPGF2α, and this may be a cause of the increased foetal mortality that occurs between days 60 and 90 of pregnancy in these mares.
Towards Inverse Direct Effect? A Silent Development of a Core European Law Doctrine
Authors: Squintani Lorenzo , Vedder Hans H.B.
Published: March 2014

In Salzburger Flughafen, the Court of Justice of the European Union extended the scope of the doctrine of direct effect to include one branch of a State being able to, without being asked to do so by a private party, rely on a provision of a Directive to impose an obligation upon another private party. The scope of this extension is difficult to determine due to the lack of the Advocate General's opinion, which could have clarified the administrative structure existing in Austria for the granting and legal review of environmental permits. This case note argues that Salzburger Flughafen can only be considered a positive development if it does not mean that a State can rely on direct effect vis‐à‐vis an individual. Therefore, this article pleads for a conservative interpretation of the case under which adverse repercussions on the rights of third parties, even if the repercussions are certain, do not justify preventing a Member State from relying on the provisions of a Directive against another emanation of itself. In other words, this case should be considered as an extension of the side effects of direct effect, and not as a limitation to the prohibition of ‘inverse vertical direct effect’.