bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A genome‐wide association study for reading and language abilities in two population cohorts
Authors: Luciano M. , Evans D. M. , Hansell N. K. , Medland S. E. , Montgomery G. W. , Martin N. G. , Wright M. J. , Bates T. C.
Published: June 2013

Candidate genes have been identified for both reading and language, but most of the heritable variance in these traits remains unexplained. Here, we report a genome‐wide association meta‐analysis of two large cohorts: population samples of Australian twins and siblings aged 12–25 years (n = 1177 from 538 families), and a younger cohort of children of the UK Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and their Children (aged 8 and 9 years; maximum n = 5472). Suggestive association was indicated for reading measures and non‐word repetition (NWR), with the greatest support found for single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the pseudogene, ABCC13 (P = 7.34 × 10−8), and the gene, DAZAP1 (P = 1.32 × 10−6). Gene‐based analyses showed significant association (P < 2.8 × 10−6) for reading and spelling with genes CD2L1, CDC2L2 and RCAN3 in two loci on chromosome 1. Some support was found for the same SNPs having effects on both reading skill and NWR, which is compatible with behavior genetic evidence for influences of reading acquisition on phonological‐task performance. The results implicate novel candidates for study in additional cohorts for reading and language abilities.
Regional decline in growth rates of massive Porites corals in Southeast Asia
Authors: Tanzil Jani T.I. , Brown Barbara E. , Dunne Richard P. , Lee Jen N. , Kaandorp Jaap A. , Todd Peter A.
Published: June 2013

This study reports the first well‐replicated analysis of continuous coral growth records from warmer water reefs (mean annual sea surface temperatures (SST) >28.5 °C) around the Thai–Malay Peninsula in Southeast Asia. Based on analyses of 70 colonies sampled from 15 reefs within six locations, region‐wide declines in coral calcification rate (ca. 18.6%), linear extension rate (ca. 15.4%) and skeletal bulk density (ca. 3.9%) were observed over a 31‐year period from 1980 to 2010. Decreases in calcification and linear extension rates were observed at five of the six locations and ranged from ca. 17.2–21.6% and ca. 11.4–19.6%, respectively, whereas decline in skeletal bulk density was a consequence of significant reductions at only two locations (ca. 6.9% and 10.7%). A significant link between region‐wide growth rates and average annual SST was found, and Porites spp. demonstrated a high thermal threshold of ca. 29.4 °C before calcification rates declined. Responses at individual locations within the region were more variable with links between SST and calcification rates being significant at only four locations. Rates of sea temperature warming at locations in the Andaman Sea (Indian Ocean) (ca. 1.3 °C per decade) were almost twice those in the South China Sea (Pacific Ocean) (ca. 0.7 °C per decade), but this was not reflected in the magnitude of calcification declines at corresponding locations. Considering that massive Porites spp. are major reef builders around Southeast Asia, this region‐wide growth decline is a cause for concern for future reef accretion rates and resilience. However, this study suggests that the future rates and patterns of change within the region are unlikely to be uniform or dependent solely on the rates of change in the thermal environment.
Global patterns of nitrogen limitation: confronting two global biogeochemical models with observations
Authors: Thomas R. Quinn , Zaehle Sönke , Templer Pamela H. , Goodale Christine L.
Published: June 2013

Projections of future changes in land carbon (C) storage using biogeochemical models depend on accurately modeling the interactions between the C and nitrogen (N) cycles. Here, we present a framework for analyzing N limitation in global biogeochemical models to explore how C‐N interactions of current models compare to field observations, identify the processes causing model divergence, and identify future observation and experiment needs. We used a set of N‐fertilization simulations from two global biogeochemical models (CLM‐CN and O‐CN) that use different approaches to modeling C‐N interactions. On the global scale, net primary productivity (NPP) in the CLM‐CN model was substantially more responsive to N fertilization than in the O‐CN model. The most striking difference between the two models occurred for humid tropical forests, where the CLM‐CN simulated a 62% increase in NPP at high N addition levels (30 g N m−2 yr−1), while the O‐CN predicted a 2% decrease in NPP due to N fertilization increasing plant respiration more than photosynthesis. Across 35 temperate and boreal forest sites with field N‐fertilization experiments, we show that the CLM‐CN simulated a 46% increase in aboveground NPP in response to N, which exceeded the observed increase of 25%. In contrast, the O‐CN only simulated a 6% increase in aboveground NPP at the N‐fertilization sites. Despite the small response of NPP to N fertilization, the O‐CN model accurately simulated ecosystem retention of N and the fate of added N to vegetation when compared to empirical 15N tracer application studies. In contrast, the CLM‐CN predicted lower total ecosystem N retention and partitioned more losses to volatilization than estimated from observed N budgets of small catchments. These results point to the need for model improvements in both models in order to enhance the accuracy with which global C‐N cycle feedbacks are simulated.
Prospective comparison of real‐time tissue elastography and serum fibrosis markers for the estimation of liver fibrosis in chronic hepatitis C patients
Authors: Tamaki Nobuharu , Kurosaki Masayuki , Matsuda Shuya , Nakata Toru , Muraoka Masaru , Suzuki Yuichiro , Yasui Yutaka , Suzuki Shoko , Hosokawa Takanori , Nishimura Takashi , Ueda Ken , Tsuchiya Kaoru , Nakanishi Hiroyuki , Itakura Jun , Takahashi Yuka , Matsunaga Kotaro , Taki Kazuhiro , Asahina Yasuhiro , Izumi Namiki
Published: June 2013

Aim

Real‐time tissue elastography (RTE) is a non‐invasive method for the measurement of tissue elasticity using ultrasonography. Liver fibrosis (LF) index is a quantitative method for evaluation of liver fibrosis calculated by RTE image features. This study aimed to investigate the significance of LF index for predicting liver fibrosis in chronic hepatitis C patients.

Methods

In this prospective study, 115 patients with chronic hepatitis C who underwent liver biopsy were included, and the diagnostic accuracy of LF index and serum fibrosis markers was evaluated.

Results

RTE imaging was successfully performed on all patients. Median LF index in patients with F0–1, F2, F3 and F4 were 2.61, 3.07, 3.54 and 4.25, respectively, demonstrating a stepwise increase with liver fibrosis progression (P < 0.001). LF index (odds ratio [OR] = 5.3, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 2.2–13.0) and platelet count (OR = 0.78, 95% CI = 0.68–0.89) were independently associated with the presence of advanced fibrosis (F3–4). Further, LF index was independently associated with the presence of minimal fibrosis (F0–1) (OR = 0.25, 95% CI = 0.11–0.55). The area under the receiver–operator curve (AUROC) of LF index for predicting advanced fibrosis (0.84) was superior to platelets (0.82), FIB‐4 index (0.80) and aspartate aminotransferase/platelet ratio index (APRI) (0.76). AUROC of LF index (0.81) was superior to platelets (0.73), FIB‐4 index (0.79) and APRI (0.78) in predicting minimal fibrosis.

Conclusion

LF index calculated by RTE is useful for predicting liver fibrosis, and diagnostic accuracy of LF index is superior to serum fibrosis markers.
Sistemas de pensiones en el mundo y sus reformas: factores, tendencias y desafíos mundiales
Authors: Holzmann Robert
Published: June 2013

En todo el mundo los sistemas de pensiones y sus reformas están en un estado de evolución continua motivado por cambios en la atención, por necesidades de reforma cambiantes y por modificaciones del entorno, que son reflejo de circunstancias objetivas y de la evolución de puntos de vista y de percepciones. La actual crisis financiera mundial y el ajuste a una nueva situación de normalidad aún incierta harán que los futuros sistemas de pensiones sean diferentes de los precedentes. Los objetivos del presente artículo son los siguientes: a) analizar brevemente los principales cambios, recientes y actuales, que impulsan el proceso de reforma; b) subrayar las principales tendencias de las reformas en lo referente a los diferentes pilares de los sistemas de pensiones durante los últimos dos decenios, y c) presentar las principales esferas de política en las que deberán centrarse los encargados de las reformas de las pensiones a escala internacional para mejorar la situación.
Dependencia de las prestaciones: ventajas e inconvenientes de utilizar los datos del «número de beneficiarios» para las evaluaciones comparativas nacionales e internacionales
Authors: De Deken Johan , Clasen Jochen
Published: June 2013

Los responsables políticos en los Estados de bienestar han expresado cada vez más su inquietud sobre el elevado número de personas en edad de trabajar que reclaman el respaldo de la seguridad social. En consecuencia, han cobrado relevancia las políticas destinadas a reducir el grado de dependencia de las prestaciones. No obstante, estas políticas se apoyan sobre una base empírica poco sólida. Apenas existen recopilaciones sistemáticas de datos derivados de los beneficiarios, los programas de la seguridad social se solapan unos con otros y las categorías administrativas varían a lo largo del tiempo. Las disparidades en el tratamiento de los programas de transferencias monetarias entre unos países y otros suponen un obstáculo adicional para establecer comparaciones. En este artículo se detectan y analizan varios de estos problemas, así como las formas en que pueden abordarse. Para representar las tendencias a lo largo del tiempo se utilizan datos administrativos de los solicitantes de prestaciones de seis países europeos. Lo que pretendemos con ello, principalmente, es estudiar el potencial científico que tienen los datos sobre los beneficiarios de las prestaciones como indicadores de la evolución del Estado de bienestar a lo largo del tiempo y en los diversos países.
Symptom profile and outcome of delirium associated with alcohol withdrawal syndrome: A study from India
Authors: Grover Sandeep , Sharma Akhilesh , Kate Natasha , Mattoo Surendra K. , Basu Debasish , Chakrabarti Subho , Malhotra Savita , Avasthi Ajit
Published: June 2013

Aim

To study the profile of delirium associated with alcohol withdrawal syndrome (AWS) in a developing country in terms of symptomatology, associated risk factors/physical complications, and outcome.

Methodology

Using a prospective design, 112 patients in whom delirium could be attributed to AWS as either the sole or a contributory cause were assessed by Delirium Rating Scale‐Revised‐98 and the associated etiological factors were assessed by using delirium etiology checklist.

Findings

In all patients, delirium was acute in onset and all patients had disturbance of sleep–wake cycle and inattention. Other common symptoms were: disorientation (99.1%), fluctuation in symptoms (97.3%), motor agitation (94.6%), and short‐term memory disturbance (92.9%). In terms of delirium etiology checklist etiological categories, besides alcohol withdrawal, the most common factors were metabolic/endocrine abnormalities (76%), followed by organ insufficiency and infection (37% and 35%, respectively). Most patients (67%) improved or recovered completely from delirium during the short stay of 4 days. During the short stay of mean duration of 4 days 13.4% of the patients died during the hospital stay.

Conclusion

Delirium associated with alcohol withdrawal is characterized by an acute onset of symptoms with high prevalence of disturbance of sleep–wake cycle, inattention, disorientation, fluctuation in symptoms, motor agitation, and disturbance in short‐term memory. There are certain differences in the symptom profile of delirium associated with alcohol withdrawal and that associated with medical–surgical causes. About one‐sixth of the patients developing delirium due to alcohol withdrawal die during the short hospital stay of 4 days. (Am J Addict 2013;22:503–509)
Alcohol Use Following an Alcohol Challenge and a Brief Intervention among Alcohol‐Dependent Individuals
Authors: Bacio Guadalupe A. , Lunny Katy F. , Webb Jessica N. , Ray Lara A.
Published: June 2013

Background and Objectives

The study examined the effects of an alcohol challenge on naturalistic drinking among alcohol‐dependent individuals and explored brief motivational interviewing (MI) as a potential intervention for these participants.

Method

Alcohol‐dependent individuals (n = 32, eight females) completed the intake assessment, alcohol challenge, one MI session, and 1‐month follow‐up (87.5% retention) where they completed measures of drinking and motivation for change.

Results

As expected, multilevel mixed models revealed that drinking did not increase post‐alcohol challenge. Participants reported a reduction in ambivalence, drinking days, and a trend towards fewer total drinks between the MI and 1‐month follow‐up.

Conclusions

Consistent with other studies, the alcohol challenge did not worsen alcohol use. Results support further investigation of brief MI for alcohol‐dependent participants in alcohol challenges.

Scientific Significance

Alcohol administration to alcohol‐dependent participants appears to not exacerbate naturalistic drinking. MI may be a feasible intervention for non‐treatment seeking alcohol‐dependent participants in alcohol challenge studies. (Am J Addict 2014;23:96–101)
Assessing the stigma toward chronic carriers of hepatitis B virus: development and validation of a Chinese college students' stigma scale
Authors: Shi Jingcheng , Chyun Deborah A. , Sun Zhenqiu , Zhou Liang
Published: June 2013

According to rigorous guidelines of instrument development, a 17‐item chronic carriers of hepatitis B virus‐related stigma scale (HBV‐SS) in college students, including 4 domains (labeling, stereotype, separating, discrimination), was developed with data from 717 college students in China. Cronbach's alpha coefficient of HBV‐SS was .85. Four common factors were extracted in accordance with the conceptual model. Students with HBsAg positive/ever‐positive (vs. negative), with HBsAg ever‐positive (vs. never positive/did not know), and students who had any family member, friend, or acquaintance as a chronic carrier of HBV (vs. had not/did not know) had significantly lower scores. Research has shown that the scale is reliable, valid, and sensitive and is recommended for application of HBV‐SS to assist public health practice.
Implementation of genetic evaluation and mating designs for the endangered local pig breed ‘Bunte Bentheimer’
Authors: Biermann A.D.M. , Pimentel E.C.G. , Tietze M. , Pinent T. , König S.
Published: June 2013

A pedigree including 1538 individuals of the endangered pig breed ‘Bunte Bentheimer’ and 3008 records of the fertility traits ‘number of piglets born alive’ (NBA) and ‘number of piglets weaned’ (NW) were used to i) characterize the population structure, ii) to estimate genetic (co)variance components and estimated breeding values (EBVs) and iii) to use EBVs for the application of the concept of optimal genetic contributions. The average coefficient of inbreeding increased from F = 0.103 to F = 0.121 within the two recent cohorts. Average rate of inbreeding amounted to 1.66%, which resulted in an effective population size of Ne = 30 animals in the recent cohort. Average generation interval was 3.07 years considering the whole pedigree, and in total, only 612 sows and boars generated offspring. Estimated heritabilities for both traits NBA and NW were 0.12, and the estimated genetic correlation between both traits was 0.96. The variance component due to the service sire was higher than in commercial pig breeds, presumably due to the widespread use of natural service boars. The EBVs for NBA from 333 selection candidates (63 boars and 270 sows) were used to determine optimal genetic contributions. Based on selected animals and their optimal genetic contributions, specific mating designs were evaluated to minimize inbreeding in the next generation. Best results were achieved when using a simulated annealing algorithm and allowing artificial insemination.
Evidence for interplay between genes and parenting on infant temperament in the first year of life: monoamine oxidase A polymorphism moderates effects of maternal sensitivity on infant anger proneness
Authors: Pickles Andrew , Hill Jonathan , Breen Gerome , Quinn John , Abbott Kate , Jones Helen , Sharp Helen
Published: June 2013

Background

The low expression polymorphism of the MAOA gene in interaction with adverse environments (G × E) is associated with antisocial behaviour disorders. These have their origins in early life, but it is not known whether MAOA G × E occurs in infants. We therefore examined whether MAOA G × E predicts infant anger proneness, a temperamental dimension associated with later antisocial behaviour disorders. In contrast to previous studies, we examined MAOA G × E prospectively using an observational measure of a key aspect of the infant environment, maternal sensitivity, at a specified developmental time point.

Methods

In a stratified epidemiological cohort recruited during pregnancy, we ascertained MAOA status (low vs. high expression alleles) from the saliva of 193 infants, and examined specific predictions to maternal report of infant temperament at 14 months from maternal sensitivity assessed at 29 weeks of age.

Results

Analyses, weighted to provide general population estimates, indicated a robust interaction between MAOA status and maternal sensitivity in the prediction of infant anger proneness (p = .003) which became stronger once possible confounders for maternal sensitivity were included in the model (p = .0001). The interaction terms were similar in males (p = .010) and females (p = .016), but the effects were different as a consequence of an additional sex of infant by maternal sensitivity interaction.

Conclusions

This prospective study provides the first evidence of moderation by the MAOA gene of effects of parenting on infant anger proneness, an important early risk for the development of disruptive and aggressive behaviour disorders.
A text message based weight management intervention for overweight adults
Authors: Donaldson E. L. , Fallows S. , Morris M.
Published: June 2013

Background

Weight management interventions can be extended using mobile telephone technology to deliver support in real‐time, real‐world settings. The present study aimed to determine whether text messaging helped patients maintain or lose weight following a weight‐loss programme.

Methods

In this controlled study, overweight and obese [body mass index (BMI) >30 kg m–2 or >28 kg m–2 with co‐morbidities] adults who completed a weight‐loss programme participated in an additional 12‐week text message intervention [Lifestyle, Eating and Activity Programme (LEAP) Beep]. Patients were allocated goals for steps, fruit, vegetable and breakfast consumption. Patients regularly ‘texted’ their progress and received tailored practitioner feedback. Pre/post‐intervention body weight, waist circumference (WC), BMI, quality of life (QOL), anxiety and depression measurements were compared retrospectively with a control group offered weight checks only.

Results

Compared to control (n = 17), the intervention group's (n = 17) body weight, WC and BMI reduced significantly (−1.6 versus 0.7 kg, P = 0.006; −2.2 versus 1.5 cm, P = 0.0005; −0.6 versus 0.7 kg m–2, P = 0.03, respectively). QOL and depression scores also improved (−6.8 versus 1 point, P = 0.134; −0.2 versus 0.2 points, P = 0.228). No difference was observed in anxiety scores between the groups. Intervention versus control group follow‐up attendance improved significantly (4.4 versus 1.7 attendances, P = 0.0005).

Conclusions

LEAP Beep promoted losses in weight, WC and BMI, and improved QOL parameters and follow‐up attendance. Text messaging is a cheap, portable, convenient and innovative medium facilitating goal setting, self‐monitoring and information exchange. Further improvements to automation at the same time as maintaining individual support are necessary to ease practitioner burden. Text messaging offers cost‐efficient dietetic input, opening up possibilities for practitioner‐to‐patient support and yields positive weight outcomes following initial weight loss.
Perception of one's own and others' ability by preschool Japanese children
Authors: Watanabe Daisuke , Yuzawa Masamichi
Published: June 2013

This study examined the perception of one's own and others' ability in preschool Japanese boys and girls. In Study 1, 70 Japanese boys and girls aged 4–6 years rated their own and their close friend's ability on their favorite outdoor and indoor activities. In Study 2, 65 Japanese children aged 5 and 6 years rated their own and their close friend's ability and guessed that of a nonfriend (a mere acquaintance child in the preschool) on their most and least favorite outdoor and indoor activities. The major findings were as follows: (a) the perception of preschool children's own ability correlates with that of their close friend's ability; (b) ability perception was influenced by preference for the activity and by gender; and (c) no difference was found between ratings for a close friend and a nonfriend according to activities preferences, which differed from the ability perception by preadolescent children.
‘The countrey is too colde, the people beastly be’: Elizabethan Representations of Russia
Authors: Stout Felicity
Published: June 2013

England's ‘discovery’ of Russia in 1553 opened up a vast, new empire where the English could vent their wool exports, explore swifter routes to the luxuries of the East and forge their reputation as a seafaring and adventuring commonwealth. The English encounter with this ‘barbaric’ and unknown land on the peripheries of Europe resulted in a wide range of literary representations of Russia, found in diplomatic and mercantile documents, travel narratives, plays and poetry. This article surveys Elizabethan representations of Russia by presenting the historical context for Elizabethan Anglo‐Russian relations and providing a review of recent scholarship on the subject. In the scholarship of early modern exploration, travel and trade, the English ‘discovery’ of Russia has often been sidelined by more ‘exotic’ Western European encounters with the new worlds of the Americas and the East, despite its important role in English adventuring activities.
Black Atlantic Literature as Transnational Cultural Space
Authors: Graham Shane
Published: June 2013

This essay makes the case for “Black Atlantic literature” as a transnational category of literary analysis, taking as examples the Jamaican‐born writer Claude McKay, who lived his adult life in Europe, North Africa, and the United States; and South African author Peter Abrahams, who ultimately settled in Jamaica. The notion of the Black Atlantic is borrowed from sociologist Paul Gilroy, but this paper argues that the concept needs to be carefully broadened in scope, enriched in its recognition of the many layers of transnational cultural exchange, and reconciled with national models of cultural formation. But it is useful for shedding light on the work of writers such as McKay and Abrahams, who, when literary cultures in their own countries were virtually non‐existent or mostly closed to Black writers, turned to an emerging international community of Black artists and intellectuals. Such authors wrote in conversation with a distinctive Black Atlantic literary tradition that fulfilled many of the cultural, social, and psychological needs met in other contexts by national cultures.
A GENERAL EQUILIBRIUM MODEL OF A MULTIFIRM MORAL‐HAZARD ECONOMY WITH FINANCIAL MARKETS
Authors: Sung Jaeyoung , Wan Xuhu
Published: June 2013

We present a general equilibrium model of a moral‐hazard economy with many firms and financial markets, where stocks and bonds are traded. Contrary to the principal‐agent literature, we argue that optimal contracting in an infinite economy is not about a tradeoff between risk sharing and incentives, but it is all about incentives. Even when the economy is finite, optimal contracts do not depend on principals’ risk aversion, but on market prices of risks. We also show that optimal contracting does not require relative performance evaluation, that the second best risk‐free interest rate is lower than that of the first best, and that the second‐best equity premium can be higher or lower than that of the first best. Moral hazard can contribute to the resolution of the risk‐free rate puzzle. Its potential to explain the equity premium puzzle is examined.
The Microvascular Response to Transdermal Iontophoresis of Insulin is Mediated by Nitric Oxide
Authors: Iredahl Fredrik , Tesselaar Erik , Sarker Saikat , Farnebo Simon , Sjöberg Folke
Published: June 2013

Objective

Insulin has direct effects on blood flow in various tissues, most likely due to endothelial NO production. We investigated whether insulin delivered to the skin by iontophoresis increases microvascular perfusion and whether this effect is partly or completely mediated by the release of NO.

Methods

In healthy subjects, regular insulin and monomeric insulin were delivered to the skin by cathodal iontophoresis. The skin was pretreated either with L‐NAME or control solution (PBS) using anodal iontophoresis. Microvascular responses were measured using laser Doppler flowmetry.

Results

A dose‐dependent increase in perfusion was observed during iontophoresis of regular and monomeric insulin. The maximum perfusion was significantly elevated compared with control after PBS (regular insulin 53.6 (12.7–95.6) PU vs. 4.2 (3.4–4.8) PU, p = 0.002; monomeric insulin 32.6 (8.9–92.6) PU vs. 5.9 (3.4–56.0) PU, p = 0.03). The microvascular response to insulin was abolished after L‐NAME (regular insulin: 25.6 (11.6–54.4) PU vs. control: 4.7 (2.9–11.5) PU, p = 0.15; monomeric insulin 10.9 (5.4–56.8) PU vs. control: 4.7 (2.9–11.5) PU, p = 0.22).

Conclusions

The main finding is that iontophoresis of insulin induces a dose‐dependent vasodilation in the skin, which could be suppressed after pretreatment with a NO synthase inhibitor. This suggests that vasodilation in the skin after iontophoresis of insulin is mediated by the NO pathway.
Altered diurnal variation and localization of clock proteins in the remnant kidney of 5/6 nephrectomy rats
Authors: Huang Xiao‐mei , Chen Wen‐li , Yuan Jing‐ping , Yang Yue‐hong , Mei Qi‐hui , Huang Li‐xia
Published: June 2013

Aim

To investigate the localization and diurnal variation of clock proteins (BMAL1, PER2) and clock output protein (DBP) in the remnant kidney of 5/6 nephrectomy rats (STNx).

Methods

Male wistar rats were randomly divided into sham STNx group (Control) and STNx group. Rats were synchronized 12 weeks to the light: dark cycle 12:12 with light on from 07.00 hours (Zeitgeber time ZT 0). Kidneys were collected to detect the localization and expression rhythm of clock proteins (BMAL1, PER2 and DBP) every 4 h throughout the day by immunohistochemistry and Western blotting.

Results

Clock proteins showed diurnal rhythm in the kidney of the control. But diurnal rhythm of clock proteins changed in the STNx rats. Acrophase of BMAL1, DBP and PER2 advanced 4 h, respectively; mesor of clock proteins increased in the STNx rats. BMAL1 was located in endothelial cells of glomerulus and tubular interstitial vasculars, and it was also expressed in nucleus of tubular cells in cortex and medulla. PER2 was mainly expressed in proximal tubular cells at the juncture of cortex and medulla. DBP was widely expressed in the kidney. The localization of BMAL1 and PER2 were changed in remnant kidneys of the STNx group.

Conclusion

The localization and diurnal variation of BMAL1, DBP and PER2 are changed in remnant kidney of 5/6 nephrectomy rats and are involved in diurnal rhythm of renal function.
Disturbed protein–protein interaction networks in metastatic melanoma are associated with worse prognosis and increased functional mutation burden
Authors: Schramm Sarah‐Jane , Li Simone S. , Jayaswal Vivek , Fung David C. Y. , Campain Anna E. , Pang Chi N. I. , Scolyer Richard A. , Yang Yee Hwa , Mann Graham J. , Wilkins Marc R.
Published: June 2013

For disseminated melanoma, new prognostic biomarkers and therapeutic targets are urgently needed. The organization of protein–protein interaction networks was assessed via the transcriptomes of four independent studies of metastatic melanoma and related to clinical outcome and MAP‐kinase pathway mutations (BRAF/NRAS). We also examined patient outcome‐related differences in a predicted network of microRNAs and their targets. The 32 hub genes with the most reproducible survival‐related disturbances in co‐expression with their protein partner genes included oncogenes and tumor suppressors, previously known correlates of prognosis, and other proteins not previously associated with melanoma outcome. Notably, this network‐based gene set could classify patients according to clinical outcomes with 67–80% accuracy among cohorts. Reproducibly disturbed networks were also more likely to have a higher functional mutation burden than would be expected by chance. The disturbed regions of networks are therefore markers of clinically relevant, selectable tumor evolution in melanoma which may carry driver mutations.
Is There a Duty to Intervene? Intervention and the Responsibility to Protect
Authors: Pattison James
Published: June 2013

This article considers the duty to undertake humanitarian intervention. It first examines the arguments for the duty to intervene and questions the possibility of supererogatory humanitarian intervention. It then considers the leading objections to this duty which, it is argued, are largely unpersuasive. In the final section, the article considers the duty to intervene in the context of the responsibility to protect doctrine, which provides the framework within which debates about humanitarian intervention now in large part occur.
Indexicality and The Answering Machine Paradox
Authors: Cohen Jonathan , Michaelson Eliot
Published: June 2013

Answering machines and other types of recording devices present prima facie problems for traditional theories of the meaning of indexicals. The present essay explores a range of semantic and pragmatic responses to these issues. Careful attention to the difficulties posed by recordings promises to help enlighten the boundaries between semantics and pragmatics more broadly.
Bayle on the (Ir)rationality of Religious Belief
Authors: Irwin Kristen
Published: June 2013

Bayle's conception of reason is notoriously difficult to unravel, as are its consequences for the rationality of religious belief. The secondary literature has generally coalesced around two interpretations of Bayle's conception of reason. The “superskeptical” interpretation holds that reason is the source of its own undoing, not to be trusted; religious belief turns out to be irrational on this conception of reason, but this is hardly cause for alarm. The jusqu'au bout (to the very end) interpretation holds that reason is to be followed wherever it leads, and if one follows closely, reason requires the rejection of religious belief. On both models, religious belief turns out to be irrational. In this piece, I summarize and examine these two interpretations, and using José Maia Neto's exposition of Bayle as an Academic skeptic, I propose a third that I call “common sense” skepticism. On this reading, reason does indeed use logic to form and sort beliefs – including some religious beliefs – but only holds to those beliefs fallibilistically. There may be a category of religious beliefs, however, that can only be recommended by faith; these would be religious beliefs that lack rational evidence, or exhibit rational contradictions. On this view, while some religious beliefs may turn out to be rational, there will likely be a set of core religious beliefs that come out to be irrational. I end by highlighting a suggestion by Bayle that reason itself may recommend revelation as a guide to belief, conferring a kind of intermediate rationality even on apparently irrational religious beliefs.
Old Adams Buried
Authors: Rumfitt Ian
Published: June 2013

I present some counterexamples to Adams's Thesis and explain how they undermine arguments that indicative conditionals cannot be truth‐evaluable propositions.
An Empirical Study of the Bullwhip Effect in China
Authors: Shan Jun , Yang Shitao , Yang Shilei , Zhang Jin
Published: June 2013

In this study, we investigate the bullwhip effect in China using data on over 1200 companies listed on the Shanghai and Shenzhen stock exchanges from 2002 to 2009. Specifically, we estimate the ratio of the volatility of production to the volatility of demand as a proxy for the bullwhip effect. Our results show that more than two‐thirds of the companies we studied exhibit the bullwhip effect. We also find that several hypotheses proposed in the existing literature are supported by firm‐level data from China, and that the intensity of the bullwhip effect in China declined during the period from 2002 to 2009.
Clinic Capacity Management: Planning Treatment Programs that Incorporate Adherence
Authors: McCoy Jessica H. , Eric Johnson M.
Published: June 2013

For infectious diseases like tuberculosis and HIV, treatment adherence plays an important role in treatment effectiveness and epidemic control. Studies of some infectious diseases indicate that patients who live closer to their health facilities maintain higher adherence; however, most models ignore the heterogeneity of patients' adherence. Clinics must balance knowledge about adherence with epidemic growth when creating successful treatment programs. We develop an optimization model that integrates a clinic's capacity decisions with population health outcomes. We find that incorporating adherence into clinic planning models can lead to decisions that significantly improve outcomes. For example, in a realistic case study of the HIV epidemic in Zambia, we find that decision makers who ignore decreasing adherence make suboptimal decisions and overestimate the effectiveness of their treatment programs by as much as 94%. Our model is a first step toward understanding the relationship between adherence and health delivery.
Measuring Stereotypes of Female Politicians
Authors: Schneider Monica C. , Bos Angela L.
Published: June 2013

One explanation for the dearth of women in elected office is that voters stereotype candidates based on their gender. Research in this vein often assumes that female candidates will be stereotyped similarly to women (e.g., as compassionate) and measures stereotypes as such. We question this assumption, proposing instead that female politicians constitute a subtype—a new stereotypical category with its own qualities—of the broader group of women. We compare the content of female politician stereotypes to other relevant comparison groups including politicians, male politicians, and female professionals. Using a classic methodology to determine stereotype content (Katz &Braly, 1933), we find that female politicians do not share the qualities that are ascribed to women (e.g., warm, empathetic). Our results show that female politicians seem to be “losing” on male stereotypical qualities while also not having any advantage on qualities typical of women. The content of female politician stereotypes is nebulous and lacks clarity in comparison to all other groups examined. We discuss implications for the future measurement of politician stereotypes.
Short‐term cognitive‐behavioral treatment in multicultural primary care of patients with longstanding backache
Authors: Taloyan Marina , Alinaghizadeh Hassan , Löfvander Monica
Published: June 2013

The efficacy of cognitive‐behavioral therapy in multi‐cultural primary care patients with longstanding backache is not evaluated. The purpose of this study was to investigate the outcome of a four weekly‐treatment given by primary care physicians regarding pain‐related worry, depression and severe pain and to determine which social, clinical or gender factors were associated with outcome.The study group consisted of 245 patients in consecutive order from 19 countries, 18 to 45 years, entering rehabilitation program because of longstanding backache. Prevalences of pain‐related worry and depression and severe pain was counted and compared before and after. Logistic regression was used to calculate the odds (OR; 95% CI) for persistent pain‐related worry and/or persistent depression and severe pain (VAS ≥ 50). The prevalences of pain‐related worry and depression were both significantly lower after treatment (pain‐related worry 83% before vs. 38% after; depression 43% before vs. 31% after). Also the number of patients scoring ≥ 50 VAS was a little, but significantly, fewer (68% vs. 61%). Use of interpreter doubled the risk of having persistent pain‐related worry (OR 2.1; 95% CI 1.1–4.1) but the risk was not significant regarding persistent depression (OR 1.8; 0.6‐5.4). The rating of VAS rating ≥ 50 after treatment was twice as high, OR 2.3 (95% CI 1.1–4.6) in the 38–45 year old age group. To conclude, a focus on pain ideas reduced pain‐related worry and depression in these patients with various sociocultural backgrounds and longstanding backache.
Sequencing of a novel HLA‐DRB1*09:01:07 allele in a Chinese individual
Authors: Li X.‐F. , Zhang X. , Zhang K.‐L. , Liu X.‐Z. , Li J.‐P.
Published: June 2013

The novel DRB1*09:01:07 allele differs from DRB1*09:01:02 by only one nucleotide substitution in exon 2.
A method for accounting for maintenance costs in flux balance analysis improves the prediction of plant cell metabolic phenotypes under stress conditions
Authors: Cheung C. Y. Maurice , Williams Thomas C. R. , Poolman Mark G. , Fell David. A. , Ratcliffe R. George , Sweetlove Lee J.
Published: June 2013

Flux balance models of metabolism generally utilize synthesis of biomass as the main determinant of intracellular fluxes. However, the biomass constraint alone is not sufficient to predict realistic fluxes in central heterotrophic metabolism of plant cells because of the major demand on the energy budget due to transport costs and cell maintenance. This major limitation can be addressed by incorporating transport steps into the metabolic model and by implementing a procedure that uses Pareto optimality analysis to explore the trade‐off between ATP and NADPH production for maintenance. This leads to a method for predicting cell maintenance costs on the basis of the measured flux ratio between the oxidative steps of the oxidative pentose phosphate pathway and glycolysis. We show that accounting for transport and maintenance costs substantially improves the accuracy of fluxes predicted from a flux balance model of heterotrophic Arabidopsis cells in culture, irrespective of the objective function used in the analysis. Moreover, when the new method was applied to cells under control, elevated temperature and hyper‐osmotic conditions, only elevated temperature led to a substantial increase in cell maintenance costs. It is concluded that the hyper‐osmotic conditions tested did not impose a metabolic stress, in as much as the metabolic network is not forced to devote more resources to cell maintenance.
From immunity to susceptibility: virus resistance induced in tomato by a silenced transgene is lost as TGS overcomes PTGS
Authors: Catoni Marco , Lucioli Alessandra , Doblas‐Ibáñez Paula , Accotto Gian Paolo , Vaira Anna Maria
Published: June 2013

Tomato line 30.4 was obtained engineering the nucleocapsid (N) gene of tomato spotted wilt virus into plant genome, and immunity to tomato spotted wilt virus infection of its self‐pollinated homozygous progeny was observed. Despite the presence of a high amount of transgenic transcripts, transgenic proteins have not been detected, suggesting a mechanism of resistance mediated by RNA. In the present study, we identify post‐transcriptional gene silencing as the main mechanism of resistance, which is able to spread systemically through grafting, and show that the line 30.4 resistant plants produce both 24 and 21–22 nt N‐gene specific siRNA classes. The transgenic locus in chromosome 4 shows complex multiple insertions of four T‐DNA copies in various orientations, all with 3′ end deletions in the terminator and part of the N gene. However, for three of them, polyadenylated transcripts are produced, due to flanking tomato genome sequences acting as alternative terminators. Interestingly, starting at the fifth generation after the transformation event, some individual plants show a tomato spotted wilt virus‐susceptible phenotype. The change is associated with the disappearance of transgene‐specific transcripts and siRNAs, and with hyper‐methylation of the transgene, which proceeds gradually through the generations. Once it reaches a critical threshold, the shift from post‐transcriptional gene silencing to transcriptional silencing of the transgene eliminates the previously well established virus resistance.
Ultrasonography of theHarderian gland in the rabbit, guinea pig, and chinchilla
Authors: Hittmair Katharina M. , Tichy Alexander , Nell Barbara
Published: June 2013

Objective

To evaluate theHarderian gland in rabbits, guinea pigs, and chinchillas usingB‐mode ultrasound and to determine normal size and changes in size and/or location in normal and diseased eyes and orbits by ultrasonographic measurements.

Procedure

NormalHarderian glands were evaluated ultrasonographically in 20 rabbits, 10 guinea pigs, and eight chinchillas. TheHarderian gland was measured ultrasonographically in horizontal and vertical planes. NormalHarderian gland sizes were then compared with sizes in 27 rabbits, 13 guinea pigs, and three chinchillas that had exophthalmos.

Results

Harderian glands in normal rabbits were 0.69 ± 0.07 cm (mean value ± SD) horizontally and 1.33 ± 0.14 cm vertically. Harderian glands in normal guinea pigs were 0.58 ± 0.05 cm horizontally and 0.61 ± 0.10 vertically. In normal chinchillas, theHarderian glands were 0.53 ± 0.04 cm horizontally and 0.53 ± 0.03 cm vertically. Harderian glands were significantly larger in the vertical plane in rabbits with exophthalmos (P = 0.001) and in the horizontal plane in guinea pigs with exophthalmos (P = 0.018). Harderian glands of rabbits with exophthalmos were significantly larger in both diseased and healthy glands in both planes compared with those of normal rabbits. Guinea pigs and chinchillas with exophthalmos had largerHarderian glands bilaterally in only the vertical plane.

Conclusions

Ultrasonography is a valuable diagnostic imaging technique to evaluate theHarderian gland in the rabbit, guinea pig, and chinchilla. Retrobulbar pathologic processes cause enlargement of theHarderian gland, which may be attributable to inflammation or possible obstruction of the excretory ducts.
Evaluation of intraorbital prosthetic pigmentation using 0.3 and 1.5Tesla magnetic resonance imaging and computed tomography
Authors: Dustin Dees D. , MacLaren Nicole E. , Fritz Kevin J. , Broome Michael R. , Esson Douglas W.
Published: June 2013

Purpose

To investigate the magnetic susceptibility artifact associated with pigmented intraorbital prosthetics when performing magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and computed tomography (CT). Potential artifact reduction techniques were also investigated.

Study Design

Prospective study.

Methods

Five different‐colored 20‐millimeter small animal silicone intraorbital prosthetics and two equine prosthetics were evaluated using 0.3 and 1.5Tesla (T)MRIandCT.MRIsequences includedT1‐ (T1WI) andT2‐weighted spin echo (T2WI),T2 gradient echo (T2*), short tau inversion recovery (STIR), and fluid‐attenuated inversion recovery (FLAIR). When present, artifact size was measured using computerized software by three separate observers. Artifact reduction techniques included alterations in receiver bandwidth, field of view, slice thickness, and matrix size.

Results

The ferrous brown‐pigmented prosthetic resulted in a magnetic susceptibility artifact withMRI. No artifact was observed onCTimages. Interobserver variability was not statistically significant. For both the 0.3Tand 1.5T MRI, theT2* sequence exhibited the largest artifact surface area followed byT2WI,T1WI,STIR, andFLAIR. Decreasing slice thickness showed a decrease in artifact size; however, this difference was not statistically significant.

Conclusions

The ferrous substances in the brown intraorbital prosthetic resulted in a significant magnetic susceptibility artifact when performingMRI. Artifact reduction techniques did not significantly decrease artifact surface area. The use of ferrous brown‐pigmented prosthetics and their potential to affect futureMRimaging studies should be adequately discussed with pet owners.
ULTRASOUND APPEARANCE OF THE OUTER MEDULLA IN DOGS WITHOUT RENAL DYSFUNCTION
Authors: Hart Daniel Vander , Winter Matthew D. , Conway Julie , Berry Clifford R.
Published: June 2013

Ultrasound findings of the canine kidney include a hyperechoic cortex and a hypo to anechoic medulla. In this study, the sonographic appearance of the outer renal medulla in dogs without evidence of renal disease is described. Dogs that underwent abdominal ultrasound over a 6‐month period were subjected to review and then divided into six groups based on body weight (kg): < 4.9, 5.0–9.9, 10–19.9, 20–29.9, 30–39.9, and ≥ 40. Chi‐square analysis was used to determine if the frequency of a hyperechoic outer medulla was significantly different between weight groups, sex, and age (P‐value < 0.05). Of the 145 dogs that met the inclusion criteria, 45 had a hyperechoic outer medulla relative to the cortex and inner medulla. In the remaining dogs, the outer medulla was isoechoic to the cortex. Dogs less than 5 kg had the highest frequency of a hyperechoic outer medulla (P< 0.0001) and dogs greater than 40 kg did not have a hyperechoic outer medulla (P< 0.0001). Sex had no influence on the presence or absence of the hyperechoic outer medulla; however, younger dogs were overrepresented (6.4 ± 0.6 years compared with 7.8 ± 0.4 years;P= 0.04). Ultrasound descriptions of the canine kidney have not taken into account the contributions of the renal cortex and outer medulla. Based on this study of dogs with no clinically significant renal disease, the outer medulla can be isoechoic or hyperechoic to the cortex and a hyperechoic outer medulla is more commonly seen in small breed dogs.
Elastic Wave Localization in Layered Phononic Crystals With Fractal Superlattices
Authors: Yan Zhi-zhong , Zhang Chuanzeng , Wang Yue-sheng
Published: June 2013

In this paper, localization phenomena of in-plane time-harmonic elastic waves propagating in layered phononic crystals (PNCs) with different fractal superlattices are studied. For this purpose, oblique wave propagation in layered structures is considered. To describe wave localization phenomena, the localization factor is applied and computed by the transfer matrix method. Three typical fractal superlattices are considered, namely, the Cantorlike fractal superlattice (CLFSL), the golden-section fractal superlattice (GSFSL), and the Fibonacci fractal superlattice (FFSL). Numerical results for the localization factors of CLFSL, GSFSL, and FFSL are presented and analyzed. The results show that the localization factor of a CLFSL exhibits an approximate similarity and band-splitting properties. The number of decomposed bandgaps of the GSFSL and FFSL follows the composition of the special fractal structures. In addition, with increasing fractal series, the value of the localization factor is enlarged. These results are of great importance for structure design of fractal PNCs.