bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of Sexual Orientation on Job Satisfaction: Evidence from Greece
Authors: Drydakis Nick
Published: December 2014

This study investigates the differences in four aspects of job satisfaction between gay males/lesbians and heterosexuals. Gay males and lesbians are found to be less satisfied, according to all job satisfaction measures considered. Moreover, gay males and lesbians whose orientation was known at their workplace had higher job satisfaction than gay males and lesbians who had not disclosed their orientation. Furthermore, gay males and lesbians were found to become more satisfied with their jobs with time after disclosing their sexual orientation.
An Evaluation of the Effects of Primary and Cross‐Contamination during the Preparation of Rock Powders for Chemical Determinations
Authors: Sertek José P. , Andrade Sandra , Ulbrich Horstpeter H.
Published: December 2014

Quartz crystals from the Batatal site, Minas Gerais, southern Brazil, were used to determine quantitatively primary contamination when submitting the samples to milling processes. Crushing devices used were a primary steel jaw crusher (br1), a secondary tungsten carbide (WC) crusher (br2) and a hydraulic press with stainless steel plates (pr). Fragments with suitable sizes were then ground in different Fritsch planetary mills, equipped with agate, WC and chromium‐steel rings for 7, 4 and 3 min, respectively. Solutions of the powders were analysed initially with the TotalQuant™ method in a quadrupole ICP‐MS instrument, providing semi‐quantitative results for seventy‐five elements. Contamination from crushers and mills was visible in major and minor elements such as Fe, Mn and Ti, and noticeable in trace elements such as Cr, Co, Ni, Cu and also V, Zr, Sc; significant contamination was observed from W, Mo, Co, Ta and Nb (mainly by use of the WC devices). Little or no contamination was observed for Pb, REE, Sr and Rb, elements that are important in routine isotopic determinations. Cross‐contamination was tested by grinding either a granite or a basalt sample, followed by conventional cleaning with mica‐free quartz sand, before the working quartz powder was prepared.
Deformation and Fracture of β‐Silicon Nitride Micropillars
Authors: Csanádi Tamás , Chinh Nguyen Q. , Szommer Péter , Dusza Ján , Lenčés Zoltán , Šajgalík Pavol
Published: December 2014

Room‐temperature deformation and fracture behaviors under microcompression of single crystal β‐silicon nitride (Si3N4) micropillars were investigated. Pillars were fabricated by focused ion beam (FIB) in large Si3N4 grains, located close to the basal and prismatic orientations, selected by electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD). The micromechanical test and the damage characterization were performed by nanoindentation and scanning electron microscopy (SEM), respectively. The elastic, plastic, and fracture properties, such as Young's modulus, yield stress, and rupture stress are considerably influenced by the pillar orientation. The activation of the type slip system was identified in case of basal oriented micropillars.
Uncovering Nanoclusters in Amorphous AlN: An Ab Initio Study
Authors: Durandurdu Murat
Published: December 2014

Amorphous AlN (a‐AlN) is modeled by melt‐and‐quench technique using ab initio molecular dynamic simulations. For the first time, three‐dimensional hexagonal‐like nanoclusters embedded in amorphous matrix are proposed for a‐AlN. The model is chemically ordered and dominantly fourfold coordinated, but its short‐range order is partially different from the crystalline morphology due to the nanoclusters. The model is semiconducting with a theoretical band gap of 1.7 eV.
The Uptake of Secondary Prevention by Adults with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities
Authors: Ouellette‐Kuntz H. , Cobigo V. , Balogh R. , Wilton A. , Lunsky Y.
Published: December 2014

Background

Secondary prevention involves the early detection of disease while it is asymptomatic to prevent its progression. For adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities, secondary prevention is critical as they may not have the ability to recognize the early signs and symptoms of disease or lack accessible information about these.

Methods

Linked administrative health and social service data were used to document uptake related to four secondary prevention guidelines among adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Rates were compared to those from a general population sample representing the same age ranges.

Results

Of 22% of adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities had a periodic health examination in a two‐year period (compared to 26.4% of adults without intellectual and developmental disabilities). Adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities were less likely to undergo recommended age and gender‐specific screening for the three types of cancer studied (colorectal, breast and cervical).

Conclusions

Adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities in Ontario experience disparities in secondary prevention. As changes to primary care delivery and secondary prevention recommendations in the province and elsewhere continue to evolve, close monitoring of the impacts on adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities combined with dedicated efforts to increase access is warranted.
Conspicuous calling near cryptic nests: a review of hypotheses and a field study on white‐browed scrubwrens
Authors: Haff T. M. , Horn A. G. , Leonard M. L. , Magrath R. D.
Published: December 2014

Predation is an important source of nest mortality in many bird species and calling near the nest can increase this risk, yet adults of many species regularly vocalize near their nests. Some of these calls serve clearly adaptive functions, such as alarm or provisioning calls. However, many species also give conspicuous ‘contact’ calls near the nest, which is puzzling because the function of these calls is unclear, and they might attract predators. Most studies of parental vocalizations near nests have focused on specific vocalizations and single hypotheses, yet there is a diversity of vocalization types and potential functions. We review the literature on the diversity and possible function of parental vocalizations near the nest, and then investigate the puzzle of conspicuous contact calling near nests by white‐browed scrubwrens Sericornis frontalis. In scrubwrens, ‘chip‐zz’ contact calls were almost always used when adults approached nests, and when they approached one another or changed location. Call composition also changed: the proportion of ‘chip’ elements increased as callers approached the nest or other adults. Neither adult sex nor nestling age affected calling. Thus, chip‐zz calls appear to be used as ongoing signals to other group members of the caller's activity and location, particularly relative to the nest. Nestlings appeared to use the calls as cues of adult arrival, and increased calling as adults approached nests. Further, adults called less after a predator was on the territory, suggesting that parents may be able to reduce the risk of chip‐zz calls betraying nest location, or possibly use the absence of calling as a signal of danger. This study thus demonstrates that calling near nests could inform both adults and nestlings about the caller's behaviour, and could serve multiple functions. Future studies will need to experimentally test these functions, as well as the other hypotheses reviewed here.
Does Limited Attention Constrain Investors’ Acquisition of Firm‐specific Information?
Authors: Dong Yi , Ni Chenkai
Published: December 2014

According to the framework outlined in Peng and Xiong (), attention‐constrained investors tend to process more market‐ and sector‐level information. We empirically test this theory. We find that firms with higher media coverage have lower contemporaneous stock return synchronicity. Such an effect is robust to analyses within size deciles, inclusion of firm fixed effects, estimation using a matched sample, and a two‐stage least squares approach. The effect becomes less pronounced during the financial crisis period when both the quantity and quality of firm‐specific information decrease. Further, the attention from media coverage has a spillover effect on the firm's industry peers without media coverage. Finally, investors of firms with higher media coverage are more efficient in incorporating future firm performance into current stock prices. Collectively, our findings support the theory in Peng and Xiong () that investors increase their acquisition of firm‐specific information when a firm captures their attention.
Pollinators and predators at home and away: do they determine invasion success for AustralianAcaciain New Zealand?
Authors: Wandrag E. M. , Sheppard A. W. , Duncan R. P. , Hulme P. E.
Published: December 2014

Aim

Interactions with pollinators and pre‐dispersal seed predators are important determinants of reproductive output and could influence the success of plant species introduced to areas outside their native range. We identified the role of these interactions in determining reproductive output and invasion outcomes for species of AustralianAcaciaintroduced to New Zealand.

Location

Australia and New Zealand.

Methods

We studied three species of AustralianAcaciawith different invasion success in New Zealand. In both Australia and New Zealand, we measured pollination success as the number of pods per inflorescence and the proportion of aborted seeds per pod, determined losses to pre‐dispersal seed predators, and measured overall seed output. For each species, we compared performance in New Zealand with that in Australia, then examined whether there was any variation among species in their relative performance in each country.

Results

The number of pods per inflorescence and proportion of seeds aborted were similar in each country and among species. There was little difference in pre‐dispersal seed predation rate between Australia and New Zealand forAcacia dealbata, an invasive species, andAcacia baileyana, a species widely naturalized in New Zealand. However, pre‐dispersal seed predation rate was lower in New Zealand forAcacia pravissima, currently considered to be a casual species there. Both the invasiveA. dealbataand the casualA. pravissimaproduced more seeds per tree in New Zealand than Australia.

Main conclusions

Differences in reproductive success between the native and introduced range could not explain the differences in invasion success among the threeAcaciaspecies. Although per capita reproductive output was higher in New Zealand for two species, neither mutualistic interactions with pollinators nor antagonistic interactions with pre‐dispersal seed predators explained those differences. The high seed output ofA. pravissimasuggests it has the potential to become invasive. These findings highlight the value of broad comparative studies in elucidating the drivers of invasion.
From north to south and back: the role of the Balkans and other southern peninsulas in the recolonization of Europe by wild boar
Authors: Veličković Nevena , Djan Mihajla , Ferreira Eduardo , Stergar Matija , Obreht Dragana , Maletić Vladimir , Fonseca Carlos
Published: December 2014

Aim

We analysed mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) variation in wild boar (Sus scrofa) in the Balkans, including individuals from the northern Dinaric Balkans, an area that had not previously been characterized. Our aims were: (1) to reveal the level of genetic diversity and structuring and examine the demographic expansion of wild boar populations in the Balkans and Europe; (2) to examine the role of the Balkan gene pool in the post‐LGM (Last Glacial Maximum) recolonization of Europe; and (3) to elucidate the phylogenetic position of European and Balkan wild boar in a Eurasian context by comparing sequences of wild boar worldwide.

Location

Balkan Peninsula.

Methods

A fragment of the mtDNA control region (443 bp) was sequenced in 163 wild boar from the Balkans. Phylogenetic analyses, using MrBayes and network, were carried out together with 188 previously published sequences from the Balkan Peninsula. Phylogenetic analyses were also performed with an additional 876 wild boar sequences from around the world.

Results

Sixteen haplotypes were found in the new samples, including 11 not previously reported in the Balkans. Phylogenetic analyses based on all known Balkan haplotypes indicated the existence of population structuring, revealing two groups: Continental Balkans and South Balkans. The analysis of the complete dataset, comprising 1227 mtDNA sequences from wild boar sampled worldwide, revealed the presence of 168 different haplotypes. All Balkan haplotypes fell into the E1 haplogroup, except one sample that possessed an Asian haplotype. Within the E1 haplogroup, 50% of the haplotypes were unique to the Balkan Peninsula.

Main conclusions

Wild boar from the Balkans exhibited high genetic diversity. Similar phylogeographical patterns emerge in all southern European peninsulas, arising from post‐LGM expansion, and all three peninsulas played a similar role in the post‐glacial recolonization of Europe by wild boar. This supports a leading‐edge colonization hypothesis for all three peninsulas.
Amlodipine+Benazepril is Superior to Hydrochlorothiazide+Benazepril Irrespective of Baseline Pulse Pressure: Subanalysis of the ACCOMPLISH Trial
Authors: Skoglund Per H. , Svensson Per , Asp Joline , Dahlöf Björn , Kjeldsen Sverre E. , Jamerson Kenneth A. , Weber Michael A. , Jia Yan , Zappe Dion H. , Östergren Jan ,   the ACCOMPLISH investigators
Published: December 2014

Pulse pressure (PP) is an independent risk factor for cardiovascular (CV) disease and death but few studies have investigated the effect of antihypertensive treatments in relation to PP levels before treatment. The Avoiding Cardiovascular Events Through Combination Therapy in Patients Living With Systolic Hypertension (ACCOMPLISH) trial showed that the combination of benazepril+amlodipine (B+A) is superior to benazepril+hydrochlorothiazide (B+H) in reducing CV events. We aimed to investigate whether the treatment effects in the ACCOMPLISH trial were dependent on baseline PP. High‐risk hypertensive patients (n=11,499) were randomized to double‐blinded treatment with single‐pill combinations of either B+A or B+H and followed for 36 months. Patients were divided into tertiles according to their baseline PP and events (CV mortality/myocardial infarction or stroke) were compared. Hazard ratios (HRs) for the treatment effect (B+A over B+H) were calculated in a Cox regression model with age, coronary artery disease, and diabetes mellitus as covariates and were compared across the tertiles. The event rate was increased in the high tertile of PP compared with the low tertile (7.2% vs 4.4% P<.01). In the high and medium PP tertiles, HRs were 0.75 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.60–0.95; P=.018) and 0.74 (CI, 0.56–0.98, P=.034), respectively, in favor of B+A. There was no significant difference between the treatments in the low tertile and no significant differences in treatment effect when comparing the HRs between tertiles of PP. B+A has superior CV protection over B+H in high‐risk hypertensive patients independent of baseline PP although the absolute treatment effect is enhanced in the higher tertiles of PP where event rates are higher.
Three‐Level Games in EU External Migration Policy: Negotiating Mobility Partnerships in West Africa
Authors: Reslow Natasja , Vink Maarten
Published: December 2014

In order to increase the effectiveness of migration management, the EU increasingly enters into agreements with third countries. Such co‐operation aims to engage third countries in migration control mechanisms in exchange for enhanced legal migration opportunities, yet this externalization of migration policy is highly selective with regard to both participating Member States and third countries. In this paper we develop a three‐level game perspective to explain why Member States and third countries participate in EU external migration policy initiatives. The three‐level game links three sets of actors in two strategic interactions: Member States, EU institutions and third countries. We argue that two factors determine the outcome of negotiations: the cost of no agreement and the autonomy of central decision‐makers. The model is illustrated by the successful and failed Mobility Partnership negotiations between EU Member States, the European Commission and, respectively, Cape Verde and Senegal.
Detection and fine‐mapping of SC7 resistance genes via linkage and association analysis in soybean
Authors: Yan Honglang , Wang Hui , Cheng Hao , Hu Zhenbin , Chu Shanshan , Zhang Guozheng , Yu Deyue
Published: December 2014

Soybean mosaic virus (SMV) disease is one of the most serious and broadly distributed soybean (Glycine max (L.) Merr.) diseases. Here, we combine the advantages of association and linkage analysis to identify and fine‐map the soybean genes associated with resistance to SMV strain SC7. A set of 191 soybean accessions from different geographic origins and 184 recombinant inbred lines (RILs) derived from Kefeng No.1 (resistant) × Nannong 1138‐2 (susceptible) were used in this study. The SC7 resistance genes were previously mapped to a 2.65 Mb region on chromosome 2 and a 380 kb region on chromosome 13. Among 19 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) detected via association analysis in the study, the SNP BARC‐021625‐04157 was located in the 2.65 Mb region, and the SNP BARC‐041671‐08065 was located near the 380 kb region; three genes harboring the SNPs were probably related to SC7 resistance. The resistance gene associated with BARC‐021625‐04157 was then fine‐mapped to a region of approximately 158 kb on chromosome 2 using 184 RILs. Among the 15 genes within this region, one NBS‐LRR type gene, one HSP40 gene and one serine carboxypeptidase‐type gene might be candidate SC7 resistance genes. These results will be useful for map‐based cloning and marker‐assisted selection in soybean breeding programs.
Investigation of microstructured chitosans by coherent anti‐Stokes Raman microscopy
Authors: DEMENTJEV A. , MORDAS G. , ULEVIČIUS V. , GULBINAS V.
Published: December 2014

This work describes application of coherent anti‐Stokes Raman scattering (CARS) microscopy technique for analytical characterization of microstructured materials based on chitosan. We demonstrate that nitrogen–hydrogen vibration band in the high wavenumber region of CARS spectrum prevails over response from oxygen–hydrogen vibrations and can be used as a spectral marker of chitosan. The chemically selective imaging is experimentally demonstrated by applying CARS microscopy to discriminate between chitosan and polystyrene microparticles. CARS microscopy was shown to be a valuable tool for characterization of polluted chitosan fibre from utilized engine filter material. A possibility to observe foreign material pieces on the surface of the polluted chitosan fibre is demonstrated and discussed.
Imperfect Patent Protection and Innovation
Authors: Krasteva Silvana
Published: December 2014

The paper studies the effect of strengthening protection on R&D incentives in the context of process innovation. It shows that for non‐drastic innovations, that do not render the pre‐existing technology obsolete, the innovator might favor imitation if the expected royalty rate determined by the court is sufficiently high. Since imitation is discouraged for very high levels of patent protection, R&D investment is maximized for an intermediate level of patent strength. This finding provides a theoretical explanation for emerging empirical evidence questioning the effectiveness of strengthening protection on innovation incentives. It also serves as a justification for the imperfections of the existing patent system that allows for some infringement.
Estimation of Search Frictions in the British Electricity Market
Authors: Giulietti Monica , Waterson Michael , Wildenbeest Matthijs
Published: December 2014

This paper studies consumer search and pricing behavior in the British domestic electricity market following its opening to competition in 1999. We develop a sequential search model in which an incumbent and an entrant group compete for consumers who find it costly to obtain information on prices other than from their current supplier. We use a large data set on prices and input costs to structurally estimate the model. Our estimates indicate that consumer search costs must be relatively high in order to rationalize observed pricing patterns. We confront our estimates with observed switching behavior and find they match well.
Homophily and Community Structure in Networks
Authors: DEV PRITHA
Published: December 2014

This paper proposes a strategy to estimate the community structure for a network accounting for the empirically established fact that communities and links are formed based on homophily. It presents a maximum likelihood approach to rank community structures where the set of possible community structures depends on the set of salient characteristics and the probability of a link between two nodes varies according to the characteristics of the two nodes. This approach has good large sample properties, which lead to a practical algorithm for the estimation. To exemplify the approach it is applied to data collected from four village clusters in Ghana.1
Optimal Income Tax Enforcement under Prospect Theory
Authors: PIOLATTO AMEDEO , TROTIN GWENOLA
Published: December 2014

Prospect theory (PT) has become the most accepted alternative to expected utility theory (EUT) as a theory of decision under uncertainty. This paper extends the existing literature on efficient tax and audit schemes, by answering the question as to just how progressive an efficient tax system can be when assuming that taxpayers behave in line with the tenets of PT. Under reasonable assumptions regarding the reference income and the value function of taxpayers, we show that the efficient tax schedule is regressive while audit probabilities are nonincreasing in the declared income. These results are consistent with the previous literature on EUT.
The Increase in College Premium and the Decline in Low‐Skill Wages: A Signaling Story
Authors: BALART PAU
Published: December 2014

The increase in the college premium over the last 30 years in the United States is to a large extent driven by a reduction in noncollege wages. We show that the signaling effects triggered by an improvement in the incentives to attend higher education can explain this fact, as well as the increase in the number of college graduates. Under imperfect credit markets and wealth heterogeneity, higher education is not only a signal of ability but also of individuals' (parents') wealth. General conditions on the distribution of wealth guarantee that after an increase in incentives to attend higher education, the absence of a college degree becomes a more evident signal of low ability. This results in a reduction in low‐skill wages but not necessarily in increased high skill wages. The increased incentives to enroll in college can either arise from a skill‐biased technology change or an improvement in access to higher education. An important difference is that while skill‐biased technology change always results in an increase in the college premium, that is not necessarily the case when the increased incentives to enroll arise from improved access to higher education.
TRIASSIC – QUATERNARY SEQUENCE STRATIGRAPHY OF THE TARFAYA BASIN (MOROCCAN ATLANTIC): STRUCTURAL EVOLUTION, EUSTASY AND SEDIMENTATION
Authors: El Jorfi L. , Süss M.P. , Aigner T. , Mhammdi N.
Published: December 2014

This paper discusses the seismic and sequence stratigraphy of the Tarfaya Basin passive continental margin in southern Morocco and investigates the implications for the basin's petroleum geology. Analyses of a new database consisting of SGY 2D seismic lines and wells indicate that the sedimentary succession on the Tarfaya margin can be divided into ten seismic sequences within four major transgressive‐regressive cycles separated by regional unconformities. Variations in the stratigraphic architecture of the margin suggest that regional tectonic influences have episodically overprinted global eustatic signals.

A number of clastic reservoirs and source rock intervals have been identified in this margin, but only Jurassic carbonate and Cretaceous clastic plays have been tested on the shelf area. Cretaceous submarine fans and Tertiary turbidite systems in deep‐water areas remain untested and may have major hydrocarbon potential.
Assessment of periostin levels in serum and gingival crevicular fluid of patients with periodontal disease
Authors: Balli U. , Keles Z. P. , Avci B. , Guler S. , Cetinkaya B. O. , Keles G. C.
Published: December 2014

Background and Objective

Periostin, a secreted adhesion molecule essential for periodontal tissue integrity, is highly expressed in the periodontal ligament and plays a critical role in tooth and bone development. The purpose of this study was to investigate periostin levels in the gingival crevicular fluid and serum of patients with periodontal disease and compare them with those of healthy individuals.

Material and Methods

Eighty individuals (41 males and 39 females; age range: 25–48 years) were enrolled in the study. Individuals were divided into three groups following clinical and radiographic examinations: the periodontal–healthy group (n = 20), gingivitis group (n = 30) and chronic periodontitis group (n = 30). Gingival crevicular fluid and serum samples were collected and periostin levels were determined using the enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay.

Results

The total amount and concentration of periostin decreased in gingival crevicular fluid with the progression and severity of the disease from healthy controls to gingivitis and to chronic periodontitis groups and differed significantly (p < 0.05). However, there was no significant difference in serum periostin concentration within all groups (p > 0.05). Periostin in gingival crevicular fluid negatively correlated with the gingival index in the periodontal disease groups, whereas it is inversely correlated with the clinical attachment level only in the periodontitis group (p < 0.05). When all the clinical groups were examined together, the periostin concentration negatively correlated with clinical attachment level and gingival index; moreover, total periostin positively correlated with periostin concentration and clinical attachment level (p < 0.05).

Conclusions

The periostin levels in gingival crevicular fluid decreased proportionally with the progression and severity of periodontal disease, and negatively correlated with the clinical parameters. Within the limits of the study, the periostin level in gingival crevicular fluid can be considered a reliable marker in the evaluation of periodontal disease susceptibility and activity.
Reading aloud in Lewisham: an exploration of adult reading‐aloud practices
Authors: Duncan Sam
Published: December 2014

This paper analyses initial findings of a qualitative pilot study of the reading‐aloud practices of 17 adults in the London Borough of Lewisham. Although the dominant contemporary image of reading is that of a silent activity and within literacy provision it is frequently assumed that reading aloud is not a ‘natural’ ‘real life’ adult practice, anecdote suggests that adults do indeed read aloud, but these practices are overwhelmingly undocumented. This study is the first stage in developing a better understanding of contemporary adult reading‐aloud practices. Semi‐structured interviews were used to ask adults whether, what, where, how and why they read aloud. Initial findings reveal the ubiquitous nature of reading aloud in adult life, across a range of life domains (spiritual life, family life, work and learning) and for different self‐selected purposes (to memorise, to understand, to write and for fellowship). Initial findings reinforce the importance of expanding our definitions and conceptualisations of reading to recognise the diversity and changing nature of real life practices, and suggest implications for our understanding of the role of reading in adult life, for literacy education and for future research.
The coagulation system in patients with end‐stage liver disease
Authors: Valla Dominique‐C. , Rautou Pierre‐E.
Published: December 2014

In patients with cirrhosis, routine laboratory tests for primary hemostasis and coagulation usually show anomalies that are associated with excess bleeding in other settings, in particular low platelet counts and prolonged prothrombin time. However, under conditions similar to those in vivo, primary hemostasis and thrombin production do not appear to be decreased in patients with cirrhosis, particularly when the platelet count is above 75 000/μl. Furthermore, there is laboratory and epidemiological evidence of a mild procoagulant and prothrombotic state in patients with cirrhosis. Bleeding is mainly because of portal hypertension rather than defective hemostasis. There is some evidence that anticoagulation therapy is not associated with an excess of severe bleeding and that it could improve the outcome in patients without portal vein thrombosis. At present, there is no clear evidence that portal vein thrombosis is responsible for the progression of liver disease and that anticoagulation therapy would improve the outcome of patients with portal vein thrombosis.
Optimal therapy in genotype 4 chronic hepatitis C: finally cured?
Authors: Abdel‐Razek Wael , Waked Imam
Published: December 2014

Optimal therapy for patients with hepatitis C virus (HCV) genotype 4 (HCV‐4) infection is changing rapidly, and the possibility of a total cure is near. The standard of care has been combination pegylated interferon (PEG‐IFN)‐ribavirin (RBV), with modest response rates and considerable adverse events. Since the introduction of sofosbuvir (SOF), simeprevir (SIM), and daclatasvir (DCV), the duration of treatment has been significantly shortened and response rates have increased. The recommended treatment for IFN‐eligible patients is PEG‐IFN/RBV plus SOF, SIM or DCV. In IFN ineligible patients, the optimal regimen is a 24‐week course of SOF/RBV, or a 12‐week course of SOF‐SIM or SOF‐DCV with or without RBV. The pipeline for patients with chronic HCV is highly active. IFN‐free combinations with paritaprevir‐ombitasvir, SOF‐ledipasvir, or DCV‐asunaprevir (ASV)‐beclabuvir (BMS‐791325) for 12 weeks or less with close to 100% cure rates will soon become the optimal therapy.
H, not O or pressure, causes eutectic T depression in the Fe‐FeS System to 8 GPa
Authors: Buono Antonio S. , Walker David
Published: December 2014

The Fe‐FeS system maintains a eutectic temperature of 990 ± 10 °C to at least 8 GPa if starting materials and pressure media are rigorously dehydrated. Literature reports of pressure‐induced freezing point depression of the eutectic for the Fe‐FeS system are not confirmed. Modest addition of oxygen alone is confirmed to cause negligible freezing point depression at 6 GPa. Addition of H alone causes a progressive decrease in the eutectic temperature with P in the Fe‐FeS‐H system to below 965 °C at 6 GPa to below 950 °C at 8 GPa. It is our hypothesis that moisture contamination in unrigorously dried experiments may be an H source for freezing point depression. O released from H2O disproportionation reacts with Fe and is sequestered as ferropericlase along the sample capsules walls, leaving the H to escape the system and/or enter the Fe‐FeS mixture. The observed occurrence of ferropericlase on undried MgO capsule margins is otherwise difficult to explain, because an alternate source for the oxygen in the ferropericlase layer is difficult to identify. This study questions the use of pressure‐depressed Fe‐S eutectic temperatures and suggests that the lower eutectic temperatures sometimes reported are achieved by moving into the ternary Fe‐S‐H system. These results adjust slightly the constraints on eutectic temperatures allowed for partly solidified cores on small planets. H substantially diminishes the temperature extent of the melting interval in Fe‐S by reducing the melting points of the crystalline phases more than it depresses the eutectic.
Characterizing a hybrid zone between a cryptic species pair of freshwater snails
Authors: Patel Simit , Schell Tilman , Eifert Constanze , Feldmeyer Barbara , Pfenninger Markus
Published: December 2014

Characterizing hybrid zones and their dynamics is a central goal in evolutionary biology, but this is particularly challenging for morphologically cryptic species. The lack of conspicuous divergence between parental types means intermediate hybrid forms often go undetected. We aimed to detect and characterize a suspected hybrid zone between a pair of morphologically cryptic lineages of the freshwater snail, Radix. We sampled Radix from across a contact zone between two mitochondrial lineages (Radix balthica and an undescribed lineage termed ‘MOTU3’) and detected admixture between two nuclear genotype clusters, which were significantly but not categorically associated with the mitochondrial lineages. Using a model selection approach, we show that the admixture cline is best explained by an interaction between precipitation and temperature gradients over the area, rather than geographic distance. We thus hypothesize that the correlation with climatic gradients suggests environmental selection has played a role in maintaining the hybrid zone. In a 2050 climate change scenario, we furthermore predict an expansion of one of the nuclear clusters and a widening of the hybrid zone as the climate warms and dries.
Brainstem ischemia presenting with inspiratory stridor
Authors: Allam Hesham , Kassar Dareen , Al Khalili Yasir , Karadaghy Amin , Alshekhlee Amer
Published: December 2014

Central etiologies of bilateral vocal cord paralysis leading to respiratory stridor are uncommon, as they require bilateral disruption of the laryngeal motor fibers. Here we present a young woman with multiple vascular risk factors, including ischemic stroke in the right medulla occurring 3 months prior, who presented with acute inspiratory stridor. All respiratory parameters were normal including arterial blood gas, and neck and pulmonary imaging. Direct laryngoscopy showed bilaterally bowed vocal cords, with decreased mobility and paradoxical adduction with each inspiratory cycle. On the third hospital day, neurological signs including a right hemiparesis became evident. Brain magnetic resonance imaging showed a diffusion restriction in the left medial pons likely disrupting the laryngeal motor fibers to the ponto‐medullary neuronal network. In the absence of tracheobronchial obstruction, physicians should be alert to the central causes of stridor including ischemic stroke. Additionally, paradoxical movements of the vocal cords can be an ominous sign.
Randomized clinical trial: effect of the 5‐HT4receptor agonist revexepride on reflux parameters in patients with persistent reflux symptoms despitePPItreatment
Authors: Tack J. , Zerbib F. , Blondeau K. , des Varannes S. B. , Piessevaux H. , Borovicka J. , Mion F. , Fox M. , Bredenoord A. J. , Louis H. , Dedrie S. , Hoppenbrouwers M. , Meulemans A. , Rykx A. , Thielemans L. , Ruth M.
Published: December 2014

Background

Approximately, 20–30% of patients with gastro‐esophageal reflux disease (GERD) experience persistent symptoms despite treatment with proton pump inhibitors (PPIs). These patients may have underlying dysmotility; therefore, targeting gastric motor dysfunction in addition to acid inhibition may represent a new therapeutic avenue. The aim of this study was to assess the pharmacodynamic effect of the prokinetic agent revexepride (a 5‐HT4receptor agonist) in patients withGERDwho have persistent symptoms despite treatment with aPPI.

Methods

This was a phase II, exploratory, multicenter, randomized, placebo‐controlled, double‐blind, parallel‐group study in patients withGERDwho experienced persistent symptoms while taking a stable dose ofPPIs (ClinicalTrials.govidentifier: NCT01370863). Patients were randomized to either revexepride (0.5 mg, three times daily) or matching placebo for 4 weeks. Reflux events and associated characteristics were assessed by pH/impedance monitoring and disease symptoms were assessed using electronic diaries and questionnaires.

Key Results

In total, 67 patients were enrolled in the study. There were no significant differences between study arms in the number, the mean proximal extent or the bolus clearance times of liquid‐containing reflux events. Changes from baseline in the number of heartburn, regurgitation, and other symptom events were minimal for each treatment group and no clear trends were observed.

Conclusions & Inferences

No clear differences were seen in reflux parameters between the placebo and revexepride groups.
Evidence of a link between demographic rates and species habitat suitability from post release movements in a reinforced bird population
Authors: Monnet Anne‐Christine , Hardouin Loïc A. , Robert Alexandre , Hingrat Yves , Jiguet Frédéric
Published: December 2014

Despite the increasing use of species distribution models for predicting current or future animal distribution, only a few studies have linked the gradient of habitat suitability (HS) to demographic parameters. While such approaches can improve the reliability of models, they can help to better predict the response of species to changes in HS over space and time, as induced by ongoing global change. Here, we tested whether the spatial variation in HS along the individual movement path is related to survival, using extensive tracking data collected from captive‐bred individuals translocated to reinforce the wild populations of houbara bustard. We first modelled and mapped the HS from presence data of wild individuals using niche models in a consensus framework. We further analysed survival of released individuals using capture–recapture modelling and its links to HS, as the trend in suitability from the release sites along movements. We found that the survival of released individuals was related to changes in HS along their movements. For instance, individuals which moved to sites of lower HS than their release sites have lower survival probabilities than the others, independently of the HS of the release sites and daily movement rate. Our results provide an empirical support of the relationship between HS and survival, a major fitness component.
Easter Egg Hunt Dermatitis: Systemic Allergic Contact Dermatitis Associated with Chocolate Ingestion
Authors: Jacob Sharon E. , Hamann Dathan , Goldenberg Alina , Connelly Elizabeth A.
Published: December 2014

Pediatric systemic allergic contact dermatitis to nickel has previously been reported in association with cocoa. We present four clinical cases of hypersensitivity temporally associated with chocolate consumption at Easter. Clinicians should be aware of the potential for foods high in nickel to provoke patients with known nickel sensitivity and systemic dermatitis.
A tutorial on analyzing data from speed‐dating studies with heterosexual dyads
Authors: ACKERMAN ROBERT A. , KASHY DEBORAH A. , CORRETTI CONRAD A.
Published: December 2014

Speed‐dating studies provide a useful venue for studying attraction and other relationship initiation processes. They provide researchers with a unique opportunity to assess how much a dyadic behavior (e.g., attraction) is due to some relationship‐specific adjustment or the dispositional tendencies of the two people interacting. Researchers can also investigate the impact of individual difference variables on relationship initiation outcomes. This article shows researchers how to address such interesting questions by providing an extended treatment of how to apply the social relations model (D. A. Kenny & L. La Voie, 1984) to data from a typical speed‐dating study with heterosexual dyads. The statistical program SPSS is used given its widespread use and accessibility.
Ultrasonography, laboratory, and cholangiography correlation of biliary complications in pediatric liver transplantation
Authors: Teplisky Darío , Urueña Tincani Eliana , Halac Esteban , Garriga Matías , Cervio Guillermo , Imventarza Oscar , Sierre Sergio
Published: December 2014

The aim of this study is to correlate the US, laboratory, and cholangiography findings in pediatric liver transplant patients with biliary complications, trying to identify reliable decision‐making tools for the management of these complications. Retrospective review was carried out of US results in 39 consecutive patients, from 2011 to 2013, with biliary complications after LT, documented by PTC. According to US biliary dilation, patients were classified as: mild, moderate, and severe, and according to laboratory findings as: normal or abnormal serum bilirubin and level of serum GGT. Data were correlated with PTC findings, divided in three groups: mild, moderate, and severe/occlusive BDS. There was no statistically significant correlation between the US findings and the laboratory findings and between US findings with PTC. There was a statistically significant correlation between GGT and cholangiography. In our series, abnormal US could not predict the severity of BDS on PTC. Bilirubin results were not able to predict the US findings either. GGT results demonstrated a statistically significant correlation with the severity of BDS found on PTC. These findings emphasize the role of GGT in the evaluation and decision of biliary interventions in pediatric liver transplant recipients.
Molecular Regulation of UV‐Induced DNA Repair
Authors: Shah Palak , He Yu‐Ying
Published: December 2014

Ultraviolet (UV) radiation from sunlight is a major etiologic factor for skin cancer, the most prevalent cancer in the United States, as well as premature skin aging. In particular, UVB radiation causes formation of specific DNA damage photoproducts between pyrimidine bases. These DNA damage photoproducts are repaired by a process called nucleotide excision repair, also known as UV‐induced DNA repair. When left unrepaired, UVB‐induced DNA damage leads to accumulation of mutations, predisposing people to carcinogenesis as well as to premature aging. Genetic loss of nucleotide excision repair leads to severe disorders, namely, xeroderma pigmentosum (XP), trichothiodystrophy (TTD) and Cockayne syndrome (CS), which are associated with predisposition to skin carcinogenesis at a young age as well as developmental and neurological conditions. Regulation of nucleotide excision repair is an attractive avenue to preventing or reversing these detrimental consequences of impaired nucleotide excision repair. Here, we review recent studies on molecular mechanisms regulating nucleotide excision repair by extracellular cues and intracellular signaling pathways, with a special focus on the molecular regulation of individual repair factors.
Synthesis of Bi2WO6/Bi2O3 Composite with Enhanced Photocatalytic Activity by a Facile One‐step Hydrothermal Synthesis Route
Authors: Wang Tianye , Zhang Fengjun , Xiao Guosheng , Zhong Shuang , Lu Cong
Published: December 2014

In this study, the characterization and photocatalytic activity of Bi2WO6/Bi2O3 under visible‐light irradiation was investigated in detail. The results suggested that Bi2WO6/Bi2O3 can be synthesized by a facile one‐pot hydrothermal route using a super big 200 mL Teflon‐lined autoclave with optimal sodium oleate/Bi molar ratio of 1.25. Through the characterization of Bi2WO6/Bi2O3 by X‐ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared, UV‐vis diffuse reflectance spectra and Photoluminescence spectra, it was found that the as‐prepared composite possessed smaller crystallite size and higher visible‐light responsive than the pure Bi2WO6. Moreover, it was expected that the as‐prepared composites exhibited enhanced photocatalytic activity for the degradation of Rhodamine B under visible‐light irradiation, which could be ascribed to their improved light absorption property and the reduced recombination of the photogenerated electrons and holes during the photocatalytic reaction. In general, this study could provide a principle method to synthesize Bi2WO6/Bi2O3 with enhanced photocatalytic activity by one‐step hydrothermal synthesis route for environmental purification.
Impact of Endocrine‐Disrupting Chemicals on Reproductive Function in Zebrafish (Danio rerio)
Authors: Huang Y , Wang XL , Zhang JW , Wu KS
Published: December 2014

Contents

The prevalence of endocrine‐disrupting chemicals (EDCs) in the aquatic environment has been associated with the wide detection of alterations in the development and physiology of vertebrates. Zebrafish, as a model species, has been extensively used in toxicological research. In this review, we focus on recent published evidence of the harmful effects of EDCs on reproductive function in zebrafish, including skewed sex ratio, immature gonads, diminished sexual behaviour, decreased sperm count, reduced spawning and fertilization. These impairments mostly result from disruption to sex‐steroid hormones induced by endocrine disruptors. We also discuss other effects of exposure to EDCs. In EDC exposure research, despite incomplete assessments of altered gonad histopathology and sexual behaviour, these present potential effective biomarkers or pathways for evaluating the reproductive function in zebrafish on EDC exposure. To date, the pernicious effects of some EDCs on the reproductive performance in laboratory zebrafish are well understood; however, similar alterations remain for further determination in wild‐type fish and more kinds of EDCs. More studies should be performed under established scientific regulatory criteria to investigate the impact of EDCs on reproduction in zebrafish. Moreover, further research is required to explain the definite mechanism of sexual differentiation, which helps in understanding the shift of sexual phenotype with EDC exposure.
Effect of Reproductive Seasonality on Gamete Quality in the North American Bison (Bison bison bison)
Authors: Krishnakumar S , Whiteside DP , Elkin B , Thundathil JC
Published: December 2014

Contents

The objective was to investigate the effects of reproductive seasonality on gamete quality in plains bison (Bison bison bison). Epididymal sperm (n = 61 per season), collected during the breeding season (July–September), had significantly higher post‐thaw total motility (36.76 ± 14.18 vs 31.24 ± 12.74%), and lower linearity (0.36 ± 0.06 vs 0.39 ± 0.04) and wobbliness (0.49 ± 0.04 vs 0.51 ± 0.03; mean ± SD) compared to non‐breeding season (January–March) samples. Representative samples (n = 4) from each season were used in heterologous IVF trials using cattle oocytes. Cleavage, morulae and blastocyst percentage were higher for breeding vs non‐breeding season sperm samples (81.88 ± 6.8 vs 49.94 ± 6.77; 41.89 ± 13.40 vs 27.08 ± 23.21; and 30.49 ± 17.87 vs 13.72 ± 18.98%, respectively). Plains bison ovaries collected during the breeding (n = 97 pairs) and non‐breeding (n = 100 pairs) seasons were classified as luteal or follicular. Oocytes recovered from these ovaries were classified into five grades based on morphology. There was no significant difference in the number of luteal ovaries or grades of oocytes recovered. Oocytes were matured, fertilized (with frozen sperm from three bison bulls) and cultured in vitro. Cleavage percentage was higher for oocytes collected during breeding vs non‐breeding season (83.72 ± 6.42 vs 73.98 ± 6.43), with no significant difference in subsequent development to blastocysts. In summary, epididymal sperm from non‐breeding season had decreased total motility and resulted in reduced embryo production in vitro. Oocytes collected during non‐breeding season had reduced ability to be matured, fertilized and/or undergo cleavage in vitro. Data suggested that season influenced gamete quality in plains bison.