bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Isolation by resistance across a complex coral reef seascape
Authors: Thomas Luke , Kennington W. Jason , Stat Michael , Wilkinson Shaun P. , Kool Johnathan T. , Kendrick Gary A.
Published: July 2015

A detailed understanding of the genetic structure of populations and an accurate interpretation of processes driving contemporary patterns of gene flow are fundamental to successful spatial conservation management. The field of seascape genetics seeks to incorporate environmental variables and processes into analyses of population genetic data to improve our understanding of forces driving genetic divergence in the marine environment. Information about barriers to gene flow (such as ocean currents) is used to define a resistance surface to predict the spatial genetic structure of populations and explain deviations from the widely applied isolation-by-distance model. The majority of seascape approaches to date have been applied to linear coastal systems or at large spatial scales (more than 250 km), with very few applied to complex systems at regional spatial scales (less than 100 km). Here, we apply a seascape genetics approach to a peripheral population of the broadcast-spawning coralAcropora spiciferaacross the Houtman Abrolhos Islands, a high-latitude complex coral reef system off the central coast of Western Australia. We coupled population genetic data from a panel of microsatellite DNA markers with a biophysical dispersal model to test whether oceanographic processes could explain patterns of genetic divergence. We identified significant variation in allele frequencies over distances of less than 10 km, with significant differentiation occurring between adjacent sites but not between the most geographically distant ones. Recruitment probabilities between sites based on simulated larval dispersal were projected into a measure of resistance to connectivity that was significantly correlated with patterns of genetic divergence, demonstrating that patterns of spatial genetic structure are a function of restrictions to gene flow imposed by oceanographic currents. This study advances our understanding of the role of larval dispersal on the fine-scale genetic structure of coral populations across a complex island system and applies a methodological framework that can be tailored to suit a variety of marine organisms with a range of life-history characteristics.
Reassess thetTest: Interact with All Your Data via ANOVA
Authors: Brady Siobhan M. , Burow Meike , Busch Wolfgang , Carlborg Örjan , Denby Katherine J. , Glazebrook Jane , Hamilton Eric S. , Harmer Stacey L. , Haswell Elizabeth S. , Maloof Julin N. , Springer Nathan M. , Kliebenstein Daniel J.
Published: July 2015

Plant biology is rapidly entering an era where we have the ability to conduct intricate studies that investigate how a plant interacts with the entirety of its environment. This requires complex, large studies to measure how plant genotypes simultaneously interact with a diverse array of environmental stimuli. Successful interpretation of the results from these studies requires us to transition away from the traditional standard of conducting an array of pairwise t tests toward more general linear modeling structures, such as those provided by the extendable ANOVA framework. In this Perspective, we present arguments for making this transition and illustrate how it will help to avoid incorrect conclusions in factorial interaction studies (genotype × genotype, genotype × treatment, and treatment × treatment, or higher levels of interaction) that are becoming more prevalent in this new era of plant biology.
Does oil consumption promote economic growth in oil producers?
Authors: Alberto Fuinhas Jose , Cardoso Marques Antonio , Quaresma Tânia Noélia
Published: July 2015

Purpose

The oil-growth nexus is studied in a panel of Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPECs), for a long time span (1960-2011), controlling for the specific context of oil production. Their membership in the cartel put them under a common guidance, which originates phenomena of cross-section dependence/contemporaneous correlation in the panel.

Design/methodology/approach

Recent panel data estimators and co-integration analyses are both pursued and discussed, namely, dealing with the heterogeneity of panels and the countries’ specific effects. The Driscoll–Kraay estimator proves to be appropriate in handling the panel properties.

Findings

Full understanding of the oil-growth nexus requires the short- and long-run effects to be broken down. The growth hypothesis was found only in the short run. The results suggest the presence of the resource curse phenomenon and prove that the cartel’s long-run growth goal could not being fully accomplished. Actually, both oil production and prices are not promoting economic growth in OPEC countries.

Originality/value

The focus is on a group of countries which, besides being oil exporters, have an institutional connection between them, i.e. the OPEC cartel. The paper also contributes by framing the relationship between oil consumption and economic growth within a context of countries that are primary energy producers. Additionally, the paper uses a novel econometric approach and a long time span (52 years) not tested.
Investigations about new methods of library marketing in Chinese “985” Project Universities
Authors: Hua Xiaoqin , Si Li , Zhuang Xiaozhe , Xing Wenming
Published: July 2015

Purpose

– Under the new technological environment, academic libraries meet an extremely intense competition in offering information services, and marketing becomes an important means to attain the goal of their sustainable development. The purpose of this paper is to get an overview of library marketing in Chinese “985” Project Universities, the authors undertook a survey on each library of “985” Project Universities released on the web site of Ministry of Education of the People’s Republic of China. And then the authors identified some successful practices based on the survey.

Design/methodology/approach

– First, the content of each web site, along with the individual hyperlinks and categories that every library web site has, were browsed to check the availability of the categories. Second, the search function of each library was explored using terms like “blog,” “video” and “tutorial” to retrieve information about services. Third, the Google search engine was used to retrieve information from Renren, microblog and YouTube accounts combining with the name of each library. And then the authors consult reference librarians about marketing methods and tools applied in their libraries with real-time online reference services.

Findings

– This paper suggests that 29 libraries are exploiting video marketing, which is the most widely used marketing methods, accounting for 74.36 percent. Mobile library marketing and microblog marketing are another two major application among the 39 “985” Project Universities libraries in China, respectively, accounting for 69.23 and 58.97 percent.

Originality/value

– The paper reveals that there are some deficiencies lying in the marketing of these libraries: characteristic resources in really simple syndication (RSS) are insufficient, video themes turn to be traditional and plain, network media marketing is relatively uncommon, and mobile library marketing is limited to mobile messaging services. It may fill in the gap of better understanding the relationship between the traditional information services and modern services from users’ perspective. It is instructive for libraries to systematically summarize success or failure experience of other library marketing, and keep an innovative concept and global vision.
Social capital and leadership in academic libraries: the broader exchange around “Buy In”
Authors: Schlak Timothy M.
Published: July 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to introduce the concept of social capital to the literature on academic libraries as it pertains to leadership and management as well as to demonstrate the limitations that the current discursive use of the phrase “buy in” represents.

Design/methodology/approach

– This paper brings critical insights from outside fields of intellectual inquiry, including business, knowledge management, computer and information systems, and sociology. The paper is organized around a series of questions posed at the end of the introduction and serves to introduce its audience to the key findings made in these fields as well as to apply relevant observations about social capital to the unique context of leadership and management in academic libraries.

Findings

– The paper elucidates a number of limitations to the current practice of using the phrase “buy in” as a way of exploring the concept of social capital. The most significant risk that the phrase’s use incurs is a lack of context and clarity around critical concepts of leadership, including trust, trustworthiness, and shared vision and meaning.

Originality/value

– This paper argues that a broader contextualization of “buy in” in the scholarship on social capital can lead to a richer dialog that allows academic library administrators to understand the concurrent and competing factors that accompany an exchange where “buy in” is given or withheld.
Creative practice in a group setting
Authors: Argyle Elaine , Winship Gary
Published: July 2015

Purpose

– Involvement in creative practice is commonly regarded as “therapeutic” but what is actually meant by this and how does this work promote social inclusion and mental well-being, particularly when performed in a group setting? Drawing on the findings of a research project called Clay Transformations (AHRC), the purpose of this paper is to consider these questions. The project involved running a series of clay workshops aimed at people with experience of mental health service use and those who work with them.

Design/methodology/approach

– In order to explore the significance of art involvement to people who use mental health services, qualitative research findings are presented. These are then linked to relevant literature in order to consider the way in which workshop participation helped to promote social inclusion and mental well-being.

Findings

– Many benefits were gained from workshop attendance deriving from involvement in the process and the outcome of art creation. These benefits were enhanced by the group context in which the work took place and the mutual support and interaction arising from this group membership.

Originality/value

– The recognition of the therapeutic value of creative practice has been accompanied by the emergence of the notion of “mutual recovery” which extends the concept of recovery beyond an individualised focus. The positive findings of this project uphold these developments and suggest that mental health practice should address the wider social contexts that can facilitate the promotion of mental well-being.
Compassion and what can happen to it: reflections of a peer support worker
Authors: Williams Sue
Published: July 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to provide some reflections on how easily compassion can be eroded on a busy inpatient ward and ways in which it might be restored.

Design/methodology/approach

– Narrative account.

Findings

– Reflective account, no findings presented.

Originality/value

– An original viewpoint concerning compassion, its importance, how it can become eroded and ways in which it might be restored from the perspective of a peer support worker.
Coping with cognitive behaviour therapy for psychosis, adapting it for another culture, and community inclusion
Authors: Holttum Sue
Published: July 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to highlight what helps and what is difficult about cognitive behaviour therapy for psychosis (CBTp) in relation to recovery and social inclusion, how it can be adapted for a non-western culture, and how inclusion in communities in which people feel comfortable can help their recovery.

Design/methodology/approach

– Three journal articles are described. The first summarises six small qualitative studies involving interviews with UK service users about what they found helpful and challenging about CBTp. The second article reports on a pilot trial of CBTp adapted for the culture in Pakistan, where families are seen as more involved in service users’ care. The third article describes USA-based participants’ engagement with different communities as part of their recovery.

Findings

– UK service users appreciated feeling equal to their therapist in CBTp, receiving an understandable explanation of their difficulties, and support for gradual steps towards activities they valued. However, it was difficult revisiting traumatic pasts to understand their difficulties, and UK mental health culture may hamper taking an active role in treatment. In Pakistan, CBTp can be successfully adapted to include a key family member and local spiritual beliefs. In a USA context, service users developed competencies in community groups they valued, and these could be minority or service user communities where people felt comfortable and could make a contribution.

Originality/value

– The experiences of service users of CBTp are rarely collated from several qualitative studies, and important themes came from doing so. It may be important to understand current barriers to doing CBTp homework and the effect of some aspects of mental health services on people’s readiness to take an active role. Studies of adapting CBTp for non-western cultures are rare, but it seemed successful in Pakistan, adopting a bio-psycho-spiritual-social model. The qualitative study of people’s engagement in US community groups highlights the importance of not dismissing engagement in minority groups for people’s recovery, rather than only the “wider” community.
Remarkable lives: Charlotte Tetley in conversation with Jerome Carson
Authors: Tetley Charlotte , Carson Jerome
Published: July 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to provide a profile of Charlotte Tetley.

Design/methodology/approach

– Charlotte provides a short biographical account and is then interviewed by Jerome. In the biography Charlotte talks about her long battle with mental health problems and treatments that did not help.

Findings

– Charlotte’s mental health problems started at the age of 12 and eased when she left home at 17. It was in her final year at university that her problems returned.

Research limitations/implications

– Charlotte’s story is one of not just surviving long term mental health problems, but of coping with adversity and becoming a stronger person. It is one of thousands of remarkable survivor accounts.

Practical implications

– The story of the involvement of local police officers in Charlotte’s admission to hospital, is once more a sad indictment of the brutality handed out to many sufferers in acute mental distress.

Social implications

– Considering her background, 12 different schools, two exclusions, childhood mental health problems, Charlotte’s story shows the triumph of the human mind against social disadvantage. She is “somebody who conquered the storm”.

Originality/value

– Charlotte was helped by her indomitable spirit, by her mother, a therapist and a friend who stood by her. She tells us she can never be the same person she was before her mental health problems, but she has grown and in the process became a stronger person.
Perceptions ofSchoolAdministrationTeamMembers concerning inclusion inIsrael: are they in congruence with the ecological sustainable perspective?
Authors: Shani Michal , Ram Drorit
Published: July 2015

Based on an ecological perspective, inclusive education should involve two essential components: a shared ideology of providing a culturally responsive educational system where the needs of every child are met and a school policy geared towards the implementation of inclusion practices, with collaborations among staff members who create sustainable relationships. The study's aim was to gain a better understanding of School Administration Team Members' (SATMs') perceptions of inclusive education in general elementary schools. It was found that although SATMs expressed pro‐inclusion ideological statements, they have not yet manifested an ecological view of inclusionde factothat is holistic in nature. By and large, respondents expressed reactive rather than proactive perceptions. It appears that collaborations have not yet been initiated where inclusion is discussed, and a shared ideology is constructed. The research suggests that the perceptions of SATMs reflect perspectives of problem solving, survival, and partial collaborative networks that do not fully embrace ecological sustainable perspectives.
Economic costs associated with moderate and late preterm birth: a prospective population‐based study
Authors: Khan KA , Petrou S , Dritsaki M , Johnson SJ , Manktelow B , Draper ES , Smith LK , Seaton SE , Marlow N , Dorling J , Field DJ , Boyle EM
Published: July 2015

Objective

We sought to determine the economic costs associated with moderate and late preterm birth.

Design

An economic study was nested within a prospective cohort study.

Sample

Infants born between 32+0 and 36+6 weeks of gestation in the East Midlands of England. A sample of infants born at ≥37 weeks of gestation acted as controls.

Methods

Data on resource use, estimated from a National Health Service (NHS) and personal social services perspective, and separately from a societal perspective, were collected between birth and 24 months corrected age (or death), and valued in pounds sterling, at 2010–11 prices. Descriptive statistics and multivariable analyses were used to estimate the relationship between gestational age at birth and economic costs.

Main outcome measures

Cumulative resource use and economic costs over the first two years of life.

Results

Of all eligible births, 1146 (83%) preterm and 1258 (79%) term infants were recruited. Mean (standard error) total societal costs from birth to 24 months were £12 037 (£1114) and £5823 (£1232) for children born moderately preterm (32+0–33+6 weeks of gestation) and late preterm (34+0–36+6 weeks of gestation), respectively, compared with £2056 (£132) for children born at term. The mean societal cost difference between moderate and late preterm and term infants was £4657 (bootstrap 95% confidence interval, 95% CI £2513–6803; P < 0.001). Multivariable regressions revealed that, after controlling for clinical and sociodemographic characteristics, moderate and late preterm birth increased societal costs by £7583 (£874) and £1963 (£337), respectively, compared with birth at full term.

Conclusions

Moderate and late preterm birth is associated with significantly increased economic costs over the first 2 years of life. Our economic estimates can be used to inform budgetary and service planning by clinical decision‐makers, and economic evaluations of interventions aimed at preventing moderate and late preterm birth or alleviating its adverse consequences.

Tweetable abstract

Moderate and late preterm birth is associated with increased economic costs over the first 2 years of life.
Pulp revascularization for immature replanted teeth: a case report
Authors: Nagata JY , Rocha‐Lima TF , Gomes BP , Ferraz CC , Zaia AA , Souza‐Filho FJ , De Jesus‐Soares A
Published: July 2015

Immature avulsed teeth are not usually treated with pulp revascularization because of the possibility of complications. However, this therapy has shown success in the treatment of immature teeth with periapical lesions. This report describes the case of an immature replanted tooth that was successfully treated by pulp revascularization. An 8‐year‐old boy suffered avulsion on his maxillary left lateral incisor. The tooth showed incomplete root development and was replanted after 30 minutes. After diagnosis, revascularization therapy was performed by irrigating the root canal and applying a calcium hydroxide paste and 2% chlorhexidine gel for 21 days. In the second session, the intracanal dressing was removed and a blood clot was stimulated up to the cervical third of the root canal. Mineral trioxide aggregate was placed as a cervical barrier at the entrance of the root canal and the crown was restored. During the follow‐up period, periapical repair, apical closure and calcification in the apical 4 mm of the root canal was observed. An avulsed immature tooth replanted after a brief extra‐alveolar period and maintained in a viable storage medium may be treated with revascularization.
Identifying psychosocial risk among mothers in an Australian private maternity setting: A pilot study
Authors: Reilly Nicole , Yin Carolyn , Monterosso Leanne , Bradshaw Sue , Neale Kizzi , Harrison Beate , Austin Marie‐Paule
Published: July 2015

Background

Psychosocial assessment and depression screening are recommended for all pregnant and postnatal women in Australia. However, women who give birth in private maternity settings remain less likely to participate in psychosocial assessment programs, making it difficult to comment on the potential resource implications.

Aims

To describe the psychosocial profile of a sample of women who had recently given birth in a private hospital and to examine the acceptability and feasibility of introducing psychosocial assessment as a routine component of maternity care.

Materials and Methods

Two hundred and twenty participants were recruited in a four‐month period from a private tertiary hospital located in Murdoch, Western Australia. All participants completed the Edinburgh Depression Scale (EDS) and a Antenatal Risk Questionnaire (ANRQ) prior to discharge via an iPad.

Results

The mean total score for the EDS was 4.77 (SD = 3.93), with 5% of women scoring above the recommended cut‐off of 13 or more. The mean total score for the ANRQ was 17.73 (SD = 10.72). 45.0% of all women endorsed no significant risk factors. The proportion of women scoring above the recommended ANRQ cut‐off of 23 or more was 32.3%. Approximately 11% of women were referred for additional support or treatment. Acceptability of the ANRQ was high at 97.3%.

Conclusions

This study describes the psychosocial profile of a sample of women who recently gave birth in an Australian private maternity hospital and demonstrates that with additional resources, the implementation of psychosocial assessment as a routine component of maternity care was feasible and highly acceptable in this setting.
Biological Risk for the Development of Problem Behavior in Adolescence: Integrating Insights From Behavioral Genetics and Neuroscience
Authors: Harden K. Paige , Mann Frank D.
Published: July 2015

Adolescence is a time of increasing engagement in a variety of problem behaviors, including substance use and delinquency. Genetic risk for problem behavior increases over adolescence, is mediated partially by individual differences in sensation seeking, and is exacerbated by involvement with deviant peers. In this article, we describe how findings from behavioral genetic research on problem behavior intersect with research from developmental neuroscience. In particular, the incentive‐processing system, including the ventral striatum, responds increasingly to rewards in adolescence, particularly in peer contexts. This developmental shift may be influenced by hormonal changes at puberty. Individual differences in the structure and function of reward‐responsive brain regions may be intermediary phenotypes that mediate adolescents’ genetic risk for problem behavior. The study of problem behavior can be enriched by interdisciplinary research that integrates measures of brain structure and function into genetically informed studies.
Mitotane treatment in patients with adrenocortical cancer causes central hypothyroidism
Authors: Russo Marco , Scollo Claudia , Pellegriti Gabriella , Cotta Oana Ruxandra , Squatrito Sebastiano , Frasca Francesco , Cannavò Salvatore , Gullo Damiano
Published: July 2015

Introduction

Mitotane, a steroidogenesis inhibitor with adrenolytic properties used to treat adrenocortical cancer (ACC), can affect thyroid function. A reduction of FT4 levels with normal FT3 and TSH has been described in these patients. Using an in vitro murine model, the secretory capacity of thyrotrophic cells has been shown to be inhibited by mitotane.

Objective

To investigate the pathogenesis of thyroid abnormalities in mitotane‐treated patients with ACC.

Patients and Methods

In five female patients with ACC (median age 47; range 31–65) treated with mitotane (dosage 1·5 g/day; 1·0–3·0), we analysed the pattern of TSH and thyroid function index (FT4, FT3 and FT3/FT4 ratio) compared to an age‐ and gender‐matched control group. The in vivo secretory activity of the thyrotrophic cells was evaluated using a standard TRH test (200 μg), and the response was compared to both a group of age‐matched female controls (n = 10) and central hypothyroid patients (n = 10).

Results

Basal TSH (median 1·54 mU/l; range 1·20–2·17) was normal and scattered around our median reference value, FT3 levels (median 3·80 pmol/l; 3·30–4·29) were normal but below the median reference value of 4·37 pmol/l and FT4 levels were below the normal range in all patients (median 8·40 pmol/l; 7·6–9·9). FT3/FT4 ratio was in the upper range in 4 patients and higher than normal in one patient. A blunted TSH response to TRH was observed in mitotane‐treated patients. ΔTSH (absolute TSH response, peak TSH minus basal TSH) was 3·65 (range 3·53–5·26), 12·37 (range 7·55–19·97) and 1·32 mU/l (range 0·52–4·66) in mitotane‐treated patients, controls and central hypothyroid patients, respectively. PRL secretion was normal.

Conclusions

Mitotane‐treated patients with ACC showed low FT4, normal FT3 and TSH and impaired TSH response to TRH, characteristic of central hypothyroidism. Furthermore, the elevated FT3/FT4 ratio of these subjects reflects an enhanced T4 to T3 conversion rate, a compensatory mechanism characteristic of thyroid function changes observed in hypothyroid conditions. This finding thus confirms in vitro studies and may have a therapeutic implication for treatment with thyroid hormones, as suggested by current guidelines for this specific condition.
Eugenics and Mandatory Informed Prenatal Genetic Testing: A Unique Perspective from China
Authors: Zhang Di , Ng Vincent H. , Wang Zhaochen , Zhai Xiaomei , Lie Reidar K.
Published: July 2015

The application of genetic technologies in China, especially in the area of prenatal genetic testing, is rapidly increasing in China. In the wealthy regions of China, prenatal genetic testing is already very widely adopted. We argue that the government should actively promote prenatal genetic testing to the poor areas of the country. In fact, the government should prioritize resources first to make prenatal genetic testing a standard routine care with an opt‐out model in these area. Healthcare professions would be required to inform pregnant women about the availability of genetic testing and provide free testing on a routine basis unless the parents choose not to do so. We argue that this proposal will allow parents to make a more informed decision about their reproductive choices. Secondarily, this proposal will attract more healthcare professionals and other healthcare resources to improve the healthcare infrastructures in the less‐developed regions of the country. This will help to reduce the inequity of accessing healthcare services between in different regions of China. We further argue that this policy proposal is not practicing eugenics.
Regulation of growth rate and developmental timing by Xenopus thyroid hormone receptor α
Authors: Wen Luan , Shi Yun‐Bo
Published: July 2015

Thyroid hormone (TH) is critical for vertebrate postembryonic development, a period around birth in mammals when plasma TH levels are high. Interestingly, TH receptors (TRs), especially TRα, are expressed prior to the synthesis and secretion of zygotic TH, suggesting the existence of unliganded TR during development. However, the role of unliganded TR during mammalian development has been difficult to study, in part due to the relatively weak phenotype of TR knockout mice. Amphibian metamorphosis resembles postembryonic development in mammals and is controlled by TH via TRs. Like in mammals, TRα gene is highly activated and is the major TR expressed prior to the synthesis of endogenous TH. By using TALEN (transcriptional activator like effector nucleases)‐mediated gene editing approach, we and others have now shown that unliganded TRα has two independent functions during Xenopus premetamorphosis, i.e. inhibiting growth rate and slowing development. Furthermore, molecular and transgenic studies have shown that unliganded TRα accomplishes these via the recruitment of histone deacetylase (HDAC)‐containing corepressor complexes to repress the expression of TH‐inducible genes.
Effectiveness in the field of Bt rice lines against target pests under various cultural regimes
Authors: Yang Yajun , Han Hailiang , Xu Hongxing , Zheng Xusong , Tian Junce , Wang Guiyue , Lin Yongjun , Lu Zhongxian
Published: July 2015

China has a long history of rice cultivation, incorporating several cultural practices known to influence damage by insect pests. Transgenic Bt rice expresses lepidopteran‐specific insecticidal proteins that primarily target lepidopteran insect pests. However, the effectiveness of Bt rice against target insect pests under different cultural regimes has not been evaluated. In this study, the effectiveness of Bt rice lines against rice leaffolder, Cnaphalocrocis medinalis (Guenée) (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae), and striped stem borer, Chilo suppressalis Walker (Lepidoptera: Crambidae), was evaluated under various transplanting densities, crop establishment methods, and planting times. The results showed that Bt rice lines (T2A‐1 and T1C‐19, containing Cry2A and Cry1C, respectively) could prevent damage by these target pests under a range of cultural practices. Injury by C. medinalis or C. suppressalis on rice did not differ with the rice lines under various transplanting densities. Direct‐seeded non‐Bt rice MH63 suffered heavier injury by C. medinalis and C. suppressalis than it did with transplanting, whereas injury to the two Bt rice lines did not differ with planting methods. Planting time significantly affected injury by C. medinalis or C. suppressalis on non‐Bt rice, whereas injury to Bt rice lines did not differ with planting time. These results suggest that transplanting density, planting method, and planting time did not significantly affect the resistance of two Bt rice lines, due to their high insecticidal activity against target insects.
The use of at‐sea‐sampling data to dissociate environmental variability in Norway lobster (Nephrops norvegicus) catches to improve resource exploitation efficiency within the Skagerrak/Kattegat trawl fishery
Authors: Feekings Jordan , Christensen Asbjørn , Jonsson Patrik , Frandsen Rikke , Ulmestrand Mats , Munch‐Petersen Sten , Andersen Bo
Published: July 2015

Research into the influence of environmental variables on the behaviour of Norway lobster (Nephrops norvegicus), and hence catch rates, dates back to the 1960s (e.g., Höglund and Dybern, Diurnal and seasonal variations in the catch‐composition of Nephrops norvegicus (L.) at the Swedish west coast. ICES CM 1965/I46; Simpson, Variations in the catches of Nephrops norvegicus at different times of day and night. Rapport et Proés‐verbaux des Réunions Conseil permanent international pour 1'Exploration de la Mer 156:186). However, the use of fishery‐dependent data in identifying influential factors is relatively limited and only includes a number of papers on a limited dataset (e.g., Redant and De Clark, Diurnal variations in CPUE and length composition of the catches in a Nephrops directed fishery in the Central North Sea. ICES CM 1984/K:3; Maynou and Sardà, Influence of environmental factors on commercial trawl catches of Nephrops norvegicus (L.). ICES J. Mar. Sci. 58:1318). Here, we aimed to dissociate environmental variability in Norway lobster catches to improve resource exploitation efficiency within the Skagerrak and Kattegat trawl fisheries by utilising data collected as part of an extensive at‐sea‐sampling programme spanning 16 years. Catch rates were modelled using Generalized Additive Mixed Models (GAMMs) and considered a range of response variables, including depth, temperature, current speed, season, moon phase and time of day. The results obtained herein showed that time of day, season, depth, temperature, year, trawl type and location all significantly affect catch rates of Nephrops.
The impact of El Niño events on the pelagic food chain in the northern California Current
Authors: Fisher Jennifer L. , Peterson William T. , Rykaczewski Ryan R.
Published: July 2015

The zooplankton of the northern California Current are typically characterized by an abundance of lipid‐rich copepods that support rapid growth and survival of ecologically, commercially, and recreationally valued fish, birds, and mammals. Disruption of this food chain and reduced ecosystem productivity are often associated with climatic variability such as El Niño events. We examined the variability in timing, magnitude, and duration of positive temperature anomalies and changes in copepod species composition in the northern California Current in relation to 10 tropical El Niño events. Measurable impacts on mesozooplankton of the northern California Current were observed during seven of 10 of these events. The occurrence of anomalously warm water and the response of the copepod community was rapid (lag of zero to 2 months) following the initiation of canonical Eastern Pacific (EP) events, but delayed (lag of 2–8 months) following ‘Modoki’ Central Pacific (CP) events. The variable lags in the timing of a physical and biological response led to impacts in the northern California Current peaking in winter during EP events and in the spring during CP events. The magnitude and duration of the temperature and copepod anomalies were strongly and positively related to the magnitude and duration of El Niño events, but were also sensitive to the phase of the lower frequency Pacific Decadal Oscillation. When fisheries managers and biological oceanographers are faced with the prospect of a future El Niño event, prudent management and observation will require consideration of the background oceanographic conditions, the type of event, and both the magnitude and duration of the event when assessing the potential physical and biological impacts on the northern California Current.
Safety of PEGylated recombinant human full‐length coagulation factor VIII (BAX 855) in the overall context of PEG and PEG conjugates
Authors: Stidl R. , Fuchs S. , Bossard M. , Siekmann J. , Turecek P. L. , Putz M.
Published: July 2015

Introduction

BAX 855 is a PEGylated human full‐length recombinant factor VIII (rFVIII) based on licensed rFVIII (ADVATE). The applied PEGylation technology has been optimized to retain functionality of the FVIII molecule, improve its pharmacokinetic properties and allow less frequent injections while maintaining efficacy.

Aim

The aim of this study was to confirm that the excellent safety profile of ADVATE remains unchanged after PEGylation.

Methods

Non‐clinical safety studies with BAX 855 and its respective unbound polyethylene glycol (PEG) were conducted in several species. The distribution of a single dose of radiolabelled BAX 855 was further investigated in rats. Publically available safety data on PEG alone and PEGylated biomolecules were summarized and reviewed for specific safety findings attributable to PEG or PEGylated biopharmaceuticals.

Results

Safety pharmacology studies in rabbits and macaques and repeated dose toxicity studies in rats and macaques identified no safety issues. Results of a distribution study in rats administered radiolabelled BAX 855 showed that radioactivity was completely excreted; urine was the major elimination route. A 28‐day study in rats dosed with the unbound PEG constituent (PEG2ru20KCOOH) of BAX 855 showed no adverse or non‐adverse effects.

Safety data for PEG and PEG‐protein conjugates indicate no safety concerns associated with PEG at clinically relevant dose levels. Although vacuolation of certain cell types has been reported in mammals, no such vacuolation was observed with BAX 855 or with the unbound PEG constituent.

Conclusion

Non‐clinical safety evaluation of PEG and BAX 855 identified no safety signals; the compound is now in clinical development for the treatment of patients with haemophilia A.
Corruption, growth, and increasing returns to production specialization
Authors: Chang Juin‐Jen , Lu Huei‐chung , Tsai Hsueh‐fang
Published: July 2015

This paper builds an endogenous growth model in which a government implements entry regulations and bureaucrats are corrupt, with both governing firms’ entry. We show that in the presence of increasing returns to production specialization, high corruption and high growth can coexist. This explains why some developing countries are stuck with high levels of corruption and low levels of growth, while others are not. Moreover, in the face of either stricter anti‐corruption enforcement or deregulation by promoting market competition, corruption may exhibit an intensive margin response in the sense that the number of bribe‐paying firms decreases, but each individual firm bribes more for a production license.
Survey of genetic diversity of IgG in wild and domestic rabbits
Authors: Pinheiro A. , Almeida T. , Esteves P. J.
Published: July 2015

We sequenced IgG from genomic DNA of 30 wild European rabbits of O. c. algirus and O. c. cuniculus subspecies from three regions and 15 domestic O. c. cuniculus. Genetic diversity was highest within Iberian wild populations. Only two new amino acid polymorphisms were found, both in O. c. algirus.
Erosional injuries inflicted by a home‐made urine collection device: a case report and beyond
Authors: Chen Tao , Li Jie , Chen Changsheng , Han Ruifa , Wu Changli , Hu Hailong
Published: July 2015

With a progressive growth of the elderly population in China, cerebrovascular accidents are increasing rapidly. As one of the most common consequences, urinary incontinence management in a long‐term (LT) home health care (HHC) setting has been emerging as a huge challenge for society. We report here a case of erosional penile and urethral injuries identified in an elderly male patient with urinary incontinence. In this case, the improper use of an external, homemade urine collection device in a LT HHC setting may very well be responsible for the medical complications identified in this patient. Noticeably, urine collection pads had been tied with knots at the base of the penis to secure the device in the patient's routine urinary incontinence HHC practice. Eczematoid dermatitides, cutaneous ulceration and scarring erosion induced by LT excessive extrinsic compression were observed on the genitalia and perineal areas. Urinary tract infection was also confirmed by urine culture. Antibiotics were administered, and suprapubic cystostomy was performed afterwards. This case highlights the importance of careful inspection of external urine collection devices focusing on risk assessment and prevention of pressure ulceration, as well as continuous patient/caregiver education/support for proper urinary incontinence management in a LT HHC setting.
What is the evidence status of Appropriate Use Criteria (AUC)? Insight from a matching exercise with the guidelines for echocardiography
Authors: Fonseca R. , Negishi K. , Marwick T. H.
Published: July 2015

There is interest in adapting the American Appropriate Use Criteria (AUC) for transthoracic echocardiography to Australian practice. We matched 90 of 98 AUC with the guidelines (53 appropriate, 12 sometimes appropriate, 25 rarely appropriate), but eight lacked any match. Among the matched criteria, 76 (82%) indications were concordant with the guidelines. A stronger evidence base would be desirable to settle these discrepancies before Australian adoption of AUC.
Mobilisation of haemopoietic stem cells in teriparatide‐treated patients
Authors: Grabmaier U. , Huber B. C. , Franz W.‐M. , Koch E. , Brunner S.
Published: July 2015

Parathyroid hormone (PTH) is the predominant regulator of calcium/phosphate homeostasis in the human body. Beside this classical function, preclinical and clinical studies indicated a relevant role for PTH in mobilisation of bone marrow‐derived cells into peripheral blood. In addition, recombinant PTH (teriparatide) was recently approved for the treatment of severe osteoporosis. Therefore, it was the aim of the present study to investigate the dynamics of haemopoietic stem cells and corresponding in peripheral blood of 13 patients with osteoporosis during treatment with teriparatide. We were able to show that administration of teriparatide is sufficient to mobilise haemopoietic stem cells into the bloodstream accompanied by an alteration of mobilising cytokines. In conclusion, teriparatide might be a useful tool in the context of stem cell mobilisation.
Exploring How Knowledge Translation Can Improve Sustainability of Community‐based Health Initiatives for People with Intellectual/Developmental Disabilities
Authors: Spassiani Natasha A. , Parker Harris Sarah , Hammel Joy
Published: July 2015

Community‐based health initiatives (CBHI) play an important role in maintaining the health, function and participation of people with intellectual/developmental disabilities (I/DD) living in the community. However, implementation and long‐term sustainability of CBHI is challenging. The Promoting Action on Research Implementation in Health Services (PARiHS) is a knowledge translation (KT) framework that is particularly relevant to intellectual/developmental disabilities research as it identifies the barriers and facilitators of implementation and action plans. This framework provides a foundation for understanding how KT can be used to aid the implementation and sustainability of CBHI for people with intellectual/developmental disabilities. The following study explores how KT – specifically the PARiHS framework – can be used to help sustain CBHI for people with intellectual/developmental disabilities.
Quality of Bread and Cookie Baked from Frozen Dough and Batter Containing β‐Glucan‐Rich Barley Flour Fraction
Authors: Hamed Abdelmagid , Ragaee Sanaa , Marcone Massimo , Abdel‐Aal El‐Sayed M.
Published: July 2015

Prolonged frozen storage of dough and batter unfavorably affects the quality of end baked products. The effect of air‐classified barley flour fraction rich in β‐glucan (∼25%) on the quality of bread and cookie baked from frozen dough/batter was investigated. Dough and batter were stored at −18C for 8 and 4 weeks, respectively, and evaluated for baking quality at weekly intervals. Bread made from fresh control dough produced the highest loaf specific volume (LSV) compared with those baked from composite dough. Control and composite frozen dough breads exhibited similar LSV and crumb texture profile up to 4 weeks of storage. Frozen storage of batter for 4 weeks resulted in no significant changes in either hardness or stickiness of batter and spread factor of cookie compared with control, while breaking force of cookie decreased. The addition of β‐glucan‐rich barley flour fraction holds a promise for developing fiber‐rich bread or cookie from frozen dough or batter.

Practical Applications

Incorporation of air‐classified barley flour fraction rich in β‐glucan in bread dough and cookie batter stored at freezing temperature (−18C) improves their shelf life through the restriction of water mobility in dough or batter without compromising the quality of baked end products. Such data can be invaluable in the baking industry.
Nonfunctional alleles of long‐day suppressor genes independently regulate flowering time
Authors: Zheng Xiao‐Ming , Feng Li , Wang Junrui , Qiao Weihua , Zhang Lifang , Cheng Yunlian , Yang Qingwen
Published: July 2015

Due to the remarkable adaptability to various environments, rice varieties with diverse flowering times have been domesticated or improved from Oryza rufipogon. Detailed knowledge of the genetic factors controlling flowering time will facilitate understanding the adaptation mechanism in cultivated rice and enable breeders to design appropriate genotypes for distinct preferences. In this study, four genes (Hd1, DTH8, Ghd7 and OsPRR37) in a rice long‐day suppression pathway were collected and sequenced in 154, 74, 69 and 62 varieties of cultivated rice (Oryza sativa) respectively. Under long‐day conditions, varieties with nonfunctional alleles flowered significantly earlier than those with functional alleles. However, the four genes have different genetic effects in the regulation of flowering time: Hd1 and OsPRR37 are major genes that generally regulate rice flowering time for all varieties, while DTH8 and Ghd7 only regulate regional rice varieties. Geographic analysis and network studies suggested that the nonfunctional alleles of these suppression loci with regional adaptability were derived recently and independently. Alleles with regional adaptability should be taken into consideration for genetic improvement. The rich genetic variations in these four genes, which adapt rice to different environments, provide the flexibility needed for breeding rice varieties with diverse flowering times.
Activation of the phosphatidylinositol 3‐kinase pathway plays important roles in reduction of cerebral infarction by cilnidipine
Authors: Son Jeong‐Woo , Choi Hojin , Yoo Arum , Park Hyun‐Hee , Kim Young‐Seo , Lee Kyu‐Yong , Lee Young Joo , Koh Seong‐Ho
Published: July 2015

Cerebral infarction causes permanent neuronal loss inducing severe morbidity and mortality. Because hypertension is the main risk factor for cerebral infarction and most patients with hypertension take antihypertensive drugs daily, the neuroprotective effects and mechanisms of anti‐hypertensive drugs need to be investigated. Cilnidipine, a long‐acting, new generation 1,4‐dihydropyridine inhibitor of both L‐ and N‐type calcium channels, was reported to reduce oxidative stress. In this study, we investigated whether cilnidipine has therapeutic effects in an animal model of cerebral infarction. After determination of the most effective dose of cilnidipine, a total of 128 rats were subjected to middle cerebral artery occlusion. Neurobehavioral function test and brain MRI were performed, and rats with similar sized infarcts were randomized to either the cilnidipine group or the control group. Cilnidipine treatment was performed with reperfusion after 2‐h occlusion. Western blots and immunohistochemistry were also performed after 24‐h occlusion. Initial infarct volume on diffusion‐weighted MRI was not different between the cilnidipine group and the control group; however, fluid‐attenuated inversion recovery MRI at 24 h showed significantly reduced infarct volume in the cilnidipine group compared with the control group. Cilnidipine treatment significantly decreased the number of triphosphate nick end labeling‐positive cells compared to the control group. Western blot and immunohistochemistry showed increased expression of phosphorylated Akt (Ser473), phosphorylated glycogen synthase kinase‐3β, and Bcl‐2 and decreased expression of Bax and cleaved caspase‐3. These results suggest that cilnidipine, which is used for the treatment of hypertension, has neuroprotective effects in the ischemic brain through activation of the PI3K pathway.

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We investigated whether cilnidipine has neuroprotective effects on ischemic stroke in an animal model. We have demonstrated that the neuroprotective effect of cilnidipine is associated with the activation of the PI3K pathway. Considering the daily use of antihypertensive drugs for patients with hypertension, cilnidipine could be beneficial for patients with ischemic stroke.