bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Unusual forest growth decline in boreal North America covaries with the retreat of Arctic sea ice
Authors: Girardin Martin P. , Guo Xiao Jing , De Jong Rogier , Kinnard Christophe , Bernier Pierre , Raulier Frédéric
Published: October 2013

The 20th century was a pivotal period at high northern latitudes as it marked the onset of rapid climatic warming brought on by major anthropogenic changes in global atmospheric composition. In parallel, Arctic sea ice extent has been decreasing over the period of available satellite data records. Here, we document how these changes influenced vegetation productivity in adjacent eastern boreal North America. To do this, we used normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) data, model simulations of net primary productivity (NPP) and tree‐ring width measurements covering the last 300 years. Climatic and proxy‐climatic data sets were used to explore the relationships between vegetation productivity and Arctic sea ice concentration and extent, and temperatures. Results indicate that an unusually large number of black spruce (Picea mariana) trees entered into a period of growth decline during the late‐20th century (62% of sampled trees; n = 724 cross sections of age >70 years). This finding is coherent with evidence encoded in NDVI and simulated NPP data. Analyses of climatic and vegetation productivity relationships indicate that the influence of recent climatic changes in the studied forests has been via the enhanced moisture stress (i.e. greater water demands) and autotrophic respiration amplified by the declining sea ice concentration in Hudson Bay and Hudson Strait. The recent decline strongly contrasts with other growth reduction events that occurred during the 19th century, which were associated with cooling and high sea ice severity. The recent decline of vegetation productivity is the first one to occur under circumstances related to excess heat in a 300‐year period, and further culminates with an intensifying wildfire regime in the region. Our results concur with observations from other forest ecosystems about intensifying temperature‐driven drought stress and tree mortality with ongoing climatic changes.
Disturbance legacies and climate jointly drive tree growth and mortality in an intensively studied boreal forest
Authors: Bond‐Lamberty Ben , Rocha Adrian V. , Calvin Katherine , Holmes Bruce , Wang Chuankuan , Goulden Michael L.
Published: October 2013

Most North American forests are at some stage of post‐disturbance regrowth, subject to a changing climate, and exhibit growth and mortality patterns that may not be closely coupled to annual environmental conditions. Distinguishing the possibly interacting effects of these processes is necessary to put short‐term studies in a longer term context, and particularly important for the carbon‐dense, fire‐prone boreal forest. The goals of this study were to combine dendrochronological sampling, inventory records, and machine‐learning algorithms to understand how tree growth and death have changed at one highly studied site (Northern Old Black Spruce, NOBS) in the central Canadian boreal forest. Over the 1999–2012 inventory period, mean tree diameter increased even as stand density and basal area declined significantly. Tree mortality averaged 1.4 ± 0.6% yr−1, with most mortality occurring in medium‐sized trees; new recruitment was minimal. There have been at least two, and probably three, significant influxes of new trees since stand initiation, but none in recent decades. A combined tree ring chronology constructed from sampling in 2001, 2004, and 2012 showed several periods of extreme growth depression, with increased mortality lagging depressed growth by ~5 years. Higher minimum and maximum air temperatures exerted a negative influence on tree growth, while precipitation and climate moisture index had a positive effect; both current‐ and previous‐year data exerted significant effects. Models based on these variables explained 23–44% of the ring‐width variability. We suggest that past climate extremes led to significant mortality still visible in the current forest structure, with decadal dynamics superimposed on slower patterns of fire and succession. These results have significant implications for our understanding of previous work at NOBS, the carbon sequestration capability of old‐growth stands in a disturbance‐prone landscape, and the sustainable management of regional forests in a changing climate.
Tall shrub and tree expansion in Siberian tundra ecotones since the 1960s
Authors: Frost Gerald V. , Epstein Howard E.
Published: October 2013

Circumpolar expansion of tall shrubs and trees into Arctic tundra is widely thought to be occurring as a result of recent climate warming, but little quantitative evidence exists for northern Siberia, which encompasses the world's largest forest‐tundra ecotonal belt. We quantified changes in tall shrub and tree canopy cover in 11, widely distributed Siberian ecotonal landscapes by comparing very high‐resolution photography from the Cold War‐era ‘Gambit’ and ‘Corona’ satellite surveillance systems (1965–1969) with modern imagery. We also analyzed within‐landscape patterns of vegetation change to evaluate the susceptibility of different landscape components to tall shrub and tree increase. The total cover of tall shrubs and trees increased in nine of 11 ecotones. In northwest Siberia, alder (Alnus) shrubland cover increased 5.3–25.9% in five ecotones. In Taymyr and Yakutia, larch (Larix) cover increased 3.0–6.7% within three ecotones, but declined 16.8% at a fourth ecotone due to thaw of ice‐rich permafrost. In Chukotka, the total cover of alder and dwarf pine (Pinus) increased 6.1% within one ecotone and was little changed at a second ecotone. Within most landscapes, shrub and tree increase was linked to specific geomorphic settings, especially those with active disturbance regimes such as permafrost patterned‐ground, floodplains, and colluvial hillslopes. Mean summer temperatures increased at most ecotones since the mid‐1960s, but rates of shrub and tree canopy cover expansion were not strongly correlated with temperature trends and were better correlated with mean annual precipitation. We conclude that shrub and tree cover is increasing in tundra ecotones across most of northern Siberia, but rates of increase vary widely regionally and at the landscape scale. Our results indicate that extensive changes can occur within decades in moist, shrub‐dominated ecotones, as in northwest Siberia, while changes are likely to occur much more slowly in the highly continental, larch‐dominated ecotones of central and eastern Siberia.
Optimizing rice yields while minimizing yield‐scaled global warming potential
Authors: Pittelkow Cameron M. , Adviento‐Borbe Maria A. , van Kessel Chris , Hill James E. , Linquist Bruce A.
Published: October 2013

To meet growing global food demand with limited land and reduced environmental impact, agricultural greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions are increasingly evaluated with respect to crop productivity, i.e., on a yield‐scaled as opposed to area basis. Here, we compiled available field data on CH4 and N2O emissions from rice production systems to test the hypothesis that in response to fertilizer nitrogen (N) addition, yield‐scaled global warming potential (GWP) will be minimized at N rates that maximize yields. Within each study, yield N surplus was calculated to estimate deficit or excess N application rates with respect to the optimal N rate (defined as the N rate at which maximum yield was achieved). Relationships between yield N surplus and GHG emissions were assessed using linear and nonlinear mixed‐effects models. Results indicate that yields increased in response to increasing N surplus when moving from deficit to optimal N rates. At N rates contributing to a yield N surplus, N2O and yield‐scaled N2O emissions increased exponentially. In contrast, CH4 emissions were not impacted by N inputs. Accordingly, yield‐scaled CH4 emissions decreased with N addition. Overall, yield‐scaled GWP was minimized at optimal N rates, decreasing by 21% compared to treatments without N addition. These results are unique compared to aerobic cropping systems in which N2O emissions are the primary contributor to GWP, meaning yield‐scaled GWP may not necessarily decrease for aerobic crops when yields are optimized by N fertilizer addition. Balancing gains in agricultural productivity with climate change concerns, this work supports the concept that high rice yields can be achieved with minimal yield‐scaled GWP through optimal N application rates. Moreover, additional improvements in N use efficiency may further reduce yield‐scaled GWP, thereby strengthening the economic and environmental sustainability of rice systems.
Nectin and junctional adhesion molecule are critical cell adhesion molecules for the apico‐basal alignment of adherens and tight junctions in epithelial cells
Authors: Yamada Tomohiro , Kuramitsu Kaori , Rikitsu Etsuko , Kurita Souichi , Ikeda Wataru , Takai Yoshimi
Published: October 2013

Tight junctions (TJs) and adherens junctions (AJs) form an apical junctional complex at the apical side of the lateral membranes of epithelial cells, in which TJs are aligned at the apical side of AJs. Many cell adhesion molecules (CAMs) and cell polarity molecules (CPMs) cooperatively regulate the formation of the apical junctional complex, but the mechanism for the alignment of TJs at the apical side of AJs is not fully understood. We developed a cellular system with which epithelial‐like TJs and AJs were reconstituted in fibroblasts and analyzed the cooperative roles of CAMs and CPMs. We exogenously expressed various combinations of CAMs and CPMs in fibroblasts that express negligible amounts of these molecules endogenously. In these cells, the nectin‐based cell–cell adhesion was formed at the apical side of the junctional adhesion molecule (JAM)‐based cell–cell adhesion, and cadherin and claudin were recruited to the nectin‐3‐ and JAM‐based cell–cell adhesion sites to form AJ‐like and TJ‐like domains, respectively. This inversed alignment of the AJ‐like and TJ‐like domains was reversed by complementary expression of CPMs Par‐3, atypical protein kinase C, Par‐6, Crb3, Pals1 and Patj. We describe the cooperative roles of these CAMs and CPMs in the apico‐basal alignment of TJs and AJs in epithelial cells.
ULE®Glass with Improved Thermal Properties for EUVL Masks and Projection Optics Substrates
Authors: Hrdina Kenneth E. , Duran Carlos A.
Published: October 2013

Ultra‐Low Expansion ULE® Glass is the material of choice for substrates for masks and projection optics mirrors in EUV lithography. A key parameter is the temperature of zero crossover (Tzc), which is the temperature at which the coefficient of thermal expansion (expansivity, α(T)) is equal to zero. As the temperature of the glass departs from Tzc, the absolute value of α(T) increases proportionally to the slope of the expansivity curve. As EUVL matures, substrates will experience wider temperature changes, while higher resolution demands tighter constrains in substrate deformation. We present data showing that through modification of the fictive temperature of the glass, Tf, the expansivity slope can be lowered. This is combined with better control of Tzc, which can be tuned to a narrower range to better match the requirements of each substrate. Depending on the application, performance improvements can exceed 30% with respect to traditional ULE® Glass.
The Effects of Personal and Organizational Factors on Role Ambiguity amongst Internal Auditors
Authors: Fazli Aghghaleh Shabnam , Muhammaddun Mohamed Zakiah , Ahmad Azlina
Published: October 2013

Increasing concerns about company failures has given rise to the significant role of risk management in organizations. The Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA) has introduced a new framework which specifies that internal auditors' responsibilities include managing risks. This change from traditional to modern obligation may cause internal auditors to be uncertain regarding this function. This study investigates the effects of personal and organizational factors on role ambiguity amongst internal auditors in Malaysia. Survey questionnaires were distributed to 202 internal auditors. The results of this study provide insight into how individual and organizational factors impact the role ambiguity of internal auditors. The findings suggest that individuals with higher competency and autonomy experience lower levels of ambiguity. Furthermore, highly structured companies with in‐house internal audit create lower ambiguity for internal auditors in Malaysian companies.
Long term outcome after surgical correction of mandibular brachygnathia with unilateral type 1 external skeletal fixation
Authors: Klaus Christoph S. , Hertsch Bodo W. , Höppner Stefanie , Lischer Christoph J.
Published: October 2013

Objective

To describe complications and long‐term outcome after surgical correction of severe overbite in 7 horses using corrective osteotomy and a Type I external fixator.

Study Design

Case series.

Animals

Horses (n = 7).

Methods

Seven horses with severe mandibular brachygnathia were treated by corrective osteotomy and a Type I external fixator. Data on surgical technique, complications, long‐term outcome and owner satisfaction were recorded.

Results

Severe mandibular brachygnathia was corrected successfully in all horses. Short term follow‐up revealed a relatively high morbidity due to several complications such as surgical site infection, sequestrum formation and instability due to early pin loosening. Long‐term over all owner satisfaction was very high.

Conclusions

Corrective osteotomy and fixation with an external fixator is an effective surgical technique for correction of severe mandibular brachygnathia and offers good results in a long‐term perspective.
Salvia petrophila sp. nov. (Lamiaceae) from north Guangxi and south Guizhou, China
Authors: Hu Guo‐Xiong , Liu Yan , Xu Wei‐Bin , Liu En‐De
Published: October 2013

Salvia petrophila G. X. Hu, E. D. Liu & Yan Liu, a new species from the Chinese provinces of north Guangxi and south Guizhou, is described and illustrated. The new species is similar to S. miltiorrhiza, but can easily be distinguished by its shorter, unbranched stem, subsucculent simple leaf, longer pedicel and corolla tube, oblong‐entire middle lobe of lower corolla lip and larger oblate pollen. It is included in S. sect. Drymosphace on the basis of its falcate‐compressed upper corolla lip and connivent posterior connectives. Trichome and pollen micromorphology of the new species and similar species are described and compared. Additionally, assessment of the conservation status, current geographical distribution and notes on ecology of the new species are given.
Effect of Ba Content on the Stress Sensitivity of the Antiferroelectric to Ferroelectric Phase Transition in (Pb,La,Ba,)(Zr,Sn,Ti)O3 Ceramics
Authors: Xu Yonghao , Guo Hanzheng , Liu Xiaoming , Feng Yujun , Tan Xiaoli
Published: October 2013

The effect of Ba content on the stress sensitivity of the antiferroelectric to ferroelectric phase transition in (Pb0.94−xLa0.04Bax)[(Zr0.60Sn0.40)0.84Ti0.16]O3 ceramics is investigated through monitoring electric field‐induced polarization and longitudinal strain under compressive prestresses. It is found that incorporation of Ba significantly suppresses the stress sensitivity of the phase transition, as manifested by slight decreases under prestresses up to 100 MPa in the maximum polarization (Pm) and longitudinal strain (xm). The energy storage density is even increased under the mechanical confinement in compositions x = 0.02 and 0.04. X‐ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy, and dielectric measurements indicate that the suppressed stress sensitivity is associated with the disruption of micrometersized antiferroelectric domains into nanodomains and the transition from antiferroelectric to relaxor behavior.
Calcium ions and osteoclastogenesis initiate the induction of bone formation by coral‐derived macroporous constructs
Authors: Klar Roland M , Duarte Raquel , Dix‐Peek Therese , Dickens Caroline , Ferretti Carlo , Ripamonti Ugo
Published: October 2013

Coral‐derived calcium carbonate/hydroxyapatite macroporous constructs of the genus Goniopora with limited hydrothermal conversion to hydroxyapatite (7% HA/CC) initiate the induction of bone formation. Which are the molecular signals that initiate pattern formation and the induction of bone formation? To evaluate the role of released calcium ions and osteoclastogenesis, 7% HA/CC was pre‐loaded with either 500 μg of the calcium channel blocker, verapamil hydrochloride, or 240 μg of the osteoclast inhibitor, biphosphonate zoledronate, and implanted in the rectus abdominis muscle of six adult Chacma baboons Papio ursinus. Generated tissues on days 15, 60 and 90 were analysed by histomorphometry and qRT‐PCR. On day 15, up‐regulation of type IV collagen characterized all the implanted constructs correlating with vascular invasion. Zoledronate‐treated specimens showed an important delay in tissue patterning and morphogenesis with limited bone formation. Osteoclastic inhibition yielded minimal, if any, bone formation by induction. 7% HA/CC pre‐loaded with the Ca++ channel blocker verapamil hydrochloride strongly inhibited the induction of bone formation. Down‐regulation of bone morphogenetic protein‐2 (BMP‐2) together with up‐regulation of Noggin genes correlated with limited bone formation in 7% HA/CC pre‐loaded with either verapamil or zoledronate, indicating that the induction of bone formation by coral‐derived macroporous constructs is via the BMPs pathway. The spontaneous induction of bone formation is initiated by a local peak of Ca++ activating stem cell differentiation and the induction of bone formation.
Intimate Partner Communication From the War Zone: A Prospective Study of Relationship Functioning, Communication Frequency, and Combat Effectiveness
Authors: Cigrang Jeffrey A. , Wayne Talcott G. , Tatum JoLyn , Baker Monty , Cassidy Daniel , Sonnek Scott , Snyder Douglas K. , Balderrama‐Durbin Christina , Heyman Richard E. , Smith Slep Amy M.
Published: October 2013

This study examined (a) the association between relationship functioning prior to and during deployment, and the frequency of communication during deployment; and (b) the association between relationship functioning and depression during deployment and their influence on service members’ ratings of duty performance. Participants were 144 partnered Airmen assessed immediately before and during a one‐year high‐risk deployment to Iraq. Results showed an overall high frequency of partner communication during deployment. High relationship distress at predeployment predicted lower frequency of communication during deployment. Changes in relationship distress from before deployment to during deployment independently predicted frequency of communication, above and beyond predeployment distress levels. Level of relationship distress and depression during deployment independently predicted service members’ ratings of impact on duty performance.
Urinary incontinence among adult women with diabetes in Jordan: epidemiology, correlates and perceived impact on emotional and social well‐being
Authors: Bani‐Issa Wegdan , Almomani Fidaa , Eldeirawi Kamal
Published: October 2013

Aims and objectives

To assess the epidemiology and correlates of urinary incontinence and its perceived impact on the emotional and social well‐being of Jordanian women.

Background

Diabetes is a chronic disease with rising prevalence in women worldwide. Although urinary incontinence is a complication of diabetes, it is not commonly assessed with limited nurses’ knowledge available on its prevalence, correlates and its perceived impact on lives of women.

Design

A cross‐sectional survey design using probability sampling approach was used to collect information on incontinence.

Methods

A total of 1011 adult women, 20–65 years old, attending primary healthcare centres in Jordan were interviewed using a standardised incontinence questionnaire. Questionnaire included items to assess the perceived impact of incontinence on social and emotional well‐being of women. The study outcome included weekly or more any, stress and urge incontinence.

Results

Of 435 (43%) diabetic and 576 (57%) nondiabetic women, a total of 676 (66·8%) women reported incontinence. The prevalence of weekly or more any, urge and stress incontinence was significantly higher in diabetic than in nondiabetic women, 31·5, 13·8 and 20% versus 18·2, 5·9 and 14·2%, respectively. After adjusting for age, body mass index, parity and history of urinary tract infections, in multiple logistic regression analyses, diabetes was significantly associated with any (OR: 1·99; 95% CI: 1·44–2·74) urge (OR: 2·23; 95% CI: 1·38–3·61) and stress incontinence (OR: 1·54; CI: 1·07–2·22). Obesity and age were found to be significant correlates for urge incontinence in diabetics. Women with incontinence perceived incontinence as bothersome condition with negative impact on social well‐being.

Conclusions

Incontinence is a common and distressing problem in diabetic women, especially for those who are older and obese. Prospective cohort studies are needed to assess how nurse‐led interventions may impact the negative consequences of incontinence on women well‐being.

Relevance to clinical practice

Nurses are in the right position to assess urinary incontinence in diabetic women. Proper communications, culturally sensitive screening and tailored interventions may assist nurses in providing care and support to alleviate the impact of incontinence on women well‐being.
Mergers and Acquisitions Accounting and the Diversification Discount
Authors: CUSTÓDIO CLÁUDIA
Published: October 2013

q‐based measures of the diversification discount are biased upward by mergers and acquisitions and its accounting implications. Under purchase accounting, acquired assets are reported at their transaction value, which typically exceeds the target's pre‐merger book value. Thus, measured q tends to be lower for the merged firm than for the portfolio of pre‐merger entities. Because conglomerates are more acquisitive than focused firms, their q tends to be lower. To mitigate this bias, I subtract goodwill from the book value of assets and a substantial part of the diversification discount is eliminated. Market‐to‐sales‐based measures do not have this bias.
Correlation between self‐reported and clinically based diagnoses of bruxism in temporomandibular disorders patients
Authors: Paesani D. A. , Lobbezoo F. , Gelos C. , Guarda‐Nardini L. , Ahlberg J. , Manfredini D.
Published: October 2013

The present investigation was performed in a population of patients with temporomandibular disorders (TMD), and it was designed to assess the correlation between self‐reported questionnaire‐based bruxism diagnosis and a diagnosis based on history taking plus clinical examination. One‐hundred‐fifty‐nine patients with TMD underwent an assessment including a questionnaire investigating five bruxism‐related items (i.e. sleep grinding, sleep grinding referral by bed partner, sleep clenching, awake clenching, awake grinding) and an interview (i.e. oral history taking with specific focus on bruxism habits) plus a clinical examination to evaluate bruxism signs and symptoms. The correlation between findings of the questionnaire, viz., patients' report, and findings of the interview/oral history taking plus clinical examination, viz., clinicians' diagnosis, was assessed by means of φ coefficient. The highest correlations were achieved for the sleep grinding referral item (φ = 0·932) and for the awake clenching item (φ = 0·811), whilst lower correlation values were found for the other items (φ values ranging from 0·363 to 0·641). The percentage of disagreement between the two diagnostic approaches ranged between 1·8% and 18·2%. Within the limits of the present investigation, it can be suggested that a strong positive correlation between a self‐reported and a clinically based approach to bruxism diagnosis can be achieved as for awake clenching, whilst lower levels of correlation were detected for sleep‐time activities.
Effectiveness of Intracavernous Delivery of Adenovirus Encoding Smad7 Gene on Erectile Function in a Mouse Model of Cavernous Nerve Injury
Authors: Song Kang Moon , Chung Jae-Seung , Choi Min Ji , Jin Hai-Rong , Yin Guo Nan , Kwon Mi-Hye , Park Jin-Mi , Kim Woo Jean , Lee Sang-Jin , Kim Seong-Jin , Ryu Ji-Kan , Suh Jun-Kyu
Published: October 2013

Introduction

Men with erectile dysfunction (ED) respond poorly to oral phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitors following radical prostatectomy. Recent studies have reported that up-regulation of transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) and activation of the Smad signaling pathway play important roles in cavernous fibrosis and in the deterioration of erectile function in a mouse model of cavernous nerve injury (CNI) and in patients with spinal cord injury. The mothers against decapentaplegic homolog 7 (Smad7) is known to inhibit the phosphorylation of Smad2 and Smad3.

Aim

To investigate the effectiveness of adenoviruses encoding Smad7 gene (Ad-Smad7) on erectile function in a mouse model of CNI.

Methods

Twelve-week-old C57BL/6J mice were used and distributed into 7 groups: sham operation group, untreated CNI group, and CNI groups receiving a single intracavernous injection of adenovirus encoding LacZ (1 × 108 virus particles [vp]/20 μL) or adenovirus encoding Smad7 (Ad-Smad7; 1 × 107, 1 × 108, 2 × 108, or 1 × 109 vp/20 μL).

Main Outcome Measures

Two weeks after bilateral cavernous nerve crushing and treatment, erectile function was measured by electrical stimulation of the cavernous nerve. The penis was harvested for histologic examinations and Western blot analysis.

Results

The highest erectile response was noted in CNI mice treated with Ad-Smad7 at a dose of 1 × 108 vp, which reached up to 82–85% of sham control values. Local delivery of Ad-Smad7 significantly decreased endothelial cell apoptosis and the production of extracellular matrix proteins, including plasminogen activator inhibitor-1, fibronectin, collagen I, and collagen IV, and induced endothelial nitric oxide synthase phosphorylation in the corpus cavernosum tissue of CNI mice.

Conclusion

The adenovirus-mediated gene transfer of Smad7 successfully restored erectile function by enhancing endothelial cell function and through antifibrotic effects. These findings suggest that inhibition of the TGF-β signaling pathway by use of Smad7 may represent a promising therapeutic strategy for ED induced by radical prostatectomy.
Randomized, Controlled Trial of Budesonide and Prednisone for the Treatment of Idiopathic Inflammatory Bowel Disease in Dogs
Authors: Dye T.L. , Diehl K.J. , Wheeler S.L. , Westfall D.S.
Published: October 2013

Background

Budesonide has been used to treat inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) in dogs, but no controlled studies have been performed to evaluate efficacy of this treatment.

Objective

To compare budesonide and prednisone for induction therapy of IBD in dogs by using IBD activity index scores and evaluating frequency and severity of owner‐reported adverse effects.

Animals

Forty client‐owned dogs with newly diagnosed idiopathic IBD were enrolled between April 2001 and January 2004; 34 dogs completed the 6 week study.

Methods

Double‐blinded, randomized controlled trial. Dogs were randomized to receive either pure powder‐based budesonide (3–7 kg: 1 mg PO q24h, 7.1–15 kg: 2 mg PO q24h, 15.1–30 kg: 3 mg PO q24h, >30 kg: 5 mg PO q24h) for 6 weeks or prednisone (1 mg/kg PO q12h × 3 weeks then 0.5 mg/kg PO q12h × 3 weeks). IBD activity index (IBDAI) scores were determined at diagnosis and after 6 weeks of treatment. Pet owners completed weekly questionnaires regarding clinical signs and incidence and severity of adverse effects.

Results

Significant differences in remission rates (>75% decrease in IBDAI scores) were not observed with a remission rate of 78% in the budesonide group and 69% in the prednisone group (P = .70). Frequency of adverse effects was similar between the 2 groups.

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

There was no demonstrable difference in remission rates or incidence of adverse effects between prednisone and budesonide for induction therapy of IBD in dogs.
Prevalence and Risk Factors for Cardiac Diseases in a Hospital‐Based Population of 3,434 Horses (1994–2011)
Authors: Leroux A.A. , Detilleux J. , Sandersen C.F. , Borde L. , Houben R.M.A.C. , Al Haidar A. , Art T. , Amory H.
Published: October 2013

Background

Risk factors for cardiac diseases in horses have not been explored in a large population of animals.

Objectives

To describe risk factors for various cardiac diseases in a hospital‐based population of horses.

Animals

Files of 3,434 horses admitted at the Internal Medicine Department of the Liege Equine Teaching Hospital between 1994 and 2011 were reviewed and of those, 284 were categorized as having moderate‐to‐severe cardiac disease.

Methods

Observational study. After calculating prevalence for each cardiac disease, we tested whether breed (chi‐square test) or sex, age, body weight (BW), and other cardiac diseases (logistic regressions) were risk factors (p < .05 significant).

Results

Mitral regurgitation (MR, 4.4%), atrial fibrillation (AF, 2.3%), aortic regurgitation (AR, 2.1%), and tricuspid regurgitation (TR, 1.7%) were the most common cardiac abnormalities detected. Determinants were male sex and increasing age forAR(OR = 2.03,CI = 1.07–4.94), racehorses breed and middle‐age forTR(OR = 4.36;CI = 1.10–17.24), and highBWforAF(OR = 3.54;CI = 1.67–7.49).MRwas the most common valvular disease associated withAF, clinically important ventricular arrhythmia, pulmonary regurgitation (PR), and congestive heart failure (CHF).TRwas also associated withAF,PR, andCHF;ARwas not associated withCHF.

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

Several previously suspected risk factors for a variety of equine cardiac diseases are statistically confirmed and other risk factors are highlighted in the studied hospital‐based population. These observations should be taken into account in health and sport's monitoring of horses presenting predisposing factors.
JadR*‐mediated feed‐forward regulation of cofactor supply in jadomycin biosynthesis
Authors: Zhang Yanyan , Pan Guohui , Zou Zhengzhong , Fan Keqiang , Yang Keqian , Tan Huarong
Published: October 2013

Jadomycin production is under complex regulation in Streptomyces venezuelae. Here, another cluster‐situated regulator, JadR*, was shown to negatively regulate jadomycin biosynthesis by binding to four upstream regions of jadY, jadR1, jadI and jadE in jad gene cluster respectively. The transcriptional levels of four target genes of JadR* increased significantly in ΔjadR*, confirming that these genes were directly repressed by JadR*. Jadomycin B (JdB) and its biosynthetic intermediates 2,3‐dehydro‐UWM6 (DHU), dehydrorabelomycin (DHR) and jadomycin A (JdA) modulated the DNA‐binding activities of JadR* on the jadY promoter, with DHR giving the strongest dissociation effects. Direct interactions between JadR* and these ligands were further demonstrated by surface plasmon resonance, which showed that DHR has the highest affinity for JadR*. However, only DHU and DHR could induce the expression of jadY and jadR* in vivo. JadY is the FMN/FAD reductase supplying cofactors FMNH2/FADH2 for JadG, an oxygenase, that catalyses the conversion of DHR to JdA. Therefore, our results revealed that JadR* and early pathway intermediates, particularly DHR, regulate cofactor supply by a convincing case of a feed‐forward mechanism. Such delicate regulation of expression of jadY could ensure a timely supply of cofactors FMNH2/FADH2 for jadomycin biosynthesis, and avoid unnecessary consumption of NAD(P)H.
Efficacy and longevity of newly developed catnip oil microcapsules against stable fly oviposition and larval growth
Authors: ZHU J. J. , WIENHOLD B. J. , WEHRLE J. , DAVIS D. , CHEN H. , TAYLOR D. , FRIESEN K. , ZUREK L.
Published: October 2013

The stable fly, Stomoxys calcitrans (Diptera: Muscidae), is one of the most important pests of cattle and costs U.S. cattle producers billions of dollars in losses annually. In this study, the efficacy of catnip oil encapsulated in gelatin in oviposition deterrence and larval growth inhibition in stable flies was examined under laboratory conditions. More than 98% inhibition of stable fly larval growth and female oviposition was observed in larval and oviposition media treated with encapsulated catnip oil (0.5 g). Further, dose–response tests showed that as little as 0.1 g of encapsulated catnip oil provided > 85% oviposition deterrence. The release of nepetalactones from the capsules was more rapid when the capsules were placed on a moist substrate rather than a dry substrate. Encapsulated catnip oil also exhibited antibacterial activity, supporting the hypothesis that its inhibition of larval growth may be based on its killing of the bacteria on which larvae feed. The use of encapsulated catnip oil can provide an alternative control strategy for stable fly management.
Assessment of sensory perception and processing using current perception threshold in Parkinson's disease
Authors: Ikeda Kazuyo , Deguchi Kazushi , Kume Kodai , Kamada Masaki , Touge Tetsuo , Masaki Tsutomu
Published: October 2013

Aim

Although peripheral deafferentation is one of the causes of abnormal sensory processing in Parkinson's disease (PD), functional assessment of different‐size sensory nerve populations remains insufficient.

We assessed the characteristics of sensory perception and processing in PD patients using current perception threshold (CPT).

Methods

A total of 28 patients with PD, 20 with multiple system atrophy (MSA) and 28 healthy controls underwent CPT examination using a Neurometer device, which can selectively stimulate A‐β fibers at 2000 Hz, A‐δ fibers at 250 Hz and C  fibers at 5 Hz.

Results

Significant differences in CPT for all stimulus frequencies were observed among the three groups. PD patients had significantly higher CPT for all stimulus frequencies than control individuals (P < 0.05). Also, PD patients had significantly higher CPT for 250 and 5 Hz than MSA patients (P < 0.05). At the optimum cut‐off level, the CPT distinguished PD patients from MSA patients with a high sensitivity (82% at 250 Hz, 86% at 5 Hz) and specificity (75% at 250 Hz, 80% at 5 Hz). The CPT were not affected by clinical profile, cardiac sympathetic denervation or cardiovascular autonomic dysfunction.

Conclusion

Significantly increased CPT in PD indicate altered processing of sensory information involving A‐β, A‐δ and C fibers. The clear distinction of CPT between PD and MSA might reflect the involvement in small fiber dysfunction in PD, but not in MSA. These findings suggest that CPT testing might contribute to diagnosis of PD, as well as the understanding of sensory processing involving peripheral deafferentation.
Auxin response factor (OsARF12), a novel regulator for phosphate homeostasis in rice (Oryza sativa)
Authors: Wang SuiKang , Zhang SaiNa , Sun ChenDong , Xu YanXia , Chen Yue , Yu ChenLiang , Qian Qian , Jiang De‐An , Qi YanHua
Published: October 2013

Phosphorus (P) is crucial nutrient element for crop growth and development. However, the network pathway regulating homeostasis of phosphate (Pi) in crops has many molecular breeding unknowns. Here, we report that an auxin response factor, OsARF12, functions in Pi homeostasis.

Measurement of element content, quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction analysis and acid phosphatases (APases) activity assay showed that the osarf12 mutant and osarf12/25 double mutant with P‐intoxicated phenotypes had higher P concentrations, up‐regulation of the Pi transporter encoding genes and increased APase activity under Pi‐sufficient/‐deficient (+Pi/−Pi, 0.32/0 mM NaH2PO4) conditions.

Transcript analysis revealed that Pi‐responsive genes – Phosphate starvation (OsIPS)1 and OsIPS2, SYG1/Pho81/XPR1(OsSPX1), Sulfoquinovosyldiacylglycerol 2 (OsSQD2), R2R3 MYB transcription factor (OsMYB2P‐1) and Transport Inhibitor Response1 (OsTIR1) – were more abundant in the osarf12 and osarf12/25 mutants under +Pi/−Pi conditions. Knockout of OsARF12 also influenced the transcript abundances of the OsPHR2 gene and its downstream components, such as OsMiR399j, OsPHO2, OsMiR827, OsSPX‐MFS1 and OsSPX‐MFS2. Results from –Pi/1‐naphthylphthalamic acid (NPA) treatments, and auxin reporter DR5::GUS staining suggest that root system alteration and Pi‐induced auxin response were at least partially controlled by OsARF12.

These findings enrich our understanding of the biological functions of OsARF12, which also acts in regulating Pi homeostasis.
Chemical inhibition of acetyl coenzyme A carboxylase as a strategy to increase polyhydroxybutyrate yields in transgenic sugarcane
Authors: Petrasovits Lars A. , McQualter Richard B. , Gebbie Leigh K. , Blackman Deborah M. , Nielsen Lars K. , Brumbley Stevens M.
Published: October 2013

Polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB) is a naturally occurring bacterial polymer that can be used as a biodegradable replacement for some petrochemical‐derived plastics. Polyhydroxybutyrate is produced commercially by fermentation, but to reduce production costs, efforts are underway to produce it in engineered plants, including sugarcane. However, PHB levels in this high‐biomass crop are not yet commercially viable. Chemical ripening with herbicides is a strategy used to enhance sucrose production in sugarcane and was investigated here as a tool to increase PHB production. Class A herbicides inhibit ACCase activity and thus reduce fatty acid biosynthesis, with which PHB production competes directly for substrate. Treatment of PHB‐producing transgenic sugarcane plants with 100 μm of the class A herbicide fluazifop resulted in a fourfold increase in PHB content in the leaves, which peaked ten days post‐treatment. The minimum effective concentration of herbicide required to maximize PHB production was 30 μm for fluazifop and 70 μm for butroxydim when applied to saturation. Application of a range of class A herbicides from the DIM and FOP groups consistently resulted in increased PHB yields, particularly in immature leaf tissue. Butroxydim or fluazifop treatment of mature transgenic sugarcane grown under glasshouse conditions increased the total leaf biomass yield of PHB by 50%–60%. Application of an ACCase inhibitor in the form of a class A herbicide to mature sugarcane plants prior to harvest is a promising strategy for improving overall PHB yield. Further testing is required on field‐grown transgenic sugarcane to more precisely determine the effectiveness of this strategy.
Fat emulsion given to very low‐birthweight infants increases urinary l‐FABP
Authors: Suganuma Hiroki , Ikeda Naho , Ohkawa Natuki , Nagata Satoru , Shoji Hiromichi , Shimizu Toshiaki
Published: October 2013

Background

In premature infants, many factors influence the function of renal tubules, such as asphyxia, respiratory disorders, use of high‐concentration oxygen, hypotension, and drug treatment. When tubular ischemia and oxidative stress develop due to renal microcirculatory pathology, urinary l‐type fatty acid‐binding protein (l‐FABP) level increases.

Methods

Urinary l‐FABP level was measured over time in very low‐birthweight infants (VLBWI), and the effect of fat emulsion on l‐FABP level was investigated. Thirty‐one VLBWI were divided into two groups with regard to treatment with fat emulsion: the lipid group (n = 20) and the control group (n = 11). Urinary l‐FABP was measured before (0–3 days of age), during (7–14 days of age), and after fat emulsion treatment (21–28 days of age) in the two groups.

Results

Median urinary l‐FABP level before treatment was 459 ng/mgCr (range, 22.7–5100 ng/mgCr; mean, 1067 ± 1570 ng/mgCr) and 797 ng/mgCr (range, 69–3900 ng/mgCr; mean, 1066 ± 1188 ng/mgCr) in the lipid and control groups, respectively, showing no significant difference. Median urinary l‐FABP level was 624 ng/mgCr (range, 50–2050 ng/mgCr; mean ± SD, 799 ± 655 ng/mgCr) and 273 ng/mgCr (range, 31–987 ng/mgCr; mean ± SD, 359 ± 323 ng/mgCr) at 7–14 days of age, respectively, showing that the level was significantly higher in the lipid group. At 21–28 days of age, the median level was 462 ng/mgCr (range, 49–1867 ng/mgCr; mean ± SD, 557 ± 534 ng/mgCr) and 130 ng/mgCr (range, 20–993 ng/mgCr; mean ± SD, 290 ± 329 ng/mgCr), respectively, showing that l‐FABP level tended to be higher in the lipid group.

Conclusions

Fat emulsion treatment induced a significant increase in urinary l‐FABP level, suggesting that fat emulsion affected the proximal tubule in VLBWI.
St.Anselm'sOntologicalArgument as Expressive: AWittgensteinian Reconstruction
Authors: Aikin Scott , Hodges Michael
Published: October 2013

We offer a reading ofAnselm'sOntologicalArgument inspired byWittgenstein which focuses on the fact that the “argument” occurs in a prayer addressed toGod, making it a strange argument since as a prayer it seems to presuppose its conclusion. We reconstruct the argument as expressive. Within the religious perspective, the issues are to be focused on the right object not to present an argument for the existence ofGod. While this sort of reading lets us understand much about the argument, it also opens new avenues of criticism, one of which is the problem of worship.
Managing Supply Risk for Vertically Differentiated Co‐Products
Authors: Bansal Saurabh , Transchel Sandra
Published: October 2013

The manufacturing complexity of many high‐tech products results in a substantial variation in the quality of the units produced. After manufacturing, the units are classified into vertically differentiated products. These products are typically obtained in uncontrollable fractions, leading to mismatches between their demand and supply. We focus on product stockouts due to the supply–demand mismatches. Existing literature suggests that when faced with product stockouts, firms should satisfy all unmet demand of a low‐end product by downgrading excess units of a high‐end product (downward substitution). However, this policy may be suboptimal if it is likely that low‐end customers will substitute with a higher quality product and pay the higher price (upward substitution). In this study, we investigate whether and how much downward substitution firms should perform. We also investigate whether and how much low‐end inventory firms should withhold to strategically divert some low‐end demand to the high‐end product. We first establish the existence of regions of co‐production technology and willingness of customers to substitute upward where firms adopt different substitution/withholding strategies. Then, we develop a managerial framework to determine the optimal selling strategy during the life cycle of technology products as profit margins shrink, manufacturing technology improves, and more capacity becomes available. Consistent trends exist for exogenous and endogenous prices.
Uncertainty in Climate Change Modeling: Can Global Sensitivity Analysis Be of Help?
Authors: Anderson Barry , Borgonovo Emanuele , Galeotti Marzio , Roson Roberto
Published: October 2013

Integrated assessment models offer a crucial support to decisionmakers in climate policy making. For a full understanding and corroboration of model results, analysts ought to identify the exogenous variables that influence the model results the most (key drivers), appraise the relevance of interactions, and the direction of change associated with the simultaneous variation of uncertain variables. We show that such information can be directly extracted from the data set produced by Monte Carlo simulations. Our discussion is guided by the application to the well‐known DICE model of William Nordhaus. The proposed methodology allows analysts to draw robust insights into the dependence of future atmospheric temperature, global emissions, and carbon costs and taxes on the model's exogenous variables.
Investigating Non-Ignorable Dropout in Panel Studies of Residential Mobility
Authors: Washbrook Elizabeth , Clarke Paul S. , Steele Fiona
Published: October 2013

We consider the effect of non-ignorable dropout in the analysis of residential mobility in household panel surveys. To investigate the effect of such dropout, we consider two types of selection model: the first allows dropout to depend directly on the individual's potentially missing moving status, and the second is a Heckman-type selection model with correlated errors. We discuss the identification and estimation of these models and use simulations to study the role of exclusion restrictions in minimizing the dependence of inferences on unverifiable parametric assumptions. The models are both applied to data from the British Household Panel Survey.
Time Varying Frailty Models and the Estimation of Heterogeneities in Transmission of Infectious Diseases
Authors: Unkel Steffen , Farrington C. Paddy , Whitaker Heather J. , Pebody Richard
Published: October 2013

A frailty modelling framework is presented for representing and making inference on individual heterogeneities that are relevant to the transmission of infectious diseases, including heterogeneities that evolve over time. Central to this framework is the use of multivariate data on several infections. We explore new simple but flexible families of time-dependent frailty models, in which the frailty is modulated over time in a deterministic fashion. Methods of estimation, issues of identifiability and model choice are discussed. Results from such models are interpreted in the light of concomitant information on routes of transmission. Applications to paired serological survey data on a range of infections with the same or different routes of transmission are presented.
Emotional dysfunction in avoidant compared to borderline personality disorder: A study of affect consciousness
Authors: Johansen Merete Selsbakk , Normann‐Eide Eivind , Normann‐Eide Tone , Wilberg Theresa
Published: October 2013

Knowledge of emotional dysfunction in patients with avoidant personality disorder (APD) is much needed. The present study examined affect consciousness (AC) in patients with APD compared to borderline personality disorder (BPD). AC, defined as capacity to perceive, reflect on, tolerate, and express emotional experiences, is assumed to be central to structure‐building in personality. The study tested the hypotheses that patients with APD have lower general AC and lower AC for pleasant affects compared to BPD. Fifty‐nine patients, 26 with APD and 33 with BPD were rated on several aspects of AC using the specialized AC interview. The structured interview SCID‐II was applied for diagnostic evaluations. The APD group had significantly lower levels of global AC and conceptual expressivity compared to the BPD group. Among 11 specific affects the APD group had significantly lower AC for interest and contempt. Emotional dysfunction is an important feature of APD and the findings indicate that psychotherapies for APD patients should focus on emotional experiences, aiming to improve emotional awareness, tolerance, and expressivity. The notion of a general avoidance of positive emotions in APD needs further exploration, including a possible dysfunction in the evolutionary based neuro‐affective Seeking system.