bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Validation of a Mexican food photograph album as a tool to visually estimate food amounts in adolescents
Authors: Bernal-Orozco M. Fernanda , Vizmanos-Lamotte Barbara , Rodríguez-Rocha Norma P. , Macedo-Ojeda Gabriela , Orozco-Valerio María , Rovillé-Sausse Françoise , León-Estrada Sandra , Márquez-Sandoval Fabiola , Fernández-Ballart Joan D.
Published: November 2012

The aim of the present study was to validate a food photograph album (FPA) as a tool to visually estimate food amounts, and to compare this estimation with that attained through the use of measuring cups (MC) and food models (FM). We tested 163 foods over fifteen sessions (thirty subjects/session; 10–12 foods presented in two portion sizes, 20–24 plates/session). In each session, subjects estimated food amounts with the assistance of FPA, MC and FM. We compared (by portion and method) the mean estimated weight and the mean real weight. We also compared the percentage error estimation for each portion, and the mean food percentage error estimation between methods. In addition, we determined the percentage error estimation of each method. We included 463 adolescents from three public high schools (mean age 17·1 (sd1·2) years, 61·8 % females). All foods were assessed using FPA, 53·4 % of foods were assessed using MC, and FM was used for 18·4 % of foods. The mean estimated weight with all methods was statistically different compared with the mean real weight for almost all foods. However, a lower percentage error estimation was observed using FPA (2·3v. 56·9 % for MC and 325 % for FM,P< 0·001). Also, when analysing error rate ranges between methods, there were more observations (P< 0·001) with estimation errors higher than 40 % with the MC (56·1 %), than with the FPA (27·5 %) and FM (44·9 %). In conclusion, although differences between estimated and real weight were statistically significant for almost all foods, comparisons between methods showed FPA to be the most accurate tool for estimating food amounts.
Vitamin D in pregnancy at high latitude in Scotland
Authors: Haggarty Paul , Campbell Doris M. , Knox Susan , Horgan Graham W. , Hoad Gwen , Boulton Emma , McNeill Geraldine , Wallace Alan M.
Published: November 2012

The aims of the present study were to determine compliance with current advice on vitamin D and to assess the influence of season, dietary intake, supplement use and deprivation on vitamin D status in pregnant mothers and newborns in the north of Scotland where sunlight exposure is low. Pregnant women (n 1205) and their singleton newborns were studied in the Aberdeen Maternity Hospital (latitude 57°N) between 2000 and 2006. Plasma 25-hydroxyvitamin D2 and 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 were measured at 19 weeks of gestation in mothers and at delivery in newborns. During pregnancy, 21·0 (95 % CI 18·5, 23·5) % of women took vitamin D supplements. The median intake was 5 μg/d and only 0·6 (95 % CI 0·1, 1·0) % took the recommended 10 μg/d. Supplement use, adjusted for season, dietary intake and deprivation, significantly increased maternal 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) by 10·5 (95 % CI 5·7, 15·2) nmol/l (P< 0·001); however, there was no significant effect on cord 25(OH)D (1·4 (95 % CI − 1·8, 4·5) nmol/l). The biggest influence on both maternal and cord 25(OH)D was season of birth (P< 0·001). Compared with the least deprived women (top three deciles), the most deprived pregnancies (bottom three deciles) were characterised by a significantly lower seasonally adjusted 25(OH)D ( − 11·6 (95 % CI − 7·5, − 15·7) nmol/l in the mother and − 5·8 (95 % CI − 2·3, − 9·4) nmol/l in the cord), and a lower level of supplement use (10 (95 % CI 4, 17) v. 23 (95 % CI 20, 26) %). More should be done to promote vitamin D supplement use in pregnancy but the critical importance of endogenous vitamin D synthesis, and known adaptations of fat metabolism specific to pregnancy, suggest that safe sun advice may be a useful additional strategy, even at high latitude.
Exercise enhancement of hepatic insulin-sensitising substance-mediated glucose uptake in diet-induced prediabetic rats
Authors: Chowdhury Kawshik K. , Legare Dallas J. , Lautt W. Wayne
Published: November 2012

The sensitisation of insulin action in response to a meal (i.e. meal-induced insulin sensitisation, MIS) represents one of the major means of increased glucose disposal in peripheral tissues during the postprandial state. MIS occurs when the release of hepatic insulin-sensitising substance (HISS) stimulates skeletal muscle glucose uptake. Our previous study had demonstrated that the HISS pathway is impaired in age-associated insulin resistance, and in the rats which were part of that study, voluntary exercise improved the response to insulin by restoring HISS action. The present study tests the hypothesis that voluntary exercise would reverse insulin resistance in diet-induced models of insulin resistance, and that the benefits are attributed through the improvement in HISS action. In this study, two experimental diets, a high-fat diet (for 4 weeks) and 35 % sucrose solution (for 9 and 16 weeks), were used to induce insulin resistance in rats. These rats were assigned to the exercise/no-exercise intervention. The effect of 7 d voluntary running-wheel exercise was determined by measuring insulin- and HISS action in the exercised rats and comparing them with the non-exercised controls. Voluntary exercise reversed insulin resistance, caused by dietary manipulation, through restoration of the HISS action. The direct insulin action was not changed by either diet or exercise. The metabolic improvements and reduced adiposity correlated with the extent of reversal of HISS action induced by exercise. Exercise improves insulin sensitivity in diet-induced insulin resistance primarily by restoration of HISS-mediated glucose uptake.
Effects of feeding Bt MON810 maize to sows during first gestation and lactation on maternal and offspring health indicators
Authors: Walsh Maria C. , Buzoianu Stefan G. , Gardiner Gillian E. , Rea Mary C. , O'Donovan Orla , Ross R. Paul , Lawlor Peadar G.
Published: November 2012

A total of twenty-four sows and their offspring were used in a 20-week study to investigate the effects of feeding GM maize on maternal and offspring health. Sows were fed diets containing GM or non-GM maize from service to the end of lactation. GM maize-fed sows were heavier on day 56 of gestation (P< 0·05). Offspring from sows fed GM maize tended to be lighter at weaning (P= 0·08). Sows fed GM maize tended to have decreased serum total protein (P= 0·08), and increased serum creatinine (P< 0·05) and γ-glutamyltransferase activity (P= 0·07) on day 28 of lactation. Serum urea tended to be decreased on day 110 of gestation in GM maize-fed sows (P= 0·10) and in offspring at birth (P= 0·08). Both platelet count (P= 0·07) and mean cell Hb concentration (MCHC;P= 0·05) were decreased on day 110 of gestation in GM maize-fed sows; however, MCHC tended to be increased in offspring at birth (P= 0·08). There was a minimal effect of feeding GM maize to sows during gestation and lactation on maternal and offspring serum biochemistry and haematology at birth and body weight at weaning.
Investigating the appropriate mode of expressing lysine requirement of fish through non-linear mixed model analysis and multilevel analysis
Authors: Hua Katheline
Published: November 2012

Accurate estimates of lysine requirement are essential to fish feed formulation. However, controversy exists regarding the most appropriate mode to express lysine requirement. In the fish nutrition literature, essential amino acid (AA) requirement has been expressed as a percentage of diet, a percentage of dietary crude protein or a ratio to dietary digestible energy (DE). The controversy lies in the different assumptions regarding the effects of dietary protein and DE on lysine requirement. Non-linear mixed model analysis and multilevel analysis were carried out to investigate whether dietary protein or DE affected lysine requirement of fish. The non-linear mixed model analysis suggests that expressing lysine requirement as a percentage of dietary protein provides a better goodness of fit to the modelling dataset than expressing requirement as a fixed concentration of diet, which in turn is generally better than expressing requirement as a ratio to DE. Results from the multilevel analysis confirm that dietary protein content has a significant effect on lysine requirement, while DE does not. The findings of the present study could contribute to a better understanding of the underlying dietary factors that affect AA requirements of fish. The results of the present study could also be useful for developing nutritional guidelines and feed formulations for fish.
The association between dairy product consumption and cognitive function in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey
Authors: Park Keigan M. , Fulgoni Victor L.
Published: November 2012

The present cross-sectional study sought to determine the potential relationships between the intake of dairy foods (total dairy products, milk and cheese) and cognitive function through information garnered in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys (1988–94 and 1999–2002). Cognitive measures of vasomotor speed, coding speed and immediate memory recall were assessed from a simple reaction time task (SRTT), symbol–digit substitution test (SDST) and serial digit learning task, respectively, in adults 20–59 years of age. A summation of the percentile rank scores on each of the three tests provided a measure of overall cognitive function. In adults 60 years of age and above, a story recall test and a digit–symbol substitution test (DSST) were utilised to determine cognitive function in an elderly population. The results indicated that cognitive scores for the SRTT were not different between consumers and non-consumers of dairy foods. However, there were associations observed between 20- and 59-year-old consumers of total dairy foods and a higher SDST percentile score (53·2 (se 1·3) to 49·4 (se 2·0)) and a calculated global cognitive percentile score (53·3 (se 1·1) to 50·2 (se 1·4)) compared with non-consumers. A similar significant association was observed with cheese consumers. In adults over 60 years of age, an association between total dairy product consumption and higher DSST percentile scores (51·5 (se 1·9) to 46·2 (se 3·0)) was also observed. These findings highlight the need for additional research on how dairy products may affect cognition and by what mechanisms, through its nutrients or other components.
Vitamin C supplementation in relation to inflammation in individuals with atrophic gastritis: a randomised controlled trial in Japan
Authors: Ma Enbo , Sasazuki Shizuka , Sasaki Satoshi , Tsubono Yoshitaka , Okubo Shunji , Tsugane Shoichiro
Published: November 2012

Evidence has shown that both C-reactive protein (CRP) and serum amyloid component A (SAA) are increased in individuals with gastritis and stomach cancer. Controlling the level of these biomarkers by inhibiting the gastric infection with high doses of ascorbic acid may reduce the risk of carcinogenesis. A population-based double-blind randomised controlled trial in a Japanese population with atrophic gastritis in an area of high stomach cancer incidence was conducted between 1995 and 2000. Daily doses of 50 or 500 mg vitamin C were given, and 120 and 124 participants completed the 5-year study, respectively. Although serum ascorbic acid was higher in the high-dosage group (1·73 (sd 0·46) μg/l) than in the low-dosage group (1·49 (sd 0·29) μg/l, P< 0·001), at the end of the study, no significant difference was observed for CRP between the low- and high-dosage groups (0·39 (95 % CI 0·04, 4·19) mg/l and 0·38 (95 % CI 0·03, 4·31) mg/l, respectively; P= 0·63) or for SAA between the low- and high-dosage groups (3·94 (95 % CI 1·04, 14·84) μg/ml and 3·85 (95 % CI 0·99, 14·92) μg/ml, respectively; P= 0·61). Vitamin C supplementation may not have a strong effect on reducing infections in individuals with atrophic gastritis.
Glycaemic index and glycaemic load in relation to risk of diabetes-related cancers: a meta-analysis
Authors: Choi Yuni , Giovannucci Edward , Lee Jung Eun
Published: November 2012

Diets high in glycaemic index (GI) or glycaemic load (GL) have been hypothesised to increase the risks of certain cancers by increasing blood glucose or insulin concentrations. We aimed to conduct a meta-analysis of prospective cohort studies to evaluate the association between GI or GL and diabetes-related cancers (DRC), including bladder, breast, colon–rectum, endometrium, liver and pancreas, which are associated with an increased risk for diabetes, and prostate cancer, which is associated with a reduced risk for diabetes. We searched Pubmed, EMBASE and MEDLINE databases up to September 2011 and reference lists of relevant articles. Relative risks (RR) and 95 % CI for the highestv.the lowest categories were extracted and pooled using a random-effects model. Thirty-six prospective cohort studies with a total of 60 811 DRC cases were included in the present meta-analysis. In a comparison of the highest and lowest categories, the pooled RR of DRC were 1·07 (95 % CI 1·04, 1·11;n30) for GI and 1·02 (95 % CI 0·96, 1·08;n33) for GL. In an analysis of site-specific cancer risks, we found significant associations for GI in relation to breast cancer (RR 1·06; 95 % CI 1·02, 1·11;n11) and colorectal cancer (RR 1·08; 95 % CI 1·00, 1·17;n9 studies). GL was significantly associated with the risk of endometrial cancer (RR 1·21; 95 % CI 1·07, 1·37;n5). In conclusion, the findings of the present study suggest a modest-to-weak association between a diet that induces a high glucose response and DRC risks.
Effects of exercise before or after meal ingestion on fat balance and postprandial metabolism in overweight men
Authors: Farah Nor M. F. , Gill Jason M. R.
Published: November 2012

It is unclear how timing of exercise relative to meal ingestion influences substrate balance and metabolic responses. The present study aimed to compare the effects of exercise performed before or after breakfast on fat balance and postprandial metabolism. A total of ten sedentary overweight men (aged 28·1 (sem10·7) years, BMI 29·0 (sem2·8) kg/m2) underwent three trials in random order involving: (1) performing no exercise (CON), or walking for 60 min at 50 % maximal O2uptake either (2) before (Ex-Meal) or (3) after (Meal-Ex) consuming a standardised breakfast meal. In each trial anad libitumlunch was provided 3·5 h after breakfast. Substrate utilisation was assessed by indirect calorimetry and blood was taken at regular intervals over an 8·5 h observation period. At the end of the observation period, fat balances in the Ex-Meal ( − 1043 (sem270) kJ) and Meal-Ex ( − 697 (sem201) kJ) trials were both significantly lower than CON (204 (sem165) kJ) and fat balance in the Ex-Meal trial was significantly lower than in the Meal-Ex trial (allP <0·0001). Compared with the CON trial, the 8·5 h postprandial TAG response was only significantly lowered in the Ex-Meal trial ( − 17 %,P =0·025) and not in the Meal-Ex trial ( − 11 %,P =0·20). Both the Ex-Meal and Meal-Ex trials showed significantly lowered insulin responses relative to the CON trial (by 19 and 24 %, respectively,P <0·01 for both). There were no differences in lunch energy intake between trials. The present findings suggest that there may be an advantage for body fat regulation and lipid metabolism in exercising before compared with after breakfast. However, further study is needed to determine whether the present findings extend over the long term under free-living conditions.
Information and Ethnic Politics in Africa
Authors: Conroy-Krutz Jeffrey
Published: November 2012

Political scientists’ explanations for ethnic voting differ. Some have argued that the utility of ethnicity lies partly in the information that demographic cues provide about candidates, particularly in information-poor societies. However, extant research has not tested this proposition directly. This article proposes that, if part of ethnicity's utility is informational, we should expect that voters’ reliance on ethnic cues will decline when certain types of higher-quality information are available. To test this, a survey experiment was conducted in Uganda, with subjects evaluating candidates under varying informational environments. While support for co-ethnics was high when ethnicity was the only distinguishing fact about candidates, it declined when information was presented that portrayed co-ethnics negativelyvis-à-visnon co-ethnics. These results suggest that informational environments can impact ethnic voting.
The mid-Cretaceous transition from basement to cover within sedimentary rocks in eastern New Zealand: evidence from detrital zircon age patterns
Authors: ADAMS CHRISTOPHER J. , MORTIMER NICK , CAMPBELL HAMISH J. , GRIFFIN WILLIAM L.
Published: November 2012

Detrital zircon U-Pb ages for 30 Late Jurassic and Cretaceous sandstones from the Eastern Province of eastern New Zealand, combined with previously-published geochronological and palaeontological data, constrain the time of deposition in the Pahau and Waioeka terranes of the Cretaceous accretionary margin of Zealandia, and their adjacent cover strata. The zircon age patterns also constrain possible sediment source areas and mid-Cretaceous geodynamic models of the transition from basement accretionary wedge to passive-margin cover successions. Pahau Terrane deposition was mainly Barremian to Aptian but continued locally through to late Albian time, with major source areas in the adjacent Kaweka and Waipapa terranes and minor inputs from the inboard Median Batholith. Waioeka Terrane deposition was mainly Albian, with distinctive and exclusive sediment sources, principally from the Median Batholith but with minor inputs from the Western Province. Alternative tectonic models to deliver such exclusive Median Batholith and Western Province-derived sediment to the mid-Cretaceous Zealandia continental margin are: (1) the creation of a rift depression across Zealandia or (2) sinistral displacement of South Zealandia with respect to North Zealandia, to expose Western Province rocks directly at the Zealandia margin. Detrital zircon age patterns of Cretaceous cover successions of the Eastern Province of eastern New Zealand demonstrate purely local sources in the adjacent Kaweka and Waipapa terranes. Cretaceous zircon components show a decline in successions of late Early Cretaceous age and disappear by late Late Cretaceous time, suggesting the abandonment or loss of access to both the Median Batholith and Western Province as sediment sources.
A GRAPHICAL DESCRIPTION OF (Dn,An−1) KAZHDAN–LUSZTIG POLYNOMIALS
Authors: LEJCZYK TOBIAS , STROPPEL CATHARINA
Published: November 2012

We give an easy diagrammatical description of the parabolic Kazhdan–Lusztig polynomials for the Weyl group Wn of type Dn with parabolic subgroup of type An and consequently an explicit counting formula for the dimension of morphism spaces between indecomposable projective objects in the corresponding category . As a by-product we categorify irreducible Wn-modules corresponding to the pairs of one-line partitions. Finally, we indicate the motivation for introducing the combinatorics by connections to the Springer theory, the category of perverse sheaves on isotropic Grassmannians, and to the Brauer algebras, which will be treated in two subsequent papers of the second author.
Hydraulic resistances in seedlings of Coffea arabica accessions under contrasting shade regimes in southwestern Ethiopia
Authors: TAYE K. , BURKHARDT J.
Published: November 2012

The study was carried out to determine the variations among different Coffea arabica germplasm lines in hydraulic resistances under controlled nursery settings at the Jimma Agricultural Research Center in southwest Ethiopia. The experimental treatments included contrasting shade conditions (moderate shading v. full sunlight) and seedlings of 12 arabica coffee accessions of varying geographical areas in Ethiopia. Root hydraulic conductance and hydraulic resistances in the whole-shoot and different shoot parts were measured using a high-pressure flow meter. The results depicted significantly lower hydraulic resistances in the whole-shoot and in various shoot segments from the full sunlight exposed seedlings. The contribution of root and shoot resistances varied significantly in response to shade treatments. Likewise, seedlings of coffee accessions exhibited significant variation in the resistance contribution of the main stem-cut to whole-shoot resistances. The maximum hydraulic resistances in main stem-cut were noted in the order of Bonga>Berhane-Kontir>Yayu>Harenna coffee populations, suggesting a direct relationship between growth and hydraulic characteristics. The resistance contributions declined across seedling growth parts: roots>leaf>whole-shoot>lateral branch>petiole, which is consistent with hydraulic gradients and thus sensitivity to drought stress. Moreover, the findings indicate the possibility of predicating the latter stage performances of coffee genotypes at specific field locations. In support of the hypothesis, the effects of both environmental and genetic factors need to be considered in fully understanding drought tolerance strategies in coffee genotypes. In view of the continuous multifaceted threats on the untapped coffee genetic resources, due mainly to, among others, anthropogenic activities coupled with climate change, there is an urgent need for global collaborative actions for future development of the coffee sector in Ethiopia and worldwide.
Immune response of heifers against aStaphylococcus aureusCP5 whole cell vaccine formulated with ISCOMATRIX™adjuvant
Authors: Camussone Cecilia M , Veaute Carolina M , Porporatto Carina , Morein Bror , Marcipar Iván S , Calvinho Luis F
Published: November 2012

The shortcomings of Staphylococcus aureus vaccines to control bovine mastitis have been attributed to insufficient capacity of the vaccines to induce opsonizing antibodies and to stimulate cellular immune responses. Types of antigen, administration route and adjuvant used in a vaccine formulation have been identified as critical factors for the development of opsonic antibodies. Current commercially available vaccines for Staph. aureus bovine mastitis control are formulated with Al(OH)3and oil-based adjuvants. The aim of this study was to evaluate the immune response of heifers immunized with a Staph. aureus CP5 whole cell vaccine formulated either with Al(OH)3or ISCOMATRIX™. Twenty primigravid Holstein dairy heifers in the last trimester of gestation were immunized either with a vaccine formulated with ISCOMATRIX™(n = 6), Al(OH)3(n = 7), or saline solution (placebo) (n = 7). Immunization was carried out 38 and 10 d before calving. Heifers vaccinated with Staph. aureus adjuvanted with ISCOMATRIX™responded with significantly higher levels of anti-bacterin and anti-CP5 IgG and IgG2in sera than animals in the Al(OH)3or control groups. Animals in the ISCOMATRIX™group responded with significantly higher anti-bacterin specific IgG in whey than animals in the Al(OH)3and control groups, detected from the first week post calving until 60 d of lactation. Sera from animals inoculated with Staph. aureus in ISCOMATRIX™, obtained 7 d post partum, significantly increased both the number of neutrophils ingesting bacteria and the number of bacteria being ingested by the neutrophils, compared with sera obtained from heifers vaccinated with Al(OH)3or non-vaccinated controls. These features coupled to safety of the ISCOMATRIX™formulation, warrant additional studies.
Dividend Growth, Cash Flow, and Discount Rate News
Authors: Garrett Ian , Priestley Richard
Published: November 2012

Using a new variable based on a model of dividend smoothing, we find that dividend growth is highly predictable and that cash flow news contributes importantly to return variability. Cash flow betas derived from this predictability are central to explaining the size effect in the cross section of returns. However, they do not explain the value effect; this is explained by noise betas. We also find that the relative importance of cash flow news in explaining recent stock price run-ups and subsequent declines increases when cash flow news is estimated directly.
“Preparing” the Equity Market for Adverse Corporate Events: A Theoretical Analysis of Firms Cutting Dividends
Authors: Chemmanur Thomas J. , Tian Xuan
Published: November 2012

This paper presents the first theoretical analysis of the choice of firms between “preparing” and not preparing the equity market in advance of a possible dividend cut. In our model, insiders have private information about their firm’s intermediate cash flow as well as about the net present value of its growth opportunity. We show that, in equilibrium, firms in temporary financial difficulties but with good long-term growth prospects are more likely to prepare the market in advance of dividend cuts, while those with permanently declining earnings are less likely to prepare the market. Our model generates several new testable predictions.
Application of the Vibrant Soundbridge middle-ear implant for aural atresia in patients with Treacher Collins syndrome
Authors: Lesinskas E , Stankeviciute V , Petrulionis M
Published: November 2012

Objective:

To present results for the auditory rehabilitation of patients with Treacher Collins syndrome with bilateral osseous atresia, using middle-ear implantation with a Vibrant Soundbridge.

Methods:

Three patients underwent vibroplasty for aural atresia with moderate to severe conductive hearing loss. The pre-operative Jahrsdoerfer radiological score was 4 for all patients. Patients underwent active middle-ear implantation of a Vibrant Soundbridge implant (coupling the floating mass transducer to the rudimentary stapes or footplate distally, and positioning it adjacent to the round window membrane proximally), with audiological analysis as follow up.

Results:

After implant activation, the mean air conduction threshold ± standard deviation decreased to 22.8 ± 5.5 dB HL, representing a mean functional gain of 44.5 dB. The mean word recognition score (for bisyllabic words at 65 dB SPL) increased from 0 to 97 per cent.

Conclusion:

Vibrant Soundbridge implantation is an effective hearing rehabilitation procedure in patients with Treacher Collins syndrome with bilateral osseous atresia. This is a versatile implant which can achieve coupling even in cases of severe middle-ear malformation.
The ENT emergency clinic: does senior input matter?
Authors: Mirza A , McClelland L , Daniel M , Jones N
Published: November 2012

Background:

Many ENT conditions can be treated in the emergency clinic on an ambulatory basis. Our clinic traditionally had been run by foundation year two and specialty trainee doctors (period one). However, with perceived increasing inexperience, a dedicated registrar was assigned to support the clinic (period two). This study compared admission and discharge rates for periods one and two to assess if greater registrar input affected discharge rate; an increase in discharge rate was used as a surrogate marker of efficiency.

Method:

Data was collected prospectively for patients seen in the ENT emergency clinic between 1 August 2009 and 31 July 2011. Time period one included data from patients seen between 1 August 2009 and 31 July 2010, and time period two included data collected between 1 August 2010 and 31 July 2011.

Results:

The introduction of greater registrar support increased the number of patients that were discharged, and led to a reduction in the number of children requiring the operating theatre.

Conclusion:

The findings, which were determined using clinic outcomes as markers of the quality of care, highlighted the benefits of increasing senior input within the ENT emergency clinic.
Neonatal airway lesions: our experience and a review of the literature
Authors: Rangachari V , Aggarwal R , Jain A , Kapoor M C
Published: November 2012

Objectives:

This paper reports on two rare cases of neonatal airway lesions with differing aetiology that were successfully managed by surgery, and provides a review of the literature on neonatal stridor and airway lesions.

Case reports:

In the first case report, a newborn presented with a nasopharyngeal teratoma. In the second case report, a newborn presented with a congenital laryngeal saccular cyst. Difficulties in the diagnosis of these lesions, and surgical and anaesthetic challenges in their management are discussed.

Conclusion:

Every case of neonatal airway distress must be evaluated and the cause of stridor needs to be established. It is important that rare lesions such as teratomas and laryngeal cysts are not overlooked; a high index of suspicion for these congenital anomalies is necessary. These airway lesions should be managed in an institutional setting by a multidisciplinary team.
Observation of virus-like particles in thin sections of the bleaching scleractinian coral Acropora cytherea
Authors: Bettarel Yvan , Thuy Nguyen Thanh , Huy Tran Quang , Hoang Phan Kim , Bouvier Thierry
Published: November 2012

Virus-like particles were observed in thin sections of partially bleaching colonies of the scleractinian Acropora cytherea, collected in the Hon Mun Marine Protected Area (Vietnam). The most common particles were found in the cytoplasm of epidermal cells, exhibiting icosahedral symmetry and measuring 90–140 nm in diameter. Some had a tail-like structure resembling that of certain Hepadnaviridae such as the hepatitis B virus. Some others were tailless with a virion size. Overall, less than 10% of the cells showed obvious signs of infection. Images of virally-parasitized tissues of A. cytherea provide further evidence that corals are a target for viral infection. However, more research is required into their pathogenicity and involvement in bleaching events.
Growth of the blue mackerel Scomber scombrus in Tunisia using the otolith microstructure
Authors: Jabeur Chédia , Mahmoudi Kacem , Khoufi Widien , Morize Eric
Published: November 2012

This paper studies the age and the growth of male and female of the Tunisian blue mackerel Scomber scombrus during 2004–2006. The age was determined by interpreting and counting daily increments on the otoliths sagitta of 320 individuals sampled from landings caught by different gears specially by purse seine. The parameters of the Von Bertalanffy growth curve were estimated for sexes combined: Lf = 31.46(1 − e−0.228 (t+3.034)) (L∞ = 31.46 cm, k = 0.228 per year, t0 = −3.034 years); for male Lf = 27.43(1 − e−0.422 (t+1.747)) (L∞ = 27.43 cm, k = 0.422 per year, t0 = −1.747 years) and for female Lf = 31.70(1 − e−0.227 (t+2.196)) (L∞ = 31.70 cm, k = 0.227 per year, t0 = −2.916 years) for the whole study period. The difference between the growth of male and female is not significant. The relationship between length and weight shows a length growth faster than of the weight with parameters of the equation Wt = a*Lb; a = 9.89*10−5 and b = 2.37 for the sexes combined.
Phylogeography of the Christmas Island blue crab,Discoplax celeste(Decapoda: Gecarcinidae) on Christmas Island, Indian Ocean
Authors: Turner Lucy M. , Hallas J. Paul , Smith Michael J. , Morris Stephen
Published: November 2012

The land crab,Discoplax celeste(Gecarcinidae) is endemic to Christmas Island in the Indian Ocean. Due to a freshwater-dependant life history, in which the megalopae migrate from the ocean up freshwater streams to their adult terrestrial/freshwater habitat,D. celesteinhabits only a few isolated locations on the island. This restricted distribution is one of a number of factors which has previously highlighted the vulnerability of this species to outside threats. A number of anthropogenic factors including the introduction of multiple invasive species and habitat destruction have led to drastic ecosystem change on Christmas Island. The aim of this study was to investigate whether the restricted geographical distributions ofD. celestepopulations contribute to significant genetic structuring across Christmas Island, with an objective to inform future conservation strategies for this species on Christmas Island. Fragments of the mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase I gene and the control region were sequenced from 95 individuals collected from all five locations on Christmas Island known to be inhabited byD. celeste. Analyses using analysis of molecular variance revealed no evidence of population sub-structuring, indicating that despite any geographical isolation, there is a single population ofD. celesteon Christmas Island. This lack of population differentiation is probably explained by the oceanic dispersal of larvae, rather than terrestrial migration ofD. celeste. Therefore, based on these results, for conservation purposes,D. celesteon Christmas Island can be considered a single management unit.
Fifty years of ascidian biodiversity research in São Sebastião, Brazil
Authors: Dias G.M. , Rocha R.M. , Lotufo T.M.C. , Kremer L.P.
Published: November 2012

The city of São Sebastião (SS), in south-eastern Brazil, is one of the hotspots for marine research since the establishment of the Centre of Marine Biology of the University of São Paulo in the 1960s. The SS region experienced intense transformation during the past 50 years, including increasing urbanization and construction of maritime facilities. Ascidian surveys during the past 50 years have found 62 species, eight of which were described as new and 12 are introduced. Didemnidae and Styelidae are the most speciose families in São Sebastião Channel, with 20 and 15 species respectively.Phallusia nigra, Didemnum psammatodes, Trididemnum orbiculatum, Botrylloides nigrumandSymplegma rubraare the most common ascidians. Most of the species are of tropical origin and São Paulo is their southern geographical limit. Comparisons of reports of the ascidians from different time periods allowed detection of species introductions and shifts in assemblage structure in terms of both species composition and abundance. Additionally, we discuss the main taxonomic issues regarding ascidians from south-eastern Brazil and identify profitable areas for future research. We believe that the temporal data compiled here will serve as a baseline for monitoring and management of ascidians in SS. Additionally, this study provides one of the most detailed datasets of ascidian diversity from the south-western Atlantic Ocean.
A new marine tardigrade,Tanarctus diplocerus(Arthrotardigrada: Halechiniscidae) from Japan
Authors: Fujimoto Shinta , Miyazaki Katsumi , Suzuki Atsushi C.
Published: November 2012

A new marine tardigrade of the genusTanarctusis described from Japan.Tanarctus diplocerussp. nov. was collected from Shimabara Bay, Kumamoto and Tanabe Bay, Wakayama. It is characterized by simple leg IV appendages, the lack of the internal–external relation in the dorsal and ventral cirri and the lack of the club-shaped secondary clavae. The secondary sexual dimorphism of the primary clavae and probable two-digit juveniles of the new species are reported. The problematic terminology of the so-called ‘internal’ and ‘external’ cirri is also discussed. A taxonomic key for the species ofTanarctusis provided.
Associations between the White Sea colonial hydroidDynamena pumilaand microorganisms
Authors: Gorelova O.A. , Baulina O.I. , Kosevich I.A. , Lobakova E.S.
Published: November 2012

Marine sessile invertebrates with outer skeleton constitute additional substrate for a diverse group of epibiotic organisms. Colonial hydroids are no exception. Large numbers of motile and sessile organisms use hydroid colonies covered with chitinous perisarc for permanent or temporal attachment. Such epibiotic associations between colonial hydroids and microorganisms are poorly studied and mostly known for subtropical regions. There are no data about the development of such epibiotic association and type of its specificity yet. The present paper for the first time describes the epibiotic association of the colonial thecate hydroidDynamena pumilafrom the high latitude sea. We reconstruct the spatial and temporal development of such epibiotic community and analyse the organization of the multicomponent biofilm covering the hydroid colony. Comparison of the epibiotic community in different seasons indicates for holding out of the basal features and components of the community during the whole year. Ultrastructural investigations revealed that components of the biofilm affect the outer skeleton of the hydroid colony that results in penetration of the microorganisms into the skeleton and even soft tissues. Our data allow supposing that association of hydroidD. pumilawith a microorganism community has features of a symbiotic system.
Host-use pattern and sexual dimorphism reveals the mating system of the symbiotic pea crabAustinixa aidae(Crustacea: Brachyura: Pinnotheridae)
Authors: Peiró Douglas F. , Baeza J. Antonio , Mantelatto Fernando L.
Published: November 2012

Austinixa aidaeinhabits burrows of the ghost shrimpCallichirus majorat Perequê-açu beach, Ubatuba, Brazil. We described the host-use pattern and sexual dimorphism ofA. aidaeto test for monogamy given the generality of this mating system in the subfamily Pinnothereliinae (family Pinnotheridae) to whichA. aidaebelongs. Against expectations,A. aidaelives as solitary individuals within burrows more frequently than expected by chance alone. Additional observations suggested thatA. aidaeexhibits a polygynandrous mating system with males moving among burrows in search of receptive females. First, only 21% of the burrows harboured heterosexual pairs of crabs and the body size of paired crabs was poorly correlated. This suggests pair instability and frequent shifts among burrows by male and/or female crabs, as reported before for other symbiotic crustaceans in which the body size of paired crabs is poorly correlated. Second, males paired with females that were sexually receptive (without embryos) or that have been receptive recently (carrying early embryos) were found more frequently than expected by chance alone. The above agrees with that reported for species in which sexual pairing does not last long. Third, sexual dimorphism in terms of claw size and coloration was evident. Claws were larger in males than in females, a condition that argues in favour of male–male competition inA. aidae. In addition, the body coloration of males was more similar to the sand grains of the beach than that of females. This sex-specific coloration suggests that males are ‘better adapted' than females to roam on the surface of the beach in search of burrows because their coloration should diminish the risk of detection by predators. Experiments are needed to reveal the details of the polygynandrous mating system herein inferred forA. aidaeand to understand those conditions favouring particular reproductive strategies in symbiotic decapod crustaceans.
Sexual seasonal growth of the European anchovy (Engraulis encrasicolus) caught by mid-water trawl and purse seine in the southern Black Sea
Authors: Bilgin Sabri , Taşçi Burak , Bal Hatice
Published: November 2012

The seasonal growth pattern and size composition of the European anchovy, Engraulis encrasicolus caught by mid-water trawl and purse seine was studied in the southern Black Sea between October 2010 and April 2011. Total length (TL) and size distribution of females caught by purse seine was higher than males and females obtained from mid-water trawl (P < 0.05). The seasonal von Bertalanffy growth parameters, computed from monthly length–frequency distributions, were estimated as asymptotic length to which the fish grow (L∞) = 13.01 cm TL, growth-rate parameter (K) = 0.993 year−1, amplitude of the sinusoidal growth oscillations (C) = 0.800, and the time of the year when the growth rate is slowest, the winter period (WP) = 0.298 for males and as L∞ = 13.69 cm TL, K = 1.249 year−1, C = 0.950, and WP = 0.151 for females caught by mid-water trawl. The seasonal von Bertalanffy growth parameters for anchovy obtained from purse seine fishing in the Rize region were estimated as L∞ = 14.00 cm TL, K = 0.800 year−1, C = 0.980, and WP = 0.212 for males and as L∞ = 13.93 cm TL, K = 0.994 year−1, C = 0.725, and WP = 0.319 for females. The period of slowest growth for males and females estimated between February and April, which is the period with a relatively low water temperature and consequently anchovy in the southern Black Sea have a seasonal growth pattern.
Congruency analysis to determine potential surrogates of littoral macroinvertebrate communities: a case study in intertidal ecosystems of northern Yellow Sea
Authors: Xu Guangjian , Li Yulian , He Chongbo , Xu Henglong
Published: November 2012

To determine potential surrogates of littoral macroinvertebrate communities for marine bioassessment and for evaluating biological conservation, the different taxonomic resolutions as surrogates were studied based on six datasets collected from intertidal zones of the Yellow Sea, near Qingdao, northern China, during the period of 1989–1998. Samples were collected yearly at five stations with different bottom types during the summer season (June). The genus- and family-level resolutions maintained sufficient information to analyse the ecological patterns of the macroinvertebrate communities for assessing ecological quality status in littoral ecosystems. The mollusc assemblages, alone or in combination with arthropod assemblages, may be used as a surrogate of littoral macroinvertebrate communities, at both species- and genus-level resolutions. The results suggest that the use of simplifications in macroinvertebrate fauna at genus-level resolutions or using smaller taxonomic assemblages (e.g. molluscs and arthropods) are time-efficient and would allow improving sampling strategies of large spatial/temporal scale bioassessment programmes and biological conservation researches in littoral ecosystems.
Distribution, population dynamics and growth rates of Thysanopoda acutifrons, Thysanoessa inermis and Nematobrachion boöpis in the Irminger Sea, North Atlantic
Authors: Saunders R.A. , Rasmussen J. , Tarling G.A. , Brierley A.S.
Published: November 2012

Euphausiids are an important component of the northern North Atlantic ecosystem and several species are found in the Irminger Sea. However, data on euphausiids in this region are few, particularly for Thysanopoda acutifrons, Thysanoessa inermis and Nematobranchion boöpis. In this paper, we present the first data since the 1930s on the seasonal distribution and population dynamics of these species from net haul data collected in the Irminger Sea during winter, spring and summer 2001–2002. Thysanoessa inermis was the most numerically abundant (0.63–26.62 ind. 1000 m−3) of the three species in the region and comprised a biomass of 3.92–41.74 mg 1000 m−3. The species was largely found in the upper regions of the water column (0–400 m) and was distributed in the more on-shelf/shelf-break regions around East Greenland and Iceland. Growth rates were around 0.03 mm d−1for T. inermis and there was some evidence that either the timing of spawning was delayed, or larval development was prolonged in the region. Thysanopoda acutifrons was predominantly distributed below 400 m in more oceanic regions and had a low abundance (1.23–1.64 ind. 1000 m−3) throughout the Irminger Sea. However, the species comprised a relatively high proportion of biomass (19.39–31.33 mg 1000 m−3) due to its large body size. Our data showed that the species had low rates of growth (0.04 mm d−1) and development throughout the year, and that the reproductive season occurred during the overwintering period (November/December) once individuals had reached two years of age. Nematobranchion boöpis mainly occurred below 400 m at low abundance (0.06–0.18 ind.1000 m−3) levels throughout the region. The species was largely found where Atlantic waters prevailed in the Irminger Current and its growth rates were variable (0.02–0.06 mm d−1). Nematobranchion boöpis was a year-round spawner and the species had fairly rapid rates of post-larval development, with the newly spawned 0-group reaching sexual maturity within the first 6 months. Data presented in this paper provide useful baselines for understanding the possible impacts of long-term, broad-scale environmental change on the ecology of euphausiid communities in the Irminger Sea.
Mitochondrial genome rearrangement in a hydrothermal vent-endemic lineage of provannid gastropods provides a new DNA marker for phylogeographical studies
Authors: Hidaka Hiroka , Watanabe Hiromi , Kano Yasunori , Kojima Shigeaki
Published: November 2012

The nucleotide sequences of mitochondrial DNA fragments containing genes for cytochromecoxidase subunits I and II, ATPase subunits 6 and 8, large and small subunits of rRNA, and 9 tRNAs were determined using 2 genetically distinct representative specimens of the hydrothermal vent-endemic genus,Alviniconcha, and for the hydrothermal vent-endemic species,Ifremeria nautilei(Provannidae: Caenogastropoda: Mollusca). All 3 specimens showed tRNATrpgene translocation. To determine the time point at which this translocation occurred, we determined the nucleotide sequences of fragments containing 7 tRNA genes for another 3Alviniconchaand 2Ifremeriaspecimens, as well as for 7 related species. Our findings indicated that the translocation occurred in a common ancestor of theAlviniconchaandIfremeriagenera. Relatively long non-coding regions were observed on both sides of the tRNATrpgene and at the original position of this gene in all theAlviniconchaandIfremeriagastropod specimens. Overall, the mitochondrial non-coding regions appear to provide much more information about genetic structure than the mitochondrial COI gene does and could therefore be a valuable marker for future studies.
Description ofMooreonuphis bidentataa new species of Onuphidae (Annelida: Polychaeta) from the Mexican Caribbean with remarks on the distribution of the genus
Authors: Rupit-Arteaga Samantha Karina , Hernández-Alcántara Pablo , Solís-Weiss Vivianne
Published: November 2012

Mooreonuphis bidentata, a new species of onuphid polychaete, is newly described from the Mexican Caribbean. It was found in dead coral rocks at depths of 2.2 m and can be distinguished from its congeners by having simple filaments branchiae from chaetigers 19–24, as well as bi- and tridentate pseudocompound falcigers and large median simple tridentate hooded hooks in the first four chaetigers. IncludingM. bidentatasp. nov., the genusMooreonuphisincludes 19 species, which have been exclusively collected on the American coasts, mainly in tropical and temperate waters. From the Caribbean Sea, six species have been recorded. Of these,M. bidentatasp. nov,M. cirrata,M. dangrigaeandM. intermediaare the only species having theirlocus typicusin this tropical region. A taxonomic key is presented for all the species ofMooreonuphisrecorded from both sides of the American seas.
Britain's Men on the Spot in China: John Jordan, Yuan Shikai, and the Reorganization Loan, 1912–1914
Authors: KOJI HIRATA
Published: November 2012

In this paper I examine British policy towards the Yuan Shikai government in China between 1912 and 1914 through a consideration of the role of Britain's ‘men on the spot’ in China (i.e. British diplomats and bankers resident there). In doing so, I synthesize two bodies of literature that rarely interact: British imperial history and work by China historians. Three main elements shaped British policy in China: first, British policy-makers were determined to support Yuan Shikai's consolidation of power in China; second, in the making of its China policy, the Foreign Office relied heavily on Britain's men on the spot; and, finally, these men were anxious about the vulnerability of the Yuan Shikai government and were therefore manipulated to a certain extent by Chinese politicians. I suggest that British policy-makers were reacting to, rather than controlling, Chinese politics and that in this period collaboration with British imperialism was a rational choice for the Yuan Shikai government.