bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Optimal vortex formation in a self-propelled vehicle
Authors: Whittlesey Robert W. , Dabiri John O.
Published: November 2013

Previous studies have shown that the formation of coherent vortex rings in the near-wake of a self-propelled vehicle can increase propulsive efficiency compared with a steady jet wake. The present study utilizes a self-propelled vehicle to explore the dependence of propulsive efficiency on the vortex ring characteristics. The maximum propulsive efficiency was observed to occur when vortex rings were formed of the largest physical size, just before the leading vortex ring would pinch off from its trailing jet. These experiments demonstrate the importance of vortex ring pinch off in self-propelled vehicles, where coflow modifies the vortex dynamics.
‘We are saving the township’: Pentecostalism, faith-based organisations, and development in South Africa
Authors: Burchardt Marian
Published: November 2013

In this article, I trace the emergence of Pentecostal FBOs in the South African city of Cape Town. By focusing on their involvements in HIV/AIDS programmes, including practices such as health education, counselling and material support, I analyse the organisational dynamics and consequences ensuing from their activities. Pentecostal involvements in development work engender complex connections between two distinct processes: On the one hand, they offer Pentecostal communities new social spaces for promoting their faith and moral agendas. On the other hand, development work urges Pentecostal communities to recast their activities in the logic of formal organisation and accountability (proposals–grants–projects). On the ground, these logics are constantly subverted as beneficiaries construe FBOs aspatronsand deploy Pentecostal identities for mediating access to FBOs and the resources they command. My argument is that Pentecostal faith works to mediate the entire set of social relationships, expectations, imageries and practices that structure FBO work on the ground. More than belief and ritual, it isPentecostal belongingthat links organisations, people, opportunities and resources.
Institutions, power and para-state alliances: a critical reassessment of HIV/AIDS politics in South Africa, 1999–2008
Authors: Powers Theodore
Published: November 2013

From 1999 to 2008, delays in the adoption of a comprehensive treatment and prevention programme shortened the lives of people living with HIV/AIDS in South Africa. While the slow implementation of antiretroviral therapy has been attributed to a lack of institutional capacity, dissident views on HIV/AIDS and the effects of fiscal austerity, it was also an expression of power. This article analyses how the South African HIV/AIDS movement overcame this exercise of power by the AIDS dissident faction of the African National Congress (ANC) by building an alliance with the South African labour movement and moderate elements within the ruling party. The ANC's dissident faction responded to this by developing para-state partnerships with non-state organisations to support the AIDS dissident agenda. This study highlights the need to expand the para-state concept to take into account a wider range of social formations and the historically particular conditions under which they emerge.
Cardiovascular drug use and mortality in patients with schizophrenia or bipolar disorder: a Danish population-based study
Authors: Laursen T. M. , Mortensen P. B. , MacCabe J. H. , Cohen D. , Gasse C.
Published: November 2013

Background

Cardiovascular (CV) co-morbidity is one of the major modifiable risk factors driving the excess mortality in individuals with schizophrenia or bipolar disorder. Population-based studies in this area are sparse.

Method

We used Danish population registers to calculate incidence rate ratios (IRRs) for CV drug use, and mortality rate ratios comparing subjects with schizophrenia or bipolar disorder with subjects with no prior psychiatric hospitalization.

Results

IRRs for CV prescriptions were significantly decreased in patients with schizophrenia or bipolar disorder compared with the general population. Among persons without previous myocardial infarction (MI) or cerebrovascular disease, persons with schizophrenia or bipolar disorder had an up to 6- and 15-fold increased mortality from all causes or unnatural causes, respectively, compared with the general population, being most pronounced among those without CV treatment (16-fold increase). Among those with previous MI or cerebrovascular disease, excess all-cause and unnatural death was lower (up to 3-fold and 7-fold increased, respectively), but was similar in CV-treated and -untreated persons.

Conclusions

The present study shows an apparent under-prescription of most CV drugs among patients with schizophrenia or bipolar disorder compared with the general population in Denmark. The excess of mortality by unnatural deaths in the untreated group suggests that the association between CV treatment and mortality may be confounded by severity of illness. However, our results also suggest that treatment of CV risk factors is neglected in these patients.
Serum aflatoxin levels of the healthy adult population living in the north and south regions of Turkey
Authors: Aydin Sevtap , Sabuncuoglu Suna , Erkekoglu Pinar , Şahin Gönül , Giray Belma Kocer
Published: November 2013

Objective

To determine the serum concentrations of aflatoxin B1(AFB1), aflatoxin B2(AFB2), aflatoxin G1(AFG1) and aflatoxin G2(AFG2) in the healthy adult population living in both the Black Sea and Mediterranean regions of Turkey and to investigate the regional, seasonal and gender variability in aflatoxins (AF) exposure in these regions.

Design

Serum AFB1, AFB2, AFG1and AFG2concentrations were analysed by HPLC.

Settings

In total, four hundred and eighty-four serum samples were analysed.

Subjects

Four hundred and eighty-four healthy adult volunteers living in rural areas of the Black Sea and Mediterranean regions of Turkey were studied.

Results

The mean serum concentration of total AF in the Black Sea region was 1·33 ppb (min–max 0·15–3·38 ppb) and 0·90 ppb (min–max 0·18–2·48 ppb) for summer and winter, respectively. In the Mediterranean region, the mean serum concentration of total AF was determined as 0·55 ppb (range 0·04–1·72 ppb) for summer and 0·45 ppb (range 0·12–1·43 ppb) for winter. The total AF concentrations in serum samples were statistically higher in summer compared with winter for the two regions. The differences between the regions were statistically significant concerning all samples, with higher total AF concentrations in the Black Sea region.

Conclusions

The overall results suggest that the Turkish population living in these two regions is continuously exposed to AF, particularly in the summer, and that mycotoxin contamination in food should be monitored routinely for food safety and human health.
21 SITE-SPECIFIC RECOMBINATION USING Dre-RECOMBINASE IN PORCINE CELLS AND EMBRYOS
Authors: Yum S. Y. , Kim S. J. , Moon J. H. , Choi W. J. , Lee J. H. , Lee B. C. , Jang G.
Published: November 2013

Site-specific recombinases (SSR), such as Cre and Flp recombinases, which enable DNA excision, insertion, and translocation, have been used for conditional target gene expression in mouse and other vertebrates. In this study, we evaluated another SSR, Dre-recombinase (Dre), which is functionally similar to Cre recombinase in porcine fibroblasts and embryos. For this study, 2 fragment DNA constructs (rox GFP-polyA and rox RFP-polyA) were combined with piggybac transposition expression vector (Kim et al. 2011 J. Vet. Med. Sci.) using a multisite gateway cloning system (MultiSite Gateway® Pro, Invitrogen, Carlsbad, CA, USA). The expression vector carrying rox-flanked green fluorescent protein (GFP) followed by red fluorescent protein (RFP) and transposase were transfected into kidney-derived porcine cells by nucleofection (Neon® Transfection System, Invitrogen). A GFP-expressing cell line, which was not expressing RFP, was established. And then rox-flanked GFP were removed by Dre transfection and RFP was expressed in the kidney cells. At the cellular level, this excision was confirmed by site-specific RT-PCR and sequencing. The rox-flanked GFP cells were reconstructed with enucleated oocytes and then the cloned embryos were cultured in porcine zygote medium-5. Dre was micro-injected into 1 of the 2-cell-stage blastomeres. After 6 days, RFP expression was observed on the part of embryos after microinjection. In conclusion, the data demonstrated that, like other SSR, Dre might be applied in conditional target gene expression for generating porcine biomedical models.
Portal biliopathy: multidisciplinary management and outcomes of treatment
Authors: Cellich Philip Peter , Crawford Michael , Kaffes Arthur John , Sandroussi Charbel
Published: November 2013

Introduction

Portal biliopathy (PB) is a rare condition in which portal hypertension because of extrahepatic portal vein obstruction can lead to biliary abnormalities, with some patients developing obstructive jaundice. At present, there is no international consensus on the management of PB. We present the experience of an Australian tertiary referral hospital with the diagnosis and management of PB, and compare this with reported international experience.

Methods

The records of nine patients presenting with PB between June 2003 and March 2012 were reviewed and analysed.

Results

All patients had portal hypertension because of portal vein thrombosis, with seven patients showing cavernous transformation of the portal vein. Biliary abnormality presented with jaundice (3/9), abdominal pain (2/9) or without symptoms (3/9). All patients developed a cholestatic pattern of liver function tests (LFTs). First‐line endoscopic management was employed in 7 of 8 symptomatic patients. Four patients required endoscopic management alone (sphincterotomy alone (1/9), single stent (2/9), repeated stent changes (1/9) ), while four required second‐line surgical intervention (portosystemic shunt (1/9), bilioenteric anastomosis (3/9) ). All patients were well, with stable LFTs, at median 18‐month follow‐up, with two patients undergoing regular stent changes, and the remainder requiring no further intervention.

Conclusion

PB can be managed successfully with endoscopic therapy as the first‐line option, but a multidisciplinary approach is necessary, with second‐line surgical intervention often required. We recommend a management algorithm similar to that presented in the UK PB literature, and confirm that bilioenteric anastomosis can be performed successfully without prior portal decompression.
Autism and developmental profiles in preschoolers: stability and change over time
Authors: Hedvall Åsa , Westerlund Joakim , Fernell Elisabeth , Holm Anette , Gillberg Christopher , Billstedt Eva
Published: November 2013

Aim

Increasing numbers of young children are now being diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). This study aimed to analyse developmental trajectories in a representative group of preschool children with ASD.

Method

In a naturalistic study, 208 preschool children with different subtypes of ASD were followed over a 2‐year period. Their trajectories, as regards persistence of ASD diagnoses, developmental/intellectual levels, adaptive functioning and expressive speech, were monitored.

Results

Developmental profiles showed considerable change over time, especially in children with atypical autism and in those with developmental delay/borderline intellectual functioning at their first assessment. Approximately 50% of the children were found to have intellectual disability (ID) at follow‐up and, of these, the majority had severe ID. This was in contrast to the first assessment by the referral team when ID had rarely been mentioned or discussed.

Conclusion

Changes in developmental profiles during preschool years are common in children with ASD. This implies that reassessments, covering different developmental areas, are needed. Such follow‐up assessments prior to the start of school will yield a more valid estimation of the child's general cognitive level and a more accurate ASD diagnosis and thus form a better basis for realistic educational planning and intervention.
Effect of Crown to Implant Ratio and Anatomical Crown Length on Clinical Conditions in a Single Implant: A Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: Sun Shan‐Pao , Moon Ik‐Sang , Park Kwang‐Ho , Lee Dong‐Won
Published: November 2013

Purpose

The aim of this retrospective cohort study was to evaluate the long‐term influence of the crown‐to‐implant (C/I) ratio and anatomical crown length on clinical conditions around Astra single dental implants placed in the premolar and molar regions.

Materials and Methods

Seventy‐six subjects were selected from patients who had been treated with single Astra implants for replacement of missing premolars and molars. The peri‐implant marginal bone level change was assessed 1 year after functional loading and 6 years after functional loading. To predict the peri‐implant marginal bone level change using clinical and radiographic data, a multiple linear regression model was applied. The Wilcoxon rank sum test was used to analyze difference median in technical complications.

Results

The C/I ratio and anatomical crown length were not associated with peri‐implant marginal bone loss or changes in the bone level at 6 years (p = .48, p = .31). However, the modified plaque index, modified sulcus bleeding index, and smoking status influenced the peri‐implant marginal bone loss (p < .05, r2 = 0.54). In addition, the patient with technical complication group did show significantly increased anatomical crown length (p < .05)

Conclusions

The higher C/I ratio and anatomical crown length did not increase the risk of peri‐implant marginal bone loss during 6 years of functional loading. In addition, higher anatomical crown lengths are associated with higher technical complications.
Dental Implant Macro‐Design Features Can Impact the Dynamics of Osseointegration
Authors: Vivan Cardoso Marcio , Vandamme Katleen , Chaudhari Amol , De Rycker Judith , Van Meerbeek Bart , Naert Ignace , Duyck Joke
Published: November 2013

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to compare the clinical performance of two dental implant types possessing a different macro‐design in the in vivo pig model.

Materials and Methods

Titanium AadvaTM implants (GC, Tokyo, Japan) were compared with OsseoSpeedTM implants (Astra, Mölndal, Sweden), with the Aadva implant displaying significant larger inter‐thread dimensions than the OsseoSpeed implant. Implants were installed in the parietal bone of 12 domestic pigs and left for healing for either 1 or 3 months. Implant osseointegration was evaluated by quantitative histology (bone volume relative to the tissue volume [BV/TV]; bone‐to‐implant contact [BIC]) for distinct implant regions (collar, body, total implant length) with specific implant thread features. The Wilcoxon–Mann–Whitney nonparametric test with α = 0.05 was performed.

Results

An inferior amount of bone enveloping the Aadva implant compared with the OsseoSpeed implant was observed, in particular at the implant body part with its considerable inter‐thread gaps (p < .05). Concomitantly, the Aadva macro‐design negatively affected the amount of bone in direct contact with the implant for this specific implant part (p < .05), and resulted in an overall impaired implant osseointegration at the initial healing stage (total implant length; 1‐month healing; p < .05).

Conclusion

Although the Aadva implant displayed a clinically acceptable level of osseointegration, the findings demonstrate that implant macro‐design features can impact the dynamics of implant osseointegration. Consideration of specific implant macro‐design features should be made relative to the biological and mechanical microenvironment.
Increased leg blood flow and improved femoral artery shear patterns in metabolic syndrome after a diet and exercise programme
Authors: Limberg Jacqueline K. , Johansson Rebecca E. , McBride Patrick E. , Schrage William G.
Published: November 2013

Background

Altered vascular shear profiles may contribute to the development of atherosclerosis. Physical activity promotes anti‐atherogenic shear patterns, resulting in reduced cardiovascular disease risk. Adults with metabolic syndrome (MetSyn) are at increased risk of developing atherosclerosis and cardiovascular disease. Thus, we hypothesized that conduit artery antegrade shear rate (ASR) would increase and retrograde shear rate (RSR) and oscillatory shear indices (OSI) would decrease in MetSyn patients (n = 16, 51 ± 2 years) after participation in a diet and exercise programme (DEP).

Methods

Blood flow (Doppler ultrasound, brachial and femoral arteries) was measured, and shear rates were calculated in MetSyn patients before and after 12 weeks of DEP participation. In addition, plasma samples were collected to measure atherogenic markers.

Results

Diet and exercise programme participation increased resting leg blood flow and femoral artery ASR (P ≤ 0·05), and tended to decrease OSI (P = 0·09); RSR did not change (P>0·05). No changes in resting arm blood flow or ASR were observed (P>0·05), and both RSR and OSI increased after participation (P≤0·05). DEP participation reduced plasma vascular cell adhesion molecule(VCAM)‐1 (P = 0·03), with a trend for reduced intercellular cell adhesion molecule(ICAM)‐1 (P = 0·09) (i.e. atherogenic markers).

Conclusion

Modest changes in diet and physical activity result in limb‐specific improvements in vascular shear profiles and reduced systemic markers of atherosclerotic risk in MetSyn patients. These data provide novel physiologic insight into adaptations that may limit the progression of atherosclerosis in patients with MetSyn.
Typical and atypical development of reaching and postural control in infancy
Authors: Hadders‐Algra Mijna
Published: November 2013

Successful reaching requires postural control, either by active regulation or by postural support. The present paper reviews literature on typical and atypical development of reaching and postural control during infancy. Typically, reaching movements end in grasping around 4 months of age. Initially, reaches are characterized by large variation, including many trajectory corrections. During the first year, the movements get increasingly straight and smooth. Reaching in low‐risk preterm infants is initially characterized by advanced development, but minor impairments may emerge in the second half of infancy. In high‐risk preterm infants, development of reaching is characterized by delay and non‐optimal reaching performance. Typical development of postural adjustments is characterized by variation and an increasing ability to adapt the variable repertoire to the specifics of the situation. The latter is facilitated by an increasing role of anticipatory mechanisms in the second half of infancy. Atypically developing infants may have a reduced repertoire and usually have difficulties in adapting postural adjustments. In infancy, most reaching movements are performed during sitting. The postural challenge of sitting may interfere in particular with the development of reaching in atypically developing infants. The practical implications of this suggestion are discussed.
Separate visual systems for perception and action: a framework for understanding cortical visual impairment
Authors: Goodale Melvyn A
Published: November 2013

The visual control of skilled goal‐directed movements requires transformations of incoming visual information that are quite different from those required for visual perception. These differences in the required computations have led to the emergence of dedicated visuomotor modules in the dorsal visual stream of the cerebral cortex that are quite separate from the networks in the ventral visual stream that mediate our conscious perception of the world. Although the identification and selection of goal objects and an appropriate course of action depends on the perceptual machinery of the ventral stream and associated cognitive modules in the temporal and frontal lobes, the execution of the subsequent goal‐directed action is mediated by dedicated online control systems in the dorsal stream and associated motor areas. This functional distinction can provide a useful framework for interpreting the range of perceptual and visuomotor deficits observed in children with cortical visual impairment.
Impaired motor planning and motor imagery in children with unilateral spastic cerebral palsy: challenges for the future of pediatric rehabilitation
Authors: Steenbergen Bert , Jongbloed‐Pereboom Marjolein , Spruijt Steffie , Gordon Andrew M
Published: November 2013

Compromised action performance is one of the most characteristic features of children with unilateral spastic cerebral palsy (USCP). Current rehabilitation efforts predominantly aim to improve the capacity and performance of the affected arm. Recent evidence, however, suggests that compromised motor planning may also negatively affect performance of activities of daily living. In this paper we will first discuss the recent evidence for this motor planning deficit, followed by studies on motor imagery in this population. Motor imagery is an experimental approach in which the contents of the motor plan become overt. Converging evidence indicates a compromised motor imagery ability in USCP. As the neural structures of both motor planning and motor imagery overlap, rehabilitation by motor imagery training may alleviate motor problems in USCP. Increasing evidence for this approach exists in older adults with stroke. We conclude this review with recommendations on such a training approach for children with USCP.
Neural correlates of developmental coordination disorder
Authors: Peters Lieke H J , Maathuis Carel G B , Hadders‐Algra Mijna
Published: November 2013

Aim

To review neuroimaging studies in children with developmental coordination disorder (DCD) systematically. Because only a few studies addressed this, we broadened our search and included neuroimaging studies in children with perinatal adversities and motor impairment without cerebral palsy.

Method

Two searches were performed in PubMed, PsycINFO, and Web of Science addressing (1) neuroimaging in DCD and (2) neuroimaging in children with perinatal adversities and motor impairment.

Results

Five studies in children with DCD were identified. Four functional magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) studies showed that children with DCD activate multiple brain areas differently than controls. One diffusion tensor imaging study indicated that the internal capsule in children with DCD showed differences. The second search identified seven studies: three showed that white matter abnormalities and severe abnormalities on MRI were related to motor impairment; four were unable to demonstrate similar relationships.

Interpretation

Data on neuroimaging in DCD are scarce; data available suggest that multiple brain areas are involved in the neuropathophysiology of DCD. Motor impairment in children with perinatal adversities is related especially to white matter abnormalities and severe abnormalities on MRI. We hypothesize that in some children with DCD the neural substrate mimics that of cerebral palsy. More neuroimaging studies are needed to understand the neural correlates of DCD better.
The developmental strategies and related profitability of an idiobiont ectoparasitoid Sclerodermus pupariae vary with host size
Authors: WEI KE , TANG YAN‐LONG , WANG XIAO‐YI , CAO LIANG‐MING , YANG ZHONG‐QI
Published: November 2013

Parasitoids can encounter patches of hosts of varying sizes. Trade‐offs may result in different developmental strategies and fitness characteristics in parasitoids.

To explore developmental strategies and host suitability of a bethylid parasitoid, Sclerodermus pupariae, in relation to the size of oak long‐horned beetle larvae, Massicus raddei, effects of host size on parasitoid fitness parameters were tested under laboratory conditions.

Maternal parasitoids obtained lower rates of parasitism when inoculating small or large hosts due to early host death and parasitoid injury, respectively, indicating significant fitness costs associated with paralysing those host sizes. Host size was shown to have highly variable effects on selected fitness parameters. For maternal females, increasing initial host size led to increasing host handling time, and fertility exhibited a parabolic relationship with host size. The highest fertility was exhibited when parasitoids oviposited on medium‐sized hosts.

Host size effects were very apparent for parasitoid offspring, with the largest hosts producing later‐emerging but larger females. Parasitoid offspring sex ratios in all host size classes were significantly female‐biased, and exhibited a quadratic function with increasing host size. Assessment of host profitability revealed that medium‐sized hosts presented the best fitness return for the parasitoids.

The findings suggest that this bethylid parasitoid can achieve a compromise in optimisation of the two most important fitness functions when encountering an abundance of different‐sized hosts.
Size and sex of cricket prey predict capture by a sphecid wasp
Authors: ERCIT KYLA
Published: November 2013

Female‐biased predation is rare in nature; however, sphecid wasps often take more female than male prey, including Isodontia mexicana, which hunt Oecanthus tree crickets.

This study tests the hypothesis that wasps prefer females because they are larger than males. This predicts a female sex bias only for sexually size‐dimorphic prey.

Prey from artificial I. mexicana nest holes in Central Ontario were compared with surviving crickets sampled from the hunted population. Sex ratios of prey and survivors were examined and compared with the occurrence of female‐biased sexual size dimorphism. Logistic regression was used to determine whether body size, sex, species, and life stage of crickets predicted capture by wasps.

As predicted, wasps took a disproportionate number of adult females only of sexually size‐dimorphic prey Oecanthus nigricornis. No sex bias was found in adult prey of Oecanthus quadripunctatus or in nymphal prey of either species. However, female‐biased sexual size dimorphism did not necessitate female‐biased predation: even though female O. nigricornis nymphs were larger than males, female nymphs were not hunted more often. Body size was a significant predictor of predation, but this relationship was non‐linear. There was also evidence of an interaction among sex, life stage, and body size of prey in relation to predation risk.

These results support the size‐preference hypothesis, but do not rule out alternative hypotheses. For example, sex differences in behaviour or life‐history traits that develop in adulthood may also contribute to differences in predation risk. Predation that consistently targets large adult females of a population may result in evolutionary changes in the behaviour or life history of the prey species.
Intra‐population genetic variation in diapause incidence of adult‐diapausing Tetranychus pueraricola (Acari: Tetranychidae)
Authors: ITO KATSURA
Published: November 2013

Diapause is an important seasonal adaptation for arthropods in temperate regions. Recent global warming has had a profound effect on the timing of diapause induction, but the potential for evolutionary changes in diapause attributes remains largely unknown because of a scarcity of information about genetic architecture in these traits.

Genetic variation in diapause incidence within a population and the genetic correlation with different environmental conditions are both important for predicting evolutionary responses to climatic changes.

The main aim of this study was to determine these parameters at temperatures representative of the winter season (stationary 18–20 °C) by using 12 isofemale lines established from females of a single population of the adult‐diapausing spider mite Tetranychus pueraricola (Acari: Tetranychidae).

To compare the response between field and laboratory, their ancestral phenotypes were randomly chosen from diapausing (eight) or non‐diapausing (four) females. Diapause incidence was investigated at 18, 19, and 20 °C under LD 10:14 h conditions with two to five replicates for each strain. At 18 °C, more than 90% of the females entered diapause, and the genetic variation among strains (intraclass correlation coefficient; ICC) was relatively small (44%), whereas highly variable diapause incidences were observed for the warmer conditions (both 87% ICC). The correlation between temperatures was as high as 0.79 between 19 and 20 °C, whereas the correlation estimates between 18 and either 19 or 20 °C were still positive, but not significant. In addition, the analyses demonstrated the existence of variation in the entire response curves (significant genotype × environment interaction).

These results demonstrate that significant genetic variation in response curves is maintained in this population, and accordingly this population has a capacity to respond to climatic changes. Crossing reaction curves across temperatures may prevent the fixation of a single optimal response curve, and maintain genetic variation at each temperature.
The food limitation hypothesis for juvenile marine fish
Authors: Le Pape Olivier , Bonhommeau Sylvain
Published: November 2013

Coastal zones are productive areas that serve as nursery grounds for a large number of marine species. However, the processes involved in survival success during the juvenile phase are not well‐known. Some authors suggest that the availability of prey is important to support the production of pre‐recruit fish whose fitness is enhanced through optimal feeding conditions. Accordingly, recruitment is limited by the carrying capacity of the nursery habitat. In contrast, other authors state that the carrying capacity of the nursery grounds is not fully exploited, suggesting that there is no effect of food limitation. This study combines an overview of the literature, focused on flatfish that are especially dependent on coastal and estuarine nursery grounds, an extension to other marine fishes and a modelling approach on growth and survival of juvenile fish to explore the controversy of food limitation in their nursery grounds. We demonstrate that the relative lack of growth limitation observed for young marine fishes at the individual scale is related to an observational bias: fish have been affected by size‐selective mortality linked to food limitation, but only surviving individuals are observed. As the population is skewed towards the faster‐growing juveniles, the growth of survivors remains close to optimal, even when food resources are limited. Food limitation is of major influence in determining the carrying capacity of the nursery habitat. To sustain marine fish populations and related fisheries, management action is needed to protect coastal and estuarine areas and maintain or restore nursery productivity.
Chemical composition and in vitro total gas and methane production of forage species from the Mid Rift Valley grasslands of Ethiopia
Authors: Bezabih M. , Pellikaan W. F. , Tolera A. , Khan N. A. , Hendriks W. H.
Published: November 2013

There is increasing interest in sustainable land use in the tropics to optimize animal production while also reducing methane (CH4) emissions, but information on nutritive value and CH4‐emission potential of tropical forage species is limited. Samples of 24 grasses and five other forages were collected during the main rainy season on randomly positioned quadrats in semi‐arid grassland in the Mid Rift Valley of Ethiopia. Samples were pooled by species, analysed for chemical composition and incubated with rumen fluid to determine total gas and CH4‐emission potentials using a fully automated in vitro gas production apparatus. Organic matter digestibility (OMD) and metabolizable energy (ME) contents were calculated from chemical composition and gas production data. Large variability was observed among forages for all nutritional variables considered. The grasses Eleusine multiflora, Pennisetum stramineum, Dactyloctenium aegyptium, Eragrostis aspera, Cenchrus ciliaris and Eragrostis cilianensis showed relatively high OMD (68–72%) and ME values (9·1–10·2 MJ kg−1 dry matter). Melinis repens, E. multiflora and the non‐legume forb Zaleya pentandra showed relatively low CH4 to total gas ratios; these species may have potential for use in low CH4‐emission forage diets. Acacia tortilis fruits had high content of crude protein and moderate ME values, and may be an ideal feed supplement for the grazing ruminant. Sodium content was below the recommended level for ruminants in all the forage species. Overall, the pasture stand during the main growing season was evaluated as having moderate nutritional quality.
Networks of capital, networks for migration: political–economic integration and the changing geography of Mexico–US migration
Authors: SANDERSON MATTHEW R.
Published: November 2013

While economic globalization has altered the geography of international migration and introduced an array of new sources and destinations, our understanding of the specific mechanisms that link economic globalization to migration remains limited. In this article, I attempt to extend previous research by undertaking an empirical case study of Mexican migration to the USA. Using a unique dataset, I construct multivariate models to test whether, in the context of economic integration, occupations channel migration between similar sectors of the Mexican and US economies. I focus on the food‐processing sector because of its role in the geographic dispersal of Mexican immigration. The results show a strong channelling of Mexican immigration along an occupational line linking the Mexican and US food‐processing sectors. The implementation of the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), which ushered in a period of intensive political and economic integration, strengthened this occupational channel. By seeing the changing geography of Mexico–US migration in the context of economic globalization, this study casts light on the micro‐level foundations of the globalization–migration nexus.
The Effect of Non‐native Accents on the Evaluation of Applicants during an Employment Interview: The development of a path model
Authors: Deprez‐Sims Anne‐Sophie , Morris Scott B.
Published: November 2013

As the workplace becomes increasingly global, organizations are more likely to employ individuals with non‐native accents. The present study looked at the influence of accents on the evaluation of job applicants during an interview. In addition, a path model was developed to understand the accent condition–hiring recommendation relationship. Participants were asked to evaluate an applicant with one of three accents (Midwestern US, French, Mexican) at two understandability levels (low and high) by listening to an audiofile. The results showed that the applicant with the Midwestern US accent was seen as more hirable than the applicant with the French low understandability accent. The path model indicated that the accent condition–hiring recommendation relationship was mediated by similarity, interpersonal attraction, and understandability.
Subject Matter Expert Judgments Regarding the Relative Importance of Competencies are not Useful for Choosing the Test Batteries that Best Predict Performance
Authors: Murphy Kevin R. , Deckert Paige J. , Kinney Theodore B. , Kung Mei‐Chuan
Published: November 2013

Several recent articles have suggested that assessments of the relative importance of different abilities or competencies to a job have little bearing on the criterion‐related validity of these selection tests that measure those abilities. We hypothesize that selection test batteries chosen to maximize the judged importance of knowledge, skills, and abilities will not predict performance better than batteries of tests chosen at random. The results in two independent samples consistently show that the validity of test batteries chosen based on subject matter expert judgments of importance is not different from the validity of batteries of a comparable number of tests chosen at random from a set of intercorrelated tests, or even those chosen to provide the worst possible match between test content and job content.
The mediating effects of coping on the stress and health relationships among nursing students: a structural equation modelling approach
Authors: Klainin‐Yobas Piyanee , Keawkerd Ornuma , Pumpuang Walailak , Thunyadee Chanya , Thanoi Wareerat , He Hong‐Gu
Published: November 2013

Aims

To test the impact of stress on psychological and physical health, and examine the mediating effects of coping on the stress–health relationships among nursing students.

Background

Stress is associated with various physical and psychological symptoms in nursing students. Numerous studies examined the relationships among stress, coping and health; nevertheless, a mechanism of coping has not been fully explored in Thai nursing students.

Design

This study adopted a cross‐sectional, descriptive correlational research design.

Methods

A convenience sample of 335 nursing students were recruited from a University in Thailand from 2005–2007. We used self‐reported questionnaires to collect information; and analysed data using descriptive statistics and structural equation modelling.

Results

Nursing students with high levels of stress reported poorer physical health and higher psychological distress. Stress had a stronger effect and explained more variances on psychological distress than on poor physical health. The partial mediation of coping was observed. Specifically, 77·00% of the effects of stress on poor physical health and 11·30% on psychological distress were mediated by coping.

Conclusion

Evidence from this study contributes to the nursing science and has implications to nursing practice. Stress among nursing students should be monitored and effectively managed to prevent deleterious effects on their health. Nursing interventions focusing on coping skill training could be developed and delivered. Future research may examine the effectiveness of the interventions and/or to further explore variables associated with psychological distress in nursing students.
Autophagy maturation associated with CD38‐mediated regulation of lysosome function in mouse glomerular podocytes
Authors: Xiong Jing , Xia Min , Xu Ming , Zhang Yang , Abais Justine M. , Li Guangbi , Riebling Christopher R. , Ritter Joseph K. , Boini Krishna M. , Li Pin‐Lan
Published: November 2013

Podocytes are highly differentiated glomerular epithelial cells that contribute to the glomerular barrier function of kidney. A role for autophagy has been proposed in maintenance of their cellular integrity, but the mechanisms controlling autophagy in podocytes are not clear. The present study tested whether CD38‐mediated regulation of lysosome function contributes to autophagic flux or autophagy maturation in podocytes. Podocytes were found to exhibit a high constitutive level of LC3‐II, a robust marker of autophagosomes (APs), suggesting a high basal level of autophagic activity. Treatment with the mTOR inhibitor, rapamycin, increased LC3‐II and the content of both APs detected by Cyto‐ID Green staining and autophagolysosomes (APLs) measured by acridine orange staining and colocalization of LC3 and Lamp1. Lysosome function inhibitor bafilomycin A1 increased APs, but decreased APLs content under both basal and rapamycin‐induced conditions. Inhibition of CD38 activity by nicotinamide or silencing of CD38 gene produced the similar effects to that bafilomycin A1 did in podocytes. To explore the possibility that CD38 may control podocyte autophagy through its regulation of lysosome function, the fusion of APs with lysosomes in living podocytes was observed by co‐transfection of GFP‐LC3B and RFP‐Lamp1 expression vectors. A colocalization of GFP‐LC3B and RFP‐Lamp1 upon stimulation of rapamycin became obvious in transfected podocytes, which could be substantially blocked by nicotinamide, CD38 shRNA, and bafilomycin. Moreover, blockade of the CD38‐mediated regulation by PPADS completely abolished rapamycin‐induced fusion of APs with lysosomes. These results indicate that CD38 importantly control lysosomal function and influence autophagy at the maturation step in podocytes.
Dovitinib induces mitotic defects and activates the G2DNA damage checkpoint
Authors: Man Wing Yu , Mak Joyce P.Y. , Poon Randy Y.C.
Published: November 2013

Dovitinib (TKI258; formerly CHIR‐258) is an orally bioavailable inhibitor of multiple receptor tyrosine kinases. Interestingly, Dovitinib triggered a G2/M arrest in cancer cell lines from diverse origins including HeLa, nasopharyngeal carcinoma, and hepatocellular carcinoma. Single‐cell analysis revealed that Dovitinib promoted a delay in mitotic exit in a subset of cells, causing the cells to undergo mitotic slippage. Higher concentrations of Dovitinib induced a G2 arrest similar to the G2 DNA damage checkpoint. In support of this, DNA damage was triggered by Dovitinib as revealed by γ‐H2AX and comet assays. The mitotic kinase CDK1 was found to be inactivated by phosphorylation in the presence of Dovitinib. Furthermore, the G2 arrest could be overcome by abrogation of the G2 DNA damage checkpoint using small molecule inhibitors of CHK1 and WEE1. Finally, Dovitinib‐mediated G2 cell cycle arrest and subsequent cell death could be promoted after DNA damage repair was disrupted by inhibitors of poly(ADP‐ribose) polymerases. These results are consistent with the recent finding that Dovitinib can also target topoisomerases. Collectively, these results suggest additional directions for use of Dovitinib, in particular with agents that target the DNA damage checkpoint.
Time Course of Perceptual Adaptation Differs among Odorants
Authors: Yoder Wendy M. , Stratis Kyle , Pattanaik Sweta , Molina Alex , Nguyen Jennifer , Weisberg Stephanie , Smith David W.
Published: November 2013

Perceptual adaptation, a fundamental property of all sensory systems, functions to attenuate neural and perceptual responses to sustained or redundant stimulation as a means of limiting neural saturation and of enhancing the detection of new transient stimuli. While our understanding of the complex physiological mechanisms underlying adaptation has grown in recent years, how these processes are affected by individual odorant properties remains unclear. Recent data from our laboratory demonstrate that the onset time course of perceptual odor adaptation can be estimated by use of a simultaneous‐odorant‐stimulus paradigm, where the delay from the onset of a relatively long‐duration adapting odorant to the onset of a brief target odorant is varied. Adaptation was observed as an increase in threshold with increasing adapting‐to‐target‐odorant onset delay. Using this technique, we compared the estimated onset time course for four common odorants (vanilla extract, coconut extract, vinegar and propanol). Thresholds were estimated for a brief target odorant presented during a simultaneous adapting odorant in a group of college‐aged student volunteers (n = 124; 88 females). Onset of adaptation for the vanilla and coconut mixtures was more rapid than for vinegar and propanol, though the asymptotic levels (approximately 400 ms) of adaptation were similar for coconut extract, vanilla extract and vinegar. In contrast, propanol did not reach asymptotic levels within the 1,000‐ms timeframe. Considering propanol is a pure alcohol, relative differences in trigeminal reactivity may partially explain this variance in adaptation contours.

Practical Applications

A method for capturing rapid changes in response to odor adaptation is described. The automated method can be reliably used to compare both the magnitude and time course for a wide range of stimuli. The technique may be reproduced to evaluate how individual olfactory sensitivity changes in response to prolonged stimulation. Importantly, this procedure can be used to assess shifts in odor perception on rapid timescales – in the 50–100‐ms range, rather than seconds or minutes.
Vitamin D Deficiency in Type 2 Diabetic Patients with Hypogonadism
Authors: Bellastella Giuseppe , Maiorino Maria Ida , Olita Laura , Capuano Annalisa , Rafaniello Concetta , Giugliano Dario , Esposito Katherine
Published: November 2013

Introduction

Both type 2 diabetes and secondary hypogonadism may be associated with low vitamin D levels.

Aim

The aim of this study was to evaluate 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) concentrations in type 2 diabetic males with and without hypogonadism.

Methods

We performed a case–control study among 122 male adults with type 2 diabetes, 51 with associated hypogonadism (Group 1) and 71 with normal gonadal function (Group 2). One hundred age-matched nondiabetic males with normal gonadal function served as a control group.

Main Outcome Measures

Levels of 25(OH)D were assessed by a chemiluminescent immunoassay in all patients. Morning testosterone, pituitary, thyroid, parathyroid hormones, fasting glucose, and hemoglobin A1c were also evaluated.

Results

The overall diabetic population showed a mean 25(OH)D concentration (22.3 ± 6.09 ng/mL) significantly lower than the control group (34.3 ± 7.2, P < 0.001), with 81% of diabetic patients presenting 25(OH)D deficiency (<20 ng/mL) or insufficiency (20–29.9 ng/mL). The lowest 25(OH)D concentration was found in Group 1 (20.1 ± 6.58 ng/mL). Concentration of 25(OH)D was significantly lower in the 42 patients with hypogonadotropic hypogonadism as compared with the 9 patients with hypergonadotropic hypogonadism (19.4 ± 7.06 vs. 23.8 ± 6.11 ng/mL, P < 0.001). No difference in erectile dysfunction (ED) prevalence between Group 1 and Group 2 was found, nor was there a correlation between the severity of ED and vitamin D levels (r = −0.10, P = 0.39).

Conclusions

These results show that type 2 diabetic patients with hypogonadism present lower 25(OH)D concentration and higher prevalence of vitamin D deficiency, compared with patients without hypogonadism. The finding that 25(OH)D concentrations were similar between type 2 diabetic patients with hypergonadotropic hypogonadism and those with normal gonadal function deserves further study.
Effect of Transglutaminase on Texture and Flow Properties of Stirred Probiotic Yoghurt during Storage
Authors: Iličić Mirela D. , Milanović Spasenija D. , Carić Marijana Ð. , Dokić Ljubica P. , Kanurić Katarina G.
Published: November 2013

The aim of this work was to study the effect of different concentrations of transglutaminase (TG), inactivated or not inactivated – 0.02, 0.06 and 0.12% (w/w) – on the textural characteristics and flow properties of stirred probiotic yoghurt prepared from pasteurized skim milk (0.1% [w/w] fat). The physicochemical characteristics and the textural and rheological properties of yoghurt samples were determined after production and during 10 days of storage. The gel structure of yoghurt samples produced with not inactivated TG was stronger than that of samples produced with inactivated TG and control sample. Yoghurt containing 0.12% (w/w) TG not inactivated showed the highest hysteresis loop area (3,580 Pa·s) after 5 days of storage. Hysteresis loop area of samples with 0.12% (w/w) inactivated TG after incubation for 2 h at 40C is 56% lower compared with samples manufactured with the same concentration of not inactivated TG after 10 days of storage.

Practical Applications

To produce yoghurt with low energy value, improved gel characteristics, and good physical and chemical properties, enzyme transglutaminase (TG) can be used. Enzymes are potential tools to increase the formation of covalent cross‐links in protein foods. The addition of TG can reduce proteins and milk fat to produce nonfat yoghurt with the same rheological characteristic as yoghurt from whole fat milk. There are two different ways for the application of TG: simultaneously or prior to the fermentation. In the first case, TG was simultaneously added with starter culture. Pretreatment of milk with TG addition prior to fermentation demands additional process time as well as thermal inactivation step and has the advantage of a constant pH during the cross‐linking reaction.