bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Multiple effects of temperature, photoperiod and food quality on the performance of a pine sawfly
Authors: KOLLBERG IDA , BYLUND HELENA , SCHMIDT AXEL , GERSHENZON JONATHAN , BJÖRKMAN CHRISTER
Published: March 2013

Many entomologists strive to understand what consequences climate change will have on insect performance. Such understanding is important, not least, when trying to predict the future impact of pest insects.

In this study, it was reported how the multiple effects of temperature, photoperiod, and food quality affected the survival, development, and the final weight of the European pine sawfly (Neodiprion sertifer Geoffr.), an herbivorous outbreak species in boreal pine (Pinus spp.) forests.

Sawfly larvae were reared in two different temperatures (15 and 20 °C) and under two different light regimes (20 and 18 h light). The larvae were fed pine needles either low or high in diterpene content.

A 5 °C higher temperature did not affect the survival of the larvae, but reduced the development time by 37–41%. The final weight was reduced by 22% in the warmer temperature, but only in combination with a short day length. A high content of diterpenes in the needles reduced the susceptibility to the virus by 31%, but did not otherwise affect the performance of the larvae.

This study shows that the larval development could be shortened in a warmer climate and thereby decreasing the risk of predation. This per se may increase the risk for insect outbreaks, but the interactive effects of warmer temperatures with other abiotic and biotic factors such as day length and food quality (indicated in this study), and potential better performance of natural enemies and pathogens, illustrate the possibility for complex outcomes in a climate change perspective.
Topical tacrolimus does not negatively impact acute skin wound healing
Authors: Namkoong Sun , Chung Jimin , Yoo Jiyeon , Jung Minyoung , Gye Jiwon , Kim Ji Seok , Kim Jee Young , Ahn Sung Ku , Park Byung Cheol , Kim Myung Hwa , Hong Seung Phil
Published: March 2013

Despite the increasing use of topical tacrolimus, there is little information about its effect on skin wound healing. To determine effects on acute cutaneous wound healing, two full‐thickness skin wounds were imparted on the backs of 45 hairless mice, which were then divided into vehicle‐, topical tacrolimus‐ and topical steroid‐treated group. Each drug was topically applied once daily. The wound area was assessed by using dermoscopic images every two days after wounding. At 3, 7 and 11 days after wounding, 10 wounds in each group were collected for semi‐quantitative analysis of histological features including re‐epithelialization, polymorphonuclear leucocytes, fibroblasts and collagen. We also checked the mRNA expression levels of EGF, TGF‐β, TNF‐α and IL‐1α. While topical application of clobetasol propionate was found to delay re‐epithelialization and infiltration of polymorphonuclear leucocyte, topical treatment with tacrolimus showed patterns similar to that of the vehicle. In the tacrolimus‐treated group, mRNA expression levels of IL‐1α and TGF‐β were slightly decreased, while the others were similar with the vehicle‐treated group. Unlike steroid, topical tacrolimus, therefore, did not disturb the wound healing process in a murine skin wound model.
A new method for determining the fracture toughness of main pipeline steels
Authors: Said Galip , Aytekin Halil
Published: March 2013

One of the fundamental aims of fracture mechanics is to define fracture toughness KIC of a material. Hence, the ASTM E399 standard was developed. However according to the standard, large‐sized specimens are required to determine the fracture toughness of low alloy carbon steels. ASTM E1921 standard was developed on the fracture toughness of ferritic steels. In this study, a new method was proposed to determine the fracture toughness of ferritic steels. The purpose of the present paper is to compare the results of the method with the experimental results. Two steels that are used in gas and oil main pipelines were investigated in this study.
Subgroup analysis of virological response rates with once‐ and twice‐daily darunavir/ritonavir in treatment‐experienced patients without darunavir resistance‐associated mutations in the ODIN trial
Authors: Sension M , Cahn P , Domingo P , Hodder S , Opsomer M , Lathouwers E , Van de Casteele T , Tomaka F
Published: March 2013

Background

ODIN (once‐daily darunavir in treatment‐experienced patients) was a 48‐week, phase III, randomized, open‐label trial comparing once‐daily (qd) darunavir/ritonavir (DRV/r) 800/100 mg with twice‐daily (bid) DRV/r 600/100 mg, both with an optimized background regimen [OBR; at least two nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTIs)], in treatment‐experienced, HIV‐1‐infected adults with no DRV resistance‐associated mutations (RAMs) at screening. Week 48 analyses of virological response by subgroups are reported.

Methods

A total of 590 patients were randomized to receive qd (n = 294) or bid (n = 296) DRV/r. Virological response (HIV‐1 RNA < 50 copies/mL) was assessed according to: screening HIV‐1 RNA (≥ or < 50 000 copies/mL), CD4 cell count, prior protease inhibitor (PI) use, number of active NRTIs in the OBR, presence of mutations (primary PI mutations, PI RAMs or M184V/I), gender, age, race, HIV‐1 clade and adherence.

Results

Baseline characteristics were well balanced between arms and across subgroups. Response rates were comparable between qd and bid DRV/r treatments for all subgroups examined. Response rates were 78.4 and 76.8% in the qd and bid treatment arms, respectively, in patients with baseline HIV‐1 RNA ≤ 50 000 copies/mL and 52.8% in both arms in those with > 50 000 copies/mL. Response rates for the qd and bid treatment arms by baseline CD4 cell count were also similar (69.6 vs. 65.2% for <200 cells/μL; 72.2 vs. 74.8% for 200− < 350 cells/μL; 77.0 vs. 74.3% for ≥ 350 cells/μL).

Conclusions

DRV/r administered either qd or bid provided effective treatment for antiretroviral treatment‐experienced patients with no DRV RAMs, with comparable response rates across all subgroups studied. Low patient numbers in specific subgroups may limit interpretation of these specific subgroup results.
Gay Saunas and the Risks of HIV and Syphilis Transmissions in China—Results of a Meta-Analysis
Authors: Lau JosephT. F. , Zhao Jin-Kou , Wu Xiao-Bing , Gu Jing , Hao Chun
Published: March 2013

Introduction

Previous studies suggest the risk of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) transmission among men who have sex with men (MSM) is associated with characteristics of venues. However, very few studies have systematically compared HIV/sexually transmitted disease (STD) prevalence among MSM according to key venue type for sourcing sex partners.

Aims

The aim of this study was to investigate the associations between HIV/syphilis prevalence and the types of venues, namely saunas, parks, gay bars, and the Internet, which are mostly used for sourcing male sex partners by MSM in China.

Methods

Meta-analyses using fixed-effect and random-effect methods were conducted. Secondary data were obtained from 10 concurrent surveys conducted in 10 cities basing on a common protocol. Pairwise comparisons (e.g., “saunas” vs. “parks”) were made.

Main Outcomes Measures

Odds ratios (OR) for HIV/syphilis infection in relations to venue type for partner sourcing.

Results

The distribution of the most commonly used source to recruit male sex partner was 59.32% (Internet), 18.47% (gay bars), 14.18% (gay saunas), and 8.02% (parks). The median prevalence of HIV/syphilis was 10.49% and 19.38% (gay saunas), 2.12% and 16.25% (parks), 6.06% and 15.45% (Internet), and 4.41% and 11.90% (gay bars). We found significant between-group differences when comparing “sauna” against “Internet” (HIV: OR = 2.27, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.65–3.12; syphilis: OR = 1.61, 95% CI = 1.07–2.41), “sauna” against “bars” (HIV: OR = 1.65, 95% CI = 1.14–2.39; syphilis: OR = 1.35, 95% CI = 1.02–1.78), and “parks” against “Internet” (syphilis: OR = 1.55, 95% CI = 1.12–2.15) as the main source to recruit male sex partners. Other pairwise comparisons were not statistically significant.

Conclusions

The results of this study suggest that those sourcing partners mainly from gay saunas have higher prevalence of HIV/syphilis when compared with those doing so via the Internet or gay bars. Venue based (sauna-based) interventions using socio-ecological approaches are greatly warranted in order to reduce HIV and syphilis prevalence among MSM in China.
Metabolic syndrome: links to social stress and socioeconomic status
Authors: Tamashiro Kellie L. K.
Published: March 2013

Socioeconomic stress associated with financial and psychosocial stress is widespread in society. A comprehensive body of research indicates that low socioeconomic status and social stress is associated with a broad spectrum of health risks. This paper reviews epidemiological evidence demonstrating the association between chronic social stress and development of obesity and symptoms leading to metabolic syndrome. The cumulative effects of socioeconomic stress on health and well being are evident throughout the lifespan, affecting children, adolescents, and adults. While the links between stress and metabolic disease are documented, the mechanisms remain less well understood. Animal models are well established and have provided opportunities to systematically investigate contributing mechanisms that may be targeted to develop treatment and prevention strategies against metabolic disorders arising from exposure to chronic social stress.
A novel design of bioartificial kidneys with improved cell performance and haemocompatibility
Authors: Oo Zay Yar , Kandasamy Karthikeyan , Tasnim Farah , Zink Daniele
Published: March 2013

Treatment with bioartificial kidneys had beneficial effects in animal experiments and improved survival of critically ill patients with acute kidney injury in a Phase II clinical trial. However, a Phase II b clinical trial failed. This and other results suggested various problems with the current design of bioartificial kidneys. We propose a novel design to improve various properties of device, including haemocompatibility and cell performance. An important feature of the novel design is confinement of the blood to the lumina of the hollow fibre membranes. This avoids exposure of the blood to the non‐haemocompatible outer surfaces of hollow fibre membranes, which usually occurs in bioartificial kidneys. We use these outer surfaces as substrate for cell growth. Our results show that commercial hollow fibre membranes can be directly applied in the bioreactor when human primary renal proximal tubular cells are grown in this configuration, and no coatings are required for the formation of robust and functional renal epithelia. Furthermore, we demonstrate that the bioreactor unit produces significant amounts of interleukins. This result helps to understand the immunomodulatory effects of bioartificial kidneys, which have been observed previously. The novel bioartificial kidney design outlined here and the results obtained would be expected to improve the safety and performance of bioartificial kidneys and to contribute to a better understanding of their effects.
Evaluation of pre‐ and post‐zygotic mating barriers, hybrid fitness and phylogenetic relationship between Cyprinodon variegatus variegatus and Cyprinodon variegatus hubbsi (Cyprinodontiformes, Teleostei)
Authors: Brix K.V. , Grosell M.
Published: March 2013

The euryhaline fish Cyprinodon variegatus variegatus (Cvv) is capable of tolerating ambient salinities ranging from 0.3 to 167 g l−1, but incapable of long‐term survival in freshwater (< 2 mM Na+). However, a population of this species, now designated as a subspecies (Cyprinodon variegatus hubbsi; Cvh), has been isolated in several freshwater (0.4–1 mM Na+) lakes in central Florida for the past ~150 ky. We previously demonstrated that Cvh has a significantly higher affinity for Na+ uptake suggesting that it has adapted to its dilute freshwater environment. We here evaluate whether Cvh should be considered a separate species by characterizing pre‐ and post‐zygotic isolation, Na+ transport characteristics of the two populations and their hybrids, and developing a molecular phylogeny of Cvv and Cvh populations in Florida using mtDNA sequence data. We found evidence of partial prezygotic isolation with Cvv females mating almost exclusively (89%) with con‐specific males in choice mating experiments. Partial post‐zygotic isolation was also observed with significant (59–89%) reductions in hatching success of hybrid embryos compared with con‐specific embryos. Na+ uptake kinetics in hybrids (both Cvv x Cvh and Cvh x Cvv) bred and raised under common garden conditions were intermediate to Cvh (high affinity) and Cvv (low affinity) indicating that observed differences are genetically based. Similar observations were made with respect to short‐term (96 h) survival of juveniles acutely transferred from 7 mM Na+ to a range of more dilute (0.1–2 mM Na+) freshwater. Finally, although phylogenetic analysis of Cvv and Cvh populations using mtDNA sequence for ND2 were unable to fully resolve a polytomy between Cvh and Cvv populations from northeastern Florida, these data do not falsify the hypothesis that Cvh is of monophyletic origin. Overall, the available data suggest that Cvh should be considered a separate species or at a minimum an evolutionarily significant unit.
Morphology, Morphogenesis and Small Subunit rRNA Gene Sequence of a Soil Hypotrichous Ciliate, Perisincirra paucicirrata (Ciliophora, Kahliellidae), from the Shoreline of the Yellow River, North China
Authors: Li Fengchao , Xing Yi , Li Jiamei , Al‐Rasheid Khaled A. S. , He Songke , Shao Chen
Published: March 2013

The morphology, morphogenesis, and 18S rRNA gene sequence of a soil hypotrichous ciliate Perisincirra paucicirrata, isolated from north China, were investigated. Perisincirra paucicirrata differs from its congeners in: (1) having a body length to width ratio in vivo of 4:1, (2) its adoral zone occupying between 15% and 25% of the total body length, and (3) the presence of two parabuccal cirri, three left (with 10–16 cirri each) and two right marginal rows (with 14–24 cirri each), and three dorsal kineties. Our study offers a first attempt to begin to map the morphogenetic processes of the genus, which are mainly characterised by the following: the formation of four frontal ventral transverse anlagens for each daughter cell, with the proter's anlage I originating from the reorganised anterior part of the parental paroral; the paroral and endoral anlage developed from the reorganised old endoral and do not contribute the first frontal cirrus; the frontoventral transverse anlage I contributing the left frontal cirrus; anlage II generating the middle frontal and the buccal cirri; anlage III developing the right frontal cirrus and the anterior parabuccal cirrus; and anlage IV contributing the posterior parabuccal cirrus. As an additional contribution, we judge that the inner one or the two right rows of P. kahli and P. longicirrata are marginal rows. Phylogenetic analysis based on SSU rDNA sequences suggests that Perisincirra is related to sporadotrichids, but provides no credible evidence for its taxonomic position.
PHOSPHATIDYLSERINE SYNTHASE1 is Required for Inflorescence Meristem and Organ Development in Arabidopsis
Authors: Liu Chengwu , Yin Hengfu , Gao Peng , Hu Xiaohe , Yang Jun , Liu Zhongchi , Fu Xiangdong , Luo Da
Published: March 2013

Phosphatidylserine (PS), a quantitatively minor membrane phospholipid, is involved in many biological processes besides its role in membrane structure. One PS synthesis gene, PHOSPHATIDYLSERINE SYNTHASE1 (PSS1), has been discovered to be required for microspore development in Arabidopsis thaliana L. but how PSS1 affects postembryonic development is still largely unknown. Here, we show that PSS1 is also required for inflorescence meristem and organ development in Arabidopsis. Disruption of PSS1 causes severe dwarfism, smaller lateral organs and reduced size of inflorescence meristem. Morphological and molecular studies suggest that both cell division and cell elongation are affected in the pss1‐1 mutant. RNA in situ hybridization and promoter GUS analysis show that expression of both WUSCHEL (WUS) and CLAVATA3 (CLV3) depend on PSS1. Moreover, the defect in meristem maintenance is recovered and the expression of WUS and CLV3 are restored in the pss1‐1 clv1‐1 double mutant. Both SHOOTSTEMLESS (STM) and BREVIPEDICELLUS (BP) are upregulated, and auxin distribution is disrupted in rosette leaves of pss1‐1. However, expression of BP, which is also a regulator of internode development, is lost in the pss1‐1 inflorescence stem. Our data suggest that PSS1 plays essential roles in inflorescence meristem maintenance through the WUS‐CLV pathway, and in leaf and internode development by differentially regulating the class I KNOX genes.
Care and compassion: the experiences of newly qualified staff nurses
Authors: Horsburgh Dorothy , Ross Janis
Published: March 2013

Aims and objectives

To explore newly qualified staff nurses' perceptions of compassionate care and factors that facilitate and inhibit its delivery.

Background

It is known that the transition from student to staff nurse is challenging due to a variety of factors including increased expectations of competence, inadequate staffing levels and eclectic support.

Methods

A qualitative approach was taken. Data from newly qualified staff nurses (within first year post registration) were collected by focus groups (n = 6, total participants = 42), using a flexible agenda to guide discussion. Data were analysed to locate codes and themes.

Results

Support for newly qualified staff was eclectic rather than systematic. Participants felt they were ‘flung in at the deep end’ and ‘left to sink or swim’. Some staff were perceived as ‘ingrained in the woodwork’ and resistant to change of even a minor nature, creating an environment of ‘institutionalised negativity’. Clinical supervision was considered a support when available. Compassionate care was a tautology for most participants, that is, care would not be care in the absence of compassion. Compassion as a concept was described frequently with reference to situations in which it was absent. Nursing was ‘more than just a job’, but an occupation in which ‘emotional engagement’ is not only desirable but a prerequisite for provision of high‐quality care.

Conclusion

Findings indicated a tension between ‘agency’ (the ability of individuals to act) and ‘structure’ (physical, social, managerial and cultural environments within which care takes place). Supportive environments facilitate provision of compassionate care although individuals remain accountable for their own practice. This study adds depth to existing literature about newly qualified staff nurses, with specific reference to compassionate care.

Relevance to clinical practice

Undergraduate nursing programmes should prepare students for the reality of delivering compassionate care despite competing commitments. Managers of care settings should ensure that a formalised supportive framework is in place for registered nurses throughout their first year of practice.
Relationships between Nonlinear Viscoelastic Behavior and Rheological, Sensory and Oral Processing Behavior of Commercial Cheese
Authors: Melito H.S. , Daubert C.R. , Foegeding E.A.
Published: March 2013

Cheese texture is primarily determined by its structure. Structural differences can significantly alter rheological, sensory and oral processing behaviors. Large amplitude oscillatory testing (LAOS) has been used to study nonlinear viscoelastic properties of gels, which were related to sensory and oral processing characteristics. Therefore, nonlinear viscoelastic properties of several types of commercial cheese were measured and correlated with rheological, sensory and oral processing characteristics to determine the relationships among these characteristics for more complex food systems. Cheddar, Mozzarella and American cheese were selected for evaluation. Cheddar displayed the greatest degree of nonlinear behavior under LAOS; American cheese displayed the least. Rheological, sensory and oral processing evaluation revealed significant (α = 0.05) differences in behavior of the different cheese. Correlations were found between nonlinear viscoelastic, rheological, sensory and oral processing behaviors. Thus, LAOS testing may be used to gain insight into solid food structure and structural breakdown, yielding additional information on textural properties.

Practical Applications

This work extends the use of large amplitude oscillatory shear (LAOS) to real food systems, showing the applicability of this technique to a variety of materials. In addition, LAOS may be used to test foods with a range of textures, from liquids to semisolids to soft solids. Using LAOS to measure the nonlinear viscoelastic properties of foods allows nonlinear behavior to be quantified in foods that cannot be tested with traditional large‐strain rheology due to sample limitations. The nonlinear viscoelastic properties may be used to make inferences on texture and breakdown of food during mastication.
Student perceptions of assessment and feedback in longitudinal integrated clerkships
Authors: Bates Joanna , Konkin Jill , Suddards Carol , Dobson Sarah , Pratt Dan
Published: March 2013

Objectives  This study was conducted to elucidate how the learning environment and the student–preceptor relationship influence student experiences of being assessed and receiving feedback on performance. Thus, we examined how long‐term clinical clerkship placements influence students’ experiences of and views about assessment and feedback.

Methods  We took a constructivist grounded approach, using authentic assessment and communities of practice as sensitising concepts. We recruited and interviewed 13 students studying in longitudinal integrated clerkships across two medical schools and six settings, using a semi‐structured interview framework. We used an iterative coding process to code the data and arrive at a coding framework and themes.

Results  Students valued the unstructured assessment and informal feedback that arose from clinical supervision, and the sense of progress derived from their increasing responsibility for patients and acceptance into the health care community. Three themes emerged from the data. Firstly, students characterised their assessment and feedback as integrated, developmental and longitudinal. They reported authenticity in the monitoring and feedback that arose from the day‐to‐day delivery of patient care with their preceptors. Secondly, students described supportive and caring relationships and a sense of safety. These enabled them to reflect on their strengths and weaknesses and to interpret critical feedback as supportive. Students developed similar relationships across the health care team. Thirdly, the long‐term placement provided for multiple indicators of progress for students. Patient outcomes were perceived as representing direct feedback about students’ development as doctors. Taking increasing responsibility for patients over time is an indicator to students of their increasing competence and contributes to the developing of a doctor identity.

Conclusions  Clerkship students studying for extended periods in one environment with one preceptor perceive assessment and feedback as authentic because they are embedded in daily patient care, useful because they are developmental and longitudinal, and constructive because they occur in the context of a supportive learning environment and relationship.
Teaching for understanding in medical classrooms using multimedia design principles
Authors: Issa Nabil , Mayer Richard E. , Schuller Mary , Wang Edward , Shapiro Michael B. , DaRosa Debra A.
Published: March 2013

Objectives  In line with a recent report entitled Effective Use of Educational Technology in Medical Education from the Association of American Medical Colleges Institute for Improving Medical Education (AAMC‐IME), this study examined whether revising a medical lecture based on evidence‐based principles of multimedia design would lead to improved long‐term transfer and retention in Year 3 medical students. A previous study yielded positive effects on an immediate retention test, but did not investigate long‐term effects.

Methods  In a pre‐test/post‐test control design, a cohort of 37 Year 3 medical students at a private, midwestern medical school received a bullet point‐based PowerPoint™ lecture on shock developed by the instructor as part of their core curriculum (the traditional condition group). Another cohort of 43 similar medical students received a lecture covering identical content using slides redesigned according to Mayer’s evidence‐based principles of multimedia design (the modified condition group).

Results  Findings showed that the modified condition group significantly outscored the traditional condition group on delayed tests of transfer given 1 week (d = 0.83) and 4 weeks (d = 1.17) after instruction, and on delayed tests of retention given 1 week (d = 0.83) and 4 weeks (d = 0.79) after instruction. The modified condition group also significantly outperformed the traditional condition group on immediate tests of retention (d = 1.49) and transfer (d = 0.76).

Conclusions  This study provides the first evidence that applying multimedia design principles to an actual medical lecture has significant effects on measures of learner understanding (i.e. long‐term transfer and long‐term retention). This work reinforces the need to apply the science of learning and instruction in medical education.
New consultants mastering the role of on‐call supervisor: a longitudinal qualitative study
Authors: Westerman Michiel , Teunissen Pim W , Fokkema Joanne P I , Siegert Carl E H , van der Vleuten Cees P M , Scherpbier Albert J J A , Scheele Fedde
Published: March 2013

Context  The supervision of specialty registrars during on‐call shifts is essential to ensure the quality of both health care and medical education, but has been identified as a major novelty and stressor for new consultants in the transition from specialty training. There is a paucity of research on how consultants deal with their new supervisory roles and which factors influence this process. These issues are addressed in a prospective study designed to gather insights that can inform measures to ensure the provision of high‐quality supervision and specialty training.

Methods  A longitudinal qualitative study was performed in the Netherlands. Semi‐structured interviews were conducted with new consultants. The study was guided by an interpretative phenomenological approach until saturation was reached. At 3‐month intervals between July 2011 and March 2012, eight novice consultants in internal medicine were interviewed three times each about their supervisory role while on call. Interviews focused on their preparation for the role in training, the actions they took to master the role, and their progression over time.

Results  Three interrelated domains of relevant factors emerged from the data: preparedness; personal characteristics, and contextual characteristics. Preparedness referred to the extent to which new consultants were prepared by training to take full responsibility for registrars’ actions while supervising them from a distance. Personal characteristics, such as coping strategies and views on supervision, guided consultants’ development as supervisors. Essential to this process were contextual characteristics, especially those concerning the extent to which the consultant knew the registrar, was familiar with departmental procedures, and had access to support from colleagues.

Conclusions  New consultants should be prepared for their supervisory role by training and by being given a proper introduction to their workplace. The former requires progressive independence and exposure to supervisory tasks during specialty training; the latter requires an induction programme to enable new consultants to familiarise themselves with the departmental environment and the registrars they will be supervising.
Potato virus Y: a major crop pathogen that has provided major insights into the evolution of viral pathogenicity
Authors: Quenouille Julie , Vassilakos Nikon , Moury Benoît
Published: March 2013

Taxonomy

Potato virus Y (PVY) is the type member of the genus Potyvirus in the family Potyviridae.

Virion and genome properties

PVY virions have a filamentous, flexuous form, with a length of 730 nm and a diameter of 12 nm. The genomic RNA is single stranded, messenger sense, with a length of 9.7 kb, covalently linked to a viral‐encoded protein (VPg) at the 5’ end and to a 3’ polyadenylated tail. The genome is expressed as a polyprotein of approximately 3062 amino acid residues, processed by three virus‐specific proteases into 11 mature proteins.

Hosts

PVY is distributed worldwide and has a broad host range, consisting of cultivated solanaceous species and many solanaceous and nonsolanaceous weeds. It is one of the most economically important plant pathogens and causes severe diseases in cultivated hosts, such as potato, tobacco, tomato and pepper, as well as in ornamental plants.

Transmission

PVY is transmitted from plant to plant by more than 40 aphid species in a nonpersistent manner and, in potato, by planting contaminated seed tubers.

Diversity

Five major clades, named C1, C2, Chile, N and O, have been described within the PVY species. In recent decades, a strong increase in prevalence of N × O recombinant isolates has been observed worldwide. A correlation has been observed between PVY phylogeny and certain pathogenicity traits.

Genetic control of PVY

Resistance genes against PVY have been used widely in breeding programmes and deployed in the field. These resistance genes show a large diversity of spectrum of action, durability and genetic determinism. Notably, recessive and dominant major resistance genes show highly contrasting patterns of interaction with PVY populations, displaying rapid co‐evolution or stable relationships, respectively.
Reactive Adjustment or Proactive Embedding? Multistudy, Multiwave Evidence for Dual Pathways to Expatriate Retention
Authors: Ren Hong , Shaffer Margaret A. , Harrison David A. , Fu Carmen , Fodchuk Katherine M.
Published: March 2013

The dominant perspective on expatriation characterizes the process as a continuing adaptation to existing job demands on an international assignment. Another, less studied perspective, emphasizes that expatriates can initiate tactics to acquire task, interpersonal, and affective resources for shaping their assignment experiences. Adopting a positive organizational scholarship lens and drawing on the job demands–resources model, we simultaneously examine both of these reactive demand‐based and proactive resource‐based pathways to expatriate retention. We propose that cross‐cultural uncertainty demands and expatriate‐initiated resource acquisition tactics both influence adjustment and embeddedness. Thus embeddedness works alongside adjustment to drive expatriates’ plans to remain in the international position, which in turn leads to actual retention. Using evidence from 2 separate panel studies (one with 2 waves and the other with 4 waves of data), we demonstrate the importance of the resource‐based pathway for expatriate assignments.
Sulphate and sulphurous acid alter the relative susceptibility of wheat to Phaeosphaeria nodorum and Mycosphaerella graminicola
Authors: Chandramohan P. , Shaw M. W.
Published: March 2013

The relative abundances of DNA of Mycosphaerella graminicola and Phaeosphaeria nodorum in archived wheat samples are closely correlated with UK anthropogenic emissions of oxidized sulphur over the last 160 years. To test whether this could be a causal relationship, possible modes of action of sulphur on the two fungi were examined. Mycelial growth of the two fungi in solutions of sulphurous acid was similar. Sulphurous acid at pH 4 reduced percentage germination of P. nodorum conidia more strongly than M. graminicola conidia. In spray inoculations of wheat cv. Squarehead's Master, Cappelle Desprez and Riband with water or sulphurous acid (pH 4), the ratio of leaves infected by P. nodorum to leaves infected by M. graminicola was increased by factors of 2·5, 2·1 and 0·6, respectively at pH 4. The same three cultivars of wheat were grown in sand and vermiculite and fertilized with nutrient solution containing 2·5 or 0·5 mm sulphate. Both pathogens infected less frequently at 2·5 mm sulphate, by a factor of about 2. The severity of infection by M. graminicola was reduced on all three cultivars by a factor of about 4·5 at 2·5 mm sulphate, but severity of P. nodorum was reduced only by a factor of about 2. Both elevated free sulphate concentrations in soil and sulphite in rainwater could therefore increase the prevalence of P. nodorum relative to M. graminicola, which is consistent with the historical changes in abundance.
Positive and negative affect in adolescent self‐evaluation: Psychometric information in single trials used to generate dimension‐specific ERPs and neural source models
Authors: Waters Allison C. , Tucker Don M.
Published: March 2013

We examined brain mechanisms of self‐evaluation in a sample of adolescents using dense array EEG (dEEG), neural source analysis, and a novel psychometric weighting method. Each trial of the self‐evaluation task was weighted according to its correlation with negative affect and positive affect, such that unique ERP averages were constructed for each mood dimension. Results support the hypothesis that the emotional influence on self‐appraisal is dimension specific. Negative affect was associated with more robust ERP responses 300 ms into the decision‐making epoch. Affect‐weighted source analyses further differentiated dorsal‐posterior and ventral‐anterior features of brain activity. The integration of psychometric weights and dEEG neural source analysis may provide new clues to the neural mechanisms of affective influence on self‐evaluative cognition.
What Works for Whom, How and under What Circumstances? Testing Moderated Mediation of Intervention Effects on Externalizing Behavior in Children
Authors: Stoltz Sabine , Deković Maja , van Londen Monique , Orobio de Castro Bram , Prinzie Peter
Published: March 2013

In this study, we investigate whether changes in child social cognitive functioning and parenting are the mechanisms through which an individually delivered real‐world child intervention, Stay Cool Kids, aimed at preventing externalizing problem behavior in high‐risk elementary school children, induces changes in child behavior. Moreover, we tested whether mediation was moderated by child characteristics (gender and personality). The sample consisted of 264 fourth‐grade children displaying externalizing behavior (TRF t‐score > 60). Forty‐eight schools were randomly assigned to the intervention or no‐intervention control condition. The results of mediation analyses provided evidence for child positive self‐perception and maternal involvement as working mechanisms of the intervention. Child personality factor extraversion moderated the mediating effect of involvement whereas no moderated mediation was found for gender. Working mechanisms of the intervention differ for children with different personality characteristiscs.
An 8‐week face‐split study to evaluate the efficacy of cosmeceuticals using non‐invasive bioengineering devices
Authors: Jung J. W. , Lee Y. W. , Choe Y. B. , Ahn K. J.
Published: March 2013

Background/aims

Even with the increasing demand for functional cosmeceuticals in the recent years, objective standard criteria for assessing their efficacy are currently incomplete at best. In this 8‐week face‐split study, in which we topically applied high‐priced cosmeceuticals on one side and more affordable cosmeceuticals on the other side of the face, we compared the efficacy of these two products using non‐invasive bioengineering technology.

Methods

We assessed the efficacy of a skin‐whitening and an anti‐wrinkle cosmeceutical product on 25 and 19 healthy female volunteers, respectively. In a single blind split setting, each participant received an 8‐week topical application of high‐priced cosmeceuticals to the left side of the face, and cheaper cosmeceuticals to the right side. Then, the subjects' biophysical parameters were measured for an objective evaluation of the results. This was followed by a questionnaire to obtain a subjective assessment.

Results

There was no significant difference in the change between the high‐priced cosmeceuticals and the more affordable cosmeceuticals. At each measured site, there were variable changes including skin improvement and aggravation at the end of study. The subjective questionnaire demonstrated also that the participants perceived no difference in the efficacy between the two products.

Conclusions

Our results showed that there were no significant differences in the skin biophysical parameters following the application with high‐priced functional cosmeceuticals or less expensive cosmeceuticals. The subject failed to differentiate between the two products. The development of objective standard criteria for assessing its efficacy is essential.
Risk‐adjusted relationship between voriconazole utilization and non‐melanoma skin cancer among lung and heart/lung transplant patients
Authors: McLaughlin J.M. , Equils O. , Somerville K.T. , Aram J.A. , Schlamm H.T. , Welch V.L. , Mardekian J. , Barbers R.G.
Published: March 2013

Background

We examined the relationship between voriconazole utilization and non‐melanoma skin cancer (NMSC) development among adult lung and heart/lung transplant patients who were continuously enrolled in a large U.S. commercial health plan.

Methods

Cox proportional hazards regression models were constructed to assess both the crude and adjusted effect of voriconazole usage on NMSC development. Overall, 467 adult lung (98%) and heart/lung (2%) transplant patients (60% male) with median age of 58 years were analyzed.

Results

Fifty‐seven (12%) patients developed NMSC over a median follow‐up time of 610 days. At the crude level, patients with any (vs. none) claim for voriconazole were more likely to develop NMSC (19% vs. 12%, hazard ratio [HR]: 1.74, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.02, 2.96, P = 0.04). However, after statistical adjustment for demographic and clinical factors, the effect was largely diminished and no longer statistically significant (HR: 1.23, 95% CI: 0.71, 2.14, P = 0.45). Results were similar when modeling average and total dose of voriconazole. Risk factors significantly related to NMSC development were being male, older age, sun exposure, history of chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder, and history of immune disorder.

Conclusion

Results suggest that the relationship between voriconazole utilization and NMSC among lung transplant patients may be a result of confounding by indication, and that controlling for underlying patient characteristics is paramount.
In vitro assessment of buffy‐coat derived platelet components suspended in SSP+ treated with the INTERCEPT Blood system
Authors: Johnson L. , Loh Y. S. , Kwok M. , Marks D. C.
Published: March 2013

Background

The INTERCEPT Blood System uses amotosalen‐HCl and UVA light to cross‐link DNA and RNA, thereby inhibiting pathogen replication. Although previous studies have shown that this treatment alters in vitro platelet quality, most studies have assessed apheresis platelets or platelets pooled from 5 or 6 donors. In Australia, platelets are prepared using buffy‐coats from 4 donors, with SSP+ and have lower plasma carryover than recommended by the manufacturer (32–47%). As such, it is currently unknown whether these platelet concentrates are suitable for INTERCEPT treatment.

Materials and methods

Platelet concentrates were prepared by pooling four buffy‐coats with SSP+, resulting in 30% plasma carryover. Two platelet units were pooled and split to generate paired units, with one unit treated with the INTERCEPT System (n = 6), whilst the other remained untreated (n = 6). All units were stored for seven days at 22 °C with agitation.

Results

INTERCEPT treatment resulted in 10·4 ± 4·3% loss of platelets, but did not significantly affect the functional integrity of mitochondria. INTERCEPT‐treated platelets demonstrated a decreased pH, accelerated lactate production and glucose consumption, as well as higher surface expression and increased secretion of P‐selectin and reduced collagen‐induced aggregation. These changes were particularly evident from day 5 of storage.

Conclusion

The observed increase in platelet glycolysis following INTERCEPT treatment is consistent with previous literature reports. Importantly, the in vitro changes were less marked than previously reported indicating that the platelets suspended in SSP+ with reduced plasma carryover are of suitable in vitro quality following INTERCEPT treatment and storage.
Red blood cells stored for increasing periods produce progressive impairments in nitric oxide–mediated vasodilation
Authors: Alexander Jason T. , El‐Ali Alexander M. , Newman James L. , Karatela Sulaiman , Predmore Benjamin L. , Lefer David J. , Sutliff Roy L. , Roback John D.
Published: March 2013

Background

Clinical outcomes in transfused patients may be affected by the duration of blood storage, possibly due to red blood cell (RBC)‐mediated disruption of nitric oxide (NO) signaling, a key regulator of vascular tone and blood flow.

Study Design and Methods

AS‐1 RBC units stored up to 42 days were sampled at selected storage times. Samples were added to aortic rings ex vivo, a system where NO‐mediated vasodilation could be experimentally controlled.

Results

RBC units showed storage‐dependent changes in plasma hemoglobin (Hb), RBC 2,3‐diphosphoglycerate acid, and RBC adenosine triphosphate conforming to expected profiles. When freshly collected (Day 0) blood was added to rat aortic rings, methacholine (MCh) stimulated substantial NO‐mediated vasodilation. In contrast, MCh produced no vasodilation in the presence of blood stored for 42 days. Surprisingly, the vasoinhibitory effects of stored RBCs were almost totally mediated by RBCs themselves: removal of the supernatant did not attenuate the inhibitory effects, while addition of supernatant alone to the aortic rings only minimally inhibited MCh‐stimulated relaxation. Stored RBCs did not inhibit vasodilation by a direct NO donor, demonstrating that the RBC‐mediated vasoinhibitory mechanism did not work by NO scavenging.

Conclusions

These studies have revealed a previously unrecognized vasoinhibitory activity of stored RBCs, which is more potent than the described effects of free Hb and works through a different mechanism that does not involve NO scavenging but may function by reducing endothelial NO production. Through this novel mechanism, transfusion of small volumes of stored blood may be able to disrupt physiologic vasodilatory responses and thereby possibly cause adverse clinical outcomes.
Erosion externalities: an empirical study of resident beliefs for a watershed in south‐eastern Spain
Authors: Rosario‐Díaz Juana F. , Haro‐Pérez José , Cañero‐León Rafael
Published: March 2013

This research explores the external effects of erosion as a criterion based on the perceptions of residents of populated areas within a watershed. We applied a multiple correspondence analysis to survey responses in order to reveal the attitudes of residents towards erosion in the study area. This analysis is combined with an analysis of the adjusted residuals, with the goal of identifying the most important erosion externalities that characterize part of south‐eastern Spain. Our results demonstrated that the survey approach, combined with the statistical analysis, is capable of revealing differences among communities within a watershed in the perceived externalities of erosion. We identified the following key variables: municipality, conservation status of access routes, conservation status of sewer systems, conservation status of landscape, nature outings per year and agriculture abandonment.
The Marxist View of the Labor Unions: Complex and Critical
Authors: La Botz Dan
Published: March 2013

Since the world economic crisis of 2008 and governments' increasing demands for austerity in countries around the globe, labor unions have failed to provide leadership to the working class. This has led to a debate about the value of unions and their role in social change. Longstanding socialist organizations and emerging nonstate socialist and anarchist groups have begun an important discussion of the nature of the labor unions, the character of their leaderships, and their relationship to employers and the state. Marx and Engels are often referred to or cited as authorities in these debates, though seldom do we have an overview of how they arrived at their complex understanding of labor union structures, leaderships, politics, and behaviors. This essay is meant to contribute to this important discussion by examining Marx's and Engel's involvement in the workers' movement, including with the labor unions, as well as their writings about labor unions, placing them in the broader context of their revolutionary socialist strategy and vision. We trace the development of these ideas from their first involvement with the workers movement in the mid‐1840s until the death of both by the 1890s. Finally, we conclude by making a summary of their considered opinion.
Freedom Budget: The Promise of the Civil Rights Movement for Economic Justice
Authors: Le Blanc Paul
Published: March 2013

Civil rights leaders and organizers animated by socialist perspectives were a key element in all that happened in the civil rights movement, from 1955 to 1968. These included A. Philip Randolph, Bayard Rustin, and Martin Luther King, Jr.—central figures in the historic 1963 March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom. Organically connected to the Washington March was a document to which all three were committed, The Freedom Budget for All Americans, advanced in 1966. It promised the full and final triumph of the civil rights movement, to be achieved by going beyond civil rights, linking the goal of racial justice with the goal of economic justice for all people in the United States. This was to be brought into being by rallying massive segments of the 99% of the American people in a powerfully democratic and moral crusade embracing the civil rights movement, the labor movement, progressive‐minded religious communities, students and youth as well as their elders.
Public Health and Vector‐Borne Diseases – A New Concept for Risk Governance
Authors: Schmidt K. , Dressel K. M. , Niedrig M. , Mertens M. , Schüle S. A. , Groschup M. H.
Published: March 2013

Public Health is defined as an interdisciplinary multilevel approach that deals with questions of preventing diseases at the population level. In this context, this paper focuses on vector‐borne diseases as an important threat with an increasing impact on human and animal health. Emphasis is laid on an integrated health approach (‘One‐Health’ initiative) as it recognizes the interrelated nature of both human and animal health. The importance of vector‐borne diseases to new and emerging diseases in Europe was demonstrated, for example, by the recent outbreak of West Nile virus infections in Greece, Northern Italy and Hungary; the spread of Crimean‐Congo haemorrhagic fever virus across Turkey, south‐western countries of the former USSR and the Balkans; the dramatic increase in hantavirus infections in Germany in 2012; and the dengue virus outbreak in Portugal in the same year. This paper provides a systematic approach for the analysis, assessment and governance of emerging health risks attributed to vector‐borne diseases by using a holistic approach developed by the International Risk Governance Council (IRGC), called the ‘IRGC Risk Governance Framework’. It can be used by decision‐makers and general Public Health authorities in order to evaluate the situation regarding any specific pathogen or Public Health risk and to decide if additional measures should be implemented.