bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Predator‐Naïve Brown Trout (Salmo trutta) Show Antipredator Behaviours to Scent from an Introduced Piscivorous Mammalian Predator Fed Conspecifics
Authors: Rosell Frank , Holtan Lars B , Thorsen Jon G , Heggenes Jan
Published: March 2013

Introduced mammalian predators may pose a high risk for native and naïve prey populations, but little is known about how native fish species may recognize and respond to scents from introduced mammalian predators. We investigated the role of diet‐released chemical cues in facilitating predator recognition, hypothesizing that native brown trout (Salmo trutta) would exhibit antipredator behaviours to faeces scents from the introduced American mink (Neovision vison) fed conspecifics, but not to non‐trout diets. In treatments‐control and replicate stream tank experiments, brown trout showed significant antipredator responses to faeces scent from mink fed conspecifics, but not to faeces scent from mink fed a non‐trout diet (chicken), or the non‐predator food control, Eurasian beaver (Castor fiber). We conclude that native and naïve brown trout show relevant antipredator behaviours to an introduced mammalian predator, presumably based on diet‐released conspecific alarm cues and thereby estimate the predation risk.
Perspectives and Debates: Mimicry, Signalling and Co‐Evolution (Commentary on Wolfgang Wickler – Understanding Mimicry – With special reference to vocal mimicry)
Authors: Grim Tomáš
Published: March 2013

In his stimulating discussion, Wolfgang Wickler criticizes fuzzy usage of term mimicry by drawing attention to its original definition by H. Bates. Mimicry refers to functional ‘model–mimic–selecting agent’ trinity (with varying number of species involved) when the selecting agent (i.e. signal receiver) responds similarly to mimic and model to the advantage of the mimic. Concurring with Wickler I argue that convergence is neither necessary nor sufficient to support similarity as evidence for mimicry and that it is artificial and unproductive to classify mimicry with respect to ontogeny (innate vs. learned similarity) or model species identity (learning from conspecifics vs. heterospecifics). Using butterfly ‘eye’‐spots, I argue that just identifying each of the supposed model, the mimic and the selective agent, and even demonstrating that mimic‐model similarity affects the agent's behaviour, provides no conclusive evidence for mimicry. Even a demonstration that the mimic benefits from receiver response may not provide conclusive evidence for mimicry. Using avian brood parasite–host egg and nestling mimicry, I emphasize that without experimental manipulation of the hypothesized mimetic traits, it is impossible to test the mimicry hypothesis robustly. Due to fundamental constraints on human perception, some cases of mimicry may in fact be just a by‐product of human inability to perceive relevant differences between animal phenotypes (what is similar for human eye, nose or ear may not be viewed, smelled or heard as similar for relevant animal observers), whereas many cases of real mimicry may escape our attention from the same reason (‘hidden’ mimicry). Surprisingly, the same mimetic phenotype may show completely different effects on selective agents under different ecological circumstances. Finally, relatively dissimilar species may be more mimetic than highly similar model–mimic pairs because mimicry may be more fruitfully understood as a co‐evolutionary process rather than a similarity.
Age‐Related Male Reproductive Investment in Courtship Display and Nuptial Gifts in a Moth, Ostrinia scapulalis
Authors: Thanda Win Aye , Kojima Wataru , Ishikawa Yukio
Published: March 2013

Due to a trade‐off between current and future reproduction, costly reproductive investments should be increased towards the end of a lifespan when the probability of reproduction becomes low (terminal investment hypothesis). We investigated age‐related changes in male reproductive investment towards courtship display and the spermatophore in three age classes (young, middle‐aged and old) of a monandrous moth, Ostrinia scapulalis. As predicted, old males had higher mating success than young and middle‐aged males in no‐choice tests. Moreover, two‐choice tests revealed that middle‐aged males had a higher success rate than young males because of their higher courtship frequency rather than any female preference for them. It was found that old males produced a larger spermatophore than young and middle‐aged males, suggesting greater reproductive effort. The protein content of spermatophores also tended to increase with male age. Despite the age‐related variation in spermatophore size and protein content, age did not affect female fecundity or longevity. A decrease in the number of sperm in the older males might counteract the nutritional benefit of larger spermatophores. Alternatively, fitness components other than longevity and fecundity may be influenced by male age.
Integration of multi‐step stamping effects in the bending fatigue analysis of a steel wheel
Authors: Meng J. , Zhu P. , Liu Z. , Ji Q.
Published: March 2013

Bending fatigue prediction accuracy of steel wheel can hardly be guaranteed without clearly understanding the influence of stamping process on fatigue. In this research, multi‐step stamping processes of spoke were analysed by different finite element simulation techniques. Major influences of stamping process on fatigue property were distinguished. Data‐mapping technique was used to transfer information between stamping and fatigue analysis models. Difference material experiments were carried out to research the influence of prestrain on material properties. Modified E‐N function was established according to the theoretical analysis and material experiment results. Bending fatigue finite element simulation was carried out, and result matched experiment well both in position and cycle life.
The oral health of seniors in Brazil: addressing the consequences of a historic lack of public health dentistry in an unequal society
Authors: Fonesca Flamorion A. , Jones Kimberly M. , Mendes Danilo C. , dos Santos Neto Pedro E. , Ferreira Raquel C. , Pordeus Isabela A. , de Barros Lima Martins Andréa M.E.
Published: March 2013

Objective

National epidemiological data on the oral health of elders was analysed to examine relationships between the need for oral treatment and external environment, the dental care delivery system, personal characteristics and subjective conditions of oral health.

Background

Brazil's universal public healthcare system is theoretically responsible to provide dental care to Brazilians of all ages. However, as dentists were integrated into public primary care facilities only in 2000, Brazilian seniors have accumulated needs.

Materials and methods

Seniors (65–74 years old) were examined and interviewed by calibrated professionals. The association of overall need for oral treatment and component factors were analysed. Associations with socio‐demographic factors and self‐reported attitudes and behaviours were also calculated.

Results

A total of 85.9% of Brazilian seniors demonstrated a need for some oral treatment, 83.8% of the dentate needed periodontal treatment and 57.3% of all seniors needed full or partial prostheses. Social inequalities were also evident as Brazilians using free oral care services demonstrated a higher degree of need, as did elders who had not previously accessed dental services, nonwhites and males.

Conclusions

Our findings demonstrate that the elderly population in Brazil has a very high degree of need in general and that certain subgroups have been especially vulnerable to oral disease.
Oral hygiene caregivers’ educational programme improves oral health conditions in institutionalised independent and functional elderly
Authors: Portella Fernando F. , Rocha Aline W. , Haddad Daniel C. , Fortes Carmem B.B. , Hugo Fernando N. , Padilha Dalva M.P. , Samuel Susana M.W.
Published: March 2013

Objective

The goal of this study was to determine the impact of an oral hygiene education programme for caregivers on the oral health of institutionalised elderly and to examine the effect of disability and low muscle strength on programme outcomes.

Materials and methods

The subjects of this study were geriatric patients (n = 80) from a nursing home. Katz Index for activities of daily living, handgrip strength and mucosal–plaque score (MPS) was evaluated at baseline and 1 year after intervention. The intervention consisted of an educational programme and specific guidelines for caregivers (to perform oral hygiene for dependent elderly and to supervise the independent elderly during oral hygiene practices). Differences on MPS were evaluated using a paired‐sample t‐test. A stratified analysis was carried out to identify differences in response to the programme according to the Katz Index and handgrip strength of elderly.

Results

The MPS was significantly reduced (p = 0.001) at follow‐up; however, a separate analysis showed that only the independent elderly (p = 0.002) and those with normal muscle strength (p = 0.006) showed a reduction in MPS during the follow‐up examination.

Conclusion

The oral hygiene education programme for caregivers resulted in a positive impact on oral hygiene of the independent and functional elderly.
Age and genesis of the White Pine stratiform copper mineralization, northern Michigan, USA, from paleomagnetism
Authors: Symons D. T. A. , Kawasaki K. , Diehl J. F.
Published: March 2013

At White Pine, the stratiform sedimentary copper (SSC) mineralization occurs mostly as chalcocite in gray‐black shales in the basal approximately 6 m of the 1081 ± 9 Ma Nonesuch Formation of the Keweenawan Supergroup. Paleomagnetic analysis of 176 specimens (19 sites) isolated collinear characteristic remanent magnetization (ChRM) directions in both magnetite and hematite in both the oxidized SSC zones and overlying pyritic and upper zones of the Nonesuch Formation. A paleomagnetic fold test shows that the normal‐polarity ChRM is prefolding in origin. Combining the ChRM directions from this study (18 sites) and from (Canadian Journal of Earth Sciences, 14, 1977, 1128; 11 sites), the Nonesuch mineralized and nonmineralized sites give a paleopole at 7.3°N, 174.7°E (N = 29, A95 = 3.0°), yielding an age of 1063 ±8 Ma on the Keweenawan apparent polar wander path. The observed 1063 ± 8 Ma age is interpreted to date both the average age of oxidation and mineralization of the SSC zone. Thus, ore genesis occurred after burial by the overlying Freda Formation and after conversion by oxidation of the underlying original clastic sediments of the Copper Harbor Formation to red beds, most likely by gravity‐driven recharge of subsurface brines by meteoric water from adjacent highlands on the southeast side of the Keweenawan Rift.
Interobserver agreement in the reporting of colorectal polyp pathology among bowel cancer screening pathologists in Wales
Authors: Turner Jeff K , Williams Geraint T , Morgan Meleri , Wright Melissa , Dolwani Sunil
Published: March 2013

Aims

To assess the interobserver agreement in the reporting of colorectal polyps among histopathologists participating in the Welsh Bowel Cancer Screening (BCS) programme.

Methods and results

Twelve benign polyps representative of BCS cases were identified from pathology files and reported by 28 BCS histopathologists using proforma sheets. The level of agreement between the participants and a gold standard was determined using kappa (κ) statistics. A moderate level of agreement was achieved in the reporting of polyp type [κ = 0.45; 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.34–0.59] and adenomatous lesions were distinguished from non‐adenomatous lesions in 96% of cases. Substantial agreement was obtained in distinguishing low‐ and high‐grade dysplasias (κ = 0.67; 95% CI 0.50–0.86), but there was only fair agreement in reporting excision margin status (κ = 0.24; 95% CI 0.07–0.43) with frequent use of the ‘uncertain’ category. Significant issues included categorizing serrated lesions, recognizing focal high‐grade dysplasia and epithelial misplacement, and apparent overdiagnosis of villous change in adenomas.

Conclusions

Interobserver variability in some aspects of reporting colorectal polyps by BCS pathologists is suboptimal, with a potential impact upon patient management and the efficient running of the screening service. Approaches to addressing this are discussed.
Intraspecific kleptoparasitism improves chick growth and reproductive output in Common Terns Sterna hirundo
Authors: García Germán O. , Becker Peter H. , Favero Marco
Published: March 2013

Kleptoparasitism is a well‐known foraging strategy used opportunistically by many seabirds. Here, we investigated the effect of intraspecific kleptoparasitism on chick growth and reproductive output in Common Terns Sterna hirundo. Effects were compared between two groups comprising (1) individuals using kleptoparasitism during the chick‐rearing period (kleptoparasitic group, n = 18), and (2) individuals in pairs that never performed kleptoparasitism throughout the season (‘honest’ group, n = 21). The null models best described variation in mass at day 3 and the pre‐fledging mass, indicating no significant effect of the explanatory variables. However, the best models describing the linear growth rate (days 3–13) and peak mass included the parents' foraging strategy (kleptoparasitic vs. honest parents) as an explanatory variable. These two growth parameters were higher in chicks of kleptoparasitic parents. Kleptoparasitic foraging strategy was also associated with higher pre‐fledging survival, as the reproductive performance (i.e. number of fledglings) was significantly higher in the kleptoparasitic than in the honest group. We suggest that by stealing food (and consequently feeding offspring more frequently with high‐quality prey), kleptoparasitic parents are able to produce higher quality chicks with enhanced survival.
Effect of Simvastatin on kinetics of Osteoprotegrin/receptor activator nuclear kappa B Ligand mRNA expression in periapical lesions
Authors: Shadmehr E. , Khademi A.
Published: March 2013

Aim

To evaluate the therapeutic effect of Simvastatin on apical periodontitis in rats by assessing the osteoblast production of receptor activator of nuclear factor–Kappa B Ligand (RANKL) and Osteoprotegerin (OPG) cytokines that are essential for bone resorption.

Methodology

Twenty‐five healthy 8‐ to 10‐week‐old male rats were selected. Periapical lesions were induced by exposure of pulps through the occlusal surfaces of mandibular first molars. The pulps were extirpated and canals contaminated with saliva. The teeth were filled temporarily to make animal feeding feasible. The experimental group (n = 12) was placed on 20 mg−1 kg−1 day−1 of Simvastatin for 10 days (3 days before and 7 days after pulp exposure) and the control group (n = 12) received a placebo. After 1, 2 and 4 weeks, the animals were sacrificed and mRNA expression of OPG/RANKL was evaluated by real‐time PCR. One rat was sacrificed without any interventions (negative control) to determine the baseline expression of the mediators involved. Data were analysed by one‐way anova.

Results

Simvastatin significantly (P < 0.05) enhanced the expression of OPG and reduced the mRNA expression of RANKL in the experimental group compared with the control group.

Conclusions

Oral administration of Simvastatin attenuated RANKL expression and accelerated OPG expression in induced rat periapical lesions.
Optimisation of microwave‐assisted extraction of Gac oil at different hydraulic pressure, microwave and steaming conditions
Authors: Kha Tuyen C. , Nguyen Minh H. , Phan Dong T. , Roach Paul D. , Stathopoulos Costas E.
Published: March 2013

The study aimed to optimise Gac (Momordica cochinchinensis Spreng) oil extraction conditions, including microwave time, steaming time and hydraulic pressure, for maximising extraction efficiency (EE), and β‐carotene and lycopene contents, using response surface methodology. Results indicated that the data were adequately fitted into three second‐order polynomial models for EE, β‐carotene and lycopene with R2 values of 0.93, 0.85 and 0.86, respectively. It was predicted that the optimum extraction conditions within the experimental ranges would be the microwaving time of 62 min, steaming time of 22 min and hydraulic pressure of 175 kg cm−2. Under such parameters, the maximum EE of 86%, β‐carotene content of 186 mg per 100 mL oil and lycopene content of 518 mg per 100 mL oil were achieved as predicted.
Effects of protein solubilisation and precipitation pH values on the functional properties of defatted wheat germ protein isolates
Authors: Liu Fengru , Chen Zhengxing , Wang Li , Wang Ren
Published: March 2013

Wheat germ protein isolates were prepared from defatted wheat germ flour using alkaline solubilisation and acid precipitation. A central composite design with two independent variables (solubilisation pH and precipitation pH) and bivariate correlations was selected for the correlation analysis of the protein separation conditions and the functional properties. The results showed that the protein yield (Y) and functional properties of isolates, such as water absorption (WA) and fat absorption (FA), were sensitive to both solubilisation pH and precipitation pH, whereas the emulsification was sensitive to only solubilisation pH. Emulsifying activity (EA) and FA of isolates showed a high positive correlation with yield. Gel electrophoresis analysis of protein fractions gave evidence to the compositional changes between proteins isolated under different conditions, highly alkaline conditions result in the degradation of protein chains and formation of toxic compounds. Surface hydrophobicity suggested that proteins tend to be more denatured when solubilised at highly alkaline conditions. These conformational and compositional changes due to different protein separation conditions have contributed to the changes in functional properties of protein isolates.
Myeloid neoplasms associated with eosinophilia and rearrangement of PDGFRA,PDGFRB, and FGFR1: a review
Authors: Savage N. , George T. I. , Gotlib J.
Published: March 2013

Myeloid and lymphoid neoplasms with eosinophilia and abnormalities of platelet‐derived growth factor receptor alpha (PDGFRA), platelet‐derived growth factor receptor beta (PDGFRB), and fibroblast growth factor receptor‐1 (FGFR1) are a group of hematologic neoplasms resulting from the formation of abnormal fusion genes that encode constitutively activated tyrosine kinases. These entities are now separated into their own major category in the 2008 World Health Organization classification of hematolymphoid tumors. Although eosinophilia is characteristic of these diseases, the clinical presentation of the three entities is variable. Conventional cytogenetics (karyotyping) will detect the majority of abnormalities involving PDGFRB and FGFR1, but florescence in situ hybridization (FISH)/molecular studies are required to detect factor interacting with PAP (FIP1L1)–PDGFRA as the characteristic 4q12 interstitial deletion is cryptic. Imatinib mesylate (imatinib) is the first‐line therapy for patients with abnormalities of PDGFRA/B, whereas patients with FGFR1 fusions are resistant to this therapy and carry a poor prognosis. The discovery of novel gene rearrangements associated with eosinophilia will further guide our understanding of the molecular pathobiology of these diseases and aid in the development of small‐molecule inhibitors that inhibit deregulated hematopoiesis.
Perceptions of disease aetiology and the effect of own behaviour on health among poly-pharmacy patients with non-Western backgrounds in Denmark
Authors: Molin Katrine Rutkær , Mygind Anna , Nørgaard Lotte Stig
Published: March 2013

Objectives

To examine the perceptions of disease aetiology and the effect of own behaviour on health among poly-pharmacy patients with non-Western backgrounds in Denmark.

Methods

The study was based on 26 extended medication reviews with patients of non-Western backgrounds aged 50+ who use at least four prescription drugs regularly. The reviews were conducted by 12 pharmacists with the same mother-tongue background as the participants. The reviews included patient interviews on which the data in this article are based. In total, four open-ended questions from the patient interviews were analysed by the means of Giorgi's phenomenological method.

Key findings

The analysis shows that stress was most commonly perceived as the cause of the participants' diseases for reasons that included (1) having left their country of origin and family, (2) worry over the political situation in their country of origin and (3) the problems involved in living as an immigrant in Denmark. Most of the participants perceived their own efforts as having little impact on their own health status, although some participants considered them as having considerable influence.

Conclusions

To a great extent, the explanations of the participants about possible disease aetiology are focused on stress, immigration and psychological well-being. Although many participants perceived that their own efforts did not have much impact on their health status, our study revealed a large diversity in the responses of non-Western immigrants, particularly regarding the importance of their own efforts on their health status.
The Obesity Paradox in Stroke: Lower Mortality and Lower Risk of Readmission for Recurrent Stroke in Obese Stroke Patients
Authors: Andersen Klaus Kaae , Olsen Tom Skyhøj
Published: March 2013

Background

Although associated with excess mortality and morbidity, obesity is associated with lower mortality after stroke. The association between obesity and risk of recurrent stroke is unclear.

Aims

The study aims to investigate the association in stroke patients between body mass index and risk of death and readmission for recurrent stroke.

Methods

An administrative Danish quality-control registry designed to collect a predefined dataset on all hospitalized stroke patients in Denmark 2000–2010 includes 45 615 acute first-ever stroke patients with information on body mass index in 29 326. Data include age, gender, civil status, stroke severity, computed tomography, and cardiovascular risk factors. Patients were followed up to 9·8 years (median 2·6 years). We used Cox regression models to compare risk of death and readmission for recurrent stroke in the four body mass index groups: underweight (body mass index < 18·5), normal weight (body mass index 18·5–24·9), overweight (body mass index 25·0–29·9), obese (body mass index ⩾ 30·0).

Results

Mean age 72·3 years, 48% women. Mean body mass index 23·0. Within follow-up, 7902 (26·9%) patients had died; 2437 (8·3%) were readmitted because of recurrent stroke. Mortality was significantly lower in overweight (hazard ratio 0·72; confidence interval 0·68–0·78) and obese (hazard ratio 0·80; confidence interval 0·73–0·88) patients while significantly higher in underweight patients (hazard ratio 1·66; confidence interval 1·49–1·84) compared with normal weight patients. Risk of readmission for recurrent stroke was significantly lower in obese than in normal weight patients (hazard ratio 0·84; confidence interval 0·72–0·92).

Conclusionsx

Obesity was not only associated with reduced mortality relative to normal weight patients. Compared with normal weight, risk of readmission for recurrent stroke was also lower in obese stroke patients.
Safety and FeasibiLity of Metformin in Patients with Impaired Glucose Tolerance and a Recent TIA or Minor Ischemic Stroke (LIMIT) Trial – A Multicenter, Randomized, Open-Label Phase II Trial
Authors: den Hertog Heleen M. , Vermeer S. E. , Zandbergen A. A. M. , Achterberg Sefanja , Dippel Diederik W. J. , Algra Ale , Kappelle L. J. , Koudstaal Peter J.
Published: March 2013

Background and purpose

We aimed to assess the safety, feasibility, and effects on glucose metabolism of treatment with metformin in patients with TIA or minor ischemic stroke and impaired glucose tolerance.

Methods

We performed a multicenter, randomized, controlled, open-label phase II trial with blinded outcome assessment. Patients with TIA or minor ischemic stroke in the previous six months and impaired glucose tolerance (2-hour post-load glucose levels of 7.8–11.0 mmol/l) were randomized to metformin, in a daily dose of 2 g, or no metformin, for three months. Primary outcome measures were safety and feasibility of metformin, and the adjusted difference in 2-hour post-load glucose levels at three months. This trial is registered as an International Standard Randomized Controlled Trial Number 54960762.

Results

Forty patients were enrolled; 19 patients were randomly assigned metformin. Nine patients in the metformin group had side effects, mostly gastrointestinal, leading to permanent discontinuation in four patients after 3–10 weeks. Treatment with metformin was associated with a significant reduction in 2-hour post-load glucose levels of 0·97 mmol/l (95% CI 0·11–1·83) in the on-treatment analysis, but not in the intention-to-treat analysis (0·71 mmol/l; 95% CI −0·36 to 1·78).

Conclusions

Treatment with metformin in patients with TIA or minor ischemic stroke and impaired glucose tolerance is safe, but leads to minor side effects. If tolerated, it may lead to a significant reduction in post-load glucose levels. This suggests that the role of metformin as potential therapeutic agent for secondary stroke prevention should be further explored.
Diffuse dermal angiomatosis of the breast: clinical and histopathological features
Authors: Sanz‐Motilva Virginia , Martorell‐Calatayud Antonio , Rongioletti Franco , Escutia‐Muñoz Begoña , López‐Gómez Sara , Rodríguez‐Peralto Jose Luis , Vanaclocha Francisco
Published: March 2013

Introduction

Diffuse dermal angiomatosis is an entity in the spectrum of reactive angiomatoses characterized by erythematous plaques that mainly affect the lower extremities of patients with a personal history of peripheral vascular disease. Involvement of the breast is a rare event that has only been described as single cases in women with large breasts.

Objective

Our main aim is to report three rare cases of diffuse dermal angiomatosis of the breast and to better define their clinical, histopathological, and immunohistochemical characteristics. Comorbidities and management will also be discussed.

Methods

A retrospective search of patients with the diagnosis of diffuse dermal angiomatosis of the breast was made. Databases of three hospitals, Hospital 12 de Octubre (Madrid, Spain), Hospital La Fe (Valencia, Spain), and Clinica Dermatologica, University of Genoa (Italy), were included in the analysis.

Results

Three middle‐aged women who were heavy smokers were found. Physical examination revealed several livedoid plaques on both breasts. Painful ulceration over the violaceous lesions was observed in two cases. Histological features included a diffuse proliferation of spindle‐shaped endothelial cells with focal small vessel formation occupying the full thickness of the dermis with scanty extravasated erythrocytes, showing positivity for CD31, CD34, and SMA‐α and negativity for D2‐40. Management was focused on a strict control of comorbidities, especially on the cessation of smoking habit that led to a conspicuous improvement in all patients.

Conclusions

We describe all those clinicopathologic features that define diffuse dermal angiomatosis of the breast, which should be considered a distinctive variant into the group of cutaneous angiomatoses. In our experience, a strict control of smoking habit must be the first step in the management of this entity.
Morphology and phylogenetic interpretation of a new Cambrian edrioasteroid (Echinodermata) from Spain
Authors: ZAMORA SAMUEL
Published: March 2013

Abstract: The edrioasteroid, Aragocystites belli gen. nov. sp. nov. from the middle Cambrian Murero Formation of Spain, is described based on a small number of very well‐preserved specimens. Important anatomical characteristics include star‐shaped and pseudoclavate theca, rare or absent epispires, well‐developed interradially positioned oral plates and several unorganized cover plates associated with each widely exposed flooring plate. A phylogenetic analysis including several Cambro–Ordovician species shows it is more derived than Stromatocystites and Totiglobus but is a sister group to a clade comprising Cambraster and Edriodiscus. Ontogenetic observations based on juveniles of 5 mm in diameter suggest that this species changed thecal shape markedly during growth. A. belli gen. nov. sp. nov. probably lived in quiet environments where it attached directly to the sea floor on stabilized substrates.
What Policy Features Determine Life Insurance Lapse? An Analysis of the German Market
Authors: Eling Martin , Kiesenbauer Dieter
Published: March 2013

With the largest data set ever used for this purpose (covering more than 1 million contracts), we analyze the impact of product and policyholder characteristics on lapse in the life insurance market. The data are provided by a German life insurer and cover two periods of market turmoil that we incorporate into our proportional hazards and generalized linear models. The results show that product characteristics such as product type or contract age and policyholder characteristics such as age or gender are important drivers for lapse rates. Our findings improve the understanding of lapse drivers and might be used by insurance managers and regulators for value‐ and risk‐based management.
Sex‐specific effects of yolk androgens on begging behavior and digestion in pied flycatchers
Authors: Ruuskanen Suvi , Laaksonen Toni
Published: March 2013

The hormonal environment during early development, such as maternally derived androgens in bird eggs, has been shown to shape offspring in ways that may have important short‐ and long‐term consequences for phenotype and behavior. However, studies on the effects of androgens on begging behavior and growth in birds have provided variable results and sex‐specific effects are not well understood. We experimentally elevated yolk androgen levels in whole clutches in a passerine bird, the pied flycatcherFicedula hypoleucaand studied effects on male and female begging behavior, ingestion and digestion. Yolk androgen elevation led to shorter latencies to beg in both male and female nestlings but to greater begging rates only in males. Both responses could be used as cues to solicit more food from parents. Yolk androgens had no effect on food intake, fecal wet mass or fecal water content. However, the proportion of organic matter in feces was lower in androgen‐treated than control males, potentially suggesting that the androgen‐treated individuals had more efficient digestion. We discuss the alternative pathways of effects of yolk androgens on begging, growth and digestion. If the effects of yolk androgens on phenotype and behavior are causally linked, there is less scope for the mother to adjust specific offspring traits independently from other traits. The sex‐specific effects of yolk androgens should be studied more, also in within‐clutch context, as the costs and benefits for each sex may further differ in relation to hatching order.
New point mutation in Golga3 causes multiple defects in spermatogenesis
Authors: Bentson L. F. , Agbor V. A. , Agbor L. N. , Lopez A. C. , Nfonsam L. E. , Bornstein S. S. , Handel M. A. , Linder C. C.
Published: March 2013

Mice with repro27 exhibit fully penetrant male‐specific infertility associated with a nonsense mutation in the golgin subfamily A member 3 gene (Golga3). GOLGA3 is a Golgi complex‐associated protein implicated in protein trafficking, apoptosis, positioning of the Golgi and spermatogenesis. In repro27 mutant mice, a point mutation in exon 18 of the Golga3 gene that inserts a pre‐mature termination codon leads to an absence of GOLGA3 protein expression. GOLGA3 protein was undetectable in the brain, heart and liver in both mutant and control mice. Although spermatogenesis in Golga3repro27 mutant mice appears to initiate normally, development is disrupted in late meiosis during the first wave of spermatogenesis, leading to significant germ cell loss between 15 and 18 days post‐partum (dpp). Terminal Deoxynucleotidyl Transferase dUTP‐mediated Nick End Labeling analysis showed elevated DNA fragmentation in meiotic germ cells by 12 dpp, suggesting apoptosis as a mechanism of germ cell loss. The few surviving post‐meiotic round spermatids exhibited abnormal spermiogenesis with defects in acrosome formation, head and tail development and extensive vacuolization in the seminiferous epithelium. Analysis of epididymal spermatozoa showed significantly low sperm concentration and motility and in vitro fertilization with mutant spermatozoa was unsuccessful. Golga3repro27 mice lack GOLGA3 protein and thus provide an in vivo tool to aid in deciphering the role of GOLGA3 in Golgi complex positioning, cargo trafficking and apoptosis signalling in male germ cells.
The effect of testosterone on mood and well‐being in men with erectile dysfunction in a randomized, placebo‐controlled trial
Authors: Spitzer M. , Basaria S. , Travison T. G. , Davda M. N. , DeRogatis L. , Bhasin S.
Published: March 2013

The relationship between testosterone, well‐being and mood is poorly understood. We investigated the effect of testosterone supplementation on mood, well‐being, and self‐reported health in men with erectile dysfunction (ED) and low serum testosterone levels. This was a randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled trial (ClinicalTrials.gov registration number NCT00512707), in which 140 men, 40–70 years, with ED and low serum testosterone levels were first optimized on sildenafil alone for 3–7 weeks and then randomized to receive either sildenafil plus testosterone gel (n = 70) or sildenafil plus placebo (n = 70) gel for 14 weeks. Using multiple imputations and generalized linear regression, we compared psychological changes in well‐being, evaluated by the Psychological General Well‐Being Index, and mood, evaluated by Derogatis Affects Balance Scale. Mood and well‐being scores were similar between the two groups at baseline and did not substantially change during the administration of sildenafil or after randomization to testosterone. Our findings show that the addition of testosterone to sildenafil in men with ED and low serum testosterone levels was not associated with improvement in either well‐being or mood.
Luminescence Enhancement of CdS Quantum Dots in Glass by Ag+ Ion Exchange
Authors: Xu Kai , Heo Jong
Published: March 2013

Luminescence of CdS quantum dots (QDs) enhanced by the induction of Ag nanoparticles (NPs) in glasses was investigated. Ag+ ions diffused into glasses containing CdS QDs by ion exchange, then formed Ag NPs after subsequent heat treatment. Luminescence intensity of CdS QDs increased approximately three times when the ion‐exchange duration was 1 min, but was severely quenched when the duration was extended to 30 min. Increasing the amount of Ag+ ions increased the number of Ag NPs and decreased the average distance between Ag NPs and CdS QDs. This decrease in the average distance induced the changes of luminescence intensity.
Highly Dense, Transparent α‐Al2O3 Ceramics From Ultrafine Nanoparticles Via a Standard SPS Sintering
Authors: Roussel Nicolas , Lallemant Lucile , Chane‐Ching Jean ‐Yves , Guillemet‐Fristch Sophie , Durand Bernard , Garnier Vincent , Bonnefont Guillaume , Fantozzi Gilbert , Bonneau Lionel , Trombert Sandrine , Garcia‐Gutierrez Domingo
Published: March 2013

Using discrete, ultrafine alumina, highly dense transparent (71% real in‐line transmission, RIT, λ = 640 nm) ceramics were achieved with grain size as small as 260 nm using standard SPS sintering. We show that use of La3+ as a dopant greatly reduces sensitivity to the sintering temperatures. Transparent alumina were achieved in a large range of sintering temperatures, 1140°C < T < 1200°C, thus providing better reliability and flexibility into the fabrication of large sintered transparent ceramic bodies.
Mitochondrial DNA differentiation between populations of black sea bass (Centropristis striata) across Cape Hatteras, North Carolina (USA)
Authors: McCartney Michael A. , Burton Michael L. , Lima Thiago G.
Published: March 2013

Aim

Phylogeographical ‘breaks’ often occur at biogeographical province boundaries, suggesting common causative factors. Cape Hatteras, North Carolina, on the US Atlantic coast, separates water masses of sharply differing temperature and divides the Virginian and Carolinian provinces, but has not often been detected as a phylogeographical break. We studied the black sea bass, Centropristis striata (Linnaeus, 1758), a species with philopatric adults but long‐lived planktonic larvae. An earlier study of only two Atlantic populations, and lower‐resolution mitochondrial RFLP markers, showed strong separation between the Gulf of Mexico and the Atlantic, but not across Cape Hatteras.

Location

Over 300 adults were collected from populations from the Gulf of Mexico, the US south Atlantic (North Carolina south of Cape Hatteras, the east coast of Florida, and South Carolina), and the US mid‐Atlantic (North Carolina north of Cape Hatteras, Virginia, Delaware, New Jersey and Massachusetts).

Methods

We sequenced the mitochondrial control region, analysed DNA sequence and haplotype frequency differentiation and haplotype networks, and performed coalescent analyses of population sizes and migration rates.

Results

Sequences formed three clusters – Gulf of Mexico, south Atlantic and mid‐Atlantic – the Atlantic clusters being divided at Cape Hatteras. Analyses of molecular variance (AMOVA) showed that 31% of sequence variation was between populations on opposite sides of Cape Hatteras, while only 5% was between populations on the same side, yet migrate analysis detected asymmetric migration across the Cape, greater from north to south than in the opposite direction. A transitional population with roughly equal frequencies of south and mid‐Atlantic haplotypes occupied a narrow stretch between Cape Hatteras and the Virginia border.

Main conclusions

Strong barriers to gene flow exist between the Gulf of Mexico and the Atlantic, and across Cape Hatteras. Adult migratory and spawning behaviours that separate mid‐Atlantic and south Atlantic populations, limited larval exchange, and selection imposed by thermal gradients are each potentially responsible. In addition, these data indicate that fishery stocks of black sea bass north and south of Cape Hatteras are genetically distinct, supporting their separate management.
Pheochromocytoma/Paraganglioma: Review of Perioperative Management of Blood Pressure and Update on Genetic Mutations Associated With Pheochromocytoma
Authors: Fishbein Lauren , Orlowski Robert , Cohen Debbie
Published: March 2013

Pheochromocytomas and paragangliomas are rare tumors with high morbidity rates caused by excessive catecholamine secretion, even though the majority of tumors are benign. The use of perioperative blockade regimens, together with improved surgical techniques, has greatly impacted the perioperative morbidity associated with these tumors. The old dogma of the “tumor of tens” no longer holds true. For example, at least one third of all pheochromocytomas and paragangliomas are hereditary, with mutations in 1 of 10 well‐characterized susceptibility genes, and one quarter of all tumors are malignant. This review focuses on the perioperative management of pheochromocytoma and paragangliomas and the clinical implications of the associated genetic mutations.
Pharmacological modulation of beta‐catenin and its applications in cancer therapy
Authors: Thakur Ravi , Mishra Durga Prasad
Published: March 2013

Beta‐catenin (β‐catenin) is a multifunction protein with a central role in physiological homeostasis. Its abnormal expression leads to various diseases including cancer. In normal physiology, β‐catenin either maintains integrity of epithelial tissues or controls transcription of various genes on extracellular instigations. In epithelial tissues, β‐catenin functions as a component of the cadherin protein complex and regulates epithelial cell growth and intracellular adhesion. In Wnt signalling, β‐catenin is a major transcriptional modulator and plays a crucial role in embryogenesis, stem cell renewal and organ regeneration. Aberrant expression of β‐catenin can induce malignant pathways in normal cells and its abnormal activity is also exploited by existing malignant programmes. It acts as an oncogene and modulates transcription of genes to drive cancer initiation, progression, survival and relapse. Abnormal expression and function of β‐catenin in cancer makes it a putative drug target. In the past decade, various attempts have been made to identify and characterize various pharmacological inhibitors of β‐catenin. Many of these inhibitors are currently being investigated for their anticancer activities in a variety of cancers. The first half of this review will focus on the role of β‐catenin in cancer initiation, maintenance, progression and relapse whereas the second half will briefly summarize the recent progress in development of agents for the pharmacological modulation of β‐catenin activity in cancer therapeutics.
Molecular and pedigree measures of relatedness provide similar estimates of inbreeding depression in a bottlenecked population
Authors: Townsend S. M. , Jamieson I. G.
Published: March 2013

Individual‐based estimates of the degree of inbreeding or parental relatedness from pedigrees provide a critical starting point for studies of inbreeding depression, but in practice wild pedigrees are difficult to obtain. Because inbreeding increases the proportion of genomewide loci that are identical by descent, inbreeding variation within populations has the potential to generate observable correlations between heterozygosity measured using molecular markers and a variety of fitness related traits. Termed heterozygosity‐fitness correlations (HFCs), these correlations have been observed in a wide variety of taxa. The difficulty of obtaining wild pedigree data, however, means that empirical investigations of how pedigree inbreeding influences HFCs are rare. Here, we assess evidence for inbreeding depression in three life‐history traits (hatching and fledging success and juvenile survival) in an isolated population of Stewart Island robins using both pedigree‐ and molecular‐derived measures of relatedness. We found results from the two measures were highly correlated and supported evidence for significant but weak inbreeding depression. However, standardized effect sizes for inbreeding depression based on the pedigree‐based kin coefficients (k) were greater and had smaller standard errors than those based on molecular genetic measures of relatedness (RI), particularly for hatching and fledging success. Nevertheless, the results presented here support the use of molecular‐based measures of relatedness in bottlenecked populations when information regarding inbreeding depression is desired but pedigree data on relatedness are unavailable.
Do habitat shifts drive diversification in teleost fishes? An example from the pufferfishes (Tetraodontidae)
Authors: Santini F. , Nguyen M. T. T. , Sorenson L. , Waltzek T. B. , Lynch Alfaro J. W. , Eastman J. M. , Alfaro M. E.
Published: March 2013

Habitat shifts are implicated as the cause of many vertebrate radiations, yet relatively few empirical studies quantify patterns of diversification following colonization of new habitats in fishes. The pufferfishes (family Tetraodon‐tidae) occur in several habitats, including coral reefs and freshwater, which are thought to provide ecological opportunity for adaptive radiation, and thus provide a unique system for testing the hypothesis that shifts to new habitats alter diversification rates. To test this hypothesis, we sequenced eight genes for 96 species of pufferfishes and closely related porcupine fishes, and added 19 species from sequences available in GenBank. We time‐calibrated the molecular phylogeny using three fossils, and performed several comparative analyses to test whether colonization of novel habitats led to shifts in the rate of speciation and body size evolution, central predictions of clades experiencing ecological adaptive radiation. Colonization of freshwater is associated with lower rates of cladogenesis in pufferfishes, although these lineages also exhibit accelerated rates of body size evolution. Increased rates of cladogenesis are associated with transitions to coral reefs, but reef lineages surprisingly exhibit significantly lower rates of body size evolution. These results suggest that ecological opportunity afforded by novel habitats may be limited for pufferfishes due to competition with other species, constraints relating to pufferfish life history and trophic ecology, and other factors.
Commentary on “Validating the Interpretations and Uses of Test Scores”
Authors: Brennan Robert L.
Published: March 2013

Kane's paper “Validating the Interpretations and Uses of Test Scores” is the most complete and clearest discussion yet available of the argument‐based approach to validation. At its most basic level, validation as formulated by Kane is fundamentally a simply‐stated two‐step enterprise: (1) specify the claims inherent in a particular interpretation and/or use of test scores (IUA); and (2) provide an evaluation of the claims (validity argument). Kane discusses four types of inferences that provide a scaffolding for addressing these two arguments: scoring, generalization, extrapolation, and decision rules. Decision rules, in particular, are closely related to consequences, which loom large in the argument‐based approach to validation. The present commentary on Kane's paper attempts to simplify some of his discussions, while expanding others. The author suggests that Kane's argument‐based approach to validation offers by far the best current basis for optimism about improvements in validation.
Validity in Action: Lessons From Studies of Data Use
Authors: Moss Pamela A.
Published: March 2013

Studies of data use illuminate ways in which education professionals have used test scores and other evidence relevant to students' learning—in action in their own contexts of work—to make decisions about their practice. These studies raise instructive challenges for a validity theory that focuses on intended interpretations and uses of test scores as Kane's (this issue) does. This commentary explores implications of data use studies for elaborating Kane's approach to validation to accommodate the ways test scores are used with other sources of evidence to address users' questions.
Two Kinds of Argument?
Authors: Newton Paul E.
Published: March 2013

Kane distinguishes between two kinds of argument: the interpretation/use argument and the validity argument. This commentary considers whether there really are two kinds of argument, two arguments, or just one. It concludes that there is just one argument: the validity argument.
Agreeing on Validity Arguments
Authors: Sireci Stephen G.
Published: March 2013

Kane (this issue) presents a comprehensive review of validity theory and reminds us that the focus of validation is on test score interpretations and use. In reacting to his article, I support the argument‐based approach to validity and all of the major points regarding validation made by Dr. Kane. In addition, I call for a simpler, three‐step method for developing validity arguments, one that focuses on explicit testing purposes, as suggested by the Standards for Educational and Psychological Testing. If testing purposes are appropriately articulated, the process of developing an interpretive argument becomes unnecessary and validation can directly address intended interpretations and uses.