bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The geography and ecology of plant speciation: range overlap and niche divergence in sister species
Authors: Anacker Brian L. , Strauss Sharon Y.
Published: January 2014

A goal of evolutionary biology is to understand the roles of geography and ecology in speciation. The recent shared ancestry of sister species can leave a major imprint on their geographical and ecological attributes, possibly revealing processes involved in speciation. We examined how ecological similarity, range overlap and range asymmetry are related to time since divergence of 71 sister species pairs in the California Floristic Province (CFP). We found that plants exhibit strikingly different age-range correlation patterns from those found for animals; the latter broadly support allopatric speciation as the primary mode of speciation. By contrast, plant sisters in the CFP were sympatric in 80% of cases and range sizes of sisters differed by a mean of 10-fold. Range overlap and range asymmetry were greatest in younger sisters. These results suggest that speciation mechanisms broadly grouped under ‘budding’ speciation, in which a larger ranged progenitor gives rise to a smaller ranged derivative species, are probably common. The ecological and reproductive similarity of sisters was significantly greater than that of sister–non-sister congeners for every trait assessed. However, shifts in at least one trait were present in 93% of the sister pairs; habitat and soil shifts were especially common. Ecological divergence did not increase with range overlap contrary to expectations under character displacement in sympatry. Our results suggest that vicariant speciation is more ubiquitous in animals than plants, perhaps owing to the sensitivity of plants to fine-scale environmental heterogeneity. Despite high levels of range overlap, ecological shifts in the process of budding speciation may result in low rates of fine-scale spatial co-occurrence. These results have implications for ecological studies of trait evolution and community assembly; despite high levels of sympatry, sister taxa and potentially other close relatives, may be missing from local communities.
Aquaporins: Highly Regulated Channels Controlling Plant Water Relations
Authors: Chaumont François , Tyerman Stephen D.
Published: January 2014

Plant growth and development are dependent on tight regulation of water movement. Water diffusion across cell membranes is facilitated by aquaporins that provide plants with the means to rapidly and reversibly modify water permeability. This is done by changing aquaporin density and activity in the membrane, including posttranslational modifications and protein interaction that act on their trafficking and gating. At the whole organ level aquaporins modify water conductance and gradients at key “gatekeeper” cell layers that impact on whole plant water flow and plant water potential. In this way they may act in concert with stomatal regulation to determine the degree of isohydry/anisohydry. Molecular, physiological, and biophysical approaches have demonstrated that variations in root and leaf hydraulic conductivity can be accounted for by aquaporins but this must be integrated with anatomical considerations. This Update integrates these data and emphasizes the central role played by aquaporins in regulating plant water relations.
Environmental management accounting in local government
Authors: Qian Wei , Burritt Roger , Monroe Gary
Published: January 2014

Purpose

This study aims to explore the state of environmental management accounting practice and the motivations for its use with a view to improving waste and recycling management by local government. The focus is on practice in local governments situated in the state of New South Wales (NSW), Australia. Prior studies suggest the need for environmental management accounting as a supporting tool for waste management.

Design/methodology/approach

An exploratory case study method was applied in 12 NSW local government organisations. In each local government interviews were conducted with managers responsible for waste and recycling issues.

Findings

Contrary to prior research this study found that, in the local governments investigated, an increasing amount of environmental management accounting information is being made available. The case studies found two main motivations encouraging the development of environmental management accounting in local government: first, social structural influences, such as regulatory pressures from different environmental regulatory bodies, environmental expectations from local communities, and pressures from peer councils; second, organisational contextual influences reflecting situational needs in the organisational contexts, such as complex waste operations and service designs, changes and uncertainties in waste and recycling management, and the council's strategic position for waste management.

Research limitations/implications

The results imply that institutional theory and contingency theory provide different but complementary explanations for the development of environmental management accounting in waste management. Although previous environmental studies are overwhelmingly in favour of social system‐based theories, such as institutional theory, to explain environmental changes in organisations, an organisation's contextual dynamics seem to be equally important.

Originality/value

The findings about motivations provide useful information for environmental strategists and government regulators to make policies that improve accountability and the efficiency of waste and recycling management as well as promote future development of environmental management accounting to support sustainable waste management solutions.
Development and impacts of a new performance management system in the Hong Kong police force
Authors: Chiu Kai‐ting Michael
Published: January 2014

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to outline the development and implementation of the “values‐driven competency‐based performance management system” (VDCBPMS) and report the findings of a study that aims to examine the effect of the new PMS on officers of the Hong Kong Police Force.

Design/methodology/approach

The research focuses on the officers’ perceptions and attitudes resulting from the intervention and hypothesizes that the new system will increase their organisational commitment and job satisfaction, job‐effort and value alignment with the Force, as well as overall performance of the Force through enhanced performance of individual officers. The study employs a staff survey and interviews with a cross section of officers in different ranks to examine the impact on them of VDCBPMS.

Findings

The research findings reveal evidence to support all the hypotheses and their implications for management are outlined.

Research limitations/implications

The research is not a done in a “before‐and‐after” fashion due to inherent limitations and the findings cannot be isolated from other clandestine management initiatives for examination due to practical limitations.

Practical implications

The research findings provide food for thought for the management to consider how best to improve the performance of officers in the Force.

Social implications

The research findings suggest ways to improve policing in Hong Kong, which ultimately will benefit the society of Hong Kong at large.

Originality/value

This research fills a void in the literature of competency‐based PMS by introducing the “values” dimension to the notion, and contributes to the study of public policy implementation by illustrating how a novice system is developed and introduced in a policing context.
The Future Perfect in Oscan and Umbrian, and theŌ‐Perfect in South Picene
Authors: Zair Nicholas
Published: January 2014

Oscan and Umbrian have a future perfect suffix ‐us‐/–ur–. Although various sources for this suffix have been suggested, none satisfactorily explain its origin. This article evaluates these previous attempts and makes a new proposal: the Oscan and Umbrian future perfect can be identified as a perfect suffix *‐ō‐plus the future suffix *‐s‐. The perfect suffix *‐ō‐, although not directly attested in Oscan and Umbrian, is found in the related language South Picene. The origin of the *‐ō‐suffix is traced back to inherited perfects of the type 3sg. *Ce‐CoH‐e, e.g. *de‐doh3‐e‘gave’ > *dedō→ Umbrianteřust‘(s)he will have given’, with subsequent reanalysis of the root vowel *‐ō‐ as a suffix. A parallel for this development is found in Gaulish.
First insights into the transcriptome and development of new genomic tools of a widespread circum‐Mediterranean tree species, Pinus halepensis Mill
Authors: Pinosio S. , González‐Martínez S. C. , Bagnoli F. , Cattonaro F. , Grivet D. , Marroni F. , Lorenzo Z. , Pausas J. G. , Verdú M. , Vendramin G. G.
Published: January 2014

Aleppo pine (Pinus halepensis Mill.) is a relevant conifer species for studying adaptive responses to drought and fire regimes in the Mediterranean region. In this study, we performed Illumina next‐generation sequencing of two phenotypically divergent Aleppo pine accessions with the aims of (i) characterizing the transcriptome through Illumina RNA‐Seq on trees phenotypically divergent for adaptive traits linked to fire adaptation and drought, (ii) performing a functional annotation of the assembled transcriptome, (iii) identifying genes with accelerated evolutionary rates, (iv) studying the expression levels of the annotated genes and (v) developing gene‐based markers for population genomic and association genetic studies. The assembled transcriptome consisted of 48 629 contigs and covered about 54.6 Mbp. The comparison of Aleppo pine transcripts to Picea sitchensis protein‐coding sequences resulted in the detection of 34 014 SNPs across species, with a Ka/Ks average value of 0.216, suggesting that the majority of the assembled genes are under negative selection. Several genes were differentially expressed across the two pine accessions with contrasted phenotypes, including a glutathione‐s‐transferase, a cellulose synthase and a cobra‐like protein. A large number of new markers (3334 amplifiable SSRs and 28 236 SNPs) have been identified which should facilitate future population genomics and association genetics in this species. A 384‐SNP Oligo Pool Assay for genotyping with the Illumina VeraCode technology has been designed which showed an high overall SNP conversion rate (76.6%). Our results showed that Illumina next‐generation sequencing is a valuable technology to obtain an extensive overview on whole transcriptomes of nonmodel species with large genomes.
Frequency of immunoglobulin G4‐related aortitis in cases with aortic resection and their clinical characteristics compared to other aortitises
Authors: Koo Bon San , Koh Young Wha , Hong SeokChan , Kim You Jae , Kim Yong‐Gil , Lee Chang‐Keun , Yoo Bin
Published: January 2014

Aims

To identify the frequency of immunoglobulin G4 (IgG4)‐related aortitis in patients who undergo aorta surgery and are diagnosed by pathology as having chronic aortic inflammation and to compare IgG4‐related aortitis with other non‐infectious aortitises in terms of clinical characteristics.

Methods

The aorta specimen pathological reports of 1418 patients who underwent aortic aneurysm or dissection surgery were reviewed. In total, 41 had chronic aortic inflammation without atherosclerosis, cancer or infection. Their aorta biopsy specimens were subjected to IgG4 immunostaining. IgG4‐related aortitis was diagnosed if the IgG4‐positive plasma cell count exceeded 50 per high power field (HPF), the ratio of IgG4‐positive to IgG‐positive plasma cells exceeded 50% and dense lymphoplasmacytic infiltration, fibrosis and/or obliterative phlebitis were observed.

Results

Of the 41 non‐infectious aortitis cases, 29, six and six had idiopathic aortitis, Takayasu's arteritis and Behcet's aortitis, respectively. Of the 29 idiopathic aortitis cases, three had IgG4‐related aortitis. All were male and > 65 years of age. Two had thoracic aortic aneurysms and one had an abdominal aortic aneurysm. Their IgG4‐positive plasma cell counts were 60/HPF or higher; lymphoplasmacytic infiltration and/or fibrosis, but not obliterative phlebitis, were observed. The IgG4‐related aortitis cases were older (67 [range, 65–69] years) than the Takayasu's arteritis (47.5 [38–58] years) or Behcet's aortitis (47 [31–56] years) cases and more likely to be male than the Takayasu's arteritis cases (100% vs. 17%).

Conclusion

In patients with chronic aortic inflammation, 7% had IgG4‐related aortitis. This disease may be more common in older male patients than in other demographic groups.
The temporal dimension of national identification: An empirical investigation in South Korea and Australia
Authors: Shin Shang‐Hui , Kashima Yoshihisa , Laham Simon M. , Kim Uichol , Park Young‐Shin , Koo Jaisun , Park Junseong
Published: January 2014

We argue that national identification can be framed temporally, such that people may differently identify with their nation's past or present. Further, we argue that temporal national identification has important consequences for attitudes towards social changes. Within this new theoretical framing, we tested the empirical separability and predictive utility of past national identification and present national identification in South Korea and Australia. Results showed that, in both countries, past and present national identifications are correlated but empirically distinct constructs, which independently contribute to general national identification. Past and present national identifications were also shown to be grounded in distinct notions of national continuity. Most importantly, in both countries, present national identification positively predicted favourable attitudes towards social changes and globalization, whereas past national identification negatively predicted these attitudes. These findings suggest that temporally framed national identification is an important construct in the domain of social identification and in research on social changes and globalization.
Social role effects on gender stereotyping in Germany and Japan
Authors: Steinmetz Janina , Bosak Janine , Sczesny Sabine , Eagly Alice H.
Published: January 2014

Social role theory postulates that gender stereotypes are restrained for men and women observed in the same social role. Cultural differences in the valuation of communal attributes might moderate this effect. To examine this possibility, 288 participants (144 German, 144 Japanese) estimated the communal and agentic attributes of an average man or woman described in a male‐dominated role, a female‐dominated role, or without role information. We hypothesized and found that in Germany and Japan, participants perceived men as more agentic than women without role information and as similarly agentic in the same role. However, for communion, German and Japanese participants reacted differently. German participants perceived women as more communal than men without role information and in male‐dominated roles and perceived men as more communal than women in female‐dominated roles. Japanese participants perceived all targets as similarly communal, regardless of role or gender, suggesting that communion is generally expected in Japan.
Daniel, John & Uvalić‐Trumbić, Stamenka ed (2013) A guide to quality in online learning. Contact North (Ontario, Canada) No isbn 28 pp Free download http://www.contactnorth.ca/tips‐tools/guide‐quality‐online‐learning
Authors: Smyth Robyn
Published: January 2014

This guide to the quality of online learning is an extremely readable and useful publication which anyone interested in the field should read in order to refresh or enhance their understanding of this complex and evolving learning environment. This is a highly recommended resource for all educators and managers of learning and teaching. If the content of this book is likely to be at all relevant to you, I recommend you download your own copy.

Robyn Smyth
Nicosia, Laura M (2013) Educators online. Peter Lang (New York & Bern) isbn 978‐1‐4331‐0930‐0 170 pp €32 http://www.peterlang.com/index.cfm?event=cmp.ccc.seitenstruktur.detailseiten&seitentyp=produkt&pk=54262&cid=448
Authors: Martin Marie
Published: January 2014

This book seeks to encourage educators – for their own sakes first and foremost – to explore the personal and professional development afforded by social and participatory media. It makes a persuasive case, based both on the author's on‐going experiences as a teacher and teacher‐trainer and on solid scholarly research. I recommend that all “today's teachers” buy this most important book for their personal use.

Marie Martin
Attachment disorders versus more common problems in looked after and adopted children: comparing community and expert assessments
Authors: Woolgar Matt , Baldock Emma
Published: January 2014

Background

Attachment disorders in adopted and fostered children may be overdiagnosed and could obscure more common disorders.

Methods

A case note review of 100 referrals to a specialist adoption and fostering service compared community referrals with the specialist assessments of attachment disorders.

Results

Attachment disorders were identified four times more often in community referrals versus the specialist service, but this only partly explained the significant under‐identification of more common disorders in the community, especially for neurodevelopmental factors and conduct disorder by up to 10‐fold.

Conclusions

The relevant practice parameters are discussed and implications for service models for adopted and fostered children reviewed.
Context‐dependent activation of Wnt signaling by tumor suppressor RUNX3 in gastric cancer cells
Authors: Ju Xiaoli , Ishikawa Tomo‐o , Naka Kazuhito , Ito Kosei , Ito Yoshiaki , Oshima Masanobu
Published: January 2014

RUNX3 is a tumor suppressor for a variety of cancers. RUNX3 suppresses the canonical Wnt signaling pathway by binding to the TCF4/β‐catenin complex, resulting in the inhibition of binding of the complex to the Wnt target gene promoter. Here, we confirmed that RUNX3 suppressed Wnt signaling activity in several gastric cancer cell lines; however, we found that RUNX3 increased the Wnt signaling activity in KatoIII and SNU668 gastric cancer cells. Notably, RUNX3 expression increased the ratio of the Wnt signaling‐high population in the KatoIII cells. although the maximum Wnt activation level of individual cells was similar to that in the control. As found previously, RUNX3 also binds to TCF4 and β‐catenin in KatoIII cells, suggesting that these molecules form a ternary complex. Moreover, the ChIP analyses revealed that TCF4, β‐catenin and RUNX3 bind the promoter region of the Wnt target genes, Axin2 and c‐Myc, and the occupancy of TCF4 and β‐catenin in these promoter regions is increased by the RUNX3 expression. These results suggest that RUNX3 stabilizes the TCF4/β‐catenin complex on the Wnt target gene promoter in KatoIII cells, leading to activation of Wnt signaling. Although RUNX3 increased the Wnt signaling activity, its expression resulted in suppression of tumorigenesis of KatoIII cells, indicating that RUNX3 plays a tumor‐suppressing role in KatoIII cells through a Wnt‐independent mechanism. These results indicate that RUNX3 can either suppress or activate the Wnt signaling pathway through its binding to the TCF4/β‐catenin complex by cell context‐dependent mechanisms.
National Governance System, Corporate Ownership, and Roles of Outside Directors: A Corporate Governance Bundle Perspective
Authors: Yoshikawa Toru , Zhu Hongjin , Wang Pengji
Published: January 2014

Manuscript Type

Conceptual

Research Questions/Issues

We explore why and how the different combinations of governance practices at national level, such as the legal system, conduct codes, and capital markets, and at firm level, such as various types of controlling shareholders, enable or constrain outside directors to engage in their monitoring and resource provision roles. Building upon such analysis, we develop a new taxonomy of corporate governance systems according to the different configurations of a set of interdependent governance characteristics, including national governance mechanisms, identity of block shareholders, and functions of outside directors.

Research Insights

This study enriches the growing body of research on governance complementarity and substitution by highlighting the role of bundles of governance practices in influencing directors' engagement in governance behavior, and consequently advancing our understanding of variation in corporate governance systems across and within countries.

Theoretical/Academic Implications

This paper demonstrates that the roles of outside directors depend on the interaction between a bundle of governance mechanisms rather than any individual mechanisms. The paper also goes beyond the traditional governance models based on the national context and highlights that interdependencies of corporate governance practices play an important role in explaining the diversity and variation of corporate governance arrangements across firms in both industrialized economies and emerging markets.

Practitioner/Policy Implications

This paper provides insights to policymakers by suggesting that not all the governance bundles are conducive to managerial monitoring and resource provision by outside directors.
Endoscopic resection yields reliable outcomes for small rectal neuroendocrine tumors
Authors: Jeon Joon Han , Cheung Dae Young , Lee Seong Jin , Kim Hyun Jin , Kim Hye Kang , Cho Hyung Jun , Lee In Kyu , Kim Jin Il , Park Soo‐Heon , Kim Jae Kwang
Published: January 2014

Background and Aim

We analyzed the characteristics of gastrointestinal neuroendocrine tumors and examined the outcomes and safety of modalities in rectal neuroendocrine tumors.

Methods

Between 2007 and 2011, a total of 91 patients with gastrointestinal neuroendocrine tumors were retrospectively reviewed in terms of the characteristics of tumors.

Results

Sixty‐six patients had rectal neuroendocrine tumors and underwent endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR, n = 29), endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD, n = 23), or transanal endoscopic microsurgery (TEM, n = 14). The complete resection rate was higher in the ESD group (82.7%) and in the TEM group (100%) compared to the EMR group (65.5%) (P < 0.046). The complication rate was higher in the ESD group (47.8%) than in the EMR group (18.5%) (P = 0.003). No local tumor recurrence was observed in all patients, regardless of the procedure, during the median follow‐up period of 21.5 ± 13.5 months.

Conclusions

ESD achieved a higher complete resection rate than EMR and comparable to TEM. Tumor recurrence was not observed in the endoscopic resection and TEM groups, regardless of the completeness of resection. Small neuroendocrine tumors of the gastrointestinal tract can be managed reliably with both endoscopic resection and TEM.
Relation between QRS Duration and Atrial Synchronicity in Patients with Systolic Heart Failure
Authors: Turak Osman , Özcan Fırat , Canpolat Uğur , Başar Fatma Nurcan , Işleyen Ahmet , Sökmen Erdoğan , Tüfekçioğlu Omaç , Çağli Kumral , Aydoğdu Sinan
Published: January 2014

Objectives

The association of QRS duration (QRSd) with ventricular dyssynchrony is well‐known in systolic heart failure (HF). However, there are no data regarding the relationship between QRSd and atrial dyssynchrony in patients with HF. We aimed to investigate the association of QRSd with intra‐atrial and inter‐atrial dyssynchrony in patients with systolic HF by using color tissue Doppler imaging (TDI).

Methods

The study consisted of 70 systolic HF patients and 35 healthy controls. According to QRSd, HF patients were categorized into 2 subgroups as narrow QRS (n = 35) and wide QRS (n = 35) groups. Time intervals between the onset of P‐wave and the onset of A‐wave on color TDI from the right atrium (P‐RA), inter‐atrial septum (P‐IAS) and left atrium (P‐LA) were measured. Atrial dyssynchrony was defined as differences between P‐RA and P‐IAS (RA dyssynchrony), between P‐LA and P‐IAS (LA dyssynchrony) and between P‐RA and P‐LA (inter‐atrial dyssynchrony).

Results

In patients with either HF groups, we observed significant impairment in intra‐atrial and inter‐atrial synchronicity compared with the controls (P < 0.001). Moreover, LA, RA and inter‐atrial synchrony were found to be significantly impaired in the wide QRS group compared to narrow QRS group. There was also a positive and strong correlation between atrial and ventricular dyssynchrony parameters. In stepwise multivariate analysis, QRSd was found to be the independent predictor of intra‐atrial and inter‐atrial dyssynchrony in systolic HF.

Conclusion

Among patients with systolic HF, prolonged QRSd is associated with impaired intra‐atrial and inter‐atrial synchrony. Atrial and ventricular dyssynchrony parameters were well‐correlated with each other.
Educational Intervention to Reduce Inappropriate Transthoracic Echocardiograms: The Need for Sustained Intervention
Authors: Bhatia Rajan Sacha , Dudzinski David M. , Milford Creagh E. , Picard Michael H. , Weiner Rory B.
Published: January 2014

Background

We previously demonstrated that an Appropriate Use Criteria (AUC)‐based educational intervention reduced inappropriate transthoracic echocardiograms (TTE) on an inpatient medical service. Whether improved TTE ordering is sustained after discontinuation of the intervention is unknown.

Methods

We conducted a prospective, time series analysis of an educational intervention designed to reduce inappropriate TTE. Ordering patterns during the intervention were compared with a preintervention control period and a postintervention period. The goal of the present analysis was to determine the TTE ordering patterns after discontinuation of the educational intervention. The primary outcome was the proportion of inappropriate TTEs.

Results

Using the 2011 AUC 99.2% of all TTEs were classifiable. Compared to the control, there was a 26% reduction in the number of TTEs ordered per day during the intervention (3.9 vs. 2.9 TTEs, P < 0.001), but no significant difference between the intervention and postintervention periods (2.9 vs. 3.1, P = 0.23). The intervention produced a decrease in the inappropriate TTE rate and an increase in the appropriate TTE rate. Compared to the intervention, in the postintervention period the rate of inappropriate TTEs increased (5% vs. 11%, P = 0.01) and appropriate TTEs decreased (93% vs. 86%, P = 0.008). The postintervention rate of inappropriate TTEs was similar to the preintervention control period (11% vs. 13%, P = 0.23).

Conclusions

Following completion of an AUC‐based educational intervention the proportion of inappropriate TTEs increased to the preintervention level. The long‐term success of an intervention designed to improve appropriate utilization of TTE requires a sustained effort of education and feedback.
Right Atrial Appendage Aneurysm: A Systematic Review
Authors: Aryal Madan Raj , Hakim Fayaz A. , Giri Smith , Ghimire Sushil , Pandit Anil , Bhandari Yashoda , Acharya Yam Prasad , Pradhan Rajesh
Published: January 2014

Background

Right atrial appendage aneurysm (RAAA) is rare with fewer than 20 cases reported in the literature. We sought to systematically review the published cases of RAAA in terms of demographics, clinical characteristics, treatment, complications, and outcome.

Methodology

Electronic search for case reports, case series, and related articles published until July 2013 was carried out and clinical data were extracted and analyzed.

Results

Seventeen cases of RAAA were identified with equal sex distribution and commonly presenting in the third decades of life. Dyspnea and palpitation were the most common clinical presentations. Echocardiography was the most common diagnostic modality. The mean size of aneurysm was 8.83 ± 4.84 × 6.05 ± 2.99 cm. Most of the patients were treated medically with close follow‐up. The mean follow‐up period was 10 months. Atrial tachyarrhythmias and heart failure were the most common complications.

Conclusion

Right atrial appendage aneurysm although rare may be associated with significant morbidity. Surgical resection is indicated in symptomatic patients.
Left Ventricular Remodeling and Dysfunction in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus: A Three‐Dimensional Speckle Tracking Study
Authors: Huang Bao‐Tao , Yao Hong‐Mei , Huang He
Published: January 2014

Objective

To analyze left ventricular (LV) global structure and systolic function in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) using the three‐dimensional (3D) speckle tracking imaging.

Methods

Thirty‐four SLE patients and 34 healthy subjects underwent 3D echocardiography to obtain LV ejection fraction (LVEF), sphericity index, 3D LV mass, 3D global longitudinal strain (GLS), global circumferential strain (GCS), global area strain (GAS), and global radial strain (GRS). Disease activity was evaluated for all SLE patients by SLEDAI 2000 (SLEDAI‐2K) score.

Results

Age, gender, height, weight, diastolic blood pressure, and two‐dimensional (2D) LVEF were similar between the 2 groups. Despite no difference was found for sphericity index between the groups, 3D LV mass was increased in SLE patients. All components of strain were significantly reduced in SLE patients. Peak systolic GLS, GCS, GAS, and GRS in SLE patients and controls were −18.2 ± 2.9% versus −21.4 ± 2.5%, −18.4 ± 3.1% versus −20.6 ± 2.5%, −32.2 ± 4.4% versus −36.6 ± 3.4%, and 51.4 ± 10.2% versus 61.9 ± 10.0%, respectively (all P < 0.01). In multivariable regression analysis, SLE was independently associated with GAS (P < 0.001). In SLE patients, peak systolic GLS, GAS, GRS was significantly decreased in those with severe disease activity than among inactivity/mildly activity (all P < 0.05). GLS was independently correlated with SLEDAI score (P = 0.001).

Conclusion

Three‐dimensional speckle tracking imaging is a new simple, rapid method to indentify early abnormalities in SLE patients who may have normal LV systolic function with 2D echocardiography.
Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy with Intermittent Free Mitral Regurgitation–A Surgical Dilemma
Authors: Gibson Patrick H. , Khandekar Sayra A. , Taylor Dylan , Becher Harald
Published: January 2014

We describe the case of a 52‐year‐old woman presenting with non‐ST elevation myocardial infarction, atrial fibrillation, and a new diagnosis of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. Transesophageal echocardiography following hemodynamic deterioration revealed completely restricted mitral leaflet motion with free mitral regurgitation, and severe left ventricular outflow tract (LVOT) obstruction. Surgical intervention was considered; however, repeat imaging following a period of clinical stability revealed resolution of the findings suggesting a transient ischemic etiology. The case is supported by clinical and echocardiographic images with movie clips, and a discussion of the likely pathology in the context of the underlying condition.
Epigenetic and pharmacological regulation of 5HT3 receptors controls compulsive ethanol seeking in mice
Authors: Barker Jacqueline M. , Zhang Huiping , Villafane J. Joshua , Wang Tiffany L. , Torregrossa Mary M. , Taylor Jane R.
Published: January 2014

Factors underlying individual vulnerability to develop alcoholism are largely unknown. In humans, the risk for alcoholism is associated with elevated cue reactivity. Recent evidence suggests that in animal models, reactivity to reward‐paired cues is predictive of addictive behaviors. To model cue reactivity in mice, we used a Pavlovian approach (PA) paradigm in which mice were trained to associate a cue with delivery of a food reinforcer. We then investigated the relationship between PA status with habitual and compulsive‐like ethanol seeking. After training mice to respond for 10% ethanol, habitual behavior was investigated using both an outcome devaluation paradigm, in which ethanol was devalued via association with lithium chloride‐induced malaise, and a contingency degradation paradigm in which the relationship between action and outcome was disrupted. Compulsive‐like behavior was investigated in a modified conditioned place preference paradigm in which footshock was paired with the reward‐paired chamber. PA was found to be predictive of habitual and compulsive‐like ethanol seeking. Additionally, innate risk status was related to epigenetic changes in the gene encoding the requisite subunit of the 5HT3 receptor, Htr3a, as well as 5HT3A protein expression in the amygdala. We then used pharmacological tools to demonstrate that risk status determines the ability of a 5HT3 antagonist to reduce compulsive ethanol seeking. These data indicate that risk status can be identified prior to any alcohol exposure by assessment of cue reactivity, and further that this endophenotype may be predictive of response to pharmacological treatment for components of alcoholism.
Effects of maternal care on the development of midbrain dopamine pathways and reward‐directed behavior in female offspring
Authors: Peña Catherine Jensen , Neugut Y Dana , Calarco Cali A. , Champagne Frances A.
Published: January 2014

Variation within mesolimbic dopamine (DA) pathways has significant implications for behavioral responses to rewards, and previous studies have indicated long‐term programming effects of early life stress on these pathways. In the current study, we examined the impact of natural variations in maternal care inLongEvans rats on the development ofDApathways in female offspring and the consequences for reward‐directed behaviors. We found that tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) immunoreactivity in the ventral tegmental area was elevated by postnatal day 6 in response to maternal licking/grooming (LG), and that these effects were sustained into adulthood. IncreasedTHimmunoreactivity was not found to be associated with altered epigenetic regulation or transcriptional activation ofTh, but probably involvedLG‐associated changes in the differentiation of postnatalDAneurons through increased expression of Cdkn1c, and enhanced survival ofDAprojections throughLG‐associated increases in Lmx1b and brain‐derived neurotrophic factor. At weaning, high‐LGoffspring had elevatedDAreceptormRNAlevels within the nucleus accumbens and increased conditioned place preference for a high‐fat diet. In contrast, high‐LG, as compared with low‐LG, juvenile offspring had a reduced preference for social interactions with siblings, and haloperidol administration abolished group differences in conditioned place preference through a shift towards increased social preferences in high‐LGoffspring. The effects of maternal care on developingDApathways and reward‐directed behavior of female offspring that we have observed may play a critical role in the behavioral transmission of maternalLGfrom mother to daughter, and account for individual differences in the mesolimbicDAsystem.
Functional parcellation of the human primary somatosensory cortex to natural touch
Authors: Malinen Sanna , Renvall Ville , Hari Riitta
Published: January 2014

Despite the significance of human touch, brain responses to interpersonal manual touch have been rarely investigated. We used functional magnetic resonance imaging to study brain activity in eight healthy adults whose left hand was touched by two individuals, in separate runs and in 20‐s blocks, either by holding, smoothing, or poking. Acceleration was measured from both the subject's and the touching person's hands for postimaging control of the stimuli. Independent component analysis of the functional magnetic resonance imaging data unraveled three functional networks involving the primary somatosensory cortex (SI). One network comprised the contralateral and another the ipsilateral Brodmann area 3. The third network included area 2 bilaterally, left‐hemisphere middle temporal gyrus and dorsolateral prefrontal regions, ventral prefrontal cortices bilaterally, and middle cingulate cortex. The response shapes and polarities varied between the three networks. The contralateral area 3 differentiated the responses between the three types of touch stimuli, and the response magnitudes depended on the variability of the touch within each block. However, the responses of the other two networks were strikingly similar to all stimuli. The subjects' reports on the pleasantness of the touch did not correlate with the characteristics of the SI responses. These findings imply area‐specific processing of the natural human touch in three networks including the SI cortex, with only area 2 connected to a functional network of brain areas that may support social interaction.
Learning from a mountain: Interview with Bruce Clarkson
Authors: Clarkson Bruce , McDonald Tein
Published: January 2014

Bruce Clarkson is recognised as one of New Zealand's foremost authorities on ecological restoration, with a research and management focus on restoring indigenous vegetation communities in cities. He urges optimism in the face of change, by emphasising the importance of long‐term and broad‐scale perspectives.
Learner Pronunciation, Awareness, and Instruction in French as a Second Language
Authors: Kennedy Sara , Blanchet Josée , Trofimovich Pavel
Published: January 2014

This study examined the speech of 30 adult learners of French as a second language (L2) in a 15‐week listening/speaking course, investigating the relationship between learners' pronunciation development and their pronunciation awareness, measured through learners' conceptions of learning. The course targeted segmental and suprasegmental aspects, including connected speech processes (enchaînement, liaison), intonation, and fluency. Learners wrote weekly journals eliciting measures of pronunciation awareness and completed read‐aloud and picture description tasks at the course's beginning and end. Speech was analyzed through seven measures, including fluency and segmental and suprasegmental accuracy. Results showed significant improvements in learners' segmental production, enchaînement, and some aspects of intonation and fluency. Several variables were associated with pronunciation awareness measures. Results are discussed in light of L2 pronunciation development and instruction‐awareness links.
Performance of species richness estimators across assemblage types and survey parameters
Authors: Reese Gordon C. , Wilson Kenneth R. , Flather Curtis H.
Published: January 2014

Aim

A raw count of the species encountered across surveys usually underestimates species richness. Statistical estimators are often less biased. Nonparametric estimators of species richness are widely considered the least biased, but no particular estimator has consistently performed best. This is partly a function of estimators responding differently to assemblage‐level factors and survey design parameters. Our objective was to evaluate the performance of raw counts and nonparametric estimators of species richness across various assemblages and with different survey designs.

Location

We used both simulated and published field data.

Methods

We evaluated the bias, precision and accuracy of raw counts and 13 nonparametric estimators using simulations that systematically varied assemblage characteristics (number of species, species abundance distribution, total number of individuals, spatial configuration of individuals and species detection probability), sampling effort and survey design. Results informed the development of an estimator selection framework that we evaluated with field data.

Results

When averaged across assemblages, most nonparametric estimators were less negatively biased than a raw count. Estimators based on the similarity of repeated subsets of surveys were most accurate and their accumulation curves appeared to reach asymptotes fastest. Number of species, species abundance distribution and effort had the largest effects on performance, ultimately by affecting the proportion of the species pool contained in a sample. Our estimator selection framework showed promising results when applied to field data.

Main conclusions

A raw count of the number of species in an area is far from the best estimate of true species richness. Nonparametric estimators are less biased. Newer largely unused, estimators perform better than more well known and longer established counterparts under certain conditions. Given that there is generally a trade‐off between bias and precision, we believe that estimator variance, which is often not reported when presenting species richness estimates, should always be included.
Cubital Subchondral Joint Space Width and CT Osteoabsorptiometry in Dogs With and Without Fragmented Medial Coronoid Process
Authors: Krotscheck Ursula , Böttcher Peter B. , Thompson Margret S. , Todhunter Rory J. , Mohammed Hussni O.
Published: January 2014

Objective

To evaluate subchondral joint space width measurements (SJSW) and CT‐osteoabsorptiometry (CTOAM) measurements in the elbow of dogs with naturally occurring fragmented medial coronoid process (FMCP) preoperatively and 6 months postoperatively, and to compare these to normal dogs.

Study Design

Prospective randomized clinical trial.

Animals

Large breed dogs <1 year of age (n = 15).

Methods

Arthroscopic FMCP debridement was performed, followed by randomization to a proximal ulnar ostectomy with IM pin (PUO). CTs were performed pre‐operatively and 6 months post‐operatively. CTOAM and SJSW measurements were acquired in 7 locations within the joint and compared to an age‐matched normal control group. Pearson correlation was performed on SJSW and CTOAM measurements. A linear mixed model determined the effect of disease and treatment on SJSW and CTOAM measurements.

Results

Fifteen dogs (28 elbows) with FMCP participated (11 arthroscopic FMCP removal, 17 with additional PUO). Data were normally distributed. Pearson correlation between CTOAM and SJSW measurements showed moderate to strong negative correlation in the control dogs. Preoperatively, affected elbows had lower medial compartment and higher lateral coronoid process CTOAM values than normal elbows. After treatment, CTOAM values of the medial compartment increased to normal. Treatment with PUO did not affect SJSW or CTOAM.

Conclusions

Our data agree with these previous studies suggesting lower subchondral plate mineralization in dogs affected by FMCP. Arthroscopy may result in higher CTOAM values secondary to increased loading.
Thermophysical Properties of Multiphase Borosilicate Glass‐Ceramic Waste Forms
Authors: Nelson Andrew T. , Crum Jarrod V. , Tang Ming
Published: January 2014

Multiphase borosilicate glass‐ceramics represent one candidate to contain radioactive nuclear waste separated from used nuclear fuel. In this work, the thermophysical properties from room temperature to 1273 K were investigated for four different borosilicate glass‐ceramic compositions containing waste loadings from 42 to 60 wt% to determine the sensitivity of these properties to waste loading, as‐fabricated microstructure, and potential evolutions in microstructure brought about by temperature transients. The thermal expansion, specific heat capacity, thermal diffusivity, and thermal conductivity are presented. The impact of increasing waste loading is shown to have a small but measurable effect on the thermophysical properties between the four compositions, contrasted to a much greater impact observed when transitioning from predominantly crystalline to amorphous systems. Thermal cycling below 1273 K was not found to measurably impact the thermophysical properties of the compositions investigated here.
Piezoelectric Properties of a Pioneering 3‐1 Type PZT/Epoxy Composites Based on Freeze‐Casting Processing
Authors: Xu Tingting , Wang Chang‐An
Published: January 2014

Lead zirconate titanate (PbZr1 − xTixO3, PZT)/epoxy composites with one‐ dimensional epoxy in PZT matrix (called 3‐1 type piezocomposites) have been fabricated by tert‐butyl alcohol (TBA)‐based directional freeze casting of PZT matrix and afterward infiltration of epoxy. The composites with PZT volume fraction ranging from 0.36 to 0.69 were obtained by adjusting initial solid loading in freeze‐casting slurry. The effect of poling voltage on piezoelectric properties of the composites was studied for various volume fraction of PZT phase. With the increasing of PZT volume fraction, relative permittivity (εr) increased linearly and piezoelectric coefficient (d33 and d31) increased step by step. The resultant composites with 0.57 PZT volume fraction possessed the highest hydrostatic piezoelectric strain coefficient (dh) value (184 pC/N), voltage coefficient (gh) value (13.6 × 10−3 V/m Pa), and hydrostatic figure of merit (HFOM) value (2168 × 10−15 Pa−1).
Overexpression of STAMP2 suppresses atherosclerosis and stabilizes plaques in diabetic mice
Authors: Wang Jia , Han Lu , Wang Zhi‐hao , Ding Wen‐yuan , Shang Yuan‐yuan , Tang Meng‐xiong , Li Wen‐bo , Zhang Yun , Zhang Wei , Zhong Ming
Published: January 2014

Our research aims to evaluate the function of the STAMP2 gene, an important trigger in insulin resistance (IR), and explore its role in macrophage apoptosis in diabetic atherosclerotic vulnerable plaques. The characteristics of diabetic mice were measured by serial metabolite and pathology tests. The level of STAMP2 was measured by RT‐PCR and Western blot. The plaque area, lipid and collagen content of brachiocephalic artery plaques were measured by histopathological analyses, and the macrophage apoptosis was measured by TUNEL. Correlation of STAMP2/Akt signaling pathway and macrophage apoptosis was validated by Ad‐STAMP2 transfection and STAMP2 siRNA inhibition. The diabetic mice showed typical features of IR, hyperglycaemia. Overexpression of STAMP2 ameliorated IR and decreased serum glucose level. In brachiocephalic lesions, lipid content, macrophage quantity and the vulnerability index were significantly decreased by overexpression of STAMP2. Moreover, the numbers of apoptotic cells and macrophages in lesions were both significantly decreased. In vitro, both mRNA and protein expressions of STAMP2 were increased under high glucose treatment. P‐Akt was highly expressed and caspase‐3 was decreased after overexpression of STAMP2. However, expression of p‐Akt protein was decreased and caspase‐3 was increased when STAMP2 was inhibited by siRNA. STAMP2 overexpression could exert a protective effect on diabetic atherosclerosis by reducing IR and diminishing macrophage apoptosis.
Evaluating the effectiveness of teeth and dorsal fin spines for non‐lethal age estimation of a tropical reef fish, coral trout Plectropomus leopardus
Authors: Hobbs J.‐P. A. , Frisch A. J. , Mutz S. , Ford B. M.
Published: January 2014

This study investigated whether teeth and dorsal fin spines could be used as non‐lethal methods of age estimation for a vulnerable and highly valued tropical fisheries species, coral trout Plectropomus leopardus. Age estimation of individuals from 2 to 9 years old revealed that dorsal spines represent an accurate ageing method (90% agreement with otoliths) that was more precise [average per cent error (APE) = 4·1, coefficient of variation (c.v.) = 5·8%] than otoliths (APE = 6·2, c.v. = 8·7%). Of the three methods for age estimation (otoliths, dorsal spines and teeth), spines were the most time and cost efficient. An aquarium‐based study also found that removing a dorsal spine or tooth did not affect survivorship or growth of P. leopardus. No annuli were visible in teeth despite taking transverse and longitudinal sections throughout the tooth and trialling several different laboratory methods. Although teeth may not be suitable for estimating age of P. leopardus, dorsal spines appear to be an acceptably accurate, precise and efficient method for non‐lethal ageing of individuals from 2 to 9 years old in this tropical species.