bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Two Mallotus species of different life histories adopt different defense strategies in relation to leaf age
Authors: Yamawo Akira , Tagawa Jun , Suzuki Nobuhiko 
Published: December 2012

AbstractPlants defend their leaves using multiple defense traits that change functions with leaf age. We examined the effects of leaf age on the development of multiple defense traits in two related Mallotus (Euphorbiaceae) species: young plants of the fast‐growing Mallotus japonicus (Spreng.) Müll. Arg. and the slow‐growing Mallotus philippensis (Lam.) Müll. Arg. Sequential leaves of the two species were measured for their leaf area, leaf mass/area, densities of trichomes and pellucid dots, extrafloral nectar volume, and the numbers of extrafloral nectaries and pearl bodies. Mallotus japonicus shifted its defense tactics from direct defense using trichomes and pellucid dots in young leaves to biotic defense using extrafloral nectar and pearl bodies in middle‐aged leaves. In contrast, M. philippensis used direct, chemical defense throughout all leaf ages, together with the shift from indirect, biotic defense using extrafloral nectar in young leaves to direct, physical defense using leaf toughness in middle‐aged leaves. These results strongly suggest that, in relation to life history, plants can alter optimal combinations of multiple defense traits with leaf age.
Comparative effects of insecticides with different mechanisms of action on Chrysoperla externa (Neuroptera: Chrysopidae): Lethal, sublethal and dose–response effects
Authors: Joao Zotti Moises , Dionel Grutzmacher Anderson , Heres Lopes Isac , Smagghe Guy 
Published: December 2012

AbstractThe comprehensive knowledge that the delayed systemic and reproduction side effects can be even more deleterious than acute toxicity, has caused a shift in focus toward sublethal effects assessment on physiology and behavior of beneficial insects. In this study, we assessed the risks posed by some insecticides with different mode of action through lethal and delayed systemic sublethal effects on the pupation, adult emergence, and reproduction of the chrysopid Chrysoperla externa (Hagen, 1861; Neuroptera: Chrysopidae), an important predator in pest biological control. The maximum field recommended dose (MFRD) and twice (2×MFRD) for chlorantraniliprole, tebufenozide, and pyriproxyfen were harmless to C. externa. In contrast, all the tested chitin synthesis inhibitors (CSIs) were highly detrimental to the predator, despite of their lack of acute lethal toxicity. Therefore, the safety assumed by using IGRs toward beneficial insects is not valid for chrysopids. Dose–response data showed that although all CSIs have a similar mechanism of action, the relative extent of toxicity may differ (novaluron > lufenuron > teflubenzuron). For CSIs, the delayed systemic effects became obvious at adult emergence, where the predicted no observable effect dose (NOED) was 1/2 048 of the MFRD for novaluron (0.085 ng/insect), and 1/256 of the MFRD for both lufenuron (0.25 ng/insect) and teflubenzuron (0.6 ng/insect). Finally, this work emphasized the significance of performing toxicity risk assessments with an adequate posttreatment period to avoid underestimating the toxicities of insecticides, as the acute lethal toxicity assays may not provide accurate information regarding the long‐range effects of hazardous compounds.
Industry Identification through Ratio Analysis
Authors: Bujaki Merridee , Durocher Sylvain 
Published: December 2012

AbstractThis case is designed to help students “see through the numbers”. Written initially for MBA students and senior analysts attending executive education sessions, it provides participants with (1) a common‐size balance sheet and selected financial ratios for ten anonymous Canadian public companies, and (2) a list of ten diverse industry sectors. Participants are invited to reflect on the meanings of the different ratios provided in order to match the anonymous companies with their corresponding industry sector. Seeing through the numbers fosters the development of participants' analytical skills, and group discussions contribute to the sharing of participants' knowledge about the various industry segments involved.
Overcoming Barriers to Addressing Education Problems With Research Design: A Panel Discussion
Authors: Yarris Lalena M. , Gruppen Larry D. , Hamstra Stanley J. , Anders Ericsson K. , Cook David A. 
Published: December 2012

AbstractA plenary panel session at the 2012 Academic Emergency Medicine consensus conference “Education Research in Emergency Medicine: Opportunities, Challenges, and Strategies for Success” discussed barriers educators face in imagining, designing, and implementing studies to address educational challenges. This proceedings article presents a general approach to getting started in education research. Four examples of studies from the medical education literature that illustrate a distinct way to approach specific research questions are discussed. The study designs used are applicable to a variety of education research problems in emergency medicine (EM). Potential applications of studies are discussed, as well as effects and lessons learned.
New methods in the battle against cane toads: when should we move from research to implementation?
Authors: Pizzatto L. , Shine R. 
Published: December 2012

Read the Feature Paper: Typhoid Mary in the frogpond: can we use native frogs to disseminate a lungworm biocontrol for invasive cane toads?Commentaries on this Feature Paper: Is Typhoid Mary a good role model? ; Benefits and costs of using a lungworm parasite to control invasive toads in Australia
Corporate Governance, Legal System, and Stock Market Liquidity: Evidence Around the World
Authors: Chung Kee H. , Kim Joon‐Seok , Park Kwangwoo , Sung Taeyoon 
Published: December 2012

AbstractThis study shows that firms in the common law countries tend to have better corporate governance structures and greater stock market liquidity than firms in civil law countries. Stock market liquidity is greater for firms with a superior governance structure regardless of the legal origins of the relevant country (i.e., in both common and civil law countries), than for firms with an inferior governance structure. Our findings suggest that legal and regulatory environments for protecting shareholders at the country level and good corporate governance at the firm level are complementary because strong shareholder protection rights reinforce the effectiveness of corporate governance in improving stock market liquidity.
Characteristics of anaphylaxis‐inducing IgG immune complexes triggering murine passive systemic anaphylaxis
Authors: Jiao D. , Liu Y. , Lu X. , Pan Q. , Zheng J. , Liu B. , Liu Y. , Wang Y. , Fu N. 
Published: December 2012

AbstractBackgroundWith the broad and increasing application of therapeutic monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) in clinical settings, IgG‐induced allergic reactions, including passive systemic anaphylaxis (PSA), have attracted significant attention. However, it is not clear which types of IgG mAb–antigen complexes or IgG aggregates formed by antigen binding can trigger PSA, as not all immune complexes (ICs) are capable of triggering PSA. Here, we characterise mAb–antigen complexes capable of inducing murine PSA to evaluate and predict which ICs are able to induce PSA.MethodsThirty‐six combinatory reactions with eight antigens and 27 corresponding mAbs were used to trigger PSA, which was defined by rectal temperature. Sandwich ELISA, passive cutaneous anaphylaxis (PCA) induction and flow cytometry analysis of CD16/32 (FcγRIII/II) expression were used to characterise the ICs. The dynamic concentrations of antigen in the peripheral blood were measured by ELISA.ResultsOnly 14 of the 36 ICs could trigger PSA and thus be termed anaphylaxis‐inducing immune complexes (Ai‐ICs). The Ai‐ICs could be characterised by constructing sandwich ELISA, inducing PCA and down‐regulating CD16/32 (FcγRIII/II) expression on blood neutrophils in vitro and in vivo. Additionally, the occurrence and severity of PSA was found to be associated with the instantaneous concentration of antigen in the peripheral blood in the presence of antibody.ConclusionsOnly Ai‐ICs, not all ICs, could trigger IgG‐mediated PSA, which could be characterised by the above simple methods. The occurrence and severity of PSA was associated with the instantaneous concentration of antigen in the peripheral blood in the presence of antibody.
The lactase persistence ‐13910C>T polymorphism shows indication of association with abdominal obesity among Portuguese children
Authors: Albuquerque David , Nóbrega Clévio , Manco Licínio 
Published: December 2012

AbstractAimThe ‐13910C>T single nucleotide polymorphism located upstream of the lactase gene (LCT) was found tightly associated with lactase persistence in European populations. Recently, it was also associated with body mass index (BMI) and obesity in European adults. The aim of this study was to test the association of ‐13910C>T polymorphism with obesity‐related traits and risk of obesity in children.MethodsWe genotyped 580 Portuguese children (6–12‐year‐olds) for the ‐13910C>T polymorphism using TaqMan probes by real‐time PCR. Anthropometric measurements were assessed in all children. Obesity was defined according to the International Obesity Task Force (IOTF) cut‐offs and abdominal obesity using the sex and age‐specific ≥90th waist circumference percentile.ResultsWe found indication for an association between the‐13910*T allele and children abdominal obesity (odds ratio [OR] = 1.41; 95% confidence intervals [CI]: 1.03–1.94; p = 0.030). Under the dominant model, the indicative association was observed between the LCT‐13910 CT/TT genotypes and abdominal obesity, remaining significant after adjustment for age and gender (OR = 1.65; 95% CI: 1.04–2.60; p = 0.029). No association was detected with the risk of obesity (p = 0.350).ConclusionOur results suggest that the ‐13910C>T polymorphism may predispose to abdominal obesity in Portuguese children. The association with BMI or risk of obesity, previously observed in adults, was not confirmed.
Identification of the integrin β3 L718P mutation in a pedigree with autosomal dominant thrombocytopenia with anisocytosis
Authors: Kobayashi Yoshiyuki , Matsui Hirotaka , Kanai Akinori , Tsumura Miyuki , Okada Satoshi , Miki Mizuka , Nakamura Kazuhiro , Kunishima Shinji , Inaba Toshiya , Kobayashi Masao 
Published: December 2012

SummaryαIIbβ3 integrin mutations that result in the complete loss of expression of this molecule on the platelet surface cause Glanzmann thrombasthenia. This is usually autosomal recessive, while other mutations are known to cause dominantly inherited macrothrombocytopenia (although such cases are rare). Here, we report a 4‐generation pedigree including 10 individuals affected by dominantly inherited thrombocytopenia with anisocytosis. Six individuals, whose detailed clinical and laboratory data were available, carried a non‐synonymous ITGB3 gene alteration resulting in mutated integrin β3 (ITGB3)‐L718P. This mutation causes partial activation of the αIIbβ3 complex, which promotes the generation of abnormal pro‐platelet‐like protrusions through downregulating RhoA (RHOA) activity in transfected Chinese Hamster Ovary cells. These findings suggest a model whereby the integrin β3‐L718P mutation contributes to thrombocytopenia through gain‐of‐function mechanisms.
MAP3K8 kinase regulates myeloma growth by cell‐autonomous and non‐autonomous mechanisms involving myeloma‐associated monocytes/macrophages
Authors: Hebron Ellen , Hope Chelsea , Kim Jaehyup , Jensen Jeffrey L. , Flanagan Claire , Bhatia Neehar , Maroulakou Ioanna , Mitsiades Constantine , Miyamoto Shigeki , Callander Natalie , Hematti Peiman , Asimakopoulos Fotis 
Published: December 2012

SummaryBenefit from cytotoxic therapy in myeloma may be limited by the persistence of residual tumour cells within protective niches. We have previously shown that monocytes/macrophages acquire a proinflammatory transcriptional profile in the myeloma microenvironment. Here we report constitutive activation of MAP3K8 kinase‐dependent pathways that regulate the magnitude and extent of inflammatory activity of monocytes/macrophages within myeloma niches. In myeloma tumour cells, MAP3K8 acts as mitogen‐induced MAP3K in mitosis and is required for TNFα‐mediated ERK activation. Pharmacological MAP3K8 inhibition results in dose‐dependent, tumour cell‐autonomous apoptosis despite contact with primary stroma. MAP3K8 blockade may disrupt crucial macrophage‐tumour cell interactions within myeloma niches.
Obesity is associated with an altered autonomic nervous system response to nutrient restriction
Authors: Wijngaarden M. A. , Pijl H. , van Dijk K. Willems , Klaassen E. S. , Burggraaf J. 
Published: December 2012

AbstractObjectiveHeart rate variability (HRV) reflects the balance of activities of sympathetic and parasympathetic components of the autonomic nervous system. We compared HRV parameters in response to a prolonged fast in obese versus normal weight humans. In addition, the effect of weight‐loss was evaluated in obese individuals.DesignIntervention study.PatientsThe study subjects included 14 nondiabetic obese (12 females/2 males, aged 30 ± 3 years, Body Mass Index (BMI) 35·2 ± 1·2 kg/m2) and 12 lean subjects (10 females/2 males, aged 27 ± 3 years, BMI 23·3 ± 0·5 kg/m2).MeasurementsHRV was examined 75 min after standardized breakfast and after a 48‐h fast in 14 nondiabetic obese and 12 lean subjects. The postprandial measurement was repeated in 12 obese subjects after weight‐loss.ResultsIn lean subjects, fasting decreased high‐frequency (HF) power by 43% (P < 0·05) and decreased low‐frequency (LF) power by 37% (P = 0·1), leaving the LF/HF ratio unchanged (P = 0·7). In the obese group, autonomic nervous system tone shifted to sympathetic dominance as the LF/HF increased from 0·61 to 1·14 (P = 0·03). After an average weight‐loss of 13·8 kg in obese subjects, a trend for sympathetic dominance was found; the LF/HF ratio increased by 56% (P = 0·06).ConclusionOur data show that a 48‐h fast leaves autonomic nervous system balance unaltered in lean subjects. In contrast, a 48‐h fast, as well as weight‐loss, induces sympathetic dominance in obese humans.
A missense mutation in the arginine‐vasopressin neurophysin‐II gene causes autosomal dominant neurohypophyseal diabetes insipidus in a Chinese family
Authors: Ye Dan , Dong FengQin , Lu WeiQin , Zhang Zhe , Lu XunLiang , Li ChengJiang , Liu YanNing 
Published: December 2012

SummaryBackgroundFamilial neurohypophyseal diabetes insipidus, an autosomal dominant disorder, is mostly caused by mutations in the genes that encode AVP or its intracellular binding protein, neurophysin‐II. The mutations lead to aberrant preprohormone processing and progressive destruction of AVP‐secreting cells, which gradually manifests a progressive polyuria and polydipsia during early childhood, and a disorder of water homeostasis.ObjectiveWe characterized the clinical and biochemical features, and sequenced the AVP neurophysin‐II(AVP‐NPII) gene of the affected individuals with autosomal dominant neurohypophyseal diabetes insipidus(ADNDI)to determine whether this disease was genetically determined.Patients and methodsWe obtained the histories of eight affected and four unaffected family individuals. The diagnosis of ADNDI was established using a water deprivation test and exogenous AVP administration. For molecular analysis, genomic DNA was extracted and the AVP‐NPII gene was amplified using polymerase chain reaction and sequenced.ResultsThe eight affected individuals showed different spectra of age of onsets (7–15 years) and urine volumes (132–253 ml/kg/24 h). All affected individuals responded to vasopressin administration, with a resolution of symptoms and an increase in urine osmolality by more than 50%. The characteristic hyperintense signal in the posterior pituitary on T1‐weighted magnetic resonance imaging was absent in six family members and present in one. Sequencing analysis revealed a missense heterozygous mutation 1516G > T (Gly17Val) in exon 2 of the AVP‐NPII gene among the ADNDI individuals.ConclusionsWe identified a missense mutation in the AVP‐NPII gene and the same mutation showed different spectra of age of onsets and urine volumes in a new Chinese family with ADNDI. The mutation may provide a molecular basis for understanding the characteristics of NPII and add to our knowledge of the pathogenesis of ADNDI, which would allow the presymptomatic diagnosis of asymptomatic subjects.
Cell Therapy: The Final Frontier for Treatment of Neurological Diseases
Authors: Dutta Susmita , Singh Gurbind , Sreejith Sailaja , Mamidi Murali Krishna , Husin Juani Mazmin , Datta Indrani , Pal Rajarshi , Das Anjan Kumar 
Published: December 2012

SummaryNeurodegenerative diseases are devastating because they cause increasing loss of cognitive and physical functions and affect an estimated 1 billion individuals worldwide. Unfortunately, no drugs are currently available to halt their progression, except a few that are largely inadequate. This mandates the search of new treatments for these progressively degenerative diseases. Neural stem cells (NSCs) have been successfully isolated, propagated, and characterized from the adult brains of mammals, including humans. The confirmation that neurogenesis occurs in the adult brain via NSCs opens up fresh avenues for treating neurological problems. The proof‐of‐concept studies demonstrating the neural differentiation capacity of stem cells both in vitro and in vivo have raised widespread enthusiasm toward cell‐based interventions. It is anticipated that cell‐based neurogenic drugs may reverse or compensate for deficits associated with neurological diseases. The increasing interest of the private sector in using human stem cells in therapeutics is evidenced by launching of several collaborative clinical research activities between Pharma giants and research institutions or small start‐up companies. In this review, we discuss the major developments that have taken place in this field to position stem cells as a prospective candidate drug for the treatment of neurological disorders.
The effects of protected area systems on ecosystem restoration: a quasi‐experimental design to estimate the impact of Costa Rica's protected area system on forest regrowth
Authors: Andam Kwaw S. , Ferraro Paul J. , Hanauer Merlin M. 
Published: December 2012

AbstractGlobal efforts to protect forest biodiversity and ecosystem services rely heavily on protected areas. Although these areas primarily aim to prevent losses from deforestation and degradation, they can also contribute to restoration. Previous evaluations of protected area impacts focus on avoided deforestation and fires. In contrast, we focus on the additional regrowth induced by Costa Rica's renowned system of parks and reserves. We use a quasi‐experimental empirical design to control for confounding baseline characteristics that affect both regrowth and the assignment of protection. Between 1960 and 1997, an estimated 13.5% of previously unforested lands inside protected areas reforested because they were afforded protection. The level of additional regrowth does not vary by the strictness of protection. As in previous studies of protected area impacts on avoided deforestation, estimators that do not account for nonrandom assignment of protection can overstate protected areas’ impacts on regrowth by nearly double.
Tradeoffs in marine reserve design: habitat condition, representation, and socioeconomic costs
Authors: Klein Carissa J. , Tulloch Vivitskaia J. , Halpern Benjamin S. , Selkoe Kimberly A. , Watts Matthew E. , Steinback Charles , Scholz Astrid , Possingham Hugh P. 
Published: December 2012

AbstractWe present a novel method for designing marine reserves that trades off three important attributes of a conservation plan: habitat condition, habitat representation, and socioeconomic costs. We calculated habitat condition in four ways, using different human impacts as a proxy for condition: all impacts; impacts that cannot be managed with a reserve; land‐based impacts; and climate change impacts. We demonstrate our approach in California, where three important tradeoffs emerged. First, reserve systems that have a high chance of protecting good condition habitats cost fishers less than 3.1% of their income. Second, cost to fishers can be reduced by 1/2–2/3 by triaging less than 1/3 of habitats. Finally, increasing the probability of protecting good condition habitats from 50% to 99% costs fishers an additional 1.7% of their income, with roughly 0.3% added costs for each additional 10% confidence. Knowing exactly what the cost of these tradeoffs are informs discussion and potential compromise among stakeholders involved in protected area planning worldwide.
A Decision Science–Informed Approach to Sexual Risk and Nonconsent
Authors: Farris Coreen , Fischhoff Baruch 
Published: December 2012

AbstractSexual risk reduction programs often assume that adolescents and young women care only about the minimization of their risks when making decisions about sexual encounters. As a result, these programs teach only the most effective strategies to reduce the risk of sexually transmitted infections or sexual victimization. We propose a translational decision science approach that addresses the other outcomes that adolescents and young women might consider. In this study, young women reported their sexual nonconsent goals in response to hypothetical encounters in which their partner wished to have sex when they did not. We found that young women highly valued communicating their intent clearly as an end in itself, as well as a means to avoid unwanted sex. However, they also cited other, potentially conflicting, goals such as maintaining relationship stability and protecting their partner. These other goals were associated with participants’ self‐reported histories of sexual victimization. Young women who had been sexually coerced or raped attached greater importance to protecting their partner's feelings, preserving sexual relationships, and avoiding awkwardness or embarrassment, compared to young women without such experiences. We discuss the implications for creating sexual risk reduction programming relevant to young women with competing sexual nonconsent goals. Clin Trans Sci 2012; Volume 5: 482–485