bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Maternal behaviours may explain riffle‐scale variations in some stream insect populations
Authors: Lancaster Jill , Downes Barbara J. 
Published: December 2013

Summary

Species composition and abundance of larval insects can vary significantly between similar channel units (riffles) on the same stream as well as between similar streams. The source of this variation is largely unexplained, but important because such spatial variations can influence population and community dynamics and the design of sampling programmes. The maternal and oviposition behaviours of some aquatic insects are specialised, such that eggs are laid in particular locations, and this could influence the spatial distribution of eggs and larvae within a stream.

In a relatively short length of stream (1 km), we tested whether the number of oviposition sites influenced the number of larvae of different instars in whole riffles that ranged in area from 80 to 460 m2. We examined two species, a mayfly Baetis rhodani and a caddisfly Rhyacophila dorsalis, with larvae that are riffle specialists and adults that oviposit exclusively on emergent rocks in riffles. For comparison, we also examined a control species, blackflies Simulium spp., with larvae that are also riffle specialists, but adults that oviposit on trailing vegetation. As an alternative hypothesis, we tested whether the numbers of larvae per riffle were associated with habitat availability, as measured by riffle area.

Numbers of early‐instar B. rhodani and R. dorsalis were positively associated with the numbers of oviposition sites per riffle, but not riffle areas. In contrast, numbers of early‐instar Simulium per riffle (the control species) were not associated with either predictor variable. For later instars, riffle area was a good predictor of larval numbers per riffle for all species, even though the number of oviposition sites still explained much variation for B. rhodani and R. dorsalis. This ontogenetic shift in distribution patterns suggests an adjustment of densities during larval life, and the evidence points to density‐dependent mortality of early‐instar larvae.

Contrary to the prevailing view that riffle‐to‐riffle variations in the numbers of aquatic insect larvae can be explained by larval habitat, this study demonstrates a strong influence of adult behaviour, and oviposition site availability can explain significant amounts of this variation for some species. These results challenge traditional views about aquatic insect populations, which may have more complex and interesting dynamics than considered previously.
Managing the pain of labour: factors associated with the use of labour pain management for pregnant Australian women
Authors: Steel Amie , Adams Jon , Sibbritt David , Broom Alex , Gallois Cindy , Frawley Jane 
Published: December 2013

AbstractBackgroundDespite high rates of women's use of intrapartum pain management techniques, little is known about the factors that influence such use.ObjectiveExamine the determinants associated with women's use of labour pain management.DesignCross‐sectional survey of a substudy of women from the ‘young’ cohort of the Australian Longitudinal Study of Women's Health (ALSWH).Setting and participantsWomen aged 31–35 years who identified as being pregnant or recently given birth in the 2009 ALSWH survey (n = 2445) were recruited for the substudy. The substudy survey was completed by 1835 women (RR = 79.2%).Main variables studiedDeterminants examined included pregnancy health and maternity care [including complementary and alternative medicine (CAM)] for their most recent pregnancy and any previous pregnancies. Participants' attitudes and beliefs related to both CAM and maternity care were also included in the analysis.Main outcome measuresThe outcome measures examined were the use of both pharmacological and non‐pharmacological pain management techniques (NPMT).ResultsDifferences were seen in the effects of demographics, health service utilization, health status, use of CAM, and attitudes and beliefs upon use of intrapartum pain management techniques across all categories. The only variable that was identified as a determinant for use of all types of pain management techniques was a previous caesarean section (CS).Discussion and conclusionsThe effect of key determinants on women's use of pain management techniques differs significantly, and, other than CS, no one determinant is clearly influential in the use of all pain management options.
Transurethral Balloon Laser Thermotherapy: Effects of a Directionally Shielded Balloon in Canine Prostates
Authors: Suzuki Takanori , Kurokawa Kohei , Suzuki Kazuhiro , Nakano Katsuya , Daikuzono Norio , Yamanaka Hidetoshi 
Published: December 2013

Background: Transurethral balloon laser thermotherapy (TUBAL‐T) improves objective, but not subjective, symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). We studied whether or not an Nd:YAG laser beam with a shielded balloon could successfully irradiate the prostate during TUBAL‐T in a selective manner, to improve the subjective symptoms.Methods: TUBAL‐T was performed on canine prostates using the balloon with a laser probe, which was shielded anteriorly at 90 degrees (from the center of the balloon) and posteriorly at 90 degrees.Results: At 20 watts laser power, the relative power density in the bilateral non‐shielded areas was 17.4 and 17.8, and in the shielded area it was 1.0. Observation by thermography revealed that the temperature after laser radiation in a non‐shielded area of a fish cake phantom was higher than in a shielded area. Following transurethral thermotherapy using a shielded balloon in dogs, a cavity was formed bilaterally around the urethra, and the tissues at the anteroposterior sides and the urethra were preserved.Conclusions: TUBAL‐T, which has been performed in clinical cases of benign prostatic hyperplasia, might be useful in selective irradiation of adenoma if a shielded balloon is used.
The last generation? Perspectives of inshore fish harvesters from Change Islands, Newfoundland
Authors: Smith Derek A. , Vodden Kelly , Woodrow Maureen , Khan Ahmed , Fürst Bojan 
Published: December 2013

AbstractOur investigation examines the perspectives of fish harvesters on key challenges facing the inshore fishery in Newfoundland and Labrador. The findings, based primarily on in‐depth interviews with harvesters in the town of Change Islands, show that fishers are deeply concerned about ineffective regulations, low prices for their catch, and rationalization policies. They explain how existing regulations restrict traditional cooperative fishing practices and impose rules that are not suited for local environmental conditions. Low prices for fish landed, they argue, are caused in part by lack of competition among buyers and a bonus system that favours larger enterprises. These conditions, combined with policies aimed at reducing the fishing fleet and barriers to youth involvement, threaten the long‐term survival of coastal communities. Overall, current policies keep inshore harvesters on the sidelines of an increasingly industrialized fishery. Local fish harvesters have valuable local, place‐based knowledge that can be used to develop more effective fishery management policies and marketing strategies, and in this article we share their recommendations on how to build more sustainable fisheries. However, traditional fishing communities—along with the potential social, cultural, economic, and environmental benefits of smaller‐scale, community‐based fishing—need to become more visible for these changes to occur.
Silicon Application in Cultivated Rices (Oryza sativa L and Oryza glaberrima Steud) Alleviates Iron Toxicity Symptoms Through the Reduction in Iron Concentration in the Leaf Tissue
Authors: Dufey I. , Gheysens S. , Ingabire A. , Lutts S. , Bertin P. 
Published: December 2013

AbstractIron (Fe) toxicity is a constraint commonly encountered in waterlogged conditions. Under anaerobic conditions, reduced Fe is massively absorbed by plants and may induce the generation of reactive oxygen species. This oxidative stress is responsible for physiological perturbations, growth reduction and yield losses. Rice is known as a silicon (Si) accumulator. Although Si is not considered as essential, it is known to play a beneficial role in the resistance to biotic and abiotic stresses through diverse and sometimes unknown mechanisms. The aim of this study was to determine the alleviation of Fe toxicity through Si application in different genotypes. Therefore, cultivars of both cultivated rice species (Oryza sativa and Oryza glaberrima) and lines from a segregating population issued from a cross between IR64 (O. sativa subsp. indica) and Azucena (O. sativa subsp. japonica) were grown in hydroponics under standard or excessive Fe(II) conditions, with or without the addition of Si. The application of Si on Fe‐treated plants strongly alleviated Fe toxicity symptoms. The reduced Fe uptake by Si‐treated plants suggested that an avoidance mechanism would be involved in this alleviation. Moreover, an additive effect of the Si and Fe treatments on the absorption of other nutrients by plants was revealed. These promising results gave insights into the understanding of rice resistance mechanisms to Fe toxicity, opening new perspectives in its management through Si fertilization. Finally, plant response to Si application was greatly influenced by the genotype. Thus, selection of stronger Si‐accumulating varieties could also be of valuable interest in the improvement of rice resistance to Fe toxicity.
Genetic variation, phylogeographic structure of Spodoptera exigua in the welsh onion‐producing areas of North China
Authors: Wang X. Y. , Zhou L. H. , Zhong T. , Xu G. Q. 
Published: December 2013

AbstractThe beet armyworm, Spodoptera exigua (Lepidiptera: Noctuidae), is an important agricultural pest in China, causing serious economic losses in the main welsh onion‐producing areas of North China. In order to effectively monitor and manage this pest, it is necessary to investigate its genetic variation and intraspecific phylogeographic structure in North China. In this study, we used a DNA fragment of cytochrome oxidase subunit I (COI) consisting of 518 bps to investigate its genetic diversity. A total of 500 individuals of this species were collected from 20 geographic locations, and 8 haplotypes were identified. Low levels of genetic diversity (h = 0.256 ± 0.025, π = 0.00058 ± 0.00008) for the total populations in these study regions were obtained. Phylogenetic and median‐joining network analyses indicated that there was no distinct geographic distribution pattern among haplotypes. The results also indicated that the mean pairwise sequence difference between the populations was 0.1%, ranged from zero to 0.2%. The genetic differentiation (Fst) between the populations varied from −0.198 to 0.656, and there was a significant differentiation between the population of Kunshan (KUNS), Shenyang (SY), Lucheng (LUC), Binzhou (BZ) and the remaining populations, respectively. The analysis of molecular variance (amova) showed that the percentage of variation within a population (69.05%) was greater than that between the populations (30.95%), and the level of population differentiation (FST = 0.310, P < 0.001) was highly significant after 1000 random permutations. Finally, unimodal mismatch distribution combined with negative, Tajima's D (D = −1.956, P < 0.05) and Fu's Fs (Fs = −5.875, P > 0.05) indicated that S. exigua experienced recent population expansion in North China.
Effect of patient safety strategies on the incidence of adverse events
Authors: Fernandez Sierra M. Amelia , Rodriguez del Aguila M. del Mar , Navarro Espigares Jose Luis , Enriquez Maroto M. Francisca 
Published: December 2013

AbstractObjectiveThis study aims to estimate the incidence of adverse events (AEs) and avoidable AE in four hospital services before and after applying strategies for patient safety.DesignRetrospective study of two cohorts (2006 and 2009).SettingGeneral Surgery, Internal Medicine, Intensive Care Unit and Oncology services.ParticipantsA sample of 365 patients (2006) and 232 in 2009 randomly selected from the services previously cited.InterventionsStrategies to improve patient safety (e.g. hand‐hygiene campaign).Main outcome measuresAnalyses were made of the change in the incidence and type of AE and avoidable AE, number of procedures and additional days of hospital stay, and the concordance between two recording systems.ResultsThe incidence of patients with AE was 20.8% in 2006 compared with 28.9% in 2009 (P < 0.05). Oncology had twofold more AE than did General Surgery [odds ratio (OR) = 2.07, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.12–3.86] for the same length of stay and number of extrinsic risk factors. In 2006, 84.6% were considered avoidable, compared with 57.1% of 2009 (P < 0.001). There was no difference in the average length of additional stay. In 2006, there were more additional procedures compared to 2009 (OR = 2.75, 95% CI: 1.28–6.06). A concordance of 61% was found for the detection of AE with the two recording systems.ConclusionsAn increased incidence in AEs was found after the strategies, while avoidable AE decreased, as did additional treatments and procedures. The measures implemented constitute a further step in reducing avoidance and a greater awareness of recording AEs in the discharge report.
Immunocaptured‐loop Mediated Isothermal Amplification Assay for Detection of Vibrio Parahaemolyticus in Seafood
Authors: Ye Yingwang , Li Hui , Wu Qingping , Na Ling , Han Yongjia 
Published: December 2013

AbstractVibrio parahaemolyticus is an important seafood‐borne pathogen associated with gastrointestinal disorders in humans. In this study, the efficacy of a loop‐mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) combined with immunocapture assay was firstly developed for detection of V. parahaemolyticus in pure culture, artificially and naturally contaminated seafood samples. The detection limit was 7.3 × 101 cfu/mL for pure culture and artificially contaminated samples by IC‐LAMP, compared with 7.3 × 102 cfu/mL by LAMP. Furthermore, among 156 natural seafood samples, 13, 13 and 11 of samples were positive for V. arahaemolyticus by IC‐LAMP, LAMP and culture‐based method, respectively. V. parahaemolyticus was isolated from 11 of the 156 seafood samples by culture‐based method, all of which were positive by IC‐LAMP assay. A comparison between LAMP, IC‐LAMP and culture‐based method indicated that IC‐LAMP was sensitive, specific and reliable for monitoring V. parahaemolyticus contamination in seafood samples.Practical ApplicationDevelopment of rapid, sensitive and specific methods for detection of V. parahaemolyticus is of utmost importance for monitoring and controlling contaminated seafood. In this study, loop‐mediated isothermal amplification combined with the newly developed immunocapture showed higher detection limit than that by LAMP and more specific compared with that by culture‐based method. The IC‐LAMP was fit for monitoring V. parahaemolyticus contamination in seafood samples.
HETEROSCEDASTICITY OR PRODUCTION RISK? A SYNTHETIC VIEW
Authors: Saastamoinen Antti 
Published: December 2013

AbstractTwo veins of literature, namely, production risk literature and stochastic frontier analysis, are examined. Both fields are concerned of output variation; the former due to exogenous shocks, the latter due inefficiency. By covering the literature from both the fields, this review suggests that the concept of heteroscedasticity can be utilized to build a synthesis between these mainly separate branches of literature. However, the synthetic approach brings a challenge how to differentiate between different sources of output variation. This challenge is identified as the main obstacle to meaningfully combine the two approaches.
Pricing of Transport Networks, Redistribution, and Optimal Taxation
Authors: RUSSO ANTONIO 
Published: December 2013

AbstractThe author studies optimal pricing of roads and public transport in the presence of nonlinear income taxation. Individuals are heterogeneous in unobservable earning ability. Optimal transport tariffs depend on time costs of travel and work schedule adjustments (days and hours worked per day) as a response to commuting costs. The author finds that discounts for low‐income individuals are optimal only if the time cost of a trip is small enough. Lower travel time costs facilitate screening; therefore, redistribution provides an additional motive for congestion pricing. Finally, the study investigates the desirability of means‐testing of transport tariffs.
Prolonged Culture Period on Production Cost and Factor Input: A Case from the Pacific Oyster, Crassostrea gigas, Farming Industry in Yunlin County, Taiwan
Authors: Huang Jung‐Fu , Lee Jie‐Min , Sun Po‐Chen 
Published: December 2013

AbstractThe Yunlin coastal area is the largest oyster culture in Taiwan; however, the oyster farmers reported the negative impact of a prolonged oyster culture period and an increased operating cost in 2010. This study uses the translog cost function to consider the possibility of an oyster culture period extension to estimate oyster cost elasticity, own‐price elasticities, and cross‐price (substitution) elasticities, to evaluate whether the oyster farming industry in Yunlin County has economies of scale, and to assess the relationship with a substitution of inputs. We found that the Yunlin oyster culture has economies of scale, and that the oyster farmers can expand production scale to reduce costs. The own‐price elasticities of demand for inputs are less than 1, indicating fairly inelastic factor demands in oyster production. The oyster farming industry displays strong substitutability between the prolonged culture period and capital input, suggesting that the oyster farming industry is more responsive to a higher prolonged culture period cost, in terms of capital input.
A silent mutation in mabA confers isoniazid resistance on Mycobacterium tuberculosis
Authors: Ando Hiroki , Miyoshi‐Akiyama Tohru , Watanabe Shinya , Kirikae Teruo 
Published: December 2013

SummaryDrug resistance in Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) is caused by mutations in restricted regions of the genome. Mutations in katG, the promoter region of the mabA–inhA operon, and inhA are those most frequently responsible for isoniazid (INH) resistance. Several INH‐resistant (INHr) Mtb clinical isolates without mutations in these regions have been described, however, indicating that there are as yet undetermined mechanisms of INH resistance. We identified the mabAg609a silent mutation in a significant number of INHr Mtb clinical isolates without known INH resistance mutations. A laboratory strain, H37Rv, constructed with mabAg609a, was resistant to INH. We show here that the mabAg609a mutation resulted in the upregulation of inhA, a gene encoding a target for INH, converting the region adjacent to the mutation into an alternative promoter for inhA. The mabAg609a silent mutation results in a novel mechanism of INH resistance, filling in a missing piece of INH resistance in Mtb.
Fluid homeostasis in the neonate
Authors: O'Brien Frances , Walker Isabeau A. 
Published: December 2013

SummaryThe physiology of the neonate is ideally suited to the transition to extrauterine life followed by a period of rapid growth and development. Intravenous fluids and electrolytes should be prescribed with care in the neonate. Sodium and water requirements in the first few days of life are low and should be increased after the postnatal diuresis. Expansion of the extracellular fluid volume prior to the postnatal diuresis is associated with poor outcomes, particularly in preterm infants. Newborn infants are prone to hypoglycemia and require a source of intravenous glucose if enteral feeds are withheld. Anemia is common, and untreated is associated with poor outcomes. Liberal versus restrictive transfusion practices are controversial, but liberal transfusion practices (accompanied by measures to minimize donor exposure) may be associated with improved long‐term outcomes. Intravenous crystalloids are as effective as albumin to treat hypotension, and semi‐synthetic colloids cannot be recommended at this time. Inotropes should be used to treat hypotension unresponsive to intravenous fluid, ideally guided by assessment of perfusion rather than blood pressure alone. Noninvasive methods of assessing cardiac output have been validated in neonates. More studies are required to guide fluid management in neonates, particularly in those with sepsis or undergoing surgery. A balanced salt solution such as Hartmann's or Plasmalyte should be used to replace losses during surgery (and blood or coagulation factors as indicated). Excessive fluid administration during surgery should be avoided.
Equality and Postcolonial Claims of Discursive Injury
Authors: Michel Noémi 
Published: December 2013

AbstractIn Western Europe, individuals and groups increasingly claim that publicly enunciated denigrating racial discourse inflicts an injury upon them, and inscribe this claim under the rubric of equality. By adopting a method of claim‐centered critical theorizing, I discuss the possibilities and implications of reading “claims of racialized discursive injury” as claims to equality. A review of contemporary political theorists concerned with equality and injurious discourse establishes the democratic relevance of claims of discursive injury. A discussion of Judith Butler's theory of performativity then identifies the properties of the injurable subject and of discourse's power. Finally, I specify how a postcolonial stance enables us to grasp the actualization of discursive injury as it resonates between past colonial inequalities and threats of future exclusion or death. This equality‐focused reading sheds light on the transformative potential of claims of racialized discursive injury for resignifying equality in contexts marked by “race” and postcolonialism.
Pathogenesis‐related protein 4b interacts with leucine‐rich repeat protein 1 to suppressPR4b‐triggered cell death and defense response in pepper
Authors: Hwang In Sun , Choi Du Seok , Kim Nak Hyun , Kim Dae Sung , Hwang Byung Kook 
Published: December 2013

SummaryTo control defense and cell‐death signaling, plants contain an abundance of pathogen recognition receptors such as leucine‐rich repeat (LRR) proteins. Here we show that pepper (Capsicum annuum)LRR1 interacts with the pepper pathogenesis‐related (PR) protein 4b,PR4b, in yeast andin planta.PR4b is synthesized in the endoplasmic reticulum, interacts withLRR1 in the plasma membrane, and is secreted to the apoplast via the plasma membrane. Binding ofPR4b toLRR1 requires the chitin‐binding domain ofPR4b. PurifiedPR4b protein inhibits spore germination and mycelial growth of plant fungal pathogens. Transient expression ofPR4btriggers hypersensitive cell death. This cell death is compromised by co‐expression ofLRR1as a negative regulator inNicotiana benthamianaleaves.LRR1/PR4bsilencing in pepper andPR4bover‐expression inArabidopsis thalianademonstrated thatLRR1andPR4bare necessary for defense responses toPseudomonas syringaepv.tomatoandHyaloperonospora arabidopsidis(Hpa) infection. The mutant of thePR4bArabidopsis ortholog,pr4, showed enhanced susceptibility toHpainfection. Together, our results suggest thatPR4b functions as a positive modulator of plant cell death and defense responses. However, the activity ofPR4b is suppressed by interaction withLRR1.