bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Psychological climate predicting job insecurity through occupational self-efficacy
Authors: Tomas Jasmina , Maslić Seršić Darja , De Witte Hans
Published: February 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to test the hypothesized mediation model that specifies psychological climate dimensions as antecedents of job insecurity, while accounting for occupational self-efficacy. Stemming from the conservation of resources theory, the authors hypothesize that job challenge, role harmony, leader support and co-worker cooperation negatively relate to job insecurity due to its positive correlation with occupational self-efficacy.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were collected with a sample of 329 white-collar employees from the ICT sector who were employed full-time and for a period of at least six months in their current organization. All hypotheses were tested via structural equation modeling using the bootstrap method to test the significance of indirect effects.

Findings

Among the four work environment domains, only job challenge had a significant contribution in explaining job insecurity variance. This relationship was fully mediated by occupational self-efficacy.

Research limitations/implications

The cross-sectional research design limits the ability to make causality inferences, while the convenience sampling method limits the generalizability of findings.

Practical implications

The study results indicate that well-designed (i.e. challenging, autonomous and important) job tasks may be advantageous in organizational interventions aimed at reducing job insecurity due to their potential to strengthen employees’ efficacy beliefs.

Originality/value

The study results contribute to current knowledge regarding the relative importance of work environment antecedents of job insecurity, as well as the prominent role played by occupational self-efficacy in explaining some of these relationships.
The ride-along: a journey in qualitative research
Authors: Wegerif Marc C.A.
Published: February 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to show why and how the “ride-along” can add great value to qualitative research.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper is primarily based on ethnographic research into food systems that the author carried out in Tanzania and draws on other research experience and existing literature on the “go-along” and “walk-along”.

Findings

Transport choices are made in all social science research and therefore deserve greater attention in research design. Transport will influence how the researcher is perceived and what they will experience and find. The ride-along, when done well, minimises the risks and adds value to qualitative research.

Practical implications

Researchers need to be reflexive about transport choices and give them greater consideration in research design and practice. The examples from field experience and the considerations identified in this paper will assist researchers and their supervisors in this process.

Originality/value

Despite the ubiquity of mobility in social science research, there is surprisingly little literature on the subject, especially related to the use of different modes of transport. The originality is in elaborating the importance of the ride-along and the value is in the clearly identified lessons for qualitative research methodology teaching and practice.
Study on the full‐waveform inversion strategy for 3D elastic orthorhombic anisotropic media: application to ocean bottom cable data
Authors: Oh Ju‐Won , Alkhalifah Tariq
Published: February 2019

The multi‐parameter full waveform inversion is an essential tool to estimate subsurface anisotropic properties in a reservoir that may have complex geological behaviour requiring an elastic orthorhombic medium description. For such elastic orthorhombic media, finding a proper inversion strategy to mitigate parameter trade‐off and reduce the Null space is crucial considering the large number of parameters describing the medium. We apply our recently developed strategy for orthorhombic medium inversion on synthetic and real ocean bottom cable data, and find the most efficient inversion strategy. At first, we analyse the trade‐off patterns in three elastic orthorhombic parameterizations for a hockey‐puck‐shaped model. We, then, compare the performance of these orthorhombic parameterizations on a 3D synthetic ocean bottom cable data, which are obtained from a channel‐shaped model. By interpreting the inverted models based on analytic radiation patterns of the nine elastic orthorhombic parameters in each parameterization, we observe that parameterizations, which have one P‐wave velocity, one S‐wave velocity and seven dimensionless parameters, can be optimal to recover subsurface isotropic properties in the early stages of inversion. Then, we show that the choice of three anisotropic parameters and their deviations along the horizontal plane helps us mitigate the complexity of the multi‐parameter inversion by decoupling anisotropic features, which have vertical and horizontal symmetric axes, respectively. This decoupling of isotropic and anisotropic properties enables us to perform the multi‐parameter anisotropic inversion in a multi‐stage manner. In addition, for the marine acquisition, we show that the number of parameters can be reduced from 9 to 4, which makes the multi‐parameter inversion more practical. Finally, we apply the elastic orthorhombic inversion to real ocean bottom cable data.
All ecological models are wrong, but some are useful
Authors: Stouffer Daniel B.
Published: February 2019

In Focus: Curtsdotter, A., Banks, H. T., Banks, J. E., Jonsson, M., Jonsson, T., Laubmeier, A. N., … Bommarco, R. (2019). . Journal of Animal Ecology, 88, https://doi.org/10.1111/1365-2656.12892

Species’ population dynamics are influenced by a variety of abiotic and biotic factors. Curtsdotter et al. (2019) used a food web model to investigate the role of predator–prey interactions in the population dynamics of the bird cherry‐oat aphid Rhopalosiphum padi. Their analysis hinged on linking the observed population dynamics to a mathematical description of the multi‐species system via inverse methods—an approach less utilized in ecology but that allows one to search a wide space of possible parameterizations and identify best‐fit model parameters. By scrutinizing the fit of this model to observed aphid population dynamics in 10 separate barley fields, they identified fields in which predation was the key driving force; in others, they found that accurate predictions depended on the existence of an unpredictable and unidentified extrinsic driver of aphid mortality. By scrutinizing areas where the model gave poor or biologically counterintuitive fits, their study provides a path forward to better link ecological theory to ecosystem function.
Seed and seedling traits have strong impacts on establishment of a perennial bunchgrass in invaded semi‐arid systems
Authors: Leger Elizabeth A. , Atwater Daniel Z. , James Jeremy J.
Published: February 2019

Many restoration projects use seeds to found new populations, and understanding phenotypic traits associated with seedling establishment in disturbed and invaded communities is important for restoration efforts world‐wide. Focusing on the perennial grass Elymus elymoides, a native species common to sagebrush steppe communities in the Western United States, we asked if seed and seedling traits could predict field establishment.

We collected seeds from 34 populations from the western Great Basin. In greenhouse studies, we measured variation in seed and seedling characteristics of wild populations and one cultivar. We also quantified abiotic conditions at the collection location and asked if these characteristics predicted survival and other fitness metrics at five planting sites. Planting sites were all near‐monocultures of the invasive annual grass Bromus tectorum, and all sites experienced similar, below‐average precipitation during the experiment.

Phenotypic traits were strongly correlated with performance across all sites, with remarkably high predictive power. Seeds from populations with longer roots, larger seeds and earlier emergence were significantly more likely to survive the first growing season (R2 = 0.66, p < 0.0001). In contrast, while some abiotic variables at the collection location (e.g. 30‐year average summer precipitation and fall minimum temperatures) were associated with field performance at some sites, abiotic variables explained less variation in performance than traits (average R2 = 0.22). Despite the low predictive power of abiotic variables, populations that performed best at each field site were from locations with climate variables similar to planting sites.

Synthesis and applications. The best seed sources for restoration of Elymus elymoides in invaded sites were populations with longer roots, larger seeds and earlier emergence. These easily measured traits were strong predictors of survival in disturbed field sites. While the most successful populations were found in areas with similar abiotic conditions as planting sites, there was phenotypic variation even among populations originating from locations with similar conditions. Thus, our results indicate that abiotic conditions are important considerations when selecting seeds, but these conditions may not sufficiently predict which populations will establish. Understanding population differences in seedling functional traits can improve predictions of restoration success.
Placental growth factor blunts uterine artery responses to angiotensin II
Authors: Espinoza J , Betancourt A , Belfort MA , Shamshirsaz AA , Fox KA , Yallampalli C
Published: February 2019

Objective

Changes in maternal serum concentration of placental growth factor (PlGF) and vascular response to intravascular infusion of Angiotensin II (Ang II) follow a bell‐shaped curve pattern during gestation. This study evaluates the effects of PlGF and soluble vascular endothelial growth factor receptor‐1 (sFlt‐1) on responses of human uterine arteries (UA) to Ang II.

Design

Experimental.

Setting

Baylor College of Medicine and Texas Children's Hospital‐Pavilion for Women.

Sample

Uterine arteries samples (n = 14) were obtained from normotensive women undergoing caesarean hysterectomy at ≥32 weeks.

Methods

Uterine arteries rings were incubated with (1) Krebs solution; (2) PlGF at 1.45, 14.5, and 500 pg/ml; (3) sFlt‐1 at 2 ng/ml; and (4) a combination of sFlt‐1, and PlGF. Dose‐contraction responses to Ang II were determined in UA rings incubated in the above‐mentioned conditions. Responses were also measured in presence of L‐NAME or inhibitors of endothelium‐derived hyperpolarising factor: apamine and charybdotoxin. The t‐test was used for comparisons.

Main outcome measure

Changes in vascular reactivity of UA rings.

Results

PlGF blunted (P = 0.03) and sFlt‐1 increased (P <0.01) the UA maximum responses to Ang II. A combination of sFlt‐1 and PlGF blunted UA responses to Ang II (P < 0.05). l‐NAME, apamine, and charybdotoxin reversed the relaxation effects of PlGF on UA responses to Ang II (P < 0.05).

Conclusions

PlGF contributes to the blunted vascular response to Angiotensin II during normotensive pregnancies and sFlt‐1 appears to attenuate this effect. PlGF and sFlt‐1 may contribute to the regulation of vascular tone during pregnancy by altering the vascular response to Angiotensin II.

Funding

Baylor College of Medicine.

Tweetable abstract

Placental growth factor and soluble vascular endothelial growth factor receptor‐1 modulate the uterine artery response to Angiotensin II in normotensive pregnant women.
DAF‐16 stabilizes the aging transcriptome and is activated in mid‐aged Caenorhabditis elegans to cope with internal stress
Authors: Li Shang‐Tong , Zhao Han‐Qing , Zhang Pan , Liang Chung‐Yi , Zhang Yan‐Ping , Hsu Ao‐Lin , Dong Meng‐Qiu
Published: February 2019

The roles and regulatory mechanisms of transcriptome changes during aging are unclear. It has been proposed that the transcriptome suffers decay during aging owing to age‐associated down‐regulation of transcription factors. In this study, we characterized the role of a transcription factor DAF‐16, which is a highly conserved lifespan regulator, in the normal aging process of Caenorhabditis elegans. We found that DAF‐16 translocates into the nucleus in aged wild‐type worms and activates the expression of hundreds of genes in response to age‐associated cellular stress. Most of the age‐dependent DAF‐16 targets are different from the canonical DAF‐16 targets downstream of insulin signaling. This and other evidence suggest that activation of DAF‐16 during aging is distinct from activation of DAF‐16 due to reduced signaling from DAF‐2. Further analysis showed that it is due in part to a loss of proteostasis during aging. We also found that without daf‐16, dramatic gene expression changes occur as early as on adult day 2, indicating that DAF‐16 acts to stabilize the transcriptome during normal aging. Our results thus reveal that normal aging is not simply a process in which the gene expression program descends into chaos due to loss of regulatory activities; rather, there is active transcriptional regulation during aging.
KIN‐4/MAST kinase promotes PTEN‐mediated longevity of Caenorhabditis elegans via binding through a PDZ domain
Authors: An Seon Woo A. , Choi Eun‐Seok , Hwang Wooseon , Son Heehwa G. , Yang Jae‐Seong , Seo Keunhee , Nam Hyun‐Jun , Nguyen Nhung T. H. , Kim Eun Ji E. , Suh Bo Kyoung , Kim Youngran , Nakano Shunji , Ryu Youngjae , Man Ha Chang , Mori Ikue , Park Sang Ki , Yoo Joo‐Yeon , Kim Sanguk , Lee Seung‐Jae V.
Published: February 2019

PDZ domain‐containing proteins (PDZ proteins) act as scaffolds for protein–protein interactions and are crucial for a variety of signal transduction processes. However, the role of PDZ proteins in organismal lifespan and aging remains poorly understood. Here, we demonstrate that KIN‐4, a PDZ domain‐containing microtubule‐associated serine‐threonine (MAST) protein kinase, is a key longevity factor acting through binding PTEN phosphatase in Caenorhabditis elegans. Through a targeted genetic screen for PDZ proteins, we find that kin‐4 is required for the long lifespan of daf‐2/insulin/IGF‐1 receptor mutants. We then show that neurons are crucial tissues for the longevity‐promoting role of kin‐4. We find that the PDZ domain of KIN‐4 binds PTEN, a key factor for the longevity of daf‐2 mutants. Moreover, the interaction between KIN‐4 and PTEN is essential for the extended lifespan of daf‐2 mutants. As many aspects of lifespan regulation in C. elegans are evolutionarily conserved, MAST family kinases may regulate aging and/or age‐related diseases in mammals through their interaction with PTEN.
Pharmacokinetics of a novel, approved, 1.4‐mg intranasal naloxone formulation for reversal of opioid overdose—a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Skulberg Arne Kristian , Åsberg Anders , Khiabani Hasse Zare , Røstad Hilde , Tylleskar Ida , Dale Ola
Published: February 2019

Background and aims

Intranasal (i.n.) naloxone is an established treatment for opioid overdose. Anyone likely to witness an overdose should have access to the antidote. We aimed to determine whether an i.n. formulation delivering 1.4 mg naloxone hydrochloride would achieve systemic exposure comparable to that of 0.8 mg intramuscular (i.m.) naloxone.

Design

Open, randomized four‐way cross‐over trial.

Setting

Clinical Trials Units in St Olav's Hospital, Trondheim and Rikshospitalet, Oslo, Norway.

Participants

Twenty‐two healthy human volunteers, 10 women, median age = 25.8 years.

Intervention and comparator

One and two doses of i.n. 1.4 mg naloxone compared with i.m. 0.8 mg and intravenous (i.v.) 0.4 mg naloxone.

Measurements

Quantification of plasma naloxone was performed by liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry. Pharmacokinetic non‐compartment analyses were used for the main analyses. A non‐parametric pharmacokinetic population model was developed for Monte Carlo simulations of different dosing scenarios.

Findings

Area under the curve from administration to last measured concentration (AUC0‐last) for i.n. 1.4 mg and i.m. 0.8 mg were 2.62 ± 0.94 and 3.09 ± 0.64 h × ng/ml, respectively (P = 0.33). Maximum concentration (Cmax) was 2.36 ± 0.68 ng/ml for i.n. 1.4 mg and 3.73 ± 3.34 for i.m. 0.8 mg (P = 0.72). Two i.n. doses showed dose linearity and achieved a Cmax of 4.18 ± 1.53 ng/ml. Tmax was reached after 20.2 ± 9.4 minutes for i.n. 1.4 mg and 13.6 ± 15.4 minutes for i.m. 0.8 mg (P = 0.098). The absolute bioavailability for i.n. 1.4 mg was 0.49 (±0.24), while the relative i.n./i.m. bioavailability was 0.52 (±0.25).

Conclusion

Intranasal 1.4 mg naloxone provides adequate systemic concentrations to treat opioid overdose compared with intramuscular 0.8 mg, without statistical difference on maximum plasma concentration, time to maximum plasma concentration or area under the curve. Simulations support its appropriateness both as peer administered antidote and for titration of treatment by professionals.
Scanning electron microscopy evaluation of debris and smear layer generated by two instruments used in reciprocating motion WaveOne Gold® and Reciproc Blue®
Authors: Feghali Maya , Jabbour Edgard , Koyess Edmond , Sabbagh Joseph
Published: February 2019

The aim was to evaluate debris and smear layer at 1, 3 and 5 mm from the foramen of single‐file systems WaveOne Gold® and Reciproc Blue®. Thirty single‐rooted teeth were prepared using one of the following NiTi instruments WaveOne Gold® and Reciproc Blue®. Root canals were observed under a scanning electron microscope. The presence of debris and smear layer at the apical third of root canals was evaluated. Data were analysed by Friedman and Wilcoxon tests. WaveOne Gold® produced significantly less debris and smear layer compared to Reciproc Blue®. However, the mean amount of debris was significantly different within distances for WaveOne Gold®, while no difference were observed for Reciproc Blue. The mean amount of smear layer was not significantly different within distances with WaveOne Gold® and Reciproc Blue®. Both systems showed debris and smear layer in the apical third; nevertheless, WaveOne Gold® showed better results.
First gall midge (Diptera: Cecidomyiidae) known to feed on plant family Atherospermataceae: a new species of Asphondylia damaging the endangered Australian tree Daphnandra johnsonii
Authors: Kolesik Peter , Butterworth Nathan , Lemmon Jedda , Gibson Tracey , Wallman James F
Published: February 2019

A new gall midge, here named Asphondylia daphnandrae Kolesik sp. nov., is described and a segment of its cytochrome oxidase unit I mitochondrial gene is sequenced. Asphondylia daphnandrae is significant as the first gall midge known to feed on a plant from the family Atherospermataceae (Laurales). The host plant tree Daphnandra johnsonii is endemic to the Illawarra region, New South Wales, Australia, and is currently threatened with extinction. Larvae of the new species of gall midge were found feeding inside deformed fruits, impeding the sexual reproduction of this endangered plant species.
Challenges of fertility preservation in non‐oncological diseases
Authors: Condorelli Margherita , Demeestere Isabelle
Published: February 2019

Clinicians should provide fertility counseling to all patients receiving gonadotoxic treatment. International scientific societies have mainly focused on oncological patients, and fewer efforts have been made to apply these recommendations to women diagnosed with benign disease (eg benign hematological diseases, autoimmune diseases, and gynecological or genetic disorders). However, these indications account for 8%‐13% of the demand for fertility preservation. The risk of premature ovarian failure due to treatment, or to the disease itself, can be considered fairly high for many young women. Counseling and adequate management of these women require particular attention due to the severe health conditions that are associated with some of these diseases. In this review, we address specific issues related to providing adequate fertility counseling and management for women who have been diagnosed with the major non‐oncological indications, based on the literature and on our clinical experience.
Investigating the nasal cycle using unilateral peak nasal inspiratory flow and acoustic rhinometry minimal cross‐sectional area measurements
Authors: Tan Martin Fan Min , Whitcroft Katherine Lisa , Mehta Nishchay , Schilder Anne , Leung Terence S. , Andrews Peter J.
Published: February 2019

Objective

To plot the nasal cycle using unilateral peak nasal inspiratory flow (UPNIF) and unilateral minimal cross‐sectional area (UMCA) readings demonstrating a linear relationship in normal nasal function. Additionally, to determine how this changes in abnormal nasal function.

Design

A cross‐sectional study measuring UPNIF and UMCA in controls demonstrating normal nasal function and in patients with nasal obstruction.

Setting

Royal National Throat Nose and Ear Hospital, London.

Participants

A total of 39 participants, 26 controls and 13 patients, were recruited. Controls exhibited normal nasal function with SNOT‐22 <5. Patients nasal obstruction symptoms secondary to inflammation or structural abnormality with SNOT‐22 >9.

Main Outcome Measures and Results

Airflow rates and resistance values were derived from UPNIF and UMCA measurements respectively based on Poiseuille's laws. Ratios between right and left UPNIF and UMCA values were taken to adjust for confounding factors. The relationship of 1/Resistance Ratio and Airflow Rate Ratio demonstrated a linear of direct proportionality of strong correlation and statistical significance (correlation coefficient = 0.76, P « 0.01). This suggests that data points from controls with a normal nasal cycle lie closely along the regressed line, whilst those lying significantly away were shown to belong to patients with nasal dysfunction. Olfactory dysfunction appears to be a sensitive discriminator in predicting this.

Conclusion

This study demonstrates the directly proportional relationship of 1/Resistance Ratio and Airflow Rate Ratio in normal nasal function. Furthermore, nasal pathology can be predicted if data points lie significantly outside these normal limits. Further studies are needed to validate exact normal and abnormal thresholds.
Long‐term follow‐up of a multicentre cohort study on laparoscopic peritoneal lavage for perforated diverticulitis
Authors: Sneiders D. , Lambrichts D. P. V. , Swank H. A. , Blanken‐Peeters C. F. J. M. , Nienhuijs S. W. , Govaert M. J. P. M. , Gerhards M. F. , Hoofwijk A. G. M. , Bosker R. J. I. , van der Bilt J. D. W. , Heijnen B. H. M. , ten Cate Hoedemaker H. O. , Kleinrensink G. J. , Lange J. F. , Bemelman W. A.
Published: February 2019

Aim

Laparoscopic peritoneal lavage has increasingly been investigated as a promising alternative to sigmoidectomy for perforated diverticulitis with purulent peritonitis. Most studies only reported outcomes up to 12 months. Therefore, the objective of this study was to evaluate long‐term outcomes of patients treated with laparoscopic lavage.

Methods

Between 2008 and 2010, 38 patients treated with laparoscopic lavage for perforated diverticulitis in 10 Dutch teaching hospitals were included. Long‐term follow‐up data on patient outcomes, e.g. diverticulitis recurrence, reoperations and readmissions, were collected retrospectively. The characteristics of patients with recurrent diverticulitis or complications requiring surgery or leading to death, categorized as ‘overall complicated outcome’, were compared with patients who developed no complications or complications not requiring surgery.

Results

The median follow‐up was 46 months (interquartile range 7–77), during which 17 episodes of recurrent diverticulitis (seven complicated) in 12 patients (32%) occurred. Twelve patients (32%) required additional surgery with a total of 29 procedures. Fifteen patients (39%) had a total of 50 readmissions. Of initially successfully treated patients (n = 31), 12 (31%) had recurrent diverticulitis or other complications. At 90 days, 32 (84%) patients were alive without undergoing a sigmoidectomy. However, seven (22%) of these patients eventually had a sigmoidectomy after 90 days. Diverticulitis‐related events occurred up to 6 years after the index procedure.

Conclusion

Long‐term diverticulitis recurrence, re‐intervention and readmission rates after laparoscopic lavage were high. A complicated outcome was also seen in patients who had initially been treated successfully with laparoscopic lavage with relevant events occurring up to 6 years after initial surgery.
Higher serum levels of systemic inflammatory markers are linked to greater inspiratory muscle dysfunction in COPD
Authors: Formiga Magno F. , Vital Isabel , Urdaneta Gisel , Masters Brett , Herrera Julio , Campos Michael A. , Cahalin Lawrence P.
Published: February 2019

Background

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is associated with an inflammatory response that becomes more pronounced in acute exacerbations. Considerable attention has recently focused on the value of several inflammatory mediators in predicting worsening of COPD‐related symptoms. Whereas respiratory muscle dysfunction is also widely present in this population, little is known about how systemic inflammation relates to inspiratory muscle dysfunction in COPD.

Methods

Fifty‐three males with mild‐to‐very severe airflow obstruction underwent blood sampling for 23 inflammatory markers, including acute‐phase proteins, cytokines and adipokines. Inspiratory muscle performance was assessed via the test of incremental respiratory endurance, providing measures of maximal (MIP) and sustained maximal (SMIP) inspiratory pressures.

Results

The mean ± SD MIP and SMIP were 75.32 ± 19.62 cmH2O and 406.15 ± 124.55 PTU. MIP negatively correlated with CRP, SAA and cystatin C (r‐values from −0.333 to −0.378, P < 0.02), while SMIP was inversely related to SAA and cystatin C (r = −0.534 and r = −0.396, P = 0.00). Significant differences in CRP, SAA, cystatin C and PARC were also found between subjects with and without inspiratory muscle weakness. No additional significant relationships were observed between either MIP or SMIP and other inflammatory markers in the study.

Conclusions

MIP and SMIP are markedly reduced with greater degrees of inflammation in COPD as expressed by higher levels of CRP, SAA and cystatin C. Future research is needed to further examine the above findings and determine the impact of systemic inflammation along with its underlying mechanisms on inspiratory muscle function in COPD.
Diversity patterns of native and exotic fish species suggest homogenization processes, but partly fail to highlight extinction threats
Authors: Gavioli Anna , Milardi Marco , Castaldelli Giuseppe , Fano Elisa Anna , Soininen Janne
Published: February 2019

Aim

Exotic species are a major threat to biodiversity and have modified native communities worldwide. Invasion processes have been extensively studied, but studies on species richness and beta diversity patterns of exotic and native species are rare. We investigate such patterns among exotic and native fish communities in upland and lowland rivers to explore their relationship with environmental drivers.

Location

Northern Italy.

Methods

Exotic and native fish beta diversity patterns were investigated separately in lowland and upland sites using Local Contribution to Beta Diversity (LCBD) and Species Contribution to Beta Diversity (SCBD) analyses. To examine the main environmental variables affecting the LCBD, a Boosted Regression Trees (BRT) method was used. Community dispersion among and within stream orders was investigated with the PERMDISP test.

Results

In lowland sites, exotic species richness was higher than native species richness, especially in large rivers and drainage canals. An opposite trend was found in upland sites, where native species richness was higher than exotic species richness, especially in large rivers. No clear LCBD patterns were found along stream orders in the lowland, whereas higher stream orders in the upland showed the highest LCBD. Its patterns in upland and lowland sites were related to a number of factors, such as total suspended solids and total phosphorus. Community dispersion among stream orders did not show a relationship with environmental heterogeneity. SCBD values were positively correlated with species occupancy in the study area, and native species showed higher SCBD values than exotic species only in the uplands.

Main conclusions

Large rivers in the uplands are important in maintaining native fish diversity and should be protected against invasive fish. In contrast, most lowland rivers have suffered from biological homogenization. Some rare native species can show low contribution to beta diversity, but still need conservation actions due to their risk of local extinction.
Self‐generated variability in object images predicts vocabulary growth
Authors: Slone Lauren K. , Smith Linda B. , Yu Chen
Published: February 2019

Object names are a major component of early vocabularies and learning object names depends on being able to visually recognize objects in the world. However, the fundamental visual challenge of the moment‐to‐moment variations in object appearances that learners must resolve has received little attention in word learning research. Here we provide the first evidence that image‐level object variability matters and may be the link that connects infant object manipulation to vocabulary development. Using head‐mounted eye tracking, the present study objectively measured individual differences in the moment‐to‐moment variability of visual instances of the same object, from infants’ first‐person views. Infants who generated more variable visual object images through manual object manipulation at 15 months of age experienced greater vocabulary growth over the next six months. Elucidating infants’ everyday visual experiences with objects may constitute a crucial missing link in our understanding of the developmental trajectory of object name learning.
Healthier rhythm, healthier brain? Integrity of circadian melatonin and temperature rhythms relates to the clinical state of brain‐injured patients
Authors: Blume C. , Angerer M. , Raml M. , del Giudice R. , Santhi N. , Pichler G. , Kunz A. B. , Scarpatetti M. , Trinka E. , Schabus M.
Published: February 2019

Background

Healthy circadian rhythmicity has been suggested to relate to a better state of brain‐injured patients and to support the emergence of consciousness in patient groups characterized by a relative instability thereof such as patients with disorders of consciousness (DOC).

Methods

Going beyond earlier studies, a systems‐level perspective was adopted and, using multilevel modelling, the joint predictive value of three indices of circadian rhythm integrity derived from skin temperature variations, melatoninsulfate secretion, and physical activity (wrist actigraphy) patterns was evaluated for the behaviourally assessed state [Coma Recovery Scale ‐ Revised (CRS‐R) score] of DOC patients [13 unresponsive wakefulness syndrome; seven minimally conscious (exit) state]. Additionally, it was assessed in a subset of 16 patients whether patients’ behavioural repertoire (CRS‐R score) varied (i) with time of day or (ii) offset from the body temperature maximum (BTmax), i.e. when cognitive performance is expected to peak.

Results

The results reveal that better integrity of circadian melatoninsulfate and temperature rhythms relate to a richer behavioural repertoire. Moreover, higher CRS‐R scores are, by trend, related to assessments taking place at a later daytime or deviating less from the pre‐specified time of occurrence of BTmax.

Conclusions

In conclusion, the results suggest that therapeutic approaches aimed at improving circadian rhythms in brain‐injured patients are promising and should be implemented in hospitals or nursing homes. Beyond this, it might be helpful to schedule diagnostic procedures and therapies around the (pre‐assessed) BTmax (≈4 pm in healthy individuals) as this is when patients should be most responsive.
Do human dermal adipocytes switch from lipogenesis in anagen to lipophagy and lipolysis during catagen in the human hair cycle?
Authors: Nicu Carina , Hardman Jonathan Alan , Pople Jennifer , Paus Ralf
Published: February 2019

In murine skin, dermal white adipose tissue (DWAT) undergoes fluctuations in size across the hair cycle, whereas changes in size, function and metabolism of dermal adipocytes (DAs) during the human scalp hair cycle remain unexplored. Transmission electron microscopy results suggest that during anagen‐catagen transition, human DAs co‐opt the autophagy machinery to undergo lipophagy within their lipid droplets. Whole‐mount staining of hair follicles (HFs) and surrounding DWAT for the autophagy marker LC3B confirms the increased presence of LC3B+ lipid droplets adjacent to catagen HFs; moreover, DWAT around catagen HFs engages in greater glycerol release compared to DWAT surrounding anagen HFs. Thus, we hypothesize that human DAs switch from lipogenesis during anagen to lipophagy together with lipolysis during catagen. We propose various experiments to further prove this hypothesis, whose systematic exploration should help to better characterize the functions of human DWAT and its communication with the HF.
Extreme heterogeneity of population response to climatic variation and the limits of prediction
Authors: Nice Chris C. , Forister Matthew L. , Harrison Joshua G. , Gompert Zachariah , Fordyce James A. , Thorne James H. , Waetjen David P. , Shapiro Arthur M.
Published: February 2019

Certain general facets of biotic response to climate change, such as shifts in phenology and geographic distribution, are well characterized; however, it is not clear whether the observed similarity of responses across taxa will extend to variation in other population‐level processes. We examined population response to climatic variation using long‐term incidence data (collected over 42 years) encompassing 149 butterfly species and considerable habitat diversity (10 sites along an elevational gradient from sea level to over 2,700 m in California). Population responses were characterized by extreme heterogeneity that was not attributable to differences in species composition among sites. These results indicate that habitat heterogeneity might be a buffer against climate change and highlight important questions about mechanisms maintaining interpopulation differences in responses to weather. Despite overall heterogeneity of response, population dynamics were accurately predicted by our model for many species at each site. However, the overall correlation between observed and predicted incidence in a cross validation analysis was moderate (Pearson's r = 0.23, SE 0.01), and 97% of observed data fell within the predicted 95% credible intervals. Prediction was most successful for more abundant species as well as for sites with lower annual turnover. Population‐level heterogeneity in response to climate variation and the limits of our predictive power highlight the challenges for a future of increasing climatic variability.
Depression of persons with dementia and family caregiver burden: Finding positives in caregiving as a moderator
Authors: Yang Fan , Ran Maosheng , Luo Wei
Published: February 2019

Aim

The present study examined the association between depression of persons with dementia and family caregiver burden, as well as whether the association depended on the level of caregivers’ ability to find positives in caregiving.

Methods

Based on the medical records of a local mental health hospital and the statistics of an epidemiological survey, this cross‐sectional study included 157 major family caregivers of non‐institutionalized dementia patients in the rural sector of Western China's Sichuan Province. They responded to the Cornell Scale for Depression in Dementia, a short version of the Zarit Burden Interview, a subscale of a caregiver meaning scale and demographic questions.

Results

Controlling for the demographic variables of the caregivers, the present study found that dementia patients’ depression level was significantly associated with caregiver burden (P < 0.001), and the caregivers’ levels of finding positives in caregiving significantly moderated the association (P < 0.05). Furthermore, the positive correlation between dementia patients’ depression and caregiver burden was weaker among the family caregivers with a high level of finding positives in caregiving, compared with those with a low level of finding positives in caregiving.

Conclusions

This research suggests the importance of facilitating family caregivers of dementia patients to find positives in caregiving. It provides initial data for the development of dementia caregiver burden interventions that are based on the understanding of the deep meaning of dementia caregiving. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2019; 19: 414–418.
Prediction of risk of falls based on handgrip strength in chronic liver disease patients living independently
Authors: Hiraoka Atsushi , Tamura Rumi , Oka Misato , Izumoto Hirofumi , Ueki Hidetaro , Tsuruta Miho , Yoshino Takeaki , Ono Atsushi , Aibiki Toshihiko , Okudaira Tomonari , Yamago Hiroka , Suga Yoshifumi , Iwasaki Ryuichiro , Mori Kenichiro , Miyata Hideki , Tsubouchi Eiji , Kishida Masato , Ninomiya Tomoyuki , Hirooka Masashi , Abe Masanori , Matsuura Bunzo , Hiasa Yoichi , Kino Tsutae , Yamamoto Kayo , Michitaka Kojiro
Published: February 2019

Aim

Falling is known to be associated with cognitive function. We evaluated the relationship between muscle function and falls in patients with chronic liver disease (CLD).

Methods

We enrolled 100 sequential CLD patients without dementia who were admitted to our institution for scheduled treatment from July 2017 to May 2018 (age 71.0 ± 10.2 years; 76 men). All subjects were self‐reliant in regard to activities of daily living. On admission, handgrip strength was determined and falls within 1 month of admission were noted. For determining handgrip strength decline (HSD), previously reported values were used (men, <26 kg; women, <18 kg). The relationship between HSD and falls in CLD patients was evaluated in a retrospective manner.

Results

Thirty‐two patients had chronic hepatitis and 49 had liver cirrhosis (LC) Child–Pugh A, 17 had LC Child–Pugh B, and 2 had LC Child–Pugh C. Twelve (12.0%) had a history of falling, including 8 (26.7%) of 30 with and 4 (5.7%) of 70 without HSD (P = 0.006). The cut‐off value for age in relationship to falling was 69.0 years old (area under the receiver operating characteristic curve, 0.668; 95% confidence interval, 0.514–0.821). A fall during hospitalization was noted more often in patients with a history of falling than in those without (16.7% [2/12] vs. 2.3% [2/88], P = 0.018).

Conclusion

In CLD patients, the presence of HSD and older age might be independent risk factors for predicting a fall. Assessment of handgrip strength could be an effective clinical tool for easily assessing the risk of falling, especially in elderly CLD patients.
The acoustic ecology of an Amazonian bird assemblage: the role of allometry, competition and environmental filtering in the acoustic structure
Authors: Torres Ingrid M. D. , Barreiros Marcelo H. M. , de Araújo Carlos B.
Published: February 2019

Communication among birds constitutes the foundation of social interactions, and acoustic signals should evolve based on their efficiency to convey information. We examined the acoustic signals of an Amazonian bird assemblage by testing whether vocal allometry was the main driver in song evolution. We expected the acoustic parameters of the songs to follow general allometric rules, as the size of the vocal apparatus limits the vibration capacity of the syrinx. We tested whether smaller species use lower than expected frequencies due to environmental filtering by examining deviations from allometric relationships. Alternatively, small species could use higher than expected frequencies as a consequence of competitive processes that promote the use of vacant portions of the acoustic spectrum. We recorded birdsongs between 2013 and 2018 and measured three spectral parameters: the dominant frequency (FDOM), the minimum fundamental frequency (FFMIN) and the maximum fundamental frequency (FFMAX). We created an allometric model based on the acoustic pattern of the larger species and used it to predict the frequencies of the smaller species. We compared the frequency values expected by allometry with the observed parameters of the avian assemblage. We found thatFDOMandFFMINwere higher than expected by allometry alone, supporting competition structuring in the acoustic ecology of the assemblage. The successful insertion of many species into the acoustic space is the result of long processes of natural selection, with our data highlighting the importance of competition in the vocal structuring of the community.
Amelogenin domain‐containing NlChP38 is necessary for normal ovulation in the brown planthopper
Authors: Lou Y.‐H. , Lu J.‐B. , Li D.‐T. , Ye Y.‐X. , Luo X.‐M. , Zhang C.‐X.
Published: February 2019

The brown planthopper (BPH), Nilaparvata lugens, is a major threat to rice production. The eggshell plays an important role in insect reproduction. The constituents and formation process of BPH eggshells remains largely unknown. Here, we report a novel eggshell‐associated protein, NlChP38, containing an amelogenin domain, that is essential for normal ovulation in the BPH. NlChP38 is specifically expressed in the follicular cells from egg chambers at both RNA and protein levels. RNA interference of NlChP38 resulted in oocytes with loose and thin eggshell structure and caused ovulation difficulties. Immunofluorescence localization showed NlChP38 is deposited between follicular cells and oocytes during late choriogenesis. These results indicate that NlChP38 plays an important role in eggshell formation and could be a potential target for RNA interference control of the BPH.
Daily variation in macrophage phagocytosis is clock‐independent and dispensable for cytokine production
Authors: Geiger Sarah S. , Curtis Annie M. , O'Neill Luke A. J. , Siegel Richard M.
Published: February 2019

Innate immune responses vary in a circadian manner, and more recent investigations aim to understand the underlying molecular mechanisms. Cytokine production varies significantly over the course of a day depending on the time of stimulation by pathogens or Toll‐like receptor ligands, and multiple signaling pathways linked to the cell‐autonomous circadian clock modulate innate immunity. Recognition of foreign material, especially by innate immune cells, engages a myriad of receptors, which trigger inflammatory responses, as well as endocytosis and degradation and/or processing for antigen presentation. Because of the close connection between particle engulfment and inflammation, it has been proposed that phagocytic uptake may drive cytokine production in phagocytes. Here we show that bacterial particle ingestion by mouse peritoneal macrophages displays temporal variation, but is independent of the cell‐intrinsic circadian clock in an ex vivo setting. Although cytokine production is dependent on phagocytosis, uptake capacity across 12 hr does not translate into 24‐hr rhythms in cytokine production. In vivo, time‐of‐day variations in phagocytic capacity are not found, whereas a time of day and clock‐dependent cytokine response is maintained. These data show that efficiency of bacterial phagocytosis and the 24‐hr rhythmicity of cytokine production by macrophages are independent of one another and should be studied separately.
LEF1‐AS1, long non‐coding RNA, inhibits proliferation in myeloid malignancy
Authors: Congrains-Castillo Ada , Niemann Fernanda S. , Santos Duarte Adriana S. , Olalla‐Saad Sara T.
Published: February 2019

LEF1 antisense RNA 1 (LEF1‐AS1) is an antisense long non‐coding RNA encoded in the lymphoid enhancer‐binding factor 1 (LEF1) locus. LEF1‐AS1 is a conserved transcript dysregulated in hematopoiesis. This study aimed to functionally characterize the role of this transcript in myeloid malignancy and explore a possible regulatory effect of LEF1‐AS1 upon LEF1. We show that LEF1‐AS1 is highly expressed in normal hematopoietic stem cells but barely detectable in myeloid malignant cell lines. Additionally, bone marrow cells from myelodysplastic syndrome (n=12) and acute myeloid malignancy patients (n=28) expressed significantly reduced levels of LEF1‐AS1 compared to healthy controls (n=15). Artificial LEF1‐AS1 over‐expression inhibited proliferation in HL60 and led to an upregulation of tumor suppressors p21 and p27, and reduced ERK1/2 activation. Unexpectedly, no underlying modulation of LEF1 was detected. Ectopic expression of LEF1‐AS1 also inhibited proliferation in HELA, a cell line lacking endogenous expression of LEF1, supporting a LEF1‐independent mechanism. Additionally, transient over‐expression of LEF1‐AS1 in AML patient cells also led to reduced proliferation and colony formation capacity. We used a mass spectrometry‐based proteomics approach. Proteomic quantification identified the modulation of an important metabolic regulator, Fumarase, and concomitant accumulation of the metabolite fumarate.
Local oestrogen therapy modulates extracellular matrix and immune response in the vaginal tissue of post‐menopausal women with severe pelvic organ prolapse
Authors: Tyagi Tanya , Alarab May , Leong Yvonne , Lye Stephen , Shynlova Oksana
Published: February 2019

This study investigates the effect of local oestrogen therapy (LET) on the expression of proteins participating in collagen/elastin biogenesis and immune markers in vaginal tissues of post‐menopausal women with severe pelvic organ prolapse (POP). Vaginal biopsies were collected from the anterior vaginal wall of informed and consented 52 post‐menopausal women with severe POP undergoing total hysterectomy. Twenty‐nine of the 52 women were treated with LET (in the form of vaginal oestrogen cream or tablet), while the remaining 23 untreated patients served as the controls. This study was approved by Sinai Health System REB. Vaginal tissue specimens were analysed for gene and protein expression using real‐time RT‐PCR and Luminex assays, protein localization and immune cell infiltration were assessed by immunohistochemistry. Forty‐four cytokines were detected. We found that LET application: (a) significantly increased (P < 0.05) gene and protein expression levels of extracellular matrix (ECM) structural proteins, collagen and elastin, as well as the expression of ECM maturation enzyme BMP1; (b) decreased protein expression level of ECM degradation enzymes MMP1, MMP2 and MMP3 accompanied by an increase in their tissue inhibitors, TIMP1 and TIMP4; (c) significantly increased (P < 0.05) the gene and protein expression levels of 14 vaginal cytokines involved in leucocyte infiltration, which was confirmed by immunohistochemistry. Our results indicate that LET plays an important role in the activation of immune system within the local vaginal environment, limiting the undesirable ECM degradation, which supports the strengthening of vaginal ECM in post‐menopausal women, therefore resisting menopause/age‐related changes and inducing urogenital tract tissue regeneration.