bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Usefulness of contrast‐enhanced ultrasound with Sonazoid for evaluating liver abscess in comparison with conventional B‐mode ultrasound
Authors: Kishina Manabu , Koda Masahiko , Tokunaga Shiho , Miyoshi Kennichi , Fujise Yuki , Kato Jun , Matono Tomomitsu , Sugihara Takaaki , Murawaki Yoshikazu
Published: April 2014

Aim

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the usefulness of contrast‐enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) with Sonazoid (perfluorobutane) in patients with liver abscess. Sonazoid is a contrast agent with a low mechanical index and is phagocytosed by Kupffer cells.

Methods

Twenty‐two patients with liver abscess were evaluated with conventional US, real‐time CEUS with Sonazoid, and enhanced computed tomography (CT). After 0.5 mL of Sonazoid was administrated i.v., CEUS images in the vascular and post‐vascular phases were observed.

Results

Conventional US showed hypoechoic lesions in 13 (59.1%), isoechoic in four (18.2%), hyperechoic in two (9.1%), mixed echoic in two (9.1%) and undetected in one (4.8%) patient. CEUS showed perilesional enhancement in 19 (86.4%) lesions in the vascular phase and well‐defined unenhanced areas in 22 (100%) lesions in the post‐vascular phase. CEUS revealed that 18 abscesses were cystic type and three were honeycomb type. Twenty‐one abscesses (95.5%) had clearer appearances on CEUS than on conventional US in regard to the extent of necrotic or liquefied lesions seen. We could confirm reduction of the lesions after therapy in 13 (92.9%) of 14 patients followed up by CEUS.

Conclusion

Most of the liver abscesses showed perilesional enhancement in the vascular phase and unenhanced areas in the post‐vascular phase. The appearance of liver abscesses was clearer on CEUS than on conventional US. CEUS with Sonazoid can be a more effective diagnostic and therapeutic tool for liver abscess.
Stem and progenitor cell systems in liver development and regeneration
Authors: Kamiya Akihide , Inagaki Yutaka
Published: April 2014

The liver comprises two stem/progenitor cell systems: fetal and adult liver stem/progenitor cells. Fetal hepatic progenitor cells, derived from foregut endoderm, differentiate into mature hepatocytes and cholangiocytes during liver development. Adult hepatic progenitor cells contribute to regeneration after severe and chronic liver injuries. However, the characteristics of these somatic hepatic stem/progenitor cells remain unknown. Culture systems that can be used to analyze these cells were recently established and hepatic stem/progenitor cell‐specific surface markers including delta‐like 1 homolog (DLK), cluster of differentiation (CD) 13, CD133, and LIV2 were identified. Cells purified using antibodies against these markers proliferate for an extended period and differentiate into mature cells both in vitro and in vivo. Methods to force the differentiation of human embryonic stem and induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells into hepatic progenitor cells have been recently established. We demonstrated that the CD13+CD133+ fraction of human iPS‐derived cells contained numerous hepatic progenitor‐like cells. These analyses of hepatic stem/progenitor cells derived from somatic tissues and pluripotent stem cells will contribute to the development of new therapies for severe liver diseases.
Family–clinician interactions in children's health services: a secondary analysis of occupational therapists' practice descriptions
Authors: McAnuff Jennifer , Boyes Chris , Kolehmainen Niina
Published: April 2014

Background

Effective family–clinician interactions are important for good health outcomes. Two types of interactions are consistently recommended: relational (e.g. listening, empathy, and respect) and participatory (e.g. shared decision‐making, planning and problem‐solving), but there is little specific guidance on how to implement these interactions in practice.

Objective

To identify specific, practice‐based examples of relational and participatory family–clinician interactions in children's occupational therapy.

Design

A qualitative secondary analysis was used. The data consisted of a list of occupational therapists' self‐reported practice actions (n = 217) and direct quotes describing their content and context. The practice actions were categorized into a range of relational and participatory family‐centred interactions using a modified framework analysis.

Results

Of the 217 practice actions, the majority [121 (55.76%)] did not describe examples of therapists implementing family–clinician interactions. Of the remaining practice actions, 19 (8.76%) described ‘relational’ interactions (e.g. ‘Listen to carer’, ‘Gather perspectives from others’); 47 (21.66%) described ‘participatory’ interactions (e.g. ‘Identify the family's goals and priorities’, ‘Allow the family to choose’); 2 (0.92%) described both (‘Take guidance from carers’); and 28 (12.9%) were excluded from the analysis.

Discussion and conclusions

A range of relational and participatory interactions were identified. Descriptions of participatory interactions were more frequent than descriptions of relational interactions, and overall the therapists described their family–clinician interactions less frequently than their other practice actions. The specific, real‐life examples of different types of interactions identified in the study can be used as a basis for reflection on practice and developing more specific guidance.
User involvement in long‐term care. Towards a relational care‐ethics approach
Authors: Abma Tineke A. , Baur Vivianne E.
Published: April 2014

Background

User involvement in long‐term care has become official policy in many countries. Procedural and managerial approaches to user involvement have numerous shortcomings in long‐term care. What is needed is a different approach that is beneficial and tuned to the needs of clients and professionals.

Aim

This article presents a care‐ethics approach to involvement. We illustrate this approach and its practical implementation by examining a case example of user involvement in long‐term elderly care.

Methodology

This case example is based on an action research project in a residential care home in the Netherlands. Seven female clients participated in the process, as well as diverse groups of professionals from this residential care home.

Results

The clients were concerned about meals, and collectively they became empowered and came up with ideas for improving meals. Professionals also shared the clients' experiences with meals, first in homogeneous groups and then in heterogeneous meetings with the client group. This process led to the development of partnership relations between clients and professionals.

Conclusion

Our findings suggest that a care‐ethics approach to user involvement is a means to increase resident empowerment in long‐term care. Clients and professionals start sharing their experiences and values through dialogue, and they develop mutual trust and openness while doing so.
Anti‐inflammatory effects of glutamine on LPS‐stimulated human dental pulp cells correlate with activation of MKP‐1 and attenuation of the MAPK and NF‐κB pathways
Authors: Kim D.‐S. , Shin M.‐R. , Kim Y.‐S. , Bae W.‐J. , Roh D.‐H. , Hwang Y.‐S. , Kim E.‐C.
Published: April 2014

Aim

To evaluate the anti‐inflammatory effects of glutamine and the underlying signal pathway mechanisms in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)‐stimulated human dental pulp cells (HDPCs).

Methods

Human dental pulp cells were exposed to 10 μg mL−1 LPS and various concentrations of glutamine for 24 h. The production of PGE2 and nitric oxide was determined by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and Griess reagent kit, respectively. Cytokines were examined by ELISA, reverse transcriptase‐polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR) and real‐time PCR. iNOS and COX protein expression as well as signal pathways were accessed by Western blot. The data were analysed by anova with Bonferroni's test (α = 0.05).

Results

Glutamine reduced LPS‐induced iNOS and COX‐2 protein expression as well as production of NO and PGE2 in a dose‐dependent fashion. Additionally, glutamine suppressed the production and mRNA expression of inflammatory cytokines including interleukin‐1β (IL‐1β), TNF‐α, and IL‐8. Furthermore, glutamine attenuated phosphorylation of extracellular signal‐regulated kinase (ERK), p38, c‐Jun N‐terminal kinase (JNK) and IκB‐α, and nuclear translocation of NF‐kB p65, but enhanced mitogen‐activated protein kinase phosphatase‐1 (MKP‐1) expression in LPS‐treated HDPCs.

Conclusion

Glutamine exerted an anti‐inflammatory effect via activation of MKP‐1 and inhibition of the NF‐kB and MAPK pathways in LPS‐treated HDPCs.
Preparation of Yttrium Phosphate and Yttrium‐Doped Calcium Phosphate Microspheres via Hydrated Ions Exchange
Authors: Zhou Huan , Bhaduri Sarit B.
Published: April 2014

Yttrium (Y)‐based bioceramics are important materials in radiation therapy and biomedical applications. This paper describes a low‐temperature method to prepare yttrium phosphate (YPO4) and Y‐doped calcium phosphate (Y‐CaP) microspheres using CaP microspheres as template. The as‐formed microspheres were characterized using X‐ray diffraction, fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscope, and energy dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy, confirming the formation of YPO4 and Y‐CaP microspheres. The process was based on the dehydration effect of ethanol to CaP materials and hydrated ions transportation in amorphous CaP microspheres. The procedure, owing to its simplicity, may provide a new sight for the preparation of Y or rare earth elements‐based bioceramic materials.
Fabrication, Mechanical Properties, and Tribological Behaviors of Ti3Al0.8Sn0.4C2 Solid Solution by Two‐Time Hot‐Pressing Method
Authors: Xu Hao , Huang Zhenying , Zhai Hongxiang , Li Mengqi , Liu Xiaohan , Zhou Yang
Published: April 2014

A nearly pure, dense Ti3Al0.8Sn0.4C2 solid solution bulk has been prepared by two‐time hot‐pressing sintering a purity Ti3Al0.8Sn0.4C2 powders at 1450°C with 30 MPa for 30 min in Ar atmosphere. The Ti3Al0.8Sn0.4C2 powders have been synthesized by sintering a mixture of Ti, Al, Sn, and TiC powders with a molar ratio of 1:0.8:0.4:1.85 at 1450°C for 5 min. The Vickers microhardness and flexural strength of the Ti3Al0.8Sn0.4C2 have been measured to be 3.51 GPa and 620 MPa, respectively. Buckling and kinking of the layered structure as well as grain delamination crack deflection have been extensively observed around indentations and on the fracture surfaces. The tribological behaviors have been investigated by dry sliding a low‐carbon steel disk. Ti3Al0.8Sn0.4C2 bulk has a friction coefficient of 0.3–0.48 and a very low wear rate of 0.4–4.3 × 10−6 mm3/Nm for the test conditions. These tribological properties are attributed to the presence of a compact self‐generating film, which covers uniformly over the friction surface of Ti3Al0.8Sn0.4C2.
Influence of LaMgAl11O19 On Solid Particle Impact Erosion Wear Behavior of 3YSZ Ceramic at Elevated Temperatures
Authors: Fang Minghao , Min Xin , Liu Yan'gai , Liu Fengjiao , Tang Chao , Wang Xiaojun , Wu Xiaowen , Huang Zhaohui
Published: April 2014

To study the improvement in solid particle impact erosion wear resistances of 3 mol% yttria‐stabilized zirconia (3YSZ) ceramic at elevated temperatures up to 1400°C, 2 wt% LaMgA111O19 was added into 3YSZ to prepare LaMgA111O19‐3YSZ ceramic for erosion resistance tests with angular corundum abrasive particles. The testing results show that the volume erosion rates of 3YSZ and LaMgA111O19‐3YSZ ceramic were similar in the temperature range from room temperature to 600°C, then exhibited a sharp increase from 600°C to 1200°C, and dropped again at 1400°C. It was mainly caused by the change in material removal mechanisms from plastic deformation below 600°C to the interaction of transverse cracks in the temperature range from 600°C to 1400°C. The solid particle impact erosion wear properties of 3YSZ ceramic in the temperature range from 600°C to 1400°C were successfully improved by the addition 2 wt% LaMgA111O19 platelets. Comparing with the volume erosion rate of pure 3YSZ ceramic (0.687 mm3/g) at 1200°C, the value of LaMgA111O19‐3YSZ ceramic (0.551 mm3/g) has been decreased by 20%.
Improving health status and reduction of institutionalization in long‐term care—Effects of the Resident Assessment Instrument‐Home Care by degree of implementation
Authors: Stolle Claudia , Wolter Annika , Roth Günter , Rothgang Heinz
Published: April 2014

A cluster randomized controlled trial showed that the Resident Assessment Instrument (RAI) could not improve or stabilize the health status of people in need of long‐term care or reduce the rate of institutionalization in Germany among clients of home care agencies. The aim of this article is to investigate whether the effect of RAI depends on the degree of implementation. A factor analysis was used to distinguish between those agencies that implemented RAI intensively and those that did not. The clients of home care agencies working intensively with RAI were significantly less hospitalized (P = 0.0284) and fared slightly better according to activities of daily living (ADL, instrumental ADL (IADL)), cognitive skills (Mini‐Mental Status Test (MMST)) and quality of life (EuroQol (EQ‐5D)) compared with the control group. In contrast, those not working intensively with RAI had worse outcomes (IADL, MMST, EQ‐5D) than the control group (not significant). It is important to guarantee a successful implementation of RAI.
An exploration of Australian hospital pharmacists' attitudes to patient safety
Authors: Lalor Daniel J , Chen Timothy F , Walpola Ramesh , George Rachel A , Ashcroft Darren M , Fois Romano A
Published: April 2014

Objectives

To explore the attitudes of Australian hospital pharmacists towards patient safety in their work settings.

Methods

A safety climate questionnaire was administered to all 2347 active members of the Society of Hospital Pharmacists of Australia in 2010. Part of the survey elicited free-text comments about patient safety, error and incident reporting. The comments were subjected to thematic analysis to determine the attitudes held by respondents in relation to patient safety and its quality management in their work settings.

Key findings

Two hundred and ten (210) of 643 survey respondents provided comments on safety and quality issues related to their work settings. The responses contained a number of dominant themes including issues of workforce and working conditions, incident reporting systems, the response when errors occur, the presence or absence of a blame culture, hospital management support for safety initiatives, openness about errors and the value of teamwork. A number of pharmacists described the development of a mature patient-safety culture – one that is open about reporting errors and active in reducing their occurrence. Others described work settings in which a culture of blame persists, stifling error reporting and ultimately compromising patient safety.

Conclusion

Australian hospital pharmacists hold a variety of attitudes that reflect diverse workplace cultures towards patient safety, error and incident reporting. This study has provided an insight into these attitudes and the actions that are needed to improve the patient-safety culture within Australian hospital pharmacy work settings.
Family screening in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy is underperformed, but can be improved by a specialised clinic
Authors: Olaussen A. , Beale A. , Macciocca I. , Ellims A. H.
Published: April 2014

Background

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) causes significant morbidity and sudden death. First‐degree relatives (FDR) of affected patients are at risk due to autosomal dominant inheritance. Guidelines recommend clinical screening, including echocardiography, for all FDR.

Aim

We sought to determine adherence to these guidelines, and whether a specialised HCM clinic improves screening rates.

Method

This 12‐month prospective follow‐up study obtained family pedigrees from all patients referred to the HCM Clinic @ The Alfred. The number of living FDR was determined, and whether they had previously been assessed by echocardiography. One year after a coordinated clinic‐based family screening approach was instituted, the number of additionally screened FDR was recorded.

Results

Three hundred and eight living FDR of 61 HCM patients were identified. Of these, echocardiography had previously been performed in only 80 (26%), yielding 13 (16%) additional cases of HCM. Twelve months after attendance at our clinic, 51 additional FDR were screened (64% improvement) and 8 new cases of HCM were identified.

Conclusions

Recommended family screening for HCM is underperformed, resulting in missed opportunities to detect subclinical HCM. A coordinated approach through a specialised HCM clinic improves screening rates, thus referral to such a service should be considered for all patients with HCM and their families.
Calcium/calmodulin‐dependent protein kinase II regulates cyclooxygenase‐2 expression and prostaglandin E2 production by activating cAMP‐response element‐binding protein in rat peritoneal macrophages
Authors: Zhou Xueyuan , Li Junying , Yang Wenxiu
Published: April 2014

Prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) is an important inducer of inflammation, which is also closely linked to the progress of tumours. In macrophages, PGE2 production is regulated by arachidonic acid release and cyclooxygenase‐2 (COX‐2) expression. In the present study, we found that COX‐2 expression can be achieved by activating Ca2+/Calmodulin (CaM)‐dependent protein kinase II (CaMKII) and cAMP‐response element‐binding protein (CREB) in rat peritoneal macrophages. Our results indicated that lipopolysaccharide and PMA could elicit the transient increase of the concentration of intracellular free calcium ions ([Ca2+]i), which induced activation of CaMKs with the presence of CaM. The subtype of CaMKs, CaMKII, then triggered the activation of CREB, which elevated COX‐2 expression and PGE2 production in a chronological order. These results suggested that Ca2+/CaM‐dependent CaMKII plays an important role in mediating COX‐2 expression and PGE2 production by activating CREB in macrophages. The study also provides more useful information to clarify the mechanism of calcium regulation of PGE2 production, which plays an essential role in inflammation and cancers.
Fc receptor is not required for inducing antibodies but plays a critical role in conferring protection after influenza M2 vaccination
Authors: Lee Yu‐Na , Lee Young‐Tae , Kim Min‐Chul , Hwang Hye Suk , Lee Jong Seok , Kim Ki‐Hye , Kang Sang‐Moo
Published: April 2014

The ectodomain of matrix protein 2 (M2e) of influenza virus is considered a rational target for a universal influenza A vaccine. To better understand M2e immune‐mediated protection, Fc receptor common γ chain deficient (FcRγ−/−) and wild‐type mice were immunized with a tandem repeat of M2e presented on virus‐like particles (M2e5x VLP). Levels of M2e‐specific antibodies that were induced in FcRγ−/− mice after immunization with M2e5x VLP were similar to those in wild‐type mice. In addition, M2e antibodies induced in FcRγ−/− mice were found to be equally protective as those induced in wild‐type mice. However, M2e5x VLP‐immunized FcRγ−/− mice were not well protected, as shown by severe weight loss, higher lung viral titres and interleukin‐6 inflammatory cytokine production upon influenza virus challenge compared with M2e5x VLP‐immunized wild‐type mice. Importantly, FcRγ−/− mice that were immunized with inactivated influenza virus induced haemagglutination inhibition activity and were well protected without a significant weight loss. Interestingly, interferon‐γ‐producing CD4 T and CD8 T cells were found to be prevalent in lungs from M2e5x VLP‐immunized FcRγ−/− mice, which appeared to be correlated with a faster recovery after infection. These results indicate that Fc receptors play a primary role in conferring M2e‐specific antibody‐mediated protection whereas T cells may contribute to the recovery at later stages of infection.
L'OIT et le droit de grève
Authors: BELLACE Janice R.
Published: April 2014

Selon l'auteure, la contestation en juin 2012 par le groupe des employeurs de l'OIT du point de vue jusque‐là généralement accepté sur l'exercice du droit de grève en vertu de la convention (n° 87) sur la liberté syndicale et la protection du droit syndical, 1948, méconnaît l'appréhension historique du cadre dans lequel s'inscrit cette convention. Elle montre que les mandants de l'OIT ont en permanence reconnu l'existence d'un droit positif de grève, qui est indissolublement lié au droit de liberté syndicale, et en est un corollaire incontournable. L'auteure analyse aussi le rôle des organes de contrôle de l'OIT en la matière.
Fuites, droit et liberté d'expression: la loi peut‐elle promouvoir les dénonciations dans l'intérêt général?
Authors: FASTERLING Björn , LEWIS David
Published: April 2014

Les auteurs examinent la différence entre fuites et alertes, ou dénonciations, notamment quant à la protection de leurs initiateurs. A ce propos, ils étudient les dispositions des conventions internationales sur les droits de l'homme et la corruption, ainsi que les textes en vigueur en Allemagne, aux Etats‐Unis, en France et au Royaume‐Uni. Leurs résultats mettent en évidence la complexité et les contradictions des questions en jeu: intérêt général et intérêts individuels, commerciaux et financiers; abus de pouvoir; sécurité et confidentialité face à la communication électronique; place de l'individu dans l'application de la loi; relations d'emploi.
Organiser les aides à domicile immigrés en Israël: la citoyenneté au travail et la voie syndicale
Authors: MUNDLAK Guy , SHAMIR Hila
Published: April 2014

En partant de l'analyse d'une campagne syndicale en Israël, les auteurs examinent la valeur du syndicalisme pour les migrants employés comme aides à domicile. Ils distinguent les syndicats des organisations de la société civile et reconsidèrent les notions fondamentales de l'action collective et la définition du «syndicat», ainsi que les moyens utilisés pour répondre aux difficultés et besoins particuliers de ces travailleurs migrants. Ils concluent que, malgré les nombreux problèmes posés par l'organisation de ces travailleurs et la précarité associée au statut de migrant et au caractère majoritairement féminin des services à la personne, les syndicats contribuent à la constitution d'une citoyenneté au travail, en donnant accès à l'autonomie politique.
La protection des droits acquis des salariés face à l'insolvabilité des sociétés: le cas australien
Authors: ANDERSON Helen
Published: April 2014

En étudiant le cas d'entreprises en Australie dont les salariés ont pu préserver leurs droits acquis lorsque leur société a été mise en liquidation, l'auteure analyse les facteurs ayant contribué à cette issue favorable. En comparant ces cas avec d'autres situations, où les salariés n'ont pas été aussi chanceux, elle montre que la protection efficace des droits des travailleurs résulte souvent d'une association de facteurs: synchronisation des événements, choix stratégiques, approches novatrices, intervention du régulateur, pressions syndicales, opportunisme politique ou heureux concours de circonstances. Quelqu'un, quelque part, a fait les bons choix. L'auteure tire les leçons des cas analysés.
Legislación laboral, participación salarial y desempleo en seis países de la OCDE entre 1970 y 2010
Authors: DEAKIN Simon , MALMBERG Jonas , SARKAR Prabirjit
Published: April 2014

Los autores analizan el impacto de la legislación laboral sobre el desempleo y sobre la participación salarial en la renta nacional en Alemania, Estados Unidos, Francia, Japón, Reino Unido y Suecia de 1970 a 2010. Su modelo dinámico de datos de panel estima los efectos a corto y a largo plazo de los cambios normativos. No se observa una relación consistente entre el desempleo y las leyes de protección del empleo, pero estas correlacionan positivamente con la participación salarial. Las leyes sobre tiempo de trabajo y representación colectiva parecen favorecer la eficiencia empresarial y la igualdad de ingresos.
Denuncia de irregularidades, filtraciones y libertad de expresión. Promoción del interés público mediante la legislación
Authors: FASTERLING Björn , LEWIS David
Published: April 2014

Los autores analizan las diferencias entre filtración y denuncia de irregularidades, concretamente en relación con la protección de los denunciantes. Examinan el marco normativo internacional y comparan los ordenamientos de Alemania, Estados Unidos, Francia y Reino Unido. Señalan la importancia de considerar las garantías constitucionales de la libertad de expresión además de la legislación específica sobre denuncia de irregularidades, los conflictos entre el interés público y los intereses empresariales, los problemas de seguridad que plantean los medios electrónicos y la polémica sobre los incentivos económicos mediante los que el Estado alienta al ciudadano a convertirse en garante de la ley denunciando conductas delictivas.
Stories about life narrated by people with Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Karlsson Eva , Sävenstedt Stefan , Axelsson Karin , Zingmark Karin
Published: April 2014

Aim

To explore how people with Alzheimer's disease present their life story.

Background

Life story work is a key concept in a person‐centred care. An important aspect in understanding the subjective experience and supporting the identity of people with dementia is to listen to their life stories.

Design

A narrative design with interviews was used.

Method

Nine participants with Alzheimer's disease were encouraged to tell about their lives from childhood, adult life, to present life and about their thoughts on the future. The interviews were conducted between September 2010–March 2011 in the participants' homes, with their spouses present and were analysed with a method for analysis of narratives.

Findings

Contentment, Connectedness, Self‐reliance and Personal growth were identified as core dimensions in the participants' life stories and shown like threads throughout life, from childhood, adult life to present life. All participants expressed an overall contentment with life, and connectedness was related to their relation with significant persons and to be included in the local community. Self‐reliance was expressed as a strong confidence in the own ability and an overall curiosity throughout life as a sustained quest for personal growth.

Conclusions

It is important for healthcare professionals, who work with people with dementia, to understand that people with Alzheimer's disease can maintain an overall trusting and hopeful approach to life. It is also important to use life story work to enhance feelings of being connected to the world and thereby support their identity and sense of self.
Taxonomy and conservation: a tale of two tinamou species groups (Tinamidae, Crypturellus)
Authors: Laverde‐R Oscar , Cadena Carlos Daniel
Published: April 2014

Species delimitation has important consequences for the management of endangered species. Species‐level taxonomy in the genus Crypturellus (Tinamidae) has been based largely on plumage characters and species limits in several groups have been difficult to establish. Because some of the forms of uncertain taxonomic status are currently threatened with extinction, a basic understanding of species limits is crucial not only for taxonomists but also for conservation biologists and managers. We analysed vocal variation to assess species limits in two Crypturellus species‐groups, the red‐legged complex (Crypturellus erythropus and allied forms) and the brown tinamou Crypturellus obsoletus. In the red‐legged complex, where several species‐level taxa have been recognized by some authors, there is no obvious geographic variation in vocalizations and populations appear mostly continuously distributed, with plumage variation largely explicable in terms of environmental conditions. In the brown group, a single species is recognized, but we found marked geographic variation in vocalizations and populations have disjunct distributions; we propose that at least one of the populations in this group likely merits recognition as a separate species. We conclude that incomplete knowledge of patterns of variation in relevant traits in addition to the momentum carried by traditional taxonomy may potentially mislead conservation actions.
A Recourse‐Based Interval Fuzzy Programming Model for Point‐Nonpoint Source Effluent Trading under Uncertainty
Authors: Li Y.P. , Huang G.H. , Li H.Z. , Liu J.
Published: April 2014

In this study, a recourse‐based interval fuzzy programming (RIFP) model is developed for tackling uncertainties expressed as fuzzy, interval, and/or probabilistic forms in an effluent trading program. It can incorporate preregulated water‐pollution control policies directly into its optimization process, such that an effective linkage between environmental regulations and economic implications (i.e., penalties) caused by improper policies due to uncertainty existence can be provided. The RIFP model is applied to point‐nonpoint source effluent trading of the Xiangxi River in China. The efficiency of trading efforts between water quality improvement and net system benefit under different degrees of satisfying discharge limits is analyzed. The results are able to help support (1) formulation of water‐pollution control strategies under various economic objectives and system‐reliability constraints, (2) selection of the desired effluent trading pattern for point and nonpoint sources, and (3) generation of tradeoffs among system benefit, satisfaction degree, and pollutant mitigation under multiple uncertainties. Compared with the traditional regulatory approaches, the results demonstrate that the water‐pollution control program can be performed more cost‐effectively through trading than nontrading.
Multiscale Analysis of Hydrology in a Mountaintop Mine‐Impacted Watershed
Authors: Zegre Nicolas P. , Miller Andrew J. , Maxwell Aaron , Lamont Samuel J.
Published: April 2014

In the Appalachian region of the eastern United States, mountaintop removal mining (MTM) is a dominant driver of land‐cover change, impacting 6.8% of the largely forested 4.86 million ha coal fields region. Recent catastrophic flooding and documented biological impairment downstream of MTM has drawn sharp criticism to this practice. Despite its extent, scale, and use since the 1970s, the impact of MTM on hydrology is poorly understood. Therefore, the goal of this study was a multiscale evaluation to establish the nature of hydrologic impacts associated with MTM. To quantify the extent of MTM, land‐cover change over the lifetime of this practice is estimated for a mesoscale watershed in southern West Virginia. To assess hydrologic impacts, we conducted long‐term trend analyses to evaluate for systematic changes in hydrology at the mesoscale, and conducted hydrometric and response time modeling to characterize storm‐scale responses of a MTM‐impacted headwater catchment. Results show a general trend in the conversion of forests to mines, and significant decreases in maximum streamflow and variability, and increases in base‐flow ratio attributed to valley fills and deep mine drainage. Decreases in variability are shown across spatial and temporal scales having important implications for water quantity and quality. However, considerable research is necessary to understand how MTM impacts hydrology. In an effort to inform future research, we identify existing knowledge gaps and limitations of our study.
Phylogeography of a widespread Asian subtropical tree: genetic east–west differentiation and climate envelope modelling suggest multiple glacial refugia
Authors: Shi Miao‐Miao , Michalski Stefan G. , Welk Erik , Chen Xiao‐Yong , Durka Walter
Published: April 2014

Aim

Fossil‐based biome reconstructions predict that during the Last Glacial Maximum (LGM), the subtropical zone of East Asia was reduced to a narrow southern belt. In contrast, previous phylogeographical studies of subtropical plant species, many of which are rare, indicated different glacial refugia north of this predicted area. Here, we aim to elucidate the phylogeographical structure and putative refugia of Castanopsis eyrei, a widely distributed tree of subtropical evergreen broad‐leaved forests of China.

Location

Subtropical China.

Methods

We compiled distribution data and employed climate envelope model projections to predict potential areas at the LGM. Microsatellite data and chloroplast DNA (cpDNA) sequence data were obtained for 31 populations sampled throughout the species' range. Microsatellites were analysed with Bayesian clustering. Relationships among cpDNA haplotypes were depicted in a statistical parsimony network. We analysed patterns of variation within and among populations and clusters and along latitudinal clines.

Results

Modelling revealed a potential LGM distribution of C. eyrei in a broad but interrupted belt overlapping the southern part of the present range. Nuclear microsatellites revealed two main clusters, suggesting a split between the western and eastern range, and a south‐to‐north decline in genetic variation. The eastern cluster harboured significantly higher nuclear genetic diversity. Sixteen closely related cpDNA haplotypes were identified. Populations were strongly differentiated at cpDNA markers, but lacked phylogeographical structure. Both data sets revealed higher genetic differentiation in the western cluster than in the eastern cluster.

Main conclusions

Our results suggest at least two putative refugia during the LGM, further refugia‐within‐refugia substructure and a post‐glacial northwards recolonization. Topographical differences between the mountainous western and the lowland eastern refugia may have affected the patterns of genetic differentiation between the extant populations. Incongruence between nuclear and chloroplast data might be attributed to ancestral polymorphism of cpDNA and chloroplast capture, but does not contradict the hypothesis of multiple refugia. Our results are likely to represent a template for evolutionary history and phylogeography in this region.
Persistence and stability of Eastern Afromontane forests: evidence from brevicipitid frogs
Authors: Loader Simon P. , Sara Ceccarelli F. , Menegon Michele , Howell Kim M. , Kassahun Roman , Mengistu Abebe A. , Saber Samy A. , Gebresenbet Fikirte , de Sá Rafael , Davenport Tim R. B. , Larson Joanna G. , Müller Hendrik , Wilkinson Mark , Gower David J.
Published: April 2014

Aim

The persistence and stability of habitats through time are considered predictors of high levels of biodiversity in some environments. Long‐term habitat persistence and stability may explain the species‐rich, endemic forest fauna and flora of the Eastern Afromontane Biodiversity Region (EABR). Using complementary phylogenetic and biogeographical approaches, we examine evolutionary patterns inEABRbrevicipitid frogs. Using these data, we test whether brevicipitid history reflects patterns of long‐term forest persistence and/or stability across theEABR.

Location

East Africa.

Methods

A dated phylogeny for brevicipitids was constructed using two nuclear and three mitochondrial markers. Alternative diversification models were used to determine signal for constant or varying net diversification rates. Using our dated tree, we identified areas of high phylogenetic diversity (PD), and inferred ancestral areas using likelihood and Bayesian approaches.

Results

Brevicipitids have a long history, with generic diversification among extant lineages pre‐dating the Oligocene (> 33 Ma). Ancestral‐area reconstructions indicate the presence of brevicipitids in theEABRsince the Oligocene, and support a scenario of palaeoendemics surviving inEABRrefugia. Ancestral‐area reconstructions indicate that the central Eastern Arc Mountains (EAM) formed the initial centre of diversification of forest brevicipitids. Measures ofPDshow that diversity varies across theEABRbut is highest in theEAM. Constant net diversification rate in brevicipitids is a significantly better fit than alternative, rate‐variable models.

Main conclusions

The degree of persistence of forest habitats appears to be a contributing factor to the varying levels of diversity across theEABRin brevicipitids (and other organisms). In contrast to the Southern Highlands and Ethiopian Bale Mountains, theEAMstands out as an area that enabled the constant accumulation of brevicipitid species over a long period of time.
Hybridization occurs between Drosophila simulans and D. sechellia in the Seychelles archipelago
Authors: Matute D. R. , Ayroles J. F.
Published: April 2014

Drosophila simulans and D. sechellia are sister species that serve as a model to study the evolution of reproductive isolation. While D. simulans is a human commensal that has spread all over the world, D. sechellia is restricted to the Seychelles archipelago and is found to breed exclusively on the toxic fruit of Morinda citrifolia. We surveyed the relative frequency of males from these two species in a variety of substrates found on five islands of the Seychelles archipelago. We sampled different fruits and found that putative D. simulans can be found in a variety of substrates, including, surprisingly, M. citrifolia. Putative D. sechellia was found preferentially on M. citrifolia fruits, but a small proportion was found in other substrates. Our survey also shows the existence of putative hybrid males in areas where D. simulans is present in Seychelles. The results from this field survey support the hypothesis of current interbreeding between these species in the central islands of Seychelles and open the possibility for fine measurements of admixture between these two Drosophila species to be made.
The effects of riverine physical complexity on anadromy and genetic diversity in steelhead or rainbow trout Oncorhynchus mykiss around the Pacific Rim
Authors: McPhee M. V. , Whited D. C. , Kuzishchin K. V. , Stanford J. A.
Published: April 2014

This study explored the relationship between riverine physical complexity, as determined from remotely sensed metrics, and anadromy and genetic diversity in steelhead or rainbow trout Oncorhynchus mykiss. The proportion of anadromy (estimated fraction of individuals within a drainage that are anadromous) was correlated with riverine complexity, but this correlation appeared to be driven largely by a confounding negative relationship between drainage area and the proportion of anadromy. Genetic diversity decreased with latitude, was lower in rivers with only non‐anadromous individuals and also decreased with an increasing ratio of floodplain area to total drainage area. Anadromy may be less frequent in larger drainages due to the higher cost of migration associated with reaches farther from the ocean, and the negative relationship between genetic diversity and floodplain area may be due to lower effective population size resulting from greater population fluctuations associated with higher rates of habitat turnover. Ultimately, the relationships between riverine physical complexity and migratory life history or genetic diversity probably depend on the spatial scale of analysis.
Calcium‐dependent behavioural responses to acute copper exposure in Oncorhynchus mykiss
Authors: Poulsen S. B. , Svendsen J. C. , Aarestrup K. , Malte H.
Published: April 2014

Using rainbow trout Oncorhynchus mykiss, the present study demonstrated that: (1) calcium (Ca) increased the range of copper (Cu) concentrations that O. mykiss avoided; (2) Ca conserved the maintenance of pre‐exposure swimming activity during inescapable acute (10 min) Cu exposure. Data showed that when presented with a choice of Cu‐contaminated water (ranging from 0 to 454 µg Cu l−1) and uncontaminated water in a choice tank, O. mykiss acclimated and tested at low Ca concentration (3 mg Ca l−1) avoided the 10 µg Cu l−1 only. By contrast, O. mykiss acclimated and tested at high Ca concentration (158 mg Ca l−1) avoided all the Cu concentrations ≥37 µg l−1. The Cu avoidance was connected with increased spontaneous swimming speed in the Cu‐contaminated water. When subjected to inescapable Cu exposure (35 µg Cu l−1), O. mykiss acclimated and tested at low Ca concentration reduced their spontaneous swimming speed, whereas no response was observed in O. mykiss acclimated and tested at high Ca concentration. Collectively, the data support the conclusion that in O. mykiss the behavioural responses to acute Cu exposure are Ca‐dependent.
Seasonal and life‐phase related differences in growth in Scarus ferrugineus on a southern Red Sea fringing reef
Authors: Afeworki Y. , Videler J. J. , Berhane Y. H. , Bruggemann J. H.
Published: April 2014

Temporal trends in growth of the rusty parrotfish Scarus ferrugineus were studied on a southern Red Sea fringing reef that experiences seasonal changes in environmental conditions and benthic algal resources. Length increment data from tagging and recapture were compared among periods and sexes and modelled using GROTAG, a von Bertalanffy growth model. The growth pattern of S. ferrugineus was highly seasonal with a maximum occurring between April and June and a minimum between December and March. Body condition followed the seasonal variation in growth, increasing from April to June and decreasing from December to March. The season of maximum growth coincided with high irradiation, temperature increases and peak abundance of the primary food source, the epilithic algal community. There was a decline in growth rate during summer (July to October) associated with a combination of extreme temperatures and lowered food availability. There were strong sexual size dimorphism (SSD) and life‐history traits. Terminal‐phase (TP) males achieved larger asymptotic lengths than initial‐phase individuals (IP) (L∞ 34·55 v. 25·12 cm) with growth coefficients (K) of 0·26 and 0·38. The TPs were growing four times as fast as IPs of similar size. Three individuals changed from IP to TP while at liberty and grew eight times faster than IPs of similar size, suggesting that sex change in S. ferrugineus is accompanied by a surge in growth rate. The SSD in S. ferrugineus thus coincided with fast growth that started during sex change and continued into the TP. Faster growth during sex change suggests that the cost associated with sex change is limited.
The behavioural response of adult Petromyzon marinus to damage‐released alarm and predator cues
Authors: Imre I. , Di Rocco R. T. , Belanger C. F. , Brown G. E. , Johnson N. S.
Published: April 2014

Using semi‐natural enclosures, this study investigated (1) whether adult sea lamprey Petromyzon marinus show avoidance of damage‐released conspecific cues, damage‐released heterospecific cues and predator cues and (2) whether this is a general response to injured heterospecific fishes or a specific response to injured P. marinus. Ten replicate groups of 10 adult P. marinus, separated by sex, were exposed to one of the following nine stimuli: deionized water (control), extracts prepared from adult P. marinus, decayed adult P. marinus (conspecific stimuli), sympatric white sucker Catostomus commersonii, Amazon sailfin catfish Pterygoplichthys pardalis (heterospecific stimuli), 2‐phenylethylamine (PEA HCl) solution, northern water snake Nerodia sipedon washing, human saliva (predator cues) and an adult P. marinus extract and human saliva combination (a damage‐released conspecific cue and a predator cue). Adult P. marinus showed a significant avoidance response to the adult P. marinus extract as well as to C. commersonii, human saliva, PEA and the adult P. marinus extract and human saliva combination. For mobile P. marinus, the N. sipedon washing induced behaviour consistent with predator inspection. Exposure to the P. pardalis extract did not induce a significant avoidance response during the stimulus release period. Mobile adult female P. marinus showed a stronger avoidance behaviour than mobile adult male P. marinus in response to the adult P. marinus extract and the adult P. marinus extract and human saliva combination. The findings support the continued investigation of natural damage‐released alarm cue and predator‐based repellents for the behavioural manipulation of P. marinus populations in the Laurentian Great Lakes.
A new species of Rhinopetitia Géry 1964 (Ostariophysi: Characiformes: Characidae) from the Rio Teles Pires, Rio Tapajós basin, Brazil
Authors: Netto‐Ferreira A. L. , Birindelli J. L. O. , Sousa L. M. , Menezes N. A.
Published: April 2014

A new species of Rhinopetitia is described from the Rio Teles Pires, a major tributary of the Rio Tapajós. The new taxon is distinguished from its only congener, Rhinopetitia myersi, by having all premaxillary teeth in both rows with seven to nine cusps, maxillary teeth with seven or eight cusps, a distinct dark midlateral stripe on the body and a round humeral blotch (v. outer series of premaxillary teeth with three cusps and inner series of premaxillary teeth with three to five cusps, maxillary teeth with three to five cusps, the absence of a dark midlateral stripe and humeral blotch). Putative characters suggesting a close relationship between Rhinopetitia, Bryconacidnus, Ceratobranchia, Monotocheirodon, Odontostoechus, Othonocheirodus and Rhinobrycon are presented. This putative clade is included in the Stevardiinae, a monophyletic group within the Characidae.
Establishment and characterization of a head kidney cell line from large yellow croaker Pseudosciaena crocea
Authors: Wang X. H. , Wang K. R. , Nie P. , Chen X. H. , Ao J. Q.
Published: April 2014

A continuous cell line, LYCK, derived from the head kidney of large yellow croaker Pseudosciaena crocea was established and characterized. The LYCK cell line multiplied well in Leibovitz's‐15 (L‐15) medium supplemented with 10% foetal bovine serum (FBS) at 28° C. This cell line, with a population doubling time of 29·5 h at passage 35, has been subcultured for >70 passages. Microscopically, LYCK cells were fibroblast‐like. Chromosomal analysis revealed that the modal diploid chromosome number of LYCK cells was 48, which was identical to that of the P. crocea kidney. The cellular fluorescence could be observed in LYCK cells at 48 h after being transfected with pEGFP‐N1 plasmid DNA, indicating that LYCK cells were competent for target gene expression in vitro. The expression of mRNA transcripts of the antiviral immune‐related molecules interferon regulatory factor‐3 I(ir3), interferon regulatory factor‐7 (irf7), melanoma differentiation‐associated protein 5 (mda5) was obviously up‐regulated in LYCK cells in response to the stimulation with poly (I:C), whereas the expression of mRNA transcripts of the inflammatory cytokines tumour necrosis factor‐α2 (tnfTNF‐α2), interleukin‐8 (il8), CC chemokine (lycCC) was up‐regulated by lipopolysaccharide. These results indicated that the LYCK cell line could serve as a valuable tool for studies on immune‐related gene functions in vitro.
To glue or not to glue? Reassembling broken otoliths for population discrimination
Authors: Bardarson H. , McAdam B. J. , Petursdottir G. , Marteinsdottir G.
Published: April 2014

Twenty‐five Atlantic cod Gadus morhua otoliths were examined using eight shape measurements along with Fourier analysis of their outlines to test whether discrimination using otolith shape is affected by gluing broken otoliths. Small differences in seven of the eight shape measurements were found between unbroken otoliths and the same otoliths after breaking and subsequently gluing together; however, none of the Fourier descriptors differed. Cluster analyses indicated that resultant morphological differences will have no impact when applying discriminant analysis.