bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Carbon pool densities and a first estimate of the total carbon pool in the Mongolian forest‐steppe
Authors: Dulamsuren Choimaa , Klinge Michael , Degener Jan , Khishigjargal Mookhor , Chenlemuge Tselmeg , Bat‐Enerel Banzragch , Yeruult Yolk , Saindovdon Davaadorj , Ganbaatar Kherlenchimeg , Tsogtbaatar Jamsran , Leuschner Christoph , Hauck Markus
Published: October 2015

The boreal forest biome represents one of the most important terrestrial carbon stores, which gave reason to intensive research on carbon stock densities. However, such an analysis does not yet exist for the southernmost Eurosiberian boreal forests in Inner Asia. Most of these forests are located in the Mongolian forest‐steppe, which is largely dominated by Larix sibirica. We quantified the carbon stock density and total carbon pool of Mongolia's boreal forests and adjacent grasslands and draw conclusions on possible future change. Mean aboveground carbon stock density in the interior of L. sibirica forests was 66 Mg C ha−1, which is in the upper range of values reported from boreal forests and probably due to the comparably long growing season. The density of soil organic carbon (SOC, 108 Mg C ha−1) and total belowground carbon density (149 Mg C ha−1) are at the lower end of the range known from boreal forests, which might be the result of higher soil temperatures and a thinner permafrost layer than in the central and northern boreal forest belt. Land use effects are especially relevant at forest edges, where mean carbon stock density was 188 Mg C ha−1, compared with 215 Mg C ha−1 in the forest interior. Carbon stock density in grasslands was 144 Mg C ha−1. Analysis of satellite imagery of the highly fragmented forest area in the forest‐steppe zone showed that Mongolia's total boreal forest area is currently 73 818 km2, and 22% of this area refers to forest edges (defined as the first 30 m from the edge). The total forest carbon pool of Mongolia was estimated at ~ 1.5−1.7 Pg C, a value which is likely to decrease in future with increasing deforestation and fire frequency, and global warming.
Rice grain yield and quality responses to free‐air CO2 enrichment combined with soil and water warming
Authors: Usui Yasuhiro , Sakai Hidemitsu , Tokida Takeshi , Nakamura Hirofumi , Nakagawa Hiroshi , Hasegawa Toshihiro
Published: October 2015

Rising air temperatures are projected to reduce rice yield and quality, whereas increasing atmospheric CO2 concentrations ([CO2]) can increase grain yield. For irrigated rice, ponded water is an important temperature environment, but few open‐field evaluations are available on the combined effects of temperature and [CO2], which limits our ability to predict future rice production. We conducted free‐air CO2 enrichment and soil and water warming experiments, for three growing seasons to determine the yield and quality response to elevated [CO2] (+200 μmol mol−1, E‐[CO2]) and soil and water temperatures (+2 °C, E‐T). E‐[CO2] significantly increased biomass and grain yield by approximately 14% averaged over 3 years, mainly because of increased panicle and spikelet density. E‐T significantly increased biomass but had no significant effect on the grain yield. E‐T decreased days from transplanting to heading by approximately 1%, but days to the maximum tiller number (MTN) stage were reduced by approximately 8%, which limited the panicle density and therefore sink capacity. On the other hand, E‐[CO2] increased days to the MTN stage by approximately 4%, leading to a greater number of tillers. Grain appearance quality was decreased by both treatments, but E‐[CO2] showed a much larger effect than did E‐T. The significant decrease in undamaged grains (UDG) by E‐[CO2] was mainly the result of an increased percentage of white‐base grains (WBSG), which were negatively correlated with grain protein content. A significant decrease in grain protein content by E‐[CO2] accounted in part for the increased WBSG. The dependence of WBSG on grain protein content, however, was different among years; the slope and intercept of the relationship were positively correlated with a heat dose above 26 °C. Year‐to‐year variation in the response of grain appearance quality demonstrated that E‐[CO2] and rising air temperatures synergistically reduce grain appearance quality of rice.
Dynamic habitat suitability modelling reveals rapid poleward distribution shift in a mobile apex predator
Authors: Hill Nicholas J. , Tobin Andrew J. , Reside April E. , Pepperell Julian G. , Bridge Tom C. L.
Published: October 2015

Many taxa are undergoing distribution shifts in response to anthropogenic climate change. However, detecting a climate signal in mobile species is difficult due to their wide‐ranging, patchy distributions, often driven by natural climate variability. For example, difficulties associated with assessing pelagic fish distributions have rendered fisheries management ill‐equipped to adapt to the challenges posed by climate change, leaving pelagic species and ecosystems vulnerable. Here, we demonstrate the value of citizen science data for modelling the dynamic habitat suitability of a mobile pelagic predator (black marlin, Istiompax indica) within the south‐west Pacific Ocean. The extensive spatial and temporal coverage of our occurrence data set (n = 18 717), collected at high resolution (~1.85 km2), enabled identification of suitable habitat at monthly time steps over a 16‐year period (1998–2013). We identified considerable monthly, seasonal and interannual variability in the extent and distribution of suitable habitat, predominately driven by chlorophyll a and sea surface height. Interannual variability correlated with El Nino Southern Oscillation (ENSO) events, with suitable habitat extending up to ~300 km further south during La Nina events. Despite the strong influence of ENSO, our model revealed a rapid poleward shift in the geometric mean of black marlin habitat, occurring at 88.2 km decade−1. By incorporating multiple environmental factors at monthly time steps, we were able to demonstrate a rapid distribution shift in a mobile pelagic species. Our findings suggest that the rapid velocity of climate change in the south‐west Pacific Ocean is likely affecting mobile pelagic species, indicating that they may be more vulnerable to climate change than previously thought.
Adherence to prescribed medications for chronic illnesses among older adults in a rural community, Karnataka, India
Authors: Hegde Shailendra Kumar B , Fathima Farah Naaz , Agrawal Twinkle , Misquith Dominic
Published: October 2015

Aim

To assess adherence to prescribed medications for chronic illnesses and to identify factors associated with it among rural older adults.

Methods

A cross‐sectional study was carried out from September to November 2011 in three subcenters in Lakkur PHC, Kolar District, India. All older adults were listed, and those suffering from chronic non‐communicable diseases were included in the study. A structured interview schedule comprising of 48 items was used to measure adherence, and to identify factors associated with adherence in the domains of socioeconomic status, therapy, health systems, patient behavior and physical factors.

Results

Of the 184 older adults included in the study, 63.6% were fully adherent to their medication. Non‐adherence to medication showed a statistically significant relationship with the absence of a medical store within their village, non‐availability of drugs at the nearest medical store, inability to understand the doctor's language, failure to explain the consequences of not taking medicines by the healthcare provider, self‐alteration of medicine dosage, fear that medicines will lead to the development of dependence to medicines and difficulty in swallowing. Those who led busy lives, those who had been prescribed three or more types of medicines prescribed per day, those who required special skills to take medicines (injections, inhalers), those who had made adjustments to their usual lifestyle to take medicines and those who had knowledge that medicines need to be taken lifelong were more likely to be adherent to their medications. Four factors, namely, the doctor explaining the consequences of not taking medicines, altering the dosage of the medicines by the patients themselves, the number of medicines prescribed per day and having the knowledge that medicines need to be taken lifelong, were critical determinants of adherence to medications. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2016; 16: 1339–1345.
Dietary patterns and depressive symptoms in a Taiwanese population aged 53 years and over: Results from the Taiwan Longitudinal Study of Aging
Authors: Tsai Hsin‐Jen
Published: October 2015

Aim

The present study aimed to examine the associations between dietary patterns and depressive symptoms in a Taiwanese population aged 53 years and over, and evaluate the longitudinal impacts of dietary patterns on depressive symptoms.

Methods

Data were from the Taiwan Longitudinal Study of Aging.

Result

Depressive symptoms were identified in 23% of adults aged ≥53 years. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that a Western dietary pattern, which was characterized by frequent consumption of meat/poultry and eggs, with infrequent consumption of fish, beans/legumes, vegetables and fruit, was cross‐sectionally associated with a high risk of depressive symptoms (P < 0.05). A traditional dietary pattern, which was characterized by frequent consumption of meat/poultry and eggs with infrequent consumption of fish, increased by 60% the risk of depressive symptoms during the subsequent 8 years (P < 0.05). A healthy dietary pattern, which was characterized by frequent consumption of fish, vegetables and fruits, was not significantly associated with subsequent depressive symptoms.

Conclusions

Dietary patterns correlate with depressive symptoms in a Taiwanese population aged 53 years and over. The Western and traditional dietary patterns, characterized by frequent consumption of meat/poultry and eggs, and infrequent consumption of fish, increased the risk of current and subsequent depressive symptoms. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2016; 16: 1289–1295.
Predictors of the frequency of Australian children's consumption of unhealthy foods
Authors: Pettigrew S. , Jongenelis M. , Chapman K. , Miller C.
Published: October 2015

Background

Child obesity interventions need to be based on a sound understanding of the factors that influence children's diets.

Objective

To investigate the relationship between a range of predictor variables and the frequency with which Australian children consume energy‐dense, nutrient‐poor (EDNP) foods.

Methods

A web panel provider was used to access 1302 parents of Australian children aged 8–14 years who responded to an online survey about their children's diets. Structural equation modelling was conducted to test a model of the factors contributing to the frequency of children's unhealthy food consumption.

Results

Of the tested variables, consumption of EDNP foods was primarily influenced by parents’ attitudes to these foods, children's pestering behaviours and perceived social norms relating to children's consumption of these products. Both pestering and social norms had significant direct effects on consumption frequency as well as indirect effects via their impact on parents’ attitudes to EDNP foods.

Conclusion

Environmental factors that contribute to both pestering and social norms are likely to be critical considerations in the development of child obesity interventions.
Improving ESL writing using an online formulaic sequence word‐combination checker
Authors: Grami G.M.A. , Alkazemi B.Y.
Published: October 2015

Writing correct English sentences can be challenging. Furthermore, writing correct formulaic sequences can be especially difficult because accepted combinations do not follow clear rules governing which words appear together in a sequence. One solution is to provide examples of correct usage accompanied by statistical feedback from web‐based applications for learners to emulate. The goal of the study was to investigate whether such a dedicated web‐based program that provides instant examples of correct word combinations and detailed results of who used these examples, where and when, can improve students' writing. Data were collected from 74 ESL (English as a Second Language) undergraduate students divided into control and experimental groups, who performed formulaic sequence tests, wrote passages in English, followed by interviews with members of the experimental group. The results show that students who used the software outperformed those who did not, on the tests and the overall grades for their writing. Implementing formulaic sequence check programs in writing classes to help students decide which words can appear together, under which circumstances, and in which context is recommended.
Social‐emotional instability in individuals with Rett syndrome: parents' experiences with second stage behaviour
Authors: Munde V. , Vlaskamp C. , ter Haar A.
Published: October 2015

Background

While the medical profession often terms behaviours in individuals with Rett syndrome (RTT) in the second stage as ‘autistic‐like’, parents disagree with this description. The present study focuses on a comparison of parents' experiences with the social‐emotional behaviour of the child with RTT in the second and subsequent stages.

Method

In collaboration with the Dutch Rett Syndrome Organization, 51 parents of children with RTT in the Netherlands took part in the present study. Parents completed an online questionnaire to clarify their experiences of the social‐emotional behaviour of their children during and after the second stage of RTT. Both quantitative and qualitative analysis techniques have been used.

Results

The results of the paired‐samplest‐test show that parents see significantly less social‐emotional behaviour in the children during the second stage of RTT than in the subsequent stages. Parents reported that their children did not seek as much interaction. From the parents' descriptions, it would seem that the children are willing but unable to interact with their environment.

Conclusions

Like previous research, our study leads to doubts about the appropriateness of the label ‘autistic‐like’ for the behaviour of individuals in the second stage of RTT. While behaviours of individuals with autism and individuals with RTT may resemble each other, quality and intentions may differ. Still, future studies are needed for further clarification.
Neurological dysfunctions associated with altered BACE1‐dependent Neuregulin‐1 signaling
Authors: Hu Xiangyou , Fan Qingyuan , Hou Hailong , Yan Riqiang
Published: October 2015

Inhibition of BACE1 is being pursued as a therapeutic target to treat patients suffering from Alzheimer's disease because BACE1 is the sole β‐secretase that generates β‐amyloid peptide. Knowledge regarding other cellular functions of BACE1 is therefore critical for the safe use of BACE1 inhibitors in human patients. Neuregulin‐1 (Nrg1) is a BACE1 substrate and BACE1 cleavage of Nrg1 is critical for signaling functions in myelination, remyelination, synaptic plasticity, normal psychiatric behaviors, and maintenance of muscle spindles. This review summarizes the most recent discoveries associated with BACE1‐dependent Nrg1 signaling in these areas. This body of knowledge will help to provide guidance for preventing unwanted Nrg1‐based side effects following BACE1 inhibition in humans.

image

To initiate its signaling cascade, membrane anchored Neuregulin (Nrg), mainly type I and III β1 Nrg1 isoforms and Nrg3, requires ectodomain shedding. BACE1 is one of such indispensable sheddases to release the functional Nrg signaling fragment. The dependence of Nrg on the cleavage by BACE1 is best manifested by disrupting the critical role of Nrg in the control of axonal myelination, schizophrenic behaviors as well as the formation and maintenance of muscle spindles.
Family Migration and Subsequent Employment: The Effect of Gender Ideology
Authors: Lersch Philipp M.
Published: October 2015

A substantial body of evidence shows gender asymmetry in family migration, with women more likely to leave employment following migration than men. Gender ideologies, although yet not tested directly, have been proposed as one determinant for these asymmetries. Analyzing longitudinal data from the British Household Panel Survey (1991–2008) on 3,333 dual‐earner couples with dyadic multilevel regression models, the author examined whether the association of family migration with subsequent employment is moderated by the gender ideologies of both partners. The existing literature is enriched by illustrating that women's gender ideologies do not moderate the association, but women with egalitarian partners are less likely to leave employment after family migration than those with traditional partners. No significant effects for men were found. Even after controlling for both partners' gender ideologies and relevant control variables, a substantial gender difference in the risk of leaving employment after family migration remains, meriting further research.
Supervisor Support Buffers Daily Psychological and Physiological Reactivity to Work‐to‐Family Conflict
Authors: Almeida David M. , Davis Kelly D. , Lee Soomi , Lawson Katie M. , Walter Kimberly N. , Moen Phyllis
Published: October 2015

Using a daily diary design, the current study assessed within‐person associations of work‐to‐family conflict with negative affect and salivary cortisol. Furthermore, the authors investigated whether supervisor support moderated these associations. Over 8 consecutive days, 131 working parents employed by an information technology company answered telephone interviews about stressors and mood that occurred in the previous 24 hours. On Days 2–4 of the study protocol, they also provided 5 saliva samples throughout the day that were assayed for cortisol. Results indicated a high degree of day‐to‐day fluctuation in work‐to‐family conflict, with employed parents having greater negative affect and poorer cortisol regulation on days with higher work‐to‐family conflict compared to days when they experience lower work‐to‐family conflict. These associations were buffered, however, when individuals had supervisors who offered support. Discussion centers on the use of dynamic assessments of work‐to‐family conflict and employee well‐being.
Reproducibility of the Structural Connectome Reconstruction across Diffusion Methods
Authors: Prčkovska Vesna , Rodrigues Paulo , Puigdellivol Sanchez Ana , Ramos Marc , Andorra Magi , Martinez‐Heras Eloy , Falcon Carles , Prats‐Galino Albert , Villoslada Pablo
Published: October 2015

Analysis of the structural connectomes can lead to powerful insights about the brain's organization and damage. However, the accuracy and reproducibility of constructing the structural connectome done with different acquisition and reconstruction techniques is not well defined. In this work, we evaluated the reproducibility of the structural connectome techniques by performing test‐retest (same day) and longitudinal studies (after 1 month) as well as analyzing graph‐based measures on the data acquired from 22 healthy volunteers (6 subjects were used for the longitudinal study). We compared connectivity matrices and tract reconstructions obtained with the most typical acquisition schemes used in clinical application: diffusion tensor imaging (DTI), high angular resolution diffusion imaging (HARDI), and diffusion spectrum imaging (DSI). We observed that all techniques showed high reproducibility in the test‐retest analysis (correlation >.9). However, HARDI was the only technique with low variability (2%) in the longitudinal assessment (1‐month interval). The intraclass coefficient analysis showed the highest reproducibility for the DTI connectome, however, with more sparse connections than HARDI and DSI. Qualitative (neuroanatomical) assessment of selected tracts confirmed the quantitative results showing that HARDI managed to detect most of the analyzed fiber groups and fanning fibers. In conclusion, we found that HARDI acquisition showed the most balanced trade‐off between high reproducibility of the connectome, higher rate of path detection and of fanning fibers, and intermediate acquisition times (10‐15 minutes), although at the cost of higher appearance of aberrant fibers.
Oral impact on daily performance: need and use of dental prostheses among Brazilian adults
Authors: Ilha L. , Martins A. B. , Abegg C.
Published: October 2015

Although there is a large amount of evidence that demonstrates the relationship between oral health status and oral impact daily performance, there are few studies that have evaluated the impact of prosthetic status, particularly the need for a dental prosthesis. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between need and use of dental prostheses and the prevalence of oral impact on daily performance. A sample of 720 subjects, aged between 50 and 74 years, was evaluated using a cross‐sectional study. Participants were selected through a multistage proportional random sampling. The impact of oral health status on daily performance (oral impact on daily performance – OIDP) and socio‐demographic data was assessed using a standardised questionnaire, and clinical data were assessed by oral examination. The outcome was the prevalence of impact. The association between the explanatory variables and the outcome was analysed through two models of multivariate Poisson regression. In the adjusted model, the variables need of upper and lower prosthesis and use of lower prosthesis maintained a statistically significant association. No statistically relevant relation between socio‐demographic variables and outcomes was found. Findings show that the need and use and of a prosthesis are related to oral health quality of life.
Effect of chewing speed on the detection of a foreign object in food
Authors: Paphangkorakit J. , Ladsena V. , Rukyuttithamkul T. , Khamtad T.
Published: October 2015

Accidentally biting hard on a piece of hard foreign object in food is among the causes of tooth fracturing and could be associated with oral sensibility. This study has investigated the effect of chewing speed on the ability to detect a foreign object in food in human. Fourteen healthy subjects were asked to randomly chew one of 10 cooked rice balls, five of which containing a foreign object made from a tiny uncooked rice grain, until they detected the rice grain. Each subject chewed the test foods both at 50 (slow) and 100 (fast) chews min−1. The accuracy of detection and the number of chews before detection (CBD) were recorded and compared between the two chewing speeds using paired t‐tests. The results showed that almost all subjects detected the foreign object by biting. The accuracy of detection was more than 90% and not significantly different between slow and fast chewing but the mean CBD in slow chewing (11·7 ± 1·3 chews) was significantly different from that in fast chewing (20·7 ± 1·9 chews; P < 0·001). The study showed that slow chewers required less number of chews before a foreign object in food could be detected and was, presumably, more effective in detecting the object compared to fast chewers. If each chew bears equal probability of teeth encountering the foreign object, slow chewing might also reduce the chance of accidentally biting hard on the foreign object and fracturing the tooth.
Fit and Stability of Screw‐Retained Implant‐Supported Frameworks Under Masticatory Simulation: Influence of Cylinder Type
Authors: Bhering Cláudia Lopes Brilhante , Marques Isabella da Silva Vieira , Takahashi Jessica Mie Ferreira Koyama , Barão Valentim Adelino Ricardo , Consani Rafael Leonardo Xediek , Mesquita Marcelo Ferraz
Published: October 2015

Purpose

The aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of a prosthetic cylinder and casting on the misfit and loosening torque of screw‐retained multiple‐unit implant‐supported dental prostheses under masticatory simulation.

Materials and Methods

Screw‐retained, three‐unit fixed dental prostheses (FDP) and screw‐retained full‐arch FDP frameworks were waxed using calcinable (plastic cylinders) or overcasted (premachined cast‐on cylinders) on the dental implant abutments. The cylinders were cast in Co‐Cr alloy to obtain four groups according to cylinder type and prosthesis type (n = 10). The screws were tightened with 20 N/cm (abutment) and 10 N/cm (prosthetic) torque according to the manufacturer's recommendation. After 24 hours, the initial loosening torque was analyzed. The initial misfit measurements were performed according to the Schiffleger test. The screws were retightened, and the specimens were submitted to 106 mechanical cycles (2 Hz/280 N). Loosening torque and misfit were reevaluated (final measurements), and data were submitted to ANOVA, Tukey's HSD, and Pearson's correlation tests (α = 0.05).

Results

The calcinable three‐unit FDP demonstrated greater misfit (initial: 107.53 ± 40.36 μm; final: 99.00 ± 40.85 μm) than did the overcasted three‐unit FDP frameworks (initial: 51.50 ± 22.98 μm; final: 44.33 ± 14.14 μm) (initial: p = 0.0005; final: p = 0.0007). No difference was noted between the calcinable and overcasted full‐arch FDP frameworks (p > 0.05). Masticatory simulation did not affect the misfit (p > 0.05). The overcasted full‐arch FDP presented a lower abutment screw loosening torque (12.05 ± 1.80 N/cm) than did the calcinable ones (14.75 ± 1.72 N/cm) in the final measurement (p = 0.0024). The calcinable groups presented a lower prosthetic screw loosening torque than did the overcasted groups in the final evaluation (p < 0.05). After masticatory simulation, the prosthetic screw loosening torque of the calcinable three‐unit FDP decreased (initial: 5.49 ± 1.07 N/cm; final: 3.73 ± 1.15 N/cm; p = 0.0044). Correlation between misfit and loosening was observed only for the prosthetic screws (p < 0.05).

Conclusions

The overcasted components provided a better fit in three‐unit FDPs but did not influence the fit of full‐arch FDPs. Prosthetic screws of overcasted frameworks presented higher stability, whereas masticatory simulation did not influence misfit but did reduce the prosthetic screw loosening torque of calcinable three‐unit FDP frameworks.
From donation to everyday life: Living kidney donors’ experiences three months after donation
Authors: Agerskov Hanne , Ludvigsen Mette Spliid , Bistrup Claus , Pedersen Birthe D.
Published: October 2015

Background

As the number of patients with end stage kidney disease continues to rise internationally, living kidney donation remains a favourable treatment option. Long waiting times on dialysis can be avoided and short and long‐term outcomes are better, when compared with deceased donor transplantation. Living kidney donation is a safe procedure for healthy individuals who have completed a rigorous screening programme. Significant experiences can occur during the recovery period.

Objective

To investigate donors’ experiences of donation and their recovery period, in the first three months after donation.

Materials and Methods

The study took a phenomenological‐hermeneutic approach. Open interviews were conducted three months after donation. Data were interpreted and discussed in accordance with Ricoeur's text interpretation theory on three levels: naïve reading, structural analysis and critical interpretation and discussion.

Findings

The donation process was experienced as an ‘expedition’, including preparations, the operation, recovery and everyday life. Positive feelings were challenging to describe; however health troubles and vulnerability were evident. A closer relationship and a need to follow the recipient's progress implied that patient and donor felt they were a part of each other. Support from relatives was important but could also be a burden.

Conclusion

The kidney donation process is experienced as being like on an expedition, involving positive feelings, vulnerability, a closer patient–donor relationship and challenges around family relationships. It is essential that nurses are aware of the complexity of the situation and focus on the impact of the process, to support and facilitate donors' needs.
Melatonin prevents kidney injury in a high salt diet‐induced hypertension model by decreasing oxidative stress
Authors: Leibowitz Avshalom , Volkov Alexander , Voloshin Konstantin , Shemesh Chen , Barshack Iris , Grossman Ehud
Published: October 2015

Melatonin, a potent antioxidant molecule, plays a role in blood pressure regulation. We hypothesized that melatonin may generate a protective effect in a high salt diet (HSD) rodent model mediated by decreasing renal oxidative stress. Dahl salt‐sensitive rats were divided into three groups according to diet: normal chow (control); HSD; HSD with melatonin [30/mg/kg/day]) placed in their water (HSD + Mel) over an 8‐wk period. Blood pressure was measured by the tail cuff method. Kidney injury was evaluated by 24 H urine protein excretion. Glomerular injury index (GII) (fibrotic glomeruli/100 glomeruli) was evaluated from a Masson's trichrome‐stained section. Kidney oxidative stress was determined by superoxide production via dihydroethidium staining. Expression of oxidative stress‐related genes was measured by reverse transcriptase‐qPCR. Melatonin had no effect on blood pressure increase induced by HSD and attenuated proteinuria induced by HSD (HSD – 50.7 ± 12, HSD + Mel – 22.3 ± 4.3, controls – 6.5 ± 1.0 gram protein/gram creatinine, P < 0.001). HSD‐induced glomerular damage was significantly diminished by melatonin (GII in HSD – 24 ± 6, HSD + Mel – 3.6 ± 0.8, controls – 0.8 ± 0.5, P < 0.05). Superoxide production was significantly higher in kidneys of HSD fed rats than the controls (99 ± 9 versus 60 ± 7 relative fluorescent units (RFU)/μm2, respectively, P < 0.05). Melatonin also decreased superoxide production (74 ± 5 RFU/μm2, P < 0.05). The expression of kidney inducible nitric oxide synthase and p67phox mRNA was significantly higher in HSD than in the controls and HSD + Mel rats. Treatment with melatonin eliminated the deleterious effect of HSD in the kidneys of Dahl salt‐sensitive rats. The beneficial effect of melatonin is not mediated by lowering blood pressure but by a direct antioxidative effect.
Taking a systems approach to ecological systems
Authors: Grace James B.
Published: October 2015

Increasingly, there is interest in a systems‐level understanding of ecological problems, which requires the evaluation of more complex, causal hypotheses. In this issue of the Journal of Vegetation Science, Soliveres et al. use structural equation modeling to test a causal network hypothesis about how tree canopies affect understorey communities. Historical analysis suggests structural equation modeling has been under‐utilized in ecology.
Calibration of cosmogenic noble gas production based on 36Cl‐36Ar ages. Part 2. The 81Kr‐Kr dating technique
Authors: Leya I. , Dalcher N. , Vogel N. , Wieler R. , Caffee M. W. , Welten K. C. , Nishiizumi K.
Published: October 2015

We calibrated the 81Kr‐Kr dating system for ordinary chondrites of different sizes using independent shielding‐corrected 36Cl‐36Ar ages. Krypton concentrations and isotopic compositions were measured in bulk samples from 14 ordinary chondrites of high petrologic type and the cosmogenic Kr component was obtained by subtracting trapped Kr from phase Q. The thus‐determined average cosmogenic 78Kr/83Kr, 80Kr/83Kr, 82Kr/83Kr, and 84Kr/83Kr ratiC(Lavielle and Marti 1988; Wieler 2002). The cosmogenic 78Kr/83Kr ratio is correlated with the cosmogenic 22Ne/21Ne ratio, confirming that 78Kr/83Kr is a reliable shielding indicator. Previously, 81Kr‐Kr ages have been determined by assuming the cosmogenic production rate of 81Kr, P(81Kr)c, to be 0.95 times the average of the cosmogenic production rates of 80Kr and 82Kr; the factor Y = 0.95 therefore accounts for the unequal production of the various Kr isotopes (Marti 1967a). However, Y should be regarded as an empirical adjustment. For samples whose 80Kr and 82Kr concentrations may be affected by neutron‐capture reactions, the shielding‐dependent cosmogenic (78Kr/83Kr)c ratio has been used instead to calculate P(81Kr)/P(83Kr), as for some lunar samples, this ratio has been shown to linearly increase with (78Kr/83Kr)c (Marti and Lugmair 1971). However, the 81Kr‐Kr ages of our samples calculated with these methods are on average ~30% higher than their 36Cl‐36Ar ages, indicating that most if not all the 81Kr‐Kr ages determined so far are significantly too high. We therefore re‐evaluated both methods to determine P(81Kr)c/P(83Kr)c. Our new Y value of 0.70 ± 0.04 is more than 25% lower than the value of 0.95 used so far. Furthermore, together with literature data, our data indicate that for chondrites, P(81Kr)c/P(83Kr)c is rather constant at 0.43 ± 0.02, at least for the shielding range covered by our samples ([78Kr/83Kr]c = 0.119–0.185; [22Ne/21Ne]c = 1.083–1.144), in contrast to the observations on lunar samples. As expected considering the method used, 81Kr‐Kr ages calculated either directly with this new P(81Kr)c/P(83Kr)c value or with our new Y value both agree with the corresponding 36Cl‐36Ar ages. However, the average deviation of 2% indicates the accuracy of both new 81Kr‐Kr dating methods and the precision of the new dating systems of ~10% is demonstrated by the low scatter in the data. Consequently, this study indicates that the 81Kr‐Kr ages published so far are up to 30% too high.
Small melt inclusions can record bulk magma compositions: A planetary example from the Martian basalt (shergottite) Tissint
Authors: Sonzogni Yann , Treiman Allan
Published: October 2015

Melt inclusions in igneous minerals can provide constraints on magma compositions, especially for planetary samples where mass is severely limited. Small inclusions (<15 μm diameter) are more abundant than large ones, but have been used little from concern that they did not entrap average magma, but are rich in melt of a diffusional layer against the host mineral. We compared bulk compositions and calculated original compositions of small and large melt inclusions in the Martian basalt meteorite (shergottite) Tissint. Small and large melt inclusions are consistent with the same line of igneous differentiation, have the same abundance ratios for incompatible elements (P, Ti, Al, K, Na), and are consistent with derivation from the bulk composition of Tissint (inferred to represent its parent melt composition). For Tissint, then, small melt inclusions show no evidence of entrapping diffusional boundary layers, and appear to have entrapped bulk magma. Thus, its small inclusions can be as useful as larger ones; this may be so for other planetary samples, and thus provides an additional tool for investigating planetary magmas.
A large shock vein in L chondrite Roosevelt County 106: Evidence for a long‐duration shock pulse on the L chondrite parent body
Authors: Sharp Thomas G. , Xie Zhidong , de CARLI Paul S. , Hu Jinping
Published: October 2015

A large shock‐induced melt vein in L6 ordinary chondrite Roosevelt County 106 contains abundant high‐pressure minerals, including olivine, enstatite, and plagioclase fragments that have been transformed to polycrystalline ringwoodite, majorite, lingunite, and jadeite. The host chondrite at the melt‐vein margins contains olivines that are partially transformed to ringwoodite. The quenched silicate melt in the shock veins consists of majoritic garnets, up to 25 μm in size, magnetite, maghemite, and phyllosilicates. The magnetite, maghemite, and phyllosilicates are the terrestrial alteration products of magnesiowüstite and quenched glass. This assemblage indicates crystallization of the silicate melt at approximately 20–25 GPa and 2000 °C. Coarse majorite garnets in the centers of shock veins grade into increasingly finer grained dendritic garnets toward the vein margins, indicating increasing quench rates toward the margins as a result of thermal conduction to the surrounding chondrite host. Nanocrystalline boundary zones, that contain wadsleyite, ringwoodite, majorite, and magnesiowüstite, occur along shock‐vein margins. These zones represent rapid quench of a boundary melt that contains less metal‐sulfide than the bulk shock vein. One‐dimensional finite element heat‐flow calculations were performed to estimate a quench time of 750–1900 ms for a 1.6‐mm thick shock vein. Because the vein crystallized as a single high‐pressure assemblage, the shock pulse duration was at least as long as the quench time and therefore the sample remained at 20–25 GPa for at least 750 ms. This relatively long shock pulse, combined with a modest shock pressure, implies that this sample came from deep in the L chondrite parent body during a collision with a large impacting body, such as the impact event that disrupted the L chondrite parent body 470 Myr ago.
NG2 Proteoglycan‐Dependent Contributions of Pericytes and Macrophages to Brain Tumor Vascularization and Progression
Authors: Stallcup William B. , You Weon‐Kyoo , Kucharova Karolina , Cejudo‐Martin Pilar , Yotsumoto Fusanori
Published: October 2015

The NG2 proteoglycan promotes tumor growth as a component of both tumor and stromal cells. Using intracranial, NG2‐negative B16F10 melanomas, we have investigated the importance of PC and Mac NG2 in brain tumor progression. Reduced melanoma growth in Mac‐NG2ko and PC‐NG2ko mice demonstrates the importance of NG2 in both stromal compartments. In each genotype, the loss of PC–endothelial cell interaction diminishes the formation of endothelial junctions and assembly of the basal lamina. Tumor vessels in Mac‐NG2ko mice have smaller diameters, reduced patency, and increased leakiness compared to PC‐NG2ko mice, thus decreasing tumor blood supply and increasing hypoxia. While the reduced PC interaction with endothelial cells in PC‐NG2ko mice results from the loss of PC activation of β1 integrin signaling in endothelial cells, reduced PC–endothelial cell interaction in Mac‐NG2ko mice results from 90% reduced Mac recruitment. The absence of Mac‐derived signals in Mac‐NG2ko mice causes the loss of PC association with endothelial cells. Reduced Mac recruitment may be due to diminished activation of integrins in the absence of NG2, causing decreased Mac interaction with endothelial adhesion molecules that are needed for extravasation. These results reflect the complex interplay that occurs between Mac, PC, and endothelial cells during tumor vascularization.
Sublingual immunization with the phosphate‐binding‐protein (PstS) reduces oral colonization by Streptococcus mutans
Authors: Ferreira E.L. , Batista M.T. , Cavalcante R.C.M. , Pegos V.R. , Passos H.M. , Silva D.A. , Balan A. , Ferreira L.C.S. , Ferreira R.C.C.
Published: October 2015

Bacterial ATP‐binding cassette (ABC) transporters play a crucial role in the physiology and pathogenicity of different bacterial species. Components of ABC transporters have also been tested as target antigens for the development of vaccines against different bacterial species, such as those belonging to the Streptococcus genus. Streptococcus mutans is the etiological agent of dental caries, and previous studies have demonstrated that deletion of the gene encoding PstS, the substrate‐binding component of the phosphate uptake system (Pst), reduced the adherence of the bacteria to abiotic surfaces. In the current study, we generated a recombinant form of the S. mutans PstS protein (rPstS) with preserved structural features, and we evaluated the induction of antibody responses in mice after sublingual mucosal immunization with a formulation containing the recombinant protein and an adjuvant derived from the heat‐labile toxin from enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli strains. Mice immunized with rPstS exhibited systemic and secreted antibody responses, measured by the number of immunoglobulin A‐secreting cells in draining lymph nodes. Serum antibodies raised in mice immunized with rPstS interfered with the adhesion of bacteria to the oral cavity of naive mice challenged with S. mutans. Similarly, mice actively immunized with rPstS were partially protected from oral colonization after challenge with the S. mutans NG8 strain. Therefore, our results indicate that S. mutans PstS is a potential target antigen capable of inducing specific and protective antibody responses after sublingual administration. Overall, these observations raise interesting perspectives for the development of vaccines to prevent dental caries.
Nonurgent Emergency Department Visits by Insured and Uninsured Adults
Authors: Searing Lisabeth M. , Cantlin Kelly A.
Published: October 2015

Objective

To compare nonurgent emergency department (ED) visits by insured and uninsured adults in a Midwest community.

Design and Sample

Records for this secondary data analysis included 84,877 nonurgent visits to a Midwest ED from September 2004 to January 2012. Insured versus uninsured visits were analyzed using t tests for continuous variables and chi‐squared tests for categorical variables. Standardized residuals were compared to determine if changes over time were statistically significant.

Measures

Variables included demographic characteristics of patients, payment source, patients' access to primary care, acuity rating, time of visit, and the stated reason for the visit.

Results

Of all nonurgent visits, 77.9% were made by insured adults. Insured nonurgent visits were more often made by adults who were female, older, White, and had a primary care provider (PCP). Nonurgent visits on weekdays between the hours of 09:00 and 18:00 were more likely to be uninsured visits. Dental issues were the fourth most common issue for uninsured visits.

Conclusions

Nonurgent ED visits occur when more appropriate options for prompt care are available in the community. Interventions should target both patients and PCPs. While patients should contact their PCP when in need of prompt care, PCPs should refer patients to facilities other than the ED when medically appropriate.
Family care in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: what happens when the carer is a man?
Authors: Figueiredo Daniela , Jácome Cristina , Gabriel Raquel , Marques Alda
Published: October 2015

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a major cause of disability, morbidity and mortality in old age, representing a significant burden for family carers. However, knowledge regarding the specific issues faced by men in the COPD caregiving role is nonexistent. This study explored the experience of husbands and sons providing care to a family member with moderate‐to‐severe COPD. A cross‐sectional qualitative study using in‐depth, semi‐structured individual interviews was conducted with twelve men carers: seven husbands with a mean age of 70.9 ± 8.8 years and five sons with a mean age of 43.4 ± 10.5 years. The interviews were analysed for recurrent themes using thematic analysis. Main findings suggest that men are committed and dedicated carers; however, differences between husbands and sons related to ‘meaning’, ‘challenges and constraints’, ‘fears and concerns about the future’, ‘needs’ and ‘positive aspects’ have emerged. These differences reflect relationship and generational differences and are of relevance when planning adequate community support interventions.
Urbanization and Land‐Use Change: A Human Ecology of Deforestation Across the United States, 2001–2006
Authors: Clement Matthew Thomas , Chi Guangqing , Ho Hung Chak
Published: October 2015

Drawing from human ecology, the present study sheds light on the ways in which urbanization drives changes in forest cover at the local level across the continental United States. Using county‐level data from the National Land Cover Database and other US governmental sources, the area of forest cover lost in the construction of the built environment between 2001 and 2006 is regressed on the size, density, and social organization of a locality. Controlling for several other factors, estimates from spatial regression models with two‐way fixed effects show that increasing density slowed down deforestation, while variables representing size and social organization had the opposite effect. Based on these results, urbanization is framed as a multidimensional human ecological process with countervailing impacts on the natural environment.
Transformative Learning: A Case for Using Grounded Theory as an Assessment Analytic
Authors: Patterson Barbara A. B. (Bobbi) , Munoz Leslie , Abrams Leah , Bass Caroline
Published: October 2015

Transformative Learning Theory and pedagogies leverage disruptive experiences as catalysts for learning and teaching. By facilitating processes of critical analysis and reflection that challenge assumptions, transformative learning reframes what counts as knowledge and the sources and processes for gaining and producing it. Students develop a broader range of perspectives on and entry points for learning and behavior change engaging cognition, embodiment, aesthetics, emotions, and ethics (see Mezirow 1991 and Figures 1 and 2). The open‐inquiry, multi‐modal nature of transformative learning defies most traditional assessment strategies. This article demonstrates that grounded theory offers the rigorous qualitative analysis needed to document and track transformative learning outcomes in practice. By applying a grounded theory approach to data from over eighty student portfolios across several iterations of a Religion and Ecology course at Emory University, this article demonstrates a successful and replicable assessment of transformative learning pedagogies.
Forum: Teaching With, Against, and To Faith
Authors: Jones Medine Carolyn M. , Penner Todd , Lehman Marjorie
Published: October 2015

These three articles deal with the issue of faith in the classroom – whether one should teach “to,” “for,” or “against” faith. While their institutional settings and experiences are different, the authors all contend that more serious reflection needs to be given to the matter of how religious commitment plays out in our diverse pedagogical settings. The initial article by Carolyn Medine surveys the current climate regarding student spirituality in the classroom, the broader governmental concerns, and, the tensions that inform the choices available to a professor. Todd Penner's essay analyzes faith‐as‐ideology in the undergraduate classroom, and Marjorie Lehman's contribution analyzes how the issue manifests differently in Jewish Studies.
Quantification of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) in canine mammary tumours by ELISA assay: clinical and prognostic implications
Authors: Queiroga F. L. , Perez‐Alenza M. D. , González‐Gil A. , Silván G. , Peña L. , Illera J. C.
Published: October 2015

The involvement of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) is well established in human breast cancer, however, in canine mammary tumours (CMT), including inflammatory mammary carcinomas (IMC), still needs to be clarified. Enzyme immune assay techniques were used for EGFR determinations in tumour tissue from 45 bitches with CMT and in normal mammary glands from eight control dogs. Higher tissue EGFR levels were found in CMT compared with controls (P < 0.05). In malignant CMT, tissue EGFR elevated concentrations were statistically significantly associated with tumour relapse and/or distant metastasis during follow‐up and with reduced disease‐free and overall survival times. The IMC cases had the highest tissue EGFR levels compared with other malignant non‐IMC tumours (P < 0.001). The results support the hypothesis that EGFR levels influence prognosis in malignant CMT, suggesting that EGFR may represent a therapeutic target in cases of high histological aggressiveness and especially in cases of metastatic phenotype and poor prognosis.