bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Hydrology and density feedbacks control the ecology of intermediate hosts of schistosomiasis across habitats in seasonal climates
Authors: Perez-Saez Javier , Mande Theophile , Ceperley Natalie , Bertuzzo Enrico , Mari Lorenzo , Gatto Marino , Rinaldo Andrea
Published: May 2016

Significance

Some freshwater snail species are intermediate hosts in the life cycle of parasites causing human schistosomiasis, a neglected water-based disease (treatable but debilitating and poverty-reinforcing) affecting about 150 million people yearly in sub-Saharan Africa alone. Snail abundance is thus often the target of epidemiological control measures of schistosomiasis incidence. Our work studies the ecology of host snails through field campaigns and theoretical models within natural/artificial water habitats across Burkina Faso’s highly seasonal climatic zones. Snail abundance is shown to depend on hydrological controls and to obey density-dependent demographic evolution. Statistical methods based on model averaging yield reliable snail abundance projections. Quantitative predictions on epidemiological effects of water resources development, risk mapping, and the allocation of control measures appear within reach.
Myosin light chain phosphorylation enhances contraction of heart muscle via structural changes in both thick and thin filaments
Authors: Kampourakis Thomas , Sun Yin-Biao , Irving Malcolm
Published: May 2016

Significance

Contraction of heart muscle is triggered by calcium binding to the actin-containing thin filaments but modulated by structural changes in the myosin-containing thick filaments. We showed that phosphorylation of the myosin regulatory light chain generates a structural signal that is transmitted between myosin molecules in the thick filament and from the thick to the thin filaments, altering their calcium sensitivity. A closely related dual-filament signaling pathway underlies the enhanced contractility of heart muscle when it is stretched. These coordinated and cooperative changes in thick and thin filament structure are an essential component of contractile regulation in the healthy heart, and their impairment is likely to underlie the functional effects of mutations in thick filament proteins in heart disease.
Executive control in bilingual children
Authors: Marton Klara
Published: May 2016

While findings on the bilingual advantage in adults are mixed, the data from children are more consistent but still show variations. A number of factors influence the outcomes, such as individual bilingual characteristics, variations in target functions, and differences in task type. Our goal is to demonstrate that there is a complex relationship among these variables and that the outcomes of executive function (EF) studies depend on the interactions among these factors. Performance on EF is influenced by children's language proficiency, language use, age, socioeconomic status, and culture. These individual features show different interactions with different executive components. Bilingual and monolingual children differ in some EFs but not in others. Variations in tasks and other measurement issues further increase the differences in the results. We may better understand the nature of the bilingual advantage in children if we combine aspects of developmental science and language processing with hypotheses about bilingualism.
Electrodeposition of nickel from DES on aluminium for corrosion protection
Authors: Bernasconi R. , Magagnin L.
Published: May 2016

In the present study, the possibility of nickel deposition from a deep eutectic solvent on a water-sensitive substrate like aluminium was investigated. The electrolyte used was based on a 1:2 molar mixture of choline chloride and urea with the addition of nickel chloride to provide nickel ions and ethylendiammine (ED) to complex. The deposition from the solution described having 1:2 as a Ni/ED molar ratio gave interesting results in terms of adhesion to aluminium and uniformity of the deposition. The electrochemical study of the solution is provided. Application of electrodeposited Watt's nickel and electroless NiP was also attempted on the layers from ionic liquid. The morphological characterisation proved the quality of the layers, while a corrosion study demonstrated the protective properties of the coatings obtained.
Surface modification of Q550 HSLA steel with Co–Fe–Cr composite coatings manufactured by fibre laser cladding
Authors: Qunshuang M. , Yajiang L. , Juan W.
Published: May 2016

The surface of Q550 steel was modified with Co–Fe–Cr/WC composite coatings deposited by fibre laser cladding. Coating microstructure, elemental distribution, phase constitution and microhardness were investigated. Results showed that the composite coating was mainly composed of dendrites and eutectic lamellar of carbides. Phases of composite coatings were comprised of Co3Fe7, Fe–Cr, CFe15.1, Cr7C3, and M6C (M represents for W, Co and Fe). Owing to the dilution of base metal, large amount of Fe was transformed into molten pool. Martensite laths were easily formed at the front of fusion line due to the rapid solidification process in laser cladding. Plenty of M6C carbides were synthesised by in-situ reactions between W, Co, Fe and C. Carbides were prone to form eutectic lamellar with growth directions perpendicular to each other. The microhardness of coatings added with wt.50% WC was significantly increased to 668HV0.1, which was about 2.4 times that of Q550 steel.
Fe-based amorphous coating with high corrosion and wear resistance
Authors: Ma H. R. , Chen X. Y. , Li J. W. , Chang C. T. , Wang G. , Li H. , Wang X. M. , Li R. W.
Published: May 2016

The amorphous coating with a new developed composition of Fe63Cr8Mo3.5Ni5P10B4C4Si2.5 has been successfully prepared by high velocity oxygen fuel technique. The amorphous coating shows good corrosion and wear resistance, which compare favourably with those of the well-known SAM1651 (Fe48Mo14Cr15Y2C15B6) and SAM2X5 (Fe49.7Cr18Mn1.9Mo7.4W1.6B15.2C3.8Si2.4) amorphous coatings despite the absence of W, and very low Cr and Mo content. The electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) and Mott–Schottky analysis reveal that under high passive potentials the passive film on the coating reflects bi-layer structure and transpassive dissolution occurs, but the film can still remain passive due to slow ionic transport under these conditions. Donor densities of the passive films on the coatings are in the order of magnitude of 1021 cm−3 which is comparable to the reported values for passive films of SAM series amorphous coatings indicating the approximate stability of the passive film. In addition, the dominating wear mechanism of Fe-based amorphous coatings is oxidation wear.

GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT
Wear-resistant cobalt-based coatings for injection moulds by cold spray
Authors: Giusti R. , Vezzù S. , Lucchetta G.
Published: May 2016

In this study, cold spray and high-velocity oxy fuel processes were respectively used in applying cobalt-based and nickel-based alloys on steel injection moulds. Effects of changes in the main cold spray deposition parameters and in powder composition of the cobalt-based alloy were optimised in terms of machinability and hardness improvements. A four-cavity mould was configured to allow the comparison of wear resistance between coated and heat-treated inserts in severe operating conditions. Real parts were produced by injection moulding, using a glass–fibre-reinforced polymer. Surface topography of the inserts was characterised in defined key-zones after polishing and at each scheduled stop of the moulding process. Experimental results showed that steel mould inserts coated by thermal spray and then polished can be a valid alternative to heat-treated steel for most applications.
Vicarious Trauma and Vicarious Posttraumatic Growth among Substance Abuse Treatment Providers
Authors: Cosden Merith , Sanford Ashley , Koch Lauren M. , Lepore Caitlin E.
Published: May 2016

Background: Practitioners working with clients who have experienced trauma are vulnerable to experiencing both vicarious trauma and vicarious posttraumatic growth (PTG). A survey was conducted in which treatment providers who work with adults seeking help for substance abuse were asked about their experience of vicarious trauma and vicarious PTG. It was hypothesized that vicarious trauma and vicarious PTG would be positively associated with each other, that personal history of trauma and years of working with clients who had experienced trauma would be positively associated with vicarious trauma, and that in addition to those variables, personal counseling, training, and supervision would be associated with vicarious PTG. Methods: Surveys were sent to the directors of 15 social service agencies in one county in central California. Surveys included questions about the respondent's history of substance use and trauma and experience with clients who had experienced trauma. In addition, the survey contained 3 scales: the Trauma History Screen, the Posttraumatic Growth Inventory, and the Impact of Event Scale—Revised. Results: Survey data were obtained from 51 counselors. There was a significant positive association between vicarious trauma and vicarious PTG, and both were significantly associated with respondents’ history of trauma. Providers who were in recovery were more likely than others to report a history of trauma and to report higher levels of vicarious trauma and vicarious PTG. Conclusion: Counselors working with clients in substance abuse treatment may experience vicarious trauma and vicarious PTG. Implications for preparing counselors to work with this population are discussed.
Monitoring Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome in Buprenorphine-Exposed in Vitro Fertilization Twins: A Case Study
Authors: Brandt Laura , Swoboda Patrick , Fischer Gabriele , Unger Annemarie
Published: May 2016

Background: Prior studies have reported on the pregnancies and outcomes of in vitro fertilization (IVF) in special subpopulations; however, there is a lack of studies on opioid-exposed IVF-conceived neonates. Case Presentation: A young adult IVF-pregnant woman was maintained on buprenorphine throughout pregnancy and received follow-up from the addiction clinic from estimated gestational week 32. She delivered healthy dichorionic twins via cesarean section at 38 weeks gestational age (buprenorphine dose at time of delivery: 16 mg). All maternal supervised urinalysis taken as of gestational week 32 were negative for concomitant substances (prior to treatment initiation at the addiction clinic, only self-reports of abstinence from concomitant substances were available). Both healthy children (male birth weight: 3140 g, female birth weight: 2650 g) developed an unusual course of neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS) requiring extensive treatment (total morphine dose male: 22 mg, and female: 26.75 mg; length of treatment: 33 and 34 days, respectively; duration of hospitalization: 40 days). Discussion: The highly severe and long-lasting NAS in both neonates represents a very unusual course following an uneventful pregnancy, and influencing iatrogenic factors cannot be ruled out. Given the multiple variables influencing infant outcomes, this highlights the importance of high-quality, evidence-based standard operating procedures, which (1) are initiated as early as possible during pregnancy to minimize risk factors for adverse infant outcomes, such as concomitant substance use during pregnancy; (2) support the substance-dependent woman throughout the postpartum period, especially in cases of multiple and/or IVF-conceived pregnancies, where additional challenges may arise; and (3) consider the right of everyone to the enjoyment of the highest attainable standard of physical and mental health.
Final report. SIM comparison in mass standards SIM.M.M-K5
Authors: Becerra L O , Peña L M , Luján L , Díaz J C , Centeno L M , Loayza V , Cacais F , Ramos O , Rodriguez S , Garcia Fr , Garcia Fe , Leyton F , Santo C , Caceres J , Kornblit F , Leiblich J , Jacques C
Published: May 2016

This report summarizes the results of a SIM comparison in masss carried out between 7 NMIs. Five mass standards with nominal values 2 kg, 200 g, 50 g, 1 g and 200 mg have been circulated by the NMIs. The results reported by the participants are consistent with each other and with the key comparison reference valu of the comparison CCM.M-K5 to which the present comparison has been linked.

Main text

To reach the main text of this paper, click on Final Report. Note that this text is that which appears in Appendix B of the BIPM key comparison database kcdb.bipm.org/.

The final report has been peer-reviewed and approved for publication by the CCM, according to the provisions of the CIPM Mutual Recognition Arrangement (CIPM MRA).
The Institutional Design of Arms Control Agreements
Authors: Kreps Sarah E.
Published: May 2016

The question of international cooperation on nuclear security presents states with a conundrum. While states are wary of the potential for cheating and opportunism that would favor more legalized agreements, highly legalized agreements also create the risk of being constrained in an agreement with which others might not comply, leaving one state vulnerable. How do states balance these competing incentives? Through the study of all arms control agreements concluded, negotiated, and seriously considered since 1945, this analysis finds that at least some aspects of the legalization parameters that would make commitments more credible and sustainable through the future—in particular obligation and to a lesser extent delegation—also make bargaining over the terms of cooperation more difficult, sometimes delaying if not altogether subverting that process. These findings have implications not just for how theories of institutional design and cooperation apply to nuclear issues but also for policies related to the conduct of arms control negotiations.
The influence of wildlife water developments and vegetation on rodent abundance in the Great Basin Desert
Authors: Kluever Bryan M. , Gese Eric M. , Dempsey Steven J.
Published: May 2016

Rodent communities have multiple functions including comprising a majority of the mammalian diversity within an ecosystem, providing a significant portion of the available biomass consumed by predators, and contributing to ecosystem services. Despite the importance of rodent communities, few investigations have explored the effects of increasing anthropogenic modifications to the landscape on rodents. Throughout the western United States, the construction of artificial water developments to benefit game species is commonplace. While benefits for certain species have been documented, several researchers recently hypothesized that these developments may cause unintentional negative effects to desert-adapted species and communities. To test this idea, we sampled rodents near to and distant from wildlife water developments over 4 consecutive summers. We employed an asymmetrical before-after-control-impact (BACI) design with sampling over 4 summers to determine if water developments influenced total rodent abundance. We performed an additional exploratory analysis to determine if factors other than free water influenced rodent abundance. We found no evidence that water developments impacted rodent abundance. Rodent abundance was primarily driven by vegetation type and year of sampling. Our findings suggested that water developments on our study area do not represent a significant disturbance to rodent abundance and that rodent abundance was influenced by the vegetative community and temporal factors linked to precipitation and primary plant production. Our findings represent one of the 1st efforts to determine the effects of an anthropogenic activity on the rodent community utilizing a manipulation design.
Toward Complete Inclusion: Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Military Service Members after Repeal of Don't Ask, Don't Tell
Authors: Alford Brandon , Lee Shawna J.
Published: May 2016

The 2010 repeal of Don't Ask, Don't Tell (DADT) is one example of how U.S. public policy has shifted toward greater inclusion of lesbian, gay, and bisexual (LGB) individuals. The repeal of DADT reversed the practice of discharging LGB service members on the basis of sexual identity. LGB service members may now serve their country without fear of direct repercussions stemming from sexual identity. Though it is a statutory step toward parity, DADT repeal does not address a number of cultural and institutional inequities that continue to hinder full inclusion of sexual minority service members. Notably, as discussed in this article, DADT largely ignores issues facing the transgender population. This study examines remaining inequities and their ramifications for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender service members and their families. The article concludes with practice and policy recommendations for culturally competent social work practice with military service members across the sexual identity spectrum.
Integrated Control of Apple Scab and Powdery Mildew in an Organic Apple Orchard by Combining Potassium Carbonates with Wettable Sulfur, Pruning, and Cultivar Susceptibility
Authors: Holb Imre J. , Kunz Stefan
Published: May 2016

In a 4-year study in a whole-field sanitized organic apple orchard, the effectiveness of nine fungicide treatments, including potassium mono- and bicarbonate and their combinations with wettable sulfur, were evaluated for scab and powdery mildew control on two cultivars with different susceptibility to scab and powdery mildew, under two pruning treatments. The whole-field sanitation practice was performed by removal of infected fallen leaves. Treatment effects on phytotoxicity and yield were also determined. Pruning significantly reduced leaf scab incidence but only on the more scab-susceptible Idared. Pruning significantly reduced mildew incidence in most years and on both cultivars but the more mildew-susceptible Jonathan showed significantly higher mildew incidence than Idared. Among products approved for organic production, the best scab control was achieved with a potassium mono- or bicarbonate treatment combined with wettable sulfur, except for Jonathan in 2011 on leaf and in 2014 on both leaf and fruit, and for Idared in 2013 on fruit. The best mildew control was also achieved with potassium mono- or bicarbonate treatments combined with wettable sulfur, with exceptions on shoots of Idared in 2011 and 2013 and on fruit of Idared in 2012. Leaf phytotoxicity was significantly higher in all potassium carbonate treatments compared with untreated plots, except for Idared in 2012, while fruit russet in these treatments did not differ significantly from the untreated plots. However, phytotoxicity values of all carbonate treatments were significantly lower than the lime sulfur treatment in most years on both cultivars. Yield of the potassium mono- or bicarbonate treatments combined with wettable sulfur was significantly higher than the untreated plots in the pruned treatments for both cultivars in all years. The integrated control approach designed for organic disease management against the two pathogens is discussed.
The potential for adaptive maintenance of diversity in insect antimicrobial peptides
Authors: Unckless Robert L. , Lazzaro Brian P.
Published: May 2016

Genes involved in immune defence are among the fastest evolving in the genomes of many species. Interestingly, however, genes encoding antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) have shown little evidence for adaptive divergence in arthropods, despite the centrality of these peptides in direct killing of microbial pathogens. This observation, coupled with a failure to detect phenotypic consequence of genetic variation in AMPs, has led to the hypothesis that individual AMPs make minor contributions to overall immune defence and that AMPs instead act as a collective cocktail. Recent data, however, have suggested an alternative explanation for the apparent lack of adaptive divergence in AMP genes. Molecular evolutionary and phenotypic data have begun to suggest that variant AMP alleles may be maintained through balancing selection in invertebrates, a pattern similar to that observed in several vertebrate AMPs. Signatures of balancing selection include high rates of non-synonymous polymorphism, trans-species amino acid polymorphisms, and convergence of amino acid states across the phylogeny. In this review, we revisit published literature on insect AMP genes and analyse newly available population genomic datasets inDrosophila, finding enrichment for patterns consistent with adaptive maintenance of polymorphism.

This article is part of the themed issue ‘Evolutionary ecology of arthropod antimicrobial peptides’.
Insect antimicrobial peptides act synergistically to inhibit a trypanosome parasite
Authors: Marxer Monika , Vollenweider Vera , Schmid-Hempel Paul
Published: May 2016

The innate immune system provides protection from infection by producing essential effector molecules, such as antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) that possess broad-spectrum activity. This is also the case for bumblebees,
Bombus terrestris
, when infected by the trypanosome,
Crithidia bombi
. Furthermore, the expressed mixture of AMPs varies with host genetic background and infecting parasite strain (genotype). Here, we used the fact that clones of
C. bombi
can be cultivated and kept as strains in medium to test the effect of various combinations of AMPs on the growth rate of the parasite. In particular, we used pairwise combinations and a range of physiological concentrations of three AMPs, namely
Abaecin
,
Defensin
and
Hymenoptaecin
, synthetized from the respective genomic sequences. We found that these AMPs indeed suppress the growth of eight different strains of
C. bombi
, and that combinations of AMPs were typically more effective than the use of a single AMP alone. Furthermore, the most effective combinations were rarely those consisting of maximum concentrations. In addition, the AMP combination treatments revealed parasite strain specificity, such that strains varied in their sensitivity towards the same mixtures. Hence, variable expression of AMPs could be an alternative strategy to combat highly variable infections.

This article is part of the themed issue ‘Evolutionary ecology of arthropod antimicrobial peptides’.
First reported case of Campylobacter lanienae enteritis in a human
Authors: Lévesque Simon , Lemay Frédéric , Bekal Sadjia , Frost Eric H. , Michaud Sophie
Published: May 2016

Introduction:

Campylobacters are the most frequently identified bacteria causing diarrhoea in humans worldwide. Campylobacter lanienae was isolated for the first time in 2000 from faecal samples of two asymptomatic abattoir workers in Switzerland during a routine hygiene screen, but has never been associated with human disease.

Case presentation:

At hospital admission, the patient reported diarrhoea, lower abdominal cramps, nausea, one episode of bilious vomiting and low-grade fever of 38 °C. The patient was having 10 or more diarrheic stools per day as well as during the night, and had noticed blood mixed with the stools on several occasions. Stool cultures were negative for species of Salmonella and Shigella, Escherichia coli O157:H7 and Yersinia enterocolitica, but were positive for C. lanienae. Identification was made by classical biochemical testing, as well as 16S rRNA gene and cpn60 sequencing. The patient slowly improved without antibiotic treatment and was discharged nine days after admission with complete resolution of symptoms.

Conclusion:

On the whole it seems very likely that C. lanienae was the causative agent. Clinical microbiologists should be aware of this micro-organism which can be identified by phenotypic and molecular methods. The real burden of C. lanienae infection in humans might be underestimated and should be further investigated as a potential cause of human diarrhoea disease.
Anchor negatively regulates BMP signaling to control Drosophila wing development
Authors: Wang Xiaochun , Liu Ziguang , Jin Li hua
Published: May 2016

Summary statement

The novel geneanchoris the ortholog of vertebrate GPR155, which contributes to preventing wing disc tissue overgrowth and limiting the phosphorylation of Mad in presumptive veins during the pupal stage.

G protein-coupled receptors play a particularly important function in many organisms. The novelDrosophilageneanchoris the ortholog of vertebrate GPR155, and its molecular function and biological process are not yet known, especially in wing development. Knocking downanchorresulted in increased wing size and extra and thickened veins. These abnormal wing phenotypes are similar to those observed in gain-of-function of BMP signaling experiments. We observed that the BMP signaling indicator p-Mad was significantly increased inanchorRNAi-induced wing discs in larvae and that it also abnormally accumulated in intervein regions in pupae. Furthermore, the expression of BMP signaling pathway target genes were examined using alacZreporter, and the results indicated thatombandsalwere substantially increased inanchorknockdown wing discs. In a study of genetic interactions between Anchor and BMP signaling pathway, the broadened and ectopic vein tissues were rescued by knocking down BMP levels. The results suggested that the function of Anchor is to negatively regulate BMP signaling during wing development and vein formation, and that Anchor targets or works upstream of Dpp.
Entropy and codon bias in HIV-1
Authors: Pandey Aakash
Published: May 2016

For the heterologous gene expression systems, the codon bias has to be optimized according to the host for efficient expression. Although DNA viruses show a correlation on codon bias with their hosts, HIV genes show low correlation for both nucleotide composition and codon usage bias with its human host which limits the efficient expression of HIV genes. Despite this variation, HIV is efficient at infecting hosts and multiplying in large number. In this study, first, the degree of codon adaptation is calculated as codon adaptation index (CAI) and compared with the expected threshold value (eCAI) determined from the sequences with the same nucleotide composition as that of the HIV-1 genome. Then, information theoretic analysis of nine genes of HIV-1 based on codon statistics of the HIV-1 genome, individual genes and codon usage of human genes is done. Comparison of codon adaptation indices with their respective threshold values shows that the CAI lies very close to the threshold values. Despite not being well adapted to the codon usage bias of human hosts, it was found that the Shannon entropies of the nine genes based on overall codon statistics of HIV-1 genome are very similar to the entropies calculated from codon usage of human genes. Similarly, for the HIV-1 genome sequence analyzed, the codon statistics of the third reading frame has the highest bias representing minimum entropy and hence the maximum information.
Unraveling K63 Polyubiquitination Networks by Sensor-Based Proteomics
Authors: Johnson Alexander , Vert Grégory
Published: May 2016

The polybiquitination of proteins can take on different topologies depending on the residue from ubiquitin involved in the chain formation. Although the role of lysine-48 (K48) polyubiquitination in proteasome-mediated degradation is fairly well characterized, much less is understood about the other types of ubiquitin chains and proteasome-independent functions. To overcome this, we developed a K63 polyubiquitin-specific sensor-based approach to track and isolate K63 polyubiquitinated proteins in plants. Proteins carrying K63 polyubiquitin chains were found to be enriched in diverse membrane compartments as well as in nuclear foci. Using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry, we identified over 100 proteins from Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) that are modified with K63 polyubiquitin chains. The K63 ubiquitinome contains critical factors involved in a wide variety of biological processes, including transport, metabolism, protein trafficking, and protein translation. Comparison of the proteins found in this study with previously published nonresolutive ubiquitinomes identified about 70 proteins as ubiquitinated and specifically modified with K63-linked chains. To extend our knowledge about K63 polyubiquitination, we compared the K63 ubiquitinome with K63 ubiquitination networks based on the Arabidopsis interactome. Altogether, this work increases our resolution of the cellular and biological roles associated with this poorly characterized posttranslational modification and provides a unique insight into the networks of K63 polyubiquitination in plants.
The role of demographic factors of international students on teaching preferences
Authors: Rao Pramila
Published: May 2016

Purpose

This empirical research was conducted in a medium-sized private university located in the north-eastern region of the USA. The purpose of this paper was to understand whether demographic attributes (age, gender, country of origin and years of stay in the USA) of international students will predict any preferences for specific teaching methods. This study was conducted with international students from October 2012 through May 2013 (fall and spring semesters).

Design/methodology/approach

This research paper provides hypotheses to explore whether there is any relationship between demographic factors and preferences for various teaching methods. This study analyzes the results using both Pearson’s correlations and one-way ANOVA to reject or accept the hypotheses.

Findings

The results demonstrated that there were no significant correlations between the demographic variables of international students and teaching methods. However, the one-way ANOVA analyses suggested that there are differences among age groups and their preferences for group projects, years of studying in the USA and their preferences for classroom discussions, and gender and their preferences for textbook assignments.

Practical implications

This study suggests that scholars provide orientation or training on the host country’s pedagogies so that international students can assimilate better into their academic communities.

Originality/value

This pioneering paper examines the role between demographic variables of international students and teaching pedagogies. This specific concept has not been examined in this literature before. This understanding could contribute to a richer understanding of this population of students.
Effects of a multicultural perspectives course on teacher candidates’ intercultural competence
Authors: Xu Yaoying , Hao Chenfang , Ellen Huennekens Mary
Published: May 2016

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to investigate the intercultural competence of pre-service special education teacher candidates through the contents of a graduate-level multicultural perspectives course.

Design/methodology/approach

This study used a graduate-level multicultural perspectives course to examine the intercultural competence of special education teacher candidates. A paired-samples t-test of significance was performed to investigate the pre- and post-growth of participants’s cultural sensitivity using the intercultural development inventory (IDI).

Findings

Participants’ intercultural sensitivity mean score suggested that their intercultural competence needs to be improved. The results showed no significant difference in the overall mean developmental scores between pre- and post-tests. However, significant differences were found between the pre- and post-test scores in perceived orientation and acceptance cluster.

Originality/value

A significantly higher perceived score was identified suggesting that participants might overestimate their level of intercultural sensitivity. Different from the existing literature, this study suggested that gender and education level were significant predictors of post-test developmental scores.
Mental health, human rights and social inclusion for adults and children
Authors: Holttum Sue
Published: May 2016

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to consider three recent papers relating to human rights and applicable to adults or children given mental health diagnoses.

Design/methodology/approach

– The first paper discussed how to measure progress in different countries in their policy changes to abide by the UN Convention on rights of persons with disabilities, and discussed how all relevant groups could be involved. The second paper considered the problem of children’s rights being eroded by overuse of the mental health diagnosis of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) when they are restless. The third paper reported on an evaluation of how well advocacy services are enabling people who are sectioned to have a say in their care.

Findings

– When assessing how well countries are doing in ensuring the rights of people with disabilities, the first paper’s authors concluded that all groups must participate in the evaluation, even though there are many different agendas. The second paper reported on how professionals and parents could come to a shared understanding of how children might be wrongly given a diagnosis of ADHD and jointly suggested some solutions. The third paper illustrated how important advocacy is, and the difference it can make to the lives of people who are sectioned.

Originality/value

– The first paper’s authors are engaged in ground-breaking research to assess whether disabled people’s rights under the UN Convention are being honoured. The second paper raised vital questions about the misuse of diagnosis, contravening the UN Convention on the rights of the child, and illustrated how parents and professionals can come together in support of these rights. The third paper reported on the first systematic national study on the implementation of advocacy services to defend the rights of people who are sectioned to have a say in their care.
Bat communities respond positively to large‐scale thinning of forest regrowth
Authors: Blakey Rachel V. , Law Brad S. , Kingsford Richard T. , Stoklosa Jakub , Tap Patrick , Williamson Kelly
Published: May 2016

Over half of the world's forests are secondary regrowth and support considerable biodiversity. Thinning of these forests is a widespread management practice that can affect forest species, including echolocating bats and their prey.

We compared total activity of 11 bat taxa, foraging activity of six bat guilds and biomass of 11 insect orders across four forest thinning categories in managed remnant eucalypt forests in south‐eastern Australia: unthinned regrowth, forest thinned recently (0–4 years) and in the medium term (5–10 years) and reference (mature open forest). Thinning had been carried out at large (˜350 ha) spatial scales.

Total bat activity was 60% less and foraging activity was 80% less in unthinned regrowth, compared to reference sites, but activity levels were similar among thinned and reference sites. Insect biomass was greatest in unthinned sites, and while bat activity was related to prey biomass, this relationship was weak in unthinned sites. Together, this suggests that forest structure was more important than prey availability or time since thinning in influencing bat activity patterns.

Synthesizing our findings with the broader literature on bats and thinning, we found support for a clutter threshold of 1100 stems ha−1, above which bat activity was markedly lower, across two continents (the USA and Australia) and four broad vegetation types (eucalypt, conifer, deciduous and mixed forests).

While elsewhere bats with adaptive traits for open habitats generally respond positively to thinning, in our study, species with traits consistent with clutter tolerance (high call frequency and low wing aspect ratio) had lowest activity levels (up to 22 times) in unthinned regrowth compared to all other forest types.

Synthesis and applications. Widespread dense regrowth forest can restrict movement and foraging of bats, even those adapted to clutter. We recommend thinning dense regrowth or plantations to below 1100 stems ha−1 when targeting bat foraging habitat, but effects of thinning on roost habitat and other forest biota require further investigation.
A before‐and‐after assessment of patch‐burn grazing and riparian fencing along headwater streams
Authors: Larson Danelle M. , Dodds Walter K. , Whiles Matt R. , Fulgoni Jessica N. , Thompson Thomas R.
Published: May 2016

Fire and grazing are common in grasslands world‐wide to maintain grass cover and cattle production. The effects of fire, cattle grazing and riparian fencing efficacy on prairie stream ecology are not well characterized at catchment scales.

We examined alterations to stream water quality and biology from patch‐burn grazing (PBG) in tallgrass prairie during a five‐year, replicated, catchment scale experiment that used a Before‐After/Control‐Impact (BACI) design and was analysed by mixed‐effects models. Treatments included two patch‐burned control catchments (fire but no grazers) and PBG in two riparian‐fenced and two unfenced catchments. We assessed the effectiveness of riparian fencing for mitigating potential water quality impacts by monitoring water quality and riparian usage by cattle via Global Positioning System.

Riparian fences effectively excluded cattle; however, in unfenced pastures, cattle aggregated along streams 10–20% of the grazing season.

After initiation of PBG, we detected large increases in some nutrients, Escherichia coli, algal biomass, primary productivity and community respiration in all catchments with PBG. Some water quality variables, such as E. coli concentrations, recovered quickly after cattle were removed from pasture, which indicated resiliency.

Riparian fencing moderately reduced the impacts to stream variables, indicating either overland flow and/or subsurface flow allowed nutrients and bacteria to enter the streams.

Synthesis and applications. Patch‐burn grazing is a measurable disturbance that can alter the ecological condition of streams. Riparian fencing lessened the degree of impact, yet some water quality variables still exceeded regional reference conditions. Managers will need to assess the costs of riparian fencing compared to the moderate benefits that fencing provides to water quality.
Soil and vegetation recovery following alien tree clearing in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa
Authors: Ndou Esther , Ruwanza Sheunesu
Published: May 2016

The impact of alien tree clearing on soil and vegetation recovery remains largely understudied. This study focused on changes in soil and vegetation properties following Acacia removal. The aim was to quantify the long‐term consequences of alien clearing. Paired cleared (old – 15 years; medium – 11 years; recent – 6 years) and uncleared sites were selected along the Palmiet catchment in Eastern Cape Province, South Africa. Various soil physico‐chemical properties (soil moisture, pH, P, N, C, K, Na, Ca, Mg and soil repellency) and vegetation diversity measures were studied on 10 m × 10 m plots. Results indicate that measured soil nutrients are significantly (P < 0.05) lower in cleared than in uncleared sites. However, comparisons among cleared sites alone indicate that soil properties are recovering with older cleared sites having higher (P < 0.05) nutrients than recent cleared sites. Soils in uncleared sites are more repellent than soil in cleared sites. Vegetation recovery in cleared sites was taking place with older cleared sites having higher native species diversity than recently cleared site. We conclude that the removal of alien plants could have caused a reduction in soil nutrients. However, as native vegetation recovers on cleared sites, soil nutrients are gradually improving.
Land‐use history exerts long‐term effects on the clear‐cut flora in boreonemoral Sweden
Authors: Jonason Dennis , Bergman Karl‐Olof , Westerberg Lars , Milberg Per
Published: May 2016

Questions

Can signs of 19th century grassland management, which can be observed in the flora immediately (2–4 yrs) after clear‐cutting in boreonemoral Sweden, still remain 4 yrs later? Do the effects from the time since clear‐cutting differ between forest and grassland plant species?

Location

Province of Östergötland, southern Sweden.

Methods

Twelve contemporary clear‐cut areas that were once meadows and 12 that were once forests were selected using land‐use maps from the 1870s. Grasses and herbaceous plants were surveyed twice, once in 2009 and once in 2013 (2–4 and 6–8 yrs after clear‐cutting, respectively). Plant presence was recorded within 100 circular sample plots (radius 1 m) placed evenly throughout each respective clear‐cut area along transects spaced 25‐m apart. The number of sample plots in which a species was present was taken as a measure of that species' frequency. Random effects meta‐analysis, odds ratios andANCOVAwere used to analyse species responses to clear‐cutting over time.

Results

A total of 170 plant species were found in the study, of which 33 were classified as grassland indicator species and 31 as plants primarily confined to forests. Clear‐cut areas with a history as meadowland had, on average, up to 64% higher total species richness and 110% more grassland indicator species than did clear‐cut areas with a history as forest. The time since clear‐cutting had no effect on total species richness. However, the odds of finding a grassland indicator species decreased with the time since clear‐cutting, whereas the odds of finding a forest species increased.

Conclusions

We concluded that land‐use history plays an important role in explaining the flora found in Swedish clear‐cuts, and that its effects on species richness remain for a minimum of 8 yrs after harvest (conservative estimate). This phenomenon highlights the importance of acknowledging land‐use legacies in ecological research and conservation. Future studies should investigate various options for the promotion of grassland plants in clear‐cuts with a history of grassland management while also acknowledging the potential conflicts between conservation and production. The results may pertain to other countries with similar land‐use histories.
Respiratory effect of beta‐blocker eye drops in asthma: population‐based study and meta‐analysis of clinical trials
Authors: Morales Daniel R. , Dreischulte Tobias , Lipworth Brian J. , Donnan Peter T. , Jackson Cathy , Guthrie Bruce
Published: May 2016

Aims

To measure the prevalence of beta‐blocker eye drop prescribing and respiratory effect of ocular beta‐blocker administration in people with asthma.

Methods

We measured the prevalence of ocular beta‐blocker prescribing in people with asthma and ocular hypertension, and performed a nested case–control study (NCCS) measuring risk of moderate exacerbations (rescue steroids in primary care) and severe exacerbations (asthma hospitalization) using linked data from the UK Clinical Practice Research Datalink. We then performed a systematic review and meta‐analysis of clinical trials evaluating changes in lung function following ocular beta‐blocker administration in people with asthma.

Results

From 2000 to 2012, the prevalence of non‐selective and selective beta‐blocker eye drop prescribing in people with asthma and ocular hypertension fell from 23.0% to 13.4% and from 10.5% to 0.9% respectively. In the NCCS, the relative incidence (IRR) of moderate exacerbations increased significantly with acute non‐selective beta‐blocker eye drop exposure (IRR 4.83, 95% CI 1.56–14.94) but not with chronic exposure. In the meta‐analysis, acute non‐selective beta‐blocker eye drop exposure caused significant mean falls in FEV1 of −10.9% (95% CI −14.9 to −6.9), and falls in FEV1 of ≥20% affecting one in three. Corresponding values for selective beta‐blockers in people sensitive to ocular non‐selective beta‐blockers was −6.3% (95% CI −11.7 to −0.8), and a non‐significant increase in falls in FEV1 of ≥20%.

Conclusion

Non‐selective beta‐blocker eye drops significantly affect lung function and increase asthma morbidity but are still frequently prescribed to people with asthma and ocular hypertension despite safer agents being available.
Pronounced between‐subject and circadian variability in thymidylate synthase and dihydropyrimidine dehydrogenase enzyme activity in human volunteers
Authors: Jacobs Bart A. W. , Deenen Maarten J. , Pluim Dick , van Hasselt J. G. Coen , Krähenbühl Martin D. , van Geel Robin M. J. M. , de Vries Niels , Rosing Hilde , Meulendijks Didier , Burylo Artur M. , Cats Annemieke , Beijnen Jos H. , Huitema Alwin D. R. , Schellens Jan H. M.
Published: May 2016

Aims

The enzymatic activity of dihydropyrimidine dehydrogenase (DPD) and thymidylate synthase (TS) are important for the tolerability and efficacy of the fluoropyrimidine drugs. In the present study, we explored between‐subject variability (BSV) and circadian rhythmicity in DPD and TS activity in human volunteers.

Methods

The BSVs in DPD activity (n = 20) in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) and in plasma, measured by means of the dihydrouracil (DHU) and uracil (U) plasma levels and DHU : U ratio (n = 40), and TS activity in PBMCs (n = 19), were examined. Samples were collected every 4 h throughout 1 day for assessment of circadian rhythmicity in DPD and TS activity in PBMCs (n = 12) and DHU : U plasma ratios (n = 23). In addition, the effects of genetic polymorphisms and gene expression on DPD and TS activity were explored.

Results

Population mean (± standard deviation) DPD activity in PBMCs and DHU : U plasma ratio were 9.2 (±2.1) nmol mg−1 h−1 and 10.6 (±2.4), respectively. Individual TS activity in PBMCs ranged from 0.024 nmol mg−1 h−1 to 0.596 nmol mg−1 h−1. Circadian rhythmicity was demonstrated for all phenotype markers. Between 00:30 h and 02:00 h, DPD activity in PBMCs peaked, while the DHU : U plasma ratio and TS activity in PBMCs showed trough activity. Peak‐to‐trough ratios for DPD and TS activity in PBMCs were 1.69 and 1.62, respectively. For the DHU : U plasma ratio, the peak‐to‐trough ratio was 1.43.

Conclusions

BSV and circadian variability in DPD and TS activity were demonstrated. Circadian rhythmicity in DPD might be tissue dependent. The results suggested an influence of circadian rhythms on phenotype‐guided fluoropyrimidine dosing and supported implications for chronotherapy with high‐dose fluoropyrimidine administration during the night.
Effects of an Antimutagenic 1,4‐Dihydropyridine AV‐153 on Expression of Nitric Oxide Synthases and DNA Repair‐related Enzymes and Genes in Kidneys of Rats with a Streptozotocin Model of Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Ošiņa Kristīne , Rostoka Evita , Isajevs Sergejs , Sokolovska Jelizaveta , Sjakste Tatjana , Sjakste Nikolajs
Published: May 2016

Development of complications of diabetes mellitus (DM), including diabetic nephropathy, is a complex multi‐stage process, dependent on many factors including the modification of nitric oxide (NO) production and an impaired DNA repair. The goal of this work was to study in vivo effects of 1,4‐dihydropyridine AV‐153, known as antimutagen and DNA binder, on the expression of several genes and proteins involved in NO metabolism and DNA repair in the kidneys of rats with a streptozotocin (STZ)‐induced model of DM. Transcription intensity was monitored by means of real‐time RT‐PCR and the expression of proteins by immunohistochemistry. Development of DM significantly induced PARP1 protein expression, while AV‐153 (0.5 mg/kg) administration decreased it. AV‐153 increased the expression of Parp1 gene in the kidneys of both intact and diabetic animals. Expression of H2afx mRNA and γH2AX histone protein, a marker of DNA breakage, was not changed in diabetic animals, but AV‐153 up‐regulated the expression of the gene without any impact on the protein expression. Development of DM was followed by a significant increase in iNOS enzyme expression, while AV‐153 down‐regulated the enzyme expression up to normal levels. iNos gene expression was also found to be increased in diabetic animals, but unlike the protein, the expression of mRNA was found to be enhanced by AV‐153 administration. Expression of both eNOS protein and eNos gene in the kidneys was down‐regulated, and the administration of AV‐153 normalized the expression level. The effects of the compound in the kidneys of diabetic animals appear to be beneficial, as a trend for the normalization of expression of NO synthases is observed.