bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Long‐term trends in economic inequality: lessons from colonial Botswana, 1921–74
Authors: Bolt Jutta , Hillbom Ellen
Published: May 2016

This article contributes to the growing literature on colonial legacies influencing long‐term development. It focuses on Botswana, a case where the post‐independence diamond‐led economy has been considered an economic success story, despite its high levels of inequality. Here it is argued that this pathway of rapid resource‐driven growth combined with increasing socio‐economic inequality had already started during the time of the colonial cattle economy, and that this older case is equally relevant for understanding long‐term growth‐inequality trends in Botswana and other natural‐resource‐dependent economies. Six social tables, covering the period 1921 to 1974, are constructed using colonial archives, government statistics, and anthropological records. Based on the social tables, income inequality is estimated in the colonial and early post‐independence eras, capturing both the formal and informal sectors of the economy. The article demonstrates how the creation of a cattle export sector in the 1930s brought new opportunities to access export incomes, and how this led to a polarization in cattle holdings and increasing income inequalities. Further, with the expansion of colonial administration, government wages forged ahead, increasing income inequality and causing a growing income divide between public and private formal employment.
Historical soil amendment with charcoal increases sequestration of non‐charcoal carbon: a comparison among methods of black carbon quantification
Authors: Kerré B. , Bravo C. T. , Leifeld J. , Cornelissen G. , Smolders E.
Published: May 2016

We have shown previously that soil with historical (> 150 years) applications of charcoal had larger recent (C4‐maize derived) carbon content than adjacent soil; however, we could not determine whether there was an effect on older, C3‐plant‐derived, soil organic carbon (SOC). Therefore, we assessed the effect of historical additions of charcoal on the sequestration of recent and older SOC with a combination of δ13C analysis and different quantification techniques for black carbon (BC): dichromate oxidation (Cr2O7), chemo‐thermal oxidation (CTO‐285) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). Topsoils cropped with maize (Zea mays) under former charcoal production sites (N = 12) were identified in the field as black spots and had a larger (3.5%, P < 0.05) percentage of organic carbon (OC) contents than adjacent soil outside these spots (2.0%). The charcoal content varied with the detection technique used as follows: CTO‐285 > DSC > Cr2O7. Black spots contained 1.6–1.7 times more (P < 0.05) maize‐derived OC content than adjacent soil, irrespective of the BC quantification technique. The content of non‐charcoal OC was 1.0–1.4 times larger in black spots than in adjacent soil, but differences were significant only for the Cr2O7 method. Soil physicochemical fractionation showed that at charcoal production sites more OC was recovered in the particulate organic matter and silt and clay fractions. The δ13C analysis suggested that additional maize‐OC in black spots was in the physically more protected silt and clay fraction. Overall, this study shows that historical charcoal amendment in soil enhances the accumulation of recent maize‐derived OC in a temperate climate without replacing the older C stocks.

Highlights

We assessed the effect of historical additions of charcoal on the sequestration of recent and older SOC.

Black spots contained 1.6–1.7 times more (P < 0.05) maize‐derived OC content than adjacent soil.

Additional maize‐OC in black spots was in the physically more protected silt and clay fraction.

Historical charcoal amendment in soil enhances the accumulation of recent maize‐derived OC.
Contribution of pulses of soil nitrogen mineralization and nitrification to soil nitrogen availability in three Mediterranean forests
Authors: Lupon A. , Sabater F. , Miñarro A. , Bernal S.
Published: May 2016

Pulses of microbial nitrogen (N) supply often occur during storms in Mediterranean regions, but their contribution to soil N availability and catchment N exports is still unknown. We investigated patterns and controls of pulses of net N mineralization (NNM) and nitrification (NN) at three forest sites (riparian, evergreen oak and beech) that coexist within a Mediterranean headwater catchment. In addition, we examined the effect of these pulses on soil N availability and stream N loads. For a year, we measuredNNM,NN, precipitation, moisture and temperature within each forest site. MeanNNMandNNrates varied widely among forest sites (NNM= 1.35, 0.62 and 0.50 µg N g soil−1day−1;NN= 1.18, 0.24 and 0.07 µg N g soil−1day−1for riparian, oak and beech, respectively). In general, pulses ofNNMandNNoccurred in spring, immediately after large rain events (> 20 mm). High soil temperatures (> 16°C) promoted microbial pulses in summer at the riparian site, but there were no pulses ofNNat the beech site. Although pulses of microbial activity were infrequent, they could account for account for 21–35% of the annual rates of the annual rates ofNNMandNN. However,NNpulses only at the riparian site led to disproportional increases in soil N availability and stream N loads. These results suggest that upland Mediterranean forests are sinks of N even after storms, whereas riparian soil can be a critical source of nitrate for the stream. Our study emphasizes the relevance of intensive monitoring in to evaluate the effect of microbial pulses on soil N biogeochemistry in Mediterranean catchments.

Highlights

We investigated the contribution of microbial pulses to soil N availability at three forest sites

Microbial pulses occurred after rewetting in spring and also in summer at the riparian site

Microbial pulses contributed > 20% of annual rates of mineralization and nitrification

Riparian soil can be a source of N for Mediterranean streams, especially after nitrification pulses
The Importance of Parents' Dyadic Coping for Children
Authors: Zemp Martina , Bodenmann Guy , Backes Sabine , Sutter‐Stickel Dorothee , Revenson Tracey A.
Published: May 2016

Stress and coping in couples have received increased research attention during the past two decades, particularly with regard to how couples cope with stress. Dyadic coping has emerged as a strong predictor of relationship satisfaction. Less research has focused on the effects of dyadic coping on other outcomes or family members. In the present study, the authors addressed this gap by examining parents' dyadic coping as a predictor of children's internalizing symptoms, externalizing symptoms, and prosocial behavior in three independent studies. In Studies 1 and 2 self‐report data were used to assess parents' dyadic coping through the parents' and the children's perspective, and Study 3 included observational data on dyadic coping. Parental dyadic coping was related to children's externalizing symptoms, internalizing symptoms, and prosocial behavior, although results for the latter two outcomes were not consistent across the three studies. The findings suggest that parents' dyadic coping deserves greater consideration within the context of child development.
Perceived Spousal Religiosity and Marital Quality Across Racial and Ethnic Groups
Authors: Perry Samuel L.
Published: May 2016

The relationship between the perceived religiosity of one's spouse and marital quality varies across racial and ethnic groups (i.e., Asians, Blacks, Hispanics, and non‐Hispanic Whites) in the United States. In this study, data were drawn from a nationally representative sample of married Americans (N = 1,162). Although perceived spousal religiosity predicted higher marital quality across all racial and ethnic groups, this effect was stronger for Asians, Blacks, and Hispanics than for Whites. Compared to Whites, the 3 racial and ethnic minority groups experienced a larger boost in frequency of expressive forms of love as perceived spousal religiosity increased. This effect was also found regarding marital satisfaction for Asians and Blacks relative to Whites, but not for Hispanics. Moreover, although racial and ethnic minorities tended to report lower marital quality than Whites at low levels of perceived spousal religiosity, their marital quality tended to be higher than Whites at high levels of perceived spousal religiosity. Three‐way interactions indicated that these trends hold regardless of gender.
Grazing and fertilization influence plant species richness via direct and indirect pathways in an alpine meadow of the eastern Tibetan Plateau
Authors: Li J. , Zhang C. , Yang Z. , Guo H. , Zhou X. , Du G.
Published: May 2016

Grazing and fertilization influence plant species richness through multiple pathways, but the exact pathways and their relative contributions are unclear. Here, we report on a 3‐year field experiment on an alpine meadow in which we manipulated grazing and fertilization simultaneously to assess their direct and indirect effects on plant species richness. Results indicated that both grazing and fertilization significantly influenced plant species richness via above‐ and belowground pathways. Specifically, the direct effect of grazing (−0·30, effect size) on species richness was negative, mainly due to selective feeding. This was comparable, in magnitude, to a positive indirect effect of grazing (0·36) on species richness, due to decreased aboveground biomass and increased belowground biomass. The direct effect of fertilization (−0·34) on species richness was negative, which was attributed to the changes of soil pH and available nitrogen; this effect was double the indirect effect (−0·16), which largely stemmed from the increased aboveground biomass rather than changes in belowground biomass. No significant interaction of grazing and fertilization on species richness was observed, but the effect of fertilization on species richness was masked by the effect of grazing in the combined treatment. It was concluded that moderate nitrogen addition (<51·0 kg N ha−1 year−1) could increase local pasture productivity while also sustaining species richness stability.
Clinical guidelines for interstitial cystitis and hypersensitive bladder updated in 2015
Authors: Homma Yukio , Ueda Tomohiro , Tomoe Hikaru , Lin Alex TL , Kuo Hann‐Chorng , Lee Ming‐Huei , Oh Seung‐June , Kim Joon Chul , Lee Kyu‐Sung
Published: May 2016

Clinical guidelines for interstitial cystitis and hypersensitive bladder have been updated as of 2015. The guidelines define interstitial cystitis by the presence of hypersensitive bladder symptoms (discomfort, pressure or pain in the bladder usually associated with urinary frequency and nocturia) and bladder pathology, after excluding other diseases explaining symptoms. Interstitial cystitis is further classified by bladder pathology; either Hunner type interstitial cystitis with Hunner lesions or non‐Hunner type interstitial cystitis with mucosal bleeding after distension in the absence of Hunner lesions. Hypersensitive bladder refers to a condition, where hypersensitive bladder symptoms are present, but bladder pathology or other explainable diseases are unproven. Interstitial cystitis and hypersensitive bladder severely affect patients' quality of life as a result of disabling symptoms and/or comorbidities. Reported prevalence suggestive of these disorders varies greatly from 0.01% to >6%. Pathophysiology would be an interaction of multiple factors including urothelial dysfunction, inflammation, neural hyperactivity, exogenous substances and extrabladder disorders. Definite diagnosis of interstitial cystitis and hypersensitive bladder requires cystoscopy with or without hydrodistension. Most of the therapeutic options lack a high level of evidence, leaving a few as recommended therapeutic options.
Polish nurses' perceived barriers in using evidence‐based practice in pain management
Authors: Mędrzycka‐Dąbrowska W. , Dąbrowski S. , Gutysz‐Wojnicka A. , Basiński A.
Published: May 2016

Aim

The aim of this work was to present current practices, perceived barriers and perceived facilitators of Polish nurses in using EBP in the assessment and management of acute pain during the postoperative period in elderly patients.

Background

Advances in the study of pain and the methods for its relief since the late 1980s have led to a rise in the role of the nurse in pain management and monitoring.

Introduction

The application of evidence‐based practice associated with acute pain is on the increase in the world at large.

Methods

Eleven hospitals participated in this study. The project involved 1300 nurses working on surgical hospital wards. In this study, case study research and qualitative content analysis were used. The study was conducted using a dedicated questionnaire.

Results

Access to journals on evidence‐based practice on the assessment and management of pain in elderly patients was assessed as less important by the respondents. Knowledge drawn from the media, scientific and medical journals was assessed by the respondents as unsatisfactory. The greatest barrier to nurses was the fact that scientific articles were published in English.

Conclusion

Nurses' awareness of evidence‐based practice increases with their education. Among the key problems are the lack of available professional publications in Polish literature, ignorance of English, shortage of time and lack of support from chief physicians of the ward.

Implications for nursing and health policy

There is a need for the introduction of innovative strategies of teaching and approaches to the problem of evidence‐based practice in approach to pain management in elder people among the Polish nurses. It is necessary to promote these issues in Polish scientific literature.
Quantitative systematic review of the effects of non‐pharmacological interventions on reducing apathy in persons with dementia
Authors: Goris Emilie Dykstra , Ansel Katherine N. , Schutte Debra L.
Published: May 2016

Aim

To review the quantitative evidence concerning the effects of non‐pharmacological interventions on reducing apathy in persons with dementia.

Background

Apathy, a prevalent behavioural symptom among persons with Alzheimer Disease, is defined as a disorder of motivation with deficits in behavioural, emotional and cognitive domains and is associated with serious social and physical obstacles. Non‐pharmacological interventions show promise as symptom control modalities among persons with dementia.

Design

Quantitative systematic review.

Data sources

CINAHL, PubMed, PSYCHinfo and Cochrane Trials databases were searched for published English language research inclusive through December 2014, with no early year limiters set.

Review methods

Comprehensive searches yielded 16 international randomized controlled trials or quasi‐experimental studies based on inclusion criteria and a rigorous quality appraisal process.

Results

A narrative summary analysis revealed that non‐pharmacological interventions for apathy varied substantially and lacked specificity, conceptual clarity and were methodologically heterogeneous. Select interventions demonstrated effectiveness, but lacked systematic long‐term follow‐up. Limitations include publication bias and lack of a meta‐analytic approach due to the methodological heterogeneity of included studies.

Conclusion

Study results demonstrate promise for the use of non‐pharmacological interventions, particularly music‐based interventions, in reducing apathy levels in individuals with dementia. Intervening to reduce apathy may have a positive clinical impact and healthcare providers should be encouraged to incorporate positive sources of interest and intellectual stimulation into care. However, future research is needed to examine the aetiologic mechanism and predictors of apathy, to improve evidence‐based interventions and specificity and to optimize dosage and timing of non‐pharmacological interventions across the disease trajectory.
Symptom trajectory and symptom burden in older people with multimorbidity, secondary outcome from the RCT AGe‐FIT study
Authors: Eckerblad Jeanette , Theander Kersti , Ekdahl Anne W. , Jaarsma Tiny
Published: May 2016

Aim

The aim of this study was to follow the symptom trajectory of community‐dwelling older people with multimorbidity and to explore the effect on symptom burden from an ambulatory geriatric care unit, based on comprehensive geriatric assessment.

Background

Older community‐dwelling people with multimorbidity suffer from a high symptom burden with a wide range of co‐occurring symptoms often resulting to decreased health‐related quality of life. There is a need to move from a single‐disease model and address the complexity of older people living with multimorbidity.

Design

Secondary outcome data from the randomized controlled Ambulatory Geriatric Assessment Frailty Intervention Trial (AGe‐FIT).

Methods

Symptom trajectory of 31 symptoms was assessed with the Memorial Symptom Assessment Scale. Data from 247 participants were assessments at baseline, 12 and 24 months, 2011–2013. Participants in the intervention group received care from an ambulatory geriatric care unit based on comprehensive geriatric assessment in addition to usual care.

Results

Symptom prevalence and symptom burden were high and stayed high over time. Pain was the symptom with the highest prevalence and burden. Over the 2‐year period 68–81% of the participants reported pain. Other highly prevalent and persistent symptoms were dry mouth, lack of energy and numbness/tingling in the hands/feet, affecting 38–59% of participants. No differences were found between the intervention and control group regarding prevalence, burden or trajectory of symptoms.

Conclusions

Older community‐dwelling people with multimorbidity had a persistent high burden of symptoms. Receiving advanced interdisciplinary care at an ambulatory geriatric unit did not significantly reduce the prevalence or the burden of symptoms.
Climate change will increase the potential conflict between skiing and high‐elevation bird species in the Alps
Authors: Brambilla Mattia , Pedrini Paolo , Rolando Antonio , Chamberlain Dan E.
Published: May 2016

Aim

To assess the extent of the possible future conflict between skiing and biodiversity driven by climate change, human adaptation and species' distribution shifts.

Location

Italian Alps.

Methods

We assessed the extent of the possible future conflict between skiing and biodiversity by predicting locations likely to be suitable for both skiing and for high‐elevation birds in the Italian Alps by modelling ski‐piste and species presence in relation to climate, topography and habitat. Potential conflict was assessed by comparing the overlap of areas projected as suitable for skiing and those suitable for four high‐elevation bird species under different scenarios of climate change for the year 2050.

Results

Areas suitable for both ski‐pistes and birds were projected to contract towards upper elevations, which for birds resulted in an average decrease of 58–67% of suitable area. The degree of overlap between species and skiing was projected to increase, especially for the most valuable sites, that is, those hosting the most species, or the most threatened species.

Main conclusions

Given the alarming range contractions forecast for high‐elevation species, and the potential impact of ski‐pistes on those species, it is essential to safeguard high‐mountain grasslands against negative effects of ski development. An effective conservation strategy at a landscape scale needs to consider prevention of ski‐piste construction in sites of high conservation value. The approach developed here provides a means by which such a strategy could be formulated, and which could be potentially applied elsewhere to investigate the effect of human adaptation on biodiversity.
Genetic polymorphism of the Nrf2 promoter region is associated with vitiligo risk in Han Chinese populations
Authors: Song Pu , Li Kai , Liu Ling , Wang Xiaowen , Jian Zhe , Zhang Weigang , Wang Gang , Li Chunying , Gao Tianwen
Published: May 2016

The nuclear factor erythroid‐derived two‐like 2‐antioxidant response element (Nrf2‐ARE) pathway and its downstream antioxidant enzyme heme oxygenase‐1 (HMOX1 or HO‐1) play essential roles in H2O2‐induced oxidative damage in human melanocytes. However, the link between Nrf2 promoter polymorphisms and susceptibility to oxidative stress‐related diseases such as vitiligo is unknown. This study evaluated the association of the Nrf2 and HO‐1 genes polymorphisms with vitiligo susceptibility. In this case–control study of 1136 Han Chinese vitiligo patients and 1200 controls, Nrf2 (rs35652124 and rs6721961) and HO‐1 (rs2071746) genes were genotyped by PCR‐restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis. Overall, a significantly decreased risk of vitiligo was found to be associated with Nrf2 rs35652124 CC and combined (CT+CC) genotypes [odds ratio (OR) 0.64, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.50–0.83 and OR, 0.84, 95% CI 0.71–0.99, respectively], as well as among subgroups: female, onset age ≤20 and never smoker. We subsequently found that Nrf2 rs35652124 C allele had higher transcriptional activity in the luciferase reporter assay compared with Nrf2 rs35652124 T allele. Furthermore, we investigated serum HO‐1 activity was associated with the rs35652124 CT+CC genotype and lower in patients than in controls (P = 0.024). Logistic regression analysis showed a dose–response relationship between lower vitiligo risk and increased HO‐1 activity in rs35652124 CT+CC genotype carriers (Ptrend < 0.05). These findings indicate that the C allele of rs35652124 located in the promoter region of Nrf2 gene is associated with protective effect on vitiligo in a Han Chinese population.
A comparison of the caring behaviours of nursing students and registered nurses: implications for nursing education
Authors: Li Yuh‐Shiow , Yu Wen‐Pin , Yang Bao‐Huan , Liu Chin‐Fang
Published: May 2016

Aims and objectives

To compare the respective views of nursing students and registered nurses on caring behaviours.

Background

Research has indicated that nursing includes not only technical skills and professional knowledge but also the expression of care. In addition to nursing care, nurses demonstrate the acts of supporting, negotiating, reinforcing and transforming. However, little research simultaneously investigates the caring behaviours of nursing students and registered nurses.

Design

A cross‐sectional study was conducted.

Methods

A total of 657 subjects participated in this study. The research tool was a self‐administered structured questionnaire. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics, one‐way analysis of variance, t‐test and chi‐square test.

Results

The results showed that the most important caring behaviour is ‘knowing the patient’, while the least is ‘advocating for the patient’, which includes caring behaviours to respect the patient's and family's best interests, and voicing for them, possibly because this behaviour is more difficult for nurses to practice in the Taiwanese culture. Moreover, there was no significant difference in the caring behaviours between nursing students and registered nurses. However, age was found to be a significant difference in the caring behaviours of nursing students and registered nurses.

Conclusion

Caring behaviour is essential in clinical practice. Based on the results, this study suggested that role models should be provided to nursing students to develop proper caring behaviours. Nursing faculty can boost nursing students’ interests in learning caring behaviours by incorporating diverse teaching strategies to enhance the effectiveness of caring behaviours.

Relevance to clinical practice

Much attention should be focused on education about awareness of caring behaviour for both nursing students and nursing staff. This study addressed that nursing administrators and faculty members should emphasise the importance of the essence of caring. Consequently, nursing curricula and training of nurses need to be concerned with implementing caring behaviour in clinical practice.
Quality of life and its influence on clinical competence among nurses: a self‐reported study
Authors: Cruz Jonas Preposi
Published: May 2016

Aim and objective

This study aimed to investigate the quality of life and its influence on self‐reported clinical competence among nurses.

Background

Over the years, various studies have focused on the competence of nurses in clinical settings, indicating the paramount importance placed on ensuring superior levels of competence among nurses. The nature of the work in this profession is both stressful and challenging, which can pose a threat to the nurses and may impact their quality of life. Low quality of life may affect the quality of services that nurses are duty bound to provide to their patients.

Methods

A convenience sample of 163 staff nurses was surveyed in this descriptive, cross‐sectional study using the RAND 36‐Item Health Survey 1·0, and the Nurse Competence Scale, with which to gather the data. Multivariate multiple regression and stepwise multiple linear regression analyses were conducted to examine the relationships among variables.

Results

A majority of the respondents were married, females, holding a bachelor's degree and with ≥7 years of clinical experience. The respondents reported the highest mean score for quality of life in the ‘role limitation due to emotional problems’ dimension, whereas ‘vitality’ dimension received the lowest. A very good competence in all the categories measured for clinical competence was also reported. ‘Managing situation’ received the highest score among the dimensions of clinical competence, whereas ‘ensuring quality’ received the lowest. Number of years of clinical experience, educational level, marital status, ‘role limitation due to emotional problems’, ‘emotional well‐being’, ‘social functioning’ and ‘physical functioning’ were identified as key factors that were likely to influence clinical competence.

Conclusions

Improved quality of life may possibly affect the level of competence of staff nurses.

Relevance to clinical practice

Ensuring good quality of life among nurses is underscored. Efforts to enhance quality of life of nurses should be initiated to ensure high quality of care. Resultant findings should be taken into account by nurse managers when planning programmes and activities for improvement of competence among nurses.
INNOVATION POLICY: RATIONALES, LESSONS AND CHALLENGES
Authors: Fagerberg Jan
Published: May 2016

Innovation policy has emerged as a new field of economic policy during the last few decades. This paper explores the rationales for national innovation policies, as laid out in the existing literature on the subject, and considers what the lessons and challenges for theory and practice in this area are. Innovation policy attempts to influence innovation activity, often with the purpose of increasing economic growth. But it can also have more specific aims such as preventing unwarranted climate change, improving national health, and so on. The increasing attention given to innovation policy at the national level from the 1990s onwards went hand in hand with the development of a new, systemic understanding of innovation, which in a better way than before accounted for the ‘stylised facts’ of innovation activity as identified by empirical work. The system approach, as the paper shows, came to have a significant influence on the subsequent policy discourse. Drawing on recent advances in innovation‐systems theory, a synthetic framework for the analysis of innovation policy is developed and used to highlight issues of particular relevance for the conduct of innovation policy and future scholarly work in this area.
Subjective food intake ability related to oral health‐related quality of life and psychological health
Authors: Choi S.‐H. , Kim J.‐S. , Cha J.‐Y. , Lee K.‐J. , Yu H.‐S. , Hwang C.‐J.
Published: May 2016

Reduced food intake ability can restrict an individual's choice of foods and might have a significant impact on the individual's quality of life and mental health. The aim of this study was to evaluate the correlations between self‐reported masticatory ability and oral health‐related quality of life (OHRQOL) and psychological health. The study included 72 (26 men, 46 women) adults with a mean age of 26·4 ± 8·6 years. Each participant completed the key subjective food intake ability (KFIA) test for five key foods, the Korean version of the Oral Health Impact Profile‐14 (OHIP‐14K) and three questionnaires for measuring anxiety, depression and self‐esteem. The participants were distributed into two groups by sex (a mean age of 23·9 ± 5·2 for men and 27·9 ± 9·8 for women) and by the median KFIA score. There were no significant differences in any of the variables according to sex. Thirty‐two participants (12 men, 20 women) in the lower KFIA group had a higher total OHIP‐14K (P < 0·001) and depression level (P < 0·05) than the 40 participants (14 men, 26 women) in the higher KFIA group. As the KFIA decreased, OHRQOL worsened (P < 0·001) and depression increased (P < 0·05). Participants with lower KFIA scores were more than 4·3 times as likely as to have a poor OHRQOL than the reference group (odds ratio, 4·348; 95% confidence interval, 1·554–12·170, P < 0·01). Lower subjective food intake ability is associated with a poor oral health‐related quality of life and higher depression level.
Species diversity of the genus Osmundea (Ceramiales, Rhodophyta) in the Macaronesian region
Authors: Machín‐Sánchez María , Rousseau Florence , Le Gall Line , Cassano Valéria , Neto Ana I. , Sentíes Abel , T. Fujii Mutue , Gil‐Rodríguez María Candelaria
Published: May 2016

Species diversity within the genus Osmundea in the Macaronesian region was explored by conducting a comprehensive sampling in the Azores, the Canary, and the Madeira archipelagos. Toward identification, all specimens were first observed alive to verify the absence of corps en cerise, a diagnostic character for the genus and morphometric data were measured (thallus length and width, first‐order branches length and width, branchlets length and width, cortical cell length and width in surface view, cortical cell length and width in transverse section). Specimens were sequenced for COI‐5P (39 specimens) and three species delimitation methods (Generalized Mixed Yule Coalescent, Automatic Barcode Gap Discovery method, and Poisson Tree Processes) were used to assess the threshold between infra‐ and interspecific relationships. Subsequently, one or several sequences of plastid‐encoded large subunit of RuBisCO (21 specimens) per delimited species were generated to assess the phylogenetic relationships among Macaronesian Osmundea. Moreover, for each delineated species, vegetative and reproductive anatomy was thoroughly documented and, when possible, specimens were either assigned to existing taxa or described as novel species. This integrative approach has provided data for (i) the presence of O. oederi, O. pinnatifida, and O. truncata in Macaronesia; (ii) the proposal of two novel species, O. prudhommevanreinei sp. nov. and O. silvae sp. nov.; and (iii) evidence of an additional species referred as “Osmundea sp.1,” which is a sister taxon of O. hybrida.
Safe sleep for pediatric inpatients
Authors: Geyer Janet E. , Smith Penny K. , Kair Laura R.
Published: May 2016

Purpose

To improve sleep environment safety for inpatient infants.

Design and Methods

This quality improvement project involved assessment of sleep environment safety for inpatient infants before and after a bundled intervention of staff education and introduction of swaddle sacks and bedside storage bins.

Results

The proportion of infant cribs without loose objects in them increased (32–72%, p = .025), and safe sleep positioning remained stable (82% vs. 95%, p = .183).

Practice Implications

Staff education, swaddle sleep sacks, and bedside storage containers were associated with improved sleep safety among pediatric inpatients at our institution and may help at other institutions.
How plot shape and spatial arrangement affect plant species richness counts: implications for sampling design and rarefaction analyses
Authors: Güler Behlül , Jentsch Anke , Apostolova Iva , Bartha Sándor , Bloor Juliette M.G. , Campetella Giandiego , Canullo Roberto , Házi Judit , Kreyling Jürgen , Pottier Julien , Szabó Gábor , Terziyska Tsvetelina , Uğurlu Emin , Wellstein Camilla , Zimmermann Zita , Dengler Jürgen
Published: May 2016

Questions

How does the spatial configuration of sampling units influence recorded plant species richness values at small spatial scales? What are the consequences of these findings for sampling methodology and rarefaction analyses?

Location

Six semi‐natural grasslands in Western Eurasia (France, Germany, Bulgaria, Hungary, Italy, Turkey).

Methods

In each site we established six blocks of 40 cm × 280 cm, subdivided into 5 cm × 5 cm micro‐quadrats, on which we recorded vascular plant species presence with the rooted (all sites) and shoot (four sites) presence method. Data of these micro‐quadrats were then combined to achieve larger sampling units of 0.01, 0.04 and 0.16 m² grain size with six different spatial configurations (square, 4:1 rectangle, 16:1 rectangle, three variants of discontiguous randomly placed micro‐quadrats). The effect of the spatial configurations on species richness was quantified as relative richness compared to the mean richness of the square of the same surface area.

Results

Square sampling units had significantly lower species richness than other spatial configurations in all countries. For 4:1 and 16:1 rectangles, the increase of rooted richness was on average about 2% and 8%, respectively. In contrast, the average richness increase for discontiguous configurations was 7%, 17% and 40%. In general, increases were higher with shoot presence than with rooted presence. Overall, the patterns of richness increase were highly consistent across six countries, three grain sizes and two recording methods.

Conclusions

Our findings suggest that the shape of sampling units has negligible effects on species richness values when the length–width ratio is up to 4:1, and the effects remain small even for more elongated contiguous configurations. In contrast, results from discontiguous sampling units are not directly comparable with those of contiguous sampling units, and are strongly confounded by spatial extent. This is particularly problematic for rarefaction studies where spatial extent is often not controlled for. We suggest that the concept of effective area is a useful tool to report effects of spatial configuration on richness values, and introduce species–extent relationships (SERs) to describe richness increases of different spatial configurations of sampling units.
Searching for calcium‐aluminum‐rich inclusions in cometary particles with Rosetta/COSIMA
Authors: Paquette John A. , Engrand Cecile , Stenzel Oliver , Hilchenbach Martin , Kissel Jochen ,   the COSIMA Team
Published: May 2016

The calcium‐aluminum‐rich inclusions (CAIs) found in chondritic meteorites are probably the oldest solar system solids, dating back to 4567.30 ± 0.16 million years ago. They are thought to have formed in the protosolar nebula within a few astronomical units of the Sun, and at a temperature of around 1300 K. The Stardust mission found evidence of CAI‐like material in samples recovered from comet Wild 2. The appearance of CAIs in comets, which are thought to be formed at lower temperatures and larger distances from the Sun, is only explicable if some mechanism allows the efficient transfer of such objects from the inner solar nebula to the outer solar nebula. Such mechanisms have been proposed such as an X‐wind or turbulence. In this work, particles collected from within the coma of comet 67P/Churyumov–Gerasimenko are examined for compositional evidence of the presence of CAIs. COSIMA (the Cometary Secondary Ion Mass Analyzer) uses secondary ion mass spectrometry to analyze the composition of cometary dust captured on metal targets. While CAIs can have a radius of centimeters, they are more typically a few hundred microns in size, and can be smaller than 1 μm, so it is conceivable that particles visible on COSIMA targets (ranging in size from about 10 μm to hundreds of microns) could contain CAIs. Using a peak fitting technique, the composition of a set of 13 particles was studied, looking for material rich in both calcium and aluminum. One such particle was found.
A practical guide to the oral microbiome and its relation to health and disease
Authors: Krishnan K , Chen T , Paster BJ
Published: May 2016

The oral microbiome is incredibly complex with the average adult harboring about 50–100 billion bacteria in the oral cavity, which represent about 200 predominant bacterial species. Collectively, there are approximately 700 predominant taxa of which less than one‐third still have not yet been grown in vitro. Compared to other body sites, the oral microbiome is unique and readily accessible. There is extensive literature available describing the oral microbiome and discussing the roles that bacteria may play in oral health and disease. However, the purpose of this review is not to rehash these detailed studies but rather to educate the reader with understanding the essence of the oral microbiome, namely that there are abundant bacteria in numbers and types, that there are molecular methods to rapidly determine bacterial associations, that there is site specificity for colonization of the host, that there are specific associations with oral health and disease, that oral bacteria may serve as biomarkers for non‐oral diseases, and that oral microbial profiles may have potential use to assess disease risk.
The impact of social constraints on adjustment following a romantic breakup
Authors: HARVEY ABBY B. , KARPINSKI ANDREW
Published: May 2016

Following a romantic breakup, people often seek opportunities to talk with close others. Although talking with others may prove helpful for some, the social‐cognitive processing (SCP) model posits that interpersonal interactions can hinder adjustment if disclosers perceive social constraints. The current research marked the first time the SCP model was explored with regard to the dissolution of romantic relationships (N = 217). Consistent with the SCP model, social constraints were associated with greater psychological distress, and avoidance of dissolution‐related thoughts and discussion partially mediated the relation between social constraints and psychological distress as levels of social support decreased. Social support may provide a buffer against engaging in avoidance behaviors in response to feeling socially constrained.
Metabolomic strategies for aquaculture research: a primer
Authors: Young Tim , Alfaro Andrea C.
Published: May 2016

Metabolomics is a fast‐evolving field that provides qualitative and quantitative analyses of metabolites within cells, tissues or biofluids. Recent applications of metabolomics approaches in aquaculture research have highlighted the huge potential for solving problems within all aspects of the production line, from hatchery production to post‐harvest quality control. To assist with the growing application of metabolomics in aquaculture research, this contribution provides a review of techniques and steps necessary to conduct metabolomics research, from experimental design to data interpretation. Specifically, we target scientists who are new to the field of metabolomics, and we offer simple, but comprehensive steps and strategies to conduct this type of research. We conclude this primer with some advice on how to access relevant expertise and facilities for metabolomics‐based aquaculture research.
Showcasing metabolomic applications in aquaculture: a review
Authors: Alfaro Andrea C. , Young Tim
Published: May 2016

Aquaculture production is currently challenged to meet the growing demands for seafood protein throughout the world. To achieve this growth in an efficient, safe and sustainable manner, novel tools and applications will need to be incorporated at each step of the production line. A variety of ‘omics’ (e.g. transcriptomics, proteomics, metabolomics) applications have already begun to emerge in aquaculture research with extreme success. A promising new ‘omics’ approach is metabolomics, which aims to use metabolite profiles to identify biomarkers indicative of physiological responses of living samples (e.g. whole organism, tissues, cells) to environmental or culture conditions. One of the benefits of this approach is that it uses a broad scan of biological conditions to identify often unexpected problem or risk areas upon which to focus management attention. In this contribution, we have selected relevant research examples to showcase the applications of metabolomics in aquaculture in four major areas: hatchery production, nutrition and diet, disease and immunology, and post‐harvest quality control. The novelty of this approach is highlighted by the fact that we cite the majority of published papers in this field, and they are all recent (within the last decade) contributions.
Plant recruitment from the soil seed bank depends on topsoil stockpile age, height, and storage history in an arid environment
Authors: Golos Peter J. , Dixon Kingsley W. , Erickson Todd E.
Published: May 2016

The topsoil native seed bank is a valuable resource in post‐mining rehabilitation capable of providing a cost‐effective means for restoring plant diversity. However, the value of the native soil seed bank is affected by topsoil management practices especially long‐term stockpiling. Salvaged topsoil is usually stockpiled until mining operations are completed and landforming has been performed. This study compared the germinable soil seed bank of freshly harvested topsoil against the effects of stockpile age (stored for 1 and 3 years) and depth (top and bottom 50 cm of 2‐m‐high stockpiles). Total native seedling emergence was greater from the 1‐year‐old stockpile but was dominated by annuals including species commonly found on disturbed sites. Seedling emergence of perennial species was more than 4‐fold greater in fresh topsoil than in the 1‐year‐old stockpiles, and 2‐fold greater than the bottom 50 cm of 3‐year‐old stockpiles, with no difference in the top 50 cm of the 3‐year‐old stockpiles. Although there was no difference in total emergence between the top and bottom of stockpiled topsoil, there was greater emergence of the ecologically important Triodia grass genus from the top than bottom of 3‐year‐old stockpiles. Species composition of the seed bank in the 1‐year‐old stockpile was different to fresh topsoil and the 3‐year‐old stockpile possibly reflecting differences in species composition of vegetation present when topsoil was initially salvaged for stockpiling, confounding comparisons between years. This study demonstrates the importance of conducting soil seed bank analysis of stockpiled topsoil to be used in restoration programs.
Statins for the prevention and treatment of acute lung injury and acute respiratory distress syndrome: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Xiong Bo , Wang Chunbin , Tan Jie , Cao Yin , Zou Yanke , Yao Yuanqing , Qian Jun , Rong Shunkang , Huang Yuwen , Huang Jing
Published: May 2016

The purpose of this meta‐analysis was to assess whether statins could reduce the morbidity of acute lung injury and acute respiratory distress syndrome (ALI/ARDS) in high‐risk patients and improve the clinical outcomes of patients with ALI/ARDS. Studies were obtained from PubMed, Medline, Embase and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and cohort studies, which reported morbidity, mortality, ventilator‐free days, length of stay in intensive care unit and hospital or oxygenation index, were included in our meta‐analysis. Risk ratio (RR) and weighted mean difference (WMD) were calculated using fixed or random effect model. A total of 13 studies covering 12 145 patients were included. Both the only RCT (P = 0.10) and cohort studies (RR, 1.02; 95% CI, 0.67 to 1.55; P = 0.94) showed that statin therapy did not lower the morbidity of ALI/ARDS in high‐risk patients. The mortality of ALI/ARDS patients was less likely to be improved by statins (RCT, RR, 1.00; 95% CI, 0.84 to 1.20; P = 0.97; cohort studies, RR, 1.04; 95% CI, 0.85 to 1.27; P = 0.72). Moreover, no significant difference was observed in ventilator‐free days, length of stay in intensive care unit as well as hospital and oxygenation index. This meta‐analysis suggests that statins neither provide benefit for lowering the morbidity of ALI/ARDS in high‐risk patients nor improve the clinical outcomes of ALI/ARDS patients. Hence, it may not be appropriate to advocate statin use for the prevention and treatment of ALI/ARDS.
Autogenic avulsion, channelization and backfilling dynamics of debris‐flow fans
Authors: de Haas Tjalling , van den Berg Wilco , Braat Lisanne , Kleinhans Maarten G.
Published: May 2016

Alluvial fans develop their semi‐conical shape by quasi‐cyclic avulsions of their geomorphologically active sector from a fixed fan apex. On debris‐flow fans, these quasi‐cyclic avulsions are poorly understood, partly because physical scale experiments on the formation of fans have been limited largely to turbidite and fluvial fans and deltas. In this study, debris‐flow fans were experimentally created under constant extrinsic forcing, and autogenic sequences of backfilling, avulsion and channelization were observed. Backfilling, avulsion and channelization were gradual processes that required multiple successive debris‐flow events. Debris flows avulsed along preferential flow paths given by the balance between steepest descent and flow inertia. In the channelization phase, debris flows became progressively longer and narrower because momentum increasingly focused on the flow front as flow narrowed, resulting in longer run‐out and deeper channels. Backfilling commenced when debris flows reached their maximum possible length and channel depth, as defined by channel slope and debris‐flow volume and composition, after which they progressively shortened and widened until the entire channel was filled and avulsion was initiated. The terminus of deposition moved upstream because the frontal lobe deposits of previous debris flows created a low‐gradient zone forcing deposition. Consequently, the next debris flow was shorter which led to more in‐channel sedimentation, causing more overbank flow in the next debris flow and resulting in reduced momentum to the flow front and shorter runout. This topographic feedback is similar to the interaction between flow and mouth bars forcing backfilling and transitions from channelized to sheet flow in turbidite and fluvial fans and deltas. Debris‐flow avulsion cycles are governed by the same large‐scale topographic compensation that drives avulsion cycles on fluvial and turbidite fans, although the detailed processes are unique to debris‐flow fans. This novel result provides a basis for modelling of debris‐flow fans with applications in hazards and stratigraphy.