bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Structure, composition and functional properties of storage proteins extracted from bambara groundnut (Vigna subterranea) landraces
Authors: Arise Abimbola K. , Nwachukwu Ifeanyi D. , Aluko Rotimi E. , Amonsou Eric O.
Published: February 2017

Bambara groundnut is a protein‐rich traditional legume. In this study, storage proteins were isolated from three bambara landraces. Bambara protein revealed four major protein bands: one broad band at 55 kDa, two medium bands at 62 kDa and 80 kDa and a high molecular weight (HMW) protein at 141 kDa. The vicilin (7S) subunits with molecular weight of 55 kDa and 62 kDa were major fractions in bambara storage proteins. Bambara proteins showed two endothermic peaks ranging from 64 to 69 °C and 76 to 90 °C, respectively. Bambara protein isolates had well‐defined tertiary and secondary structures, respectively, at pH 3.0, and this well‐defined structure decreased slightly at higher pH values. The isolates revealed a strong secondary structure dominated by α‐helical conformation. Foaming capacities of bambara proteins were dependent on pH with maximum percentage FC observed at pH 3.0, while the emulsion activity increased with increasing pH for all the isolates. Vicilin (7S) fraction seems to be the major storage protein fraction of bambara. Bambara proteins could serve as excellent ingredients for the formulation of food foams and emulsions.
Validation of analytical method for α‐dicarbonyl compounds using gas chromatography–nitrogen phosphorous detector and their levels in alcoholic beverages
Authors: Jeong Jun‐Hyun , Cha Jiyoon , Lee Kwang‐Geun
Published: February 2017

This study aimed to establish an analytical method for α‐dicarbonyl compounds (α‐DCs) including glyoxal, methylglyoxal and diacetyl, to determine the content of α‐DCs in 101 various alcoholic beverages using gas chromatography–nitrogen phosphorous detector (GC‐NPD) and to perform exposure assessment. The limit of detection and limit of quantification for α‐DCs were 0.05–0.22 and 0.15–0.70 μg g−1, respectively. The accuracy and precision were validated in five matrices. The raspberry fruit wine had the highest value at 139.74 μg g−1 total α‐DCs. The lowest α‐DC concentration among the beverages was detected in rice wine (Makgeolli) at 1.59 μg g−1. The levels of α‐DCs in various samples were detected as follows: 1.59–56.68 μg g−1 in rice wine (Makgeolli), 2.73–16.77 μg g−1 in beer, 8.22–139.74 μg g−1 in fruit wine and 8.17–91.56 μg g−1 in rice wine (Cheongju). The estimated daily intake of α‐DCs in the intake‐only group and population group was calculated as 4.22–97.94 μg kg−1 bw day−1 and 0.28–7.13 μg kg−1 bw day−1, respectively.
The importance of medical and nursing care of the open prostatectomy‐related vesico‐cutaneous fistula
Authors: Topbaş Eylem , Sökmen Doğukan , Sökmen Bedriye Koyuncu , Eyyüpoğlu Seyit Erkan
Published: February 2017

Obstruction of the Foley catheter following open prostatectomy occurs frequently and can lead to the development of vesiculo‐cutaneous fistula unless recognized and managed effectively. Vesico‐cutaneous fistula reduces the patient's quality of life and increases overall health care costs. In this case report, we explore how ineffective medical and nursing care could lead to the development of vesico‐cutaneous fistula and outline what good medical and nursing care should consist of in order to prevent this condition. As far as we know, there is no case report of open prostatectomy‐related vesico‐cutaneous fistula in the literature to date.
Correlates of treatment satisfaction and well‐being among patients with type II diabetes
Authors: Abu Sheikh B. , Arabiat D.H. , Holmes S.L. , Khader Y. , Hiyasat D. , Collyer D. , Abu‐Shiekh S.
Published: February 2017

Aim

To examine the impact of patient characteristics, anthropometric measurement and patient clinical variables on their appraisal of treatment satisfaction and well‐being.

Background

Treatment satisfaction and well‐being are instrumental in achieving diabetes care goals. Nursing practices and healthcare policies may inform interventions in these areas.

Introduction

The prevalence of diabetes is high in the Middle East. An understanding of relationships between clinical and socio‐demographic variables and well‐being and treatment satisfaction is needed to improve care and patient outcomes.

Methods

A total of 1002 patients completed tools measuring well‐being, treatment satisfaction and socio‐demographic characteristics. A series of bivariate and multivariate analysis were conducted to identify factors associated with well‐being and treatment satisfaction.

Results

Males reported better treatment satisfaction and well‐being than females. Older participants, those who were compliant to diet, with controlled diabetes, and no neuropathy reported higher treatment satisfaction scores and well‐being scores. Insulin therapy was associated with better treatment satisfaction.

Discussion

Females, participants who were not prescribed diabetic diets and those with complications were more likely to be negatively impacted by diabetes. Individuals with diabetes who were treated with insulin had higher treatment satisfaction than those who used oral hypoglycaemic agents.

Conclusion and implication for nursing and health policy

These findings are important in assisting nurses and other healthcare professionals in identifying patients with diabetes with low treatment satisfaction who may present a greater risk for poor well‐being. Additionally, they lend support to developing policies for frequent screenings and special therapeutic interventions that are needed to maximize patients’ treatment satisfaction and well‐being in the Middle East and elsewhere.
Global variation in the beta diversity of lake macrophytes is driven by environmental heterogeneity rather than latitude
Authors: Alahuhta Janne , Kosten Sarian , Akasaka Munemitsu , Auderset Dominique , Azzella Mattia M. , Bolpagni Rossano , Bove Claudia P. , Chambers Patricia A. , Chappuis Eglantine , Clayton John , de Winton Mary , Ecke Frauke , Gacia Esperança , Gecheva Gana , Grillas Patrick , Hauxwell Jennifer , Hellsten Seppo , Hjort Jan , Hoyer Mark V. , Ilg Christiane , Kolada Agnieszka , Kuoppala Minna , Lauridsen Torben , Li En Hua , Lukács Balázs A. , Mjelde Marit , Mikulyuk Alison , Mormul Roger P. , Nishihiro Jun , Oertli Beat , Rhazi Laila , Rhazi Mouhssine , Sass Laura , Schranz Christine , Søndergaard Martin , Yamanouchi Takashi , Yu Qing , Wang Haijun , Willby Nigel , Zhang Xiao Ke , Heino Jani
Published: February 2017

Aim

We studied global variation in beta diversity patterns of lake macrophytes using regional data from across the world. Specifically, we examined (1) how beta diversity of aquatic macrophytes is partitioned between species turnover and nestedness within each study region, and (2) which environmental characteristics structure variation in these beta diversity components.

Location

Global.

Methods

We used presence–absence data for aquatic macrophytes from 21 regions distributed around the world. We calculated pairwise‐site and multiple‐site beta diversity among lakes within each region using Sørensen dissimilarity index and partitioned it into turnover and nestedness coefficients. Beta regression was used to correlate the diversity coefficients with regional environmental characteristics.

Results

Aquatic macrophytes showed different levels of beta diversity within each of the 21 study regions, with species turnover typically accounting for the majority of beta diversity, especially in high‐diversity regions. However, nestedness contributed 30–50% of total variation in macrophyte beta diversity in low‐diversity regions. The most important environmental factor explaining the three beta diversity coefficients (total, species turnover and nestedness) was elevation range, followed by relative areal extent of freshwater, latitude and water alkalinity range.

Main conclusions

Our findings show that global patterns in beta diversity of lake macrophytes are caused by species turnover rather than by nestedness. These patterns in beta diversity were driven by natural environmental heterogeneity, notably variability in elevation range (also related to temperature variation) among regions. In addition, a greater range in alkalinity within a region, likely amplified by human activities, was also correlated with increased macrophyte beta diversity. These findings suggest that efforts to conserve aquatic macrophyte diversity should primarily focus on regions with large numbers of lakes that exhibit broad environmental gradients.
Community variation of spiders, beetles and isopods in three small island groups of the Aegean Sea: the interplay between history and ecology
Authors: Pitta Eva , Kassara Christina , Trichas Apostolos , Sfenthourakis Spyros , Chatzaki Maria
Published: February 2017

Aim

To study the variation in the species turnover and nestedness components of compositional dissimilarity in a multi‐taxa and multi‐island‐group system. In addition, to examine the influence of several biogeographical drivers on compositional dissimilarity and discuss the findings in the light of the ecological characteristics of taxa and the palaeogeographical histories of island groups.

Location

A small‐scale system of island groups within the Aegean Sea, namely the Astypalaia, Kalymnos and Nisyros groups, with different palaeogeographical histories.

Methods

We examined community variation of predatory ground spiders, omnivorous ground beetles and detritivorous terrestrial isopods. Compositional dissimilarity was decomposed for each group, by disentangling all compositional differences (βtotal) into two components, species turnover (βjtu) and nestedness (βjne). Partial Mantel tests were used to test the effects of island area, island elevation and inter‐island distances on βjtu and βjne.

Results

Compositional dissimilarity levels of all arthropod communities varied among island groups and were primarily dominated by the species turnover component of compositional dissimilarity. Species turnover of spider communities was lower within the old and isolated Astypalaia group compared to the younger and less distant from mainland Kalymnos and Nisyros groups. Elevation differences between islands did not affect compositional dissimilarity. In contrast, area and inter‐island distances significantly affected compositional dissimilarity between islands, albeit only in island groups of continental origin and only in some of the examined arthropod groups.

Main conclusions

Despite their geographical proximity, the three island groups show differences in compositional dissimilarity patterns which are more pronounced in the predatory arthropod communities. Using multiple taxa and clearly defined palaeogeographical and topographical elements, i.e. island groups, we show that the ecological characteristics of organisms and idiosyncrasies in geography and palaeogeography can be reflected in compositional dissimilarity patterns at small geographical scales.
Patterns of parental care in Neotropical glassfrogs: fieldwork alters hypotheses of sex‐role evolution
Authors: Delia J. , Bravo‐Valencia L. , Warkentin K. M.
Published: February 2017

Many animals provide parental care to offspring. Parental sex‐roles vary extensively across taxa, and such patterns are considered well documented. However, information on amphibians is lacking relative to other vertebrate groups. We combine natural history observations with functional and historical analyses to examine the evolution of egg care in glassfrogs (Centrolenidae). Parental care was considered rare and predominately provided by males. Our field observations of 40 species revealed that care occurs throughout the family, and the caregiving sex changes across lineages. We discovered that a brief period of maternal care is widespread and occurs in species previously thought to lack care. Using a combination of female‐removal experiments, prey‐choice tests with egg‐eating katydids, and parental disturbance‐tolerance assays, we confirm the adaptive benefits of short‐term maternal care in wild Cochranella granulosa and Teratohyla pulverata. To examine historical transitions between caregiving sexes, we assembled a molecular phylogeny and estimated ancestral care states using our data and the literature. We assessed patterns indicative of sex‐specific constraints by testing whether transitions between the sexes are associated with changes in care levels. Our analyses support that male‐only care evolved 2–3 times from female‐only care, and this change is associated with substantial increases in care levels – a pattern supporting the hypothesis that male‐only care evolved via constraints on maternal expenditure. Many groups of amphibians remain poorly studied, with emerging evidence indicating that care patterns are more diverse than currently appreciated. Natural history remains fundamental to uncovering this diversity and generating testable hypotheses of sex‐role evolution.
Toxicity of insecticides to Chrysodeixis includens and their direct and indirect effects on the predator Blaptostethus pallescens
Authors: Ramos R. S. , Sediyama C. S. , Queiroz E. A. , Costa T. L. , Martins J. C. , Araújo T. A. , Picanço M. C.
Published: February 2017

The soybean looper Chrysodeixis includens (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) is a pest of the soya bean, and increasing populations have been observed on several crops in Brazil. Control of this pest is accomplished using insecticides, particularly with new products recently launched in the market. The effectiveness of these insecticides against C. includens and their impact on natural enemies need further study. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the toxicity of nine insecticides for C. includens and their effects on the Blaptostethus pallescens. Toxicity was increased via the addition of an insecticide synergist, and behavioural changes in Blaptostethus pallescens, an anthocorid predator of C. includens, were assessed. Except for acephate, all other insecticides showed high toxicity to C. includens (mortality >80%). The estimated lethal time (LT50) for C. includens was shorter for methomyl, cartap and spinosad than others six insecticides tested in this work. Chlorantraniliprole, chlorfenapyr, deltamethrin, flubendiamide, indoxacarb and spinosad showed selectivity for the predator B. pallescens and exhibited a lower toxicity to the predator than to C. includens. The detoxifying enzymes monooxygenase and glutathione S‐transferase may be involved in the selectivity mechanisms of these insecticides for the predator based on the results obtained with the synergized insecticides. Only the insecticides cartap, indoxacarb and spinosad changed the behaviour of the predator B. pallescens. These three insecticides are repellent, and the predator avoids them. However, the predator tended to remain on the surface treated with flubendiamide longer. Our results suggest that the insecticides chlorfenapyr, chlorantraniliprole, flubendiamide, spinosad and indoxacarb are the most promising compounds for use against C. includens. These compounds also preserve populations of B. pallescens and allow more sustainable integrated pest management programmes.
Effect of fruit volatiles and light intensity on the reproduction of Bactrocera (Dacus) oleae
Authors: Kokkari A. I. , Pliakou O. D. , Floros G. D. , Kouloussis N. A. , Koveos D. S.
Published: February 2017

The olive fly, Bactrocera oleae (Rossi), is the main pest of olive, a host tree that thrives under conditions of high and direct sun exposure. Although the effect of the olive fruit on the reproduction of the fly has been studied to some extent, there is little knowledge on the effect of light. In the present work, we studied the effect of the presence of olive fruit and light intensity on mating and subsequent egg production of olive flies at 25°C and a photoperiod regime of L : D 16 : 8. The results showed that contact of the adults with the fruit, or exposure to fruit odours, favoured both the extent and the duration of mating. This effect was higher at low than at high light intensity. However, egg production following female access to olive fruit was more favoured by high light intensity. Our results also showed that fruit contact and/or volatile fruit stimuli significantly affect mating and egg production of the olive fly, and that this influence is modulated by light conditions. The results contribute to a better understanding of the reproductive behaviour and population dynamics of the olive fly. On a more practical scale, the results provide important insights into how to improve mass rearing of the fly.
Sawfishes stealth revealed using computational fluid dynamics
Authors: Bradney D. R. , Davidson A. , Evans S. P. , Wueringer B. E. , Morgan D. L. , Clausen P. D.
Published: February 2017

Detailed computational fluid dynamics simulations for the rostrum of three species of sawfish (Pristidae) revealed that negligible turbulent flow is generated from all rostra during lateral swipe prey manipulation and swimming. These results suggest that sawfishes are effective stealth hunters that may not be detected by their teleost prey's lateral line sensory system during pursuits. Moreover, during lateral swipes, the rostra were found to induce little velocity into the surrounding fluid. Consistent with previous data of sawfish feeding behaviour, these data indicate that the rostrum is therefore unlikely to be used to stir up the bottom to uncover benthic prey. Whilst swimming with the rostrum inclined at a small angle to the horizontal, the coefficient of drag of the rostrum is relatively low and the coefficient of lift is zero.
Active packaging systems with emphasis on its applications in dairy products
Authors: Haghighi‐Manesh Soroush , Azizi Mohammad Hossein
Published: February 2017

Nowadays, consumers are more concerned about food safety and quality. The higher demand for healthy, safe, and fresh‐like products, as well as changes in consumer preferences, promotes the development of innovative approaches in technologies to preserve food. On the other hand, the shelf life of most food products depends upon the biological, chemical, and physical interactions between the food, package, and the ambient environment. Therefore, the purpose of modern food quality preservation and assurance with packaging technologies is to enhance food safety and quality as natural a way as possible. In this regard, active packaging is an innovative concept that can be defined as a mode of packaging in which the package, the product, and the environment interact to prolong shelf life or enhance safety or sensory properties, while maintaining the quality of the product.

Practical applications

The implementation of active packaging is a concept in the field of food packaging which has been developed to prolong a product's shelf‐life and science dairy products are very perishable among most other food products, application of active systems can enhance their food quality and safety properly.
Liver transplantation for patients with alcoholic hepatitis
Authors: Artru Florent , Louvet Alexandre , Mathurin Philippe
Published: February 2017

Alcoholic liver disease, considered as a self‐inflected disease, is an example of how moral judgment may affect ethical exercise of medicine which requires equity and fair utilization of a scarce resource in a context of organ shortage. Some consider that selection process should prioritize access to liver transplantation (LT) for patients who develop liver failure “through no fault of their own” even if limiting care because of a patient's perceived responsibility has been considered unethical. The absence of improvement after alcohol withdrawal, the high short‐term mortality risk and the poor predictability of the 6‐month rule in post‐LT relapse in alcohol consumption in AH patients not responding to medical therapy led to recommend an evaluation of LT. In the French‐Belgian pilot study, 26 patients with severe AH not responding to medical therapy underwent early LT (eLT). Stringent selection criteria were applied. Six‐month and 2‐year survivals of eLT patients were better than that of non‐transplanted matched controls: 77% vs 23% and 71% vs 23% respectively. Alcohol relapse occurred in 12% of patients after eLT. Three studies confirmed these results. The impact organ donation should be limited as showed by a recent survey and the efforts that should be made in public information campaigns based on scientific data and medical ethics. In conclusion, the ongoing accumulation of scientific evidence and requirement of ethical exercise of medicine lead to continue evaluating eLT as a therapeutic option in patients with severe AH not responding to medical therapy.
Liver transplantation for severe alcoholic hepatitis– The PRO view
Authors: Lucey Michael R.
Published: February 2017

Although liver transplantation has become accepted as a life‐saving treatment of last resort for most life‐threatening liver disorders, the use of liver transplantation to rescue patients with severe alcoholic hepatitis unresponsive to medical therapy remains controversial. I propose the concepts that alcohol use disorder is an illness, that on occasion results in alcoholic liver disease and that treatment of alcoholic liver disease, including treatment of patients with severe alcoholic hepatitis, combines treatment of the alcohol use disorder and of alcoholic liver disease. From this I derive the following principal to govern selection of patients for liver transplantation of patients with alcohol use disorder: that alcohol use disorder should impact suitability for liver transplantation as a co‐morbid disorder, in the same way as other common co‐morbid disorders such as diabetes mellitus or systemic hypertension, are factored in the selection process. We should relate the risk of drinking relapse to the prognosis of the patient after transplantation, rather than in a binary construct of likelihood of maintaining abstinence vs drinking.
40Ar/39Ar and (U‐Th)/He model age signatures of elusive Mercurian and Venusian meteorites
Authors: Jourdan Fred , Eroglu Ela
Published: February 2017

No meteorites from Mercury and Venus have been conclusively identified so far. In this study, we develop an original approach based on extensive Monte Carlo simulations and diffusion models to explore the radiogenic argon (40Ar*) and helium (4He*) loss behavior and the range of40Ar/39Ar and (U‐Th)/He age signatures expected for a range of crystals if meteorites from these planets were ever to be found. We show that we can accurately date the crystallization age of a meteorite from both Mercury and Venus using the40Ar/39Ar technique on clinopyroxene (± orthopyroxene) and that its40Ar/39Ar age should match the Pb‐Pb age. At the surface of Mercury, phases like albite and anorthite will exhibit a complete range of40Ar* loss ranging from 0% to 100%, whereas merrillite and apatite will show 100%4He* loss. By measuring the crystal size and diffusion parameters of a series of plagioclase crystals, one can inverse the40Ar* loss value to estimate the maximum temperature experienced by a rock, and narrow down the possible pre‐ejection location of the meteorite at the surface of Mercury. At the surface of Venus, plagioclase and phosphate phases will only record the age of ejection. The (U‐Th)/He systematics of merrillite and apatite will be, respectively, moderately and strongly affected by4He* loss during the transit of the meteorite from its host planet to Earth. Finally, meteorites from Mercury or Venus will each have their own40Ar/39Ar and (U‐Th)/He isotopic age and38Arccosmic ray exposure age signatures over a series of different crystal types, allowing to unambiguously recognize a meteorite for any of these two planets using radiogenic and cosmogenic noble gases.
Documenting DNA in the dust
Authors: Gilbert M. T. P.
Published: February 2017

I bought a robotic vacuum cleaner this summer and set it to work. Although my initial expectations were not high, my robot (christened Buddy) finished its cleaning cycle, and then insistently demanded that I empty its dust collection box. As I took the box out, my jaw dropped. I live in a modern house, we don't have pets, and I like to think that I keep it reasonably dust free. But, there was much dust in that box. And when I ran it again 2 days later, the same thing happened. And indeed, every 2 days, Buddy dutifully goes to work, and sucks up a similarly impressive quantity. It's remarkable, and naturally begs the question of where it all comes from? Some is externally derived, entering the house with us or through open windows. Some is clearly fibres shed from clothes, furniture etc. Then there's the skin cells and hair we shed. But at least part is derived from the host of smaller organisms that live in and around our homes, many of which are arthropods (Butte & Heinzow ). I suspect almost all readers are aware that some smaller animals live in our houses – even those who live in the modern urban houses will have occasionally encountered the odd drosophila, silverfish or spider. But I suspect that prior to reading Madden et al.'s article in this issue of Molecular Ecology (Madden et al. ), few of you will have appreciated the true diversity, which, it turns out, is huge.
Impact of pay for performance on access at first dialysis in Queensland
Authors: Haarsager Jennie , Krishnasamy Rathika , Gray Nicholas A
Published: February 2017

Aim

Commencement of haemodialysis with an arteriovenous fistula (AVF) or arteriovenous graft (AVG) is associated with improved survival compared with commencement with a central venous catheter. In 2011–2012, Queensland Health made incentive payments to renal units for early referred patients who commenced peritoneal dialysis (PD), or haemodialysis with an AVF/AVG. The aim of this study was to determine if pay for performance improved clinical care.

Methods

All patients who commenced dialysis in Australia between 2009 and 2014 and were registered with the Australia and New Zealand Dialysis and Transplant Registry (ANZDATA) were included. A multivariable regression model was used to compare rates of commencing dialysis with a PD catheter or permanent AVF/AVG during the pay‐for‐performance period (2011–2012) with periods prior (2009–2010) and after (2013–2014).

Results

A total of 10 858 early referred patients commenced dialysis during the study period, including 2058 in Queensland. In Queensland, PD as first modality increased with time (P < 0.001) but there was no change in AVF/AVG rate at first haemodialysis (P = 0.5). In a multivariate model using the pay‐for‐performance period as reference, the odds ratio for commencement with PD or haemodialysis with an AVF/AVG in Queensland was 1.02 (95% CI 0.81–1.29) in 2009–2010 and 1.28 (95% CI 1.01–1.61) in 2013–2014. There was no change for the rest of Australia (0.97 95% CI 0.87–1.09 in 2009–2010 and 1.00 95% CI 0.90–1.11 in 2013–14).

Conclusion

Pay for performance did not improve rates of commencement of dialysis with PD or an AVF/AVG during the payment period. A lag effect on clinical care may explain the improvement in later years.
Revascularization of atherosclerotic renal artery stenosis for chronic heart failure versus acute pulmonary oedema
Authors: Green Darren , Ritchie James P , Chrysochou Constantina , Kalra Philip A
Published: February 2017

Aim

The aim of the study is to determine whether the apparent benefit of revascularization of renal artery stenosis for ‘flash’ pulmonary oedema extends to heart failure patients without a history of prior acute pulmonary oedema.

Methods

A prospective study of patients with renal artery stenosis and heart failure at a single centre between 1 January 1995 and 31 December 2010. Patients were divided into those with and without previous acute pulmonary oedema/decompensation. Survival analysis compared revascularization versus medical therapy in each group using Cox regression adjusted for age, estimated glomerular filtration rate, blood pressure and co‐morbidities.

Results

There were 152 patients: 59% male, 36% diabetic, age 70 ± 9 years, estimated glomerular filtration rate 29 ± 17 mL/min per 1.73 m2; 52 had experienced previous acute pulmonary oedema (34%), whereas 100 had no previous acute pulmonary oedema (66%). The revascularization rate was 31% in both groups.

For heart failure without previous acute pulmonary oedema, the hazard ratio for death after revascularization compared with medical therapy was 0.76 (0.58–0.99, P = 0.04). In heart failure with previous acute pulmonary enema, the hazard ratio was 0.73 (0.44–1.21, P = 0.22).

For those without previous acute pulmonary oedema, the hazard ratio for heart failure hospitalization after revascularization compared with medical therapy was 1.00 (0.17–6.05, P = 1.00). In those with previous acute pulmonary oedema, it was 0.51 (0.08–3.30, P = 0.48).

Conclusion

The benefit of revascularization in heart failure may extend beyond the current indication of acute pulmonary oedema. However, findings derive from an observational study.
Interaction intensity and pollinator‐mediated selection
Authors: Trunschke Judith , Sletvold Nina , Ågren Jon
Published: February 2017

In animal‐pollinated plants, the opportunity for selection and the strength of pollinator‐mediated selection are expected to increase with the degree of pollen limitation. However, whether differences in pollen limitation can explain variation in pollinator‐mediated and net selection among animal‐pollinated species is poorly understood.

In the present study, we quantified pollen limitation, variance in relative fitness and pollinator‐mediated selection on five traits important for pollinator attraction (flowering start, plant height, flower number, flower size) and pollination efficiency (spur length) in natural populations of 12 orchid species. Pollinator‐mediated selection was quantified by subtracting estimates of selection gradients for plants receiving supplemental hand‐pollination from estimates obtained for open‐pollinated control plants.

Mean pollen limitation ranged from zero to 0.96. Opportunity for selection, pollinator‐mediated selection and net selection were all positively related to pollen limitation, whereas nonpollinator‐mediated selection was not. Opportunity for selection varied five‐fold, strength of pollinator‐mediated selection varied three‐fold and net selection varied 1.5‐fold among species. Supplemental hand‐pollination reduced both opportunity for selection and selection on floral traits.

The results show that the intensity of biotic interactions is an important determinant of the selection regime, and indicate that the potential for pollinator‐mediated selection and divergence in floral traits is particularly high in species that are strongly pollen‐limited.
Growth reduction after defoliation is independent ofCO2supply in deciduous and evergreen young oaks
Authors: Schmid Sandra , Palacio Sara , Hoch Günter
Published: February 2017

Reduced productivity of trees after defoliation might be caused by limited carbon (C) availability.

We investigated the combined effect of different atmosphericCO2concentrations (160, 280 and 560 ppm) and early season defoliation on the growth and C reserves (nonstructural carbohydrates (NSC)) of saplings of two oak species with different leaf habits (deciduousQuercus petraeaand evergreenQuercus ilex).

In both species, higherCO2supply significantly enhanced growth. Defoliation had a strong negative impact on growth (stronger forQ. ilex), but the relative reduction of growth caused by defoliation within eachCO2treatment was very similar across all threeCO2concentrations. LowCO2and defoliation led to decreasedNSCtissue concentrations mainly in the middle of the growing season inQ. ilex, but not inQ. petraea. However, also inQ. ilex,NSCincreased in woody tissues in defoliated and low‐CO2saplings towards the end of the growing season.

Although the saplings were C limited under these specific experimental conditions, growth reduction after defoliation was not directly caused by C limitation. Rather, growth of trees followed a strong allometric relationship between total leaf area and conductive woody tissue, which did not change across species,CO2concentrations and defoliation treatments.
AFFECTIVE ORGANIZATIONAL COMMITMENT AND JOB SATISFACTION: A CROSS‐NATIONAL COMPARATIVE STUDY
Authors: CHORDIYA RASHMI , SABHARWAL MEGHNA , GOODMAN DOUG
Published: February 2017

Public managers across countries are faced with challenges of attracting and retaining high‐quality employees in the context of widespread financial constraints and increasing inter‐sectoral competition. These changing circumstances have reinforced the need to enhance public employees' affective organizational commitment, which is related to important outcomes such as employees' performance and retention. However, we know little about the factors that can positively influence affective organizational commitment in a cross‐national context. This study applies a cross‐national comparative approach using data from four US states (Oregon, Florida, Washington, and Utah) and India to examine the factors influencing affective organizational commitment. We focus mainly on the effects of job satisfaction, which is considered to be the most important antecedent of affective organizational commitment. Our findings indicate that, in both countries' contexts, job satisfaction has a significant positive impact on affective organizational commitment. We also examine the US–India differences in the levels of affective organizational commitment. Findings indicate that, compared to the four US states of Oregon, Florida, Washington, and Utah, affective organizational commitment is significantly higher among Indian public managers.
Accuracy of within‐ and among‐family genomic prediction in triticale
Authors: Würschum Tobias , Maurer Hans Peter , Weissmann Sigrid , Hahn Volker , Leiser Willmar L.
Published: February 2017

Genomic prediction has emerged as a powerful genomic tool to assist breeding of complex traits. In this study, we employed a population of 647 triticale doubled haploid lines derived from four families to assess the potential of this approach for triticale breeding. All lines were phenotyped for grain yield, thousand‐kernel weight, biomass yield, plant height, frost tolerance and Fusarium head blight resistance. The obtained prediction accuracies were moderate to high and consisted to varying degrees of within‐ and among‐family variance, in line with the different degrees of phenotypic differences between family means. The prediction accuracy within individual families also varied with the genetic complexity of the traits and was generally highest based on effect estimation with lines from the respective family, whereas the prediction accuracy decreased with decreasing relatedness among the families. Taken together, our results illustrate the potential of genomic prediction to increase selection gain in triticale breeding, but the composition of the training set is of utmost importance, and consequently, the implementation of this approach in applied breeding programmes is not straightforward.
Transition readiness, adolescent responsibility, and executive functioning among pediatric transplant recipients: Caregivers' perspectives
Authors: Gutierrez‐Colina Ana M. , Reed‐Knight Bonney , Eaton Cyd , Lee Jennifer , Loiselle Rich Kristin , Mee Laura , Travers Curtis , Blount Ronald L.
Published: February 2017

This study aimed both to evaluate caregivers' perspectives of EF and transition readiness among adolescent transplant recipients and to examine the indirect effects of adolescent responsibility and parent involvement across domains of EF. Fifty‐seven caregivers of adolescent solid organ transplant recipients participated in this study and completed measures of adolescent EF, transition readiness, responsibility in healthcare behavior, and parent involvement. Bootstrapping procedures were used to test indirect effects. Caregiver report of adolescent EF was significantly related to transition readiness among transplant recipients. Significant indirect effects were found for adolescent responsibility but not parent involvement. No significant differences were found between metacognitive and behavioral regulation domains of EF in the association with transition readiness. Assessment of adolescent EF skills may help guide the development of individualized transition readiness guidelines to promote successful gains in self‐management abilities as well as eventual transfer to adult medical services.
The costs of being certain: Brain potential evidence for linguistic preactivation in sentence processing
Authors: Freunberger Dominik , Roehm Dietmar
Published: February 2017

Prediction in sentence comprehension is often investigated by measuring the amplitude of the N400 ERP component to words that are more or less predictable from their preceding context. The N400—linked to the activation of word‐associated semantic information—is reduced for words that are predictable, indicating that preactivation can lead to facilitated processing. We addressed the question whether there is measurable neural activity related to the preactivation of linguistic information before input confirms or disconfirms this prediction. We therefore measured ERPs not only to moderately to highly predictable target words, but also to preceding adverbs. Based on two separate cloze pretests, we quantified the impact of the adverb upon the predictability of the subsequent target word. Using linear mixed‐effects analyses, we could show that the N400 amplitude at the target word was inversely related to target cloze value, thus replicating the finding that prediction has a facilitative effect on semantic processing. Crucially, the N400 amplitude at the pretarget adverb was modulated by adverb impact: When adverbs increased the predictability of the following word, the N400 was more negative going. We argue that this effect is related to the preactivation of linguistic information. Our findings indicate that the specification of predictions can lead to additional processes before these predictions are confirmed or disconfirmed and that activation of word‐associated information through prediction is highly comparable to activation through actual input.
Lateralization of posterior alpha EEG reflects the distribution of spatial attention during saccadic reading
Authors: Kornrumpf Benthe , Dimigen Olaf , Sommer Werner
Published: February 2017

Visuospatial attention is an important mechanism in reading that governs the uptake of information from foveal and parafoveal regions of the visual field. However, the spatiotemporal dynamics of how attention is allocated during eye fixations are not completely understood. The current study explored the use of EEG alpha‐band oscillations to investigate the spatial distribution of attention during reading. We reanalyzed two data sets, focusing on the lateralization of alpha activity at posterior scalp sites. In each experiment, participants read short lists of German nouns in two paradigms: either by freely moving their eyes (saccadic reading) or by fixating the screen center while the text moved passively from right to left at the same average speed (RSVP paradigm). In both paradigms, upcoming words were either visible or masked, and foveal processing load was manipulated by varying the words' lexical frequencies. Posterior alpha lateralization revealed a sustained rightward bias of attention during saccadic reading, but not in the RSVP paradigm. Interestingly, alpha lateralization was not influenced by word frequency (foveal load) or preview during the preceding fixation. Hence, alpha did not reflect transient attention shifts within a given fixation. However, in both experiments, we found that in the saccadic reading condition a stronger alpha lateralization shortly before a saccade predicted shorter fixations on the subsequently fixated word. These results indicate that alpha lateralization can serve as a measure of attention deployment and its link to oculomotor behavior in reading.
Foundations of Relating: Theory and Evidence on the Formation of Street‐Level Bureaucrats’ Workplace Networks
Authors: Nisar Muhammad Azfar , Maroulis Spiro
Published: February 2017

Despite the importance of peers in forming role expectations, fostering group identity, and facilitating job learning, limited theory and empirical evidence exist on the antecedents of street‐level peer relationships. To address this gap, the authors draw on social capital and social exchange theories to develop hypotheses about the micro‐social foundations of street‐level bureaucrats’ peer selection. The hypotheses are tested using a rich data set from an intraorganizational network of teachers in a large urban school implementing a reform that strongly promoted frontline innovation. Both structural and instrumental considerations, such as seeking peers possessing characteristics and resources valued by the reform, figure prominently in the work relations of street‐level bureaucrats. These results imply that the introduction of improvement initiatives requiring frontline participation, in addition to altering work practices, may also alter social networks within the frontline of an organization in a manner that favors some frontline workers over others.
How chronic disease affects children's views on being ill and healthy: a comparative study
Authors: Lima Lígia , Silva Vanessa , Lemos Marina S.
Published: February 2017

Background

Understanding children's views of illness and health is vital to a child‐centred approach in patient education and care. Paediatric healthcare providers should incorporate children's views of health and illness to enable children and their families to participate in self‐management plans and achieve better health outcomes. However, there is limited scientific knowledge regarding the views of children with specific diseases.

Method

This comparative study investigated whether and in what ways the experience of having different chronic diseases influenced children's views of being ill and healthy. The participants were 82 children aged 8–13 years diagnosed with a chronic disease (31 had asthma, 27 had diabetes and 24 had cancer). A group of 81 healthy children participated as a comparison group. The ‘draw‐and‐write’ technique was used to collect the children's views, and the data were analysed using a previously validated coding system (inter‐rater agreement of 93%) and subsequently quantified for the examination of any differences in relation to illness.

Results

Statistically significant differences were found in all dimensions of the children's conceptions of health and illness according to whether they had a chronic condition (effect sizes calculated with Cohen's d ranged from 0.35 to 1.22). Globally, the chronically ill children expressed a narrower definition of being healthy and ill than their healthy peers. Moreover, the comparison among the children with asthma, diabetes and cancer showed differences that seemed to reflect their specific experiences with their type of chronic disease and the associated treatments (effect sizes calculated with Eta‐squared ranged from 0.07 to 0.25).

Conclusions

This study's findings can be used to guide education and clinical services tailored to ill children suffering from different chronic conditions.
Adolescents’ evaluations of the quality of lifestyle counselling in school‐based health care
Authors: Myllymäki Laura , Ruotsalainen Heidi , Kääriäinen Maria
Published: February 2017

Background

Adolescents need effective lifestyle counselling precisely because health problems are so common. Good‐quality lifestyle counselling can prevent the problems from becoming worse and decrease the costs of health care. Nurse practitioners in schools are well positioned to promote adolescent health.

Aim

This study describes adolescents’ evaluations of the quality of lifestyle counselling and factors related to it in school‐based health care.

Methods

The data were collected from seventh‐ to ninth‐grade adolescents (n = 846) using the Counselling Quality Instrument, from two junior high schools in northern Finland. The study employed a web‐based survey. Response rate was 67% (n = 563). The data were analysed via descriptive statistics.

Results

Most adolescents (84%) reported that the counselling resources related to school‐based health care are quite good. Most of them reported that nutrition (70%) and physical activity (63%) related to lifestyle counselling are sufficient. Approximately half of adolescents (51%) considered the counselling related to substance abuse as being sufficient. Most (80%) felt that the level of interaction during counselling is good. Overall, the majority of adolescents reported that goal‐oriented lifestyle counselling (67%) and adolescent‐centred counselling (69%) are good. Finally, most adolescents (72%) reported that they have benefitted from lifestyle counselling. Gender and health status were significantly related to resources, interaction and benefits of lifestyle counselling. Girls evaluated that counselling were more adolescent‐centred than boys. Adolescents with very good health status evaluated content of lifestyle counselling better than adolescents with poorer health status.

Conclusion

The adolescents evaluated the quality of lifestyle counselling in school‐based health care as mainly being good. School nurses should pay particular attention when providing counselling to boys and those who are in poorer health.
Beyond Sodium, Phosphate and Potassium: Potential Dietary Interventions in Kidney Disease
Authors: Kelly Jaimon T. , Rossi Megan , Johnson David W. , Campbell Katrina L.
Published: February 2017

People with kidney disease are advised to restrict individual nutrients, such as sodium, potassium, and phosphate, in line with current best practice guidelines. However, there is limited evidence to support the efficacy of single nutrient strategies, and compliance remains a challenge for clinicians to overcome. Many factors contribute to poor compliance with dietary prescriptions, including conflicting priorities for single nutrient restriction, the arduous self‐monitoring required, and the health‐related knock‐on effects resulting from targeting these nutrients in isolation. This paper reviews the evidence base for the overall pattern of eating as a potential tool to deliver a diet intervention in which all the nutrients and foods work cumulatively and synergistically to improve clinical outcomes. These interventions may assist in kidney disease management and overcome these innate challenges that single nutrient interventions possess. Healthy dietary patterns are typically plant‐based and lower in sodium and animal proteins. These patterns may have numerous mechanistic benefits for cardiovascular health in kidney disease, most notably through the increase in fruit, vegetables, and plant‐based protein, as well as improved gut health through the increase in dietary fiber. The evidence to date on optimal dietary patterns points toward use of a predominantly plant‐based diet, and suggests its adoption may improve clinical outcomes in dialysis patients. However, clinical trials are needed to determine whether these diet interventions are feasible, safe, and effective in this patient population.
The novel HLA‐DRB1*15:140 allele discovered in a Taiwanese unrelated hematopoietic stem cell donor
Authors: Yang K. L. , Ng J. , Lazaro A. , Lin P. Y.
Published: February 2017

One nucleotide substitution at residue 91 of HLA‐DRB1*15:02:01:01 results in a new allele, HLA‐DRB1*15:140.