bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Environmental optimality, not heterogeneity, drives regional and local species richness in lichen epiphytes
Authors: Coyle Jessica R. , Hurlbert Allen H.
Published: January 2016

Aim

We evaluate the scale dependence of species richness–environment relationships with a continent‐wide analysis of lichen epiphyte communities. Specifically, our goals are to assess: (1) the dependence of local richness on regional processes, (2) whether species richness is primarily influenced by heterogeneity in environmental conditions or the central tendency of those conditions, and (3) whether the relative influence of these different aspects of the environment differs between local communities and regional species pools.

Location

Forests of the contiguousUnitedStates.

Methods

We used variation partitioning and model averaging of linear models to relate macrolichen richness at 1923 forest inventory plots (c. 4000 m2) to measures of environmental heterogeneity and mean conditions at local and regional scales. Data included 17 local environmental variables and 11 regional‐scale variables which were obtained from a national forest inventory, herbarium records and several climate data sources.

Results

Regional‐scale variables explained more unique variation in local species richness and generally had stronger effects than variables measured locally. However, most variation in local richness was explained jointly by local and regional variables. At both local and regional scales, variables measuring environmental heterogeneity explained little variation in species richness and had weaker effects than variables characterizing mean environmental conditions.

Main conclusions

Species richness of epiphytic macrolichens is not regulated by environmental heterogeneity locally or regionally and instead tracks large‐scale climate gradients of water availability and temperature. Richness in local communities is influenced by processes operating at both regional and local scales, highlighting the importance of determining large‐scale drivers of lichen richness across the North American continent. This research demonstrates a general method for comparing the influence of different aspects of the environment on species richness across scales and should be applicable to many different taxonomic groups.
Effects of environmental variation and livestock grazing on ant community structure in temperate eucalypt woodlands
Authors: Barton Philip S. , Sato Chloe F. , Kay Geoffrey M. , Florance Daniel , Lindenmayer David B.
Published: January 2016

Grazing by livestock is a major ecological disturbance, with potential effects on vegetation, soil, and insect fauna. Ants are a diverse and functionally important insect group with many associations with the ground layer, yet recent global syntheses question the importance of grazing effects on ant communities relative to vegetation or soil.

We examined the effects of vegetation, soil and grazing on the whole ant community, ant functional groups, and abundant species in temperate eucalypt woodlands, southeastern Australia.

We found limited influence of grazing on our vegetation and soil measures, except for a positive association between grazing and exotic perennial grass cover. We also found that exotic grass cover had a negative effect on overall ant abundance and richness, but not functional groups or individual species. Soil C:N ratio had a positive effect on the subdominant Camponotini, and leaf litter cover had a positive effect on the abundance of cryptic species. Partial Mantel tests revealed an effect of both environmental and grazing measures on ant assemblage composition, but constrained ordination showed that leaf litter cover, grass biomass, and native and exotic perennial grass cover had stronger correlations with ant community structure than grazing.

Our study shows that both environmental variation and grazing play a role in driving ant community structure, but that key environmental variables such as grass biomass and leaf litter cover are particularly important in temperate eucalypt woodlands. Monitoring of ant communities to measure the benefits of changed grazing regimes for biodiversity should consider contemporary grazing pressure as well as the underlying effects of variation in plants and soils.
Batch‐to‐Melt Conversion Kinetics in Sodium Aluminosilicate Batches Using Different Alumina Raw Materials
Authors: Christmann Anja I. , Deubener Joachim , Hochrein Oliver , Mondeshki Mihail
Published: January 2016

The batch‐to‐melt conversion in batches of sand, soda ash and corundum (C), alumina spinel (A), boehmite (B), or gibbsite (G) as Al2O3 carrier are studied using thermal analysis, X‐ray diffraction, and 27Al nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. Laboratory‐scaled batches are either heated continuously or quenched from 1600°C in a series of increasing dwell times. The results show that the conversion from the raw materials to the fresh melt proceeds in two kinetic stages. During the first stage (3–5 min), fast conversion of nearly 95% by mass occurs and the conversion coefficient increases in the order G < C ≈ A < B. The second stage is controlled by the slow dissolution of intermediate crystal phases, such as cristobalite, carnegieite, sodium metasilicate, and diaoyudaoite, which leads to an increase in the total batch‐to‐melt turnover time of up to 10 min. No direct correlation between the kinetic parameters characterizing the first stage and the fraction and dissolution speed of intermediate crystals of the second stage could be established.
Factors affecting the severity of central centrifugal cicatricial alopecia
Authors: Suchonwanit Poonkiat , Hector Clare E. , Bin Saif Ghada A. , McMichael Amy J.
Published: January 2016

Background

Central centrifugal cicatricial alopecia (CCCA) is a type of scarring hair loss primarily seen in African‐American women. The risk factors that affect the severity of disease remain unclear.

Objectives

This study was designed to elucidate risk factors that may be associated with severity of CCCA.

Methods

A cross‐sectional survey study was conducted. Women with biopsy‐confirmed CCCA responded to a questionnaire and were grouped according to a photographic scale of central scalp alopecia. The severity of disease was considered: grade 1 and 2 disease was interpreted as early‐stage CCCA, and grade 3–5 disease was interpreted as advanced‐stage CCCA. Data from the questionnaire were compared with levels of severity to determine the strength of associations with severity of disease.

Results

A total of 38 women with biopsy‐confirmed CCCA were recruited to participate in this study. Early‐stage CCCA was seen in 22 subjects (57.9%), and advanced‐stage CCCA was noted in 16 subjects (42.1%). The average duration of hair loss was 5.7 years in early‐stage disease and 10.1 years in advanced‐stage disease. There was a positive correlation between duration of hair loss and degree of hair loss (Spearman's correlation 0.471, P = 0.003).

Conclusions

This study reports on data sourced from patients with biopsy‐confirmed CCCA and examines the relationships between various factors and severity of CCCA. The findings demonstrate that duration of hair loss is positively associated with severity of disease and that androgen‐related conditions are prevalent in those affected with CCCA.
Pilot testing and validation of an atopic dermatitis screening and evaluation questionnaire
Authors: Chen Chen A. , Lin Longde , Tsibris Hillary C. , Li Wen‐Qing , Li Tricia Yunhui , Qureshi Abrar A.
Published: January 2016

Background

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a major public health concern worldwide. Given its rising prevalence, there is a pressing need to study its epidemiology. To date, no validated, cost‐effective, and patient self‐administered screening instrument exists that can reliably distinguish AD from other skin conditions. Our aim is to develop an instrument that can validate a self‐reported AD diagnosis quickly and with reasonable accuracy in a population at a distance.

Methods

A one‐page, 13‐question atopic dermatitis screening and evaluation questionnaire (ADSEQ) was generated after literature review and consultation with dermatologists. The questionnaire was administered to 121 patients with and without AD in a dermatology clinic. Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value were calculated for all questions. The questions with the highest sensitivities were selected for logistic regression analysis, and a receiver operating characteristics curve was plotted.

Results

Four scoring algorithms using different combinations of responses were then developed. A combination of Q7 (itching) and Qpic (the image questions combined) had the highest sensitivity (96.3%) and specificity (84%) for a diagnosis of AD. Cronbach's alpha coefficient was 0.71, indicating acceptable internal consistency. Other algorithms combining Qpic and questions about past diagnosis (Q1) or family history of atopy (Q5) also had sensitivities and specificities in the 80s or 90s.

Conclusions

In this pilot study, we found that our questionnaire was a valid and reliable self‐administered tool for distinguishing individuals with AD from individuals without AD.
Medium‐dose ultraviolet A1 phototherapy improves SCORAD index and increases mRNA expression of interleukin‐4 without direct effect on human β defensin‐1, interleukin‐10, and interleukin‐31
Authors: Bogaczewicz Jaroslaw , Malinowska Karolina , Sysa‐Jedrzejowska Anna , Wozniacka Anna
Published: January 2016

Background

Effectiveness of ultraviolet (UV)A1 in flares of atopic dermatitis (AD) is thought to influence the expression of cytokines involved in its pathogenesis. The aim of the study was to investigate whether mRNA expression of human β defensin‐1 (hβD‐1) correlates with that of interleukin (IL)‐4, IL‐10, and IL‐31 in skin lesions in AD before and after UVA1 phototherapy, to determine whether UVA1 decreases the expression of the aforementioned mediators, and to confirm whether changes in mRNA expression correspond with the clinical efficacy of UVA1.

Methods

Twenty‐five patients with AD underwent medium‐dose UVA1 phototherapy. Before and after UVA1, biopsies from acute skin lesions were studied using reverse transcription and real‐time polymerase chain reaction.

Results

Levels of mRNA hβD‐1 correlated with those of IL‐10 and IL‐31, levels of IL‐4 mRNA correlated with those of IL‐10 and IL‐31, and IL‐10 expression correlated with that of IL‐31, both before and after UVA1. Phototherapy with UVA1 improved SCORing of Atopic Dermatitis (SCORAD) values, decreased pruritus, and increased expression of IL‐4. After UVA1, no difference was found in the mRNA expression of other molecules. The SCORAD index did not correlate with the expression of any examined mRNA either before or after UVA1.

Conclusions

hβD‐1, IL‐4, IL‐10, and IL‐31 are expressed in acute skin lesions in AD, and their levels correlate with each other. UVA1 improves SCORAD and pruritus and increases the expression of IL‐4 without direct effect on other molecules.
Estimation of clinical and economic effects of prophylaxis against venous thromboembolism in medical patients, including the effect of targeting patients at high‐risk
Authors: Millar J. A. , Gee A. L. K.
Published: January 2016

Background

The clinical and economic effects of medical thromboprophylaxis (MT) using low molecular weight heparin in Australia are unknown.

Aim

To estimate the effects of MT in Australia.

Methods

A decision tree model of MT was populated with national data for medical admissions. The Prevention of Recurrent Venous Thromboembolism (PREVENT) trial was chosen as the primary data source because its design uniquely avoided bias caused by treatment of sub‐clinical events. Clinical efficacy and costs were estimated compared with no prophylaxis, assuming full compliance and according to three definitions of eligibility. Effectiveness was estimated as thrombotic events saved, mortality from bleeding or pulmonary embolus (PE), cost and $/year of life saved. Model outputs were subjected to sensitivity analysis.

Results

MT decreased thrombotic events, and the numbers avoided increased as eligibility broadened (deep vein thrombosis (DVT): 2597, 2771 and 3232 at restricted, intermediate and broad eligibility; PE: 454, 484 and 565 respectively). The annual cost of no prophylaxis was $88.7 m. Costs were reduced at most restricted eligibility (−$7.9 m), but increased by $3.0 and $32.1 m at broader eligibility. PE deaths declined, but this was offset by deaths from haemorrhage, causing a net increase (158, 299 and 672 respectively). Estimates were sensitive to the incidence of venous thromboembolic event (VTE), case‐fatality rates for PE and bleeds and the relative risk reduction for PE with prophylaxis.

Conclusions

Under PREVENT trial conditions, MT avoids up to 3200 DVT and 565 PE events annually, but may increase mortality.
The atypical IκB protein IκBNS is important for Toll‐like receptor‐induced interleukin‐10 production in B cells
Authors: Miura Minami , Hasegawa Naoki , Noguchi Mitsuo , Sugimoto Kenkichi , Touma Maki
Published: January 2016

Although a major function of B cells is to mediate humoral immunity by producing antigen‐specific antibodies, a specific subset of B cells is important for immune suppression, which is mainly mediated by the secretion of the anti‐inflammatory cytokine interleukin‐10 (IL‐10). However, the mechanism by which IL‐10 is induced in B cells has not been fully elucidated. Here, we report that IκBNS, an inducible nuclear IκB protein, is important for Toll‐like receptor (TLR)‐mediated IL‐10 production in B cells. Studies using IκBNS knockout mice revealed that the number of IL‐10‐producing B cells is reduced in IκBNS−/− spleens and that the TLR‐mediated induction of cytoplasmic IL‐10‐positive cells and IL‐10 secretion in B cells are impaired in the absence of IκBNS. The impairment of IL‐10 production by a lack of IκBNS was not observed in TLR‐triggered macrophages or T‐cell‐receptor‐stimulated CD4+ CD25+ T cells. In addition, IκBNS‐deficient B cells showed reduced expression of Prdm1 and Irf4 and failed to generate IL‐10+ CD138+ plasmablasts. These results suggest that IκBNS is selectively required for IL‐10 production in B cells responding to TLR signals, so defining an additional role for IκBNS in the control of the B‐cell‐mediated immune responses.
Evidence‐based practice among nurses in Slovenian Hospitals: a national survey
Authors: Skela‐Savič B. , Pesjak K. , Lobe B.
Published: January 2016

Aims

To identify the extent of evidence‐based practice implementation among nurses in Slovenian hospital settings, to establish nurses’ beliefs on evidence‐based practice and to identify possible explanatory factors.

Background

Conducting and applying research are fundamental nurses’ tasks and an essential expectation in nursing practice.

Introduction

Despite verified benefits of evidence‐based practice, research evidence across different countries has shown extremely limited implementation of this practice among nurses.

Methods

A cross‐sectional research design was employed. Standardized instruments Evidence‐Based Practice Beliefs and Implementation Scale were used. The sample included 534 nurses from 19 Slovenian hospitals. The obtained data were analysed using descriptive statistics, correlation and factor analysis, and linear regression.

Results

Nurses in Slovenian hospitals have positive beliefs about evidence‐based practice, but exhibit a low level of implementation. The beliefs were explained by perceived knowledge on research, job satisfaction and length of employment, whereas a low level of implementation was explained by poor perceived knowledge on research, evidence‐based practice and job satisfaction level.

Discussion

Nurses in Slovenian hospitals have positive beliefs about evidence‐based practice, but exhibit a low level of implementation. According to the results, some resources required for improved implementation are not made sufficiently available.

Limitations

A low response rate; the sample not being balanced for educational achievement; and the accuracy of self‐report survey methods.

Conclusion

In addition to the perceived knowledge and education provided, an important factor is also job satisfaction, which points to the instrumental role of management workers in determining nurses’ professional development.

Implications for nursing and health policy

Nursing managers in Slovenian hospitals should promote the development of head nurses in research and evidence‐based care, thereby fostering a culture of evidence‐based practice.
Investigating the use of Barrows Cards to improve self‐management and reduce healthcare costs in adolescents with blood cancer: a pilot study
Authors: Bagnasco Annamaria , Calza Simona , Petralia Paolo , Aleo Giuseppe , Fornoni Laura , Sasso Loredana
Published: January 2016

Aim

To test if the Barrows Cards method improves adherence to immunosuppressive therapy self‐management following hematopoietic stem‐cell transplantation in adolescents affected by blood cancer and reduce costs.

Background

Chronically ill adolescents need to be helped to improve self‐management, make sure they can confidently and safely manage therapy at home and reduce readmissions and costs. We identified the Barrows Cards method, originally used to test decision‐making skills and critical thinking in medical students. In this pilot study, we tested the efficacy of the Barrows Cards Method in improving adhesion to immunosuppressive therapy in a group of adolescents following hematopoietic stem‐cell transplantation and analysed its cost‐effectiveness.

Design

A mixed‐method study.

Methods

The Barrows Cards method is an educational intervention based on the theory of problem‐based learning that uses at least 15 cards specially designed to teach participants how to manage a specific problem.

We piloted the Barrows cards method in terms of adherence to immunosuppressive therapy and self‐management in a group of 17 adolescents affected by blood cancer before being discharged. Participants were enrolled between 2013‐2015. Activity Based Costing was used to analyse the cost‐effectiveness.

Results

The Barrows Cards method significantly improved adherence to immunosuppressive therapy in blood cancer adolescents and reduced readmissions. We also showed how this method could significantly reduce healthcare costs.

Conclusions

Further research is required, but the Barrows Cards method could be effectively used by nurses to improve self‐management in chronic patients and reduce health costs.
The enablers and barriers to continue breast milk feeding in women returning to work
Authors: Sulaiman Zaharah , Liamputtong Pranee , Amir Lisa H.
Published: January 2016

Aim

To describe the enablers and barriers working women experience in continuing breast milk feeding after they return to work postpartum in urban Malaysia.

Background

In Malaysia, urban working women have low rates of breastfeeding and struggle to achieve the recommended 6 months exclusive breastfeeding.

Design

A qualitative enquiry based on a phenomenological framework and multiple methods were used to explore women's experiences in depth.

Methods

Multiple qualitative methods using face‐to‐face interview and participant diary were used. Data collection took place in urban suburbs around Penang and Klang Valley, Malaysia from March–September 2011. Participants were 40 employed women with infants less than 24 months.

Findings

Only 11 of the participants worked from home. Based on the women's experiences, we categorized them into three groups: ‘Passionate’ women with a strong determination and exclusively breastfed for 6 months, ‘Ambivalent’ women who initiated breastfeeding, but were unable to sustain exclusive breastfeeding after returning to work and ‘Equivalent’ women who introduced infant formula prior to returning to work.

Conclusion

Passion and to a lesser extent intention, influenced women's choice. Women's characteristics played a greater role in their infant feeding outcomes than their work environment.
What is resilience? An Integrative Review of the empirical literature
Authors: Aburn Gemma , Gott Merryn , Hoare Karen
Published: January 2016

Aim

To use systematic methods to examine how resilience is defined in empirical research.

Background

Resilience is a term that is increasingly being used to describe and explain the complexities of individual and group responses to traumatic and challenging situations. It is now frequently mentioned in relation to many areas of nursing practice, including research. Given the increasing use of the term, it is timely to examine how resilience has been defined in empirical research.

Design

An integrative review of the empirical literature (2000–2015).

Data sources

Three health‐related databases were searched: Medline, PsycINFO and the Cumulative Index for Nursing and Allied Health (CINAHL). Reference and citation tracking was performed on all articles included in the review.

Review methods

The methods described by Whittemore and Knafl were used to guide this review. Two reviewers were involved in screening articles for inclusion and in the data extraction process. Data were synthesized using the constant comparative method of analysis.

Results

One hundred articles were included in the final data analysis. The most significant finding of the review was that there is no universal definition of resilience. There were, however, some common themes identified: rising above, adaptation and adjustment, dynamic process, ‘ordinary magic’ and mental illness as a marker of resilience.

Conclusion

Despite the increasing use of the term ‘resilience’, this review has identified that there is no universal definition of resilience adopted in the research literature. Further research is required to explore this construct in the context of nursing.
Body image disturbance in adults treated for cancer – a concept analysis
Authors: Rhoten Bethany A.
Published: January 2016

Aim

To report an analysis of the concept of body image disturbance in adults who have been treated for cancer as a phenomenon of interest to nurses.

Background

Although the concept of body image disturbance has been clearly defined in adolescents and adults with eating disorders, adults who have been treated for cancer may also experience body image disturbance. In this context, the concept of body image disturbance has not been clearly defined.

Design

Concept analysis.

Data sources

PubMed, Psychological Information Database and Cumulative Index of Nursing and Allied Health Literature were searched for publications from 1937 – 2015. Search terms included body image, cancer, body image disturbance, adult and concept analysis.

Methods

Walker and Avant's 8‐step method of concept analysis was used.

Results

The defining attributes of body image disturbance in adults who have been treated for cancer are: (1) self‐perception of a change in appearance and displeasure with the change or perceived change in appearance; (2) decline in an area of function; and (3) psychological distress regarding changes in appearance and/or function.

Conclusions

This concept analysis provides a foundation for the development of multidimensional assessment tools and interventions to alleviate body image disturbance in this population. A better understanding of body image disturbance in adults treated for cancer will assist nurses and other clinicians in identifying this phenomenon and nurse scientists in developing instruments that accurately measure this condition, along with interventions that will promote a better quality of life for survivors.
The Role of the European Parliament and the US Congress in Shaping Transatlantic Relations: TTIP, NSA Surveillance, and CIA Renditions
Authors: Jančić Davor
Published: January 2016

This article analyses the manner in which the parliaments of the EU and the US – two key global strategic partners – participate in the shaping of transatlantic relations. The article argues that the European Parliament (EP) and Congress aim not only to influence their executive branches but also to act autonomously in the transnational arena through parliamentary diplomacy. They seek to secure concessions both formally by scrutinizing transatlantic international agreements, such as TTIP, as well as informally by exposing injustices and diplomatic misconduct through human rights advocacy and institutional pressure, such as in the cases of the NSA surveillance and CIA renditions. The article demonstrates that the EP and Congress have created capacities for internal scrutiny and transnational interparliamentary dialogue and that they utilize their consent powers to make claims, condition transatlantic negotiations and gain greater presence, visibility and influence in international affairs.
Latent class profiles of depressive symptoms from early to middle childhood: predictors, outcomes, and gender effects
Authors: Whalen Diana J. , Luby Joan L. , Tilman Rebecca , Mike Anissa , Barch Deanna , Belden Andy C.
Published: January 2016

Background

There has been little available data to inform the predictors and outcomes of latent class trajectories of depressive symptoms beginning during preschool and continuing throughout school age. Further, the extant literature in this domain has been limited by the use of parent report checklists of nonspecific ‘internalizing’ psychopathology rather than diagnostic interviews for depression.

Methods

To address these gaps in the literature, this study applied growth mixture modeling to depressive symptom severity endorsed by children and/or their caregivers (N = 348) during a structured clinical interview in a 10‐year longitudinal dataset spanning from preschool into late school age.

Results

Three distinct trajectories of depressive symptom severity were found in boys and girls. For boys, but not girls, the high depression severity latent class increased in depressive symptoms from preschool through school age, followed by a decline in depressive symptom severity during later school age. For girls, the high depression severity latent class remained stable across time. Early childhood social adversity, familial history of affective disorder, preschool‐onset ODD/CD, and school age functional impairment differentiated high‐risk trajectory classes among both boys and girls.

Conclusions

Extending the literature on trajectories of depressive symptoms to the preschool period, these findings incorporate structured clinical interviews of depressive symptom severity and indicate gender differences as well as psychosocial predictors and functional outcomes among children in high severity latent classes. The findings from this study suggest that increased attention to screening for depressive symptoms in early childhood is of significant public health importance.
Adherence to dipeptidyl peptidase‐4 inhibitor therapy among type 2 diabetes patients with employer‐sponsored health insurance in Japan
Authors: Kurtyka Karen , Nishikino Rie , Ito Chie , Brodovicz Kim , Chen Yong , Tunceli Kaan
Published: January 2016

Aims/Introduction

Dipeptidyl peptidase‐4 inhibitors (DPP‐4i) are a common first‐line treatment for type 2 diabetes in Japan. However, little is known about patients’ medication adherence, persistence and discontinuation in this setting.

Materials and Methods

This was a retrospective cohort study of new DPP‐4i users in a Japanese claims database. Adult patients (age 18–65 years) with type 2 diabetes diagnosis and no diagnosis of other diabetes or pregnancy during the study period were included if they were prescribed a DPP‐4i as monotherapy or combination oral therapy. Adherence to therapy was measured using the proportion of days covered method over a fixed period of 1 year. The proportion of days covered of ≥80% was considered adherent. Persistence was defined as continuing index DPP‐4i treatment with <90‐day gap between refills. Patient baseline characteristics were explored as potential predictors of DPP‐4i discontinuation and adherence in multivariable models.

Results

The final sample contained 2,874 monotherapy and 3,016 dual therapy patients. The mean age was approximately 51 years, and 75% were men. The mean proportion of days covered was 76.6% among monotherapy patients and 82.5% among dual therapy patients, with 67.2% of monotherapy and 74.4% of dual therapy patients classified as adherent. At 12 months, 72.2% of monotherapy and 79.2% of dual therapy patients were persistent. In adjusted models, younger age and having fewer concomitant medications were significantly associated with lower adherence and higher discontinuation, in both treatment groups.

Conclusions

Those under the age of 45 years, and those with fewer concomitant medications were less likely to be adherent and persistent, and more likely to discontinue DPP‐4i therapy.
The measurement of specific dynamic action in fishes
Authors: Chabot D. , Koenker R. , Farrell A. P.
Published: January 2016

Specific dynamic action (SDA) is the postprandial increase in oxygen uptake. Whereas it is easy to measure in fishes that remain calm and motionless during the entire digestion period, spontaneous locomotor activity is a frequent problem that leads to overestimation of SDA amplitude and magnitude (area under the curve, bound by the standard metabolic rate, SMR). Few studies have attempted to remove the effect of fish activity on SDA. A new method, non‐parametric quantile regression, is described to estimate SDA even when pronounced circadian activity cycles are present. Data from juvenile Atlantic cod Gadus morhua are used to demonstrate its use and advantages compared with traditional techniques. Software (scripts in the R language) is provided to facilitate its use.
Recovery of Bergamot Seed Oil by Supercritical Carbon Dioxide Extraction and Comparison with Traditional Solvent Extraction
Authors: Sicari Vincenzo , Poiana Marco
Published: January 2016

Supercritical carbon dioxide (SC‐CO2) extraction of bergamot seed oil (Citrus bergamia Risso) was performed to study the effect of various parameters such as pressure and temperature on the yield and composition of oil. The supercritical fluid extraction of bergamot seed oil was studied at 30°C/150 bar, 40°C/150 bar, 50°C 150 bar and 30°C/250 bar. The chemical composition of each SC‐CO2 extraction sample was analysed by GC and the composition was compared with that obtained by petroleum ether extraction. The maximum oil yield was predicted to be 24.18 g/100 g using a petroleum ether extraction, while in the extractions with SC‐CO2 the highest yield was 17.8 g/100 g using an extraction pressure of 15 MPa, temperature of 50°C, extraction duration of 6 h and density of CO2 of 587 Kg/m3.

Practical Applications

The seed oil of bergamot has a particular fatty acid composition. This composition lend an interesting feature such as a semi‐siccative oil. The present paper, reports the preliminary investigations in to the extraction of oil from bergamot seeds using supercritical carbon dioxide (SC‐CO2). The oil thus obtained will be compared with that extracted by solvent, to highlight any differences in composition.
Surveying the Environmental Footprint of Urban Food Consumption
Authors: Goldstein Benjamin , Birkved Morten , Fernández John , Hauschild Michael
Published: January 2016

Assessments of urban metabolism (UM) are well situated to identify the scale, components, and direction of urban and energy flows in cities and have been instrumental in benchmarking and monitoring the key levers of urban environmental pressure, such as transport, space conditioning, and electricity. Hitherto, urban food consumption has garnered scant attention both in UM accounting (typically lumped with “biomass”) and on the urban policy agenda, despite its relevance to local and global environmental pressures. With future growth expected in urban population and wealth, an accounting of the environmental footprint from urban food demand (“foodprint”) is necessary. This article reviews 43 UM assessments including 100 cities, and a total of 132 foodprints in terms of mass, carbon footprint, and ecological footprint and situates it relative to other significant environmental drivers (transport, energy, and so on) The foodprint was typically the third largest source of mass flows (average is 0.8 tonnes per capita per annum) and carbon footprint (average is 2.1 tonnes carbon dioxide equivalents per capita per annum) in the reviewed cities, whereas it was generally the largest driver of urban ecological footprints (average is 1.2 global hectares per capita per annum), with large deviations based on wealth, culture, and urban form. Meat and dairy are the primary drivers of both global warming and ecological footprint impacts, with little relationship between their consumption and city wealth. The foodprint is primarily linear in form, producing significant organic exhaust from the urban system that has a strong, positive correlation to wealth. Though much of the foodprint is embodied within imported foodstuffs, cities can still implement design and policy interventions, such as improved nutrient recycling and food waste avoidance, to redress the foodprint.
The function of small RNAs in plant biotic stress response
Authors: Huang Juan , Yang Meiling , Zhang Xiaoming
Published: January 2016

Small RNAs (sRNAs) play essential roles in plants upon biotic stress. Plants utilize RNA silencing machinery to facilitate pathogen‐associated molecular pattern‐triggered immunity and effector‐triggered immunity to defend against pathogen attack or to facilitate defense against insect herbivores. Pathogens, on the other hand, are also able to generate effectors and sRNAs to counter the host immune response. The arms race between plants and pathogens/insect herbivores has triggered the evolution of sRNAs, RNA silencing machinery and pathogen effectors. A great number of studies have been performed to investigate the roles of sRNAs in plant defense, bringing in the opportunity to utilize sRNAs in plant protection. Transgenic plants with pathogen‐derived resistance ability or transgenerational defense have been generated, which show promising potential as solutions for pathogen/insect herbivore problems in the field. Here we summarize the recent progress on the function of sRNAs in response to biotic stress, mainly in plant‐pathogen/insect herbivore interaction, and the application of sRNAs in disease and insect herbivore control.
The Brief Accessibility, Responsiveness, and Engagement Scale: A Tool for Measuring Attachment Behaviors in Clinical Couples
Authors: Sandberg Jonathan G. , Novak Joshua R. , Davis Stephanie Y. , Busby Dean M.
Published: January 2016

Measuring attachment behaviors is relevant to creating secure couple relationships. This article seeks to test and examine the reliability and validity of the Brief Accessibility, Responsiveness, and Engagement (BARE) Scale—a practical measure of couple attachment–in a clinical sample. Couples took the BARE and other assessments measuring relationship functioning (self and partner reports of relationship satisfaction, relationship stability, positive and negative communication, and attachment styles). Results suggest that the BARE appears to be a reliable and valid tool for assessing couple attachment and can accurately predict and classify whether the couples belong in the clinical or nonclinical group, as well as their level of relationship satisfaction. Results also indicate attachment behaviors are related to relationship outcomes.
Interfacial chemistry in a ZnTe/CdSe superlattice studied by atom probe tomography and transmission electron microscopy strain measurements
Authors: BONEF B. , HAAS B. , ROUVIÈRE J‐L. , ANDRÉ R. , BOUGEROL C. , GRENIER A. , JOUNEAU P‐H. , ZUO J‐M.
Published: January 2016

The atomic scale analysis of a ZnTe/CdSe superlattice grown by molecular beam epitaxy is reported using atom probe tomography and strain measurements from high‐resolution scanning transmission electron microscopy images. CdTe interfaces were grown by atomic layer epitaxy to prevent the spontaneous formation of ZnSe bonds. Both interfaces between ZnTe and CdSe are composed of alloyed layers of ZnSe. Pure CdTe interfaces are not observed and Zn atoms are also visible in the CdSe layers. This information is critical to design superlattices with the expected optoelectronic properties.
Involvement of metabotropic glutamate receptor 5 in the inhibition of methamphetamine‐associated contextual memory after prolonged extinction training
Authors: Huang Chien‐Hsuan , Yu Yang‐Jung , Chang Chih‐Hua , Gean Po‐Wu
Published: January 2016

Addiction is thought to be a memory process between perception and environmental cues and addicted patients often relapse when they come into contact with the drug‐related context once again. Here, we used a conditioned place preference protocol to seek a more effective extinction methodology of methamphetamine (METH) memory and delineate its underlying mechanism. Conditioning METH for 3 days in mice markedly increased the time spent in the METH‐paired compartment. Then the mice were conditioned with saline for 6 days, from day 6 to day 11, a procedure termed extinction training. However, METH memory returned after a priming injection of METH. We prolonged extinction duration from 6 to 10 days and found that this extensive extinction (EE) training prevented priming effect. At the molecular level, we discovered that prolonged extinction training reversed the METH‐conditioned place preference‐induced increase in surface expression of GluA2 and alpha‐amino‐3‐hydroxy‐5‐methylisoxazole‐4‐propionate (AMPA)/NMDA ratio in the basolateral amygdala. In addition, we found that extinction with metabotropic glutamate receptor 5 (mGluR5) activation had similar results to EE: reduced relapse after extinction, decreased synaptic AMPA receptors AMPARs and the AMPA/NMDA ratio. On the contrary, EE with mGluR5 inhibition suppressed the results of EE. These data indicate that EE training‐elicited inhibition of METH‐primed reinstatement is mediated by the mGluR5.

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Conditioning mice with methamphetamine place preference (METH CPP) increases surface expression of AMPA receptors (AMPARs) in the basolateral amygdala. We found prolongation of extinction duration from 6 to 10 days prevented priming effect. At the molecular level, we discovered that extensive extinction (EE) reversed the METH CPP‐induced increase in surface expression of GluA2 and AMPA/NMDA ratio. In addition, we found that extinction with the metabotropic glutamate receptor 5 (mGluR5) activation had similar results to EE: reduced relapse after extinction, decreased synaptic AMPARs and the AMPA/NMDA ratio. On the contrary, EE with mGluR5 inhibition suppressed the results of EE. These data indicate that EE training‐elicited inhibition of METH‐primed reinstatement is mediated by mGluR5 (PAM: positive allosteric modulator).
Global deletion of Panx3 produces multiple phenotypic effects in mouse humeri and femora
Authors: Caskenette Deidre , Penuela Silvia , Lee Vanessa , Barr Kevin , Beier Frank , Laird Dale W. , Willmore Katherine E.
Published: January 2016

Pannexins form single‐membrane channels that allow passage of small molecules between the intracellular and extracellular compartments. Of the three pannexin family members, Pannexin3 (Panx3) is the least studied but is highly expressed in skeletal tissues and is thought to play a role in the regulation of chondrocyte and osteoblast proliferation and differentiation. The purpose of our study is to closely examine the in vivo effects of Panx3 ablation on long bone morphology using micro‐computed tomography. Using Panx3 knockout (KO) and wildtype (WT) adult mice, we measured and compared aspects of phenotypic shape, bone mineral density (BMD), cross‐sectional geometric properties of right femora and humeri, and lean mass. We found that KO mice have absolutely and relatively shorter diaphyseal shafts compared with WT mice, and relatively larger areas of muscle attachment sites. No differences in BMD or lean mass were found between WT and KO mice. Interestingly, KO mice had more robust femora and humeri compared with WT mice when assessed in cross‐section at the midshaft. Our results clearly show that Panx3 ablation produces phenotypic effects in mouse femora and humeri, and support the premise that Panx3 has a role in regulating long bone growth and development.
How CEOs and TMTs Build Adaptive Capacity in Small Entrepreneurial Firms
Authors: Friedman Yair , Carmeli Abraham , Tishler Asher
Published: January 2016

Research suggests that a CEO may have more influence in the context of small entrepreneurial firms, but it is still unclear how a company's chief executive facilitates strategic decision‐making. Little is known about the ways in which these individuals build strategic capabilities, such as the capacity to adapt to changing environments. This study addresses these issues and develops a model indicating that transformational leadership facilitates behavioural integration and comprehensiveness in the decision process among members of the top management team (TMT), which in turn enhances organizational capacity to adapt to environmental changes. Survey results shed light on the complex way in which CEOs facilitate processes within the TMT and enhance small entrepreneurial firms’ capacity to adapt, thereby increasing their viability. This study contributes to the literatures on Upper Echelon Theory, strategic decision‐making, and dynamic capabilities by shedding light on the ways in which transformational leaders influence behavioural and decision‐making processes.
Lay Conceptions of Volitional Personality Change: From Strategies Pursued to Stories Told
Authors: Baranski Erica N. , Morse Patrick J. , Dunlop William L.
Published: January 2016

Recent research suggests that individuals play an active role in their own personality development. Here, we investigated lay conceptions of this volitional personality change process. In Study 1, participants (N = 602) provided open‐ended descriptions of their desired personality changes as well as the strategies they were using to achieve these changes. In Study 2, participants (N = 578) completed these same measures and provided narrative descriptions of the emergence of their desires for (and previous) personality changes. Desired changes were quantified in a manner consistent with the Five‐Factor Model (though desires pertinent to Openness to Experience were rare), whereas reported strategies were distinguished on the basis of cognitive and behavioral content. Desires to increase in Extraversion corresponded negatively with the use of cognitive strategies and positively with the use of behavioral strategies, whereas desires to increase in Agreeableness exhibited the opposite pattern. Finally, desires for change were typically construed as stimulated by specific events, whereas previous personality changes were attributed to shifts in social roles. Laypersons hold a diverse range of desired changes and strategies. In addition, different categories of events are recognized as catalysts of desires for (and previous) changes.
Development of A Lexicon for Commercial Plain Sufu (Fermented Soybean Curd)
Authors: Chen Yan Ping , Chung Hau Yin
Published: January 2016

Sufu (fermented soybean curd) is a cheese‐like product that is widely consumed in Asian countries. One of the subtypes is plain sufu, a traditional fermented food whose sensory attributes remain poorly characterized. In this study, we developed a lexicon for describing its sensory characteristics. Trained panelists evaluated the sensory profiles of 12 commercially available products manufactured in 3 locations. Sensory data were analyzed using one‐way analysis of variance and principal component analysis, and 8 aroma, 7 texture, 2 taste, and 5 flavor attributes were identified and defined. After further lexicon refinement, the aroma attributes salty, moldy, alcohol‐like, and meaty were identified to clearly differentiate fully aged samples from each other. The texture and flavor attributes that differentiate sufu were cohesiveness and sesame oil‐like, respectively.

Practical Applications

The sufu lexicon helps product developers, researchers, and technologists understand the characteristics of plain sufu and those positive attributes when developing new, similar products and investigating quality‐control and shelf‐life topics. Because all mature plain sufus examined here presented similar sensory profiles derived from their major attributes, future studies could focus on distinct fermentation periods used to optimize products by employing the available definitions and references. Moreover, the developed lexicon can serve as a tool for correlating descriptive data to consumer preferences and to facilitating an understanding of the attributes that drive consumers’ acceptance.
Obstructive sleep apnoea in children with obesity
Authors: Kassim Rubina , Harris Margaret‐Anne , Leong Gary M , Heussler Helen
Published: January 2016

Aims

The aim of this study was to identify factors that predict risk of obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) in obese children, which could aid in prioritising sleep studies.

Methods

A retrospective chart review was undertaken of obese children seen in the KOALA weight management clinic and Sleep clinic. Data collected included demographics, clinical history, examination findings, biochemical markers, and polysomnogram results.

Results

Two hundred seventy‐two obese children were seen in the KOALA clinic out of which 54 (20%) were also seen in the Sleep clinic because of snoring. Thirty‐two were referred by the KOALA clinic; the remaining 22 were referred by other medical practitioners prior to being seen in the KOALA clinic. Thirty‐nine had polysomnograms. The time from referral to Sleep clinic ranged from 10 days to 1.5 years with 50% seen within 6 months; with similar time gap between the blood tests and time of polysomnograms. Thirty‐six percent (14/39) were reported to have OSA. Six children were Aboriginal/Torres Strait Islander (ATSI) and all had OSA, which was statistically significant (P = 0.004). There was a statistically significant correlation between high‐sensitivity C‐reactive protein (hs‐CRP) and obstructive event index (OEI) in rapid eye movement (REM) sleep. (r = 0.50, P = 0.04). Correlation between low‐density lipoprotein (LDL) and OEI in REM was r = 0.36, P = 0.06, which approached significance.

Conclusions

Ethnicity was a significant factor with more obese ATSI children having OSA. The significant correlation between hs‐CRP with OEI is consistent with findings of previous studies. Several factors (glycosylated haemoglobin, LDL) approached significance.
Hypercalcaemia secondary to elevated 1,25 dihydroxycholecalciferol in a dog with immune‐mediated polyarthritis
Authors: Adamany J.L. , Dhumeaux M.P.
Published: January 2016

A seven‐year‐old male entire Bearded Collie was referred following a three‐week history of pyrexia, lethargy and stiffness, which was poorly responsive to antibiotic therapy. The most significant laboratory abnormalities included marked neutrophilia and ionised hypercalcaemia. The dog was diagnosed with primary immune‐mediated polyarthritis, which responded to prednisolone and azathioprine, and resulted in resolution of the elevated 1,25 hydroxycholecalciferol, hypercalcaemia and neutrophilia. To the authors’ knowledge, this represents the first case report of hypercalcaemia secondary to immune‐mediated polyarthritis.
Quantile Autoregression for Censored Data
Authors: Choi Seokwoo Jake , Portnoy Stephen
Published: January 2016

Quantile autoregression (QAR) is particularly attractive for censored data. However, unlike the standard regression models, the autoregressive models must take account of censoring on both response and regressors. In this article, we show that the existing censored quantile regression methods produce consistent estimators for QAR models when using only the fully observed regressors. A new algorithm is proposed to provide a censored QAR estimator by adopting imputation methods. The algorithm redistributes probability mass of censored points appropriately and iterates towards self‐consistent solutions. Monte Carlo simulations and empirical applications are conducted to demonstrate merits of the proposed method.