bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Determinants of Firm Access to Credit in Latin America: Micro Characteristics and Market Structure
Authors: Presbitero Andrea F. , Rabellotti Roberta
Published: August 2016

Due to deregulation and financial liberalization, Latin American countries have recently undertaken bank restructuring and consolidation processes. This paper investigates firm access to credit in the region, focusing on the role of the credit market structure. Through an empirical investigation based on the World Bank Enterprise Survey, we find that access to bank credit is very heterogeneous. On average, smaller and less productive firms are less likely to apply for credit and more likely to be financially constrained. Besides, a high degree of bank penetration and competition is significantly correlated with a lower probability that borrowers are financially constrained. Finally, foreign banks penetration has a negative effect on access to credit particularly in less developed and more concentrated markets, while it has a positive influence in more competitive and financially developed markets.
Taxonomic versus functional diversity metrics: how do fish communities respond to anthropogenic stressors in reservoirs?
Authors: Sagouis Alban , Jabot Franck , Argillier Christine
Published: August 2016

Biological indicators are frequently used to assess the effects of anthropogenic stressors on freshwater ecosystems. The structure of fish communities and their response to stressors have been commonly described by taxonomic richness, diversity and evenness. More recently, functional structure of communities has also been suggested to be a reliable indicator of disturbance. This article aimed at testing whether taxonomic and functional diversity metrics can provide comparable or complementary information on the response of fish communities to eutrophication and abundance of non‐native species in reservoirs. Comparison of the responses of taxonomic and functional diversities to biogeography, habitat and stressors was made in 112 French reservoirs. Widely observed effects of biogeographic and habitat variables on taxonomic and functional diversities were identified. Taxonomic and functional richness metrics notably increased with lake area and temperature respectively. Taxonomic diversity metrics did not respond to any stressor, while all functional diversity metrics were found to be impacted by non‐native species. Eutrophication was further found to decrease the impact of non‐native species on two functional diversity metrics: evenness and divergence. Our study therefore reveals that functional metrics are more sensitive than taxonomic metrics to anthropogenic stressors in the studied reservoirs. Still, the multiple linear regressions tested had overall low explanatory power. Further refinements will thus be needed to use this type of metrics in an impact assessment scheme.
Gonadectomy but not biological sex affects burst‐firing in dopamine neurons of the ventral tegmental area and in prefrontal cortical neurons projecting to the ventral tegmentum in adult rats
Authors: Locklear Mallory N. , Michaelos Michalis , Collins William F. , Kritzer Mary F.
Published: August 2016

The mesocortical and mesolimbic dopamine systems regulate cognitive and motivational processes and are strongly implicated in neuropsychiatric disorders in which these processes are disturbed. Sex differences and sex hormone modulation are also known for these dopamine‐sensitive behaviours in health and disease. One relevant mechanism of hormone impact appears to be regulation of cortical and subcortical dopamine levels. This study asked whether this regulation of dopamine tone is a consequence of sex or sex hormone impact on the firing modes of ventral midbrain dopamine neurons. To address this, single unit extracellular recordings made in the ventral tegmental area and substantia nigra were compared among urethane‐anaesthetized adult male, female, gonadectomized male rats. These comparisons showed that gonadectomy had no effect on nigral cells and no effects on pacemaker, bursty, single‐spiking or random modes of dopamine activity in the ventral tegmental area. However, it did significantly and selectively increase burst firing in these cells in a testosterone‐sensitive, estradiol‐insensitive manner. Given the roles of prefrontal cortex (PFC) in modulating midbrain dopamine cell firing, we next asked whether gonadectomy's effects on dopamine cell bursting had correlated effects on the activity of ventral tegmentally projecting prefrontal cortical neurons. We found that gonadectomy indeed significantly and selectively increased burst firing in ventral tegmentally projecting but not neighbouring prefrontal cells. These effects were also androgen‐sensitive. Together, these findings suggest a working model wherein androgen influence over the activity of PFC neurons regulates its top‐down modulation of mesocortical and mesolimbic dopamine systems and related dopamine‐sensitive behaviours.
A prospective study contrasting the psychiatric outcome in drug‐resistant epilepsy between patients who underwent surgery and a control group
Authors: Ramos‐Perdigués Sònia , Baillés Eva , Mané Anna , Carreño Mar , Donaire Antonio , Rumia Jordi , Bargalló Nuria , Boget Teresa , Setoain Xavier , Valdes Manuel , Pintor Luís
Published: August 2016

Objective

Psychiatric morbidity in drug‐resistant epilepsy is frequent and has a negative influence on quality of life. Surgery is proven to be the best therapeutic alternative for treating seizures. However, it is inconclusive with the current evidence whether surgery, per se, is a risk factor or promotes amelioration of psychiatric disorders. Until now, most studies have been cross‐sectional with small or heterogeneous groups. In addition, the few prospective studies did not have an identical control group. The present study aims to clarify the role of surgery in psychopathologic alterations.

Methods

We analyzed, through a prospective case‐control study, the psychopathologic outcomes of patients with drug‐resistant epilepsy, comparing those who underwent surgery and those who continued with pharmacologic treatment due to not being suitable for surgery. The assessments were performed during presurgical evaluation and 6 months after surgery. We studied psychiatric changes for each group, compared differences between groups, and also analyzed de novo and remission cases. Finally, we determined associated factors for postsurgical psychiatric disturbances.

Results

The surgical group experienced a significant decrease in psychopathologic alterations in comparison with the control group. In addition, distress perception of surgical patients also improved, whereas it did not decrease in the control group. Patients who underwent surgery presented a decrease in depressive and anxiety symptoms, whereas the nonsurgical group increased its anxiety levels. De novo disturbances that appeared after surgery were less frequent than in nonsurgical patients. We observed significant favorable outcomes considering de novo versus remission cases for anxiety, depression, and total symptoms only in the surgical group. The two main predictors for psychiatric disorders after surgery were presurgical psychiatric functioning and surgery.

Significance

Provides evidence that surgery improves psychiatric functioning in drug‐resistant epilepsy through a prospective controlled study.
Visual analytics of educational time‐dependent data using interactive dynamic visualization
Authors: Géryk Jan
Published: August 2016

A major challenge in the modern educational research is the large amount of time‐dependent data, which requires suitable methods to provide an efficient decision making. The fields of visual analytics and interactive visualization can help to cope with the related issues by involving the analyst in the exploration process. The time is an important variable that needs to be modeled in visual analytics. Methods like motion charts show the changes over time by presenting animations in the two‐dimensional space and by changing the element appearances. In this paper, we present a novel web‐based visual analytics framework, which is primarily designed for exploratory analysis of academic analytics and employs a combination of improved motion charts methods, trajectory‐based visualizations, and automated analytic methods for the purpose of analyzing data elements based on their relations with the time dimension and examining data dynamics. We evaluate the usefulness and the general applicability of the framework with a controlled experiment to assess the efficacy of the methods. To interpret the experiment results, we utilize one‐way repeated measures analysis of variance. Also, a questionnaire survey with experts was conducted to evaluate the usability of the methods.
RNA‐sequencing profiles hippocampal gene expression in a validated model of cancer‐induced depression
Authors: Nashed M. G. , Linher‐Melville K. , Frey B. N. , Singh G.
Published: August 2016

To investigate the pathophysiology of cancer‐induced depression (CID), we have recently developed a validated CID mouse model. Given that the efficacy of antidepressants in cancer patients is controversial, it remains unclear whether CID is a biologically distinct form of depression. We used RNA‐sequencing (RNA‐seq) to investigate differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in hippocampi of animals from our CID model relative a positive control model of depressive‐like behavior induced with chronic corticosterone (CORT). To validate RNA‐seq results, we performed quantitative real‐time RT‐PCR (qRT‐PCR) on a subset of DEGs. Enrichment analysis using DAVID was performed on DEGs to identify enriched Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathways and biological process gene ontologies (GO:BP). qRT‐PCR results significantly predicted RNA‐seq results. RNA‐seq revealed that most DEGs identified in the CORT model overlapped with the CID model. Enrichment analyses identified KEGG pathways and GO:BP terms associated with ion homeostasis and neuronal communication for both the CORT and CID model. In addition, CID DEGs were enriched in pathways and terms relating to neuronal development, intracellular signaling, learning and memory. This study is the first to investigate CID at the mRNA level. We have shown that most hippocampal mRNA changes that are associated with a depressive‐like state are also associated with cancer. Several other changes occur at the mRNA level in cancer, suggesting that the CID model may represent a biologically distinct form of a depressive‐like state.
Functional outcome of total knee arthroplasty in patients with haemophilia
Authors: Mortazavi S. M. J. , Haghpanah B. , Ebrahiminasab M. M. , Baghdadi T. , Toogeh G.
Published: August 2016

Introduction

Haemophilic arthropathy (HA) is a debilitating complication of haemophilia which leads to TKA in severe cases.

Aim

We conducted a prospective study of the outcome of TKA in our haemophilia cohort to define the outcomes in this population and increase the cost effectiveness of the procedure in our developing country.

Methods

We reviewed patients with haemophilia who underwent TKA between April 2010 and April 2014. Patients with at least 6 months of follow‐up were included. Preoperative knee scores (KSS and WOMAC) and the scores of the quality of life were recorded. Radiographic indices were registered pre‐ and postoperatively. Any complications were recorded. The patients underwent TKA with medial parapatellar approach. We had a low threshold for quadriceps snip when exposure was difficult. As our routine we did not use suction drains postoperatively.

Results

We included 83 patients (all males, 103 knees). The mean age of the patients was 35.8 years. The mean follow‐up period was 45.1 months. Three patients (3.6%) had factor inhibitors. Twenty patients (24.1%) underwent bilateral simultaneous TKA. The mean admission time was 13.87 days. We had two cases of wound infection and one case of haematoma. None of our patients needed transfusion. All knee scores were significantly improved (P < 0.000).

Conclusion

Total knee replacement is an effective procedure in treatment of HA. Definition of standards of care for this procedure, which are tailored for resources of a developing country, can have major impact in improving outcomes while maximizing cost effectiveness of this surgery.
Non‐genetic risk factors in haemophilia A inhibitor management – the danger theory and the use of animal models
Authors: Lövgren K. M. , Søndergaard H. , Skov S. , Wiinberg B.
Published: August 2016

In haemophilia A (HA) management, antidrug antibodies, or inhibitors, are a serious complication that renders factor VIII (FVIII) replacement therapy ineffective, increases morbidity and reduces quality of life for affected patients. Inhibitor development aetiology is multifactorial and covers both genetic and therapy related risk factors. Many therapy‐related risk factors have proven difficult to confirm due to several confounding factors and the small study populations available. However, clinical studies indicate that e.g. on‐demand treatment and surgery affect inhibitor development, and explanations for this association are being investigated. A potential explanation is the danger signal effect, where the immune response is activated by endogenous or exogenous danger or damage signals present at the time and site of FVIII administration. The danger theory explains how alarm signals from stressed, injured or dying cells can activate an immune reaction, without the involvement of foreign antigens. Bleeds, trauma, surgery or concomitant infection could be events initiating danger signalling in HA patients, resulting in an immune reaction towards administered FVIII that otherwise would pass unnoticed. This role of danger in HA inhibitor formation has previously been suggested, but a thorough discussion of this subject is lacking. The present review will discuss the potential role of danger signals in haemophilia and inhibitor development, with focus on treatment related risk factors with a suspected danger signal aetiology; on‐demand treatment, treatment during major bleeds or surgery, and treatment during infection or vaccination. Clinical studies as well as animal experiments addressing these factors will be reviewed.
Awareness of and reactions to mammography controversy among immigrant women
Authors: Nagler Rebekah H. , Lueck Jennifer A. , Gray Lauren S.
Published: August 2016

Background

There is substantial expert disagreement about the use of mammography to screen for breast cancer, and this disagreement routinely plays out in the media. Evidence suggests that some women are aware of the controversy over mammography, but less is known about whether immigrant and other underserved women have heard about it and, if so, how they react to it.

Objective

To explore immigrant women's awareness of and reactions to mammography controversy.

Design

Community‐engaged qualitative study: we conducted six focus groups with 53 women aged 35–55 from three immigrant communities (Somali, Latina and Hmong) in a major US metropolitan area. A grounded theory approach was used to identify themes; NVivo 10 was used to enhance analyses.

Results

Several themes emerged: (i) low awareness of mammography controversy across groups, despite self‐reported attention to health information; (ii) high intentions to be screened, even after being told about the controversy; (iii) few reported discussions of mammography's risks and benefits with clinicians; (iv) substantial interest in learning more about mammography and breast cancer, but some low self‐efficacy to obtain such information; and (v) questions about whether health recommendations matter and what qualifies as evidence.

Conclusion

Given on‐going expert disagreement about mammography screening, it is important for clinicians to help women understand mammography's risks and benefits so they can make an informed choice. This is particularly critical for immigrant and other underserved women, who may be less able to access, attend to, process, retain and act on health information (a phenomenon known as communication inequality).
Maximus the Confessor and the Problem of Participation
Authors: Wen Clement Yung
Published: August 2016

In defining the theological problem of participation as the question of how created beings, namely human beings, can participate (μέθεξις) in the transcendent Uncreated God towards deification (θέωσις) without a pantheistic blurring of essences, this article examines the Christologically intuitive way in which Maximus the Confessor (580–662) would have responded. Specifically, Maximus’ Cyrilline Chalcednonianism, featuring an unconfused perichoretic union between Christ's two natures in his hypostatic union, serves directly as an apologetic and hermeneutic for humanity's and creation's participation in God. In addition, taking into account the scholarly debate over Maximus’ understanding of the relationship between the Logos and the logoi, it is argued that this indirectly provides a second Christological way forward to resolve the problem at hand, particularly when the two types of logoi (that ‘of being’ and that ‘of virtue’) are correctly distinguished. Insofar as the Logos and the logoi, not to mention the notions of participation and deification, were viewed by Maximus through his Cyrilline Chalcedonian lens, his Cyrilline Chalcednonian Christology was ultimately his answer to the theological problem of participation.
Identity Work and Emotions: A Review
Authors: Winkler Ingo
Published: August 2016

This paper reviews the empirical literature on identity work and identifies two distinct approaches to incorporating emotion. The majority of empirical studies use emotion to describe the experiences of identity work. In doing so, the authors (a) mention the emotions that people feel in situations that trigger identity work, (b) illustrate identity work as an emotional endeavour, and (c) describe the emotional impact of successful and unsuccessful identity work. There is also an emerging literature that examines the mutual constitution of emotions and identity work. These authors address emotional labour, affective social identification, emotional attachment and detachment, and humour when studying identity work. This paper suggests that, to understand better the relation between emotions and identity work, future research should examine the role of emotions in problematizing identity, the emotional constitution of the identity work experience, the intersection of emotions and other ways of knowing the self, and the links between emotions and power in identity work.
Adaptive immunity programmes in breast cancer
Authors: Varn Frederick S. , Mullins David W. , Arias‐Pulido Hugo , Fiering Steven , Cheng Chao
Published: August 2016

The role of the immune system in shaping cancer development and patient prognosis has recently become an area of intense focus in industry and academia. Harnessing the adaptive arm of the immune system for tumour eradication has shown great promise in a variety of tumour types. Differences between tissues, however, necessitate a greater understanding of the adaptive immunity programmes that are active within each tumour type. In breast cancer, adaptive immune programmes play diverse roles depending on the cellular infiltration found in each tumour. Cytotoxic T lymphocytes and T helper type 1 cells can induce tumour eradication, whereas regulatory T cells and T helper type 2 cells are known to be involved in tumour‐promoting immunosuppressive responses. Complicating these matters, heterogeneous expression of hormone receptors and growth factors in different tumours leads to disparate, patient‐specific adaptive immune responses. Despite this non‐conformity in adaptive immune behaviours, encouraging basic and clinical results have been observed that suggest a role for immunotherapeutic approaches in breast cancer. Here, we review the literature pertaining to the adaptive immune response in breast cancer, summarize the primary findings relating to the breast tumour's biology, and discuss potential clinical immunotherapies.
Fracture Behavior of Minimally Invasive, Posterior, and Fixed Dental Prostheses Manufactured from Monolithic Zirconia
Authors: Bömicke Wolfgang , Rues Stefan , Hlavacek Verena , Rammelsberg Peter , Schmitter Marc
Published: August 2016

Objectives

To compare ultimate fracture load (Fu), load at first damage (F1d), and fracture pattern for posterior fixed dental prostheses (FDPs) manufactured from translucent, yttria‐stabilized zirconia polycrystal.

Methods

Premolar‐size FDPs in 4 test groups (n = 16/group) were constructed as veneered complete crown‐retained (group 1), monolithic complete crown‐retained (group 2), monolithic partial veneer crown‐retained (group 3), or monolithic resin‐bonded (group 4) prostheses with minimum zirconia wall thickness (0.5 mm). Adhesively cemented to metal abutments, half of the prostheses were artificially aged by use of 10,000 thermocycles (6.5°C/60°C) and 1,200,000 chewing cycles (F = 108 N), before fracture loading. Statistics included two‐way non‐parametric ANOVA and Dunn–Bonferroni post‐hoc tests (α = 0.05).

Results

None of the restorations failed during artificial aging. Fu was affected by test group (p < 0.001); F1d was also affected by the factor combination of test group and aging (p = 0.001 for test group; p = 0.049 for test group*aging). Mean Fu for all groups exceeded 1000 N; it was comparable for group 1 and group 2 and statistically significantly higher for group 2 and group 3 than for group 4 (p < 0.01). Fracture usually occurred through the retainer wall. F1d = 200 N was determined for individual samples in group 1 (chipping) and group 3 (local debonding).

Conclusions

Fu of all the restorations was adequate for clinical use. Complications might, however, be expected at forces below 500 N for veneered prostheses (chipping) as well as for monolithic partial veneer crown‐retained prostheses (local debonding).

Clinical Significance

With regard to fracture behavior, all‐ceramic complete crown‐retained fixed dental prostheses (FDP) manufactured from monolithic zirconia, with a retainer wall thickness of 0.5 mm, might be suitable for use as a conservative alternative to their veneered counterparts in the rehabilitation of posterior tooth loss. Monolithic zirconia resin‐bonded FDP might, moreover, be a viable alternative to resin‐bonded FDPs with metal adhesive retainers in posterior arches, with improved esthetics and biocompatibility. The performance of both should, however, be verified in clinical trials. (J Esthet Restor Dent 28:367–381, 2016)
Balancing upstream–downstream interests in flood risk management: experiences from a catchment‐based approach in Austria
Authors: Seher W. , Löschner L.
Published: August 2016

River floods usually do not stop at administrative borders. The respective location of municipalities along a river creates different options and dependencies, commonly referred to as upstream–downstream relations. This regional dimension of flood risk calls for catchment‐based approaches in flood risk management as advocated by the EU Flood Directive. In this article, we present and assess the case of an intermunicipal cooperation in Austria which aims to alleviate flood risk and coordinate planning activities based on a catchment approach. The authors apply an established model of water governance to characterise the governance features and to assess the governance qualities and governance capacities of the intermunicipal cooperation. Findings show that the selected case qualifies as a suitable governance instrument to address the main policy objectives. Existing functional ties, shared (flooding) experiences, and mutual trust mark key success factors, indicating that proximity – in its many different forms – is crucial to overcome power asymmetries and spatial misfits in catchment‐based flood risk management. However, intermunicipal cooperation is weak when it comes to ensuring binding land use regulations, showing the need for a complementary use of governance arrangements and formal instruments of regional land use planning in flood risk management.
High‐Risk Obtainment of Prescription Drugs by Older Adults in New Jersey: The Role of Prescription Opioids
Authors: Gold Sarah L. , Powell Kristen Gilmore , Eversman Michael H. , Peterson N. Andrew , Borys Suzanne , Hallcom Donald K.
Published: August 2016

Objectives

To explore the high‐risk ways in which older adults obtain prescription opioids and to identify predictors of obtaining prescription opioids from high‐risk sources, such as obtaining the same drug from multiple doctors, sharing drugs, and stealing prescription pads.

Design

Logistic regression analyses of cross‐sectional survey data from the New Jersey Older Adult Survey on Drug Use and Health, a representative random‐sample survey.

Participants

Adults aged 60 and older (N = 725).

Measurements

Items such as obtaining prescriptions for the same drug from more than one doctor and stealing prescription drugs were measured to determine high‐risk obtainment of prescription opioids.

Results

Almost 15% of the sample used high‐risk methods of obtaining prescription opioids. Adults who previously used a prescription opioid recreationally had three times the risk of high‐risk obtainment of prescription opioids.

Conclusion

These findings illustrate the importance of strengthening prescription drug monitoring programs to reduce high‐risk use of prescription drugs in older adults by alerting doctors and pharmacists to potential prescription drug misuse and interactions.
Do‐Not‐Attempt‐Resuscitation orders for people with intellectual disabilities: dilemmas and uncertainties for ID physicians and trainees. The importance of the deliberation process
Authors: Wagemans A. M. A. , van Schrojenstein Lantman‐de Valk H. M. J. , Proot I. M. , Bressers A. M. , Metsemakers J. , Tuffrey‐Wijne I. , Groot M. , Curfs L. M. G.
Published: August 2016

Background

Not much is known about Do‐Not‐Attempt‐Resuscitation (DNAR) decision‐making for people with intellectual disabilities (IDs). The aim of this study was to clarify the problems and pitfalls of non‐emergency DNAR decision‐making for people with IDs, from the perspective of ID physicians.

Methods

This qualitative study was based on semi‐structured individual interviews, focus group interviews and an expert meeting, all recorded digitally and transcribed verbatim. Forty ID physicians and trainees were interviewed about problems, pitfalls and dilemmas of DNAR decision‐making for people with IDs in the Netherlands. Data were analysed using Grounded Theory procedures.

Results

The core category identified was ‘Patient‐related considerations when issuing DNAR orders’. Within this category, medical considerations were the main contributory factor for the ID physicians. Evaluation of quality of life was left to the relatives and was sometimes a cause of conflicts between physicians and relatives. The category of ‘The decision‐maker role’ was as important as that of ‘The decision procedure in an organisational context’. The procedure of issuing a non‐emergency DNAR order and the embedding of this procedure in the health care organisation were important for the ID physicians.

Conclusion

The theory we developed clarifies that DNAR decision‐making for people with IDs is complex and causes uncertainties. This theory offers a sound basis for training courses for physicians to deal with uncertainties regarding DNAR decision‐making, as well as a method for advance care planning. Health care organisations are strongly advised to implement a procedure regarding DNAR decision‐making.
A LITERATURE SURVEY ON PROPOSED AFRICAN MONETARY UNIONS
Authors: Asongu Simplice , Nwachukwu Jacinta , Tchamyou Vanessa
Published: August 2016

This study provides a survey of recent advances in the literature on proposed African monetary unions. The survey comprises about 70 empirical papers published during the past 15 years. Four main strands are discussed individually and collectively. They comprise the proposed: (i) West African Monetary Zone (WAMZ), (ii) East African Monetary Union (EAMU), (iii) Southern African Monetary Union (SAMU) and (iv) African Monetary Union (AMU). We observe a number of issues with establishing the feasibility and/or desirability of potential monetary unions, inter alia, they are variations in: choice of variables, empirical strategies, sampled countries and considered periodicities. We address this ambiguity by reviewing studies with scenarios that are consistent with Hegelian dialectics and establish selective expansion as the predominant mode of monetary integration. Some proponents make cases for strong pegs and institutions as viable alternatives to currency unions. Using cluster analysis, disaggregating panels into sub‐samples and distinguishing shocks from responses in the examination of business cycle synchronisation provide more subtle policy implications. We caution that for inquiries using the same theoretical underpinnings, variables and methods just by modifying the scope/context and periodicity may only contribute to increasing the number of conflicting findings. Authors should place more emphasis on new perspectives and approaches based on caveats of, and lessons from the European Monetary Union (EMU) and CFA zones.
MEASURING PORTFOLIO RISK UNDER PARTIAL DEPENDENCE INFORMATION
Authors: Bernard Carole , Denuit Michel , Vanduffel Steven
Published: August 2016

The bounds for risk measures of a portfolio when its components have known marginal distributions but the dependence among the risks is unknown are often too wide to be useful in practice. Moreover, availability of additional dependence information, such as knowledge of some higher‐order moments, makes the problem significantly more difficult. We show that replacing knowledge of the marginal distributions with knowledge of the mean of the portfolio does not result in significant loss of information when estimating bounds on value‐at‐risk. These results are used to assess the margin by which total capital can be underestimated when using the Solvency II or RBC capital aggregation formulas.
Domain‐Relevant Commitment and Individual Technical Innovation Performance
Authors: Bettencourt Lance A. , Bond Edward U. , Cole Michael S. , Houston Mark B.
Published: August 2016

Individual innovators play a critical organizational role in that they generate and often champion technology and product ideas. Amidst an ongoing stream of organizational and team innovation research, few empirical studies focus on differences in individual innovation performance despite the importance of the individual innovator to a firm's innovation efforts. Based on goal commitment theory, we introduce a new domain‐relevant commitment construct and develop a conceptualization of conditional indirect effects. Our model suggests that relevant individual abilities enhance commitment to technical innovation and innovation performance while also insulating against the impact of situational variables, making employees' commitment to innovation performance less dependent upon context. Hypotheses are tested using two sources of data and a sample of 339 R&D professionals from a Fortune 100 industrial firm. Results suggest that commitment to innovation is a key motivational factor in explaining individual technical innovation performance. Situational characteristics impact motivation differently for individuals with lower vs. higher ability levels, even in this context in which truly low‐ability individuals, in the absolute sense, have been screened out by the employment selection process. The relationship between commitment and innovation performance is strengthened by higher levels of individual ability.
Undernutrition in the parental and first generation provokes an organ‐specific response to oxidative stress on neonates of second filial generation of Wistar rats
Authors: Baños‐Gómez R. , Cruz‐Cansino N. S. , Suarez‐Diéguez T. , Valadez‐Vega C. , Ramírez‐Moreno E. , Alanís‐García E. , Ariza‐Ortega J. A. , Manríquez‐Torres J. J. , Zamora‐Romo E. , Delgado‐Olivares L.
Published: August 2016

Undernutrition induces an increase of the oxidative stress that can predispose offspring to various diseases in adulthood through epigenetic reprogramming. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of intergenerational undernutrition on protein oxidation and antioxidant defence response on liver, heart and brain of the second‐generation neonates (F2) of undernourished rats. For this purpose, both parents in parental (F0) and first generation (F1) were fed with a low‐nutrient diet. Body mass and length decreased (p < 0.05) in F0, F1and F2being the F1males who exhibited a greater mass loss. A decrease in plasma albumin concentration was observed in F2neonates (p < 0.05) and also a mass loss of liver, heart and brain (p < 0.05), although proportionally to body length reduction. Undernutrition increased levels of protein oxidation in liver and heart (p < 0.05) but not in brain (p > 0.05) while catalase activity increased only in brain (p < 0.05). In summary, intergenerational undernutrition modifies the antioxidant status through an organ‐specific response, on F2neonate rats, where the brain increased catalase activity to prevent a severe oxidative damage and support the vital functions of this key organ to maintain vital functions.
Prevalence and consequence of subacute ruminal acidosis in Polish dairy herds
Authors: Stefańska B. , Nowak W. , Komisarek J. , Taciak M. , Barszcz M. , Skomiał J.
Published: August 2016

The aim of this study was to estimate the prevalence of subacute ruminal acidosis (SARA) in Polish high‐yielding dairy herds. Also, the relationships between the chemical composition of the diet and the feed particle size, ruminal pH and the occurrence of this metabolic disease and the fermentation profile were determined. Rumen fluid samples were obtained from a total of 213 cows from nine dairy herds (≥20 cows per herd) via rumenocentesis. Almost 14% (30/213) of cows as acidotic (pH<5.6) were found, which is indicative of SARA. Moreover, 44% of the herds were classified as SARA‐positive and 56% as SARA‐negative. Results of the current study suggested that the physically effective NDF (NDF>1.18 mm)‐to‐starch ratio could be better indices than peNDF>1.18 mm to preventing the occurrence of SARA, and their level should not be lower than 1.00. Also, linear negative relationships between rumen fluid pH and concentration of propionate, valerate and total VFA were determined. According to the herd's SARA status and rumen fluid biochemical indices, there were significant differences between the pH of rumen fluid (p ≤ 0.01), concentrations of acetate (p ≤ 0.05), propionate (p ≤ 0.05), n‐butyrate (p ≤ 0.01), n‐valerate (p ≤ 0.01), the sum of VFA (p ≤ 0.01) and ammonia (p ≤ 0.05) in SARA‐positive herds compared to SARA‐negative herds. The better understanding the strategy of ruminant nutrition to coordinate energy conversion and the role of the ruminal pH in regulating N‐NH3 production, absorption through rumen mucosa, urea secretion, the more successfully we can utilize these processes with due recognition of animal needs and welfare, as well as prevention of SARA occurrence.
Gene therapy improves dental manifestations in hypophosphatasia model mice
Authors: Okawa R. , Iijima O. , Kishino M. , Okawa H. , Toyosawa S. , Sugano‐Tajima H. , Shimada T. , Okada T. , Ozono K. , Ooshima T. , Nakano K.
Published: August 2016

Background and Objective

Hypophosphatasia is a rare inherited skeletal disorder characterized by defective bone mineralization and deficiency of tissue non‐specific alkaline phosphatase (TNSALP) activity. The disease is caused by mutations in the liver/bone/kidney alkaline phosphatase gene (ALPL) encoding TNSALP. Early exfoliation of primary teeth owing to disturbed cementum formation, periodontal ligament weakness and alveolar bone resorption are major complications encountered in oral findings, and discovery of early loss of primary teeth in a dental examination often leads to early diagnosis of hypophosphatasia. Although there are no known fundamental treatments or effective dental approaches to prevent early exfoliation of primary teeth in affected patients, several possible treatments have recently been described, including gene therapy. Gene therapy has also been applied to TNSALP knockout mice (Alpl−/−), which phenocopy the infantile form of hypophosphatasia, and improved their systemic condition. In the present study, we investigated whether gene therapy improved the dental condition of Alpl−/− mice.

Material and Methods

Following sublethal irradiation (4 Gy) at the age of 2 d, Alpl−/− mice underwent gene therapy using bone marrow cells transduced with a lentiviral vector expressing a bone‐targeted form of TNSALP injected into the jugular vein (n = 3). Wild‐type (Alpl+/+), heterozygous mice (Alpl+/−) and Alpl−/− mice were analyzed at 9 d of age (n = 3 of each), while Alpl+/+ mice and treated or untreated Alpl−/− mice were analyzed at 1 mo of age (n = 3 of each), and Alpl+/− mice and Alpl−/− mice with gene therapy were analyzed at 3 mo of age (n = 3 of each). A single mandibular hemi‐section obtained at 1 mo of age was analyzed using a small animal computed tomography machine to assess alveolar bone formation. Other mandibular hemi‐sections obtained at 9 d, 1 mo and 3 mo of age were subjected to hematoxylin and eosin staining and immunohistochemical analysis of osteopontin, a marker of cementum.

Results

Immunohistochemical analysis of osteopontin, a marker of acellular cementum, revealed that Alpl−/− mice displayed impaired formation of cementum and alveolar bone, similar to the human dental phenotype. Cementum formation was clearly present in Alpl−/− mice that underwent gene therapy, but did not recover to the same level as that in wild‐type (Alpl+/+) mice. Micro‐computed tomography examination showed that gene therapy improved alveolar bone mineral density in Alpl−/− mice to a similar level to that in Alpl+/+ mice.

Conclusions

Our results suggest that gene therapy can improve the general condition of Alpl−/− mice, and induce significant alveolar bone formation and moderate improvement of cementum formation, which may contribute to inhibition of early spontaneous tooth exfoliation.
Forest structure as a predictor of tree species diversity in the North Carolina Piedmont
Authors: Hakkenberg Christopher R. , Song Conghe , Peet Robert K. , White Peter S.
Published: August 2016

Questions

Can forest structure significantly predict tree species diversity in the forests of the North Carolina Piedmont? If so, which structural attributes are most correlated with it, and how effective are they when used in concert in a generalized predictive model of tree species diversity?

Location

North Carolina Piedmont,USA.

Methods

Using a set of geographically distributed Forest inventory and analysis (FIA) plots (n = 972), we analysed Spearman correlations between 15 measures of forest structure and five indices of tree species diversity. We predict tree species diversity based on structural predictors using support vector regression (SVR) models, assessing model fit via ten‐fold cross‐validation.

Results

Results show a consistent and significant relationship between most structural attributes and indices of tree species diversity. Among all structural predictors, maximum height, basal area size inequality (basal area Gini coefficient) and skewness of the basal area distribution (Weibull shape) exhibited the strongest correlations with indices of tree species diversity. PredictiveSVRmodels trained solely with structural attributes explained 44–61% of the variance in tree species diversity in the full Piedmont data set, and 22–71% of the variance in subsets defined by stand origin and forest type.

Conclusions

Results confirm that forest structure alone was able to predict a substantial portion of the variance in tree species diversity without accounting for other known predictors of diversity in the North Carolina Piedmont, such as environment, soil conditions and site history. Beyond the theoretical implications of unravelling primary patterns underlying tree species diversity, these findings highlight the empirical basis and potential for utilizing forest structure in predictive models of tree species diversity over large geographic regions.
Lack of demographic equilibrium indicates natural, large‐scale forest dynamics, not a problematic forest conservation policy – a reply to Brzeziecki et al.
Authors: Jaroszewicz Bogdan , Bobiec Andrzej , Eycott Amy Elizabeth
Published: August 2016

Brzeziecki et al. 2016 (Journal of Vegetation Science 27: 460–467.) describe a decrease in population densities and proportion of younger individuals for several tree species in permanent research plots in the core zone of the Białowieża National Park. They attribute insufficient tree recruitment inter alia to the strict protection. Although the authors performed a thorough analysis of tree population dynamics, the scales of the study mean that their far‐reaching conclusions on the causes and consequences of the lack of demographic equilibrium cannot be supported by the data. The inadequate spatial and temporal scales of the study did not allow for the observation of representative population dynamics. Furthermore, they did not compare the results obtained in the strictly protected area with known demographic dynamics of trees in surrounding managed forests or under other forms of nature conservation. Looking from the wider ecosystem perspective, it is clear that strict protection is not a cause for concern and, instead, that such a near‐natural forest manifests population dynamics at rather larger scales.
Dietary change mediates relationships between stress during pregnancy and infant head circumference measures: the QF2011 study
Authors: Dancause Kelsey N. , Mutran Dima , Elgbeili Guillaume , Laplante David P. , Kildea Sue , Stapleton Helen , McIntyre David , King Suzanne
Published: August 2016

Prenatal maternal stress can adversely affect birth outcomes, likely reflecting effects of maternal stress hormones on fetal development. Maternal stress might also induce behavioural changes, such as dietary change, that might influence fetal development. Few studies have documented relationships between stress and dietary change in pregnancy. We analysed stress and dietary change among 222 pregnant women exposed to the 2011 Queensland Floods. We assessed women's objective hardship, subjective distress and cognitive appraisal of the disaster; changes in their diets and their associations with infants' gestational age, weight, length and head circumference at birth, head circumference to birth length ratio (HC/BL) and ponderal index. Greater objective hardship was correlated with more negative dietary change, skipped meals and skipped multivitamins. There were no direct effects of stress or dietary change on birth outcomes. However, we observed an interactive effect of dietary change and exposure timing on head circumference for gestational age (HC for GA) (p = 0.010) and a similar trend for HC/BL (p = 0.064). HC for GA and HC/BL were larger among children whose mothers experienced negative changes to their diet in early pregnancy compared with later pregnancy, consistent with a ‘head‐sparing’ response with early gestation exposure. Further analyses indicated that dietary change mediates the relationship between objective hardship because of the floods and these outcomes. This is the first report of relationships among an independent stressor, dietary change and birth outcomes. It highlights another possible mechanism in the relationship between prenatal maternal stress and child development that could guide future research and interventions.
Plant diversity accurately predicts insect diversity in two tropical landscapes
Authors: Zhang Kai , Lin Siliang , Ji Yinqiu , Yang Chenxue , Wang Xiaoyang , Yang Chunyan , Wang Hesheng , Jiang Haisheng , Harrison Rhett D. , Yu Douglas W.
Published: August 2016

Plant diversity surely determines arthropod diversity, but only moderate correlations between arthropod and plant species richness had been observed until Basset et al. (Science, 338, 2012 and 1481) finally undertook an unprecedentedly comprehensive sampling of a tropical forest and demonstrated that plant species richness could indeed accurately predict arthropod species richness. We now require a high‐throughput pipeline to operationalize this result so that we can (i) test competing explanations for tropical arthropod megadiversity, (ii) improve estimates of global eukaryotic species diversity, and (iii) use plant and arthropod communities as efficient proxies for each other, thus improving the efficiency of conservation planning and of detecting forest degradation and recovery. We therefore applied metabarcoding to Malaise‐trap samples across two tropical landscapes in China. We demonstrate that plant species richness can accurately predict arthropod (mostly insect) species richness and that plant and insect community compositions are highly correlated, even in landscapes that are large, heterogeneous and anthropogenically modified. Finally, we review how metabarcoding makes feasible highly replicated tests of the major competing explanations for tropical megadiversity.
Differential gene expression according to race and host plant in the pea aphid
Authors: Eyres Isobel , Jaquiéry Julie , Sugio Akiko , Duvaux Ludovic , Gharbi Karim , Zhou Jing‐Jiang , Legeai Fabrice , Nelson Michaela , Simon Jean‐Christophe , Smadja Carole M. , Butlin Roger , Ferrari Julia
Published: August 2016

Host‐race formation in phytophagous insects is thought to provide the opportunity for local adaptation and subsequent ecological speciation. Studying gene expression differences amongst host races may help to identify phenotypes under (or resulting from) divergent selection and their genetic, molecular and physiological bases. The pea aphid (Acyrthosiphon pisum) comprises host races specializing on numerous plants in the Fabaceae and provides a unique system for examining the early stages of diversification along a gradient of genetic and associated adaptive divergence. In this study, we examine transcriptome‐wide gene expression both in response to environment and across pea aphid races selected to cover the range of genetic divergence reported in this species complex. We identify changes in expression in response to host plant, indicating the importance of gene expression in aphid–plant interactions. Races can be distinguished on the basis of gene expression, and higher numbers of differentially expressed genes are apparent between more divergent races; these expression differences between host races may result from genetic drift and reproductive isolation and possibly divergent selection. Expression differences related to plant adaptation include a subset of chemosensory and salivary genes. Genes showing expression changes in response to host plant do not make up a large portion of between‐race expression differences, providing confirmation of previous studies’ findings that genes involved in expression differences between diverging populations or species are not necessarily those showing initial plasticity in the face of environmental change.