bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Decision to Privatize: Finance and Politics
Authors: DINC I. SERDAR , GUPTA NANDINI
Published: September 2015

We investigate the influence of political and financial factors on the decision to privatize government‐owned firms. The results show that profitable firms and firms with a lower wage bill are likely to be privatized early. We find that the government delays privatization in regions where the governing party faces more competition from opposition parties. The results also suggest that political patronage is important as no firm located in the home state of the minister in charge is ever privatized. Using political variables as an instrument for the privatization decision, we find that privatization has a positive impact on firm performance.
Why Do Mutual Fund Advisory Contracts Change? Performance, Growth, and Spillover Effects
Authors: WARNER JEROLD B. , WU JOANNA SHUANG
Published: September 2015

We examine changes in equity mutual funds' investment advisory contracts. We find substantial advisory compensation rate changes in both directions, with typical percentage fee shifts exceeding one‐fourth. Rate increases are associated with superior past market‐adjusted performance, whereas rate decreases reflect economies of scale associated with growth, and are not associated with extreme poor performance. There are within‐family spillover effects. Superior (e.g., star) performance for individual funds is associated with rate increases for a family's other funds. Rate reductions post‐2004 by family funds involved in market timing scandals do not have large industry spillover effects.
Style‐Related Comovement: Fundamentals or Labels?
Authors: BOYER BRIAN H.
Published: September 2015

I find that economically meaningless index labels cause stock returns to covary in excess of fundamentals. S&P/Barra follow a simple mechanical procedure to define their Value and Growth indices. In doing so, they reclassify some stocks from Value to Growth even after their book‐to‐market ratios have risen, and vice versa. Such stocks begin to covary more with the index they join and less with the index they leave. Backdated constituent data from Barra reveal no such label‐related shifts in comovement during the 10 years prior to the actual introduction of the indices in 1992.
Potential Barrier of (Zn,Nb)SnO2‐Films Induced by Microwave Thermal Diffusion of Cr3+ for Low‐Voltage Varistor
Authors: Lustosa Glauco M. M. M. , da Costa João Paulo de Campos , Perazolli Leinig A. , Stojanovic Biljana D. , Zaghete Maria Aparecida
Published: September 2015

The effect of Cr3+ on the electrical properties of SnO2‐based films deposited by electrophoresis on Si/Pt substrate was considered. The films were sintered in a microwave oven at 1000°C/40 min and then the surface was modified with deposition of Cr3+ ions by electrophoresis. The diffusion of Cr3+ contributes to the modification of the potential barrier formed on the grain boundary improving the electrical properties due to electron acceptor species adsorption on the grain boundary. The influence on the properties of grain boundary was verified by I versus V characterization in as a function of temperature. The films showed nonlinear coefficient over 9, potential barrier height over 0.5 eV and resistivity greater than 107 Ω·cm. 4 samples were prepared at same conditions and presented similar electrical behavior, showing the efficiency of technique on reproducibility to varistor properties control. Thereby the nonlinear coefficient increases while decreasing the conductivity of the system is noticed.
Mineralogy and Microstructure of Hydrated Phases During the Pozzolanic Reaction in the Sanitary Ware Waste/Ca(OH)2 System
Authors: Medina César , Sáez del Bosque Isabel F. , Asensio Eloy , Frías Moisés , Sánchez de Rojas M. Isabel
Published: September 2015

Despite technological improvements in its production process, the sanitary ware industry inevitably generates a certain volume of discards, products whose quality is not up to standard. The present paper is the first to scientifically explore clay‐based sanitary ware waste (SW) with a view to its valorization as an addition in the design of new, more environmentally friendly cements. The focus is on characterization of the waste and its pozzolanicity, as well as the structural and microstructural changes taking place in the pozzolan/Ca(OH)2 system in the first 90 d of reaction. The findings show that pozzolanicity in clay‐based waste is comparable to the activity observed in silica fume (SF) and higher than that found in other clay‐based materials and fly ash (FA). The microstructural study of the clay‐based waste/Ca(OH)2 system, in turn, reveals that the proportion of C–S–H gels rises with hydration time. These gels are characterized by long mean chain lengths (MCL) and low Ca/Si ratios. The intrinsic characteristics of this thermally activated clay‐based waste qualify it as a type Q pozzolans as defined in the European cement standards, making it apt for use in the manufacture of CEM II, IV, and V cements.
First‐time stroke survivors and caregivers’ perceptions of being engaged in rehabilitation
Authors: Chen Langduo , Xiao Lily Dongxia , De Bellis Anita
Published: September 2015

Aim

To explore community‐dwelling first‐time stroke survivors and family caregivers’ perceptions of being engaged in stroke rehabilitation.

Background

Stroke is recognized as a worldwide common healthcare problem and the leading cause of adult disability. An holistic approach to rehabilitation can only be achieved by engaging stroke survivors and caregivers in all stages of recovery and by providing ongoing coordinated rehabilitation programmes.

Design

An interpretive study design was applied to the study.

Method

In‐depth semi‐structured interviews with 22 community‐dwelling first‐time stroke survivors and caregivers were conducted in 2013. The interviews were audiotaped, transcribed and analysed using a thematic analysis.

Findings

Four major themes were identified. First, participants demonstrated low health literacy in stroke and their needs to learn about the disease and rehabilitation were usually ignored in busy clinical settings prior to discharge from hospital. Second, there was a lack of communication and continuity of treatment when the stroke survivors were transferred from one institution to another. Third, challenged with fragmented post‐discharge rehabilitation services, the participants perceived that nurse‐led coordination of rehabilitation was desirable. Fourth, participants perceived ongoing changing of rehabilitation goals in different stages of recovery. They expected to be engaged in ongoing rehabilitation planning and programmes.

Conclusion

The findings of this study challenge service providers to realize a true partnership with stroke survivors and caregivers by working with them as one team that is led by nurses. Making the necessary changes requires mutual effort at both the systemic and individual levels with rehabilitation nurse‐led coordination of rehabilitation programmes.
Integrative taxonomy reveals Europe's rarest songbird species, the Gran Canaria blue chaffinchFringilla polatzeki
Authors: Sangster George , Rodríguez‐Godoy Felipe , Roselaar C. S. , Robb Magnus S. , Luksenburg Jolanda A.
Published: September 2015

The conservation of endangered taxa often critically depends on accurate taxonomic designations. The status of the Gran Canaria population of the blue chaffinchFringilla teydea polatzekihas not been reevaluated since the early 1900s when this taxon was described as a subspecies and combined with the much more common Tenerife blue chaffinchF. t. teydeain a single species. We show that multiple diagnostic differences in plumage, songs, calls and morphometrics distinguishF. t. polatzekifromF. t. teydea. Preliminary playback experiments suggest thatF. t. polatzekiis able to discriminate between songs of both taxa. Along with previously reported differences in mitochondrial DNA, these findings show that the blue chaffinches on Gran Canaria and Tenerife represent two distinctive species:F. polatzekiandF. teydea. Gran Canaria blue chaffinch is Europe's rarest passerine species and should be classified as critically endangered. Its long‐term survival in the wild currently depends on a very small (< 20 km2) area in southwest Gran Canaria. Reclassification of Gran Canaria blue chaffinch as a species increases the urgency of ongoing conservation efforts. Our study underscores the critical importance of taxonomic clarification of threatened taxa that are currently classified as ‘subspecies’.
Diversification of clearwing butterflies with the rise of the Andes
Authors: De‐Silva Donna Lisa , Elias Marianne , Willmott Keith , Mallet James , Day Julia J.
Published: September 2015

Aim

Despite the greatest butterfly diversity on Earth occurring in the Neotropical Andes and Amazonia, there is still keen debate about the origins of this exceptional biota. A densely sampled calibrated phylogeny for a widespread butterfly subtribe, Oleriina (Nymphalidae: Ithomiini) was used to estimate the origin, colonization history and diversification of this species‐rich group.

Location

Neotropics.

Methods

Ancestral elevation and biogeographical ranges were reconstructed using data generated from detailed range maps and applying the dispersal‐extinction‐cladogenesis model using stratified palaeogeographical time slice matrices. The pattern of diversification through time was examined by comparing constant and variable rate models. We also tested the hypothesis that a change in elevation is associated with speciation.

Results

The Oleriina likely originated in the Andes in the Early to Middle Miocene and rapidly diversified to include four genera all of which also originated in the Andes. These clades, together with four species groups, experienced varying spatial and temporal patterns of diversification. An overall early burst and decreasing diversification rate is identified, and this pattern is reflected for most subclades.

Main conclusions

Changes in the palaeogeological landscape, particularly the prolonged uplift of the Andes, had a profound impact on the diversification of the subtribe. The Oleriina mostly remained within the Andes and vicariant speciation resulted in some instances. Dynamic dispersal occurred with the disappearance of geological barriers such as the Acre System and the subtribe exploited newly available habitats. Our results confirm the role of the Andean uplift in the evolution of Neotropical biodiversity.
The Morphology, Ultrastructure and SSU rRNA Gene Sequence of a New Freshwater Flagellate, Neobodo borokensis n. sp. (Kinetoplastea, Excavata)
Authors: Tikhonenkov Denis V. , Janouškovec Jan , Keeling Patrick J. , Mylnikov Alexander P.
Published: September 2015

A small free‐living freshwater bacteriotrophic flagellate Neobodo borokensis n. sp. was investigated by electron microscopy and analysis of its SSU ribosomal RNA gene. This protist has paraxonemal rods of typical bodonid structure in the flagella, mastigonemes on the proximal part of the posterior flagellum, two nearly parallel basal bodies, a compact kinetoplast, and discoid mitochondrial cristae. The flagellar pocket is supported by three microtubular roots (R1, R2 and R3) originating from the kinetosome. The cytopharynx is supported by the root R2, a microtubular prism, cytopharynx associated additional microtubules (CMT) and cytostome associated microtubules (FAS) bands. Symbiotic bacteria and small glycosomes were found in the cytoplasm. Cysts have not been found. The flagellate prefers freshwater habitats, but tolerates salinity up to 3–4‰. The overall morphological and ultrastructural features confirm that N. borokensis represents a new species of the genus Neobodo. Phylogenetic analysis of SSU rRNA genes is congruent with the ultrastructure and strongly supports the close relationship of N. borokensis to Neobodo saliens, N. designis, Actuariola, and a misidentified sequence of “Bodo curvifilus” within the class Kinetoplastea.
Pure fetal histology subtype was associated with better prognosis of children with hepatoblastoma: A Chinese population‐based study
Authors: Qiao Guo‐liang , Chen Zhen , Wang Chen , Ge Juntao , Zhang Zhen , Li Long , Ren Jun
Published: September 2015

Background and Aim

The aim of this study is to identify the association between histologic types and the prognosis of hepatoblastoma (HB) in a large Asian cohort of a single institution and to explore the interaction of histologic types with other independently risk factors in the process of affecting prognosis of HB.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed 176 children with HB (82 female, 94 male) managed in our institution between May 1, 2001 and July 30, 2014. Prognostic factors were evaluated using Kaplan–Meier curves and Cox proportional hazards models.

Results

For the entire cohort of 176 patients, the overall median survival was 80.4 months(95% CI: 71.6–89.2 months), and the 5‐year event‐free survival and overall survival rates were 54.6 and 66.7%. Descriptive survival statistics and Kaplan–Meier curves suggested that alpha fetoprotein levels, tumor metastases, multifocality, histologic types, and Pre‐Treatment Extent of Disease staging System stage had prognostic significance in this relatively selected cohort. Moreover, after eliminating the impact of the interaction of different classification methods of histologic types, pure fetal histologic (PFH) was an independent prognostic factor of HB (hazard ratio [HR]: 2.752,P = 0.021). Further stratification analysis showed that the impaction of other identified risk factors on the influence of PFH on the prognosis of HB patients was different.

Conclusions

We have confirmed that the HB prognostic factors of HB and PFH was associated with better prognosis of children with HB based on an Asian population. PFH showed different significance in the process of affecting prognosis of HB with the interaction of other independent risk factors.
Nutritional and clinical associations of food cravings in pregnancy
Authors: Hill A. J. , Cairnduff V. , McCance D. R.
Published: September 2015

Background

Cravings in pregnancy are considered to alter dietary intake; however, the nutritional consequences are unknown. The present study aimed to investigate the prevalence of food cravings in pregnancy, and their contribution, as a potentially modifiable determinant of weight gain and the development of obesity in pregnancy.

Methods

Healthy pregnant women were participants in the Belfast cohort of the Hyperglycaemia and Adverse Pregnancy Outcome study (HAPO), a prospective observational study examining maternal glycaemia and pregnancy outcome. Diet was assessed at an average of 29 weeks of gestation using a self‐administered validated food frequency questionnaire over the previous 2 weeks that included questions on food cravings experienced at any time during pregnancy. Clinical measurements collected included, height, weight, blood glucose and neonatal outcomes. Mean daily nutrient intakes were analysed with appropriate software.

Results

Food cravings were reported by 39% (n = 635) of women, with sweet foods, fruit and dairy products most frequently consumed. Those who craved foods had a higher mean (SD) energy intake [9721 (3016) kJ] (P = 0.002) even when under‐reporters were removed [10131 (2875) kJ] (P = 0.008). However, no differences were found in nutrient or food intake between groups when adjusted for energy. Similarly, no differences were observed between groups and glycaemic control, anthropometric measurements or offspring outcome measures.

Conclusions

Cravings commonly occur in pregnancy and contributed to a small increase in energy intake; however, this did not impact on overall dietary intake, nor was it associated with excessive gestational weight gain, maternal glycaemia or offspring outcome measurements.
Interspecific plastidial recombination in the diatom genus Pseudo‐nitzschia
Authors: D'Alelio Domenico , Ruggiero Maria Valeria
Published: September 2015

Plastids are usually uni‐parentally inherited and genetic recombination between these organelles is seldom observed. The genus Pseudo‐nitzschia, a globally relevant marine diatom, features bi‐parental plastid inheritance in the course of sexual reproduction. This observation inspired the recombination detection we pursued in this paper over a ~1,400‐nucleotide‐long region of the plastidial rbcL, a marker used in both molecular taxonomy and phylogenetic studies in diatoms. Among all the rbcL‐sequences available in web‐databases for Pseudo‐nitzschia, 42 haplotypes were identified and grouped in five clusters by Bayesian phylogeny. Signs of hybridization were evident in four of five clusters, at both intra‐ and interspecific levels, suggesting that, in diatoms, (i) plastidial recombination is not absent and (ii) hybridization can play a role in speciation of Pseudo‐nitzschia spp.
The challenges of management: Recent experiences in implementing fisheries co‐management in Lake Victoria, Kenya
Authors: Obiero Kevin O. , Abila Richard O. , Njiru Murithi J. , Raburu Phillip O. , Achieng Alfred O. , Kundu Rodrick , Ogello Erick O. , Munguti Jonathan M. , Lawrence Ted
Published: September 2015

This study examined the efficacy of community‐level fishery co‐management organizations called Beach Management Units (BMUs) along the Kenyan shores of Lake Victoria. BMUs were established to enhance sustainable Lake Victoria fishery management through increasing the level of community participation to assist in the administration of fisheries rules and regulations by, and for, the fishers. Inefficiencies have emerged, however, inhibiting the effective execution of sustainable fisheries management by the BMUs. Data were collected from 36 BMUs along the Kenyan shores of Lake Victoria. Descriptive and inferential analyses were performed using SPSS Version 20.0. The results indicated that BMUs are successful at educating fishers and that they are aware of fishing rules and regulations. Nevertheless, high violation rates were also observed, suggesting BMUs have limited impact on fisher decisions to comply with regulations. Data suggest that the failure to comply may be due to lack of adequate financial and equipment resources for monitoring, control and surveillance (MCS) operations, making them unable to control illegal fishing in their areas of jurisdiction. Furthermore, financial mechanisms, which would allow BMUs to sustainably fund their administrative and MCS operations, are weak, thereby reducing the BMUs ability to effectively function. The data from this study highlight two activities illustrating significant indices of good performance, namely resolving disputes and receiving visitors. The data also suggest the creation of BMUs has not ensured successful implementation of co‐management of Lake Victoria fisheries. BMUs are successful at activities of a social nature, but have poorly undertaken their core functions related to enforcement and compliance with fishing rules.
Does Daily Sunshine Make You Happy? Subjective Measures of Well‐Being and the Weather
Authors: Buscha Franz
Published: September 2015

This paper examines to what extent individual measures of well‐being are correlated with daily weather patterns in the United Kingdom. Merging daily weather data into the British Household Panel Survey allows us to test whether measures of self‐reported well‐being are correlated with temperature, sunshine, rainfall and wind speed. We are able to make a strong case for causality due to ‘randomness’ of weather in addition to using methods that eliminate time‐invariant individual‐level heterogeneity. Results suggest that the effect of daily weather on measures of subjective well‐being is negligible; although there is some evidence that sunshine affects job satisfaction negatively.
Employment Flexibility, Dual Labour Markets, Growth, and Distribution
Authors: Krishna Dutt Amitava , Charles Sébastien , Lang Dany
Published: September 2015

Many policymakers and economists have argued in favour of greater labour market flexibility as a part of structural adjustment reforms that are expected to improve economic performance. Existing post‐Keynesian‐Kaleckian (PKK) models are unable to address these issues because they assume away long‐term labour by allowing employment to be short term and adjusting freely with output. This paper introduces long‐term labour into PKK models. We develop a model that provides alternative ways of modelling labour market flexibility and suggest that when aggregate demand issues are important, an increase in employment flexibility is likely to have adverse growth and distributional impacts.
The Angiosome Concept Evaluated on the Basis of Microperfusion in Critical Limb Ischemia Patients—an Oxygen to See Guided Study
Authors: Rother Ulrich , Kapust Johannes , Lang Werner , Horch Raymund E. , Gefeller Olaf , Meyer Alexander
Published: September 2015

Objectives

Aim of this clinical study was to evaluate the angiosome concept with regard to the microcirculation of the foot in patients with CLI and to evaluate its relevance by means of combined laser Doppler flowmetrie and white‐light tissue spectrophotometry.

Methods

Twenty‐eight patients who underwent leg revascularization in the stage of CLI were prospectively examined. The microperfusion was assessed by light guided spectrophotometry. The measuring points were set according to the angiosome concept into direct and indirect revascularized areas of the foot. Investigations were performed pre and postinterventionally and after 4 and 12 weeks in baseline‐position as well as in an elevated position of the leg.

Results

Microcirculation parameters (oxygen saturation, blood flow, velocity) of the revascularized leg showed a significant increase in elevation and baseline position compared to the preoperative values in most analyses. No significant differences between the direct and indirect revascularized angiosome were apparent.

Conclusion

The light‐guided spectrophotometry measurement proved to be feasible in terms of measuring changes in the microcirculation after leg revascularization. However, our data do not support the value of the “angiosome concept” concerning the individual changes in microperfusion of the foot in patients with CLI.
Tick abundances in South London parks and the potential risk for Lyme borreliosis to the general public
Authors: NELSON C. , BANKS S. , JEFFRIES C. L. , WALKER T. , LOGAN J. G.
Published: September 2015

Tick abundances and prevalences of infection with Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato, the causative agent of Lyme disease, were investigated in four South London parks. A total of 360 transects were sampled using three methods of collection (blanket, leggings and flags) simultaneously. No ticks were found on Wimbledon Common or at Hampton Court, but 1118 Ixodes ricinus (Ixodida: Ixodidae) ticks were collected at Richmond and Bushy Parks. At Richmond Park, lower canopy humidity [odds ratio (OR) 0.94; P = 0.005], increased mat depth (OR 1.15; P < 0.001) and increased soil moisture (OR 1.40; P = 0.001) predicted the presence of I. ricinus, and increased sward height [incidence rate ratio (IRR) 1.01; P = 0.006] and decreased ground temperature (IRR 0.90; P = 0.009) predicted increased abundance. At Bushy Park, thicker mat depth predicted tick presence (OR 1.17; P = 0.006) and increasing temperature correlated with tick absence (OR 0.57; P = 0.023). A total of 279 ticks were screened for the presence of B. burgdorferi using quantitative polymerase chain reaction. Point prevalences of 0% for larvae (n = 78), 2.14% for nymphs (n = 174) and 0% for adult ticks (n = 7) related to an acarological risk of 0.22 infected ticks per 40 m transect in Richmond Park. The abundance of ticks and the acarological risk, particularly at Richmond Park, highlight the need for appropriate communication of the associated risk to the general public frequenting these recreational areas.
On the Dynamics of Conversation
Authors: Rothschild Daniel , Yalcin Seth
Published: September 2015

There is a longstanding debate in the literature aboutstaticversusdynamicapproaches to meaning and conversation. A formal result due to van Benthem (,) is often thought to be important for understanding what, conceptually speaking, is at issue in the debate. We introduce the concept of aconversation system, and we use it to clarify the import of van Benthem's result. We then distinguish two classes of conversation systems, corresponding to two concepts of staticness. The first class corresponds to a generalization of the class of systems that van Benthem's result concerns. These are thestronglystatic conversation systems. The second class is broader, and allows for a certain commonly recognized form of context sensitivity. These are theweaklystatic conversation systems. In the vein of van Benthem's result, we supply representation theorems which independently characterize these two varieties of conversation system. We observe that some canonically dynamic semantic systems correspond to weakly static conversation systems. We close by discussing some hazards that arise in trying to bring our formal results to bear on natural language phenomena, and on the debate about whether the compositional semantics for natural language should take a dynamic shape.
How have studies of ancient DNA from sediments contributed to the reconstruction of Quaternary floras?
Authors: Birks H. John B. , Birks Hilary H.
Published: September 2015

Ancient DNA (aDNA) from lake sediments, peats, permafrost soils, preserved megafaunal gut contents and coprolites has been used to reconstruct late‐Quaternary floras. aDNA is either used alone for floristic reconstruction or compared with pollen and/or macrofossil results. In comparative studies, aDNA may complement pollen and macrofossil analyses by increasing the number of taxa found. We discuss the relative contributions of each fossil group to taxon richness and the number of unique taxa found, and situations in which aDNA has refined pollen identifications. Pressing problems in aDNA studies are contamination and ignorance about taphonomy (transportation, incorporation, and preservation in sediments). Progress requires that these problems are reduced to allow aDNA to reach its full potential contribution to reconstructions of Quaternary floras.

Contents

Summary
499

I.
Introduction
499

II.
Research approaches and investigative stages
500

III.
Types of plant aDNA studies
500

IV.
aDNA and fossil identifications
500

V.
aDNA as the sole basis for floristic reconstructions
500

VI.
Comparative aDNA, pollen, and/or macrofossil studies
501

VII.
Future challenges
502

VIII.
Conclusions and appraisal
504

Acknowledgements
504

References
505
Competitive avoidance not edaphic specialization drives vertical niche partitioning among sister species of ectomycorrhizal fungi
Authors: Mujic Alija B. , Durall Daniel M. , Spatafora Joseph W. , Kennedy Peter G.
Published: September 2015

Soil depth partitioning is thought to promote the diversity of ectomycorrhizal (EM) fungal communities, but little is known about whether it is controlled by abiotic or biotic factors.

In three bioassay experiments, we tested the role of vertical soil heterogeneity in determining the distributions and competitive outcomes of the EM sister species Rhizopogon vinicolor and Rhizopogon vesiculosus. We planted Pseudotsuga menziesii seedlings into soils that were either a homogenized mix of upper and lower depths or vertically stratified combinations mimicking natural field conditions.

We found that both species colonized the upper or lower soil depths in the absence of competition, suggesting that their distributions were not limited by abiotic edaphic factors. In competition within homogeneous soils, R. vesiculosus completely excluded colonization by R. vinicolor, but R. vinicolor was able to persist when soils were stratified. The amount of colonization by R. vinicolor in the stratified soils was also significantly correlated with the number of multilocus genotypes present.

Taken together, our findings suggest that the differential vertical distributions of R. vinicolor and R. vesiculosus in natural settings are probably attributable to competition rather than edaphic specialization, but that soil heterogeneity may play a key role in promoting EM fungal diversity.
Colony size and foraging range in seabirds
Authors: Jovani Roger , Lascelles Ben , Garamszegi László Zsolt , Mavor Roddy , Thaxter Chris B. , Oro Daniel
Published: September 2015

The reasons for variation in group size among animal species remain poorly understood. Using ‘Ashmole's halo’ hypothesis of food depletion around colonies, we predict that foraging range imposes a ceiling on the maximum colony size of seabird species. We tested this with a phylogenetic comparative study of 43 species of seabirds (28 262 colonies), and investigated the interspecific correlation between colony size and foraging ranges. Foraging range showed weak relationships with the low percentiles of colony size of species, but the strength of the association increased for larger percentiles, peaking at the maximum colony sizes. To model constraints on the functional relationship between the focal traits, we applied a quantile regression based on maximum colony size. This showed that foraging range imposes a constraint to species’ maximum colony sizes with a slope around 2. This second‐order relationship is expected from the equation of the area of a circle. Thus, our large dataset and innovative statistical approach shows that foraging range imposes a ceiling on seabird colony sizes, providing strong support to the hypothesis that food availability is an important regulator of seabird populations.
Crown asymmetry in high latitude forests: disentangling the directional effects of tree competition and solar radiation
Authors: Aakala Tuomas , Shimatani Kenichiro , Abe Toshihiro , Kubota Yasuhiro , Kuuluvainen Timo
Published: September 2015

Light foraging by trees is a fundamental process shaping forest communities. In heterogeneous light environments this behavior is expressed as plasticity of tree growth and the development of structural asymmetries. We studied the relative influence of neighborhood structure and directional solar radiation on horizontal asymmetry of tree crowns in late‐successional high latitude (67–68°N) forests in northern Fennoscandia. We described crown asymmetries as crown vectors (i.e. horizontal vectors from stem center to crown center), which we obtained from canopy maps based on crown perimeter measurements in the field. To disentangle the influence of the two main determinants, inter‐tree competition and directionality of above‐canopy solar radiation at high latitudes, we applied circular statistical models, utilizing cylindrical distributions, to these data consisting of orientations and intensities of crown asymmetry. At the individual tree level, our model predicted crown asymmetry vectors from the current stand structure, and the predictions became better when the intensity of asymmetry (i.e. crown vector length) was higher. Competition was the main determinant of crown asymmetry for 2/3 of trees, and the model predictions improved when we incorporated the directionality of solar radiation. At the stand‐level, these asymmetries had resulted in a small increment of the projected canopy area and an increased regularity of spatial structure. Our circular statistical modelling approach provided a quantitative evaluation of the relative importance of directionality of solar radiation and neighborhood stand structure, showing how both of these factors play a role in formation of crown asymmetries in high latitude forests. This approach further demonstrated the applicability of circular statistical modeling in ecological studies where the response variable has both orientation and intensity.
Hypocrisy and the Standing to Blame
Authors: Fritz Kyle G. , Miller Daniel
Published: September 2015

Hypocrites are often thought to lack the standing to blame others for faults similar to their own. Although this claim is widely accepted, it is seldom argued for. We offer an argument for the claim that nonhypocrisy is a necessary condition on the standing to blame. We first offer a novel, dispositional account of hypocrisy. Our account captures the commonsense view that hypocrisy involves making an unjustified exception of oneself. This exception‐making involves a rejection of the impartiality of morality and thereby a rejection of the equality of persons, which we argue grounds the standing to blame others.
Soybean production in eastern and southern Africa and threat of yield loss due to soybean rust caused byPhakopsora pachyrhizi
Authors: Murithi H. M. , Beed F. , Tukamuhabwa P. , Thomma B. P. H. J. , Joosten M. H. A. J.
Published: September 2015

Soybean is a major source of oil and proteins worldwide. The demand for soybean has increased in Africa, driven by the growing feed industry for poultry, aquaculture and home consumption in the form of processed milk, baked beans and for blending with maize and wheat flour. Soybean, in addition to being a major source of cooking oil, is also used in other industrial processes such as in the production of paints and candle wax. The demand for soybean in Africa so far outweighs the supply, hence the deficit is mainly covered through imports of soybean products such as soybean meal. The area under soybean production has increased in response to the growing demand, a trend that is expected to continue in the coming years. As the production area increases, diseases and insect pests, declining soil fertility and other abiotic factors pose a major challenge. Soybean rust disease, caused by the fungusPhakopsora pachyrhizi, presents one of the major threats to soybean production in Africa due to its rapid spread as a result of the ease by which its spores are dispersed by the wind. Disease control by introducing resistant soybean varieties has been difficult due to the presence of different populations of the fungus that vary in pathogenicity, virulence and genetic composition. Improved understanding of the dynamics of rust ecology, epidemiology and population genetics will enhance the effectiveness of targeted interventions that, in turn, will safeguard soybean productivity.
Effect of different organic amendments on lettuce fusarium wilt and on selected soilborne microorganisms
Authors: Gilardi G. , Pugliese M. , Gullino M. L. , Garibaldi A.
Published: September 2015

This study evaluated the effect of different organic amendments on lettuce fusarium wilt caused by Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. lactucae in pots under controlled conditions. Their effects on the density of the pathogen, on the total fungi and on fluorescent Pseudomonas spp. were also evaluated after two subsequent lettuce crops. A significant reduction in the severity of the symptoms of F. oxysporum f. sp. lactucae was found after the use of Brassica carinata pellets (52–79% reduction) and compost (49–67% reduction), while Brassica green manure and cattle and chicken manure only provided partial control of fusarium wilt. However, variations in effectiveness were observed for the same treatment in repeated trials. In general, an increase was observed in Pseudomonas and a decrease in fungal populations in the growing medium, which was obtained by mixing a blonde sphagnum peat and a sandy loam soil with B. carinata pellets and compost after two consecutive cropping cycles. Prolonging the Brassica and compost treatments from 30 to 60 days did not significantly affect disease severity, plant growth or the microbial population of the total fungi or Pseudomonas. The largest lettuce biomass was obtained in the non‐inoculated growing medium amended with brassica flour, chicken manure, B. carinata pellets and compost, as a consequence of fertilization. The treatment with B. juncea green manure, B. carinata (pellets and flour) and compost applied 30 days before planting led to promising results and merits further investigation for use under field conditions.
Infrared microspectroscopic imaging of plant tissues: spectral visualization of Triticum aestivum kernel and Arabidopsis leaf microstructure
Authors: Warren Frederick J. , Perston Benjamin B. , Galindez‐Najera Silvia P. , Edwards Cathrina H. , Powell Prudence O. , Mandalari Giusy , Campbell Grant M. , Butterworth Peter J. , Ellis Peter R.
Published: September 2015

Infrared microspectroscopy is a tool with potential for studies of the microstructure, chemical composition and functionality of plants at a subcellular level. Here we present the use of high‐resolution bench top‐based infrared microspectroscopy to investigate the microstructure of Triticum aestivum L. (wheat) kernels and Arabidopsis leaves. Images of isolated wheat kernel tissues and whole wheat kernels following hydrothermal processing and simulated gastric and duodenal digestion were generated, as well as images of Arabidopsis leaves at different points during a diurnal cycle. Individual cells and cell walls were resolved, and large structures within cells, such as starch granules and protein bodies, were clearly identified. Contrast was provided by converting the hyperspectral image cubes into false‐colour images using either principal component analysis (PCA) overlays or by correlation analysis. The unsupervised PCA approach provided a clear view of the sample microstructure, whereas the correlation analysis was used to confirm the identity of different anatomical structures using the spectra from isolated components. It was then demonstrated that gelatinized and native starch within cells could be distinguished, and that the loss of starch during wheat digestion could be observed, as well as the accumulation of starch in leaves during a diurnal period.
A phosphopantetheinyl transferase that is essential for mitochondrial fatty acid biosynthesis
Authors: Guan Xin , Chen Hui , Abramson Alex , Man Huimin , Wu Jinxia , Yu Oliver , Nikolau Basil J.
Published: September 2015

In this study we report the molecular genetic characterization of the Arabidopsis mitochondrial phosphopantetheinyl transferase (mtPPT), which catalyzes the phosphopantetheinylation and thus activation of mitochondrial acyl carrier protein (mtACP) of mitochondrial fatty acid synthase (mtFAS). This catalytic capability of the purified mtPPT protein (encoded by AT3G11470) was directly demonstrated in an in vitro assay that phosphopantetheinylated mature Arabidopsis apo‐mtACP isoforms. The mitochondrial localization of the AT3G11470‐encoded proteins was validated by the ability of their N‐terminal 80‐residue leader sequence to guide a chimeric GFP protein to this organelle. A T‐DNA‐tagged null mutant mtppt‐1 allele shows an embryo‐lethal phenotype, illustrating a crucial role of mtPPT for embryogenesis. Arabidopsis RNAi transgenic lines with reduced mtPPT expression display typical phenotypes associated with a deficiency in the mtFAS system, namely miniaturized plant morphology, slow growth, reduced lipoylation of mitochondrial proteins, and the hyperaccumulation of photorespiratory intermediates, glycine and glycolate. These morphological and metabolic alterations are reversed when these plants are grown in a non‐photorespiratory condition (i.e. 1% CO2 atmosphere), demonstrating that they are a consequence of a deficiency in photorespiration due to the reduced lipoylation of the photorespiratory glycine decarboxylase.
BEST‐TEST2: assessment of hematology trainee knowledge of transfusion medicine
Authors: Lin Yulia , Tinmouth Alan , Mallick Ranjeeta , Haspel Richard L. ,   for the BEST‐TEST2 Investigators
Published: September 2015

BACKGROUND

As transfusion is a common therapy and key component in every hematologist's practice, hematology training programs should dedicate significant time and effort to delivering high‐quality transfusion medicine education to their trainees. The current state of hematology trainee knowledge of transfusion medicine is not known.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS

A validated assessment tool developed by the Biomedical Excellence for Safer Transfusion (BEST) Collaborative was used to assess prior transfusion medicine education, attitudes, perceived ability, and transfusion medicine knowledge of hematology trainees.

RESULTS

A total of 149 hematology trainees at 17 international sites were assessed. The overall mean exam score was 61.6% (standard deviation, 13.4%; range, 30%‐100%) with no correlation in exam scores with postgraduate year or previous transfusion medicine education in medical school or internal medicine residency. However, better scores correlated with 3 or more hours of transfusion medicine education (p = 0.0003) and perceived higher‐quality education during hematology training (p = 0.03). Hematology trainees at US sites, where hematology is often combined with oncology training, had statistically lower scores than trainees at non‐US sites (56.2% vs. 67.4%; p < 0.0001). In terms of topic areas, although 93% of participants had obtained consent for transfusion, the lowest scores were on transfusion reaction–related questions.

CONCLUSION

Given the overall poor performance, this study serves as an impetus for all hematology training programs to reevaluate the quality and quantity of transfusion medicine training and can assist in the development of targeted curricula.
Keratomycosis in five dogs
Authors: Nevile Jessica C. , Hurn Simon D. , Turner Andrew G.
Published: September 2015

Five cases of canine keratomycosis were diagnosed and treated at a private Veterinary Ophthalmology Practice in Melbourne, Australia. Clinical presentations varied between dogs. Predisposing factors were identified in 4 of 5 cases. Diagnostic modalities utilized were corneal cytology and fungal culture. Corneal cytology confirmed the presence of fungal organisms in all five cases.Aspergillus, Scedosporium,andCandidawere cultured from three cases, respectively. Specific antifungal treatment included 1% voriconazole solution or 1% itraconazole ointment. Keratectomy and conjunctival grafting surgery was performed in two patients. Resolution of infection and preservation of vision were achieved in 4 of 5 patients.
Contact structures and reducible surgeries
Authors: Lidman Tye , Sivek Steven
Published: September 2015

We apply results from both contact topology and exceptional surgery theory to study when Legendrian surgery on a knot yields a reducible manifold. As an application, we show that a reducible surgery on a non-cabled positive knot of genus$g$must have slope$2g-1$, leading to a proof of the cabling conjecture for positive knots of genus 2. Our techniques also produce bounds on the maximum Thurston–Bennequin numbers of cables.
Acute and chronic effect of sprint interval training combined with postexercise blood‐flow restriction in trained individuals
Authors: Taylor Conor W. , Ingham Stephen A. , Ferguson Richard A.
Published: September 2015

New Findings

What is the central question of this study?

Does the combination of sprint interval training with postexercise blood‐flow restriction enhance maximal aerobic physiology and performance in trained individuals?

What is the main finding and its importance?

We demonstrate the potency of combining blood‐flow restriction with sprint interval training in increasing maximal oxygen uptake in trained individuals; however, this did not translate to an enhanced exercise performance. We also show that blood‐flow restriction combined with sprint interval training enhanced postexercise hypoxia‐inducible factor‐1α mRNA expression, suggesting the possibility for greater hypoxia‐mediated adaptations, such as enhanced capillary growth, with this intervention.

This investigation assessed the efficacy of sprint interval training (SIT) combined with postexercise blood‐flow restriction as a novel approach to enhance maximal aerobic physiology and performance. In study 1, a between‐groups design was used to determine whether 4 weeks (2 days per week) of SIT (repeated 30 s maximal sprint cycling) combined with postexercise blood‐flow restriction (BFR) enhanced maximal oxygen uptake () and 15 km cycling time‐trial performance (15 km TT) compared with SIT alone (CON) in trained individuals. The increased after BFR by 4.5% (P = 0.01) but was unchanged after CON. There was no difference in 15 km TT performance after CON or BFR. In study 2, using a repeated‐measures design, participants performed an acute bout of either BFR or CON. Muscle biopsies were taken before and after exercise to examine the activation of signalling pathways regulating angiogenesis and mitochondrial biogenesis. Phosphorylation of p38MAPKThr180/Tyr182 increased by a similar extent after CON and BFR. There was no difference in the magnitude of increase in PGC‐1α, VEGF and VEGFR‐2 mRNA expression between protocols; however, HIF‐1α mRNA expression increased (P = 0.04) at 3 h only after BFR. We have demonstrated the potency of combining BFR with SIT in increasing in trained individuals, but this did not translate to an enhanced exercise performance. Sprint interval training alone did not induce any observable adaptation. Although the mechanisms are not fully understood, we present preliminary evidence that BFR leads to enhanced HIF‐1α‐mediated cell signalling.
Environmental extremes: origins, consequences and amelioration in humans
Authors: Tipton M. J.
Published: September 2015

New Findings

What is the topic of this review?

This review concerns human responses to extreme environmental stresses.

What advances does it highlight?

This review highlights the following factors: the relatively limited and varying value of adaptation; the value of research in this area to inform other medical conditions; the physiological pathways to drowning; the importance of multistressor studies and multistressor adaptation; and the need for a better understanding of the metabolomic and biomolecular basis of responses and their variation in extreme environments.

Professor Sir George Lindor Brown (1903–1971) is known for his pioneering research into cholinergic neuromuscular transmission. However, during World War II he worked in hyperbaric physiology, and his research into underwater physiology greatly improved the safety of divers. It is perhaps fitting, therefore, that this review, which accompanies the Physiological Society's G. L. Brown Prize Lecture for 2015, explores the impact and mitigation of the environmental stresses which, to varying extents, have shaped our past, threaten our present and inform our future. From a whole‐body, integrative perspective, this review examines our current understanding of microgravity, hypo‐ and hyperbaria, heat, cold air and cold water as both individual and combined stresses. Consideration is given to ways of mitigating the threat posed by environmental extremes, including the differing extents to which humans can demonstrate adaptation to them. Finally, recommendations for further study are suggested that might result in both direct and indirect insights.
A Dynamic Reliability-Centered Maintenance Analysis Method for Natural Gas Compressor Station Based on Diagnostic and Prognostic Technology
Authors: Zhou Dengji , Zhang Huisheng , Li Yi-Guang , Weng Shilie
Published: September 2015

The availability requirement of natural gas compressors is high. Thus, current maintenance architecture, combined periodical maintenance and simple condition based maintenance, should be improved. In this paper, a new maintenance method, dynamic reliability-centered maintenance (DRCM), is proposed for equipment management. It aims at expanding the application of reliability-centered maintenance (RCM) in maintenance schedule making to preventive maintenance decision-making online and seems suitable for maintenance of natural gas compressor stations. A decision diagram and a maintenance model are developed for DRCM. Then, three application cases of DRCM for actual natural gas compressor stations are shown to validate this new method.