bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A unified framework to model the potential and realized distributions of invasive species within the invaded range
Authors: Hattab Tarek , Garzón‐López Carol X. , Ewald Michael , Skowronek Sandra , Aerts Raf , Horen Hélène , Brasseur Boris , Gallet‐Moron Emilie , Spicher Fabien , Decocq Guillaume , Feilhauer Hannes , Honnay Olivier , Kempeneers Pieter , Schmidtlein Sebastian , Somers Ben , Van De Kerchove Ruben , Rocchini Duccio , Lenoir Jonathan
Published: April 2017

Aim

To propose a species distribution modelling framework and its companion “iSDM” R package for predicting the potential and realized distributions of invasive species within the invaded range.

Location

Northern France.

Methods

The non‐equilibrium distribution of invasive species with the environment within the invaded range affects the environmental representativeness of species presence–absence data collected from the field and introduces uncertainty in observed absences as these may either reflect unsuitable sites or be incidental. To address these issues, we here propose an environmental systematic sampling design to collect presence–absence data from the field and a probability index to sort and subsequently separate environmental absences (EAs: reflecting environmentally unsuitable sites) from dispersal‐limited absences (DLAs: reflecting sites out of dispersal reach). We first conducted a comprehensive test based on a virtual species to evaluate the performance of our framework. Then, we applied it on different life stages of a non‐native tree species (Prunus serotina Ehrh.) invasive in Europe.

Results

Regarding the potential distribution, we found higher model performances for both the virtual species (true skill statistics (TSS) > 0.75) and P. serotina (TSS ≥ 0.68) after carefully selecting absences with a low probability to be DLAs compared with classical models that incorporate both EAs and DLAs (e.g. TSS = 0.11 for P. serotina with 80% of DLAs). On the contrary, both EAs and DLAs as well as dispersal‐related covariates were needed to capture the realized distribution of both the virtual species and P. serotina.

Main Conclusions

Our framework helps overcoming the conceptual and methodological limitations of the disequilibrium in species’ distribution models inherent to invasive species and enables managers to robustly estimate both the realized and potential distributions of invasive species. Although more relevant for modelling the distribution of non‐native species, this framework can also be applied to native species.
Efficacy and safety of lixisenatide in patients with type 2 diabetes and renal impairment
Authors: Hanefeld Markolf , Arteaga Juan M. , Leiter Lawrence A. , Marchesini Giulio , Nikonova Elena , Shestakova Marina , Stager William , Gómez‐Huelgas Ricardo
Published: April 2017

Aims

This post hoc assessment evaluated the efficacy and safety of once‐daily, prandial glucagon‐like peptide‐1 receptor agonist lixisenatide in patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D) and normal renal function (estimated glomerular filtration rate ≥90 mL/min), or mild (60‐89 mL/min) or moderate (30‐59 mL/min) renal impairment.

Methods

Patients from 9 lixisenatide trials in the GetGoal clinical trial programme were categorized by baseline creatinine clearance: normal renal function (lixisenatide n = 2094, placebo n = 1150); renal impairment (mild: lixisenatide n = 637, placebo n = 414; moderate: lixisenatide n = 122, placebo n = 68). Meta‐analyses of placebo‐adjusted mean differences between baseline renal categories were performed for efficacy and safety outcomes.

Results

HbA1c, 2‐hour postprandial plasma glucose and fasting plasma glucose were comparably reduced in lixisenatide‐treated patients with normal renal function, and mild and moderate renal impairment. The most common adverse events (AEs) in all renal function categories were gastrointestinal (GI), predominantly nausea and vomiting. A 14% higher incidence of GI AEs and a 10% higher incidence of nausea and vomiting were seen with mild impairment vs normal function (P = .003 for both), but no significant differences were observed between the mild and moderate impairment categories (P = .99 and P = .57, respectively), or between the moderate impairment and normal categories (P = .16 and P = .65, respectively). Additionally, the incidence of hypoglycaemia was similar in all categories.

Conclusions

This study demonstrates that baseline renal status does not affect efficacy outcomes in lixisenatide‐ vs placebo‐treated patients, and that no lixisenatide dose adjustment is required for patients with T2D with mild or moderate renal impairment.
Pseudodidymella fagi and Petrakia deviata: Two closely related tree pathogens new to central Europe
Authors: Gross A. , Beenken L. , Dubach V. , Queloz V. , Tanaka K. , Hashimoto A. , Holdenrieder O.
Published: April 2017

Pseudodidymella fagi is a leaf blotch pathogen of Fagus crenata in Japan. This pathogen is now reported for the first time on F. sylvatica in Switzerland and Germany. Species identity was verified by morphological assessment of the asexual and sexual morphs and by comparing the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) sequence of the type material from Japan and of freshly collected samples from Europe. ITS sequences proofed to be completely identical. The asexual morph Pycnopleiospora of Ps. fagi is formed on necrotic leaf spots during summer and autumn. In early spring, its sexual morph is formed in the litter of F. sylvatica. The connection between sexual and asexual morphs was verified by sequencing the ITS region of single conidium and ascospore isolates. The pathogenicity of Ps. fagi on F. sylvatica was tested by inoculations on detached leaves in vitro and Koch's postulates were fulfilled. The second pathogen we report in central Europe for the first time is Petrakia deviata, which causes a leaf blotch disease of field maple (Acer campestre). This species was collected only once in the central Caucasus region in 1929 and was never found again after its first discovery. Now it was rediscovered in two different locations in Switzerland on field maple (A. campestre) and on the new host Norway maple (A. platanoides). Species identity was verified by morphology and by comparison with the ITS sequence of the holotype specimen and freshly collected samples. Phylogenetic analysis based on ITS sequences suggested that Ps. fagi and P. deviata are closely related to each other. Whether these species were simply overlooked so far, profit from climate change, or represent newly introduced invasive species remains to be studied. Moreover, deeper phylogenetic analysis using multiple sequence markers should be conducted to verify species identities.
From the substance to the shadow: the role of the court in Japanese labour markets
Authors: Nakabayashi Masaki
Published: April 2017

Modern contract law generally does not allow property rights or similar claims to be made against employees. This undermines a claim on the return on the employer's investments in recruiting and training a worker, making them vulnerable to possible infringement from a bystander. Accordingly, employers’ investment in recruiting and training might become deficient. Therefore, protecting an employer's investment, balanced against the mobility of the labour market for better employer/employee matches, has emerged as an issue during the transition towards a market‐based economy. This article explores how the Japanese state court in its early period addressed this issue in the tight labour market of the silk‐reeling industry, which was the leading industry at that time. Initially, the court directly protected the interests of employers whose employees were poached, at the expense of workers’ mobility. Then, it seemed to govern transactions between employers indirectly as a shadow off‐the‐equilibrium path. Thus, an employer whose employee was poached and an employer who carried out the poaching would privately negotiate to settle the dispute, using a possible suit as a threat against the poacher. An examination of the suits that were actually filed supports this hypothesis. This indirect governance facilitated labour market mobility with some protection of the original employer's claim.
The liquidity of the London capital markets, 1825–70†
Authors: Campbell Gareth , Turner John D. , Ye Qing
Published: April 2017

This article examines the liquidity of the London capital markets in the decades following the liberalization of UK incorporation law. Using comprehensive stock and bond data, we calculate a measure of market liquidity for the period 1825–70. We find that stock market liquidity trended upwards but bond market liquidity did not increase over the sample period. Stock market liquidity during our sample period was partially influenced by the bond market, rather than fluctuations in economic output. In our analysis of the cross‐sectional determinants of individual stock liquidity, we find that firm size and the number of issued shares were important determinants of liquidity.  Finally, we find little evidence of an illiquidity premium, which is consistent with the view that investors did not price liquidity in this nascent market.
Age at onset and the outcomes of schizophrenia: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Immonen Johanna , Jääskeläinen Erika , Korpela Hanna , Miettunen Jouko
Published: April 2017

The aim of this study was to analyse the effect of age at onset on the long‐term clinical, social and global outcomes of schizophrenia through a systematic review and a meta‐analysis. Original studies were searched from Web of Science,PsycINFO, Pubmed and Scopus, as well as manually. Naturalistic studies with at least a 2‐year follow‐up were included. Of the 3509 search results, 81 articles fulfilled the inclusion criteria. The meta‐analysis was performed in Stata as a random‐effect analysis with correlation coefficients between age at onset and the outcomes (categorized into remission, relapse, hospitalization, positive symptoms, negative symptoms, total symptoms, general clinical outcome, employment, social/occupational functioning and global outcome). There was a statistically significant (P < .05) correlation between younger age at onset and more hospitalizations (number of studies, n = 9; correlation,r = 0.17; 95% confidence interval,CI0.09–0.25), more negative symptoms (n = 7;r = 0.14; 95%CI0.01–0.27), more relapses (n = 3;r = 0.11; 95%CI0.02–0.20), poorer social/occupational functioning (n = 12;r = 0.15; 95%CI0.05–0.25) and poorer global outcome (n = 13;r = 0.14; 95%CI0.07–0.22). Other relationships were not significant. This was the first systematic review of the effects of age at onset on the long‐term outcomes of schizophrenia. The results show that age at onset has a small, but significant impact on some of the outcomes of schizophrenia.
Do Overwhelmed Expatriates Intend to Leave? The Effects of Sensory Processing Sensitivity, Stress, and Social Capital on Expatriates' Turnover Intention
Authors: Andresen Maike , Goldmann Paul , Volodina Anna
Published: April 2017

Expatriates need to deal with numerous stimuli resulting from new environmental and cultural influences abroad, contributing to stress and high rates of failure and turnover. Based on conservation‐of‐resources theory, this study aims to explore the role of resources (including sensory processing sensitivity (SPS) and social capital) in explaining expatriates' perceived stress and turnover intention. This is the first study to examine the personality trait SPS in the field of expatriate management. High‐SPS individuals tend to be easily overwhelmed by novel stimuli. Based on a dataset of 311 expatriates, structural equation model (SEM) and mediation analyses proved full mediation of the positive relation between SPS and turnover intention through perceived stress. Moreover, stress fully mediated the negative relation between bonding social capital and turnover intention. While 20% of the domestic population are assumed to show high SPS, we found a 26.4% ratio in our expatriate sample. Implications for both management and research are derived.
Plasma cytokines associated with febrile status epilepticus in children: A potential biomarker for acute hippocampal injury
Authors: Gallentine William B. , Shinnar Shlomo , Hesdorffer Dale C. , Epstein Leon , Nordli Douglas R. , Lewis Darrell V. , Frank L. Matthew , Seinfeld Syndi , Shinnar Ruth C. , Cornett Karen , Liu Binyi , Moshé Solomon L. , Sun Shumei ,   FEBSTAT Investigator Team
Published: April 2017

Objective

Our aim was to explore the association between plasma cytokines and febrile status epilepticus (FSE) in children, as well as their potential as biomarkers of acute hippocampal injury.

Methods

Analysis was performed on residual samples of children with FSE (n = 33) as part of the Consequences of Prolonged Febrile Seizures in Childhood study (FEBSTAT) and compared to children with fever (n = 17). Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was obtained as part of FEBSTAT within 72 h of FSE. Cytokine levels and ratios of antiinflammatory versus proinflammatory cytokines in children with and without hippocampal T2 hyperintensity were assessed as biomarkers of acute hippocampal injury after FSE.

Results

Levels of interleukin (IL)‐8 and epidermal growth factor (EGF) were significantly elevated after FSE in comparison to controls. IL‐1β levels trended higher and IL‐1RA trended lower following FSE, but did not reach statistical significance. Children with FSE were found to have significantly lower ratios of IL‐1RA/IL‐1β and IL‐1RA/IL‐8. Specific levels of any one individual cytokine were not associated with FSE. However, lower ratios of IL‐1RA/IL‐1β, IL‐1RA/1L‐6, and IL‐1RA/ IL‐8 were all associated with FSE. IL‐6 and IL‐8 levels were significantly higher and ratios of IL‐1RA/IL‐6 and IL‐1RA/IL‐8 were significantly lower in children with T2 hippocampal hyperintensity on MRI after FSE in comparison to those without hippocampal signal abnormalities. Neither individual cytokine levels nor ratios of IL‐1RA/IL‐1β or IL‐1RA/IL‐8 were predictive of MRI changes. However, a lower ratio of IL‐1RA/IL‐6 was strongly predictive (odds ratio [OR] 21.5, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.17–393) of hippocampal T2 hyperintensity after FSE.

Significance

Our data support involvement of the IL‐1 cytokine system, IL‐6, and IL‐8 in FSE in children. The identification of the IL‐1RA/IL‐6 ratio as a potential biomarker of acute hippocampal injury following FSE is the most significant finding. If replicated in another study, the IL‐1RA/IL‐6 ratio could represent a serologic biomarker that offers rapid identification of patients at risk for ultimately developing mesial temporal lobe epilepsy (MTLE).
Development and pharmacologic characterization of the rat 6 Hz model of partial seizures
Authors: Metcalf Cameron S. , West Peter J. , Thomson Kyle E. , Edwards Sharon F. , Smith Misty D. , White H. Steve , Wilcox Karen S.
Published: April 2017

Objective

The mouse 6 Hz model of psychomotor seizures is a well‐established and commonly used preclinical model for antiseizure drug (ASD) discovery. Despite its widespread use both in the identification and differentiation of novel ASDs in mice, a corresponding assay in rats has not been developed. We established a method for 6 Hz seizure induction in rats, with seizure behaviors similar to those observed in mice including head nod, jaw clonus, and forelimb clonus.

Methods

A convulsive current that elicits these seizure behaviors in 97% of rats (CC97) was determined using a Probit analysis. Numerous prototype ASDs were evaluated in this model using stimulus intensities of 1.5× and 2× the CC97, which is comparable to the approach used in the mouse 6 Hz seizure model (e.g., 32 and 44 mA stimulus intensities). The ASDs evaluated include carbamazepine, clobazam, clonazepam, eslicarbazepine, ethosuximide, ezogabine, gabapentin, lacosamide, lamotrigine, levetiracetam, phenobarbital, phenytoin, rufinamide, tiagabine, topiramate, and sodium valproate. Median effective dose (ED50) and median toxic (motor impairment) dose (TD50) values were obtained for each compound.

Results

Compounds that were effective at the 1.5 × CC97 stimulus intensity at protective index (PI) values >1 included clobazam, ethosuximide, ezogabine, levetiracetam, phenobarbital, and sodium valproate. Compounds that were effective at the 2 × CC97 stimulus intensity at PI values >1 included ezogabine, phenobarbital, and sodium valproate.

Significance

In a manner similar to the use of the mouse 6 Hz model, development of a rat 6 Hz test will aid in the differentiation of ASDs, as well as in study design and dose selection for chronic rat models of pharmacoresistant epilepsy. The limited number of established ASDs with demonstrable efficacy at the higher stimulus intensity suggests that, like the mouse 6 Hz 44 mA model, the rat 6 Hz seizure model may be a useful screening tool for pharmacoresistant seizures.
Population dynamics of brown trout (Salmo trutta) in Spruce Creek Pennsylvania: A quarter‐century perspective
Authors: Grossman Gary D. , Carline Robert F. , Wagner Tyler
Published: April 2017

We examined the relationship between density‐independent and density‐dependent factors on the demography of a dense, relatively unexploited population of brown trout in Spruce Creek Pennsylvania between 1985 and 2011.

IndividualPCAs of flow and temperature data elucidated groups of years with multiple high flow versus multiple low flow characteristics and high versus low temperature years, although subtler patterns of variation also were observed.

Density and biomass displayed similar temporal patterns, ranging from 710 to 1,803 trout/ha and 76–263 kg/ha. We detected a significantly negative linear stock‐recruitment relationship (R2 = .39) and there was no evidence that flow or water temperature affected recruitment.

Both annual survival and the per‐capita rate of increase (r) for the population varied over the study, and density‐dependent mechanisms possessed the greatest explanatory power for annual survival data. Temporal trends in population r suggested it displayed a bounded equilibrium with increases observed in 12 years and decreases detected in 13 years.

Model selection analysis of per‐capita rate of increase data for age 1, and adults (N = eight interpretable models) indicated that both density‐dependent (five of eight) and negative density‐independent processes (five of eight, i.e. high flows or temperatures), affectedr. Recruitment limitation also was identified in three of eight models. Variation in the per‐capita rate of increase for the population was most strongly affected by positive density independence in the form of increasing spring–summer temperatures and recruitment limitation.

Model selection analyses describing annual variation in both mean length and mass data yielded similar results, although maximumwivalues were low ranging from 0.09 to 0.23 (length) and 0.13 to 0.22 (mass). Density‐dependence was included in 15 of 15 interpretable models for length and all ten interpretable models for mass. Similarly, positive density‐independent effects in the form of increasing autumn–winter flow were present in seven of 15 interpretable models for length and five of ten interpretable models for mass. Negative density independent effects also were observed in the form of high spring–summer flows or temperatures (N = 4), or high autumn–winter temperatures (N = 1).

Our analyses of the factors affecting population regulation in an introduced population of brown trout demonstrate that density‐dependent forces affected every important demographic characteristic (recruitment, survivorship, the rate of increase, and size) within this population. However, density‐independent forces in the form of seasonal variations in flow and temperature also helped explain annual variation in the per‐capita rate of increase, and mean length and mass data. Consequently, population regulation within this population is driven by a complex of biotic and environmental factors, although it seems clear that density‐dependent factors play a dominant role.
Boosted food web productivity through ocean acidification collapses under warming
Authors: Goldenberg Silvan U. , Nagelkerken Ivan , Ferreira Camilo M. , Ullah Hadayet , Connell Sean D.
Published: April 2017

Future climate is forecast to drive bottom‐up (resource driven) and top‐down (consumer driven) change to food web dynamics and community structure. Yet, our predictive understanding of these changes is hampered by an over‐reliance on simplified laboratory systems centred on single trophic levels. Using a large mesocosm experiment, we reveal how future ocean acidification and warming modify trophic linkages across a three‐level food web: that is, primary (algae), secondary (herbivorous invertebrates) and tertiary (predatory fish) producers. Both elevated CO2 and elevated temperature boosted primary production. Under elevated CO2, the enhanced bottom‐up forcing propagated through all trophic levels. Elevated temperature, however, negated the benefits of elevated CO2 by stalling secondary production. This imbalance caused secondary producer populations to decline as elevated temperature drove predators to consume their prey more rapidly in the face of higher metabolic demand. Our findings demonstrate how anthropogenic CO2 can function as a resource that boosts productivity throughout food webs, and how warming can reverse this effect by acting as a stressor to trophic interactions. Understanding the shifting balance between the propagation of resource enrichment and its consumption across trophic levels provides a predictive understanding of future dynamics of stability and collapse in food webs and fisheries production.
Vulnerability to forest loss through altered postfire recovery dynamics in a warming climate in the Klamath Mountains
Authors: Tepley Alan J. , Thompson Jonathan R. , Epstein Howard E. , Anderson‐Teixeira Kristina J.
Published: April 2017

In the context of ongoing climatic warming, certain landscapes could be near a tipping point where relatively small changes to their fire regimes or their postfire forest recovery dynamics could bring about extensive forest loss, with associated effects on biodiversity and carbon‐cycle feedbacks to climate change. Such concerns are particularly valid in the Klamath Region of northern California and southwestern Oregon, where severe fire initially converts montane conifer forests to systems dominated by broadleaf trees and shrubs. Conifers eventually overtop the competing vegetation, but until they do, these systems could be perpetuated by a cycle of reburning. To assess the vulnerability of conifer forests to increased fire activity and altered forest recovery dynamics in a warmer, drier climate, we characterized vegetation dynamics following severe fire in nine fire years over the last three decades across the climatic aridity gradient of montane conifer forests. Postfire conifer recruitment was limited to a narrow window, with 89% of recruitment in the first 4 years, and height growth tended to decrease as the lag between the fire year and the recruitment year increased. Growth reductions at longer lags were more pronounced at drier sites, where conifers comprised a smaller portion of live woody biomass. An interaction between seed‐source availability and climatic aridity drove substantial variation in the density of regenerating conifers. With increasing climatic water deficit, higher propagule pressure (i.e., smaller patch sizes for high‐severity fire) was needed to support a given conifer seedling density, which implies that projected future increases in aridity could limit postfire regeneration across a growing portion of the landscape. Under a more severe prospective warming scenario, by the end of the century more than half of the area currently capable of supporting montane conifer forest could become subject to minimal conifer regeneration in even moderate‐sized (10s of ha) high‐severity patches.
Exploring uncertainty of Amazon dieback in a perturbed parameter Earth system ensemble
Authors: Boulton Chris A. , Booth Ben B. B. , Good Peter
Published: April 2017

The future of the Amazon rainforest is unknown due to uncertainties in projected climate change and the response of the forest to this change (forest resiliency). Here, we explore the effect of some uncertainties in climate and land surface processes on the future of the forest, using a perturbed physics ensemble of HadCM3C. This is the first time Amazon forest changes are presented using an ensemble exploring both land vegetation processes and physical climate feedbacks in a fully coupled modelling framework. Under three different emissions scenarios, we measure the change in the forest coverage by the end of the 21st century (the transient response) and make a novel adaptation to a previously used method known as “dry‐season resilience” to predict the long‐term committed response of the forest, should the state of the climate remain constant past 2100. Our analysis of this ensemble suggests that there will be a high chance of greater forest loss on longer timescales than is realized by 2100, especially for mid‐range and low emissions scenarios. In both the transient and predicted committed responses, there is an increasing uncertainty in the outcome of the forest as the strength of the emissions scenarios increases. It is important to note however, that very few of the simulations produce future forest loss of the magnitude previously shown under the standard model configuration. We find that low optimum temperatures for photosynthesis and a high minimum leaf area index needed for the forest to compete for space appear to be precursors for dieback. We then decompose the uncertainty into that associated with future climate change and that associated with forest resiliency, finding that it is important to reduce the uncertainty in both of these if we are to better determine the Amazon's outcome.
Aggregate patterns of macrofaunal diversity: An interocean comparison
Authors: Defeo Omar , Barboza Carlos A. M. , Barboza Francisco R. , Aeberhard William H. , Cabrini Tatiana M. B. , Cardoso Ricardo S. , Ortega Leonardo , Skinner Viviane , Worm Boris
Published: April 2017

Aim

While geographical patterns of species richness are reasonably well explored for single well‐studied taxa, less is known about aggregate patterns of total richness for major biomes and their environmental correlates. Here we analyse continental‐scale aggregate patterns of macrofaunal diversity for sandy beaches, a dominant habitat along the Atlantic and Pacific coasts of South America.

Location

South American coastlines.

Time period

Present day (data amassed from studies performed since 1971).

Major taxa studied

Benthic macrofauna, including crustaceans, polychaetes and molluscs.

Methods

We compiled richness information for all macrofaunal groups on 263 sandy beaches in South America using standard criteria. We further matched these data with environmental variables including sea surface temperature (SST), chlorophyll a, grain size, beach slope, tide range and various morphometrics. We used generalized linear mixed models to relate environmental factors to observed variation in total macrofaunal richness across all beaches, testing competing hypotheses about environmental correlates and possible drivers of latitudinal diversity.

Results

Macrofaunal richness decreased from tropical to temperate beaches in the Pacific and followed a parabolic trend in the Atlantic, with the highest biodiversity found at tropical and mid‐latitudinal bands. Beach slope, tidal range and chlorophyll a mostly explained latitudinal trends in macrofaunal richness, followed by grain size, SST and ocean basin.

Main conclusions

This study indicates that richness of macrofaunal species at a given beach is most closely related to characteristics of the physical habitat, such as beach slope, area and grain size. At this scale, planktonic food supply also appeared to be more important than temperature, which is a dominant explanatory variable of global‐scale variation in species richness.
Characterization, identification and application of lactic acid bacteria isolated from Leymus chinensis silage
Authors: Zhang Qing , Yu Zhu
Published: April 2017

Leymus chinensis is an important forage in China. To investigate the characteristics of lactic acid bacteria (LAB) and select strains for enhancing fermentation quality L. chinensis silage, 167 LAB strains were isolated from L. chinensis silage prepared on steppes in China. Based on physiological, biochemical characteristics and 16S rRNA gene sequence, the isolates were divided into 10 groups (A–J), including Lactobacillus plantarum (species ratio: 44.9%), Lactobacillus brevis (40.7%), Lactobacillus casei (6.6%), Weissella hellenica (2.4%), Enterococcus faecium (1.2%), Enterococcus faecalis (1.2%), Enterococcus mundtii (1.2%), Enterococcus durans (0.6%), Enterococcus sulfureus (0.6%) and Lactococcus garvieae (0.6%). Lactobacillus plantarum and Lb. brevis were the dominant species in L. chinensis silage. Lactobacillus plantarum NG 2 was selected and its effect on fermentation quality of L. chinensis silage was evaluated. NG 2 decreased pH, ammonia N, butyric acid contents, count of coliform bacteria, yeasts and moulds, and increased lactic acid content (P < 0.05). Overall, L. chinensis silage contains plenty of LAB species and these LAB inoculants could improve the fermentation quality. Lactobacillus plantarum NG2 can be used to enhance fermentation quality of L. chinensis silage.
Lasting Impressions: Ethnic Food Tour Guides and Body Work in Southwestern Sydney
Authors: Swan Elaine , Flowers Rick
Published: April 2017

In this paper we examine the racialized and gendered body work required of guides leading ethnic food tours in southwestern Sydney, Australia. We draw on theorists who examine the materialization of race and bodies to extend concepts of intimacy, vulnerability and proximity: dominant themes in studies of occupations involving ‘body work’. To date, very few studies of tour guides have examined the embodied interactions required by the work of guides. Using Ahmed's concepts of inter–embodiment and impressions, we stress that racialized bodies need to be understood as materializing in body work. In particular, we show how body work on the tours includes smiling, vocalization and shepherding and can be understood as contact with the Other. Our paper contributes to the literature on bodily interactions at work in three core ways: first, adding original empirical work on ethnic tour guiding, second, by showing how ‘body work’ is racialized and gendered, and finally, by exploring the relations between food and multicultural intimacies and the vulnerabilities of racialized bodies.
Landsat to monitor an endangered beetle population and its habitat: addressing annual life history and imperfect detection
Authors: Leasure Douglas R.
Published: April 2017

Habitat‐based conservation is a priority for the endangered American burying beetle (Nicrophorus americanus Olivier), but its annual life history, dispersal ability, and low detectability contribute to difficulties explaining its decline, identifying manageable habitat characteristics, and mapping its distribution.

Objectives of this study were to (i) assess factors affecting detection of beetles with baited pitfall traps, (ii) identify important habitat characteristics, and (iii) map spatio‐temporal patterns of habitat quality and beetle abundance.

At a military installation in western Arkansas with one of the largest remaining N. americanus populations, 257 sites were surveyed over 5 years using three nights of baited pitfall trapping at each site.

Geographic information systems (GIS)‐based habitat assessments included three site radii (100, 800, and 1600 m). Year‐specific vegetation condition was quantified using satellite images and other GIS data.

N‐mixture models were used to account for imperfect detection and to assess competing models of beetle abundance and detection.

Detection rates (mean = 20%) were dependent on overnight temperature, dew point, and wind speed with upper and lower temperature thresholds beyond which detection was reduced.

Habitat assessments were most effective within 800 m site radii, consistent with previous estimates of N. americanus trap sample range.

Beetle abundance was associated with grasslands and open‐canopy woodlands with rolling topography, sandy loam soils, and moderate patchy disturbances from wildfire.

Landsat, unlike vegetation maps, quantified year‐specific habitat quality and allowed spatio‐temporal population dynamics to be mapped at a yearly time‐step for this annual species.
Nitridation behavior of silicon powder compacts of various thicknesses with Y2O3 and MgO as sintering additives
Authors: Matsunaga Chika , Zhou You , Kusano Dai , Hyuga Hideki , Hirao Kiyoshi
Published: April 2017

The effects of the nitriding temperature (1300 and 1350°C), holding time (0‐4 hours), and thickness of Si powder compacts on the nitridation behavior of silicon were investigated by examining the nitridation rates, analyzing phase compositions, and observing the microstructures of nitrided compacts. Si powder compacts doped with Y2O3 and MgO as sintering additives were prepared with thicknesses of 3, 6, and 9 mm. The phases of nitrided compacts were transformed from Si to α‐Si3N4 and β‐Si3N4 with an increase in the nitriding temperature and holding time. The degree of nitridation increased with the nitriding temperature and holding time. The β/(α+β) ratio increased with the nitriding temperature and holding time, and with a decrease in the thickness of the Si powder compacts. However, all compacts exhibited the same tendency for a higher β/(α+β) ratio at the compact surface than in the bulk of the compact. The variation in the β/(α+β) ratio for each compact decreased with an increase in the nitriding temperature and holding time.
Investigation on heating behavior during the preparation of SiC crystals by microwave sintering
Authors: Song Bozhen , Zhao Biao , Fan Lei , Fan Bingbing , Wang Hailong , Guo Xiaoqin , Zhang Rui
Published: April 2017

β‐SiC powders were synthesized by microwave sintering at 1400‐1850°C for 60 minutes with coal minerals. Raw materials were prepared with a sol‐gel method by coating SiO2 on coal mineral particles, and microwave sintering was conducted in a microwave chamber with TE666 resonant mode. Heating rates were controlled by input microwave power and heating behavior during the microwave sintering was also investigated. XRD, SEM, Raman, TEM techniques were carried out to characterize samples. It was found that different particle size of coal mineral particles gave rise to different heating effect, leading to different growth mechanisms of SiC crystals. This might be the unique features for microwave sintering. Particular SiC crystals dominated for small coal mineral particles, which attributed to microwave plasma effect. While SiC whiskers or fibers dominated for large coal mineral particles, which corresponded to microwave coupling effect. Microwave coupling effect prevailed for low heating rate which was apt to form particular SiC crystals. Whereas, higher heating rate enhanced microwave plasma and primarily resulted in SiC whiskers or fibers.
2D‐structuring of glasses via thermal poling: A short review
Authors: Lipovskii Andrey , Zhurikhina Valentina , Tagantsev Dmitry
Published: April 2017

Current status of studies devoted to thermal poling of multicomponent glasses and related applications are briefly reviewed. Physical phenomena occurring in the course of the poling manifest themselves in second harmonic generation (SHG), linear electrooptical effect, formation of surface and refractive index relief and changes of chemical properties of poled glasses. All these effects can be used for structuring of the glass surface and glass‐metal nanocomposites in the terms of chemical reactivity, SHG, formation of diffraction gratings, and growth of ordered metal nanoparticles. Both literary data and results of own researches of the authors are presented.
The utility of peripheral blood smear review for identifying specimens for flow cytometric immunophenotyping
Authors: Craig F. E.
Published: April 2017

Laboratory professionals are in an ideal situation to identify CBC and peripheral blood smear findings that raise the possibility of a hematolymphoid neoplasm, and based on this information make recommendations for additional studies, such as flow cytometric immunophenotyping. In some circumstances a definitive diagnosis can be established from the combined peripheral blood morphologic and immunophenotypic findings obviating the need for bone marrow evaluation, such as for chronic lymphocytic leukemia. Occasionally flow cytometric studies are superior to morphologic assessment, such as in screening for hairy cell leukemia or identifying lymphocytic‐variant hypereosinophilia. However, there is increasing recognition of small immunophenotypically unusual or abnormal populations of peripheral blood cells, particularly in older patients, which are of uncertain clinical significance, such as monoclonal B lymphocytosis and T‐cell clonopathy. Therefore, it is important to integrate peripheral blood smear review findings with the clinical and other information before recommending flow cytometry. In addition, it is important to recognize situations where the results of peripheral blood smear review and flow cytometric immunophenotyping do not explain the clinical findings.
Red cell membrane disorders
Authors: Narla J. , Mohandas N.
Published: April 2017

Significant advances have been made in our understanding of the structural basis for altered cell function in various inherited red cell membrane disorders with reduced red cell survival and resulting hemolytic anemia. The current review summarizes these advances as they relate to defining the molecular and structural basis for disorders involving altered membrane structural organization (hereditary spherocytosis [HS] and hereditary elliptocytosis [HE]) and altered membrane transport function (hereditary overhydrated stomatocytosis and hereditary xerocytosis). Mutations in genes encoding membrane proteins that account for these distinct red cell phenotypes have been identified. These molecular insights have led to improved understanding of the structural basis for altered membrane function in these disorders. Weakening of vertical linkage between the lipid bilayer and spectrin‐based membrane skeleton leads to membrane loss in HS. In contrast, weakening of lateral linkages among different skeletal proteins leads to membrane fragmentation and decreased surface area in HE. The degrees of membrane loss and resultant increases in cell sphericity determine the severity of anemia in these two disorders. Splenectomy leads to amelioration of anemia by increasing the circulatory red cell life span of spherocytic red cells that are normally sequestered by the spleen. Disordered membrane cation permeability and resultant increase or decrease in red cell volume account for altered cellular deformability of hereditary overhydrated stomatocytosis and hereditary xerocytosis, respectively. Importantly, splenectomy is not beneficial in these two membrane transport disorders and in fact contraindicated due to severe postsplenectomy thrombotic complications.
Flow cytometry—Recognizing unusual populations in leukemia and lymphoma diagnosis
Authors: Keeney M. , Hedley B. D. , Chin‐Yee I. H.
Published: April 2017

Flow cytometry is an invaluable technology in the examination of blood, bone marrow, tissue and body fluids for the presence or absence of hematological disease. It is used in both diagnostic and follow‐up testing, with an increasingly important role in the detection of very small residual disease populations (Minimal Residual Disease, MRD) However, flow cytometry immunophenotyping of leukemia and lymphoma is highly dependent on interpretation of results and with the increased complexity of 8‐10 color instruments routinely used in clinical laboratories, knowledge of disease‐defining populations is increasingly important as is recognizing normal and reactive patterns. This manuscript presents case studies with flow cytometric patterns encountered in routine screening of samples sent for leukemia and lymphoma immunophenotyping, focusing mainly on B‐cell disorders which may be missed or incorrectly interpreted by the laboratory (including a hematopathologist) performing the test. Case studies are used to illustrate our laboratory's standardized approach to the interpretation of flow cytometric data. In addition to a standardized approach, these cases emphasize the importance of interpretative skills of technologist and hematopathologists in recognizing abnormal patterns in detecting hematological malignancies.
Ten‐color 15‐antibody flow cytometry panel for immunophenotyping of lymphocyte population
Authors: Rajab A. , Axler O. , Leung J. , Wozniak M. , Porwit A.
Published: April 2017

We have developed a lymphoproliferative disorder screening tube (LPD‐ST) with the aim to provide comprehensive immunophenotyping of lymphocyte subsets with minimal need for additional testing. The LPD‐ST consists of CD4/kappa FITC, CD8/lambda PE, CD3/CD14ECD, CD38PC5.5, CD20/CD56PC7, CD10APC, CD19APC‐A700, CD5APC‐A750, CD57/CD23PB and CD45KO. The LPD‐ST was validated against previously used lymphocyte subset panels in Canada (n=60) and in Sweden (n=43) and against the OneFlow™ LST (n=60). The LPD‐ST panel was then implemented in clinical practice using dried monoclonal antibody reagents (Duraclone®) on 649 patient samples in Sweden. In 204 of 649 samples (31%), a monotypic B‐cell population was found. Of these cases, a final diagnosis could be rendered in 106 cases (52%), and in the remainder, additional B‐cell immunophenotyping was performed. In 20 (3%) samples, an aberrant T‐cell population was confirmed by additional testing. Of 425 samples diagnosed as normal/reactive lymphoid tissue, 50 (12%) required additional immunophenotyping, mostly due to an abnormal CD4/CD8 ratio. The LPD‐ST tube significantly minimizes the need for additional testing, improves the turn‐around time, and reduces the cost of LPD immunophenotyping. It is also suitable for investigating paucicellular samples such as cerebrospinal fluid or fine needle aspirates.
Next‐generation sequencing as a tool for breakpoint analysis in rearrangements of the globin gene clusters
Authors: Clark B. E. , Shooter C. , Smith F. , Brawand D. , Thein S. L.
Published: April 2017

Introduction

Next‐generation sequencing (NGS), now embedded within genomic laboratories, is well suited to the detection of small sequence changes but is less well adapt for detecting structural variants (SV), mainly due to the relatively short sequence reads. Of the available target enrichment methods, bait capture or whole‐genome sequencing appears better suited to detecting SV as there is less PCR amplification and is therefore more representative of the genome being sequenced.

Material and methods

In 2015, we described the first inversion/deletion causing εγδβ‐ thalassemia using an NGS approach, with base‐pair resolution. Bioinformatic processing of the sequencing data was manual and time‐consuming. The methodology relied on detecting the presence or absence of the SV by assessing sequence coverage and then mapping the deletion by capturing and sequencing breakpoint spanning reads (split reads). In the period between developing more automated analytical methods, we identified the first duplication of the entire beta globin cluster.

Results

Detecting the presence of the SV is reliable but capturing the breakpoint spanning reads is challenging. Confirmation by Sanger sequencing a breakpoint spanning amplicon has confirmed the NGS results in all cases.

Conclusions

We have now streamlined and automated the bioinformatic approach using Exome Depth to assess sequence coverage and Delly to detect split and discordant reads. The combined NGS and bioinformatic strategy has proven to be highly successful and applicable to routine diagnostics.
Health literacy interventions for immigrant populations: a systematic review
Authors: Fernández‐Gutiérrez M. , Bas‐Sarmiento P. , Albar‐Marín M.J. , Paloma‐Castro O. , Romero‐Sánchez J.M.
Published: April 2017

Background

Health literacy is considered a social health determinant that influences improvement in health, patient empowerment and reduction in inequalities. There is a lack of health literacy interventions for vulnerable social groups (i.e. immigrants), and nurses have shown little familiarity with the concept.

Aim

This study aimed to identify and analyse whether interventions directed at immigrant populations improve the functional (basic reading, writing and arithmetic skills), interactive (social and cognitive skills) and critical (advanced cognitive and social skills in critically analyzing information and making informed decisions) dimensions of health literacy, taking into account the role played by nursing in these interventions.

Methods

A systematic review of four databases including PubMed, PsycINFO, the Cochrane Library and ERIC was conducted to identify relevant articles published between 2000 and 2015. Thirty‐four articles met the inclusion criteria, and nine articles used a validated instrument.

Results

Few specific health literacy interventions for immigrant populations were found. The main findings of the studies showed positive changes in functional health literacy. However, the interventions were less effective in improving interactive and critical health literacy.

Limitations

Several of the findings of this review were based on studies that had their own limitations. The assessment of the articles was not blinded, and the review was restricted to articles written in Spanish and English.

Conclusions

The interventions studied were reported as being effective in improving health literacy in immigrants, particularly the functional aspects. Regarding the role played by nursing, this review observed little involvement.

Implications for Nursing and Health Policy

It is important for educational strategies to include health literacy dimensions. The concept of health literacy should be included as a Nursing Outcomes Classification and in its subsequent validation taxonomy. To promote community health, health literacy must be a prioritized objective of health management and policies.
Survivors' pensions and their impact on the Brazilian labour market
Authors: Costanzi Rogerio Nagamine , Ansiliero Graziela , Da Silva Bichara Julimar
Published: April 2017

In many countries the regulations governing survivors' pensions were established in periods when female labour market participation was lower than at present. However, the current trend in many Latin American countries is for growing levels of female labour participation. In Brazil, where there are no restrictions on the concurrent receipt of retirement and survivors' pensions, and where until recently lifelong pensions could be obtained without any conditionality, not only has the accumulation of such benefits grown, but there are indications that these rules have had a negative impact on women's labour market participation. Analysis of the case of Brazil shows the need for social security regulations to adapt to labour market changes, and underlines the need to acknowledge that social security regulations can actually have an impact on the labour market.