bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Physiological regulation and efficient xylem water transport regulate diurnal water and carbon balances of tropical lianas
Authors: Chen Ya‐Jun , Schnitzer Stefan A. , Zhang Yong‐Jiang , Fan Ze‐Xin , Goldstein Guillermo , Tomlinson Kyle W. , Lin Hua , Zhang Jiao‐Lin , Cao Kun‐Fang
Published: August 2016

Tropical lianas deploy most of their leaves towards the top of the forest canopy, whereas trees exhibit a more stratified crown. Forest canopies are often exposed to hot and windy conditions, and how lianas cope with the extremely high transpirational demands under these environments remains unknown.

We investigated stem hydraulic properties, leaf drought tolerance, diurnal changes in leaf and stem water potentials (Ψleaf and Ψstem), stomatal conductance (gs), photosynthetic rate, sap flow and stem native percentage loss of conductivity (PLC) for four liana species in a tropical forest in southwest China. Five co‐occurring tree species were also selected for comparison.

Lianas reached maximal transpiration at a relatively lower vapour pressure deficit (<1 kPa) than did co‐occurring trees, suggesting vigorous photosynthesis during the morning. However, liana gs declined markedly over the day, with low gs at midday and afternoon. Lianas generally had higher stem sapwood‐specific conductivity and maximum sap flux density but were less tolerant to drought‐induced cavitation than were evergreen trees. Both lianas and trees lost leaf turgor in the top canopy at midday, but lianas lost leaf turgor earlier (∼2 h) than trees.

Seven of eight species exhibited midday increases in PLC when xylem tensions were released to −0·3 to −0·5 MPa for PLC measurements. On average, lianas experienced high PLC (35·9%), along with a greater degree of disequilibrium between leaf and stem water potentials than trees (ΔΨstem–leaf: 1·37 MPa vs. 0·75 MPa) during the day. Earlier stomatal closure and efficient water transport may help lianas maintain higher Ψstem than trees despite having similar Ψleaf.

Our results provide evidence that physiological regulation and efficient water transport mediate daily water relations in tropical lianas and may explain how lianas operate efficiently in tropical seasonal forests. Further studies involving a broader range of species are needed to confirm our findings.
Importance of deep water uptake in tropical eucalypt forest
Authors: Christina Mathias , Nouvellon Yann , Laclau Jean‐Paul , Stape Jose L. , Bouillet Jean‐Pierre , Lambais George R. , le Maire Guerric
Published: August 2016

Climate models predict that the frequency, intensity and duration of drought events will increase in tropical regions. Although water withdrawal from deep soil layers is generally considered to be an efficient adaptation to drought, there is little information on the role played by deep roots in tropical forests. Tropical Eucalyptus plantations managed in short rotation cycles are simple forest ecosystems that may provide an insight into the water use by trees in tropical forests.

The contribution made by water withdrawn from deep soil layers to the water required for evapotranspiration was quantified daily from planting to harvesting age for a Eucalyptus grandis stand using a soil water transfer model coupled with an ecophysiological forest model (MAESPA). The model was parameterized using an extensive data set and validated using time series of the soil water content down to a depth of 10 m and water‐table level, as well as evapotranspiration measured using eddy covariance.

Fast root growth after planting provided access to large quantities of water stored in deep soil layers over the first 2 years. Eucalyptus roots reached the water‐table at a depth of 12 m after 2 years. Although the mean water withdrawal from depths of over 10 m amounted to only 5% of canopy transpiration from planting to a harvesting age of 5 years, the proportion of water taken up near the water‐table was much higher during dry periods. The water‐table rose from 18 to 12 m below‐ground over 2 years after the harvest of the previous stand and then fell until harvesting age as evapotranspiration rates exceeded the annual rainfall.

Deep rooting is an efficient strategy to increase the amount of water available for the trees, allowing the uptake of transient gravitational water and possibly giving access to a deep water‐table. Deep soil layers have an important buffer role for large amounts of water stored during the wet season that is taken up by trees during dry periods. Our study confirms that deep rooting could be a major mechanism explaining high transpiration rates throughout the year in many tropical forests.
Analysis ofGambierdiscustranscriptome data supports ancient origins of mixotrophic pathways in dinoflagellates
Authors: Price Dana C. , Farinholt Natalie , Gates Colin , Shumaker Alexander , Wagner Nicole E. , Bienfang Paul , Bhattacharya Debashish
Published: August 2016

Toxic dinoflagellates pose serious threats to human health and to fisheries. The genusGambierdiscusis significant in this respect because its members produce ciguatoxin that accumulates in predominantly tropical marine food webs and leads to ciguatera fish poisoning. Understanding the biology of toxic dinoflagellates is crucial to developing control strategies. To this end, we generated ade novotranscriptome library fromG. caribaeusand studied its growth under different culture conditions to elucidate pathways of carbon (C) and nitrogen (N) utilization. We also gathered available dinoflagellate transcriptome data to trace the evolutionary history of C and N pathways in this phylum. We find that rather than being specific adaptations to the epiphytic lifestyle inG. caribaeus, the majority of dinoflagellates share a large array of genes that putatively confer mixotrophy and the ability to use N via the ornithine‐urea cycle and nitric oxide synthase production. These results suggest that prior to plastid endosymbiosis, the dinoflagellate ancestor possessed complex pathways that linked metabolism, intercellular signaling, and stress responses to environmental cues that have been maintained by extant photosynthetic species. This metabolic flexibility likely explains the success of dinoflagellates in marine ecosystems and may presage difficulties in controlling the spread of toxic species.
Reporting and Justifying the Number of Interview Participants in Organization and Workplace Research
Authors: Saunders Mark N. K. , Townsend Keith
Published: August 2016

In this paper we examine established practice regarding the reporting, justification and number of interview participants chosen within organization and workplace studies. For such qualitative research there is a paucity of discussion across the social sciences, the topic receiving far less attention than its centrality warrants. We analysed 798 articles published in 2003 and 2013 in ten top and second tier academic journals, identifying 248 studies using at least one type of qualitative interview. Participant numbers were contingent on characteristics of the population from which they were chosen and approach to analysis, but not the journal, its tier, editorial base or publication year, the interview type or its duration. Despite lack of transparency in reporting (23.4% of studies did not state participant numbers) we reveal a median of 32.5 participants, numbers ranging from one to 330, and no justification for participant numbers in over half of studies. We discuss implications and, recognizing that different philosophical commitments are likely to imply differing norms, offer recommendations regarding reporting, justification and number of participants. Acknowledging exceptions, dependent upon study purpose and data saliency, these include an organization and workplace research norm of 15−60 participants, alongside credible numbers for planning interview research.
Working-class fragmentation, party politics, and the complexities of solidarity in South Africa’s United Front
Authors: Paret Marcel
Published: August 2016

Recent scholarship laments the growing fragmentation of the working class due to flexible labour regimes and unemployment. This paper examines an emerging effort in South Africa to counter this fragmentation: the United Front project, initiated and led by the National Union of Metalworkers South Africa (NUMSA). Drawing on 74 interviews conducted at two different NUMSA-led protests in Johannesburg, the analysis unpacks two sets of tensions. One set of tensions revolves around class politics, which pertain to the divide between unionized workers in relatively stable employment, and impoverished communities ravaged by unemployment. The other set of tensions revolves around party politics, including divisions with respect to the United Front’s opposition to the ruling party, the African National Congress (ANC). Each dimension reveals both crucial sources of solidarity and potential obstacles, showing that forging a broad working-class unity in the current period is complex, but not impossible.
Food insecure student clients of a university‐based food bank have compromised health, dietary intake and academic quality
Authors: Farahbakhsh Jasmine , Hanbazaza Mahitab , Ball Geoff D.C. , Farmer Anna P. , Maximova Katerina , Willows Noreen D.
Published: August 2016

Aim

University and college students in wealthy countries may be vulnerable to financial food insecurity. If food insecure students have suboptimal health, their ability to learn and excel in their education could be compromised. This Canadian study examined the relationship of food security status to diet and self‐perceived health and academic quality among students receiving emergency food hampers from the Campus Food Bank at University of Alberta.

Methods

A convenience sample of 58 students completed a survey.

Results

Of participating students, 10.3% were food secure, 44.8% were moderately food insecure and 44.8% were severely food insecure. Overall, 32.8% rated their general health as fair/poor, 27.6% rated their mental health as fair/poor and 60.3% indicated at least one adverse academic outcome of not having enough money for food. Compared to other participating students, students with severe food insecurity had a greater likelihood of fair/poor general health (odds ratios (OR) 4.03, 95% confidence intervals (CI) 1.10–14.78); fair/poor mental health (OR 4.96, 95% CI 1.28–19.19); being unable to concentrate in class or during an exam (73.1% vs 40.6%, χ2 = 6.12, P = 0.013); relying on food hampers (34.6% vs 9.7%, χ2 = 5.57, P = 0.018); and, consuming fewer daily fruits, vegetables and legumes (2.12 vs 2.97 cup equivalents, P = 0.009).

Conclusions

Food insecurity compromises students’ health, diet and academic quality. Campus food banks are not the solution to student hunger. Governmental and university‐based programmes and policies are needed to improve the food security situation of university students.
Rhizosphere selection of Pseudomonas putida KT2440 variants with increased fitness associated to changes in gene expression
Authors: Quesada José Miguel , Fernández Matilde , Soriano María Isabel , Barrientos‐Moreno Laura , Llamas María Antonia , Espinosa‐Urgel Manuel
Published: August 2016

As the interface between plant roots and soil, the rhizosphere is a complex environment where nutrients released by the plant promote microbial growth. Increasing evidences indicate that the plant also exerts a selective pressure on microbial populations in the rhizosphere, favouring colonization by certain groups. In this work, we have designed an experimental setup to begin analysing the evolution of a specific bacterial population in the rhizosphere, using Pseudomonas putida KT2440 as model organism. After several rounds of selection without passage through laboratory growth conditions, derivatives of this strain with increased fitness in the rhizosphere were isolated. Detailed analysis of one of these clones indicated that this effect is specific for rhizosphere conditions and derives from changes in its transcriptional profile in this environment, with 43 genes being differentially expressed with respect to the parental strain. Several of these genes belong to functional categories which could affect stress adaptation and availability of particular nutrients. By inactivating two genes identified as upregulated in the selected clone (coding for a stress–response protein and a rRNA modifying protein), these functions were shown to contribute to rhizosphere fitness. Our data also suggest the existence of different evolutionary pathways leading to increased rhizosphere fitness.
Hypocretin/orexin knock‐out mice display disrupted behavioral and dopamine responses to cocaine
Authors: Shaw Jessica K. , Ferris Mark J. , Locke Jason L. , Brodnik Zachary D. , Jones Sara R. , España Rodrigo A.
Published: August 2016

The hypocretin/orexin (HCRT) system is implicated in reward and reinforcement processes through actions on the mesolimbic dopamine (DA) system. Here we provide evidence for the relationship between HCRT and DA in vivo in anesthetized and freely moving mice. The ability of cocaine to elicit reward‐related behaviors in mice lacking the HCRT prepro‐peptide (HCRT knock‐out; KO) and wild‐type controls was determined using conditioned place preference. Using a combination of microdialysis and in vivo fast scan cyclic voltammetry in anesthetized and freely moving mice, we investigated the underlying role of HCRT in the regulation of DA release and uptake. We show that, unlike wild‐type mice, HCRT KO mice fail to develop characteristic conditioned place preference for cocaine. These mice also demonstrated reduced DA release and uptake under baseline conditions in both anesthetized and freely moving experiments. Further, diminished DA signaling in HCRT KO mice persists following administration of cocaine. These findings indicate that HCRT is essential for the expression of behaviors associated with the rewarding effects of cocaine, and suggest that HCRT regulation of reward and reinforcement may be related to disruptions to DA neurotransmission.
Cost‐effectiveness of treating wet age‐related macular degeneration at the Kuopio University Hospital in Finland based on a two‐eye Markov transition model
Authors: Vottonen Pasi , Kankaanpää Eila
Published: August 2016

Purpose

Wet age‐related macular degeneration (AMD) is the leading cause of blindness worldwide, which can be treated with regular intraocular anti‐vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) injections. In this study, we wanted to evaluate whether less frequent injections of aflibercept would make it more cost‐effective when compared with ranibizumab and low priced bevacizumab.

Methods

We used a two‐eye model to simulate the progression and the treatment of the disease. We selected an 8‐year period, 3‐month cycles and five health states based on the visual acuity of the better‐seeing eye. The transition probabilities and utilities attached to the health states were gathered from previous studies. We conducted the analysis from the hospital perspective and we used the health care costs obtained from Kuopio University Hospital. The costs of intraocular adverse events were taken into account.

Results

The incremental cost‐effectiveness ratio (ICER) with 3% discount rate (€/QALY) for aflibercept compared with monthly bevacizumab was 1 801 228 and when compared with ranibizumab given as needed, theICERwas minus 3 716 943. The sensitivity analysis showed that a change of 20% of the estimated model parameters or a longer follow‐up period did not influence these conclusions.

Conclusion

A two‐eye Markov transition model was developed to analyse the cost‐effectiveness of wetAMDtreatment, as quality of life years (QALYs) are largely based on the visual acuity of the better‐seeing eye. Monthly injected bevacizumab was the most cost‐effective treatment and monthly ranibizumab the least effective.
Evidence for a functional role of calsequestrin 2 in mouse atrium
Authors: Gergs U. , Fahrion C. M. , Bock P. , Fischer M. , Wache H. , Hauptmann S. , Schmitz W. , Neumann J.
Published: August 2016

Aim

Several genetically modified mice models were studied so far to investigate the role of cardiac calsequestrin (CSQ2) for the contractile function of the ventricle and for the occurrence of ventricular tachycardia. Using a CSQ2 knockout mouse, we wanted to study also the atrial function of CSQ2.

Methods

The influence of CSQ2 on atrial function and, for comparison, ventricular function was studied in isolated cardiac preparations and by echocardiography as well as electrocardiography in mice with deletion of CSQ2.

Results

Using deletion of exon 1, we have successfully generated a constitutive knockout mouse of the calsequestrin 2 gene (CSQ2−/−). CSQ2 protein was absent in the heart (atrium, ventricle), but also in oesophagus and skeletal muscle of homozygous knockout mice. In 6‐month‐old CSQ2−/− mice, relative left atrial weight was increased, whereas relative heart weight was unchanged. The staircase phenomena in paced left atrial preparations on force of contraction and the post‐rest potentiation were different between wild type and CSQ2−/− indicative for a decreased sarcoplasmic Ca2+ load and supporting an important role of CSQ2 also in the atrium. The incidence of arrhythmias was increased in CSQ2−/−. In 2‐year‐old CSQ2−/− mice, cardiac hypertrophy and heart failure were noted possibly as a result of chronically increased cytosolic Ca2+ levels.

Conclusion

These data suggest a functional role of CSQ2 not only in the ventricle but also in the atrium of mammalian hearts. Loss of CSQ2 function can cause not only arrhythmias, but also cardiac hypertrophy and heart failure.
Phenotypic and genotypic characterization of enteroaggregative Escherichia coli isolates from pediatric population in Pakistan
Authors: Khalil Uzma , Younus Mahwish , Asghar Naeem , Siddiqui Fariha , Gómez‐Duarte Oscar G. , Wren Brendan W. , Bokhari Habib
Published: August 2016

Enteroaggregative Escherichia coli (EAEC) are a leading cause of diarrhea among children. The objective of this study was to define the frequency of EAEC among diarrheal children from flood‐affected areas as well as sporadic cases, determine multidrug resistance, and evaluation of virulence using an in vivo model of pathogenesis. Stool samples were collected from 225 diarrheal children from 2010 to 2011 from flood‐affected areas as well as from sporadic cases in Pakistan. Identified EAEC isolates were characterized by phylogrouping, antibiotic resistance patterns including the extended‐spectrum beta lactamase spectrum, single nucleotide polymorphism detection in gyrA and parC, and virulence potential using wax worm, G. mellonella. A total of 35 (12.5%) confirmed EAEC isolates were identified among 225 E. coli isolates. EAEC isolates displayed high resistance to tetracycline, ampicillin, and cefaclor. A total of 34.28% were ESBL positive. Single nucleotide polymorphism detection revealed 37.14% and 68.57% isolates were positive for SNPs in gyrA (A660‐T660) and parC (C330‐T330), respectively. Phylogrouping revealed that B2 phylogroup was more prevalent among all EAEC isolates tested followed by D, A, B1, and non‐typeable (NT). Infection of G. mellonella with EAEC showed that killing infective dose was 100% higher than E. coli DH5 alpha control. EAEC are prevalent among Pakistani children with diarrhea, they are highly resistant to antibiotics, and predominantly fall into B2 phylogroup. Epidemiologic surveillance of EAEC and other E. coli pathotypes is critical to assess not only the role of these pathogens in diarrheal disease but also to determine the extent of multidrug resistance among the population.
Estimation of nutrient excretion factors of broiler and layer chickens in Japan
Authors: Ogino Akifumi , Murakami Hitoshi , Yamashita Takahiro , Furuya Motohiro , Kawahara Hirofumi , Ohkubo Takako , Osada Takashi
Published: August 2016

We estimated the nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), potassium (K) and magnesium (Mg) excretion factors of broiler and layer chickens in Japan, using two approaches and the latest data available. In the top‐down approach, we determined the nutrient amounts in the feeds and those in the products (i.e. the liveweight gain, eggs), and the national nutrient excretions were determined as the difference between these amounts. We then calculated the nutrient excretion factors by dividing the national excretions by the number of animals. In the bottom‐up approach, we calculated the amounts of nutrients in the feed and product per head using productivity parameters (feed conversion ratio, etc.). The differences between these amounts were considered the nutrient excretion factors. The average nutrient excretion factors of broilers (g/day/head) estimated using the top‐down and bottom‐up approaches were: N, 1.40 and 1.87; P, 0.36, 0.50; K, 0.54, 0.77; Mg, 0.13, 0.18, respectively. The excretion factors obtained by the top‐down approach can be used to calculate the national/regional excretions. The two approaches resulted in almost the same excretion factors for layers, and the average nutrient excretion factors of layers (g/day/head) estimated were: N, 2.20; P, 0.55; K, 0.68; Mg, 0.23. The estimated excretion factors for N (only) are smaller than the reported factors.
The essence of crime: Contagious transmission from those who have committed moral transgressions
Authors: Tapp Caley , Occhipinti Stefano
Published: August 2016

Across four studies, we investigated the relationship between moral contagion and disgust. Study 1 established that the contamination effect is unique to transgressions that fall within the moral domain. Study 2 replicated this effect and further showed that the underlying mechanism is intimately related to disgust, as disgust was found to uniquely mediate the relationship between moral transgressions and contamination responses. In Study 3, disgust was again found to mediate this relationship. In addition, the results of Study 3 show that the moral contagion effect was not dependent upon the presence of a core disgust cue within the transgression. In Study 4, we investigated whether or not moral contagion leads to behavioural avoidance. Results show that behavioural avoidance only occurred when the moral transgression contained a core disgust cue. Taken together, the results of our studies show that disgust plays a key role in moral contagion processes. However, the difference in findings between the thought experiments (Studies 1–3) and the behavioural experiment (Study 4) identifies a need for further research to examine the conditions under which moral contagion leads to behavioural avoidance.
ExorcisingGrice's ghost: an empirical approach to studying intentional communication in animals
Authors: Townsend Simon W. , Koski Sonja E. , Byrne Richard W. , Slocombe Katie E. , Bickel Balthasar , Boeckle Markus , Braga Goncalves Ines , Burkart Judith M. , Flower Tom , Gaunet Florence , Glock Hans Johann , Gruber Thibaud , Jansen David A. W. A. M. , Liebal Katja , Linke Angelika , Miklósi Ádám , Moore Richard , van Schaik Carel P. , Stoll Sabine , Vail Alex , Waller Bridget M. , Wild Markus , Zuberbühler Klaus , Manser Marta B.
Published: August 2016

Language's intentional nature has been highlighted as a crucial feature distinguishing it from other communication systems. Specifically, language is often thought to depend on highly structured intentional action and mutual mindreading by a communicator and recipient. Whilst similar abilities in animals can shed light on the evolution of intentionality, they remain challenging to detect unambiguously. We revisit animal intentional communication and suggest that progress in identifying analogous capacities has been complicated by (i) the assumption that intentional (that is, voluntary) production of communicative acts requires mental‐state attribution, and (ii) variation in approaches investigating communication across sensory modalities. To move forward, we argue that a framework fusing research across modalities and species is required. We structure intentional communication into a series of requirements, each of which can be operationalised, investigated empirically, and must be met for purposive, intentionally communicative acts to be demonstrated. Our unified approach helps elucidate the distribution of animal intentional communication and subsequently serves to clarify what is meant by attributions of intentional communication in animals and humans.
Duration of action of two insulin glargine products,LY2963016insulin glargine and Lantus insulin glargine, in subjects with type 1 diabetes mellitus
Authors: Linnebjerg Helle , Lam Eric Chen Quin , Zhang Xin , Seger Mary E. , Coutant David , Chua Laiyi , Kapitza Christoph , Heise Tim
Published: August 2016

Aims

LY2963016(LY IGlar) and Lantus (IGlar) are insulin glargine products manufactured by distinct processes, but with identical amino acid sequences. This study compared the duration of action ofLY IGlarandIGlarin subjects with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM).

Materials and methods

This was a randomized, double‐blind, single‐dose, two‐period, crossover study. Twenty subjects underwent 42‐hour euglycaemic clamps after a single subcutaneous 0.3‐U/kg dose ofLY IGlarorIGlar. In this study, the duration of action was defined as the time required for blood glucose levels to rise consistently above a predefined cut‐off of 8.3 mmol/L (150 mg/dL) from a state of euglycaemia. Blood samples were collected to measure blood glucose for pharmacodynamic (PD) evaluations.

Results

End of action was reached within 42 hours in 26 of 40 clamps (13LY IGlarand 13IGlar). The median duration of action for all subjects was 37.1 and 40.0 hours, and the mean duration of action (calculated using only patients who reached end of action) was 23.8 and 25.5 hours forLY IGlarandIGlar, respectively. The duration of action was demonstrated to be similar between the treatments using time‐to‐event analysis (log‐rank test of equality p = .859). Following administration ofLY IGlarandIGlar, thePDparameters of maximum glucose infusion rate (Rmax) and total glucose infusion during the clamp (Gtot) were comparable.

Conclusion

LY IGlarandIGlarhad similar duration of action and comparablePDparameters in subjects withT1DM.
The importance of factors controlling species abundance and distribution varies in native and non‐native ranges
Authors: Hierro José L. , Khetsuriani Liana , Andonian Krikor , Eren Özkan , Villarreal Diego , Janoian Grigor , Reinhart Kurt O. , Callaway Ragan M.
Published: August 2016

How variation in factors controlling species abundance and distribution between native and non‐native ranges compares to that within ranges remains poorly understood. We used a globally distributed ruderal, Centaurea solstitialis (Centaurea), to explore the possibility that the importance of those factors exhibits great variation between and within ranges. To test our hypothesis, we established seed addition experiments with soil disturbance (turnover and control) and biocide (fungicides, insecticide, and control) treatments in two regions within native (the Caucasus and south‐western Turkey) and non‐native (the western United States – US – and central Argentina) distributions. Also, we estimated the rate of vegetation recovery after disturbance (resilience) and related it to Centaurea density in experimental plots. Disturbance strongly increased Centaurea density in all regions. Density was similar between the native Caucasus and non‐native Argentina and much greater in those regions than in the native Turkey and non‐native US in biocide‐free plots. Fungicides had positive effects on density in the US and negative ones in the Caucasus and Argentina, resulting in no differences between those three regions and greater density in the US than Turkey. Insecticide applications promoted Centaurea density in Turkey and Argentina, but inter‐regional comparisons of density in treated plots were comparable to those in biocide‐free plots. Overall, plants were smaller and less fecund in Turkey than the other regions, except the US. The greatest fungal attack was documented in Turkey, and herbivory was stronger there and in Argentina than in the Caucasus and US. The resilience of the local community explained a large proportion of variation in Centaurea density. These results support our hypothesis, and reveal that the speed at which competition is re‐gained after disturbance may influence global variation in Centaurea abundance. Because many ruderals exhibit native and non‐native distributions, our results are likely to be generalized to other systems.
A new framework for investigating biotic homogenization and exploring future trajectories: oceanic island plant and bird assemblages as a case study
Authors: Rosenblad Kyle C. , Sax Dov F.
Published: August 2016

Studies of biotic homogenization have focused primarily on characterizing changes that have occurred between some past baseline and the present day. In order to understand how homogenization may change in the future, it is important to contextualize the processes driving these changes. Here, we examine empirical patterns of change in taxonomic similarity among oceanic island plant and bird assemblages. We use these empirical cases to unpack dynamic properties of biotic homogenization, thereby elucidating two important factors that have received little attention: 1) initial similarity and 2) the influence of six classes of introduction and extinction events. We use Jaccard's Index to explore the interplay among these factors in determining the changes in similarity that have occurred between human settlement and the present. Specifically, we develop general formulas for changes in similarity resulting from each of the six types of introductions and extinctions, so that the effect of each event type is formulated in terms of initial similarity and species richness. We then apply these insights to project how similarity levels would change in the future if the present patterns of introductions and extinctions continue. We show that the six event types, along with initial similarity, can show dramatically different behavior in different systems, leading to widely variable influences on similarity. Plant and bird biotas have homogenized only slightly to date, but their trajectories of change are highly divergent. Although existing patterns of colonization and extinction might not continue unchanged, if they were to do so then plant assemblages would show little additional change, whereas bird assemblages would become much more strongly homogenized. Our results suggest that moderate changes in similarity observed to date mask the potential for more dramatic changes in the future, and that the interaction among initial similarity and differential introduction and extinction regimes drives these dynamics.
Defining and Measuring Corporate Reputations
Authors: Dowling Grahame R.
Published: August 2016

Corporate reputation is a construct that has gained widespread recognition in the disciplines of strategy, corporate social responsibility, management and marketing because a good reputation is thought to be more commercially valuable than a bad reputation. However, recent reviews of the scholarly literature suggest that because the construct of corporate reputation has been defined in a wide variety of ways it is difficult to understand the antecedents and consequences of the construct. To illustrate this problem 50 different definitions of corporate reputations are reviewed. This analysis suggests that some of the most prominent measures are not grounded in the definitions that are thought to underpin them. This phenomena presents a challenge to anybody wanting to meta‐analyze findings and to build new theories of corporate reputation. To help advance the field a framework is presented to guide the refinement of scholarly definitions so that they are well constructed and thus capable of guiding the development of valid measures of the construct. To illustrate this framework a new definition and some new measures are provided.
The ability of anterior thalamic signals to predict seizures in temporal lobe epilepsy in kainate‐treated rats
Authors: Yang An‐chao , Meng Da‐wei , Liu Huan‐guang , Shi Lin , Zhang Kai , Qiao Hui , Yang Lin‐chang , Hao Hong‐wei , Li Lu‐ming , Zhang Jian‐guo
Published: August 2016

Objective

To analyze the local field potential (LFP) of the anterior nucleus of the thalamus (ANT) of epileptic rats using the Generic Osorio‐Frei algorithm (GOFA), and to determine the ability of the ANT LFP to predict clinical seizures in temporal lobe epilepsy.

Methods

GOFA is an advanced real‐time technique used to detect and predict seizures. In this article, GOFA was utilized to process the electrical signals of ANT and the motor cortex recorded in 12 rat models of temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE) induced via the injection of kainic acid into the unilateral hippocampus. The electroencephalography (EEG) data included (1) 161 clinical seizures (each contained a 10‐min segment) involving the ANT and cortical regions and (2) one hundred three 10‐min segments of randomly selected interictal (no seizure) data.

Results

Minimal false‐positives (0.51 ± 0.36/h) and no false‐negatives were detected based on the ANT LFP data processed using GOFA. In ANT LFP, the delay from electrographic onset (EO) to automated onset (AO) was 1.24 ± 0.47 s, and the delay from AO to clinical onset (CO) was 7.73 ± 3.23 s. The AO time occurred significantly earlier in the ANT than in the cortex (p = 0.001). In 75.2% of the clinical onsets predicted by ANT LFP, it was 1.37 ± 0.82 s ahead of the prediction of cortical potentials (CPs), and the remainder were 0.84 ± 0.31 s slower than the prediction of CPs.

Significance

ANT LFP appears to be an optimal option for the prediction of seizures in temporal lobe epilepsy. It was possible to upgrade the responsive neurostimulation system to emit electrical stimulation in response to the prediction of epileptic seizures based on the changes in the ANT LFP.
Physiological plasticity and local adaptation to elevated pCO2 in calcareous algae: an ontogenetic and geographic approach
Authors: Padilla‐Gamiño Jacqueline L. , Gaitán‐Espitia Juan Diego , Kelly Morgan W. , Hofmann Gretchen E.
Published: August 2016

To project how ocean acidification will impact biological communities in the future, it is critical to understand the potential for local adaptation and the physiological plasticity of marine organisms throughout their entire life cycle, as some stages may be more vulnerable than others. Coralline algae are ecosystem engineers that play significant functional roles in oceans worldwide and are considered vulnerable to ocean acidification. Using different stages of coralline algae, we tested the hypothesis that populations living in environments with higher environmental variability and exposed to higher levels of pCO2 would be less affected by high pCO2 than populations from a more stable environment experiencing lower levels of pCO2. Our results show that spores are less sensitive to elevated pCO2 than adults. Spore growth and mortality were not affected by pCO2 level; however, elevated pCO2 negatively impacted the physiology and growth rates of adults, with stronger effects in populations that experienced both lower levels of pCO2 and lower variability in carbonate chemistry, suggesting local adaptation. Differences in physiological plasticity and the potential for adaptation could have important implications for the ecological and evolutionary responses of coralline algae to future environmental changes.
Bioenergy production and forest landscape change in the southeastern United States
Authors: Costanza Jennifer K. , Abt Robert C. , McKerrow Alexa J. , Collazo Jaime A.
Published: August 2016

Production of woody biomass for bioenergy, whether wood pellets or liquid biofuels, has the potential to cause substantial landscape change and concomitant effects on forest ecosystems, but the landscape effects of alternative production scenarios have not been fully assessed. We simulated landscape change from 2010 to 2050 under five scenarios of woody biomass production for wood pellets and liquid biofuels in North Carolina, in the southeastern United States, a region that is a substantial producer of wood biomass for bioenergy and contains high biodiversity. Modeled scenarios varied biomass feedstocks, incorporating harvest of ‘conventional’ forests, which include naturally regenerating as well as planted forests that exist on the landscape even without bioenergy production, as well as purpose‐grown woody crops grown on marginal lands. Results reveal trade‐offs among scenarios in terms of overall forest area and the characteristics of the remaining forest in 2050. Meeting demand for biomass from conventional forests resulted in more total forest land compared with a baseline, business‐as‐usual scenario. However, the remaining forest was composed of more intensively managed forest and less of the bottomland hardwood and longleaf pine habitats that support biodiversity. Converting marginal forest to purpose‐grown crops reduced forest area, but the remaining forest contained more of the critical habitats for biodiversity. Conversion of marginal agricultural lands to purpose‐grown crops resulted in smaller differences from the baseline scenario in terms of forest area and the characteristics of remaining forest habitats. Each scenario affected the dominant type of land‐use change in some regions, especially in the coastal plain that harbors high levels of biodiversity. Our results demonstrate the complex landscape effects of alternative bioenergy scenarios, highlight that the regions most likely to be affected by bioenergy production are also critical for biodiversity, and point to the challenges associated with evaluating bioenergy sustainability.
Association between vitamin D deficiency and pre‐existing resistance‐associated hepatitis C virus NS5A variants
Authors: Okubo Tomomi , Atsukawa Masanori , Tsubota Akihito , Shimada Noritomo , Abe Hiroshi , Yoshizawa Kai , Arai Taeang , Nakagawa Ai , Itokawa Norio , Kondo Chisa , Aizawa Yoshio , Iwakiri Katsuhiko
Published: August 2016

Aim

Although interferon‐free therapy with direct‐acting antivirals has developed as a standard of care for chronic hepatitis C, the existence of resistance‐associated variants (RAVs) has a negative impact on treatment results. Recently, several studies indicated a relationship between chronic hepatitis C and serum vitamin D levels. However, the relationship between RAVs at the hepatitis C virus non‐structure 5A (NS5A) region and serum vitamin D level has not yet been examined.

Methods

Among patients with genotype 1 chronic hepatitis C who were enrolled in a multicenter cooperative study, our subjects comprised 247 patients in whom it was possible to measure RAVs at the NS5A region. These RAVs were measured using a direct sequencing method.

Results

The median age of patients was 70 years (range, 24–87 years), and the number of female patients was 135 (54.7%). The median serum 25(OH) D3 level was 22 ng/mL (range, 6–64 ng/mL). L31 and Y93 RAVs at the NS5A region were detected in 3.7% (9/247) and 13.4% (33/247) of patients, respectively. Multivariate analysis identified vitamin D deficiency (serum 25(OH) D3 ≤ 20 ng/mL) (P = 5.91 × 10⁻5, odds ratio = 5.015) and elderly age (>70 years) (P = 1.85 × 10−3, odds ratio = 3.364) as contributing independent factors associated with the presence of the L31 and/or Y93 RAVs. The Y93H RAV was detected in 25.9% (29/112) of patients with a vitamin D deficiency, and in 8.9% (12/135) of those with a serum 25(OH) D3 level >20 ng/mL (P = 4.90 × 10−3).

Conclusion

We showed that RAVs at the NS5A region are associated with vitamin D deficiency and elderly age, which may have a negative influence on innate/adaptive immune responses to hepatitis C virus infection.
Short‐term and long‐term outcomes of laparoscopic hepatectomy, microwave ablation, and open hepatectomy for small hepatocellular carcinoma: a 5‐year experience in a single center
Authors: Li Wenda , Zhou Xue , Huang Zejian , Zhang Kelin , Luo Xuan , Zhong Jinyi , Chen Yajin
Published: August 2016

Aim

Laparoscopic hepatectomy (LH), microwave ablation (MWA), and open hepatectomy (OH) are three widely used methods to treat small hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, few studies have compared the short‐ and long‐term outcomes of these three treatments. The aim of this study was to investigate their effectiveness.

Methods

The data were reviewed from 280 patients with HCCs measuring ≤3 cm (Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer stage 0 or A) who received LH (n = 133), OH (n = 87), or MWA (n = 60) in our research center from 2005 to 2010. Short‐term outcomes included intraoperative blood loss, operation time, and length of hospital stay. The disease‐free survival and overall survival rates were analyzed as long‐term outcomes.

Results

The patients in the MWA and LH groups showed better short‐term outcomes compared with those in the OH group. There were no significant differences in overall survival rates among the three treatments. The LH group showed significantly lower recurrence rates than the MWA group (P = 0.0146).

Conclusions

Laparoscopic hepatectomy may be a better option for patients with small HCC located on the liver surface and left lateral lobe. The short‐term outcome of MWA is promising, although the high risk of local recurrence after the operation should be considered when planning treatment.
Functional properties of granular cold‐water swelling maize starch: effect of sucrose and glucose
Authors: Hedayati Sara , Shahidi Fakhri , Koocheki Arash , Farahnaky Asgar , Majzoobi Mahsa
Published: August 2016

In this study, granular cold‐water swelling (GCWS) maize starch was prepared by alcoholic‐alkaline treatment and its functional properties were determined at different concentrations (0%, 10%, 20%, 30% and 40% of dry starch weight basis) of sucrose and glucose as two common sweeteners. Light micrographs revealed that control GCWS starch has a wrinkled surface; however, as the sugar content increased, the granules became smoother and at high sugar levels, the wrinkles were totally diminished. Sugars also brought about significant functional changes. The water absorption, cold‐water viscosity, textural parameters and freeze–thaw stability of the samples increased, whereas turbidity decreased by increasing the concentration of sugars. Generally, the extent of these changes in samples with sucrose was greater than those with glucose.
Association of interleukin‐16 polymorphisms with disease progression and susceptibility in endometriosis
Authors: Azimzadeh P. , Khorram Khorshid H. R. , Akhondi M. M. , Shirazi A.
Published: August 2016

Interleukin‐16 (IL‐16) is a multifunctional pro‐inflammatory cytokine that was previously found in association with complex disorders, and it is now cleared that this cytokine plays a critical role in regulation of cellular functions such as homoeostasis. Due to the complexity of endometriosis and its resemblance to cancer, we designed present case–control study to determine the effects of genetic polymorphisms of the human IL‐16 gene on Iranian women's susceptibility to endometriosis. A total of 126 patients with endometriosis (stages I–IV) and 144 healthy women as control group were recruited to the study. We genotyped four single nucleotide polymorphisms of IL‐16 gene (rs11556218 T>G, rs4778889 T>C, rs4072111 C>T and rs1131445 C>T). Genotyping was performed using PCR and restriction fragment length polymorphism. Our results showed that genotype distribution in two exonic polymorphisms including rs11556218 and rs4072111 was significantly different between Endometriosis patients and healthy individuals (P < 0.05). We have also found an association between rs4072111 and rs1131445 with progression to the severe stages (III–IV) of endometriosis (P < 0.05). Finally, we may conclude that IL‐16 gene polymorphisms are highly associated with increased risk of endometriosis and could be considered as a susceptibility factor for endometriosis.
Synthesis of NaTi2(PO4)3 by the Inorganic–Organic Steric Entrapment Method and Its Thermal Expansion Behavior
Authors: Ribero Daniel , Seymour Kevin C. , Kriven Waltraud M.
Published: August 2016

Crystalline pure NaTi2(PO4)3 (NTP) powder was synthesized at 700°C using a simple and low energy, hybrid inorganic–organic, steric entrapment method. Sodium nitrite (NaNO2) and ammonium phosphate dibasic ((NH4)2HPO4) dissolved in water, whereas titanium (IV) isopropoxide (Ti[OCH(CH3)2]4) hydrolyzed in water. Ethylene glycol (HOCH2CH2OH) was used as a polymeric entrapper and hydrolysis of the Ti source was hindered by its dissolution in isopropyl alcohol. The resulting NTP powder was characterized by thermogravimetric analysis/differential thermal analysis, X‐ray diffractometry, scanning electron microscopy, specific surface area by Brunauer–Emmett–Teller nitrogen absorption, and particle size analysis. Furthermore, C, H, N were measured by the classical Pregl‐Dumas method. The thermal expansion behavior in all {hkl} pole directions was also determined by in situ high‐temperature X‐ray diffraction using synchrotron radiation and was found to be in agreement with other published studies.
Description of Antihypertensive Medication Use in a Pediatric Practice: Single and Multiple Antihypertensive Medication Therapy
Authors: Binka Edem , Mendley Susan , Gaskin Peter , Himes Carisa , Jinadu Laide , Baker‐Smith Carissa M.
Published: August 2016

Prescription of multiple antihypertensive medications for the treatment of essential hypertension (HTN) has been well described in adults but not in children and adolescents. The authors describe the frequency with which children with essential HTN are prescribed a single vs two or more concomitantly administered antihypertensive medications. They also describe demographic features and comorbidities associated with the prescription of a single vs multiple antihypertensive medications. Multiple antihypertensive medication use in the management of pediatric HTN, as in the management of adult HTN, is not uncommon. In this single‐center, retrospective study of 113 children with essential HTN, 28% of children were concomitantly prescribed two or more antihypertensive medications for poorly controlled blood pressure following prescription of a single medication. Demographic and comorbid conditions associated with the prescription of more than one antihypertensive medication include advanced hypertensive stage, race, and a family history of HTN.
Ethnic Variation in the Association of Hypertension With Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: Blaychfeld‐Magnazi Moran , Knobler Hilla , Voet Hillary , Reshef Naama , Weitzman Shimon , Sumner Anne E. , Zornitzki Taiba
Published: August 2016

Lifestyle changes occurring with urbanization increase the prevalence of both type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and hypertension (HTN). Yemenites who have immigrated to Israel have demonstrated a dramatic increase in T2DM but the prevalence of HTN in diabetic Yemenites is unclear. In a cross‐sectional study, the authors evaluated the prevalence of HTN and lifestyle patterns in Israelis with T2DM of Yemenite (Y‐DM) and non‐Yemenite (NY‐DM) origin. Y‐DM (n=63) and NY‐DM (n=120) had similar age (63±7 vs 64±7 years, P=.5), diabetes duration, diet adherence, and exercise patterns. Y‐DM had a lower prevalence of HTN (63%) than NY‐DM (83%) (P<.01). Furthermore, Yemenite origin was independently associated with lower prevalence of HTN (odds ratio, 0.3; 95% confidence interval, 0.12–0.71). Blood pressure was well controlled with fewer antihypertensive medications in Y‐DM than NY‐DM (P<.01). Even though lifestyle patterns were similar in the two groups, Y‐DM had a lower prevalence of HTN compared with NY‐DM and required fewer antihypertensive medications.