bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Culling the brand portfolio: brand deletion outcomes and success factors
Authors: Shah Purvi
Published: April 2017

Purpose

It is difficult to ascertain the success factors and outcomes of deleting a brand, since these factors and outcomes differ by type of industries, firms, and brands, and vary based on contextual and organizational situations. Brand managers would benefit by having a guide explaining various factors that contribute to a successful brand deletion and providing measures of brand deletion success. Therefore, the purpose of this article is to present a list of success factors and outcomes of brand deletion, which brand managers can adapt to their specific brand deletion context and which academic researchers can use to further investigate the systemic aspects of brand deletion.

Design/methodology/approach

This article adopts a conceptual viewpoint methodology.

Findings

If brand deletion leads to improvements in business performance represented by better customer relationship management, superior competitive position, and boosts in financial performance without degrading stakeholder relationships, it can be called a success. Various factors contribute to this success such as a proactive approach to brand deletion with the involvement of top management and cross-functional teams, timely implementation of the decision, considering the strategic role and importance of the brand to be deleted in the overall brand portfolio, and managing interests of all key stakeholders affected by and influencing brand deletion.

Originality/value

Marketing practitioners can use the guidelines provided in this article and adapt it to their individual idiosyncratic contexts during brand deletion decision-making and implementation. Researchers are encouraged to further investigate the phenomenon of brand deletion strategy and focus more research attention on developing strong empirical knowledge in this important yet under-researched field.
Self‐Organization and Urban Development: Disaggregating the City‐Region, Deconstructing Urbanity in Amsterdam
Authors: Savini Federico
Published: April 2017

The idea that cities are self‐organizing systems, and that the state has a limited capacity to control and shape them, has gained momentum in the last decade among planning professionals, designers and politicians. Recent political discourse on new localism and liberal individualism builds on a similar understanding of cities, giving responsibility to citizens and their collective associations in light of state rescaling. The consequences of such perspectives for urban development have yet to be conceptualized. This article proposes a critique of the use of self‐organization in policy practice, building on the argument that this concept destabilizes two constitutive categories of urban intervention: spatial boundaries and temporal programmes. In so doing, self‐organization conveys two peculiar understandings of agency in city‐regional spaces and of urbanity: the disaggregation of city‐regions and the deconstruction of urbanity. Looking at the recent change in Amsterdam's urban development practice, I show that, while self‐organization is used to emphasize that city‐regions constitute interconnected systems of dynamics, when applied in policymaking it in fact leads to the disaggregation and fragmentation of urban regions. Moreover, while the capacity of self‐organization to deconstruct codified notions of urbanity that frustrate urban relations is often celebrated, its use in policy produces newly exclusive urban fabrics.
Optical coherence tomography evaluation of patients with macula‐off retinal detachment after different postoperative posturing: a randomized pilot study
Authors: Peiretti Enrico , Nasini Francesco , Buschini Elisa , Caminiti Giulia , Lesnik Oberstein Sarit Y. , Willig Alissa , Bijl Heico M. , Mura Marco
Published: April 2017

Purpose

To assess the presence of outer and inner retinal folds (RFs) and drop‐out of the ellipsoid zone (EZ) occurring after surgical repair of macula‐off rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD) with different postoperative posture and preoperative use of adjuvant perfluorocarbon liquid (PFCO).

Methods

In this prospective study, 56 eyes of 56 consecutive patients affected by RRD were subjected to 23‐ or 25‐gauge pars plana vitrectomy (PPV). The patients were randomized in four groups (14 prone 5 hr without PFCO, 14 supine 5 hr without PFCO, 14 prone 5 hr with PFCO and 14 supine 5 hr with PFCO) and followed up with spectral domain optical coherence tomography (SD‐OCT).

Results

Spectral domain optical coherence tomography (SD‐OCT) was recorded before surgery, at days 30 and 90 to detect the presence of outer RFs, inner RFs and drop‐out of EZ and to follow their variation over time. No statistical significance was found in our groups for outer RFs, inner RFs, drop‐out of EZ formation and evolution. The postoperative best‐corrected visual acuity (BCVA) improved in all groups (mean preoperative BCVA 1.47 logMar ± 0.19, mean postoperative BCVA 0.27 logMar ± 0.11, p < 0.01), without statistical variations between the four groups in BCVA after surgery.

Conclusion

The use of adjuvant and variation in postoperative position did not change the risk of presenting outer RFs, inner RFs and drop‐out of EZ after RRD.
New thiourea and 1,3‐thiazolidin‐4‐one derivatives effective on the HIV‐1 virus
Authors: Bielenica Anna , Sanna Giuseppina , Madeddu Silvia , Struga Marta , Jóźwiak Michał , Kozioł Anna E. , Sawczenko Aleksandra , Materek Ilona B. , Serra Alessandra , Giliberti Gabriele
Published: April 2017

Thiourea derivatives have been reported to possess many biological activities, among them antiviral and antitumoral properties. As part of our continuing effort to develop new active compounds, we report the synthesis and the evaluation of new fifteen thiourea derivatives with 1,3‐benzothiazole‐2‐yl moiety, among them a group of biologically active (1–7) also underwent cyclization to 1,3‐thiazolidin‐4‐ones. Molecular structure of four compounds (4, 13, 15 and 3a) was determined by an X‐ray crystallography. We here report the evaluation of their cytotoxicity against human leukaemia/lymphoma‐ and solid tumour‐derived cell lines and of their antiviral activity against HIV‐1 and representatives of ssRNA and dsDNA viruses. Derivative 5 showed an interesting activity against HIV‐1 wild type and against variants carrying clinically relevant mutations. A colorimetric enzyme immunoassay clarified its mode of action as a non‐nucleoside inhibitor of the reverse transcriptase.
Maternal rates of lipolysis and glucose production in late pregnancy are independently related to foetal weight
Authors: Diderholm Barbro , Beardsall Kathryn , Murgatroyd Peter , Lees Christoph , Gustafsson Jan , Dunger David
Published: April 2017

Objective

Associations between maternal glucose levels and increased foetal growth are well established, and independent relationships with maternal weight, weight gain and insulin resistance are also observed. The relative roles of lipolysis and glucose production in the determination of these observations remain unclear.

Design

We examined, through detailed physiological studies, the relationship between maternal late gestational energy substrate production (glucose and glycerol), maternal weight and weight gain, and estimated foetal size in the third trimester.

Patients

Twenty‐one nulliparous pregnant women, without gestational diabetes (GDM) assessed at 28 weeks with oral glucose tolerance test, were recruited.

Measurements

Rates of hepatic glucose production (GPR) and rates of glycerol production (reflecting lipolysis) using [13C6]‐glucose and [2H5]‐glycerol were measured at 34‐36 weeks of gestation. Respiratory quotient was assessed by indirect calorimetry and body composition by measurements of total body water (TBW; H218O) and body density (BODPOD). Foetal weight was estimated from ultrasound measures of biparietal diameter, femoral length and abdominal circumference.

Results

At 34‐36 weeks, bivariate analyses showed that GPR and lipolysis correlated with estimated foetal weight (r=.71 and .72, respectively) as well as with maternal weight, fat mass and fat‐free mass, but not maternal weight gain. In multivariate analyses, rates of both glucose production (r=.42) and lipolysis (r=.47) were independently associated with foetal size explaining 63% of the variance.

Conclusions

Both maternal rates of lipolysis and hepatic glucose production in late gestation are strongly related to estimated foetal weight.
Urine clusterin/apolipoprotein J is linked to tubular damage and renal outcomes in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus
Authors: Kim Sang Soo , Song Sang Heon , Kim Jong Ho , Jeon Yun Kyung , Kim Bo Hyun , Kang Min‐Cheol , Chun Sung Wan , Hong Soo Hyun , Chung Michelle , Kim Yong Ki , Kim In Joo , Kim Young‐Bum
Published: April 2017

Objective

The objective of this study was to evaluate the association of urine clusterin/apolipoprotein J (Apo J) with the development and/or progression of diabetic kidney disease (DKD) in type 2 diabetes.

Materials and Methods

A total of 159 type 2 diabetic patients and 20 nondiabetic subjects with estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) ≥60 mL/min/1.73 m2 were enrolled. The baseline values of urine clusterin and tubular damage markers were measured. The primary outcome was the annual decline rate in eGFR, and secondary outcomes were the development of chronic kidney disease (CKD) stage 3 or greater and the persistence/progression of albuminuria. The median follow‐up duration of enrolled patients was 3.0 (1.0‐5.9) years.

Results

Baseline clusterin levels in urine were significantly increased in type 2 diabetic subjects compared with those of nondiabetic subjects. The levels of urine clusterin had a significant correlation with urine tubular damage markers. A positive correlation between the annual rate of decline in eGFR and urine clusterin after adjusting for clinical confounding factors was detected. Multivariate analysis further indicated that urine clusterin correlated with the development of CKD stage 3 or greater and persistence/progression of albuminuria. In type 2 diabetic subjects with albuminuria, urine clusterin remained associated with the annual decline rate in eGFR and the progression of CKD stage.

Conclusions

Urine clusterin reflects tubular damage in the early stage of DKD. The increase in urine clusterin along with albuminuria could be an independent predictive marker for the progression of DKD in type 2 diabetes.
Does postexercise modelled capillary blood flow accurately reflect cardiovascular effects by different exercise intensities?
Authors: Stöcker F. , Von Oldershausen C. , Paternoster F. K. , Schulz T. , Oberhoffer R.
Published: April 2017

Blood flow (BF) in exercising muscles is an important factor for exercise capacity. Recently, a non‐invasive method to estimate capillary BF (Qcap) was introduced. Using this method, the Fick principle is re‐arranged by using relative differences in deoxygenated haemoglobin (ΔHHb) as a surrogate for arteriovenous O2 difference and pulmonary oxygen uptake (VO2) instead of muscular oxygen uptake. The aim of this study was to examine (I) the relationship between Qcap and exercise intensity during and following exercise, and (II) to critically reflect the Qcap approach. Seventeen male subjects completed six bouts of cycling exercise with different exercise intensities (40–90% peak oxygen uptake, VO2peak) in randomized order. VO2 and ΔHHb were monitored continuously during the trail. Qcap was modelled bi‐exponentially, and mean response time (MRT) was calculated during recovery as well as the dissociation of modelled VO2 and Qcap recovery kinetics (MRT/τVO2). End‐exercise Qcap increased continuously with exercise intensity. This also applied to MRT. Postexercise MRT/τVO2 increased from 40 to 60% VO2peak but remained stable thereafter. The results show that Qcap response to exercise is linearly related to exercise intensity. This is presumably due to vasoactive factors like shear‐stress or endothelial‐mediated vasodilation. MRT/τVO2 shows that postexercise Qcap is elevated for a longer period than VO2, which is representative for metabolic demand following exercise ≥70% VO2peak. This is a hint for prolonged local vasodilation. According to previous studies, Qcap could not be modelled properly in some cases, which is a limitation to the method and therefore has to be interpreted with caution.
Health conditions and motivations for marijuana use among young adult medical marijuana patients and non‐patient marijuana users
Authors: Lankenau Stephen E. , Ataiants Janna , Mohanty Salini , Schrager Sheree , Iverson Ellen , Wong Carolyn F.
Published: April 2017

Introduction

While marijuana has been legal for medical purposes in California since 1996, little is known about the health histories of young adult medical marijuana patients who are a significant proportion of medical marijuana patients. We examined whether young adult medical marijuana patients reported health conditions and motivations for use that were consistent with medical use of marijuana in California.

Methods

Young adults (N = 366) aged 18 to 26 years were sampled in Los Angeles in 2014–2015 and segmented into medical marijuana ‘patients’ (n = 210), marijuana users with a current recommendation, and non‐patient users or ‘non‐patients’ (n = 156), marijuana users who never had a medical marijuana recommendation. Differences between patients and non‐patients regarding self‐reported health histories and past/current motivations for marijuana use were expressed as unadjusted risk ratios.

Results

Compared with non‐patients, patients were significantly more likely to report a range of lifetime health problems, such as psychological, physical pain and gastrointestinal. In the past 90 days, patients were significantly more likely to report motivations for marijuana use than non‐patients concerning sleep, anxiety, physical pain and focusing. Psychological and pain problems were the most common health conditions reported to receive a medical marijuana recommendation. Patients were significantly less likely than non‐patients to report any privacy concerns about obtaining a medical marijuana recommendation.

Conclusions

Patients were significantly more likely to report a range of health conditions and motivations associated with medical use than non‐patients. A great majority of patients reported obtaining a medical marijuana recommendation for health problems in accordance with the California law. [Lankenau SE, Ataiants J,Mohanty S, Schrager S, Iverson E, Wong CF.Health conditions and motivations for marijuana use among young adultmedical marijuana patients and non‐patient marijuana users.Drug Alcohol Rev2017;00:000‐000]
How much alcohol is consumed outside of the lifetime risk guidelines in Australia?
Authors: Callinan Sarah , Livingston Michael , Room Robin , Dietze Paul M.
Published: April 2017

Introduction and Aims

This study aims to estimate the prevalence of long‐term risky drinking within the Australian population and the proportion of standard drinks that is consumed outside of the long‐term risk (LTR) guidelines of two Australian standard drinks (ASD) per day.

Design and Methods

Recruited by phone, 2020 Australian adults with an oversampling of risky drinkers were asked detailed questions about how much alcohol they consumed at a range of locations in 2013. Descriptive statistical analyses of data weighted to be representative of the Australian adult population were undertaken, with a focus on the ASD consumed above the LTR guidelines.

Results

Although 28% of respondents drink at levels above the LTR drinking guidelines, 56% of all ASD consumed are above the two per day recommended to reduce LTR. Three‐quarters of cask wine and liqueurs were consumed outside of the LTR guidelines, as were 58% of all ASD consumed in the home, similar to the proportion of ASD consumed above the guidelines in pubs (55%).

Discussion and Conclusions

While the minority of Australians drink to LTR levels, the majority of alcohol is consumed by long‐term risky drinkers. More research and policy focus on the patterns of alcohol consumption that lead to long‐term risk, particularly outside of licensed premises, is required. [Callinan S, Livingston M, Room R, Dietze PM. How much alcohol is consumed outside of the lifetime risk guidelines in Australia?. Drug Alcohol Rev 2018;37:42–47]
Allies or commitment devices? A model of appointments to the Federal Reserve
Authors: Schnakenberg Keith E. , Turner Ian R. , Uribe‐McGuire Alicia
Published: April 2017

We present a model of executive‐legislative bargaining over appointments to independent central banks in the face of an uncertain economy with strategic economic actors. The model highlights the contrast between two idealized views of Federal Reserve appointments. In one view, politicians prefer to appoint conservatively biased central bankers to overcome credible commitment problems that arise in monetary policy. In the other, politicians prefer to appoint allies, and appointments are well described by the spatial model used to describe appointments to other agencies. Both ideals are limiting cases of our model, which depend on the level of economic uncertainty. When economic uncertainty is extremely low, politicians prefer very conservative appointments. When economic uncertainty increases, politicians’ prefer central bank appointees closer to their own ideal points. In the typical case, the results are somewhere in between: equilibrium appointments move in the direction of politician's preferences but with a moderate conservative bias.
Biochemical responses associated with induced resistance to Colletotrichum acutatum in Pinus radiata seedlings treated with methyl jasmonate and Trichoderma spp.
Authors: Reglinski T. , Taylor J. T. , Northcott G. L. , Ah Chee A. , Spiers M. , Wohlers M. , Hill R. A.
Published: April 2017

The effect of Trichoderma (T. atrobrunneumFCC320 and T. atrovirideLU633) and/or methyl jasmonate (MJ) on resistance to terminal crook (Colletotrichum acutatum) and on seedling biochemistry was investigated in radiata pine (Pinus radiata) seedlings. Seedlings were germinated and grown in Trichoderma‐amended or non‐amended media for 3 months and then sprayed with 2.25 mM MJ 1 week before inoculation with C. acutatum. The incidence and severity of terminal crook in the seedlings treated with MJ and Trichoderma+MJ were lower than in Trichoderma‐treated and Trichoderma‐untreated seedlings. The MJ‐induced resistance response was concomitant with an increase in the concentrations of the monoterpenes α‐pinene, β‐pinene, β‐phellandrene, camphene and myrcene in needles, and also α‐pinene, β‐pinene and camphene in stems. The concentrations of α‐pinene, β‐pinene and camphene were elevated from at least 1 week until 4 weeks after MJ application, compared with those in non‐MJ counterparts. Trichoderma alone did not affect monoterpenes, but the concentrations of α‐pinene, β‐pinene and camphene were greater in needles of Trichoderma+MJ than in MJ‐treated seedlings after 28 days. Total phenolic concentration in needles and peroxidase activity in stems were twofold greater in MJ‐treated seedlings than in non‐MJ seedlings over the same period. None of the treatments affected the activity of peroxidase in needles. It is proposed that the accumulation of monoterpene and phenolics and the induction of peroxidases contribute, in part, to MJ‐induced resistance to terminal crook in radiata pine seedlings.
Eukaryotic diversity in late Pleistocene marine sediments around a shallow methane hydrate deposit in the Japan Sea
Authors: Kouduka M. , Tanabe A. S. , Yamamoto S. , Yanagawa K. , Nakamura Y. , Akiba F. , Tomaru H. , Toju H. , Suzuki Y.
Published: April 2017

Marine sediments contain eukaryotic DNA deposited from overlying water columns. However, a large proportion of deposited eukaryotic DNA is aerobically biodegraded in shallow marine sediments. Cold seep sediments are often anaerobic near the sediment–water interface, so eukaryotic DNA in such sediments is expected to be preserved. We investigated deeply buried marine sediments in the Japan Sea, where a methane hydrate deposit is associated with cold seeps. Quantitative PCR analysis revealed the reproducible recovery of eukaryotic DNA in marine sediments at depths up to 31.0 m in the vicinity of the methane hydrate deposit. In contrast, the reproducible recovery of eukaryotic DNA was limited to a shallow depth (8.3 m) in marine sediments not adjacent to the methane hydrate deposit in the same area. Pyrosequencing of an 18S rRNA gene variable region generated 1,276–3,307 reads per sample, which was sufficient to cover the biodiversity based on rarefaction curves. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that most of the eukaryotic DNA originated from radiolarian genera of the class Chaunacanthida, which have SrSO4 skeletons, the sea grass genus Zostera, and the seaweed genus Sargassum. Eukaryotic DNA originating from other planktonic fauna and land plants was also detected. Diatom sequences closely related to Thalassiosira spp., indicative of cold climates, were obtained from sediments deposited during the last glacial period (MIS‐2). Plant sequences of the genera Alnus, Micromonas, and Ulmus were found in sediments deposited during the warm interstadial period (MIS‐3). These results suggest the long‐term persistence of eukaryotic DNA from terrestrial and aquatic sources in marine sediments associated with cold seeps, and that the genetic information from eukaryotic DNA from deeply buried marine sediments associated with cold seeps can be used to reconstruct environments and ecosystems from the past.
Land use for animal production in global change studies: Defining and characterizing a framework
Authors: Phelps Leanne N. , Kaplan Jed O.
Published: April 2017

Land use for animal production influences the earth system in a variety of ways, including local‐scale modification to biodiversity, soils, and nutrient cycling; regional changes in albedo and hydrology; and global‐scale changes in greenhouse gas and aerosol concentrations. Pasture is furthermore the single most extensive form of land cover, currently comprising about 22–26% of the earth's ice‐free land surface. Despite the importance and variable expressions of animal production, distinctions among different systems are effectively absent from studies of land use and land cover change. This deficiency is improving; however, livestock production system classifications are rarely applied in this context, and the most popular global land cover inventories still present only a single, usually poorly defined category of “pasture” or “rangeland” with no characterization of land use. There is a marked lack of bottom‐up, evidence‐based methodology, creating a pressing need to incorporate cross‐disciplinary evidence of past and present animal production systems into global change studies. Here, we present a framework, modified from existing livestock production systems, that is rooted in sociocultural, socioeconomic, and ecological contexts. The framework defines and characterizes the range of land usage pertaining to animal production, and is suitable for application in land use inventories and scenarios, land cover modeling, and studies on sustainable land use in the past, present, and future.
Reconceptualizing Context: A Multilevel Model of the Context of Reception and Second‐Generation Educational Attainment
Authors: Luthra Renee , Soehl Thomas , Waldinger Roger
Published: April 2017

This paper seeks to return scholarly attention to a core intellectual divide between segmented and conventional (or neo‐)assimilation approaches, doing so through a theoretical and empirical reconsideration of contextual effects on second‐generation outcomes. We evaluate multiple approaches to measuring receiving country contextual effects and measuring their impact on the educational attainment of the children of immigrants. We demonstrate that our proposed measures better predict second‐generation educational attainment than prevailing approaches, enabling a multilevel modeling strategy that accounts for the structure of immigrant families nested within different receiving contexts.
Phase‐dependent radiation‐resistant behavior of BaTiO3: An in situ X‐ray diffraction study
Authors: Kumari Renu , Kulriya Pawan Kumar , Mishra Surubala , Kotari Vasundhara , Achary Srungarpu N. , Tyagi Avesh K. , Avasthi Devesh K.
Published: April 2017

The radiation‐resistant response of BaTiO3 in the tetragonal and rhombohedral phases on exposure to 100 MeV Ag7+ ion irradiation was investigated by in situ X‐ray diffraction (XRD) at room temperature (300 K) and low temperature (25 K), respectively. This study revealed that the BaTiO3 in rhombohedral phase retained crystallinity up to an ion fluence of 1×1014 ions/cm2, whereas tetragonal phase amorphized at much lower fluence viz. 1×1013 ions/cm2. The in situ XRD along with Raman spectroscopy studies revealed that BaTiO3 in rhombohedral phase is more radiation resistant than that of tetragonal phase. The density functional theory (DFT) calculations confirmed higher bond strength of rhombohedral phase as compared to tetragonal phase, which supported the experimental result of higher radiation stability of rhombohedral phase. The theoretical predictions on high‐temperature phase will be of relevance to the nuclear waste applications.
Role of gut microbiota, bile acids and their cross‐talk in the effects of bariatric surgery on obesity and type 2 diabetes
Authors: Liu Haijun , Hu Cheng , Zhang Xueli , Jia Weiping
Published: April 2017

Type 2 diabetes mellitus is becoming increasingly prevalent worldwide, and has become one of the greatest threats to global health. Bariatric surgery was initially designed to achieve weight loss, and subsequently was noted to induce improvements or remission of type 2 diabetes. Currently, these bariatric operations, such as Roux‐en‐Y gastric bypass and sleeve gastrectomy, are the most effective procedures for the treatment of obesity and type 2 diabetes mellitus worldwide. However, the specific mechanism mediating the beneficial effects of metabolic surgery has remained largely unknown. Those mechanical explanations, such as restriction and malabsorption, are challenged by accumulating evidence from human and animal models of these procedures, which points to the weight‐independent factors, such as hormones, bile acids, gut microbiota, nervous system and other potential underlying mechanisms. A growing body of evidence suggests that gut microbiota are associated with the development of several metabolic disorders, and bile acids and FXR signaling are important for the metabolic benefits of bariatric surgery. Given the close relationship between bacteria and bile acids, it is reasonable to propose that microbiota–bile acid interactions play a role in the mechanisms underlying the effects of metabolic surgery.
Repeated evolution of digital adhesion in geckos: a reply to Harrington and Reeder
Authors: Gamble T. , Greenbaum E. , Jackman T. R. , Russell A. P. , Bauer A. M.
Published: April 2017

We published a phylogenetic comparative analysis that found geckos had gained and lost adhesive toepads multiple times over their long evolutionary history (Gambleet al.,PLoS One, 7, 2012, e39429). This was consistent with decades of morphological studies showing geckos had evolved adhesive toepads on multiple occasions and that the morphology of geckos with ancestrally padless digits can be distinguished from secondarily padless forms. Recently, Harrington & Reeder (J. Evol. Biol.,30, 2017, 313) reanalysed data from Gambleet al. (PLoS One, 7, 2012, e39429) and found little support for the multiple origins hypothesis. Here, we argue that Harrington and Reeder failed to take morphological evidence into account when devising ancestral state reconstruction models and that these biologically unrealistic models led to erroneous conclusions about the evolution of adhesive toepads in geckos.
Multimodal signalling in estrildid finches: song, dance and colour are associated with different ecological and life‐history traits
Authors: Gomes A. C. R. , Funghi C. , Soma M. , Sorenson M. D. , Cardoso G. C.
Published: April 2017

Sexual traits (e.g. visual ornaments, acoustic signals, courtship behaviour) are often displayed together as multimodal signals. Some hypotheses predict joint evolution of different sexual signals (e.g. to increase the efficiency of communication) or that different signals trade off with each other (e.g. due to limited resources). Alternatively, multiple signals may evolve independently for different functions, or to communicate different information (multiple message hypothesis). We evaluated these hypotheses with a comparative study in the family Estrildidae, one of the largest songbird radiations, and one that includes many model species for research in sexual selection and communication. We found little evidence for either joint evolution or trade‐offs between song and colour ornamentation. Some negative correlations between dance repertoire and song traits may suggest a functional compromise, but generally courtship dance also evolved independently from other signals. Instead of correlated evolution, we found that song, dance and colour are each related to different socio‐ecological traits. Song complexity evolved together with ecological generalism, song performance with investment in reproduction, dance with commonness and habitat type, whereas colour ornamentation was shown previously to correlate mostly with gregariousness. We conclude that multimodal signals evolve in response to various socio‐ecological traits, suggesting the accumulation of distinct signalling functions.
Effect of dietary supplementation of hemp seed (Cannabis sativa L.) on meat quality and egg fatty acid composition of Japanese quail (Coturnix coturnix japonica)
Authors: Yalcin H. , Konca Y. , Durmuscelebi F.
Published: April 2017

This study was conducted in two separate experiments. Experiment I was conducted to investigate the effects of hemp seed (HS) on meat quality traits, and experiment II was designed to determine egg fatty acid (FA) composition in Japanese quail (Coturnix coturnix japonica). In experiment I and experiment II treatments, groups were as follows: (i) control (not included HS0), (ii) 5% HS inclusion to diets, (iii) 10% HS inclusion to diets and (iv) 20% HS inclusion to diets. In experiment I, a total of 192 7‐day‐old‐quail were fed with HS diets for 5 weeks, and end of the experiment I, a total of 64 quail (16 each) slaughtered and meat samples were analysed for meat colour, pH, cooking and thawing loss and FA composition. In experiment II, a total of 120 8‐week‐old laying quail were fed with experimental diets for 6 weeks and egg FA composition were determined. Breast meat cooking loss was significantly lower in 20% supplemented group (p < 0.01). Hemp seed inclusion to diets caused a linear and cubic increase in redness (a*) of hip meat (p < 0.01). Palmitoleic and oleic FAs were decreased with HS addition in breast meat (p < 0.05); however, linoleic and linolenic acid contents of meat were linearly increased (p < 0.01). In experiment II, the linoleic and linolenic FA contents of egg samples were linearly increased with increasing the dietary HS ratio (p < 0.01). Hemp seed addition was provided lower palmitoleic and oleic FAs in quail eggs (p < 0.05). In conclusion, HS supplementation to quail diets may increase quail meat redness and meat and egg yolk omega‐3 FA content and decrease cooking loss of quail meats.
Molecular systematics reveals increased diversity within the South African Laurencia complex (Rhodomelaceae, Rhodophyta)
Authors: Francis Caitlynne , Bolton John J. , Mattio Lydiane , Mandiwana‐Neudani Tshifhiwa G. , Anderson Robert J.
Published: April 2017

Previous publications list ten species in the Laurencia complex from South Africa with all ascribed to the genus Laurencia sensu stricto. However, the diversity of the complex in South Africa has not yet been re‐assessed following the numerous recent taxonomic changes. This study investigated the phylogenetic relationships and taxonomy of this group in South Africa using recent collections. Methods included molecular phylogenetic analyses of plastid rbcL gene sequences (a total of 146; including eleven outgroup taxa) using Maximum Likelihood and Bayesian Inference, and the examination of morphological and anatomical characters, including the number of corps en cerise when present. The seven genera of the Laurencia complex formed monophyletic clades with high posterior probabilities. Seventeen morphotypes were identified: 14 in the genus Laurencia sensu stricto, among which eight corresponded to Laurencia species currently recognized from South Africa and one each to species of Palisada, Chondrophycus, and Laurenciella. The six remaining morphotypes in Laurencia sensu stricto did not match any descriptions and are described here as five new species: Laurencia alfredensis sp. nov., Laurencia dichotoma sp. nov., Laurencia digitata sp. nov., Laurencia multiclavata sp. nov. and Laurencia sodwaniensis sp. nov. and a new variety: Laurencia pumila var. dehoopiensis var. nov. Laurencia stegengae nom. nov. is established to replace Laurencia peninsularis Stegenga, Bolton and Anderson nom. illeg. The diversity is likely greater, with six additional unidentified specimens found in this molecular investigation. These findings place South Africa alongside Australia in having one of the most diverse floras of this group in the world.
A phylogeographic investigation of the kelp genusLaminaria(Laminariales, Phaeophyceae), with emphasis on the South Atlantic Ocean
Authors: Rothman Mark D. , Mattio Lydiane , Anderson Robert J. , Bolton John J
Published: April 2017

The genusLaminariahas a wide distribution range compared with other kelp genera because it is found in both the North and the South Atlantic, on both sides of the North Pacific, as well as in the Mediterranean. Hypotheses behind this biogeographical pattern have been discussed by several authors but have not yet been fully evaluated with time‐calibrated phylogenies. Based on the analysis of four molecular markers (ITS2,rbcL,atp8 andtrnWI), our goal was to reassess theLaminariaspecies diversity in South Africa, assess its relationship with the other species distributed in the South Atlantic and reconstruct the historical biogeography of the genus. Our results confirm the occurrence of a single species,L. pallida, in southern Africa, and its sister relationship with the North AtlanticL. ochroleuca. Both species belonged to a clade containing the other South Atlantic species:L. abyssalisfrom Brazil, and the MediterraneanL. rodriguezii. Our time‐calibrated phylogenies suggest thatLaminariaoriginated in the northern Pacific around 25 mya, followed by at least two migration events through the Bering Strait after its opening (~5.32 mya). Today, the first is represented byL. solidungulain the Arctic, while the second gave rise to the rest of the Atlantic species. The colonization of the North Atlantic was followed by a gradual colonization southward along the west coast of Europe, into the Mediterranean (~2.07 mya) and two recent, but disconnected, migrations (~1.34 and 0.87 mya) across the equator, giving rise toL. abyssalisin Brazil andL. pallidain southern Africa, respectively.
Community‐weighted means and functional dispersion of plant functional traits along environmental gradients on Mount Kilimanjaro
Authors: Schellenberger Costa David , Gerschlauer Friederike , Pabst Holger , Kühnel Anna , Huwe Bernd , Kiese Ralf , Kuzyakov Yakov , Kleyer Michael
Published: April 2017

Questions

How do community‐weighted means of traits (CWM) and functional dispersion (FDis), a measure of trait variability, change in response to gradients of temperature, precipitation, soil nutrients and disturbance? Is the decrease in trait similarity between plots continuous or discontinuous? Is species turnover between plots linked to trait turnover?

Location

Mount Kilimanjaro, Tanzania, Africa.

Methods

Sixty plots were established in 12 major vegetation types on Mount Kilimanjaro, covering large gradients of temperature, precipitation, soil nutrients and anthropogenic disturbance representing the dominant ecosystems in East Africa. Environmental data, plant abundances and plant traits were recorded for each plot. Trait CWM and FDis were related to environmental factors with partial least squares regressions. Trait similarity between pairs of plots was assessed with a null model approach.

Results

Both CWM and FDis of most traits responded strongly to environmental factors, particularly to precipitation and disturbance. FDis of traits associated with growth and reproduction mostly increased with temperature and precipitation, and decreased with disturbance. Pair‐wise plot comparisons revealed an inverse relationship of trait similarity with differences in temperature, precipitation and anthropogenic disturbance. However, changes in similarity were often discontinuous rather than continuous. Several vegetation types differed strongly in species composition but not in traits.

Conclusions

Trait dispersion indicating functional niches increased with productivity and temperature. Conversely, low‐productivity conditions were characterized by trait convergence. Discontinuous changes in trait similarity between plots suggested tipping points at which trait expressions change strongly to adjust to environmental conditions. Large sections of the temperature gradient were characterized by species turnover with only minor changes in traits, indicating that the functional composition may be resilient to gradual environmental changes until a tipping point is reached.
Dianyuea gen. nov. (Salicaceae: Scyphostegioideae) from southwestern China
Authors: Shang Ce , Liao Shuai , Guo Yong‐Jie , Zhang Zhi‐Xiang
Published: April 2017

Dianyuea C. Shang, S. Liao & Z. X. Zhang, a new monotypic genus of Salicaceae based on Flacourtia turbinata H. J. Dong & H. Peng, is described and illustrated. Morphologically, Dianyuea differs from Flacourtia Comm. ex L'Hér. by having six connate stamens, basal placentation and lobed seed appendages. All those features indicate that Dianyuea is allied with Scyphostegia Stapf. A molecular phylogenetic analysis using plastid trnL‐F, matK, and rbcL sequence data for representatives of 16 genera in Salicaceae s.l. shows that Dianyuea is sister to Scyphostegia. The new combination Dianyuea turbinata (H. J. Dong & H. Peng) C. Shang, S. Liao & Z. X. Zhang is proposed.
Can targeted policies reduce obesity and improve obesity‐related behaviours in socioeconomically disadvantaged populations? A systematic review
Authors: Olstad D. L. , Ancilotto R. , Teychenne M. , Minaker L. M. , Taber D. R. , Raine K. D. , Nykiforuk C. I. J. , Ball K.
Published: April 2017

This review synthesized evidence from controlled studies pertaining to the impact of targeted policies on anthropometric, dietary and physical activity outcomes amongst socioeconomically disadvantaged children and adults. Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta‐Analyses‐Equity guidelines were followed. Eligible studies were published from 2004 to August 2015 and examined the impact of targeted policies on anthropometric, dietary and physical activity outcomes amongst socioeconomically disadvantaged populations. Twenty articles (18 studies) were included. Eight studies examined organizational policies within multi‐component interventions in schools. Common elements of successful policy‐containing interventions included nutritional standards, enhancements to physical education, additional physical activity opportunities, school self‐assessments, and nutrition and physical activity education. Of the 10 studies of government policies, policies providing information/education and fruit and vegetable subsidies had positive impacts amongst children, but no impact amongst adults. Policies involving changes to built environments yielded nearly uniformly null findings in children and adults. Overall, the largest quantity of high‐quality evidence of effectiveness was for comprehensive interventions that included school policies, and government policies targeting disadvantaged children in schools. None of the government policies targeting disadvantaged adults proved effective. Interventions during childhood may ameliorate negative obesity‐related manifestations of socioeconomic disadvantage. Gaps in knowledge remain surrounding effective policies in adults, adolescents and very young children.
Mediators of socioeconomic differences in adiposity among youth: a systematic review
Authors: Gebremariam M. K. , Lien N. , Nianogo R. A. , Arah O. A.
Published: April 2017

Background

Youth with a low socioeconomic position in developed countries are at a disproportionately higher risk of being overweight or obese than their counterparts. Tackling these inequalities requires that the mechanisms behind them are well understood.

Objectives

The aim of this review was to summarize existing evidence regarding the factors that mediate or contribute to the explanation of the relationship between socioeconomic position and adiposity among youth.

Methods and results

A systematic literature search, conducted using the databases Medline, Embase, Web of Science and PsycINFO, yielded 28 eligible studies. These studies were of low to moderate methodological quality. The most consistent mediators of the association between socioeconomic position and adiposity identified in this review were as follows: consumption of sugar‐sweetened beverages, television viewing, computer use, parental body mass index, breastfeeding duration, breakfast consumption, maternal smoking during pregnancy and infant feeding practices. The mediating role of physical activity as well as fruit and vegetable consumption was found to be indeterminate. Other potential mediators were explored in too few studies to make conclusions about their mediating role.

Conclusion

The review found several modifiable factors that could be targeted as feasible in interventions aimed at reducing socioeconomic differences in overweight and obesity among youth.
The effect of parotid gland‐sparing intensity‐modulated radiotherapy on salivary composition, flow rate and xerostomia measures
Authors: Richards TM , Hurley T , Grove L , Harrington KJ , Carpenter GH , Proctor GB , Nutting CM
Published: April 2017

Objectives

To describe parotid gland (PG) saliva organic and inorganic composition and flow rate changes, after curative intensity‐modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) for head and neck cancer (HNC), and analyse the relationship between PG saliva analytes and xerostomia measures.

Methods and Materials

Twenty‐six patients recruited to five prospective phase 2 or 3 trials which assessed toxicity and efficacy of IMRT by HNC subsite, provided longitudinal PG saliva. Salivary flow rate, and subjective and objective xerostomia measures were prospectively collected and saliva tested for inorganic and organic analytes. Statistical comparisons of longitudinal analyte changes and analysis for a relationship between dichotomized xerostomia score and saliva analytes were performed.

Results

One hundred and forty‐two PG saliva samples from 26 patients were analysed. At 3–6 months after IMRT, stimulated and unstimulated saliva showed significantly decreased flow rate, total protein (TP) secretion rate, phosphate concentration and increased lactoferrin (LF) concentration. Stimulated saliva alone had elevated LF secretion rate and beta‐2‐microglobulin (B2M) concentration with decreased calcium (Ca2+) and magnesium (Mg2+) concentrations and Ca2+ secretion rate. At >12 months, under stimulated and unstimulated conditions, increased LF concentration and decreased Mg2+ and phosphate concentration persisted and, in stimulated saliva, there was decreased potassium (K+) and Mg2+ concentration. Unstimulated TP secretion rate was lower in the presence of high‐grade xerostomia. Otherwise, no relationship between xerostomia grade and PG salivary flow rate, TP and Ca2+ secretion rate was found.

Conclusion

Fewer significant differences in PG saliva analytes >12 months after IMRT indicate good functional recovery. Residual xerostomia after IMRT will only be further reduced by addressing the sparing of subsites of the PG or other salivary gland tissues, in addition to the PG.
Ultrasound‐Guided Intra‐articular Injection of the Radio‐ulnar and Radio‐humeral Joints and Ultrasound‐Guided Dry Needling of the Affected Limb Muscles to Relieve Fixed Pronation Deformity and Myofascial Issues around the Shoulder, in a Case of Complex Regional Pain Syndrome Type 1
Authors: Pai Renuka S. , Vas Lakshmi
Published: April 2017

Background

Complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) occurs due to different pathophysiological mechanisms. Presently there is no description of definitive treatment that can resolve the especially recalcitrant motor issues of disability in CRPS type 1 (CRPS‐1).

Case Report

We have herein described the successful management of motor disability with a multimodal approach in a patient with CRPS‐1 that occurred as a result of a fracture sustained in the lower end of the radius. Sensory/sudomotor/vasomotor symptoms were relieved completely by medications and stellate ganglion block in 2 weeks. Ultrasound‐guided dry needling secured near‐complete improvement of shoulder and hand movements in 45 days. Ultrasound guided intra‐articular (radio‐ulnar and radio‐humeral joint) injections with steroid reduced residual pain and improved forearm movements by 50% initially. The patient continued to receive regular sessions of dry needling, physiotherapy, and cognitive behavioral therapy. By the end of 1 year, the functions of the limb improved remarkably, as did the functional outcome scores.

Conclusion

In this patient with CRPS‐1, intra‐articular injections with steroid reduced nociception in the affected local structures and sensitization in the nervous system; dry needling resolved the myofascial issues; sustained physiotherapy maintained the motor recovery; and behavioral therapy techniques addressed the cognitive and life stress issues. It was concluded that the presenting symptoms in this case were a consequence of interactions between humoral, nervous, and myofascial systems.
Commentary: Grounds for Optimism about Grounds for Optimism: New Digital Metrics for Government Responsiveness
Authors: Robinson David G.
Published: April 2017

Related Content: Sjoberg, Mellon, and Peixoto (PAR May/June 2017)
Use of isavuconazole in a patient with voriconazole‐induced QTc prolongation
Authors: Trang Tracy P. , Hanretty Alexandra M. , Langelier Charles , Yang Katherine
Published: April 2017

A 22‐year‐old woman with cystic fibrosis developed QTc interval prolongation following lung transplantation in the setting of voriconazole therapy. After the discontinuation of voriconazole and initiation of isavuconazole, her QTc interval normalized. This case highlights the unique property of QTc interval shortening by isavuconazole among the triazole antifungals.