bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Improving grain yields on a sodic clay soil in a temperate, medium-rainfall cropping environment
Authors: Armstrong R. D. , Eagle C. , Flood R.
Published: April 2015

Soil constraints are a major limitation to grain production on waterlogging-prone sodic soils in the medium-rainfall zone of southern Australia, and several options have been proposed to overcome these constraints. A field experiment commenced in 1999 to compare the effectiveness of different management strategies, including improved crop nutrition, soil amelioration by using gypsum with or without deep ripping, applying organic matter, using raised beds or delayed sowing on improving the growth and grain yields of four consecutive crops including wheat (Triticum aestivum) in 1999 and 2002, barley (Hordeum vulgare) in 2000, and faba beans (Vicia faba) in 2001.
Improving crop nutrition alone generally did not significantly improve grain yields, whereas adding ameliorants such as composted pig bedding–litter or deep ripping + gypsum produced grain yield increases in all crops by up to 48% compared with the control. Similar increases in grain yields were produced when crops were grown on raised beds, even in seasons when growing-season rainfall was well below average. Greatest yield increases were recorded when both raised beds and ameliorants were used (up to 2 t/ha, or 63%). Spring-sown crops consistently produced lower grain yields than the (autumn-sown) control. For the three cereal crops (two wheat and one barley), increases in grain yields resulting from soil amelioration generally were not associated with increased harvest index or kernel size but were associated with greater tiller number and number of grains per m2. For the pulse crop, faba beans, yield increases were associated with greater dry matter production and increased number of grains per m2. All management strategies significantly increased crop nitrogen (N) uptake, although this did not necessarily translate to increased grain protein because of a dilution effect in the highest yielding treatments. Increases in grain yield coincided with improved root growth throughout the profile (up to 140 cm depth). All physical amelioration treatments either reduced the degree of temporary waterlogging, as indicated by shallow piezometers, or improved soil structure, as indicated by reduced cone penetrometer resistance, compared with the control. Reduction in soil exchangeable sodium percentage on this highly sodic clay soil, measured within the first season after implementation, was less clear-cut. Increases in grain yield, however, appeared related to improved N supply rather than greater water use. Large increases in grain yields across a range of seasonal conditions appear possible on these soil types in medium-rainfall environments provided both soil structure and nutrition are improved.
Neural crest cell-derived VEGF promotes embryonic jaw extension
Authors: Wiszniak Sophie , Mackenzie Francesca E. , Anderson Peter , Kabbara Samuela , Ruhrberg Christiana , Schwarz Quenten
Published: April 2015

Significance

Craniofacial development is a complex morphogenic event that relies on highly orchestrated interactions between multiple cell types. Since the first description of Meckel’s cartilage in the lower jaw more than 180 years ago, we have come to realize that expansion of this specialized structure underpins correct mandible development. Here we demonstrate that an intricate association between neural crest cells and blood vessels plays an important role in promoting chondrocyte proliferation and expansion of Meckel’s cartilage as a prerequisite of correct mandibular morphogenesis. These findings provide direct insight into the origins and potential treatments of highly prevalent disorders affecting the mandible.
Plastid-produced interorgannellar stress signal MEcPP potentiates induction of the unfolded protein response in endoplasmic reticulum
Authors: Walley Justin , Xiao Yanmei , Wang Jin-Zheng , Baidoo Edward E. , Keasling Jay D. , Shen Zhouxin , Briggs Steven P. , Dehesh Katayoon
Published: April 2015

Significance

A defining characteristic of living organisms is dynamic alignment of cellular responses to stress through activation of signal transduction pathways essential for fine-tuning of interorgannellar communication. Uncovering these communication signals is one of the prime challenges of biology. We have identified a chloroplast-produced retrograde signal, methylerythritol cyclodiphosphate (MEcPP), as a trigger of unfolded protein response (UPR) required for restoration of protein-folding homeostasis in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER). Increased levels of MEcPP via genetic manipulation or exogenous application potentiate expression of a sub-set of UPR genes, and alter plant’s resistance to the ER stress inducing agent. These findings provide a link between a plastidial retrograde signal and transcriptional reprogramming of ER genes critical for readjustment of protein-folding capacity in stressed cells.
Proteomic analysis of reproduction proteins involved in litter size from porcine placenta
Authors: Lee Dong-Gi , Nam Juhyun , Kim Sam Woong , Kang Young-Moon , An Hyun Joo , Kim Chul Wook , Choi Jong-Soon
Published: April 2015

A gel-free and label-free quantitative proteomic approach based on a spectral counting strategy was performed to discover prolificacy-related proteins. Soluble proteins of porcine placenta from small litter size group (SLSG) and large litter size group (LLSG) were extracted and subsequently applied to in-solution tryptic digestion followed by liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry analysis. Six and thirteen proteins were highly expressed in SLSG and LLSG, respectively. Of the dominantly expressed proteins, we chose prolificacy-related proteins such as puromycin-sensitive aminopeptidase (PSA) and retinol-binding protein 4 (RBP4). Western blot analysis confirmed that the processed form (70 kDa) of PSA was more expressed and RBP4 (23 kDa) was dominantly expressed in LLSG. These results indicate that PSA and RBP4 are representative proteins involved in porcine fertility traits, and this finding may help to increase litter size of pigs.
Automated Extraction of VTE Events From Narrative Radiology Reports in Electronic Health Records
Authors: Tian Zhe , Sun Simon , Eguale Tewodros , Rochefort Christian M.
Published: April 2015

Background:

Surveillance of venous thromboembolisms (VTEs) is necessary for improving patient safety in acute care hospitals, but current detection methods are inaccurate and inefficient. With the growing availability of clinical narratives in an electronic format, automated surveillance using natural language processing (NLP) techniques may represent a better method.

Objective:

We assessed the accuracy of using symbolic NLP for identifying the 2 clinical manifestations of VTE, deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE), from narrative radiology reports.

Methods:

A random sample of 4000 narrative reports was selected among imaging studies that could diagnose DVT or PE, and that were performed between 2008 and 2012 in a university health network of 5 adult-care hospitals in Montreal (Canada). The reports were coded by clinical experts to identify positive and negative cases of DVT and PE, which served as the reference standard. Using data from the largest hospital (n=2788), 2 symbolic NLP classifiers were trained; one for DVT, the other for PE. The accuracy of these classifiers was tested on data from the other 4 hospitals (n=1212).

Results:

On manual review, 663 DVT-positive and 272 PE-positive reports were identified. In the testing dataset, the DVT classifier achieved 94% sensitivity (95% CI, 88%-97%), 96% specificity (95% CI, 94%-97%), and 73% positive predictive value (95% CI, 65%-80%), whereas the PE classifier achieved 94% sensitivity (95% CI, 89%-97%), 96% specificity (95% CI, 95%-97%), and 80% positive predictive value (95% CI, 73%-85%).

Conclusions:

Symbolic NLP can accurately identify VTEs from narrative radiology reports. This method could facilitate VTE surveillance and the evaluation of preventive measures.
Night-time lighting alters the composition of marine epifaunal communities
Authors: Davies Thomas W. , Coleman Matthew , Griffith Katherine M. , Jenkins Stuart R.
Published: April 2015

Marine benthic communities face multiple anthropogenic pressures that compromise the future of some of the most biodiverse and functionally important ecosystems in the world. Yet one of the pressures these ecosystems face, night-time lighting, remains unstudied. Light is an important cue in guiding the settlement of invertebrate larvae, and altering natural regimes of nocturnal illumination could modify patterns of recruitment among sessile epifauna. We present the first evidence of night-time lighting changing the composition of temperate epifaunal marine invertebrate communities. Illuminating settlement surfaces with white light-emitting diode lighting at night, to levels experienced by these communities locally, both inhibited and encouraged the colonization of 39% of the taxa analysed, including three sessile and two mobile species. Our results indicate that ecological light pollution from coastal development, shipping and offshore infrastructure could be changing the composition of marine epifaunal communities.
A mechanism for cell motility by active polar gels
Authors: Marth W. , Praetorius S. , Voigt A.
Published: April 2015

We analyse a generic motility model, with the motility mechanism arising by contractile stress due to the interaction of myosin and actin. A hydrodynamic active polar gel theory is used to model the cytoplasm of a cell and is combined with a Helfrich-type model to account for membrane properties. The overall model allows consideration of the motility without the necessity for local adhesion. Besides a detailed numerical approach together with convergence studies for the highly nonlinear free boundary problem, we also compare the induced flow field of the motile cell with that of classical squirmer models and identify the motile cell as a puller or pusher, depending on the strength of the myosin–actin interactions.
Sexual selection's impacts on ecological specialization: an experimental test
Authors: Pfennig Karin S. , Pfennig David W. , Porter Cody , Martin Ryan A.
Published: April 2015

In many species, individuals specialize on different resources, thereby reducing competition. Such ecological specialization can promote the evolution of alternative ecomorphs—distinct phenotypes adapted for particular resources. Elucidating whether and how this process is influenced by sexual selection is crucial for understanding how ecological specialization promotes the evolution of novel traits and, potentially, speciation between ecomorphs. We evaluated the population-level effects of sexual selection (as mediated by mate choice) on ecological specialization in spadefoot toad tadpoles that express alternative ecomorphs. We manipulated whether sexual selection was present or reversed by mating females to their preferred versus non-preferred males, respectively. We then exposed their tadpoles to resource competition in experimental mesocosms. The resulting distribution of ecomorphs was similar between treatments, but sexual selection generated poorer trait integration in, and lower fitness of, the more specialized carnivore morph. Moreover, disruptive and directionalnaturalselection were weaker in the sexual selection present treatment. Nevertheless, this effect on disruptive selection was smaller than previously documented effects of ecological opportunity and competitor density. Thus, sexual selection can inhibit adaptation to resource competition and thereby hinder ecological specialization, particularly when females obtain fitness benefits from mate choice that offset the cost of producing competitively inferior offspring.
Suffixation influences receivers' behaviour in non-human primates
Authors: Coye Camille , Ouattara Karim , Zuberbühler Klaus , Lemasson Alban
Published: April 2015

Compared to humans, non-human primates have very little control over their vocal production. Nonetheless, some primates produce various call combinations, which may partially offset their lack of acoustic flexibility. A relevant example is male Campbell's monkeys (Cercopithecus campbelli), which give one call type (‘Krak’) to leopards, while the suffixed version of the same call stem (‘Krak-oo’) is given to unspecific danger. To test whether recipients attend to this suffixation pattern, we carried out a playback experiment in which we broadcast naturally and artificially modified suffixed and unsuffixed ‘Krak’ calls of male Campbell's monkeys to 42 wild groups of Diana monkeys (Cercopithecus diana diana). The two species form mixed-species groups and respond to each other's vocalizations. We analysed the vocal response of male and female Diana monkeys and overall found significantly stronger vocal responses to unsuffixed (leopard) than suffixed (unspecific danger) calls. Although the acoustic structure of the ‘Krak’ stem of the calls has some additional effects, subject responses were mainly determined by the presence or the absence of the suffix. This study indicates that suffixation is an evolved function in primate communication in contexts where adaptive responses are particularly important.
Sex allocation theory reveals a hidden cost of neonicotinoid exposure in a parasitoid wasp
Authors: Whitehorn Penelope R. , Cook Nicola , Blackburn Charlotte V. , Gill Sophie M. , Green Jade , Shuker David M.
Published: April 2015

Sex allocation theory has proved to be one the most successful theories in evolutionary ecology. However, its role in more applied aspects of ecology has been limited. Here we show how sex allocation theory helps uncover an otherwise hidden cost of neonicotinoid exposure in the parasitoid wasp
Nasonia vitripennis
. Female
N. vitripennis
allocate the sex of their offspring in line with Local Mate Competition (LMC) theory. Neonicotinoids are an economically important class of insecticides, but their deployment remains controversial, with evidence linking them to the decline of beneficial species. We demonstrate for the first time to our knowledge, that neonicotinoids disrupt the crucial reproductive behaviour of facultative sex allocation at sub-lethal, field-relevant doses in
N. vitripennis
. The quantitative predictions we can make from LMC theory show that females exposed to neonicotinoids are less able to allocate sex optimally and that this failure imposes a significant fitness cost. Our work highlights that understanding the ecological consequences of neonicotinoid deployment requires not just measures of mortality or even fecundity reduction among non-target species, but also measures that capture broader fitness costs, in this case offspring sex allocation. Our work also highlights new avenues for exploring how females obtain information when allocating sex under LMC.
Systems medicine links microbial inflammatory response with glycoprotein-associated mortality risk
Authors: Ritchie Scott C , Würtz Peter , Nath Artika P , Abraham Gad , Havulinna Aki S , Kangas Antti J , Soininen Pasi , Aalto Kristiina , Seppälä Ilkka , Raitoharju Emma , Salmi Marko , Maksimow Mikael , Männistö Satu , Kähönen Mika , Juonala Markus , Lehtimäki Terho , Jalkanen Sirpa , Perola Markus , Raitakari Olli , Salomaa Veikko , Ala-Korpela Mika , Kettunen Johannes , Inouye Michael
Published: April 2015

Integrative analyses of high-throughput omics data have elucidated the aetiology and pathogenesis for complex traits and diseases1–4, and the linking of omics information to electronic health records promises new insights into human health and disease. Recent nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy biomarker profiling has implicated glycoprotein acetyls (GlycA) as a biomarker for cardiovascular risk5and all-cause mortality6. To elucidate biological processes contributing to GlycA-associated mortality risk, we leveraged human omics data from three population-based cohorts together with nation-wide Finnish hospital and mortality records. Elevated GlycA was associated with myriad infection-related inflammatory processes. Within individuals, elevated GlycA levels were stable over long time periods, up to a decade, and chronically elevated GlycA was also associated with modest elevation of numerous cytokines. Individuals with elevated GlycA also showed increased expression of a transcriptional sub-network, the Neutrophil Degranulation Module (NDM), suggesting an increased activity of microbe-driven immune response. Subsequent analysis of nation-wide hospitalisation and death records was consistent with a microbial basis for GlycA-associated mortality, with each standard deviation increase in GlycA raising an individual’s future risk of hospitalization and death from non-localized infection by 40% and 136%, respectively. These results show that, beyond its established role in acute-phase response7–9, elevated GlycA is more broadly a biomarker for low-grade chronic inflammation and increased neutrophil activity. Further, increased risk of susceptibility to severe microbial-infection events in healthy individuals suggests this inflammation is a contributor to mortality risk. Taken together, this study demonstrates the power of an integrative approach that combines omics data and health records to delineate the biological processes underlying a newly discovered biomarker, providing a model strategy for future systems medicine studies.
Coordinated tissue-specific regulation of adjacent alternative 3′ splice sites inC. elegans
Authors: Ragle James Matthew , Katzman Sol , Akers Taylor F. , Barberan-Soler Sergio , Zahler Alan M.
Published: April 2015

Adjacent alternative 3′ splice sites, those separated by ≤18 nucleotides, provide a unique problem in the study of alternative splicing regulation; there is overlap of thecis-elements that define the adjacent sites. Identification of the intron's 3′ end depends upon sequence elements that define the branchpoint, polypyrimidine tract, and terminal AG dinucleotide. Starting with RNA-seq data from germline-enriched and somatic cell-enrichedCaenorhabditis eleganssamples, we identify hundreds of introns with adjacent alternative 3′ splice sites. We identify 203 events that undergo tissue-specific alternative splicing. For these, the regulation is monodirectional, with somatic cells preferring to splice at the distal 3′ splice site (furthest from the 5′ end of the intron) and germline cells showing a distinct shift toward usage of the adjacent proximal 3′ splice site (closer to the 5′ end of the intron). Splicing patterns in somatic cells followC. elegansconsensus rules of 3′ splice site definition; a short stretch of pyrimidines preceding an AG dinucleotide. Splicing in germline cells occurs at proximal 3′ splice sites that lack a preceding polypyrimidine tract, and in three instances the germline-specific site lacks the AG dinucleotide. We provide evidence that use of germline-specific proximal 3′ splice sites is conserved acrossCaenorhabditisspecies. We propose that there are differences between germline and somatic cells in the way that the basal splicing machinery functions to determine the intron terminus.
Assessment of performance using MPSS based DEA
Authors: Sarkar Subhadip
Published: April 2015

Purpose

– Identification of the best school among other competitors is done using a new technique called most productive scale size based data envelopment analysis (DEA). The paper aims to discuss this issue.

Design/methodology/approach

– A non-central principal component analysis is used here to create a new plane according to the constant return to scale. This plane contains only ultimate performers.

Findings

– The new method has a complete discord with the results of CCR DEA. However, after incorporating the ultimate performers in the original data set this difference was eliminated.

Practical implications

– The proposed frontier provides a way to identify those DMUs which follow cost strategy proposed by Porter.

Originality/value

– A case study of six schools is incorporated here to identify the superior school and also to visualize gaps in their performances.
Analyzing drivers and barriers of coordination in humanitarian supply chain management under fuzzy environment
Authors: Kabra Gaurav , Ramesh A
Published: April 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to explore the barriers to coordination in humanitarian supply chain management (HSCM), proposes solutions and prioritizes them to overcome the barriers particularly in the Indian context.

Design/methodology/approach

– This study adopts a comprehensive and rigorous procedure to explore the barriers and solutions to coordination in HSCM. The research design is divided into three phases; first, the barriers and solutions are collected through an extensive literature review; second, barriers and solutions were verified with experts involved in relief operations of the disaster that occurred in Uttarakhand (a Northern state in India) on June 14, 2013 and finally, based on the weight of barriers estimated by fuzzy analytic hierarchy process, solutions to overcome the barriers are prioritized using fuzzy technique for order performance by similarity to ideal solution that considers uncertainty and impreciseness rather than a crisp value.

Findings

– This study explored 23 barriers to coordination in HSCM and grouped into five categories i.e., strategic barriers, individual barriers, organizational barriers, technological barriers and cultural barriers, and finally 15 solutions were proposed and prioritized to overcome the barriers so decision makers can focus on overcoming these barriers and realize the benefits of coordination in HSCM.

Practical implications

– This study provides a more efficient, effective, robust and systematic way to overcome barriers to coordination and improve the competencies of humanitarian supply chain (HSC).

Originality/value

– This is the first kind of study that prioritizes the solutions to enhance coordination in HSC based on the weight of the barriers.
Back to basics: fighting fraud and austerity
Authors: Frimpong Kwabena
Published: April 2015

Purpose

– This article aims to focus on the impact of the current austerity measures on UK public sector anti-fraud and financial crime investigative resource capacity building initiative developed over the years to tackle fraud against the public purse.

Design/methodology/approach

– The article draws on secondary sources of data and available literature on fraud and financial crime.

Findings

– Fraud is a challenge in the UK public sector but the cut-back on anti-fraud and financial crime investigative resources, given the scale of public sector fraud, the growing emphasis on accountability and the time of austerity with public money more exposed to fraud is arguably a back-door/u-turn policy on zero-tolerance approach in tackling public sector fraud and financial crime. There is the potential of this encouraging more fraud and financial crime against the public sector in the long term if measures are not taken to devise strategies for enhancing anti-fraud and financial crime investigative resource capacity.

Research limitations/implications

– The research implication for this article is that it opens an avenue for future studies to examine post austerity strategies for strengthening public sector anti-fraud and financial crime investigative resource strategies to deal with emerging fraud threats to UK public sector.

Practical implications

– This article acts as a reference guide for policymakers to reflect on the long-term adverse impact of the austerity on anti-fraud and financial crime investigative resource capacity and capability in tackling fraud public sector fraud.

Originality/value

– The paper attempts to present an alternative lens to examining the scale of UK public sector fraud problem rather than relying on headline story of declining fraud in UK.
Uncovering the hidden cost of staff fraud: an assessment of 45 cases in the UK
Authors: Button Mark , Blackbourn Dean , Lewis Chris , Shepherd David
Published: April 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to provide evidence on the additional costs of dealing with staff fraud, beyond the initial fraud loss, based on 45 cases of staff fraud.

Design/methodology/approach

– The research began with a “brainstorming” session with counter fraud professionals to map all potential costs in a staff fraud. It then utilised a twin-track approach of a survey and interviews. A survey was distributed using a number of methods yielding 28 usable cases. Interviews were also sought with organisations willing to discuss staff fraud, which secured a further 17 cases. Both the survey and interview used the same questionnaire, although the latter enabled a deeper questioning of participants.

Findings

– This study examined 45 cases of staff fraud from a wide range of sectors drawn predominantly from larger organisations. From each of these cases detailed, estimates of the costs of dealing with the fraud were identified. Major additional costs included the costs of investigation, staff suspensions, internal disciplinary costs, external sanctions, permanent staff replacement, miscellaneous costs as well as intangible costs. The findings identified significant costs which are significantly above the initial value of the fraud, particularly on initial frauds under £25,000.

Research limitations/implications

– Staff fraud is a very sensitive subject with many organisations unwilling to reveal what happens when it occurs. The approach was therefore to secure as much data as possible and as such this might not be representative of the broader economy.

Practical implications

– The paper highlights the need for greater investment in prevention given the substantial costs of staff fraud to deal with.

Originality/value

– This is the first attempt to gauge the full costs of staff fraud to an organisation.
Risk quanta: an approach to understanding modern financial risk
Authors: Hwang Jong Ho
Published: April 2015

Purpose

– This paper aims to present a recent history of developments and innovations that, along with advances in information technology, have caused fundamental changes in the way that financial risk is created, transformed, transported and extinguished in modern financial intermediation systems. A review and critique of the global supervisory response to these developments is presented.

Design/methodology/approach

– A bottom-up approach to the capture, recording, disaggregation, re-composition and measurement of new, standardized, basic elements of risk that the authors refer to as risk quanta is proposed.

Findings

– This approach provides a clearer understanding of the financial world that the people live in today and creates a robust information platform to build innovations, advancements and economic growth in the future.

Practical implications

– This approach provides decision-makers with a clearer understanding of the financial world that the people live in today and creates a robust information platform to build innovations, advancements and economic growth in the future.

Social implications

– This approach provides financial market participants and the public with a clearer understanding of the financial system and creates a robust information platform to build innovations, advancements and economic growth in the future.

Originality/value

– This approach is more comprehensive unlike current international proposals for a global financial risk framework.
Political corruption and money laundering: lessons from Nigeria
Authors: Markovska Anna , Adams Nya
Published: April 2015

Purpose

– This paper aims to discuss political corruption in Nigeria and to assess the limitation of the immunity clause of the Nigerian constitution. This is particularly important in light of the recent developments to criminalise money-laundering in the country.

Design/methodology/approach

– This paper evaluates the legal anti-money laundering framework in Nigeria, in particular, the impact of the immunity clause of Nigerian constitution.

Findings

– Endemic corruption of the political elite leads to the abuse of the constitutional immunity clause, and significantly impairs the activities of the anti-money laundering agencies.

Research limitations/implications

– This paper draws on the experience of Nigeria, and is specifically looking at one obstacle on the way to fight money laundering and corruption. It is important to conduct further comparative analysis.

Originality/value

– This paper discusses political, economic and legal developments in Nigeria to show how the immunity clause prevents the successful prosecution of corrupt Nigerian politicians, and discusses measures taken to prevent corruption in the country.
Organized crime in Brazil
Authors: Millard George Henry , Hundleby Tim
Published: April 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to look at the origins and development of organized crime in Brazil.

Design/methodology/approach

– The authors draw on their experience working in law enforcement for many years in Brazil.

Findings

– The paper outlines the major crimes committed by organized crime in Brazil and the structure of the main organization carrying them out.

Research limitations/implications

– The research concentrates on São Paolo and further research needs to be done.

Originality/value

– This is the first attempt to put the development of organized crime in Brazil into a historical and developmental context.
Impact of service attributes on customer satisfaction and loyalty in a healthcare context
Authors: Lonial Subash , Raju P.S.
Published: April 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to examine the role of perceived service attributes in the development of overall customer satisfaction (OCS) and customer loyalty (CL) in a health-care setting. This paper also sheds light on the role of hospitalist physicians (HPs) and offers suggestions to improve patient satisfaction and loyalty.

Design/methodology/approach

– A telephone survey was used to collect data from recently hospitalized patients with respect to their HP. Structural equations modeling (SEM) was used to confirm the overall relationships between perceived service quality (PSQ), OCS and CL. The sample was then divided into customer relationship groups (CRGs) based on satisfaction and loyalty measures. Discriminant analysis was used to determine which attributes differentiated most between high and low satisfaction and loyalty groups.

Findings

– Overall relationships among PSQ, OCS and CL were in conformity with the conceptual model. Findings also revealed that service attributes played an important role in distinguishing between high and low satisfaction and loyalty groups, although some attributes were more important than others and different attributes emerged as being key influencers for satisfaction and loyalty.

Research limitations/implications

– The conceptual model used is a fairly straight forward model, and we have not considered the impact of individual factors such as expectations and value perceptions or involvement levels and demographic characteristics on service quality and overall satisfaction. The data for this study were provided by a major health maintenance organization (HMO), and there is room for improvement in the manner in which certain constructs were measured. For example, OCS, recommendation and retention all used single item measures, and it might have been preferable to use multiple item measures for these constructs.

Practical implications

– The study shows that organizations can benefit by identifying and focusing on critical attributes as part of their customer relationship management program.

Social implications

– The SEM results provide strong support for the overall model linking service quality, OCS and CL in a health-care setting. As one would expect, PSQ has a strong impact on OCS, which, in turn, has a fairly strong impact on CL. However, there is also a significant direct linkage between PSQ and CL. This linkage shows that at least a certain portion of CL could evolve independent of the satisfaction level with the HP. This shows that, in addition to trying to improve satisfaction, organizations should also explore influencing loyalty directly, perhaps by the strategic use of service attribute perceptions.

Originality/value

– The study shows that customer perceptions at the service attribute level can often be the key to the generation and management of customer satisfaction and loyalty. It also has significance for how satisfaction and loyalty with HPs can be improved in a hospital setting.
Building a 3D model of lithological contacts and near‐mine structures in the Kevitsa mining and exploration site, Northern Finland: constraints from 2D and 3D reflection seismic data
Authors: Koivisto E. , Malehmir A. , Hellqvist N. , Voipio T. , Wijns C.
Published: April 2015

The Kevitsa mafic–ultramafic intrusion in Northern Finland hosts a large, disseminated nickel–copper sulphide ore body. The Kevitsa intrusion is an active mining and exploration site, for which we have built a 3D model of the main lithological contacts and near‐mine structures in the area. To build the 3D model, 2D and 3D reflection seismic data have been used together with borehole data and geological map of the area. The Kevitsa reflection seismic data reveal the internal architecture of the Kevitsa intrusion and the surrounding units. For example, the seismic data have uncovered a previously unknown, deeper continuation of the Kevitsa intrusion. Improved 3D knowledge of the basal contact of the intrusion provides an exploration target for contact‐type mineralization. Within the intrusion, a limited area of strong reflections is observed in the data. This has been associated with discontinuous, smaller‐scale magmatic layering that is thought to control the extent of the Kevitsa main mineralization. Thus, our 3D model of the extents of the internal reflectors can provide a framework for near‐mine and deep exploration of the main type of mineralization in the area. In addition to exploration, the original purpose of the 3D seismic survey was geotechnical planning of the Kevitsa open‐pit mine. Accordingly, the 3D seismic data were used to create a 3D model of the subsurface structures, with a focus on the vicinity of the mine. The interpreted structures reveal a complex pattern of fault and fracture zones, some of which will be important for slope stability and operational planning of the final stages of the mine.
Seismic depth imaging of a geothermal system in Southern Tuscany
Authors: Riedel Marko , Dutsch Cora , Alexandrakis Catherine , Dini Ivano , Ciuffi Simonetta , Buske Stefan
Published: April 2015

This work represents a case study concerning the application of reflection seismic imaging methods in the context of geothermal exploration. Our goal is to obtain accurate structural images of a geothermal active area in southern Tuscany. These images will be required in subsequent studies as the input for geological model building and numerical simulation of the heat transport and fluid flow. The target region exhibits great geologic complexity, including strong velocity contrasts, lateral near‐surface inhomogeneities, fracture zones, and significant topography. Those features are typical for a volcanic hard‐rock environment and pose significant challenges to conventional seismic imaging methodology. Therefore, we apply a sophisticated and robust depth imaging workflow to previously acquired surface seismic data. Within our workflow, we focus on estimating the seismic velocities of the predominant rock units and subsequently carry out Kirchhoff pre‐stack depth migration and Fresnel volume migration to obtain high‐resolution images of the subsurface. Our results demonstrate that the applied methodology provides a valueable tool for imaging in a complex environment such as a volcano‐geothermal area. In detail, the resulting reflector images show the main horizons that delineate the Tuscan sedimentary rocks in the target region. The images from standard Kirchhoff migration can be significantly enhanced by utilizing Fresnel volume migration, which eliminates migration artefacts and provides a better result. Moreover, we obtain the migration velocities and depths for an important regional reflector, known as the K‐horizon, which is of major interest for geothermal characterization.
Presence of Pseudomonas aeruginosa influences biofilm formation and surface protein expression of Staphylococcus aureus
Authors: Kumar Amit , Ting Yen Peng
Published: April 2015

Although Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa can individually colonize and infect their hosts, the commensalistic effect of the two is more tenacious and lethal. In this study, it was shown that in co‐culture with P. aeruginosa, a sub‐population of S. aureus exhibited improved resistance to kanamycin by selection of small colony variant (SCV) phenotype. Additionally, biofilm formation by the two bacteria was denser in the co‐culture, compared with biofilm formed in individual pure cultures. Using Atomic Force Microscope (AFM) force spectroscopy for single cells, it was demonstrated that S. aureus cultured in the presence of P. aeruginosa bound more tenaciously to substrates. Surface‐shaved peptides were isolated and identified using ultra‐performance liquid chromatography‐quadrupole‐time of flight and a homology search program spider. Results indicated that serine‐rich adhesin, extracellular matrix binding protein and other putative adhesion proteins could be responsible for the enhanced attachment of S. aureus in the co‐culture. Besides, several other proteins were differentially expressed, indicating the occurrence of a range of other interactions. Of particular interest was a multidrug resistant protein named ABC transporter permease which is known to expel xenobiotics out of the cells. Positive regulation of this protein could be involved in the SCV selection of S. aureus in the co‐culture.
Extracellular haem peroxidases mediate Mn(II) oxidation in a marine Roseobacter bacterium via superoxide production
Authors: Andeer Peter F. , Learman Deric R. , McIlvin Matt , Dunn James A. , Hansel Colleen M.
Published: April 2015

Manganese (Mn) oxides are among the strongest sorbents and oxidants in environmental systems. A number of biotic and abiotic pathways induce the oxidation of Mn(II) to Mn oxides. Here, we use a combination of proteomic analyses and activity assays, to identify the enzyme(s) responsible for extracellular superoxide‐mediated Mn oxide formation by a bacterium within the ubiquitous Roseobacter clade. We show that animal haem peroxidases (AHPs) located on the outer membrane and within the secretome are responsible for Mn(II) oxidation. These novel peroxidases have previously been implicated in direct Mn(II) oxidation by phylogenetically diverse bacteria. Yet, we show that in this Roseobacter species, AHPs mediate Mn(II) oxidation not through a direct reaction but by producing superoxide and likely also by degrading hydrogen peroxide. These findings point to a eukaryotic‐like oscillatory oxidative‐peroxidative enzymatic cycle by these AHPs that leads to Mn oxide formation by this organism. AHP expression appears unaffected by Mn(II), yet the large energetic investment required to produce and secrete these enzymes points to an as yet unknown physiological function. These findings are further evidence that bacterial peroxidases and secreted enzymes, in general, are unappreciated controls on the cycling of metals and reactive oxygen species (ROS), and by extension carbon, in natural systems.
Straight, white teeth as a social prerogative
Authors: Khalid Abeer , Quiñonez Carlos
Published: April 2015

A distinguishing feature of North American society is preoccupation with self‐image, as seen in the ritualistic nature of bodily practices aimed at constantly improving the body. Nowhere is this more apparent than in the prevailing fixation with straight, white teeth. While there is an ever‐expanding literature on the sociology of body, very little has been written on teeth in this context. Using literature from anthropology, biology, dentistry, sociology and social psychology, this study attempts to answer: (1) Why have straight, white teeth become a beauty ideal in North American society? (2) What is the basis for this ideal? (3) How is this ideal propagated? It demonstrates that dental aesthetic tendencies are biologically, culturally and socially patterned. Concepts from the works of Pierre Bourdieu and Michel Foucault are used to illustrate how straight, white teeth contribute towards reinforcing class differences and how society exercises a disciplinary power on individuals through this ideal. It is concluded that modified teeth are linked to self and identity that are rooted in social structure. Moreover, teeth demonstrate the ways in which class differences are embodied and projected as symbols of social advantage or disadvantage. Implications on professional, public health, sociological and political levels are considered.
‘Wilding' in the West Village: Queer Space, Racism and Jane Jacobs Hagiography
Authors: Andersson Johan
Published: April 2015

In urban studies, New York's West Village is famous for two principal reasons: as the paradigmatic ideal neighborhood in Jane Jacobs' influential The Death and Life of Great American Cities and as the site of one of the 1960s' great urban uprisings, the Stonewall riot in 1969. Today––largely because of the mixed‐use urban qualities celebrated by Jacobs––the West Village is one of New York's most desirable residential areas, yet it also remains an essential part of the city's queer geography. In this article, I analyze the persistent demonization of the area's queer youth of color by local neighborhood groups to argue that Jacobs' celebrated notion of natural surveillance (or what she called ‘eyes on the street') is fundamentally unsuited for a fluid queer space like the contemporary West Village. First, I historicize the current neighborhood tensions in the context of racialized media reporting of homophobic hate crime. Second, the discourses deployed in contemporary media of ‘wild' youth terrorizing the Village are examined. Finally, with reference to the forced closure of the African American bar Chi Chiz, I illustrate how the symbolic nightlife economy remains a key target in the city's regulation of queer space.
Isolation, Composition, Structure, Properties, Modifications, and Uses of Yam Starch
Authors: Zhu Fan
Published: April 2015

Starch is the major carbohydrate in yam tubers and can amount up to 80% of the dry matter. The starch quality determines the quality of food and industrial products made from yam tubers. This review summarizes the present knowledge of the isolation, composition, structure, property, modifications, and uses of starches from diverse yam species. Compared with other tuber and root starches, there is a lack of systematic information on the yam starches. This hinders the further development of yams as sustainable crops as well as the value‐added processing of the starches. Therefore, suggestions on how to better understand and utilize these starches are provided.
On the International Trade and Economic Growth Nexus in New Zealand
Authors: Singh Tarlok
Published: April 2015

This study examines the effects of international trade and investment on output and tests the Granger‐causal nexus among trade, investment and economic growth in New Zealand for the period 1954–2007. The results provide consistent support for the long‐run effects of trade and investment on output. The optimal single‐equation and the vector autoregression‐based system estimates of the model consistently suggest positive and significant long‐run effects of exports and investment on output. The effects of imports on output are positive across all and statistically significant across most estimators. The Johansen test for cointegration suggests the presence of one equilibrium relationship among the model variables. The JMN test for cointegration with structural breaks provides mixed support, while the end‐of‐sample cointegration breakdown tests lend dominant support for cointegration among the model variables. The positive and significant long‐run effects of exports and investment on output underline the need for the promotion of exports and increase in investment to foster higher levels of output and economic growth.
Standard survey designs drive bias in the mapping of upland swamp communities
Authors: Tierney D. A. , Fletcher A. T. , Erskine P. D.
Published: April 2015

Vegetation maps are critical biodiversity planning instruments, but the classification of vegetation for mapping can be strongly biased by survey design. Standardization of survey design across different vegetation types is therefore increasingly recommended for vegetation mapping programs. However, some vegetation types have complex small‐scale vegetation patterns that are important in characterizing these vegetation types, and standard designs will often not capture these patterns. The objective of this paper was to investigate the magnitude of potential map bias that results from survey design standardization and recommend approaches to deal with this bias. We surveyed upland swamps of the Greater Blue Mountains World Heritage Area Australia using two contrasting survey designs, including the standard 400 m2 single quadrat design recommended and used by authorities. We then derived a classification for these swamps and tested the effect of survey design on this classification, species richness and the type of species detected (obligate or facultative swamp species). Species richness and species type were not significantly different among survey techniques. However, more than 40% of swamps clustered differently among survey designs. Thus, one of the 10 derived communities (which is floristically consistent with a previously mapped endangered community) was indistinct, and some individual swamps misclassified using the standard survey design. An effect of landscape position on swamp floristic patterns and a significant trend for high similarity scores among swamps surveyed with multiple small quadrats compared to the standard survey design was also determined. Australian upland swamps are classified at the global scale as shrub‐dominated wetlands, and complex floristic patterns have been recorded in shrub‐dominated wetlands in both northern and southern hemispheres. We therefore advocate either multiple survey designs or different survey standards for upland swamp communities and other vegetation types that have complex floristic patterns at small scales.
Bradykinin and cysteinyl leukotriene concentrations in cell‐salvaged blood before and after passage through negatively charged filters during clinical use in cancer patients: a pilot study
Authors: Catling S. J. , Thornton C. A. , Russell I. T.
Published: April 2015

It has been suggested that giving cell‐salvaged blood through a leucocyte depletion filter can cause hypotension due to bradykinin released when factor XII and platelets are activated by the negatively charged surface of the filter. We measured the concentration of bradykinin and cysteinyl leukotrienes in cell‐salvaged blood sampled before and after passage through a negatively charged leucodepletion filter in 24 consecutive patients with gynaecological or bowel cancer undergoing elective surgery with cell salvage. In no case was an increase in bradykinin concentration observed after passage through the filter; in 23 patients the post‐filtration bradykinin concentration was zero (p = 0.007). The change in the concentration of cysteinyl leukotrienes detected during passage across the filter was not statistically significant (p = 0.1). Our findings do not support the suggestion that either bradykinin or cysteinyl leukotrienes are generated in cell‐salvaged blood during passage through leucodepletion filters.