bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Peter Jones Foundation: higher apprenticeship in innovation and growth
Authors: Corke David
Published: September 2012

Purpose

Following a successful bid to the National Apprenticeship Service, the Peter Jones Foundation was awarded funding to develop a level 5 Higher Apprenticeship in Innovation and Growth. The purpose of this paper is to present a case study of how the apprenticeship was developed and the impact it will have on future managers and leaders in the business sector.

Design/methodology/approach

Information presented in the paper is drawn from the organisation's own work in developing a higher apprenticeship (HA). It builds on information incorporated in the original bid and project plan, as well as on‐going evaluation of how the programme is progressing.

Findings

The development of a level 5 Higher Apprenticeship in Innovation and Growth provides a progression for those people who have already undertaken a level 3 Enterprise Apprenticeship and also offers young people a new and speedier route to a career in business. Responding to gaps in intrapreneurial skills in SMEs and larger companies, the HA builds and develops these and aims to identify and nurture entrepreneurial talent. The evolution of this apprenticeship and potential benefits are brought to light in this case study.

Originality/value

The paper is based on the author's own experience and employer consultation. It presents a case study of an apprenticeship programme specific to the author's organisation.
Financial Skills Partnership: higher apprenticeships in the finance sector
Authors: Bryson Lynn
Published: September 2012

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the development and uptake of apprenticeships, in particular higher apprenticeships (HAs) in the finance sector.

Design/methodology/approach

Information presented in the paper is drawn from the organisation's own work in developing an HA. It builds on information incorporated in the original bid and project plan, as well as ongoing evaluation of how the programme is progressing.

Findings

The paper presents the major challenges that employers within the sector are facing and the impact that having structured, valued and recognised training provision, such as those offered by apprenticeships, will have in terms of up‐skilling the existing workforce and attracting and retaining new talent in the sector. It also introduces matters of the perceived professionalism of the sector and the widely‐held perceptions about the career opportunities available within the sector concluding that, given the benefits apprenticeships can offer to both businesses and their workforce, it can be anticipated that they will remain a feature of training provision for the future.

Originality/value

The paper is based on the author's own experience and presents a case study of an apprenticeship programme specific to the author's organisation.
Hull College: design and development of a higher level apprenticeship in express logistics
Authors: Billaney Julia
Published: September 2012

Purpose

Hull College is currently in the process of developing a Higher Apprenticeship in Express Logistics. The purpose of this paper is to present a case study of how the programme is being developed and challenges that have arisen.

Design/methodology/approach

The information provided in this case study is drawn from the organisation's own experience in developing a new higher apprenticeship framework. It expands on developments to date and challenges faced.

Findings

The development of a higher apprenticeship in express logistics is based on previously successful delivery of a Foundation Degree in Express Logistics. The creation of a higher apprenticeship as a progression route has significant benefits but also raises a number of challenges, including design of the framework, incorporating professional accreditation, and design and management of assessment.

Originality/value

The paper is based on the author's own experience and research and employer consultation. It presents a case study of an apprenticeship programme specific to the author's organisation.
Fire alarm or false alarm?!
Authors: Catherwood Di , Edgar Graham K. , Sallis Geoff , Medley Andrew , Brookes David
Published: September 2012

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to assess whether firefighters display different decision‐making biases: either a liberal bias to accepting information as true or a conservative bias to rejecting information, with the former carrying risk of “false alarm” errors and the latter of “misses”.

Design/methodology/approach

Situation awareness (SA) and decision‐making biases were examined in Fire and Rescue (FRS) “table‐top” and Breathing Apparatus (BA) training exercises. The former involved showing 50 operational FRS personnel a powerpoint presentation representing the drive‐to, views and information related to the incident. The BA study involved 16 operational FRS personnel entering a smoke‐filled training building in a search‐and‐rescue exercise. True/False answers to statements about the incidents were analysed by a signal‐detection‐type tool (QASA) to give measures of SA and bias.

Findings

In both studies, there were two groups showing different bias patterns (either conservative with risk of “miss” errors, or liberal with risk of “false alarms”) (p≤0.001), but not different SA (p>0.05).

Research limitations/implications

Future work will involve more realistic training exercises and explore the consistency of individual bias tendencies over different contexts.

Practical implications

Risk in fireground decision making may be minimised by increasing awareness of individual tendencies to either conservative or liberal bias patterns and the associated risk of respectively making “miss” or “false alarm” errors.

Social implications

The results may help to minimise fireground risk.

Originality/value

This is the first evidence to show firefighter decision bias in two different exercises.
Decision‐making training in local government emergency management
Authors: Sinclair Helen , Doyle Emma E.H. , Johnston David M. , Paton Douglas
Published: September 2012

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to contribute information and recommendations that could better equip emergency managers to prepare for and respond to emergencies and disasters, with a focus on improving their decision‐making capabilities during response.

Design/methodology/approach

A questionnaire‐based survey approach was used in this research and 48 different local government organisations participated. These results were examined in conjunction with contemporary emergency management decision‐making literature. A combination of closed and open ended questions was used, enabling qualitative and quantitative analysis.

Findings

Results suggest that while there is information available about decision making, not all emergency managers are aware of the existence of this information or understand its relevance to emergency management. It is likely that those who did have a comprehensive understanding of decision making had gained this knowledge through non‐emergency management‐related courses. In total, 71 percent of participants said they would be interested in receiving more support regarding training and practice for decision making in Emergency Operations Centres.

Originality/value

A wide body of research has investigated decision‐making styles. However, this paper shows that in the local government emergency management sector there is little awareness of the understanding of the different decision‐making approaches. In addition, for those organisations surveyed, there is a great desire for further training and practice in decision making. It is thus vital that this need is addressed, to further improve the future response of these organisations to emergencies.
Chronic treatment with tempol does not significantly ameliorate renal tissue hypoxia or disease progression in a rodent model of polycystic kidney disease
Authors: Ding Alice , Kalaignanasundaram Priyadharshani , Ricardo Sharon D , Abdelkader Amany , Witting Paul K , Broughton Brad RS , Kim Hyun B , Wyse Benjamin F , Phillips Jacqueline K , Evans Roger G
Published: September 2012

In the present study, we tested whether polycystic kidney disease (PKD) is associated with renal tissue hypoxia and oxidative stress, which, in turn, contribute to the progression of cystic disease and hypertension.

Lewis polycystic kidney (LPK) rats and Lewis control (Lewis) rats were treated with tempol (1 mmol/L in drinking water) from 3 to 13 weeks of age or remained untreated.

The LPK rats developed polyuria, uraemia and proteinuria. At 13 weeks of age, LPK rats had greater mean arterial pressure (1.5‐fold), kidney weight (sixfold) and plasma creatinine (3.5‐fold) than Lewis rats. Kidneys from LPK rats were cystic and fibrotic.

Renal hypoxia was evidenced by staining for pimonidazole adducts and hypoxia‐inducible factor (HIF)‐1α in cells lining renal cysts and upregulation of HIF‐1α and its downstream targets vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), glucose transporter‐1 (Glut‐1) and heme oxygenase 1 (HO‐1). However, total HO activity did not differ greatly between kidney tissue from LPK compared with Lewis rats.

Renal oxidative and/or nitrosative stress was evidenced by ninefold greater immunofluorescence for 3‐nitrotyrosine in kidney tissue from LPK compared with Lewis rats and a > 10‐fold upregulation of mRNA for p47phox and gp91phox. Total renal superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity was sevenfold less and expression of SOD1 mRNA was 70% less in kidney tissue from LPK compared with Lewis rats. In LPK rats, tempol treatment reduced immunofluorescence for 3‐nitrotyrosine and HIF1A mRNA while upregulating VEGF and p47phox mRNA expression, but otherwise had little impact on disease progression, renal tissue hypoxia or hypertension.

Our findings do not support the hypothesis that oxidative stress drives hypoxia and disease progression in PKD.
Single‐nucleotide polymorphism discovery and diversity in the model legume Medicago truncatula
Authors: Loridon Karine , Burgarella Concetta , Chantret Nathalie , Martins Frédéric , Gouzy Jérôme , Prospéri Jean‐Marie , Ronfort Joëlle
Published: September 2012

Extensive genomic resources are available in the model legume Medicago truncatula. Here, we present the discovery and design of the first array of single‐nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) markers in M. truncatula through large‐scale Sanger resequencing of genomic fragments spanning the genome, in a diverse panel of 16 M. truncatula accessions. Both anonymous fragments and fragments targeting candidate genes for flowering phenology and symbiosis were surveyed for nucleotide variation in almost 230 kb of unique genomic regions. A set of 384 SNP markers was designed for an Illumina's GoldenGate assay, genotyped on a collection of 192 inbred lines (CC192) representing the geographical range of the species and used to survey the diversity of two natural populations. Finally, 86% of the tested SNPs were of high quality and exhibited polymorphism in the CC192 collection. Even at the population level, we detected polymorphism for more than 50% of the selected SNPs. Analysis of the allele frequency spectrum in the CC192 showed a reduced ascertainment bias, mostly limited to very rare alleles (frequency <0.01). The substantial polymorphism detected at the species and population levels, the high marker quality and the potential to survey large samples of individuals make this set of SNP markers a valuable tool to improve our understanding of the effect of demographic and selective factors that shape the natural genetic diversity within the selfing species Medicago truncatula.
The transcription factor Sp1 is responsible for aging‐dependent altered nucleocytoplasmic trafficking
Authors: Kim Sung Y. , Kang Hyun T. , Han Jeong A. , Park Sang C.
Published: September 2012

Hyporesponsiveness to external signals, such as growth factors and apoptotic stimuli, is a cardinal feature of cellular senescence. We previously reported that an aging‐dependent marked reduction in nucleocytoplasmic trafficking (NCT)‐related genes could be responsible for this phenomenon. In searching for the mechanism, we identified the transcription factor, Sp1, as a common regulator of NCT genes, including various nucleoporins, importins, exportins, and Ran GTPase cycle‐related genes. Sp1 knockdown led to a reduction of those genes in young human diploid fibroblast cells (HDF); Sp1 overexpression induced those genes in senescent cells. In addition, epidermal growth factor stimulation–induced p‐ERK1/2 nuclear translocation and Elk‐1 phosphorylation were severely impaired by Sp1 depletion in young HDFs; Sp1 overexpression restored the nuclear translocation of p‐ERK1/2 in senescent HDFs. Furthermore, we observed that Sp1 protein levels were decreased in senescent cells, and H2O2 treatment decreased Sp1 levels in a proteasome‐dependent manner. In addition, O‐GlcNAcylation of Sp1 was decreased in senescent cells as well as in H2O2‐treated cells. Taken together, these results suggest that Sp1 could be a key regulator in the control of NCT genes and that reactive oxygen species‐mediated alteration in Sp1 stability may be responsible for the generalized repression of those genes, leading to formation of the senescence‐dependent functional nuclear barrier, resulting in subsequent hyporesponsiveness to external signals.
Population viability analysis of Walia ibex (Capra walie) at Simien Mountains National Park (SMNP), Ethiopia
Authors: Alemayehu Kefyalew
Published: September 2012

Population viability analysis (PVA) has been applied to the management of many threatened populations. The objective of this study was, therefore, to estimate the PVA of Walia ibex at the Simen Mountains National Park, in the north‐central highlands of Ethiopia, with respect to population growth parameters, the probability of the population reaching a lower extinction threshold and the mean time to extinction. Direct census of the population was carried out in 2009. Secondary census data were also collected from park authorities and the literature reviews. The result revealed that the estimates of the infinitesimal mean, μ (0.04117) was greater than the infinitesimal variance, σ2 (0.0219). The probability that the population reaches the extinction threshold was very low (0.15%). The mean time required for the counts to decline from the existing population size to one individual animal was 160 years. But threatened species are adversely affected by changes in landscape. These changes can be brought by short‐ and long‐term human and climate change impacts, respectively. Therefore, with the absence of environmental and demographic stochasticity and, with the application of appropriate reproductions and habitat management, the population of Walia ibex will be viable and reaches its mean time of extinctions after 160 years.
Prevention of preterm birth: a randomized trial of vaginal compared with intramuscular progesterone
Authors: MAHER MOHAMMAD AHMED , ABDELAZIZ AHMED , ELLAITHY MOHAMED , BAZEED MOHAMED FAYEZ
Published: September 2012

Objective. To assess efficacy and tolerability of vaginal compared with intramuscular progesterone in reducing the rate of recurrent preterm birth before 34 weeks of gestation. Design. Prospective randomized study. Setting. Obstetrics and Gynecology Department, Armed Forces Hospital Southern Region, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Sample. Five‐hundred and eighteen women with a prior history of preterm birth. Methods. Women were randomized to receive either 90 mg of vaginal progesterone gel once daily or 250 mg of intramuscular progesterone weekly. Treatment began between 14 and 18 weeks of gestation and continued until 36 complete weeks of gestation, delivery or the occurrence of premature rupture of membranes. Main outcome measures. The primary outcome measure was delivery before 34 weeks of gestation. The secondary outcome measures were PTB between 34 and 37 weeks of gestation and neonatal outcomes including birthweight, neonatal death, and the need for admission to the neonatal intensive care unit. Results. The baseline characteristics of the study participants were similar. Two‐hundred and thirty‐eight (94.1%) patients in the vaginal group and 226 (90.8%) patients in the intramuscular group were compliant with their medications. Vaginal progesterone was associated with a lower percentage of deliveries before 34 weeks of gestation than the intramuscular preparation (p= 0.02). This association was also observed at 28 and 32 weeks of gestation (p= 0.04). Adverse effects were reported in 14.1% of patients in the intramuscular group, but in only 7.5% of patients in the vaginal group (p= 0.017). Conclusions. Vaginal progesterone was more effective than intramuscular progesterone for the prevention of preterm birth and had fewer adverse effects.
Conclusive meta‐analyses on antenatal magnesium may be inconclusive! Are we underestimating the risk of random error?
Authors: BROK JESPER , HUUSOM LENE D. , THORLUND KRISTIAN
Published: September 2012

Results from meta‐analyses significantly influence clinical practice. Both simulation and empirical studies have demonstrated that the risk of random error (i.e. spurious chance findings) in meta‐analyses is much higher than previously anticipated. Hence, authors and users of systematic reviews and meta‐analyses have a responsibility to carefully consider the risk of random errors to avoid misleading conclusions. Trial sequential analysis is a useful meta‐analytic method for gauging the risk of random error in meta‐analysis and the amount of additional evidence required to reach firm conclusions about the investigated intervention effect(s). We outline the rationale for conducting trial sequential analysis including some examples of the meta‐analysis on antenatal magnesium for women at risk of preterm birth.
Reference values of serum cystatin C in very low‐birthweight premature infants
Authors: Demirel Gamze , Celik Istemi H , Canpolat Fuat E , Erdeve Omer , Biyikli Zeynep , Dilmen Ugur
Published: September 2012

Aim

To determine reference values for cystatin C (CysC) and its correlation with creatinine (Cr), gestational age, birthweight and maternal Cr status in very low‐birthweight (VLBW) preterm infants.

Method

The study included 113 VLBW premature infants (<1500 g) of ≤32 gestational week. Serum Cr and CysC of the infant and serum Cr of the mother were analysed.

Results

The mean level of CysC was 1.77 ± 0.38 mg/L on day 1 and 1.61 ± 0.37 mg/L on day 3, and the decrease was statistically significant. There was a significant correlation only between maternal Cr and first‐day Cr values and negative correlations between Cr and gestational age and birthweight on third day. Creatinine was not correlated with CysC both on day 1 (r = −0.077, p = 0.417) and day 3 (r = 0.132, p = 0.164).

Conclusion

Here, we report the reference ranges for CysC and Cr on first and third day in VLBW infants. CysC concentrations significantly decrease by day 3 compared with day 1 and are independent of gestational week, birthweight and maternal renal function status in VLBW preterm infants.
Social change inSouthAfrica: A historical approach to relative deprivation
Authors: de la Sablonnière Roxane , Auger Emilie , Taylor Donald M. , Crush Jonathan , McDonald David
Published: September 2012

Dramatic social change involves profound transformations that impact an entire group moving forward. Such is the reality for race relations inSouthAfrica. Research has found that most people report a trajectory of group‐based relative deprivation that appears to parallel actual historical events. However, a significant subset of respondents reported a trajectory in which the perceived status of their group remained stable despite dramatic social change. The first goal of our research was to assess whether both the historically ‘assumed’ and ‘stable’ group trajectories arise consistently among South Africans (N = 2,989). The second and more important goal was to identify the factors that might account for this dichotomy in perceived trajectory building on both traditional and recent advances in relative deprivation theory as well as on social identity theory. We hypothesized that higher levels of in‐group identification would be associated with the historically assumed group trajectory. Results supported this hypothesis. The third goal was to link the different group trajectories with important psychological outcomes such as personal well‐being, group self‐esteem, and interracial attitudes.
The moderating role of dental expectancies on the relationship between cognitive vulnerability and dental fear in children and adolescents
Authors: Carrillo‐Díaz María , Crego Antonio , Armfield Jason , Romero Martín
Published: September 2012

Objective

Recently, cognitive approaches have been successfully applied to the understanding of child dental anxiety. Our study aimed to analyze the interplay between cognitive variables and their associations with dental fear. In particular, we proposed that the observed relationship between dental treatment‐related cognitive vulnerability (i.e., uncontrollability, unpredictability, dangerousness, and disgustingness appraisals) and dental fear is moderated by the expectancies of the probability and aversiveness of negative events during dental treatments.

Methods

A questionnaire survey was conducted with data obtained from 179 participants (8–18 years, 55.9% female) who attended 12 randomly selected educational establishments in Madrid (Spain).

Results

Dental fear was associated with an irregular pattern of dental visits. As expected, cognitive vulnerability was strongly linked to dental anxiety. For those children who expected a lower likelihood of negative dental events or appraised them in a less aversive way, the relationship between cognitive vulnerability and fear was attenuated.

Conclusions

As dental fear and oral health are connected, the prevention and reduction of dental fear among children and adolescents might be a worthwhile target for public health interventions. Our study sheds some light on how this could be achieved, that is, by modifying the children's vulnerability appraisals as well as their fearful dental expectancies.
Sorafenib in advanced iodine‐refractory differentiated thyroid cancer: efficacy, safety and exploratory analysis of role of serum thyroglobulin and FDG‐PET
Authors: Marotta Vincenzo , Ramundo Valeria , Camera Luigi , Prete Michela Del , Fonti Rosa , Esposito Raffaella , Palmieri Giovannella , Salvatore Marco , Vitale Mario , Colao Annamaria , Faggiano Antongiulio
Published: September 2012

Context

Radioactive iodine is a crucial tool for treatment of differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC). In 5% of cases, DTCs lose I‐131 avidity and assume an aggressive behaviour. Treatment options for iodine‐refractory DTC are limited. We report the experience of off‐label use of the tyrosine kinase inhibitor sorafenib for treatment of advanced iodine‐refractory DTC.

Design

Patients with progressive DTC refractory to radioactive iodine were treated with sorafenib used off‐label independently from their performance status. Primary study end‐points were radiological response, progression‐free survival (PFS) and safety. Secondary end‐points were site‐specific radiological response and overall survival (OS). An exploratory analysis of the role of serum thyroglobulin (Tg) and fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) positron emission tomography (PET) was performed.

Results

A total of 17 patients were included in the study. Median follow‐up was 15·5 months. Clinical benefit was obtained in 71% of subjects (30% partial response and 41% stable disease). Sorafenib was mostly well tolerated, but a high incidence of fatal events was reported (three patients died from severe bleeding events and two from cardiac arrest). Median PFS was 9 months. Median OS was 10 months. The best responses were observed in lymph nodes and lung. Baseline Tg levels and the Tg response to treatment were correlated to both radiological response and PFS. Baseline FDG‐PET assessment and early FDG‐PET response were correlated to radiological response.

Conclusions

Sorafenib allows morphological disease control in the majority of patients with iodine‐refractory DTC. Progression‐free survival and overall survival were lower than in previous studies as a consequence of the worse clinical condition of our patients. Sorafenib is mostly well tolerated but could have been responsible for the reported fatal events. Baseline Tg and the Tg response to treatment could be useful for predicting morphological response and clinical outcome. Early FDG‐PET response could be helpful for the timely identification of nonresponding patients.
Chronic electrical stimulation of transected peripheral nerves preserves anatomy and function in the primary somatosensory cortex
Authors: Herrera‐Rincon Celia , Torets Carlos , Sanchez‐Jimenez Abel , Avendaño Carlos , Panetsos Fivos
Published: September 2012

The structure and function of the central nervous system strongly depend on the organization and efficacy of the incoming sensory input. A disruption of somesthetic input severely alters the metabolic activity, electrophysiological properties and even gross anatomical features of the primary somatosensory cortex. Here we examined, in the rat somatosensory cortex, the neuroprotective and therapeutic effects of artificial sensory stimulation after irreversible unilateral transection of a peripheral sensory nerve (the infraorbital branch of the trigeminal nerve). The proximal stump of the nerve was inserted into a silicon tube with stimulating electrodes, through which continuous electrical stimulation was applied for 12 h/day (square pulses of 100 μs, 3.0 V, at 20 Hz) for 4 weeks. Deafferented animals showed significant decreases in cortical evoked potentials, cytochrome oxidase staining intensity (layers II–IV), cortical volume (layer IV) and number of parvalbumin‐expressing (layers II–IV) and calbindin‐D28k‐expressing (layers II/III) interneurons. These deafferentation‐dependent effects were largely absent in the nerve‐stimulated animals. Together, these results provide evidence that chronic electrical stimulation has a neuroprotective and preservative effect on the sensory cortex, and raise the possibility that, by controlling the physical parameters of an artificial sensory input to a sectioned peripheral nerve, chronically deafferented brain regions could be maintained at near‐‘normal’ conditions. Our findings could be important for the design of sensory neuroprostheses and for therapeutic purposes in brain lesions or neural degenerative processes.
Re‐Feeding Food‐Deprived Male Meadow Voles Affects the Sperm Allocation of Their Rival Males
Authors: Vaughn Ashlee A. , delBarco‐Trillo Javier , Ferkin Michael H.
Published: September 2012

An individual's nutritional status affects the manner in which same‐ and opposite‐sex conspecifics respond to that individual, which may affect their fitness. Male meadow voles, Microtus pennsylvanicus, increase their sperm allocation if they encounter the scent mark of an unfamiliar male that is not nutritionally challenged. If, however, the scent mark comes from a male that has been food deprived for 24 h, stud male voles do not increase their sperm allocation. Food‐deprived males may be viewed as being lower quality and a reduced risk of sperm competition by rival males. We hypothesized that stud males in promiscuous mating systems tailor their sperm allocations depending on whether rival males have been food deprived and then re‐fed. We predicted that newly re‐fed males will be considered a strong risk of sperm competition because of the potentially high fitness and survival costs associated with food deprivation in males, and that they will cause stud males to increase their sperm allocation. Our results, however, showed that the recovery period from 24 h of food deprivation was a relatively slow process. It took between 96 and 336 h of re‐feeding male scent donors that were food deprived for 24 h to induce stud males to increase their sperm allocation to levels comparable to when scent donors were not food deprived. Stud male voles may be conserving the amount of sperm allocated until the male scent donors have recovered from food deprivation and subsequent re‐feeding.
Gravidity‐Associated Shoaling Decisions in Three‐Spined Sticklebacks (Gasterosteus aculeatus)
Authors: Frommen Joachim G. , Bakker Theo C. M. , Proscurcin Leonie C. , Mehlis Marion
Published: September 2012

Group living has evolved in many animal species as an antipredator behavior, an evolutionary effect that might be augmented by grouping with similarly looking individuals. Consequently, groups are often composed according to species, size, or coloration. During egg ripening or embryo growth, the outer appearance of females often changes drastically within days, which makes them more prone to predation. Thus, a female's group preference should change according to her reproductive state, an issue that has seldom been investigated. To test this, we gave gravid and non‐gravid three‐spined sticklebacks (Gasterosteus aculeatus) the choice to shoal either with a gravid or a non‐gravid conspecific. The results showed that shoaling preferences of gravid and non‐gravid individuals differed significantly. Non‐gravid females preferred gravid fish as shoaling partners, which might rely on the fact that gravid sticklebacks show reduced escape performance, which in turn might increase a non‐gravid female's chance of survival. However, in contrast to our predictions, gravid fish did not show any significant preference. A reason for this pattern might be competition between gravid females for mating partners, which might overrule benefits of shoaling with similar looking individuals. Hence, gravidity influences social preferences in a shoaling fish, which might pose a largely overlooked form of the cost of reproduction.
Biodiversity buffers pollination from changes in environmental conditions
Authors: Brittain Claire , Kremen Claire , Klein Alexandra‐Maria
Published: September 2012

A hypothesized underlying principle of the diversity‐functioning relationship is that functional groups respond differently to environmental change. Over 3 years, we investigated how pollinator diversity contributes to the magnitude of pollination service through spatial complementarity and differential response to high winds in California almond orchards. We found honey bees preferentially visited the top sections of the tree. Where wild pollinators were present, they showed spatial complementarity to honey bees and visited the bottom tree sections more frequently. As wind speed increased, honey bees' spatial preference shifted toward the bottom tree sections. In high winds (>2.5 m s−1), orchards with low pollinator diversity (honey bees only) received almost no flower visits. In orchards with high pollinator diversity, visitation decreased to a lesser extent as wild bee visitation was unaffected by high winds. Our results demonstrate how spatial complementarity in diverse communities can help buffer pollination services to environmental changes like wind speed.
The effect of heat waves, elevated [CO2] and low soil water availability on northern red oak (Quercus rubra L.) seedlings
Authors: Bauweraerts Ingvar , Wertin Timothy M. , Ameye Maarten , McGuire Mary Anne , Teskey Robert O. , Steppe Kathy
Published: September 2012

The frequency and intensity of heat waves are predicted to increase. This study investigates whether heat waves would have the same impact as a constant increase in temperature with the same heat sum, and whether there would be any interactive effects of elevated [CO2] and soil moisture content. We grew Quercus rubra seedlings in treatment chambers maintained at either ambient or elevated [CO2] (380 or 700 μmol CO2 mol−1) with temperature treatments of ambient, ambient +3 °C, moderate heat wave (+6 °C every other week) or severe heat wave (+12 °C every fourth week) temperatures. Averaged over a 4‐week period, and the entire growing season, the three elevated temperature treatments had the same average temperature and heat sum. Half the seedlings were watered to a soil water content near field capacity, half to about 50% of this value. Foliar gas exchange measurements were performed morning and afternoon (9:00 and 15:00 hours) before, during and after an applied heat wave in August 2010. Biomass accumulation was measured after five heat wave cycles. Under ambient [CO2] and well‐watered conditions, biomass accumulation was highest in the +3 °C treatment, intermediate in the +6 °C heat wave and lowest in the +12 °C heat wave treatment. This response was mitigated by elevated [CO2]. Low soil moisture significantly decreased net photosynthesis (Anet) and biomass in all [CO2] and temperature treatments. The +12 °C heat wave reduced afternoon Anet by 23% in ambient [CO2]. Although this reduction was relatively greater under elevated [CO2], Anet values during this heat wave were still 34% higher than under ambient [CO2]. We concluded that heat waves affected biomass growth differently than the same amount of heat applied uniformly over the growing season, and that the plant response to heat waves also depends on [CO2] and soil moisture conditions.
Introduced annual grass increases regional fire activity across the arid westernUSA(1980–2009)
Authors: Balch Jennifer K. , Bradley Bethany A. , D'Antonio Carla M. , Gómez‐Dans José
Published: September 2012

Non‐native, invasive grasses have been linked to altered grass‐fire cycles worldwide. Although a few studies have quantified resulting changes in fire activity at local scales, and many have speculated about larger scales, regional alterations to fire regimes remain poorly documented. We assessed the influence of large‐scaleBromus tectorum(hereafter cheatgrass) invasion on fire size, duration, spread rate, and interannual variability in comparison to other prominent land cover classes across the Great Basin,USA. We compared regional land cover maps to burned area measured using the Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) for 2000–2009 and to fire extents recorded by theUSGSregistry of fires from 1980 to 2009. Cheatgrass dominates at least 6% of the central Great Basin (650 000 km2).MODISrecords show that 13% of these cheatgrass‐dominated lands burned, resulting in a fire return interval of 78 years for any given location within cheatgrass. This proportion was more than double the amount burned across all other vegetation types (range: 0.5–6% burned). During the 1990s, this difference was even more extreme, with cheatgrass burning nearly four times more frequently than any native vegetation type (16% of cheatgrass burned compared to 1–5% of native vegetation). Cheatgrass was also disproportionately represented in the largest fires, comprising 24% of the land area of the 50 largest fires recorded byMODISduring the 2000s. Furthermore, multi‐date fires that burned across multiple vegetation types were significantly more likely to have started in cheatgrass. Finally, cheatgrass fires showed a strong interannual response to wet years, a trend only weakly observed in native vegetation types. These results demonstrate that cheatgrass invasion has substantially altered the regional fire regime. Although this result has been suspected by managers for decades, this study is the first to document recent cheatgrass‐driven fire regimes at a regional scale.
Livestock‐type effects on biomass and nitrogen partitioning in temperate pastures with different functional‐group abundance
Authors: Rose L. , Hertel D. , Leuschner C.
Published: September 2012

Livestock grazing can be a means to maintain biodiversity in grasslands, but the outcome for vegetation structure and species composition depends on livestock type and grazing regime. This study aims at disentangling the effects of plant functional‐group abundance and livestock type on the above‐ and below‐ground biomass and N allocation in temperate pastures.

We investigated the effects of cattle, sheep and mixed stocking on above‐ground biomass (AGB) and belowground biomass (BGB) and plant N pools in a replicated grazing experiment in two pasture community types with different plant functional‐group abundance (diverse vs. grass‐dominated swards).

In the six treatments, AGB was reduced up to 80% compared with an ungrazed control. Cattle reduced AGB to a larger extent than sheep in diverse pastures (80 vs 44% reduction) while sheep grazing tended to do so in grass‐dominated pastures (57 vs 46% reduction); mixed stocking led to intermediate values. Grazing reduced AGB more than the N pool in AGB, thus lowering the biomass C/N ratio relative to the ungrazed control. Neither BGB nor the N pool in BGB differed between the grazing treatments and the control plots.

We conclude that livestock type and functional‐group abundance are interacting factors that influence plant biomass and N pools in swards of managed temperate pastures. The contrasting biomass removal rates of cattle and sheep could be used to increase the structural heterogeneity and total plant species pool of pastures by keeping different livestock species in neighbouring patches.
Ultrasonic monitoring of the effect of sodium hypochlorite on the elasticity of dentine
Authors: John C. , Löst C. , ElAyouti A.
Published: September 2012

Aim

To determine the change in ultrasonic velocity of dentine after the application of 5% NaOCl.

Methodology

Twenty standardized plano‐parallel dentine bars were divided into two groups. Dentine bars were wetted on only one surface. The test group (n = 10) was irrigated with 5% NaOCl, and the control group, (n = 10) with saline. Ultrasonic velocities before and after irrigation were compared to determine the change in the modulus of elasticity. Finally, dentine bars were loaded until failure in a 3‐point bending test. Paired t‐test and the mean of differences were used to assess the statistical significance between the groups.

Results

The mean ultrasonic velocity decreased by 1.4% after the application of NaOCl; no change was observed for saline. The mean velocity reduction of 49 m s−1 was found to be highly significant (P = 0.004). The ultrasonically derived modulus of elasticity decreased by 2.6% compared to the initial value of 17.8 GPa. However, the observed reduction in elasticity derived from the 3‐point bending test was not significant (P = 0.238).

Conclusions

NaOCl reduced the ultrasonic velocity of dentine and the ultrasonically derived modulus of elasticity.
Stock‐specific variation of trophic position, diet and environmental stress markers in Atlantic salmon Salmo salar during feeding migrations in the Baltic Sea
Authors: Vuori K. , Kiljunen M. , Kanerva M. , Koljonen M.‐L. , Nikinmaa M.
Published: September 2012

This study investigated stock‐specific variation in selected ecophysiological variables during the feeding migrations of Atlantic salmon Salmo salar in the Baltic Sea. Oxidative stress biomarkers and EROD (ethoxyresorufin‐O‐deethylase, Cyp1A enzyme) activity were used as indicators of possible environmental stress and stable isotopes as determinants of diet and trophic position. Latvian S. salar stocks Daugava and Gauja had distinct stable‐isotope signatures compared to the other stocks, indicating differences in migration patterns, residency or arrival times, or dietary specialization among stocks. Salmo salar originating from Daugava and Gauja also had lower catalase enzyme activity than the other stocks. Post‐smolts originating from rivers of the Gulf of Finland had elevated EROD activities compared to fish of the same age from Bothnian Bay rivers, which could indicate exposure to organochlorine pollutants. No other stock‐specific differences in oxidative stress biomarkers were found. The study demonstrates how genetic, oxidative stress biomarker, EROD and stable‐isotope data may be combined to study trophic position, prey prevalence and environmental stress of mixed S. salar stocks foraging in the sea.
Parasite acquisition by larval coral‐reef fishes
Authors: Peyrusse K. , Sasal P. , Lecchini D.
Published: September 2012

Of 164 fish larvae belonging to 11 species sampled from the island of Moorea, French Polynesia, 30% had at least one parasite individual and parasite prevalence ranged between 0 for Chaetodon citrinellus and 80% for Parupeneus barberinus. Parasites were present only in larvae that had fed and were present in the gut but absent from gills, body cavity and muscle. Parasites appeared to be acquired by ingestion of intermediate hosts when the larvae fed on the outer slope, prior to reef colonization.
Electrocommunication behaviour during social interactions in two species of pulse‐type weakly electric fishes (Mormyridae)
Authors: Gebhardt K. , Böhme M. , von der Emde G.
Published: September 2012

This study compares electrocommunication behaviour in groups of freely swimming weakly electric fishes of two species,Marcusenius altisambesiandMormyrus rume. Animals emitted variable temporal sequences of stereotyped electric organ discharges (EOD) that served as communication signals. While the waveform of individual signals remained constant, the inter‐discharge interval (IDI) patterns conveyed situation‐specific information. Both species showed different types of group behaviour,e.g. they engaged in collective (group) foraging. The results show that in each species, during different behavioural conditions (resting, foraging and agonistic encounters), certain situation‐specific IDI patterns occurred. In both species, neighbouring fishes swimming closely together interacted electrically by going in and out of synchronization episodes,i.e. periods of temporally correlated EOD production. These often resulted in echo responses between neighbours. During group foraging, fishes often signalled in a repetitive fixed order (fixed‐order signalling). During foraging, EOD emission rates ofM. altisambesiwere higher and more regular than those ofM. rume. The two species also differed in the quantity of group behaviours withM. altisambesibeing more social thanM. rume,which was reflected in the lack of specific agonistic IDI patterns, more fixed‐order signalling and more communal resting behaviour inM. altisambesi.
Illite/smectite transformation in detrital glaucony during burial diagenesis of sandstone: A study from Siri Canyon – Danish North Sea
Authors: KAZEROUNI AFSOON M. , POULSEN METTE L. K. , FRIIS HENRIK , SVENDSEN JOHAN B. , HANSEN JENS P. V.
Published: September 2012

Detrital glaucony in the Palaeogene glauconitic sandstones in Siri Canyon, Danish North Sea, has been analysed from 15 exploration wells by X‐ray diffraction, electron microprobe and scanning electron microscopy. These sandstones consist of mixed‐layer illite/smectite and have a large variability in chemical composition and structure. In the most shallow wells (ca 1700 m), the glaucony is rich in Fe and consists of mixed‐layer illite/smectite with random‐interstratification (R = 0). In the depth interval from 1700 to 2000 m, the composition changes as Si is incorporated. The structure changes to ordered R = 1. Further increase in burial leads to the loss of Fe. Ordered R = 3 mixed‐layer illite/smectite is recognized from burial depths of 2200 m. The proportion of illite in illite/smectite mixed layers increases only slightly with depth and temperature. Although the structural changes generally are associated with chemical changes, they can also take place isochemically when the detrital glaucony is tightly embedded in earlier cement, which prevented chemical exchange. The glaucony transformation in the Siri Canyon sandstones partly reflects a supply of Si and partly significant loss of Fe. Thus, the glaucony transformation relates to the general diagenesis of the host sandstone. These sandstones are cemented by microquartz at an early stage, followed by precipitation of Fe‐rich grain‐coating berthierine or chlorite.
Phylogeny of thrips (Insecta: Thysanoptera) based on five molecular loci
Authors: BUCKMAN REBECCA S. , MOUND LAURENCE A. , WHITING MICHAEL F.
Published: September 2012

The order Thysanoptera (Paraneoptera), commonly known as thrips, displays a wide range of behaviours, and includes several pest species. The classification and suggested relationships among these insects remain morphologically based, and have never been evaluated formally with a comprehensive molecular phylogenetic analysis. We tested the monophyly of the suborders, included families and the recognized subfamilies, and investigated their relationships. Phylogenies were reconstructed based upon 5299 bp from five genetic loci: 18S ribosomal DNA, 28S ribosomal DNA, Histone 3, Tubulin‐alpha I and cytochrome oxidase c subunit I. Ninety‐nine thrips species from seven of the nine families, all six subfamilies and 70 genera were sequenced. Maximum parsimony, maximum likelihood and Bayesian analyses all strongly support a monophyletic Tubulifera and Terebrantia. The families Phlaeothripidae, Aeolothripidae, Melanthripidae and Thripidae are recovered as monophyletic. The relationship of Aeolothripidae and Merothripidae to the rest of Terebrantia is equivocal. Molecular data support previous suggestions that Aeolothripidae or Merothripidae could be a sister to the rest of Terebrantia. Four of the six subfamilies are recovered as monophyletic. The two largest subfamilies, Phlaeothripinae and Thripinae, are paraphyletic and require further study to understand their internal relationships.
Non‐specific effects of diphtheria‐tetanus‐pertussis and measles vaccinations? An analysis of surveillance data from Navrongo, Ghana
Authors: Welaga Paul , Nielsen Jens , Adjuik Martin , Debpuur Cornelius , Ross David A. , Ravn Henrik , Benn Christine S. , Aaby Peter
Published: September 2012

Objectives  Studies from low‐income countries have suggested that routine vaccinations may have non‐specific effects on child mortality; measles vaccine (MV) is associated with lower mortality and diphtheria‐tetanus‐pertussis (DTP) with relatively higher mortality. We used data from Navrongo, Ghana, to examine the impact of vaccinations on child mortality.

Methods  Vaccination status was assessed at the initiation of a trial of vitamin A supplementation and after 12 and 24 months of follow‐up. Within the placebo group, we compared the mortality over the first 4 months and the full 2 years of follow‐up for different vaccination status groups with different likelihoods of additional vaccinations during follow‐up. The frequency of additional vaccinations was assessed among children whose vaccination card was seen at 12 and 24 months of follow‐up.

Results  Among children with a vaccination card, more than 75% received missing DTP or MV during the first 12 months of follow‐up, whereas only 25% received these vaccines among children with no vaccination card at enrolment. Children without a card at enrolment had a significant threefold higher mortality over the 2‐year follow‐up period than those fully vaccinated. The small group of children with DTP3‐4 but no MV at enrolment had lower mortality than children without a card and had the same mortality as fully vaccinated children. In contrast, children with 1–2 DTP doses but no MV had a higher mortality during the first 4 months than children without a card [MRR = 1.65 (0.95, 2.87)]; compared with the fully vaccinated children, they had significantly higher mortality after 4 months [MRR = 2.38 (1.07, 5.30)] and after 2 years [MRR = 2.41 (1.41, 4.15)]. Children with 0–2 DTP doses at enrolment had higher mortality after 4 months (MRR = 1.67 (0.82, 3.43) and after 2 years [MRR = 1.85 (1.16, 2.95)] than children who had all three doses of DTP at enrolment.

Conclusions  As hypothesised, DTP vaccination was associated with higher child mortality than measles vaccination. To optimise vaccination policies, routine vaccinations need to be evaluated in randomised trials measuring the impact on survival.