bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Small-scale resource heterogeneity in semi-arid landscapes
Authors: J. Tongway David , A. Ludwig John
Published: May 2016

Patchy distribution of plant populations is a hallmark of arid and semi-arid ecosystems. This has been attributed to the patchy distribution of scarce or limiting resources across the landscape and within the soil itself. Behind these descriptive properties are a range of processes which are the causal mechanisms of resource allocation, conservation and utilization within the landscape. Terrain-controlled mechanisms have been previously described in respect of groved mulga (Acacia aneura) communities. This paper describes a set of resource regulation mechanisms which are largely controlled by plants and plant communities and which are effective at fine scales. The actual mechanisms are inferred from field observations, and validated by looking for the net effects of defined processes acting over time. Plant-mediated resource control is inherently more sensitive to grazing pressure than terrain-controlled processes, because herbivores are able to quickly and drastically alter the density and basal cover of plants, and so change the effectiveness of the control processes. This may lead to a long-term change in system function. This paper examines the generality of these propositions in a series of contrasting landscape types, and proposes a framework by which landscape degradation can be assessed by examining the modes of basic resource regulation.
Tree hollows as a resource for wildlife in remnant woodlands: spatial and temporal patterns across the northern plains of Victoria, Australia
Authors: F. Bennett A. , F. Lumsden L. , O. Nicholls A.
Published: May 2016

Hollows in living or dead trees are an important resource for a range of animal species in Australia. They are used for diurnal and nocturnal shelter and as breeding sites, and the availability of hollows may be a limiting factor for some populations. This study examined patterns in the distribution of tree hollows at 185 sites, each of 1.0 ha, in remnant woodlands across the northern plains, Victoria, a rural region where little remains of the natural woodland cover. Spatial and temporal variation in the abundance of tree hollows is evident at several scales including that of the individual tree, the landscape and the region. For individual trees, the number of holes increased with tree diameter, and the slope of this relationship differed between tree species. The percentage of trees that are hollow-bearing also differs between species. Large trees have a higher proportion of holes with a large entrance diameter (>10 cm) and a lower proportion of small holes (?2 cm diameter) than do small trees. At the landscape scale, hollow-bearing trees were not evenly distributed throughout remnant woodlands. Significant variables in a regression model of the abundance of hollow-bearing trees included: the number of large trees (>70 cms diameter), woodland tree species composition and mean annual rainfall. At the regional scale, the availability of hollows is influenced by the patchy distribution of remnant woodlands. Large tracts are mainly associated with public land along river systems and contrast with extensive areas of farmland where woodlands are sparse or absent. The abundance of hollows at the landscape and regional scale is strongly influenced by the impact of land management on two key processes; the loss of existing hollow-bearing trees and the recruitment of new trees. On privately managed land, generally grazed by domestic stock, large trees with hollows are often present, but the scarcity of saplings and small trees raises concern over the recruitment of future hollow-bearing trees, and indeed the long-term persistence of woodland vegetation. Conversely, most sites in large blocks of public land have ample regeneration but relatively fewer hollow-bearing trees due to the loss of larger trees from timber harvesting activities. In both situations, the abundance of trees with hollows is the consequence of management practices, and their future availability is directly amenable to management action. Some implications of the patterns of distribution of hollows for wildlife are discussed.
The long-term conservation of forest diversity in New Zealand
Authors: Ogden John
Published: May 2016

The largely endemic flora of New Zealand is a remnant of the Cretaceous flora of Gondwana, supplemented by later additions from Australia and the tropics. Semi-natural plant communities cover about 50% of the country, and a scheme for the protection of supposedly representative areas is in place. Existing reserves do not adequately reflect the patterns of plant species diversity. Many are modified by introduced animals and alien plants. The latter are being actively introduced into New Zealand at the rate of c. 11 species per year. Measures of diversity are discussed and the broad pattern of (gamma) diversity and endemicity in the country is described. A comparison is made between (alpha) diversity levels in Beech Nothofagus solandri var. cliffortioidesand Kauri Agathis australisforest. Within each of these two forest types there are similar levels of alpha-diversity over a wide range of latitude. Altitudinal alpha-diversity trends indicate an average loss of 3.4 species per 100 m of altitude. This can be accounted for by the reduction of land surface area with increasing altitude on conical or ridge-shaped mountains. The altitudinal data emphasize the importance of the lowlands in the conservation of bio-diversity. The Holocene history of the forests in New Zealand suggests that the concept of "representativeness" is flawed: forest varies continuously in time and space. It may be possible to create some "living museums" of the past biota of New Zealand, but unless there are radical changes in our ability to eradicate animal pests and introduced plants, the composition of mainland forest reserves in the lowlands will change dramatically over the next few centuries. Conservation effort on saving endangered birds may have been at the expense of long-term "habitat" survival on the mainland.
Juvenile dispersion and use of habitat by the endangered Kakerori Pomarea dimidiata (Monarchinae) on Rarotonga, Cook Islands
Authors: H. Sanders Kerry , O. Minot Edward , A. Fordham Robin
Published: May 2016

The Kakerori (Rarotongan flycatcher) Pomarea dimidiata is a small, territorial passerine, endemic to Rarotonga, Cook Islands. Now listed as endangered, the total known population in August 1991 was 48 individuals. Kakerori are found in the steep, forested inland of southern Rarotonga. Newly fledged young remain high in the canopy near the natal nest. However, 4?5 months later they occupy spurs and small ridges immediately surrounding the parental territory, while 7?8 months after fledging, these young birds are most often found on high, exposed ridges where they form small cohorts. The daily activity budget for Kakerori is dominated by calling and looking, and the most common method of feeding is gleaning. Overall, successful territories (those that produce fledged young) have a lower canopy, fewer ferns, and trees with a larger total basal area, than unsuccessful territories (those that do not produce fledged young). Survival of this species depends on continued management of the population, including further research on habitat requirements and effective predator control.
Changes in populations of bird species in roadside softwood scrub remnants/farmland and open eucalypt forest in south-east Queensland, 1981 to 1993
Authors: J. Leach G.
Published: May 2016

Long-term monitoring of bird species provides information on base-line populations and population trends required to ensure that habitat management is effective for their conservation. Two surveys in both spring and autumn over 12 years monitored populations at fixed points in roadside softwood scrub remnants plus adjoining farmland (softwood/farmland) and in eucalypt open forest in south-east Queensland. The main aims were to determine the status of species in each habitat, especially whether the status of any species was changing, and to assess the usefulness of the monitoring procedure. In all, 92 species were observed; 79 in the softwood/farmland and 74 in the eucalypt forest. From 49 to 56 species were observed each year in softwood/farmland and 34 to 46 in eucalypt forest. Annual species turnover in softwood/farmland was about half that in eucalypt forest; 39% of all species were observed every year in the former habitat, but only 19% in the latter. The Torresian Crow was most often observed in softwood/farmland and the Noisy Miner in eucalypt forest. The Torresian Crow was the only species to be among the five most observed in each habitat. Among other common species, 95% or more observations of Bar-shouldered Doves, Superb Fairy-wrens, Yellow Thornbills and Silvereyes were in softwood/farmland, whereas for Weebills, White-throated Gerygones, Buff-rumped Thornbills, White-throated Treecreepers and White-throated Honeyeaters at least 95% of observations were in eucalypt forest, confirming their strong habitat specificities. The number of birds observed increased linearly for eight species in softwood/farmland and six species in eucalypt forest, and decreased for five and four species, respectively, over the 12 years. The most significant trends were for the Crested Pigeon (increase) and Willie Wagtail (decrease) in softwood/farmland, while Peaceful Dove and Rufous Whistler decreased in both habitats. Several species which increased adapt well to partial clearing of woody vegetation and aggressively exclude others, e.g., Noisy Miner, butcherbirds and Pied Currawong. The trends may reflect insidious degradation of habitats. The main value of the survey method was for detecting changes of species that could be used as indicator species ? those that respond most rapidly to habitat change. While the method was efficient, wildlife managers would need to use it regularly to maintain skills, especially because most observations are of bird calls.
Restoration of New Zealand islands: redressing the effects of introduced species
Authors: R. Towns David , Simberloff Daniel , A. E. Atkinson Ian
Published: May 2016

Introduced species of mammals have now been removed from many islands around New Zealand, thus providing singular opportunities for ecological restoration. If island restoration is to be attempted, the way island biota originate and the precise effects of introduced organisms must be identified. Plants introduced to the New Zealand archipelago may have transitory effects, but others may modify forest structure and disrupt succession. Goats have been the most destructive introduced herbivore on islands. Among introduced predators, cats have extirpated colonies of seabirds, and rats (depending on species) affect invertebrates, lizards, and birds. Ecological theories and concepts that may help with island restoration projects include: the keystone species concept, in which the effects of one species on others is disproportionate relative to its abundance; the "intermediate predator" hypothesis, where removal of the top introduced predator may lead to rebound effects of intermediate predators; and ecological chain reactions, where local extinction of some species can cause complicated multiple effects. Problems with restoration of islands may be encountered because of meagre data on the previous effects of pests (such as predators), use of non-seral species in revegetation projects, proliferations of indigenous or introduced species that have unforeseen community effects, and inexplicable difficulties with some translocations. A restoration case study in the continental Mercury Islands and on Cuvier Island showed success with removal of introduced mammals and demonstrates the various effects of introduced browsers, grazers, and predators. A contrasting case study is provided by oceanic Mangere Island in the Chatham Islands where 22 species of avifauna have been lost, seven as permanent extinctions. Restoration targets for some New Zealand islands can be clarified by palaeoecological studies of Maori (Polynesian) middens and natural deposits. Understanding the role of disturbance in island systems may also help clarify restoration targets. When exotic keystone species are introduced, physical disturbance may be overridden by biotic disturbance. This replacement in turn has implications for trophic structure. With high levels of biotic disturbance, continental islands may be changed from relatively species-rich bottom-up food webs to species-poor top-down trophic cascades. These possibilities can be tested with an experimental approach to restoration, although such experiments may be hard to interpret because of difficulties with replicates and controls. Ecological restoration on New Zealand islands has potential to replace damaged or lost communities, expand the ranges of relict populations, reduce the selective influence of exotic (keystone) species on indigenous species, help in understanding how the systems are formed, provide opportunities for educational and scientific investigation, and act as a testing ground for new technologies against pests.
Nature Conservation 4: The Role of Networks
Authors: Phillips Julia
Published: May 2016

The fourth in a series of volumes concerning nature conservation, this most recent addition is the proceedings of an international conference held in Geraldton, Western Australia, November 1994. It adopts the same format as its predecessors with contributed papers presented as individual chapters grouped into a number of main themes. Given that 78 of the 95 oral papers presented are included, The Role of Networks provides a comprehensive summary of the conference.
Effects of an extensive wildfire on birds in far eastern Victoria
Authors: H. Loyn Richard
Published: May 2016

A major wildfire burned 228 400 ha of forest in East Gippsland (Victoria, Australia) in February and March 1983, including Cooaggalah forest block where flora and fauna studies had just commenced. Bird abundance was assessed on 13 sites immediately before and after the fire, and annually for three years to 1986. The sites represented a range of habitats including rainforest, heaths and eucalypt forest, all of which burned. Total bird abundance was reduced to 60% of initial levels by the fire, but recovered within three years. These changes differed significantly between habitats. Initial decreases were greatest and subsequent recovery least in heaths where most above-ground vegetation had been killed. Post-fire increases were greatest in rainforest and on granite ridges, and in each case bird abundance rose to levels substantially higher than before fire. Some changes may have involved recovery from drought as well as fire. Changes over time were highly significant for many groups of birds (e.g., honeyeaters), while others showed little change (e.g., bark-foragers and insectivores that inhabit dense understorey or damp ground below shrubs). Honeyeaters and seed-eaters suffered the greatest initial declines, and some species in these groups were slow to recover (e.g., New Holland and Crescent Honeyeaters and Beautiful Firetail). Some species that feed from open ground increased quickly to levels greater than before fire (Flame and Scarlet Robins, Buff-rumped Thornbill and Superb Fairy-wren), but all except the latter then declined as shrubs regenerated. The main loss of birds immediately after the fire was of highly mobile species, and the composition of the remaining bird fauna appeared to depend on resource availability rather than the capacity of species to survive the fire front. Initial responses of species to fire were poor predictors of their responses after three years. Hence, the effects of fire should be considered in terms of habitat changes over several years. Many forest types including rainforest can provide continuing habitat even when they burn, but populations of mobile birds such as honeyeaters depend on access to alternative habitats on a broad regional scale.
Influence of the Noisy Miner Manorina melanocephala on avian diversity and abundance in remnant Grey Box woodland
Authors: J. Grey Merilyn , F. Clarke Michael , H. Loyn Richard
Published: May 2016

The abundance of an aggressive Australian honeyeater, the Noisy Miner Manorina melanocephala, was reduced at four small (<8 ha) Grey Box Eucalyptus microcarpa woodland remnants by experimental removal. The diversity and abundance of small insectivorous and nectarivorous birds increased at three of the four sites (relative to matching control sites) over the twelve months following the removal of the Noisy Miners. The one exception occurred at a pair of sites where eucalypts began flowering at one site and finished at the other during the Noisy Miner removal period. These results, taken together with those from three earlier experiments where the abundance of Noisy Miners was reduced in Mugga Ironbark E. Sideroxylon woodland remnants, demonstrate that Noisy Miners affect avian diversity and abundance by aggressive exclusion of other species. In five out of seven experiments, Noisy Miners did not reinvade the small woodland remnants during the ensuing twelve months. When Noisy Miner abundance was reduced, increased populations of small insectivorous and nectarivorous birds used small degraded woodland remnants. Colonizing populations of small birds have the potential to reduce insect infestations and may assist in the recovery of dieback-affected woodland remnants. Research is continuing to test this hypothesis. Reducing the abundance of Noisy Miners in remnant eucalypt woodlands may also be a useful, short-term measure, which could assist in the recovery of threatened or endangered bird species.
Distribution of the Western Petalura dragonfly Petalura hesperia Watson in Western Australia
Authors: Dianne Barrett Michelle , Russell Williams Matthew
Published: May 2016

A comprehensive survey of the Western Petalura dragonfly Petalura hesperia Watson was conducted in December 1995 and January 1996 during the annual flight period, This represents the first systematic survey of the distribution of this dragonfly, which is restricted to the south-west of Western Australia. Survey effort was concentrated around the headwaters of permanent streams with the aim of identifying those habitats most important for the long-term survival of the species. Twelve individuals representing six isolated populations were recorded, raising the total number of recorded localities to 19, although one population (at the type locality) is believed extinct and a further four are under threat from urbanization. The populations are scattered along the eastern fringe of the Darling scarp, between 31� and 32�S latitude and 115� and 116�E longitude.
Eucalypt Ecology: Individuals to Ecosystems
Authors: McCarthy Andrew
Published: May 2016

Eucalypt ecologists in Australia finally have a text that is a comprehensive review of the current state of knowledge on eucalypt ecology. This book incorporates and expands on ideas found in Eucalyptus, the Universal Australian by Pryor and Johnson (1981) and Pryor's (1976) The Biology of Eucalypts.
Determining the distribution of Koala habitat across a shire as a basis for conservation: a case study from Port Stephens, New South Wales
Authors: Lunney Daniel , Phillips Stephen , Callaghan John , Coburn Dionne
Published: May 2016

The Australian National Koala Conservation Strategy recognizes the importance of conserving Koalas in their existing habitat, particularly through the integration of Koala conservation into local government planning (ANZECC 1998). The aim of this study was to define, rank and map the distribution of Koala habitat in Port Stephens Shire, New South Wales. The procedure was to merge the results of two independent survey techniques, each of which was interpreted using a vegetation map specifically prepared for this study. A field survey used a plot-based sampling protocol to determine tree species preferences based on the presence/absence of Koala faecal pellets. Data were obtained on 8 764 trees comprising 19 eucalypt and 12 non-eucalypt species. A high-profile community survey obtained 2 756 Koala records. Koala habitat maps from both survey methods were examined as overlapping GIS layers. Combined Koala habitat categories were then devised, ranked and mapped across the Shire. This study provides a practical and repeatable means of identifying and conserving Koala habitat in existing remnant vegetation over which local government has planning jurisdiction.
Colony sizes, roost use and foraging ecology of Hipposideros diadema reginae, a rare bat from tropical Australia
Authors: R. Pavey Chris
Published: May 2016

Hipposideros diadema reginae is a rare subspecies of Diadem Leafnosed Bat confined to tropical Queensland. Few data are available on its population size or ecology. From July, 1990 to December, 1993, I conducted colony counts at Chillagoe and Iron Range to assess its abundance, and radio-tagged six males at Chillagoe to provide data on roosting and foraging ecology for management purposes. I recorded the subspecies in nine of 18 caves surveyed at Chillagoe. Two or more bats were regularly observed in only four caves, each of which had =250 m of passage, large chambers with high domed ceilings, and multiple entrances. The largest colony was found in Trezkinn Cave (range of 6?65 bats). Both Trezkinn and a nearby cave, Donna, were fully developed tourist caves, but were frequently used as day roosts by radio-tagged bats. Each cave had a gate at its entrance. At Iron Range, between 70 and 250 bats roosted in Gordon's Mine. Bats used multiple day roosts, but did not change roost every day. The main foraging behaviour was perch hunting, with continuous flight as a secondary behaviour. The mean foraging range of tagged bats was 1.08 km from the day roost (range of 0.3?2.5 km). Foraging occurred within all available types of vegetation; use of vegetation showed intraspecific variation. Hipposideros d. reginae exhibits flexibility in its foraging ecology, but has specific roost requirements. Recommended management actions are: prevent or regulate human access to roosts, search for additional colonies at Chillagoe by targeting potentially suitable caves, and ban scientific collecting at both sites.
Jarrah Forest Birds
Authors: N. Hutchinson John
Published: May 2016

In 1974 I began a project lasting seven years in which I recorded wildlife sounds in Western Australia's south-west forests. Twelve years later, in 1993, I began a second project with new equipment for the purpose of upgrading the sounds of my first project.
Non-genomic action of vitamin D3 on N-methyl-D-aspartate and kainate receptor-mediated actions in juvenile gonadotrophin-releasing hormone neurons
Authors: Bhattarai Pravin , Bhattarai Janardhan P. , Kim Min Sun , Han Seong Kyu
Published: May 2016

Vitamin D is a versatile signalling molecule that plays a critical role in calcium homeostasis. There are several studies showing the genomic action of vitamin D in the control of reproduction; however, the quick non-genomic action of vitamin D at the hypothalamic level is not well understood. Therefore, to investigate the effect of vitamin D on juvenile gonadotrophin-releasing hormone (GnRH) neurons, excitatory neurotransmitter receptor agonists N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA, 30 μM) and kainate (10 μM) were applied in the absence or in the presence of vitamin D3 (VitaD3, 10 nM). The NMDA-mediated responses were decreased by VitaD3 in the absence and in the presence of tetrodotoxin (TTX), a sodium-channel blocker, with the mean relative inward current being 0.56 ± 0.07 and 0.66 ± 0.07 (P < 0.05), respectively. In addition, VitaD3 induced a decrease in the frequency of gamma-aminobutyric acid mediated (GABAergic) spontaneous postsynaptic currents and spontaneous postsynaptic currents induced by NMDA application with a mean relative frequency of 0.595 ± 0.07 and 0.56 ± 0.09, respectively. Further, VitaD3 decreased the kainate-induced inward currents in the absence and in the presence of TTX with a relative inward current of 0.64 ± 0.06 and 0.68 ± 0.06, respectively (P < 0.05). These results suggest that VitaD3 has a non-genomic action and partially inhibits the NMDA and kainate receptor-mediated actions of GnRH neurons, suggesting that VitaD3 may regulate the hypothalamic–pituitary–gonadal (HPG) axis at the time of pubertal development.
Angler Returns of Channel Catfish Stocked in Arkansas Lakes and Streams
Authors: Quinn Jeffrey W. , Andrews Diana
Published: May 2016

Stocking is the primary fisheries management tool used to enhance fisheries for Channel Catfish Ictalurus punctatus throughout the United States, but the technique has not been thoroughly evaluated for large reservoirs (e.g., >5,000 ha) and small rivers. We compared angler return rates of catchable-sized fish (316-456 mm TL) stocked in 16 water bodies of three types: large U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (COE) lakes (5,425–18,381 ha), Arkansas Game and Fish Commission (AGFC) lakes (81–2,716 ha), and small rivers. We tagged and stocked 400–500 fish per water body with standard Carlin dangler reward tags (US$10–$100), and 10 fish per water body were stocked with a $100 high-reward tag to assess nonreporting. A total of 1,210 anglers reported catching 1,964 of the 6,800 fish (29%) stocked with standard tags. Anglers reported catching 82 of the 160 high-reward fish (51%). The 95% CI around the mean angler reporting rate was 0.61 ± 0.14. The mean adjusted 3-year return rate ± SD among stockings was 0.59 ± 0.26, and AGFC lakes had higher return rates than COE lakes or rivers. Anglers with the greatest reported catch on average caught 12 fish. Nearly all fish stocked were caught at three AGFC lakes, so the management of these fisheries may benefit from periodic population assessments. This study provides evidence that 3-year return rates for put-and-take Channel Catfish fisheries in large reservoirs and streams can approach or exceed 0.70. However, return rates were highly variable within and among water body types, which indicated stocking rates should be determined for each water body.

Received October 30, 2015; accepted January 28, 2016 Published online May 24, 2016
Use of Polymerase Chain Reaction for Bivalve Pathogen Surveillance in the Yellow Clam Mesodesma mactroides
Authors: Carvalho Yuri Bovi Morais , Silva Santos Juan Jethro , Raibenberg Fernando C. , Poersch Luis Henrique , Romano Luis Alberto
Published: May 2016

The yellow clam Mesodesma mactroides is a valuable shellfish occurring from the southeastern coast of Brazil to the northern coast of Argentina. Populations of yellow clams are disappearing from their entire range, and the cause is still unknown. The objective of this paper was to search for World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE)–listed pathogens and their relatives in the genera Marteilia, Bonamia, and Perkinsus as well as Mikrocytos mackini and the virus OsHV-1 μ var the yellow clam population in southern Brazil using molecular techniques and classic histology protocols. A total of 180 clams were manually collected in the intertidal region at six sampling points covering the entire coast of Rio Grande do Sul State (length, 622 km) in 2013. Tissue samples were tested by OIE-recommended single-step conventional polymerase chain reaction assays. The screening showed no evidence of the specific sequences of the protistan parasites and viral pathogens at any site within the six zones under study. We recommend continuous monitoring of the mollusks in the region.

Received July 3, 2015; accepted February 3, 2016
How does reading direction modulate perceptual asymmetry effects?
Authors: Chung Harry K. S. , Liu Joyce Y. W. , Hsiao Janet H.
Published: May 2016

Left-side bias effects refer to a bias towards the left side of the stimulus/space in perceptual/visuospatial judgments, and are argued to reflect dominance of right hemisphere processing. It remains unclear whether reading direction can also account for the bias effect. Previous studies comparing readers of languages read from left to right with those read from right to left (e.g., French vs. Hebrew) have obtained inconsistent results. As a language that can be read from left to right or from right to left, Chinese provides a unique opportunity for a within-culture examination of reading direction effects. Chinese participants performed a perceptual judgment task (with both face and Chinese character stimuli; Experiment 1) and two visuospatial attention tasks (the greyscales and line bisection tasks; Experiment 2) once before and once after a reading task, in which they read Chinese passages either from left to right or from right to left for about 20 min. After reading from right to left, participants showed significantly reduced left-side bias in Chinese character perceptual judgments but not in the other three tasks. This effect suggests that the role of reading direction on different forms of left-side bias may differ, and its modulation may be stimulus-specific.
Interferon-driven alterations of the host’s amino acid metabolism in the pathogenesis of typhoid fever
Authors: Blohmke Christoph J. , Darton Thomas C. , Jones Claire , Suarez Nicolas M. , Waddington Claire S. , Angus Brian , Zhou Liqing , Hill Jennifer , Clare Simon , Kane Leanne , Mukhopadhyay Subhankar , Schreiber Fernanda , Duque-Correa Maria A. , Wright James C. , Roumeliotis Theodoros I. , Yu Lu , Choudhary Jyoti S. , Mejias Asuncion , Ramilo Octavio , Shanyinde Milensu , Sztein Marcelo B. , Kingsley Robert A. , Lockhart Stephen , Levine Myron M. , Lynn David J. , Dougan Gordon , Pollard Andrew J.
Published: May 2016

Enteric fever, caused by Salmonella enterica serovar Typhi, is an important public health problem in resource-limited settings and, despite decades of research, human responses to the infection are poorly understood. In 41 healthy adults experimentally infected with wild-type S. Typhi, we detected significant cytokine responses within 12 h of bacterial ingestion. These early responses did not correlate with subsequent clinical disease outcomes and likely indicate initial host–pathogen interactions in the gut mucosa. In participants developing enteric fever after oral infection, marked transcriptional and cytokine responses during acute disease reflected dominant type I/II interferon signatures, which were significantly associated with bacteremia. Using a murine and macrophage infection model, we validated the pivotal role of this response in the expression of proteins of the host tryptophan metabolism during Salmonella infection. Corresponding alterations in tryptophan catabolites with immunomodulatory properties in serum of participants with typhoid fever confirmed the activity of this pathway, and implicate a central role of host tryptophan metabolism in the pathogenesis of typhoid fever.
Characterisation of the properties of a negative hydrogen ion beam by several beam diagnostic techniques
Authors: Maurizio R. , Fantz U. , Bonomo F. , Serianni G.
Published: May 2016

The beam properties of the BATMAN negative ion source, which is the prototype of one module of the source for the ITER neutral beam injection system, are characterised by means of three diagnostic techniques: beam emission spectroscopy (BES), the experimental calorimeter mini-STRIKE and a copper calorimeter. The main beam parameters—beam divergence, homogeneity and top–bottom asymmetries—are studied in different operational scenarios: with different magnetic filter field setups, source settings and with different gases (hydrogen or deuterium). Among all dependences, the influence of the magnetic field configuration on the beam and the evolution of the beam features during some conditioning days are investigated in detail. Data show that the stronger the filter field in the beam region, the higher the beam top–bottom asymmetry—likely a

v
×
B

effect. During the conditioning of the source, such vertical beam asymmetry increases as well, suggesting an inhomogeneous H
−production at the first grid of the extraction system.
An isomorphism lemma for graded rings
Authors: Bell Jason , Zhang James
Published: May 2016

Let

A
A

and

B
B

be two connected graded algebras finitely generated in degree one. If

A
A

is isomorphic to

B
B

as ungraded algebras, then they are also isomorphic to each other as graded algebras.
A quadratic hypergeometric ₂𝐹₁ transformation over finite fields
Authors: Evans Ron , Greene John
Published: May 2016

In 1984, the second author conjectured a quadratic transformation formula which relates two hypergeometric

2

F
1

{}_2\hspace {-1pt}F_1

functions over a finite field

F

q

\mathbb {F}_q

. We prove this conjecture in Theorem 2. The proof depends on a new linear transformation formula for pseudo-hypergeometric functions over

F

q

\mathbb {F}_q

. Theorem 2 is then applied to give an elegant new transformation formula (Theorem 3) for

2

F
1

{}_2\hspace {-1pt}F_1

functions over finite fields.
Comparative Study of the Efficacy of Olmesartan/Amlodipine vs. Perindopril/Amlodipine in Peripheral and Central Blood Pressure Parameters After Missed Dose in Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: Redon Josep , Pichler Gernot
Published: May 2016

BACKGROUND

Central aortic blood pressure (CBP) and CBP-derived parameters are independent predictors of cardiovascular risk. Angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs) or angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors plus calcium channel blockers are the recommended first-line treatments in hypertensive diabetic patients; however, the effect in reducing CBP when a dose is skipped has not been established yet. The aim was to determine whether the fixed-dose combination of olmesartan/amlodipine (OLM/AML) provides equal efficacy and safety as the perindopril/AML (PER/AML) combination in reducing CBP, augmentation index (AIx), and pulse wave velocity (PWV) when a drug dose is missed.

METHODS

In this noninferiority, randomized, double-blind, double-dummy parallel group, controlled design trial, 88 patients received either OLM 20–40mg/AML 5–10mg (41 patients) or PER 4–8mg/AML 5–10mg (47 patients) for 24 weeks. The main endpoint was the aortic systolic BP (SBP) after 24 weeks of treatment at 48 hours from the last administration.

RESULTS

The OLM/AML combination reached the noninferiority criteria in reducing central systolic BP after 24 weeks of treatment and after the missed dose, compared to the PER/AML combination (−17 and −8mm Hg, respectively). Peripheral BP, AIx, and PWV were significantly lower in both groups after 24 weeks of treatment and 48 hours after the missed dose, observing a trend to a greater reduction in CBP-derived parameters in the OLM/AML group.

CONCLUSIONS

The OLM/AML combination is safe, well tolerated, and not inferior to the combination of PER/AML in lowering CBP and CBP-derived parameters in diabetic patients. OLM/AML provides longer-lasting efficacy in terms of CBP reduction compared to PER/AML.
Measuring Diversity of the National Institutes of Health–Funded Workforce
Authors: Heggeness Misty L. , Evans Lisa , Pohlhaus Jennifer Reineke , Mills Sherry L.
Published: May 2016

Purpose

To measure diversity within the National Institutes of Health (NIH)-funded workforce. The authors use a relevant labor market perspective to more directly understand what the NIH can influence in terms of enhancing diversity through NIH policies.

Method

Using the relevant labor market (defined as persons with advanced degrees working as biomedical scientists in the United States) as the conceptual framework, and informed by accepted economic principles, the authors used the American Community Survey and NIH administrative data to calculate representation ratios of the NIH-funded biomedical workforce from 2008 to 2012 by race, ethnicity, sex, and citizenship status, and compared this against the pool of characteristic individuals in the potential labor market.

Results

In general, the U.S. population during this time period was an inaccurate comparison group for measuring diversity of the NIH-funded scientific workforce. Measuring accurately, we found the representation of women and traditionally underrepresented groups in NIH-supported postdoc fellowships and traineeships and mentored career development programs was greater than their representation in the relevant labor market. The same analysis found these demographic groups are less represented in the NIH-funded independent investigator pool.

Conclusions

Although these findings provided a picture of the current NIH-funded workforce and a foundation for understanding the federal role in developing, maintaining, and renewing diverse scientific human resources, further study is needed to identify whether junior- and early-stage investigators who are part of more diverse cohorts will naturally transition into independent NIH-funded investigators, or whether they will leave the workforce before achieving independent researcher status.
A Big Data and Learning Analytics Approach to Process-Level Feedback in Cognitive Simulations
Authors: Pecaric Martin , Boutis Kathy , Beckstead Jason , Pusic Martin
Published: May 2016

Collecting and analyzing large amounts of process data for the purposes of education can be considered a big data/learning analytics (BD/LA) approach to improving learning. However, in the education of health care professionals, the application of BD/LA is limited to date. The authors discuss the potential advantages of the BD/LA approach for the process of learning via cognitive simulations. Using the lens of a cognitive model of radiograph interpretation with four phases (orientation, searching/scanning, feature detection, and decision making), they reanalyzed process data from a cognitive simulation of pediatric ankle radiography where 46 practitioners from three expertise levels classified 234 cases online. To illustrate the big data component, they highlight the data available in a digital environment (time-stamped, click-level process data). Learning analytics were illustrated using algorithmic computer-enabled approaches to process-level feedback.

For each phase, the authors were able to identify examples of potentially useful BD/LA measures. For orientation, the trackable behavior of re-reviewing the clinical history was associated with increased diagnostic accuracy. For searching/scanning, evidence of skipping views was associated with an increased false-negative rate. For feature detection, heat maps overlaid on the radiograph can provide a metacognitive visualization of common novice errors. For decision making, the measured influence of sequence effects can reflect susceptibility to bias, whereas computer-generated path maps can provide insights into learners’ diagnostic strategies.

In conclusion, the augmented collection and dynamic analysis of learning process data within a cognitive simulation can improve feedback and prompt more precise reflection on a novice clinician’s skill development.
Outcomes From the NIH Clinical Research Training Program: A Mentored Research Experience to Enhance Career Development of Clinician–Scientists
Authors: Ognibene Frederick P. , Gallin John I. , Baum Bruce J. , Wyatt Richard G. , Gottesman Michael M.
Published: May 2016

Purpose

Clinician–scientists are considered an endangered species for many reasons, including challenges with establishing and maintaining a career pipeline. Career outcomes from yearlong medical and dental students’ research enrichment programs have not been well determined. Therefore, the authors assessed career and research outcome data from a cohort of participants in the National Institutes of Health (NIH) Clinical Research Training Program (CRTP).

Method

The CRTP provided a yearlong mentored clinical or translational research opportunity for 340 medical and dental students. Of these, 135 completed their training, including fellowships, from 1997 to January 2014. Data for 130 of 135 were analyzed: time conducting research, types of public funding (NIH grants), and publications from self-reported surveys that were verified via the NIH Research Portfolio Online Reporting Tools Web site and PubMed.

Results

Nearly two-thirds (84 of 130) indicated that they were conducting research, and over half of the 84 (approximately one-third of the total cohort) spent more than 25% of time conducting research. Of those 84, over 25% received grant support from the NIH, and those further in their careers published more scholarly manuscripts.

Conclusions

Data suggest that the CRTP helped foster the careers of research-oriented medical and dental students as measured by time conducting research, successful competition for federal funding, and the publication of their research. Longer follow-up is warranted to assess the impact of these mentored research experiences. Investments in mentored research programs for health professional students are invaluable to support the dwindling pipeline of biomedical researchers and clinician–scientists.
Prognostic significance of nestin in primary malignant melanoma of the oral cavity
Authors: Kuk Su Kyung , Won Chong Hyun , Lee Woo Jin , Shin Wui Jung , Yoon Hye Jung , Hong Seong Doo , Hong Sam Pyo , Lee Jae
Published: May 2016

Several studies have examined the correlation between nestin expression and the degree of tumor invasion in cutaneous melanoma. However, no information has been reported on nestin in primary mucosal melanoma of the head and neck. The present study examined the expression and prognostic significance of nestin in patients with primary mucosal melanoma of the oral cavity. Nestin expression was examined immunohistochemically in 39 patients (six oral melanoma in-situ cases and 33 invasive oral melanoma cases) and analyzed for association with disease progression. Age, sex, anatomic site, stage, level of invasion, regional lymph node metastasis, surgical margin involvement, and treatment modality were also analyzed. In the 33 invasive melanoma cases, invasion depth correlated significantly with prognosis in univariate and multivariate analyses. High-intensity nestin staining was observed in 14 of the 33 cases and a high proportion of nestin-positive cells was observed in 16 cases. In stage III oral melanoma cases, nestin expression was not significantly associated with disease progression. However, in stage IV cases, both the intensity and the proportion of nestin expression were significantly associated with disease progression (P=0.022 and 0.005, respectively). In all 33 invasive cases, multivariate analyses showed that both the intensity and the proportion of nestin were significantly associated with a poor prognosis (P=0.014 and 0.009; hazard ratio, 3.59 and 4.05; 95% confidence interval, 1.29–9.98 and 1.42–11.56, respectively). In conclusion, nestin can be a valuable prognostic indicator in the advanced-stage (stage IV) cases of oral mucosal melanoma.
Key Issues When Reconstructing Extensive Upper Eyelid Defects With Description of a Dynamic, Frontalis Turnover Flap
Authors: Stewart Christopher M. , Tan Lee Teak , Johnson David , Norris Jonathan H.
Published: May 2016

Reconstruction of full thickness, total upper eyelid defects represents a significant challenge in terms of recreating an upper eyelid which has acceptable cosmesis and a degree of dynamic function. Options include bridging, eyelid-sharing techniques (e.g., Cutler-Beard), or nonbridging techniques such as an anterior lamella-based flap combined with a posterior lamella free graft or a “sandwich flap.” The success of these techniques depends on the size of the defect, postoperative cosmesis and whether or not the upper eyelid still has a degree of dynamic function to avoid ptosis and exposure keratopathy. The authors present an innervated frontalis turnover flap supporting anterior and posterior lamella grafts as a reconstructive solution for an extensive upper eyelid defect. This technique is cosmetically acceptable, preserves local tissues, and maintains a degree of dynamic function, which keeps the patient’s eye comfortable and does not adversely affect visual acuity.
Group II mGluRs suppress hyperexcitability in mouse and human nociceptors
Authors: Davidson Steve , Golden Judith P. , Copits Bryan A. , Ray Pradipta R. , Vogt Sherri K. , Valtcheva Manouela V. , Schmidt Robert E. , Ghetti Andrea , Price Theodore J. , Gereau Robert W.
Published: May 2016

We introduce a strategy for preclinical research wherein promising targets for analgesia are tested in rodent and subsequently validated in human sensory neurons. We evaluate group II metabotropic glutamate receptors, the activation of which is efficacious in rodent models of pain. Immunohistochemical analysis showed positive immunoreactivity for mGlu2 in rodent dorsal root ganglia (DRG), peripheral fibers in skin, and central labeling in the spinal dorsal horn. We also found mGlu2-positive immunoreactivity in human neonatal and adult DRG. RNA-seq analysis of mouse and human DRG revealed a comparative expression profile between species for group II mGluRs and for opioid receptors. In rodent sensory neurons under basal conditions, activation of group II mGluRs with a selective group II agonist produced no changes to membrane excitability. However, membrane hyperexcitability in sensory neurons exposed to the inflammatory mediator prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) was prevented by (2R,4R)-4-aminopyrrolidine-2,4-dicarboxylate (APDC). In human sensory neurons from donors without a history of chronic pain, we show that PGE2 produced hyperexcitability that was similarly blocked by group II mGluR activation. These results reveal a mechanism for peripheral analgesia likely shared by mice and humans and demonstrate a translational research strategy to improve preclinical validation of novel analgesics using cultured human sensory neurons.
Nursing Interventions for Identifying and Managing Acute Dysphagia are Effective for Improving Patient Outcomes: A Systematic Review Update
Authors: Hines Sonia , Kynoch Kate , Munday Judy
Published: May 2016

Background: Dysphagia, or difficulty in swallowing, is a serious and life-threatening medical condition that affects a significant number of individuals with acute neurological impairment, largely from stroke. Dysphagia is not generally considered a major cause of mortality; however, the complications that result from this medical condition, namely, aspiration pneumonia and malnutrition, are among the most common causes of death in the older adults. Methods: This is an update of an existing systematic review. The standard systematic review methods of the Joanna Briggs Institute were used. Methods were specified in advance in a published protocol. A wide range of databases were searched for quantitative research articles examining the effectiveness of nursing interventions to identify and manage dysphagia in adult patients with acute neurological dysfunction, published between 2008 and 2013. Results: Four new studies were added in this update, for a total of 15 included studies. Strong evidence was found to show that nurse-initiated dysphagia screening is effective for reducing chest infections in patients with dysphagia (odds ratio [OR] = 0.45, 95% CI [0.33, 0.62], p < .00001). Nurse-initiated dysphagia screening by trained nurses may be effective for detection of dysphagia, and training nurses in dysphagia screening improves the number and accuracy of screens conducted. The presence of formal dysphagia guidelines in a health facility is likely to reduce inpatient deaths (OR = 0.60, 95% CI [0.43, 0.84], p = .003) and chest infections (OR = 0.68, 95% CI [0.51, 0.90], p = .008); however, it does not appear that formal guidelines have an effect on length of stay. Conclusions: Nurse-initiated dysphagia screening for patients with acute neurological dysfunction is effective for a range of important patient outcomes. The presence of formal guidelines for the identification and management of dysphagia may have a significant effect on serious adverse outcomes such as chest infections and death. Training nurses to conduct dysphagia screening will improve patient outcomes.