bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Direct-To-Consumer DNA testing of 6,000 dogs reveals 98.6-kb duplication causing blue eyes and heterochromia in Siberian Huskies
Authors: Deane-Coe P. E. , Chu E. T. , Boyko A. R. , Sams A. J.
Published: January 2018

Consumer genomics enables genetic discovery on an unprecedented scale by linking very large databases of personal genomic data with phenotype information voluntarily submitted via web-based surveys1. These databases are having a transformative effect on human genomic research, yielding insights on increasingly complex traits, behaviors, and disease by including many thousands of individuals in genome-wide association studies (GWAS)2, 3. The promise of consumer genomic data is not limited to human research, however. Genomic tools for dogs are readily available, with hundreds of causal Mendelian variants already characterized4–6, because selection and breeding have led to dramatic phenotypic diversity underlain by a simple genetic structure7, 8. Here, we report the results of the first consumer genomics study ever conducted in a non-human model: a GWAS of blue eyes based on more than 3,000 customer dogs with a validation panel of nearly 3,000 more, the largest canine GWAS to date. We discovered a novel association with blue eyes on chromosome 18 (P= 1x10-65) and used both sequence coverage and microarray probe intensity data to identify the putative causal variant: a 98.6-kb duplication directly upstream of the hox geneALX4, which plays an important role in mammalian eye development9, 10. This duplication was largely restricted to Siberian Huskies and is highly, but not completely, penetrant. These results underscore the power of consumer-data-driven discovery in nonhuman species, especially dogs, where there is intense owner interest in the personal genomic information of their pets, a high level of engagement with web-based surveys, and an underlying genetic architecture ideal for mapping studies.
Establishment of locally adapted mutations under divergent selection
Authors: Tomasini Matteo , Peischl Stephan
Published: January 2018

We study the establishment probabilities of locally adapted mutations using a multitype branching process framework. We find a surprisingly simple and intuitive analytical approximation for the establishment probabilities in a symmetric two-deme model under the assumption of weak (positive) selection. This is the first analytical closed-form approximation for arbitrary migration rate to appear in the literature. We find that the establishment probability lies between the weak and the strong migration limits if we condition the origin of the mutation to the deme where it is advantageous. This is not the case when we condition the mutation to first occur in a deme where it is disadvantageous. In this case we find that an intermediate migration rate maximizes the probability of establishment. We extend our results to the cases of multiple demes, two demes with asymmetric rates of gene flow, and asymmetric carrying capacities. The latter case allows us to illustrate how density regulation can affect establishment probabilities. Finally we use our results to investigate the role of gene flow on the rate of local adaptation and identify cases in which intermediate amounts of gene flow facilitate the rate of local adaptation as compared to two populations without gene flow.
Viromic analysis of wastewater input to a river catchment reveals a diverse assemblage of RNA viruses
Authors: Adriaenssens Evelien M. , Farkas Kata , Harrison Christian , Jones David L. , Allison Heather E. , McCarthy Alan J.
Published: January 2018

Detection of viruses in the environment is heavily dependent on PCR-based approaches that require reference sequences for primer design. While this strategy can accurately detect known viruses, it will not find novel genotypes, nor emerging and invasive viral species. In this study, we investigated the use of viromics, i.e. high-throughput sequencing of the biosphere viral fraction, to detect human/animal pathogenic RNA viruses in the Conwy river catchment area in Wales, UK. Using a combination of filtering and nuclease treatment, we extracted the viral fraction from wastewater, estuarine river water and sediment, followed by RNASeq analysis on the Illumina HiSeq platform for the discovery of RNA virus genomes. We found a higher richness of RNA viruses in wastewater samples than in river water and sediment, and assembled a complete norovirus GI.2 genome from wastewater effluent, which was not contemporaneously detected by conventional qRT-PCR. To our knowledge, this is the first environmentally-derived norovirus genome sequence to be available from a public database. The simultaneous presence of diverse rotavirus signatures in wastewater indicated the potential for zoonotic infections in the area and suggested run-off from pig farms as a possible origin of these viruses. Our results show that viromics can be an important tool in the discovery of pathogenic viruses in the environment and can be used to inform and optimize reference-based detection methods provided appropriate and rigorous controls are included.

Importance

Enteric viruses cause gastro-intestinal illness and are commonly transmitted through the faecal-oral route. When wastewater is released into river systems, these viruses can contaminate the environment. Our results show that we can use viromics to find the range of potentially pathogenic viruses that are present in the environment and identify prevalent genotypes. The ultimate goal is to trace the fate of these pathogenic viruses from origin to the point where they are a threat to human health, informing reference-based detection methods and water quality management.
Sex chromosome trisomies are not associated with atypical lateralisation for language
Authors: Wilson Alexander C. , Bishop Dorothy V. M.
Published: January 2018

Aim

Individuals with a sex chromosome trisomy (SCT) have disproportionate problems with language compared to nonverbal skills. This may result from disruption to the typical left hemisphere bias for language processing. We tested the hypothesis that SCTs would be associated with reduced left lateralisation for language.

Method

In a cross-sectional design, language laterality was measured during an animation description task using functional transcranial Doppler ultrasonography (fTCD). Data were available for 75 children with an SCT (26 47,XXX girls, 25 47,XXY boys, and 24 47,XYY boys; mean age was 11;4 years, SD = 3;10 years), and 132 comparison children with typical karyotypes (69 boys; mean age was 9;1 years, SD = 1;7 years).

Results

Lateralisation for language did not differ between the SCT and comparison groups, either in mean laterality index or relative frequency of each laterality category (left, bilateral and right). There were no differences when splitting the SCT group by trisomy. Handedness also showed no group effects.

Interpretation

Our data provide no evidence for disrupted lateralisation for language in SCTs. The brain basis of the cognitive phenotype in SCTs is unlikely to be a failure of the left hemisphere to specialise for language, as previously suggested.

What this paper adds

Children with a sex chromosome trisomy (SCT) have typically lateralised language.

This disconfirms theories linking language problems to hemispheric specialization in SCTs
Dissociable medial temporal pathways for encoding emotional item and context information
Authors: Ritchey Maureen , Wang Shao-Fang , Yonelinas Andrew P. , Ranganath Charan
Published: January 2018

Emotional experiences are typically remembered with a greater sense of recollection than neutral experiences, but memory benefits for emotional items do not typically extend to their source contexts. Item and source memory have been attributed to different subregions of the medial temporal lobes (MTL), but it is unclear how emotional item recollection fits into existing models of MTL function and, in particular, what is the role of the hippocampus. To address these issues, we used high-resolution functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) to examine MTL contributions to successful emotional item and context encoding. The results showed that emotional items were recollected more often than neutral items. Whereas amygdala and perirhinal cortex (PRC) activity supported the recollection advantage for emotional items, hippocampal and parahippocampal cortex activity predicted subsequent source memory for both types of items, reflecting a double dissociation between anterior and posterior MTL regions. In addition, amygdala activity during encoding modulated the relationships of PRC activity and hippocampal activity to subsequent item recollection and source memory, respectively. Specifically, whereas PRC activity best predicted subsequent item recollection when amygdala activity was relatively low, hippocampal activity best predicted source memory when amygdala activity was relatively high. We interpret these findings in terms of complementary compared to synergistic amygdala-MTL interactions. The results suggest that emotion-related enhancements in item recollection are supported by an amygdala-PRC pathway, which is separable from the hippocampal pathway that binds items to their source context.
Sampling Neuron Morphologies
Authors: Farhoodi Roozbeh , Kording Konrad Paul
Published: January 2018

The intricate morphology of neurons has fascinated since the dawn of neuroscience, and yet, it is hard to synthesize them. Current algorithms typically define a growth process with parameters that allow matching aspects of the morphologies. However, such algorithmic growth processes are far simpler than the biological ones. What is needed is an algorithm that, given a database of morphologies, produces more of those. Here, we introduce a generator for neuron morphologies that is based on a statistical sampling process. Our Reversible Jump Markov chain Monte Carlo (RJMCMC) method starts with a trivial neuron and iteratively perturbs the morphology bringing the features close to those of the database. By quantifying the statistics of the generated neurons, we find that it outperforms growth-based models for many features. Good generative models for neuron morphologies promise to be important both for neural simulations and for morphology reconstructions from imaging data.
Molecular correlates of separate components of training that contribute to long-term memory formation after learning that food is inedible in Aplysia
Authors: Briskin-Luchinsky Valeria , Levy Roi , Halfon Maayan , Susswein Abraham J.
Published: January 2018

Training Aplysia with inedible food for a period that is too brief to produce long-term memory becomes effective in producing memory when training is paired with a nitric oxide (NO) donor. Lip stimulation for the same period of time paired with an NO donor is ineffective. Using qPCR, we examined molecular correlates of brief training versus lip stimulation, of treatment with an NO donor versus saline, and of the combined stimuli producing long-term memory. Changes were examined in mRNA expression of Aplysia homologs of C/EBP, CREB1, CREB1α, CREB1β, and CREB2, in both the buccal and cerebral ganglia controlling feeding. Both the brief training and the NO donor increased expression of C/EBP, CREB1, CREB1α, and CREB1β, but not CREB2 in the buccal ganglia. For CREB1α, there was a significant interaction between the effects of the brief training and of the NO donor. In addition, the NO donor, but not brief training, increased expression of all of the genes in the cerebral ganglion. These findings show that the components of learning that alone do not produce memory produce molecular changes in different ganglia. Thus, long-term memory is likely to arise by both additive and interactive increases in gene expression.
The role of physical metaphors for decision-making in integrated corporate communication
Authors: Siano Alfonso , Vollero Agostino , Della Volpe Maddalena , Confetto Maria Giovanna , Foroudi Pantea , Palazzo Maria
Published: January 2018

Purpose

The role of metaphors in information management has generally been acknowledged owing to their ability to convey immediately huge amounts of information and richness. Their role is more and more important in the current digital context of communication and marketing activities, as the decision speed and accuracy are crucial. The purpose of this study is, thus, to analyze physical metaphors as tools for making sequential decisions to achieve effective integrated corporate communication (ICC).

Design/methodology/approach

The paper draws on the critical analysis of literature on corporate communication and stakeholder management as building blocks for implementing an integrated approach to corporate communications.

Findings

A revision of two well-known physical metaphors in the communication literature (the “wheel” and “umbrella”) has been proposed. It is argued that integrated communication within corporate communications is more complex than in marketing communications, as it involves a greater variety of elements to coordinate and harmonize. The proposed physical metaphors suggest an effective sequential decision-making as they allow a clear distinction between different decision levels.

Research limitations/implications

The paper adds to the debate on the link between theory and practice of ICC. From a practical standpoint, the proposed metaphors as simple and concrete tools for handling complex information and ICC problems could aid novice practitioners and students of corporate communications courses.

Originality/value

The paper shows that while scholars have concurred that ICC is crucial for different type of organizations, the use of physical metaphors can be beneficial for the reality-based challenge of ICC.
The objectives of corporate insolvency law: lessons for Uganda
Authors: Nyombi Chrispas
Published: January 2018

Purpose

This paper aims to provide guidance to law reformers in Uganda on the best approach to insolvency law reform and the objectives that should be furthered.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper provides a literature review.

Findings

A balance of various objectives serves the purpose of a modern insolvency law system.

Originality/value

These findings would enable future reforms in Uganda to be streamlined towards a particular objective rather than a general approach to insolvency regulation.
Analysis of entrepreneurship perception and business developmental strategy of silk in Wajo Regency, South Sulawesi, Indonesia
Authors: Kadir Nuraeni
Published: January 2018

Purpose

This paper aims to investigate the entrepreneurship perception and business developmental strategy of silk business in Wajo Regency, South Sulawesi Province, Indonesia.

Design/methodology/approach

The study subject was the silk industry located in Wajo Regency, South Sulawesi Province. The study population was 544 silk weavers running the business of silk weaving. The study sample consisted of 235 respondents. To prove the hypothesis stated by the author, the canvas business model analysis method was used to identify entrepreneurship perception, and SWOT (strength, weaknesses, opportunities and threats) analysis was conducted to understand the potential of the strategy of weaving business development in Wajo Regency, South Sulawesi Province, Indonesia.

Findings

Business model canvas (BMC) is a complex business model that becomes simple through a canvas approach, drawing a sheet of the canvas containing a map of nine elements (box), allowing businessmen to identify the business potential. The nine elements of the canvas that should be understood and considered for running a business are customer segment, value proportion, channel, customer relationship, revenue steam, key resource, key activities, key partnership and cost structure. To improve farmers’ entrepreneurship perception, it would be nice for the weavers who run the silk business should constantly consider the nine elements of BMCso that in running their businesses, they can understand different considerations and create a progressive and developing silk industry.

Originality/value

This research is about merger two concept of business development in entrepreneurship to increase revenues, with the location of study as originality (no previous research for this relationship): Auditor in Wajo regency South Sulawesi Province in Indonesia. Based on the background stated above, this study aims to analyze entrepreneurship perception and silk industry developmental strategy in Wajo Regency, South Sulawesi Province, Indonesia.
The role of cooperative development strategy to improving the success of village cooperative (KUD) in Riau Indonesia
Authors: Hendriani Susi
Published: January 2018

Purpose

The purposes of this research are to investigate the relationship between strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats (SWOT) and development strategy and the relationship between development strategy and the success of Koperasi Unit Desa (KUD).

Design/methodology/approach

The sample population in this research is a village cooperative (KUD) that is located in the Indragiri Hulu Regency region. Withdrawal of the sample that is selected in this research is conducted by using the random sample method that is graded proportionately. This is done because this research has a homogeneous objective (Nazir, 1983, p. 346) and the sample retrieved is as much as 31 village cooperatives (KUD). The analysis method that is used to answer the research hypothesis is path analysis, which consists of two regression equations, namely, the influence of the variables of strength (X1), weakness (X2), opportunity (X3) and threat (X4) on the development strategy (Y1) variable and the influence of the development strategy (Y1) variable on the success of village cooperative (KUD) (Y2) variable by the hypothesis that is presented in a conceptual diagram.

Findings

The SWOT variable has a significance influence on the development strategy variable in the cooperative in Indragiri Hulu Regency, Riau Province, either partially or simultaneously. And among the variables, the development strategy variable has a significant influence on the success of village cooperative (KUD) in Indragiri Hulu Regency, Riau Province. Also, it was found that the SWOT variable has an indirect influence on the success of village cooperative (KUD) in Indragiri Hulu Regency, Riau Province.

Originality/value

To the authors’ knowledge, this is the first paper to test the relation between SWOT and the development strategy and the performance of village cooperatives in Indragiri Hulu Regency, Indonesia.
Association between older adults’ functional performance and their scores on the Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE) and Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA)
Authors: Yu Sze Tim Sonia , Yu Mong-lin , Brown Ted , Andrews Hanna
Published: January 2018

Purpose

The paper aims to investigate if the performance of older adults on the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) and the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) were associated or predictive of their functional performance in a geriatric evaluation and management (GEM) inpatient hospital setting. This will inform the occupational therapy assessment and management of older adults admitted to sub-acute GEM settings.

Design/methodology/approach

In all, 20 participants (11 men, 9 women, mean age 82 years, SD = 6.93) were recruited from a GEM ward in an Australian hospital. Participants’ cognitive abilities were assessed using the MMSE and MoCA, and their functional performance were assessed using the Functional Independence Measure (FIM). Spearman’s rho correlations and linear regression analyses were completed. Bootstrapping was applied to the regression analyses to accommodate the small study sample size.

Findings

No statistically significant correlations were obtained between the total and subscale scores of the MMSE and FIM or between the total and subscale scores of the MoCA and FIM. In other words, the cognitive and functional abilities of older adults admitted to a GEM setting were not significantly associated in this study.

Originality/value

The findings suggest that the MoCA and the MMSE were not predictive of participants’ functional performance as measure by the FIM in a sub-acute GEM setting. Occupational therapists should be cautious when interpreting participants’ MMSE, MoCA and FIM results and not depend solely on these results in the goal setting and intervention planning processes for clients on GEM wards. Further studies are recommended to confirm these findings.
Bank financing and innovative development of Russian circumpolar area
Authors: Pogodaeva Taisya , Baburina Natalia , Dmitrieva Anna
Published: January 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to study the impact of bank financing on innovative development of Russian circumpolar area and identifying the barriers to its development.

Design/methodology/approach

Using the abstract-logical method and a set of methods of economic, statistical and econometric analysis (panel data analysis) the authors examine the role of financial intermediaries in innovative development of Russia and Russian arctic regions.

Findings

The key financial intermediaries in the Russian economy have historically been the banks, which are, at the same time, as it follows from the analysis above, inertly participating in the innovative development financing in the Russian circumpolar regions. Assessment of the potential intensification of the role of banks in the innovative ecosystems has shown that, despite the development of institutional conditions of banks’ resource base compounding and the development of funding, high risks of innovation, multiplying in a volatile external environment, prevent the inflow of bank capital into the innovation sector.

Research limitations/implications

Main limitation is the inability of panel data to capture long-term impacts of bank financing on innovative development of Russian circumpolar area.

Practical implications

The results suggest that the intensification of the banks’ participation in financing innovation and overcoming the existing challenges will enable to stimulate the process of innovation development of the circumpolar zone in Russia.

Originality/value

There is no study evaluating the impact of bank financing on innovative development of Russian arctic regions.
Factor accumulation and economic growth in Pakistan: incorporating human capital
Authors: Munir Kashif , Arshad Shahzad
Published: January 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the long-run and short-run relationship between factor accumulation (i.e. physical capital and human capital) and economic growth by calculating the stocks of human capital and real physical capital.

Design/methodology/approach

The study uses endogenous growth model, where GDP per worker is the dependent variable and factor accumulation (real physical capital per worker and human capital) is the explanatory variable under the autoregressive distributive lag framework from 1973 to 2014 for Pakistan.

Findings

The results suggest that there is a long-run relationship between factor accumulation and GDP per worker in Pakistan. Findings of the study are consistent with the endogenous growth model suggesting that accumulation of human capital increases labor productivity, employment level and per capita income, and causes economic growth.

Practical implications

Developing countries like Pakistan should increase share of human capital for economic development. Government should invest in the education sector because investment in human capital has a large potential of productivity growth and welfare increase in developing countries.

Originality/value

This study challenges the notion of human capital and real physical capital stock used by different researchers. Considering human capital as a core factor of production, a series of human capital as average year of schooling is calculated by utilizing the perpetual inventory method.
Systematic curriculum integration of sustainable development using life cycle approaches
Authors: Roure Bastien , Anand Chirjiv , Bisaillon Véronique , Amor Ben
Published: January 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to provide a consistent and systematic integration framework of sustainable development (SD) in a civil engineering (CE) curriculum, given the connection between the two. Curriculum integration is a challenging project and requires the development of certain protocols to ensure success.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper thus proposes a framework for the systematic integration of SD through the lenses of life cycle approach and associated tools to attain effective curriculum integration. The proposed framework suggests the following five steps: mapping the curriculum, setting learning targets, developing an action plan for the assessed program, implementing the action plan and assessing the final performance.

Findings

This framework was applied to the CE curriculum at Sherbrooke University. To assess its success, a student satisfaction survey was conducted, and teachers’ feedback was obtained; the results showed 85 per cent positive responses. The authors show how this study allowed the CE curriculum to be properly updated and brought in line with today’s engineering profession requirements with regard to SD.

Originality/value

The integration focuses on the application of life cycle approaches and tools such as environmental life cycle assessment and life cycle costing on CE content. Additionally, the presented approach can be easily adapted to other engineering curriculums and, to a certain extent, to other non-engineering curriculums.
Social marketing through a music festival
Authors: Jutbring Henrik
Published: January 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine a social marketing initiative pursued by the privately owned Swedish music festival Way Out West during 2012-2014. This paper’s aim is to explore how events can support individual behaviour changes, and it seeks to assess the effects of Way Out West, as well as to understand what motivated visitors to change.

Design/methodology/approach

The theoretical lens of perceived consumer value (Holbrook, 1999) as the individual outcome of a social marketing exchange is used for the analysis. The paper uses a mix of quantitative and qualitative methods; a Web survey (n= 1757) monitors self-reported behaviour over time, and in-depth interviews are conducted with a handful visitors who reduced regular meat consumption.

Findings

The results of this paper suggest that the initiative was a strong inspiration for 15 per cent of the sample (corresponding to ca. 9,300 festival visitors who decreased their meat consumption 2012-2014). It was evident that these “Decreasers” perceived functional, emotional, social and altruistic value as outcomes of changed behaviour. The paper identifies and discusses links between the adoption of a new behaviour in the temporal non-ordinary setting of a music festival and the endurance of the behaviour in a mundane environment.

Originality/value

This paper examines self-perceived effects on behaviour that a private social marketing initiative had on consumers. The paper contributes by applying Holbrook’s (1999) theoretical framework of perceived consumer value to empirical context, by investigating hedonic aspects of social marketing consumption in the non-ordinary setting of a music festival. The paper discusses how a temporarily adopted behaviour continues to create value for consumers, when maintained in ordinary life.
Leaf hydraulic parameters are more plastic in species that experience a wider range of leaf water potentials
Authors: Johnson Daniel M. , Berry Z. Carter , Baker Kathryn V. , Smith Duncan D. , McCulloh Katherine A. , Domec Jean‐Christophe
Published: January 2018

Many plant species experience large differences in soil moisture availability within a season, potentially leading to a wide range of leaf water potentials (ΨLEAF). In order to decrease the risk of leaf dehydration, among species, there is a continuum ranging from strict control (isohydry) to little control (anisohydry) of minimum ΨLEAF.

In central Texas USA, species are exposed to a range of soil moisture from wet springs to hot, dry summers. There are diverging water management strategies among the four dominant woody species in this system; two of these species are more isohydric (Prosopis glandulosa, Quercus fusiformis) while two others are more anisohydric (Diospyros texana, Juniperus asheii).

To maintain leaf turgor and photosynthesis during periods of limited soil moisture, anisohydric species may adjust leaf hydraulic parameters more than isohydric species. To test this hypothesis, we quantified iso/anisohydry from 3 years of ΨLEAF predawn and midday measurements, and we measured the changes in turgor loss points (ΨTLP), osmotic potential at full hydration (Ψπ100), and resistance to leaf hydraulic dysfunction (leaf P50) throughout the spring and summer of 2016.

Diospyros and Juniperus experienced more negative ΨLEAF and adjusted ΨTLP and Ψπ100 in response to both drying soils during the summer also in response to rainfall events during September. In contrast, the more isohydric species (Quercus and Prosopis) did not appear to adjust ΨTLP or Ψπ100 in response to soil moisture. The more anisohydric species also adjusted leaf P50 during periods of reduced soil moisture.

Our results suggest that species that experience wider ranges of ΨLEAF have a greater ability to alter leaf hydraulic properties. This provides insight on how species with different strategies for water potential regulation may modify properties to mitigate drought effects in the future.

A plain language summary is available for this article.
Biological traits explain bryophyte species distributions and responses to forest fragmentation and climatic variation
Authors: Löbel Swantje , Mair Louise , Lönnell Niklas , Schröder Boris , Snäll Tord
Published: January 2018

Forest ecosystems have been subjected to intensive exploitation, and on top of these land use‐driven habitat alterations, there is an ongoing and rapid climate change. Understanding why environmental responses differ across species and how differences are mediated by species’ traits is crucial for predicting the complex effects of global change on forest biodiversity.

We used (1) single‐species distribution models and (2) multispecies predictive fourth‐corner models of varying complexity to identify critical response traits of dead wood inhabiting bryophytes and to quantify species’ relationships with climatic and forest landscape variation. We hypothesized that reproductive and life‐history traits would be mainly linked with forest connectivity, whereas morphological traits would mostly relate to (micro‐)climatic variation.

The inferred trait–environment relationships based on the different fourth‐corner models were consistent. Unexpectedly, reproduction modes were more closely linked to climatic and habitat factors than to forest connectivity. Sexual reproduction was positively related to high temperatures and broadleaf trees, but negatively to high amounts of precipitation. The opposite was true for species which predominantly, or additionally, reproduce asexually. Bryophyte life‐forms were related to both habitat and climatic conditions. The positive relationship of shoot length with both high temperatures and high amounts of precipitation suggested that competitive exclusion is important in determining trailing edges of dead wood inhabiting bryophytes.

Synthesis. Differences in physiological tolerances obviously play a much greater role in shaping the distributional pattern of bryophyte species with different reproductive systems than previously thought. Evidence suggests that current geographic ranges were primarily determined by physiological tolerances and competitive abilities. Species’ relationships with forest connectivity were complex and determined by the combination of reproductive traits with other critical species’ properties. Given the different species’ relationships with climatic gradients, and the varying species’ dispersal and competitive capacities, we expect clear changes in metacommunity composition following climate change and an overall decrease in the diversity of dead wood inhabiting bryophytes in Sweden.
Shock and stabilisation following long‐term drought in tropical forest from 15 years of litterfall dynamics
Authors: Rowland Lucy , da Costa Antonio C. L. , Oliveira Alex A. R. , Almeida Samuel S. , Ferreira Leandro V. , Malhi Yadvinder , Metcalfe Dan B. , Mencuccini Maurizio , Grace John , Meir Patrick
Published: January 2018

Litterfall dynamics in tropical forests are a good indicator of overall tropical forest function, indicative of carbon invested in both photosynthesising tissues and reproductive organs such as flowers and fruits. These dynamics are sensitive to changes in climate, such as drought, but little is known about the long‐term responses of tropical forest litterfall dynamics to extended drought stress.

We present a 15‐year dataset of litterfall (leaf, flower and fruit, and twigs) from the world's only long‐running drought experiment in tropical forest. This dataset comprises one of the longest published litterfall time series in natural forest, which allows the long‐term effects of drought on forest reproduction and canopy investment to be explored.

Over the first 4 years of the experiment, the experimental soil moisture deficit created only a small decline in total litterfall and leaf fall (12% and 13%, respectively), but a very strong initial decline in reproductive litterfall (flowers and fruits) of 54%. This loss of flowering and fruiting was accompanied by a de‐coupling of all litterfall patterns from seasonal climate variables. However, following >10 years of the experimental drought, flower and fruiting re‐stabilised at levels greater than in the control plot, despite high tree mortality in the drought plot. Litterfall relationships with atmospheric drivers were re‐established alongside a strong new apparent trade‐off between litterfall and tree growth.

Synthesis. We demonstrate that this tropical forest went through an initial shock response during the first 4 years of intense drought, where reproductive effort was arrested and seasonal litterfall patterns were lost. However, following >10 years of experimental drought, this system appears to be re‐stabilising at a new functional state where reproduction is substantially elevated on a per tree basis; and there is a new strong trade‐off between investment in canopy production and wood production.
Community‐level flammability declines over 25 years of plant invasion in grasslands
Authors: Padullés Cubino Josep , Buckley Hannah L. , Day Nicola J. , Pieper Robin , Curran Timothy J.
Published: January 2018

Exotic plant invasions can alter fire regimes in plant communities. Invaders often possess traits that differ from native plants in the community, resulting in increases or declines in community‐level flammability, changing fire regimes and potentially causing long‐term modifications to plant community composition. Although considering traits of multiple invaders and native species together is useful to better understand how invasions change community‐level flammability, few studies have done this.

We measured morphological and flammability traits of 51 native and exotic plant species common in tussock grasslands in New Zealand's south‐eastern South Island to examine relationships between morphology and whole‐plant and shoot‐level flammability. Plant community data from 103 permanent transects in this region measured over a 25‐year period (c. 1982–2007) were used to determine how flammability changed with increasing levels of plant invasion.

Invasion by exotic plants has led to reduced community‐level flammability due to shifts from native tussock grasses with high flammability and high fuel loads to mat‐forming exotic forbs with low flammability and little fuel. These changes will likely lead to considerable alterations to the fire regime, resulting in lower intensity fires that burn more patchily and for shorter amounts of time, potentially causing further changes in floristic composition. We found considerable differences in flammability across the wide range of species and growth forms that we studied, emphasising the importance of quantifying species‐level flammability and the need to avoid treating grasslands as homogenous in terms of their flammability. Total biomass, leaf length and leaf area were the traits most positively correlated with flammability in these tussock grasslands.

Synthesis. We show how plant invasions over decadal time‐scales have reduced the community‐level flammability of tussock grasslands and, for the first time, demonstrate how this can be driven by exotic forbs. The total biomass of constituent species is a useful surrogate for community flammability across a wide range of species and growth forms in both temperate grasslands and savanna ecosystems and should be used in dynamic global vegetation models to assess how flammability varies under various global change scenarios.
Modelling of heat stability and heat‐induced aggregation of casein micelles in concentrated skim milk using a Weibullian model
Authors: Dumpler Joseph , Peraus Felicitas , Depping Verena , Stefánsdóttir Bryndís , Grunow Martin , Kulozik Ulrich
Published: January 2018

Heat stability is known to be limited in concentrated skim milk leading to severe coagulation and sediment formation during storage. It has often been found to be in conflict with the extension of the shelf life by thermal treatment. A Weibullian model was used to describe the course of coagulation of casein micelles in concentrated skim milk of different total solids and at different heating temperatures. A maximum heating temperature–time–total solids relationship was calculated based on a certain maximum allowance of sediment formation. Optimal heat treatment conditions for concentrated skim milk of different total solids content could be defined.
Effect of commercial tannin and a pornunça (Manihot spp.) silage‐based diet on the fatty acid profile of Saanen goats’ milk
Authors: de Lucena Alita R F , Menezes Daniel R , de Carvalho Dalinne T Q , Matos Jair C , Antonelli Alexandre C , de Moraes Salete A , Dias Francesca Silva , Queiroz Mario A Á , Rodrigues Rafael T S
Published: January 2018

The aim of this study was to evaluate the performance, milk composition, blood and urinary biochemical parameters and milk fatty acid profile of Saanen goats fed pornunça silage‐based diets containing different levels of tannin (11, 28, 36 and 44 g/kg dry matter). Intake of feed, milk production, milk composition and biochemical parameters were affected (P < 0.05). The content of 10:0, 12:0 and 14:0 fatty acids decreased, while those of 18:0, cis‐9 18:1, trans‐11 18:1, cis‐9, trans‐11 18:2 and cis‐9, cis‐12, cis‐15 18:3 increased as more tannin was added (P < 0.05). The ratio of unsaturated to saturated fatty acids increased, while the thrombogenicity and atherogenicity indices decreased as tannin was increased (P < 0.05). The inclusion of up to 28 g/kg of tannin was the most appropriate level to improve the fatty acid profiles of goats’ milk and prevent further falls in dry matter intake and milk production.
Best practice perioperative strategies and surgical techniques for preventing caesarean section surgical site infections: a systematic review of reviews and meta‐analyses
Authors: Martin EK , Beckmann MM , Barnsbee LN , Halton KA , Merollini KMD , Graves N
Published: January 2018

Background

Surgical site infection (SSI) following caesarean section is a problem for women and health services. Caesarean section is a high volume procedure and the estimated incidence of SSI may be as high as 9%.

Objectives

The objective of this study was to identify a suite of perioperative strategies and surgical techniques that reduce the risk of SSI following caesarean section.

Search strategy

Six electronic databases were searched to systematically review literature reviews, systematic reviews and meta‐analyses published from 2006 to 2016. Search terms included: endometritis, SSI, caesarean section, meta‐analysis, review, systematic.

Selection criteria

Studies were sought in which competing perioperative strategies and surgical techniques relevant for caesarean section were identified and quantifiable infection outcomes were reported. General infection control strategies were excluded.

Data collection and analysis

Data on study characteristics and clinical effectiveness were extracted. Quality, including bias within individual studies, was examined using a modified A Measurement Tool to Assess Systematic Reviews (AMSTAR) checklist. Recommendations for SSI risk‐reducing strategies were developed using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) approach.

Main results

Of 466 records retrieved, 44 studies were selected for the evidence synthesis. Recommended strategies were: administer pre‐incision antibiotic prophylaxis, prepare the vagina with iodine‐povidone solution and spontaneous placenta removal.

Conclusions

We recommend clinicians implement pre‐incision antibiotic prophylaxis, vaginal preparation and spontaneous placenta removal as an infection control bundle for caesarean section.

Funding

Queensland University of Technology.

Tweetable abstract

Infection control for caesarean: pre‐incision AB prophylaxis, vaginal prep, spontaneous placenta removal.
Estimation of Chronological Age from Postmortem Tissues Based on Amino Acid Racemization
Authors: Tiplamaz Sıtkı , Gören Mehmet Zafer , Yurtsever Nurşen Turan
Published: January 2018

Skin and cartilage tissue specimens from 32 male and 13 female corpses aged between 17 and 50 years were collected within 24 h after the death. Each specimen was analyzed for the composition of dextro (D) and levo (L) forms of aspartate, glutamate, and alanine. Linear regression models were constructed using ln [(1 + D/L)/(1 − D/L] equation to define the relationship between the extent of racemization and the chronological age. Aspartate D/L rates from cartilage showed high correlation (r = 0.779, p < 0.001, n = 45). Aspartate D/L rates from skin showed very low correlation (r = 0.356, p < 0.002, n = 44). The multilinear regression model of both aspartate D/L rates of cartilage and skin tissues in 44 cases yielded a coefficient of r = 0.828 (p < 0.001). In conclusion, only racemization rate of Aspartate both in the skin and the cartilage tissues correlated with the chronological age. Our results may imply that the age can be estimated more precisely if two different tissue specimens are obtained from one corpse.
Review article: Sepsis in the emergency department – Part 2: Investigations and monitoring
Authors: Shetty Amith , Macdonald Stephen PJ , Keijzers Gerben , Williams Julian M , Tang Benjamin , de Groot Bas , Thompson Kelly , Fraser John F , Finfer Simon , Bellomo Rinaldo , Iredell Jonathan
Published: January 2018

Sepsis is characterised by organ dysfunction resulting from infection, with no reliable single objective test and current diagnosis based on clinical features and results of investigations. In the ED, investigations may be conducted to diagnose infection as the cause of the presenting illness, identify the source, distinguish sepsis from uncomplicated infection (i.e. without organ dysfunction) and/ or risk stratification. Appropriate sample collection for microbiological testing remains key for subsequent confirmation of diagnosis and rationalisation of antimicrobials. Routine laboratory investigations such as creatinine, bilirubin, platelet count and lactate are now critical elements in the diagnosis of sepsis and septic shock. With no biomarker sufficiently validated to rule out bacterial infection in the ED, there remains substantial interest in biomarkers representing various pathogenic pathways. New technologies for screening multiple genes and proteins are identifying unique network ‘signatures’ of clinical interest. Other future directions include rapid detection of bacterial DNA in blood, genes for antibiotic resistance and EMR‐based computational biomarkers that collate multiple information sources. Reliable, cost‐effective tests, validated in the ED to promptly and accurately identify sepsis, and to guide initial antibiotic choices, are important goals of current research efforts.
Microbiological Quality and Safety of Fresh Fruits and Vegetables at Retail Levels in Korea
Authors: Tango Charles Nkufi , Wei Shuai , Khan Imran , Hussain Mohammad Shakhawat , Kounkeu Paul‐François Ngnitcho , Park Joong‐hyun , Kim Se‐hun , Oh Deog Hwan
Published: January 2018

The aim of this study was to evaluate the microbiological quality and safety of fresh produce at retail level in Korea in order to periodically update information and establish available risks associated with consumption of fresh fruits and vegetables. The samples from different markets located in 3 provinces of South Korea were collected. The protocol in the Korean Food Standards Codex was applied and generic Escherichia coli, coliforms, aerobic mesophilic bacteria (AMB), and yeast and mold (YM) in 360 packaged and unpackaged fresh fruits and vegetables were analyzed. Presence of pathogens was examined using real‐time polymerase chain reaction (q‐PCR) after enrichment of samples. For all, the microbial counts ranged from 1.7 to 10.6 log cfu/g for AMB, 2.2 to 7.9 log cfu/g for coliforms, and 5.5 to 7.9 log cfu/g for YM. Three lettuce samples were contaminated by E. coli with a bacterial load ranging from 2 to 4 log cfu/g. Salmonella spp. were not detected in any fresh produce. Listeria monocytogenes, E. coli O157:H7, and Staphylococcus aureus were found in 1 (0.6%), 3 (0.8%), and 5 (1.4%) fresh produce samples, respectively. Bacillus cereus (50.3%) and Clostridium perfringens (13.3%) had the highest prevalence. These results indicate the need for employing strict control measures and developing preventive strategies to improve the quality and safety of fresh produce in Korea.
Hepatoprotective Effects of the Honey of Apis cerana Fabricius on Bromobenzene‐Induced Liver Damage in Mice
Authors: Zhao Haoan , Cheng Ni , He Liangliang , Peng Guoxia , Liu Qingqing , Ma Tianchen , Cao Wei
Published: January 2018

Apis cerana honey (honey of Apis cerana Fabricius), widely distributed in the mountain areas of East Asia, has not been studied fully. The hepatoprotective activity of A. cerana honey was evaluated against bromobenzene‐induced liver damage in mice. In high dose, A. cerana honey can significantly alleviate liver injury, as is indicated by the depressed levels of serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) (59.13%) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) (79.71%), the inhibited malondialdehyde (MDA) content (63.30%), the elevated activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD) (73.12%) and glutathione‐Px (57.24%), and the decreased expression of Transforming growth factor β1 (51.83%) induced by bromobenzene (P < 0.05). The quantitative analysis of twelve major constituents (1 to 12) of A. cerana honey was executed by high performance liquid chromatography‐diode array detector. The results indicate that treatment with A. cerana honey can prevent bromobenzene‐induced hepatic damage in mice. Polyphenols might be the bioactive substances attributed to its antioxidant properties and intervention of oxidative stress.