bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Pollination and reproduction of Psychotria homalosperma, an endangered distylous tree endemic to the oceanic Bonin (Ogasawara) Islands, Japan
Authors: Watanabe Kenta , Kato Hidetoshi , Kuraya Eisuke , Sugawara Takashi
Published: September 2017

Distyly is usually rare or not observed in species thriving on oceanic islands. The rarity of this breeding system is probably because of the difficulty of colonization for distylous plants and the paucity of pollinators on oceanic islands. However, the endemic and endangered tree Psychotria homalosperma has maintained its distylous nature in the oceanic Bonin Islands, Japan. To understand how the distylous breeding system of P. homalosperma has been maintained on these islands and to characterize the reproduction systems, we studied the pollination and reproductive biology of this species. Specifically, we observed current flower visitors and estimated their effects on plant reproduction. We also examined the floral traits and floral volatiles of P. homalosperma to infer its original pollinators, because plant–pollinator relationships in the Bonin Islands have recently been disrupted by anthropological activities. Finally, we examined the fruit set and pollen tube growth in the stigmas under hand and open pollination. Although original pollinators were presumed to be moths with long proboscises, the introduced honeybee, Apis mellifera, was the most common flower visitor. The honeybee carried pollen grains only unidirectionally, from the short‐ to long‐styled morphs, because it could not reach the hidden stigmas of the short‐styled flowers, and long‐styled flowers set fruits 1.7–38 times more than short‐styled ones. This case study indicates that the instability of pollinator fauna can cause distylous species to be rare on oceanic islands.
Biogeographic conservation of the cytosine epigenome in the globally important marine, nitrogen‐fixing cyanobacterium Trichodesmium
Authors: Walworth Nathan G. , Hutchins David A. , Dolzhenko Egor , Lee Michael D. , Fu Feixue , Smith Andrew D. , Webb Eric A.
Published: September 2017

Cytosine methylation has been shown to regulate essential cellular processes and impact biological adaptation. Despite its evolutionary importance, only a handful of bacterial, genome‐wide cytosine studies have been conducted, with none for marine bacteria. Here, we examine the genome‐wide, C5‐Methyl‐cytosine (m5C) methylome and its correlation to global transcription in the marine nitrogen‐fixing cyanobacterium Trichodesmium. We characterize genome‐wide methylation and highlight conserved motifs across three Trichodesmium isolates and two Trichodesmium metagenomes, thereby identifying highly conserved, novel genomic signatures of potential gene regulation in Trichodesmium. Certain gene bodies with the highest methylation levels correlate with lower expression levels. Several methylated motifs were highly conserved across spatiotemporally separated Trichodesmium isolates, thereby elucidating biogeographically conserved methylation potential. These motifs were also highly conserved in Trichodesmium metagenomic samples from natural populations suggesting them to be potential in situ markers of m5C methylation. Using these data, we highlight predicted roles of cytosine methylation in global cellular metabolism providing evidence for a ‘core’ m5C methylome spanning different ocean regions. These results provide important insights into the m5C methylation landscape and its biogeochemical implications in an important marine N2‐fixer, as well as advancing evolutionary theory examining methylation influences on adaptation.
Quorum sensing improves current output with Acidithiobacillus ferrooxidans
Authors: Chabert Nicolas , Bonnefoy Violaine , Achouak Wafa
Published: September 2017

Acidithiobacillus ferrooxidans is a strict acidophilic chemolithoautotrophic bacterium that obtains its energy from reduced inorganic sulfur species or ferrous iron oxidation under aerobic conditions. Carbon felt electrodes were pre‐colonized by A. ferrooxidansATCC 23270T using ferrous iron or sulfur as electron donors, via the addition (or not) of a mixture of C14 acyl‐homoserine lactones (C14‐AHLs). Electrode coverage during pre‐colonization was sparse regardless of the electron donor source, whereas activation of quorum sensing significantly enhanced it. Microbial fuel cells (MFCs) inoculated with pre‐colonized electrodes (which behaved as biocathodes) were more efficient in terms of current production when iron was used as an electron donor. Biocathode coverage and current output were remarkably increased to −0.56 A m−2 by concomitantly using iron‐based metabolism and C14‐AHLs. Cyclic voltammetry displayed different electrochemical reactions in relation to the nature of the electron donor, underlying the implication of different electron transfer mechanisms.
Elucidation of complexity and prediction of interactions in microbial communities
Authors: Zuñiga Cristal , Zaramela Livia , Zengler Karsten
Published: September 2017

Microorganisms engage in complex interactions with other members of the microbial community, higher organisms as well as their environment. However, determining the exact nature of these interactions can be challenging due to the large number of members in these communities and the manifold of interactions they can engage in. Various omic data, such as 16S rRNA gene sequencing, shotgun metagenomics, metatranscriptomics, metaproteomics and metabolomics, have been deployed to unravel the community structure, interactions and resulting community dynamics in situ. Interpretation of these multi‐omic data often requires advanced computational methods. Modelling approaches are powerful tools to integrate, contextualize and interpret experimental data, thus shedding light on the underlying processes shaping the microbiome. Here, we review current methods and approaches, both experimental and computational, to elucidate interactions in microbial communities and to predict their responses to perturbations.
Analysis of multiple haloarchaeal genomes suggests that the quinone‐dependent respiratory nitric oxide reductase is an important source of nitrous oxide in hypersaline environments
Authors: Torregrosa‐Crespo Javier , González‐Torres Pedro , Bautista Vanesa , Esclapez Julia M. , Pire Carmen , Camacho Mónica , Bonete María José , Richardson David J. , Watmough Nicholas J. , Martínez‐Espinosa Rosa María
Published: September 2017

Microorganisms, including Bacteria and Archaea, play a key role in denitrification, which is the major mechanism by which fixed nitrogen returns to the atmosphere from soil and water. While the enzymology of denitrification is well understood in Bacteria, the details of the last two reactions in this pathway, which catalyse the reduction of nitric oxide (NO) via nitrous oxide (N2O) to nitrogen (N2), are little studied in Archaea, and hardly at all in haloarchaea. This work describes an extensive interspecies analysis of both complete and draft haloarchaeal genomes aimed at identifying the genes that encode respiratory nitric oxide reductases (Nors). The study revealed that the only nor gene found in haloarchaea is one that encodes a single subunit quinone dependent Nor homologous to the qNor found in bacteria. This surprising discovery is considered in terms of our emerging understanding of haloarchaeal bioenergetics and NO management.
Clinical Validation of the Nursing Outcome “Swallowing Status” in People with Stroke: Analysis According to the Classical and Item Response Theories
Authors: Oliveira‐Kumakura Ana Railka de Souza , de Araujo Thelma Leite , Costa Alice Gabrielle de Sousa , Cavalcante Tahissa Frota , Lopes Marcos Venícios de Oliveira , Carvalho Emilia Campos
Published: September 2017

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES

To validate clinically the nursing outcome “Swallowing status”.

METHODS

The adjustment of the nursing outcome was investigated according to the Classical and Item Response Theories. The models were compared regarding information loss, goodness‐of‐fit, and differential item functioning. Stability and internal consistency were examined.

RESULTS

The nursing outcome has the best fit in the generalized partial credit model with different discrimination parameters. Strong correlations among the scores of each indicator were observed. There was no differential item functioning of the outcome indicators. The scale presented high internal consistency (Cronbach's α = .954) and stability (and > .800).

CONCLUSIONS

This study presents a valid nursing outcome.

RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE

Most accurate monitoring of sensitivity to an intervention.

OBJETIVO

Validar clinicamente o resultado de enefermagem “Estado da Deglutição”.

MÉTODOS

O ajustamento do resultado foi investigado de acordo com as teorias Clássica e de Resposta ao Item. Os modelos foram comparados assumindo parâmetros de itens cruzados de igual discriminação. Investigaram‐se as propriedades de bondade do ajuste, funcionamento diferencial dos itens, estabilidade e consistência interna.

RESULTADOS

O resultado se ajustou melhor a partir do Modelo de crédito parcial generalizado, o qual demonstrou unidimensionalidade do resultado e forte correlação entre os escores de cada indicador. Não houve funcionamento diferencial dos indicadores. A consistência interna para a escala global (Cronbach's α = .954) e a estabilidade (>.800) mantiveram‐se elevadas.

CONCLUSÃO

O estudo apresenta um resultado de enfermagem válido.

RELEVÂNCIA PARA A PRÁTICA CLÍNICA

Maior acurácia para monitorar a sensibilidade da intervenção.
Lessons Learned From the Development and Parameterization of a Computer Simulation Model to Evaluate Task Modification for Health Care Providers
Authors: Kasaie Parastu , David Kelton W. , Ancona Rachel M. , Ward Michael J. , Froehle Craig M. , Lyons Michael S.
Published: September 2017

Computer simulation is a highly advantageous method for understanding and improving health care operations with a wide variety of possible applications. Most computer simulation studies in emergency medicine have sought to improve allocation of resources to meet demand or to assess the impact of hospital and other system policies on emergency department (ED) throughput. These models have enabled essential discoveries that can be used to improve the general structure and functioning of EDs. Theoretically, computer simulation could also be used to examine the impact of adding or modifying specific provider tasks. Doing so involves a number of unique considerations, particularly in the complex environment of acute care settings. In this paper, we describe conceptual advances and lessons learned during the design, parameterization, and validation of a computer simulation model constructed to evaluate changes in ED provider activity. We illustrate these concepts using examples from a study focused on the operational effects of HIV screening implementation in the ED. Presentation of our experience should emphasize the potential for application of computer simulation to study changes in health care provider activity and facilitate the progress of future investigators in this field.
No signs of Na+/K+‐ATPase adaptations to an invasive exotic toxic prey in native squamate predators
Authors: Pinch Kimberly , Madsen Thomas , Ujvari Beata
Published: September 2017

Invasions by exotic toxic prey, like the release of the South American cane toad (Bufo (Rhinella) marinus) to the toad‐free Australian continent in 1935, have been shown to result in massive declines in native predator numbers. Due to minor nucleotide mutations of the Na+/K+‐ATPase gene most Australian squamate predators are highly susceptible to cane toad toxin. However, in spite of this, predators like yellow‐spotted goannas (Varanus panoptes) and red‐bellied black snakes (Pseudechis porhyriacus) still persist in parts of Queensland where they, in some areas, have co‐existed with cane toads for more than 70 years. Here, we show that the amino acids of the Na+/K+‐ATPase enzyme in the two species do not provide toad toxin resistance, and hence the two Queensland predators are still highly susceptible to cane toad toxin. Both yellow‐spotted goannas and lace monitors (Varanus varius) have, however, been recorded avoiding feeding on cane toads in areas where they co‐exist with this toxic amphibian. Moreover, both varanids have also been shown to learn to avoid feeding on toads when first subjected to conditioned taste aversion. Such behavioural shifts may therefore explain why yellow‐spotted goannas and red‐bellied black snakes still exist in cane toad infested areas of Queensland. The process appears, however, to be unable to rapidly restore varanid populations to pre‐toad population numbers as even after 10 years of co‐existence with cane toads in the Northern Territory, we see no signs of an increase in yellow‐spotted goanna numbers.
Evaluation of neonatal transport in a European country shows that regional provision is not cost‐effective or sustainable and needs to be re‐organised
Authors: Bellini Carlo , Pasquarella Michela , Ramenghi Luca A. , Ambrosino Daniela , Sciomachen Anna F.
Published: September 2017

Aim

There are three dedicated and 41 on‐call neonatal emergency transport services (NETS) in Italy, and activity levels vary dramatically. We examined the cost‐effectiveness of a hub‐and‐spoke NETS by looking at the costs and activity levels in the Liguria region and established the financial needs for improving NETS across Italy.

Methods

The cost of running NETS in the Liguria region from 2012 to 2015 was evaluated and analysed, and three different models determined the transports needed each year to provide the best organisational model.

Results

The average number of NETS transports in the Liguria region during the study period was 234, and the models indicated that 200–350 transports per year were the optimal amount of activity that was needed to achieve good financial performance and for the personnel to acquire a suitable skill set. Only five of the 41 on‐call Italian NETS and the three dedicated services carried out more than 200 transports a year. Of the rest, 26 carried out up to 100 and 10 carried out 101–200.

Conclusion

Italian NETS, which are managed on the basis of regional decisional autonomy, are expensive and no longer sustainable in this era of limited financial resources. A complete overhaul is urgently needed.
Spontaneous generation of a novel foetal human retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) cell line available for investigation on phagocytosis and morphogenesis
Authors: Shao Zhihua , Wang Haiyun , Zhou Xuejian , Guo Baosen , Gao Xuehu , Xiao Zengrong , Liu Meng , Sha Jihong , Jiang Chunlian , Luo Yuping , Liu Zhixue , Li Siguang
Published: September 2017

Objectives

Primary retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) cells have a limited capacity to re‐establish epithelial morphology and to maintain native RPE function in vitro, and all commercially available RPE cell lines have drawbacks of morphology or function; therefore, the establishment of new RPE cell lines with typical characteristics of RPE would be helpful in further understanding of their physiological and pathological mechanisms. Here, we firstly report a new spontaneously generated RPE line, fhRPE‐13A, from a 13‐week aborted foetus. We aimed to investigate its availability as a RPE model.

Materials and methods

RNA‐seq data were mapped to the human genome assembly hg19. Global transcriptional data were analysed by Weighted Gene Co‐expression Network Analysis (WGCNA) and differentially expressed genes (DEGs). The morphology and molecular characteristics were examined by immunofluorescence, transmission electron micrographs, PCR and western blot. Photoreceptor outer segments (POS) phagocytosis assay and transepithelial resistance measurement (TER) were performed to assess phagocytic activity and barrier function, respectively.

Results

The fhRPE‐13A cells showed typical polygonal morphology and normal biological processes of RPE. Meanwhile they were capable of POS phagocytosis in vitro, and the expression level of TYR and TYRP1 were significantly higher than that in ARPE‐19 cells.

Conclusions

The foetal human RPE line fhRPE‐13A is a valuable system for researching phagocytosis and morphogenesis of RPE in vitro.
Russia's Vision of the Belt and Road Initiative: From the Rivalry of the Great Powers to Forging a New Cooperation Model in Eurasia
Authors: Timofeev Ivan , Lissovolik Yaroslav , Filippova Liudmila
Published: September 2017

The article aims to highlight Russian approaches to Chinese One Belt‐One Road initiative. It examines possible opportunities and challenges for co‐development of the Eurasian Economic Union and the Belt project. Both projects and their co‐development may reduce the uncertainty in Eurasia, caused by significant structural changes in international relations and the world economy, the emergence of new trade regimes and the erosion of leadership in international affairs. Russian interests in this regard are determined by the need for modernization and long‐term development, which could also help to address acute security issues. These particular factors encouraged Russia to come up with an ambitious plan of the Extensive Eurasian Partnership, although the prospects of its implementation currently are uncertain. The present article argues that the success of Russia‐China collaboration in Eurasia will depend crucially on the future dynamics of the Eurasian integration, as well as on the agreement to co‐develop the Eurasian Economic Union and the Belt Initiative with concrete and mutually beneficial projects.
China's Belt and Road Initiative: Perspectives from India
Authors: Jacob Jabin T.
Published: September 2017

China's Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) is often simplistically understood as being opposed by India and supported by Pakistan. The reality on the ground is rather more complex. The emerging consensus in India appears to be that, far from being exclusively an economic and infrastructure development program, the BRI may be understood as a long‐term strategic initiative that seeks to convert China's current economic might into diplomatic influence. While attempts have been made by Beijing, the reflexive Indian suspicion of Chinese international projection, including of China's BRI, has not yet been met by a coherent discourse designed to specifically address Indian concerns. In contrast, in Pakistan, widespread acceptance of the importance and necessity of the China–Pakistan Economic Corridor is increasingly coupled with concerns within sectors of Pakistani society over the fairness, transparency and eventual economic outcomes of the project. Accordingly, this paper is divided into two parts: the first looks at how Indian analysts have viewed and responded to the Chinese discourse and arguments on the BRI; the second considers the debate over the China–Pakistan Economic Corridor within Pakistan.
Brain‐derived neurotrophic factor haploinsufficiency impairs high‐frequency cortical oscillations in mice
Authors: Jones Nigel C. , Hudson Matthew , Foreman Joshua , Rind Gil , Hill Rachel , Manning Elizabeth E. , van den Buuse Maarten
Published: September 2017

Schizophrenia is a complex psychiatric disorder with a heterogeneous aetiology involving genetic and environmental factors. Deficiencies in both brain‐derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and NMDA receptor function have been implicated in the disorder and may play causal and synergistic roles. Perturbations in the regulation of electrophysiological signals, including high‐frequency (γ: 30–80 Hz and β: 20–30 Hz) neuronal oscillations, are also associated with the disorder. This study investigated the influence of BDNF deficiency and NMDA receptor hypofunction on electrophysiological responses to brief acoustic stimuli. Adult BDNF heterozygote (BDNF+/−) and wild‐type littermate C57Bl/6J mice were surgically implanted with EEG recording electrodes. All mice underwent EEG recording sessions to measure ongoing and auditory‐evoked electrophysiological responses following treatment with MK‐801 (0.3 mg/kg ip) or vehicle. Western blotting on post‐mortem cortical tissue assessed parvalbumin and GAD67 expression – markers of interneurons which are involved in the generation of gamma oscillations. Compared with wild‐type controls, BDNF+/− mice exhibited markedly dampened electrophysiological responses to auditory stimuli, including reductions in the amplitude of multiple components of the event‐related potential and auditory‐evoked oscillations, as well as reduced ongoing cortical gamma oscillations. MK‐801 elevated ongoing gamma power but suppressed evoked gamma power, and this was observed equally across genotypes. BDNF+/− mice also displayed reductions in parvalbumin, but not GAD67 expression. We conclude that reduced BDNF expression leads to impairments in the generation of high‐frequency neural oscillations, but this is not synergistic with NMDA receptor hypofunction. Reduced parvalbumin expression associated with BDNF haploinsufficiency may provide a molecular explanation for these electrophysiological deficits.
Hypothermia increases aquaporin 4 (AQP4) plasma membrane abundance in human primary cortical astrocytes via a calcium/transient receptor potential vanilloid 4 (TRPV4)‐ and calmodulin‐mediated mechanism
Authors: Salman Mootaz M. , Kitchen Philip , Woodroofe M. Nicola , Brown James E. , Bill Roslyn M. , Conner Alex C. , Conner Matthew T.
Published: September 2017

Human aquaporin 4 (AQP4) is the primary water channel protein in brain astrocytes. Hypothermia is known to cause astrocyte swelling in culture, but the precise role of AQP4 in this process is unknown. Primary human cortical astrocytes were cultured under hypothermic (32 °C) or normothermic (37 °C) conditions. AQP4 transcript, total protein and surface‐localized protein were quantified using RT‐qPCR, sandwich ELISA with whole cell lysates or cell surface biotinylation, followed by ELISA analysis of the surface‐localized protein, respectively. Four‐hour mild hypothermic treatment increased the surface localization of AQP4 in human astrocytes to 155 ± 4% of normothermic controls, despite no change in total protein expression levels. The hypothermia‐mediated increase in AQP4 surface abundance on human astrocytes was blocked using either calmodulin antagonist (trifluoperazine, TFP); TRPV4 antagonist, HC‐067047 or calcium chelation using EGTA‐AM. The TRPV4 agonist (GSK1016790A) mimicked the effect of hypothermia compared with untreated normothermic astrocytes. Hypothermia led to an increase in surface localization of AQP4 in human astrocytes through a mechanism likely dependent on the TRPV4 calcium channel and calmodulin activation. Understanding the effects of hypothermia on astrocytic AQP4 cell surface expression may help develop new treatments for brain swelling based on an in‐depth mechanistic understanding of AQP4 translocation.
Modelling time to population extinction when individual reproduction is autocorrelated
Authors: Lee Aline Magdalena , Sæther Bernt‐Erik , Markussen Stine Svalheim , Engen Steinar
Published: September 2017

In nature, individual reproductive success is seldom independent from year to year, due to factors such as reproductive costs and individual heterogeneity. However, population projection models that incorporate temporal autocorrelations in individual reproduction can be difficult to parameterise, particularly when data are sparse. We therefore examine whether such models are necessary to avoid biased estimates of stochastic population growth and extinction risk, by comparing output from a matrix population model that incorporates reproductive autocorrelations to output from a standard age‐structured matrix model that does not. We use a range of parameterisations, including a case study using moose data, treating probabilities of switching reproductive class as either fixed or fluctuating. Expected time to extinction from the two models is found to differ by only small amounts (under 10%) for most parameterisations, indicating that explicitly accounting for individual reproductive autocorrelations is in most cases not necessary to avoid bias in extinction estimates.
Biodiversity and ecosystem functioning relations in European forests depend on environmental context
Authors: Ratcliffe Sophia , Wirth Christian , Jucker Tommaso , van der Plas Fons , Scherer‐Lorenzen Michael , Verheyen Kris , Allan Eric , Benavides Raquel , Bruelheide Helge , Ohse Bettina , Paquette Alain , Ampoorter Evy , Bastias Cristina C. , Bauhus Jürgen , Bonal Damien , Bouriaud Olivier , Bussotti Filippo , Carnol Monique , Castagneyrol Bastien , Chećko Ewa , Dawud Seid Muhie , Wandeler Hans De , Domisch Timo , Finér Leena , Fischer Markus , Fotelli Mariangela , Gessler Arthur , Granier André , Grossiord Charlotte , Guyot Virginie , Haase Josephine , Hättenschwiler Stephan , Jactel Hervé , Jaroszewicz Bogdan , Joly François‐Xavier , Kambach Stephan , Kolb Simon , Koricheva Julia , Liebersgesell Mario , Milligan Harriet , Müller Sandra , Muys Bart , Nguyen Diem , Nock Charles , Pollastrini Martina , Purschke Oliver , Radoglou Kalliopi , Raulund‐Rasmussen Karsten , Roger Fabian , Ruiz‐Benito Paloma , Seidl Rupert , Selvi Federico , Seiferling Ian , Stenlid Jan , Valladares Fernando , Vesterdal Lars , Baeten Lander
Published: September 2017

The importance of biodiversity in supporting ecosystem functioning is generally well accepted. However, most evidence comes from small‐scale studies, and scaling‐up patterns of biodiversity–ecosystem functioning (B‐EF) remains challenging, in part because the importance of environmental factors in shaping B‐EF relations is poorly understood. Using a forest research platform in which 26 ecosystem functions were measured along gradients of tree species richness in six regions across Europe, we investigated the extent and the potential drivers of context dependency of B‐EF relations. Despite considerable variation in species richness effects across the continent, we found a tendency for stronger B‐EF relations in drier climates as well as in areas with longer growing seasons and more functionally diverse tree species. The importance of water availability in driving context dependency suggests that as water limitation increases under climate change, biodiversity may become even more important to support high levels of functioning in European forests.
Pre‐stroke physical activity is associated with fewer post‐stroke complications, lower mortality and a better long‐term outcome
Authors: Wen C.‐P. , Liu C.‐H. , Jeng J.‐S. , Hsu S.‐P. , Chen C.‐H. , Lien L.‐M. , Chen A.‐C. , Lee J.‐T. , Chen P.‐K. , Hsu C.‐S. , Chern C.‐M. , Chen C.‐C. , Hsu M.‐C. , Lu K. , Chen H.‐J. , Wang H.‐K. , Muo C.‐H. , Hsu C.‐Y.
Published: September 2017

Background and purpose

Physical activity is associated with a reduced incidence of first‐time stroke. However, few studies have examined the effect of pre‐stroke physical activity on post‐stroke complications and clinical outcomes.

Methods

A total of 39 835 cases of stroke registered in the nationwide stroke registry system of Taiwan between 2006 and 2009 were analyzed according to five levels of severity as determined by National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score upon hospital admission. Pre‐stroke physical activity was defined in the Taiwan Stroke Registry as dedicated leisure‐time physical activity for at least 30 min/day for 3 days/week for more than 6 months. A Cox model was used to compare complications and outcomes between active and inactive groups.

Results

The active and inactive groups were similar in age distribution and stroke type distribution, but the active group had better National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale scores upon admission. The active group also had significantly fewer post‐stroke complications. Active patients had lower hospital mortality and better functional outcomes upon discharge as per the modified Rankin Scale. Improved functional status in the active group was significant at 1, 3 and 6 months post‐stroke.

Conclusion

Dedicated leisure‐time physical activity for at least 30 min/day, at least three times per week for more than 6 months was associated with decreased stroke severity, fewer post‐stroke complications, lower mortality and better outcomes.
From Submission to Acceptance: Publishing in a Research Journal
Authors: DeVaney Sharon , Delgadillo Lucy , Lee Young‐A. , Spangler Alice
Published: September 2017

The purpose of this panel presented at the annual conference of the American Association of Family and Consumer Sciences was to explain how manuscripts are reviewed and the characteristics of successful quantitative and qualitative studies. The Editor presented questions and three Associate Editors of the Family & Consumer Sciences Research Journal were asked to prepare an answer.
Among, Within, and Between: Attorneys on Reconciliation in Divorce Proceedings
Authors: Roberts Kelly M. , Smith Kendal N.
Published: September 2017

This article describes the findings from attorney interviews conducted as part of a qualitative study examining barriers to reconciliation among divorcing parents in a large Midwestern state. A systems theory approach provided the framework for investigating key components of the divorce process and incorporated statutory analysis and in‐depth interviews with divorcing spouses, family law judges, and attorneys. Results indicated extensive variation in attorney perceptions of the lawyer's role in facilitating reconciliation. Major themes revealed reconciliation constraints related to statutory requirements, mistrust of opposing counsel, lack of experience, inadequate family law education, and attorney beliefs about clients.
Phytoplankton diversity loss along a gradient of future warming and brownification in freshwater mesocosms
Authors: Urrutia‐Cordero Pablo , Ekvall Mattias K. , Ratcovich Jens , Soares Margarida , Wilken Susanne , Zhang Huan , Hansson Lars‐Anders
Published: September 2017

Globally, freshwater ecosystems are warming at unprecedented rates and northern temperate lakes are simultaneously experiencing increased runoff of humic substances (brownification), with little known consequences for future conservation of biodiversity and ecosystem functioning.

We employed an outdoor mesocosm experiment during spring and summer to investigate the combined effects of gradually increasing warming and brownification perturbations on the phytoplankton community structure (biodiversity and composition) and functioning (biomass).

While we did not observe overall significant treatment effects on total phytoplankton biomasses, we show that predicted increases in warming and brownification can reduce biodiversity considerably, occasionally up to 90% of Shannon diversity estimates. Our results demonstrate that the loss of biodiversity is driven by the dominance of mixotrophic algae (Dinobryon and Cryptomonas), whereas several other phytoplankton taxa may be temporarily displaced from the community, including Cyclotella, Desmodesmus, Monoraphidium, Tetraedron, Nitzschia and Golenkinia.

The observed loss of biodiversity coincided with an increase in bacterial production providing resources for potential mixotrophs along the gradient of warming and brownification. This coupling between bacterial production and mixotrophs was likely a major cause behind the competitive displacement of obligate phototrophs and supports evidence for the importance of consumer–prey dynamics in shaping environmental impacts on phytoplankton communities.

We conclude that warming and brownification are likely to cause a profound loss of biodiversity by indirectly affecting competitive interactions among phytoplankton taxa. Importantly, our results did not show an abrupt loss of biodiversity; instead the reduction in taxa richness levelled off after exceeding a threshold of warming and brownification. These results exemplify the complex nonlinear responses of biodiversity to environmental perturbations and provide further insights for predicting biodiversity patterns to the future warming and brownification of freshwaters.
HaemoPREF: Further evaluation of patient perception and preference for treatment in a real world setting
Authors: Bonanad S. , Schulz M. , Gordo A. , Spurden D. , Cicchetti M. , Cappelleri J. C. , Tolley C. , Staunton H. , Brohan E.
Published: September 2017

Introduction

Adherence to haemophilia A (HA) treatment may be influenced by patients’ beliefs about their condition and treatment. Furthermore, difficulties administering treatment may lead to poor adherence. New treatment strategies aim to reduce the burden associated with administration and to improve patient perception of treatment, which, in turn, increase adherence levels.

Aims

This study aimed to examine patient perception of HA treatment and related factors using patient‐reported outcome (PRO) questionnaires and to confirm the psychometric properties of a recently developed questionnaire, the HaemoPREF.

Methods

A non‐interventional, cross‐sectional, questionnaire study was conducted with adult HA patients in Spain (n=31), Germany (n=10) and Italy (n=48), who were using ReFacto AF with the FuseNGo administration device. Patients completed the HaemoPREF and other questionnaires measuring related constructs: treatment adherence, satisfaction and well‐being, online at two time points. Correlational, regression and psychometric analyses were conducted.

Results

PRO scores indicated that patients are satisfied with and adherent to their treatment. Multivariate regression of the HaemoPREF global score identified a number of significant predictors (P≤.05). The HaemoPREF Global Score had a moderate relationship with subscales on the related questionnaires (mean correlation=0.43; range=0.39‐0.48). The HaemoPREF demonstrated good test‐retest reliability (intraclass correlation coefficient=0.82), internal consistency reliability (Cronbach's alpha range=0.69‐0.82) and convergent validity with measures of treatment satisfaction (Spearman correlation coefficient, r=.48) and well‐being (r=.41).

Conclusion

The findings suggest that patients using ReFacto AF with FuseNGo were satisfied with and adherent to their treatment. The HaemoPREF can identify important concepts relating to patient treatment experience in HA.
Factors that enhance the quality of the relationships between internal auditors and auditees: Evidence from Italian companies
Authors: D'Onza Giuseppe , Sarens Gerrit
Published: September 2017

This study examines the relationships between internal auditors and auditees in an attempt to identify the factors that influence the abilities of internal auditors (IAs) to build high‐quality relationships with auditees. The analysis is based on the responses of 78 Italian Chief Audit Executives who took part in a survey in 2014. The results indicate two factors that are positively and significantly associated with high‐quality IA–auditee relationships: (1) the integration of senior management's inputs in the setting up of audit plans; and (2) the use of the internal auditing function (IAF) as a management training ground. The results also show a positive but marginally significant relationship between the regular revision of audit methodologies and high‐quality IA–auditee relationships. Surprisingly, the results indicate a negative and significant association between the diversification of an IAF's activities and an IAF's ability to create positive collaboration with auditees.
Evolutionary reconstruction supports the presence of a Pleistocene Arctic refugium for a large mammal species
Authors: Klütsch Cornelya F. C. , Manseau Micheline , Anderson Morgan , Sinkins Peter , Wilson Paul J.
Published: September 2017

Aim

The presence of refugia in the Canadian High Arctic has been subject to debate for decades. We investigated the potential existence of Arctic refugia during the Pleistocene for a large mammal species in the Canadian Archipelago because if these refugia were present, reconsideration of the evolutionary histories of North American fauna and flora beyond the major refugia of Beringia and south of the Laurentide and Cordilleran Ice Sheets would be required. Peary caribou (Rangifer tarandus pearyi), identified as a subspecies based on morphological characteristics, inhabits the Canadian Arctic Islands and Boothia Peninsula. Previous studies demonstrated incomplete lineage sorting of mitochondrial DNA interpreted as a Beringian origin but were based on small sample sizes.

Location

Canadian Arctic.

Major taxa studied

Mammals: caribou (Rangifer tarandus).

Methods

We used two molecular markers (microsatellites and mitochondrial DNA) and approximate Bayesian computations (ABC) testing the hypotheses of colonization out of Beringia into the Arctic Islands following the Last Glacial Maximum (LGM) or a divergence from Beringia significantly before the end of the LGM within a different refugium.

Results

The coalescent‐based analyses rejected a recent Beringian origin with subsequent colonization, instead supporting a divergence of Peary caribou from Beringia ~100,000 years ago linking it to the last interglacial/early Wisconsin Glacial Stage (125,000–75,000 years ago). Admixture on Banks Island with Beringian‐derived barren‐ground caribou is indicative of post‐Pleistocene secondary contact; further supporting a divergent history of Peary caribou within a separated Arctic refugium.

Main conclusions

Our results offer support for the existence of an Arctic refugium for large mammal species and add to the increasing evidence of such refugia in North America. This has significant implications on understanding the evolution and conservation of Arctic species, particularly in light of sensitivities and adaptive potential to a rapidly changing climate.
Unknown Intracardiac Electrogram
Authors: Prystowsky Eric N.
Published: September 2017

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The patients’ perspective of sustaining a fall in hospital: A qualitative study
Authors: Gettens Stephanie , Fulbrook Paul , Jessup Melanie , Low Choy Nancy
Published: September 2017

Aims and objectives

To understand the patient's perspective of falling in hospital.

Background

A fall in hospital can affect a patient physically and psychologically, increasing their hospital length of stay and potentially putting them at risk of further complications. Despite a wealth of literature on falls that focuses on risk assessment, preventive interventions and cost, very little research has focused on the experience of the patient that has fallen, particularly within the acute hospital setting.

Design

A qualitative phenomenological design was used to investigate the experience of falling in hospital.

Methods

Twelve hospital inpatients that had recently fallen were interviewed while in hospital using unstructured interviews. The methodology was guided by Van Manen's approach to data collection and analysis.

Findings

Three key themes emerged from the analysis: Feeling safe, Realising the risk and Recovering independence and identity. These themes describe a continuum whereby falling was not initially a concern to participants, who trusted staff to keep them safe, and tended to not seek assistance. As participants began to appreciate the reality of their falls risk, they felt disempowered by their loss of independence but were more receptive to receiving assistance. Finally, as participants recovered, their desire to regain independence increased. They wanted others to perceive them as physically competent, rather than as a frail older person, meaning they were more willing to take risks with mobility.

Conclusion

The participants’ perspective of falling describes a continuum of responses with participants positioned at different psychosocial standpoints: from initial denial of their risk of falling to realisation of the importance of their fall and acceptance of its repercussions.

Relevance to clinical practice

By understanding the patient's perspective of falling, nurses and other health professionals conducting risk assessment can tailor their discussions and interventions to the patient's perceptions and needs.
Hospital in the Home nurses’ recognition and response to clinical deterioration
Authors: Gray Erika , Currey Judy , Considine Julie
Published: September 2017

Aims and objectives

To obtain an understanding of how Hospital in the Home (HITH) nurses recognise and respond to clinical deterioration in patients receiving care at home or in their usual place of residence.

Background

Recognising and responding to clinical deterioration is an international safety priority and a key nursing responsibility. Despite an increase in care delivery in home environments, how HITH nurses recognise and respond to clinical deterioration is not yet fully understood.

Design

A prospective, descriptive exploratory design was used. A survey containing questions related to participant characteristics and 10 patient scenarios was used to collect data from 47 nurses employed in the HITH units of three major health services in Melbourne, Australia. The 10 scenarios reflected typical HITH patients and included medical history and clinical assessment findings (respiratory rate, oxygen saturation, heart rate, blood pressure, temperature, conscious state and pain score).

Results

The three major findings from this study were that: (i) nurse and patient characteristics influenced HITH nurses’ assessment decisions; (ii) the cues used by HITH nurses to recognise clinical deterioration varied according to the clinical context; and (iii) although HITH nurses work in an autonomous role, they engage in collaborative practice when responding to clinical deterioration.

Conclusion

Hospital in the Home nurses play a fundamental role in patient assessment, and the context in which they recognise and respond to deterioration is markedly different to that of hospital nurses.

Relevance to clinical practice

The assessment, measurement and interpretation of clinical data are a nursing responsibility that is crucial to early recognition and response to clinical deterioration. The capacity of HITH services to care for increasing numbers of patients in their home environment, and to promptly recognise and respond to clinical deterioration should it occur, is fundamental to safety within the healthcare system. Hospital in the Home nurses are integral to a sustainable healthcare system that is responsive to dynamic changes in public health policies, and meets the healthcare needs of the community.
Disentangling environmental and host sources of fungal endophyte communities in an experimental beachgrass study
Authors: David Aaron S. , Seabloom Eric W. , May Georgiana
Published: September 2017

Disentangling the ecological factors that contribute to the assembly of the microbial symbiont communities within eukaryotic hosts is an ongoing challenge. Broadly speaking, symbiont propagules arrive either from external sources in the environment or from internal sources within the same host individual. To understand the relative importance of these propagule sources to symbiont community assembly, we characterized symbiotic fungal endophyte communities within the roots of three species of beachgrass in a field experiment. We manipulated two aspects of the external environment, successional habitat and physical disturbance. To determine the role of internal sources of propagules for endophyte community assembly, we used beachgrass individuals with different pre‐existing endophyte communities. Endophyte species richness and community composition were characterized using culture‐based and next‐generation sequencing approaches. Our results showed that external propagule sources associated with successional habitat, but not disturbance, were particularly important for colonization of most endophytic taxa. In contrast, internal propagule sources played a minor role for most endophytic taxa but were important for colonization by the dominant taxon Microdochium bolleyi. Our findings highlight the power of manipulative field experiments to link symbiont community assembly to its underlying ecological processes, and to ultimately improve predictions of symbiont community assembly across environments.
Biodiversity and species competition regulate the resilience of microbial biofilm community
Authors: Feng Kai , Zhang Zhaojing , Cai Weiwei , Liu Wenzong , Xu Meiying , Yin Huaqun , Wang Aijie , He Zhili , Deng Ye
Published: September 2017

The relationship between biodiversity and ecosystem stability is poorly understood in microbial communities. Biofilm communities in small bioreactors called microbial electrolysis cells (MEC) contain moderate species numbers and easy tractable functional traits, thus providing an ideal platform for verifying ecological theories in microbial ecosystems. Here, we investigated the resilience of biofilm communities with a gradient of diversity, and explored the relationship between biodiversity and stability in response to a pH shock. The results showed that all bioreactors could recover to stable performance after pH disturbance, exhibiting a great resilience ability. A further analysis of microbial composition showed that the rebound of Geobacter and other exoelectrogens contributed to the resilient effectiveness, and that the presence of Methanobrevibacter might delay the functional recovery of biofilms. The microbial communities with higher diversity tended to be recovered faster, implying biofilms with high biodiversity showed better resilience in response to environmental disturbance. Network analysis revealed that the negative interactions between the two dominant genera of Geobacter and Methanobrevibacter increased when the recovery time became longer, implying the internal resource or spatial competition of key functional taxa might fundamentally impact the resilience performances of biofilm communities. This study provides new insights into our understanding of the relationship between diversity and ecosystem functioning.
The roles of plasticity and evolutionary change in shaping gene expression variation in natural populations of extremophile fish
Authors: Passow Courtney N. , Henpita Chathurika , Shaw Jennifer H. , Quackenbush Corey R. , Warren Wesley C. , Schartl Manfred , Arias‐Rodriguez Lenin , Kelley Joanna L. , Tobler Michael
Published: September 2017

The notorious plasticity of gene expression responses and the complexity of environmental gradients complicate the identification of adaptive differences in gene regulation among populations. We combined transcriptome analyses in nature with common‐garden and exposure experiments to establish cause–effect relationships between the presence of a physiochemical stressor and expression differences, as well as to test how evolutionary change and plasticity interact to shape gene expression variation in natural systems. We studied two evolutionarily independent population pairs of an extremophile fish (Poecilia mexicana) living in toxic, hydrogen sulphide (H2S)‐rich springs and adjacent nontoxic habitats and assessed genomewide expression patterns of wild‐caught and common‐garden‐raised individuals exposed to different concentrations of H2S. We found that 7.7% of genes that were differentially expressed between sulphidic and nonsulphidic ecotypes remained differentially expressed in the laboratory, indicating that sources of selection other than H2S—or plastic responses to other environmental factors—contribute substantially to gene expression patterns observed in the wild. Concordantly differentially expressed genes in the wild and the laboratory were primarily associated with H2S detoxification, sulphur processing and metabolic physiology. While shared, ancestral plasticity played a minor role in shaping gene expression variation observed in nature, we documented evidence for evolved population differences in the constitutive expression as well as the H2S inducibility of candidate genes. Mechanisms underlying gene expression variation also varied substantially across the two ecotype pairs. These results provide a springboard for studying evolutionary modifications of gene regulatory mechanisms that underlie expression variation in locally adapted populations.