bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Burning for enhanced non‐timber forest product yield may jeopardize the resource base through interactive effects
Authors: Darabant András , Dorji  , Staudhammer Christina L. , Rai Prem B. , Gratzer Georg
Published: July 2016

Non‐timber forest product (NTFP) harvest is frequently accompanied by resource management practices that interact with the harvesting itself, other disturbances and abiotic conditions. These interactions, in turn, lead to diverse environmental effects. Few studies focus on these practices in the context of harvesting NTFPs, product properties and environmental impacts, including biological invasions.

In Pine woodlands in Eastern Bhutan, Cymbopogon flexuosus East Indian Lemon Grass is harvested and distilled to obtain essential oil, an economically important NTFP. Prescribed fires are applied in late winter (before annual harvest in summer) to induce regeneration of new tillers with increased essential oil content. This practice is based on local ecological knowledge and renders the utilization of C. flexuosus economically viable. On two sites with contrasting stand structure, we evaluated the effects of different prescribed burning regimes (no burning vs. burning with two levels of frequency and intensity) on the sustainability of annually harvested C. flexuosus, regarding cover, biomass yield, essential oil yield and quality. At the same time, we evaluated the effects of prescribed burning on the spread of the invasive shrub Chromolaena odorata.

Cymbopogon flexuosus biomass declined over time, likely as a result of harvesting. In more closed stands, it was moreover marginally negatively influenced by fire. We confirmed local ecological knowledge regarding significantly higher essential oil yield on burned plots, without differences between fire regimes.

In open stands, fire led to rapid expansion of C. odorata, specifically with frequently applied, higher intensity fires. Additionally, the spread of C. odorata showed adverse effects on C. flexuosus cover.

Synthesis and applications. Our results highlight the importance of studying the wider impacts of non‐timber forest product (NTFP) harvest. We confirmed local ecological knowledge that fire increases lemon grass essential oil yield, making prescribed burning an attractive land management tool for farmers. Nevertheless, the practice of annual harvesting may lead to resource decline that may be exacerbated by fire in closed stands. Caution needs to be practiced on open sites where invasive C. odorata may spread rapidly after fires. Management needs to focus on preventing concentration of annual harvesting and associated prescribed burning in the same areas. Amending national forestry rules to legalize fire as a land management tool can support local economies and potentially prevent wildfires that regularly devastate human infrastructure across eastern Bhutan.
Effector profiles distinguish formae speciales of Fusarium oxysporum
Authors: van Dam Peter , Fokkens Like , Schmidt Sarah M. , Linmans Jasper H.J. , Kistler H. Corby , Ma Li‐Jun , Rep Martijn
Published: July 2016

Formae speciales (ff.spp.) of the fungus Fusarium oxysporum are often polyphyletic within the species complex, making it impossible to identify them on the basis of conserved genes. However, sequences that determine host‐specific pathogenicity may be expected to be similar between strains within the same forma specialis. Whole genome sequencing was performed on strains from five different ff.spp. (cucumerinum, niveum, melonis, radicis‐cucumerinum and lycopersici). In each genome, genes for putative effectors were identified based on small size, secretion signal, and vicinity to a “miniature impala” transposable element. The candidate effector genes of all genomes were collected and the presence/absence patterns in each individual genome were clustered. Members of the same forma specialis turned out to group together, with cucurbit‐infecting strains forming a supercluster separate from other ff.spp. Moreover, strains from different clonal lineages within the same forma specialis harbour identical effector gene sequences, supporting horizontal transfer of genetic material. These data offer new insight into the genetic basis of host specificity in the F. oxysporum species complex and show that (putative) effectors can be used to predict host specificity in F. oxysporum.
Riboflavin Phototransformation on the Changes of Antioxidant Capacities in Phenolic Compounds
Authors: Song Juhee , Seol Nam Gyu , Kim Mi‐Ja , Lee JaeHwan
Published: July 2016

Eight phenolic compounds including: p‐coumaric acid, vanillic acid, caffeic acid, chlorogenic acid, trolox, quercetin, curcumin, and resveratrol were treated with riboflavin (RF) photosensitization and in vitro antioxidant capacities of the mixtures were determined by 2,2‐diphenyl‐1‐picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), 2,2’ azino bis(3‐ethylbenzothiazoline‐6‐sulphonic acid) (ABTS), and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) assays. Mixtures containing p‐coumaric acid and vanillic acid under RF photosensitization showed increases in ferric ion reducing ability and radical scavenging activity of DPPH, whereas mixtures of other compounds had decreases in both radical scavenging ability and ferric reducing antioxidant power. Hydroxycoumaric acid and conjugated hydroxycoumaric and coumaric acids were tentatively identified from RF photosensitized p‐coumaric acid, whereas dimmers of vanillic acid were tentatively identified from RF photosensitized vanillic acid. RF photosensitization may be a useful method to enhance antioxidant properties like ferric ion reducing abilities of some selected phenolic compounds.
Monogenic diabetes: Implementation of translational genomic research towards precision medicine
Authors: Vaxillaire Martine , Froguel Philippe
Published: July 2016

Various forms of early onset non‐autoimmune diabetes are recognized as monogenic diseases, each subtype being caused by a single highly penetrant gene defect at the individual level. Monogenic diabetes (MD) is clinically and genetically heterogeneous, including maturity onset diabetes of the young and infancy‐onset and neonatal diabetes mellitus, which are characterized by functional defects of insulin‐producing pancreatic β‐cells and hyperglycemia early in life. Depending on the genetic cause, MD differs in the age at diabetes onset, the severity of hyperglycemia, long‐term diabetic complications, and extrapancreatic manifestations. In this review we discuss the many challenges of molecular genetic diagnosis of MD in the face of a substantial genetic heterogeneity, as well as the clinical benefit and cost‐effectiveness of an early genetic diagnosis, as demonstrated by simulation models based on lifetime complications and treatment costs. We also discuss striking examples of proof‐of‐concept of genomic medicine, which have enabled marked improvement in patient care and long‐term clinical management. Recent advances in genome editing and pluripotent stem cell reprogramming technologies provide new opportunities for in vitro diabetes modeling and the discovery of novel drug targets and cell‐based diabetes therapies. A review of these future directions makes the case for exciting translational research to further our understanding of the pathophysiology of early onset diabetes.
Mycorrhizal associations and soil properties of native Allanblackia stuhlmannii stands in the Eastern Usambara Mountains, Tanzania
Authors: Fransson P. , Kupiakova K. , Ström H. , Dahlin A. S.
Published: July 2016

Allanblackia stuhlmannii is a tree species currently under domestication. Potential mycorrhizal relationships of A. stuhlmannii and soil properties of native stands were investigated to determine the soil–environmental requirements of the species. Roots and soil samples were collected from five sites with A. stuhlmannii stands along an altitudinal transect in Amani Nature Reserve, Tanzania. Mycorrhizal status was investigated by combining microscopy with molecular analysis of the fungal communities. Soil adjacent to the A. stuhlmannii seedlings was analysed for physical and chemical properties and the sites were characterised. We showed that A. stuhlmannii form symbiosis with arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi, and that there was a diverse microbiome associated with the roots. The soils, classified as Ferralsol and Acrisol, were very well drained, had a pHCaCl2 generally at or below 4, high exchangeable acidity and content of sesquioxides and low effective cation exchange capacity and concentrations of most nutrients. We conclude that A. stuhlmannii is tolerant to high Al availability and possesses mechanisms for acquisition of P and other macronutrients at low soil availability, possibly through mycorrhizal symbiosis. However, being adapted to low‐pH soils, it may be less efficient in acquiring Fe, Mn and/or Zn at higher soil pH. Thus, it may be most suited to introduction on farms situated on acid soils.
The First 100 Years of Tariffs in Australia: the Colonies
Authors: Lloyd Peter
Published: July 2016

This paper reviews the history of tariffs imposed by the six Australian colonies during the nineteenth century. In each of the colonies, we identify the starting dates for the first tariffs, first preferences, and other features, and the turning points in the levels of tariffs. We then construct a time series of the average tariff levels in the individual colonies and an average for all six colonies combined. The conclusion notes general features of the pattern of tariffs and how the main features of colonial tariffs, such as the favourable treatment of intermediate inputs, the complex differentiation of tariff rates within industries, and the protection implicit in the excise tax system all carried over to the Commonwealth Customs Tariff in the twentieth century.
Epigenetic regulation in gallbladder cancer: Promoter methylation profiling as emergent novel biomarkers
Authors: Tekcham Dinesh Singh , Tiwari Pramod Kumar
Published: July 2016

DNA methylation, once considered to rule the sex determination in Mary Lyon's hypothesis, has now reached the epicenter of human diseases, from monogenic (e.g. Prader Willi syndrome, Angelman syndromes and Beckwith‐Wiedemann syndrome) to polygenic diseases, like cancer. Technological developments from gold standard to high throughput technologies have made tremendous advancement to define the epigenetic mechanism of cancer. Gallbladder cancer (GBC) is a fatal health issue affecting mostly the middle‐aged women, whose survival rate is very low due to late symptomatic diagnosis. DNA methylation has become one of the key molecular mechanisms in the tumorigenesis of gallbladder. Various molecules have been reported to be epigenetically altered in GBC. In this review, we have discussed the classes of epigenetics, an overview of DNA methylation, technological approaches for its study, profile of methylated genes, their likely roles in GBC, future prospects of biomarker development and other discovery approaches, including therapeutics.
Factors affecting rural volunteering in palliative care – an integrated review
Authors: Whittall Dawn , Lee Susan , O'Connor Margaret
Published: July 2016

To review factors shaping volunteering in palliative care in Australian rural communities using Australian and International literature. Identify gaps in the palliative care literature and make recommendations for future research. A comprehensive literature search was conducted using Proquest, Scopus, Sage Premier, Wiley online, Ovid, Cochran, Google Scholar, CINAHL and Informit Health Collection. The literature was synthesised and presented in an integrated thematic narrative. Australian Rural communities. While Australia, Canada, the United States (US) and the United Kingdom (UK) are leaders in palliative care volunteer research, limited research specifically focuses on volunteers in rural communities with the least occurring in Australia. Several interrelated factors influence rural palliative care provision, in particular an increasingly ageing population which includes an ageing volunteer and health professional workforce. Also current and models of palliative care practice fail to recognise the innumerable variables between and within rural communities such as distance, isolation, lack of privacy, limited health care services and infrastructure, and workforce shortages. These issues impact palliative care provision and are significant for health professionals, volunteers, patients and caregivers. The three key themes of this integrated review include: (i) Geography, ageing rural populations in palliative care practice, (ii) Psychosocial impact of end‐end‐of life care in rural communities and (iii) Palliative care models of practice and volunteering in rural communities. The invisibility of volunteers in rural palliative care research is a concern in understanding the issues affecting the sustainability of quality palliative care provision in rural communities. Recommendations for future Australian research includes examination of the suitability of current models of palliative care practice in addressing the needs of rural communities; the recruitment, training, ongoing education and support of volunteers in rural palliative care provision to ensure equitable care for all communities in Australia regardless of location.
The safety of autologous and metabolically fit bone marrow mesenchymal stromal cells in medically refractory Crohn's disease – a phase 1 trial with three doses
Authors: Dhere T. , Copland I. , Garcia M. , Chiang K. Y. , Chinnadurai R. , Prasad M. , Galipeau J. , Kugathasan S.
Published: July 2016

Background

Mesenchymal stromal cells ability to reset immune functionalities may be useful in Crohn's disease.

Aim

To perform a first‐in‐human phase 1 safety clinical trial of metabolically fit autologous bone marrow‐derived mesenchymal stromal cells in 12 subjects with Crohn's disease utilising three doses.

Methods

Autologous mesenchymal stromal cells were derived from marrow aspirate and propagated for 2–3 weeks with fibrinogen depleted human platelet lysate and subsequently administered to subjects without interval cryobanking. Twelve subjects received a single mesenchymal stromal cell intravenous infusion of 2, 5 or 10 million cells/kg BW(n = 4/group). Infused mesenchymal stromal cells were analysed for cell surface marker expression, IDO(indoleamine 2,3‐dioxygenase) upregulation by IFNγ stimulation, and inhibition of third party peripheral blood mononuclear cell proliferation in vitro. The primary end point measured was safety and tolerability; clinical response was assessed as a secondary endpoint.

Results

All patients tolerated the mesenchymal stromal cell infusion well and no dose limiting toxicity was seen. Seven patients had serious adverse events of which five were hospitalisations for Crohn's disease flare. Two of these serious adverse events were possibly related to the mesenchymal stromal cells infusion. Five subjects showed clinical response 2 weeks after the infusion. Mesenchymal stromal cell phenotype, cytokine responsiveness, and peripheral blood mononuclear cell proliferation blockade were not different among the patients.

Conclusion

Single infusion of fresh autologous bone marrow mesenchymal stromal cells propagated ex vivo using human platelet lysate‐supplemented media was safe and feasible at intravenous doses of up to 10 million cells/kg BW in patients with Crohn's disease.
Stepwise diagnosis in covert hepatic encephalopathy: critical flicker frequency and MELD‐score as a first‐step approach
Authors: Greinert R. , Ripoll C. , Hollenbach M. , Zipprich A.
Published: July 2016

Background

The diagnosis of covert hepatic encephalopathy (CHE) by means of portosystemic encephalopathy syndrome (PSE) test is costly and therefore infrequently performed.

Aim

To determine the ability of critical flicker frequency (CFF) alone or in combination with laboratory findings, as an initial test to pre‐select which patients should undergo further testing for the diagnosis of covert hepatic encephalopathy.

Methods

This single‐centre study included all patients with cirrhosis who underwent PSE and CFF in 2011. CHE was defined by abnormal PSE test. Logistic regression analysis was performed to identify predictors of CHE. ROC curves were used to identify cut‐offs of these independent predictors.

Results

One hundred and seventeen patients were included. Seventy (60%) had CHE with a higher MELD [16 (IQR 13–21); P = 0.001] and lower CFF [38 Hz (IQR 36–41) P = 0.0011]. On multivariate analyses, CFF [OR 0.83 (95% CI 0.74–0.94)] and MELD [OR 1.13 (95% CI 1.04–1.22)] were identified as independent predictors of CHE. Sensitivity and specificity of a CFF cut‐off of 43 Hz was 93.5% and 42.9%, and for a MELD cut‐off of 24, it was 97.5% and 32.8% respectively. Most patients with a MELD‐Score <24 and a CFF >43 Hz did not have CHE (78%) and with a MELD‐Score >24 and CFF <43 Hz most patients had CHE (85%). Therefore, 27% of patients could avoid further testing with a diagnostic accuracy of 81%.

Conclusion

The combination of MELD‐score and critical flicker frequency may be used as a first diagnostic step to filter patients, in whom further covert hepatic encephalopathy testing could be avoided.
Relationship between tissue tension and thermal diffusion to peripheral tissue using an energy device
Authors: Kondo Akihiro , Nishizawa Yuji , Ito Masaaki , Saito Norio , Fujii Satoshi , Akamoto Shintaro , Fujiwara Masao , Okano Keiichi , Suzuki Yasuyuki
Published: July 2016

The aim of the study was to assess the relationship between tissue tension and thermal diffusion to peripheral tissues using an electric scalpel, ultrasonically activated device, or a bipolar sealing system. The mesentery of pigs was excised with each energy device (ED) at three tissue tensions (0, 300, 600 g). The excision time and thermal diffusion area were monitored with thermography, measured for each ED, and then histologically examined. Correlations between tissue tension and thermal diffusion area were examined. The excision time was inversely correlated with tissue tension for all ED (electric scalpel, r = 0.718; ultrasonically activated device, r = 0.949; bipolar sealing system, r = 0.843), and tissue tension was inversely correlated with the thermal diffusion area with the electric scalpel (r = 0.718) and bipolar sealing system (r = 0.869). Histopathologically, limited deep thermal denaturation occurred at a tension of 600 g with all ED. We conclude that thermal damage can be avoided with adequate tissue tension when any ED is used.
Expressions of isopeptide bonds and corneodesmosin in middle ear cholesteatoma
Authors: Koizumi H. , Kawaguchi R. , Ohkubo J.‐I. , Ikezaki S. , Kitamura T. , Hohchi N. , Hashida K. , Suzuki H.
Published: July 2016

Objective

Isopeptide bonds form cross‐links between constituent proteins in the horny layer of the epidermis. Corneodesmosin (CDSN) is a major component of corneodesmosomes, which bind corneocytes together. Both play important roles in maintaining epidermal barrier functions. In the present study, we investigated the expressions of isopeptide bonds, CDSN, and related enzymes in middle ear cholesteatoma in comparison with the skin.

Design

Prospective case series of patients with middle ear cholesteatoma.

Setting

Tertiary medical institute.

Participants

Cholesteatoma and normal postauricular skin were collected from patients with acquired middle ear cholesteatoma during tympanomastoidectomy.

Main outcome measures

Expression of e‐(g‐glutamyl)lysine isopeptide bonds was examined by immunohistochemistry; Expressions of transglutaminase (TGase)1, TGase2, TGase3, and TGase5 by immunohistochemistry and quantitative RT‐PCR (qRT‐PCR); expression of CDSN by immunohistochemistry, qRT‐PCR, and Western blot; and expressions of tissue kallikrein‐related peptidase (KLK)5, KLK7, KLK14, and serine peptidase inhibitor Kazal type 5 (SPINK5) by qRT‐PCR.

Results

TGase2 was higher (P=0.0046) and TGase5 was lower (P=0.0008) in cholesteatoma than in the postauricular skin. Immunoreactivity for isopeptide bonds was localized in the granular and horny layers, and was not different between the two tissues. Immunoreactivity for CDSN was localized in the granular layer, and was lower in cholesteatoma than in the skin (P=0.0090). Western blot and qRT‐PCR confirmed that the expression of CDSN was lower in cholesteatoma than in the skin. Expressions of KLK5, KLK7, KLK14, or SPINK5 were not different between the two tissues.

Conclusions

These results indicate that the production of CDSN is likely to be suppressed in cholesteatoma, which would account, at least in part, for the mechanical fragility and increased permeability of the cholesteatoma epithelium.
Efficacy and safety of triple therapy with dapagliflozin add‐on to saxagliptin plus metformin over 52 weeks in patients with type 2 diabetes
Authors: Mathieu C. , Herrera Marmolejo M. , González González J. G. , Hansen L. , Chen H. , Johnsson E. , Garcia‐Sanchez R. , Iqbal N.
Published: July 2016

We previously reported that dapagliflozin versus placebo as add‐on to saxagliptin plus metformin resulted in greater reductions in glycated haemoglobin (A1C), fasting plasma glucose (FPG) and body weight (BW) after 24 weeks of treatment in patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D). Here we report results after 52 weeks of treatment. Patients stabilized on open‐label metformin and saxagliptin 5 mg/day for 8‐16 weeks were randomized to placebo or dapagliflozin 10 mg/day plus open‐label saxagliptin plus metformin for 52 weeks. Changes from baseline to week 52 were greater with dapagliflozin versus placebo in A1C (−0.74% vs. 0.07%), FPG (−27 vs. 10 mg/dL) and BW (−2.1 vs. −0.4 kg). More patients achieved A1C <7% with dapagliflozin (29.4%) versus placebo (12.6%). Adverse events were similar with dapagliflozin (66%) and placebo (71%), and hypoglycaemia was rare (≤2%). Genital infections occurred more often with dapagliflozin (6%) than with placebo (1%); frequency of urinary tract infections was similar between the two groups (9% vs. 10%). Triple therapy with dapagliflozin add‐on to saxagliptin plus metformin is a durable, effective and well‐tolerated intervention for the treatment of T2D.
Individual wages and regional market potential
Authors: Cieślik Andrzej , Rokicki Bartłomiej
Published: July 2016

In this article, we study wage determinants in Poland by employing the augmented NEG wage equation that controls for individual worker characteristics. Our analysis is based on the Labor Force Survey (LFS) conducted by the Polish Central Statistical Office (CSO) for the period 1999–2009. Using annual data on about 10,000 Polish workers in 16 regions, we find that a significant fraction of inter‐individual wage differences can be explained by the geography of access to markets.
Oviposition site preference and developmental performance of a gall‐inducing leafhopper on galled and non‐galled host plants
Authors: Kumashiro Shun , Matsukura Keiichiro , Adachi Shuhei , Matsumura Masaya , Tokuda Makoto
Published: July 2016

Oviposition preferences of herbivorous insects affect offspring performance. Both positive and negative links between oviposition preference and offspring performance have been reported for many species. A gall‐inducing leafhopper, Cicadulina bipunctata Melichar (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae), feeds on various Poaceae plants and induces galls of enhanced nutritional value for their offspring. Although gall induction by C. bipunctata improves nymphal performance, the oviposition preference of females between galled and non‐galled host plants is still unclear. In this paper, the nymphal performance and oviposition and feeding‐site preference of C. bipunctata were investigated using galled wheat, Triticum aestivum L., and non‐galled barley, Hordeum vulgare L., as host plants. The survival rate of C. bipunctata on wheat was significantly higher than on barley. In the choice test, significantly more eggs were laid into barley, whereas the number of eggs deposited on both hosts was not significantly different in the no‐choice test. The number of settling individuals per leaf area was not significantly different between wheat and barley, suggesting no clear preference for oviposition between these plants. Experience as a nymph with a growing host did not affect oviposition preference as adult female. The inconsistent correspondence between offspring performance and oviposition preference of C. bipunctata may reflect the high mobility of nymphs and/or differences in leaf area between host plants. The results indicate that the previous finding that oviposition preference and offspring performance are not always positively correlated in herbivorous insects is applicable to gall‐inducing insects.
DNA barcoding supports reclassification of JapaneseChironomusspecies (Diptera: Chironomidae)
Authors: Kondo Natsuko I. , Ueno Ryuhei , Ohbayashi Kako , Golygina Veronika V. , Takamura Kenzi
Published: July 2016

Non‐biting midges (Diptera: Chironomidae) adapt to species‐specific environmental conditions and hence are promising bioindicators for aquatic and ecotoxicological monitoring. Although their utility for these purposes was historically limited by difficulties in their morphological identification, DNA barcoding offers a possible solution. Here, eight Japanese species of the genusChironomus, which is characterized by its worldwide distribution and abundance among Chironomidae, were subjected to DNA barcoding using cytochromecoxidase subunit I (COI). To examine whether this DNA barcode is a useful indicator for Japanese species ofChironomus, we calculated genetic distances within and between theCOIsequences ofChironomusspecies both from this study and worldwide and constructed phylogenetic trees. Based on 415 bpCOIsequences and the Kimura two‐parameter model, the average genetic distances within 37 species and between 72 species were 2.6% and 17.2%, respectively. Although the ranges of genetic distances within and between species overlapped from 0.8% to 17.3%, 99.7% of average genetic distances between species were >3.0%. Some of this overlap is attributable to distances within species that were “too large” as well as those between species that were “too small”. Of eight Japanese species examined, two showed genetic distances between species that were below a 3.0% threshold, and four had distances within species that were greater than 3.0%. These results suggest a possible reclassification of these species and the need for further sampling to unveil biogeographic variations among different countries and regions.
Brandt's cormorant diet (1994–2012) indicates the importance of fall ocean conditions for northern anchovy in central California
Authors: Elliott Meredith L. , Schmidt Annie E. , Acosta Sara , Bradley Russell , Warzybok Pete , Sakuma Keith M. , Field John C. , Jahncke Jaime
Published: July 2016

Effective ecosystem‐based management requires a comprehensive understanding of the functional links in the system. In many marine systems, forage species constitute a critical link between primary production and upper trophic level marine predators. As top predators, seabirds can be indicators of the forage species they consume and the ocean processes that influence these populations. We analyzed the diet and breeding success for the years 1994, 2003, 2005, and 2007–2012 of the Brandt's cormorant (Phalacrocorax penicillatus), a piscivorous diving seabird, breeding in central California, to evaluate the extent to which cormorant diet composition relates to prey availability, and how diet composition relates to breeding success and ocean conditions. Cormorant diet was primarily composed of young‐of‐the‐year (YOY) northern anchovy (Engraulis mordax), YOY rockfish (Sebastes spp.), and several species of small flatfish (order Pleuronectiformes). YOY rockfish consumption was positively related to their abundance as measured in a late spring pelagic midwater trawl survey. Northern anchovy appeared to be the most important prey as its consumption was positively related to cormorant breeding success. More northern anchovy were consumed in years where warm‐water conditions prevailed in the fall season before cormorant breeding. Thus, warm ocean conditions in the fall appear to be an important contributing factor in producing a strong year‐class of northern anchovy in central California and consequently a strong‐year class of Brandt's cormorant on the Farallon Islands.
Planktonic marine iron oxidizers drive iron mineralization under low‐oxygen conditions
Authors: Field E. K. , Kato S. , Findlay A. J. , MacDonald D. J. , Chiu B. K. , Luther G. W. , Chan C. S.
Published: July 2016

Observations of modern microbes have led to several hypotheses on how microbes precipitated the extensive iron formations in the geologic record, but we have yet to resolve the exact microbial contributions. An initial hypothesis was that cyanobacteria produced oxygen which oxidized iron abiotically; however, in modern environments such as microbial mats, where Fe(II) and O2 coexist, we commonly find microaerophilic chemolithotrophic iron‐oxidizing bacteria producing Fe(III) oxyhydroxides. This suggests that such iron oxidizers could have inhabited niches in ancient coastal oceans where Fe(II) and O2 coexisted, and therefore contributed to banded iron formations (BIFs) and other ferruginous deposits. However, there is currently little evidence for planktonic marine iron oxidizers in modern analogs. Here, we demonstrate successful cultivation of planktonic microaerophilic iron‐oxidizing Zetaproteobacteria from the Chesapeake Bay during seasonal stratification. Iron oxidizers were associated with low oxygen concentrations and active iron redox cycling in the oxic–anoxic transition zone (<3 μm O2, <0.2 μm H2S). While cyanobacteria were also detected in this transition zone, oxygen concentrations were too low to support significant rates of abiotic iron oxidation. Cyanobacteria may be providing oxygen for microaerophilic iron oxidation through a symbiotic relationship; at high Fe(II) levels, cyanobacteria would gain protection against Fe(II) toxicity. A Zetaproteobacteria isolate from this site oxidized iron at rates sufficient to account for deposition of geologic iron formations. In sum, our results suggest that once oxygenic photosynthesis evolved, microaerophilic chemolithotrophic iron oxidizers were likely important drivers of iron mineralization in ancient oceans.
A potato model intercomparison across varying climates and productivity levels
Authors: Fleisher David H. , Condori Bruno , Quiroz Roberto , Alva Ashok , Asseng Senthold , Barreda Carolina , Bindi Marco , Boote Kenneth J. , Ferrise Roberto , Franke Angelinus C. , Govindakrishnan Panamanna M. , Harahagazwe Dieudonne , Hoogenboom Gerrit , Naresh Kumar Soora , Merante Paolo , Nendel Claas , Olesen Jorgen E. , Parker Phillip S. , Raes Dirk , Raymundo Rubi , Ruane Alex C. , Stockle Claudio , Supit Iwan , Vanuytrecht Eline , Wolf Joost , Woli Prem
Published: July 2016

A potato crop multimodel assessment was conducted to quantify variation among models and evaluate responses to climate change. Nine modeling groups simulated agronomic and climatic responses at low‐input (Chinoli, Bolivia and Gisozi, Burundi)‐ and high‐input (Jyndevad, Denmark and Washington, United States) management sites. Two calibration stages were explored, partial (P1), where experimental dry matter data were not provided, and full (P2). The median model ensemble response outperformed any single model in terms of replicating observed yield across all locations. Uncertainty in simulated yield decreased from 38% to 20% between P1 and P2. Model uncertainty increased with interannual variability, and predictions for all agronomic variables were significantly different from one model to another (P < 0.001). Uncertainty averaged 15% higher for low‐ vs. high‐input sites, with larger differences observed for evapotranspiration (ET), nitrogen uptake, and water use efficiency as compared to dry matter. A minimum of five partial, or three full, calibrated models was required for an ensemble approach to keep variability below that of common field variation. Model variation was not influenced by change in carbon dioxide (C), but increased as much as 41% and 23% for yield and ET, respectively, as temperature (T) or rainfall (W) moved away from historical levels. Increases in T accounted for the highest amount of uncertainty, suggesting that methods and parameters for T sensitivity represent a considerable unknown among models. Using median model ensemble values, yield increased on average 6% per 100‐ppm C, declined 4.6% per °C, and declined 2% for every 10% decrease in rainfall (for nonirrigated sites). Differences in predictions due to model representation of light utilization were significant (P < 0.01). These are the first reported results quantifying uncertainty for tuber/root crops and suggest modeling assessments of climate change impact on potato may be improved using an ensemble approach.
Local perceptions of climate change impacts and migration patterns in Malé, Maldives
Authors: Stojanov Robert , Duží Barbora , Kelman Ilan , Němec Daniel , Procházka David
Published: July 2016

For the last few decades, Maldives has been seen as being at the forefront of addressing climate change impacts. The low elevation of the islands makes them vulnerable to slow‐onset hazards, such as coastal erosion, sea‐level rise, salinity intrusion, and change in monsoon patterns and hence rainfall. Consequently, migration has long been discussed as an adaptation strategy for the population. This study covers outcomes from our field research conducted among islanders in Malé, the capital of Maldives, in 2013. It contributes empirical evidence toward understanding complex relations among environmental challenges, climate change, and migration. We set up two main research questions. The first question explored islanders' perceptions of impacts of climatic variability in recent years and possible impacts of future climate change. The second question probed whether out‐migration from the islands might be considered to be an adaptation strategy and whether the islanders were willing to move outside Maldives due to projected climate change impacts. We conducted our field research in the capital Malé and nearby residential islands, using quantitative questionnaires with local respondents (N=347). Our results suggest that, besides a set of actually experienced environmental and climate challenges, slow‐onset climate change impacts such as sea‐level rise are perceived as being one of the key factors affecting Maldivian society and livelihoods. More than 50% of respondents perceive future sea‐level rise to be a serious challenge at the national level and they accept that migration from islands to other countries might be a potential option. Conversely, from the individual perspective, sea‐level rise is not perceived by the local population as being one of their own important challenges. The reason is that many other factors – cultural, religious, economic and social – play an important role in decisionmaking about migrating or not.
Application of the fast sensory method ‘Rate‐All‐That‐Apply’ in chocolate Quality Control compared with DHS‐GC‐MS
Authors: Waehrens Sandra S. , Zhang Shujuan , Hedelund Pia I. , Petersen Mikael A. , Byrne Derek V.
Published: July 2016

This paper studied the fast sensory Rate‐All‐That‐Apply (RATA) method as a contributor to existing quality control (QC) in chocolate production by comparing it with the outcome of dynamic headspace sampling combined with gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (DHS‐GC‐MS). Seven different chocolates were evaluated by a semi‐trained panel using RATA. RATA showed potential as a sensory evaluation tool which could be part of QC programmes in chocolate production as RATA was efficient to perform and captured important sensory deviations, herein addition of excess lecithin and prolonged roasting. However, product deviations caused by long conching were only detected by DHS‐GC‐MS. A more extreme conching process must occur before it can be perceived by humans. RATA and DHS‐GC‐MS should be used as complementary methods in detecting future important issues in chocolate production. DHS‐GC‐MS detects product deviation from chemical perspectives while sensory evaluation gives information on quality parameters from a perceivable perspective influencing consumer satisfaction.
A biased‐randomized metaheuristic for the capacitated location routing problem
Authors: Quintero‐Araujo Carlos L. , Caballero‐Villalobos Juan Pablo , Juan Angel A. , Montoya‐Torres Jairo R.
Published: July 2016

The location routing problem (LRP) involves the three key decision levels in supply chain design, that is, strategic, tactical, and operational levels. It deals with the simultaneous decisions of (a) locating facilities (e.g., depots or warehouses), (b) assigning customers to facilities, and (c) defining routes of vehicles departing from and finishing at each facility to serve the associated customers’ demands. In this paper, a two‐phase metaheuristic procedure is proposed to deal with the capacitated version of the LRP (CLRP). Here, decisions must be made taking into account limited capacities of both facilities and vehicles. In the first phase (selection of promising solutions), we determine the depots to be opened, perform a fast allocation of customers to open depots, and generate a complete CLRP solution using a fast routing heuristic. This phase is executed several times in order to keep the most promising solutions. In the second phase (solution refinement), for each of the selected solutions we apply a perturbation procedure to the customer allocation followed by a more intensive routing heuristic. Computational experiments are carried out using well‐known instances from the literature. Results show that our approach is quite competitive since it offers average gaps below 0.4% with respect to the best‐known solutions (BKSs) for all tested sets in short computational times.
Capacity restoration in a decentralized assembly system with supply disruption risks
Authors: Li Guo , Li Lin , Zhou Ying , Guan Xu
Published: July 2016

This paper investigates an assembly system comprising one manufacturer and two suppliers who provide two complementary components independently. One unreliable supplier may encounter disruption during production, whereas both the manufacturer and the other reliable supplier can assist the disrupted supplier in capacity restoration. We specifically consider two different scenarios. In each scenario, the manufacturer or the reliable supplier ex ante decides whether to handle the disrupted supplier's capacity restoration cost alone and to what extent. We demonstrate that the cost‐sharing incentives of the manufacturer and reliable supplier vary significantly under different conditions. When the retail price is high, paying for the disrupted supplier's restoration cost can be favorable for the manufacturer. Otherwise, the manufacturer can benefit considerably when the reliable supplier shares the restoration cost. When the wholesale price is high, handling the restoration cost alone is more favorable for the reliable supplier than sharing this responsibility with the manufacturer.
Biogeography of Brazilian prosobranch gastropods and their Atlantic relationships
Authors: Barroso Cristiane Xerez , Lotufo Tito Monteiro da Cruz , Matthews‐Cascon Helena
Published: July 2016

Aim

The present study uses marine prosobranchs from shallow waters (down to 200 m) as a model to determine biogeographical units along the Brazilian coast and to investigate changes in assemblages along the Western Atlantic.

Location

Western Atlantic Ocean.

Methods

The composition and species distribution of prosobranchs were determined using secondary data and information gathered from Brazilian scientific collections. The similarities among the areas were calculated using the Sørensen, Simpson and Ochiai Indices, and were illustrated using dendrograms constructed by unweighted pair group method using arithmetic averages. Ordination analysis was performed using non‐metric multi‐dimensional scaling based on the similarity matrices.

Results

As a result of the compilation performed, 700 marine prosobranch species distributed in 81 families from shallow waters were recorded in Brazil. The results show a clear correlation between geographic distance between areas and their faunal similarity. There is a gradual latitudinal variation in marine prosobranch assemblages along the Brazilian coastline. The coastal areas sustain richer gastropod assemblages than the oceanic islands.

Main conclusions

Considering the results of cluster and ordination analyses, this study proposes to divide the Brazilian coast into four regions: (1) Guyanese Province (Amapá state), (2) North‐eastern Brazil Area (from the mouth of the Amazon to southern Bahia, Brazil), (3) South‐eastern Brazil Area (from southern Bahia to Santa Catarina, Brazil, transition zone), and (4) Argentinian Province (Rio Grande do Sul state). The North‐eastern and South‐eastern Brazil Areas belong to the Brazilian Province. The Brazilian insular areas are biogeographical units distinct from the other regions studied. Each island has its own composition of marine prosobranchs from shallow waters, while they share species with other coastal and island environments.
Contrasting evidence of phylogenetic trophic niche conservatism in mammals worldwide
Authors: Olalla‐Tárraga Miguel Á. , González‐Suárez Manuela , Bernardo‐Madrid Rubén , Revilla Eloy , Villalobos Fabricio
Published: July 2016

Aim

Phylogenetic niche conservatism (PNC), a pattern of closely related species retaining ancestral niche‐related traits over evolutionary time, is well documented for abiotic (Grinellian) dimensions of the ecological niche. However, it remains unclear whether biotic niche (Eltonian) axes are also phylogenetically conserved, even though knowledge of biotic niches is essential to an understanding of the spatiotemporal dynamics of ecological communities. We conduct the first analysis of biotic PNC by evaluating dietary specialization in a vertebrate class.

Location

Global.

Methods

We analysed two global compilations of diets of living mammals and a more detailed database for large carnivores together with a species‐level phylogeny to evaluate trophic PNC. We searched for evidence of PNC by estimating the phylogenetic signal in distinct descriptors of dietary niche.

Results

Trophic niches were generally similar among related species but not strongly conserved under a niche‐drift macroevolutionary model (Brownian motion). The degree of similarity in trophic niche varied among different taxonomic groups and was, importantly, even within the same group, contingent on the metric of dietary preferences used and the quality of information on the database.

Main conclusions

Overall, our results showed limited support for PNC in the trophic niche of mammals. However, different data sources and metrics of dietary preferences sometimes offered different conclusions, highlighting the importance of gathering high‐quality quantitative data and considering multiple metrics to describe dietary niche breadth and to assess PNC. The fully quantitative database for large carnivores provided some interesting evidence of PNC that could not be detected with semi‐quantitative or presence/absence descriptors. Subsequent assessments of phylogenetic imprints on dietary specialization would benefit from considering different metrics and using well‐resolved phylogenies jointly with detailed quantitative diet information. While Eltonian trophic niches did not show the same high levels of evolutionary conservatism often displayed by Grinnellian niches, both niche components should be considered to understand range limits of species and clades at biogeographic scales.
Homebound Patient and Caregiver Perceptions of Quality of Care in Home‐Based Primary Care: A Qualitative Study
Authors: Shafir Adi , Garrigues Sarah K. , Schenker Yael , Leff Bruce , Neil Jessica , Ritchie Christine
Published: July 2016

Objectives

To assess patient and caregiver perceptions of what constitutes quality care in home‐based primary care (HBPC).

Design

Cross‐sectional qualitative design; semistructured interview study.

Setting

Academic home‐based primary care program.

Participants

Homebound patients (n = 13) and 10 caregivers (n = 10) receiving HBPC.

Measurements

Semistructured interviews explored experiences with a HBPC program and perceptions of quality care. Interviews were audio‐recorded and transcribed. Qualitative content analysis was performed to identify major themes.

Results

Five major themes emerged related to participant perceptions of quality care: access, affordability, competency, care coordination, goal attainment. Participants felt that reliable, consistent access provided “peace of mind” and reduced hospital and emergency department use. Insurance coverage of program costs and coordinated care provided by an interdisciplinary team were positively regarded. Interpersonal skills and technical abilities of providers influenced patient perception of provider competency. Assessing and helping patients attain care goals contributed to a perception of quality care.

Conclusion

Patients and caregivers associate high‐quality HBPC with around‐the‐clock access to affordable interdisciplinary providers with strong interpersonal skills and technical competency. These results expand on prior research and are concordant with HBPC goals of around‐the‐clock access to multidisciplinary teams with the goals of reduced emergency department and hospital use. HBPC programs should be structured to optimize access, affordability, coordinated care, and goal ascertainment and alignment. Quality indicators should be created and validated with these patient and caregiver views of care quality in mind.
REASONS FOR DELISTING AND CONSEQUENCES: A LITERATURE REVIEW AND RESEARCH AGENDA
Authors: Martinez Isabelle , Serve Stéphanie
Published: July 2016

This paper discusses the literature on delisting, drawing on USA and international evidence. Given the great heterogeneity in delisting operations, we first consider the standard existing typology based on the initiator of the delisting (the stock market authorities, or the firm itself). Second, while managers often cite high compliance costs (especially due to Sarbanes–Oxley Act implementation) as the official reason for the voluntary delisting of their firm, we highlight that firms face different trade‐offs in their delisting decision. We also examine the reasons for involuntary delisting, especially the delisting dilemma faced by stock market authorities when the firm violates the listing requirements. Next, we review the economic consequences of delisting in terms of value creation or value destruction for shareholders. Finally, noting gaps in the literature and other contrasting results, we propose suggestions for future research.