bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Close Relationships Predict Curvilinear Trajectories of Maternal Depressive Symptoms over the Transition to Parenthood
Authors: Parade Stephanie H. , Blankson A. Nayena , Leerkes Esther M. , Crockenberg Susan C. , Faldowski Richard
Published: March 2014

Trajectories of change in maternal depressive symptoms were examined in a sample of 98 mothers across the transition to parenthood. Latent class growth modeling revealed two unique trajectories: one characterized by consistently low depressive symptoms, the other characterized by a curvilinear pattern with initially elevated symptoms that declined around the time of childbirth then returned to elevated levels by 24 weeks postpartum. Mothers who recalled less paternal care and acceptance in childhood and who reported that they engaged in more avoidance and aggression in their own romantic relationships were more likely to experience the curvilinear trajectory. Mothers who reported that their partners engaged in more avoidance in their romantic relationships were also more likely to experience the curvilinear trajectory, but especially when mothers recalled low maternal care and acceptance. Partner's aggression did not predict the trajectory of maternal depressive symptoms. Results have implications for screening for maternal postpartum depression.
Stressful Life Events, Marital Satisfaction, and Marital Management Skills of Taiwanese Couples
Authors: Li Pei‐Fen , Wickrama K. A. S.
Published: March 2014

The association between stressful life events and marital satisfaction for 372 Taiwanese couples was examined, as was the moderating effects of three marital management skills (e.g., tolerance/sacrifice, empathy/consideration, soothing/alleviation) on that association. Multilevel modeling analysis showed that stressful life events reduced husbands' and wives' marital satisfaction. Spouses' marital management skills were associated with an increase in their marital satisfaction (actor effects) except for husbands' soothing and alleviation skills. Husbands' tolerance and empathy were also related to an increase in the wife's marital satisfaction (partner effects) and had significant interactions with the relationship between the wife's stress and her marital satisfaction. Husbands' and wives' soothing skills also had significant interactions with the association between stressful life events and their own satisfaction. These results are discussed in relation to the life course, stress process, coping theories, and Chinese cultural values as well as their clinical implications of working with Chinese population.
Effects of amlodipine and perindoprilate on the structure and function of mitochondria in ventricular cardiomyocytes during ischemia‐reperfusion in the pig
Authors: Mamou Zahida , Chahine Mohamed , Rhondali Ossam , Dehina Leila , Chevalier Philippe , Descotes Jacques , Bui‐Xuan Bernard , Romestaing Caroline , Timour Quadiri
Published: March 2014

The aim of this study was to determine whether amlodipine and/or perindoprilate injected intravenously (iv) prior to ischemia exerted protective effects on mitochondria structural and functional alterations induced by ischemia and aggravated by reperfusion. Heart rate, the duration of monophasic action potentials (dMAP), peak of the time derivative of left ventricular pressure (LV dP/dt max), mitochondria structural and functional parameters in the left ventricle ischemic area were measured after 45‐min ischemia and 1‐min reperfusion in domestic pigs either untreated or pretreated with amlodipine, perindoprilate or amlodipine + perindoprilate. Ischemia‐reperfusion (I/R) induced tachycardia, reduced dMAP and LV dP/dt max, and causes alterations of mitochondria structural and functional parameters with decreased oxygen consumption, increased reactive oxygen species production and reduced calcium retention capacity (CRC) with opening of mitochondrial permeability transition pores. This opening is mainly due to oxidative stress and calcium overload and seems to be the pivotal event in cell death after I/R. No drug treatment changed haemodynamic and electrophysiological parameters, but amlodipine and perindoprilate, either alone or combined, prevented mitochondrial alterations but only partially. The preservation of mitochondrial structure and functions reported in our study probably plays an important role in preventing calcium overload and mPTP opening during myocardial I/R by a specially increased CRC, which can explain their cardioprotective effects.
Cetuximab increases concentrations of irinotecan and of its active metabolite SN‐38 in plasma and tumour of human colorectal carcinoma‐bearing mice
Authors: Chu Céline , Abbara Chadi , Tandia Mahamadou , Polrot Mélanie , Gonin Patrick , Farinotti Robert , Bonhomme‐Faivre Laurence
Published: March 2014

In a previous study, we showed that cetuximab, a monoclonal antibody directed towards epidermal growth factor receptor, could inhibit P‐glycoprotein (P‐gp), an efflux protein of ATP‐binding cassette family, and lead to an increased P‐gp substrate intracellular concentration. Cetuximab is given with irinotecan to patients with metastasis colorectal cancer who did not respond to irinotecan‐based therapy. The mechanism of this successful clinical reversion remains unknown. As irinotecan is a P‐gp substrate, we tested here whether cetuximab could modify irinotecan concentration in mice. Therefore, concentrations of irinotecan and of its active metabolite SN‐38 were measured by HPLC in plasma and tumour of mice bearing a human colorectal carcinoma xenograft when irinotecan is given orally alone or after a pretreatment with cetuximab. Pharmacokinetic analysis showed no significant modification of irinotecan concentrations but a significant increase (1.7‐fold) in SN‐38 AUCs in plasma and in tumour after a pretreatment with cetuximab. Those results suggest that cetuximab influence irinotecan distribution into tissues probably due to inhibition of P‐gp. As SN‐38 is 200‐fold more potent than irinotecan, cetuximab could reverse irinotecan resistance by an effect on its active metabolite. Inhibiting SN‐38 efflux by P‐gp drug transporters in biliary system and tumour can lead to pharmacokinetic modification and a higher anticancer efficacy.
Sales of Secondary Shares in SEOs: A Comparison across Top Managers, Other Insiders, and Outsiders
Authors: Gokkaya Sinan , Highfield Michael J.
Published: March 2014

This paper investigates the information content of registered insider sales in the Seasoned Equity Offering (SEO) process from 1997 to 2009. We find that initial market reactions and long‐run post‐issue stock performance are negatively related to C‐level executive insider sales, but unrelated to participation by nonexecutive insiders. We also find significantly lower post‐issue abnormal earnings surprises for SEOs with C‐level executive sales. Overall, the findings are consistent with the predictions of asymmetric information and agency theories.
Dissimilar numerical responses of macroinvertebrates to disturbance from drying and predatory sunfish
Authors: Knorp Natalie E. , Dorn Nathan J.
Published: March 2014

Disturbances caused by drying can eliminate fully aquatic organisms and alter wetland communities. However, the net effects of pulsed drying followed by re‐wetting on populations of benthic macroinvertebrates with greater tolerance to drying have been poorly studied.

We quantified the population responses of two large macroinvertebrates, dragonflies (a number of species; Family: Libellulidae) and a crayfish (Procambarus fallax), to variable drying history and predatory sunfish (Family: Centrarchidae) in experimental subtropical wetlands. To simulate naturally occurring combinations of drying and sunfish presence, the experimental treatments included a drying and re‐wetting sequence that either eliminated sunfish or did not, with a third treatment of continuously flooded conditions with sunfish present.

The activity of adult dragonflies was similar over all experimental wetlands, but larval density after 6 months was highest in continuously flooded wetlands (with sunfish) and some species (Erythemis simplicicollis, Celithemis eponina) were absent from wetlands that experienced drying. There was no evidence that sunfish limited larval density.

After 6 months, overall crayfish biomass was greatest in wetlands that had dried and lacked sunfish. Crayfish density was similar in all wetlands, but individual crayfish body mass (g) was greatest in wetlands that lacked sunfish. Because of sunfish predation, few crayfish survived to full juvenile size. In the presence of sunfish, drying did not affect crayfish biomass or individual body mass.

The abundance of libellulid dragonfly larvae was indirectly reduced by the drying. In wetlands where submerged vegetation was reduced by drying, we suggest that libellulid populations were limited by a small‐bodied fish (Gambusia holbrooki). In contrast, survival of juvenile crayfish was directly limited by sunfish, and therefore, crayfish (but not libellulid) populations could be temporarily enhanced by drying events when and where sunfish populations are reduced.
Mechanisms of soil carbon accrual and storage in bioenergy cropping systems
Authors: Tiemann Lisa K. , Grandy A. Stuart
Published: March 2014

Annual row cropping systems converted to perennial bioenergy crops tend to accrue soil C, likely a function of increased root production and decreased frequency of tillage; however, very little is known about the mechanisms governing the accrual and stability of this additional soil C. To address this uncertainty, we assessed the formation and stability of aggregates and soil organic C (SOC) pools under switchgrass, giantmiscanthus, a native perennial grass mix and continuous corn treatments in Michigan and Wisconsin soils differing in both texture and mineralogy. We isolated different aggregate size fractions, >2 mm, 0.5–2 mm, and <0.5 mm, using a procedure intended to minimize alterations to aggregate biological and chemical properties. We determinedSOC, permanganate oxidizable C (POXC), and microbial activities (i.e. enzyme activities and soil respiration rates) associated with these aggregates. Soil type strongly influenced the trajectory of aggregate formation and stabilization with differences between sites in mean aggregate size, stability,SOCand microbial activity under perennial vs. corn cropping systems. At the Michigan site, soil microbial activities were highest in the >2 mm aggregates, and higher under the perennial grasses compared to corn. Contrastingly, in Wisconsin soils, microbial activities were highest in the <0.5 mm aggregates and evidence for soil C accrual under perennial grasses was observed only in a fast turnover pool in the <0.5 mm aggregate class. Our results help explain cross‐site variability in soil C accrual under perennial bioenergy crops by demonstrating how interactions between belowground productivity, soil type, aggregation processes and microbial communities influence the rates and extent ofSOCstabilization. Bioenergy cropping systems have the potential to be low‐C energy sources but first we must understand the complex interactions controlling the formation and stabilization ofSOCif we are to maximize soil C accrual.
The Spatial Dimension of Trade‐ andFDI‐driven Productivity Growth inChinese Provinces: A Global Cointegration Approach
Authors: Mitze Timo , Özyurt Selin
Published: March 2014

This paper analyses the major determinants of long‐ and short‐run labour productivity evolution forChinese provinces between 1978 and 2010. The role played by openness to trade and foreign direct investment (FDI) constitutes the main focus of this analysis. From a methodological perspective, our main contribution is the inclusion of spatial effects into a dynamic error correction modelling framework. The results show that, in addition to domestic factors such as investment intensity and infrastructure use, trade openness and inwardFDIalso exert a direct impact on labour productivity. Furthermore, the geographical environment has a strong indirect influence on productivity: The more a region is surrounded by high‐productive regions with good infrastructure and linkages to the world economy, the higher are its productivity level and growth rate. The magnitude of these impacts varies by spatial regime (coastal, interior provinces) and time period in focus. Especially in the recent past, trade andFDIactivity appear to be increasingly important drivers of regional productivity evolution, both for coastal and interior regions. These findings have important policy implications: In order to fully exploit the benefits from such spillovers, coordinated industrial policies which foster regional complementarities and support the free movement of production factors across regional borders are crucial.
Actors and Interactions—Identifying the Role of Industrial Clusters for Regional Production and Knowledge Generation Activities
Authors: Titze Mirko , Brachert Matthias , Kubis Alexander
Published: March 2014

This paper contributes to the empirical literature on systematic methodologies for the identification of industrial clusters. It combines a measure of spatial concentration, qualitative input–output analysis, and a knowledge interaction matrix to identify the production and knowledge generation activities of industrial clusters in theFederalState ofSaxony inGermany. It describes the spatial allocation of the industrial clusters, identifies potentials for value chain industry clusters, and relates the production activities to the activities of knowledge generation inSaxony. It finds only a small overlap in the production activities of industrial clusters and general knowledge generation activities in the region, mainly driven by the high‐tech industrial cluster in the semiconductor industry. Furthermore, the approach makes clear that a sole focus on production activities for industrial cluster analysis limits the identification of innovative actors.
‘I Know It Sounds Nasty and Stereotyped’: Searching for the Competent Domestic Worker
Authors: Abrantes Manuel
Published: March 2014

The recent upsurge of commercial companies in the market of domestic services has drawn attention in various countries. However, little is known about the operation of these companies and the extent to which their endeavours to industrialize paid domestic work reproduce or break away from historical patterns of gender inequality. In this article, the theoretical debate is informed by empirical data collected in the city area ofLisbon, inPortugal. In particular, open‐ended interviews with the managers of 15 companies provide a privileged view over the practices of recruitment and selection. Multiple sources of segmentation are associated with gendered understandings of class and ethnicity. Far from a paradigm in which stimuli toward industrialization and professionalization would overthrow the traditional centrality of trust and personal bonds in domestic service relationships, managers seek to gain a competitive advantage over rival companies and the informal economy precisely by mastering the trade of trust and personal bonds.
Estimates of sensitivity and specificity of electric pulp testing depend on pulp disease spectrum: a modelling study
Authors: Mejàre I. A. , Bergenholtz G. , Petersson K. , Tranæus S.
Published: March 2014

Aim

To demonstrate how the spectrum of diseased pulps may influence sensitivity and specificity in diagnostic studies on pulp status.

Methodology

An original sample from a previous study consisting of 59 teeth scheduled for root canal treatment was used where the relationship between the response to electric pulp testing and the visual status of the pulp was evaluated. To alter the spectrum of diseased pulps, a hypothetical sample of asymptomatic teeth with deep caries lesions was added to the original sample. Sensitivity and specificity were then compared for the two samples.

Results

In the original sample of 59 teeth, sensitivity was 72% and specificity 90%. When the spectrum of diseased pulps was altered, sensitivity decreased to 67% and specificity increased to 97%. The change in disease spectrum also decreased the prevalence of necrotic pulps.

Conclusions

The spectrum of diseased pulps included in a diagnostic study on the accuracy of electric pulp testing, and indirectly also disease prevalence (here pulp necrosis), influences estimates of sensitivity and specificity. This implies that estimates of diagnostic accuracy from one study with a particular tooth population spectrum may not apply to another tooth population with a different disease spectrum.
Avoidance behavior in US university Spanish‐language instruction
Authors: Hubert Michael D.
Published: March 2014

The use of communicative strategies (CSs) by L2 learners is a well‐documented facet of second language research, with a number of studies suggesting a direct correlation between CS use and L2 proficiency. However, current research regarding learners' use of these strategies has not yet addressed the potential overuse of linguistic avoidance among FL learners. This study attempts to measure avoidance use among US university students of Spanish as a FL. Thirty‐two participants completed two communicative writing assignments, one requiring the use of the preterit/imperfect aspect, and another the subjunctive. Participants were then interviewed regarding their use and/or conscious avoidance of these grammatical forms. Results indicate a great deal of purposeful, conscious avoidance of both of these targeted grammatical forms on the part of participants.
Optimisation of immersion vacuum cooling operation and quality of Irish cooked sausages by using response surface methodology
Authors: Feng Chao‐Hui , Sun Da‐Wen
Published: March 2014

The effects of initial water temperature (X1, 20–72 °C), pressure reduction rate (X2, 60–90 mbar/min), agitation speed (X3, 300–600 rpm) as well as condensing temperature (X4, −10 −2 °C) during immersion vacuum cooling (IVC) of Irish cooked sausages were evaluated and optimised by response surface methodology for the first time. The cooling loss, colour, texture and moisture content of the sausages were estimated. The significant polynomial regression models on cooling time (P < 0.001) and hardness (P < 0.05) were established. Results showed that the condensing temperature affected the cooling time of IVC sausage significantly (P < 0.001), while hardness was significantly influenced by initial water temperature and condensing temperature. Three optimum operational modules were determined and validated. The cooling times in all modules were compliant within US Department of Agriculture (USDA). Module 3 (X1: 4.51 °C, X2: 72.88 mbar/min, X3: 459.09 rpm, X4: −8 °C) was the most practical option for achieving the required high cooling rate with high‐quality properties.
Effect of pulsed electric field processing on carotenoid extractability of carrot purée
Authors: Roohinejad Shahin , Everett David W. , Oey Indrawati
Published: March 2014

The purpose of this research was to study the effect of electric field strength (0.1–1 kV cm−1) and frequency (5–75 Hz) during pulsed electric field (PEF) processing on the extractability of carotenoids in carrots, which was examined using different vegetable oils. Increasing electric field strengths up to 1 kV cm−1 at 5 Hz significantly (P < 0.05) increased the extraction of carotenoids from carrot pomace. Increasing frequency above 10 Hz at 1 kV cm−1 did not improve the carotenoids extraction. The yield of carotenoids extracted was dependent on the vegetable oils. Sunflower and soya bean oils had the highest carotenoid extractability, and peanut oil was the lowest for carrot pomace treated at 0.6 kV cm−1 and 5 Hz, but no significant difference was observed among vegetable oils for carrot pomace treated at 50 Hz. This study suggests that PEF can improve the carotenoids extractability of carrots depending on the electric field strength and frequency used.
Rheological and physico‐chemical properties of gelatin extracted from the skin of a few species of freshwater carp
Authors: Madhamuthanalli Chandra Venkataramappa , Bangalore Shamasundar Aswathnarayan
Published: March 2014

The physico‐chemical and rheological properties of gelatin from the skins of three different freshwater carp species, namely Catla catla, (catla) Cirrhinus mrigala (mrigal) and Labeo rohita (rohu), have been assessed and compared with that of gelatin from porcine skin. The average solids yield from the three species of carp varied in the range of 11.8–14.1%. The amino acid profile showed that the porcine gelatin had a higher proportion of imino acids and glycine than carp skins gelatin. The average molecular weight of carp skins gelatin as determined using a gel filtration technique was 233 kDa, while that of porcine skin gelatin was 282 kDa. The gelling temperature of carp skins gelatin was in the range of 6–15.7 °C, and the melting temperature was 17.9–23.7 °C as determined using a controlled stress rheometer. A higher gelling and melting temperature was observed for porcine skin gelatin.
Effects of process stages on Turkish delight/lokum microbiological quality
Authors: İpek Dilvin , Demirel Zorba Nükhet N.
Published: March 2014

The sources of microbiological contamination at the lokum production lines of two local confectionaries were determined. Surface samples from the production lines were evaluated by standard and ATP bioluminescence methods. Microbial loads of raw materials were also determined. The trays and cutting knives were found to be the primary contamination sources, and personnel hands were found to be the secondary contamination sources, while all of them were found to be the secondary sources when the standard swab method was applied. Raw materials were not sources of contamination, because of their microbiological loads and the following high‐temperature cooking stages. The microbial loads of lokum also were not high, due to product contents and the processes applied to lokum. There is a need for further studies related to the effects of process steps on the physical and the chemical quality of lokum. Training for workers in food safety at the confectionaries is also needed.
Optimisation of oil extraction from sardine (Sardina pilchardus) by hydraulic pressing
Authors: García‐Moreno Pedro J. , Morales‐Medina Rocío , Pérez‐Gálvez Raúl , Bandarra Narcisa M. , Guadix Antonio , Guadix Emilia M.
Published: March 2014

The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of the processing conditions (pretreatment temperature: 5–55 °C, pressure: 60–120 bar and number of pressing stages: 1–3) on the yield and quality (free fatty acids, peroxide value, p‐anisidine and Rancimat induction period) of the oil extracted from whole sardine by hydraulic pressing. Experimental factors were investigated by a designed experiment and optimised by response surface methodology. A maximum yield of oil, 12.47%, was obtained at 55 °C, 60 bar and two pressing stages. Regarding oil quality, it was found minimum values for acidity (0.25% oleic at 55 °C, 60 bar and one pressing stage) and for peroxide value (0.29 meq kg−1 oil at 5 °C, 60 bar and one pressing stage). Hence, the opposite effect of pretreatment temperature and number of pressing stages on the yield of oil and on its oxidation parameters suggested applying the weighted‐sum method as multiobjective optimisation technique.
Advancing avian nutrition through best feeding practice
Authors: Fidgett A. L. , Gardner L.
Published: March 2014

At a time when zoo populations are being relied upon for future progeny and long‐term sustainability of our avian populations, nutrition is vitally important. However, diet review, evaluation and change are often met with disinterest and complacency. Link nutrition to poor health, associated veterinary costs, poor egg production and low chick viability and suddenly the subject becomes more important. High standards are expected in other aspects of avian husbandry yet the nutritional composition of the diets often remains unknown. This article highlights advances in nutrition, useful resources, means of keeping feeding records, and tools available to evaluate and review avian diets in nutritional terms. Regularly reviewing diets ensures the nutritional care of birds keeps pace with other areas of husbandry.
Lessons Learned From an Inter‐Institutional Graduate Course on Interdisciplinary Modeling for Water‐Related Issues and Changing Climate
Authors: Saito Laurel , Link Timothy E. , Fernald Alexander , Kohne Lisa
Published: March 2014

Computer modeling is a useful tool for integrating approaches from different disciplines to address complex water and climate issues, but because academic training is typically disciplinary, many scientists and practitioners are not aware of modeling techniques in other disciplines or ways that different models can be integrated to address complex questions. Since 2005, we have conducted a course on interdisciplinary modeling that provides lectures and laboratory exercises from different disciplines as well as topics related to interdisciplinary modeling such as issues of scale and uncertainty. Students work in interdisciplinary teams to integrate modeling approaches from different disciplines to address issues related to water and climate. In this paper, we provide a description of course development and implementation, results of course evaluations of course content, lessons learned, and future needs for educating students about interdisciplinary approaches. We also provide results of surveys of course participants regarding course effectiveness and sustainability.
Simple Climate Models to Illustrate How Bifurcations Can Alter Equilibria and Stability
Authors: Herald Christopher M. , Kurita Satoko , Telyakovskiy Aleksey S.
Published: March 2014

Climate change is, by its nature, a truly interdisciplinary topic. While college level science classes now frequently include exposure to climate change issues, not all science majors, math majors and future math K‐12 teachers are likely to see climate issues in the course of their studies. Here we present one self‐contained topic that can be presented to those students without requiring too much additional explanation about climate change issues. This case study also can serve to illustrate the rather sophisticated concept of a “tipping point” to a diverse science audience without advanced training in dynamical systems. We consider the effect of solar radiation on the size of ice caps, and show that small changes in solar radiation can cause major irreversible changes in the size of ice caps. We present two sets of exercises that students can be asked to work on their own, after the overall conceptual model has been presented during the class. This material was inspired by the experience gained by one of the authors in teaching Interdisciplinary Modeling: Water‐Related Issues and Climate Change course in summer 2012. It was used by the authors in a Math 420/620 Mathematical Modeling class at the University of Nevada, Reno in Fall 2012.
Vadose Zone Processes: A Compendium for Teaching Interdisciplinary Modeling
Authors: Heinse Robert , Link Timothy E.
Published: March 2014

We describe one approach of teaching vadose zone (VZ) processes to non‐vadose zone (NVZ) scholars interested in the water and climate change nexus. Our objective is to introduce key models and input parameters, briefly explain the mechanics of solving the problem using the Richards equation approach, and to point out alternative and scale‐dependent approaches and solutions. Our goal is to provide enough information such that students gain some familiarity with key terms, have a rudimentary mechanistic understanding, and most importantly, know where to look for more information. We recognize that in some situations a significant amount of complexity is embedded within problem solutions, and we have not attempted to broaden the scope to include every interaction. Rather, we focus on the defining principles of soil‐water physics to introduce the VZ to NVZ scholars. We propose the use of water as a lens to allow for an accessible categorization of VZ processes. This in turn will form the foundation for the impact of those models on student learning, experiences and attitudes towards VZ modeling.
Economic Foundations for the Interdisciplinary Modeling of Water Resources Under Climate Change
Authors: Elbakidze Levan , Cobourn Kelly M.
Published: March 2014

Climate change is likely to alter the scarcity of water resources, contributing to increased concern among policymakers and water managers about how to best allocate water among competing uses. Hydroeconomic models provide a means of integrating human and biophysical systems to understand the impacts of alternative water policies. This article discusses foundational concepts related to economic efficiency, with a specific focus on the equimarginal principle, and presents a modeling framework that demonstrates how to use these concepts as a starting point for an interdisciplinary model of water resources management. The modeling framework accommodates concerns about allocating water across competing uses, over time, and with stochastic water availability.
An ethnographic study of nurses’ experience with nursing research and its integration in practice
Authors: Dupin Cécile Marie , Borglin Gunilla , Debout Christophe , Rothan‐Tondeur Monique
Published: March 2014

Aim

To report from a study aimed at illuminating how French Registered Nurses experience and engage in nursing research in clinical practice.

Background

Nursing research in France is mainly conducted by nurses working at clinical research units rather than by dedicated nurse researchers. Education, i.e. advanced degrees, in the field of nursing research is still in its infancy and not yet consistent with the international context. Outside France, the general perception is that nursing research is a unified part of professional nursing. Consequently, in‐depth knowledge about how nurses in a French clinical context might experience and engage in nursing research is still lacking.

Design

The design of this study was influenced by an ethnographic approach as described by the French anthropologists Beaud and Weber.

Method

Data, participatory observations, field notes and interviews (n = 6) were collected in a teaching hospital between April–August 2012. The field consisted of a wound‐care unit and clinical research units. Collected data were analysed based on Beaud and Weber's description of analysis.

Results

Three beliefs were identified: being a unified part of a research team, being an integral part of ‘crosswise – across’ activities and being part of research activities.

Conclusion/Implication for research

Commitment to nursing research was strengthened by patient‐related issues. Based on this context, nursing research would likely benefit from the support of a naturalized reciprocity between clinical practice and research.
Unravelling the effects of contemporary and historical range expansion on the distribution of genetic diversity in the damselfly Coenagrion scitulum
Authors: Swaegers J. , Mergeay J. , Therry L. , Bonte D. , Larmuseau M. H. D. , Stoks R.
Published: March 2014

Although genetic diversity provides the basic substrate for evolution, there are a limited number of studies that assess the impact of recent climate change on intraspecific genetic variation. This study aims to unravel the degree to which historical and contemporary factors shape genetic diversity and structure across a large part of the range of the range‐expanding damselfly Coenagrion scitulum (Rambur, 1842). A total of 525 individuals from 31 populations were genotyped at nine microsatellites, and a subset was sequenced at two mitochondrial genes. We inferred the importance of geography, environmental factors, and recent range expansion on genetic diversity and structure. Genetic diversity decreased going westwards, suggesting a signature of historical post‐glacial expansion from east to west and the presence of eastern refugia. Although genetic differentiation decreased going northwards, it increased in the northern edge populations, suggesting a role of contemporary range expansion on the genetic make‐up of populations. The phylogeographical context was proven to be essential in understanding and identifying the genetic signatures of local contemporary processes. Within this framework, our results highlight that recent range expansion of a good disperser can decrease genetic diversity and increase genetic differentiation which should be considered when devising suitable conservation strategies.
Conspicuous visual signals do not coevolve with increased body size in marine sea slugs
Authors: Cheney K. L. , Cortesi F. , How M. J. , Wilson N. G. , Blomberg S. P. , Winters A. E. , Umanzör S. , Marshall N. J.
Published: March 2014

Many taxa use conspicuous colouration to attract mates, signal chemical defences (aposematism) or for thermoregulation. Conspicuousness is a key feature of aposematic signals, and experimental evidence suggests that predators avoid conspicuous prey more readily when they exhibit larger body size and/or pattern elements. Aposematic prey species may therefore evolve a larger body size due to predatory selection pressures, or alternatively, larger prey species may be more likely to evolve aposematic colouration. Therefore, a positive correlation between conspicuousness and body size should exist. Here, we investigated whether there was a phylogenetic correlation between the conspicuousness of animal patterns and body size using an intriguing, understudied model system to examine questions on the evolution of animal signals, namely nudibranchs (opisthobranch molluscs). We also used new ways to compare animal patterns quantitatively with their background habitat in terms of intensity variance and spatial frequency power spectra. In studies of aposematism, conspicuousness is usually quantified using the spectral contrast of animal colour patches against its background; however, other components of visual signals, such as pattern, luminance and spectral sensitivities of potential observers, are largely ignored. Contrary to our prediction, we found that the conspicuousness of body patterns in over 70 nudibranch species decreased as body size increased, indicating that crypsis was not limited to a smaller body size. Therefore, alternative selective pressures on body size and development of colour patterns, other than those inflicted by visual hunting predators, may act more strongly on the evolution of aposematism in nudibranch molluscs.
Early reproductive investment, senescence and lifetime reproductive success in femaleAsian elephants
Authors: Hayward A. D. , Mar K. U. , Lahdenperä M. , Lummaa V.
Published: March 2014

The evolutionary theory of senescence posits that as the probability of extrinsic mortality increases with age, selection should favour early‐life over late‐life reproduction. Studies on natural vertebrate populations show early reproduction may impair later‐life performance, but the consequences for lifetime fitness have rarely been determined, and little is known of whether similar patterns apply to mammals which typically live for several decades. We used a longitudinal dataset onAsian elephants (Elephas maximus) to investigate associations between early‐life reproduction and female age‐specific survival, fecundity and offspring survival to independence, as well as lifetime breeding success (lifetime number of calves produced). Females showed low fecundity following sexual maturity, followed by a rapid increase to a peak at age 19 and a subsequent decline. High early life reproductive output (before the peak of performance) was positively associated with subsequent age‐specific fecundity and offspring survival, but significantly impaired a female's own later‐life survival. Despite the negative effects of early reproduction on late‐life survival, early reproduction is under positive selection through a positive association with lifetime breeding success. Our results suggest a trade‐off between early reproduction and later survival which is maintained by strong selection for high early fecundity, and thus support the prediction from life history theory that high investment in reproductive success in early life is favoured by selection through lifetime fitness despite costs to later‐life survival. That maternal survival in elephants depends on previous reproductive investment also has implications for the success of (semi‐)captive breeding programmes of this endangered species.
Prompted awareness and use of Eating Well with Canada's Food Guide: a population‐based study
Authors: Mathe N. , Van der Meer L. , Agborsangaya C. B. , Murray T. , Storey K. , Johnson J. A. , Loitz C. C. , Johnson S. T.
Published: March 2014

Background

Little is known about the awareness of Canada's Food Guide (CFG). The present study aimed to report the general and specific awareness of CFG recommendations among adults in Alberta, Canada.

Methods

For this cross‐sectional study, respondents (aged >18 years) from randomly selected households completed a telephone survey. Questions pertaining to CFG, physical activity, and vegetable and fruit consumption were included. Logistic regression determined associations between demographic characteristics and awareness of CFG.

Results

Thousand two hundred and ten Albertans (50% female, mean age 50.5 years) responded. Most [86.5%; 95% confidence interval (CI) = 84.6–88.4] indicated being generally aware of CFG when prompted and 82.5% were aware of specific CFG recommendations. There were no differences in age between those generally aware and unaware of CFG. Female sex [odds ratio (OR) = 3.6; 95%CI = 24–5.4], Caucasian ethnicity (OR = 3.7; 95% CI = 2.3–5.8), income ≥ Canadian $100 000 per annum (OR = 1.6; 95% CI = 1.1–2.3), reporting ≥5 vegetables and fruit per day (OR = 2.1; 95% CI = 1.4–3.2), exceeding recommended levels for physical activity (OR = 2.0; 95% CI = 1.3–2.9) and perception of current weight as healthy (OR = 1.8; 95% CI = 1.2–2.8) were associated with an awareness of CFG.

Conclusions

Sex, ethnicity and income were associated with general awareness of CFG. Future studies could explore the relationship between awareness and other health‐related behaviours
Impact of Nulliparous Women's Body Mass Index or Excessive Weight Gain in Pregnancy on Genital Tract Trauma at Birth
Authors: Gallagher Kelly , Migliaccio Laura , Rogers Rebecca G. , Leeman Lawrence , Hervey Elizabeth , Qualls Clifford
Published: March 2014

Introduction

The purpose of this study was to explore the impact of body mass index (BMI) or pregnancy weight gain on the presence, site, and severity of genital tract trauma at childbirth in nulliparous women.

Methods

The present study is a subanalysis of a prospective cohort of healthy nulliparous women recruited during pregnancy and followed through birth. Weight gain during pregnancy and prepregnancy BMI were recorded. At birth, women underwent detailed mapping of genital tract trauma. For analyses, women were dichotomized into obese (BMI ≥ 30) versus nonobese (BMI < 30) at baseline as well as into those who gained weight as recommended by the Institute of Medicine (IOM) and those who gained more than the recommended amount to determine the impact of obesity or excessive weight gain on rates of genital tract trauma.

Results

Data from 445 women were available for analysis. Presence and severity of genital tract trauma did not vary between obese and nonobese women (51% vs 53%, P = .64). Likewise, women who had more than the IOM‐recommended weight gain did not have a higher incidence of perineal lacerations (52% versus 53% with perineal lacerations, P = .69). Obese women were more likely to gain in excess of the IOM guidelines during pregnancy (75% vs 50% excessive weight gain in obese vs nonobese women, respectively; P < .001).

Discussion

A woman's BMI or excessive weight gain in pregnancy did not influence her risk of genital tract trauma at birth.
Umbilical Cord Avulsion in Waterbirth
Authors: Schafer Robyn
Published: March 2014

Umbilical cord avulsion (or “cord snapping”) is often cited as a risk associated with waterbirth. This article discusses a case study in which a cord avulsed during a waterbirth and uses it as a basis to explore the incidence, etiology, and associated risk factors of umbilical cord avulsion. The diagnosis, clinical presentation, and management of cord avulsion in waterbirth is presented along with a thorough review of the literature and relevant professional standards. This article offers recommendations for clinical practice to minimize the risk of a cord avulsion and highlights the need for additional research and provider education to ensure optimal care of women and newborns.
Alterations in STriatal‐Enriched protein tyrosine Phosphatase expression, activation, and downstream signaling in early and late stages of the YAC128 Huntington's disease mouse model
Authors: Gladding Clare M. , Fan Jing , Zhang Lily Y. J. , Wang Liang , Xu Jian , Li Edward H. Y. , Lombroso Paul J. , Raymond Lynn A.
Published: March 2014

Striatal neurodegeneration and synaptic dysfunction in Huntington's disease are mediated by the mutant huntingtin (mHtt) protein. MHtt disrupts calcium homeostasis and facilitates excitotoxicity, in part by altering NMDA receptor (NMDAR) trafficking and function. Pre‐symptomatic (excitotoxin‐sensitive) transgenic mice expressing full‐length human mHtt with 128 polyglutamine repeats (YAC128 Huntington's disease mice) show increased calpain activity and extrasynaptic NMDAR (Ex‐NMDAR) localization and signaling. Furthermore, Ex‐NMDAR stimulation facilitates excitotoxicity in wild‐type cortical neurons via calpain‐mediated cleavage of STriatal‐Enriched protein tyrosine Phosphatase 61 (STEP61). The cleavage product, STEP33, cannot dephosphorylate p38 mitogen‐activated protein kinase (MAPK), thereby augmenting apoptotic signaling. Here, we show elevated extrasynaptic calpain‐mediated cleavage of STEP61 and p38 phosphorylation, as well as STEP61 inactivation and reduced extracellular signal‐regulated protein kinase 1/2 phosphorylation (ERK1/2) in the striatum of 6‐week‐old, excitotoxin‐sensitive YAC128 mice. Calpain inhibition reduced basal and NMDA‐induced STEP61 cleavage. However, basal p38 phosphorylation was normalized by a peptide disrupting NMDAR‐post‐synaptic density protein‐95 (PSD‐95) binding but not by calpain inhibition. In 1‐year‐old excitotoxin‐resistant YAC128 mice, STEP33 levels were not elevated, but STEP61 inactivation and p38 and ERK 1/2 phosphorylation levels were increased. These results show that in YAC128 striatal tissue, enhanced NMDAR–PSD‐95 interactions contributes to elevated p38 signaling in early, excitotoxin‐sensitive stages, and suggest that STEP61 inactivation enhances MAPK signaling at late, excitotoxin‐resistant stages.

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The YAC128 Huntington's disease mouse model shows early, enhanced susceptibility to NMDA receptor‐mediated striatal apoptosis, progressing to late‐stage excitotoxicity resistance. This study shows that elevated NMDA receptor–PSD‐95 interactions as well as decreased extrasynaptic STriatal‐Enriched protein tyrosine Phosphatase 61 (STEP61) activation may contribute to early enhanced apoptotic signaling. In late‐stage YAC128 mice, reduced STEP61 levels and activity correlate with elevated MAPK signaling, consistent with excitotoxicity resistance. Solid and dotted arrows indicate conclusions drawn from the current study and other literature, respectively.
Inhibition of striatal‐enriched tyrosine phosphatase 61 in the dorsomedial striatum is sufficient to increased ethanol consumption
Authors: Darcq Emmanuel , Hamida Sami Ben , Wu Su , Phamluong Khanky , Kharazia Viktor , Xu Jian , Lombroso Paul , Ron Dorit
Published: March 2014

The STriatal‐Enriched protein tyrosine Phosphatase 61 (STEP61) inhibits the activity of the tyrosine kinase Fyn and dephosphorylates the GluN2B subunit of the NMDA receptor, whereas the protein kinase A phosphorylation of STEP61 inhibits the activity of the phosphatase (Pharmacol. Rev., 64, , p. 65). Previously, we found that ethanol activates Fyn in the dorsomedial striatum (DMS) leading to GluN2B phosphorylation, which, in turn, underlies the development of ethanol intake (J. Neurosci., 30, , p. 10187). Here, we tested the hypothesis that inhibition of STEP61 by ethanol is upstream of Fyn/GluN2B. We show that exposure of mice to ethanol increased STEP61 phosphorylation in the DMS, which was maintained after withdrawal and was not observed in other striatal regions. Specific knockdown of STEP61 in the DMS of mice enhanced ethanol‐mediated Fyn activation and GluN2B phosphorylation, and increased ethanol intake without altering the level of water, saccharine, quinine consumption or spontaneous locomotor activity. Together, our data suggest that blockade of STEP61 activity in response to ethanol is sufficient for the activation of the Fyn/GluN2B pathway in the DMS. Being upstream of Fyn and GluN2B, inactive STEP61 in the DMS primes the induction of ethanol intake.

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We show that ethanol‐mediated inhibition of STEP61 in the DMS leads to Fyn activation and GluN2B phosphorylation. (a) Under basal conditions, active STEP61 inhibits Fyn activity and dephosphorylates GluN2B. (b) Ethanol leads to the phosphorylation of STEP61 on a specific inhibitory site. The inhibition of STEP61 activity contributes to the activation of Fyn in response to ethanol, which, in turn, phosphorylates GluN2B. These molecular adaptations in the DMS promote ethanol drinking.
3D Electrospun scaffolds promote a cytotrophic phenotype of cultured primary astrocytes
Authors: Lau Chew L. , Kovacevic Michelle , Tingleff Tine S. , Forsythe John S. , Cate Holly S. , Merlo Daniel , Cederfur Cecilia , Maclean Francesca L. , Parish Clare L. , Horne Malcolm K. , Nisbet David R. , Beart Philip M.
Published: March 2014

Astrocytes are a target for regenerative neurobiology because in brain injury their phenotype arbitrates brain integrity, neuronal death and subsequent repair and reconstruction. We explored the ability of 3D scaffolds to direct astrocytes into phenotypes with the potential to support neuronal survival. Poly‐ε‐caprolactone scaffolds were electrospun with random and aligned fibre orientations on which murine astrocytes were sub‐cultured and analysed at 4 and 12 DIV. Astrocytes survived, proliferated and migrated into scaffolds adopting 3D morphologies, mimickingin vivostellated phenotypes. Cells on random poly‐ε‐caprolactone scaffolds grew as circular colonies extending processes deep within sub‐micron fibres, whereas astrocytes on aligned scaffolds exhibited rectangular colonies with processes following not only the direction of fibre alignment but also penetrating the scaffold. Cell viability was maintained over 12 DIV, and cytochemistry for F‐/G‐actin showed fewer stress fibres on bioscaffolds relative to 2D astrocytes. Reduced cytoskeletal stress was confirmed by the decreased expression of glial fibrillary acidic protein. PCR demonstrated up‐regulation of genes (excitatory amino acid transporter 2, brain‐derived neurotrophic factor and anti‐oxidant) reflecting healthy biologies of mature astrocytes in our extended culture protocol. This study illustrates the therapeutic potential of bioengineering strategies using 3D electrospun scaffolds which direct astrocytes into phenotypes supporting brain repair.

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Astrocytes exist in phenotypes with pro‐survival and destructive components, and their biology can be modulated by changing phenotype. Our findings demonstrate murine astrocytes adopt a healthy phenotype when cultured in 3D. Astrocytes proliferate and extend into poly‐ε‐caprolactone scaffolds displaying 3D stellated morphologies with reduced GFAP expression and actin stress fibres, plus a cytotrophic gene profile. Bioengineered 3D scaffolds have potential to direct inflammation to aid regenerative neurobiology.