bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Measuring the realized niches of animals using stable isotopes: from rats to bears
Authors: Hopkins John B. , Kurle Carolyn M.
Published: August 2015

Stable isotope analysis is a powerful method for estimating the impacts animals have on their environment (resource use), revealing their ecological niches.

We demonstrated the use of a stable isotope mixing model for measuring the ecological niches of consumers. In particular, we used the model IsotopeR to estimate the resource use of two species with complex, omnivorous diets: invasive Norway rats from the Aleutian Islands, AK, and American black bears from Yosemite National Park, CA. Marginal posterior distributions for major food sources (for populations, groups and individuals) described the resource axes that partly define the realized niches of these omnivores. We used measures of these resource axes to inform resource management in the Aleutians and Yosemite.

Results from our analyses confirm that coastal rats did not rely on marine birds on rat‐infested islands in the Aleutians. Instead, rats foraged primarily on terrestrial plants and preferred amphipods when they were available. We also use stable isotopes to confirm that plants and acorns are the largest contributors to black bear nutrition in Yosemite and learned that female bears foraged for acorns and pine nuts more heavily than males.

Although it is unclear if Norway rats can maintain viable populations in the Aleutians without access to marine‐derived animal protein, results from our analyses suggest their dependence on such nutrients. In addition, sex‐specific differences in foraging for high‐fat acorns and pine nuts in Yosemite suggest black bear populations in the Sierra Nevada may be limited by the productivity and health of hard mast species. As demonstrated here, stable isotope analysis has wide applicability for investigating the resource use and ecological niches of animals. We anticipate and encourage its rapid development in this fundamental field of ecology.
The Halls Creek Community Families Program: Elements of the role of the child health nurse in development of a remote Aboriginal home visiting peer support program for families in the early years
Authors: Munns Ailsa , Walker Roz
Published: August 2015

Objective

To undertake an evaluation of elements of the role of the child health nurse in the development of peer support for Aboriginal families with young children in a remote setting.

Design

The Halls Creek Community Families Program uses expertise of peer support workers to support parents of young families. In stage one, participatory action research was used. The program facilitator, who was a child health nurse, undertook action learning sets where issues were explored relating to home visiting strategies to families. Additionally, the facilitator maintained a reflective practice diary. Outcomes contributed to stage two, where an independent researcher evaluated program changes.This report relates to stage one, which used descriptive qualitative data from interviews with peer support workers and community support agencies, and the facilitator's reflective diary. Data were analysed by thematic analysis, focusing on elements of the role of the facilitator in program development.

Setting

A remote Aboriginal community in the Kimberley region of Western Australia.

Participants

Eight peer support workers and five health and welfare professionals from community support agencies.

Main outcome measures

This study measures changes in participants' understanding of the role and scope of practice of the child health nurse facilitator, thereby supporting improved support for Aboriginal families with young children.

Results

Thematic analysis identified three major changes in understanding the child health nurse facilitator role: working in partnership, communication strategies and education and organisational strategies.

Conclusion

Findings suggest empowering benefits for Aboriginal peer support workers from the facilitating role of the child health nurse.
Clinical supervision of allied health professionals in country South Australia: A mixed methods pilot study
Authors: Kumar Saravana , Osborne Kate , Lehmann Tanya
Published: August 2015

Introduction

Recent times have witnessed dramatic changes in health care with overt recognition for quality and safety to underpin health care service delivery. In addition to systems‐wide focus, the importance of supporting and mentoring people delivering the care has also been recognised. This can be achieved through quality clinical supervision. In 2010, Country Health South Australia Local Health Network developed a holistic allied health clinical governance structure, which was implemented in 2011.

Objective

This research reports on emergent findings from the evaluation of the clinical governance structure, which included mandating clinical supervision for all allied health staff.

Methods

A mixed method approach was chosen with evaluation of the impact of clinical supervision undertaken by a psychometrically sound instrument (Manchester Clinical Supervision Scale 26‐item version), collected through an anonymous online survey and qualitative data collected through semistructured interviews and focus groups.

Results

Overall, 189 allied health professionals responded to the survey. Survey responses indicated allied health professionals recognised the importance of and valued receiving clinical supervision (normative domain), had levels of trust and rapport with, and were supported by supervisors (restorative domain) and positively affected their delivery of care and improvement in skills (formative domain). Qualitative data identified enablers such as profession specific gains, improved opportunities and consistency for clinical supervision and barriers such as persistent organisational issues, lack of clarity (delineation of roles) and communication issues.

Conclusion

The findings from this research highlight that while clinical supervision has an important role to play, it is not a panacea for all the ills of the health care system.
A multilevel analysis of factors influencing the flow efficiency of the cataract surgery process in hospitals
Authors: De Regge Melissa , Gemmel Paul , Duyck Philippe , Claerhout Ilse
Published: August 2015

Purpose

To detect factors contributing to variation in cataract surgery processes.

Methods

A multilevel study was conducted to compare the process of cataract surgery between hospitals in Belgium. The main data were collected through non‐participative observations and time measurements in four hospitals. Surgeons (n = 16) performing cataract surgery in the selected region and their patients (n = 274) undergoing cataract surgery were observed. Flow efficiency is measured in the operating room (OR) as time for preparation, surgery, exit and turnover.

Results

Flow efficiency in the OR can be negatively influenced by the severity of the cataract [+2.778 (1.139) min in preparation time (p < 0.05); +4.616 (1.786) min in surgery time when severe cataract (p < 0.05)] and the presence of special‐cause variation [+2.832 (1.893) min preparation time (p < 0.05); +2.503 (1.277) min surgery time (p < 0.05); +1.181 (0.350) min exit time (p ≤ 0.001)]. Administering topical analgesia instead of peribulbar [+13.548 (4.436) min preparation time (p ≤ 0.001)], retrobulbar [+3.856 (1.548) min surgery time (p ≤ 0.05)] or general analgesia [+5.617 (2.536) min surgery time (p < 0.05); +5.175 (0.817) min exit time (p ≤ 0.001)] enhances flow efficiency. The experience of surgeons (>15 years) impacts flow efficiency [+12.838 (5.922) min surgery time when low experience]. The volume of cataracts performed annually per surgeon did not have a significant impact on flow efficiency. The use of specialized scrub nurses [−7.146 (3.099) min preparation time (p ≤ 0.05); −2.116 (0.586) min turnover time (p ≤ 0.05)] and the eye clinic design [−1.742 (0.686) min exit time (p < 0.05); 2.296 (1.034) min turnover time (p ≤ 0.05)] benefit flow efficiency.

Conclusion

Controllable and uncontrollable factors with clinical and organizational causes influencing flow efficiency in the cataract process were found. These factors can be taken into account in the management of the healthcare process.
Seven‐day storage of pneumatically dissected Descemet's endothelial grafts with and without Dua's layer
Authors: GamalElDin Sherif A. , Salama Marwa M. , ElShazly Malak I.
Published: August 2015

Purpose

To evaluate the efficacy of big‐bubble (BB) technique in separating Dua's layer together with the Descemet's membrane endothelial (DE) graft and the effect of 7‐day storage of the prepared tissues on the endothelial cells.

Method

This is an experimental study in which 21 human corneo‐scleral tissues unsuitable for transplantation were used. Grafts were mounted on artificial chamber; epithelial side‐up with BB technique was used to detach the DE graft. The resultant tissues were stored in tissue culture medium for 7 days. Dua's layer presence, endothelial cell density (ECD), endothelial cell loss and viability were assessed after the dissection and at 7 days after storage.

Results

Complete detachment of DE grafts was achieved in 20 cases (95.24%). Histological analysis revealed Dua's layer presence in 14 cases (70%). The mean ECD for the corneas before dissection was 2375 ± 338 cells/mm2 with significant reduction to 2200 ± 319 cells/mm2 (p < 0.00001) with endothelial cell loss of 7.3 ± 3.5% and non‐viable cells of 6.5 ± 2.5% at the end of the 7‐day storage. On comparing the dissected DE grafts with Dua's layer versus those without at 1 day after dissection and at 7 days after storage, we found no statistically significant changes in endothelial cell loss (p = 0.387; p = 0.836 respectively) and non‐viable cells percentage (p = 0.180; p = 0.260, respectively).

Conclusion

Big‐bubble technique is reproducible in dissecting DE grafts with minimal damage to the endothelial cells. The percentage of endothelial cell loss and non‐viable cells is similar in the DE grafts with/without Dua's layer after 7‐day storage.
Biomass removal by clipping and raking vs burning for the restoration of abandoned Stipa‐dominated European steppe‐like grassland
Authors: Ruprecht Eszter , Enyedi Márton Zsolt , Szabó Anna , Fenesi Annamária
Published: August 2015

Question

Do restoration measures involving yearly biomass removal over 9 yr have a beneficial effect on the structure and composition of long‐term abandoned European steppe‐like grassland? What is the effect of a single accidental fire event on this grassland community?

Location

Continental dry steppe‐like grassland, Suatu and Puini, Transylvania, Romania.

Methods

In two long‐term abandoned grassland sites, we experimentally carried out annual biomass removal by clipping and raking, and by raking alone over a period of 9 yr. We analysed the effect of the two planned treatments in both sites and that of an accidental fire in one of the sites on the structure and composition of vegetation. We applied a predominantly functional trait‐based analysis, but the dominant species Stipa pulcherrima and Carex humilis were treated separately.

Results

Annual biomass removal applied for 9 yr at one site favoured sub‐dominant grasses and short‐lived forbs over long‐lived forbs and the two dominant species, and generated a successional shift to more open grassland. The clipping and raking treatment promoted plot‐scale species richness when the grassland species pool was large enough. The number and abundance of Red‐Listed species were not influenced by our treatments. The single accidental fire event at one of the sites negatively affected the two dominant species and promoted one of the sub‐dominant grasses. In addition, burning in combination with abandonment and presence of stoloniferous grass species benefiting from fire decreased species richness. Variation in weather conditions, in particular the series of dry years during our experiment, caused significant changes in vegetation cover and the quantity of litter, and decreased the abundance of S. pulcherrima in both sites and that of long‐lived forbs in one site.

Conclusions

According to our results, biomass removal had a beneficial effect on vegetation structure and composition in long‐term abandoned steppe‐like grassland. Until further experimental data on the effect of burning on temperate dry grassland are available, traditional management practices should be favoured over alternative methods.
Pharmacokinetics of Memantine after a Single and Multiple Dose of Oral and Patch Administration in Rats
Authors: Lee Soo‐Han , Kim Seung‐Hyun , Noh Yook‐Hwan , Choi Byung‐Moon , Noh Gyu‐Jeong , Park Woo‐Dae , Kim Eun‐Jung , Cho Ik‐Hyun , Bae Chun‐Sik
Published: August 2015

Memantine is a non‐competitive N‐methyl‐D‐aspartate (NMDA) receptor antagonist used to treat Alzheimer's disease. We investigated memantine pharmacokinetics after oral, IV and patch administration in rats, and compared memantine pharmacokinetics after multiple‐ or single‐dose oral and transdermal administration. Venous blood was collected at preset intervals in single‐ and multiple‐dose studies. Non‐compartmental pharmacokinetics was analysed for all formulations. The oral, IV and patch memantine doses were 10 mg/kg, 2 mg/kg and 8.21 ± 0.89 mg/kg, respectively. The maximum plasma concentration was lower and the half‐life longer after patch administration than oral and IV administration. Memantine bioavailability was 41 and 63% for oral and patch administration, respectively. Steady state was achieved around 24 hr for oral and patch administration. The mean AUC increased after oral or patch administration from single to multiple dose. The memantine patch formulation displayed a longer duration of action and lower peak plasma concentration. However, drug exposure was similar to the oral formulation at each dose. Additionally, the memantine patch formulation displayed a smaller interindividual variability and lower accumulation than the oral formulation.
Crowdsourcing as a new instrument in the government's arsenal: Explorations and considerations
Authors: Dutil Patrice
Published: August 2015

Governments have made strides in “crowdsourcing” yet the concept has not been defined as a tool in either policy‐making or in delivering services. The article identifies different forms of crowdsourcing and argues that existing taxonomies for governing instruments insufficiently account for crowdsourcing as a strategic tool in its arsenal. Focusing on the most important types of crowdsourcing drawn from the federal, provincial and municipal levels, it explores the limits of crowdsourcing and issues it raises for governance and administration. The cases reveal how crowdsourcing can help the state meet needs by activating crowds into accomplishing tasks. Using crowds is more than a procedural novelty: it opens new venues for direct contact between the state and citizens that can affect the force and direction of decision making.
Novel reporter system to monitor early stages of the hepatitis B virus life cycle
Authors: Nishitsuji Hironori , Ujino Saneyuki , Shimizu Yuko , Harada Keisuke , Zhang Jing , Sugiyama Masaya , Mizokami Masashi , Shimotohno Kunitada
Published: August 2015

A recombinant hepatitis B virus (HBV) expressing NanoLuc (NL) (HBV/NL) was produced by cotransfecting a plasmid containing a 1.2‐fold HBV genome carrying the NL gene with a plasmid bearing a packaging‐defective 1.2‐fold HBV genome into a human hepatoma cell line, HepG2. We found that NL activity in HBV/NL‐infected primary hepatocytes or sodium taurocholate cotransporting polypeptide‐transduced human hepatocyte‐derived cell lines increased linearly for several days after infection and was concordant with HBV RNA levels in the cells. Treatment of the virus‐infected cells with HBV inhibitors reduced NL activity in a dose‐dependent manner. Detection of HBV/NL infection, monitored by NL activity, was highly sensitive and less expensive than detection using the conventional method to evaluate HBV infection. In addition, because we also studied host factors, this system is applicable not only for studying the HBV life cycle, but also for exploring agent(s) that regulate HBV proliferation.
Measurement of specific IgE antibodies to Ses i 1 improves the diagnosis of sesame allergy
Authors: Maruyama N. , Nakagawa T. , Ito K. , Cabanos C. , Borres M. P. , Movérare R. , Tanaka A. , Sato S. , Ebisawa M.
Published: August 2015

Background

The number of reported cases of allergic reactions to sesame seeds (Sesamum indicum) has increased significantly. The specific IgE tests and skin prick tests presently available for diagnosis of sesame allergy are all based on crude sesame extract and are limited by their low clinical specificity. Thus, oral food challenge (OFC) is still the gold standard in the diagnosis.

Objective

The aim was to identify the allergen components useful to diagnose sesame‐allergic children with the goal to reduce the number of OFCs needed.

Methods

Ninety‐two sesame‐sensitized children were consecutively enrolled and diagnosed based on OFC or convincing history. Specific IgE to purified native 11S globulin (nSes i 11S), 7S globulin (nSes i 7S), 2S albumin (nSes i 2S), and two recombinant 2S albumins (rSes i 1 and rSes i 2) was measured by ELISA and/or ImmunoCAP (rSes i 1/streptavidin application).

Results

Based on area under curve (AUC) values from receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis, rSes i 1 was shown to have the best diagnostic performance of the allergen components in ELISA. The experimental rSes i 1 ImmunoCAP test had larger AUC (0.891; 95% CI, 0.826–0.955) compared to the commercially available sesame ImmunoCAP (0.697; 95% CI, 0.589–0.805). The clinical sensitivity and specificity for the rSes i 1 ImmunoCAP test at optimal cut‐off (3.96 kUA/L) were 86.1% and 85.7%, respectively.

Conclusion and Clinical Relevance

Sensitization to Ses i 1 is strongly associated with clinical sesame allergy. Measurement of specific IgE to rSes i 1 could reduce the numbers of OFCs needed.
Functional inhibition of PAR2 alleviates allergen‐induced airway hyperresponsiveness and inflammation
Authors: Asaduzzaman M. , Nadeem A. , Arizmendi N. , Davidson C. , Nichols H. L. , Abel M. , Ionescu L. I. , Puttagunta L. , Thebaud B. , Gordon J. , DeFea K. , Hollenberg M. D. , Vliagoftis H.
Published: August 2015

Background

Proteinase‐activated receptor 2 (PAR2) is a G protein‐coupled receptor activated by trypsin‐like serine proteinases. PAR2 activation has been associated with inflammation including allergic airway inflammation. We have also shown that PAR2 activation in the airways leads to allergic sensitization. The exact contribution of PAR2 in the development of eosinophilic inflammation and airway hyperresponsiveness (AHR) in sensitized individuals is not clear.

Objective

To investigate whether functional inhibition of PAR2 during allergen challenge of allergic mice would inhibit allergen‐induced AHR and inflammation in mouse models of asthma.

Methods

Mice were sensitized and challenged with ovalbumin (OVA) or cockroach extract (CE). To investigate the role of PAR2 in the development of AHR and airway inflammation, we administered blocking anti‐PAR2 antibodies, or a cell permeable peptide inhibitor of PAR2 signalling, pepducin, i.n. before allergen challenges and then assessed AHR and airway inflammation.

Results

Administration of anti‐PAR2 antibodies significantly inhibited OVA‐ and CE‐induced AHR and airway inflammation. In particular, two anti‐PAR2 antibodies, the monoclonal SAM‐11 and polyclonal B5, inhibited AHR, airway eosinophilia, the increase of cytokines in the lung tissue and antigen‐specific T cell proliferation, but had no effect on antigen‐specific IgG and IgE levels. Pepducin was also effective in inhibiting AHR and airway inflammation in an OVA model of allergic airway inflammation.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance

Functional blockade of PAR2 in the airways during allergen challenge improves allergen‐induced AHR and inflammation in mice. Therefore, topical PAR2 blockade in the airways, through anti‐PAR2 antibodies or molecules that interrupt PAR2 signalling, has the potential to be used as a therapeutic option in allergic asthma.
WIC PARTICIPATION AND MATERNAL BEHAVIOR: BREASTFEEDING AND WORK LEAVE
Authors: Bullinger Lindsey Rose , Gurley‐Calvez Tami
Published: August 2015

We examine the effects of the Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) Program on breastfeeding outcomes and maternal employment decisions. This research expands the existing literature using an alternative identification strategy and a broader set of outcomes. Using data from the Infant Feeding Practices Study II, we control for selection bias into WIC using the variation in food prices as an instrumental variable. The results of this study are robust to a number of specification and falsification tests. We find WIC decreases exclusive breastfeeding by nearly 50% and increases work leave duration by over 20%. (JEL I18, I38)
Belowground herbivore tolerance involves delayed overcompensatory root regrowth in maize
Authors: Robert Christelle A.M. , Schirmer Stefanie , Barry Julie , Wade French B. , Hibbard Bruce E. , Gershenzon Jonathan
Published: August 2015

Plants can tolerate leaf‐herbivore attack through metabolic reconfigurations that allow for the rapid regrowth of lost leaves. Several studies indicate that root‐attacked plants can re‐allocate resources to the aboveground parts. However, the connection between tolerance and root regrowth remains poorly understood. We investigated the timing and extent of root regrowth of tolerant and susceptible lines of maize, Zea mays L. (Poaceae), attacked by the western corn rootworm, Diabrotica virgifera virgifera LeConte (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae), in the laboratory and the field. Infested tolerant maize plants produced more root biomass and even overcompensated for the lost roots, whereas this effect was absent in susceptible lines. Furthermore, the tolerant plants slowed growth of new roots in the greenhouse and in the field 4–8 days after infestation, whereas susceptible plants slowed growth of new roots only in the field and only after 12 days of infestation. The quick response of tolerant lines may have enabled them to escape root attack by starving the herbivores and by saving resources for regrowth after the attack had ceased. We conclude that both timing and the extent of regrowth may determine plant tolerance to root herbivory.
Wages, prices, and technology in early Catalan industrialization
Authors: Martínez‐Galarraga Julio , Prat Marc
Published: August 2015

Catalonia was the only Mediterranean region among the early followers of the British industrial revolution. The roots of this process can be traced back to the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries when the Catalan economy became integrated into international trade, and a successful printed calico industry concentrated in the city of Barcelona. Although the factory system was largely adopted by the cotton industry in the 1840s, the diffusion of the spinning jenny in Catalonia had occurred earlier, in the 1790s. In line with Allen, this article explores whether relative factor prices played a role in the widespread adoption of the spinning jenny in Catalonia. First, series of real wages in Barcelona are supplied for the period 1500–1808. Second, the prices of labour and capital are compared and the potential profitability of the adoption of the spinning jenny is analysed. Findings show that although Catalonia was not a high wage economy in the way that Britain was in the second half of the eighteenth century, evidence from the cotton spinning sector confirms the relevance of relative factor prices in the adoption of new technology. Within the booming cotton sector after the 1780s, high wages created strong incentives for the adoption of the labour‐saving spinning jenny.
Are functional traits a good predictor of global change impacts on tree species abundance dynamics in a subtropical forest?
Authors: Li Ronghua , Zhu Shidan , Chen Han Y. H. , John Robert , Zhou Guoyi , Zhang Deqiang , Zhang Qianmei , Ye Qing
Published: August 2015

Significant changes in the composition of tree species have been observed in various forests worldwide. We hypothesised that these changes might result from variable sensitivities of species to global change, and species sensitivities might be quantified, using functional traits. Employing long‐term (1978–2010) species abundance data of 48 tree species from a permanent subtropical forest plot, where multiple global change factors have been observed, including soil drying, we examined the relationships between temporal trends in abundance and suits of functional traits. We found that species with high photosynthesis rates, leaf phosphorus and nitrogen concentrations, specific leaf area, hydraulic conductivity, turgor loss point and predawn leaf water potential had increased in abundance, while species with opposite trait patterns had decreased. Our results demonstrate that functional traits underlie tree species abundance dynamics in response to drought stress, thus linking traits to compositional shifts in this subtropical forest under global changes.
HSS revisited: multi‐channel processes mediate trophic control across a productivity gradient
Authors: Ward Colette L. , McCann Kevin S. , Rooney Neil
Published: August 2015

Classical food web theory holds that energy channels are regulated by top‐down control with increasing productivity, arising from within‐channel processes. However, these hypotheses do not consider the existence of parallel energy channels linked by shared resource pools and which can fuel generalist predators, imposing trophic control arising from multi‐channel processes. Using 23 large marine food webs, we show that food web responses to increasing productivity are consistent with the apparent trophic cascade hypothesis (ATCH) – with rising productivity predators derive an increasing fraction of their diet from increasingly productive bottom‐up controlled detritus channels, thereby subsidising predator biomass, and in turn strengthening top‐down control in parallel grazing channels. These results testify to a fundamental role of detritus channels specifically and multi‐channel processes in general in mediating food web response to productivity and demonstrate that the ATCH provides an alternative explanation for classical predictions of top‐down control.
Exploring Proficiency‐Based vs. Performance‐Based Items With Elicited Imitation Assessment
Authors: Cox Troy L. , Bown Jennifer , Burdis Jacob
Published: August 2015

This study investigates the effect of proficiency‐ vs. performance‐based elicited imitation (EI) assessment. EI requires test‐takers to repeat sentences in the target language. The accuracy at which test‐takers are able to repeat sentences highly correlates with test‐takers' language proficiency. However, in EI, the factors that render an item more complex are still being investigated. In order to investigate whether item difficulty and test performance were different between proficiency‐ and performance‐based tests, two EI instruments were created—one to measure proficiency with items from a general corpus and another to measure language for specific purposes (LSP) performance with items from a domain‐specific corpus. The two instruments were then administered to 98 subjects of varying proficiency. The mean score for the LSP performance test ( = 0.51) was significantly higher than the mean score for the proficiency test ( = 0.44, p < 0.001). In addition, item difficulties for the LSP items were significantly lower than item difficulties for the general items (p < 0.05), indicating that the content of the EI items affected item difficulty. Data suggest that the two approaches to EI assess different constructs and cannot be used interchangeably.
Role of terrestrial carbon in aquatic UV exposure and photoprotective pigmentation of meiofauna in subarctic lakes
Authors: Nevalainen Liisa , Luoto Tomi P. , Rantala Marttiina V. , Galkin Annukka , Rautio Milla
Published: August 2015

Aquatic organisms are adversely influenced by ultraviolet radiation (UV) and utilise photoprotective strategies, including pigmentation. We examined UV‐protective melanin pigmentation of aquatic meiofauna (Cladocera) in relation to the UV exposure across 25 tree line lakes in Finland to address the potential effects of increased UV and altered input of UV‐screening terrestrial dissolved organic carbon (DOC) on aquatic organisms.

Bio‐optical parameters, including concentration of DOC, the coloured dissolved organic matter (CDOM) fraction, a suite of carbon quality indices and chlorophyll a, were analysed from lake water, and their role in controlling underwater UV environment (measured as diffuse UV attenuation coefficient Kd at 305 and 340 nm) was examined. Cladoceran (Alona affinis) carapaces were extracted from the surface sediments, and their melanisation was assessed with spectroscopic UV‐visible light absorbance measurements.

DOC, CDOM and specific UV absorbance (SUVA) had strong positive relationships with the attenuation of UV in the lakes, suggesting that terrestrial organic carbon controls underwater UV exposure in the examined lakes. The absorbance measurements indicated the presence of melanin in the cladoceran carapaces, the degree of melanisation varying strongly among the lakes. Melanisation had significant relationships with SUVA and fluorescence index (FI). It was higher in lakes with low SUVA and high FI, indicating that cladocerans exhibit strong melanisation in lakes with low contribution of UV‐attenuating allochthonous DOC (i.e. high UV exposure).

The results suggest that cladoceran meiofauna respond to UV by utilising photoprotective pigmentation and that the degree of pigmentation is affected by site‐specific underwater UV exposure, which is ultimately controlled by UV‐attenuating DOC of terrestrial origin.

Although cladoceran meiobenthos are able to adapt to varying underwater UV doses, climate change with its multiple consequences on hydrology, limnology and catchment vegetation in the tree line zone may cause major changes in underwater UV environment for the organisms to adapt.
Barite encrustation of benthic sulfur‐oxidizing bacteria at a marine cold seep
Authors: Stevens E. W. N. , Bailey J. V. , Flood B. E. , Jones D. S. , Gilhooly W. P. , Joye S. B. , Teske A. , Mason O. U.
Published: August 2015

Crusts and chimneys composed of authigenic barite are found at methane seeps and hydrothermal vents that expel fluids rich in barium. Microbial processes have not previously been associated with barite precipitation in marine cold seep settings. Here, we report on the precipitation of barite on filaments of sulfide‐oxidizing bacteria at a brine seep in the Gulf of Mexico. Barite‐mineralized bacterial filaments in the interiors of authigenic barite crusts resemble filamentous sulfide‐oxidizing bacteria of the genus Beggiatoa. Clone library and iTag amplicon sequencing of the 16S rRNA gene show that the barite crusts that host these filaments also preserve DNA of Candidatus Maribeggiatoa, as well as sulfate‐reducing bacteria. Isotopic analyses show that the sulfur and oxygen isotope compositions of barite have lower δ34S and δ18O values than many other marine barite crusts, which is consistent with barite precipitation in an environment in which sulfide oxidation was occurring. Laboratory experiments employing isolates of sulfide‐oxidizing bacteria from Gulf of Mexico seep sediments showed that under low sulfate conditions, such as those encountered in brine fluids, sulfate generated by sulfide‐oxidizing bacteria fosters rapid barite precipitation localized on cell biomass, leading to the encrustation of bacteria in a manner reminiscent of our observations of barite‐mineralized Beggiatoa in the Gulf of Mexico. The precipitation of barite directly on filaments of sulfide‐oxidizing bacteria, and not on other benthic substrates, suggests that sulfide oxidation plays a role in barite formation at certain marine brine seeps where sulfide is oxidized to sulfate in contact with barium‐rich fluids, either prior to, or during, the mixing of those fluids with sulfate‐containing seawater in the vicinity of the sediment/water interface. As with many other geochemical interfaces that foster mineral precipitation, both biological and abiological processes likely contribute to the precipitation of barite at marine brine seeps such as the one studied here.
Rapid genetic divergence in response to 15 years of simulated climate change
Authors: Ravenscroft Catherine H. , Whitlock Raj , Fridley Jason D.
Published: August 2015

Genetic diversity may play an important role in allowing individual species to resist climate change, by permitting evolutionary responses. Our understanding of the potential for such responses to climate change remains limited, and very few experimental tests have been carried out within intact ecosystems. Here, we use amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP) data to assess genetic divergence and test for signatures of evolutionary change driven by long‐term simulated climate change applied to natural grassland at Buxton Climate Change Impacts Laboratory (BCCIL). Experimental climate treatments were applied to grassland plots for 15 years using a replicated and spatially blocked design and included warming, drought and precipitation treatments. We detected significant genetic differentiation between climate change treatments and control plots in two coexisting perennial plant study species (Festuca ovina and Plantago lanceolata). Outlier analyses revealed a consistent signature of selection associated with experimental climate treatments at individual AFLP loci in P. lanceolata, but not in F. ovina. Average background differentiation at putatively neutral AFLP loci was close to zero, and genomewide genetic structure was associated neither with species abundance changes (demography) nor with plant community‐level responses to long‐term climate treatments. Our results demonstrate genetic divergence in response to a suite of climatic environments in reproductively mature populations of two perennial plant species and are consistent with an evolutionary response to climatic selection in P. lanceolata. These genetic changes have occurred in parallel with impacts on plant community structure and may have contributed to the persistence of individual species through 15 years of simulated climate change at BCCIL.
Asynchronous onset of eutrophication among shallow prairie lakes of the Northern Great Plains, Alberta, Canada
Authors: Maheaux Heather , Leavitt Peter R. , Jackson Leland J.
Published: August 2015

Coherent timing of agricultural expansion, fertilizer application, atmospheric nutrient deposition, and accelerated global warming is expected to promote synchronous fertilization of regional surface waters and coherent development of algal blooms and lake eutrophication. While broad‐scale cyanobacterial expansion is evident in global meta‐analyses, little is known of whether lakes in discrete catchments within a common lake district also exhibit coherent water quality degradation through anthropogenic forcing. Consequently, the primary goal of this study was to determine whether agricultural development since ca. 1900, accelerated use of fertilizer since 1960, atmospheric deposition of reactive N, or regional climate warming has resulted in coherent patterns of eutrophication of surface waters in southern Alberta, Canada. Unexpectedly, analysis of sedimentary pigments as an index of changes in total algal abundance since ca. 1850 revealed that while total algal abundance (as β‐carotene, pheophytin a) increased in nine of 10 lakes over 150 years, the onset of eutrophication varied by a century and was asynchronous across basins. Similarly, analysis of temporal sequences with least‐squares regression revealed that the relative abundance of cyanobacteria (echinenone) either decreased or did not change significantly in eight of the lakes since ca. 1850, whereas purple sulfur bacteria (as okenone) increased significantly in seven study sites. These patterns are consistent with the catchment filter hypothesis, which posits that lakes exhibit unique responses to common forcing associated with the influx of mass as water, nutrients, or particles.
Tubulocystic renal cell carcinoma is an entity that is immunohistochemically and genetically distinct from papillary renal cell carcinoma
Authors: Tran Thu , Jones Carol L , Williamson Sean R , Eble John N , Grignon David J , Zhang Shaobo , Wang Mingsheng , Baldridge Lee Ann , Wang Lisha , Montironi Rodolfo , Scarpelli Marina , Tan Puay‐Hoon , Simper Novae B , Comperat Eva , Cheng Liang
Published: August 2015

Aims

Some studies have suggested that tubulocystic carcinoma may be related to papillary renal cell carcinoma. We sought to compare and contrast the molecular and immunohistochemical profiles of tubulocystic carcinoma with those of papillary renal cell carcinoma.

Methods and results

Twelve cases of pure tubulocystic renal cell carcinoma were subjected to fluorescence in‐situ hybridization assessment of chromosomal number for chromosomes 7 and 17, and for TFE3 translocation. Immunohistochemical labelling for AMACR, p63, cytokeratin 7, PAX8, cytokeratin 20 and carbonic anhydrase IX was assessed in all tumours. No tumour showed gains of chromosomes 7 or 17, or TFE3 translocation by fluorescence in‐situ hybridization. Immunohistochemistry revealed all tumours to be non‐reactive with antibodies against p63 and cytokeratin 20. Conversely, the antibody against AMACR gave a positive reaction in the neoplastic cells of all tumours. Four tumours showed focal labelling with antibody against carbonic anhydrase IX, and five tumours showed focally positive reactions with antibody against cytokeratin 7. Recurrence and metastatic disease were not found for the patients with available follow‐up information.

Conclusions

Pure tubulocystic renal cell carcinoma is an indolent tumour with a good prognosis. Our data support the distinction of this neoplasm as a separate entity.
On the Anomalously Strong Dependence of the Acoustic Velocity of Alumina on Temperature in Aluminosilicate Glass Optical Fibers—Part II: Acoustic Properties of Alumina and Silica Polymorphs, and Approximations of the Glassy State
Authors: Ballato Arthur , Dragic Peter D. , Martin Steve W. , Ballato John
Published: August 2015

The companion paper (Part I; Dragic et al., this issue),1 resolved an anomaly involving the acoustical properties of high alumina content glass optical fibers. In Part II, some attributes of alumina and silica polymorphs are considered and used to infer approximate pertinent properties of amorphous Al2O3 “glass.” An efficient computational method is used, based on a simple, self‐consistent version of the Voigt‐Reuss‐Hill procedure. Applied to SiO2 polymorphs, it provides insights into the short‐range ordering in “amorphous” silica.
Association between sleep stages and hunger scores in 36 children
Authors: Arun R. , Pina P. , Rubin D. , Erichsen D.
Published: August 2015

Background

Childhood obesity is a growing health challenge. Recent studies show that children with late bedtime and late awakening are more obese independent of total sleep time. In adolescents and adults, a delayed sleep phase has been associated with higher caloric intake. Furthermore, an adult study showed a positive correlation between REM sleep and energy balance. This relationship has not been demonstrated in children. However, it may be important as a delayed sleep phase would increase the proportion of REM sleep.

Objectives

This study investigated the relationship between hunger score and sleep physiology in a paediatric population.

Methods

Thirty‐six patients referred for a polysomnogram for suspected obstructive sleep apnoea were enrolled in the study. Sleep stages were recorded as part of the polysomnogram. Hunger scores were obtained using a visual analogue scale. Mean age was 9.6 ± 3.5 years.

Results

Mean hunger scores were 2.07 ± 2.78. Hunger scores were positively correlated with percentage of total rapid eye movement (REM) sleep (r = 0.438, P < 0.01) and REM sleep duration in minutes (r = 0.471, P < 0.05). Percentage slow wave sleep (SWS) was negatively correlated with hunger score (r = −0.360, P < 0.05). There were no correlations between age, sex, body mass index percentiles, apnoea–hypopnoea index, total sleep time, sleep efficiency, sleep onset latency, stage 2 sleep duration and hunger scores.

Conclusions

These findings suggest that delayed bedtime, which increases the proportion of REM sleep and decreases the proportion of SWS, results in higher hunger levels in children.
Telephone interpreter discrepancies: videotapes of Hmong medication consultations
Authors: Lor Maichou , Chewning Betty
Published: August 2015

Background

Over 25 million people in the USA have limited English proficiency (LEP). Interpreters are often used to facilitate communication with health care providers. Little is currently known about interpreter quality.

Objective

To explore the quality of telephone interpretation during medication consultations between Hmong clients and their pharmacists.

Methods

This descriptive study analyzed transcripts from videos of consultations between six triads of Hmong patients, pharmacy students and interpreters. Analysis was divided into two segments: (1) pharmacy: communication from student pharmacist the interpreter to patient and (2) patient: communication from patient to interpreter to student pharmacist. Researchers coded transcripts separately then compared codes.

Key findings

The six encounters yielded 496 communications with 275 discrepancies including omissions, additions, and word substitutions. Pharmacy to patient communications included, 45% (118/262) of omissions, 27.5% (72/262) of substitutions, and 15.6% (41/262) of additions. The patient to provider communications included, 8.1% (19/234) of omissions, 6.0% (14/234) of substitutions, and 4.2% (10/234) of word additions. Some omissions, additions, and substitutions in the pharmacy to patient communications were classified as potentially clinically relevant. Significantly, substantial discrepancies between the student pharmacists’ comments and the interpretation to patients had potential for hindering relationship building between patients and their providers.

Conclusions

Pharmacists may assume that the presence of an interpreter ensures accurate communication from pharmacist to patient and from patient to pharmacist. This study confirms that those assumptions may not be valid. These findings highlight the need to improve pharmacy education and interventions to improve pharmacist communication with LEP patients.
High Rate of Microbleed Formation following Primary Intracerebral Hemorrhage
Authors: Mackey Jason , Wing Jeffrey J. , Norato Gina , Sobotka Ian , Menon Ravi S. , Burgess Richard E. , Gibbons M. Chris , Shara Nawar M. , Fernandez Stephen , Jayam-Trouth Annapurni , Russell Laura , Edwards Dorothy F. , Kidwell Chelsea S.
Published: August 2015

Background

We sought to investigate the frequency of microbleed development following intracerebral hemorrhage in a predominantly African-American population and to identify predictors of new microbleed formation.

Aims and/or hypothesis

To investigate the frequency and predictors of new microbleeds following intracerebral hemorrhage.

Methods

The DECIPHER study was a prospective, longitudinal, magnetic resonance-based cohort study designed to evaluate racial/ethnic differences in risk factors for microbleeds and to evaluate the prognostic impact of microbleeds in this intracerebral hemorrhage population. We evaluated new microbleed formation in two time periods: from baseline to 30 days and from 30 days to year 1.

Results

Of 200 subjects enrolled in DECIPHER, 84 had magnetic resonance imaging at all required time points to meet criteria for this analysis. In the baseline to day 30 analysis, 11 (13·1%) had new microbleeds, compared with 25 (29·8%) in the day 30 to year 1 analysis. Logistic regression analysis demonstrated that baseline number of microbleeds [odds ratio 1·05 (95% confidence interval 1·01, 1·08), P = 0·01] was associated with new microbleed formation at 30 days. A logistic regression model predicting new microbleed at one-year included baseline number of microbleeds [odds ratio 1·05 (1·00, 1·11), P = 0·046], baseline age [odds ratio 1·05 (1·00, 1·10), P = 0·04], and white matter disease score [odds ratio 1·18 (0·96, 1·45). P = 0·115]. Overall, 28 of 84 (33·3%) intracerebral hemorrhage subjects formed new microbleeds at some point in the first year post-intracerebral hemorrhage.

Conclusions

We found that one-third of intracerebral hemorrhage subjects in this cohort surviving one-year developed new microbleeds, which suggests a dynamic and rapidly progressive vasculopathy. Future studies are needed to examine the impact of new microbleed formation on patient outcomes.
APOE/TOMM40 Genetic Loci, White Matter Hyperintensities, and Cerebral Microbleeds
Authors: Lyall Donald M. , Muñoz Maniega Susana , Harris Sarah E. , Bastin Mark E. , Murray Catherine , Lutz Michael W. , Saunders Ann M. , Roses Allen D. , del C. Valdés Hernández Maria , Royle Natalie A. , Starr John M. , Porteous David J. , Deary Ian J. , Wardlaw Joanna M.
Published: August 2015

Background

Two markers of cerebral small vessel disease are white matter hyperintensities and cerebral microbleeds, which commonly occur in people with Alzheimer's disease.

Aim and/or hypothesis

To test for independent associations between two Alzheimer's disease-susceptibility gene loci – APOE ε and the TOMM40 ‘523’ poly-T repeat – and white matter hyperintensities/cerebral microbleed burden in community-dwelling older adults.

Methods

Participants in the Lothian Birth Cohort 1936 underwent genotyping for APOE ε and TOMM40 523, and detailed structural brain magnetic resonance imaging at a mean age of 72·70 years (standard deviation = 0·7; range = 71–74).

Results

No significant effects of APOE ε or TOMM40 523 genotypes on white matter hyperintensities or cerebral microbleed burden were found amongst 624 participants.

Conclusions

Lack of association between two Alzheimer's disease susceptibility gene loci and markers of cerebral small vessel disease may reflect the relative health of this population compared with those in other studies in the literature.