bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mast cells regulate myofilament calcium sensitization and heart function after myocardial infarction
Authors: Ngkelo Anta , Richart Adèle , Kirk Jonathan A. , Bonnin Philippe , Vilar Jose , Lemitre Mathilde , Marck Pauline , Branchereau Maxime , Le Gall Sylvain , Renault Nisa , Guerin Coralie , Ranek Mark J. , Kervadec Anaïs , Danelli Luca , Gautier Gregory , Blank Ulrich , Launay Pierre , Camerer Eric , Bruneval Patrick , Menasche Philippe , Heymes Christophe , Luche Elodie , Casteilla Louis , Cousin Béatrice , Rodewald Hans-Reimer , Kass David A. , Silvestre Jean-Sébastien
Published: June 2016

Acute myocardial infarction (MI) is a severe ischemic disease responsible for heart failure and sudden death. Inflammatory cells orchestrate postischemic cardiac remodeling after MI. Studies using mice with defective mast/stem cell growth factor receptor c-Kit have suggested key roles for mast cells (MCs) in postischemic cardiac remodeling. Because c-Kit mutations affect multiple cell types of both immune and nonimmune origin, we addressed the impact of MCs on cardiac function after MI, using the c-Kit–independent MC-deficient (Cpa3Cre/+) mice. In response to MI, MC progenitors originated primarily from white adipose tissue, infiltrated the heart, and differentiated into mature MCs. MC deficiency led to reduced postischemic cardiac function and depressed cardiomyocyte contractility caused by myofilament Ca2+ desensitization. This effect correlated with increased protein kinase A (PKA) activity and hyperphosphorylation of its targets, troponin I and myosin-binding protein C. MC-specific tryptase was identified to regulate PKA activity in cardiomyocytes via protease-activated receptor 2 proteolysis. This work reveals a novel function for cardiac MCs modulating cardiomyocyte contractility via alteration of PKA-regulated force–Ca2+ interactions in response to MI. Identification of this MC-cardiomyocyte cross-talk provides new insights on the cellular and molecular mechanisms regulating the cardiac contractile machinery and a novel platform for therapeutically addressable regulators.
Quench dynamics and relaxation in isolated integrable quantum spin chains
Authors: Essler Fabian H L , Fagotti Maurizio
Published: June 2016

We review the dynamics after quantum quenches in integrable quantum spin chains. We give a pedagogical introduction to relaxation in isolated quantum systems, and discuss the description of the steady state by (generalized) Gibbs ensembles. We then turn to general features in the time evolution of local observables after the quench, using a simple model of free fermions as an example. In the second part we present an overview of recent progress in describing quench dynamics in two key paradigms for quantum integrable models, the transverse field Ising chain and the anisotropic spin-1/2 Heisenberg chain.
Three-dimensional orientation of compact high velocity clouds
Authors: Heitsch F. , Bartell B. , Clark S. E. , Peek J. E. G. , Cheng D. , Putman M.
Published: June 2016

We present a proof-of-concept study of a method to estimate the inclination angle of compact high velocity clouds (CHVCs), i.e. the angle between a CHVC's trajectory and the line of sight. The inclination angle is derived from the CHVC's morphology and kinematics. We calibrate the method with numerical simulations, and we apply it to a sample of CHVCs drawn from HIPASS (Putman et al.). Implications for CHVC distances are discussed.
Hot and dense water in the inner 25 au of SVS13-A
Authors: Codella C. , Ceccarelli C. , Bianchi E. , Podio L. , Bachiller R. , Lefloch B. , Fontani F. , Taquet V. , Testi L.
Published: June 2016

In the context of the ASAI (Astrochemical Surveys At IRAM) project, we carried out an unbiased spectral survey in the millimetre window towards the well known low-mass Class I source SVS13-A. The high sensitivity reached (3–12 mK) allowed us to detect at least six HDO broad (full width at half-maximum ∼4–5 km s−1) emission lines with upper level energies up to Eu = 837 K. A non-local thermodynamic equilibrium Large Velocity Gradient (LVG) analysis implies the presence of very hot (150–260 K) and dense (≥3 × 107 cm−3) gas inside a small radius (∼25 au) around the star, supporting, for the first time, the occurrence of a hot corino around a Class I protostar. The temperature is higher than expected for water molecules are sublimated from the icy dust mantles (∼100 K). Although we cannot exclude we are observing the effects of shocks and/or winds at such small scales, this could imply that the observed HDO emission is tracing the water abundance jump expected at temperatures ∼220–250 K, when the activation barrier of the gas phase reactions leading to the formation of water can be overcome. We derive X(HDO) ∼ 3 × 10−6, and a H2O deuteration ≥1.5 × 10−2, suggesting that water deuteration does not decrease as the protostar evolves from the Class 0 to the Class I stage.
High-dose Versus Low-dose Tranexamic Acid to Reduce Transfusion Requirements in Pediatric Scoliosis Surgery
Authors: Johnson Daniel J. , Johnson Christine C. , Goobie Susan M. , Nami Nina , Wetzler Joshua A. , Sponseller Paul D. , Frank Steven M.
Published: June 2016

Background:

Our objective was to quantify blood loss and transfusion requirements for high-dose and low-dose tranexamic acid (TXA) dosing regimens in pediatric patients undergoing spinal fusion for correction of idiopathic scoliosis. Previous investigators have established the efficacy of TXA in pediatric scoliosis surgery; however, the dosing regimens vary widely and the optimal dose has not been established.

Methods:

We retrospectively analyzed electronic medical records for 116 patients who underwent spinal fusion surgery for idiopathic scoliosis by a single surgeon and were treated with TXA. In total, 72 patients received a 10 mg/kg loading dose with a 1 mg/kg/h maintenance dose (low-dose) and 44 patients received 50 mg/kg loading dose with a 5 mg/kg/h maintenance dose (high-dose). Estimated blood loss and transfusion requirements were compared between dosing groups.

Results:

Patient characteristics were nearly identical between the 2 groups. Compared with the low-dose TXA group, the high-dose TXA group had decreased estimated blood loss (695 vs. 968 mL, P=0.01), and a decrease in both intraoperative (0.3 vs. 0.9 units, P=0.01) and whole hospitalization (0.4 vs. 1.0 units, P=0.04) red blood cell transfusion requirements. The higher-dose TXA was associated with decreased intraoperative (P=0.01), and whole hospital transfusion (P=0.01) requirements, even after risk-adjustment for potential confounding variables.

Conclusions:

High-dose TXA is more effective than low-dose TXA in reducing blood loss and transfusion requirements in pediatric idiopathic scoliosis patients undergoing surgery.

Level of Evidence:

Level—III, retrospective cohort study.
Fractional microablative CO2 laser for vulvovaginal atrophy in women treated with chemotherapy and/or hormonal therapy for breast cancer: a retrospective study
Authors: Pagano Tiziana , De Rosa Pasquale , Vallone Roberta , Schettini Francesco , Arpino Grazia , De Placido Sabino , Nazzaro Giovanni , Locci Mariavittoria , De Placido Giuseppe
Published: June 2016

Objectives:

Breast cancer is one of the most common malignancies in women. Hormonal treatment and chemotherapy induce a transient or permanent menopause status. Vulvovaginal atrophy (VVA) is a frequent debilitating symptom of menopause that is best treated with local or systemic estrogen formulations. Because estrogens drive the growth of the majority of breast cancers, most effective VVA therapies are precluded. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of fractional microablative CO2 laser on sexual function and in relieving symptoms in women with breast cancer and VVA induced or exacerbated by iatrogenic menopause.

Methods:

This retrospective study included 26 women affected by hormone-receptor positive breast tumors and treated for VVA symptoms with the fractional microablative CO2 laser system. Every 30 to 40 days, women underwent a cycle of treatment for a total of three cycles. During each cycle, women underwent a gynecological examination and completed visual analog scale questionnaires designed to assess (1) the degree of symptoms and (2) procedure-related discomfort.

Results:

Treatment resulted in a significant regression of VVA symptoms and procedure-related discomfort versus baseline (P < 0.001 in almost all cases). No adverse reactions were observed nor reported by women.

Conclusions:

Fractional microablative CO2 laser treatment is associated with a significant improvement of VVA symptoms in women affected by hormone-driven breast cancer. This procedure has the advantage of relieving iatrogenic/physiological VVA symptoms without resorting to contraindicated estrogen preparations, which have been the most effective therapy thus far.
Central Versus Extraventricular Neurocytoma in Children: A Clinicopathologic Comparison and Review of the Literature
Authors: Zacharoulis Stergios , Morales La Madrid Andres , Bandopadhayay Pratiti , Chi Susan N. , Manley Peter , Ullrich Nicole N.J. , Marcus Karen , Goumnerova Liliana , Scott Robert M. , Proctor Mark , Young-Poussaint Tina , De Girolami Umberto , Kieran Mark W.
Published: June 2016

Background:

Central neurocytomas (CN) are rare pediatric CNS tumors most often with a benign clinical course. Occasionally, these tumors occur outside the ventricles and are called extraventricular neurocytomas (EVN). We present a retrospective institutional analysis of children with neurocytoma with prolonged follow-up.

Procedure:

Twelve patients were diagnosed with neurocytoma at our institution between 1993 and 2004.

Results:

Six patients were male and the median age at diagnosis was 12 years (1.5 to 16 y). Seven patients had CN and 5 had EVN. Presenting symptoms included headaches (67%), vomiting (50%), nausea (33%), seizures (33%), and mental status changes (25%). Obstructive hydrocephalus was present at diagnosis in 42% of the cases. Younger age and seizures were more common in patients with EVN. Gross total resection (GTR) was achieved in 42% (5/12) of the patients. Patients with GTR received no adjuvant therapy upfront; 1 patient subsequently had recurrence with leptomeningeal disease. Patients with subtotal resection received additional treatment: 1 underwent reoperation (GTR), 2 patients received focal radiation, 2 patients received adjuvant chemotherapy, and 2 patients received craniospinal irradiation followed by chemotherapy. The 20-year overall survival for this cohort was 83% with event free survival of 56%. Overall survival for CNs was 100%, versus 40% for EVN. Event free survival for CNs was 57% and 53% for the EVNs. An MIB-1 fraction >2% was associated with worse prognosis.

Conclusions:

Neurocytomas are rare brain tumors in children usually cured with GTR. Adjuvant focal radiation therapy and/or chemotherapy may improve disease control in cases with subtotal resection, but case-by-case analysis should be done. EVNs might be associated with worse outcome due to a higher proliferative index.
Rice Root Architectural Plasticity Traits and Genetic Regions for Adaptability to Variable Cultivation and Stress Conditions
Authors: Sandhu Nitika , Raman K. Anitha , Torres Rolando O. , Audebert Alain , Dardou Audrey , Kumar Arvind , Henry Amelia
Published: June 2016

Future rice (Oryza sativa) crops will likely experience a range of growth conditions, and root architectural plasticity will be an important characteristic to confer adaptability across variable environments. In this study, the relationship between root architectural plasticity and adaptability (i.e. yield stability) was evaluated in two traditional × improved rice populations (Aus 276 × MTU1010 and Kali Aus × MTU1010). Forty contrasting genotypes were grown in direct-seeded upland and transplanted lowland conditions with drought and drought + rewatered stress treatments in lysimeter and field studies and a low-phosphorus stress treatment in a Rhizoscope study. Relationships among root architectural plasticity for root dry weight, root length density, and percentage lateral roots with yield stability were identified. Selected genotypes that showed high yield stability also showed a high degree of root plasticity in response to both drought and low phosphorus. The two populations varied in the soil depth effect on root architectural plasticity traits, none of which resulted in reduced grain yield. Root architectural plasticity traits were related to 13 (Aus 276 population) and 21 (Kali Aus population) genetic loci, which were contributed by both the traditional donor parents and MTU1010. Three genomic loci were identified as hot spots with multiple root architectural plasticity traits in both populations, and one locus for both root architectural plasticity and grain yield was detected. These results suggest an important role of root architectural plasticity across future rice crop conditions and provide a starting point for marker-assisted selection for plasticity.
The alluaudite-type crystal structures of Na2(Fe/Co)2Co(VO4)3and Ag2(Fe/Co)2Co(VO4)3
Authors: Hadouchi Mohammed , Assani Abderrazzak , Saadi Mohamed , El Ammari Lahcen
Published: June 2016

Single crystals of the title compounds, disodium di(cobalt/iron) cobalt tris(orthovanadate), Na2(Fe/Co)2Co(VO4)3, and disilver di(cobalt/iron) cobalt tris(orthovanadate), Ag2(Fe/Co)2Co(VO4)3, were grown from a melt consisting of stoichiometric mixtures of three metallic cation precursors and vanadium pentoxide. The difficulty to distinguish between cobalt and iron by using X-ray diffraction alone forced us to explore several models, assuming an oxidation state of +II for Co and +III for Fe and a partial cationic disorder in the Wyckoff site 8fcontaining a mixture of Co and Fe with a statistical distribution for the Na compound and an occupancy ratio of 0.4875:0.5125 (Co:Fe) for the Ag compound. The alluaudite-type structure is made up from [10-1] chains of [(Co,Fe)2O10] double octahedra linked by highly distorted [CoO6] octahedraviaa common edge. The chains are linked through VO4tetrahedra, forming polyhedral sheets perpendicular to [010]. The stacking of the sheets defines two types of channels parallel to [001] where the Na+cations (both with full occupancy) or Ag+cations (one with occupancy 0.97) are located.
Crystal structure of 4-methyl-2,6,7-trioxa-1-phosphabicyclo[2.2.2]octane
Authors: Said Musa A. , Al Belewi Bayan L. , Hughes David L.
Published: June 2016

The title molecule, C5H9O3P, has a bicyclo[2.2.2] structure with the P atom at the prow and the bridge-head C atom, with the bonded methyl group, at the stern. The three six-membered rings in the bicyclo[2.2.2] structure have essentially identical good boat conformations.
Poly[(2,2′-bipyridine-κ2N,N′)[μ4-2,2′-(1,3-phenylene)bis(imidazol-1-yl)-κ4N:N′:N′′:N′′′]dicopper(I)]
Authors: Zhou Rui , Meng Fa-Yan , Li Xue-Hua
Published: June 2016

Two CuIatoms are present in the asymmetric unit of the polymeric title complex, [Cu2(C20H12N4)(C10H8N2)]n. One of the cations is located on an inversion centre and is linearly coordinated by the N atoms of benzimidazolyl moieties of the 1,2-bis(2-benzimidazolium)benzene ligand, whereas the second cation is located on a twofold rotation axis and is tetrahedrally coordinated by two N atoms of a chelating 2,2′-bipyridine ligand and two other N atoms of the benzimidazolyl moieties. The bridging character of the 1,2-bis(2-benzimidazolyl)benzene leads to the formation of a three-dimensional framework structure.
Empirical evidence on disclosure and risk-taking of banks in Ghana
Authors: Kuranchie-Pong Lydia , Bokpin Godfred Alufa , Andoh Charles
Published: June 2016

Purpose

This paper aims to empirically examine the relationship between disclosure and risk-taking of banks in Ghana. The study also aims to gain an insight into the general risk-taking behaviour of banks in Ghana for the period 2007-2011.

Design/methodology/approach

The study used panel regression model and relate risk-taking to disclosure, controlling for bank size, profitability, liquidity and treasury bill rate. Disclosure scores from a disclosure index are used as a measure of disclosure, likewise Z-score as a measure of total risk. Also, the ratio of provisions for loan losses to gross loans by each bank for each year was used to examine the general risk-taking behaviour of Ghanaian banks.

Findings

The study revealed that the election year and the immediate subsequent year are characterized by an increase in non-performing loans. Greater disclosure is associated with more risk-taking and vice versa. This implies that market discipline is not effective in Ghana. Treasury bill rate, profitability and liquidity were found to be economically meaningful and statistically significant in influencing risk-taking of banks in Ghana.

Originality/value

As there are relatively few studies conducted in this area, specifically among banks in Ghana, this study will broaden the scope of the literature on disclosure and risk-taking by providing empirical evidence.
Value creation and sustainability in knowledge-based strategies
Authors: Iazzolino Gianpaolo , Laise Domenico
Published: June 2016

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to place the value creation process within sustainable growth strategies. Building on Drucker (1968, 1999a, b), Pulic (2000, 2004, 2008) and other papers by the same authors (Iazzolino and Laise, 2013) the specific aim of this research is to propose an accounting-based framework able to: distinguish between knowledge-intensive firms (KIFs) and nonknowledge intensive firms (nonKIFs); and investigate the contribution of the two sets of firms (KIFs and nonKIFs) to overall sustainability, from a social point of view, of the economic system.

Design/methodology/approach

– The paper uses the notion of value added (VA) (Pulic, 2000, 2004, 2008) as the main indicator to measure the value creation in a knowledge economy context. As regard the first point of the framework, the approach is based on the analysis of VA and its components, starting from a reinterpretation of the concept of value added intellectual coefficient made by the same authors of this paper. An empirical analysis based on the composition of VA in ten Italian industries, by using an overall sample of 1,000 firms, has been carried out and is described in the paper. As regards the second point, the paper analyses, from a theoretical point of view, the necessary conditions to set up a sustainable value creation strategy in social terms, using the conceptual categories introduced by Drucker (1968, 1999a, b) and Pulic (2000, 2004, 2008).

Findings

– From results of the empirical analysis it emerges that: first, in traditional industries the weight of the cost of employees on VA (human capital investments) is less than the other sectors (low human capital intensity). In these sectors the value creation strategy is mainly based on “dead knowledge,” embedded in machines (physical capital); and second, in nontraditional industries (consulting, advertising, research, etc.) the economic value creation is mainly based on “living knowledge,” embedded in human resources (high human capital intensity). In these sectors we have lower productivity of work (VA/human capital) and higher employment.

Practical implications

– The framework proposed makes it possible to reduce the risk of myopic valuation of economic performance. Through this methodology it is possible to highlight the effects of sustainable strategies based on knowledge investments oriented toward the stakeholder value theory and corporate social responsibility. The approach can be very useful for top managers and for accountants, as it underlines the importance of the VA income statement and constructs a strong link to the themes of knowledge management.

Originality/value

– The originality and the value of this methodological proposal can be appreciated by taking into account that in the literature there is no accounting-based methodology that is able to identify: the knowledge-intensive firms; and the firms that can contribute to overall social sustainability, within the set of all firms.
Study tours and the diversification of cultural capital acquisition
Authors: Slotkin Michael H. , Vamosi Alexander R. , Perez Enrique M. , Durie Christopher J. , Eisenberg Jarin R.
Published: June 2016

Purpose

This paper aims to provide evidence on the role study tours play in expanding student cultural capital via increased confidence in international travel.

Design/methodology/approach

In this paper, survey data from individuals who participated in a study tour experience offered by a Florida-based university are analyzed for the assessment of cultural capital acquisition across select demographic types. Results are derived for paired difference tests as well as differences in population means.

Findings

Findings indicate that students participating in study tours did, in fact, gain confidence in engaging in international travel, especially so for first-time passport users and female participants.

Research limitations/implications

The study was limited because of the size of the sample population. It is likely that significant relationships via other demographic cohorts will unfold as program participation increases.

Practical implications

Study tours represent a viable pathway for the acquisition of cultural capital.

Social implications

Study tours present a unique means of providing students a first-hand global experience, and when marketed to a non-traditional student population, offer opportunities for acquisition of cultural and social capital that could not be achieved through non-experiential means.

Originality/value

The results of this study show that the study tour experience enriched the cultural capital of student participants through an increase in confidence associated with traveling abroad. The benefits of the study tour were widespread, as virtually, all population groups analyzed tended to gain confidence in traveling abroad, even those who had prior experience traveling internationally. This paper also suggests future pathways for research based on other demographic cohorts.
Constructing self-efficacy in STEM graduate education
Authors: Charleston LaVar , Leon Raul
Published: June 2016

Purpose

Self-efficacy and outcome expectations influence the development of career interests, which, in turn, affect career choices. This study aims to understand self-efficacy beliefs and expectancy outcomes for African-American graduate students and faculty with a focus in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) degree programs, namely, the computing sciences.

Design/methodology/approach

This qualitative study examined the lived experiences of 23 African-American graduate students and faculty members in the STEM field of computing sciences.

Findings

This study reveals that in different stages of the STEM trajectory, self-efficacy of STEM and computing needs to be reestablished. This research captures a novel space in the self-efficacy literature, presenting self-efficacy as a mobile construct to be re-achieved as students’ progress toward advanced STEM degrees. In addition, this study asserts that the contribution and input of teachers, parents, mentors, counselors and peers has a deep impact on the level of self-efficacy and persistence in computing sciences.

Originality/value

Findings suggest a greater need for interventions designed to reestablish self-efficacy at each level (e.g. undergraduate, masters and doctoral degrees) of the STEM educational trajectory in an effort to broaden STEM participation at the highest levels of degree attainment.
Market reactions to private equity announcements and intra-industry information spillover
Authors: Chen Kung-Chi , Cheng Lee-Young , Huang Sheng-Jie , Zhao Yan
Published: June 2016

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to examine market reactions to private equity placements and intra-industry information spillover effects in the Taiwan Stock Exchange.

Design/methodology/approach

– The authors first use the market model to compute the abnormal announcement returns. To examine the joint impact of the private investment in public equity (PIPE) purposes and the lead investor industry, the authors regress the issuers’ cumulative abnormal returns (CARs) on the dummy variables of PIPE purposes and the lead investor industry. To study the spillover effects, the authors regress the rivals’ CARs on the issuers’ CARs, PIPE purposes, and the lead investor industry. Finally, the industry Herfindahl index is used as a proxy for the market power of issuers and rivals to examine its impact on the spillover effects.

Findings

– The authors find that issuing firms experience positive abnormal returns during the announcement period. Issuers enjoy more positive market reactions when the proceeds of offerings are primarily used to establish a long-term strategic alliance or to integrate business and when the lead investor is in the same industry. Furthermore, the authors show that the contagion effect dominates the competitive effect in private equity placements at the aggregate level. At the subsample level, the authors find competitive effect overpowers contagion effect when the purpose of offerings is primarily used to establish a long-term strategic alliance or to integrate business and when the lead investor is in the different industry. Finally, the authors show that rivals with relative lower market power enjoy more positive contagion effects.

Originality/value

– First, the analysis documents the simultaneous importance of both the purposes of private offerings and the lead investor’s industry on announcement reactions, which shed new light on the positive abnormal returns during the announcement period. Second, the study adds to the literature on the information spillover effects by analyzing the role played by purposes of offerings and rivals’ market power. This paper provides a more complete picture of the offsetting competitive and contagion effects.
Liquidity transformation: an examination of US life insurers
Authors: Choi Byeongyong Paul , Park Jin , Ho Chia-Ling
Published: June 2016

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is twofold: first, this paper measures how much liquidity is transformed by the US life insurance industry for the sample period; and Second, this study tests the “risk absorption” hypothesis and “financial fragility-crowding out” hypothesis to identify the impact of capital on liquidity creation in the US life insurance industry. In addition, a regression model is conducted to explore the relationship between liquidity creation and other firm characteristics.

Design/methodology/approach

– In order to construct the liquidity creation measures, all assets and liabilities are classified as liquid, semi-liquid, or illiquid with appropriate weights to these classifications, which will then be combined to measure the amount of liquidity creation. In addition, a regression model is analyzed. The level of insurers’ liquidity creation is regressed on the capital ratio (surplus over total assets) and other financial and organizational variables to test two prevailing hypotheses.

Findings

– This paper finds that the US life insurers de-create liquidity. The authors provide that the amount of liquidity de-creation is related to the size of insurers such that liquidity de-creation has increased as assets grow and that large insurers de-create most of liquidity. The US life insurance industry de-created $2.1 trillion in liquidity, i.e., 43 percent of total industry assets, in 2008. The empirical results support the “financial fragility-crowding out” hypothesis. Life insurers’ liquidity de-creation is mainly caused by the large portion of liquid assets, which is required by regulation and capital is not a main factor of liquidity de-creation.

Originality/value

– There is no known study on the issue of liquidity creation by life insurers. Thus, the extent of liquidity creation by the life insurance industry, if any, is an empirical matter to investigate, but also an important matter to regulators and the academia since the products and business operations (e.g. asset portfolio and asset and liability management) of life insurers are different from those of property and liability insurers.
Patterns and correlates of claims for brown bear damage on a continental scale
Authors: Bautista Carlos , Naves Javier , Revilla Eloy , Fernández Néstor , Albrecht Jörg , Scharf Anne K. , Rigg Robin , Karamanlidis Alexandros A. , Jerina Klemen , Huber Djuro , Palazón Santiago , Kont Raido , Ciucci Paolo , Groff Claudio , Dutsov Aleksandar , Seijas Juan , Quenette Pierre‐Ives , Olszańska Agnieszka , Shkvyria Maryna , Adamec Michal , Ozolins Janis , Jonozovič Marko , Selva Nuria
Published: June 2016

Wildlife damage to human property threatens human–wildlife coexistence. Conflicts arising from wildlife damage in intensively managed landscapes often undermine conservation efforts, making damage mitigation and compensation of special concern for wildlife conservation. However, the mechanisms underlying the occurrence of damage and claims at large scales are still poorly understood.

Here, we investigated the patterns of damage caused by brown bears Ursus arctos and its ecological and socio‐economic correlates at a continental scale. We compiled information about compensation schemes across 26 countries in Europe in 2005–2012 and analysed the variation in the number of compensated claims in relation to (i) bear abundance, (ii) forest availability, (iii) human land use, (iv) management practices and (v) indicators of economic wealth.

Most European countries have a posteriori compensation schemes based on damage verification, which, in many cases, have operated for more than 30 years. On average, over 3200 claims of bear damage were compensated annually in Europe. The majority of claims were for damage to livestock (59%), distributed throughout the bear range, followed by damage to apiaries (21%) and agriculture (17%), mainly in Mediterranean and eastern European countries.

The mean number of compensated claims per bear and year ranged from 0·1 in Estonia to 8·5 in Norway. This variation was not only due to the differences in compensation schemes; damage claims were less numerous in areas with supplementary feeding and with a high proportion of agricultural land. However, observed variation in compensated damage was not related to bear abundance.

Synthesis and applications. Compensation schemes, management practices and human land use influence the number of claims for brown bear damage, while bear abundance does not. Policies that ignore this complexity and focus on a single factor, such as bear population size, may not be effective in reducing claims. To be effective, policies should be based on integrative schemes that prioritize damage prevention and make it a condition of payment of compensation that preventive measures are applied. Such integrative schemes should focus mitigation efforts in areas or populations where damage claims are more likely to occur. Similar studies using different species and continents might further improve our understanding of conflicts arising from wildlife damage.
Seeking convergence on the key concepts in ‘no net loss’ policy
Authors: Bull Joseph W. , Gordon Ascelin , Watson James E. M. , Maron Martine
Published: June 2016

Biodiversity conservation policies incorporating a no net loss (NNL) principle are being implemented in many countries. However, there are linguistic and conceptual inconsistencies in the use of terms underlying these NNL policies.

We identify inconsistencies that emerge in the usage of eight key terms and phrases associated with NNL policies: biodiversity, frames of reference (i.e. baselines, counterfactuals), no net loss, mitigation hierarchy, biodiversity offset, in‐kind/out‐of‐kind, direct/indirect and multipliers.

For each term, we make recommendations to support conceptual convergence, reduce ambiguity and improve clarity in communication and policy documentation. However, we also warn of the challenges in achieving convergence, especially given the linguistic inconsistencies in several of these key concepts among countries in which NNL policies are employed.

Policy implications. The recommendations made in this article, on improving clarity and supporting convergence on key no net loss (NNL) concepts, should help eliminate ambiguity in policy documentation. This is crucial if policymakers are to design robust policies that are (i) transparent, (ii) translatable into practice in a consistent manner and (iii) sufficiently understood and supported by stakeholders to be effective in practice.
Can intercropping with the world's three major beverage plants help improve the water use of rubber trees?
Authors: Wu Junen , Liu Wenjie , Chen Chunfeng
Published: June 2016

The dramatic expansion of rubber plantations in mainland South‐East Asia and south‐west China has caused many eco‐environmental problems, especially negative hydrological consequences. These problems have gradually worsened and pose formidable threats to rubber agriculture, especially in the light of increasingly frequent extreme weather events. Although rubber‐based agroforestry systems are regarded as the best solution for improving the sustainability of rubber agriculture and environmental conservation, plant water use and related interactions have rarely been examined in such systems.

We primarily used stable isotope (δD, δ18O and δ13C) methods to test whether intercropping could improve the water use and extreme weather tolerance (extreme cold and drought in our study) of rubber trees in three types of promising agroforestry systems (i.e. rubber with tea, coffee and cocoa) in Xishuangbanna, China.

We found that the rubber tree is a drought‐avoidance plant with strong plasticity with respect to water uptake. This characteristic is reflected by its ability to cope with serious seasonal drought, allowing it to avoid interspecific competition for water. The rubber trees showed wasteful water behaviour unless they were intercropped with tea or coffee. However, these intercropped species exhibited drought‐tolerance strategies and maintained lower water use efficiencies to strengthen their competitive capacity for surface soil water. The stable δ13C values of the intercrop leaves indicated that all the agroforestry systems have stable internal microclimatic environments or higher resistance.

Synthesis and applications. This study suggests that interspecific competition for water can enhance the water use efficiency of drought‐avoidance plants (i.e. rubber trees) and lead to complementarity between the root distributions of plants in rubber agroforestry systems (i.e. rubber with tea, coffee and cocoa). All agroforestry systems have higher resistance, but tea was the most suitable intercrop in terms of water use because the interspecific competition for water was moderate and the agroforestry system retained much more soil water and improved the water use efficiency of the rubber tree. Considering the root characteristics of the tea trees, we suggest that the crops selected for intercropping with rubber trees should have a relatively fixed water use pattern, short lateral roots and a moderate amount of fine roots that overlap with the roots of the rubber trees in the shallow soil layer.
Identifying management actions to increase foraging opportunities for shorebirds at semi‐intensive shrimp farms
Authors: Navedo Juan G. , Fernández Guillermo , Valdivia Nelson , Drever Mark C. , Masero José A.
Published: June 2016

The expansion of aquaculture has resulted in widespread habitat conversion throughout the world. Identifying beneficial management measures may dramatically reduce negative impacts of aquaculture for migratory birds.

We studied how densities of foraging shorebirds varied at ponds within a semi‐intensive shrimp aquaculture farm on the north‐western coast of Mexico, as related to timing of harvest and tidal cycles. Further, we estimated the total daily available area for each shorebird species throughout two entire harvesting seasons at the shrimp farm.

High densities (average ca. 50 individuals per ha) of foraging shorebirds were found during the first days following pond harvest. The most abundant species were Willet Tringa semipalmata and Black‐necked Stilt Himantopus mexicanus, followed by Marbled Godwit Limosa fedoa and American Avocet Recurvirostra americana. Other regular, but less abundant, species were whimbrel Numenius phaeopus and dowitchers Limnodromus spp.

Densities of shorebirds sharply declined daily following harvest. In addition, the time‐window availability of harvested ponds was related to each species' foraging behaviour: <2 days for godwits and dowitchers, 4 days for stilts, 5 days for willets and more than a week for avocets and whimbrels. However, birds continued to use harvested ponds that received a low, but continuous water influx.

Our results demonstrate that a tropical shrimp farm represents a patchy environment that provides 4·3–12·7% (depending on species) of its total area as foraging opportunities for shorebirds.

Synthesis and applications. Sequential harvesting of shrimp aquaculture farm ponds and increasing moisture of the substrate by providing some water supply to harvested ponds, at least throughout the harvesting period, could integrate shorebird conservation into shrimp‐farm production. These low‐cost and easy management procedures would not increase costs or affect shrimp production – thus representing a win‐win opportunity – and would have potential applications for shorebird conservation throughout the world.
Knock‐down of the methyltransferase Kmt6 relieves H3K27me3 and results in induction of cryptic and otherwise silent secondary metabolite gene clusters in Fusarium fujikuroi
Authors: Studt Lena , Rösler Sarah M. , Burkhardt Immo , Arndt Birgit , Freitag Michael , Humpf Hans‐Ulrich , Dickschat Jeroen S. , Tudzynski Bettina
Published: June 2016

Filamentous fungi produce a vast array of secondary metabolites (SMs) and some play a role in agriculture or pharmacology. Sequencing of the rice pathogen Fusarium fujikuroi revealed the presence of far more SM‐encoding genes than known products. SM production is energy‐consuming and thus tightly regulated, leaving the majority of SM gene clusters silent under laboratory conditions. One important regulatory layer in SM biosynthesis involves histone modifications that render the underlying genes either silent or poised for transcription. Here, we show that the majority of the putative SM gene clusters in F. fujikuroi are located within facultative heterochromatin marked by trimethylated lysine 27 on histone 3 (H3K27me3). Kmt6, the methyltransferase responsible for establishing this histone mark, appears to be essential in this fungus, and knock‐down of Kmt6 in the KMT6kd strain shows a drastic phenotype affecting fungal growth and development. Transcription of four so far cryptic and otherwise silent putative SM gene clusters was induced in the KMT6kd strain, in which decreased expression of KMT6 is accompanied by reduced H3K27me3 levels at the respective gene loci and accumulation of novel metabolites. One of the four putative SM gene clusters, named STC5, was analysed in more detail thereby revealing a novel sesquiterpene.
Polysaccharide utilisation loci of Bacteroidetes from two contrasting open ocean sites in the North Atlantic
Authors: Bennke Christin M. , Krüger Karen , Kappelmann Lennart , Huang Sixing , Gobet Angélique , Schüler Margarete , Barbe Valérie , Fuchs Bernhard M. , Michel Gurvan , Teeling Hanno , Amann Rudolf I.
Published: June 2016

Marine Bacteroidetes have pronounced capabilities of degrading high molecular weight organic matter such as proteins and polysaccharides. Previously we reported on 76 Bacteroidetes‐affiliated fosmids from the North Atlantic Ocean's boreal polar and oligotrophic subtropical provinces. Here, we report on the analysis of further 174 fosmids from the same libraries. The combined, re‐assembled dataset (226 contigs; 8.8 Mbp) suggests that planktonic Bacteroidetes at the oligotrophic southern station use more peptides and bacterial and animal polysaccharides, whereas Bacteroidetes at the polar station (East‐Greenland Current) use more algal and plant polysaccharides. The latter agrees with higher abundances of algae and terrigenous organic matter, including plant material, at the polar station. Results were corroborated by in‐depth bioinformatic analysis of 14 polysaccharide utilisation loci from both stations, suggesting laminarin‐specificity for four and specificity for sulfated xylans for two loci. In addition, one locus from the polar station supported use of non‐sulfated xylans and mannans, possibly of plant origin. While peptides likely represent a prime source of carbon for Bacteroidetes in open oceans, our data suggest that as yet unstudied clades of these Bacteroidetes have a surprisingly broad capacity for polysaccharide degradation. In particular, laminarin‐specific PULs seem widespread and thus must be regarded as globally important.
Pyridine nucleotide transhydrogenases enable redox balance of Pseudomonas putida during biodegradation of aromatic compounds
Authors: Nikel Pablo I. , Pérez‐Pantoja Danilo , de Lorenzo Víctor
Published: June 2016

The metabolic versatility of the soil bacterium Pseudomonas putida is reflected by its ability to execute strong redox reactions (e.g., mono‐ and di‐oxygenations) on aromatic substrates. Biodegradation of aromatics occurs via the pathway encoded in the archetypal TOL plasmid pWW0, yet the effect of running such oxidative route on redox balance against the background metabolism of P. putida remains unexplored. To answer this question, the activity of pyridine nucleotide transhydrogenases (that catalyze the reversible interconversion of NADH and NADPH) was inspected under various physiological and oxidative stress regimes. The genome of P. putida KT2440 encodes a soluble transhydrogenase (SthA) and a membrane‐bound, proton‐pumping counterpart (PntAB). Mutant strains, lacking sthA and/or pntAB, were subjected to a panoply of genetic, biochemical, phenomic and functional assays in cells grown on customary carbon sources (e.g., citrate) versus difficult‐to‐degrade aromatic substrates. The results consistently indicated that redox homeostasis is compromised in the transhydrogenases‐defective variant, rendering the mutant sensitive to oxidants. This metabolic deficiency was, however, counteracted by an increase in the activity of NADP+‐dependent dehydrogenases in central carbon metabolism. Taken together, these observations demonstrate that transhydrogenases enable a redox‐adjusting mechanism that comes into play when biodegradation reactions are executed to metabolize unusual carbon compounds.
Solidarity in Climate/Immigrant Justice Direct Action: Lessons from Movements in the US South
Authors: Thomas Black Sara , Anthony Milligan Richard , Heynen Nik
Published: June 2016

In October of 2012, youth organizers from the immigrant justice and climate change resistance movements in the southeastern US metropolitan region of Atlanta, Georgia, coordinated a direct action tactic framed by a unified narrative justifying collaboration between immigrant and climate justice activists on equal terms. In a continuing collaborative relationship, these organizers embraced mutually strategic narratives rooted in local civil rights history, but rejected common ‘global climate justice’ narratives used to frame social and environmental collaborative organizing. We examine the departure from ‘global climate justice’ narratives, which was exemplified by coalition building in Georgia, to argue that scholarship articulating ‘global climate justice’ as a new context for integrating social and environmental movements must anticipate barriers to these solidarities, especially historical, regional and racialized dynamics of power among organizations engaged in these developing alliances. Based on an investigation of strategic alliances between anti‐racist, immigrant justice organizers and climate change activists in the metropolitan areas of Atlanta and Athens, Georgia, we argue that climate justice narratives in both activism and scholarship would benefit from more attention to the particular political and cultural geographies in which diverse forms of climate justice organizing can take hold.
Firm‐Level Heterogeneity and the Aggregate Exchange Rate Effect on Exports
Authors: Dekle Robert , Jeong Hyeok , Ryoo Heajin H.
Published: June 2016

We investigate what accounts for the different evidence between the aggregate and firm‐level data on the exchange rate elasticity of exports. The typical estimation of the macroeconomic export equations gives insignificant estimates for this elasticity compared to those from the recent firm‐level estimation. Using firm‐level data from Japan, we identify the sources of this discrepancy, and show that the failure to account for cost and demand factors as well as firm‐level productivity induces various kinds of biases for the aggregate estimate of the exchange rate elasticity of exports.
Novel microsatellite markers suggest the mechanism of parthenogenesis in Extatosoma tiaratum is automixis with terminal fusion
Authors: Alavi Yasaman , van Rooyen Anthony , Elgar Mark Adrian , Jones Therésa Melanie , Weeks Andrew Raymond
Published: June 2016

Parthenogenetic reproduction is taxonomically widespread and occurs through various cytological mechanisms, which have different impact on the genetic variation of the offspring. Extatosoma tiaratum is a facultatively parthenogenetic Australian insect (Phasmatodea), in which females oviposit continuously throughout their adult lifespan irrespective of mating. Fertilized eggs produce sons and daughters through sexual reproduction and unfertilized eggs produce female offspring via parthenogenesis. Here, we developed novel microsatellite markers for E. tiaratum and characterized them by genotyping individuals from a natural population. We then used the microsatellite markers to infer the cytological mechanism of parthenogenesis in this species. We found evidence suggesting parthenogenesis in E. tiaratum occurs through automixis with terminal fusion, resulting in substantial loss of microsatellite heterozygosity in the offspring. Loss of microsatellite heterozygosity may be associated with loss of heterozygosity in fitness related loci. The mechanism of parthenogenetic reproduction can therefore affect fitness outcomes and needs to be considered when comparing costs and benefits of sex versus parthenogenesis.