bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evidence for and against the existence of alternate attractors on coral reefs
Authors: Mumby Peter J. , Steneck Robert S. , Hastings Alan
Published: December 2012

Synthesis

Coral reefs are widely thought to exhibit multiple attractors which have profound implications for people that depend on them. If reefs become ‘stuck’ within a self‐reinforcing state dominated by seaweed, it becomes disproportionately difficult and expensive for managers to shift the system back towards its natural, productive, coral state.

The existence of multiple attractors is controversial. We assess various forms of evidence and conclude that there remains no incontrovertible proof of multiple attractors on reefs. However, the most compelling evidence, which combines ecological models and field data, is far more consistent with multiple attractors than the competing hypothesis of only a single, coral attractor. Managers should exercise caution and assume that degraded reefs can become stuck there.

Testing for the existence of alternate attractors in ecosystems that possess slow dynamics and frequent pulse perturbation is exceptionally challenging. Coral reefs typify such conditions and the existence of alternate attractors is controversial. We analyse different forms of evidence and assess whether they support or challenge the existence of multiple attractors on Caribbean reefs, many of which have shown profound phase shifts in community structure from coral to algal dominance. Field studies alone provide no insight into multiple attractors because the non‐equilibrial nature of reef dynamics prevents equilibria from being observed. Statistical models risk failing to sample the parameter space in which multiple attractors occur, and have failed to account for the confounding effects of heterogeneous environments, anthropogenic drivers (e.g. fishing), and major disturbances (e.g. hurricanes). Simple and complex models all find multiple attractors over some – though not all – regions of a system driver (fishing). Tests of model predictions with field data closely match theory of alternate attractors but a forward‐leaning monotonic curve with only a single attractor can also be fitted to these data. Deeper consideration of the assumptions of this monotonic relationship reveal significant ecological problems which disappear under a model of multiple attractors. To date, there is no evidence against the existence of multiple attractors on Caribbean reefs and while there remains no definitive proof, the balance of evidence and ecological reasoning favours their existence. Theory predicts that Caribbean reefs do not exhibit alternate attractors in their natural state but that disease‐induced loss of two key functional groups has generated bistability. Whether alternate attractors becomes a persistent element of reef dynamics or a brief moment in their geological history will depend, in part, on the ability of functional groups to recover and the impacts of climate change and ocean acidification on coral growth and mortality.
Universal scaling of species‐abundance distributions across multiple scales
Authors: Rosindell James , Cornell Stephen J.
Published: December 2012

The scale‐dependent species abundance distribution (SAD) is fundamental in ecology, but few spatially explicit models of this pattern have thus far been studied. Here we show spatially explicit neutral model predictions for SADs over a wide range of spatial scales, which appear to match empirical patterns qualitatively. We find that the assumption of a log‐series SAD in the metacommunity made by spatially implicit neutral models can be justified with a spatially explicit model in the large area limit. Furthermore, our model predicts that SADs on multiple scales are characterized by a single, compound parameter that represents the ratio of the survey area to the species’ average biogeographic range (which is in turn set by the speciation rate and the dispersal distance). This intriguing prediction is in line with recent empirical evidence for a universal scaling of the species‐area curve. Hence we hypothesize that empirical SAD patterns will show a similar universal scaling for many different taxa and across multiple spatial scales.
Electrocardiographic Assessment of Incident Atrial Fibrillation in Hemodialysis Patients
Authors: Nishi Keiko , Fujimoto Shouichi , Hisanaga Shuichi , Ogawa Osamu , Kitamura Kazuo
Published: December 2012

The prevalence and incidence of atrial fibrillation in hemodialysis patients have recently increased, but there are few evident predictors of incident atrial fibrillation in hemodialysis patients. The purpose of this study was to determine whether electrocardiographic findings can predict the development of atrial fibrillation in hemodialysis patients. A cohort of 299 patients (age, 63.1 ± 14.0 years; men, 59.2%; duration of hemodialysis, 80.3 ± 77.7 months) on hemodialysis therapy in December 2004 was included. To determine the incidence of atrial fibrillation, electrocardiographic findings were checked regularly every 1–3 months through December 2009. To detect paroxysmal atrial fibrillation, we examined electrocardiograms any time a patient had cardiac symptoms. Cox proportional hazard analysis was used to determine independent variables for the onset of atrial fibrillation. At the time of enrollment, 37 patients had pre‐existing atrial fibrillation, for a prevalence rate of 12.4%. On the other hand, newly developed atrial fibrillation during the 5‐year follow‐up was determined in 45 patients, for an incidence rate of 4.37/100 patient‐years. In multivariate analysis, age (hazard ratio, 1.04; 95% confidence interval, 1.01 to 1.07) and the presence of a P‐terminal force >0.04 mm/s as an electrocardiographic finding (hazard ratio, 4.89; 95% confidence interval, 2.54 to 9.90) were independently associated with new‐onset atrial fibrillation. The prevalence and incidence rates of atrial fibrillation are high in maintenance hemodialysis patients. Age and the presence of a P‐terminal force >0.04 mm/s as an electrocardiographic finding may predict new‐onset atrial fibrillation in these patients.
Kinetic Modeling of Anthocyanin Degradation and Microorganism Growth during Postharvest Storage of Açai Fruits (Euterpe oleracea)
Authors: Rogez Hervé , Akwie Santuscha N. L. T. , Moura Fábio G. , Larondelle Yvan
Published: December 2012

Abstract:  The unavoidable damage of açai (Euterpe oleracea) fruits (AF) during picking leads to microbial contamination and anthocyanin degradation, which prejudice the consumed fruit drink. Thirteen lots of AF (24 kg) from different municipal districts of the Pará State (Brazil) were monitored during a 75‐h‐long storage in the dark at 30 °C for microbial growth, and 7 lots for anthocyanin degradation. On arrival at the laboratory, anthocyanins presented a mean concentration of 828 mg kg−1 fruits with a standard deviation of 323 mg kg−1 fruits whereas mean microbial contamination was 2.64 106 CFU g−1 of dry matter for total mesophilic bacteria, 1.98 103 MPN g−1 DM for fecal coliforms, and 1.11 105 CFU g−1 DM for moulds and yeasts. Kinetic growth of the microbes could be fitted to a quadratic equation with an unusual rapid growth during the 1st 24 h. The kinetics of anthocyanin degradation fitted a 1st‐order equation. The mean velocity constant of the reaction (k1) was of 0.0137 h−1 and the mean half‐life (t½) of the anthocyanins was 50 h. These results indicate that the AF simultaneously suffer extensive anthocyanin degradation and explosive microbial growth during the postharvest period needing a special care.

Practical Application:  The data presented in this article help the industrial sector of açai (Euterpe oleracea) juice to understand: (1) the rapid kinetics of anthocyanin oxidation and (2) the uncommon kinetics of microorganism growth during a postharvest storage of açai fruits for up to 75 h. Our results allow to predict the global deterioration of açai fruits and pointed out the necessity of blanching the fruits or pasteurizing the juice.
The Beneficial Effect of Folate‐Enriched Egg on the Folate and Homocysteine Levels in Rats Fed a Folate‐ and Choline‐Deficient Diet
Authors: Sugiyama Ayami , Awaji Hiroyo , Horie Kenji , Kim Mujo , Nakata Rieko
Published: December 2012

Abstract:  We investigated the effects of folate‐enriched egg yolk powder on folate and homocysteine levels in plasma and liver of rats fed the folate‐ and choline‐deficient diet to determine bioavailability in vivo. Three‐wk‐old Wistar rats were fed (1) the pteroylglutamate (PteGlu), (2) the choline, (3) the PteGlu and choline, (4) the folate‐enriched egg yolk powder diet for 4 wk after having been fed the folate‐ and choline‐deficient diet. The hepatic folate level in the folate‐enriched egg yolk powder group was significantly higher than that in the folate‐ and choline‐deficient or the control groups. The homocysteine concentration in plasma and liver of the folate‐enriched egg yolk powder group was significantly lower than that of the folate‐ and choline‐deficient or the PteGlu groups. The S‐adenosyl‐methionine (SAM)/S‐adenosyl‐homocysteine (SAH) ratio in the folate‐enriched egg yolk powder group was significantly higher than that in the folate‐ and choline‐deficient group. These effects were similar in the PteGlu and choline, but not the PteGlu or the choline groups. These data suggest that the intake of folate‐enriched eggs, as well as of both folate and choline, induced the beneficial effects on folate and homocysteine metabolism. Thus, folate‐enriched eggs could be used as beneficial source of folate with a high bioavailability.
Sensory Properties and Consumer Acceptance of Imported and Domestic Sliced Black Ripe Olives
Authors: Lee Soh Min , Kitsawad Kamolnate , Sigal Abdulkadir , Flynn Dan , Guinard Jean‐Xavier
Published: December 2012

Abstract:  Table olives are healthy and nutritious products with high contents of monounsaturated fatty acids, phenolics, vitamins, minerals, and fiber. Understanding sensory cues affecting consumer preferences would enable the increase of olive consumption. The objectives of this study were to characterize the sensory properties of commercial sliced black ripe olives from different regions, including California, Egypt, Morocco, Portugal, and Spain, and to examine the preferences of California consumers for sliced black ripe olives. Sensory profiles and preferences for 20 sliced olive samples were determined using descriptive analysis with a trained panel and a consumer test with 104 users and likers of table olives. Aroma and flavor characteristics separated the olives according to country of origin, and were the main determinants of consumer preferences for sliced olives, even though the biggest differences among the samples were in appearance and texture. Total of 2 consumer segments were identified with 51 and 53 consumers, respectively, that both liked Californian products, but differed in the olives they disliked. Negative drivers of liking for both segments included alcohol, oak barrel, and artificial fruity/floral characteristics; however, consumers from Cluster 1 were further negatively influenced by rancid, gassy, and bitter characteristics. This study stresses the need for sound and appealing flavor quality for table olives to gain wider acceptance among U.S. consumers.

Practical Application:  The characterization of the sensory properties of domestic and imported sliced black ripe olives and the identification of the preference patterns of California consumers for the products in this research will assist producers, importers, and legislators in their efforts to improve the sensory quality of sliced black ripe olives in the United States and to better market these products to U.S. consumers.
La protección social al servicio de la integración sostenible: una necesidad europea ante la crisis
Authors: Euzéby Chantal
Published: December 2012

La prevención del riesgo de exclusión social se ha convertido en una cuestión fundamental en la Unión Europea (UE) debido a los recortes sociales que ha impuesto la explosión de la deuda de los Estados miembros. Esta cuestión se sitúa en la encrucijada entre las políticas de empleo y de formación y las reformas orientadas a adaptar los sistemas de protección social a la nueva realidad del contexto socioeconómico (envejecimiento de la población, inestabilidad familiar, desempleo masivo, precariedad del empleo, pobreza en el trabajo y desigualdades sociales persistentes y crecientes). En el presente artículo se pretende mostrar que la promoción de la protección social dentro de un enfoque de inversión social representa un modo excelente de conciliar los objetivos de igualdad de oportunidades a lo largo del ciclo de vida, de rendimiento económico sostenible (mejora de la competitividad estructural) y de aumento de la cohesión social en favor del bienestar colectivo. En el presente artículo se atribuye especial atención a la necesidad de promover el derecho universal e individual a la movilidad y a la formación durante toda la vida. Estos derechos constituirían nuevas garantías sociales, que compensarían las exigencias relacionadas con la flexibilidad del mercado de trabajo. Se destaca también la importancia de incorporar estos derechos en toda la UE con un nivel mínimo de protección social ampliado. De este modo, se podría proporcionar una protección permanente contra el riesgo de exclusión en la UE, favorecer la integración económica y social que se pretende lograr mediante la Estrategia de Lisboa revisada (2003‐2005) y aumentar la confianza y la esperanza de los ciudadanos europeos.
Fortalecimiento de la prevención en la inseguridad social
Authors: Sinfield Adrian
Published: December 2012

Los consistentes programas de seguridad social que promueven la seguridad colectiva y personal pueden realizar una importante contribución a la prevención de la inseguridad social porque actúan como estabilizadores automáticos integrados y aportan beneficios sociales, políticos y económicos a toda la sociedad. Por el contrario, los sistemas frágiles ejercen un efecto desestabilizador que reduce su eficacia preventiva. Las distintas contribuciones de los sistemas de seguridad social a la prevención de la inseguridad social y económica han perdido intensidad en muchos países. Los motivos del relativo descuido de la prevención se consideran junto a los cambios que han debilitado los elementos de prevención del sistema. El contexto estructural en el que deben operar las políticas de seguridad social, en particular la calidad y la cantidad del empleo, así como la interacción con otros programas públicos, obviamente, ejerce grandes repercusiones en su capacidad de prevención. Los regímenes aún pueden alcanzar muchos logros si prestan más atención a los elementos necesarios para prevenir la inseguridad. Se presentan proposiciones para reforzar la prevención dentro de los programas de seguridad social a fin de promover un debate más amplio de estas cuestiones para que la prevención se considere nuevamente un objetivo central.
An Examination of Views of Science Held by English‐Trained Chinese Students
Authors: Stonier Francis W. , Dickerson Daniel L. , Lucking Robert
Published: December 2012

The purpose of the study was to examine what science views were accepted or rejected by the Chinese university students. We administered the Thinking about Science Survey Instrument (TSSI) to 75 Chinese students in the Sichuan province who were enrolled in Science and Technology English classes. The TSSI focuses on nine key areas of science and aims at identifying whether an individual agrees or disagrees with a model science view. Chi‐square tests were applied to the data. Three idealized science views were found to be accepted regarding Science and the Economy, Science for All, and Science and Public Health. The same three science views were also found to be accepted in prior U.S. studies. Directions for further research are discussed including the examining views held by diverse populations and the potential development of a global view of science.
Beyond the Transcript: Factors Influencing the Pursuit of Science and Mathematics Coursework
Authors: Haag Susan , Megowan Colleen
Published: December 2012

The nation's middle schools suffer from a shortage of qualified science and mathematics teachers. To address this need, one university in the southwest has developed the Modeling Institute, a master's degree program for in‐service elementary educators interested in teaching science and mathematics at the middle school level. Identifying the profile of teachers interested in pursuing additional coursework in science and mathematics is necessary to more effectively attract candidates and to better facilitate the program. Thus, we administered an online survey to in‐service teachers to uncover needs and influencing factors. Data revealed that the majority (60%) of 324 in‐service teachers are interested in pursuing additional education, beyond that reflected on their current transcript, as a route to becoming more competent in teaching and integrating science and mathematics. The present study provides a plausible profile of K‐8 certified teachers interested in pursuing a master's degree program or postbaccalaureate coursework to achieve content expertise in science and mathematics. Such a profile can assist universities in designing math‐ and science‐related programs that meet the needs of in‐service teachers and districts they serve by increasing the number of teachers who are qualified (by transcript and test scores) and competent in their content.
Middle‐School Mathematics Teachers' Beliefs in NCTM's Vision
Authors: Perrin John Robert
Published: December 2012

This study examined the extent to which seventh‐ and eighth‐grade mathematics teachers are aware of National Council of Teachers of Mathematics (NCTM) standards documents, Curriculum and Evaluation Standards for School Mathematics and Principles and Standards for School Mathematics and agree with NCTM's vision of school mathematics as expressed in these documents. Quantitative data were collected through the Mathematics Standards Belief Survey (MSBS), a survey specifically designed to measure teachers' overall belief in NCTM's vision as well as in certain philosophical tenets of NCTM. Of the 82 seventh‐ and eighth‐grade mathematics teachers in the identified school district of Nevada, 73 (89.0%) participated in this study. The data revealed that, among seventh‐ and eighth‐grade mathematics teachers, secondary‐certified teachers had significantly higher MSBS scores than elementary‐certified teachers. A number of other findings were made, including significant differences among mean belief scores in the philosophical tenets of NCTM.
Implementing the trinomial mark–recapture–recovery model in program mark
Authors: Bonner Simon J.
Published: December 2012

Time‐varying individual covariates present a challenge in modelling data from mark–recapture–recovery (MRR) experiments of wild animals. Many values of the covariate will be unknown because they can be observed only when an individual is captured, and the missing values cannot be ignored.

Catchpole et al. [Journal of the Royal Statistical Society: Series B (Statistical Methodology), 70, 445–460, 2008] presents one solution to this problem by constructing a conditional likelihood depending only on the observed covariate information – the so‐called trinomial model.

This paper describes the link between the trinomial model and the mark–recapture–recovery model of Burnham (Marked Individuals in the Study of Bird Population, 199–213, 1993) and shows how the trinomial model can be implemented in the software package program mark. This provides the user with access to all of the features of program mark including the facilities for model building and model selection without having to write custom code.

I provide details on the analysis of a simulated data set and discuss an r package developed to help users format their data and to implement the model through the existing rmark package.
Intuitional Disagreement
Authors: Tersman Folke
Published: December 2012

Some think that recent empirical research has shown that peoples' moral intuitions vary in a way that is hard to reconcile with the supposition that they are even modestly reliable. This is in turn supposed to generate skeptical conclusions regarding the claims and theories advanced by ethicists because of the crucial role intuitions have in the arguments offered in support of those claims. I begin by trying to articulate the most compelling version of this challenge. On that version, the main problem is the absence of a believable positive account of the reliability of the intuitions (rather than the bits of negative evidence that have so far been gathered). I then consider the response to this challenge that, in my view, holds most promise. It differs from others by invoking substantive moral assumptions. Such a strategy may appear problematically circular, in that the justification of those assumptions seems to presuppose the very thesis that is challenged (the thesis that our intuitions deserve being treated as evidence). However, although I think that objection can be met, I argue that there are other problems with the strategy. On the basis of a set of conditions that a successful defense of the pertinent kind plausibly must satisfy, I argue that the prospects of developing such an account are bleak.
Moral Relativism and Moral Expressivism
Authors: Brogaard Berit
Published: December 2012

Though moral relativism has had its supporters over the years, it is not a dominant position in philosophy. I will argue here, though, that the view is an attractive position. It evades some hardcore challenges that face absolutism, and it is reconcilable with an appealing emotivist approach to moral attitudes. In previous work, I have offered considerations in favor of a version of moral relativism that I call “perspectivalism.” These considerations are primarily grounded in linguistic data. Here I offer a self‐standing argument for perspectivalism. I begin with an argument against moral absolutism. I then argue that moral terms, such as ‘wrong’ and ‘right’, require for their application that the moral judge instantiate particular affective states, and I use this claim to provide further defense of moral relativism.
Associations of uric acid and gamma‐glutamyltransferase (GGT) with obesity and components of metabolic syndrome in children and adolescents
Authors: Kong A. P. S. , Choi K. C. , Ho C. S. , Chan M. H. M. , Ozaki R. , Chan C. W. H. , Chan J. C. N.
Published: December 2012

What is already known about this subject

Associations between concentrations of uric acid and cardiovascular risk factors are known.

The associations between gamma‐glutamyltransferase (GGT) levels and cardiovascular disease are also known.

But no study has ever investigated the combined effects of both GGT and uric acid in cardiovascular risk factors in adolescents.

What this study adds

Our study is the first to date reporting a significant combined effect of uric acid and GGT in association with cardiovascular risk factors in the youth populations.

The results of our study add to our knowledge regarding the relationship between uric acid, GGT and cardiovascular risk factors.

Based on our results, measurements of these biochemical markers should be considered in the cardiovascular risk stratification in children and adolescents.

The results of our study also raise the alertness of clinicians in identifying at‐risk young individuals for primary prevention of cardiovascular diseases.

Background

The combined effect of uric acid, gamma‐glutamyltransferase (GGT) and cardiovascular risk factors clustering in the youth remains under‐explored.

Objective

The objective of this study was to examine the association between uric acid, GGT, obesity and the individual components of metabolic syndrome in children and adolescents.

Methods

We performed a cross‐sectional observational study of 2067 children and adolescents (875 boys and 1192 girls) aged 6–20 years who were healthy volunteers and were recruited from primary and secondary schools in Hong Kong between 2007 and 2008. Subjects were divided into two strata (75th percentile as cut‐off) for comparison between odds of cardiovascular risk factors.

Results

After adjustment by multivariable logistic regression, subjects in upper stratum, i.e. >75th percentile, of either serum uric acid or GGT levels were associated with obesity, low high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL‐C) level and high blood pressure (adjusted odds ratios [AOR] ranged from 1.63 to 5.82, all P < 0.005) compared with those in the lower stratum. There were combined effect for upper stratum of both uric acid and GGT in the association with obesity, low HDL‐C and high blood pressure (AOR ranged from 2.60 to 10.69, all P < 0.05) after adjustment for age, sex and body mass index z‐score (except for obesity status) as well as body height (for high blood pressure).

Conclusion

Uric acid and GGT have combined effect in association with obesity and other cardiovascular risk factors in children and adolescents.
The Impact of Asynchronicity on Event‐Flow Estimation in Basin‐Scale Hydrologic Model Calibration1
Authors: Joseph John F. , Sharif Hatim O. , Arnold Jeffrey G. , Bosch David D.
Published: December 2012

Abstract:  The calibration of basin‐scale hydrologic models consists of adjusting parameters such that simulated values closely match observed values. However, due to inevitable inaccuracies in models and model inputs, simulated response hydrographs for multiyear calibrations will not be perfectly synchronized with observed response hydrographs at the daily time step. An analytically derived formula suggests that when timing errors are significant, traditional calibration approaches may generally underestimate the total event‐flow volume. An event‐adaptive time series is developed and incorporated into the Nash‐Sutcliffe Efficiency objective function to diagnose the potential impact of event‐flow synchronization errors. Test sites are the 50 km2 Subwatershed I of the Little River Experimental Watershed (LREWswI) in southeastern Georgia, and the 610 km2 Little Washita River Experimental Watershed (LWREW) in southwestern Oklahoma, with the Soil and Water Assessment Tool used as the hydrologic model. Results suggest that simulated surface runoff generation is 55% less for LREWswI when the daily time series is used compared with when the event‐adaptive technique is used. Event‐flow generation may also be underestimated for LWREW, but to a lesser extent than it may be for LREWswI, due to a larger portion of the event flow being lateral flow.
Modeling Biochemical Oxygen Demand Through the Middle and Lower Savannah River1
Authors: Rosenquist Shawn E. , Moak Jason W. , Flite Oscar P.
Published: December 2012

Abstract:  In order to improve modeling accuracy and general understanding of lotic biochemical oxygen demand (BOD), this study characterized river metabolism with the current Georgia Environmental Protection Division method for the middle and lower Savannah River basin (MLSRB) and several alternative methods developed with 120‐day, long‐term biochemical oxygen demand (LTBOD) data from the MLSRB. The data were a subset of a larger two‐year LTBOD study to characterize and understand BOD in the MLSRB, located approximately between Augusta, Georgia, and Savannah, Georgia, along the border of Georgia and South Carolina. The LTBOD data included total oxygen loss and nitrogen speciation for separately quantifying nitrification. Results support the following insights and opportunities for modeling methods: (1) it is important to modeling accuracy that residuals be checked for even dispersion to avoid areas of over‐ and underprediction; (2) modeling with bounded, yet unfixed, rates is a sufficiently simple alternative to fixed‐rate modeling that can eliminate the need for manual adjustments and provide additional system understanding to inform regulation; (3) if fixed rates modeling is desired, model quality for this system might be improved through revising the current low rate (along with the associated f‐ratio updates) from 0.02/day rate to 0.006/day and potentially adding a new rate at 1.0/day in some cases; and (4) the current 57/43 ratio of slow/fast BOD is reasonable based on the 52/45/3 slow/fast/faster BOD proportions of this study.
Genetic evidence of Quaternary demographic changes in four rain forest tree species sampled across the Isthmus of Panama
Authors: Andrew Jones F. , Cerón‐Souza Ivania , Hardesty Britta Denise , Dick Christopher W.
Published: December 2012

Aim

We examined and compared population genetic structure in a suite of four co‐occurring Panamanian tree species and performed coalescent‐based analyses of demographic history to evaluate hypotheses of tropical vegetation change during the Last Glacial Maximum (LGM).

Location

Isthmus of Panama.

Methods

Nuclear microsatellite variation was assayed in multiple populations (1179 trees, 21 locations, 6–13 locations per species) in Jacaranda copaia (Bignoniaceae), Luehea seemannii (Malvaceae), Simarouba amara (Simaroubaceae) and Symphonia globulifera (Clusiaceae). Population structure was analysed using FST‐based statistics and a Bayesian clustering approach (baps). Bayesian coalescent methods (msvar) were used to infer demographic histories.

Results

High levels of genetic diversity were found in all of the species (HE range, 0.56–0.79). Jacaranda copaia and L. seemannii showed lower FST and fewer Bayesian clusters across similar spatial scales than did S. globulifera and Simarouba amara. For each species examined, the current effective population sizes (Ne) are much lower than ancient Ne, within all inferred baps demes. In light‐demanding pioneer species J. copaia, L. seemannii and S. amara, estimates of the number of generations since the bottleneck events overlap with the end of the LGM (median site posterior estimates ranged from 16 to 19 ka) while Symphonia globulifera estimates are consistent with earlier population declines (median 202 ka) in the early Pleistocene and late Pliocene.

Main conclusions

The wind‐dispersed deciduous species J. copaia and L. seemannii showed lower FST and spatially extensive demes, while the animal‐dispersed evergreen Symphonia globulifera and Simarouba amara showed spatially restrictive demes and higher FST. Each deme examined shows evidence of historical bottlenecks. For three of the four species which are also light‐demanding pioneer species, the mean estimated time and 95% highest posterior density of the bottleneck events coincides with the end of the LGM. These results suggest that these species have undergone historical bottlenecks as a result of reduced forest cover during the Pleistocene and provide evidence of shared demographic histories among co‐occurring tropical forest trees.
The Impact of Supply Chain Management Research: You Can't Unring a Bell!
Authors: Waller Matthew A. , Fawcett Stanley E.
Published: December 2012

With the assistance of 12 guest editors, the Journal of Business Logistics (JBL) has initiated a sequence of special topics forums (STFs) intended to stimulate research on themes that are both fundamental and timely. In an attempt to complement the quality and depth of the impact of research published in JBL, the objective of this strategy is to continue to increase the breadth of the impact of JBL on research in our discipline. A small number of articles have the preponderance of impact: 1% of the articles published in JBL account for over 20% of all JBL citations and half of the articles account for 95% of all citations. Our selection of the STFs is aimed at increasing the breadth of impact of the research published in JBL. Each STF that is discussed in this Editorial addresses relevant and timely research questions that should have a lasting impact on theory and practice.
Linking Order Fulfillment Performance to Referrals in Online Retailing: An Empirical Analysis
Authors: Griffis Stanley E. , Rao Shashank , Goldsby Thomas J. , Voorhees Clay M. , Iyengar Deepak
Published: December 2012

Referral management for online retailers is a strategically important activity, as referrals offer a highly cost‐effective method of customer acquisition. In fact, online customers mention referrals as the second‐most common reason for choosing to shop at a particular retailer, second only to search engine suggestions. However, while online retailers are able to improve their visibility on search engines through focused keyword insertions, they are often unable to pinpoint the drivers of referral behavior among their customers. The current research examines the relationship between two key dimensions of online retailing: order fulfillment cycle times and referral behavior. Employing a theory of customer appraisal and empirically testing the ensuing model using structural equation modeling, we find that excellent order fulfillment is instrumental in generating referrals for the online retailer, even after factoring in product quality.
Improving Distribution Service Performance Through Effective Production and Logistics Integration
Authors: Springinklee Martin , Wallenburg Carl Marcus
Published: December 2012

Current empirical research on logistics' relationships with other departments has mostly neglected the interface with production. On the basis of data from 387 manufacturing companies, we answer a recent call for research and extend the literature by examining effective working relationships and achieved integration between the production and logistics functions regarding their performance impacts and their antecedents. With respect to the former, we take a resource‐based perspective, showing that integration achieved between the production and logistics functions drives distribution service performance by serving as a pivotal capability element in the resource–capability–value chain. Within this chain, effective working relationships constitute the underlying resources and prove to be a strong driver of achieved integration. With respect to antecedents, we employ the theory of cooperation and competition and identify positive goal interdependence to substantially improve working relationships between production and logistics. Furthermore, we find this effect to be amplified via formalized performance measurement systems.
Improving the dietary intake of under nourished older people in residential care homes using an energy‐enriching food approach: a cluster randomised controlled study
Authors: Leslie W. S. , Woodward M. , Lean M. E. J. , Theobald H. , Watson L. , Hankey C. R.
Published: December 2012

Background

To examine whether the nutritional status of aged undernourished residents in care could be improved through dietary modification to increase energy intake but not portion size.

Methods

A 12‐week cluster randomised controlled trial was carried out in 21 residential care homes. Participants comprised undernourished residents with a body mass index (BMI) <18.5 kg m–2. All menus were analysed to evaluate nutrient provision. Energy and macronutrient intakes of undernourished residents were estimated using 3‐day weighed food intake diaries. Those resident in homes randomised to intervention had their usual meals enriched with energy‐dense foods to a maximum of +1673 kJ day−1.

Results

Of 445 residents screened, 41 (9%) had a BMI <18.5 kg m–2 and entered the study. Despite adequate food provision, energy and macronutrient intakes were below UK dietary reference values. Mean (SEM) energy intake increased [+556 (372) kJ, P = 0.154] in residents allocated to intervention but fell in those residents in ‘control homes’ receiving usual care [−151 (351) kJ, P = 0.676]. Weight change [+1.3 (0.53) kg, P = 0.03] was seen in intervention residents but not in controls [−0.2 (1.5) kg, P = 0.536]. Between‐group differences for changes in weight and energy intake were not significant (P = 0.08 and 0.20, respectively). Six residents allocated to the intervention increased their BMI >18.5 kg m–2 (P = 0.018).

Conclusions

Achieving weight gain in frail older people is difficult. These results suggest that enriching food could help address undernutrition and slow chronic weight loss. Interventions of a longer duration are needed to confirm or exclude the value of food enrichment.
Applying research in nutrition education planning: a dietary intervention for Bangladeshi chronic kidney disease patients
Authors: de Brito‐Ashurst I. , Perry L. , Sanders T. A. B. , Thomas J. E. , Dobbie H. , Yaqoob M. M.
Published: December 2012

Background

Effective nutrition health interventions are theory‐based, as well as being drawn from practice and research, aiming to successfully accomplish dietary behavioural changes. However, the integration of theory, research and practice to develop community dietary educational programmes is a challenge that many interventionists feel ill equipped to achieve.

Methods

In the present study, a community‐based education programme was designed for Bangladeshi patients with chronic kidney disease and hypertension. The goal of this programme was to reduce dietary salt intake in this population group, with a view to reducing their blood pressure and slowing kidney disease progression.

Results

The present study sets out the first four steps of a six‐step model for creating a behaviour change programme.

Conclusions

These four steps were concerned with the translation of theory and evidence into intervention objectives, and illustrate how a practical, community‐based intervention was developed from behavioural theory, relevant research, knowledge of practice and the target patient group. Steps 5 and 6, which are concerned with implementation and evaluation, will be reported separately.
High‐mobility group box 1 from reactive astrocytes enhances the accumulation of endothelial progenitor cells in damaged white matter
Authors: Hayakawa Kazuhide , Miyamoto Nobukazu , Seo Ji Hae , Pham Loc‐Duyen D. , Kim Kyu‐Won , Lo Eng H. , Arai Ken
Published: December 2012

High‐mobility group box 1 (HMGB1) was initially described as a damage‐associated‐molecular‐pattern (DAMP) mediator that worsens acute brain injury after stroke. But, recent findings suggest that HMGB1 can play a surprisingly beneficial role during stroke recovery by promoting endothelial progenitor cell (EPC) function and vascular remodeling in cortical gray matter. Here, we ask whether HMGB1 may also influence EPC responses in white matter injury. The standard lysophosphatidylcholine (LPC) injection model was used to induce focal demyelination in the corpus callosum of mice. Immunostaining showed that within the focal white matter lesions, HMGB1 was up‐regulated in GFAP‐positive reactive astrocytes, along with the accumulation of Flk1/CD34‐double‐positive EPCs that expressed pro‐recovery mediators such as brain‐derived neurotrophic factor and basic fibroblast growth factor. Astrocyte–EPC signaling required the HMGB1 receptor RAGE as treatment with RAGE‐neutralizing antibody significantly decreased EPC accumulation. Moreover, suppression of HMGB1 with siRNA in vivo significantly decreased EPC numbers in damaged white matter as well as proliferated endothelial cell numbers. Finally, in vitro cell culture systems confirmed that HMGB1 directly affected EPC function such as migration and tube formation. Taken together, our findings suggest that HMGB1 from reactive astrocytes may attract EPCs to promote recovery after white matter injury.
Phospholipase C‐η2 is required for retinoic acid‐stimulated neurite growth
Authors: Popovics Petra , Gray Alexander , Arastoo Mohammed , Finelli Deana K. , Tan Audrey J. L. , Stewart Alan J.
Published: December 2012

Phospholipase C‐η2 is a recently identified phospholipase C (PLC) implicated in the regulation of neuronal differentiation/maturation. PLCη2 activity is triggered by intracellular calcium mobilization and likely serves to amplify Ca2+ signals by stimulating further Ca2+ release from Ins(1,4,5)P3‐sensitive stores. The role of PLCη2 in neuritogenesis was assessed during retinoic acid (RA)‐induced Neuro2A cell differentiation. PLCη2 expression increased two‐fold during a 4‐day differentiation period. Stable expression of PLCη2‐targetted shRNA led to a decrease in the number of differentiated cells and total length of neurites following RA‐treatment. Furthermore, RA response element activation was perturbed by PLCη2 knockdown. Using a bacterial two‐hybrid screen, we identified LIM domain kinase 1 (LIMK1) as a putative interaction partner of PLCη2. Immunostaining of PLCη2 revealed significant co‐localization with LIMK1 in the nucleus and growing neurites in Neuro2A cells. RA‐induced phosphorylation of LIMK1 and cAMP‐responsive element‐binding protein was reduced in PLCη2 knock‐down cells. The phosphoinositide‐binding properties of the PLCη2 PH domain, assessed using a FRET‐based assay, revealed this domain to possess a high affinity toward PtdIns(3,4,5)P3. Immunostaining of PLCη2 together with PtdIns(3,4,5)P3 in the Neuro2A cells revealed a high degree of co‐localization, indicating that PtdIns(3,4,5)P3 levels in cellular compartments are likely to be important for the spatial control of PLCη2 signaling.
The α‐subunit of the trimeric GTPase Go2 regulates axonal growth
Authors: Baron Jens , Blex Christian , Rohrbeck Astrid , Rachakonda Sivarama Krishna , Birnbaumer Lutz , Ahnert‐Hilger Gudrun , Brunk Irene
Published: December 2012

The Goα splice variants Go1α and Go2α are subunits of the most abundant G‐proteins in brain, Go1 and Go2. Only a few interacting partners binding to Go1α have been described so far and splice variant‐specific differences are not known. Using a yeast two‐hybrid screen with constitutively active Go2α as bait, we identified Rap1GTPase activating protein (Rap1GAP) and Girdin as interacting partners of Go2α, which was confirmed by co‐immunoprecipitation. Comparison of subcellular fractions from brains of wild type and Go2α−/− mice revealed no differences in the overall expression level of Girdin or Rap1GAP. However, we found higher amounts of active Rap1‐GTP in brains of Go2α deficient mutants, indicating that Go2α may increase Rap1GAP activity, thereby effecting the Rap1 activation/deactivation cycle. Rap1 has been shown to be involved in neurite outgrowth and given a Rap1GAP‐Go2α interaction, we found that the loss of Go2α affected axonal outgrowth. Axons of cultured cortical and hippocampal neurons prepared from embryonic Go2α−/− mice grew longer and developed more branches than those from wild‐type mice. Taken together, we provide evidence that Go2α regulates axonal outgrowth and branching.
The exogenous fluorophore, fluorescein, enables in vivo assessment of the gastrointestinal mucosa via confocal endomicroscopy: optimization of intravenous dosing in the dog model
Authors: Sharman M. J. , Mansfield C. S. , Whittem T.
Published: December 2012

This study described the pharmacokinetics of the intravenous fluorophore, fluorescein, and aimed to evaluate its utility for use in upper gastrointestinal confocal endomicroscopy (CEM). Six healthy, mature, mixed‐breed dogs were anesthetized and then dosed intravenously with fluorescein at 15 mg/kg. Blood samples were collected at predetermined time‐points. Dogs were examined by upper gastrointestinal confocal endomicroscopy and monitored for adverse effects. Plasma fluorescein concentrations were measured using high‐performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) with UV/Vis detection. Mean plasma concentration at 5 min was 57.6 ± 18.2 mg/L, and plasma concentrations decreased bi‐exponentially thereafter with a mean concentration of 2.5 mg/L ± 1.26 at 120 min. Mean terminal plasma elimination half‐life (t½β) was 34.8 ± 8.94 min, and clearance was 9.1 ± 3.0 mL/kg/min. Apparent volume of distribution at steady‐state was 0.3 ± 0.06 L/kg. Fluorescein provided optimal fluorescent contrast to enable in vivo histologically equivalent evaluation of topologic mucosal morphology within the first 30 min following intravenous administration. Adverse effects were not observed. Based upon the calculated clearance, a constant rate infusion at a rate of 0.18 mg/kg/min is predicted to be adequate, following an initial loading dose (2 mg/kg), to maintain plasma concentration at 20 mg/L for optimal CEM imaging during the study period.
“Blogging and Academic Identity”
Authors: Estes Heide
Published: December 2012

As a blogger, I write about issues that arise in my academic work, but in a different context, a different style, with a different audience. My academic and pedagogical approaches to the environment in literature are descriptive, while in the blog I take an activist ecological stance. I live in the realm of disability studies, and in the blog I try to make sense of the impacts on my academic identity of negotiating the demands of chronic illness. The hidden nature of much disability, mine included, poses a challenge to disability narratives within both academic and popular cultural formations; insights from queer, feminist, and post‐colonial theories complicate the ways in which disability studies imagines the body and its social contexts. Narrative scholarship and questions about the place of activism within scholarship provide points of contact between ecocriticism, disability studies, and the study of blogging as social and academic phenomenon. Blogging provides a forum for quick feedback and for conversation with a more diverse audience than traditional academic publishing venues, and can enrich and extend academic discourse.
Effects of acute‐liver‐failure‐plasma exposure on hepatic functionality of HepaRG‐AMC‐Bioartificial Liver
Authors: Nibourg Geert A. A. , Hoekstra Ruurdtje , van der Hoeven Tessa V. , Ackermans Mariëtte T. , Hakvoort Theodorus B. M. , van Gulik Thomas M. , Chamuleau Robert A. F. M.
Published: December 2012

Background & Aims

The AMC‐bioartificial liver loaded with the human hepatoma cell line HepaRG as biocomponent (HepaRG‐AMC‐BAL) has recently proven efficacious in rats with acute liver failure (ALF). However, its efficacy may be affected by cytotoxic components of ALF plasma during treatment. In this study, we investigated the effects of ALF‐plasma on the HepaRG‐AMC‐BAL.

Methods

HepaRG‐AMC‐BALs were connected to the blood circulation of rats with total liver ischaemia, either during the first 5 h after induction of ischaemia (mild ALF group), or during the following 10 h (severe ALF group). After disconnection, the BALs were assessed for cell leakage, gene transcript levels, ammonia elimination, urea production, cytochrome P450 3A4 activity, apolipoprotein A 1 production, glucose and amino acid metabolism.

Results

Cell leakage increased 2.5‐fold in the severe ALF group, but remained limited in all groups. Hepatic gene transcript levels decreased (max 40‐fold) or remained stable. In contrast, hepatic functions increased slightly or remained stable. Particularly, urea production increased 1.5‐fold, with a concurrent increase in arginase 2 transcription and arginine consumption, with a trend towards reduced conversion of ammonia into urea. The amino acid consumption increased, however, the net glucose consumption remained stable.

Conclusions

The HepaRG‐AMC‐BAL retains functionality after both mild and severe exposure to ALF plasma, but urea production may be increasingly derived from arginase 2 activity instead of urea cycle activity. Nevertheless, the increase in cell leakage and decrease in various hepatic transcript levels suggest that a decrease in hepatic functionality may follow upon extended exposure to ALF plasma.