bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Services in the forest-based sector – unexplored futures
Authors: Näyhä Annukka , Pelli Päivi , Hetemäki Lauri
Published: July 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to analyze and provide a synthesis of how services are understood, how they are likely to develop and how future development can be studied more closely in the forest-based sector (FBS). Services are likely to have an increasing role in the FBS in the future.

Design/methodology/approach

– The findings are based on a literature review of FBS outlook studies, strategies and programs and services-related studies in FBS and general services literature. Three case examples of services businesses in FBS companies are presented, and possible foresight approaches related to them are discussed. Foresight methods used in parallel sectors are also discussed.

Findings

– The study provides the first systematic introduction, classification and review of FBS services to include both industry- and non-industry-related services. The paper also points out the need for foresight studies and suggests various approaches for an analysis of the potential of FBS services in the future bioeconomy.

Practical implications

– The study shows that the role of services in FBS research has been understood too narrowly. As a result, services research has been rather lacking and the future potential of services in the FBS has not been fully acknowledged. The study argues for and points toward the need to use foresight approaches to update FBS strategies, business models and policies to fully benefit from the future potential of services.

Originality/value

– The study is a novel introduction, review and discussion of the role of services in the FBS and their future outlook.
Future energy services: empowering local communities and citizens
Authors: Hyytinen Kirsi , Toivonen Marja
Published: July 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to examine the future prospects of innovative services linked to sustainable energy systems.

Design/methodology/approach

– Service perspective is examined in the context of socio-technical transition and linked to the bottom-up and top-down social processes that foster sustainability. The foresight method applied is trend analysis.

Findings

– Two groups of trends were identified: the trends driven by technological development and the trends focussing on societal, managerial and consumer issues. The former consists of renewable energy sources, hybrid solutions, smart grids and smart energy markets. The latter involves distributed energy production, demand response, optimisation of sustainability and the role of energy as an opportunity and as service. The study reveals that energy is increasingly understood as a comprehensive and tailor-made service solution for communities and individual households. Consumers will enter the energy market as active participants; it raises the need for many types of services.

Research limitations/implications

– Deepening of understanding is required in several topics of this study, and more formal methods of foresight are needed to test the generalisability of its qualitative results.

Practical implications

– More effective policy measures are needed for fostering new services and social and system innovations in the area of sustainable energy. Innovation management practices should be developed in these areas.

Originality/value

– The paper aims to narrow the research gap linked to foresight in services by examining services in the area of sustainable energy systems – one of the “grand challenges” today.
LibGuides CMS eReserves: simplify delivering course reserves through Blackboard
Authors: Ince Sharon , Irwin John
Published: July 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to demonstrate the process of implementing LibGuides content management system (CMS) eReserves with Blackboard integration to streamline workflow for the end-user and staff workflow.

Design/methodology/approach

– Based on some of the issues with the existing system, there was a need to improve workflow for the user and staff. The previous course reserve process included a non-automated process. Implementing the LibGuides CMS eReserves module training for circulation staff consisted of in-person instruction and creating a tutorial with step by step directions for staff. The library sent out many email announcements and corresponded with individual faculty members. The authors also worked with the instructional designers for feedback and best practices when developing Blackboard courses, specifically online courses. The authors also developed an information page with a tutorial.

Findings

– Findings indicate that the LibGuides CMS eReserves module is a success. The quick implementation process and ease of use for end-users and staff have proven to be beneficial. With the launch of the new system in fiscal year: 2013-2014, this revitalized the Seton Hall University eReserves program with a 142 per cent increase in usage. There could be many contributing factors to the increase in usage: the online form, direct links to Blackboard, the increase in online courses, etc. eReserves are up 42 per cent as of April for this year.

Originality/value

– At the time of our evaluation, there were no other libraries using the eReserves module. The authors reviewed the literature and found no published articles about LibGuides CMS eReserves module.
Brand tribalism and self-expressive brands: social influences and brand outcomes
Authors: Ruane Lorna , Wallace Elaine
Published: July 2015

Purpose

– This study aims to examine the relationship between social influence and consumers’ self-expression through brands. It considers susceptibility to interpersonal influence and social network influence on self-expressive brands and brand tribalism. The study examines whether self-expressive brands and brand tribalism influence brand loyalty and word of mouth (WOM).

Design/methodology/approach

– A cross-sectional online survey was carried out with members of Generation Y in Ireland. Data from 675 complete responses were analysed using SPSS 20 and AMOS 20. A structural model tested nine hypothesised relationships.

Findings

– Findings indicate that both online social network influence and susceptibility to interpersonal influence are antecedents of tribalism and self-expressive brands. Consumers of self-expressive brands are loyal and offer positive WOM. By contrast, those who seek tribal membership have less brand loyalty and offer less WOM than other consumers. Findings suggest that consumers may be loyal to tribes, rather than to brands. This informs our understanding of the role of tribes for consumers and brand outcomes.

Research limitations/implications

– This study is limited to Generation Y consumers within Ireland.

Originality/value

– This is the first study to explore the effect of consumers’ perceptions about online social network influence on brand tribalism. In addition, their views about the influence of the social network on self-expressive brand consumption, and brand outcomes, are identified. This paper highlights consumers’ susceptibility to interpersonal influence on their brand choices and brand tribalism. In addition, it is shown that brand loyalty and WOM are not always a consequence of tribal membership. By contrast, self-expressive brand consumption enhances brand WOM and brand loyalty.
The coherence and congruence of convergence in consumer electronics
Authors: Azhari Muhammad Zakky , Afiff Adi Zakaria
Published: July 2015

Purpose

– This paper aims to examine two important factors in developing convergence products: the congruence of basic product and the addition in terms of utilitarian or hedonic consumption goals, and the overall coherence of consumption goals. In recent years, the proliferation of convergence products, i.e. any product that combines two or more basic product functionalities in consumer electronics, is increasingly prevalent. For manufacturers, the lingering question in developing convergence products is what kind of basic product functionalities can be combined and can elicit favorable response from consumers.

Design/methodology/approach

– The study is a 2 × 2 × 2 experimental design, with basic product functionality’s consumption goals (utilitarian, hedonic) as the between-subject factor, and the additional product functionality’s consumption goals (utilitarian, hedonic) and the coherence of consumption goals (coherent addition, incoherent addition) as the two within-subject factors.

Findings

– It confirms and validates prior work on goal congruence effects. More importantly, this study finds that overall consumption goal coherence elicits higher value addition irrespective of goal congruence or incongruence on utilitarian or hedonic consumption goals.

Research limitations/implications

– In some literatures, the combination of two or more product functionalities from different product categories is considered as product bundling. While product bundling concept can be used in many different product categories, convergence product concept is utilized more specifically in consumer electronics.

Practical implications

– As convergence era offers wide opportunities for manufacturers to develop new convergence products, this study provides guidance as to what kind of new functionalities need to be added.

Originality/value

– Not only does the present research investigates the likely success of convergence products involving the congruence of basic product and the addition, but also in more comprehensive way by looking at the overall coherence of consumption goals.
Understanding the phenomenon of Chilean social enterprises under the lens of Kerlin’s approach
Authors: Gatica Sebastian
Published: July 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to contribute to the literature about the emergence of social enterprises in the world through the case of Chile by proposing the associative–business–cooperative approach as a new inclusive approach to organizational models of social enterprise that complements Kerlin’s conceptual framework.

Design/methodology/approach

– This work included a literature review of the theoretical frameworks developed by Kerlin (2013) and Salamon and Solokowski (2010), and field work that included 20 in-depth interviews of members of the Chilean social enterprise community and three expert group discussions about the specific dynamics of Chilean social enterprises.

Findings

– The emergent phenomenon of social enterprise in Chile has two distinctive features that appear to indicate that Kerlin’s conceptual framework does not fully capture how social enterprise is currently conceptualized in Chile: the long-term dynamics of convergence and (re-)emergence of different organizational models of social enterprises and the participation and evolution of different organizational models of social enterprise over the course of history and their lasting impact.

Research limitations/implications

– The lack of data is the main limitation of this research.

Practical implications

– Capture the emergent phenomenon of social enterprises in Chile at an early stage of development with an inclusive approach that considers the diversity of the main organizational models of social enterprise and the profound institutional changes happening in Chile during the past decades.

Originality/value

– A deep understanding of the Chilean institutional context in the development of social enterprises.
Adjustment of diving behaviour with prey encounters and body condition in a deep diving predator: the Southern Elephant Seal
Authors: Jouma'a Joffrey , Le Bras Yves , Richard Gaëtan , Vacquié‐Garcia Jade , Picard Baptiste , El Ksabi Nory , Guinet Christophe
Published: July 2015

Optimal diving models have been developed to investigate how air‐breathing predators should adjust their diving behaviour to optimize their foraging efficiency. Using time‐depth recorders and 3D accelerometers, we addressed this question on six free‐ranging Southern Elephant Seal (SES) females equipped on Kerguelen Island.

We hypothesize that seals would initially increase their foraging time with distance to the foraging patches before reducing it for physiological reasons, regardless of the prey encountered. We expect that SES spends more time at depths where more Prey Catch Attempts (PCA) occur, that is at the bottom. We also hypothesize that bottom time should be related to both the seal body density and the swimming effort dedicated to catching prey, as we expect seals to be more active when catching prey. Finally, because oxygen is acquired at the surface only, we expect that recovery times increase with the duration of the previous dives.

A total of 72·6% of PCA detected by accelerometer occurred at the bottom of the dive. At shallow depths (<300 m), seals spent more time at the bottom in dives where PCA occurred compared to non‐PCA dives. At deeper depths, SES had shorter bottom times in PCA dives due to higher swimming effort. When only dives associated with PCA were considered, the time spent at the bottom increased with the number of PCA. In addition, the closer the seal was to neutral buoyancy, the longer was the bottom duration. Body density, that is buoyancy, was found to be a critical factor in controlling variations in the dive duration through the swimming effort to access the prey at the bottom of the dive. Finally, post‐dive surface intervals were related to the duration and swimming effort of the previous dive.

This study reveals how a marine top predator adjusts the time spent at the bottom depending on its body density, prey encounter rate and prey accessibility. It also highlights that using the duration of the foraging phase as a proxy of foraging success can be seriously misleading in SES. Finally, the need to use an energetic approach with bio‐logging technology to study behavioural ecology is emphasized.
Constructing, conducting and interpreting animal social network analysis
Authors: Farine Damien R. , Whitehead Hal
Published: July 2015

Animal social networks are descriptions of social structure which, aside from their intrinsic interest for understanding sociality, can have significant bearing across many fields of biology.

Network analysis provides a flexible toolbox for testing a broad range of hypotheses, and for describing the social system of species or populations in a quantitative and comparable manner. However, it requires careful consideration of underlying assumptions, in particular differentiating real from observed networks and controlling for inherent biases that are common in social data.

We provide a practical guide for using this framework to analyse animal social systems and test hypotheses. First, we discuss key considerations when defining nodes and edges, and when designing methods for collecting data. We discuss different approaches for inferring social networks from these data and displaying them. We then provide an overview of methods for quantifying properties of nodes and networks, as well as for testing hypotheses concerning network structure and network processes. Finally, we provide information about assessing the power and accuracy of an observed network.

Alongside this manuscript, we provide appendices containing background information on common programming routines and worked examples of how to perform network analysis using the r programming language.

We conclude by discussing some of the major current challenges in social network analysis and interesting future directions. In particular, we highlight the under‐exploited potential of experimental manipulations on social networks to address research questions.
Retrofitting of power lines effectively reduces mortality by electrocution in large birds: an example with the endangered Bonelli's eagle
Authors: Chevallier Clément , Hernández‐Matías Antonio , Real Joan , Vincent‐Martin Nicolas , Ravayrol Alain , Besnard Aurélien
Published: July 2015

Mortality caused by power lines is a conservation problem for many vulnerable bird species. Many large species are especially threatened by electrocution as they frequently perch on pylons leading to electrocution that typically causes death. Electrocution mitigation measures have been implemented to protect several species; however, a resulting decrease in mortality due to these measures has not previously been demonstrated at the population scale.

In this study, we used data from a long‐term capture–recapture programme (combining resightings of live birds and recovery of dead birds) carried out on the French population of the Bonelli's eagle Aquila fasciata from 1990 to 2009 to estimate the impact of the insulation of power lines on key demographic rates.

We found that the survival probability of all age classes increased after the insulation of dangerous power lines, due to a decrease in mortality caused by electrocution. This decrease was partially compensated for by an increase in other causes of death.

Our findings show that insulation of power lines has a strong positive impact on juveniles and immature birds and a lesser impact on adults. The overall increase in survival due to power line insulation led to a sharp increase in predicted population growth rates (from 0·82 to 0·98), although our findings still suggest that the population is not self‐sustaining. Elasticity values indicate that adult survival is the key parameter in the population dynamics of this species, and since adult mortality caused by electrocution seemed close to zero, our ability to act on this parameter is limited.

This study demonstrates that insulation of power lines is relevant for the conservation of large bird species at a population scale as it allows the survival rate of all age classes to increase and thus in turn has a strong positive impact on population growth rates.

Synthesis and applications. We demonstrated that mortality rates induced by electrocution are considerable and have major consequences for the population viability of birds. We also demonstrated that electrocution mitigation measures can lead to a sharp increase in survival through reducing mortality from electrocution leading to improved population viability. In the light of these results, there is an urgent need that conservationists contact power line stakeholders not only to urge them to generalize retrofitting actions but also, in planning new infrastructure development, to plan for less harmful power lines, since this will be far less costly than developing a posteriori mitigation actions.
FORUM: Effective management of ecological resilience – are we there yet?
Authors: Spears Bryan M. , Ives Stephen C. , Angeler David G. , Allen Craig R. , Birk Sebastian , Carvalho Laurence , Cavers Stephen , Daunt Francis , Morton R. Daniel , Pocock Michael J. O. , Rhodes Glenn , Thackeray Stephen J.
Published: July 2015

Ecological resilience is developing into a credible paradigm for policy development and environmental management for preserving natural capital in a rapidly changing world. However, resilience emerges from complex interactions, limiting the translation of theory into practice.

Main limitations include the following: (i) difficulty in quantification and detection of changes in ecological resilience, (ii) a lack of empirical evidence to support preventative or proactive management and (iii) difficulties in managing processes operating across socio‐ecological systems that vary in space and time.

We highlight recent research with the potential to address these limitations including new and/or improved indicators of resilience and tools to assess scale as a driver of resilience.

Synthesis and applications. Effective resilience‐based management must be adaptive in nature. To support this, we propose an operational model using resilience‐based iterative management actions operating across scales.
Unravelling conflicting density‐ and distance‐dependent effects on plant reproduction using a spatially explicit approach
Authors: Fedriani José M. , Wiegand Thorsten , Calvo Gemma , Suárez‐Esteban Alberto , Jácome Miguel , Żywiec Magdalena , Delibes Miguel
Published: July 2015

Density‐ and distance‐dependent (DDD) mechanisms are important determinants of plant reproductive success (PRS). Different components of sequentialPRScan operate either in the same or in different directions and thus reinforce or neutralize each other, and they may also operate at different spatial scales. Thus, spatially explicit approaches are needed to detect such complexDDDeffects across multiplePRScomponents and spatial scales.

To revealDDDeffects of different components of earlyPRSof the Iberian pear (Pyrus bourgaeana) sampled over three consecutive years, we used marked point pattern analysis. Our special interest is to identify conflicting processes that regulate populations at different spatial scales, for example whetherDDDon fruit initiation and on fruit development acted in opposite directions. To evaluate the significance of observed mark correlation functions based on empirical data (e.g. fruiting success), we compared them to expectations given by spatially explicit null models.

DiverseDDDprocesses affected several aspects ofPRSin a variable extent over the three seasons. First, fruit initiation was higher for individuals with more neighbours at small distances (i.e. up to 40 m). However,P. bourgaeanafruit development decreased with increasing number of nearby neighbours, but these effects cancelled for overall fruit set that did not showDDDeffects. Secondly, the absolute number of fruits produced (crop sizes) by trees showed positive density dependence in 2011 and 2012 but not in 2013. Finally, the total number of seeds produced did not showDDDeffects, indicating that conflicting demographic processes can disrupt the initial spatial pattern of tree investment in reproduction.

Synthesis. Understanding complex spatial effects ofDDDprocesses requires dissection of component processes to attain the complete picture since contrastingDDDprocesses may be hidden behind a single cumulative measure of reproductive success. The combination of novel and classic mark correlation functions used here constitutes a powerful spatially explicit tool that can be broadly applied to unravel conflicting mechanisms ofDDDregulating the persistence of sessile organisms at a range of spatial scales. Our findings help to explain why some authors failed to find expectedDDDofPRSand highlight the importance of detailed multiyear field studies on plant reproductive success.
Picroside II has a neuroprotective effect by inhibiting ERK1/2 activation after cerebral ischemic injury in rats
Authors: Wang Tingting , Zhai Li , Guo Yunliang , Pei Haitao , Zhang Meizeng
Published: July 2015

In the study, the neuroprotective effect and underlying mechanism of picroside II were explored, and its involvement in the ERK1/2 signal pathway after cerebral ischemia injury in rats. A monofilament thread was inserted to generate middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) in 100 Wistar rats that were administered an intraperitoneal injection of picroside II (20 mg/kg). The neurobehavioural function of rats was evaluated using a modified neurological severity score (mNSS) test. The cerebral infarct volume (CIV) was measured using tetrazolium chloride (TTC) staining. The morphology and ultra‐structure of the nerve cells in the cortex were observed using hematoxylin and eosin (HE) staining and transmission electron microscopy (TEM), respectively. The apoptotic cells were counted using the terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL) assay. The expression of extracellular signal‐regulated kinase 1/2 (pERK1/2) in the cortex was determined using immunohistochemistry and Western blot analysis. Neurological dysfunction was observed in all rats with MCAO. In both the model and lipopolysaccharide (LPS) groups, the CIV increased, the neuronal damage in the cortex was more severe, and the number of apoptotic cells and the pERK1/2 expression significantly increased compared with the control group (P < 0.05). In treatment and U0126 groups, the neurological function was improved, the CIV decreased, the neuronal damage in the cortex was attenuated, and the number of apoptotic cells and the pERK1/2 expression significantly decreased compared with the model group (P < 0.05). No significant differences in these indices were observed between model and LPS groups or treatment and U0126 groups (P > 0.05). The results suggest that activation of ERK1/2 in cerebral ischaemia induces neuronal apoptosis and picroside II may reduce neuronal apoptosis to confer protection against cerebral ischemic injury by inhibiting ERK1/2 activation.
Human muscle sympathetic nerve responses to urocortin‐2 in health and stable heart failure
Authors: Chan W Y Wandy , Charles Christopher J , Frampton Christopher M , Richards A Mark , Crozier Ian G , Troughton Richard W , Jardine David L
Published: July 2015

Sympatholytic and vasodilator drugs have been of major therapeutic benefit in patients with heart failure (HF). Urocortin‐2 (Ucn2) is a small corticotrophin‐related peptide distributed throughout the cardiovascular system which inhibits cardiac sympathetic nerve activity (CSNA) and is also a powerful vasodilator. This study analysed the effects of a 60‐min infusion of Ucn2 (25 μg) on muscle sympathetic nerve activity (MSNA) recorded from the lower limb in eight healthy men and four men with stable HF. During Ucn2 infusion, mean arterial pressure fell to a nadir of 84 ± 2 compared to 95 ± 2 mmHg during placebo (P = 0.001) and heart rate increased to a maximum of 74 ± 1 compared to 64 ± 1 b.p.m. (P < 0.001). Total peripheral resistance fell by 23 ± 4% compared with an increase of 23 ± 4% (P < 0.001) and cardiac output increased by 22 ± 4 compared to 4 ± 4% (P = 0.001). The MSNA burst frequency increased by 9 ± 2 compared to 1 ± 2 burst/min (P = 0.005) and burst area/min by 133 ± 7 vs 107 ± 7% (P = 0.01). Burst incidence and baroreflex sensitivity were not significantly altered. Qualitatively similar changes were observed in stable HF patients. Ucn2‐induced vasodilatation increased MSNA in humans, as opposed to the decrease in CSNA we observed in sheep. Therefore, if Ucn2 has a central inhibitory effect on MSNA, it was over‐run by off‐loading the cardiovagal baroreflex. Alternatively, CSNA may be less responsive to baroreflex off‐loading than MSNA.
Enhanced vasorelaxation effect of endogenous anandamide on thoracic aorta in renal vascular hypertension rats
Authors: Guo Zan , Liu Yi‐Xian , Yuan Fang , Ma Hui‐Jie , Maslov Leonid , Zhang Yi
Published: July 2015

Emerging evidence has indicated that anandamide (AEA) is able to stimulate vasorelaxation in both spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRs) and L‐NAME‐induced hypertensive rats. Yet it remains unknown whether AEA modulates vasomotion of the aorta in renovascular hypertensive (RVH) rats. The aim of present study is to explore the effect of AEA on the relaxation of thoracic aortas in two‐kidney one‐clip (2K1C)‐induced RVH rats. It is demonstrated that AEA stimulates a pronounced relaxation in the aortas of 2K1C rats compared with sham rats. The enhanced relaxation caused by AEA in aortas from 2K1C rats was diminished in the presence of the cannabinoid receptor‐1 (CB1) antagonist AM251 and the CB2 receptor antagonist AM630. Likewise, the vasodilation action of AEA was blocked in L‐NAME‐treated or endothelium‐denuded aortas. The Western blot results revealed that the expression of CB1 and CB2 receptors was increased in the 2K1C rat aortas compared with sham rats. The phosphorylation of endothelial nitric oxide synthase (p‐eNOS) at the activation site Ser1177 was enhanced in AEA‐treated rings from 2K1C rats in both time‐dependent and dose‐dependent manners. The augmented p‐eNOS expression was inhibited by the co‐treatment with AM251 or AM630. Taken together, the present study demonstrated that AEA enhanced endothelium‐dependent aortic relaxation through activation of both CB1 and CB2 receptors and P‐eNOS/NO pathway in 2K1C rats.
Eltrombopag dose predictors in thrombocytopenic subjects with hepatitis C virus infection
Authors: Saleh Mohammad I , Obeidat Abdullah R , Anter Hanan A , Khanfar Anas A
Published: July 2015

This study aims to identify patient characteristics that predict effective eltrombopag dosage for the treatment of Hepatitis C virus (HCV)‐related thrombocytopenia. Demographic, clinical and genetic data collected from thrombocytopenic patients (n = 1463, age ≥ 18 years) with chronic HCV infection who were able to achieve a target platelet count of > 90 × 109/L following eltrombopag treatment. Patients were categorized into four groups (25, 50, 75, and 100 mg) based on the eltrombopag dose needed to achieve the target platelet count. Eltrombopag dose predictors were identified using a two stage approach. First, bivariate analysis, using anova for continuous variables and Chi‐square test for categorical variables, was performed to identify possible predictors of eltrombopag dose (P < 0.05). Second, ordinal logistic regression with stepwise addition followed by backward deletion was then performed using predictors identified in bivariate analysis step to produce final model containing independent predictors at P < 0.05. Ordinal logistic model identified several predictors of eltrombopag dose. Predictors of higher eltrombopag dose include: having a HCV genotype 2 or 3, being Central/South Asian, being White (Caucasian or European heritage), increased weight, and increased spleen length. Predictors of lower eltrombopag dose include: female gender, increased age, having a higher ALP plasma concentration, increased creatinine clearance, increased baseline lymphocytes count, and increased baseline platelet count. In conclusion, this study identified patient characteristics that predict effective eltrombopag dose for the treatment of HCV‐related thrombocytopenia. Early selection of the optimal eltrombopag dose expedites the initiation of antiviral therapy. This is expected to improve the antiviral therapy outcome before the patient progress into liver decompensation.
Diet induced obesity in rats reduces NHE3 and Na+/K+‐ATPase expression in the kidney
Authors: Briffa JF , Grinfeld E , Jenkin KA , Mathai ML , Poronnik P , McAinch AJ , Hryciw DH
Published: July 2015

The consumption of a high fat diet (HFD) is associated with proteinuria and altered sodium handling and excretion, which can lead to kidney disease. In the proximal tubule, the Na+/H+ Exchanger 3 (NHE3) is responsible for normal protein reabsorption and the reabsorption of approximately 70% of the renal sodium load. It is the Na+/K+‐ATPase that provides the driving force for the reabsorption of sodium and its exit across the basolateral membrane. This study investigates the effects that consumption of a HFD for 12 weeks has on NHE3 and Na+/K+‐ATPase expression in the kidney. Western blot analysis identified a significant reduction in NHE3 and its modulator, phosphorylated protein kinase B, in renal lysate from obese rats. In the obese rats, a reduction in NHE3 expression in the proximal tubule may impact on the acidification of endosomes which are responsible for albumin uptake, suggesting a key role for the exchanger in protein endocytosis in obesity. Western blot analysis identified a reduction in Na+/K+‐ATPase which could also potentially impact on albumin uptake and sodium reabsorption. This study demonstrates that consumption of a HFD for 12 weeks reduces renal NHE3 and Na+/K+‐ATPase expression, an effect that may contribute to the albuminuria associated with obesity. Furthermore the reduction in these transporters is not likely to contribute to the reduced sodium excretion in obesity. These data highlight a potential link between NHE3 and Na+/K+‐ATPase in the pathophysiological changes in renal protein handling observed in obesity.
Network succession reveals the importance of competition in response to emulsified vegetable oil amendment for uranium bioremediation
Authors: Deng Ye , Zhang Ping , Qin Yujia , Tu Qichao , Yang Yunfeng , He Zhili , Schadt Christopher Warren , Zhou Jizhong
Published: July 2015

Discerning network interactions among different species/populations in microbial communities has evoked substantial interests in recent years, but little information is available about temporal dynamics of microbial network interactions in response to environmental perturbations. Here, we modified the random matrix theory‐based network approach to discern network succession in groundwater microbial communities in response to emulsified vegetable oil (EVO) amendment for uranium bioremediation. Groundwater microbial communities from one control and seven monitor wells were analysed with a functional gene array (GeoChip 3.0), and functional molecular ecological networks (fMENs) at different time points were reconstructed. Our results showed that the network interactions were dramatically altered by EVO amendment. Dynamic and resilient succession was evident: fairly simple at the initial stage (Day 0), increasingly complex at the middle period (Days 4, 17, 31), most complex at Day 80, and then decreasingly complex at a later stage (140–269 days). Unlike previous studies in other habitats, negative interactions predominated in a time‐series fMEN, suggesting strong competition among different microbial species in the groundwater systems after EVO injection. Particularly, several keystone sulfate‐reducing bacteria showed strong negative interactions with their network neighbours. These results provide mechanistic understanding of the decreased phylogenetic diversity during environmental perturbations.
Rab GTPases are essential for membrane trafficking‐dependent growth and pathogenicity in Fusarium graminearum
Authors: Zheng Huawei , Zheng Wenhui , Wu Congxian , Yang Jie , Xi Yang , Xie Qiurong , Zhao Xu , Deng Xiaolong , Lu Guodong , Li Guangpu , Ebbole Daniel , Zhou Jie , Wang Zonghua
Published: July 2015

Rab GTPases represent the largest subfamily of Ras‐related small GTPases and regulate membrane trafficking. Vesicular transport is a general mechanism that governs intracellular membrane trafficking along the endocytic and exocytic pathways in all eukaryotic cells. Fusarium graminearum is a filamentous fungus and causes the devastating and economically important head blight of wheat and related species. The mechanism of vesicular transport is not well understood, and little is known about Rab GTPases in F. graminearum. In this study, we systematically characterized all eleven FgRabs by live cell imaging and genetic analysis. We find that FgRab51 and FgRab52 are important for the endocytosis, FgRab7 localizes to the vacuolar membrane and regulates the fusion of vacuoles and autophagosomes, and FgRab8 and FgRab11 are important for polarized growth and/or exocytosis. Furthermore, both endocytic and exocytic FgRabs are required for vegetative growth, conidiogenesis, sexual reproduction, as well as pathogenesis and deoxynivalenol metabolism in F. graminearum. Thus, we conclude that Rab GTPases are essential for membrane trafficking‐dependent growth and pathogenicity in F. graminearum.
‘Forced to Friendship’? Russian (Mis-)Understandings of Soft Power and the Implications for Audience Attraction in Ukraine
Authors: Hudson Victoria
Published: July 2015

This article argues that for all its efforts to implement soft power techniques, the Kremlin still fails to grasp the subtle, voluntaristic essence of soft power. This is reflected in a style of public interaction that has practical implications for how Russian soft power overtures are received by the audience. This is demonstrated through the findings of mixed-method empirical research from four Ukrainian regions. Thus, while surveys show that the worldview promoted by Russian public diplomacy resonates to some extent, insights from focus groups indicate that potential attraction is nevertheless limited by Russia's ‘hard’ and obtrusive approach to cultural influence.
Pure Minds, Pure Bodies, Pure Lips: Religious Ideology and the Juvenile Convict Institutions at Carters' Barracks and Point Puer
Authors: Nunn Cameron
Published: July 2015

During the transportation period, Britain sent 25,000 convict boys to Australia. While the proportion of juveniles was fairly low for the first thirty years, by the mid‐1820s increasing numbers were sent, with the growing argument that transportation might affect a reformation amongst the boys. Religious ideology was central to that argument. Institutions were built in Sydney and Port Arthur where boys would be taught to read, work, and fear God. This article considers the interrelationship between the authorities, the clergy, and the boys at Carters' Barracks and Point Puer, suggesting that religion and religious penal practices created dynamic points of interaction. When it came to being “reformed,” the boys were anything but passive recipients. Religious penal practice was far more than just an instrument of the hegemonic powers. Instead, it was a dynamic discursive and political space characterised at different times by resistance, compliance, and subversion of the areas of learning, cleanliness, and language. This article therefore considers not merely the religious practices of the penal institutions but also the varied manner in which the boys responded to those practices.
Babylon in Paris: Alfred Loisy as Assyriologist
Authors: Morrow Jeffrey L.
Published: July 2015

Alfred Loisy is well known by scholars of the Roman Catholic Modernist controversy for his work in theology and biblical studies, which ended with his excommunication in 1908. His later work in the history of religions is also well known. What is less recognised by scholars is his early work in Assyriology, and in particular the religious texts and traditions of the ancient Assyrians and Babylonians. Yet his Assyriological work laid the foundation for his biblical studies and later work in the history of religions. This article situates Loisy's Assyriological work in the context of the early history of the discipline of Assyriology.
Scrutinizing impacts of conspiracy theories on readers' political views: a rational choice perspective on anti‐semitic rhetoric inTurkey
Authors: Nefes Turkay Salim
Published: July 2015

Although conspiracy theories have been politically significant throughout history, only a few empirical studies have been about their influence on readers' views. Combining a rational choice approach with a content analysis of an anti‐Semitic best‐selling conspiracy theory book series inTurkey – theEfendiseries – and semi‐structured interviews with its readers, this paper reveals the effects of the conspiracy theories on readers' political perspectives. The findings suggest that whereas the rightists are reactive to the Jewish origins of theDönmes, the leftists oppose theDönmes as dominant bourgeois figures. This paper concludes that left‐ and right‐wing adherents use the conspiratorial accounts in line with their political views and ontological insecurities. It expands the existing academic literature, which conceptualizes conspiracy theories either as paranoid delusions or as neutral, rational narratives, by showing that they can be both.
The Stability of Prostate‐Specific Antigen in Semen Under Various Temperatures
Authors: Srettabunjong Supawon , Betset Parimol , Limawongpranee Suvit , Ekpo Pattama
Published: July 2015

Prostate‐specific antigen (PSA) is most commonly used for identifying semen, especially in the absence of sperm. However,PSAconcentration varies according to storage temperature and duration, and little is known about its stability in semen. This study was therefore aimed to determine the stability under five different temperatures: −80, −20, 4, 25, and 37°C; and nine different durations: 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 14, 30, 90, and 180 days. All samples were stored at −80°C after being secreted from the volunteers' body until analyzed. Results showed that thePSAconcentration declined significantly over time under all temperatures studied except −80°C. At −20 and 4°C,PSAwas still detectable on Day 180 with 50% and 70% decrease from its original concentration, respectively. At 25 and 37°C,PSAwas detected up to Day 7 and 3, respectively. This information might assist forensic scientists understand more aboutPSAnature and integrate it into their works.
Subdural Hemorrhage, a Retrospective Review with Emphasis on a Cohort of Alcoholics
Authors: deRoux Stephen J. , Sgarlato Anthony
Published: July 2015

Subdural hemorrhage (SDH) is a common cause of death. As external evidence of injury may be absent, an autopsy is frequently needed to detect it. We conducted a 3‐year review of SDH from the New York City Office of Chief Medical Examiner, with emphasis on a cohort of alcoholics. Our study population of 1942 included 1588 alcoholics. Of the alcoholics, c. 8% had SDH (26% of the total number of SDH). Of the alcoholics with SDH, 57% had associated brain injuries. As alcohol intoxication is frequently associated with aggressive and violent behavior, we are concerned that 6% of alcoholics in our review had no autopsy or imaging studies. It is possible that a portion of these may have had a SDH due to an unrecognized inflicted injury. We recommend that autopsies be performed on all alcoholics without a clear cause or mechanism of death.
Gene expression analysis in the larval silk gland of the eri silkworm Samia ricini
Authors: Tsubota Takuya , Yamamoto Kimiko , Mita Kazuei , Sezutsu Hideki
Published: July 2015

Insects produce silk for a range of purposes. In the Lepidoptera, silk is utilized as a material for cocoon production and serves to protect larvae from adverse environmental conditions or predators. Species in the Saturniidae family produce an especially wide variety of cocoons, for example, large, golden colored cocoons and those with many small holes. Although gene expression in the silk gland of the domestic silkworm (Bombyx mori L.) has been extensively studied, considerably fewer investigations have focused on members of the saturniid family. Here, we established expression sequence tags from the silk gland of the eri silkworm (Samia ricini), a saturniid species, and used these to analyze gene expression. Although we identified the fibroin heavy chain gene in the established library, genes for other major silk proteins, such as fibroin light chain and fibrohexamerin, were absent. This finding is consistent with previous reports that these latter proteins are lacking in saturniid silk. Recently, a series of fibrohexamerin‐like genes were identified in the Bombyx genome. We used this information to conduct a detailed analysis of the library established here. This analysis identified putative homologues of these genes. We also found several genes encoding small silk protein molecules that are also present in the silk of other Lepidoptera. Gene expression patterns were compared between eri and domestic silkworm, and both conserved and nonconserved expression patterns were identified for the tested genes. Such differential gene expression might be one of the major causes of the differences in silk properties between these species. We believe that our study can be of value as a basic catalogue for silk gland gene expression, which will yield to the further understanding of silk evolution.
Effect of the postfeeding interval on olfactory responses of thrips to herbivore‐induced cotton plants
Authors: Silva Rehan , Walter Gimme H. , Wilson Lewis J. , Furlong Michael J.
Published: July 2015

We investigated the responses of 3 thrips species, Frankliniella schultzei Trybom, F. occidentalis Pergrande, and Thrips tabaci Lindeman (Thysanoptera: Thripidae) to herbivore‐damaged and undamaged cotton seedlings (Gossypium hirsutum L. [Malvales: Malvaceae]) at a range of time intervals following damage by adult Tetranychus urticae (Koch), adult T. ludeni (Zacher) (Acari: Tetranychidae) or Helicoverpa armigera (Hübner) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) larvae in olfactometer assays. The intensity/frequency of the response of thrips to herbivore‐induced plants decreased with time and ultimately disappeared in all cases; however, the rate at which the response declined was related to the herbivore species that inflicted the damage. All 3 species of thrips were attracted to plants damaged by T. urticae for longer than they were to plants damaged by T. ludeni. The duration for which damaged plants remained attractive was also affected by the degree of damage inflicted on cotton seedlings. For example, F. schultzei was attracted to plants damaged by a higher density of two‐spotted spider mites (100/plant) for much longer than to plants damaged by a lower density of these mites (50/plant). The results reinforce previous studies that demonstrate that arrangement of variables influences the responses of thrips to their herbivore‐induced cotton host plants. Results also show that these responses are variable in time following herbivore damage to cotton plants, which further demonstrates how difficult it is to generalize about the functional significance of these interactions.
A National Assessment of the Potential Linkage between Soil, and Surface and Groundwater Concentrations of Phosphorus
Authors: McDowell R.W. , Cox N. , Daughney C.J. , Wheeler D. , Moreau M.
Published: July 2015

A meta‐analysis of three national databases determined the potential linkage between soil and surface and groundwater enrichment with phosphorus (P). Soil P was enriched especially under dairying commensurate with an increase in cow numbers and the tonnage of P‐fertilizers sold. Median P concentrations were enriched in surface waters receiving runoff from industrial and dairy land uses, and in groundwater beneath dairying especially in those aquifers with gravel or sand lithology, irrespective of groundwater redox status. After geographically pairing surface and groundwater sites to maximize the chance of connectivity, a subset of sites dominated by aquifers with gravel and sand lithology showed increasing P concentrations with as little as 10 years data. These data raise the possibility that groundwater could contribute much P to surface water if: there is good connectivity between surface and groundwater, intensive land use occurs on soils prone to leaching, and leached‐P is not attenuated through aquifers. While strategies are available to mitigate P loss from intensive farming systems in the short‐term, factors such as enriched soils and slow groundwater may mean that despite their use, there will be a long‐term input (viz. legacy), that may sustain surface water P enrichment. To avoid poor surface water quality, management and planning may need to consider the connectivity and characteristics of P in soil‐groundwater‐surface water systems.
Two‐Stage Ditch Floodplains Enhance N‐Removal Capacity and Reduce Turbidity and Dissolved P in Agricultural Streams
Authors: Mahl Ursula H. , Tank Jennifer L. , Roley Sarah S. , Davis Robert T.
Published: July 2015

Two‐stage ditches represent an emerging management strategy in artificially drained agricultural landscapes that mimics natural floodplains and has the potential to improve water quality. We assessed the potential for the two‐stage ditch to reduce sediment and nutrient export by measuring water column turbidity, nitrate (NO3−), ammonium (NH4+), and soluble reactive phosphorus (SRP) concentrations, and denitrification rates. During 2009‐2010, we compared reaches with two‐stage floodplains to upstream reaches with conventional trapezoid design in six agricultural streams. At base flow, these short two‐stage reaches (<600 m) reducedSRPconcentrations by 3‐53%, but did not significantly reduceNO3−concentrations due to very highNO3−loads. The two‐stage also decreased turbidity by 15‐82%, suggesting reduced suspended sediment export during floodplain inundation. Reach‐scale N‐removal increased 3‐24 fold during inundation due to increased bioreactive surface area with high floodplain denitrification rates. Inundation frequency varied with bench height, with lower benches being flooded more frequently, resulting in higher annual N‐removal. We also found both soil organic matter and denitrification rates were higher on older floodplains. Finally, influence of the two‐stage varied among streams and years due to variation in stream discharge, nutrient loads, and denitrification rates, which should be considered during implementation to optimize potential water quality benefits.