bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Landscape distribution of food and nesting sites affect larval diet and nest size, but not abundance of Osmia bicornis
Authors: Coudrain Valérie , Rittiner Sarah , Herzog Felix , Tinner Willy , Entling Martin H.
Published: May 2015

Habitat fragmentation is a major threat for beneficial organisms and the ecosystem services they provide. Multiple‐habitat users such as wild bees depend on both nesting and foraging habitat. Thus, they may be affected by the fragmentation of at least two habitat types. We investigated the effects of landscape‐scale amount of and patch isolation from both nesting habitat (woody plants) and foraging habitat (specific pollen sources) on the abundance and diet of Osmia bicornis L. Trap‐nests of O. bicornis were studied in 30 agricultural landscapes of the Swiss Plateau. Nesting and foraging habitats were mapped in a radius of 500 m around the sites. Pollen composition of larval diet changed as isolation to the main pollen source, Ranunculus, increased, suggesting that O. bicornis adapted its foraging strategy in function of the nest proximity to main pollen sources. Abundance of O. bicornis was neither related to isolation or amount of nesting habitat nor to isolation or abundance of food plants. Surprisingly, nests of O. bicornis contained fewer larvae in sites at forest edge compared to isolated sites, possibly due to higher parasitism risk. This study indicates that O. bicornis can nest in a variety of situations by compensating scarcity of its main larval food by exploiting alternative food sources.
TPEN Prevents Rapid Pacing‐Induced Calcium Overload and Nitration Stress in HL‐1 Myocytes
Authors: Yang Shusen , Xu Wenjing , Dong Zengxiang , Zhou Mo , Lin Chaolan , Jin Hongbo , Su Yafen , Li Qingyu , Wang Xu , Chang Huiying , Han Wei
Published: May 2015

Introduction

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common cardiac arrhythmia. However, the current drug interference of antiarrhythmia has limited efficacy and off‐target effects. Accumulating evidence has implicated a potential role of nitration stress in the pathogenesis of AF. The aim of the study was to determine whether TPEN provided antinitration effects on atrial myocytes during AF, especially under circumstances of nitration stress.

Methods

We utilized a rapid paced HL‐1 cells model for AF. The changes of electrophysiological characteristics and structure of paced HL‐1 cells were determined by a patch clamp and a TEM method. The effects of TPEN on pacing and ONOO− pretreated HL‐1 cells were examined using MTT assay, TUNEL technique, confocal microscope experiment, and Western blot analysis.

Results

The results revealed that ONOO− reduced the viability of HL‐1 cells in a dose‐dependent manner, and 1 μmol/L TPEN significantly ameliorated the damage caused by 50 μmol/L ONOO− (P < 0.05). Pacing and/or ONOO−‐induced marked shortening of APD, myolysis, and nuclear condensation. TPEN inhibited the Ca2+ overload induced by rapid pacing (P < 0.05) and ONOO− stimulation (P < 0.05). The application of TPEN significantly prevented the protein nitration caused by pacing or pacing plus ONOO− (P < 0.05). Additionally, pacing in combination with ONOO− treatment led to increase in apoptosis in HL‐1 cells (P < 0.01), which could be reduced by pretreatment with TPEN (P < 0.05).

Conclusions

TPEN prevents Ca2+ overload and nitration stress in HL‐1 atrial myocytes during rapid pacing and circumstances of nitration stress.
Extinction of alcohol seeking is enhanced by compound extinction and the noradrenaline reuptake inhibitor atomoxetine
Authors: Leung Hiu T. , Corbit Laura H.
Published: May 2015

Alcohol‐related stimuli can trigger relapse of alcohol‐seeking behaviors even after extended periods of abstinence. Extinction of such stimuli provides a means for reducing their impact on relapse. However, the expression of extinction can be disrupted by exposure to the previous reinforcer as well as the simple passage of time. We investigated whether augmentation of prediction error or of noradrenaline neurotransmission by the reuptake inhibitor atomoxetine would enhance long‐term extinction of alcohol‐seeking behavior. Rats received Pavlovian conditioning of multiple stimuli signaling the delivery of an alcohol reward before individual extinction was given to each of these stimuli. Further extinction was then given to a target stimulus presented in compound with another alcohol‐predictive stimulus intended to augment prediction error (Experiment 1) or after a systemic injection of atomoxetine (1.0 mg/kg; Experiment 2). Experiment 3 examined whether the compound stimulus effect relied on noradrenergic activity by testing the effects of the β‐adrenergic antagonist propranolol, given prior to compound stimulus trials. Long‐term retention of extinction learning was assessed a week later. Compound stimulus presentations enhanced long‐term extinction as the stimulus extinguished in compound elicited less responding than a stimulus receiving equal extinction alone when tested a week later. This effect was mimicked by atomoxetine and blocked by propranolol given during extinction training. Thus, extinction of alcohol‐seeking behavior can be improved by extinguishing multiple alcohol‐predictive stimuli or enhancing noradrenaline neurotransmission during extinction training. Both behavioral and neurobiological processes could be exploited to enhance the outcome of extinction‐based treatments for alcohol use disorders.
The Adult Learning Open University Determinants (ALOUD) study: Biological and psychological factors associated with learning performance in adult distance education
Authors: Neroni Joyce , Gijselaers Hieronymus J.M. , Kirschner Paul A. , de Groot Renate H.M.
Published: May 2015

Learning is crucial for everyone. The association between biological (eg, sleep, nutrition) and psychological factors (eg, test anxiety, goal orientation) and learning performance has been well established for children, adolescents and college students in traditional education. Evidence for these associations for adult distance students is lacking however. The Adult Learning Open University Determinants (ALOUD) study is the first to identify the determinants of learning performance within adult distance education. Over the course of 1 year, all new students (n = 4945) of the Open University of the Netherlands were approached. At baseline, 2040 students fully participated in this observational longitudinal study by filling out an online questionnaire and performing cognitive tests. At the 7 and 14 months follow‐up, participants filled out a second and third questionnaire respectively, and data were given by the exam registration office to measure learning performance at these times. The ALOUD study might result in tailor‐made educational innovations for adults participating in distance education and, finally, a more successful distance education student population.
Seeing red: How perceptions of social status and worth influence hostile attributions and endorsement of aggression
Authors: Davis James R. , Reyna Christine
Published: May 2015

Within social hierarchies, low social status is associated with increased vigilance, hostile expectations, and reactive aggression. We propose that societal devaluation is common across many low social status groups and produces a sense of threatened social worth. Threatened social worth may lead those of low status to be more vigilant towards social threats, thereby increasing the likelihood of hostile attributions and endorsement of aggression. Integrating theory on belongingness, social rejection, and stigma compensation, two studies test a sequential process model demonstrating that threatened social worth mediates the relationship between status, hostile attributions, and endorsement of aggression. Employing a relative status manipulation, Study 2 reveals a causal effect of status and highlights the importance of perceptions of low social status on threatened social worth. These data demonstrate the role of social worth in explaining the link between status and hostility and have implications for research in the social, health, and developmental domains.
The Impact of Cultural Orientation and Higher Education on Young Israeli Jewish and Arab Adults’ Notion of the Adaptive Adult
Authors: Guy Anat
Published: May 2015

This quantitative study compares young adults’ notions of the adaptive adult prior to becoming parents in Israel together with the moderating effect of academic education and culture on these notions. Participants were drawn from Israel's two largest ethnic groups: Jews and Muslims. The research findings indicate that each group's ideal image of the adaptive adult is constructed prior to parenthood. The findings may also indicate acculturation process among Muslim Arabs in Israel who are exposed to individualistic values (Israeli Jewish society). This process may modify personal values and preference regarding the ideal adaptive adult in order to integrate themselves and their future offspring into that society. This trend was found to be more common among highly educated members of the collectivist society.
A framework to guide the conservation of species hybrids based on ethical and ecological considerations
Authors: Jackiw Raeya N. , Mandil Ghada , Hager Heather A.
Published: May 2015

Species hybrids have long been undervalued in conservation and are often perceived as a threat to pure species. Recently, the conservation value of hybrids, especially those of natural origin, has gained recognition; however, hybrid conservation remains controversial. We reviewed hybrid management policies, including laws, regulations, and management protocols, from a variety of organizations, primarily in Canada and the United States. We found that many policies are based on limited ethical and ecological considerations and provide little opportunity for hybrid conservation. In most policies, hybrids are either unrepresented or considered a threat to conservation goals. This is problematic because our review of the hybrid conservation literature identified many ethical and ecological considerations relevant to determining the conservation value of a hybrid, all of which are management‐context specific. We also noted a lack of discussion of the ethical considerations regarding hybrid conservation. Based on these findings, we created a policy framework outlining situations in which hybrids could be eligible for conservation in Canada and the United States. The framework comprises a decision tree that helps users determine whether a hybrid should be eligible for conservation based on multiple ecological and ethical considerations. The framework may be applied to any hybrid and is flexible in that it accommodates context‐specific management by allowing different options if a hybrid is a threat to or could benefit conservation goals. The framework can inform policy makers and conservationists in decision‐making processes regarding hybrid conservation by providing a systematic set of decision criteria and guidance on additional criteria to be considered in cases of uncertainty, and it fills a policy gap that limits current hybrid management.
Renminbi in Ordinary Economies: A Demand‐side Study of Currency Globalization
Authors: Chey Hyoung‐kyu
Published: May 2015

Most studies of renminbi internationalization focus on the supply side, by examining China's own economic and political conditions. In contrast, this study addresses the demand side of renminbi internationalization, by providing an in‐depth analysis of renminbi use in ordinary foreign economies from both economic and political perspectives, with a particular focus on South Korea, China's next‐door neighbor. The study finds that sustainable indigenous market forces facilitating renminbi use in South Korea remain weak, despite the country's close economic ties with China. This research also shows, however, that the Korean Government has itself recently been able, through its policy measures, to generate new domestic support for greater use of the renminbi. These findings ultimately highlight the significant impact on the internationalization of a currency of the politics in the foreign countries using it.
Growth Slowdown in China since 2008: Will There Be a Hard Landing in the Near Future?
Authors: Lai Pingyao
Published: May 2015

China has witnessed an unprecedented great leap forward in investment since the 2008 global financial crisis, and at the same time real GDP growth has undergone a significant slowdown. This paper examines China's growth slowdown since 2008 up to 2013 using a growth accounting model in a systematic way. It is found that China's growth slowdown since 2008 almost completely comes from a sharp slowdown in total factor productivity growth. During this period, the positive effect on growth from expanding investment has been completely offset by the negative effect of the slowdown in total factor productivity growth. Currently, China's economy has slid into the Solow downward path. Under these circumstances, a soft landing is completely infeasible. Unless the Chinese Government implements substantial rebalancing and comprehensive and in‐depth market‐oriented reform, accompanied by large‐scale de‐investment (decreasing in the ratio of investment in GDP) and massive employment adjustment, China will be unable to avoid the Solow downward path, and a hard landing in investment will be inevitable in the near future.
Economic Globalization and Inflation in China: A Multivariate Approach
Authors: Zhang Chengsi , Song Ke , Wang Fang
Published: May 2015

This paper evaluates whether globalization has increased the role of global factors in driving inflation in China. Unlike other published studies on the relationship between globalization and inflation, which mostly use Phillips curve models, this paper uses multivariate dynamic models to examine the dynamic interactions between globalization and inflation in China. Empirical results with quarterly data spanning from 1995 to 2012 show that the global output gap significantly affects the dynamics of inflation in China. In particular, the global output gap is superior to the domestic output gap in predicting domestic inflation. Impulse response and variance decomposition analyses reinforce this finding. Our results indicate that the central bank of China should take developments in global output into account in its monetary policy‐making process.
Patent Licensing and Entry Deterrence: The Role of Low Royalties
Authors: Duchêne Anne , Sen Debapriya , Serfes Konstantinos
Published: May 2015

We study how an incumbent patent holder can use licensing strategically to reduce the threat of further entry, through a low royalty. This licensing strategy deters entry by making the terms of future licensing agreements less favourable to potential entrants. Strategic licensing induces a trade‐off between a more concentrated market and a lower price. When this strategy is profitable for the patent holder, it is welfare enhancing if and only if the entry cost is high, or the efficiency edge of the technology is significant. Our analysis yields new policy implications (e.g. royalty floor) with respect to strategic licensing.
The Damaging Bias of Sovereign Ratings
Authors: Vernazza Daniel R. , Nielsen Erik F.
Published: May 2015

Sovereign credit ratings guide over USD 50 trillion in outstanding sovereign debt and set the ceiling for most corporate credit ratings. The credit rating agencies assign ratings based on a combination of objective fundamentals and the subjective judgment of their in‐house rating committees. In this paper we decompose the sovereign ratings of the ‘Big Three’ rating agencies into an ‘objective’ component (the fitted value from an OLS regression of ratings on 10 explanatory variables) and a ‘subjective’ component (the corresponding residuals) using data for advanced and emerging economies over the period 1996–2013. We then examine the explanatory power of the two components for predicting sovereign default. Our main finding is that, while the ‘objective’ component has explanatory power to predict defaults both in the short and long‐term, the ‘subjective’ component does not help to predict defaults of a horizon of 1 year or more. In particular, analysing the probability of default within 3 years, we find the ‘subjective’ component is biasing default predictions in the wrong direction with—at times—dramatic consequences. This is the ‘damaging bias’ of sovereign ratings. The biggest casualty of this was the Eurozone periphery, which was downgraded far too heavily during the 2009–2011 sovereign debt crisis as the rating committees repeatedly overruled the signal coming from fundamentals. In light of our findings, we suggest that credit rating agencies should be stripped of their regulatory powers and these transferred to an international body. Failing that, the ratings agencies should be forced to substantially increase transparency, including publishing a separate breakdown of the ‘objective’ and ‘subjective’ components of ratings, the minutes of the rating committees, and the voting records.
Regimes of chlorophyll‐a in the Coral Sea: implications for evaluating adequacy of marine protected areas
Authors: Welch Heather , Pressey Robert L. , Heron Scott F. , Ceccarelli Daniela M. , Hobday Alistair J.
Published: May 2015

Spatial management of the highly dynamic pelagic realm, and the highly mobile species it supports, requires dynamic processes to be incorporated into reserve design. To achieve this, planners need information on how these processes vary across space and time, and how this variation relates to species of conservation interest. This study presents a new method of quantifying variability that captures both between‐ and within‐year changes in variables of interest. We applied this method to remotely‐sensed chlorophyll‐a in the Coral Sea to find five distinct regimes of variation that serve as surrogates for assemblages of species of conservation interest. We performed a gap analysis to determine protection of the regimes both internationally and nationally within Australia's network of marine reserves in the Coral Sea. We also identified key areas for protection within each regime, in terms of chlorophyll‐a variability and species associations, and examined their protection status. Depending on conservation objectives, reserve systems that span multiple national jurisdictions and a rezoning of Australian national waters might be necessary to meet protection requirements for the regimes and for key areas within them. The current suspension and review of the Coral Sea Commonwealth Marine Reserve management plans and the recent proclamation of New Caledonia's as yet unzoned Coral Sea Nature Park offer planners an opportunity to incorporate dynamic processes into conservation planning for the Coral Sea. The method we present can be applied at other locations for time‐series of any variable/s of interest, aiding the spatial management of dynamic features in both marine and terrestrial contexts.
Prediction of volumetric soil organic carbon from field‐moist intact soil cores
Authors: Roudier P. , Hedley C.B. , Ross C.W.
Published: May 2015

This study investigated the potential for visible–near‐infrared (vis–NIR) spectroscopy to predict locally volumetric soil organic carbon (SOC) from spectra recorded from field‐moist soil cores. One hundred cores were collected from a 71‐ha arable field. The vis–NIR spectra were collected every centimetre along the side of the cores to a depth of 0.3 m. Cores were then divided into 0.1‐m increments for laboratory analysis. Reference SOC measurements were used to calibrate three partial least‐squares regression (PLSR) models for bulk density (ρb), gravimetric SOC (SOCg) and volumetric SOC (SOCv). Accurate predictions were obtained from averages of spectra from those 0.1‐m increments for SOCg (ratio of performance to inter‐quartile (RPIQ) = 5.15; root mean square error (RMSE) = 0.38%) and SOCv (RPIQ = 5.25; RMSE = 4.33 kg m−3). The PLSR model for ρb performed least well, but still produced accurate results (RPIQ = 3.76; RMSE = 0.11 Mg m−3). Predictions for ρb and SOCg were combined to compare indirect and direct predictions of SOCv. No statistical difference in accuracy between these approaches was detected, suggesting that the direct prediction of SOCv is possible. The PLSR models calibrated on the 10‐cm depth intervals were also applied to the spectra originally recorded on a 1‐cm depth increment. While a bigger bias was observed for 1‐cm than for 10‐cm predictions (1.13 and 0.19 kg m−3, respectively), the two populations of estimates were not distinguishable statistically. The study showed the potential for using vis–NIR spectroscopy on field‐moist soil cores to predict SOC at high depth resolutions (1 cm) with locally derived calibrations.
Changes in soil nutrient content and bacterial community after 12 years of organic amendment application to a vineyard
Authors: Calleja‐Cervantes M. E. , Menéndez S. , Fernández‐González A. J. , Irigoyen I. , Cibriáin‐Sabalza J. F. , Toro N. , Aparicio‐Tejo P. M. , Fernández‐López M.
Published: May 2015

An interesting alternative to landfills for disposing of organic residues is their addition to soil as composted organic residues. There is little information available about the long‐term benefits following prolonged periods of application. After 12 years of annual incorporation of organic amendments to the soil of a vineyard, three soil characteristics were analysed: mineral content, bacterial community and soil greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. The organic amendments were (i) a pelletized organic compost (PEL) made from plant, animal and sewage sludge residues, (ii) a compost made from the organic fraction of municipal solid waste (OF‐MSW) and (iii) a stabilized sheep manure compost (SMC). Mineral fertilizer (NPK) and an unaltered control treatment were also included. Our results showed that long‐term application of treated residues as compost changed soil nutrient content, bacterial community and gas emission rates. For instance, SMC increased nutrients and soil organic matter (OM) throughout the experiment. There was a change in bacterial community structure, with an increase in the phylum Proteobacteria observed for all four treated soils, and an increase in the phylum Bacteroidetes for PEL, OF‐MSW and SMC treatments. Among the organically‐amended soils, the amount of Adhaeribacter increased by a factor of 2.5 times more than the control, which reported a total of 2.0% of the bacterial community compared with 5.6% for PEL, 5.2% for OF‐MSW and 5.0% for SMC. Adhaeribacter may be a genus that specializes in the degradation of residues in the different composts. The SMC treatment had the largest Chao1 estimator and was the most biodiverse of all treatments. These changes in bacterial community structure did not correlate with the observed GHG fluxes from the sampling day. The application of amendments did not affect N2O fluxes. However, the application of treatments slightly reduced the capacity for CH4 sequestration by soil with respect to the untreated soils. Compost is an effective method to increase soil fertility. Soil GHG emissions should be further evaluated.
Role of root exudates on the sorption of arsenate by ferrihydrite
Authors: Castaldi P. , Garau G. , Lauro G. P. , Pigna M. , Violante A. , Deiana S.
Published: May 2015

Iron oxy‐hydroxides in soil are known to have a large affinity for arsenate (As(V)) inorganic species. At the soil–root interface such mineral components are embedded by mucilaginous material that is secreted from continuously growing root cap cells. In order to determine the role of plant mucilages inAs(V)sorption by iron oxy‐hydroxides, we layered a calcium (Ca)‐polygalacturonate network (CaPGA) on to amorphous iron (Fe) (III) hydroxide (ferrihydrite,Fh) particles. The scanning electron micrographs of theCaPGAnetwork coating the ferrihydrite (Fh–CaPGA) show a regular structure with a honeycomb‐like pattern where interlacing fibrils form a porous system. TheFT‐IRspectra ofFh–CaPGAsuggest thatCaPGAfibrils are retained by the surfaceFe(III) nuclei ofFhthrough electrostatic interactions. The sorption experiments carried out atpH4.3 and 5.8 indicated a smaller amount ofAs(V)sorbed byFh–CaPGAthan byFhalone, being less after 3 and 24 hours of reaction by about 70 and 30%, respectively. The sorption ofAs(V)byFhwas also studied in the presence of caffeic acid (CAF), an important root exudate. Simultaneous sorption kinetics show thatAs(V)sorption byFhis almost independent ofCAFconcentration, indicating a greater affinity of arsenate ions towards theFhsurfaces. However, the amount ofAs(V)sorbed by theFhcoated byCaPGA, in the presence of 0.25, 0.5 and 1.0 mm CAF, is markedly smaller by about 20, 27 and 40%, respectively, than that found in theAs(V)–CAF‐Fhternary systems. This is caused mainly by redox reactions involvingCAFand the surfaceFe(III) nuclei ofFhleading to the formation ofCAFoxidation products which preventAs(V)sorption.
Changes in forest floor and mineral soil carbon and nitrogen stocks in a boreal forest after clear‐cutting and mechanical site preparation
Authors: Piirainen S. , Finér L. , Starr M.
Published: May 2015

Significant amounts of organic carbon (C) and nitrogen (N) are accumulated in soil in boreal forests. However, increased concern has been shown regarding the negative impacts of forestry operations on both the C sequestration and N stocks in soil. Changes in the C and N stocks in woody debris, forest floor and mineral soil (0–20 cm) were studied in Eastern Finland for 10 years after stem‐only clear‐cutting followed by soil harrowing. Samples were taken from the uncut forest and from the different microsites formed by the harrowing (ridges, furrows and undisturbed areas). Carbon and N from logging residues were not incorporated into the forest floor or mineral soil stocks to any great extent. After 5 years the C stock above the mineral soil was smaller (< 20%) in the treated area than in the uncut forest and after 10 years it was < 50% smaller. The corresponding N stock was marginally larger (< 5%) after 5 years, but smaller (< 20%) after 10 years. In the mineral soil there were no changes; only the furrows lost C and N when compared with the other microsites, but not when compared with the forest. Harrowing increased the spatial variation in the forest floor C and N stocks. The comparison of the N losses from the soil and logging residues and woody debris with the leaching losses, the amounts utilized by the regenerating vegetation or estimated to be immobilized by the stumps at the same site indicated that N which remained after the clear‐cutting was retained at the site. For a full understanding of the impact of such a disturbance on stocks at a site all significant fluxes and stocks would need to be monitored.
Fracture toughness prediction of aged CF8M using small punch test
Authors: Jeon J.‐Y. , Kim Y.‐J. , Lee M.‐Y. , Kim J.‐W.
Published: May 2015

Following Ref. , this technical note presents a method to predict the thermal ageing effect on fracture toughness of cast stainless steel CF8M from the small punch test using finite element (FE) damage analysis. A procedure is given to extract tensile properties and multi‐axial fracture strain locus of aged CF8M from the small punch test using FE analysis. It is further shown that fracture toughness of aged CF8M can be predicted from the small punch test using FE damage analysis. Comparison with experimental data shows good agreement.
Efficacy of a microballoon catheter in transarterial chemoembolization of hepatocellular carcinoma using miriplatin, a lipophilic anticancer drug: Short‐term results
Authors: Ogawa Masahiro , Takayasu Kentaro , Hirayama Midori , Miura Takao , Shiozawa Katsuhiko , Abe Masahisa , Matsumoto Naoki , Nakagawara Hiroshi , Ohshiro Shu , Yamamoto Toshiki , Tanaka Naohide , Moriyama Mitsuhiko , Mutou Haruomi , Yamamoto Yoshinobu , Irie Toshiyuki
Published: May 2015

Aim

The goal of the study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of balloon‐occluded transarterial chemoembolization (B‐TACE) of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) using miriplatin (a lipophilic anticancer drug) and gelatin particles.

Methods

B‐TACE was performed for 62 HCC nodules in 33 patients who could not be treated by surgical resection or radiofrequency ablation. All 33 patients had a history of transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) treatment prior to B‐TACE. As a historical comparison, we investigated 40 nodules in 28 patients treated by TACE using a conventional microcatheter (C‐TACE), miriplatin and gelatin particles. The therapeutic effect per tumor was compared between the groups based on the Response Evaluation Criteria in Cancer Study Group of Japan (RECICL) and side‐effects were compared based on the Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events (ver. 4.0).

Results

The therapeutic efficacy after 4–12 weeks was evaluated in 59 nodules in the B‐TACE group and in 37 nodules in the C‐TACE group. Of these nodules, TE4 occurred in 29 (49.2%) in the B‐TACE group and in 10 (27%) in the C‐TACE group. Local efficacy was significantly higher in nodules treated by B‐TACE than by C‐TACE. The side‐effects on hepatic function were similar in the two groups.

Conclusion

Our results suggest that B‐TACE with miriplatin is a useful treatment for hepatocellular carcinoma.
Genetic characterisation of new host‐specialised biotypes and novel associations with bacterial symbionts in the pea aphid complex
Authors: Peccoud Jean , Mahéo Frédérique , de la Huerta Manon , Laurence Cindy , Simon Jean‐Christophe
Published: May 2015

The pea aphid, Acyrthosiphon pisum Harris, constitutes a complex of sympatric populations that are specialised to distinct species of Fabaceae. So far, 12 such populations have been characterised genetically as genetic clusters associated with one or few legumes species. These clusters form a continuum of genetic divergence linking host‐associated races, which show moderate hybridization, to nascent species. They are also known to be associated with different species of endosymbiotic bacteria, which have environmentally dependent effects on aphid fitness.

Here, we report on the genetic characterisation of new host‐associated populations in this species complex. We sampled pea aphids in eastern France on Genista tinctoria, G. sagittalis, Onobrychis viciifolia, and Hippocrepis comosa. Bayesian clustering methods based on genotypes obtained at 25 microsatellite loci showed that each sampled plant species hosted a specific pea aphid population. Comparison with previously characterised biotypes showed that the population associated with Hippocrepis comosa was no different from that on Securigera varia. Migrant aphids from other host plants and hybrids were found at various frequencies on the newly sampled plant species. They were particularly frequent on Onobrychis viciifolia, occasional between the two Genista‐associated populations, and rare on Hippocrepis comosa.

PCR‐based screening of bacterial species revealed new associations between aphid biotypes and facultative endosymbionts, chiefly the combination of Serratia symbiotica and Hamiltonella defensa within most individuals collected on Genista.

The newly identified biotypes, which add up to a total of 15 within the pea aphid complex, offer new material to study the mechanisms and genetic bases of host‐specialisation and ecological speciation in this model aphid.
Combination of Intracerebral Haemorrhage and Familial Hypercholesterolemia in the Acute Hospital Setting – A Challenge for Statin Treatment?
Authors: Vuorio Alpo , Kaste Markku , Kovanen Petri T.
Published: May 2015

It is estimated that worldwide, around 35 million people have familial hypercholesterolemia (FH). Thus, patients affected by the combination of FH and acute intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) are not exceptional and neurologists should be prepared to encounter them. Despite a recent finding of beneficial association between statin use during hospitalization and improved outcomes, the increased risk of recurrent ICH in the long term may make clinicians avoid statins in patients with a history of ICH. However, discontinuing statins in patients with FH worsens cardiovascular outcomes and even increases all-cause mortality. Accordingly, the continuing statin treatment in an FH patient with an acute ICH is advisable.
De‐escalation: A survey of clinical staff in a secure mental health inpatient service
Authors: Hallett Nutmeg , Dickens Geoffrey L.
Published: May 2015

De‐escalation is an important tool for preventing aggression in inpatient settings but definitions vary and there is no clear practice guideline. We aimed to identify how clinical staff define and conceptualize de‐escalation, which de‐escalation interventions they would use in aggressive scenarios, and their beliefs about the efficacy of de‐escalation interventions. A questionnaire survey (n = 72) was conducted using open and closed questions; additionally, clinical vignettes describing conflict events were presented for participants to describe their likely clinical response. Qualitative data were subject to thematic analysis. The major themes that de‐escalation encompassed were communication, tactics, de‐escalator qualities, assessment and risk, getting help, and containment measures. Different types of aggression were met with different interventions. Half of participants erroneously identified p.r.n. medication as a de‐escalation intervention, and 15% wrongly stated that seclusion, restraint, and emergency i.m. medication could be de‐escalation interventions. Those interventions seen as most effective were the most commonly used. Clinical staff's views about de‐escalation, and their de‐escalation practice, may differ from optimal practice. Use of containment measures and p.r.n. medication where de‐escalation is more appropriate could have a negative impact; work is needed to promote understanding and use of appropriate de‐escalation interventions based on a clear guideline.
The value of purpose built mental health facilities: Use of the Ward Atmosphere Scale to gauge the link between milieu and physical environment
Authors: Nicholls Daniel , Kidd Kevin , Threader Jennifer , Hungerford Catherine
Published: May 2015

This study investigated changes in the ‘atmosphere’ of an acute adult mental health setting following relocation to a new purpose‐built facility. The Ward Atmosphere Scale (WAS) was designed and validated for specific use in hospital‐based psychiatric facilities, and measures several dimensions of an environment. In this study, the WAS was administered to consumers and staff at periods before and also after their relocation to a new purpose‐built acute adult mental health facility. There were significant improvements in the physical atmosphere of the new facility, when compared with the old facility. In terms of ward atmosphere, however, improvements were seen to occur in only a small number of measures and there were minor differences between consumers' and staff perspectives on some indicators. Interestingly, it was found that consumers noted less ‘staff control’ in the new setting, raising the question of the differences in understanding of control. For staff only, there was a perception of greater levels of consumer ‘involvement’ in the new facility. Despite the minor differences in perception, the study does confirm that architecture is an important influence on the ‘atmosphere’ of a health facility, for both staff and consumers.
Amniotic membrane is a potential regenerative option for chronic non‐healing wounds: a report of five cases receiving dehydrated human amnion/chorion membrane allograft
Authors: Mrugala Andrew , Sui Audrey , Plummer Malgorzata , Altman Igor , Papineau Elaine , Frandsen Devn , Hill Danielle , Ennis William J
Published: May 2015

A case series of five patients with a total of six chronic non‐healing wounds (>30 day duration) were non‐randomly selected to evaluate the performance, safety and handling properties of dehydrated human amnion/chorion membrane allograft, an amniotic membrane scaffolding product. The patients had lower extremity wounds that had previously failed standard of care within a university outpatient/inpatient wound healing programme. Five wounds treated with dehydrated amnion/chorion membrane allograft showed a mean 43% area reduction from baseline (51% median) at 3 weeks into treatment and completely healed with a 64‐day median time to closure (SD ±27·6 days). One wound worsened at 3 weeks and was found to have a complete central vein obstruction that was treated with long‐term mild compression but still eventually healed at 6 months. Removing this outlier, the four responding wounds had a 72% mean and 69% median change in area from baseline, at the 3 week point. All five patients received only one application of dehydrated human amnion/chorion membrane allograft, and there were no adverse events. The product was easy to use, administer and handle. In summary, dehydrated human amnion/chorion membrane allograft appears to be a safe, effective and easy to use therapy for chronic non‐healing wounds. This study describes the details of these clinical cases and provides an overview of the current evidence on the use of amniotic tissue in clinical practice.
Factors associated with relational coordination between health professionals involved in insulin initiation in the general practice setting for people with type 2 diabetes
Authors: Manski‐Nankervis Jo‐Anne , Furler John , Young Doris , Patterson Elizabeth , Blackberry Irene
Published: May 2015

Aim

To examine associations between characteristics of general practice settings and primary healthcare providers (general practitioners and practice nurses) and the degree of relational coordination for the task of insulin initiation for type 2 diabetes between primary healthcare providers and diabetes specialists.

Background

Relational coordination is a component of effective chronic disease management and can be used to measure collaboration and communication between health professionals. High levels of relational coordination may be important to support insulin initiation in general practice.

Design

Cross‐sectional study.

Methods

Surveys were completed by general practitioners and practice nurses participating in the Stepping Up trial. Data on demographics, practice characteristics and relational coordination were collected between October 2012–June 2014. Univariate and multivariate analyses examined factors associated with relational coordination.

Results

General practitioners (n = 174) and 115 practice nurses from 78 general practices were included in the analysis. General practice characteristics associated with relational coordination were geographical location and number of administrative staff. Female general practitioners and older practice nurses reported lower relational coordination. Practice nurses with diabetes educator qualifications and experience in insulin initiation reported higher relational coordination.

Conclusion

An expanded role and experience of practice nurses in diabetes care increased relational coordination and has the potential to deliver more effective chronic disease management in general practice. Practice and health professional characteristics should be taken into account when designing models of care to increase insulin initiation.
Changes in transcriptome of macrophages in atherosclerosis
Authors: Chistiakov Dimitry A. , Bobryshev Yuri V. , Orekhov Alexander N.
Published: May 2015

Macrophages display significant phenotypic heterogeneity. Two growth factors, macrophage colony‐stimulating factor and chemokine (C‐X‐C motif) ligand 4, drive terminal differentiation of monocytes to M0 and M4 macrophages respectively. Compared to M0 macrophages, M4 cells have a unique transcriptome, with expression of surface markers such as S100A8, mannose receptor CD206 and matrix metalloproteinase 7. M4 macrophages did not express CD163, a scavenger receptor for haemoglobin/haptoglobin complex. Depending on the stimuli, M0 macrophages could polarize towards the proinflammatory M1 subset by treatment with lipopolysaccharide or interferon‐γ. These macrophages produce a range of proinflammatory cytokines, nitric oxide, reactive oxygen species and exhibit high chemotactic and phagocytic activity. The alternative M2 type could be induced from M0 macrophage by stimulation with interleukin (IL)‐4. M2 macrophages express high levels of CD206 and produce anti‐inflammatory cytokines IL‐10 and transforming growth factor‐β. M1, M2 and M4 macrophages could be found in atherosclerotic plaques. In the plaque, macrophages are subjected to the intensive influence not only by cytokines and chemokines but also with bioactive lipids such as cholesterol and oxidized phospholipids. Oxidized phospholipids induce a distinct Mox phenotype in murine macrophages that express a unique panel of antioxidant enzymes under control of the redox‐regulated transcription factor Klf2, resistant to lipid accumulation. In unstable human lesions, atheroprotective M(Hb) and HA‐mac macrophage subsets could be found. These two subsets are induced by the haemoglobin/haptoglobin complex, highly express haeme oxygenase 1 and CD163, and are implicated in clearance of haemoglobin and erythrocyte remnants. In atherogenesis, the macrophage phenotype is plastic and could therefore be switched to proinflammatory (i.e. proatherogenic) and anti‐inflammatory (i.e. atheroprotective). The aim of this review was to characterize changes in macrophage transcriptome in atherosclerosis and discuss key markers that characterize different phenotypes of macrophages present in atherosclerotic lesions.
Geographic body size variation in the periodical cicadas Magicicada: implications for life cycle divergence and local adaptation
Authors: Koyama T. , Ito H. , Kakishima S. , Yoshimura J. , Cooley J. R. , Simon C. , Sota T.
Published: May 2015

Seven species in three species groups (Decim, Cassini and Decula) of periodical cicadas (Magicicada) occupy a wide latitudinal range in the eastern United States. To clarify how adult body size, a key trait affecting fitness, varies geographically with climate conditions and life cycle, we analysed the relationships of population mean head width to geographic variables (latitude, longitude, altitude), habitat annual mean temperature (AMT), life cycle and species differences. Within species, body size was larger in females than males and decreased with increasing latitude (and decreasing habitat AMT), following the converse Bergmann's rule. For the pair of recently diverged 13‐ and 17‐year species in each group, 13‐year cicadas were equal in size or slightly smaller on average than their 17‐year counterparts despite their shorter developmental time. This fact suggests that, under the same climatic conditions, 17‐year cicadas have lowered growth rates compared to their 13‐years counterparts, allowing 13‐year cicadas with faster growth rates to achieve body sizes equivalent to those of their 17‐year counterparts at the same locations. However, in the Decim group, which includes two 13‐year species, the more southerly, anciently diverged 13‐year species (Magicicada tredecim) was characterized by a larger body size than the other, more northerly 13‐ and 17‐year species, suggesting that local adaptation in warmer habitats may ultimately lead to evolution of larger body sizes. Our results demonstrate how geographic clines in body size may be maintained in sister species possessing different life cycles.
Potential rapid evolution of foot morphology inItalian plethodontid salamanders (Hydromantes strinatii) following the colonization of an artificial cave
Authors: Salvidio S. , Crovetto F. , Adams D. C.
Published: May 2015

How organisms respond to environmental change is a long‐standing question in evolutionary biology. Species invading novel habitats provide an opportunity to examine contemporary evolution in action and decipher the pace of evolutionary change over short timescales. Here, we characterized phenotypic evolution in the Italian plethodontid salamander,Hydromantes strinatii,following the recent colonization of an artificial cave by a forest floor population. When compared with a nearby and genetically related population in the natural forest floor and a nearby cave population, the artificial cave population displayed significant differences in overall foot shape, with more interdigital webbing relative to the other populations. Further, this population evolved significantly larger feet, which corresponded more closely to those found in other cave populations than to forest floor populations to which the cave population is closely related. Finally, we quantified the rate of evolution for both foot shape and foot area, and found that both traits displayed large and significant evolutionary rates, at levels corresponding to other classic cases of rapid evolution in vertebrates. Together, these findings reveal that the response to novel environmental pressures can be large and rapid and that the anatomical shifts observed in the artificial cave population ofH. strinatiimay represent a case of rapid evolution in response to novel environmental pressures.
Negative association between parental care and sibling cooperation in earwigs: a new perspective on the early evolution of family life?
Authors: Kramer J. , Thesing J. , Meunier J.
Published: May 2015

The evolution of family life requires net fitness benefits for offspring, which are commonly assumed to mainly derive from parental care. However, an additional source of benefits for offspring is often overlooked: cooperative interactions among juvenile siblings. In this study, we examined how sibling cooperation and parental care could jointly contribute to the early evolution of family life. Specifically, we tested whether the level of food transferred among siblings (sibling cooperation) in the European earwigForficula auricularia(1) depends on the level of maternal food provisioning (parental care) and (2) is translated into offspring survival, as well as female investment into future reproduction. We show that higher levels of sibling food transfer were associated with lower levels of maternal food provisioning, possibly reflecting a compensatory relationship between sibling cooperation and maternal care. Furthermore, the level of sibling food transfer did not influence offspring survival, but was associated with negative effects on the production of the second and terminal clutch by the tending mothers. These findings indicate that sibling cooperation could mitigate the detrimental effects on offspring survival that result from being tended by low‐quality mothers. More generally, they are in line with the hypothesis that sibling cooperation is an ancestral behaviour that can be retained to compensate for insufficient levels of parental investment.