bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Use of Long‐Distance Migration Patterns of an Endangered Species to Inform Conservation Planning for the World's Largest Marine Protected Area
Authors: HAYS GRAEME C. , MORTIMER JEANNE A. , IERODIACONOU DANIEL , ESTEBAN NICOLE
Published: July 2014

Large marine protected areas (MPAs), each hundreds of thousands of square kilometers, have been set up by governments around the world over the last decade as part of efforts to reduce ocean biodiversity declines, yet their efficacy is hotly debated. The Chagos Archipelago MPA (640,000 km2) (Indian Ocean) lies at the heart of this debate. We conducted the first satellite tracking of a migratory species, the green turtle (Chelonia mydas), within the MPA and assessed the species’ use of protected versus unprotected areas. We developed an approach to estimate length of residence within the MPA that may have utility across migratory taxa including tuna and sharks. We recorded the longest ever published migration for an adult cheloniid turtle (3979 km). Seven of 8 tracked individuals migrated to distant foraging grounds, often ≥1000 km outside the MPA. One turtle traveled to foraging grounds within the MPA. Thus, networks of small MPAs, developed synergistically with larger MPAs, may increase the amount of time migrating species spend within protected areas. The MPA will protect turtles during the breeding season and will protect some turtles on their foraging grounds within the MPA and others during the first part of their long‐distance postbreeding oceanic migrations. International cooperation will be needed to develop the network of small MPAs needed to supplement the Chagos Archipelago MPA.

Uso de los Patrones de Migración a Larga Distancia de una Especie en Peligro de Extinción para Informar a la Planeación de la Conservación del Área Marina Protegida más Grande
Spatiotemporal Patterns and Risk Factors for Lead Exposure in Endangered California Condors during 15 Years of Reintroduction
Authors: KELLY TERRA R. , GRANTHAM JESSE , GEORGE DANIEL , WELCH ALACIA , BRANDT JOSEPH , BURNETT L. JOSEPH , SORENSON KELLY J. , JOHNSON MATTHEW , POPPENGA ROBERT , MOEN DAVID , RASICO JAMES , RIVERS JAMES W. , BATTISTONE CARIE , JOHNSON CHRISTINE K.
Published: July 2014

Large‐scale poisoning events are common to scavenging bird species that forage communally, many of which are in decline. To reduce the threat of poisoning and compensate for other persistent threats, management, including supplemental feeding, is ongoing for many reintroduced and endangered vulture populations. Through a longitudinal study of lead exposure in California condors (Gymnogyps californianus), we illustrate the conservation challenges inherent in reintroduction of an endangered species to the wild when pervasive threats have not been eliminated. We evaluated population‐wide patterns in blood lead levels from 1997 to 2011 and assessed a broad range of putative demographic, behavioral, and environmental risk factors for elevated lead exposure among reintroduced California condors in California (United States). We also assessed the effectiveness of lead ammunition regulations within the condor's range in California by comparing condor blood lead levels before and after implementation of the regulations. Lead exposure was a pervasive threat to California condors despite recent regulations limiting lead ammunition use. In addition, condor lead levels significantly increased as age and independence from intensive management increased, including increasing time spent away from managed release sites, and decreasing reliance on food provisions. Greater independence among an increasing number of reintroduced condors has therefore elevated the population's risk of lead exposure and limited the effectiveness of lead reduction efforts to date. Our findings highlight the challenges of restoring endangered vulture populations as they mature and become less reliant on management actions necessary to compensate for persistent threats.

Patrones Espaciotemporales y Factores de Riesgo por Exposición a Plomo en Cóndores de California Durante 15 Años de Reintroducción
Severe eosinophilic infiltration in colonic biopsies predicts patients with ulcerative colitis not responding to medical therapy
Authors: Zezos P. , Patsiaoura K. , Nakos A. , Mpoumponaris A. , Vassiliadis T. , Giouleme O. , Pitiakoudis M. , Kouklakis G. , Evgenidis N.
Published: July 2014

Aim

Eosinophils are potent proinflammatory cells that are involved in the pathogenesis of ulcerative colitis (UC). We evaluated the infiltration of eosinophils into the lamina propria in patients with active and inactive ulcerative colitis (UC) and investigated its clinical significance, among other variables, in predicting the outcome of medical treatment in active disease.

Method

We studied colorectal biopsy specimens from 18 UC patients with disease in long‐standing remission, from 22 patients with active disease who responded to therapy (12 with complete response and 10 with partial response) and from 10 patients who were nonresponders. Demographic information was obtained at baseline, and clinical, endoscopic and laboratory data were obtained at baseline and 12 weeks post‐treatment. We evaluated five histological features: mucosal ulceration; mucosal erosions; crypt abscesses; cryptitis; and eosinophilic infiltration of the lamina propria. The severity of these lesions was graded as: none or minimal; mild; moderate; or severe. Statistical analyses were performed between responders and nonresponders for differences in demographic, clinical, laboratory, endoscopic and histological parameters.

Results

Laboratory, endoscopic and histological parameters were significantly improved after treatment only in the complete responders group. Analyses of baseline data revealed no significant differences in parameters between complete or partial responders and nonresponders, except for a less severe eosinophilic infiltration of lamina propria in complete responders (P < 0.05). Multiple logistic regression analysis showed that severe eosinophilic infiltration in colonic biopsies was the most significant predictor of poor response to medical therapy.

Conclusion

Assessing the severity of eosinophilic infiltration in the lamina propria of colonic biopsies in patients with ulcerative colitis could be a valuable predictive tool of response to medical therapy.
Communicative Functions of the Museum Lobby
Authors: Mortensen Christian Hviid , Rudloff Maja , Vestergaard Vitus
Published: July 2014

In a time with a heightened focus on how museum architecture and exhibition design shapes the museum visit, the entrance space of museums, the museum lobby, is remarkably absent from the museum literature and research. Still, the museum lobby is the first encounter visitors have with the museum and the last impression that they take home and share with others. This article analyzes museum lobbies as communication spaces in order to identify the different functions afforded by such spaces. In an explorative study of five Danish museum lobbies, we offer a preliminary categorization of these functions that can be compared at a general level. Concrete examples will be used to discuss general issues such as the adaptive borders of lobby spaces and the counteracting effects of design. We suggest that the preliminary categorization provided here can form a foundation for further studies resulting in practical suggestions for design improvements.
Improving the Quality of Host Country Ethical Oversight of International Research: The Use of a Collaborative ‘Pre‐Review’ Mechanism for a Study of Fexinidazole for Human African Trypanosomiasis
Authors: Coleman Carl H. , Ardiot Chantal , Blesson Séverine , Bonnin Yves , Bompart Francois , Colonna Pierre , Dhai Ames , Ecuru Julius , Edielu Andrew , Hervé Christian , Hirsch François , Kouyaté Bocar , Mamzer‐Bruneel Marie‐France , Maoundé Dionko , Martinent Eric , Ntsiba Honoré , Pelé Gérard , Quéva Gilles , Reinmund Marie‐Christine , Sarr Samba Cor , Sepou Abdoulaye , Tarral Antoine , Tetimian Djetodjide , Valverde Olaf , Van Nieuwenhove Simon , Strub‐Wourgaft Nathalie
Published: July 2014

Developing countries face numerous barriers to conducting effective and efficient ethics reviews of international collaborative research. In addition to potentially overlooking important scientific and ethical considerations, inadequate or insufficiently trained ethics committees may insist on unwarranted changes to protocols that can impair a study's scientific or ethical validity. Moreover, poorly functioning review systems can impose substantial delays on the commencement of research, which needlessly undermine the development of new interventions for urgent medical needs. In response to these concerns, the Drugs for Neglected Diseases Initiative (DNDi), an independent nonprofit organization founded by a coalition of public sector and international organizations, developed a mechanism to facilitate more effective and efficient host country ethics review for a study of the use of fexinidazole for the treatment of late stage African Trypanosomiasis (HAT). The project involved the implementation of a novel ‘pre‐review’ process of ethical oversight, conducted by an ad hoc committee of ethics committee representatives from African and European countries, in collaboration with internationally recognized scientific experts. This article examines the process and outcomes of this collaborative process.
Recent trends in cerebral palsy survival. PartII: individual survival prognosis
Authors: Brooks Jordan C , Strauss David J , Shavelle Robert M , Tran Linh M , Rosenbloom Lewis , Wu Yvonne W
Published: July 2014

Aim

The aim of the study was to determine survival probabilities and life expectancies for individuals with cerebral palsy based on data collected over a 28‐year period in California.

Method

We identified all individuals with cerebral palsy, aged 4 years or older, who were clients of the California Department of Developmental Services between 1983 and 2010. Kaplan–Meier survival curves were constructed for 4‐year‐old children, and the estimated survival probabilities were adjusted to reflect trends in mortality by calendar year. For persons aged 15, 30, 45, and 60 years, separate Poisson regression models were used to estimate age‐, sex‐, and disability‐specific mortality rates. These mortality rates were adjusted to reflect trends of improved survival, and life expectancies were obtained using life table methods.

Results

The sample comprised 16 440, 14 609, 11 735, 7023, and 2375 persons at ages 4, 15, 30, 45, and 60 years, respectively. In 1983, 50% of 4‐year‐old children who did not lift their heads in the prone position and were tube fed lived to age 10.9 years. By 2010, the median age at death had increased to 17.1 years. In ambulatory children the probability of survival to adulthood did not change by more than 1%. Life expectancies for adolescents and adults were lower for those with more severe limitations in motor function and feeding skills, and decreased with advancing age. Life expectancies for tube‐fed adolescents and adults increased by 1 to 3 years, depending on age and pattern of disability, over the course of the study period.

Interpretation

Over the past three decades in California there have been significant improvements in the survival of children with very severe disabilities. There have also been improvements to the life expectancy of tube‐fed adults, though to a lesser extent than in children.
The interleukin‐1 receptor antagonist anakinra improves first‐phase insulin secretion and insulinogenic index in subjects with impaired glucose tolerance
Authors: van Poppel P. C. M. , van Asseldonk E. J. P. , Holst J. J. , Vilsbøll T. , Netea M. G. , Tack C. J.
Published: July 2014

Inflammation at the level of the β cell appears to be involved in progressive β‐cell dysfunction in type 2 diabetes. We assessed the effect of blocking interleukin‐1 (IL‐1) by anakinra [recombinant human interleukin‐1 receptor antagonist (IL‐1Ra)] on β‐cell function. Sixteen participants with impaired glucose tolerance were treated with 150 mg anakinra daily for 4 weeks in a double blind, randomized, placebo‐controlled cross‐over study with a wash‐out period of 4 weeks. At the end of each treatment period, oral glucose tolerance tests (OGTTs) and hyperglycaemic clamps were performed. First‐phase insulin secretion improved after anakinra treatment compared with placebo, 148 ± 20 versus 123 ± 14 mU/l, respectively (p = 0.03), and the insulinogenic index was higher after anakinra treatment. These results support the concept of involvement of IL‐1β in the (progressive) decrease of insulin secretion capacity associated with type 2 diabetes.
On the packing and filling of functional space in eastern North American tree assemblages
Authors: Swenson Nathan G. , Weiser Michael D.
Published: July 2014

A fundamental question in ecology is how are species added to the phenotypic or functional trait space when one moves from a species poor to species rich assemblage. Specifically, the functional volume of an assemblage can expand and/or be packed more tightly to accommodate an increasing number of species. Quantifying the packing and filling of trait space therefore provides critical information regarding the generation of species richness gradients, but it is also informative for our understanding of community assembly as the functional volume is expected to be constrained by abiotic factors while the degree of the packing of the volume should be limited by biotic interactions. In this investigation we quantify the packing and filling of trait volumes in tree assemblages in eastern North America. We demonstrate that both the functional volume and the degree of packing both increase with increasing species richness. However, the increase in the functional volume is less than expected suggesting that the overall functional space is constrained. We then show that null models that incorporate a functional volume constraint uncover a greater degree of separation in trait space than expected suggesting the importance of biotic interactions within an abiotically defined functional volume.
Does Special Care Dentistry undergraduate teaching improve dental student attitudes towards people with disabilities?
Authors: Mac Giolla Phadraig C. , Nunn J. H. , Tornsey O. , Timms M.
Published: July 2014

Introduction

Undergraduate dental curricula increasingly aim to address student attitudes towards people with disabilities. This study reports the effectiveness of a comprehensive, blended learning Special Care Dentistry undergraduate programme to change attitudes towards people with disabilities.

Methods

A validated psychometric instrument (ATDP‐Form 0) was given as a course evaluation to third‐year dental students in the Dublin Dental University Hospital over 3 years from 2010 to 2013, immediately before and after the delivery of a brief comprehensive curriculum in Special Care Dentistry.

Results

From a population of 109 students, 100 (91.7%) pre‐test and 83 (76.1%) retest responses were analysed. Mean score before the course, for all years, was 74.8 (SD = 14.7), compared with 76.8 (SD = 14.0) for all years after the course.

Conclusions

Dental students in our study had neither particularly positive, or negative attitudes towards people with disabilities. There was no statistically significant difference in student attitudes before and after the educational intervention. This study, therefore, shows that a comprehensive undergraduate blended learning module, which aimed to improve attitudes towards people with disabilities, did not do so, using the described measures within the selected timeframe.
Dental students' reflective habits: is there a relation with their academic achievements?
Authors: Tricio J. , Woolford M. , Escudier M.
Published: July 2014

Introduction

Reflection is regarded as an important and essential component of healthcare professionals' education and practice. This cross‐sectional study aimed to explore the levels of reflection habits of dental students and clinical and PhD postgraduate trainees and to establish the relationship between students' reflection and their academic performance.

Materials and Methods

A total of 324 subjects (208 females, 56% ≥23 years of age) from King's College London Dental Institute, consisting of 281 undergraduate and 43 postgraduate trainees, responded to the invitation to participate and completed an online self‐reported Reflection Questionnaire; this assesses two levels of non‐reflective actions (Habitual Action and Understanding) and two levels of reflective actions (Reflection and Critical Reflection). Reflection results were compared amongst different cohorts and correlated with students' academic performance.

Results

Reflection Questionnaire mean scores were 10.7 for Habitual Action, 17.3 for Understanding, 17.0 for Reflection and 14.4 for Critical Reflection, with significant differences between cohorts of undergraduate students, clinical postgraduates and PhD trainees. Reflection and Critical Reflection mean scores were higher as students climbed courses. Further, those ≥24 years of age and those with previous university degrees demonstrated higher reflective habits, whilst there was no gender difference. Additionally, the assessment programme methods correlated differently to the Reflection Questionnaire scores.

Discussion

The Reflection Questionnaire's internal reliability was acceptable. The most common approaches used by both students and trainees were Understanding and Reflection, whilst those with high Understanding scores also tended to have good Reflective scores. Further, multiple choice questions encouraged students to ‘understand’, whilst ill‐defined problems, such as those from essays to clinical reasoning cases, increased this to the reflection scale.

Conclusion

To foster reflective thinking, tutoring should primarily be focused on younger students (≤23 years old) and those without a previous university degree. Further, a wide variety of assessment methods is suggested to stimulate different reflective constructs.
Combining animal movements and behavioural data to detect behavioural states
Authors: Nams Vilis O.
Published: July 2014

Animal movement paths show variation in space caused by qualitative shifts in behaviours. I present a method that (1) uses both movement path data and ancillary sensor data to detect natural breakpoints in animal behaviour and (2) groups these segments into different behavioural states. The method can also combine analyses of different path segments or paths from different individuals. It does not assume any underlying movement mechanism. I give an example with simulated data. I also show the effects of random variation, # of states and # of segments on this method. I present a case study of a fisher movement path spanning 8 days, which shows four distinct behavioural states divided into 28 path segments when only turning angles and speed were considered. When accelerometer data were added, the analysis shows seven distinct behavioural states divided into 41 path segments.
Feasibility of the Montreal Cognitive Assessment in acute stroke patients
Authors: Horstmann S. , Rizos T. , Rauch G. , Arden C. , Veltkamp R.
Published: July 2014

Background and purpose

Cognitive deficits are common following stroke. Cognitive function in the acute stroke setting is a predictive factor for mid‐term outcome. The Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) is a screening tool for cognitive impairment. The feasibility of MoCA in the acute phase of stroke was evaluated and factors predictive of cognitive impairment were determined.

Methods

In this prospective, single‐centre, explorative and observational study consecutive patients with ischaemic (IS) or haemorrhagic (ICH) stroke were enrolled between March 2011 and September 2012. The routine work‐up for each patient encompassed assessment of cardiovascular risk factors, the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) and the pre‐morbid modified Rankin Scale (mRS) score. Cognitive performance was measured using the German version of the MoCA within the first days of admission. A MoCA score of <26 was considered to indicate cognitive impairment.

Results

Between March 2011 and September 2012 a total of 842 patients with IS (89.0%) and ICH (11.0%) were enrolled in our study. MoCA was feasible in 678/842 patients (80.5%). Factors independently associated with non‐feasibility were stroke severity (NIHSS), pre‐morbid functional status (mRS), age and lower educational level. Mean MoCA was 21.4 (SD 5.7). A total of 498/678 (73.5%) patients appeared cognitively impaired (<26/30). Independent predictive factors for a lower MoCA score were age, educational level, stroke severity (NIHSS) and pre‐morbid functional status (mRS).

Conclusions

In the acute phase of stroke, MoCA is feasible in about 80% of eligible patients. At this stage, MoCA identifies a cognitive impairment in 75% of patients.
A Novel Method of Assessing Dominance Hierarchies Shows Nuance, Linearity and Stability in the Dinosaur AntDinoponera quadriceps
Authors: Grainger Daniel P. , Asher Claire L. , Jones Julia C. , Nascimento Fabio S. , Sumner Seirian , Hughes William O. H.
Published: July 2014

Many social species with relatively simple societies have dominance hierarchies of individuals, with dominant individuals achieving fitness and subordinate individuals either queuing to obtain fitness or achieving only indirect fitness by helping relatives. Assessing the dominance hierarchy in a social group is generally based upon observing dyadic interactions as and when they occur spontaneously within the whole‐group setting. However, this method can be very time‐consuming because many dyads interact only very rarely, necessitating either extremely long observation periods or many dyadic relationships being unresolved. Here, we report an alternative method using the queenless dinosaur antDinoponera quadriceps, which lives in colonies containing tens of individuals. We removed all individuals from their nest and observed the dominance behaviours expressed in isolated dyadic interactions for every pairwise combination of individuals. Individuals showed a classic dominance behaviour in this setting, and the rapid nature of the assay allowed us to observe every dyadic relationship on a weekly basis over 4 weeks. The dominance hierarchies based on these isolated dyadic interactions correlated well with those produced by the conventional method of colony observations. They showed the hierarchies to be highly linear and stable, and also revealed that dominance relationships may extend further down the hierarchy than previously thought. Although highly manipulative, the isolated dyadic interaction method works well and will likely make more feasible the study of other social species in which pairs of individuals can be isolated together.
Variation in Melanism and Female Preference in Proximate but Ecologically Distinct Environments
Authors: Culumber Zachary W. , Bautista‐Hernández Christian E. , Monks Scott , Arias‐Rodriguez Lenin , Tobler Michael
Published: July 2014

Variation in pigmentation traits is an effective window to evolutionary processes due to their importance for survival and reproduction. In particular, one of the leading hypotheses for the maintenance of conspicuous pigmentation in natural populations is its signaling function in mate choice. Here, we demonstrate the occurrence of melanism in poeciliid fishes of the genus Poecilia that inhabits toxic, hydrogen sulfide springs in southern Mexico and the absence of melanism from closely related populations in reference habitats lacking hydrogen sulfide. Assays of female mate preference in both habitat types were used to examine whether divergence in female preference for melanism contributes to its maintenance in hydrogen sulfide springs. We found significant variation in female preferences for melanistic males. Specifically, melanistic females from the toxic spring exhibited a significant preference for melanistic males, while non‐melanistic females from the same population exhibited no preference. Females from the non‐sulfidic reference population discriminated strongly against melanistic males. Preferences of melanistic females appear to be a significant force in the maintenance of melanism in sulfidic habitats and suggest a change in preference as the divergence from non‐sulfidic ancestors. Potential polymorphism in preference within the hydrogen sulfide spring indicates that preference for melanistic males may not be environmentally controlled. Thus, a change in preference following divergence can promote the maintenance of variation in pigmentation within populations and between divergent habitats.
Empyema of the nasal conchal bulla as a cause of chronic unilateral nasal discharge in the horse: 10 cases (2013–2014)
Authors: Dixon P. M. , Froydenlund T. , Liuti T. , Kane‐Smyth J. , Horbal A. , Reardon R. J. M.
Published: July 2014

Reasons for performing study

Empyema of the nasal conchal bullae has recently been identified in horses suffering from chronic unilateral nasal discharge. The diagnosis and management of such cases has not been reported previously.

Objectives

To describe the diagnosis and treatment of cases suffering from empyema of the nasal conchal bullae and report the frequency of diagnosis from a population of horses referred for head computed tomography (CT).

Study design

Retrospective case review.

Methods

Records from cases diagnosed with nasal conchal bulla disease using CT were reviewed.

Results

Abnormalities of the nasal conchal bullae were identified by CT in 10 cases (8 ventral conchal bulla, 2 dorsal conchal bulla), from 102 equine head CT examinations. Eight cases were subsequently treated at the study clinic, 7 of which had concurrent paranasal sinus disease. In 3 cases, fenestration of the ventral conchal bulla per nasum facilitated drainage and clearance of empyema.

Conclusions

Disease of the conchal bullae should be considered as a potential cause of chronic unilateral nasal discharge in horses. Clearance of empyema within these bullae is unlikely to occur through lavage of the paranasal sinuses alone. Where necessary, fenestration of the bulla allows physical removal of infected material.
Cell–matrix interactions: focus on proteoglycan–proteinase interplay and pharmacological targeting in cancer
Authors: Theocharis Achilleas D. , Gialeli Chrisostomi , Bouris Panagiotis , Giannopoulou Efstathia , Skandalis Spyros S. , Aletras Alexios J. , Iozzo Renato V. , Karamanos Nikos K.
Published: July 2014

Proteoglycans are major constituents of extracellular matrices, as well as cell surfaces and basement membranes. They play key roles in supporting the dynamic extracellular matrix by generating complex structural networks with other macromolecules and by regulating cellular phenotypes and signaling. It is becoming evident, however, that proteolytic enzymes are required partners for matrix remodeling and for modulating cell signaling via matrix constituents. Proteinases contribute to all stages of diseases, particularly cancer development and progression, and contextually participate in either the removal of damaged products or in the processing of matrix molecules and signaling receptors. The dynamic interplay between proteoglycans and proteolytic enzymes is a crucial biological step that contributes to the pathophysiology of cancer and inflammation. Moreover, proteoglycans are implicated in the expression and secretion of proteolytic enzymes and often modulate their activities. In this review, we describe the emerging biological roles of proteoglycans and proteinases, with a special emphasis on their complex interplay. We critically evaluate this important proteoglycan–proteinase interactome and discuss future challenges with respect to targeting this axis in the treatment of cancer.
Depth gradients in food‐web processes linking habitats in large lakes:LakeSuperior as an exemplar ecosystem
Authors: Sierszen Michael E. , Hrabik Thomas R. , Stockwell Jason D. , Cotter Anne M. , Hoffman Joel C. , Yule Daniel L.
Published: July 2014

In large lakes around the world, depth‐based changes in the abundance and distribution of invertebrate and fish species suggest that there may be concomitant changes in patterns of resource allocation. Using Lake Superior of the Laurentian Great Lakes as an example, we explored this idea through stable isotope analyses of 13 major fish taxa.

Patterns in carbon and nitrogen isotope ratios revealed use of both littoral and profundal benthos among populations of most taxa analysed regardless of the depth of their habitat, providing evidence of nearshore–offshore trophic linkages in the largest freshwater lake by area in the world.

Isotope‐mixing model results indicated that the overall importance of benthic food‐web pathways to fish was highest in nearshore species, whereas the importance of planktonic pathways increased in offshore species. These characteristics, shared with the Great Lakes of Africa, Russia and Japan, appear to be governed by two key processes: high benthic production in nearshore waters and the prevalence of diel vertical migration (DVM) among offshore invertebrate and fish taxa.DVMfacilitates use of pelagic food resources by deep‐water biota and represents an important process of trophic linkage among habitats in large lakes.

Support of whole‐lake food webs through trophic linkages among pelagic, profundal and littoral habitats appears to be integral to the functioning of large lakes. These linkages can be disrupted though ecosystem disturbance such as eutrophication or the effects of invasive species and should be considered in native species restoration efforts.
Millennial‐scale ocean acidification and late Quaternary decline of cryptic bacterial crusts in tropical reefs
Authors: Riding R. , Liang L. , Braga J. C.
Published: July 2014

Ocean acidification by atmospheric carbon dioxide has increased almost continuously since the last glacial maximum (LGM), 21 000 years ago. It is expected to impair tropical reef development, but effects on reefs at the present day and in the recent past have proved difficult to evaluate. We present evidence that acidification has already significantly reduced the formation of calcified bacterial crusts in tropical reefs. Unlike major reef builders such as coralline algae and corals that more closely control their calcification, bacterial calcification is very sensitive to ambient changes in carbonate chemistry. Bacterial crusts in reef cavities have declined in thickness over the past 14 000 years with largest reduction occurring 12 000–10 000 years ago. We interpret this as an early effect of deglacial ocean acidification on reef calcification and infer that similar crusts were likely to have been thicker when seawater carbonate saturation was increased during earlier glacial intervals, and thinner during interglacials. These changes in crust thickness could have substantially affected reef development over glacial cycles, as rigid crusts significantly strengthen framework and their reduction would have increased the susceptibility of reefs to biological and physical erosion. Bacterial crust decline reveals previously unrecognized millennial‐scale acidification effects on tropical reefs. This directs attention to the role of crusts in reef formation and the ability of bioinduced calcification to reflect changes in seawater chemistry. It also provides a long‐term context for assessing anticipated anthropogenic effects.
The effects of changing climate on faunal depth distributions determine winners and losers
Authors: Brown Alastair , Thatje Sven
Published: July 2014

Changing climate is predicted to impact all depths of the global oceans, yet projections of range shifts in marine faunal distributions in response to changing climate seldom evaluate potential shifts in depth distribution. Marine ectotherms' thermal tolerance is limited by their ability to maintain aerobic metabolism (oxygen‐ and capacity‐limited tolerance), and is functionally associated with their hypoxia tolerance. Shallow‐water (<200 m depth) marine invertebrates and fishes demonstrate limited tolerance of increasing hydrostatic pressure (pressure exerted by the overlying mass of water), and hyperbaric (increased pressure) tolerance is proposed to depend on the ability to maintain aerobic metabolism, too. Here, we report significant correlation between the hypoxia thresholds and the hyperbaric thresholds of taxonomic groups of shallow‐water fauna, suggesting that pressure tolerance is indeed oxygen limited. Consequently, it appears that the combined effects of temperature, pressure and oxygen concentration constrain the fundamental ecological niches (FENs) of marine invertebrates and fishes. Including depth in a conceptual model of oxygen‐ and capacity‐limited FENs' responses to ocean warming and deoxygenation confirms previous predictions made based solely on consideration of the latitudinal effects of ocean warming (e.g. Cheung et al., 2009), that polar taxa are most vulnerable to the effects of climate change, with Arctic fauna experiencing the greatest FEN contraction. In contrast, the inclusion of depth in the conceptual model reveals for the first time that temperate fauna as well as tropical fauna may experience substantial FEN expansion with ocean warming and deoxygenation, rather than FEN maintenance or contraction suggested by solely considering latitudinal range shifts.
Maize growing duration was prolonged across China in the past three decades under the combined effects of temperature, agronomic management, and cultivar shift
Authors: Tao Fulu , Zhang Shuai , Zhang Zhao , Rötter Reimund P.
Published: July 2014

Maize phenology observations at 112 national agro‐meteorological experiment stations across China spanning the years 1981–2009 were used to investigate the spatiotemporal changes of maize phenology, as well as the relations to temperature change and cultivar shift. The greater scope of the dataset allows us to estimate the effects of temperature change and cultivar shift on maize phenology more precisely. We found that maize sowing date advanced significantly at 26.0% of stations mainly for spring maize in northwestern, southwestern and northeastern China, although delayed significantly at 8.0% of stations mainly in northeastern China and the North China Plain (NCP). Maize maturity date delayed significantly at 36.6% of stations mainly in the northeastern China and the NCP. As a result, duration of maize whole growing period (GPw) was prolonged significantly at 41.1% of stations, although mean temperature (Tmean) during GPw increased at 72.3% of stations, significantly at 19.6% of stations, and Tmean was negatively correlated with the duration of GPw at 92.9% of stations and significantly at 42.9% of stations. Once disentangling the effects of temperature change and cultivar shift with an approach based on accumulated thermal development unit, we found that increase in temperature advanced heading date and maturity date and reduced the duration of GPw at 81.3%, 82.1% and 83.9% of stations on average by 3.2, 6.0 and 3.5 days/decade, respectively. By contrast, cultivar shift delayed heading date and maturity date and prolonged the duration of GPw at 75.0%, 94.6% and 92.9% of stations on average by 1.5, 6.5 and 6.5 days/decade, respectively. Our results suggest that maize production is adapting to ongoing climate change by shift of sowing date and adoption of cultivars with longer growing period. The spatiotemporal changes of maize phenology presented here can further guide the development of adaptation options for maize production in near future.
Fire in Australian savannas: from leaf to landscape
Authors: Beringer Jason , Hutley Lindsay B. , Abramson David , Arndt Stefan K. , Briggs Peter , Bristow Mila , Canadell Josep G. , Cernusak Lucas A. , Eamus Derek , Edwards Andrew C. , Evans Bradley J. , Fest Benedikt , Goergen Klaus , Grover Samantha P. , Hacker Jorg , Haverd Vanessa , Kanniah Kasturi , Livesley Stephen J. , Lynch Amanda , Maier Stefan , Moore Caitlin , Raupach Michael , Russell‐Smith Jeremy , Scheiter Simon , Tapper Nigel J. , Uotila Petteri
Published: July 2014

Savanna ecosystems comprise 22% of the global terrestrial surface and 25% of Australia (almost 1.9 million km2) and provide significant ecosystem services through carbon and water cycles and the maintenance of biodiversity. The current structure, composition and distribution of Australian savannas have coevolved with fire, yet remain driven by the dynamic constraints of their bioclimatic niche. Fire in Australian savannas influences both the biophysical and biogeochemical processes at multiple scales from leaf to landscape. Here, we present the latest emission estimates from Australian savanna biomass burning and their contribution to global greenhouse gas budgets. We then review our understanding of the impacts of fire on ecosystem function and local surface water and heat balances, which in turn influence regional climate. We show how savanna fires are coupled to the global climate through the carbon cycle and fire regimes. We present new research that climate change is likely to alter the structure and function of savannas through shifts in moisture availability and increases in atmospheric carbon dioxide, in turn altering fire regimes with further feedbacks to climate. We explore opportunities to reduce net greenhouse gas emissions from savanna ecosystems through changes in savanna fire management.
Educational egaming: the future for geoscience virtual learners?
Authors: Pringle Jamie K.
Published: July 2014

Current students will mostly comprise the so‐called ‘Generation Y’, who have grown up with personal computer and egaming technologies. Used to a variety of digital learning environments, it is probable that, for them at least, educational egaming may provide effective learning, complementary to more traditional teaching methods. Current geoscience digital educational methods are briefly reviewed and examined through three case studies of online educational geoscience egames. These are shown to provide a consistent experience, ‘24/7’ accessibility and effective learning.
New insights into precious metal enrichment on the Isle of Rum, Scotland
Authors: O'Driscoll Brian , Butcher Alan R. , Latypov Rais
Published: July 2014

The Rum Layered Suite (NW Scotland) is generally regarded as one of a handful of classic examples of open‐system layered mafic‐ultramafic intrusions, or ‘fossilized’ basaltic magma chambers, world‐wide. The eastern portion of the Rum intrusion is constructed of sixteen repeated, coupled, peridotite–troctolite units. Each major cyclic unit has been linked to a major magma replenishment event, with repeated settling out of ‘crops’ of olivine and plagioclase crystals to form the cumulate rocks. However, there are variations in the lithological succession that complicate this oversimplified model, including the presence of chromitite (>60 vol. percent Cr‐spinel) seams. The ∼2 mm thick chromitite seams host significant platinum‐group element (PGE) enrichment (e.g. ∼2 ppm Pt) and likely formed in situ, i.e. at the crystal mush–magma interface. Given that the bulk of the world's exploited PGE come from a layered intrusion that bears remarkable structural and lithological similarities to Rum, the Bushveld Complex (South Africa), comparisons between these intrusions raise intriguing implications for precious metal mineralization in layered intrusions.
Limitations of the Use of Environmental Tracers to Infer Groundwater Age
Authors: McCallum James L. , Cook Peter G. , Simmons Craig T.
Published: July 2014

Apparent ages obtained from the measured concentrations of environmental tracers have the potential to inform recharge rates, flow rates, and assist in the calibration of groundwater models. A number of studies have investigated sources of error in the relationships between the apparent ages, and the age assumed by models to relate this quantity to an aquifer property (e.g., recharge). These studies have also provided a number of techniques for correcting the known biases of apparent ages. In this paper, we review some of the concepts of age bias. We then demonstrate this bias through the use on four numerical examples, and assess the accuracy of correction methods in overcoming this bias. We examine this for CFCs, SF6, 3H/3He, 39Ar, and 14C. We demonstrate that in our four simple steady‐state aquifer examples, bias occurs for a wide range of environmental tracers and flow configurations. When applying correction methods, we found that the values obtained are limited by the model assumptions. Models accounting for exchange with aquitards represent whole mobile zones and not discrete well screens. Mean transit times (comparable to mean ages) obtained from lumped parameter models deviate from actual values as the assumed distribution varies from the actual distribution. Methods that use multiple tracer ages are limited to ranges where both tracers report apparent ages. Our findings suggest that the incorporation of environmental tracer data into the understanding of groundwater systems requires approaches such as the direct use of concentrations, or the simulation of full age distributions.
Association between depression and inflammatory/anti‐inflammatory cytokines in chronic kidney disease and end‐stage renal disease patients: A review of literature
Authors: Taraz Mohammad , Taraz Saeideh , Dashti‐Khavidaki Simin
Published: July 2014

Depression is a common psychiatric disorder in patients with advanced chronic kidney diseases (CKDs). Strong correlation has been reported between depression and patients' morbidity and mortality among dialysis patients. On the contrary, chronic inflammation may be a major contributor to morbidity and mortality in these patients. Elevated plasma levels of proinflammatory cytokines, especially C‐reactive protein and interleukin (IL)‐6, have been correlated with cardiovascular events, hospitalization, and all‐cause and cardiovascular‐associated mortality in dialysis patients. Studies suggested that inflammation‐mediated atherosclerotic cardiovascular diseases are the possible reasons for depression‐induced mortality among patients without renal diseases. Several studies found significant elevations in circulating levels of proinflammatory cytokines, particularly IL‐6 and tumor necrosis factor‐α, in patients with major depression. Furthermore, depressive mood and behaviors, including sadness and suicidal ideation, were observed in patients who received repeated injections of recombinant cytokines. A thorough literature review indicates that while depressive symptoms and elevated inflammatory cytokine levels coexist in CKD and dialysis patients, their association is uncertain. Depression seems to be more associated with elevated serum levels of IL‐6 than other cytokines in these patients. Further studies are needed to clarify the possibility of a causal relationship between inflammation and depressive symptoms in CKD and dialysis patients.
Modeling Interfacial Glass‐Water Reactions: Recent Advances and Current Limitations
Authors: Pierce Eric M. , Frugier Pierre , Criscenti Louise J. , Kwon Kideok D. , Kerisit Sebastien N.
Published: July 2014

Describing the reactions that occur at the glass–water interface and control the development of the altered layer constitutes one of the main scientific challenges impeding existing models from providing accurate radionuclide release estimates. Radionuclide release estimates are a critical component of the safety basis for geologic repositories. The altered layer (i.e., amorphous hydrated surface layer and crystalline reaction products) represents a complex region, both physically and chemically, sandwiched between two distinct boundaries—pristine glass surface at the inner most interface and aqueous solution at the outer most interface. Computational models, spanning different length and timescales, are currently being developed to improve our understanding of this complex and dynamic process with the goal of accurately describing the mesoscale changes that occur as the system evolves. These modeling approaches include geochemical simulations (i.e., classical reaction path simulations and glass reactivity in allowance for alteration layer simulations), Monte Carlo simulations, and molecular dynamics methods. Discussed in this manuscript are the advances and limitations of each modeling approach placed in the context of the glass–water reaction and how collectively these approaches provide insights into the mechanisms that control the formation and evolution of altered layers. New results are presented as examples of each approach.
Marketing cereal to children: content analysis of messages on children's and adults' cereal packages
Authors: Song Hayeon , Halvorsen Bonnie , Harley Amy
Published: July 2014

This study compares messages displayed on children's and adults' cereal boxes. In total, 127 cereal boxes were collected and content analysed. On the front panel, we found an interesting contradiction between health‐related textual and graphical messages. The nutrient claim appeared on more than half of cereals for children, which is significantly higher coverage compared with that of adult cereals. On the other hand, the representation of a bowl of cereal was far more likely to appear artificially coloured or sweetened on child‐targeted cereal boxes and contain less fruits and nuts compared with adult‐targeted cereals. Results on the back and side panels showed that messages targeting adults are mostly health related (e.g. well‐being, purity) while messaging to children focuses less on health‐related messages and more on games, toys and other entertaining topics. Nutritionally, child‐targeted cereals overall are less nutritious than adult‐targeted cereals and have higher rankings of sugar sources in the ingredients. This study calls for a critical consideration about not only on what is in the cereal box but also what is on the box.
Changes at Corporate Headquarters: Review, Integration and Future Research
Authors: Kunisch Sven , Menz Markus , Ambos Björn
Published: July 2014

In modern corporations, the corporate headquarters (CHQ) unit is considered central to the fortunes of the overall firm. In light of ever‐changing environments, changes at the CHQ have become a crucial concern in management research and practice, and scholars have studied a variety of changes at the CHQ. Despite the common focus on the CHQ entity and the potential for cross‐fertilization across several research tracks, a coherent picture of this dispersed body of knowledge is lacking. This paper reviews 25 years of research on changes at the CHQ. In so doing, it advances a common language and an overarching framework that integrates the existing knowledge in the intellectual domains of strategy, organizational design and international business research. On this basis, the authors suggest directions for future research to advance knowledge of: (1) the pressure for and resistance to changes at the CHQ; (2) interrelationships among changes at the CHQ; (3) change processes at the CHQ; (4) agents involved in changes at the CHQ; and (5) adaptive and disruptive effects of changes at the CHQ. Overall, the study provides a conceptual basis for combining the existing knowledge of changes at the CHQ and serves as a guide for future research.