bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A conceptual framework for assessing socio-hydrological resilience under change
Authors: Mao Feng , Clark Julian , Karpouzoglou Timothy , Dewulf Art , Buytaert Wouter , Hannah David
Published: October 2016

Abstract. Despite growing interest in resilience, there is still significant scope for increasing its conceptual clarity and practical relevance in socio-hydrological contexts. Specifically, questions of how socio-hydrological systems respond to and cope with perturbations and how these connect to resilience remain unanswered. In this paper, we propose a novel conceptual framework for understanding and assessing resilience in coupled socio-hydrological systems. Taking a systems perspective, we argue resilience is a set of systematic properties with three dimensions: absorptive, adaptive and transformative, and contend that socio-hydrological systems can be viewed as various forms of human-water couplings, reflecting different aspects of these interactions. We propose a framework consisting of two parts. The first part addresses the identity of socio-hydrological resilience, answering questions such as ‘resilience of what in relation to what’. We identify three framings of resilience for different types of human-water systems and subsystems: (1) the water subsystem, highlighting hydrological resilience to anthropogenic hazards; (2) the human subsystem, foregrounding social resilience to hydrological hazards; and (3) the coupled human-water system, exhibiting socio-hydrological resilience. We argue that these three system types and resiliences afford new insights into the evaluation of different water management challenges. The first two types address hydrological and social states, while the third type emphasises the feedbacks and interactions between human and water components within complex systems subject to internal or external disturbances. In the second part, we focus on resilience management and develop the notion of the ‘resilience canvas’, a novel heuristic device to identify possible pathways and to facilitate the design of bespoke strategies for enhancing resilience in the socio-hydrological context. The ‘resilience canvas’ is constructed by combining absorptive and adaptive capacities as two axes. At the corners of the resulting two-dimensional space are four quadrants which we conceptualise as representing resilient, vulnerable, susceptible, and resistant system states. To address projected change-induced uncertainties, we recommend effort is now focused on shifting socio-hydrological systems from resistant towards resilient status. In sum, the novel framework proposed here clarifies the ambiguity inherent in socio-hydrological resilience, and provides a viable basis for further theoretical and practical development.
Streamflow characteristics from modelled runoff time series – importance of calibration criteria selection
Authors: Pool Sandra , Vis Marc J. P. , Knight Rodney R. , Seibert Jan
Published: October 2016

Abstract. Ecologically relevant streamflow characteristics (SFCs) of ungauged catchments are often estimated from simulated runoff of hydrologic models. Estimated SFCs can be substantially uncertain when models are calibrated using traditional approaches based on minimization or maximization of statistical performance metrics (e.g. Nash–Sutcliffe efficiency). To evaluate model performance, we tested how well SFCs are simulated when the model objective function was calibrated using one or more SFCs. We calibrated a bucket-type runoff model for 25 catchments in the Tennessee River basin and evaluated the proposed calibration approach on 13 selected SFCs representing major flow regime components and different flow conditions. While the model tends to underestimate SFCs related to mean and high-flow conditions, SFCs related to low flow are overestimated. The highest estimation accuracies were achieved by a SFC-specific model calibration. Estimates of SFCs not included in the calibration process were of similar quality when comparing a multi-SFC calibration approach to a traditional Nash–Sutcliffe efficiency calibration. For practical applications, this implies that SFCs should preferably be estimated from targeted runoff model calibration and modelled estimates need to be carefully interpreted.
Soil denitrifier community size changes with land use change to perennial bioenergy cropping systems
Authors: Thompson Karen A. , Deen Bill , Dunfield Kari E.
Published: October 2016

Abstract. Dedicated biomass crops are required for future bioenergy production. However, the effects of large-scale land use change (LUC) from traditional annual crops, such as corn–soybean rotations to the perennial grasses (PGs) switchgrass and miscanthus, on soil microbial community functioning is largely unknown. Specifically, ecologically significant denitrifying communities, which regulate N2O production and consumption in soils, may respond differently to LUC due to differences in carbon (C) and nitrogen (N) inputs between crop types and management systems. Our objective was to quantify bacterial denitrifying gene abundances as influenced by corn–soybean crop production compared to PG biomass production. A field trial was established in 2008 at the Elora Research Station in Ontario, Canada (n  =  30), with miscanthus and switchgrass grown alongside corn–soybean rotations at different N rates (0 and 160 kg N ha−1) and biomass harvest dates within PG plots. Soil was collected on four dates from 2011 to 2012 and quantitative PCR was used to enumerate the total bacterial community (16S rRNA) and communities of bacterial denitrifiers by targeting nitrite reductase (nirS) and N2O reductase (nosZ) genes. Miscanthus produced significantly larger yields and supported larger nosZ denitrifying communities than corn–soybean rotations regardless of management, indicating large-scale LUC from corn–soybean to miscanthus may be suitable in variable Ontario climatic conditions and under varied management, while potentially mitigating soil N2O emissions. Harvesting switchgrass in the spring decreased yields in N-fertilized plots, but did not affect gene abundances. Standing miscanthus overwinter resulted in higher 16S rRNA and nirS gene copies than in fall-harvested crops. However, the size of the total (16S rRNA) and denitrifying bacterial communities changed differently over time and in response to LUC, indicating varying controls on these communities.
The Influence of Directors’ and Officers’ Insurance on Managerial Myopic Behavior
Authors: Chen Guang-Zheng
Published: October 2016

Literature on the effect of directors’ and officers’ insurance (D&O insurance) on managers’ decision-making supports the contention that D&O insurance encourages managers to engage in opportunistic behaviors that benefit themselves at the expense of shareholders. Managerial myopia is an essential agency issue. The literature suggests that myopic managers have incentives to reduce R&D spending to boost current earnings in order to increase their private benefits. This study examines whether D&O insurance induces myopic R&D cuts. Using a sample of Taiwanese listed firms, the results show that firms with higher levels of D&O insurance coverage are more likely to cut R&D expenditures to avoid earnings declines. This study provide insight into how the incentives arising from D&O insurance play an essential role in determining managerial myopic behavior.
Students’ Stereotypes of Autism
Authors: Wood Chantelle , Freeth Megan
Published: October 2016

This research aimed to ascertain the contents (Study 1) and valence (Study 2) of the stereotype associated with Autism Spectrum Conditions (ASC) in university students. Study 1 used a free-response methodology where participants listed the characteristics that they thought society associates with individuals with ASC. This study revealed that the stereotypic traits most frequently reported by students without personal experience of ASC were poor social skills, being introverted and withdrawn, poor communication and difficult personality or behaviour. Study 2 had participants rate the valence of the 10 most frequently mentioned stereotypic traits identified in Study 1, along with additional traits frequently used to describe disabled and non-disabled people. This study found that eight of the ten most frequently listed stereotypic traits from Study 1 were seen as negative, and were rated significantly more negatively than traits used to describe non-disabled people. The knowledge of the contents and valence of the stereotype of ASC gained from this research can be used to tackle negative aspects of this stereotype.
Exploring Requirements of the ‘Would Be’ Expert Cardiac Care Nurse
Authors: Dehghani Hamideh , Nasiriani Khadijeh , Negahdary Masoud
Published: October 2016

BACKGROUND: Cardiovascular interventions have experienced extraordinary progress in the past decades. But it seems that preparation of cardiovascular nurses has not been in pace with the changes. This is while these nurses have a prominent role in the care and management of life-threatening diseases in these wards which can lead to reduced mortality. The present study aimed to explore the effective factors on training a cardiac care nurse.

METHODS: This research is qualitative and applies inductive content analysis. Participants included 7 matrons and 50 nurses selected through purposive sampling method. Data was collected using semi-structured interviews and open questionnaires. Also, conventional approach to content analysis was used to analyze data.

RESULTS: To have a qualified CCU nurse, the findings cover four main themes including specialist nurses (having appropriate personal and professional characteristics), acquiring comprehensive educational content (acquiring specialized cardiac, basic nursing, and general educational content), integrated educational approach (group education, individual education and special education methods), and administrative and organizational requirements (the necessity of recognizing the position of CCU nurses, allocation of material and intellectual benefits, educational and managerial monitoring of supervisors).

CONCLUSION: Since cardiac care nurses play an important role in ensuring nursing care quality in cardiovascular wards and can improve the care delivered to the patients, it is necessary for nurses to have appropriate professional and personal qualities. Therefore, nurses should have training on general, basic nursing, and specialist cardiac content through integrated educational approach. At the same time, managerial and organizational requirements should be established to maintain and improve their competencies and capabilities.
Burnout and Association with Psychosocial Work Environment among Swedish Firefighters
Authors: Jacobsson Ann , Backteman-Erlanson Susann , Padyab Mojgan , Sjölander Annika Egan , Brulin Christine
Published: October 2016

Firefighters are exposed to traumatic and stressful psychosocial and physical strain in their work, and thus they are considered to be a group at high risk of burnout. The aim of this study was to investigate burnout (emotional exhaustion (EE) and depersonalization (DP) among Swedish female and male firefighters and to examine the gender-stratified relationship between psychosocial work environment and burnout when considering the moderating effect of coping strategies among Swedish firefighters. The overall mean values of both EE and DP were notably low in comparison with the general population in Sweden. We found that psychosocial work environment factors increase the risk of burnout among male firefighters. Among men, EE was associated with high demands and lack of social support in work. The association was also confirmed with DP as the outcome and lack of good leadership as the exposure among men. However, among female firefighters the association between psychosocial work environment factors and burnout failed to appear. Among women, EE and DP were only associated with the coping strategy Psychological distancing (PDi). A negative association with DP and the coping strategy Positive Reappraisal (PRe) was also found among women. Regardless of the result from the regression analyses, we must consider that the majority of the female and male firefighters in our study had low scores on the outcome variables EE and DP. Future studies should explore female and male firefighters’ context and possible health-protecting environment.
Predictores del miedo y las habilidades sociales en adolescentes del contexto pluricultural de Ceuta
Authors: Pulido Acosta Federico , Herrera Clavero Francisco
Published: October 2016

ResumenEl objetivo fundamental perseguido en este trabajo fue el de conocer los predictores del Miedo y las Habilidades Sociales, así como las relaciones existentes entre ambos de alumnos de 12 a 18 años, en la ciudad de Ceuta. Para ello se contó con 557 participantes, de 4 institutos distintos, que reflejan las características del contexto pluricultural de la ciudad. De ellos el 54.2 % fueron chicas, mientras que el 45.8 % fueron varones. El 64.5 % pertenecían a la cultura/religión musulmana, mientras que el 35.5 % eran cristianos. Como instrumentos de evaluación se emplearon la adaptación de Ascensio, Vila, Robles-García, Páez, Fresán y Vázquez (2012) del Inventario de Miedo para Niños (FSSC-II), junto con la EHS (Escala de Habilidades Sociales, Gismero, 2000). Los resultados reflejan niveles medio-bajos de Miedo y medio-altos en las Habilidades Sociales. Las Habilidades Sociales sólo se encuentran bajo la influencia de las variables sociodemográficas Género y Cultura. En el Miedo los predictores son el Género y la Cultura/Religión. Existe relación entre Miedo y las Habilidades Sociales, aumentado estas últimas a medida que descienden las puntuaciones en Miedo. AbstractThe main objective of this paper is to reflect the pre­dictors of Fear and Social Skills, and the influence over each other, of teenagers from 12 to 18 in the city of Ceuta. To make it possible we focused on 557 participants from 4 different high schools that clearly reflect the city's pluricultural features; 45.8 % of them are boys and 54.2 % are girls; 64.5 % are Mus­lims and 35.5 % are Christians. The techniques used in this survey are Fear Survey Schedule for Children (FSSC-II), adapted for its use in the Spanish language by Ascensio et al. (2012) as well as the EHS (Gis­mero, 2000). The results show medium-low levels on Fear and medium-high levels on Social Skills. The Social Skills only are influenced by the sociodemo­graphic factors of gender and custom/religion. The Fear is influenced only by gender and cus­toms/religion. We have also found a relationship between Fear and Social Skills
Dialogando sobre emociones con niños en riesgo de exclusión social: un estudio preliminar
Authors: Fernández Angulo Alberto , Quintanilla Laura , Gimenez-Dasi Marta
Published: October 2016

ResumenEste trabajo tiene como objetivo principal probar de forma preliminar el funcionamiento de un programa de intervención para mejorar las competencias emocionales en niños de entre 9 y 10 años en situación de riesgo de exclusión social. El programa se centra en la mejora de algunos componentes del conocimiento y la regulación emocional. Para ello, se utilizó un diseño pre-experimental de un solo grupo con pretest y postest (N=14). Los niños asistieron a las sesiones una vez por semana durante cuatro meses. Los resultados mostraron una mejora estadísticamente significativa en manejo de emociones, adaptabilidad e inestabilidad emocional, además de una utilización más efectiva de estrategias de regulación emocional. No se encontraron diferencias significativas entre niños de familias españolas e inmigrantes. En la discusión se señala la utilidad de estos programas para prevenir problemas de salud mental en este tipo de población.AbstractThe aim of this work was to pilot the efficacy of an intervention programme to enhance emotional com­petences in children aged 9 and 10 living in poverty and risk of social exclusion. The programme focuses on specific components of emotion knowledge and emotion regulation. A one group pre-experimental design with pre and posttest measures was used (N = 14). Children attended weekly sessions during four months. Results showed a significant improve­ment in emotion managing, adaptability and emo­tional instability. Children also showed a more effi­cient use of emotion regulation strategies. No differ­ences were found among Spanish children and chil­dren from other countries. In the discussion section we point out the convenience of this kind of pro­grammes to prevent mental health problems in this population.
Personalidad y su relación con el uso versus abuso del teléfono móvil
Authors: Olivencia-Carrión M. Angustias , Pérez-Marfil M. Nieves , Ramos-Revelles M. Belén , López-Torrecillas Francisca
Published: October 2016

ResumenLas investigaciones realizadas han confirmado que el uso excesivo del teléfono móvil genera efectos perjudiciales en la salud y en las relaciones sociales. El objetivo del presente estudio es analizar las variables de personalidad asociadas al uso versus abuso del teléfono móvil. Ciento sesenta y cinco participantes fueron divididos en tres grupos en función del tiempo de uso diario del teléfono móvil, el Grupo 1 usaba el teléfono móvil menos de una hora al día, el Grupo 2 usaba el teléfono móvil menos de dos horas al día, y el Grupo 3 usaba el teléfono móvil más de cuatro horas al día. Los resultados mostraron que el Grupo 3 presentaba puntuaciones bajas en Estabilidad, Atención a las Normas, Perfeccionismo y Autocontrol y puntuaciones altas en Animación y Extraversión y el Grupo 2 presentaba puntuaciones altas en Extraversión y Ansiedad. Se resalta la implicación de la personalidad en la adicción al móvil.AbstractResearch has confirmed that excessive use of these devices can cause harmful effects on health and social relations of users. The aim of this study is to analyze the personality variables associated with the use versus abuse of mobile-phone. The sample consisted of a total of 165 participants that were divided into three groups depending on the time of daily mobile phone use, the Group 1 using the mobile phone less than an hour a day, the Group 2 using the mobile phone less than two hours a day, and Group 3 using the mobile phone more than four hours a day. The results showed that Group 3 had low scores on Stability, Attention to the Rules, Perfectionism and Self-control and high scores in Animation and Extraversion and Group 2 had higher scores on Extraversion and Anxiety. This study demonstrated the involvement of personality in addiction mobile-phone
Rendimiento de los titulados en Psicología en las pruebas de acceso al PIR
Authors: Expósito-Casas Eva , González-Benito Ana , López-Martín Esther , Moreno-Pulido Alexis
Published: October 2016

ResumenEntre las titulaciones más demandadas por parte de los futuros estudiantes universitarios, figura el Grado en Psicología. Este interés ha traído consigo un incremento de la oferta de plazas en los últimos años, tanto en universidades públicas como privadas, y, consecuentemente, un aumento del número de egresados con dicho perfil académico/profesional. Dentro de las posibles salidas profesionales de estos titulados, se encuentra el acceso al Sistema Nacional de Salud. Para ello, los candidatos deben superar previamente las pruebas selectivas de acceso a plazas de formación sanitaria especializada, tras lo cual, aquellos que obtienen plaza, se incorporan al sistema de formación de posgrado en régimen de residencia (Psicólogo Interno Residente -PIR-). El presente trabajo analiza el rendimiento de los egresados de las distintas Facultades de Psicología españolas en las pruebas de acceso al Sistema Nacional de Salud durante el periodo 2013-2016, y las posibles diferencias en función de variables como el tamaño o la titularidad de las universidades. El carácter nacional de la convocatoria y la objetividad de las pruebas, hacen posible evaluar el impacto educativo y laboral de estas instituciones, incorporando al enfoque de la rendición de cuentas una dimensión social. AbstractThe university degree in Psychology is one of the most popular among prospective university students. As a result, Spanish public and private universities have increased the amount of places and the number of university graduates in Psychology. Access to the National Health System is one professional possibil­ity for these graduates. Applicants must pass an exam to obtain an Internship in Clinical Psychology at the National Health System. This paper analyses the graduate’s exam performance during the period 2013-2016, and also possible differences depending on the size or the ownership of their universities of origin. The objectivity of the national call makes it possible to evaluate the educational and labor impact of universities in society. This perspective incorpo­rates a social dimension to the accountability ap­proach.
Midbrain dopamine neurons signal aversion in a reward-context-dependent manner
Authors: Matsumoto Hideyuki , Tian Ju , Uchida Naoshige , Watabe-Uchida Mitsuko
Published: October 2016

Dopamine is thought to regulate learning from appetitive and aversive events. Here we examined how optogenetically-identified dopamine neurons in the lateral ventral tegmental area of mice respond to aversive events in different conditions. In low reward contexts, most dopamine neurons were exclusively inhibited by aversive events, and expectation reduced dopamine neurons’ responses to reward and punishment. When a single odor predicted both reward and punishment, dopamine neurons’ responses to that odor reflected the integrated value of both outcomes. Thus, in low reward contexts, dopamine neurons signal value prediction errors (VPEs) integrating information about both reward and aversion in a common currency. In contrast, in high reward contexts, dopamine neurons acquired a short-latency excitation to aversive events that masked their VPE signaling. Our results demonstrate the importance of considering the contexts to examine the representation in dopamine neurons and uncover different modes of dopamine signaling, each of which may be adaptive for different environments.
Intramuscular Neurotrophin-3 normalizes low threshold spinal reflexes, reduces spasms and improves mobility after bilateral corticospinal tract injury in rats
Authors: Kathe Claudia , Hutson Thomas Haynes , McMahon Stephen Brendan , Moon Lawrence David Falcon
Published: October 2016

Brain and spinal injury reduce mobility and often impair sensorimotor processing in the spinal cord leading to spasticity. Here, we establish that complete transection of corticospinal pathways in the pyramids impairs locomotion and leads to increased spasms and excessive mono- and polysynaptic low threshold spinal reflexes in rats. Treatment of affected forelimb muscles with an adeno-associated viral vector (AAV) encoding human Neurotrophin-3 at a clinically-feasible time-point after injury reduced spasticity. Neurotrophin-3 normalized the short latency Hoffmann reflex to a treated hand muscle as well as low threshold polysynaptic spinal reflexes involving afferents from other treated muscles. Neurotrophin-3 also enhanced locomotor recovery. Furthermore, the balance of inhibitory and excitatory boutons in the spinal cord and the level of an ion co-transporter in motor neuron membranes required for normal reflexes were normalized. Our findings pave the way for Neurotrophin-3 as a therapy that treats the underlying causes of spasticity and not only its symptoms.
Methylglyoxal, a glycolysis side-product, induces Hsp90 glycation and YAP-mediated tumor growth and metastasis
Authors: Nokin Marie-Julie , Durieux Florence , Peixoto Paul , Chiavarina Barbara , Peulen Olivier , Blomme Arnaud , Turtoi Andrei , Costanza Brunella , Smargiasso Nicolas , Baiwir Dominique , Scheijen Jean L , Schalkwijk Casper G , Leenders Justine , De Tullio Pascal , Bianchi Elettra , Thiry Marc , Uchida Koji , Spiegel David A , Cochrane James R , Hutton Craig A , De Pauw Edwin , Delvenne Philippe , Belpomme Dominique , Castronovo Vincent , Bellahcène Akeila
Published: October 2016

Metabolic reprogramming toward aerobic glycolysis unavoidably induces methylglyoxal (MG) formation in cancer cells. MG mediates the glycation of proteins to form advanced glycation end products (AGEs). We have recently demonstrated that MG-induced AGEs are a common feature of breast cancer. Little is known regarding the impact of MG-mediated carbonyl stress on tumor progression. Breast tumors with MG stress presented with high nuclear YAP, a key transcriptional co-activator regulating tumor growth and invasion. Elevated MG levels resulted in sustained YAP nuclear localization/activity that could be reverted using Carnosine, a scavenger for MG. MG treatment affected Hsp90 chaperone activity and decreased its binding to LATS1, a key kinase of the Hippo pathway. Cancer cells with high MG stress showed enhanced growth and metastatic potential in vivo. These findings reinforce the cumulative evidence pointing to hyperglycemia as a risk factor for cancer incidence and bring renewed interest in MG scavengers for cancer treatment.
The truth is in the distribution
Authors: Raman Indira M
Published: October 2016

There may be as many ways to think about the experience of women in science as there are women in science. Indira Raman offers one perspective.
What’s in the pipeline for open access in Sweden? Progress report from a national and institutional perspective
Authors: Eellend Beate , Gilbert Jonas
Published: October 2016

Watch the VIDEO of the presentation.In January 2013 the Swedish Government commissioned the Swedish Research Council to develop a proposal for national guidelines for open access to scientific information, in collaboration with the National Library of Sweden. Comments from different stakeholders were collected through meetings, dialogues as well as an open web forum during 2013 and 2014. Many of the views expressed were utilized in the final document.The final proposal, which includes guidelines for both scientific publications, artistic works and research data, was submitted to the Government in January 2015. Also, the proposal contains recommendations on what needs to be further investigated and solved, in order to enable the fulfillment of the strategic objectives for 2025, when all scientific publications and artistic works resulting from research financed with public funds shall be published immediately with open access.In December 2015 the Swedish Government invited approximately 100 representatives from HEIs, funders, research and library organizations as well as researchers to a national hearing. The aim was to discuss how Sweden and the government can proceed with the transformation to an open access publishing system. During the hearing it was emphasized that the transformation to an open access publishing system in many respects is connected to the existing qualification and funding allocation system. Therefore there is a need for strong incentives for researchers to publish open access. Also, there is a national and international need to get control of both subscription fees and APCs in order to facilitate the transition to an open access publication system.At the end of 2016 the Government is expected to address the national guidelines in the Budget bill, the Research Bill as well as in different appropriation directives to national HEI’s and funders. Also, the Minister for Research and Higher Education has expressed the will to notify a national coordination task to the National Library of Sweden regarding open access to scientific publications and artistic works and a parallel coordination task to the Swedish Research Council regarding open access to research data. The Swedish Government supports the European Council Conclusions on the transition towards and Open Science System.Our proposed presentation aims to give a state of the art report of the current development, both from a national perspective and from an institutional perspective. How are we are preparing to implement the guidelines? What strategies are institutions and libraries using, both with regard to publishers and researchers? We hope to inspire a discussion and exchange of experiences, since several countries now are in a similar process.
Who needs Access to Research? The Case of Pharmaceutical Industry
Authors: ElSabry ElHassan , Sumikura Koichi
Published: October 2016

Watch the VIDEO of the presentation.Despite what many people claim about how Open Access to scientific research will be good for society (beyond academia), the body of literature on the issue of Open Access hardly offers any evidence on that. Anecdotal evidence exists for how some practicing doctors, small companies, policymakers or patient groups can benefit from such access. Yet, there are very few formal studies to quantify or measure such benefits. This study attempts to tackle part of the issue by analyzing citations to research papers in patent documents of US pharmaceutical companies to identify variables that correlate with how much Open Access papers a company cites in its patents. The ratio of citations to OA Journals (as identified in the Directory of Open Access Journals) to all journal citations in a given patent document is treated as the dependent variable in a multiple regression analysis. The main hypothesis to be tested in this study is that the high cost of journal subscription discriminates against small companies leading them to rely more on Open Access references in researching new drugs. Several control parameters are to be included like whether the company co-owns the patent with a university or with a different company, the availability and popularity of open access journals at the year prior to patent grant and whether the patented technology is pharmaceutical or not. The main limitation to the study is that it only considers gold open access papers. While one can argue that clarifying who needs access does not matter because (if the Open Access Movement succeeds) all research will be available for anyone on the internet anyway, this study assumes that such clarification still maters. Knowing who needs access will help to determine the venues where Open Access is to be advocated, the kind of political support the Open Access Movement should get and, perhaps more importantly, who should bear the cost of making the scientific literature Open Access.
Determining the distribution loss of brown eared-pheasant (Crossoptilon mantchuricum) using historical data and potential distribution estimates
Authors: Li Yilin , Li Xinhai , Song Zitan , Ding Changqing
Published: October 2016

We analyzed the synchronous relationship between forest cover and species distribution to explain the contraction in the distribution range of the brown eared-pheasant (Crossoptilon mantchuricum) in China. Historical resources can provide effective records for reconstructing long-term distribution dynamics. The brown eared-pheasant’s historical distribution from 25 to 1947 CE, which included the three provinces of Shaanxi, Shanxi, and Hebei based on this species’ habitat selection criteria, the history of the forests, ancient climate change records, and fossil data. The current species distribution covers Shaanxi, Shanxi, and Hebei provinces, as well as Beijing city, while Shanxi remains the center of the distribution area. MaxEnt model indicated that the suitable conditions of the brown eared-pheasant had retreated to the western regions of Shanxi and that the historical distribution area had reduced synchronously with the disappearance of local forest cover in Shanxi. We built a correlative relationship between the presence/absence of brown eared-pheasants and forest coverage and found that forest coverage in the north, northeast, central, and southeast areas of the Shanxi province were all less than 10% in 1911. Wild brown eared-pheasants are stable in the Luliang Mountains, where forest coverage reached 13.2% in 2000. Consequently, we concluded that the distribution of this species is primarily determined by vegetation conditions and that forest cover was the most significant determining factor.
Beech cupules as keystone structures for soil fauna
Authors: Melguizo-Ruiz Nereida , Jiménez-Navarro Gerardo , Moya-Laraño Jordi
Published: October 2016

Facilitative or positive interactions are ubiquitous in nature and play a fundamental role in the configuration of ecological communities. In particular, habitat modification and niche construction, in which one organism locally modifies abiotic conditions and favours other organisms by buffering the effects of adverse environmental factors, are among the most relevant facilitative interactions. In line with this, ‘keystone structures’, which provide resources, refuge, or advantageous services decisive for other species, may allow the coexistence of various species and thus considerably contribute to diversity maintenance. Beech cupules are woody husks harbouring beech fruits that remain in the forest soil for relatively long periods of time. In this study, we explored the potential role of these cupules in the distribution and maintenance of the soil fauna inhabiting the leaf litter layer. We experimentally manipulated cupule availability and soil moisture in the field to determine if such structures are limiting and can provide moist shelter to soil animals during drought periods, contributing to minimize desiccation risks. We measured invertebrate abundances inside relative to outside the cupules, total abundances in the leaf litter and animal body sizes, in both dry and wet experimental plots. We found that these structures are preferentially used by the most abundant groups of smaller soil animals—springtails, mites and enchytraeids—during droughts. Moreover, beech cupules can be limiting, as an increase in use was found with higher cupule densities, and are important resources for many small soil invertebrates, driving the spatial structure of the soil community and promoting higher densities in the leaf litter, probably through an increase in habitat heterogeneity. We propose that fruit woody structures should be considered ‘keystone structures’ that contribute to soil community maintenance. Therefore, beech trees may indirectly facilitate soil fauna activities through their decaying fruit husks, hence acting as ecosystem engineers.
Systematic review on the conservation genetics of African savannah elephants
Authors: Zacarias Daniel , Bini Luis Mauricio , Loyola Rafael
Published: October 2016

Background

In this paper we review the conservation genetics of African savannah elephants, aiming to understand the spatio-temporal research trends and their underlying factors. As such, we explore three questions associated to the conservation genetics and molecular ecology of these elephants: (1) what are the research trends concerning the conservation genetics ofLoxodonta africana? (2) Do richer countries conduct more research on the genetics of African elephants? (3) Which attributes influence where scholars conduct their research?

Materials and Methods

We examined available peer-reviewed publications from 1993 to 2014 in complementary online databases, including the ISI/Web of Science (WoS), Scopus and Google Scholar (GS), and searched for publications in scientific journals as well as in the reference section of these publications. We analyzed the annual trend of publications in this field of research, including the number of authors, levels of collaboration among authors, year of publication, publishing journal and the countries from where genetic samples were collected. Additionally, we identified main research clusters, authors, and institutional collaborations, based on co-citation and co-occurrence networks.

Results

We found that during the study period there was a positive trend in the number of publications and a reduction in the number of authors per paper. Twenty-five countries contributed, with the majority of publications authored by researchers in the USA, Kenya and South Africa. The majority of samples were collected in Kenya, Tanzania and South Africa. Research outputs are associated with the existence of long-term conservation/research projects and research potential as measured by the literacy rate and the number of higher education institutions in a country. Five research clusters were identified, focusing on the origin and evolution of the species, methodological issues and the relatedness among elephant species.

Conclusions

Research in this field should be expanded to additional countries harboring elephant populations to enable a more comprehensive understanding of the population structure and genetic differentiation of the species, and to cope with challenges associated with the conservation of the species such as illegal hunting, habitat fragmentation, species reintroduction and climate change.
Performance of joint modelling of time-to-event data with time-dependent predictors: an assessment based on transition to psychosis data
Authors: Yuen Hok Pan , Mackinnon Andrew
Published: October 2016

Joint modelling has emerged to be a potential tool to analyse data with a time-to-event outcome and longitudinal measurements collected over a series of time points. Joint modelling involves the simultaneous modelling of the two components, namely the time-to-event component and the longitudinal component. The main challenges of joint modelling are the mathematical and computational complexity. Recent advances in joint modelling have seen the emergence of several software packages which have implemented some of the computational requirements to run joint models. These packages have opened the door for more routine use of joint modelling. Through simulations and real data based on transition to psychosis research, we compared joint model analysis of time-to-event outcome with the conventional Cox regression analysis. We also compared a number of packages for fitting joint models. Our results suggest that joint modelling do have advantages over conventional analysis despite its potential complexity. Our results also suggest that the results of analyses may depend on how the methodology is implemented.
Green synthesis of silver nanoparticles in aloe vera plant extract prepared by a hydrothermal method and their synergistic antibacterial activity
Authors: Tippayawat Patcharaporn , Phromviyo Nutthakritta , Boueroy Parichart , Chompoosor Apiwat
Published: October 2016

Background

There is worldwide interest in silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) synthesized by various chemical reactions for use in applications exploiting their antibacterial activity, even though these processes exhibit a broad range of toxicity in vertebrates and invertebrates alike. To avoid the chemical toxicity, biosynthesis (green synthesis) of metal nanoparticles is proposed as a cost-effective and environmental friendly alternative. Aloe vera leaf extract is a medicinal agent with multiple properties including an antibacterial effect. Moreover the constituents of aloe vera leaves include lignin, hemicellulose, and pectins which can be used in the reduction of silver ions to produce as AgNPs@aloe vera (AgNPs@AV) with antibacterial activity.

Methods

AgNPs were prepared by an eco-friendly hydrothermal method using an aloe vera plant extract solution as both a reducing and stabilizing agent. AgNPs@AV were characterized using XRD and SEM. Additionally, an agar well diffusion method was used to screen for antimicrobial activity. MIC and MBC were used to correlate the concentration of AgNPs@AV its bactericidal effect. SEM was used to investigate bacterial inactivation. Then the toxicity with human cells was investigated using an MTT assay.

Results

The synthesized AgNPs were crystalline with sizes of 70.70 ± 22-192.02 ± 53 nm as revealed using XRD and SEM. The sizes of AgNPs can be varied through alteration of times and temperatures used in their synthesis. These AgNPs were investigated for potential use as an antibacterial agent to inhibit pathogenic bacteria. Their antibacterial activity was tested onS. epidermidisandP. aeruginosa. The results showed that AgNPs had a high antibacterial which depended on their synthesis conditions, particularly when processed at 100oC for 6 h and 200oC for 12 h. The cytotoxicity of AgNPs was determined using human PBMCs revealing no obvious cytotoxicity. These results indicated that AgNPs@AV can be effectively utilized in pharmaceutical, biotechnological and biomedical applications.

Discussion

Aloe vera extract was processed using a green and facile method. This was a hydrothermal method to reduce silver nitrate to AgNPs@AV. Varying the hydrothermal temperature provided the fine spherical shaped nanoparticles. The size of the nanomaterial was affected by its thermal preparation. The particle size of AgNPs could be tuned by varying both time and temperature. A process using a pure AG phase could go to completion in 6 h at 200oC, whereas reactions at lower temperatures required longer times. Moreover, the antibacterial effect of this hybrid nanomaterial was sufficient that it could be used to inhibit pathogenic bacteria since silver release was dependent upon its particle size. The high activity of the largest AgNPs might have resulted from a high concentration of aloe vera compounds incorporated into the AgNPs during hydrothermal synthesis.
Human cystatin C monomer, dimer, oligomer, and amyloid structures are related to health and disease
Authors: Jurczak Przemyslaw , Groves Patrick , Szymanska Aneta , Rodziewicz‐Motowidlo Sylwia
Published: October 2016

Human cystatin C (hCC) is a small protein belonging to the cystatin family of papain‐like cysteine proteinase inhibitors. We review the recent literature concerning structural aspects of hCC related to disease. We focus on the mechanisms of hCC dimerization, oligomerization, and amyloid formation. Amyloid formation is associated with a number of neurodegenerative diseases that affect the independence and quality of life of aging populations. hCC is one of the second‐wave proteins that have been found to undergo amyloidosis associated with disease. For hCC, this includes cerebral amyloid angiopathy, as well as a disorder resulting in reduced male fertility.
Using CATS near‐real‐time lidar observations to monitor and constrain volcanic sulfur dioxide (SO2) forecasts
Authors: Hughes E. J. , Yorks J. , Krotkov N. A. , da Silva A. M. , McGill M.
Published: October 2016

An eruption of Italian volcano Mount Etna on 3 December 2015 produced fast‐moving sulfur dioxide (SO2) and sulfate aerosol clouds that traveled across Asia and the Pacific Ocean, reaching North America in just 5 days. The Ozone Profiler and Mapping Suite's Nadir Mapping UV spectrometer aboard the U.S. National Polar‐orbiting Partnership satellite observed the horizontal transport of the SO2 cloud. Vertical profiles of the colocated volcanic sulfate aerosols were observed between 11.5 and 13.5 km by the new Cloud Aerosol Transport System (CATS) space‐based lidar aboard the International Space Station. Backward trajectory analysis estimates the SO2 cloud altitude at 7–12 km. Eulerian model simulations of the SO2 cloud constrained by CATS measurements produced more accurate dispersion patterns compared to those initialized with the back trajectory height estimate. The near‐real‐time data processing capabilities of CATS are unique, and this work demonstrates the use of these observations to monitor and model volcanic clouds.
Role of regional wetland emissions in atmospheric methane variability
Authors: McNorton J. , Gloor E. , Wilson C. , Hayman G. D. , Gedney N. , Comyn‐Platt E. , Marthews T. , Parker R. J. , Boesch H. , Chipperfield M. P.
Published: October 2016

Atmospheric methane (CH4) accounts for ~20% of the total direct anthropogenic radiative forcing by long‐lived greenhouse gases. Surface observations show a pause (1999–2006) followed by a resumption in CH4 growth, which remain largely unexplained. Using a land surface model, we estimate wetland CH4 emissions from 1993 to 2014 and study the regional contributions to changes in atmospheric CH4. Atmospheric model simulations using these emissions, together with other sources, compare well with surface and satellite CH4 data. Modeled global wetland emissions vary by ±3%/yr (σ = 4.8 Tg), mainly due to precipitation‐induced changes in wetland area, but the integrated effect makes only a small contribution to the pause in CH4 growth from 1999 to 2006. Increasing temperature, which increases wetland area, drives a long‐term trend in wetland CH4 emissions of +0.2%/yr (1999 to 2014). The increased growth post‐2006 was partly caused by increased wetland emissions (+3%), mainly from Tropical Asia, Southern Africa, and Australia.
An unexpected restructuring of combustion soot aggregates by subnanometer coatings of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons
Authors: Chen Chao , Fan Xiaolong , Shaltout Tasneem , Qiu Chong , Ma Yan , Goldman Andrew , Khalizov Alexei F.
Published: October 2016

We investigated the effect of thin polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) coatings on the structure of soot aggregates. Soot aerosol from an inverted diffusion burner was size classified, thermally denuded, coated with six different PAHs, and then characterized using scanning electron microscopy, light scattering, and mass‐mobility measurements. Contrary to our expectation, significant restructuring was observed in the presence of subnanometer layers of pyrene, fluoranthene, and phenanthrene. These PAHs remained in subcooled liquid state in thin films, whereby the liquid layer acted as a lubricant, reducing the force required to initiate the restructuring. Thin layers of PAH of higher melting temperatures (perylene, anthracene, and triphenylene) presumably remained solid because these chemicals induced lesser structural changes. Our results suggest that some of the intrinsic PAH generated during incomplete combustion may induce significant restructuring of soot aggregates, even when present in small quantities, altering the properties and atmospheric impacts of combustion aerosols.
Upper arm and cardiac magnetic resonance imaging in Duchenne muscular dystrophy
Authors: Gaur Lasya , Hanna Alexander , Bandettini W. Patricia , Fischbeck Kenneth H. , Arai Andrew E. , Mankodi Ami
Published: October 2016

We analyzed quantitative maps of T1 and T2 relaxation times and muscle fat fraction measurements in magnetic resonance imaging of the upper arm skeletal muscles and heart in ambulatory boys with Duchenne muscular dystrophy and age‐range‐matched healthy volunteer boys. The cardiac‐optimized sequences detected fatty infiltration and edema in the upper arm skeletal muscles but not the myocardium in these Duchenne muscular dystrophy boys who had normal ejection fraction. Imaging the heart and skeletal muscle using the same magnetic resonance imaging methods during a single scan may be useful in assessing relative disease status and therapeutic response in clinical trials of Duchenne muscular dystrophy.
Development of a Transparent Scratch Resistant Coating through Direct Oxidation of Al‐Coated Glass
Authors: Mousavi Sayed Hadi , Jilavi Mohammad Hossein , Koch Marcus , Arzt Eduard , de Oliveira Peter William
Published: October 2016

The authors develop a protective transparent coating of aluminum oxide through direct oxidation of aluminum‐coated glass. Aluminum coatings are deposited on low‐iron glass substrates using a physical deposition method and then oxidized at different temperatures. A uniform nano‐porous structure with grain sizes of approximately 30–80 nm is observed. X‐ray diffraction, TEM images, and EDX analysis indicate the formation of crystalline γ‐Al2O3, Si, and stishovite‐SiO2 as a result of interdiffusion. The samples treated at different temperatures have hardness values ranging from 5 to 9 H, which is within the desirable range for industrial scratch‐resistant coatings. The optical transmission of around 75–85% at visible wavelengths makes the proposed technique useful for the design of protective transparent coatings.