bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The impact of coaching orientation on subordinate performance: the moderating effects of implicit person theory and LMX
Authors: Lin Wen‐Jeng , Lin Chun‐Yu , Chang Yu‐Hsuan
Published: February 2016

Manager‐as‐coach (MAC) has been critical for facilitating and enhancing subordinate learning and development. ‘Regulatory fit’ and ‘leader–member exchange’ (LMX) can be two key factors in the coaching relationship between coaches (supervisors) and coachees (subordinates). This study investigated the impact of different coaching orientations – promotion and prevention – on subordinate performance, and examined the moderating effects of coachees' implicit person beliefs and LMX. Four results were found. First, a promotion coaching orientation was positively related to subordinate performance, and it had a more positive effect on subordinate performance than a prevention coaching orientation. Second, subordinates with incremental beliefs relative to subordinates with entity beliefs experienced a better regulatory fit and demonstrated better performance following promotion‐oriented coaching. Third, the subordinates in higher quality LMX relationships had better performance following a promotion coaching orientation. Fourth, LMX had a main effect on the subordinate performance following prevention‐oriented coaching, which implies a compensatory effect between a high‐quality LMX relationship and a prevention coaching orientation.
Linking demography with drivers: climate and competition
Authors: Teller Brittany J. , Adler Peter B. , Edwards Collin B. , Hooker Giles , Ellner Stephen P.
Published: February 2016

In observational demographic data, the number of measured factors that could potentially drive demography (such as daily weather records between two censuses) can easily exceed the number of independent observations. Thus, identifying the important drivers requires alternatives to standard model selection and variable selection methods.

Spline methods that estimate smooth functions over continuous domains (such as space or time) have the potential to resolve high‐dimensional problems in ecological systems. We consider two examples that are important for many plant populations: competition with neighbours that vary in size and distance from the focal individual and climate variables during a window of time before a response (growth, survival, etc.) is measured.

For competition covariates, we use a simulation study based on empirical data to show that a monotone spline estimate of competition kernels via approximate AIC returns very accurate estimates. We then apply the method to long‐term, mapped quadrat data on the four dominant species in an Idaho (US) sagebrush steppe community.

For climate predictors and their temporal lags, we use simulated data sets to compare functional smoothing methods with competing linear (LASSO) or machine learning (random forests) methods. Given sufficient data, functional smoothing methods outperformed the other two methods.

Functional smoothing methods can advance data‐driven population modelling by providing alternatives to specifying competition kernelsa prioriand to arbitrarily aggregating continuous environmental covariates. However, there are important open questions related to modelling of nonlinear climate responses and size × climate interactions.
plant: A package for modelling forest trait ecology and evolution
Authors: Falster Daniel S. , FitzJohn Richard G. , Brännström Åke , Dieckmann Ulf , Westoby Mark
Published: February 2016

Population dynamics in forests are strongly size‐structured: larger plants shade smaller plants while also expending proportionately more energy on building and maintaining woody stems. Although the importance of size structure for demography is widely recognized, many models either omit it entirely or include only coarse approximations.

Here, we introduce the plant package, an extensible framework for modelling size‐ and trait‐structured demography, ecology and evolution in simulated forests. At its core, plant is an individual‐based model where plant physiology and demography are mediated by traits. Individual plants from multiple species can be grown in isolation, in patches of competing plants or in metapopulations under a disturbance regime. These dynamics can be integrated into metapopulation‐level estimates of invasion fitness and vegetation structure. Because fitness emerges as a function of traits, plant provides a novel arena for exploring eco‐evolutionary dynamics.

plant is an open source R package and is available at github.com/traitecoevo/plant. Accessed from R, the core routines in plant are written in C++. The package provides for alternative physiologies and for capturing trade‐offs among parameters. A detailed test suite is provided to ensure correct behaviour of the code.

plant provides a transparent platform for investigating how physiological rules and functional trade‐offs interact with competition and disturbance regimes to influence vegetation demography, structure and diversity.
Estimating demand for primary care‐based treatment for substance and alcohol use disorders
Authors: Barry Colleen L. , Epstein Andrew J. , Fiellin David A. , Fraenkel Liana , Busch Susan H.
Published: February 2016

Background and Aims

While there is broad recognition of the high societal costs of substance use disorders (SUD), treatment rates are low. We examined whether, in the United States, participants with substance or alcohol use disorder would report a greater willingness to enter SUD treatment located in a primary care setting (primary care) or more commonly found specialty care setting in the United States (usual care).

Design

Randomized survey‐embedded experiment.

Setting

US web‐based research panel in which participants were randomized to read one‐paragraph vignettes describing treatment in usual care (specialty drug or alcohol treatment center), primary care or collaborative care within a primary care setting.

Participants

A total of 42 451 panelists aged 18+ were screened for substance or alcohol use disorder using validated diagnostic criteria. Participants included 344 with a substance use disorder and 634 with an alcohol use disorder not in treatment with no prior treatment history.

Measures

Willingness to enter treatment across vignettes by condition.

Findings

Among participants with a substance use disorder, 24.6% of those randomized to usual care reported being willing to enter drug treatment compared with 37.2% for primary care [12.6 percentage point difference; 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.8, 24.4) and 34.0% for collaborative care (9.4 percentage point difference; 95% CI = –2.0, 20.8). Among participants with an alcohol use disorder, 17.6% of those randomized to usual care reported being willing to enter alcohol treatment compared with 20.3% for primary care (2.6 percentage point difference; 95% CI = –4.9, 10.1) and 20.8% for collaborative care (3.1 percentage point difference; 95% CI = –4.3, 10.6). The most common reason for not being willing to enter drug (63%) and alcohol (78%) treatment was the belief that treatment was not needed.

Conclusions

In the United States, people diagnosed with substance or alcohol use disorders appear to be more willing to enter treatment in a primary care setting than in a specialty drug treatment center. Expanding availability of primary care‐based substance use disorder treatment could increase treatment rates in the United States.
Perineural versus intravenous dexamethasone as adjuncts to local anaesthetic brachial plexus block for shoulder surgery
Authors: Rosenfeld D. M. , Ivancic M. G. , Hattrup S. J. , Renfree K. J. , Watkins A. R. , Hentz J. G. , Gorlin A. W. , Spiro J. A. , Trentman T. L.
Published: February 2016

This randomised, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled study compared the effect of perineural with intravenous dexamethasone, both administered concomitantly with interscalene brachial plexus block for shoulder surgery. Patients received 8 mg dexamethasone mixed with ropivacaine in the block injection (n = 42), 8 mg dexamethasone intravenously at the time of the block (n = 37), or intravenous saline (n = 41) at the time of the block. Perineural and intravenous dexamethasone resulted in prolonged mean (SD) duration of block to 16.9 (5.2) h and 18.2 (6.4) h, respectively, compared with 13.8 (3.8) h for saline (p = 0.001). Mean (SD) opioid consumption (morphine equivalents) during the first 24 h after postanaesthesia recovery arrival was 12.2 (9.3) mg in the perineural dexamethasone, 17.1 (15.9) mg in the intravenous dexamethasone and 24.1 (14.3) mg in the saline groups (p = 0.001). Dexamethasone via either route reduced anti‐emetic use (p = 0.046). There was no effect on patient satisfaction. These results suggest that both perineural and intravenous dexamethasone are useful adjuncts to ropivacaine interscalene block, with the intravenous route preferred as this avoids the possibility of neural toxicity of dexamethasone.
Danish Ophthalmology – from start to 1865
Authors: Norn Mogens
Published: February 2016

This short paper mentioned the medical treatment using the ‘holy’ springs, the first ‘eye doctor’ in Denmark, the first picture of spectacles which was found in Viborg Cathedral of the high priest before he performs circumcisio præputii on Jesus Christ, further cataract reclination in Denmark from around year zero and cataract extraction in 1667 in Denmark on a goose by Francisco Borri and on humans by the Danish Georg Heuermann in 1755. Epidemic military eye diseases in 1807, 1856 and 1865 are also described in this study. From 1856, a new ophthalmological period started in Denmark with the first eye hospital (lazaret only for eye diseases), and in 1864, patients with eye diseases were transported from the few beds in the surgical departments in the municipal hospital to the first civil eye department in Denmark, the eye hospital Sct. Annae in Copenhagen. The new scientific period started with Jacob Christian Bentz (ophthalmia granulosa, joint editor of the Danish Medical Journal) and Heinrich Lehmann.
HORIZONTAL MERGERS WITH CAPITAL ADJUSTMENT: WORKERS' COOPERATIVES AND THE MERGER PARADOX
Authors: DELBONO Flavio , LAMBERTINI Luca
Published: February 2016

We study the incentives towards horizontal merger among firms when the amount of capital is the strategic variable. We focus on workers' cooperatives, but our conclusions apply also to employment‐constrained profit maximizers. Within a simple oligopoly model, we prove that the horizontal merger, for any merger size, is: (i) privately efficient for insiders as well as for outsiders; (ii) socially efficient if market size is large enough, even in the case of merger to monopoly.
CHANGING ORGANIZATIONAL FORM: DEMUTUALIZATION AND THE PRIVATIZATION OF COMMUNAL WEALTH – AUSTRALIAN CREDIT UNION EXPERIENCES
Authors: DAVIS Kevin
Published: February 2016

Recent decades have seen substantial demutualization of financial institutions around the world, involving the conversion of accumulated communally owned wealth into private wealth. Whether driven by a quest for a more efficient organizational structure or by wealth expropriation incentives, different methods of demutualization have different implications for wealth allocation among current members and transfers of wealth to outsiders. While credit union sectors internationally have, to date, experienced few demutualizations, there are increasing incentives for such organizational change. Three alternative demutualization strategies (share issue to members plus an external capital raising, liquidation and cash distribution to members (a quasi‐demutualization), and merger with a listed company) recently used by Australian credit unions are analysed to highlight wealth implications, survival risks for the mutual form and potential problems arising in the demutualization process.
Helicobacter pylori infection is associated with a reduced risk of developing eosinophilic oesophagitis
Authors: von Arnim U. , Wex T. , Link A. , Messerschmidt M. , Venerito M. , Miehlke S. , Malfertheiner P.
Published: February 2016

Background

Eosinophilic oesophagitis (EoE) represents a chronic immune‐antigen‐mediated allergic disease of the oesophagus of still unknown aetiology. Environmental exposure has been postulated to play a pathogenetic role. Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection has been inversely associated with allergic diseases including atopic dermatitis, asthma and allergic rhinitis and H. pylori may play a protective role in these conditions. Little is known about the relationship between EoE and H. pylori.

Aim

To investigate in a case–control study whether H. pylori infection is associated with a reduced risk of developing EoE.

Methods

H. pylori infection was evaluated by serology in 58 [11(19%) female, 47 (81%) male, median age: 36.5 years, range 20–72 years] patients with a clinical and histologically proven diagnosis of EoE and 116 age and sex‐matched controls (1 case: 2 controls). Antibodies against H. pylori were identified by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay. Patients with H. pylori‐specific IgG ≥30 enzyme immunounits were classified as H. pylori‐positive.

Results

3/58 (5.2%) patients with EoE had serological evidence of H. pylori infection (EoE – H. pylori current infection) and 5/58 (8.6%) reported prior eradication therapy for H. pylori infection (EoE – H. pylori former infection). The control group demonstrated significantly higher seroprevalence of H. pylori (37.9%, P < 0.0001) when compared to patients with EoE. EoE was inversely associated with H. pylori infection [odds ratio (OR) 0.24, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.11–0.50].

Conclusion

Helicobacter pylori infection is inversely associated with EoE. Our results may contribute to further understanding the pathogenesis and evolving aetiology of EoE.
Parents' involvement in care order decisions: a cross‐country study of front‐line practice
Authors: Berrick Jill , Dickens Jonathan , Pösö Tarja , Skivenes Marit
Published: February 2016

This article examines parents' involvement in care order decision‐making in four countries at one particular point in the care order process, namely, when the child protection worker discusses with the parents his or her considerations regarding child removal. The countries represent different child welfare systems with Norway and Finland categorized as ‘family service systems’ and the USA as a ‘child protection system’, with England somewhere in between. The focus is on whether the forms and intensity of involvement are different in these four countries and whether the system orientation towards family services or child protection influences practice in the social welfare agencies with parents. Involvement is studied in terms of providing information to parents, collecting information from parents and ensuring inclusion in the decision‐making processes. A vignette method is employed in a survey with 768 responses from child protection workers in four countries. The findings do not show a consistent pattern of difference regarding parental involvement in care order preparations that align with the type of child welfare system in which staff work. The goal in each child welfare system is to include parents, but the precise ways in which it is carried out (or not) vary. Methodological suggestions are given for further studies.
Differential Effects of Antiepileptic Drugs on Focal Seizures in the Intrahippocampal Kainate Mouse Model of Mesial Temporal Lobe Epilepsy
Authors: Duveau Venceslas , Pouyatos Benoît , Bressand Karine , Bouyssières Céline , Chabrol Tanguy , Roche Yann , Depaulis Antoine , Roucard Corinne
Published: February 2016

Aims

Mesial temporal lobe epilepsy (MTLE) is the most common form of drug‐refractory epilepsy. Most of the morphological and electrophysiological features of human MTLE can be reproduced in a mouse by a unilateral intrahippocampal injection of kainate (MTLE mouse model). The effects of antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) on the occurrence of recurrent focal hippocampal seizures in this model remain to be specified. Here, we addressed the pharmacological reactivity of this model to the most commonly used AEDs.

Methods

Using depth electroencephalographical (EEG) recordings, we tested the dose–response effects of acute injection of nine AEDs on the occurrence of hippocampal paroxysmal discharges (HPDs) as well as on ictal and interictal power spectra in the MTLE mouse model.

Results

Valproate, carbamazepine, and lamotrigine dose dependently suppressed HPDs and modified the general behavior and/or EEG activity. Levetiracetam and pregabalin suppressed HPDs at high doses but without any behavioral nor interictal EEG changes. Finally, phenobarbital, tiagabine, vigabatrin, and diazepam suppressed HPDs in a dose‐dependent manner at doses devoid of obvious behavioral effects.

Conclusion

The MTLE mouse model displays a differential sensitivity to AEDs with a greater efficacy of drug that facilitates GABAergic transmission. This model provides an efficient tool to identify new treatment for drug‐resistant forms of focal epilepsies.
Timing of adjuvant chemotherapy in colorectal cancer
Authors: dos Santos L. V. , Faria T. M. V. , Lima A. B. C. , Abdalla K. C. , de Moraes E. D. , Cruz M. R. , Lima J. P.
Published: February 2016

Aim

Delay in commencing adjuvant therapy for colorectal cancer seems to impair survival in some retrospective studies. This study was planned to evaluate its impact on survival.

Methods

This was a retrospective study enrolling patients registered from 2000 to 2012 in two large cancer‐dedicated institutions in Brazil. The primary outcome was overall survival according to early vs late chemotherapy initiation. The interval between the primary surgery and the start of adjuvant chemotherapy was calculated. Survival was estimated using the Kaplan–Meier method and the impact of multiple prognostic factors on survival by Cox regression analysis.

Results

By the end of 2012, a total of 1963 Stage II and III colorectal patients were identified and 1318 patients received adjuvant chemotherapy, with 22% and 46% of those starting adjuvant chemotherapy within 6 weeks and 8 weeks of surgery. The median period of follow‐up was 41 months. Patients starting chemotherapy within 6–8 weeks of surgery had longer overall survival compared with those who started after (6 weeks vs later, hazard ratio 0.76, 95% CI 0.57–0.99, P = 0.046; 8 weeks vs later, hazard ratio 0.74, 95% CI 0.59–0.93, P = 0.011). In the multivariate analysis, age, stage, histological grade, angiolymphatic invasion, emergency surgery and preoperative therapy were independent prognostic factors, but the interval between surgery and start of adjuvant therapy was not.

Conclusion

In this large retrospective study, the standard prognostic factors impacted on survival whereas the timing of adjuvant therapy did not. Patients with delayed adjuvant chemotherapy may have worse prognostic factors which could play a major role in their poor outcome.
Perceptual Learning of Intonation Contour Categories in Adults and 9‐ to 11‐Year‐Old Children: Adults Are More Narrow‐Minded
Authors: Kapatsinski Vsevolod , Olejarczuk Paul , Redford Melissa A.
Published: February 2016

We report on rapid perceptual learning of intonation contour categories in adults and 9‐ to 11‐year‐old children. Intonation contours are temporally extended patterns, whose perception requires temporal integration and therefore poses significant working memory challenges. Both children and adults form relatively abstract representations of intonation contours: Previously encountered and novel exemplars are categorized together equally often, as long as distance from the prototype is controlled. However, age‐related differences in categorization performance also exist. Given the same experience, adults form narrower categories than children. In addition, adults pay more attention to the end of the contour, while children appear to pay equal attention to the beginning and the end. The age range we examine appears to capture the tail‐end of the developmental trajectory for learning intonation contour categories: There is a continuous effect of age on category breadth within the child group, but the oldest children (older than 10;3) are adult‐like.
Preschoolers have better long‐term memory for rhyming text than adults
Authors: Király Ildikó , Takács Szilvia , Kaldy Zsuzsa , Blaser Erik
Published: February 2016

The dominant view of children's memory is that it is slow to develop and is inferior to adults’. Here we pitted 4‐year‐old children against adults in a test of verbatim recall of verbal material. Parents read a novel rhyming verse (and an integrated word list) as their child's bedtime story on ten consecutive days. A group of young adults listened to the verse, matching the exposure of children. All participants subsequently performed a free‐recall of the verse, verbatim. (Parents and young adults knew they would be tested; children did not.) Four‐year‐olds significantly outperformed both their parents and the young adults. There were no significant differences in the ability to recall the gist of the verse, nor the integrated word list, allaying concerns about differences in engagement or motivation. Verbatim recall of verse is a skill amenable to practice, and children, we argue, by virtue of the prominence of verse in their culture and their reliance on oral transmission, have honed this skill to exceed adults’.
The Arab Uprisings and the United States: The Dichotomy Between Balancing Stability and Upholding Commitment to Democracy
Authors: Ibrahim Ahmed H.
Published: February 2016

The Arab Spring, a revolutionary movement for democracy that swept across the Arab Middle East in 2010, has contributed to the downfall of several oppressive authoritarian regimes in Tunisia, Egypt, Libya, and Yemen. The movement represented several uprisings that placed the United States in a precarious position. While the uprisings have shaken U.S. policy to the core, they also presented a historic opportunity for American policymakers to craft a new and comprehensive policy that is compatible with the much‐coveted principles of democracy, freedom, and justice in a region that has historically been unable to grasp such principles. This article argues that the American administration under President Barak Obama squandered this opportunity by pursuing an incoherent and inconsistent policy. This policy revealed Obama's support of the uprisings calls for political reforms that aligned with American liberal values. However, the policy also reflected a commitment to ensure security and stability by maintaining autocratic regimes the protesters hoped to overthrow. This article demonstrates that the policy lacked consistency and clarity as it shifted from one uprising to another.
Altitude‐Induced Pulmonary Hypertension on One‐Day Rapid Ascent of Mount Fuji: Incidence and Therapeutic Effects of Sildenafil
Authors: Iwase Masatsugu , Itou Yoshihiro , Takada Kayoko , Shiino Kenji , Kato Yasuchika , Ozaki Yukio
Published: February 2016

Aims

Exposure to high altitudes especially with rapid ascent may induce hypoxic pulmonary vasoconstriction (HPV) and pulmonary hypertension (PH) possibly leading to life‐threatening high‐altitude pulmonary edema (HAPE). The aim of the study was to evaluate the incidence of PH on a 1‐day rapid ascent up Mount Fuji (3775 m) in recreational climbers and also to determine the effectiveness of sildenafil for this rapid ascent‐induced PH as measured by echocardiography.

Methods and results

Twenty‐five subjects who climbed Mount Fuji showed significantly increased pulmonary artery systolic pressure (PASP) from 22.3 ± 5.3 mmHg at sea level to 29.4 ± 8.7 mmHg at 3775 m. Five subjects showed PASP >35 mmHg (35.6–46.2 mmHg, average 42.0 ± 3.9 mmHg) and took oral sildenafil 50 mg after which PASP decreased significantly to 24.5 ± 4.6 mmHg (18.7–31.0 mmHg) after 30 minutes.

Conclusions

One‐day rapid ascent of Mount Fuji may induce mild‐to‐moderate PH and intervention with sildenafil can reduce this PH, suggesting that the therapeutic use of sildenafil would be more reasonable for the relatively infrequent occurrence of altitude‐induced PH than its prophylactic use.
Does a selection interview predict year 1 performance in dental school?
Authors: McAndrew R. , Ellis J. , Valentine R. A.
Published: February 2016

It is important for dental schools to select students who will complete their degree and progress on to become the dentists of the future. The process should be transparent, fair and ethical and utilise selection tools that select appropriate students. The interview is an integral part of UK dental schools student selection procedures.

Objective

This study was undertaken in order to determine whether different interview methods (Cardiff with a multiple mini interview and Newcastle with a more traditional interview process) along with other components used in selection predicted academic performance in students.

Methods

The admissions selection data for two dental schools (Cardiff and Newcastle) were collected and analysed alongside student performance in academic examinations in Year 1 of the respective schools. Correlation statistics were used to determine whether selection tools had any relevance to academic performance once students were admitted to their respective Universities.

Results

Data was available for a total of 177 students (77 Cardiff and 100 Newcastle). Examination performance did not correlate with admission interview scores at either school; however UKCAT score was linked to poor academic performance.

Discussion

Although interview methodology does not appear to correlate with academic performance it remains an integral and very necessary part of the admissions process. Ultimately schools need to be comfortable with their admissions procedures in attracting and selecting the calibre of students they desire.
Nerve‐racking – apoptotic and non‐apoptotic roles of caspases in the nervous system of Drosophila
Authors: Melzer Juliane , Broemer Meike
Published: February 2016

Studies using Drosophila as a model system have contributed enormously to our knowledge of caspase function and regulation. Caspases are best known as central executioners of apoptosis but also control essential physiological processes in a non‐apoptotic manner. The Drosophila genome codes for seven caspases and in this review we provide an overview of current knowledge about caspase function in the nervous system. Caspases regulate neuronal death at all developmental stages and in various neuronal populations. In contrast, non‐apoptotic roles are less well understood. The development of new genetically encoded sensors for caspase activity provides unprecedented opportunities to study caspase function in the nervous system in more detail. In light of these new tools we discuss the potential of Drosophila as a model to discover new apoptotic and non‐apoptotic neuronal roles of caspases.
Neuroanatomical correlates of tube dependency and impaired oral intake after hemispheric stroke
Authors: Galovic M. , Leisi N. , Müller M. , Weber J. , Tettenborn B. , Brugger F. , Abela E. , Weder B. , Kägi G.
Published: February 2016

Background and purpose

Acute stroke patients with severely impaired oral intake are at risk of malnutrition and dehydration. Rapid identification of these patients is necessary to establish early enteral tube feeding. Whether specific lesion location predicts early tube dependency was analysed, and the neural correlates of impaired oral intake after hemispheric ischaemic stroke were assessed.

Methods

Tube dependency and functional oral intake were evaluated with a standardized comprehensive swallowing assessment within the first 48 h after magnetic resonance imaging proven first‐time acute supratentorial ischaemic stroke. Voxel‐based lesion symptom mapping (VLSM) was performed to compare lesion location between tube‐dependent patients versus patients without tube feeding and impaired versus unimpaired oral intake.

Results

Out of 119 included patients 43 (36%) had impaired oral intake and 12 (10%) were tube dependent. Both tube dependency and impaired oral intake were significantly associated with a higher National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score and larger infarct volume and these patients had worse clinical outcome at discharge. Clinical characteristics did not differ between left and right hemispheric strokes. In the VLSM analysis, mildly impaired oral intake correlated with lesions of the Rolandic operculum, the insular cortex, the superior corona radiata and to a lesser extent of the putamen, the external capsule and the superior longitudinal fascicle. Tube dependency was significantly associated with affection of the anterior insular cortex.

Conclusions

Mild impairment of oral intake correlates with damage to a widespread operculo‐insular swallowing network. However, specific lesions of the anterior insula lead to severe impairment and tube dependency and clinicians might consider early enteral tube feeding in these patients.
Rapid movement and instability of an invasive hybrid swarm
Authors: Glotzbecker Gregory J. , Walters David M. , Blum Michael J.
Published: February 2016

Unstable hybrid swarms that arise following the introduction of non‐native species can overwhelm native congeners, yet the stability of invasive hybrid swarms has not been well documented over time. Here, we examine genetic variation and clinal stability across a recently formed hybrid swarm involving native blacktail shiner (Cyprinella venusta) and non‐native red shiner (C. lutrensis) in the Upper Coosa River basin, which is widely considered to be a global hot spot of aquatic biodiversity. Examination of phenotypic, multilocus genotypic, and mitochondrial haplotype variability between 2005 and 2011 revealed that the proportion of hybrids has increased over time, with more than a third of all sampled individuals exhibiting admixture in the final year of sampling. Comparisons of clines over time indicated that the hybrid swarm has been rapidly progressing upstream, but at a declining and slower pace than rates estimated from historical collection records. Clinal comparisons also showed that the hybrid swarm has been expanding and contracting over time. Additionally, we documented the presence of red shiner and hybrids farther downstream than prior studies have detected, which suggests that congeners in the Coosa River basin, including all remaining populations of the threatened blue shiner (Cyprinella caerulea), are at greater risk than previously thought.
Serum amyloid A1 secreted from UV‐irradiated keratinocytes induces matrix metalloproteinase‐1 in fibroblasts through toll‐like receptor 4
Authors: Han Sangbum , Jin Seon‐Pil , Oh Jang‐Hee , Seo Eun‐Young , Park Chi‐Hyun , Yoon Hyun‐Sun , Lee Dong Hun , Chung Jin Ho
Published: February 2016

Ultraviolet (UV) irradiation on skin triggers photoageing‐related phenotypes such as formation of wrinkles. UV ray upregulates matrix metalloproteinase‐1 (MMP‐1), which in turn degrades extracellular matrix proteins, mostly collagens. Serum amyloid A1 (SAA1) is an acute‐phase protein of which plasma concentration increases in response to inflammation. Although the expression of SAA1 in the skin was reported, its function in the skin is yet to be studied. In this research, we found that the expression of SAA1 was increased in acute UV‐irradiated buttock skin and photoaged forearm skin in vivo. UV irradiation also increased SAA1 in normal human epidermal keratinocytes (NHEK), and treatment of recombinant human SAA1 (rhSAA1) induced MMP‐1 in normal human dermal fibroblasts (NHDF) but not in NHEK. Next, we demonstrated that NHDF treated with UV‐irradiated keratinocyte‐conditioned media showed the increased MMP‐1 expression; however, this increase of MMP‐1 in NHDF was inhibited by knockdown of SAA1 in NHEK. In addition, knockdown of Toll‐like receptor 4 (TLR4) inhibited rhSAA1‐induced MMP‐1 expression in NHDF. Taken together, our data showed that UV‐induced SAA1 production in NHEK, and this secreted SAA1 induced MMP‐1 expression in NHDF in a paracrine manner through TLR4 signalling pathway. Therefore, our results suggest that SAA1 can be a potential mediator for UV‐induced MMP‐1 expression in human skin.
No such thing as a free meal: organotin transfer across the freshwater–terrestrial interface
Authors: Laws Jacob , Heppell Kate , Sheahan Dave , Liu Chien‐fan , Grey Jonathan
Published: February 2016

Emergent aquatic insects can represent an important subsidy to terrestrial ecosystems but may also transport accumulated contaminants across ecosystem boundaries when larvae develop in contaminated sediments.

We sampled tetragnathid spiders (terrestrial predators), larval chironomids (spider prey of aquatic origin) and terrestrial insects (terrestrial prey) from two contaminated and two control sites in the Norfolk Broads (U.K.) to determine whether the organotin compound tributyltin (TBT) is transferred by emergent aquatic insects. TBT, a biocide in antifoulant paints, was prohibited in the U.K. in 1987 and globally since 2008 but persists in sediments for decades. Combining stable‐isotope analyses commonly used in ecology with ecotoxicological methods enabled us to test whether aquatic subsidies could transport organotin to terrestrial predators.

Stable‐isotope mixing models (δ15N and δ13C) indicated that chironomids contributed 31–98% to spider biomass. Subsequent organotin analyses revealed consistent, low‐level butyltin (dibutyltin; DBT) contamination of chironomids from the most contaminated site but not from the other three sites. Spiders from the most contaminated site had DBT concentrations similar to those of their chironomid prey.

To assess bioaccumulation, we used δ15N values as a proxy for trophic position of sediments, chironomids and spiders, and correlated these values with the respective DBT concentrations. Notwithstanding indications of 15N‐enrichment along this short food chain, chironomid DBT concentrations were significantly greater than those of their spider predators. Biota sediment accumulation factors (sediments to chironomids) and biomagnification factors (chironomids to spiders) were below the thresholds defining the occurrence of bioaccumulation and biomagnification.

Although biomagnification was not detected, it is of concern that butyltins are still present in freshwater food webs c. 25 years since last known TBT use in the U.K., and continue to be transferred to terrestrial consumers.
The impacts of increasing drought on forest dynamics, structure, and biodiversity in the United States
Authors: Clark James S. , Iverson Louis , Woodall Christopher W. , Allen Craig D. , Bell David M. , Bragg Don C. , D'Amato Anthony W. , Davis Frank W. , Hersh Michelle H. , Ibanez Ines , Jackson Stephen T. , Matthews Stephen , Pederson Neil , Peters Matthew , Schwartz Mark W. , Waring Kristen M. , Zimmermann Niklaus E.
Published: February 2016

We synthesize insights from current understanding of drought impacts at stand‐to‐biogeographic scales, including management options, and we identify challenges to be addressed with new research. Large stand‐level shifts underway in western forests already are showing the importance of interactions involving drought, insects, and fire. Diebacks, changes in composition and structure, and shifting range limits are widely observed. In the easternUS, the effects of increasing drought are becoming better understood at the level of individual trees, but this knowledge cannot yet be confidently translated to predictions of changing structure and diversity of forest stands. While eastern forests have not experienced the types of changes seen in western forests in recent decades, they too are vulnerable to drought and could experience significant changes with increased severity, frequency, or duration in drought. Throughout the continental United States, the combination of projected large climate‐induced shifts in suitable habitat from modeling studies and limited potential for the rapid migration of tree populations suggests that changing tree and forest biogeography could substantially lag habitat shifts already underway. Forest management practices can partially ameliorate drought impacts through reductions in stand density, selection of drought‐tolerant species and genotypes, artificial regeneration, and the development of multistructured stands. However, silvicultural treatments also could exacerbate drought impacts unless implemented with careful attention to site and stand characteristics. Gaps in our understanding should motivate new research on the effects of interactions involving climate and other species at the stand scale and how interactions and multiple responses are represented in models. This assessment indicates that, without a stronger empirical basis for drought impacts at the stand scale, more complex models may provide limited guidance.
Comparing thermal tolerance across contrasting landscapes: first steps towards understanding how landscape management could modify ectotherm thermal tolerance
Authors: Tougeron Kévin , van Baaren Joan , Burel Françoise , Alford Lucy
Published: February 2016

Insects are highly dependent on ambient temperatures to ensure their biological functions. Their persistence in the environment and their resistance to unfavourable temperatures are governed by their physiological thermal tolerance.

Global change extends beyond climatic conditions to encompass modifications to the landscape. Studies of climate change and landscape composition effects on ecosystem services, such as biological control, are commonly performed independently. Moreover, coarse scales are not always relevant when assessing climate change's impacts on ectotherms. We aimed to better understand the ecological relationships that may exist between microclimatic variation and insect thermal tolerance across a landscape composition gradient.

To determine how landscape composition may impact insect thermal tolerance, parasitic wasps (Hymenoptera: Braconidae: Aphidiinae) of aphids were sampled along a landscape gradient from ‘closed’ to ‘open’ habitats. Sampling was performed during the winter 2013/14 and spring 2014 in cereal fields of Brittany, France. Meteorological data were recorded along this gradient.

First, our results show an influence of landscape composition on local microclimate. Additionally, parasitoids from open landscapes had a higher tolerance to low temperatures, leading to higher physiological costs, compared with parasitoids from closed landscapes. This trend was stronger in winter than in spring.

These results have numerous implications in the context of climate change, suggesting that targeted landscape management practices could create sheltered microclimatic areas that reduce the physiological costs of thermal tolerance and promote the persistence of biological control agents.
Broad‐spectrum inhibition of proteolytic enzymes by allicin and application in mitigating textural deterioration of ice‐stored grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon idella) fillets
Authors: Ge Lihong , Xu Yanshun , Jiang Xiaoqing , Xia Wenshui , Jiang Qixing
Published: February 2016

The inhibitory effect of allicin on proteolytic enzymes and textural deterioration of ice‐stored grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon idella) fillets was investigated. The results of in vitro study showed that allicin inhibited the activity of cathepsin B, L and D, calpain and collagenase in crude extract of grass carp muscle. Among endogenous enzymes, cathepsin B, L and collagenase were the most susceptible to allicin. Proteolysis of myofibrillar proteins by either crude enzyme or cathepsin B and L was almost prevented by allicin when employed at a concentration higher than 100 mm. After storage of 21 days, shear force of fillets treated with allicin at 10–100 mm was 39–51% higher than that of control. Myofibrillar proteins of fillets during storage were well protected against degradation when allicin concentration increased to 100 mm, as evidenced by SDS‐PAGE. Therefore, allicin could be a potential broad‐spectrum inhibitor to retard softening of fish fillets via mitigating myofibrillar proteolysis by endogenous enzymes especially cathepsin B and L during ice‐storage.
Sacha inchi (Plukenetia volubilis L.) shell: an alternative source of phenolic compounds and antioxidants
Authors: Chirinos Rosana , Necochea Ornella , Pedreschi Romina , Campos David
Published: February 2016

Sacha inchi seed (SI) is known as a rich source of oil with high content of polyunsaturared fatty acids of the ω‐3 and ω‐6 type (~85% of total fatty acids). However, few studies have focused on the use of by‐products from the seed. The aim of this study was to characterise the main phenolic families present in SI shell and to evaluate the best extraction solvent for the extraction of phenolic compounds (PC) and antioxidant capacity (AOXC). The PC content corresponded to 74.5 ± 5.1 mg g−1 of which 93.1% were condensed tannins and the remaining compounds corresponded to free and bound phenolic acids, hydrolyzable tannins, flavonoids and flavanoids. Protocatechic and p‐coumaric acids but also hydroxycinammic acid derivatives of ferulic and o‐coumaric type and lignan derivatives were identified. Acetone containing solvents favoured the extraction of higher amounts of total PC and AOXC. This study highlights the potential use of SI shell as a novel and alternative source of PC antioxidants for the nutraceutical and/or functional food industries.
Antimicrobial activity of eucalyptus essential oil against Pseudomonas in vitro and potential application in refrigerated storage of pork meat
Authors: Lu Hao , Shao Xingfeng , Cao Jinxun , Ou Changrong , Pan Daodong
Published: February 2016

The objective of this study was to investigate the influence of eucalyptus essential oil (EO) on the Pseudomonas in vitro and application in the pork meat. Eucalyptus oil showed the greatest antimicrobial activity to Pseudomonas among five EOs (tea tree oil, eucalyptus oil, clove oil, mentha oil and garlic oil) in vitro. Eucalyptus oil treatment caused the increasing of membrane permeability and the modifications of ultrastructure and morphology of Pseudomonas spp. and P. aeruginosa. Treatment of refrigerated pork with eucalyptus oil led to a significant decrease P. spp. count, pH, total volatile basic nitrogen and 2‐thiobarbituric acid values, as well as higher sensory scores of custom acceptance than those in control at the end of cold storage. It was conclude that eucalyptus EO is a potential alternative to chemical treatment to control the spoilage and extend the shelf life of refrigerated pork meat.
Effects of silica gel on reduction in gluten during several beer brewing stages
Authors: Benítez Elisa I. , Acquisgrana María R. , Peruchena Nélida M. , Sosa Gladis L. , Lozano Jorge E.
Published: February 2016

Beer is an alcoholic beverage made with barley as a basic raw material, and therefore, it is not suitable for people with coeliac disease. During the brewing process, the elimination of the haze‐active precursor is performed at the stabilisation stage. Some breweries use silica gel (SG) as stabilisation precursor. This work presents the studies conducted to identify the stage where the addition of SG is more convenient in order to reduce gluten, and the effect on the yeast nutritional value due its incorporation. The incorporation of SG during fermentation allows the reduction in more gluten than the others brewery stages studied, without changing significantly the yeast nutritional value of beer. Furthermore, the use of SG promotes the reduction in polysaccharides which obstruct filtration.
Etching Induced Stepped Nanostructure on Pb(Mg(1–x/2)Mn(x/2)W1/2)O3 Ceramics
Authors: Liu Jing , Jiang Zenan , Servati Peyman , Asselin Edouard
Published: February 2016

A new solid solution system, Pb(Mg(1–x/2)Mn(x/2)W1/2)O3, is formed by replacing Mg2+ with Mn2+ in the Pb(Mg1/2W1/2)O3 complex perovskite. The solid solution remains in the orthorhombic Pmcn symmetry up to x = 0.1. It is observed that for such a chemical modification, the surface of the grain changes significantly. A stepped surface nanostructure appears in the Mn‐substituted perovskite. Detailed surface morphology of the stepped patterns was revealed by atomic force microscopy (AFM), which determined that the interlayer step height varies from 2.3 to 8.3 nm. Analyse by XRD, SEM, EDX, and AFM suggest that the nature of the stepped surface structure may be the result of etching rather than spiral growth or two‐dimensional nucleation as it was previously believed.
Maternity staff perspectives regarding resource demands of breastfeeding supportive practices in accordance with the Baby‐Friendly Hospital Initiative accreditation: a Q methodology approach
Authors: Huang Chiu‐Mieh , Hung Wei‐Shu , Lai Jung‐Nien , Kao Yu‐Hsiu , Wang Ching‐Ling , Guo Jong‐Long
Published: February 2016

Aim

To explore the resource demands of implementing the Baby‐Friendly Hospital Initiative among maternity staff.

Background

Implementing the Baby‐Friendly Hospital Initiative is the most recognized global strategy for ensuring that hospital routines support breastfeeding. The maternity services of Baby‐Friendly Hospital Initiative accredited hospitals are evaluated according to the Ten Steps to Successful Breastfeeding.

Design

Q methodology was applied to investigate the perspectives of 60 maternity staff in Northern Taiwan.

Methods

Data were collected from May ‐ December 2014. An online Q‐sort platform was designed for the participants to perform sorting. The Q‐sorts were subjected to factor analysis by using PQ Method software. Factors were extracted using principal component analysis with a varimax rotation. A combination of eigenvalues and a scree plot were employed to determine the number of retained factors.

Results

Four factors retained in the final model accounted for 56% of the total variance: (1) emphasis on implementing an institutional policy; (2) emphasis on providing supportive practices for breastfeeding mothers; (3) emphasis on establishing continual breastfeeding support; and (4) emphasis on managing breastfeeding supportive practices concerning a designated time period. The participants that were associated with Factors 1 and 3 emphasized the necessity of allocating resources to Steps 1, 2 and 10 of the Ten Steps. The participants associated with Factors 2 and 4 emphasized allocating resources to Steps 2–5 and 7.

Conclusions

This study revealed the various perspectives of maternity staff regarding the resource demands of implementing the Baby‐Friendly Hospital Initiative. These perspectives may serve as a reference for decision‐makers in prioritizing resource allocation.
Lake bathymetry and species occurrence predict the distribution of a lacustrine apex predator
Authors: Hughes M. R. , Dodd J. A. , Maitland P. S. , Adams C. E.
Published: February 2016

This study examined the abiotic and biotic characteristics of ecosystems that allow expression of a life history called ferox trout, the colloquial name given to brown trout Salmo trutta adopting a piscivorous life history strategy, an apex predator in post‐glacial lakes in northern Europe. One hundred and ninety‐two lakes in Scotland show evidence of currently, or historically, supporting ferox S. trutta; their presence was predicted in logistic models by larger and deeper lakes with a large catchment that also support populations of Arctic charr Salvelinus alpinus.