bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Discovering the migration and non‐breeding areas of sand martins and house martins breeding in the Pannonian basin (central‐eastern Europe)
Authors: Szép Tibor , Liechti Felix , Nagy Károly , Nagy Zsolt , Hahn Steffen
Published: February 2017

The central‐eastern European populations of sand martin and house martin have declined in the last decades. The drivers for this decline cannot be identified as long as the whereabouts of these long distance migrants remain unknown outside the breeding season. Ringing recoveries of sand martins from central‐eastern Europe are widely scattered in the Mediterranean basin and in Africa, suggesting various migration routes and a broad non‐breeding range. The European populations of house martins are assumed to be longitudinally separated across their non‐breeding range and thus narrow population‐specific non‐breeding areas are expected. By using geolocators, we identified for the first time, the migration routes and non‐breeding areas of sand martins (n = 4) and house martins (n = 5) breeding in central‐eastern Europe.

In autumn, the Carpathian Bend and northern parts of the Balkan Peninsula serve as important pre‐migration areas for both species. All individuals crossed the Mediterranean Sea from Greece to Libya. Sand martins spent the non‐breeding season in northern Cameroon and the Lake Chad Basin, within less than a 700 km radius, while house martins were widely scattered in three distinct regions in central, eastern, and southern Africa. Thus, for both species, the expected strength of migratory connectivity could not be confirmed.

House martins, but not sand martins, migrated about twice as fast in spring compared to autumn. The spring migration started with a net average speed of > 400 km d–1 for sand martins, and > 800 km d–1 for house martins. However, both species used several stopover sites for 0.5–4 d and were stationary for nearly half of their spring migration. Arrival at breeding grounds was mainly related to departure from the last sub‐Saharan non‐breeding site rather than distance, route, or stopovers. We assume a strong carry‐over effect on timing in spring.
The effects of dietary macronutrients on flight ability, energetics, and fuel metabolism of yellow‐rumped warblers Setophaga coronata
Authors: Guglielmo Christopher G. , Gerson Alexander R. , Price Edwin R. , Hays Quentin R.
Published: February 2017

The catabolism of protein from organs and muscles during migratory flight is necessary to produce glucose, key metabolic intermediates, and water, but may have negative effects on flight range and refueling at stopovers. We tested the hypothesis, suggested by previous studies, that birds that eat high‐protein insect diets use more protein for fuel in flight than those that eat high‐carbohydrate fruits. First, we fed migratory yellow‐rumped warblers synthetic fruit or mixed insect/fruit diets, and measured metabolic rates and fuel mixture under basal conditions and during exercise in a hop/hover wheel respirometer. Birds eating the fruit diet had greater plasma triglyceride and non‐esterified fatty acid concentrations, and the higher protein mixed diet increased plasma uric acid only during feeding. Diet did not affect metabolic rates or the fuel mixture under resting or exercise conditions. We then fed yellow‐rumped warblers synthetic diets that differed only in the relative proportion of carbohydrate and protein (60:15 versus 15:60 as % dry mass) and tested them in wind tunnel flights lasting up to six hours. Birds fed the high carbohydrate diet became heavier and fatter than when fed the high protein diet. Plasma uric acid concentration was increased and plasma phospholipid concentration was decreased by the high protein diet in the pre‐flight state (after a 3 h fast), but diet only affected plasma phospholipids during flight (lower in high protein birds). Neither diet nor amount of body fat affected the rate of loss of lean mass or fat during flight. Inter‐individual or seasonal differences in diet do not appear to influence the amount of protein catabolized during endurance flight. However, birds fed the high carbohydrate diet had greater voluntary flight duration, independent of body fatness, suggesting that there may be other performance benefits of high carbohydrate diets for migratory birds.
Migrating Montagu's harriers frequently interrupt daily flights in both Europe and Africa
Authors: Klaassen Raymond H. G. , Schlaich Almut E. , Bouten Willem , Koks Ben J.
Published: February 2017

Time budgets are a powerful but hitherto seldom used way to study how migrants organise their bi‐annual travels. We studied daily time budgets of travelling Montagu's harriers Circus pygargus, based on GPS tracking data, in which we were particularly interested in how time budgets differ between regions and seasons, and are affected by wind. We found that Montagu's harriers used a relatively broad daily time window for travelling by starting daily travels just after sunrise and ending daily travels just before sunset. Occasionally, flights were extended into the night. Montagu's harriers frequently interrupted their daily flights for on average 1.5 h d–1. These interruptions occurred in all regions and seasons. The tracking data during interruptions suggested two different behaviours: in 41% of all interruptions the birds were moving (presumed foraging,) and in 32% they were stationary (presumed resting; the remaining interruptions could not be classified). The interruptions for foraging indicate that Montagu's harriers have a fly‐and‐forage migration strategy (i.e. combine travelling and foraging on the same day), but the interruptions for resting illustrate that their travels comprise of more than fly‐and‐forage behaviour alone. The large number of interruptions for foraging in the Sahara Desert indicates that this region is less hostile for a migrating raptor than presumed previously. Importantly, harriers spent more time on interruptions for resting on days with stronger headwinds, suggesting that interruptions for resting serve a function of waiting for more favourable weather conditions. Daily variation in time budgets was largely explained by wind; harriers flew more hours per day, and interrupted their flights fewer hours per day, on days they experienced stronger tailwinds. In contrast, time budgets were similar between regions and seasons, suggesting that wind rather than landscape and season shape travel routines of Montagu's harriers.
Evolutionary associations between host traits and parasite load: insights from Lake Tanganyika cichlids
Authors: Hayward A. , Tsuboi M. , Owusu C. , Kotrschal A. , Buechel S. D. , Zidar J. , Cornwallis C. K. , Løvlie H. , Kolm N.
Published: February 2017

Parasite diversity and abundance (parasite load) vary greatly among host species. However, the influence of host traits on variation in parasitism remains poorly understood. Comparative studies of parasite load have largely examined measures of parasite species richness and are predominantly based on records obtained from published data. Consequently, little is known about the relationships between host traits and other aspects of parasite load, such as parasite abundance, prevalence and aggregation. Meanwhile, understanding of parasite species richness may be clouded by limitations associated with data collation from multiple independent sources. We conducted a field study of Lake Tanganyika cichlid fishes and their helminth parasites. Using a Bayesian phylogenetic comparative framework, we tested evolutionary associations between five key host traits (body size, gut length, diet breadth, habitat complexity and number of sympatric hosts) predicted to influence parasitism, together with multiple measures of parasite load. We find that the number of host species that a particular host may encounter due to its habitat preferences emerges as a factor of general importance for parasite diversity, abundance and prevalence, but not parasite aggregation. In contrast, body size and gut size are positively related to aspects of parasite load within, but not between species. The influence of host phylogeny varies considerably among measures of parasite load, with the greatest influence exerted on parasite diversity. These results reveal that both host morphology and biotic interactions are key determinants of host–parasite associations and that consideration of multiple aspects of parasite load is required to fully understand patterns in parasitism.
Endodontic Irrigation Protocols: Effects on Bonding of Adhesive Systems to Coronal Enamel and Dentin
Authors: Carvalho Marcos Paulo Marchiori , Morari Victor Hugo Carvalho , Susin Alexandre Henrique , Rocha Rachel De Oliveira , Valandro Luiz Felipe , Soares Fabio Zovico Maxnuck
Published: February 2017

Objective

 To evaluate the influence of endodontic irrigation protocols on bond strength of total‐etch and self‐etch adhesive systems to coronal enamel and dentin.

Materials and Methods

 A total of 66 coronal slices from 11 permanent molars were assigned to six groups (n = 11): endodontic irrigation protocols (5% sodium hypochlorite + 17% EDTA; 2% chlorhexidine gel + saline solution + 17% EDTA or no solution − control) and adhesive systems (Adper Single Bond 2 or Clearfil SE Bond). Dental slices were exposed to endodontic irrigation protocols for 30‐minute prior to the application of the adhesive systems. Starch tubes were placed over the enamel and the dentin surfaces of each slice (2–4 tubes in each substrate) and filled with Filtek Z350 XT (3M ESPE) to build the microshear bond strength (µSBS) specimens (0.72 mm2 sectional area). After 24 hours of water storage (37°C), µSBS test was performed. Bond strength data (MPa) were analyzed by two‐way ANOVA, separately for enamel and dentin (α = 0.05).

Results

 µSBS means were not influenced by endodontic irrigation protocols in enamel (p = 0.12) nor dentin (p = 0.49). Clearfil SE Bond system presented higher µSBS values than Adper Single Bond 2 both on enamel (p = 0.024) and dentin (p = 0.005).

Conclusion

 Endodontic irrigation protocols (5% sodium hypochlorite or 2% chlorhexidine gel + saline solution combined with 17% EDTA) do not jeopardize the bond strength of adhesive systems to coronal enamel and dentin.

Clinical Significance

The results of this in vitro study suggest that endodontic irrigation protocols do not impair on bonding effectiveness of adhesive systems to coronal enamel and dentin. (J Esthet Restor Dent 29:222–228, 2017)
Inhibitory effect of novel thioflavone derivatives against foodborne and spoilage microbes on fresh fruit
Authors: Jang Miran , Kim Gun‐Hee
Published: February 2017

In this study, the antimicrobial activities of four thioflavones against foodborne and food spoilage bacteria (Three Gram‐positive and Five Gram‐negative bacteria) and one fungus were assessed. Antimicrobial effects of the thioflavones were evaluated using broth micro‐dilution and agar dilution assays. We generated survival curves based on the kinetics of bacterial inactivation after 24 hr of thioflavone exposure. The minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) for the microorganisms tested were 8–120 μg/mL. The minimum bactericidal concentrations (MBC) were 60–120 μg/mL. We evaluated three novel thioflavone derivatives and found that they exhibited strong antimicrobial activities against most of the microorganisms tested. In an in vivo antifungal study, thioflavone treatments reduced fungal decay, and 4'‐chloro‐thioflavone at a concentration of 120 μg/mL showed complete control of Rhizopus sp. in wound‐inoculated fruit.

Practical applications

There is an urgent need for the development of new classes of antimicrobial compounds and the new thioflavone derivatives represent such a development. Thioflavones are sulfur‐containing flavones that inhibit the growth of foodborne pathogens and food spoilage microorganisms. Foodborne spoilage by bacteria or fungi cause postharvest decay and rapid deterioration, which affects the quality and shortens the shelf life of fruits and vegetables. We believe that these new thioflavone derivatives provide a viable alternative as a food preservative can extend shelf life of fruits and vegetables.
Study of Individualization and Bias in Nursing Home Fall Prevention Practices
Authors: Colón‐Emeric Cathleen S. , Corazzini Kirsten , McConnell Eleanor , Pan Wei , Toles Mark , Hall Rasheeda , Batchelor‐Murphy Melissa , Yap Tracey L. , Anderson Amber L. , Burd Andrew , Anderson Ruth A.
Published: February 2017

Objectives

Little is known about how nursing home staff use resident characteristics to individualize care delivery or whether care is affected by implicit bias.

Design

Randomized factorial clinical vignette survey.

Setting

Sixteen nursing homes in North Carolina.

Participants

Nursing, rehabilitation, and social services staff (n = 433).

Measurements

Vignettes describing hypothetical residents were generated from a matrix of clinical and demographic characteristics. Resident age, race and gender were suggested by a photo. Participants completed up to four randomly assigned vignettes (n = 1615), rating the likelihood that 12 fall prevention activities would be used for the resident. Fixed and random effects mixed model analysis examined the impact of vignette resident characteristics and staff characteristics on four intervention categories.

Results

Staff reported a higher likelihood of fall prevention activities in all four categories for residents with a prior fall (0.2–0.5 points higher, 10 point scale, P < 0.05), but other risk factors did not affect scores. There was little evidence of individualization; only dementia increased the reported likelihood of environmental modification (0.3, P < 0.001, 95% CI 0.2–0.5). Individualization did not vary with staff licensure category or clinical experience. Registered nurses consistently reported higher likelihoods of all fall prevention activities than did licensed practical nurses, unlicensed staff and other professional staff (1.0–2.7 points, P < 0.001 to 0.005). There was a small degree of implicit racial bias; staff indicated that environmental modification would be less likely to occur in otherwise identical vignettes including a photo of a black rather than a white resident (−0.2 points, 95% CI −0.3 to −0.1).

Conclusion

Nursing home staff report a standardized approach to fall prevention without individualization. We found a small impact from implicit racial bias that should be further explored.
Distinguishing subtypes of extrinsic motivation among people with mild to borderline intellectual disability
Authors: Frielink N. , Schuengel C. , Embregts P.
Published: February 2017

Background

According to self‐determination theory, motivation is ordered in types, including amotivation, extrinsic motivation and intrinsic motivation. Self‐determination theory defines four subtypes of extrinsic motivation: external motivation, introjected motivation, identified motivation and integrated motivation. Although it has been argued theoretically that the different types of motivation are universally applicable, Reid et al. () proposed a dichotomy of broad subtypes of extrinsic motivation for people with intellectual disability (ID) due to their cognitive limitations. The current study challenges this proposal by testing whether the four subtypes of extrinsic motivation can be differentiated among people with ID as well.

Method

The subtypes of extrinsic motivation were measured using two adapted versions of the Self‐Regulation Questionnaire, one regarding exercise and one regarding support. In total, 186 adults with mild to borderline ID participated in the study.

Results

Results supported the distinction between the four subtypes of extrinsic motivation regarding both exercise and support. In addition, the correlation coefficients supported a quasi‐simplex pattern of correlations among the subtypes, indicating that adjacent subtypes were more closely related than non‐adjacent subtypes. Moreover, the study showed sufficient Cronbach's alphas and test–retest reliabilities for early stage research.

Conclusions

Overall, the results of the current study provide initial evidence for the universality of the four subtypes of extrinsic motivation across populations with and without ID.
Teres major muscle – insertion footprint
Authors: Dancker Malte , Lambert Simon , Brenner Erich
Published: February 2017

Teres major muscle (TM) and latissimus dorsi muscle (LD) are frequently used in muscle transfers around the shoulder girdle. Some authors have suggested harvesting techniques in which the muscle is detached in continuity with a bone segment. Information on the bony attachment footprint of these muscles is lacking. The purpose of this study was to investigate the region of attachment of the TM to facilitate safe and complete harvesting with a bone segment where it is indicated, and to determine the relationship of the TM footprint with that of the LD. Twenty‐eight upper extremities of 14 human cadavers (six female, eight male) were investigated during the students’ dissection course in the winter term 2012. The attachment footprints were photographed and the images were processed with ImageJ Version 1.46r. The TM attachment footprint at the crest of the lesser tubercle had an average dimension of 187 ± 89 mm2. It was 49.6 ± 7.9 mm long and 7.4 ± 2.5 mm wide. The bony attachment of the LD within the bicipital groove, just below the tendon of the long head of the biceps muscle, had an area of 94 ± 37 mm2. It was 36.5 ± 8 mm long and 3.7 ± 1.2 mm wide. Both muscles were separated by 4.4 ± 1.7 mm and their attachments overlapped in the craniocaudal direction by 24.4 ± 12.4 mm. Earlier studies have investigated the dimensions of the muscles’ tendons close to the attachment not the bony attachment itself. The dimension of the attachment of the TM was larger than that of the LD. The ratio between the footprint areas was approximately 2:1. This information should be considered by surgeons undertaking transfers, which include a bony segment of the muscle insertion.
The Scaffolding Activities of International Returnee Executives: A Learning Based Perspective of Global Boundary Spanning
Authors: Roberts Michael J.D. , Beamish Paul W.
Published: February 2017

This study contributes to the literature on global boundary spanning by taking a learning perspective that positions the boundary spanner as an active change agent. Grounded in a practice‐based theory of knowledge, it considers boundary spanning as the negotiation of knowledge and relationships across fields of practice. We argue that global boundary spanning is a long‐term commitment to help internal members become aware of foreign knowledge practices, see these practices as valuable, and adopt them internally. We frame the activities of the boundary spanner within a scaffolding framework that theorizes boundary spanning as a combination of ability, persistent willingness, and opportunity. Here scaffolding refers to the cognitive, relational, and material supports enacted by boundary spanners that facilitate organization members’ engagement in practices that allow for the awareness, capacity building, and commitment to adoption of foreign practices. We draw on interviews from international returnee managers employed in large Korean financial firms.
Relationship between HBsAg, HBcrAg and hepatocellular carcinoma in patients with undetectable HBV DNA under nucleos(t)ide therapy
Authors: Cheung K.‐S. , Seto W.‐K. , Wong D. K.‐H. , Lai C.‐L. , Yuen M.‐F.
Published: February 2017

We examined the relationship between hepatitis B surface and core‐related antigens (HBsAg, HBcrAg) and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) development in patients with undetectable serum HBV DNA receiving nucleos(t)ide analogue (NA). Seventy‐six HBV carriers with undetectable HBV DNA (<20 IU/mL) who subsequently developed HCC were compared with 152 matched controls. Clinical and laboratory parameters (including novel assays to measure linearized HBsAg [HQ‐HBsAg] and HBcrAg) were analysed. There were no significant differences in HBsAg/HQ‐HBsAg levels between the two groups. There was a significant difference in the median values of both pre‐ and post‐NA HBcrAg levels between the HCC and control groups (pre‐treatment: 279.0 vs 35.4 kU/mL, P=.005; post‐treatment: 10.2 vs 1.7 kU/mL, P=.005, respectively). For the whole HCC group, a cut‐off value of post‐treatment HBcrAg level ≥7.8 kU/mL yielded an area under receiver operating curve (AUROC) of 0.61 with a negative predictive value (NPV) of 77.0%. The OR of HCC development was 3.27. For noncirrhotic patients, the median values of post‐treatment HBcrAg level of HCC group and controls were 10.2 and 1.0 kU/mL, respectively (P=.001). A cut‐off value of HBcrAg level ≥7.9 kU/mL yielded an AUROC of 0.70 with a NPV of 80.6%. The OR of HCC development was 5.95. A higher pre‐ and post‐NA treatment HBcrAg level (but not HBsAg) was associated with an increased risk of HCC development in patients achieving undetectable serum HBV DNA while on NA therapy. HBcrAg may serve as a novel risk marker for HCC in this group of patients.
Regime Change and Property Rights Consciousness in Postcommunist Romania
Authors: Şerban Mihaela
Published: February 2017

This article analyzes rights consciousness as distinct from legal consciousness, and uses the post-1989 housing restitution in Romania to study property rights consciousness as a type of rights consciousness. I argue that property rights consciousness is only partially an outcome of state power and the political regime, and that rights consciousness more generally must be explicitly analyzed beyond formal rights, legal mobilization, and litigation. I explore sources of rights consciousness for former owners and their heirs, state tenants, and lawyers. Sources of rights consciousness include state policies under distinct property regimes, value systems and ideologies, history, identity, practices, supranational actors, and expectations of what rights can deliver. I find clear distinctions between legal and rights consciousness, as well as variations between and within the groups. The article is based on extensive archival research, interviews conducted in the city of Timişoara, Romania, textbooks, academic articles, and court decisions pre- and post-1989.
Post‐translational modification directs nuclear and hyphal tip localization of Candida albicans mRNA‐binding protein Slr1
Authors: Ariyachet Chaiyaboot , Beißel Christian , Li Xiang , Lorrey Selena , Mackenzie Olivia , Martin Patrick M. , O'Brien Katharine , Pholcharee Tossapol , Sim Sue , Krebber Heike , McBride Anne E.
Published: February 2017

The morphological transition of the opportunistic fungal pathogen Candida albicans from budding to hyphal growth has been implicated in its ability to cause disease in animal models. Absence of SR‐like RNA‐binding protein Slr1 slows hyphal formation and decreases virulence in a systemic candidiasis model, suggesting a role for post‐transcriptional regulation in these processes. SR (serine–arginine)‐rich proteins influence multiple steps in mRNA metabolism and their localization and function are frequently controlled by modification. We now demonstrate that Slr1 binds to polyadenylated RNA and that its intracellular localization is modulated by phosphorylation and methylation. Wildtype Slr1‐GFP is predominantly nuclear, but also co‐fractionates with translating ribosomes. The non‐phosphorylatable slr1‐6SA‐GFP protein, in which six serines in SR/RS clusters are substituted with alanines, primarily localizes to the cytoplasm in budding cells. Intriguingly, hyphal cells display a slr1‐6SA‐GFP focus at the tip near the Spitzenkörper, a vesicular structure involved in molecular trafficking to the tip. The presence of slr1‐6SA‐GFP hyphal tip foci is reduced in the absence of the mRNA‐transport protein She3, suggesting that unphosphorylated Slr1 associates with mRNA–protein complexes transported to the tip. The impact of SLR1 deletion on hyphal formation and function thus may be partially due to a role in hyphal mRNA transport.
A case of high‐grade astrocytoma with BRAF and ATRX mutations following a long‐standing course over two decades
Authors: Nakata Satoshi , Horiguchi Keishi , Ishiuchi Shogo , Yoshimoto Yuhei , Yamada Seiji , Nobusawa Sumihito , Ikota Hayato , Hirato Junko , Yokoo Hideaki
Published: February 2017

Pediatric high‐grade gliomas are rare and occasionally hard to classify. These tumors often feature a well‐demarcated histology and are expected to have a better outcome than ordinary diffuse high‐grade gliomas in adults. We herein report a case of circumscribed high‐grade glioma that showed a distinct molecular profile and followed an excellent course for 26 years. The patient, a 3‐year‐old boy at onset, presented with a contrast‐enhancing mass in the right temporal lobe and underwent resection. Histologically, the tumor mainly consisted of compact bundles of GFAP‐positive spindle cells. With its malignant features including brisk mitotic activity and pseudopallisading necrosis, a diagnosis of high‐grade astrocytoma was made and adjuvant chemoradiotherapy was administered. After a disease‐free period of two decades, the tumor recurred locally. The resected tumor was histologically identical to the primary tumor and additionally contained pleomorphic cells, but lacked eosinophilic granular bodies and reticulin networks. The primary and recurrent tumors both harbored the BRAF V600E mutation, and the recurrent tumor was immunonegative for ATRX. Combined BRAF and ATRX mutations are rare in gliomas, with only a pediatric case of glioblastoma being reported in the literature. However, our case cannot be regarded as glioblastoma because of its well‐demarcated histology and excellent course. The distinction of either a diffuse or localized nature in gliomas is important, particularly in children, for predicting prognoses and selecting adjuvant therapies that consequently affect life‐long health care. The present case provides novel insights into pediatric high‐grade astrocytomas.
The research and implementation continuum of biofortified sweet potato and maize in Africa
Authors: Tanumihardjo Sherry A. , Ball Anna‐Marie , Kaliwile Chisela , Pixley Kevin V.
Published: February 2017

The enhancement of sweet potato and maize with provitamin A carotenoids has been part of HarvestPlus's research continuum since the formation of the biofortification project. This review includes case studies of biofortification strategies used for sweet potato in Uganda and orange maize in Zambia. The current status of the science and release of biofortified varieties was reviewed by three scientists who were part of the HarvestPlus program for more than a decade with input from a scientist who experienced orange maize dissemination in Zambia. High β‐carotene varieties of sweet potato were introduced into South Africa and Mozambique, and efficacy and effectiveness studies, respectively, showed promise to improve vitamin A status, followed by dissemination efforts in Uganda. A randomized, controlled effectiveness trial tested extension models to promote sweet potato and assessed vitamin A intake among Ugandans. Orange maize breeding was initially a challenge, but considering that the carotenoid biosynthetic pathway was present in maize germplasm, breeders quickly bred higher amounts of provitamin A into the maize that was ultimately released in Zambia. Initial resistance occurred because orange maize was associated with yellow maize, which had negative connotations associated with food aid and animal feed, and consumers preferred white maize. Currently, both orange crops are available on the market.
Partial Structural Break Identification
Authors: Han Chulwoo , Taamouti Abderrahim
Published: February 2017

We propose an extension of the existing information criterion‐based structural break identification approaches. The extended approach helps identify both pure structural change (break) and partial structural change (break). A pure structural change refers to the case when breaks occur simultaneously in all parameters of regression equation, whereas a partial structural change happens when breaks occur in some parameters only. Our approach consistently outperforms other well‐known approaches. We also extend the simulation studies of Bai and Perron ( and Hall, Osborn and Sakkas () by including more general cases. This provides more comprehensive results and reveals the cases where the existing identification approaches lose power, which should be kept in mind when applying them.
Fragment size affects plant herbivory via predator loss
Authors: Genua Lucy , Start Denon , Gilbert Benjamin
Published: February 2017

Fragmentation and resultant changes in patch size are predicted to alter species diversity and community composition, yet the consequences of these differences for species interactions are poorly understood. Theory predicts that predators are more sensitive to fragmentation than their prey, resulting in greater predator loss in small patches. Predator loss, in turn, is predicted to 1) increase herbivory rates overall, and 2) cause herbivores to shift feeding from plants that act as refugia to those that are preferred forage. We tested these predictions in an old‐field community using two experiments. The first was a large‐scale experiment that included hundreds of arthropod species in fragments of various sizes, and used goldenrod and switchgrass to assess herbivory. Our second experiment manipulated densities of a focal predator species and a focal prey species to determine if changes in densities, rather than other characteristics of fragments, were sufficient to cause the trends observed in the first experiment. We found that predator densities declined in small fragments whereas herbivore densities showed the opposite trend. Total herbivory mirrored herbivore densities by increasing in small patches, and this mean increase was driven by large increases in goldenrod herbivory but declines in switchgrass herbivory. Experimental manipulation of densities confirmed that herbivores preferentially feed on goldenrod, and that predators depress herbivory on goldenrod but have a negligible effect on switchgrass. Our results suggest that fragmentation alters trophic interactions by causing declines in predator densities and increases in herbivore densities, but that feeding preferences of herbivores may generate unequal impacts among plant species.
Evaluation of the ‘Ladder to the Moon, Culture Change Studio Engagement Programme’ staff training: Two quasi‐experimental case studies
Authors: Guzmán Azucena , Wenborn Jennifer , Swinson Tom , Orrell Martin
Published: February 2017

Aim

To evaluate the impact of the CCSEP on care home staff in two care settings for older people in one nursing home and one residential home.

Background

Care homes provide personal care and accommodation for older people. The English Dementia Strategy aims to improve the quality of service provision for people with dementia. This includes specific mention of improving the quality of life in care homes and as such includes objectives related to developing the workforce knowledge and skills. The Ladder to the Moon Culture Change Studio Engagement Programme (CCSEP) is a staff training approach based on the Positive Psychology framework that uses theatre‐ and film‐based activities.

Methods

This study used a wait‐list controlled design. However, the data analysis plan was amended to reflect difficulties in data collection, and a quasi‐experimental case study approach was consequently utilised. Outcome measures for staff attitudes and beliefs were as follows: Sense of Competence in Dementia Care Staff; Approaches to Dementia Questionnaire; Job Satisfaction Index; Brief Learning Transfer System Inventory; and Scale of Positive and Negative Experience. The Quality of Interaction Schedule (QUIS) was used to observe changes in staff–resident interaction.

Results

Fifty staff in two care homes completed the questionnaires and forty‐one undertook formal CCSEP training. In Home A (nursing home), there was no significant change in any of the measures. In Home B (residential home), the QUIS showed an increase in positive interactions post intervention; a significant increase in the Building Relationship subscale of Sense of Competence; and a significant increase in staff sense of hopefulness towards people with dementia. The Brief Learning Transfer System Inventory showed a significant decrease post‐intervention. The intervention did not significantly affect the happiness or job satisfaction of care home staff.

Conclusion

The results of this study provide tentative evidence about the efficacy of this staff training programme. Some significant improvement in staff attitudes to people with dementia, staff sense of competence and positive staff–resident interactions were found in one of two homes. It is likely that the organisational problems affecting the other care home limited the implementation and therefore efficacy of the intervention there. The results therefore suggest that when a supportive management structure is in place, CCSEP may be more effective in improving staff attitudes, sense of competence and interactions with residents.
Discrimination between QRS and T Waves Using a Right Parasternal Lead for S‐ICD in a Patient with a Single Ventricle
Authors: NISHIYAMA TAKAHIKO , KIMURA TAKEHIRO , NISHIYAMA NOBUHIRO , AIZAWA YOSHIYASU , FUKUDA KEIICHI , TAKATSUKI SEIJI
Published: February 2017

The subcutaneous implantable cardioverter‐defibrillator (S‐ICD) is a useful option for patients with a single ventricle (SV) in which transvenous leads are contraindicated because of intracardiac shunts. We report a case in which a right parasternal lead placement was indicated for an S‐ICD in a resuscitated patient with an SV. There were significant changes in the magnitude of R to T waves ratio in the right compared to the left parasternal lead position. Screening in the right parasternal position is effective for selecting appropriate patients with congenital heart disease for S‐ICD implantations.
Role of the maternal effect phenomena in improving water stress tolerance in narrow‐leafed lupine (Lupinus angustifolius)
Authors: Kalandyk Agnieszka , Waligórski Piotr , Dubert Franciszek
Published: February 2017

This paper describes experiments concerning improvement of drought tolerance in narrow‐leafed lupine (Lupinus angustifolius L.) by maternal effects. The first step involved harvesting seeds from plants exposed and not exposed to drought during flowering and seed ripening. The next‐generation plants grown from these seeds were exposed to drought and the effects of this stress on their physiological processes were examined. To find out whether drought applied to parent plants may affect tolerance to this stress in progeny plants such features as plant growth, tissue water content, abscisic acid concentration and yield‐related parameters were assessed. The study revealed that the progeny plants grown from the seeds of drought‐treated plants were more tolerant to this stress than the plants grown from the seeds harvested from optimally watered maternal plants. Drought tolerance was manifested by a reduced concentration of abscisic acid, increased plant height and maintaining high leaf water content. Most importantly, these plants produced significantly higher yield when exposed to drought than the plants grown from the seeds harvested from optimally watered plants.
Assessing frost damages using dynamic models in walnut trees: exposure rather than vulnerability controls frost risks
Authors: Guillaume Charrier , Isabelle Chuine , Marc Bonhomme , Thierry Améglio
Published: February 2017

Frost damages develop when exposure overtakes frost vulnerability. Frost risk assessment therefore needs dynamic simulation of frost hardiness using temperature and photoperiod in interaction with developmental stage. Two models, including or not the effect of photoperiod, were calibrated using five years of frost hardiness monitoring (2007–2012), in two locations (low and high elevation) for three walnut genotypes with contrasted phenology and maximum hardiness (Juglans regia cv Franquette, J. regia × nigra ‘Early’ and ‘Late’). The photothermal model predicted more accurate values for all genotypes (efficiency = 0.879; Root Mean Standard Error Predicted (RMSEP) = 2.55 °C) than the thermal model (efficiency = 0.801; RMSEP = 3.24 °C). Predicted frost damages were strongly correlated to minimum temperature of the freezing events (ρ = −0.983) rather than actual frost hardiness (ρ = −0.515), or ratio of phenological stage completion (ρ = 0.336). Higher frost risks are consequently predicted during winter, at high elevation, whereas spring is only risky at low elevation in early genotypes exhibiting faster dehardening rate. However, early frost damages, although of lower value, may negatively affect fruit production the subsequent year (R2 = 0.381, P = 0.057). These results highlight the interacting pattern between frost exposure and vulnerability at different scales and the necessity of intra‐organ studies to understand the time course of frost vulnerability in flower buds along the winter.
Interactive effects of elevated summer temperature, nutrient availability, and irradiance on growth and chemical compositions of juvenile kelp, Eisenia bicyclis
Authors: Endo Hikaru , Suehiro Kentaro , Gao Xu , Agatsuma Yukio
Published: February 2017

Previous experiments with a factorial design have revealed the effects of several environmental factors on species performance and their interactions, which indicate synergistic or antagonistic effects. Temperature, nutrient availability, and irradiance are well‐known environmental factors that affect the growth and chemical composition of brown algae. However, relatively few studies have tested their combined effect on brown algal growth and chemical composition using a three‐way factorial design. We conducted a culture experiment to test the combined effects of elevated summer temperatures (23 and 26°C), irradiance (180 and 30 μmol photon m−2 s−1), and nutrient availability (enriched and non‐enriched seawater) on four relative growth rates (RGRs; based on wet weight, blade width, length, and area) and three chemical compositions (including carbon, nitrogen, and phlorotannin content) in juvenile sporophytes of the kelp Eisenia bicyclis. RGR based on blade width was the most sensitive to abiotic factors among all RGRs. A significant interaction between temperature and nutrient availability on this RGR suggested that the negative effect of elevated temperature was antagonized by a reduction in nutrient availability. Similarly, the positive effect of elevated irradiance on carbon content was synergized by reduced nutrient availability. Moreover, the negative effect of increased irradiance on nitrogen content was antagonized by elevated temperature in nutrient‐enriched treatments, but not in non‐enriched treatments. The content of carbon‐based phlorotannins increased with reduced nutrient availability but not with elevated irradiance. These results suggest that these abiotic factors have complex interactions on the growth and chemical composition of this species.
What motivates ecological restoration?
Authors: Hagger Valerie , Dwyer John , Wilson Kerrie
Published: February 2017

Ecological restoration projects are motivated by diverse environmental and social reasons. Motivations likely vary between stakeholders or regions, and influence the approach taken to plan, implement, and monitor restoration projects. We surveyed 307 people involved in the restoration of native vegetation across Australia to identify their underlying motivations. We also elicited information on planning, implementation, and monitoring of restoration projects. We found that biodiversity enhancement is the main motivation for undertaking restoration, with biodiversity offsetting, water quality improvements, and social reasons as important secondary motivations. Motivations varied significantly by stakeholder type and region. Restoration projects primarily motivated by ecosystem service provision (e.g. water quality improvements and social reasons) sought less pristine ecological outcomes than projects motivated by biodiversity enhancement or offsetting. Rigorous monitoring designs (e.g. quantitative, repeatable surveys, and use of performance indicators) were rarely used in restoration projects, except for projects motivated by scientific research. Better alignment of different restoration motivations with the planning and monitoring of restoration projects should deliver greater benefits through setting appropriate objectives and evaluating outcomes against these objectives. These improvements will increase the capacity of the restoration practice to meet international biodiversity commitments and communicate restoration outcomes to stakeholders.
Game Day Meets Election Day: Sports Records, Election Results, and the American South
Authors: Lee Keith E. , Bryan Sydny L. , LaPlant James T.
Published: February 2017

Objectives

Given the emerging literature on the connection between sports outcomes and election results, we replicate and extend previous scholarship while investigating if the relationship is most evident in the American South where sports is followed with a religious fervor.

Methods

The first stage of our study replicates and extends the analysis by Miller (2013) of the relationship between professional sports records and incumbent vote share in mayoral elections. The second stage of this project updates the analysis by Healy et al. (2010) on the relationship between college football victories and incumbent party vote share through an exploration of the 2012 presidential election as well as senatorial and gubernatorial elections from 2010 to 2013.

Results

In the first stage, we disaggregate the influence of professional football records and find no impact of those records on incumbent vote share in mayoral elections. For the second stage, we discover that college football victories in the two weeks before the election had no impact on presidential and senatorial elections but a powerful influence on incumbent party vote share for gubernatorial elections from 2010 to 2013. A college football team victory in the two weeks before the gubernatorial election contributes 3.2–4.5 percentage points to the incumbent party vote share after controlling for prior vote share as well as key demographic variables. In both stages of this study, we find the relationship is not amplified in the South.

Conclusions

The findings of this study on college football wins and gubernatorial election results provide further support for the contention that voter well‐being and happiness can influence retrospective voting, and the phenomenon is neither limited to the South nor confined to the power conferences. As elections move closer to the people, the impact of college football outcomes becomes more evident.
Kings of the Hill? An Examination of Centrist Behavior in the U.S. Senate
Authors: Chaturvedi Neilan S.
Published: February 2017

Objectives

Spatial voting literature on Congress indicates that the most powerful members are the ones who sit in the ideological center. This study examines how pivotal voters use that power in their participation in Congress.

Methods

This study examines two modes of congressional participation on two highly salient health‐care bills—the filing of amendments and the delivery of floor speeches.

Results

This study finds that pivotal voters shy away from the legislative limelight. Pivotal voters choose to avoid the public eye by rarely proposing amendments or delivering floor speeches on these bills.

Conclusions

While theoretically pivotal, centrists who play the role of pivotal voters are more concerned about their electoral prospects than their legislative prowess and, as a result, defer congressional participation to party and committee leaders so as to avoid the ire of constituents.
Postponing the Day of Reckoning? Examining Contextual Effects on Public Support for Voter Identification Policies
Authors: Udani Adriano
Published: February 2017

Objective

This study examines the reasons why a majority of Democrats support restrictive voter identification (ID) laws, in spite of such laws clashing with stereotypical Democratic Party interests.

Methods

Racial, ethnic, and class demographic data from the 2006 to 2008 American Community Survey of the U.S. Census are merged with the 2008 Cooperative Congressional Election Study. Multilevel models with mixed effects are used to predict support for photo ID laws.

Results

Photo ID support is polarized across political sophistication among Democrats in congressional districts with a higher proportion of foreign‐born residents as well as with higher foreign‐born population growth. In contrast, the increasing presence of foreign‐born residents further solidifies support among Republicans, regardless of sophistication. Further analysis reveals that contextual effects of the foreign‐born population specifically affect white partisans and also polarize attitudes across social class.

Conclusions

The results suggest that support for restrictive voter ID laws is highest among Republicans and disengaged Democrats, particularly in racially and ethnically diverse areas.
Is There a Tradeoff Between Democratization and Stability? A Typological Analysis of the Third‐Wavers, 1974–2014
Authors: Liu Yu
Published: February 2017

Objective

Is there a tradeoff between democratization and stability? This article investigates this question through a typological analysis of the “third‐wave” countries. Specifically, it addresses two issues. First, are there more countries losing stability than gaining it after democratization? Second, between the “stability losers” and “stability gainers,” which camp has experienced a larger scale of change?

Methods

This article adopts both data set matching and case knowledge. By matching data sets on democratization (Polity IV) and violence episodes (Major Episodes of Political Violence), as well as by bringing in case knowledge, this study categorizes the third‐wavers into three groups (the stability losers, the gainers, and the no‐changers) and compares their proportion as well as scale of change.

Results

This study discovers that, among the 108 “third‐wavers,” the ratio of “stability gainers,” “no‐changers,” and “stability losers” is 36:45:27. The scale of change is also bigger among the stability gainers than among the losers. Particularly, the chance of very bloody conflicts is much bigger under authoritarianism than after democratic transition.

Conclusion

While a level of caution for democratization is healthy, this topological analysis suggests a more balanced view. Democratization can be dangerous. The resistance to it can also be, if not more so.
Dying for Globalization? The Impact of Economic Globalization on Industrial Accidents
Authors: Blanton Robert G. , Peksen Dursun
Published: February 2017

Objectives

Industry‐related accidents are tragically ubiquitous events, yet their underlying causes remain poorly understood. We focus on an important factor associated with the likelihood of industrial hazards: economic globalization. Specifically, we advance multiple hypotheses that suggest that global economic ties as well as the policies that are intended to facilitate these ties increase the likelihood of major industrial accidents as they induce poor governance and the violation of worker safety and regulations.

Methods

We combine data on economic globalization with data on major industrial accidents, and examine the relationship between these variables across 137 countries for the period 1971–2012.

Results

We find a significant positive relationship between economic globalization and the probability of industrial accidents. Results further suggest that the impact of state policies encouraging globalization, such as the removal of barriers to trade and capital flows, is stronger than that of trade and investment flows themselves.

Conclusions

Our results show that a contradiction may exist between the pursuit of integration into the global economy and a key labor right—the right to a safe workplace—and suggest that pro‐globalization policies may exacerbate the governance challenges associated with accident prevention.