bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Emotional stability and switching barriers in the retail banking context
Authors: A. Al-hawari Moh’d
Published: September 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to explore the relationships between switching barriers and bank customers’ loyalty in the UAE, and their variation according to customers’ emotional stability.

Design/methodology/approach

– Data were collected from 413 bank customers through a self-administered questionnaire. The conceptual model and hypotheses were tested using a structural equation modeling method.

Findings

– Social benefits, confidence benefits, and switching cost affected the banks’ customers’ loyalty directly and in a positive manner. This study's findings confirm that switching barriers are more important in triggering the loyalty of less emotionally stable customers in comparison with highly emotionally stable customers.

Practical implications

– Banks could use these results to manage switching barriers and customer relations.

Originality/value

– This paper demonstrates how the emotional stability of customers interferes with customers’ switching behavior.
Discovery search tools: a comparative study
Authors: Goodsett Mandi
Published: September 2014

Purpose

– This review allows librarians to compare three of the major discovery services – EBSCO Discovery Service, Ex Libris’ Primo and Serials Solutions’ Summon – on the basis of price, content, user experience, features and functionality and back-end configuration to make informed decisions about the best tool for their institutions.

Design/methodology/approach

– The comparisons were made through a literature review, study of the vendors’ websites, several interviews and personal usability testing of each tool.

Findings

– The tools each have their strengths and weaknesses, and a decision of which tool is most appropriate for an institution varies depending on the institution’s needs and current situation.

Originality/value

– A literature review shows that no study has yet been conducted comparing these three discovery tools, and few comparative studies of discovery tools have been published recently.
Positive effect of pets on memory-impaired residents at Silverado communities
Authors: F. Winner Stephen
Published: September 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to share the positive effects pets have on individuals diagnosed with various memory-impairing diseases.

Design/methodology/approach

– Observations were gathered over a period of approximately 18 years, from 1996 to 2014. These observations, which began in just one Silverado community exclusively for those with memory impairments, have remained consistent over time and are now seen in 33 communities across the USA.

Findings

– Frequent interaction and access to various pets adds a sense of purpose and life to Silverado residents, each of whom was diagnosed with dementia or other memory impairing diseases.

Research limitations/implications

– The findings rely on a variety of personal observations from caregivers, doctors, nurses, resident families and community leadership.

Practical implications

– Including pets in an assisted living community creates an environment filled with life and compassion, which ultimately gives many residents a sense of purpose again.

Social implications

– The Silverado Pet Philosophy furthers the organization's mission to change the way the world perceives and cares for those with memory impairments.

Originality/value

– There are limited case studies that outline the positive effects of pets in a memory care community over this length of time.
Ageing and lesbian, gay and bisexual relationships
Authors: Kneale Dylan , Sholl Patrick , Sherwood Chris , Faulkner Jessica
Published: September 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to explore how minority stress and the experience of societal level hostility towards lesbian, gay and bisexual (LGB) people and their relationships may have impacted upon their relationships and relationship histories.

Design/methodology/approach

– This paper introduced the minority stress framework and examines the relationship histories of a small cohort aged 50 at the last sweep of data collection.

Findings

– The minority stress framework states that societal level hostility will lead to unequal treatment and psychological distress among minority groups, which could impact on their relationships histories. In these data, those people we identify as being LGB were significantly more likely to have had a higher number of cohabiting partnerships, were less likely to have had longer-term cohabiting relationships, and were less likely to be in a relationship at age 50. This is despite LGB people placing an equal importance on partnership and marriage. These results are accompanied by caveats, but the authors conclude that if minority stress does impact upon relationships, it is upon the stability and length of relationships.

Practical implications

– Compared to older LGB couples, opposite sex couples, are more likely to have been in receipt of peer and especially familial support for their relationship, particularly around times of relationship crisis. Additionally, for those same sex couples that did approach professional sources of support, such as couple counselling, heteronormative and even hostile attitudes from counselling providers may have meant that experienced and informed support was not available when needed. The findings therefore pose a challenge to service providers to ensure that relationship support and allied services are available and adapted to meet the needs of older LGB people, whose previous contacts with these service providers may have been substantially less than positive, and whose need for relationship support may be greater.

Originality/value

– The needs of older LGB people and their relationships are often overlooked. The use of a small sample of cohort data to examine these issues provides new insight into the way in which older LGB people may age differently to non-LGB people.
Anisotropic effective conductivity in fractured rocks by explicit effective medium methods
Authors: Sævik Pål Næverlid , Jakobsen Morten , Lien Martha , Berre Inga
Published: September 2014

In this work, we assess the use of explicit methods for estimating the effective conductivity of anisotropic fractured media. Explicit methods are faster and simpler to use than implicit methods but may have a more limited range of validity. Five explicit methods are considered: the Maxwell approximation, the T‐matrix method, the symmetric and asymmetric weakly self‐consistent methods, and the weakly differential method, where the two latter methods are novelly constructed in this paper. For each method, we develop simplified expressions applicable to flat spheroidal “penny‐shaped” inclusions. The simplified expressions are accurate to the first order in the ratio of fracture thickness to fracture diameter. Our analysis shows that the conductivity predictions of the methods fall within known upper and lower bounds, except for the T‐matrix method at high fracture densities and the symmetric weakly self‐consistent method when applied to very thin fractures. Comparisons with numerical results show that all the methods give reliable estimates for small fracture densities. For high fracture densities, the weakly differential method is the most accurate if the fracture geometry is non‐percolating or the fracture/matrix conductivity contrast is small. For percolating conductive fracture networks, we have developed a scaling relation that can be applied to the weakly self‐consistent methods to give conductivity estimates that are close to the results from numerical simulations.
Properties of casein concentrates containing various levels of beta‐casein
Authors: Seibel Jacquelyne R , Molitor Michael S , Lucey John A
Published: September 2014

Microfiltration (MF) of milk was used to produce casein (CN) concentrates (80% protein) with reduced whey protein levels. By varying temperature of MF, we altered the proportion of β‐CN to αs‐CN in CN concentrates and compared them to milk protein concentrate (MPC). Casein content as a % of protein was approximately 90% for CN concentrates and approximately 80% for MPC. Smaller micelles and weaker rennet gels were observed for CN concentrates with low β‐CN level. Foam stability and yield stress values were higher for CN concentrates with a high β‐CN level. Modified CN concentrates can be produced by altering the proportions of individual CNs.
Challenges in arranging interhospital transfer from a non‐tertiary hospital emergency department in the Perth metropolitan area
Authors: Gillman Lucia , Jacobs Ian , Fatovich Daniel M
Published: September 2014

Objective

To describe the organisational demands on staff when arranging interhospital transfers (IHTs) from an ED.

Method

Prospective observational study of IHTs from three non‐tertiary hospital EDs in the Perth metropolitan area. Data were collected over 14 consecutive days commencing 20 January, 26 March and 6 July 2010 for each respective site. Outcome measures were the time taken for transfer acceptance, the number of telephone calls required and the perceived degree of difficulty to arrange a transfer.

Results

We examined 229 (70%) of the 325 IHTs conducted during the study period. Transfers took 1–11 telephone calls to arrange (median 2). More calls were required for urgent (median 4, IQR 3.5–9.4, n = 69) than non‐urgent IHTs (median 3, IQR 2–4, n = 160, P = 0.04). Four or more calls were required in 23.5% of cases (n = 54) with 20 (9%) of these involving critically ill patients. The median time to transfer acceptance was similar for urgent (10 min, IQR 4–24, n = 69) and non‐urgent IHTs (10 min, IQR 5–23, P = 0.48, n = 155). A post‐hoc analysis describing IHTs that took over 1 h to organise, showed that urgent transfers took 155 min (IQR 132–213) compared with 120 min for non‐urgent IHTs (IQR 79–157; P = 0.07). Arranging an IHT was perceived to be challenging in 6% of cases with the clarity of decision‐making, receiving staff understanding of the limitations of referral hospital services and the effect of delays of prime importance.

Conclusion

While most IHTs are straightforward, critically ill transfers require considerable time, effort and teamwork to arrange.
Effects of Soaking with Natural Additives in Combinations with Vacuum or Modified Atmosphere Packaging on Microbial Populations and Shelf Life of Fresh Truffles (Chinese Tuber Indicum)
Authors: Miao Yuzhi , Chen Cuiping , Ma Qinqin , Wang Yiding , Zhang Xiaoyu , Guo Fanglan , Li Wei , Yong Bin
Published: September 2014

The objective of this study was to evaluate the relative effects and interactions of combined soaking treatment using citric acid (CTA) and apple polyphenol (APP) at mild heating temperatures for the inactivation of the external and internal microflora (mesophilic aerobic bacteria, mesophilic anaerobic bacteria, and fungi) in Chinese Tuber indicum, as well as to analyze the microbiological and sensory changes under modified atmosphere packaging (MAP)‐ and vacuum atmosphere packaging (VAC)‐packed Chinese T. indicum stored at 4 °C for up to 55 d. Chinese T. indicum was soaked with CTA and APP alone or in combination for 10, 20, and 30 min at 35, 45, and 55 °C. A disinfection method using CTA and APP (3% CTA + 3% APP for 20 min at 45 °C) was obtained. Under this set of combination, the experimental values of microbial counts of mesophilic aerobic bacteria, mesophilic anaerobic bacteria, and fungi were 2.31 ± 0.4 log CFU/g, <1.0 log CFU/g, and <1.0 log CFU/g, respectively. Through the analysis of sensory qualities and microbial populations for MAP‐ or VAC‐packed Chinese T. indicum, the shelf life of soaked truffles was prolonged to 45 or 40 d, respectively. The synergistic effect of CTA and APP may provide valuable insight into the reduction of microorganisms on fresh truffles.
The neurobiology of eating disorders—a clinical perspective
Authors: von Hausswolff‐Juhlin Y. , Brooks S. J. , Larsson M.
Published: September 2014

Objective

To provide a neurobiological basis of eating disorders for clinicians and to enlighten how comparing neurobiology and eating disorders with neurobiology of other psychiatric illnesses can improve treatment protocols.

Method

A selective review on the neurobiology of eating disorders. The article focuses on clinical research on humans with consideration of the anatomical, neural, and molecular basis of eating disorders.

Results

The neurobiology of people with eating disorders is altered. Many of the neurobiological regions, receptors, and chemical substrates that are affected in other mental illnesses also play an important role in eating disorders. More knowledge about the neurobiological overlap between eating disorders and other psychiatric populations will help when developing treatment protocols not the least regarding that comorbidity is common in patients withEDs.

Conclusion

Knowledge about the underlying neurobiology of eating disorders will improve treatment intervention and will benefit from comparisons with other mental illnesses and their treatments.
Immune Changes and Dysphoric Moods Across the Postpartum
Authors: Groer Maureen E. , Jevitt Cecilia , Ji Ming
Published: September 2014

Problem

Little is known about postpartum immune recovery and relationships of common dysphoric moods, stress, immunology, and endocrinology.

Method of study

Healthy women (n = 72) were followed for six postpartum months with immune and hormone measures and dysphoric moods and stress scales. A panel of cytokines produced in mitogen‐stimulated whole blood assays were measured at each time, along with plasma levels of hsC‐reactive protein (hsCRP), Interleukin‐6 (IL‐6), and a panel of hormones.

Results

Cellular immunity, measured by production of Interferon‐gamma (IFNγ) and (Interleukin‐2 (IL‐2) from stimulated whole blood culture, was low in the early postpartum with changes by 3 months. Tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFα) showed a similar pattern. Plasma levels of CRP and Interleukin‐6 (IL‐6) showed higher levels in the early postpartum. Mood disturbance scores dropped across the postpartum with a change in slope at 3 months. No significant relationships were found between immune, endocrine, and psychosocial measures.

Conclusion

Return to normal cellular immune function may take 3–4 months in the postpartum. Some aspects of early immunology (hsCRP and IL‐6) probably reflect the latter stage of pregnancy, the stress of birth and the inflammation associated with involution. Dysphoric moods are higher in the early postpartum but are not related to immune factors or hormones.
Widespread Usage of Infant Formula in China: A Major Public Health Problem
Authors: Tang Li , Lee Andy H. , Binns Colin W. , Yang Yuxiong , Wu Yan , Li Yanxia , Qiu Liqian
Published: September 2014

Background

The potential health risks of infant formula feeding are well established. This study investigated the opinions and perceptions of mothers and recommendations by hospital staff with respect to infant formula usage in China.

Methods

A cross‐sectional survey of 726 mothers within 6 months postpartum and 241 hospital staff, using structured questionnaires, was conducted in Hangzhou and Shenzhen, China.

Results

Overall, 474 of 726 (65.3%) infants aged within 6 months had consumed some infant formula. About 40.0 percent of mothers chose a hybrid brand of formula (manufactured in China but owned by a foreign company), over imported (< 32.0%) and domestic brands (< 28.0%), despite their higher level of confidence on the quality of imported brands. Perceived insufficient breastmilk production (86.2%) was the most common reason for giving infant formula, followed by return to work (24.6%). Of the 241 hospital staff, 97 (40.2%) gave no recommendation about infant formula brand for infants at any age. However, 47.2 percent of the remaining staff recommended a hybrid brand in combination with an imported and/or a domestic product.

Conclusions

Perceptions by mothers and recommendations from hospital staff appear to contribute to the widespread usage of infant formula in China. It is important to ensure breastmilk substitutes are prescribed to Chinese infants strictly for medical reasons. Maternal education programs incorporating information on food safety issues and establishment of breastfeeding‐friendly workplaces could curtail the common practice of formula feeding in China.
Galectin‐4 serves as a prognostic biomarker for the early recurrence / metastasis of hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Cai Zhixiong , Zeng Yongyi , Xu Bo , Gao Yunzhen , Wang Sen , Zeng Jinhua , Chen Lihong , Huang Aimin , Liu Xiaolong , Liu Jingfeng
Published: September 2014

Galectin‐4 is a multifunctional lectin found at both intracellular and extracellular sites. It could serve as a tumor suppressor intracellularly and promote tumor metastases extracellularly during colorectal cancer development. However, galectin‐4 expression and its prognostic value for patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) have not been well investigated. Here we report that galectin‐4 was significantly downregulated in early recurrent/metastatic HCC patients, when compared to non‐recurrent/metastatic HCC patients. Low expression of gelectin‐4 was well associated with larger tumor size, microvascular invasion, malignant differentiation, more advanced TNM stage, and poor prognosis. Cancer cell migration and invasion could be significantly reduced through overexpression of galectin‐4, but upregulated by knocking down of galectin‐4 in vitro. Moreover, the serum galectin‐4 level could be significantly elevated solely by hepatitis B virus infection. Combined with clinicopathological features, the higher serologic level of galectin‐4 was well associated with more aggressive characteristics of HCC. Taken together, galectin‐4 expression closely associates with HCC progression and might have potential use as a prognostic biomarker for HCC patients.
Discovery of New Non‐Steroidal Farnesoid X Receptor Modulators Through 3D Shape Similarity Search and Structure‐Based Virtual Screening
Authors: Wang Lei , Si Pei , Sheng Yayun , Chen Yingjie , Wan Ping , Shen Xu , Tang Yun , Chen Lili , Li Weihua
Published: September 2014

As a ligand‐activated transcriptional factor, farnesoid X receptor (FXR) has a variety of biological functions, such as biosynthesis of bile acids, metabolism of lipid, and glucose homeostasis, and thus is related to multiple diseases, especially metabolic syndrome. In this study, to discover new FXR modulators, we have designed a strategy by combining 3D shape similarity search and structure‐based docking methods. Taking two FXR ligands that we previously reported as the reference molecules, virtual screening was performed against the Enamine database, and finally 59 compounds were selected for bioassay. Among them, four compounds exhibited agonistic or antagonistic activities against FXR in homogeneous time resolved fluorescence assay. Two of them were found to be new, potent FXR antagonists in cell‐based assay with IC50 values of 8.39 and 6.53 μm, respectively.
Three‐Dimensional Echocardiography Guided Closure of Complex Multiple Atrial Septal Defects
Authors: Kijima Yasufumi , Akagi Teiji , Nakagawa Koji , Takaya Yoichi , Oe Hiroki , Ito Hiroshi
Published: September 2014

Mini‐Abstract

Transcatheter closure of complex multiple atrial septal defects (ASDs) remains a challenge. We describe our clinical experience with staged device deployment in a patient with multiple ASDs using four Amplatzer septal occluder devices. Three‐dimensional transesophageal echocardiography imaging contributed not only to the therapeutic guidance of successful device deployment but also to the decision making for the staged device delivery approach in a case of morphologically complex multiple ASDs.
Enhancements to a Geographically Weighted Principal Component Analysis in the Context of an Application to an Environmental Data Set
Authors: Harris Paul , Clarke Annemarie , Juggins Steve , Brunsdon Chris , Charlton Martin
Published: September 2014

In many physical geography settings, principal component analysis (PCA) is applied without consideration for important spatial effects, and in doing so, tends to provide an incomplete understanding of a given process. In such circumstances, a spatial adaptation of PCA can be adopted, and to this end, this study focuses on the use of geographically weighted principal component analysis (GWPCA). GWPCA is a localized version of PCA that is an appropriate exploratory tool when a need exists to investigate for a certain spatial heterogeneity in the structure of a multivariate data set. This study provides enhancements to GWPCA with respect to: (i) finding the scale at which each localized PCA should operate; and (ii) visualizing the copious amounts of output that result from its application. An extension of GWPCA is also proposed, where it is used to detect multivariate spatial outliers. These advancements in GWPCA are demonstrated using an environmental freshwater chemistry data set, where a commentary on the use of preprocessed (transformed and standardized) data is also presented. The study is structured as follows: (1) the GWPCA methodology; (2) a description of the case study data; (3) the GWPCA application, demonstrating the value of the proposed advancements; and (4) conclusions. Most GWPCA functions have been incorporated within the GWmodel R package.
Involvement of IQGAP family proteins in the regulation of mammalian cell cytokinesis
Authors: Adachi Makoto , Kawasaki Asami , Nojima Hisashi , Nishida Eisuke , Tsukita Sachiko
Published: September 2014

IQGAP family proteins, comprising IQGAP1, ‐2, and ‐3 in mammals, are involved in diverse ranges of cellular processes such as adhesion and migration. IQGAP proteins in yeast also play important roles in cytokinesis. However, the involvement of IQGAP proteins in cytokinesis in mammals remains unaddressed. In this study, we showed that IQGAP3 specifically localized to the equatorial cortex at anaphase, whereas IQGAP1 localized to the cell cortex uniformly and IQGAP2 was unexpressed in HeLa cells. IQGAP3, but neither IQGAP1 nor ‐2, was able to interact with anillin, which was required for the localization of IQGAP3 to the contractile ring. The suppressed expression of IQGAP3 inhibited the completion of cleavage furrow ingression and led to the multinucleation of cells. The suppression of IQGAP1 also had similar inhibitory effects on cytokinesis, and the simultaneous suppression of IQGAP1 and ‐3 induced more severe effects. The localization of anillin and RhoA to the contractile ring was impaired by the suppression of IQGAP1 and ‐3, whereas their upstream regulators, the centralspindlin complex and Ect2, remained unaffected. These results suggested that mammalian IQGAP proteins may play a role in cytokinesis by regulating the localization of key cytokinesis regulatory proteins to the contractile apparatus during mitosis.
Effect of wine barrel ageing or sapa addition on total polyphenol content and antioxidant activities of some Italian craft beers
Authors: Sanna Vanna , Pretti Luca
Published: September 2014

Beer is a complex mixture of bioactive polyphenols with positive health effects, and its composition is influenced by some technological variables. In this study, the total polyphenol content (TPC) and the antioxidant activity of some Italian craft beers produced by ageing in wood barrel that previously contained red or white wines, and by addition of sapa, a cooked must from wine grapes, were investigated. TPC greatly vary among different beer types. Craft beers stored in wood barrels that contained red wines, such as those added of sapa from red wine grapes, showed a TPC up to 2.5 times higher (1000 GAE mg L−1) compared with other craft beers, and 3.6 times higher than the industrial beer. The antioxidant activity is remarkably different depending on beer type and strictly correlated with TPC. Results indicate that antioxidant properties of the craft beers could be efficiently improved by the explored technological processes.
VAC therapy for the treatment of complex wounds after cardio‐thoracic surgery
Authors: De Caridi Giovanni , Serra Raffaele , Massara Mafalda , Barone Mario , Grande Raffaele , Butrico Lucia , Mastroroberto Pasquale , de Franciscis Stefano , Monaco Francesco
Published: September 2014

The aim of this study is to report our experience about the treatment of complex sternal and thoracic wounds following cardiothoracic surgery, using vacuum‐assisted closure (VAC therapy. Twelve patients presenting with sternal (five cases) and thoracic (seven cases) wounds that were difficult to heal were treated through VAC therapy after the first surgical debridement. The duration of VAC application ranged from 12 to 36 days with an average hospital stay of 24·6 ± 11·4 days. During a mean follow‐up of 12 months, we observed complete wound healing in seven cases (58·3%), in an average period of 25·5 ± 14·3 days; one patient died during follow‐up, two patients were lost to follow‐up and two patients required definitive surgical closure of the wound cavity. In conclusion, VAC therapy promotes faster wound healing, with shorter hospital stay and subsequent lesser in‐hospital cost, reducing the mortality rate in the long run. It also promotes early rehabilitation and alleviates the need for a second procedure, thus improving patient satisfaction, with minimal discomfort or inconvenience.
Inter‐rater reliability of three most commonly used pressure ulcer risk assessment scales in clinical practice
Authors: Wang Li‐Hua , Chen Hong‐Lin , Yan Hong‐Yan , Gao Jian‐Hua , Wang Fang , Ming Yue , Lu Li , Ding Jing‐Jing
Published: September 2014

The objective of this study was to evaluate inter‐rater reliability of Braden Scale, Norton Scale and Waterlow Scale for pressure ulcer risk assessment in clinical practice. The design of the study was cross‐sectional. A total of 23 patients at pressure ulcer risk were included in the study, and 6 best registered nurses conducted three subsequent risk assessments for all included patients. They assessed alone and independently from each other. An intra‐class correlation coefficient (ICC) was used to determine the inter‐rater reliability. For the Braden Scale, the ICC values ranged between 0·603 (95% CI: 0·435–0·770) for the item ‘moisture’ and a maximum of 0·964 (95% CI: 0·936–0·982) for the item ‘activity’; for the Norton Scale, the ICC values ranged between 0·595 (95% CI: 0·426–0·764) for the item ‘physical condition’ and a maximum of 0·975 (95% CI: 0·955–0·988) for the item ‘activity’; and for the Waterlow Scale, the ICC values ranged between 0·592 (95% CI: 0·422–0·762) for the item ‘skin type’ and a maximum of 0·990 (95% CI: 0·982–0·995) for the item ‘activity’. The ICC values of total score for three scales of were 0·955 (95% CI: 0·922–0·978), 0·967 (95% CI: 0·943–0·984), and 0·915 (95% CI: 0·855–0·958) for Braden, Norton, and Waterlow scales, respectively. Although the inter‐rater reliability of Braden Scale, Norton Scale and Waterlow Scale total scores were all substantial, the reliability of some items was not so good. The items of ‘moisture’, ‘physical condition’ and ‘skin type’ should be paid more attention. However, some studies are needed to find out high reliable quantitative items to replace these ambiguous items in new designed scales.
Experimentally increased reproductive effort alters telomere length in the blue tit (Cyanistes caeruleus)
Authors: Sudyka J. , Arct A. , Drobniak S. , Dubiec A. , Gustafsson L. , Cichoń M.
Published: September 2014

Telomeres have recently been suggested to play important role in ageing and are considered to be a reliable ageing biomarkers. The life history theory predicts that costs of reproduction should be expressed in terms of accelerated senescence, and some empirical studies do confirm such presumption. Thus, a link between reproductive effort and telomere dynamics should be anticipated. Recent studies have indeed demonstrated that reproduction may trigger telomere loss, but actual impact of reproductive effort has not received adequate attention in experimental studies. Here, we experimentally manipulated reproductive effort by increasing the brood size in the wild blue tit (Cyanistes caeruleus). We show that parents attending enlarged broods experienced larger yearly telomere decay in comparison to control birds attending unaltered broods. In addition, we demonstrate that the change in telomere length differs between sexes, but this effect was independent from our treatment. To our knowledge, this is the first experimental study in the wild revealing that telomere dynamics may be linked to reproductive effort. Thus, telomere shortening may constitute one of the potential proximate mechanisms mediating the costs of reproduction.
Mutational Robustness of Morphological Traits in the Ciliate Tetrahymena thermophila
Authors: Long Hongan , Zufall Rebecca A.
Published: September 2014

Ciliate nuclear architecture, in particular the sequestration of a transcriptionally silent germline genome, allows for the accumulation of mutations that are “hidden” from selection during many rounds of asexual reproduction. After sexual conjugation, these mutations are expressed, potentially resulting in highly variable phenotypes. Morphological traits are widely used in ciliate taxonomy, however, the extent to which the values of these traits are robust to change in the face of mutation remains largely unknown. In this study, we examine the effects of mutations accumulated in the germline genome to test the mutational robustness of four traits commonly used in ciliate morphological taxonomy (number of somatic kineties, number of postoral kineties, macronuclear size, and cell size). We found that the number of postoral kineties is robust to mutation, confirming that it should be preferentially used in taxonomy. By contrast, we found that, as in other unicellular and multicellular species, cell and macronucleus sizes change in response to mutation. Thus, we argue that cell and macronucleus sizes, which are widely used in taxonomy, should be treated cautiously for species identification. Finally, we found evidence of correlations between cell and macronucleus sizes and fitness, suggesting possible mutational pleiotropy. This study demonstrates the importance of, and methods for, determining mutational robustness to guide morphological taxonomy in ciliates.
Using otolith chemical and structural analysis to investigate reservoir habitat use by juvenile Chinook salmon Oncorhynchus tshawytscha
Authors: Bourret S. L. , Kennedy B. P. , Caudill C. C. , Chittaro P. M.
Published: September 2014

Isotopic composition of 87Sr:86Sr and natural elemental tracers (Sr, Ba, Mg, Mn and Ca) were quantified from otoliths in juvenile and adult Chinook salmon Oncorhynchus tshawytscha to assess the ability of otolith microchemistry and microstructure to reconstruct juvenile O. tshawytscha rearing habitat and growth. Daily increments were measured to assess relative growth between natal rearing habitats. Otolith microchemistry was able to resolve juvenile habitat use between reservoir and natal tributary rearing habitats (within headwater basins), but not among catchments. Results suggest that 90% (n = 18) of sampled non‐hatchery adults returning to the Middle Fork Willamette River were reared in a reservoir and 10% (n = 2) in natal tributary habitat upstream from the reservoir. Juveniles collected in reservoirs had higher growth rates than juveniles reared in natal streams. The results demonstrate the utility of otolith microchemistry and microstructure to distinguish among rearing habitats, including habitats in highly altered systems.
Natural flood management from the farmer's perspective: criteria that affect uptake
Authors: Holstead K.L. , Kenyon W. , Rouillard J.J. , Hopkins J. , Galán‐Díaz C.
Published: September 2014

Internationally, a wide set of measures are being considered to reduce flood risk: natural flood management (NFM) is one of them. NFM includes a broad range of measures that alter, restore or use landscape features to manage flood risk. By working with catchment‐wide hydrological and morphological processes, NFM aims to manage the sources and pathways of floodwaters. NFM can nevertheless conflict with other land uses, in particular agricultural food production. Our research aimed to explore farmers' perceptions of NFM and identify the criteria influencing decision making in implementation. Using findings from a workshop, qualitative interviews and a national survey carried out in Scotland, this paper identifies six key criteria that farmers consider when implementing NFM: economics, availability of advice and support, public perception, joined‐up policy, catchment planning and traditions. While a number of these criteria are consistent with the agri‐environment literature and other flood management studies, our study makes some novel findings regarding farmer perceptions and how NFM affects the farm business. We conclude that NFM installation could be encouraged through one‐to‐one advice from a trusted facilitator and long‐term financial incentives that compliment other farm payments. This should be combined with a catchment approach to flooding, which highlights shared responsibility for reducing flood risk.
Association between Oral Mucosal Lesions and Hygiene Habits in a Population of Removable Prosthesis Wearers
Authors: Ercalik‐Yalcinkaya Sebnem , Özcan Mutlu
Published: September 2014

Purpose

This prospective study evaluated the influence of self‐reported prosthesis hygiene regimens and prosthesis usage habits on the presence of oral mucosal lesions (OMLs) in complete removable and/or partial removable dental (CRDP/PRDP) prosthesis wearers (PWs).

Materials and Methods

Between January 2009 and January 2011, the conventional oral mucosa of 400 consecutive PWs (252 women; 148 men), aged between 29 and 86 years, were examined clinically. Information was derived considering the type and age of the prosthesis, hygiene level, frequency and style of prosthesis cleaning, overnight prosthesis use, storage conditions, and systemic diseases. Non‐prosthesis‐ and prosthesis‐related OMLs were identified. The data were analyzed using univariate (Chi‐square) and multivariate (logistic regression) tests to assess the development of OMLs as a function of the selected variables. Odds ratios (OR) were calculated at 95% confidence intervals (CI; α = 0.05).

Results

Of the 400 PWs, 21.5% had CRDP, 52.5% PRDP, and 25.8% CRD/PRD prostheses. Thirty‐two percent of the PWs cleaned their prosthesis once a day. Brushing the prosthesis with toothbrush and soap/toothpaste was the most commonly practiced cleaning regimen (85.8%). More than half (64.5%) of the PWs used their prosthesis overnight. Among all PWs, 37.8% had a prosthesis‐related OML. Stomatitis Newton Type II (46%) and Type III (38%) were the most common OMLs. OML frequency was higher in PWs having CRDPs than those having PRDPs (p < 0.05). Overnight prosthesis use (p = 0.003, OR: 13.65; 95% CI: 1.7–109.3), denture age ≥11 years (p = 0.017, OR: 1.72; 95% CI: 1.1–2.7), and immersion in water and solution (p = 0.023, OR: 1.13; 95% CI: 0.02–1.02) affected the incidence of OML significantly. Hypertension was the most common systemic disease (31.5%).

Conclusion

Overnight use, denture age, and storage conditions of CRDP or PRDPs demonstrated a more significant impact on OML incidence than frequency of cleaning. Oral healthcare programs for removable PWs should specifically provide education on prosthesis usage instructions.
Gratitude From Early Adulthood to Old Age
Authors: Allemand Mathias , Hill Patrick L.
Published: September 2014

Are there age differences in gratitude from early adulthood to old age? The current studies tested several ways by which an association between age and dispositional gratitude may present, by considering multiple measures on both fronts. We used data from three cross‐sectional studies (total N = 1,736; total age range: 19–94). The results indicated that (a) age effects in gratitude are more likely to occur for subjective age in terms of future time perspective (i.e., people's perceptions of their remaining opportunities and time) than chronological age; (b) chronological age effects are more domain specific than general in nature; and (c) they are more likely to occur for the instrumental domain as compared to the interpersonal domain. Finally, the results indicated that (d) perceived future time, particularly with respect to remaining opportunities, mediates the relation between chronological age and general gratitude. Overall, the findings suggest that gratitude is subject to a variety of developmental influences across adulthood.
Differences in the developmental origins of the periosteum may influence bone healing
Authors: Ichikawa Y. , Watahiki J. , Nampo T. , Nose K. , Yamamoto G. , Irie T. , Mishima K. , Maki K.
Published: September 2014

Background and Objective

The jaw bone, unlike most other bones, is derived from neural crest stem cells, so we hypothesized that it may have different characteristics to bones from other parts of the body, especially in the nature of its periosteum. The periosteum exhibits osteogenic potential and has received considerable attention as a grafting material for the repair of bone and joint defects.

Material and Methods

Gene expression profiles of jaw bone and periosteum were evaluated byDNAmicroarray and real‐time polymerase chain reaction. Furthermore, we perforated an area 2 mm in diameter on mouse frontal and parietal bones. Bone regeneration of these calvarial defects was evaluated using microcomputed tomography and histological analysis.

Results

TheDNAmicroarray data revealed close homology between the gene expression profiles within the ilium and femur. The gene expression of Wnt‐1,SOX10, nestin, and musashi‐1 were significantly higher in the jaw bone than in other locations. Microcomputed tomography and histological analysis revealed that the jaw bone had superior bone regenerative abilities than other bones.

Conclusion

Jaw bone periosteum exhibits a unique gene expression profile that is associated with neural crest cells and has a positive influence on bone regeneration when used as a graft material to repair bone defects. A full investigation of the biological and mechanical properties of jaw bone as an alternative graft material for jaw reconstructive surgery is recommended.
Aldosterone breakthrough with benazepril in furosemide‐activated renin‐angiotensin‐aldosterone system in normal dogs
Authors: Lantis A. C. , Ames M. K. , Atkins C. E. , DeFrancesco T. C. , Keene B. W. , Werre S. R.
Published: September 2014

Pilot studies in our laboratory revealed that furosemide‐induced renin‐angiotensin‐aldosterone system (RAAS) activation was not attenuated by the subsequent co‐administration of benazepril. This study was designed to evaluate the effect of benazepril on angiotensin‐converting enzyme (ACE) activity and furosemide‐induced circulatingRAASactivation. Our hypothesis was that benazepril suppression ofACEactivity would not suppress furosemide‐induced circulatingRAASactivation, indicated by urinary aldosterone concentration. Ten healthy hound dogs were used in this study. The effect of furosemide (2 mg/kg p.o., q12h; Group F;n = 5) and furosemide plus benazepril (1 mg/kg p.o., q24h; GroupFB;n = 5) on circulatingRAASwas determined by plasmaACEactivity, 4–6 h posttreatment, and urinary aldosterone to creatinine ratio (UAldo:C) on days −1, −2, 1, 3, and 7. There was a significant increase in the averageUAldo:C (μg/g) after the administration of furosemide (Group F baseline [average of days −1 and −2]UAldo:C = 0.41,SD0.15; day 1UAldo:C = 1.1,SD0.56; day 3UAldo:C = 0.85,SD0.50; day 7UAldo:C = 1.1,SD0.80,P < 0.05). Benazepril suppressedACEactivity (U/L) in GroupFB(GroupFBbaselineACE = 16.4,SD4.2; day 1ACE = 3.5,SD1.4; day 3ACE = 1.6,SD1.3; day 7ACE = 1.4,SD1.4,P < 0.05) but did not significantly reduce aldosterone excretion (GroupFBbaselineUAldo:C = 0.35,SD0.16; day 1UAldo:C = 0.79,SD0.39; day 3UAldo:C 0.92,SD0.48, day 7UAldo:C = 0.99,SD0.48,P < 0.05). Benazepril decreased plasmaACEactivity but did not prevent furosemide‐inducedRAASactivation, indicating aldosterone breakthrough (escape). This is particularly noteworthy in that breakthrough is observed at the time of initiation ofRAASsuppression, as opposed to developing after months of therapy.
Partial cloning of CYP2C23a genes and hepatic protein expression in eight representative avian species
Authors: Watanabe K. P. , Kawai Y. K. , Nakayama S. M. M. , Ikenaka Y. , Mizukawa H. , Takaesu N. , Ito M. , Ikushiro S.‐I. , Sakaki T. , Ishizuka M.
Published: September 2014

Large interspecies differences in avian xenobiotic metabolism have been revealed by microsome‐based studies, but specific enzyme isoforms in different bird species have not yet been compared. We have previously shown that CYP2C23 genes are the most induced CYP isoforms in chicken liver. In this study, we collected partial CYP2C23a gene sequences from eight avian species (ostrich, blue‐eared pheasant, snowy owl, great‐horned owl, Chilean flamingo, peregrin falcon, Humboldt penguin, and black‐crowned night heron) selected to cover the whole avian lineage: Paleognathae, Galloanserae, and Neoaves. Genetic analysis showed that CYP2C23 genes of Galloanserae species (chicken and blue‐eared pheasant) had unique characteristics. We found some duplicated genes (CYP2C23a and CYP2C23b) and two missing amino acid residues in Galloanserae compared to the other two lineages. The genes have lower homology than in other avian lineages, which suggests Galloanserae‐specific rapid evolutionary changes. These genetic features suggested that the Galloanserae are not the most representative avian species, considering that the Neoaves comprise more than 95% of birds. Moreover, we succeeded in synthesizing an antipeptide polyclonal antibody against the region of CYP2C23 protein conserved in avians. However, comparative quantitation of CYP2C23 proteins in livers from six species showed that expression levels of these proteins differed no more than fourfold. Further study is needed to clarify the function of avian CYP2C23 proteins.
The green–blue swing: plasticity of plankton food‐webs in response to coastal oceanographic dynamics
Authors: D'Alelio Domenico , Mazzocchi Maria Grazia , Montresor Marina , Sarno Diana , Zingone Adriana , Di Capua Iole , Franzè Gayantonia , Margiotta Francesca , Saggiomo Vincenzo , Ribera d'Alcalà Maurizio
Published: September 2014

The internal organization of plankton communities plays a key role in biogeochemical cycles and in the functioning of aquatic ecosystems. In this study, the structure of a marine plankton community (including both unicellular and multicellular organisms) was inferred by applying an ecological network approach to species abundances observed weekly at the long‐term ecological research stationMareChiara (LTER‐MC) in theGulf ofNaples (TyrrhenianSea,MediterraneanSea) in the summers of 2002–2009. Two distinct conditions, characterized by different combination of salinity and chlorophyll values, alternated at the site: one influenced by coastal waters, herein named ‘green’, and the other reflecting more offshore conditions, named ‘blue’. The green and blue ‘phases’ showed different keystone biological elements: namely, large diatoms and small‐sized flagellates, respectively. Several correlations amongst species belonging to different trophic groups were found in both phases (connectance ~0.30). In the green phase, several links between phytoplankton and mesozooplankton and within the latter were detected, suggesting matter flow from microbes up to carnivorous zooplankton. A microbial‐loop‐like sub‐web, including mixo‐ and heterotrophic dinoflagellates and ciliates, was present in the green phase, but it was relatively more important in the blue phase. The latter observation suggests a more intense cycling of matter at the microbial trophic level in the blue phase. These results show that different modes of ecological organization can emerge from relatively small changes in the composition of aquatic communities coping with environmental variability. This highlights a significant plasticity in the internal structure of plankton webs, which should be taken into account in predictions of the potential effects of climatic oscillations on aquatic ecosystems and biogeochemical cycles therein.
Wheat alleles introgress into selfing wild relatives: empirical estimates from approximate Bayesian computation in Aegilops triuncialis
Authors: Pajkovic Mila , Lappe Sylvain , Barman Rachel , Parisod Christian , Neuenschwander Samuel , Goudet Jerome , Alvarez Nadir , Guadagnuolo Roberto , Felber François , Arrigo Nils
Published: September 2014

Extensive gene flow between wheat (Triticum sp.) and several wild relatives of the genus Aegilops has recently been detected despite notoriously high levels of selfing in these species. Here, we assess and model the spread of wheat alleles into natural populations of the barbed goatgrass (Aegilops triuncialis), a wild wheat relative prevailing in the Mediterranean flora. Our sampling, based on an extensive survey of 31 Ae. triuncialis populations collected along a 60 km × 20 km area in southern Spain (Grazalema Mountain chain, Andalousia, totalling 458 specimens), is completed with 33 wheat cultivars representative of the European domesticated pool. All specimens were genotyped with amplified fragment length polymorphism with the aim of estimating wheat admixture levels in Ae. triuncialis populations. This survey first confirmed extensive hybridization and backcrossing of wheat into the wild species. We then used explicit modelling of populations and approximate Bayesian computation to estimate the selfing rate of Ae. triuncialis along with the magnitude, the tempo and the geographical distance over which wheat alleles introgress into Ae. triuncialis populations. These simulations confirmed that extensive introgression of wheat alleles (2.7 × 10−4 wheat immigrants for each Ae. triuncialis resident, at each generation) into Ae. triuncialis occurs despite a high selfing rate (Fis ≈ 1 and selfing rate = 97%). These results are discussed in the light of risks associated with the release of genetically modified wheat cultivars in Mediterranean agrosystems.
Lineage fusion inGalápagos giant tortoises
Authors: Garrick Ryan C. , Benavides Edgar , Russello Michael A. , Hyseni Chaz , Edwards Danielle L. , Gibbs James P. , Tapia Washington , Ciofi Claudio , Caccone Adalgisa
Published: September 2014

Although many classic radiations on islands are thought to be the result of repeated lineage splitting, the role of past fusion is rarely known because during these events, purebreds are rapidly replaced by a swarm of admixed individuals. Here, we capture lineage fusion in action in a Galápagos giant tortoise species,Chelonoidis becki, from Wolf Volcano (Isabela Island). The long generation time of Galápagos tortoises and dense sampling (841 individuals) of genetic and demographic data were integral in detecting and characterizing this phenomenon. InC. becki,we identified two genetically distinct, morphologically cryptic lineages. Historical reconstructions show that they colonized Wolf Volcano from Santiago Island in two temporally separated events, the first estimated to have occurred ~199 000 years ago. Following arrival of the second wave of colonists, both lineages coexisted for approximately ~53 000 years. Within that time, they began fusing back together, as microsatellite data reveal widespread introgressive hybridization. Interestingly, greater mate selectivity seems to be exhibited by purebred females of one of the lineages. Forward‐in‐time simulations predict rapid extinction of the early arriving lineage. This study provides a rare example of reticulate evolution in action and underscores the power of population genetics for understanding the past, present and future consequences of evolutionary phenomena associated with lineage fusion.