bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A single administration of the hallucinogen, 4‐acetoxy‐dimethyltryptamine, prevents the shift to a drug‐dependent state and the expression of withdrawal aversions in rodents
Authors: Vargas‐Perez Hector , Grieder Taryn E. , Ting‐A‐Kee Ryan , Maal‐Bared Geith , Chwalek Michal , van der Kooy Derek
Published: April 2017

Despite several studies suggesting the therapeutic use of 5‐hydroxytryptamine receptors type 2A (5‐HT2A) agonists in the treatment of substance use disorders, the neurobiological basis accounting for such effects are still unknown. It has been observed that chronic exposure to drugs of abuse produces molecular and cellular adaptations in ventral tegmental area (VTA) neurons, mediated by brain‐derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF). These BDNF‐induced adaptations in the VTA are associated with the establishment of aversive withdrawal motivation that leads to a drug‐dependent state. Growing evidence suggests that 5‐HT2A receptor signaling can regulate the expression of BDNF in the brain. In this study, we observed that a single systemic or intra‐VTA administration of a 5‐HT2A agonist in rats and mice blocks both the aversive conditioned response to drug withdrawal and the mechanism responsible for switching from a drug‐naive to a drug‐dependent motivational system. Our results suggest that 5‐HT2A agonists could be used as therapeutic agents to reverse a drug dependent state, as well as inhibiting the aversive effects produced by drug withdrawal.
Surgical resection of an osteoma of two thoracic spinous processes in a horse
Authors: Owen K. R. , Foote A. K. , Hinnigan G. J.
Published: April 2017

This report describes the successful surgical removal of an osteoma of the thoracic dorsal spinous processes of a horse that presented with back pain. Osteomas of the spine are frequently reported in the literature in people, but have not been previously described in the horse.
Crafting Compromises in a Strategising Process: A Case Study of an International Development Organisation
Authors: Hall Matthew
Published: April 2017

This paper focuses on how organisational members in non‐governmental organisations (NGO) can develop credible and legitimate strategic plans and positions out of diverse and conflicting perspectives. Using empirical data drawn from a strategic planning episode in an international development NGO, the study examines the process of ‘crafting compromises’ whereby organisational members make mutual adjustments and concessions to reach consensus on new strategic plans and positions. The analysis shows that two processes facilitate crafting compromises in strategising; being adaptive and responsive to critique as strategic positions are developed, and an ability to forge relevant connections between new strategic proposals and past strategic positions.
What Determines Collection Rates of Debt Collection Agencies?
Authors: Beck Timo , Grunert Jens , Neus Werner , Walter Andreas
Published: April 2017

We contribute to the literature on debt collection agencies in two ways: First, we present an estimation of the collection rates. The distribution of collection rates exhibits a mean of about 65% and a strong bimodality with peaks at the very ends of the distribution. Second, we investigate potential determinants of the collection success. We find that collection rates are positively related to the exposure at default and to prior debtor‐specific collection rates. In contrast, the age of the account and—if applicable—prior experience with the debtor have a negative impact on collection rates.
The trend of lessepsian fish populations with an emphasis on temperature variations in Iskenderun Bay, the Northeastern Mediterranean
Authors: Mavruk Sinan , Bengil Fethi , Yeldan Hacer , Manasirli Meltem , Avsar Dursun
Published: April 2017

The fish assemblages of the Eastern Mediterranean are highly variable owing to the Lessepsian migration. So far, there has been limited discussion about the temporal variation of Lessepsian populations, which may be a key to better understanding the establishment, persistence and spreading dynamics of these species. The objective of this study was, therefore, to develop an understanding of inter‐annual variations of Lessepsian fish populations through investigating the effects of climate conditions. For this purpose, we evaluated the data obtained from the seasonal bottom trawl surveys conducted over the course of 12 years, from 2004 to 2015, at the infra‐littoral zone of Iskenderun Bay. Our results indicated that Lessepsians constituted 27%, 62% and 85% of total teleost fishes in the number of species (LS‐%), biomass (LW‐%) and abundance (LN‐%), respectively. The linear trends showed that the dominance of Lessepsian fishes increased with annual rates of 1.9 (p < .01, LS‐%), 2.77 (p < .01, LW‐%) and 1.43% (p < .05, LN‐%) per year during the study period. In contrast, seasonal trend decomposition based on GAMMs revealed that the true shape of trends was non‐linear. The majority of the new Lessepsians entered the study area after 2009 when warmer conditions prevailed. Those new invaders such as Nemipterus randalli, Pomadasys stridens and Apogon smithi successfully settled in a short time and remarkably altered the composition of fish assemblages after 2010. We found that variations of lessepsian fish assemblages were correlated with the increase of annual minima and average values of sea surface temperature.
Visual perception skills: a comparison between patients with Noonan syndrome and 22q11.2 deletion syndrome
Authors: Piccini G. , Menghini D. , D'Andrea A. , Caciolo C. , Pontillo M. , Armando M. , Perrino F. , Mandolesi L. , Salerni A. , Buzzonetti L. , Digilio M. C. , Zampino G. , Tartaglia M. , Benassi M. , Vicari S. , Alfieri P.
Published: April 2017

Ventral and dorsal streams are visual pathways deputed to transmit information from the photoreceptors of the retina to the lateral geniculate nucleus and then to the primary visual cortex (V1). Several studies investigated whether one pathway is more vulnerable than the other during development, and whether these streams develop at different rates. The results are still discordant. The aim of the present study was to understand the functionality of the dorsal and the ventral streams in two populations affected by different genetic disorders, Noonan syndrome (NS) and 22q11.2 deletion syndrome (22q11.2DS), and explore the possible genotype–phenotype relationships. ‘Form coherence’ abilities for the ventral stream and ‘motion coherence’ abilities for the dorsal stream were evaluated in 19 participants with NS and 20 participants with 22q11.2DS. Collected data were compared with 55 age‐matched controls. Participants with NS and 22q11.2DS did not differ in the form coherence task, and their performance was significantly lower than that of controls. However, in the motion coherence task, the group with NS and controls did not differ, and both obtained significantly higher scores than the group with 22q11.2DS. Our findings indicate that deficits in the dorsal stream are related to the specific genotype, and that in our syndromic groups the ventral stream is more vulnerable than the dorsal stream.
Legacy introductions and climatic variation explain spatiotemporal patterns of invasive hybridization in a native trout
Authors: Muhlfeld Clint C. , Kovach Ryan P. , Al‐Chokhachy Robert , Amish Stephen J. , Kershner Jeffrey L. , Leary Robb F. , Lowe Winsor H. , Luikart Gordon , Matson Phil , Schmetterling David A. , Shepard Bradley B. , Westley Peter A. H. , Whited Diane , Whiteley Andrew , Allendorf Fred W.
Published: April 2017

Hybridization between invasive and native species, a significant threat to worldwide biodiversity, is predicted to increase due to climate‐induced expansions of invasive species. Long‐term research and monitoring are crucial for understanding the ecological and evolutionary processes that modulate the effects of invasive species. Using a large, multidecade genetics dataset (N = 582 sites, 12,878 individuals) with high‐resolution climate predictions and extensive stocking records, we evaluate the spatiotemporal dynamics of hybridization between native cutthroat trout and invasive rainbow trout, the world's most widely introduced invasive fish, across the Northern Rocky Mountains of the United States. Historical effects of stocking and contemporary patterns of climatic variation were strongly related to the spread of hybridization across space and time. The probability of occurrence, extent of, and temporal changes in hybridization increased at sites in close proximity to historical stocking locations with greater rainbow trout propagule pressure, warmer water temperatures, and lower spring precipitation. Although locations with warmer water temperatures were more prone to hybridization, cold sites were not protected from invasion; 58% of hybridized sites had cold mean summer water temperatures (<11°C). Despite cessation of stocking over 40 years ago, hybridization increased over time at half (50%) of the locations with long‐term data, the vast majority of which (74%) were initially nonhybridized, emphasizing the chronic, negative impacts of human‐mediated hybridization. These results show that effects of climate change on biodiversity must be analyzed in the context of historical human impacts that set ecological and evolutionary trajectories.
Mule deer and energy development—Long‐term trends of habituation and abundance
Authors: Sawyer Hall , Korfanta Nicole M. , Nielson Ryan M. , Monteith Kevin L. , Strickland Dale
Published: April 2017

As the extent and intensity of energy development in North America increases, so do disturbances to wildlife and the habitats they rely upon. Impacts to mule deer are of particular concern because some of the largest gas fields in the USA overlap critical winter ranges. Short‐term studies of 2–3 years have shown that mule deer and other ungulates avoid energy infrastructure; however, there remains a common perception that ungulates habituate to energy development, and thus, the potential for a demographic effect is low. We used telemetry data from 187 individual deer across a 17‐year period, including 2 years predevelopment and 15 years during development, to determine whether mule deer habituated to natural gas development and if their response to disturbance varied with winter severity. Concurrently, we measured abundance of mule deer to indirectly link behavior with demography. Mule deer consistently avoided energy infrastructure through the 15‐year period of development and used habitats that were an average of 913 m further from well pads compared with predevelopment patterns of habitat use. Even during the last 3 years of study, when most wells were in production and reclamation efforts underway, mule deer remained >1 km away from well pads. The magnitude of avoidance behavior, however, was mediated by winter severity, where aversion to well pads decreased as winter severity increased. Mule deer abundance declined by 36% during the development period, despite aggressive onsite mitigation efforts (e.g. directional drilling and liquid gathering systems) and a 45% reduction in deer harvest. Our results indicate behavioral effects of energy development on mule deer are long term and may affect population abundance by displacing animals and thereby functionally reducing the amount of available habitat.
Dynamics of soil CO2 efflux under varying atmospheric CO2 concentrations reveal dominance of slow processes
Authors: Kim Dohyoung , Oren Ram , Clark James S. , Palmroth Sari , Oishi A. Christopher , McCarthy Heather R. , Maier Chris A. , Johnsen Kurt
Published: April 2017

We evaluated the effect on soil CO2 efflux (FCO2) of sudden changes in photosynthetic rates by altering CO2 concentration in plots subjected to +200 ppmv for 15 years. Five‐day intervals of exposure to elevated CO2 (eCO2) ranging 1.0–1.8 times ambient did not affect FCO2. FCO2 did not decrease until 4 months after termination of the long‐term eCO2 treatment, longer than the 10 days observed for decrease of FCO2 after experimental blocking of C flow to belowground, but shorter than the ~13 months it took for increase of FCO2 following the initiation of eCO2. The reduction of FCO2 upon termination of enrichment (~35%) cannot be explained by the reduction of leaf area (~15%) and associated carbohydrate production and allocation, suggesting a disproportionate contraction of the belowground ecosystem components; this was consistent with the reductions in base respiration and FCO2‐temperature sensitivity. These asymmetric responses pose a tractable challenge to process‐based models attempting to isolate the effect of individual processes on FCO2.
Basin‐Wide Sediment Grain‐Size Numerical Analysis and Paleo‐Climate Interpretation in the Shiyang River Drainage Basin
Authors: Li Yu , Zhang Chengqi , Li Pengcheng , Wang Yue
Published: April 2017

Basin‐wide sediment transport affects estimates of basin sediment yield, which is a fundamental scientific issue in drainage basin studies. Many studies have been conducted to examine erosion and deposition rates in drainage networks. In this study, we proposed a new approach using grain‐size standard deviation model of sedimentary samples from different geomorphological units for numerical analysis and paleo‐climate interpretation in the Shiyang River drainage basin, arid China. 1043 sedimentary samples were obtained from the upper reaches, the midstream alluvial plain and the terminal lake area; chronological frames were established based on 58 radiocarbon ages. Grain‐size standard deviation model was introduced to examine sediment components according to grain‐size and transport forces. In addition, transient paleo‐climate simulations, including the Community Climate System Model version 3 and the Kiel models, were synthesized, as well as the results from PMIP 3.0 project, to detect the long‐term climate backgrounds. Totally, we found four major common components, including fine particulates (<2 μm), fine silt (2–20 μm), sandy silt (20–200 μm), coarse sand (>200 μm), from basin‐wide sedimentary samples. The fine particulates and fine silt components exist in all the sedimentary facies, showing long‐term airborne aerosol changes and its transport by suspended load. There are some differences in ranges of sandy silt and coarse sand components, due to lake and river hydrodynamics, as well as the distance with the Gobi Desert. Paleo‐climate simulations have shown that the strong Asian summer monsoon during the transition of the Last Deglaciation and Holocene was conducive to erosion and transport of basin‐wide suspended load, also enhancing sediment sorting effects due to strong lake hydrodynamics. Our findings provide a new approach in research of long‐term basin‐wide sediment transport processes.
Vertical (arboreality) and horizontal (dispersal) movement increase the resilience of vertebrates to climatic instability
Authors: Scheffers Brett. R. , Shoo Luke , Phillips Ben , Macdonald Stewart L. , Anderson Alex , VanDerWal Jeremy , Storlie Collin , Gourret Arnaud , Williams Stephen E.
Published: April 2017

Aim

Species that respond favourably to environmental change tend to be mobile or dispersive. Living within trees has some benefits over life on the ground. Species that move vertically within forest canopies can take advantage of increased complexity and resource availability, which should correspond to increased resilience to environmental variability and change. Here we show that two modes of movement, arboreality and horizontal dispersal, across an entire bioregional vertebrate fauna in the rain forests of Australia are associated with measures of historical environmental stability.

Location

Wet Tropics, Queensland, Australia.

Time period

Historical (c. 20,000 years ago) and current (1990‐2009).

Major taxa studied

Mammal, bird, reptile, and frog species.

Methods

We analysed vertebrate distribution for 195 species and trait data from 20 years of standardized sampling. We derived an arboreality index (i.e., the extent of vertical habitat used by each species) from a large database of field observations combined with expert opinion scores on arboreality. We compared community‐wide trends in arboreality and their horizontal dispersal potential with historical climate since the Last Glacial Maximum (c. 20,000 years ago) and current climate over 20 years of the recent past (1990–2009).

Results

Vertical (arboreality) and horizontal (dispersal) movement were positively correlated, and both were negatively correlated with environmental stability. We found that arboreal species dominate communities in historically unstable areas, and these areas have both low richness and low endemism. Further, we show that low‐ and high‐altitude arboreal species experience similar thermal regimes, whereas low‐ and high‐altitude ground‐dwelling species experience little overlap in thermal regimes.

Main conclusion

Higher variability and overlap in temperature among rain forest canopies suggests less geographical separation in tolerable conditions for arboreal taxa when compared with ground‐dwelling taxa. Increased ecological plasticity in horizontal and vertical movement as well as exposure and pre‐selection to high temperature variability appears to allow arboreal species to exploit climatically uncertain areas, a capacity that may serve them well in responding to future climate change.
From traits to life‐history strategies: Deconstructing fish community composition across European seas
Authors: Pecuchet Laurene , Lindegren Martin , Hidalgo Manuel , Delgado Marina , Esteban Antonio , Fock Heino O. , Gil de Sola Luis , Punzón Antonio , Sólmundsson Jón , Payne Mark R.
Published: April 2017

Aim

The life history of a species is determined by trade‐offs between growth, survival and reproduction to maximize fitness in a given environment. Following a theoretical model, we investigate whether the composition of marine fish communities can be understood in terms of a set of life‐history strategies and whether the prevalence of the strategies follows specific spatial patterns that can be related to the environment.

Location

European seas.

Time period

1980‐2014.

Major taxa studied

Fish.

Methods

An extensive set of scientific bottom trawl surveys was collected to obtain the species composition of fish communities across European seas. We complemented these data with species‐specific information regarding six life‐history traits, reflecting reproductive, growth and feeding modes. We then calculated the optimal number of strategies needed to summarize the information contained in the traits by using archetypal analysis. The proportion of each obtained strategy in the communities and their spatial patterns were explained as a function of the environment and their temporal changes were investigated.

Results

The species could be decomposed into a continuum of three life‐history strategies—opportunistic, periodic and equilibrium—resulting from trade‐offs between traits. The marked spatial patterns of these strategies could be explained by depth, temperature and its seasonality, chlorophyll and fishing effort. In recent years, opportunistic and equilibrium strategies significantly increased, probably due to an increase in temperature and decrease in fishing effort.

Main conclusions

Our empirical analysis supports a theoretical framework outlining three life‐history strategies of fish. The strategies vary predictably in space and time in response to the environment. This highlights the underlying process whereby fitness is optimized through trade‐offs between growth, feeding and reproduction under different environmental conditions. Due to their response to the environment, life‐history strategies provide a suitable tool for monitoring and understanding community changes in response to natural and anthropogenic stressors, including fishing and climate change.
Postfeminist Stylistics, Work Femininities and Coaching: a Multimodal Study of a Website
Authors: Swan Elaine
Published: April 2017

The aim of this article is to examine representations of work femininities on a British website offering coaching specifically aimed at women. It builds on and contributes to studies of postfeminist representations but with a specific focus on work femininities and coaching webpages. Although studies on postfeminist representation have analysed the way young women's embodied and sexualized femininities are depicted across a wide variety of mainstream media, there has not been a study that focuses on the representation of work femininities on coaching websites. My approach matters because feminist authors critique popular psychology and link it to postfeminism and neoliberalism, but as yet studies have focused on self‐help books and magazines and not on newer media. Furthermore, coaching websites are an important medium for circulating postfeminist work femininities and psychological advice, produced through the digital labour of women entrepreneurs. Through my analysis of one website, influenced by feminist social semiotic multimodality literature, this article contributes to postfeminist theory and organization studies by explaining how ‘postfeminist stylistics’ reproduce postfeminist tropes and depictions of relational and individualized entrepreneurial femininities visually and textually.
Stress at Work, Gendered Dys‐appearance and the Broken Body in Policing
Authors: Yates Sarah , Riach Kathleen , Johansson Marjana
Published: April 2017

This paper explores how stress as a gendered mode of perception is characterized by processes that call the body to attention in ambiguous and incomplete ways — an experience Leder terms ‘bodily dys‐appearance’. Extending Leder's work through an engagement with feminist accounts of embodiment, we show how stress, as constituted through a corporeal demand to pay attention to pain or discomfort, becomes negated or misrecognized through the sociocultural, organizational or occupational privileging of normative masculinity. Our analysis of 20 in‐depth interviews with female police managers in England explores the dys‐appearance of stress in the context of policing, and the professional and bodily consequences of negotiating stress as a gendered mode of perception. This suggests the compulsion to make sense of bodily sensations cannot be separated from the systems, structures and ways of understanding that privilege masculinized knowledge claims. Questioning these claims may allow for a plurality of stress experiences to be recognized beyond patriarchal ways of organizing, and give voice to other body episodes that elude articulation or representation within normative organizational practices.
A single center, open‐label, randomized, parallel group study assessing the relationship between asymptomatic bacteriuria and inflammation in maintenance hemodialysis patients
Authors: Beberashvili Ilia , Golovko Evgeni , Golinsky Liat , Garra Nedal , Sinuani Inna , Feldman Leonid , Gorelik Oleg , Efrati Shai , Stav Kobi
Published: April 2017

Introduction: The significance of asymptomatic bacteriuria in maintenance hemodialysis (MHD) patients remains controversial. We hypothesized that the presence of asymptomatic bacteriuria as a sole clinical manifestation of urinary tract infection (UTI) in asymptomatic MHD patient may contribute to the chronic inflammatory response. Our aim was to explore the relationship between asymptomatic bacteriuria and elevated levels of inflammatory markers in MHD patients.

Methods: A randomized open‐label single center study of 114 MHD patients was conducted. Forty‐six patients presented negative urine culture and 41 subjects were excluded due to different reasons. The remaining 27 patients (mean age of 71.5 ± 12.2 years, 63% men), fulfilling the criteria for having asymptomatic bacteriuria, were randomly assigned to either the treatment group (13 patients) or the observational group (14 subjects). The treatment group received 7 days of antibiotic treatment given according to bacteriogram sensitivity. After 3 months of follow‐up all measurements of the study were repeated. The primary end point was change in inflammatory biomarkers from baseline by the end of the study.

Findings: There were no statistically significant differences in white blood cell changes (P = 0.27), ferritin (P = 0.09), C‐reactive protein (P = 0.90), and interleukin‐6 (P = 0.14) levels between the groups from baseline to the end of study or at the end of the study. Analyzing cross‐sectional data, asymptomatic bacteriuria was found to not be a predictor of higher levels of inflammatory parameters at baseline.

Discussion: Asymptomatic bacteriuria is not a modifiable risk factor for chronic inflammation in the MHD population.
Safety of intravenous iron in hemodialysis patients
Authors: Li Xiaojuan , Kshirsagar Abhijit V. , Brookhart M. Alan
Published: April 2017

Among end‐stage renal disease patients maintained by hemodialysis, anemia has been managed primarily through erythropoiesis‐stimulating agents (ESAs) and intravenous (IV) iron. Following concerns about the cardiovascular (CV) safety of ESAs and changes in the reimbursement policies in Medicare's ESRD program, the use of IV iron has increased. IV iron supplementation promotes hemoglobin production and reduces ESA requirements, yet there exists relatively little evidence on the long‐term safety of iron supplementation in hemodialysis patients. Labile iron can induce oxidative stress and is also essential in bacterial growth, leading to concerns about IV iron use and risk of CV events and infections in hemodialysis patients. Existing randomized controlled trials provide little evidence about safety due to insufficient power and short follow‐up; recent observational studies have been inconsistent, but some have associated iron exposure with increased risk of infections and CV events. Given the widespread use and potential safety concerns related to IV iron, well‐designed large prospective studies are needed to assess to identify optimal strategies for iron administration that maximize its benefits while avoiding potential risks.
The role of life context and self‐defined well‐being in the outcomes that matter to people with a diagnosis of schizophrenia
Authors: Lloyd Helen , Lloyd Joanne , Fitzpatrick Ray , Peters Michele
Published: April 2017

Objective

Conduct a deep exploration of the outcomes that matter to people with a diagnosis of schizophrenia and understand from their perspective how these outcomes can be achieved.

Sample and Methods

In‐depth qualitative interviews were conducted with 22 people with a diagnosis of schizophrenia. Interviews were analysed using thematic frameworks, and a realist informed theories of change approach.

Results

Our study revealed the potential causal relationships between the context of a person's life, short‐term goals and long‐term outcomes. We provide a nuanced and detailed exploration of outcomes that matter for people with schizophrenia in relation to self‐defined well‐being. Achieving life milestones, feeling safe and outcomes related to improved physical health along with employment, a positive sense of self and psychosocial outcomes, were highly valued. For short‐ and long‐term outcomes to be achieved, individuals required medication with minimal side‐effects, cognitive behavioural therapy, family/social support and meaningful activities in their lives. Well‐being was influenced by life context and short‐ and long‐term outcomes, but in a circular nature also framed what short‐term goals could be achieved.

Conclusions

Working with people with a diagnosis of schizophrenia to identify and achieve better outcomes will necessitate a person‐centred approach. This will require an appreciation of the relationship between the statutory and non‐statutory resources that are available and a consideration of an individual's current well‐being status. This approach acknowledges personal strengths and encourages ownership of goals and supports self‐management.
Incubation capacity contributes to constraints on maximal clutch size in Brent GeeseBranta bernicla nigricans
Authors: Leach Alan G. , van Dellen Amanda W. , Riecke Thomas V. , Sedinger James S.
Published: April 2017

Lack () proposed that clutch size in species with precocial young was determined by nutrients available to females at the time of egg formation; since then others have suggested that regulation of clutch size in these species may be more complex. We tested whether incubation limitation contributes to ultimate constraints on maximal clutch size in Black Brent Geese (Black Brant)Branta bernicla nigricans. Specifically, we investigated the relationship between clutch size and duration of the nesting period (i.e. days between nest initiation and the first pipped egg) and the number of goslings leaving the nest. We used experimental clutch manipulations to assess these questions because they allowed us to create clutches that were larger than the typical maximum of five eggs in this species. We found that the per‐capita probability of egg success (i.e. the probability an egg hatched and the gosling left the nest) declined from 0.81 for two‐egg clutches to 0.50 for seven‐egg clutches. As a result of declining egg success, clutches containing more than five eggs produced, at best, only marginally more offspring. Manipulating clutch size at the beginning of incubation had no effect on the duration of the nesting period, but the nesting period increased with the number of eggs a female laid naturally prior to manipulation, from 25.4 days (95%CI25.1–25.7) for three‐egg clutches to 27.7 days (95%CI27.3–28.1) for six‐egg clutches. This delay in hatching may result in reduced gosling growth rates due to declining forage quality during the brood rearing period. Our results suggest that the strong right truncation of Brent clutches, which results in few clutches greater than five, is partially explained by the declining incubation capacity of females as clutch size increases and a delay in hatching with each additional egg laid. As a result, females laying clutches with more than five eggs would typically gain little fitness benefit above that associated with a five‐egg clutch.
Anthropogenic noise reduces bird species richness and diversity in urban parks
Authors: Perillo Alyne , Mazzoni Luiz G. , Passos Luiza F. , Goulart Vinicius D. L. R. , Duca Charles , Young Robert J.
Published: April 2017

Anthropogenic noise is becoming more prevalent in the world and has been shown to affect many animal species, including birds. The impact of such noise was measured in Neotropical urban parks to assess how the noise affects avifauna diversity and species richness. We sampled bird species, and concurrently measured sound pressure (noise) levels (Leq, equivalent noise levels) in eight urban green areas or parks located in a large city (Belo Horizonte) in south‐eastern Brazil over a 1‐year period. The diversity of sampled points was measured by means of total species richness, Fisher's alpha and Shannon–Wiener diversity indices. Noise levels within all parks were greater than those in natural areas. We found that an increase in noise levels and the area of open habitats surrounding sampling points were negatively related to species richness. Social factors reflecting increased urbanization, such as higher incomes, were also negatively correlated with bird species richness. However, noise was the factor that explained most of the variance. These results suggest that anthropogenic noise can have a significant negative impact on the conservation value of urban parks for bird species.
Making the invisible visible: determining an accurate national distribution of Elater ferrugineus in the United Kingdom using pheromones
Authors: Harvey Deborah J. , Harvey Hannah , Larsson Mattias C. , Svensson Glenn P. , Hedenström Erik , Finch Paul , Gange Alan C.
Published: April 2017

To date, conservation‐status saproxylic beetle species in the UK have been monitored by chance findings or by monitor‐based observational studies. Here, using Elater ferrugineus as our target species, we present the first national distribution survey carried out in the UK or across mainland Europe on such a species using chemicals produced by the insect.

Over 3 years, mark‐release‐recapture studies were performed across the UK, using 416 lured (pheromone) traps monitored by volunteer recorders; the first survey in Europe to do so. Traps were baited with 7‐methyloctyl‐ (Z)‐4‐decenoate, a compound previously identified as a female sex pheromone.

The results were used to plot a distribution map and investigate factors that may influence the distribution, including summer temperatures, possible habitat availability and larval food source.

The survey revealed a south‐eastern distribution of E. ferrugineus in the UK, which was suggested by previous casual studies.

A correlative model was fitted to the data, indicating that 55% of the variation in the distribution of E. ferrugineus was explained by climatic variables (temperature and wind speed).
A dissociation in judgements of confidence in people with dandruff based on self‐reports compared to reports from other observers
Authors: Godbehere A. , McDonald L. , Baines F. , Sutherland C. A. M. , Andrews T. J.
Published: April 2017

Objective

It is not clear how well evaluations made by other people correspond with self‐evaluations of esteem or confidence. To address this question, we compared measurements of confidence in participants with and without dandruff.

Methods

Participants with dandruff were significantly different from healthy control participants on a quality of life measure of scalp dermatitis, but not on self‐evaluations of esteem or confidence. To determine whether there were differences in the evaluation of confidence by others, both groups of participants were videoed while they prepared for or gave a presentation in an interview scenario.

Results

Raters, who were unfamiliar with the identities of the participants, evaluated confidence from the muted videos. In contrast to their self‐evaluations, male participants with dandruff were rated as having lower confidence compared to participants who reported a healthy scalp.

Conclusions

These findings reveal a difference between explicit and implicit measures of self‐esteem in men compared to women with dandruff.
Effects of histone deacetylase inhibitors on regenerative cell responses in human dental pulp cells
Authors: Luo Z. , Wang Z. , He X. , Liu N. , Liu B. , Sun L. , Wang J. , Ma F. , Duncan H. , He W. , Cooper P.
Published: April 2017

Aim

To investigate the growth, migratory and adhesive effects of trichostatin A (TSA) and valproic acid (VPA), two histone deacetylase inhibitors (HDACis), on human dental pulp stem cells (hDPSCs).

Methodology

To verify that TSA or VPA functions as an HDAC inhibitor, the expressions of histones H3 and H4 were examined using Western blotting analysis. hDPSC growth and metabolic activity was evaluated by MTT viability analysis at different time‐points and by cell count experiments. The expression of cell cycle regulatory proteins and apoptosis‐associated proteins was examined by Western blot analysis. Migration effects were investigated using wound healing and transwell migration assays. An adhesion assay was also performed in the presence and absence of HDACis. The levels of chemokines and adhesion molecules relevant to repair in hDPSCs were also assessed by qRT‐PCR and Western blot analysis. The data were analysed, where appropriate, using Student's t‐test or one‐way anova followed by the Student–Newman–Keuls test using SPSS software.

Results

Trichostatin A and VPA enhanced acetylation of histones H3 and H4 (P < 0.05). Significant increases (P < 0.05) in MTT levels in hDPSCs were observed after treatment with TSA (2 and 20 nmol L−1) or VPA (1 and 10 mmol L−1). Cell numbers were not significantly affected at the concentration of TSA (0.2–10 nmol L−1) or VPA (0.01–100 mmol L−1) applied compared with the control at 3, 5 or 7 days (P > 0.05). At the same time, the expression of Cdx2 and cyclin A was upregulated by 2 nmol L−1 TSA and 1 mmol L−1 VPA (P < 0.05). Higher TSA or VPA concentrations induced apoptosis in hDPSCs in the cell count and apoptosis experiments (P < 0.05). Moreover, TSA and VPA significantly depressed the expression of Cdx2 and cyclin A (P < 0.05), whilst it significantly improved the level of p21 (P < 0.05). TSA and VPA promoted migration and adhesion of hDPSCs (P < 0.05). The levels of chemokines and adhesion molecules were significantly upregulated after exposure of hDPSCs to 20 nmol L−1 TSA or 1 mmol L−1 VPA (P < 0.05).

Conclusions

Histone deacetylase inhibitors at specific concentrations promoted proliferation, migration and adhesion of hDPSCs, which may contribute to novel regenerative therapies for pulpal disease treatment.
Optimization of the tape casting process for the development of high performance silicon nitride substrate
Authors: Duan Yusen , Zhang Jingxian , Li Xiaoguang , Shi Ying , Xie Jianjun , Jiang Dongliang
Published: April 2017

In this paper, tape casting of Si3N4 substrate were investigated and optimized. The effects of dispersant content, binder, plasticizer/binder ratio, and solid loading on the green sheet properties were studied. An optimal formulation for the tape casting slurries was proposed, green tape with homogeneous microstructure and higher relative density of 56.08% was developed. After gas‐pressure sintering and annealing, Si3N4 substrate with a relative density of above 99% and thermal conductivity as 58 W/m/K was obtained. Results showed that the combination of tape casting and gas‐pressure sintering is feasible for the development of Si3N4 circuit substrates for power electronic devices.
Temperature‐insensitive strain behavior in 0.99[(1−x)Bi0.5(Na0.80K0.20)0.5TiO3−xBiFeO3]–0.01Ta lead‐free piezoelectric ceramics
Authors: Yu Jingru , Chu Shanshan , Song Xianmeng , Gao Han , Pan Junchen , Hao Jigong
Published: April 2017

Lead‐free 0.99[(1−x)Bi0.5(Na0.80K0.20)0.5TiO3−xBiFeO3]–0.01Ta (BNKT20–100xBF–1Ta) lead‐free piezoelectric ceramics were fabricated through conventional solid state sintering method. Results showed that change of BF content in the BNKT20–100xBF–1Ta induced a phase transition from ferroelectric to ergodic relaxor phase with a significant disruption of the long‐range ferroelectric order. A large electric‐field‐induced strain of 0.36% (at 80 kV/cm driving field, corresponding to a large signal of ~450 pm/V) which is derived from a reversible field‐induced ergodic relaxor to ferroelectric phase transformation, was obtained in the composition with x=0.01 near the ferroelectric‐ergodic relaxor phase boundary. Moreover, an attractive property for application in nonlinear actuators demanding enhanced thermal stability was obtained in this material, which showed a temperature‐insensitive strain characteristic in the temperature range from room temperature to 100°C.
Review of treatment for alopecia totalis and alopecia universalis
Authors: Kassira Sama , Korta Dorota Z. , Chapman Lance W. , Dann Francis
Published: April 2017

Alopecia areata (AA) is an autoimmune disease directed at the hair follicle. Although usually limited to patchy hair loss over the scalp (focalis), AA can present as total loss of scalp hair (totalis; AT) or as total loss of both scalp and body hair (universalis; AU). Management of AT and AU can be challenging, and although multiple treatment modalities have been explored, no therapy is currently FDA‐approved. This review focuses on the evidence for current treatment options for AT and AU. The PubMed database was searched from January 1, 2000, to September 1, 2016, for clinical trials, retrospective studies, and case reports of treatments for AT and AU. A total of 40 studies were retrieved and analyzed. Therapies studied for AT/AU included: topical immunotherapy, steroids, photodynamic therapy, immunosuppressive agents, TNFα inhibitors, and other therapies, such as sulfasalazine, bexarotene, JAK inhibitors, and simvastatin/ezetimibe. Although certain treatments showed significant hair regrowth, no treatment was completely effective. The most promising therapies with the highest quality data include diphenylcyclopropenone, squaric acid dibutylester, photodynamic therapy, steroids, and cyclosporine in combination with methylprednisolone. High‐quality randomized‐controlled trials with large sample sizes are lacking. Unified outcome guidelines are encouraged to facilitate the comparison of future studies.
Comparison of bioactive peptides prepared from sheep cheese whey using a food‐grade bacterial and a fungal protease preparation
Authors: Welsh Grace , Ryder Kate , Brewster Jodi , Walker Christina , Mros Sonya , Bekhit Alaa El‐Din A. , McConnell Michelle , Carne Alan
Published: April 2017

Novel bacterial (HT) and fungal (FPII) food‐grade protease preparations were evaluated for their ability to hydrolyse sheep cheese whey (SCW) and the generation of bioactive peptides. Both protease preparations hydrolysed the whey proteins to small peptides over 24‐h hydrolysis time, but the time course hydrolysis profiles were different as evaluated by SDS‐PAGE. The HT whey hydrolysate had considerably higher antioxidant and angiotensin‐I converting enzyme (ACE)‐inhibitor activity than the FPII hydrolysate. Neither hydrolysate was cytotoxic towards Vero cells. OFFGEL electrophoresis of the small peptide pool fraction (<15 amino acids) of each hydrolysate indicated differences in the pI distribution of the bioactive peptides. This likely reflects the diverse hydrolytic specificity of the proteases. Although the antioxidant activity of both hydrolysates was not significantly affected by simulated gastrointestinal digestion, the loss of ACE‐inhibitor activity was greater with the FPII hydrolysate.
Chemometric approach to the analysis of antioxidant properties and colour of typical Italian monofloral honeys
Authors: Castiglioni Sara , Stefano Mariassunta , Astolfi Paola , Carloni Patricia
Published: April 2017

The antioxidant and colour properties of nine types of monofloral Italian honeys were analysed and correlated with multivariate analysis to find relationships able to characterise the honey floral source. Total phenolic content (TPC) and antioxidant activity of the honey samples increase in the order Citrus ≈ Black Locust < Sunflower ≈ Eucalyptus ≈ Coriander < Fir Honeydew ≈ Chestnut < Honeydew ≈ Strawberry Tree and mainly correlate with colour. A linear discriminant analysis was carried out to choose spectrophotometric λ able to characterise the colour of the different types of honey. Elaboration of data with cluster and principal component analyses enables differentiation among the floral source of some honey samples, namely Strawberry Tree, Honeydew, Citrus, Black Locust, Chestnut and Fir Honeydew.
Effect of acupressure on pain in Iranian leukemia patients: A randomized controlled trial study
Authors: Sharif Nia Hamid , Pahlevan Sharif Saeed , Yaghoobzadeh Ameneh , Yeoh Ken Kyid , Goudarzian Amir Hossein , Soleimani Mohammad Ali , Jamali Saman
Published: April 2017

Nonpharmacological methods of pain relief such as acupressure are becoming increasingly popular worldwide. Practitioners often claim that such methods are highly effective and less invasive than analgesic drugs, but available empirical evidence is largely inconclusive.

This study aimed to test the hypothesis that, postacupressure intervention, the amount of pain experienced by sampled leukemia patients, who received acupressure in addition to standard care, will reduce substantially compared to patients who received only routine treatment.

This controlled trial was undertaken with hospitalized leukemia patients between February and June 2015. Our primary sample consisted of 100 participants who were randomly allocated to 2 groups. One (intervention) group underwent 12 acupressure sessions in addition to standard treatment while the control group received no intervention apart from being given the standard treatment for leukemia. The visual analogue scale was used to measure the levels of pain experienced.

No significant differences were found between the 2 groups across 12 interventions. However, each group reported significantly different pain level changes before and after each intervention, suggested that the acupressure method was effective in reducing pain in the short term.

Nurses are able to apply this complementary therapy alongside other procedures to manage these patients' pain. It is recommended that further studies be conducted to better understand the specific conditions under which acupressure can provide effective pain relief.
Differences in health‐related quality of life by sleep duration and subjective oral health in Korean adults with coronary artery disease
Authors: Kim Sanghee , Kim Yoonjung , Kwon Haejin
Published: April 2017

Background

Health‐related quality of life management for patients with coronary artery disease should be considered in the context of sleep and oral health, as both associated with heart health.

Aim

To identify differences in health‐related quality of life by sleep duration and subjective oral health among these patients and to examine factors influencing health‐related quality of life.

Methods

A descriptive cross‐sectional design using secondary data from the 2013 Korea Community Health Survey. Data were collected from August 16, 2013, to October 31, 2013, with 6454 adults with coronary artery disease aged 19 or older.

Results

We observed a significant difference in health‐related quality of life by sleep duration, subjective oral health, and chewing discomfort. A hierarchical regression analysis identified factors affecting health‐related quality of life: no smoking and no economic activity had negative effects, and highest level of education, having a spouse, no hypertension, no dyslipidemia, no arthritis, good subjective oral health, and no chewing discomfort had positive effects.

Conclusion

Good subjective oral health and no chewing discomfort significantly predicted health‐related quality of life among study patients. To improve health‐related quality of life of these patients, promotion and education regarding regular dental clinic visits is needed to ensure early interventions.
Children/young people taking long-term medication: a survey of community pharmacists’ experiences in England
Authors: Aston Jeff , Wilson Keith A , Terry David R P
Published: April 2017

Objectives

To determine whether community pharmacists undertake medication reviews with children/their carers and to identify the type of medication-related experiences presented to them when a child is taking long-term medication.

Methods

A 13 question semi-structured survey was posted to 354 England-based community pharmacists with telephone follow-up/repeat mailing of non-responders. Participants were asked about their practice as a community pharmacist over the preceding 12 months to children/young people, or their carers, taking long-term medication. The questionnaire covered: medication review, reported adherence, information requests, adverse effects, administration and obtaining medication supplies. The data were analysed using SPSS version 22 and NVivo version 10.

Results

The response rate was 76/354 (21.5%). Eighteen (23.7%) respondents had undertaken a Medicines Use Review (MUR) and 22 (28.9%) a New Medicines Service (NMS) medication review with a child/their carer. Participants reported that patients/their carers had presented to them with non-adherence including stopping medication (24, 31.6%) and changing the dose (28, 36.8%). Respondents were directly asked about the indication (59, 77.6%), dose regimen (63, 82.9%), administration (64, 84.2%) and adverse effects (58, 76.3%) of prescribed medication. Respondents reported patients/carers experiencing difficulties obtaining medication from their community pharmacy (47, 61.8%) and patients’ family doctors declining to prescribe a medication recommended by a specialist (27, 35.5%).

Conclusions

Medicines Use Review and NMS reviews are utilised by community pharmacists in children/their carers. The medication-related experiences presenting to community pharmacists could fall within the purview of a medication review (MUR or NMS). There is scope to further extend this service to this group of patients/carers.