bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Information seeking in a flood
Authors: Ryan Barbara
Published: July 2013

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to address the gaps in knowledge about how people get information in a flood and what they want to know.

Design/methodology/approach

A total of 27 people were interviewed from two communities that suffered flooding in the 12 months before the interviews. Slow‐moving flood and flash flood were covered.

Findings

The type of disaster determines how people seek information. In slow‐moving flood, people heard from others, tracked it visually and via web‐available river gauge information, and talked to others with more flood experience. Radio was an important confirmation tool in the slow‐moving flood. In flash flood, people first heard from others and then turned to television.

Research limitations/implications

Participants made up a small sample skewed toward regional areas and were selected by snowball/convenience sampling methods. A survey is required to confirm or refute findings.

Practical implications

Word of mouth needs to be tapped into by agencies, and mobile phone networks and social media are critical to this. Radio and television should be more proactively used by emergency agencies and maps should be a feature of all flood communication.

Originality/value

The focus of disaster communication research tends to have been on agency use of communication rather than the individual's use of a range of communication channels. This study encourages agencies to look at how individuals look for information, the channels they use to get information and the type of information they seek.
Modelling EU‐GCC energy systems and trade corridors
Authors: Kanudia Amit , Gerboni Raffaella , Loulou Richard , Gargiulo Maurizio , Labriet Maryse , Lavagno Evasio , De Miglio Rocco , Schranz Laura , Tosato GianCarlo
Published: July 2013

Purpose

This article is based on the REACCESS research project, sponsored by the European Commission, with the objectives of evaluating the technical, economic, and environmental aspects of present and future energy corridors between the European countries (EU27) and their main energy suppliers. GCC countries have an important role to play given their role in EU energy supply and in greenhouse gas emissions. The paper aims to discuss these issues.

Design/methodology/approach

A single energy model was built by hard‐linking the TIMES integrated assessment model (TIAM‐World), the Pan European TIMES model (PET), and the RECOR model (REaccess CORridors), including more than 1,000 possible energy corridors supplying the European countries. Another major methodology advance was to create a hybrid objective function, combining the usual cost objective and a metric representing the supply risk incurred by EU27. The risk component was constructed via a novel approach that aggregates the elemental risk parameters of each corridor using a Min‐Max function. Four contrasted scenarios were assessed, based on security and climate objectives.

Findings

Among the many results, it appears that a large reduction of the supply risk may be achieved at a very modest increase of the total energy system cost for EU27. Cross‐effects of climate mitigation and security objectives are also observed. Due to the diversification requirement, the contribution of GCC countries to EU energy imports increases under risk scenario. Sensitivity analyses show that the European energy system seems unable to reduce the market shares of fossil fuels import from MENA countries, including GCC countries, much below the reference case, proving the strong dependency of EU27 energy system from these countries. However, total fossil fuels imports, as well as total energy consumed, are decreased under the risk adverse scenarios.

Originality/value

Methodological developments, as described above, result in an advanced tool to assess how to increase the “energy system security”, by reducing the concentration of supply countries, diversifying import sources but also reducing the energy dependence at the end‐use side.
Employer branding in power industry
Authors: Heilmann Pia , Saarenketo Sami , Liikkanen Katja
Published: July 2013

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to examine what kind of motives and practices company has for employer branding in power industry. The objective is to find out the benefits of employer branding and how it is targeted towards potential and current employees. In addition, the aim is to examine whether companies see employer branding as a process and what kind of processes they have for employer branding.

Design/methodology/approach

The theoretical perspective of this study is based on literature review, which provides a better understanding of employer branding. The empirical part is a qualitative case study of two large, international companies in the field of power industry. The data was gathered with interviews.

Findings

The main motives for employer branding are better employer image, more efficient recruitment and improved job satisfaction. Employer branding efforts are focused according to target group. Recruitment and educational co‐operation are the main objects of employer branding towards potential employees, whereas training and development are an essential part of employer branding towards current employees. This article also discovers that there is some kind of process aspect in the background of employer branding.

Practical implications

Companies invest in employer branding in order to get good applicants, retain employees and create the image of a great employer. Power industry is an internationally remarkable field of business. Energy and the solutions of power technology are always needed and there exist a major need for new experts in power industry. As limitations, this study includes only two power industry companies and the data is qualitative. Therefore, the results cannot be generalized in larger scale.

Originality/value

The competition of talented workforce will increase because of the decrease in working‐age population. Employer branding will become more prominent in the future when companies strive to gain competitive advantage.
Stakeholder management: the sociodynamic approach
Authors: Walley Paul
Published: July 2013

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate whether or not traditional methods of sociodynamic profiling are useful as an analytical management approach to manage stakeholders in projects that are likely to experience high degrees of resistance to change.

Design/methodology/approach

As part of an action research project, three case studies are reported; 80 people involved in the projects were given semi‐structured interviews as part of the study.

Findings

The approach identified the stakeholder mechanisms that caused one project to fail. It also showed how and why the two other projects succeeded after adapting their approaches.

Research limitations/implications

The work is restricted to one economic sector: healthcare. There are methodological issues with the measurement of levels of support and resistance for projects.

Practical implications

The method helped refine stakeholder identification, linked stakeholder requirements and project scope, identified likely project failures, improved stakeholder communication methods and created a better understanding of resistance to change.

Originality/value

The approach has not previously been validated and shows great promise where it is used to analyse complex situations. It also highlights the dynamic nature of the stakeholder management task for project managers, as the challenges can be seen to change over time. The paper also provides a different insight into resistance to change in a project context.
Using organizational knowledge for the selection of construction methods
Authors: Ferrada Ximena , Serpell Alfredo
Published: July 2013

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to report and summarize the findings from a doctoral thesis that analyze the construction methods' selection process, from a knowledge management perspective. The first author also reports her PhD journey.

Design/methodology/approach

The research methodology is based on the development of case studies in three construction companies. In each case study, semi‐structured interviews, direct observation and review of companies' documentation were applied. The results of the case studies allowed the development of a prototype system for the construction methods' selection. The thesis research methodology is described in detail in this article.

Findings

It was concluded that the construction methods' selection process is based in individual knowledge, therefore the construction industry needs to understand how to identify, acquire, store, transfer and use this knowledge. The construction methods knowledge system proposed in this research could help to resolve this problem.

Practical implications

A knowledge management system for construction companies must incorporate knowledge management technologies and techniques to be a real solution for the industry problems regarding information and knowledge management.

Originality/value

This research expands the analysis of the construction methods' selection process with a deeper analysis of this activity, understanding how it is applied in a project, what knowledge is required to make a good decision and offering a system to manage this knowledge, recognizing the particular characteristics of the process and the industry.
Does a surprise strategy need words? The effect of explanations for a surprise strategy on customer delight and expectations
Authors: Gyung Kim Min , S. Mattila Anna
Published: July 2013

Purpose

– Delighting customers by pleasant surprises is a common strategy, yet the potential downside of such a strategy (i.e. raising customer expectations) has received scant attention. The purpose of this study is to examine the role of explanations as a solution to control customers
'
expectations following a surprise-delight event.

Design/methodology/approach

– Hypotheses were tested with a 2 (surprise)×2 (explanation) between-subjects experimental design in two different service contexts (utilitarian and hedonic). University staff and faculty members served as the participant pool.

Findings

– The results indicate that providing an explanation helps to avoid raising customer expectations to unsustainable levels and enhances customer delight.

Research limitations/implications

– Using hypothetical scenarios, single test for each context, and having the participants with high educational and income levels are identified as limitations in this study.

Practical implications

– This study demonstrates that providing appropriate explanations can reduce escalating expectations for future consumption episodes and thus help service firms to effectively delight their customers.

Originality/value

– This is the first empirical study to test the use of explanation as a possible solution for problems associated with surprise strategies, therefore extending the relevant literature.
Revisiting internal market orientation: a note
Authors: Kaur Sahi Gurjeet , Lonial Subhash , Gupta Mahesh , Seli Nitasha
Published: July 2013

Purpose

– This paper seeks to further the understanding of the domain of the IMO construct in a developing country, as suggested by Lings and Greenley. It seeks to build on their proposed construct and provide empirical evidence of its impact in the context of the Indian banking industry.

Design/methodology/approach

– The behavioral dimensions of the construct are confirmed in a manner consistent with established market orientation (external) construct. The paper validates scale pertaining to the wants and needs of bank employees for effective intelligence generation and dissemination as well as for effective response implementation.

Findings

– The authors find a positive significant relationship between internal market orientation and staff attitude and perceived customer satisfaction. Further, the impact of staff attitude on employee job satisfaction is also significant.

Research limitations/implications

– Internal market orientation, with the passage of time, may not be as prevalent and exhaustive as it is now because the nature of the marketing environment is extremely dynamic. So, there is a need to make changes as time evolves so that this scale remains focused with a high level of reliability and validity.

Practical implications

– To generate internal market intelligence, bank management should not only rely on internal customer surveys, but also the intelligence obtained through a variety of formal and informal means, such as meetings and discussion with internal customers; analysis of sales reports and worldwide customer databases; and formal market research, such as employees
'
attitude surveys and sales response in a test market.

Originality/value

– The present research would be of value to managers across the world for identifying key requirements of internal customers, which need to be evaluated consistently from time to time, for different strategic actions.
Integrating country‐of‐origin image and brand image in corporate rebranding: the case of China
Authors: Guercini Simone , Ranfagni Silvia
Published: July 2013

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate how companies entering the Chinese market integrate brand image and country image, how they redefine this integration in the corporate rebranding process adopted to develop the new market, and what impact they achieve in terms of commercial and economic results.

Design/methodology/approach

The research is based on the analysis of the cases of Alpha and Beta. Alpha is a multinational company specialized in the production of chocolate, while Beta is one of the world's largest companies in the tyre industry. These cases are emblematic for the way the two companies combine brand attributes and country image attributes.

Findings

The case analysis shows that: initially in the corporate rebranding strategy defined in China, brand image is created independently from the country image; the impact of the integration on brand attitude is sought by producing a cross‐fertilization between the meaning of brand attitude and of country image attitude; the level of integration (country‐of‐manufacture, country‐of‐design) embodies the aim of the integration itself; and the differentiation of the country image for different brands passes through a phase of focalization.

Originality/value

The study identifies practices that managers can consider in the definition of the integration strategies involving brand image and country images that accompany their rebranding processes in the Chinese market. The analysis of these practices together with the results may help managers to arrive at pondered decisions concerning integration.
Fabrication of HA/β‐TCP scaffolds based on micro‐syringe extrusion system
Authors: Huang Wei , Zhang Xianglin , Wu Quan , Wu Bin
Published: July 2013

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to introduce a novel and concise technique of fabricating HA/β‐TCP composite ceramic scaffolds for bone tissue engineering via extrusion deposition method.

Design/methodology/approach

A new rapid prototyping (RP) machine called motor assisted micro‐syringe (MAM) system is used in the authors' research. It is implemented to control the morphology, pore size and porosity of scaffolds precisely and to optimize their mechanical properties in this study.

Findings

In the fabrication process, HA/β‐TCP ceramic composite slurry with prominent uniformity, stability and liquidity is prepared by deliberating the influential factors such as its ingredient, pH and viscosity. After optimizing the system parameters, scaffolds with homogeneous and interconnected pores in sizes ranging from 50 to 580 μm were obtained, and the whole process had excellent stability and repeatability. The average compressive strength of scaffolds with a porosity of around 50% reaches 50.33 MPa after sintered in microwave furnace at 1,200°C for 30 min.

Research limitations/implications

Degradation rates and biological properties concluding experiments in vitro and vivo should be further investigated.

Practical implications

The paper describes a brief method with excellent stability and repeatability which is practical for manufacturing composite ceramic scaffolds with desirable structures and strength.

Originality/value

The mentioned method can be used in tissue engineering, not only proper for ceramics scaffolds but many medical application fields such as implants.
Production of customized hip stem prostheses – a comparison between conventional machining and electron beam melting (EBM)
Authors: Cronskär Marie , Bäckström Mikael , Rännar Lars‐Erik
Published: July 2013

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to study the use of the additive manufacturing (AM) method, electron beam melting (EBM), for manufacturing of customized hip stems. The aim is to investigate EBM's feasibility and commercial potential in comparison with conventional machining, and to map out advantages and drawbacks of using EBM in this application. One part of the study concerns the influence on the fatigue properties of the material, when using the raw surface directly from the EBM machine, in parts of the implant.

Design/methodology/approach

The research is based on a case study of manufacturing a batch of seven individually adapted hip stems. The stems were manufactured both with conventional machining and with EBM technology and the methods were compared according to the costs of materials, time for file preparation and manufacturing. In order to enhance bone ingrowths in the medial part of the stem, the raw surface from EBM manufacturing is used in that area and initial fatigue studies were performed, to get indications on how this surface influences the fatigue properties.

Findings

The cost reduction due to using EBM in this study was 35 per cent. Fatigue tests comparing milled test bars with raw surfaced bars indicate a reduction of the fatigue limit by using the coarse surface.

Originality/value

The paper presents a detailed comparison of EBM and conventional machining, not seen in earlier research. The fatigue tests of raw EBM‐surfaces are interesting since the raw surface has shown to enhance bone ingrowths and therefore is suitable to use in some medical applications.
Factors affecting species delimitations with the GMYC model: insights from a butterfly survey
Authors: Talavera Gerard , Dincă Vlad , Vila Roger
Published: July 2013

The generalized mixed Yule‐coalescent (GMYC) model has become one of the most popular approaches for species delimitation based on single‐locus data, and it is widely used in biodiversity assessments and phylogenetic community ecology. We here examine an array of factors affecting GMYC resolution (tree reconstruction method, taxon sampling coverage/taxon richness and geographic sampling intensity/geographic scale).

We test GMYC performance based on empirical data (DNA barcoding of the Romanian butterflies) on a solid taxonomic framework (i.e. all species are thought to be described and can be determined with independent sources of evidence). The data set is comprehensive (176 species), and intensely and homogeneously sampled (1303 samples representing the main populations of butterflies in this country). Taxonomy was assessed based on morphology, including linear and geometric morphometry when needed.

The number of GMYC entities obtained constantly exceeds the total number of morphospecies in the data set. We show that c. 80% of the species studied are recognized as entities by GMYC. Interestingly, we show that this percentage is practically the maximum that a single‐threshold method can provide for this data set. Thus, the c. 20% of failures are attributable to intrinsic properties of the COI polymorphism: overlap in inter‐ and intraspecific divergences and non‐monophyly of the species likely because of introgression or lack of independent lineage sorting.

Our results demonstrate that this method is remarkably stable under a wide array of circumstances, including most phylogenetic reconstruction methods, high singleton presence (up to 95%), taxon richness (above five species) and the presence of gaps in intraspecific sampling coverage (removal of intermediate haplotypes). Hence, the method is useful to designate an optimal divergence threshold in an objective manner and to pinpoint potential cryptic species that are worth being studied in detail. However, the existence of a substantial percentage of species wrongly delimited indicates that GMYC cannot be used as sufficient evidence for evaluating the specific status of particular cases without additional data.

Finally, we provide a set of guidelines to maximize efficiency in GMYC analyses and discuss the range of studies that can take advantage of the method.
Differences in the Nonverbal Requests of Great Apes and Human Infants
Authors: van der Goot Marloes H. , Tomasello Michael , Liszkowski Ulf
Published: July 2013

This study investigated how great apes and human infants use imperative pointing to request objects. In a series of three experiments (infants, N = 44; apes, N = 12), subjects were given the opportunity to either point to a desired object from a distance or else to approach closer and request it proximally. The apes always approached close to the object, signaling their request through instrumental actions. In contrast, the infants quite often stayed at a distance, directing the experimenters' attention to the desired object through index‐finger pointing, even when the object was in the open and they could obtain it by themselves. Findings distinguish 12‐month‐olds' imperative pointing from ontogenetic and phylogenetic earlier forms of ritualized reaching.
The peripheral blood compartment in patients with Graves' disease: activated T lymphocytes and increased transitional and pre-naive mature B lymphocytes
Authors: Van der Weerd K , Van Hagen P M , Schrijver B , Kwekkeboom D J , De Herder W W , Ten Broek M R J , Postema P T E , Van Dongen J J M , Staal F J T , Dik W A
Published: July 2013

Graves' disease (GD) is an autoimmune disease that involves aberrant B and T lymphocyte responses. Detailed knowledge about lymphocyte subpopulation composition will therefore enhance our understanding of the pathogenesis of GD and might support the development of new immunomodulatory treatment approaches. The aim of this study was to gain detailed insight into the composition of the peripheral blood lymphocyte compartment in GD before and during anti-thyroid drug therapy. Major B and T lymphocyte subpopulations were investigated by flow cytometry in peripheral blood from newly diagnosed GD patients (n = 5), GD patients treated with anti-thyroid drugs (n = 4), patients with recurrent GD (n = 7) and healthy controls (HC; n = 10). In GD patients, numbers of activated T lymphocytes [human leucocyte antigen D-related (HLA-DR)+ and CD25+] were increased. The B lymphocyte compartment in GD was characterized by significantly higher numbers of transitional (CD38highCD27−, P < 0·03) and pre-naive mature (CD38lowCD27−IgD+CD5+, P < 0·04) B lymphocytes, while memory populations were slightly decreased. The increased numbers of CD5+, transitional and pre-naive mature B lymphocytes correlated positively with fT4 plasma levels. GD is associated with increased numbers of activated T lymphocytes and transitional and pre-naive mature CD5+ B lymphocytes within the peripheral blood. The increase in CD5+ B lymphocytes was due mainly to an increase in transitional and pre-naive mature B lymphocytes. Increased fT4 plasma levels might be associated with this increase in transitional and pre-naive mature CD5+ B lymphocytes.
On the front line: integrated habitat mapping for olive ridley sea turtles in the southeast Atlantic
Authors: Pikesley Stephen K. , Maxwell Sara M. , Pendoley Kellie , Costa Daniel P. , Coyne Michael S. , Formia Angela , Godley Brendan J. , Klein Warren , Makanga‐Bahouna Junior , Maruca Sheryl , Ngouessono Solange , Parnell Richard J. , Pemo‐Makaya Edgard , Witt Matthew J.
Published: July 2013

Aim

Knowledge and understanding of marine vertebrate spatial ecology are required to identify sources of threat and highlight areas for conservation. Olive ridley sea turtles Lepidochelys olivacea are in decline in some regions, and data for the Eastern Atlantic are sparse. Here, we seek to describe observed, and potential, post‐nesting habitats for this species in the southeast Atlantic. We contextualize these with fisheries catch data to identify areas of potential threat from fisheries interaction for this species.

Location

West coast of Africa, southeast Atlantic.

Methods

We tracked 21 female olive ridley turtles, from two nesting sites, between 2007 and 2010. We used ensemble ecological niche modelling, integrated with knowledge on the physical and biological oceanographic environment, to identify regions where environmental variables exist that may be critical in defining post‐nesting habitats for this species. We further integrate fisheries catch data to contextualize potential threat from fisheries.

Results

We describe key areas of observed, and potential, olive ridley turtle occurrence at sea, and reveal that there was considerable overlap of these conspecifics, from two distinct nesting regions, within the Angolan exclusive economic zone (EEZ). With the inclusion of fisheries catch data for the region, we highlight areas that have the potential for conflict with fishing activities known to result in bycatch.

Main conclusions

This study demonstrates that it is imperative that marine conservation policy recognizes the spatial extent of highly migratory species with expansive ranges. It also highlights that deficiencies exist in current knowledge of bycatch, both in gear specificity and in catch per unit effort. With integration of vessel monitoring system (VMS) data and those on fisheries catch, knowledge and understanding of bycatch may be improved, and this will ultimately facilitate development of appropriate management strategies and long‐term sustainability of fisheries and their supporting ecosystems.
A test of fruit varieties on entry rate and development by neonate larvae of the codling moth, Cydia pomonella
Authors: Davis Thomas Seth , Garczynski Stephen F. , Stevens‐Rumann Camille , Landolt Peter J.
Published: July 2013

The rate of entry by neonate larvae of the frugivorous codling moth, Cydia pomonella (L.) (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae), into fruit material was investigated. We used no‐choice bioassays in climate‐controlled rooms to assay larval entry across four host plant species (apple, pear, quince, walnut) and three varieties within a single fruit species (apple). Larvae successfully entering apples were reared to adulthood, and we collected tissue samples from apples which were successfully colonized in order to determine sucrose concentrations. This information was used to evaluate differences in adult moth size, development time, and pulp sucrose concentration due to apple variety. Four important findings emerged: (1) neonate larvae had the highest frequency of entry (86% of larvae) into apple fruits, compared with pear (78%), quince (56%), and walnut (32%); (2) the frequency of larval entry into immature apples differed across apple varieties, and larval entry rate was highest in variety Golden Delicious (72%), compared with Granny Smith (46%) and Red Delicious (64%); (3) on average, adult moths were larger and development times were shorter on the variety with the highest entry frequency (Golden Delicious); and (4) apple pulp sucrose concentrations were higher for Golden Delicious (17.5 μg mg−1) than for either Granny Smith (15.9 μg mg−1) or Red Delicious (15.1 μg mg−1) varieties, which correlates positively with entry and development data. We conclude that host fruit species and varietals within a species affect the entry rate of neonate codling moth larvae in no‐choice assays. We hypothesize that larval development is influenced by mean sucrose concentrations or other phytochemical differences associated with host fruit varieties.
Temperature response of litter and soil organic matter decomposition is determined by chemical composition of organic material
Authors: Erhagen Björn , Öquist Mats , Sparrman Tobias , Haei Mahsa , Ilstedt Ulrik , Hedenström Mattias , Schleucher Jürgen , Nilsson Mats B.
Published: July 2013

The global soil carbon pool is approximately three times larger than the contemporary atmospheric pool, therefore even minor changes to its integrity may have major implications for atmospheric CO2 concentrations. While theory predicts that the chemical composition of organic matter should constitute a master control on the temperature response of its decomposition, this relationship has not yet been fully demonstrated. We used laboratory incubations of forest soil organic matter (SOM) and fresh litter material together with NMR spectroscopy to make this connection between organic chemical composition and temperature sensitivity of decomposition. Temperature response of decomposition in both fresh litter and SOM was directly related to the chemical composition of the constituent organic matter, explaining 90% and 70% of the variance in Q10 in litter and SOM, respectively. The Q10 of litter decreased with increasing proportions of aromatic and O‐aromatic compounds, and increased with increased contents of alkyl‐ and O‐alkyl carbons. In contrast, in SOM, decomposition was affected only by carbonyl compounds. To reveal why a certain group of organic chemical compounds affected the temperature sensitivity of organic matter decomposition in litter and SOM, a more detailed characterization of the 13C aromatic region using Heteronuclear Single Quantum Coherence (HSQC) was conducted. The results revealed considerable differences in the aromatic region between litter and SOM. This suggests that the correlation between chemical composition of organic matter and the temperature response of decomposition differed between litter and SOM. The temperature response of soil decomposition processes can thus be described by the chemical composition of its constituent organic matter, this paves the way for improved ecosystem modeling of biosphere feedbacks under a changing climate.
Will climate change promote future invasions?
Authors: Bellard Celine , Thuiller Wilfried , Leroy Boris , Genovesi Piero , Bakkenes Michel , Courchamp Franck
Published: July 2013

Biological invasion is increasingly recognized as one of the greatest threats to biodiversity. Using ensemble forecasts from species distribution models to project future suitable areas of the 100 of the world's worst invasive species defined by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature, we show that both climate and land use changes will likely cause drastic species range shifts. Looking at potential spatial aggregation of invasive species, we identify three future hotspots of invasion in Europe, northeastern North America, and Oceania. We also emphasize that some regions could lose a significant number of invasive alien species, creating opportunities for ecosystem restoration. From the list of 100, scenarios of potential range distributions show a consistent shrinking for invasive amphibians and birds, while for aquatic and terrestrial invertebrates distributions are projected to substantially increase in most cases. Given the harmful impacts these invasive species currently have on ecosystems, these species will likely dramatically influence the future of biodiversity.
Cell growth control by stable Rbg2/Gir2 complex formation under amino acid starvation
Authors: Ishikawa Kosuke , Ito Koichi , Inoue Jun‐ichiro , Semba Kentaro
Published: July 2013

The molecular fine‐tuning mechanisms underlying adaptive responses to environmental stresses in eukaryotes remain largely unknown. Here, we report on a novel stress‐induced cell growth control mechanism involving a highly conserved complex containing Rbg2 and Gir2 subunits, which are the budding yeast orthologs of human Drg2 and Dfrp2, respectively. We found that the complex is responsible for efficient cell growth under amino acid starvation. Using native PAGE analyses, we observed that, individually, Rbg2 and Gir2 were labile proteins. However, they formed a complex that stabilized each other, and this stability became significantly enhanced after amino acid starvation. We observed that the stabilization of the complex was strictly dependent on GDP or GTP binding to Rbg2. A point mutation (S77N) that inactivated nucleotide binding impaired formation of the complex and disrupted the stress‐induced cell growth. Interestingly, the complex bound the translational activator Gcn1 in a dose‐dependent manner according to the stress level, suggesting a dynamic association with the cellular translational machinery. We propose that the Rbg2/Gir2 complex is a modulator that maintains cellular homoeostasis, thus promoting the survival of eukaryotic organisms in stressful environments.
Rapid screening method to study the reactivity of UV filter substances towards skin proteins by high‐performance thin‐layer chromatography
Authors: Stiefel C. , Schwack W.
Published: July 2013

Synopsis

Objective

Most UV filters used in sunscreens and other cosmetic products contain carbonyl groups, which generally are able to react with peptides or free amino acids of the human skin. To estimate their reactivity, we studied different prominent UV filter substances, octocrylene, ethylhexyl salicylate, 4‐t‐butyl‐4′‐methoxydibenzoylmethane, ethylhexyl methoxycinnamate, benzophenone‐3, hydroxymethylbenzoyl sulphonic acid, octyldimethyl p‐aminobenzoic acid, 3‐benzylidene camphor, 4‐methylbenzylidene camphor, diethylhexyl butamido triazone and ethylhexyl triazone.

Methods

A simple screening method using an amino HPTLC plate as protein model was established. The influence of different reaction conditions like heating and irradiation was determined.

Results

The ketones BP‐3, HMBS and BM‐DBM revealed the highest binding rates after both irradiation and heating. After 1 h of irradiation, 82%, 28% and 96%, respectively, were bonded to the amino phase, while heating resulted in values of 52%, 36% and 16%. For BP‐3 and HMBS, even storage in the dark at room temperature resulted in a low binding. Contrarily, for the two camphor derivatives 3‐BC and 4‐MBC, only irradiation led to a slightly turnover. UV filters with ester groups also showed a different behaviour depending on their main skeleton. While OCR especially reacted under heating with the amino phase, resulting in 36% of bound species after one hour, UV irradiation particularly encouraged a reaction of the other esters. After 1 h irradiation, 15% of EHMC, 38% of EHS and 48% of OD‐PABA were bonded to the amino groups of the HPTLC plate, whereas the reactivity of the two triazones, EHT and DEBT, was comparatively low.

Conclusion

Especially the UV filters BP‐3, BM‐DBM, HMBS, EHMC or OCR, which are commonly known to cause contact dermatitis, showed a high tendency to form adducts with the amino layer. Thus, the amino plate seems to be a proper tool to screen for skin sensitizers.
Changes in maize starch water sorption isotherms caused by high pressure
Authors: Santos Mauro D. , Ferreira José , Fidalgo Liliana G. , Queirós Rui P. , Delgadillo Ivonne , Saraiva Jorge A.
Published: July 2013

The effect of high pressure (300 MPa, for up to 60‐min duration) on water sorption (adsorption and desorption) properties of maize starch suspensions was studied. Increase in the pressurisation time (5–60 min) augmented linearly the water‐holding capacity of starch by 2.7‐fold. Adsorption and desorption isotherms moved to higher moisture contents with the increment of pressurisation time. These movements caused the hysteresis effect extent to decrease/increase with the pressurisation time for lower/higher water activity values. While no particular tendency was found for the effect of pressurisation time on energy‐related constants, Cb (BET) and Cg (GAB), the K value decreases linearly, being always higher for sorption. The monolayer value obtained using the BET model was lower compared with the GAB model, increasing linearly in both cases with the pressurisation time. The results obtained in this study are of possible technological importance for food products containing starch.
Psychological characteristics of patients applying for treatment in a dental fear clinic
Authors: Aartman Irene H. A. , de Jongh Ad , van der Meulen Marylee J.
Published: July 2013

The aim of the present study was to assess psychological characteristics of highly anxious dental patients. Subjects were 321 patients (203 women) applying for treatment at a dental fear clinic in The Netherlands. Patients filled out several questionnaires to assess the amount of psychological complaints (Dutch version of the Symptom Checklist 90 ‐ Revised; SCL‐90) and dental anxiety (Dental Anxiety Scale, Short version of the Dental Anxiety Inventory) approximately 4 months prior to their first appointment. The total mean score on the SCL‐90 for the highly anxious patients was 142.7 (SD=47.2) for men and 166.5 (SD = 64.3) for women. The SCL‐90 total score and the mean scores of all subscales were significantly higher, and above the 80th percentile for most of the subscales, than the mean scores of the Dutch general population. The results indicate that patients who apply for treatment at a dental fear clinic are not just dentally anxious; they show complaints on a wide range of other psychological dimensions.
Transmission electron microscopic study of in vivo pellicle formation on dental restorative materials
Authors: Hannig Matthias
Published: July 2013

This electron microscopic investigation was performed to examine the ultrastructure of the in vivo formed salivary pellicle on 15 different dental materials. Test pieces of amalgam alloys, casting alloys, titanium, ceramics, resins, composite resins, glass polyalkenoate cement, and bovine enamel were attached to the buccal and lingual surfaces of the upper first molars in three adults using removable intraoral splints. The splints were carried over periods of 2 and 6 h. Pellicle‐like structures could be identified on all tested material surfaces by transmission electron microscopic analysis. The pellicle layer showed a high degree of similarity on different kinds of surfaces with regard to the ultrastructural appearance. However, distinct differences could be detected in the ultrastructural pattern and thickness of the pellicle layer formed on buccally and lingually mounted specimens. Pellicles adsorbed on buccally carried test pieces were characterized by a heterogeneous, globular appearance and a thickness ranging from 500 to 1,000 nm after 6 h. In contrast, all lingually mounted test pieces were covered by a granular pellicle of about 100 nm thickness after 6 h. It is concluded that the ultrastructural pattern and extent of salivary pellicle formation are influenced by locally available salivary biopolymers and locally effective shearing forces rather than by material‐dependent parameters.
Community phylogenetics at the biogeographical scale: cold tolerance, niche conservatism and the structure of North American forests
Authors: Hawkins Bradford A. , Rueda Marta , Rangel Thiago F. , Field Richard , Diniz‐Filho José Alexandre F.
Published: July 2013

Aim

The fossil record has led to a historical explanation for forest diversity gradients within the cool parts of the Northern Hemisphere, founded on a limited ability of woody angiosperm clades to adapt to mid‐Tertiary cooling. We tested four predictions of how this should be manifested in the phylogenetic structure of 91,340 communities: (1) forests to the north should comprise species from younger clades (families) than forests to the south; (2) average cold tolerance at a local site should be associated with the mean family age (MFA) of species; (3) minimum temperature should account for MFA better than alternative environmental variables; and (4) traits associated with survival in cold climates should evolve under a niche conservatism constraint.

Location

The contiguous United States.

Methods

We extracted angiosperms from the US Forest Service's Forest Inventory and Analysis database. MFA was calculated by assigning age of the family to which each species belongs and averaging across the species in each community. We developed a phylogeny to identify phylogenetic signal in five traits: realized cold tolerance, seed size, seed dispersal mode, leaf phenology and height. Phylogenetic signal representation curves and phylogenetic generalized least squares were used to compare patterns of trait evolution against Brownian motion. Eleven predictors structured at broad or local scales were generated to explore relationships between environment and MFA using random forest and general linear models.

Results

Consistent with predictions, (1) southern communities comprise angiosperm species from older families than northern communities, (2) cold tolerance is the trait most strongly associated with local MFA, (3) minimum temperature in the coldest month is the environmental variable that best describes MFA, broad‐scale variables being much stronger correlates than local‐scale variables, and (4) the phylogenetic structures of cold tolerance and at least one other trait associated with survivorship in cold climates indicate niche conservatism.

Main conclusions

Tropical niche conservatism in the face of long‐term climate change, probably initiated in the Late Cretaceous associated with the rise of the Rocky Mountains, is a strong driver of the phylogenetic structure of the angiosperm component of forest communities across the USA. However, local deterministic and/or stochastic processes account for perhaps a quarter of the variation in the MFA of local communities.
The endogenous circadian temperature period length (tau) in delayed sleep phase disorder compared to good sleepers
Authors: Micic Gorica , de Bruyn Amanda , Lovato Nicole , Wright Helen , Gradisar Michael , Ferguson Sally , Burgess Helen J. , Lack Leon
Published: July 2013

The currently assumed aetiology for delayed sleep phase disorder (DSPD) is a delay of the circadian system. Clinicians have sought to use bright light therapy, exogenous melatonin or chronotherapy to correct the disorder. However, these treatments have achieved unreliable outcomes for DSPD patients and, as such, one suggestion has been that the disorder may be caused by a longer than normal circadian rhythm period length (i.e. tau). The present study investigated this premise using a 78‐h ultradian, ultra‐short sleep–wake cycle. This constant bedrest routine was used to simulate a series of 1‐h long ‘days’ by alternating 20‐min sleep opportunities and 40 min of enforced wakefulness. Thirteen participants were recruited for the study including, six people diagnosed with DSPD according to the International Classification of Sleep Disorders—2 [mean age = 22.0, standard deviation (SD) = 3.3] and seven good sleepers (mean age = 23.1, SD = 3.9) with normal sleep timing. The DSPD participants' core temperature rhythm tau (mean = 24 h 54 min, SD = 23 min) was significantly longer (t = −2.33, P = 0.04, Cohen's d = 1.91) than the good sleepers' (mean 24 h 29 min, SD = 16 min). The temperature rhythm of the DSPD participants delayed more rapidly (i.e. >25 min day−1) than the good sleepers'. These findings provide an explanation for the difficulty that DSPD patients have in phase advancing to a more conventional sleep time and their frequent relapse following treatment. The outcomes of this study support a vigorous and continued application of chronobiological and behavioural therapies to entrain DSPD patients to their desired earlier sleep times.
Sleep duration and sleep disturbances partly explain the association between depressive symptoms and cardiovascular mortality: the Whitehall II cohort study
Authors: Azevedo Da Silva Marine , Singh‐Manoux Archana , Shipley Martin J. , Vahtera Jussi , Brunner Eric J. , Ferrie Jane E. , Kivimäki Mika , Nabi Hermann
Published: July 2013

Depressive symptoms are associated with an increased risk of death, but most of this association remains unexplained. Our aim was to explore the contribution of sleep duration and disturbances to the association between depressive symptoms, all‐cause and cardiovascular disease mortality. A total of 5813 (4220 men and 1593 women) aged 50–74 years at baseline, participants of the British Whitehall II prospective cohort study, were included. Depressive symptoms, sleep duration and disturbances were assessed in 2003–04. Mortality was ascertained through linkage to the national mortality register until August 2012, with a mean follow‐up of 8.8 years. Depressive symptoms were associated with an increased risk of mortality from all causes [hazard ratio (HR) = 1.51; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.16–1.97)] and cardiovascular diseases (HR = 1.63; 95% CI: 1.01–2.64) after adjustment for sociodemographic characteristics. Further adjustment for sleep duration and disturbances reduced the association between depressive symptoms and cardiovascular mortality by 21% (HR = 1.53; 95% CI: 0.91–2.57). Sleep seems to have a role, as a mediator or confounder, in explaining the association between depressive symptoms and cardiovascular mortality. These findings need replication in larger studies with longer follow‐up.
Life form influences survivorship patterns for 109 herbaceous perennials from six semi‐arid ecosystems
Authors: Chu Chengjin , Havstad Kris M. , Kaplan Nicole , Lauenroth William K. , McClaran Mitchel P. , Peters Debra P. , Vermeire Lance T. , Adler Peter B.
Published: July 2013

Questions

What factors explain the variation in plant survival parameters across species and ecosystems?

Location

Western North America.

Methods

We compiled six long‐term data sets from western North America to test for ecosystem‐dependent demographic responses for forbs and grasses. Based on these data, we characterized 123 survivorship curves for 109 species. Three demographic parameters were extracted from these survivorship curves: survival rate at age 1, life expectancy at age 1, and a parameter describing the shape of the survivorship curve. We used a mixed effects model to compare the differences in demographic parameters between life forms (forbs or grasses) and among ecosystems, incorporating ‘ecosystem’ as a random factor, with life form treated as a categorical factor, and mean annual precipitation and mean annual temperature treated as continuous variables.

Results

Grasses had higher survival and longer life expectancy than forbs at 1 yr of age. Both forbs and grasses followed Type III survivorship curves, although forbs were closer to Type II compared to the grasses. Averaging across species, hazard ratios for whole survivorship curves differed among most ecosystems. While mean annual precipitation had no effect on any demographic parameter, mean annual temperature had a significantly negative effect on both first year survival rates and life expectancy for forbs.

Conclusions

Our results demonstrate that life form exerts a strong influence on demographic parameters and their response to temperature variation among ecosystems. This unprecedented information on the age‐specific demography of herbaceous plants has implications for population modelling and research on life‐history evolution and senescence.