bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Emotions, helping behavior and leaders’ effectiveness: a serial mediation model
Authors: Asadullah Muhammad Ali , Mumtaz Mehwish , Batool Zillae , Hameed Imran
Published: November 2016

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the effect of leaders’ positive emotions on their followers’ perceptions of leaders’ effectiveness through a serial mediation mechanism that employed followers’ positive emotions and leaders’ helping behaviors as mediators.

Design/methodology/approach

This study is quantitative in nature. The data for it were collected from supervisors and subordinates in the restaurant and hotel industries of Pakistan. This study used a mix of convenient and purposive/judgmental sampling and the sample consisted of 400 dyads.

Findings

This study has found statistical support for all its hypotheses. In particular, the results of this study have demonstrated that followers’ emotions and leaders’ helping behaviors mediate the relationships between leaders’ positive emotions and followers’ perceptions about their leaders’ effectiveness, acting in the form of a chain.

Practical implications

This study has implications for organizational leaders who are in the process of implementing emotional regulation in the workplace.

Originality/value

This is one of the few studies that has tested a serial mediation model to examine the conditions under which leaders’ positive emotions determine their effectiveness.
Firm, industry, and country level determinants of capital structure: evidence from Pakistan
Authors: Ahsan Tanveer , Wang Man , Qureshi Muhammad Azeem
Published: November 2016

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to find out firm, industry, and country level determinants of capital structure of Pakistani listed non-financial firms.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors use a fixed effects panel data model over a 39 years (1972-2010) unbalanced panel data of Pakistani non-financial listed firms to determine the factors that influence capital structure of these firms.

Findings

The authors find that Pakistani firms prefer retained earnings to finance their business projects, and debt is easily available for experienced firms. Moreover, socio-economic collusive networks, poor corporate governance mechanism along with weak legal system provide these firms an opportunity to pass on their risk to the creditors (banks).

Research limitations/implications

The data set does not contain factors characterizing inter-industry heterogeneity, therefore, the authors use mean industry leverage and mean industry profitability to explore if any relationship exists between leverage of firms, and their respective industry leverage/profitability.

Practical implications

Pakistani non-financial firms are highly leveraged increasing their probability to face financial distress in erratic economic conditions. As such, the policy makers need to develop capital markets of Pakistan to enable a resilient corporate capital structure. Further, erratic economic conditions of Pakistan create uncertain business environment yielding short-term opportunities and to finance them Pakistani firms use short-term debt as a main financing source. The policy makers need to improve corporate governance mechanism and strengthen legal system that will go a long way to develop Pakistani capital market on sound and sustainable footing.

Originality/value

This is the first study that uses an extended number of variables and discovers financial behavior of firms in a bank-based economy having limited financing options, and facing erratic economic conditions.
Meta‐omic analyses of Baltic Sea cyanobacteria: diversity, community structure and salt acclimation
Authors: Celepli Narin , Sundh John , Ekman Martin , Dupont Chris L. , Yooseph Shibu , Bergman Birgitta , Ininbergs Karolina
Published: November 2016

Cyanobacteria are important phytoplankton in the Baltic Sea, an estuarine‐like environment with pronounced north to south gradients in salinity and nutrient concentrations. Here, we present a metagenomic and ‐transcriptomic survey, with subsequent analyses targeting the genetic identity, phylogenetic diversity, and spatial distribution of Baltic Sea cyanobacteria. The cyanobacterial community constituted close to 12% of the microbial population sampled during a pre‐bloom period (June–July 2009). The community was dominated by unicellular picocyanobacteria, specifically a few highly abundant taxa (Synechococcus and Cyanobium) with a long tail of low abundance representatives, and local peaks of bloom‐forming heterocystous taxa. Cyanobacteria in the Baltic Sea differed genetically from those in adjacent limnic and marine waters as well as from cultivated and sequenced picocyanobacterial strains. Diversity peaked at brackish salinities 3.5–16 psu, with low N:P ratios. A shift in community composition from brackish to marine strains was accompanied by a change in the repertoire and expression of genes involved in salt acclimation. Overall, the pre‐bloom cyanobacterial population was more genetically diverse, widespread and abundant than previously documented, with unicellular picocyanobacteria being the most abundant clade along the entire Baltic Sea salinity gradient.
Contribution of different dispersal sources to the metabolic response of lake bacterioplankton following a salinity change
Authors: Comte Jérôme , Langenheder Silke , Berga Mercè , Lindström Eva S.
Published: November 2016

Dispersal can modify how bacterial community composition (BCC) changes in response to environmental perturbations, yet knowledge about the functional consequences of dispersal is limited. Here we hypothesized that changes in bacterial community production in response to a salinity disturbance depend on the possibility to recruit cells from different dispersal sources. To investigate this, we conducted an in situ mesocosm experiment where bacterial communities of an oligotrophic lake were exposed to different salinities (0, 18, 36 psu) for 2 weeks and subjected to dispersal of cells originating from sediments, air (mesocosms open to air deposition), both or none. BCC was determined using 454 pyrosequencing of the 16S rRNA gene and bacterial production was measured by 3H leucine uptake. Bacterial production differed significantly among salinity treatments and dispersal treatments, being highest at high salinity. These changes were associated with changes in BCC and it was found that the identity of the main functional contributors differed at different salinities. Our results further showed that after a salinity perturbation, the response of bacterial communities depended on the recruitment of taxa, including marine representatives (e.g., Alphaproteobacteria Loktanella, Erythrobacter and the Gammaproteobacterium Rheiheimera) from dispersal sources, in which atmospheric deposition appeared to play a major role.
PSTha5a23, a candidate effector from the obligate biotrophic pathogen Puccinia striiformis f. sp. tritici, is involved in plant defense suppression and rust pathogenicity
Authors: Cheng Yulin , Wu Kuan , Yao Juanni , Li Shumin , Wang Xiaojie , Huang Lili , Kang Zhensheng
Published: November 2016

During the infection of host plants, pathogens can deliver virulence‐associated ‘effector’ proteins to promote plant susceptibility. However, little is known about effector function in the obligate biotrophic pathogen Puccinia striiformis f. sp. tritici (Pst) that is an important fungal pathogen in wheat production worldwide. Here, they report their findings on an in planta highly induced candidate effector from Pst, PSTha5a23. The PSTha5a23 gene is unique to Pst and shows a low level of intra‐species polymorphism. It has a functional N‐terminal signal peptide and is translocated to the host cytoplasm after infection. Overexpression of PSTha5a23 in Nicotiana benthamiana was found to suppress the programmed cell death triggered by BAX, PAMP‐INF1 and two resistance‐related mitogen‐activated protein kinases (MKK1 and NPK1). Overexpression of PSTha5a23 in wheat also suppressed pattern‐triggered immunity (PTI)‐associated callose deposition. In addition, silencing of PSTha5a23 did not change Pst virulence phenotypes; however, overexpression of PSTha5a23 significantly enhanced Pst virulence in wheat. These results indicate that the Pst candidate effector PSTha5a23 plays an important role in plant defense suppression and rust pathogenicity, and also highlight the utility of gene overexpression in plants as a tool for studying effectors from obligate biotrophic pathogens.
Metabolic response of Agrobacterium tumefaciens 5A to arsenite
Authors: Tokmina‐Lukaszewska Monika , Shi Zunji , Tripet Brian , McDermott Timothy R. , Copié Valérie , Bothner Brian , Wang Gejiao
Published: November 2016

Wide‐spread abundance in soil and water, coupled with high toxicity have put arsenic at the top of the list of environmental contaminants. Early studies demonstrated that both concentration and the valence state of inorganic arsenic (arsenite, As(III) vs. arsenate As(V)) can be modulated by microbes. Using genetics, transcriptomic and proteomic techniques, microbe‐arsenic detoxification, respiratory As(V) reduction and As(III) oxidation have since been examined. The effect of arsenic exposure on whole‐cell intracellular microbial metabolism, however, has not been extensively studied. We combined LC‐MS and 1H NMR to quantify metabolic changes in Agrobacterium tumefaciens (strain 5A) upon exposure to sub‐lethal concentrations of As(III). Metabolomics analysis reveals global differences in metabolite concentrations between control and As(III) exposure groups, with significant perturbations to intermediates shuttling into and cycling within the TCA cycle. These data are most consistent with the disruption of two key TCA cycle enzymes, pyruvate dehydrogenase and α‐ketoglutarate dehydrogenase. Glycolysis also appeared altered following As(III) stress, with carbon accumulating as complex saccharides. These observations suggest that an important consequence of As(III) contamination in nature will be to alter microbial carbon metabolism at the microbial community level and thus has the potential to foundationally impact all biogeochemical cycles in the environment.
Shared and host‐specific microbiome diversity and functioning of grapevine and accompanying weed plants
Authors: Samad Abdul , Trognitz Friederike , Compant Stéphane , Antonielli Livio , Sessitsch Angela
Published: November 2016

Weeds and crop plants select their microbiota from the same pool of soil microorganisms, however, the ecology of weed microbiomes is poorly understood. We analysed the microbiomes associated with roots and rhizospheres of grapevine and four weed species (Lamium amplexicaule L., Veronica arvensis L., Lepidium draba L. and Stellaria media L.) growing in proximity in the same vineyard using 16S rRNA gene sequencing. We also isolated and characterized 500 rhizobacteria and root endophytes from L. draba and grapevine. Microbiome data analysis revealed that all plants hosted significantly different microbiomes in the rhizosphere as well as in root compartment, however, differences were more pronounced in the root compartment. The shared microbiome of grapevine and the four weed species contained 145 OTUs (54.2%) in the rhizosphere, but only nine OTUs (13.2%) in the root compartment. Seven OTUs (12.3%) were shared in all plants and compartments. Approximately 56% of the major OTUs (>1%) showed more than 98% identity to bacteria isolated in this study. Moreover, weed‐associated bacteria generally showed a higher species richness in the rhizosphere, whereas the root‐associated bacteria were more diverse in the perennial plants grapevine and L. draba. Overall, weed isolates showed more plant growth‐promoting characteristics compared with grapevine isolates.
Regulatory Domain and Regulatory Dexterity: Critiquing the UK Governance of ‘Fracking’
Authors: Stokes Elen
Published: November 2016

This article provides a critique of the UK government's regulatory response to ‘fracking’. It shows how government has adopted two distinct schemas of regulation, which may usefully be classified under the headings ‘regulatory domain’ and ‘regulatory dexterity’. These schemas rely on very different interpretive conventions and are in many ways contradictory. Yet, government uses both ‘domain’ and ‘dexterity’ arguments simultaneously in order to advance its policy in favour of fracking. The article explains how two seemingly different regulatory approaches work together towards the same policy goal, and highlights the role of law in facilitating technological development.
Impact of Copayment Changes on Children's Albuterol Inhaler Use and Costs after the Clean Air Act Chlorofluorocarbon Ban
Authors: Galbraith Alison A. , Fung Vicki , Li Lingling , Butler Melissa G. , Nordin James D. , Hsu John , Smith David , Vollmer William M. , Lieu Tracy A. , Soumerai Stephen B. , Wu Ann Chen
Published: November 2016

Objective

To examine changes in children's albuterol use and out‐of‐pocket (OOP) costs in response to increased copayments after the Food and Drug Administration banned inhalers with chlorofluorocarbon (CFC) propellants.

Setting

Four health maintenance organizations (HMOs), two that increased copayments for albuterol inhalers that went from generic CFC‐containing to branded CFC‐free versions, and two that retained generic copayments for CFC‐free inhalers (controls). We included children with asthma aged 4–17 years with commercial coverage from 2007 to 2010.

Design

Interrupted time series with comparison series.

Data

We obtained enrollee and plan characteristics from enrollment files, and utilization data from pharmacy and medical claims; OOP expenditures were extracted from pharmacy claims for two HMOs with cost data available.

Findings

There were no significant differences in albuterol use between the group with increased cost‐sharing and controls with respect to changes after the policy change. There was a postpolicy increase of $6.11 OOP per month per child using albuterol among those with increased cost‐sharing versus $0.36 in controls; the difference between groups was significant (p < .01).

Conclusions

Increased copayments for brand‐name CFC‐free albuterol after the CFC ban did not lead to a decrease in children's albuterol use, but it led to a modest increase in OOP costs.
The Impact of an EU–US Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership Agreement on Biofuel and Feedstock Markets
Authors: Beghin John C. , Bureau Jean‐Christophe , Gohin Alexandre
Published: November 2016

We assess the impact of a potential TTIP bilateral free trade agreement on the EU and US bio‐economies (feedstock, biofuels, by‐products, and related competing crops) and major trade partners in these markets. The analysis develops a multi‐market model that incorporates bilateral trade flows (US to EU, EU to US, and similarly with third countries) and is calibrated to the OECD‐FAO baseline for 2013–2022 to account for recent policy decisions. The major policy reforms from a TTIP involve tariff and TRQ liberalisation and their direct contractionary impact on US sugar supply, EU biofuel production, and indirect negative effect on US high fructose corn syrup (HFCS) production. EU sugar and isoglucose production expand along with US ethanol and biodiesel and oilseed crushing. EU sugar would flow to the US, US biofuels and vegetable oil to the EU. We further quantify non‐tariff measures (NTM) affecting these trade flows between the EU and the US. EU oilseed production contracts, and EU crushing expands with improving crushing margins following reduced NTM frictions. Our analysis reveals limited net welfare gains with most net benefits reaped by Brazil and not the two trading partners of the TTIP.
Servant leadership for team conflict management, co‐ordination, and customer relationships
Authors: Wong Alfred , Liu Ying , Wang Xinyan , Tjosvold Dean
Published: November 2016

Researchers have shown that the effectiveness of leaders depends to a great extent on their capacity to develop productive teamwork among followers. This study proposes that servant leadership, as it emphasizes service to others, team consensus, and the personal development of individuals, lays the groundwork for effective co‐ordination among team members so that together they serve their customers. The study collected data from 113 customer service teams from a sample of consumer electronics retailing firms in Beijing, China. Our findings indicate that to the extent that they have servant leaders, teams are able to discuss their disagreements, frustrations, and difficulties directly and work out solutions for the benefit of the team and their customers. These results provide support to the notion that improving the capacity to manage conflict co‐operatively can be a useful means for servant leaders to enhance teamwork and customer service in China and perhaps in other countries as well.
HRM and performance: the vulnerability of soft HRM practices during recession and retrenchment
Authors: Cook Hugh , MacKenzie Robert , Forde Christopher
Published: November 2016

This multi‐method case explores how change in HRM implementation can impact performance metrics in a recessionary climate. Qualitative HR outcome data are mapped against financial metrics to explore adoption of hard‐line HRM practices in a major UK retailer. Despite record profits throughout the recession, the organisation responded strategically to worsening conditions in the labour market, firstly to maintain operational flexibility, but then to opportunistically enlarge jobs and intensify work to help achieve immediate gains in financial metrics, including a gain of 37 per cent in profit per employee over 3 years. These gains were achieved by derailing commitment‐based approaches to HRM, pointing towards the vulnerability of soft HRM systems during times of austerity or retrenchment.
Inhibitory Activity of Avocado Seed Fatty Acid Derivatives (Acetogenins) Against Listeria Monocytogenes
Authors: Salinas‐Salazar Carmen , Hernández‐Brenes Carmen , Rodríguez‐Sánchez Dariana Graciela , Castillo Elena Cristina , Navarro‐Silva Jesús Manuel , Pacheco Adriana
Published: November 2016

High standards regarding Listeria monocytogenes control and consumer demands for food products without synthetic additives represent a challenge to food industry. We determined the antilisterial properties of an enriched acetogenin extract (EAE) from avocado seed, compared it to two commercial antimicrobials (one enriched in avocado acetogenins), and tested purified molecules. Acetogenin composition in pulp and seed of Hass avocado was quantified. EAE were obtained by two sequential centrifuge partition chromatography separations and molecules purified by preparative chromatography and quantified by HPLC‐MS‐TOF and HPLC‐PDA. Avocado seed extracts which are the following two: 1) EAE and 2) the commercially available antimicrobial Avosafe®, presented similar inhibition zones and chemical profiles. Minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values of extracts and two isolated acetogenins varied between 7.8 and 15.6 mg/L, were effective at 37 and 4 °C, and showed a bactericidal effect probably caused by increased membrane permeability and lytic effects, evidenced by flow cytometry at 10 and 100× MIC. Activity was comparable to Mirenat®. Most potent acetogenins were Persenone C (5) and A (6), and AcO‐avocadenyne (1), the latter exclusively present in seed. Common features of bioactive molecules were the acetyl moiety and multiple unsaturations (2 to 3) in the aliphatic chain, some persenones also featured a trans‐enone group. Seeds contained 1.6 times higher levels of acetogenins than pulp (5048.1 ± 575.5 and 3107.0 ± 207.2 mg/kg fresh weight, respectively), and total content in pulp was 199 to 398 times higher than MIC values. Therefore, acetogenin levels potentially consumed by humans are higher than inhibitory concentrations. Results document properties of avocado seed acetogenins as natural antilisterial food additives.
High‐Throughput Sequencing of Viable Microbial Communities in Raw Pork Subjected to a Fast Cooling Process
Authors: Yang Chao , Che You , Qi Yan , Liang Peixin , Song Cunjiang
Published: November 2016

This study aimed to investigate the effect of the fast cooling process on the microbiological community in chilled fresh pork during storage. We established a culture‐independent method to study viable microbes in raw pork. Tray‐packaged fresh pork and chilled fresh pork were completely spoiled after 18 and 49 d in aseptic bags at 4 °C, respectively. 16S/18S ribosomal RNAs were reverse transcribed to cDNA to characterize the activity of viable bacteria/fungi in the 2 types of pork. Both cDNA and total DNA were analyzed by high‐throughput sequencing, which revealed that viable Bacteroides sp. were the most active genus in rotten pork, although viable Myroides sp. and Pseudomonas sp. were also active. Moreover, viable fungi were only detected in chilled fresh pork. The sequencing results revealed that the fast cooling process could suppress the growth of microbes present initially in the raw meat to extend its shelf life. Our results also suggested that fungi associated with pork spoilage could not grow well in aseptic tray‐packaged conditions.
varver: a database of microsatellite variation in vertebrates
Authors: Yashima Akiko Sato , Innan Hideki
Published: November 2016

Understanding how genetic variation is maintained within a species is important in ecology, evolution, conservation and population genetics. Tremendous efforts have been made to evaluate the patterns of genetic variation in natural populations of various species. For this purpose, microsatellites have played a major role since the 1990s. Here we describe a comprehensive database,varver(Variation in Vertebrates) that provides complete information regarding microsatellite variation in natural populations of vertebrates. For each species,varverincludes basic information of the species, a list of publications reporting the microsatellite variation, and tables of genetic variation within and between populations (heterozygosity andFST). The geographic location and rough sampling range are also shown for each sampled population. The database should be useful for researchers interested in not only specific species but also comparing multiple species. We discuss the utility of microsatellite data, particularly for meta‐analyses that involve multiple microsatellite loci from various species. We show that in such analyses, it is extremely important to correct for biases caused by differences in mutation rate, mainly due to repeat unit and number.
Patency of paediatric endotracheal tubes for airway instrumentation
Authors: Elfgen J. , Buehler P. K. , Thomas J. , Kemper M. , Imach S. , Weiss M.
Published: November 2016

Background

Airway exchange catheters (AEC) and fiberoptic bronchoscopes (FOB) for tracheal intubation are selected so that there is only a minimal gap between their outer and inner diameter of endotracheal tube (ETT) to minimize the risk of impingement during airway instrumentation. This study aimed to test the ease of passage of FOBs and AECs through paediatric ETT of different sizes and from different manufacturers when using current recommendations for dimensional equipment compatibility taken from text books and manufacturers information.

Methods

Twelve different brands of cuffed and uncuffed ETT sized ID 2.5 to 5.0 mm were evaluated in an in vitro set‐up. Ease of device passage as well as the locations of an impaired passage within the ETT were assessed. Redundant samples were used for same sized ETT and all measurements were triple‐checked in randomized order.

Results

In total, 51 paired samples of uncuffed as well as cuffed paediatric ETT were tested. There were substantial differences in the ease of ETT passage concordantly for FOBs and AECs among different manufacturers, but also among the product lines from the same manufacturer for a given ID size. Restriction to passage most frequently was found near the endotracheal tube tip or as a gradually increasing resistance along the ETT shaft.

Conclusions

Current recommendations for dimensional equipment compatibility AECs and FOBs with ETTs do not appear to be completely accurate for all ETT brands available. We recommend that specific equipment combinations always must be tested carefully together before attempting to use them in a patient.
Patient resilience in the fracture orthopaedic rehabilitation geriatric environment
Authors: Kohler Sabrina , Loh Sze Ming
Published: November 2016

Objective

To explore the relationship between resilience and rehabilitation outcomes in older orthopaedic patients.

Methods

Geriatric rehabilitation patients admitted to a general metropolitan hospital following a fracture were interviewed face‐to‐face. Their resilience was assessed using the Connor–Davidson Resilience Scale (CD‐RISC), and rehabilitation outcomes were assessed according to functional independence measure (FIM) gain, length of stay, discharge destination and mortality rate.

Results

A total of 29 patient interviews were used in data analysis. Resilience scores varied from 49–92, with an average of 73, representing overall high resilience compared to general population samples. Resilience scores as measured by the CD‐RISC did not correlate with functional improvements during rehabilitation postfracture.

Conclusion

Further studies, including patients with a broader range of resilience scores, particularly at the lower end of the spectrum, are required to explore the relationship between resilience and rehabilitation outcomes in greater depth.
Platelets are a possible regulator of human endometrial re‐epithelialization during menstruation
Authors: Suginami Koh , Sato Yukiyasu , Horie Akihito , Matsumoto Hisanori , Kyo Satoru , Araki Yoshihiko , Konishi Ikuo , Fujiwara Hiroshi
Published: November 2016

Problem

The human endometrium periodically breaks down and regenerates. As platelets have been reported to contribute to the tissue remodeling process, we examined the possible involvement of platelets in endometrial regeneration.

Method of study

The distribution of extravasating platelets throughout the menstrual cycle was immunohistochemically examined using human endometrial tissues. EM‐E6/E7/hTERT cells, a human endometrial epithelial cell‐derived immortalized cell line, were co‐cultured with platelets, and the effects of platelets on the epithelialization response of EM‐E6/E7/hTERT cells were investigated by attachment and permeability assays, immunohistochemical staining, and Western blot analysis.

Results

Immunohistochemical study showed numerous extravasated platelets in the subluminar stroma during the menstrual phase. The platelets promoted the cell‐to‐matrigel attachment of EM‐E6/E7/hTERT cells concomitantly with the phosphorylation of focal adhesion kinase. They also promoted cell‐to‐cell contact among EM‐E6/E7/hTERT cells in parallel with E‐cadherin expression.

Conclusion

These results indicate the possible involvement of platelets in the endometrial epithelial re‐epithelialization process.
Chlamydial infection enhances expression of the polymeric immunoglobulin receptor (pIgR) and transcytosis of IgA
Authors: Armitage Charles W. , O'Meara Connor P. , Beagley Kenneth W.
Published: November 2016

Problem

The pIgR mediates transport of IgA into the lumen of mucosal tissues preventing pathogenic infection. Despite this, the expression of pIgR during chlamydial infections of the male and female reproductive tracts remains poorly understood.

Method of study

The expression of pIgR in response to hormone cycling or over the course of chlamydial infection was determined in vitro and in vivo by Western blot or immunohistochemistry.

Results

PIgR was upregulated in response to Chlamydia spp. infection of human epithelia, in both male and female mouse reproductive tracts. PIgR expression was found to be highest during estrus in the cervicovaginal and uterine epithelia and lowest during diestrus or following hormonal synchronization with Depo‐Provera. Chlamydial infection of mice mediates upregulation of pIgR and transcytosis of IgA into the lumen.

Conclusions

Our results suggest that chlamydial infection enhances IgA secretion and pIgR expression by epithelia in the lower reproductive tracts of females and males, and hormone synchronization downregulates pIgR expression and transcytosis of IgA prior to challenge.
Ice and the outback: Patterns and prevalence of methamphetamine use in rural Australia
Authors: Roche Ann , McEntee Alice
Published: November 2016

Objective

This study investigated whether lifetime and recent methamphetamine use (including crystal methamphetamine) differed among city, regional and rural residents and whether particular subpopulations were more at‐risk.

Design

Secondary analyses of the last three National Drug Strategy Household Surveys and corresponding Alcohol and Other Drug Treatment Services National Minimum Data Sets (AODTS NMDS).

Setting

Australian general population.

Participants

Australians who completed the 2007 (n = 22 519), 2010 (n = 25 786) and 2013 (n = 23 512) NDSHS (aged 14 + ); and treatment episodes where the principal drug of concern was recorded in the 2006/2007 (n = 139 808), 2009/2010 (n = 139 608) and 2012/2013 (n = 154 489) AODTS NMDS.

Main outcome measure(s)

To determine whether rural Australians were more likely to use methamphetamine than non‐rural counterparts.

Results

Lifetime and recent methamphetamine and recent crystal methamphetamine use were significantly higher among rural than other Australians. Significantly more rural men and employed rural Australians used methamphetamine than their city, regional or Australian counterparts. Rural Australians aged 18–24 and 25–29 years were significantly more likely to have used methamphetamine in their lifetime than city or Australian residents. Rural Australians aged 18–24 years were significantly more likely to have recently used crystal methamphetamine.

Conclusions

Interventions tailored to address the specific and unique circumstances of rural settings are required to reduce and prevent methamphetamine use, particularly crystal methamphetamine. Scope exists to focus prevention efforts on rural workplaces and primary care settings. Greater understanding of the higher prevalence of methamphetamine use in rural areas is required, plus implementation of comprehensive strategies and optimised treatment utilisation.
Cesarean delivery rates and obstetric culture – an Italian register‐based study
Authors: Plevani Cristina , Incerti Maddalena , Del Sorbo Davide , Pintucci Armando , Vergani Patrizia , Merlino Luca , Locatelli Anna
Published: November 2016

Introduction

Cesarean delivery rates are rising due to multiple factors, including less use of operative vaginal delivery and vaginal birth after cesarean delivery, which often reflect local obstetric practices. Objectives of the study were to analyze the relations between cesarean delivery, these practices, and perinatal outcomes.

Material and methods

We included all deliveries in the 72 hospitals of Lombardia, a region in northern Italy, during the year 2013. The delivery certificate was used as data source. Pearson's correlation coefficient and logistic regression were used for statistical analysis.

Results

We included 87 896 deliveries. The number of deliveries per hospital ranged from 140 to 6123. The rate of cesarean delivery was 28.3% (range 9.9–86.4%), operative vaginal delivery 4.7% (range 0.2–10.0%), and vaginal birth after cesarean 17.3% (range 0–79.2%). We found a significant inverse correlation between rates of overall cesarean delivery and operative vaginal delivery (r = −0.25, p = 0.04). The correlation between rate of overall cesarean delivery and vaginal birth after cesarean was also inverse and significant (r = −0.57, p < 0.001). There was no association between overall cesarean delivery rate and the rates of Apgar score at 5 min <7 in term and late preterm neonates (r = −0.92, p = 0.46) and of perinatal mortality (r = −0.19, p = 0.13), respectively. The associations were independent of hospital volume of activity.

Conclusions

An obstetric practice that encourages vaginal instrumental delivery in delayed second stage of labor or vaginal birth after previous cesarean delivery, could reduce the rising cesarean delivery rate. This will require a change in obstetric culture, continuing education of healthcare providers, and leadership.
Looking on the Bright Side: The Positive Role of Organisational Politics in the Relationship between Employee Engagement and Performance at Work
Authors: Eldor Liat
Published: November 2016

Scholars have largely focused on the negative consequences of organisational politics for employees' performance. In contrast, we maintain that organisational politics has positive aspects and moderates the relationship between employee engagement and behaviors at work such as knowledge sharing, creativity, proactivity, and adaptivity. Using data from 253 high‐tech employees and their supervisors in Israel, our findings demonstrate that perceptions of organisational politics strengthen the relationship between employee engagement and these behaviors. When engaged employees perceive their workplace to be political, they are more proactive, creative, and adaptive, and more likely to share their knowledge with their peers. These findings confirm the challenge/opportunity stressor theory regarding perceptions of organisational politics and suggest that whether politics is viewed as positive or negative depends on the employees' point of view. For those who are engaged and more actively involved in their jobs, politics can be regarded as a challenge and even an opportunity for obtaining more resources to improve their performance. Implications for the development of theory and practice in this area are discussed.
The Endoscopic Reference Score shows modest accuracy to predict either clinical or histological activity in adult patients with eosinophilic oesophagitis
Authors: Rodríguez‐Sánchez J. , Barrio‐Andrés J. , Nantes Castillejo O. , Valdivieso‐Cortazar E. , Pérez‐Martínez I. , Boumidi A. , Olmos‐Jérez J. A. , Payeras‐Llodra G. , Alcaide‐Suarez N. , Ruiz‐Rebollo L. , Madrigal‐ Rubiales B. , Gonzalez‐Obeso E. , de la Santa Belda E. , López Viedma B. , Molina‐Infante J.
Published: November 2016

Background

Conflicting results have been recently reported for the accuracy of the Endoscopic Reference Score (EREFS), an standardised endoscopic classification, to predict the histological activity of eosinophilic oesophagitis (EoE).

Aim

To evaluate the accuracy of the EREFS to predict either histological or clinical activity of EoE.

Methods

Prospective multicentre study conducted in eight Spanish centres evaluating adult EoE patients, either naïve or after treatment. Symptoms were evaluated before upper endoscopy through the Dysphagia Symptom Score, whereas researchers scored the EREFS immediately after the endoscopic procedure, unaware of the histological outcome.

Results

One hundred and forty‐five EoE patients undergoing 240 consecutive endoscopic procedures were included. Exudates (P = 0.03), furrows (P = 0.03) and a composite score of inflammatory signs (exudates, furrows and oedema) (P < 0.001) accurately predicted histological activity. Exudates were the only endoscopic sign showing a good correlation with histological outcome after therapy. Furrows and oedema persisted in 50% and 70% of patients despite histological remission. No endoscopic feature exceeded 70% accuracy to predict histological activity. Likewise, no endoscopic finding could adequately predict dysphagia severity. Crepe paper mucosa, diffuse exudates and severe rings correlated with higher symptom scores.

Conclusions

Endoscopic findings assessed by the Endoscopic Reference Score did not correlate with histological or clinical disease activity in adult EoE patients. Only exudates correlated with peak eosinophil count and histological outcome, whereas furrows and oedema persisted in over half of patients despite histological remission.
Effect of chicken leptin recptor short hairpin RNA on expression of JAK2, STAT3, SOCS3 and CPT1 genes in chicken preadipocytes
Authors: Ban Qian , Hui Wenqiao , Cheng Fei , Liu Dahai , Liu Xiaojun
Published: November 2016

In this study, we detect depressive effect on leptin receptor (LEPR) by LEPR‐specific short hairpin RNA (shRNA) expression plasmids in chicken preadipocytes, and effect on messenger RNA (mRNA) expression levels of genes related to signal transduction, including JAK2, STAT3, SOCS3 as well as CPT1, which is associated with fatty acid metabolism. shRNA expression vectors targeting LEPR were constructed and transfected into chicken preadipocytes. The transfection efficiency was evaluated by fluorescence microscopy. Real‐time PCR was used to detect its effect on mRNA expression levels of JAK2, STAT3, SOCS3 and CPT1. Results showed that LEPR mRNA was knocked down by 99% (P < 0.01) after transfection for 72 h. In the knockdown preadipocytes, the mRNA levels of JAK2 and CPT1 were down‐regulated by 47.56% (P < 0.01) and 42.26% (P < 0.05), respectively; while expression of STAT3 and SOCS3 increased 7.72‐fold (P < 0.01), 1.71‐fold (P < 0.01), respectively. It is concluded that knockdown of LEPR influences mRNA expression of its down‐stream genes, suggesting that chicken LEPR play a certain role in regulating genes in the complicated gene network of preadipocytes.
Recovery of floristic diversity and basal area in natural forest regeneration and planted plots in a Costa Rican wet forest
Authors: Gilman Alex C. , Letcher Susan G. , Fincher Rita M. , Perez Ashley I. , Madell Tyler W. , Finkelstein Alex L. , Corrales‐Araya Felix
Published: November 2016

When compared to planted reforestation, natural unassisted regeneration is often reported to result in slow recovery of biomass and biodiversity, especially early in succession. In some cases, naturally regenerating forests are not comparable to the community structure of primary forests after many decades. However, direct comparison of the outcomes of tropical forest restoration and natural regeneration is hindered by differences in metrics of forest recovery, inconsistency in land use histories, and dissimilarities in experimental design. We present the results of a replicated reforestation experiment comparing natural regeneration and polyculture tree planting at multiple diversity levels (3, 6, 9, or 12 native tree species), with uniform land use history and initial edaphic conditions. We compare the recovery of basal area and floristic diversity in these treatments after 5 yr of succession. Total basal area was higher in planted plots than in naturally regenerating plots, but it but did not vary among the different planted diversity levels. The basal area of woody recruits did not differ among treatments. The diversity of woody recruits increased substantially over time but did not vary among planting treatments. Species composition trajectories showed directional turnover over time, with no consistent differences among treatments. The convergence of restoration trajectories and similarity of floristic community diversity and composition across all treatments, after only 5 yr, provides evidence of the viability of natural regeneration for rapid restoration of forest biodiversity.
Natural regeneration and biodiversity: a global meta‐analysis and implications for spatial planning
Authors: Latawiec Agnieszka E. , Crouzeilles Renato , Brancalion Pedro H.S. , Rodrigues Ricardo R. , Sansevero Jerônimo B. , Santos Juliana Silveira dos , Mills Morena , Nave André Gustavo , Strassburg Bernardo B.
Published: November 2016

Natural regeneration offers a cheaper alternative to active reforestation and has the potential to become the predominant way of restoring degraded tropical landscapes at large‐scale. We conducted a meta‐analysis for tropical regions and quantified the relationships between both ecological and socioeconomic factors and biodiversity responses in naturally regenerating areas. Biogeographic realms, past disturbance, and the human development index (HDI) were used as explanatory variables for biodiversity responses. In addition, we present a case study of large‐scale natural regeneration in the Brazilian Atlantic Forest and identify areas where different forms of restoration would be most suitable. Using our dataset for tropical regions, we showed that natural regeneration was predominantly reported within: the Neotropical realm; areas that were intensively disturbed; and countries with medium HDI. We also found that biodiversity in regenerating forests was more similar to the values found in old growth forests in: countries with either low, high, or very high HDI; less biodiverse realms; and areas of less intensive past disturbance. Our case study from Brazil showed that the level of forest gain resulting from environmental legislation, in particular the Brazilian Forest Code, has been reduced, but remains substantial. Complementary market incentives and financial mechanisms to promote large‐scale natural regeneration in human‐modified agricultural landscapes are also needed. Our analysis provides insights into the factors that promote or limit the recovery of biodiversity in naturally regenerating areas, and aids to identify areas with higher potential for natural regeneration.
Scaling up farmer‐managed natural regeneration in Africa to restore degraded landscapes
Authors: Reij Chris , Garrity Dennis
Published: November 2016

We present examples of large‐scale farmer‐managed natural regeneration of woody species in Africa to create new agroforestry systems. We also analyze two cases in Ethiopia of large‐scale natural regeneration. The available evidence shows that the average costs per hectare of promoting on‐farm natural regeneration are low as soon as farmers are familiar with this practice and begin to spontaneously adopt it. Based on these cases, current ambitious forest restoration targets can be achieved, but this goal requires a shift from tree planting to assisted natural regeneration. We propose a scaling‐up strategy for natural regeneration based on experience gained mainly in the West African Sahel.
Changes in biotic and abiotic drivers of seedling species composition during forest recovery following shifting cultivation on Hainan Island, China
Authors: Lu Xinghui , Zang Runguo , Ding Yi , Huang Jihong
Published: November 2016

Seedlings play an important role in the processes of plant community succession. We compared seedling (dbh < 1 cm) species composition and diversity over a chronosequence (18‐, 30‐, 60‐year‐old second growth and old growth forest) after shifting cultivation in a tropical lowland rain forest area on Hainan Island, China. Seedling diversity reached a maximum in the 60‐year‐old second growth forest, which is consistent with the intermediate disturbance hypothesis. With the progression of secondary succession, canopy openness (CO), soil organic matter, soil phosphorus content, and tree abundance showed a general decreasing trend; soil water content and tree basal area showed a general trend of increase, while soil pH and other nutrients reached maximum values and tree richness reached a minimum value at intermediate stages of succession. Seedling composition and diversity were significantly affected by soil water, pH, soil nutrient content, and biotic factors in the 18‐year‐old second growth forests; by soil pH, soil nutrient content, and biotic factors in the 30‐year‐old second growth forests; by CO, soil nutrient content and tree abundance in the 60‐year‐old second growth forests; and by CO, soil pH, and soil nutrient content in the old growth forests. At earlier stages of succession, the effect of the proportion of old growth forest in the surrounding landscape on seedling diversity was greater than that of land‐use history, but the importance of these drivers was reversed at later stages of succession.
Associated factors of behavioural problems in children at preschool age: the Hokkaido study on environment and children's health
Authors: Minatoya M. , Itoh S. , Araki A. , Tamura N. , Yamazaki K. , Nishihara S. , Miyashita C. , Kishi R.
Published: November 2016

Background

Finding associated factors with childhood behavioural problems as early as preschool age is important. Studies have revealed several factors including socioeconomic factors, which may vary among different cultural background and population. However, investigation in general Japanese population of preschool age has not been well demonstrated. Thus, the objective of this study was to examine associated factors of childhood behavioural problems using Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ) in a prospective birth cohort study.

Methods

Total 3813 SDQ were distributed between October 2014 and December 2015 to the subpopulation of prospective birth cohort study, the Hokkaido Study on Environment and Children's Health. The subpopulation consisted of participants who had reached age 5 and were born between April 2008 and December 2010. Baseline questionnaire filled at recruitment and birth record were used to obtain participant information. Children with total difficulties score ≧ 13 were defined as likelihood of behavioural problems. A total of 2553 children with valid answers were included into the analysis. The response rate was 67.1%.

Results

Number of children with likelihood of behavioural problems was 521 (20.4%). Boys showed more problematic scores than girls. Multivariate analysis found that maternal pre‐pregnancy BMI ≧ 30 kg/m2, primipara, maternal education lower than high school, family income during pregnancy < 3 million yen/year and boy gender were the factors associated with increased odds ratio of likelihood of child behavioural problems.

Conclusions

This study found that prenatal socioeconomic factors were associated with likelihood of child behavioural problems at preschool age in Japan.
Developmental Differences in Infants’ Fairness Expectations From 6 to 15 Months of Age
Authors: Ziv Talee , Sommerville Jessica A.
Published: November 2016

The present research investigated the developmental trajectory of infants’ fairness expectations from 6 to 15 months of age (N = 150). Findings revealed a developmental transition in infants’ fairness expectations between 6 and 12 months, as indicated by enhanced visual attention to unfair outcomes of resource distribution events (a 3:1 distribution) relative to fair outcomes (a 2:2 distribution). The onset of naturalistic sharing behavior predicted infants’ fairness expectations at transitional ages. Beyond this period of developmental transition, the presence of siblings and infants’ prompted giving behavior predicted individual differences in infants’ fairness concerns. These results provide evidence for the role of experience in the acquisition of fairness expectations and reveal early individual differences in such expectations.
Attachment and Temperament in the Early Life Course: A Meta‐Analytic Review
Authors: Groh Ashley M. , Narayan Angela J. , Bakermans‐Kranenburg Marian J. , Roisman Glenn I. , Vaughn Brian E. , Fearon R. M. Pasco , van IJzendoorn Marinus H.
Published: November 2016

This meta‐analytic review examines the association between early attachment (assessed at 1–5 years) and child temperament (assessed at birth–12 years), and compares the strength of this association with recently documented meta‐analytic associations between early attachment and social competence, externalizing behavior, and internalizing symptoms. Based on 109 independent samples (N = 11,440) of diverse socioeconomic and ethnic backgrounds, temperament was weakly associated with attachment (in)security (d = .14, CI [0.08, 0.19]) but modestly associated with resistant attachment (d = .30, CI [0.21, 0.40]). Temperament was not significantly associated with avoidant (d = .10, CI [−0.02, 0.19]) or disorganized (d = .11, CI [−0.03, 0.25]) attachment. Across developmental domains, early attachment security was more strongly associated with social competence and externalizing behaviors than internalizing symptoms and temperament.