bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Habitat constraints and self-thinning shape Mediterranean red coral deep population structure: implications for conservation practice
Authors: Cau Alessandro , Bramanti Lorenzo , Cannas Rita , Follesa Maria Cristina , Angiolillo Michela , Canese Simonepietro , Bo Marzia , Cuccu Danila , Guizien Katell 
Published: March 2016

AbstractThe Mediterranean red coral, Corallium rubrum, is one of the most precious corals worldwide. Below 50 m depth, C. rubrum populations are generally characterised by large and sparse colonies, whereas shallow populations (above 50 m depth) show high densities of small colonies. We show here instead that populations dwelling between 80 and 170 m depth exhibited a continuous range of population density (from 2 to 75 colonies per 0.25 m2), with less than 1% of variance explained by water depth. An inverse relationship between maximum population density and mean colony height was found, suggesting that self-thinning processes may shape population structure. Moreover, demographically young populations composed of small and dense colonies dominated along rocky vertical walls, whereas mature populations characterised by large and sparsely distributed colonies were found only in horizontal beds not covered by sediment. We hypothesise that, in the long term, shallow protected populations should resemble to present deep populations, with sparsely distributed large colonies. Since the density of red coral colonies can decay as a result of self-thinning mechanisms, we advise that future protection strategies should be based also on a measure of red coral spatial coverage instead of population density.
Sound Interferes with the Early Tactile Manual Abilities of Preterm Infants
Authors: Lejeune Fleur , Parra Johanna , Berne-Audéoud Frédérique , Marcus Leïla , Barisnikov Koviljka , Gentaz Edouard , Debillon Thierry 
Published: March 2016

AbstractPremature birth is a sudden change of the sensory environment of a newborn, while their senses are still in development, especially in the stressful and noisy environment of the NICU. The study aimed to evaluate the effect of noise on the early tactile manual abilities of preterm infants (between 29 and 35 weeks PCA). Infants were randomly assigned to one of the two conditions: Silence and Noise. For each condition, two phases were introduced: a habituation phase (repeated presentation of the same object, prism or cylinder), followed by a test phase (presentation of the familiar or a novel object). In the Silence condition, they received the tactile habituation and test phases: In the Noise condition, they went through the same phases, while an alarm sounded. Sixty-three preterm infants were included. They displayed a strong and effective ability to memorize tactile manual information and to detect the difference between two shape features, but this ability seems to be impaired by the concomitant exposure to an alarm sound. This study is the first to highlight the effect of a negative stimulus on sensory functioning in premature infants. It reinforces the importance of developing environmental measures to lower the sound level in NICUs.
Influence of pH, competing ions and salinity on the sorption of strontium and cobalt onto biogenic hydroxyapatite
Authors: Handley-Sidhu Stephanie , Mullan Thomas K. , Grail Quentin , Albadarneh Malek , Ohnuki Toshihiko , Macaskie Lynne E. 
Published: March 2016

AbstractAnthropogenic radionuclides contaminate a range of environments as a result of nuclear activities, for example, leakage from waste storage tanks/ponds (e.g. Hanford, USA or Sellafield sites, UK) or as a result of large scale nuclear accidents (e.g. Chernobyl, Ukraine or Fukushima, Japan). One of the most widely applied remediation techniques for contaminated waters is the use of sorbent materials (e.g. zeolites and apatites). However, a key problem at nuclear contaminated sites is the remediation of radionuclides from complex chemical environments. In this study, biogenic hydroxyapatite (BHAP) produced by Serratia sp. bacteria was investigated for its potential to remediate surrogate radionuclides (Sr2+ and Co2+) from environmentally relevant waters by varying pH, salinity and the type and concentration of cations present. The sorption capacity of the BHAP for both Sr2+ and Co2+ was higher than for a synthetically produced hydroxyapatite (HAP) in the solutions tested. BHAP also compared favorably against a natural zeolite (as used in industrial decontamination) for Sr2+ and Co2+ uptake from saline waters. Results confirm that hydroxyapatite minerals of high surface area and amorphous calcium phosphate content, typical for biogenic sources, are suitable restoration or reactive barrier materials for the remediation of complex contaminated environments or wastewaters.
Transiting planets as a precision clock to constrain the time variation of the gravitational constant
Authors: Masuda Kento , Suto Yasushi 
Published: March 2016

Abstract
Analysis of transit times in exoplanetary systems accurately provides an instantaneous orbital period, P(t), of their member planets. A long-term monitoring of those transiting planetary systems puts limits on the variability of P(t), which are translated into the constraints on the time variation of the gravitational constant G. We apply this analysis to 10 transiting systems observed by the Kepler spacecraft, and find that ΔG/G ≲ 5 × 10− 6 for 2009–2013, or $\dot{G}/G \lesssim 10^{-6}\:$yr−1 if $\dot{G}$ is constant. While the derived limit is weaker than those from other analyses, it is complementary to them and can be improved by analyzing numerous transiting systems that are continuously monitored.
Hierarchical tree algorithm for collisional N-body simulations on GRAPE
Authors: Fukushige Toshiyuki , Kawai Atsushi 
Published: March 2016

Abstract
We present an implementation of the hierarchical tree algorithm on the individual timestep algorithm (the Hermite scheme) for collisional N-body simulations, running on the GRAPE-9 system, a special-purpose hardware accelerator for gravitational many-body simulations. Such a combination of the tree algorithm and the individual timestep algorithm was not easy on the previous GRAPE system mainly because its memory addressing scheme was limited only to sequential access to a full set of particle data. The present GRAPE-9 system has an indirect memory addressing unit and a particle memory large enough to store all the particle data and also the tree node data. The indirect memory addressing unit stores interaction lists for the tree algorithm, which is constructed on the host computer, and, according to the interaction lists, force pipelines calculate only the interactions necessary. In our implementation, the interaction calculations are significantly reduced compared to direct N2 summation in the original Hermite scheme. For example, we can achieve about a factor 30 of speedup (equivalent to about 17 teraflops) against the Hermite scheme for a simulation of an N = 106 system, using hardware of a peak speed of 0.6 teraflops for the Hermite scheme.
Anxiolytic treatment impairs helping behavior in rats
Authors: Ben-Ami Bartal I. , Shan H. Z. , Molasky N. M. R. , Murray T. M. , Williams J. Z. , Decety J. , Mason Peggy 
Published: March 2016

AbstractDespite decades of research with humans, the biological mechanisms that motivate an individual to help others remain poorly understood. In order to investigate the roots of pro-sociality in mammals, we established the helping behavior test, a paradigm in which rats are faced with a conspecific trapped in a restrainer that can only be opened from the outside. Over the course of repeated test sessions, rats exposed to a trapped cagemate learn to open the door to the restrainer, thereby helping the trapped rat to escape (Ben-Ami Bartal et al., 2011). The discovery of this natural behavior provides a unique opportunity to probe the motivation of rodent helping behavior, leading to a deeper understanding of biological influences on human pro-sociality.To determine if an affective response motivates door-opening, rats received midazolam, a benzodiazepine anxiolytic, and tested in the helping behavior test. Midazolam-treated rats showed less helping behavior than saline-treated rats or rats receiving no injection. Yet, midazolam-treated rats opened a restrainer containing chocolate, highlighting the socially specific effects of the anxiolytic. To determine if midazolam interferes with helping through a sympatholytic effect, the peripherally restricted beta-adrenergic receptor antagonist nadolol was administered; nadolol did not interfere with helping.The corticosterone response of rats exposed to a trapped cagemate was measured and compared to the rats’ subsequent helping behavior. Rats with the greatest corticosterone responses showed the least helping behavior and those with the smallest responses showed the most consistent helping at the shortest latency. These results are discussed in terms of their implications for the interaction between stress and pro-social behavior.Finally, we observed that door-opening appeared to be reinforcing. A novel analytical tool was designed to interrogate the pattern of door-opening for signs that a rat’s behavior on one session influenced his behavior on the next session. Results suggest that helping a trapped rat has a greater motivational value than does chocolate.In sum, this series of experiments clearly demonstrates the fundamental role of affect in motivating pro-social behavior in rodents and the need for a helper to resonate with the affect of a victim.
Genomic and Metagenomic Analyses Reveal Parallel Ecological Divergence inHeliosperma pusillum(Caryophyllaceae)
Authors: Trucchi Emiliano , Frajman Božo , Haverkamp Thomas H.A. , Schönswetter Peter , Paun Ovidiu 
Published: March 2016

AbstractCases of parallel ecological divergence in closely related taxa offer an invaluable material to study the processes of ecological speciation. Applying a combination of population genetic and metagenomic tools on a high-coverage RAD sequencing dataset, we test for parallel evolution across six population pairs ofHeliosperma pusillumandH. veselskyi(Caryophyllaceae), two plant species found in the south-eastern Alps and characterized by clear morphological (glabrous vs. hairy) and ecological (alpine vs. montane, wet vs. dry) differentiation. Our analyses support a scenario of multiple independent instances of divergence between these species during the last 10,000 years. Structure analyses and simulations show that interspecific gene flow in each population pair is very low. A single locus, annotated as E3 ubiquitin ligase, an enzyme involved in plant innate immunity, shows a pattern of non-random segregation across populations of both species. A metagenomic analysis revealed information about contaminant exogenous DNA present in RAD sequencing libraries obtained from leaf material. Results of this analysis show clearly divergent bacterial and fungal phyllosphere communities between the species, but consistent communities across populations within each species. A similar set of biotic interactions is involved, together with abiotic factors, in shaping common selective regimes at different growing sites of each species. Different occurrences ofH. veselskyiappear now genetically isolated fromH. pusillumand from each other, and may independently proceed along the speciation continuum. Our work supports the hypothesis that repeated ecological divergence, observed here at an early stage, may be a common process of species diversification.
Unusual intragenic suppression of an IFT52 gene disruption links hypoxia to the intraflagellar transport inTetrahymena thermophila
Authors: Dave Drashti , Pandiyan Gautham , Wloga Dorota , Gaertig Jacek 
Published: March 2016

AbstractIFT52 protein is a conserved intraflagellar transport protein (a part of the IFT complex B) that is essential for assembly and maintenance of cilia.Tetrahymenanull mutants with an insertion of aneogene cassette into theIFT52gene undergo frequent suppressions that lead to conditional assembly of cilia only under hypoxic conditions (Brown et al. 2003). Here we show that these conditional suppressions are intragenic and occur by a novel mechanism. First, the non-native (bacterial) portion of the DNA sequence of theneocassette is deleted during the process of genome rearrangement that occurs in the developing macronucleus of conjugatingTetrahymena. Next, the residual sequences of theneocassette (ofTetrahymenaorigin) within the IFT52 mRNA are recognized as multiple introns and undergo splicing, leading to a restoration of the translational frame ofIFT52. The resulting hypoxia-dependent IFT52 protein contains an insertion of 43 new amino acids that replace 7 original amino acids. Taken together with a study inChlamydomonas reinhardtiishowing a hypoxia-dependence of another IFT subunit mutant, IFT46, (Hou et al. 2007), our observations generalize that defective IFT complex subunits can regain functionality under hypoxia.
Evaluation of a Computational Diagnostic for Epistasis in Plant Breeding Populations
Authors: Howard Reka , Beavis William , Carriquiry Alicia 
Published: March 2016

ABSTRACTPreviously we reported the inability of genomic prediction methods based on linear models to accurately predict trait values composed of an epistatic genetic architecture. We also reported non-parametric genomic prediction methods applied to the same data produced reasonably accurate predictions. The difference led us to propose analyses by paired parametric and non-parametric methods to the same data could be used as a diagnostic for epistatic genetic architectures in typical plant breeding populations. The suggested computational diagnostic was based on evaluation of 14 genomic prediction methods applied to eight sets of simulated conditions consisting of three factors, each with two levels. Because the potential set of factors that might affect accuracies of genomic predictions is unknown, there is a need for a systematic approach to identify combinations of factors that impact estimates of accuracy. Herein we propose the application of response surface methods to systematically identify conditions that maximize the difference between estimated accuracies of genomic prediction methods. The results indicate that genetic architecture and repeatability at their upper boundaries for complete epistasis and repeatability have the greatest influence on the differences between parametric and non-parametric estimated prediction accuracies. Further, the surface is very steep in the vicinity of the boundary conditions, indicating that the proposed diagnostic is of limited value for discovery of epistatic genetic architectures.
Disaster resilience and complex adaptive systems theory
Authors: Coetzee Christo , Van Niekerk Dewald , Raju Emmanuel 
Published: March 2016

Purpose– The purpose of this paper is to explore the emergence of resilience into the contemporary discourse of disaster risk. As a counter position to the current status quo in defining and addressing resilience, this paper introduces the theoretical lens of complex adaptive systems theory (CAS). Some of the key characterisitcs related to CAS are discussed and linkages are made to possible benefit that they might have in enhancing the understanding of disaster resilience.Design/methodology/approach– An indepth review of literature pertaining to disaster resilience and CAS was conducted to find common grounds for theoretical synergies.Findings– The inherent similarities between the concept of resilience and CAS provides ample practical and theoretical contributions to the field of disaster risk studies.Originality/value– The paper provides a different perspective to the contemporary discourse on disaster resilience. A better understanding of disaster resilience and its underlying dynamics as illuminated by the application of CAS could in future provide an effective tool to manage disaster risks and building of resilience.
Socio-political goals and responses to the reconstruction of the Chilean city of Constitución
Authors: Romero Hugo , Albornoz Cristian 
Published: March 2016

Purpose
– The purpose of this paper is to discuss the political and economic objectives sought by the government of Chile to understand the characteristics of the reconstruction process for housing damaged by the earthquake and tsunami of 27 February 2010, contrasted with the opinions of the target communities, the instruments that were utilized and the generation of new vulnerabilities.

Design/methodology/approach
– The governmental objectives have been compiled from speeches publicized by the press and obtained from interviews with players from the public and community sectors. The areas of reconstruction in the city of Constitución have been represented in a geographical information system. The opinions of the community have been gathered through a survey conducted amongst the new residents.

Findings
– Case analysis shows that the political and economic efforts during the reconstruction process were focused on proving the success of the methods used: public-private alliances and consultation with the communities to precede reconstruction of housing and urban infrastructure. However, the results of the reconstruction process do neither reveal good governance nor functionality of the reconstructed areas.

Research limitations/implications
– The results cannot be applied to other localities devastated by the 2010 earthquake and tsunami in Chile, nor to other institutional or economic contexts. It is also necessary to observe the process of adaptation of the communities over a longer time period to verify the increase in vulnerability.

Practical implications
– The paper constitutes a complete evaluation of the reconstruction process that prompts institutional changes.

Social implications
– A contrast is offered between the objectives and actions of the diverse social and political actors, and the contradictions in their speeches and actions are shown.

Originality/value
– An unprecedented process is analysed in which a developing country uses its own resources to undertake a reconstruction under a political rhetoric that is not necessarily shared by the local society that must finally assume the additional costs.
Exploring the HRM-performance relationship: the role of creativity climate and strategy
Authors: Heffernan Margaret , Harney Brian , Cafferkey Kenneth , Dundon Tony 
Published: March 2016

Purpose– While an established stream of research evidence has demonstrated that human resource management (HRM) is positively related to organisational performance, explanations of this relationship remain underdeveloped, while performance has been considered in a narrow fashion. Exploring the relevant but often neglected impact of creativity climate, the purpose of this paper is to examine key processes (mediation and moderation) linking high-performance human resource practices with a broad range of organisational performance measures, including employee performance and HR performance.Design/methodology/approach– The paper draws on a People Management Survey of 169 HR managers from top performing firms in the Republic of Ireland.Findings– The findings provide general support for the role of creativity climate as a key mediator in the HRM-performance relationship. The impact of HPWS on performance is judged universal with little evidence of variation by strategic orientation.Practical implications– Sophisticated HRM is found to directly impact a range of organisational performance outcomes. Creativity climate provides an understanding of the mechanisms through which such impact takes effect. Organisations should develop a clear and consistent HR philosophy to realise HR, employee and organisational performance.Originality/value– The paper offers a more intricate understanding of the key factors shaping both the operation and impact of the HRM-performance relationship. Creativity climate offers an important vehicle to better understand how the HRM-performance relationship actually operates. The paper also highlights the potential of examining multiple organisational performance outcomes to offer more nuanced and considered insights.
Union militancy during economic hardship
Authors: Bithymitris Giorgos 
Published: March 2016

Purpose– This paper examines the preconditions of the strike at the Greek steel company Hellenic Halyvourgia (HH) which started on 1 November 2011 and ended on 28 July 2012. The purpose of this paper is to contribute to the understanding of current labour disputes in the context of economic crisis focusing on previous developments of mobilisation theory and social movement literature. The overall aim is to highlight the linkages between trade unions and society when a broader sense of injustice comes to the fore.Design/methodology/approach– Qualitative methods were employed in order to contextualise the strike events and examine the preconditions of the occurrence and the volume of the strike. Semistructured interviews, field notes, interviews taken by the media, documentaries, chronicles and articles, constructed the main body of empirical material.Findings– The HH case indicates that certain collective identities and leadership qualities account for high mobilisation potential with spillover effects which are in turn conditioned upon the situation of the strikers’ allies. Although there was an agency to transform the sense of injustice into collective action, the framing processes employed by the union did not have the kind of impact that would render state and management’s responses ineffective, as the strike message did not eventually penetrate other industries or even the rest factories of the HH.Originality/value– The present paper goes beyond the general description of the social turmoil during the Greek crisis by showing the critical bonds that were established through framing and identity-building processes among the strikers and the anti-austerity protesters in Greece and abroad.
Development of an adolescent alcohol misuse intervention based on the Prototype Willingness Model
Authors: Davies Emma , Martin Jilly , Foxcroft David 
Published: March 2016

Purpose
– The purpose of this paper is to report on the use of the Delphi method to gain expert feedback on the identification of behaviour change techniques (BCTs) and development of a novel intervention to reduce adolescent alcohol misuse, based on the Prototype Willingness Model (PWM) of health risk behaviour.

Design/methodology/approach
– Four BCTs based on the PWM were identified and incorporated into a draft intervention that aimed to change alcohol prototypes and enable adolescents to deal with social pressure. Using the Delphi process, successive questionnaires were distributed to 20 international experts to build consensus on the theoretical validity of the intervention.

Findings
– In total, 15 experts completed round 1 and 11 completed round 2 of the Delphi study. A high level of consensus was achieved. Four priority areas were identified to improve the intervention: incorporating extra techniques to address social pressure; increasing intensity; providing incentives; and addressing credibility.

Research limitations/implications
– The sample of experts was self-selected and four participants were lost between the first and second round of the study.

Practical implications
– The effectiveness of the identified BCTs will be evaluated within an intervention to reduce alcohol misuse in adolescents. Further work should build towards a more unified approach to developing interventions based on the PWM. The Delphi method is likely to be particularly useful when there is no existing consensus about which BCTs to use that reflect certain theoretical constructs or that best target a specific population or behaviour.

Originality/value
– This paper is the first to address the identification of specific BCTs based on the PWM and thus makes an important contribution to the application of this model to interventions. This novel application of the Delphi method also makes a useful addition to the growing field of intervention development and design.