bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Mapping epistemic cultures and learning potential of participants in citizen science projects
Authors: Vallabh Priya , Lotz‐Sisitka Heila , O'Donoghue Rob , Schudel Ingrid 
Published: April 2016

AbstractThe ever‐widening scope and range of global change and interconnected systemic risks arising from people–environment relationships (social‐ecological risks) appears to be increasing concern among, and involvement of, citizens in an increasingly diversified number of citizen science projects responding to these risks. We examined the relationship between epistemic cultures in citizen science projects and learning potential related to matters of concern. We then developed a typology of purposes and a citizen science epistemic‐cultures heuristic and mapped 56 projects in southern Africa using this framework. The purpose typology represents the range of knowledge‐production purposes, ranging from laboratory science to social learning, whereas the epistemic‐cultures typology is a relational representation of scientist and citizen participation and their approach to knowledge production. Results showed an iterative relationship between matters of fact and matters of concern across the projects; the nexus of citizens’ engagement in knowledge‐production activities varied. The knowledge‐production purposes informed and shaped the epistemic cultures of all the sampled citizen science projects, which in turn influenced the potential for learning within each project. Through a historical review of 3 phases in a long‐term river health‐monitoring project, we found that it is possible to evolve the learning curve of citizen science projects. This evolution involved the development of scientific water monitoring tools, the parallel development of pedagogic practices supporting monitoring activities, and situated engagement around matters of concern within social activism leading to learning‐led change. We conclude that such evolutionary processes serve to increase potential for learning and are necessary if citizen science is to contribute to wider restructuring of the epistemic culture of science under conditions of expanding social‐ecological risk.
Hand eczema among hairdressing apprentices in Denmark following a nationwide prospective intervention programme: 6‐year follow‐up
Authors: Steengaard Sanne S. , Bregnhøj Anne , Johansen Jeanne D. 
Published: April 2016

SummaryBackgroundHand eczema is the commonest occupational skin disease in Denmark, and hairdressing is a high‐risk profession. In 2008–2010, a clinically controlled, prospective intervention study aimed at reducing the development of hand eczema was conducted at hairdressing schools in Denmark. The findings showed that significantly fewer apprentices in the intervention group developed hand eczema over a period of 18 months.ObjectivesTo investigate the long‐term effect of the intervention.MethodsTwo hundred and eighty‐four participants were identified from the original dataset, and were sent a questionnaire.ResultsNo difference was seen between the intervention and control groups. This may partly be attributable to the two groups no longer being well matched, and improved work habits in the control group. Overall, there was an improvement in work habits. Participants had a 1‐year prevalence of hand eczema of 22.4%. Reactions to hair dye were reported for 24.5%, and 35.5% had left the trade; 36.4% used gloves when shampooing, and 21.3% stated that they cut hair before colouring it.ConclusionsThe effect of the intervention was not visible after 6 years, but an overall improvement in work habits was noted.
Cacna1g is a genetic modifier of epilepsy caused by mutation of voltage‐gated sodium channel Scn2a
Authors: Calhoun Jeffrey D. , Hawkins Nicole A. , Zachwieja Nicole J. , Kearney Jennifer A. 
Published: April 2016

SummaryMore than 1,200 mutations in neuronal voltage‐gated sodium channel (VGSC) genes have been identified in patients with several epilepsy syndromes. A common feature of genetic epilepsies is variable expressivity among individuals with the same mutation. The Scn2aQ54 transgenic mouse model has a mutation in Scn2a that results in spontaneous epilepsy. Scn2aQ54 phenotype severity varies depending on the genetic strain background, making it a useful model for identifying and characterizing epilepsy modifier genes. Scn2aQ54 mice on the [C57BL/6JxSJL/J]F1 background exhibit earlier seizure onset, elevated spontaneous seizure frequency, and decreased survival compared to Scn2aQ54 mice congenic on the C57BL/6J strain. Genetic mapping and RNA‐Seq analysis identified Cacna1g as a candidate modifier gene at the Moe1 locus, which influences Scn2aQ54 phenotype severity. In this study, we evaluated the modifier potential of Cacna1g, encoding the Cav3.1 voltage‐gated calcium channel, by testing whether transgenic alteration of Cacna1g expression modifies severity of the Scn2aQ54 seizure phenotype. Scn2aQ54 mice exhibited increased spontaneous seizure frequency with elevated Cacna1g expression and decreased seizure frequency with decreased Cacna1g expression. These results provide support for Cacna1g as an epilepsy modifier gene and suggest that modulation of Cav3.1 may be an effective therapeutic strategy.
Much more give than take: South Africa as a major donor but infrequent recipient of invasive non‐native grasses
Authors: Visser Vernon , Wilson John R. U. , Fish Lyn , Brown Carly , Cook Garry D. , Richardson David M. 
Published: April 2016

AbstractAimSome regions donate more invaders from particular taxonomic and functional groups than they receive. We demonstrate a particularly striking donor–recipient asymmetry in invasion ecology in grasses. Specifically, we explore whether low numbers of invasive grasses in South Africa can be explained by sampling biases, introduction dynamics, species traits or invasibility of ecosystems.LocationSouth Africa, Australia, Chile, Europe and the USA.MethodsWe tested for a donor–recipient asymmetry using lists of native and non‐native grasses in five regions across the globe. Then, using distribution, trait and environmental data, we tested whether regions differed in: (1) herbarium sampling effort; (2) introduction dynamics of non‐native grasses (primary uses, area of origin and minimum residence time of non‐native grasses); (3) traits of native and non‐native grasses (leaf size, height, life history, growth form, C3:C4 ratio and taxonomic placement); and (4) fire frequency.ResultsSouth Africa has fewer invasive grasses, and fewer widespread invasive grasses, than other regions; while grasses native to South Africa are much more likely to be invasive elsewhere than other grasses. This asymmetry cannot be explained by sampling biases, historical trade links or minimum residence time. Rather it is likely to be due to a combination of: (1) the massive scale of the introduction of South African grasses around the world; (2) specific traits that make South African grasses successful competitors; and (3) the high fire frequency of many South African ecosystems to which many native grasses are adapted, but introduced grasses are not.Main conclusionSouth Africa has a high diversity of grasses that possess specific traits to cope with fire, grazing and disturbance. This makes them more competitive. Moreover, the high diversity of certain grass lineages in South Africa acts as a reservoir of potential invaders and possibly helps limit invasions in South Africa by promoting fire.
Effects on agitation with rivastigmine patch monotherapy and combination therapy with memantine in mild to moderate Alzheimer's disease: a multicenter 24‐week prospective randomized open‐label study (the Korean EXelon Patch and combination with mEmantine Comparative Trial study)*
Authors: Yoon Soo J , Choi Seong H , Na Hae R , Park Kyung‐Won , Kim Eun‐Joo , Han Hyun J , Lee Jae‐Hong , Shim Young S , Na Duk L 
Published: April 2016

AimMemantine is known to be effective in the treatment of the behavioral symptoms of dementia, especially agitation in moderate to severe Alzheimer's disease (AD). However, memantine and rivastigmine patch combination therapy has not been well studied in determining treatment effectiveness with mild to moderate AD patients.MethodsThis was a multicenter, 24‐week, prospective, randomized, open‐label study design. A total 147 AD patients with Mini‐Mental State Examination scores from 10 to 20 were randomly assigned to rivastigmine patch monotherapy and combination therapy with memantine groups. Agitation symptoms, using the Korean Version of the Cohen Mansfield Agitation Inventory were evaluated at baseline and at study end. Suppression and emergence of agitation symptoms were also evaluated. We carried out factor analyses to evaluate the interrelationship of agitation symptoms and to investigate treatment response in these symptoms.ResultsFactor analyses showed two symptom clusters: factor A – aggressive agitated behaviors – versus factor B – non‐aggressive agitated behaviors. The rivastigmine patch monotherapy group showed significantly decreased factor B scores and had a tendency of decreased Korean Version of the Cohen Mansfield Agitation Inventory total scores and factor A scores. Conversely, the combination therapy group showed significantly increased Korean Version of the Cohen Mansfield Agitation Inventory total scores and factor B scores. Neither monotherapy nor combination therapy reduced the emergence of new agitation symptoms.ConclusionsIn this trial of mild to moderate AD patients, the rivastigmine patch monotherapy group experienced a reduction of non‐aggressive agitated behaviors. However, combination therapy with memantine did not show any benefit on the agitation associated with mild to moderate AD. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2017; 17: 494–499.
The phylogenetic relationships of Przevalski's FinchUrocynchramus pylzowi, the most ancient Tibetan endemic passerine known to date
Authors: Päckert Martin , Martens Jochen , Sun Yue‐Hua , Strutzenberger Patrick 
Published: April 2016

Competing systematic hypotheses have placed the Tibetan endemic Przevalski's FinchUrocynchramus pylzowieither with the Old World buntings (Emberizidae) or with the cardueline finches (Fringillidae, Carduelinae). Recent studies based on limited genetic evidence instead suggest an isolated position within Passeroidea and advocate a separate family, Urocynchramidae, as had been suggested much earlier on the grounds of morphology. We provide a time‐calibrated multi‐locus phylogeny for Passeroidea including Przevalski's Finch based on three mitochondrial markers and three nuclear introns that placedU. pylzowiin a clade together with Estrildidae, Viduidae and Ploceidae. A sister group relationship ofU. pylzowiand weavers (Ploceidae) was concordant among three multilocus reconstructions but received only poor support. Divergence time estimates inferred from a fossil/biogeographical molecular dating approach suggested a late Oligocene split ofU. pylzowifrom its closest relatives at roughly 25 million years ago, making this the oldest known Tibetan endemic passerine. In addition to the molecular data, behavioural peculiarities and egg coloration further strengthen an isolated placement ofU. pylzowi.
Correlation between health‐related quality of life and venous leg ulcer's severity and characteristics: a cross‐sectional study
Authors: González de la Torre Héctor , Quintana‐Lorenzo María L , Perdomo‐Pérez Estrella , Verdú José 
Published: April 2016

AbstractThis study aims to determine health‐related quality of life (HRQoL) in patients suffering with venous ulceration and to correlate wound's severity status with HRQoL loss as well as identify the aspects of HRQoL most negatively affected by the presence of venous ulcers. In this observational, cross‐sectional, descriptive, analytical multi‐centre study, data was compiled over a period of 3·5 months. Thrity‐four patients with venous ulceration were recruited. The RESVECH 2·0 scale was used to monitor wounds. The MAID scale was used to measure wound's severity. The Charing Cross Venous Ulcer Questionnaire (CCVUQe) (Spanish version) was used to evaluate quality of life. The mean CCVUQe score was 60·58 ± 16·04. The HRQoL dimension most affected was ‘Emotional state’ (mean score = 77. 67 ± 17·34). The average RESVECH 2.0 score for the wounds was 13·15 ± 5·07. A statistically significant association between total CCVUQ‐e score and total RESVECH 2.0 score was detected [Pearson correlation coefficient r = 0·546 (P ≤ 0·001)]. Venous ulcers affect patients' HRQoL, particularly their emotional status. There is a relationship between the severity of the wound and loss of HRQoL. The presence of non‐viable tissue, poor exudate control and infection all determine loss of HRQoL. New studies are needed to confirm these findings.
Workplace ostracism and employee silence in nursing: the mediating role of organizational identification
Authors: Gkorezis Panagiotis , Panagiotou Maria , Theodorou Mamas 
Published: April 2016

AbstractAimsThe aim of this study was to examine the direct and indirect effect, through organizational identification, of workplace ostracism on nurses' silence towards patient safety.BackgroundEmployee silence in nursing has recently received attention in relation to its antecedents. Yet, very little is known about the role of workplace ostracism in generating nurses' silence.DesignA cross‐sectional survey was conducted in a public hospital in Cyprus.MethodData were collected from 157 nurses employed in a public hospital of Cyprus between November 2014–January 2015. To examine the present hypotheses bootstrapping analysis and Sobel test were conducted.ResultsResults demonstrated that workplace ostracism has an effect on nurses' silence towards patient safety. Moreover, this effect was partially mediated through organizational identification.ConclusionsWorkplace ostracism among nurses significantly affects both nurses' attitude and behaviour namely organizational identification and employee silence.
Gravitropisms and reaction woods of forest trees – evolution, functions and mechanisms
Authors: Groover Andrew 
Published: April 2016

SummaryThe woody stems of trees perceive gravity to determine their orientation, and can produce reaction woods to reinforce or change their position. Together, graviperception and reaction woods play fundamental roles in tree architecture, posture control, and reorientation of stems displaced by wind or other environmental forces. Angiosperms and gymnosperms have evolved strikingly different types of reaction wood. Tension wood of angiosperms creates strong tensile force to pull stems upward, while compression wood of gymnosperms creates compressive force to push stems upward. In this review, the general features and evolution of tension wood and compression wood are presented, along with descriptions of how gravitropisms and reaction woods contribute to the survival and morphology of trees. An overview is presented of the molecular and genetic mechanisms underlying graviperception, initial graviresponse and the regulation of tension wood development in the model angiosperm, Populus. Critical research questions and new approaches are discussed.

Contents

Summary
790

I.
Introduction
790

II.
General features and evolution of reaction woods of angiosperms and gymnosperms
792

III.
Adaptive significance of reaction woods, including relationship to form
795

IV.
Perception and primary responses to gravity and physical stimuli in woody stems
797

V.
Mechanisms regulating developmental changes in reaction woods
798

VI.
Research questions and new research approaches
800

VII.
Conclusions
800

Acknowledgements
800

References
800
Infrared reflectance imaging in age‐related macular degeneration
Authors: Ly Angelica , Nivison‐Smith Lisa , Assaad Nagi , Kalloniatis Michael 
Published: April 2016

AbstractPurposeThe purpose of this article is to describe the appearance of age‐related macular degeneration (AMD) phenotypes using infrared (IR) reflectance imaging. IR reflectance imaging of the retina has the potential to highlight specific sub‐retinal features and pathology. However, its role in macular disease, specifically AMD, is often underestimated and requires clarification.Recent findingsRecent advances in clinical methods, imaging and scientific knowledge may be integrated to improve the accuracy of disease stratification in AMD. In particular, IR imaging holds an underutilised sensitivity to detect reticular pseudodrusen, which have been repeatedly described as a high‐risk sign for late AMD.SummaryThis article provides clinically relevant descriptions of AMD phenotypes using IR reflectance imaging. The findings are integrated with images from cases seen at the Centre for Eye Health. As primary eye‐care providers assume a critical role in the detection, diagnosis and management of AMD, we also provide a chair‐side reference to assist clinicians in interpreting IR images in AMD.
Using magnetic resonance imaging to assess visual deficits: a review
Authors: Brown Holly D. H. , Woodall Rachel L. , Kitching Rebecca E. , Baseler Heidi A. , Morland Antony B. 
Published: April 2016

AbstractPurposeOver the last two decades, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has been widely used in neuroscience research to assess both structure and function in the brain in health and disease. With regard to vision research, prior to the advent of MRI, researchers relied on animal physiology and human post‐mortem work to assess the impact of eye disease on visual cortex and connecting structures. Using MRI, researchers can non‐invasively examine the effects of eye disease on the whole visual pathway, including the lateral geniculate nucleus, striate and extrastriate cortex. This review aims to summarise research using MRI to investigate structural, chemical and functional effects of eye diseases, including: macular degeneration, retinitis pigmentosa, glaucoma, albinism, and amblyopia.Recent FindingsStructural MRI has demonstrated significant abnormalities within both grey and white matter densities across both visual and non‐visual areas. Functional MRI studies have also provided extensive evidence of functional changes throughout the whole of the visual pathway following visual loss, particularly in amblyopia. MR spectroscopy techniques have also revealed several abnormalities in metabolite concentrations in both glaucoma and age‐related macular degeneration. GABA‐edited MR spectroscopy on the other hand has identified possible evidence of plasticity within visual cortex.SummaryCollectively, using MRI to investigate the effects on the visual pathway following disease and dysfunction has revealed a rich pattern of results allowing for better characterisation of disease. In the future MRI will likely play an important role in assessing the impact of eye disease on the visual pathway and how it progresses over time.
Neutrophil function in children following allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplant
Authors: Kent Michael W. , Kelher Marguerite R. , Silliman Christopher C. , Quinones Ralph 
Published: April 2016

AbstractHSCT is a lifesaving procedure for children with malignant and non‐malignant conditions. The conditioning regimen renders the patient severely immunocompromised and recovery starts with neutrophil (PMN) engraftment. We hypothesize that children demonstrate minimal PMN dysfunction at engraftment and beyond, which is influenced by the stem cell source and the conditioning regimen. Peripheral blood was serially collected from children at 1 to 12 months following allogeneic HSCT. PMN superoxide () production, degranulation (elastase), CD11b surface expression, and phagocytosis were assessed. Twenty‐five patients, mean age of 10.5 yr with 65% males, comprised the study and transplant types included: 14 unrelated cord blood stem cells (cords), seven matched related bone marrow donors, three matched unrelated bone marrow donors, and one peripheral blood progenitor cells. Engraftment occurred at 24 days. There were no significant differences between controls and patients in PMN production, phagocytosis, CD11b surface expression, and total PMN elastase. Elastase release was significantly decreased <6 months vs. controls (p < 0.05) and showed normalization by six months for cords only. The conditioning regimen did not affect PMN function. PMN function returns with engraftment, save elastase release, which occurs later related to the graft source utilized, and its clinical significance is unknown.
Workers’ Participation in Training and Import Competition: Evidence from the USA
Authors: Kosteas Vasilios D. 
Published: April 2016

AbstractMerging industry‐level data on imports into the NLSY79 cohort data, we examine the relationship between rising imports and the amount of time workers in the US manufacturing sector spend in training events. A simple theoretical model shows the effect of foreign competition may depend on the type of training. Controlling for both industry and individual fixed effects, we find that rising imports lead workers to spend less time in training for the purpose of career advancement. There is some evidence this effect is stronger for less educated and lower ability workers.
RpiRc Is a Pleiotropic Effector of Virulence Determinant Synthesis and Attenuates Pathogenicity in Staphylococcus aureus
Authors: Gaupp Rosmarie , Wirf Jessica , Wonnenberg B. , Biegel Tanja , Eisenbeis J. , Graham J. , Herrmann M. , Lee C. Y. , Beisswenger C. , Wolz C. , Tschernig T. , Bischoff M. , Somerville G. A. 
Published: April 2016

ABSTRACT

In
Staphylococcus aureus
, metabolism is intimately linked with virulence determinant biosynthesis, and several metabolite-responsive regulators have been reported to mediate this linkage.
S. aureus
possesses at least three members of the RpiR family of transcriptional regulators. Of the three RpiR homologs, RpiRc is a potential regulator of the pentose phosphate pathway, which also regulates RNAIII levels. RNAIII is the regulatory RNA of the
agr
quorum-sensing system that controls virulence determinant synthesis. The effect of RpiRc on RNAIII likely involves other regulators, as the regulators that bind the RNAIII promoter have been intensely studied. To determine which regulators might bridge the gap between RpiRc and RNAIII,
sarA
,
sigB
,
mgrA
, and
acnA
mutations were introduced into an
rpiRc
mutant background, and the effects on RNAIII were determined. Additionally, phenotypic and genotypic differences were examined in the single and double mutant strains, and the virulence of select strains was examined using two different murine infection models. The data suggest that RpiRc affects RNAIII transcription and the synthesis of virulence determinants in concert with σ
B
, SarA, and the bacterial metabolic status to negatively affect virulence.