bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Propensity for reciprocity among frontline employees
Authors: Gilliam David A. , Rayburn Steven W. 
Published: May 2016

PurposeThis paper aims to examine how other-regarding personality traits relate to reciprocity among frontline employees (FLEs).Design/methodology/approachOther-regarding personality variables were used to model the propensity for reciprocity and actual reciprocal behaviors with coworkers. Surveys of 276 FLEs were examined via structural equations modeling.FindingsOther-regarding personality traits proved to be antecedents of reciprocity. Cynicism was particularly interesting in that it was positively related to reciprocity contrary to findings in other research.Research limitations/implicationsAmong the interesting findings relating personality to reciprocity are a more affective type of reciprocity based on empathy and altruism, and a more calculative type based on cynicism related to Machiavellianism.Practical implicationsManagers can use the effects of personality traits on reciprocity and cooperation to hire and place FLEs in ways that provide superior service and increased profits.Social implicationsThis paper indicates that certain individuals who might not typically be thought of as cooperative can in fact reciprocate. Specific ideas about cynicism and Machiavellian reciprocity in FLEs are discussed.Originality/valueThe findings will aid researchers and managers in understanding personality and FLEs cooperation. The findings on cynicism are particularly valuable in that they contradict some earlier research and commonly held managerial ideas.
Scaring waterfowl as a management tool: how much more do geese forage after disturbance?
Authors: Nolet Bart A. , Kölzsch Andrea , Elderenbosch Michiel , van Noordwijk Arie J. 
Published: May 2016

Summary

With increasing numbers of many herbivorous waterfowl species, often foraging on farmland, the conflict with agriculture has intensified. One popular management tool is to scare birds off the land, often in association with shooting. However, the energy costs of flying are considerably higher than those of resting. Therefore, when birds fly off after a disturbance, they use extra energy that subsequently needs to be compensated.

We used the white‐fronted goose Anser albifrons, the most common (grass‐eating) goose wintering in western Europe, as a model species. We measured flight durations by high‐frequency accelerometer recordings over 2 × 24 h in nine focal geese that were only incidentally disturbed. We also made direct observations on these days to determine whether the flight durations were reliably recorded. Using both a simple and a more realistic model of the energy balance, we calculated the extra grass consumption resulting from additional intentional disturbances.

On average, the geese flew daily 2 × 323 s (from and to their roosting sites at 3200 m) and furthermore took to the air 5·3 times during a day (and 1·9 times a night). Multiplied with the average flight durations of 195 s, this gives a total flying time of almost 0·6 h day−1 and a total foraging time of 7·4 h day−1. The extra foraging time needed to compensate for additional intentional disturbances strongly depends on the frequency of such disturbances and the following flight duration. If, for example, flights when intentionally disturbed are twice as long (2 × 195 s), the extra foraging time will be 3·7% day−1 (2·3–3·2% day−1 in the more realistic model) for each intentional disturbance, and the geese will no longer be able to cover their energy requirements when intentionally disturbed six times per day.

Synthesis and applications. Recent experiments suggest that geese have to be scared frequently in order to reduce goose visitation to particular fields. With an intentional disturbance rate, for example, of five times a day, the birds' compensation for the increased energy expenditure will lead to a higher overall consumption of grass of 11·5–16% day−1. Accommodation schemes have to take such increases in total grass consumption into account when deciding on the refuge areas to be set aside.
Capturing individual‐level parameters of influenza A virus dynamics in wild ducks using multistate models
Authors: Avril Alexis , Grosbois Vladimir , Latorre‐Margalef Neus , Gaidet Nicolas , Tolf Conny , Olsen Björn , Waldenström Jonas 
Published: May 2016

SummaryDisease prevalence in wildlife is governed by epidemiological parameters (infection and recovery rates) and response to infection, both of which vary within and among individual hosts. Studies quantifying these individual‐scale parameters and documenting their source of variation in wild hosts are fundamental for predicting disease dynamics. Such studies do not exist for the influenza A virus (IAV), despite its strong impact on the global economy and public health.Using capture–recaptures of 3500 individual mallardsAnas platyrhynchosduring seven migration seasons at a stopover site in southern Sweden, we provide the first empirical description of the individual‐based mechanisms ofIAVdynamics in a wild reservoir host.For most years, prevalence and risk ofIAVinfection peaked at a single time during the autumn migration season, but the timing, shape and intensity of the infection curve showed strong annual heterogeneity. In contrast, the seasonal pattern of recovery rate only varied in intensity across years.Adults and juveniles displayed similar seasonal patterns of infection and recovery each year. However, compared to adults, juveniles experienced twice the risk of becoming infected, whereas recovery rates were similar across age categories. Finally, we did not find evidence that infection influenced the timing of emigration.Synthesis and applications. Our study provides robust empirical estimates of epidemiological parameters for predicting influenza A virus (IAV) dynamics. However, the strong annual variation in infection curves makes forecasting difficult. Prevalence data can provide reliable surveillance indicators as long as they catch the variation in infection risk. However, individual‐based monitoring of infection is required to verify this assumption in areas where surveillance occurs. In this context, monitoring of captive sentinel birds kept in close contact with wild birds is useful. The fact that infection does not impact the timing of migration underpins the potential for mallards to spread viruses rapidly over large geographical scales. Hence, we strongly encourageIAVsurveillance with a multistate capture–recapture approach along the entire migratory flyway of mallards.
The Contribution of Skilled Nursing Facilities to Hospitals’ Readmission Rate
Authors: Rahman Momotazur , McHugh John , Gozalo Pedro L. , Ackerly Dana Clay , Mor Vincent 
Published: May 2016

ObjectiveTo examine the relative influence of hospital and skilled nursing facilities (SNFs) on 30‐day rehospitalization.Data Sources/SettingsElderly Medicare beneficiaries newly admitted to a SNF following hospitalization.Study DesignWe ranked hospitals and SNFs into quartiles based on previous years’ adjusted rehospitalization rates (ARRs) and examined how rehospitalizations from a given hospital vary depending upon the admitting SNF ARR quartile. We examined whether the availability of SNFs with low rehospitalization rates influenced hospitals’ SNF readmission rates and whether changes in a hospital's ARR over 3 years is associated with changes in the SNFs to which they discharge.Principal FindingsHospital readmission rates from SNFs varied 5 percentage points between patients discharged to SNFs in the lowest and the highest rehospitalization quartiles. Low rehospitalization rate hospitals sent a larger fraction of their patients to the lowest rehospitalization SNFs available in the area. A 10 percent increase in hospital's share of discharges to the lowest rehospitalization quartile SNFs is associated with a 1 percentage point reduction in hospital's ARR.ConclusionsThe SNF rehospitalization rate has greater influence on patients’ risk of rehospitalization than the discharging hospital. Identifying high‐performing SNFs may be a powerful strategy for hospitals to reduce rehospitalizations.
Low‐Chlorinated Non‐Dioxin‐like Polychlorinated Biphenyls Present in Blood and Breast Milk Induce Higher Levels of Reactive Oxygen Species in Neutrophil Granulocytes than High‐Chlorinated Congeners
Authors: Berntsen Hanne Friis , Fonnum Frode , Walaas Sven Ivar , Bogen Inger Lise 
Published: May 2016

AbstractDespite their ban several decades ago, polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) still pose a health threat to human beings due to their persistent and accumulative nature and continued presence in the environment. Non‐dioxin‐like (NDL)‐PCBs have earlier been found to have effects on the immune system, including human neutrophil granulocytes. The aim of this study was to investigate the differences between ortho‐chlorinated NDL‐PCBs with a low or high degree of chlorination in their capability to induce the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in human neutrophil granulocytes in vitro. We used some of the congeners occurring at the highest levels in blood, breast milk and food: PCB 52 representing the low‐chlorinated congeners and PCB 180 the high‐chlorinated congeners. In addition, the extensively studied PCB 153 was included as a reference compound. ROS production was assessed with the luminol‐amplified chemiluminescence and DCF fluorescence assays. The involvement of intracellular signalling mechanisms was investigated using different pharmacological substances. At high concentrations (10–20 μM), PCB 52 induced more ROS than PCB 153 and PCB 180. The role of extracellular signal‐regulated kinase (ERK) 1/2 and/or ERK 5 signalling in PCB‐induced ROS production was implicated through the reduction in ROS in the presence of the specific inhibitor U0126, whereas reduced ROS production after the use of SB203580 and SP600125 indicated the involvement of the p38 mitogen‐activated protein kinase (MAPK) and c‐Jun amino‐terminal kinase (JNK) pathways, respectively. In addition, the calcineurin inhibitor FK‐506, the intracellular calcium chelator BAPTA‐AM and the antioxidant vitamin E reduced the levels of ROS. The intracellular signalling mechanisms involved in ROS production in human neutrophil granulocytes appeared to be similar for PCB 52, PCB 153 and PCB 180. Based on the results from the present and previous studies, we conclude that for abundant ortho‐chlorinated PCBs found in the blood, low‐chlorinated congeners induce higher production of ROS in neutrophil granulocytes than high‐chlorinated congeners. This could be relevant during acute exposure scenarios when high concentrations of PCBs are present.
Delivery of Type 2 diabetes care in low‐ and middle‐income countries: lessons from Lima, Peru
Authors: Cardenas M. K. , Miranda J. J. , Beran D. 
Published: May 2016

AbstractAimsThe health system's response is crucial to addressing the increasing burden of diabetes, particularly that affecting low‐ and middle‐income countries. This study aims to assess the facilitators and barriers that help or hinder access to care for people with diabetes in Peru.MethodsWe used a survey tool to design and collect qualitative and quantitative data from primary and secondary sources of information at different levels of the health system. We performed 111 interviews in Lima, the capital city of Peru, with patients with diabetes, healthcare providers and healthcare officials. We applied the six building blocks framework proposed by the World Health Organization in our analysis.ResultsWe found low political commitment, as well as several barriers that directly affect access to medicines, regular laboratory check‐ups and follow‐up appointments for diabetes, especially at the primary healthcare level. Three major system‐level barriers were identified: (1) the availability of information at different healthcare system levels that affects several processes in the healthcare provision; (2) insufficient financial resources; and (3) insufficient human resources trained in diabetes management.ConclusionDespite an initial political commitment by the Peruvian government to improve the delivery of diabetes care, there exist several key limitations that affect access to adequate diabetes care, especially at the primary healthcare level. In a context in which various low‐ and middle‐income countries are aiming to achieve universal health coverage, this study provides lessons for the implementation of strategies related to diabetes care delivery.
Sexy again: the renaissance of neutrophils in psoriasis
Authors: Schön Michael P. , Broekaert Sigrid M. C. , Erpenbeck Luise 
Published: May 2016

AbstractNotwithstanding their prominent presence in psoriatic skin, the functional role of neutrophilic granulocytes still remains somewhat enigmatic. Sparked by exciting scientific discoveries regarding neutrophil functions within the last years, the interest in these short‐lived cells of the innate immune system has been boosted recently. While it had been known for some time that neutrophils produce and respond to a number of inflammatory mediators, recent research has linked neutrophils with the pathogenic functions of IL‐17, possibly in conjunction with the formation of NETs (neutrophil extracellular traps). Antipsoriatic therapies exert their effects, at least in part, through interference with neutrophils. Neutrophils also appear to connect psoriasis with comorbid diseases. However, directly tampering with neutrophil functions is not trivial as evinced by the failure of therapeutic approaches targeting redundantly regulated cellular communication networks. It has also become apparent that neutrophils link important pathogenic functions of the innate and the adaptive immune system and that they are intricately involved in regulatory networks underlying the pathophysiology of psoriasis. In order to advocate intensified research into the role of this interesting cell population, we here highlight some features of neutrophils and put them into perspective with our current view of the pathophysiology of psoriasis.
Varying proliferative and clonogenic potential in NRAS‐mutated congenital melanocytic nevi according to size
Authors: Guégan Sarah , Kadlub Natacha , Picard Arnaud , Rouillé Thomas , Charbel Christelle , Coulomb‐L'Hermine Aurore , How‐Kit Alexandre , Fraitag Sylvie , Aractingi Selim , Fontaine Romain H. 
Published: May 2016

AbstractCongenital melanocytic nevi (CMN) are benign proliferations that may be associated with various consequences depending on their size. They are characterized by a specific molecular signature, namely a postzygotic somatic NRAS or BRAF mutation. We have recently reported that large CMN (lCMN), which are classically associated with an increased melanoma risk, harbour cell subpopulations with specific clonogenic and tumorigenic potential. We wished to ascertain whether cells displaying similar properties persisted postnatally in medium CMN (mCMN). Eighteen medium M1, nine large and one giant NRAS‐mutated CMN were prospectively included in the study. Subpopulations of mCMN cells expressed stem cell/progenitor lineage markers such as Sox10, nestin and Oct4, as was the case in lCMN. Nevertheless, conversely to lCMN, mCMN cells with clonogenic properties were rarer. In vitro, approximatively one in 1500 cells isolated from fresh mCMN formed colonies that could be passaged. In vivo, mCMN seemed to harbour cells with less proliferative potential than the larger lesions as lCMN biopsies displayed a threefold expansion compared to mCMN when xenografted in Rag2−/− mice. Thus, our data revealed variations in clonogenicity and tumorigenic properties in NRAS‐mutated CMN according to size.
Preclinical and human surrogate models of itch
Authors: Hoeck Emil A. , Marker Jens B. , Gazerani Parisa , H. Andersen Hjalte , Arendt‐Nielsen Lars 
Published: May 2016

AbstractPruritus, or simply itch, is a debilitating symptom that significantly decreases the quality of life in a wide range of clinical conditions. While histamine remains the most studied mediator of itch in humans, treatment options for chronic itch, in particular antihistamine‐resistant itch, are limited. Relevant preclinical and human surrogate models of non‐histaminergic itch are needed to accelerate the development of novel antipruritics and diagnostic tools. Advances in basic itch research have facilitated the development of diverse models of itch and associated dysaesthesiae. While experimental itch in humans is induced over a short period of time and usually assessed psychophysically, the study of itch reactions in animals allows for both short‐term and long‐term studies but relies heavily on behavioural assessments. This review provides a background and a presentation of the established models of itch currently applied in animals and humans with emphasis on translatability.
Results of human factors testing in a novel Hemodialysis system designed for ease of patient use
Authors: Wilcox Stephen B. , Carver Michelle , Yau May , Sneeringer Peter , Prichard Sarah , Alvarez Luis , Chertow Glenn M. 
Published: May 2016

AbstractIntroduction Home hemodialysis has not been widely adopted despite superior outcomes relative to conventional in‐center hemodialysis. Patients receiving home hemodialysis experience high rates of technique failure owing to machine complexity, training burden, and the inability to master treatments independently.Methods We conducted human factors testing on 15 health care professionals (HCPs) and 15 patients upon release of the defined training program on the Tablo™ Hemodialysis System. Each participant completed one training and one testing session conducted in a simulated clinical environment. Training sessions lasted <3 hours for HCPs and <4 hours for patients, with an hour break between sessions for knowledge decay. During the testing session, we recorded participant behavior and data according to standard performance and safety‐based criteria.Findings Of 15 HCPs, 10 were registered nurses and five patient care technicians, with a broad range of dialysis work experience and no limitations other than visual correction. Of 15 patients (average age 48 years), 13 reported no limitations and two reported modest limitations—partial deafness and blindness in one eye, respectively. The average error rate was 4.4 per session for HCPs and 2.9 per session for patients out of a total possible 1,710 opportunities for errors. Despite having received minimal training, neither HCPs nor patients committed safety‐related errors that required mitigation; rather, we noted only minor errors and operational difficulties.Discussion The Tablo™ Hemodialysis System is easy to use, and may help to enable self‐care and home hemodialysis in settings heretofore associated with high rates of technique failure.
Mandatory Vaccination: An Unqualified Defence
Authors: Pierik Roland 
Published: May 2016

AbstractThe 2015 Disneyland outbreak of measles in the US unequivocally brought to light what had been brewing below the surface for a while: a slow but steady decline in vaccination rates resulting in a rising number of outbreaks. This can be traced back to an increasing public questioning of vaccines by an emerging anti‐vaccination movement. This article argues that, in the face of diminishing vaccination rates, childhood vaccinations should not be seen as part of the domain of parental choice but, instead, as a non‐negotiable legal obligation. The first part of the article formulates and defends two arguments in favour of unqualified mandatory childhood vaccination laws. First, government should not permit parents to put their children at avoidable risk of death and suffering; second, government should guard the common good of herd immunity to protect vulnerable persons. The second part rejects legal and pragmatic objections against such mandatory vaccination laws.
Holocene range collapse of giant muntjacs and pseudo‐endemism in the Annamite large mammal fauna
Authors: Turvey Samuel T. , Hansford James , Brace Selina , Mullin Victoria , Gu Shengxiao , Sun Guoping 
Published: May 2016

AbstractAimTo clarify the post‐glacial biogeography of the Annamite and eastern Chinese ungulate faunas, and determine whether current understanding of Asian mammalian biogeography is biased by pseudo‐extinctions and pseudo‐endemism associated with a historical extinction filter.LocationModern‐day specimens of giant muntjac (Muntiacus vuquangensis) from the Annamite Mountains of Laos and Vietnam were compared with zooarchaeological specimens of extinct giant muntjac (M. gigas) from eastern China, and with a reference sample of northern red muntjac (M. vaginalis) from China, Southeast Asia and South Asia.MethodsWe analysed a data set of antler measurements using Multivariate analyses of variance (MANOVAs), principal component analyses (PCAs) and scaling relationships, to quantify morphometric variation between extinct and living giant muntjacs in relation to variation shown by a different sympatric large‐bodied muntjac species. We also attempted ancient biomolecule analysis of Holocene samples from China.ResultsAlthough the combined giant muntjac sample can be differentiated from the reference red muntjac sample in all of our multivariate morphometric analyses, no significant differences are shown between extinct and living giant muntjacs using any analyses, matching the pattern seen when comparing conspecific red muntjac samples from across the same geographical region.Main conclusionsWe find no support for recognizing extinct and living giant muntjacs as distinct taxa, and post‐glacial populations from China and the Annamites should probably all be referred to M. gigas. The likely conspecificity of giant muntjacs across Eastern and Southeast Asia demonstrates that current‐day Asian mammalian biogeography has been shaped by an extinction filter and challenges the idea that the Annamite region represents a cradle of evolution; instead, it may represent a refuge of diversity for some taxa, preserving remnant pseudo‐endemic populations of species that have been extirpated across other parts of their former ranges.
Molecular identification of iridoviruses infecting various sturgeon species in Europe
Authors: Bigarré L , Lesne M , Lautraite A , Chesneau V , Leroux A , Jamin M , Boitard P M , Toffan A , Prearo M , Labrut S , Daniel P 
Published: May 2016

AbstractIridoviridae are known to cause disease in sturgeons in North America. Here, histological and molecular methods were used to screen for this family of virus in sturgeons from various European farms with low‐to‐high morbidity. Some histological samples revealed basophilic cells in the gill and labial epithelia, strongly suggesting the accumulation of iridovirus particles. Newly developed generic PCR tests targeting the major capsid protein (MCP) gene of sturgeon iridoviruses identified in North America, namely the white sturgeon iridovirus and the Namao virus (NV), produced positive signals in most samples from four sturgeon species: Russian (Acipenser gueldenstaedtii), Siberian (A. baerii), Adriatic (A. naccarii) and beluga (Huso huso). The sequences of the PCR products were generally highly similar one another, with nucleotide identities greater than 98%. They were also related to (74–88%), although distinct from, American sturgeon iridoviruses. These European viruses were thus considered variants of a single new virus, provisionally named Acipenser iridovirus‐European (AcIV‐E). Moreover, three samples infected with AcIV‐E showed genetic heterogeneity, with the co‐existence of two sequences differing by five nucleotides. One of our European samples carried a virus distinct from AcIV‐E, but closely related to NV identified in Canada (95%). This study demonstrates the presence of two distinct sturgeon iridoviruses in Europe: a new genotype AcIV‐E and an NV‐related virus.