bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Phenological responses to multiple environmental drivers under climate change: insights from a long-term observational study and a manipulative field experiment
Authors: Wadgymar Susana M. , Ogilvie Jane E. , Inouye David W. , Weis Arthur E. , Anderson Jill T. 
Published: September 2017

AbstractClimate change has induced pronounced shifts in the reproductive phenology of plants, with the timing of first flowering advancing in most species. Indeed, population persistence may be threatened by the inability to track climate change phenologically. Nevertheless, substantial variation exists in biological responses to climate change across taxa. Here, we explore the consequences of climate change for flowering phenology by integrating data from a long-term observational study and a manipulative experiment under contemporary conditions. Dissecting the environmental factors that influence phenological change will illuminate why interspecific variation exists in responses to climate change. We examine a 43-year record of first flowering for six species in subalpine meadows of Colorado in conjunction with a 3-year snow manipulation experiment on the perennial mustardBoechera strictafrom the same site. We analyze shifts in the onset of flowering in relation to environmental drivers known to influence phenology: the timing of snowmelt, the accumulation of growing degree days, and photoperiod. At our study site, climate change is reducing snowpack and advancing the timing of spring snowmelt. We found that variation in phenological responses to climate change depended on the sequence in which species flowered, with early-flowering species flowering faster, at a lower heat sum, and under increasingly disparate photoperiods in comparison to species that flower later in the season. Furthermore, climate change is outpacing phenological change for all species. Early snow removal treatments confirm that the timing of snowmelt governs observed trends in flowering phenology ofB. strictaand that climate change can reduce the probability of flowering, thereby depressing fitness. Shorter-term studies would not have captured the trends that we document in our observational and experimental datasets. Accurate predictions of the biological responses to climate change require a thorough understanding of the specific environmental factors driving shifts in phenology.
Intercultural challenges in managing workplace conflict – a call for research
Authors: Brett Jeanne 
Published: September 2017

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to discuss cultural causes of conflict in the workplace and call for research to address what happens when cultures collide generating workplace conflict. The author assumes that because cultures differ in terms of functional solutions to problems of social interaction that there will be conflict when people from different cultures are interdependent in the workplace. The author discusses types of culture and their conflict management profiles with respect to three characteristics of conflict management: direct vs indirect confrontation; emotional expression, and third party conflict management. The author proposes what happens when cultures collide and calls for research on those collisions.Design/methodology/approachApplication of the cultural literature on self-worth to three elements of workplace conflict: direct vs indirect confrontation of conflict, feelings and expressions of negative emotions associated with conflict and timing and type of third party intervention.FindingsWhen people from dignity, face, and honor cultures are working together the fundamental differences in the logic of self-worth in these three types of culture may cause conflict. People from dignity and honor cultures are likely to confront conflict directly, while those from face cultures are more likely to confront conflict indirectly. Workplace conflict generates negative emotions, but culture seems to affect whether that emotion is anger, shame or both. The timing of third party intervention into workplace conflict, that is, how managers intervene in workplace conflict has some parallels with how community mediators act in that culture.Research limitations/implicationsThere is limited research comparing management of workplace conflict in dignity, face, and honor cultures. The author generates propositions and suggests a research strategy for collecting data to test propositions.Practical implicationsUnderstanding what is culturally normative in terms of self-worth, confrontation, emotional expression, and managerial intervention can help people involved in workplace conflict understand what they are experiencing. It can also help managers intervene effectively.Social implicationsHow people react to workplace conflict varies with culture as does how managers intervene. Knowing this provides people with the first element of cultural intelligence that may help them manage conflict to facilitate a more creative and effective multicultural work environment.Originality/valueThis paper integrates theory and research from cross-cultural psychology, the psychology of emotion and the literature on third party intervention into community conflict to explain the patterns of cultural conflict and conflict management in the workplace. It also suggests what it may take to manage cultural conflict in the workplace successfully.
Biosynthesis and function of simple amides in Xenorhabdus doucetiae
Authors: Bode Edna , He Yue , Vo Tien Duy , Schultz Roland , Kaiser Marcel , Bode Helge B. 
Published: September 2017

SummaryXenorhabdus doucetiae, the bacterial symbiont of the entomopathogenic nematode Steinernema diaprepesi produces several different fatty acid amides. Their biosynthesis has been studied using a combination of analysis of gene deletions and promoter exchanges in X. doucetiae and heterologous expression of candidate genes in E. coli. While a decarboxylase is required for the formation of all observed phenylethylamides and tryptamides, the acyltransferase XrdE encoded in the xenorhabdin biosynthesis gene cluster is responsible for the formation of short chain acyl amides. Additionally, new, long‐chain and cytotoxic acyl amides were identified in X. doucetiae infected insects and when X. doucetiae was grown in Galleria Instant Broth (GIB). When the bioactivity of selected amides was tested, a quorum sensing modulating activity was observed for the short chain acyl amides against the two different quorum sensing systems from Chromobacterium and Janthinobacterium.
Phospholipase D and phosphatidic acid mediate heat stress induced secondary metabolism in Ganoderma lucidum
Authors: Liu Yong‐Nan , Lu Xiao‐Xiao , Chen Dai , Lu Ya‐Ping , Ren Ang , Shi Liang , Zhu Jing , Jiang Ai‐Liang , Yu Han‐Shou , Zhao Ming‐Wen 
Published: September 2017

SummaryPhospholipid‐mediated signal transduction plays a key role in responses to environmental changes, but little is known about the role of phospholipid signalling in microorganisms. Heat stress (HS) is one of the most important environmental factors. Our previous study found that HS could induce the biosynthesis of the secondary metabolites, ganoderic acids (GA). Here, we performed a comprehensive mass spectrometry‐based analysis to investigate HS‐induced lipid remodelling in Ganoderma lucidum. In particular, we observed a significant accumulation of phosphatidic acid (PA) on HS. Further genetic tests in which pld‐silencing strains were constructed demonstrated that the accumulation of PA is dependent on HS‐activated phospholipase D (PLD) hydrolysing phosphatidylethanolamine. Furthermore, we determined the role of PLD and PA in HS‐induced secondary metabolism in G. lucidum. Exogenous 1‐butanol, which decreased PLD‐mediated formation of PA, reverses the increased GA biosynthesis that was elicited by HS. The pld‐silenced strains partly blocked HS‐induced GA biosynthesis, and this block can be reversed by adding PA. Taken together, our results suggest that PLD and PA are involved in the regulation of HS‐induced secondary metabolism in G. lucidum. Our findings provide key insights into how microorganisms respond to heat stress and then consequently accumulate secondary metabolites by phospholipid remodelling.
Ten Lessons from Ten Years PPP Experience in Belgium
Authors: Willems Tom , Verhoest Koen , Voets Joris , Coppens Tom , Van Dooren Wouter , Van den Hurk Martijn 
Published: September 2017

AbstractIn 2004 Flanders, the northern region of Belgium launched a range of large public–private partnership (PPP) projects for a total value of 6 billion euros. Ten years later, PPP has become a well‐embedded procurement method for long‐term public infrastructure projects. This article makes a critical ‘round‐up’ of PPP experience in Belgium based on the perspectives of infrastructure professionals who were asked to provide their views on performance‐related issues in PPP projects. Two workshops were held to further enrich the input and ideas. Based on this empirical material this article formulates 10 lessons to improve PPP performance, which is deliberately broadly defined. It argues that the dominant ‘value for money’ evaluations, following strictly financial or commercial logics (in both the private and public sectors), need to be broadened. Given the large impact and cost of large infrastructure projects on society, broader societal and spatial contributions of PPPs are needed.
A Randomized Trial of Off‐Site Collaborative Care for Depression in Chronic Hepatitis C Virus
Authors: Kanwal Fasiha , Pyne Jeffrey M. , Tavakoli‐Tabasi Shahriar , Nicholson Susan , Dieckgraefe Brian , Storay Erma , Goetz Matthew Bidwell , Kramer Jennifer R. , Smith Donna , Sansgiry Shubhada , Tansel Aylin , Gifford Allen L. , Asch Steven M. 
Published: September 2017

ObjectiveTo test the effectiveness of a collaborative depression care model in improving depression and hepatitis C virus (HCV) care.Data Sources/Study SettingHepatitis C virus clinic patients who screened positive for depression at four Veterans Affairs Hospitals.Study DesignWe compared off‐site depression collaborative care (delivered by depression care manager, pharmacist, and psychiatrist) with usual care in a randomized trial. Primary depression outcomes were treatment response (≥50 percent decrease in 20‐item Hopkins Symptoms Checklist [SCL‐20] score), remission (mean SCL‐20 score, <0.5), and depression‐free days (DFDs). Primary HCV outcome was receipt of HCV treatment.Data CollectionPatient data were collected by self‐report telephone surveys at baseline and 12 months, and from electronic medical records.Principal FindingsBaseline screening identified 292 HCV‐infected patients with depression, and 242 patients completed 12‐month follow‐up (82.9 percent). Intervention participants were more likely to report depression treatment response, remission, and more DFDs than usual care participants. Intervention participants were more likely to receive antiviral treatment; however, the difference was not statistically significant.ConclusionOff‐site depression collaborative care improved depression outcomes in HCV patients and may serve as a model for collaboration between mental health and specialty physical health providers in other high co‐occurring conditions.
Fluctuating levels of personal role engagement within the working day: A multilevel study
Authors: Fletcher Luke , Bailey Catherine , Gilman Mark W. 
Published: September 2017

AbstractIn this diary study, we examined a theoretical model in which the psychological conditions of meaningfulness, availability, and safety serve as mechanisms through which the work context during discrete situations within the workday influences “state” engagement. We further theorised that a person's “trait” level of engagement would exert cross‐level effects on the state level relationships. Multilevel analyses based on a sample of 124 individuals in six organisations and 1,446 situational observations revealed that meaningfulness and availability (but not safety) mediated the relationships between perceptions of the work context and state engagement. High levels of trait engagement strengthened the within‐person relation between availability and state engagement, yet weakened the within‐person relation between meaningfulness and state engagement, suggesting two different processes may be at play. Overall, the findings advance our understanding of engagement as a multilevel and temporally dynamic psychological phenomenon and promote a contextually based HRM approach to facilitating engagement.
Biofilm Formation and Its Relationship with the Molecular Characteristics of Food‐Related Methicillin‐Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA)
Authors: Vergara Alberto , Normanno Giovanni , Di Ciccio Pierluigi , Pedonese Francesca , Nuvoloni Roberta , Parisi Antonio , Santagada Gianfranco , Colagiorgi Angelo , Zanardi Emanuela , Ghidini Sergio , Ianieri Adriana 
Published: September 2017

AbstractThe capability to produce biofilm is an important persistence and dissemination mechanism of some foodborne bacteria. This paper investigates the relationship between some molecular characteristics (SCCmec, ST, spa‐type, agr‐type, cna, sarA, icaA, icaD, clfA, fnbA, fnbB, hla, hlb) of 22 food‐related methicillin‐resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) strains and their ability to form biofilm on stainless steel and polystyrene. Five (22.7%, 5/22) strains were able to synthesize biofilm on polystyrene, and one of these (4.5%, 1/22) strains was also able to synthesize biofilm on stainless steel. The largest amount of biofilm was formed on polystyrene by 2 MRSA strains isolated from cows’ milk, thus raising concern about the dairy industry. The majority of MRSA biofilm producers carried SCCmec type IVa, suggesting that the presence of SCCmecIVa and/or agr type III could be related to the ability to form biofilm. In conclusion, in order to achieve an acceptable level of food safety, Good Hygiene Practices should be strictly implemented along the food chain to reduce the risk of colonization and dissemination of MRSA biofilm‐producing strains in the food industry.Practical ApplicationIn this study, some assayed isolates of food‐related MRSA demonstrated the capacity to form biofilm. Biofilm formation differed according to surface characteristics and MRSA strains. A relationship was observed between some molecular characteristics and the ability to form biofilms. Few studies have investigated the ability of MRSA to form biofilms, and the majority of these studies have investigated clinical aspects. This work was performed to investigate whether or not there is a difference between MRSA food isolates and MRSA clinical isolates in their ability to form biofilm. These initial findings could provide information that will contribute to a better understanding of these aspects.
Influence of Technological Treatments on the Functionality of Bifidobacterium lactis INL1, a Breast Milk‐Derived Probiotic
Authors: Zacarías María Florencia , Souza Tassia Costa , Zaburlín Natalia , Carmona Cara Denise , Reinheimer Jorge , Nicoli Jacques , Vinderola Gabriel 
Published: September 2017

AbstractThe aim of this study is to evaluate the influence of the technological processing on the functionality of the human breast milk probiotic strain Bifidobacterium lactis INL1. In vitro antagonistic activity of B. lactis INL1 was detected for Gram‐positive and Gram‐negative pathogens. B. lactis INL1 was administered to mice as fresh (F), frozen (Z), spray‐dried (S), or lyophilized (L) culture. Immune parameters (IgA, IL‐10, and IFN‐γ) were determined and histological analysis was performed to assess functionality and protection capacity against Salmonella. In BALB/c mice, F and S cultures induced an increase in the number of IgA‐producing cells in the small intestine and IL‐10 levels were increased for L culture in the large intestine. In Swiss mice, B. lactis INL1 increased secretory‐IgA levels in the small intestine before and after Salmonella infection, both as F or dehydrated culture. Also, an attenuation of damage in the intestinal epithelium and less inflammatory infiltrates were observed in animals that received F and S cultures, whereas in liver only F showed some effect. The anti‐inflammatory effect was confirmed in both tissues by myeloperoxidase activity and by IFN‐γ levels in the intestinal content. B. lactis INL1 showed inhibitory activity against pathogens and confirmed its probiotic potential in animal models. Technological processing of the probiotic strain affected its functionality.Practical ApplicationThis work provides evidence about the influence of technology on the functionality of probiotics, which may help probiotics and functional food manufacturers to take processing into consideration when assessing the functionality of new strains.
Design and evaluation of cryodevice, an easy to use apparatus for maintenance of optimum temperature during cryoglobulin assay
Authors: Veerasubramanian Praveen K. , Kabeerdoss Jayakanthan , Sandhya Pulukool , Devasahayam Suresh , Danda Debashish 
Published: September 2017

AbstractIntroductionMaintenance of temperature during collection and transport of blood is an important pre‐requisite for cryoglobulin assays. In this manuscript, we describe ‘cryodevice’, a low‐cost device for transportation and/or incubation of vials of whole blood at 37°C. Such a device would reduce false negatives in cryoglobulin assays.MethodThe ‘cryodevice’ takes the embodiment of a portable, light, insulated water bath, which can be used as an incubator in a plugged‐in state, or as a transport container after it is set up and disconnected from the power supply. The design of the cryodevice is described here, with focus on its construction and electronic control circuit. Computer simulations and in vitro trials were performed to study the temperature drop in the blood samples placed in the device. Subsequently, the cryodevice was also used with actual patient blood samples.ResultsThermal simulations and in vitro testing of the cryodevice predicted that the design would meet the temperature maintenance goals. When the cryodevice was put in to use for screening 45 patient blood samples, it helped identify positive cryoglobulinemia in three of the samples.ConclusionThe description of the cryodevice envisions enabling the construction of a low‐cost device in resource‐limited healthcare settings in India created with locally available resources. On testing, the device was found to be satisfactory in performance and is expected to bring down incidences of false negatives in cryoglobulin tests.
Channels for Workers' Voice in the Transnational Governance of Labour Rights?
Authors: Zajak Sabrina 
Published: September 2017

AbstractThis article examines the neglected question of workers’ voice in the transnational governance of labour rights. While governance studies often neglect worker's agency and labour studies focus on strikes or collective bargaining, this article takes the theoretical lenses of recursivity to explore and compare new channels for worker participation that developed in the context of transnational governance schemes. Taking the example of the Fair Labor Association, a prominent multistakeholder initiative in the garment industry, the article distinguishes between three channels: workers’ surveys during audits, complaint procedures, and local grievance mediation. Despite the fact that such opportunities count as key innovations for the participation of labour in transnational governance, statistical and qualitative data from FLA's factory audits and self‐conducted interviews show that locally situated actors, especially workers, are only occasionally able to make their voice heard in formally open channels. The article identifies two main sources of constraints: the first is workers’ lack of knowledge of these channels and distrust towards these procedures. This is tied, secondly, to the more fundamental problem that business continues to have interpretative power over the nature of the problems and solutions in transnational labour governance.
Varieties of Recursivity in Transnational Governance
Authors: Malets Olga , Quack Sigrid 
Published: September 2017

AbstractThis special section analyzes the variety of recursivity in transnational regulatory governance. We conceptualize recursivity as a complex cycle through which addressees’ response to transnational rules continuously feeds back into the rulemaking process and triggers rule revision. In the introduction to the special section, we emphasize that recursivity varies across governance organizations and governance fields and develop an analytical framework to capture this variation. We also propose a typology of recursive governance organizations. Finally, we preview five case studies included in the special section and summarize their key findings and conclusions, with particular attention to the implications for accountability and legitimacy.
Foreign Direct Investment and Economic Growth: The Cases of Singapore and Oman
Authors: Eudelle Philipp , Shrestha Ashin 
Published: September 2017

AbstractEconomic growth is associated with improvements in productivity, and increasing productivity is driven by growth in economic efficiency, structural changes and substitutional activities. To raise these factors, innovation and trade are substantial drivers. However, there are many economies with a high potential for economic growth but a lack of domestic investment. Foreign direct investment (FDI) is able to fill the gap between investment needed to promote economic growth, and locally available investments. This article highlights the potential of FDI for small economies using Singapore and Oman as examples.
Effects of preemptive analgesia with flurbiprofen ester on lymphocytes and natural killer cells in patients undergoing esophagectomy: A randomized controlled pilot study
Authors: Zhou Yi , Huang Jinxi , Bai Yu , Li Changsheng , Lu Xihua 
Published: September 2017

BackgroundTumors may induce systemic immune dysfunction, which can be aggravated by surgery and anesthesia/analgesia. Data on the effect of flurbiprofen preemptive analgesia on immune dysfunction is limited. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of flurbiprofen preemptive analgesia on lymphocytes and natural killer (NK) cells in patients undergoing thoracotomy and thoracoscopy radical esophagectomy, and to explore the analgesic methods suitable for tumor patients.MethodsThis was a randomized controlled pilot study of 89 patients with esophageal cancer treated with surgery at the Henan Cancer Hospital between January 1, 2015 and December 31, 2016. The patients were divided into three groups: group 1, thoracotomy; group 2, thoracoscopy and laparoscopic surgery; and group 3, flurbiprofen, thoracoscopy, and laparoscopic surgery. CD3+, CD19+, NK, CD4+, and CD8+ cells in whole blood were measured by flow cytometry 30 minutes before surgery (T0), at the end of the thoracic section of the procedure (T1), and at the end of the operation (T2).ResultsThere were no significant differences in CD3+, CD19+, CD8+, NK, and CD4+ cells between the three groups or regarding the time points during the procedure (all P > 0.05). Thoracotomy and thoracoscopy surgery resulted in similar immunological outcomes.ConclusionFlurbiprofen ester preemptive analgesia did not suppress the immune function in patients and could be a safe analgesic method for patients with esophageal cancer undergoing surgery.