bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Juvenile fish response to wetland inundation: how antecedent conditions can inform environmental flow policies for native fish
Authors: Beesley Leah S. , Gwinn Daniel C. , Price Amina , King Alison J. , Gawne Ben , Koehn John D. , Nielsen Daryl L. 
Published: September 2014

Summary

One of the greatest threats to lotic ecosystems is flow regulation. The impacts of flow regulation on native fish are often mitigated using periodic water allocations, termed environmental flows. The effectiveness of environmental flows has been studied in some systems, but the role of flow conditions prior to water allocation (i.e. antecedent conditions) has rarely been quantified.

We evaluated the effects of floodplain inundation due to variable river flows on fish abundance in wetlands of the mid‐Murray River, Australia, using a hierarchical multi‐species model parameterized to estimate fish abundance while accounting for variable detection. We evaluated the effects of antecedent conditions on three time‐scales, including patterns in long‐term (5 years prior), medium‐term (1 year prior) and short‐term (3 months prior) wetland inundations.

While species‐specific responses to antecedent conditions varied, we found a general divergence in the responses of native and non‐native species. Native fish tended to respond positively to consistent frequent inundation of wetlands, while non‐native fish tended to respond positively to long‐ or medium‐term dry periods and short‐term wet periods.

Fish detection probability varied among species, sampling gears, wetland areas and wetlands, indicating that accounting for variable detection can be critical when evaluating patterns in fish abundance.

Synthesis and applications. We found that antecedent conditions can be important for determining environmental water allocation policies. Our results indicated that native fish generally responded positively to frequent inundation of wetlands, while non‐native species generally responded positively to long dry periods followed by short‐term inundation events. For some non‐native species, long dry periods not only generated a positive response in abundance, but enhanced the positive response to short‐term inundation events. The divergence between native and non‐native fishes' responses to antecedent conditions provides opportunities for managers to allocate water to favour native fish assemblages. Future research of environmental flows for managing fish assemblages should consider antecedent conditions and apply models that account for incomplete detection, such as the one developed here, to better inform the management process.
Effects of forest certification on the ecological condition of Mediterranean streams
Authors: Dias Filipe S. , Bugalho Miguel N. , Rodríguez‐González Patricia M. , Albuquerque António , Cerdeira J. Orestes 
Published: September 2014

SummaryForest certification, a proxy for sustainable forest management, covers more than 10% of the world's forests. Under forest certification, forest managers and landowners must comply with environmental, economic and social management standards aiming to promote forest conservation. Despite an increasing area of certified forests, there is a dearth of data on how forest certification is affecting the conservation of forest ecosystems and associated habitats.Here, we assess the effects of Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certification, one of the largest certification schemes in the world, on the ecological condition of streams crossing Mediterranean evergreen oak woodlands.We used the Stream Visual Assessment Protocol (SVAP) to compare the ecological condition of streams located in areas with 3 and 5 years of certification, in non‐certified areas and in least disturbed streams.Forest certification positively affected the ecological condition of the surveyed streams, but its effects were only measurable after 5 years of certification. Streams with 5 years of certification had more continuous, dense and diverse riparian vegetation when compared to streams located in non‐certified areas. Moreover, the condition of streams located in areas with 5 years of forest certification was similar to the condition of least disturbed streams.Synthesis and applications. Forest certification promotes the ecological condition of streams occurring within Mediterranean evergreen oak woodlands. This mainly happens because in areas under forest certification, managers and landowners have to comply with management practices that require them to remove or reduce the main causes for stream degradation, allowing riparian habitats to recover. Within landscapes with large and increasing areas under forest certification, such as the Mediterranean cork oak woodlands, the positive effects of certification on the ecological condition of streams may spread across the hydrographic network in the medium to long term.
Modern Rice Technologies and Productivity in the Philippines: Disentangling Technology from Managerial Gaps
Authors: Villano Renato , Bravo‐Ureta Boris , Solís Daniel , Fleming Euan 
Published: September 2014

AbstractUsing cross‐sectional farm‐level data from 3,164 rice‐farming households in the Philippines, we measure the impact of modern rice technologies on farm productivity while disentangling technology gaps (the distance between production frontiers) from managerial gaps (differences in technical efficiency). To do so, we combine a recently developed stochastic production frontier framework with impact evaluation techniques to control for biases stemming from observables and unobservables. First, we find an adequate control group using propensity score matching to mitigate the effect of biases from observable variables. Then, we test for biases that might arise from unobserved variables using a stochastic frontier framework corrected for self‐selection. Finally, we estimate meta‐frontiers to assess productivity differences between adopters and non‐adopters. The analysis shows that the adoption of certified seeds has a significant and positive impact on productivity, efficiency and net income in rice farming.
Food Beliefs: Elicitation, Estimation and Implications for Labeling Policy
Authors: Costanigro Marco , Deselnicu Oana , Kroll Stephan 
Published: September 2014

AbstractWe present a model in which consumers use product attributes (or labels) and their own beliefs to form expectations about the quality of a product. We use best–worst scaling to elicit beliefs, and study how information may influence these beliefs. In our ranking experiments, participants sort different milk products according to (perceived) nutritional or environmental quality, and we use the resulting choice data to recover beliefs econometrically. In a nutritional quality experiment, we measure how food labels (i.e. front‐of‐package, back‐of‐package and ratio of recommended to restricted nutrients) alter consumers’ beliefs, finding that truthful attribute information may sometimes mislead consumers. The discussion explains how similar experiments could be used to distinguish informative labels from marketing messages.
Polymorphisms in TRPV1 and TAS2Rs Associate with Sensations from Sampled Ethanol
Authors: Allen Alissa L. , McGeary John E. , Hayes John E. 
Published: September 2014

BackgroundGenetic variation in chemosensory genes can explain variability in individual's perception of and preference for many foods and beverages. To gain insight into variable preference and intake of alcoholic beverages, we explored individual variability in the responses to sampled ethanol (EtOH). In humans, EtOH elicits sweet, bitter, and burning sensations. Here, we explore the relationship between variation in EtOH sensations and polymorphisms in genes encoding bitter taste receptors (TAS2Rs) and a polymodal nociceptor (TRPV1).MethodsCaucasian participants (n = 93) were genotyped for 16 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in TRPV1, 3 SNPs in TAS2R38, and 1 SNP in TAS2R13. Participants rated sampled EtOH on a generalized Labeled Magnitude Scale. Two stimuli were presented: a 16% EtOH whole‐mouth sip‐and‐spit solution with a single time‐point rating of overall intensity and a cotton swab saturated with 50% EtOH on the circumvallate papillae (CV) with ratings of multiple qualities over 3 minutes. Area‐under‐the‐curve (AUC) was calculated for the time‐intensity data.ResultsThe EtOH whole‐mouth solution had overall intensity ratings near “very strong.” Burning/stinging had the highest mean AUC values, followed by bitterness and sweetness. Whole‐mouth intensity ratings were significantly associated with burning/stinging and bitterness AUC values on the CV. Three TRPV1 SNPs (rs224547, rs4780521, rs161364) were associated with EtOH sensations on the CV, with 2 (rs224547 and rs4780521) exhibiting strong linkage disequilibrium. Additionally, the TAS2R38 SNPs rs713598, rs1726866, and rs10246939 formed a haplotype, and were associated with bitterness on the CV. Last, overall intensity for whole‐mouth EtOH associated with the TAS2R13 SNP rs1015443.ConclusionsThese data suggest genetic variation in TRPV1 and TAS2Rs influence sensations from sampled EtOH and may potentially influence how individuals initially respond to alcoholic beverages.
The longer term experiences of parent training: a qualitative analysis
Authors: Furlong M. , McGilloway S. 
Published: September 2014

AbstractBackgroundChild conduct problems are a major public health priority. Group‐based parenting programmes are popular in addressing such problems, but evidence for their longer‐term effectiveness is limited. Moreover, process evaluations are rare and little is understood about the key facilitative and inhibitive factors associated with maintaining outcomes in the longer term.MethodThis study involved the use of qualitative methods as part of a larger process evaluation to explore the longer‐term experiences of parents who participated in a randomized controlled trial (RCT) of the Incredible Years Parenting Programme (IYPP) in disadvantaged settings in Ireland. A series of one‐to‐one in‐depth interviews was conducted with parents at 12‐ (n = 20) and 18‐month follow‐up (n = 8) and analysed using constructivist grounded theory.ResultsMost parents reported positive child behaviour despite several challenges, but a substantial subset reported periods of relapse in positive outcomes. A relapse in child behaviour was linked to relinquishing skills in stressful times, the negative influence of an unsupportive environment, and the perceived ineffectiveness of parenting skills. Resilience in implementing skills despite adversity, and the utilization of available social supports, were associated with the maintenance of positive outcomes.ConclusionsStrengthening resilience and social support capacities may be important factors in maintaining positive longer‐term outcomes. Those who design, research and deliver parenting programmes might consider the possibility of including a relapse‐prevention module and/or the provision of post‐intervention supports for more vulnerable families.
Evaluation of the recombinant tissue plasminogen activator pretreatment in acute stroke patients with large vessel occlusions treated with the direct bridging approach. Is it worth the effort?
Authors: Fjetland L. , Kurz K. D. , Roy S. , Kurz M. W. 
Published: September 2014

Background and purposeThe direct bridging concept in acute stroke treatment combines intravenous thrombolysis (IVT) and endovascular treatment (EVT). The frequency and extent of reperfusion obtained already due to IVT were evaluated. Additionally undesired events and the clinical outcome were analysed.MethodsFifty‐seven acute stroke patients treated with direct bridging were analysed for this study. The response to IVT was evaluated according to the modified Thrombolysis in Cerebral Infarction scale (m‐TICI). IVT responders (m‐TICI ≥2B in digital subtraction angiography) were compared with IVT non‐responders (m‐TICI <2B in digital subtraction angiography) with respect to clinical outcome and occurrence of undesired events.ResultsFourteen patients (25%) got a change from TICI 0 to ≥2B due to IVT alone. There were otherwise no differences between the IVT responders and IVT non‐responders.ConclusionsIntravenous thrombolysis pretreatment in the context of the bridging approach contributes substantially to revascularization.
Within‐Individual Correlations Reveal Link Between a Behavioral Syndrome, Condition, and Cortisol in Free‐Ranging Belding's Ground Squirrels
Authors: Dosmann Andy J. , Brooks Katherine C. , Mateo Jill M. 
Published: September 2014

AbstractAnimals often exhibit consistent individual differences in behavior (i.e., animal personality) and correlations between behaviors (i.e., behavioral syndromes), yet the causes of those patterns of behavioral variation remain insufficiently understood. Many authors hypothesize that state‐dependent behavior produces animal personality and behavioral syndromes. However, empirical studies assessing patterns of covariation among behavioral traits and state variables have produced mixed results. New statistical methods that partition correlations into between‐individual and residual within‐individual correlations offer an opportunity to more sufficiently quantify relationships among behaviors and state variables to assess hypotheses of animal personality and behavioral syndromes. In a population of wild Belding's ground squirrels (Urocitellus beldingi), we repeatedly measured activity, exploration, and response to restraint behaviors alongside glucocorticoids and nutritional condition. We used multivariate mixed models to determine whether between‐individual or within‐individual correlations drive phenotypic relationships among traits. Squirrels had consistent individual differences for all five traits. At the between‐individual level, activity and exploration were positively correlated whereas both traits negatively correlated with response to restraint, demonstrating a behavioral syndrome. At the within‐individual level, condition negatively correlated with cortisol, activity, and exploration. Importantly, this indicates that although behavior is state‐dependent, which may play a role in animal personality and behavioral syndromes, feedback mechanisms between condition and behavior appear not to produce consistent individual differences in behavior and correlations between them.
Small Mammals Ignore Common Rules: A Comparison of Vocal Repertoires and the Acoustics between Pup and Adult Piebald Shrews Diplomesodon pulchellum
Authors: Volodin Ilya A. , Zaytseva Alexandra S. , Ilchenko Olga G. , Volodina Elena V. 
Published: September 2014

AbstractA common rule for mammals vocalizing in the human audible frequency range (20 Hz–20 kHz) suggests that calls are higher in fundamental frequency (f0) in the young than in adults, because of the smaller sound‐producing structures of the young. Exclusions are rare, for example the pups of Asian house shrews (Suncus murinus) make some call types of the same or higher pitch than adults. In this study, calls from 62 piebald shrews (Diplomesodon pulchellum), 37 1 to 10‐d‐old pups from 10 litters and 25 adults were acoustically investigated in captivity. We found eight call types, all within the human audible frequency range: short and long low‐frequency squeaks with nearly flat contour, high‐frequency squeaks with modulated contour, high‐frequency squeaks with fractured contour, short and long screeches, clicks and whimpers. Seven call types were shared by pups and adults, suggesting that this vocal repertoire commences at birth. Against the common rule, the f0 of squeaks was the same in pups and adults, and the f0 of clicks and screeches was even higher in adults than in pups. These results suggest a non‐descending ontogenetic pathway that not follows the common physical relationship, of the lower f0 for the larger vocal folds.
Duration of disease influences survival to discharge ofThoroughbred mares with surgically treated large colon volvulus
Authors: Hackett E. S. , Embertson R. M. , Hopper S. A. , Woodie J. B. , Ruggles A. J. 
Published: September 2014

SummaryReasons for performing studyLarge colon volvulus results in strangulating obstruction requiring surgical treatment. Duration of this disease prior to surgical treatment is likely to influence survival directly.ObjectivesThe primary objective of this study was to evaluate the influence of duration of large colon volvulus on patient survival to discharge. Relationships between other factors and survival following large colon volvulus were also examined.Study designRetrospective case analysis.MethodsMedical records ofThoroughbred mares aged ≥2 years undergoing surgical treatment for large colon volvulus between 1March 1986 and 28February 2011 were reviewed. Multivariable logistic regression was used to identify influence of duration and other factors on survival to discharge.ResultsWithin the study period, 1039 surgeries were performed to correct large colon volvulus in 896Thoroughbred mares. Median duration of colic signs prior to admission was 2 h (interquartile range [IQR] 1–4 h). Median time from admission to anaesthetic induction was 25 min (IQR15–45 min). Median surgical time was 70 min (IQR55–85 min). Primary surgical treatment was simple correction of the large colon volvulus followed by replacement of the colon. The overall survival to discharge was 88%. The final model identified risk factors significantly associated with survival and included colic duration prior to admission, packed cell volume at admission, surgery length, duration of hypotension while under anaesthesia, heart rate 48 h post operatively, post operative manure consistency and days hospitalised.ConclusionsDuration of colic prior to admission was statistically associated with patient survival to discharge. Other factors significantly associated with survival in mares with large colon volvulus were related to disease severity and degree of colonic compromise. Mares with large colon volvulus have a good prognosis for recovery with early referral and prompt surgical treatment.
Long‐term growth‐increment chronologies reveal diverse influences of climate forcing on freshwater and forest biota in the Pacific Northwest
Authors: Black Bryan A. , Dunham Jason B. , Blundon Brett W. , Brim‐Box Jayne , Tepley Alan J. 
Published: September 2014

AbstractAnalyses of how organisms are likely to respond to a changing climate have focused largely on the direct effects of warming temperatures, though changes in other variables may also be important, particularly the amount and timing of precipitation. Here, we develop a network of eight growth‐increment width chronologies for freshwater mussel species in the Pacific Northwest, United States and integrate them with tree‐ring data to evaluate how terrestrial and aquatic indicators respond to hydroclimatic variability, including river discharge and precipitation. Annual discharge averaged across water years (October 1–September 30) was highly synchronous among river systems and imparted a coherent pattern among mussel chronologies. The leading principal component of the five longest mussel chronologies (1982–2003; PC1mussel) accounted for 47% of the dataset variability and negatively correlated with the leading principal component of river discharge (PC1discharge; r = −0.88; P < 0.0001). PC1mussel and PC1discharge were closely linked to regional wintertime precipitation patterns across the Pacific Northwest, the season in which the vast majority of annual precipitation arrives. Mussel growth was also indirectly related to tree radial growth, though the nature of the relationships varied across the landscape. Negative correlations occurred in forests where tree growth tends to be limited by drought while positive correlations occurred in forests where tree growth tends to be limited by deep or lingering snowpack. Overall, this diverse assemblage of chronologies illustrates the importance of winter precipitation to terrestrial and freshwater ecosystems and suggests that a complexity of climate responses must be considered when estimating the biological impacts of climate variability and change.
The DNA‐Binding Protein HU has a Regulatory Role in the Acid Stress Response Mechanism in Helicobacter pylori
Authors: Almarza Oscar , Núñez Daniel , Toledo Hector 
Published: September 2014

AbstractBackgroundBacterial genomes are compacted by association with histone‐like proteins to form a complex known as bacterial chromatin. The histone‐like protein HU is capable of binding and bending the DNA molecule, a function related to compaction, protection, and regulation of gene expression. In Helicobacter pylori, HU is the only histone‐like protein described so far. Proteomic analysis from our laboratory showed that this protein is overexpressed under acidic stress.Materials and MethodsWe used a purified recombinant wild‐type protein and two mutant proteins with the amino acid substitutions K3A/S27D and K62R/V63N/P64A to characterize the function of the N‐terminal domain and the flexible arm of HU.ResultsIn vitro assays for DNA protection, bending, and compaction were performed. We also designed a H. pylori hup::cat mutant strain to study the role of HU in the acid stress response. HUwt protein binds DNA and promotes its bending and compaction. Compared with the wild‐type protein, both mutant proteins have less affinity for DNA and an impaired bending and compaction ability. By using qRT‐PCR, we confirmed overexpression of two genes related to acid stress response (ureA and speA). Such overexpression was abolished in the hup::cat strain, which shows an acid‐sensitive phenotype.ConclusionsAltogether, we have shown that HUwt–DNA complex formation is favored under acidic pH and that the complex protects DNA from endonucleolytic cleavage and oxidative stress damage. We also showed that the amino‐terminal domain of HU is relevant to DNA–protein complex formation and that the flexible arm of HU is involved in the bending and compaction activities of HU.
Divine Simplicity in Historical Perspective: Resourcing a Contemporary Discussion
Authors: Ortlund Gavin 
Published: September 2014

AbstractThis article seeks to resource contemporary discussions about divine simplicity by exploring how this doctrine was understood throughout patristic and medieval church history, especially with respect to the relation of divine simplicity to the doctrine of the Trinity. It argues, first, that there have been different versions of divine simplicity throughout church history, though most current treatments focus on the Thomist version. Second, it suggests that divine simplicity had a greater role in the witness and worship of the church than is generally recognized today. Third, it argues that many of the differences between contemporary and ancient treatments of divine simplicity boil down to more basic ontological differences. Finally, it draws attention to the close connection between divine simplicity and the Trinity throughout church history, and suggests that the doctrine of divine simplicity provides a more reliable means of grounding the Trinity as monotheistic than the doctrine of perichoresis.
When Is a Firm's Information Asymmetry Priced? The Role of Institutional Investors
Authors: Luong Hoang Luong , Nguyen Huong Giang (Lily) , Yin Xiangkang 
Published: September 2014

AbstractThis study reexamines the competing claims that probability of informed trading (PIN) is priced in the cross‐section of stock returns while adjusted PIN (AdjPIN), the component of PIN related to information asymmetry, is not. We find that behind these seemingly contradicting conclusions is the role of institutional investors, and the pricing of PIN and AdjPIN depends on institutional ownership. Only for those stocks with low institutional ownership are both PIN and AdjPIN priced. Our findings imply that investors require compensation for information risk only from stocks with low institutional ownership.