bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Patterns of top‐down control in a seagrass ecosystem: could a roving apex predator induce a behaviour‐mediated trophic cascade?
Authors: Burkholder Derek A. , Heithaus Michael R. , Fourqurean James W. , Wirsing Aaron , Dill Lawrence M. 
Published: June 2013

SummaryThe loss of large‐bodied herbivores and/or top predators has been associated with large‐scale changes in ecosystems around the world, but there remain important questions regarding the contexts in which such changes are most likely and the mechanisms through which they occur, particularly in marine ecosystems.We used long‐term exclusion cages to examine the effects of large grazers (sea cows,Dugong dugon; sea turtlesChelonia mydas) on seagrass community structure, biomass and nutrient dynamics. Experiments were conducted in habitats with high risk of predation (interior of shallow banks) and lower risk (edges of banks) to elucidate whether nonconsumptive (risk) effects of tiger sharks (Galeocerdo cuvier), a roving predator, structure herbivore impacts on seagrasses.In lower‐risk habitats, excluding large herbivores resulted in increased leaf length forCymodocea angustataandHalodule uninervis.C. angustatashoot densities nearly tripled when released from herbivory, whileH. uninervisnearly disappeared from exclusion cages over the course of the study.We found no support for the hypothesis that grazing increases seagrass nutrient content. Instead, phosphorus content was higher in seagrasses within exclosures. This pattern is consistent with decreased light availability in the denserC. angustatacanopies that formed in exclosures, and may indicate that competition for light led to the decrease inH. uninervis.Impacts of large grazers were consistent with a behaviour‐mediated trophic cascade (BMTC) initiated by tiger sharks and mediated by risk‐sensitive foraging by large grazers.Our results suggest that large‐bodied grazers likely played important roles in seagrass ecosystem dynamics historically and that roving predators are capable of initiating aBMTC. Conservation efforts in coastal ecosystems must account for such interactions or risk unintended consequences.
The tetraspanin geneMaPls1contributes to virulence by affecting germination, appressorial function and enzymes for cuticle degradation in the entomopathogenic fungus,Metarhizium acridum
Authors: Luo Sha , He Min , Cao Yueqing , Xia Yuxian 
Published: June 2013

SummaryIn most eukaryotes, tetraspanins regulate cellular activities by associating with other membrane components. In phytopathogenic fungi, the tetraspaninPls1controls appressorium‐mediated penetration. However, regulation ofPls1and its associated signalling pathways are not clear. In this study, theMaPls1gene from the entomopathogenic fungusMetarhizium acridumwas functionally characterized.MaPls1was highly expressed in mycelium and appressorium, and accumulated on the plasma membrane or in the cytoplasm. Compared with a wild‐type strain, the deletion mutant ΔMaPls1had delayed germination and appressorium formation and impaired turgor pressure on locust wings, but normal germination on medium and non‐host insect matrices. Bioassays showed that ΔMaPls1had decreased virulence and hyphal body formation in haemolymph when topically inoculated, but was not different from wild type when the insect cuticle was bypassed. Moreover, the ability to grow out of the cuticle was impaired in ΔMaPls1. Digital gene expression profiling revealed that genes involved in hydrolysing host cuticle and cell wall synthesis and remodelling were downregulated in ΔMaPls1.MaPls1participated in crosstalk with signalling pathways such as the cyclic adenosine monophosphate‐dependent protein kinaseAand calmodulin‐dependent pathways. Taken together, these results demonstrated the important roles ofMaPls1at the early stage of infection‐associated development inM. acridum.
Microbial communities along biogeochemical gradients in a hydrocarbon‐contaminated aquifer
Authors: Tischer Karolin , Kleinsteuber Sabine , Schleinitz Kathleen M. , Fetzer Ingo , Spott Oliver , Stange Florian , Lohse Ute , Franz Janett , Neumann Franziska , Gerling Sarah , Schmidt Christian , Hasselwander Eyk , Harms Hauke , Wendeberg Annelie 
Published: June 2013

SummaryMicro‐organisms are known to degrade a wide range of toxic substances. How the environment shapes microbial communities in polluted ecosystems and thus influences degradation capabilities is not yet fully understood. In this study, we investigated microbial communities in a highly complex environment: the capillary fringe and subjacent sediments in a hydrocarbon‐contaminated aquifer. Sixty sediment sections were analysed using terminal restriction fragment length polymorphism (T‐RFLP) fingerprinting, cloning and sequencing of bacterial and archaeal 16S rRNA genes, complemented by chemical analyses of petroleum hydrocarbons, methane, oxygen and alternative terminal electron acceptors. Multivariate statistics revealed concentrations of contaminants and the position of the water table as significant factors shaping the microbial community composition.Micro‐organisms with highest T‐RFLP abundances were related to sulphate reducers belonging to the genus Desulfosporosinus, fermenting bacteria of the genera Sedimentibacter and Smithella, and aerobic hydrocarbon degraders of the genus Acidovorax. Furthermore, the acetoclastic methanogens Methanosaeta, and hydrogenotrophic methanogens Methanocella and Methanoregula were detected.Whereas sulphate and sulphate reducers prevail at the contamination source, the detection of methane, fermenting bacteria and methanogenic archaea further downstream points towards syntrophic hydrocarbon degradation.
Horizontal transfers of feminizing versus non‐feminizing Wolbachia strains: from harmless passengers to pathogens
Authors: Le Clec'h Winka , Raimond Maryline , Guillot Sylvain , Bouchon Didier , Sicard Mathieu 
Published: June 2013

SummaryThe endosymbiont Wolbachia pipientis infects various hosts in which it navigates vertically from mothers to offspring. However, horizontal transfers of Wolbachia can occur between hosts. The virulence of the horizontally acquired Wolbachia can change in the new host as it has been illustrated by the case of the feminizing strain wVulC from the woodlouse Armadillidium vulgare that turns to a pathogen when introduced into Porcellio dilatatus dilatatus. In the present study, we aim to show whether symbiotic traits, such as (i) host sex manipulation and (ii) colonization patterns, which differ between eight isopod Wolbachia strains, are connected to their virulence towards the recipient host P. d. dilatatus. Among the transferred Wolbachia, some feminizing strains gradually differing in feminizing intensity in their native hosts induced different levels of pathogenicity to P. d. dilatatus. Not a single feminizing strain passed vertically with high titres to the next generation. The non‐feminizing Wolbachia strains, even if they reached high densities in the host, did not impact host life‐history traits and some vertically passed with high titres to the offspring. These results suggest that a potential link between the manners Wolbachia manipulates its native host reproduction, its virulence and its ability to vertically infect the offspring.
Urban Responses to The Economic Crisis: Confirmation of Urban Policies as Crisis Management in Malmö
Authors: Holgersen Ståle 
Published: June 2013

AbstractIt is common knowledge that crisis also signifies opportunity and opens spaces for change. When responding to the current economic crisis, is urban planning seizing this opportunity? This article investigates the case of the Swedish city of Malmö and explores its responses to the crisis by looking dialectically at the crisis, municipal planning policy and real‐estate capital. In this article, the local state and urban planning are regarded as social relations, with the aim of going beyond traditional formulations that oppose market (neoliberal) and state intervention (Keynesianism) as the main focus for crisis management. Against this background, the article shows that the 2008 crisis was met in Malmö by an active municipality that confirmed the existing visions and tendencies, rather than exploiting the crisis as a moment for changes and transformation. The article seeks to explain this by looking at the social relations that have constituted the urban policies in Malmö for the past two decades.
Living on the Edge: Lessons from the Peri‐urban Village
Authors: Vallance Suzanne 
Published: June 2013

AbstractThe idea of an urban renaissance — based on a celebration of city life and its possibilities — is timely given half of the world's population now resides in urban areas. Yet, as appealing as this prospect may be, both in principle and planning theory, it remains at odds with the desires of many residents who seek ‘lifestyle living’ in low‐density suburban or ex‐urban settings. This article presents the results of a qualitative investigation of what it means to ‘live on the edge’ in a peri‐urban village, as understood by residents living in those settings. These results are evaluated in light of phenomenological literature on authentic and inauthentic places, and the myriad reasons so‐called amenity migrants choose the peri‐urban village as their preferred residential location. The results of in‐depth interviews with 28 residents are presented as a four‐part typology of ‘active’ lifestylers and those searching for community, and ‘passive’ speculators and those seeking a civilized society. Though prior work suggests people are attracted to the peri‐urban village for its bio‐physical environmental features, this research suggests socioeconomic factors and opportunities for active place‐making experiences are as, if not more, important.
Children's exposure to food advertising: An analysis of the effectiveness of self‐regulatory codes in Australia
Authors: Roberts Michele , Pettigrew Simone , Chapman Kathy , Quester Pascale , Miller Caroline 
Published: June 2013

AbstractAimThe aim of this study was to update knowledge about children's exposure to televised food advertising in Australia, providing a more comprehensive examination of children's exposure since the introduction of self‐regulatory codes.MethodsTwo months of food advertisement data from four free‐to‐air television stations (SBS, Seven Network, Nine Network and Ten Network) in the five largest Australian cities (Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide and Perth) were purchased and analysed. A content analysis was performed to classify the advertised products into food groups according to the Australian Guide to Healthy Eating and whether they were scheduled in children's popular viewing times (CPVT) according to audience viewing data from OzTam. They were also assessed as to whether they included a premium offer (free incentive). The 2 months of data covered September and October 2010 and included 43 weekdays, 18 weekend days and 15 days of school holidays.ResultsIn total, 93 284 food advertisements, including repeat airings, were analysed from 1464 hours of continuous programming. The majority (63%) included non‐core foods. During CPVT, this figure was significantly higher at 65% versus 61% outside CPVT. Within CPVT, the percentage of advertisements was higher for quick‐service restaurants (30% vs 26%) and unhealthy beverages (3% vs 2%). Fifteen per cent of all advertisements were for sugar‐sweetened soft drinks. Premiums were still apparent (10% vs 8%) despite being restricted by the codes.ConclusionsAustralian children continue to be exposed to a large amount of advertising for non‐core foods, despite the introduction of voluntary codes.
Evolution of the clinical educator role to increase student placement capacity: From traditional to innovative
Authors: Ferguson Allison , Haantjens Amy , Milosavljevic Marianna 
Published: June 2013

AbstractAimTo evaluate the role of the clinical educator position in a specific teaching hospital setting on its ability to increase clinical student supervision capacity while maintaining staff productivity and sustaining staff morale.MethodsA Clinical Educator position (0.5 full‐time equivalent) was established as a manager of student placements as opposed to the traditional ‘hands‐on’ clinical supervision or student team teaching role. This position developed two strategies to increase capacity for clinical placements: a peer support program, ‘INSITE’ (Innovative and Novel System to Improve the Teaching Experience) and ‘supervisory teams’. Over four years (2008–2011), the effect on staff productivity, staff morale and students was assessed using a range of measures including investigation of staff attitudes (focus groups and surveys), student perception of the placement (survey) and review of departmental productivity measures.ResultsStaff participation in supervision increased from 42% to 98%. Thematic analysis of the focus groups found four main themes considered as components of an effective and manageable student placement program: communication, management of student progress, opportunities for professional growth and the management of challenges in supervision. With the introduction of INSITE, staff surveys found a noticeable improvement in the perception of their ability to manage students. A survey reported that students were satisfied or very satisfied with the clinical placement. Department activity statistics were maintained across the four years despite a 165% increase in clinical placement activity.ConclusionThe development of the Clinical Educator from ‘ hands‐on’ to manager increased the department's capacity to facilitate clinical placements while maintaining productivity and staff morale.
Effects of a hospital ward eating environment on patients' mealtime experience: A pilot study
Authors: Hartwell Heather J. , Shepherd Paula A. , Edwards John S.A. 
Published: June 2013

AbstractAimsThis study focuses on a philosophy of providing ‘hospitality’ in a hospital setting, specifically an enhanced group dining environment from a ward operational perspective.MethodsAn eating environment, which offered an opportunity to create a group communitesque experience, was provided. Patients (n = 12, male = 6, female = 6) in recovery and rehabilitation stage were recruited from Orthopaedic wards at an Acute Care Hospital. They were given the opportunity to consume their meals together at tables that were covered with a table cloth and laid with cutlery, crockery, glasses, jugs of water and condiments. Interviews were conducted with ward staff and patient observations were collected in the form of field notes.ResultsThe research suggests that providing a group dining facility enables a more efficient, prompt and effective foodservice, while an ‘at‐home’ environment is also welcomed by patients.ConclusionIn hospital, patients have shared and common needs, interests and experiences. Creating a more home‐like environment may provide an opportunity to promote feelings of belonging and togetherness, which, in turn, will support the rehabilitation process, while aiding pragmatic operational practice.
An exploratory study of associations between Australian‐Indian mothers' use of controlling feeding practices, concerns and perceptions of children's weight and children's picky eating
Authors: Jani Mehta Rati , Mallan Kimberley M. , Mihrshahi Seema , Mandalika Subhadra , Daniels Lynne A. 
Published: June 2013

AbstractAimThis cross‐sectional study explores associations between migrant Indian mothers' use of controlling feeding practices (pressure to eat, restriction and monitoring) and their concerns and perceptions regarding their children's weight and picky eating behaviour.MethodsA total of 230 mothers with children aged 1–5 years, residing in Australia for 1–8 years, participated by completing a self‐reported questionnaire.ResultsPerceptions and concerns regarding children's weight were not associated with any of the controlling feeding practices. A positive association was noted between pressure‐feeding and perceptions of pickiness after adjusting for covariates: children's age, gender and weight‐for‐age Z‐score. Girls, older children, and children with higher weight‐for‐age Z‐scores were pressure‐fed to a greater extent.ConclusionsThis study supports the generalisation of findings from Caucasian literature that pressure‐feeding and perceptions of pickiness are positively related.
Correlation between senescence‐associated beta‐galactosidase expression in articular cartilage and disease severity of patients with knee osteoarthritis
Authors: Gao Shu‐Guang , Zeng Chao , Li Liang‐Jun , Luo Wei , Zhang Fang‐Jie , Tian Jian , Cheng Chao , Tu Min , Xiong Yi‐Lin , Jiang Wei , Xu Mai , Lei Guang‐Hua 
Published: June 2013

AbstractAimThe purposes of this study were to investigate senescence‐associated beta‐galactosidase (SA‐beta‐Gal) levels in articular cartilage of knee osteoarthritis (OA) and the relationship with severity of the disease.MethodsAll the 50 cartilage tissues, including normal (controls) andOAcartilage were ascribed to four groups of normal, mild lesions, moderate lesions and severe lesions on the basis of the modifiedMankin score. Immunohistochemistry was used to assess theSA‐beta‐Gal expression in articular cartilage.ResultsNoSA‐beta‐Gal staining was observed in the normal articular cartilage samples.SA‐beta‐Gal staining was found in a subset of the chondrocytes close to the lesion site of mild, moderate and severe damaged kneeOAcartilage. The percentage ofSA‐beta‐Gal‐positive chondrocytes in articular cartilage was 0% in controls, 13.00 ± 5.77% in mild lesions, 31.65 ± 6.91% in moderate lesions and 51.95 ± 6.21% in severe lesions.SA‐beta‐Gal expression in mild lesions, moderate lesions and severe lesions was higher compared with that of controls (P < 0.0001).SA‐beta‐Gal expression in moderate lesions and severe lesions were higher with respect to mild lesion samples (P < 0.0001).SA‐beta‐Gal expression in severe lesions was elevated compared with those of moderate lesions (P < 0.0001). Subsequent analysis showed that articular cartilageSA‐beta‐Gal levels correlated with severity of disease (Spearman's ρ = 0.94,P < 0.0001).ConclusionSA‐beta‐Gal expression in articular cartilage is associated with progressive kneeOAjoint damage and is a potential indictor of disease severity.
Validation of the Pelvic Floor Distress Inventory‐20 and the Pelvic Floor Impact Questionnaire‐7 in Danish women with pelvic organ prolapse
Authors: Due Ulla , Brostrøm Søren , Lose Gunnar 
Published: June 2013

AbstractObjectiveTo translate the Pelvic Floor Distress Inventory‐20 (PFDI‐20) and the Pelvic Floor Impact Questionnaire‐7 (PFIQ‐7) and to evaluate their psychometric properties in Danish women with symptomatic pelvic organ prolapse.Design and settingCross‐sectional, university hospital setting.SampleWomen with symptomatic pelvic organ prolapse (n = 132).MethodsA panel of gynecologists performed three independent translations, which were combined and psychometrically evaluated through interviews and pretesting.Main outcome measuresConstruct, content and convergent validity. Internal consistency and reliability. Sensitivity to change, responsiveness and minimal clinical important difference.ResultsAfter two revisions PFDI‐20 demonstrated good construct and content validity but PFIQ‐7 showed major ceiling effect and lacked items describing affection of health‐related quality of life. Convergent validity was moderate with only single items of PFDI‐20 correlating with the pelvic organ prolapse quantification system (POP‐Q) and only weak to moderate correlations between PFDI‐20 and PFIQ‐7 scores. Cronbach's alpha and inter‐item‐total correlation analysis were satisfactory overall. Intra‐class correlation coefficient demonstrated good reliability for all but one subscale (r = 0.701–0.894 p < 0.001). Wilcoxon signed rank test showed significant sensitivity to change. Effect size and standardized response mean was good in pelvic organ prolapse subscales and correlated with the Patient Global Index of Improvement scale (PGI‐I). Minimal clinical important difference could not be clearly demonstrated.ConclusionThe Danish version of PFDI‐20 is valid while the PFIQ‐7 has a major ceiling effect and lacks items about health‐related quality of life. The subscales of PFDI‐20 and PFIQ‐7 demonstrate good internal consistency and reliability. Pelvic organ prolapse subscales show good responsiveness.
RachelCarson's Toxic Discourse: Conjectures on Counterpublics, Stakeholders and the “Occupy Movement”
Authors: Wexler Mark N. 
Published: June 2013

AbstractThis article draws attention to the origins, forms, and implications of “toxic discourse” as a genre central to the understanding of the public sphere in business in society.RachelCarson'sSilentSpringis used as a pivotal cultural document establishing “toxic discourse” as an ongoing form of moral narrative rooted in the rationality of counterpublics. Toxic discourse is framed within a center/periphery model in which toxic discourse gains salience in periods of economic dislocation and uncertainty. In these periods, toxic discourse draws together those on the periphery or counterpublics who otherwise would not unite in their opposition to the center. The article critically examines how stakeholder theory, despite making sense of the public sphere for agents of organizations, glosses counterpublics and relegates toxic discourse, as evident in the “Occupy Movement,” to the ephemeral role of temporary, disruptive protest groups with very little of substance to communicate.
Epstein–Barr virus encoded RNA detected by in situ hybridization using cytological preparations
Authors: Garady C. , Saieg M. A. , Ko H. M. , Geddie W. R. , Boerner S. L. , da Cunha Santos G. 
Published: June 2013

ObjectiveDetection of Epstein–Barr virus (EBV) status might help in the diagnosis of EBV‐related neoplasms. The rate of successful assays for the detection of EBV‐infected cells in cytological preparations has not been fully explored. Our aims were to examine the rate of successful in situ hybridization (ISH) assays for EBV‐encoded RNA (EBER) in cytological specimens and to explore reasons for failure.MethodsAn electronic search selected cases with ISH‐EBER assays performed on cytological preparations during a 10‐year period. Data regarding patient age, gender and immune status, sample type and site, type of preparation, ISH‐EBER results, immunophenotyping and immunohistochemistry results, final diagnosis and correspondent histopathological samples were retrieved.ResultsSixty specimens from 58 patients with diagnoses of lymphoproliferative disorder (n = 35), carcinoma (n = 24) and sarcoma (n = 1) were identified. ISH‐EBER assays were performed on 50 cell block sections and on 10 cytospin preparations, with 22 positive and 32 negative results. Six tests (four cytospins and two cell block sections) failed owing to loss of material during the assay and background staining, with an overall failure rate of 10% and 4% if cytospins were excluded. Assays were performed on 13 cytology and surgical specimens from the same site, with only one discrepant result.ConclusionsCell block sections had more successful ISH‐EBER assays when compared with cytospins. Reasons for failure were loss of material on the slide and background staining. A high concordance rate with surgical specimens emphasizes the usefulness of cytological samples for determining EBV status in patients with exhausted or no histological material available.
Christianity and Opposition to the Death Penalty: Late Modern Shifts
Authors: Gudorf Christine E. 
Published: June 2013

AbstractThis article sketches the shifts in Christian thought and denominations on capital punishment from the early church to today in the United States, and then examines the ethical issues in the administration of capital punishment both before and since the Supreme Count stopped executions in 1972. The conclusion of the article is that overwhelming evidence of the injustice of death sentences could not sway popular support for capital punishment, but evidence that switching to life sentences could save states millions of dollars is swaying many pro‐death penalty voters and legislators.