bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The effectiveness of workplace coaching: A meta‐analysis of learning and performance outcomes from coaching
Authors: Jones Rebecca J. , Woods Stephen A. , Guillaume Yves R. F. 
Published: April 2015

This study presents a meta‐analysis synthesizing the existing research on the effectiveness of workplace coaching. We exclusively explore workplace coaching provided by internal or external coaches and therefore exclude cases of manager–subordinate and peer coaching. We propose a framework of potential outcomes from coaching in organizations, which we examine meta‐analytically (k = 17). Our analyses indicated that coaching had positive effects on organizational outcomes overall (δ = 0.36), and on specific forms of outcome criteria (skill‐based δ = 0.28; affective δ = 0.51; individual‐level results δ = 1.24). We also examined moderation by a number of coaching practice factors (use of multisource feedback; type of coach; coaching format; longevity of coaching). Our analyses of practice moderators indicated a significant moderation of effect size for type of coach (with effects being stronger for internal coaches compared to external coaches) and use of multisource feedback (with the use of multisource feedback resulting in smaller positive effects). We found no moderation of effect size by coaching format (comparing face‐to‐face, with blended face‐to‐face and e‐coaching) or duration of coaching (number of sessions or longevity of intervention). The effect sizes give support to the potential utility of coaching in organizations. Implications for coaching research and practice are discussed.Practitioner pointsOur meta‐analysis supports the positive effects of workplace coaching as an approach to employee learning and development in organizations, with a variety of criteria.Our findings indicate that coaching was more effective when conducted by internal coaches and when multisource feedback was excluded.Workplace coaching was effective whether conducted face‐to‐face or using blended techniques (i.e., blending face‐to‐face with e‐coaching).
The cost of long‐term follow‐up of high‐risk infants for research studies
Authors: Doyle Lex W , Clucas Luisa , Roberts Gehan , Davis Noni , Duff Julianne , Callanan Catherine , McDonald Marion , Anderson Peter J , Cheong Jeanie LY 
Published: April 2015

AimsNeonatal intensive care is expensive, and thus it is essential that its long‐term outcomes are measured. The costs of follow‐up studies for high‐risk children who survive are unknown. This study aims to determine current costs for the assessment of health and development of children followed up in our research programme.MethodsCosts were determined for children involved in the research follow‐up programme at the Royal Women's Hospital, Melbourne, over the 6‐month period between 1st January 2012 and 30th June 2012. The time required for health professionals involved in assessments in early and later childhood was estimated, and converted into dollar costs. Costs for equipment and data management were added. Estimated costs were compared with actual costs of running the research follow‐up programme.ResultsA total of 134 children were assessed over the 6‐month period. The estimated average cost per child assessed was $1184, much higher than was expected. The estimated cost to assess a toddler was $1149, whereas for an 11‐year‐old it was $1443, the difference attributable to the longer psychological and paediatric assessments. The actual average cost per child assessed was $1623. The shortfall of $439 between the actual and estimated average costs per child arose chiefly because of the need to pay staff even when participants were late or failed to attend.ConclusionsThe average costs of assessing children at each age for research studies are much higher than expected. These data are useful for planning similar long‐term follow‐up assessments for high‐risk children.
Effect of dietary excess of branched‐chain amino acids on performance and serum concentrations of amino acids in growing pigs
Authors: Morales A. , Arce N. , Cota M. , Buenabad L. , Avelar E. , Htoo J. K. , Cervantes M. 
Published: April 2015

SummaryDepressed performance and availability of some amino acids (AA) in pigs fed excess Leu diets appear to be related to lower feed intake. Surplus Ile and Val may help to overcome this effect. An experiment was conducted with 24 pigs (31.8 ± 1.2 kg initial BW) to evaluate the effect of dietary excess of either Leu alone or with surplus Ile and Val on performance and serum concentration (SC) of essential AA. Treatments were as follows: T1, basal diet; T2, basal plus 0.43% L‐Leu (excess Leu); T3, basal added with 0.43% L‐Leu, plus 0.20% L‐Ile and 0.25% L‐Val (excess LIV). The basal diet was formulated to contain 0.90% standardized ileal digestible Lys and added with crystalline L‐Lys, L‐Thr, DL‐Met, L‐Trp, L‐Leu, L‐Ile, L‐His and L‐Val to create essential AA:Lys ratios close to an ideal protein for growing pigs. All pigs were fed the same amount of feed twice a day (average, 3.42× the requirement of NEm). Blood samples were collected at 2.5 (absorptive) and 11.0 h (post‐absorptive) post‐prandial to analyse SC of AA. Excess of either Leu or LIV did not affect growth rate nor feed conversion. Excess Leu increased Leu SC and decreased Ile and Val SC (p < 0.05) at both absorptive and post‐absorptive phases, but excess LIV restored the SC of Ile and Val. The SC of other essential AA was not affected by excess of either Leu or LIV. The SC of all AA during absorptive, on average, was about two times higher than that of post‐absorptive phase. These results suggest that the reduced availability (SC) of Ile and Val in pigs consuming excess Leu diets is attributed to a reduced absorption and increased cellular degradation rates of them.
Evaluation of portal hypertension by real‐time shear wave elastography in cirrhotic patients
Authors: Kim Tae Yeob , Jeong Woo Kyoung , Sohn Joo Hyun , Kim Jinoo , Kim Min Yeong , Kim Yongsoo 
Published: April 2015

AbstractBackground & AimsTo assess the correlation between liver stiffness measurement (LSM) by real‐time shear wave elastography (SWE) and hepatic venous pressure gradient (HVPG) and to investigate the diagnostic performance of SWE for predicting clinically significant and severe portal hypertension (CSPH and SPH).MethodsClinical data of 115 cirrhotic patients with haemodynamic measurement were consecutively collected. Liver stiffness (LS) was measured using SWE by repeated performance five times per patient, and the median value and interquartile range of the parameters on the same day of HVPG measurement was calculated. CSPH and SPH were defined as a HVPG ≥10 mmHg and ≥12 mmHg respectively.ResultsA total of 92 patients (male, 63; mean age, 53 ± 11.9 years) were eligible for analysis. CSPH and SPH were detected in 77 patients (83.7%) and 66 patients (71.5%) respectively. HVPG were significantly correlated with LSM in the overall, CSPH, and SPH patients (r = 0.646, 0.574 and 0.424 respectively; all P < 0.001). With ascites, the correlation coefficient did not decrease (r = 0.587). The AUROCs of LSM was 0.819 (95% CI, 0.725–0.892) for CSPH and 0.867 (95% CI, 0.780–0.928) for SPH. The cut‐off values for determining CSPH and SPH were 15.2 kPa (Sensitivity, 85.7%; Specificity, 80.0%) and 21.6 kPa (Sensitivity, 83.3%; Specificity, 80.8%) respectively.ConclusionIn cirrhotic patients, LSM by SWE is highly correlated with HVPG value regardless of ascites. SWE is a new reliable non‐invasive diagnostic tool to predict CSPH and SPH, even in cirrhotic patients with ascites.
The integrative role of leptin, oestrogen and the insulin family in obesity‐associated breast cancer: potential effects of exercise
Authors: Schmidt S. , Monk J. M. , Robinson L. E. , Mourtzakis M. 
Published: April 2015

SummaryObesity is an established risk factor for postmenopausal breast cancer. The mechanisms through which obesity influences the development and progression of breast cancer are not fully elucidated; however, several factors such as increased oestrogen, concentrations of various members of the insulin family and inflammation that are associated with adiposity are purported to be important factors in this relationship. Emerging research has also begun to focus on the role of adipokines, (i.e. adipocyte secreted factors), in breast cancer. Leptin secretion is directly related to adiposity and is believed to promote breast cancer directly and independently, as well as through involvement with the oestrogen and insulin signalling pathways. As leptin is secreted from white adipose tissue, any intervention that reduces adiposity may be favourable. However, it is also important to consider that energy expenditure through exercise, independent of fat loss, may improve leptin regulation. The purpose of this narrative review was to explore the role of leptin in breast cancer development and progression, identify key interactions with oestrogen and the insulin family, and distinguish the potential effects of exercise on these interactions.
Promotion of Proapoptotic Signals by Lysosomal Photodamage
Authors: Kessel David , Reiners John J. 
Published: April 2015

AbstractWe previously reported that low‐level lysosomal photodamage enhanced the efficacy of subsequent mitochondrial photodamage, resulting in a substantial promotion of apoptotic cell death. We now extend our analysis of the sequential PDT protocol to include two additional lysosomal‐targeting photosensitizers. These agents, because of enhanced permeability, are more potent than the agent (N‐aspartyl chlorin E6, NPe6) used in the initial study. Addition of the cell‐permeable cysteine protease inhibitor E‐64d and calcium chelator BAPTA‐AM almost completely suppressed sequential PDT‐induced loss of mitochondrial membrane potential and activation of procaspases‐3 and ‐7. These inhibitors did not, however, suppress the proapoptotic effect of a BH3 mimetic or mitochondrial photodamage. Knockdowns of ATG7 or ATG5, proteins normally associated with autophagy, suppressed photodamage induced by the sequential PDT protocol. These effects appear to be independent of the autophagic process as pharmacological inhibition of autophagy offered no such protection. Effects of ATG7 and ATG5 knockdowns may reflect the role that ATG7 plays in regulating lysosome permeability, and the likelihood that a proteolytic fragment of ATG5 amplifies mitochondrial proapoptotic processes. Our results suggest that low‐dose photodamage that sequentially targets lysosomes and mitochondria may offer significant advantages over the use of single photosensitizers.
Intraregional and inter‐regional variability of herbicide sensitivity in common arable weed populations
Authors: de Mol F , Gerowitt B , Kaczmarek S , Matysiak K , Sønderskov M , Mathiassen S K 
Published: April 2015

SummaryThe question on intraregional versus inter‐regional variability in herbicide sensitivity for weed populations is of major importance, both in extrapolation of model parameters and in herbicide zonal approval procedures. We hypothesised that inter‐regional variability in herbicide sensitivity for field populations would be the same as intraregional variability for regions with similar climatic conditions. Seeds of field weed populations were collected in a Danish, German and Polish region. Herbicide sensitivity was tested in dose–response experiments in the glasshouse with flufenacet and iodosulfuron (Apera spica‐venti), florasulam and tribenuron (Tripleurospermum inodorum), diflufenican, diflufenican + flurtamone and pendimethalin (Viola arvensis). ED50 values and variance components of the ED50 values were estimated to describe the influence of region, year and population. The regions accounted for a maximum of 26% of the variance and always less than the variance accounted for by individual populations. Sensitivity indices (SI50) were calculated as the ratio between ED50 of the test population and a reference population. There was considerable intraregional variability in SI50 values and SI50 values from a single region did not consistently differ from other regions. The large intraregional variability in herbicide sensitivity between populations, with no evidence of resistance, is of interest both for zonal evaluation of herbicides and resistance research. For practical weed management, we conclude that dose–response functions can be transferred between the study regions, for example for the common use in decision support systems with proper insurance for the control of less sensitive populations.
Describing Polygonum aviculare emergence in different tillage systems
Authors: Royo‐Esnal A , García A L , Torra J , Forcella F , Recasens J 
Published: April 2015

SummaryEffects of four tillage systems (direct drill, subsoiler, chisel plough and mouldboard plough) on the dynamics of Polygonum aviculare populations were studied over three growing seasons. Cumulative emergence on a weekly basis was determined. Cumulative emergence from two years of chisel ploughing was used to develop an emergence model for P. aviculare based on hydrothermal time. Results showed that direct drilling, which had the highest seed yields of winter cereal crops every season, was the unique soil management system that lowered P. aviculare populations because of effective weed emergence reduction. The model accurately described seedling emergence in different tillage systems, although it failed in direct drilling, probably due to very low numbers of emerged seedlings. To better control this weed, direct drilling may be the best tillage option, but if this cannot be implemented, the hydrothermal time model is a practical tool that can describe the relative proportions of emergence and assist in the timing for management operations of P. aviculare in different tillage systems.
A sisters’ story: comparative phylogeography and taxonomy of Hierophis viridiflavus and H. gemonensis (Serpentes, Colubridae)
Authors: Mezzasalma Marcello , Dall'Asta Andrea , Loy Anna , Cheylan Marc , Lymberakis Petros , Zuffi Marco A. L. , Tomović Ljiljana , Odierna Gaetano , Guarino Fabio M. 
Published: April 2015

We used a multidisciplinary approach to infer the taxonomy and historical biogeography of Hierophis viridiflavus and H. gemonensis, performing molecular analyses of mitochondrial (16S, Cyt‐b, ND4) and nuclear markers (PRLR), a landmark‐based morphometric study and a cytogenetic analysis. Our data distinguished three main groups in the studied species, corresponding to H. gemonensis and to two monophyletic clades (E and W) within H. viridiflavus. Clades E and W display a significant genetic (about 4% for Cyt‐b and ND4) and morphological divergence and a different morphology of the W sex chromosome (submetacentric in clade E and telocentric in clade W). Taking into account the existing divergence, these clades appear to represent independent phylogenetic units, deserving elevation to species status. Specific names should be H. viridiflavus (Lacépède, 1789) and H. carbonarius (Bonaparte 1833) for clades W and E, respectively. The phylogeography of the studied species is only partially concordant with a general pattern of ‘southern richness and northern purity’ of genetic diversity, whereas H. gemonensis exhibits high genetic diversity at low latitudes (especially in the Peloponnese), H. carbonarius shows a number of different haplotypes both at low (along the southern Italian Apennines and in Sicily) and high latitudes in Italy. Furthermore, a relaxed clock model hypothesizes the differentiation between H. gemonensis and H. viridiflavus sensu lato at about 7 Mya, in the Messinian. Subsequently, the speciation involving H. viridiflavus sensu stricto and H. carbonarius took place in the Quaternary, probably as a result of Pleistocene climatic oscillations. Furthermore, our results are consistent with the existence of several ‘refugia within refugia’ in Italy and in the Balkans and depict the major cladogenesis as allopatric events, mainly driven by paleoclimatic and geographical factors.
Phenotype consequences of myophosphorylase dysfunction: insights from the McArdle mouse model
Authors: Brull Astrid , de Luna Noemí , Blanco‐Grau Albert , Lucia Alejandro , Martin Miguel Angel , Arenas Joaquin , Martí Ramon , Andreu Antoni L , Pinós Tomàs 
Published: April 2015

Key points
This is the first study to analyse the effect of muscle glycogen phosphorylase depletion in metabolically different muscle types.
In McArdle mice, muscle glycogen phosphorylase is absent in both oxidative and glycolytic muscles.
In McArdle mice, the glycogen debranching enzyme (catabolic) is increased in oxidative muscles, whereas the glycogen branching enzyme (anabolic) is increased in glycolytic muscles.
In McArdle mice, total glycogen synthase is decreased in both oxidative and glycolytic muscles, whereas the phosphorylated inactive form of the enzyme is increased in both oxidative and glycolytic enzymes.
In McArdle mice, glycogen content is higher in glycolytic muscles than in oxidative muscles. Additionally, in all muscles analysed, the glycogen content is higher in males than in females.
The maximal endurance capacity of the McArdle mice is significantly lower compared to heterozygous and wild‐type mice.
AbstractMcArdle disease, caused by inherited deficiency of the enzyme muscle glycogen phosphorylase (GP‐MM), is arguably the paradigm of exercise intolerance. The recent knock‐in (p.R50X/p.R50X) mouse disease model allows an investigation of the phenotypic consequences of muscle glycogen unavailability and the physiopathology of exercise intolerance. We analysed, in 2‐month‐old mice [wild‐type (wt/wt), heterozygous (p.R50X/wt) and p.R50X/p.R50X)], maximal endurance exercise capacity and the molecular consequences of an absence of GP‐MM in the main glycogen metabolism regulatory enzymes: glycogen synthase, glycogen branching enzyme and glycogen debranching enzyme, as well as glycogen content in slow‐twitch (soleus), intermediate (gastrocnemius) and glycolytic/fast‐twitch (extensor digitorum longus; EDL) muscles. Compared with wt/wt, exercise capacity (measured in a treadmill test) was impaired in p.R50X/p.R50X (∼48%) and p.R50X/wt mice (∼18%). p.R50X/p.R50X mice showed an absence of GP‐MM in the three muscles. GP‐MM was reduced in p.R50X/wt mice, especially in the soleus, suggesting that the function of ‘slow‐twitch’ muscles is less dependent on glycogen catabolism. p.R50X/p.R50X mice showed increased glycogen debranching enzyme in the soleus, increased glycogen branching enzyme in the gastrocnemius and EDL, as well as reduced levels of mucle glycogen synthase protein in the three muscles (mean ∼70%), reflecting a protective mechanism for preventing deleterious glycogen accumulation. Additionally, glycogen content was highest in the EDL of p.R50X/p.R50X mice. Amongst other findings, the present study shows that the expression of the main muscle glycogen regulatory enzymes differs depending on the muscle phenotype (slow‐ vs. fast‐twitch) and that even partial GP‐MM deficiency affects maximal endurance capacity. Our knock‐in model might help to provide insights into the importance of glycogen on muscle function.
Endocannabinoids mediate bidirectional striatal spike‐timing‐dependent plasticity
Authors: Cui Yihui , Paillé Vincent , Xu Hao , Genet Stéphane , Delord Bruno , Fino Elodie , Berry Hugues , Venance Laurent 
Published: April 2015

Key points
Although learning can arise from few or even a single trial, synaptic plasticity is commonly assessed under prolonged activation. Here, we explored the existence of rapid responsiveness of synaptic plasticity at corticostriatal synapses in a major synaptic learning rule, spike‐timing‐dependent plasticity (STDP).
We found that spike‐timing‐dependent depression (tLTD) progressively disappears when the number of paired stimulations (below 50 pairings) is decreased whereas spike‐timing‐dependent potentiation (tLTP) displays a biphasic profile: tLTP is observed for 75–100 pairings, is absent for 25–50 pairings and re‐emerges for 5–10 pairings.
This tLTP induced by low numbers of pairings (5–10) depends on activation of the endocannabinoid system, type‐1 cannabinoid receptor and the transient receptor potential vanilloid type‐1.
Endocannabinoid‐tLTP may represent a physiological mechanism operating during the rapid learning of new associative memories and behavioural rules characterizing the flexible behaviour of mammals or during the initial stages of habit learning.
AbstractSynaptic plasticity, a main substrate for learning and memory, is commonly assessed with prolonged stimulations. Since learning can arise from few or even a single trial, synaptic strength is expected to adapt rapidly. However, whether synaptic plasticity occurs in response to limited event occurrences remains elusive. To answer this question, we investigated whether a low number of paired stimulations can induce plasticity in a major synaptic learning rule, spike‐timing‐dependent plasticity (STDP). It is known that 100 pairings induce bidirectional STDP, i.e. spike‐timing‐dependent potentiation (tLTP) and depression (tLTD) at most central synapses. In rodent striatum, we found that tLTD progressively disappears when the number of paired stimulations is decreased (below 50 pairings) whereas tLTP displays a biphasic profile: tLTP is observed for 75–100 pairings, absent for 25–50 pairings and re‐emerges for 5–10 pairings. This tLTP, induced by very few pairings (∼5–10) depends on the endocannabinoid (eCB) system. This eCB‐dependent tLTP (eCB‐tLTP) involves postsynaptic endocannabinoid synthesis, requires paired activity (post‐ and presynaptic) and the activation of type‐1 cannabinoid receptor (CB1R) and transient receptor potential vanilloid type‐1 (TRPV1). eCB‐tLTP occurs in both striatopallidal and striatonigral medium‐sized spiny neurons (MSNs) and is dopamine dependent. Lastly, we show that eCB‐LTP and eCB‐LTD can be induced sequentially in the same neuron, depending on the cellular conditioning protocol. Thus, while endocannabinoids are usually thought simply to depress synaptic function, they also constitute a versatile system underlying bidirectional plasticity. Our results reveal a novel form of synaptic plasticity, eCB‐tLTP, which may underlie rapid learning capabilities characterizing behavioural flexibility.
A Review of NASA Combustor and Turbine Heat Transfer Research
Authors: Rudey Richard A. , Graham Robert W. 
Published: April 2015

The thermal design of the combustor and turbine of a gas turbine engine poses a number of difficult beat transfer problems. In current designs, there is substantial evidence to indicate that the capability for estimating critical metal temperatures lacks the needed certainty for reliable design practice. Such uncertainty has cost much in terms of money and development time for the newer engines now installed in United States aircraft. The importance of improved prediction techniques becomes more critical in anticipation of future generations of gas turbine engines which will operate at higher cycle pressure and temperatures. Costly development modifications will have to be avoided by being able to predict metal temperatures more accurately.
Research which addressses many of the complex heat transfer processes holds promise for yielding significant improvements in prediction of metal temperatures. Such research involves several kinds of programs including: 1) basic experiments which delineate the fundamental flow and heat transfer phenomena that occur in the hot sections of the gas turbine but at low enthalpy conditions; 2) analytical modeling of these flow and heat transfer phenomena which result from the physical insights gained in experimental research; and 3) verification of advanced prediction techniques in facilities which operate near the real engine thermodynamic conditions.
In this paper, key elements of the NASA program which involves turbine and combustor heat transfer research will be described and discussed. Research conducted within in the laboratories of the NASA Lewis Research Center and sponsored research being performed by universities and industrial laboratories will be included in this review.