bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Pan evaporation paradox and evaporative demand from the past to the future over China: a review
Authors: Wang Tingting , Zhang Jie , Sun Fubao , Liu Wenbin
Published: March 2017

In a warming climate, there was a long‐term expectation that the atmospheric evaporative demand would increase, which was challenged by an unexpected discovery two decades ago of decreases in measured pan evaporation, now widely termed as the ‘pan evaporation paradox.’ In this review, we summarize recent reports on the pan evaporation paradox around the world over the past half century, possible causes, implications for the water cycle, and its possible change in the future. We then present a case study of China based on the latest meteorological datasets and the state‐of‐the‐art General Circulation Models (GCMs). We confirm that pan evaporation (Epan) decreases in most parts of China at an average of about −2.60 mm/y2, and this decrease disappears around 1993. We introduce and develop a detrending approach in sensitivity analysis and find that changes in solar radiation, wind speed, and relative humidity overcompensate the positive contribution of increasing air temperature in Epan and lead to the well‐known pan evaporation paradox. Positive changes in Epan using 12 state‐of‐the‐art GCMs for 2021–2050 and for 2071–2100 under RCP4.5 and RCP8.5 scenarios, respectively, when compared with their corresponding multiyear mean over 1971–2000 as base line, shows that the evaporation paradox would not appear in the future. We highlight that it is vital and promising to move forward to interpreting how the atmospheric evaporative demand would change in the future. WIREs Water 2017, 4:e1207. doi: 10.1002/wat2.1207

This article is categorized under:

Science of Water > Hydrological Processes

Science of Water > Water and Environmental Change
Embedding carbon impact assessment in multi-criteria supplier segmentation using ELECTRE TRI-rC
Authors: Rezaei Jafar , Kadziński Miłosz , Vana Chrysoula , Tavasszy Lori
Published: March 2017

In the past decade, there has been an increasing interest in green supply chain management, which integrates environmental thinking into supply chain management. Assessing a supplier’s potential for improvement is very important when an organization wants to achieve certain environmental targets concerning their supply base, taking into account the limited resources available. In this paper, incorporating environmental evaluation criteria into a comprehensive supplier segmentation approach called ‘supplier potential matrix’ (SPM), a green supplier segmentation is proposed to segment the suppliers. Two overarching dimensions—supplier’s capabilities and supplier’s willingness—are used to evaluate the supplier’s green potential. The two dimensions are measured by multiple criteria. A sorting method called ELECTRE TRI-rC is used to solve the resulted multi-criteria decision-making problem. In order to make a more meaningful distinction, a simple method is also proposed to assess the suppliers with respect to the carbon footprint of the raw materials they supply. The results of this assessment are combined with the ones of the SPM, resulting in a more useful segmentation. The proposed model is applied to a sample containing the suppliers of a large international company.
Parenting and youth sexual risk in context: The role of community factors
Authors: Goodrum Nada M. , Armistead Lisa P. , Tully Erin C. , Cook Sarah L. , Skinner Donald
Published: March 2017

Black South African youth are disproportionately affected by HIV, and risky sexual behaviors increase youths' vulnerability to infection. U.S.‐based research has highlighted several contextual influences on sexual risk, but these processes have not been examined in a South African context. In a convenience sample of Black South African caregivers and their 10‐14‐year‐old youth (Mage = 11.7,SD = 1.4; 52.5% female), we examined the relation between parenting and youth sexual risk within the context of community‐level processes, including neighborhood quality and maternal social support. Hypotheses were evaluated using structural equation modeling. Results revealed that better neighborhood quality and more social support predicted positive parenting, which in turn predicted less youth sexual risk. There was a significant indirect effect from neighborhood quality to youth sexual risk via parenting. Results highlight the importance of the community context in parenting and youth sexual risk in this understudied sample. HIV prevention‐interventions should be informed by these contextual factors.
Development of rostral inferior parietal lobule area functional connectivity from late childhood to early adulthood
Authors: Wang Mengxing , Zhang Jilei , Dong Guangheng , Zhang Hui , Lu Haifeng , Du Xiaoxia
Published: March 2017

Although the mirror neuron system (MNS) has been extensively studied in monkeys and adult humans, very little is known about its development. Previous studies suggest that the MNS is present by infancy and that the brain and MNS‐related cognitive abilities (such as language, empathy, and imitation learning) continue to develop after childhood. In humans, the PFt area of the inferior parietal lobule (IPL) seems to particularly correlate with the functional properties of the PF area in primates, which contains mirror neurons. However, little is known about the functional connectivity (FC) of the PFt area with other brain areas and whether these networks change over time. Here, we investigated the FC development of the PFt area‐based network in 59 healthy subjects aged 7–26 years at resting‐state to study brain development from late childhood through adolescence to early adulthood. The bilateral PFt showed similar core FC networks, which included the frontal lobe, the cingulate gyri, the insula, the somatosensory cortex, the precuneus, the superior and inferior parietal lobules, the temporal lobe, and the cerebellum posterior lobes. Furthermore, the FC between the left PFt and the left IPL exhibited a significantly positive correlation with age, and the FC between the left PFt and the right postcentral gyrus exhibited a significantly negative correlation with age. In addition, the FC between the right PFt and the right putamen exhibited a significantly negative correlation with age. Our findings suggest that the PFt area‐based network develops and is reorganized with age.
Sugary beverage intake and preclinical Alzheimer's disease in the community
Authors: Pase Matthew P. , Himali Jayandra J. , Jacques Paul F. , DeCarli Charles , Satizabal Claudia L. , Aparicio Hugo , Vasan Ramachandran S. , Beiser Alexa S. , Seshadri Sudha
Published: March 2017

Introduction

Excess sugar consumption has been linked with Alzheimer's disease (AD) pathology in animal models.

Methods

We examined the cross‐sectional association of sugary beverage consumption with neuropsychological (N = 4276) and magnetic resonance imaging (N = 3846) markers of preclinical Alzheimer's disease and vascular brain injury (VBI) in the community‐based Framingham Heart Study. Intake of sugary beverages was estimated using a food frequency questionnaire.

Results

Relative to consuming less than one sugary beverage per day, higher intake of sugary beverages was associated with lower total brain volume (1–2/day, β ± standard error [SE] = −0.55 ± 0.14 mean percent difference, P = .0002; >2/day, β ± SE = −0.68 ± 0.18, P < .0001), and poorer performance on tests of episodic memory (all P < .01). Daily fruit juice intake was associated with lower total brain volume, hippocampal volume, and poorer episodic memory (all P < .05). Sugary beverage intake was not associated with VBI in a consistent manner across outcomes.

Discussion

Higher intake of sugary beverages was associated cross‐sectionally with markers of preclinical AD.
Importance of exercise testing shortly after subcutaneous implantable cardioverter‐defibrillator implantation in patients with Brugada syndrome – The first case of associated inappropriate shock in Japan
Authors: Ishibashi Kohei , Noda Takashi , Kamakura Tsukasa , Wada Mitsuru , Inoue Yuko , Okamura Hideo , Kusano Kengo
Published: March 2017

We report the case of a 51‐year‐old patient with Brugada syndrome (BrS) who experienced inappropriate shock due to T‐wave oversensing (TWOS) during exercise when the optimal sensing vector was selected based on the automatic analysis by a subcutaneous implantable cardioverter‐defibrillator (S‐ICD). After selecting another vector during exercise testing, TWOS did not re‐occur. Selection of appropriate sensing vector based on analyses under various conditions, including during exercise after S‐ICD implantation, should be considered for patients with BrS.
Bienestar psicológico en estudiantes de carreras de la salud
Authors: Sandoval Barrientos Sandra , Dorner París Anita , Véliz Burgos Alex
Published: March 2017

Introducción: En Chile, las carreras de salud han experimentado un auge en interés y matrícula en la última década; el desafío es hacer frente a la diversidad de perfiles de ingreso. En este escenario se hace imprescindible conocer las características socioemocionales y psicopedagógicas de aquellos que serán los encargados de desarrollar un plan de cuidado hacia las personas, con el fin de apoyarlos durante su desarrollo profesional. Objetivos: Se buscó identificar el nivel de bienestar psicológico de estudiantes del área de salud en una universidad estatal en el sur de Chile. Método: La investigación se desarrolló bajo el paradigma positivista. Es un estudio descriptivo de corte transversal. Participaron de forma voluntaria 190 estudiantes de salud de ambos géneros (M = 20.94, DT = 3.17). Se utilizó la escala de Bienestar Psicológico de Ryff (1989). Esta escala posee 6 dimensiones: (a) dominio del entorno, (b) propósito en la vida, (c) autonomía, (d) relaciones positivas, (e) autoaceptación y (f) crecimiento personal. Los valores de consistencia interna (alfa de Cronbach) de las dimensiones de la escala oscilan de 0.68 a 0.78. Resultados: Los resultados indican que un 40.6% de los estudiantes declaran tener claridad respecto a su propósito en la vida. Sin embargo, un 41.7% poseen un nivel deficitario de relaciones positivas con el entorno, un 26.6% declaran bajo nivel de autonomía y un 25.3%, bajo nivel de crecimiento personal. Las mujeres presentan medias más altas en las dimensiones relaciones positivas, dominio del entorno y crecimiento personal. Los hombres, un promedio más alto en autonomía. Conclusiones: Los resultados indicarían que se deben generar dispositivos desde las carreras de salud para apoyar el desarrollo socioafectivo de sus estudiantes.
Trajectory of phantom limb pain relief using mirror therapy: Retrospective analysis of two studies
Authors: Griffin Sarah C. , Curran Sean , Chan Annie W.Y. , Finn Sacha B. , Baker Chris I. , Pasquina Paul F. , Tsao Jack W.
Published: March 2017

Background and purpose

Research indicates that mirror therapy reduces phantom limb pain (PLP). Objectives were to determine when mirror therapy works in those who respond to treatment, the relevance of baseline PLP to when pain relief occurs, and what pain symptoms respond to mirror therapy.

Methods

Data from two independent cohorts with unilateral lower limb amputation were analyzed for this study (n = 33). Mirror therapy consisted of 15-min sessions in which amputees performed synchronous movements of the phantom and intact legs/feet. PLP was measured using a visual analogue scale and the Short-Form McGill Pain Questionnaire.

Results

The severity of PLP at the beginning of treatment predicted when pain relief occurred. Those with low baseline PLP experienced a reduction (p < 0.05) in PLP by session 7 of treatment, those with medium baseline PLP experienced pain relief by session 14 of treatment, and those with high baseline PLP experienced pain relief by session 21 of treatment. Mirror therapy reduced throbbing, shooting, stabbing, sharp, cramping, aching, tender, splitting, tiring/exhausting, and punishing-cruel pain symptoms.

Conclusion

The degree of PLP at baseline predicts when mirror therapy relieves pain.

Implications

This article indicates that the degree of baseline PLP affects when mirror therapy relieves pain: relief occurs by session 7 in patients with low PLP but by session 21 in patients with high PLP. Clinicians should anticipate slower pain relief in patients who begin treatment with high levels of pain.
Design of the ExCersion‐VCI study: The effect of aerobic exercise on cerebral perfusion in patients with vascular cognitive impairment
Authors: Leeuwis Anna E. , Hooghiemstra Astrid M. , Amier Raquel , Ferro Doeschka A. , Franken Leonie , Nijveldt Robin , Kuijer Joost P.A. , Bronzwaer Anne‐Sophie G.T. , van Lieshout Johannes J. , Rietberg Marc B. , Veerbeek Janne M. , Huijsmans Rosalie J. , Backx Frank J.G. , Teunissen Charlotte E. , Bron Esther E. , Barkhof Frederik , Prins Niels D. , Shahzad Rahil , Niessen Wiro J. , de Roos Albert , van Osch Matthias J.P. , van Rossum Albert C. , Biessels Geert J. , van der Flier Wiesje M. ,   Heart Brain Connection study group
Published: March 2017

There is evidence for a beneficial effect of aerobic exercise on cognition, but underlying mechanisms are unclear. In this study, we test the hypothesis that aerobic exercise increases cerebral blood flow (CBF) in patients with vascular cognitive impairment (VCI). This study is a multicenter single‐blind randomized controlled trial among 80 patients with VCI. Most important inclusion criteria are a diagnosis of VCI with Mini‐Mental State Examination ≥22 and Clinical Dementia Rating ≤0.5. Participants are randomized into an aerobic exercise group or a control group. The aerobic exercise program aims to improve cardiorespiratory fitness and takes 14 weeks, with a frequency of three times a week. Participants are provided with a bicycle ergometer at home. The control group receives two information meetings. Primary outcome measure is change in CBF. We expect this study to provide insight into the potential mechanism by which aerobic exercise improves hemodynamic status.
Impact of programs to reduce antipsychotic and anticholinergic use in nursing homes
Authors: Carnahan Ryan M. , Brown Grant D. , Letuchy Elena M. , Rubenstein Linda M. , Gryzlak Brian M. , Smith Marianne , Reist Jeffrey C. , Kelly Michael W. , Schultz Susan K. , Weckmann Michelle T. , Chrischilles Elizabeth A.
Published: March 2017

Introduction

Antipsychotics are used for managing behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD) but have risks. Anticholinergics can worsen outcomes in dementia. The Improving Antipsychotic Appropriateness in Dementia Patients educational program (IA‐ADAPT) and Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services Partnership to Improve Dementia Care (CMS Partnership) promote improved care for BPSD. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the impact of these programs on medication use and BPSD among nursing home residents.

Methods

This quasi‐experimental longitudinal study used Medicare and assessment data for Iowa nursing home residents from April 2011 to December 2012. Residents were required to be eligible for six continuous months for inclusion. Antipsychotic use and anticholinergic use were evaluated on a monthly basis, and changes in BPSD were tracked using assessment data. Results are presented as odds ratios (ORs) per month after exposure to the IA‐ADAPT or the start of the CMS Partnership.

Results

Of 426 eligible Iowa nursing homes, 114 were exposed to the IA‐ADAPT in 2012. Nursing home exposure to the IA‐ADAPT was associated with reduced antipsychotic use (OR [95% CI] = 0.92 [0.89–0.95]) and anticholinergic use (OR [95% CI] = 0.95 [0.92–0.98]), reduced use of excessive antipsychotic doses per CMS guidance (OR [95% CI] = 0.80 [0.75–0.86]), increased odds of a potentially appropriate indication among antipsychotic users (OR [95% CI] = 1.04 [1.00–1.09]), and decreased documentation of verbal aggression (OR [95% CI] = 0.96 [0.94–0.99]). Facilities with two or more IA‐ADAPT exposures had greater reductions in antipsychotic and anticholinergic use than those with only one. The CMS Partnership was associated with reduced antipsychotic use (OR [95% CI] = 0.96 [0.94–0.98]) and decreased documentation of any measured BPSD (OR [95% CI] = 0.98 [0.97–0.99]) as well as delirium specifically (OR [95% CI] = 0.98 [0.96–0.99]).

Discussion

This study suggests that the IA‐ADAPT and the CMS Partnership improved medication use with no adverse impact on BPSD.
Protective and antifungal properties of Nanodisk‐Amphotericin B over commercially available Amphotericin B
Authors: Cho Do‐Yeon , Hoffman Kyle J. , Gill Gobind S. , Lim Dong‐Jin , Skinner Daniel , Mackey Calvin , Rowe Steven M. , Woodworth Bradford A.
Published: March 2017

Objective

Amphotericin B (AMB), a potent antifungal agent, has been employed as topical and systemic therapy for sinonasal fungal infections. A novel formulation of nanodisc (ND) containing super aggregated AMB (ND‐AMB) for the treatment of fungal infections has been recently developed to provide greater protection from AMB toxicity than current, clinically approved lipid‐based formulations. The objective of the current study was to evaluate the safety and potency of ND‐AMB for sinonasal delivery using an in vitro model.

Methods

Human sinonasal tissue was harvested during endoscopic sinus surgery and grown at air–liquid interface until well‐differentiated. Cultures were exposed to ND‐AMB vs AMB and changes in K+ permeability and resistance were measured and recorded via Ussing chamber assay. Ciliary beat frequency (CBF) was analyzed in parallel as well as cytotoxic assay. Potency was assessed using real‐time PCR measurement of the Aspergillus fumigatus 18S rRNA.

Results

Ussing chamber studies revealed K+ currents that increased rapidly within 30 s of adding AMB (10 μg/mL) to the apical side, indicating apical membranes had become permeable to K+ ions. In contrast, negligible induction of K+ current was obtained following addition of ND‐AMB [AMB = (107.7 ± 15.9) μA/cm2 AMB vs ND‐AMB = (2.3 ± 0.7) μA/cm2 ND‐AMB; P = 0.005]. ND‐AMB also protected nasal epithelial cells from cytotoxicity of AMB (P < 0.05). There was no difference in ciliary beat frequency between the two groups (P = 0.96). The expression of A. fumigatus 18S rRNA with exposure of lower dose of ND‐AMB was significantly lower compared to that with AMB (P < 0.05).

Conclusions

Data from the present study suggests ND‐AMB protects human nasal epithelia membranes from AMB toxicity by protecting against apical cell K+ permeability while maintaining uncompromised antifungal property compared to AMB. ND‐AMB could provide a novel topical therapy for sinonasal fungal diseases.
Reimag(in)ing the Past
Authors: Emmitt Joshua , Sefton Briar , Phillipps Rebecca , Wendrich Willeke , Holdaway Simon
Published: March 2017

The excavation of the site of Kom W in the Fayum region of Egypt during the 1920s by Caton-Thompson and Gardner resulted in the loss of the original surface topography. Detailed section drawings recorded the surface and bottom of excavation, but it was previously difficult to interpret the published images. This article reports on the use of these images to create a three-dimensional representation of the site as it was before and after excavation in the 1920s. This visualization aids the interpretation of the formation processes that shaped Kom W in ways that were previously unachievable due to limitations in the original data. Archaeological sites are under increasing threat of destruction, especially in the Near East. This method could be applied to legacy data in order to reconstruct a site with the data available.
Cognitive Processing Therapy for the Treatment of Acute Stress Disorder Following Sexual Assault: A Randomised Effectiveness Study
Authors: Nixon Reginald D.V. , Best Talitha , Wilksch Sarah R. , Angelakis Samantha , Beatty Lisa J. , Weber Nathan
Published: March 2017

The effectiveness of individually administered cognitive processing therapy (CPT) when compared with treatment as usual (TAU) in a community sexual assault centre was tested. Trauma survivors with acute stress disorder (ASD) following sexual assault were randomised to either CPT (n= 25) or TAU (n= 22), and assessed at pretreatment, posttreatment, and 3-, 6- and 12-month follow-up. Both groups demonstrated large reductions in PTSD and depression symptoms following treatment, and these gains were maintained over the course of follow-ups (Cohen'sds for PTSD symptom reductions ranging between 0.76 to 1.45). Although smaller and not always consistent, between-group effect sizes typically favoured CPT. Effect sizes (d) ranged between 0.13–0.50 for posttraumatic stress and 0.13–0.41 for depression over the course of follow-ups. Independent assessment of PTSD severity indicated more CPT participants reached good end-state functioning at 12-month follow-up (50%) than TAU (31%). Although both treatments were effective, there were some indications that CPT led to better outcomes relative to therapists delivering their usual therapy. The present study demonstrates that evidence-based, trauma-focused therapy such as CPT can be effective when delivered as an early intervention in a routine mental health setting.
Coherent structures in statistically stationary homogeneous shear turbulence
Authors: Dong Siwei , Lozano-Durán Adrián , Sekimoto Atsushi , Jiménez Javier
Published: March 2017

The three-dimensional vortex clusters, and the structures based on the quadrant classification of the intense tangential Reynolds stress (Qs), are studied in direct numerical simulations of statistically stationary homogeneous shear turbulence (HST) at Taylor microscale Reynolds number $Re_{\unicode[STIX]{x1D706}}\approx 50{-}250$, with emphasis on comparisons with turbulent channels (CHs). The Qs and vortex clusters in HST are found to be versions of the corresponding detached (in the sense of del Álamo et al. (J. Fluid Mech., vol. 561 (2006), pp. 329–358)) structures in CHs, although statistically symmetrised with respect to the substitution of sweeps by ejections and vice versa. In turn, these are more symmetric versions of the corresponding attached Qs and clusters. In both flows, only co-gradient sweeps and ejections larger than the local Corrsin scale are found to couple with the shear. They are oriented anisotropically, and are responsible for carrying most of the total Reynolds stress. Most large eddies in CHs are attached to the wall, but it is shown that this is probably a geometric consequence of their size, rather than the reason for their dynamical significance. Most small Q structures associated with different quadrants are far from each other in comparison to their size, but those that are close to each other tend to form quasi-streamwise trains of groups of a sweep and an ejection paired side by side in the spanwise direction, with a vortex cluster in between, generalising to three dimensions the corresponding arrangement of attached eddies in CHs. These pairs are organised around an inclined large-scale conditional vortex ‘roller’, and it is shown that the composite structure tends to be located at the interface between high- and low-velocity streaks, as well as in strong ‘co-gradient’ shear layers that separate streaks of either sign in which velocity is more uniform. It is further found that the conditional rollers are terminated by ‘hooks’ reminiscent of hairpins, both upright and inverted. The inverted hook weakens as the structures approach the wall, while the upright one changes little. At the same time, the inclination of the roller with respect to the mean velocity decreases from $45^{\circ }$ in HST to quasi-streamwise for wall-attached eddies. Many of these observations are generalised to intense Reynolds stresses formed with different pairs of velocity components, and it is shown that most properties of the small structures can be traced to their definitions, rather than to their dynamics. It is concluded that the larger Reynolds-stress structures are associated with shear turbulence, rather than with the presence of a wall, while the smaller ones are generic to turbulence in general, whether sheared or not.
Link between black carbon, fires, climate change, and human activity during the Holocene period shown in the loess-paleosol sequence from Henan, China
Authors: Mu Yan , Qin Xiaoguang , Zhang Lei , Xu Bing
Published: March 2017

Henan was the site of development for several ancient cultures during the Holocene. In this study, black carbon (BC) in the Holocene sediment is compared with known climatic changes and cultural events to provide information concerning the link between fire, climatic changes, and human activity in Xiangcheng. Prior to 8000 cal yr BP, the occurrence of fires was low under cold and dry climatic conditions. The BC content in 8000–1000calyrBP indicates a gradual increase in fire, with two peak values at 7500calyrBP and 3500 cal yr BP. The first peak correlates to the development of the Peiligang culture, and the second peak correlates to the development of wet and warm climate conditions along with the appearance of the Xia–Shang dynasties. Increases in fire activity could therefore be attributed to climate change and the development of human civilization in the region. Another sharp increase in fires around 1000calyrBP was consistent with a sharp increase in population during the Tang dynasty.
The role of fish in the diet of swordfish (Xiphias gladius) in the Strait of Gibraltar
Authors: Abid Noureddine , Laglaoui Amin , Arakrak Abdelhay , Bakkali Mohammed
Published: March 2017

To study the diet of the swordfish (Xiphias gladius) in the Strait of Gibraltar, a total of 176 stomachs were examined from the Moroccan artisanal fishery targeting this species, from April to September 2015. The frequency of occurrence (FO), percentage in number and in weight of prey as well as the per cent index of relative importance of prey (%IRI) were calculated to assess the diet preferences of swordfish in relation to its body size, sex and month. Our findings confirm the opportunistic feeding behaviour of swordfish. The prey items consist primarily of fish (54.6% in number and 82.7% in weight), followed by cephalopod (43.36% in number and 17.25% in weight). The Atlantic horse mackerel (Trachurus trachurus) and the southern shortfin squid (Illex coindetii) are the most important prey, with a % IRI of 47.54 and 35.04%, respectively. The results revealed that there are no significant differences in the diet preferences among sexes and size classes. However, diet composition varied significantly among months. A significant correlation was found between the body length of predator and prey size. The remarkable decrease in the fullness index (fi) from June to August suggests that swordfish were in a spawning condition, with reduced feeding.
What does client ‘engagement’ mean in aged care? An analysis of practice
Authors: PETRIWSKYJ ANDREA , GIBSON ALEXANDRA , WEBBY GLENYS
Published: March 2017

Client engagement is an important part of contemporary aged care. However, the extent to which decisions are delegated to the older person, and the scope of issues about which decision making occurs, vary. The types of engagement that are offered to, and taken up by, aged-care clients have implications for the extent of power and influence older people hold. This paper reports on a qualitative study conducted in a large Australian service provider. It identifies the forms that client engagement takes in the aged-care context, the roles for staff and older people that are enacted through these activities, and the implications these have for power relationships and older people's influence. An inverse relationship was seen between the depth and scope of client influence, but a desire to address this suggested potential spaces for greater empowerment. A relationship was evident between the retention of control by staff and the perceived effectiveness of existing engagement strategies, highlighting the limitations of traditional power dynamics in engagement practice. An expanded model of engagement in aged care is proposed that recognises the foundational role of connection building as a facilitator of greater empowerment for older people. Implications for theory regarding engagement in aged care, and the practice of engagement in aged-care organisations, are discussed.
A qualitative study into the prospect of working longer for physiotherapists in the United Kingdom's National Health Service
Authors: ROY DEBORAH , WEYMAN ANDREW , GEORGE ANITHA , HUDSON-SHARP NATHAN
Published: March 2017

Little is known about the perspectives of health-care workers when it comes to prolonging their working lives. This exploratory paper focuses on physiotherapists and aims to offer new insights into the underlying processes that may influence perceptions of ageing and how they impact on motivation to work longer. Data gathering took the form of focus groups with 43 National Health Service physiotherapists. A thematic analysis was used to characterise and articulate key concepts and meanings. The analysis applied interpretive techniques. The six headline themes to emerge were: worry over physical capability and ability to cope; the need to maintain a professional image; work, retirement and exit norms; beliefs about ageing; extrinsic job demands; organisational support – line management; and organisational support – career progression. The key findings suggest that the current unchanging context of high job demands is very salient, consequently resulting in negative and pessimistic feelings about capabilities when it comes to being an older worker and having an extended working life.
Indicators, Rankings and the Political Economy of Academic Production in International Law
Authors: GORDON GEOFF
Published: March 2017

Rankings and indicators have been with us for a while now, and have increasingly been objects of attention in international law. Likewise, they have been with the LJIL as a journal for a while now. Our so-called ‘impact factor’ is, to my untrained eye, the most prominent feature on the LJIL webpage hosted by our publisher. So this editorial is something of a rearguard action. The indicators and rankings, however, keep piling up. Proliferation may afford a perverse sort of optimism, about which below but, as will be clear, I do not share it. The increasing number and command of indicators and rankings reflects a consistent trend and a bleak mode of knowledge production. Knowledge production has been a topic in these pages recently, for instance Sara Kendall's excellent editorial on academic production and the politics of inclusion. I mean to continue in that vein, with respect to other aspects of the political economy of the academic production of international law, especially at a nexus of publishing, scholarship and market practices. There is an undeniable element of nostalgia in what will follow, but I do not really mean to celebrate the publishing industry, status quo ante, that has put me in this privileged position to wax nostalgic. The academic publishing business is flawed. What we are preparing the way for is worse. When I say we, I mean to flag my complicity, both as an individual researcher and as an editorial board member. I use the word complicity to convey a personal anxiety, also in my role as editor, so let me be clear: the LJIL board has no policy concerning rankings, and rankings have never influenced review at the journal. Moreover, while I cannot claim to speak for the LJIL as a whole concerning the topic of rankings or any other matter, nor is mine exactly a dissenting voice on the board. The tone of this polemic is mine alone; the concern is not.
Pneumococcal nasopharyngeal carriage among children in Brazil prior to the introduction of the 10-valent conjugate vaccine: a culture- and PCR-based survey
Authors: RODRIGUES H. G. , PINTO T. C. A. , BARROS R. R. , TEIXEIRA L. M. , NEVES F. P. G.
Published: March 2017

We performed two different approaches (broth enrichment step prior to culture (BEC) and PCR (BEPCR)) for detectingStreptococcus pneumoniaefrom nasopharyngeal specimens collected from 242 children aged <6 years attending one hospital (n= 140) and one childcare centre (n= 102) in a major urban area in Brazil. These specimens were collected immediately before the introduction of the 10-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV10) and the 13-valent vaccine (PCV13) for routine use in Brazil. Results were compared with previous findings obtained with direct culture (DC) on a selective medium. Colonisation prevalence was 58·3% (n= 141), being higher among children attending the childcare centre (62·7%vs.55%). The culture-based methods (DC and BEC) enabled the detection ofS. pneumoniaein 119 (49·2%) and 115 (47·5%) children, respectively. The PCR-based method (BEPCR) was more sensitive and 137 (56·6%) carriers were identified. Twenty-six serogroups/serotypes were identified, predominantly 6B, 19F, 14, 6A, 15C and 23F. Multiple colonisation was observed in 13 (5·4%) children. The estimated serotypes coverage of available PCVs was 40·4% for the 10-valent (included in the Brazilian immunisation programme) and 55·8% for the 13-valent (only available in private clinics). The use of robust approaches to obtain a more realistic insight about the asymptomatic carrier status is of paramount importance to estimate and assess the impact of vaccine implementation. The combination between culture-based and molecular methods constitutes a suitable strategy.
Systematic review of risk prediction scores for surgical site infection or periprosthetic joint infection following joint arthroplasty
Authors: KUNUTSOR S. K. , WHITEHOUSE M. R. , BLOM A. W. , BESWICK A. D.
Published: March 2017

Accurate identification of individuals at high risk of surgical site infections (SSIs) or periprosthetic joint infections (PJIs) influences clinical decisions and development of preventive strategies. We aimed to determine progress in the development and validation of risk prediction models for SSI or PJI using a systematic review. We searched for studies that have developed or validated a risk prediction tool for SSI or PJI following joint replacement in MEDLINE, EMBASE, Web of Science and Cochrane databases; trial registers and reference lists of studies up to September 2016. Nine studies describing 16 risk scores for SSI or PJI were identified. The number of component variables in a risk score ranged from 4 to 45. The C-index ranged from 0·56 to 0·74, with only three risk scores reporting a discriminative ability of >0·70. Five risk scores were validated internally. The National Healthcare Safety Network SSIs risk models for hip and knee arthroplasties (HPRO and KPRO) were the only scores to be externally validated. Except for HPRO which shows some promise for use in a clinical setting (based on predictive performance and external validation), none of the identified risk scores can be considered ready for use. Further research is urgently warranted within the field.
Seminal cell-free DNA levels measured by PicoGreen fluorochrome are associated with sperm fertility criteria
Authors: Costa F. , Barbisan F. , Assmann C.E. , Araújo N.K.F. , de Oliveira A.R. , Signori J.P. , Rogalski F. , Bonadiman B. , Fernandes M. S. , da Cruz I.B.M.
Published: March 2017

Previous investigations suggested that elevated cell-free DNA (cfDNA) can indicate non-healthy states. However, the potential association between cfDNA seminal plasma levels and fertility sperm parameters has not yet been determined. Therefore, the present study evaluated the association between seminal cfDNA levels and sperm fertility criteria to determine the use of seminal cfDNA quantification. Anin vivoprotocol quantified cfDNA levels of semen samples obtained from 163 male patients using fluorescent PicoGreen dye staining. To confirm if semen cfDNA quantification is realistic, anin vitrocomplementary test was performed using three or four semen samples. The fresh sperm samples were exposed to paraquat that generates high levels of superoxide anion causing oxidative stress and cell mortality. The results showed significant association between dsDNA levels and several sperm fertility parameters, such as low viability and alterations of motility and morphology. Thein vitroanalysis confirmed the association between dsDNA levels and sperm viability. Together, these results suggest that dsDNA levels could be an important biomarker to test sperm fertility.
Effects of ghrelin on activation of Akt1 and ERK1/2 pathways duringin vitromaturation of bovine oocytes
Authors: Chouzouris Thomas-Markos , Dovolou Eleni , Krania Fotini , Pappas Ioannis S. , Dafopoulos Konstantinos , Messinis Ioannis E. , Anifandis George , Amiridis Georgios S.
Published: March 2017

The purpose of this study was to investigate the possible molecular pathways through which ghrelin acceleratesin vitrooocyte maturation. Bovine cumulus–oocyte complexes (COCs), after 18 or 24 h maturation in the absence or the presence of 800 pg ml–1of acylated ghrelin were either assessed for nuclear maturation or underwentin vitrofertilization in standard media and putative zygotes were culturedin vitrofor 8 days. In a subset of COCs the levels of phosphorylated Akt1 and ERK1/2 (MAPK1/3) were assessed at the 0th, 6th, 10th, 18thand 24thhours ofin vitromaturation (IVM). At 18 and 24 h no difference existed in the proportion of matured oocytes in the ghrelin-treated group, while in the control group more (P< 0.05) matured oocyte were found at 24 h. Oocyte maturation for 24 h in the presence of ghrelin resulted in substantially reduced (P< 0.05) blastocyst yield(16.3%) in comparison with that obtained after 18 h (30.0%) or to both control groups (29.3% and 26.9%, for 18 and 24 h in maturation, respectively). Ghrelin-treated oocytes expressed lower Akt1 phosphorylation rate at the 10thhour of IVM, and higher ERK1/2 at the 6thand 10thhours of IVM compared with controls. In cumulus cells, at the 18thand 24thhours of IVM Akt1 phosphorylation rate was higher in ghrelin-treated oocytes. Our results imply that ghrelin acts in a different time-dependent manner on bovine oocytes and cumulus cells modulating Akt1 and ERK1/2 phosphorylation, which brings about acceleration of the oocyte maturation process.
Mixed features: evolution of the concept, past and current definitions, and future prospects
Authors: Swann Alan C.
Published: March 2017

Mixed states address the relationships between episodes and the course of an illness, presenting significant clinical challenges. Recurrent affective disorders were described thousands of years ago as dimensional disturbances of the basic elements of behavior, combining the characteristics of what we would now consider manic and depressive episodes. It was recognized from the beginning that combinations of depressive and manic features are associated with a severe illness course, including increased suicide risk. Early descriptions of affective disorders formulated them as systemic illnesses, a concept supported by more recent data. Descriptions of affective disorders and their course, including mixed states, became more systematic during the 19th century. Structured criteria achieved importance with evidence that, in addition to early onset, frequent recurrence, and comorbid problems, mixed states had worse treatment outcomes than other episodes. In contrast to 2000 years of literature on recurrent affective episodes and mixed states, the unipolar–bipolar disorder distinction was formalized in the mid-20th century. Mixed-state criteria, initially developed for bipolar disorder, ranged from fully combined depression and mania to the DSM–5 criteria, no longer limited to bipolar disorder, of a primary depressive or manic episode with at least three symptoms of the other episode type. The challenges involved in understanding and identifying mixed states center largely on what drives them, including (1) their formulation as either categorical or dimensional constructs, (2) the specificity of their relationships to depressive or manic episodes, and (3) specificity for bipolar versus major depressive disorder. Their existence challenges the distinction between bipolar and major depressive disorders. The challenges involved in identifying the underlying physiological mechanisms go to the heart of these questions.
The dark side of dopaminergic therapies in Parkinson’s disease: shedding light on aberrant salience
Authors: Poletti Michele
Published: March 2017

Psychotic subjects and patients with Parkinson’s disease (PD) “on” dopaminergic drugs, especially on dopamine agonists, present a hyperdopaminergic state that interferes with learning processing. These clinical populations present with distinct alterations of learning that share an increased potential motivational significance of stimuli: psychotic subjects may attribute salience to neutral stimuli, while medicated PD patients may overvalue rewards. Herein is discussed the speculative hypothesis that the hyperdopaminergic state induced by dopaminergic treatments, especially with dopamine agonists, may also facilitate the attribution of salience to neutral stimuli in PD patients, altering the physiological attribution of salience. Preliminary empirical evidence is in agreement with this speculative hypothesis, which needs further empirical investigation. The clinical implications of this hypothesis are discussed in relation to behavioral addictions, psychosis proneness, and enhanced creativity in medicated PD patients.
From Site-specific to Site-responsive: Sound art performances as participatory milieu
Authors: Hayes Lauren
Published: March 2017

This article concerns context-based live electronic music, specifically performances which occur in response to a particular location or space. I outline a set of practices which can be more accurately described as site-responsive, rather than site-specific. I develop a methodological framework for site-responsive live electronic music in three stages. First, I discuss the ambiguity of the termsite-specificby drawing on its origins within the visual arts and providing examples of how it has been used within sound art. I then suggest that site-responsive performance might be a more helpful way of describing this type of activity. I argue that it affords an opportunity for music to mediate the social, drawing on Small’s idea of music as sets of third-order relationships, and Bourriaud’s relational aesthetics. Third, I suggest that with the current renewed trend for performances occurring outside of cultural institutions, it is important to be mindful of the identity of a particular site, and those who have a cultural connection to it. I make reference to a series of works within my own creative practice which have explored these ideas.
THE MELLIN CENTRAL PROJECTION TRANSFORM
Authors: YANG JIANWEI , ZHANG LIANG , LU ZHENGDA
Published: March 2017

The central projection transform can be employed to extract invariant features by combining contour-based and region-based methods. However, the central projection transform only considers the accumulation of the pixels along the radial direction. Consequently, information along the radial direction is inevitably lost. In this paper, we propose the Mellin central projection transform to extract affine invariant features. The radial factor introduced by the Mellin transform, makes up for the loss of information along the radial direction by the central projection transform. The Mellin central projection transform can convert any object into a closed curve as a central projection transform, so the central projection transform is only a special case of the Mellin central projection transform. We prove that closed curves extracted from the original image and the affine transformed image by the Mellin central projection transform satisfy the same affine transform relationship. A method is provided for the extraction of affine invariants by employing the area of closed curves derived by the Mellin central projection transform. Experiments have been conducted on some printed Chinese characters and the results establish the invariance and robustness of the extracted features.
Environmental enteropathy is associated with cardiometabolic risk factors in Peruvian children
Authors: Lee G. O. , Olortegui M. Paredes , Salas M. Siguas , Yori P. Peñataro , Trigoso D. Rengifo , Kosek P. , Mispireta M. L. , Oberhelman R. , Caulfield L. E. , Kosek M. N.
Published: March 2017

Environmental enteropathy (EE) is a syndrome of altered small intestine structure and function hypothesized to be common among individuals lacking access to improved water and sanitation. There are plausible biological mechanisms, both inflammatory and non-inflammatory, by which EE may alter the cardiometabolic profile. Here, we test the hypothesis that EE is associated with the cardiometabolic profile among young children living in an environment of intense enteropathogen exposure. In total, 156 children participating in the Peruvian cohort of a multicenter study on childhood infectious diseases, growth and development were contacted at 3–5 years of age. The urinary lactulose:mannitol ratio, and plasma antibody to endotoxin core were determined in order to assess intestinal permeability and bacterial translocation. Blood pressure, anthropometry, fasting plasma glucose, insulin, and cholesterol and apolipoprotein profiles were also assessed. Extant cohort data were also used to relate biomarkers of EE during the first 18 months of life to early child cardiometabolic profile. Lower intestinal surface area, as assessed by percent mannitol excretion, was associated with lower apolipoprotein-AI and lower high-density lipoprotein concentrations. Lower intestinal surface area was also associated with greater blood pressure. Inflammation at 7 months of age was associated with higher blood pressure in later childhood. This study supports the potential for a relationship between EE and the cardiometabolic profile.
Base resolution maps reveal the importance of
5-hydroxymethylcytosine in a human glioblastoma
Authors: Raiber Eun-Ang , Beraldi Dario , Martínez Cuesta Sergio , McInroy Gordon R. , Kingsbury Zoya , Becq Jennifer , James Terena , Lopes Margarida , Allinson Kieren , Field Sarah , Humphray Sean , Santarius Thomas , Watts Colin , Bentley David , Balasubramanian Shankar
Published: March 2017

Aberrant genetic and epigenetic variations drive malignant transformation and are hallmarks of cancer. Using PCR-free sample preparation we achieved the first in-depth whole genome (hydroxyl)-methylcytosine, single-base-resolution maps from a glioblastoma tumour/margin sample of a patient. Our data provide new insights into how genetic and epigenetic variations are interrelated. In the tumour, global hypermethylation with a depletion of 5-hydroxymethylcytosine was observed. The majority of single nucleotide variations were identified as cytosine-to-thymine deamination products within CpG context, where cytosine was preferentially methylated in the margin. Notably, we observe that cells neighbouring tumour cells display epigenetic alterations characteristic of the tumour itself although genetically they appear “normal”. This shows the potential transfer of epigenetic information between cells that contributes to the intratumour heterogeneity of glioblastoma. Together, our reference (epi)-genome provides a human model system for future studies that aim to explore the link between genetic and epigenetic variations in cancer progression.