bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Behavioural notes on the Neotropical parasocial spider wasp Ageniella (Lissagenia) flavipennis (Banks) (Hymenoptera: Pompilidae), with host association
Authors: DOS SANTOS EDUARDO F. , WAICHERT CECILIA , SCOTT DOS SANTOS CRISTIANE PRADO
Published: October 2016

1. Ageniella is a species‐rich group of spider wasps restricted to the New World. Knowledge regarding the behaviour of this genus is based mainly on the Nearctic species, which have been reported to nest solitarily in the soil. This study reports for the first time the nesting behaviour, with host association of Ageniella (Lissagenia) flavipennis Banks.

2. Behavioural aspects on the nesting of A. flavipennis were observed from a study of six nests found in an Atlantic Forest conservation area in São Paulo State, Brazil. Host specimens were collected from a nest, as well as while being carried by an A. flavipennis individual.

3. The present study reports the A. flavipennis females cohabiting or nesting solitarily in mud nests, indicating that this spider wasp shows some lower level of parasociality. In addition, the spider Enoploctenus cyclothorax (Bertkau) was reported for the first time as host. As has been observed for other Ageniellini, females of A. flavipennis amputate the host's legs and transport the spider to the nest, flying or walking forward.

4. Communal behaviour has been reported for species of different genera of Pompilidae, such as Macromeris Lepeletier, Paragenia Bingham and Auplopus Spinola. Recent phylogenetic analyses suggest that the Lissagenia species are more closely related to the other Ageniellini genera than to the other Ageniella species. The present information on nesting and prey could contribute towards a more conclusive phylogenetic position of Lissagenia.
Steering Dynamics in the Dutch Education System
Authors: Waslander Sietske , Hooge Edith , Drewes Tineke
Published: October 2016

Based on detailed empirical analyses, we paint a layered picture of emerging steering dynamics. Inspired by Foucault, we put the focus on roles stakeholders define both for themselves and others, how they give sense to policy, how they work together in policy elaboration and implementation, and the subtle and sometimes deceitful function of soft policy instruments such as information, communication, support and research. The policy to stimulate ‘schools as learning organisations' in secondary education in the Netherlands is used as a case study. The Dutch education system is one of the most decentralised en complex systems in the world. While central Government aims to turn schools into learning organisations, it has no formal responsibility nor any direct means of control in this area.

The study draws information from (1) relevant government reports, policy documents and websites and (2) semi‐structured interviews with key actors. Data analysis consisted of data reduction through coding and memoing, data displays in tables and networks, and drawing and verifying conclusions.

In the ground layer of the steering picture, we reconstruct how ‘schools as learning organisations' came to be a topic for Government policy. The next layer identifies 20 (networks of) actors who play a substantial role in steering. The mutual relationships between the main actors are manifold, while funding appears to be an important means for the Ministry to position actors in a steering network. A wide array of steering modes was identified. The last step in our analysis adds a dynamic element to the picture, as we look at how different actors interact, starting with how actors envision their own steering roles and the role of others. The non‐complementary role definitions that were identified in the documents, were confirmed in the interviews. Our results illustrate, in Foucault's terminology, different processes of responsibilisation and normalisation. Above all, the study illustrates that the theoretical framework provides a promising starting point for the empirical study of steering dynamics in complex education systems.
Governance Dynamics and the Application of the Multilevel Governance Approach in Vocational Education and Training (VET) in the European Neighbourhood Countries: the case of the ENPI South region
Authors: Manuel Galvin Arribas J.
Published: October 2016

This article analyses moves towards good multilevel governance approaches in Vocational Education and Training (VET) as an effective way to improve VET policy making in transition and developing countries, focusing on the Southern Neighbourhood of the EU (ENPI South). The centralised approaches in public administration and to VET governance still prevail in this region.

The new modes of governance applied by the EU in the policy area of education and training are based on the Open Method of Coordination (OMC). They are a source of inspiration to improve VET governance, taking into account the complexity of VET policies and systems. According to current European and international experiences, the most effective, relevant and attractive VET models and systems are demand‐driven. They rely on the effective and accountable participation of both state (national/local public actors) and non‐state VET stakeholders (e.g. employers, sectoral actors, unions) in decision‐making and policy implementation processes. This could also pave the way towards self‐governed and performance‐based VET provider institutions which would give quicker responses to rapidly changing labour market skills, competences and qualification needs. Thus, this means putting in practice more and better inclusion and effective cooperation and coordination of regional and local voices of VET actors and developing stronger social partnerships to engage employers, unions and civil society in shaping and investing in skills development.

Furthermore, the role of methodological tools for VET governance is not only to provide an analytical ground to capture data and structure further policy advice. These tools can also be used as ice‐breakers to improve collaboration, inclusiveness, multi‐participation and trust‐building among policy makers as they work together on very sensitive issues such as reviewing country VET governance models, modes and institutional arrangements, and/or planning policy thinking and/or learning for implementing coordination mechanisms for VET policy making. The European Training Foundation (ETF) has implemented a methodology to map, analyse and self‐assess good multilevel governance in VET, inspired by how EU governance soft tools in education and training are being used. This methodology has been applied to the Governance for Employability in the Mediterranean (GEMM) project in the ENPI South region, which is a regional project implemented by the ETF and financed by the European Commission's Directorate General for Neighbourhood and Enlargements Negotiations (NEAR).
Extrapolating demography with climate, proximity and phylogeny: approach with caution
Authors: Coutts Shaun R. , Salguero‐Gómez Roberto , Csergő Anna M. , Buckley Yvonne M.
Published: October 2016

Plant population responses are key to understanding the effects of threats such as climate change and invasions. However, we lack demographic data for most species, and the data we have are often geographically aggregated. We determined to what extent existing data can be extrapolated to predict population performance across larger sets of species and spatial areas. We used 550 matrix models, across 210 species, sourced from the COMPADRE Plant Matrix Database, to model how climate, geographic proximity and phylogeny predicted population performance. Models including only geographic proximity and phylogeny explained 5–40% of the variation in four key metrics of population performance. However, there was poor extrapolation between species and extrapolation was limited to geographic scales smaller than those at which landscape scale threats typically occur. Thus, demographic information should only be extrapolated with caution. Capturing demography at scales relevant to landscape level threats will require more geographically extensive sampling.
Indirect effects of bottom fishing on the productivity of marine fish
Authors: Collie Jeremy , Hiddink Jan Geert , van Kooten Tobias , Rijnsdorp Adriaan D , Kaiser Michel J , Jennings Simon , Hilborn Ray
Published: October 2016

One quarter of marine fish production is caught with bottom trawls and dredges on continental shelves around the world. Towed bottom‐fishing gears typically kill 20–50 per cent of the benthic invertebrates in their path, depending on gear type, substrate and vulnerability of particular taxa. Particularly vulnerable are epifaunal species, which stabilize the sediment and provide habitat for benthic invertebrates. To identify the habitats, fisheries or target species most likely to be affected, we review evidence of the indirect effects of bottom fishing on fish production. Recent studies have found differences in the diets of certain species in relation to bottom fishing intensity, thereby linking demersal fish to their benthic habitats at spatial scales of ~10 km. Bottom fishing affects diet composition and prey quality rather than the amount of prey consumed; scavenging of discarded by‐catch makes only a small contribution to yearly food intake. Flatfish may benefit from light trawling levels on sandy seabeds, while higher‐intensity trawling on more vulnerable habitats has a negative effect. Models suggest that reduction in the carrying capacity of habitats by bottom fishing could lead to lower equilibrium yield and a lower level of fishing mortality to obtain maximum yield. Trawling effort is patchily distributed – small fractions of fishing grounds are heavily fished, while large fractions are lightly fished or unfished. This patchiness, coupled with the foraging behaviour of demersal fish, may mitigate the indirect effects of bottom fishing on fish productivity. Current research attempts to scale up these localized effects to the population level.
Hemodialysis practice patterns in the Russia Dialysis Outcomes and Practice Patterns Study (DOPPS), with international comparisons
Authors: Bikbov Boris , Bieber Brian , Andrusev Anton , Tomilina Natalia , Zemchenkov Alexander , Zhao Junhui , Port Friedrich , Robinson Bruce , Pisoni Ronald
Published: October 2016

Introduction: There is little comparable information about hemodialysis (HD) practices in low‐ and middle income countries, including Russia. Evaluation of HD in Russia and its international comparisons could highlight factors providing opportunities for improvement.

Methods: We examined treatment patterns for 481 prevalent HD patients in 20 Russian facilities, and compared them to contemporary data for 8512 patients from 311 facilities in seven European countries, Japan, and North America. Data were collected according to the uniform methodology of the Dialysis Outcomes and Practice Patterns Study, phase 5.

Findings: Compared to other regions, Russian patients were younger (mean age 53.4 years), had a lower percent of males (52.5%), higher arteriovenous fistula use (89.7%), and longer treatment time (mean: 252 minutes, SD: 37 minutes). Mean single pool Kt/V was 1.49 (SD 0.58). Prescription of dialysate calcium 3.5 mEq/L and aluminum‐based phosphate binders were high (15.2% and 17.6% of patients, respectively), while intravenous vitamin D and cinacalcet were low (3.3% and 2.2%, respectively). The percents with parathyroid hormone >600 pg/mL (30.9%) and serum phosphate >1.78 mmol/L (37.7%) were high. Use of erythropoetin stimulating agents (78%) was lower, but hemoglobin, ferritin, and transferrin saturation were generally comparable to North America and Europe.

Discussion: These detailed data for hemodialysis in Russia demonstrate that many practice patterns contrasted sharply to those in Europe, Japan, and North America, while other features were similar. Our analysis revealed several positive and some less favorable treatment patterns in Russia that represent opportunities for improving patient care and outcomes.
Comparison of family nursing in Slovenia and Scotland: integrative review
Authors: Ljubič A. , Clark D.J. , Štemberger Kolnik T.
Published: October 2016

Aim

The aim of this study was to examine and compare the advantages and disadvantages of two systems of community nursing through the history of their development, and to compare these systems with the World Health Organization model of the Family Health Nurse.

Background

In Slovenia, the family/community nursing service is designed according to the World Health Organization policies and is performed by the generalist family/community nurse. In contrast, across Scotland there is no universal model and the current system comprises several different specialist‐nursing pathways. The study aimed to describe each model and to understand why the family health nurse model was preferred in Slovenia but rejected in Scotland.

Methods

This study was based on integrative review method conducted from August 2013 to September 2015 using national and international specialized databases. While the published literature on this topic is very limited, this review also includes unpublished material. For data analysis, the Walker and Avant's concept analysis model was used.

Results

Three main themes were identified through the process of the literature search; the Family Health Nurse concept, family/community nursing development in Slovenia, and community nursing development in Scotland. Findings related specifically to the different roles of nurses in the community in Slovenia and Scotland are reported.

Conclusions

It is clear that the WHO guidelines and recommendations are not suitable for implementation in all member countries. Both models have advantages and disadvantages. In developing community nursing services, it would be wise to look for systems that represent the best solutions for treatment of the individual, the family and the community.

Implications for nursing and health policy

The findings should be used when designing new models applied in different healthcare systems within each country, with a focus on strategy aimed at the welfare of the patient and his family. Findings give a possible solution for financially restricted healthcare systems, regarding the patient's care in the home environment.
Palestinian nurses' lived experiences working in the occupied West Bank
Authors: Taha A.A. , Westlake C.
Published: October 2016

Background

Since the construction of the separation wall between Israel and the West Bank, Palestinians living in occupied West Bank have endured intense conflict, and severe restrictions on people's movement, trade and healthcare access, all of which resulted in spiralling poverty. These issues have created challenges for nurses that, to date, have not been explored.

Aim

To explore the lived experience of Palestinian nurses working in the occupied West Bank.

Methods

Qualitative phenomenological study using interviews with Palestinian nurses working in public hospitals in the West Bank.

Findings

Seventeen nurses were interviewed. Despite ongoing experiences of trauma and humiliation, personal/professional role conflicts, political workplace bias and blurred role boundaries, these nurses persevered because of their commitment to caring and sense of moral duty to ‘the people of this land’.

Discussion

Nurses in conflict areas are subject to layers of trauma. Palestinian nurses in the West Bank not only experience ongoing personal trauma, loss and humiliation of living in a conflict zone but they also experience additional professional trauma.

Conclusion

The findings provide first‐person reports of the unique challenges of nurses working in the occupied West Bank.

Implications for nursing practice

Understanding the experiences of nurses working in occupied territories provides authentic information for local authorities and the global healthcare community. Practice improvements must be addressed and implemented.

Implications for health policy

Local and global organizations that mobilize support, invest in human capital, and protect human rights in areas of conflict may benefit from understanding the experiences of nurses in this study.
Donor life stage influences juvenile American eel Anguilla rostrata attraction to conspecific chemical cues
Authors: Galbraith H. S. , Blakeslee C. J. , Schmucker A. K. , Johnson N. S. , Hansen M. J. , Li W.
Published: October 2016

The present study investigated the potential role of conspecific chemical cues in inland juvenile American eel Anguilla rostrata migrations by assessing glass eel and 1 year old elver affinities to elver washings, and elver affinity to adult yellow eel washings. In two‐choice maze assays, glass eels were attracted to elver washings, but elvers were neither attracted to nor repulsed by multiple concentrations of elver washings or to yellow eel washings. These results suggest that A. rostrata responses to chemical cues may be life‐stage dependent and that glass eels moving inland may use the odour of the previous year class as information to guide migration. The role of chemical cues and olfaction in eel migrations warrants further investigation as a potential restoration tool.
Phenotypes and antimicrobial resistance genes in Salmonella isolated from retail chicken and pork in Changchun, China
Authors: Ren Dayong , Chen Ping , Wang Ying , Wang Jianan , Liu Hongyan , Liu Hongfeng
Published: October 2016

The rate of the rise of drug resistance among pathogens in China is the fastest in the world. However, the resistance patterns for Salmonella serovars remain unknown. This study aimed to describe the resistance patterns for Salmonella serovars and confirm possible associations between antibiotic resistance and genes in connection to serovars. Five Salmonella serotypes were identified, with S. typhi (41.67%), S. enteritidis (20.83%) and S. typhimurium (18.75%) being the three most common strains. The majority of the Salmonella strains (93.75%) were resistant to one or more antimicrobial compounds. Multidrug resistance was only found in Salmonella from chicken, whereas isolates from pork were only resistant to tetracycline. Eight of 11 resistance genes were detected. Eight Salmonella isolates could transfer resistance genes to the recipient strain. These results indicated that the Salmonella isolates were resistant to more than one type of antibiotic, and resistance could be transmitted to humans through animal‐based foods.

Practical applications

Salmonella is one of the world's most important food‐borne pathogens. This study investigated Salmonella and drug resistance in fresh chicken and pork from the market to describe the resistance patterns for Salmonella serovars. The majority of the Salmonella strains were resistant to one or more antimicrobial compounds. Some Salmonella isolates could transfer resistance genes to Escherichia coli. Therefore, this study has significant application value for understanding the security situation of animal food and strengthening surveillance of food‐borne zoonotic pathogens along the food chain.
A multicenter, placebo‐controlled, double‐blind clinical trial assessing the effects of a multicomponent nutritional supplement for treating photoaged skin in healthy women
Authors: Birnbaum Jay E , McDaniel David H , Hickman Janet , Dispensa Lisa , Le Moigne Anne , Buchner Larry
Published: October 2016

Background

Dietary or supplementary intake of nutrients and other ingredients positively affects skin appearance.

Aims

Evaluate a multicomponent nutritional supplement on photoaged skin.

Patients/Methods

This multicenter, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled trial randomized healthy 35‐ to 65‐year‐old women with Fitzpatrick skin types I–IV and Glogau classification types II–III to a multicomponent nutritional supplement or placebo for 24 weeks. The primary endpoint was Investigator Global Assessment of overall facial appearance at week 24. Secondary endpoints included investigator‐ and subject‐rated assessments of the face, décolletage, and hands; facial photography assessments (conducted by an independent panel of dermatologists); and instrumental measures. Analysis of variance was used to assess between‐group differences (P ≤ 0.05).

Results

Of 194 randomized subjects, 171 completed the study. Subjects had a mean age of 53 years and were primarily white (81%), had Glogau II (58%) and Fitzpatrick III (45%; significantly more supplement subjects had Fitzpatrick III [54%] vs. placebo [35%]; P = 0.039). At week 24, Investigator Global Assessment of overall facial appearance was numerically but not statistically better for supplement over placebo (mean difference: 0.14 [95% confidence interval: −0.16–0.44]; P = 0.358). A significant treatment‐by‐site interaction (P = 0.073) was observed; by‐site analyses revealed a significant difference at one of three geographical sites for supplement vs. placebo (P = 0.001). Differences on secondary endpoints were generally not significant.

Conclusions

In the first multicenter study conducted with this multicomponent nutritional supplement, no significantly greater effects vs. placebo were observed on the primary endpoint, perhaps because of significant between‐site variability.
RISK MISPERCEPTIONS AND SELECTION IN INSURANCE MARKETS: AN APPLICATION TO DEMAND FOR CANCER INSURANCE
Authors: Riddel Mary , Hales David
Published: October 2016

We test for the influence of optimism on selection in a hypothetical cancer‐insurance market using a survey of 474 subjects. We elicit perceptions of baseline cancer risk and control efficacy and combine these with subject‐specific cancer risks predicted by the Harvard Cancer Risk Index to develop measures of baseline and control optimism. Following Fang, Keane, and Silverman (), we hypothesize that a variable may lead to advantageous selection if it is positively correlated with both prevention effort and demand for insurance. We find evidence of selection from both baseline and control optimism, but little evidence of selection from cognitive ability and risk aversion. We then estimate a model that allows us to classify subjects according to their excess risk‐reducing effort and excess insurance uptake that occurs solely because of baseline and control optimism. We find subjects who overinsure relative to a subject with accurate risk beliefs are likely to have lower expected treatment costs, ceteris paribus. This indicates that on net, baseline and control optimism leads to advantageous selection in our sample.
Brood parasite and host eggshells undergo similar levels of decalcification during embryonic development
Authors: Igic B. , Hauber M. E. , Moskát C. , Grim T. , Shawkey M. D. , Procházka P. , Honza M.
Published: October 2016

Common cuckoos Cuculus canorus are obligate brood parasites that lay their eggs in the nests of other (host) species. To increase the likelihood of successful parasitism, common cuckoos lay eggs with thicker and structurally stronger eggshells than those of their hosts and non‐parasitic relatives. Although hatching from thicker eggshells requires greater effort and may impose physiological costs on cuckoo embryos during hatching, it is unclear whether cuckoo eggshells are indeed thicker at the time of hatching. This is because avian embryos decalcify the innermost eggshell layer (mammillary layer) for organ development during embryogenesis, reducing eggshell thickness and making hatching easier. Therefore, common cuckoo eggshells may undergo a greater degree of decalcification during embryonic development to facilitate hatching from an initially thicker shelled egg. We used scanning electron microscopy to test this hypothesis by comparing the thickness and degree of decalcification of eggshells collected either before incubation or after hatching. We found that cuckoo eggshells undergo similar degrees of decalcification during embryonic development as the thinner eggshells of a host that lays similarly sized eggs, the great reed warbler Acrocephalus arundinaceus. Cuckoo eggshells hence remain thicker than eggshells of this host throughout embryogenesis, supporting the predicted trade‐off between the benefits of laying puncture‐resistant eggs and the physiological costs associated with hatching from thick shelled eggs.
Early Mars volcanic sulfur storage in the upper cryosphere and formation of transient SO2‐rich atmospheres during the Hesperian
Authors: Schmidt F. , Chassefière E. , Tian F. , Dartois E. , Herri J.‐M. , Mousis O.
Published: October 2016

In a previous paper (Chassefière et al. ), we have shown that most volcanic sulfur released to the early Mars atmosphere could have been trapped in the upper cryosphere under the form of CO2‐SO2 clathrates. Huge amounts of sulfur, up to the equivalent of an ~1 bar atmosphere of SO2, would have been stored in the Noachian upper cryosphere, then massively released to the atmosphere during the Hesperian due to rapidly decreasing CO2 pressure. It could have resulted in the formation of the large sulfate deposits observed mainly in Hesperian terrains, whereas no or little sulfates are found at the Noachian. In the present paper, we first clarify some aspects of our previous work. We discuss the possibility of a smaller cooling effect of sulfur particles, or even of a net warming effect. We point out the fact that CO2‐SO2 clathrates formed through a progressive enrichment of a pre‐existing reservoir of CO2 clathrates and discuss processes potentially involved in the slow formation of a SO2‐rich upper cryosphere. We show that episodes of sudden destabilization at the Hesperian may generate 1000 ppmv of SO2 in the atmosphere and contribute to maintaining the surface temperature above the water freezing point.
Blackness in Post‐Bankruptcy Detroit: Racial Politics and Public Discourse
Authors: Stovall Maya , Hill Alex B.
Published: October 2016

Public discourse narrative positions Detroit's post‐bankruptcy revitalization as a rapid process of business and investment descending upon the city. In spite of this narrative, Detroit today remains a city of intense poverty and inequality. Between 2009 and 2013, an estimated 39 percent of Detroit residents were living below the Federal Poverty Line. This figure renders Detroit as statistically the poorest city in the country. In addition to a mythical narrative of rapid‐fire investment, popular media representations of Detroit are peppered with racialized references to white business investment. These references position whiteness as “saving” Detroit and center whiteness in the urban process. This racialized narrative is false and divisive in a city that is upwards of 83 percent African American. In this paper, we map the disparity between the racial politics of Detroit and the anti‐black public discourse narrative currently surrounding the city. We demonstrate that the public discourse valorization of a profit‐driven urban process results in an anti‐black prioritization of whiteness in Detroit's post‐bankruptcy redevelopment process. This narrative, if unchecked, will have serious consequences in the city's present and future. As such, we propose a re‐centering of the blackness of the city and the racial politics of generations that have shaped current conditions, toward a more equitable recovery process.
Sub‐lethal effects on fish provide insight into a biologically‐relevant threshold of hypoxia
Authors: Hrycik Allison R. , Almeida L. Zoe , Höök Tomas O.
Published: October 2016

Hypoxia (low dissolved oxygen) is a mounting concern for aquatic ecosystems as its prevalence increases with rising anthropogenic nutrient inputs. Hypoxia is most commonly defined as 2.0 mg l–1 of dissolved oxygen, although this level varies widely across studies and agency regulations. Such definitions may be too conservative, as ecologically‐relevant non‐lethal effects (e.g. consumption and growth) of hypoxia on important aquatic species, such as fish, often occur at oxygen levels much higher than 2.0 mg l–1. In addition, many mechanisms that regulate hypoxia tolerance in fish have been proposed, including temperature, habitat, location in the water column, and body size, but there is ongoing debate over which mechanisms are most important. Using a structured meta‐analysis of published studies, we showed consistent, significant negative effects on fish growth and consumption below 4.5 mg l–1. While the total amount of variation explained was generally low, below 4.5 mg l–1 of dissolved oxygen, phylogenetic relationships accounted for most of the explained variation in fish growth. Ecological factors including body size, location in the water column (pelagic, demersal, or benthopelagic), habitat (freshwater, marine, or diadromous), and temperature explained very little of the effect of hypoxia on fish growth and explained only a moderate level of variation in consumption. Our results suggest a dramatically higher threshold for sub‐lethal effects of hypoxia on fish than oxygen levels generally set for regulation purposes, and provide little support for accepted ecological mechanisms thought to influence hypoxia tolerance.
Partitioning the effect of composition and diversity of tree communities on leaf litter decomposition and soil respiration
Authors: Jewell Mark Davidson , Shipley Bill , Low‐Décarie Etienne , Tobner Cornelia M. , Paquette Alain , Messier Christian , Reich Peter B.
Published: October 2016

The decomposition of plant material is an important ecosystem process influencing both carbon cycling and soil nutrient availability. Quantifying how plant diversity affects decomposition is thus crucial for predicting the effect of the global decline in plant diversity on ecosystem functioning. Plant diversity could affect the decomposition process both directly through the diversity of the litter, and/or indirectly through the diversity of the host plant community and its affect on the decomposition environment. Using a biodiversity experiment with trees in which both functional and taxonomic diversity were explicitly manipulated independently, we tested the effects of the functional diversity and identity of the living trees separately and in combination with the functional diversity and identity of the decomposing litter on rates of litter decomposition and soil respiration. Plant traits, predominantly leaf chemical and physical traits, were correlated with both litter decomposition and soil respiration rates. Surface litter decomposition, quantified by mass loss in litterbags, was best explained by abundance‐weighted mean trait values of tree species from which the litter was assembled (functional identity). In contrast, soil respiration, which includes decomposition of dissolved organic carbon and root respiration, was best explained by the variance in trait values of the host trees (functional diversity). This research provides insight into the effect of loss of tree diversity in forests on soil processes. Such understanding is essential to predicting changes in the global carbon budget brought on by biodiversity loss.
The effect of interrupted defocus on blur adaptation
Authors: Khan Kiren A. , Cufflin Matthew P. , Mallen Edward A. H.
Published: October 2016

Purpose

Blur adaptation occurs when an observer is exposed to continuous defocus. However, it is unclear whether adaptation requires constant defocus, or whether the effect can still be achieved when the adaptation period is interrupted by short periods of clear vision.

Methods

The study included 12 emmetropes and 12 myopes. All observers wore full refractive correction throughout the experiment. 1D and 3D of myopic defocus was introduced using spherical convex lenses. An automated system was used to place the blurring lens before the RE for varying periods of blurred and clear vision during adaptation. Participants watched a DVD at 3 m during each 15 min trial. Visual acuity was measured using Test Chart 2000 before and after adaptation.

Results

Blur adaptation occurs to varying degrees depending on the periods of incremental blur exposure. Significant improvements in defocused visual acuity occur with continuous blur, equal blur and clear periods, as well as for longer blur periods. However, longer clear periods showed reduced adaptation and this trial is significantly different to the other three trials for both defocus levels (p < 0.001). No refractive group differences were observed for neither 1D nor 3D defocus (p = 0.58 and p = 0.19 respectively).

Conclusions

Intervening periods of clear vision cause minimal disruption to improvements in defocused visual acuity after adaptation, indicating that blur adaptation is a robust phenomenon. However, when the exposure to clear vision exceeds the defocused periods, adaptation is inhibited. This gives insight into the effects of real‐world tasks on adaptation to blur.
Childbirth pain, attachment orientations, and romantic partner support during labor and delivery
Authors: WILSON CAROL L. , SIMPSON JEFFRY A.
Published: October 2016

Attachment anxiety is associated with greater perceived physical pain, whereas social support is associated with lower pain perceptions. Few studies, however, have examined the joint effects of attachment and support on acute physical pain in a dyadic context. In this study, first‐time expectant mothers (N = 140) and their male partners completed romantic attachment measures (prenatally) and postnatal assessments of women's pain and men's emotional support during labor and delivery. More securely attached women benefited from emotional support in terms of reduced pain, more avoidantly attached women reported greater pain when given more support, and more anxiously attached women reported greater pain, regardless of their partners' support. These results advance our understanding of which women are most vulnerable to painful childbirth.
Commentary: Leveraging Democracy by Strengthening the Nonprofit Advocacy Muscle
Authors: Campion Sonya
Published: October 2016

Related Content: Fyall (PAR November/December 2016)
Local Digital Algorithms Applied to Boolean Models
Authors: Hörrmann Julia , Svane Anne Marie
Published: October 2016

We investigate the estimation of specific intrinsic volumes of stationary Boolean models by local digital algorithms; that is, by weighted sums of local configuration counts. We show that asymptotically unbiased estimators for the specific surface area or integrated mean curvature do not exist if the dimension is at least two or three, respectively. For three‐dimensional stationary isotropic Boolean models, we derive asymptotically unbiased estimators for the specific surface area and integrated mean curvature. For a Boolean model with balls as grains, we even obtain an asymptotically unbiased estimator for the specific Euler characteristic.
Natural Convection Heat Transfer From Vertical 5 × 5 Rod Bundles in Liquid Sodium
Authors: Hata Koichi , Fukuda Katsuya , Mizuuchi Tohru
Published: October 2016

Natural convection heat transfer from vertical 5 × 5 rod bundles in liquid sodium was numerically analyzed for two types of the bundle geometry (equilateral square array (ESA) and equilateral triangle array (ETA)). The unsteady laminar three-dimensional basic equations for natural convection heat transfer caused by a step heat flux were numerically solved until the solution reaches a steady-state. The phoenics code was used for the calculation considering the temperature dependence of thermophysical properties concerned. The 5 × 5 test rods for diameter (D = 7.6 mm), heated length (L = 200 mm), and L/d (=26.32) were used in this work. The surface heat fluxes for each cylinder were equally given for a modified Rayleigh number, (Rf,L)ij and (Rf,L)5×5,S/D, ranging from 3.08 × 104 to 4.19 × 107 (q = 1 × 104–7 × 106 W/m2) in liquid temperature (TL = 673.15 K). The values of S/D, which are ratios of the diameter of flow channel for bundle geometry to the rod diameter, for vertical 5 × 5 rod bundles were ranged from 1.8 to 6 on each bundle geometry. The spatial distribution of local and average Nusselt numbers, (Nuav)ij and (Nuav,B)5×5,S/D, on vertical rods of a bundle was clarified. The average value of Nusselt numbers, (Nuav)ij and (Nuav,B)5×5,S/D, for the two types of the bundle geometry with various values of S/D were calculated to examine the effect of the bundle geometry, S/D, (Rf,L)ij, and (Rf,L)5×5,S/D on heat transfer. The bundle geometry for the higher (Nuav,B)5×5,S/D value under the condition of S/D = constant was examined. The correlations for (Nuav,B)5×5,S/D for two types of bundle geometry above mentioned including the effects of (Rf,L)5×5,S/D and S/D were developed. The correlations can describe the theoretical values of (Nuav,B)5×5,S/D for the two types of the bundle geometry at S/D ranging from 1.8 to 6 within −12.64% to 7.73% difference.
Water transport control on a patterned superhydrophobic surface via laser direct writing
Authors: Chen Tianchi , Liu Hongtao , Teng Shuhua , Yan Wei , Yang Haifeng , Li Jiande
Published: October 2016

A simple method for fabricating line patterns on a superhydrophobic surface is demonstrated using nanosecond laser direct writing. A laser-induced superhydrophobic surfaces exhibit the excellent superhydrophobicity with a contact angle of 158° and a sliding angle of less than 5°. By changing the superhydrophilic linewidth and line intervals, the authors investigated the anisotropic wetting and adhesive properties on the as-prepared line-patterned superhydrophobic surface. The experimental results showed that the linewidth and line intervals have an important influence in anisotropic wetting, including contact angles and sliding angles in both parallel and perpendicular directions. This data allow control of adhesion by having droplets slide off at designated tilting angles on the patterned superhydrophobic surface. The water droplet array can be easily separated into any configuration, such as an upper triangular array. The as-prepared patterned superhydrophobic surface can transfer different microliter-sized droplets from one superhydrophobic surface to another. This patterned superhydrophobic surface has some potential applications for the droplet manipulation, microfluidic devices, and cell culture.
X-ray spectromicroscopy of nanoparticulate iron oxide phases
Authors: Dietrich Paul M. , Unger Wolfgang E. S. , Swaraj Sufal
Published: October 2016

Soft x-ray spectromicroscopy techniques have seen great amount of development in the recent years, and with the development of new diffraction limited synchrotron source, many new nanoscale and mesoscale characterization opportunities of applied materials are foreseen. In this perspective, the authors present some examples that illustrate the capabilities of spectromicroscopy techniques, namely, 2D and 3D spatially resolved chemical quantification, surface and bulk sensitive measurements, and polarization dependent measurements as applied to iron oxide nanoparticulate materials of biological, geological, and other origins.
Hookworm recombinant protein promotes regulatory T cell responses that suppress experimental asthma
Authors: Navarro Severine , Pickering Darren A. , Ferreira Ivana B. , Jones Linda , Ryan Stephanie , Troy Sally , Leech Andrew , Hotez Peter J. , Zhan Bin , Laha Thewarach , Prentice Roger , Sparwasser Tim , Croese John , Engwerda Christian R. , Upham John W. , Julia Valerie , Giacomin Paul R. , Loukas Alex
Published: October 2016

A secreted hookworm protein in recombinant form acts on dendritic cells to drive the expansion and mucosal homing of regulatory T cells that protect against airway inflammation in mice, and also dampens human dendritic cell and T cell activation.
Draft Genome Sequences of Two Drug-Resistant Mycobacterium tuberculosis Isolates from Myanmar
Authors: Aung Htin Lin , Tun Thanda , Permina Elizabeth , Nyunt Wint Wint , Aung Si Thu , Thinn Kyi Kyi , Crump John A. , Cook Gregory M.
Published: October 2016

Multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) and lately, extensively drug-resistant TB (XDR-TB) are increasing global health concerns. Here, we present the genome sequences of two MDR-TB isolates from Myanmar, one of 27 countries with a high MDR-TB burden, and describe a number of mutations consistent with these being XDR-TB isolates.
Draft Genome Sequence of the Xanthan Producer Xanthomonas campestris LMG 8031
Authors: Schmid Jochen , Huptas Christopher , Wenning Mareike
Published: October 2016

Here, we report the draft genome sequence of
Xanthomonas campestris
LMG 8031, for which nearly no genetic information is available, despite its good xanthan-producing properties. We performed an Illumina-based sequencing approach of LMG 8031. The genome revealed a 5.0-Mb chromosome having 4,434 coding sequences and a G+C content of 65%.
Genome Sequence of Elizabethkingia meningoseptica EM1, Isolated from a Patient with a Bloodstream Infection
Authors: Chen Shicheng , Soehnlen Marty , Walker Edward D.
Published: October 2016

Elizabethkingia meningoseptica
EM1 was isolated from a whole-blood sample from a female patient. The draft genome sequence of Em1 contains 4,038,467 bp, with a G+C content of 36.37%. A preliminary genome analysis showed that Em1 contains genes conferring resistance to β-lactams. The bacterium has hemolysin genes and a set of genes involved in heme uptake and heme utilization, showing its potential to cause bloodstream infections. A clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeat (CRISPR)/CRISPR-associated protein (CRISPR/Cas) system was identified. Average nucleotide identity (ANI) analysis assigned the bacterium to the species
E. meningoseptica
(ANI, >95%)
.
The annotated genome sequence provides the genetic basis for revealing its role as a pathogen in humans.
Complete Genome Sequence Analysis of Echovirus 18 Associated with Aseptic Meningitis in Hebei Province, China, in 2015
Authors: Chen Xiang-peng , Sun Su-zhen , Guo Jia-yun , Li Jing-jie , Xie Zheng-de
Published: October 2016

Echovirus 18 is a member of the genus
Enterovirus
, family
Picornaviridae
, which can cause meningitis in children. Here, we report the echovirus 18 complete genome sequence, which was isolated from the cerebrospinal fluid of a child with aseptic meningitis in Hebei Province, China.
The changing UK paediatric consultant workforce: report from the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health
Authors: McColgan Martin , Winch Rachel , Clark Simon J , Ewing Carol , Modi Neena , Greenough Anne
Published: October 2016

Objectives

To determine if there had been changes in the size of the UK paediatric workforce and working patterns between 1999 and 2013.

Design

Analysis of prospectively collected datasets.

Setting

UK consultant paediatricians.

Interventions

Data from the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health's workforce census from 1999 to 2013 and the annual surveys of new paediatric Certificate of Completion of Training (CCT) and Certificate of Equivalence of Specialist Registration (CESR) holders between 2010 and 2013.

Main outcome measures

Paediatric consultant numbers, programmed activities (PAs) and resident shift working.

Results

The UK paediatric consultant workforce grew from 1933 in 1999 to 3718 in 2013. Over the same time period, there was a decline in the number of consultants with a primary academic contract from 210 to 143. There was an increase in the proportion of consultants who were female (40% in 1999 to 50% in 2013, p<0.01). The median number of PAs declined from 11 in 2009 to 10 in 2013 (p<0.001) as did the median number of PAs for supporting professional activities (2.5–2.3, p<0.001). In 2013, 38% of new consultants in general paediatrics or neonatology were working resident shifts. Between 2009 and 2013, the proportion of less than full-time working consultants rose from 18% to 22%, which was more common among female consultants (35% vs 9%).

Conclusion

The paediatric consultant workforce has doubled since 1999, but more are working less than full time. The decline in those with a primary academic contract is of concern.
Dementia, epilepsy and polyneuropathy in a mercury-exposed patient: investigation, identification of an obscure source and treatment
Authors: Zellner Tobias , Zellner Nicolas , Felgenhauer Norbert , Eyer Florian
Published: October 2016

We present a patient aged 54 years with early onset of dementia, epilepsy and peripheral polyneuropathy. A mercury intoxication was diagnosed in 2010, chelation therapy with 2,3-dimercaptopropane-1-sulfonate had failed. A source of exposure could not be identified. MRI showed unspecific hyperintense brain lesions in 2015. She was referred for diagnosis and treatment. Neuropsychological testing indicated severe memory loss and nerve conduction speed measurements showed chronic neurogenically changed potentials. Mercury levels in blood and urine and neuron-specific enolase (NSE) were elevated. A detailed patient history revealed a daily application of mercury-containing skin lightening creams for 6 years. Treatment with 2,3-dimercaptosuccinic acid (DMSA) was started, blood mercury levels were falling during treatment. She was discharged with DMSA prescriptions. A renewed MRI revealed unchanged brain lesions. Blood and urine mercury levels and NSE were falling. Memory function had improved qualitatively and quantitatively.
Population attributable risks and costs of diabetogenic chemical exposures in the elderly
Authors: Trasande Leonardo , Lampa Erik , Lind Lars , Lind P Monica
Published: October 2016

Background

A previous analysis examined the contribution of endocrine disruptor exposures (endocrine-disrupting chemicals, EDCs) to adult diabetes, but was limited to effects of phthalates in middle-aged women and did not simultaneously examine multiple EDCs which are known to coexist in the environment. We therefore endeavoured to quantify potential reductions in diabetes and disease costs that could result from reducing synthetic chemical diabetogenic exposures in the elderly in Europe.

Methods

We leveraged the Prospective Investigation of the Vasculature in Uppsala Seniors (PIVUS) study (∼1000 participants), which has measured exposure to phthalates; dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethylene; polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and perfluoroalkyl substances to examine their independent contribution to diabetes. We estimated risk reductions assuming identical 25% reductions across levels of 4 selected compounds (PCB 153, monoethylphthalate, dichlorodiphenyldichloroethylene and perfluorononanoic acid), and diabetes costs saved in European men and women if diabetogenic exposures are limited.

Results

Reduction of chemical exposures was associated with a 13% (95% CI 2% to 22%) reduction in prevalent diabetes, compared with 40% resulting from an identical (25%) reduction in body mass index (BMI) in cross-sectional analyses. Extrapolating to Europe, 152 481 cases of diabetes in Europe and €4.51 billion/year in associated costs could be prevented, compared with 469 172 cases prevented by reducing BMI.

Conclusions

These findings support regulatory and individual efforts to reduce chemical exposures to reduce the burden and costs of diabetes.