bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Habitat filtering not dispersal limitation shapes oceanic island floras: species assembly of the Galápagos archipelago
Authors: Carvajal‐Endara Sofía , Hendry Andrew P. , Emery Nancy C. , Davies T. Jonathan
Published: March 2017

Remote locations, such as oceanic islands, typically harbour relatively few species, some of which go on to generate endemic radiations. Species colonising these locations tend to be a non‐random subset from source communities, which is thought to reflect dispersal limitation. However, non‐random colonisation could also result from habitat filtering, whereby only a few continental species can become established. We evaluate the imprints of these processes on the Galápagos flora by analysing a comprehensive regional phylogeny for ~ 39 000 species alongside information on dispersal strategies and climatic suitability. We found that habitat filtering was more important than dispersal limitation in determining species composition. This finding may help explain why adaptive radiation is common on oceanic archipelagoes – because colonising species can be relatively poor dispersers with specific niche requirements. We suggest that the standard assumption that plant communities in remote locations are primarily shaped by dispersal limitation deserves reconsideration.
Location of New Firms: Influence of Commuting Behaviour
Authors: Backman Mikaela , Karlsson Charlie
Published: March 2017

In the entrepreneurship literature, it is generally assumed that an individual establishes a new firm in a location in which they have strong ties, normally in the municipality of residence or employment. We scrutinise this general assumption and show that firm location depends on individual characteristics, such as the commuting experience. Our results show that commuting influences the firm location choice. The probability of establishing a firm in the work municipality increases if the entrepreneur is a commuter, holding constant the type of region and unobservable and observable individual features.
Ageing and consumption in Finland: The effect of age and life course stage on ecological, economical and self‐indulgent consumption among late middle‐agers and young adults between 1999 and 2014
Authors: Kuoppamäki Sanna‐Mari , Wilska Terhi‐Anna , Taipale Sakari
Published: March 2017

Previous studies on ageing consumers have mainly focused on chronological age and generational values or studied ageing and consumption with cross‐sectional data. Few quantitative studies exist that examine the effect of age together with life course on consumption using longitudinal data. To bridge this gap, the article examines ageing and attitudes towards consumption in Finland, focusing particularly on late middle‐agers (46–60 year‐olds) in comparison with young adults (18–30 year‐olds) between 1999 and 2014. The article explores three consumption patterns based on attitudinal statements: ecological, economical and self‐indulgent consumption. Through analysis of a nationally representative survey study in Finland (N = 8,543), the article reveals that in all years under examination, late middle‐agers reported more ecological attitudes towards consumption than young adults. In 1999 and 2004, the attitudes of late middle‐agers appeared more economical, but age‐related differences in economical attitudes disappeared between 2009 and 2014. In each year, late middle‐agers reported less self‐indulgent attitudes than young adults, and these age‐related differences did not remarkably change between 1999 and 2014. The results indicate that in 1999 and 2004, ecological and economical attitudes towards consumption were best predicted by age at the year of the study. In later years, ecological attitudes were more closely determined by life course stage, that is household type and other socio‐demographic determinants. Regarding economical attitudes, generational or cohort effects were pronounced among late middle‐agers in 1999. In contrast, the significance of age remained throughout the years for self‐indulgent attitudes, indicating the absence of generational or cohort effects.
The emotional toll of out‐migration on mothers and fathers left behind in Mexico
Authors: Fuller Heather R.
Published: March 2017

A growing body of research examines how families are affected by international migration; yet, implications for family members who remain behind are less well understood. Recent studies highlight implications for wives and young children when Mexican men migrate to the US, but have not yet adequately addressed the unique perspectives across the intergenerational family system, including the impact on parents when their adult children migrate. The current qualitative study explores the perceptions of transnational family ties among five focus groups (N=28) consisting of mothers and fathers of migrants in Mexico. An inductive, comparative method was used to identify emerging themes related to the emotional toll that parents of migrants experience. Salient themes included sadness, longing, guilt, and worry. The perceptions and expression of these emotions varied between mothers and fathers. Findings highlight the unique impact and distinct policy implications of Mexican familial transnationalism on parents who remain behind.
Expression of the limited‐transpiration trait under high vapour pressure deficit in peanut populations: Runner and virginia types
Authors: Shekoofa A. , Sinclair T. R. , Aninbon C. , Holbrook C. C. , Isleib T. G. , Ozias‐Akins P. , Chu Y.
Published: March 2017

Drought can be a critical limitation on peanut yield. A physiological trait that may help to ameliorate drought is limited transpiration (TRlim), defined as a limitation on further increases in transpiration rate (TR) under high vapour pressure deficit (VPD) conditions. The advantage of the TRlim trait is that it allows plant water conservation to increase soil water availability for use during late‐season drought. While this trait has been identified in peanut, there is no information of how readily the trait may be transfer to progeny lines. The objective of this study was to obtain preliminary information on the expression of the TRlim trait in two peanut progeny populations. One population was runner type of 88 RILs derived from the mating of Tifrunner × NC 3033. The second set was selected for the virginia‐type phenotype of large pods obtained from mating of PI 585005 (ICGV 86015) and N0808olJCT, both of which expressed the TRlim trait. A two‐tier screen was applied to both populations. The initial screen was based on exposure of de‐rooted shoots to silver ions. Fifteen runner type and 12 virginia type were selected for direct measures of transpiration response to varying VPD. The results from each of the two populations showed that an effective expression of the TRlim trait occurred in about 30% of the progeny in each population. While these results do not offer a definitive index of inheritance, they do indicate that there appears to be a strong possibility of transferring the TRlim trait to progeny genotypes.
Genetic parameters for fur quality graded on live animals and dried pelts of American mink (Neovison vison)
Authors: Thirstrup J.P. , Jensen J. , Lund M.S.
Published: March 2017

Fur quality and skin size are integral qualities in the mink industry and are main determinants of sales price and subsequent income for mink fur producers. Parental animals of future generations are selected based on quality grading from live animals, but selection response is obtained from dried skins sold after pelting. In this study, we evaluated traits assessed during live grading and pelt traits examined on dried skins to determine correlation between live and pelt traits. Grading traits and body weight were measured during live animal grading for 9,539 Brown American mink, and pelt quality traits and skin size were evaluated on 8,385 dried mink skins after pelting. Data were sampled from 2 yearly production cycles. Genetic parameters were estimated using the REML method implemented in the DMU package. Heritabilities and proportions of litter variance were calculated from estimated variance components for all traits, and genetic and phenotypic correlations between all traits were estimated in a series of bivariate analyses. Heritability estimates for live grading traits ranged from 0.06 to 0.28, heritability estimates for pelt quality traits ranged from 0.20 to 0.30, and finally heritability estimates for body size traits ranged from 0.43 to 0.48. Skin size and body weight were regarded as different traits for the two sexes and were therefore analysed for each sex separately. Genetic correlations between grading traits exhibited a range of 0.30–0.99 and genetic correlations between pelt quality traits ranged from 0.38 to 0.86. Genetic correlations between quality, wool density and silky appearance evaluated during live animal grading and on dried skin after pelting were 0.74, 0.41 and 0.33, respectively. Skin size and body weight were negatively correlated with pelt quality traits and ranged from −0.55 to −0.25. Using standard selection index theory and combined information from both live grading and skin evaluation increase of reliability of selection ranged from 0.6% to 14%. Due to moderate genetic correlations between traits evaluated during live grading and on dried skins, and negative correlations between pelt quality traits and body size, we concluded that traits should be selected simultaneously.
Chronic urticaria in the real‐life clinical practice setting in Sweden, Norway and Denmark: baseline results from the non‐interventional multicentre AWARE study
Authors: Thomsen S.F. , Pritzier E.C. , Anderson C.D. , Vaugelade‐Baust N. , Dodge R. , Dahlborn A.‐K. , Vestergaard C.
Published: March 2017

Background

Chronic urticaria (CU) is characterized by the recurrence of itchy hives and/or angioedema for more than 6 weeks. AWARE (A World‐wide Antihistamine‐Refractory Chronic Urticaria Patient Evaluation) is a multinational study designed to document the real‐life treatment situation, burden of disease and clinical resource usage of H1‐antihistamine‐refractory CU patients.

Objective

To examine baseline data from Scandinavian AWARE patients.

Methods

AWARE is a prospective, non‐interventional, multinational, umbrella design study, which includes adults (≥18 years) with a confirmed CU diagnosis (>2 months) that is refractory to H1‐antihistamines. Baseline patient characteristics, disease activity (urticaria control test [UCT]), pharmacological treatment, comorbidities and healthcare usage were documented by the treating physician. Quality of life (QoL; dermatology life quality index [DLQI]; chronic urticaria quality of life questionnaire [CU‐Q2oL; Danish patients only]) and work productivity and activity impairment (WPAI) scores were also assessed.

Results

Overall, 158 CU patients from seven centres in Denmark (n = 80), Norway (n = 50) and Sweden (n = 28) were included in this baseline analysis. Mean age and BMI were 40.3 years and 26.5 kg/m2, respectively. The majority of patients were female (69.6%), had uncontrolled CU (75.6%; UCT score <12) and had a ‘spontaneous’ component to their CU (61.4% CSU; 20.3% both CSU and chronic inducible urticaria). Common comorbidities included asthma (19.6%), allergic rhinitis (16.5%) and food allergies (8.2%). Overall, 60.1% of patients reported using treatments for CU including non‐sedative H1‐antihistamines (40.5%), corticosteroids (19%), montelukast (14.6%) and omalizumab (8.2%). Pharmacological treatment rates increased to 96.2% during the baseline visit. On average, patient QoL was moderately affected (mean DLQI score 7.7) and healthcare resource usage was high.

Conclusion

Adult Scandinavian H1‐antihistamine‐refractory CU patients reported high rates of healthcare usage and QoL impairment. Rates of pharmacological treatment use were low before study enrolment but increased to almost 100% during the baseline visit.
Creating A Nationwide Nonpartisan Initiative for Family Caregivers in Political Party Platforms
Authors: Scribner Ben , Lynn Joanne , Walker Victoria , Morgan Les , Montgomery Anne , Blair Elizabeth , Baird Davis , Goldschmidt Barbara , Kirschenbaum Naomi
Published: March 2017

Policymakers have been slow to support family caregivers, and political agendas mostly fail to address the cost burdens, impact on employment and productivity, and other challenges in taking on long‐term care tasks. This project set out to raise policymakers’ awareness of family caregivers through proposals to Republican and Democratic party platforms during the 2016 political season. The Family Caregiver Platform Project (FCPP) reviewed the state party platform submission process for Democratic and Republican parties in all 50 states and the District of Columbia. We built a website to make each process understandable by caregiver advocates. We designed model submissions to help volunteers tailor a proposal and recruited caregiver advocates participating in their state process. Finally, we mobilized a ground operation in many states and followed the progress of submissions in each state, as well as the formation of the national platforms. In 39 states, at least one party, Republican or Democrat, hosted a state party platform process. As of September 2016 FCPP volunteers submitted proposals to 29 state parties in 22 states. Family caregiver language was added to eight state party platforms, one state party resolution, two bipartisan legislative resolutions, and one national party platform. The FCPP generated a non‐partisan grassroots effort to educate and motivate policymakers to address caregiving issues and solutions. Democratic party leaders provided more opportunities to connect with political leaders, with seven Democratic parties and one Republican party, addressing family caregiver issues in their party platforms.
The viral protein gp120 decreases the acetylation of neuronal tubulin: potential mechanism of neurotoxicity
Authors: Avdoshina Valeria , Caragher Seamus P. , Wenzel Erin D. , Taraballi Francesca , Mocchetti Italo , Harry Gaylia Jean
Published: March 2017

The human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) envelope protein gp120 promotes axonal damage and neurite pruning, similar to that observed in HIV‐positive subjects with neurocognitive disorders. Thus, gp120 has been used to examine molecular and cellular pathways underlying HIV‐mediated neuronal dysfunction. Gp120 binds to tubulin beta III, a component of neuronal microtubules. Microtubule function, which modulates the homeostasis of neurons, is regulated by polymerization and post‐translational modifications. Based on these considerations, we tested the hypothesis that gp120 induces dynamic instability of neuronal microtubules. We first observed that gp120 prevents the normal polymerization of tubulin in vitro. We then tested whether gp120 alters the post‐translational modifications in tubulin by examining the ability of gp120 to change the levels of acetylated tubulin in primary rat neuronal cultures. Gp120 elicited a time‐dependent decrease in tubulin acetylation that was reversed by Helix‐A peptide, a compound that competitively displaces the binding of gp120 to neuronal microtubules. To determine whether post‐translational modifications in tubulin also occur in vivo, we measured acetylated tubulin in the cerebral cortex of HIV transgenic rats (HIV‐tg). We observed a decrease in tubulin acetylation in 5‐ and 9‐month‐old HIV‐tg rats when compared to age‐matched wild type. Neither changes in microglia morphology nor alterations in mRNA levels for interleukin‐1β and tumor necrosis factor α were detected in 5‐month‐old animals. Our findings propose neuronal microtubule instability as a novel mechanism of HIV neurotoxicity, without evidence of enhanced inflammation.

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In‐stent neoatherosclerosis and tissue characteristics of restenotic lesions following implantation of second generation drug‐eluting stents in unrestricted coronary lesions: Optical frequency domain imaging study
Authors: Sabbah Mahmoud , Kadota Kazushige , El‐Eraky Azza , Kamal Hanan M. , Abdellah Ahmed‐Tageldien , El Hawary Ahmed
Published: March 2017

BACKGROUND

Differences in stent platform, polymer coatings, and antirestenotic drugs among the current in use second‐generation drug‐eluting stents (G2‐DESs) may induce significant variations in neointimal response and vascular healing, which may impact the prevalence of neoatherosclerosis (NA) and morphological appearance of the restenotic tissue.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Utilizing Optical frequency domain imaging, two independent reviewers, retrospectively compared the prevalence of neoatherosclerosis (NA), and the morphological differences, and tissue characteristics of 50 G2‐DESs in‐stent restenosis (ISR) lesions (35 everolimus‐eluting stent [22 cobalt‐chromium (CoCr), 13 platinum‐chromium (PtCr)], and 15 biolimus‐eluting stent [BES]) implanted liberally in unrestricted coronary lesions. More than half of the stents were implanted in type C lesions, while 40% of the stents were implanted primarily in lesions with recanalized chronic total occlusion. NA, defined as a neointima formation with the presence of lipids or calcification, was observed in fewer than half (24/50) of all ISR lesions with no significant in‐between group differences (41%, 69%, and 40% in CoCr, PtCr, and BES respectively, P = 0.22), nor were there any significant differences in the morphological appearance or tissue characteristics between all G2‐DESs subtypes.

CONCLUSIONS

Acknowledging some limitations, our results may suggest that the prevalence of NA and the morphological appearance of restenotic lesions might not differ when G2‐DESs are implanted in unrestricted, rather complex, coronary lesions.
Is there an association between fear avoidance beliefs, and pain and disability in patients with orofacial pain?
Authors: Edmond S. L. , Enriquez C. S. , Millner M. H. , Nasri‐Heir C. , Heir G. M.
Published: March 2017

Numerous psychosocial factors have been shown to contribute to the development and perpetuation of orofacial pain. One well‐recognized model for explaining the link between psychosocial factors and chronic pain is the fear avoidance model. To date, this proposed link has not been studied in subjects with orofacial pain. During the initial evaluation of subjects with orofacial pain, we collected data on fear avoidance beliefs using the Fear Avoidance Beliefs Questionnaire, and disability and pain. At between 6 and 8 weeks follow‐up, we re‐collected these data, as well as data addressing subjects’ perceived change in their condition. Data were analyzed using correlation coefficients and linear regression. Fear avoidance beliefs at intake were inversely correlated with intake disability, There were no significant associations between fear avoidance beliefs at initial evaluation or in changes in fear avoidance beliefs during the 6–8 weeks follow‐up period; and changes in disability, pain or perceived change in condition at 6–8 weeks follow‐up. Of note, fear avoidance beliefs increased over the follow‐up period, despite improvements in all outcome measures. There was insufficient evidence to suggest that high levels of fear avoidance beliefs at initial evaluation are associated with higher levels of disability or pain at intake, or with change in disability, pain or perceived change in condition at 6–8 weeks follow‐up. Similarly, there was insufficient evidence to suggest that changes in fear avoidance beliefs during treatment are associated with any of these outcome measures.
Oral appliance therapy versus nasal continuous positive airway pressure in obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome: a randomised, placebo‐controlled trial on self‐reported symptoms of common sleep disorders and sleep‐related problems
Authors: Nikolopoulou M. , Byraki A. , Ahlberg J. , Heymans M. W. , Hamburger H. L. , De Lange J. , Lobbezoo F. , Aarab G.
Published: March 2017

Obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome (OSAS) is associated with several sleep disorders and sleep‐related problems. Therefore, the aim of this study was to compare the effects of a mandibular advancement device (MAD) with those of nasal continuous positive airway pressure (nCPAP) on self‐reported symptoms of common sleep disorders and sleep‐related problems in mild and moderate OSAS patients. In this randomised placebo‐controlled trial, sixty‐four OSAS patients (52·0 ± 9·6 years) were randomly assigned to an MAD, nCPAP or an intra‐oral placebo appliance in a parallel design. All participants filled out the validated Dutch Sleep Disorders Questionnaire (SDQ) twice: one before treatment and one after six months of treatment. With 88 questions, thirteen scales were constructed, representing common sleep disorders and sleep‐related problems. Linear mixed model analyses were performed to study differences between the groups for the different SDQ scales over time. The MAD group showed significant improvements over time in symptoms corresponding with ‘insomnia’, ‘excessive daytime sleepiness’, ‘psychiatric sleep disorder’, ‘periodic limb movements’, ‘sleep apnoea’, ‘sleep paralysis’, ‘daytime dysfunction’, ‘hypnagogic hallucinations/dreaming’, ‘restless sleep’, ‘negative conditioning’ and ‘automatic behaviour’ (range of P values: 0·000–0·014). These improvements in symptoms were, however, not significantly different from the improvements in symptoms observed in the nCPAP and placebo groups (range of P values: 0·090–0·897). It can be concluded that there is no significant difference between MAD and nCPAP in their positive effects on self‐reported symptoms of common sleep disorders and sleep‐related problems in mild and moderate OSAS patients. These beneficial effects may be a result of placebo effects.
Inhibition of pro-inflammatory mediators in RAW264.7 cells by 7-hydroxyflavone and 7,8-dihydroxyflavone
Authors: Jin Zhen , Yang Yao-Zhi , Chen Jian-Xin , Tang You-Zhi
Published: March 2017

Objectives

Flavonoids are a class of compounds that having the benzo-γ-pyrone skeleton, which possess anti-inflammatory properties in vitro and in vivo. The aim of this study was to investigate the inhibition of two flavonoids 7-hydroxyflavone (HF) and 7,8-dihydroxyflavone (DHF) on the production of pro-inflammatory mediators in RAW264.7 cells activated by lipopolysaccharides (LPS).

Methods

For this purpose, we selected four pro-inflammatory mediators including nitric oxide (NO), prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), tumour necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) as markers to evaluate the anti-inflammatory activity of HF and DHF.

Key findings

In this regard, we showed that HF and DHF dose-dependently reduced the production of NO, PGE2, TNF-α and IL-6 through downregulating mRNA expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), cyclooxygenase 2 (COX2), TNF-α and IL-6, respectively. Moreover, DHF generally possesses more efficient than HF in reducing these markers secretion in this study.

Conclusions

Consider together, these findings suggest that DHF and HF can inhibit LPS-induced inflammation via attenuating the production of NO, PGE2, TNF-α and IL-6, indicating that they may be lead compounds for developing anti-inflammatory agent.
Effect of viral suppression on hepatic venous pressure gradient in hepatitis C with cirrhosis and portal hypertension
Authors: Afdhal N. , Everson G. T. , Calleja J. L. , McCaughan G. W. , Bosch J. , Brainard D. M. , McHutchison J. G. , De‐Oertel S. , An D. , Charlton M. , Reddy K. R. , Asselah T. , Gane E. , Curry M. P. , Forns X.
Published: March 2017

Portal hypertension is a predictor of liver‐related clinical events and mortality in patients with hepatitis C and cirrhosis. The effect of interferon‐free hepatitis C treatment on portal pressure is unknown. Fifty patients with Child‐Pugh‐Turcotte (CPT) A and B cirrhosis and portal hypertension (hepatic venous pressure gradient [HVPG] >6 mm Hg) were randomized to receive 48 weeks of open‐label sofosbuvir plus ribavirin at Day 1 or after a 24‐week observation period. The primary endpoint was sustained virologic response 12 weeks after therapy (SVR12) in patients who received ≥1 dose of treatment. Secondary endpoints included changes in HVPG, laboratory parameters, and MELD and CPT scores. A subset of patients was followed 48 weeks posttreatment to determine late changes in HVPG. SVR12 occurred in 72% of patients (33/46). In the 37 patients with paired HVPG measurements at baseline and the end of treatment, mean HVPG decreased by ‐1.0 (SD 3.97) mm Hg. Nine patients (24%) had ≥20% decreases in HVPG during treatment. Among 39 patients with pretreatment HVPG ≥12 mm Hg, 27 (69%) achieved SVR12. Four of the 33 (12%) patients with baseline HVPG ≥12 mm Hg had HVPG <12 mm Hg at the end of treatment. Of nine patients with pretreatment HVPG ≥12 mm Hg who achieved SVR12 and completed 48 weeks of follow‐up, eight (89%) had a ≥20% reduction in HVPG, and three reduced their pressure to <12 mm Hg. Patients with chronic HCV and compensated or decompensated cirrhosis who achieve SVR can have clinically meaningful reductions in HVPG at long‐term follow‐up. (EudraCT 2012‐002457‐29).
Ungulate grazing drives higher ramet turnover in sodium‐adapted Serengeti grasses
Authors: Griffith Daniel M. , Anderson T. Michael , Hamilton E. William
Published: March 2017

Questions

Ungulate grazers requiring sodium (Na) will preferentially graze in areas with Na‐accumulating forage grasses (i.e. many saline soils with high NaCl). Given that high‐Na conditions necessitate specific adaptations in plants, the mechanisms allowing plants to persist under combined herbivory and Na stress are unclear. Has adaptation to soil salinity in East African grasses modified the evolution of grazing tolerance, leading to plants that are susceptible to defoliation? Does grazing differentially impact the survivorship of plants with different tolerances to Na? Finally, can species traits that confer salinity and herbivory tolerances help to explain the presence of mosaic structure in high salinity regions?

Location

Short‐grass plains of Serengeti National Park, Tanzania, East Africa.

Methods

We tracked the fate of 836 individuals of 26 grass species, over an entire growing season, in the short‐grass plains using a network of 41 quadrats (0.25 m2). We investigated the impact of soil properties (e.g., electrical conductivity [EC], bulk density, clay), ungulate herbivory and grass species identity on patterns of composition and turnover. Finally, we linked plant leaf Na and leaf palatability data to species environmental responses.

Results

Under comparable levels of grazing pressure, grass species known to accumulate Na have much higher levels of turnover compared to low‐Na species. These Na accumulators were generally short, highly palatable and clonal species.

Conclusions

Herbivory most affects turnover (of ‘ramets’) of species with the highest tolerance to Na, suggesting that Na tolerance ability interacts with defoliation response in Serengeti grasses. As a result, spatial heterogeneity in soil EC produces high‐turnover communities that overlay high‐EC soil adjacent to more stable communities composed of Na‐intolerant species. While Na‐intolerant grasses in Serengeti range from short and palatable to taller and less palatable species, grasses that accumulate Na tend to be short and palatable, a likely result of the grazing pressure they experience.
A gamma‐ray spectroscopy survey of Omani meteorites
Authors: Weber Patrick , Hofmann Beda A. , Tolba Tamer , Vuilleumier Jean‐Luc
Published: March 2017

The gamma‐ray activities of 33 meteorite samples (30 ordinary chondrites, 1 Mars meteorite, 1 iron, 1 howardite) collected during Omani‐Swiss meteorite search campaigns 2001–2008 were nondestructively measured using an ultralow background gamma‐ray detector. The results provide several types of information: Potassium and thorium concentrations were found to range within typical values for the meteorite types. Similar mean 26Al activities in groups of ordinary chondrites with (1) weathering degrees W0‐1 and low 14C terrestrial age and (2) weathering degree W3‐4 and high 14C terrestrial age are mostly consistent with activities observed in recent falls. The older group shows no significant depletion in 26Al. Among the least weathered samples, one meteorite (SaU 424) was found to contain detectable 22Na identifying it as a recent fall close to the year 2000. Based on an estimate of the surface area searched, the corresponding fall rate is ~120 events/106 km2*a, consistent with other estimations. Twelve samples from the large JaH 091 strewn field (total mass ~4.5 t) show significant variations of 26Al activities, including the highest values measured, consistent with a meteoroid radius of ~115 cm. Activities of 238U daughter elements demonstrate terrestrial contamination with 226Ra and possible loss of 222Rn. Recent contamination with small amounts of 137Cs is ubiquitous. We conclude that gamma‐ray spectroscopy of a selection of meteorites with low degrees of weathering is particularly useful to detect recent falls among meteorites collected in hot deserts.
Evolutionary changes in symbiont community structure in ticks
Authors: Duron Olivier , Binetruy Florian , Noël Valérie , Cremaschi Julie , McCoy Karen D. , Arnathau Céline , Plantard Olivier , Goolsby John , Pérez de León Adalberto A. , Heylen Dieter J. A. , Van Oosten A. Raoul , Gottlieb Yuval , Baneth Gad , Guglielmone Alberto A. , Estrada‐Peña Agustin , Opara Maxwell N. , Zenner Lionel , Vavre Fabrice , Chevillon Christine
Published: March 2017

Ecological specialization to restricted diet niches is driven by obligate, and often maternally inherited, symbionts in many arthropod lineages. These heritable symbionts typically form evolutionarily stable associations with arthropods that can last for millions of years. Ticks were recently found to harbour such an obligate symbiont, Coxiella‐LE, that synthesizes B vitamins and cofactors not obtained in sufficient quantities from blood diet. In this study, the examination of 81 tick species shows that some Coxiella‐LE symbioses are evolutionarily stable with an ancient acquisition followed by codiversification as observed in ticks belonging to the Rhipicephalus genus. However, many other Coxiella‐LE symbioses are characterized by low evolutionary stability with frequent host shifts and extinction events. Further examination revealed the presence of nine other genera of maternally inherited bacteria in ticks. Although these nine symbionts were primarily thought to be facultative, their distribution among tick species rather suggests that at least four may have independently replaced Coxiella‐LE and likely represent alternative obligate symbionts. Phylogenetic evidence otherwise indicates that cocladogenesis is globally rare in these symbioses as most originate via horizontal transfer of an existing symbiont between unrelated tick species. As a result, the structure of these symbiont communities is not fixed and stable across the tick phylogeny. Most importantly, the symbiont communities commonly reach high levels of diversity with up to six unrelated maternally inherited bacteria coexisting within host species. We further conjecture that interactions among coexisting symbionts are pivotal drivers of community structure both among and within tick species.
The Promise of an Actualistic Pneumatology: Beginning with the Holy Spirit in African Pentecostalism and Karl Barth
Authors: Hartman Tim
Published: March 2017

Christians in the developing world are sending a clear message to all who will listen: more attention needs to be paid to the Holy Spirit than ever before in the history of Christian thought. This essay explores what African Pentecostalism could teach Karl Barth and in particular how the actualistic Christology that Barth is known for can be applied to concrete acts of the Holy Spirit. The essay employs James Buckley's distinction between what Barth says versus what Barth shows to demonstrate profound possibilities that exist within Barth's thought for beginning theological reflection from the concrete acts of the Spirit.
Listening for the Cry: Certeau Beyond Strategies and Tactics
Authors: Eduardo Alonso Antonio
Published: March 2017

This essay argues that an accent on resistance pervasive in current literature on consumer culture and religion drives a narrow application of Michel de Certeau's distinction between strategies and tactics. This paradigmatic appropriation of Certeau's work uses his notion of tactics to describe a mode of Christian resistance that can persist even without overthrowing the strategic grid of consumer culture. Situating quotidian tactics within the wider body of his work, I argue that they are not, for Certeau, primarily signs of resistance, but signs of absence: living realities that pulse within and against systems of strategies that can never quite contain them. I propose reading tactics through a hermeneutic of absence to open a space for a theological account of consumer culture that takes seriously the irreducibility of our experiences, even those in and through the distortions of the contemporary market.
Demographic influences of translocated individuals on a resident population of house sparrows
Authors: Ranke Peter Sjolte , Skjelseth Sigrun , Pärn Henrik , Herfindal Ivar , Pedersen Åsa Alexandra Borg , Stokke Bård Gunnar , Kvalnes Thomas , Ringsby Thor Harald , Sæther Bernt‐Erik , Jensen Henrik
Published: March 2017

Translocation of individuals from source populations to augment small populations facing risk of extinction is an important conservation tool. Here we examine sex‐specific differences between resident and translocated house sparrows Passer domesticus in reproductive success and survival, and the contribution of translocated individuals to the growth of a local population. We found evidence for assortative mating based on origin revealed by fewer parentages between translocated males and resident females than expected, and the total number of fledglings produced by such pairs was lower. The reproductive success of translocated males was positively related to the size of the throat badge (a sexual ornament), such that only translocated males with a large badge size were as successful as resident males. However, offspring with parents of different origin had higher survival than offspring with parents of the same origin, which suggests hybrid vigour. The contribution of resident and translocated individuals to the stochastic component of the long‐run growth rate of the population was similar; neither the mean individual contributions in fitness nor the demographic variance differed between the two groups. Thus, this experiment shows that translocated individuals may have a similar demographic influence on the growth of local populations as resident individuals. Still, the intermixing of translocated and resident individuals was low, and fitness differed according to origin in relation to individual differences in a sexually selected trait. In addition, hybrid vigour with respect to offspring recruitment seemed to partially decrease the negative fitness consequences of the assortative mating based on origin.
Experience buffers extrinsic mortality in a group‐living bird species
Authors: Griesser Michael , Mourocq Emeline , Barnaby Jonathan , Bowgen Katharine M. , Eggers Sönke , Fletcher Kevin , Kozma Radoslav , Kurz Franziska , Laurila Anssi , Nystrand Magdalena , Sorato Enrico , Ekman Jan
Published: March 2017

Extrinsic mortality has a strong impact on the evolution of life‐histories, prey morphology and behavioural adaptations, but for many animals the causes of mortality are poorly understood. Predation is an important driver of extrinsic mortality and mobile animals form groups in response to increased predation risk. Furthermore, in many species juveniles suffer higher mortality than older individuals, which may reflect a lower phenotypic quality, lower competitiveness, or a lack of antipredator or foraging skills. Here we assessed the causes of mortality for 371 radio tagged Siberian jays. This sedentary bird species lives in family groups that contain a breeding pair as well as related and unrelated non‐breeders. Ninety‐five percent of death were due to predation (n = 59 out of 62 individuals) and most individuals were killed by Accipiter hawks. Multivariate Cox proportional hazards models showed that non‐breeders had a lower survival than breeders, but only in territories in managed forest with little visual cover. Examining breeders, only sex influenced survival with males having a lower survival than females. For non‐breeders, juveniles had lower survival than older non‐breeders, and those on managed territories had lower survival than those on unmanaged territories. Additionally, a low feather quality reduced the survival probability of non‐breeders only. Thus, living on managed territories and having a low feature quality affected only non‐breeders, particularly juveniles. These findings add to previous research demonstrating that juvenile Siberian jays acquire critical antipredator skills from experienced group members. Thus, experience can buffer extrinsic mortality, highlighting that group living not only provides safety in numbers, but also provide social opportunities to learn critical life‐skills.
Functional visual fields: relationship of visual field areas to self‐reported function
Authors: Subhi Hikmat , Latham Keziah , Myint Joy , Crossland Michael D.
Published: March 2017

Purpose

The aim of this study is to relate areas of the visual field to functional difficulties to inform the development of a binocular visual field assessment that can reflect the functional consequences of visual field loss.

Methods

Fifty‐two participants with peripheral visual field loss undertook binocular assessment of visual fields using the 30‐2 and 60‐4 SITA Fast programs on the Humphrey Field Analyser, and mean thresholds were derived. Binocular visual acuity, contrast sensitivity and near reading performance were also determined. Self‐reported overall and mobility function were assessed using the Dutch ICF Activity Inventory.

Results

Greater visual field loss (0–60°) was associated with worse self‐reported function both overall (R2 = 0.50; p < 0.0001), and for mobility (R2 = 0.64; p < 0.0001). Central (0–30°) and peripheral (30–60°) visual field areas were similarly related to mobility function (R2 = 0.61, p < 0.0001 and R2 = 0.63, p < 0.0001 respectively), although the peripheral (30–60°) visual field was the best predictor of mobility self‐reported function in multiple regression analyses. Superior and inferior visual field areas related similarly to mobility function (R2 = 0.56, p < 0.0001 and R2 = 0.67, p < 0.0001 respectively). The inferior field was found to be the best predictor of mobility function in multiple regression analysis.

Conclusion

Mean threshold of the binocular visual field to 60° eccentricity is a good predictor of self‐reported function overall, and particularly of mobility function. Both the central (0–30°) and peripheral (30–60°) mean threshold are good predictors of self‐reported function, but the peripheral (30–0°) field is a slightly better predictor of mobility function, and should not be ignored when considering functional consequences of field loss. The inferior visual field is a slightly stronger predictor of perceived overall and mobility function than the superior field.
Treatment of Medial Malleolus or Pure Deltoid Ligament Injury in Patients with Supination‐External Rotation Type IV Ankle Fractures
Authors: Wang Xu , Zhang Chao , Yin Jian‐wen , Wang Chen , Huang Jia‐zhang , Ma Xin , Wang Cheng‐wei , Wang Xue
Published: March 2017

Objective

To investigate the effect of internal fixation on postoperative ankle function in patients with supination‐external rotation type IV ankle fractures, including medial malleolus fractures and deltoid ligament injury.

Methods

Between January 2012 and June 2014, patients with medial structure injuries were enrolled in this study and assigned to the medial malleolus fracture group or the deltoid ligament group. The surgical procedures for the two groups were documented. The follow‐up endpoint was the time point when the steel plate or screw was removed from the lateral ankle. The Olerud–Molander ankle scoring system was used to assess ankle function.

Results

A total of 84 patients with supination‐external rotation type IV ankle fractures had complete medical records and were included in this study. The average age of the patients was 44.16 years (range, 15–75). The patient sample included 39 males and 45 females. Overall, 49 patients (19 males and 30 females) suffered a medial malleolus fracture. The average age of these patients was 40.20 years (range, 15–75). Patients with a posterior malleolar fracture fragment >25% of the articular surface accounted for 81.6% (40 patients) of these patients. Overall, 35 patients (20 males and 15 females) experienced a deltoid ligament injury. The average age of these patients was 44.21 years (range, 17–73). Patients with a posterior malleolar fracture fragment >25% of the articular surface accounted for 11.5% (four patients) of these patients. Open reduction was performed in patients with medial malleolus fractures, and two 4.0‐mm cannulated screws were used to fixate the posterior malleolus and the medial malleolus. The suture‐anchor technique was used to repair the ligaments in patients with deltoid ligament injuries. The follow‐up endpoint was the time point when the steel plate and screws were removed from the lateral ankle in patients. The average follow‐up period was 13.4 months (range, 11–17). The Olerud–Molander ankle scoring system was used to assess postoperative ankle function. The average score for the patients in the medial malleolus fracture group was 90.3 points (range, 85–95). The average score for the patients in the deltoid ligament injury group was 87.7 points (range, 80–95). No significant differences were found in the scores between the two groups.

Conclusion

Medial malleolus fracture and deltoid ligament injury are two different presentations of supination‐external rotation type IV ankle fractures. Anatomic reduction of the articular surface concurrent with restoration of ankle stability can achieve favorable results for these two injuries.
The Fanny Pack: No Ifs, Ands, or Buts
Authors: Habeshian Kaiane , Kirkorian Anna Yasmine , Marathe Kalyani
Published: March 2017

Although the white coat is central to the practice of adult medicine, pediatricians often shed it to avoid creating negative associations and provoking fear in children. In our pediatric dermatology practice, the fanny pack (FP) has replaced many of the functional elements of the white coat. The FP is a kid‐friendly way to readily carry key medical supplies from one patient encounter to the next. It is more hygienic, light weight, and affordable than traditional doctor's bags and white coats. In this article we outline the benefits of the FP, which include storage, ergonomics, efficiency, cleanliness, kid‐friendliness, and cost‐effectiveness.
Maternity Leave Length and Workplace Policies' Impact on the Sustainment of Breastfeeding: Global Perspectives
Authors: Steurer Lisa M.
Published: March 2017

Background

Breastfeeding is a global initiative of the World Health Organization and the U.S. domestic health agenda, Healthy People 2020; both recommend exclusive breastfeeding, defined as providing breast milk only via breast or bottle, through the first 6 months of an infant's life. Previous literature has shown the correlation between socioeconomic status and breastfeeding, with higher maternal education and income as predictors of sustained breastfeeding. This same population of women is more likely to be employed outside the home.

Methods

PubMed and the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews were searched using inclusion and exclusion criteria to identify the effect of maternity leave length and workplace policies on the sustainment of breastfeeding for employed mothers.

Results

Common facilitators to sustainment of breastfeeding included longer length of maternity leave as well as adequate time and space for the pumping of breast milk once the mother returned to the workplace. Barriers included inconsistency in policy and the lack of enforcement of policies in different countries.

Conclusions

There is a lack of consistency globally on maternity leave length and workplace policy as determinants of sustained breastfeeding for employed mothers. A consistent approach is needed to achieve the goal of exclusive breastfeeding for infants.
Peri‐conceptional under‐nutrition alters the expression ofTRIM28 andZFP57 in the endometrium and embryos during peri‐implantation period in domestic pigs
Authors: Zglejc K , Franczak A
Published: March 2017

Contents

DNAmethylation is maintained by the main elements of methylation complex—tripartite motif containing 28 (TRIM28) and zinc finger protein 57 (ZFP57). Previously, it was found that the activity ofTRIM28 andZFP57 determines the process ofDNAmethylation and preserves over‐expression of genes. We hypothesized that restricted diet applied during peri‐conceptional period may induce changes in the expression of methylation complex in porcine endometrium and embryos during the peri‐implantation period. The aim of this study was to detect and determine the expression ofTRIM28 andZFP57 in the endometrium and embryos harvested from gilts during the peri‐implantation period (days 15–16 of pregnancy) fed restricted (n = 5) or normal (n = 5) diet during peri‐conceptional period. In restricted‐diet‐fed gilts, endometrial expression ofTRIM28andZFP57mRNAs was decreased in comparison with normal‐diet‐fed gilts (p ≤ .01), while the embryonic expression ofTRIM28andZFP57mRNAs was increased in restricted‐diet‐fed gilts (p ≤ .05). The immunofluorescence showed the presence ofTRIM28 andZFP57 in luminal epithelial (LE), glandular epithelial (GE) and stromal cells (ST) of the endometrium as well as in the embryos. Total endometrial and embryonic abundance ofTRIM28 andZFP57 proteins was significantly higher (p ≤ .05) in restricted‐diet‐fed gilts than in normal‐diet‐fed gilts. Female under‐nutrition during peri‐conceptional period affects the expression of two main elements of methylation complex in the endometrium and in embryos during the peri‐implantation period and may have the impact onDNAmethylation in these tissues.
Comparison of the effects of Ham'sF10 and αMEM in combination with FBS or BSA in vitrification/warming solution on quality and viability of sheep ovarian follicles
Authors: Mohammadzadeh F , Safdarian L , Amidi F , Mohammadzadeh A , Mortezaee K , Mehdinejhadiani S , Sobhani A , Ghasemi S , Sargolzaei Aval F
Published: March 2017

Contents

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of the two types of media, namely minimum essential medium (αMEM) and Ham'sF10, supplemented with foetal bovine serum (FBS) or bovine serum albumin (BSA) in vitrification/warming solution on the quality and viability of sheep ovarian follicles. Vitrification method was applied for cryopreservation of sheep ovarian cortex using Ham'sF10 and αMEM supplemented with either BSA or FBS. There were five groups: Fresh, Ham'sF10+ BSA, Ham'sF10+ FBS, αMEM + BSA and αMEM + FBS. Samples were cultured for two weeks after warming. Viability and morphology of follicles and DNA fragmentation in follicles and in tissue stroma cells were analysed before vitrification/warming and following one and two weeks of culture. The Ham'sF10+ FBS and Ham'sF10+ BSA groups showed a significant decrease in follicular viability after one week of culture (p < .05 vs. Fresh). Following two weeks of culture, all groups revealed a considerable fall in the number of viable follicles (p < .05 vs. Fresh). There was an increase in DNA fragmentation of connective tissue cells but not in the follicles (p < .05). Our results showed the better application of αMEM supplemented with BSA as a vitrification solution in improvement of cryopreservation effects and maintenance of follicular survival.