bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Masting synchrony in northern hardwood forests: super‐producers govern population fruit production
Authors: Minor David M. , Kobe Richard K.
Published: December 2016

Trees commonly reproduce via masting cycles, which involves synchronized inter‐annual variability in fruit crop size. A few individuals in a population will commonly produce much more fruit than others. If these trees produce fruit more frequently, as indicated by a lower inter‐annual variability in fruit production, they may dominate fruit production over time.

By measuring fruit production of 1635 individuals of 10 temperate tree species across 4 years in northern lower Michigan, we estimated the inter‐annual variability and synchrony in each species. We compared fruit production estimates with measurements of tree size, soil nutrient availability and neighbourhood crowding to investigate the source of inter‐individual variation in number of fruit produced.

We found that trees’ fruit production increased with tree size. The trees that accounted for the largest proportion of total fruit production had lower inter‐annual variability and higher synchrony in fruit production. These ‘super‐producer’ trees tended to have high nutrient availability and few neighbouring trees, but there were no effects of nutrient availability or neighbourhood crowding on fruit production in the population as a whole.

Synthesis. Masting is a population‐level phenomenon, and is typically studied at this level. However, when we apply individual tree observations of fruit production to this phenomenon, it reveals super‐producers which produce fruit more consistently than the rest of the population. By reducing inter‐annual variability in fruit production, but increasing synchrony and making large numbers of fruit, super‐producers may be able to reap the benefits of masting while governing population fruit production over time.
Residential Enclosure, Power and Relationality: Rethinking Sociopolitical Relations in Southeast Asian Cities
Authors: Fauveaud Gabriel
Published: December 2016

As in many other areas around the globe, enclosed residential spaces have proliferated in Southeast Asia since the 1990s. Recent publications have presented such gated communities as ‘porous enclaves', implying multiple socio‐spatial dynamics of movements through gates and walls. However, the enclave model does not suffice for analyzing the relational dynamics generated by enclosed residential estates. The concept of ‘ecotonal space' and social geography are used to show, in the case of Cambodia's capital Phnom Penh, that the enclosure and its borders are producers and products of multiple social, spatial, economic and political relations, both symbolic and material. Property developers assert their position as an emerging elite in the city's society and politics, a process based on different types of everyday relations they have with the inhabitants of their residential estates and territorial institutions. The enclosed residential estate can serve as a resource for deploying new power relations. Consubstantial with the neopatrimonial nature of the Cambodian economy and politics, this process is a response to the opacity and uncertainty of real estate markets and urban development.
Economic evaluation of nasogastric versus intravenous hydration in infants with bronchiolitis
Authors: Oakley Ed , Carter Rob , Murphy Bridie , Borland Meredith , Neutze Jocelyn , Acworth Jason , Krieser David , Dalziel Stuart , Davidson Andrew , Donath Susan , Jachno Kim , South Mike , Babl, Franz E ,   for the Paediatric Research in Emergency Departments International Collaborative (PREDICT)
Published: December 2016

Objective

Bronchiolitis is the most common lower respiratory tract infection in infants and the leading cause of hospitalisation. We aimed to assess whether intravenous hydration (IVH) was more cost‐effective than nasogastric hydration (NGH) as a planned secondary economic analysis of a randomised trial involving 759 infants (aged 2–12 months) admitted to hospital with a clinical diagnosis of bronchiolitis and requiring non‐oral hydration. No Australian cost data exist to aid clinicians in decision‐making around interventions in bronchiolitis.

Methods

Cost data collections included hospital and intervention‐specific costs. The economic analysis was reduced to a cost‐minimisation study, focusing on intervention‐specific costs of IVH versus NGH, as length of stay was equal between groups. All analyses are reported as intention to treat.

Results

Intervention costs were greater for IVH than NGH ($113 vs $74; cost difference of $39 per child). The intervention‐specific cost advantage to NGH was robust to inter‐site variation in unit prices and treatment activity.

Conclusion

Intervention‐specific costs account for <10% of total costs of bronchiolitis admissions, with NGH having a small cost saving across all sites.
Health Care after the Great Recession: Financing Options for Sustainable and High‐quality Health Systems
Authors: Kanavos Panos , Wouters Olivier J.
Published: December 2016

Given the growing complexity of health care, current global demographic and epidemiologic trends, adverse economic conditions in many parts of the world, and limited national budgets, it is increasingly difficult for policy makers and regulators to ensure continued access to affordable and high‐quality health care. Decision‐makers must implement policies that support efficient, equitable, and sustainable health systems. To that end, this special issue aims to foster dialogue on the current state of health‐care financing and some of the challenges that lie ahead for health systems. The objectives of this special issue are threefold: (1) to analyse trends in health‐care financing in a range of countries with varying degrees of economic development and political organization; (2) to review the viability of different financing models based on international experiences; and (3) to examine how efficiency in health care systems can be achieved without sacrificing quality. The issue consists of three sections and includes contributions from academic experts, health‐care practitioners, and members of the broader stakeholder community.
Non‐traumatic out‐of‐hospital cardiac arrest in rural Taiwan: A retrospective study
Authors: Hung Shih‐Chang , Mou Ching‐Yi , Hung Hung‐Chang , Lai Shih‐Wei , Chen Chun‐Chih , Lin Jui‐Wen , Wang Ssu‐Hung , Chen Chung‐Kuang , Cheng Kai‐Chun
Published: December 2016

Objective

Out‐of‐hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) studies are usually conducted at metropolitan medical centres. Because rural studies are rare, our study aimed to assess non‐traumatic OHCA prevalence and resuscitation outcomes in rural Taiwan.

Design

A retrospective observational study.

Setting

All seven designated community hospital emergency departments (ED) in Nantou County, Taiwan.

Participants

All OHCA patients from May 2011 to March 2013.

Main outcome measures

Any return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC) and survival for ED discharge.

Results

In the 23‐month period, 850 OHCA cases were reported; 741 (87.2%) were non‐traumatic. The overall ROSC achievement rate was 19.7%, with 16.4% case survival for ED discharge. Logistic regression identified that arrest in public (OR: 2.62, 95% CI: 1.19–5.78), witness when collapsed (OR: 2.14, 95% CI: 1.28–3.60), and cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) by bystander (OR: 2.09, 95% CI: 1.02–4.26) might increase the likelihood of any ROSC; arrest in public (OR: 2.68, 95% CI: 1.10–6.50), witnessed collapse (OR: 2.26, 95% CI: 1.24–4.09) and CPR by bystander (OR: 2.79, 95% CI: 1.28–6.05) might also increase the likelihood of survival. For non‐traumatic OHCA patients conveyed to EDs via emergency medical service system (EMS), a shorter response time (OR: 1.09, 95% CI: 1.01–1.18) and travelling time (OR: 1.04, 95% CI: 1.00–1.09) might also increase the chance of survival.

Conclusion

Compared to previous data from metropolitan areas, ROSC achievement rate was lower in rural Taiwan. Witness presence, response and travelling times affect ROSC achievement in non‐traumatic OHCA patients in rural Taiwan.
Expert clinical management of autoimmune hepatitis in the real world
Authors: Liberal R. , de Boer Y. S. , Andrade R. J. , Bouma G. , Dalekos G. N. , Floreani A. , Gleeson D. , Hirschfield G. M. , Invernizzi P. , Lenzi M. , Lohse A. W. , Macedo G. , Milkiewicz P. , Terziroli B. , van Hoek B. , Vierling J. M. , Heneghan M. A. ,   the International Autoimmune Hepatitis Group (IAIHG)
Published: December 2016

Background

High‐quality data on the management of autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) are scarce. Despite published guidelines, management of AIH is still expert based rather than evidence based.

Aim

To survey expert hepatologists, asking each to describe their practices in the management of patients with AIH.

Methods

A survey questionnaire was distributed to members of the International AIH Group. The questionnaire consisted of four clinical scenarios on different presentations of AIH.

Results

Sixty surveys were sent, out of which 37 were returned. None reported budesonide as a first line induction agent for the acute presentation of AIH. Five (14%) participants reported using thiopurine S‐methyltransferase measurements before commencement of thiopurine maintenance therapy. Thirteen (35%) routinely perform liver biopsy at 2 years of biochemical remission. If histological inflammatory activity is absent, four (11%) participants reduced azathioprine, whereas 10 (27%) attempted withdrawal altogether. Regarding the management of difficult‐to‐treat patients, mycophenolate mofetil is the most widely used second‐line agent (n = ~450 in 28 centres), whereas tacrolimus (n = ~115 in 21 centres) and ciclosporin (n = ~112 in 18 centres) are less often reported. One centre reported considerable experience with infliximab, while rescue therapy with rituximab has been tried in seven centres.

Conclusions

There is a wide variation in the management of patients with autoimmune hepatitis even among the most expert in the field. Although good quality evidence is lacking, there is considerable experience with second‐line therapies. Future prospective studies should address these issues, so that we move from an expert‐ to an evidence‐ and personalised‐based care in autoimmune hepatitis.
The Edge of Human? The Problem with the Posthuman as the ‘Beyond’
Authors: Lawrence David R.
Published: December 2016

This article asks whether enhancement can truly lead to something beyond humanity, or whether it is, itself, an inherently human act. The ‘posthuman’ is an uncertain proposition. What, exactly, would one be? Many commentators suggest it to be an endpoint for the use of enhancement technologies, yet few choose to codify the term outright; which frequently leads to unnecessary confusion. Characterizing and contextualizing the term, particularly its more novel uses, is therefore a valuable enterprise. The abuse of the term ‘Human’, especially in the context of the enhancement debate and the myriad meanings ascribed to it, could give ‘posthuman’ very different slants depending on one's assumptions. There are perhaps three main senses in which the term ‘human’ is employed: the biological, the moral, and the self‐idealizing. In the first of these, ‘human’ is often conflated with Homo sapiens, and used interchangeably to denote species; in the second, ‘human’ (or ‘humanity’) generally refers to a community of beings which qualify as having a certain moral value; and the third, the self‐idealizing sense, is more descriptive; a label denoting the qualities that make us who we are as beings, or ‘what matters about those who matter’. So, what might enhancement make us? A novel species or genus of hominid? Or, perhaps, a morally more valuable being than a regular human? Of course, there's a third option: that a posthuman is a being which embodies our self‐ideal more successfully than we do ourselves – one ‘more human than human’. Which to choose?
Quaternary thermokarst and thermal erosion features in northern France: origin and palaeoenvironments
Authors: Van Vliet‐Lanoë Brigitte , Brulhet Jacques , Combes Philippe , Duvail Cédric , Ego Frédéric , Baize Stéphane , Cojan Isabelle
Published: December 2016

A thermokarst is a collapse feature resulting from the thawing of ice‐rich permafrost or of massive ice of various origins. Little attention has been paid to the sedimentary fabric resulting from this type of collapse, except for glaciotectonic features. In western Europe, two palaeo‐forms are commonly studied: lithalsas and ice‐wedge casts. Collapsed pingos are much rarer. Very few papers have compiled present‐day and fossil data. Here, field data collected from quarries in the eastern Paris Basin were analysed, providing useful records of thermokarst collapses in alluvial calcareous silts, sands, and gravels. These forms have a circular shape when viewed on satellite images. Permafrost is attested regionally by the recurrent occurrence of meter‐sized pattern grounds at the surface of the chalk and of ice‐wedge casts. Traces of segregation and reticulate ice are common. These features are primarily connected to a major interstadial, c. 150 ka BP, orbitally forced and commonly associated with a major glacial retreat. They occur both in drained and waterlogged situations, resulting in a specific pattern of deformation. They are controlled by the brittle and plastic behaviour of sediments and resemble passive glaciotectonism. Normal and reverse faults, with the offset decreasing downward, are common, and those with local shear are reported. Lithalsas, seasonal frost blisters, spring frost blisters and perhaps pingos seem to have formed. Most of these deformations correspond to thermokarst sinkholes bordered by gravitational collapse faults. The offset of these faults increases towards the surface, and the faults have been recurrently confused with neotectonism triggered by palaeo‐earthquakes. However, there are no faults beneath the observed deformation features, and the region lacks recorded seismic activity over the last century. Our data may be helpful in interpreting similar structures elsewhere.
An integrated model of clastic injectites and basin floor lobe complexes: implications for stratigraphic trap plays
Authors: Cobain Sarah Louise , Hodgson David Mark , Peakall Jeff , Shiers Michelle Nicole
Published: December 2016

Injectites sourced from base‐of‐slope and basin‐floor parent sandbodies are rarely reported in comparison to submarine slope channel systems. This study utilizes the well‐constrained palaeogeographic and stratigraphic context of three outcrop examples exposed in the Karoo Basin, South Africa, to examine the relationship between abrupt stratigraphic pinchouts in basin‐floor lobe complexes, and the presence, controls, and character of injectite architecture. Injectites in this palaeogeographic setting occur where there is: (i) sealing mudstone both above and below the parent sand to create initial overpressure; (ii) an abrupt pinchout of a basin‐floor lobe complex through steep confinement to promote compaction drive; (iii) clean, proximal sand beds aiding fluidization; and (iv) a sharp contact between parent sand and host lithology generating a source point for hydraulic fracture and resultant injection of sand. In all outcrop cases, dykes are orientated perpendicular to palaeoslope, and the injected sand propagated laterally beneath the parent sand, paralleling the base to extend beyond its pinchout. Understanding the mechanisms that determine and drive injection is important in improving the prediction of the location and character of clastic injectites in the subsurface. Here, we highlight the close association of basin‐floor stratigraphic traps and sub‐seismic clastic injectites, and present a model to explain the presence and morphology of injectites in these locations.
Physical geographers’ understanding of the real world
Authors: Slaymaker Olav
Published: December 2016

Key Messages

In spite of the major successes of logical positivism in experimental science, the philosophy of positivism alone restricts physical geographers’ understanding of the real world.

Roy Bhaskar's version of critical realism has the potential to expand physical geographers’ understanding of the real world.

Critical realism can resolve the nature/culture binary and bring ethical concerns over systemic injustices into the purview of physical geography.
Molecular dynamics simulation on the inhibition mechanism of peptide‐based inhibitor of islet amyloid polypeptide (IAPP) to islet amyloid polypeptide (IAPP22–28) oligomers
Authors: Zhou Shuangyan , Wang Qianqian , Ren Mengdan , Zhang Ai , Liu Huanxiang , Yao Xiaojun
Published: December 2016

Aggregation of islet amyloid polypeptide (IAPP) is implicated in the development of type 2 diabetes. The modified NFGAIL with double N‐methylated at Gly24 and Ile26 has the property of soluble, non‐amyloidogenic, non‐cytotoxic, and the ability of inhibiting amyloid formation and cytotoxicity of IAPP. To discover the inhibition mechanism of this peptide inhibitor and provide useful information to design more potential peptide inhibitors, molecular dynamics simulations in explicit solvent were performed. The simulation results reveal that Gly24 and Ile26 are of importance in IAPP aggregation, and N‐methylation at these two key residues will disrupt the stability of formed oligomer and prevent the conformation transition of free monomer near the oligomer template. The origin of the N‐methylated peptide inhibitor inhibiting IAPP aggregation is that it can keep good binding with IAPP template by stable hydrogen bonding interaction. Furthermore, it cannot induce the conformational transition of free monomer by preventing the hydrogen bond interaction between free monomer and boundary peptide. The structural environment can largely affect the stacking of free monomers to the template. Our study sheds light on the inhibition mechanism of peptide inhibitor at molecular level and may provide guidance for the future design and discovery of new peptide inhibitors.
Structure‐based approaches for the design of benzimidazole‐2‐carbamate derivatives as tubulin polymerization inhibitors
Authors: Aguayo‐Ortiz Rodrigo , Cano‐González Lucia , Castillo Rafael , Hernández‐Campos Alicia , Dominguez Laura
Published: December 2016

Microtubules are highly dynamic assemblies of α/β‐tubulin heterodimers whose polymerization inhibition is among one of the most successful approaches for anticancer drug development. Overexpression of the class I (βI) and class III (βIII) β‐tubulin isotypes in breast and lung cancers and the highly expressed class VI (βVI) β‐tubulin isotype in normal blood cells have increased the interest for designing specific tubulin‐binding anticancer therapies. To this end, we employed our previously proposed model of the β‐tubulin–nocodazole complex, supported by the recently determined X‐ray structure, to identify the fundamental structural differences between β‐tubulin isotypes. Moreover, we employed docking and molecular dynamics (MD) simulations to determine the binding mode of a series of benzimidazole‐2‐carbamete (BzC) derivatives in the βI‐, βIII‐, and βVI‐tubulin isotypes. Our results demonstrate that Ala198 in the βVI isotype reduces the affinity of BzCs, explaining the low bone marrow toxicity for nocodazole. Additionally, no significant differences in the binding modes between βI‐ and βIII‐BzC complexes were observed; however, Ser239 in the βIII isotype might be associated with the low affinity of BzCs to this isotype. Finally, our study provides insight into the β‐tubulin–BzC interaction features essential for the development of more selective and less toxic anticancer therapeutics.
‘They are just good people…generally good people’: perspectives of young men on relationships with social care workers in the UK
Authors: Featherstone Brid , Robb Martin , Ruxton Sandy , Ward Michael R.M.
Published: December 2016

The perspectives of marginalised young men on what they value in relationships with social care workers are under‐researched and have not received adequate attention within policy and practice literatures. Moreover, problematic assumptions about gender pervade much political and cultural commentary. Research findings from a study of 50 young men, aged between 16 and 25, attending a range of social care services, are highly significant in this context. They highlight young men's investment in a language of care and respect and their rejection of categorical presumptions. However, the services were steeped in practices and understandings of their marginalisation and offered important opportunities for recognition.
Mortality and morbidity in offspring of mothers with diabetes compared with a population group: a Danish cohort study with 8–35 years of follow‐up
Authors: Nielsen G. L. , Welinder L. , Berg Johansen M.
Published: December 2016

Aims

To assess mortality and morbidity in the offspring of mothers with diabetes compared with a control cohort of offspring of mothers without diabetes.

Methods

The mortality rate, percentage of days admitted to hospital, diagnostic categories and incidence of diabetes mellitus among 691 offspring of mothers with diabetes were compared with a control group of 168 831 offspring not exposed to maternal diabetes. Offspring of mothers with diabetes were identified from the North Jutland Pregnancy database (521 Type 1; 34 Type 2; 136 gestational diabetes) born between 1976 and 2003. Outcome data were retrieved from the National Registry of Patients with follow‐up until 31 December 2011. In a subgroup with the longest hospital stay we reviewed hospital records for clinical details until 2016.

Results

Mortality was 1.45% in the diabetes group compared with 1.36% in the control group. In the first 2 years, offspring exposed to diabetes spent significantly more time in hospital than the control offspring, but this difference faded to an insignificant difference of 0.04% of time spent in hospital between age 2 and 8 years. The offspring of mothers with diabetes had a sixfold increased risk of developing diabetes mellitus.

Conclusions

The offspring of mothers with and without diabetes had almost identical mortality. The increased morbidity was restricted to the first 2 years of life, and was primarily attributable to a few individuals with very severe but probably non‐diabetes‐related disease burden. The large majority of offspring of mothers with diabetes experienced health conditions similar to those not exposed to diabetes.
Talking About Inclusion: Attitudes and Affirmative Action in Nepal
Authors: Drucza Kristie
Published: December 2016

This article explores the history and impact of affirmative action in Nepal's civil service and political parties. Affirmative action was part of a broader social inclusion agenda introduced after the Comprehensive Peace Agreement was signed in 2006. Affirmative action will always have associated costs and trying to minimize these requires concerted effort and leadership. Affirmative action is difficult to do well in a country like Nepal because it challenges centuries of discrimination that is reinforced daily and involves confronting clientelistic practices and social norms of entitlement. Quotas alone will be insufficient in such a context. This article argues that affirmative action can have wider good governance outcomes by improving accountability and meritocracy if it is combined with other initiatives aside from quotas. Some of the positive governance gains achieved through affirmative action warrant a bigger investment from development partners in this area.
Do metacommunity mass effects predict changes in species incidence and abundance?
Authors: Waller Donald M. , Mudrak Erika L. , Rogers David A.
Published: December 2016

Metacommunity matrices contain data on species incidence or abundance across sites, compactly portraying community composition and how it varies over sites. We constructed models based on an initial metacommunity matrix of either species incidence or abundance to test whether such data suffice to predict subsequent changes in incidence or abundance at each site. The models reflect both species and site mass effects in using products of the row and column totals to predict the incidence or abundance of each species expected at each site. We tested these models against empirical data on vascular plant incidence and abundance collected from two sets of forested sites in both the 1950s and 2000s. Predictions from these models parallel observed changes in species incidence and abundance in these distinctly different metacommunities and differ greatly from null model predictions. The abundance model shows greater power than the incidence model reflecting its higher information content. Predictions were more accurate for the more diverse forests of southern Wisconsin that are changing quickly in response to succession and fragmentation. Simulations show that these results are robust but sensitive to sampling intensity. Because these models require no data on site conditions or species’ characteristics, they provide a useful baseline to assess more complex models based on species’ functional traits, local site conditions, or landscape context. They may also prove useful to conservation biologists seeking to predict local population declines and extinction risks.
European Citizenship and the Right to Reside: ‘No One on the Outside has a Right to be Inside?’
Authors: Raucea Chiara
Published: December 2016

This paper deals with the question: Who ought not to be excluded from the enjoyment of European citizenship rights? Recently, the Court of Justice has ruled that, in exceptional situations, the ‘genuine enjoyment of the substance of rights attaching to European citizenship’ can be invoked in order to also extend legal protection to specific categories of third country nationals. I will argue that the ‘genuine enjoyment’ formula is not only setting an innovative jurisdictional test concerning European citizenship rights, but that it is also highlighting how the traditional account of citizenship (from status to rights) can be conceptually reversed. This happens in threshold cases, where the tenability of the schema of distribution of rights, agreed within a political community, depends on the possibility to readjust the boundaries of political membership.
Effect of experimental sample size on local Weibull assessment of cleavage fracture for steel
Authors: Zhang Z , Qian X
Published: December 2016

This paper examines the sample size of the experimental datasets in calibrating the Weibull parameters for the modified three‐parameter Weibull stress framework, so as to enhance the experimental strategy for cleavage assessment of ferritic steels based on a local approach. The present work generates a large number of random and independent subsets from the ‘Euro steel’ fracture toughness database for the calibration procedure. The calibration of the Weibull parameters utilizes a subset of high‐constraint specimens and a subset of low‐constraint specimens from the Euro steel database to resolve the uniqueness issue in the calibration procedure reported in previous studies. This investigation reveals strong dependence of the calibrated Weibull modulus on both the constraint differences between the high‐constraint subset and the low‐constraint subset and the size of the selected subsets. The scale fracture toughness value, however, does not exhibit significant dependence on the constraint difference between the two subsets of specimens. The confidence level of the scale fracture toughness, nevertheless, still exhibits strong dependence on the sample size of the experimental data.
Non‐destructive evaluation of fatigue damage and fatigue crack initiation in type 316 stainless steel by positron annihilation line‐shape and lifetime analyses
Authors: Uematsu Y , Kakiuchi T , Hattori K , Uesugi N , Nakao F
Published: December 2016

Rotating bending fatigue tests were conducted using type 316 stainless steel. The fatigue tests were periodically terminated, and fatigue damage and fatigue crack initiation were non‐destructively and sequentially evaluated by positron annihilation line‐shape and lifetime analyses. The counter‐jig and anticoincidence methods were used for positron annihilation line‐shape and lifetime analyses, respectively, to enhance the analytical precision. The fatigue crack lengths were monitored by a plastic replication technique, and related to the parameters in both analyses. S‐parameter obtained in the line‐shape analysis increased with increasing fatigue damage, while it was difficult to detect fatigue crack initiation and subsequent small fatigue crack growth. That was because the precision of line‐shape analysis was limited. On the other hand, both fatigue damage and fatigue crack initiation were successfully detected by lifetime analysis. Positron annihilation lifetime also increased with increasing fatigue damage, and lifetime was longer at the notch root with fatigue crack than at the smooth section without crack. It was considered that the precision of lifetime analysis was high enough to detect high dislocation density areas at the fatigue crack tips.
Alpha richness and niche breadth of a widespread group of aquatic insects in Nearctic and Neotropical streams
Authors: McCreadie John W. , Hamada Neusa , Grillet Maria E. , Adler Peter H.
Published: December 2016

The increase in species richness from the poles to the equator is one of the most consistent biogeographical patterns of species distributions.

Using a globally distributed group of stream insects–black flies (Diptera: Simuliidae)–we addressed two questions: (i) How does α‐richness vary among streams of the New World? (ii) Does niche width, as measured by a proxy based on stream‐habitat conditions, differ between the Nearctic and Neotropical regions?

In our analyses of α‐richness, we consider the potential effects of area, elevation, sample size and season. Examining 296 streams in 12 regional collections, we found that α‐richness differed little among New World streams. Using stream variables to delineate a measure of niche breadth, we also found no difference in the mean niche breadth of species between North and South America.

Our results are consistent with niche conservatism. In other words, as black flies expanded into the tropics, their mean niche breadth did not contract relative to that of their northern counterparts.
Thermal and structural characterization of the Bi2‐xSmxSr2Ca2Cu3O10+δ glass‐ceramic system
Authors: Kizilaslan Olcay , Kirat Gokhan , Aksan Mehmet Ali
Published: December 2016

In this work, investigations on the crystallization and oxidization kinetics of the Sm substituted BiSrCaCuO glass‐ceramic system were performed. It has been shown that the Sm ions changed the glassification properties of the BiSrCaCuO system. While fully glass samples were obtained for low Sm‐substitution levels (x=0.2 and x=0.4), the Sm containing particles on the surface have grown especially at high Sm‐substitution levels (x>0.6) and glassification problem increased. Nonisothermal crystallization kinetics including activation energy for crystallization, Ea, and Avrami parameter, n, of the samples prepared was investigated using differential thermal analysis (DTA) at four different uniform heating rates. The values of glass transition temperature and crystallization temperature exhibited compositional and heating rate dependence. Ea value of the samples showed an increase with increasing the Sm concentration. The Avrami parameter, n, was found approximately 4.5, suggesting the growth of small particles with an increasing nucleation rate. The calculated values of the oxidization rates and the activation energy for oxygen out‐diffusion process, E, indicated that the oxygen deficiencies by the Sm substitution in the unit cell of BiSrCaCuO were formed and more oxygen atoms were absorbed to fill the oxygen deficiencies in the system.
Epidemiology characteristics, reporting characteristics, and methodological quality of systematic reviews and meta‐analyses on traditional Chinese medicine nursing interventions published in Chinese journals
Authors: Yang Min , Jiang Li , Wang Aihong , Xu Guihua
Published: December 2016

To evaluate the epidemiological characteristics, reporting characteristics, and methodological quality of systematic reviews in the traditional Chinese medicine nursing field published in Chinese journals. The number of systematic reviews in the traditional Chinese medicine nursing field has increased, but their epidemiology, quality, and reporting characteristics have not been assessed completely. We generated an overview of reviews using a narrative approach. Four Chinese databases were searched for systematic reviews from inception to December 2015. The Preferred Reporting Items of Systematic Reviews and Meta‐analyses and the Assessment of Multiple Systematic Reviews checklists were adopted to evaluate reporting and methodological quality, respectively. A total of 73 eligible systematic reviews, published from 2005 to 2015, were included. The deficiencies in reporting characteristics mainly lay in the lack of structured abstract or protocol, incomplete reporting of search strategies, study selection, and risk of bias. The deficiencies in methodological quality were reflected in the lack of a priori design and conflict of interest, incomplete literature searches, and assessment of publication bias. The quality of the evaluated reviews was unsatisfactory; attention should be paid to the improvement of reporting and methodological quality in the conduct of systematic reviews.
A real‐time digital bio‐imaging system to quantify cellular cytotoxicity as an alternative to the standard chromium‐51 release assay
Authors: Fassy Julien , Tsalkitzi Kyriaki , Salavagione Emie , Hamouda‐Tekaya Nedra , Braud Véronique M.
Published: December 2016

Reliable measurement of cellular cytotoxicity is essential for the characterization of immune responses and for the monitoring of antibody treatment efficacy. Until now, the standard 51Cr‐release assay has remained the sole sensitive assay that measures cellular cytotoxicity. Alternative non‐radioactive assays have been developed but they do not provide accurate measurement of target cell cytotoxicity. The cost and hazard of handling radioactivity are strong incentives to find alternative solutions to 51Cr. We took advantage of the recent development of cell‐imaging multimode readers to develop a novel non‐radioactive and real‐time cytotoxic assay that demonstrates good reproducibility and sensitivity. The extent of target‐cell cytotoxicity is monitored over time by imaging and quantifying live fluorescent target cells in 96‐well plates. We have developed classical natural killer cell assays in the presence or absence of blocking antibodies and antibody‐dependent cell‐mediated cytotoxicity. We show that in these assays, cell killing occurs within the first 2 hr with half maximum killing reached after 30 min. This technology has numerous applications such as natural killer and T‐cell cytotoxicity assays and can be extended to cell survival and apoptosis measurement assays.
Postural care for people with intellectual disabilities and severely impaired motor function: A scoping review
Authors: Robertson Janet , Baines Susannah , Emerson Eric , Hatton Chris
Published: December 2016

Background

Poor postural care can have severe and life‐threatening complications. This scoping review aims to map and summarize existing evidence regarding postural care for people with intellectual disabilities and severely impaired motor function.

Method

Studies were identified via electronic database searches (MEDLINE, CINAHL, PsycINFO and Web of Science) covering January 1990 to March 2016, and email requests to researcher networks. Results were collated via descriptive numerical summary of studies and thematic analysis.

Results

Twenty‐three studies were identified and summarized narratively in relation to three themes: characteristics and prevalence, interventions and service related issues. The evidence base is small with significant gaps. Lack of evidence for night‐time positioning equipment and 24‐hr postural care needs to be addressed urgently.

Conclusion

Future research should be clearly directed towards ascertaining how best postural care interventions can be employed to help improve the health and quality of life of people with intellectual disabilities.
A qualitative exploration of participants’ experiences of taking part in a walking programme: Perceived benefits, barriers, choices and use of intervention resources
Authors: Mitchell Fiona , Stalker Kirsten , Matthews Lynsay , Mutrie Nanette , Melling Chris , McConnachie Alex , Murray Heather , Melville Craig A.
Published: December 2016

Background

Adults with intellectual disabilities (ID) experience significant inequalities and tend to be more sedentary and less physically active than the wider population. Walking programmes are an effective way to increase physical activity (PA) but have not been used in studies involving adults with intellectual disabilities.

Method

Nineteen adults with intellectual disabilities participated in semistructured interviews or focus groups exploring their experiences of taking part in a walking programme (Walk Well). Data were coded using thematic analysis.

Results

Four overarching themes emerged: perceived benefits of taking part in the programme, perceived drawbacks/ barriers, walking choices and using the Walk Well resources. While there was not a significant increase in walking for all, the participants reported positive experiences of taking part in the programme. Self‐monitoring proved difficult for some, particularly reading the daily step count recorded on the pedometer and writing it in the diary. Carers also played an important role in facilitating and preventing behaviour change in adults with intellectual disabilities.

Conclusion

Additional barriers prevent many adults with intellectual disabilities from participating in PA. Capturing participant experiences provides important information for designing effective and equitable health improvement programmes.
Relationship between maternal mindfulness and anxiety 1 month after childbirth
Authors: Yamamoto Natsuki , Naruse Takashi , Sakai Mahiro , Nagata Satoko
Published: December 2016

Aim

To investigate the relationship between maternal mindfulness and maternal anxiety 1 month after childbirth.

Methods

A cross‐sectional design was used, featuring anonymous questionnaires that were completed between July and December 2014 at two Japanese hospitals. The participants (n = 151) completed the Mindful Attention Awareness Scale (Japanese version) and the State–Trait Anxiety Inventory Form X (Japanese version). The data analysis was carried out by using a hierarchical multiple regression.

Results

The state and trait anxiety scores showed significant relationships with mindfulness, the mother's age, and the perceived difference between the expectations of motherhood before childbirth and the reality of post‐partum daily life. Furthermore, the amount of average sleep time in the past week (including naps) showed a negative association with the state anxiety score, whereas the marital relationship showed a positive association with trait anxiety. Finally, at 1 month post‐partum, the mothers with greater mindfulness scores showed lower anxiety.

Conclusions

Improvements in mindfulness could help mothers to reduce their post‐partum anxiety.
The Role of Foreign Domestic Helpers in Hong Kong Chinese Children's English and Chinese Skills: A Longitudinal Study
Authors: Dulay Katrina May , Tong Xiuhong , McBride Catherine
Published: December 2016

We investigated the influence of nonparental caregivers, such as foreign domestic helpers (FDH), on the home language spoken to the child and its implications for vocabulary and word reading development in Cantonese‐ and English‐speaking bilingual children. Using data collected from ages 5 to 9, we analyzed Chinese vocabulary, Chinese character recognition, English vocabulary, and English word reading among 194 native Cantonese‐speaking children in Hong Kong with English‐speaking FDHs (n = 46), children with Cantonese‐speaking FDHs (n = 32), and children with no FDHs who were spoken to in Cantonese (n = 116). Multilevel modeling results showed potential advantages in initial English vocabulary and disadvantages in initial Chinese character recognition among children in the English‐speaking FDH group, with no evidence for compounding or diminished costs or benefits over time. Results are discussed in relation to both theoretical and practical aspects of home language and literacy development.
Determinants of litter decomposition rates in a tropical forest: functional traits, phylogeny and ecological succession
Authors: Szefer Piotr , Carmona Carlos P. , Chmel Kryštof , Konečná Marie , Libra Martin , Molem Kenneth , Novotný Vojtěch , Segar Simon T. , Švamberková Eva , Topliceanu Theodor‐Sebastian , Lepš Jan
Published: December 2016

Plant litter decomposition is one of the most important processes in terrestrial ecosystems, as it is a key factor in nutrient cycling. Decomposition rates depend on environmental factors, but also plant traits, as these determine the character of detritus. We measured litter decomposition rate for 57 common tree species displaying a variety of functional traits within four sites in primary and four sites in secondary tropical forest in Madang Province, Papua New Guinea. The phylogenetic relationships between these trees were also estimated using molecular data. The leaves collected from different tree species were dried for two days, placed into detritus bags and exposed to ambient conditions for two months. Nitrogen, carbon and ash content were assessed as quantitative traits and used together with a phylogenetic variance– covariance matrix as predictors of decomposition rate. The analysis of the tree species composition from 96 quadrats located along a successional gradient of swidden agriculture enabled us to determine successional preferences for individual species.

Nitrogen content was the only functional trait measured to be significantly positively correlated with decomposition rate. Controlling for plant phylogeny did not influence our conclusions, but including phylogeny demonstrated that the mainly early successional family Euphorbiaceae is characterized by a particularly high decomposition rate. The acquisitive traits (high nitrogen content and low wood density) correlated with rapid decomposition were characteristic for early successional species. Decomposition rate thus decreased from early successional to primary forest species. However, the decomposition of leaves from the same species was significantly faster in primary than in secondary forest stands, very probably because the high humidity of primary forest environments keeps the decomposing material wetter.
Ten‐Year Clinical Experience with the Lumenless, Catheter‐Delivered, 4.1‐Fr Diameter Pacing Lead in Patients with and without Congenital Heart
Authors: BANSAL NEHA , SAMUEL SHARMEEN , ZELIN KATHLEEN , KARPAWICH PETER P.
Published: December 2016

Background

Patients with congenital heart defects (CHD) often present more challenges to pacing therapy due to anatomy than those without CHD. The lumenless, 4.1Fr diameter M3830 pacing lead (Medtronic, Inc., Minneapolis, MN, USA), approved for use in 2005, has, to date, reported to have excellent short‐term (<6 years) lead performance. Unfortunately, very long‐term performance is unknown, especially among CHD patients and with implants at alternate pacing (AP) sites. This study reports a 10‐year clinical experience with the M3830 lead.

Methods

Records of patients who received the M3830 lead were reviewed: patient demographics, implant techniques and locations, sensing and pacing characteristics, impedances (Imp), and any complications at implant and follow‐up.

Results

From 2005 to 2015, 141 patients (ages 2–50, mean 20.1 years, 57% males) received 212 leads: atrial 115; ventricle 97. CHD was present in 62% of patients. Leads were inserted at AP sites in 96% of patients. Postimplant follow‐up was from 3 months to 10 years (mean 56.3 months). Comparative implant versus follow‐up values (mean ± standard deviation) were available on 196 leads (92.5%), showing persistently low (<1 v @ 0.4–0.5 ms) pacing thresholds (P = 0.57). Sensing was also comparable (atrial leads, P = 0.41; ventricular leads, P = 0.9). Impedances differed (P < 0.05) but remained within the normal range. Two A leads became dislodged and one was repositioned while two other leads (1 A, 1 V) were extracted. There are no differences observed in the pacing characteristics between the CHD and non‐CHD groups on follow‐up.

Conclusions

The 4.1Fr lumenless pacing lead shows ease of implant regardless of CHD or AP site, excellent very long‐term (10 years) stability, and performance indices with a very low rate of complications.
Proving Korea's Claim of Sovereignty over Dokdo: The Evidentiary Relevance of Imperial Ordinance No. 41 of 27 October 1900
Authors: Lee Seokwoo
Published: December 2016

Korea's claim of ownership and possession over Dokdo is based on original title and the continuous exercise of sovereignty from earlier Korean kingdoms up until and through the modern period. Japan argues that Dokdo was terra nullius, belonging to no country, when it incorporated Dokdo into Japan in 1905 as part of Shimane Prefecture. A critical piece of evidence contradicting this Japanese argument is Imperial Ordinance enacted on 27 October 1900 by the Empire of Korea, which purports to indicate that the Empire of Korea understood that Dokdo was an inherent part of Korea. This paper is an attempt to highlight this imperial ordinance in the context of Korea's claim of sovereignty and argues for its relevance and veracity using principles of evidence taken from US law. As a piece of evidence, the Empire of Korea's Imperial Ordinance No. 41 of 27 October 1900 supports two major contentions of the Korean government in its sovereignty claim to Dokdo in contradiction to Japan's assertions of sovereignty. First, it serves to prove Korea's position that pursuant to international law, Korea had sovereignty over Dokdo at the turn of the 20th century and second, it undermines the Japanese claim that Dokdo belonged to no state in 1905 given Korea's ownership, which would invalidate the terra nullius rationale of Japan's annexation of Dokdo. Assuming Korea's position on the content of Imperial Ordinance No. 41 to be true, it is quite evident that it would be deemed to be relevant in demonstrating Korea's case for sovereignty over Dokdo. Nevertheless, an objection would certainly be raised by Japan as to the relevance of the imperial ordinance given the different designation of Dokdo (Seokdo) in the document. In such an instance, the question of relevance comes down to the reason and experience of the judge along with the supporting evidence that has been given.
Nationalism and Construction of Regional Security Order in Northeast Asia
Authors: Qiu Fahua
Published: December 2016

Based on the perspectives of popular nationalism and state nationalism, this article investigates the current status of nationalism as well as its effects on the regional security order in Northeast Asia. The rise of nationalism in Northeast Asia is multifaceted and presents a dynamic development trend, which has a profound impact on the regional security order in Northeast Asia. Although the popular nationalism of Northeast Asian nations has various effects on the diplomatic decision‐making of the respective governments, all of these versions of nationalism affect normal communications among nations in the region. Thus, each government should be careful when utilizing nationalism to realize its political purposes. Indeed, Japan and China should learn from the lessons of history in World War II and avoid falling into the abyss of state nationalism. Each nation in Northeast Asia should pay more attention to the rise of nationalism in the region, constrain its narrow‐mindedness and exclusiveness, and aspire to rational patriotism. By doing so, a peaceful, secure, and prosperous regional security order in Northeast Asia could be constructed.