bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Quantifying pursuit‐diving seabirds’ associations with fine‐scale physical features in tidal stream environments
Authors: Waggitt James J. , Cazenave Pierre W. , Torres Ricardo , Williamson Benjamin J. , Scott Beth E.
Published: March 2016

The rapid increase in the number of tidal stream turbine arrays will create novel and unprecedented levels of anthropogenic activity within habitats characterized by horizontal current speeds exceeding 2 ms−1. However, the potential impacts on pursuit‐diving seabirds exploiting these tidal stream environments remain largely unknown. Identifying similarities between the fine‐scale physical features (100s of metres) suitable for array installations, and those associated with foraging pursuit‐diving seabirds, could identify which species are most vulnerable to either collisions with moving components, or displacement from these installations.

A combination of vessel‐based observational surveys, Finite Volume Community Ocean Model outputs and hydroacoustic seabed surveys provided concurrent measures of foraging distributions and physical characteristics at a fine temporal (15 min) and spatial (500 m) resolution across a tidal stream environment suitable for array installations, during both breeding and non‐breeding seasons. These data sets were then used to test for associations between foraging pursuit‐diving seabirds (Atlantic puffins Fratercula arctica, black guillemots Cepphus grylle, common guillemots Uria aalge, European shags Phalacrocorax aristotelis) and physical features.

These species were associated with areas of fast horizontal currents, slow horizontal currents, high turbulence, downward vertical currents and also hard–rough seabeds. The identity and strength of associations differed among species, and also within species between seasons, indicative of interspecific and intraspecific variations in habitat use. However, Atlantic puffins were associated particularly strongly with areas of fast horizontal currents during breeding seasons, and European shags with areas of rough–hard seabeds and downward vertical currents during non‐breeding seasons.

Synthesis and applications. Atlantic puffins’ strong association with fast horizontal current speeds indicates that they are particularly likely to interact with installations during breeding seasons. Any post‐installation monitoring and mitigation measures should therefore focus on this species and season. The multi‐species associations with high turbulence and downward vertical currents, which often coincide with fast horizontal current speeds, also highlight useful pre‐installation mitigation measures via the omission of devices from these areas, reducing the overall likelihood of interactions. Environmental impact assessments (EIA) generally involve once‐a‐month surveys across 2‐year periods. However, the approaches used in this study show that more focussed surveys can greatly benefit management strategies aiming to reduce the likelihood of negative impacts by facilitating the development of targeted mitigation measures. It is therefore recommended that these approaches contribute towards EIA within development sites.
Does Ecological Footprint Impede Economic Growth? An Empirical Analysis Based on the Environmental Kuznets Curve Hypothesis
Authors: Uddin Gazi A. , Alam Khorshed , Gow Jeff
Published: March 2016

This paper examines the relationship between income and environmental quality using environmental Kuznets curve (EKC) hypothesis. The hypothesised link is tested using time‐series analysis of 22 countries over the period 1961–2011. The degree of environmental impacts of economic activity is measured using ecological footprint (EF) per capita as explanatory variable, while real gross domestic product (GDP) per capita and its quadratic and cubic forms are used as predictor variables in these countries. First, the EKC hypothesis is tested through examining the relationship between EF and GDP using linear, quadratic and cubic functions. Further, the long‐run relationship between EF and GDP is investigated using a vector error correction model. It was found that there is a cointegrated relationship between the variables in almost all countries, which was statistically significant, and EKC supported in 10 countries. Additionally, almost all error correction terms are correct in sign and are significant, which implies that some percentage of disequilibria in EF in the previous year adjusts back to the long‐run equilibrium in the current year. Therefore, an efficient trade‐off between environmental protection and economic benefits should be taken, and EF should be reduced through changing consumption patterns, improving the efficiency of use of resources and cleaner technology choices.
Do Education and Sex Matter for Intergenerational Earnings Mobility? Some Evidence from Australia
Authors: Fairbrother David , Mahadevan Renuka
Published: March 2016

This paper analyses the intergenerational earnings mobility in Australia for all combinations of mothers, fathers, sons and daughters. We find that mobility is highest between parents and children of the opposite sex. Daughters are more mobile than sons with respect to fathers' earnings, but there is no statistical difference between the sexes' mobility with respect to mothers' earnings. We also consider how differing levels of mobility between the sexes may be related to the education level of the children. It was found that the father–son elasticity increases with son's education level and that the difference between son–father and daughter–father mobility may be associated with the higher levels of education obtained by females from less affluent backgrounds.
Packaging optimisation for portioned Canestrato di Moliterno cheese
Authors: Costa Cristina , Lucera Annalisa , Lacivita Valentina , Saccotelli Maria Antonietta , Conte Amalia , Del Nobile Matteo Alessandro
Published: March 2016

Different polymeric films and various headspace conditions (air, vacuum and four different modified atmosphere packaging) were combined to select a packaging system that assured the desired shelf life for two types of portioned Canestrato di Moliterno cheese ripened for 4 and 12 months. To evaluate the quality deterioration of the packaged cheese samples under refrigerated conditions, texture change, weight loss, water activity, moisture content, microbial contamination, pH and sensory attributes were monitored during storage. The results highlighted that a high‐barrier multilayer film delayed proliferation of moulds and gave the best results for both types of ripened cheese.
An economic analysis of immediate delivery and expectant monitoring in women with hypertensive disorders of pregnancy, between 34 and 37 weeks of gestation (HYPITAT‐II)
Authors: van Baaren G‐J , Broekhuijsen K , van Pampus MG , Ganzevoort W , Sikkema JM , Woiski MD , Oudijk MA , Bloemenkamp KWM , Scheepers HCJ , Bremer HA , Rijnders RJP , van Loon AJ , Perquin DAM , Sporken JMJ , Papatsonis DNM , van Huizen ME , Vredevoogd CB , Brons JTJ , Kaplan M , van Kaam AH , Groen H , Porath M , van den Berg PP , Mol BWJ , Franssen MTM , Langenveld J ,   the HYPITAT‐II Study Group
Published: March 2016

Objective

To assess the economic consequences of immediate delivery compared with expectant monitoring in women with preterm non‐severe hypertensive disorders of pregnancy.

Design

A cost‐effectiveness analysis alongside a randomised controlled trial (HYPITAT‐II).

Setting

Obstetric departments of seven academic hospitals and 44 non‐academic hospitals in the Netherlands.

Population

Women diagnosed with non‐severe hypertensive disorders of pregnancy between 340/7and 370/7 weeks of gestation, randomly allocated to either immediate delivery or expectant monitoring.

Methods

A trial‐based cost‐effectiveness analysis was performed from a healthcare perspective until final maternal and neonatal discharge.

Main outcome measures

Health outcomes were expressed as the prevalence of respiratory distress syndrome, defined as the need for supplemental oxygen for >24 hours combined with radiographic findings typical for respiratory distress syndrome. Costs were estimated from a healthcare perspective until maternal and neonatal discharge.

Results

The average costs of immediate delivery (n = 352) were €10 245 versus €9563 for expectant monitoring (n = 351), with an average difference of €682 (95% confidence interval, 95% CI−€618 to €2126). This 7% difference predominantly originated from the neonatal admissions, which were €5672 in the immediate delivery arm and €3929 in the expectant monitoring arm.

Conclusion

In women with mild hypertensive disorders between 340/7and 370/7 weeks of gestation, immediate delivery is more costly than expectant monitoring as a result of differences in neonatal admissions. These findings support expectant monitoring, as the clinical outcomes of the trial demonstrated that expectant monitoring reduced respiratory distress syndrome for a slightly increased risk of maternal complications.

Tweetable abstract

Expectant management in preterm hypertensive disorders is less costly compared with immediate delivery.
Zinc finger protein rotund deficiency affects development of the thoracic leg in Bombyx mori
Authors: Zhou Chun‐Yan , Zha Xing‐Fu , Liu Hua‐Wei , Xia Qing‐You
Published: March 2016

The insect limb develops from the imaginal disc or larval leg during metamorphosis. The molecular mechanisms involved in the development from the larval to the adult leg are poorly understood. Herein, we cloned the full length of a zinc finger gene rotund from Bombyx mori (Bmrn), which contained a 1419 bp open reading frame, and encoded a 473 amino acid protein. Reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction and Western blot analyses demonstrated that Bmrn was expressed at higher levels in the epidermis than in other tissues tested, and it showed a very high expression level during metamorphosis. Knock‐down of Bmrn produced defects in the tarsus and pretarsus, including the fusion and reduction of tarsomeres, and the developmental arrest of pretarsus. Our data showed that Bmrn is involved in the formation of the tarsus and pretarsus, whereas its homologous gene in Drosophila has been shown to affect three tarsal segments (t2–t4), suggesting that the remodeling of the leg has involved changes in the patterning of gene regulation during evolution.
Quantitative Analysis of Major Phytochemicals in Orthodox tea (Camellia sinensis), Oxidized under Compressed Air Environment
Authors: Panda Brajesh Kumar , Datta Ashis Kumar
Published: March 2016

This study describes major changes in phytochemical composition of orthodox tea (Camellia sinensis var. Assamica) oxidized under compressed air (CA). The experiments for oxidation were conducted under air pressure (101, 202, and 303 kPa) for 150 min. Relative change in the concentrations of caffeine, catechins, theaflavins (TF), and thearubigins (TR) were analyzed. Effect of CA pressure was found to be nonsignificant in regulating caffeine concentration during oxidation. But degradation in different catechins as well as formation of different TF was significantly affected by CA pressure. At high CA pressure, TF showed highest peak value. TR was found to have slower rate of formation during initial phase of oxidation than TF. Even though the rate of TR formation was significantly influenced by CA, a portion of catechins remained unoxidized at end of oxidation. Except caffeine, the percent change in rate of formation or degradation were more prominent at 202 kPa.
Single‐Dose Interaction Study of the Arginine Vasopressin Type 1B Receptor Antagonist ABT‐436 and Alcohol in Moderate Alcohol Drinkers
Authors: Katz David A. , Locke Charles , Liu Wei , Zhang Jun , Achari Ramanuj , Wesnes Keith A. , Tracy Katherine A.
Published: March 2016

Background

ABT‐436, a potent and selective arginine vasopressin (AVP) type 1B receptor (V1B) antagonist, has previously demonstrated basal hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal (HPA) axis attenuation in man. A V1B antagonist is hypothesized as an alcohol‐dependent treatment based on the role of the V1B receptor in stress regulation and the finding that stress is a trigger for relapse in alcoholics. A V1B antagonist has shown favorable effects in rat models of alcohol dependence. A single‐dose clinical study was conducted to assess the potential for pharmacokinetic or pharmacodynamic interaction between ABT‐436 and alcohol.

Methods

Twenty moderate alcohol drinkers each received the 4 possible combinations of a single 1,000 mg ABT‐436 dose (or matching placebo) and a single 0.5 g/kg alcohol dose (or placebo for alcohol) in a double‐blind, randomized, 4‐period crossover study. Plasma ABT‐436 and blood alcohol levels were measured to assess pharmacokinetic interactions. A computerized cognitive test battery (CDR System), Bond–Lader Visual Analog Scales scales, and a postural stability test were used to measure the effects of alcohol and the potential interaction with ABT‐436. The pharmacologic effect of ABT‐436 was assessed by measuring serum cortisol.

Results

Neither ABT‐436 nor alcohol affected the blood levels of the other. Alcohol reduced performance on 2 of 5 CDR System composite variables (power of attention, p = 0.002; quality of secondary episodic memory, p < 0.001), and decreased postural stability (p = 0.043). ABT‐436 did not exacerbate those deleterious effects. ABT‐436 reduced serum cortisol (p < 0.001), and alcohol did not significantly diminish this expected effect on the HPA axis.

Conclusions

No pharmacokinetic or pharmacodynamic interaction between ABT‐436 and alcohol was observed.
Neighborhood Context and Binge Drinking by Race and Ethnicity in New York City
Authors: Chauhan Preeti , Ahern Jennifer , Galea Sandro , Keyes Katherine M.
Published: March 2016

Background

Neighborhood context is associated with binge drinking and has significant health, societal, and economic costs. Both binge drinking and neighborhood context vary by race and ethnicity. We examined the relations between neighborhood characteristics—neighborhood norms that are accepting of drunkenness, collective efficacy, and physical disorder—and binge drinking, with a focus on examining race and ethnic‐specific relationships.

Methods

Respondent data were collected through 2005 random digit‐dial‐telephone survey for a representative sample of New York City residents; neighborhood data were based on the 2005 New York City Housing and Vacancy Survey. Participants were 1,415 past‐year drinkers; Whites (n = 877), Blacks (n = 292), and Hispanics (n = 246). Generalized estimating equations were used to estimate population average models.

Results

For the overall sample, neighborhood norms that were more accepting of drunkenness were associated with greater binge drinking (odds ratio [OR] = 1.22; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.09, 1.37); collective efficacy and physical disorder were not significant. However, when examining this by race/ethnicity, greater collective efficacy (OR = 0.75; 95% CI = 0.62, 0.91) and greater physical disorder (OR = 0.76; 95% CI = 0.62, 0.93) were associated with less binge drinking for Whites only. Neighborhood norms that were more accepting of drunkenness were associated with binge drinking among Whites (OR = 1.20; 95% CI = 1.05, 1.38) and, while not significant (perhaps due to power), the associations were similar for Hispanics (OR = 1.18; 95% CI = 0.83, 1.68) and slightly lower for Blacks (OR = 1.11; 95% CI = 0.67, 1.84).

Conclusions

Overall, results suggest that neighborhood characteristics and binge drinking are shaped, in part, by factors that vary across race/ethnicity. Thus, disaggregating data by race/ethnicity is important in understanding binge drinking behaviors.
Incorporating regional‐scale ecological knowledge to improve the effectiveness of large‐scale conservation programmes
Authors: Kay G. M. , Barton P. S. , Driscoll D. A. , Cunningham S. A. , Blanchard W. , McIntyre S. , Lindenmayer D. B.
Published: March 2016

Land‐stewardship programmes are a major focus of investment by governments for conserving biodiversity in agricultural landscapes. These programmes are generally large‐scale (e.g. >1000 km) spanning multiple biogeographic regions but developed using spatially limited (e.g. landscape‐scale; <100 km) ecological data interpolated across broad areas for one, or a few, well‐studied taxonomic groups. Information about how less‐studied taxa respond to regional differences in management and environmental effects has potential to further inform land‐stewardship conservation programmes, but suitable data sets are rarely available. In this study, we sought to enhance planning of large‐scale conservation programmes by quantifying relationships between reptile assemblages and key environmental attributes at regional scales within a large‐scale (>172 000 km2) Australian land‐stewardship programme. Using 234 remnant woodland monitoring sites spanning four distinct biogeographic regions, we asked: Do reptile assemblages show different environmental associations across biogeographically distinct regions? We found that environmental features important to reptile diversity differed over each region. Abundance and rare species richness of reptiles responded at regional‐scales to elevation, native groundcover and aspect. We identified four implications from our study: (1) large‐scale conservation schemes can achieve better outcomes for reptiles using regional‐scale knowledge of environmental associations; (2) regional‐scale knowledge is particularly valuable for conservation of rare reptile taxa; (3) consideration of abiotic environmental features which cannot be directly managed (e.g. aspect, elevation) is important; (4) programmes can be tailored to better support reptile groups at higher conservation risk. Our study shows that reptile‐environment associations differ among biogeographic regions, and this presents opportunity for tailoring stronger policy and management strategies for conserving large‐scale agricultural landscapes globally.
Aberrant interhemispheric functional and structural connectivity in heroin‐dependent individuals
Authors: Qiu Ying‐wei , Jiang Gui‐hua , Ma Xiao‐fen , Su Huan‐Huan , Lv Xiao‐fei , Zhuo Fu‐zhen
Published: March 2016

Models of heroin addiction emphasize the role of disrupted frontostriatal circuitry supporting cognitive control processes. However, heroin addiction‐related alterations in functional and structural interactions among brain regions, especially between the cerebral hemispheres, are rarely examined directly. Resting‐state functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) approaches, which reveal patterns of coherent spontaneous fluctuations in the fMRI signal, offer a means to quantify directly functional interactions between the hemispheres. The corpus callosum (CC), which connects homologous regions of the cortex, is the major conduit for information transfer between the cerebral hemispheres and represents a structural connectivity index between hemispheres. We compared interhemispheric voxel‐mirrored homotopic connectivity (VMHC) and CC volume between 45 heroin dependent‐individuals (HDIs) and 35 non‐addict individuals. We observed significant reduction of VMHC in a number of regions, particularly the striatum/limbic system regions, and significant decrease in splenium and genu sub‐regions of CC in HDI. Importantly, within HDI, VMHC in the dorsal lateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) correlated with genu CC volume, VMHC in the putamen, VMHC in the DLPFC and genu CC volume and splenium CC volume were negatively correlated with heroin duration and impulsivity traits. Further analyses demonstrated that impairment of VMHC of bilateral DLPFC partially mediated the association between genu CC volumes decreased and increased impulsivity in HDI. Our results reveal a substantial impairment of interhemispheric coordination in the HDI. Further, interhemispheric connectivity correlated with the duration of heroin abuse and higher impulsivity behavior in HDI. Our findings provide insight into a heroin addicts' related pathophysiology and reinforce an integrative view of the interhemispheric cerebral functional and structural organization.
The effect of bleaching gel and (940 nm and 980 nm) diode lasers photoactivation on intrapulpal temperature and teeth whitening efficiency
Authors: Al‐Karadaghi Tamara S. , Al‐Saedi Asmaa A. , Al‐Maliky Mohammed A. , Mahmood Ali S.
Published: March 2016

This in vitro study aimed to investigate the whitening efficacy of 940 nm and 980 nm diode laser photoactivation in tooth bleaching by analysing pulp chamber temperature, as well as the change in tooth colour. Root canals of thirty extracted human lower premolars were prepared. Laserwhite* 20 bleaching agent containing 38% of hydrogen peroxide was photoactivated with 7 W output power of 940 nm and 980 nm diode lasers for 120 s. Bleaching gel reduced 27–29% of the temperature from reaching the pulp chamber. For shade assessment, only the groups photoactivated using diode lasers showed statistically significant differences from control group P < 0.001. Within the studied parameters, both 940 nm and 980 nm diode lasers produced a safe pulp temperature increase. Diode laser photoactivation of bleaching gel resulted in more efficient teeth whitening. Photoactivation with 940 nm diode laser yielded the highest change in colour with only minor increase in pulp chamber temperature.
Analysis of genes that influence sheep follicular development by different nutrition levels during the luteal phase using expression profiling
Authors: Luo F. , Jia R. , Ying S. , Wang Z. , Wang F.
Published: March 2016

Nutrition is an important factor that regulates reproductive performance of sheep and affects follicle development. However, the correlation between nutrition and follicle development is poorly understood at the molecular level. To study its possible molecular mechanisms, we performed expression profiling of granulosa cells isolated from sheep that were fed different levels of nutrition levels during the luteal phase. To do this, ewes received a maintenance diet (M), and their estrus was synchronized by intravaginal progestogen sponges for 12 days. Ewes were randomly divided into the short‐term dietary‐restricted group (R; 0.5 × M) and the nutrient‐supplemented group (S; 1.5 × M). RNA samples were extracted from granulosa cells. Transcriptome libraries from each group were constructed by Illumina sequencing. Among 18 468 detected genes, 170 genes were significantly differentially expressed, of which 140 genes were upregulated and 30 genes were downregulated in group S relative to group R. These genes could be candidates regulating follicular development in sheep. Gene Ontology, KEGG and clustering analyses were performed. Genes related to oocyte meiosis, such as ADCY7, were upregulated. We identified two important groups of related genes that were upregulated with improved nutrition: one group comprising the genes PTGS2, UCP2 and steroidogenic acute regulatory protein and the other group comprising interleukin‐1A and interleukin‐1B. The genes within each group showed similar expression patterns. Additionally, all five genes are involved in the reproduction process. Quantitative real‐time PCR was performed to validate the results of expression profiling. These data in our study are an abundant genomic resource to expand the understanding of the molecular and cellular events underlying follicle development.
Better way to measure ageing in East Asia that takes life expectancy into account
Authors: Scherbov Sergei , Sanderson Warren C , Gietel‐Basten Stuart
Published: March 2016

Aim

The aim of the study was to improve the measurement of ageing taking into account characteristics of populations and in particular changes in life expectancy.

Method

Using projected life tables, we calculated prospective old age dependency ratios (POADRs) to 2060, placing the boundary to old age at a moving point with a fixed remaining life expectancy (RLE) for all countries of East Asia.

Results

POADRs grow less rapidly than old age dependency ratios (OADRs). For example, in the Republic of Korea, the OADR is forecast to increase from around 0.1 in 1980 to around 0.8 in 2060, while the POADR is forecast to increase from around 0.1 to 0.4 over the same period.

Conclusion

Policy makers may wish to take into account the fact that the increases in measures of ageing will be slower when those measures are adjusted for changes in life expectancy.
Nurturing spiritual well‐being among older people in Australia: Drawing on Indigenous and non‐Indigenous way of knowing
Authors: Love Pettina , Moore Melissa , Warburton Jeni
Published: March 2016

Aim

The meaning of spiritual well‐being as a health dimension is often contested and neglected in policy and practice. This paper explores spiritual well‐being from both an Indigenous and a non‐Indigenous perspective.

Method

We drew on Indigenous and non‐Indigenous methodologies to explore the existing knowledge around spiritual well‐being and its relationship with health.

Results

The Indigenous perspective proposed that spiritual well‐being is founded in The Dreaming, informs everyday relationships and can impact on health. The non‐Indigenous perspective suggested that spiritual well‐being is shaped by culture and religion, is of increased importance as one ages, and can improve coping and resilience stressors.

Conclusions

Situating these perspectives side by side allows us to learn from both, and understand the importance of spirituality in people's lives. Further research is required to better address the spiritual well‐being/health connection in policy and practice.
Aged care managers' perceptions of staff preparedness for caring for older survivors of genocide and mass trauma in Australia: How prepared are aged care workers?
Authors: Teshuva Karen , Wells Yvonne
Published: March 2016

Objective

To investigate aged care managers' perceptions of staff preparedness for working with older people who experienced genocide or mass trauma earlier in their lives (referred to in this paper as ‘older survivors’).

Methods

A survey of 60 aged care service managers was conducted (50% response rate). Trauma knowledge and skills scales with Cronbach's alpha scores of 0.74 and 0.90 respectively, were used. Scores across groups were compared using Student's t‐tests.

Results

Three‐quarters of the respondents reported that their agency had provided aged care services for older survivors. The majority of these managers perceived their staff to be moderately informed about trauma‐related issues and half rated staff trauma‐related skills positively. These ratings were positively associated with trauma‐related staff training, service type and service location.

Conclusion

Results suggest that, overall, managers perceive a need to improve aged care staff's preparedness for providing care for older survivors.
Factors affecting optimal nutrition and hydration for people living in specialised dementia care units: A qualitative study of staff caregivers' perceptions
Authors: Nell Debra , Neville Stephen , Bellew Roana , O'Leary Catherine , Beck Kathryn Louise
Published: March 2016

Aim

To explore the perceptions of staff caregivers regarding factors affecting optimal nutrition and hydration for individuals living in Specialised Dementia Care Units in New Zealand.

Methods

Qualitative descriptive study using a semi‐structured interview approach with 11 staff caregivers at two Specialised Dementia Care Units. Data were analysed using a general inductive approach.

Results

Two main themes were identified. The first theme ‘It's about the individual’ encompassed individual factors such as appetite, food appeal, and cognitive and functional abilities. The second theme ‘It's about the environment’ encompassed factors relating to the dining environment, the social aspects to dining and the provision of support with mealtime activities.

Conclusions

Factors affecting nutrition and hydration in people living with dementia are complex and inter‐related. Organisations providing specialised dementia care, their staff and foodservice providers should focus on both the individual and environment to ensure optimal nutrition and hydration for the people in their care.
Demodex mites in acne rosacea: reflectance confocal microscopic study
Authors: Turgut Erdemir Asli , Gurel Mehmet Salih , Koku Aksu Ayse Esra , Falay Tugba , Inan Yuksel Esma , Sarikaya Ebru
Published: March 2016

Background/Objectives

Demodex mite density is emphasised in the aetiopathogenesis of acne rosacea. Reflectance confocal microscopy (RCM) has been shown to be a good method for determining demodex mite density. The objective was to determine demodex mite density using RCM in acne rosacea patients and compare them with controls.

Methods

In all, 30 papulopustular rosacea (PPR) and 30 erythematotelangiectatic rosacea (ETR) totally 60 acne rosacea patients and 40 controls, were enrolled in the study. The right cheek was selected for imaging and RCM was used for scanning. Ten images of 1000 × 1000 μm (total 10 mm2) area were scanned from adjacent areas. The numbers of follicles, infested follicles and mites were counted. The mean numbers of mites per follicle and infested follicles were calculated and compared in the patients and control groups.

Results

The mean number of mites was 44.30 ± 23.22 in PPR, 14.57 ± 15.86 in ETR and 3.55 ± 6.48 in the control group (P < 0.001). The mean number of mites per follicle was 1.77 ± 0.90 in PPR, 0.57 ± 0.63 in ETR and 0.13 ± 0.23 in the control group (P < 0.001). The cut‐off for the mean number of mites for determining mite infestation was 0.17 and above.

Conclusions

Demodex mite density was markedly increased in both ETR and PPR patients. It is believed that the presence of demodex mites plays an important role in rosacea aetiopathogenesis. Demodex mite treatment may reduce the severity of the disease and slow its progressive nature.
Effects of traditional pastoralism on grasshopper (Caelifera) assemblages in East Africa
Authors: Uyehara Isaac K. , Sisanya Martin , Hemp Claudia , Rubenstein Daniel I.
Published: March 2016

In East Africa, traditional pastoralists increase landscape heterogeneity by creating traditional livestock corrals (bomas). When these bomas are abandoned, they serve as long‐term hot spots of increased nutrients and unique vegetation. However, the effect of bomas on insect populations is unclear. Grasshopper (Suborder Caelifera) assemblages are thought to reflect vegetation, and within Caelifera, the subfamily Oedipodinae is known to be associated with degraded areas. We sampled vegetation and collected grasshoppers inside of abandoned bomas, 50 m from abandoned bomas and 250 m from abandoned bomas. Bomas had significantly lower grass abundance than background vegetation. Total grasshopper abundance was positively correlated with grass and forb abundance, while the proportion of grasshoppers in the subfamily Oedipodinae was negatively correlated with grass abundance. Grasshopper abundance was significantly lower inside of bomas than outside of them, but the proportion of grasshoppers in the subfamily Oedipodinae was significantly higher inside of bomas than outside of them. This suggests that the decreased vegetation in abandoned bomas supports fewer grasshoppers, but a higher fraction of the grasshopper assemblage in abandoned bomas is composed of Oedipodinae. Thus, traditional pastoralists can have long‐term effects on the size and composition of grasshopper assemblages through the use of bomas.
Tragedy of the Partnership: A Critique of Elinor Ostrom
Authors: Block Walter , Jankovic Ivan
Published: March 2016

Elinor Ostrom thinks she has discovered a third way apart from private and government property: the commons. In her view, there is no “tragedy” associated with this third option. The present article takes strong issue with her. Our claim is that she has not properly distinguished between a commons and partnership arrangements. In the former case, outsiders cannot be excluded from entry; in the latter, they can. The reason for this confusion between the commons and private property in Ostrom's work is that she believes private property is possible only if government protects and enforces it. We show by using various historical examples that this assumption is wrong, and hence the central tenet of Ostrom's model of the commons fails.
The Meaning, Prospects, and Future of the Commons: Revisiting the Legacies of Elinor Ostrom and Henry George
Authors: Obeng‐Odoom Franklin
Published: March 2016

Elinor Ostrom's work on the commons has convinced mainstream economists that “collective” governance of the commons can overcome the “tragedy of the commons” and “free‐rider problems.” Yet, a more systematic appraisal of Ostrom's work shows that it contains no concept of justice. Her idea of rights is extremely limited, often tied to the notion of joint, rather than equal, rights. Indeed, for Ostrom, the notion of the commons is socially separatist and not ecological. Ostrom uses historical examples, but without analyzing how common possession historically evolved and was undermined by external forces. Hence her proposed “collective action” to save the commons actually accelerates the real threats to the commons. A strikingly different and more holistic approach to the commons is offered by Henry George, who posits the commons as the most important path to social, economic, and ecological sustainability. Unlike Ostrom, who studied the commons “scientifically” to show that some goods are neither private, public, nor club‐based, George studied the commons to understand and remove injustice at the roots. His approach is more critical and certainly more relevant today in showing that another world is possible. However, George's work too, requires significant changes to update its framing of the meanings, prospects, and future of the commons.
The CO‐City: Sharing, Collaborating, Cooperating, and Commoning in the City
Authors: Iaione Christian
Published: March 2016

This article introduces an innovative, experimental, adaptive, and iterative approach to creating legal and institutional frameworks based on urban polycentric governance to foster commons‐based urban policies. First, the theory of urban/local governance is introduced, based on an urban co‐governance matrix. A new type of regulatory system is then described that aims at transforming people in distributed nodes of collective action. Citizens and institutions can be myriad nodes of designing and problem solving in the public interest. Urban co‐governance aims at taking advantage of this galaxy of networks. I then examine design principles and a methodology to implement the urban co‐governance matrix. The concluding question concerns the need for a new research methodology to investigate the ongoing process of state transformation and institutional genesis at the urban level.
The role of ORMDL proteins, guardians of cellular sphingolipids, in asthma
Authors: Paulenda T. , Draber P.
Published: March 2016

A family of widely expressed ORM‐like (ORMDL) proteins has been recently linked to asthma in genomewide association studies in humans and extensively explored in in vivo studies in mice. ORMDL proteins are key regulators of serine palmitoyltransferase, an enzyme catalyzing the initial step of sphingolipid biosynthesis. Sphingolipids play prominent roles in cell signaling and response to stress, and they affect the mechanistic properties of cellular membranes. Deregulation of sphingolipid biosynthesis and their recycling has been proven to support and even cause several diseases including allergy, inflammation, and asthma. ORMDL3, the most extensively studied member of the ORMDL family, has been shown to be important for endoplasmic reticulum homeostasis by regulating the unfolded protein response and calcium response. In immune cells, ORMDL3 is involved in migration and in the production of proinflammatory cytokines. Furthermore, changes in the expression level of ORMDL3 are important in allergen‐induced asthma pathologies. This review focuses on functional aspects of the ORMDL family proteins, which may serve as new therapeutic targets for the treatment of asthma and some other life‐threatening diseases.
Drug allergies documented in electronic health records of a large healthcare system
Authors: Zhou L. , Dhopeshwarkar N. , Blumenthal K. G. , Goss F. , Topaz M. , Slight S. P. , Bates D. W.
Published: March 2016

Background

The prevalence of drug allergies documented in electronic health records (EHRs) of large patient populations is understudied.

Objective

We aimed to describe the prevalence of common drug allergies and patient characteristics documented in EHRs of a large healthcare network over the last two decades.

Methods

Drug allergy data were obtained from EHRs of patients who visited two large tertiary care hospitals in Boston from 1990 to 2013. The prevalence of each drug and drug class was calculated and compared by sex and race/ethnicity. The number of allergies per patient was calculated and the frequency of patients having 1, 2, 3…, or 10+ drug allergies was reported. We also conducted a trend analysis by comparing the proportion of each allergy to the total number of drug allergies over time.

Results

Among 1 766 328 patients, 35.5% of patients had at least one reported drug allergy with an average of 1.95 drug allergies per patient. The most commonly reported drug allergies in this population were to penicillins (12.8%), sulfonamide antibiotics (7.4%), opiates (6.8%), and nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) (3.5%). The relative proportion of allergies to angiotensin‐converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors and HMG CoA reductase inhibitors (statins) have more than doubled since early 2000s. Drug allergies were most prevalent among females and white patients except for NSAIDs, ACE inhibitors, and thiazide diuretics, which were more prevalent in black patients.

Conclusion

Females and white patients may be more likely to experience a reaction from common medications. An increase in reported allergies to ACE inhibitors and statins is noteworthy.
High levels of omega‐3 fatty acids in milk from omega‐3 fatty acid‐supplemented mothers are related to less immunoglobulin E‐associated disease in infancy
Authors: Warstedt Kristina , Furuhjelm Catrin , Fälth‐Magnusson Karin , Fagerås Malin , Duchén Karel
Published: March 2016

Aim

We previously reported a protective effect of maternal omega‐3 fatty acid supplements on the development of immunoglobulin E (IgE)‐associated disease in infancy. This study assessed omega‐3 long‐chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LCPUFA) in maternal milk in relation to omega‐3 LCPUFA supplementation and the development of allergic disease in their infants.

Methods

This study randomised 95 pregnant women at risk of having an allergic infant, to daily supplements of 2.6 g omega‐3 LCPUFA or a placebo of 2.7 g soya bean oil from gestational week 25 until 3 months of lactation. Breast milk samples were collected as colostrum, at one and 3 months. Milk fatty acids were related to allergic outcome in the infants at 24 months.

Results

Omega‐3 milk fatty acids were higher in women who received omega‐3 supplements than the placebo group (p < 0.01). Higher proportions of milk eicosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid and a lower arachidonic/eicosapentaenoic acid ratio were associated with an absence of IgE‐associated disease in the infants. None of the children developed IgE‐associated atopic eczema above a level of 0.83 mol% eicosapentaenoic acid in colostrum. [Correction added on 7 July 2016, after online publication: In the preceding sentence, the correct word should be “above” instead of “below” and this has been amended in this current version.]

Conclusion

High omega‐3 LCPUFA milk levels in mothers who received omega‐3 LCPUFA supplements were related to fewer allergies in their children.
Exploring the function of online narratives to develop critical thinking and localisation of knowledge in an international science program
Authors: Hicks Marianne , Tham Melissa , Brookes Rowan
Published: March 2016

e‐learning practitioners have long recognised the benefits of using online training to achieve knowledge transfer, less is understood about facilitating the sharing of values, attitudes, critical thinking, and localisation using online platforms. In this article an online learning platform in the context of an international scientific program was evaluated. The platform uses a narrative approach to convey stories with the explicit aim of developing critical thinking and localisation. The platform embeds formative assessment within the stories to transfer the tacit understandings of the program to project site staff. Some of the challenges this approach encounters, particularly with regard to the expression of localisation was explored.
iPad versus traditional tools in art and design: A complementary association
Authors: Souleles Nicos
Published: March 2016

There is continuous debate on the role of digital media tools in art and design Higher Education, and in particular their potential contribution towards teaching and learning. The related literature indicates that there is a dichotomy between digital and traditional tools. This study investigates the views of a cohort of art and design students who undertook a specific instructional task, but instead of using paper and pencil, they used iPads. It is claimed that this computer tablet has considerable potential to enhance teaching and learning, and this study sought to investigate this claim. Inductive qualitative content analysis was used to analyse the interviews provided by 32 (n = 32) students. Based on the categories that emerged from the analysis of interviews, and within the parameters of this study, the main inference is that the relationship between digital and traditional tools can be better understood as complementary rather than as a dichotomy.

A video abstract of this article can be viewed at https://youtu.be/Ws‐nTXb_BrY
Impact of HIV infection on the haemostatic response during sepsis and malaria
Authors: Huson Michaëla A. M. , Kalkman Rachel , Hoogendijk Arie J. , Alabi Abraham S. , van ‘t Veer Cornelis , Grobusch Martin P. , Meijers Joost C. M. , van der Poll Tom
Published: March 2016

Patients positive for the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) are more susceptible to sepsis and malaria, two conditions known to activate the coagulation system. As chronic HIV infection also influences haemostatic mechanisms, we determined the influence of HIV co‐infection on coagulation, anticoagulation and the endothelium during sepsis or malaria. We performed a prospective observational study in 325 subjects with or without HIV infection (103 with sepsis, 127 with malaria and 95 asymptomatic controls) in an HIV endemic area in Central Africa. We measured plasma biomarkers indicative of activation of distinct haemostatic mechanisms. Sepsis and malaria had similar effects with elevated markers of coagulation, reduced anticoagulation markers and activation of endothelium. In particular, asymptomatic HIV infection reduced the plasma levels of the anticoagulant co‐factor free protein S, and increased activation of the vascular endothelium, which were not normalized by combination antiretroviral therapy. HIV co‐infection during sepsis and malaria caused more profound changes in free protein S and von Willebrand factor in sepsis and malaria, and ADAMTS13 in sepsis, while not influencing sepsis‐ or malaria‐induced coagulation activation. These results show for the first time that HIV infection augments selective haemostatic changes during sepsis and malaria, which may contribute to the enhanced morbidity of these conditions in HIV patients.
Assessment of energy density usage during 180W lithium triborate laser photoselective vaporization of the prostate for benign prostatic hyperplasia. Is there an optimum amount of kilo‐Joules per gram of prostate?
Authors: Valdivieso Roger , Meyer Christian P , Hueber Pierre‐Alain , Meskawi Malek , Alenizi Abdullah M. , Azizi Mounsif , Trinh Quoc‐Dien , Misrai Vincent , Rutman Matthew , Te Alexis E. , Chughtai Bilal , Barber Neil J. , Emara Amr M. , Munver Ravi , Zorn Kevin C.
Published: March 2016

Objectives

To assess the effect of energy density (kJ/mL) applied on adenoma during photoselective vaporization of the prostate (PVP) treatment for benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH) on functional outcomes, prostate‐specific antigen (PSA) reduction and complications.

Patients and Methods

After exclusions, a total of 440 patients who underwent GreenLight
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laser XPS‐180W lithium triborate PVP for the treatment of BPH were retrospectively reviewed. Data were collected from seven different international centres (Canada, USA, UK and France). Patients were stratified into four energy density groups (kJ/mL) according to intra‐operative energy delivered and prostate volume as determined by preoperative transrectal ultrasonography (TRUS): group 1: <3 kJ/mL; group 2: 3–5 kJ/mL; group 3: 5–7 kJ/mL; and group 4: ≥7 kJ/mL. Energy density groups were chosen arbitrarily. PSA reduction and functional outcomes (International Prostate Symptom Score, quality of life, post‐void residual urine volume, maximum urinary flow rate) were compared at 6, 12 and 24 months. Peri‐operative complications and retreatment rates were also compared among the groups.

Results

The PSA reduction rates at 24 months after the procedure were 51, 61, 79 and 83% for the energy density groups <3, 3–5, 5–7 and ≥7 kJ/mL, respectively (P ≤ 0.01). This held true after accounting for baseline confounders. Energy density was not associated with higher complication rates, including haematuria, stricture formation, incontinence, refractory urinary retention, urinary tract infection and conversion to transurethral resection of the prostate. Functional outcomes at 2 years of follow‐up were equivalent among the groups (P > 0.05 for all) and similar retreatment rates were observed (P = 0.36).

Conclusion

Higher energy usage per cc of prostate was associated with a more significant reduction in PSA level (>50%) at 6, 12 and 24 months, suggesting increased vaporization of adenoma tissue; however, this did not translate into differences in functional outcomes at 2‐year follow‐up.
Patterns of plant phenology in Amazonian seasonally flooded and unflooded forests
Authors: Hawes Joseph E. , Peres Carlos A.
Published: March 2016

Few studies have successfully monitored community‐wide phenological patterns in seasonally flooded Amazonian várzea forests, where a prolonged annual flood pulse arguably generates the greatest degree of seasonality of any low‐latitude ecosystem on Earth. We monitored the vegetative and reproductive plant phenology of várzea (VZ) floodplain and adjacent terra firme (TF) forests within two contiguous protected areas in western Brazilian Amazonia, using three complementary methods: monthly canopy observations of 1056 individuals (TF: 556, VZ: 500), twice monthly collections from 0.5‐m2 litterfall traps within two 100‐ha plots (1 TF, 1 VZ; 96 traps per plot), and monthly ground surveys of residual fruit‐fall along transect‐grids within each 100‐ha plot (12 km per plot). Surveys encompassed the entire annual flood cycle and employed a floating trap design to cope with fluctuating water levels. Phenology patterns were generally similar in both forest types. Leaffall peaked during the aquatic phase in várzea forest and the dry season in terra firme. Flowering typically followed leaffall and leaf flush, extending into the onset of the terrestrial phase and rainy season in várzea and terra firme, respectively. Abiotic seed dispersal modes were relatively more prevalent in várzea than terra firme; the main contrast in fruiting seasonality was more likely a result of differences in community composition and relative abundance of seed dispersal modes than differences within individual genera. We emphasize the difficulty in distinguishing the role of the flood pulse from other seasonal environmental variables without multiannual data or spatially replicated studies across the spectrum of Amazonian forest types.