bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Distinctive diet‐tissue isotopic discrimination factors derived from the exclusive bamboo‐eating giant panda
Authors: HAN Han , WEI Wei , NIE Yonggang , ZHOU Wenliang , HU Yibo , WU Qi , WEI Fuwen
Published: May 2016

Stable isotope analysis is very useful in animal ecology, especially in diet reconstruction and trophic studies. Differences in isotope ratios between consumers and their diet, termed discrimination factors, are essential for studies of stable isotope ecology and are species‐specific and tissue‐specific. Given the specialized bamboo diet and clear foraging behavior, here, we calculated discrimination factors for carbon and nitrogen isotopes from diet to tissues (tooth enamel, hair keratin and bone collagen) for the giant panda (Ailuropoda melanoleuca), a species derived from meat‐eating ancestors. Our results showed that carbon discrimination factor obtained from giant panda tooth enamel (ε 13Cdiet‐enamel = 10.0‰) and nitrogen discrimination factors from hair keratin (Δ15Ndiet‐hair = 2.2‰) and bone collagen (Δ15Ndiet‐collagen = 2.3‰) were lower, and carbon discrimination factors from hair keratin (Δ13Cdiet‐hair = 5.0‰) and bone collagen (Δ13Cdiet‐collagen = 6.1‰) were higher than those of other mammalian carnivores, omnivores and herbivores. Such distinctive values are likely the result of a low‐nutrient and specialized bamboo diet, carnivore‐like digestive system and exceptionally low metabolism in giant pandas.
Evaluation of crown discoloration induced by endodontic sealers and colour change ratio determination after bleaching
Authors: Gürel Mügem Aslı , Kivanç Bağdagül Helvacioğlu , Ekici Adil , Alaçam Tayfun
Published: May 2016

The aim of this study was to evaluate tooth discoloration after the use of root canal sealers and the effect of internal bleaching on sealer discoloration. The crowns of 56 incisors were cut and randomly filled with four sealers (n = 14): Pulpispad, AH26, MTA Fillapex, EndoREZ. The colour measurement was taken with a spectrophotometer prior and after placement of sealers. Colour changes (ΔE) were recorded after 4 weeks then sealers were removed and an internal bleaching treatment was performed. After bleaching treatment colour changes (ΔE) were measured. Data were analysed using ANOVA and Tukey’s test (α = 0.05). All tested sealers induced varying chromatic alterations. Pulpispad showed statistically more discoloration than other sealers (P < 0.05). After bleaching, EndoREZ showed statistically more bleaching ratio than MTA Fillapex and AH26 (P < 0.05). Internal bleaching was efficient in discoloured teeth induced by root canal sealers.
Bioecological characteristics of Chrysodeixis includens (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) fed on different hosts
Authors: Andrade Karine , Bueno Adeney de Freitas , da Silva Débora Mello , Stecca Cristiane dos Santos , Pasini Amarildo , de Oliveira Maria Cristina Neves
Published: May 2016

Chrysodeixis includens (Walker 1858), also known as soybean looper, is a polyphagous pest with increasing economic significance in various crops. The rate of infestation and its distribution can be influenced by feeding through direct and indirect effects on their life cycles. Thus, this study aimed to examine the biological characteristics, food preference and leaf consumption of C. includens on soybean (BRS 284), cotton (FMT 701), sunflower (BRS 323) and common morning glory leaves (Ipomoea sp.) as possible host plants. The experiments were conducted with specimens obtained from mass rearing in the laboratory. C. includens larval and larval‐adult stages were shorter in sunflower and longer in cotton. Also, larval preference was greater for sunflower and lower for cotton leaves. Soybean leaves were consumed the least in contrast to sunflower and common morning glory leaves, which were consumed the most. These results suggest that soybean, sunflower or common morning glory leaves were favourable hosts for C. includens development, whereas cotton leaves are less nutritionally adequate for insect development. In addition, sunflower leaves reduce C. includens development time and promotes a survival rate greater than 95%, and the leaves are more attractive to larvae when compared with the other tested hosts. This indicates sunflower is the most favourable host among the tested plants for C. includens.
Unintended pregnancy amongst an early pregnancy clinic cohort: Identifying opportunities for preventative health interventions
Authors: Cheney Kate , Sim Kyra A. , D'souza Mario , Pelosi Marilena , Black Kirsten I.
Published: May 2016

Background

A relationship between maternal weight and unintended pregnancy has previously been reported. Researchers have found women who are overweight and obese women are less likely to use contraception, and more likely to have unplanned pregnancies, thus limiting their ability to optimise their health before conception.

Aims

This study sought to examine the relationship between pregnancy intention and body mass index (BMI) amongst women attending a service managing early pregnancy complications.

Materials and Methods

The cross‐sectional descriptive study (n = 550) was conducted from November 2013 to February 2015 in Sydney, Australia. It documented women's pregnancy intention using a self‐completed questionnaire incorporating a validated pregnancy intention scale and measuring women's height and weight to calculate their BMI using the WHO classification of anthropometry and adjusting for cut‐offs in Asian populations. Socio‐demographic characteristics were also documented.

Results

The respondents were ethnically diverse with over a third defining themselves as Asian (36%; 196). Forty‐four per cent of women (239) had clearly intended their pregnancy, 39% (212) were ambivalent and 18% (99) had not intended to conceive. Forty‐nine per cent (263) of women were overweight or obese. No relationship was found between pregnancy intention and BMI.

Conclusions

Fewer than half the women with early pregnancy complications clearly intended to be pregnant. Contrary to previous research, pregnancy intention was not associated with maternal weight. Underutilised opportunities for lifestyle and preconception education exist to address the impact of modifiable maternal behaviours on future pregnancies and to provide contraception counselling to those not wishing to conceive.
Association between pelvic floor disorder symptoms and QoL scores with depressive symptoms among pelvic organ prolapse patients
Authors: Pizarro‐Berdichevsky Javier , Hitschfeld Mario Javier , Pattillo Alejandro , Blumel Bernardita , Gonzalez Silvana , Arellano Marco , Cuevas Rodrigo , Alvo Jacobo , Gorodischer Ariel , Flores‐Espinoza Claudia , Goldman Howard B
Published: May 2016

Background

There is no consensus on the relationship between depressive symptoms (DS) and pelvic organ prolapse (POP) symptoms and quality of life (QoL). Our hypothesis was that women with DS and POP have worse symptoms and QoL than those without DS and POP.

Aim

Our aim was to compare two groups of POP patients, those with depressive symptoms and those without, and evaluate the association of symptoms and QoL.

Materials and methods

This planned report is part of a prospective study evaluating the impact of pessary use among symptomatic POP patients. Patients were evaluated by POP quantification (POP‐Q), pelvic ultrasound (US), voiding diaries, stress test, pad test, Pelvic Floor Distress Inventory (PFDI‐20), Prolapse QoL (P‐QoL) and the Goldberg Health Questionnaire (GHQ‐12) (psychological health screening for DS when score ≥5). A sample size of 78 patients was required to demonstrate a 50‐point difference in the global PFDI‐20 score with 80% power and 95% probability.

Results

Ninety‐one women with POP were included. GHQ‐12 was positive in 47 (51.6%) patients. No differences were found in POP‐Q, pad and stress test between those with a positive GHQ‐12 and those without. However, GHQ‐12 was associated with higher PFDI‐20 scores and higher scores in seven of nine P‐QoL domains. GHQ‐12 persisted as an independent risk factor for worse P‐QoL scores after multivariable analysis.

Conclusion

A ‘positive’ screening for DS was associated with worse PFDI‐20 and P‐QoL scores despite no difference in objective measurements. It may be that depressed patients interpret their symptoms differently.
Irritable bowel syndrome and functional abdominal pain in five‐year‐old children are related to lifestyle
Authors: Uusijärvi Agneta , Alm Johan , Lindblad Frank , Olén Ola
Published: May 2016

Aim

Abdominal pain of functional origin is very common in childhood, and environmental factors are thought to be of aetiologic importance. The anthroposophic lifestyle has dietary and lifestyle characteristics that may influence child health, and this study aimed to assess the effect of such lifestyles on abdominal pain of functional origin.

Methods

A prospective Swedish lifestyle cohort (n = 470) was followed from birth to five years of age. Family lifestyles were characterised through questionnaires. Abdominal pain was defined as irritable bowel syndrome or functional abdominal pain according to the Rome III criteria and measured with parental questionnaires and interviews at the age of five.

Results

The prevalence of abdominal pain was 15%. Children were more likely to have abdominal pain at five years of age if their family had a partly anthroposophic lifestyle, with an adjusted odds ratio (OR) of 2.61 (95% CI 1.15–5.93), or an anthroposophic lifestyle, with an adjusted OR of 2.34 (95% CI 0.96–5.70).

Conclusion

A family lifestyle with anthroposophic characteristics was associated with an increased risk of abdominal pain in five‐year‐old children. The mechanisms for this increase were unclear, but we speculate that there may have been different prerequisites for coping with stressors.
Population pharmacokinetics of 17α‐hydroxyprogesterone caproate in singleton gestation
Authors: Sharma Shringi , Caritis Steve , Hankins Gary , Miodovnik Menachem , Hebert Mary F. , Mattison Don , Venkataramanan Raman
Published: May 2016

Aims

17α‐hydroxyprogesterone caproate (17‐OHPC) reduces the rate of preterm birth in women with a prior preterm birth. Limited data exist on the pharmacokinetics (PK) of 17‐OHPC or the plasma concentrations achieved during therapy. In this study, we evaluated the population PK of 17‐OHPC in pregnant subjects with singleton gestation and also evaluated intrinsic and extrinsic factors that may potentially affect 17‐OHPC PK in this patient population.

Methods

Sixty‐one women with singleton pregnancies participated in this trial. Subjects received weekly intramuscular injections of 250 mg 17‐OHPC in 1 ml castor oil from the time of enrolment (16 0/7 weeks – 20 6/7 weeks) up to 35 weeks gestation or until delivery. Blood samples were obtained between 24 and 28 weeks, between 32 and 35 weeks and over a 28‐day period beyond the last injection. Maternal and/or cord blood were obtained at delivery. Data analysis was performed by nonlinear mixed effects modelling (NONMEM®).

Results

The 17‐OHPC PK were best described by a model with one maternal compartment and one fetal compartment, with first‐order absorption and elimination from the maternal compartment. Maternal body weight was a significant covariate for both clearance (CL/F) and volume of distribution (Vmaternal/F). The final population mean estimates were: CL/F 1797 l/d, Vmaternal/F 32 610 l and mother to cord rate constant 0.005 day−1. This report describes for the first time the population PK of 17‐OHPC in singleton pregnancy.

Conclusions

The population PK study reported here represents the initial steps in understanding and optimizing 17‐OHPC therapy for preventing preterm birth.
Behavioral and Electrophysiological Differences in Executive Control Between Monolingual and Bilingual Children
Authors: Barac Raluca , Moreno Sylvain , Bialystok Ellen
Published: May 2016

This study examined executive control in sixty‐two 5‐year‐old children who were monolingual or bilingual using behavioral and event‐related potentials (ERPs) measures. All children performed equivalently on simple response inhibition (gift delay), but bilingual children outperformed monolinguals on interference suppression and complex response inhibition (go/no‐go task). On the go/no‐go task, ERPs showed larger P3 amplitudes and shorter N2 and P3 latencies for bilingual children than for monolinguals. These latency and amplitude data were associated with better behavioral performance and better discrimination between stimuli for bilingual children but not for monolingual children. These results clarify the conditions that lead to advantages for bilingual children in executive control and provide the first evidence linking those performance differences to electrophysiological brain differences in children.
Negotiating with Gatekeepers in Research with Disadvantaged Children: A Case Study of Children of Mothers with Intellectual Disability
Authors: Collings Susan , Grace Rebekah , Llewellyn Gwynnyth
Published: May 2016

Child‐oriented researchers have long recognised children's right to be heard in research about their lives and, as experts about childhood, their perspectives should inform social policy and research. While it is encouraging that more children are consulted about matters of importance to them, some children's voices remain silenced. When researchers have to liaise with adults, such as parents and social workers, to recruit children, these adults make decisions about who participates. An account of recruiting children of mothers with intellectual disability, a potentially disadvantaged group, is presented. The reasons for gatekeeping and the implications of this are explored.
Structured training on the da Vinci Skills Simulator leads to improvement in technical performance of robotic novices
Authors: Walliczek‐Dworschak U. , Mandapathil M. , Förtsch A. , Teymoortash A. , Dworschak P. , Werner J.A. , Güldner C.
Published: May 2016

Background

The increasing use of minimally invasive techniques such as robotic‐assisted devices raises the question of how to acquire robotic surgery skills. The da Vinci Skills Simulator has been demonstrated to be an effective training tool in previous reports. To date, little data are available on how to acquire proficiency through simulator training. We investigated the outcome of a structured training programme for robotic surgical skills by robotic novices.

Methods

This prospective study was conducted from January to December 2013 using the da Vinci Skills Simulator. Twenty participants, all robotic novices, were enrolled in a 4‐week training curriculum. After a brief introduction to the simulator system, three consecutive repetitions of five selected exercises (Match Board 1, 2, 3 and Ring and Rail 1, 2) were performed in a defined order on days 1, 8, 15 and 22. On day 22, one repetition of a previously unpractised more advanced module (Needle Targeting) was also performed. After completion of each study day, the overall performance, time to completion, economy in motion, instrument collisions, excessive instrument force, instruments out of view, master workspace range and number of drops were analysed.

Results

Comparing the first and final repetition, overall score and time needed to complete all exercises, economy of motion and instrument collisions were significantly improved in nearly all exercises.

Regarding the new exercise, a positive training effect could be demonstrated. While its overall entry score was significantly higher, the time to completion and economy of motion were significantly lower than the scores on the first repetition of the previous 5 exercises.

Conclusions

It could be shown that training on the da Vinci Skills Simulator led to an improvement in technical performance of robotic novices. With regard to a new exercise, the training had a positive effect on the technical performance.
Is it safe to perform rectal anastomosis in gynaecological debulking surgery without a diverting stoma?
Authors: Reinisch A. , El‐Balat A. , Becker S. , Bechstein W. O. , Habbe N.
Published: May 2016

Aim

Colorectal resection is frequently performed during cytoreductive surgery for gynaecological malignancy. The aim of this study was to assess the safety of colorectal anastomosis, and especially low rectal anastomosis, in the absence of a protective stoma in patients with gynaecological cancer and peritoneal metastasis.

Method

Patient data were retrospectively collected from a database for gynaecological cancer procedures carried out between January 2013 and July 2015. All patients who underwent a colorectal resection during cytoreduction were included in the study. The primary outcome was anastomotic leakage in the presence or absence of a diverting stoma. Secondary outcome parameters were complications and reoperations.

Results

In the period of study, 43 major colorectal procedures were performed on 37 women. The most common colorectal procedure was low rectal resection (n = 22; 59%) followed by anterior rectal resection (n = 7; 19%) and sigmoid resection (n = 4; 11%). Five (14%) patients underwent Hartmann's procedure. In three (8%) patients, a diverting loop ileostomy was created.

Conclusion

Low rectal resection during debulking procedures for gynaecological cancers with peritoneal carcinomatosis can safely be performed by an experienced surgeon without a diverting stoma.
Medication use and potentially high‐risk prescribing in older patients hospitalized for diabetes: a missed opportunity to improve care?
Authors: Caughey G. E. , Barratt J. D. , Shakib S. , Kemp‐Casey A. , Roughead E. E.
Published: May 2016

Aims

To examine the appropriateness of medicine use and potentially high‐risk prescribing before and after hospitalization for diabetes.

Methods

A retrospective cohort study of patients hospitalized for diabetes was conducted using administrative data from the Australian Government Department of Veterans’ Affairs for the period between 1 January 2012 and 31 December 2012. The appropriateness of medicine use and potentially high‐risk prescribing, including hyper‐polypharmacy and associated treatment conflicts, were examined for the 120‐day periods before and after hospitalization.

Results

A total of 876 patients were hospitalized for a diabetes‐related complication. Of these, 25% were not dispensed an antidiabetic medicine 4 months before hospitalization and 25% had not had their HbA1c levels measured in the preceding 6 months. The use of antidiabetic medicines increased to 85% after hospitalization, with a 25.6% relative increase (95% CI 10.9–42.1) in the proportion of those dispensed insulin. The prevalence of high‐risk prescribing before hospital admission was high; 70% had > 10 medicines dispensed, a third had at least one treatment conflict and half were dispensed a potentially inappropriate medicine. The use of long‐acting sulphonylureas and corticosteroids had relative decreases of 46.0% (95% CI 17.0–64.9) and 29.9% (95% CI 8.8–46.0), respectively. Few changes in other high‐risk prescribing patterns were observed after discharge.

Conclusions

This study has identified poor medication‐related care and, in particular, high‐risk‐prescribing in people subsequently hospitalized for diabetes. While diabetes medicine use improved after hospitalization, there was little change in potentially inappropriate medicine use, which suggests that an opportunity to improve medication use in this older vulnerable population has been missed.
Fetal Diagnosis of Abnormal Origin of the Left Pulmonary Artery
Authors: Tretter Justin T. , Tretter Eric M. , Rafii Daniela Y. , Anderson Robert H. , Bhatla Puneet
Published: May 2016

Isolated anomalies of the branch pulmonary arteries are rare, more often occurring in the setting of complex congenital heart disease. These isolated anomalies are often not identified in the prenatal period. We describe two cases of isolated anomalies of the left pulmonary artery which were identified on fetal echocardiography and confirmed postnatally, an anomalous left pulmonary artery arising from the base of the left‐sided brachiocephalic artery in the setting of a right‐sided aortic arch, and a left pulmonary artery sling. These two cases support our current understanding of normal and abnormal development of the extrapericardial arterial vessels and highlight the importance of meticulous attention when sweeping from the three‐vessel tracheal view.
Substance use and at‐risk mental state for psychosis in 2102 prisoners: the case for early detection and early intervention in prison
Authors: Cooper Jemima , Jarrett Manuela , Forrester Andrew , di Forti Marta , Murray Robin M. , Huddy Vyv , Roberts Anna , Phillip Patricia , Campbell Catherine , Byrne Majella , McGuire Philip , Craig Thomas , Valmaggia Lucia
Published: May 2016

Aim

Prisoners exhibit high rates of substance use and mental health problems. In the present study, we sought to gain a detailed understanding of substance use amongst young prisoners to inform early detection and early intervention strategies in a prison setting.

Methods

This is a cross‐sectional study of 2102 prisoners who were screened by the London Early Detection and Prevention in Prison Team (LEAP). Data on the use of substances were collected including age of first use, recent use, duration of use and poly‐drug use. The Prodromal Questionnaire – Brief Version was used to screen for the at‐risk mental state.

Results

We found high rates of lifetime and recent use and low age of first use of a number of substances. We also found strong associations between substance use and screening positive for an at‐risk mental state. Logistic regression analysis confirmed that use of any drug in the last year, poly‐drug and early use, as well as heavy alcohol use, were related to an increased risk of screening positive.

Conclusions

Substance use in the prison population is not only widespread and heavy but is also strongly linked with a higher risk of developing mental health problems. The need for early detection and early intervention in prison is discussed.
Differential foraging success across a light level spectrum explains the maintenance and spatial structure of colour morphs in a polymorphic bird
Authors: Tate Gareth J. , Bishop Jacqueline M. , Amar Arjun
Published: May 2016

Detectability of different colour morphs under varying light conditions has been proposed as an important driver in the maintenance of colour polymorphism via disruptive selection. To date, no studies have tested whether different morphs have selective advantages under differing light conditions. We tested this hypothesis in the black sparrowhawk, a polymorphic raptor exhibiting a discrete white and dark morph, and found that prey provisioning rates differ between the morphs depending on light condition. Dark morphs delivered more prey in lower light conditions, while white morphs provided more prey in brighter conditions. We found support for the role of breeding season light level in explaining the clinal pattern of variation in morph ratio across the species range throughout South Africa. Our results provide the first empirical evidence supporting the hypothesis that polymorphism in a species, and the spatial structuring of morphs across its distribution, may be driven by differential selective advantage via improved crypsis, under varying light conditions.
Accuracy of transcranial brain parenchyma sonography in the diagnosis of dementia with Lewy bodies
Authors: Favaretto S. , Walter U. , Baracchini C. , Pompanin S. , Bussè C. , Zorzi G. , Ermani M. , Cagnin A.
Published: May 2016

Background and purpose

Transcranial sonography (TCS) of the brain parenchyma is used to visualize alterations in the substantia nigra (SN) and it is applied for early diagnosis of Parkinson's disease. Our aim was to explore specific echogenic alterations of the SN in dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB) compared to Alzheimer's disease (AD).

Methods

Seventy‐one subjects underwent TCS: 22 DLB, 28 AD and 21 healthy elderly controls. Cognitive impairment, extrapyramidal signs, visual hallucinations, fluctuations and rapid eye movement sleep behaviour symptoms were investigated. TCS assessed SN hyperechogenicity and symmetry.

Results

Transcranial sonography revealed SN hyperechogenicity in 100% of DLB compared to 50% of AD and 30% of controls. Mean SN echogenic area (cm2) was 0.22 ± 0.03 in DLB, 0.15 ± 0.03 in AD and 0.14 ± 0.03 in controls (P < 0.0001). More than 50% of DLB presented a marked hyperechogenicity (cutoff value >0.22 cm2) compared to only 10% of AD (P < 0.0003). DLB had symmetrical SN enlargement, whereas AD were mostly asymmetrical (P = 0.015). A combination of SN echogenic area and asymmetry index had a sensitivity of 88.9% and a specificity of 81.2% in discriminating DLB from AD (positive predictive value 85.7%, negative predictive value 85.7%). No association was found between SN hyperechogenicity and Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale part III, Mini Mental State Examination or the presence of visual hallucinations.

Conclusions

Transcranial sonography may be a valid supportive tool in the diagnostic workup of neurodegenerative dementia helping clinicians to distinguish DLB from AD even at the early stages.
Effects of biological, economic and management factors on tuna and billfish stock status
Authors: Pons Maite , Branch Trevor A , Melnychuk Michael C , Jensen Olaf P , Brodziak Jon , Fromentin Jean M , Harley Shelton J , Haynie Alan C , Kell Laurie T , Maunder Mark N , Parma Ana M , Restrepo Victor R , Sharma Rishi , Ahrens Robert , Hilborn Ray
Published: May 2016

Commercial tunas and billfishes (swordfish, marlins and sailfish) provide considerable catches and income in both developed and developing countries. These stocks vary in status from lightly exploited to rebuilding to severely depleted. Previous studies suggested that this variability could result from differences in life‐history characteristics and economic incentives, but differences in exploitation histories and management measures also have a strong effect on current stock status. Although the status (biomass and fishing mortality rate) of major tuna and billfish stocks is well documented, the effect of these diverse factors on current stock status and the effect of management measures in rebuilding stocks have not been analysed at the global level. Here, we show that, particularly for tunas, stocks were more depleted if they had high commercial value, were long‐lived species, had small pre‐fishing biomass and were subject to intense fishing pressure for a long time. In addition, implementing and enforcing total allowable catches (TACs) had the strongest positive influence on rebuilding overfished tuna and billfish stocks. Other control rules such as minimum size regulations or seasonal closures were also important in reducing fishing pressure, but stocks under TAC implementations showed the fastest increase of biomass. Lessons learned from this study can be applied in managing large industrial fisheries around the world. In particular, tuna regional fisheries management organizations should consider the relative effectiveness of management measures observed in this study for rebuilding depleted large pelagic stocks.
Probabilistic crack trajectory analysis by a dimension reduction method
Authors: Long X Y , Jiang C , Han X , Gao W , Wang X G , Hou M Z
Published: May 2016

This paper proposes a novel analysis method of stochastic crack trajectory based on a dimension reduction approach. The developed method allows efficiently estimating the statistical moments, probability density function and cumulative distribution function of the crack trajectory for cracked elastic structures considering the randomness of the loads, material properties and crack geometries. First, the traditional dimension reduction method is extended to calculate the first four moments of the crack trajectory, in which the responses are eigenvectors rather than scalars. Then the probability density function and cumulative distribution function of the crack trajectory can be obtained using the maximum entropy principle constrained by the calculated moments. Finally, the simulation of the crack propagation paths is realized by using the scaled boundary finite element method. The proposed method is well validated by four numerical examples performed on varied cracked structures. It is demonstrated that this method outperforms the Monte Carlo simulation in terms of computational efficiency, and in the meanwhile, it has an acceptable computational accuracy.
An evaluation of abiotic carbon sinks in deserts
Authors: Schlesinger William H.
Published: May 2016

Recent field studies have reported anomalous CO2 uptake using eddy‐covariance techniques in arid and semiarid ecosystems. The rates of CO2 uptake are incompatible with changes in situ of organic carbon pools. Here, I examine several potential mechanisms of abiotic CO2 uptake in arid and semiarid soils: atmospheric pressure pumping, carbonate dissolution, and percolation of soil water through the vadose zone. Each mechanism is deemed inadequate to explain the observations of the eddy‐covariance systems, which must now be questioned for their accuracy in desert ecosystems.
Hotspots of uncertainty in land‐use and land‐cover change projections: a global‐scale model comparison
Authors: Prestele Reinhard , Alexander Peter , Rounsevell Mark D. A. , Arneth Almut , Calvin Katherine , Doelman Jonathan , Eitelberg David A. , Engström Kerstin , Fujimori Shinichiro , Hasegawa Tomoko , Havlik Petr , Humpenöder Florian , Jain Atul K. , Krisztin Tamás , Kyle Page , Meiyappan Prasanth , Popp Alexander , Sands Ronald D. , Schaldach Rüdiger , Schüngel Jan , Stehfest Elke , Tabeau Andrzej , Van Meijl Hans , Van Vliet Jasper , Verburg Peter H.
Published: May 2016

Model‐based global projections of future land‐use and land‐cover (LULC) change are frequently used in environmental assessments to study the impact of LULC change on environmental services and to provide decision support for policy. These projections are characterized by a high uncertainty in terms of quantity and allocation of projected changes, which can severely impact the results of environmental assessments. In this study, we identify hotspots of uncertainty, based on 43 simulations from 11 global‐scale LULC change models representing a wide range of assumptions of future biophysical and socioeconomic conditions. We attribute components of uncertainty to input data, model structure, scenario storyline and a residual term, based on a regression analysis and analysis of variance. From this diverse set of models and scenarios, we find that the uncertainty varies, depending on the region and the LULC type under consideration. Hotspots of uncertainty appear mainly at the edges of globally important biomes (e.g., boreal and tropical forests). Our results indicate that an important source of uncertainty in forest and pasture areas originates from different input data applied in the models. Cropland, in contrast, is more consistent among the starting conditions, while variation in the projections gradually increases over time due to diverse scenario assumptions and different modeling approaches. Comparisons at the grid cell level indicate that disagreement is mainly related to LULC type definitions and the individual model allocation schemes. We conclude that improving the quality and consistency of observational data utilized in the modeling process and improving the allocation mechanisms of LULC change models remain important challenges. Current LULC representation in environmental assessments might miss the uncertainty arising from the diversity of LULC change modeling approaches, and many studies ignore the uncertainty in LULC projections in assessments of LULC change impacts on climate, water resources or biodiversity.
Effects of autumn and spring defoliation management on the dry‐matter yield and herbage quality of perennial ryegrass swards throughout the year
Authors: Lawrence D. C. , O'Donovan M. , Boland T. M. , Kennedy E.
Published: May 2016

A small‐plot experiment was conducted in south‐west Ireland to investigate (i) the effects of pre‐closing regrowth interval and closing date on dry‐matter (DM) yield and sward structural and composition characteristics, during the autumn–winter and spring opening periods, and (ii) subsequent carryover effects. The study used a randomized block design with a factorial arrangement of treatments (4 closing dates × 2 opening dates) with a split plot (two pre‐closing regrowth intervals). The long pre‐closing (LPC) interval began on 9 August, and the short pre‐closing interval (SPC) started on 15 September. The autumn closing dates were as follows: 1 October (CD1), 15 October (CD2), 1 November (CD3) and 14 November (CD4). Plots were defoliated again on 1 February (EOD) or 1 March (LOD). On theLPCtreatment, herbage yield increased fromCD1 (2463 kgDMha−1) toCD3 (3185 kgDMha−1). On theSPCtreatment, herbage yield was similar forCD3 andCD4, indicating a ceiling in herbage accumulation. For each 1‐d delay in closing date betweenCD1 andCD4, the opening herbage yield was reduced by 10 kgDMha−1. Herbage quality decreased as the closing date was delayed;DMDandCPdecreased by 0·06 and 12 g kgDM−1, respectively, betweenCD1 andCD4. TheEODresulted in increased leaf and decreased dead proportions over theLODtreatments. A balance between autumnCDand springODneeds to be achieved to ensure a sufficient supply of high‐quality grass in spring.
Model Hong Kong malls and their development in mainland China: consumer iconicity and the trans/national capitalist class
Authors: CARTIER CAROLYN
Published: May 2016

Relational geographies of capital and consumption between Hong Kong and mainland China have been forming through tourism engagement in Hong Kong and the development of model Hong Kong malls in China. This analysis of urban restructuring for the consumer economy identifies how landmark Hong Kong malls are reproduced in major cities of China by networks of Hong Kong property firms and mainland elites. Adapting Leslie Sklair's formulation of architectural iconicity in the culture‐ideology of consumerism, this economic relationship, which restructures urban space, constructs iconic built forms and develops Chinese consumerism, marks hegemonic opportunities of a national capitalist class, suggesting how Chinese state capitalism and its Hong Kong networks limit and incrementally engage transnational capital while instantiating Hong Kong‐style consumer iconicity. New malls in mixed‐use developments in China often occupy sites of historical markets and thus affirm Sklair's prediction that iconic architecture increasingly proclaims consumer space while claiming historic forms of public space.
Power, capital, and immigration detention rights: making networked markets in global detention governance at UNHCR
Authors: MORRIS JULIA
Published: May 2016

With the expanded use of immigration detention and migration management practices worldwide, detention has emerged as a key issue for United Nations and international human rights institutions. A growing international rights movement seeks to make the practice fairer and more humane, leading to the dominance of a mainstream detention rights agenda and counter‐hegemonic system of governance. Drawing on ethnographic fieldwork conducted in Geneva and elsewhere, this article examines the capital, knowledge, and technological expertise that went into the construction of UNHCR's Global Detention Strategy. I highlight the rational calculation undergirding this global detention rights agenda, including the transnational policy networks of NGOs, INGOs, and academics that facilitate the movement's moral authority and capitalist growth. Their practices have become powerful neoliberal development tools, which give veracity to human rights agendas and attract oppositionally‐figured abolitionist praxis.
Reactive transnationalism: homeland involvement in the face of discrimination
Authors: SNEL ERIK , 'T HART MARGRIETHA , VAN BOCHOVE MARIANNE
Published: May 2016

In this article we examine whether migrants' perceived discrimination in the country of settlement leads to an increase of their transnational involvement. So far, this so‐called ‘reactive transnationalism’ has not been studied extensively. Based on literature on discrimination and transnationalism, reactive transnationalism is expected to be most prominent among socioeconomically successful migrants, particularly among males and those who consider themselves Muslims. Our research among middle‐class migrants in Rotterdam, the Netherlands, indeed shows that the more respondents experienced discrimination, the more transnationally involved they are, both regarding transnational identifications and transnational activities. While no gender difference was found regarding reactive transnational activities, for women perceived discrimination proves to lead to stronger instead of weaker transnational identifications than for men. The fact that no difference was found between Muslim and non‐Muslim respondents regarding reactive transnationalism suggests that, despite heated public debates about ‘Islam’, in the Netherlands, ethnic divides – being considered as ‘Dutch’ or ‘non‐Dutch’ – are even more prominent than religious ones.
Ion Release, Hydroxyapatite Conversion, and Cytotoxicity of Boron‐Containing Bioactive Glass Scaffolds
Authors: Balasubramanian Preethi , Grünewald Alina , Detsch Rainer , Hupa Leena , Jokic Bojan , Tallia Francesca , Solanki Anu K. , Jones Julian R. , Boccaccini Aldo R.
Published: May 2016

We report the development and characterization of boron‐releasing highly porous three‐dimensional bioactive glass (BG) scaffolds fabricated by the foam replica technique. Three types of bioactive glasses with (wt%) 0.2%, 12.5%, 25% B2O3, and related varying SiO2 contents (wt%): 50%, 37.5%, and 25%, were investigated. The well‐known 13‐93 (silicate) and 13‐93B3 (borate) (in wt% – 56.6% B2O3, 5.5% Na2O, 11.1% K2O, 4.6% MgO, 18.5% CaO, 3.7% P2O5) BGs were used as controls to study the influence of the presence of boron on the mechanical properties, surface reactivity, and cytotoxicity of scaffolds. Surface morphology and surface properties of the BG scaffolds were measured. X‐ray diffraction (XRD) analyses showed that the scaffolds of all five compositions were amorphous. The scaffolds with 12.5 wt% B2O3 exhibited satisfactory compressive strength in the range of 1–2 MPa. A dissolution study in cell culture medium was carried out, and ion release profiles, and apatite formation of the scaffolds were assessed. The cytotoxicity of the scaffolds was evaluated using a stromal cell line (ST2). Cells were found to attach and spread well on the scaffolds' surfaces. We conclude that borosilicate scaffolds containing 12.5 wt% B2O3 provide the best combination of properties, including relatively high mechanical strength, apatite formation, and cytocompatibility, and thus, they are promising candidates for bone tissue engineering.
Novel Double‐Layered Conduit Containing Highly Bioactive Glass Fibers for Potential Nerve Guide Application
Authors: Souza Marina Trevelin , Peitl Oscar , Zanotto Edgar Dutra , Boccaccini Aldo R.
Published: May 2016

Peripheral nerve injuries are frequent conditions that currently have very few treatment alternatives. This study aimed to incorporate aligned bioactive glass microfibers (that belong to the SiO2–Na2O–K2O–MgO–CaO–P2O5system) in nanofibrous poly ε‐caprolactone (PCL) membranes to develop a new biocomposite that is potentially able to facilitate nerve growth and increase the polymer matrix's biological and mechanical properties. For the manufacture of this novel tubular nerve guide, electrospinning of PCL was performed on the surface of bioactive glass fibers, resulting in a two‐layer microcomposite. The mechanical strength, bioactivity, wettability, degradation, and permeability of this new material were characterized. The preliminary results indicate that the incorporation of the bioactive glass fibers into PCL led to the development of a highly bioactive biocomposite with significantly improved mechanical properties and wettability compared with the PCL matrix alone.
Determination of functional iron deficiency status in haemodialysis patients in central South Africa
Authors: Haupt L. , Weyers R.
Published: May 2016

Introduction

Functional iron deficiency (FID) is characterized by adequate body iron stores with an inadequate rate of iron delivery for erythropoiesis. In chronic kidney failure (CKD), iron availability is best assessed using the percentage of hypochromic red cells (%Hypo). The aim of our study was to determine the FID status of haemodialysis patients in central South Africa, using the %Hypo analyte and to evaluate the ability of the currently used biochemical tests, transferrin saturation (TSat) and serum ferritin to diagnose FID.

Methods

For this study, 49 patients on haemodialysis were recruited. Haemoglobin (Hb), mean cell volume (MCV) and %Hypo were measured on the Advia 2120i. Biochemical analytes (serum ferritin, TSat) and C‐reactive protein (CRP) levels were also recorded.

Results

Of the 49 participants, 21 (42.9%) were diagnosed with FID (%Hypo >6%). A large number of patients (91.8%) were anaemic. The TSat demonstrated poor sensitivity and specificity for diagnosing FID compared with %Hypo. The use of %Hypo (rather than TSat) to guide intravenous iron use spared 16 patients the potential harmful effects thereof.

Conclusion

Using %Hypo as a single analyte to diagnose FID will lead to more appropriate use of limited resources and a reduction in treatment‐related complications.
Tetracycline‐suppressible female lethality and sterility in the Mexican fruit fly, Anastrepha ludens
Authors: Schetelig M. F. , Targovska A. , Meza J. S. , Bourtzis K. , Handler A. M.
Published: May 2016

The sterile insect technique (SIT) involves the mass release of sterile males to suppress insect pest populations. SIT has been improved for larval pests by the development of strains for female‐specific tetracycline‐suppressible (Tet‐off) embryonic lethal systems for male‐only populations. Here we describe the extension of this approach to the Mexican fruit fly, Anastrepha ludens, using a Tet‐off driver construct with the Tet‐transactivator (tTA) under embryo‐specific Anastrepha suspensa serendipity α (As‐sry‐α) promoter regulation. In the absence of tetracycline, tTA acts upon a Tet‐response element linked to the pro‐apoptotic cell death gene lethal effector, head involuation defective (hid), from A. ludens (AlhidAla2) that contains a sex‐specific intron splicing cassette, resulting in female‐specific expression of the lethal effector. Parental adults double‐homozygous for the driver/effector vectors were expected to yield male‐only progeny when reared on Tet‐free diet, but a complete lack of oviposited eggs resulted for each of the three strains tested. Ovary dissection revealed nonvitellogenic oocytes in all strains that was reversible by feeding females tetracycline for 5 days after eclosion, resulting in male‐only adults in one strain. Presumably the sry‐α promoter exhibits prezygotic maternal expression as well as zygotic embryonic expression in A. ludens, resulting in a Tet‐off sterility effect in addition to female‐specific lethality.
Inter‐rater reliability of the German version of the Nurses' Global Assessment of Suicide Risk scale
Authors: Kozel Bernd , Grieser Manuela , Abderhalden Christoph , Cutcliffe John R.
Published: May 2016

In comparison to the general population, the suicide rates of psychiatric inpatient populations in Germany and Switzerland are very high. An important preventive contribution to the lowering of the suicide rates in mental health care is to ensure that the risk of suicide of psychiatric inpatients is assessed as accurately as possible. While risk‐assessment instruments can serve an important function in determining such risk, very few have been translated to German. Therefore, in the present study, we reported on the German version of Nurses' Global Assessment of Suicide Risk (NGASR) scale. After translating the original instrument into German and pretesting the German version, we tested the inter‐rater reliability of the instrument. Twelve video case studies were evaluated by 13 raters with the NGASR scale in a 'laboratory' trial. In each case, the observer's agreement was calculated for the single items, the overall scale, the risk levels, and the sum scores. The statistical data analysis was conducted with kappa and AC1 statistics for dichotomous (items, scale) scales. A high‐to‐very high observers' agreement (AC1: 0.62–1.00, kappa: 0.00–1.00) was determined for 16 items of the German version of the NGASR scale. We conclude that the German version of the NGASR scale is a reliable instrument for evaluating risk factors for suicide. A reliable application in the clinical practise appears to be enhanced by training in the use of the instrument and the right implementation instructions.
FX Market Returns and Their Relationship to Investor Fear
Authors: Smales Lee A. , Kininmonth Jardee N.
Published: May 2016

This note examines the relationship between changes in levels of investor fear (measured by the implied volatility index) and foreign exchange market returns. Our empirical results indicate a negative relationship between daily returns on high‐interest rate (investing) currencies and changes in the implied volatility index, while the association is positive for low‐interest rate (funding) currencies. That is, investing (funding) currencies tends to depreciate (appreciate) when investor fear increases. A sequential breakpoint test identifies a significant change in this relationship in the period following the 2008 collapse of Lehman Brothers, and another in 2012 following the resolution of the European sovereign debt crisis, which suggests that the relationship is linked to financial system liquidity. During the crisis period, currency returns are much more sensitive to changes in investor fear, and this is particularly so for funding currencies that are perceived to present a safe‐haven. The results have important implications for international finance, and those looking to speculate via the carry trade.
Prayer and the Registered Nurse (PRN): nurses' reports of ease and dis‐ease with patient‐initiated prayer request
Authors: Minton Mary E. , Isaacson Mary , Banik Deborah
Published: May 2016

Aims

To explore nurse comfort with patient‐initiated prayer request scenarios.

Background

Spiritual care is fundamental to patient care evidenced by Joint Commission requirement of a spiritual assessment on a patient's hospital admission. Prayer is an assessment component. Patients may seek solace and support by requesting prayer from the bedside nurse, the nurse may lack confidence in responding. Absent in the literature are reports specific to nurses' comfort when patients initiate prayer requests.

Design

Cross‐sectional mixed methods study.

Methods

Data were collected in early 2014 from 134 nurses in the USA via an online survey using QuestionPro. The qualitative results reported here were collated by scenario and analysed using thematic analysis.

Results/findings

The scenario responses revealed patterns of ease and dis‐ease in response to patient requests for prayer. The pattern of ease of prayer with patients revealed three themes: open to voice of calm or silence; physical or spiritual; can I call the chaplain. For these nurses, prayer is a natural component of nursing care, as the majority of responses to all scenarios demonstrated an overwhelming ease in response and capacity to pray with patients on request. The pattern of dis‐ease of prayer with patients distinguished two themes: cautious hesitancy and whose God. These nurses experienced dis‐ease with the patient's request no matter the situation.

Conclusion

Educators and administrators must nurture opportunities for students and nurses to learn about and engage in the reflective preparation needed to respond to patient prayer requests.