bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The effect of the Trans-Anatolian Natural Gas Pipeline Project (TANAP) on industrial production in Turkey
Authors: Yildirim Durmus Çagri , Erdogan Seyfettin , Yildirim Seda , Can Hamit
Published: July 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to investigate the effect of the Trans-Anatolian Natural Gas Pipeline Project (TANAP) on industrial production in Turkey. The TANAP is a project which ensures the security of the country’s natural gas supply and encourages a decrease in energy prices. So, this study investigates TANAP’s efforts to decrease gas prices, as well as the effects of gas prices on industrial production.

Design/methodology/approach

The data include gas prices and industrial production index series. Gas prices are approached for industrial users (nonresidential) in Turkey and industrial production index series have been discussed for whole industries. The Johansen cointegration method has been used to analyze the data, spanning the period from 2005M01 to 2015M11.

Findings

Results indicate that the decrease in the energy prices has a positive effect on the industrial production index, which is accepted as a basic sign of economic growth. Accordingly, it has been proved that gas priced had a significant effect on industrial production in Turkish economy during the respective periods.

Research limitations/implications

This study has supported the argument that TANAP helps to decrease gas prices in Turkey. It can be said that a decrease in gas price is expected to have positive effect on industrial production in the long-term.

Originality/value

The present study shows that projects such as TANAP can help gas importing countries like Turkey to decrease gas prices and increase industrial production. In this context, this study supports projects that decreasing gas prices for energy importing countries in the long term.
Case management helps prevent criminal justice recidivism for people with serious mental illness
Authors: Leutwyler Heather , Hubbard Erin , Zahnd Elaine
Published: July 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to discuss how case management can decrease recidivism for people with serious mental illness (SMI) because people with SMI are at high risk for incarceration and recidivism.

Design/methodology/approach

Examples of successful case management models for formerly incarcerated individuals with SMI found through a secondary analysis of qualitative data and an analysis of the literature are presented.

Findings

Currently, no international, national, or statewide guidelines exist to ensure that formerly incarcerated individuals with SMI receive case management upon community reentry despite evidence that such services can prevent further criminal justice involvement. Recommendations include establishment of and evaluation of best practices for case management. In addition, the authors recommend additional funding for case management with the goal of greatly increasing the number of individuals with SMI leaving the criminal justice system in their ability to access adequate case management.

Originality/value

Providing effective case management tailored to the needs of formerly incarcerated people with SMI improves their quality of life and reduces their involvement in the criminal justice system with clear positive outcomes for public safety and public health.
Board audit committee and corporate insolvency
Authors: Appiah Kingsley Opoku , Amon Chizema
Published: July 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine whether the presence, expertise, independence, size and meetings of the audit committee (AC) have an effect on corporate insolvency.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors use 1,835 firm-year observations for 98 insolvent and 269 solvent UK-listed non-financial firms from 1994 to 2011.

Findings

The authors find that corporate insolvency is negatively related to the meetings and independence of the AC but not to AC’s presence and size. The authors also observe that financial expertise on the AC is not related to corporate insolvency. These associations are robust to different specifications, while after controlling for board composition, board size, the number of board meetings, CEO duality, financial and firm characteristics.

Research limitations/implications

The study’s approach has two main limitations: neglect of small and medium private unquoted firms and more regulated corporate governance environment.

Practical implications

The findings lend support to the continual use of the agency theory as an explanation in understanding the role of the analytical lens through which to study the efficacy of the AC in reducing the likelihood of insolvency.

Social implications

The findings support continued efforts to strengthen boards’ ACs in the wake of high profile insolvencies. The findings will assist regulators and firm management to design appropriate ACs (e.g. independence) and processes (e.g. number of meetings).

Originality/value

The authors provide empirical evidence on the impact of the AC on firm insolvency in the UK context, an important but neglected area in research.
Quality assurance as a driver of information management strategy
Authors: Mourad Maha
Published: July 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the understanding of stakeholders of the Polish higher education sector to the internal quality assurance (QA) system and its role as a driver of information management strategy.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper employs a qualitative approach. It started with an exploratory research in the form of 12 in-depth interviews with the Bologna process experts, followed by empirical research via 30 face-to-face interviews with key educational informants in five selected universities in Poland.

Findings

The findings show that a key element for a successful implementation of the QA system is the stakeholders’ own understanding of the rationale behind it as an information management strategy. In addition, the study places emphasis on the priorities in front of the top-level management to create the quality and information culture within the academic community.

Originality/value

The study assists in finding global practical and creating a benchmark for policymakers concerning the information management strategies based on the Polish experience.
Effectuation, an emerging theory of entrepreneurship – towards a mature stage of the development
Authors: Matalamäki Marko Juhani
Published: July 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to address the stages of development of effectuation theory and highlight the progression from the early years’ conceptual articles to the recent empirical papers, characterized by specific, measurable research questions.

Design/methodology/approach

In total, 81 peer-reviewed academic journal articles featuring effectuation as a main subject were analyzed using Scandura and Williams’ (2000) modified version of McGrath’s typology of research strategies. The framework of Edmonson and McManus (2007) is employed to evaluate the maturity of the research program.

Findings

The main outcome is to introduce four main streams linked to effectuation theory in the current scientific dialogue: innovation and product development, internationalization, effectuation and causation simultaneously, and entrepreneurial expertise.

Research limitations/implications

The current study is reliant on retrospective data, which might influence the accuracy and completeness of this study, which typically leads to rationalized versions of history-associated causal decision making.

Practical implications

This study illustrates why effectuation theory should no longer be associated only with new ventures and startups. The majority of recent studies have presented the results of effectuation logic in the context of established companies.

Social implications

This follow-up review presents evidence that effectuation research has moved on from the nascent to the intermediate stage of development. Furthermore, the results indicate that it has already begun its transition toward the mature stage of development.

Originality/value

This study reveals the ongoing spirited battle between the convergent and divergent groups involved in the scientific debate around effectuation theory.
Library employment
Authors: Kaba Abdoulaye
Published: July 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the library employment in UAE and explore the perceptions of academic librarians toward job satisfaction, employment opportunities, employment challenges, and future actions needed to improve employment opportunities for librarians in UAE.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were collected through an online survey questionnaire. A total of 62 academic librarians from public and private universities and colleges participated in the study. The collected data are analyzed to answer research questions and verify the hypotheses.

Findings

Respondents expressed high satisfaction with salary and benefits, job positions, responsibilities given to them, and appreciations from senior management. However, they are found unsatisfied with promotion policies and employment opportunity. They reported challenges for getting jobs and expressed concerns about the future of librarians in UAE. With the exception of experience, findings of the study show no significant difference of demographic factors on job satisfaction, the perceived employment opportunity, and challenges. Majority of participants believe that employment opportunity for librarians can be improved through IT courses, promotion policies, training, career structure, marketing, and changing school name. They agree that reducing the number of students will not improve employment opportunities for librarians.

Research limitations/implications

This is a descriptive study based on a survey questionnaire. Future studies may use qualitative methods such as the interview for more exploration and in-depth analysis.

Practical implications

The findings provide concerns about the future of librarianship in UAE and appeal to library educators, managers, and decision makers to improve employment opportunities for librarians.

Originality/value

The paper reports original research findings on job satisfaction, employment opportunities, employment challenges, and future actions as perceived by academic librarians in UAE.
“Click like if you like it”: the effect of directional posts on social network sites
Authors: López Manuela , Sicilia Maria , Verlegh Peeter W.J.
Published: July 2017

Purpose

Social network sites (SNSs) are an important part of consumers’ everyday lives, and have been recognized as a useful marketing channel. However, little is known about how brands should communicate in order to be more effective and maximize the diffusion of electronic word of mouth (eWOM) in these platforms. The purpose of this paper is to explore the effect of directional posts on consumers depending on previous diffusion of the post and consumers’ connectivity.

Design/methodology/approach

A between-subjects experimental design was used. The sample consisted of 369 individuals.

Findings

The results show that directional posts only enhance the intention to spread eWOM and the attitude toward the product when the brand post was highly diffused. This effect is stronger among highly connected consumers (hubs) than among less well-connected individuals.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors̓ knowledge, this is one of the first studies to analyze the persuasiveness of marketers’ explicit encouragements to “like” brand posts, a tactic known as directional posts. The study investigates whether and how consumer responses to directional posts are influenced by responses from others and by the number of connections that consumers have within the SNSs.
Physicochemical and Sensory Properties of Cold Pressed Oils from Florida Hamlin and Valencia Oranges Affected by Huanglongbing
Authors: Xu Brittany M. , Sims Charles A. , Etxeberria Edgardo , Schneider Renée M. Goodrich
Published: July 2017

Cold pressed oils from huanglongbing (HLB) symptomatic (SY) and asymptomatic (AS) Hamlin and Valencia oranges were assessed for 2 y (2014 to 2015 and 2015 to 2016 seasons) with 2 harvest dates for each orange variety per year. Physicochemical properties (optical rotation, aldehyde content, ultraviolet [UV] absorbance, refractive index, and specific gravity) mandated by the United States Pharmacopeia (USP) for orange oil quality were assessed. Hamlin and Valencia oils showed minor differences in physicochemical properties based upon disease stage. However, all Hamlin oils had aldehyde contents below the USP minimum and Valencia oil from late season SY oranges had specific gravities above the USP maximum. Significant differences based on harvest year were seen for aldehyde content, refractive index, optical rotation, and UV absorbance. While none of these changes led to an oil being out of USP specifications, they indicate a need to monitor the quality of oil every year to ensure a consistent product. Flavor taste panels were performed both years by adding 0.035% oil samples to a uniform orange juice base. Aroma panels were done by smelling pure oil. There were no significant differences between SY and AS oils for flavor, although panelist race was a significant factor in several of the panels. There were significant differences between the aroma of SY and AS oils for both 2015 to 2016 Hamlin Early and Valencia Late samples. Overall, these results show HLB can have an effect on the aroma and USP mandated physicochemical properties of Florida orange oils, although flavor may be unaffected by this plant disease.
Carrion fly‐derived DNA metabarcoding is an effective tool for mammal surveys: Evidence from a known tropical mammal community
Authors: Rodgers Torrey W. , Xu Charles C. Y. , Giacalone Jacalyn , Kapheim Karen M. , Saltonstall Kristin , Vargas Marta , Yu Douglas W. , Somervuo Panu , McMillan W. Owen , Jansen Patrick A.
Published: July 2017

Metabarcoding of vertebrate DNA derived from carrion flies has been proposed as a promising tool for biodiversity monitoring. To evaluate its efficacy, we conducted metabarcoding surveys of carrion flies on Barro Colorado Island (BCI), Panama, which has a well‐known mammal community, and compared our results against diurnal transect counts and camera trapping. We collected 1,084 flies in 29 sampling days, conducted metabarcoding with mammal‐specific (16S) and vertebrate‐specific (12S) primers, and sequenced amplicons on Illumina MiSeq. For taxonomic assignment, we compared blast with the new program protax, and we found that protax improved species identifications. We detected 20 mammal, four bird, and one lizard species from carrion fly metabarcoding, all but one of which are known from BCI. Fly metabarcoding detected more mammal species than concurrent transect counts (29 sampling days, 13 species) and concurrent camera trapping (84 sampling days, 17 species), and detected 67% of the number of mammal species documented by 8 years of transect counts and camera trapping combined, although fly metabarcoding missed several abundant species. This study demonstrates that carrion fly metabarcoding is a powerful tool for mammal biodiversity surveys and has the potential to detect a broader range of species than more commonly used methods.
Stress sensitivity as a putative mechanism linking childhood trauma and psychopathology in youth's daily life
Authors: Rauschenberg C. , van Os J. , Cremers D. , Goedhart M. , Schieveld J. N. M. , Reininghaus U.
Published: July 2017

Objective

Childhood trauma (CT) is associated with a range of psychopathologies, including psychosis. However, evidence on underlying mechanisms remains limited. The study aimed to investigate whether CT impacts on youth mental health by modifying sensitivity to stress in daily life.

Method

The experience sampling method (ESM) was used to measure momentary stress, negative affect and psychotic experiences in 99 adolescents and young adults (43 help‐seeking service users, 16 siblings and 40 controls). Before ESM assessments, CT and depressive, anxiety and psychotic symptoms were assessed.

Results

Stress sensitivity, that is, the association between momentary stress and (i) negative affect and (ii) psychotic experiences, was modified by physical and emotional abuse and, partially, emotional and physical neglect, but not sexual abuse in service users and controls. While there was strong evidence for increased stress sensitivity in service users when high vs. low levels of CT were compared, a pattern of resilience was evident in controls, with attenuated, or no differences in, stress sensitivity in those with high vs. low CT levels. Less consistent findings were observed in siblings.

Conclusions

Stress sensitivity may be an important risk and resilience mechanism through which CT impacts on mental health in youth.
Paediatric surgical services in remote northern Australia: an integrated model of care
Authors: Quinn Liam , Read David
Published: July 2017

Background

Surgical services for children in the Northern Territory of Australia are routinely performed by general surgeons with specific paediatric training, supported by paediatric surgeons. In Australasia, indications for appropriate transfer of elective routine surgery in children to tertiary paediatric surgical centres have been contentious. To transfer all elective paediatric cases from rural locations would have significant social and financial consequences for families and the health system. This study reviews clinical outcomes for elective surgery for two common conditions managed by an integrated service of general surgeons and visiting paediatric surgeons, and compares them with published outcomes from paediatric centres.

Method

A retrospective audit of children undergoing orchidopexy under the age of 5 years or inguinal herniotomy under the age of 1 year at the Royal Darwin Hospital and Darwin Private Hospital between January 2005 and 2016 was conducted.

Results

During the study period, 66 boys underwent 80 orchidopexies at a mean age of 22.3 months (±20.4 SD). A recurrence rate of 5.5%, severe atrophy rate of 1.3% and total atrophy rate of 5.5% were achieved. Sixty‐three children underwent 65 inguinal herniotomies at a mean age of 2.5 months (±4.2). A testicular maldescention and atrophy rate of 1.8% and recurrence rate of 0% was achieved.

Conclusion

Children managed with this model of care had complication rates equivalent to or slightly higher than published gold standards. Considering the family disruption, cultural, financial implications and threat to compliance that transfer across vast distances entails, this model provides acceptable outcomes.
Joint Principal Trend Analysis for Longitudinal High-dimensional Data
Authors: Zhang Yuping , Ouyang Zhengqing
Published: July 2017

We consider a research scenario motivated by integrating multiple sources of information for better knowledge discovery in diverse dynamic biological processes. Given two longitudinal high-dimensional datasets for a group of subjects, we want to extract shared latent trends and identify relevant features. To solve this problem, we present a new statistical method named as joint principal trend analysis (JPTA). We demonstrate the utility of JPTA through simulations and applications to gene expression data of the mammalian cell cycle and longitudinal transcriptional profiling data in response to influenza viral infections.
Meeting after meeting: 20 years of discoveries by the members of the Exocytosis–Endocytosis Club
Authors: Niedergang Florence , Gasman Stéphane , Vitale Nicolas , Desnos Claire , Lamaze Christophe
Published: July 2017

Twenty years ago, a group of French cell biologists merged two scientific clubs with the aim of bringing together researchers in the fields of Endocytosis and Exocytosis. Founded in 1997, the first annual meeting of the Exocytosis Club was held in 1998. The Endocytosis Club held quarterly meetings from its founding in 1999. The first joint annual meeting of the Exocytosis–Endocytosis Club took place in Paris in April, 2001. What started as a modest gathering of enthusiastic scientists working in the field of cell trafficking has gone from strength to strength, rapidly becoming an unmissable yearly meeting, vividly demonstrating the high quality of science performed in our community and beyond. On the occasion of the 20th meeting of our club, we want to provide historic insight into the fields of exocytosis and endocytosis, and by extension, to subcellular trafficking, highlighting how French scientists have contributed to major advances in these fields. Today, the Exocytosis–Endocytosis Club represents a vibrant and friendly community that will hold its 20th meeting at the Presqu'Ile de Giens, near Toulon in the South of France, on May 11–13, 2017.
Lung transplantation delays gastric motility in patients without prior gastrointestinal surgery—A single‐center experience of 412 consecutive patients
Authors: Hirji Sameer A. , Gulack Brian C. , Englum Brian R. , Speicher Paul J. , Ganapathi Asvin M. , Osho Asishana A. , Shimpi Rahul A. , Perez Alexander , Hartwig Matthew G.
Published: July 2017

Purpose

To examine the impact of lung transplantation on gastric motility.

Methods

Adult recipients at a large, single center, who were retrospectively evaluated with solid gastric emptying (SGE) study post‐lung transplantation, but had no history of gastrointestinal intervention (ie, pyloroplasty or fundoplication), were selected between June 2005 and August 2013. Multivariable logistic regression was performed to determine risk factors associated with delayed gastric emptying (DGE) after transplantation.

Results

Delayed gastric emptying (DGE) was noted in 236 patients (57%) after transplantation. On multivariable logistic regression, an underlining diagnosis of cystic fibrosis (CF)/bronchiectasis (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] 3.26, P < .01) was a significant risk factor in predicting DGE after lung transplantation. There was no survival difference between patients with postoperative DGE vs those without (log‐rank test P = .53).

Conclusions

Delayed gastric emptying is very common following lung transplantation, occurring in over half of all lung transplant recipients with increased prevalence in patients with CF. The association with cystic fibrosis could be secondary to extra‐pulmonary manifestations of the underlying disease or indicative of increased intraoperative vagal nerve injury. We speculate that DGE may play a substantial role in the increased reflux‐induced allograft injury seen after lung transplantation. Further prospective studies are needed to validate this hypothesis.
Population dynamics affect the capacity of species distribution models to predict species abundance on a local scale
Authors: Acevedo Pelayo , Ferreres Javier , Escudero Marco A. , Jimenez Jose , Boadella Mariana , Marco Javier
Published: July 2017

Aim

Species distribution models based on occurrence data (SDM) are used to derive broad‐scale estimates of relative abundance, but a triangular relationship between predicted suitability for species occurrence and abundance is commonly observed—that is, a low suitability would correspond to low abundances, whereas a high suitability would correspond to either low or high abundances. To properly understand the factors behind this triangular relationship, we assessed: (1) the capacity of SDM to explain variations in population abundance, and (2) the effect of population growth in the dynamics on the triangular relationship by comparing its variation in two sampling periods in the case of a species that is increasing in numbers.

Location

Mainland Spain.

Methods

Data on roe deer (Capreolus capreolus) relative abundance were obtained for 441 localities, of which 145 were surveyed twice (2006–2007 and 2011–2013). Species distribution was modelled using the favourability function. The relationship between favourability values for species occurrence and abundances were explored using quantile regressions.

Results

The number of roe deer is increasing on a regional scale. The results from the earlier survey showed a weaker relationship than those obtained from the survey carried out later. Growth rates were significantly related to the residuals of the quantile regression fitted to the earlier survey (the higher the residual difference between observed and expected abundances, the higher the population growth rates).

Main conclusions

Our results support the use of the residuals of the quantile regression as a proxy of the population growth rate. They also partly support the interpretation of the upper limit of abundance delimited by the regression as the environmental carrying capacity. Overall, the results are of general interest when using SDM to predict the population abundance of expanding species, such as alien species and/or in changing environments.
Characterizing the inpatient care of young adults experiencing early psychosis: A medical record review
Authors: Puyat Joseph H. , Kamieniecki Renata , Vaughan Brenda , Mihic Tamara , Bonnie Kofi , Danielson Jeffrey , Williams Sierra
Published: July 2017

Aim

To characterize the inpatient care received by individuals experiencing early psychotic episodes in an inner city hospital.

Method

Medical records of patients admitted between April 01, 2013, and March 31, 2015, to a psychiatric ward at an inner city hospital were retrospectively examined. Included in the study are patients who were 25 years of age or younger and were hospitalized for psychotic symptoms. Demographics and health service use were summarized using descriptive statistics.

Results

A total of 73 inpatients (mean age = 22; males =78%; Caucasian = 41%) met the study inclusion criteria with a combined total of 102 care episodes and an average length of stay of 32.6 days. Monitoring of vital signs (VS) and mental status examinations (MSE) were performed in most care episodes although these were not performed regularly (daily VS checks—31%; MSE every nursing shift—18.6%). In 49% of the care episodes, patients were discharged on long‐acting injectable antipsychotics. Even when indicated, not all care episodes had follow‐up appointments (82.8%) in the community. The use of seclusion was higher in the wards (32%) than in the emergency department (21%), whereas the use of restraints was higher in the emergency department (16%) than in the wards (<1%).

Conclusions

There is wide variation in the rate at which various clinical care processes are performed and in the provision of inpatient care to younger adults experiencing episodes of early psychosis. Consistent standards of care are needed to reduce variations and improve treatment outcomes and experiences.
Generalization of parity space to fault detection based on Takagi‐Sugeno fuzzy models for non‐linear dynamic systems
Authors: Ghaniee Zarch Majid , Aliyari Shoorehdeli Mahdi
Published: July 2017

Fault detection in non‐linear system has drawn a lot of attention recently. A typical solution is the generalization of linear methods to include non‐linear dynamics. This study addresses fault detection in non‐linear systems by extending parity relations using Takagi‐Sugeno (T.S) fuzzy models. Parity equations for linear systems are a residual generation method that has appealing capabilities in fault detection. T.S fuzzy systems are also extensively used in modelling of non‐linear systems. In this paper, parity equations are rewritten in the form of non‐linear systems that can be modelled by T.S fuzzy system. An advantage of this approach is that parity vector can be derived from relations explicitly. An algorithm is proposed to show how a residual can be generated in this manner. Simulation results on the fault detection of a mass‐spring‐damper system show the effectiveness of the proposed method.
On the interaction between corrosion and fatigue which determines the remaining life of bridges
Authors: Peng D. , Jones R. , Singh R.R.K. , Berto F. , McMillan A.J.
Published: July 2017

This paper studies the prior effect of corrosion on fatigue on the growth of cracks that arise from natural corrosion in steel bridges. It is shown that these 2 effects need to be simultaneously analysed. If not, then the resulting life is not conservative. This paper presents a simple methodology for performing this coupled analysis.
Surgery and survival in birth cohorts with severe haemophilia and differences in access to replacement therapy: The Malmö experience
Authors: Osooli M. , Steen Carlsson K. , Astermark J. , Berntorp E.
Published: July 2017

Background

Persons with severe haemophilia require lifelong replacement therapy, prophylaxis, to prevent bleeding. Data describing long‐term outcomes of prophylactic treatment are scarce. The aim of this study was to investigate joint surgery and survival among persons with severe haemophilia with special attention to access to prophylaxis in the early years of life.

Methods

Eligible participants had severe haemophilia A or B and were treated at the Malmö centre from the 1960s onward. Time from birth until joint surgery was analysed for participants negative for factor inhibitor and alive in 2000. We compared survival among the entire cohort with severe haemophilia treated at the Malmö centre with the general male population of Sweden and a sample of persons with severe haemophilia from the United Kingdom (UK).

Results

Overall, 167 participants were included, 106 (63.5%) of whom had complete data on joint surgery. Among those born before 1970, 1970‐1979 and ≥1980 approximately 37%, 21% and 0% had their first joint surgery by age 30, respectively. There were no second joint surgeries reported in cohorts born ≥1970. Persons with severe haemophilia and negative for HIV treated in Malmö have attained approximately similar survival to that of the general male population in Sweden and live slightly longer than persons with severe haemophilia from the UK.

Discussion and conclusion

Prophylaxis in Sweden, although costly, has markedly improved survival and joint outcomes for persons with severe haemophilia. This study highlights the importance of early start of replacement therapy to prevent or postpone serious joint damage.
Socrates and Aristotle: The Role of Ancient Philosophers in the Self‐Understanding of Desisting Prisoners
Authors: SZIFRIS KIRSTINE
Published: July 2017

This article argues that providing a forum for philosophical conversation within prison education is relevant to the self‐understanding and desistance of prisoners. Semi‐structured interviews with 20 participants of an in‐prison philosophy class in Scotland investigated the personal relevance of engaging in philosophical dialogue. Findings demonstrated that philosophical dialogue develops participants' self‐understanding, providing vocabulary for alternative self‐definition. The philosophy class achieved this by encouraging self‐reflection, developing communication skills, and providing a forum for positive prosocial interaction with peers. These skills are essential in reframing self‐understanding which is, in turn, essential to desistance.
Voices of Quiet Desistance in UK Prisons: Exploring Emergence of New Identities Under Desistance Constraint
Authors: McLEAN ROBERT , MAITRA DEV , HOLLIGAN CHRIS
Published: July 2017

The article explores desistance dynamics within prison, and what gang members say about its phenomenology. Qualitative methodology was adopted with research participants in English and Scottish prisons. The findings indicate that desistance‐oriented dispositions develop gradually once gang ties, originating in the street gang, lose the resonance they once exercised on conformity to offending behaviour. This liberation from oppression means not merely that gang members are de facto left to fend for themselves, but also to find a liminal space in which to thrive. It gives them an opportunity to learn and develop prosocial values. Spirituality, a source of personal meaning, supports progression to desistance and fosters distance from the street self. Gang members’ loyalties and conflicts pre‐dating incarceration challenge the potential of prison to break criminogenic ties and foster desistance.
Genetic isolation in an endemic African habitat specialist
Authors: dos Remedios Natalie , Küpper Clemens , Székely Tamás , Baker Neil , Versfeld Wilferd , Lee Patricia L. M.
Published: July 2017

The Chestnut‐banded Plover Charadrius pallidus is a Near‐Threatened shorebird species endemic to mainland Africa. We examined levels of genetic differentiation between its two morphologically and geographically distinct subspecies, C. p. pallidus in southern Africa (population size 11 000–16 000) and C. p. venustus in eastern Africa (population size 6500). In contrast to other plover species that maintain genetic connectivity over thousands of kilometres across continental Africa, we found profound genetic differences between remote sampling sites. Phylogenetic network analysis based on four nuclear and two mitochondrial gene regions, and population genetic structure analyses based on 11 microsatellite loci, indicated strong genetic divergence, with 2.36% mitochondrial sequence divergence between individuals sampled in Namibia (southern Africa) and those of Kenya and Tanzania (eastern Africa). This distinction between southern and eastern African populations was also supported by highly distinct genetic clusters based on microsatellite markers (global FST = 0.309,  = 0.510, D = 0.182). Behavioural factors that may promote genetic differentiation in this species include habitat specialization, monogamous mating behaviour and sedentariness. Reliance on an extremely small number of saline lakes for breeding and limited dispersal between populations are likely to promote reproductive and genetic isolation between eastern and southern Africa. We suggest that the two Chestnut‐banded Plover subspecies may warrant elevation to full species status. To assess this distinction fully, additional sample collection will be needed, with analysis of genetic and phenotypic traits from across the species’ entire breeding range.
Apparent survival of an Arctic‐breeding migratory bird over 44 years of fluctuating population size
Authors: Wood Kevin A. , Nuijten Rascha J. M. , Newth Julia L. , Haitjema Trinus , Vangeluwe Didier , Ioannidis Panagiotis , Harrison Anne L. , Mackenzie Conor , Hilton Geoff M. , Nolet Bart A. , Rees Eileen C.
Published: July 2017

Following increases in numbers during the second half of the 20th century, several Arctic‐breeding migrant bird species are now undergoing sustained population declines. These include the northwest European population of Bewick's SwanCygnus columbianus bewickii, which declined fromc. 29 000 birds on the wintering grounds in 1995 to 18 000 in 2010. It is unclear whether this decrease reflects reduced survival, emigration to a different area, or a combination of both. Furthermore, the environmental drivers of any demographic changes are also unknown. We therefore used an information‐theoretic approach inRMarkto analyse a dataset of 3929 individually marked and resighted Bewick's Swans to assess temporal trends and drivers of survival between the winters of 1970/71 and 2014/2015, while accounting for effects of age, sex and different marker types. The temporal trend in apparent survival rates over our study period was best explained by different survival rates for each decade, with geometric mean survival rates highest in the 1980s (leg‐ring marked birds = 0.853, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.830–0.873) and lowest in the 2010s (leg‐ring = 0.773, 95%CI0.738–0.805; neck‐collar = 0.725, 95%CI0.681–0.764). Mean (±95%CI) resighting probabilities over the study period were higher for birds marked with neck‐collars (0.91 ± 0.01) than for those marked with leg‐rings (0.70 ± 0.02). Weather conditions in different areas across the flyway, food resources on the winter grounds, density‐dependence and the growth of numbers at a relatively new wintering site (the Evros Delta in Greece) all performed poorly as explanatory variables of apparent survival. None of our 18 covariates accounted for more than 7.2% of the deviance associated with our survival models, with a mean of only 2.2% of deviance explained. Our results provide long‐term demographic information needed to help conservationists understand the population dynamics of Bewick's Swans in northwest Europe.
Enhanced immune‐modulatory effects of thalidomide and dexamethasone co‐treatment on T cell subsets
Authors: Kim Eun Jee , Lee Jae Geun , Kim Joon Ye , Song Seung Hwan , Joo Dong Jin , Huh Kyu Ha , Kim Myoung Soo , Kim Beom Seok , Kim Yu Seun
Published: July 2017

Thalidomide (TM) has been reported to have anti‐cancer and anti‐inflammatory properties, and dexamethasone (DX) is known to reduce inflammation and inhibit production of inflammatory cytokines. Many studies have reported that combinatorial therapy with TM and DX is clinically used to treat multiple myeloma and lupus nephritis, but the mechanism responsible for its effects has not been elucidated. In this study, we determined that TM and DX co‐treatment had an enhanced immune‐modulatory effect on T cells through regulating the expression of co‐stimulatory molecules. Splenic naive T cells from C57BL/6 mice were sort‐purified and cultured for CD4+ T cell proliferation and regulatory T (Treg) cell conversion in the presence of TM and/or DX. Following incubation with the drugs, cells were collected and OX40, 4‐1BB, and glucocorticoid‐induced tumour necrosis factor receptor‐related protein (GITR) expression was quantified by flow cytometry. TM (1 or 10 μm) decreased CD4+ T cell proliferation in a dose‐dependent manner, whereas TM/DX (0·1 or 1 nm) co‐treatment further decreased proliferation. Treg cell populations were preserved following drug treatment. Furthermore, expression of co‐stimulatory molecules decreased upon TM/DX co‐treatment in effector T (Teff) cells and was preserved in Treg cells. Splenic CD4+ T cells isolated from TM‐ and DX‐treated mice exhibited the same patterns of Teff and Treg cell populations as observed in vitro. Considering the selective effect of TM on different T cell subsets, we suggest that TM may play an immunomodulatory role and that TM/DX combinatorial treatment could further enhance these immunomodulatory effects by regulating GITR, OX40, and 4‐1BB expression in CD4+ T cells.
Cation grain‐boundary diffusivity in SiO2‐ and MgO‐doped Al2O3
Authors: Feng Lin , Dillon Shen J.
Published: July 2017

Cation grain‐boundary diffusion in undoped and aliovalent‐doped Al2O3 is characterized using Cr2O3 as a chemical tracer. The compositional depth profiles measured by secondary ion mass spectrometry are fitted to the Whipple‐LeClaire model. The results indicate that cation grain‐boundary diffusivity is insensitive to MgO and SiO2 dopants between 1100°C and 1300°C.
Space use patterns of a large mammalian herbivore distinguished by activity state: fear versus food?
Authors: Owen‐Smith N. , Traill L. W.
Published: July 2017

Space use patterns have generally been interpreted using home‐range concepts without distinguishing the particular activities performed in different regions. The relative influences of food resources, security from predation and shelter from thermal extremes on space occupation are likely to vary with time of day and changing conditions over the seasonal cycle. We used hourly movement rates obtained from GPS telemetry to infer the predominant activity states of blue wildebeest in the Kruger National Park, South Africa, at different times of day. Food procurement was assumed to be the primary consideration during the morning and late afternoon, shade seeking to become important over midday, and security from predation to be the overriding factor at night when stalking predators are most active. Travelling excursions were expected to occur mostly during daylight when lurking predators are most readily detected. Movements beyond the preferred range should occur more frequently in the late dry season when food has been depleted and surface water sources become restricted. As anticipated, we observed shifts in space occupation by the collared wildebeest herds with time of day and activity state. During the night, wildebeest herds remained within the ranges they occupied during prime foraging times in the early morning and late afternoon. However, they contracted their space occupation away from habitat edges where concealment for stalking lions increased, both while resting and while foraging. Herds inconsistently expanded their space use into surrounding areas with more shade but taller grass over midday. Risky excursions beyond the prime foraging ranges became more frequent late in the dry season. Security from predation seemed to be the overriding influence and restricted access to food resources. By taking into account temporal variation in prevailing activity states and other influences, space occupation patterns can be related to particular vital needs and their interactions.
Root hairs enable high transpiration rates in drying soils
Authors: Carminati Andrea , Passioura John B. , Zarebanadkouki Mohsen , Ahmed Mutez A. , Ryan Peter R. , Watt Michelle , Delhaize Emmanuel
Published: July 2017

Do root hairs help roots take up water from the soil? Despite the well‐documented role of root hairs in phosphate uptake, their role in water extraction is controversial.

We grew barley (Hordeum vulgare cv Pallas) and its root‐hairless mutant brb in a root pressure chamber, whereby the transpiration rate could be varied whilst monitoring the suction in the xylem. The method provides accurate measurements of the dynamic relationship between the transpiration rate and xylem suction.

The relationship between the transpiration rate and xylem suction was linear in wet soils and did not differ between genotypes. When the soil dried, the xylem suction increased rapidly and non‐linearly at high transpiration rates. This response was much greater with the brb mutant, implying a reduced capacity to take up water.

We conclude that root hairs facilitate the uptake of water by substantially reducing the drop in matric potential at the interface between root and soil in rapidly transpiring plants. The experiments also reinforce earlier observations that there is a marked hysteresis in the suction in the xylem when the transpiration rate is rising compared with when it is falling, and possible reasons for this behavior are discussed.
What is “the unconscious,” and where is it located in the brain? A neuropsychoanalytic perspective
Authors: Solms Mark
Published: July 2017

This is a brief overview of my “neuropsychoanalytic” perspective on the unconscious. It should make clear how much psychoanalysis has to gain from incorporating the findings of neuroscientific disciplines studying the same part of nature—the workings of the human mind. I hope it makes equally clear what useful new perspectives can be cast on current issues in cognitive neuroscience, if they, in turn, incorporate the findings of psychoanalysis.
Acanthosis Nigricans and Its Response to Metformin
Authors: Giri Dinesh , Alsaffar Hussain , Ramakrishnan Renuka
Published: July 2017

Acanthosis nigricans (AN) is the most common cutaneous manifestation of insulin resistance (IR) and is commonly seen in non‐Caucasian populations. Variable benefits of metformin in the treatment of AN have been reported in the literature. We report an adolescent Caucasian boy with IR and extensive AN who showed complete resolution of AN after 2 years of metformin, despite persistence of IR.
Failing to meet the goals of periodontal recall programs. What next?
Authors: McCracken Giles , Asuni Abisola , Ritchie Mark , Vernazza Christopher , Heasman Peter
Published: July 2017

Supportive periodontal care is a crucial aspect of the management of chronic periodontitis and peri‐implantitis and is inevitably a long‐term commitment for both the clinician and the patient. The principal goals of supportive care are to achieve a high standard of plaque control, minimize bleeding and maintain pockets at less than 6 mm. Gain of attachment around natural teeth during supportive periodontal care has been reported, although gain of attachment and of bone during supportive care may be a more pragmatic and aspirational aim in the longer term. Furthermore, we occasionally see patients for whom, despite excellent home and professional care (surgical or nonsurgical), including the management of risk factors, supportive periodontal care appears to be failing and therefore for such patients the clinician needs to consider further management options. This review considers, in particular, the options of using local or systemically delivered antimicrobials to eradicate periodontal and peri‐implant disease progression and discusses the extent to which culture and sensitivity testing before the prescription of systemically delivered antimicrobials may be a cost‐effective alternative to prescribing ‘blind’.
Subgingival debridement: end point, methods and how often?
Authors: Laleman Isabelle , Cortellini Simone , De Winter Senne , Rodriguez Herrero Esteban , Dekeyser Christel , Quirynen Marc , Teughels Wim
Published: July 2017

Subgingival debridement is the part of nonsurgical therapy which aims to remove the biofilm without intentionally removing the cementum or subgingival calculus. The objective of this review was to describe the end point of this therapy, the different methods used and how often it should be carried out. The literature shows that several methods are currently available for subgingival debridement, namely hand instrumentation, (ultra)sonic instrumentation, laser, photodynamic therapy and air‐polishing. None of these methods seems superior to any other regarding clinical benefits or microbiological differences. However, less treatment discomfort is reported using laser, photodynamic therapy or air‐polishing compared with hand‐ and/or (ultra)sonic instrumentation. Subgingival debridement can be carried out when, during supportive periodontal therapy, pockets of 5 mm or deeper are detected.
Quo vadis: what is the future of periodontics? How will we get there?
Authors: Kornman Kenneth S. , Giannobile William V. , Duff Gordon W.
Published: July 2017

Approximately 40 years ago periodontists began systematically developing the evidence to treat predictably and prevent gingivitis and periodontitis. More recently, periodontists have been among a small group of skilled dental‐implant surgeons leading that revolution in dentistry. Today, much of the mild/localized moderate periodontitis is not treated by periodontists, and an increasing number of implants are placed by dentists with limited surgical training. The current field of periodontics includes a broad range of surgical skills and technologies to regenerate predictably destroyed tissues and manage complex interdisciplinary treatment that may, in some way, involve the tissues that support teeth and implants. In addition, periodontal researchers have shown that moderate‐to‐severe periodontitis increases the systemic inflammatory burden and transient bacteremias that result in a significant independent role for periodontitis in multiple systemic diseases. Although many periodontists have very advanced practices that incorporate certain aspects of the current and near‐future dimensions of periodontics, the innovations and technologies have not yet fully integrated throughout the specialty. It is an appropriate time to ask the question: Quo vadis? Which paths have the potential to deliver great value to our patients and to the health‐care system? And who will be our patients in the near future? We propose some key capabilities, knowledge and clinical applications. Perhaps most importantly, we propose new partnerships. Much of the vision centers around the application of special diagnostic technologies and surgical skills to help our dental colleagues better manage complex dental and periodontal cases and to deliver on the promise of reducing systemic inflammation sufficiently to enhance medical management of certain chronic diseases and reduce preterm births. The specialty has always been about retaining teeth in good health and in recent years has focused on controlling oral inflammation to enhance systemic health. We already have several of the key principles, concepts and technologies that are likely to define the role of periodontics in the evolving health‐care delivery system. Perhaps it is time to define the mission and start moving toward the future periodontics.