bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An efficient protocol for the global sensitivity analysis of stochastic ecological models
Authors: Prowse Thomas A. A. , Bradshaw Corey J. A. , Delean Steven , Cassey Phillip , Lacy Robert C. , Wells Konstans , Aiello‐Lammens Matthew E. , Akçakaya H. R. , Brook Barry W.
Published: March 2016

Stochastic simulation models requiring many input parameters are widely used to inform the management of ecological systems. The interpretation of complex models is aided by global sensitivity analysis, using simulations for distinct parameter sets sampled from multidimensional space. Ecologists typically analyze such output using an “emulator”; that is, a statistical model used to approximate the relationship between parameter inputs and simulation outputs and to derive sensitivity measures. However, it is typical for ad hoc decisions to be made regarding: (1) trading off the number of parameter samples against the number of simulation iterations run per sample, (2) determining whether parameter sampling is sufficient, and (3) selecting an appropriate emulator. To evaluate these choices, we coupled different sensitivity‐analysis designs and emulators for a stochastic, 20‐parameter model that simulated the re‐introduction of a threatened species subject to predation and disease, and then validated the emulators against new output generated from the simulation model. Our results lead to the following sensitivity analysis‐protocol for stochastic ecological models. (1) Run a single simulation iteration per parameter sample generated, even if the focal response is a probabilistic outcome, while sampling extensively across the parameter space. In contrast to designs that invested in many model iterations (tens to thousands) per parameter sample, this approach allowed emulators to capture the input‐output relationship of the simulation model more accurately and also to produce sensitivity measures that were robust to variation inherent in the parameter‐sampling stage. (2) Confirm that parameter sampling is sufficient, by emulating subsamples of the sensitivity‐analysis output. As the subsample size is increased, the cross‐validatory performance of the emulator and sensitivity measures derived from it should exhibit asymptotic behavior. This approach can also be used to compare candidate emulators and select an appropriate interaction depth. (3) If required, conduct further simulations for additional parameter samples, and then report sensitivity measures and illustrate key response curves using the selected emulator. This protocol will generate robust sensitivity measures and facilitate the interpretation of complex ecological models, while minimizing simulation effort.
HOUSING FIRST AS AN EFFECTIVE MODEL FOR COMMUNITY STABILIZATION AMONG VULNERABLE INDIVIDUALS WITH CHRONIC AND NONCHRONIC HOMELESSNESS HISTORIES
Authors: Brown Molly M. , Jason Leonard A. , Malone Daniel K. , Srebnik Debra , Sylla Laurie
Published: March 2016

Housing First (HF) is an effective intervention for reducing homelessness and service utilization among vulnerable adults and is most often focused on individuals experiencing chronic homelessness. This study explored the effectiveness of a single‐site HF program for 2 groups of people with serious mental illness: those experiencing chronic street homelessness, and those whose homelessness was limited but had high psychiatric service needs, often experiencing multiple hospitalizations or residential treatment. A sample of 91 HF and 91 matched usual care comparison participants were obtained from administrative records. Those in HF spent significantly less time homeless and psychiatrically hospitalized compared to usual care. Ninety percent of HF residents were housed after 1 year compared to 35% of the comparison group. Homelessness and hospitalization outcomes were unrelated to homelessness history. This study provides initial evidence for HF's effectiveness for promoting community stability among a population previously requiring a high level of intensive psychiatric care.
PERCEPTIONS OF COMMUNITY RESILIENCE AFTER NATURAL DISASTER IN A RURAL AUSTRALIAN TOWN
Authors: Madsen Wendy , O'Mullan Cathy
Published: March 2016

Individual resilience is a well‐established concept within the field of psychology. However, community resilience is an emerging field of study particularly within the context of natural disasters and other adversities. This article reports a qualitative study related to community resilience in a rural Australian town. This particular community was affected by a series of flood events in 2010/2011, one of which necessitated the total evacuation of the entire town. The results from the study highlighted concepts associated with community resilience including: social connectedness, optimistic acceptance, learning tolerance and patience, and learning from the past for the future. We conclude that social capital forms a vital part of community resilience, and although resilience is tested only during times of adversity, social capital needs to be developed well prior to the anticipation of natural disasters.
THE HIDDEN WORK OF EXITING HOMELESSNESS: CHALLENGES OF HOUSING SERVICE USE AND STRATEGIES OF SERVICE RECIPIENTS
Authors: Mayberry Lindsay S.
Published: March 2016

This study explored the experiences of parents attempting to reattain housing after a shelter stay. A total of 80 parents participated in semistructured face‐to‐face interviews approximately 6 months after being recruited from shelters located in 4 states across the United States. Qualitative analyses identified common challenges of service use, strategies of service recipients, and characteristics of positive and negative service experiences. Challenges of service use included Catch‐22s resulting from incongruity between service policies and procedures and participants’ contexts and requirements of other services, confusion and uncertainty resulting from absent or insufficient communication about services, and long waitlists. Participants demonstrated persistence and determination, networked with service providers, and activated formal resources. Positive service experiences were tailored to families’ needs and marked by clear and consistent communication between providers and with service recipients. Findings suggest effective health communication tactics should be applied to housing services. Providers should collaborate to ensure service attainment does not impede other pathways to stability.
THE COMMUNITIES THAT CARE BRIEF DEPRESSION SCALE: PSYCHOMETRIC PROPERTIES AND CRITERION VALIDITY
Authors: Rhew Isaac C. , Monahan Kathryn C. , Oesterle Sabrina , Hawkins J. David
Published: March 2016

For community‐level approaches to preventing depression, measures of depression that are brief as well as valid are needed, particularly given competing demands in surveys for assessment of other outcomes including substance use, delinquency, and their associated risk factors. This study examined the validity of a 4‐item adolescent depression measure, the Communities That Care Brief Depression Scale (CTC‐BDS). Data were obtained from a survey of adolescents (N = 3939) participating in the Community Youth Development Study (CYDS), a community‐randomized trial involving 24 U.S. towns. The Patient Health Questionnaire 9‐item (PHQ‐9) was the criterion standard used to define major depressive disorder. Sensitivity and specificity of the CTC‐BDS were both > .8 at a cutpoint of 6 and the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve was .91. Its strong psychometric properties and brevity make the CTC‐BDS a useful measure for communities to monitor levels of youth depression.
POSTFIRE RECOVERY TO DISTRESS SYMPTOMS RATIO AS A MEASURE OF RESILIENCE OF ADOLESCENTS EXPOSED TO FIRE HAZARDS
Authors: Eshel Yohanan
Published: March 2016

So far, researchers have failed to agree on how to define and measure psychological resilience. This study submits that psychological resilience to potentially traumatic events can be determined by the ratio of recovery from distressing experiences to the level of posttraumatic distress symptoms. We hypothesize that this ratio will be predicted by 3 resilience‐supporting variables: community resilience, sense of coherence, and a low level of exposure to adversity. I further hypothesized that sense of coherence will mediate the links of the other two predictors and the measure of resilience. The sample included 233 Druze high school students whose hometown was endangered and damaged by the Mount Carmel wildfire, on December 2010. Results that supported these hypotheses are discussed in terms of supporting the proposed measure of resilience and its applicability in explaining posttraumatic outcomes.
HOUSEHOLD INCOME LEVEL AS A MODERATOR OF ASSOCIATIONS BETWEEN CHRONIC HEALTH CONDITIONS AND SERIOUS MENTAL ILLNESS
Authors: Duong Jeffrey , Bradshaw Catherine P.
Published: March 2016

This study examined the influence of household income level on associations between common chronic health conditions (e.g., cardiovascular disease, diabetes, asthma) and probable serious mental illness (SMI). Data from the 2011 New York City Community Health Survey (N = 8,792) were examined using logistic regression modeling, including interaction terms or models stratified by household income to determine whether there was effect modification. Associations between chronic conditions and probable SMI varied across household income levels. Specifically, there was a significant interaction between diabetes and household income on probable SMI. In stratified models, asthma was associated with probable SMI only among individuals from poor households (< 100% federal poverty), whereas diabetes was associated with probable SMI only among those from middle‐income households (200% to < 400% federal poverty). The findings highlight the mental health needs of individuals with chronic health conditions. Efforts to integrate physical and mental health services in community settings may be crucial for those from poor and middle‐income households.
WHY EVERY GREAT LEADER NEEDS TO BE A GREAT PERSPECTIVE TAKER
Authors: Galinsky Adam , Schweitzer Maurice
Published: March 2016

Perspective taking is a crucial leadership skill, yet Galinsky and Schweitzer contend that it becomes more difficult the higher you rise in an organization. Gaining perspective helps to motivate others, communicate more clearly, and navigate difficult or tense situations. Their article includes research they conducted with psychologists at the University of Iowa, the University of California‐Los Angeles, and New York University, as well as an anecdote about President John F. Kennedy and the 1962 Cuban missile crisis. Galinsky and Schweitzer conclude that when “leaders overcome their diminished motivation to engage in perspective taking, they can make better decisions, communicate more clearly, and lead more effectively.”
Pressure‐induced conformational switch of an interfacial protein
Authors: Johnson Quentin R. , Lindsay Richard J. , Nellas Ricky B. , Shen Tongye
Published: March 2016

A special class of proteins adopts an inactive conformation in aqueous solution and activates at an interface (such as the surface of lipid droplet) by switching their conformations. Lipase, an essential enzyme for breaking down lipids, serves as a model system for studying such interfacial proteins. The underlying conformational switch of lipase induced by solvent condition is achieved through changing the status of the gated substrate‐access channel. Interestingly, a lipase was also reported to exhibit pressure activation, which indicates it is drastically active at high hydrostatic pressure. To unravel the molecular mechanism of this unusual phenomenon, we examined the structural changes induced by high hydrostatic pressures (up to 1500 MPa) using molecular dynamics simulations. By monitoring the width of the access channel, we found that the protein undergoes a conformational transition and opens the access channel at high pressures (>100 MPa). Particularly, a disordered amphiphilic α5 region of the protein becomes ordered at high pressure. This positive correlation between the channel opening and α5 ordering is consistent with the early findings of the gating motion in the presence of a water–oil interface. Statistical analysis of the ensemble of conformations also reveals the essential collective motions of the protein and how these motions contribute to gating. Arguments are presented as to why heightened sensitivity to high‐pressure perturbation can be a general feature of switchable interfacial proteins. Further mutations are also suggested to validate our observations. Proteins 2016; 84:820–827. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Nutritional Quality, Functional Properties, Bioactivity, and Microstructure of Defatted Pistachio Kernel Flour
Authors: Ling Bo , Zhang Bo , Li Rui , Wang Shaojin
Published: March 2016

Defatted pistachio kernel flour (DPKF) is a byproduct of specialty oil industries and a promising product to be further used as a food ingredient. The purpose of this study was to evaluate nutritional value, functional properties, bioactivity, and microstructure of DPKF prepared by cold pressing (partially defatted, ~22 % residue fat d.b.) and pre‐press‐solvent extraction (totally defatted, <1 % residue fat d.b.) methods both using raw and roasted kernels. DPKF was rich in protein (34.36–46.47/100 g flour, d.b.) and carbohydrate (36.61–48.71/100 g flour, d.b.). Also, DPKF showed low Na contents with high concentrations of K, P, Ca, Mg, Zn, and Se. Excluding the sulfur amino acid, all essential amino acids were significantly higher than the reference values recommended by Food and Agriculture Organization/WHO. Totally defatted flours presented better functional properties than the partially defatted ones with exceptions of foaming stability. DPKF also exhibited appreciably higher total phenolic (552–792 mg gallic acid equivalent/100 g flour, d.b.) and flavonoid (124–280 mg RE/100 g flour, d.b.) contents as well as antioxidant capacities. Therefore, DPKF may have potential applications as functional ingredients and supplements in foods.
Transporter et installer le corps dans sa dernière demeure : les premiers contenants mobiles du Néolithique européen (bassin parisien et plaine du Rhin supérieur, Ve millénaire)
Authors: Chambon P. , Thevenet C.
Published: March 2016

La reconstitution de la tombe initiale reste un objectif de toute étude d'un contexte sépulcral en archéologie. Cependant, à partir de cette reconstitution, quelques étapes des funérailles se laissent percevoir, comme le transport du corps avec l'identification de contenants rigides et mobiles. Cette identification mobilise les outils de l'analyse taphonomique et la reconnaissance des structures. Le cas d'étude retenu correspond à l'apparition des contenants mobiles dans le Néolithique européen au Ve millénaire dans deux aires culturelles connectées. Si dans les deux cas la volonté de montrer le cadavre pousse à l'emploi de contenants ouverts ou de civières, dans le bassin parisien c'est l'étape du transport — en procession ? — qui est privilégiée, alors que dans le bassin rhénan l'image du défunt dans la tombe semble particulièrement valorisée. Un même dispositif renvoie ici à une organisation légèrement différente des funérailles.
Lactate: Friend or Foe
Authors: Hall Mederic M. , Rajasekaran Sathish , Thomsen Timothy W. , Peterson Andrew R.
Published: March 2016

Lactic acid has played an important role in the traditional theory of muscle fatigue and limitation of endurance exercise performance. It has been called a waste product of anaerobic metabolism and has been believed to be responsible for the uncomfortable “burn” of intense exercise and directly responsible for the metabolic acidosis of exercise, leading to decreased muscle contractility and ultimately cessation of exercise. Although this premise has been commonly taught, it is not supported by the scientific literature and has led to a great deal of confusion among the sports medicine and exercise science communities. This review will provide the sports medicine clinician with an understanding of contemporary lactate theories, including lactate's role in energy production, its contributions to metabolic acidosis, and its function as an energy substrate for a variety of tissues. Lactate threshold concepts will also be discussed, including a practical approach to understanding prediction of performance and monitoring of training progress based on these parameters.
The Kinetic Chain Revisited: New Concepts on Throwing Mechanics and Injury
Authors: Chu Samuel K. , Jayabalan Prakash , Kibler W. Ben , Press Joel
Published: March 2016

The overhead throwing motion is a complex activity that is achieved through activation of the kinetic chain. The kinetic chain refers to the linkage of multiple segments of the body that allows for transfer of forces and motion. The lower extremities and core provide a base of support, generating energy that is transferred eventually through the throwing arm and hand, resulting in release of the ball. The kinetic chain requires optimal anatomy, physiology, and mechanics and is involved in all 6 phases of overhead throwing: windup, stride, arm cocking, acceleration, deceleration, and follow‐through. Breaks or deficits in the kinetic chain can lead to injury or decreased performance. Through an understanding of the mechanics and pathomechanics seen in each phase of throwing, the clinician can better evaluate and screen for potential kinetic chain deficits in the overhead throwing athlete. The purpose of this article is to review the biomechanics of the overhead throwing motion, the role of the kinetic chain in throwing, and the clinical evaluation and management of abnormal throwing mechanics and related injuries.
Psychological Factors Are Related to Pain Intensity in Back‐Healthy People Who Develop Clinically Relevant Pain During Prolonged Standing: A Preliminary Study
Authors: Sorensen Christopher J. , George Steven Z. , Callaghan Jack P. , Van Dillen Linda R.
Published: March 2016

Background

An induced‐pain paradigm has been used to examine risk factors for the development of low back pain (LBP) during prolonged standing in back‐healthy people (standing paradigm). Previous studies that used induced‐pain methods suggest that pain intensity may be related to psychologic factors. It is not currently known, however, whether pain intensity reported during the standing paradigm is related to psychologic factors.

Objective

To examine the relationship between LBP symptom intensity and psychological factors (fear of pain and pain catastrophizing) in back‐healthy people who develop LBP during prolonged standing. We hypothesized that symptom intensity during standing would be positively related to initial levels of fear of pain and pain catastrophizing in people who developed LBP during standing.

Design

Cross‐sectional.

Setting

Movement science research center at an academic medical center.

Participants

Fifty seven back‐healthy participants.

Methods

Participants completed the Fear of Pain Questionnaire‐III (FPQ‐III) and Pain Catastrophizing Scale (PCS) before a 2‐hour standing protocol. Participants rated LBP intensity on a 100‐mm visual analogue scale (VAS) throughout standing and were classified as pain developers (PDs) or nonpain developers (NPDs). Relationships between LBP intensity and psychological measures were examined in PDs that did and did not have a ≥20 mm maximum VAS score.

Main Outcome Measurements

FPQ‐III and PCS total scores, maximum and average VAS scores during standing.

Results

There were 24 (42%) PDs. Five PDs reported a maximum VAS score ≥20 mm. For PDs with a maximum VAS score <20 mm, correlations between average VAS scores and each psychological measure were small and nonsignificant (FPQ‐III: r = 0.16, P = .50; PCS: r = 0.27, P = .26). For PDs with a maximum VAS score ≥20 mm, correlation between average VAS scores and FPQ‐III was large and significant (r = 0.91, P = .03), and large for PCS but nonsignificant (r = 0.87, P = .06).

Conclusion

These preliminary data suggest that if pain exceeds a clinically meaningful threshold (20 mm) during standing, pain intensity is related to psychological factors. Understanding factors that modulate acute pain response can inform early intervention strategies.

Level of Evidence

II
Effects of Balance Control Through Trunk Movement During Square and Semicircular Turns on Gait Velocity, Center of Mass Acceleration, and Energy Expenditure in Older Adults
Authors: Shin Sun‐shil , An Duk‐hyun , Yoo Won‐gyu
Published: March 2016

Background

Turning during ambulation is a common movement in everyday life, but complex and challenging for older adults. Balance control through trunk movement provides a stable platform during walking, thus it is an essential component of safe and efficient turning during walking in elderly individuals.

Objectives

To investigate the effects of balance control during square turning (ST) and semicircular turning (SCT) on gait velocity, center of mass (COM) acceleration, and energy expenditure in elderly women.

Design

Cross‐sectional design.

Setting

Village community center.

Participants

Twenty community‐dwelling elderly women capable of independent walking were enrolled in the study.

Methods

Participants walked at a self‐selected speed along a marked path that included 2 types of turns (the path was divided into 3 segments: straight, turning, and straight return), while fitted with an accelerometer attached over the L3 spinous process.

Main Outcome Measurements

Differences in gait velocity, normalized COM acceleration, and energy expenditure were analyzed using pairedt‐tests for comparisons between ST and SCT tasks and using a one‐way repeated‐measures analysis of variance for within tasks.

Results

During the ST task, which was characterized by the use of a less‐stable balance maintenance strategy, gait velocity and vertical COM acceleration were lower (P< .05), whereas greater medial‐lateral COM acceleration (P< .05) and energy expenditure (P< .001) were observed during turning and return straight stages compared with the SCT task. For both tasks, velocity during turning stage was the slowest, among the 3 stages, the straight stage was the fastest (P< .05). For the SCT task, the anterior‐posterior COM acceleration during the straight stage was significantly higher than during the turning stage, and the vertical COM acceleration during the straight stage was significantly lower than during the return‐straight stage (P< .05). In both tasks, the energy expenditure of the turning stage was significantly higher than in the straight and return straight stage (P≤ .001), and in the return straight stage was higher than the straight stage–only ST task (P< .05).

Conclusions

We suggest that elderly individuals participate in balance and gait training using a variety of turns, including turns requiring medial‐lateral and vertical COM balance control, to prevent falls and to improve energy efficiency of walking.

Level of Evidence

IV
Dissociation of Down syndrome and Alzheimer's disease effects with imaging
Authors: Matthews Dawn C. , Lukic Ana S. , Andrews Randolph D. , Marendic Boris , Brewer James , Rissman Robert A. , Mosconi Lisa , Strother Stephen C. , Wernick Miles N. , Mobley William C. , Ness Seth , Schmidt Mark E. , Rafii Michael S. ,   Down Syndrome Biomarker Initiative and the Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative
Published: March 2016

Introduction

Down Syndrome (DS) adults experience accumulation of Alzheimer's disease (AD)–like amyloid plaques and tangles and a high incidence of dementia and could provide an enriched population to study AD‐targeted treatments. However, to evaluate effects of therapeutic intervention, it is necessary to dissociate the contributions of DS and AD from overall phenotype. Imaging biomarkers offer the potential to characterize and stratify patients who will worsen clinically but have yielded mixed findings in DS subjects.

Methods

We evaluated 18F fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography (PET), florbetapir PET, and structural magnetic resonance (sMR) image data from 12 nondemented DS adults using advanced multivariate machine learning methods.

Results

Our results showed distinctive patterns of glucose metabolism and brain volume enabling dissociation of DS and AD effects. AD‐like pattern expression corresponded to amyloid burden and clinical measures.

Discussion

These findings lay groundwork to enable AD clinical trials with characterization and disease‐specific tracking of DS adults.
Drivers of Global CSR Integration and Local CSR Responsiveness: Evidence from Chinese MNEs
Authors: Miska Christof , Witt Michael A. , Stahl Günter K.
Published: March 2016

What drives Chinese MNEs’ global CSR integration and local CSR responsiveness? Drawing on institutional theory, we argue that both antecedents reflecting globally isomorphic patterns of adaptation and antecedents mirroring the distinct characteristics of China’s institutional context are relevant. We support our argument using fuzzy-set qualitative comparative analysis on a sample of 29 of China’s globally most influential companies. We find that state influence and global CSR associations affect global CSR integration, whereas presence in the West and internationalization through mergers and acquisitions predict local CSR responsiveness. Our study thus suggests that home-country characteristics are an important co-determinant of the CSR approaches of emerging-market MNEs. We further find that multicultural experience in top management teams is associated with both global CSR integration and local CSR responsiveness, supporting notions of transnational CSR.
Cognitive Training in a Large Group of Patients Affected by Early-Stage Alzheimer's Disease can have Long-Lasting Effects: A Case-Control Study
Authors: Cavallo Marco , Zanalda Enrico , Johnston Harriet , Bonansea Alessandro , Angilletta Chiara
Published: March 2016

Introduction: Cognitive training in Alzheimer's disease (AD) has recently started to demonstrate its efficacy. We used our ‘puzzle-like’ task (GEO) as training for a large group of early-stage AD patients, to detect its effects over time.

Method: AD patients (N = 40) and healthy controls (N = 40) were involved. Participants were administered the Geographical Exercises for cognitive Optimization (GEO) task. Participants underwent individual sessions with GEO three times a week for 2 months, and then their performance was recorded again. Lastly, at the 12-month follow-up the GEO task was administered for the last time.

Results: Patients’ scores were significantly worse than controls’ scores only on a few neuropsychological tests. We ran a repeated measures GLM by considering groups’ performance on the GEO task at the assessment points. Results showed a significant main effect of group, and a significant effect of the interaction between group and time: patients’ performances both at the end of the training and at the follow-up were virtually identical to controls’ performances.

Conclusions: Patients effectively acquired new procedural abilities, and their achievements were stable at follow-up. This study suggests the GEO is a useful strategy for cognitive training in AD, and should prompt further investigations about the degree of generalisability of patients’ acquired skills.
Between Entertainment and Elegy: The Unexpected Success of R. C. Sherriff's Journey's End (1928)
Authors: Walters Emily Curtis
Published: March 2016

Despite West End producers' and critics' expectations that it would never turn a profit, R. C. Sherriff's Journey's End (1928) became the most commercially successful First World stage drama of the interwar period, celebrated as an authentic depiction of the Great War in Britain and around the world. This article explains why. Departing from existing scholarship, which centers on Sherriff's autobiographical influences on his play, I focus instead on the marketing and reception of this production. Several processes specific to the interwar era blurred the play's ontology as a commercial entertainment and catapulted it to international success. These include its conspicuous engagement with and endorsement by veterans of the war, which transformed the play into historical reenactment; the multisensory spectatorial encounter, which allowed audiences to approach Journey's End as a means of accessing vicarious knowledge about the war; and a marketing campaign that addressed anxieties about the British theatrical industry. Finally, I trace the reception of this play into the Second World War, when British soldiers and prisoners of war spontaneously revived it around the world. The afterlives of Journey's End, I demonstrate, suggest new ways of conceiving of the cultural legacy of the First World War across the generations.
Satellite archives reveal abrupt changes in behavior of Helheim Glacier, southeast Greenland
Authors: MILES VICTORIA V. , MILES MARTIN W. , JOHANNESSEN OLA M.
Published: March 2016

Rapid changes in Helheim Glacier and other Greenland outlet glaciers since 2000 are well-known, but knowledge on earlier decades is fragmentary. Here we exploit the satellite image archives to produce and analyze a monthly-to-seasonal record of Helheim Glacier front position, 1980–2011. Statistical analysis identifies decadal periods with abrupt changes in variability and mean. The record also reveals evidence of volatile advance/retreat behavior in the 1980s. In one of several cases of large-amplitude subannual changes, the glacier front ‘surged’ forward in 1984/85, advancing ~6 km within a few months – surpassing its Little Ice Age maximum position – and afterward retreated ~5 km within a few weeks. These findings challenge the prevailing view of front position stability in the decades before the multi-year retreat in the early 2000s. Cold conditions including rigid ice mélange appear to be a factor in the high-amplitude seasonal advances in the 1980s. However the magnitude and abruptness of the changes in the record cannot be explained solely as a climatic response, such that glacio-dynamics must be invoked. Further, the volatile advance/retreat behavior in the cold 1980s resulted in increased dynamic ice loss, complicating the interpretation of increased calving activity as a response to warming.
Preventing and Responding to Dissent: The Observational Challenges of Explaining Strategic Repression
Authors: RITTER EMILY HENCKEN , CONRAD COURTENAY R.
Published: March 2016

Although scholarly consensus suggests that dissent causes repression, the behaviors are endogenous: governments and dissidents act in expectation of each other’s behavior. Empirical studies have not accounted well for this endogeneity. We argue that preventive aspects of repression meaningfully affect the relationship between observed dissent and repression. When governments use preventive repression, the best response to dissent that does occur is unclear; observed dissent does not meaningfully predictresponsiverepression. By contrast, governments that do not engage inex anterepression will be more likely to do itex post. We follow U.S. voting scholarship and propose a new instrument to model the endogeneity: rainfall. We couple rainfall data in African provinces and U.S. states with data on dissent and repression and find that dissent fails to have a significant effect on responsive repression in states that engage in preventive repression.
IMPACT OF THE ADAPTED YAM MINISETT TECHNIQUE ON WARE YAM (DIOSCOREA ROTUNDATA) PRODUCTION UNDER FARMER-MANAGED CONDITIONS IN NIGERIA
Authors: MORSE STEPHEN , MCNAMARA NORA
Published: March 2016

White yam (Dioscorea rotundata) is a major root crop grown throughout West Africa and a major limitation on its production is the availability of good quality (i.e. free of pests and diseases) planting material, notably seed yams. One of the methods developed to address this limitation is the Adapted Yam Minisett Technique (AYMT) and since 2012 the AYMT has been promoted in both Nigeria and Ghana via a Bill and Melinda Gates funded project entitled Yam Improvement for Income and Food Security in West Africa (YIIFSWA). While previously published studies have focussed on the agronomy of the sett-to-seed yam process, there has been no work done on the seed-to-ware yam stage which is critical in terms of farmer income and livelihood. This paper provides the first published evidence obtained under entirely farmer-managed conditions in Africa that shows seed yams produced via the AYMT can generate agronomic benefits in the water yam stage, including better germination, tuber numbers and weights.
FABA BEAN-BARLEY INTERCROPS FOR HIGH PRODUCTIVITY AND CORN POPPY SUPPRESSION
Authors: DHIMA KICO , VASILAKOGLOU IOANNIS , GATSIS THOMAS , GOUGOULIAS NIKOLAOS
Published: March 2016

A 2-year field study was conducted in central Greece (Larissa) and was repeated simultaneously in northern Greece (Thessaloniki) to determine the productivity and the competitive ability against corn poppy (Papaver rhoeas L.) of six faba bean (Vicia faba L.)-barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) intercrops grown at three seeding ratios (75:25, 50:50 or 25:75% of the recommended seeding rates) and two crop arrangements (alternate or mixed rows). Faba bean and barley sole crops were also included. Corn poppy dry weights in barley sole crop or faba bean-barley intercrops were 83 to 85% or 50 to 99%, respectively, lower than that in faba bean sole crop. Total dry matter (DM) and total crude protein (CP) yields of faba bean-barley intercrops were, in most cases, not significantly affected by corn poppy competition. The results obtained in both locations indicated that intercropping faba bean with barley could be an alternative practice to that of faba bean sole crop in sustainable production systems, because of its greater productivity, balanced nutritive value and competitiveness against aggressive weeds such as corn poppy.
Carbon flux of trophic-functional groups within the colonization process of biofilm-dwelling ciliates in marine ecosystems
Authors: Yang Zhongwen , Xu Yuping , Xu Guangjian , Xu Henglong
Published: March 2016

Biofilm-dwelling ciliates are a primary component of a biofilm, and play an important role in the functioning of microbial food webs by mediating carbon and energy flux into benthos from plankton. The carbon flux of biofilm-dwelling ciliates was studied at different trophic-functional levels within the colonization process in coastal waters of the Yellow Sea, northern China from May to June 2015. Samples were collected, using a glass slide method, at the time intervals of 1, 3, 7, 10, 14, 21 and 28 days from depths of 1 and 3 m. The carbon biomass of both total ciliates and all trophic-functional groups increased following the logistic growth curve model. During the whole colonization period, the bacterivores and non-selectives were generally the primary contributor to the carbon flux in young samples (<14 days), while the algivores and raptors predominated mature samples (14–28 days) at both depths. In terms of mature samples, however, the non-selectives and algivores were the primary contributors at a depth of 1 m, while the raptors accounted for primary contributions to the carbon flux at a depth of 3 m. Although the times to 50% maximum carbon biomasses were generally ranged 24 days at both depths, the maximum carbon biomasses were significantly higher at depth of 3 m than at 1 m. These results may provide useful information for ecological research on carbon flux from plankton to benthos in marine ecosystems.
A meta-analysis on pain sensitivity in self-injury
Authors: Koenig J. , Thayer J. F. , Kaess M.
Published: March 2016

Individuals engaging in self-injurious behavior (SIB) frequently report absence of pain during acts of SIB. While altered pain sensitivity is discussed as a risk factor for the engagement in SIB, results have been mixed with considerable variance across reported effect sizes, in particular with respect to the effect of co-morbid psychopathology. The present meta-analysis aimed to summarize the current evidence on pain sensitivity in individuals engaging in SIB and to identify covariates of altered pain processing. Three databases were searched without restrictions. Additionally a hand search was performed and reference lists of included studies were checked for potential studies eligible for inclusion. Thirty-two studies were identified after screening 720 abstracts by two independent reviewers. Studies were included if they reported (i) an empirical investigation, in (ii) humans, including a sample of individuals engaging in (iii) SIB and a group of (iv) healthy controls, (v) receiving painful stimulation. Random-effects meta-analysis was performed on three pain-related outcomes (pain threshold, pain tolerance, pain intensity) and several population- and study-level covariates (i.e. age, sex, clinical etiology) were subjected to meta-regression. Meta-analysis revealed significant main effects associated with medium to large effect sizes for all included outcomes. Individuals engaging in SIB show greater pain threshold and tolerance and report less pain intensity compared to healthy controls. Clinical etiology and age are significant covariates of pain sensitivity in individuals engaging in SIB, such that pain threshold is further increased in borderline personality disorder compared to non-suicidal self-injury. Mechanisms underlying altered pain sensitivity are discussed.
Curves of Small Genus on Certain K3 Surfaces
Authors: SWINNERTON–DYER PETER
Published: March 2016

Recent workers [1, 3] have proved density theorems about the rational points on K3 surfaces of the form
$$
V:\;X_0^4+cX_1^4=X_2^4+cX_3^4
$$
for certain non-zero values of c. Their arguments depend on the presence of at least two pencils of curves of genus 1 on V. Unfortunately the values of c for which the argument works are constrained by the need to exhibit explicitly a rational point on V which satisfies certain extra conditions; these in particular require it to lie outside the four obvious rational lines on V. It is therefore natural to ask whether there are other curves of genus 0 or 1 defined over Q on V. In the case c = 1 there are known to be infinitely many such curves (see [2]), and for general rational c the quadratic form Q on the Néron–Severi group whose value is the self-intersection number takes the values 0 and -2 infinitely often. Naively one might expect the case c = 1 to be typical; but this is not so. The main object of this paper is to prove the following result.
Metabolic activity of sperm cells: correlation with sperm cell concentration, viability and motility in the rabbit
Authors: Sabés-Alsina Maria , Planell Núria , Gil Sílvia , Tallo-Parra Oriol , Maya-Soriano Maria José , Taberner Ester , Piles Miriam , Sabés Manel , Lopez-Bejar Manel
Published: March 2016

The resazurin reduction test (RRT) is a useful technique to assess the metabolic rate of sperm cells. RRT depends on the ability of metabolically active cells to reduce the non-fluorescent dye resazurin to the fluorescent resorufin. The aim of this study was to develop a vital fluorometric method to evaluate metabolic activity of rabbit sperm cells. Twenty-five rabbit males were included in the study. Viability and morphology, motility and metabolic activity were evaluated using an eosin-nigrosin staining, a computer-assisted semen analysis (CASA) and the RRT, respectively. Spearman rank correlation analysis was used to determine the correlation between RRT and semen parameters. After evaluation, a concentration of 10 × 106 sperm cells/ml was selected for further experiments with RRT. No significant correlation was found between the RRT results and the motility parameters. However, after RRT a significant positive correlation between relative fluorescence units and the percentage of alive spermatozoa (r = 0.62; P = 0.001) and a negative one with the percentage of sperm cells with acrosomic abnormalities (r = −0.45; P < 0.05) were detected.

The vital assessment of metabolic rate of sperm cells by RRT could provide more information about semen quality than other routine semen analysis, correlating with sperm viability and acrosome status information.
The impact of laser-assisted hatching on the outcome of frozen human embryo transfer cycles
Authors: Kanyo Katalin , Zeke Jozsef , Kriston Rita , Szücs Zoltan , Cseh Sandor , Somoskoi Bence , Konc Janos
Published: March 2016

Biochemical modifications of zona pellucida (ZP) result in zona hardening. Zona hardening (ZH) is induced by several factors such as advancing maternal age,in vitroculture conditions and cryopreservation and adversely effects implantation. The objective of the clinical study was to determine whether or not laser-assisted hatching (LAH) applied on day 3 frozen embryos improves the outcome of frozen embryo transfer (FET) cycles in patients with recurrent implantation failure and/or advanced female age. In total, 413 patients of different ages with recurrent implantation failure (maximum three cycles) were involved into the study. Patients were allocated randomly into LAH and control groups. On the day of FET, after thawing and just before FET, the ZP was thinned using a laser system. In the control group no treatment was applied on frozen embryo before transfer. The main outcome measures were clinical pregnancy rate. Overall, the results indicate a tendency that LAH increased (P= 0.08) clinical pregnancy. However, for patients older than 37 years, LAH increased pregnancy rates significantly (P= 0.03). In the LAH and control groups, the age of patients and the number of transferred embryos influenced pregnancy rates (P= 0.01). For patients older than 37 years, no effect of number of transferred embryos was detected (P= 0.14). The incidence of multiple pregnancies also increased in the LAH group (P= 0.01). In conclusion, in older woman, to overcome the negative effect of zona hardening, LAH could be performed on frozen embryos as a routine strategy before FET in frozen cycles in order to increase the possibility of pregnancy formation.
Exposure is not enough
Authors: MACWHINNEY BRIAN
Published: March 2016

Child language researchers have often assumed that progress in first language learning depends heavily on language exposure. For example, Hart and Risley (1995) compared children in middle class families with children in lower class families. Based on recordings made across several years in the home, they estimated that by the time the children from lower SES families entered first grade they had heard 30 million fewer words than the middle class children. Researchers and educators have argued that this ‘30 million word gap’ is a primary cause for academic failure of lower SES children in the primary grades in the United States. Researchers in second language acquisition (SLA) research have often postulated a similar linkage between exposure and attainment, both for early and simultaneous bilingual children and later second language learning. Carroll (Carroll) expresses justifiable skepticism regarding such claims regarding the effect of amount of exposure on language attainment. Despite some important differences in conceptualization of the nature of the input, I find her overall analysis compelling and important.
The Relationships Between the Dark Triad, the Moral Judgment Level,	and the Students’ Disciplinary Choice
Authors: Krick Annika , Tresp Stephanie , Vatter Mirijam , Ludwig Antonia , Wihlenda Michael , Rettenberger Martin
Published: March 2016

Abstract. The purpose of the present study was to examine the relationships between the personality traits of the Dark Triad, the moral judgment level, and the students’ disciplinary choice. It was hypothesized that students who major in higher business and management education show higher levels of the Dark Triad and lower levels of moral judgment competence (self-selection hypothesis). According to the indoctrination hypothesis it was assumed that the differences between business and management students and other students would be higher in advanced semesters. The findings suggest that business and management students show higher levels of the Dark Triad but not of moral judgment competence. However, there was no evidence found for a higher difference in advanced students.
Gamma Ray Bursts Leave Their Mark in the Low Ionosphere
Authors: Strelich Lily
Published: March 2016

Scientists use very low and low-frequency radio signals to detect short gamma ray bursts and their impact on the low ionosphere.
Embracing Open Data in Field-Driven Sciences
Authors: Fowler Rebecca
Published: March 2016

Allowing data to be reused and research results to be replicated fosters innovation, high-quality research, and public trust in science.
NOAA's 2017 Budget Would Support Observational Infrastructure
Authors: Showstack Randy
Published: March 2016

The Obama administration's budget request includes funding for an initiative to vastly boost the number of water-monitoring sites used to forecast floods, droughts, and other hydrological impacts.
Bacteria-host relationship: ubiquitin ligases as weapons of invasion
Authors: Maculins Timurs , Fiskin Evgenij , Bhogaraju Sagar , Dikic Ivan
Published: March 2016

Eukaryotic cells utilize the ubiquitin (Ub) system for maintaining a balanced functioning of cellular pathways. Although the Ub system is exclusive to eukaryotes, prokaryotic bacteria have developed an armory of Ub ligase enzymes that are capable of employing the Ub systems of various hosts, ranging from plant to animal cells. These enzymes have been acquired through the evolution and can be classified into three main classes, RING (really interesting new gene), HECT (homologous to the E6-AP carboxyl terminus) and NEL (novel E3 ligases). In this review we describe the roles played by different classes of bacterial Ub ligases in infection and pathogenicity. We also provide an overview of the different mechanisms by which bacteria mimic specific components of the host Ub system and outline the gaps in our current understanding of their functions. Additionally, we discuss approaches and experimental tools for validating this class of enzymes as potential novel antibacterial therapy targets.
Epigenetic regulation of diacylglycerol kinase alpha promotes radiation-induced fibrosis
Authors: Weigel Christoph , Veldwijk Marlon R. , Oakes Christopher C. , Seibold Petra , Slynko Alla , Liesenfeld David B. , Rabionet Mariona , Hanke Sabrina A. , Wenz Frederik , Sperk Elena , Benner Axel , Rösli Christoph , Sandhoff Roger , Assenov Yassen , Plass Christoph , Herskind Carsten , Chang-Claude Jenny , Schmezer Peter , Popanda Odilia
Published: March 2016

Radiotherapy is a fundamental part of cancer treatment but its use is limited by the onset of late adverse effects in the normal tissue, especially radiation-induced fibrosis. Since the molecular causes for fibrosis are largely unknown, we analyse if epigenetic regulation might explain inter-individual differences in fibrosis risk. DNA methylation profiling of dermal fibroblasts obtained from breast cancer patients prior to irradiation identifies differences associated with fibrosis. One region is characterized as a differentially methylated enhancer of diacylglycerol kinase alpha (DGKA). Decreased DNA methylation at this enhancer enables recruitment of the profibrotic transcription factor early growth response 1 (EGR1) and facilitates radiation-induced DGKA transcription in cells from patients later developing fibrosis. Conversely, inhibition of DGKA has pronounced effects on diacylglycerol-mediated lipid homeostasis and reduces profibrotic fibroblast activation. Collectively, DGKA is an epigenetically deregulated kinase involved in radiation response and may serve as a marker and therapeutic target for personalized radiotherapy.