bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Does urbanization lead to taxonomic and functional homogenization in riparian forests?
Authors: Brice Marie‐Hélène , Pellerin Stéphanie , Poulin Monique
Published: April 2017

Aim

In urbanized areas, exotic invasions, native extinctions, and the alteration of habitats and natural processes drive homogenization, which is a form of biotic impoverishment. This study examines whether urbanization and flooding induce homogenization of herbaceous communities in riparian forests and quantifies the relationships between taxonomic and functional β‐diversity.

Location

Montréal, Québec, Canada.

Methods

Inventories were conducted in 56 riparian forests. Taxonomic and functional β‐diversity were calculated as between‐site similarities in species or trait composition for three levels of urbanization and flooding. Differences among the disturbance levels were compared using tests for homogeneity in multivariate dispersions. We quantified the correlation between local species richness, exotic proportion, taxonomic and functional β‐diversity. We also partitioned taxonomic β‐diversity into species turnover and richness difference.

Results

Urbanization led to taxonomic and functional differentiation, while increased flooding led to taxonomic and functional homogenization. We found a significant correlation between taxonomic and functional β‐diversity. Changes in β‐diversity were associated with species and trait turnover among both urbanization and flood levels, and with changes in species richness. Differentiation was associated with low species richness, and homogenization with high species richness. Exotic invasions tended to favour differentiation, but only at a low urbanization level.

Main Conclusions

The effect of urbanization on plant diversity in riparian forests was twofold: first, it directly induced taxonomic and functional differentiation through its effect on species loss and turnover (higher β‐diversity at high urbanization level); second, differentiation was indirectly favoured through the reduction in flooding (higher β‐diversity at low flood level). Taxonomic and functional β‐diversity followed similar patterns, likely because species invasions and extinctions are not random, but are related to species traits. Our results underline the need to move our focus from exotic species to the true underlying factors of biodiversity loss and homogenization, notably land use changes and human disturbances.
Depression symptoms are persistent in Type 2 diabetes: risk factors and outcomes of 5‐year depression trajectories using latent class growth analysis
Authors: Whitworth S. R. , Bruce D. G. , Starkstein S. E. , Davis W. A. , Davis T. M. E. , Skinner T. C. , Bucks R. S.
Published: April 2017

Aims

To describe the long‐term trajectories of depression symptom severity in people with Type 2 diabetes, and to identify predictors and associates of these trajectories.

Methods

A community‐dwelling cohort of 1201 individuals with Type 2 diabetes from the Fremantle Diabetes Study Phase II was followed for 5 years. The nine‐item version of the Patient Health Questionnaire was administered annually to assess depression symptoms, and biomedical and psychosocial measures were assessed at baseline and biennially. Latent class growth analysis was used to identify classes of depression severity trajectories and associated outcomes, and logistic regression models were used to determine predictors of class membership.

Results

Three trajectories of depression symptoms were identified: continuously low depression symptoms (85.2%); gradually worsening symptoms that then began to improve (persistent depression – low‐start; 7.3%); and gradually improving symptoms which later worsened (persistent depression – high‐start; 7.5%). Younger age, being a woman, and a lifetime history of major depressive disorder, were associated with greater risk of persistent depression symptoms. Persistent depression was associated with consistently higher BMI over time, but not with changes in HbA1c or self‐monitoring of blood glucose.

Conclusions

A subset of individuals with Type 2 diabetes is at risk of depression symptoms that remain elevated over time. Younger, overweight individuals with a history of depression may benefit from early and intensive depression management and ongoing follow‐up as part of routine Type 2 diabetes care.
A SEMIPARAMETRIC DISCRETE CHOICE MODEL: AN APPLICATION TO HOSPITAL MERGERS
Authors: Raval Devesh , Rosenbaum Ted , Tenn Steven A.
Published: April 2017

We propose a computationally simple semiparametric discrete choice estimator to model rich consumer heterogeneity. We assume groups of observably similar consumers have similar preferences, but allow preferences to vary freely across these groups. Model flexibility is easily adjusted by setting a single tuning parameter; we suggest a cross‐validation method to do so. We analyze the model's properties in the context of hospital mergers, both analytically and via a Monte Carlo analysis. The model performs well for policy relevant substitution and welfare measures, even if misspecified, when the tuning parameter is set within the neighborhood of the value chosen by cross validation. (JELC14, D12, I11, L41)
Climate change, glacier retreat and a new ice‐free island offer new insights on Antarctic benthic responses
Authors: Lagger Cristian , Nime Mónica , Torre Luciana , Servetto Natalia , Tatián Marcos , Sahade Ricardo
Published: April 2017

The Antarctic Peninsula is among the places on Earth that registered major warming in the last 60 yr. Massive ice losses, represented by glacier retreat, ice‐shelf collapses and sea‐ice reduction are among the main impacts of this regional warming. The loss of sea‐bed ice coverage, on the one hand has been affecting benthic assemblages, but on the other it is opening up new areas for benthic colonisation. Potter Cove (South Shetland Islands) offered the opportunity of assessing both processes. We recently reported a sudden shift of benthic assemblages related to increased sedimentation rates caused by glacier retreat. This glacier retreat also uncovered a new island that presents a natural experiment to study Antarctic benthic colonisation and succession. We sampled the new island by photo‐transects taken up to 30 m depth. Here, we report an unexpected benthic assemblage characterised by high species richness, diversity and structural complexity with a well‐developed three‐dimensional structure and epibiotic relationships. Filter feeders comprised the largest trophic group at all depths, mainly ascidians, sponges and bryozoans. Densities were also surprising, recording only six ascidian species with a mean of ∼310 ind. m–2. These values are at least an order of magnitude higher than previous Antarctic reports on early colonisation. This finding challenges the extended idea of a slow and continuous recruitment in Antarctica. However, it also opens the question of whether these complex assemblages could have been present under the glacier in ice‐free refuges that are now exposed to open sea conditions. Under the current scenario of climate change, these results acquire high relevance as they suggest a two‐fold effect of the Antarctic Peninsula warming: the environmental shifts that threaten coastal ecosystems, and also the opening up of new areas for colonisation that may occur at a previously unimagined speed.
The critical role of local refugia in postglacial colonization of Chinese pine: joint inferences from DNA analyses, pollen records, and species distribution modeling
Authors: Hao Qian , de Lafontaine Guillaume , Guo Dongshu , Gu Hongya , Hu Feng Sheng , Han Yue , Song Zhaoliang , Liu Hongyan
Published: April 2017

The importance of long‐distance migration from low to high latitudes relative to local spread from northern refugia after the Last Glacial Maximum (LGM) remains a focus of debate for many temperate tree species. We assessed the dynamics of Chinese pine Pinus tabulaeformis, a widespread species endemic to northern China, since the LGM by integrating cytoplasmic DNA data, mapped pollen records and ecological niche modeling. Genetic variation among 544 individuals from 50 populations spanning the entire natural species range revealed eight genetic clusters with distinct geographic distribution, indicating glacial lineages likely originating from multiple local microrefugia. Palynological evidence suggested that the northernmost part of the natural distribution originated from local postglacial spread. Niche modeling indicated high probability of the species being present in the area of the Loess Plateau and coastal areas north of the Yangtze River during the LGM. The three lines of evidence jointly suggest that the species persisted through the last glaciation in the mountains surrounding the Loess Plateau of northern China and that the current distribution of the species originated primarily from the spread of local refugial populations, instead of long‐distance migration. These results cast doubt on the notion that Chinese pine migrated from areas south of the Yangtze River and underscore the importance of northern refugia.
Reliable estimation of inhibitory efficiency: to anticipate, choose or simply react?
Authors: Leunissen Inge , Zandbelt Bram B. , Potocanac Zrinka , Swinnen Stephan P. , Coxon James P.
Published: April 2017

Response inhibition is an important executive process studied by clinical and experimental psychologists, neurophysiologists and cognitive neuroscientists alike. Stop‐signal paradigms are popular because they are grounded in a theory that provides methods to estimate the latency of an unobservable process: the stop‐signal reaction time (SSRT). Critically, SSRT estimates can be biased by skew of the response time distribution and gradual slowing over the course of the experiment. Here, we present a series of experiments that directly compare three common stop‐signal paradigms that differ in the distribution of response times. The results show that the widely used choice response (CR) and simple response (SR) time versions of the stop‐signal paradigm are particularly susceptible to skew of the response time distribution and response slowing, and that using the anticipated response (AR) paradigm based on the Slater‐Hammel task offers a viable alternative to obtain more reliable SSRT estimates.
Species richness and taxonomic distinctness of lake macrophytes along environmental gradients in two continents
Authors: Alahuhta Janne , Toivanen Maija , Hjort Jan , Ecke Frauke , Johnson Lucinda B. , Sass Laura , Heino Jani
Published: April 2017

The biodiversity of aquatic ecosystems is under threat and there is an urgent need to quantify the various facets of biodiversity to assess the conservation value of freshwater ecosystems. The effects of taxonomic relatedness have so far not been taken into account in biodiversity assessments of lake macrophytes.

We therefore tested the response of species richness and average taxonomic distinctness (AvTD) of aquatic macrophytes along environmental gradients using linear regression models and Bayesian Information Criterion variable selection method. We selected data from four regions, each with 50–60 lakes, situated in northern Europe (Finland and Sweden) and northern America (Minnesota and Wisconsin). We separately studied all macrophyte species, hydrophytes and helophytes.

Species richness and AvTD of aquatic macrophytes were generally negatively related in all regions, although it was not statistically significant. Both biodiversity measures responded to environmental gradients to various degrees among the studied macrophyte groups and regions. Species richness was best explained by alkalinity and lake area in Finland, by elevation, annual mean temperature and total phosphorus in Minnesota, and by alkalinity in Wisconsin. AvTD was best explained by alkalinity, annual mean temperature and total phosphorus in Finland and by alkalinity in Wisconsin. Very weak relationships were found in Sweden.

Our findings strongly suggest that complementary indices are needed to indicate more comprehensively the effects of environmental conditions on freshwater biodiversity. Species richness was found to be a better measure than AvTD to account for conservation value in freshwaters. However, further research is required to evaluate the usefulness of AvTD to indicate conservation value (e.g. randomisation tests), because alternative measures are clearly needed for those freshwater taxa lacking complete information on true phylogenetic diversity.
Microbial acceleration of aerobic pyrite oxidation at circumneutral pH
Authors: Percak‐Dennett E. , He S. , Converse B. , Konishi H. , Xu H. , Corcoran A. , Noguera D. , Chan C. , Bhattacharyya A. , Borch T. , Boyd E. , Roden E. E.
Published: April 2017

Pyrite (FeS2) is the most abundant sulfide mineral on Earth and represents a significant reservoir of reduced iron and sulfur both today and in the geologic past. In modern environments, oxidative transformations of pyrite and other metal sulfides play a key role in terrestrial element partitioning with broad impacts to contaminant mobility and the formation of acid mine drainage systems. Although the role of aerobic micro‐organisms in pyrite oxidation under acidic‐pH conditions is well known, to date there is very little known about the capacity for aerobic micro‐organisms to oxidize pyrite at circumneutral pH. Here, we describe two enrichment cultures, obtained from pyrite‐bearing subsurface sediments, that were capable of sustained cell growth linked to pyrite oxidation and sulfate generation at neutral pH. The cultures were dominated by two Rhizobiales species (Bradyrhizobium sp. and Mesorhizobium sp.) and a Ralstonia species. Shotgun metagenomic sequencing and genome reconstruction indicated the presence of Fe and S oxidation pathways in these organisms, and the presence of a complete Calvin–Benson–Bassham CO2 fixation system in the Bradyrhizobium sp. Oxidation of pyrite resulted in thin (30–50 nm) coatings of amorphous Fe(III) oxide on the pyrite surface, with no other secondary Fe or S phases detected by electron microscopy or X‐ray absorption spectroscopy. Rates of microbial pyrite oxidation were approximately one order of magnitude higher than abiotic rates. These results demonstrate the ability of aerobic microbial activity to accelerate pyrite oxidation and expand the potential contribution of micro‐organisms to continental sulfide mineral weathering around the time of the Great Oxidation Event to include neutral‐pH environments. In addition, our findings have direct implications for the geochemistry of modern sedimentary environments, including stimulation of the early stages of acid mine drainage formation and mobilization of pyrite‐associated metals.
Avoiding a crisis of motivation for ocean management under global environmental change
Authors: Mumby Peter J. , Sanchirico James N. , Broad Kenneth , Beck Michael W. , Tyedmers Peter , Morikawa Megan , Okey Thomas A. , Crowder Larry B. , Fulton Elizabeth A. , Kelso Denny , Kleypas Joanie A. , Munch Stephan B. , Glynn Polita , Matthews Kathryn , Lubchenco Jane
Published: April 2017

Climate change and ocean acidification are altering marine ecosystems and, from a human perspective, creating both winners and losers. Human responses to these changes are complex, but may result in reduced government investments in regulation, resource management, monitoring and enforcement. Moreover, a lack of peoples’ experience of climate change may drive some towards attributing the symptoms of climate change to more familiar causes such as management failure. Taken together, we anticipate that management could become weaker and less effective as climate change continues. Using diverse case studies, including the decline of coral reefs, coastal defences from flooding, shifting fish stocks and the emergence of new shipping opportunities in the Arctic, we argue that human interests are better served by increased investments in resource management. But greater government investment in management does not simply mean more of “business‐as‐usual.” Management needs to become more flexible, better at anticipating and responding to surprise, and able to facilitate change where it is desirable. A range of technological, economic, communication and governance solutions exists to help transform management. While not all have been tested, judicious application of the most appropriate solutions should help humanity adapt to novel circumstances and seek opportunity where possible.
Species’ traits as predictors of range shifts under contemporary climate change: A review and meta‐analysis
Authors: MacLean Sarah A. , Beissinger Steven R.
Published: April 2017

A growing body of literature seeks to explain variation in range shifts using species’ ecological and life‐history traits, with expectations that shifts should be greater in species with greater dispersal ability, reproductive potential, and ecological generalization. Despite strong theoretical support for species’ traits as predictors of range shifts, empirical evidence from contemporary range shift studies remains limited in extent and consensus. We conducted the first comprehensive review of species’ traits as predictors of range shifts, collecting results from 51 studies across multiple taxa encompassing over 11,000 species’ responses for 54 assemblages of taxonomically related species occurring together in space. We used studies of assemblages that directly compared geographic distributions sampled in the 20th century prior to climate change with resurveys of distributions after contemporary climate change and then tested whether species traits accounted for heterogeneity in range shifts. We performed a formal meta‐analysis on study‐level effects of body size, fecundity, diet breadth, habitat breadth, and historic range limit as predictors of range shifts for a subset of 21 studies of 26 assemblages with sufficient data. Range shifts were consistent with predictions based on habitat breadth and historic range limit. However, body size, fecundity, and diet breadth showed no significant effect on range shifts across studies, and multiple studies reported significant relationships that contradicted predictions. Current understanding of species’ traits as predictors of range shifts is limited, and standardized study is needed for traits to be valid indicators of vulnerability in assessments of climate change impacts.
Law, pliability and the multicultural city: Documenting planning law in action
Authors: Hubbard Phil , Prior Jason
Published: April 2017

In this paper we focus on the deployment of certain techniques that are central to municipal law's attempt to impose order on the city, namely, development control, zoning, and change of use regulation. Drawing on the notion of inter‐legality, we argue that such practices can never be consistent or universal, and instead need to be sufficiently pliable to recognise the diversity of legal norms, assumptions and practices evident in a multicultural city. We demonstrate this with reference to the resolution of urban land‐use conflict in Sydney (Australia) showing how planning decisions have need to demonstrate flexibility within the law to achieve outcomes that are sensitive to local contingency and informed by notions of spatial justice. In conclusion we suggest that attempts to make municipal law more consistent or unified are problematic given situated discretion is required to produce cities more open to difference and diversity.
Randomized, controlled trial split‐faced study of 595‐nm pulsed dye laser in the treatment of acne vulgaris and acne erythema in adolescents and early adulthood
Authors: Lekwuttikarn Ramrada , Tempark Therdpong , Chatproedprai Susheera , Wananukul Siriwan
Published: April 2017

The high prevalence of acne vulgaris in teenagers has increased comorbidities. Lasers offer alternative options for acne treatment because they have rapid action, low systemic adverse effects, and do not require everyday treatment. To study the efficacy and patients’ satisfaction of 595‐nm pulse dye laser (PDL) treatment of acne vulgaris and acne erythema in adolescents and early adulthood, we designed a blocked‐randomized, split‐faced 595‐nm PDL (fluence 8 J/cm3 pulse duration 10 ms, spot size 7 mm, 2 session every 2 weeks) study in patients with mild to moderate acne by comparing the laser‐treated and non‐treated side. The acne lesion counts, acne erythema grading, and acne severity grading were evaluated at baseline and 2, 4, and 8 weeks. Thirty patients were recruited. The results showed no statistically significant difference except the papule count at week 4 which was −1.828 on the treated side and 0.103 on the non‐treated side of the face, P‐value 0.0018. There was no statistically significant difference of acne severity grading and acne erythema grading between both sides of the face. The mean scores of patients’ satisfaction on the laser‐treated side were 75, 81, and 81%, respectively. The PDL treatment in this study reveals no significant improvement in acne therapy; however, the patients were satisfied with this laser treatment.
Heating, microwave and UV irradiation effects on oxidative stability of Sardasht red grape (Vitis vinifera cultiv. Sardasht) seed oil
Authors: Hashemi Seyed Mohammad Bagher , Mousavi Khaneghah Amin , Nikmaram Nooshin , Raeisi Susan , Rahman Mohammad Shafiur , Avallone Sylvie
Published: April 2017

In the current study, for the first time, the oxidation stability of the extracted edible oil from Sardasht red grape at three different accelerated deteriorative conditions (oven, microwave and ultraviolet (UV) irradiation) was investigated. In this context, the peroxide value (PV), conjugated diene value (CDV), carbonyl value (CV), radical scavenging activity (RSA) and oil/oxidative stability indices, as well as fatty acid composition and total tocopherol content, were evaluated. Sardasht grape seed oil as a rich oil in unsaturated fatty acid (about 87%) contains linoleic acid in terms of the principal fatty acid (70.4 ± 1.8%). The excessive oxidative stability of crude oil can be correlated with the extreme content of natural antioxidants (tocopherols and tocotrienols). The findings showed that Sardasht red grape seed oil could be approached as new source of edible oil with acceptable oxidative stability.
2016 WHO Classification update—What's new in lymphoid neoplasms
Authors: Hsi E. D.
Published: April 2017

In the 8 years since the publication of the 4th edition of the WHO Classification of Hematopoietic and Lymphoid Tumours in 2008, there has been rapid accumulation of knowledge in the molecular genetics, biology, clinical behavior of many hematologic malignancies. Concepts and models have advanced to the point at which updates were deemed necessary prior to the formal WHO process of publication of a 5th edition as part of the WHO “blue book” series. This overview will focus on lymphoid tumors and highlight important changes and updates to these neoplasms.
The danger of relying on the APTT and PT in patients on DOAC therapy, a potential patient safety issue
Authors: Adcock D. M. , Gosselin R. C.
Published: April 2017

Prolongation of the activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT) and prothrombin time/international normalized ratio (PT/INR) correlates poorly with plasma concentrations of direct oral anticoagulant agents (DOACS) including direct thrombin and direct Xa inhibitors. It has been repeatedly demonstrated that patients can have normal APTT and PT/INR with a therapeutic plasma concentration of a DOAC. Clinicians can no longer rely on a normal APTT and PT to determine that an anticoagulated patient is safe to undergo an invasive procedure. Laboratory scientists need to play a key and active role in educating clinicians about the limitations of the APTT and PT in patients on DOAC prophylaxis or therapy.
Review of D‐dimer testing: Good, Bad, and Ugly
Authors: Linkins L.‐A. , Takach Lapner S.
Published: April 2017

D‐dimer assays are commonly used in clinical practice to exclude a diagnosis of deep vein thrombosis or pulmonary embolism. More recently, they have been also been used to guide patients with unprovoked venous thromboembolism (VTE) when faced with the decision to continue or stop anticoagulation after initial treatment is complete. D‐dimer assays vary widely with respect to the antibody used, method of capture, instrumentation required, and calibration standard. These differences have an important influence on the operating characteristics of the assays. Consequently, the evidence available in the literature for one assay cannot simply be extrapolated to another. In this review, we will outline the general properties of D‐dimer assays, discuss the concept of raising the D‐dimer threshold used in diagnosis of VTE according to pretest probability and age, and provide clinical perspective on the role of D‐dimer testing in the diagnosis and prognosis of VTE.
Minimal residual disease in acute myelogenous leukemia
Authors: Cruz N. M. , Mencia‐Trinchant N. , Hassane D. C. , Guzman M. L.
Published: April 2017

Treatment of acute myelogenous leukemia (AML) over the past four decades remains mostly unchanged and the prognosis for the majority of patients remains poor. Most of the significant advances that have been observed are in defining cytogenetic abnormalities, as well as the genetic and epigenetic profiles of AML patients. While new cytogenetic and genetic aberrations such as the FLT3‐ITD and NPM1 mutations are able to guide prognosis for the majority of patients with AML, outcomes are still dismal and relapse rates remain high. It is thought that relapse in AML is in part driven by minimal residual disease (MRD) that remains in the patient following treatment. Thus, there is a need for sensitive and objective methodology for MRD detection. Methodologies such as multiparameter flow cytometry (MFC), quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction (RQ‐PCR), digital PCR (dPCR), or next‐generation sequencing (NGS) are being employed to evaluate their utility in MRD assessment. In this review, we will provide an overview of AML and the clinical utility of MRD measurement. We will discuss optimal timing to MRD measurement, the different approaches that are available, and efforts in the standardization across laboratories.
Health‐related quality of life in prostate cancer patients' – treatment comparisons
Authors: Sebakk Karin S. , Haug Erik S. , Gullan Dag , Grov Ellen K.
Published: April 2017

ABSTRACT

Active surveillance (AS) as treatment option for prostate cancer (PCa) has been systematically offered from Vestfold Hospital Trust since 2009. This option proposes delay or avoidance of radical treatment and its troublesome side effects especially urinary leakage and erectile dysfunction. The aim is to compare urinary problems, sexual dysfunction and health‐related quality of life (HRQOL) between Norwegian PCa patients undergoing radical retropubic prostatectomy (RRP) and AS. A cross‐sectional study of 330 PCa patients diagnosed between 2010 and 2014 at Vestfold Hospital Trust was performed, including 150 in an AS group and 180 in a RRP group. HRQOL was assessed using the SF‐12 questionnaire. Sexual and urinary function was assessed through excerpts from The Expanded Prostate Cancer Index‐50 Question (EPIC‐50). Continuous data was analysed with t‐tests, while categorical data was analysed with χ2‐tests. In addition, linear regression analysis was performed. No difference in HRQOL was observed between the two groups despite significant differences in urinary leakage and sexual function. The AS group had a significantly lower proportion of men with a Physical Component Score (PCS) ≤ 40. We did not find the same pattern for Mental Component Score (MCS). The difference in PCS was not significant after adjustment for treatment, age, relationship and other independent variables. The findings are important for nurses informing PCa patients eligible for AS. The majority of men adjust with their disease and report good HRQOL, despite urinary leakage and erectile dysfunction after RRP compared with nontreated men on AS.
Using ICT for social good: Cultural identity restoration through emancipatory pedagogy
Authors: Young Amber Grace
Published: April 2017

This research examines how an oppressed group, the Klamath Tribes of Oregon, used an information communication technology (ICT) for the human development objective of cultural identity restoration, one component of emancipation. Within this manuscript is depicted a process model of how ICT tools can be used for human development through emancipatory pedagogy, ie, the communication of knowledge in a way that promotes critical reflection and collective action. Combining interpretive and critical methods, I describe how the Klamath's ICT reflected the emancipatory journey of those creating it and empowered the Klamath to lead ICT users toward emancipation. An interpretive approach revealed that ICT framing tools promoted awareness of the Klamath, awareness of the problem the Klamath sought to address, and awareness of societal systems of power that enforced the Klamath's problem, while ICT tactic tools enabled “the aware” to engage in solutions. Notably, the Klamath shirked prevailing practices in ICT for development. Consistent with my critical approach, I use the Klamath case to suggest normative recommendations for the use of ICT for social good.
Embedded ring injury – a rare presentation with an atypical aetiology
Authors: Langridge Benjamin J , Ramman Saif , Toft Neil J
Published: April 2017

A 45‐year‐old female patient presented to clinic with an almost completely embedded ring in the volar aspect of her right ring finger, with complete reepithelialisation over the superficial aspect of the ring. We present this unusual case of an embedded ring after an insect bite on the patient's ring finger. The patient had worn the ring for the previous 5 years without removing it and did not report any discomfort or traumatic injury. We discuss this case in the context of previously reported cases of an embedded ring, a rare presentation in itself, highlighting the key differences in both this patient's aetiology and the risk factors associated with the presentation.
Deep submicrometer YAG:Ce phosphor particles with high photoluminescent quantum yield prepared by flame spray synthesis
Authors: Borlaf Mario , Kubrin Roman , Aseev Vladimir , Petrov Alexander Yu , Nikonorov Nikolay , Graule Thomas
Published: April 2017

YAG:Ce materials have been extensively studied as phosphors for blue to white light conversion. In the last years, the preparation methods of YAG:Ce powders in the nanometric scale have received intensive attention due to their special optical properties. In this context, the preparation of luminescent particles with high quantum yield (QY) and particle size in the deep submicrometer range is the main focus of this work. Amorphous and hexagonal YAG:Ce nanoparticles (<20 nm) with the stoichiometric composition of YAG:Ce were synthesized by liquid‐feed flame spray synthesis. The crystal phase, particle size, and specific surface area (SSA) evolution with the calcination temperature were investigated. A direct conversion from the amorphous/hexagonal phase to the cubic one was observed at T≥900°C, together with an increase in the particle size into the range 100‐350 nm and a corresponding decrease in the SSA. Zeta potential of the particles in aqueous dispersions and their photoluminescent properties were characterized. The QY increased for the phosphor powders with lower Ce3+ concentration. The highest QY of 70%‐72% was obtained for powders containing cerium doping of 0.1 mol% and spanning the size range between 130 and 270 nm.
QT prolongation by dexamphetamine: Does experience matter?
Authors: Schrantee Anouk , Václavů Lena , Reneman Liesbeth , Verberne Hein J. , Booij Jan , Tan Hanno L
Published: April 2017

Introduction

Case reports of life‐threatening cardiac arrhythmias and sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) among amphetamine users have raised serious concerns about the cardiac safety of this class of drugs. This is important in light of the high prevalence of dexamphetamine (dAMPH) prescription for attention‐deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and its rising use as a recreational drug. The objective was to investigate electrocardiogram (ECG) parameters upon intravenous administration of a single dAMPH dose in habitual recreational dAMPH users (users) and healthy gender/age/ intelligence‐quotient‐matched controls (non‐users).

Methods and results

ECG recordings were made in 18 users and 18 non‐users during administration of dAMPH (0.3 mg/kg body weight). Baseline ECG was normal in both groups. dAMPH elicited increased heart rate and corrected QT time (QTc) prolongation in both groups (all P < 0.001, QTc = 502 in one individual). QTc prolongation was attenuated in users compared to non‐users, exhibiting a significant interaction effect (P = 0.04).

Conclusion

SCA associated with amphetamine use may be related to its QTc prolonging effects, particularly during first‐time use. These observations may provide a rationale for conducting ECG analysis immediately after the first‐time use of amphetamines, as this could potentially unmask vulnerable individuals.
Tobacco, contract farming, and agrarian change in Zimbabwe
Authors: Scoones Ian , Mavedzenge Blasio , Murimbarimba Felix , Sukume Chrispen
Published: April 2017

The growth of smallholder tobacco production since 2000 has been one of the big stories of Zimbabwe's post–land reform experience. Yet the implications for agrarian change, and the consequences for new relations between farmers, the state, and agribusiness capital have rarely been discussed. The paper reports on work carried out in the Mvurwi area of Mazowe district in Zimbabwe with a sample of 220 A1 (smallholder) farmers and 100 former farmworkers resident in compounds on the same farms. By going beyond a focus on operational and business dimensions of contract farming, the paper concludes with reflections on the implications for understanding agrarian relations and social differentiation in those areas of Zimbabwe where tobacco growing is now significant, with lessons more broadly on the political economy of contract farming, and the integration of agribusiness capital following land reform.
BEHAVIOR IN GROUP CONTESTS: A REVIEW OF EXPERIMENTAL RESEARCH
Authors: Sheremeta Roman M.
Published: April 2017

Group contests are ubiquitous. Some examples include warfare between countries, competition between political parties, team‐incentives within firms, and rent‐seeking. In order to succeed, members of the same group have incentives to cooperate with each other by expending effort. However, since effort is costly, each member also has an incentive to abstain from expending any effort and instead free ride on the efforts of other members. Contest theory predicts that the intensity of competition between groups and the amount of free riding within groups depend on the group size, sharing rule, group impact function, contest success function, and heterogeneity of players. We review experimental studies testing these theoretical predictions. Most studies find significant over‐expenditure of effort relative to the theory and significant heterogeneity of behavior within and between groups. Also, most studies find support for the comparative statics predictions of the theory (with the exception of the “group size paradox”). Finally, studies show that there are effective mechanisms that can promote within‐group cooperation and conflict resolution mechanisms that can de‐escalate and potentially eliminate between‐group conflict.
Profit Raising Entry
Authors: Mukherjee Arijit , Zhao Laixun
Published: April 2017

Common wisdom suggests that entry reduces profits of incumbent firms. On the contrary, we demonstrate that if the incumbents differ in marginal costs and the entrants behave like Stackelberg followers, then entry may benefit the cost efficient incumbents while hurting the cost inefficient ones. And the total outputs of all incumbents may be higher under entry.
Effect of feeding a high‐carbohydrate or a high‐fat diet on subsequent food intake and blood concentration of satiety‐related hormones in dogs
Authors: Schauf S. , Salas‐Mani A. , Torre C. , Jimenez E. , Latorre M. A. , Castrillo C.
Published: April 2017

Although studies in rodents and humans have evidenced a weaker effect of fat in comparison to carbohydrates on the suppression of food intake, very few studies have been carried out in this field in dogs. This study investigates the effects of a high‐carbohydrate (HC) and a high‐fat (HF) diets on subsequent food intake and blood satiety‐related hormones in dogs. Diets differed mainly in their starch (442 vs. 271 g/kg dry matter) and fat (99.3 vs. 214 g/kg dry matter) contents. Twelve Beagle dogs received the experimental diets at maintenance energy requirements in two experimental periods, following a cross‐over arrangement. In week 7 of each period, blood concentrations of active ghrelin, glucagon‐like peptide (GLP‐1), peptideYY, insulin, and glucose were determined before and at 30, 60, 120, 180, and 360 min post‐feeding. The following week, intake of a challenge food offered 180 min after theHCandHFdiets was recorded over two days. In comparison to the dogs on theHCdiet, those on theHFdiet had a higher basal concentration ofGLP‐1 (p = .010) and a higher total area under the curve over 180 min post‐prandial (tAUC0–180) (p = .031). Dogs on theHCdiet showed a higher elevation of ghrelin at 180 min (p = .033) and of insulin at 360 min (p = .041), although ghrelin and insulintAUC0–180did not differ between the two diets (p ˃ .10). Diet had no effect on challenge food intake (p ˃ .10), which correlated with thetAUC0–180of ghrelin (r = .514,p = .010), insulin (r = −.595,p = .002), and glucose (r = −.516,p = .010). Feeding a diet high in carbohydrate or fat at these inclusion levels does not affect the feeding response at 180 min post‐prandial, suggesting a similar short‐term satiating capacity.
Age‐specific reproduction in relation to body size and condition in female Eurasian beavers
Authors: Parker H. , Zedrosser A. , Rosell F.
Published: April 2017

Basic information on patterns and correlates of growth and reproduction are essential for understanding a species’ life history strategy. For the Eurasian beaver (Castor fiber), knowledge of life history is fragmentary and correlates of growth and reproduction unstudied. We related measures of somatic fitness including growth rate, body size (length), body condition (fat) and body mass to measures of reproductive investment including fecundity (number of corpora lutea (CL) and fetuses), age‐specific reproduction, age of primiparity and parturition date in 59 female beavers culled from mid‐March to mid‐May in south‐east Norway. Increase in body length ceased after age three. Primiparity at ages two and three was related to body length and mass, but not fat. Postponed primiparity beyond age two was common. Fecundity was significantly higher in fatter individuals and showed a trend to increase with age. For females ≥age three, those pregnant were significantly fatter than barren individuals. Intermittent years of non‐breeding were common among sexually mature females. The mean number of CL and fetuses alive at the females time of death among 32 pregnant individuals was 3.0 ± 0.9 (range 1–6) and 2.3 ± 0.9 (range 1–4) respectively. Females conceiving at the normal peak time in late January were significantly heavier than individuals that conceived 1–3 months later. Late breeders, however, had significantly more CL, possibly because the improved nutrient levels provided by early spring growth led to higher ovulation rates. Fat accumulated during summer and autumn prior to winter breeding appears to be an important determinant of reproduction in female beavers.
The genetic dimension of pest pressure in the tropical rainforest
Authors: Todesco Marco , Cronk Quentin
Published: April 2017

Wet tropical forests are among the most diverse ecosystems on Earth and can host several hundreds of tree species per hectare. To maintain such diversity, the community must contain large numbers of relatively rare species rather than be dominated by a few very common trees, as is often the case in temperate forests. Explaining the mechanisms preventing dominance by common species has been a major task of tropical forest ecology. One of the most promising mechanisms is negative density dependence (NDD) of tree abundance driven by pests, including fungal diseases (‘pest pressure’). NDD entails that the chance of survival of a sapling increases with the distance from a mature tree of the same species, thus preventing species from becoming locally dominant. Curiously, the strength of NDD is negatively correlated with abundance, meaning that tree species that are more common generally show weaker NDD (Comita et al. ). Interactions between plants and soil pathogens have been shown to play an important role in NDD (Klironomos ), and rare species are apparently more strongly affected (Mangan et al. ). However, the genetic mechanisms underlying this phenomenon have remained obscure. In this issue of Molecular Ecology, Marden et al. () suggest that reduced diversity of the genes involved in pathogen recognition (Resistance genes or R genes) could explain why NDD is stronger in locally rare species.
Psychological Distress and Widespread Pain Contribute to the Variance of the Central Sensitization Inventory: A Cross‐Sectional Study in Patients with Chronic Pain
Authors: van Wilgen Cornelis P. , Vuijk Pieter J. , Kregel Jeroen , Voogt Lennard , Meeus Mira , Descheemaeker Filip , Keizer Doeke , Nijs Jo
Published: April 2017

Objectives

Central sensitization (CS) implies increased sensitivity of the nervous system, resulting in increased pain sensitivity as well as widespread pain. Recently, the Central Sensitization Inventory (CSI) was developed to assess symptoms of CS and central sensitivity syndromes. The aim of this study was to examine the convergent validity of the CSI by comparing the outcome to psychosocial factors and clinical features of CS.

Methods

In a cross‐sectional explorative study, patients with chronic pain completed multiple questionnaires, including the CSI, Pain Catastrophizing Scale, and Symptom Checklist 90, for psychological distress, duration of pain, intensity of pain, widespread pain, and lateralization of pain. Based on bivariate correlations, relevant predictors of CS were selected and used to fit an exploratory structural equation model (SEM) of CS.

Results

In total, 114 patients with chronic pain were included, 56.1% being women. The average pain duration was 88 months. The mean total score on the CSI was 36.09 (15.26). The CSI was strongly related to known contributing and related factors of CS. SEM analysis showed that both psychological distress and widespread pain contributed significantly to the variance in symptoms of CS in patients with chronic pain.

Conclusion

In this study, the convergent validity of the CSI was measured with demonstration of a strong relationship between contributing factors and clinical features of CS. These findings of convergent validity, considering former studies of the CSI, underline the use of the questionnaire in the clinical practice.
The impact of mood on empathy for pain: Evidence from an EEG study
Authors: Li Xiang , Meng Xianxin , Li Hong , Yang Jiemin , Yuan Jiajin
Published: April 2017

The current work investigated whether the neural correlates of empathy for pain are altered by mood valence of observers. Following mood induction, participants watched pictures representing painful or nonpainful situations. We used EEG to record neural activity and assessed event‐related desynchronization at central sites during pain observation. Greater mu desynchronization was observed during painful relative to nonpainful situations in positive and neutral mood but not in negative mood. We also found that the pain empathy effect, indexed by mu suppression differences between painful and nonpainful conditions, was smaller in negative than in neutral and positive mood, while this effect was similar between neutral and positive mood. The current study demonstrates that observers' mood states influence the motoric component of empathy for pain, and specifically the negative mood suppresses the motoric empathic resonance for others' pain.
Strong association between cardiorespiratory fitness and serum lipoprotein subclass pattern in prepubertal healthy children
Authors: Resaland G. K. , Rajalahti T. , Aadland E. , Kvalheim O. M.
Published: April 2017

This study reveals the lipoprotein subclass pattern associated with cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) in healthy children. Serum concentrations of lipoprotein subclasses and concentrations and average particle size of their main classes were quantified in 94 ethnic Norwegian children using high‐performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Twenty‐four lipoprotein features were used as input to multivariate regression analysis with CRF measured either by peak oxygen consumption (VO2peak) using a continuous treadmill protocol or indirectly by the 10‐minute Andersen intermittent running field test. By including BMI and gender as descriptors, a predictive cross‐validated multivariate regression model was obtained for both CRF measures. CRF correlated positively with average particle size for high‐density lipoprotein (HDL) and its subclasses of large HDL particles and negatively with very small HDL particles, chylomicrons, triglycerides, and average size and concentration of very low‐density lipoprotein (VLDL) particles and VLDL subclasses of large particles (P<.05). BMI correlated negatively with both measures of CRF, but exhibited a stronger association with VO2peak than with the Andersen test. Our data showed a strong association between CRF measured either by VO2peak or by the Andersen test and a subclass lipoprotein pattern that is associated with cardiovascular (CV) health. Thus, our results show why high levels of CRF are beneficial for children's CV health. The Andersen test, being a practical field test that involves minimal equipment and, being less influenced by BMI than VO2peak, represents a good measure of CRF, and, accordingly, a proxy measure of cardiovascular health status in children.
Blood flow after contraction and cuff occlusion is reduced in subjects with muscle soreness after eccentric exercise
Authors: Souza‐Silva E. , Christensen S. W. , Hirata R. P. , Larsen R. G. , Graven‐Nielsen T.
Published: April 2017

Delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS) occurs within 1‐2 days after eccentric exercise, but the mechanism mediating hypersensitivity is unclear. This study hypothesized that eccentric exercise reduces the blood flow response following muscle contractions and cuff occlusion, which may result in accumulated algesic substances being a part of the sensitization in DOMS. Twelve healthy subjects (five women) performed dorsiflexion exercise (five sets of 10 repeated eccentric contractions) in one leg, while the contralateral leg was the control. The maximal voluntary contraction (MVC) of the tibialis anterior muscle was recorded. Blood flow was assessed by ultrasound Doppler on the anterior tibialis artery (ATA) and within the anterior tibialis muscle tissue before and immediately after 1‐second MVC, 5‐seconds MVC, and 5‐minutes thigh cuff occlusion. Pressure pain thresholds (PPTs) were recorded on the tibialis anterior muscle. All measures were done bilaterally at day 0 (pre‐exercise), day 2, and day 6 (post‐exercise). Subjects scored the muscle soreness on a Likert scale for 6 days. Eccentric exercise increased Likert scores at day 1 and day 2 compared with day 0 (P<.001). Compared with pre‐exercise (day 0), reduced PPT (~25%, P<.002), MVC (~22%, P<.002), ATA diameter (~8%, P<.002), ATA post‐contraction/occlusion blood flow (~16%, P<.04), and intramuscular peak blood flow (~23%, P<.03) were found in the DOMS leg on day 2 but not in the control leg. These results showed that eccentric contractions decreased vessel diameter, impaired the blood flow response, and promoted hyperalgesia. Thus, the results suggest that the blood flow reduction may be involved in the increased pain response after eccentric exercise.