bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Between Choice and Stigma: Identifications of Economically Successful Migrants
Authors: van Bochove Marianne , Burgers Jack
Published: November 2018

In this contribution, we draw on the unusual but interesting comparison between ‘immigrants’ and ‘expats’, with the aim of scrutinizing identity construction and the tensions between stigma and identity of choice against the background of the (reluctant) superdiverse city of Rotterdam. We focus on two types of socioeconomically successful migrants which, despite their similarities in class position, are generally regarded as rather different. First, middle-class migrants and members of the second generation from ‘classic’ migration groups in the Netherlands (with roots in Surinam, Turkey and Morocco, including descendants of former guest workers). Second, expatriates or knowledge workers of various national backgrounds (including American, English, Indian, Chinese) who came to the Netherlands on a temporary basis because of their highly-skilled jobs (or the jobs of their partners, as we also included trailing spouses). We address the questions of how these migrants perceive themselves, how they think that others perceive them, and how discrepancies between these two affect their feelings of belonging in the city of Rotterdam and the Netherlands. Our findings suggest that while both ‘immigrants’ and ‘expatriates’ combine various identities, immigrants have more difficulty to adopt alternative identities (such as ‘cosmopolitan’) than expatriates because of their dominant label as ‘allochtoon’ (non-native Dutch).
Local Politics, Populism and Pim Fortuyn in Rotterdam
Authors: van Ostaaijen Julien
Published: November 2018

The focus in this chapter is on the local politics of Rotterdam and especially the local political turnover of power in 2002. Up until that year, during the time Rotterdam changed into a superdiverse city, the Labour Party had always been the largest political party in Rotterdam. In 2002 however, a new party won the elections with almost 37% of the votes. This victory is strongly associated with Pim Fortuyn, the party’s leader. Fortuyn, who by many was considered a populist, applied a fierce anti-establishment attitude and had been known for, among other things, critique on integration policy and the Islam. In this chapter, attention is given to the policy and political debate regarding immigration and integration before, during, and after this change of power. From an international perspective, this case sheds light on the question whether and how a populist/anti-establishment party can succeed to not only win elections, but to implement policy. Liveable Rotterdam was part of Rotterdam government from 2002 to 2006 (and became part of it again in 2014).
A Tale of Two Cities: Rotterdam, Amsterdam and Their Immigrants
Authors: Entzinger Han
Published: November 2018

This chapter compares the migrant situation in Rotterdam, second city of the Netherlands, with that in Amsterdam, the country’s largest city and capital. Roughly half of the population of either city has an immigrant background, but considerable differences exist in the nature of these migrant populations. Particularly striking is that Amsterdam’s immigrant population is much more highly skilled than Rotterdam’s. This is also the case for the native populations of both cities. A clear relationship exists between this fact and the strong differences in the economic structures of the two cities. Amsterdam is a typical ‘global city’ with a large service sector that employs professionals from all over the world, while Rotterdam is best characterised as a post-industrial city, where low-skilled workers of native and immigrant origin compete with one another. This difference is reflected in the cultural and political life of the two cities and also in their diversity policies.
Surgical Management of the Axilla in Breast Cancer Patients with Negative Sentinel Lymph Node: A Method to Reduce False‐Negative Rate
Authors: Yuan Qianqian , Wu Gaosong , Xiao Shu‐Yuan , He Yukun , Wang Kun , Zhang Dan
Published: November 2018

Background

False‐negative rate (FNR) of sentinel lymph node dissection (SLND) has not been eliminated. The study was conducted to optimize the surgical resection of axilla in patients with negative sentinel lymph node (SLN) for the purpose of eradicating false‐negative (FN) events of SLND.

Methods

A total of 312 clinically node‐negative patients without neoadjuvant therapy underwent SLND with indocyanine green (ICG), methylene blue and the combination of ICG and methylene blue. Axillary dissection was performed subsequently regardless of the status of SLN. Lymph nodes were sent for pathological examination separately by serial resection every 0.5 cm away from marginally visualized SLNs.

Results

SLND was successfully conducted in 98.1% (306/312) of patients using methylene blue, ICG, and its combination. Further examination revealed 97 true‐positive, 189 true‐negative, and 13 FN results. The overall FNR was 11.8% (13/110). A horizontal line 1.5 cm away from the superior vSLN and a vertical line 1.5 cm away from the medial vSLN formed a zone of lower outer quadrant (LOQ) in axilla. Surgical resection of LOQ ‘en bloc’ showed a FNR of zero.

Conclusions

The surgical management of axilla may benefit negative SLN patients with potential nodal involvement, reducing the FNR of SLND to zero.

Trial registration number and agency

This study was registered with the Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (ChiCTR1800014247).
Early Laparoscopic Washout may Resolve Persistent Intra‐abdominal Infection Post‐appendicectomy
Authors: Allaway Matthew G. R. , Clement Kristenne , Eslick Guy D. , Cox Michael R.
Published: November 2018

Background

Intra‐abdominal abscess (IAA) complicates 2–3% of patients having an appendicectomy. The usual management is prolonged antibiotics and drainage of the IAA. From 2006, our unit chose to use early re‐laparoscopy and washout in patients with persistent sepsis following appendicectomy. The aims of this study were to assess the outcomes of early laparoscopic washout in patients with features of persistent intra‐abdominal sepsis and compare those with percutaneous drainage and open drainage of post‐appendicectomy IAA.

Methods

A retrospective case note review was performed for all patients having a laparoscopic washout, percutaneous drainage or open drainage following appendicectomy between January 2006 and December 2017.

Results

During the period, 4901 appendicectomies occurred. Forty‐one (0.8%) patients had a laparoscopic washout, 16 (0.3%) had percutaneous drainage, and 6 (0.1%) had an open drainage. The demographics, ASA grade and pathology at initial appendicectomy were similar. The mean time after appendicectomy was significantly shorter for laparoscopic washout (4.1 days vs. 10.1 and 9.0 days, p = <0.003). The mean time for resolution of SIRS was significantly shorter (2.0 days vs. 3.3 and 5.2 days, p <0.02). The morbidity and length of stay were similar.

Conclusion

Early laparoscopic washout for persistent intra‐abdominal sepsis may be an alternative to non‐operative management and delayed intervention for IAA and may have better outcomes than either percutaneous drainage or open drainage. A prospective randomised comparison is required to further evaluate the indications and role of early laparoscopic washout post‐appendicectomy.
Morbid Obesity’s Silver Lining: An Armor for Hollow Viscus in Blunt Abdominal Trauma
Authors: Fu Chih‐Yuan , Bajani Francesco , Butler Caroline , Welsh Stanley , Messer Thomas , Kaminsky Matthew , Starr Frederick , Dennis Andrew , Schlanser Victoria , Mis Justin , Poulakidas Stathis , Bokhari Faran
Published: November 2018

Background

Morbid obesity is usually accompanied by both subcutaneous and visceral fat accumulation. Fat can mimic an air bag, absorbing the force of a collision. We hypothesized that morbid obesity is mechanically protective for hollow viscus organs in blunt abdominal trauma (BAT).

Methods

The National Trauma Data Bank (NTDB) was queried for BAT patients from 2013 to 2015. We looked at the rate of gastrointestinal (GI) tract injuries in all BAT patients with different BMIs. A subset analysis of BAT patients with operative GI tract injuries was performed to evaluate the need for abdominal operation. Multivariate analyses were carried out to identify factors independently associated with increased GI tract injuries and associated abdominal operations.

Results

A total of 100,459 BAT patients were evaluated in the NTDB. Patients with GI tract injury had a lower proportion of morbidly obese patients [body weight index (BMI) ≥ 40 kg/m2)] (3.7% vs. 4.2%, p = 0.015) and instead had more underweight patients (BMI < 18.5) (5.9% vs. 5.0%, p < 0.001). The risk of GI tract injury decreased 11.6% independently in morbidly obese patients and increased 15.7% in underweight patients. Of the patients with GI tract injuries (N = 11,467), patients who needed a GI operation had a significantly lower proportion of morbidly obese patients (3.2% vs. 5.3%, p < 0.001). The risk of abdominal operation for GI tract injury decreased 57.3% independently in morbidly obese patients. Compared with underweight patients, morbidly obese patients had significantly less GI tract injury (6.0% vs. 13.3%, p < 0.001) and associated abdominal operation rates (65.2% vs. 73.3%, p < 0.001).

Conclusion

Obesity is protective in BAT. This translates into lower rates of GI tract injury and operation in morbidly obese patients. In contrast, underweight patients appear to suffer a higher rate of GI tract injury and associated GI operations.
Flexible Working, Work–Life Balance, and Gender Equality: Introduction
Authors: Chung Heejung , van der Lippe Tanja
Published: November 2018

This special brings together innovative and multidisciplinary research (sociology, economics, and social work) using data from across Europe and the US to examine the potential flexible working has on the gender division of labour and workers’ work–life balance. Despite numerous studies on the gendered outcomes of flexible working, it is limited in that the majority is based on qualitative studies based in the US. The papers of this special issue overcome some of the limitations by examining the importance of context, namely, family, organisational and country context, examining the intersection between gender and class, and finally examining the outcomes for different types of flexible working arrangements. The introduction to this special issue provides a review of the existing literature on the gendered outcomes of flexible working on work life balance and other work and family outcomes, before presenting the key findings of the articles of this special issue. The results of the studies show that gender matters in understanding the outcomes of flexible working, but also it matters differently in different contexts. The introduction further provides policy implications drawn from the conclusions of the studies and some thoughts for future studies to consider.
The Use of Bone Marrow Concentrate in the Treatment of Full-Thickness Chondral Defects
Authors: Apostolakos John M. , Lazaro Lionel , Williams Riley J.
Published: November 2018

This article is a critical analysis of a study, “Minimally Manipulated Bone Marrow Concentrate Compared with Microfracture Treatment of Full-Thickness Chondral Defects: A One-Year Study in an Equine Model,” by Chu et al. ( J Bone Joint Surg Am. 100(2):138–146, 2018). The investigation compared two interventions in the management of full-thickness chondral defects in an equine model: autologous bone marrow concentrate without concomitant microfracture treatment versus microfracture treatment alone. This review analyzes the methodology and results of their investigation and examines how their findings may influence the continued development of therapeutic options for full-thickness cartilage injuries. The study utilized in vitro analysis, arthroscopic assessment, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) evaluation, and histological analysis to compare the treatments and their influence on the quality of cartilage repair. Although Chu et al. reported similar results between groups, their findings offer insight into the role of arthroscopy, MRI, and histology in the evaluation of repair quality. We compare their findings to those of similar investigations, highlighting the limited therapeutic options and variable clinical outcomes related to the treatment of full-thickness articular cartilage defects.
EU services trade liberalization and economic regulation: Complements or substitutes?
Authors: Fiorini Matteo , Hoekman Bernard
Published: November 2018

This paper investigates how national economic regulation shape the impacts of reducing external barriers to services trade for a sample of European countries. Notwithstanding far-reaching integration of services markets there is significant heterogeneity in domestic regulation and governance across European economies. We show this affects the potential downstream productivity effects of external services trade policy. In some cases, liberalization can substitute for weak regulation; in others there is a complementary relationship. Thus, the productivity effects associated with services market access liberalization depend on the quality of domestic economic regulation. EU-specific measures to promote internal trade in services – proxied by implementation of the Services Directive – are found not to have such moderating effects. An implication of our findings is that EU governments should do more to assess how specific dimensions of domestic regulatory regimes influence the size and distribution of the effects of services trade reforms.
„Rationale“ vs. (?) „kommunikative“ Planungsmethoden: Theoretische Ausgangspunkte, empirische Befunde aus Experimenten und Überlegungen zur Weiterentwicklung am Beispiel der Nutzwertanalyse
Authors: Diller Christian , Oberding Sarah
Published: November 2018

The aim of the article is, based on focused theoretical considerations, to find empirical results concerning the character of several planning methods to find conclusions for their further development. Examined is the question if several understandings of planning rationality are expressed in several planning methods. Firstly, the debate on the term of rationality in planning is reflected, which can be pointed to the dichotomy between means-and-ends-rationality on one hand and communicative rationality on the other. Based on this, empirical findings of a research project are presented, where several planning methods were valued on three main dimensions: “rational”, “communicative” and “creative”. Connected to this, on the example of the useful value analysis is examined if rational planning methods were developed towards the “communicative turn” in planning. In the conclusion a more systematic communicative design of proven rational planning methods is seen as an important and practical relevant field of planning research.
Crystal Plasticity Model Calibration for Ti-7Al Alloy with a Multi-fidelity Computational Scheme
Authors: Acar Pınar
Published: November 2018

The present work addresses a Gaussian process-based multi-fidelity computational scheme to enable the crystal plasticity modeling of Ti-7Al alloy. The crystal plasticity simulations are performed by using computational techniques that lead to two different solution fidelities. The first technique involves the use of a one-point probability descriptor, orientation distribution function (ODF), which measures the volume fractions of crystals in different orientations. The ODF is posed as the low-fidelity method in the multi-fidelity scheme since it neglects the effects of the microstructural correlations and grain shapes to the macro-scale stress-strain response of the material. For the high-fidelity computational technique, crystal plasticity finite element method (CPFEM) is utilized. This is because the CPFEM resolves better in grain-level microstructural features. However, the CPFEM is a computationally expensive technique and it is not feasible to be utilized for computationally costly problems. Therefore, a multi-fidelity modeling scheme that improves the low-fidelity ODF simulation data with the high-fidelity CPFEM simulations is utilized to obtain the crystal plasticity parameters. The presented approach uses more samples from the computationally less expensive low-fidelity model and less samples from the computationally expensive high-fidelity model to build a numerical framework that satisfies both accuracy and computational time expectations. The results of the presented multi-fidelity scheme show a significant improvement on the accuracy of the crystal plasticity modeling of Ti-7Al compared to the results of the previous low-fidelity solution.
Clinical and cognitive characteristics of preclinical Alzheimer's disease in the Japanese Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative cohort
Authors: Ihara Ryoko , Iwata Atsushi , Suzuki Kazushi , Ikeuchi Takeshi , Kuwano Ryozo , Iwatsubo Takeshi ,   Japanese Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative
Published: November 2018

Introduction

The objective of this study was to determine the frequency and clinical and cognitive characteristics of preclinical Alzheimer's disease (AD) in a Japanese population to effectively design and conduct future preventive trials on preclinical AD.

Methods

Three‐year longitudinal data from cognitively normal participants who underwent cerebrospinal fluid biomarker measurement and/or amyloid positron emission tomography in the Japanese Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative, were analyzed. Comparisons between participants with and without amyloid β (Aβ) accumulation, and between those with and without elevated tau levels tau among participants with Aβ accumulation were performed.

Results

Among 84 participants with available cerebrospinal fluid biomarker and/or amyloid positron emission tomography data, 19 (22.6%) exhibited Aβ accumulation. The frequency of APOE ε4 alleles was significantly higher in participants with Aβ accumulation. There were no significant differences in any of the cognitive tests at the baseline; however, participants with Aβ accumulation exhibited a decline in clock drawing test (linear mixed‐effects model, P = .008) and a tendency toward loss of practice effects in the Mini‐Mental State Examination and the logical memory over time. Although it did not reach statistical significance, the analysis indicated a decline in measurements of executive function over time in participants with elevated tau levels compared with those with normal tau levels.

Discussion

The frequency of preclinical AD in the Japanese Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative was lower than in similar studies because of the younger age of the participants and lower frequency of APOE ε4 carriage. Although limitations in sample size precluded definitive conclusions, the results suggest that even in the preclinical phase of AD, loss of practice effects in episodic memory tests and at a later stage, decline in executive function, are present. These findings may be useful for recruitment of individuals with preclinical AD and establishing a novel cognitive composite for use in clinical trials on preclinical AD.
Learning lessons from data breaches
Authors: Roberts Steve
Published: November 2018

Bricks-and-mortar retail sales are rapidly being replaced by online shopping. And where money is spent, bad actors will follow. Data breaches involving e-commerce have now surpassed breaches at the point of sale and they're becoming very expensive. In spite of this, there remains an alarming lack of corporate self-awareness when it comes to cyber security.

Where money is spent, bad actors will follow. Data breaches involving e-commerce have now surpassed breaches at the point of sale and they're becoming very expensive.

In spite of this, there remains an alarming lack of corporate self-awareness when it comes to cyber security. This has led to major incidents that could have been avoided. Steve Roberts of OSS Technology analyses some major breaches of the past few years and asks what went wrong, how could they have been prevented and what lessons can we learn?
The latest attacks and how to stop them
Authors: Ross Chris
Published: November 2018

Since the first email was sent way back in 1971, you'd think that we would be more informed and prepared for email-focused attacks by now. However, email remains the number one way for threats to enter your network, with research suggesting nearly three quarters (74%) of attacks enter this way. 1
Chemical characteristics of hydrologically distinct cryoconite holes in coastal Antarctica
Authors: Samui Gautami , Antony Runa , Thamban Meloth
Published: November 2018

Cryoconite holes play a significant role in the nutrient cycling on glaciers and can be regarded as a storehouse of nutrients that are generated through microbial and photochemical activities. In this work, the chemical characteristics of hydrologically connected and isolated cryoconite holes from three geographically distinct regions of coastal Antarctica, namely Larsemann Hills, Amery Ice Shelf and central Dronning Maud Land were studied. Major ions (Na+, K+, Mg2+, Ca2+, Cl−, SO42− and NO3−) and total organic carbon in the hydrologically isolated, closed cryoconite holes showed significantly higher enrichment (6–26 times and 9 times, respectively) over the conservative tracer ion Cl− possibly due to sediment dissolution and microbial synthesis during isolation period. In contrast, depletion of major ions and organic carbon were observed in the open, hydrologically connected holes due to their discharge from the cryoconite holes through interconnected streams. This study suggests that the contribution of cryoconite holes to the nutrient and microbial transport to downstream environments may vary with the extent of hydrological connectivity by virtue of the fact that nutrients and organic carbon which accumulate in the isolated cryoconite holes during isolation could get washed to downstream environments in the event that they get connected through surface or subsurface melt channels.
Internet Service Providers as Privacy Custodians
Authors: Zajko Mike
Published: November 2018

This article examines the role of internet service providers (ISPs) as guardians of personal information and protectors of privacy, with a particular focus on how telecom companies in Canada have historically negotiated these responsibilities. Communications intermediaries have long been expected to act as privacy custodians by their users, while simultaneously being subject to pressures to collect, utilize, and disclose personal information. As service providers gain custody over increasing volumes of highly-sensitive information, their importance as privacy custodians has been brought into starker relief and explicitly recognized as a core responsibility.

Some ISPs have adopted a more positive orientation to this responsibility, actively taking steps to advance it, rather that treating privacy protection as a set of limitations on conduct. However, commitments to privacy stewardship are often neutralized through contradictory legal obligations (such as mandated surveillance access) and are recurrently threatened by commercial pressures to monetize personal information.
Mycobacterium avium pseudo-outbreak associated with an outpatient bronchoscopy clinic: Lessons for reprocessing
Authors: Seidelman Jessica L. , Wallace Richard J. , Iakhiaeva Elena , Vasireddy Ravikiran , Brown-Elliott Barbara A. , McKnight Celeste , Chen Luke F. , Smith Terry , Lewis Sarah S.
Published: November 2018

We identified a pseudo-outbreak of Mycobacterium avium in an outpatient bronchoscopy clinic following an increase in clinic procedure volume. We terminated the pseudo-outbreak by increasing the frequency of automated endoscope reprocessors (AER) filter changes from quarterly to monthly. Filter changing schedules should depend on use rather than fixed time intervals.
Uncoupling the effects of aspect ratio, Reynolds number and Rossby number on a rotating insect-wing planform
Authors: Bhat Shantanu S. , Zhao Jisheng , Sheridan John , Hourigan Kerry , Thompson Mark C.
Published: November 2018

The individual and combined influences of aspect ratio ($A$), Reynolds number ($Re$) and Rossby number ($Ro$) on the leading-edge vortex (LEV) of a rotating wing of insect-like planform are investigated numerically. A previous study from our group has determined the wingspan to be an appropriate length scale governing the large-scale LEV structure. In this study, the$A$range considered is further extended, to show that this scaling works well as$A$is varied by a factor of 4 ($1.8\leqslant A\leqslant 7.28$) and over a$Re$range of two orders of magnitude. The present study also extends this scaling for wings with an offset from the rotation axis, which is typically the case for actual insects and often for experiments. Remarkably, the optimum range of$A$based on the lift coefficients at different$Re$coincides with that observed in nature. The scaling based on the wingspan is extended to the acceleration terms of the Navier–Stokes equations, suggesting a modified scaling of$Ro$, which decouples the effects of$A$. A detailed investigation of the flow structures, by increasing$Ro$in a wide range, reveals the weakening of the LEV due to the reduced spanwise flow, resulting in a reduced lift. Overall, the use of span-based scaling of$Re$and$Ro$, together with$A$, may help reconcile apparent conflicting trends between observed variations in aerodynamic performance in different sets of experiments and simulations.
Plasma metabolite profiles in healthy women differ after intervention with supplemental folic acid v. folate-rich foods
Authors: Hefni Mohammed E. , Witthöft Cornelia M. , Moazzami Ali A.
Published: November 2018

Public health authorities recommend all fertile women to increase their folate intake to 400 µg/d by eating folate-rich foods or by taking a folic acid supplement to protect against neural tube defects. In a previous study it was shown that folate-rich foods improved folate blood status as effectively as folic acid supplementation. The aim of the present study was to investigate, using NMR metabolomics, the effects of an intervention with a synthetic folic acid supplement v. native food folate on the profile of plasma metabolites. Healthy women with normal folate status received, in parallel, 500 µg/d synthetic folic acid from a supplement (n 18), 250 µg/d folate from intervention foods (n 19), or no additional folate (0 µg/d) through a portion of apple juice (n 20). The metabolic profile of plasma was measured using 1H-NMR in fasted blood drawn at baseline and after 12 weeks of intervention. Metabolic differences between the groups at baseline and after intervention were assessed using a univariate statistical approach (P ≤ 0·001, Bonferroni-adjusted significance level). At baseline, the groups showed no significant differences in measured metabolite concentrations. After intervention, eight metabolites, of which six (glycine, choline, betaine, formate, histidine and threonine) are related to one-carbon metabolism, were identified as discriminative metabolites. The present study suggests that different folate forms (synthetic v. natural) may affect related one-carbon metabolites differently.
The Psychology of State Repression: Fear and Dissent
Decisions in Zimbabwe
Authors: YOUNG LAUREN E.
Published: November 2018

Many authoritarian regimes use frightening acts of repression to
suppress dissent. Theory from psychology suggests that emotions
should affect how citizens perceive and process information about
repression risk and ultimately whether or not they dissent. I test
the effects of emotions on dissent in autocracy by running a
lab-in-the-field experiment with 671 opposition supporters in
Zimbabwe that randomly assigns some participants to an exercise that
induces a mild state of fear, whereas others complete a neutral
placebo. The fear treatment significantly reduces hypothetical and
behavioral measures of dissent by substantively large amounts. It
also increases pessimism about parameters that enter into the
dissent decision as well as risk aversion. These results show that
emotions interact in important ways with strategic considerations.
Fear may be a powerful component of how unpopular autocrats exclude
large portions of their populations from mobilizing for regime
change.
The Early Ordovician Middle Shale Member (Am3) of the Amdeh Formation and further evidence of conodont faunas from the Sultanate of Oman
Authors: Heward AP , Miller CG , Booth GA
Published: November 2018

The Middle Shale Member of the Amdeh Formation is interpreted to be of Early Ordovician age based on its trace fossils, stratigraphic context and a newly discovered fauna of conodonts. The member abruptly overlies the Lower Quartzite Member, which may be Early Cambrian, and passes gradationally-upward into the Upper Quartzite Member, which is probably Early–Middle Ordovician. The 542.5 m thick Middle Shale Member can be divided into two parts: a shaly lower part, and a sandy upper part that contains an influx of heavy minerals. Bioturbation by marine trace fossils is one of the most obvious characteristics of the member. The shales and sandstones are interpreted to be ofCruzianaandSkolithosichnofacies and represent shallow-marine shelf, shoreface, beach and coastal deposits. Sparse shelly fossils occur in the sandy upper part, principally bivalves, inarticulate brachiopods, ostracods and conodonts. The small assemblage of conodonts includes elements interpreted to be Tremadocian (Tetraprioniodus,Drepanoistodus,Drepanodus,Scolopodus, ?Tropodus,SemiacontiodusandTeridontus), and others which may be Floian or ancestral forms of Floian taxa (Balognathidae gen. et sp. indet. A & B and aff.Erraticodon). No acritarchs have been recovered, probably due to high temperatures experienced during burial to >6 km. It is likely that the Middle Shale Member is the seaward equivalent of the Mabrouk and Barakat formations, and an outcrop gamma-ray log supports such a correlation. The trace fossils, sedimentology, conodont fauna and the general lack of macrofossils are in keeping with the regional Tremadocian–Floian of the Arabian margin of Gondwana.
Habitat Loss Challenges the Conservation of Endemic Plants in Mining-Targeted Brazilian Mountains
Authors: Salles Debora M , Carmo Flávio F do , Jacobi Claudia M
Published: November 2018

Ironstone outcrop habitats harbour rare and endemic rupicolous plants. In southeast Brazil, they concentrate on mountaintops in the Iron Quadrangle (IQ), an intensively exploited iron ore reserve. To evaluate the current habitat availability of 32 plants endemic tocanga(ironstone outcrops) and to support priority conservation areas and actions, we compared their functional connectivity in the IQ before (1960s) and after (2014) massive habitat loss to opencast mining. The Integral Index of Connectivity and associated metrics of habitat availability were used to evaluate present and past connectivity at a threshold distance of 500 m. The overallcangahabitat loss up to 2014 was 50%. The historical configuration of 334 patches totalling 18 654 ha was already disconnected and the proportion of patches acting as relevant stepping stones was thus very low. Furthermore, in both the historical and current settings, the largest contribution to habitat availability came from ‘intrapatch connectivity’ (i.e., patch area), especially in the east sector. All the IQcangaendemics fall into the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Critically Endangered category and require protection. The recommended strategy for their conservation is to protect large, preferably well-preserved ironstone patches. This measure will require finding the middle ground between economic development and conservation of natural heritage.
Aerobic Fitness Level Moderates the Association Between Cannabis Use and Executive Functioning and Psychomotor Speed Following Abstinence in Adolescents and Young Adults
Authors: Wade Natasha E. , Wallace Alexander L. , Swartz Ann M. , Lisdahl Krista M.
Published: November 2018

Objectives: The high rate of cannabis (CAN) use in emerging adults is concerning given prior research suggesting neurocognitive deficits associated with CAN use in youth. Regular CAN use downregulates endocannabinoid activity, while aerobic exercise upregulates cannabinoid receptor 1 activity and releases endocannabinoids. Here we investigate the influence of regular CAN use on neuropsychological performance, and whether aerobic fitness moderates these effects. Methods: Seventy-nine young adults (37 CAN users) aged 16–26 participated. Groups were balanced for aerobic fitness level. Exclusion criteria included: left-handedness, past-year independent Axis-I disorders, major medical/neurologic disorders, prenatal issues, or prenatal alcohol/illicit drug exposure. After 3 weeks of abstinence, participants completed a neuropsychological battery and a maximal oxygen consumption test (VO2 max). Multiple regressions tested whether past-year CAN use, VO2 max, and CAN*VO2 max interaction predicted neuropsychological performance, controlling for past-year alcohol use, cotinine, gender, and depression symptoms. Results: Increased CAN use was associated with decreased performance on working memory and psychomotor tasks. High aerobic fitness level was related to better performance on visual memory, verbal fluency, and sequencing ability. CAN*VO2 max predicted performance of psychomotor speed, visual memory, and sequencing ability. Conclusions: Following monitored abstinence, increased CAN use was associated with poorer performance in working memory and psychomotor speed. Higher aerobic fitness level moderated the impact of CAN on visual memory, executive function and psychomotor speed, as more aerobically fit CAN users demonstrated better performance relative to low-fit users. Therefore, aerobic fitness may present an affordable and efficacious method to improve cognitive functioning in CAN users. (JINS, 2019, 25, 134–145)
CHECKERBOARD COPULAS OF MAXIMUM ENTROPY WITH PRESCRIBED MIXED MOMENTS
Authors: BORWEIN JONATHAN , HOWLETT PHIL
Published: November 2018

In modelling joint probability distributions it is often desirable to incorporate standard marginal distributions and match a set of key observed mixed moments. At the same time it may also be prudent to avoid additional unwarranted assumptions. The problem is to find the least ordered distribution that respects the prescribed constraints. In this paper we will construct a suitable joint probability distribution by finding the checkerboard copula of maximum entropy that allows us to incorporate the appropriate marginal distributions and match the nominated set of observed moments.
Horizontal “checks and balances” in the socialist regime: the party chief and mayor template
Authors: Zhou Yang
Published: November 2018

János Kornai's pioneering scholarship examined the mechanisms of the socialist system. Following the collapse of the Soviet Union, Kornai's main focus was on the transition process in former socialist countries in central Eastern Europe. This paper builds on Kornai's work on the socialist system by analyzing horizontal bargaining within every political branch in contemporary China. I argue that this horizontal bargaining within the party is enhanced by the vertical bargaining. Incorporating Kornai's work on socialism, the “party chief and mayor” template extends the bargaining model from one key figure and one group in the “king and council” template to two key figures and their respective confidants. In addition, it incorporates institutional constraints into the graphical model. It also defines a “collective decision probability function,” which shows how the party chief and mayor model reaches “checks and balances” that limit the policy space, regardless of whether the policy is exogenous or endogenous.
Lebensgestaltung und Gesundheit Multiple-Sklerose-Betroffener: Die Rolle ressourcenadaptiver Zielauswahl und Zielverfolgung für subjektives Wohlbefinden, Stresserleben und Selbstwirksamkeitserwartung
Authors: Chakraverty Veronika , Zimmer Heinz
Published: November 2018

Zusammenfassung. Es ist wenig darüber bekannt, wie von Multiple Sklerose (MS) Betroffene ihr Leben so gestalten können, dass es günstige Auswirkung auf den Krankheitsverlauf hat. In der vorliegenden Studie wurde untersucht, ob die im Modell der Selektion, Optimierung und Kompensation (SOK) beschriebenen Zielauswahl- und Zielverfolgungsstrategien hierfür Ansatzpunkte bieten. In einer korrelativen Fragebogenstudie wurden bei 177 MS-Betroffenen Zusammenhänge zwischen SOK-Strategien, Ressourcen und solchen psychologischen Variablen untersucht, für die ein substanzieller Einfluss auf das Immunsystem angenommen werden kann. SOK-Strategien wiesen erwartungskonform signifikante Zusammenhänge zu den untersuchten psychoneuroimmunologisch relevanten Variablen auf. Ebenfalls erwartungskonforme signifikante Zusammenhänge zeigten sich zwischen SOK-Strategien und dem Ausmaß individueller Ressourcen. Die Nutzung von SOK-Strategien scheint mit günstigen Ausprägungen psychoneuroimmunologisch relevanter Variablen einherzugehen und kann möglicherweise krankheitsbedingten Ressourcenverlusten entgegenwirken.
Types of Stressors on Nonprofessional Against-Suicide and Pro-Suicide Message Boards
Authors: Niederkrotenthaler Thomas , Till Benedikt
Published: November 2018

Abstract. Background: Little is known about presenting problems of primary posters (i.e., posters opening the thread) and their responders in nonprofessional against-suicide and pro-suicide message boards. Aims: We aimed to compare problems described in suicide message boards between different types of users (primary posters and respondents) and between against-suicide, neutral, and pro-suicide message boards. Method: In all, 1,182 archival threads with 20,499 individual postings from seven nonprofessional suicide message boards supporting an against-suicide, neutral, or pro-suicide attitude were randomly selected. Problems mentioned by primary posters and their respondents were coded with content analysis. Differences between pro-suicide, neutral, and against suicide boards, as well as correlations between primary posters and respondents, were calculated. Results: Interpersonal problems were most frequently mentioned by primary posters in against-suicide threads (40.9%) and less frequently in pro-suicide threads (11.8%; p < .001). In pro-suicide boards, the most frequent stressors were suicide method-related (e.g., how to identify a safe method: 26.2% vs. 2.5% in against-suicide boards, p < .001). Primary posters resembled respondents in terms of presenting problems in pro-suicide boards, but not in against-suicide boards. Limitations: Only self-reported problems were assessed. Conclusion: The results confirm a stronger focus on death than on life among users in pro-suicide message boards, and posters with similar problems meet in pro-suicide boards. The posters appear to clearly emphasize social strains over psychiatric problems compared with some professional settings.
Sex Differences in Responses to Emotional and Sexual Infidelity in Dating Relationships
Authors: Walsh Mandy , Millar Murray , Westfall R. Shane
Published: November 2018

Abstract. This study examined the influence of the type of partner infidelity (sexual vs. emotional) and sex of participant on actual mate abandonment and mate retention behaviors. It was predicted that men would engage in significantly more mate abandonment behaviors after experiencing a physical infidelity and that women would engage in significantly more mate abandonment behaviors after experiencing an emotional infidelity. To test this hypothesis, men and women who had either experienced a sexual or emotional infidelity were recruited and were asked to complete several measures designed to indicate their behavioral responses to the infidelity. The men and women in the study showed the predicted asymmetrical pattern of behavioral choices in response to sexual and emotional infidelity.
Temporal and Spatial Correspondence of Pc1/EMIC Waves and Relativistic Electron Precipitations Observed With Ground‐Based Multi‐Instruments on 27 March 2017
Authors: Hirai A. , Tsuchiya F. , Obara T. , Kasaba Y. , Katoh Y. , Misawa H. , Shiokawa K. , Miyoshi Y. , Kurita S. , Matsuda S. , Connors M. , Nagatsuma T. , Sakaguchi K. , Kasahara Y. , Kumamoto A. , Matsuoka A. , Shoji M. , Shinohara I. , Albert J. M.
Published: November 2018

Electromagnetic ion cyclotron (EMIC) waves potentially cause precipitation loss of relativistic electrons from the outer radiation belt to the atmosphere through pitch angle scattering. However, the direct evidence of each EMIC wave element and burst of precipitation has not yet been reported. Here we show the temporal and spatial correspondence of the EMIC waves with relativistic electron precipitation (REP) during the geomagnetic storm of 27 March 2017. EMIC waves were observed at several stations in North America. REP was detected as a decrease of subionospheric radio amplitudes observed at Athabasca, Canada. When isolated proton aurora, observed at Athabasca, appeared on the radio propagation path, we found a good correspondence between the temporal variations of REP and EMIC waves, and REP preceded EMIC waves by 24 s. This time lag is consistent with the travel time difference between relativistic electrons and EMIC waves from the magnetospheric equatorial plane to the ionosphere.
Seismological Evidence for Laterally Heterogeneous Lowermost Outer Core of the Earth
Authors: Ohtaki Toshiki , Kaneshima Satoshi , Ichikawa Hiroki , Tsuchiya Taku
Published: November 2018

The Earth's outer core is believed to be laterally homogeneous because of its low viscosity. However, a hemispherical difference in the inner core likely exists due to its uneven growth, which may be accompanied by localized light‐element releases to the outer core. A few seismological studies proposed heterogeneous lowermost outer core (called F layer) but using methods that are not very sensitive to F layer structures. In a previous study we developed a new method sensitive to the F layer structure and insensitive to others. The method analyzes differences in P wave traveltimes reflected on the inner core boundary and those that turn above the boundary as well as dispersion in waves bottoming or diffracting in the F layer, and was applied to obtain an F layer model of P wave velocity for the northeastern Pacific Ocean. In this paper, we examine the F layer structure beneath Australia using the same method. The observed dispersion requires a lower‐velocity gradient beneath Australia than beneath the northeastern Pacific, whereas the observed traveltime differences require higher average velocities beneath Australia. The results obtained for the two regions indicate that the F layer is laterally heterogeneous and that the layer beneath Australia has a higher velocity and velocity gradient in its upper part and a much smaller gradient in its lower part than beneath northeastern Pacific. The maximum velocity difference between the two regions is 0.04 km/s, which corresponds to 0.8 wt% excess oxygen according to ab initio calculations of elastic properties. These results suggest regional light‐element concentration beneath Australia.
Chloroquine ameliorates carbon tetrachloride-induced acute liver injury in mice via the concomitant inhibition of inflammation and induction of apoptosis
Authors: Dai Chongshan , Xiao Xilong , Li Daowen , Tun Sun , Wang Ying , Velkov Tony , Tang Shusheng
Published: November 2018

This is the first study to investigate the hepatoprotective effect of CQ on acute liver injury caused by carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) in a murine model and the underlying molecular mechanisms. Ninety-six mice were randomly divided into the control (n = 8), CQ (n = 8), CCl4 (n = 40), and CCl4 + CQ (n = 40) treatment groups. In the CCl4 group, mice were intraperitoneally (i.p) injected with 0.3% CCl4 (10 mL/kg, dissolved in olive oil); in the CCl4 + CQ group, mice were i.p injected with CQ at 50 mg/kg at 2, 24, and 48 h before CCl4 administration. The mice in the control and CQ groups were administered with an equal vehicle or CQ (50 mg/kg). Mice were killed at 2, 6, 12, 24, 48 h post CCl4 treatment and their livers were harvested for analysis. The results showed that CQ pre-treatment markedly inhibited CCl4-induced acute liver injury, which was evidenced by decreased serum transaminase, aspartate transaminase and lower histological scores of liver injury. CQ pretreatment downregulated the CCl4-induced hepatic tissue expression of high-mobility group box 1 (HMGB1) and the levels of serum HMGB1 as well as IL-6 and TNF-α. Furthermore, CQ pre-treatment inhibited autophagy, downregulated NF-kB expression, upregulated p53 expression, increased the ratio of Bax/Bcl-2, and increased the activation of caspase-3 in hepatic tissue. This is the first study to demonstrate that CQ ameliorates CCl4-induced acute liver injury via the inhibition of HMGB1-mediated inflammatory responses and the stimulation of pro-apoptotic pathways to modulate the apoptotic and inflammatory responses associated with progress of liver damage.
IL-4-dependent Jagged1 expression/processing is associated with survival of chronic lymphocytic leukemia cells but not with Notch activation
Authors: De Falco Filomena , Del Papa Beatrice , Baldoni Stefano , Sabatini Rita , Falzetti Franca , Di Ianni Mauro , Martelli Maria Paola , Mezzasoma Federica , Pelullo Maria , Marconi Pierfrancesco , Sportoletti Paolo , Screpanti Isabella , Rosati Emanuela
Published: November 2018

As previously reported, chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) cells show constitutive Notch1/2 activation and express the Notchligand Jagged1. Despite increasing knowledge of the impact of Notch alterations on CLL biology and pathogenesis, the role of Jagged1 expressed in CLL cells remains undefined. In other cell types, it has been shown that after Notch engagement, Jagged1 not only activates Notch in signal-receiving cell, but also undergoes proteolytic activation in signal-sending cell, triggering a signaling with biological effects. We investigated whether Jagged1 expressed in CLL cells undergoes proteolytic processing and/or is able to induce Notch activation through autocrine/paracrine loops, focusing on the effect that CLL prosurvival factor IL-4 could exert on the Notch-Jagged1 system in these cells. We found that Jagged1 was constitutively processed in CLL cells and generated an intracellular fragment that translocated into the nucleus, and an extracellular fragment released into the culture supernatant. IL-4 enhanced expression of Jagged1 and its intracellular fragments, as well as Notch1/2 activation. The IL-4-induced increase in Notch1/2 activation was independent of the concomitant upregulated Jagged1 levels. Indeed, blocking Notch-Jagged1 interactions among CLL cells with Jagged1 neutralizing antibodies did not affect the expression of the Notch target Hes1. Notably, anti-Jagged1 antibodies partially prevented the IL-4-induced increase in Jagged1 processing and cell viability, suggesting that Jagged1 processing is one of the events contributing to IL-4-induced CLL cell survival. Consistent with this, Jagged1 silencing by small interfering RNA partially counteracted the capacity of IL-4 to promote CLL cell survival. Investigating the pathways whereby IL-4 promoted Notch1/2 activation in CLL cells independent of Jagged1, we found that PI3Kδ/AKT and PKCδ were involved in upregulating Notch1 and Notch2 proteins, respectively. Overall, this study provides new insights into the Notch-ligand system in CLL cells and suggests that targeting this system may be exploited as a novel/additional therapy approach for CLL.