bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A new reliability analysis method for repairable systems with multifunction modes based on goal‐oriented methodology
Authors: Yi Xiao‐jian , Shi Jian , Dhillon B.S. , Hou Peng , Lai Yue‐hua
Published: June 2017

This paper proposes a new systematic reliability analysis method for repairable systems with multifunction modes based on the goal‐oriented (GO) method. First, we create a new function GO operator, a new logical GO operator, and a new auxiliary GO operator, deduce their GO operation formulas, and propose some new rules of the GO operation and an exact algorithm with shared signal of the GO method for such systems. Then, we formulate the analysis process of repairable systems with multifunction modes based on the new GO method. Finally, we apply this new GO methodology to reliability analysis of the control system for a heavy vehicle. To verify the feasibility, advantage, and reasonableness of the new GO methodology, we compare its analysis results with those of fault tree analysis and Monte Carlo simulation. We show that the proposed GO method has clear advantages in system reliability modeling and analysis. All in all, this study not only improves the theory of the GO method and widens its application but also provides a new approach for conducting reliability analysis of complex systems quickly and efficiently.
Estimation of plant species by classifying plants and leaves in combination
Authors: Dyrmann Mads , Christiansen Peter , Midtiby Henrik Skov
Published: June 2017

Information on which weed species are present within agricultural fields is a prerequisite when using robots for site‐specific weed management. This study proposes a method of improving robustness in shape‐based classifying of seedlings toward natural shape variations within each plant species. To do so, leaves are separated from plants and classified individually together with the classification of the whole plant. The classification is based on common, rotation‐invariant features. Based on previous classifications of leaves and plants, confidence in correct assignment is created for the plants and leaves, and this confidence is used to determine the species of the plant. By using this approach, the classification accuracy of eight plants species at early growth stages is increased from 93.9% to 96.3%.
Treatment of Breast Cancer-Related Lymphedema with Adipose-Derived Regenerative Cells and Fat Grafts: A Feasibility and Safety Study
Authors: Toyserkani Navid Mohamadpour , Jensen Charlotte Harken , Andersen Ditte Caroline , Sheikh Søren Paludan , Sørensen Jens Ahm
Published: June 2017

Breast cancer-related lymphedema (BCRL) is a debilitating late complication with a lack of treatment opportunities. Recent studies have suggested that mesenchymal stromal cells can alleviate lymphedema. Herein, we report the results from the first human pilot study with freshly isolated adipose-derived regenerative cells (ADRC) for treating lymphedema with 6 months follow-up. Ten BCRL patients were included. ADRC was injected directly into the axillary region, which was combined with a scar-releasing fat graft procedure. Primary endpoints were change in arm volume. Secondary endpoints were change in patient reported outcome and safety. The study is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT02592213). During follow-up, a small volume reduction was noted but was not significant. Five patients reduced their use of conservative management. Patient-reported outcomes improved significantly over time. ADRCs were well tolerated and only minor transient adverse events related to liposuction were noted. In this pilot study, a single injection of ADRC improved lymphedema based on patient-reported outcome measures, and there were no serious adverse events in the 6 months follow-up period. In addition, half of the patients reduced their use of conservative management. ADRC therapy is a promising interventional therapy for alleviating lymphedema, but results need to be confirmed in randomized clinical trials.
Seismic collapse assessment of self‐centering hybrid precast walls and conventional reinforced concrete walls
Authors: Lu Xilin , Wu Hao , Zhou Ying
Published: June 2017

The past studies have demonstrated the superior performance of self‐centering hybrid precast (SCHP) walls in terms of reducing structural damage and residual drifts compared with conventional reinforced concrete (RC) walls following an earthquake. This study evaluates the collapse performance of SCHP walls through numerical analyses, and compares the results with that of RC walls. For this purpose, analytical models of code compliant four‐story and six‐story prototype SCHP and RC wall structures designed with varying structural and seismic parameters were developed. Based on the results of incremental dynamic analysis, the adjusted collapse margin ratio (ACMR) of each prototype structure was determined and compared to the established limits specified in the FEMA P695 procedure. The results reveal that the collapse capacities for the SCHP walls are comparable to that of RC walls. The slightly larger collapse margin ratio for the six‐story RC wall over the six‐story SCHP wall might be attributed to the less sufficient energy‐dissipating capacity of the SCHP wall as demonstrated by the cyclic pushover analyses. It is found that the computed ACMRs (ranging from 3.13 to 3.79) are more than twice the accepted ACMR limit (1.56), indicating that all the structures have enough seismic collapse safety against maximum considered earthquakes.
Evaluation of the evolution of green management with a Kuhnian perspective
Authors: Güner Samet
Published: June 2017

The purpose of this study is to examine the evolutionary development of green management. To do this, first, Kuhn’s “paradigm” concept has been operationalized and the development stages of a movement of thought were determined. The green management is then scrutinized within the framework of each of these stages and the impacts of environmentalism in management research and practice are examined. It is concluded that the crises in normal science, existence of a scientific community, the presence of common beliefs, values and norms, and the increasing anomalousness are strengths of the green management. However, the core position of profit orientation in business strategies weakens the green management.
Neuropsychological deficits in adults age 60 and above with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder
Authors: Thorell L.B. , Holst Y. , Chistiansen H. , Kooij J.J.S. , Bijlenga D. , Sjöwall D.
Published: June 2017

Objective:

Neuropsychological deficits are of major importance in ADHD, yet no previous studies have assessed clinically referred samples of older adults. The authors compared older adults with ADHD (60–75 years) with both younger adults with ADHD (18–45 years) and older healthy controls with regard to various neuropsychological deficits.

Methods:

Well-established tests were used to investigate working memory, inhibition, switching, planning, fluency, and speed of processing. Self-ratings of executive functioning and delay-related behaviors were also included. Both variable-oriented and person-oriented analyses were conducted.

Results:

Older adults with ADHD differed from controls with regard to working memory, inhibition, switching, and delay-related behaviors. In comparison to younger adults with ADHD, they performed at a similar level with regard to working memory and planning, but significantly better with regard to inhibition, switching, fluency, speed of processing, and delay aversion. Despite several significant group differences relative to controls, person-oriented analyses demonstrated that a majority of older adults with ADHD performed within the average range on each test and 20% showed no clear deficit within any neuropsychological domain.

Conclusions:

The results are in line with models of heterogeneity that have identified different neuropsychological subtypes in ADHD as well as a subgroup of patients without any clear neuropsychological deficits. For older adults with ADHD, it will be important to assess their functioning across time as normal aging is related to memory decline and these patients could therefore end up with severe deficits as they grow older, which in turn could have serious negative effects on daily life functioning.
Female Runner With Painful Left Thigh Swelling: A Case of May‐Thurner Syndrome
Authors: Petrin Ziva , Wowkanech Charles , Sinha Anupam N. , Gupta Sunny , Patel Mitesh K.
Published: June 2017

We discuss a case of a female runner who presented with burning left groin and thigh pain and positional swelling after a long run. The workup revealed May‐Thurner syndrome. May‐Thurner syndrome anatomy is a common anatomical variant present in approximately 20% of the population. Compression of the iliac vein may result in venous stasis in the lower limb with a predisposition to deep venous thrombosis. We identify 4 reported cases of May‐Thurner syndrome in female runners and review the importance of diagnosis and appropriate treatment of this condition.

Level of Evidence

V
How safe are modern aircraft with carbon fiber composite fuselages in a survivable crash?
Authors: Mathijsen Django
Published: June 2017

Composites, especially reinforced with carbon fiber, are light, strong and stiff. They enable aircraft to be lighter and more fuel efficient, which benefits the environment. Carbon fiber reinforced composites have already replaced aluminum as the main material in the fuselages of state-of-the-art airliners like the Airbus A350 XWB and Boeing 787 Dreamliner. But these composites do have an Achilles heel: they are brittle, which can be a problem in a crash. As research into how these materials will perform in an airplane crash is ramping up, we talk to one of the researchers investigating it.
The impact of diet-based glycaemic response and glucose regulation on cognition: evidence across the lifespan
Authors: Sünram-Lea Sandra I. , Owen Lauren
Published: June 2017

The brain has a high metabolic rate and its metabolism is almost entirely restricted to oxidative utilisation of glucose. These factors emphasise the extreme dependence of neural tissue on a stable and adequate supply of glucose. Whereas initially it was thought that only glucose deprivation (i.e. under hypoglycaemic conditions) can affect brain function, it has become apparent that low-level fluctuations in central availability can affect neural and consequently, cognitive performance. In the present paper the impact of diet-based glycaemic response and glucose regulation on cognitive processes across the lifespan will be reviewed. The data suggest that although an acute rise in blood glucose levels has some short-term improvements of cognitive function, a more stable blood glucose profile, which avoids greater peaks and troughs in circulating glucose is associated with better cognitive function and a lower risk of cognitive impairments in the longer term. Therefore, a habitual diet that secures optimal glucose delivery to the brain in the fed and fasting states should be most advantageous for the maintenance of cognitive function. Although the evidence to date is promising, it is insufficient to allow firm and evidence-based nutritional recommendations. The rise in obesity, diabetes and metabolic syndrome in recent years highlights the need for targeted dietary and lifestyle strategies to promote healthy lifestyle and brain function across the lifespan and for future generations. Consequently, there is an urgent need for hypothesis-driven, randomised controlled trials that evaluate the role of different glycaemic manipulations on cognition.
Alterations in vitamin A/retinoic acid homeostasis in diet-induced obesity and insulin resistance
Authors: Mody Nimesh
Published: June 2017

Vitamin A is an essential micronutrient for life and the phytochemical β-carotene, also known as pro-vitamin A, is an important dietary source of this vitamin. Vitamin A (retinol) is the parent compound of all bioactive retinoids but it is retinoic acid (RA) that is the active metabolite of vitamin A. The plasma concentration of retinol is maintained in a narrow range and its normal biological activities strictly regulated since excessive intake can lead to toxicity and thus also be detrimental to life. The present review will give an overview of how vitamin A homeostasis is maintained and move on to focus on the link between circulating vitamin A and metabolic disease states. Finally, we will examine how pharmacological or genetic alterations in vitamin A homeostasis and RA-signalling can influence body fat and blood glucose levels including a novel link to the liver secreted hormone fibroblast growth factor 21, an important metabolic regulator.
Positive density-dependent growth supports costs sharing hypothesis and population density sensing in a manipulative parasite
Authors: GOPKO MIKHAIL , MIKHEEV VICTOR N. , TASKINEN JOUNI
Published: June 2017

Parasites manipulate their hosts’ phenotype to increase their own fitness. Like any evolutionary adaptation, parasitic manipulations should be costly. Though it is difficult to measure costs of the manipulation directly, they can be evaluated using an indirect approach. For instance, theory suggests that as the parasite infrapopulation grows, the investment of individual parasites in host manipulation decreases, because of cost sharing. Another assumption is that in environments where manipulation does not pay off for the parasite, it can decrease its investment in the manipulation to save resources. We experimentally infected rainbow trout Oncorhynchus mykiss with the immature larvae of the trematode Diplostomum pseudospathaceum, to test these assumptions. Immature D. pseudospathaceum metacercariae are known for their ability to manipulate the behaviour of their host enhancing its anti-predator defenses to avoid concomitant predation. We found that the growth rate of individual parasites in rainbow trout increased with the infrapopulation size (positive density-dependence) suggesting cost sharing. Moreover, parasites adjusted their growth to the intensity of infection within the eye lens where they were localized suggesting population density sensing. Results of this study support the hypothesis that macroparasites can adjust their growth rate and manipulation investment according to cost sharing level and infrapopulation size.
Catalase expression impairs oxidative stress-mediated signalling inTrypanosoma cruzi
Authors: FREIRE ANNA CLÁUDIA GUIMARÃES , ALVES CERES LUCIANA , GOES GRAZIELLE RIBEIRO , RESENDE BRUNO CARVALHO , MORETTI NILMAR SILVIO , NUNES VINÍCIUS SANTANA , AGUIAR PEDRO HENRIQUE NASCIMENTO , TAHARA ERICH BIRELLI , FRANCO GLÓRIA REGINA , MACEDO ANDRÉA MARA , PENA SÉRGIO DANILO JUNHO , GADELHA FERNANDA RAMOS , GUARNERI ALESSANDRA APARECIDA , SCHENKMAN SERGIO , VIEIRA LEDA QUERCIA , MACHADO CARLOS RENATO
Published: June 2017

Trypanosoma cruziis exposed to oxidative stresses during its life cycle, and amongst the strategies employed by this parasite to deal with these situations sits a peculiar trypanothione-dependent antioxidant system. Remarkably,T. cruzi’s antioxidant repertoire does not include catalase. In an attempt to shed light on what are the reasons by which this parasite lacks this enzyme, aT. cruzicell line stably expressing catalase showed an increased resistance to hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) when compared with wild-type cells. Interestingly, preconditioning carried out with low concentrations of H2O2led untransfected parasites to be as much resistant to this oxidant as cells expressing catalase, but did not induce the same level of increased resistance in the latter ones. Also, presence of catalase decreased trypanothione reductase and increased superoxide dismutase levels inT. cruzi, resulting in higher levels of residual H2O2after challenge with this oxidant. Although expression of catalase contributed to elevated proliferation rates ofT. cruziinRhodnius prolixus, it failed to induce a significant increase of parasite virulence in mice. Altogether, these results indicate that the absence of a gene encoding catalase inT. cruzihas played an important role in allowing this parasite to develop a shrill capacity to sense and overcome oxidative stress.
Worms at war: interspecific parasite competition and host resources alter trematode colony structure and fitness
Authors: MOURITSEN KIM N. , ANDERSEN CECILLIE
Published: June 2017

Parasites competing over limited host resources are faced with a tradeoff between reproductive success and host overexploitation jeopardizing survival. Surprisingly little is known about the outcome of such competitive scenarios, and we therefore aimed at elucidating interactions between the trematodes Himasthla elongata and Renicola roscovita coinfecting the periwinkle first intermediate host. The results show that the success of Himasthla colonies (rediae) in terms of cercarial emission is unaffected by Renicola competition (sporocysts), whereas deteriating host condition decreases fitness. Furthermore, double infection has no bearing on Himasthla’s colony size but elevated the proportion of non-reproductive rediae that play a decisive role in colony defence. Opposite, the development of the Renicola colony (size/maturity), and in turn fitness, is markedly reduced in presence of Himasthla, whereas the nutritional state of the host appears less important. Hence, the intramolluscan competition between Himasthla and Renicola is asymmetrical, Himasthla being the superior competitor. Himasthla not only adjusts its virulence according to the hosts immediate nutritional state, it also nullifies the negative impact of a heterospecific competitor on own fitness. The latter is argued to follow in part from direct predation on the competitor, for which purpose more defensive non-reproductive rediae are strategically produced.
Island ecology and evolution: challenges in the Anthropocene
Authors: GRAHAM NATALIE R. , GRUNER DANIEL S. , LIM JUN Y. , GILLESPIE ROSEMARY G.
Published: June 2017

Islands are widely considered to be model systems for studying fundamental questions in ecology and evolutionary biology. The fundamental state factors that vary among island systems – geologic history, size, isolation and age – form the basis of mature phenomenological and predictive theory. In this review, we first highlight classic lines of inquiry that exemplify the historical and continuing importance of islands. We then show how the conceptual power of islands as ‘natural laboratories’ can be improved through functional classifications of both the biological properties of, and human impact on, insular systems. We highlight how global environmental change has been accentuated on islands, expressly because of their unique insular properties. We review five categories of environmental perturbation: climate change, habitat modification, direct exploitation, invasion and disease. Using an analysis of taxonomic checklists for the arthropod biotas of three well-studied island archipelagos, we show how taxonomists are meeting the challenge of biodiversity assessment before the biodiversity disappears. Our aim is to promote discussion on the tight correlations of the environmental health of insular systems to their continued importance as singular venues for discovery in ecology and evolutionary biology, as well as to their conservation significance as hotspots of endemism.
Sorcery and nature conservation
Authors: SOUSA JOANA , AINSLIE ANDREW , HILL CATHERINE M
Published: June 2017

Representations of animals are diverse and can portray local understandings of nature conservation, information that is often missing from conservation debates. In Cantanhez National Park (southern Guinea-Bissau), chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes verus) are recognized as animals that share certain features with humans but live independently of them in the forest. However, chimpanzees are also integral to socially mediated, deep-rooted local narratives about sorcery and nature conservation. We use results from ethnographic research to explore local interpretations of chimpanzee attacks on people. Attacks by ‘bush’ chimpanzees occur when an animal is provoked by someone's actions towards it. Unprovoked attacks, however, are either interpreted as the act of a shape-shifted chimpanzee (i.e. a sorcerer) or as the responsibility of conservation stakeholders. In the case of unprovoked attacks, chimpanzee aggression is linked to a perceived abuse of power and to greed, with implications for nature conservation locally. Close analysis of local representations of animals contributes to a broader consideration of conservation priorities and practice.
Full-genome sequence analysis of an uncommon norovirus genotype, GII.21, from South Korea
Authors: LEE J. W. , LEE S. G. , CHO H. G. , PARK Y. J. , YUN J. W. , PARK C. J. , PAIK S. Y.
Published: June 2017

Noroviruses (NoVs) are major causal agents of acute gastroenteritis in humans. NoV GII.4 is the predominant genotype globally. However, uncommon and minor types of NoVs are consistently detected and some have been shown to dominate over GII.4. Therefore, the prevalence of dominant and uncommon NoVs makes the identification of these viruses important for the prediction and prevention of pandemics. In this study, the full-genome sequence of a NoV (strain JW) detected in Korea was extensively characterized. The full-length genome was 7510 nucleotides long, and phylogenetic analysis based on the whole-genome sequences, including open reading frame (ORF)1, ORF2, and ORF3, indicated that it belonged to the GII.21 genotype. Strain JW showed maximum identity with strain YO284; however, comparison of the amino acid sequence of ORF2, which functions as an antigen, showed substitutions in several amino acids. GII.21 is not a prevalent epidemiological agent of acute gastroenteritis in humans, but it is consistently found in gastroenteritis patients from several countries. The present study provides the first full-genome sequence analysis of NoV GII.21 isolated from a patient in Korea. Our findings provide not only valuable genome information but also data for epidemiology studies, epidemic prevention, and vaccine development strategies.
The association between measurements of antimicrobial use and resistance in the faeces microbiota of finisher batches
Authors: ANDERSEN V. D. , DE KNEGT L. V. , MUNK P. , JENSEN M. S. , AGERSØ Y. , AARESTRUP F. M. , VIGRE H.
Published: June 2017

The objectives were to present three approaches for calculating antimicrobial (AM) use in pigs that take into account the rearing period and rearing site, and to study the association between these measurements and phenotypical resistance and abundance of resistance genes in faeces samples from 10 finisher batches. The AM use was calculated relative to the rearing period of the batches as (i) ‘Finisher Unit Exposure’ at unit level, (ii) ‘Lifetime Exposure’ at batch level and (iii) ‘Herd Exposure’ at herd level. A significant effect on the occurrence of tetracycline resistance measured by cultivation was identified for Lifetime Exposure for the AM class: tetracycline. Furthermore, for Lifetime Exposure for the AM classes: macrolide, broad-spectrum penicillin, sulfonamide and tetracycline use as well as Herd Unit Exposure for the AM classes: aminoglycoside, lincosamide and tetracycline use, a significant effect was observed on the occurrence of genes coding for the AM resistance classes: aminoglycoside, lincosamide, macrolide, β-lactam, sulfonamide and tetracycline. No effect was observed for Finisher Unit Exposure. Overall, the study shows that Lifetime Exposure is an efficient measurement of AM use in finisher batches, and has a significant effect on the occurrence of resistance, measured either by cultivation or metagenomics.
Still Lives for Headaches: A reply to Dorsey and Voorhoeve
Authors: SCHÖNHERR JULIUS
Published: June 2017

There is no large number of very small bads that is worse than a small number of very large bads – or so, some maintain, it seems plausible to say. In this article, I criticize and reject two recently proposed vindications of the above intuition put forth by Dale Dorsey and Alex Voorhoeve. Dorsey advocates for a threshold marked by the interference with a person's global life projects: any bad that interferes with the satisfaction of a life project is worse than any number of bads that don't interfere with such a life project. Such thresholds, I argue, are broadly implausible. Voorhoeve gives a contractualist account for the irrelevance of minor bads. His account, I argue, does not, among other things, provide the right kind of reason in defence of the above intuition.
Determinants of quality of life in adults with CHD: an Australian cohort
Authors: Eaton Sarah L. , Wang QiFeng , Menahem Samuel
Published: June 2017

Background

Following improved survival rates in children with CHD, their quality of life and its determinants have become increasingly important. As part of a multicentre study entitled “Assessment of Patterns of Patient-Reported Outcomes in Adults with Congenital Heart Disease – International Study”, this article reviews the relationships among quality of life, anxiety and depression, sense of coherence, and severity of disease in an Australian cohort of adults with CHD.

Methods and results

Adults with CHD were recruited from a single, community-based cardiology practice. All patients completed a self-reported questionnaire. A total of 135 patients, 71 males and 64 females, were recruited with a mean age of 26 years. The median quality of life in this cohort was 90; one-fifth of the patients experienced symptoms of anxiety. There was a significant negative correlation between quality of life and symptoms of anxiety and depression and a positive correlation between quality of life and sense of coherence.

Conclusions

The quality of life of this cohort was generally excellent; however, one-fifth of them experienced symptoms of anxiety. Those with less anxiety and depression symptoms appeared to have a better quality of life, as did those who reported a higher sense of coherence. Interestingly, there was no significant relationship between complexity of CHD and quality of life.
Responses of mothers of children with CHD: quality of life, anxiety and depression, parental attitudes, family functionality
Authors: Alkan Fatos , Sertcelik Tamay , Yalın Sapmaz Sermin , Eser Erhan , Coskun Senol
Published: June 2017

Introduction

The aim of this study was to evaluate the anxiety and depression status, family functions, parenting attitudes, and quality of life in the mothers of children with CHD.

Method

The study enrolled 120 mothers: 40 of children with cyanotic CHD, 40 of children with non-cyanotic CHD, and 40 of healthy controls. Short Form-36 for quality of life, Hospital Anxiety–Depression Scale for anxiety and depression, Family Assessment Device for the detection of problems affecting family functions, and Parental Attitude Research Instrument for measuring child-rearing attitudes were used in the study.

Results

Statistically significant decreases were found in the general health standards of mothers of non-cyanotic children (p=0.035) and in the emotional and physical role difficulty of mothers of cyanotic children (p=0.006, p=0.010). When anxiety and depression levels of the parents were examined, the anxiety level of the cyanotic group was found to be significantly higher than that of the other groups (p=0.031). When family behaviours were assessed, there was a statistically significant decrease in role status in the families having a child with cyanotic CHD (p=0.035). In the Parental Attitude Research Instrument test, the husband and wife incompatibility sub-scale was found to be statistically significantly lower in the cyanotic CHD group (p=0.030).

Conclusion

When there is a diseased person in the family, the focus should not be solely on the problems of the patient but also on preventive methods to be implemented in order to protect the mental health of all family members.
NEGOTIATING THE MEANING OF “LAW”: THE METALINGUISTIC DIMENSION OF THE DISPUTE OVER LEGAL POSITIVISM
Authors: Plunkett David
Published: June 2017

One of the central debates in legal philosophy is the debate over legal positivism. Roughly, positivists say that law is ultimately grounded in social facts alone, whereas antipositivists say it is ultimately grounded in both social facts and moral facts. In this paper, I argue that philosophers involved in the dispute over legal positivism sometimes employ distinct concepts when they use the term “law” and pick out different things in the world using these concepts. Because of this, what positivists say might well then be true of one thing (e.g., law1) but false of another (e.g., law2). Accepting this thesis does not mean that the philosophers engaged in this dispute are “talking past each other” or engaged in a “merely verbal dispute” that lacks substance. I argue that participants in this dispute are sometimes arguing about what they should mean by the word “law” in the context at hand. This involves putting forward competing proposals about which concept the word “law” should be used to express. This is an issue in what I call “conceptual ethics.” This argument in conceptual ethics can be well worth having, given the connotations that the term “law” plays in many contexts, ranging from legal argument to political philosophy to social-scientific inquiry. Sometimes, I claim, philosophers (and ordinary speakers) engage in such argument tacitly by competing “metalinguistic” usages of the term “law”—usages of the term that express a view (in this case, a normative view) about the meaning of the word itself. In such cases, speakers on different sides of the positivism debate might in fact both speak truly, in terms of the literal (semantic) content of what they both say. Nonetheless, they may disagree in virtue of views in conceptual ethics about “law” that they express through the nonliteral content of what they say. These views in conceptual ethics often reflect further disagreements about issues that are not ultimately about words or concepts. These include foundational ones in ethics and politics about how we should live and what kind of institutions should govern our lives. My metalinguistic account of the dispute over legal positivism better equips us to identify what such issues are and to engage them more fruitfully.
Brief Coping Strategy Enhancement for Distressing Voices: an Evaluation in Routine Clinical Practice
Authors: Hayward Mark , Edgecumbe Rebecca , Jones Anna-Marie , Berry Clio , Strauss Clara
Published: June 2017

Background: Hearing voices can be a common and distressing experience. Psychological treatment in the form of cognitive behavioural therapy for psychosis (CBTp) is effective, but is rarely available to patients. The barriers to increasing access include a lack of time for clinicians to deliver therapy. Emerging evidence suggests that CBTp delivered in brief forms can be effective and offer one solution to increasing access. Aims: We adapted an existing form of CBTp, coping strategy enhancement (CSE), to focus specifically on distressing voices in a brief format. This intervention was evaluated within an uncontrolled study conducted in routine clinical practice. Method: This was a service evaluation comparing pre–post outcomes in patients who had completed CSE over four sessions within a specialist out-patient service within NHS Mental Health Services. The primary outcome was the distress scale of the Psychotic Symptoms Rating Scale – Auditory Hallucinations (PSYRATS-AH). Results: Data were available from 101 patients who had completed therapy. A reduction approaching clinical importance was found on the PSYRATS distress scale post-therapy when compared with the baseline. Conclusions: The findings from this study suggest that CSE, as a focused and brief form of CBTp, can be effective in the treatment of distressing voices within routine clinical practice. Within the context of the limitations of this study, brief CSE may best be viewed as the beginning of a therapeutic conversation and a low-intensity intervention in a stepped approach to the treatment of distressing voices.
Adaptation to climate change: historical evidence from the Indian monsoon
Authors: Taraz Vis
Published: June 2017

Estimating the potential impacts of climate change requires understanding the ability of agents to adapt to changes in their climate. This paper uses panel data from India spanning from 1956 to 1999 to investigate the ability of farmers to adapt. To identify adaptation, the author exploits persistent, multidecadal monsoon regimes during which droughts or floods are more common. These regimes generate medium-run variation in average rainfall, and there is spatial variation in the timing of the regimes. Using a fixed-effects strategy, she tests whether farmers have adapted to the medium-run rainfall variation induced by the monsoon regimes. The author finds evidence that farmers adjust their irrigation investments and their crop portfolios in response to the medium-run rainfall variation. However, adaptation only recovers a small fraction of the profits farmers have lost due to adverse climate variation.
The fruit and vegetable intake of young Australian adults: a population perspective
Authors: Nour Monica , Sui Zhixian , Grech Amanda , Rangan Anna , McGeechan Kevin , Allman-Farinelli Margaret
Published: June 2017

Objective

To examine intakes and variety of fruit and vegetables consumed by Australian young adults, also assessing differences by meal occasion and sociodemographic characteristics.

Design

Secondary analysis of cross-sectional 24 h recall data collected through the 2011–12 National Nutrition and Physical Activity Survey. Crude means and proportions consuming fruits and vegetables were calculated. Pearsonχ2tests, Kruskal–Wallis analyses and linear regression models were used to assess differences in mean intakes by age, BMI and sociodemographic variables. The variety eaten was determined based on the number of fruit and vegetable subgroups consumed.

Setting

Representative sample of metropolitan and rural areas across Australia.

Subjects

Respondents aged 18–34 years were included (n2397).

Results

Mean daily intake of fruit (128 g/0·9 servings) and vegetables (205 g/2·7 servings) was lower than the minimum recommended intake set at 2 and 5 servings, respectively. Age was positively associated with fruit and vegetable intake (P=0·002,P<0·001), with 18–24-year-olds reporting the poorest vegetable variety compared with 25–29- and 30–34-year-olds (P=0·002). When controlling for total energy, males consumed less vegetables than females (P=0·002). A large proportion of the 15 % of respondents who consumed adequate amounts of fruits and vegetables on the day prior to the survey reported intake across all meal occasions (P<0·001).

Conclusions

Fruit and vegetable intake is suboptimal among Australian young adults. An age-appropriate campaign is recommended to target increased consumption, particularly for those aged 18–24 years, with opportunity to promote increased variety and consumption across the day.
Contractibility for open global constraints
Authors: MAHER MICHAEL J.
Published: June 2017

Open forms of global constraints allow the addition of new variables to an argument during the execution of a constraint program. Such forms are needed for difficult constraint programming problems, where problem construction and problem solving are interleaved, and fit naturally within constraint logic programming. However, in general, filtering that is sound for a global constraint can be unsound when the constraint is open. This paper provides a simple characterization, called contractibility, of the constraints, where filtering remains sound when the constraint is open. With this characterization, we can easily determine whether a constraint has this property or not. In the latter case, we can use it to derive a contractible approximation to the constraint. We demonstrate this work on both hard and soft constraints. In the process, we formulate two general classes of soft constraints.
Impact of introduced parasitoid Cotesia vestalis (Hymenoptera: Braconidae) on Plutella xylostella (Lepidoptera: Plutellidae) and its parasitoid guild on kale in semi-arid areas in Kenya
Authors: Kahuthia-Gathu Ruth , Nyambo Brigitte , Subramanian Sevgan
Published: June 2017

Cotesia vestaliswas introduced into Kenya from South Africa in March 2003 for biological control ofPlutella xylostellawith initial release in 2004. To confirm establishment, the rate of spread beyond the release sites and parasitism rates byC. vestaliswere assessed between October 2011 and April 2012 in eastern and southeastern Kenya (Kitui, Mwingi/Yatta and Loitokitok areas). Monthly observations on kale infestation by diamondback moth, damage scores, parasitism and parasitoid guild were undertaken on 20 randomly selected plants in farmer-managed kale farms. Sampled larval and pupal stages were placed in containers and taken to the laboratory for parasitoid emergence. The infestation levels ranged from 0.4 to 2.5 DBM per plant, while damage scores ranged from 1.2 to 1.6, which correlated with the infestation levels.Cotesia vestaliswas not only the most abundant parasitoid, but it had also spread to new areas from the release sites. In December, the three sites recorded an average of 50% fromC. vestalis. Excluding the exotic parasitoidsC.vestalisandD. semiclausum, indigenous parasitoids accounted for less than 5% total parasitism. The parasitoid guild of the diamondback moth varied between months and study sites with January recording the highest species diversity and evenness of 1.15 and 0.63, 1.28 and 0.80, 1.08 and 0.47 in Loitokitok, Kitui and Mwingi/Matuu, respectively. Therefore,C.vestalishad an impact on the management of the DBM with parasitism rate of 35% to 88% and had spread beyond the release sites.
Quad notched-band UWB BPF based on quintuple-mode resonator
Authors: Borhani Seyyed Jamal , Honarvar Mohammad Amin , Virdee Bal S.
Published: June 2017

The design of a novel microstrip ultra-wideband (UWB) bandpass filter with quad narrow notched-band functionality is presented. The filter consists of a multi-mode resonator (MMR) constituted from two modified stepped-impedance stubs that generate six resonate modes, five of which are within the UWB passband where the sixth mode is used to extend the upper stopband of the filter. Two transmission zeroes are located at the 3-dB edge of the passband to enhance the filter's selectivity with a skirt factor of 0.955. The MMR is fed through asymmetric interdigital coupled-lines feed to produce controllable notched-band. Additional notched-bands are generated with a parasitic coupled line. The notched-bands are centered exactly to eliminate interference at 5.2 GHz (wireless local area network (WLAN)), 5.8 GHz (WLAN), 6.8 GHz (radio-frequency identification), and 8 GHz (X-band). Good agreement is obtained between simulation and measurement results. The highly compact filter has dimensions of 8.0 × 9.83 mm2.
Design of atomic clock cavity based on a loop-gap geometry and modified boundary conditions
Authors: Ivanov Anton E. , Affolderbach Christoph , Mileti Gaetano , Skrivervik Anja K.
Published: June 2017

In this study, we investigate a concept that can be used to improve the magnetic field homogeneity in a microwave cavity applied in a novel, high-performance atomic frequency standard. We show that by modifying the boundary conditions in the case of a loop-gap geometry, a good improvement of the field homogeneity can be obtained. Such a design demonstrates high potential to improve the frequency stability; it is compact and hence suitable for a future generation of compact, high-precision frequency standards based on vapor cells and a pulsed optical pumping (POP) regime (POP atomic clocks).
The Hidden Sufferers: Parental Reactions to Childhood Cancer during Treatment and at Survival
Authors: Castellano-Tejedor Carmina , Blasco-Blasco Tomás , Pérez-Campdepadrós Marta , Capdevila Lluis
Published: June 2017

This study was twofold: 1) to assess parental reactions to childhood cancer throughout the oncological experience and 2) to explore associations between parents’ reactions during treatment and cancer-related distress at survival. A cross-sectional descriptive study collecting data (at survival) from retrospective (perceived social support, optimism, distress, coping in the worst situation) and current variables (general stress, distress regarding cancer, benefit finding) was carried out. Forty-one parents of childhood cancer survivors were assessed. High levels of distress (M= 9.5,SD= 1.32, range 4-10) and self-reported efforts to overcome difficulties occurring during the hospitalization (M= 7.48,SD= 3.01, range 0-10) were found. However, parents received high social support from very different sources. This could explain the satisfactory levels of optimism found (43.9% of the sample,M≥ 16, range 9 – 24). Most parents reported to use engagement (M= 2.57,SD= 0.41, range 1-4) and help-seeking (M= 2.52,SD= 0.53, range 1-4) coping strategies to overcome difficulties. Some parents recognized to use psychological defenses when coping with the distress of cancer. However, this disengagement style was less preferred (M= 1.62,SD= 0.37, range 1-4). Finally, 22% of parents reported positive consequences and 60% reported positive and negative consequences too. When exploring how treatment experiences can influence cancer-related distress in survivorship, we observed that those who received less social support used more disengagement coping and referred higher efforts to overcome difficulties during treatment, displayed persistent distress at survival. These same parents showed higher scores on general stress. Besides, these results were not influenced by child’s sequelae at survival. These findings support the hypothesis that “the end of treatment is not the end”. Consequently, special attention should be placed in screening parents experiences throughout different milestones of cancer to design tailored interventions aimed at reducing persistent distress at survival.
Leadership Style Assessment (LSA)
Authors: Pundt Alexander
Published: June 2017

Zusammenfassung. Das Leadership Style Assessment (LSA) ist ein Situational Judgment Test zur Erfassung transformationaler und transaktionaler Führung. Es richtet sich an Führungskräfte und Personalentwickler und kann vor allem im Kontext der Führungskräfteentwicklung zum Einsatz kommen.
Using Multiple Satellites Gives a Fuller View of Cloud Structure
Authors: Stanley Sarah
Published: June 2017

The unique strengths of different satellites reveal different facets of cloud systems and precipitation.
New Volcanic Island Unveils Explosive Past
Authors: Cronin Shane , Brenna Marco , Smith Ian , Barker Simon , Tost Manuela , Ford Murray , Tonga’onevai Sisi , Kula Taaniela , Vaiomounga Rennie
Published: June 2017

A recent volcanic eruption near Tonga in the southwest Pacific created a new island, giving scientists a rare opportunity to explore the volcanic record of this remote region.
Immunological phenotype of the murine Lrba knockout
Authors: Gámez‐Díaz Laura , Neumann Julika , Jäger Fiona , Proietti Michele , Felber Felicitas , Soulas‐Sprauel Pauline , Perruzza Lisa , Grassi Fabio , Kögl Tamara , Aichele Peter , Kilimann Manfred , Grimbacher Bodo , Jung Sophie
Published: June 2017

Biallelic mutations in the human lipopolysaccharide responsive beige‐like anchor (LRBA) gene lead to a primary immunodeficiency known as LRBA deficiency, characterized by a broad range of clinical manifestations including autoimmunity, organomegaly, hypogammaglobulinemia and recurrent infections. Considering the phenotypic heterogeneity in patients and the severity of the disease, our aim was to assess the role of LRBA in immune cells and to understand the underlying pathomechanisms through the study of a Lrba knockout (Lrba−/−) mouse model. LRBA‐deficient mice did not show severe clinical or immunological signs of disease, either at steady state under specific‐pathogen‐free conditions, after vaccination with T‐dependent and T‐independent antigens, or in the context of acute infections with lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus (LCMV) or Salmonella Typhimurium. Although Lrba−/− mice were able to produce normal serum immunoglobulin M (IgM) and IgG and to mount a specific immune response after immunization, they showed elevated serum and secretory basal IgA levels. LRBA was dispensable for B‐ and T‐cell development, as well as for in vitro B‐cell proliferation, survival, isotype switching and plasmablast differentiation. Interestingly, Lrba−/− mice displayed decreased cytotoxic T‐lymphocyte‐associated protein‐4 (CTLA‐4) expression by regulatory T cells and activated conventional CD4+ and CD8+ T lymphocytes, reduced frequency of peritoneal B‐1a cells along with diminished interleukin‐10 production and increased percentages of T follicular helper cells in Peyer's patches, but without developing overt signs of autoimmunity. Our findings expand the role of LRBA in immune regulatory mechanisms previously reported in patients, and suggest a novel role in IgA production that is crucial for the protection of mucosal surfaces and gut‐associated immune tolerance.
Caffeine inhibits hypothalamic A1R to excite oxytocin neuron and ameliorate dietary obesity in mice
Authors: Wu Liufeng , Meng Jia , Shen Qing , Zhang Yi , Pan Susu , Chen Zhuo , Zhu Ling-Qiang , Lu Youming , Huang Yuan , Zhang Guo
Published: June 2017

Caffeine, an antagonist of the adenosine receptor A1R, is used as a dietary supplement to reduce body weight, although the underlying mechanism is unclear. Here, we report that adenosine level in the cerebrospinal fluid, and hypothalamic expression of A1R, are increased in the diet-induced obesity (DIO) mouse. We find that mice with overexpression of A1R in the neurons of paraventricular nucleus (PVN) of the hypothalamus are hyperphagic, have glucose intolerance and high body weight. Central or peripheral administration of caffeine reduces the body weight of DIO mice by the suppression of appetite and increasing of energy expenditure. We also show that caffeine excites oxytocin expressing neurons, and blockade of the action of oxytocin significantly attenuates the effect of caffeine on energy balance. These data suggest that caffeine inhibits A1Rs expressed on PVN oxytocin neurons to negatively regulate energy balance in DIO mice.
A dynamic and adaptive network of cytosolic interactions governs protein export by the T3SS injectisome
Authors: Diepold Andreas , Sezgin Erdinc , Huseyin Miles , Mortimer Thomas , Eggeling Christian , Armitage Judith P.
Published: June 2017

Many bacteria use a type III secretion system (T3SS) to inject effector proteins into host cells. Selection and export of the effectors is controlled by a set of soluble proteins at the cytosolic interface of the membrane spanning type III secretion ‘injectisome’. Combining fluorescence microscopy, biochemical interaction studies and fluorescence correlation spectroscopy, we show that in live Yersinia enterocolitica bacteria these soluble proteins form complexes both at the injectisome and in the cytosol. Binding to the injectisome stabilizes these cytosolic complexes, whereas the free cytosolic complexes, which include the type III secretion ATPase, constitute a highly dynamic and adaptive network. The extracellular calcium concentration, which triggers activation of the T3SS, directly influences the cytosolic complexes, possibly through the essential component SctK/YscK, revealing a potential mechanism involved in the regulation of type III secretion.