bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Removal of perennial herbaceous species affects response of Cold Desert shrublands to fire
Authors: Chambers Jeanne C. , Board David I. , Roundy Bruce A. , Weisberg Peter J.
Published: May 2017

Questions

Two of the primary global change factors that threaten shrublands worldwide are loss of native perennial herbaceous species due to inappropriate livestock grazing and loss of native shrubs due to altered fire regimes. We asked: (1) how do the separate and interacting effects of removal of perennial herbaceous species and burning influence relative abundance of plant functional groups over longer time frames; and (2) how do interactions between perennial herbaceous species removal and burning differ along environmental gradients? We discuss implications of our findings for ecosystem resilience to these disturbances.

Location

Shoshone Mountain Range, Nevada and East Tintic Range, Utah, USA.

Methods

We used a factorial experiment to test effects of perennial herbaceous species removal (0%, 50% and 100%) and burning (burned and not burned) on plant functional group cover along elevation gradients within watersheds characterized by Artemisia tridentata Nutt. vegetation types. The experiment was conducted in two locations (Nevada and Utah) with sites located at low (1960 and 1710 m), mid (2190 and 2085 m) and high (2380 and 2274 m) elevations and was repeated in 2 yr. Percentage cover of native and exotic species and canopy area, density and size of the shrub A. tridentata were evaluated 12 and 13 yr after study implementation.

Results

Over a decade later, removal treatments resulted in highly significant decreases (40–62%) in perennial native grass and forb cover across site elevations. Burning decreased overall shrub and A. tridentata cover, but effects on perennial native grass cover differed among elevations. Removal had strong positive effects on A. tridentata seedling recruitment and resulted in progressive increases in density and canopy area following burning. A. tridentata canopy areas on burned plots with 0%, 50% and 100% removal were 0.19, 0.40 and 0.84 m2, respectively. Annual invasive grass density also increased with degree of removal, and both density and cover decreased with elevation.

Conclusions

Our results show that loss of perennial herbaceous species, which can result from inappropriate livestock grazing, and loss of shrubs, which often results from fire, interact to affect key functional groups. The implications are that ecosystem resilience to disturbance in Cold Desert shrublands decreases when competition from perennial native grasses and forbs for available resources no longer prevents dominance by A. tridentata and other shrubs and/or annual invasive grasses. Managing livestock grazing to maintain or increase perennial herbaceous species, especially deep‐rooted grasses, which contribute to resilience along elevation gradients, can help prevent threshold crossings to undesirable states and retain critical ecosystem services following disturbances such as wildfire.
Addressing uncertainties in the environmental sustainability of limno‐reservoirs: insights from the synthesis of multidisciplinary research
Authors: Molina‐Navarro Eugenio , Martínez‐Perez Silvia , Sastre‐Merlín Antonio
Published: May 2017

Large reservoirs in the Mediterranean area exhibit a variety of negative impacts resulting from exploitation of their water, many a result of large water‐level fluctuations. Water managers in Spain have implemented various mitigation measures to reduce these negative impacts. One such measure is construction of small dams in the riverine zone of large reservoirs to create a small waterbody with a constant water level (i.e. a ‘limno‐reservoir’) to provide the environmental and recreational services that the main reservoir cannot provide due to water‐level variations. To this end, the Pareja Limno‐reservoir was built in 2006 in a sidearm of the Entrepeñas Reservoir (Guadalajara, central Spain). As its environmental sustainability was not assessed prior to construction, however, there are some uncertainties about the ability of the limno‐reservoir to provide the expected environmental and recreational services. Accordingly, a multidisciplinary study was conducted on the Pareja Limno‐reservoir to shed on its environmental sustainability. This study addressed three relevant issues associated with the limno‐reservoir, focusing on water availability, water quality and the risk of sediment filling. This study reviews the research conducted to date, including an integrative discussion that endeavours to address these issues. The Pareja Limno‐reservoir is currently a successful tourist and recreational aquatic resource. The results of this study, however, reveal its recreational and environmental value may be reduced, especially as a constant water level at the maximum capacity of the limno‐reservoir cannot be guaranteed. The conclusions of this study may be useful for reservoir managers by providing guidelines for assessing the environmental sustainability of limno‐reservoirs.
Judicial Politics on the Ground
Authors: Hersant Jeanne , Vigour Cécile
Published: May 2017

This symposium focuses on judicial politics at the micro level. Its aim is to shed light on justice in action, drawing on an ethnographic approach to explore the routine decision-making practices of judges and other legal actors, and to study their interactions with citizens and politicians. Each article is based on close observation of the interactions between legal professionals and administrative actors who are at the frontline in local and lower courts. By examining a variety of jurisdictions around the globe, the articles in this symposium offer fresh insight into “judicial politics on the ground.”
Performance of mycology and histopathology tests for the diagnosis of toenail onychomycosis due to filamentous fungi: Dermatophyte and non‐dermatophyte moulds
Authors: Lavorato Fernanda G. , Guimarães Dávson A. , Premazzi Mario G. , Piñeiro‐Maceira Juan M. , Bernardes‐Engemann Andréa R. , Orofino‐Costa Rosane
Published: May 2017

Improvement of laboratory diagnosis of onychomychosis is important so that adequate treatment can be safely implemented. To evaluate and compare the performance of mycological and histopathological examinations in onychomycoses caused by dermatophyte and non‐dermatophyte moulds. Patients with lateral/distal subungual onychomycosis in at least one hallux were enrolled in the protocol and assessed via mycological and histopathological tests. The isolation of filamentous fungi was considered the gold standard. Test performance was evaluated through sensitivity, specificity and positive and negative predictive values. A total of 212 patients were enrolled in the study. Direct microscopy (DM) was positive in 57.5% patients, and cultures in 34.4%. Among these patients, 23.3% were positive for dermatophytes, with Trichophyton rubrum the most frequently isolated, and 86.3% were positive for non‐dermatophytes, with Neoscytalidium dimidiatum predominance. Histopathology was positive in 41.0% samples. Direct microscopy showed better sensitivity for non‐dermatophyte moulds (P=.000) and nail clipping was more specific for dermatophyte (P=.018). Histopathology of the distal nail plate is a valuable complementary tool for the diagnosis of onychomycosis caused by dermatophytes and direct microscopy is especially useful for non‐dermatophyte molds.
Scedosporium apiospermum complex in cystic fibrosis; should we treat?
Authors: Noni Maria , Katelari Anna , Kapi Aikaterini , Stathi Angeliki , Dimopoulos George , Doudounakis Stavros‐Eleftherios
Published: May 2017

Species of the Scedosporium apiospermum complex are the second most frequent filamentous fungi after Aspergillus fumigatus that can be found in cystic fibrosis (CF). Mixed colonisation by S. apiospermum complex and A. fumigatus is also quite common. In this study we summarise all CF patients who were colonised by S. apiospermum complex during their childhood and we present two CF patients who were treated as fungal bronchitis due to S. apiospermum complex. The medical records of 400 CF patients were reviewed in order to identify those with positive respiratory cultures for S. apiospermum complex. Scedosporium apiospermum complex was isolated in 10 CF patients and six of them had more than two positive sputum cultures during the study period. By the time of first isolation, the median age was 14.5 years, the median BMI was 19.41 kg/m2, the median predicted FEV1% was 78.65% and six patients had a history of A. fumigatus isolation. Two patients presented symptoms of infection while they were colonised by S. apiospermum complex. A rapid remission of their symptoms was observed only when antifungal therapy was administered. Antifungal treatment should be considered in CF patients who present symptoms of infection not responding to antibacterial therapy and S. apiospermum complex is persistently growing in sputum cultures.
Antifungal prophylaxis in newly diagnosed AML patients–Adherence to guidelines and feasibility in a real life setting
Authors: Berking Sophie , Doedens Daphne , Horns Heidi , Fiegl Michael , Ostermann Helmut , Rieger Christina T.
Published: May 2017

Antifungal posaconazole prophylaxis for AML patients receiving induction chemotherapy has been routine at our centre since 2009. This retrospective study examined the feasibility and practicability of our prophylaxis guidelines in clinical practice. Data sets of 90 patients undergoing induction‐chemotherapy for AML between 2011 and 2014 were evaluated regarding adherence to local guidelines for the administration of antifungal prophylaxis with posaconazole. 75.5% of the 90 patients received posaconazole prophylaxis. All but eight patients received the recommended dosage. A total of 77.95% on prophylaxis had serum galactomannan measured twice weekly. Contradicting our guidelines, 89.70% of patients received concomitant therapy with PPI. Overall, 16.17% of patients had prophylaxis discontinued and started empirical antifungal treatment in the absence of diagnostic criteria for IFI. The breakthrough IFI rate was 36.76% (proven, probable and possible) with 7.35% of infections being classified as proven or probable. Although limited by a small sample size, our study demonstrates the feasibility of local guidelines in a real life setting and outlines areas for improvement in both guidelines and clinical practice. We also highlight the importance of ensuring awareness of guidelines and raise questions about a uniform approach to antifungal prophylaxis in AML patients.
Identification of factors required for m6A mRNA methylation in Arabidopsis reveals a role for the conserved E3 ubiquitin ligase HAKAI
Authors: Růžička Kamil , Zhang Mi , Campilho Ana , Bodi Zsuzsanna , Kashif Muhammad , Saleh Mária , Eeckhout Dominique , El‐Showk Sedeer , Li Hongying , Zhong Silin , De Jaeger Geert , Mongan Nigel P. , Hejátko Jan , Helariutta Ykä , Fray Rupert G.
Published: May 2017

N6‐adenosine methylation (m6A) of mRNA is an essential process in most eukaryotes, but its role and the status of factors accompanying this modification are still poorly understood.

Using combined methods of genetics, proteomics and RNA biochemistry, we identified a core set of mRNA m6A writer proteins in Arabidopsis thaliana.

The components required for m6A in Arabidopsis included MTA, MTB, FIP37, VIRILIZER and the E3 ubiquitin ligase HAKAI. Downregulation of these proteins led to reduced relative m6A levels and shared pleiotropic phenotypes, which included aberrant vascular formation in the root, indicating that correct m6A methylation plays a role in developmental decisions during pattern formation.

The conservation of these proteins amongst eukaryotes and the demonstration of a role in writing m6A for the E3 ubiquitin ligase HAKAI is likely to be of considerable relevance beyond the plant sciences.
Nitrogen and phosphorus availabilities interact to modulate leaf trait scaling relationships across six plant functional types in a controlled‐environment study
Authors: Crous Kristine Y. , O'Sullivan Odhran S. , Zaragoza‐Castells Joana , Bloomfield Keith J. , Negrini A. Clarissa A. , Meir Patrick , Turnbull Matthew H. , Griffin Kevin L. , Atkin Owen K.
Published: May 2017

Nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) have key roles in leaf metabolism, resulting in a strong coupling of chemical composition traits to metabolic rates in field‐based studies. However, in such studies, it is difficult to disentangle the effects of nutrient supply per se on trait–trait relationships.

Our study assessed how high and low N (5 mM and 0.4 mM, respectively) and P (1 mM and 2 μM, respectively) supply in 37 species from six plant functional types (PTFs) affected photosynthesis (A) and respiration (R) (in darkness and light) in a controlled environment.

Low P supply increased scaling exponents (slopes) of area‐based log–log A–N or R–N relationships when N supply was not limiting, whereas there was no P effect under low N supply. By contrast, scaling exponents of A–P and R–P relationships were altered by P and N supply. Neither R : A nor light inhibition of leaf R was affected by nutrient supply. Light inhibition was 26% across nutrient treatments; herbaceous species exhibited a lower degree of light inhibition than woody species.

Because N and P supply modulates leaf trait−trait relationships, the next generation of terrestrial biosphere models may need to consider how limitations in N and P availability affect trait−trait relationships when predicting carbon exchange.
The science behind One Health: at the interface of humans, animals, and the environment
Authors: Murtaugh Michael P. , Steer Clifford J. , Sreevatsan Srinand , Patterson Ned , Kennedy Shaun , Sriramarao P.
Published: May 2017

Humans face a grand quality‐of‐life challenge as growing demands for resources for an ever‐expanding population threaten the existence of wildlife populations, degrade land, and pollute air and water. Public investment and policy decisions that will shape future interactions of humans, animals, and the environment need scientific input to help find common ground for durable and sustainable success. The Second International Conference on One Medicine One Science brought together a broad range of scientists, trainees, regulatory authorities, and health experts from 34 countries to inform and discuss the human impacts of air quality; the complexities of water quality, access, and conflicts; the opportunities and uncertainties in precision medicine; and the role of science communication in health policy formulation. Workshops focused on the roles and development of physician–scientists and multidisciplinary teams in complex problem solving, Big Data tools for analysis and visualization, international policy development processes, and health models that benefit animals and humans. Key realizations were that local and regional health challenges at the interface of humans, animals, and the environment are variations of the same overarching conflicts and that international gatherings provide new opportunities for investigation and policy development that are broadly applicable.
Beneficial effects of ginger Zingiber officinale Roscoe on obesity and metabolic syndrome: a review
Authors: Wang Jing , Ke Weixin , Bao Rui , Hu Xiaosong , Chen Fang
Published: May 2017

In recent years, metabolic syndromes (MetSs), including diabetes mellitus, dyslipidemia, and cardiovascular diseases, have become a common health problem in both developed and developing countries. Accumulating data have suggested that traditional herbs might be able to provide a wide range of remedies in prevention and treatment of MetSs. Ginger (Zingiber officinale Roscoe, Zingiberaceae) has been documented to ameliorate hyperlipidemia, hyperglycemia, oxidative stress, and inflammation. These beneficial effects are mediated by transcription factors, such as peroxisome proliferator–activated receptors, adenosine monophosphate–activated protein kinase, and nuclear factor κB. This review focuses on recent findings regarding the beneficial effects of ginger on obesity and related complications in MetS and discusses its potential mechanisms of action. This review provides guidance for further applications of ginger for personalized nutrition and medicine.
Financial Risk Propensity, Business Cycles and Perceived Risk Exposure
Authors: Bucciol Alessandro , Miniaci Raffaele
Published: May 2017

We analyse whether individual financial risk propensity changes over time with background financial conditions, as well as personal and subjective portfolio risk exposure. We elicit risk propensity from six different self‐assessed facets collected in a long panel data set from the DNB Household Survey, annually covering the period 1995–2015. Risk propensity is generally higher during periods of economic growth and lower during periods of recession, but is untrended when elicited, using questions referring to safe investments. Our risk propensity measure is also higher following positive stock market returns or subjectively large risk exposure in own past investments.
The present and future effects of land use on ecological assemblages in tropical grasslands and savannas in Africa
Authors: Newbold Tim , Boakes Elizabeth H. , Hill Samantha L. L. , Harfoot Michael B. J. , Collen Ben
Published: May 2017

The world is currently experiencing a period of rapid, human‐driven biodiversity loss. Over the past decade, numerous metrics for biodiversity have been used to create indicators to track change in biodiversity. However, our ability to predict future changes has been limited. In this study, we use two very different models to predict the status and possible futures for the composition and diversity of ecological assemblages in African tropical grasslands and savannas under land‐use change. We show that ecological assemblages are affected more by land use in African grasslands and savannas than in other biomes. We estimate that average losses of assemblage composition and diversity are already between 9.7 and 42.0%, depending on the model and measure used. If current socio‐economic trajectories continue (‘business‐as‐usual’), the likely associated land‐use changes are predicted to lead to a further 5.6–12.3% loss of assemblage composition and diversity. In contrast, a scenario that assumes more efficient use of agricultural areas (thus requiring a smaller total area) could be associated with a partial reversal ‒ of as much as 3.2% ‒ of past losses. While the agriculture that causes the majority of land‐use change is an important source of economic growth, projections of the effects of land use on ecological assemblages can allow for more informed decisions.
The difference between cycloplegic and non‐cycloplegic autorefraction and its association with progression of refractive error in Beijing urban children
Authors: Lin Zhong , Vasudevan Balamurali , Ciuffreda Kenneth J. , Zhou Hong Jia , Mao Guang Yun , Wang Ning Li , Liang Yuan Bo
Published: May 2017

Purpose

To investigate the difference between cycloplegic and non‐cycloplegic autorefraction and its association with the progression of refractive error in Beijing urban children.

Methods

A total of 386 children aged 6–17 years were enrolled in the baseline investigation of the Beijing Myopia Progression Study in 2010. They were invited for follow‐up vision examinations in the years 2011, 2012, and 2013, including cycloplegic (cyclopentolate 1%, three times) autorefraction. We investigated the difference between the cycloplegic spherical equivalent (SE) and the non‐cycloplegic SE (DSE) provided by autorefraction and its association with refractive error progression. The progression of refractive error was defined as the difference between the cycloplegic SE at follow‐up and at baseline.

Results

Two hundred and nineteen children (57%) with completed refractive data (mean ± standard deviation: −1.36 ± 2.44 D at baseline) were ultimately enrolled. The DSE reduced from 0.51 ± 0.72 D at baseline to 0.19 ± 0.43 D in the third year of follow‐up (p = 0.01). The baseline DSE was positively associated with the children's baseline cycloplegic refraction (β = 0.193 dioptre dioptre−1, p < 0.001). After further divided by refractive status, the DSE was consistently higher in the hyperopic group than in either the emmetropic or myopic groups at each follow‐up (all p < 0.001). In the multivariate regression analysis, the myopic children with larger baseline DSE (β = −0.404 dioptre dioptre−1, p = 0.01) exhibited more myopic refractive change. However, baseline DSE was not found to be a significant risk factor (relative risk, 95% confidence interval: 1.06, 0.79–1.41) for those with newly developed myopia.

Conclusion

In this sample, the children's DSE was found to be increased as the hyperopic refraction increased. Furthermore, greater the DSE was associated with the progression of refractive error among the myopic children, but not with the onset of myopia.
Changing the paradigm for diagnostic MRI in pediatrics: Don't hold your breath
Authors: Masaracchia Melissa M. , Tsapakos Michael J. , McNulty Nancy J. , Beach Michael L.
Published: May 2017

Increasingly complex pediatric patients and improvements in technology warrant reevaluation of the risk associated with anesthesia for diagnostic imaging. Although magnetic resonance imaging is the imaging modality of choice for children given the potentially harmful effects of computerized tomography‐associated ionizing radiation, we dare to suggest that certain patients would benefit from the liberalization of our current standard. Incorporating the use of newer computerized tomography technology may improve safety for those that are already at higher risk for adverse events. Furthermore, magnetic resonance imaging is not risk‐free—what is often overlooked is the need for controlled ventilation and breath‐holding to minimize motion artifact. As physicians at the forefront of the development and sustainability of the perioperative surgical home, anesthesiologists must work to not only optimize patients preoperatively but should also act as gatekeepers for procedural safety.
Quantification of root water uptake in soil using X‐ray computed tomography and image‐based modelling
Authors: Daly Keith R. , Tracy Saoirse R. , Crout Neil M.J. , Mairhofer Stefan , Pridmore Tony P. , Mooney Sacha J. , Roose Tiina
Published: May 2017

Spatially averaged models of root–soil interactions are often used to calculate plant water uptake. Using a combination of X‐ray computed tomography (CT) and image‐based modelling, we tested the accuracy of this spatial averaging by directly calculating plant water uptake for young wheat plants in two soil types. The root system was imaged using X‐ray CT at 2, 4, 6, 8 and 12 d after transplanting. The roots were segmented using semi‐automated root tracking for speed and reproducibility. The segmented geometries were converted to a mesh suitable for the numerical solution of Richards' equation. Richards' equation was parameterized using existing pore scale studies of soil hydraulic properties in the rhizosphere of wheat plants. Image‐based modelling allows the spatial distribution of water around the root to be visualized and the fluxes into the root to be calculated. By comparing the results obtained through image‐based modelling to spatially averaged models, the impact of root architecture and geometry in water uptake was quantified. We observed that the spatially averaged models performed well in comparison to the image‐based models with <2% difference in uptake. However, the spatial averaging loses important information regarding the spatial distribution of water near the root system.
Recognizing Latinos’ range of skin pigment and phototypes to enhance skin cancer prevention
Authors: Robinson June K. , Penedo Frank J. , Hay Jennifer L. , Jablonski Nina G.
Published: May 2017

Latinos in the United States may have the mistaken assumption that their natural pigmentation protects them from developing skin cancer that, effectively, serves as a barrier to Latinos receiving education in primary and secondary prevention of skin cancer. Latino adults of Mexican or Puerto Rican heritage attending community health fairs in the greater Chicago area responded to a culturally informed and sensitive measure for sunburn and tan, which was previously adapted to capture skin irritation with tenderness from the sun occurring in darker skin types (n = 350). By self‐reported responses and spectrophotometry assessment of constitutive pigmentation, adapted Fitzpatrick skin types (FST) ranged from skin type I–IV in the Mexican American participants and from II to V in the Puerto Rican participants. The objectively measured proportion of adapted FST II skin type was greater than commonly perceived and demonstrated that many Latinos do indeed have sun‐sensitive skin.
Interactions Between phyB and PIF Proteins Alter Thermal Reversion Reactions in vitro
Authors: Smith Robert W. , Helwig Britta , Westphal Adrie H. , Pel Eran , Borst Jan Willem , Fleck Christian
Published: May 2017

The dynamic behavior of the plant red/far‐red light photoreceptor phytochrome B (phyB) has been elucidated in natural and synthetic systems. Red light switches phyB from the inactive Pr state to the active Pfr state, a process that is reversed by far‐red light. Alongside light signals, phyB activity is constrained by thermal reversion (that is prominent in the dark) and protein–protein interactions between phyB, other phytochrome molecules, and, among others, PHYTOCHROME INTERACTING FACTORs (PIFs). Requirements for phyB‐PIF association have been well studied and are central to light‐regulated synthetic tools. However, it is unknown whether PIF interactions influence transitions of phyB between different conformers. Here, we show that the in vitro thermal reversion of phyB involves multiple reactions. Thermal reversion of phyB in vitro is inhibited by PIF6, and this effect is observed at all temperatures tested. We analyzed our experimental data using a mathematical model containing multiple Pfr conformers, in accordance with previous findings. Remarkably, each Pfr conformer is differentially regulated by PIF6 and temperature. As a result, we speculate that in vivo phytochrome signaling networks may require similar levels of complexity to fine‐tune responses to the external environment.
Perspectives on the specific targeting of Fusarium graminearum for the development of alternative head blight treatment approaches
Authors: Cuperlovic‐Culf M. , Loewen M. , Rajagopalan N. , Surendra A.
Published: May 2017

Diseases of agricultural crops caused by fungi have devastating economic and health effects. Fusarium head blight (FHB) is one of the most damaging diseases of wheat and other small grain cereals. FHB reduces agricultural yield while also affecting food supply and safety through deposition of toxins (mycotoxins/phytotoxins). Control of FHB growth and toxin accumulation in grains remain major challenges. While the ultimate goal in the battle against FHB is the development of resistant wheat varieties, the actual use of fully resistant plants that preclude any need for treatment with fungicides remains out of sight. Current antifungals being applied against FHB are generally azole‐based inhibitors. However, usage of these azole‐based fungicides is being complicated by the facts that these are active only during specific short‐lived developmental time periods, fungi are developing increased resistance to them and they are having significant environmental impacts. As such, there is a great need for more targeted, specific and effective antifungal agents to address the significant threat of FHB. This review provides an overview of some of the more promising fungal targets that are currently being investigated for antifungal development.
Wetland restoration by natural succession in abandoned pastures with a degraded soil seed bank
Authors: Morimoto Junko , Shibata Masatoshi , Shida Yuichiro , Nakamura Futoshi
Published: May 2017

Natural restoration of historical wetland plant communities in fallow fields with a degraded seed bank has been assumed to be possible only if source populations of the target species are present adjacent to the abandoned fields and a high density of suitable microsites is available. However, few studies have monitored both factors simultaneously and verified this assumption. We hypothesized that plant communities that are similar to historical wetlands, including back marshes, back swamps, and bogs, will reestablish in abandoned pasturelands in cases when (1) gaps for new recruitment emerge, followed by the decline of pastures; and (2) seeds with longevity are supplied from the surrounding remnant plant communities of wetlands. We conducted a survey of vegetation and microsites in pastures, abandoned pastures, and reference wetlands followed by structural equation modeling to verify our hypothesis for the natural restoration of Phragmites australis–Phalaris arundinacea and Alnus japonica–Spiraea salicifolia communities. These communities represent historical back marshes and back swamps along a river. However, our hypothesis was not verified for the natural restoration of Vaccinium oxycoccos–Sphagnum spp. communities, which represent plant communities in historical bogs grown on acidic peat that are maintained by rainfall and fog. Our findings partly support our hypothesis that decline in pastures creates gaps and that cumulative seed dispersal from nearby remnant wetlands allows the original wetland plant communities to regenerate. Further case studies are needed to determine how the natural restoration of bog plant communities occurs.
Hiring and Separation Rates Before and after the Arab Spring in the Tunisian Labour Market
Authors: Heshmati Almas , Haouas Ilham , Sohag Kazi , Shahbaz Muhammad
Published: May 2017

We seek to explore the hiring and separation rates in Tunisia before and after the Arab Spring based on quarterly business level data for 503 firms over the span of January 2007 to December 2012. Furthermore, we examine whether employers are willing to dismiss older workers to trigger an effective increase in mobility that will open new opportunities for the youth community. We build our analysis upon six main empirical models to study employment decisions reflected by major indicators such as the number of hiring, number of separations, total employment effects, male‐female ratio, age cohorts, labour mobility and net employment. The results show that the Arab Spring has created structural unemployment trends. In addition, we note that the 2008 global turmoil has fostered the firing level of employment. Our conclusions also indicate that the response of Tunisia's government to high unemployment rates caused by the financial meltdown in 2008 and the events in 2011 was not sufficient to remove the attached lingering effects that still distress the country's labour market. In addition, our findings emphasize the significant challenges faced by Tunisian youth that could be mitigated by efficient policy actions to incentivize training and development geared towards the private sector.
Media Reporting on Suicide: Evaluating the Effects of Including Preventative Resources and Psychoeducational Information on Suicide Risk, Attitudes, Knowledge, and Help‐Seeking Behaviors
Authors: Williams Caitlin L. , Witte Tracy K.
Published: May 2017

We evaluated the effects of exposure to a suicide news article on a variety of outcome variables and whether adhering to one specific media guideline (i.e., including psychoeducational information and preventative resources) buffered any of the negative effects of exposure. Participants were randomly assigned to read one of three articles and then asked to complete a battery of self‐report questionnaires. Overall, we found no effect of exposure to a suicide news article, regardless of the inclusion of resources and information, with a few minor exceptions. Although researchers have demonstrated the effectiveness of media guidelines in the aggregate at reducing imitative suicidal behavior, it remains unclear which guidelines in particular are responsible for this effect.
TypeLoader: A fast and efficient automated workflow for the annotation and submission of novel full‐length HLA alleles
Authors: Surendranath V. , Albrecht V. , Hayhurst J. D. , Schöne B. , Robinson J. , Marsh S. G. E. , Schmidt A. H. , Lange V.
Published: May 2017

Recent years have seen a rapid increase in the discovery of novel allelic variants of the human leukocyte antigen (HLA) genes. Commonly, only the exons encoding the peptide binding domains of novel HLA alleles are submitted. As a result, the IPD‐IMGT/HLA Database lacks sequence information outside those regions for the majority of known alleles. This has implications for the application of the new sequencing technologies, which deliver sequence data often covering the complete gene. As these technologies simplify the characterization of the complete gene regions, it is desirable for novel alleles to be submitted as full‐length sequences to the database. However, the manual annotation of full‐length alleles and the generation of specific formats required by the sequence repositories is prone to error and time consuming. We have developed TypeLoader to address both these facets. With only the full‐length sequence as a starting point, Typeloader performs automatic sequence annotation and subsequently handles all steps involved in preparing the specific formats for submission with very little manual intervention. TypeLoader is routinely used at the DKMS Life Science Lab and has aided in the successful submission of more than 900 novel HLA alleles as full‐length sequences to the European Nucleotide Archive repository and the IPD‐IMGT/HLA Database with a 95% reduction in the time spent on annotation and submission when compared with handling these processes manually. TypeLoader is implemented as a web application and can be easily installed and used on a standalone Linux desktop system or within a Linux client/server architecture. TypeLoader is downloadable from http://www.github.com/DKMS‐LSL/typeloader.
Influence of an intentionally induced posterior lens capsule rupture on the real‐time intraocular pressure during phacoemulsification in canine ex vivo eyes
Authors: Kang Seonmi , Park Sangwan , Park Eunjin , Lim Jaegook , Seo Kangmoon
Published: May 2017

Objective

To evaluate the changes in the intraocular pressure (IOP) following an intentionally induced posterior lens capsule rupture (PLCR) during phacoemulsification in enucleated canine eyes. Furthermore, to compare the IOPs between different stages of phacoemulsification for two different bottle heights (BH).

Procedures

Coaxial phacoemulsification was performed using a venturi‐based machine at a 60 or 90 cm BH. A pressure transducer, inserted into the anterior chamber through the peripheral cornea, monitored real‐time IOP. For one half of the lens, the sculpt‐segment removal (SS) was followed by irrigation/aspiration (IA). The PLCR was intentionally created, and the SS and IA were repeated on the residual lens fragments.

Results

For the 60 cm BH, the mean IOP following the PLCR was significantly higher than before the PLCR during SS (28.30 ± 12.56 and 38.71 ± 9.43 mmHg before and after PLCR, respectively) and IA (42.76 ± 12.46 and 47.88 ± 7.10 mmHg before and after PLCR, respectively) stages (P < 0.001). For the 90 cm BH, the mean IOP following the PLCR was also significantly higher than before the PLCR during SS (33.39 ± 11.09 and 58.17 ± 6.89 mmHg before and after PLCR, respectively) and IA (62.39 ± 12.46 and 72.04 ± 8.59 mmHg before and after PLCR, respectively) stages (P < 0.001).

Conclusions

The occurrence of a PLCR led to an increase in IOP during both the SS and IA stages. The elevated IOP after the PLCR might be one of the most important factors for ocular tissue damage, as it reduces ocular perfusion. Additionally, the BH should be reduced following PLCR to prevent complications stemming from the raised IOP.
Views, Achievements and Implementation of Preschool Teachers Regarding Movement Education Workshop
Authors: Mirzeoglu A. Dilsad , Altay Figen , Agca Sumeyra Sert
Published: May 2017

The aim of this study was to determine the views, achievements and actions of preschool teachers regarding the workshop on movement education. In this study qualitative research design and action research approach were used. The participants comprised 10 voluntary female preschool teachers working in the Central district of Bolu province. In order to collect data, the drawings of the participants, open-ended questions and focus group interviews were used. Content analysis technique was used on the analysis of data obtained in the study. According to the findings, the preschool teachers thought that the attendance of workshop improved self-development. Teachers stated that workshop caused the improvement of their knowledge, skills and self-confidence about movement education and help them to overcome the problems they experienced with teaching this subject. However, they determined that with the use of more gross muscle activity in class and outdoor space (garden), they could design a variety of activities and materials, and stated that in this way the students would also become more active individuals. Another important effect of the workshop on the teachers was the encouragement of the teachers to collaborate between the members of their own professional group in the creation of the activities. Thus, this kind of workshops should be seen as important for preschool teachers and should become prevalent in their practice.
Second flip in the Hassett–Keel program: existence of good moduli spaces
Authors: Alper Jarod , Fedorchuk Maksym , Smyth David Ishii
Published: May 2017

We prove a general criterion for an algebraic stack to admit a good moduli space. This result may be considered as a generalization of the Keel–Mori theorem, which guarantees the existence of a coarse moduli space for a separated Deligne–Mumford stack. We apply this result to prove that the moduli stacks $\overline{{\mathcal{M}}}_{g,n}(\unicode[STIX]{x1D6FC})$ parameterizing $\unicode[STIX]{x1D6FC}$-stable curves introduced in [J. Alper et al., Second flip in the Hassett–Keel program: a local description, Compositio Math. 153 (2017), 1547–1583] admit good moduli spaces.
An Overview of Theories of Continuum Mechanics With Nonlocal Elastic Response and a General Framework for Conservative and Dissipative Systems
Authors: Srinivasa Arun R. , Reddy J. N.
Published: May 2017

The aim of this review is to classify and provide a summary of the most widely used theories of continuum mechanics with nonlocal elastic response ranging from generalized continua to peridynamics showing, in broad outlines, the similarities and differences between them. We then show that, for elastic materials, these disparate approaches can be unified using a total energy-based methodology. While our primary focus is on elastic response, we show that a large class of local and nonlocal dissipative systems can also be unified by extending this methodology to a wide (but special) class of nonlocal dissipative continua. We hope that the paper may serve as a starting point for researchers for the development of novel nonlocal models.
Shape Morphing Mechanism for Improving Wind Turbines Performance
Authors: Alejandro Franco Jesus , Carlos Jauregui Juan , Carbajal Andres , Toledano-Ayala Manuel
Published: May 2017

Wind energy technology is facing new challenges due to the increment in rotor diameter. Nowadays, several studies focus on the development of new flow control methods for load alleviation, in order to increase the lifetime of the blades. This paper describes a shape morphing-based method for smart blades. The study includes an aerodynamic model with a computational search algorithm to find the optimal Cp. A section with shape morphing technology was developed to prove the performance of the method. The smart blade prototype section incorporates a novel structure with a flexible skin and a compliant mechanism. This deformable structure achieves the required displacements for different NACA profiles through camber morphing. In this way, the efficiency and the load variations are improved. The compliant mechanism has to be as light as possible and it has to be competitive in cost. In order to achieve these limitations, different actuating mechanisms were evaluated. Among different possibilities, servo actuators presented higher load/weight capabilities and the required displacement ratios to cover the entire deformable range. The airfoil is modified according to the wind condition and the wind speed is the input variable for controlling the actuators displacement. The control algorithm has a very high frequency response; in this way, the blade profile can be modified in a shorter time and it can respond to high wind velocity variations. Therefore, a deformable section improves the overall performance of wind turbines since it increases power and extends the lifetime of the blades.
Design and Comparison of Solar Thermal Oilfield Steam Production System Plans
Authors: Zhang Cheng , Zhang Yanping , Lei Xiaolin , Gao Wei
Published: May 2017

Parabolic trough solar concentrating technology is a new and clean way to replace the conventional fossil fuel technology to generate steam for heavy oil recovery in oilfield. A computational model was constructed with simulated direct normal irradiance from nearby similar climate locations. Different system configurations were analyzed with the model, such as with single- and dual-loop, with and without heat storage system. Finally, several solar field configurations with different collector field layouts were compared by the cost of unit generated steam. Results show that using heat storage can effectively improve the stability of steam production, and in a certain oilfield, an optimum steam production amount and optimum heat storage time (HST) exist for lowest steam cost. The methods and results in the paper provide useful suggestions for the implementation of a solar thermal oilfield steam production system.
Optical Modeling and Analysis of the First Moroccan Linear Fresnel Solar Collector Prototype
Authors: El Alj Soukaina , Al Mers Ahmed , Merroun Ossama , Bouatem Abdelfattah , Boutammachte Noureddine , Ajdad Hamid , Benyakhlef Sara , Filali Baba Yousra
Published: May 2017

Recently, linear Fresnel reflectors (LFR) arouse an increasing interest by the scientific and industrial community and have had a really fast development in the domain of concentrated solar power (CSP). LFR is considered as a promising technology which could produce an optical performance lower than those of parabolic trough collector, but its component simplicity would allow high cost reductions in its manufacturing compared to high investment costs of parabolic troughs. The purpose of this paper is to analyze the optical performances of an LFR prototype developed in the framework of CHAMS project, Morocco. The development of this prototype comes to supply industrial applications needing heat at small to medium temperature levels. To achieve this objective, an optical code based on the Monte Carlo (MC) ray tracing technique was developed for optical optimization purposes. The developed code identifies geometrical parameters that have a greater influence on optical efficiency of the LFR system as the mirror spacing arrangement, the receiver height, the receiver geometrical configuration taking into account the secondary reflector shape, and the absorber tube diameter. An analysis is conducted to identify the contribution of each mode of optical losses (blocking, shading, cosine…) in the optical efficiency of the system. Then, an optimization procedure is applied to enhance the optical performances of the prototype.
Interplay between adsorbed peptide structure, trapped water, and surface hydrophobicity
Authors: Krause Katherine D. , Roy Sandra , Hore Dennis K.
Published: May 2017

Atomistic molecular dynamics simulations were used to study the influence of interfacial water on the orientation and conformation of a facewise amphipathic α-helical peptide adsorbed to hydrophilic and hydrophobic substrates. Water behavior beneath the peptide adsorbed to a hydrophilic surface was observed to vary with the height of the peptide above the surface. In general, the orientation of water close to the peptide (with the oxygen atom pointing up toward the peptide) was complementary to that observed near the hydrophilic surface in the absence of peptide. That is, no change in orientation of water trapped between the peptide and a hydrophilic surface is required as the peptide approaches the surface. The adsorption of the peptide to the hydrophilic surface was observed to be mediated by a layer of ordered water. Water was found to be largely excluded on adsorption to the hydrophobic surface. However, the small amount of water present was observed to be highly ordered. At the closest point of contact to the hydrophobic surface, the peptide was observed to make direct contact. These findings shed light on the fundamental driving forces of peptide adsorption to hydrophobic and hydrophilic surfaces in aqueous environments.
Low temperature carrier transport mechanism in high-mobility zinc oxynitride thin-film transistors
Authors: Kim Hee-Joong , Hong Sae-Young , Kim Dae-Hwan , Jeong Hwan-Seok , Kwon Hyuck-In
Published: May 2017

The authors investigate the low-temperature carrier transport mechanism in high-mobility zinc oxynitride (ZnON) thin-film transistors (TFTs) over a wide range of operating temperatures below room temperature (90–293 K) by analyzing the temperature-dependent field-effect characteristics. In the subthreshold and transition regions, the variable range hopping and trap-limited band transport are considered as dominant carrier transport mechanisms in the ZnON TFT at temperatures below ∼207 K and above ∼243 K, respectively. In the above-threshold region, the field-effect mobility almost linearly depends on 1/T (T: absolute temperature) at all temperatures, which represents that the trap-limited band transport is the dominant carrier transport mechanism through the entire temperature range of 90 to 293 K in the fabricated ZnON TFT. Approximately 1 order of magnitude higher subgap density of states is extracted from the fabricated ZnON TFT compared with a conventional amorphous indium-gallium-zinc oxide TFT, which is primarily attributed to the large number of defective ZnXNY bonds inside the ZnON.
Low tolerance of salt water in a marine fish: new and historical evidence for surprising local adaption in the well-studied commercially exploited capelin
Authors: Purchase Craig F.
Published: May 2017

Intraspecific biodiversity among populations is ecologically and evolutionarily notable. Substantial adaptations in well-studied commercial species should be obvious and ought to have been uncovered. The tenet of marine stability posits relatively little local adaptation in the sea, except for temperature responses to latitude for widespread species. However, aquatic reproduction is tightly constrained by water chemistry, which may lead to abstruse adaptations. Capelin (Mallotus villosus) reproduction has been studied for over a century, occurring within pebble substrate on beaches or the seafloor of continental shelves. Offshore spawners (Iceland/Barents Sea) have embryos with tolerance of high salinity. I provide new and historical data on beach spawners from several areas indicating that their embryos perform well from ∼2 to 28 psu, but at higher salinities indicative of coastal seawater, there is poor hatch success, larvae take longer to hatch, hatch at a smaller size, and starve more quickly. The body of evidence supports the hypothesis that beach spawning evolved from anadromy, with offshore spawning a derived state, enabled by increased salinity tolerance. The results have recovery implications for depleted Newfoundland stocks, which have been spawning seasonally late under relatively high salinity for over 25 years.