bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Interactive effects of seasonal drought and elevated atmospheric carbon dioxide concentration on prokaryotic rhizosphere communities
Authors: Drigo Barbara , Nielsen Uffe N. , Jeffries Thomas C. , Curlevski Nathalie J. A. , Singh Brajesh K. , Duursma Remko A. , Anderson Ian C.
Published: May 2017

Global change models indicate that rainfall patterns are likely to shift towards more extreme events concurrent with increasing atmospheric carbon dioxide concentration ([CO2]). Both changes in [CO2] and rainfall regime are known to impact above‐ and belowground communities, but the interactive effects of these global change drivers have not been well explored, particularly belowground. In this experimental study, we examined the effects of elevated [CO2] (ambient + 240 ppm; [eCO2]) and changes in rainfall patterns (seasonal drought) on soil microbial communities associated with forest ecosystems. Our results show that bacterial and archaeal communities are highly resistant to seasonal drought under ambient [CO2]. However, substantial taxa specific responses to seasonal drought were observed at [eCO2], suggesting that [eCO2] compromise the resistance of microbial communities to extreme events. Within the microbial community we were able to identify three types of taxa specific responses to drought: tolerance, resilience and sensitivity that contributed to this pattern. All taxa were tolerant to seasonal drought at [aCO2], whereas resilience and sensitivity to seasonal drought were much greater in [eCO2]. These results provide strong evidence that [eCO2] moderates soil microbial community responses to drought in forests, with potential implications for their long‐term persistence and ecosystem functioning.
Discovery of a new intravacuolar protein required for the autophagy, development and virulence of Beauveria bassiana
Authors: Chu Zhen‐Jian , Sun Huan‐Huan , Zhu Xiao‐Guan , Ying Sheng‐Hua , Feng Ming‐Guang
Published: May 2017

High proportions of hypothetical proteins exist in genomic databases of fungi, including putative secretory proteins (PSPs) likely involved in fungal invasion and virulence. Here we characterize one of many PSPs revealed in the previous transcriptome of Beauveria bassiana (a fungal insect pathogen) infecting a global lepidopteran pest and name it vacuole‐localized protein 4 (VLP4) because this small, domain‐lacking protein (22.96 kDa) was specifically localized in the vacuoles of hyphal cells. Deletion of VLP4 resulted in repression of almost all genes acting in autophagy and central development pathways. Consequently, the deletion mutant formed no autophagosome in hyphal vacuoles and displayed severe defects in aerial conidiation. conidial hydrophobicity to the insect surface, and secretion of cuticle‐degrading Pr1 proteases required for normal cuticle infection. Blastospore formation was inhibited in the submerged mutant culture mimic to insect haemolymph, and formation of hyphal bodies in vivo was delayed. The fungal virulence was attenuated in the absence of VLP4. These phenotypic defects were well restored by targeted gene complementation. Our findings unveil a vital role of VLP4 in B. bassiana and call attention to many more PSPs for new insights into the interactions of fungal insect pathogens with insects.
Why Be Accountable? Exploring Voluntary Accountability of Australian Private Ancillary Funds
Authors: Williamson Alexandra , Luke Belinda , Furneaux Craig
Published: May 2017

The aim of this paper is to consider why Private Ancillary Funds (PAFs), endowed philanthropic foundations with no public reporting requirements, engage in accountability in its various forms. This exploratory, qualitative study reports on perspectives on accountability from 10 semi‐structured interviews with PAF managers and/or trustees from three Australian states. Through the lens of March and Olsen's (2011) logics of action and Karsten's (2015) typology of motivational forms for voluntary accountability, findings show that although logics of appropriateness and consequentiality explain many reasons why PAFs engage in voluntary accountability, some reasons do not fit comfortably within either logic. The findings challenge conceptions embedded in much non‐profit accountability literature that motivations for and purposes of accountability are linked with sustainability and survival. By examining this subset of non‐profit organisations subject to limited regulatory accountability, a clearer understanding of motivations for voluntary accountability is achieved.
Concluding Comments to the Debate
Authors: Lipsey Richard G. , Ng Yew‐Kwang
Published: May 2017

In this final piece to the symposium for a special issue ofPacific Economic Reviewon the theories and applications of second‐best and third‐best theories, Richard Lipsey and Yew‐Kwang Ng provide their final comments to the debate. Several issues of agreement and disagreement are discussed. Most importantly, while both agree on the formal correctness of both the second‐best and third‐best theories, Lipsey believes the main proposition of third‐best theory (following the first‐best rules under Informational Poverty) is applicable only to a situation (status quo) where the first‐best rule (such as taxing a pollution at the marginal damage of $N) is already being followed; Ng regards it as applicable whether or not the first‐best rule is currently being followed. This also partly explains their difference on the practical policy relevance and the importance of that theory.
Financing China's Suburbanization: Capital Accumulation through Suburban Land Development in Hangzhou
Authors: Liu Yong , Yue Wenze , Fan Peilei , Peng Yi , Zhang Zhengtao
Published: May 2017

China's rapid urbanization has resulted in substantial suburbanization over recent decades. However, limited research has been conducted into how land‐based capital is mobilized, accumulated and circulated within the circuits of the capital accumulation process, or how land‐based capital is used to finance massive investment in suburbanization by China's local governments, especially since the trend in land commodification during the 2000s. We examined the capital switching experience in the city of Hangzhou and our findings indicate that local governments have attempted to simultaneously strengthen housing development and industrial growth. In contrast to experiences of suburbanization in Western countries, a real estate boom during the early days of suburbanization in Hangzhou was not necessarily the result of diversion of excess capital from over‐accumulated investments in the manufacturing industry. Rather, it was a consequence of capital accumulation facilitated by land‐reserve systems and land‐based financing of infrastructure orchestrated by local government. Local governments and their affiliated land‐reserve centers and local investment platforms have acted as entrepreneurs by using profits from suburban property development to subsidize industrial investments and fund the infrastructure‐supported expansion of outer suburbs. These findings highlight the potential risks of land‐centered accumulation and provide important reflections upon the theory of David Harvey in the context of urban China.
Using Alkylate Components for Classifying Gasoline in Fire Debris Samples
Authors: Peschier Leo J.C. , Grutters Michiel M.P. , Hendrikse Jeanet N.
Published: May 2017

The characteristic that discriminates gasoline from other ignitable liquids is that it contains high‐octane blending components. This study elaborates on the idea that the presence of gasoline in fire debris samples should be based on the detection of known high‐octane blending components. The potential of the high‐octane blending component alkylate as a characteristic feature for gasoline detection and identification in fire debris samples is explored. We have devised characteristic features for the detection of alkylate and verified the presence of alkylate in a large collection of gasoline samples from petrol stations in the Netherlands. Alkylate was detected in the vast majority of the samples. It is demonstrated that alkylate can be detected in fire debris samples that contain traces of gasoline by means of routine GC‐MS methods. Detection of alkylate, alongside other gasoline blend components, results in a more solid foundation for gasoline detection and identification in fire debris samples.
Workplace bullying and absenteeism: The mediating roles of poor health and work engagement
Authors: Magee Christopher , Gordon Ross , Robinson Laura , Caputi Peter , Oades Lindsay
Published: May 2017

Workplace bullying is a major problem that affects the well‐being and productivity of employees. Some previous studies have found that workplace bullying is associated with absenteeism, which is a major contributor to lost workplace productivity. However, a comprehensive understanding of how different workplace bullying experiences are associated with absenteeism is currently lacking. In particular no previous studies have examined potential mediators of these relationships. The present article aimed to provide new insights into the relationship between workplace bullying and absenteeism. In a 12‐month prospective study of 500 Australian employees, we identified 5 distinct subtypes of workplace bullying experiences using a person‐centred approach. These bullying subtypes were found to be associated with absenteeism via health impairment and lower work engagement. The findings can be used to inform HR strategies to prevent and manage workplace bullying.
The cross‐cultural study of LMX and individual employee voice: The moderating role of conflict avoidance
Authors: Park Joo‐Young , Nawakitphaitoon Kritkorn
Published: May 2017

This article examines the role of national culture, measured by conflict avoidance, on the relationship between leader–member exchange (LMX) and individual employee voice. Using data collected from automotive industry employees in the United States and Korea, the findings show that conflict avoidance is negatively related to employee voice and also moderates the relationship between LMX and employee voice in the Korean sample. In particular, the relationship between LMX and voice becomes less positive when conflict avoidance is high. On the other hand, conflict avoidance does not have a direct effect on employee voice as well as an interactive effect with LMX on employee voice in the U.S. sample. This study, therefore, highlights the importance of the national culture in the comparative study of employee voice.
Strengthening Labour Rights Provisions in Bilateral Trade Agreements: Making the Case for Voluntary Sustainability Standards
Authors: Marx Axel , Brando Nicolás , Lein Brecht
Published: May 2017

Since 2008, most bilateral and regional EU trade agreements contain so‐called Trade and Sustainable Development chapters. Such sustainability chapters typically include commitments to core ILO labour rights and provide specific monitoring mechanisms to ensure compliance. Several observers however, have voiced concern about the enforcement potential of these provisions in practice, beyond legal and institutional reforms. As a means to overcome this compliance gap, this article explores how the inclusion of existing Voluntary Sustainability Standards (VSS) in trade agreements could potentially enhance the monitoring and enforcement of labour provisions in EU trade agreements. Based on experiences captured in a case‐study on the functioning of the 2013 EU‐Colombia Trade Agreement, we argue that linking VSS to labour provisions in trade agreements could significantly contribute to rendering these provisions more effective. Linking labour provisions to the monitoring and auditing mechanisms of accredited but independent VSS, we argue, could help close a regulatory gap, add credibility to the provisions and help overcome capacity challenges in the implementing countries. In turn, the integration of VSS in trade agreements offers public regulators the opportunity to demand a strengthening of the quality of VSS in terms of their design and procedures.
Support for Ethical Consumerism and Welfare States in the Global Economy: Complements or Substitutes?
Authors: Burgoon Brian , Fransen Luc
Published: May 2017

This paper explores attitudes about alternative paths to promoting labor and social standards in the global political economy: public welfare states protecting workers and social standards through policy and regulation, versus private ‘red consumerism’ protecting standards through consumer buying‐power and corporate social responsibility (CSR). Scholarly debate has emerged over whether these public and private realms reinforce or undermine one another, but has lacked empirical traction to systematically judge such relationships. This paper provides such traction by analyzing European public opinion towards welfare redistribution and towards using consumer power to protect labor and social standards. It matches public opinion data on attitudes towards such issues to measures of existing public and private social protection. The analysis of public opinion suggests that red consumerism is more popular in settings with already‐generous public protection, including strong social‐policy programs and labor regulation. But the tendency of trade competition and other economic risks to spur a citizen's support for welfare‐state redistribution is diminished where CSR activity and ethical consumerism have stronger footholds. While ‘red’ ethical consumerism and CSR activities may be facilitated by generous existing social policies, they might well erode citizen support for those policies.
Progression of early repolarization patterns at a four year follow‐up in a female flight crew population: Implications for aviation medicine
Authors: Rohel Gwénolé , Perrier Eric , Delluc Aurélien , Monin Jonathan , Manen Olivier , Paule Philippe , Piquemal Marie , Mansourati Jacques , Vinsonneau Ulric
Published: May 2017

Background

To assess the prevalence, the appearance, and the distribution, as well as the fluctuation over time of early repolarization patterns after four years in a female population derived from the French aviation sector.

Methods

This was a retrospective longitudinal study from 1998 to 2010 of a population of female employees who received a full clinical examination and an electrocardiogram (ECG) upon their recruitment and after a period of four years.

Results

A total of 306 women were included (average of 25.87 ± 3.3 years of age). The prevalence of early repolarization was 9.2%. The most common appearance was J‐point slurring for 64.3% (i.e. 20/28 subjects) that occurred in the inferior leads for 28.6% (i.e. 8/28 subjects). After four years, the prevalence was 7.5%, with a regression of this aspect in five of the subjects. There were no changes in the ECG in terms of the distribution and the appearance among the 23 subjects for whom the aspect persisted. Over the course of this four year period all of the subjects remained asymptomatic.

Conclusions

Early repolarization in this largely physically inactive female population was common, and it fluctuated over time. At present, no particular restrictions can be placed on asymptomatic flight crew who exhibit this feature in the absence of a prior medical history for heart disease.
Prognostic value of p21‐activated kinase 4 in resected pancreatic cancer
Authors: Park Sehhoon , Kim Jin Won , Kim Haeryoung , Kim Ji‐Won , Kim Yu Jung , Lee Keun‐Wook , Kim Jee Hyun , Kim Jai Hwan , Hwang Jin‐Hyeok , Choi Young Rok , Cho Jai Young , Yoon Yoo‐Seok , Han Ho‐Seong
Published: May 2017

Resectable pancreatic cancer has a high recurrence rate after curative surgery. Biomarkers are needed for distinguishing patients who may benefit from curative resection. In this study, we sought to analyze the prognostic value of p21‐activated kinase 1 (PAK1), p21‐activated kinase 4 (PAK4), human equilibrative nucleoside transporter 1 (hENT1), and thymidylate synthase (TS) in surgically resected pancreatic ductal adenocarcinomas. A total of 160 pancreatic cancer patients who underwent surgery with curative intent were retrospectively reviewed. Tissue microarrays were constructed and immunohistochemical stains were performed for PAK1, PAK4, hENT1, and TS. The absence of PAK4 expression in pancreatic adenocarcinomas was associated with poorer histologic differentiation (p < 0.001), shorter overall survival [hazard ratio (HR) = 2.86, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.43–5.71; p = 0.003], and disease‐free survival (HR = 2.29, 95% CI: 1.11–4.74; p = 0.025) on univariate analyses. In addition, more frequent venous invasion and lymph node metastases were seen in PAK4‐negative tumors although not statistically significant. PAK1, hENT1, and TS expression status did not have significant influences on patient survival. In conclusion, PAK4 of the markers tested in this study may be a potential prognostic biomarker for pancreatic adenocarcinomas.
Application of endobronchial ultrasonography in laparoscopic liver segmentectomy in an animal model
Authors: Abe Tomoyuki , Kobayashi Tsuyoshi , Shimizu Seiichi , Hamaoka Michinori , Iwako Hiroshi , Hashimoto Masakazu , Mikuriya Yoshihiro , Kuroda Shintaro , Tashiro Hirotaka , Ohdan Hideki
Published: May 2017

Introduction

This study investigated whether laparoscopic ultrasound‐guided segment staining and real‐time ultrasound‐guided hepatectomy, with endobronchial ultrasonography equipped with a guide sheath, would be useful for laparoscopic liver segmentectomy in a porcine model.

Material and Surgical Technique

The abdominal cavity (in two pigs) was reached via a 12‐mm umbilical trocar. An artificial tumor was created by radiofrequency ablation within the intended resection area. Portal vein puncture and staining were performed by the endobronchial ultrasonography‐guided method. The targeted portal branch was successfully visualized and punctured with a needle through an equipped guide sheath. After targeted segment staining, the liver parenchyma was resected with a bipolar energy device; the regional Glisson's sheath was ligated and cut, and a surgical specimen was extracted. Real‐time endobronchial ultrasonography from the cut surface provided information vital for preserving the surgical margin. All procedures were performed laparoscopically.

Discussion

This study demonstrated the technical feasibility of laparoscopic ultrasound‐guided portal vein staining and safe surgical resection during laparoscopic liver segmentectomy.
Tehran's Tie: A simple trick to fix the trocar to the abdominal wall and close the entry site of first trocar in laparoscopic surgery
Authors: Mohammadhosseini Bijan
Published: May 2017

Introduction

Trocar dislodgment can occur frequently during minimally invasive surgery. Closing the entry port at the fascial layer after the end of a long laparoscopic surgery is time‐consuming. Here, I introduce Tehran's Tie, a simple trick to overcome these problems.

Materials and Surgical Technique

After the first trocar site has been created with the open technique and before the first port is inserted, the fascial wound is grasped with a loop of nylon thread, similar to a transverse matrix suture. Then, the trocar is inserted through the loop into the abdominal cavity. One thread is tied around the trocar to fix it. Another thread is used to tie and close the fascial defect at the end of laparoscopic surgery.

Discussion

Tehran's Tie is a simple trick for managing the first trocar site in laparoscopic surgery. It is a very useful and easy trick for fixing the first trocar to the abdominal wall and for closing the port site at the end of the procedure.
Endo‐laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair: What is its role?
Authors: Sharma Anil , Chelawat Priyank
Published: May 2017

Hernia repair techniques vary greatly depending upon the setting, surgeons, insurance reimbursement systems, resources, and logistical capabilities. Open mesh repair is the most frequently used technique.

Choosing the best technique for inguinal hernia repair is a challenge. There is no single technique to manage every type of hernia.

Today, laparoscopy and robotics are at the forefront of advanced surgical tools and offer a range of options for general surgeons who are critically evaluating new procedures. However, before using a new procedure, such as endo‐laparoscopic hernia repair, surgeons often ask the rhetorical question, “Why change?” The common considerations are the availability of equipment, familiarity with the anatomy when using these techniques, operative time, cost to the patient, and the potential need to convert to an open procedure. Additionally, we are now seeing a significant shift away from surgeon‐defined benefits to patient‐defined benefits. As patients become more aware of their options for hernia procedures and share their experiences, more and more patients are likely to demand a particular technique. Hence, hernia surgeons should be educated on the different techniques available for inguinal hernia repair, including endo‐laparoscopic procedures. In this article, we review the existing literature on the current role of endo‐laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair.
From intraperitoneal onlay mesh repair to preperitoneal onlay mesh repair
Authors: Yang George Pei Cheung
Published: May 2017

Laparoscopic repair for ventral and incisional hernias was first reported in the early 1990s. It uses intraperitoneal only mesh placement to achieve a tension‐free repair of the hernia. However, in recent years, there has been greater concern about long‐term complication involving intraperitoneal mesh placement. Many case reports and case series have found evidence of mesh adhesion, mesh fistulation, and mesh migration into hollow organs including the esophagus, small bowel, and large bowel, resulting in various major acute abdominal events. Subsequent management of these complications may require major surgery that is technically demanding and difficult; in such cases, laparotomy and bowel resection have often been performed. Because of these significant, but not common, adverse events, many surgeons favor open sublay repair for ventral and incisional hernias. Investigators are therefore searching for a laparoscopic approach for ventral and incisional hernias that might overcome the mesh‐induced visceral complications seen after intraperitoneal only mesh placement repair. Laparoscopic preperitoneal onlay mesh is one such approach. This article will explore the fundamental of intraperitoneal only mesh placement and its problems, the currently available peritoneal visceral‐compatible meshes, and upcoming developments in laparoscopic ventral and incisional hernia repair. The technical details of preperitoneal onlay mesh, as well as its potential advantages and disadvantages, will also be discussed.
Delicate changes of bioapatite mineral in pig femur with addition of dietary xylooligosaccharide: Evidences from Raman spectroscopy and ICP
Authors: Wang Shujie , Zhang Penghao , Kong Xiangfeng , Xie Shengda , Li Qiao , Li Zhen , Zhou Zhenlei
Published: May 2017

Bone mineral is strongly correlated with performance and health of animal bodies. The mineral bioapatite (BAp) is the dominant component in bone tissue. This study investigated mineralogical changes of BAp in pig femur by Raman spectroscopy and inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP‐OES). The pigs had been raised with various xylooligosaccharide (XOS) additions at two stages of growth (growing and fattening periods). The results show that XOS can decrease the degree of carbonate substitution for PO4in BAp mineral and improve the mineral's crystallinity. ICP data is consistent with the Raman results, that is the low solubility of bone BAp for pigs fed with XOS. Additionally, the effect of XOS is much better in the growing period (before 65 kg) than in the fattening period (after 65 kg). Moreover, the high addition of XOS (within the range of 0.1–0.5 g/kg) would be appropriate to improve the crystallinity of bone BAp. This study sheds light on applying Raman and ICP techniques to investigate the delicate changes of mineral in pig bones undergoing different managements.
Relationship between sources of pet acquisition and euthanasia of cats and dogs in an animal shelter: a pilot study
Authors: Arbe Montoya AI , Rand JS , Greer RM , Alberthsen C , Vankan D
Published: May 2017

Objective

Approximately 140,000 unwanted dogs and cats are culled in Australia annually. There is a paucity of information linking sources of pet acquisition with subsequent euthanasia, which may inform evidence‐based strategies to reduce euthanasia rates. This pilot study aimed to determine whether there is a higher risk of euthanasia related to the source of acquisition for pets surrendered to an animal shelter.

Methods

Data for 5391 dogs and 5581 cats surrendered to one Queensland shelter between January 2006 and December 2009 were analysed.

Results

The main sources of acquisition for owner‐surrendered dogs were ‘shelter’ and ‘pet shop’ and for owner‐surrendered cats were ‘own litter’ and ‘shelter’. Euthanasia rates for different sources varied. For adult dogs, acquisition through newspaper advertisements was associated with the highest euthanasia rate. Adult cats obtained as gifts (from friend or family member) had the highest euthanasia rate. For junior cats, the overwhelming source was the owner's own litter (68% of intake) and only kittens acquired as strays were at significantly higher risk of euthanasia. For both dogs and cats, animals acquired from shelters had lower rates of euthanasia than most other sources, which suggests that shelter‐sourced animals may be considered a preferred source for pet acquisition to assist in reducing the number of adoptable pets euthanased.

Conclusion

There was evidence from the study animal shelter that the risk of euthanasia was related to acquisition source. These findings should be confirmed by prospective studies, which should also investigate the interaction between acquisition source and other factors, using larger data sets from a variety of shelters.
Treatment of spontaneous preterm labour with retosiban: a phase II pilot dose‐ranging study
Authors: Thornton Steven , Valenzuela Guillermo , Baidoo Charlotte , Fossler Michael J. , Montague Timothy H. , Clayton Linda , Powell Marcy , Snidow Jerry , Stier Brendt , Soergel David
Published: May 2017

Aims

The aims of the present study were to investigate the maternal, fetal and neonatal safety and tolerability, pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics of intravenous (IV) retosiban in pregnant women with spontaneous preterm labour (PTL) between 340/7 and 356/7 weeks' gestation.

Methods

In parts A and B of a three‐part, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled, multicentre study, women were randomized 3:1 (Part A) or 2:1 (Part B) to either 12‐h IV retosiban followed by a single dose of oral placebo (R‐P) or 12‐h IV placebo followed by single‐dose oral retosiban (P‐R).

Results

A total of 29 women were randomized; 20 to R‐P and nine to P‐R. An integrated analysis found that adverse events were infrequent in mothers/newborns and consistent with events expected in the population under study or associated with confounding factors. Retosiban was rapidly absorbed after oral administration, with an observed half‐life of 1.45 h. Efficacy analyses included 19 women. While not statistically significant, those receiving R‐P more frequently achieved uterine quiescence in 6 h (R‐P, 63%; 95% credible interval [CrI]: 38, 84; P‐R, 43%; 95% CrI: 12, 78) and more achieved a reduction of ≥50% in uterine contractions in 6 h (R‐P, 63%; 95% CrI: 38, 84; P‐R, 29%; 95% CrI: 4, 64). The number of days to delivery was increased in women receiving R‐P (median 26 days for R‐P vs. 13 days for P‐R).

Conclusions

Intravenous retosiban has a favourable safety and tolerability profile and might prolong pregnancies in women with PTL. The study provides the rationale and dosing strategy for further evaluation of the efficacy of retosiban in the treatment of PTL.
Model-based Bootstrapping When Correcting for Measurement Error with Application to Logistic Regression
Authors: Buonaccorsi John P. , Romeo Giovanni , Thoresen Magne
Published: May 2017

When fitting regression models, measurement error in any of the predictors typically leads to biased coefficients and incorrect inferences. A plethora of methods have been proposed to correct for this. Obtaining standard errors and confidence intervals using the corrected estimators can be challenging and, in addition, there is concern about remaining bias in the corrected estimators. The bootstrap, which is one option to address these problems, has received limited attention in this context. It has usually been employed by simply resampling observations, which, while suitable in some situations, is not always formally justified. In addition, the simple bootstrap does not allow for estimating bias in non-linear models, including logistic regression. Model-based bootstrapping, which can potentially estimate bias in addition to being robust to the original sampling or whether the measurement error variance is constant or not, has received limited attention. However, it faces challenges that are not present in handling regression models with no measurement error. This article develops new methods for model-based bootstrapping when correcting for measurement error in logistic regression with replicate measures. The methodology is illustrated using two examples, and a series of simulations are carried out to assess and compare the simple and model-based bootstrap methods, as well as other standard methods. While not always perfect, the model-based approaches offer some distinct improvements over the other methods.
Late Holocene palaeoproductivity changes: a multi‐proxy study in the Norwegian Trench and the Skagerrak, North Sea
Authors: Polovodova Asteman Irina , Risebrobakken Bjørg , Moros Matthias , Binczewska Anna , Dobosz Sławomir , Jansen Eystein , Sławińska Joanna , Bąk Małgorzata
Published: May 2017

To detect climatic linkages between the Baltic Sea, the Skagerrak and the Nordic Seas, we present multi‐proxy reconstructions covering the last 4500 years from three sediment cores taken in the Skagerrak and along the SW Norwegian margin. Foraminiferal assemblages at all three sites show a distinct change at c. 1700 years BP, associated with a transition from absence and rare occurrence of Brizalina skagerrakensis during c. 4500–2300 years BP to its subsequent abundance increase, suggesting a stronger influence of nutrient‐rich water‐masses during the last c. 1700 years. Increased nutrient availability, which probably stimulated higher primary productivity, is further supported by an increase in diatoms, total organic carbon and benthic foraminiferal species indicative of high productivity and carbon fluxes during the last c. 1700 years as compared to c. 4500–2300 years BP. The amplitude of the B. skagerrakensis signal is largest in the central Skagerrak and gradually becomes smaller towards the Norwegian Sea suggesting that the dominant source of the nutrient‐rich water was the brackish outflow from the Baltic Sea. The generally lower abundances of planktonic foraminifera since c. 1700 years BP support the hypothesis of less saline surface water conditions in the Skagerrak. These results agree with other studies, which suggest a stronger Baltic outflow over the last 1700 years coinciding with a general cooling, increased wintertime westerlies bringing more winter precipitation to northern Europe, increased river runoff and higher frequency of floods. The increase in outflow also occurs during deposition of laminated sediments in the deep Baltic Sea. Leakage of dissolved inorganic phosphorus from anoxic sediments, as well as enhanced erosion due to deforestation in combination with higher runoff from Norway, coastal upwelling and more vigorous frontal dynamics may all have contributed to higher nutrient availability within the adjacent Skagerrak during the last 1700 years BP as compared to c. 4500–2300 years BP, when low productivity prevailed in the study area.
Prognosis and severity of myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein‐immunoglobulin G‐related diseases
Authors: Nakashima Ichiro
Published: May 2017

Myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein‐immunoglobulin G‐related demyelinating disease is part of a relatively new disease spectrum that differs from multiple sclerosis. A recent European study showed that adult onset myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein‐immunoglobulin G‐related demyelinating disease might have frequent relapses and a poor prognosis similar to anti‐aquaporin 4 antibody‐positive neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders.
Dark side of astrocytes: Toxic, reactive astrocytes induced by activated microglia
Authors: Yamanaka Koji
Published: May 2017

Astrocytes respond to injury and disease in the central nervous system, known as reactive astrogliosis. Liddelow et al. reported the three cytokines released by microglia are crucial to triggering the toxic astrocyte phenotype. These toxic astrocytes are also relevant to neurodegenerative and neuroimmune diseases.
Novel biallelic SZT2 mutations in 3 cases of early‐onset epileptic encephalopathy
Authors: Tsuchida N. , Nakashima M. , Miyauchi A. , Yoshitomi S. , Kimizu T. , Ganesan V. , Teik K.W. , Ch'ng G.‐S. , Kato M. , Mizuguchi T. , Takata A. , Miyatake S. , Miyake N. , Osaka H. , Yamagata T. , Nakajima H. , Saitsu H. , Matsumoto N.
Published: May 2017

The seizure threshold 2 (SZT2) gene encodes a large, highly conserved protein that is associated with epileptogenesis. In mice, Szt2 is abundantly expressed in the central nervous system. Recently, biallelic SZT2 mutations were found in 7 patients (from 5 families) presenting with epileptic encephalopathy with dysmorphic features and/or non‐syndromic intellectual disabilities. In this study, we identified by whole‐exome sequencing compound heterozygous SZT2 mutations in 3 patients with early‐onset epileptic encephalopathies. Six novel SZT2 mutations were found, including 3 truncating, 1 splice site and 2 missense mutations. The splice‐site mutation resulted in skipping of exon 20 and was associated with a premature stop codon. All individuals presented with seizures, severe developmental delay and intellectual disabilities with high variability. Brain MRIs revealed a characteristic thick and short corpus callosum or a persistent cavum septum pellucidum in each of the 2 cases. Interestingly, in the third case, born to consanguineous parents, had unexpected compound heterozygous missense mutations. She showed microcephaly despite the other case and previous ones presenting with macrocephaly, suggesting that SZT2 mutations might affect head size.
Regularized Pointwise Map Recovery from Functional Correspondence
Authors: Rodolà E. , Moeller M. , Cremers D.
Published: May 2017

The concept of using functional maps for representing dense correspondences between deformable shapes has proven to be extremely effective in many applications. However, despite the impact of this framework, the problem of recovering the point‐to‐point correspondence from a given functional map has received surprisingly little interest. In this paper, we analyse the aforementioned problem and propose a novel method for reconstructing pointwise correspondences from a given functional map. The proposed algorithm phrases the matching problem as a regularized alignment problem of the spectral embeddings of the two shapes. Opposed to established methods, our approach does not require the input shapes to be nearly‐isometric, and easily extends to recovering the point‐to‐point correspondence in part‐to‐whole shape matching problems. Our numerical experiments demonstrate that the proposed approach leads to a significant improvement in accuracy in several challenging cases.
Hybrid and fully‐etched surface implants in periodontally healthy patients: A comparative retrospective study on marginal bone loss
Authors: Spinato Sergio , Bernardello Fabio , Sassatelli Paolo , Zaffe Davide
Published: May 2017

Background

Human studies on implants with the same design but with different surfaces are lacking at the present time.

Purpose

The aim of this study was to compare the survival rate of and marginal bone loss (MBL) around 2 types of implants with the same design, but with different surfaces: fully “sandblasted and double‐etched” (SDE) implants and hybrid (H) implants, with an apical SDE‐surface and a coronal machined‐surface.

Materials and methods

The SDE‐ and H‐surfaces were previously analyzed under SEM and profilometer. Implants were placed in partially edentulous periodontally healthy patients requiring single implant‐restoration, in either mandible or maxilla, with cement‐retained prosthetic restoration. Twelve months after prosthetic loading, MBL in relation to prosthetic abutment height (AH), calculated radiographically, was statistically analyzed.

Results

SEM and profilometer analyses revealed no differences between the SDE‐surfaces of either SDE‐ or H‐implants. Transverse ridges and grooves characterized the machined portion of H‐implants, clearly influencing the profilometer analysis. In 75 patients, 37 SDE and 38 H‐implants were placed and all functioned completely after 12 months. In both SDE‐ and H‐groups, MBL had a significant inverse relationship with AH, with greater intercept and negative slope for SDE‐group and intersection of the 2 regression lines at AH = 2 mm.

Conclusions

A 100% survival rate was recorded for SDE‐ and H‐implants placed in pristine bone of periodontally healthy patients; MBL was limited and similar in both SDE‐ and H‐groups; the higher the prosthetic AH, the lesser the MBL around implants; H‐implants could reduce bone loss most effectively with abutments lower than 2 mm, realistically exploitable on thin biotypes; SDE‐implants could reduce bone loss most effectively with abutments greater than 2 mm, realistically exploitable on thick biotypes.
Selective outcome reporting in obesity clinical trials: a cross‐sectional review
Authors: Rankin J. , Ross A. , Baker J. , O'Brien M. , Scheckel C. , Vassar M.
Published: May 2017

Selective outcome reporting is a form of bias resulting from discrepancies between outcomes presented in a trial's registration and the published report. We investigate this selective bias in obesity clinical trials. A PubMed search was conducted to identify randomized controlled trials (RCTs) published in four obesity journals from 2013 to 2015. Primary, secondary and tertiary outcomes were recorded for each trial and compared to pre‐specified outcomes in each trial's registration. Of the 392 identified articles, 142 were included in the final analysis; 22 (15%) RCTs demonstrated major outcome discrepancies between registration and publication: No primary outcomes were demoted to a secondary or tertiary outcome; 14 (36.84%) primary outcomes were omitted; 14 (36.84%) primary outcomes were added: 5 (13.16%) secondary outcomes were upgraded to primary outcomes; and timing of assessment for a primary outcome changed 5 (13.16%) times. Out of the 63 prospectively registered studies, 53 had no discrepancies. A total of 76 of the studies (29.80%) were unregistered or did not have an associated registration number. Our results suggest that selective outcome reporting may be a concern in obesity clinical trials. As selective outcome reporting may distort clinical findings and limit outcomes in systematic reviews, we encourage trialists and journal editors to work towards solutions to mitigate this issue.
Theory versus practice, bacteriological efficiency versus personal habits: A bacteriological and user acceptability evaluation of filtering tools for people who inject drugs
Authors: Jauffret‐Roustide Marie , Chollet Aude , Santos Aurélie , Benoit Thérèse , Péchiné Séverine , Duplessy Catherine , Bara Jean‐Louis , Lévi Yves , Karolak Sara , Néfau Thomas
Published: May 2017

Introduction and Aims

People who inject drugs (PWID) are exposed to associated viral, bacterial and fungal risks. These risks can be reduced by filtration. Large disparities in the quality of filtration exist between the various available filters. This paper compares both performance and user acceptability of three filters for drug injection (cotton filters, Sterifilt® and wheel filters) by combining epidemiological and bacteriological analyses.

Design and Methods

A cross‐sectional epidemiological study (ANRS‐Coquelicot) using time–location sampling combined with the generalised weight sampling method was conducted among 985 PWID in France. Two filtration‐based bacteriological studies of 0.20‐ and 0.45‐μm wheel filters, Sterifilt filters and cotton filters were also conducted.

Results

The bacteriological study highlighted the value of using wheel filters with a porosity of less than 0.5 μm, as they limit the risk of bacterial and fungal infection. The results of this study clearly highlight a distinction between the efficiency of Sterifilt and wheel filters, the latter being more effective. Our epidemiological study highlighted that the use of cotton filters is widespread and routine, but is the subject of much criticism among PWID. Sterifilt is not widely used, and its adoption is slow. Finally, the wheel filter remains a largely untested tool.

Discussion and Conclusions

Low product retention and ease of use are the two most important factors for filters for PWID. Bacterial and fungal risk filtration is less important. It is essential to educate PWID about the benefits of wheel filters. [Jauffret‐Roustide M, Chollet A, Santos A, Benoit T, Péchiné S, Duplessy C, Bara J‐L, Lévi Y, Karolak S, Néfau T. Theory versus practice, bacteriological efficiency versus personal habits: A bacteriological and user acceptability evaluation of filtering tools for people who inject drugs. Drug Alcohol Rev 2018;37:106–115]
Playing it safe: Patron safety strategies and experience of violence in night‐time entertainment districts
Authors: Zhou Jin , Droste Nicolas , Curtis Ashlee , Zinkiewicz Lucy , Miller Peter
Published: May 2017

Introduction and Aims. Incidences of violence are elevated in night‐time entertainment districts. Research suggests that safety‐related behavioural strategies adopted while drinking can reduce negative alcohol‐related outcomes. The current study investigates the use of safety strategies and its association with experiences of violence among patrons from the general population. Design and Methods. Patron interviews (N = 3949) were conducted in and around licenced venues in Newcastle (New South Wales) and Geelong (Victoria) during peak trading hours (Friday and Saturday, 21:00–01:00 h). Participants (mean age = 24.3, SD = 5.8; male 54.4%) were asked to report what measures, if any, they used to keep safe when drinking and whether they had been involved in a violent incident in the last 12 months. Results. After controlling for patron demographics and location, the use of multiple (more than one) safety strategies was significantly associated with reduced odds of involvement in a violent incident (odds ratio = 0.64, 95% confidence interval 0.49–0.85, P = 0.002). Significant gender differences were observed in the number and type of safety strategies reported. Discussion and Conclusions. Increasing the number of safety‐related behaviours during drinking occasions is associated with a small but significant reduction in experiencing alcohol‐related harms, such as violence. [Zhou J, Droste N, Curtis A, Zinkiewicz L, Miller P. Playing it safe: Patron safety strategies and experience of violence in night‐time entertainment districts.
Coase Lecture—Taxes, Targets and the Social Cost of Carbon
Authors: Pindyck Robert S.
Published: May 2017

In environmental economics, the marginal external cost of emitting a pollutant determines the optimal abatement policy, which might take the form of an emissions tax. But the marginal external cost is often difficult to estimate. This is especially the case when it comes to climate change; estimates of the social cost of carbon (SCC) range from around $10 per metric ton to well over $200 per metric ton, and there has been little or no movement toward a consensus number. Partly as a result, rather than an SCC‐based carbon tax, climate policy has focused on a set of targets that would put limits on temperature increases or atmospheric CO2concentrations, which in turn imply targets for emission reductions. Economics, however, can tell us little about whether such targets are socially optimal. I discuss the trade‐off between taxes versus targets as the focus of policy, explain why it has been so difficult to estimate amarginalSCC, and suggest an approach to estimating anaverageSCC through the use of expert elicitation. I argue that such an approach could serve as the basis for a harmonized carbon tax.
Two‐scale dispersal estimation for biological invasions via synthetic likelihood
Authors: Barbu Corentin M. , Sethuraman Karthik , Billig Erica M. W. , Levy Michael Z.
Published: May 2017

Biological invasions reshape environments and affect the ecological and economic welfare of states and communities. Such invasions advance on multiple spatial scales, complicating their control. When modeling stochastic dispersal processes, intractable likelihoods and autocorrelated data complicate parameter estimation. As with other approaches, the recent synthetic likelihood framework for stochastic models uses summary statistics to reduce this complexity; however, it additionally provides usable likelihoods, facilitating the use of existing likelihood‐based machinery. Here, we extend this framework to parameterize multi‐scale spatio‐temporal dispersal models and compare existing and newly developed spatial summary statistics to characterize dispersal patterns. We provide general methods to evaluate potential summary statistics and present a fitting procedure that accurately estimates dispersal parameters on simulated data. Finally, we apply our methods to quantify the short and long range dispersal of Chagas disease vectors in urban Arequipa, Peru, and assess the feasibility of a purely reactive strategy to contain the invasion.
Effect of dung beetle species richness and chemical perturbation on multiple ecosystem functions
Authors: MANNING PAUL , SLADE ELEANOR M. , BEYNON SARAH A. , LEWIS OWEN T.
Published: May 2017

1. The relationship between biodiversity and ecosystem functioning is typically positive but saturating, suggesting widespread functional redundancy within ecological communities. However, theory predicts that apparent redundancy can be reduced or removed when systems are perturbed, or when multifunctionality (the simultaneous delivery of multiple functions) is considered.

2. Manipulative experiments were used to test whether higher levels of dung beetle species richness enhanced individual functions and multifunctionality, and whether these relationships were influenced by perturbation (in this case, non‐target exposure to the veterinary anthelmintic ivermectin). The four ecosystem functions tested were dung removal, primary productivity, soil faunal feeding activity and reduction in soil bulk density.

3. For individual functions, perturbation had limited effects on functioning, with only dung removal significantly (negatively) affected. Species richness did not, on its own, explain significant variation in the delivery of individual functions. In the case of primary productivity, an interaction between richness and perturbation was found: species‐rich dung beetle assemblages enhanced forage growth in the unperturbed treatment, relative to the perturbed treatment.

4. Using a composite ‘multifunctionality index’ it was found that species‐rich dung beetle assemblages delivered marginally higher levels of multifunctionality in unperturbed conditions; however, this benefit was lost under perturbation. Using a relatively new and robust method of assessing diversity–multifunctionality relationships across a range of thresholds, no significant effect of species richness on multifunctionality was found.