bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
XNAV/CNS Integrated Navigation Based on Improved Kinematic and Static Filter
Authors: Wang Yidi , Zheng Wei , An Xueyin , Sun Shouming , Li Li
Published: June 2013

In order to enhance the independent viability of high-orbit satellites, an X-ray pulsar-based navigation (XNAV)/celestial navigation system (CNS) integrated navigation method is proposed. An improved kinematic and static filter is derived to fulfil data fusion that can obtain an optimal estimation for global use. In the filter, unscented transformation is used to reduce linearization error, and the technique of separate-bias is used to reduce the impacts of systematic errors in XNAV measurements. The results of simulations have shown that the proposed navigation system can reach a positioning accuracy of less than 100 m, an improved performance over separate XNAV and CNS.
AN ARCHAEOLOGY OF CERRO PORTEZUELO BIOARCHAEOLOGY: BURIAL ANALYSIS AND THE (RE)EXCAVATION OF CONTEXTS FROM A 1950s PROJECT
Authors: Spence Michael W. , White Christine D. , Longstaffe Fred J.
Published: June 2013

Only about 19 of the 70 or so skeletons excavated at Cerro Portezuelo were brought back to UCLA, and adequate information is lacking for most of these. A detailed analysis of the excavation and curation records, as well as of the skeletons, was conducted in an attempt to identify their contexts and to evaluate their potential for contribution to our knowledge of the Cerro Portezuelo community. Although subadult dental health was good, adult levels of caries and antemortem loss were comparable to those of other Mesoamerican populations. Oxygen-isotope data suggest only limited long-distance immigration into the area. Further interpretation, however, is hampered by poor contextual data and the inability to assign most individuals to a specific period.
Elbridge Gerry's Suspicions and the Presidential Election of 2012
Authors: Rosin Michael L.
Published: June 2013

Defenders of the Electoral College frequently assert that victory in the Electoral College requires a winning candidate to “produce a coalition of states with wide and diverse interests” thereby producing “a broadly based electoral victory.” These defenders never stop to consider the fact that in a close election the difference between the winning and losing coalition of states may depend on highly contingent factors. In a 2003 article in this journal Neubauer and Zeitlin demonstrated that George W. Bush's Electoral College victory in 2000 depended on the size of the House of Representatives. In this article I demonstrate that the outcome of the 2012 election could have depended on the 2012 Electoral College being based on the newly apportioned incoming House rather than the previously apportioned outgoing House. This is a statutory specification rather than a constitutional requirement. It could be changed by simple legislation. We have Elbridge Gerry's suspicions to thank for this statutory contingency!
Mobilization and Voter Turnout: Should Canvassers Worry about the Weather?
Authors: Lamare J. Ryan
Published: June 2013

This article melds a well-studied area of research (political mobilization effects on voter turnout) with a subject rarely discussed in political science (the effects of meteorological variability on mood, productivity, and fatigue) to argue that weather at the time of mobilization influences individual voters' turnout odds relative to other contacted voters. Using panel data totaling 39,769 registered voters contacted by unions across 14 months and five elections, quantitative analysis is used to measure the effects of temperature, seasonableness, and precipitation during contact on vote likelihood, controlling for known turnout influences. Results indicate that variations in all three weather conditions during contact affect vote odds. Mobilization effects are weaker as temperatures rise and weather becomes unseasonably hot; mobilization is also less successful as precipitation increases. Outcomes vary by contact type; door-to-door visits are more negatively influenced by hotter and less seasonable temperatures, whereas phone calls are more negatively affected by higher precipitation.
What Is “Vintage” in IR? A Writer's Note
Authors: Pieczara Kamila , Eun Yong-Soo
Published: June 2013

The style of writing in international relations (IR) has evolved in recent decades. The lessons of “vintage” IR, to which we return in this article, have been largely forgotten by those writing in the discipline today. A merit will be substantial, we argue, in drawing more heavily from works by previous masters. Several lessons in style follow.
Problem-Based Learning and Civic Engagement—Shifting the Focus of Learning in Public Policy Education
Authors: McInerney Chris , Adshead Maura
Published: June 2013

This article describes the development of an innovative teaching method to help political science students deepen their comprehension of public policy through engaging with real world scenarios. It describes the development of a constructivist learning environment (CLE) (Jonassen, 1999) for students in a postgraduate public policy module, fashioned by integrating a problem-based learning (PBL) approach with civic engagement processes. The article concludes by examining the potential of this approach as a teaching method and reflecting on student and staff feedback as well as on benefits described by partner organizations and the broader public.
An Introduction to Implicit Attitudes in Political Science Research
Authors: Ksiazkiewicz Aleksander , Hedrick James
Published: June 2013

During the past two decades, mounting evidence suggests that much of human social cognition occurs without deliberate effort and largely outside conscious awareness. Dual-process models, which distinguish explicit (conscious, slow, effortful) cognitive processes from implicit (often unconscious, fast, effortless) cognitive processes, “form the dominant paradigm [of social cognition research] for the past 20 years or more” (Evans 2008). Although these advances in social cognition research have begun to be integrated into models of political cognition over the past decade (e.g., Kim, Taber, and Lodge 2010; Lodge and Taber 2013; see Nosek, Graham, and Hawkins 2010 for a review), and are beginning to influence other disciplines like communication (see Hefner et al. 2011), the role of implicit processes in outcomes commonly studied by political scientists deserves more attention. This symposium aims to showcase the diverse set of subject areas within political science to which dual-process models have been and can be applied. We hope that this symposium is a springboard for those who are considering bringing a dual-process approach into their own research by providing an overview of relevant literatures and methods.
Political Scientist as Practitioner
Authors: Fisher Louis
Published: June 2013

Those who write for this symposium faced two choices in their careers: producing highly specialized articles with little application to government controversies or devoting themselves to public policy and making contributions to it. They chose the latter. I want to explain my approach and also give recognition to the accomplishment of other scholars who have been engaged with contemporary issues. All of them are eminently comfortable in maintaining the original commitment of political science to public law. At the risk of overlooking deserving scholars, I also identify others who decided to orient their research to thinking about and helping to resolve government issues.
Popular Constitutionalism and Fisher's Dialogues
Authors: Peabody Bruce
Published: June 2013

As other contributors to this symposium have noted, Louis Fisher has played a major role in shaping debates in such diverse policy battlegrounds as federal budgeting, war powers, and the use of legislative and presidential vetoes. Fisher is also widely (and fairly) credited with spurring interest in “constitutional dialogues”—the “process in which all three branches” along with “the states and the general public” offer separate, competing, and sometimes complementary visions of the Constitution and the values it embodies (Fisher 1988, 3).
2013 APSA Teaching and Learning Conference and Track Summaries
Authors: Mealy Kimberly A.
Published: June 2013

In February 2013, APSA celebrated the 10th anniversary of the annual APSA Teaching and Learning Conference. The conference was held in Long Beach, CA, February 8–10, 2013. This year's theme was “Teaching Political Science: Preparing Students for Success” and featured a special 10th anniversary roundtable moderated by John Ishiyama and Pi Sigma Alpha Keynote speaker APSA executive director, Michael Brintnall.
Editor's Introduction for Forecasting the 2013 German Elections
Authors: Jérôme Bruno
Published: June 2013

In the past 40 years an extensive literature has grown up around aggregate political economy models of elections, but few articles have focused on the German case. Initially, Kirchgässner (1977; 1991), developed vote-popularity (VP) functions, with the unemployment rate as the dominant economic variable predicting the German ruling parties' performance. Thereafter, using vote functions (VF) from 1961 to 1994, Jérôme, Jérôme-Speziari, and Lewis-Beck (2001) tested the “yardstick” competition existing between French and German economic votes.
A Political-Economy Forecast for the 2013 German Elections: Who to Rule with Angela Merkel?
Authors: Jérôme Bruno , Jérôme-Speziari Véronique , Lewis-Beck Michael S.
Published: June 2013

Our political economy model has correctly forecasted the 1998 and 2005 elections. However, in 2002 we predicted a tight race to the benefit of the Christian Democrats(CDU)/Christian Socialists(CSU)-Free Democratic Party (FDP) opposition, so underestimating the narrow defeat of the FDP by the Green Party. In the German political system, proportional representation makes single-party domination almost impossible. On the contrary, the big parties, Social Democratic Party (SPD) or CDU/CSU, are pushed to build a majority coalition. In this competition, the FDP has been the “pivotal party” in German political life, at least until 2002. Since then, the Greens have challenged the FDP, with the Ecologists allowing the SPD to form a red-green coalition in 1998 and in 2002. Similarly, in 2005 the FDP was not associated with the grand coalition driven by Angela Merkel.
Power and Persuasion
Authors: West Lauren
Published: June 2013

The American Political Science Association is returning to Chicago, Illinois, for the 2013 APSA Annual Meeting and Exhibition. Join APSA in this exciting and beautiful city to share and discuss the latest scholarship in political science and address issues related to the theme “Power and Persuasion.” The 2013 APSA Annual Meeting and Exhibition will have something for scholars in every stage of their careers, including an exhibition of publishers, eJobs placement service, plenary sessions, and networking receptions. More than 6,000 political scientists, publishers, and other scholars are expected to travel to Chicago to take part in this largest annual gathering of political scientists.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Work Outcomes: Correlates of Treatment Engagement and Full and Partial Success in Schizophrenia
Authors: Kukla Marina , Davis Louanne W. , Lysaker Paul H.
Published: June 2013

Background: Cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) has been found to be generally effective for persons with schizophrenia. Less is known however about those who will engage in this treatment, and among those who engage, who benefits more versus less from this intervention. Aims: This study sought to identify factors associated with treatment engagement and response in persons with psychosis engaged in CBT focused on enhancing work function. Method: Participants were 50 adults with schizophrenia-spectrum disorders participating in a randomized control trial that offered both CBT and a protected employment position over 26 weeks. Survival analysis and discriminant analyses were used to analyze the data. Results: Results indicated that poor treatment engagement and engagement in work was associated with lower educational attainment, more severe baseline levels of negative symptoms, and lower baseline scores on the Arithmetic and Digit Symbol subscales of the WAIS-III. Amongst those participants who did engage, younger age and poorer working memory as assessed by the Arithmetic subscale predicted shorter initial job tenure. More severe levels of positive symptoms and lower self-esteem during the later stages of treatment were associated with worse employment outcomes across the study period. Conclusions: These findings evidence differential predictors of engagement and success and suggest that a subgroup of persons with schizophrenia engaged in CBT and a vocational placement are at risk for poor functional outcomes associated with psychological factors that evolve over time.
Crossing Kings and Monks: The Internal Consistency of the Dīpavaṃsa Reconsidered
Authors: PINTE GUDRUN
Published: June 2013

As is well known, the oldest extant chronicle of Sri Lanka, theDīpavaṃsa,1has preserved a succession line of the foremost teachers who transmitted and taught thevinayain India: Upāli, Dāsaka, Soṇaka, Siggava and Moggaliputta Tissa; the length of time they have been regarded asvinayapāmokkha; the dates when they ordained the next in line and when they enteredparinirvāṇa. An intriguing range of dates has been inferred from an interpretation of these figures, especially for dating the death of the historical Buddha. I do not intend to rehearse the whole discussion here but cordially refer to the proceedings of the grand symposium organised by H. Bechert in 1988 at the University of Göttingen.2
Tibetan, Burmese and Chinese Inscriptions from Bodhgayā in the British Museum
Authors: GONGKATSANG TSERING , WILLIS MICHAEL
Published: June 2013

This article is concerned with four inscriptions found at Bodhgayā in the nineteenth century that are documented by records kept in the Department of Asia at the British Museum. Two Tibetan inscriptions, probably dating between the ninth and fourteenth centuries, are of special note because they provide the first archaeological evidence for Tibetans at the site. Chinese and Burmese records of the eleventh, twelfth and thirteenth century are also noted, that of the Song emperor Renzong (1022–63) being illustrated for the first time.
PATENT LENGTH AND PRICE REGULATION IN AN R&D GROWTH MODEL WITH MONOPOLISTIC COMPETITION
Authors: Zeng Jinli , Zhang Jie , Fung Michael Ka-Yiu
Published: June 2013

This paper considers the effects of patent length and price regulation in an R&D growth model with variety expansion. Innovation requires lower bounds on patent length and price. Increasing patent duration promotes growth; increasing the cap on the price of patented products promotes growth below the monopoly-pricing level. Each policy instrument can raise welfare unless excessively used, and their welfare ranking depends on parameterizations. It is desirable, on welfare grounds, to limit patent protection along both dimensions, namely by limiting patent length and capping the price of patented products. Such limits raise welfare despite reducing the growth rate.
Collaborative research: a case example of dissemination of CBT in primary care
Authors: Mathieson Fiona , Collings Sunny , Dowell Anthony , Goodyear-Smith Felicity , Stanley James , Hatcher Simon
Published: June 2013

While we now have a strong evidence base for cognitive behaviour therapy in managing mental health problems, the challenge is to disseminate it into real-world settings. Two dissemination approaches exist: the dominant ‘research to practice’ model, a linear sequence, taking interventions from the research laboratory and overcoming barriers so as to apply them in the real world and a more collaborative approach, in which researchers work together with clinicians and patients to adapt existing treatments for real-world settings. This article provides a detailed example of a collaborative approach to adapting cognitive behaviour therapy, by developing a very brief mental health intervention for patients in a primary-care (family doctor) setting.
Video Game and Internet Addiction: Is there a Need for Differentiation?
Authors: Rehbein Florian , Mößle Thomas
Published: June 2013

Introduction: The term Internet addiction encompasses a broad range of activities which in isolation have rarely been studied for their clinical relevance. This study looks at whether video game addiction and Internet addiction can be regarded as distinct nosological entities and whether there is a differential impact on those affected. It also aims to describe the type of activities that contribute most to the addiction. Methods: Data was collected in a school survey of Grade 7 to 10 students (M = 14.5 years; n = 4 436). Besides video game addiction (CSAS-II) and Internet addiction (CIUS), indicators of media consumption, functional level, well-being, burden for significant others and psychological strain were collected. Results: Internet and video game addiction can be regarded as two distinct nosological entities. This differentiation is supported by differences in sociodemographic variables and measures of validation. The subjective suffering seems to be higher among adolescent video game addicts than Internet addicts. Girls with an Internet addiction cite social networks almost exclusively as the cause of their problem while boys also name pornography. Discussion: In research on Internet addiction, a greater differentiation is needed regarding the underlying activities.
Starch reduction in rice stems due to a lack of OsAGPL1 or OsAPL3 decreases grain yield under low irradiance during ripening and modifies plant architecture
Authors: Okamura Masaki , Hirose Tatsuro , Hashida Yoichi , Yamagishi Tohru , Ohsugi Ryu , Aoki Naohiro
Published: June 2013

Starch accumulated in rice (Oryza sativa L.) stems before heading as nonstructural carbohydrates (NSCs) is reported to be important for improving and stabilising grain yield. To evaluate the importance of stem starch, we investigated a retrotransposon (Tos17) insertion rice mutant lacking a gene encoding a large subunit of ADP-glucose pyrophosphorylase (AGP) called OsAGPL1 or OsAPL3. The AGP activity and starch contents of the mutant were drastically reduced in the stem (i.e. leaf sheath and culm) but not in the leaf blade or endosperm. This starch reduction in the leaf sheaths of the mutant was complemented by the introduction of wild-type OsAGPL1. These results strongly suggest that OsAGPL1 plays a principal role in stem starch accumulation. Field experimentations spanning 2 years revealed that the mutant plants were shorter than the wild-type plants. Moreover, the tiller number and angle were larger in the mutant plants than the wild-type plants, but the dry weight at heading stage was not different. The grain yield was slightly lower in control plots without shading treatment. However, this difference increased substantially with shading. Therefore, stem starch is indispensable for normal ripening under low irradiance conditions and probably contributes to the maintenance of appropriate plant architecture.
Sample acidification effects on carbon and nitrogen stable isotope ratios of macrofauna from a Zostera noltii bed
Authors: Vafeiadou Anna-Maria , Adão Helena , De Troch Marleen , Moens Tom
Published: June 2013

Acidification treatment has been used in most stable isotope studies to eliminate inorganic non-dietary carbon, allowing δ13C measurement of organic carbon needed for trophic studies. Because only limited information about the acidification effects on isotopic ratios exists in the literature, we provide an assessment of such effects for a wide range of benthic macroinvertebrates from estuarine intertidal sediments with sparse Zostera noltii Hornem. vegetation. Our results revealed only few significant δ13C shifts for macrobenthos; however, δ13C decrease after acidification was substantial for several species. We conclude that acidification is not necessary for removing calcium carbonate in a majority of macrobenthos, but we also suggest preliminary testing before deciding it can be omitted. The magnitude of the δ15N shifts was substantial for some species and variability in δ15N values of replicate acidified samples exceeded that of non-acidified samples. Therefore, sample acidification should be avoided for δ15N determination. Moreover, acidification effects vary considerably among species belonging to a single class, rendering generalisations from single-species information potentially spurious.
Microbial signatures can help distinguish moon sponges (family Tetillidae) from Darwin Harbour, Australia
Authors: Chambers Kylie , Padovan Anna , Alvarez Belinda , Gibb Karen
Published: June 2013

The bacterial communities of two sponge morphs collected as part of an ecological study and initially allocated to the genus Paratetilla (Demospongiae: Spirophorida: Tetillidae) were analysed using denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE) targeting a region of the 16S rRNA gene. The results showed that the two morphs had different bacterial communities, which suggested that they might be distinct Paratetilla species. The sponge samples were further analysed using conventional taxonomy and cytochrome oxidase I (COI) gene sequencing. These data confirmed that (1) the two morphs belonged to different species, and (2) one morph was more closely related to the tetillid genus Cinachyrella than to Paratetilla.
Temporal variation of larval fish assemblages of the Murray Mouth in prolonged drought conditions
Authors: Bucater L. B. , Livore J. P. , Noell C. J. , Ye Q.
Published: June 2013

Estuaries are transition zones that link freshwater and marine ecosystems and are often used as nursery areas by fish. The Murray–Darling Basin, which is heavily affected by flow regulation and water extraction, is the largest river system in Australia and terminates at the Murray Mouth estuary. Protracted drought conditions resulted in extremely low flows to the Murray Mouth that affected water condition, fish abundance, community structure and fish use of the estuary (e.g. nursery areas). The aims of the present study were to examine temporal changes in larval fish assemblages in this estuary. The assemblages were dominated by two gobiid species, Arenigobius bifrenatus and Tasmanogobius lasti. There was a noticeable absence or low abundance of freshwater, diadramous and large-bodied marine species that use this estuary for reproductive functions. Monthly differences in larval fish assemblages, between August–September and October–November, were attributed to increases in the abundances of A. bifrenatus in October and November and oscillation in T. lasti during the entire sampling period. The outcomes of the present study suggested that larval fish assemblages in drought conditions are limited to small-bodied species tolerant of high salinities and that freshwater flows are needed for the estuary to function as a nursery for other species.
Low levels of naturally occurring regulatory T lymphocytes in blood of mares with early pregnancy loss
Authors: Aurich Christine , Weber Jürgen , Nagel Christina , Merkl Maximiliane , Jude Rony , Wostmann Sascha , Ollech Dirk , Baron Udo , Olek Sven , Jansen Thomas
Published: June 2013

Early pregnancy loss is a major reason for low reproductive efficiency in the horse. In humans and mice, low numbers of regulatory T cells (Treg cells) are linked to miscarriage. The percentage of Treg cells in oestrous mares at the start of the breeding season was evaluated in relation to the outcome of subsequent pregnancy. For identification and quantification of Treg cells, a highly sensitive and specific qPCR assay targeting the Treg-specific demethylated region in the equine forkhead box transcription factor (FOXP3) gene was established. In a total of 108 mares, pregnancy was followed until detection of early pregnancy loss (n = 17), abortion without identification of an infectious or apparent cause (n = 9) or birth of a viable foal (n = 82). Measured Treg-cell levels did not significantly differ between mares that conceived (82%; 1.50 ± 0.04%) or did not get pregnant (18%; 1.45 ± 0.10%). The Treg-cell percentage at oestrus before breeding was significantly different (P < 0.05) between mares that either underwent early pregnancy loss up to Day 40 of pregnancy (1.29 ± 0.07%) and mares that aborted (1.61 ± 0.15%) or gave birth to a live foal (1.52 ± 0.05%). These results suggest that low levels of Treg cells in mares can contribute to pregnancy loss up to Day 40 after ovulation.
Modulation of reactivation of latent herpes simplex virus 1 in ganglionic organ cultures by p300/CBP and STAT3
Authors: Du Te , Zhou Guoying , Roizman Bernard
Published: June 2013

Significance

HSVs initiate human infections with the aid of viral tegument proteins brought along with viral DNA into cells. These viruses then enter and establish latent, silent infection in sensory ganglia. Periodically, HSV reactivates from a latent state. A key unresolved question is the mechanism by which the virus reactivates in the absence of the tegument proteins. Studies of murine trigeminal ganglia harboring latent virus and maintained in organ cultures suggest that viral DNA is maintained in a dynamic equilibrium favoring gene repression. The equilibrium shifts toward gene expression on inactivation of histone deacetylases, inhibition of STAT3, or activation of p300/CBP.
Use of Ultrasonic Telemetry to Estimate Natural and Fishing Mortality of Red Snapper
Authors: Topping Darin T. , Szedlmayer Stephen T.
Published: June 2013

An accurate estimate of natural mortality is critical for the management of any fishery but is typically difficult to directly measure. Mortality rates for Red SnapperLutjanus campechanus(n= 87) were estimated by telemetry from December 2005 to June 2009 in the northeastern Gulf of Mexico. At five separate sites an array of five receivers was deployed with one receiver at the center (reef) and four receivers placed 1,100 m (or 420 m) north, south, east, and west of center. These arrays enabled the direct estimation of fishing mortality, natural mortality, and emigration of acoustically tagged Red Snapper. Out of the 70 fish that remained after the 6‐d recovery period, 19 were caught, 10 died naturally, and 27 emigrated from the 2‐km‐radius study sites. The Kaplan–Meier staggered‐entry method was used to estimate survival from different mortality events, and survival was converted to instantaneous mortality rates. For all years combined, total mortality (95% confidence interval) was 0.39 (0.19–0.64), fishing mortality (F) was 0.27 (0.11–0.54), and natural mortality (M) was 0.11 (0.06–0.20). Each year estimated annualMincreased,

M= 0 in 2006,M= 0.19 (0.07–0.48) in 2007, andM= 0.21 (0.09–0.44) in 2008, while annualFrates decreased,F= 0.61 (0.16–1.67) in 2006,F= 0.22 (0.09–0.51) in 2007, andF= 0.14 (0.05–0.35) in 2008. Thus, in more recent years (2007–2008)Mestimates were higher, whileFestimates were lower than past estimates used in stock assessments

(M= 0.1;F= 0.35). These decreasing rates ofFover 2006–2008 suggests that in recent years restrictive management efforts have succeeded in reducing fishing mortality, and althoughMhas increased it may have leveled off nearM= 0.2 such that populations will continue to increase.
Site Fidelity and Movement of Etheostoma fonticola with Implications to Endangered Species Management
Authors: Dammeyer Nathan T. , Phillips Catherine T. , Bonner Timothy H.
Published: June 2013

We quantified site fidelity, directionality and magnitude of movement, and factors associated with movement of the endangered Fountain Darter Etheostoma fonticola, a narrowly distributed (<11 km of stream habitat) and small etheostomid, within a 200‐m section of a spring‐fed river on the Edwards Plateau of south‐central Texas. Etheostoma fonticola exhibited high site fidelity, moving on average (±1 SD) 10 ± 17 m during a 1‐year period. Site fidelity was most notable in areas with low‐growing aquatic vegetation (i.e., algae or Ricca fluitans). Movement was most often towards areas with low‐growing aquatic vegetation (69%), more frequently in an upstream direction (81%), in winter and spring–summer seasons (>55%), and among larger fish (>30 mm TL). Maximum distance moved was 95 m within 26 d. Movement of E. fonticola was consistent with movement of narrowly distributed and slackwater etheostomids as well as widely distributed, swift‐water etheostomids. As such, movement potential and maximum movement do not satisfactorily explain why some darters are more widely distributed than others. Collectively, etheostomids conform to the theory of restricted movements among resident stream fishes, but movement of large distances occurs and is probably necessary, even among species with high site fidelity.
Parental Influence on the Size and Age at Maturity of Bluegills
Authors: Oplinger Randall W. , Wahl David H. , Philipp David P.
Published: June 2013

The BluegillLepomis macrochirusis one of the most ubiquitous fish species in North America and often exhibits a stunted population size structure. Although previous research has shown that the size and density of mature males have a significant influence on Bluegill size and age at maturity, little is known about the influence that mature females have on Bluegill life history. Offspring produced by four possible crosses of Bluegill males and females from stunted and nonstunted source populations were raised in a common‐garden environment, and we compared size and age at maturity among these groups of offspring to determine whether the traits are maternally inherited. Growth, age at maturity, and energy investment into maturation did not differ between offspring of females from the two source populations, thus indicating that Bluegill size and age at maturity are not maternally inherited. Instead, the occurrence of stunting in Bluegills appears to be linked to previously identified in‐situ environmental factors, such as male social structure and predator presence.
Genetic Population Structure of Muskellunge in the Great Lakes
Authors: Kapuscinski Kevin L. , Sloss Brian L. , Farrell John M.
Published: June 2013

We quantified genetic relationships among Muskellunge Esox masquinongy from 15 locations in the Great Lakes to determine the extent and distribution of measurable population structure and to identify appropriate spatial scales for fishery management and genetic conservation. We hypothesized that Muskellunge from each area represented genetically distinct populations, which would be evident from analyses of genotype data. A total of 691 Muskellunge were sampled (n = 10–127/site) and genetic data were collected at 13 microsatellite loci. Results from a suite of analyses (including pairwise genetic differentiation, Bayesian admixture prediction, analysis of molecular variance, and tests of isolation by distance) indicated the presence of nine distinct genetic groups, including two that were approximately 50 km apart. Geographic proximity and low habitat complexity seemed to facilitate genetic similarity among areas, whereas Muskellunge from areas of greater habitat heterogeneity exhibited high differentiation. Muskellunge from most areas contained private alleles, and mean within‐area genetic variation was similar to that reported for other freshwater fishes. Management programs aimed at conserving the broader diversity and long‐term sustainability of Muskellunge could benefit by considering the genetically distinct groups as independent fisheries, and individual spawning and nursery habitats could subsequently be protected to conserve the evolutionary potential of Muskellunge.
Automatic continuity for the unitary group
Authors: Tsankov Todor
Published: June 2013

We show that every homomorphism from the infinite-dimensional unitary or orthogonal group to a separable group is continuous.
Tenure Constraints and Carbon Forestry in Africa
Authors: Barbier Edward B. , Tesfaw Anteneh T.
Published: June 2013

Our analysis shows that landowners with customary tenure in Africa can be efficient providers of carbon forestry if tree planting helps secure their permanent claims to the land. If the farmer's tree planting can reduce the threat of eviction, the amount of land allocated to carbon forestry may be greater or lesser than under private ownership, but it is always more than if tenure security is completely absent. Our results support the view that carbon forestry schemes should accommodate traditional African customary tenure systems, and if designed successfully, can both promote carbon forestry and benefit the poor.
Organization of heart failure management in European Society of Cardiology member countries: survey of the Heart Failure Association of the European Society of Cardiology in collaboration with the Heart Failure National Societies/Working Groups
Authors: Seferović Petar M. , Stoerk Stefan , Filippatos Gerasimos , Mareev Viacheslav , Kavoliuniene Ausra , Ristić Arsen D. , Ponikowski Piotr , McMurray John , Maggioni Aldo , Ruschitzka Frank , van Veldhuisen Dirk J. , Coats Andrew , Piepoli Massimo , McDonagh Theresa , Riley Jillian , Hoes Arno , Pieske Burkert , Dobrić Milan , Papp Zoltan , Mebazaa Alexandre , Parissis John , Ben Gal Tuvia , Vinereanu Dragos , Brito Dulce , Altenberger Johann , Gatzov Plamen , Milinković Ivan , Hradec Jaromír , Trochu Jean‐Noel , Amir Offer , Moura Brenda , Lainscak Mitja , Comin Josep , Wikström Gerhard , Anker Stefan ,   on behalf of the Committee of National Heart Failure Societies or Working Groups of the Heart Failure Association of the European Society of Cardiology
Published: June 2013

Aims

The aim of this document was to obtain a real‐life contemporary analysis of the demographics and heart failure (HF) statistics, as well as the organization and major activities of the Heart Failure National Societies (HFNS) in European Society of Cardiology (ESC) member countries.

Methods and results

Data from 33 countries were collected from HFNS presidents/representatives during the first Heart Failure Association HFNS Summit (Belgrade, Serbia, 29 October 2011). Data on incidence and/or prevalence of HF were available for 22 countries, and the prevalence of HF ranged between 1% and 3%. In five European and one non‐European ESC country, heart transplantation was reported as not available. Natriuretic peptides and echocardiography are routinely applied in the management of acute HF in the median of 80% and 90% of centres, respectively. Eastern European and Mediterranean countries have lower availability of natriuretic peptide testing for acute HF patients, compared with other European countries. Almost all countries have organizations dealing specifically with HF. HFNS societies for HF patients exist in only 12, while in 16 countries HF patient education programmes are active. Most HFNS reported that no national HF registry exists in their country. Fifteen HFNS produced national HF guidelines, while 19 have translated the ESC HF guidelines. Most HFNS (n = 23) participated in the organization of the European HF Awareness Day.

Conclusion

This document demonstrated significant heterogeneity in the organization of HF management, and activities of the national HF working groups/associations. High availability of natriuretic peptide and echocardiographic measurements was revealed, with differences between developed countries and countries in transition.
Clinical outcome endpoints in heart failure trials: a European Society of Cardiology Heart Failure Association consensus document
Authors: Zannad Faiez , Garcia Angeles Alonso , Anker Stefan D. , Armstrong Paul W. , Calvo Gonzalo , Cleland John G.F. , Cohn Jay N. , Dickstein Kenneth , Domanski Michael J. , Ekman Inger , Filippatos Gerasimos S. , Gheorghiade Mihai , Hernandez Adrian F. , Jaarsma Tiny , Koglin Joerg , Konstam Marvin , Kupfer Stuart , Maggioni Aldo P. , Mebazaa Alexandre , Metra Marco , Nowack Christina , Pieske Burkert , Piña Ileana L. , Pocock Stuart J. , Ponikowski Piotr , Rosano Giuseppe , Ruilope Luis M. , Ruschitzka Frank , Severin Thomas , Solomon Scott , Stein Kenneth , Stockbridge Norman L. , Stough Wendy Gattis , Swedberg Karl , Tavazzi Luigi , Voors Adriaan A. , Wasserman Scott M. , Woehrle Holger , Zalewski Andrew , McMurray John J.V.
Published: June 2013

Endpoint selection is a critically important step in clinical trial design. It poses major challenges for investigators, regulators, and study sponsors, and it also has important clinical and practical implications for physicians and patients. Clinical outcomes of interest in heart failure trials include all‐cause mortality, cause‐specific mortality, relevant non‐fatal morbidity (e.g. all‐cause and cause‐specific hospitalization), composites capturing both morbidity and mortality, safety, symptoms, functional capacity, and patient‐reported outcomes. Each of these endpoints has strengths and weaknesses that create controversies regarding which is most appropriate in terms of clinical importance, sensitivity, reliability, and consistency. Not surprisingly, a lack of consensus exists within the scientific community regarding the optimal endpoint(s) for both acute and chronic heart failure trials. In an effort to address these issues, the Heart Failure Association of the European Society of Cardiology (HFA‐ESC) convened a group of expert heart failure clinical investigators, biostatisticians, regulators, and pharmaceutical industry scientists (Nice, France, 12–13 February 2012) to evaluate the challenges of defining heart failure endpoints in clinical trials and to develop a consensus framework. This report summarizes the group's recommendations for achieving common views on heart failure endpoints in clinical trials.
Salt and fluid restriction is effective in patients with chronic heart failure
Authors: Philipson Henriette , Ekman Inger , Forslund Heléne B. , Swedberg Karl , Schaufelberger Maria
Published: June 2013

Aims

European and American guidelines have recommended salt and fluid restriction for patients with chronic heart failure (CHF) despite scarce scientific evidence. Therefore, we investigated the effects of salt and fluid restriction in patients with CHF.

Methods and results

Ninety‐seven stable patients in NYHA class II–IV, on optimal medication, with previous signs of fluid retention, treated with either >40 mg (NYHA III–IV) or >80 mg (NYHA II–IV) of furosemide daily were randomized to either individualized salt and fluid restriction or information given by the nurse‐led heart failure clinics, e.g. be aware not to drink too much and use salt with caution, and followed for 12 weeks. Fluid was restricted to 1.5 L and salt to 5 g daily, and individualized dietary advice and support was given. The 24 h dietary recall procedure, urine collection on three consecutive days, and para‐aminobenzoic acid 80 mg t.i.d. was used to assess adherence to diet and completeness of urine collection. The primary endpoint was a composite variable consisting of NYHA class, hospitalization, weight, peripheral oedema, quality of life (QoL), thirst, and diuretics.

Results

After 12 weeks, significantly more patients in the intervention than in the control group improved on the composite endpoint (51% vs. 16%; P < 0.001), mostly owing to improved NYHA class and leg oedema. No negative effects were seen on thirst, appetite, or QoL.

Conclusion

Individualized salt and fluid restriction can improve signs and symptoms of CHF with no negative effects on thirst, appetite, or QoL in patients with moderate to severe CHF and previous signs of fluid retention.
Evaluation of different strategies for identifying asymptomatic left ventricular dysfunction and pre‐clinical (stage B) heart failure in the elderly. Results from ‘PREDICTOR’, a population based‐study in central Italy
Authors: Mureddu Gian Francesco , Tarantini Luigi , Agabiti Nera , Faggiano Pompilio , Masson Serge , Latini Roberto , Cesaroni Giulia , Miceli Maria , Forastiere Francesco , Scardovi Angela Beatrice , Uguccioni Massimo , Boccanelli Alessandro
Published: June 2013

Aims

To evaluate the accuracy and cost‐effectiveness of different screening strategies to identify systolic and/or diastolic asymptomatic LV dysfunction (ALVD), as well as pre‐clinical (stage B) heart failure (HF), in a community of elderly subjects in Italy.

Methods and results

A sample of 1452 subjects aged 65–84 years were chosen from the original cohort of 2001 randomly selected residents of the Lazio Region (Italy), as a part of the PREDICTOR survey. All subjects underwent physical examination, biochemistry/NT‐proBNP assessment, 12‐lead ECG, and Doppler transthoracic echocardiography (TE). Five strategies were evaluated including ECG, NT‐proBNP, TE, and their combinations. Subjects older than 75 years, and with at least two additional risk factors, were defined as being high‐risk for HF (435), whereas the remaining 1017 were defined at low risk. Screening characteristics and cost‐effectiveness (cost per case) of the five strategies to predict systolic (EF <50%) or diastolic ALVD and pre‐clinical HF (stage B) were compared. NT‐proBNP was the most accurate and cost‐effective screening strategy to identify systolic and moderate to severe diastolic LV dysfunction without a difference between the high‐risk and low‐risk groups. Adding ECG to the NT‐proBNP assessment did not improve the detection of pre‐clinical LV dysfunction. TE‐based screening was the least cost‐effective strategy. In fact, all screening strategies were inadequate to identify stage B HF.

Conclusions

In a community of elderly people, NT‐proBNP is the most accurate and cost‐ effective pre‐screening strategy to identify systolic and moderate to severe diastolic LV dysfunction.
Intravenous ferric carboxymaltose in iron‐deficient chronic heart failure patients with and without anaemia: a subanalysis of the FAIR‐HF trial
Authors: Filippatos Gerasimos , Farmakis Dimitrios , Colet Josep Comin , Dickstein Kenneth , Lüscher Thomas F. , Willenheimer Ronnie , Parissis John , Gaudesius Giedrius , Mori Claudio , von Eisenhart Rothe Barbara , Greenlaw Nicola , Ford Ian , Ponikowski Piotr , Anker Stefan D.
Published: June 2013

Aims

Therapy with i.v. iron in patients with chronic heart failure (CHF) and iron deficiency (ID) improves symptoms, functional capacity, and quality of life. We sought to investigate whether these beneficial outcomes are independent of anaemia.

Methods and results

FAIR‐HF randomized 459 patients with CHF [NYHA class II or III, LVEF ≤40% (NYHA II) or ≤45% (NYHA III)] and ID to i.v. iron as ferric carboxymaltose (FCM) or placebo in a 2:1 ratio. We analysed the efficacy and safety according to the presence or absence of anaemia (haemoglobin ≤120 g/L) at baseline. Of 459 patients, 232 had anaemia at baseline (51%). The effect of FCM on the primary endpoints of self‐reported Patient Global Assessment (PGA) and NYHA class at week 24 was similar in patients with and without anaemia [odds ratio (OR) for improvement, 2.48 vs. 2.60,P= 0.97 for PGA and 1.90 vs. 3.39,P= 0.51 for NYHA). Results were also similar for the secondary endpoints, including PGA and NYHA at weeks 4 and 12, 6 min walk test distance, Kansas City Cardiomyopathy Questionnaire overall score, and European Quality of Life‐5 Dimensions Visual Analogue Scale at most time points. Regarding safety, no differences were noticed in the rates of death or first hospitalization between FCM and placebo both in anaemic and in non‐anaemic patients.

Conclusions

Treatment of ID with FCM in patients with CHF is equally efficacious and shows a similar favourable safety profile irrespective of anaemia. Iron status should be assessed in symptomatic CHF patients both with and without anaemia and treatment of ID should be considered.
The paradox of the “paradox of the plankton”
Authors: Record Nicholas R. , Pershing Andrew J. , Maps Frédéric
Published: June 2013

Record, N. R., Pershing, A. J., and Maps, F. 2014. The paradox of the “paradox of the plankton”. – ICES Journal of Marine Science, 71: 236–240. One of the central orienting questions in biodiversity theory and ecology is the “paradox of the plankton”, which asks how it is possible for many species to coexist on limited resources given the tendency for competition to exclude species. Over the past five decades, ecologists have offered dozens of solutions to the paradox, invoking game theory, chaos, stochastics, and many other concepts. Despite the plentitude of solutions to the paradox, ecologists continue to offer up novel solutions. Ocean modellers are now faced with the opposite paradox: given the overabundance and the diversity of solutions to the paradox, what is the appropriate way to build coexistence into ecosystem models? Ocean ecosystem models have a very standardized form—nutrient–phytoplankton–zooplankton (NPZ)-type systems of differential equations—where competitive exclusion is a common model behaviour. We suggest approaching the problem from the perspective of community-level patterns. We offer a prototype for building coexistence into NPZ models. The model allows for diverse assemblages of phytoplankton or zooplankton groups to persist and produces accurate community-level patterns. The approach is simple, adding only one additional parameter, and allows us to test the effects of trait distributions and environmental variables on diversity.
Minimally Invasive Diagnosis and Treatment of Endometrial Cancer After LeFort Colpocleisis
Authors: Harmanli Oz , Celik Hatice , Jones Keisha A. , Yadav Parul , Myers Tashanna
Published: June 2013

Background

Endometrial carcinoma is rare after LeFort colpocleisis. Standards for its diagnosis and treatment have not been established.

Case

A 74-year-old woman presented with postmenopausal bleeding 14 months after LeFort colpocleisis. Here, we describe the use of the colpocleisis channels in our novel 2-stage approach. In the first stage, endometrial carcinoma was diagnosed with vaginohysteroscopy and dilatation and curettage via the channels. In the second stage, the cancer was optimally treated with total robotic hysterectomy, bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy, and lymph node dissection. Assistance and specimen retrieval were achieved through the vaginal channels. The patient recovered without compromise to the pelvic floor.

Conclusions

Endometrial cancer after LeFort colpocleisis can be diagnosed and treated with minimally invasive approaches without disrupting the colpocleisis or the pelvic floor support.
Transobturator Taping for the Treatment of Incontinence After Neobladder Reconstruction
Authors: Jindal Tarun , Mukherjee Satyadip , Mandal Soumendra Nath , Karmakar Dilip
Published: June 2013

Incontinence in the patients with neobladder is a distressing condition. Although conservative management may be helpful in some, a significant number of patients require some form of surgical intervention. Any surgical intervention, especially from the abdominal route can be significantly morbid in these patients because of extensive surgery done previously. There is a need for a technique that can take care of the postoperative incontinence without subjecting the patient to significant surgical risk. Artificial sphincters have been used in male patients but their use in female patients can be technically difficult. There are limited options available for women like transurethral bulking agents and pubovaginal slings. These procedures do not have very good results and female patients often end up with a cutaneous stoma. We, in this report, describe a female patient with incontinence after orthotopic neobladder reconstruction that could be successfully treated with transobturator taping.
A Case of Silicone Mesh Extrusion Into the Bladder Associated With Robotic Sacrocolpopexy
Authors: Mukati Marium , Shobeiri S. Abbas
Published: June 2013

Background

Over the past several years, the daVinci robot has been used in gynecologic surgery as a new surgical approach. The literature is being slowly populated with pros and cons of this technology.

Case

We report a 60-year-old woman with a history of pelvic organ prolapse who had a robotic sacrocolpopexy. She presented with mesh extrusion into her vagina, which was removed by exploratory laparotomy. Two years later, she presented with mesh erosion into her bladder, which was removed.

Conclusion

This case report provides an example of significant mesh complication associated with robotic sacrocolpopexy 4 years after surgery and then again 2 years later.