bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Conserved stomatal behaviour under elevated CO2 and varying water availability in a mature woodland
Authors: Gimeno Teresa E. , Crous Kristine Y. , Cooke Julia , O'Grady Anthony P. , Ósvaldsson Anna , Medlyn Belinda E. , Ellsworth David S.
Published: August 2015

Rising levels of atmospheric CO2 concentration (Ca) and simultaneous climate change profoundly affect plant physiological performance while challenging our ability to estimate vegetation–atmosphere fluxes. To predict rates of water and carbon exchange between vegetation and the atmosphere, we require a formulation for stomatal conductance (gs) that captures the multidimensional response of stomata to changing environmental conditions. The unified stomatal optimization (USO) theory provides a formulation for gs with the ability to predict the response of gs to novel environmental conditions such as elevated Ca (eCa), warmer temperatures and/or changing water availability.

We tested for the effect of eCa and seasonally varying climate on stomatal behaviour, as defined by the USO theory, during the first year of free‐air CO2 enrichment in a native eucalypt woodland (the EucFACE experiment). We hypothesized that under eCa, gs would decrease and photosynthesis (Anet) would increase, but fundamental stomatal behaviour described in the USO model would remain unchanged. We also predicted that the USO slope parameter g1 would increase with temperature and water availability. Over 20 months, we performed quarterly gas exchange campaigns encompassing a wide range of temperatures and water availabilities. We measured gs, Anet and leaf water potential (Ψ) at mid‐morning, midday and pre‐dawn (Ψ only) under ambient and eCa and prevailing climatic conditions, at the tree tops (20 m height).

We found that eCa induced a 20% reduction in stomatal conductance under non‐limiting water availability, enhanced mid‐morning Anet by 24% in three out of five measurement campaigns and had no significant effect on Ψ. The parameter g1 was conserved under eCa, weakly increased with temperature and did not respond to increasing water availability.

Our results suggest that under eCa and variable rainfall, mature eucalypt trees exhibit a conservative water‐use strategy, but this strategy may be modified by growth temperature. We show that the USO theory successfully predicts coupling of carbon uptake and water loss in future atmospheric conditions in a native woodland and thus could be incorporated into ecosystem‐scale and global vegetation models.
Cool tadpoles from Arctic environments waste fewer nutrients – high gross growth efficiencies lead to low consumer‐mediated nutrient recycling in the North
Authors: Liess Antonia , Guo Junwen , Lind Martin I. , Rowe Owen
Published: August 2015

Endothermic organisms can adapt to short growing seasons, low temperatures and nutrient limitation by developing high growth rates and high gross growth efficiencies (GGEs). Animals with high GGEs are better at assimilating limiting nutrients and thus should recycle (or lose) fewer nutrients. Longer guts in relation to body mass may facilitate higher GGE under resource limitation.

Within the context of ecological stoichiometry theory, this study combines ecology with evolution by relating latitudinal life‐history adaptations in GGE, mediated by gut length, to its ecosystem consequences, such as consumer‐mediated nutrient recycling.

In common garden experiments, we raised Rana temporaria tadpoles from two regions (Arctic/Boreal) under two temperature regimes (18/23 °C) crossed with two food quality treatments (high/low‐nitrogen content). We measured tadpole GGEs, total nutrient loss (excretion + egestion) rates and gut length during ontogeny.

In order to maintain their elemental balance, tadpoles fed low‐nitrogen (N) food had lower N excretion rates and higher total phosphorous (P) loss rates than tadpoles fed high‐quality food. In accordance with expectations, Arctic tadpoles had higher GGEs and lower N loss rates than their low‐latitude conspecifics, especially when fed low‐N food, but only in ambient temperature treatments. Arctic tadpoles also had relatively longer guts than Boreal tadpoles during early development.

That temperature and food quality interacted with tadpole region of origin in affecting tadpole GGEs, nutrient loss rates and relative gut length, suggests evolved adaptation to temperature and resource differences. With future climate change, mean annual temperatures will increase. Additionally, species and genotypes will migrate north. This will change the functioning of Boreal and Arctic ecosystems by affecting consumer‐mediated nutrient recycling and thus affect nutrient dynamics in general. Our study shows that evolved latitudinal adaption can change key ecosystem functions.
Gaining control over breast cancer risk: Transforming vulnerability, uncertainty, and the future through clinical trial participation – a qualitative study
Authors: Holmberg Christine , Whitehouse Katie , Daly Mary , McCaskill‐Stevens Worta
Published: August 2015

Concepts of disease risk and its management are central to processes of medicalisation and pharmaceuticalisation. Through a narrative perspective, this paper aims to understand how such macro‐level developments may (or may not) be experienced individually, and how an algorithm that is used for recruitment into a clinical trial may structure individual notions of being ‘at risk’ and ‘in need of treatment’. We interviewed 31 women participating in the Study of Tamoxifen and Raloxifene (STAR), a chemoprevention trial conducted in the US between 1999 and 2006. Interviews were thematically analysed. Women in the study had experienced the threat of breast cancer and felt vulnerable to developing the disease prior to STAR participation. The diagnosis of ‘being at risk’ for cancer through an algorithm that determined risk‐eligibility for STAR, opened up the possibility for the women to heal. The trial became a means to recognise and collectivise the women's experiences of vulnerability. Through medication intake, being cared for by study coordinators, and the sense of community with other STAR participants, trial participation worked to transform women's lives. Such transformative experiences may nevertheless have been temporary, enduring only as long as the close links to the medical institution through trial participation lasted.
Meeting pragmatism halfway: making a pragmatic clinical trial protocol
Authors: Rushforth Alexander
Published: August 2015

Pragmatic clinical trials (PCTs) are today an increasingly prominent means of measuring the ‘effectiveness’ of healthcare interventions in ‘real world’ clinical settings, in order to produce evidence on which to base regulatory and clinical decision‐making. Although several sociological studies have shown persuasively how PCTs are co‐constructed within particular healthcare systems in which they are based, they have tended to focus on relatively later stages in careers of trials. The paper contributes to literature by considering how the ‘real world’ of the UK National Health Service (NHS) is incorporated into the design of a research protocol. Drawing on a meeting held just prior to patient recruitment for a PCT in maternal health, the paper analyses a trial collective's efforts to purify the messy domain of NHS clinical care into the orderly confines of the protocol (Law 2004), which meant satisfying demands for both scientific and social robustness (c.f. Nowotny et al. 2001). The findings show how efforts to inscribe robustness into the PCT protocol were themselves mediated through epistemic and regulatory conventions surrounding protocols as devices in healthcare research. Finally it is argued that meetings constitute an important epistemic instrument through which to settle various emerging tensions in PCT protocol design.
Educational mismatch and mortality among native‐born workers in Sweden. A 19‐year longitudinal study of 2.5 million over‐educated, matched and under‐educated individuals, 1990–2008
Authors: Garcy Anthony M.
Published: August 2015

This study tests the hypothesis that a disjuncture between an individual's attained level of education and that held by average workers in the individual's occupation leads to higher mortality among those with a prolonged mismatched status. Swedish register data are used in a 19‐year longitudinal mortality follow‐up study of all causes and specific causes of mortality. Participants were all men and women born between 1926 and 1985 who were alive on 1 September 1990, who had concurrent information on their attained level of education and the specific occupation or industry they were employed in during this period for at least a consecutive year. An objective measure of educational and occupational mismatch was constructed from these data. Those with a stable, over‐educated matched, or under‐educated employment status are included in the final analysis (N = 2,482,696). Independent of social, family, employers’ characteristics and prior health problems, the findings from a multivariate, stratified Cox regression analysis suggest there is excessive mortality among the over‐educated, and a protective effect of under‐education among native‐born Swedish men and women.
Planning as Dramaturgy: Agonistic Approaches to Spatial Enactment
Authors: Rannila Päivi , Loivaranta Tikli
Published: August 2015

In urban planning, inclusion is not necessarily achieved by increasing opportunities for deliberation between planners and residents, as power and exclusion reside in the process of deliberation, especially in the rigid spaces of formal planning hearings. Planners' professional jargon may remain inaccessible to residents, who grasp their living environment in terms of the flow of sensory and social interactions. So the framework of instrumental rationality may exclude softer, yet meaningful, local stories. What is needed in urban planning is a sensitivity for the plurality of these stories. In this article we propose that applied drama methods could provide a novel model for deliberative planning, in order to surpass the silo thinking of instrumental rationality, and ingrained, taken‐for‐granted concepts and identities, by artistic and affective means of argumentation. Furthermore, it seems that residents gain access to the embodied understanding of different trajectories of meaning making by playing the roles of other residents. Drama may provide a channel of expression that helps people move beyond the antagonistic posturing between stakeholders, as well as an empowering way to express the plurality of stories in neighbourhood spaces.
Marbling Analysis for Evaluating Meat Quality: Methods and Techniques
Authors: Cheng Weiwei , Cheng Jun‐Hu , Sun Da‐Wen , Pu Hongbin
Published: August 2015

Marbling is one of the most important traits determining the quality of meat, and the richness of marbling is often considered by consumers as the primary factor when buying meat in view of its contribution to sensory characteristics of meat. In the market, there has been a constant demand for meat products with an assured degree of marbling. Conventionally, marbling of meat is assessed by visual appraisal or chemical analysis, which has the disadvantages of being subjective and time‐consuming. In order to improve the detection accuracy and production efficiency, a variety of modern instrumental techniques, including spectroscopic techniques, imaging techniques, and hyperspectral imaging, have been developed for marbling analysis. This paper gives a comprehensive overview on the recent advances in marbling analysis. What's more, the advantages, limitations and some perspectives on the future trends of these techniques are also presented.
Forensic Potential of MMPs and CC Chemokines for Wound Age Determination
Authors: Wang Yenan , Yamamoto Yuki , Kuninaka Yumi , Kondo Toshikazu , Furukawa Fukumi
Published: August 2015

In this study, we investigated time‐dependent expression of matrix metalloproteases (MMP)‐2, MMP‐9, chemokine CC motif ligand (CCL)‐2, CCL‐3, CCL‐5, IL‐1β, IL‐6, and TNF‐α mRNA at the skin injury site and sought their forensic potentials during the skin wound repair process. The tested wound ages in 42 mouse skin wounds were distributed at 0d, 1d, 3d, 5d, 7d, 10d, and 14d, respectively and then followed by real‐time polymerase chain reaction. Ultimately, MMP‐2 played an important role in the inflammation phase. On the contrary, MMP‐9 became involved at a later phase during wound healing. Meanwhile, CCL‐2 and CCL‐3 were active throughout almost all of the process. However, CCL‐5 mRNA had no significance. Collectively, an MMP‐9/MMP‐2 ratio of over 0.84 indicated that skin wound healing age was strongly 5 days or less. So elevated gene expressions of cytokines and chemokines in different phases of wound ages implied that combined exploration could make wound age determination more accurate and objective.
Undetermined Manner of Death: An Autopsy Series
Authors: Advenier Anne‐Sophie , Guillard Nadege , Alvarez Jean‐Claude , Martrille Laurent , Lorin de la Grandmaison Geoffroy
Published: August 2015

A manner of death may be ruled undetermined by the forensic pathologist when there is insufficient information about the circumstances surrounding the death to make a ruling. The aim of our study was to retrospectively analyze a series of autopsy cases that were classified as undetermined manner of death after complete investigations. In all, 48 cases were examined. In 23 cases (48%), the cause of death was determined. The most frequent cause of death was toxic death (n = 11). More than one manner of death was deemed conceivable for most cases (n = 39). The most frequent and the most probable manner of death was accident (n = 37). Homicide was not excluded in about 23% of the cases. Our study showed that the manner of death may remain undetermined despite an established cause of death, and even when two or more conceivable causes of death are considered. Our study pointed out that undetermined manner of death covers a wide range of situations and that homicide may be underestimated.
High‐performance work systems and workplace performance in small, medium‐sized and large firms
Authors: Wu Ning , Hoque Kim , Bacon Nicolas , Bou Llusar Juan Carlos
Published: August 2015

This article draws on the Organisational Growth and Development (OGD) life cycle model to explore the relationship between high‐performance work systems (HPWS) and performance in firms of different size, thereby extending understanding of congruence or ‘best fit’ theory within strategic HRM debates. With reference to management control theory, economies of scale and the availability of specialist managerial skills, the article hypothesises that while an HPWS–performance relationship might exist in small, medium‐sized and large firms, the relationship will be stronger in large firms than in both small and medium‐sized firms, and stronger in medium‐sized firms than in small firms. Analysis of data from the British Workplace Employment Relations Survey demonstrates, however, that there is no association between HPWS and workplace performance in medium‐sized firms, in contrast to the positive relationship between HPWS and performance found in large firms and between HPWS and labour productivity in small firms.
Improving intraspecific allele networks inferred by maximum parsimony
Authors: Branders Vincent , Mardulyn Patrick
Published: August 2015

Allele (or haplotype) networks are often used in phylogeographic studies to display genetic variation within a species or a group of closely related species. A global maximum parsimony approach to infer allele networks, arguably the method of choice to display genetic variation at the intraspecific level, consists in inferring all most parsimonious trees from a DNA sequence alignment and combining the corresponding phylograms into a single graph. However, it has been suggested that, while classic phylogenetic programs generate a single phylogram per most parsimonious tree, deriving all possible phylograms from them would allow identifying additional most parsimonious paths among alleles, thereby improving this network inference method.

We test this prediction by analysing both simulated and empirical DNA sequence alignments. For this purpose, a computer program, CPN, was developed to implement the entire procedure, starting with a set of most parsimonious trees and combining all derived phylograms into a network.

We show that including all possible most parsimonious phylograms indeed often results in finding additional most parsimonious paths in the network graph, thereby improving the search for a global maximum parsimony solution.

We highly recommend the use of this approach in future phylogeographic studies, to ensure that all most parsimonious paths are included in the allele network, instead of an arbitrarily selected subset of those.
Assessing the robustness of quantitative fatty acid signature analysis to assumption violations
Authors: Bromaghin Jeffrey F. , Budge Suzanne M. , Thiemann Gregory W. , Rode Karyn D.
Published: August 2015

Knowledge of animal diets can provide important insights into life history and ecology, relationships among species in a community and potential response to ecosystem change or perturbation. Quantitative fatty acid signature analysis (QFASA) is a method of estimating diets from data on the composition, or signature, of fatty acids stored in adipose tissue. Given data on signatures of potential prey, a predator diet is estimated by minimizing the distance between its signature and a mixture of prey signatures. Calibration coefficients, constants derived from feeding trials, are used to account for differential metabolism of individual fatty acids. QFASA has been widely applied since its introduction and several variants of the original estimator have appeared in the literature. However, work to compare the statistical properties of QFASA estimators has been limited.

One important characteristic of an estimator is its robustness to violations of model assumptions. The primary assumptions of QFASA are that prey signature data contain representatives of all prey types consumed and the calibration coefficients are known without error. We investigated the robustness of two QFASA estimators to a range of violations of these assumptions using computer simulation and recorded the resulting bias in diet estimates.

We found that the Aitchison distance measure was most robust to errors in the calibration coefficients. Conversely, the Kullback–Leibler distance measure was most robust to the consumption of prey without representation in the prey signature data.

In most QFASA applications, investigators will generally have some knowledge of the prey available to predators and be able to assess the completeness of prey signature data and sample additional prey as necessary. Conversely, because calibration coefficients are derived from feeding trials with captive animals and their values may be sensitive to consumer physiology and nutritional status, their applicability to free‐ranging animals is difficult to establish. We therefore recommend that investigators first make any improvements to the prey signature data that seem warranted and then base estimation on the Aitchison distance measure, as it appears to minimize risk from violations of the assumption that is most difficult to verify.
Technical efficiency of Kansas arable crop farms: a local maximum likelihood approach
Authors: Guesmi Bouali , Serra Teresa , Featherstone Allen
Published: August 2015

This study uses local maximum likelihood (LML) methods recently proposed by Kumbhakar et al. (2007) to assess the technical efficiency of arable crop Kansas farms. LML techniques overcome the most relevant limitations associated to mainstream parametric stochastic and nonparametric frontier models. LML allows deriving farm‐level frontier parameter estimates. The relevance of using localized estimates is evidenced by the observed heterogeneity in production technologies. Technical efficiency scores derived from the LML approach [0.905] are higher than those of the DEA model under CRS [0.808] and SFA [0.804] and close to DEA‐VRS [0.917] ratings. Deriving reliable information about farm efficiency performance is relevant to identify inefficient farms and define adequate policy and management strategies. The use of refined methods has thus important implications.
Changes in the management of liver trauma leading to reduced mortality: 15‐year experience in a major trauma centre
Authors: Suen Kary , Skandarajah Anita R. , Knowles Brett , Judson Rodney , Thomson Benjamin N.
Published: August 2015

Background

Worldwide, the evolution of management of liver injury has resulted in improved outcomes. The aim of this study was to examine the trend in the management and outcomes of patients with liver injury. Primary outcomes were defined as mortality and hospital length of stay. The secondary aim was to identify independent predictors of mortality.

Methods

This study utilized hospital trauma registry data of all trauma patients with liver injuries admitted from 1999 to 2013. Patients in this 15‐year period were divided into three periods of 5 years each and compared in terms of demographics, management and outcomes.

Results

A total of 725 patients with hepatic trauma were included. Patient demographics were similar, except for an increase in patient transfers from rural locations. Non‐operative management increased significantly. There was a significant increase in the use of damage control surgery with perihepatic packing in high‐grade liver injuries managed operatively. Hepatic angioembolization commenced midway through the study period. The overall mortality decreased by approximately threefold (P < 0.001) and mortality within 24 h of arrival to hospital by approximately fivefold (P < 0.001). Controlling for independent predictive factors of mortality, the mortality within 24 h reduced from 18.8% in period 1 to 3.6% in period 3 (P = 0.001).

Conclusions

At this institution, an integrated trauma service has led to an evolution in the management of hepatic trauma, favouring non‐operative management, damage control surgery and the use of hepatic angioembolization. We experienced a significantly improved mortality within 24 h of arrival to hospital in patients with liver trauma.
Are repeated assisted reproductive technology treatments and an unsuccessful outcome risk factors for unipolar depression in infertile women?
Authors: Sejbaek Camilla S. , Pinborg Anja , Hageman Ida , Forman Julie L. , Hougaard Charlotte Ø. , Schmidt Lone
Published: August 2015

Introduction

Previous studies have shown conflicting results as to whether unsuccessful medically assisted reproduction is a risk factor for depression among women. This study therefore investigated if women with no live birth after assisted reproductive technology (ART) treatment had a higher risk of unipolar depression compared with women with a live birth after ART treatment.

Material and methods

The Danish National ART‐Couple (DANAC) Cohort is a national register‐based cohort study that consists of women who received ART treatment from 1 January 1994 to 30 September 2009, in Denmark (n = 41 050). Information on unipolar depression was obtained from the Danish Psychiatric Central Research Register. The analyses were conducted in Cox regression analysis.

Results

During the 308 494 person‐years of follow up, 552 women were diagnosed with unipolar depression. A Cox proportional hazards model showed that women in ART treatment, with no live birth yet, had a lower risk of unipolar depression compared with women with a live birth. Women had the highest risk of unipolar depression 0–42 days after a live birth (adjusted hazard ratio 5.08, 95% CI 3.11–8.29) compared with women with no live birth. A lower, but still increased, risk of unipolar depression, was found in women 43 days to 1 year and >1 year after a live birth compared with women with no live birth yet.

Conclusions

Motherhood is an important trigger of unipolar depression in women conceiving after ART treatment.
The capacity of mid‐pregnancy cervical length to predict preterm birth in low‐risk women: a national cohort study
Authors: van der Ven Jeanine , van Os Melanie A. , Kazemier Brenda M. , Kleinrouweler Emily , Verhoeven Corine J. , de Miranda Esteriek , van Wassenaer‐Leemhuis Aleid G. , Kuiper Petra N. , Porath Martina , Willekes Christine , Woiski Mallory D. , Sikkema Marko J. , Roumen Frans J.M.E. , Bossuyt Patrick M. , Haak Monique C. , de Groot Christianne J.M. , Mol Ben W.J. , Pajkrt Eva
Published: August 2015

Introduction

We investigated the predictive capacity of mid‐trimester cervical length (CL) measurement for spontaneous and iatrogenic preterm birth.

Material and methods

We performed a prospective observational cohort study in nulliparous women and low‐risk multiparous women with a singleton pregnancy between 16+0 and 21+6 weeks of gestation. We assessed the prognostic capacity of transvaginally measured mid‐trimester CL for spontaneous and iatrogenic preterm birth (<37 weeks) using likelihood ratios (LR) and receiver‐operating‐characteristic analysis. We calculated numbers needed to screen to prevent one preterm birth assuming different treatment effects. Main outcome measures were preterm birth <32, <34 and <37 weeks.

Results

We studied 11 943 women, of whom 666 (5.6%) delivered preterm: 464 (3.9%) spontaneous and 202 (1.7%) iatrogenic. Mean CL was 44.1 mm (SD 7.8 mm). In nulliparous women, the LRs for spontaneous preterm birth varied between 27 (95% CI 7.7–95) for a CL ≤ 20 mm, and 2.0 (95% CI 1.6–2.5) for a CL between 30 and 35 mm. For low‐risk multiparous women, these LRs were 37 (95% CI 7.5–182) and 1.5 (95% CI 0.97–2.2), respectively. Using a cut‐off for CL ≤ 30 mm, 28 (6.0%) of 464 women with spontaneous preterm birth were identified. The number needed to screen to prevent one case of preterm birth was 618 in nulliparous women and 1417 for low‐risk multiparous women (40% treatment effect, cut‐off 30 mm).

Conclusion

In women at low risk of preterm birth, CL predicts spontaneous preterm birth. However, its isolated use as a screening tool has limited value due to low sensitivity.
Less severe cerebral palsy outcomes in infants treated with therapeutic hypothermia
Authors: Jary Sally , Smit Elisa , Liu Xun , Cowan Frances M. , Thoresen Marianne
Published: August 2015

Aim

To describe the incidence, type and severity of cerebral palsy at 24 months in a regional cohort of infants treated with whole‐body therapeutic hypothermia for neonatal encephalopathy.

Methods

Data were collected prospectively in a regional centre providing TH. Antenatal and perinatal clinical variables and severity of encephalopathy were collected. Infants were assessed at 18 months using the Bayley Scales of Infant and Toddler Development‐III, and the presence and severity of CP was investigated at 24 months.

Results

A total of 125 of 132 infants fulfilled entry criteria for TH trials and completed 72 h of TH. Sixteen (13%) of the 125 infants died, and eight (6%) were not available for follow‐up. Eighteen infants (14%; 18% of those assessed) developed CP. Of these, 12 (67%) were classified using the Gross Motor Function Classification System, at level 1, six (33%) at level 5 and none at levels 2, 3 or 4.

Conclusion

Our regional clinical cohort had lower mortality and comparable rates of CP compared with historical outcomes in TH trials. In contrast to historical cohorts, only one‐third of the 18 children with CP were severely affected and 12 were mildly affected, all of whom were independently ambulant by 24 months.
Handling Missing Data in Matched Case-Control Studies Using Multiple Imputation
Authors: Seaman Shaun R. , Keogh Ruth H.
Published: August 2015

Analysis of matched case-control studies is often complicated by missing data on covariates. Analysis can be restricted to individuals with complete data, but this is inefficient and may be biased. Multiple imputation (MI) is an efficient and flexible alternative. We describe two MI approaches. The first uses a model for the data on an individual and includes matching variables; the second uses a model for the data on a whole matched set and avoids the need to model the matching variables. Within each approach, we consider three methods: full-conditional specification (FCS), joint model MI using a normal model, and joint model MI using a latent normal model. We show that FCS MI is asymptotically equivalent to joint model MI using a restricted general location model that is compatible with the conditional logistic regression analysis model. The normal and latent normal imputation models are not compatible with this analysis model. All methods allow for multiple partially-observed covariates, non-monotone missingness, and multiple controls per case. They can be easily applied in standard statistical software and valid variance estimates obtained using Rubin's Rules. We compare the methods in a simulation study. The approach of including the matching variables is most efficient. Within each approach, the FCS MI method generally yields the least-biased odds ratio estimates, but normal or latent normal joint model MI is sometimes more efficient. All methods have good confidence interval coverage. Data on colorectal cancer and fibre intake from the EPIC-Norfolk study are used to illustrate the methods, in particular showing how efficiency is gained relative to just using individuals with complete data.
Engagement: Looking beyond the mirror to understand action understanding
Authors: Reddy Vasudevi , Uithol Sebo
Published: August 2015

In this paper, we argue that the current focus on mirroring as the route to explaining the development of action understanding is misleading and problematic. It facilitates a fundamentally spectatorial stance, ignoring engagement and dialogue; it focuses on similarity between self and other and neglects difference; and it succumbs to the static terminology of mechanism rather than a dynamic language of process. Contrary to this view, dialogic exchanges are evident from the start of life, revealing infants' ability to engage with and respond appropriately to actions that are outside their own motor repertoire. We suggest that engagement rather than mirroring better accounts for many current findings in action understanding. The neurological evidence to date shows that action perception involves a process of continuous synchronization and change, suggesting that it might be more fruitful for research and theory to look beyond mirroring and instead adopt dynamic processual explanations of action understanding within interaction.
Inclusion or Dualization? The Political Economy of Employment Relations in Italian and Greek Telecommunications
Authors: Kornelakis Andreas
Published: August 2015

Recent literature argues that trade unions in restructuring service industries have responded to the challenges of the post‐industrial era by accepting different forms of labour market dualization. This article examines two case studies from Italy and Greece, in which unions adopted divergent responses to intensified market pressures unleashed by the liberalization of national telecommunications markets. In the Italian case, collective bargaining was successfully centralized, resulting in the inclusion of traditional labour market ‘outsiders’. In contrast, bargaining centralization failed in Greek telecommunications, leading to intensified dualization. These different paths of institutional change are explained as resulting from differences in ideological cleavages among unions and distinct legacies in employers’ associations.
The detrital record of late‐Miocene to Pliocene surface uplift and exhumation of the Venezuelan Andes in the Maracaibo and Barinas foreland basins
Authors: Bermúdez M. A. , Hoorn C. , Bernet M. , Carrillo E. , van der Beek P. A. , Garver J. I. , Mora J. L. , Mehrkian K.
Published: August 2015

A multidisciplinary approach, combining sediment petrographic, palynological and thermochronological techniques, has been used to study the Miocene‐Pliocene sedimentary record of the evolution of the Venezuelan Andes. Samples from the Maracaibo (pro‐wedge) and Barinas (retro‐wedge) foreland basins, proximal to this doubly vergent mountain belt, indicate that fluvial and alluvial‐fan sediments of similar composition were shed to both sides of the Venezuelan Andes. Granitic and gneissic detritus was derived from the core of the mountain belt, whereas sedimentary cover rocks and uplifted foreland basin sediments were recycled from its flanks. Palynological evidence from the Maracaibo and Barinas basins constrains depositional ages of the studied sections from late Miocene to Pliocene. The pollen assemblages from the Maracaibo Basin are indicative of mountain vegetation, implying surface elevations of up to 3500–4000 m in the Venezuelan Andes at this time. Detrital apatite fission‐track (AFT) data were obtained from both stratigraphic sections. In samples from the Maracaibo basin, the youngest AFT grain‐age population has relatively static minimum ages of 5 ± 2 Ma, whereas for the Barinas basin samples AFT minimum ages are 7 ± 2 Ma. With exception of two samples collected from the Eocene Pagüey Formation and from the very base of the Miocene Parángula Formation, no evidence for resetting and track annealing in apatite due to burial heating in the basins was found. This is supported by rock‐eval analyses on organic matter and thermal modelling results. Therefore, for all other samples the detrital AFT ages reflect source area cooling and impose minimum age constraints on sediment deposition. The main phase of surface uplift, topography and relief generation, and erosional exhumation in the Venezuelan Andes occurred during the late Miocene to Pliocene. The Neogene evolution of the Venezuelan Andes bears certain similarities with the evolution of the Eastern Cordillera in Colombia, although they are not driven by exactly the same underlying geodynamic processes. The progressive development of the two mountain belts is seen in the context of collision of the Panama arc with northwestern South America and the closure of the Panama seaway in Miocene times, as well as contemporaneous movement of the Caribbean plate to the east and clock‐wise rotation of the Maracaibo block.
Additional skin biopsy could widen the diagnostic window of vasculitic neuropathy
Authors: Kanda Takashi
Published: August 2015

A substantial percentage of vasculitic neuropathy patients remain undiagnosed, even after combined nerve/muscle biopsy. In Masuda's article in this issue of the journal, the addition of a simultaneous skin biopsy yielded a mere 12% increase in the diagnostic accuracy; however, this procedure is worth considering because of its non‐invasive nature, and future detailed morphological analyses of biopsied skin specimens might further widen the diagnostic window of vasculitic neuropathy.
A Novel Approach to Measuring Efficiency of Scientific Research Projects: Data Envelopment Analysis
Authors: Dilts David M. , Zell Adrienne , Orwoll Eric
Published: August 2015

Purpose

Measuring the efficiency of resource allocation for the conduct of scientific projects in medical research is difficult due to, among other factors, the heterogeneity of resources supplied (e.g., dollars or FTEs) and outcomes expected (e.g., grants, publications). While this is an issue in medical science, it has been approached successfully in other fields by using data envelopment analysis (DEA). DEA has a number of advantages over other techniques as it simultaneously uses multiple heterogeneous inputs and outputs to determine which projects are performing most efficiently, referred to as being at the efficiency frontier, when compared to others in the data set.

Method

This research uses DEA for the evaluation of supported translational science projects by the Oregon Clinical and Translational Research Institute (OCTRI), a NCATS Clinical & Translational Science Award (CTSA) recipient.

Results

These results suggest that the primary determinate of overall project efficiency at OCTRI is the amount of funding, with smaller amounts of funding providing more efficiency than larger funding amounts.

Conclusion

These results, and the use of DEA, highlight both the success of using this technique in helping determine medical research efficiency and those factors to consider when distributing funds for new projects at CTSAs.
Severe Aortic Regurgitation Caused by Unicuspid Aortic Valve Based on Quadricuspid Aortic Valve
Authors: Dokuni Kumiko , Tanaka Hidekazu , Mochizuki Yasuhide , Matsumoto Kensuke , Okita Yutaka , Hirata Ken‐ichi
Published: August 2015

Mini‐Abstract

A 41‐year‐old man was admitted to our hospital because of shortness of breath. Two‐dimensional transesophageal echocardiography revealed the presence of a horseshoe‐shaped unicuspid aortic valve (UAV) with two raphes at 4 and 8 o'clock positions of the aortic leaflet, and prolapse of the noncoronary cusp. Three‐dimensional transesophageal echocardiography (3DTEE) clearly showed UAV, and another raphe was observed at the 7 o'clock position of the aortic leaflet. The Bentall procedure was performed, and surgical inspection confirmed the diagnosis of UAV based on the quadricuspid aortic valve. The excised specimen of the aortic valve was remarkably similar to the findings of 3DTEE.
Functional lateralization of temporoparietal junction – imitation inhibition, visual perspective‐taking and theory of mind
Authors: Santiesteban Idalmis , Banissy Michael J. , Catmur Caroline , Bird Geoffrey
Published: August 2015

Although neuroimaging studies have consistently identified the temporoparietal junction (TPJ) as a key brain region involved in social cognition, the literature is far from consistent with respect to lateralization of function. For example, during theory‐of‐mind tasks bilateral TPJ activation is found in some studies but only right hemisphere activation in others. Visual perspective‐taking and imitation inhibition, which have been argued to recruit the same socio‐cognitive processes as theory of mind, are associated with unilateral activation of either left TPJ (perspective taking) or right TPJ (imitation inhibition). The present study investigated the functional lateralization of TPJ involvement in the above three socio‐cognitive abilities using transcranial direct current stimulation. Three groups of healthy adults received anodal stimulation over right TPJ, left TPJ or the occipital cortex prior to performing three tasks (imitation inhibition, visual perspective‐taking and theory of mind). In contrast to the extant neuroimaging literature, our results suggest bilateral TPJ involvement in imitation inhibition and visual perspective‐taking, while no effect of anodal stimulation was observed on theory of mind. The discrepancy between these findings and those obtained using neuroimaging highlight the efficacy of neurostimulation as a complementary methodological tool in cognitive neuroscience.
A new piezoelectric fatigue testing machine in pure torsion for ultrasonic gigacycle fatigue tests: application to forged and extruded titanium alloys
Authors: Nikitin A. , Bathias C. , Palin‐Luc T.
Published: August 2015

This article briefly discusses the history of the development of ultrasonic fatigue testing methods, with respect to industrial needs. The development of ultrasonic techniques and the progress made in the computer industry have led to improvements in ultrasonic testing techniques. It has been shown, that existing ultrasonic testing systems have limitations that lead to the need for a new ultrasonic fatigue testing machine operating in pure torsion. This paper introduces the development of a new piezoelectric machine working in the continuous regime (i.e. without pulse‐pause). This machine has been used to investigate the Very High Cycle Fatigue (VHCF) properties of the VT3‐1 alpha beta aeronautical titanium alloy (which is similar to Ti–6Al–4V) produced by two manufacturing processes: forging and extrusion. The extruded titanium alloy has a higher VHCF strength in torsion compared to the forged one. Despite the maximum shear stress occurring at the specimen surface under torsion loading, internal fatigue crack initiation can be observed in both the forged and extruded alloys.
The interacting effects of food, spring temperature, and global climate cycles on population dynamics of a migratory songbird
Authors: Townsend Andrea K. , Cooch Evan G. , Sillett T. Scott , Rodenhouse Nicholas L. , Holmes Richard T. , Webster Michael S.
Published: August 2015

Although long‐distance migratory songbirds are widely believed to be at risk from warming temperature trends, species capable of attempting more than one brood in a breeding season could benefit from extended breeding seasons in warmer springs. To evaluate local and global factors affecting population dynamics of the black‐throated blue warbler (Setophaga caerulescens), a double‐brooded long‐distance migrant, we used Pradel models to analyze 25 years of mark–recapture data collected in New Hampshire, USA. We assessed the effects of spring temperature (local weather) and the El Niño Southern Oscillation index (a global climate cycle), as well as predator abundance, insect biomass, and local conspecific density on population growth in the subsequent year. Local and global climatic conditions affected warbler populations in different ways. We found that warbler population growth was lower following El Niño years (which have been linked to poor survival in the wintering grounds and low fledging weights in the breeding grounds) than La Niña years. At a local scale, populations increased following years with warm springs and abundant late‐season food, but were unaffected by spring temperature following years when food was scarce. These results indicate that the warming temperature trends might have a positive effect on recruitment and population growth of black‐throated blue warblers if food abundance is sustained in breeding areas. In contrast, potential intensification of future El Niño events could negatively impact vital rates and populations of this species.
The quality of organic matter shapes the functional biogeography of bacterioplankton across boreal freshwater ecosystems
Authors: Ruiz‐González Clara , Niño‐García Juan Pablo , Lapierre Jean‐François , del Giorgio Paul A.
Published: August 2015

Aim

The need to go beyond taxonomy to understand patterns in microbial function has led to an increased use of trait‐based approaches, yet we know little about how microbial functional traits vary across large‐scale environmental gradients in natural ecosystems. Here, we apply a trait‐based approach to explore the large‐scale variability in the trait structure underlying the processing of dissolved organic matter (DOM) by boreal bacterioplankton communities, as well as its regulation and links to taxonomic composition.

Location

Samples were collected from 296 rivers and lakes across five regions in northern Quebec (Canada), which span large gradients in environmental, climatic and geographical properties typical of the boreal zone.

Methods

We used the metabolic profiles obtained with Biolog EcoPlates® as an imprint of the trait structure underlying bacterial processing of DOM, and Illumina sequencing of the 16SrRNA gene to characterize the taxonomic composition of these bacterial assemblages. The resulting spatial patterns were compared with an array of climatic, landscape and limnological properties varying at the landscape scale.

Results

Despite a clear regional segregation of the sampled sites based on environmental variables, the trait structure of boreal bacteria did not show any regional or ecosystem‐specific patterns, but rather was linked to a gradient of quality of DOM. Community trait configurations diverged progressively with decreasing terrestrial influence, probably due to local processes that transform and diversify the available pool of DOM. This DOM quality gradient did not explain the taxonomic biogeography of these communities, which was controlled by a different set of environmental factors.

Main conclusions

The functional biogeography of boreal bacterioplankton is driven by the nature of the DOM pool, and particularly by the influence of terrestrial DOM. The lack of coherence between functional and taxonomic biogeographies implies that the environmental controls of freshwater bacterial performance cannot be directly inferred from spatial patterns in taxonomic composition.
Episodic Syndromes That May Be Associated With Migraine: A.K.A. “the Childhood Periodic Syndromes”
Authors: Gelfand Amy A.
Published: August 2015

Previously called “childhood periodic syndromes that are commonly precursors of migraine” in International Headache Classification of Headache Disorders (ICHD)‐II, these disorders were renamed “episodic syndromes that may be associated with migraine” in ICHD‐III beta. The specific disorders reviewed in this article include: benign paroxysmal torticollis, benign paroxysmal vertigo, abdominal migraine, and cyclical vomiting syndrome, as well as infantile colic, which was recently added under the appendix section in ICHD‐III beta.
Case Report of Debilitating Headaches and a Coexisting Ophthalmic Artery Aneurysm: An Indication for Treatment?
Authors: Baron Eric P. , Hui Ferdinand K. , Kriegler Jennifer S.
Published: August 2015

Objective

We present a case of a patient who had severe unilateral headaches related to a small, unruptured ophthalmic artery aneurysm, who experienced complete headache cessation following endovascular coiling.

Background

Small unruptured intracranial aneurysms are generally managed and followed conservatively due to minimal risk of rupture. Headaches are frequently reported in patients with intracranial aneurysms, but these aneurysms are typically considered incidental and unrelated, given the undefined association between headaches and most aneurysms.

Conclusion

There may be some unruptured intracranial aneurysms that can cause intractable headaches and warrant interventional treatment. Future prospective studies are needed that compare pre‐ and post‐procedure headache character and diagnosis, aneurysm characteristics such as size, location, orientation, and shape, type of aneurysm repair with materials used, and other potential risk factors for worsening post‐procedure headache in order to better predict headache association to aneurysms, as well as outcomes following endovascular aneurysm treatment.
Career satisfaction of Jordanian dental hygienists
Authors: Malkawi ZA
Published: August 2015

Aim

The aim of this study was to determine the factors that affect Jordanian dental hygienists with their career satisfaction including financial issues, employment settings and policies.

Materials and methods

Randomized sample of 102 dental hygienists with a bachelor's degree were selected from the entire population of Jordanian dental hygienists. Participants received a cover letter with a questionnaire. Findings were analysed using descriptive data techniques. Chi‐square test was used to determine the statistically significant differences across demographic variables and career satisfaction's factors.

Results

About 22.5% of the participants are not working as dental hygienist. Dental hygiene profession in Jordan includes predominantly (74.0%) females. Majority of them (51.9%) were employed in JUST, and minority (6.3%) in MOH. Most of them (56.4%) were aged 24–29 years old, and mostly 62.2% with ≤1 child. About 53.1% employed by general dentist. Almost 35.3% had ≥4 years' job experience. Majority (47.6%) expressed high level of satisfaction with dental materials and equipment to practice work; however, only 2.0% expressed very high level of satisfaction with employment policies. Almost 32.4% expressed low level of satisfaction with salary level. Minority (2.0%) expressed dissatisfaction with quality of dentist's work. Statistically significant association was found between workplace, and dental materials and equipment to practice work, salary level, employment policies (P = 0.003, P = 0.003, P = 0.026), and number of children with flexibility in work hours (P = 0.001).

Conclusion

Jordanian dental hygienists' workplacesatisfaction w as significantly associated with dental materials and equipment to practice work, salary level, and employment policies. Understanding the working patterns of dental hygienists in Jordan is important to increase their career satisfaction levels.