bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Decline in stillbirths and perinatal mortality after implementation of a more aggressive induction policy in post‐date pregnancies: a nationwide register study
Authors: Zizzo Anne R. , Kirkegaard Ida , Pinborg Anja , Ulbjerg Niels
Published: February 2017

Introduction

In 2011 Danish national guidelines were changed towards a more aggressive induction and fetal surveillance policy from (1) induction of labor at gestational age (GA) of 42+0 weeks and (2) no fetal surveillance after 40+0 weeks to (1) induction of labor between 41+2 and 41+6 weeks, (2) earlier induction at 41+0 weeks in the case of maternal age >40 years or body mass index (BMI) >35 kg/m2 and (3) fetal surveillance at GA 41+0 weeks.

Material and methods

This national cohort study included all pregnancies that reached 41+0 weeks of gestation in 2008–2014 (n = 102 167). Multivariate logistic regression analyses were used to estimate risks in the years after (2012–2014) vs. before (2008–2010) new national guidelines, adjusted for maternal age, BMI, and parity.

Results

We observed a decline in stillbirths from 0.9‰ to 0.5‰ [odds ratio (OR)adjusted 0.50, 95% CI 0.29–0.89, p = 0.018]. Furthermore, a decline in perinatal deaths from 1.3‰ to 0.8‰ (ORadjusted 0.62, 95% CI 0.39–0.96, p = 0.033) and vacuum extraction (ORadjusted 0.86, 95% CI 0.82–0.90, p = 0.007) was observed. The risk of cesarean section (ORadjusted 0.98, 95% CI 0.94–1.02, p = 0.251), Apgar score below 7 at five minutes (ORadjusted 0.96, 95% CI 0.81–1.14, p = 0.0.678) and admissions to the neonatal department (ORadjusted 1.04, 95% CI 1.00–1.14, p = 0.064) did not change, whereas induction of labor increased from 28.2 to 42.6% (ORadjusted 1.89, 95% CI 1.84–1.95, p < 0.001).

Conclusions

This study showed a decline in stillbirths and perinatal mortality after implementation of new Danish guidelines for post‐date pregnancies. The risk of interventions as cesarean section and vacuum extraction remained stable despite an increase in labor inductions.
An update on the diagnosis, surgical management, and fertility outcomes for women with endometrioma
Authors: Cranney Ryan , Condous George , Reid Shannon
Published: February 2017

Endometriosis is estimated to affect up to 50% of infertile women, and severity of endometriosis stage appears to correlate with reduced fertility. Ovarian endometriomas are found in up to 44% of women with endometriosis, and are significantly associated with the presence of pelvic deep infiltrating endometriosis, ovarian adhesions, and pouch of Douglas obliteration. Through the use ofMEDLINEand PubMed databases, we conducted a literature review of all available research related to the diagnosis, surgical management and fertility outcomes for women with endometrioma. The evolving use of specialized transvaginal ultrasound for the diagnosis of endometrioma and related endometriotic pathologies can allow for preoperative mapping/staging of the disease, as well as appropriate surgical planning and fertility counseling. Surgical management of endometriomas appears to reduce markers of ovarian reserve, such as anti‐Mullerian hormone, prompting concern of reduced fertility following surgery. Ovarian cystectomy appears to be superior to ablation in terms of endometrioma recurrence, pain symptoms and increased spontaneous conception rate among subfertile patients. Research is inconclusive as to which surgical method least damages ovarian reserve in the long term; however, bipolar hemostasis appears to be the most damaging technique and should be avoided. Surgical management should be individualized for women with endometrioma, and strong consideration should be given to the preoperative ovarian reserve status prior to performing ovarian cystectomy. Current evidence suggests that ovarian cystectomy does not improve reproductive outcomes for women with endometrioma undergoing assisted reproductive technology; however, the majority of studies have been performed retrospectively and more prospective studies are needed.
Survey on laparoscopic total gastrectomy at the 11th China‐Korea‐Japan Laparoscopic Gastrectomy Joint Seminar
Authors: Cai Zheng‐hao , Zang Lu , Yang Han‐Kwang , Kitano Seigo , Zheng Min‐hua
Published: February 2017

Introduction

Laparoscopic total gastrectomy (LTG) has been widely performed for gastric cancer in China, Korea, and Japan. The current status of this surgical approach needs to be investigated.

Methods

During the 11th China‐Korea‐Japan Laparoscopic Gastrectomy Joint Seminar in Shanghai, China, on 5 March 2016, a questionnaire was completed by 65 experts in LTG. The survey included questions on surgical indication, operation team, laparoscopic instruments, and operative procedures.

Results

Of the 65 respondents, 35 (53.8%) were from China, 18 (27.7%) were from Korea, and 12 (18.5%) were from Japan. Surgeons have various indications for LTG. Among respondents, stage II gastric cancer (42.9%) was the most acceptable indication, but Japanese surgeons were more cautious on this issue (P = 0.005). Using a flexible scope was more popular with Japanese surgeons than with others (P = 0.003). A goose‐neck curved grasper was used more often in China and Korea than in Japan (P = 0.006). Chinese surgeons preferred vertical subxiphoid mini‐laparotomy rather than vertical transumbilical laparotomy. Intracorporeal reconstruction (73.0%) was most frequently adopted for LTG. Linear staplers (53.8%) and circular staplers (42.1%) were both popular for esophagojejunostomy. However, jejunojejunostomy was more often conducted extracorporeally (67.7%), in which case a linear stapler (86.4%) was usually selected. Significant differences were observed between the three countries with regard to reinforcement of the duodenal stump (P = 0.018) and closure of Peterson's space (P < 0.001).

Conclusion

This survey on LTG involving surgeons from China, Korea, and Japan clearly informed the current practice of this surgical approach and will likely aid future research studies as well as clinical treatment for gastric cancer.
Effects of dietary supplementation of Acanthopanax senticosus on gastrointestinal tract development in calves
Authors: Kong Zhiwei , Jie Hongdong , Zhou Chuanshe , Yang Lianyu , Tan Zhiliang , Yang Wenyan
Published: February 2017

Twenty‐four newborn Holstein dairy male calves (with initial body weight of 38 ± 3.0 kg) were used in a randomized block design experiment to determine effects of dietary supplementation of Acanthopanax senticosus (AS) on gastrointestinal tract development. Calves were fed milk (10%/body weight) three times at 06.00, 12.00 and 18.00 hours daily with one to four treatments during the experimental periods (4 to 28 days): no supplementation of AS (control group, CG); 1.0 g/L•time of micro‐powder AS (MP); 1.0 g/L•time of superfine powder AS (SP); or 1.0 g/L•time of coarse powder AS (CP). On days 7, 14, 21 and 28, 20 mL blood samples were collected at 06.00 hours before the morning feeding. At the end of the trial (28 days), all calves were euthanized, and tissue samples were taken and placed in 4% buffered formaldehyde for analyses. In the rumen of MP treatment, compared with the CG treatment, wall thickness and papillae diameter was both significantly lower (P<0.05), while crypt depth was significantly greater (P<0.05). In the duodenum, villi diameter of AS supplemented treatments was significantly lower than that of CG treatment (P<0.05). Results indicate that calves during sucking period supplemented with AS as MP style could promote gastrointestinal development.
Effects of Armillariella tabescens mycelia on the growth performance and intestinal immune response and microflora of early‐weaned pigs
Authors: Chen Wen‐Bin , Cheng Mao‐Ji , Tian Yun‐Bo , Wang Qin‐Hua , Wang Bing , Li Mei‐Jun , Fang Re‐Jun
Published: February 2017

This study was performed to evaluate effects of Armillariella tabescens (A. tabescens) on the growth performance and intestinal immune response and microflora in early‐weaned pigs when used as feed additive. A. tabescens mycelia were added to basal diets at concentrations of 0%, 0.1%, 0.3% or 0.9% (w/w). A total of 144 commercial cross‐bred piglets were randomly allocated to one of these four diets and fed for 30 days. The growth performance of early‐weaned piglets displayed improvement with diets containing 0.1% and 0.3% dried mycelia powder from A. tabescens. Supplementing with 0.1% or 0.3% A. tabescens mycelia induced a 2.6‐ and three‐fold increase in secretory immunoglobulin A (sIgA) content in the jejunal mucosa, respectively, but had only a marginal effect on sIgA in the ileal mucosa. Expression of interleukin‐2, interferon‐γ, and tumor necrosis factor‐α in the jejunal mucosa were elevated with A. tabescens mycelia administration. Increased amounts of Lactobacillus spp. and Bifidobacterium spp. in the jejunum, and decreased amounts of Escherichia coli in the jejunum and ileum were observed with the administration of A. tabescens‐containing diets. This study demonstrated that A. tabescens had beneficial effects on the growth performance and intestinal microflora of early‐weaned pigs.
Synthesis and mechanistic studies of curcumin analog‐based oximes as potential anticancer agents
Authors: Qin Hua‐Li , Leng Jing , Youssif Bahaa G. M. , Amjad Muhammad Wahab , Raja Maria Abdul Ghafoor , Hussain Muhammad Ajaz , Hussain Zahid , Kazmi Syeda Naveed , Bukhari Syed Nasir Abbas
Published: February 2017

The incidence of cancer can be decreased by chemoprevention using either natural or synthetic agents. Apart from synthetic compounds, numerous natural products have exhibited promising potential to inhibit carcinogenesis in vivo. In this study, α, β‐unsaturated carbonyl‐based anticancer compounds were used as starting materials to synthesize new oxime analogs. The findings from the antiproliferative assay using seven different human cancer cell lines provided a clear picture of structure–activity relationship. The oxime analogs namely 7a and 8a showed strong antiproliferative activity against the cell lines. The mechanistic effects of compounds on EGFR‐TK kinases and tubulin polymerization and BRAFV600E were investigated. In addition, the efficacy of compounds in reversing the efflux‐mediated resistance developed by cancer cells was also studied. The compounds 5a and 6a displayed potent activity on various targets such as BRAFV600E and EGFR‐TK kinases and also exhibited strong antiproliferative activity against different cell lines hence showing potential of multifunctional anticancer agents.
Social inequalities in tooth loss: A multinational comparison
Authors: Elani Hawazin W. , Harper Sam , Thomson William Murray , Espinoza Iris L. , Mejia Gloria C. , Ju Xiangqun , Jamieson Lisa M. , Kawachi Ichiro , Kaufman Jay S.
Published: February 2017

Objectives

To conduct cross‐national comparison of education‐based inequalities in tooth loss across Australia, Canada, Chile, New Zealand and the United States.

Methods

We used nationally representative data from Australia's National Survey of Adult Oral Health; Canadian Health Measures Survey; Chile's First National Health Survey Ministry of Health; US National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey; and the New Zealand Oral Health Survey. We examined the prevalence of edentulism, the proportion of individuals having <21 teeth and the mean number of teeth present. We used education as a measure of socioeconomic position and measured absolute and relative inequalities. We used random‐effects meta‐analysis to summarize inequality estimates.

Results

The USA showed the widest absolute and relative inequality in edentulism prevalence, whereas Chile demonstrated the largest absolute and relative social inequality gradient for the mean number of teeth present. Australia had the narrowest absolute and relative inequality gap for proportion of individuals having <21 teeth. Pooled estimates showed substantial heterogeneity for both absolute and relative inequality measures.

Conclusions

There is a considerable variation in the magnitude of inequalities in tooth loss across the countries included in this analysis.
Autogenous bone block grafting provides facial implant tissue stability long‐term
Authors: Verdugo Fernando , Uribarri Agurne , D'Addona Antonio
Published: February 2017

Background

Mucosal recession (MR) and bone loss can compromise anterior implant esthetics.

Purpose

To evaluate tissue stability and clinical outcomes of anterior implants augmented with autogenous block transplants long‐term.

Materials and Methods

This prospective cross‐sectional clinical study analyzed facial tissue recession of anterior implants augmented with autogenous bone blocks and compared them to adjacent teeth in forty patients 52 months post‐augmentation. Clinical parameters, MR and implant transparency, were assessed at delivery and follow‐up. The hypothesis is that the facial mucosa of augmented implant sites is more resistant to trauma than the gingival margins of adjacent teeth.

Results

Teeth were seven times more likely to present a facial recession than adjacent augmented implants at 52‐month follow‐up (RR: 7; P < .001; 95%CI: 2.7‐18.0). Augmented implant sites were six times more likely to present “no‐tissue‐recession” than adjacent teeth (RR: 6.2; P < .001; 95%CI: 2.4‐15.7). Mean tooth facial tissue recession was significantly higher than adjacent implants, 1.18 ± 1.05 mm (range: 0‐3.5 mm) vs. 0.06 ± 0.2 mm (95%CI: 0.8‐1.5; P < .0001). Thick biotype teeth were 2 times more resistant to recession than thin biotype teeth (RR: 2.03; P = .03; 95%CI: 1.2‐3.5). Implant success rates were 100%. Lack of transparency and MR at facial implant sites lasted an average of 52 months and up to 144 without signs of inflammation or pocket formation regardless of the individual's biotype. Facial bone thicknesses of 2.2 mm seem optimal for tissue stability.

Conclusions

Autogenous bone block augmentation with staged implant placement seems to be a predictable, short‐healing, reconstructive protocol in the esthetic zone maintaining stable peri‐implant tissues long‐term. Implant augmented sites seem more resistant to develop a recession than adjacent teeth.
A retrospective study on 1592 consecutively performed operations in one private referral clinic. Part I: Early inflammation and early implant failures
Authors: Antoun Hadi , Karouni Michel , Abitbol Jérémy , Zouiten Ons , Jemt Torsten
Published: February 2017

Background

Few large‐scale follow‐up studies are reported on routine implant treatment.

Purpose

To report retrospective data on early inflammatory and early implant failures in a large number of routine patients at one private referral clinic.

Materials and Methods

A total of 1017 patients were consecutively provided with 3082 implants with an anodized surface (Nobel Biocare AB) at 1592 implant operations between 2000 and 2011. All patients reported with mucosa inflammation and bone loss and/or implant failures to the first annual examination were identified. A logistic multivariate data analysis was performed to identify possible factors with an association to the two events.

Results

Altogether 33 patients/operations presented early inflammation (2.1% operations). “History of periodontitis” (OR 3.91; 95% CI: 1.86‐8.21), “numbers of implants” (OR1.33; 95% CI:1.07‐1.67 per implant), “two stage surgical technique” (OR 3.70; 95% CI: 1.75‐7.85), and “lower jaw” treatment (OR 4.73; 95% CI: 2.12‐10.57) increased the risk for early mucositis with bone loss (P < .05). Highest risk for early inflammation was observed for patients at an age of 50‐55 years at surgery (P < .05). “Smoking habits” (OR 2.08; 95% CI: 1.06‐4.10) “Immediate implant placement” (OR 2.09; 95% CI: 1.23‐3.54), and “immediate grafting procedures” (OR 2.09; 95% CI: 1.04‐4.19) had a significant association to early implant failures (P < .05). Furthermore, risk for an early failure decreased with 22% per year of inclusion (2000 >2011; OR 1.22; 95% CI;1.08‐1.39).

Conclusion

History of periodontitis and two‐stage surgery protocols with bone grafts in the (posterior) lower jaw increased the risk for early inflammatory problems after surgery (P < .05), with the highest risk for mid‐aged patients (P < .05). Preventable factors related to the patient (smoking) and experience of surgeon showed to have a significant association to early implant failures in routine clinical practice (P < .05).
Physical activity in solid organ transplant recipients: Participation, predictors, barriers, and facilitators
Authors: Gustaw Tanya , Schoo Emma , Barbalinardo Colleen , Rodrigues Nicole , Zameni Yalda , Motta Vinícius Nogueira , Mathur Sunita , Janaudis‐Ferreira Tania
Published: February 2017

Background

Our objectives were to describe the physical activity (PA) levels, predictors, barriers, and facilitators toPAin solid organ transplant (SOT) recipients.

Methods

A web‐based questionnaire was sent to members of the Canadian Transplant Association including the Physical Activity Scale for the Elderly (PASE), and questions regarding barriers and facilitators ofPA.

Results

One hundred and thirteenSOTrecipients completed the survey. The medianPASEscore was 164.5 (24.6‐482.7). Re‐transplantation was the only statistically significant predictor of levels ofPA. The most common facilitators ofPAincluded a feeling of health from activity (94%), motivation (88%), social support (76%), knowledge and confidence about exercise (74%) and physician recommendation (59%). Influential barriers were cost of fitness centers (42%), side effects post‐transplant or from medications (41%), insufficient exercise guidelines (37%), and feelings of less strength post‐transplant (37%).

Conclusion

There is a large variation inPAlevels amongSOTrecipients. Multiple factors may explain the variance inPAlevels inSOTrecipients. Identification of facilitators and barriers toPAcan inform the development of health and educational promotion strategies to improve participation amongSOTrecipients with low activity levels.
Modulation of fronto‐parietal connections during the rubber hand illusion
Authors: Karabanov Anke Ninija , Ritterband‐Rosenbaum Anina , Christensen Mark Schram , Siebner Hartwig Roman , Nielsen Jens Bo
Published: February 2017

Accumulating evidence suggests that parieto‐frontal connections play a role in adjusting body ownership during the Rubber Hand Illusion (RHI). Using a motor version of the rubber hand illusion paradigm, we applied single‐site and dual‐site transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) to investigate cortico‐spinal and parietal‐frontal connectivity during perceived rubber hand ownership. Healthy volunteers received a conditioning TMS pulse over left anterior intraparietal sulcus (aIPS) and a test TMS pulse over left primary motor cortex (M1). Motor Evoked Potentials (MEPs) were recorded at rest and during three RHI conditions: (i) agency and ownership, (ii) agency but no ownership and (iii) neither agency nor ownership. Parietal‐motor communication differed among experimental conditions. The induction of action ownership was associated with an inhibitory parietal‐to‐motor connectivity, which was comparable to the aIPS‐to‐M1 inhibition present at rest. This aIPS‐to‐M1 inhibition disappeared during movement conditions not inducing ownership. Cortico‐spinal excitability was not significantly modulated during the motor RHI as indicated by the task‐constant MEP amplitude elicited by the M1 test pulse alone. Our results indicate that the perceived ownership over the rubber hand is associated with normal parietal‐motor communication. This communication is disturbed if the sensorimotor conflict between one's own hand and the rubber hand is not resolved.
Do Academics Actually Collaborate in the Study of Interdisciplinary Phenomena? A Look at Half a Century of Research on Mergers and Acquisitions
Authors: Mirc Nicola , Rouzies Audrey , Teerikangas Satu
Published: February 2017

The role of scientific collaboration in academic research has rocketed across the natural and social sciences. While the causes, consequences, and social interaction patterns of scientific collaboration have been well‐established, extant empirical work focuses on entire disciplines. In this paper, we study patterns of interdisciplinary scientific collaboration using the example of research on mergers and acquisitions (M&A), a phenomenon which calls for input from numerous disciplines. We base our findings on a social network analysis of co‐authorship practices in 687 co‐authored papers written by 1,158 authors, published in 30 leading journals and a book series in the 1951–2014 period. We find that scientific collaboration has increased in the M&A scholarly community since the 1990s, and that one third of co‐authorships are interdisciplinary. Collaboration is however not equally spread, but led by a minority of active scholars and certain disciplines. Recently, sub‐groups of authors have become mutually connected, pointing towards the emergence of an interdisciplinary meta‐level community. Our findings contribute to appreciating interdisciplinary collaboration practices in academic research and document the evolution of M&A research.
Efficacy of pallidal stimulation in isolated dystonia: a systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Moro E. , LeReun C. , Krauss J. K. , Albanese A. , Lin J.‐P. , Walleser Autiero S. , Brionne T. C. , Vidailhet M.
Published: February 2017

The aim of this review was to provide strong clinical evidence of the efficacy of deep brain stimulation (DBS) of the globus pallidus internus (GPi) in isolated inherited or idiopathic dystonia. Eligible studies were identified after a systematic literature review of the effects of bilateral GPi‐DBS in isolated dystonia. Absolute and percentage changes from baseline in the Burke–Fahn–Marsden Dystonia Rating Scale (BFMDRS) motor and disability scores were pooled, and associations between treatment effect and patient characteristics were explored using meta‐regression. In total, 24 studies were included in the meta‐analysis, comprising 523 patients. The mean absolute and percentage improvements in BFMDRS motor score at the last follow‐up (mean 32.5 months; 24 studies) were 26.6 points [95% confidence interval (CI), 22.4–30.8] and 65.2% (95% CI, 59.6–70.7), respectively. The corresponding changes in disability score at the last follow‐up (mean 32.9 months; 14 studies) were 6.4 points (95% CI, 5.0–7.8) and 58.6% (95% CI, 50.3–66.9). Multivariate meta‐regression of absolute scores indicated that higher BFMDRS motor and disability scores before surgery, together with younger age at time of surgery, were the main factors associated with significantly better DBS outcomes at the latest follow‐up. Reporting of safety data was frequently inconsistent and could not be included in the meta‐analysis. In conclusion, patients with isolated inherited or idiopathic dystonia significantly improved after GPi‐DBS. Better outcomes were associated with greater dystonia severity at baseline. These findings should be taken into consideration for improving patient selection for DBS.
An η‐compliance method to estimate the J‐Δa curve for pipes with a circumferential surface crack
Authors: Parool N. , Qian X. , Koh C. G.
Published: February 2017

This paper presents an η‐compliance method to measure the J‐Δa curve for pipes with a circumferential surface crack, using the experimentally recorded load versus the crack mouth opening displacement (CMOD) relationship. This study modifies the η method commonly practiced for standard through‐thickness fracture specimens to measure the energy release rate, J, from P‐CMOD curve for pipes with a circumferential surface crack. The non‐dimensional parameter η for the surface‐cracked pipes derives from elastic–plastic finite element analyses. The relationship between the crack size and the CMOD‐based compliance, coupled with crack profiles interpolated linearly between the fatigue crack profile and the crack profile after ductile tearing, allows determining the crack depth corresponding to the measured CMOD compliance. The measured location‐specific J‐Δa curves indicate consistency with the fracture resistance curve measured from through‐thickness fracture specimens at small crack extension levels. The difference between the fracture resistances becomes significantly larger as the crack extends beyond 0.5 mm.
Reduced levels of Cacna1c attenuate mesolimbic dopamine system function
Authors: Terrillion C. E. , Dao D. T. , Cachope R. , Lobo M. K. , Puche A. C. , Cheer J. F. , Gould T. D.
Published: February 2017

Genetic variation in CACNA1C, which codes for the L‐type calcium channel (LTCC) Cav1.2, is associated with clinical diagnoses of bipolar disorder, depression and schizophrenia. Dysregulation of the mesolimbic‐dopamine (ML‐DA) system is linked to these syndromes and LTCCs are required for normal DAergic neurotransmission between the ventral tegmental area (VTA) and nucleus accumbens (NAc). It is unclear, however, how variations in CACNA1C genotype, and potential subsequent changes in expression levels in these regions, modify risk. Using constitutive and conditional knockout mice, and treatment with the LTCC antagonist nimodipine, we examined the role of Cacna1c in DA‐mediated behaviors elicited by psychomotor stimulants. Using fast‐scan cyclic voltammetry, DA release and reuptake in the NAc were measured. We find that subsecond DA release in Cacna1c haploinsufficient mice lacks normal sensitivity to inhibition of the DA transporter (DAT). Constitutive haploinsufficiency of Cacna1c led to attenuation of hyperlocomotion following acute administration of stimulants specific to DAT, and locomotor sensitization of these mice to the DAT antagonist GBR12909 did not reach the same level as wild‐type mice. The maintenance of sensitization to GBR12909 was attenuated by administration of nimodipine. Sensitization to GBR12909 was attenuated in mice with reduced Cacna1c selectively in the VTA but not in the NAc. Our findings show that Cacna1c is crucial for normal behavioral responses to DA stimulants and that its activity in the VTA is required for behavioral sensitization. Cacna1c likely exerts these effects through modifications to presynaptic ML‐DA system function.
Could biofuel development stress China's water resources?
Authors: Hao Mengmeng , Jiang Dong , Wang Jianhua , Fu Jingying , Huang Yaohuan
Published: February 2017

Concerns over energy shortages and global climate change have stimulated developments toward renewable energy. Biofuels have been developed to replace fossil fuels to reduce the emissions of greenhouse gases and other environmental impacts. However, food security and water scarcity are other growing concerns, and the increased production of biofuels may increase these problems. This study focuses on whether biofuel development would stress China's water resources. Cassava‐based fuel ethanol and sweet sorghum‐based fuel ethanol are the focus of this study because they are the most typical nongrain biofuels in China. The spatial distribution of the total water requirement of fuel ethanol over its life cycle process was simulated using a biophysical biogeochemical model and marginal land as one of the types of input data for the model to avoid impacts on food security. The total water requirement of fuel ethanol was then compared with the spatial distribution of water resources, and the influence of the development of fuel ethanol on water resources at the pixel and river basin region scales was analyzed. The result showed that the total water requirement of fuel ethanol ranges from 37.81 to 862.29 mm. However, considering water resource restrictions, not all of the marginal land is suitable for the development of fuel ethanol. Approximately 0.664 million km2 of marginal land is suitable for the development of fuel ethanol, most of which is located in the south of China, where water resources are plentiful. For these areas, the value of fuel ethanol's water footprint ranges from 0.05 to 11.90 m3 MJ−1. From the water point of view, Liaoning province, Guizhou province, Anhui province and Hunan province can be given priority for the development of fuel ethanol.
Alternative stable states and spatial indicators of critical slowing down along a spatial gradient in a savanna ecosystem
Authors: Eby Stephanie , Agrawal Amit , Majumder Sabiha , Dobson Andrew P. , Guttal Vishwesha
Published: February 2017

Aim

Theory suggests that as ecological systems approach regime shifts, they become increasingly slow in recovering from perturbations. This phenomenon, known as critical slowing down [CSD], leads to spatial and temporal signatures in ecological state variables, thus potentially offering early indicators of regime shifts. Indicators using temporal dynamics have been empirically validated in laboratory microcosms and other well‐mixed systems, but tests of spatial indicators of regime shifts at large spatial scales in the field are rare due to the relative absence of high‐resolution data and difficulties in experimental manipulations. Here, we test theoretical predictions of CSD‐based spatial indicators using large‐scale field data from the Serengeti–Mara grassland–woodland system.

Location

Serengeti–Mara ecosystem, Tanzania and Kenya.

Time period

Year 2000

Major taxa studied

Vegetation

Method

We used a space‐for‐time substitution method to empirically test the validity of CSD‐based spatial indicators, i.e., we computed indicators along a spatial [in lieu of temporal] gradient of ecological states. First we used a model of vegetation dynamics to determine if our space‐for‐time substitution method was appropriate. Then we tested for CSD‐based spatial indicators using high‐resolution spatial vegetation [30 m] and rainfall [2.5 km] data from the Serengeti–Mara ecosystem.

Results

Our model predicts that CSD‐based indicators increase along a spatial gradient of alternative vegetation states. Empirical analyses suggest that grasslands and woodlands occur as alternative stable states in the Serengeti–Mara ecosystem with rainfall as one of the potential drivers of transitions between these states. We found that four indices of CSD showed the theoretically expected increasing trends along spatial gradients of grasslands to woodlands: spatial variance, spatial skewness, spatial correlation at lag‐1 and spatial spectra at low frequencies.

Main conclusions

Our results suggest that CSD‐based spatial indicators can offer early warning signals of critical transitions in large‐scale ecosystems.
Codon degeneracy and amino acid abundance influence the measures of codon usage bias: improved Nc (N̂c) and ENCprime (N̂′c) measures
Authors: Satapathy Siddhartha Sankar , Sahoo Ajit Kumar , Ray Suvendra Kumar , Ghosh Tapash Chandra
Published: February 2017

Effective number of codons () and its variant (effective number of codons prime) are the two widely used methods for measuring unequal usage of synonymous codons in coding sequences, known as the codon usage bias (CUB). The mathematical formula used in calculating and values is giving inappropriate measures of CUB in case of low abundance of amino acids. In addition, the magnitude of error also varies according to codon degeneracy. In this study, a modified formula for and has been developed to measure the CUB more accurately. Online implementations of the modified formula are available in the web portal at http://agnigarh.tezu.ernet.in/~ssankar/cub.php.
Women's perspectives on human papillomavirus self‐sampling in the context of the UK cervical screening programme
Authors: Williams Denitza , Davies Myfanwy , Fiander Alison , Farewell Daniel , Hillier Sharon , Brain Kate
Published: February 2017

Background

Testing for human papillomavirus (HPV) is being incorporated into the cervical screening programme, with the probable future introduction of HPV as a primary test and a possibility of HPV self‐sampling. In anticipation of this development, we sought to inform future policy and practice by identifying potential barriers to HPV self‐sampling.

Methods

A cross‐sectional survey of 194 women aged 20‐64 years was conducted. Logistic regression analysis was used to identify determinants of self‐sampling intentions. A purposive subsample of 19 women who reported low self‐sampling intentions were interviewed. Interviews were framework‐analysed.

Results

Most survey participants (N=133, 69.3%) intended to HPV self‐sample. Lower intention was associated with lower self‐efficacy (OR=24.96, P≤.001), lower education (OR=6.06, P≤.05) and lower perceived importance of HPV as a cause of cervical cancer (OR=2.33, P≤.05). Interviews revealed personal and system‐related barriers. Personal barriers included a lack of knowledge about HPV self‐sampling, women's low confidence in their ability to self‐sample correctly and low confidence in the subsequent results. System‐related factors included a lack of confidence in the rationale for modifying the current cervical screening programme, and concerns about sample contamination and identity theft.

Conclusions

Insights gained from this research can be used to guide further enquiry into the possibility of HPV self‐sampling and to help inform future policy and practice. Personal and system‐related barriers including low confidence in the reasons for changing current cervical screening provision need to be addressed, should HPV self‐sampling be incorporated into the cervical screening programme.
The Nevus Comedonicus Syndrome: A case Report with Emphasis on Associated Internal Manifestations
Authors: Engber Peter B.
Published: February 2017

A 14‐year‐old boy with nevus comedonicus, multiple congenital abnormalities of the spine, and a central nervous system disorder is described. The associated abnormalities previously reported with nevus comedonicus are summarized. Thorough evaluation of patients with nevus comedonicus may disclose the occurrence of certain internal abnormalities in syndromic association.
Therapy of Adrenocortical Hydroxylase Deficiencies in Acne Vulgaris
Authors: Rose Leslie I. , Birnbaum Michael D.
Published: February 2017

Twenty women with acne vulgaris who presented to a gynecologist's office with the complaints of hirsutism, infertility, menorrhagia, or oligomenorrhea were subjected to a 24‐hour cosyntropin (ACTH) infusion to detect partial 11‐ or 21‐adrenocortical hydroxylase deficiencies. All patients demonstrated enzymatic defects and were placed on prednisone therapy. The six patients with moderate acne either showed improvement of their acne or conceived. Of the 14 patients with mild acne, seven showed improvement of their acne or conceived; whereas, the remainder showed no improvement. Patients with acne and gynecologic signs and symptoms should be evaluated for the presence of 11‐ or 21‐adrenocortical hydroxylase deficiencies.
Cutaneous Rheumatoid Vasculitis
Authors: Stern William K.
Published: February 2017

Rheumatoid arthritis is a multisystem disease, with many clinical forms bearing close resemblance to systemic lupus erythematosus, dermatomyositis or polyarteritis nodosa. Although the involvement of the integument is not as disabling as the joint disease, the extent of disability may be of sufficient magnitude to necessitate therapeutic intervention. Two patients are presented whose skin involvement was suggestive of cutaneous angiitis and who responded dramatically to treatment using sulfasalazine.
Hereditary Polymorphic Light Eruption in Canadian Inuit
Authors: Orr Pamela H. , Birt Arthur R.
Published: February 2017

Twelve Canadian Inuit patients from the Keewatin District of the Northwest Territories were found to have hereditary polymorphic light eruption. The clinical manifestations were similar to those described in the North American Indian, with a photodermatitis ocurring in the sunlight‐exposed area. The onset occurred prior to the age of 15 years in 70% of subjects, and the condition was seasonally recurrent, starting in February and lasting until September. Patients demonstrated improvement on a combined regime of local therapy and oral trioxalen. Seventy‐five percent of patients had a family history of photosensitivity, suggesting an autosomal dominant trait with incomplete penetrance. Indian ancestry was not demonstrated in these patients.
Juvenile Plantar Dermatosis in Singapore
Authors: Moorthy T. Thiru , Rajan V.S.
Published: February 2017

Juvenile plantar dermatosis (JPD) is the most common form of foot dermatitis in children in Singapore. Sixty‐four patients (29 boys) with an age range of 2‐25 years were studied. The Chinese have a greater predisposition for JPD compared with the Malays and Indians. The mean age of onset was 8 years, but onset in adulthood is not uncommon. Friction and closed shoes are the main aggravating factors. Association with an atopic history (42%) and ichthyosis vulgaris (19%) is reported. Patch testing was not rewarding. The histology was essentially a subacute dermatitis. Women with no atopic background, in whom the type of shoes made no difference and had a family member with a similar dermatosis, tend to have a more prolonged course of disease.
Immigration policies, labor complementarities, population size and cultural frictions: Theory and evidence
Authors: Osang Thomas , Weber Shlomo
Published: February 2017

In this paper we consider a model of international migration due to Fujita and Weber, with two heterogeneous countries, and show that in equilibrium the larger country attracts more immigrants, while choosing a lower quota. Moreover, a higher degree of labor complementarity and lower degree of cultural friction between natives and immigrants yield a higher immigration quota. We test the empirical validity of the model by using time‐series country‐level data. Even in the absence of direct evidence of strategic and non‐cooperative choice of countries’ immigration quotas, both cross‐section and panel data approaches indicate that cross‐country immigration patterns are consistent with the majority of our theoretical findings.
Agglomeration patterns in a long narrow economy of a new economic geography model: Analogy to a racetrack economy
Authors: Ikeda Kiyohiro , Murota Kazuo , Akamatsu Takashi , Takayama Yuki
Published: February 2017

The mechanism of self‐organization of agglomerations in a long narrow economy of a new economic geography model is elucidated by a theoretical comparative study with a racetrack economy. Computational bifurcation theory is used to systematically obtain the equilibria of these economies. A chain of spatially repeated core–periphery patterns à la Christaller and Lösch emerges when agglomeration forces are large. Peripheral zones are enlarged recurrently to engender an agglomeration shadow en route to an atomic mono‐center. A megalopolis with two core places connected by an industrial belt emerges when agglomeration forces are small.
Let Tiebout pick up the tab: Pricing out externalities with free mobility
Authors: Watanabe Hiroki
Published: February 2017

Free mobility has not been thought of as an effective tool to correct over‐ or underproduction of externalities. In this paper, we establish that foot voting can internalize the cost of negative externalities. Workers have to accept the wage and rent, however high or low these values are in equilibrium, if they cannot relocate. In reality, workers are mobile and they can effectively influence the equilibrium wage and rent to reflect the externalities by threatening to walk away if the current externalities are at an intolerable level. In an economy with free mobility, firms indirectly pay for the damage in the form of an increased labor or land cost and thus the externalities are partially internalized. We specify the condition under which a mobile economy is efficient in the presence of externalities, and discuss potential policy implications of our findings.
Sensory overload: A concept analysis
Authors: Scheydt Stefan , Müller Staub Maria , Frauenfelder Fritz , Nielsen Gunnar H. , Behrens Johann , Needham Ian
Published: February 2017

In the context of mental disorders sensory overload is a widely described phenomenon used in conjunction with psychiatric interventions such as removal from stimuli. However, the theoretical foundation of sensory overload as addressed in the literature can be described as insufficient and fragmentary. To date, the concept of sensory overload has not yet been sufficiently specified or analyzed. The aim of the study was to analyze the concept of sensory overload in mental health care. A literature search was undertaken using specific electronic databases, specific journals and websites, hand searches, specific library catalogues, and electronic publishing databases. Walker and Avant's method of concept analysis was used to analyze the sources included in the analysis. All aspects of the method of Walker and Avant were covered in this concept analysis. The conceptual understanding has become more focused, the defining attributes, influencing factors and consequences are described and empirical referents identified. The concept analysis is a first step in the development of a middle‐range descriptive theory of sensory overload based on social scientific and stress‐theoretical approaches. This specification may serve as a fundament for further research, for the development of a nursing diagnosis or for guidelines.
Bundling and product strategy in channel competition
Authors: Shao Lingzhi , Li Sijie
Published: February 2017

We investigate the bundling and product strategy in a two‐stage supply chain with the channel competition, and analyze the effect of the bundling strategy on the behavior of supply chain members. In this paper, we consider two situations of channel competitions that are from the external or internal of the supply chain, two types of selling strategies (bundling or unbundling), and two types of product strategies (low or high quality). We propose the game models for different competition situations with the bundling strategy and product‐quality strategy to obtain the optimal decisions for supply chain members. We find that the bundling is the retailer's preferred strategy in two channel competitions; the bundling strategy encourages the competitor (i.e., the new supplier of complementary component) outside the supply chain to provide the low‐quality components, while the product strategy of the channel competitor (i.e., the existing supplier of complementary component) in the supply chain is not affected by the bundling strategy.
Inability to regain normal body mass despite extensive refuelling in great reed warblers following the trans‐Sahara crossing during spring migration
Authors: Fransson Thord , Karlsson Måns , Kullberg Cecilia , Stach Robert , Barboutis Christos
Published: February 2017

Migratory birds wintering in Africa face the challenge of passing the Sahara desert with few opportunities to forage. During spring migration birds thus arrive in the Mediterranean area with very low energy reserves after crossing the desert. Since early arrival to the breeding grounds often is of importance to maximize reproductive success, finding stopover sites with good refuelling possibilities after the Saharan passage is of utmost importance. Here we report on extensive fuelling in the great reed warbler Acrocephalus arundinaceus on the south coast of Crete in spring, the first land that they encounter after crossing the Sahara desert and the Mediterranean Sea in this area. Birds were studied at a river mouth and due to an exceptional high recapture rate (45 and 51% in two successive years), we were able to get information about stopover behaviour in 56 individual great reed warblers during two spring seasons. The large proportion of trapped great reed warbler compared to other species and the large number of recaptures suggest that great reed warblers actively choose this area for stopover. They stayed on average 3–4 d, increased on average about 3.5 g in body mass and the average rate of body mass increase was 4.8% of lean body mass d–1. Wing length affected the rate of increase and indicated that females have a slower increase than males. The results found show that great reed warblers at this site regularly deposit larger fuel loads than needed for one continued flight stage. The low body mass found in great reed warblers (also in birds with high fat scores) is a strong indication that birds staging at Anapodaris still had not been able to rebuild their structural tissue after the strenuous Sahara crossing, suggesting that rebuilding structural tissue may take longer time than previously thought.
Homing pigeons as a model for avian navigation?
Authors: Wiltschko Wolfgang , Wiltschko Roswitha
Published: February 2017

The findings on the navigational mechanisms of homing pigeons and the available data on those of wild birds, in particular migrants, are compared. There are important parallels in the use of the magnetic field and the sun for directional orientation. Also the findings on the navigational ‘map’, its preferred use by experienced birds and the strategy of using route information to acquire the necessary knowledge to establish the ‘map’, obtained in pigeons studies, can probably be generalized to wild birds and migrants in their home region. It seems that birds share a common navigational system. Special development of migratory birds, however, is the innate migration program that enables young first‐time migrants to reach their still unknown wintering area.
Effect of fuel deposition rate on departure fuel load of migratory songbirds during spring stopover along the northern coast of the Gulf of Mexico
Authors: Moore Frank R. , Covino Kristen M. , Lewis William B. , Zenzal Theodore J. , Benson Thomas J.
Published: February 2017

Migrants are generally assumed to minimize their overall migration time by adjusting their departure fuel loads (DFL) in relation to anticipated and experienced fuel deposition rates (FDRs). We utilized a 21‐yr long migration banding station dataset to examine the relationship between FDR and DFL during spring migration in six Nearctic‐Neotropical migratory songbird species during stopover along the northern coast of the Gulf of Mexico (GOM) following trans‐gulf flight. Estimates of fuel stores, stopover durations, and FDRs from our long term migration data set were combined to determine DFL. We expected and found that migrants across all six species adjust their DFL to the rate at which they deposit fuel reserves. This robust finding suggests that songbird migrants are sensitive to time constraints during spring passage presumably to fine‐tune their stopover schedule in relation to experienced and anticipated habitat quality. Two of the species studied showed an effect of age on the FDR–DFL relationship: one was consistent with the expectation that older birds would be less sensitive to changes in FDR, while the second was contrary to our expectations and likely suggesting an age‐dependent response to habitat quality. We found sex‐dependent differences consistent with male DFL being more sensitive to FDR in only two of six species studied, and argue that both males and females are time constrained during spring passage in relation to arrival at breeding destinations. The positive relationship between FDR and DFL among all species and for age and sex groups in some species reflects a migration strategy sensitive to time.