bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Human Service Landscape in the Midwestern USA: A Mixed Methods Study of Human Service Equity among the New American Population
Authors: Maleku Arati , Kagotho Njeri , Baaklini Vanessa , Filbrun Caroline , Karandikar Sharvari , Mengo Cecilia
Published: October 2019

As demographic shifts are occurring in many urban cities in the USA, human service organisations (HSOs) are challenged to provide services conducive to the local region’s demographic profile. In order to create urban societies where immigrant populations can thrive, prosper and become productive citizens, it is important to understand the human service landscape of the region. As part of a larger community-based participatory research project, this study explores human services geared towards the New American population in a midwestern region of the USA. This includes human service access and utilisation, as well as barriers and facilitators of human service provision and delivery, among the growing New American population. Based on the responses received from a web-based survey, in-depth interviews and focus group discussions, this study (N = 165) uses a human service equity lens to situate HSOs and community capacity at the centre of migration and human service research. Knowledge gained from this study will help promote improved service delivery systems; address the quality of direct services; and improve accessibility, accountability and service coordination among HSOs to serve the diverse New American population, which can be replicated to many other similar urban regions across the globe.
Measuring Rights-Based Practice: Introducing the Human Rights Methods in Social Work Scales
Authors: McPherson Jane , Abell Neil
Published: October 2019

This article introduces a measurable framework for rights-based social work practice and an accompanying set of instruments, the Human Rights Methods in Social Work (HRMSW) scales: (i) ‘participation’, (ii) ‘non-discrimination’, (iii) ‘strengths perspective’, (iv) ‘micro/macro integration’, (v) ‘capacity-building’, (vi) ‘community and interdisciplinary collaboration’, (vii) ‘activism’ and (viii) ‘accountability’. These scales, designed for use by researchers, educators and practitioners, are the first to measure social workers’ use of rights-based methods. An electronic survey was used to collect data from a convenience sample of 1,014 licensed US social workers, and a confirmatory factor analysis was used to validate the scales’ psychometric properties. A respecified model using eight error covariances fit the data (χ2/df ratio = 2.9; comparative fit index (CFI) = 0.91; tucker lewis index (TLI) = 0.90; root mean square error of approximation (RMSEA) = 0.04; standardized root mean square residual (SRMR) = 0.07). Thus, factor analysis yielded a set of eight related scales—collectively called the HRMSW—each measuring a different human rights practice method that social workers can use to promote human dignity and the rights-based principles of participation, accountability and non-discrimination. Scholars argue that ‘human rights’ are a more appropriate yardstick for measuring the impact of social work intervention rather than our traditional aim of social justice; the HRMSW scales can help us begin to test this proposition.
The demography of terrestrial orchids: life history, population dynamics and conservation
Authors: Shefferson Richard P , Jacquemyn Hans , Kull Tiiu , Hutchings Michael J
Published: October 2019

Terrestrial orchid life-cycles are complex and dependent on pollinators and mycorrhizal associates. Worldwide, orchid populations are declining because of urbanization, atmospheric nitrogen deposition and climate change. To advance understanding of the factors determining orchid population viability, we review knowledge about orchid demography, life histories and population dynamics. Orchids can produce thousands of seeds, although few survive to reach maturity, with mortality rates declining from juvenile to adult life states. Flowering and fruiting rates vary widely between years, and many populations, especially of deceptive species, are pollen- and seed-limited. Many species have long lifespans and periods of vegetative dormancy and exhibit costs associated with reproduction, sprouting, vegetative dormancy, growth and size. Population growth rates range from 0.50–2.92 (mean: 0.983 ± 0.026). Although vital rates can fluctuate widely between years and be strongly correlated, these correlations have little impact on population dynamics. Variation in spatial density of fungi and microsite quality, limited dispersal and competition generate density dependence in vital rates. Future research should elucidate the roles of biotic and abiotic factors on population dynamics to underpin effective management for conservation. Understanding the impact of idiosyncratic individual plant behaviour on population dynamics will also improve demographic parameter estimation, including population growth rate and net reproductive rate.
Barriers to operationalizing intersectionality in equality third sector community development practice: power, austerity, and in/equality
Authors: Christoffersen Ashlee
Published: October 2019

This article explores the barriers that UK equality third sector organizations practising community development face when seeking to operationalize intersectionality. It is based on research with three networks of equality organizations (racial justice, feminist, disability rights, LGBTI rights, refugee organizations, etc.) in cities in England and Scotland employing mixed qualitative methods. Barriers to operationalizing intersectionality including power relationships with the state, challenges relating to neoliberal austerity, and competing discourses of identity-based ‘equalities’ and socioeconomic ‘inequality’ were identified. The article argues that equality third sector organizations are significantly hampered in their attempts to operationalize intersectionality by the low status they occupy vis-à-vis the state and by neoliberal austerity contexts.
Multivariate Patterns of Posterior Cortical Activity Differentiate Forms of Emotional Distancing
Authors: Powers John P , Graner John L , LaBar Kevin S
Published: October 2019

Distancing is an effective tactic for emotion regulation, which can take several forms depending on the type(s) of psychological distance being manipulated to modify affect. We recently proposed a neurocognitive model of emotional distancing, but it is unknown how its specific forms are instantiated in the brain. Here, we presented healthy young adults (N = 34) with aversive pictures during functional magnetic resonance imaging to directly compare behavioral performance and brain activity across spatial, temporal, and objective forms of distancing. We found emotion regulation performance to be largely comparable across these forms. A conjunction analysis of activity associated with these forms yielded a high degree of overlap, encompassing regions of the default mode and frontoparietal networks as predicted by our model. A multivariate pattern classification further revealed distributed patches of posterior cortical activation that discriminated each form from one another. These findings not only confirm aspects of our overarching model but also elucidate a novel role for cortical regions in and around the parietal lobe in selectively supporting spatial, temporal, and social cognitive processes to distance oneself from an emotional encounter. These regions may provide new targets for brain-based interventions for emotion dysregulation.
Common St. John’s Wort (Malpighiales: Hypericaceae): An Invasive Plant in Maine Wild Blueberry Production and Its Potential for Indirectly Supporting Ecosystem Services
Authors: Drummond Francis A
Published: October 2019

Common St. John’s wort, Hypericum perforatum L. (Malpighiales: Hypericaceae), is a weed in Maine wild blueberry fields. A survey of its presence and relative density in 55 wild blueberry fields was conducted from 2013 to 2016. The objectives of this study were to determine how widespread it is as a weed in wild blueberry and whether it might indirectly contribute to beneficial ecosystem services for wild blueberry. It was found that St. John’s wort occurs in about half (45.5%) of all wild blueberry fields surveyed. The crop cycle (prune vs cropping year) affected its relative abundance, significantly less St. John’s wort was found in prune fields. St. John’s wort relative abundance in wild blueberry fields was not affected by farming system (conventional vs organic) or landscape surrounding blueberry fields. Geographical distribution modeling was performed using the software Maxent. In Maine, the most likely areas predicted to be infested with St. John’s wort were the two major blueberry production regions: Mid-coast and Downeast, Maine. Insects associated with St. John’s wort were diverse. This weed appears to be under considerable herbivore pressure, especially hemipterans and Chrysolina spp. (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) beetles that have been released for biological control. Insect predators and parasitoids were abundant and may not only reduce herbivory on St. John’s wort but may also provide a valuable ecosystem service in terms of predator spillover, resulting in reduction of wild blueberry insect pests. Bumble bees (Bombus spp., Hymenoptera, Apidae) are the most efficient pollinator of blueberry and were the predominant bee taxa found foraging on the flowers.
Impact of renin–angiotensin system inhibitors on clinical outcomes in patients with severe aortic stenosis undergoing transcatheter aortic valve replacement: an analysis of from the PARTNER 2 trial and registries
Authors: Chen Shmuel , Redfors Bjorn , Nazif Tamim , Kirtane Ajay , Crowley Aaron , Ben-Yehuda Ori , Kapadia Samir , Finn Matthew T , Goel Sachin , Lindman Brian R , Alu Maria C , Chau Katherine H , Thourani Vinod H , Vahl Torsten P , Douglas Pamela S , Kodali Susheel K , Leon Martin B
Published: October 2019

Aims

Left ventricular pressure overload is associated with activation of the cardiac renin–angiotensin system, which may contribute to myocardial fibrosis and worse clinical outcomes. We sought to assess the association between treatment with angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEIs) or angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs) at baseline and clinical outcomes in patients with symptomatic, severe aortic stenosis (AS) undergoing transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) in the PARTNER 2 trial and registries.

Methods and results

A total of 3979 intermediate, high, or prohibitive risk patients who underwent TAVR in the PARTNER 2 trial and registries (excluding the valve in valve registry) were included in the study. Clinical outcomes at 2 years were compared according to baseline ACEI/ARB treatment status using Kaplan–Meier event rates and study-stratified multivariable Cox proportional hazards regression models. Sensitivity analysis was conducted using propensity score matching. Of 3979 patients who were included in the current analysis, 1736 (43.6%) were treated and 2243 (56.4%) were not treated with ACEI/ARB at baseline. Treatment with ACEI/ARB was associated with lower 2-year all-cause mortality (18.6% vs. 27.5%, P < 0.0001), cardiovascular mortality (12.3% vs. 17.9%, P < 0.0001), and non-cardiovascular mortality (7.2% vs. 11.7%, P < 0.0001). Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor/ARB treatment at baseline remained independently associated with a lower hazard of 2-year all-cause and cardiovascular mortality after multivariable adjustment, and propensity score matching.

Conclusion

In a large cohort of patients with severe symptomatic AS from the PARTNER 2 trial and registries, ACEI/ARB treatment at baseline was independently associated with a lower risk of 2-year all-cause and cardiovascular mortality.
The Impact of Perceived Control and Future-Self Views on Preparing for the Old Age: Moderating Influences of Age, Culture, and Context
Authors: Park Jeongsoo , Fung Helene H , Rothermund Klaus , Hess Thomas M
Published: October 2019

Objectives

Preparation for age-related changes has been shown to be beneficial to adjustment in later life. However, an understanding of the factors that influence such preparations is rather limited. This study examines whether perceived control and future-self views (FSV) influence preparations for old age, and if this influence varies across ages, domains of functioning, and cultures.

Methods

Assessments of perceived control, FSV, and preparations for old age in each of four different life domains (social relationships, finances, work, and health) were obtained from 1,813 adults (ages 35–85) from Germany, Hong Kong, and the United States.

Results

Future-self views partially mediated the relationship between perceived control and preparation for old age across both domains of functioning and cultures. With one exception, the association between perceived control and preparations increased with advancing age across contexts. Evidence for similar age-related moderation of the indirect effect of control through FSV was more limited.

Discussion

These results suggest that perceived control that is not necessarily related to aging affect FSV, which in turn influence preparing for old age. Further, our results indicate that such relationships are context- and age-specific, highlighting the importance of considering the salience and diversity of life domains and cultures.
Findings From a Real-World Translation Study of the Evidence-Based “Partners in Dementia Care”
Authors: Bass David M , Hornick Thomas , Kunik Mark , Judge Katherine S , Primetica Branka , Kearney Keith , Rentsch Julie , Mccarthy Catherine , Grim Jennifer
Published: October 2019

Background and Objectives

Numerous non-pharmacological programs for family caregivers and persons with dementia (PWDs) have been found efficacious in randomized controlled trials. Few programs have been tested in translation studies that assess feasibility and outcomes in less-controlled, real-world implementations. This translation study tested the impact of the partnership version of BRI Care Consultation, “Partners in Dementia Care (PDC),” on outcomes for PWDs and their family/friend caregivers. PDC was delivered via partnerships between the Louis Stokes Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center and the Greater East Ohio Alzheimer’s Association Chapter and the Western Reserve Area Agency on Aging. PDC is a personalized coaching program done by telephone, e-mail, and regular mail.

Research Design and Methods

For this translation study, the program was implemented in a manner that mirrored a non-research implementation. The study sample included 148 caregivers and 84 PWDs who used PDC for 12 months. Research data came from 2 structured telephone interviews, one before program implementation and a follow-up after program completion. PWDs and caregivers averaged 14 telephone contacts with Care Consultants over the 12-month study period, and 12 behavioral action steps to address problems or concerns.

Results

Repeated measures ANOVAs showed the use of PDC was related to significant improvements across several outcomes for PWDs and caregivers, with greater benefits in more difficult caregiving situations. Caregivers had decreased levels of isolation, physical health strain, unmet needs; and increased confidence in caregiving capacity, informal helpers, and support service use. PWDs had decreased embarrassment about memory problems and unmet needs; and increased informal support and community service use.

Discussion and Implications

Overall, improved outcomes for PWDs and caregivers in this translation study were similar to findings from previous randomized trials, and affirmed the value of the program when delivered as a regular service offering by health care and community service organizations.
Exploring source regions of single- and double-frequency microseisms recorded in eastern North American margin (ENAM) by cross-correlation
Authors: Guo Zhen , Xue Mei , Aydin Adnan , Ma Zhitu
Published: October 2019

Strongly asymmetric cross-correlation functions (CCF) of ambient noise indicate an inhomogeneous distribution of the noise sources, and can be used to locate these sources. With this premise, a grid-search procedure is applied to explore the frequency dependent source locations of the single- (SF) and double-frequency (DF) microseisms recorded in eastern North American margin (ENAM). The frequency dependent Rayleigh wave group velocities are determined based on CRUST1.0 model and the Preliminary Reference Earth model and then the theoretical travel time differences from each hypothetical source to all station pairs are calculated by the fast marching method. Then a misfit function at each hypothetical source is defined to take the difference between the calculated travel time differences and the time lags observed from CCFs. A factor of reliability is defined considering the Rayleigh wave attenuation, the correlation coefficients between the microseisms and the Wavewatch III hindcasts of ocean wave spectra, and the efficiency of conversion from DF energy in water to seismic Rayleigh waves as a function of water depth and frequency. Together with the correlation analyses of the power spectra densities of the microseisms among stations, the primary source regions of SF and DF microseisms recorded in ENAM are estimated: 1) the sources of SF microseisms are likely distributed in the continental shelf dominantly as well as adjacent deep ocean area in western North Atlantic Ocean, and 2) the long-period and short-period DF microseisms appear generated in deep ocean near the continental slope and in the continental shelf and slope of ENAM, respectively.
Using paired cultural modelling and cultural consensus analysis to maximize programme suitability in local contexts
Authors: Strong Adrienne E , White Tara L
Published: October 2019

Cultural consensus analysis (CCA) is a quantitative method for determining cohesion in a specified cultural domain and cultural modelling (CM) is a method for designing and testing connections within a cultural domain based on qualitative data collection. After a description of the methods, and examples of their application, we provide a description of three main points in the programme planning, implementation and evaluation cycle at which the method can best be utilized to plan, contextualize or evaluate programmes and policies. In addition, the use of CCA and CM is not constrained to one point in time though, in order to maximize its ability to help with programme design or evaluation, it ought to be done as early as possible in the process. Through examples from research, and a broader description of the methods of CM and analysis, we provide another tool for global public health practitioners, planners and policymakers. We argue these tools can be used to great effect in a short period of time to maximize the local suitability, acceptability and quality of proposed and implemented interventions, building on existing local strengths, not just in maternal health but, more broadly.
Underwater noise recognition of marine vessels passages: two case studies using hidden Markov models
Authors: Vieira Manuel , Amorim M Clara P , Sundelöf Andreas , Prista Nuno , Fonseca Paulo J
Published: October 2019

Passive acoustic monitoring (PAM) is emerging as a cost-effective non-intrusive method to monitor the health and biodiversity of marine habitats, including the impacts of anthropogenic noise on marine organisms. When long PAM recordings are to be analysed, automatic recognition and identification processes are invaluable tools to extract the relevant information. We propose a pattern recognition methodology based on hidden Markov models (HMMs) for the detection and recognition of acoustic signals from marine vessels passages and test it in two different regions, the Tagus estuary in Portugal and the Öresund strait in the Baltic Sea. Results show that the combination of HMMs with PAM provides a powerful tool to monitor the presence of marine vessels and discriminate different vessels such as small boats, ferries, and large ships. Improvements to enhance the capability to discriminate different types of small recreational boats are discussed.
“Dominion status”: History, framework and context
Authors: Oliver Peter C
Published: October 2019

This article attempts to explain “Dominion status” by various means. First, it notes that the word “Dominion” has had different meanings over time, even though it is most closely associated with the status acquired by Australia, Canada, Ireland, Newfoundland, New Zealand, and South Africa in the years 1926 to 1931. Second, Dominion status from 1926 to 1931 is compared to the constitutional claims made a century and a half earlier by American colonists. Third, Dominion Status as of 1931 is explained by way of comparison with what came before, paying particular attention to issues of repugnancy, extraterritoriality, reservation and disallowance. And, finally, this article observes the importance of constitutional conventions throughout.
Heterogeneous subsets of B-lineage regulatory cells (Breg cells)
Authors: Baba Yoshihiro , Saito Yuichi , Kotetsu Yasuaki
Published: October 2019

B cells represent a key cellular component of humoral immunity. Besides antigen presentation and antibody production, B cells also play a role in immune regulation and induction of tolerance through several mechanisms. Our understanding of B-lineage cells with regulatory ability has been revolutionized by the delineation of heterogeneous subsets of these cells. Specific environmental signals may further determine the polarization and function of B-lineage regulatory cells. With the availability of new genetic, molecular and pharmacological tools, considerable advances have been made toward our understanding of the surface phenotype, developmental processes and functions of these cells. These exciting discoveries, some of which are still controversial, also raise many new questions, which makes the inhibitory function of B cells a rapidly growing field in immunopathology. Here we review highlights of the regulatory activity of B cells and the recent advances in the function and phenotype of these B-cell subsets in healthy and diseased states.
Suppressive role of PPARγ in the IgE-dependent activation of mast cells
Authors: Nagata Kazuki , Kasakura Kazumi , Miura Ryosuke , Yashiro Takuya , Nishiyama Chiharu
Published: October 2019

Mast cells (MCs) play a central role in IgE-dependent immune responses. PPARγ is a nuclear receptor that is essential for adipocyte differentiation and insulin sensitivity. Although PPARγ is expressed in activated MCs, the effect of PPARγ suppression in IgE-mediated activation of MCs is largely unknown. In the current study, we evaluated the effect of PPARγ knockdown on the function of IgE plus antigen (Ag)-stimulated MCs using siRNA-transfected bone marrow-derived MCs (BMMCs). We found that the mRNA expression level of cytokines in IgE/Ag-stimulated BMMCs was significantly increased in PPARγ knockdown BMMCs, and IgE/Ag-mediated degranulation and the protein production level of TNF-α was moderately increased by PPARγ knockdown, whereas the cell surface expression level of FcεRI was not affected by PPARγ knockdown. Oral administration of pioglitazone (PPARγ agonist) significantly suppressed body temperature change of mice in passive systemic anaphylaxis, supporting the inhibitory functions of PPARγ in IgE/Ag-dependent activation of MCs in vivo. IgE-mediated up-regulation of mRNA levels of Ptgs2 (encoding COX-2) was drastically enhanced in PPARγ knockdown BMMCs. Although several prostaglandin (PG) derivatives are known to be ligands for PPARγ, treatment with a COX inhibitor, acetyl salicylic acid, up-regulated the IgE-mediated increase of Il13, Tnf and Ptgs2 mRNA levels in a synergistic manner with PPARγ siRNA. Knockdown of COX-1 and/or COX-2 by siRNA showed that suppression of IgE/Ag-mediated activation was mainly dependent on COX-1. Taken together, these results indicate that PPARγ suppresses IgE/Ag-induced transactivation of cytokine genes and the Ptgs2 gene in MCs in a manner distinguishable from that of PGs.
The effect of food on the pharmacokinetics of oral ivermectin
Authors: Duthaler Urs , Leisegang Rory , Karlsson Mats O , Krähenbühl Stephan , Hammann Felix
Published: October 2019

Background

Ivermectin is an older anthelminthic agent that is being studied more intensely given its potential for mass drug administration against scabies, malaria and other neglected tropical diseases. Its pharmacokinetics (PK) remain poorly characterized. Furthermore, the majority of PK trials are performed under fasted-state dosing conditions, and the effect of food is therefore not well known. To better plan and design field trials with ivermectin, a model that can account for both conditions would be valuable.

Objectives

To develop a PK model and characterize the food effect with single oral doses of ivermectin.

Patients and methods

We performed a population-based PK analysis of data pooled from two previous trials of a single dose of 12 mg ivermectin, one with dosing after a high-fat breakfast (n=12) and one with fasted-state dosing (n=3).

Results

The final model described concentration–time profiles after fed and fasted dosing accurately, and estimated the food effect associated with relative bioavailability to 1.18 (95% CI 1.10–1.67).

Conclusions

In this analysis, the effect of a high-fat breakfast compared with a fasted-state administration of a single oral dose of 12 mg ivermectin was minimal.
Genomic Analysis of Dysembryoplastic Neuroepithelial Tumor Spectrum Reveals a Diversity of Molecular Alterations Dysregulating the MAPK and PI3K/mTOR Pathways
Authors: Surrey Lea F , Jain Payal , Zhang Bo , Straka Joshua , Zhao Xiaonan , Harding Brian N , Resnick Adam C , Storm Phillip B , Buccoliero Anna Maria , Genitori Lorenzo , Li Marilyn M , Waanders Angela J , Santi Mariarita
Published: October 2019

Dysembryoplastic neuroepithelial tumors (DNT) lacking key diagnostic criteria are challenging to diagnose and sometimes fall into the broader category of mixed neuronal-glial tumors (MNGT) or the recently described polymorphous low-grade neuroepithelial tumor of the young (PLNTY). We examined 41 patients with DNT, MNGT, or PLNTY for histologic features, genomic findings, and progression-free survival (PFS). Genomic analysis included sequence and copy number variants and RNA-sequencing. Classic DNT (n = 26) was compared with those with diffuse growth without cortical nodules (n = 15), 6 of which exhibited impressive CD34 staining classifying them as PLNTY. Genomic analysis was complete in 33, with sequence alterations recurrently identified in BRAF, FGFR1, NF1, and PDGFRA, as well as 7 fusion genes involving FGFR2, FGFR1, NTRK2, and BRAF. Genetic alterations did not distinguish between MNGTs, DNTs, or PLNTYs; however, FGFR1 alterations were confined to DNT, and PLNTYs contained BRAF V600E or FGFR2 fusion genes. Analysis of PFS showed no significant difference by histology or genetic alteration; however, numbers were small and follow-up time short. Further molecular characterization of a PLNTY-related gene fusion, FGFR2-CTNNA3, demonstrated oncogenic potential via MAPK/PI3K/mTOR pathway activation. Overall, DNT-MNGT spectrum tumors exhibit diverse genomic alterations, with more than half (19/33) leading to MAPK/PI3K pathway alterations.
From Partisan Media to Misperception: Affective Polarization as Mediator
Authors: Garrett R Kelly , Long Jacob A , Jeong Min Seon
Published: October 2019

This article provides evidence that affective polarization is an important mechanism linking conservative media use to political misperceptions. Partisan media’s potential to polarize is well documented, and there are numerous ways in which hostility toward political opponents might promote the endorsement of inaccurate beliefs. We test this mediated model using data collected via nationally representative surveys conducted during two recent U.S. presidential elections. Fixed effects regression models using three-wave panel data collected in 2012 provide evidence that conservative media exposure contributes to more polarized feelings toward major-party presidential candidates, and this growing favorability gap is associated with misperceptions critical of the Democrats. Further, these effects are more pronounced among Republicans than among Democrats. Cross-sectional analyses using data collected in 2016 provide additional evidence of the mediated relationship. The theoretical and real-world significance of these results are discussed.
Detecting the driving forces underlying the divergence of spruce forests in China: evidence from phytocoenology, morphology and phylogenetics
Authors: Wang Guo-Hong , Zhao Hai-Wei , An Meng , Li He , Zhang Wei-Kang
Published: October 2019

Aims

We aimed to elucidate the driving forces underlying the geographical distribution of spruce forests, as well as the morphological and phylogenetic divergence among spruce species in China.

Methods

One hundred and seventy two sites across the entire range of spruce forests in China (23°–53° N, 75°–134° E, 250–4300 m a.s.l.) were sampled for species composition, geographical coordinates, and topographic and climatic variables. Sixteen spruce taxa, which are naturally distributed in China, were respectively grouped into morphologically defined sections and phylogenetically distinct clades. Multivariate approaches, including two-way indicator species analysis, principal components analysis, detrended correspondence analysis, canonical correspondence analysis (CCA), and partial CCA, were used for data analysis.

Important Findings

The 172 samples grouped into 13 spruce forests, the geographical distributions of which were closely related to climate and geographical location. The variation in species composition explained by the geographical coordinates (32.01%) was significantly higher than that explained by the climatic (27.76%) and topographic variables (23.32%). Of the three morphologically defined sections, sect. Omorica occurred mainly in wetter habitats with a mean annual precipitation of ca. 229 mm and 426 mm higher than the habitats of sect. Casicta and sect. Picea (P < 0.01), respectively. Of the two phylogenetically distinct clades, Clade-II (an older clade) occurred in habitats with warm winters and cool summers whose mean temperature in the coldest month was ca. 8–10°C higher, yet accumulated temperature during the growing season (≥ 5°C) was ca. 297–438°C lower, than the habitats of Clade-III (a younger clade) (P < 0.01). Our data support the hypothesis that geographical location may be a greater determinant of variation in species composition. In addition, moisture conditions tend to be the key determinants that account for the divergence among the morphologically defined sections, while the phylogenetic divergence among spruce species is mainly affected by temperature conditions. While the clades or sections of the spruce species in question carry strong climatic signals, their divergences are subject to different selective pressures.
Physical dosimetry reconstructions of significant radiation exposure at an industrial accelerator facility in Tianjin (China)
Authors: Ruan Shuzhou , Huo Menghui , Su Kaijun , Liu Yulian , Yan Changxin , Zhang Wenyi , Jiao Ling
Published: October 2019

The goal of this thesis is to estimate the physical radiation doses for two victims who were accidently exposed to an industrial electron beam at an industrial accelerator facility on 7 July 7 2016 in Tianjin, China. On the basis of the radiation source parameters, irradiation situation and irradiation time, physical dose reconstruction was carried out at the accident site by using a Bottle-Manikin-Absorption (BOMAB) phantom and an Alderson Radiation Therapy (ART) phantom. With thermoluminscent dosimeters (TLDs), skin estimation was conducted for the feet, calves, upper arms, left side of the body and neck, and the mean dose was estimated to be 14.1 ± 5.6 Gy. The foot and leg skin received the highest dose, which was >16.3 Gy. In addition, the mean dose estimated for the eye lens was 0.18 ± 0.07 Gy. The organ effective dose estimated and the total organs effective dose estimated were 0.46–4.94 mSv and 0.21 Sv, respectively. In the course of the accident, the damage caused by the electron radiation field to the exposed person was mainly to the skin, and the contributions to other radiation-sensitive organs were small. The damage to the organs other than the skin was mainly caused by the X-rays generated by the bremsstrahlung of the electron beam from the environment or the human body.
A Sampling Design for Ordered Populations
Authors: Zhang Xiaofei , Fuller Wayne A
Published: October 2019

We present a sampling algorithm for an ordered population with elements that have a measure of size. The algorithm enables one to select a sample with specified probabilities and with efficiency for the estimated mean between that of one per stratum and that of two per stratum. The algorithm contains a design parameter for the efficiency of the estimated mean relative to the efficiency of the estimated variance of the estimated mean. For a variable highly correlated with the order, it is possible for both the efficiency of the estimated mean and the efficiency of the estimated variance for an intermediate design to be greater than that for the two-per-stratum design. For most studied populations, the variance of the estimated mean declines and the variance of the estimated variance increases as one moves from the two-per-stratum design toward the one-per-stratum design. We illustrate the trade-off between the variance of the estimated mean and the variance of the estimated variance using an autoregressive process. An estimator of the variance of the estimated mean and a replication form for variance estimation are given.
“A Take-Home Baby”
Authors: Klitzman Robert L.
Published: October 2019

This introductory chapter provides an outline of the structure and themes of the book, and describes how I became interested in this topic—through both personal and professional experiences. The chapter presents a brief overview of infertility and several assisted reproductive technologies (ARTs), including new technologies (e.g., gene editing and CRISPR) and their history; recent statistics on use of these interventions in the United States and elsewhere; several relevant current policies, guidelines, and recent legal cases in the United States, Europe, and elsewhere (e.g., from the FDA, CDC, and the American Society for Reproductive Medicine [ASRM]) pertaining to sale and purchase of so-called third-party gametes (i.e., human eggs and sperm); costs and insurance coverage; ethical issues posed by ARTs (e.g., regarding eugenics); and other aspects of these treatments. The chapter also provides an overview of the qualitative methods used in the research that forms a basis of the book.
“Not Part of the Parent Club”
Authors: Klitzman Robert L.
Published: October 2019

Individuals and couples who wish to have children but cannot do so due to infertility or other barriers confront many stresses. Having children can give vital meaning and purpose to people’s lives. Many women race against a “biological clock”—the fact that difficulties having a healthy baby skyrocket after age 40. Hence, miscarriages and failures to conceive can feel devastating. The fact that friends of the same age are having children can heighten these strains. Men with little or no sperm often feel guilty, ashamed, and less “macho” and are uncomfortable discussing infertility, even with their doctors, hampering communication and referrals. Outsiders, including patients, parents, siblings, extended family, and friends, may fail to appreciate these travails and ask or push prospective parents about having children, unaware of these impediments. Stigma and misunderstandings regarding infertility persist.
“How Much Is a Child Worth?”
Authors: Klitzman Robert L.
Published: October 2019

Patients face dilemmas of how much to pay for these technologies—how much a child is worth. Countries range widely in their laws and regulations concerning insurance coverage but generally have restraints. Prospective parents commonly draw on present or future savings or income they might otherwise dedicate to graduate school or other long-term goals. Yet uncertainties can persist about how long treatment will take. Medical, financial, and legal stresses mount regarding both the total costs and the eventual extent of insurance coverage. Physicians cannot wholly foresee the kind or amount of necessary treatment, frustrating patients. Critics have also argued that many clinics are too “entrepreneurial” and profit-oriented, raising additional ethical and policy questions.
Fetishistic Disorders
Authors: Fedoroff J. Paul
Published: October 2019

Abstract: The term fetish was originally used to describe inanimate objects that had religious or spiritual significance. By the early 20th century, the term was also used to describe the condition of being sexually aroused by a specific inanimate object or class of objects. Since then, fetishism has expanded to include reference to a sexual interest in animate objects (e.g., body parts) and/or specific sexual activities (e.g., sex in dangerous places) or a combination of both an object and activity (e.g., transvestic fetishism). This chapter provides a review of uses of the term fetish. Criteria from the Fifth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders and the International Classification of Diseases are presented and discussed. Etiologic theories and treatment approaches are presented and reviewed. A review of the recent literature on these topics is presented.
Surgical Palliative Care
Authors: Dunn Geoffrey P.
Published: October 2019

Attention to suffering through the comfort and nonabandonment of the sick and injured is an instinctive human response that provides the framework of current palliative care practice. This component of our socialization is so profound it probably pre-dates our Homo sapiens identity. Trauma to humans was a likely stimulus for the development and refinement of this empathic capacity, raising the possibility that someone using rudimentary surgical skills introduced palliative care to civilization long before a surgeon coined the term palliative care in the twentieth century. Many palliative interventions ultimately became cures. The history of surgery repetitively shows that when the first priority for surgical intervention is the response to suffering, the cures will follow, but the reverse is not necessarily true.
Palliative Thoracic Surgery
Authors: Carter Yvonne M. , Carr Rebecca , Anagnostakos John P. , Katlic Mark R.
Published: October 2019

Longer life expectancy has resulted in the elderly making up the largest proportion of the population. As a result, medical care has trended toward focusing on wellness, quality of life, and symptom relief in addition to curative therapies. Palliative care is dedicated to improving overall patient quality of life by providing treatment focused on symptom management rather than cure. A greater appreciation for palliative care has expanded the field to include multiple specialties, including surgery. Undoubtedly, palliative interventions are an important part of the thoracic surgeon’s armamentarium, considering the innumerable malignancies—primary and metastatic—as well as the proportion of elderly patients in this patient cohort.
Invasive Pain Management
Authors: Pearson Amy , Weisbein Jacqueline , Kandil Enas
Published: October 2019

The use of invasive techniques for palliative pain management is growing, especially when conventional treatments fail. Often pain is improperly managed, even at end of life. Unfortunately, inadequate pain management can often prevent patients from receiving additional palliative therapies. This chapter discusses invasive approaches to pain management according to the mechanism of pain (somatic, visceral, and sympathetic), including the use of intrathecal drug delivery systems, kyphoplasty and vertebroplasty; sympathetic blocks including celiac plexus block and ganglion impar; and spinal cord ablative techniques including cordotomy, myelotomy, and dorsal root entry zone lesioning (DREZotomy). Future directions include less invasive techniques for modulating pain pathways without destroying neural tissue, namely by intradural or epidural spinal cord stimulation.
Palliative Care and Survivorship for the Cancer Patient
Authors: Krouse Robert S.
Published: October 2019

Cancer survivorship is defined as occurring from the time of diagnosis until death. Therefore, palliative care is an essential component of cancer survivorship care. Patients with issues related to advanced cancer or cancer treatments have myriad problems affecting physical, psychosocial, and spiritual components of quality of life. These may lead to death or continued suffering for the cancer patient. The holistic care of cancer survivors mandates focus on these issues for cancer survivors and their families, caregivers, and support team. Palliative care principles should be implemented early in the cancer trajectory and continued throughout the cancer survivor’s life. Palliative surgical care, whether through an operation, conservative management, or communication of the benefits and limitations of surgical care, is an essential component for many cancer survivors.
The Future of Surgical Palliative Care Research
Authors: Ruck Jessica M. , Johnston Fabian M.
Published: October 2019

While palliative care research has grown in both breadth and depth in recent years, there has been limited exploration of palliative care within surgical patient populations. Since palliative care is appropriate for patients with debilitating and life-limiting illnesses, many surgical patient populations would likely benefit from the integration of palliative care practices and principles into surgical care. As surgeon-researchers begin to address these large gaps in knowledge and practice, it is important to identify areas in which research is needed. This chapter describes current gaps in research related to palliative care education, change management and quality, policy, appropriate measurement of intervention outcomes, disparities in access and utilization, and optimization of dissemination and implementation, as well as ethical considerations.
Overview of neuroimaging
Authors: Matys Tomasz , Scoffings Daniel. J. , Das Tilak
Published: October 2019

Imaging plays an essential role in the diagnosis and treatment of neurosurgical conditions. This chapter discusses the basic physical principles, applications, and limitations of the main imaging techniques used in neurosurgical practice, and highlights potential future directions of functional and molecular neuroimaging. Current conventional radiological methods allow demonstration of anatomical and macroscopic pathological features of disease with excellent sensitivity and resolution. Functional imaging methods that have enabled insight into a variety of physiological and pathological phenomena are also described, and are an important first step beyond anatomical imaging towards more precise characterization of the disease process. These methods however remain generally non-specific, demonstrating changes that are common endpoints of many possible pathological pathways. This chapter also covers current neuroradiology imaging modalities that are useful in neurosurgical practice, and focuses on the general usefulness and limitations of neuroradiological methods rather than the imaging manifestations of individual disease processes, which are discussed elsewhere in this book.
Chordomas and chondrosarcomas of the skull base
Authors: Almefty Rami O. , Al-Mefty Ossama
Published: October 2019

Chordomas and chondrosarcomas are rare tumours that occur at the skull base. Chordomas have a benign appearing histology but behave malignantly with a high tendency to invade locally, recur, demonstrate tumour progression by accumulating genetic mutations, metastasize, and surgically implant. Aggressive treatment is necessary and radical resection including of the invaded bone followed by adjuvant high-dose radiation therapy offers the best chance for long-term disease-free survival. This requires initiating treatment at the onset, since once the tumour recurs the outcome is poor. Multiple surgical approaches may need to be employed to achieve the sought-after radical resection in a given patient. Utilizing all of the advances in operative techniques including microscopic and endoscopic techniques, intraoperative imaging, and neuronavigation facilitates this goal. Particle-based radiation has a proven record in a large experience as an adjunct to radical surgical resection. Chondrosarcomas are rarer and carry a better prognosis. Complete surgical removal has excellent recurrence-free survival rates. Radiation therapy has also showed high control rates but may not be necessary given their benign course. Immunohistochemical analysis is essential for ensuring the proper diagnosis.
Glomus tumours
Authors: Pathmanaban Omar , King Andrew
Published: October 2019

Glomus tumours, or skull base paragangliomas, are rare neuroendocrine neoplasms arising in the lateral skull base. Normally benign, but locally invasive, they exhibit low rates of malignant transformation. They can be sporadic or associated with a predisposing genetic mutation in around 50% of patients, in which case synchronous and metachronous tumours can be found. They are often indolent and usually non-secreting. Many patients can therefore be managed conservatively with surveillance. When treatment is required, surgery can be curative, but is associated with high rates of cranial neuropathies. Radiotherapy has therefore been pursued as an alternative, and technical advances have made this an effective and safe treatment for tumour control. Radiation treatment is now the preferred approach in many cases. Surgery is still indicated in cases with brainstem compression, failed radiotherapy, and secreting tumours. There is also ongoing debate regarding subsets of patients with small growing tumours, which can be favourable for surgery and young patients where long-term control with radiotherapy is not yet established and late effects of radiotherapy need to be considered. There are many nuances in the decision making and optimal management requires an experienced multidisciplinary team including neurosurgeons, otologists, endocrinologists, geneticists, oncologists, radiologists, and pathologists.
Surgical management of cerebellopontine angle and petrous lesions
Authors: Hall Nicholas , Sufaro Yuval , Kaye Andrew
Published: October 2019

At the turn of the twentieth century Harvey Cushing, the father of neurosurgery, described the cerebellopontine angle (CPA) region of the brain as ‘the gloomy corner of neurosurgery’, famously comparing this anatomical region with the bloody fence corner of the Gettysburg. With limited magnification and illumination, a modern skull base subspecialist neurosurgeon can understand the huge technical challenges that pioneers such as Cushing would have faced treating large tumours with major pre-existing morbidity in this location. At that stage Cushing advocated subtotal tumour debulking as the only rational strategy, however, shortly after that Dandy began to advocate safe total removal of cerebellopontine angle tumours. Since these early days introduction of more sophisticated anaesthesia, perioperative antibiotic prophylaxis, the operating microscope, and cranial nerve monitoring techniques have all resulted in significant advances in cerebellopontine angle surgery. The concentration of cases in subspecialty centres and the recognition of the importance of experience and meticulous technique has transformed skull base surgery into a subspecialty field with consequent reductions in mortality and morbidity. Although fragile and tenuous anatomical structures, supplying critical function, will always make treatment of pathology in this region a high-risk challenge, frequently, curative outcomes are now achieved with minimal morbidity for patients. This chapter aims to outline the anatomy and pathology of the cerebellopontine angle. The chapter describes the presentation of patients and investigations needed to make diagnoses for the different pathologies in this region, and the surgical techniques, approaches, and outcomes that we use to treat these lesions.