bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A large‐scale assessment of plant dispersal mode and seed traits across human‐modified Amazonian forests
Authors: Hawes Joseph E. , Vieira Ima C. G. , Magnago Luiz F. S. , Berenguer Erika , Ferreira Joice , Aragão Luiz E. O. C. , Cardoso Amanda , Lees Alexander C. , Lennox Gareth D. , Tobias Joseph A. , Waldron Anthony , Barlow Jos
Published: February 2020

Quantifying the impact of habitat disturbance on ecosystem function is critical to understanding and predicting the future of tropical forests. Many studies have examined post‐disturbance changes in animal traits related to mutualistic interactions with plants, but the effect of disturbance on plant traits in diverse forests has received much less attention.

Focusing on two study regions in the eastern Brazilian Amazon, we used a trait‐based approach to examine how seed dispersal functionality within tropical plant communities changes across a landscape‐scale gradient of human modification, including both regenerating secondary forests and primary forests disturbed by burning and selective logging.

Surveys of 230 forest plots recorded 26,533 live stems from 846 tree species. Using herbarium material and literature, we compiled trait information for each tree species, focusing on dispersal mode and seed size.

Disturbance reduced tree diversity and increased the proportion of lower wood density and small‐seeded tree species in study plots. Disturbance also increased the proportion of stems with seeds that are ingested by animals and reduced those dispersed by other mechanisms (e.g. wind). Older secondary forests had functionally similar plant communities to the most heavily disturbed primary forests. Mean seed size and wood density per plot were positively correlated for plant species with seeds ingested by animals.

Synthesis. Anthropogenic disturbance has major effects on the seed traits of tree communities, with implications for mutualistic interactions with animals. The important role of animal‐mediated seed dispersal in disturbed and recovering forests highlights the need to avoid defaunation or promote faunal recovery. The changes in mean seed width suggest larger vertebrates hold especially important functional roles in these human‐modified forests. Monitoring fruit and seed traits can provide a valuable indicator of ecosystem condition, emphasizing the importance of developing a comprehensive plant traits database for the Amazon and other biomes.
Empirical Microeconomics in Changing Times: A Reflection on 50 Years of IFS Research
Authors: Banks James , Blundell Richard
Published: February 2020

Since the publication of the Meade Report in 1978 and the establishment of the Fiscal Studies journal in 1979, IFS has been a world leader in the microeconomic analysis of tax policy. Here we document the growing importance of rigorous empirical analysis in our academic and policy research. We point to the expanding reach of IFS research outside the pure analysis of tax policy in the years following the Meade Report and the key role played by the ESRC Centre for the Microeconomic Analysis of Public Policy, established in 1991. This Centre provided the environment for long‐term research across a wide set of fields that has enabled IFS to stay ahead in the policy debate and maintain a leading position in academic research. The breadth and depth of work in tax policy as it impacted on individuals, on families, on the labour market, on firms, on innovation, on retirement, on capital markets and on government revenues are exemplified through the Mirrlees Review. The expansion of IFS research into a broader set of areas, including health, child development and human capital, is captured through the recent launch of the Deaton Review on the causes and consequences of inequality, covering a broad set of inequalities and the challenges they bring to society, to policy and to research.
Observations and 3D Analysis of Controlled Cast‐Off Stains
Authors: Liscio Eugene , Bozek Patrick , Guryn Helen , Le Quan
Published: February 2020

Cast‐off stains are common patterns found at crime scenes involving blood shedding events. However, the analysis and interpretation of cast‐off patterns remains an area lacking tools for crime scene investigators. Analyzing cast‐off patterns may allow investigators to interpret the area from where an object may have been swung and thus determine the approximate location of a suspect or victim. This study looked at the position and distribution of cast‐off patterns and area of origin as a starting point for the development of a method to analyze cast‐off patterns. Through a series of tests using a controlled cast‐off rig (n = 10), it was observed that a Path Volume Envelope (PVE) may be identified where the swinging path is contained in a volume along with an area of exclusion. The calculated center, linear position of the PVE was found to have an average error of just over 3.2 cm when compared to the known object swing path position. The maximum deviation of the PVE to the known swing path was found to be 5.0 cm with a standard deviation of 1.4 cm. Additional studies are required to investigate the effects of partial cast‐off stains, wielded object velocity, direction of swing, distance from the projected surface, and other factors. The observations and analysis from this study were seen to be predictable and repeatable and may provide a possible new method for investigators to interpret cast‐off stains.
Distribution of Bactrocera oleae (Rossi, 1790) throughout the Iberian Peninsula based on a maximum entropy modelling approach
Authors: Benhadi‐Marín Jacinto , Santos Sónia A.P. , Baptista Paula , Pereira José Alberto
Published: February 2020

The Iberian Peninsula (Portugal and Spain) is a great production area of olives. The fruit production can be severely affected by the olive fruit fly, Bactrocera oleae (Rossi, 1790) (Diptera). Detailed geographical distribution maps of key pests, such as B. oleae, are essential for their integrated management. Although different sources reporting the occurrence of B. oleae are available for sub‐regions of Portugal and Spain, the data available are dispersed and centralisation of this information considering the Iberian Peninsula as a faunistic geographical unit is currently lacking. In this work, we built two distribution maps of B. oleae throughout the Iberian Peninsula, one based on occurrence sites and another based on its bioclimatic habitat suitability. After modelling the bioclimatic suitability of B. oleae using a maximum entropy model, three potential distribution areas beyond the previously known occurrence range of the olive fruit fly were identified corresponding to the autonomous community of Galicia (Spain), the Spanish and Portuguese sides of the International Douro Natural Park, and the autonomous community of Castilla y León (Spain). Interestingly, each region houses nowadays autochthonous olive cultivars. The drivers that most contributed to the model were the precipitation of the coldest quarter and the precipitation of driest month which agrees with the B. oleae bioecology. Although our approach is not fully‐comprehensive in terms of occurrence sites, we show how a maxent modelling approach can be useful to identify potential risk areas of B. oleae occurrence throughout a target geographical extent such as the Iberian Peninsula.
Pre‐operative classification of molar pregnancy: How good is ultrasound?
Authors: Stamatopoulos Nicole , Espada Vaquero Mercedes , Leonardi Mathew , Nadim Batool , Bailey Amber , Condous George
Published: February 2020

Background

Histopathology is the reference standard for diagnosing hydatidiform molar pregnancy (HMP).

Aim

To assess the performance of pre‐operative transvaginal ultrasound (TVS) to predict HMP.

Materials and Methods

A retrospective diagnostic accuracy study was performed on women who had both TVS and histopathological examination of uterine curettings between January 2011–February 2017. TVS diagnosis of partial MP (PMP) included assessment of fetal parts and/or empty gestational sac with small cystic spaces adjacent to gestational sac. TVS diagnosis of complete MP (CMP) included assessment of complex, echogenic intra‐uterine mass(es) containing multiple small cystic areas. Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), negative predictive value (NPV), positive and negative likelihood ratios (PLR/NLR) for TVS were reported. Reference standard was histology.

Results

There were 4917 consecutive women who underwent TVS; 1636 underwent surgical curettage for miscarriage. Forty out of 4917 (0.6%) had HMP histologically; 25/40 (62.5%) had suspected HMP and 15/40 (37.5%) did not; 24/40 (60.0%) had CMP of which 19/24 (79.1%) were suspected on TVS and 5/24 (20.8%) were not; 16/40 (40.0%) had PMP of which 6/16 (37.5%) were suspected on TVS and 10/16 (62.6%) were not. The sensitivity, specificity, PPV, NPV, PLR and NLR of pre‐operative TVS to predict HMP were: 60.0, 99.1, 63.2, 99.0% 68.4, 0.4; for CMP: 79.2, 99.8, 86.3, 99.6%, 421.7, 0.2; for PMP: 37.5, 99.3, 35.3, 99.4%, 54.3, 0.6.

Conclusion

Histology remains the gold standard for diagnosing HMP. TVS is an acceptable diagnostic tool for HMP. When there are no ultrasound features of HMP, almost all these women will not have an underlying HMP.
Local Governance: Impacts of Fiscal Decentralization on Government Size and Spending Composition in Vietnam*
Authors: Thanh Su D. , Canh Nguyen P.
Published: February 2020

The study provides an understanding of the impacts of fiscal decentralization and local governance on government size and spending composition. We use a balanced panel data set of 63 provinces of Vietnam over the 2006–2015 period. By estimating the spatial Durbin model, we find that local public spending and government size grow over time and have spatial spillovers. Fiscal decentralization significantly reduces public spending and government size, which supports the Leviathan hypothesis. More interestingly, combining local governance, the marginal spatial spillover effects of the fiscal decentralization on public spending and government size are intensified. Our findings imply that local governments should enhance interregional collaboration in fiscal management to limit duplicate public spending and promote regional sustainable development.
Failure of rituximab is associated with a poor outcome in diffuse large B cell lymphoma‐type post‐transplant lymphoproliferative disorder
Authors: Jain Michael D. , Lam Ryan , Liu Zhihui , Stubbins Ryan J. , Kahlon Amrit , Kansara Roopesh , Goswami Rashmi , Humar Atul , Prica Anca , Sehn Laurie H. , Slack Graham W. , Crump Michael , Savage Kerry J. , Peters Anthea C. , Kuruvilla John
Published: February 2020

Post‐transplant lymphoproliferative disorder (PTLD) may arise after solid organ transplantation, and the most common subtype resembles diffuse large B cell lymphoma (DLBCL). In DLBCL‐type PTLD, the anti‐CD20 antibody rituximab (R) may be combined with chemotherapy (R‐CHOP) or use a strategy (R‐primary; similar to the PTLD‐1 clinical trial) consisting of induction with four weekly doses of R‐alone, without any chemotherapy or sequential R‐CHOP follow‐up. Here we report on a multicentre retrospective cohort of solid organ transplant patients with DLBCL‐type PTLD that were treated with R. In 168 adults, two‐year overall survival (OS) was 63·7% [95% CI (confidence interval) 56·6–71·7%]. No difference in OS was observed, whether patients were treated with R‐CHOP versus the R‐primary strategy. In the 109 patients treated with R‐primary, multivariate analysis found that baseline IPI score and the response to R‐induction predicted OS. Patients who responded to R‐induction had durable remissions without the addition of chemotherapy. Conversely, of the 46 patients who had stable or progressive disease after R‐induction (R‐failure), those who received R‐CHOP had an only marginally improved outcome, with a two‐year OS of 45% (23·1–65·3%) vs. no R‐CHOP at 32% (14·7–49·8%). In real‐world patients, R‐failure and high IPI scores predict a poor outcome in DLBCL‐type PTLD.
ASXL1 mutations, previous vascular complications and age at diagnosis predict survival in 85 WHO‐defined polycythaemia vera patients
Authors: Andréasson Björn , Pettersson Helna , Wasslavik Carina , Johansson Peter , Palmqvist Lars , Asp Julia
Published: February 2020

Summary

Polycythaemia vera (PV) patients have an overall comparatively favourable prognosis, but disease progression is very heterogeneous and life‐threatening thrombosis and bleedings are frequent complications in untreated disease. Moreover, transformation to more severe secondary myelofibrosis and acute myeloid leukaemia can occur. The aim of this study was to identify gene mutations that could be used together with clinical data as prognostic markers to guide treatment decisions in PV patients. A well‐characterized WHO‐defined cohort of PV patients was used. Clinical data and blood values were evaluated and a myeloid sequencing panel was used to screen for additional mutations other than the diagnostic JAK2 V617F and JAK2 exon 12 mutations. In 78% of the PV patients, at least one mutation additional to JAK2 V617F was detected. Additional mutations in genes coding for epigenetic modifiers, like TET2, DNMT3A and ASXL1, were most frequent. When correlated to overall survival, mutations in ASXL1 were significantly associated with inferior survival. In an attempt to obtain prognostic guidance in a larger number of patients, the presence of ASXL1 mutations was combined with age and vascular complications prior to diagnosis. Based on these data we were able to define three risk groups that predicted survival.
Towards a Socialization of the EU's New Economic Governance Regime? EU Labour Policy Interventions in Germany, Ireland, Italy and Romania (2009–2019)
Authors: Jordan Jamie , Maccarrone Vincenzo , Erne Roland
Published: February 2020

In response to the last recession, the European Union (EU) adopted a new economic governance (NEG) regime. An influential stream of EU social policy literature argues that there has been more emphasis on social objectives in the NEG regime in more recent years. This article shows that this is not the case. It does so through an in‐depth analysis of NEG prescriptions on wage, employment protection and collective bargaining policy in Germany, Italy, Ireland and Romania between 2009 and 2019. Our main conclusion is that the EU's interventions in these three industrial relations policy areas continue to be dominated by a liberalization agenda that is commodifying labour, albeit to a different degree across the uneven but nonetheless integrated European political economy. This finding is important, as countervailing transnational trade union action is the more likely, the more there is a common threat. Even so, our contextualized analysis also enables us to detect contradictions that could provide European labour movements opportunities to pursue countervailing action.
Alternative pathways of liana communities in the forests of northwestern Argentina
Authors: Ceballos Sergio Javier , Malizia Agustina , Chacoff Natacha
Published: February 2020

Liana dynamics in secondary and mature forests are well known in tropical areas dominated by native tree species. Outside the tropics and in secondary forests invaded by exotic species, knowledge is scarce. In this study, we compare liana communities between secondary and mature forests dominated by native species in a subtropical montane area of Sierra de San Javier, Tucuman, Argentina. Additionally, we evaluate changes of liana communities in secondary forests with increasing densities of Ligustrum lucidum and Morus alba, two of the most invasive exotic trees of the area. We surveyed liana species richness and density in three 30‐year secondary patches, four 60‐year secondary patches, and four mature patches dominated by native tree species, to analyze changes in liana communities with forest age. Within each patch, we sampled 10–25 20 × 20 m quadrats. Additionally, we surveyed liana density and species richness in secondary forest patches with different densities of L. lucidum and M. alba. In native‐dominated forests, liana species richness increased and showed a tendency of increasing basal area from 30‐year secondary forests to mature forests. Liana density was highly variable, and most of the species were shared between native‐dominated secondary and mature forests. Liana density and species richness decreased with L. lucidum density, whereas in secondary forests highly dominated by M. alba, lianas increased in density. Overall, lianas followed different pathways influenced by native forest succession and exotic tree invasions.

Abstract in Spanish is available with online material.
Differences in architecture and performance between two sub‐canopy congeneric tropical tree species
Authors: Costa Rafael Carvalho da , Santos Flavio Antonio Maës dos
Published: February 2020

We report architectural divergence between two congeneric tropical tree species coexisting in the same stratum which suggests different strategies: reducing self‐shading and support costs, or maximizing light foraging. We found species‐specific differential performance across light environments, suggesting that architectural differentiation could facilitate the coexistence of species with similar vertical habitat.

Abstract in Portuguese is available with online material.
Post‐adoption buffering effects of innovative product aesthetics
Authors: Nagel Christian , Schumann Jan H.
Published: February 2020

Innovative aesthetic product appearances can create buffering effects in the pre‐adoption phase that lead consumers to base their expectations on the aesthetics rather than on objective information about innovative products. How do innovative aesthetics influence product experience in the post‐adoption phase? Using longitudinal post‐adoption data from early adopters of an electric car model, this study shows that consumers' perceptions of innovative aesthetic value buffer the effect of product‐related hedonic experience on attitudes towards the product. The more value consumers derive from innovative product aesthetics post‐adoption, the less they ground their attitudes on actual hedonic experience. Product managers thus should opt for designs that grant aesthetic utility over time. Innate consumer innovativeness levels moderate the buffering effect, such that the effect of aesthetic innovative product evaluations on the relationship between experienced hedonic utility and attitude is stronger for more innovative consumers. Innovative consumers are especially sensitive to innovative aesthetic value, so in their co‐creation efforts, managers should seek out these customers, because doing so can increase early adopters' long‐term product satisfaction and word of mouth, both of which expand the breadth of diffusion for the innovations.
Appropriate timing for a biochemical evaluation after adrenalectomy for unilateral aldosterone‐producing adenoma
Authors: Takamatsu Kimiharu , Takeda Toshikazu , Hattori Seiya , Tanaka Nobuyuki , Morita Shinya , Matsumoto Kazuhiro , Kosaka Takeo , Mizuno Ryuichi , Shinojima Toshiaki , Kikuchi Eiji , Asanuma Hiroshi , Kurihara Isao , Itoh Hiroshi , Oya Mototsugu
Published: February 2020

Context

The oversecretion of plasma aldosterone by unilateral aldosterone‐producing adenoma (APA) can be cured by adrenalectomy. However, the time needed for the endocrine environment to normalize remains unclear.

Objective

To clarify adequate timing for a biochemical evaluation in unilateral APA patients after adrenalectomy.

Design and patients

A total of 166 unilateral APA patients were retrospectively reviewed. We evaluated the plasma aldosterone concentration (PAC) (pg/mL), active renin concentration (ARC) (pg/mL), aldosterone‐renin ratio (ARR; PAC/ARC), serum potassium concentration and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) at 1, 3 and 6 postoperation months (POM).

Results

PAC was significantly lower at 1POM than at presurgery (presurgery; 407.2, 1 POM; 90.0 pg/mL, P < .001). ARC did not increase from baseline at 1POM, but significantly increased at 3POM (presurgery; 4.43, 1POM; 4.87, 3POM; 11.3 pg/mL, P < .001). ARR significantly decreased at 1POM (presurgery; 146.9, 1 POM; 26.3, P < .001) although ARC did not increase at 1POM. Among the 34 patients who had hypokalaemia presurgery, it was resolved in 28 (82%) at 1POM and in all (100%) at 3POM. The biochemical outcomes at 1POM were 131 (79%) complete, 20 (12%) partial and 15 (9%) absent successes, while at 3POM, 147 (89%) were complete, 9 (5%) partial and 10 (6%) absent. Twenty‐three (14%) patients were reclassified into different biochemical outcomes between 1 and 3POM, whereas only 5 (3%) changed between 3 and 6POM.

Conclusion

The appropriate timing for a biochemical evaluation of unilateral APA patients treated with laparoscopic adrenalectomy appears to be 3 months or more after surgery.
Unmet health‐care needs and human rights—A qualitative analysis of patients' complaints in light of the right to health and health care
Authors: Sundler Annelie J. , Darcy Laura , Råberus Anna , Holmström Inger K.
Published: February 2020

Background

This study focuses on patient complaints from a human rights perspective. Despite the UN Convention on Human Rights being widely recognized, it has not previously been examined in relation to patients’ complaints on health care. A human rights perspective and the right to the highest attainable standard of health are a major sustainability challenge in health care today. Previous research points to patients’ complaints as a growing concern for health‐care organizations, and the handling of this concern can lead to improvement in health‐care services.

Objective

The aim was to analyse patients’ complaints on health‐care services and to examine expressed needs for health care from a human rights perspective.

Methods

In this descriptive study, a random sample of 170 patient complaints about Swedish health‐care services were qualitatively analysed from a human rights perspective.

Results

The complaints are described in three themes: the right to available and accessible health‐care services, the right to good quality health‐care services and the right to dignity and equality in health care. Questions of availability, accessibility, acceptability and quality are highlighted by patients and/or relatives making complaints on health‐care services.

Discussion and Conclusion

This study emphasizes the human right to health in relation to patient complaints. Findings indicate that this right has been breached in relation to availability, accessibility, acceptability and quality in health‐care services. Further debate, education and investigations are necessary to ensure that patients’ rights to health and health care not be taken for granted.
Studying Score Stability with a Harmonic Regression Family: A Comparison of Three Approaches to Adjustment of Examinee‐Specific Demographic Data
Authors: Lee Yi‐Hsuan , Haberman Shelby J.
Published: February 2020

For assessments that use different forms in different administrations, equating methods are applied to ensure comparability of scores over time. Ideally, a score scale is well maintained throughout the life of a testing program. In reality, instability of a score scale can result from a variety of causes, some are expected while others may be unforeseen. The situation is more challenging for assessments that assemble many different forms and deliver frequent administrations per year. Harmonic regression, a seasonal‐adjustment method, has been found useful in achieving the goal of differentiating between possible known sources of variability and unknown sources so as to study score stability for such assessments. As an extension, this paper presents a family of three approaches that incorporate examinees' demographic data into harmonic regression in different ways. A generic evaluation method based on jackknifing is developed to compare the approaches within the family. The three approaches are compared using real data from an international language assessment. Results suggest that all approaches perform similarly and are effective in meeting the goal. The paper also discusses the properties and limitations of the three approaches, along with inferences about score (in)stability based on the harmonic regression results.
Waveform discrimination in a pair of pulse‐generating electric fishes
Authors: Waddell Joseph C. , Caputi Angel A.
Published: February 2020

Studies of pulse‐type gymnotiform electric fishes have suggested that electric organ discharge waveforms (EODw) allow individuals to discriminate between conspecific and allospecific signals, but few have approached this experimentally. Here we implement a phase‐locked playback technique for a syntopic species pair, Brachyhypopomus gauderio and Gymnotus omarorum. Both species respond to changes in stimulus waveform with a transitory reduction in the interpulse interval of their self‐generated discharge, providing strong evidence of discrimination. We also document sustained rate changes in response to different EODws, which may suggest recognition of natural waveforms.
Validity and reliability of a Korean version of the breast cancer survivors resilience scale
Authors: Kim Jung Min , Choi Jin Hyuk , Han Jeong‐Won
Published: February 2020

Aim

To examine the resilience of breast cancer patients by investigating the validity and reliability of a Korean version of the breast cancer survivors resilience scale (BCRS) and to provide basic data for developing interventions that can be used by healthcare professionals to enhance the resilience of breast cancer patients.

Methods

Data were obtained from 280 breast cancer survivors receiving treatment at the outpatient clinic of Kosin University Hospital located in Busan City, Korea, and the collected data were used to confirm content validity, construct validity, criterion validity, and internal consistency reliability.

Results

The Korean version of the BCRS comprised two subdomains and a total of 16 items, and the internal consistency reliability estimated by Cronbachʼs alpha was .87~.89.

Conclusion

This study found that the Korean version BCRS has high validity and reliability. In future studies, it will be necessary to conduct research that identifies the resilience levels of patients with breast cancer, using the Korean version BCRS, and seeks interventions in agreement with the results.
Laying Claim to Martin Luther King Jr. and the Civil Rights Legacy
Authors: Guth Karen V.
Published: February 2020

This essay assesses the oft‐made link between Walter Rauschenbusch and Martin Luther King Jr. Denying neither Rauschenbusch’s influence on King nor King’s social gospel status, it nevertheless questions the way historians locate Rauschenbusch’s legacy in King and the civil rights movement. This strategy, however unintentionally, reproduces the white social gospel’s “astigmatism” on race and undermines the contributions of black social gospel (and other neglected) leaders even as revised histories affirm them. After exploring King’s references to Rauschenbusch and Rauschenbusch’s reflections on race, the paper compares their theologies. This comparison reveals key differences on race and economic justice that ramify across Rauschenbusch’s and King’s distinctive articulations of social gospel categories, further complicating historians’ claims on King. Oversimplifying the connection between these important figures in religious ethics distorts theological understanding of social gospel legacies and compromises their power for future generations.
Repeated afternoon sleep recordings indicate first‐night‐effect‐like adaptation process in family dogs
Authors: Reicher Vivien , Kis Anna , Simor Péter , Bódizs Róbert , Gombos Ferenc , Gácsi Márta
Published: February 2020

The importance of dogs (Canis familiaris) in sleep research is primarily based on their comparability with humans. In spite of numerous differences, dogs' comparable sleep pattern, as well as several phenotypic similarities on both the behavioural and neural levels, make this species a most feasible model in many respects. Our aim was to investigate whether the so‐called first‐night effect, which in humans manifests as a marked macrostructure difference between the first and second sleep occasions, can be observed in family dogs. We used a non‐invasive polysomnographic method to monitor and compare the characteristics of dogs' (N = 24) 3‐hr‐long afternoon naps on three occasions at the same location. We analysed how sleep macrostructure variables differed between the first, second and third occasions, considering also the effects of potential confounding variables such as the dogs' age and sleeping habits. Our findings indicate that first‐night effect is present in dogs' sleep architecture, although its specifics somewhat deviate from the pattern observed in humans. Sleep macrostructure differences were mostly found between occasions 1 and 3; dogs slept more, had less wake after the first drowsiness episode, and reached drowsiness sleep earlier on occasion 3. Dogs, which had been reported to sleep rarely not at home, had an earlier non‐rapid eye movement sleep, a shorter rapid eye movement sleep latency, and spent more time in rapid eye movement sleep on occasion 3, compared with occasion 1. Extending prior dog sleep data, these results help increase the validity of further sleep electroencephalography investigations in dogs.
Geophysical signature of the Tunnunik impact structure, Northwest Territories, Canada
Authors: Quesnel Y. , Zylberman W. , Rochette P. , Uehara M. , Gattacceca J. , Osinski G. R. , Dussouillez P. , Lepaulard C. , Champollion C.
Published: February 2020

In 2011, the discovery of shatter cones confirmed the 28 km diameter Tunnunik complex impact structure, Northwest Territories, Canada. This study presents the first results of ground‐based electromagnetic, gravimetric, and magnetic surveys over this impact structure. Its central area is characterized by a ~10 km wide negative gravity anomaly of about 3 mGal amplitude, roughly corresponding to the area of shatter cones, and associated with a positive magnetic field anomaly of ~120 nT amplitude and 3 km wavelength. The latter correlates well with the location of the deepest uplifted strata, an impact‐tilted Proterozoic dolomite layer of the Shaler Supergroup exposed near the center of the structure and intruded by dolerite dykes. Locally, electromagnetic field data unveil a conductive superficial formation which corresponds to an 80–100 m thick sand layer covering the impact structure. Based on the measurements of magnetic properties of rock samples, we model the source of the magnetic anomaly as the magnetic sediments of the Shaler Supergroup combined with a core of uplifted crystalline basement with enhanced magnetization. More classically, the low gravity signature is attributed to a reduction in density measured on the brecciated target rocks and to the isolated sand formations. However, the present‐day fractured zone does not extend deeper than ~1 km in our model, indicating a possible 1.5 km of erosion since the time of impact, about 430 Ma ago.
Bilaterally Threaded, Minimal Invasive, Elastic Locking Intramedullary Nailing (ELIN) for the Treatment of Clavicle Fractures
Authors: Ullah Kifayat , Khan Saima , Wang Yong‐Qing , Zhao Zhi‐Hui , Cheng Peng , Sapkota Basanta , Ren Liang , Khan Samiullah , Rehman Mujeeb Ur , Xue Yuan
Published: February 2020

Objective

To evaluate and present the effectiveness of this innovatively designed, elastic locking intramedullary nail (ELIN) in fixation of clavicle fractures.

Methods

The study included 38 patients from July 2014 to July 2017. All of them received intramedullary fixation treated with ELIN, 22 were males and 16 females. The mean age of the patients was 54 years. There were twenty right‐side and 18 left‐side clavicular fractures. Radiographs were taken to assess the fracture type: 21 were type A, 16 type B, and one type C. General anesthesia or cervical block was given to all patients. A small incision of 3–5 cm was given only to those who needed mini‐open reduction. The administration of ELIN and reduction of the fracture was made sure with a C arm machine. After a follow‐up of 8 to 33 months, the clinical outcomes were assessed and evaluated. The constant scores and disabilities of the arm, shoulder and hand questionnaire (DASH) were used to determine the outcomes and functional status of the patients. The study was done accordingly to the guidelines provided by the ethics committee.

Results

Mean operation time was 25.63 min. Mean follow‐up time was 16.5 months. The rate of closed reduction and open reduction was 84% and 16% respectively. There was no shortening of the clavicle. There was no breakage of the nail, though bending of the nail occurred in one patient. Superficial skin infection occurred in three patients at insertion points or the nail tip which was embedded subcutaneously. Skin erosion with nail exposure occurred in a patient with no significant infection. All the other patients had excellent shoulder function. A mini scar was observed in seven patients all the other patients had no scar. Asymmetry was observed in three patients. The mean Constant score was 98.47 and the mean DASH score was 1.55 at the last follow‐up. The implant was removed in all the patients.

Conclusion

Clavicular fractures treated with ELIN is minimally invasive, which presents a safe and novel surgical technique with less complications and a high success rate, excellent aesthetic and quick recovery after surgery. ELIN restores the micro‐dynamic stress at the fracture ends and promotes fracture healing, keeps intact the fracture hematoma and maintains the blood supply, accelerates healing and thus leads to faster osseous healing and better restoration of clavicle length.
Beyond the limits of photoperception: constitutively active PHYTOCHROME B2 overexpression as a means of improving fruit nutritional quality in tomato
Authors: Alves Frederico Rocha Rodrigues , Lira Bruno Silvestre , Pikart Filipe Christian , Monteiro Scarlet Santos , Furlan Cláudia Maria , Purgatto Eduardo , Pascoal Grazieli Benedetti , Andrade Sónia Cristina da Silva , Demarco Diego , Rossi Magdalena , Freschi Luciano
Published: February 2020

Photoreceptor engineering has recently emerged as a means for improving agronomically beneficial traits in crop species. Despite the central role played by the red/far‐red photoreceptor phytochromes (PHYs) in controlling fruit physiology, the applicability of PHY engineering for increasing fleshy fruit nutritional content remains poorly exploited. In this study, we demonstrated that the fruit‐specific overexpression of a constitutively active GAF domain Tyr252‐to‐His PHYB2 mutant version (PHYB2Y252H) significantly enhances the accumulation of multiple health‐promoting antioxidants in tomato fruits, without negative collateral consequences on vegetative development. Compared with the nativePHYB2overexpression,PHYB2Y252H‐overexpressing lines exhibited more extensive increments in transcript abundance of genes associated with fruit plastid development, chlorophyll biosynthesis and metabolic pathways responsible for the accumulation of antioxidant compounds. Accordingly,PHYB2Y252H‐overexpressing fruits developed more chloroplasts containing voluminous grana at the green stage and overaccumulated carotenoids, tocopherols, flavonoids and ascorbate in ripe fruits compared with both wild‐type andPHYB2‐overexpressing lines. The impacts ofPHYB2orPHYB2Y252Hoverexpression on fruit primary metabolism were limited to a slight promotion in lipid biosynthesis and reduction in sugar accumulation. Altogether, these findings indicate that mutation‐based adjustments in PHY properties represent a valuable photobiotechnological tool for tomato biofortification, highlighting the potential of photoreceptor engineering for improving quality traits in fleshy fruits.
Analysis of mTOR pathway expression in lymphatic malformation and related diseases
Authors: Hori Yumiko , Ozeki Michio , Hirose Katsutoshi , Matsuoka Kentaro , Matsui Takahiro , Kohara Masaharu , Tahara Shinichiro , Toyosawa Satoru , Fukao Toshiyuki , Morii Eiichi
Published: February 2020

The mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) inhibitor sirolimus is an effective treatment for difficult‐to‐treat lymphatic anomalies. However, little is known about the expression of mTOR pathway components in lymphatic anomalies. Here we investigated the expression pattern of mTOR pathway components and their phosphorylated forms (mTOR, p‐mTOR, 4EBP1, p‐4EBP1, S6K1 and p‐S6K1) in normal lymphatic vessels and lymphatic anomalies using immunohistochemistry. We studied 18 patients of lymphatic anomalies, including lymphatic malformation (LM, n = 14), Kaposiform lymphangiomatosis (KLA, n = 2) and Kaposiform hemangioendothelioma (KHE, n = 2). Normal lymphatic vessels expressed 4EBP1, S6K1 and p‐S6K1, but not p‐4EBP1, mTOR or p‐mTOR. The mTOR was detected in all lymphatic anomalies, whereas its activation form p‐mTOR was detected in half cases of KLA and KHE but not in LM. All lymphatic anomalies expressed S6K1 and its activated form p‐S6K1. The expression of 4EBP1 was also found in all lymphatic anomalies, but its activation was detected in approximately half of them. The activation of mTOR was seen in tumor (KLA and KHE) but not in malformation (LM), whereas the activation of S6K1 and 4EBP1 was seen in all and half of lymphatic anomalies, respectively.
A Multidimensional Reputation Barometer for Public Agencies: A Validated Instrument
Authors: Overman Sjors , Busuioc Madalina , Wood Matthew
Published: February 2020

Reputation is of growing interest for the study of public bureaucracies, but a measurement that can discern between the subdimensions of reputation and is validated on real‐life audiences has remained elusive. The authors deductively build, test, and cross‐validate a survey instrument through two surveys of 2,100 key stakeholders of the European Chemicals Agency, the European Union chemicals regulator. This empirical tool measures an agency's reputation and its building blocks. This scale represents an important contribution to reputation literature, as it allows scholars to distinguish and measure which aspects of reputation public organizations are “known for” and build their claim to authority on, as well as how the profiles of public organizations differ. The authors find that direct stakeholder contact with the agency is necessary for stakeholders to be able to evaluate the separate dimensions of reputation independently.

Evidence for Practice

This study equips practitioners with a reputation barometer tailored to the public sector. It allows them to measure the reputation of their organization, in a differentiated fashion, among different stakeholder groups.

While public organizations increasingly engage in reputation management activities, a potential caveat that emerges from our exercise is that managers might be steering in non‐astute directions. While our study shows that, as for private actors, “performance matters,” procedural and moral aspects also weigh heavily in the eyes of stakeholders when it comes to public regulators.

To secure a positive organizational image and the authority crucial for public agencies to operate, the performance management turn in the public sector may need to be supplemented by an enhanced organizational attention to procedural and moral aspects.
Complete genetic sequence of 15 novel HLA‐H alleles
Authors: Paganini Julien , Dallas Peter , Chiaroni Jacques , Sayer David , Di Cristofaro Julie
Published: February 2020

We describe the full gene sequences of 15 HLA‐H alleles.
Long‐term remission in an adult heart transplant recipient with advanced Burkitt’s lymphoma post‐transplant lymphoproliferative disorder after anthracycline‐free chemotherapy: A case report and literature review
Authors: AbdelHameid Duaa , Felice Anthony , Cooper Lauren B. , Katugaha Shalika B.
Published: February 2020

Incidence of Burkitt's lymphoma post‐transplant lymphoproliferative disorder (BL‐PTLD) in solid organ transplant (SOT) recipients in 1.4%‐1.6% with unknown cure rate. We report a case of Epstein‐Barr virus (EBV) positive, late‐onset BL‐PTLD in a 24‐year‐old EBV donor positive/recipient negative female. This is the first reported case of advanced BL‐PTLD post‐heart transplant in an adult. This is also the first reported case of treatment of advanced BL‐PTLD in a heart transplant recipient with a combined chemotherapy regimen without anthracyclines to avoid cardiotoxicity. The patient received 6 cycles of R‐COEP (rituximab with cyclophosphamide, vincristine, etoposide, prednisone) over 6 months and subsequently 3 cycles of high‐dose methotrexate (MTX) over 3 months for CNS prophylaxis. She remains without evidence of disease at 19 months post‐treatment. This case demonstrates that an anthracycline‐free regimen can be the therapy option for patients with BL‐PTLD after heart transplantation.
Tinkering with Form: On W. F. Bach's Revisions to Two Keyboard Sonatas
Authors: Greenberg Yoel
Published: February 2020

This article examines the way Wilhelm Friedemann Bach's revisions to two keyboard sonatas (Fk 1 and Fk 6) reflect his engagement with the emerging sonata-form aesthetic. I show how the revisions update his older, essentially binary practice by introducing Classical sentence structure
in the first themes; a differentiated theme in the dominant before the end of the first half; distinct development and recapitulation sections; and an enhanced tonic-dominant polarity, as well as other features that were to become characteristic of sonata form. Bach's conscious tinkering with
his older works thus reflects a contemporary response to the way common practice was tinkering with binary form, gradually transforming it to what eventually became known as Classical sonata form.
Challenges Facing the State Management of Historic Shipwrecks in English Territorial Waters
Authors: Meara Hefin
Published: February 2020

Funding challenges for maritime archaeology in the UK means that Historic England has to seek creative solutions to historic wreck management. This article details how historic shipwrecks in English territorial waters are protected, managed and conserved by Historic England, on behalf of the nation.

Public access to protected wreck sites by volunteers is a vital part of site management. Licensed volunteers act as custodians of the wrecks and carry out many hours of diving on site, undertaking survey, condition assessments and detailed excavation. The energy, enthusiasm and skills of volunteer licensees, who have dedicated countless hours and large amounts of resources to the study of the wrecks, ensure their protection in a sustainable way for future generations to enjoy.
The Practice of Preserving and Presenting Archaeological Sites in Latvia
Authors: Zirne Sandra
Published: February 2020

The preservation and protection of archaeological sites are issues that, for many years, have retained importance among a wide range of specialists. Over the centuries, archaeological sites have changed dramatically owing to natural processes, military conflicts and different economic activities. Nowadays, Latvian hill-forts are without visible wooden structures, and medieval castles have become ruins, but they still retain their historical and scientific significance, and have become an integral part of the landscape. How can we protect and make them relevant and interesting to the general public? This article reviews several examples of how archaeological sites are protected and presented in Latvia.
The Dutch Triple Heritage Helix. A working model for the protection of the landscape
Authors: van Dockum Saskia , de Wit Leonard
Published: February 2020

In the Netherlands the state does not take direct responsibility for the care of archaeological monuments. Instead, the emphasis is on supporting private owners to look after monuments in their care. This article focuses on the range of non-governmental trust organisations that have been established to care for built heritage in the Netherlands. One such organisation is the Utrechts Landschap Foundation, established in 1927, which has recently championed what can be termed a 'triple heritage helix' to describe the role played by the foundation, public government and civil society. In this triple heritage helix model, all three partners have a role, but Utrechts Landschap is the central, lead partner that provides the long-term vision, skills and administration to ensure that the heritage sites under the trust's care are managed and protected effectively.
Dimensional Optimization for Minimally Invasive Surgery Robot Based on Double Space and Kinematic Accuracy Reliability Index
Authors: Jing Yang , Lingyan Jin , Xinge Shi , Deming Zhao , Ming Hu
Published: February 2020

To improve the kinematic performance of the remote center mechanism for surgical robot, a double space index and kinematic accuracy reliability index are proposed to optimize the dimensional sizes of mechanism. First, the influence of the angular error on the position error and the operability of the remote center in the workspace are analyzed. The position error space and operability space index are weighted to establish the double space index. Second, a kinematic accuracy reliability index is established based on the influence of joint clearance on output position accuracy. Finally, the dimensional sizes of remote center adjustment mechanism and double parallelogram mechanism are optimized based on proposed optimization indices. Multipopulation genetic algorithm is used to obtain the optimal size parameters under the corresponding index. The optimized double space index is 56.7%, which is 56.5% higher than before optimization. The optimized kinematic accuracy reliability is 0.91, which is 22.9% higher than before optimization. The kinematic performance of remote center mechanism has been significantly improved after optimization.
Analysis and Assessment of Tower Solar Collector Driven Trigeneration System
Authors: Khaliq Abdul , Alharthi Mathkar A. , Alqaed Saeed , Mokheimer Esmail M. A. , Kumar Rajesh
Published: February 2020

This paper describes the development and performance assessment of a tower solar collector driven integrated system operating in trigeneration mode to generate electricity, heating, and cooling, in a carbon-free manner. The proposed system applies a heliostat-based central receiver unit as a base of solar energy input to drive the steam Rankine cycle which is combined with the process heater and the lithium bromide-water operated absorption chiller. An analysis is performed to monitor the behavior of energy and exergy efficiency at various operating conditions of the proposed trigeneration system. The computed results are authenticated with the reported literature. A comparison is made between the present findings and reported results in the form of exergy efficiency, total exergy destroyed, and energy efficiency. Consideration of process heat and cold along with electricity provides a promising increase in energy efficiency from 15.8% to 64.1% while the exergy efficiency is enhanced from 16.9% to 24.4%. Variation in direct normal irradiations from 600 W/m2 to 1000 W/m2 results in the significant rise of energetic and exergetic outcomes of the proposed trigeneration system. Out of 100% solar exergy supplied to the proposed trigeneration, 24% is generated as the exergetic output, 1.6% is lost to ambient, and the remaining 74.4% is the exergy destroyed in the system components.