bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Phosphatidylinositol‐specific phospholipase C2 functions in auxin‐modulated root development
Authors: Chen Xi , Li Lin , Xu Buxian , Zhao Shujuan , Lu Piaoying , He Yuqing , Ye Tiantian , Feng Yu‐Qi , Wu Yan
Published: November 2018

Nine phosphatidylinositol‐specific phospholipases C (PLCs) have been identified in the Arabidopsis genome; among the importance of PLC2 in reproductive development is significant. However, the role of PLC2 in vegetative development such as in root growth is elusive. Here, we report that plc2 mutants displayed multiple auxin‐defective phenotypes in root development, including short primary root, impaired root gravitropism, and inhibited root hair growth. The DR5:GUS expression and the endogenous indole‐3‐acetic acid (IAA) content, as well as the responses of a set of auxin‐related genes to exogenous IAA treatment, were all decreased in plc2 seedlings, suggesting the influence of PLC2 on auxin accumulation and signalling. The root elongation of plc2 mutants was less sensitive to the high concentration of exogenous auxins, and the application of 1‐naphthaleneacetic acid or the auxin transport inhibitor N‐1‐naphthylphthalamic acid could rescue the root hair growth of plc2 mutants. In addition, the PIN2 polarity and cycling in plc2 root epidermis cells were altered. These results demonstrate a critical role of PLC2 in auxin‐mediated root development in Arabidopsis, in which PLC2 influences the polar distribution of PIN2.
Characteristics of persistent diaper dermatitis in children with food allergy
Authors: Celiksoy Mehmet Halil , Topal Erdem , Hazıroglu Okmen Zeynep , Alataş Cem , Demirtaş Mehmet Semih
Published: November 2018

Background/Objectives

Diaper dermatitis is often caused by irritant contact occurring beneath the diaper of an infant, and it is aggravated by factors such as dampness, friction, urea, and feces. Food‐allergic patients are known to exhibit various skin lesions ranging from urticaria to eczema. This study aims to determine the relationship between persistent diaper dermatitis and food allergy.

Methods

A retrospective chart review was conducted of pediatric patients with a diagnosis of persistent diaper dermatitis between August 2015 and November 2017.

Results

The study included 157 patients diagnosed with persistent diaper dermatitis (67 male, 72 female; median age: 13 months). Diaper dermatitis was more common and included the whole perineum in children who had multiple food allergies (P = 0.001). In children with multiple food allergies, the course of diaper dermatitis was more severe, and the condition did not respond to topical treatment (P = 0.025). A longer elimination diet was required for patients with Type I reactions and persistent diaper dermatitis (P = 0.018). In patients with Type II and mixed reactions, diaper dermatitis was more diffuse and covered the whole perineum (P = 0.025). In patients with Type II and mixed reactions, diaper dermatitis was more severe and did not respond to topical treatment (P = 0.025).

Conclusions

Persistent diaper dermatitis lasting longer than a month may be associated with food allergy. The diaper rash may also be the only indicator of the food allergy. Elimination of the responsible food may allow these patients to recover from persistent diaper dermatitis.
The caregiving phenomenon and caregiver participation in dementia
Authors: Garcia‐Ptacek Sara , Dahlrup Beth , Edlund Ann‐Katrin , Wijk Helle , Eriksdotter Maria
Published: November 2018

Background

Dementia presents barriers to the collaboration between individuals and the healthcare system. Caregivers perform multiple functions helping patients with basic and instrumental activities but also communicating and mediating the dyads’ needs within the broader social group. Interventions focusing on caregivers show that caregiver burden can be reduced, improving patient outcomes in a cost‐effective way, but the generalisation of these findings is limited by several factors such as low participation rates of caregivers in studies. There is a global push to increase patient participation in health care, but this can be difficult for patients with dementia. Caregiver participation has arisen as a substitute, but there is a lack of standardised definitions, goals and outcome measurement tools for this participation.

Methods

In 2015, the Swedish Association of Local Authorities and Regions commissioned a study on possibilities of increasing caregiver participation within the Swedish Dementia Registry (SveDem). This discussion paper updates and adapts that report, aiming to broadly summarise the caregiving phenomenon in order to provide a backdrop for clinicians seeking to understand the legal, ethical and practical considerations of caregiver participation in dementia. Relevant literature on caregiver participation is presented, and its definition, extent and practical implementation are discussed.

Discussion

The Swedish legal framework compels care providers to facilitate patient and caregiver participation in dementia and provides support to caregivers through the local level of government, but further work is needed to clarify and define the extension and form that this participation must take in clinical practice. Advanced directives are one step in extending patient participation to the period of advanced dementia.

Conclusion

Little research exists on caregiver participation. There is a need to develop a framework for caregiver and patient participation to determine the extent, type and form that such participation should take in health care, research and quality initiatives pertaining to persons with dementia.
Chorus Chiefs' Views About Chorists' Lifelong Learning Skills
Authors: Kaynak Tuğçe
Published: November 2018

An individual with lifelong learning skills is always one step ahead. Individuals develop themselves in the branches of art people are interested in in order to be able to live and develop themselves in a social environment and in different cultural environments. Individuals develop themselves on individual instrument training or collective performance such as choral education in the types of music they are interested in. In the study, the opinions of 5 choirs were taken about the progress of the individuals who were between 55 and 70 years old. A semi-structured interview form has been applied to 5 choir chiefs to determine the effect of chorus work on the social and personal development processes of the chorus work that the chorists participated in this process. Each data obtained as a result of the interview is analyzed by content analysis method. Codes are converted into numerical values and are interpreted. As a result of the research, the positive effects of chorus workshops on social and personal development of the individuals were determined during the lifelong learning process.
Examination of Agression of University Students by the Level of Playing Sports
Authors: Erdal Rıza , Yilmaz Mehmet , Basaran Zekiye , Çolak Serap
Published: November 2018

The aim of this research is to examine aggression of university students by the level of playing sports.  215 students constituted the sample of this study. Personal information form and “Aggression Scale” were used as a data collection tool. Mann-Whitney U Test and Anova Test were performed for difference between groups and Cronbach’s Alfa (,898) was performed in order to measure reliability of data concerning scale (p<0.05).As a conclusion; it was determined that sport is effective on the aggression level of university students. It was stated that the average aggression level of people who play sports is lower than people who don’t play sports. As there is no difference between ways of playing sports, there is a difference between departments. Males have higher aggression level than females. It is possible to say that sport has aggression reducing effect besides health and entertainment benefits in the direction of these findings.
Health technologies for falls prevention and detection in adult hospital in-patients: a scoping review protocol
Authors: Alexander Lyndsay , Swinton Paul , Kirkpatrick Pamela , Stephen Audrey , Mitchelhill Fiona , Simpson Susan , Cooper Kay
Published: November 2018

Review objective/questions:

The objective of this scoping review is to map the evidence relating to the reporting and evaluation of health technologies for the prevention and detection of falls in adult hospital in-patients. The following questions will guide this scoping review:
Downregulation of the Central Noradrenergic System by
Toxoplasma gondii
Infection
Authors: Alsaady Isra , Tedford Ellen , Alsaad Mohammad , Bristow Greg , Kohli Shivali , Murray Matthew , Reeves Matthew , Vijayabaskar M. S. , Clapcote Steven J. , Wastling Jonathan , McConkey Glenn A.
Published: November 2018

Toxoplasma gondii
is associated with physiological effects in the host. Dysregulation of catecholamines in the central nervous system has previously been observed in chronically infected animals.
Adenoma Detection before and after the age of 50: a retrospective analysis of Lebanese outpatients
Authors: Hussein Kamareddine Mohammed , Ghosn Youssef , Karam Karam , Nader Anwar Andrew , El-Mahmoud Ahmad , Bou-Ayash Naseem , El-Khoury Mansour , Farhat Said
Published: November 2018

Background and aim

Colorectal cancer (CRC) has an increased impact on the Lebanese population’s morbidity and mortality. This study evaluated the situation of adenoma detection in an outpatient clinic in Lebanon.

Patients and methods

918 patients underwent colonoscopy over a period of 24 months by a qualified physician. Biopsy results were divided into normal versus abnormal colonic tissue, which was further subdivided into number of polyps and cancer.

Results

Out of 918 individuals included, 82 cases of Crohn’s colitis (8.93%) and 22 cases of ulcerative colitis (2.39%) were identified. A total of 42 cases of CRC (4.58%) and 188 cases of adenomatous polyps (20.48%) were identified. The data show that age >50 years and male gender significantly correlate with increased incidence of precancerous and cancerous polyps. Further exploring the results by age groups and gender, detection of adenomatous polyps in women aged 40–49 (8.33%) was significantly different from their female counterparts aged ≥50 years old (25.26%) (p<0.01). However, no statistical difference between detection of adenomas was found between men aged 40–49 (33.33%) and their male counterparts aged ≥50 years old (37.5%) (p=0.6).

Conclusion

Within the limitations of this study, the incidence of CRC and adenomatous polyps falls in the high range compared with international studies. Furthermore, symptomatic male patients aged 40–49 appear to exhibit detection rates of adenomas similar to their counterparts aged ≥50 years old. Subjects younger than 50 years underwent diagnostic rather than screening colonoscopy, which introduces some selection bias. Nevertheless, these findings can serve as a basis for further studies.
Rituximab in neurological disease: principles, evidence and practice
Authors: Whittam Daniel H , Tallantyre Emma C , Jolles Stephen , Huda Saif , Moots Robert J , Kim Ho Jin , Robertson Neil P , Cree Bruce A C , Jacob Anu
Published: November 2018

Rituximab is a widely used B-cell-depleting monoclonal antibody. It is unlicensed for use in neurological disorders and there are no treatment guidelines. However, as a rapidly acting, targeted therapy with growing evidence of efficacy and tolerability in several neuroinflammatory disorders, it is an attractive alternative to conventional immunomodulatory medications. This practical review aims to explain the basic principles of B-cell depletion with therapeutic monoclonal antibodies. We present the evidence for using rituximab in neurological diseases, and describe the practical aspects of prescribing, including dosing, monitoring, safety, treatment failure and its use in special circumstances such as coexisting viral hepatitis, pregnancy and lactation. We provide an administration guide, checklist and patient information leaflet, which can be adapted for local use. Finally, we review the safety data of rituximab and ocrelizumab (a newer and recently licensed B-cell-depleting therapy for multiple sclerosis) and suggest monitoring and risk reduction strategies.
UAV swarm communication and control architectures: a review
Authors: Campion Mitch , Ranganathan Prakash , Faruque Saleh
Published: November 2018

Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) have significantly disrupted the aviation industry. As technology and policy continue to develop, this disruption is only going to increase in magnitude. A specific technology poised to escalate this disruption is UAV swarm. UAV swarm has the potential to distribute tasks and coordinate operation of many UAVs with little to no operator intervention. This paper surveys literature regarding UAV swarm and proposes a swarm architecture that will allow for higher levels of swarm autonomy and reliability by utilizing cellular mobile wireless communication infrastructure. This paper chronicles initial testbed development to meet this proposed architecture. Focused development of UAV swarms with UAV-to-UAV communication autonomous coordination ability is central to advancing the utility of UAV swarms. The use of cellular mobile framework alleviates many limiting factors that hinder the utility of UAVs including range of communication, networking challenges, and size-weight-and-power considerations. In addition, cellular networks leverage a robust and reliable infrastructure for machine to machine communication proposed by 5G systems.
Projective manifolds modeled after hyperquadrics
Authors: Jahnke Priska , Radloff Ivo
Published: November 2018

We classify all projective manifolds with flat holomorphic conformal structure. The Kähler–Einstein case was treated by Kobayashi and Ochiai, there exists a very short list of possible manifolds. In the non-Kähler–Einstein case a classification was only known in small dimensions: by Kobayashi and Ochiai for complex surfaces and by the authors for projective threefolds. This paper completes the general case.
Research on transient simulation model of high power diode for commutating over-voltage
Authors: Zha Fengwei
Published: November 2018

Large transient surges called commutating over-voltage may be generated during the reverse recovery process of diode, which poses a severe threat to the system reliability. However, the commutating over-voltage theoretical calculations are so complicated that it is inconvenient to apply to engineering practice. The characteristics of diode commutating over-voltage are studied by using transient model simulation method. The diode simulation model including reverse recovery characteristics is created by adding a resistance, an inductance and a controlled current source to a common diode simulation model. By taking 1 kV/120 kA DC test system as the research object, the simulation model is created and a commutating over-voltage experiment has been carried out, the relative error between simulation value and measured value is within 8%. It turns out that the transient simulation model not only meets engineering accuracy requirement but also avoids complicated calculations.
Visual Interfaces for Recommendation Systems
Authors: Du Fan , Plaisant Catherine , Spring Neil , Shneiderman Ben
Published: November 2018

Recommendation applications can guide users in making important life choices by referring to the activities of similar peers. For example, students making academic plans may learn from the data of similar students, while patients and their physicians may explore data from similar patients to select the best treatment. Selecting an appropriate peer group has a strong impact on the value of the guidance that can result from analyzing the peer group data. In this article, we describe a visual interface that helps users review the similarity and differences between a seed record and a group of similar records and refine the selection. We introduce the LikeMeDonuts, Ranking Glyph, and History Heatmap visualizations. The interface was refined through three rounds of formative usability evaluation with 12 target users, and its usefulness was evaluated by a case study with a student review manager using real student data. We describe three analytic workflows observed during use and summarize how users’ input shaped the final design.
Atherogenic Index in Type 2 Diabetes and Its Relationship with Chronic Microvascular Complications
Authors: Li Zhen , Huang Qi , Sun Li , Bao Tengfei , Dai Zhe
Published: November 2018

Objective. This study was designed to investigate risk factors related to atherogenic index of plasma (AIP), as well as the relationship between AIP and chronic microvascular complications in patients with type 2 diabetes (T2DM). Methods. This study included 2523 patients with T2DM who had not been treated with lipid-lowering drugs and were admitted to the Department of Endocrinology at Zhongnan Hospital, Wuhan University, during the period from January 2015 to February 2018. Anthropometric indicators were measured after overnight fasting. Low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), total cholesterol (TC), and triglyceride (TG) were detected by enzymatic analysis. Standard 75 g oral glucose tolerance testing was performed to measure 0 and 2 hr plasma levels of glucose and insulin. Insulin sensitivity was assessed with HOMA-IR. Results. Increase in AIP was associated with an increased risk for hypertension (P<0.05), HbA1c (P<0.05), HOMA-IR (P<0.05), UA (P<0.05), and decreased eGFR levels (P<0.05). Furthermore, AIP values directly correlated with BMI (r=0.182, P<0.001), waist circumference (r=0.129, P<0.001), blood glucose index (FBG (r=0.153, P<0.001), PPBG (r=0.117, P<0.001), and HbA1c (r=0.074, P<0.001)), insulin resistance (HOMA-IR; r=0.112, P<0.001), and uric acid (UA, r=0.177, P<0.001). Multiple logistic regression analysis showed that waist circumference, HOMA-IR, FBG, systolic blood pressure, and UA were independent risk factors for AIP (all P<0.05). The prevalence of diabetic neuropathy and metabolic syndrome was significantly higher among patients with higher AIP. Conclusion. AIP represents a clinically convenient indicator for the detection of T2DM with high risk of complications and associated diseases and thus is a good predictor and indicator for follow-up monitoring in the treatment of patients with high-risk type 2 diabetes.
Posterior Reversible Encephalopathy Syndrome due to Hypomagnesemia: A Case Report and Literature Review
Authors: Almoussa Mohamad , Goertzen Angelika , Brauckmann Stephan , Fauser Barbara , Zimmermann Christoph W.
Published: November 2018

Background. Hypomagnesemia can cause various unspecific neurological complications, which can lead to diagnostic confusion. One of these complications is the posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome (PRES), which is extremely uncommon and has been reported only twice in the English-language literature. Case presentation. We report the case of a 60-year-old man who presented with PRES involving only the cerebellar hemispheres and associated with hypomagnesemia. After excluding all the other possible etiologies of PRES, we started magnesium replacement therapy, which led to a remarkable but fluctuating clinical and chemical improvement. A full recovery with no need for further supplementation was achieved only after discontinuation of a proton pump inhibitor. Conclusions. This case highlights the role of magnesium in the pathophysiology of PRES; thereby, underlying hypomagnesemia should be considered in every PRES case with unclear etiology.
A Semiempirical Method to Estimate Actual Evapotranspiration in Mediterranean Environments
Authors: Chiesi Marta , Battista Piero , Fibbi Luca , Gardin Lorenzo , Pieri Maurizio , Rapi Bernardo , Romani Maurizio , Maselli Fabio
Published: November 2018

Actual evapotranspiration (ETA) is a major term of site water balance whose knowledge is essential for numerous purposes. The classical ETA estimation approach based on the use of multitemporal crop coefficients (Kc) cannot be applied in water-limited environments without proper correction. Such correction can be theoretically obtained by means of soil water content (SWC) measurements, which, however, are affected by several drawbacks, due to both their technical and operational characteristics. The current paper proposes a method to normalize annual SWC datasets and integrate them in an ETA estimation procedure suitable for monitoring both agricultural and natural Mediterranean ecosystems. Differently from previous approaches, the SWC normalization is obtained using data-specific information, which renders the new method mostly insensitive to the mentioned problems. The method is first described and then applied in three case studies representative of different Mediterranean ecosystems (i.e., grassland, coniferous, and deciduous forests). The results are evaluated versus latent heat measurements taken by eddy covariance flux towers. Satisfactory accuracy is obtained in all three case studies, with advantages and limitations which are discussed in the final concluding sections.
Peiminine Inhibits Glioblastoma in Vitro and in Vivo Through Cell Cycle Arrest and Autophagic Flux Blocking
Authors: Zhao Boxian , Shen Chen , Zheng Zhixing , Wang Xiaoxiong , Zhao Wenyang , Chen Xin , Peng Fei , Xue Linmeng , Shu Mengting , Hou Xu , Wang Kaikai , Zhong Chen , Sun Jingxian , Wan Jinzhao , Zhao Shiguang
Published: November 2018

Background/Aims: Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is the most devastating and widespread primary central nervous system tumour in adults, with poor survival rate and high mortality rates. Existing treatments do not provide substantial benefits to patients; therefore, novel treatment strategies are required. Peiminine, a natural bioactive compound extracted from the traditional Chinese medicine Fritillaria thunbergii, has many pharmacological effects, especially anticancer activities. However, its anticancer effects on GBM and the underlying mechanism have not been demonstrated. This study was conducted to investigate the potential antitumour effects of peiminine in human GBM cells and to explore the related molecular signalling mechanisms in vitro and in vivo Methods: Cell viability and proliferation were detected with MTT and colony formation assays. Morphological changes associated with autophagy were assessed by transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The cell cycle rate was measured by flow cytometry. To detect changes in related genes and signalling pathways in vitro and in vivo, RNA-seq, Western blotting and immunohistochemical analyses were employed. Results: Peiminine significantly inhibited the proliferation and colony formation of GBM cells and resulted in changes in many tumour-related genes and transcriptional products. The potential anti-GBM role of peiminine might involve cell cycle arrest and autophagic flux blocking via changes in expression of the cyclin D1/CDK network, p62 and LC3. Changes in Changes in flow cytometry results and TEM findings were also observed. Molecular alterations included downregulation of the expression of not only phospho-Akt and phospho-GSK3β but also phospho-AMPK and phospho-ULK1. Furthermore, overexpression of AKT and inhibition of AKT reversed and augmented peiminine-induced cell cycle arrest in GBM cells, respectively. The cellular activation of AMPK reversed the changes in the levels of protein markers of autophagic flux. These results demonstrated that peiminine mediates cell cycle arrest by suppressing AktGSk3β signalling and blocks autophagic flux by depressing AMPK-ULK1 signalling in GBM cells. Finally, peiminine inhibited the growth of U251 gliomas in vivo. Conclusion: Peiminine inhibits glioblastoma in vitro and in vivo via arresting the cell cycle and blocking autophagic flux, suggesting new avenues for GBM therapy.
Involvement of the TLR4/NF-κB Signaling Pathway in the Repair of Esophageal Mucosa Injury in Rats with Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease
Authors: Yu Hai-Xiang , Wang Xiao-Long , Zhang Le-Ning , Zhang Ji , Zhao Wei
Published: November 2018

Background/Aims: Numerous studies have highlighted the activation of NF-κB in the esophageal mucosa during the early stages of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). The present study aimed to investigate the role of the TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathway in GERD rat models. Methods: Wistar rats (n = 60) were recruited to establish a GERD animal model. Distal esophageal pH was assessed, followed by determination of the contents of thiobarbituric acid-reactive species (TBARS) and reactive oxygen species (ROS) in esophageal mucosa homogenate. ELISA was employed to detect the levels of inflammatory factors (IL-6, IL-8, IL-10 and TNF-α) in esophageal mucosa. The expression of MMP-3, MPP-9, Cldn1 and Cldn4 was determined by immunohistochemistry. RT-qPCR and western blot analysis were applied to evaluate the protein expressions in TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathway, while TUNEL staining was utilized to examine the apoptosis rate in the esophageal mucosal tissues. Results: Distal esophageal pH of the rats was higher in the GERD + PDTC group than in other groups. Levels of inflammatory factors in esophageal mucosal tissues were downregulated with the inhibition of NF-κB, which was determined to be associated with the decreased contents of TBARS and ROS. Moreover, decreased MMP-3 and MPP-9 in addition to elevated Cldn1 and Cldn4 were detected in the esophageal mucosa as a result of the inactivation of NF-κB. The TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathway-related proteins (TLR4, NF-κB and IκBα); the rate of apoptosis was demonstrated to be suppressed in the GERD + PDTC group, while inactivating NF-κB was found to alleviate the tissue damage observed in the esophageal mucosa. Conclusion: The key findings of the current study demonstrate that the inactivation of the TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathway alleviates oxidative stress injury and promotes the repair of esophageal mucosal injury among rats with GERD, highlighting a potential novel GERD mechanism.
Association between Diabetes Mellitus and Periodontal Diseases: A Survey of the Opinions of Dental Professionals
Authors: AlShwaimi Emad , Idrees Majdy , Berri Zeina , El-Sakka Haytham , Kujan Omar
Published: November 2018

Objective: This cross-sectional survey aimed to assess the knowledge of dentists and dental assistants practicing in Saudi Arabia regarding diabetes mellitus (DM) and periodontal diseases. Subjects and Methods: We used a pretested, closed-ended, multiple-choice questionnaire covering 2 principal sections: the assessment of previous educational training and practice, and the knowledge and scientific background regarding DM and periodontal diseases. The responses were grouped using the Likert-type scale. Results: The questionnaire showed a high reliability value of 0.805 as determined by a Cronbach’s α. Out of 365 subjects who were initially interviewed, 239 subjects participated (response rate 65.5%): general dentists (45.6%) and dental hygienists and assistants (54.4%). Of the participating dentists, 70.4% were males; in contrast, 87.7% of dental assistants were female. Eighty-five percent of the participants strongly agreed that evidence supports the association between periodontal diseases and DM. Remarkably, dental assistants (78%) agreed more than dentists (68.5%) that diabetic patients with periodontal conditions would have worse glycemic control compared to diabetic patients with no periodontal diseases. Seventy-five percent of the respondents were confident about performing oral health screening for diabetic patients. Significantly more dental assistants showed their desire to expand their practice to include oral health screening (85%) and education compared to dentists (74%). Conclusions: Both dentists and dental assistants in Saudi Arabia revealed a satisfactory knowledge level regarding the periodontal disease-diabetes interactions with no significant difference between the two groups. Further studies are recommended to assess the attitude of dental care providers while dealing with diabetic patients.
Os “últimos dias” do acampamento de imigrantes e refugiados de Calais
Authors: Leão Augusto Veloso , Martins da Silva Jameson Vinicius
Published: November 2018

Este relato descreve uma visita de pesquisa aos acampamentos de imigrantes e refugiados de Calais e de Norrent-Fontes, ambos localizados no departamento de Pas-de-Calais, região norte da França, entre os dias 19 e 20 de setembro de 2016. A visita ocorreu alguns dias antes que o governo francês realizasse o desmantelamento do acampamento de Calais, também conhecido como a “Selva de Calais” (Jungle de Calais), em 26 de outubro de 2016. Após apresentar brevemente o histórico dos acampamentos, descrevemos nossas impressões das visitas. Ao final, descrevemos a situação atual dos acampamentos.
Stop-and-go approach by a predator: a novel predation risk factor for the phrynosomatid lizards Sceloporus virgatus and Callisaurus draconoides
Authors: Cooper William E. , Sherbrooke Wade C.
Published: November 2018

As an immobile prey monitors an approaching predator, the predator may move at a constant speed directly toward the prey or on a path that bypasses the prey. These scenarios have been studied extensively. Economic escape theory successfully predicts flight initiation distance (FID = predator-prey distance when escape begins). However, predators often alter their speed and may exhibit stops and starts during approaches. Empirical studies have shown that prey rapidly adjust assessed risk to a predator’s changes in approach speed and direction, but effects of interrupted (stop-start) approach are unknown. Because a prey is likely to assess that a nearby predator that resumes approaching has detected it and is attacking, escape theory predicts that assessed risk is greater at a given predator-prey distance when approach resumes than is continuous. Therefore, we predicted that FID is longer when a predator approaches, stops nearby, and renews its approach than when it approaches continuously. Second, although assessed risk increases as duration of the predator’s stop nearby increases, as indicated by latency to flee, we predicted that pause duration does not affect FID because prey interpret resumed approach as attack. Field experiments with two lizards, Sceloporus virgatus and Callisaurus draconoides, verified the predictions: FID was longer for discontinuous than continuous approaches and pause duration did not affect FID. We also observed distance fled and probability of entering refuge, escape behaviors for which theory is undeveloped. Distance fled was unrelated to continuity of approach in both species, as was refuge entry in S. virgatus.
X-ray microtomography in herpetological research: a review
Authors: Broeckhoven Chris , du Plessis Anton
Published: November 2018

Herpetological research, like any other (palaeo)biological science, relies heavily on accurate data collection, particularly visualisation and quantification of anatomical features. While several high-resolution imaging methods are currently available, one technique in particular, x-ray microtomography or micro-computed tomography, is on the verge of revolutionising our understanding of the morphology of amphibians and reptiles. Here, we present a review on the prevalence and trends of x-ray microtomography in herpetological studies carried out over the last two decades. We describe its current use, provide practical guidelines for future research that focusses on the morphological study of reptiles and amphibians, and highlight emerging trends including soft-tissue and in vivo scanning. Furthermore, while x-ray microtomography is a rapidly evolving field with great potential, various important drawbacks are associated with its use, including sample size effect and measurement errors resulting from differences in spatial resolution and preparation techniques. By providing recommendations to overcome these hurdles, we ultimately aim to maximise the benefits of x-ray microtomography to herpetological research.
Drawn into the vortex: The facing-past encounter and combat in lekking male greater sage-grouse (Centrocercus urophasianus)
Authors: Pellis Sergio M. , Blundell Melissa A. , Bell Heather C. , Pellis Vivien C. , Krakauer Alan H. , Patricelli Gail L.
Published: November 2018

Lekking male greater sage-grouse (Centrocercus urophasianus) compete with neighbours not only by strutting to attract females but also by directly challenging other males. These challenges include approaching another male and adopting an anti-parallel orientation at close quarters (‘facing past encounter’) and fighting, in which the birds strike one another with their wings. Facing past encounters and facing past encounters that led to fights in free-living sage-grouse were videotaped and analysed to test predictions arising from two sets of hypotheses to account for the features of such encounters. They could be used to assess or threaten opponents (index signal or threat signal hypotheses) or they may be the result of a stalemate in which one bird’s attempts to gain an vantage point for attack are neutralised by counter moves by the other bird (combat hypothesis). Frame-by-frame analyses of both facing past encounters and fights were used to extract data to test specific predictions arising from the three hypotheses. The results, overall, support the hypothesis that the facing past orientation arises from combat. However, the results also suggest that, once in the anti-parallel orientation, opportunities emerge for communication to take place.
Motivation, development and object play: comparative perspectives with lessons from dogs
Authors: Burghardt Gordon M. , Albright Julia D. , Davis Karen M.
Published: November 2018

Object play occurs in diverse animals in addition to birds and mammals. Although many carnivores engage in object play in a predatory context, many non-predators do so also. Conjectures over the years on the motivation to play are reviewed dealing with intrinsic, developmental, and stimulus factors. We then report on quantitative studies of the play of puppies from 6 litters (3 breeds) when given 5 different toys with different sensory and functional properties at half week intervals from 3 to 7 weeks of age. The propensity to engage with objects begins early, play complexity increases rapidly, the structure of the play is similar to adult object play, and breed differences were found. Object play with predatory characteristics appears before weaning, suggesting that hunger is not the primary motivation. Studying the development of object play in different dog breeds may be useful in addressing questions of domestication and play evolution.
Morphological and molecular characterisation of Xiphinema ifacolum Luc, 1961 (Nematoda: Longidoridae) from Sri Lanka
Authors: Susulovska Solomia , Cantalapiedra-Navarrete Carolina , Susulovsky Andrij , Castillo Pablo , Archidona-Yuste Antonio
Published: November 2018

Females and juveniles from a population of Xiphinema ifacolum from Sri Lanka are described based on morphology, morphometrics and molecular analyses. Morphologically, females and juveniles from Sri Lanka are similar to original descriptions and other reports from Brazil, Cameroon, Liberia, and São Tomé and Príncipe. The identity of the species was also confirmed by 18S rRNA gene sequences deposited in NCBI from Brazil (AY297826). Integrative diagnosis was completed with molecular data using D2-D3 expansion segments of 28S rRNA, ITS1 region, partial 18S-rRNA and the partial mitochondrial gene cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 (coxI). This is the third molecular characterisation for a species of the X. non-americanum Group 4, after X. oleae and X. tica. The use of different ribosomal and mitochondrial markers in this study, particularly, D2-D3, ITS1 and partial coxI, provided a precise and unequivocal tool for the identification of X. ifacolum and contributes to a better knowledge of the diversity within Xiphinema. Morphospecies Group 4 appears to be a paraphyletic group within the X. non-americanum assemblage.
Life cycle of maple-tree aphid Stomaphis graffii Cholodkovsky, 1894 (Hemiptera, Aphididae)
Authors: Depa Łukasz
Published: November 2018

Aphids tend to alter their life cycle and habitat range under the influence of changes in climatic conditions, which is especially relevant given that such species are often agricultural pests. Aphids of the genus Stomaphis are remarkable for their large body size, but due to their discreet feeding positions, knowledge of their biology remains fragmentary. Observations conducted during a period of two years were used to infer the life-cycle of Stomaphis graffii Cholod., an abundant species in parks and forest-stands in southern Poland. Observations indicate the occurrence of the first generation as early as at the end of April and the generation of alate females throughout July and August. Sexual generation occurs in late August and oviposition takes place from the end of September through to October. At the turn of October and November, apart from oviparous females, some larvae are still present in colonies. Meteorological data provided for the period of hatching of first larvae indicates correlation of this phenomenon with the phenology of the host plant rather than directly with the weather. Presented data are further compared with the biology of other representatives of the genus Stomaphis with reference to their habitat requirements.
Testes play a role in termination but not in initiation of the spring migration in the night-migratory blackheaded bunting
Authors: Jain Gupta Neelu , Kumar Vinod
Published: November 2018

Day length regulates the development of seasonal phenotypes linked with both the spring migration (e.g., premigratory body fattening and intense nighttime restlessness, called Zugunruhe, in captive birds) and reproduction (e.g., gonadal growth and maturation). The apparent overlap in these photoinduced seasonal phenotypes could be taken to suggest that they are causally linked. The present study investigates this, using the night-migratory blackheaded bunting (Emberiza melanocephala). We continuously monitored activity of male buntings exposed for 19 weeks to short (8 h light : 16 h darkness; 8L : 16D) and long (16L : 8D) photoperiods. Long, but not short, days induced the spring migratory phenotype. Another experiment investigated the role of testes in spring migration by comparing the development of Zugunruhe between intact and castrated buntings held on natural day lengths, at Meerut (India, 29°01′N, 77°45′E) during the period from March to October, thus covering the times of both the spring and autumn migrations. Testes were not involved in induction of the migratory phenotype but probably influenced the end of the migratory season, since castrates delayed the termination of the Zugunruhe.
Enhancing the Participation of Indigenous Peoples at the Intergovernmental Level to Strengthen Self-Determination: Lessons from the Arctic
Authors: Cambou Dorothée
Published: November 2018

With a focus on the right of indigenous peoples to self-determination, and an eye on Arctic practices, this article analyses the right of indigenous peoples to self-determination and its exercise at the intergovernmental level. While the exercise of self-determination necessarily implies the right of indigenous peoples to autonomy in their internal and local matters and their involvement in decision-making at the state level, this article argues that self-determination additionally includes the right of indigenous peoples to be represented and to participate in the international arena: the intergovernmental aspect of self-determination. Although this analysis determines that it is yet too early to indicate the existence of a fully-fledged right, this article also evidences that there is a new policy goal at the un level, accompanied by practices at the arctic regional level, which could support the emergence of such a right in the future.
The Fight against isil in Syria. Comments on the Recent Discussion of the Right of Self-defence against Non-state Actors
Authors: Lehto Marja
Published: November 2018

The legal debate on self-defence against non-state actors is still inconclusive after two decades. At the same time, it has created a fertile ground for attempts to find a silver bullet: a new legal theory that could bridge the conceptual gap between the law of the un Charter and the expanded notion of self-defence. The article gives an overview of the legal rationales presented in relation to the fight against isil in Syria as well as scholarly comments, focusing on the emerging doctrine of ‘unwilling or unable’. It argues that the ‘unwilling or unable’ test has little to offer as a solution to the problem of responding to massive non-state violence. It does not amount to a coherent doctrine, and is in many respects at odds with established interpretations of law. The apparent simplicity of the ‘unwilling or unable test’ may be politically attractive but makes it open to abuse.
Whose Foot is in the Tight Shoe?
Authors: Kitson Elizabeth
Published: November 2018

The lack of synergy between existing child marriage prevention initiatives and a systems approach to child protection limits children’s access to holistic services that can help reduce their vulnerability to early marriage. From an integrated feminist and child rights standpoint, culture, religious traditions and poverty do not justify the sexual exploitation of female children, nor fixation on “soft” interventions as a strategy for eradicating child marriage. The slow pace of change in behaviours and attitudes towards child marriage in West Africa necessitates a rethinking of the nuances of community resistance to change, and the implementation of more vigorous actions to ensure just treatment of children. Initiatives to prevent and eradicate child marriage must be cognizant of the strength of multisectoral partnerships and the overarching legal frameworks for the protection of children. State parties need to ensure that the pathways for change reflect the interplay of robust child protection legislations, well-resourced child protection systems, viable local community resources, investments in research on child marriage, and state leadership in holding child marriage perpetrators accountable for their actions.
Children’s Rights as Living Rights
Authors: van Daalen Edward , Hanson Karl , Nieuwenhuys Olga
Published: November 2018

In this article we propose the notion of living rights to highlight that children, whilst making use of notions of rights, shape what these rights are, and become, in the social world. Emphasising children’s agency in living with and through their rights facilitates empirical enquiry, and moves the vectors of the debate on what children’s rights are to the interplay between how children understand their rights and the way others translate and make use of rights claims on children’s behalf. The argument builds upon a case study in Yogyakarta, Indonesia, where street children, claiming the right to safely live and work on the streets, were involved in a successful campaign against an anti-vagrancy draft law. However, the subsequent new legislation – although in line with international children’s rights standards – ignored their claims and offers little for those street children who do not want to be “rescued”.
Romanian Courts and the un Convention on the Rights of the Child: A Case Study
Authors: Couzens Meda
Published: November 2018

Romania has been a party to the un Convention on the Rights of the Child (crc), 1989, since 1990, and since then the crc is directly applicable by the courts and other state bodies. For a long time the country struggled to provide adequate protection for the rights of children. Well-known systemic problems affecting Romanian children were institutionalisation, inter-country adoptions, an inadequate child justice system, poverty, and discrimination, to name but a few. This article examines the application of the crc by the courts, and the impact which this has had on the protection of children’s rights in Romania. The selected constitutional and judicial (i.e. ordinary courts) jurisprudence examined in the article shows that courts have only marginally provided impetus for systemic change, but have, however, contributed to the protection of individual rights. A few potential causes for this state of affairs – divided into factors relating to the justice system in Romania and crc-related factors – are discussed.
Emerging Challenges in Psychosocial Support for Children and their Families in Ethiopia: Implications for Social Work
Authors: Northcut Terry B. , Hailu Daniel
Published: November 2018

Ethiopia is in an early phase of development of formal psychosocial support for children and families. Examining the historical, political and economic factors affecting the current landscape of social work services in Ethiopia show that there are a number of factors influencing risks and vulnerabilities of children and families. Each of these vulnerabilities will be discussed briefly as they relate to the methods of service being provided currently. In addition, this paper reviews the current status of service providers, the gaps in the provision of services, and considers recommendations for the profession of social work seeking to meet these needs to ensure the protection of human rights for women and their children.
An African and International Perspective on Children’s Rights
Authors: Veerman Philip E.
Published: November 2018

On the occasion of continuation of The International Journal of Children’s Rights with two eminent new Editors-in-Chief, the founder of this Journal (Dr. Philip Veerman) interviewed a rising star of children’s rights: Dr. Benyam Dawit Mezmur (born in 1980 in Addis Ababa). Mezmur was elected at 30 years of age to the African Committee of Experts on the Rights and Welfare of the Child (acerwc Committee) of the African Union (au). Dr. Mezmur stands out not only by his great diplomatic skills, but also because he is a real builder. For instance, during his tenure as Chairperson of acerwc this Committee obtained greater visibility for its work and secured a separate budget from the African Union Commission. Dr. Mezmur’s vision and hard work contributed much to a new situation in which many colleagues in the children’s rights field recognise that the acerwc Committee is now doing significant and unique work of which the added value (next to the un Committee on the Rights of the Child, the crc Committee) has become clear. Dr. Mezmur was elected on 18 December 2012 (at 32 years of age) as a member of the crc Committee and in May 2013 he became the Vice-Chair of the crc Committee. From May 2015 until May 2017 he served with great dedication as Chairperson of the crc Committee. This unique combination of two different key posts led to interesting observations on developments in the children’s rights field. Through the interview we have a rare look behind the scenes of two important committees on children’s rights.
Seeking Dignity, Voice and Story for Children in Our Child Protective Systems
Authors: Peters Jean Koh
Published: November 2018

Three principles: (1) revolve one’s representation around both the child-in-context and the theory of the case; (2) respect one’s child client whether present or absent; and (3) cultivate the right relationships with the child’s significant others – embody values central to representing children: dignity, voice, and story. At the same time, these principles both safeguard and imperil dignity, voice, and story, centrepieces of our service mission. Within each principle, dignity, voice and story collide with and contradict each other. These tensions, our determination to keep the child’s, not other adult concerns, paramount, and nonjudgment critically inform how we weigh children’s views in justice proceedings.