bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The genusEndocena(Icmadophilaceae): DNA evidence suggests the same fungus forms different morphologies
Authors: FRYDAY Alan M. , SCHMITT Imke , PÉREZ-ORTEGA Sergio
Published: July 2017

Numerous recent studies of lichenized fungi have uncovered hidden genetic diversity within a single phenotypic entity (so-called ‘cryptic species’). Here we report the opposite situation with vastly different morphologies apparently deriving from the same genotype.Endocenais a monotypic genus known only from southern South America. The single reported species, the terricolousE. informis, is morphologically variable; the type and other collections from the west coast of Chile being subfruticose, whereas specimens from further south and east are almost crustose in form. A sorediate terricolous lichen that is frequent on the Falkland Islands was confirmed by phylogenetic analysis of ITS rDNA and mtSSU rDNA sequences as being congeneric withE. informisand, surprisingly, both taxa were recovered as congeneric with the recently described genus and speciesChirleja buckii, which is morphologically distinct from bothE. informisand the sorediate taxon. Consequently, the genusChirlejais included in the synonymy ofEndocenaand the new combinationEndocena buckiiis proposed. BecauseE. informisand the sorediate specimens have a similar thallus structure that differs radically from that ofE. buckii, the nameE. informisvar.falklandicais proposed for the sorediate taxon. Poorly developed, incipient apothecia are also described from both varieties ofE. informis, the first time that these have been reported forEndocena. We also report two lichenicolous fungi fromE. informisvar.informis, which are the first reports of lichenicolous fungi occurring on this genus.
New reports and a new species of Syllidae (Annelida) from Chilean Patagonia
Authors: Soto Eulogio H. , San Martín Guillermo
Published: July 2017

The Syllidae subfamilies Eusyllinae, Anoplosyllinae and Autolytinae, as well as theincertae sedisgenera (Aguadoet al., 2012), were studied from samples collected in shallow water from fjords and channels in Chilean Patagonia. One new speciesParaehlersia kawesqarsp. nov. is described. The genusNudisyllisKnox & Cameron, 1970 is recorded for the first time for Chile, while the speciesBrachysyllis infuscata(Ehlers, 1901a) andSyllides japonicaImajima, 1966 are recorded for the first time for continental Chile. Finally,Syllides articulosaEhlers, 1897 andEpigamiasp. are also reported. The majority of the species were found inside tubes of the polychaete wormChaetopteruscf.variopedatus(Renier, 1804) – a new habitat for syllid polychaetes. This work is an important contribution to the knowledge of syllids in Chile and to the polychaete fauna of the Patagonian region generally.
Resource partitioning by two syntopic sister species of butterflyfish (Chaetodontidae)
Authors: Liedke Ana M.R. , Bonaldo Roberta M. , Segal Bárbara , Ferreira Carlos E.L. , Nunes Lucas T. , Burigo Ana P. , Buck Sonia , Oliveira-Santos Luiz Gustavo R. , Floeter Sergio R.
Published: July 2017

Resource partitioning is considered one of the main processes driving diversification in ecological communities because it allows coexistence among closely related and ecologically equivalent species. We combined three complementary approaches, i.e. the evaluation of foraging behaviour, diet composition and nutritional condition (RNA:DNA ratio), to assess feeding by two closely related (sister) butterflyfishes that are syntopic in Puerto Rico. Chaetodon capistratus had a higher abundance and higher bite rate and selected octocorals and hard corals for feeding, whereas Chaetodon striatus fed preferentially on sandy substrates. Cnidarians and polychaetes were the most representative diet items for both species, but C. capistratus preferred the former (Feeding Index of 74.3%) and C. striatus the latter (Feeding Index of 60.4%). Similar RNA:DNA ratios for both species suggest that, although they differ in feeding rates and diet, C. capistratus and C. striatus have similar nutritional fitness. Therefore, these species are both zoobenthivores but show clear differences in their substrate selection. The differences in the use of foraging substrate by C. capistratus and C. striatus, despite their close phylogenetic relationship and similar diets, suggest that these species coexist by resource partitioning.
Negotiating the complexities of exocrine and endocrine dysfunction in chronic pancreatitis
Authors: Duggan Sinead N.
Published: July 2017

Chronic pancreatitis is a chronic inflammatory disease of the pancreas characterised by irreversible morphological change and typically causing pain and/or permanent loss of function. This progressive, irreversible disease results in destruction of healthy pancreatic tissue and the development of fibrous scar tissue. Gradual loss of exocrine and endocrine function follows, along with clinical manifestations such as steatorrhoea, abdominal pain and diabetes. Nutrition in chronic pancreatitis has been described as a problem area and, until recently, there was little research on the topic. It is often asserted that >90 % of the pancreas must be damaged before exocrine insufficiency occurs; however, an exploration of the original studies from the 1970s found that the data do not support this assertion. The management of steatorrhoea with pancreatic enzyme replacement therapy is the mainstay of nutritional management, and early identification and treatment is a key. The presence of steatorrhoea, coupled with poor dietary intake (due to intractable abdominal pain, gastrointestinal side effects and often alcoholism) renders the chronic pancreatitis patients at considerable risk for undernutrition, muscle depletion and fat-soluble vitamin deficiency. Premature osteoporosis/osteopenia afflicts two-thirds of patients as a consequence of poor dietary intake of calcium and vitamin D, low physical activity, low sunlight exposure, heavy smoking, as well as chronic low-grade inflammation. Bone metabolism studies show increased bone formation as well as bone resorption in chronic pancreatitis, indicating that bone turnover is abnormally high. Loss of the pancreatic islet cells occurs later in the disease process as the endocrine cells are diffusely distributed throughout the pancreatic parenchyma. Patients may develop type 3c (pancreatogenic) diabetes, which is complicated by concurrent decreased glucagon secretion, and hence an increased risk of hypoglycaemia. Diabetes control is further complicated by poor diet, malabsorption and (for some) alcoholism, and therefore those with type 3c diabetes have clinical characteristics and therapeutic goals that are different from that of type 1 and type 2 diabetes patients. This review describes emerging research and clinical guidelines for nutrition in chronic pancreatitis.
Fantastic beasts and why to conserve them: animals, magic and biodiversity conservation
Authors: Holmes George , Smith Thomas Aneurin , Ward Caroline
Published: July 2017

There is a broad set of human beliefs, attitudes and behaviours around the issue of magical animals, referring to both mythical animals not recognized by science and extant animals that are recognized by science but have magical properties. This is a broad issue ranging from spiritual beliefs around mythical animals living in Malagasy forests, to cultural heritage associated with the Loch Ness Monster in Scotland. Beliefs and behaviours around magical animals can have positive and negative impacts on biodiversity conservation goals. Yet, so far, the discipline of conservation biology has not adequately considered magical animals, neglecting to account for the broader knowledge from outside the natural sciences on this issue, and taking a narrow, utilitarian approach to how magical animals should be managed, without necessarily considering the broader impacts on conservation goals or ethics. Here we explore how magical animals can influence conservation goals, how conservation biology and practice has thought about magical animals, and some of the limitations of current approaches, particularly the failure to consider magical animals as part of wider systems of belief and culture. We argue that magical animals and their implications for conservation merit wider consideration.
Multicentre evaluation of a direct agglutination test prototype kit (DAT-LPC) for diagnosis of visceral leishmaniasis
Authors: OLIVEIRA E. , OLIVEIRA D. , CARDOSO F. A. , BARBOSA J. R. , MARCELINO A. P. , DUTRA T. , ARAUJO T. , FERNANDES L. , DUQUE D. , RABELLO A.
Published: July 2017

In this study, we assessed the sensitivity, specificity, and diagnostic accuracy of a previously developed direct agglutination test (DAT) using a freeze-dried antigen derived fromLeishmania infantumpromastigotes and composed in a prototype kit for visceral leishmaniasis (VL) diagnosis, named DAT-LPC. To evaluate DAT-LPC reproducibility, the kit was used to analyse 207 serum samples from VL patients and 80 serum samples from patients with other parasitic infections or healthy subjects in four laboratories from different public health institutions in Brazil. DAT-LPC showed sensitivity between 96·2 and 99·5% (P= 0·14), specificity ranging from 96·2 to 97·5% (P= 0·95), and diagnostic accuracy ranging from 96·5 to 99% (P= 0·34). The inter-laboratory reproducibility of qualitative results was classified as excellent (κindex: 0·94–0·97). The reproducibility of the end-titre results in relation to the reference laboratory, ranged from 31 to 85%. These results demonstrate an excellent performance of the DAT-LPC, and validate it for the diagnosis of VL that could replace the immunofluorescent antibody test as the routine diagnostic test in the Brazilian public health system.
Virtual reality in the assessment and treatment of psychosis: a systematic review of its utility, acceptability and effectiveness
Authors: Rus-Calafell M. , Garety P. , Sason E. , Craig T. J. K. , Valmaggia L. R.
Published: July 2017

Over the last two decades, there has been a rapid increase of studies testing the efficacy and acceptability of virtual reality in the assessment and treatment of mental health problems. This systematic review was carried out to investigate the use of virtual reality in the assessment and the treatment of psychosis. Web of Science, PsychInfo, EMBASE, Scopus, ProQuest and PubMed databases were searched, resulting in the identification of 638 articles potentially eligible for inclusion; of these, 50 studies were included in the review. The main fields of research in virtual reality and psychosis are: safety and acceptability of the technology; neurocognitive evaluation; functional capacity and performance evaluation; assessment of paranoid ideation and auditory hallucinations; and interventions. The studies reviewed indicate that virtual reality offers a valuable method of assessing the presence of symptoms in ecologically valid environments, with the potential to facilitate learning new emotional and behavioural responses. Virtual reality is a promising method to be used in the assessment of neurocognitive deficits and the study of relevant clinical symptoms. Furthermore, preliminary findings suggest that it can be applied to the delivery of cognitive rehabilitation, social skills training interventions and virtual reality-assisted therapies for psychosis. The potential benefits for enhancing treatment are highlighted. Recommendations for future research include demonstrating generalisability to real-life settings, examining potential negative effects, larger sample sizes and long-term follow-up studies. The present review has been registered in the PROSPERO register: CDR 4201507776.
Cognitive development prior to onset of psychosis
Authors: Mollon J. , Reichenberg A.
Published: July 2017

Schizophrenia patients commonly exhibit substantial and diffuse cognitive impairment. Evidence suggests that subtle cognitive deficits are already apparent in childhood and adolescence, many years prior to onset of psychosis. While there is almost unequivocal evidence of some degree of cognitive impairment in individuals who later develop schizophrenia, the literature remains inconclusive regarding the exact nature of this impairment and warrants careful review and interpretation. Meta-analytic findings suggest that individuals who later develop schizophrenia, but not related disorders, such as bipolar disorder, exhibit a premorbid IQ deficit of around 8 points. Several studies have also found evidence for premorbid deficits across most cognitive domains, such as language, processing speed and executive functions. Longitudinal studies, although rare, suggest that individuals who go on to develop schizophrenia may show a course of increasing cognitive impairment prior to onset of psychosis. While evidence regarding the etiology of premorbid deficits is scarce, common and rare genetic variants, as well as environmental factors such as obstetric complications and cannabis use may play an important role and warrant further examination. In this selected review, we give an overview of population-based studies on premorbid cognitive deficits in schizophrenia, with a special focus on evidence regarding the specificity, profile and course of these deficits.
Cue reactivity towards bodies in anorexia nervosa – common and differential effects in adolescents and adults
Authors: Horndasch S. , Kratz O. , Van Doren J. , Graap H. , Kramer R. , Moll G. H. , Heinrich H.
Published: July 2017

Background

Aberrant reward mechanisms with regard to slim body shapes are discussed in patients with anorexia nervosa (AN). The aim of the present study was to examine of cue reactivity toward body shapes in AN via the late positive potential (LPP), an event-related electroencephalography (EEG) component. By including adolescents and adults, aspects of development and chronification could be studied (2 × 2 design).

Methods

Thirty-two female AN patients (19 adolescents and 13 adults) and 37 control participants (16 adolescents and 21 adults) were included. Standardized photographic stimuli showing women's bodies in underwear from five body mass index (BMI) categories (extremely underweight to extremely overweight) were presented. During picture evaluation, EEG activity was recorded (10–20 system). The LPP was measured in two time windows characterized by different topographies (450–700 ms: posterior; 1000–1300 ms: central).

Results

Regarding the posterior component, LPP amplitudes were clearly reduced in adult but not in adolescent patients; for both time windows the LPP showed differential patterns over BMI categories for patients and controls. Regarding the central component, a highly significant linear decrease from extremely underweight to extremely overweight body shapes was revealed in patients and no significant modulation in control participants.

Conclusions

Adolescent and adult patients show increased sustained attention toward extremely underweight bodies. In chronically ill patients, this bias appears to be accompanied by generally reduced automatic attention. The LPP findings provide a differentiated picture of aberrant cue reactivity which could be interpreted as motivated attention toward body shapes in AN.
The Trumpington Cross in context
Authors: Lucy Sam
Published: July 2017

An Anglo-Saxon gold and garnet cloisonné pectoral cross from a seventh-century bed burial at Trumpington, Cambridgeshire is the fifth such example to be found. Details of the contextual associations of the five crosses are used to argue that these artifacts, and other high status cross-shaped pendants, were overt Christian symbols, strongly associated with high status female burials of the later seventh century. That one of the five examples was associated with the burial of St Cuthbert is highlighted as an anomaly, and could indicate that the Cuthbert Cross may have been a gift, rather than a personal possession of the saint.
The composite authorship of The Dream of the Rood
Authors: Neidorf Leonard
Published: July 2017

Scholarship on The Dream of the Rood has long entertained the suspicion that the poem might be the product of composite authorship. Recent criticism has tended to reject this possibility on aesthetic grounds, but the present article identifies new metrical and lexical reasons to believe that The Dream of the Rood contains contributions from at least two poets. It reconstructs the poem's textual history and contends that lines 1–77 represent an original core to which a later poet added lines 78–156.
The Burghal Hidage and the West Saxon burhs: a reappraisal
Authors: Haslam Jeremy
Published: July 2017

This article examines new evidence and arguments relating to the political, strategic and historical context of the Burghal Hidage document and the burhs which it lists. This evidence can be best interpreted by reference to the thesis that the Burghal Hidage was a near-contemporary record of a complete system of burhs which gave King Alfred political and strategic control of the full extent of the West Saxon kingdom on both sides of the river Thames at a particular period. The burhs are seen as the instruments through which the submission of the populations of their associated territories to the king's lordship was consolidated. As such, their formation as a system is uniquely appropriate to the political and strategic circumstances obtaining in the late 870s. A possible context for the document is suggested as being the surviving ‘boundary’ section of a longer ‘charter of submission’, issued by King Alfred in the context of the affirmation of his re-established hegemony of the Kingdom of the West Saxons in the period 878–9.
Hybrid forms: translating Boethius in Anglo-Saxon England
Authors: Weaver Erica
Published: July 2017

Critics have long wondered about the setting and intent of the Old English translation of Boethius's De consolatione philosophiae, first into prose and then into prosimetrum. This article situates the dual translation within the broader context of ninth- and tenth-century literary culture, challenging the received view of the two versions as separate projects and arguing instead that the Old English Boethius was conceived and received as a vernacular opus geminatum, or ‘twinned work’. While the opus geminatum and the prosimetrum are generally thought to maintain distinct generic identities, this case study allows for a more capacious understanding of both modes, which I demonstrate were inescapably linked in Anglo-Saxon circles – and which were shaped by a broader aesthetic of prose-verse mixture.
Liturgy or private devotion? Reappraising Warsaw, Biblioteka Narodowa, I. 3311
Authors: Dyson Gerald P.
Published: July 2017

Scholars have typically characterized Warsaw, Biblioteka Narodowa, I. 3311, an unlocalized Anglo-Saxon gospel lectionary of the late tenth or early eleventh century, as a book intended for use in private devotional reading. Despite this, a study of the contents of the book indicates that it was used liturgically, possibly by an individual priest or a small clerical community. This article offers a reappraisal of the manuscript and its use based on the complementary pattern of gospel readings that is evident in the two sections of the book and the presence of previously unnoticed musical notation. It is argued that the volume was in fact used in the celebration of mass and should be added to the corpus of Anglo-Saxon liturgical books.
The Ely memoranda and the economy of the late Anglo-Saxon fenland
Authors: Naismith Rory
Published: July 2017

Consisting of six short Old English texts written in the early eleventh century, the Ely memoranda illustrate how a major and recently refounded Benedictine abbey managed its landed endowment. Two of the memoranda relate to generous help provided by Ely to Thorney, and four concern Ely's own lands. The collection as a whole reveals much about interaction between monasteries, monastic perspectives on material resources and investment in them, the economy of eastern England, and the context of record-keeping. This article offers a new edition and translation of the texts, and surveys the contribution the memoranda make to understanding of cultural and economic history.
Predicting the future of English
Authors: Jansen Sandra
Published: July 2017

Predicting the future of English has been an exercise linguists have engaged with in academic settings for a long time, e.g. Sélincourt (1928), Jagger (1940), Quirk (1972) and Kortmann (2001). Mair (2013: 314) remarks that ‘in spite of the known risks involved in the task, there is no dearth of prophets in the linguistic community’. While he does not discuss the ‘known risks’ in his chapter, he does show that a lot of these predictions have not become true over the course of time.
STRUCTURAL CHANGE IN NONSTATIONARY AR(1) MODELS
Authors: Pang Tianxiao , Tai-Leung Chong Terence , Zhang Danna , Liang Yanling
Published: July 2017

This article revisits the asymptotic inference for nonstationary AR(1) models of Phillips and Magdalinos (2007a) by incorporating a structural change in the AR parameter at an unknown timek0. Consider the model${y_t} = {\beta _1}{y_{t - 1}}I\{ t \le {k_0}\} + {\beta _2}{y_{t - 1}}I\{ t > {k_0}\} + {\varepsilon _t},t = 1,2, \ldots ,T$, whereI{·} denotes the indicator function, one of${\beta _1}$and${\beta _2}$depends on the sample sizeT, and the other is equal to one. We examine four cases: Case (I):${\beta _1} = {\beta _{1T}} = 1 - c/{k_T}$,${\beta _2} = 1$; (II):${\beta _1} = 1$,${\beta _2} = {\beta _{2T}} = 1 - c/{k_T}$; (III):${\beta _1} = 1$,${\beta _2} = {\beta _{2T}} = 1 + c/{k_T}$; and case (IV):${\beta _1} = {\beta _{1T}} = 1 + c/{k_T}$,${\beta _2} = 1$, wherecis a fixed positive constant, andkTis a sequence of positive constants increasing to ∞ such thatkT=o(T). We derive the limiting distributions of thet-ratios of${\beta _1}$and${\beta _2}$and the least squares estimator of the change point for the cases above under some mild conditions. Monte Carlo simulations are conducted to examine the finite-sample properties of the estimators. Our theoretical findings are supported by the Monte Carlo simulations.
Passive surveillance of United Kingdom bats for lyssaviruses (2005–2015)
Authors: WISE E. L. , MARSTON D. A. , BANYARD A. C. , GOHARRIZ H. , SELDEN D. , MACLAREN N. , GODDARD T. , JOHNSON N. , MCELHINNEY L. M. , BROUWER A. , AEGERTER J.N. , SMITH G.C. , HORTON D. L. , BREED A. C. , FOOKS A.R.
Published: July 2017

Passive surveillance for lyssaviruses in UK bats has been ongoing since 1987 and has identified 13 cases of EBLV-2 from a single species;Myotis daubentonii. No other lyssavirus species has been detected. Between 2005 and 2015, 10 656 bats were submitted, representing 18 species, creating a spatially and temporally uneven sample of British bat fauna. Uniquely, three UK cases originate from a roost at Stokesay Castle in Shropshire, England, where daily checks for grounded and dead bats are undertaken and bat carcasses have been submitted for testing since 2007. Twenty per cent of Daubenton's bats submitted from Stokesay Castle since surveillance began, have tested positive for EBLV-2. Phylogenetic analysis reveals geographical clustering of UK viruses. Isolates from Stokesay Castle are more closely related to one another than to viruses from other regions. Daubenton's bats from Stokesay Castle represent a unique opportunity to study a natural population that appears to maintain EBLV-2 infection and may represent endemic infection at this site. Although the risk to public health from EBLV-2 is low, consequences of infection are severe and effective communication on the need for prompt post-exposure prophylaxis for anyone that has been bitten by a bat is essential.
The impact of cancer development on the risk of mycobacterial diseases among rheumatoid arthritis patients
Authors: PAN S.-W. , YEN Y.-F. , KOU Y. R. , CHUANG P.-H. , FENG J.-Y. , CHAN Y.-J. , SU W.-J.
Published: July 2017

Mycobacterial diseases are prevalent in cancer and rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients, especially those receiving tumor necrosis factor-α inhibitor (TNFi). However, the impact of cancer development on the risk of mycobacterial diseases among RA patients is unknown. Data from the Taiwan National Health Insurance Research Database were used to conduct a retrospective study to assess the occurrence of mycobacterial diseases in RA patients developing cancer (cancer-positive), those using TNFi (TNFi-exposure), those with cancer and using TNFi (cancer-TNFi-comb), and those without cancer and not using TNFi (cancer-TNFi-free). Cancer and TNFi exposure were time-dependent, and independent risk factors of mycobacterial diseases were assessed by Cox regression. Among 1344 RA patients diagnosed during 2000–2013, 68 (5·1%) developed cancer before their end points. The incidence rates of mycobacterial diseases in the cancer-positive (n = 56), TNFi-exposure (n = 290), cancer-TNFi-comb (n = 12), and cancer-TNFi-free (n = 986) subgroups were 6·7, 2·0, 7·6, and 1·3 per 1000 person-years, respectively. As compared with the cancer-TNFi-free group, the risk for mycobacterial diseases increased for the TNFi-exposure group (adjusted HR = 3·6, 95% confidence interval (95% CI) 1·1–11·5, P = 0·032) and remained high for cancer-positive (adjusted HR = 14·6, 95% CI 3·3–63·7, P < 0·001) after adjustment. This study suggested that cancer development increased the risk of mycobacterial diseases in RA patients, and risk assessment for this subgroup should be considered.
Status and range decline of two galliform species in South-East Asia
Authors: TRAN VY NGUYEN , NGOPRASERT DUSIT , BROWNE STEPHEN , SAVINI TOMMASO
Published: July 2017

The South-East Asian ranges of two narrow-geographical range species, Germain’s Peacock PheasantPolyplectron germaini(GPP) and Orange-necked PartridgeArborophila davidi(ONP) have been shrinking due to pressures from anthropogenic activities. To improve our knowledge of population densities of Germain’s Peacock Pheasant and the Orange-necked Partridge in their remaining habitats, their current and historical distribution range, and the contraction of their distribution range as a surrogate for population declines, we carried out line and point transect surveys in protected areas in southern Vietnam to estimate their density and subsequently model their habitat associations. Our results consistently showed that the density of the GPP was not significantly different among mosaic, evergreen, or mixed deciduous forests, but appeared to be notably lower in bamboo forest, while the density of the ONP was highest in evergreen and mosaic forests and lower in bamboo, with no detections in mixed-deciduous forest. GPP was mostly found close to water sources in mosaic, evergreen and mixed-deciduous forests. The presence of ONP was positively associated with elevation, evergreen and mosaic forest. Primary forest loss, mainly in the lowlands, within the ranges of both species was at least 70% over the last 70 years, suggesting that suitable habitats within the range of both species may have shrunk by at least 60–70%. In addition, a number of threats still occur in their remaining suitable habitats, making them increasingly vulnerable in the long-term, if conservation interventions, such as increased protection, are not implemented.
India–China Border Dispute: Boundary-Making and Shaping of Material Realities from the Mid-Nineteenth to Mid-Twentieth Century
Authors: KARACKATTU JOE THOMAS
Published: July 2017

This paper revisits the intersection of the 19thand 20thcentury to bring into focus hitherto unused archival and diplomatic correspondence from the attempts to define and delimit a boundary between India and China. The theoretical point of departure for the paper is to discern how perception (knowledge, beliefs, and norms) relating to the boundary evolved over time to alter the meaning and construction of the material reality i.e. the boundary itself. In doing so it establishes how what each country deems today, as its ‘traditional customary boundary’ was not an unambiguous fixed one, but was mutable across different time periods. The political importance of the selection of these boundary lines did not lie in their being ‘true’, or in the claim being ‘real’ but in their being shared by a process of political selection, and then being reified in the respective countries.
Cross-language semantic influences in different script bilinguals
Authors: DEGANI TAMAR , PRIOR ANAT , HAJAJRA WALAA
Published: July 2017

The current study examined automatic activation and semantic influences from the non-target language of different-script bilinguals during visual word processing. Thirty-four Arabic–Hebrew bilinguals and 34 native Hebrew controls performed a semantic relatedness task on visually presented Hebrew word pairs. In one type of critical trials, cognate primes between Arabic and Hebrew preceded related Hebrew target words. In a second type, false-cognate primes preceded Hebrew targets related to the Arabic meaning (but not the Hebrew meaning) of the false-cognate. Although Hebrew orthography is a fully reliable cue of language membership, facilitation on cognate trials and interference on false-cognate trials were observed for Arabic–Hebrew bilinguals. The activation of the non-target language was sufficient to influence participants’ semantic decisions in the target language, demonstrating simultaneous activation of both languages even for different-script bilinguals in a single language context. To discuss the findings we refine existing models of bilingual processing to accommodate different-script bilinguals.
Independent associations of dairy and calcium intakes with colorectal cancers in the Adventist Health Study-2 cohort
Authors: Tantamango-Bartley Yessenia , Knutsen Synnove F , Jaceldo-Siegl Karen , Fan Jing , Mashchak Andrew , Fraser Gary E
Published: July 2017

Objective

Results associating dairy and Ca intakes with colorectal cancer (CRC) risk have been mixed. Most previous analyses have suffered from confounding between dairy and Ca intakes. We examined independent associations between these variables, also dairy foods, and CRC incidence in a population with a large range of dairy intakes.

Design

Adventist Health Study-2 is a cohort study where subjects were enrolled 2002–2007. Proportional hazard regression analyses were performed to estimate hazard ratios (HR). Regression calibration was used to correct for dietary measurement error.

Setting

The population lived in all states of the USA.

Subjects

There were 77712 analytic subjects, all of whom were Seventh-day Adventists. Much of their dietary Ca came from non-dairy sources.

Subjects

During a mean follow-up of 7·8 years, 380 incident colon cancer and 111 incident rectal cancer cases were observed.

Results

Comparing extreme quintiles of intake in measurement error-corrected analyses, dairy intake (HR=0·31; 95 % CI 0·09, 0·88), independent of total Ca, was inversely related with risk of rectal cancer but gave little indication of association with colon cancer. However, total Ca intake (independent of dairy) was associated with risk of colon cancer (HR=0·55; 95 % CI 0·28, 0·98) and there was little indication of association with rectal cancer. Traditional regression analyses and associations with macronutrients from dairy generally supported these results. Milk intake was also negatively associated with CRC (HR=0·63; 95 % CI 0·43, 0·89).

Conclusions

Dairy intake may decrease the risk of rectal cancer, and Ca may reduce risk of colon cancer and CRC.
Effectiveness of the MetSLIM lifestyle intervention targeting individuals of low socio-economic status and different ethnic origins with elevated waist-to-height ratio
Authors: Bukman Andrea J , Teuscher Dorit , Meershoek Agnes , Renes Reint Jan , van Baak Marleen A , Feskens Edith JM
Published: July 2017

Objective

To evaluate whether the lifestyle intervention MetSLIM targeting individuals of low socio-economic status of Turkish, Moroccan and Dutch origin was successful in improving waist circumference and other cardiometabolic risk factors, lifestyle behaviour and quality of life.

Design

A quasi-experimental intervention study (Netherlands Trial Register NTR3721). The intervention group participated in a 12-month combined dietary and physical activity programme. Examinations were performed at baseline and after 12 months. Participants underwent anthropometric measurements and blood withdrawal, and completed questionnaires on dietary intake, physical activity and quality of life.

Setting

Socio-economically deprived neighbourhoods in two Dutch cities, involving non-blinded ethnicity-matched and gender-matched research assistants, dietitians and sports instructors.

Subjects

Mainly Turkish (49 %) and Dutch (36 %) subjects, aged 30–70 years, with a waist-to-height ratio of >0·5 (intervention,n117; control,n103). Dropout was 31 %.

Results

At 12 months, the intervention group showed greater improvements than the control group in waist circumference (β=−3·3 cm, 95 % CI −4·7, −1·8,P<0·001) and other obesity measures. Additionally, greater reductions were observed for total cholesterol (β=−0·33 mmol/l, 95 % CI −0·56, −0·10,P=0·005) and LDL cholesterol (β=−0·35 mmol/l, 95 % CI −0·56, −0·14,P=0·001). Dietary changes were significant for fibre intake (β=1·5 g/4184 kJ (1000 kcal), 95 % CI 0·3, 2·7,P=0·016). Compared with the control group, the intervention group reported a decrease in total minutes of physical activity (β=−573 min/week, 95 % CI −1126, −21,P=0·042) and showed improvements in the quality-of-life domains ‘health transition’ and ‘general health’.

Conclusions

MetSLIM was shown to be effective in improving waist circumference, total and LDL cholesterol, and quality of life among Dutch and Turkish individuals living in deprived neighbourhoods.
Correlates and family aggregation of vitamin D concentrations in school-aged children and their parents in nine Mesoamerican countries
Authors: Robinson Sonia L , Ramirez-Zea Manuel , Roman Ana Victoria , Villamor Eduardo ,   for the Nine Mesoamerican Countries Metabolic Syndrome Study (NiMeCoMeS) Group
Published: July 2017

Objective

To determine the associations of sociodemographic characteristics, diet and outdoor activity as an indicator of sun exposure with serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) concentrations in children and their parents from Mesoamerica. We also quantified family aggregation of serum 25(OH)D.

Design

Cross-sectional study. Serum 25(OH)D concentrations were quantified using immunoassay. We compared the distribution of 25(OH)D concentrations in adults and children by levels of each correlate with the use of linear regression. Family aggregation was estimated using Pearson and intraclass correlation coefficients.

Setting

Capital cities of Guatemala, El Salvador, the Dominican Republic, Honduras, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, Panama and Belize, and Tuxtla Gutiérrez in Mexico.

Subjects

Children (n223) aged 7–12 years and 492 parents.

Results

Mean (sd) 25(OH)D concentrations in adults and children were 81·3 (21·1) and 79·5 (18·1) nmol/l, respectively. Prevalence of vitamin D deficiency (VDD; 25(OH)D <50 nmol/l) was 3·9 % among adults and 3·6 % among children. In adults, adjusted mean 25(OH)D concentrations were highest in Nicaragua (P<0·0001). Serum 25(OH)D was positively related to time spent gardening (P=0·03). Among children, 25(OH)D concentrations were positively associated with male sex (P=0·005), dairy intake (P=0·03) and mother’s serum 25(OH)D concentrations (P<0·0001); and inversely associated with mother’s BMI (P=0·02) and number of home assets (P=0·04). Family membership explained 31 % of the variability in 25(OH)D concentrations; aggregation was highest between mothers and children.

Conclusions

VDD prevalence was low in this study. Sociodemographic characteristics, diet and outdoor activity predict serum 25(OH)D. Family aggregation of serum 25(OH)D is high between mothers and children.
High-protein goat’s milk diet identified through newborn screening: clinical warning of a potentially dangerous dietetic practice
Authors: Maines Evelina , Gugelmo Giorgia , Tadiotto Elisa , Pietrobelli Angelo , Campostrini Natascia , Pasini Andrea , Ion-Popa Florina , Vincenzi Monica , Teofoli Francesca , Camilot Marta , Bordugo Andrea
Published: July 2017

Objective

Breast-feeding is an unequalled way of providing optimal food for infants’ healthy growth and development and the WHO recommends that infants should be exclusively breast-fed for the first 6 months of life. For mothers who are unable to breast-feed or who decide not to, infant formulas are the safest alternative. Despite recommendations, it is possible that parents make potentially harmful nutritional choices for their children because of cultural beliefs or misinformation on infant nutrition. We describe a possible health risk of not breast-feeding, highlighting a potentially dangerous dietetic practice.

Design/Setting/Subjects

We report the case of a newborn who was fed with undiluted goat’s milk because her mother could not breast-feed and was not aware of infant formulas.

Results

The dietary mistake was detected because of a positive expanded newborn screening result, characterized by severe hypertyrosinaemia with high methionine and phenylalanine levels, a pattern suggestive of severe liver impairment. The pattern of plasma amino acids was related to a goat’s milk diet, because of its very different composition compared with human milk and infant formula.

Conclusions

Our experience demonstrates that, when breast-feeding is not possible or is not exclusive, infants may be at risk of dangerous nutritional practices, including diets with very high protein content, such as a goat’s milk diet. Families of not breast-fed infants may need appropriate advice on safe alternatives for infant nutrition to avoid the risks of inappropriate diets.
Saving for retirement by the self-employed
Authors: JOULFAIAN DAVID
Published: July 2017

When compared with wage earners, the self-employed are reported to have a lower take up rate of tax-favored retirement plans in the United States. Using panel data from federal income tax returns for the years 1999–2006, this paper explores the various factors that shape the observed pattern of contributions to such plans by the self-employed. Consistent with previous findings in the literature, contributions rise with income, tax rates, as well as savings in taxable accounts. More interestingly, the novel findings in this paper address the role that debt plays in shaping contributions. While housing and business-related debts are accorded similar tax treatment, the findings show that contributions decline with business debt whereas they rise with household debt.
Clément Juglar and Algeria: three pillars of modern anti-colonial criticism
Authors: PARENT ANTOINE , BUTLER ROBERT
Published: July 2017

The objective of this paper is to recall the forgotten opposition of Clément Juglar to the colonization of Algeria, the originality of this position, and his contributions to the genesis of analysing colonial institutions. Juglar was not a theoretician of colonialism, but a liberal economist who rejected the process of colonization on economic grounds. This paper provides evidence that conventional wisdom on French colonialism is indebted to his work. The issues of capital returns in the colonies, French colonialism as mercantilism and protectionism, and the role of colonial institutions in economic development were all addressed by Juglar. He identified property rights and colonial institutions as central issues in his explanation of the predictable failure of colonialism, and in doing so he can be regarded as a forerunner of neo-institutionalist analysis of colonialism.
The Hayek–Friedman hypothesis on the press: is there an association between economic freedom and press freedom?
Authors: BJØRNSKOV CHRISTIAN
Published: July 2017

The Hayek–Friedman hypothesis states that economic freedom is causally associated with stable democracy. I test a particular element of the hypothesis focusing on press freedom, which is arguably a necessary component of any democratic polity. Combining the Freedom House index of press freedom and the Heritage Foundation Index of Economic Freedom yields a large annual panel dataset between 1993 and 2011. Estimates show that improvements in economic freedom are associated with subsequent improvements of press freedom. The overall association is mainly driven by changes in market openness.
Indoor target localization using single marginal antenna with virtual radars support
Authors: Muqaibel Ali H. , Abdalla Abdi T. , Alkhodary Mohammad T.
Published: July 2017

In urban target localization, the presence of walls creates virtual radars (VRs), which can be exploited to aid in localization process. The fact that multipath changes with the radar locations, which are referred to as aspect dependence property, enable us to find a radar location, which reduces wall uncertainties. This paper proposes single-antenna target localization in an enclosed structure taking advantage of VRs. Using ultra-wideband signals, we can resolve the target returns and estimate the correct location by solving monostatic loci at real and VR locations. Simulation results show that the method can precisely and accurately localize the target for a wide range of timing errors.
Becoming a torturer: Towards a global ergonomics of care
Authors: Luke Austin Jonathan , Bocco Riccardo
Published: July 2017

How do people become torturers? And how do we stop that transformation? This article addresses these questions by calling on academics and practitioners to consider caring for – expressing sympathy, understanding, and working with – the figure of the “not-quite-yet” torturer. We begin by noting the globality of torture across space and regime type, and suggest that this globality indicates how torture is – very frequently – not the result of any decision or order. This is followed by a discussion of the “consciousness” of the torturer vis-à-vis (1) their paradoxical emotional scarring by their own actions, and (2) their frequent descriptions of having, indeed, never themselves “intended” to torture someone. Drawing on recent developments in the theory of consciousness, we then argue that this non-purposeful enaction of torture can be understood in terms of certain somatic markers that lead, in particular material-situational settings, to people slipping towards violence. Drawing on the theory of the emergence of violence put forward by Jonathan Luke Austin, we then sketch out more fully the process of becoming a torturer in terms of the situational and material dynamics that encourage these slippages, as well as a global circulatory system of violent knowledges through various sources that become activated in particular settings. We thus suggest that becoming a torturer is more a process of transition than of decision, before noting that this distinction is often lost in the cultural cycle of torture that emerges once torture has begun. Finally, we move to outlining the implications of this non-purposeful understanding of torture by arguing for a new preventive strategy based on the principles of ergonomics and modifying the training regimes of the most common professions from which torturers emerge (the military, the police, etc.) in order to make it harder to slip towards violence. We suggest, ultimately, that this strategy of prevention requires placing ourselves in the uncomfortable position of working to care for both the becoming-torturer and the torturers themselves, in order to help them both preserve their own humanity.
Preserved heart function after left ventricular pressure overload in adult mice subjected to neonatal cardiac hypoplasia
Authors: Heinecke K. , Heuser A. , Blaschke F. , Jux C. , Thierfelder L. , Drenckhahn J.-D.
Published: July 2017

Intrauterine growth restriction in animal models reduces heart size and cardiomyocyte number at birth. Such incomplete cardiomyocyte endowment is believed to increase susceptibility toward cardiovascular disease in adulthood, a phenomenon referred to as developmental programming. We have previously described a mouse model of impaired myocardial development leading to a 25% reduction of cardiomyocyte number in neonates. This study investigated the response of these hypoplastic hearts to pressure overload in adulthood, applied by abdominal aortic constriction (AAC). Echocardiography revealed a similar hypertrophic response in hypoplastic hearts compared with controls over the first 2 weeks. Subsequently, control mice develop mild left ventricular (LV) dilation, wall thinning and contractile dysfunction 4 weeks after AAC, whereas hypoplastic hearts fully maintain LV dimensions, wall thickness and contractility. At the cellular level, controls exhibit increased cardiomyocyte cross-sectional area after 4 weeks pressure overload compared with sham operated animals, but this hypertrophic response is markedly attenuated in hypoplastic hearts. AAC mediated induction of fibrosis, apoptosis or cell cycle activity was not different between groups. Expression of fetal genes, indicative of pathological conditions, was similar in hypoplastic and control hearts after AAC. Among various signaling pathways involved in cardiac hypertrophy, pressure overload induces p38 MAP-kinase activity in hypoplastic hearts but not controls compared with the respective sham operated animals. In summary, based on the mouse model used in this study, our data indicates that adult hearts after neonatal cardiac hypoplasia show an altered growth response to pressure overload, eventually resulting in better functional outcome compared with controls.
The prevalence and service utilisation associated with mental and substance use disorders in Lao People’s Democratic Republic: findings from a cross-sectional survey
Authors: Charlson F. , Diminic S. , Choulamany C. , Santomauro D. , Raja S. , Whiteford H.
Published: July 2017

Aims.

An epidemiological survey was conducted to determine the prevalence of the mental and substance use disorders and ascertain patterns of mental health services utilisation in Lao People's Democratic Republic (Lao PDR) with the aim of evaluating existing gaps and opportunities in the provision of mental health services.

Methods.

This study was a cross-sectional, household survey of adults living within Vientiane Capital province, Lao PDR. We collected data on participant demographics, mental and physical health status, family history of mental illness and exposure to potential risk factors. It also collected data on mental health service utilisation patterns, types of health professionals and treatment being accessed, barriers to treatment and perceived need for care. The MINI International Neuropsychiatric Interview (MINI v.6.0) was also administered to assess mental disorder prevalence.

Results.

Age- and sex-standardised current prevalence of any disorder was estimated at 15.2% (95% CI 11.0–20.7). Alcohol dependence (5.5% (95% CI 3.2–9.6)), was the most prevalent followed by anxiety disorders (5.2% (95% CI 3.2–8.3)) and mood disorders (2.5% (95% CI 1.5–4.4)). 11.0% (95% CI 5.8–20.1) of participants with a mental and/or substance use disorder suffered from other comorbid disorders. A number of variables demonstrated significant effects in final logistic regression models, including family history, education and employment for mental disorders; and gender, numbers of hours worked per week and number of dependants for substance use disorders. Having a mental or substance use disorder was associated with an OR of 11.6 of suicidality over participants without a mental or substance use disorder (95% CI 2.8–58.5). Of the 101 participants who met criteria for a current mental or substance use disorder, only two (2.1% (95% CI 0.5–8.0)) had accessed services for their mental health in the past 12 months. No participants who had seen a health professional in the past 12 months reported getting as much help as they needed. The vast majority (89.2% (95% CI 76.5–95.4)) of participants meeting criteria for a current mental or substance use disorder reported that they had not experienced mental health problems in the past 12 months.

Conclusions.

This study presents the first epidemiological estimates for a range of mental and substance use disorders in the general population of the most populous province in Lao PDR. A large treatment gap exists for mental and substance use disorders in Lao PDR. This research adds value for health care and has been an important precursor to developing informed and targeted mental health policy, services and health system reform in Lao PDR.