bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Flood insurance in the UK: a critical perspective
Authors: Penning‐Rowsell Edmund C.
Published: August 2015

In the United Kingdom, flood insurance is an important part of our portfolio of flood risk management measures, although it can encourage people to continue to occupy risky areas. Also, the main beneficiaries from investment by the government in flood risk reduction are insurance company shareholders, given that premiums are generally not reduced when flood risk management measures are introduced. The introduction of Flood Re in the United Kingdom looks extremely problematic: it is economically inefficient, and does nothing to encourage property owners themselves to take self‐help flood mitigation measures. But in the international context, we recognize that flood insurance in United Kingdom is relatively unique, and has considerable merits as well as demerits. It can be flexible if risk levels change, and does not place an undue burden on the public purse. However the arrangements remain opaque, and continue to have the unfortunate focus of simply being a damage compensation mechanism, rather than a vehicle to promote behavioral change in the interests of sustainable flood risk management. WIREs Water 2015, 2:601–608. doi: 10.1002/wat2.1104

This article is categorized under:

Human Water > Water Governance
How do young people engage with climate change? The role of knowledge, values, message framing, and trusted communicators
Authors: Corner Adam , Roberts Olga , Chiari Sybille , Völler Sonja , Mayrhuber Elisabeth S. , Mandl Sylvia , Monson Kate
Published: August 2015

Despite several decades of research on more effectively communicating climate change to the general public, there is only a limited amount of knowledge about how young people engage with an issue that will shape and define their generation. We provide a thorough review of international studies in this area, drawing on survey data and qualitative research. The review is organized into two main sections. The first briefly situates young people's engagement with climate change relative to other concerns and examines levels of awareness, concern and ‘scepticism’ among this age group. The second focuses on four key determinants of effective climate change communication and assess whether young people differ in any appreciable way from research findings relating to the general population. The four factors are the role of values and worldviews in determining climate change views; the efficacy of ‘information‐based’ interventions; the ‘psychological distance’ of climate change and message framing; and the role of trusted messengers. In the concluding section we discuss the implications for engaging young people more effectively and explore possibilities for future research. WIREs Clim Change 2015, 6:523–534. doi: 10.1002/wcc.353

This article is categorized under:

Perceptions, Behavior, and Communication of Climate Change > Behavior Change and Responses
Prognostic Impact of Distribution of Lymph Node Metastases in Stage III Colon Cancer
Authors: Nagasaki Toshiya , Akiyoshi Takashi , Fujimoto Yoshiya , Konishi Tsuyoshi , Nagayama Satoshi , Fukunaga Yosuke , Arai Masami , Ueno Masashi
Published: August 2015

Background

Complete mesocolic excision (CME) with central vascular ligation (CVL) is a well‐known concept in colon cancer surgery. However, data on the oncological benefits of CVL are scarce. The objective of this study was to evaluate the prognostic significance of the distribution of lymph node metastases (LND) in patients with stage III colon cancer who underwent CME with CVL.

Methods

In total, 446 consecutive patients who underwent curative resection for stage III colon cancer from 2005 to 2011 were analyzed. Patients were classified as having LND1 (metastases in pericolic nodes), LND2 (metastases in intermediate nodes), or LND3 (metastases in main nodes). Survival outcomes were compared among the three groups.

Results

LND1, LND2, and LND3 were identified in 299 (67.0 %), 122 (27.4 %), and 25 (5.6 %) patients, respectively. The 5‐year overall survival and relapse‐free survival (RFS) of all patients were 86.7 and 76.2 %, respectively. The 5‐year RFS of patients with LND1, LND2, and LND3 were 82.8, 65.4, and 52.0 %, respectively (p < 0.0001). Multivariate analysis showed that LND2 was an independent prognostic factor for RFS (p = 0.0185), although the significance of LND3 was marginal (p = 0.0621). Among patients with pN1, the 5‐year RFS of patients with LND1 and LND2+3 were significantly different (84.4 vs. 71.5 %, respectively, p = 0.0102), and similar tendency was found between patients with pN2‐LND1 and pN2‐LND2+3 (72.6 vs. 53.1 %, p = 0.0428).

Conclusion

The high 5‐year survival rates of patients with stage III colon cancer, even those with LND2 and LND3, would justify CVL as the standard procedure for advanced colon cancer.
Preoperative Sequential Portal and Hepatic Vein Embolization in Patients with Hepatobiliary Malignancy
Authors: Hwang Shin , Ha Tae‐Yong , Ko Gi‐Young , Kwon Dong‐Il , Song Gi‐Won , Jung Dong‐Hwan , Kim Myung‐Hwan , Lee Sung‐Koo , Lee Sung‐Gyu
Published: August 2015

Background

Preoperative portal vein embolization (PVE) induces shrinkage of the embolized lobe and compensatory regeneration in the non‐embolized lobe, but does not always induce sufficient regeneration of the future remnant liver (FRL). We previously developed preoperative sequential PVE–hepatic vein embolization (HVE), and here we present our experience of treating 42 patients with sequential PVE–HVE.

Methods

During 8‐year study period, preoperative PVE–HVE was performed on 42 patients with hepatobiliary malignancies.

Results

Primary diseases were bile duct cancers [perihilar cholangiocarcinoma (n = 33) and diffuse bile duct cancer (n = 1)], hepatocellular carcinomas (n = 4), and intrahepatic tumors [intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (n = 3) and gallbladder cancer liver invasion (n = 1)]. These patients demonstrated insufficient FRL regeneration following PVE, thus HVE was performed to induce further regeneration. No PVE–HVE procedure‐associated complications occurred. In the bile duct cancer group, FRL volume was 33.9 ± 2.2 % before PVE, 38.4 ± 1.5 % before HVE, 43.7 ± 2.1 % at surgery, and 73.6 ± 8.3 % at 2 weeks after right hepatectomy. The degree of FRL hypertrophy was 13.3 % after PVE, 28.9 % after PHV–HVE, and 117.1 % at 2 weeks after right hepatectomy. All patients except one recovered uneventfully after surgery, and the 3‐year patient survival rate was 45.1 %. In the HCC group, transarterial chemoembolization was initially performed and FRL regeneration following PVE–HVE occurred very slowly. Active FRL regeneration occurred in the liver tumor group, but rapid tumor growth was observed in 1 of 4 patients.

Conclusion

The sequential application of HVE following PVE safely and effectively induces further FRL regeneration in non‐cirrhotic livers. Further validation using larger patient population and multicenter studies is needed to reliably widen the indications.
Emergency Abdominal Operations in the Elderly: A Multivariate Regression Analysis of 430 Consecutive Patients with Acute Abdomen
Authors: Ukkonen Mika , Kivivuori Antti , Rantanen Tuomo , Paajanen Hannu
Published: August 2015

Background

This study is intended to ascertain if outcome of acute abdominal surgery among elderly patients with acute abdominal pain have improved.

Methods

Altogether 456 patients aged >65 years underwent emergency abdominal surgery between the years 2007 and 2009 in our hospital. After excluding emergency reoperations of elective surgery, a total of 430 consecutive patients were included in this retrospective audit. The key factors under analysis in this study were the occurrence of major complications and death from any cause within 30 days after the operation. In addition, we compared our results to our previously published data some 20 years ago.

Results

The most common diagnoses were cholecystitis (n = 139, 32.3 %, incidence of 125 per 100,000 elderly persons), incarcerated hernia (n = 60, 13.9 %, 54/100,000), malignancy related (n = 50, 11.6 %, 45/100,000), or acute appendicitis (n = 46, 10.7 %, 41/100,000). The majority of operations (80.7 %) were performed using open technique. Of all 112 laparoscopic procedures, 25.9 % were converted to open surgery. Reoperations were rare and postoperative surgical complications were not associated with statistically significant increase in mortality, even if reoperation was needed. The 30‐day mortality and morbidity rates were 14.2 and 31.9 %, respectively. Logistic regression analysis showed that patient’s age (p = 0.014), atrial fibrillation (p = 0.017), low body mass index (p = 0.001), open surgery (p = 0.029), ASA grade III or more (p < 0.001), and previous history of malignancies (p = 0.010) were likely to increase mortality.

Conclusions

Despite modern diagnostics and improved surgical techniques, the results of emergency abdominal surgery still have relatively high morbidity and mortality as reported in earlier studies.
The Riphean Meteshikha island-arc peridotite–gabbro massif (western Transbaikalia)
Authors: Orsoev D.A. , Mekhonoshin A.S. , Gordienko I.V. , Badmatsyrenova R.A. , Kanakin S.V. , Travin A.V. , Volkova M.G.
Published: August 2015

New data are presented on the geologic structure, age, petrogeochemical composition, and conditions of formation of the Late Proterozoic Meteshikha ultramafic–mafic pluton of the Ikat complex. Mafic rocks are the main rocks of the massif, whereas ultramafic rocks are secondary; both of them correspond to two intrusive phases. The first phase includes a layered rock series enriched in intercumulus amphibole, which varies in composition from olivine gabbro to leucocratic gabbro-anorthosite; the second is composed of wehrlite, plagiowehrlite, and olivine clinopyroxenite. Mineralogical, petrographic, geochemical, and isotope studies show that the rocks of both phases crystallized from the same mantle melt; note that the PT-conditions of their formation were considerably different. We suppose that they were separated in the intermediate chamber during fractional crystallization and the accumulation of early minerals (olivine and, probably, clinopyroxene) in the lower part of the chamber. Using the COMAGMAT software, we have found the composition of the parental melt for the rocks of the first phase—normal tholeiitic basalt with 0.2–0.5 wt.% water, which might have crystallized at 3.0–3.5 kbar and the oxygen activity controlled by the QFM buffer. The differentiated series is characterized by gradual depletion with Cr and Ni and enrichment with Sr, Ti, Cu, and REE during the evolution of melt. The REE patterns for the massif rocks have a similar low-fractionation trend with domination of light lanthanides over heavy ones and (La/Yb)N = 1.25–2.75. Multielement spectra are characterized by negative anomalies of K, Th, Nb, and Zr and positive anomalies of Ba, U, Sm, and Sr. The geochemical characteristics of the rocks are similar to those of the tholeiitic basalts of present-day island arcs. Studies show that the Meteshikha massif formed in the subduction setting of the active margin of the Siberian continent in the Late Riphean (809 Ma). © 2015, V.S. Sobolev IGM, Siberian Branch of the RAS. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
Vendian–Early Paleozoic granitoid magmatism in Eastern Tuva
Authors: Rudnev S.N. , Serov P.A. , Kiseleva V.Yu.
Published: August 2015

We summarize results of geological, geochronological, petrogeochemical, and isotope-geochemical (Sr–Nd) studies of Late Vendian–Early Paleozoic granitoid batholiths in Eastern Tuva (Kaa-Khem, East Tannu-Ola, Khamsara, etc.). Analysis of geochronological (U–Pb, Ar–Ar) data has shown that the Late Vendian–Early Paleozoic granitoids in Eastern Tuva formed in several stages in the time interval 562–450 Ma and at different geodynamic stages of the regional evolution: island-arc (562–518 Ma) and accretion–collision (500–450 Ma), with the latter stage characterized by more intense granitoid magmatism. Diorite–tonalite–plagiogranite associations with different petrogeochemical parameters are the most widespread in the region. Petrogeochemical studies of the Late Vendian–Early Paleozoic plagiogranitoid associations have revealed high- and low-alumina varieties reflecting different conditions of formation of parental melts. At the island-arc stage of the regional evolution, only low-alumina plagiogranites of tholeiitic (M-type) and calc-alkalic (I-type) series formed. Their parental melts were generated at 3–8 kbar through the partial melting of N-MORB-type metabasalts in equilibrium with amphibole restite. Isotope-geochemical studies have shown positive εNd values (6.9–6.3) and low Sr isotope ratios ((87Sr/86Sr)0 = 0.7034–0.7046). The lower (as compared with the depleted mantle) εNd values and specific petrogeochemical composition (negative Nb–Ta and Ti anomalies) of the plagiogranites reflect the subduction nature of metabasic substratum and the subordinate role of ancient crustal material. At the accretion–collision stage of the regional evolution, high- and low-alumina plagiogranitoids of calc-alkalic series (I-type) formed. The high-alumina plagiogranitoids are products of melting of N-MORB-type metabasalts in equilibrium with garnet restite at ≥ 15 kbar in the lower part of the collisional structures, and the low-alumina ones formed through the melting of metabasites in equilibrium with amphibole restite at ≤ 8 kbar in the upper part of the same structures. The Sr–Nd isotope data for the high- and low-alumina plagiogranitoids generated at the accretion–collision stage show that the rejuvenation of rocks is accompanied by the decrease in εNd (from 6.2 to 3.4) and the increase in their model Nd age TNd(DM) (from 0.73 to 0.92 Ga) and (87Sr/86Sr)0 (0.7036–0.7048). This points to the essentially metabasic composition of the parental substratum, as in the case of the island-arc plagiogranitoids, and the progressive supply of ancient crustal material to the magma generation zone.
Late Pleistocene–Holocene coseismic deformations in the Malyi Yaloman River Valley (Gorny Altai)
Authors: Deev E.V. , Zolnikov I.D. , Lobova E.Yu.
Published: August 2015

Palaeoseismological studies were performed within the Yaloman graben (Gorny Altai). Five Quaternary sections with coseismic deformation structures (seismites) have been recognized in the lower course of the Malyi Yaloman River. Traces of ancient earthquakes are localized at two levels (Late Pleistocene–Holocene). The most likely mechanisms of the seismite formation are brittle failure, liquefaction, and fluidization. The types of coseismic deformations and their sizes suggest that the Yaloman graben was the locus of prehistoric earthquakes with M ≥ 5–7, although modern-day seismic activity consists of smaller-magnitude earthquakes. This should be taken into account in assessing the seismic hazards during construction of gas pipeline to China and tourism infrastructure facilities.
Reconstruction of the Peretolchin Glacier fluctuation (East Sayan) during the 20th century inferred from the bottom sediments of proglacial Lake Ekhoi
Authors: Stepanova O.G. , Trunova V.A. , Zvereva V.V. , Mel’gunov M.S. , Petrovskii S.K. , Krapivina S.M. , Fedotov A.P.
Published: August 2015

We present results of study of the bottom sediments of proglacial Lake Ekhoi, which is fed with the Peretolchin Glacier meltwater (East Sayan). The bottom deposit sequence, formed from 1885 to 2013, was investigated with a year–season time resolution, using X-ray fluorescence with synchrotron radiation (with and without scanning), the Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) analysis, and color processing of core photos. The depth–age model of the core was based on counting of annual laminate layers with control by 210Pb, 137Cs, 238U, and 226Ra chronology. Intense glacier thawing was calculated from the amount of clastic matter supplied by the glacier meltwater into the lake. The elemental composition of the bottom sediments includes three groups reflecting periods of displacement of the glacier front and the intensity of evolution of aquatic biota. The first group of elements (Ca, K, Ti, Fe, and Mn) characterizes the supply of clastic matter without serious changes in the glacier edges. The second group (Ni, Cu, Br, and U) is responsible for the intensity of evolution of aquatic biota. Finally, the third group (Rb, Sr, Zr, Nb, Y, and Th) can describe the intensity of displacement of the glacier front. Intensive glacier thawing has proceeded since 1920; however, the glacier retreat was insignificant till 1947. From 1947 to 1970, the glacier rapidly retreated, especially in the period 1953–1970. This was induced by steady high regional summer surface temperature in 1938–1970. The following glacier retreat was during 1980–2000, synchronously with the global temperature anomaly in the Northern Hemisphere. Since 2000, the melting has slowed.
To the problem of refining the western and eastern boundaries of the Achimov clinoform complex (West Siberia)
Authors: Borodkin V.N. , Kurchikov A.R.
Published: August 2015

A brief summary of different viewpoints on the sedimentation model for the Achimov rock unit in West Siberia is presented. The differences in the concepts of the rock unit structure have led to ambiguous approaches to mapping of the boundaries of its area. Our study of the clinoform structural model for Neocomian section yielded geological and geophysical data substantiating the positions of the western and eastern boundaries of the Achimov rock unit.
Genesis of ultramafic rocks of the Alkhadyr terrane (East Sayan, Siberia): implications from the data on Cr-spinel compositions
Authors: Benedyuk Yu.P. , Simonov V.A. , Mekhonoshin A.S. , Kolotilina T.B. , Stupakov S.I. , Doroshkov A.A.
Published: August 2015

This paper presents the first geochemical data on Cr-spinels from ultramafic rocks of the Alkhadyr terrane, which were obtained on a representative collection of samples using modern research methods. The compositional data on melt inclusions allowed the identification of three generations of Cr-spinels on the basis of their morphology, composition, and relationships with the rock-forming minerals. Different types of geochemical zoning were recognized in heterogeneous Cr-spinel grains. The composition of parental melt and crystallization temperatures of the minerals in ultramafic rocks were derived from the compositional data on Cr-spinels and trapped melt inclusions.
Optimal difference schemes for Maxwell’s equations in solving forward problems of electromagnetic soundings
Authors: Mastryukov A.F. , Mikhailenko B.G.
Published: August 2015

In this paper, the solution of two-dimensional Maxwell’s equations is considered using the Laguerre transform. Optimal parameters of the difference schemes for the equations are obtained and presented. Numerical values of these optimal parameters are given. Second-order difference schemes with the optimal parameters provide an accuracy of the solution of the equations that is comparable to the accuracy of the solution using fourth-order schemes. It is shown that, when using the Laguerre transform, the number of optimal parameters can be reduced compared to the Fourier transform. This reduction leads to a simplification of the difference scheme and a reduction in the amount of computation, i.e., to efficiency of the algorithm.
LIFTING TORSION GALOIS REPRESENTATIONS
Authors: KHARE CHANDRASHEKHAR , RAMAKRISHNA RAVI
Published: August 2015

Let$p\geqslant 5$be a prime, and let${\mathcal{O}}$be the ring of integers of a finite extension$K$of$\mathbb{Q}_{p}$with uniformizer${\it\pi}$. Let${\it\rho}_{n}:G_{\mathbb{Q}}\rightarrow \mathit{GL}_{2}\left({\mathcal{O}}/({\it\pi}^{n})\right)$have modular mod-${\it\pi}$reduction$\bar{{\it\rho}}$, be ordinary at$p$, and satisfy some mild technical conditions. We show that${\it\rho}_{n}$can be lifted to an${\mathcal{O}}$-valued characteristic-zero geometric representation which arises from a newform. This is new in the case when$K$is a ramified extension of$\mathbb{Q}_{p}$. We also show that a prescribed ramified complete discrete valuation ring${\mathcal{O}}$is the weight-$2$deformation ring for$\bar{{\it\rho}}$for a suitable choice of auxiliary level. This implies that the field of Fourier coefficients of newforms of weight 2, square-free level, and trivial nebentype that give rise to semistable$\bar{{\it\rho}}$of weight 2 can have arbitrarily large ramification index at$p$.
Crafting Sport History Behind Bars: Wrestling with State Patronage and Colonial Confinement in Kenya
Authors: Carotenuto Matthew
Published: August 2015

This article explores how indigenous games such as wrestling were marginalized during the colonial era and the contemporary impact of this legacy. Through the sport of wrestling’s neotraditional resurgence, I argue that the sport’s contemporary iteration which emerged behind the imposing walls of Kenya’s penitentiaries provides an important window into historic discourse and state control of sport rooted in the colonial past. Paying close attention to the methodological challenges and opportunities researchers of indigenous sport face, the article also examines the sources available for scholars interested in investigating the social history of indigenous sport in Africa.
Long-pulse, single-frequency 1064 nm laser and frequency doubling
Authors: Xu Xiafei , Xie Gang , Lu Yanhua , Zhang Lei , Wan Min
Published: August 2015

An all-solid-state single-frequency 1064 nm laser with a

$100~{\rm\mu}\text{s}$

pulse width, 500 Hz repetition rate and 700 mJ single pulse energy is designed using seed injection and a three-stage master oscillator power amplifier (MOPA) construction. Using this as a basis, research on long-pulse laser frequency doubling is carried out. By designing and optimizing the lithium triborate (LBO) crystal, the theoretically calculated maximum conversion efficiency

${\it\eta}_{\max }$

reaches 68% at

$M^{2}=1$

, while

${\it\eta}_{\min }$

is 33% at

$M^{2}=3$

. Generation of 212 mJ pulses of green light with a repetition rate as high as 500 Hz is obtained from a fundamental energy of 700 mJ. The experimental conversion efficiency reaches 31% and the power stability is better than

$\pm 1\%$

.
Addressing Endogeneity in Actor-Specific Network Measures
Authors: Boehmke Frederick J. , Chyzh Olga , Thies Cameron G.
Published: August 2015

The study of international relations (IR), and political science more broadly, has derived great benefits from the recent growth of conceptualizing and modeling political phenomena within their broader network contexts. More than just a novel approach to evaluating old puzzles, network analysis provides a whole new way of theoretical thinking. Challenging the traditional dyad-driven approach to the study of IR, networks highlight actor interdependence that goes beyond dyads and emphasizes that many traditional IR variables, such as conflict, trade, alliances, or international organization memberships must be treated and studied as networks. Properties of these networks (e.g., polarization, density), and of actor positions within them (e.g., similarity, centrality), will then reveal important insights about international events. Network analysis, however, is not yet fully adapted to account for important methodological issues common to IR research, specifically the issue of endogeneity or possible nonindependence between actors’ position within international networks and the outcomes of interest: for example, alliance network may be nonindependent from the conflict or trade network. We adopt an instrumental variable approach to explore and address the issue of endogeneity in network context. We illustrate the issue and the advantages of our approach with Monte Carlo analysis, as well as with several empirical examples from IR literature.
Lactation and appetite-regulating hormones: increased maternal plasma peptide YY concentrations 3–6 months postpartum
Authors: Vila Greisa , Hopfgartner Judith , Grimm Gabriele , Baumgartner-Parzer Sabina M. , Kautzky-Willer Alexandra , Clodi Martin , Luger Anton
Published: August 2015

Breast-feeding is associated with maternal hormonal and metabolic changes ensuring adequate milk production. In this study, we investigate the impact of breast-feeding on the profile of changes in maternal appetite-regulating hormones 3–6 months postpartum. Study participants were age- and BMI-matched lactating mothers (n 10), non-lactating mothers (n 9) and women without any history of pregnancy or breast-feeding in the previous 12 months (control group, n 10). During study sessions, young mothers breast-fed or bottle-fed their babies, and maternal blood samples were collected at five time points during 90 min: before, during and after feeding the babies. Outcome parameters were plasma concentrations of ghrelin, peptide YY (PYY), leptin, adiponectin, prolactin, cortisol, insulin, glucose and lipid values. At baseline, circulating PYY concentrations were significantly increased in lactating mothers (100·3 (se 6·7) pg/ml) v. non-lactating mothers (73·6 (se 4·9) pg/ml, P=0·008) and v. the control group (70·2 (se 9) pg/ml, P=0·021). We found no differences in ghrelin, leptin and adiponectin values. Baseline prolactin concentrations were over 4-fold higher in lactating mothers (P<0·001). Lactating women had reduced TAG levels and LDL-cholesterol:HDL-cholesterol ratio, but increased waist circumference, when compared with non-lactating women. Breast-feeding sessions further elevated circulating prolactin (P<0·001), but induced no acute effects on appetite-regulating hormones. In summary, one single breast-feeding session did not acutely modulate circulating appetite-regulating hormones, but increased baseline PYY concentrations are associated with prolonged lactation. PYY might play a role in the coordination of energy balance during lactation, increasing fat mobilisation from maternal depots and ensuring adequate milk production for the demands of the growing infant.
Administration of Lactobacillus gasseri SBT2055 suppresses macrophage infiltration into adipose tissue in diet-induced obese mice
Authors: Ukibe Ken , Miyoshi Masaya , Kadooka Yukio
Published: August 2015

Administration of Lactobacillus gasseri SBT2055 (LG2055) has been shown to prevent body weight gain and it also down-regulates the expression of the Ccl2 gene in adipose tissue in diet-induced obese mice. The CC chemokine ligand 2 has a crucial role in macrophage infiltration into adipose tissue, which is known to exacerbate inflammation. However, it is not yet known how LG2055 affects the invasion of macrophages into adipose tissue. C57BL/6J male mice were fed a normal-fat diet (10 % energy fat), high-fat diet (HFD; 45 % energy fat), or HFD containing LG2055 for 12 weeks. After the feeding period, gene expression and macrophage population in adipose tissue were analysed by real-time PCR and flow cytometry, respectively. Body weight and abdominal fat weight were not altered by feeding LG2055. Flow cytometry analysis revealed that the population of macrophages in adipose tissue was significantly reduced by feeding LG2055 compared with HFD only. Furthermore, the ratio of classically activated inflammatory macrophages (M1 macrophages) to total macrophages was significantly decreased in the LG2055-fed group. The expressions of Ccl2, Ccr2 and Lep were down-regulated and that of Il6, Tnf and Nos2 tended to be down-regulated in adipose tissue by feeding LG2055. In addition, fasting glucose levels were significantly decreased in the LG2055-fed group. These data suggest that administration of LG2055 might attenuate inflammation, which is caused by the intake of an HFD, through the inhibition of macrophage invasion into adipose tissue.
CUSTODY CHAINS AND ASSET VALUES: WHY CRYPTO-SECURITIES ARE WORTH CONTEMPLATING
Authors: Micheler Eva
Published: August 2015

Computerisation facilitates instantaneous and direct links between all of us in our work and social lives. At the same time, and counter-intuitively so, securities are increasingly held indirectly through chains of custodians that operate between issuers and investors. This disconnects investors from issuers and can significantly reduce the value of assets. The regulatory framework does not prevent this effect. UK-regulated holders of client securities should be required to hold these directly in the name of the investor. At an international level, it is worth asking whether the technology underlying bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies can be used to create an un-intermediated securities ledger connecting investors and issuers directly.
THE ENFORCEABILITY OF ARBITRATION CLAUSES IN TRUSTS
Authors: Conaglen Matthew
Published: August 2015

This article considers the enforceability of arbitration clauses which are included in trust documentation. It focuses on two main questions. The first is whether internal trust disputes are capable of being settled by arbitration. The article offers arguments in favour of the arbitrability of such disputes. It then addresses the question of whether parties to an internal trust dispute can be forced to arbitrate, rather than litigate, where the trust documentation contains an arbitration clause. It is argued that there are real difficulties in the argument that such clauses can be enforced as arbitration agreements, under the ordinary arbitration statutes, but that the court could potentially enforce such a clause under its inherent jurisdiction to control its proceedings.
The Politics of Language Roadmaps in Canada: Understanding the Conservative Government's Approach to Official Languages
Authors: Cardinal Linda , Gaspard Helaina , Léger Rémi
Published: August 2015

This article critically examines the Conservative government's approach to official languages, through a policy instrument framework. Special attention is paid to the third federal roadmap for official languages—the first having been unveiled by the Liberal government in 2003 and the second by the Conservative minority government in 2008—and how this roadmap conveys a new representation of official languages in relation to Canadian identity and citizenship. The focus on the linguistic integration of new immigrants in the 2013 language roadmap generates interest. The policy instrument framework also shows how language roadmaps represent the fourth generation of official language policies in Canada; the first three generations found their respective bases in the 1969Official Languages Act, theCharter of Rights and Freedomsand the 1988Official Languages Act. The article concludes that an analysis of language roadmaps elucidates transformations initiated by the Conservative governments in the area of official languages in Canada. It also promotes further exploration and analysis of language policies through the policy instrument framework.
STATE AND DIPLOMATIC IMMUNITY AND EMPLOYMENT RIGHTS: EUROPEAN LAW TO THE RESCUE?
Authors: Garnett Richard
Published: August 2015

The issues of State and diplomatic immunity in cases involving persons employed by foreign States in embassies or consulates or engaged directly by diplomats remain controversial. The focus of this article is on recent developments in European law, in particular under the European Convention on Human Rights, the Brussels I Regulation and the Charter of the European Union, the effect of which has been to enhance the rights of employees of foreign States. Analysis is also made of the United Nations Convention on Jurisdictional Immunities of States and their Property and the current domestic practice of States with the aim of identifying the present international law standard on State immunity and embassy and consular employment. Employees of diplomats, however, remain inadequately protected and this article considers possible strategies for improving their position.
Finding potential high-yield areas for Mexican maize under current and climate change conditions
Authors: URETA C. , MARTÍNEZ-MEYER E. , GONZÁLEZ E. J. , ÁLVAREZ-BUYLLA E. R.
Published: August 2015

Analyses of the geographic patterns of wild species abundance have been carried out in studies ranging from those interested in hot-spots for biodiversity and conservation to basic ecological analyses. Based on the methodological approaches used, the present study searched for areas of higher yield among native races of maize in Mexico, its centre of origin and diversification. Ecological theory suggests that population fitness, and thus abundance, is maximal at the centroid of the multi-dimensional ecological niche of a particular species, and decreases progressively as distance from it increases. In the present study, yield was used instead of abundance, assuming it to be higher under optimal environmental conditions. It was assessed whether nine Mexican maize races exhibited higher yields in areas that are ecologically closer to their niche centroid (NC), or a niche optimum (NO) that did not always coincide with the geometric centroid. Environmental and geographical clusters for each race were also created to identify additional NOs in widely distributed races. All races showed significant correlations between yield and distance, both to the NC or NOs, but in only six of them was the chosen model better than the null model. Three races and two sub-groups were selected for projection under climate change conditions: Celaya (R2= 0·288), Celaya 3 (R2= 0·774), Vandeño (R2= 0·277) and Vandeño 2 (R2= 0·466) and Tepecintle (R2= 0·537). The Celaya race improved with environmental clustering, while Vandeño improved under geographical clustering. Finally, Tepecintle was projected at a race level. Projections under climate change suggested some potential areas for high yields in the future. It was concluded that the approach used in the present paper, considering the distance to NC/NO as a predictor of maize landrace yield, may contribute important information to agro-ecological projects.
Serological and coprological analyses for the diagnosis of Fasciolagigantica infections in bovine hosts from Sargodha, Pakistan
Authors: Rehman T. , Khan M.N. , Abbas R.Z. , Babar W. , Sikandar A. , Zaman M.A.
Published: August 2015

A serological and coprological survey of fasciolosis was conducted in bovine hosts from the Sargodha district, Pakistan using excretory–secretory (ES) antigens of Fasciola gigantica from cattle and buffaloes. Livers, faecal and blood samples of 146 cattle and 184 buffaloes were collected from slaughterhouses and examined for the presence of any Fasciola in bile ducts and ova in faeces. Serum was separated. ES antigens were prepared by incubating adult Fasciola in phosphate-buffered saline for 6–8 h and then filtering using a 0.22-μm syringe filter. Checkerboard titration was performed and optimum concentrations of antigen and serum were determined. Sero-prevalence was found to be 50.00 and 38.35% in buffalo and cattle, respectively. Using liver examination as the gold standard, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) sensitivity was found to be 100% in both buffalo and cattle as compared with that of coprological examination in buffalo (61.79%) and cattle (54.54%). This indigenous ELISA was also highly specific, with values of 96.84 and 98.90% in buffalo and cattle, respectively. Positive predictive values were calculated as 96.74 and 98.21% in buffalo and cattle, respectively, while negative predictive values were 100%. For the validation of indigenous ELISA in field surveys, faecal and blood samples were collected from six sub-districts (tehsils) in the district of Sargodha. Sera were screened for the presence of anti-fasciola antibodies using both the indigenous and commercial ELISA kits. While both kits were equally sensitive, the indigenous ELISA was found to be more specific. The highest prevalence of fasciolosis was found in December, as ascertained using both serological and coprological examination. Significant differences were found in prevalences of fasciolosis in different sub-districts and age groups, together with feeding and watering systems.
Some aspects of the oogenesis of three species of clathrinid sponges (Calcarea, Porifera)
Authors: Lanna Emilio , Klautau Michelle
Published: August 2015

Although oogenesis is the best-known stage of development in sponges of the subclass Calcinea (Porifera, Calcarea), several aspects of this process await further investigation. In the present study, we examined by light and electron microscopy the oogenesis of three species of the order Clathrinida (Clathrina aurea, Borojevia aspina and B. brasiliensis) from the coast of Rio de Janeiro state (Brazil). Oogenesis in these species was a rare and not synchronized event, neither in the individual nor in the population level. Oocytes grew between the choanoderm and the pinacoderm. They did not form any special structure for nourishing the egg and phagocytosis of somatic cells was not observed. The vitellogenesis of B. aspina and B. brasiliensis was performed in a mixed pathway, while in C. aurea it was not possible to observe the vitellogenesis. In the Borojevias, the surrounding choanocytes provided small clear vesicles at the same time that oocytes modified phagosomes to produce fibrous yolk inclusions. The phylogenetic character mapping analysis indicated that egg development in the mesohyl is the ancestral state for Calcinea, while the ancestral condition of the vitellogenesis is still uncertain.
Exploring linguistic malleability across the life span: Age-specific patterns in quotative use
Authors: Buchstaller Isabelle
Published: August 2015

This article explores the degree and kind of lability that occurs throughout the life span of the individual during ongoing rapid change in the quotative system. Two comparative analyses trace speakers' use ofbe likeacross a shorter and a longer time span. Trend data reveal that the robust change is arrested in the middle age brackets; speakers in their thirties seem to display ‘retrograde movement’ (Sankoff & Wagner 2006) away from the community-wide change. This finding could be interpreted as incipient age-grading. A small-scale panel sample collected forty-two years after the initial interview suggests that some older speakers participate in the trend, albeit at very low frequencies. This finding, while exploratory at the moment, might be interpreted as indicative of ‘life-span change’ (Sankoff 2005). A conception of the change in progress in the quotative system as monotonous would thus both under and overestimate the rate of change. (Change across the life span, age-grading, retrograde change, life-span change, quotation, style, language ideologies)*
‘New’ Scottish Gaelic speakers in Glasgow: A phonetic study of language revitalisation
Authors: Nance Claire
Published: August 2015

This article analyses phonetic variation among young people who have learned a minority language in immersion schooling as part of revitalisation measures. Such speakers are increasingly referred to as ‘new speakers’ in an expanding body of literature. The variable phonetic features analysed are vowels, laterals, and intonation in the speech of new Gaelic speakers from Glasgow and the Isle of Lewis. Results support previous work suggesting that new speakers will sound different from ‘traditional speakers’. These results are discussed in terms of language contact, modes of acquisition in revitalisation situations, and the differing perceptions and ideologies surrounding how new speakers use Gaelic. The data also necessitate an examination of some of the assumptions in sociolinguistic models of change and their applicability to contexts of rapid social evolution. (New speakers, language revitalisation, minority languages, Scottish Gaelic, laterals, vowels, intonation)*
The perlocutionary is political: Listening as self-determination in a Papua New Guinean polity
Authors: Slotta James
Published: August 2015

J. L. Austin's influential dissection of speech acts into locutionary, illocutionary, and perlocutionary acts has given rise to much scholarly attention to illocutionary acts and forces. While the perlocutionary facet of speech acts has gone largely undiscussed by philosophers and linguists, folk theories of language often attend closely to the relation between speech and its consequences. In this article, I discuss one conception of perlocutions prominent in Yopno speaking communities in Papua New Guinea that emphasizes the agentive role of listeners in mediating between speech and its outcome. This cultural conception of perlocutions, I argue, is tied to a political sensibility that stresses the self-determination and equality of adult men. The article shows how cultural conceptions of perlocutions provide insight into political values and practices, and how political concerns inform folk models of perlocutions. (Perlocutions, politics, fashions of speaking, language ideology, Melanesia, Papua New Guinea)*
Motivating rural older residents to prepare for disasters: moving beyond personal benefits
Authors: ASHIDA SATO , ROBINSON ERIN L. , GAY JANE , RAMIREZ MARIZEN
Published: August 2015

In the United States of America (USA), older adults in rural areas are at increased risk for adverse outcomes of disasters, partly due to medical needs, limited or long geographic distances from community resources, and less knowledge and motivation about preparedness steps. Older residents and ageing service providers in a rural community in the USA were interviewed regarding their perceptions about disasters and preparedness, and their reactions to the preparedness training programme using the concepts of the Extended Parallel Process Model. Participants generally indicated low motivation to engage in preparedness behaviours despite perceptions of personal risk and beliefs that preparedness behaviours were easy and could improve disaster outcomes. A theme of social relationships emerged from the data, with participants identifying social relationships as resources, barriers and motivators. People surrounding older adults can support or deter their preparedness behaviours, and sometimes elicit a desire to protect the wellbeing of others. Findings suggest two potential strategies to facilitate preparedness behaviours by moving beyond personal benefits: highlighting older adults' increased ability to protect the wellbeing of younger generations and their community by being prepared themselves, and engaging family, friends and neighbours in preparedness programmes to enhance the resilience of their social groups. Older adults in many cultures have a desire to contribute to their society. Novel and effective approaches to increase preparedness could target their social groups.
Input and uptake at 7 months predicts toddler vocabulary: the role of child-directed speech and infant processing skills in language development
Authors: NEWMAN ROCHELLE S. , ROWE MEREDITH L. , BERNSTEIN RATNER NAN
Published: August 2015

Both the input directed to the child, and the child's ability to process that input, are likely to impact the child's language acquisition. We explore how these factors inter-relate by tracking the relationships among: (a) lexical properties of maternal child-directed speech to prelinguistic (7-month-old) infants (N = 121); (b) these infants' abilities to segment lexical targets from conversational child-directed utterances in an experimental paradigm; and (c) the children's vocabulary outcomes at age 2;0. Both repetitiveness in maternal input and the child's speech segmentation skills at age 0;7 predicted language outcomes at 2;0; moreover, while these factors were somewhat inter-related, they each had independent effects on toddler vocabulary skill, and there was no interaction between the two.
Existence of nodal solutions for quasilinear elliptic problems in ℝN
Authors: Derlet Ann , Genoud François
Published: August 2015

We prove the existence of one positive, one negative and one sign-changing solution of a p-Laplacian equation on ℝN with a p-superlinear subcritical term. Sign-changing solutions of quasilinear elliptic equations set on the whole of ℝN have scarcely been investigated in the literature. Our assumptions here are similar to those previously used by some authors in bounded domains, and our proof uses fairly elementary critical point theory, based on constraint minimization on the nodal Nehari set. The lack of compactness due to the unbounded domain is overcome by working in a suitable weighted Sobolev space.
Global blow-up for a semilinear heat equation on a subspace
Authors: Budd C. J. , Dold J. W. , Galaktionov V. A.
Published: August 2015

We study the asymptotic behaviour as t → T–, near a finite blow-up time T > 0, of decreasing-in-x solutions to the following semilinear heat equation with a non-local term:

with Neumann boundary conditions and strictly decreasing initial function u0(x) with zero mass. We prove sharp estimates for u(x, t) as t → T–, revealing a non-uniform global blow-up:

uniformly on any compact set [δ, 1], δ ∈ (0, 1).
Families, Intergenerational Bonds, and Aging in Sub-Saharan Africa
Authors: Aboderin Isabella , Hoffman Jaco
Published: August 2015

Cette note de recherche propose une justification, et offre un ensemble de paramètres initiaux, pour un effort explicite de forger une politique et une gérontologie de famille scientifiquement pertinentes à l'Afrique. Il se fonde sur une évaluation critique des discours politiques dominants dans la région et les efforts de recherche existants concernant les familles et le vieillissement, en particulier en Afrique sub-saharienne (ASS).
Intra-couple Caregiving of Older Adults Living Apart Together: Commitment and Independence
Authors: De Jong Gierveld Jenny
Published: August 2015

Récemment, un nombre accroîssant d’adultes d’âge mûr ou plus agés se lancent dans des relations de “vivre ensemble séparément” après le divorce ou pendant le veuvage. Un "VES" est une relation intime dans laquelle les partenaires maintiennent domiciles séparées. Cette étude a examiné les types de soins pour les couples VES plus âgés et à long terme, et a dévoilé des commentaires personnels au sujet des soins pour ces couples. Nous avons interrogé 25 VES partenaires et aussi avons interrogé un groupe de comparaison de 17 personnes âgées qui se sont remariées dans les Pays-Bas, à travers une étude ancillaire à la Panel Study Pays-Bas parenté (PSP-BP). Les résultats ont révelé qu’environ la moitié de ces partenaires VES a l’intention d’ échanger des soins si nécessaire (engagement du partenariat); l’autre moitié a éprouvé des sentiments ambigus, ou avait l’intention de refuser des soins (l’orientation indépendante). Toutefois, pour les partenaires VES déjà confrontés aux maladies dans leur relation actuelle, tous ont soigné partenaires dans leur besoin. La minorité de partenaires VES qui ne voulait pas échanger réciproquement les soins sont plus susceptibles de donner, plutôt que de recevoir, des soins.