bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Living with a Thousand Cuts: Self‐Cutting, Agency, and Mental Illness among Adolescents
Authors: Csordas Thomas J. , Jenkins Janis H.
Published: June 2018

The phenomenon of self‐cutting has attracted increasing attention in scholarly and popular venues. Most of the literature is written from clinical, historical, or psychometric standpoints, and what has been missing is an ethnographic understanding of self‐cutting as a lived experience. The present discussion begins to fill this gap drawing on data from our project on adolescent psychiatric inpatients in the American Southwest, during which we followed these youths and their families for between one and two years as they moved from the hospital back to their homes or to other treatment facilities. Of the 47 young people (22 females and 25 males) who participated in this project, 27 or 57% had cut themselves at some point. Focusing on illustrations from case studies that highlight their cutting experience, we examine self‐cutting as the cultural and experiential locus of a crisis of agency in the relation between body and world and thus as the enactment of a fundamental human process in the context of individual experience.
Autism and the Proficiency of Social Ineptitude: Probing the Rules of “Appropriate” Behavior
Authors: Belek Ben
Published: June 2018

Autistic people typically struggle to abide by social conventions: a constituent element of their social exclusion. Drawing on ethnographic fieldwork within a group of autistic university students in England, I show that although participants would continuously work to uncover the underlying principles of social etiquette, they nevertheless remained unsuccessful in putting their acquired knowledge into practice. Consequently, they turned to subtly shaping their social environments in attempts to redefine the terms under which the appropriateness of their actions is evaluated. I conclude by suggesting that social ineptitude consists of contemplative craft and is a meaningful component of all social interaction.
Effect of aligning graphene oxide nanoplatelets using direct current electric field on fracture behaviour of adhesives
Authors: Khoramishad H. , Hosseini Vafa S.M.B.
Published: June 2018

In this paper, the effect of aligning graphene oxide nanoplatelets (GONPs) using a direct current electric field on fracture behaviour of adhesives was studied experimentally and numerically. Aligning GONPs was modelled by using an analytical model. The fracture behaviour of the adhesive joints reinforced with randomly dispersed and aligned GONPs was studied experimentally by testing double cantilever beam specimens and modelled numerically by using a cohesive zone model that characterized by a compliance‐based method. The aligned GONPs resulted 56% and 42% further improvements in the maximum load and fracture energy of the adhesive joints, respectively, at one‐third nanofiller weight percentage (0.1 wt%) compared with the randomly dispersed GONPs that caused maximum improvements in the maximum load and fracture energy of the adhesive joints at 0.3 wt% nanofillers. The scanning electron microscopy fractography revealed that aligned GONPs promoted crack branching in the adhesive layer and caused the fracture resistance of material to further improve.
Influence of low light intensity on growth and biomass allocation, leaf photosynthesis and canopy radiation interception and use in two forage species of Centrosema (DC.) Benth.
Authors: Guenni Orlando , Romero Eva , Guédez Yajaira , Bravo de Guenni Lelys , Pittermann Jarmila
Published: June 2018

Sustainable silvopastoral systems rely on the capacity of forage species to withstand shade, competition for soil resources and grazing. On a field‐plot experiment, we studied the effects of artificial shade on the performance of two tropical forage legumes: Centrosema molle (CIAT 15160) and C. macrocarpum (CIAT 5713). Acclimation to shade in these two species was investigated at individual leaf and whole canopies, to explain differences in the efficiency of radiation interception and use, and thus forage yield. Under 30% sunlight, midday leaf net photosynthesis (A) was reduced by 32%–44%, although instantaneous light use efficiency increased up to 44%–140%. Almost 50% increase in leaf specific area was accompanied by 61% in total chlorophyll content. From analysis of the light‐response curves, net photosynthesis at light saturation was only reduced (by 36%) in C. macrocarpum. Efficiency of chloroplast photosystem II (PSII) was unaffected by shade. Canopy structure for light interception was not modified by shade, although conversion into biomass and final yield were significantly reduced (40%–43%) in C. macrocarpum. Results are discussed in terms of factors affecting potential acclimation to shade and the agronomic implications of using both forage legumes in mixed pastures under tree canopies.
Management gender composition and the gender pay gap: Evidence from British panel data
Authors: Stojmenovska Dragana
Published: June 2018

Women continue to earn less than their male counterparts globally. Scholars and feminist activists have suggested a partial explanation for this gender gap in earnings could be women's limited access to power structures at the workplace. Using the linked employer–employee data of the Workplace Employment Relations Study 2004–2011, this article asks what happens to the gender gap in earnings among non‐managerial employees when the share of women in management at the workplace increases. The findings, based on workplace‐fixed time‐fixed effects regression models, suggest that workplace‐level increases in the share of women in management are associated with decreases of the non‐managerial gender gap in earnings. This effect appears to be largely unrelated to changes in equality and diversity policies, family‐friendly arrangements and support for carers at the workplace.
An Open, Object‐Based Framework for Generating Anisotropy in Sedimentary Subsurface Models
Authors: Bennett Jeremy P. , Haslauer Claus P. , Ross Martin , Cirpka Olaf A.
Published: June 2018

The spatial distribution of hydraulic properties in the subsurface controls groundwater flow and solute transport. However, many approaches to modeling these distributions do not produce geologically realistic results and/or do not model the anisotropy of hydraulic conductivity caused by bedding structures in sedimentary deposits. We have developed a flexible object‐based package for simulating hydraulic properties in the subsurface—the Hydrogeological Virtual Realities (HyVR) simulation package. This implements a hierarchical modeling framework that takes into account geological rules about stratigraphic bounding surfaces and the geometry of specific sedimentary structures to generate realistic aquifer models, including full hydraulic‐conductivity tensors. The HyVR simulation package can create outputs suitable for standard groundwater modeling tools (e.g., MODFLOW), is written in Python, an open‐source programming language, and is openly available at an online repository. This paper presents an overview of the underlying modeling principles and computational methods, as well as an example simulation based on the Macrodispersion Experiment site in Columbus, Mississippi. Our simulation package can currently simulate porous media that mimic geological conceptual models in fluvial depositional environments, and that include fine‐scale heterogeneity in distributed hydraulic parameter fields. The simulation results allow qualitative geological conceptual models to be converted into digital subsurface models that can be used in quantitative numerical flow‐and‐transport simulations, with the aim of improving our understanding of the influence of geological realism on groundwater flow and solute transport.
MULTIPERIOD MATCHING
Authors: Kadam Sangram V. , Kotowski Maciej H.
Published: June 2018

We examine a dynamic, two‐sided, one‐to‐one matching market where agents on both sides interact over a period of time. We define and identify sufficient conditions for the existence of a dynamically stable matching, which may require revisions to initial assignments. A generalization of the deferred acceptance algorithm can identify dynamically stable outcomes in a large class of economies, including cases with intertemporal preference complementarities. We relate our analysis to market unraveling and to common market design applications, including the medical residency match.
Restraining of calcium contamination in near‐net shape alumina ceramics during slip casting
Authors: Drdlik Daniel , Rolecek Jakub , Drdlikova Katarina , Salamon David
Published: June 2018

The traditional method for shaping ceramics is by slip casting on gypsum molds; however, its application for near‐net shaping of ceramic components is limited due to contamination by calcium ions. The focus of this study is the modification of the mold to limit Ca2+ contamination and to maintain favorable sucking properties. Cement was added to a standard gypsum mold to suppress its erosion, and a decrease in the sucking rate was observed due to its reduced macroporosity. The highest values of green densities were obtained at gypsum/cement weight ratios of 90/10 and 70/30. The microstructure analysis showed that alumina blocks prepared from the molds containing higher quantities of cement (30 or 50 wt%) were resistant to abnormal grain growth caused by Ca2+ contamination from the gypsum. The gypsum/cement mixtures for making molds for slip casting significantly limit mold erosion due to a lower sucking rate and abnormal grain growth of the slip cast samples because of the decreased diffusivity of Ca2+ ions. Therefore, the present modification of the mold renders the slip casting method more suitable for the near‐net shaping of ceramics.
Preparation of porous Al2O3 ceramics by starch consolidation casting method
Authors: Chen Zhiwei , Xu Guogang , Cui Hongzhi , Zhang Xueying , Zhan Xiaoyuan
Published: June 2018

Porous alumina ceramics were fabricated by starch consolidation casting using corn starch as a curing agent while their microstructure, mechanical properties, pore size distribution, and corrosion resistance were examined. Results showed that the porous alumina ceramics with the flexural strength of about 44.31MPa, apparent porosity of about 47.67% and pore size distribution in the range of 1‐4 μm could be obtained with 3wt% SiO2 and 3wt% MgO additives. Corrosion resistance results showed mass losses: hot H2SO4 solution and NaOH solution for 10 hours were 0.77% and 2.19%, which showed that these porous alumina ceramics may offer better corrosion resistance in acidic conditions.
Writing in the context of unstable norms: teaching portfolios as a genre of academic recruitment
Authors: Solin Anna
Published: June 2018

The article analyses a genre used in academic recruitment, the teaching portfolio. The analysis focuses on norm conflicts in the way different genre users evaluate what is acceptable in the genre. The data includes teaching portfolios produced by applicants for university posts, interviews with these applicants and interviews with administrative staff at a large university in Finland. The data points to conflicts for example between a factual orientation (typical of traditional recruitment genres such as the CV) and promotional and reflective orientations suggested in institutional guidelines. The study illustrates the sometimes unpredictable outcomes of adopting a new genre in a complex organisation, where different genre users may have varying normative expectations regarding what kind of writing is acceptable and functional in the new genre.
Association of CD14 and macrophage migration inhibitory factor gene polymorphisms with inflammatory microRNAs expression levels in ankylosing spondylitis and polyarthralgia
Authors: Vishwakarma S. K. , Lakkireddy C. , Sravani G. , Sastry B. V. S. , Raju N. , Ahmed S. I. , Khan A. A. , Owaisi N. , Jaisawal A. , Khan M. A. , Khan A. A.
Published: June 2018

This study aimed to investigate the genetic basis of ankylosing spondylitis (AS) and polyarthralgia (PA) conditions among Indian subjects through genotyping two immune regulatory genes CD14 (−159C>T) and MIF (−173G>C) and find their association with the expression levels of three circulating inflammatory miRNAs. This investigation may provide early genetic cause of these two forms of arthritis and more optimal biological targets to predict early therapeutic outcomes. A total of 140 patients (AS: 70 and PA: 70) and 156 controls were recruited from Indian population. CD14 and MIF genotyping was performed using ARMS–PCR. Expression level of three inflammatory miRNAs (miRNA‐146a, miRNA‐155 and miRNA‐181) was quantified using RT–qPCR. C/T genotype of CD14 gene was found to cause 2.06‐fold risk of developing AS (CI 1.06–5.98, p = .04) as compared to others and G/C genotype in MIF also shown significant variation between AS and control subjects. In PA subjects, CD14 genotypes (C/T) was found to be associated with disease susceptibility and G/C genotype of MIF gene polymorphism showed 4.71‐fold risk of developing PA (CI 2.58–8.62, p = .0001). The study also revealed significant upregulation of miRNA‐155 expression in AS subjects (p = .0001) with more than 1.3‐fold difference between AS and PA as compared to the control subjects. miRNA‐155 had strong association with AS patients with CD14 genotypes (p < .05) than PA and control subjects. This study provides better understanding of the mechanisms and disease susceptibility for MIF and CD14 genetic variants and inflammatory miRNAs networks involved in AS and PA.
Psychotherapy combined with drug therapy in patients with category III chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome: A randomized controlled trial
Authors: Wang Jianxin , Liang Kuixiang , Sun Huijing , Li Lianpeng , Wang Hongcai , Cao Jingyuan
Published: June 2018

Objectives

To explore the efficacy of psychotherapy combined with drug therapy in patients with category III chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome.

Methods

A total of 156 patients with category III chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome were randomly divided into two groups: the control group of 78 patients receiving routine medication; and the intervention group of 78 patients receiving psychological intervention therapy combined with routine medications. Treatment courses were for 3 months. The end‐points were the response rate of the National Institutes of Health Chronic Prostatitis Symptom Index, International Index of Erectile Function‐5, Self‐Rating Anxiety Scale, Self‐Rating Depression Scale and expressed prostatic secretion‐white blood cells.

Results

After 3 months, the average scores of the National Institutes of Health Chronic Prostatitis Symptom Index decreased to 10.1 ± 5.0 in the control group compared with 14.1 ± 4.9 in the intervention group; thus, significant differences were observed between the two groups in the study (P < 0.001). The average scores of the International Index of Erectile Function‐5 were improved in the two groups, but compared with the control group, a more marked improvement was detected in the psychological intervention group, and there was a significant difference between the two groups (P < 0.001). There was significant difference between the two groups in terms of the Self‐Rating Anxiety Scale and Self‐Rating Depression Scale scores (P < 0.001). Expressed prostatic secretion‐white blood cell counts significantly decreased to 4.4 ± 3.5 in the control group compared with 9.8 ± 3.4 in the intervention group (P < 0.001).

Conclusions

Psychological intervention therapy can effectively improve the psychological status and sexual function in patients with category III chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome than the routine medication.
Regulation of B‐lineage cells by caspase 6
Authors: Watanabe Chie , Shu Geraldine L , Giltiay Natalia V , Clark Edward A
Published: June 2018

The caspase (Casp) family of proteases regulate both lymphocyte apoptosis and activation. Here, we show that Casp6 regulates early B‐cell development. One‐week‐old Casp6 knockout (Casp6 KO) mice have significantly more splenic B‐cell subsets than wild‐type (WT) mice. Adult Casp6 KO mice have normal levels of total splenic B cells but have increased numbers of B1a B cells and CD43+ “transitional” or splenic red pulp (RP) B cells. These results suggested that Casp6 may function to control B‐cell numbers under nonhomeostatic conditions and during B‐cell development. Consistent with this model, reconstitution of B cells was dysregulated in Casp6 KO mice after sublethal irradiation. Furthermore, bone marrow pro‐B, pre‐B and immature B‐cell numbers were significantly higher in 1‐week‐old Casp6 KO mice than in 1‐week‐old WT mice. Casp6 KO pro‐B cells proliferated more in response to IL‐7 than WT pro‐B cells, suggesting that Casp6 regulates early B‐cell responses to IL‐7. Indeed, adult and aged Casp6 KO mice had elevated numbers of IL‐7αR+Sca1+ precursors of common lymphoid progenitors, suggesting Casp6 may help regulate progenitors of B cells and early B‐lineage cells. Casp6 regulates B‐cell programs both during early development and after antigen stimulation in the periphery.
Potassium sodium niobate (KNN)‐based lead‐free piezoelectric ceramic coatings on steel structure by thermal spray method
Authors: Chen Shuting , Tan Chee Kiang Ivan , Tan Sze Yu , Guo Shifeng , Zhang Lei , Yao Kui
Published: June 2018

For the first time, potassium sodium niobate (KNN)‐based lead‐free piezoelectric ceramic coating with strong piezoelectric response was fabricated on stainless steel substrates by thermal spray process, after introducing NiCrAlY and yttria‐stabilized zirconia (YSZ) intermediate layers. A large effective piezoelectric coefficient (d33) of 125 pm/V was obtained with the thermal‐sprayed KNN‐based ceramic coating on the steel substrates. The mechanisms of improving the structure and enhancing the properties of the KNN‐based piezoelectric ceramic coatings by introducing the intermediate layers were analyzed. Ultrasonic transducers were designed and fabricated from the KNN‐based coatings directly formed on a steel plate structure, and the feasibility for generation and detection of ultrasonic waves for structural health monitoring using the thermal‐sprayed lead‐free piezoelectric ceramic coating was demonstrated.
CIED malfunction in patients receiving radiation is a rare event that could be detected by remote monitoring
Authors: Bravo‐Jaimes Katia , Samala Vikram , Fernandez Genaro , Moravan Michael J. , Dhakal Sughosh , Shah Abrar H. , Messing Susan , Singh Kyra , Aktas Mehmet K.
Published: June 2018

Introduction

An increasing number of patients with cardiac devices require radiation therapy for treatment of a variety of cancers. This study aimed to identify the incidence and predictors of cardiac implantable electronic devices (CIED) malfunction in a real‐world population that has received radiation therapy.

Methods

This retrospective cohort study included 109 adult patients who received radiation therapy at the University of Rochester Medical Center, Radiation Oncology Department, between 2000 and 2015. Sixty patients had pacemakers and 49 had automatic implantable cardioverter defibrillators. Subjects received either high energy (16 MV) and/or low energy (6 MV) photon beams with or without electron beams (6–16 MeV). We included interrogations done from first day of radiation and up to 3 months’ postradiation therapy. Outcomes analyzed were device‐related malfunctions and device‐related clinical events. Fisher's exact, Wilcoxon, and Kruskall‐Wallis tests were used for bivariate analysis. Logistic regression with robust adjustment was used for multivariate analysis.

Results

We identified six device‐related malfunctions. All events were minor and included partial settings reset leading to loss of historical data, pacing thresholds changes, lead impedance changes, and LV output increase. Two patients had device‐related clinical events, including dyspnea and diaphragmatic‐stimulation. In bivariate analysis, CIED malfunction was associated with CIED duration in situ. In multivariate analysis, there was no significant statistical association between adverse events and beam energy type, CIED location, or dose of radiation delivered to the target.

Conclusions

CIED malfunctions are uncommon in real‐world patients and associated with minor clinical events. In our cohort, remote CIED monitoring would have identified all events.
The EU's Democratization Discourse and Questions of European Identification
Authors: Fanoulis Evangelos
Published: June 2018

Considering EU democracy promotion as an integral part of EU foreign policy, this article discusses the link between the EU's democratization discourse and the social construction of European identity. The narrative pays particular attention to whether the difference in power between the EU and less democratic countries affects European identity formation. The empirical explorations deliver the theoretical argument that the EU establishes an aporetic – contrasting but at the same time constitutive – relationship between a democratic European self and what the EU perceives as less democratic others. The difference in power between these two affects the content and intensity of the EU's democratization discourse, while there is no firm evidence that it directly impacts the process of aporetic identification. The discussion closes with suggestions for future research.
Alleviation of hepatic fibrosis and autophagy via inhibition of transforming growth factor‐β1/Smads pathway through shikonin
Authors: Liu Tong , Xu Ling , Wang Chengfen , Chen Kan , Xia Yujing , Li Jingjing , Li Sainan , Wu Liwei , Feng Jiao , Xu Shizan , Wang Wenwen , Lu Xiya , Fan Xiaoming , Mo Wenhui , Zhou Yingqun , Zhao Yan , Guo Chuanyong
Published: June 2018

Background and Aim

Liver fibrosis is a worldwide clinical challenge during the progression of chronic liver disease to liver cirrhosis. Shikonin is extracted from the root of Lithospermum erythrorhizon with antioxidant, anti‐inflammatory, anticancer, and wound‐healing properties. The study aims to investigate the protective effect of shikonin on liver fibrosis and its underlying mechanism.

Methods

Two liver fibrosis models were established in male C57 mice by intraperitoneal injection of CCl4 or bile duct ligation. Shikonin was administered orally three times weekly at a dose of 2.5 or 5 mg/kg. Protein and mRNA expressions were assayed by quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction, Western blotting, and immunohistochemical staining.

Results

Shikonin significantly inhibited activation of hepatic stellate cells and extracellular matrix formation by downregulating the transforming growth factor‐β1 expression and maintaining the normal balance between metalloproteinase‐2 and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase‐1. Shikonin also decreased hepatic stellate cell energy production by inhibiting autophagy.

Conclusions

The results confirmed that shikonin attenuated liver fibrosis by downregulating the transforming growth factor‐β1/Smads pathway and inhibiting autophagy.
Correlates of Private Secondary Schools Meeting Physical Education Guidelines
Authors: Kahan David , McKenzie Thomas L.
Published: June 2018

BACKGROUND

Although there are over 26,000 private schools in the United States, little is known about the relationship of their characteristics to mandated and recommended time allocations for physical education (PE).

METHODS

Private secondary schools (N = 450; grades 6‐12) in California completed a 15‐item questionnaire related to school characteristics and PE policies and practices. Using correlational analysis and predictive modeling, we assessed the associations and influences of various factors relative to the schools meeting state (California) and national professional time targets for PE.

RESULTS

Whereas most schools fell short of meeting PE weekly time recommendations, 5 of 10 tested variables were significantly associated with schools meeting PE minutes/week targets: school enrollment, school level, having a fitness testing policy, PE class size, and not permitting exemptions for PE. Large schools and those serving high school students provided more PE and were more likely to meet PE time allocation standards. Having policies for PE minutes/week and no exemptions for PE were significantly associated with a school having all its PE classes taught by a specialist.

CONCLUSIONS

Private secondary schools should consider the adoption of professional guidelines related to PE time allocations, class size, conducting physical fitness testing, employing PE specialists, and not permitting exemptions for PE.
Collaboration Challenges and Opportunities: A Survey of School Foodservice Directors and Community Health Coalition Members
Authors: Mansfield Jennifer L. , Savaiano Dennis A.
Published: June 2018

BACKGROUND

The Healthy, Huger‐Free Kids Act (HHFKA) presents challenges for foodservice directors (FSDs) in sourcing and preparing foods that meet nutrition standards. Concurrently, community health coalition members (CHCs) are engaging schools through community and school nutrition initiatives. We hypothesized significant differences in perceptions between FSDs and CHCs related to implementation of HHFKA such that FSDs would perceive greater foodservice challenges, while CHCs would be more supportive of community nutrition initiatives.

METHODS

A perceptions survey was administered by email to 528 FSDs and 334 CHCs during summer 2016. Experience, education level, urban/rural differences, school demographics, and involvement between FSDs and CHCs were compared.

RESULTS

Overall, 132 FSDs and 80 CHCs responded (29.5% FSDs, 24.7% CHCs). Overall perception of HHFKA foodservice challenge ranged between neutral (eg, neither challenging nor unchallenging) to somewhat challenging, and did not differ between groups. CHCs were significantly more supportive of community nutrition initiatives, while FSDs responded neutrally.

CONCLUSIONS

FSDs awareness of CHCs desire for collaboration may increase FSDs support for broader school nutrition initiatives such as school gardens, farm to school, and student/community engagement. There is great potential for integrating student and community health programs through partnerships.
What's Physical Activity Got to Do With It? Social Trends in Less Active Students at Recess
Authors: Woods Amelia Mays , McLoughlin Gabriella M. , Kern Ben D. , Graber Kim C.
Published: June 2018

BACKGROUND

Public health concerns regarding childhood obesity and sedentary behavior make investigations of children's physical activity (PA) promotion crucial. School recess, a highly discretional time, plays a central role in shaping children's activity preferences.

METHODS

Participants included 40 children (30 girls, 10 boys) from fourth and fifth grades, categorized as low active during recess (<26% moderate‐to‐vigorous PA [MVPA]). PA was measured via accelerometer (Actigraph wGT3X+) and activity choice gauged through a self‐report measure over a 3‐day period. To assess attitudes and perceptions of recess, individual interviews were conducted. Accelerometer data were analyzed into minutes and percentage of MVPA; interviews were transcribed verbatim and analyzed utilizing open and axial coding.

RESULTS

Participants were active for 18% of recess, choosing activities that were primarily individual‐based. Interview data showed low active children attribute recess enjoyment to social interaction and time away from schoolwork as well as an intention to avoid other children who were unkind and/or caused social conflict.

CONCLUSIONS

This study supports the importance of gaining a child's perspective of their own behavior, particularly those children classified as less active. Findings add a unique contribution to school health research through an innovative, child‐centered approach to explore perceptions of PA.
Academic‐Related Factors and Emotional Eating in Adolescents
Authors: Chamberlin Ashley , Nguyen‐Rodriguez Selena , Gray Virginia B. , Reiboldt Wendy , Peterson Caitlin , Spruijt‐Metz Donna
Published: June 2018

BACKGROUND

Existing literature indicates a relationship between stress and emotional eating in adults, yet limited research has examined the impact of school‐related stress on emotional eating in adolescents. This study investigated the influence of academic factors on emotional eating among minority adolescents.

METHODS

A survey was implemented among a sample of minority adolescents (N = 666) to investigate the relationship between emotional eating and 3 academic factors: academic self‐esteem, grade point average (GPA), and academic worries. Forced‐entry multiple linear regressions were used to test for relationships.

RESULTS

Findings indicate that GPA, academic self‐esteem, and academic worries were related to emotional eating scores in adolescents. There were no significant differences in academic factors between emotional eaters and nonemotional eaters.

CONCLUSIONS

Additional research is needed to further elucidate the complex interaction between emotional eating behavior and academics.
Detecting liver injury non‐invasively using hyperpolarized 13C MRI
Authors: von Morze Cornelius
Published: June 2018

See Article on Page 1117
Time for the dawn of multimodal therapies and the dusk for mono‐therapeutic trials for cholestatic liver diseases?
Authors: Wagner Martin , Fickert Peter
Published: June 2018

See Article on Page 1128
Archaic lineages broaden our view on the history of Arabidopsis thaliana
Authors: Fulgione Andrea , Hancock Angela M.
Published: June 2018

Contents

Summary
1194

I.
Introduction
1194

II.
Origin of the A. thaliana species
1194

III.
The classic model of the history of A. thaliana
1195

IV.
New genomic data from outside Eurasia challenge our view of A. thaliana history
1195

V.
Conclusions
1197

Acknowledgements
1197

References
1197

Natural variation in Arabidopsis thaliana has contributed to discoveries in diverse areas of plant biology. While A. thaliana has typically been considered a weed associated primarily with human‐mediated environments, including agricultural and urban sites and railways, it has recently been shown that it is also native in remote natural areas, including high altitude sites in Eurasia and Africa, from the Atlas mountains in Morocco to the afro‐alpine regions in Eastern and South Africa to Yunnan in China, the Himalayas and the Tibetan Plateau. This finding suggests that while A. thaliana has been extensively studied in Europe and Western Asia there are still many open questions about its population history, genotype–phenotype relationships and mechanisms of adaptation.
Perspectives of regional paleoclimate modeling
Authors: Ludwig Patrick , Gómez‐Navarro Juan J. , Pinto Joaquim G. , Raible Christoph C. , Wagner Sebastian , Zorita Eduardo
Published: June 2018

Regional climate modeling bridges the gap between the coarse resolution of current global climate models and the regional‐to‐local scales, where the impacts of climate change are of primary interest. Here, we present a review of the added value of the regional climate modeling approach within the scope of paleoclimate research and discuss the current major challenges and perspectives. Two time periods serve as an example: the Holocene, including the Last Millennium, and the Last Glacial Maximum. Reviewing the existing literature reveals the benefits of regional paleo climate modeling, particularly over areas with complex terrain. However, this depends largely on the variable of interest, as the added value of regional modeling arises from a more realistic representation of physical processes and climate feedbacks compared to global climate models, and this affects different climate variables in various ways. In particular, hydrological processes have been shown to be better represented in regional models, and they can deliver more realistic meteorological data to drive ice sheet and glacier modeling. Thus, regional climate models provide a clear benefit to answer fundamental paleoclimate research questions and may be key to advance a meaningful joint interpretation of climate model and proxy data.
A Theory of Perceptual Objects
Authors: Green E. J.
Published: June 2018

Objects are central in visual, auditory, and tactual perception. But what counts as a perceptual object? I address this question via a structural unity schema, which specifies how a collection of parts must be arranged to compose an object for perception. On the theory I propose, perceptual objects are composed of parts that participate in causally sustained regularities. I argue that this theory falls out of a compelling account of the function of object perception, and illustrate its applications to multisensory perception. I also argue that the account avoids problems faced by standard views of visual and auditory objects.
Weed control and overstory reduction improve survival and growth of under‐planted oak and hickory seedlings
Authors: Oliver Luke B. , Stovall Jeremy P. , Comer Chris E. , Williams Hans M. , Symmank Matt E.
Published: June 2018

Weed control and overstory reduction are important silvicultural treatments for improving survival and growth of under‐planted oak and hickory seedlings. Mast‐producing trees in the bottomland forests of the blackland prairie and Post Oak Savannah ecoregions of Texas have declined in abundance. Oaks and hickories have been replaced by more shade‐tolerant species, including green ash (Fraxinus pennsylvanica Marshall) and sugarberry (Celtis laevigata Willd.), which do not produce significant hard mast for priority wildlife species. A split‐plot experiment design was installed on three sites at Richland Creek Wildlife Management Area in Freestone County, Texas, studying the effects of canopy coverage and competition control on survival and growth of bur oak (Quercus macrocarpa Michx.), Shumard oak (Quercus shumardii Buckl.), and pecan (Carya illinoinensis (Wagenh.) K. Koch) seedlings. Uprooting by hogs shortly after planting resulted in greater than 90% mortality of pecan on the two lower elevation sites. Year one survival of Shumard oak was significantly higher than bur oak. However, bur oak was more preferred by hogs than Shumard oak. Year one growth of bur oak was significantly greater than Shumard oak. Severe flooding during the second growing season caused complete mortality on the lower two sites. None of the species were well suited to such prolonged (3–4 months) inundation as seedlings. On the remaining site, density reduction and weed‐barrier mats improved growth and survival while herbaceous weed control with herbicides actually reduced both growth and survival.
Harvesting surface vegetation does not impede self‐recovery of Sphagnum peatlands
Authors: Guêné‐Nanchen Mélina , Hugron Sandrine , Rochefort Line
Published: June 2018

Ecosystem restoration frequently involves the reintroduction of plant material in the degraded ecosystem. When there are no plant nurseries or seeds available on the market, the plant material has to be harvested in the wild, in a “donor ecosystem.” A comprehensive assessment of donor ecosystem recovery is lacking, especially for Sphagnum‐dominated donor peatlands, where all top vegetation is harvested mechanically with different practices. We aimed to evaluate (1) the regeneration of vegetation, especially of Sphagnum mosses, to determine which harvesting practices are best to enhance recovery and (2) the influence of the site hydrological conditions and meteorological variables of the first complete growing season postharvesting on peat moss regeneration. Twenty‐five donor sites covering a 17‐year chronosequence (harvested 1–17 years ago) were inventoried along with 15 associated natural reference sites located in Quebec, New Brunswick, and Alberta, Canada. All donor sites aged 10 years or more were dominated by Sphagnum mosses, though plant composition varied between donor and their associated reference sites because of the wetter conditions at harvested donor sites. Harvesting practices strongly influenced donor site recovery, showing that the skills of the practitioner are an essential ingredient. Harvesting practices minimizing donor site disturbances are recommended, such as the choice of the adequate donor site (localization, hydrologic conditions, vegetation), the use of less disruptive methods, and harvesting when the soil is deeply frozen. This study demonstrated that harvesting surface plant material for peatland restoration is not detrimental towards the recovery of near‐natural peatland ecosystems.
Multi‐proxy constraints on the significance of covariant δ13C values in carbonate and organic carbon during the early Mississippian
Authors: Oehlert Amanda M. , Swart Peter K. , Eberli Gregor P. , Evans Samantha , Frank Tracy D.
Published: June 2018

This study investigates the covariation between carbonate and organic δ13C values in a proximal to distal transect of four outcrops in the Madison Limestone in the Western United States Rockies, combined with δ34S values of carbonate associated sulphate, the concentration of acid‐insoluble material and measurements of total organic carbon. These new geochemical datasets not only allow for an evaluation of carbon isotope covariance during one of the largest perturbations to the global carbon cycle over the past 550 Myr, but also constrain the cause of the excursion in carbonate δ13C values. The results support the hypothesis that a period of anoxia did not play a role in generating the positive carbonate δ13C values, but rather favour interpretations by previous workers that the proliferation of land plants destabilized the Carboniferous carbon cycle, setting the stage for a significant change in the carbonate δ13C values of contemporaneous marine carbonates. These results also demonstrate that one of the largest perturbations to the global carbon cycle did not produce synchronous variations in carbonate and organic δ13C values, emphasizing the importance of local depositional controls on carbon isotope covariance in the geological record in both modern and ancient environments.
Mobile phone interventions for tuberculosis should ensure access to mobile phones to enhance equity – a prospective, observational cohort study in Peruvian shantytowns
Authors: Saunders Matthew J. , Wingfield Tom , Tovar Marco A. , Herlihy Niamh , Rocha Claudio , Zevallos Karine , Montoya Rosario , Ramos Eric , Datta Sumona , Evans Carlton A.
Published: June 2018

Objectives

Mobile phone interventions have been advocated for tuberculosis care, but little is known about access of target populations to mobile phones. We studied mobile phone access among patients with tuberculosis, focusing on vulnerable patients and patients who later had adverse treatment outcomes.

Methods

In a prospective cohort study in Callao, Peru, we recruited and interviewed 2584 patients with tuberculosis between 2007 and 2013 and followed them until 2016 for adverse treatment outcomes using national treatment registers. Subsequently, we recruited a further 622 patients between 2016 and 2017. Data were analysed using logistic regression and by calculating relative risks (RR).

Results

Between 2007 and 2013, the proportion of the general population of Peru without mobile phone access averaged 7.8% but for patients with tuberculosis was 18% (P < 0.001). Patients without access were more likely to hold a lower socioeconomic position, suffer from food insecurity and be older than 50 years (all P < 0.01). Compared to patients with mobile phone access, patients without access at recruitment were more likely to subsequently have incomplete treatment (20% vs. 13%, RR = 1.5; P = 0.001) or an adverse treatment outcome (29% vs. 23% RR = 1.3; P = 0.006). Between 2016 and 2017, the proportion of patients without access dropped to 8.9% overall, but remained the same (18%) as in 2012 among the poorest third.

Conclusion

Access to mobile phones among patients with tuberculosis is insufficient, and rarest in patients who are poorer and later have adverse treatment outcomes. Thus, mobile phone interventions to improve tuberculosis care may be least accessed by the priority populations for whom they are intended. Such interventions should ensure access to mobile phones to enhance equity.
NtTPN1: a RPP8‐like R gene required for Potato virus Y‐induced veinal necrosis in tobacco
Authors: Michel Vincent , Julio Emilie , Candresse Thierry , Cotucheau Julien , Decorps Christophe , Volpatti Roxane , Moury Benoît , Glais Laurent , Dorlhac de Borne François , Decroocq Véronique , German‐Retana Sylvie
Published: June 2018

Potato virus Y (PVY) is one of the most damaging viruses of tobacco. In particular, aggressive necrotic strains (PVYN) lead to considerable losses in yield. The main source of resistance against PVY is linked to the va locus. However, va‐overcoming PVY isolates inducing necrotic symptoms were observed in several countries. In this context, it is important to find va‐independent protection strategies. In a previous study, the phenotyping of 162 tobacco varieties revealed 10 accessions that do not carry the va allele and do not exhibit typical PVYN‐induced veinal necrosis. Despite the absence of necrotic symptoms, normal viral accumulation in these plants suggests a va‐independent mechanism of tolerance to PVYN‐induced systemic veinal necrosis. Fine mapping of the genetic determinant(s) was performed in a segregating F2 population. The tolerance trait is inherited as a single recessive gene, and allelism tests demonstrated that eight of the 10 tolerant varieties carry the same determinant. Anchoring the linkage map to the tobacco genome physical map allowed the identification of a RPP8‐like R gene, called NtTPN1 (for Nicotiana tabacum Tolerance to PVY‐induced Necrosis1), with the same single‐nucleotide polymorphism in the eight tolerant accessions. Functional assays using homozygous NtTPN1 EMS mutants confirmed the role of NtTPN1 in the tolerance phenotype. PVYN‐induced systemic veinal necrosis in tobacco likely represents an inefficient defense response with hypersensitive response‐like characteristics. The identification of NtTPN1 opens breeding options to minimize the impact of emerging and so far uncontrolled va‐breaking necrotic PVY isolates.
From coping to carrying on: A pragmatic laughter between life and death
Authors: Emmerson Phil
Published: June 2018

This paper explores the relational geographies of laughter, life and death within nursing care homes. Death is often seen as the ultimate Other: sitting in opposition to life, at the limits of what is knowable, and therefore as something that is impossible to fully engage with. In nursing care homes, however, death remains a relatively banal element of ordinary life, and like many other aspects of nursing care home life, is often accompanied by bursts of laughter. Where most scholars position the relation between laughter and death in terms of coping – laughter as a means of pushing away emotions during encounters with death – this paper offers an alternative and more affirmative account of laughter and death. Through drawing on seven months of ethnographic engagement with two nursing care homes in the UK, the paper argues that laughter occurs, not as a means of coping, but rather as a “carrying on”: a taking of our emotions forward with us and folding them into our sense of self rather than pushing them away. Further to this, I argue that this mode of enfolding affectivities is suggestive of a wider form of pragmatic micropolitics in care homes, whereby carers often work towards an “as well as possible” rather than grand, idealistic political visions. In concluding, I therefore propose pragmatics as a new framework through which geographers might further engage with the politics of care.
Analytical variability of estimated platelet counts on canine blood smears
Authors: Paltrinieri Saverio , Paciletti Veronica , Zambarbieri Jari
Published: June 2018

Background

The analytical variability of estimated platelet counts in dogs has not been reported.

Objectives

The purpose of this study was to assess the magnitude of analytical imprecision of platelet estimates and the possible impact of this imprecision on clinical decisions.

Methods

Three independent observers counted the number of platelets in 3 different areas (LE = lateral edge; CM = central monolayer; FE = feathered edge) of 30 canine blood smears with different instrumental platelet counts. The coefficient of variation (CV) for each observer was calculated in different areas of each smear (intra‐observer variability), among different regions of each smear (inter‐area variability), and among different observers in each area (inter‐observer variability). The influence of these variabilities on the classification of platelet estimates as adequate, increased, or decreased was also assessed.

Results

The CVs recorded in the different areas by each observer ranged from 8% to 88% and were negatively correlated (P < .001, r = −.65) with the mean number of platelets per field. The mean platelet number was significantly lower in the FE and significantly higher in the CM compared with the LE, but the magnitude of this difference varied with the operators. The concordance among operators regarding platelet estimates was fair (k = 0.36) to substantial (k = 0.71) depending on the area. The overall inter‐area concordance was moderate (k = 0.59).

Conclusions

Platelet estimates suffer from high variability that could lead to patient misclassification. Therefore, guidelines to standardize the platelet estimate are needed.
Membrane rafts–redox signalling pathway contributes to renal fibrosis via modulation of the renal tubular epithelial–mesenchymal transition
Authors: Han Wei‐Qing , Xu Lian , Tang Xiao‐Feng , Chen Wen‐Dong , Wu Yong‐Jie , Gao Ping‐Jin
Published: June 2018

Key points

Membrane rafts (MRs)–redox signalling pathway is activated in response to transforming growth factor‐β1 (TGF‐β1) stimulation in renal tubular cells.

This pathway contributes to TGF‐1β‐induced epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) in renal tubular cells.

The the MRs–redox signalling pathway is activated in renal tubular cells isolated from angiotensin II (AngII)‐induced hypertensive rats.

Inhibition of this pathway attenuated renal inflammation and fibrosis in AngII‐induced hypertension.

The membrane rafts (MRs)–redox pathway is characterized by NADPH oxidase subunit clustering and activation through lysosome fusion, V‐type proton ATPase subunit E2 (encoded by the Atp6v1e2 gene) translocation and sphingomyelin phosphodiesterase 1 (SMPD1, encoded by the SMPD1 gene) activation. In the present study, we hypothesized that the MRs–redox‐derived reactive oxygen species (ROS) are involved in renal inflammation and fibrosis by promoting renal tubular epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT). Results show that transforming growth factor‐β1 (TGF‐β1) acutely induced MR formation and ROS production in NRK‐52E cells, a rat renal tubular cell line. In addition, transfection of Atp6v1e2 small hairpin RNAs (shRNA) and SMPD1 shRNA attenuated TGF‐β1‐induced changes in EMT markers, including E‐cadherin, α‐smooth muscle actin (α‐SMA) and fibroblast‐specific protein‐1 (FSP‐1) in NRK‐52E cells. Moreover, Erk1/2 activation may be a downstream regulator of the MRs–redox‐derived ROS, because both shRNAs significantly inhibited TGF‐β1‐induced Erk1/2 phosphorylation. Further in vivo study shows that the renal tubular the MRs–redox signalling pathway was activated in angiotensin II (AngII)‐induced hypertension, as indicated by the increased NADPH oxidase subunit Nox4 fraction in the MR domain, SMPD1 activation and increased ROS content in isolated renal tubular cells. Finally, renal transfection of Atp6v1e2 shRNA and SMPD1 shRNA significantly prevented renal fibrosis and inflammation, as indicated by the decrease of α‐SMA, fibronectin, collagen I, monocyte chemoattractant protein‐1 (MCP‐1), intercellular cell adhesion molecule‐1 (ICAM‐1) and tumour necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α) in kidneys from AngII‐infused rats. It was concluded that the the MRs–redox signalling pathway is involved in TGF‐β1‐induced renal tubular EMT and renal inflammation/fibrosis in AngII‐induced hypertension.