bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Kinship analysis reveals reproductive success skewed toward overwintered Brandt's voles in semi‐natural enclosures
Authors: CHEN Yan , WANG Dawei , LI Ning , HU Xiangfa , REN Fei , HAO Weili , SONG Ying , LIU Xiaohui
Published: May 2018

Age structure and seasonality influence the population fluctuations of small rodents. Age determines body weight and social experience, while seasonality regulates the duration of the breeding season and onset of sexual maturity in newborn offspring. Therefore, reproductive success and skew usually occur in different age groups. Brandt's vole (Lasiopodomys brandtii) is a social, short‐lived and seasonal breeding small rodent with a dramatic seasonal population fluctuation, but reproductive skew is not fully understood in this species. In the present study, we determined kinship in semi‐natural enclosure populations using microsatellite markers based on genotyping, analyzed the reproductive skew between sexes and between overwintered and newborn voles, and monitored variation in male reproductive activity by testing fecal testosterone levels throughout the year. Overwintered voles had the most reproductive success along with a striking increase in the population size in the enclosures, with all biological fathers and 77.8% of biological mothers, which had 100% and 87% of the total offspring, respectively. Compared to overwintered voles, reproductive skews were significantly higher in potential overwintered and newborn parents, implying the possible reproductive suppression of newborn voles by dominant overwintered voles. Moreover, both heavier body weight and higher testosterone levels in overwintered males supported their potential social status in the population. Our study provided new evidence for reproductive skew and differentiation of postnatal gonadal development patterns of different age groups in Brandt's vole.
The roles of calving migration and climate change in the formation of the weak genetic structure in the Tibetan antelope (Pantholops hodgsonii)
Authors: CHEN Jiarui , LIN Gonghua , QIN Wen , YAN Jingyan , ZHANG Tongzuo , SU Jianping
Published: May 2018

Geographical barriers and distance can reduce gene exchange among animals, resulting in genetic divergence of geographically isolated populations. The Tibetan antelope (Pantholops hodgsonii) has a geographical range of approximately 1600 km across the Qinghai–Tibet Plateau, which comprises a series of tall mountains and big rivers. However, previous studies indicate that there is little genetic differentiation among their geographically delineated populations. To better understand the genetic structure of P. hodgsonii populations, we collected 145 samples from the 3 major calving regions, taking into consideration their various calving grounds and migration routes. We used a combination of mitochondrial sequences (Cyt b, ATPase, D‐loop and COX I) to investigate the genetic structure and the evolutionary divergence of the populations. Significant, albeit weak, genetic differentiation was detected among the 3 geographical populations. Analysis of the genetic divergence process revealed that the animals gradually entered a period of rapid genetic differentiation approximately 60 000 years ago. The calving migration of P. hodgsonii cannot be the main cause of their weak genetic structure because this cannot fully homogenize the genetic pool. Instead, the geological and climatic events as well as the coupling vegetation succession process during this period have been suggested to greatly contribute to the genetic structure and the expansion of genetic diversity.
Evolutionary diversity as a catalyst for biological discovery
Authors: JOHNSON Zachary V. , YOUNG Larry J.
Published: May 2018

The tremendous diversity of animal behaviors has inspired generations of scientists from an array of biological disciplines. To complement investigations of ecological and evolutionary factors contributing to behavioral evolution, modern sequencing, gene editing, computational and neuroscience tools now provide a means to discover the proximate mechanisms upon which natural selection acts to generate behavioral diversity. Social behaviors are motivated behaviors that can differ tremendously between closely related species, suggesting phylogenetic plasticity in their underlying biological mechanisms. In addition, convergent evolution has repeatedly given rise to similar forms of social behavior and mating systems in distantly related species. Social behavioral divergence and convergence provides an entry point for understanding the neurogenetic mechanisms contributing to behavioral diversity. We argue that the greatest strides in discovering mechanisms contributing to social behavioral diversity will be achieved through integration of interdisciplinary comparative approaches with modern tools in diverse species systems. We review recent advances and future potential for discovering mechanisms underlying social behavioral variation; highlighting patterns of social behavioral evolution, oxytocin and vasopressin neuropeptide systems, genetic/transcriptional “toolkits,” modern experimental tools, and alternative species systems, with particular emphasis on Microtine rodents and Lake Malawi cichlid fishes.
The Shadow of Patronage: Lewis Stephens and ‘The Ecclesiastical Climbers’
Authors: Reed Daniel
Published: May 2018

Drawing extensively on hitherto unexplored manuscript sources, this article outlines, first, the functioning of patronage within the eighteenth‐century church, with particular reference to the formation of Lewis Stephens's clerical identity. This provides a foundation for, second, the interrogation of Stephens's satirical compositions, and especially the depiction of his former patron Archbishop Lancelot Blackburne. Finally, the relationship between Stephens's contributions to public religious discourse, clerical conduct and private literary compositions and those of other leading satirists and writers of the period is analysed in order to illuminate the interplay between the roles of clergyman and writer in Walpolean Britain.
Conviction and Apocalypse in Joseph Priestley's Writing
Authors: Bygrave Stephen
Published: May 2018

Joseph Priestley's millenarian prophecies were not necessarily at odds with his natural philosophy, nor his materialism with his theology, but to the French philosophes and to his friend John Adams they seemed incompatible and they may also seem so to us. That is what this article considers in its three parts: the first, Priestley's reading of revealed religion; the second, the politics entailed by it; and the third, the way a progressive direction is carried in to the future, uniting religion and politics in his late reading of Biblical prophecy.
Measuring Emergency Care Survival: The Implications of Risk Adjusting for Race and Poverty
Authors: Ioannides Kimon L. H. , Baehr Avi , Karp David N. , Wiebe Douglas J. , Carr Brendan G. , Holena Daniel N. , Delgado M. Kit
Published: May 2018

Objectives

We determined the impact of including race, ethnicity, and poverty in risk adjustment models for emergency care–sensitive conditions mortality that could be used for hospital pay‐for‐performance initiatives. We hypothesized that adjusting for race, ethnicity, and poverty would bolster rankings for hospitals that cared for a disproportionate share of nonwhite, Hispanic, or poor patients.

Methods

We performed a cross‐sectional analysis of patients admitted from the emergency department to 157 hospitals in Pennsylvania with trauma, sepsis, stroke, cardiac arrest, andST‐elevation myocardial infarction. We used multivariable logistic regression models to predict in‐hospital mortality. We determined the predictive accuracy of adding patient race and ethnicity (dichotomized as non‐Hispanic white vs. all other Hispanic or nonwhite patients) and poverty (uninsured, on Medicaid, or lowest income quartile zip code vs. all others) to other patient‐level covariates. We then ranked each hospital on observed‐to‐expected mortality, with and without race, ethnicity, and poverty in the model, and examined characteristics of hospitals with large changes between models.

Results

The overall mortality rate among 170,750 inpatients was 6.9%. Mortality was significantly higher for nonwhite and Hispanic patients (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 1.27, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.19–1.36) and poor patients (aOR = 1.21, 95%CI = 1.12–1.31). Adding race, ethnicity, and poverty to the risk adjustment model resulted in a small increase in C‐statistic (0.8260 to 0.8265, p = 0.002). No hospitals moved into or out of the highest‐performing decile when adjustment for race, ethnicity, and poverty was added, but the three hospitals that moved out of the lowest‐performing decile, relative to other hospitals, had significantly more nonwhite and Hispanic patients (68% vs. 11%, p < 0.001) and poor patients (56% vs. 10%, p < 0.001).

Conclusions

Sociodemographic risk adjustment of emergency care–sensitive mortality improves apparent performance of some hospitals treating a large number of nonwhite, Hispanic, or poor patients. This may help these hospitals avoid financial penalties in pay‐for‐performance programs.
Parenteral Antipsychotic Choice and Its Association With Emergency Department Length of Stay for Acute Agitation Secondary to Alcohol Intoxication
Authors: Cole Jon B. , Klein Lauren R. , Martel Marc L.
Published: May 2018

Background

Acute agitation secondary to alcohol intoxication frequently requires parenteral sedatives for patient and caregiver safety. Antipsychotics play a prominent role; however, no consensus exists regarding the ideal agent. One important consideration when evaluating the choice of antipsychotic is its association with emergency department (ED) length of stay (LOS).

Objectives

We sought to determine the median ED LOS for patients receiving a single parenteral dose of an antipsychotic for acute agitation secondary to alcohol intoxication in an urban Level I trauma center.

Methods

This was a retrospective review of patients receiving a single parenteral dose of droperidol, haloperidol, or olanzapine who were acutely intoxicated on alcohol from 2011 to 2016. Patients needing psychiatric assessment in our ED are discharged to a geographically separate department; thus, ED LOS is minimally impacted by waits for psychiatric assessment. Data were abstracted from the electronic medical record and are presented descriptively.

Results

A total of 40,601 patients were identified and screened; 24,319 patients were intoxicated but received no sedation. Of those remaining 4,495 received multiple drugs and/or benzodiazepines leaving 11,787 for analysis. Median age was 42 years, 76% were male, and 5% of patients were admitted. Mean breath ethanol concentration was 227 mg/dL. Antipsychotics administered were as follows: droperidol (n = 3,790), haloperidol (n = 1,449), and olanzapine (n = 6,548). Median ED LOS was shortest for droperidol (499 minutes, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 493–506 minutes), which was significantly shorter than both haloperidol (524 minutes, 95% CI = 515–537 minutes) and olanzapine (533 minutes, 95% CI = 528–539 minutes). No cases of sudden cardiac death occurred.

Conclusion

Droperidol, when given as monotherapy for sedation of acute agitation secondary to alcohol intoxication, was associated with significantly shorter ED LOS than either parenteral haloperidol or parenteral olanzapine. No difference in ED LOS was observed between haloperidol and olanzapine.
The risk of Alzheimer's disease associated with benzodiazepines and related drugs: a nested case–control study
Authors: Tapiainen V. , Taipale H. , Tanskanen A. , Tiihonen J. , Hartikainen S. , Tolppanen A.‐M.
Published: May 2018

Objective

To assess the association between benzodiazepine and related drug (BZDR) use and risk of Alzheimer's disease (AD) with cumulative consumption and duration of use based models.

Method

A nationwide nested case–control study of all Finnish community‐dwelling persons who received clinically verified AD diagnosis in 2005–2011 (N = 70 719) and their matched controls (N = 282 862). AD diagnosis was based on DSM‐IV and NINCDS‐ADRDA criteria. BZDR purchases were extracted from the Prescription Register since 1995. The association between BZDR use and AD was assessed using conditional logistic regression with 5‐year lag time between exposure and outcome.

Results

Benzodiazepine and related drug use was associated with modestly increased risk of AD (adjusted OR 1.06, 95% CI 1.04–1.08). A dose–response relationship was observed with both cumulative consumption and duration. Adjustment for other psychotropics removed the cumulative dose–response relationship by attenuating the ORs in the highest dose category.

Conclusion

Benzodiazepine and related drug use in general was associated with modestly increased risk of AD. No major differences were observed between different subcategories of BZDRs (i.e. benzodiazepines, Z drugs, short‐/medium‐acting or long‐acting BZDRs). As dose–response relationship abolished after adjustment for other psychotropics, it is possible that the association may partially be due to antidepressants and/or antipsychotics, or concomitant use of these medications.
The Year In Genetic Anthropology: New Lands, New Technologies, New Questions
Authors: Gokcumen Omer
Published: May 2018

The year 2017 has been another exciting one for anthropology, revealing new and unexpected layers of human history, changing our views about how we conceptualize human variation, and leading to a deeper understanding of the biology of our species. Increases in the accessibility and resolution of genomic analysis as well as other high‐throughput technologies that can now measure the functional impact of genetic variation have continued to be one of the leading drivers of innovations that can address important anthropological questions. I would like to highlight the surprising discoveries this year within the framework of three interconnected themes: (1) increased inclusion of non‐European peoples into mainstream genomics studies; (2) a more comprehensive integration of new technologies beyond genomics to better contextualize human biological variation; and (3) previously underappreciated ethical discussion points emerging from these novel developments. In this review, I will attempt to briefly outline a path for genetic anthropology, primarily using examples from recent work conducted with African populations. Consequently, I will not be able to do justice to breakthrough work in primate genomics, ancient genomics studies from around the world, and other fascinating studies in biological anthropology. That said, it is an incredibly exciting time for our field. We can now ask questions that we did not know were there—and what we are finding is “stranger than we imagined.” [genomics, population genetics, human evolution, four fields].
Finding Archaeology in 2017: What Is Archaeology and Why Are We Doing It? Why Should We Be Doing It?
Authors: Lewis Krista
Published: May 2018

These annual review essays focus on what we as archaeologists are doing year by year. Many themes continue on from review to review, waxing and waning, not unlike the bell curves of a traditional pottery seriation. Each year, themes are highlighted and presented in varied ways according to the orientation and aims of the reviewer. All do a masterful job of curating the vast range of what archaeologists were, in each annual period, currently producing. My review follows in the footsteps of its predecessors, summarizing an array of new and exciting research, and describing how agendas presented in 2017 cluster around sets of related questions and aims. It will also look at the growing literature that asks, in one way or another, fundamental questions about what archaeology really is and why we pursue it. In this time when the value of academic pursuits and scientific perspectives are being highly scrutinized in politics and popular culture, archaeologists are faced with the uncomfortable question of “What is it, really, that we should be doing?” [archaeology, current issues, public archaeology, digital archaeology]
Virulence‐associated gene profiling, DNA fingerprinting and multilocus sequence typing of Haemophilus parasuis isolates in Australia
Authors: Turni C , Singh R , Blackall PJ
Published: May 2018

Objective

Determine if there is a link between virulence‐associated genes of Haemophilus parasuis and the genotype and serovar of isolates.

Methods

Isolates of H. parasuis from 38 farms across six Australian states, representing all serovars present in Australia, were assessed for the presence of virulence‐associated genes (vtaA, hhdBA, fhuA, lsgB and capD). Enterobacterial Repetitive Intergenic Consensus PCR (ERIC‐PCR) and multilocus sequence typing (MLST), together with existing knowledge of the serovar of the isolates and the health status of the source pig, were used to examine 75 Australian isolates of H. parasuis.

Results

An analysis of the ERIC‐PRC patterns revealed six main clusters. One cluster of 25 isolates lacked virulence‐associated genes and on the basis of serovar and field data, appeared to be mostly non‐pathogenic. Another cluster of five isolates containing most of the virulence‐associated genes appeared to be pathogenic based on the field and serovar data. The remaining four clusters were a mix of apparently pathogenic and apparently non‐pathogenic isolates. The MLST results revealed a high degree of variation, with 54 sequence types of which 41 had not been previously recognised.

Conclusion

Not all virulence‐associated genes are present in potentially pathogenic strains of H. parasuis. Australian isolates of H. parasuis are both genetically diverse and markedly different from isolates in other countries. These key findings suggest that vaccine development will be challenging.
Applying a physiologic partograph to Consortium on Safe Labor data to identify opportunities for safely decreasing cesarean births among nulliparous women
Authors: Neal Jeremy L. , Lowe Nancy K. , Caughey Aaron B. , Bennett Kelly A. , Tilden Ellen L. , Carlson Nicole S. , Phillippi Julia C. , Dietrich Mary S.
Published: May 2018

Background

The timing of hospital admission for women with spontaneous labor onset and the criteria used to assess active labor progress and diagnose labor dystocia may significantly influence women's risk for primary cesarean birth. Our aims were to assess associations of labor status at admission (i.e., preactive or active) and active labor progress (i.e., dystocic or physiologic) with oxytocin augmentation, cesarean birth, and adverse neonatal outcome rates.

Methods

A sample of low‐risk, nulliparous women admitted to hospitals for spontaneous labor onset was extracted from the Consortium on Safe Labor (n = 27 077). Binomial logistic regression was used to assess associations between labor classifications and outcomes.

Results

At admission, 68.0% of women were in preactive labor and 32.0% were in active labor. Cesarean rates for these groups were 18.0% and 7.2%, respectively (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] 2.69; 95% CI 2.45‐2.96). Oxytocin augmentation and adverse neonatal outcomes were more likely for women admitted in preactive labor. Among women admitted in active labor, 9.3% experienced labor dystocia and 90.7% progressed physiologically. Cesarean rates for these groups were 20.4% and 5.9%, respectively (AOR 3.02; 95% CI 2.45‐3.73). Nearly half of the cesareans performed for dystocia among women admitted in active labor occurred when cervical dilation was physiologic. Oxytocin augmentation and adverse neonatal outcomes were more likely when active labor was dystocic.

Conclusions

Adoption of evidence‐based, standardized approaches for diagnosing active labor onset, assessing labor progress, and diagnosing dystocia may safely decrease oxytocin augmentation and cesarean birth rates in the United States.
Towards effective monitoring of tropical phenology: maximizing returns and reducing uncertainty in long‐term studies
Authors: Bush Emma R. , Bunnefeld Nils , Dimoto Edmond , Dikangadissi Jean‐Thoussaint , Jeffery Kathryn , Tutin Caroline , White Lee , Abernethy Katharine A.
Published: May 2018

Phenology is a key component of ecosystem function and is increasingly included in assessments of ecological change. We consider how existing, and emerging, tropical phenology monitoring programs can be made most effective by investigating major sources of noise in data collection at a long‐term study site. Researchers at Lopé NP, Gabon, have recorded monthly crown observations of leaf, flower and fruit phenology for 88 plant species since 1984. For a subset of these data, we first identified dominant regular phenological cycles, using Fourier analysis, and then tested the impact of observation uncertainty on cycle detectability, using expert knowledge and generalized linear mixed modeling (827 individual plants of 61 species). We show that experienced field observers can provide important information on major sources of noise in data collection and that observation length, phenophase visibility and duration are all positive predictors of cycle detectability. We find that when a phenological event lasts >4 wk, an additional 10 yr of data increases cycle detectability by 114 percent and that cycle detectability is 92 percent higher for the most visible events compared to the least. We also find that cycle detectability is four times as high for flowers compared to ripe fruits after 10 yr. To maximize returns in the short‐term, resources for long‐term monitoring of phenology should be targeted toward highly visible phenophases and events that last longer than the observation interval. In addition, programs that monitor flowering phenology are likely to accurately detect regular cycles more quickly than those monitoring fruits, thus providing a baseline for future assessments of change.
Inter‐annual variability of fruit timing and quantity at Nouragues (French Guiana): insights from hierarchical Bayesian analyses
Authors: Mendoza Irene , Condit Richard S. , Wright S. Joseph , Caubère Adeline , Châtelet Patrick , Hardy Isabelle , Forget Pierre‐Michel
Published: May 2018

The timing and quantity of fruit production are major determinants of the functioning of a forest community, but simultaneous analyses of both are rare. We analyzed a ten‐year dataset (2001–2011) of fruit production for 45 tree and liana species from the Nouragues rain forest, French Guiana. We developed a hierarchical Bayesian approach to determine variation in the timing and quantity of fruit production. Our analysis accommodates missing censuses and quantifies variation at seasonal and inter‐annual scales. The fruiting peak of 22 of 45 species occurred during the peak of the rainy season, which is typical for central and eastern Amazon. The timing and quantity of fruit production varied substantially across years in most species, with greater variation in quantity than in timing. The timing of fruit production varied from continuously fruiting species to mast fruiting species that had two or more consecutive years without fruit production. Fully 40% of species were mast fruiting species. The seasonal timing and inter‐annual variation in fruiting were unrelated to seed dispersal mode across species. We saw no evidence for directional change in the level of fruit production, the timing of fruit production, or their variances; however, 10 yr is a short record for such analyses.
The ecology of tree reproduction in an African medium altitude rain forest
Authors: Babweteera Fred , Plumptre Andrew J. , Adamescu Gabriela S. , Shoo Luke P. , Beale Colin M. , Reynolds Vernon , Nyeko Philip , Muhanguzi Geoffrey
Published: May 2018

The occurrence of flowering and fruiting in tropical trees will be affected by a variety of factors, linked to availability of resources and suitable climatic triggers, that may be affected by increasing global temperatures. Community‐wide flowering and fruiting of 2526 trees in 206 plots were monitored over 24 years in the Budongo Forest Reserve (BFR), Uganda. Factors that were assessed included the size of the tree, access to light, the impacts of liana load, effects of tree growth, and variation between guilds of trees. Most flowering occurs at the end of the long dry season from February to April. Trees that had access to more light flowered and fruited more frequently. Pioneer and non‐pioneer light‐demanding species tended to reproduce more frequently than shade‐bearing species. Trees that grew faster between 1993 and 2011 also fruited more frequently. When examining all factors, growth rate, tree size, and crown position were all important for fruiting, while liana load but not growth rate was important in reducing flowering. Trees in BFR show a large decline in fruiting over 24 years, particularly in non‐pioneer light demanders, shade‐bearers, and species that produce fleshy fruits eaten by primates. The decline in fruit production is of concern and is having impacts on primate diets and potential recruitment of mahogany trees. Whether climate change is responsible is unclear, but flowering of the guilds/dispersal types which show declines is correlated with months with the coolest maximum temperatures and we show temperature has been increasing in BFR since the early 1990s.
Prospective Relationships Between Ethnic Discrimination and Substance Use by Mexican‐American Adolescents
Authors: Martin Monica J. , Bacher Kelly B. , Conger Rand D. , Robins Richard W.
Published: May 2018

Guided by the integrative model (García Coll et al., 1996), this study examines prospective associations between perceived ethnic discrimination by peers, parental support, and substance use from 7th to 11th grades (Mage = 12.3–16.3 years) in a community sample of 674 Mexican‐American adolescents. Results from a cross‐lagged panel model indicate that discrimination predicts relative increases in adolescent substance use. Results also revealed a transactional relation between substance use and supportive parenting over time. Supportive parenting was associated with reductions in substance use, but adolescent substance use also predicted lower levels of later parental support. The findings suggest reducing discrimination by peers and supportive parenting as potential targets for intervention in the prevention of substance use.
Recent advances in experimental approaches to immune‐mediated neuropathy
Authors: Kaida Ken‐ichi
Published: May 2018

This Editorial introduces the three invited review articles on “Recent advances in experimental approaches to immune‐mediated neuropathy”.
Putting down the scalpel in rectal cancer management – a historical perspective
Authors: Perez R. O. , Habr‐Gama A.
Published: May 2018

The surgical management of rectal cancer has evolved from a disease without any possibility of cure in the early 1700s where surgical management consisted of the palliative drainage of disease related abscesses to the present day where surgical cure is not only possible but also possible with sphincter or even organ preservation. Prof Habr‐Gama's lecture describes the evolution of the surgical management of rectal cancer and the current focus on organ preservation.
Session 1: The surgeon as a prognostic factor in colon and rectal cancer?
Authors: Bhoday J. , Martling A. , Straßburg J. , Brown G.
Published: May 2018

The impact of quality of surgery, colorectal surgical specialization, training and expertise has been far greater on survival outcomes than adjuvant and neoadjuvant therapies. The review of the evidence by Professor Martling and expert discussion addresses the evidence base and the crucial importance of the surgeon as a prognostic factor, and how this has been relatively neglected in comparison to other resources invested in improving the treatment of colorectal cancer.
Session 2: Synchronous metastatic disease–liver first or primary first? The oncologist decides
Authors: Wale A. , Van Cutsem E. , Rao S. , Cunningham D. , Brown G.
Published: May 2018

There have been no randomized trial data to guide teams with regard to the order of surgery in patients with synchronous metastatic disease. On the one hand patients with borderline resectable liver metastases may lose the opportunity to undergo curative liver resection if the primary is resected first. For other patients, a symptomatic primary cancer may not be amenable to a delay. In the absence of clear evidence‐based outcomes, Professor Van Cutsem shares the recent expert consensus opinions on the current recommendations and an overview of the limited evidence base available.
Session 2: Are we ready for primary chemotherapy in rectal cancer: who, when, why?
Authors: Patel U. B. , Cervantes A. , Fernández‐Martos C. , Sclafani F. , Cunningham D. , Nilsson P. , Brown G.
Published: May 2018

The potential of preoperative chemotherapy in rectal cancer is the subject of investigation in a number of global randomized trials. In this overview and expert discussion, Professor Cervantes summarizes the findings of numerous Phase II trials testing neoadjuvant chemotherapy. The crucial points in the next phase of trials include: patient selection, whether radiotherapy can be omitted altogether and whether chemotherapy can be used to augment the initial response to chemoradiotherapy. Finally, with the emergence of Magnetic Resonance Tumour Regression Grade a reliable method for assessing response after initial chemoradiotherapy, we ask if this can be used to drive the use of further selective chemotherapy to augment response.
Session 3: Boosting primary and recurrent rectal cancer: how far can we push the radiotherapy envelope?
Authors: Balyasnikova S. , Vuong T. , Wale A. , Chong I. , Rutten H. , Brown G.
Published: May 2018

Neoadjuvant pelvic radiotherapy is widely used for patients with advanced rectal cancer. The trade‐off between dose and response is well‐established, yet little consensus remains on the precise methods of delivery and doses given in different scenarios. Professor Vuong reviews the evidence base and trial evidence on the escalation of radiotherapy dose and the methods of achieving this.
Developments in the chemistry and applications of phthalein dyes. Part 1: industrial applications
Authors: Sabnis Ram W.
Published: May 2018

This review describes the huge impact of phthalein dyes on multiple industries. Although phthalein dyes demonstrate several vital applications, there appears to be no review in the literature. Part 1 of this review focuses on developments in the chemistry and industrial applications of phthalein dyes. The industrial applications of phthalein dyes are grouped into building/construction applications, coating applications, electronic/electrical applications and miscellaneous applications. The importance of these dyes in various commercial products is also revealed, and patent analysis is provided in theappendix. The uses of phthalein dyes in various fields are important but their growing popularity with fascinating colour change features is particularly notable. Part 2 of the review will focus on the developments in the chemistry and biological applications of phthalein dyes.
Six‐minute walk test: a tool for predicting maximal aerobic power (VO2 max) in healthy adults
Authors: Mänttäri Ari , Suni Jaana , Sievänen Harri , Husu Pauliina , Vähä‐Ypyä Henri , Valkeinen Heli , Tokola Kari , Vasankari Tommi
Published: May 2018

Background

The 6‐min walk test (6MWT) is cost‐effective and well‐documented field test for assessing functional exercise capacity and response to medical interventions in diverse patient groups, and predicting cardiorespiratory fitness among healthy people.

Objective

Assessments of cardiorespiratory fitness in terms of maximal aerobic power (VO2max) have great potential in public health monitoring to predict future health, early retirement and ability to independent living. This study aimed to develop a prediction model for VO2max based on 6MWT results among healthy adults.

Design

The study comprised of pilot and validation studies. In validation study, seventy‐five 19‐ to 75‐year‐old adults (39 men, 36 women) were equipped with portable gas analyser and heart rate monitor. Participants performed 6MWT on a 15‐m indoor track and maximal graded exercise test (GXT) on a treadmill. We evaluated performance of the developed prediction model among 1583 Finnish adults.

Results

Participant's mean walking distance was 652 m (SD ± 74). Their mean VO2max in GXT and O2 uptake at the end of the 6MWT were 34·4 ml kg−1min−1 (SD ± 7·6) and 27·2  ml kg−1min−1 (SD ± 6·5), respectively. For men, the best predictors for VO2max were walking distance, age, BMI, heart rate at the end of 6MWT and height, and for women, walking distance, age and weight. The predictors explained 82% and 79% of men's and women's measured VO2max with the standard error of estimate of 3·6 ml kg−1min−1 and 3·5 ml kg−1min−1, respectively.

Conclusion

The 6MWT performed along a 15‐m track is a valid field test for predicting VO2max of healthy adults with accuracy of about 1MET.
873. ECHIUM NERVOSUM
Authors: Carvalho Jose A. , Rico Lourdes , Santos‐Guerra Arnoldo , Duarte Maria C. , Romeiras Maria M. , Francisco‐Ortega Javier
Published: May 2018

The Madeiran endemic Echium nervosum W.T. Aiton is illustrated based on plants grown at the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. Its ecology; phylogenetic and taxonomic placement, and conservation status are discussed. Twenty‐nine species of Echium are endemic to the Macaronesian Islands and they represent one of the most spectacular and best known examples of adaptive radiation on oceanic islands.
Are there differences in individual‐level needle and syringe coverage across Australian jurisdictions related to program policy? A preliminary analysis
Authors: Hill Penelope , O'Keefe Daniel , Dietze Paul M.
Published: May 2018

Introduction and Aims

Services provided by needle and syringe programs (NSP) within Australia are easily accessible by international standards. However, important variation in NSP policy remains across Australian jurisdictions. The potential impacts of these variations on program operation for clients have not been systematically analysed in Australia. In this paper we conduct a preliminary examination to compare individual‐level syringe coverage between and within Australian capital cities.

Design and Methods

Participants were 2498 people who inject drugs (PWID) recruited from all Australian capital cities as part of the annual Illicit Drug Reporting System PWID survey over the period 2014–2016. Insufficient coverage was defined when <100% of a participant's injecting episodes were ‘covered’ by sterile needles and syringes. We report the percentage of insufficient coverage for each capital city for each year, and present descriptive statistics for coverage parameters, and an alternative measure for insufficient coverage, as Supporting Information.

Results

Differences in behaviours that have the potential to impact syringe coverage were highly variable over time and place leading to variations in levels of insufficient coverage between and within all cities. Overall, insufficient coverage was most evident in larger cities where insufficient coverage varied between 19% and 23% (Sydney) over time, compared to smaller cities with variation from 9% to 12% (Adelaide).

Discussion and Conclusions

We found no consistent pattern of differences in individual‐level needle and syringe coverage between and within Australian capital cities. Further work is needed to fully evaluate whether policy variation between Australian jurisdictions impacts on NSP coverage.
Revisiting the Role of Human Capital in Development: Discussion
Authors: Fuwa Nobuhiko , Kudo Yuya , Otsuka Keijiro , Thisse Jacques‐François , Rozelle Scott
Published: May 2018

This special issue is based on a seminar held at the Institute of Developing Economies, Japan External Trade Organization (IDE‐JETRO) in 2017, focusing on human capital. In a panel discussion at the seminar, the audience and speakers posed questions and offered comments. Below are the interactions summarized according to three major topics covered in this discussion, that is, China's human capital, cluster‐based industrial development, and urban development.
Groundworks for a Pedagogy of Evolutionary Love Ethics: Archetypes of Moral Imagination in the Pragmatisms of Peirce and Addams
Authors: Moses Russell G.
Published: May 2018

In this essay, Russell G. Moses argues that Charles Sanders Peirce's article “Evolutionary Love” establishes a general normative framework for a logic of evolutionary, progressive imagination that can be used to elucidate an evolutionary continuity between the normative works of Jane Addams, John Dewey, and Alain Locke. This exercise contributes to an understanding of pragmatism as a philosophy that seizes insights from evolution in order to normatively reconstruct dynamic meanings of truth, reality, ethics, politics, and art. In a dynamic model of progressive evolution — one homologous to the Golden Rule of “love your neighbor” — we find a normative cosmology that animates the moral imagination of philosophy toward what Addams called “democracy and social ethics.” Moses concludes that in the Peircean model, together with subsequent developments, we may ultimately apprehend that evolution suggests a general form of development that may be hypothesized as a worthy normative guide for universal progressive education.
Minimising noise disturbance during ground shooting of pest animals through the use of a muzzle blast suppressor/silencer
Authors: Williams Warwick , McSorley Adam , Hunt Rob , Eccles Grant
Published: May 2018

Lethal control of vertebrate animals through the use of firearms is a component of land management in Australia. The reduction in muzzle blast noise in the area surrounding the shooter provides the opportunity to decrease disturbance of nontargeted animals and nearby humans. This study identifies the reduction in environmental noise footprint provided by suppressor use. This suggests that the use of a suppressor to reduce noise from the muzzle blast may increase operational effectiveness of ground shooting while minimising adverse environmental effects.
Engagement in Racial Socialization Among Transracial Adoptive Families With White Parents
Authors: Hrapczynski Katie M. , Leslie Leigh A.
Published: May 2018

Objective

To identify predictors of White transracial adoptive parents' engagement in racial socialization with their adopted minority adolescents.

Background

Racial socialization provides many benefits to racial minority youth, yet not all White parents who adopt transracially engage in this practice. Therefore, it is of value to examine factors that may predict the extent of transracial adoptive parents' engagement in racial socialization, including both cultural socialization and preparation for bias.

Method

A convenience sample of 80 transracial adoptive parents were recruited to participate in an online survey designed to assess their color‐blind attitudes, multicultural experiences, and racial socialization.

Results

Linear regression analyses revealed that parents interacting more frequently with ethnic minorities and endorsing less color‐blind attitudes were more likely to expose their child to their cultural heritage. Past multicultural experience was associated with preparing their children for discrimination. Follow‐up analysis revealed that parents with greater awareness of institutional racism were more likely to engage in preparation for bias.

Conclusion

Our findings suggest that transracial adoptive parents' level of interaction with people of different races and their attitudes about race are important predictors of their racial socialization.

Implications

Adoption professionals can promote a family environment conducive to meeting the needs of transracial adoptees by encouraging parents to engage with people of races other than their own and challenging their color‐blind attitudes.
The Interface of Maternal Cognitions and Executive Function in Parenting and Child Conduct Problems
Authors: Crandall AliceAnn , Ghazarian Sharon R. , Deater‐Deckard Kirby , Bell Martha Ann , Riley Anne W.
Published: May 2018

Objective

To explore the direct and indirect associations of maternal emotion control, executive functioning, and social cognitions with harsh verbal parenting and child behavior and to do so guided by social information processing theory.

Background

Studies have demonstrated a relationship between maternal harsh parenting and increased child conduct problems. However, less is known about how maternal emotion and cognitive control capacities and social cognitions intersect with harsh parenting and child behavior.

Method

Structural equation modeling was used with a convenience sample of 152 mothers from Appalachia who had a child between 3 and 7 years of age.

Results

Maternal emotion control and executive functioning were both inversely associated with child conduct problems. That is, stronger maternal emotion control was associated with less harsh verbal parenting and lower hostile attribution bias, and higher maternal executive functioning was related to less controlling parenting attitudes.

Conclusion

The results suggest maternal emotion and cognitive control capacities affect how mothers interact with their children and ultimately child conduct problems.

Implications

To more effectively reduce harsh verbal parenting and child conduct problems, interventions should help mothers to improve their emotion and cognitive control capacities.
Environmental factors influencing the reproduction of an estuarine penaeid population and implications for management
Authors: Crisp J. A. , Loneragan N. R. , Tweedley J. R. , D’Souza F. M. L. , Poh B.
Published: May 2018

This study determined environmental factors influencing the reproductive dynamics of a recreationally fished penaeid Metapenaeus dalli Racek in the Swan–Canning Estuary, south‐western Australia, during a restocking programme. Prawns were collected from nearshore (<2 m deep) and offshore waters (>2 m deep) every lunar month from October 2013 to March 2016. Reproduction occurred between November and March, when water temperature was >17°C, salinity >25 and stratification (bottom–surface salinity) <3. Densities of gravid M. dalli were highest in November of each year when 0+ females matured (19 mm; ~56% asymptotic length) and were highest in the Lower Canning Estuary. Individual fecundity ranged from 34,000 (18.1 mm carapace length [CL]) to 132,000 ova (27.1 mm CL). Egg production peaked in December/January and differed among years, being greatest in 2015/2016. These results suggest that closing fishing between November and December would protect breeding aggregations of M. dalli in inshore waters.
Dominance–diversity relationships in ant communities differ with invasion
Authors: Arnan Xavier , Andersen Alan N. , Gibb Heloise , Parr Catherine L. , Sanders Nathan J. , Dunn Robert R. , Angulo Elena , Baccaro Fabricio B. , Bishop Tom R. , Boulay Raphaël , Castracani Cristina , Cerdá Xim , Toro Israel Del , Delsinne Thibaut , Donoso David A. , Elten Emilie K. , Fayle Tom M. , Fitzpatrick Matthew C. , Gómez Crisanto , Grasso Donato A. , Grossman Blair F. , Guénard Benoit , Gunawardene Nihara , Heterick Brian , Hoffmann Benjamin D. , Janda Milan , Jenkins Clinton N. , Klimes Petr , Lach Lori , Laeger Thomas , Leponce Maurice , Lucky Andrea , Majer Jonathan , Menke Sean , Mezger Dirk , Mori Alessandra , Moses Jimmy , Munyai Thinandavha Caswell , Paknia Omid , Pfeiffer Martin , Philpott Stacy M. , Souza Jorge L.P. , Tista Melanie , Vasconcelos Heraldo L. , Retana Javier
Published: May 2018

The relationship between levels of dominance and species richness is highly contentious, especially in ant communities. The dominance‐impoverishment rule states that high levels of dominance only occur in species‐poor communities, but there appear to be many cases of high levels of dominance in highly diverse communities. The extent to which dominant species limit local richness through competitive exclusion remains unclear, but such exclusion appears more apparent for non‐native rather than native dominant species. Here we perform the first global analysis of the relationship between behavioral dominance and species richness. We used data from 1,293 local assemblages of ground‐dwelling ants distributed across five continents to document the generality of the dominance‐impoverishment rule, and to identify the biotic and abiotic conditions under which it does and does not apply. We found that the behavioral dominance–diversity relationship varies greatly, and depends on whether dominant species are native or non‐native, whether dominance is considered as occurrence or relative abundance, and on variation in mean annual temperature. There were declines in diversity with increasing dominance in invaded communities, but diversity increased with increasing dominance in native communities. These patterns occur along the global temperature gradient. However, positive and negative relationships are strongest in the hottest sites. We also found that climate regulates the degree of behavioral dominance, but differently from how it shapes species richness. Our findings imply that, despite strong competitive interactions among ants, competitive exclusion is not a major driver of local richness in native ant communities. Although the dominance‐impoverishment rule applies to invaded communities, we propose an alternative dominance‐diversification rule for native communities.
Optimizing bleed prevention throughout the lifespan: Womb to Tomb
Authors: Gupta S. , Shapiro A. D.
Published: May 2018

The focus of care providers, patients and families is the ability to tailor care for persons with haemophilia (PWH) across the lifespan. Care requires knowledge of the bleeding disorder and age‐related complications, risk of therapeutic interventions, and evaluation of individual characteristics that contribute to outcomes. The ultimate goal is to live a normal life without the burden of bleeding, for PWH and carriers. A wide range of therapeutic options is required to achieve personalized care. Over the last decade, substantial therapeutic advantages have been achieved in the treatment of haemophilia that include the development of a robust array of factor concentrates, novel haemostatic agents, and increased knowledge and awareness of disease associated outcomes and risk factors. Significant strides on the road to accessible gene therapy have been realized. This increased range of therapeutic modalities provides options for development and implementation of care plans for each patient at each stage of life that are more flexible compared to prior care regimens. Paradigms for management of haemophilia are changing. As a community, we must work together to use these resources wisely, to learn from outcomes with new therapies and diagnostic tools, to assure all patients can achieve improved care and outcomes regardless of disease state or country of origin.
Past, present and future of haemophilia gene therapy: From vectors and transgenes to known and unknown outcomes
Authors: Pierce G. F. , Iorio A.
Published: May 2018

Since the 1960s, the pace of innovation in haemophilia treatment has been fast and furious and occasionally with unintended consequences. As newer technologies are harnessed to better treat, and potentially cure, haemophilias A and B, an understanding of their underlying scientific principles and their benefits and risks are essential for all stakeholders. This review summarizes the starts and stops of introducing FVIII and FIX transgenes clinically, beginning 20 years ago. Lessons from earlier nonclinical and clinical experiments have been utilized to improve vector selection, vector design, promoter/enhancer cis control regions and codon‐optimized transgenes to trigger in vivo clinical FVIII and FIX levels in the near‐normal to normal ranges. Many known and unknown questions remain, and some, based upon benefit and risk, should be answered during larger phase 3 clinical trials. Prior clinical outcomes in haemophilia trials have not been standardized, making between‐trial comparisons difficult. Going forward, haemophilia gene therapy clinical trials should utilize a standard set of core outcomes, to facilitate comparisons to other gene‐ and protein‐based therapies. These outcomes will be more important as the field moves beyond the first‐generation gene therapies into more complex vectors that may address the shortcomings of first‐generation vectors and offer greater benefits to the patient.