bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Shopping channel preference and usage motivations
Authors: Boardman Rosy , McCormick Helen
Published: April 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to provide a greater understanding of why and how different ages use shopping channels, analysing preferences and motivations for use.

Design/methodology/approach

Qualitative in-depth interviews were conducted with a sample of 50 female participants, aged 20-70. All were customers of a fashion retailer that has ecommerce and mcommerce platforms, stores and catalogues, in order to gain a better understanding of loyal consumers’ multi-channel behaviour.

Findings

Multi-channel shopping behaviour increased with age; the 20s did not engage in multi-channel shopping behaviour but viewed each channel as a separate entity. Mcommerce is the preferred shopping channel for the 20s, but its popularity and motivations to use decreases with age. Ecommerce is the most popular shopping channel due to convenience, selection, adventure/exploration and idea shopping. The physical store was the preferred channel for the 60+, who shopped there for convenience and enjoyment. Catalogues were seen as out-dated and no longer considered a transactional channel.

Originality/value

There are no previous studies that have investigated channel preferences and motivations across a 50-year age span using loyal customers. The majority of previous studies looking at multi-channel shopping behaviour are quantitative and so this qualitative enquiry provides a richer insight into reasons for consumer preferences and motivations. The study contributes novel findings to the literature as it shows that multi-channel shopping behaviour increases with age, and younger consumers (20s) are not partaking in it at all.
Psychosocial approaches for individuals with schizophrenia in correctional and forensic psychiatric settings: a rapid review
Authors: Dumont Mathieu , Thériault Joanie , Briand Catherine , Dumais Alexandre , Potvin Stéphane
Published: April 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to identify the psychosocial approaches that have been studied and for which positive outcomes have been reported for individuals with schizophrenia in correctional and forensic psychiatric settings.

Design/methodology/approach

A rapid review of the literature was undertaken. A search was conducted on MEDLINE and PsycNET electronic databases. Each identified approach was analyzed to define their types and components.

Findings

In total, 24 studies pertaining to 18 different psychosocial approaches were identified. Half of the studies used a quasi-experimental design with control group. Most frequent outcomes reported were improvements in knowledge about illness and problem solving. Seven studies reported positive outcomes related to issues more specific to this population (violence, aggression, and recidivism). Approaches associated with these studies used mainly traditional cognitive behavior therapy and cognitive remediation. The focus was on neurocognition, social cognition, social skills, emotion management and problem solving.

Practical implications

This rapid review may enlighten clinical settings on psychosocial approaches for which positive outcomes have been reported with individuals with schizophrenia in correctional and forensic psychiatric settings. The picture obtained supports the idea of using integrated rehabilitation approaches that cover the aforementioned intervention focuses with this population.

Originality/value

A significant contribution of the rapid review is based on the analysis of the psychosocial approaches identified. This process offers a closer look at the nature and content of the approaches used according to the outcomes reported.
Mentoring trainee psychologists: learning from lived experience
Authors: Prytherch Hannah , Lea Laura , Richardson Matthew
Published: April 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine service-users’ experiences of mentoring trainee clinical psychologists as part of an involvement initiative on a doctoral training course.

Design/methodology/approach

Seven service-users were paired with trainee clinical psychologists. Pairs met for one hour monthly over six months. Meetings were unstructured, lacked a formal agenda and were not evaluated academically. All seven mentors were interviewed. They were asked about positive and negative experiences, as well as about the support provided. Transcripts were subject to thematic analysis and themes were reviewed by mentors in a follow-up meeting.

Findings

Overall, the results demonstrate that service-users can be involved in training in a way that they find meaningful and contribute to their recovery. Seven themes were identified: giving hope and optimism; making a difference; personal and professional development; the process; practicalities/logistics; support (positives); and support (areas for improvement).

Practical implications

The importance of designing involvement initiatives in a way which implicitly supports service-user values was highlighted. Recommendations for designing effective support structures are given. The authors were also involved in the scheme which could have introduced bias.

Originality/value

The research exploring service-users’ experiences of involvement in training health professionals is limited. This was the first study to explore in depth service-users’ perspectives of involvement in a scheme such as the mentoring scheme. If initiatives are to seriously embrace the values of the service-user movement then seeking service-users’ perspectives is vital.
The “left side” of authentic leadership: contributions of climate and psychological capital
Authors: Petersen Karl , Youssef-Morgan Carolyn M.
Published: April 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the individual and contextual antecedents of authentic leadership (AL) proposed in the authentic leadership development (ALD) theory.

Design/methodology/approach

Survey data were collected from 74 leaders from two Midwestern organizations. Surveys were used to collect AL, psychological capital (PsyCap), and psychological climate data. Hierarchical regression was used to analyze the data.

Findings

Results support PsyCap, and to a lesser extent psychological climate, as antecedents of AL. Organizations that desire to increase leader authenticity and realize its many favorable outcomes should emphasize the development of leaders’ PsyCap hope, efficacy, resilience, and optimism.

Originality/value

This was the first study to examine the antecedents of AL, which can be personal (PsyCap) or contextual (psychological climate).
Influence of processing on surface morphology and specific surface area for the nickel foam made by electrodeposition
Authors: Chen B. , Liu Peisheng , Chen J.H.
Published: April 2018

Purpose

With the nickel foam made by the technique of electrodeposition on polymer foam, the purpose of this paper is to investigate the influence of several deferent processes on the surface morphology and the specific surface area of this porous product.

Design/methodology/approach

The surface morphologies of the nickel foam were examined by SEM. The specific surface area of the porous product was measured by gas (N2) permeability method and also calculated by the reported formula.

Findings

The nickel foam from sintering in NH3 decomposition atmosphere at 850°C will achieve the same specific surface area as that at 980°C, whether this porous structure after electrodeposition comes through direct sintering in NH3 decomposition atmosphere, or through burning in air at 600°C for 4 min beforehand then the same reductive sintering.

Originality/value

There have been some studies on the preparation and application of nickel foam, but few works focus on the processing influence on the specific surface of this porous product. The present work provides the investigations on the difference of the product made under different producing conditions, and the influence of several deferent processes on the specific surface area of the product.
Diagnostic criteria, severity classification and guidelines of systemic sclerosis
Authors: Asano Yoshihide , Jinnin Masatoshi , Kawaguchi Yasushi , Kuwana Masataka , Goto Daisuke , Sato Shinichi , Takehara Kazuhiko , Hatano Masaru , Fujimoto Manabu , Mugii Naoki , Ihn Hironobu
Published: April 2018

Several effective drugs have been identified for the treatment of systemic sclerosis (SSc). However, in advanced cases, not only their effectiveness is reduced but they may be also harmful due to their side‐effects. Therefore, early diagnosis and early treatment is most important for the treatment of SSc. We established diagnostic criteria for SSc in 2003 and early diagnostic criteria for SSc in 2011, for the purpose of developing evaluation of each organ in SSc. Moreover, in November 2013, the American College of Rheumatology and the European Rheumatology Association jointly developed new diagnostic criteria for increasing their sensitivity and specificity, so we revised our diagnostic criteria and severity classification of SSc. Furthermore, we have revised the clinical guideline based on the newest evidence. In particular, the clinical guideline was established by clinical questions based on evidence‐based medicine according to the New Minds Clinical Practice Guideline Creation Manual (version 1.0). We aimed to make the guideline easy to use and reliable based on the newest evidence, and to present guidance as specific as possible for various clinical problems in treatment of SSc.
Case of probable spontaneous regression of Merkel cell carcinoma combined with squamous cell carcinoma without surgical intervention
Authors: Nagase Kotaro , Inoue Takuya , Koba Shinichi , Narisawa Yutaka
Published: April 2018

Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) is a rare but more lethal cutaneous cancer than melanoma. However, spontaneous regression of a number of MCC has been reported, although the cause of this regression remains unclear. In most cases, MCC regresses after a surgical procedure, for example, biopsy. Herein, we report a case of Merkel cell polyomavirus‐negative MCC coincident with squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) that underwent true spontaneous regression without biopsy. One month after the patient's first visit, clinical examination revealed that the tumor had not grown, but its surface showed changes in texture and color. Histopathologically, the excised specimen was indicative of MCC coincident with SCC and showed extensive necrosis in the upper portion of the tumor, numerous caspase‐3‐positive apoptotic cells, an accumulation of CD68‐positive foam cells and vascular invasion. These findings suggested that the tumor had regressed. We hypothesize that extensive coagulative necrosis resulting from an insufficient local blood supply triggered the shedding of some products or components of MCC and SCC, which in turn induced antitumor immunity against both lesions.
Tuberculosis: Smart manipulation of a lethal host
Authors: Chaurasiya Shivendra K.
Published: April 2018

Tuberculosis (TB) caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis remains a global threat to human health. Development of drug resistance and co‐infection with HIV has increased the morbidity and mortality caused by TB. Macrophages serve as primary defense against microbial infections, including TB. Upon recognition and uptake of mycobacteria, macrophages initiate a series of events designed to lead to generation of effective immune responses and clearance of infection. However, pathogenic mycobacteria utilize multiple mechanisms for manipulating macrophage responses to protect itself from being killed and to survive within these cells that are designed to kill them. The outcomes of mycobacterial infection are determined by several host‐ and pathogen‐related factors. Significant advancements in understanding mycobacterial pathogenesis have been made in recent years. In this review, some of the important factors/mechanisms regulating mycobacterial survival inside macrophages are discussed.
Optimists or realists? How ants allocate resources in making reproductive investments
Authors: Enzmann Brittany L. , Nonacs Peter
Published: April 2018

Parents often face an investment trade‐off between either producing many small or fewer large offspring. When environments vary predictably, the fittest parental solution matches available resources by varying only number of offspring and never optimal individual size. However when mismatches occur often between parental expectations and true resource levels, dynamic models like multifaceted parental investment (MFPI) and parental optimism (PO) both predict offspring size can vary significantly. MFPI is a “realist” strategy: parents assume future environments of average richness. When resources exceed expectations and it is too late to add more offspring, the best‐case solution increases investment per individual. Brood size distributions therefore track the degree of mismatch from right‐skewed around an optimal size (slight underestimation of resources) to left‐skewed around a maximal size (gross underestimation). Conversely, PO is an “optimist” strategy: parents assume maximally good resource futures and match numbers to that situation. Normal or lean years do not affect “core” brood as costs primarily fall on excess “marginal” siblings who die or experience stunted growth (producing left‐skewed distributions).

Investment patterns supportive of both MFPI and PO models have been observed in nature, but studies that directly manipulate food resources to test predictions are lacking. Ant colonies produce many offspring per reproductive cycle and are amenable to experimental manipulation in ways that can differentiate between MFPI and PO investment strategies.

Colonies in a natural population of a harvester ant (Pogonomyrmex salinus) were protein‐supplemented over 2 years, and mature sexual offspring were collected annually prior to their nuptial flight.

Several results support either MFPI or PO in terms of patterns in offspring size distributions and how protein differentially affected male and female production. Unpredicted by either model, however, is that supplementation affected distributions more strongly across years than within (e.g., small females are significantly rarer in the year after colonies receive protein).

Parental investment strategies in P. salinus vary dynamically across years and conditions. Finding that past conditions can more strongly affect reproductive decisions than current ones, however, is not addressed by models of parental investment.
Retrospective analysis of a classical biological control programme
Authors: Naranjo Steven E.
Published: April 2018

Classical biological control has been a key technology in the management of invasive arthropod pests globally for over 120 years, yet rigorous quantitative evaluations of programme success or failure are rare. Here, I used life table and matrix model analyses, and life table response experiments to quantitatively assess a classical biological control programme for an invasive insect pest in the western United States.

Life tables and matrix models were developed for populations of Bemisia tabaci (sweetpotato whitefly) on cotton in Arizona before (1997–1999) and after (2001–2010) the permanent establishment of two exotic aphelinid parasitoids. Analyses tested multiple hypotheses relative to the expected outcome of a successful programme.

Marginal rates of parasitism, rates of irreplaceable mortality from parasitism, total generational mortality and finite population growth (λ) were unchanged for B. tabaci populations before and after exotic parasitoid establishment. Prospective analyses showed that predation during the final nymphal stadium had the greatest influence on population growth rates regardless of parasitoid establishment. Retrospective LTREs showed that predation and unknown mortality contributed most to changes in λ after parasitoid establishment.

Marginal parasitism acted weakly in a direct density dependence fashion after parasitoid establishment, and for all 14 years combined. However, this did not translate into an association between pest population density and marginal rates of parasitism for the 10‐year period following establishment.

Synthesis and applications. Rarely are classical biological control programme outcomes assessed rigorously. Life tables, matrix models, and life table response experiments showed that the decline in the pest status of Bemisia tabaci (sweetpotato whitefly) was not associated with the establishment of two exotic parasitoid species in the cotton system. Instead, native arthropod predators play a major role in pest dynamics. Further efforts to enhance conservation of the extant natural enemy community, with focus on increasing mortality in final stage nymphs and adults, may be the most efficient means of increasing biological control services. Analyses deployed here should be more widely applied to assessing and improving biological control generally.
Gut microbial functional maturation and succession during human early life
Authors: Cerdó Tomás , Ruiz Alicia , Acuña Inmaculada , Jáuregui Ruy , Jehmlich Nico , Haange Sven‐Bastian , von Bergen Martin , Suárez Antonio , Campoy Cristina
Published: April 2018

The evolutional trajectory of gut microbial colonization from birth has been shown to prime for health later in life. Here, we combined cultivation‐independent 16S rRNA gene sequencing and metaproteomics to investigate the functional maturation of gut microbiota in faecal samples from full‐term healthy infants collected at 6 and 18 months of age. Phylogenetic analysis of the metaproteomes showed that Bifidobacterium provided the highest number of distinct protein groups. Considerable divergences between taxa abundance and protein phylogeny were observed at all taxonomic ranks. Age had a profound effect on early microbiota where compositional and functional diversity of less dissimilar communities increased with time. Comparisons of the relative abundances of proteins revealed the transition of taxon‐associated saccharolytic and fermentation strategies from milk and mucin‐derived monosaccharide catabolism feeding acetate/propanoate synthesis to complex food‐derived hexoses fuelling butanoate production. Furthermore, co‐occurrence network analysis uncovered two anti‐correlated modules of functional taxa. A low‐connected Bifidobacteriaceae‐centred guild of facultative anaerobes was succeeded by a rich club of obligate anaerobes densely interconnected around Lachnospiraceae, underpinning their pivotal roles in microbial ecosystem assemblies. Our findings establish a framework to visualize whole microbial community metabolism and ecosystem succession dynamics, proposing opportunities for microbiota‐targeted health‐promoting strategies early in life.
Competition and habitat filtering jointly explain phylogenetic structure of soil bacterial communities across elevational gradients
Authors: Zhang Qian , Goberna Marta , Liu Yuguo , Cui Ming , Yang Haishui , Sun Qixiang , Insam Heribert , Zhou Jinxing
Published: April 2018

The importance of assembly processes in shaping biological communities is poorly understood, especially for microbes. Here, we report on the forces that structure soil bacterial communities along a 2000 m elevational gradient. We characterized the relative importance of habitat filtering and competition on phylogenetic structure and turnover in bacterial communities. Bacterial communities exhibited a phylogenetically clustered pattern and were more clustered with increasing elevation. Biotic factors (i.e., relative abundance of dominant bacterial lineages) appeared to be most important to the degree of clustering, evidencing the role of the competitive ability of entire clades in shaping the communities. Phylogenetic turnover showed the greatest correlation to elevation. After controlling the elevation, biotic factors showed greater correlation to phylogenetic turnover than all the habitat variables (i.e., climate, soil and vegetation). Structural equation modelling also identified that elevation and soil organic matter exerted indirect effects on phylogenetic diversity and turnover by determining the dominance of microbial competitors. Our results suggest that competition among bacterial taxa induced by soil carbon contributes to the phylogenetic pattern across elevational gradient in the Tibetan Plateau. This highlights the importance of considering not only abiotic filtering but also biotic interactions in soil bacterial communities across stressful elevational gradients.
Loose‐Lipped Mobile Device Intelligent Personal Assistants: A Discussion of Information Gleaned from Siri on Locked iOS Devices
Authors: Horsman Graeme
Published: April 2018

The forensic analysis of mobile handsets is becoming a more prominent factor in many criminal investigations. Despite such devices frequently storing relevant evidential content to support an investigation, accessing this information is becoming an increasingly difficult task due to enhanced effective security features. Where access to a device's resident data is not possible via traditional mobile forensic methods, in some cases it may still be possible to extract user information via queries made to an installed intelligent personal assistant. This article presents an evaluation of the information which is retrievable from Apple's Siri when interacted with on a locked iOS device running iOS 11.2.5 (the latest at the time of testing). The testing of verbal commands designed to elicit a response from Siri demonstrate the ability to recover call log, SMS, Contacts, Apple Maps, Calendar, and device information which may support any further investigation.
Reanalysis of the Trotter Tibia Quandary and its Continued Effect on Stature Estimation of Past‐Conflict Service Members
Authors: Lynch Jeffrey James , Brown Carrie , Palmiotto Andrea , Maijanen Heli , Damann Franklin
Published: April 2018

Forensic casework from past‐conflicts relies on the corrected historical Trotter data for stature estimation in Fordisc. For roughly 10 years’, stature estimation using this data has produced point estimates for the tibia that are on average 1.25 inches less than the other long bones. This issue was identified after applying the equations derived from Fordisc to the USS Oklahoma commingled assemblage. Reevaluation of Fordisc revealed that a correction factor of 20 mm, instead of 10 mm, was mistakenly applied to the Trotter tibia data. Historical forensic anthropology reports written at the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency were utilized to identify that the overcorrection is isolated to Fordisc 3 with an error rate of 5% of known antemortem statures falling outside of the prediction intervals that relied on the tibia. Further evaluation of the Oklahoma sample indicates the 10 mm correction is still producing point estimates less than the other long bones.
Spontaneous rupture of renal angiomyolipoma during pregnancy: A report of two cases and literature review
Authors: Ng Tsz‐Leung , Chu Ringo Wing‐Hong , Leung Clarence Lok‐Hei , Chan Wayne Kwun‐Wai , Cho Chak‐Lam , Law In‐Chak , Kan Chi‐Fai , Ho Lap‐Yip , Au Wing‐Hang
Published: April 2018

Spontaneous rupture of renal angiomyolipoma (AML) during pregnancy is a rare but life‐threatening condition. In the present study, we report two of our cases and provide a literature review of 23 case reports. We retrospectively reviewed two pregnant women who presented with spontaneous ruptured AML; both failed conservative management. In our first case, a 36‐year‐old woman at 9 weeks’ gestation had selective renal arterial embolization with pelvic shield performed successfully. The pregnancy was continued to term, and the baby was delivered by elective Caesarean section. In our second case, a 33‐year‐old woman, pregnant with twins, at 32 weeks’ gestation had emergency Caesarean section performed uneventfully. On‐table selective renal arterial embolization was performed immediately afterwards, and the patient stabilized afterwards. Taken together with the 23 case reports in the literature, we conclude that embolization is a safe option of active intervention for ruptured AML in pregnancy when conservative management fails. It has the advantages of being minimally invasive and nephron‐sparing. The risk of radiation to the foetus is acceptable if proper measures are taken to minimize foetal radiation exposure.
Possible Solutions as a Concept in Behavior Change Interventions
Authors: Mahoney Diane E.
Published: April 2018

PROBLEM

Nurses are uniquely positioned to implement behavior change interventions. Yet, nursing interventions have traditionally resulted from nurses problem‐solving rather than allowing the patient to self‐generate possible solutions for attaining specific health outcomes.

PURPOSE

The purpose of this review is to clarify the meaning of possible solutions in behavior change interventions.

METHODS

Walker and Avant's method on concept analysis serves as the framework for examination of the possible solutions.

CONCLUSION

Possible solutions can be defined as continuous strategies initiated by patients and families to overcome existing health problems.

IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING PRACTICE

As nurses engage in behavior change interventions, supporting patients and families in problem‐solving will optimize health outcomes and transform clinical practice.
Affective Disturbances During Withdrawal from Chronic Intermittent Ethanol Inhalation in C57BL/6J and DBA/2J Male Mice
Authors: Sidhu Harpreet , Kreifeldt Max , Contet Candice
Published: April 2018

Background

Alcohol use disorders are characterized by a complex behavioral symptomatology, which includes the loss of control over alcohol consumption and the emergence of a negative affective state when alcohol is not consumed. Some of these symptoms can be recapitulated in rodent models, for instance following chronic intermittent ethanol (EtOH; CIE) vapor inhalation. However, the detection of negative affect in mice withdrawn from CIE has proven challenging and variable between strains. This study aimed to detect reliable indices of negative emotionality in CIE‐exposed C57BL/6J (C57) and DBA/2J (DBA) mice. Males were used because they are known to escalate their voluntary EtOH consumption upon CIE exposure, which is hypothesized to be driven by negative reinforcement (relief from negative affect).

Methods

Adult male mice were exposed to 4 to 6 weeks of CIE and were evaluated 3 to 10 days into withdrawal in the social approach, novelty‐suppressed feeding, digging, marble burying, and bottle brush tests.

Results

Withdrawal from CIE decreased sociability in DBA mice but not in C57 mice. Conversely, hyponeophagia was exacerbated by CIE in C57 mice but not in DBA mice. Withdrawal from CIE robustly increased digging activity in both strains, even in the absence of marbles. Aggressive responses to bottle brush attacks were elevated in both C57 and DBA mice following CIE exposure, but CIE had an opposite effect on defensive responses in the 2 strains (increase in C57 vs. decrease in DBA).

Conclusions

Our results indicate that withdrawal from CIE elicits negative emotionality in both C57 and DBA mice, but different tests need to be used to measure the anxiogenic‐like effects of withdrawal in each strain. Increased digging activity and irritability‐like behavior represent novel indices of affective dysfunction associated with withdrawal from CIE in both mouse strains. Our findings enrich the characterization of the affective symptomatology of protracted withdrawal from CIE in mice.
Unsupervised, Statistically Based Systems Biology Approach for Unraveling the Genetics of Complex Traits: A Demonstration with Ethanol Metabolism
Authors: Lusk Ryan , Saba Laura M. , Vanderlinden Lauren A. , Zidek Vaclav , Silhavy Jan , Pravenec Michal , Hoffman Paula L. , Tabakoff Boris
Published: April 2018

Background

A statistical pipeline was developed and used for determining candidate genes and candidate gene coexpression networks involved in 2 alcohol (i.e., ethanol [EtOH]) metabolism phenotypes, namely alcohol clearance and acetate area under the curve in a recombinant inbred (RI) (HXB/BXH) rat panel. The approach was also used to provide an indication of how EtOH metabolism can impact the normal function of the identified networks.

Methods

RNA was extracted from alcohol‐naïve liver tissue of 30 strains of HXB/BXH RI rats. The reconstructed transcripts were quantitated, and data were used to construct gene coexpression modules and networks. A separate group of rats, comprising the same 30 strains, were injected with EtOH (2 g/kg) for measurement of blood EtOH and acetate levels. These data were used for quantitative trait loci (QTL) analysis of the rate of EtOH disappearance and circulating acetate levels. The analysis pipeline required calculation of the module eigengene values, the correction of these values with EtOH metabolism rates and acetate levels across the rat strains, and the determination of the eigengene QTLs. For a module to be considered a candidate for determining phenotype, the module eigengene values had to have significant correlation with the strain phenotypic values and the module eigengene QTLs had to overlap the phenotypic QTLs.

Results

Of the 658 transcript coexpression modules generated from liver RNA sequencing data, a single module satisfied all criteria for being a candidate for determining the alcohol clearance trait. This module contained 2 alcohol dehydrogenase genes, including the gene whose product was previously shown to be responsible for the majority of alcohol elimination in the rat. This module was also the only module identified as a candidate for influencing circulating acetate levels. This module was also linked to the process of generation and utilization of retinoic acid as related to the autonomous immune response.

Conclusions

We propose that our analytical pipeline can successfully identify genetic regions and transcripts which predispose a particular phenotype and our analysis provides functional context for coexpression module components.
A conceptual model of vegetation dynamics for the unique obligate‐seeder eucalypt woodlands of south‐western Australia
Authors: Gosper Carl R. , Yates Colin J. , Cook Garry D. , Harvey Judith M. , Liedloff Adam C. , McCaw W. Lachlan , Thiele Kevin R. , Prober Suzanne M.
Published: April 2018

Models of vegetation dynamics framed as testable hypotheses provide powerful tools for predicting vegetation change in response to contemporary disturbances or climate change. Synthesizing existing information and applying new data, we develop a conceptual model of vegetation states and transitions for the previously overlooked woodlands dominated by obligate‐seeder eucalypts of dry to semi‐arid south‐western Australia. These comprise the largest extant temperate woodland globally, are uniquely dominated by a high diversity of obligate‐seeder eucalypts (55 taxa), but are under threat from wildfire. Our conceptual model incorporates four critical ecological processes that also distinguish obligate‐seeder woodlands from temperate woodlands dominated by resprouting eucalypts: (i) a lack of well‐protected epicormic buds results in major disturbances (prominently fire) being stand‐replacing. The pre‐disturbance tree cohort is killed, followed by dense post‐disturbance recruitment from seed shed from a serotinous seed bank; (ii) competition between saplings leads to self‐thinning over a multi‐century timeframe, with surviving individuals having great longevity (regularly >400 years); (iii) multiple processes limit recruitment in the absence of stand‐replacement disturbances, leading to frequent single‐cohort stands. However, unlike the few other obligate‐seeder eucalypt communities, trickle recruitment in very long‐unburnt stands can facilitate indefinite community persistence in the absence of stand‐replacement disturbances; and (iv) discontinuous fuels, relatively low understorey flammability (low grass and often high chenopod cover) and topographic barriers to fire (salt lakes) allow mature woodlands to persist for centuries without burning. Notably though, evidence suggests that flammability peaks at intermediate times since fire, establishing a ‘flammability bottleneck’ (or landscape fire trap) through which regenerating woodlands must pass. Our model provides a framework to support management to conserve obligate‐seeder eucalypt woodlands. Research into reasons for exceptional tree heights relative to ecosystem productivity, the evolution of diverse and dominant obligate‐seeder eucalypts, the paucity of grass, and the recent spatial distribution of fires, will further inform conservation management.
“Pain is forgotten where gain follows:” The masking effect of positive outcomes on emotional suffering
Authors: Sun Hailong , Li Aimei , Li Bin , Wang Haixia
Published: April 2018

Previous research has shown that people tend to overstate or understate their past feelings in memory when asked to recall their past emotional experiences. Drawing from cognitive reappraisal theory and mood congruence theory, we presented an integrative explanation that the type of outcome of stressful events influences the magnitude and direction of bias in emotional memory. The results of two studies showed that individuals who succeeded in a postgraduate recruitment interview or a job interview tended to overstate positive emotions and understate negative emotions. In contrast, individuals who failed in an interview understated positive emotions and overstated negative emotions. This phenomenon can be named “pain is forgotten where gain follows.” These results shed light on the controversy between mood congruent theory and the appraisal model as well as application values in intervention research on emotional biases.
Inflammatory cell indexes as preoperative predictors of hospital stay in open elective thoracic surgery
Authors: Paliogiannis Panagiotis , Ginesu Giorgio C. , Tanda Cinzia , Feo Claudio F. , Fancellu Alessandro , Fois Alessandro G. , Mangoni Arduino A. , Sotgia Salvatore , Carru Ciriaco , Porcu Alberto , Zinellu Angelo
Published: April 2018

Background

Shorter and safer hospital stay (HS) is a desired outcome for patients undergoing thoracic surgery. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the predictive capacity of a series of pre‐defined inflammatory cell indexes based on preoperative complete blood counts, towards length of HS in open elective thoracic surgery.

Methods

We retrospectively studied 157 consecutive patients undergoing open elective thoracic surgery. Preoperative neutrophil to lymphocyte, platelet to lymphocyte and lymphocyte to monocyte ratios were calculated, and the red cell distribution width and mean platelet volume were registered. In addition, the systemic inflammation response index (SIRI) and a further derivative index, the aggregate inflammation systemic index (AISI) were calculated.

Results

Statistically significant and positive correlations were observed between HS and SIRI, and between HS and AISI. In multiple logistic regression analysis, after dividing the patients in groups with normal and prolonged HS and adjusting for several confounders, only AISI was independently associated with HS.

Conclusions

Our results suggest that simple, inexpensive and widely available inflammatory cell indexes like SIRI and, particularly AISI, can be useful for the early identification of patients at risk of prolonged HS in open elective thoracic surgery.
The area of fixation covaries with short‐term changes in visual acuity after anti‐vascular endothelial growth factor treatment in patients with diabetic macular oedema
Authors: Jakobsen Nanna Stæhr , Larsen Dorte Ancher , Bek Toke
Published: April 2018

Purpose

Diabetic maculopathy can be treated with intravitreal injection of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) inhibitors. However, the therapy is not effective in all patients, and it would be desirable to have parameters for differentiating patients who will benefit from treatment from those who will not. Retinal fixation has been shown to be impaired in patients with low visual acuity (VA) secondary to macular disease, but the changes in fixational eye movements after anti‐VEGFtreatment for diabetic maculopathy have not been investigated.

Methods

Retinal fixation was studied in 29 patients with diabetic macular oedema before three monthly anti‐VEGFinjections, and 1 and 4 months after the last injection. The change in VA was correlated with changes in area, frequency, amplitude and total number of fixational saccades.

Results

During three monthly injections, best‐corrected visual acuity (BCVA) increased from (mean ± SD) 74.0 ± 11.5 Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study (ETDRS) letters to 78.3 ± 9.8ETDRSletters, (p = 0.003) and central retinal thickness (CRT) decreased from (mean ± SD) 441.7 ± 107.0 μm to 339.5 ± 74.2 μm, (p = <0.0001), which was followed by the opposite changes after treatment (BCVAreduced nonsignificantly to 77.5 ± 10.4ETDRSletters (p = 0.06), andCRTincreased to 393.0 ± 9.8 μm, p = <0.0001). Both improvement and worsening ofBCVAcorrelated with the fixation area (r2 = 0.28, p = 0.003 andr2 = 0.14, p = 0.045, respectively), but only improvement ofBCVAcorrelated with the frequency (r2 = 0.15, p = 0.037) and total number of saccades (r2 = 0.18, p = 0.02).BCVAshowed no correlation with the amplitude and most frequently occurring saccade amplitude.

Conclusion

Fixational eye movements may be used to monitor short‐term effects of anti‐VEGFtreatment on diabetic macular oedema. Future studies should aim at investigating a possible predictive value of fixational eye movements for visual function in the long term.
Validation of a short Korean version of the UPPS‐P Impulsive Behavior Scale
Authors: Lim Sun Young , Kim Seog Ju
Published: April 2018

Introduction

The purpose of the present study was to validate a Korean version of the short UPPS‐P Impulsive Behavior Scale (UPPS‐P).

Methods

This study included 724 undergraduate students who completed the following questionnaires: the Korean UPPS‐P, Beck Depression Inventory, State‐Trait Anxiety Inventory, Eating Disorder Inventory‐2, Alcohol Use Disorder Identification Test, and Canadian Problem Gambling Index.

Results

A confirmatory factor analysis supported a 5‐factor interrelated model. The internal consistency coefficients for the 5 factors of the short Korean UPPS‐P were acceptable (.65‐.78 across the subscales), and the subscales of the short Korean UPPS‐P were strongly correlated with the long UPPS‐P subscales. External validity was demonstrated by associations between the subfactors of impulsivity and various psychopathologies, including depression, anxiety, binge eating, alcohol abuse, and gambling.

Discussion

The present results indicate that the short Korean version of the UPPS‐P may be a useful and reliable alternative to the original long‐form UPPS‐P.
Order in Asia Beyond Power Transition: Understanding China's Rise, Changing International Roles and Grand Strategies
Authors: Fumagalli Matteo
Published: April 2018

The possibility of war in East Asia has increased in 2017, mainly as a result of the heightened tensions between Washington and Beijing and the escalation of tensions on the Korean peninsula. This has made the risks of strategic miscalculation, and thus an ensuing outbreak of war in Asia, conceivable.

Handling the rise of China—and what it means for other countries—will be the single greatest challenge of the 21st century. The books reviewed in this article all ask important questions about the effects of China's rise on East Asia and its relationships with near and distant powers. Taken together, their added value is twofold: one, they return interactions and relationships to the analytical center stage of International Relations; two, they place China squarely at the center of contemporary IR theorizing.
ASEAN, the “South China Sea” Arbitral Award, and the Code of Conduct: New Challenges, New Approaches
Authors: Roberts Christopher B.
Published: April 2018

The paper examines the South China Sea disputes and primarily focuses on developments since 2013 when the Philippines filed International Arbitration. The argues that the South China Sea situation involves two fundamental and interdependent considerations: (1) the right of sovereign states to access their legal entitlements unimpeded, and (2) the extent to which Asia and the international community value a rules‐based regional order. Before there is any possibility of redress on the issue, the paper contends that other key stakeholder states (such as Japan, the U. S., Australia and India) will also need to be more strongly engaged with the issue and support claimant countries through a diverse array of activities ranging from investments in capacity building to the use of foreign coastguards (if invited) to police and protect resources within the Exclusive Economic Zones, as clarified by the July 2016 Arbitral Ruling.
Mare Liberum: Aquino, Duterte, and The Philippines’ Evolving Lawfare Strategy in the South China Sea
Authors: Heydarian Richard Javad
Published: April 2018

The article analyzes the rationale, context, and implications of the Philippines’ landmark arbitration case in the South China Sea. Specifically, it evaluates four important and inter‐related issues: (i) the centrality of international law, particularly the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, to the peaceful management and, if possible, resolution of the South China Sea disputes; (ii) political and strategic factors, which convinced the Aquino administration to embark on a risky and uncertain legal warfare (lawfare) strategy against Beijing, which, in turn, vehemently opposed any third party arbitration vis‐à‐vis maritime and territorial disputes; (iii) the merits, outcome, and strategic implications of the Southeast Asian country's arbitration case on the broader geopolitical landscape in the region; and lastly, the divergent South China Sea strategy of the Duterte administration, which decided to soft‐pedal and sublimate the arbitral tribunal award in favor of a dialogue‐based resolution of the disputes.
Certain Historical Evidence (and Their Implications) Overlooked by the Arbitral Tribunal of the South China Sea Arbitration: Application of Article 121(3) on Spratly Islands
Authors: Bowes‐Lin Tiff Yu‐Ting
Published: April 2018

As part of its arbitration case on the South China Sea, the Philippines requested the arbitral tribunal to determine the status of certain features of the Spratly Islands under Article 121 of the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea. The Tribunal first clarified the meaning of the article, then subsequently applied it to the features in question, before concluding that no feature in this area is capable of generating an exclusive economic zone or continental shelf, for the reason that the features failed to satisfy the two criteria set forth in Article 121(3)—“human habitation” and “economic life of their own.” This article examines the historical evidence that was used to determine whether the maritime features in question satisfy these two criteria. It finds that there were existing evidence and additional materials that were overlooked by the Tribunal, with implications which could potentially have led to an alternative outcome.
Apical surface ring formation in Cyprinus carpio scale epidermis
Authors: DePasquale Joseph A.
Published: April 2018

Apical Rings (ARs) are novel circular structures located at the apical surface of fish scale epidermal cells. Different stages in the life cycle of ARs were established using time‐lapse video microscopy of Koi scale epidermis in situ. The organization of the F‐actin cytoskeleton corresponding to the stages of ring formation in live tissue was determined from phalloidin staining of scale epidermis. ARs form from localized swollen regions of microridges that subsequently elongate laterally, progressing into complete circles with well‐defined inner and outer borders that encircle unperturbed microridges. The ARs close in a centripetal movement to form a circular structure, the terminal disc, and subsequently an underlying vesicle, the terminal body. During this latter stage, a rapid rearrangement of the actin cytoskeleton occurs resulting in the emergence of a newly identified corkscrew‐like structure, termed the Helical Core. Furthermore, fluid‐phase markers are incorporated into the terminal bodies, identifying these vesicles as macropinosomes. The findings are discussed with respect to F‐actin organization and macropinocytosis at the epidermal surface of fish.
Single‐ and multiple‐dose escalation study to assess pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics and safety of oral esaxerenone in healthy Japanese subjects
Authors: Kato Manabu , Furuie Hidetoshi , Shimizu Takako , Miyazaki Atsuhiro , Kobayashi Fumiaki , Ishizuka Hitoshi
Published: April 2018

Aims

To characterize the pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics and safety of esaxerenone, a mineralocorticoid receptor antagonist, in healthy adult Japanese men.

Methods

Double‐blind, placebo‐controlled, sequential, dose‐escalation studies were conducted in subjects randomized to receive oral once‐daily esaxerenone (ranges: 5–200 mg [single‐dose]; 10–100 mg over 10 days [multiple‐dose]) or placebo under fasting conditions. Plasma concentrations were analysed by liquid chromatograph–tandem mass spectrometry. Pharmacokinetic parameters were determined by noncompartment analysis. Plasma/urine levels of pharmacodynamic biomarkers for mineralocorticoid receptor activity were evaluated.

Results

In total, 48/48 and 39/40 subjects completed the single‐ and multiple‐dose studies, respectively. Exposures were generally dose‐proportional. The tmax, t1/2 and CL/F remained unchanged, independent of dose; the respective ranges were 1.5–4.0 h, 22.3–25.1 h, and 4.0–5.2 l h–1 (multiple‐dose study). Vz/F ranged from 136.5 to 283.7 l in the multiple‐dose study, and exposure reached steady state by day 4. The mean observed accumulation ratio, by dose, ranged from 1.36–1.98. The urinary Na+/K+ ratio increased after single‐dose administration; however, its relationship to the doses tested remains unclear. Plasma renin activity, active renin concentration and aldosterone concentration increased dose‐dependently. Although blood potassium levels increased dose‐dependently in the multiple‐dose study (reaching a maximum mean ± standard deviation of 4.63 ± 0.354 mmol l–1 in the 100‐mg group), no safety/tolerability‐related problems were detected in either study.

Conclusions

Exposure levels in healthy adults receiving esaxerenone were generally dose‐proportional. Dose‐dependent changes in plasma pharmacodynamic biomarkers for the mineralocorticoid receptor were identified during multiple‐dose treatment and support the pharmacological activity of esaxerenone. No important safety concerns were identified.
Effects of increasing hydrophobicity by N‐terminal myristoylation on the antibacterial and hemolytic activities of the C‐terminal cationic segments of human‐β‐defensins 1–3
Authors: Krishnakumari Viswanatha , Guru Ankeeta , Adicherla Harikrishna , Nagaraj Ramakrishnan
Published: April 2018

Analogs of the cationic C‐terminal segments of human‐β‐defensinsHBD1‐3, Phd1‐3 with a single disulfide bond, exhibited comparable antimicrobial activity that was salt sensitive. They did not show hemolytic activity. In this study, N‐terminal myristoylation was carried out on Phd1‐3 to examine whether increasing hydrophobicity would result in improved antibacterial activity. The antibacterial activity of the oxidized myristoylated peptidesMPhd1‐3 and their reduced formsMPhd1r‐3r was determined. These peptides showed enhanced antibacterial activity as compared to Phd1‐3, on mid‐log phase and stationary phase ofStaphylococcus aureusandEscherichia coli,exceptMPhd1r‐3r that were inactive on stationary‐phaseE. coli. In the presence of 150 mmNaCl,MPhd1‐3 showed activity againstS. aureus.MPhd1and two exhibited activity againstE. colibutMPhd3 was inactive. Zeta potential measurements indicated thatMPhd1‐3 were more effective in surface charge neutralization of bacteria as compared to Phd1‐3.MPhd1‐3 exhibited hemolytic activity to varying extents withMPhd1 being most hemolytic. The data indicate that myristoylation enhances antibacterial activity and modulates hemolytic activity to different extents. Apart from hydrophobicity, distribution of cationic residues inMPhd1‐3 plays important roles for these activities.