bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Platelets contribute to growth and metastasis in hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Bihari Chhagan , Rastogi Archana , Shasthry Saggere Muralikrishna , Bajpai Meenu , Bhadoria Ajeet Singh , Rajesh S. , Mukund Amar , Kumar Anupam , Sarin Shiv K.
Published: July 2016

To determine the association of platelets with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) growth and its metastasis. We examined platelets, laboratory, and radiological data of consecutive 420 HCC and 1008 cirrhosis cases. Follow‐up information of platelet count in cirrhosis to HCC, pre‐ to post‐therapy, and post‐therapy to HCC outcome was analyzed. Cytokine profiling was performed in HCC and cirrhosis (n = 10 each). On the basis of imaging, HCC was divided into six subgroups. Cytosmears of HCC were assessed for platelet clustering around tumor cells. An in vitro Matrigel invasion assay was performed on human HCC cell lines using graded concentration of platelets. Baseline platelet numbers and platelet/lymphocyte ratios (PLRs) were significantly higher (p < 0.001) in HCC than cirrhosis. IL‐1, IL‐6, FGF, G‐CSF, thrombopoietin, and VEGF were higher in HCC than cirrhosis. Platelet counts were increased after HCC conversion of cirrhosis (p < 0.001) and decreased (p < 0.001) after therapy. Platelets and PLR in recurrence cases were higher than in responders at baseline. AFP, PIVKAII, platelets, and PLR increase (p < 0.001 each) with advancement in HCC growth. Multivariate analysis showed platelets (p = 0.002), PLR (p = 0.004), and AFP (p < 0.001) associated with distant metastasis. Platelet clustering seen in 75.7% of HCC group 3, 45% in group 2, and 12.5% in group 1 cases (p < 0.001). Invaded cells in Matrigel assay positively correlated with platelet concentration. Platelets can contribute to the development, growth, invasion, and metastasis of HCC. Rising platelet count after HCC therapy is indicative of incomplete response or recurrence.
Delayed instructional feedback may be more effective, but is this contrary to learners' preferences?
Authors: Lefevre David , Cox Benita
Published: July 2016

This research investigates learners' preferences for the timing of feedback provided to multiple‐choice questions within technology‐based instruction, hitherto an area of little empirical attention. Digital materials are undergoing a period of renewed prominence within online learning and multiple‐choice questions remain a common component. There is evidence that a delay in the provision of feedback following a learner's response to multiple‐choice questions leads to an increase in subsequent performance. However, the learner's perspective on delayed feedback is yet to be explored. Learner preferences are pertinent as learning designs that run contrary to preferred learning behaviours can have a negative affect on motivation and therefore engagement. During a series of formative tests, subjects were presented with a choice of viewing either immediate or delayed feedback and their choices were recorded. Over a 2‐year period data were collected relating to 599 subjects. Qualitative interviews were also conducted to investigate why subjects made their choices. In this research, subjects expressed a marked preference for immediate feedback, 95.33% chose to view feedback immediately following their response to a question. The reasons for this preference are explored and the implications for learning design are considered.
Active surveillance is suitable for intermediate term follow‐up of renal oncocytoma diagnosed by percutaneous core biopsy
Authors: Liu Shuo , Lee Stephen , Rashid Prem , Bangash Haider , Hamid Akhlil , Lau Jason , Cohen Ronald
Published: July 2016

Objectives

To evaluate the intermediate outcome of conservative management in patients with biopsy‐proven oncocytoma.

Patients and Methods

Patients with oncocytoma diagnosed on percutaneous core biopsy between January 2000 to December 2014 were identified from the renal biopsy database of a large specialist urologic pathology laboratory. After review of patient clinical records, the study cohort comprised only of patients enrolled in active surveillance. Clinicopathological and follow‐up details were reviewed for each case, in particular: type and interval of surveillance imaging, tumour growth, definitive intervention and reason for intervention. Where possible, correlation was made between the final surgical and the initial biopsy specimens.

Results

Fifty three patients diagnosed with oncocytoma on core biopsy were initially placed on active surveillance with median follow‐up of 34 months (range 6–109). The median age at diagnosis was 65 years (range 20–85) and median tumour size was 30 mm (range 13–87). Mean average tumour growth was 1.4 mm per annum (median 0 mm/year) with the majority (36 of 53, 68%) exhibiting minimal growth (less than 2 mm per annum) or partial regression. Forty seven of the 53 patients remained on active surveillance with no significant progression. Six patients elected to undergo definitive intervention (five surgical excision, one ablation). Renal oncocytoma was confirmed in all five patients who underwent surgical excision of their lesions.

Conclusions

The majority of oncocytomas in this study showed minimal growth rate or regression. Patients with biopsy proven oncocytoma can be conservatively managed with active surveillance.
Activation and modulation of recombinant glycine and GABAA receptors by 4‐halogenated analogues of propofol
Authors: Germann Allison L , Shin Daniel J , Manion Brad D , Edge Christopher J , Smith Edward H , Franks Nicholas P , Evers Alex S , Akk Gustav
Published: July 2016

Background and Purpose

Glycine receptors are important players in pain perception and movement disorders and therefore important therapeutic targets. Glycine receptors can be modulated by the intravenous anaesthetic propofol (2,6‐diisopropylphenol). However, the drug is more potent, by at least one order of magnitude, on GABAA receptors. It has been proposed that halogenation of the propofol molecule generates compounds with selective enhancement of glycinergic modulatory properties.

Experimental Approach

We synthesized 4‐bromopropofol, 4‐chloropropofol and 4‐fluoropropofol. The direct activating and modulatory effects of these drugs and propofol were compared on recombinant rat glycine and human GABAA receptors expressed in oocytes. Behavioural effects of the compounds were compared in the tadpole loss‐of‐righting assay.

Key Results

Concentration–response curves for potentiation of homomeric α1, α2 and α3 glycine receptors were shifted to lower drug concentrations, by 2–10‐fold, for the halogenated compounds. Direct activation by all compounds was minimal with all subtypes of the glycine receptor. The four compounds were essentially equally potent modulators of the α1β3γ2L GABAA receptor with EC50 between 4 and 7 μM. The EC50 for loss‐of‐righting in Xenopus tadpoles, a proxy for loss of consciousness and considered to be mediated by actions on GABAA receptors, ranged from 0.35 to 0.87 μM.

Conclusions and Implications

We confirm that halogenation of propofol more strongly affects modulation of homomeric glycine receptors than α1β3γ2L GABAA receptors. However, the effective concentrations of all tested halogenated compounds remained lower for GABAA receptors. We infer that 4‐bromopropofol, 4‐chloropropofol and 4‐fluoropropofol are not selective homomeric glycine receptor modulators.
Mitochondrial function, ornamentation, and immunocompetence
Authors: Koch Rebecca E. , Josefson Chloe C. , Hill Geoffrey E.
Published: July 2016

Understanding the mechanisms that link ornamental displays and individual condition is key to understanding the evolution and function of ornaments. Immune function is an aspect of individual quality that is often associated with the expression of ornamentation, but a general explanation for why the expression of some ornaments seems to be consistently linked to immunocompetence remains elusive. We propose that condition‐dependent ornaments may be linked to key aspects of immunocompetence through co‐dependence on mitochondrial function. Mitochondrial involvement in immune function is rarely considered outside of the biomedical literature, but the role of mitochondria as the primary energy producers of the cell and the centres of biosynthesis, the oxidative stress response, and cellular signalling place them at the hub of a variety of immune pathways. A promising new mechanistic explanation for correlations between a wide range of ornamental traits and the properties of individual quality is that mitochondrial function may be the ‘shared pathway’ responsible for links between ornament production and individual condition. Herein, we first review the role of mitochondria as both signal transducers and metabolic regulators of immune function. We then describe connections between hormonal pathways and mitochondria, with implications for both immune function and the expression of ornamentation. Finally, we explore the possibility that ornament expression may link directly to mitochondrial function. Considering condition‐dependent traits within the framework of mitochondrial function has the potential to unify central tenets within the study of sexual selection, eco‐immunology, oxidative stress ecology, stress and reproductive hormone biology, and animal physiology.
Dental service disparities in Canada: A Saskatoon, Saskatchewan case study
Authors: Jones Marina , Shah Tayyab , Hayes Alyssa , Uswak Gerry , Bell Scott
Published: July 2016

Key Messages

This intra‐urban analysis of spatial accessibility to dental services highlights poorly served municipalities.

The dental access score is found to be associated with the following socio‐economic variables: lone parent, home ownership, and dwellings needing major repairs.
The Financial Return from Measuring Impact
Authors: Santangeli Andrea , Sutherland William J.
Published: July 2016

In conservation, as in most other subjects, there is a division of expenditure into problem identification, solution testing, and practice. However, research concentrates on problem identification rather than solution testing. We calculate the return on the investment of research (a PhD thesis) examining the effectiveness of conservation interventions for birds of prey in three European countries. We show that the economic return from investing in a PhD thesis could be substantial, in the order of hundreds of thousands euros over 10 years or a return on investment of between 292% and 326% over that period. We derived the values of return on investment by first setting a common biological target (the total number of raptor fledglings produced per year). We then compared overall costs in achieving such target via the wide implementation of the results from the thesis (i.e., allocating resources to the most effective intervention) versus a business as usual scenario. We identify other theses that also show considerable benefits in improving effectiveness. We suggest that further research examining effectiveness would be cost‐effective in improving practice.
ASTRAL, DRAGON and SEDAN scores predict stroke outcome more accurately than physicians
Authors: Ntaios G. , Gioulekas F. , Papavasileiou V. , Strbian D. , Michel P.
Published: July 2016

Background and purpose

ASTRAL, SEDAN and DRAGON scores are three well‐validated scores for stroke outcome prediction. Whether these scores predict stroke outcome more accurately compared with physicians interested in stroke was investigated.

Methods

Physicians interested in stroke were invited to an online anonymous survey to provide outcome estimates in randomly allocated structured scenarios of recent real‐life stroke patients. Their estimates were compared to scores' predictions in the same scenarios. An estimate was considered accurate if it was within 95% confidence intervals of actual outcome.

Results

In all, 244 participants from 32 different countries responded assessing 720 real scenarios and 2636 outcomes. The majority of physicians' estimates were inaccurate (1422/2636, 53.9%). 400 (56.8%) of physicians' estimates about the percentage probability of 3‐month modified Rankin score (mRS) > 2 were accurate compared with 609 (86.5%) of ASTRAL score estimates (P < 0.0001). 394 (61.2%) of physicians' estimates about the percentage probability of post‐thrombolysis symptomatic intracranial haemorrhage were accurate compared with 583 (90.5%) of SEDAN score estimates (P < 0.0001). 160 (24.8%) of physicians' estimates about post‐thrombolysis 3‐month percentage probability of mRS 0–2 were accurate compared with 240 (37.3%) DRAGON score estimates (P < 0.0001). 260 (40.4%) of physicians' estimates about the percentage probability of post‐thrombolysis mRS 5–6 were accurate compared with 518 (80.4%) DRAGON score estimates (P < 0.0001).

Conclusions

ASTRAL, DRAGON and SEDAN scores predict outcome of acute ischaemic stroke patients with higher accuracy compared to physicians interested in stroke.
Drosophila maleless gene counteracts X global aneuploid effects in males
Authors: Bhadra Utpal , Gandhi Sumit G. , Palaparthi Ramesh , Balyan Manoj K. , Pal‐Bhadra Manika
Published: July 2016

The loss of the entire X chromosome in Drosophila males generates a genome‐wide aneuploid effect. We have employed a systems biology approach (microarray) to investigate the global aneuploid effect of the maleless (mle) mutation that disrupts the binding of male specific lethal (MSL) proteins that function in dosage compensation. A large number of the genes (144) that encode a broad spectrum of cellular transport proteins and transcription factors are located mainly in the autosomes of Drosophila melanogaster. We found several such targets to be sensitive to the aneuploid effect and conserved with the X chromosome in primitive Drosophila species and Anopheles gambiae. During evolution, they shifted gradually from their X‐chromosomal positions to the autosomes in the species D. melanogaster, suggesting that the counteraction of trans‐acting regulatory modifiers and their targets in two separate chromosomes is evolutionarily advantageous. These findings suggest a remarkable and previously unexpected level of complexity favoring natural compensation for the aneuploid effect. We propose that the MSL complex functions in dosage compensation in two separate steps. Initially, X‐linked genes including X‐linked trans‐acting modifiers are hyperactivated in dosage compensated males. Later, these compensated modifiers eventually mitigate inverse aneuploid effects for the equality in expression of their autosomal targets in males and females.

Database

Microarray data are available at the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) web deposit of National Centre for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) with the accession number GSE78227.
Measurement and prediction of CTOD in austenitic stainless steel
Authors: Khor W , Moore P L , Pisarski H G , Haslett M , Brown C J
Published: July 2016

Variation of Crack Tip Opening Displacement (CTOD) test values can have a significant effect on the Engineering Critical Assessment of a structure. This paper examines the development of CTOD with increasing load in an austenitic stainless steel. The silicone replication method giving variation of CTOD across the specimen thickness, and Digital Image Correlation (DIC) are compared to each other, and in turn to clip gauge measurements from tests. Results from Finite Element models are also presented. Estimations of CTOD from BS 7448‐1, ISO 12135 and ASTM E1820, and a proposed modification from JWES are compared to the experimental data from the crack cast in silicone compound – assumed to be the actual CTOD. The DIC measurement showed consistency with crack replicas, and a formula is given to estimate CTOD using DIC. For high strain hardening austenitic stainless steel, both the JWES and ASTM E1820 estimations provide adequate accuracy for CTOD.
Analytical and numerical investigation of the stiffness matrix for edge‐cracked circular shafts
Authors: Li Y. , Cao S. , Dimitri R. , Fantuzzi N. , Tornabene F.
Published: July 2016

This paper examines two engineering methods of evaluating the stress intensity factors for cracked beams and bars subjected to a combined loading and proposes innovative formulations, as far as the circular cross section is concerned. Based on the definition of the stress intensity factors, the compliance matrix is determined as the inverse of the stiffness matrix, modelling the cracked section of a beam through a line‐spring approximation with interactive forces computed within fracture mechanics. A comparative evaluation of numerical predictions based on the proposed methods is also performed with methods available from the literature. Results for free vibration analyses of beams with transverse non‐propagating open cracks are presented and compared in order to estimate the accuracy and efficiency of the proposed methods, where a good agreement is generally found. More specifically, two different coupling effects are herein analysed for circular beams subjected to a combined bending, axial and shear loading, first, and a combined bending, shear and torsion loading, subsequently.
Validity of the Portuguese CHO‐KLAT in Brazil
Authors: Villaça P. R. , Blanchette V. S. , Carneiro J. D. A. , Ozelo M. C. , Antunes S. , Feldman B. M. , Abad A. , Usuba K. , Young N. L.
Published: July 2016

Introduction

It is essential to assess the health‐related quality of life outcomes of boys with haemophilia in Brazil. The Canadian Haemophilia Outcomes‐Kids Life Assessment Tool (CHO‐KLAT) was recently adapted for this population.

Aim

To test the construct validity of the Portuguese version of the CHO‐KLAT.

Methods

We recruited 50 boys, with moderate [factor VIII (FVIII) level 1–5%] or severe (FVIII level <1%) haemophilia, to participate in a descriptive study to establish a baseline understanding of the current status of boys with haemophilia in Brazil. All boys were required to complete the Brazilian CHO‐KLAT and Brazilian Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory (PedsQL) by self‐report. We examined the correlation between the CHO‐KLAT and PedsQL scores to establish the construct validity of the Brazilian version of the CHO‐KLAT.

Results

We obtained CHO‐KLAT and PedsQL data from 35 boys with severe haemophilia and 15 with moderate haemophilia. They ranged in age from 7.3 to 18.0 years, with a mean of 13.0 years. They reported a mean CHO‐KLAT score of 72.3 (range = 44.1–93.9). The mean PedsQL score was 79.9 (range = 45.7–96.7), with physical health (mean of 83.9) being better than psychosocial health (77.8). The Pearson's correlation between CHO‐KLAT and PedsQL was 0.47 respectively (P < 0.001). The CHO‐KLAT had a moderate and inverse relationship with the degree to which they were bothered by their haemophilia (ρ = −0.53), while the PedsQL had a weaker relationship (ρ = −0.27).

Conclusion

The results confirm the validity of the Portuguese version of the CHO‐KLAT. This measure is now available for clinical trials in boys with haemophilia in Brazil.
Treatment of acute bleeding in acquired haemophilia A with recombinant activated factor VII: analysis of 10‐year Japanese postmarketing surveillance data
Authors: Amano K. , Seita I. , Higasa S. , Sawada A. , Kuwahara M. , Shima M.
Published: July 2016

Introduction

Patients with acquired haemophilia A (AHA) have autoantibodies against factor VIII (FVIII), and may develop spontaneous bleeding that requires treatment with FVIII inhibitor bypassing agents such as recombinant activated FVII (rFVIIa, NovoSeven®). However, data regarding the use of rFVIIa are limited.

Aim

To investigate the use, efficacy and safety of rFVIIa for the treatment of AHA by analysis of 10‐year multicentre Japanese postmarketing surveillance data.

Methods

Treatment regimens, haemostatic efficacy and adverse events were recorded for rFVIIa therapy of AHA patients with bleeding episodes. Treatment was evaluated as markedly effective, effective, moderate or ineffective.

Results

Data were collected for 371 bleeding episodes in 132 patients. Bleeding improved after rFVIIa therapy in 92% of episodes (markedly effective in 41%, effective in 10%, moderate in 41%). The response rate was significantly better in patients who received an initial dose of ≥90 μg kg−1 than in those who received an initial dose of <90 μg kg−1. The response rate was also significantly better when rFVIIa was administered earlier after the onset of bleeding. Twelve serious adverse events were recorded in six patients, including five serious thromboembolic events in three patients who were all elderly with significant comorbidities.

Conclusion

This is the largest, single‐country study of rFVIIa therapy in AHA patients reported to date. The Japanese surveillance data show comparable efficacy and safety to prior multinational studies. Doses of 90–120 μg kg−1 and prompt initiation of treatment may be important to achieve good bleeding control.
Behaviour Problems in Children with Intellectual Disabilities in a Resource‐Poor Setting in India – Part 1: Association with Age, Sex, Severity of Intellectual Disabilities and IQ
Authors: Lakhan Ram , Kishore M. Thomas
Published: July 2016

Background

Behaviour problems are most common in people with intellectual disabilities. Nature of behaviour problems can vary depending upon the age, sex and intellectual level (IQ).

Objectives

This study examined the distribution of behaviour problems across intellectual disability categories and their association with IQ age and sex in children with intellectual disabilities.

Methods

This is a cross‐sectional study design. A total of 104 participants (57 males and 47 females), aged 3–18 years, with intellectual disabilities were administered The Behavioural Assessment Scale for Indian Children with Mental Retardation (BASIC‐MR).

Results

It was found that violent and destructive, temper tantrum and self‐injurious behaviours were differently distributed with reference to intellectual disability levels (P > 0.05) but cumulative scores per se problem behaviours did not vary with the level of intellectual disabilities. IQ showed a significant positive correlation with destructive and violent and misbehaves with other; and a significant negative correlation with temper tantrums and self‐injurious behaviours. Age was significantly, positively associated with violent and destructive, odd, and hyperactive behaviours and inversely with self‐injurious problem behaviours. There was no significant relationship between the sex of the child and problem behaviours. There was no significant interactive effect of sex and level of intellectual disabilities of the child on problem behaviours.

Conclusion

Behaviour problems, in general, are not equally distributed in all categories of intellectual disabilities. Relationship between behaviour problems and age, sex and IQ may not be uniform. But specific behaviours are more associated with specific age group and intellectual disability levels.
Attentional avoidance of fearful facial expressions following early life stress is associated with impaired social functioning
Authors: Humphreys Kathryn L. , Kircanski Katharina , Colich Natalie L. , Gotlib Ian H.
Published: July 2016

Background

Early life stress is associated with poorer social functioning. Attentional biases in response to threat‐related cues, linked to both early experience and psychopathology, may explain this association. To date, however, no study has examined attentional biases to fearful facial expressions as a function of early life stress or examined these biases as a potential mediator of the relation between early life stress and social problems.

Methods

In a sample of 154 children (ages 9–13 years) we examined the associations among interpersonal early life stressors (i.e., birth through age 6 years), attentional biases to emotional facial expressions using a dot‐probe task, and social functioning on the Child Behavior Checklist.

Results

High levels of early life stress were associated with both greater levels of social problems and an attentional bias away from fearful facial expressions, even after accounting for stressors occurring in later childhood. No biases were found for happy or sad facial expressions as a function of early life stress. Finally, attentional biases to fearful faces mediated the association between early life stress and social problems.

Conclusions

Attentional avoidance of fearful facial expressions, evidenced by a bias away from these stimuli, may be a developmental response to early adversity and link the experience of early life stress to poorer social functioning.
Neonatal seizures are associated with redistribution and loss ofGABAAα‐subunits in the hypoxic‐ischaemic pig
Authors: Miller Stephanie M. , Sullivan Susan M. , Ireland Zoe , Chand Kirat K. , Colditz Paul B. , Bjorkman S. Tracey
Published: July 2016

Seizures are a common manifestation of hypoxic‐ischaemic brain injury in the neonate. In status epilepticus models alterations toGABAARsubunit expression have been suggested to contribute to (i) abnormal development of theGABAergic system, (ii) why seizures become self‐sustaining and (iii) the development of pharmacoresistance. Detailed investigation ofGABAARsubunit protein expression after neonatal hypoxia‐ischaemia (HI) is currently insufficient. Using our pig model ofHIand subsequent spontaneous neonatal seizures, we investigated changes in protein expression of the three predominant α‐subunits of theGABAAR; α1, α2and α3. Anaesthetized, ventilated newborn pigs (< 24 h old) were subjected to 30 minHIand subsequently recovered to 24 or 72 h. Amplitude‐integrated electroencephalography was used to monitor brain activity and identify seizure activity. Brain tissue was collected post‐mortem andGABAARα‐subunit protein expression was analysed using western blot and immunohistochemistry.GABAARα1and α3protein expression was significantly reduced in animals that developed seizures afterHI;HIanimals that did not develop seizures did not exhibit the same reductions. Immunohistochemistry revealed decreased α1and α3expression, and α1redistribution from the cell membrane to the cytosol, in the hippocampus of seizure animals. Multivariate analyses, controlling forHIseverity and neuronal injury, revealed that seizures were independently associated with significantGABAARα3reduction. This is the first study to show loss and redistribution ofGABAARα‐subunits in a neonatal brain experiencing seizures. Our findings are similar to those reported in models ofSEand in chronic epilepsy.

image
Improving Distress in Dialysis (iDiD): A tailored CBT self‐management treatment for patients undergoing dialysis
Authors: Hudson Joanna L. , Moss‐Morris Rona , Game David , Carroll Amy , Chilcot Joseph
Published: July 2016

Background

There is significant psychological distress in adults with end‐stage kidney disease (ESKD). However, psychological treatments tailored to address the unique challenges of kidney failure are absent. We identified psychological correlates of distress in ESKD to develop a cognitive‐behavioural therapy (CBT) treatment protocol that integrates the mental health needs of patients alongside their illness self‐management demands.

Methods

Studies which examined relationships between distress and psychological factors that apply in the context of ESKD including: health threats, cognitive illness representations and illness management behaviours were narratively reviewed. Review findings were translated into a CBT formulation model to inform the content of a renal‐specific seven session CBT treatment protocol, which was commented on and refined by patient representatives.

Results

Health threats related to distress were grouped into four themes including: acute ESKD events, loss of role, uncertainty and illness self‐management. Having pessimistic illness and treatment perceptions were associated with elevated distress. Non‐adherence and avoidance behaviours were related to feelings of distress, whereas cognitive reappraisal, acceptance, social support and assertiveness were associated with less distress.

Conclusions

The dialysis‐specific CBT formulation identifies the importance of targeting ESKD‐specific correlates of distress to allow the delivery of integrated mental and physical health care. The ‘Improving Distress in Dialysis (iDiD)’ treatment protocol now requires further evaluation in terms of content, feasibility and potential efficacy.
Co‐occurring grassland species vary in their responses to fine‐scale soil heterogeneity
Authors: Tamme Riin , Gazol Antonio , Price Jodi N. , Hiiesalu Inga , Pärtel Meelis
Published: July 2016

Questions

How does fine‐scale soil heterogeneity impact on co‐occurring species? Which species are advantaged in heterogeneous soils?

Location

Greenhouse experiment using European grassland species, University of Tartu, Estonia.

Methods

We grew plant assemblages consisting of 15 species in five soil treatments – comprising three spatially uniform fertility levels (low, medium or high) and two heterogeneous conditions created using checkerboard combinations of low‐ and high‐fertility patches at two spatial scales (6.25 × 6.25 cm or 12.5 × 12.5 cm patches, overall medium fertility). We compared species responses (above‐ground biomass) between heterogeneous and homogeneous treatments. Additionally, we compared species responses within low‐fertility patches in heterogeneous treatments to the homogeneous treatment of the same fertility.

Results

Larger, dominant species were advantaged in heterogeneous compared to homogeneous conditions (with the same or lower overall fertility), whereas the growth and survival of smaller, subordinate species was reduced. Larger, dominant species also had increased above‐ground biomass within the low‐fertility patches in heterogeneous compared to homogeneous low‐fertility conditions, but the opposite was true for smaller, subordinate species. In general, species responses in heterogeneous conditions did not differ from the homogeneous high‐fertility treatment, although the heterogeneous conditions had lower overall fertility.

Conclusions

In our experimental grasslands, species differed in their responses to fine‐scale soil heterogeneity. Patchy resource distribution directly benefits larger, dominant species that can forage among patches and produce more above‐ground biomass compared to conditions where the same amount of resources is distributed homogeneously. Smaller, subordinate species that are more likely confined to a uniform soil patch are disadvantaged by heterogeneity due to increased root and shoot competition from neighbouring species. These species‐specific responses to fine‐scale soil heterogeneity and altered competitive interactions have important implications for plant community structure and productivity.
The Cohort Size‐Wage Relationship in Europe
Authors: Moffat John , Roth Duncan
Published: July 2016

This paper estimates the impact of cohort size on wages using data on young males in European regions covering 2004–10. The effect of cohort size on wages is identified through an instrumental variables strategy which, in contrast to previous analyses of European data, addresses self‐selection into geographical areas as well as into educational groups. The results suggest that cohort size has a significant negative effect on male wages for individuals with secondary education — the largest group — but not for individuals with less than secondary education or tertiary education. This effect is underestimated if self‐selection into geographical areas is not addressed.
Design with Uncertainty: The Role of Future Options for Infrastructure Integration
Authors: Martani Claudio , Jin Ying , Soga Kenichi , Scholtes Stefan
Published: July 2016

Decision making for effective infrastructure integration is challenging because the performance of long‐lasting facilities is often difficult to foresee or well beyond the designer's control. We propose a new approach for integrating the construction/retrofitting of two or more types of facilities. Infrastructure integration has many perceived benefits, but practitioners also express serious doubts, particularly when it comes to civil engineering works. To substantiate this approach, we test all of the major options for integrating a ground source heat pump system with the construction/retrofitting of an archetypal office building. We use actual data from the United Kingdom, which represent a middle‐of‐the‐road setting among major developed countries. The model highlights the sensitivity of the range of cost‐effective solutions to the embedding of future options. The findings point to a clear need for appropriate standards for managing infrastructure integration. We expect this kind of model to find increasing applications among infrastructure complexes, particularly as cities become denser and more multifunctional.
Genetic structure of the beaked whale genusBerardiusin the North Pacific, with genetic evidence for a new species
Authors: Morin Phillip A. , Scott Baker C. , Brewer Reid S. , Burdin Alexander M. , Dalebout Merel L. , Dines James P. , Fedutin Ivan , Filatova Olga , Hoyt Erich , Jung Jean‐Luc , Lauf Morgane , Potter Charles W. , Richard Gaetan , Ridgway Michelle , Robertson Kelly M. , Wade Paul R.
Published: July 2016

There are two recognized species in the genusBerardius, Baird's and Arnoux's beaked whales. In Japan, whalers have traditionally recognized two forms of Baird's beaked whales, the common “slate‐gray” form and a smaller, rare “black” form. Previous comparison of mtDNAcontrol region sequences from three black specimens to gray specimens around Japan indicated that the two forms comprise different stocks and potentially different species. We have expanded sampling to include control region haplotypes of 178 Baird's beaked whales from across their range in the North Pacific. We identified five additional specimens of the black form from the Aleutian Islands and Bering Sea, for a total of eight “black” specimens. The divergence between mtDNAhaplotypes of the black and gray forms of Baird's beaked whale was greater than their divergence from the congeneric Arnoux's beaked whale found in the Southern Ocean, and similar to that observed among other congeneric beaked whale species. Taken together, genetic evidence from specimens in Japan and across the North Pacific, combined with evidence of smaller adult body size, indicate presence of an unnamed species ofBerardiusin the North Pacific.
Time‐Space Experience in Works for Solo Cello by Lachenmann, Xenakis and Ferneyhough: a Performance‐Sensitive Approach to Morphosyntactic Musical Analysis
Authors: Utz Christian
Published: July 2016

The present article aims to develop an approach to musical meaning that integrates performative dimensions systematically into a broadened concept of analysis, connecting particularly to recent research into the temporal qualities of musical perception. Taking three key works from the solo cello repertoire of the 1960s and ’70s – Helmut Lachenmann'sPression, Iannis Xenakis'sNomos Alphaand Brian Ferneyhough'sTime and Motion Study II– as a basic corpus of study, this ‘morphosyntactic’ view of sound structure is complemented with a comparison of different recordings of these three works by interpreting software‐based collections of data of timing and tempo as well as close listening, in addition to documentation of the composers’ and performers’ conceptions of time and tempo. The analyses propose an interaction of three different categories of form‐building time‐space concepts that are deeply embedded in the history of music theory and aesthetics: ‘spatial time’, ‘processual time’ and ‘presentist time’. Performers may shift between or merge these three archetypes by varying temporal and dynamic consistency or contrast, among other means. The performance‐related data are compared with the perspectives of performers and composers, corroborating the space of ‘informed intuition’ even in the performance of these very prescriptively notated scores and demonstrating on multiple levels the continuous impact of ‘rhetorical’ performance traditions (despite or within their compositional deconstruction) in the music of the postwar and contemporary avant‐garde.
MODELING THE EFFECT OF RARITY VALUE ON THE EXPLOITATION OF A WILDLIFE SPECIES SUBJECTED TO THE ALLEE EFFECT
Authors: VERMA MAITRI
Published: July 2016

The overexploitation of wildlife species is a serious problem in the field of biodiversity conservation. The species subjected to natural Allee effects are even more threatened by exploitation. Moreover, for many wildlife species, their rarity can fuel their exploitation by making them disproportionately desirable and consequently increasing their market price. In this paper, a mathematical model is proposed and analyzed to study how the value that consumers place on rarity can threaten the survival of a species subjected to natural Allee effects. It is assumed that the value of a species increases as its density declines. The analysis of model shows that the increase in the consumers' response to rarity can drive the system to admit Hopf‐bifurcation and heteroclinic bifurcation. The occurrence of the heteroclinic cycle indicates that the increase in consumers' response to rarity can cause the extinction of the species. It is found that an increase in the Allee threshold causes a decrease in the threshold value of consumers' response below which extinction is inevitable.
Aristotle for nursing
Authors: Allmark Peter
Published: July 2016

This article aims: (1) to introduce the wider philosophy of Aristotle to nurses and healthcare practitioners; (2) to show that Aristotle's philosophical system is an interdependent whole; and (3) to defend its plausibility and usefulness despite its ancient and alien origins.

Aristotle's system can be set out as a hierarchy, with metaphysics at the top and methodology running throughout. Beneath metaphysics are the sciences, with theoretical, practical and productive (or craft) sciences in hierarchical order. This hierarchy does not imply that, say, metaphysics is superior to biology or nursing, but rather that metaphysics can be understood without reference to the other two but, as we shall see, notvice versa.

Two themes run through Aristotelian philosophy. The first is Aristotle's method of inquiry, central to which is that our starting point is not pure empirical data, but rather current puzzles; complementing this method is a realist philosophy. The second theme is teleology, the understanding of action in the world in terms of ends, as when we say a plant grows roots to reach water and nutrients.

Implications for nursing. Good health is the good functioning of the material aspect of humans; flourishing is good functioning of humansper se. The goals of nursing, which are based on health, are subsumed by the overall human goal of flourishing, and this helps us to understand and set boundaries to health care. Two examples illustrate this. The first is that mental illness is strongly within the purview of nursing and health care whereas bad decisions, such as smoking, are only marginally so. The second is ethics, where it is argued that the attempt to describe ethical decision‐making as in addition to and separate from the decisions made within nursing and health care itself cannot be sustained.
Reference values for spirometry and their use in test interpretation: A Position Statement from the Australian and New Zealand Society of Respiratory Science
Authors: Brazzale Danny , Hall Graham , Swanney Maureen P.
Published: July 2016

Traditionally, spirometry testing tended to be confined to the realm of hospital‐based laboratories but is now performed in a variety of health care settings. Regardless of the setting in which the test is conducted, the fundamental basis of spirometry is that the test is both performed and interpreted according to the international standards. The purpose of this Australian and New Zealand Society of Respiratory Science (ANZSRS) statement is to provide the background and recommendations for the interpretation of spirometry results in clinical practice. This includes the benchmarking of an individual's results to population reference data, as well as providing the platform for a statistically and conceptually based approach to the interpretation of spirometry results. Given the many limitations of older reference equations, it is imperative that the most up‐to‐date and relevant reference equations are used for test interpretation. Given this, the ANZSRS recommends the adoption of the Global Lung Function Initiative (GLI) 2012 spirometry reference values throughout Australia and New Zealand. The ANZSRS also recommends that interpretation of spirometry results is based on the lower limit of normal from the reference values and the use of Z‐scores where available.
Measuring Output, Input and Total Factor Productivity in Australian Agriculture: An Industry‐Level Analysis
Authors: Sheng Yu , Jackson Tom , Zhao Shiji , Zhang Dandan
Published: July 2016

This paper uses the growth accounting approach to estimate total factor productivity in the Australian agriculture industry between 1949 and 2012. To shed light on an unresolved debate on quantifying the roles of capital and labor, we compare the “ex‐ante” and “ex‐post” approaches to the estimation of returns to capital and labor, and find the former performs better than the latter in the context of the agricultural production account. We also demonstrate how the measurement of agricultural productivity may be improved by accounting for heterogeneity in output and input quality. Finally, our estimates are distinct from existing statistics in both the time length and industry coverage and provide new information about the long‐term trend of agriculture productivity in Australia.
Productivity Growth and International Competitiveness
Authors: Gu Wulong , Yan Beiling
Published: July 2016

This paper presents a measure of effective multifactor productivity (MFP) growth for Canada, the U.S., Australia, Japan and selected EU countries. The measure differs from the standard MFP growth as it measures productivity growth in the production of different types of products instead of by industry and it captures the effect of productivity gains in both foreign and domestic upstream industries. The paper finds that the increase in effective MFP is closely associated with the decline in output price and improvement in international competitiveness. Multifactor productivity growth for small, open economies and for the production of manufacturing, investment and export goods is partly attributable to productivity gains in the production of intermediate inputs in foreign countries.
Continuous Auto-Regressive Moving Average Random Fields on Rn
Authors: Brockwell Peter J. , Matsuda Yasumasa
Published: July 2016

We define an isotropic Lévy-driven continuous auto-regressive moving average CARMA(p, q) random field on Rn as the integral of a radial CARMA kernel with respect to a Lévy sheet. Such fields constitute a parametric family characterized by an auto-regressive polynomial a and a moving average polynomial b having zeros in both the left and the right complex half-planes. They extend the well-balanced Ornstein–Uhlenbeck process of Schnurr and Woerner to a well-balanced CARMA process in one dimension (with a much richer class of autocovariance functions) and to an isotropic CARMA random field on Rn for n > 1. We derive second-order properties of these random fields and extend the results to a larger class of anisotropic CARMA random fields. If the driving Lévy sheet is compound Poisson it is trivial to simulate the corresponding random field on any bounded subset of Rn. A method for joint estimation of the CARMA kernel parameters and knot locations is proposed for compound-Poisson-driven fields and is illustrated by applications to simulated data and Tokyo land price data.
The effects of parental education on exercise behavior in childhood and youth: a study in Dutch and Finnish twins
Authors: Huppertz C. , Bartels M. , de Geus E. J. C. , van Beijsterveldt C. E. M. , Rose R. J. , Kaprio J. , Silventoinen K.
Published: July 2016

Twin studies have estimated the relative contribution of genes and the environment to variance in exercise behavior and it is known that parental education positively affects exercise levels. This study investigates the role of parental education as a potential modifier of variance in exercise behavior from age 7 to 18 years. The study is based on large datasets from the Netherlands Twin Register (NTR: N = 24 874 twins; surveys around the ages of 7, 10, 12, 14, 16 and 18 years) and two Finnish twin cohorts (FinnTwin12: N = 4399; 12, 14 and 17 years; FinnTwin16: N = 4648; 16, 17 and 18 years). Regular participation in moderate‐to‐vigorous exercise activities during leisure time was assessed by survey. Parental education was dichotomized (“both parents with a low education” vs “at least one parent with a high education”). The mean in exercise behavior tended to be higher and the variance tended to be lower in children of high educated parents. Evidence for gene‐by‐environment interaction was weak. To develop successful interventions that specifically target children of low educated parents, the mechanisms causing the mean and variance differences between the two groups should be better understood.
Successful treatment of a disseminated infection with extensively drug‐resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae in a liver transplant recipient with a fosfomycin‐based multidrug regimen
Authors: Mills J.P. , Wilck M.B. , Weikert B.C. , Porrett P.M. , Timko D. , Alby K. , Bonomo R.A. , Blumberg E.A.
Published: July 2016

Donor‐derived infections with multidrug‐resistant gram‐negative bacteria are associated with poor outcomes, in part because of limited treatment options. Here, we describe a case of donor‐derived, disseminated infection with colistin‐resistant, carbapenemase‐producing Klebsiella pneumoniae in a liver transplant recipient that was cured with addition of intravenous fosfomycin to a multidrug regimen, in conjunction with aggressive surgical source control. Intravenous fosfomycin represents a promising adjunctive agent for use in treatment of extensively drug‐resistant infections in immunocompromised hosts.
A Simulation Method to Estimate Two Types of Time-Varying Failure Rate of Dynamic Systems
Authors: Wang Zhonglai , Zhang Xiaoqiang , Huang Hong-Zhong , Mourelatos Zissimos P.
Published: July 2016

The failure rate of dynamic systems with random parameters is time-varying even for linear systems excited by a stationary random input. In this paper, we propose a simulation-based method to estimate two types (type I and type II) of time-varying failure rate of dynamic systems. The input stochastic processes are discretized in time and the trajectories of the output stochastic process are calculated. The time of interest is partitioned into a series of time intervals and the saddlepoint approximation (SPA) is employed to estimate the probability of failure in each interval. Type I follows the commonly used definition of failure rate. It is estimated at discrete time intervals using SPA and the correlation information from a properly selected time-dependent copula function. Type II is a proposed new concept of time-varying failure rate. It provides a way to predict the failure rate considering a virtual “good-as-old” repair action of repairable dynamic systems. The effectiveness of the proposed method is illustrated with a vehicle vibration example.