bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Scaling-up of evapotranspiration measurements: the promising role of scintillometry
Authors: Vendrame N , Tezza L , Pitacco A
Published: May 2019

The assessment of evapotranspiration (ET) is of primary interest, especially for agricultural and environmental issues. Traditional micrometeorological techniques require homogenous surface and are characterized by limited footprint. Thus, they cannot be applied to assess ET over inhomogeneous and extensive surfaces, typical conditions at the catchment scale and of extensive farming systems. In this context, a suitable technique to measure turbulent fluxes is scintillometry, which can give measurements of sensible heat flux at larger scale, providing averages over heterogeneous surfaces. ET can then be estimated as residual of the energy budget. In this study, we present results from a one-week campaign held during summer 2016 in Southern Italy. We deployed a Large Aperture Scintillometer (LAS) in an extensive vineyard of 140 ha on a path length of 760 m. The site was characterized by gently slope terrain with uniform crop. In order to have reference measurements of local sensible heat flux, we deployed three sonic anemometers along the scintillometer path. The aim of the study was to test the ability of scintillometry to provide a spatially averaged flux, representative of the possibly diverse conditions in an extended footprint upwind to the measurement path. The relationship between sensible heat flux measured by EC and LAS showed to be very good for the EC station in the middle of the path, whereas off-centre areas were less represented.
Influence of sensor calibration on forecasting models for vineyard disease detection
Authors: Sanna F , Deboli R , Calvo A , Merlone A
Published: May 2019

The evolution of vineyard diseases, such as downy mildew, are depending by temperature, humidity and rain. Fungicides are used to control these pathologies, with considerable economic costs, negative effects on environment, human health and wine quality. In order to identify fungicide sprays periods, several forecasting models were proposed. These tools require accurate knowledge of meteorological variables. These models give great contribution to farmers and technicians, nevertheless, do not consider the quality of the input data in terms of evaluation of measurement uncertainty and traceability to the reference sensors. The inclusion of the sensors’ calibration and the influence of weather instrument positioning, affects the disease prediction up to 5 days. Therefore, the choice of instrument position and calibration procedure becomes a matter of importance in agriculture.
Alternative livelihood dilemmas and the degradation of protected areas: power contestation and social-ecological interests in Gede Pangrango National Park
Authors: Deni  , Adiwibowo S , Satria A , Kartodihardjo H
Published: May 2019

Forest degradation has occurred in Indonesian Protected Areas, including Gede Pangrango National Park. Forest degradation is marked by the incidence of illegal logging and land occupation by local communities. Some national parks promote alternative livelihoods to reduce land occupation, but the results are less satisfactory. This research was conducted in Gede Pangrango National Park, with a focus on observing the process of power contestation, the development of alternative livelihoods and forest degradation in Sukatani village. This study uses qualitative methods to answer: 1) How social formation is associated with forest degradation; 2) Why alternative livelihood development did not succeed to reduce forest degradation; 3) What power strength which made the local people prefer land occupation. The study was conducted in Gede Pangrango National Park with the focus of the study to observe the process of power contestation, the development of alternative livelihoods and forest degradation in Sukatani village. The results reveal that the occupation of land and forest degradation followed from power relations. Local communities build power relations to maintain access rights. Farmers prefer land occupation as a rational action. Ties of patronage at the farm level made small farmers continue to maintain land occupation. Thus, market power and the high economic value of agriculture works forest protection and restoration worked against the restoration of forests.
Assessing factors to influence the willingness of smallholders to participate in a replanting zonation scheme in Pelalawan District, Riau Province, Indonesia
Authors: Nurrochmat D R , Massijaya M Y , Jaya I N S , Ekayani M , Kuncahyo B , Prawira T
Published: May 2019

Forest cover is one of the most important indicators to sustainable development. Illegal logging arises because of the rising demand for wood products due to increasing population and economic growth, while the total supply of log from forests remains stable or even decreases. To overcome the supply gap for wood, the utilization of wood sources beyond natural forest areas is necessary. One proposed policy option to increase utilization of wood from non-forest areas is to implement replanting zonation scheme for oil palm plantation. This policy option is implemented through three main activities. First, mapping the age divergences of the oil palms; second, making replanting zonation map; and third, integrating the utilization of oil palm trunks in the forest industry’s raw material fulfillment plan (RPBI Kehutanan). Through these policies, the waste of palm trunks can be used as raw materials in wood industries. Without a replanting zonation scheme, oil palm trunks are not a feasible replacement for forest timber because of their scattered location, limited volume, and size.
Economic losses and forest fire causes at Ranu Pani Resort, Bromo Tengger Semeru National Park
Authors: Suprihatini A J , Tampubolon B I , Pramudita D , Ekayani M
Published: May 2019

Forest fire is one of the main causes of forest destruction that can threaten the sustainability of forest resources. Uncontrolled forest and land fires can generate environmental damages in several aspects, i.e. social, economy, and ecology. Bromo Tengger Semeru National Park (TNBTS) is one of the national parks in East Java province which is frequently experiences forest fire. The largest forest fire in TNBTS area in 2015 was located in Ranu Pani Resort, which is the entrance of hiking trails in Semeru Mountain. Forest fires on Ranu Pani Resort caused substantial losses for communities and managers. Considering the important role of the national park in managing and protecting forest resources, research about economic losses due to forest fire, the time pattern of forest fire, and the causal factors of forest fires in Ranu Pani Resort is necessary. Data analysis in this research include benefit transfer approaches, loss of earning, descriptive analysis, and logistic regression. Result show that total economic loss of forest fires in Ranu Pani Resort is IDR 2,296,172,122. The forest fires on Ranu Pani Resort often occur in August, September and October. Human factors (the number of farmers) are more likely to cause fires in TNTBS compared to natural factors (intensity of rainfall).
Impacts of the new Decentralization Law 23/2014 to the implementation of Community Based Forest Management in Lampung Province, Indonesia
Authors: Wulandari C , Budiono P , Ekayani M
Published: May 2019

Establishment of Law 23/2014 on Local Government has shifted authority of forest resources management from district to province level, including community empowerment programs in Lampung Province such as Village Forest (Hutan Desa), Community Forest (Hutan Kemasyarakatan or HKm). This study focused on HKm because it is the largest CBFM program in Lampung Province. As a result of Law 23/2014, 16 PAK (working area designation) in 4 districts (16,961 Ha) of HKm candidates were canceled, because they cannot be extended. Under these conditions it is necessary to make a study to determine the impact and strategy of local government in dealing with Law 23/2014. The study was conducted on March-April 2016 using a qualitative approach. The selection of respondents uses purposive sampling method followed by a descriptive analysis. This research finds that local governments tend to wait until there are specific regulations set on HKm in accordance with Law 23/2014. However, it can be concluded that (1) Ministry should immediately publish the Ministry Regulation on HKm, (2) Provincial and district governments should immediately coordinate transfers of personnel, funding, facilities, and documents.
Implementation of REDD+ in the existing forest property rights: lessons from Berau, East Kalimantan Province, Indonesia
Authors: Rochmayanto Y , Nurrochmat D R , Nugroho B , Darusman D , Satria A
Published: May 2019

There is a little empirical evidence on how REDD+ can work through existing property rights that define Indonesian forests. This article focuses on assessing the effectiveness of existing forest property rights in local forest institutions within a REDD+ framework. The study focuses on two local forest institutions: Forest Management Unit (FMU) of Berau Barat, and Merabu Village Forest. Within these forest landscapes, households within three villages were selected for interview and household survey collection. This research first examines the bundle of rights allotted to households by examining the content of formal rules enacted for Forest Management Units and Village Forests. Specifically, these different forest property types were assessed for the ability of local forest institutions to control additionality, leakage, and permanence. The results of formal policy were then compared to data collected from households within the forest landscape of Berau, East Kalimantan. This comparison finds that Merabu Village Forest provides higher forest tenure security than the FMU of Berau Barat. Further, forest rights from Merabu Village Forest are more likely to promote REDD+ outcomes, indicated by the ability for local authority to control additionality, leakage, and permanence. Finally, this research finds increasing capacity to manage leakage, integrate national and local tenure efforts, include local knowledge, law enforcement capacity, and community awareness.
Model of multi-stakeholder forest management: a system study of Protected Forest Management Unit in Solok, Indonesia
Authors: Ilham Q P , Purnomo H , Nugroho T
Published: May 2019

Multi-stakeholders forest management can be influenced by many factors and will be difficult because of different process expectations. This paper discusses the integration of soft systems methodology (SSM) within a multi-stakeholder approach in research to support sustainable and equitable forest management of the Protected Forest Management Unit (PFMU) in Solok, Indonesia. The management of PFMU in Solok is complicated by the legitimacy of forest right, institutional culture, political interest, uncertainty the nature of relationships among stakeholders, illegal logging, and the topography is varied, existing watersheds and limitations of forest inventory data. The situation is not only characterized by its complex ecosystem but, more importantly, by the complexity of the social and political system around it. In this work, SSM contributed to expressing the problem situations of PFMU. A model was developed by formulating the root definitions and building the conceptual model of the relevant component of forest management. The model was used to stimulate debate about desirable and feasible change, as well as to explore the future scenarios. Finally, multi-stakeholders approach by implementing the SSM principle helps to harmonize the stakeholder interest and to formulate the scenario of forest management. This approach was also found to be a positive way to explore a collaborative action plans for sustainable and equitable forest management.
Multi-landscape forest management of small islands in the Moluccas based on green economy
Authors: Kastanya A
Published: May 2019

The exploitative and centralistic economic development of Indonesia has had a negative impact on the land, coastal areas and oceans causing poverty in communities. Effects of global warming and climate change require change in the paradigm towards a green economy to prevent a 20 C increase in earth’s temperature, which will damage the world and its living creatures. Spatial analysis and Geo Information System (GIS) analysis was used in this research. Operational analysis used the framework of the Integrated Management Model of Small Island Landscape which contains a conceptual, macro and micro framework. The research results require a change from an exploitative economy to a green economy as a basis for policy and renewal of regulations at a central and regional level, in accordance with the eco region’s diversity. The macro concept integrates the multi landscape of small islands i.e. the island cluster, the island and its short, narrow watershed, as the management foundation. Integration results show 12 island clusters consisting of 1,340 islands with 1600 water set in the Moluccas. While in North Moluccas there are 8 island clusters, 600 islands and more than 600 watershed. All land use and systems, forest functions, socio-cultural information, tenancy and native title rights have already been integrated into the watershed of the islands and island clusters. The micro concept details sustainable management of forests and other land use areas into management units based on the agroforestry landscape so each multi landscape unit achieves sustainability and community prosperity.
Principal agent in tree mortgage system on traditional agroforestry management in Moluccas Indonesia
Authors: Salampessy M L , Febryano I G , Zulfiani D
Published: May 2019

The agroforestry system in land management has been carried out traditionally by societies in Moluccas. The practice is known as dusung, and includes the cultivation of nutmeg trees. Farmers face a number of problems, one of which is a system of debt bondage that inflicts financial loss upon the farmers. This study aims to explain the involvement of farmers with debt bondage system, namely the tree mortgage system (TMS). This research uses a case study approach, with the collection of interviews and participant conservation data. The data is analysed using principal agent theory. The results showed that nutmeg farmers (principal) have a risk when debt bondage (agent) denies an agreement/moral hazard or acts out an agreement. This occurs when agent exploits the access of information and nutmeg marketing prospects, which makes the position of farmers weak and disadvantaged. Improving contracts for TMS and local institutional strengthening is necessary, as it can improve the bargaining position of nutmeg farmers and encourage the preservation of forest resources through sustainable management of nutmeg dusung.
Questioning the competitiveness of Indonesian wooden furniture in the global market
Authors: Nurkomariyah S , Firdaus M , Nurrochmat D R , Erbaugh J T
Published: May 2019

Indonesia is one of the top-ten most dominant manufacturers of wooden furniture in the world, exporting approximately $ 1.34 billion of wooden furniture in 2015, with a market share 2.09%. However, in the last decade, the volume of wood furniture exports has gradually decreased. Additionally, the wooden furniture industry in Indonesia must now implement the timber legality verification system (SVLK) to ensure raw materials come from legal sources. Given the importance of the wooden furniture industry and recent timber legality mandates, this study: 1) analyzes the competitiveness of Indonesian wooden furniture in the international markets and 2) investigates the relationship between the timber legality assurance system (TLAS) and the competitiveness of Indonesian wooden furniture in the global market. This research uses economic trade data and revealed comparative advantage (RCA) to analyze the comparative advantage of wooden furniture from Indonesia in the global market, as well as export product dynamics (EPD) methods to determine the market position of Indonesian wooden furniture. The RCA index shows that Indonesia has a comparative advantage, but its competitiveness is lower than China, Vietnam, and Malaysia. The EPD methods indicate that the competitiveness of Indonesian wood furniture continues to decline. These analyses point to a potential weakness in SVLK in relation to the competitiveness of Indonesian wood furniture in key international markets.
Non-Equilibrium ϕ4 theory for networks: towards memory formations with quantum brain dynamics
Authors: Nishiyama Akihiro , Tuszynski Jack A
Published: May 2019

We investigate the time evolution of quantum fields in neutral scalar ϕ
4 theory for open systems with the central region and the multiple reservoirs (networks) as a toy model of quantum field theory of the brain. First we investigate the Klein–Gordon (KG) equations and the Kadanoff–Baym (KB) equations in open systems in d + 1 dimensions. Next, we introduce the kinetic entropy current and provide the proof of the H-theorem for networks. Finally, we solve the KG and the KB equations numerically in spatially homogeneous systems in 1 + 1 dimensions. We find that decoherence, entropy saturation and chemical equilibration all occur during the time evolution in the networks. We also show how coherent field transfer takes place in the networks.
Sub-SMAS Transposition of the Buccal Fat Pad
Authors: Bitik Ozan
Published: May 2019

Background

Regardless of the technique chosen to treat the aging midface, the isolated lateral approach facelift has a limited impact on the midface volume deficit. In an effort to overcome this limitation, modern facial rejuvenation procedures incorporate an additional modality for replenishing the midface volume. Some of the author’s facelift patients present with bulging buccal fat pads despite volume deficiency in the inframalar region. The author’s technique is designed to utilize the buccal fat pad to replenish the inframalar volume deficit.

Objectives

The author sought to present the fat pad transposition surgical technique along with objective outcome data.

Methods

This study was a retrospective review of nonconsecutive cases where the sub-superficial-musculo-aponeurotic-system transposition of the buccal fat pad was performed. A total of 22 patients underwent the fat pad transposition technique by the author (O.B.) between July 2013 and December 2017. Patient data were obtained from patient records, 3-dimensional models, magnetic resonance images, and standardized photography. Preoperative differences in midface volume were assessed utilizing curvilinear surface measurements on 3-dimensional models and the Allergan midface volume deficit scale on standardized photography.

Results

The average midface volume deficit score significantly improved, and the average midfacial curvilinear surface measurement significantly increased after surgery. Magnetic resonance imaging confirmed a stable position of the buccal fat pad after surgery.

Conclusions

The sub-superficial-musculo-aponeurotic-system transposition of the buccal fat pad is an effective technique that can be safely employed for autologous inframalar augmentation in patients with a favorable facial morphology.

Level of Evidence: 4
The Psychological Impacts of Upper Facial Lines: A Qualitative, Patient-Centered Study
Authors: Dayan Steven , Yoelin Steven G , De Boulle Koenraad , Garcia Julie K
Published: May 2019

Background

The 11-item Facial Line Outcomes (FLO-11) questionnaire is content validated for measuring the negative psychological impacts of crow’s feet lines (CFL).

Objectives

The aims of this study were to determine psychological impacts of forehead lines (FHL) alone and upper facial lines (UFL: FHL + CFL + glabellar lines [GL]) and to assess adequacy of FLO-11 to measure these impacts.

Methods

Participants aged at least 18 years participated in concept elicitation and cognitive interviews to identify and define psychological impacts of UFL. They completed the FLO-11 questionnaire to assess its ability to measure psychological impacts of facial lines and its comprehensiveness in doing so.

Results

Forty interviews were completed by 29 participants. Twenty participants each provided interviews for FHL and for UFL. The most commonly reported psychological impacts for FHL and UFL, respectively, were feeling unattractive (85%, 80%), looking less attractive than desired (85%, 70%), feeling bothered (80%, 70%), feeling good/bad about appearance (80%, 70%), looking older than actual age (75%, 65%), and feeling stressed (70%, 70%). For FHL, 70% of participants also reported looking older than desired as a psychological impact. More than 50% of participants agreed that all 11 FLO-11 items measured a psychological impact for FHL. More than 50% reported that 9 of 11 items measured a psychological impact for UFL. The majority of participants (FHL, 65%; UFL, 60%) reported that the FLO-11 questionnaire is comprehensive in measuring psychological impacts of facial lines.

Conclusions

FHL and UFL have psychological impacts on patients, and FLO-11 is a content valid, comprehensive instrument for measuring them.
Joint detection of germline and somatic copy number events in matched tumor–normal sample pairs
Authors: Liu Yongzhuang , Liu Jian , Wang Yadong
Published: May 2019

Motivation

Whole-genome sequencing (WGS) of tumor–normal sample pairs is a powerful approach for comprehensively characterizing germline copy number variations (CNVs) and somatic copy number alterations (SCNAs) in cancer research and clinical practice. Existing computational approaches for detecting copy number events cannot detect germline CNVs and SCNAs simultaneously, and yield low accuracy for SCNAs.

Results

In this study, we developed TumorCNV, a novel approach for jointly detecting germline CNVs and SCNAs from WGS data of the matched tumor–normal sample pair. We compared TumorCNV with existing copy number event detection approaches using the simulated data and real data for the COLO-829 melanoma cell line. The experimental results showed that TumorCNV achieved superior performance than existing approaches.

Availability and implementation

The software TumorCNV is implemented using a combination of Java and R, and it is freely available from the website at https://github.com/yongzhuang/TumorCNV.

Supplementary information

Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
Bumblebees adjust protein and lipid collection rules to the presence of brood
Authors: Kraus Stéphane , Gómez-Moracho Tamara , Pasquaretta Cristian , Latil Gérard , Dussutour Audrey , Lihoreau Mathieu
Published: May 2019

Animals have evolved foraging strategies to acquire blends of nutrients that maximize fitness traits. In social insects, nutrient regulation is complicated by the fact that few individuals, the foragers, must address the divergent nutritional needs of all colony members simultaneously, including other workers, the reproductives, and the brood. Here we used 3D nutritional geometry design to examine how bumblebee workers regulate their collection of 3 major macronutrients in the presence and absence of brood. We provided small colonies artificial nectars (liquid diets) and pollens (solid diets) varying in their compositions of proteins, lipids, and carbohydrates during 2 weeks. Colonies given a choice between nutritionally complementary diets self-selected foods to reach a target ratio of 71% proteins, 6% carbohydrates, and 23% lipids, irrespective of the presence of brood. When confined to a single nutritionally imbalanced solid diet, colonies without brood regulated lipid collection and over-collected protein relative to this target ratio, whereas colonies with brood regulated both lipid and protein collection. This brood effect on the regulation of nutrient collection by workers suggests that protein levels are critical for larval development. Our results highlight the importance of considering bee nutrition as a multidimensional phenomenon to better assess the effects of environmental impoverishment and malnutrition on population declines.
Diet composition of the lizard Podarcis lilfordi (Lacertidae) on 2 small islands: an individual-resource network approach
Authors: Santamaría Silvia , Enoksen Camilla Aviaaja , Olesen Jens M , Tavecchia Giacomo , Rotger Andreu , Igual José Manuel , Traveset Anna
Published: May 2019

Despite it is widely accepted that intrapopulation variation is fundamental to ecological and evolutionary processes, this level of information has only recently been included into network analysis of species/population interactions. When done, it has revealed non-random patterns in the distribution of trophic resources. Nestedness in resource use among individuals is the most recurrent observed pattern, often accompanied by an absence of modularity, but no previous studies examine bipartite modularity. We use network analysis to describe the diet composition of the Balearic endemic lizard Podarcis lilfordi in 2 islets at population and individual levels, based on the occurrence of food items in fecal samples. Our objectives are to 1) compare niche structure at both levels, 2) characterize niche partition using nestedness and modularity, and 3) assess how size, sex, season, and spatial location influence niche structure. At population-level niche width was wide, but narrow at the level of the individual. Both islet networks were nested, indicating similar ranking of the food preferences among individuals, but also modular, which was partially explained by seasonality. Sex and body size did not notably affect diet composition. Large niche overlap and therefore possibly relaxed competition were observed among females in one of the islets and during spring on both islets. Likewise, higher modularity in autumn suggests that higher competition could lead to specialization in both populations, because resources are usually scarce in this season. The absence of spatial location influence on niche might respond to fine-grained spatio-temporally distribution of food resources. Behavioral traits, not included in this study, could also influence resource partitioning.
Gastric tube cancer after esophagectomy for cancer: a systematic review
Authors: Gentile Damiano , Riva Pietro , Da Roit Anna , Basato Silvia , Marano Salvatore , Castoro Carlo
Published: May 2019

Gastric conduit used for reconstruction after esophagectomy for cancer has the potential to develop a metachronous neoplasm known as gastric tube cancer (GTC). The aim of this study was to review literature and evaluate outcomes and possible treatment strategies for GTC. A comprehensive systematic literature search was conducted using PubMed, EMBASE, Scopus, and the Cochrane Library Central Register of Controlled Trials. No restriction was set for the type of publication, number, age, or sex of the patients. The search was limited to articles in English. Characteristics of esophageal cancer (EC) and its treatment and GTC and its treatment were analyzed. A total of 28 studies were analyzed, 12 retrospective analyses and 16 case reports, involving 229 patients with 250 GTCs in total. The majority of ECs (88.2%) were squamous cell carcinomas. In 120 patients (52.4%) a posterior mediastinal reconstructive route was used when esophagectomy was performed. The mean interval between esophagectomy and diagnosis of GTC was 55.8 months, with a median interval of 56.8 months (4–236 months). One hundred and twenty-four GTCs (49.6%) were located in the lower part of the gastric tube. One hundred and forty patients were endoscopically treated. Eighty-five patients underwent surgery. Thirty-six total gastrectomies with lymphadenectomy with colon or jejunal interposition were performed. Forty-three subtotal gastrectomies and 6 wedge resections were performed. The main reported postoperative complications were anastomotic leak, vocal cord palsy, and respiratory failure. Twenty-five patients were treated with palliative chemotherapy. Three-year survival rates were 69.3% for endoscopically treated patients, 58.8% for surgically resected patients, and 4% for patients who underwent palliative treatment. The feasibility of endoscopic resections in patients diagnosed with superficial GTC has been reported. Surgical treatment represented the preferred treatment method in operable patients with locally invasive tumor. Patients treated with conservative therapy have a scarce prognosis. The development of GTC should be taken into consideration during the extended follow-up of patients undergoing esophagectomy for cancer. Total gastrectomy plus lymphadenectomy should be considered the preferred treatment modality in operable patients with locally invasive tumor, when endoscopy is contraindicated. Long-term yearly endoscopic follow-up is recommended.
Perianal Abscesses in Infants Are Not Associated With Crohn’s Disease in a Surgical Cohort
Authors: Roskam Mariëlle , de Meij Tim , Gemke Reinoud , Bakx Roel
Published: May 2019

Aims

The aim of this study is to search for an association between infantile perianal abscesses and [development of] Crohn’s disease in a surgical population of children.

Methods

Patients who were surgically treated in the Amsterdam UMC between January 2000 and December 2014 were included in this retrospective cohort study. Data collected include: sex, date of birth, underlying conditions, age of onset, additional symptoms, pus cultures, endoscopic examination, histological examination, magnetic resonance imaging, faecal calprotectin levels, antibiotic treatment, surgical treatment strategy, and number of recurrences. Follow-up data were gathered from medical records and by contacting the patients and/or parents or the general practitioner.

Results

The study consisted of 62 patients of whom 60 were boys. Median age was 5 months [range 0–17 months]; 92% were under 1 year of age at diagnosis. A minority of patients had accompanying symptoms. In total, 72 abscesses were treated, 19 fistulas and 23 abscesses with fistula-in-ano. Follow-up data of 46 patients [74%] were available; none of the patients developed Crohn’s disease.

Conclusions

We found no association between isolated perianal abscesses as presenting symptom in early childhood and [development of] Crohn's disease. In young infants with isolated perianal disease, risk for inflammatory bowel disease seems low. In this specific population there seems no place for routine performance of endoscopic investigations. One should always take the risk of very-early-onset inflammatory bowel disease into account. Further research with a larger cohort of children and a longer follow-up time is required.
Determining Potential Hosts of Melanaphis sacchari (Hemiptera: Aphididae) in the Louisiana Agroecoscape
Authors: de Souza Monique F , Davis Jeffrey A
Published: May 2019

Although Melanaphis sacchari Zehntner (Hemiptera: Aphididae) is known worldwide for its injury to sugarcane, Saccharum officinarum L., and sorghum, Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench, M. sacchari is reported to infest several plants in the family Poaceae, including important agronomic crops. It is not clear how M. sacchari interacts with other crops in the Louisiana agroecoscape but there is potential for these plants to be bridging hosts prior to sorghum colonization. Thus, this study determined the population dynamics of M. sacchari on sugarcane, sorghum, rice (Oryza sativa L.), sweetpotato (Ipomea batatas L.), maize (Zea mays L.), Johnsongrass (S. halepense L.), and wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) using life table studies. Melanaphis sacchari was able to complete its life cycle on sorghum, sugarcane, rice, and wheat, having the highest intrinsic rate of increase (rm) on sorghum (0.466). Population growth was negative on rice (rm = −0.020) and intermediately positive on sugarcane and Johnsongrass. The results demonstrate that there is the potential for multiple host use within the agricultural landscape. Using the information collected from this study, population estimations on host plants demonstrate that M. sacchari populations will increase more rapidly on sorghum than on the other host plants.
A giant fibrinoid pericardial mass in a patient with rheumatoid arthritis: a case report
Authors: Cañas Felipe , Lopez Ponce de León Juan David , Gomez Juan Esteban , Cañas Carlos Alberto
Published: May 2019

Background 

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic inflammatory disease of the joints, which may extend to extra-articular organs. Extra-articular manifestations have been considered as prognostic features in RA, and pericardial disease is one of the most frequent occurrences. Rheumatoid arthritis pericarditis is usually asymptomatic and is frequently found on echocardiography as pericardial thickening with or without mild effusion. Severe and symptomatic cases are rare, but pericardial masses are even rarer. We report a patient with erosive, nodular seropositive RA, and progressive functional deterioration owing to a giant pericardial mass compressing the right cardiac chambers.

Case summary

The patient was a 79-year-old man. Cardiac magnetic resonance imaging revealed a pericardial lesion measuring 10 × 9 × 6 cm with complex structures in its interior, which had compressive effects on the right atrium and right ventricle, severely limiting diastole. Late gadolinium enhancement of the lesion walls and pericardium suggested pericarditis. Surgical resection was performed, and a soft mass with liquid content was extracted. The patient recovered well with improvements in symptoms and the functional status. Histopathological studies ruled out neoplasm, vasculitis, and infection, and the entire mass showed fibrinoid material associated with fibrinoid pericarditis.

Discussion

Symptomatic RA pericarditis is a rare cardiac manifestation of RA, whilst associated significant haemodynamic compromise is even rarer. The condition could manifest with a giant compressive pericardial mass composed of fibrinous material, with particular involvement of the right ventricle. Exclusion of other conditions, such as neoplasms and infections, is necessary.
The gains from economic integration*
Authors: Comerford David , Rodríguez Mora José V
Published: May 2019

This paper measures the effect of political integration, such as sharing a national state or economic union, on the degree of trade integration. Consistently with previous work, we find large border effects. However, such estimates may be biased and overestimate the effects of borders because of endogeneity: selection into sharing a political space is correlated with affinities for trade. We propose a method to address this and we produce estimates which are closer to the causal effect. We then conduct speculative exercises showing the costs and benefits of the changing levels of integration associated with: the independence of Scotland, Catalonia and the Basque Country from the United Kingdom and Spain [but remaining within the European Union (EU)]; the United Kingdom’s exit from the EU; the break-up of the EU itself and closer integration within the EU so that its internal borders appear similar to the internal borders of individual countries (as opposed to its current state of being simply a closely integrated group of countries). We find that the border effect between countries is an order of magnitude larger than the border effect associated with the EU.
Association between regional body fat and cardiovascular disease risk among postmenopausal women with normal body mass index
Authors: Chen Guo-Chong , Arthur Rhonda , Iyengar Neil M , Kamensky Victor , Xue Xiaonan , Wassertheil-Smoller Sylvia , Allison Matthew A , Shadyab Aladdin H , Wild Robert A , Sun Yangbo , Banack Hailey R , Chai Jin Choul , Wactawski-Wende Jean , Manson JoAnn E , Stefanick Marcia L , Dannenberg Andrew J , Rohan Thomas E , Qi Qibin
Published: May 2019

Aims

Central adiposity is associated with increased cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk, even among people with normal body mass index (BMI). We tested the hypothesis that regional body fat deposits (trunk or leg fat) are associated with altered risk of CVD among postmenopausal women with normal BMI.

Methods and results

We included 2683 postmenopausal women with normal BMI (18.5 to <25 kg/m2) who participated in the Women’s Health Initiative and had no known CVD at baseline. Body composition was determined by dual energy X-ray absorptiometry. Incident CVD events including coronary heart disease and stroke were ascertained through February 2017. During a median 17.9 years of follow-up, 291 incident CVD cases occurred. After adjustment for demographic, lifestyle, and clinical risk factors, neither whole-body fat mass nor fat percentage was associated with CVD risk. Higher percent trunk fat was associated with increased risk of CVD [highest vs. lowest quartile hazard ratio (HR) = 1.91, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.33–2.74; P-trend <0.001], whereas higher percent leg fat was associated with decreased risk of CVD (highest vs. lowest quartile HR = 0.62, 95% CI 0.43–0.89; P-trend = 0.008). The association for trunk fat was attenuated yet remained significant after further adjustment for waist circumference or waist-to-hip ratio. Higher percent trunk fat combined with lower percent leg fat was associated with particularly high risk of CVD (HR comparing extreme groups = 3.33, 95% CI 1.46–7.62).

Conclusion

Among postmenopausal women with normal BMI, both elevated trunk fat and reduced leg fat are associated with increased risk of CVD.
Does Cognitive Impairment Influence Visual-Somatosensory Integration and Mobility in Older Adults?
Authors: Mahoney Jeannette R , Verghese Joe
Published: May 2019

Background

Deficits in visual-somatosensory (VS) integration are linked to poor mobility. Given that sensory, motor, and cognitive processes rely on overlapping neural circuitry that are compromised in dementia and pre-dementia stages like mild cognitive impairment (MCI), we hypothesize that cognitive impairment will be associated with reduced VS integration, which will, in turn, impact the relation between VS integration and mobility.

Methods

A total of 345 older adults (mean age 76.88 ± 6.45 years; 52% female) participated in the current study. Cognitive impairment was defined as presence of MCI or dementia. Magnitude of VS integration was quantified using probability models. All participants completed assessments of general cognition (Repeatable Battery for the Assessment of Neuropsychological Status; RBANS), quantitative gait, and balance (unipedal stance).

Results

The magnitude of VS integration was lower in the 40 individuals with MCI (p = .02) and 12 with dementia (p = .04), relative to the 293 individuals without cognitive impairment. In fully adjusted models, magnitude of VS integration was only a strong predictor of performance on attention-based tests of the RBANS (β = 0.161; p < .01), regardless of cognitive status. Results from mediation analyses, however, reveal that cognitive impairment causes variation in magnitude of VS integration, which in turn causes variation in unipedal stance 95% confidence interval (CI) (−0.265, −0.002) and spatial aspects of gait 95% CI (−0.087, −0.001).

Conclusions

Cognitive impairment influences multisensory integration, which adversely impacts balance and gait performance in aging. Future studies should aim to uncover the precise neural circuitry involved in multisensory, cognitive, and mobility processes.
Self-Rated Health by Sexual Orientation Among Middle-Aged and Older Adults in Canada
Authors: Sivakumaran Gajan , Margolis Rachel
Published: May 2019

Objectives

This article examines patterns of self-rated physical and mental health by sexual orientation among middle-aged and older adults in Canada, a rapidly growing subpopulation shown to be at risk of poor health.

Method

We use the Canadian Community Health Survey (CCHS 2015–2016) to estimate logit models predicting fair/poor self-rated physical and mental health by sexual orientation among middle-aged and older adults, stratifying by sex and age group.

Results

We find no differences in physical health for gay men and lesbian women compared with their heterosexual counterparts. However, middle-aged gay men are disadvantaged in terms of mental health, but not women. Bisexual women are disadvantaged in terms of physical health, and for mental health in some model specifications. Respondents who did not know their sexual orientation have poorer health across some measures of health and age groups.

Discussion

Our findings add to the paucity of research on older sexual minorities in Canada. They highlight the importance of separating out sexual minority groups because bisexual women have distinct health profiles. In addition, this is the first study to examine the health of respondents who “do not know” their sexual orientation, and future research should distinguish between different explanations for their poor health.
Countering a climate of instability: the future of relative stability under the Common Fisheries Policy
Authors: Harte Michael , Tiller Rachel , Kailis George , Burden Merrick
Published: May 2019

European fisheries are at a critical juncture. The confluence of political change and environmental change, along with the challenges of past Common Fisheries Policy (CFP) reforms such as the landing obligation, creates a once in a generation opportunity for a paradigm shift in fisheries management in the region. This paper sets out a series of arguments for why the status quo situation for the governance of European Union fisheries, especially for shared Northeast Atlantic fisheries is very likely unsustainable under these new circumstances. At stake is confidence in, and support for the management of the regions shared fisheries, the economic viability of fisheries and sustainability of stocks. Brexit is an additional incentive to unlock the potential of existing, but little used mechanisms within the CFP to allow the reimagining of fisheries management and governance in the Northeast Atlantic. Three of these tools and mechanisms are (i) Quota swapping, (ii) Article 16 quota uplift provisions, (iii) and Article 15 flexibility mechanisms. These mechanisms can be adopted by individual Member States for fleets in their waters or in the case of quota swapping be applied across Member States and may help stabilize fisheries under these stressors.
Effective Divisors in the Projectivized Hodge Bundle
Authors: Gheorghita Iulia
Published: May 2019

We compute the class of the closure of the locus of canonical divisors in the projectivization of the Hodge bundle ${\mathbb{P}}\overline{{\mathcal{H}}}_g$ over $\overline{{\mathcal{M}}}_g$, which have a zero at a Weierstrass point. We also show that the strata of canonical and bicanonical divisors with a double zero span extremal rays of the respective pseudoeffective cones.
Lagrangian Pairs of Pants
Authors: Matessi Diego
Published: May 2019

We construct a Lagrangian submanifold, inside the cotangent bundle of a real torus, which we call a Lagrangian pair of pants. It is given as the graph of an exact one form on the real blowup of a Lagrangian coamoeba. Lagrangian pairs of pants are the main building blocks in a construction of smooth Lagrangian submanifolds of $( {\mathbb{C}}^*)^n$ that lift tropical subvarieties in $\mathbb R^n$. As an example we explain how to lift tropical curves in $ {\mathbb{R}}^2$ to Lagrangian submanifolds of $( {\mathbb{C}}^*)^2$. We also give several new examples of Lagrangian submanifolds inside toric varieties, some of which are monotone.
Standardized total tract digestibility of calcium varies among sources of calcium carbonate, but not among sources of dicalcium phosphate, but microbial phytase increases calcium digestibility in calcium carbonate1
Authors: Lee Su A , Lagos L Vanessa , Walk Carrie L , Stein Hans H
Published: May 2019

Two experiments were conducted to test the hypothesis that standardized total tract digestibility (STTD) of Ca and the response to microbial phytase is constant among different sources of Ca carbonate and that the STTD of Ca is constant among different sources of dicalcium phosphate (DCP) when fed to growing pigs. In Exp. 1, 80 pigs (initial BW: 19.0 ± 1.9 kg) were randomly allotted to 10 diets and 2 blocks with 4 pigs per diet in each block. Four sources of Ca carbonate were used, and each source was included in a diet without microbial phytase and a diet with microbial phytase (500 units/kg diet). Two Ca-free diets without or with microbial phytase were also formulated. Feed allowance was 2.7 times the maintenance energy requirement for ME and daily feed allotments were divided into 2 equal meals. The initial 4 d of each period were considered the adaptation period to the diets followed by 4 d of fecal collection using the marker-to-marker procedure. Pigs fed diets containing exogenous phytase had lower (P < 0.05) basal endogenous loss of Ca compared with pigs fed diets containing no phytase. There were no interactions between phytase and source of Ca carbonate. Values for STTD of Ca were greater (P < 0.05) for diets containing microbial phytase (77.3% to 85.4%) compared with diets without exogenous phytase (70.6% to 75.2%), and values for STTD of Ca differed (P < 0.05) among the 4 sources of Ca carbonate. In Exp. 2, 40 pigs (initial BW: 14.9 ± 1.3 kg) were allotted to a completely randomized design with 5 diets and 8 replicate pigs per diet. A basal diet in which all Ca was supplied by Ca carbonate was formulated. Three diets were formulated by adding 3 sources of DCP to the basal diet and a Ca-free diet was also used. Feeding and collection methods were as described for Exp. 1. Results indicated that values for STTD of Ca and ATTD of P were not different among diets, indicating that under the conditions of this experiment, the digestibility of Ca and P in DCP appears to be constant regardless of origin of DCP. In conclusion, use of microbial phytase reduces the basal endogenous loss of Ca and increases Ca digestibility in Ca carbonate. The STTD of Ca varies among sources of Ca carbonate, regardless of phytase inclusion, but that appears not to be the case for the STTD of Ca in different sources of DCP.
Justice in the Absence of the Accused
Authors: Wheeler Caleb H
Published: May 2019

Since the inception of the International Criminal Court, representatives of its various constituent parts have repeatedly emphasized the role the Court must play in vindicating the rights of atrocity crime victims. It is commonly thought that one of the best ways to achieve this goal is to ensure that trials are conducted against those individuals who are accused of committing crimes falling under the Court’s jurisdiction. There is also growing sentiment that trials should be held regardless of whether the accused is present. In particular, the Assembly of States Parties added Rules 134bis, 134ter and 134quater, all of which allow some portion of trial to take place in the absence of the accused. This article will examine whether the rights of the victims are adequately upheld by a trial held without the full participation of the accused. To do this, it will identify those goals victims hope a trial will accomplish and analyse whether they can be fulfilled in the absence of the accused. In particular, it will consider whether the victims’ interests in the truth-telling function of trial, and their need to see that justice has been done, can be met if the trial is held in the accused’s absence. The article also evaluates whether the benefits that victims might derive from such a trial are sufficient to outweigh the accompanying limitations trials in absentia have on the rights of the accused. This article will conclude that trials conducted without the accused being present do not meet all of the needs of victims and therefore those needs should not act as justification to limit the accused’s right to be present.