bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Zimbabwe's land reform: new political dynamics in the countryside
Authors: Scoones Ian
Published: December 2014

The reconfiguration of land and economic opportunity following Zimbabwe's land reform from 2000 has resulted in a new politics of the countryside. This emerges from the processes of accumulation and differentiation set in train by the land reform. Yet these politics are contested: between the interests of new ‘middle farmers’ who are ‘accumulating from below’ and politically connected elites and large-scale capital who see different opportunities for land-based accumulation. These dynamics are being played out in different ways in different parts of the country, depending on the agroecological potential of the area, the way the land reform unfolded and local political actors and processes. Based on research over the past 14 years, this paper examines two areas in Masvingo province and develops a contrasting analysis of emerging political dynamics. The paper concludes with a discussion of the implications for the longer-term politics of agrarian change in Zimbabwe.
Effects of increasing and decreasing physiological arousal on anticipation timing performance during competition and practice
Authors: Duncan Michael J. , Smith Mike , Bryant Elizabeth , Eyre Emma , Cook Kathryn , Hankey Joanne , Tallis Jason , Clarke Neil , Jones Marc V.
Published: December 2014

The aim of this study was to investigate if the effects of changes in physiological arousal on timing performance can be accurately predicted by the catastrophe model. Eighteen young adults (8 males, 10 females) volunteered to participate in the study following ethical approval. After familiarisation, coincidence anticipation was measured using the Bassin Anticipation Timer under four incremental exercise conditions: Increasing exercise intensity and low cognitive anxiety, increasing exercise intensity and high cognitive anxiety, decreasing exercise intensity and low cognitive anxiety and decreasing exercise intensity and high cognitive anxiety. Incremental exercise was performed on a treadmill at intensities of 30%, 50%, 70% and 90% heart rate reserve (HRR) respectively. Ratings of cognitive anxiety were taken at each intensity using the Mental Readiness Form 3 (MRF3) followed by performance of coincidence anticipation trials at speeds of 3 and 8 mph. Results indicated significant condition × intensity interactions for absolute error (AE; p =. 0001) and MRF cognitive anxiety intensity scores (p =. 05). Post hoc analysis indicated that there were no statistically significant differences in AE across exercise intensities in low–cognitive anxiety conditions. In high–cognitive anxiety conditions, timing performance AE was significantly poorer and cognitive anxiety higher at 90% HRR, compared to the other exercise intensities. There was no difference in timing responses at 90% HRR during competitive trials, irrespective of whether exercise intensity was increasing or decreasing. This study suggests that anticipation timing performance is negatively affected when physiological arousal and cognitive anxiety are high.
An Elmo–Dock complex locally controls Rho GTPases and actin remodeling during cadherin-mediated adhesion
Authors: Toret Christopher P. , Collins Caitlin , Nelson W. James
Published: December 2014

Cell–cell contact formation is a dynamic process requiring the coordination of cadherin-based cell–cell adhesion and integrin-based cell migration. A genome-wide RNA interference screen for proteins required specifically for cadherin-dependent cell–cell adhesion identified an Elmo–Dock complex. This was unexpected as Elmo–Dock complexes act downstream of integrin signaling as Rac guanine-nucleotide exchange factors. In this paper, we show that Elmo2 recruits Dock1 to initial cell–cell contacts in Madin–Darby canine kidney cells. At cell–cell contacts, both Elmo2 and Dock1 are essential for the rapid recruitment and spreading of E-cadherin, actin reorganization, localized Rac and Rho GTPase activities, and the development of strong cell–cell adhesion. Upon completion of cell–cell adhesion, Elmo2 and Dock1 no longer localize to cell–cell contacts and are not required subsequently for the maintenance of cell–cell adhesion. These studies show that Elmo–Dock complexes are involved in both integrin- and cadherin-based adhesions, which may help to coordinate the transition of cells from migration to strong cell–cell adhesion.
Increased Plasma Concentrations of Midregional Proatrial Natriuretic Peptide Is Associated With Risk of Cardiorenal Dysfunction in Type 1 Diabetes
Authors: Theilade Simone , Hansen Tine Willum , Goetze Jens Peter , Rossing Peter
Published: December 2014

BACKGROUND

To examine possible associations between midregional proatrial natriuretic peptide (MR-proANP) and diabetic complications at baseline and risk of mortality and end-stage renal disease (ESRD) during follow-up in type 1 diabetes.

METHODS

Observational study including 667 patients, with plasma MR-proANP measured at baseline. Complications were defined as micro- (n = 168) or macroalbuminuria (n = 190) (urinary albumin excretion rate (UAER) 30–299 or ≥300mg/24h), previous cardiovascular disease (CVD) (n = 143), cardiac autonomic dysfunction (heart rate variability < 11 beats/min) (n = 369), and retinopathy (n = 523). Adjustments included gender, age, systolic blood pressure, estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), UAER, HbA1c, total cholesterol, 24-hour urinary sodium excretion (24h-UNa), body mass index, daily insulin dose, antihypertensive treatment, and smoking in linear regression analyses and analysis of covariance models. Development of ESRD (dialysis, renal transplantation, or GFR/eGFR < 15ml/min/1.73 m2) and mortality was recorded through national registers.

RESULTS

The cohort included 293 (44%) females, aged 55 ± 13 years. Plasma MR-proANP (median (interquartile)) was 74.7 (49.2–116.8) pmol/L. Adjusted, MR-proANP correlated positively with age and UAER and negatively with eGFR, 24h-UNa, total cholesterol, and HbA1c (P < 0.05). Moreover, MR-proANP levels increased with albuminuria degree and were higher in patients with previous CVD (P ≤ 0.001), but similar in patients with or without autonomic dysfunction or retinopathy (P ≥ 0.076). During follow-up (3.5 (3.1–4.0) years), higher MR-proANP concentrations predicted ESRD and mortality combined (n = 35) adjusted for gender, age, systolic blood pressure, eGFR, and previous CVD (hazard ratio per 1SD increase in logANP: 2.8 (1.6–4.7; P < 0.001)).

CONCLUSIONS

Increased plasma MR-proANP was associated with impaired renal function, increased albuminuria, and previous CVD. Moreover, MR-proANP concentrations were associated with increased risk of development of ESRD and mortality combined during follow-up.
A type 2 A/C2 plasmid carrying the aacC4 apramycin resistance gene and the erm(42) erythromycin resistance gene recovered from two Salmonella enterica serovars
Authors: Harmer Christopher J. , Holt Kathryn E. , Hall Ruth M.
Published: December 2014

Objectives

To determine the relationships between RepA/C2 plasmids carrying several antibiotic resistance genes found in isolates of Salmonella enterica serovars Ohio and Senftenberg from pigs.

Methods

Illumina HiSeq was used to sequence seven S. enterica isolates. BLAST searches identified relevant A/C2 plasmid contigs and contigs were assembled using PCR.

Results

Two serovar Ohio isolates were ST329 and the five Senftenberg isolates were ST210. The A/C2 plasmids recovered from the seven isolates belong to type 2 and contain two resistance islands. Their backbones are closely related, differing by five or fewer SNPs. The sul2-containing resistance island ARI-B is 19.9 kb and also contains the kanamycin and neomycin resistance gene aphA1, the tetracycline resistance gene tetA(D) and an erythromycin resistance gene, erm(42), not previously seen in A/C2 plasmids. A second 30.3 kb resistance island, RI-119, is in a unique location in the A/C2 backbone 8.2 kb downstream of rhs. RI-119 contained genes conferring resistance to apramycin, netilmicin and tobramycin (aacC4), hygromycin (hph), sulphonamides (sul1) and spectinomycin and streptomycin (aadA2). In one of the seven plasmids, this resistance region contained two IS26-mediated deletions. A discrete 5.7 kb segment containing the aacC4 and hph genes and bounded by IS26 on one side and the inverted repeat of Tn5393 on the other was identified.

Conclusions

The presence of almost identical A/C2 plasmids in two serovars indicates a common origin. Type 2 A/C2 plasmids continue to evolve via addition of new resistance regions such as RI-119 and evolution of existing ones.
Characterization and Pathogenicity of Rhizoctonia and Rhizoctonia-Like spp. From Pea Crops in the Columbia Basin of Oregon and Washington
Authors: Sharma-Poudyal Dipak , Paulitz Timothy C. , Porter Lyndon D. , du Toit Lindsey J.
Published: December 2014

Isolates of Rhizoctonia and Rhizoctonia-like spp. (n = 179) were baited selectively from soil and plant samples collected from irrigated pea crops in the semiarid Columbia Basin of Oregon and Washington from 2011 to 2013, and characterized to species, subspecies, and anastomosis groups (AG) based on sequences of the internal transcribed spacer region of ribosomal DNA. Rhizoctonia solani comprised 76% of all isolates, and included isolates of AG 4 (31% of all isolates), AG 2-1 (18%), AG 3 (10%), AG 8 (8%), AG 5 (5%), AG 10 (3%), and AG 9 (1%). The isolates of Ceratobasidium spp. (20%) comprised four AGs: AG K (11%), AG A (6%), AG I (2%), and AG I-like (1%). Waitea circinata isolates (4%) comprised two subspecies: W. circinata var. circinata (approximately 4%) and W. circinata var. zeae (<1%). Repeated pathogenicity tests of isolates of the 10 most frequently detected AGs and subspecies on ‘Serge’ pea at 15°C revealed that R. solani AG 2-1 caused the greatest reduction in pea emergence, followed by R. solani AG 4. R. solani AG 4 caused the most severe root rot, stunting, and reduction in pea seedling biomass, followed by isolates of AG 2-1. R. solani AG 8 did not affect emergence, plant height, and total biomass compared with noninoculated control plants; however, root rot caused by isolates of AG 8 was ranked the third most severe among isolates of the 10 Rhizoctonia subgroups, after that caused by isolates of AG 4 and AG 2-1. Isolates of other AGs and subspecies were either weakly virulent or nonpathogenic on pea. The most common AGs (AG 4 and AG 2-1) detected in pea fields in the Columbia Basin were also the most virulent. In a growers’ pea crop grown for seed (‘Prevail’) planted 5 days after herbicide application and incorporation of a preceding winter wheat crop, severe stunting caused by Rhizoctonia spp. resulted in an average 75% yield loss within patches of stunted plants. In contrast, the yield of processing pea from a green pea crop of Serge did not differ significantly for plants sampled within versus outside patches of stunted plants; however, plants within patches were significantly more mature. In the Prevail seed crop, a greater frequency of R. solani AG 8 was detected than AG 2-1 or AG 4 from within patches of stunted plants, indicating that isolates of AG 8 may be associated with the root rot complex in some pea crops in the Columbia Basin.
Regression of Anterior Disk-Osteophyte Complex Following Cervical Laminectomy and Fusion for Cervical Spondylotic Myelopathy
Authors: Ashana Adedayo O. , Cohen Jeremiah R. , Evans Brandon , Holly Langston T.
Published: December 2014

Study Design:

A retrospective case-control study.

Objective:

To investigate whether posterior cervical laminectomy and fusion modifies the natural course of anterior disk-osteophyte complex in patients with multilevel cervical spondylotic myelopathy.

Summary of Background Data:

Dorsal migration of the spinal cord is the main purported mechanism of spinal cord decompression following cervical laminectomy and fusion but other potential mechanisms have received scant attention in the literature. This study was conducted to investigate whether cervical laminectomy and fusion affects the size of anterior disk-osteophyte complex.

Methods:

The medical records and radiographic imaging of 44 patients who underwent cervical laminectomy and fusion for cervical spondylotic myelopathy between 2006 and 2013 were analyzed. The size of the anterior disk-osteophyte complex was measured preoperatively and postoperatively on MR images taken at an interval of >3 months apart. A control group consisted of 20 nonoperatively treated advanced cervical spondylosis patients. Patients in the control met the same inclusion and exclusion criteria and also had sequential magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) taken at an interval of >3 months apart.

Results:

The nonoperative and operative groups were statistically similar in the pertinent patient demographics and characteristics including sex, age, time to second MRI, size of anterior disk-osteophyte complex on baseline MRI, mean number of levels affected, and percentage of patients with T2 signal change. As expected the mJOA scores were significantly lower in the operative versus nonoperative cohort (13.6 vs. 16.5, P<0.01). A significant decrease in the size of anterior disk osteophyte was observed in the operative group postoperatively (P<0.01). In comparison, there was no statistically significant change in the size of the anterior disk-osteophyte complex in the control group (P>0.05). The magnitude of the change in disk size between the 2 groups was statistically significant (P<0.01).

Conclusions:

The findings of this study suggest that regression of anterior disk-osteophyte complex occurs following cervical laminectomy and fusion, and likely provides another mechanism of spinal cord decompression.
All puffed out: do pufferfish hold their breath while inflated?
Authors: McGee Georgia Evelyn , Clark Timothy Darren
Published: December 2014

The inflation response of pufferfishes is one of the most iconic predator defence strategies in nature. Current dogma suggests that pufferfish inflation represents a breath-holding response, whereby gill oxygen uptake ceases for the duration of inflation and cutaneous respiration increases to compensate. Here, we show that the black-saddled pufferfish (
Canthigaster valentini
) has an excellent capacity for oxygen uptake while inflated, with uptake rates increasing to five-times that of resting levels. Moreover, we show that this species has negligible capacity for cutaneous respiration, concluding that the gills are the primary site of oxygen uptake while inflated. Despite this, post-deflation recovery of aerobic metabolism took an average of 5.6 h, suggesting a contribution of anaerobic metabolism during pre-inflation activity and during the act of ingesting water to achieve inflation.
Tropical atmospheric circulations with humidity effects
Authors: Hsia Chun-Hsiung , Lin Chang-Shou , Ma Tian , Wang Shouhong
Published: December 2014

The main objective of this article is to study the effect of the moisture on the planetary scale atmospheric circulation over the tropics. The modelling we adopt is the Boussinesq equations coupled with a diffusive equation of humidity, and the humidity-dependent heat source is modelled by a linear approximation of the humidity. The rigorous mathematical analysis is carried out using the dynamic transition theory. In particular, we obtain mixed transitions, also known as random transitions, as described in Ma & Wang (2010
Discrete Contin. Dyn. Syst.
26
, 1399–1417. (
doi:10.3934/dcds.2010.26.1399
); 2011
Adv. Atmos. Sci.
28
, 612–622. (
doi:10.1007/s00376-010-9089-0
)). The analysis also indicates the need to include turbulent friction terms in the model to obtain correct convection scales for the large-scale tropical atmospheric circulations, leading in particular to the right critical temperature gradient and the length scale for the Walker circulation. In short, the analysis shows that the effect of moisture lowers the magnitude of the critical thermal Rayleigh number and does not change the essential characteristics of dynamical behaviour of the system.
A higher order FEM for time-domain hydroelastic analysis of large floating bodies in an inhomogeneous shallow water environment
Authors: Papathanasiou T. K. , Karperaki A. , Theotokoglou E. E. , Belibassakis K. A.
Published: December 2014

The study of wave action on large, elastic floating bodies has received considerable attention, finding applications in both geophysics and marine engineering problems. In this context, a higher order finite-element method (FEM) for the numerical simulation of the transient response of thin, floating bodies in shallow water wave conditions is presented. The hydroelastic initial-boundary value problem, in an inhomogeneous environment, characterized by bathymetry and plate thickness variation, is analysed for two configurations: (i) a freely floating strip modelling an ice floe or a very large floating structure and (ii) a semi-fixed floating beam representing an ice shelf or shore fast ice, both under long-wave forcing. The variational formulation of these problems is derived, along with the energy conservation principle and the weak solution stability estimates. A special higher order FEM is developed and applied to the calculation of the numerical solution. Results are presented and compared against established methodologies, thus validating the present method and illustrating its numerical efficiency. Furthermore, theoretical results concerning the energy conservation principle are verified, providing a valuable insight into the physical phenomenon investigated.
The infant airway microbiome in health and disease impacts later asthma development
Authors: Teo Shu Mei , Mok Danny , Pham Kym , Kusel Merci , Serralha Michael , Troy Niamh , Holt Barbara J. , Hales Belinda J. , Walker Michael L. , Hollams Elysia , Bochkov Yury H , Grindle Kristine , Johnston Sebastian L. , Gern James E , Sly Peter D. , Holt Patrick G. , Holt Kathryn E. , Inouye Michael
Published: December 2014

The nasopharynx (NP) is a reservoir for microbes associated with acute respiratory illnesses (ARI). The development of asthma is initiated during infancy, driven by airway inflammation associated with infections. Here, we report viral and bacterial community profiling of NP aspirates across a birth cohort, capturing all lower respiratory illnesses during their first year. Most infants were initially colonized withStaphylococcusorCorynebacteriumbefore stable colonization withAlloiococcusorMoraxella, with transient incursions ofStreptococcus, MoraxellaorHaemophilusmarking virus-associated ARIs. Our data identify the NP microbiome as a determinant for infection spread to the lower airways, severity of accompanying inflammatory symptoms, and risk for future asthma development. Early asymptomatic colonization withStreptococcuswas a strong asthma predictor, and antibiotic usage disrupted asymptomatic colonization patterns.
Defensive mixology: combining acquired chemicals towards defence
Authors: Mason Peri A. , Singer Michael S.
Published: December 2014

The myriad chemicals produced by plants may act in combination to enhance chemical defence against herbivores. Many animals have evolved the ability to harness plant secondary metabolites (PSMs) and other chemical resources for their own defence, but few studies have addressed the compelling notion that non‐human animals combine exogenous chemicals from different sources to defend themselves against predators, parasites and pathogens.

We consider the use of ‘defensive cocktails’ from an evolutionary ecology perspective, introducing the term, ‘acquired combinatorial chemical defence’ (ACCD). We define ACCD as the adaptive use of multiple chemicals of discrete origin resulting in defence against natural enemies.

First, we discuss the defining characteristics of ACCD: the ability to harness interspecific chemical variation, to independently regulate it, and to obtain defensive benefits via synergy that exceed those associated with single sources.

Then, we describe three non‐mutually exclusive modes by which acquired chemicals may operate against natural enemies: different chemical resources may provide defence during different stages of development, may be effective against different enemies or may work additively or synergistically against a given enemy at a given developmental stage.

Next, we describe possible avenues by which chemical combinations may be acquired by herbivores and other taxa, including the mixing of exogenous chemicals from different items in the diet and mixing chemicals of dietary origin with those from non‐food resources. We discuss possible costs of ACCD, including detoxification costs and interactions with the immune system, and discuss methods of testing for ACCD and its costs.

Finally, we discuss the evolutionary prediction that herbivores may converge on the use of complementary combinations of chemical resources from the environment or chemical defence syndromes. Opportunities to combine chemical resources abound, suggesting that animal and human medication may be more closely aligned than previously recognized.
‘This wound has spoilt everything’: emotional capital and the experience of surgical site infections
Authors: Brown Brian , Tanner Judith , Padley Wendy
Published: December 2014

In this article we explore the experience of suffering from a surgical site infection, a common complication of surgery affecting around 5 per cent of surgical patients, via an interview study of 17 patients in the Midlands in the UK. Despite their prevalence, the experience of surgical site infections has received little attention so far. In spite of the impairment resulting from these iatrogenic problems, participants expressed considerable stoicism and we interpret this via the notion of emotional capital. This idea derives from the work of Pierre Bourdieu, Helga Nowotny and Diane Reay and helps us conceptualise the emotional resources accumulated and expended in managing illness and in gaining the most from healthcare services. Participants were frequently at pains not to blame healthcare personnel or hospitals, often discounting the infection's severity, and attributing it to chance, to ‘germs’ or to their own failure to buy and apply wound care products. The participants' stoicism was thus partly afforded by their refusal to blame healthcare institutions or personnel. Where anger was described, this was either defused or expressed on behalf of another person. Emotional capital is associated with deflecting the possibility of complaint and sustaining a deferential and grateful position in relation to the healthcare system.
Reconsidering inequalities in preventive health care: an application of cultural health capital theory and the life‐course perspective to the take‐up of mammography screening
Authors: Missinne Sarah , Neels Karel , Bracke Piet
Published: December 2014

While there are abundant descriptions of socioeconomic inequalities in preventive health care, knowledge about the true mechanisms is still lacking. Recently, the role of cultural health capital in preventive health‐care inequalities has been discussed theoretically. Given substantial analogies, we explore how our understanding of cultural health capital and preventive health‐care inequalities can be advanced by applying the theoretical principles and methodology of the life–course perspective. By means of event history analysis and retrospective data from the Survey of Health Ageing and Retirement, we examine the role of cultural capital and cultural health capital during childhood on the timely initiation of mammography screening in Belgium (N = 1348). In line with cumulative disadvantage theory, the results show that childhood cultural conditions are independently associated with mammography screening, even after childhood and adulthood socioeconomic position and health are controlled for. Lingering effects from childhood are suggested by the accumulation of cultural health capital that starts early in life. Inequalities in the take‐up of screening are manifested as a lower probability of ever having a mammogram, rather than in the late initiation of screening.
Can consumer choice replace trust in the National Health Service in England? Towards developing an affective psychosocial conception of trust in health care
Authors: Fotaki Marianna
Published: December 2014

Trust has long been regarded as a vitally important aspect of the relationship between health service providers and patients. Recently, consumer choice has been increasingly advocated as a means of improving the quality and effectiveness of health service provision. However, it is uncertain how the increase of information necessary to allow users of health services to exercise choice, and the simultaneous introduction of markets in public health systems, will affect various dimensions of trust, and how changing relations of trust will impact upon patients and services. This article employs a theory‐driven approach to investigate conceptual and material links between choice, trust and markets in health care in the context of the National Health Service in England. It also examines the implications of patient choice on systemic, organisational and interpersonal trust. The article is divided into two parts. The first argues that the shift to marketisation in public health services might lead to an over‐reliance on rational‐calculative aspects of trust at the expense of embodied, relational and social attributes. The second develops an alternative psychosocial conception of trust: it focuses on the central role of affect and accounts for the material and symbolic links between choice, trust and markets in health care.
Women Don't Run? Election Aversion and Candidate Entry
Authors: Kanthak Kristin , Woon Jonathan
Published: December 2014

To study gender differences in candidate emergence, we conduct a laboratory experiment in which we control the incentives potential candidates face, manipulate features of the electoral environment, and measure beliefs and preferences. We find that men and women are equally likely to volunteer when the representative is chosen randomly, but that women are less likely to become candidates when the representative is chosen by an election. This difference does not arise from disparities in abilities, risk aversion, or beliefs, but rather from the specific competitive and strategic context of campaigns and elections. Thus, we find evidence that women are election averse, whereas men are not. Election aversion persists with variations in the electoral environment, disappearing only when campaigns are both costless and completely truthful.
Enteric Coating Can Lead to Reduced Antiplatelet Effect of Low‐Dose Acetylsalicylic Acid
Authors: Haastrup Peter Fentz , Grønlykke Thor , Jarbøl Dorte Ejg
Published: December 2014

Low‐dose acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) is widely used as antithrombotic prophylaxis. Enteric‐coated ASA has been developed to decrease the risk of gastrointestinal side effects. The consequences of enteric coating on pharmacokinetics and antiplatelet effect of ASA have not systematically been assessed. This MiniReview demonstrates that data from clinical trials indicate that enteric coating can reduce the antiplatelet effect of ASA compared to plain ASA. This is possibly due to decreased bioavailability of ASA caused by prolonged solvation and absorption of the enteric‐coated formulations. Therefore, low‐dose enteric‐coated ASA might not be bioequivalent to plain ASA, entailing the risk of insufficient cardiovascular prophylaxis.
The Social Value Requirement Reconsidered
Authors: Wertheimer Alan
Published: December 2014

It is widely assumed that it is ethical to conduct research with human subjects only if the research has social value. There are two standard arguments for this view. The allocation argument claims that public funds should not be devoted to research that lacks social value. The exploitation avoidance argument claims that subjects are exploited if research has no social value. The primary purpose of this article is to argue that these arguments do not succeed. The allocation argument has little relevance to commercial research. Social value is not necessary to avoid exploitation if subjects benefit from participation. Although the standard arguments for a social value requirement do not succeed, that view might be justified in a different way. It might be justified by appeal to the importance of social trust or the integrity of physician investigators. It is possible but doubtful that these arguments succeed.
On the explaining‐away phenomenon in multivariate latent variable models
Authors: van Rijn Peter , Rijmen Frank
Published: December 2014

Many probabilistic models for psychological and educational measurements contain latent variables. Well‐known examples are factor analysis, item response theory, and latent class model families. We discuss what is referred to as the ‘explaining‐away’ phenomenon in the context of such latent variable models. This phenomenon can occur when multiple latent variables are related to the same observed variable, and can elicit seemingly counterintuitive conditional dependencies between latent variables given observed variables. We illustrate the implications of explaining away for a number of well‐known latent variable models by using both theoretical and real data examples.
Natural and disease-specific autoantibodies in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
Authors: Daffa N I , Tighe P J , Corne J M , Fairclough L C , Todd I
Published: December 2014

Autoimmunity may contribute to the pathogenesis of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Studies have identified disease-specific autoantibodies (DSAAbs) in COPD patients, but natural autoantibodies (NAAbs) may also play a role. Previous studies have concentrated on circulating autoantibodies, but lung-associated autoantibodies may be most important. Our aim was to investigate NAAbs and DSAAbs in the circulation and lungs of COPD smoking (CS) patients compared to smokers (S) without airway obstruction and subjects who have never smoked (NS). Immunoglobulin (Ig)G antibodies that bind to lung tissue components were significantly lower in the circulation of CS patients than NS (with intermediate levels in S), as detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The levels of antibodies to collagen-1 (the major lung collagen) detected by ELISA were also reduced significantly in CS patients’ sera compared to NS. The detection of these antibodies in NS subjects indicates that they are NAAbs. The occurrence of DSAAbs in some CS patients and S subjects was indicated by high levels of serum IgG antibodies to cytokeratin-18 and collagen-5; furthermore, antibodies to collagen-5 eluted from homogenized lung tissue exposed to low pH (0·1 M glycine, pH 2·8) were raised significantly in CS compared to S and NS. Thus, this study supports a role in COPD for both NAAbs and DSAAbs.
paleobioDB: an R package for downloading, visualizing and processing data from the Paleobiology Database
Authors: Varela Sara , González‐Hernández Javier , Sgarbi Luciano F. , Marshall Charles , Uhen Mark D. , Peters Shanan , McClennen Michael
Published: December 2014

The fossil record acts as a time machine, providing data on the morphology, ecology and biogeography of ancient species. Therefore, ideally, fossil data should be included in evolutionary, macroecological and biogeographical studies. However, paleontological data are often not used in biological research, in part because of the difficulty of extracting occurrence records from the primary literature. The goal of the Paleobiology Database is to make these records generally accessible, but unlike databases such as Genbank and GBIF, a ready‐made interface to the R computing environment has not been available. We have developed paleobioDB, an R package designed to perform easy and flexible queries of the Paleobiology Database, including visualization, downloading and processing of selected data. This package facilitates access to paleontological data in a way that should allow further analysis using other packages and libraries available in R. The paleobioDB package should facilitate the integration of paleontological and neontological datasets, so that data from the deep past can be used to help inform our understanding of living biota, and vice versa.
Modelling the niche for a marine vertebrate: a case study incorporating behavioural plasticity, proximate threats and climate change
Authors: Pikesley Stephen K. , Broderick Annette C. , Cejudo Daniel , Coyne Michael S. , Godfrey Matthew H. , Godley Brendan J. , Lopez Pedro , López‐Jurado Luis Felipe , Elsy Merino Sonia , Varo‐Cruz Nuria , Witt Matthew J. , Hawkes Lucy A.
Published: December 2014

The integration of satellite telemetry, remotely sensed environmental data, and habitat/environmental modelling has provided for a growing understanding of spatial and temporal ecology of species of conservation concern. The Republic of Cape Verde comprises the only substantial rookery for the loggerhead turtle Caretta caretta in the eastern Atlantic. A size related dichotomy in adult foraging patterns has previously been revealed for adult sea turtles from this population with a proportion of adults foraging neritically, whilst the majority forage oceanically. Here we describe observed habitat use and employ ecological niche modelling to identify suitable foraging habitats for animals utilising these two distinct behavioural strategies. We also investigate how these predicted habitat niches may alter under the influence of climate change induced oceanic temperature rises. We further contextualise our niche models with fisheries catch data and knowledge of fisheries ‘hotspots’ to infer threat from fisheries interaction to this population, for animals employing both strategies.

Our analysis revealed repeated use of coincident oceanic habitat, over multiple seasons, by all smaller loggerhead turtles, whilst larger neritic foraging turtles occupied continental shelf waters. Modelled habitat niches were spatially distinct, and under the influence of predicted sea surface temperature rises, there was further spatial divergence of suitable habitats. Analysis of fisheries catch data highlighted that the observed and modelled habitats for oceanic and neritic loggerhead turtles could extensively interact with intensive fisheries activity within oceanic and continental shelf waters of northwest Africa. We suggest that the development and enforcement of sustainable management strategies, specifically multi‐national fisheries policy, may begin to address some of these issues; however, these must be flexible and adaptive to accommodate potential range shift for this species.
Transmission of Cultural Values among Mexican‐Origin Parents and Their Adolescent and Emerging Adult Offspring
Authors: Perez‐Brena Norma J. , Updegraff Kimberly A. , Umaña‐Taylor Adriana J.
Published: December 2014

The integration of the U.S. and Mexican culture is an important process associated with Mexican‐origin youths' adjustment and family dynamics. The current study examined the reciprocal associations in parents' and two offspring's cultural values (i.e., familism and respect) in 246 Mexican‐origin families. Overall, mothers' values were associated with increases in youths' values 5 years later. In contrast, youths' familism values were associated with increases in fathers' familism values 5 years later. In addition, developmental differences emerged where parent‐to‐offspring effects were more consistent for youth transitioning from early to late adolescence than for youth transitioning from middle adolescence to emerging adulthood. Finally, moderation by immigrant status revealed a youth‐to‐parent effect for mother–youth immigrant dyads, but not for dyads where youth were U.S.‐raised. Our findings highlight the reciprocal nature of parent–youth value socialization and provide a nuanced understanding of these processes through the consideration of familism and respect values. As Mexican‐origin youth represent a large and rapidly growing segment of the U.S. population, research that advances our understanding of how these youth develop values that foster family cohesion and support is crucial.
Sacrifice Ratios and Inflation Targeting: The Role of Credibility
Authors: Roux Nicolás De , Hofstetter Marc
Published: December 2014

Proponents of inflation targeting (IT) claim that it increases the credibility of central banks, which in turn should result in smaller sacrifice ratios (SRs) – that is, the ratio of output losses to the change in trend inflation during disinflations. We show that IT does indeed reduce SRs, but only if the disinflation is long: in a four‐year‐long disinflation, our estimates suggest that IT reduces SRs by at least 60%. In fast disinflations, IT does not affect SRs. These results suggest that IT and fast disinflations are substitute alternatives in enhancing the credibility of disinflationary processes and reducing their costs.
Financial Conditions Index and Identification of Credit Supply Shocks for the Euro Area
Authors: Moccero Diego Nicolas , Pariès Matthieu Darracq , Maurin Laurent
Published: December 2014

The international financial crisis and the euro‐area sovereign debt crisis brought to the fore the importance of financial conditions to the macro‐economy. The complexity of the financial sector means that a wide range of financial variables is needed to fully characterize its functioning in real time. In this paper we construct a financial conditions index (FCI) for the euro area following the studies by Hatzius et al. and Brave and Butters. Our FCI successfully tracks both worldwide and euro‐area‐specific financial events. We then incorporate the FCI into a VAR model comprising output, inflation, the monetary policy rate, bank loans and bank lending spreads to identify credit supply shocks with sign restrictions. These shocks are estimated to have caused around one‐fifth of the decline in euro‐area manufacturing production at the trough of the financial crisis and a rise in bank lending spreads of around 30 basis points.
Reducing Unintended Pregnancies: A Microsimulation of Contraceptive Switching, Discontinuation, and Failure Patterns in France
Authors: Diamond‐Smith Nadia G. , Moreau Caroline , Bishai David M.
Published: December 2014

Although the rate of contraceptive use in France is high, more than one‐third of pregnancies are unintended. We built a dynamic microsimulation model that applies data from the French COCON study on method switching, discontinuation, and failure rates to a hypothetical population of 20,000 women, followed for five years. We use the model to estimate the adjustment factor needed to make the survey data fit the demographic profile of France by adjusting for underreporting of contraceptive nonuse and abortion. We then test three behavior‐change scenarios that could reduce unintended pregnancies: decreasing method failure, increasing time using effective methods, and increasing switching from less effective to more effective methods. Our model suggests that decreasing method failure is the most effective means of reducing unintended pregnancies, but we found that all of the scenarios reduced unintended pregnancies by at least 25 percent. Dynamic microsimulations may have great potential in reproductive health research and prove useful for policymakers.
FIVE LATIN INSCRIPTIONS FROM JULIAN'S PAGAN RESTORATION
Authors: GREENWOOD DAVID NEAL
Published: December 2014

Scholars have often assumed that Julian's efforts to restore paganism were met with indifference at best. However, a study of Latin inscriptions praising the emperor and his religious actions can shed light on support for his revival of paganism. Although supplemented by other examples, five inscriptions from Casae, Thibilis, Panaeas, Mursa, and Cherchel are examined in detail and placed into proper context. This article argues that epigraphic evidence shows broader support for Julian's revival, both geographically and socially.
Using wikis and collaborative learning for science teachers' professional development
Authors: Chen Y‐H. , Jang S‐J. , Chen P‐J.
Published: December 2014

Wiki bears great potential to transform learning and instruction by scaffolding personal and social constructivism. Past studies have shown that proper application of wiki benefits both students and teachers; however, few studies have integrated wiki and collaborative learning to examine the growth of science teachers' Technological, Pedagogical and Content Knowledge (TPACK). This study introduced a wiki‐based TPACK growth model and examined nine elementary and middle science teachers' knowledge growth in a graduate‐level course. Data sources included reflective journals, wiki data and interviews. Results showed that with wiki, science teachers learned to design more understandable and lively science teaching content, and they collaboratively generated creative instructional strategies. Furthermore, wiki and collaborative learning helped in‐service teachers exchange and elaborate ideas related to the development of TPACK. Implications, suggestions and future research directions were put forward regarding wiki, TPACK and in‐service teachers' professional development.
The Religious Context in Explaining Public Support for the European Union
Authors: Scherer Margarete
Published: December 2014

This article examines contextual explanations for public support for European integration. Apart from economic and identity‐based theories, there may also be a religious dimension that could help to explain why some countries are principally pro‐European while others are largely eurosceptic. It is argued that differences between nations are embedded in historical alliances between Catholic and Protestant denominations and political systems. Hierarchical linear model analyses of data from the European Social Survey (ESS) show that: (1) citizens from Catholic countries are more likely to support European unification than the inhabitants of Protestant countries; and (2) this effect conditions the individual‐level effect of welfare attitudes. This suggests that in Protestant countries support for welfare redistribution is associated with low support for the EU, while in Catholic countries support for welfare redistribution is associated with high support for the EU.
Adjunctive moxifloxacin in the treatment of generalized aggressive periodontitis patients: clinical and microbiological results of a randomized, triple‐blind and placebo‐controlled clinical trial
Authors: Ardila Carlos Martín , Martelo‐Cadavid Juan Felipe , Boderth‐Acosta Gina , Ariza‐Garcés Astrid Adriana , Guzmán Isabel C.
Published: December 2014

Aim

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the clinical and microbiological efficacy of moxifloxacin (MOX) in one‐stage scaling and root planing (SRP) in treating generalized aggressive periodontitis (GAgP).

Materials and Methods

Forty subjects were randomly allocated to two treatment groups. The two treatment groups consisted of SRP combined with systemically admi‐nistered MOX at the dosage of 400 mg once daily for 7 days or SRP + placebo once daily for 7 days. Subgingival plaque samples were analysed for cultivable bacteria.

Results

Both groups resulted in significant reduction of probing depth (PD) and clinical attachment level (CAL) compared with baseline (p < 0.0001), and this difference was maintained at 6 months from baseline in both groups. However, subjects receiving MOX showed the greatest improvements CAL, and PD. Subjects in both groups at 6 months displayed the greatest reduction from baseline in frequency of sites with PD ≥6 mm (p < 0.001), favouring the MOX group. Adjunctive antibiotic protocol reduced subgingival Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans to undetectable levels, after 3 and 6 months, and there was a significant reduction in the levels of Porphyromonas gingivalis and Tannerella forsythia in the MOX group compared to the placebo group.

Conclusions

The results from this study suggest that moxifloxacin as and adjunct to one‐stage full‐mouth SRP leads to a better clinical and microbiological advantages compared to mechanical treatment.
Unintentional selection, unanticipated insights: introductions, stocking and the evolutionary ecology of fishes
Authors: Hutchings J. A.
Published: December 2014

Natural environmental change has produced countless opportunities for species to disperse into and persist in habitats where they previously did not exist. Introduction and stocking programmes have facilitated similar sorts of colonization opportunities across considerably greater geographical scales and often in much shorter periods of time. Even though the mechanism of colonization differs, the result can be the same: evolutionary change in the colonizing population in response to novel selection pressures. As a consequence, some human‐mediated fish transfers have unintentionally yielded novel research opportunities to study how phenotypes and genes interact with their environment and affect ecological and evolutionary change. The primary purpose here is to explore how work, directly or indirectly involved with human‐mediated transfers, has unintentionally yielded novel research and research opportunities in fish ecology and evolution. Insights have produced new knowledge or altered previously held perceptions on topics such as local adaptation, rate of evolutionary change, phenotypic plasticity, alternative reproductive strategies, population structure and colonization probability. Well‐documented stocking programmes, especially in terms of history, numbers and original population sources, can provide highly fertile ground for generating further insights on the ecology and evolution of fishes and of the factors likely to influence the success of conservation‐based, restoration programmes.
Species‐specific preferences of German recreational anglers for freshwater fishing experiences, with emphasis on the intrinsic utilities of fish stocking and wild fishes
Authors: Arlinghaus R. , Beardmore B. , Riepe C. , Meyerhoff J. , Pagel T.
Published: December 2014

To answer the question, whether anglers have an intrinsic preference for stocking or a preference for catch outcomes (e.g. catch rates) believed to be maintained by stocking, a discrete choice experiment was conducted among a sample of anglers (n = 1335) in Lower Saxony, Germany. After controlling for catch aspects of the fishing experience, no significant influence of two stocking attributes (stocking frequency and composition of the catch in terms of wild v. hatchery fishes) on the utility gained from fishing was found for any of the freshwater species that were studied. It was concluded that the previously documented large appreciation of fish stocking by anglers may be indicative of an underlying preference for sufficiently high catches rather than reflect an intrinsic preference for stocking or the catching of wild fishes per se.