bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cutting Medicare Hospital Prices Leads to a Spillover Reduction in Hospital Discharges for the Nonelderly
Authors: White Chapin
Published: May 2014

Objective

To measure spillover effects of Medicare inpatient hospital prices on the nonelderly (under age 65).

Primary Data Sources

Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project State Inpatient Databases (10 states, 1995–2009) and Medicare Hospital Cost Reports.

Study Design

Outcomes include nonelderly discharges, length of stay and case mix, staffed hospital bed‐days, and the share of discharges and days provided to the elderly. We use metropolitan statistical areas as our markets. We use descriptive analyses comparing 1995 and 2009 and panel data fixed‐effects regressions. We instrument for Medicare prices using accumulated changes in the Medicare payment formula.

Principal Findings

Medicare price reductions are strongly associated with reductions in nonelderly discharges and hospital capacity. A 10‐percent reduction in the Medicare price is estimated to reduce discharges among the nonelderly by about 5 percent. Changes in the Medicare price are not associated with changes in the share of inpatient hospital care provided to the elderly versus nonelderly.

Conclusions

Medicare price reductions appear to broadly constrain hospital operations, with significant reductions in utilization among the nonelderly. The slow Medicare price growth under the Affordable Care Act may result in a spillover slowdown in hospital utilization and spending among the nonelderly.
Human Security and Disarmament Treaties: The Role of International Campaigns
Authors: Alcalde Javier
Published: May 2014

Traditionally, security issues were confined within the realm of states. However, a broad understanding of security has given civil society a say on these issues. Recent campaigns have managed to draw attention to the humanitarian consequences of specific weapons, such as landmines, cluster munitions and small arms. Forming part of a new peace movement, these campaigns are more sophisticated, use a variety of strategies and resources, focus on concrete security issues, have a lower profile and are arguably more successful than their predecessors. In this article, some of the factors leading to success and failure in a number of disarmament initiatives are presented, as well as the interactions between campaigns and government policy makers, and the international dynamics of negotiations on treaties – in other words, the ‘rules of the game’. Also, current debates regarding learning processes within the campaigns and the democratic features of the processes under study are discussed. This article includes several recommendations aimed at helping civil‐society activists increase their influence when negotiating humanitarian security treaties.
Slowing Trade: Global Activism Against Trade Liberalization
Authors: Pianta Mario
Published: May 2014

The impact of global activism against trade liberalization is examined in this article through an analysis of the initiatives of cross border civil society networks and with particular attention to the failed 2003 World Trade Organization (WTO) ministerial conference in Cancun. Key aspects considered here include the internal dynamics of mobilization – which was characterized by a strong framing and widespread protest – and the political opportunities in WTO negotiations, which were marked by divisions within the North and resistance by a large group of Southern governments. In the failure of the WTO Millennium Round in Cancun and the loss of momentum of its liberalization agenda, a significant role has been played by civil society activism and its ability to combine protest, well‐prepared lobbying, an epistemic‐like community able to influence public opinion, and the development of alliances with like‐minded governments of the South.
Role of endovenous laser therapy in large and very large diameter great saphenous veins
Authors: Florescu Cosmin , Curry Greg , Buckenham Timothy
Published: May 2014

Background

The literature suggests that endovenous laser is less efficacious in great saphenous veins (GSVs) with a diameter of greater than 1 cm. This paper describes the efficacy of endovenous laser therapy (EVLT) in ablating GSV with a diameter greater than 1.0 cm.

Methods

Retrospective review of consecutive patients undergoing GSV EVLT between 15 November 2012 and 25 July 2013 was performed. GSV with a maximum diameter of ≥1.0 cm were defined as large, those with a maximum diameter of ≥2.0 cm were defined as very large.

Results

A total of 38 ablations were reviewed; two patients had bilateral GSV vein ablations. All underwent a 6‐week post‐procedural duplex. There were 20 ablations on veins >1 cm and 4 ablations on veins ≥2.0 cm. Median GSV length was 21.5 cm (16.5 cm for <1 cm, 24.5 cm for 1–2 cm and 24.5 cm for >2 cm). When correcting for length of vein treated, the energy deposited was stable for all patients at 80 J/cm. Tumescent volumes per centimetre were 3.7 mL/cm for veins <1.0 cm and 4.6 mL/cm for veins >1.0 cm. Successful ablation was achieved in 100% of veins independent of size.

Conclusion

Ablation rates for large and very large GSVs in our series do not differ from the cohort of patients with GSV < 1.0 cm and from published results for GSVs < 1.0 cm. This supports the use of EVLT for venous insufficiency in the larger diameter GSV typically found in patients on public hospital waiting lists.
Is there an alternative to centralization for pancreatic resection in New Zealand?
Authors: Hore Todd , Thomas Megan , Brown Lisa , Sakowska Magdalena , Connor Saxon
Published: May 2014

Background

Internationally pancreatic surgery has become increasingly centralized; however, geographical and population distribution within New Zealand (NZ) limits the practicalities of such an approach. The aim of this study was to review the short‐term outcomes of patients undergoing pancreatic surgery by a single hepato‐pancreato‐biliary trained surgeon in a centre that would meet the minimum criteria set by the NZ National Standards but not necessarily the definition of a high‐volume surgeon/centre.

Methods

A retrospective review of consecutive patients undergoing pancreatic resection within an enhanced recovery programme by a single surgeon between March 2005 and April 2013. Primary outcomes were 30‐day morbidity and 90‐day mortality.

Results

A total of 156 patients who underwent a pancreatic resection were included. Eighty‐two (53%) patients underwent a pancreaticoduodenectomy. Forty‐seven (30%) underwent a left pancreatectomy. Overall, 30‐day morbidity was 64% and overall 90‐day mortality was 2.6%. Overall median length of stay was 11 (3–140) days.

Conclusions

Acceptable outcomes have been achieved for patients undergoing pancreatic resection within a centre that meets the criteria proposed by the NZ National Standards for treatment of pancreatic cancer.
Review finds insufficient evidence to support the routine use of heated, humidified high‐flow nasal cannula use in neonates
Authors: Shetty S , Greenough A
Published: May 2014

A literature review was carried out following concerns about the use of heated, humidified, high‐flow nasal cannulae (HHFNC) in premature infants. Randomised trials following extubation showed that HHFNC was associated with similar or greater reintubation rates than nasal continuous positive airway pressure, but significantly better nasal trauma scores. Infections with Ralstonia bacteria were an issue.

Conclusion

There is insufficient evidence to support the routine use of HHFNC for premature infants and further research is required.
787. STROBILANTHES NUTANS
Authors: Wood John R. I. , Adhikari Bhaskar
Published: May 2014

The history of the discovery and naming of Strobilanthes nutans (Nees) T. Anderson is provided. It is described and illustrated. Some of the problems in trying to subdivide the genus Strobilanthes are discussed in the context of highlighting the distinctive features of S. nutans including the distinctive cone‐like inflorescence, the white flowers and the subglobose incurved anthers. The introduction and cultivation of S. nutans as well as the possibilities of the introduction of other hardy species of Strobilanthes are discussed.
784. SALVIA × WESTERAE
Authors: Wood John R. I.
Published: May 2014

Salvia × westerae is described and illustrated, its floral characteristics being contrasted with those of its parents. The characteristics and distribution of the parent species, Salvia haenkei and S. orbignaei, are discussed and short biographies of their eponymous discoverers, Haenke and D'Orbigny are provided. Pollination syndromes in American Salvia are briefly discussed and the rare occurrence of natural hybrids in the Americas is noted.
DRG Benchmarking: Analysis of service structures and ‐differences in dermatology departments
Authors: Fürstenberg Torsten , Gierling Patrick , Irps Sebastian , Gollnick Harald , Kaufmann Roland , Stadler Rudolf , Rompel Rainer , Hensen Peter
Published: May 2014

Background

In the context of DRG‐based hospital funding, the analysis of services provided in dermatologic inpatient care is highly relevant. We analyzed and compared clinical service structures and varieties in dermatologic hospitals through a benchmarking technique.

Methods

For this multicenter cross‐sectional study, routine data from 46 German dermatologic clinics and departments were collected, processed, and analyzed. In total, 95 257 data sets from 2011 were available. The data were grouped according to the G‐DRG‐system 2013 version.

Results

The average length of stay for all cases was 6.3 days (DRG “inliers”: 5.7 days), and average patient age was 52 years. In total, 55 % of all cases were grouped to medical, 45 % to surgical DRGs. 71 % of all hospitals provide services within or close to this average value (± 10 %). No association was found between the number of hospital beds and the variety of clinical services provided in our sample. We found huge varieties in several parameters assessing the coding quality.

Conclusions

The results reflect the heterogeneous reality in German inpatient dermatology. The varieties in dermatologic service range still depend on patient‐related factors as well as infrastructural conditions and the resources available at each site.
Maternal Food Restriction During Lactation Affects Body Weight and Sexual Behavior of Male Offspring in Meadow Voles (Microtus pennsylvanicus)
Authors: Sabau Ramona M. , Ferkin Michael H.
Published: May 2014

Little is known about the occurrence of individual variation in sexual behavior and how maternal nutrition can affect this variation. We tested the hypothesis that male offspring of female meadow voles,Microtus pennsylvanicus, that were 30% food restricted (FR) during days 1–7 of lactation (FR1–7), days 8–14 of lactation (FR8–14), or late days 15–21 of lactation (FR15–21) lactation show persistent, negative effects on their sexual behavior as adults relative to male offspring of females that were not food restricted. We measured three components of sexual behavior, attractivity, proceptivity, and receptivity, beginning when the males were 98 d of age. Food restriction during middle lactation (FR8–14) but not during early (FR1–7) and late lactation (FR15–21) was sufficient to induce adult male voles to produce anogenital marks that were not as attractive as those produced by control males. Food restriction during lactation did not affect the proceptive behavior of male voles but did affect their receptivity. Only four of 12FR8–14 male voles mated compared to nine of 12FR1–7 males, eight of 12FR15–21 males, and eight of 11 control males. However, no differences existed in their copulatory behavior among the males that did mate. The body weight ofFR1–7 andFR8–14 males was lower than that ofFR15–21 and control males when they were between 22 d of age (weaning) and 48 d of age (puberty) but was similar when the males were 98 d of age. Food intake was similar for theFRand control males between day 22 and day 98. It remains unclear, however, whether this type of maternal effect represents strategic programing of offspring behavior in response to the environment experienced by mothers or is a product of developmental processes of food restriction prior to weaning (Evolution58, 2004, 2574).
Precision Glass Molding: Validation of an FE Model for Thermo‐Mechanical Simulation
Authors: Sarhadi Ali , Hattel Jesper Henri , Hansen Hans Nørgaard
Published: May 2014

In precision glass molding process, the required accuracy for the final size and shape of the molded lenses as well as the complexity of this technology calls for a numerical simulation. The current paper addresses the development of an FE model for thermo‐mechanical simulation of the precision glass molding process including heating, pressing, and cooling stages. Temperature‐dependent viscoelastic and structural relaxation behavior of the glass material are implemented through a FORTRAN material subroutine (UMAT) into the commercial FEM program ABAQUS, and the FE model is validated with a sandwich seal test. Subsequently, precision molding of several glass rings is performed at three different pressing temperatures, and the experimental deformation of the glass rings at the end of the molding is compared with the predicted ones from FE simulation. Furthermore, the transient and residual stress distribution inside the glass rings are calculated by the developed FE model, and the effects of some important process parameters such as interface friction and mold temperature on the FE results are assessed. The developed FE model can be employed to predict the deformation behavior, final size/shape, and the residual stress state inside the glass lenses in a precision glass molding process.
The Real Stroke Burden in the Philippines
Authors: Navarro Jose C. , Baroque Alejandro C. , Lokin Johnny K. , Venketasubramanian Narayanaswamy
Published: May 2014

Stroke is the Philippines' second leading cause of death. It has a prevalence of 0·9%; ischemic stroke comprises 70% while hemorrhagic stroke comprises 30%. Age-adjusted hypertension prevalence is 20·6%, diabetes 6·0%, dyslipidemia 72·0%, smoking 31%, and obesity 4·9%. The neurologist-to-patient ratio is 1:330·000, with 67% of neurologists practicing in urban centers. Health care is largely private and the cost is borne out-of-pocket by patients and their families. Challenges include delivering adequate support to the rural communities and to the underprivileged sectors.
The Globalization of Migration: Has the World Become More Migratory?
Authors: Czaika Mathias , de Haas Hein
Published: May 2014

Although it is commonly believed that the volume, diversity, geographical scope, and overall complexity of international migration have increased as part of globalization processes, this idea has remained largely untested. This article analyzes shifts in global migration patterns between 1960 and 2000 using indices that simultaneously capture changes in the spread, distance, and intensity of migration. While the results challenge the idea that there has been a global increase in volume, diversity, and geographical scope of migration, main migratory shifts have been directional. Migration has globalized from a destination country perspective but hardly from an origin country perspective, with migrants from an increasingly diverse array of non-European-origin countries concentrating in a shrinking pool of prime destination countries. The global migration map has thus become more skewed. Rather than refuting the globalization of migration hypothesis, this seems to reflect the asymmetric nature of globalization processes in general.
Adalimumab for the treatment of moderate to severe psoriasis: subanalysis of effects on scalp and nails in the BELIEVE study
Authors: Thaçi D. , Unnebrink K. , Sundaram M. , Sood S. , Yamaguchi Y.
Published: May 2014

Background/Objective

This post hoc analysis examined the effects of adalimumab in patients with scalp and/or nail psoriasis from BELIEVE (a randomized, controlled, multicentre phase 3 safety and efficacy trial).

Methods

Efficacy was assessed in the pooled treatment group (adalimumab with or without calcipotriol plus betamethasone dipropionate) by Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (75% improvement; PASI 75), Psoriasis Scalp Severity Index (PSSI), Nail Psoriasis Severity Index (NAPSI), Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI) and a visual analog scale (VAS) for pain.

Results

Of the 730 enrolled patients, 663 (91.3%), 457 (63.1%) and 433 (60.1%) had psoriasis of the scalp, nails, or both, respectively. Similar proportions of patients with (68.2%) and without (63.5%) scalp involvement achieved a PASI 75 response at week 16 [adjusted odds ratio (OR), 1.34; P = 0.320]. PASI 75 response rates were lower in patients with nail psoriasis compared with patients without nail psoriasis at week 8 (53.0% vs. 62.9%; OR, 0.68; P = 0.019) and week 16 (65.0% vs. 73.0%; OR, 0.70; P = 0.052). PASI 75 response rates were 66.1% in patients with scalp and nail involvement and 70.8% in patients without both scalp and nail involvement at week 16 (OR, 0.87; P = 0.423). Patients in all scalp and nail subgroups reported improvements in DLQI and VAS pain scores throughout the study. Patients with scalp psoriasis exhibited large improvements in scalp symptoms demonstrated by a median (mean ± SD) decrease from baseline PSSI at week 16 of 100% (77.2 ± 96.9%). Patients with nail psoriasis improved, demonstrated by a median (mean ± SD) decrease from baseline NAPSI at week 16 of 39.5% (9.4 ± 164.5%).

Conclusion

Our results indicate that adalimumab improves overall psoriasis and scalp and nail symptoms in this patient population with scalp psoriasis and/or nail involvement. In addition, similar PASI 75 response rates are achieved in patients with and without scalp involvement, whereas patients with nail involvement demonstrate a moderate (perhaps delayed) PASI 75 response rate.
Cervical curvature variations in patients with infraocclusion
Authors: Ando E. , Shigeta Y. , Hirabayashi R. , Ikawa T. , Hirai S. , Katsumura S. , Ogawa T.
Published: May 2014

The purpose of this study was to observe the variations of cervical curvature in patients with infraocclusion, and to compare this with the controls. In this study, the infraocclusion criteria were defined with the Pr‐id as <17 mm on the cephalometric image. The subjects were 32 patients with infraocclusion, and 28 controls which matched the distribution for gender and age. The six points of inquiry were as follows: (i) cervical vertebra height, (ii) neck alignment, (iii) ratio of lower facial height, (iv) vertical dimension of occlusion, (v) cervical angle and (vi) occlusal angle. In over 90% of the patients with infraocclusion, the cervical curvature was classified as straight or kyphosis. Conversely, in 36% of the control subjects, the cervical curvature was classified as Lordosis. There was a weak positive correlation between the vertical dimension of occlusion and the cervical curvature in all subjects. In the control group, there was a significant and strong positive correlation between the age and cervical curvature, and a strong negative correlation between age and cervical angle and occlusal angle. Conversely, in the patients with infraocclusion, age was only correlated with the ratio of lower facial height. The prevalence of non‐lordosis in the patients with infraocclusion was higher in comparison with the control group in our study, and the previous large‐scale study of Japanese. However, there was merely a weak positive correlation between the cervical curvature and the vertical dimension of occlusion.
Plant and arbuscular mycorrhizal fungal (AMF) communities – which drives which?
Authors: Zobel Martin , Öpik Maarja
Published: May 2014

More than a decade ago, the Driver (arbuscular mycorrhizal fungal partners drive plant communities) and Passenger (AMF community dynamics follows changes in the host plant community) hypotheses were suggested to explain the mutual relationships of plant and AMF communities. We propose one more hypothesis: the Habitat hypothesis, which postulates that both plant and AMF communities follow changes in abiotic conditions. The null hypothesis for all three working hypotheses can be called the Independence hypothesis, which proposes that plant and AMF communities are unrelated. We investigate the assumptions of these hypotheses and the available evidence in support of them. We suggest that community dynamics during secondary succession, including those related to land‐use changes, may be explained by the Driver hypothesis, while the dynamics of plant and AMF communities during primary succession may be explained by the Passenger hypothesis. Within‐region co‐variation of successionally stable plant and AMF communities may be explained by the Habitat hypothesis, while the Independence hypothesis may explain global patterns of plant and AMF communities. These suggestions are tentative, and more evidence from both descriptive and experimental studies is required to assess them. In particular, comparative information is needed about dispersal limitation of plant and AMF communities in dynamic landscapes.
Reduced hepatic lipid content in Pten‐haplodeficient mice because of enhanced AKT2/PKBβ activation in skeletal muscle
Authors: Schultze Simon M. , Dietrich Maren , Hynx Debby , Geier Andreas , Niessen Markus , Spinas Giatgen A. , Hemmings Brian A. , Tschopp Oliver
Published: May 2014

Background & Aims

Non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a major health problem and occurs frequently in the context of metabolic syndrome and type 2 diabetes mellitus. Hepatocyte‐specific Pten‐deficiency in mice was shown previously to result in hepatic steatosis due to hyperactivated AKT2. However, the role of peripheral insulin‐sensitive tissues on PTEN‐ and AKT2‐dependent accumulation of hepatic lipids has not been addressed.

Methods

Effects of systemically perturbed PTEN/AKT2 signalling on hepatic lipid content were studied in Pten‐haplodeficient (Pten+/−/Akt2+/+) mice and Pten‐haplodeficient mice lacking Akt2 (Pten+/−/Akt2−/−). The liver and skeletal muscle were characterized by histology and/or analysis of insulin signalling. To assess the effects of AKT2 activity in skeletal muscle on hepatic lipid content, AKT2 mutants were expressed in skeletal muscle of Pten+/+/Akt2+/+ and Pten+/−/Akt2+/+ mice using adeno‐associated virus 8.

Results

Pten+/−/Akt2+/+ mice were found to have a more than 2‐fold reduction in hepatic lipid content, at a level similar to that observed in Pten+/−/Akt2−/− mice. Insulin signalling in the livers of Pten+/−/Akt2+/+ mice was enhanced, indicating that extrahepatic factors prevent lipid accumulation. The skeletal muscle of Pten+/−/Akt2+/+ mice also showed enhanced insulin signalling. Skeletal muscle‐specific expression of constitutively active AKT2 reduced hepatic lipid content in Pten+/+/Akt2+/+ mice, and dominant negative AKT2 led to an increase in accumulation of hepatic lipids in both Pten+/+/Akt2+/+ and Pten+/−/Akt2+/+ mice.

Conclusion

Our results demonstrate that AKT2 activity in skeletal muscle critically affects lipid accumulation in the livers of Pten+/+/Akt2+/+ and Pten+/−/Akt2+/+ mice, and emphasize the role of skeletal muscle in the pathology of NAFLD.
Effects of mammal host diversity and density on the infection level of Trypanosoma cruzi in sylvatic kissing bugs
Authors: ODA E. , SOLARI A. , BOTTO‐MAHAN C.
Published: May 2014

Several reports have described host species diversity and identity as the most important factors influencing disease risk, producing either dilution or amplification of the pathogen in a host community. Triatomine vectors, mammals and the protozoan Trypanosoma cruzi (Trypanosomatida: Trypanosomatidae) Chagas are involved in the wild cycle of Chagas disease, in which infection of mammals occurs by contamination of mucous membranes or skin abrasions with insect‐infected faeces. We examined the extent to which host diversity and identity determine the infection level observed in vector populations (i.e. disease risk in humans). We recorded infection in triatomine colonies and on the coexisting host mammalian species in semi‐arid Chile. Host diversity, and total and infected host species densities are used as predictor variables for disease risk. Disease risk did not correlate with host diversity changes. However, the densities of each infected rodent species were positively associated with disease risk. We suggest that the infected host density surrounding the vector colonies is a relevant variable for disease risk and should be considered to understand disease dynamics. It is crucial to pay attention on the spatial scale of analysis, considering the pattern of vector dispersal, when the relationship between host diversity and disease risk is studied.
Lifestyle and health‐related quality of life in Asian patients with total hip arthroplasties
Authors: Fujita Kimie , Xia Zhenlan , Liu Xueqin , Mawatari Masaaki , Makimoto Kiyoko
Published: May 2014

Total hip arthroplasty reduces pain and restores physical function in patients with hip joint problems. This study examined lifestyle and health‐related quality of life before and after total hip arthroplasty in Japanese and Chinese patients. Two hospitals in China recruited 120 patients and 120 Japanese patients matched by age and operative status were drawn from a prospective cohort database. Oxford Hip Score, EuroQol, and characteristics of Asian lifestyle and attitudes toward the operation were assessed. There were no differences between patients from the two countries in quality‐of‐life‐scale scores: postoperative patients had significantly better quality‐of‐life scores than preoperative patients in both countries. In China, patients who reported that living at home was inconvenient had significantly worse Oxford Hip Scores than those who did not. Mean scores for anxiety items concerning possible dislocation and durability of the implant were significantly higher in Japanese than in Chinese subjects. Our findings suggest that providing information about housing conditions and lifestyles would result in improved quality of life and reduced anxiety in patients with implanted joints.
Virus infection alters the predatory behavior of an omnivorous vector
Authors: Stafford‐Banks Candice A. , Yang Louie H. , McMunn Marshall S. , Ullman Diane E.
Published: May 2014

The interactions between parasites and their hosts can cause profound changes in host behavior, including changes that can alter other trophic interactions. The western flower thrips Frankliniella occidentalis is an important omnivorous insect vector of Tomato spotted wilt virus (TSWV), which infects crops worldwide and also infects its thrips vector. Here, we show that tospovirus‐infected female thrips become more predaceous, illustrating how the functional role of omnivores may change in response to pathogen infection. Our findings support the hypothesis that increased predation among virus‐infected female thrips compensates for the detrimental effects of virus infection. Because predatory behavior is unlikely to increase virus transmission to plants, it is doubtful that this shift in feeding behavior is due to an adaptive parasite manipulation of vector behavior. In this study, increases in predatory behavior were observed in female thrips, but not in male thrips. This sexually dimorphic compensatory response indicates that male and female thrips utilize different feeding strategies to compensate for parasite infection, the expression of which is constrained by resource availability. Our findings demonstrate a novel, but potentially common pathway by which viruses can influence the structure of trophic interactions in food webs.
Functional trait differences and the outcome of community assembly: an experimental test with vernal pool annual plants
Authors: Kraft Nathan J. B. , Crutsinger Gregory M. , Forrestel Elisabeth J. , Emery Nancy C.
Published: May 2014

Functional trait‐based approaches have seen rapid development in community ecology and biogeography in recent years, as they promise to offer a better mechanistic and predictive understanding of community structure. However, several key challenges remain. First, while many studies have explored connections between functional traits and abiotic gradients, far fewer have directly tested the common assumption that functional trait differences influence interspecific interactions. Second, empirical studies often ignore intraspecific trait variation within communities, even though intraspecific variation has been known to have substantial impacts on community dynamics. Here we present an experiment designed to assess the role of functional trait differences in predicting the outcome of interspecific species interactions among a suite of California vernal pool annual plants. Eight species were grown in pairwise combinations in two levels of inundation in a greenhouse and functional traits were measured on all individuals. Nested models predicting focal plant performance were fit to the data. For seven of the eight species in the experiment, the best model included a functional trait difference term that was consistent with a competitive hierarchy, indicating that focal species tended to do better when they had larger leaf size, lower specific leaf area, and greater investment in lateral canopy spread than their neighbors. Models that included individually measured trait values generally performed better than models using species trait averages. We tested if the same trait measurements predicted tolerance of inundation (a feature of vernal pool habitats), and species depth distributions from extensive field surveys, though we did not find strong relationships. Our results suggest that functional traits can be used to make inferences about the outcome of interspecific interactions, and that greater predictive power can come from considering intraspecific variation in functional traits, particularly in low diversity communities.
Segmental Prurigo Pigmentosa
Authors: Torrelo Antonio , Azorín Daniel , Noguera Lucero , Hernández‐Martín Angela , Happle Rudolf , Requena Luis
Published: May 2014

Prurigo pigmentosa (PP) is an inflammatory skin disease of unknown origin. The skin lesions in PP are symmetrically distributed on the back, chest, and neck. Pruritus is a prominent feature in many cases. We report on a 13‐year‐old girl with lesions typical of PP in a segmental arrangement on her left chest. A segmental distribution of PP has not been previously reported.
Patterns of pollen removal and deposition inPolemonium brandegeei(Polemoniaceae): the role of floral visitors, floral design and sexual interference
Authors: Kulbaba M. W. , Worley A. C.
Published: May 2014

The arrangement, colour, shape and size of floral parts (collectively floral design) have evolved primarily to promote mating successviaanimal‐mediated pollen transfer. Although numerous studies have examined variation in pollinator assemblages, relatively few have examined patterns of pollen removal and deposition in the presence of fluctuating pollinators and ineffective floral visitors; therefore, net pollen removal and deposition by entire visitor assemblages are unclear. We studied the timing (diurnal or nocturnal) and effects of floral traits on pollen removal and deposition under a dynamic visitor assemblage ofPolemonium brandegeei. We quantified pollen grains remaining in anthers (pollen removal) and deposited on stigmas (pollen deposition) of plants visited during either the day (07:30–20:00 h) or night (20:30–07:30 h) in natural populations over two flowering seasons. Pollen removal and deposition occurred both diurnally and nocturnally during our study. Increased diurnal removal and deposition coincided with peak floral visitations in 2006. This increase in pollen removal and deposition may reflect increased visits by pollen consumers, effective hawkmoth pollinators and increased self‐pollen deposition due to hot, dry weather. Nonlinear effects of style length significantly affected pollen removal, with less pollen remaining in flowers with intermediate style lengths. Pollen deposition was more complex, with herkogamy and anther height affecting deposition. Further, close proximity of stigmas and anthers increased the potential for sexual interference between pollen removal and deposition. Overall, flower visitations and pollen removal and deposition varied between years and populations, but sex organ placement consistently influenced the removal and deposition of pollen.
Penetration of suberized periderm of a woody host by Phytophthora cinnamomi
Authors: O'Gara E. , Howard K. , McComb J. , Colquhoun I. J. , Hardy G. E. St. J.
Published: May 2014

The mechanisms by which Phytophthora cinnamomi zoospores infect inundated, above‐ground woody stem tissue are described. Using 4–6‐ and 18‐month‐old jarrah seedlings, the infection courts were identified and the invasion of the stems at sites of zoospore cyst binding were described. Stems were inoculated with a suspension of motile zoospores on the green stem/young periderm region. Light microscopy was used to examine penetration at sites of taxis, and fluorescent microscopy was used to examine penetration sites of seedlings with intact periderm. Two main infection courts were identified on stems: the emerging axillary shoot and the region of stem immediately surrounding an axillary shoot, where the periderm was thin or discontinuous. Invasion also occurred at sites where the developing shoot had not yet emerged but was at the stem surface. At these sites the pathogen also directly invaded through the thin‐walled phellem of the periderm surrounding the shoot. Zoospores of P. cinnamomi were not attracted to stomata on mature leaves or green stems. Penetration of the epidermal cell layer of the axillary bud leaf primordia was inter‐ and intra‐cellular; growth of hyphae in the periderm surrounding the shoot was intercellular; while in collenchyma it was inter‐ and intra‐cellular, being intercellular between polyphenolic‐rich cells. Exposed stem collenchyma was also directly invaded immediately adjacent to the young axillary shoot. Zoospores demonstrated taxis to sites of discontinuous periderm, similar to wounded areas where the outer protective layers of the plant are breached. This study presents the first evidence that P. cinnamomi is capable of intercellular penetration of suberized periderm.
The Kissimmee River Restoration Project and Evaluation Program, Florida, U.S.A.
Authors: Koebel Joseph W. , Bousquin Stephen G.
Published: May 2014

Over the past decade, restoration of the Kissimmee River in central Florida has received considerable attention from local, state, national, and international media. In terms of areal extent, project cost, and ecological evaluation it is one of the largest and most comprehensive river restoration projects in the world. The goal of reestablishing ecological integrity involves restoring the physical attributes and the hydrologic processes that were lost after channelization of the river in the 1960s. The project is expected to restore over 80 km2 of floodplain wetlands and reestablish over 70 km of river channel. Restoration construction began in 1999; to date, three construction phases have been completed, with the final phase of construction slated for completion in 2019. Restoration evaluation is widely viewed as a critical component of any restoration project. Equally important is the dissemination of information gained from restoration evaluation programs. This introductory article presents a brief overview of project history and outlines the approach and logic of the Kissimmee River Restoration Evaluation Program. The following papers present the results of ecological studies conducted before and after completion of the first phase of restoration construction. This first phase reestablished flow through 23 km of reconnected river channels and seasonally inundated a large portion (approximately 2,900 ha) of the floodplain within the Phase I project area. Although these studies present interim responses prior to full hydrologic restoration, results suggest that the ecosystem is responding largely as predicted by performance measures developed prior to restoration construction.
Interim Responses of Floodplain Wetland Vegetation to Phase I of the Kissimmee River Restoration Project: Comparisons of Vegetation Maps from Five Periods in the River's History
Authors: Spencer Lawrence J. , Bousquin Stephen G.
Published: May 2014

Phase I of the Kissimmee River Restoration Project (KRRP) reestablished intermittent inundation of the river's floodplain by backfilling 12 km of the C‐38 flood control canal in 2001. We compared floodplain vegetation maps based on 2003 and 2008 aerial imagery (2 and 7 years following completion of Phase I, respectively) to vegetation maps from 1954 (pre‐channelization), 1974 (3 years after channelization), and 1996 (25 years after channelization) to evaluate broad‐scale vegetation responses to Phase I restoration. Results indicate that the extent of wetland plant communities expanded rapidly, more than doubling in area within 2 years after completion of Phase I, and that by 2008 wetlands had nearly recovered to pre‐channelization levels. However, full reestablishment of the pre‐channelization wetland mosaic has not yet occurred. Prior to channelization, much of the floodplain was dominated by a broadleaf marsh (BLM) community associated with extended, deep annual flooding, while shorter‐hydroperiod communities dominated the floodplain in 2003 and 2008. Prior to restoration construction, the reestablishment of BLM was predicted to be slow because suitable hydrology is dependent on project components that will not be in place until all restoration components are completed (projected for 2019). Hydrologic data indicate that the duration and variability of floodplain inundation have not yet achieved restoration targets over the entire Phase I study area. Other factors affecting vegetation responses are likely involved, including the age and viability of soil seed banks, the rarity of relict propagule sources following the channelized period, and competition from an invasive wetland shrub species.
Intelligent Tinkering in Ecological Restoration
Authors: Murcia Carolina , Aronson James
Published: May 2014

Restoration practitioners adopt a multiplicity of approaches that range from basic trial and error, and site‐specific efforts, to complex experimental designs that test cutting edge theoretical hypotheses. We classify these different strategies to understand how restoration is planned and executed, and to contribute to the discussion on certification and evaluation. We use Aldo Leopold's notion of “intelligent tinkering” as a basis for a typology of four different approaches to restoration based on four parameters: motivation, general strategy, method of inquiry, and temporal and spatial scales of the expected outcomes. We argue that efforts to restore a damaged ecosystem in a skilled and experimental manner should be called “professional intelligent tinkering” versus “amateur intelligent tinkering,” and “careless tinkering.” We compare these three types of tinkering, and a more formal “scientific approach.” In professional intelligent tinkering, interventions and adjustments are done in a logical and careful manner, and with a methodical, experimental mindset. In contrast to the scientific approach, intelligent tinkering does not necessarily follow a formal experimental procedure, with replications and controls that allow extrapolation, nor is it driven by the motivation to publish in peer‐reviewed journals. Rather, it is primarily driven by a desire to solve site‐specific problems even in the absence of sufficient ecological knowledge to apply previously tested knowledge and techniques. We illustrate three approaches with three on‐going restoration projects in southeastern Brazil, two of which are small scale, and one of which is very large scale.
Organizational Commitment over the Gendered Life Course at aMexican Company
Authors: Brumley Krista M.
Published: May 2014

Mexican workplaces have changed significantly in response to the global marketplace by restructuring, downsizing, and implementing new production and administrative processes. This case study analyzes organizational commitment at aMexican‐owned multinational corporation within the context of workplace transformation. Based on in‐depth interviews with 83 women and men,Iidentify two sources of commitment—family‐friendly and career‐friendly employment practices. Using the framework of the gendered life course, I show commitment fluctuated given the employees' stage in the life course. This study builds on the gender and work research by exploring how individual attributes of gender and parental status contribute to organizational commitment, but are underscored by the complexity of workplace context.
Phylogeny of the familyTrogidae (Coleoptera:Scarabaeoidea) inferred from mitochondrial and nuclear ribosomalDNAsequence data
Authors: STRÜMPHER WERNER P. , SOLE CATHERINE L. , VILLET MARTIN H. , SCHOLTZ CLARKE H.
Published: May 2014

Trogidae constitute a monophyletic and biologically unique family withinScarabaeoidea, being the only keratinophagous group in the superfamily. Traditionally, the family has been divided into three distinctive genera,PolynoncusBurmeister,OmorgusErichson andTroxFabricius. Although the taxonomy of the group is relatively well studied, changes to the existing classification have recently been proposed and the family as currently constituted has not been subjected to phylogenetic analyses. Here we present a molecular phylogeny for this cosmopolitan family based on three partially sequenced gene regions:16SrRNA,18SrRNAand28SrRNA(domain 2). Included in the analyses are representatives belonging to four of the five extant genera (and three of the four subgenera) from all major zoogeographic regions, representing about 20% of the known trogid species diversity in the family. Phylogenetic analyses performed includedparsimony andBayesianinference. We deduce their historical biogeography by using trogid fossils as calibration points for divergence estimates. Our analyses resolved relationships between and within genera and subgenera that are largely congruent with existing phylogeny hypotheses based on morphological data. We recovered four well‐supported radiations:Polynoncus,Omorgus,HolarcticTroxandAfricanPhoberusMacLeay. On the basis of this study, it is proposed that taxonomic changes to the generic classification of the family be made. The subgeneraTroxandPhoberusshould be elevated to genera to include theHolarctic and all theAfrotropical species, respectively, andAfromorgusreturned to subgeneric rank. Estimates of divergence time are consistent with aPangaean origin of the family in theEarlyJurassic. The subsequent diversification of the major lineages is largely attributed to the break‐up ofPangaea andGondwana in theMiddleJurassic and earlyLateCretaceous, respectively.
Building the Hindu Kush: monazite records of terrane accretion, plutonism and the evolution of the Himalaya–Karakoram–Tibet orogen
Authors: Faisal Shah , Larson Kyle P. , Cottle John M. , Lamming Jaida
Published: May 2014

In situ U‐Th/Pb (LA‐ICP‐MS) monazite ages from the Hindu Kush of NW Pakistan provide new petrochronologic constraints on the tectonic evolution of the Himalaya–Karakoram–Tibet orogen. Monazites from two adjacent garnet + staurolite schist specimens yield multiple age populations that record the major Mesozoic and Cenozoic deformational, magmatic and metamorphic events along the southern margin of Eurasia. These include the accretion of the Hindu Kush–SW Pamir to Eurasia during the Late Triassic, followed by the accretion of the Karakoram terrane in the Early Jurassic. Younger Jurassic and Cretaceous ages record the development of an Andean‐style volcanic arc along the southern Eurasian margin, which ended with the docking of the Kohistan island arc and the emplacement of the Kohistan–Ladakh batholith during the Late Cretaceous. The initial Eocene collision of India with Eurasia was followed by widespread high‐temperature metamorphism and anatexis associated with crustal thickening within the Himalaya system in the Late Oligocene and Early Miocene.
Epidemiological Characteristics of Human and Animal Rabies in Azerbaijan
Authors: Zeynalova S. , Shikhiyev M. , Aliyeva T. , Ismayilova R. , Wise E. , Abdullayev R. , Asadov K. , Rustamova S. , Quliyev F. , Whatmore A. M. , Marshall E. S. , Fooks A. R. , Horton D. L.
Published: May 2014

The Caucasus is a region of geopolitical importance, in the gateway between Europe and Asia. This geographical location makes the region equally important in the epidemiology and control of transboundary infectious diseases such as rabies. Azerbaijan is the largest country in the Caucasus, and although rabies is notifiable and considered endemic, there is little information on the burden of human and animal rabies. Here, we describe a cross‐disciplinary international collaboration aimed at improving rabies control in Azerbaijan. Partial nucleoprotein gene sequences were obtained from animal rabies cases for comparison with those from surrounding areas. Reported human and animal rabies cases between 2000 and 2010 were also reviewed and analysed by region and year. Comparison of rabies virus strains circulating in Azerbaijan demonstrates more than one lineage of rabies virus circulating concurrently in Azerbaijan and illustrates the need for further sample collection and characterization. Officially reported rabies data showed an increase in human and animal rabies cases, and an increase in animal bites requiring provision of post‐exposure prophylaxis, since 2006. This is despite apparently consistent levels of dog vaccination and culling of stray dogs.
Synchronization and Antisynchronization of a Class of Chaotic Systems With Nonidentical Orders and Uncertain Parameters
Authors: Chen Diyi , Zhao Weili , Liu Xinzhi , Ma Xiaoyi
Published: May 2014

In this paper, we study the synchronization of a class of uncertain chaotic systems. Based on the sliding mode control and stability theory in fractional calculus, a new controller is designed to achieve synchronization. Examples are presented to illustrate the effectiveness of the proposed controller, like the synchronization between an integer-order system and a fraction-order system, the synchronization between two fractional-order hyperchaotic systems (FOHS) with nonidentical fractional orders, the antisynchronization between an integer-order system and a fraction-order system, the synchronization between two new nonautonomous systems. The simulation results are in good agreement with the theory analysis and it is noted that the proposed control method is of vital importance for practical system parameters are uncertain and imprecise.
The benefits and challenges of passive acoustic monitoring of fish
Authors: Wall Carrie C.
Published: May 2014

While is it widely known that numerous families of fish produce sound for communication, discerning when, where, and who is more difficult. Recent developments in passive acoustic technologies have facilitated marine bioacoustic studies to effectively monitor soniferous fishes. Because acoustic data can be collected over a wide range of habitats and depth for long periods of time, passive acoustic monitoring can map and monitor marine species to efficiently provide year-round information on distribution. This presentation reviews data recorded using moored passive acoustic arrays and hydrophone-integrated gliders. Low frequency (50–6000 Hz) sounds recorded by these methods provide a better understanding of the diurnal and spatial distribution of known fish calls (e.g., red grouper). However, this is seemingly overwhelmed by the vast number of sounds produced by unknown species. Instrument and anthropogenic noise, managing the large of amounts of data collected, and identifying the source of previously undocumented sounds, are just some of the challenges passive acoustic monitoring presents. The connection between sound and important behavior, including courtship and spawning, the application for fisheries management, and the potential impacts of aquatic noise on critical behaviors that affect populations exemplifies the need to overcome these issues.