bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Microbial communities related to biodegradation of dispersed Macondo oil at low seawater temperature with Norwegian coastal seawater
Authors: Brakstad Odd G. , Throne‐Holst Mimmi , Netzer Roman , Stoeckel Donald M. , Atlas Ronald M.
Published: July 2015

The Deepwater Horizon (DWH) accident in 2010 created a deepwater plume of small oil droplets from a deepwater well in the Mississippi Canyon lease block 252 (‘Macondo oil’). A novel laboratory system was used in the current study to investigate biodegradation of Macondo oil dispersions (10 μm or 30 μm median droplet sizes) at low oil concentrations (2 mg l−1) in coastal Norwegian seawater at a temperature of 4–5°C. Whole metagenome analyses showed that oil biodegradation was associated with the successive increased abundances of Gammaproteobacteria, while Alphaproteobacteria (Pelagibacter) became dominant at the end of the experiment. Colwellia and Oceanospirillales were related to n‐alkane biodegradation, while particularly Cycloclasticus and Marinobacter were associated with degradation of aromatic hydrocarbons (HCs). The larger oil droplet dispersions resulted in delayed sequential changes of Oceanospirillales and Cycloclasticus, related with slower degradation of alkanes and aromatic HCs. The bacterial successions associated with oil biodegradation showed both similarities and differences when compared with the results from DWH field samples and laboratory studies performed with deepwater from the Gulf of Mexico.
Decomposing Audience Costs: Bringing the Audience Back into Audience Cost Theory
Authors: Kertzer Joshua D. , Brutger Ryan
Published: July 2015

According to a growing tradition in International Relations, one way governments can credibly signal their intentions in foreign policy crises is by creating domestic audience costs: leaders can tie their hands by publicly threatening to use force since domestic publics punish leaders who say one thing and do another. We argue here that there are actually two logics of audience costs: audiences can punish leaders both for being inconsistent (the traditional audience cost), and for threatening to use force in the first place (a belligerence cost). We employ an experiment that disentangles these two rationales, and turn to a series of dispositional characteristics from political psychology to bring the audience into audience cost theory. Our results suggest that traditional audience cost experiments may overestimate how much people care about inconsistency, and that the logic of audience costs (and the implications for crisis bargaining) varies considerably with the leader's constituency.
Thinking Past Henri Lefebvre: Introducing “The Theory of Ground Rent and Rural Sociology”
Authors: Elden Stuart , Morton Adam David
Published: July 2015

This introduction to the translation of Henri Lefebvre's 1956 essay “The theory of ground rent and rural Sociology” moves through three stages. First, it suggests that Anglophone appropriations of Lefebvre have tended to focus too much on his urban writings, at the expense of understanding his early work on rural sociology, and failing to recognise how his urban focus emerged as a result of his interest in rural–urban transformation. Second, it provides a summary of his wider work on rural questions, including his unfinished work on a major treatise of rural sociology; and outlines the key themes of the present essay in relation to these other projects. Third, it connects Lefebvre's issues to wider debates in political economy and geography about aspects of the rural, land and ground rent, not least including the work of Antonio Gramsci and José Carlos Mariátegui.
The eating‐related behaviours, disorders and expectations of candidates for bariatric surgery
Authors: Opolski M. , Chur‐Hansen A. , Wittert G.
Published: July 2015

It is important that clinicians and researchers understand the possible eating‐related difficulties experienced by pre‐bariatric surgery candidates, as well as their expectations of how their eating and hunger will change after surgery. This review examines English‐language publications related to the eating‐related behaviours, disorders and expectations of bariatric candidates. Seventy‐five articles related to binge eating disorder, grazing, night eating syndrome, emotional eating, food cravings and addiction, and pre‐surgical expectations of post‐surgical eating in this population were critically reviewed. A variety of often problematic eating behaviours appear more common in bariatric candidates than in non‐obese populations. The literature suggests that 4–45% of candidates may have binge eating disorder, 20–60% may graze, 2–42% may have night eating syndrome, 38–59% may engage in emotional eating and 17–54% may fit criteria for food addiction. Binge eating may also be more prevalent in bariatric candidates than in similarly obese non‐surgical individuals. Expectations of surgery are high, with pre‐surgical candidates believing their bariatric procedure will virtually guarantee significantly improved eating behaviours. Study replications are needed, and further investigation into prevalence, impacts and candidate characteristics related to disordered eating behaviours, as well as candidates' expectations of eating after surgery, will be important. Further comparisons of bariatric candidates to similarly obese non‐bariatric populations will be important to understand eating‐related characteristics of candidates beyond those related to their weight. Future research may be improved by the use of validated measures, replicable methodologies, minimization of data collected in circumstances where respondents may been motivated to ‘fake good’, use of prospective data and consistent definitions of key terminology.
Triggering Receptor Expressed on Myeloid Cells in Cutaneous Melanoma
Authors: Nguyen Austin Huy , Koenck Carleigh , Quirk Shannon K. , Lim Victoria M. , Mitkov Mario V. , Trowbridge Ryan M. , Hunter William J. , Agrawal Devendra K.
Published: July 2015

The tumor microenvironment plays an important role in the progression of melanoma, the prototypical immunologic cutaneous malignancy. The triggering receptor expressed on myeloid cells (TREM) family of innate immune receptors modulates inflammatory and innate immune signaling. It has been investigated in various neoplastic diseases, but not in melanoma. This study examines the expression of TREM‐1 (a proinflammatory amplifier) and TREM‐2 (an anti‐inflammatory modulator and phagocytic promoter) in human cutaneous melanoma and surrounding tissue. Indirect immunofluorescence staining was performed on skin biopsies from 10 melanoma patients and staining intensity was semiquantitatively scored. Expression of TREM‐1 and TREM‐2 was higher in keratinocytes than melanoma tissue (TREM‐1: p < 0.01; TREM‐2: p < 0.01). Whereas TREM‐2 was the dominant isoform expressed in normal keratinocytes, TREM‐1 expression predominated in melanoma tissue (TREM‐1 to TREM‐2 ratio: keratinocytes = 0.78; melanoma = 2.08; p < 0.01). The increased TREM ratio in melanoma tissue could give rise to a proinflammatory and protumor state of the microenvironment. This evidence may be suggestive of a TREM‐1/TREM‐2 paradigm in which relative levels dictate inflammatory and immune states, rather than absolute expression of one or the other. Further investigation regarding this paradigm is warranted and could carry prognostic or therapeutic value in treatment for melanoma.
The End of Peripheries? On the Enduring Relevance of Structuralism for Understanding Contemporary Global Development
Authors: Fischer Andrew M.
Published: July 2015

Despite repeated chronicles of a death foretold, centre–periphery analysis remains very relevant for understanding the challenges of contemporary development. It reveals certain common asymmetries and constraints that structure the integration, lagging and subordination of the global South in the current world order through ongoing technological, industrial and financial dissemination. The precise forms of lagging and subordination have changed over time and context, in symbiosis with changes in the overall capitalist system, although the systemic principles remain pertinent. These can be evaluated according to three propositions: technological lagging; declining terms of trade; and pro‐cyclical macroeconomic adjustment in the peripheries. Accordingly, global imbalances are better understood as an evolution of US‐centred hegemony and the subordinated accommodation of ‘rising powers’ including China, rather than a weakening and rebalancing of US power vis‐à‐vis these ‘rising powers’, as per conventional interpretations. The possibility that we might be witnessing a reinvigoration of US hegemony — for a second time in the post‐war era — is one that needs to be taken seriously, particularly if this becomes associated with a deepening of imperialism rather than emancipation.
Rights, Development and Critical Modernity
Authors: Langford Malcolm
Published: July 2015

The march of rights into international development offers, on the face of it, a more progressive and transformational paradigm. Contemporary rights expressions are more expansive and diverse than their nineteenth‐century forebears. Inevitably though, rights‐based approaches have been criticized, with claims that rights have contributed to a minimization and individualization of distributive justice and participatory democracy or even been appropriated for profoundly anti‐transformational ends. This article argues that the critics need to be taken seriously, but that their complaints suffer from many of the familiar problems with critical theory and post‐developmentalism. Instead, it is posited that the frame of critical modernity allows scholars and practitioners to better understand, chart and constructively critique the uptake of rights in development. This reflexive standpoint also allows one to focus on those dimensions of rights approaches that remain under‐developed but carry the greatest potential, namely notions of citizenship, agency and accountability.
Automated insulin pump suspension for hypoglycaemia mitigation: development, implementation and implications
Authors: Davis T. , Salahi A. , Welsh J. B. , Bailey T. S.
Published: July 2015

In type 1 diabetes (T1D), insulin replacement therapy should ideally replicate endogenous insulin secretion, but achieving this goal requires frequent adjustments to insulin delivery based on glucose levels and trends, carbohydrate intake and physical activity. An overriding concern for people taking insulin is hypoglycaemia, which remains the most feared consequence of insulin therapy and limits therapy intensification options. Although fully automated systems that achieve consistent euglycaemia in T1D remain an elusive goal, improvements in continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) sensors and control algorithms have enabled semi‐automated systems that lower the risk of hypoglycaemia, especially nocturnal hypoglycaemia. The present review focuses on an important advance in insulin delivery systems: the use of CGM data to stop insulin delivery in the presence of hypoglycaemia. Although conceptually simple, this strategy represents a critical step in the journey toward a fully closed‐loop artificial pancreas; the next steps in this journey are also discussed.
CORRUPTION, TAX EVASION AND THE ROLE OF WAGE INCENTIVES WITH ENDOGENOUS MONITORING TECHNOLOGY
Authors: Wadho Waqar Ahmed
Published: July 2015

The importance of high salaries to circumvent bureaucratic corruption has been widely recognized in the policy debate. Yet, there appears to be much reluctance when it comes to the implementation. In this paper, we argue that deterring corruption through wage incentives may become prohibitively expensive that the government finds it optimal to accept higher net revenues at the expense of honesty. Deviating from the existing literature, we set an endogenous monitoring technology that allows us to capture the dual role of auditing, as a complement with and as a substitute for wage incentives to deter bribery. We find that the government is better‐off either completely eliminating corruption or accepting corruption by offering wages lower than the market wage. Offering public wage premium that does not deter bribery is suboptimal. When it is optimal to deter bribery, the government can do it either through wage incentives or monitoring. The role of wage incentives decreases in societies with higher level of dishonesty. (JEL D73, H26, J33, J41)
Gene‐based polymorphisms reveal limited genomic divergence in a species with a heritable life‐history dimorphism
Authors: Zakas Christina , Rockman Matthew V.
Published: July 2015

Understanding the genetic basis of life‐history traits is a long‐standing goal of evolutionary biology. Many closely related species have contrasting life‐history strategies, suggesting that the switches in early development that lead to divergent life‐histories evolve quickly and frequently. Life‐history changes that originate in early development have profound downstream effects on a species' morphology, ecology, genetic diversity, and even speciation rate. How do such transitions in development mode occur, and what is the underlying genetic architecture? To begin to address these questions, we investigated genetic variation in an emerging model in developmental evolution, the polychaete Streblospio benedicti, which has two contrasting and highly heritable offspring types. We compare transcript‐based SNP genotypes of individuals of the two development modes to determine the extent of genomic differentiation between them. We find that there is extensive allele sharing across the two types, and minimal fixed differences. We use the site frequency spectrum to fit demographic models to our data and determine that there is recent gene flow between developmental morphs. Our data suggest that the evolution of a genetic developmental dimorphism is not associated with longstanding genetic isolation or genomically extensive divergence. Rather, differences at developmentally important loci, or modest allele‐frequency differences at many loci, may be responsible for the drastic life‐history differences.
The proepicardium keeps a potential for glomerular marker expression which supports its evolutionary origin from the pronephros
Authors: Cano Elena , Carmona Rita , Velecela Víctor , Martínez‐Estrada Ofelia , Muñoz‐Chápuli Ramón
Published: July 2015

The proepicardium is the embryonic primordium of the epicardium. This transient structure is essential for cardiac development giving rise to the epicardium and supplying the heart with vascular and cardiac connective tissue progenitors. However, their nature and evolutionary origin are poorly‐known. We have suggested elsewhere (Pombal et al. Evol. Dev. 10: 210–216, ; Cano et al., J. Dev. Biol. 1: 3–19, ) that the proepicardium is an evolutionary derivative of the primordium of an ancient external pronephric glomerulus, devoid of its original excretory function. In this study, we describe for the first time expression of two podocyte markers in the chick proepicardium (glepp1 and synaptopodin) and we have shown how these podocyte markers as well as the intermediate mesoderm marker Pax2 are strongly upregulated when the proepicardium is cultured with nephrogenic inducers. Retinoic acid treatment also induced in the proepicardium expression of Hoxb4, a gene which confers to intermediate mesoderm competence to respond to nephrogenic signals. Thus, a latent nephrogenic potential persists in the proepicardium and also that its original glomerular fate can be partially rescued. The transcription factor Wt1, essential for kidney and epicardial development, plays opposite roles in both tissues, inducing epithelial‐mesenchymal transition in the proepicardium and promoting epithelialization in the kidneys (Essafi et al., Dev. Cell 21: 559–574, ). Consistently with this antithetical function of Wt1, we have observed an upregulation of podocalyxin in the epicardium of mouse embryos with conditional deletion of the Wt1 gene, while this protein is transcriptionally activated by Wt1 in podocytes.
Theft under Stalin: a property rights analysis
Authors: Gorlizki Yoram
Published: July 2015

Recent work on dictatorship has focused on how repression is used by dictators to eradicate political opposition. This article examines evidence from one of the most important dictatorships of the twentieth century to suggest that this may tell only half the story. As Stalin's dictatorship progressed, repression was increasingly administered neither by the secret police nor the military—as in most dictatorships—but through the ordinary courts. The article proposes an explanation, one broadly consistent with Olson's hypothesis that Stalin was a ‘proprietary dictator’, an autocrat with a long time horizon who made major investments in public goods. Stalin's new form of property—‘socialist property'—was one such public good. To legitimize the new form of ownership, Stalin ruled that it should be enforced through the ordinary justice system, albeit initially with high levels of repression. The article also makes two further contributions. It shows, first, how Stalin's theft campaigns are a striking historical example of what happens when an unpopular law clashes with social norms, and of how it might backfire. Second, it demonstrates how, as property rights theorists would predict, the main objects of theft legislation are generic or homogeneous goods with few property attributes.
Pharmacokinetics and metabolism of Chf197, a ligustrazine derivative, in rats
Authors: Li Wenlong , Liu Huiqing , Wei Chunmin , Wei Xinbing , Tang Mingtan , Kong Xianglin , Chen Hongfei , Liu Xinyong , Guo Ruichen
Published: July 2015

Ligustrazine is the most abundant and bioactive ingredient in Rhizoma Chuanxiong, a Chinese medicinal herb commonly used for the treatment of cardiovascular diseases. Chf197 is one of the structurally modified ligustrazine derivatives in a purpose of overcoming the rapid metabolism and short half‐life of original. The plasma and urine pharmacokinetics of Chf197 in rats were studied after intravenous or intraperitoneal injection of Chf197 with the validated RP‐HPLC method. The pharmacokinetic parameters of Chf197 injected intravenously 20 mg/kg were as follows: Cmax, 1.44 ± 0.4 mg/L; Tmax, 0.08 h; t1/2, 3.03 ± 1.67 h; AUC, 3.85 ± 3.88 h/L; Vd, 31.66 ± 11.79L/kg; and CL, 9.29 ± 4.92 l/h/kg. Dose‐dependent pharmacokinetics was observed, and a significantly higher dose‐normalized AUC after intravenous administration was obtained than that after intraperitoneal administration. A possible metabolite was detected at about 3.1 min, and full‐scan mass spectrum was adopted to predict its possible structure.
Redesigning the Family Law System to Promote Healthy Families
Authors: Howe William J. , Scully Elizabeth Potter
Published: July 2015

Family law professionals should be proactive in seeking and implementing constructive reforms. We identify some successful cutting‐edge reforms: (1) family resource centers, where all kinds of needs can be met; (2) informal family law trials, which streamline clogged calendars and provide an empowering and efficient forum; (3) licensed legal technicians, who increase public access to legal services; and (4) unbundled family law services. Second, we outline a protocol for implementation of reform developed by the Oregon Task Force on Family Law which is effective and replicable. Thoughtful reform of dispute resolution processes will serve family health and promote peace.

Key Points for the Family Court Community:

Evolving family constellations, private ordering through pre‐ and postmarital agreements, an increase in self‐represented litigants, and shrinking judicial resources are changing family law dramatically.

Thoughtful, practical process reforms are needed in order to accommodate these changes.

Practitioners should be proactive about seeking out and implementing such reforms.

Some reforms already finding success include family relationship resource centers, informal domestic relations trials, licensed legal technicians, and unbundled legal services.

We outline a protocol with a proven track record of success for implementing cutting‐edge family law reform.
Helping Families by Maintaining a Strong Well‐Funded Family Court that Encourages Consensual Peacemaking: A Judicial Perspective
Authors: Lewis Hon. Thomas Trent
Published: July 2015

This article explores alternatives for the court process that promote a child‐centered approach to resolution of family law issues including a summary of procedures used in Los Angeles County to assist families. The article also explores alternatives to the traditional custody litigation model.

Key Points for the Family Court Community:

Evaluations and trials are not the only tools available in family law.

Structured court ordered counseling can provide a meaningful intervention and reduce family conflict.

Alternative forms of mediation can help families address the “need to be heard” and retain personal autonomy in decision making.

The court system should help educate families about how to resolve conflict in a safe, effective, and meaningful way.
The Parenting Coordinator as Peacemaker and Peacebuilder
Authors: Coates Christine A.
Published: July 2015

Parenting coordinators serve as case managers in high‐conflict families with the goal of protecting the children from parental conflict. Parenting coordinators are peacemakers and peacebuilders who identify and help set up structures in the family to support peace between the parents. The family court should promote and develop equipoise in litigants and professionals. Because parents who continue in conflict postdecree often have difficulty empathizing with their co‐parents and with their children, they might benefit from meditation training to increase mindfulness, empathy, and compassion. Self‐compassion training could also increase well‐being and more effective co‐parenting and aid in building peace in the family.

Key Points for the Family Court Community:

Parenting coordination is a child‐focused intervention with high‐conflict parents that can help protect children from their parents' conflict.

Parenting coordinators are peacemakers who resolve disputes between the parents and facilitate negotiation and communication between them and help them make decisions.

Parenting coordinators are also peacebuilders who help identify and build structures and processes in the family system to strengthen interparental peace.

Equipoise can be developed in litigants and professionals through mindfulness and compassion training.

Family court judges can work with parenting coordinators in a team approach, in a manner similar to what occurs in problem‐solving courts, to benefit the families and the judicial system.
Families in Circle Process: Restorative Justice in Family Law
Authors: Daicoff Susan Swaim
Published: July 2015

This article explores the use of “circle process”—a form of restorative justice—in family law and places this effort within a larger movement within the law toward law as a healing profession, or the “comprehensive law movement.” It explores the features and underpinnings of circle process and its relationship to original forms of dispute resolution such as those used in African‐style mediation and indigenous people's dispute resolution in North America. Values expressed by these forms of dispute resolution are argued to be particularly relevant in family law. Finally, it focuses on an innovative and exciting court‐sponsored program begun in Chicago in 2008, using circle process with families in conflict, in the Cook County Parentage and Child Support Court. This program's results suggest potential benefits and cautions of using circle process in family law.

Key Points for the Family Court Community:

Restorative justice, in particular, circle process, can be used to resolve family law cases.

Circle process widens the group of participants in alternative dispute resolution of family law matters.

Circle process brings more voices to the table, namely, extended family, friends, and supporters, thus enhancing the group's decisionmaking.

Judges will want to be sure the families in question are appropriate for circle process before referring them to this method of resolving disputes.

Circle processes can result in improved communication and relations among families in conflict.

Circle process reflects the values of “original dispute resolution,” which often in turn reflects ubuntu, the idea that all humankind is interconnected.

Circle process is part of a greater movement towards law as a healing profession/the comprehensive law movement, which includes therapeutic jurisprudence.
Applying the Strategies of International Peacebuilding to Family Conflicts: What Those Involved in Family Disputes Can Learn from the Efforts of Peacebuilders Working to Transform War‐Torn Societies
Authors: Burgess Heidi , Burgess Guy
Published: July 2015

Intractable international conflicts and difficult or intractable family conflicts have much in common. Relationships are damaged or destroyed, escalation causes parties to become polarized and make bad decisions, communication is strained or nonexistent, and competition and coercion take the place of collaboration. Similarities also exist in the realm of solutions, and those caught in (or intervening in) difficult family conflicts can learn much from the strategies and tactics of international peacebuilders. This article describes eight steps that peacebuilders at both the family level and the international level can take to make very damaging conflicts more constructive.

Key Points for the Family Court Community:

Limiting escalation is important in both contexts.

Preventing or correcting misunderstandings is key to resolution in both contexts as well.

Be sure you are focusing on the real problem(s).

Get the facts straight (and agreed upon) before making agreements.

Healing past wrongs is important for long term stability.

Working both within and beyond the zone of possible agreement (ZOPA) is essential in both contexts.

Working to improve relationships helps all parties and improves the outcome.
Do Not Make their Trauma Your Trauma: Coping with Burnout as a Family Law Attorney
Authors: Morgillo Lisa
Published: July 2015

In the field of family law, attorneys frequently expose themselves to highly emotional and traumatized clients. Litigation is by nature a high‐stress occupation, demanding a high level of intellectual and emotional engagement from the contesting lawyers. Adding the burden of inherently distressing content to litigation can impair a lawyer's functioning. The effects are often referred to as “secondary trauma.” This Note proposes that state bar associations should take a more active role in providing mental health support to prevent burnout in family law attorneys by (1) offering voluntary classes to educate attorneys about the dangers of, and ways to cope with, the burnout that comes with working with traumatized clients in family law and (2) organizing support groups among local family law communities.

Key Points for the Family Court Community:

Claims against family law practitioners account for the third highest percentage of all malpractice claims against lawyers.

Burnout is a serious problem for family law attorneys.

Programs sponsored by state bar associations are available and need to be expanded.

The American Bar Association's Model Rules require that a lawyer shall not represent a client or, where representation has commenced, shall withdraw from the representation of a client if the lawyer's physical or mental condition materially impairs the lawyer's ability to represent the client.

The unique nature of family law, centered on relationships and emotions, puts family law attorneys at a higher risk for experiencing the effects of secondary trauma than other areas of law.

Lawyers at risk for secondary trauma can avoid its effects by educating themselves about such effects.
Global patterns in background losses of woody plant foliage to insects
Authors: Kozlov Mikhail V. , Lanta Vojtĕch , Zverev Vitali , Zvereva Elena L.
Published: July 2015

Aim

Latitudinal patterns in biotic interactions, particularly in herbivory, have been widely debated. We conducted a quantitative research synthesis to test whether background losses of woody plant foliage to insects generally decrease from the equator to the poles, and whether geographical gradients in insect herbivory are stronger at higher latitudes than at lower latitudes.

Location

Global terrestrial ecosystems.

Methods

We used published and original data (3482 point estimates of the percentage of leaf area consumed by insects, collected from 941 species of woody plants in 836 localities world‐wide) to analyse the geographical patterns in total losses of plant foliage and in losses to defoliating, leaf mining and leaf galling insects separately, and we searched for climatic factors that can explain the variation in the levels of background insect herbivory across the globe and within climate zones.

Result

On average, according to published data woody plants lose 7.55% of their leaf area to insects, but 4.73% according to our original data collected in a blinded way. These losses demonstrate a dome‐shaped latitudinal pattern: they peak in temperate zones, slightly decrease towards the equator and strongly decrease towards the poles. This pattern is consistent between published and original data, indicating the robustness of the detected relationship between herbivory and latitude. The climatic factors explaining these latitudinal patterns in insect herbivory differ between climate zones.

Main conclusions

Our study provides solid support for the hypothesis of a decrease in background herbivory with latitude, but only outside the tropics. For the first time we demonstrate that the latitudinal gradient in insect herbivory across the globe is nonlinear, i.e. its slope differs between the climate zones. In temperate and polar zones, but not in the tropics, background herbivory correlates with mean air temperatures and is therefore likely to increase with climate warming.
Multidetector computed tomography for detecting left atrial/left atrial appendage thrombus: a meta‐analysis
Authors: Zou H. , Zhang Y. , Tong J. , Liu Z.
Published: July 2015

Background

The diagnostic accuracy of multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) in the detection of left atrial/left atrial appendage (LA/LAA) thrombus had been tested in many studies; however, the results are controversial.

Aim

The aim of the present study was to evaluate synthetically the diagnostic accuracy of MDCT in LA/LAA thrombus.

Methods

PubMed and Embase were searched for published prospective studies which compared computed tomography with transoesophageal echocardiography (TEE) in detecting LA/LAA thrombus prior to March 2014. Descriptive and quantitative information was extracted and MetaDiSc 1.4 was used to perform a meta‐analysis.

Results

Fifteen prospective clinical controlled trials with 2540 patients fulfilled the inclusion criteria. The pooled sensitivities (SEN): 0.957; pooled specificities (SPE): 0.917; pooled positive likelihood ratio (PLR): 22.017; pooled negative likelihood ratio (NLR): 0.060; pooled diagnostic odds ratio (DOR): 437.43; the area under the curve (AUC): 0.9883; Q*‐value: 0.9544. However, in the abovementioned indexes, the heterogeneities were statistically significant between studies (P < 0.05, inconsistency index (I2) > 50%). In a sub‐analysis of studies in which delayed imaging, electrocardiogram (ECG) gating and heart rate control were performed, not only the diagnostic accuracy, but also the heterogeneities were significantly improved (pooled SEN 0.991; pooled SPE 0.989; pooled PLR 60.768; pooled NLR 0.034; pooled DOR 2561.7; AUC 0.9972; Q*‐value 0.9806; all the indexes' P‐value were greater than 0.05 and the I2 were 0%, except for SPE, I2 = 54.6%).

Conclusion

For patients with TEE intolerance or contraindications, MDCT may be an alternative method, especially when the delayed imaging, ECG gating and heart rate control were performed.
TIME management by medicinal larvae
Authors: Pritchard David I , Čeřovský Václav , Nigam Yamni , Pickles Samantha F , Cazander Gwendolyn , Nibbering Peter H , Bültemann Anke , Jung Wilhelm
Published: July 2015

Wound bed preparation (WBP) is an integral part of the care programme for chronic wounds. The acronym TIME is used in the context of WBP and describes four barriers to healing in chronic wounds; namely, dead Tissue, Infection and inflammation, Moisture imbalance and a non‐migrating Edge. Larval debridement therapy (LDT) stems from observations that larvae of the blowfly Lucilia sericata clean wounds of debris. Subsequent clinical studies have proven debriding efficacy, which is likely to occur as a result of enzymatically active alimentary products released by the insect. The antimicrobial, anti‐inflammatory and wound healing activities of LDT have also been investigated, predominantly in a pre‐clinical context. This review summarises the findings of investigations into the molecular mechanisms of LDT and places these in context with the clinical concept of WBP and TIME. It is clear from these findings that biotherapy with L. sericata conforms with TIME, through the enzymatic removal of dead tissue and its associated biofilm, coupled with the secretion of defined antimicrobial peptides. This biotherapeutic impact on the wound serves to reduce inflammation, with an associated capacity for an indirect effect on moisture imbalance. Furthermore, larval serine proteinases have the capacity to alter fibroblast behaviour in a manner conducive to the formation of granulation tissue.
The efficacy of hydrogel dressings as a first aid measure for burn wound management in the pre‐hospital setting: a systematic review of the literature
Authors: Goodwin Nicholas S , Spinks Anneliese , Wasiak Jason
Published: July 2015

The aim of this systematic review was to determine the supporting evidence for the clinical use of hydrogel dressings as a first aid measure for burn wound management in the pre‐hospital setting. Two authors searched three databases (Ovid Medline, Ovid Embase and The Cochrane Library) for relevant English language articles published through September 2014. Reference lists, conference proceedings and non‐indexed academic journals were manually searched. A separate search was conducted using the Internet search engine Google to source additional studies from burns advisory agencies, first aid bodies, military institutions, manufacturer and paramedic websites. Two authors independently assessed study eligibility and relevance of non‐traditional data forms for inclusion. Studies were independently assessed and included if Hydrogel‐based burn dressings (HBD) were examined in first aid practices in the pre‐hospital setting. A total of 129 studies were considered for inclusion, of which no pre‐hospital studies were identified. The review highlights that current use of HBD in the pre‐hospital setting appears to be driven by sources of information that do not reflect the paramedic environment. We recommend researchers in the pre‐hospital settings undertake clinical trials in this field. More so, the review supports the need for expert consensus to identify key demographic, clinical and injury outcomes for clinicians and researchers undertaking further research into the use of dressings as a first aid measure.
Europeanization Mechanisms and Process Tracing: A Template for Empirical Research
Authors: Moumoutzis Kyriakos , Zartaloudis Sotirios
Published: July 2015

While the literature on Europeanization has exhibited considerable awareness of the methodological challenge of establishing causal relations between non‐binding EU stimuli and domestic change, less work has been done on how this challenge might be met. This article contributes to the literature's attempts to meet this challenge by: 1) reformulating four explanations of Europeanization based on four distinct causal mechanisms (instrumental learning, social learning, naming and shaming and peer pressure); 2) specifying their observable implications for three intervening steps between EU stimuli and change in national policy (the definition of the policy problem, the alternative courses of action considered and the manner in which they were assessed); 3) defending process tracing against critiques of its usefulness for research on Europeanization; and 4) providing practical guidelines on how process tracing can be used to test these four explanations empirically, using examples from employment policy, where non‐binding EU stimuli feature most prominently.
Identification and characterization of a late gene of grouper iridovirus 61l and antibody production against the protein encoded by it
Authors: Chen Z.‐Y. , Hsieh W.‐Y. , Lai Y.‐S.
Published: July 2015

In this study, a late gene encoded by grouper iridovirus, giv‐61L, was identified and classified, and mouse monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) were raised against this protein. Giv‐61L homologues were found only in the genus Ranavirus. Three mAbs to Giv‐61L protein were produced. In drug inhibition assays, giv‐61L was identified as a late gene. Finally, GIV‐61L‐mAb‐8 was used in western blotting and immunofluorescence assays to demonstrate that Giv‐61L protein was included in the GIV particle, expressed at 18 h, and localized only in the cytoplasm of GIV‐infected cells. The results of this study provide insight into GIV pathogenesis and GIV‐61L‐mAbs will have broad applications in GIV immunodiagnostics.
Sound production by dusky grouper Epinephelus marginatus at spawning aggregation sites
Authors: Bertucci F. , Lejeune P. , Payrot J. , Parmentier E.
Published: July 2015

Sound production by the dusky grouper Epinephelus marginatus was monitored both in captivity and at two Mediterranean spawning sites during the summers of 2012 and 2013. The results of long‐term passive acoustic recordings provide for the first time a description of the sounds produced by E. marginatus. Two types of sounds were mainly recorded and consisted of low‐frequency booms that can be produced singly or in series with dominant frequencies below 100 Hz. Recordings in captivity validated these sounds as belonging to E. marginatus and suggested that they may be associated with reproductive displays usually performed during early stages of courtship behaviour. This study also allowed the identification of a third, low‐frequency growl‐like type of sound typically found in other grouper species. These growls were, however, not recorded in tanks and it is cautiously proposed that they are produced by E. marginatus. Acoustic signals attributed to E. marginatus were produced throughout the spawning season, with a diel pattern showing an increase before dusk, i.e. from 1900 to 2200 hours, before decreasing until the morning. The occurrence of sounds during the spawning season of this species suggests that they are probably involved in social activity occurring close to aggregation sites. Passive acoustics offer a helpful tool to monitor aggregation sites of this emblematic species in order to improve conservation efforts.
Hypoxia tolerance variance between swimming and resting striped bass Morone saxatilis
Authors: Nelson J. A. , Lipkey G. K.
Published: July 2015

Individual striped bass Morone saxatilis were each exposed in random order to aquatic hypoxia (10% air saturation) either while swimming at 50% of their estimated critical swimming speed (Ucrit) or while at rest until they lost equilibrium. Individuals were always less tolerant of hypoxia when swimming (P < 0·01); the average fish was over five times more tolerant to the same hypoxia exposure when not swimming. There was no relationship between an individual's rank order of hypoxia tolerance (HT) under the two flow regimes, suggesting that different factors determine an individual's HT when at rest than when swimming.
A 5.5‐year surveillance of esophageal and gastric cardia precursors after a population‐based screening in China
Authors: Wen Denggui , Zhang Liwei , Wang Xiaoling , Li Yongwei , Ma Caifeng , Liu Xu , Zhang Junli , Wen Xiaoduo , Yang Yi , Zhang Fuzhi , Wang Shijie , Shan Baoen
Published: July 2015

Background and Aim:

This study aimed to estimate the time to precursor progression and to identify significant predicators.

Methods:

One hundred thirty‐three precursor and 311 normal cases detected in a population‐based screening were surveyed for 5.5 years. Precursor progression was defined as worsening of dysplasia or development of a new precursor. Time to precursor progression was estimated by the Kaplan‐Meier method. Significant predicators were estimated by Cox proportional regression.

Results:

Of the 133 precursor cases, 33.08% (44/133) progressed or recurred, 30.08% (40/133) persisted, and 36.84% (49/133) regressed; of the 311 normal subjects, 13.50% (42/311) developed a precursor. Progression occurred significantly earlier and more frequently with ncreasing histology: with mind dysplasia (mD), 7.8% progressed by 1 year and 23.3% progressed by 5 year; with moderate dysplasia (MD), 18% progressed by 1 year and 70% progressed by 5 years; and with severe dysplasia, 50% progressed by 1 year and 100% progressed by 5 years. The difference between any two groups was significant. In addition, the marginal Lugol‐stained mucosa at endoscopic mucosal resection had a progressing risk similar to that of MD, and basal cell hyperplasia was similar to that of mD. Significant predicators for precursor progression included male sex (hazard ratio and 95% CI: 2.74 (1.63–4.60)), age over 50 years (2.31 (1.33–4.02)), family history of upper gastrointestinal cancer (UGIC) (1.56 (1.00–2.45)), multifocal dysplasia (5.11 (3.01–8.68)), and baseline histology.

Conclusions:

Sex, age, family history of UGIC, multifocal dysplasia, and baseline histology are significant independent predicators for precursor progression. Patients after endoscopic mucosal resection should be continuously surveyed.
The Elders’ Measures: Barter, Value and Kinship in the Argentinean Andes
Authors: Angé Olivia
Published: July 2015

Este artículo examina una modalidad andina de trueque llamada cambio. A diferencia de otras figuras de trueque, cambio refiere a una figura arquetípica de intercambio de productos agrícolas siguiendo normas consideradas heredadas por los ancestros. La teoría de valor planteada por los protagonistas constituye un aspecto fundamental para el entendimiento de las especificidades de esta transacción, y en particular su operatividad social. Este articulo muestra que el trueque no solo se desempeña en el marco de relaciones sociales previas, sino que también contribuye a la constitución de relaciones sociales especificas. En el cambio, estas relaciones están concebidas en el registro del parentesco, señalando así una identidad cultural implícita en un contexto étnico sumamente confuso. En su conjunto, este artículo explora como grupos sociales se constituyen a través de intercambios económicos destacando la importancia del trueque en este proceso. Nos indica un aspecto subetimado en la antropología económica donde esta operatividad social sigue asociada a la circulación de dones recíprocos.
Seeing the World Through “Pink‐Colored Glasses”: The Link Between Optimism and Pink
Authors: Kalay‐Shahin Lior , Cohen Allon , Lemberg Rachel , Harary Gil , Lobel Thalma E.
Published: July 2015

This study investigated optimism, which is considered a personality trait, from the grounded cognition perspective. Three experiments were conducted to investigate the association between pink and optimism. In Experiment 1A, 22 undergraduates (10 females; Mage = 23.68) were asked to classify words as optimistic or pessimistic as fast as possible. Half the words were presented in pink and half in black. Experiment 1B (N = 24; 14 females; Mage = 22.82) was identical to 1A except for the color of the words—black and light blue instead of pink—to rule out the possible influence of brightness. Experiment 2 exposed 144 participants (74 females; Mage = 25.18) to pink or yellow and then measured their optimism level. The findings for Experiments 1A and 1B indicated an association between pink and optimism regardless of brightness. Experiment 2 found that mere exposure to pink increased optimism levels for females. These results contribute to the dynamic view of personality, current views on optimism, and the growing literature on grounded cognition.
Property Assessment of Steamed Bread Added with Cellulase by Using Fuzzy Mathematical Model
Authors: Lu Qian , He Yaqiang , Liu Xiufang
Published: July 2015

This study analyzed effects of cellulase on farinograph properties of wheat flour and extensograph properties of wheat dough and assessed sensory properties of steamed bread added with different contents of cellulase by fuzzy mathematical model. The result indicated that cellulase did not have significant effects on water absorption rate, stability time and development time of wheat flour. When the concentration of cellulase was 80 mg/kg, farinograph quality number reached peak value. Furthermore, cellulase impacted extensograph properties of wheat dough under different fermentation conditions. Sensory properties assessment based on fuzzy mathematical model showed the optimum concentration of cellulase was 60 mg/kg wheat flour if steamed bread with both good and medium sensory properties could be accepted by consumers. The result, which showed that cellulase could be used in steamed bread production to replace some unhealthy synthetic additives, will contribute greatly to the food safety in many Asian countries.

Practical Applications

Quality of steamed bread is an important concern in cereal product industry. High content of dietary fiber negatively impacts sensory properties of steamed bread. Cellulase is a type of enzyme that could degrade dietary fiber. In order to make healthy steamed bread with good property, we use cellulase to replace synthetic chemicals in steamed bread production. The result of this study could be used in steamed bread processing. Furthermore, our idea will encourage more engineers to focus on the use of healthy additives in steamed bread processing.
Language Policies, Ideologies and Attitudes in Catalonia. Part 1: Reversing Language Shift in the Twentieth Century
Authors: Newman Michael , Trenchs‐Parera Mireia
Published: July 2015

This and a paired article to appear in a subsequent issue of this journal review the sociolinguistic and allied research on language attitudes, ideologies and practices in Catalonia in the context of two major sequential official language policies. The present article is devoted to the first policy called Normalització Lingüística (Linguistic Normalization), implemented in 1983 by the autonomous government of Catalonia. The policy was a language planning effort in a then bilingual society to reverse language shift from Catalan to Spanish in the aftermath of a dictatorship and linguistic repression.

Our review of the research on that policy shows that language planners assumed modern constructions of languages as bounded units tied to distinct groups. Given the conflictive history of Spain, they explicitly set out to provide a supportive framework for Catalan that would not overly antagonize the large sector of Catalan society that was at the time mostly monolingual Spanish‐speaking. Normalization has been seen as largely successful, but a deeper look at the research shows much of the Catalonian population moving beyond those assumptions; for instance, a number of researchers point to a valuing of bilingualism as indexing a cosmopolitan identity. Even sectors that show more monolinguistic tendencies do so less out of pure ethnolinguistic loyalty than complex intersectionalities and personal ideological stances.

The two stories behind each of these periods will be of interest to language planners as well as to researchers interested in the societal and individual challenges and changes emerging from the implementation of official language policies in bilingual and multilingual societies.