bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Human Rights Conditionality in European Union Trade Negotiations: the Case of the EU–Singapore FTA
Authors: Mckenzie Lachlan , Meissner Katharina L.
Published: December 2016

Trade policy is among the EU's most significant capabilities in promoting values including human rights. Yet trade policy and the EU's values‐based foreign policy are often in tension. Scholarship on the social dimension of trade policy has emphasized the tension between values and the EU's commercial interests. Human rights and conditionality clauses have not been the focus of analysis, yet conditionality is one of the EU's most visible links between the trade agenda and its values‐based foreign policy. Analyzing the EU's decision‐making in negotiating human rights conditionality, this paper employs the EU–Singapore free trade agreement and its negotiation as an in‐depth single case study. The tension between commercial interests and values results in decision‐makers promoting incoherent interests. We argue that organizationally defined preferences and issue salience circumscribed the Parliament's impact on decision‐making, resulting in concessions on human rights conditionality with Singapore.
Pilot of integrated, colocated neurology in a primary care medical home
Authors: Young Nathan P. , Elrashidi Muhamad Y. , Crane Sarah J. , Ebbert Jon O.
Published: December 2016

Rationale, aims, and objectives

Novel health care delivery models are needed to reduce health care use while delivering effective and safe care. We developed a model of a neurologist integrated and colocated in primary care leveraging “curbside,” electronic, and traditional consultations. Our objective was to examine the impact on health care resource use of diagnostic testing and referrals for face‐to‐face neurological consultation and adverse outcomes associated with electronic and curbside consultations.

Methods

Consecutive patients from December 1, 2014, to March 13, 2015, were included in the analysis about whom contact was made between a primary care clinician and a colocated neurologist.

Results

Over 3.5 months of the pilot, 359 unique patients generated 429 consultations (179 curbsides, 68 electronic consultations, and 182 face‐to‐face visits). The integrated model resulted in avoidance of 78 face‐to‐face tertiary neurology consultations, 39 brain magnetic resonance imaging, 50 electromyograms, and 53 other advanced imaging studies. Earlier curbside consultation may have prevented unnecessary testing or face‐to‐face tertiary neurology consultations in 40 (22%) patients. Earlier face‐to‐face consultation may have avoided expensive testing in 31 (17%) patients. No cases met criteria for an adverse outcome. The number of referrals to tertiary neurology declined by 64%, and the total number of face‐to‐face visits per month declined by 25%.

Conclusion

Colocated neurology in a primary care medical home offers a promising intervention to deliver high‐value care.
Characterization and expression of Megalobrama amblycephala toll‐like receptor 22 involved in the response to Aeromonas hydrophila
Authors: Lai R. F. , Jakovlić I. , Liu H. , Wei J. , Zhan F. B. , Yang P. H. , Wang W. M.
Published: December 2016

The toll‐like receptors (TLR) tlr22 was identified and characterized for the first time in one of the economically most important freshwater fish species in China, Megalobrama amblycephala. The full‐length cDNA (4039 bp) of M. amblycephala tlr22 contains an open reading frame of 2706 bp, encoding a 901 amino‐acid long polypeptide. The putative polypeptide contains 16 leucine‐rich repeat (LRR) motifs, an LRR C‐terminal, a transmembrane region and a cytoplasmic toll–interleukin‐1 receptor (TIR) domain. Phylogenetic analyses revealed that M. amblycephala Tlr22 shared the closest relationship with a grass carp ortholog. tlr22 was constitutively expressed in nine tissues and during 10 developmental stages studied, albeit with varying expression levels. Along with many pathological changes observed after Aeromonas hydrophila bacterium infection, tlr22 and myd88 mRNA were significantly upregulated in blood, head kidney, spleen and intestine, indicating that tlr22 is involved in the immune response. These results provide an insight into tlr22 regulation mechanisms in the innate immune response to bacterial infection.
Highly segregated trophic niche of two congeneric fish species in Neotropical floodplain lakes
Authors: Carniatto N. , Fugi R. , Thomaz S. M.
Published: December 2016

The diets of two sympatric, morphologically similar species of Moenkhausia were studied to investigate whether the manner in which they exploit food resources can help to explain their coexistence. Fish diets were evaluated during the low‐water season in six lakes of the upper Paraná River floodplain (Brazil). The results indicate that these two species segregate in relation to food resources and that the differential use of resources is probably a strategy that reduces competition during periods of a potential food shortage (the low‐water season).
THE GINI CONCENTRATION INDEX: A REVIEW OF THE INFERENCE LITERATURE
Authors: Giorgi Giovanni Maria , Gigliarano Chiara
Published: December 2016

More than a century ago, Corrado Gini proposed his well‐known concentration index for measuring the degree of inequality in the distribution of income and wealth. His index is still extremely relevant and widely used in several fields of research and application. In this paper, we focus on the inferential properties of the Gini index, and discuss the main directions of analysis proposed in the literature. The aim of the paper is to provide a comprehensive review of the main developments on the inferential aspects of the Gini concentration ratio. We feel that this work can provide a valuable contribution to those scholars who are approaching the large amount of literature on the inferential properties of the Gini index.
Effects of quercetin and surgicel for preventing adhesions after gynecological surgery: A rat uterine horn model
Authors: Güney Gürhan , Kaya Cihan , Oto Gökhan , Yıldırım Serkan , Özdemir Hülya , Tokmak Aytekin
Published: December 2016

Aim

Postoperative pelvic adhesions are significant health care problems causing chronic pelvic pain, infertility and intestinal obstruction after abdominal or pelvic surgery. We investigated the effects of quercetin and Surgicel for the prevention of adhesions after gynecological surgery.

Methods

A double blind, randomized, controlled experimental study was designed. Forty female Wistar Hannover rats were divided into five groups: control, sham operated, quercetin, Surgicel, and quercetin + Surgicel. The control group received medication used for the surgical procedure only. The sham group received a laparotomy only. The quercetin group received 15 mg/kg quercetin in addition to undergoing the standard surgical procedure, and the injuries in the surgical group were covered with a single, 1 cm2 layer of Surgicel (oxidized regenerated cellulose). The quercetin + Surgicel group received both 15 mg/kg quercetin and a single, 1 cm2 layer of Surgicel. Adhesions were scored 14 days after the first surgical procedure.

Results

The extent, severity, degree, total adhesion, inflammation and fibrosis scores of the control group were significantly higher than those of the quercetin, Surgicel, and quercetin + Surgicel groups. There was no significant difference between the Surgicel and quercetin groups in degree, but all other parameters were significantly higher in the Surgicel than in the quercetin group. The quercetin + Surgicel group had lower adhesion scores than the quercetin group.

Conclusions

Quercetin, Surgicel and quercetin + Surgicel treatment may be useful for preventing pelvic adhesions.
Actuarial Independence and Managerial Discretion
Authors: Kamiya Shinichi , Milidonis Andreas
Published: December 2016

Appointed actuaries are responsible for estimating the largest liability on property–casualty insurance companies’ balance sheet. Actuarial independence is crucial in safeguarding accurate estimates, where this independence is self‐regulated by actuarial professional institutions. However, professional conflicts of interest arise when appointed actuaries also hold an officer position within the same firm, as officer actuaries also face managerial incentives. Using a sample of U.S. insurers that employ in‐house appointed actuaries from 2007 to 2014, we find evidence that officer actuaries have different reserving practices than nonofficer actuaries. This difference in reserving is associated with tax shielding and earnings management incentives. Results are consistent with managerial discretion dominating actuarial independence; they are economically significant and should be of concern to regulators and professional institutions.
Using calls as an indicator for Antarctic blue whale occurrence and distribution across the southwest Pacific and southeast Indian Oceans
Authors: Balcazar Naysa E. , Klinck Holger , Nieukirk Sharon L. , Mellinger David K. , Klinck Karolin , Dziak Robert P. , Rogers Tracey L.
Published: December 2016

Understanding species distribution and behavior is essential for conservation programs of migratory species with recovering populations. The critically endangered Antarctic blue whale (Balaenoptera musculus intermedia) was heavily exploited during the whaling era. Because of their low numbers, highly migratory behavior, and occurrence in remote areas, their distribution and range are not fully understood, particularly in the southwest Pacific Ocean. This is the first Antarctic blue whale study covering the southwest Pacific Ocean region from temperate to tropical waters (32°S to 15°S). Passive acoustic data were recorded between 2010 and 2011 across the southwest Pacific (SWPO) and southeast Indian (SEIO) oceans. We detected Antarctic blue whale calls in previously undocumented SWPO locations off eastern Australia (32°S, 152°E) and within the Lau Basin (20°S, 176°W and 15°S, 173°W), and SEIO off northwest Australia (19°S, 115°E).In temperate waters, adjacent ocean basins had similar seasonal occurrence, in that calling Antarctic blue whales were present for long periods, almost year round in some areas. In northern tropical waters, calling whales were mostly present during the austral winter. Clarifying the occurrence and distribution of critically endangered species is fundamental for monitoring population recovery, marine protected area planning, and in mitigating anthropogenic threats.
Characteristics of Weak and Strong Readers in a Foreign Language
Authors: ALDERSON J. CHARLES , HUHTA ARI , NIEMINEN LEA
Published: December 2016

This study investigated the cognitive (first language [L1] and foreign language [FL]), linguistic (L1 and FL), and motivational characteristics of weak FL readers in contrast to strong readers in 3 groups of L1 Finnish‐speaking learners of English, aged 10, 14, and 17 years. This cross‐sectional study covered a wide range of potential correlates, and therefore predictors, of FL reading based on previous research on reading in first, second (L2), and foreign languages. The weakest and strongest FL readers (1 standard deviation below or above the mean reading score) in each age group were selected for the comparisons reported in this article. The FL (English) skills other than reading were found to be the clearest distinguishing feature between weak and strong FL readers. However, L1 and cognitive skills in L1 and FL, as well as certain dimensions of motivation to use and learn the FL, were also found to separate the 2 reading groups. The implications of the findings for 2 different hypotheses about the nature of FL reading—the Threshold Hypothesis and the Linguistic Coding Differences Hypothesis—are discussed, as well as the implications for the diagnosis of strengths and weaknesses in reading in an FL.
The incidence and assessment of multiple mandibular canals prior to implant placement
Authors: Wright S.
Published: December 2016

Introduction

Dental implants are increasingly being used to replace missing teeth, not just in the aesthetic zone, but posteriorly to increase function, preserve alveolar bone and provide posterior support.

During the surgical placement of dental implants in this region, it is essential that the location and configuration of the mandibular canal is assessed to avoid serious complications. However, few dentists are aware of the differing configurations of this structure, and the incidence of multiple canals, often relying on ‘imaging centres’ to highlight the its position.

Aim

The purpose of this study is to investigate the incidence of multiple mandible canals, and then to use a case report to demonstrate the dangers of relying on a third party to highlight the mandibular canal.

Results

The incidence of multiple mandibular canals is not uncommon (3.24% of OPT's and 31.31% of CBCT's).

Conclusions

It is essential that screening for bifid and trifid canals form part of the pre‐surgical assessment. An OPT is not sufficient for this purpose and therefore it is recommended that a CBCT is used for treatment planning in the posterior mandible.

It is also imperative that dentists when placing dental implants in posterior mandible should be aware of the variations of the mandibular canal and do not rely on a third party to highlight the canal structure.
Phylogeography of the freshwater red alga Batrachospermum viride‐brasiliense (Rhodophyta, Batrachospermales)
Authors: Paiano Monica O. , Necchi Jr Orlando
Published: December 2016

Phylogeography of
B

atrachospermum viride‐brasiliense was investigated using two mitochondrial regions: the cox2‐3 spacer and the barcode region of cox1 gene. Eighty‐seven individuals were analyzed from nine stream segments throughout its distribution in Brazil. Ten cox2‐3 spacer and nine cox1 haplotypes were observed among the individuals studied (87 vs. 43, respectively). Divergences among haplotypes were relatively low (≤2.4% for cox2‐3 and ≤1.8% for cox1). Most locations have a single haplotype, whereas only two locations had two haplotypes for both markers. The haplotype network for cox2‐3 showed a phylogeographic trend from the south towards the southeast with haplotypes from the southeast more closely related. For cox1 a trend from the southeast spreading towards the south and north was revealed, with the southern haplotypes more closely associated. Results clearly indicated that
B

. viride‐brasiliense represents a single species and the phylogeographic pattern consisted of a closely connected group of haplotypes from southern and southeastern Brazil. Levels of intra‐ and inter‐population variation were similar for the two markers with slightly higher values for cox2‐3. The trend observed in this study is similar to that in other members of Batrachospermales with little variation within a stream segment (one or two haplotypes) and more distant haplotypes showing higher divergences. This pattern could be attributed to the fact that colonization of a site might be rare by a single event with subsequent proliferation of the population. The geographic distribution of
B

. viride‐brasiliense was interpreted according to the biogeographic models proposed for South America being limited to three morpho‐climatic domains or biogeographic provinces: tropical Atlantic rainforest, sub‐tropical rainforest and cerrado (Brazilian savannah).
Commentary: Paradox in Practice
Authors: Wilson Simon
Published: December 2016

Related Content: Vangen (PAR March/April 2017)
A Theory of Comparative Advantage with Specialized Subnational Regions
Authors: Dong Baomin , Wong Siu‐kee
Published: December 2016

This paper investigates the effects of subnational regionalization on a country's terms of trade, trade patterns and its welfare. We show that a country can gain from dividing itself into two regions with different factor ratios (and preclude the cross‐region factor mobility). Allowing a region in a country to have a comparative advantage different from the country as a whole can generate a welfare‐improving terms‐of‐trade effect, which is reminiscent of immiserizing growth in reverse. Our simple model can provide a justification for “self‐sufficiency” programs or “special industry zone” policies in some developing countries. We also show that subnational regionalization can reduce the volume of trade and or even reverse countries' trade patterns. This finding could provide an alternative explanation for the missing trade problem and the paradox between trade patterns predicted by the standard Heckscher–Ohlin comparative advantage model and those found empirically.
Metaphor in intergroup relations
Authors: White Mark H. , Landau Mark J.
Published: December 2016

Belonging to groups and relating to other groups are central parts of our lives, but they confront us with abstract ideas (e.g., identity and power) and nebulous feelings. To make sense of it all, people rely on conceptual metaphors: cognitive tools that ground abstractions in dissimilar, more concrete ideas that are easier to grasp. We review some common metaphors that people use in intergroup contexts—metaphors that draw on knowledge of such familiar experiences as physical cleansing and warmth sensations. We review evidence that these metaphors are not mere figures of speech, but have a systematic and practically important influence on intergroup attitudes and behavior. Most of this work shows that reliance on metaphor contributes to prejudice, stereotyping, and discrimination, sometimes without the person's awareness. Yet we consider the hopeful possibility that citizens, politicians, and researchers can harness the power of metaphor to promote intergroup harmony and peace.
Variability, heterogeneity, and anisotropy in the quasi‐static response of laser sintered PA12 components
Authors: Faes M. , Wang Y. , Lava P. , Moens D.
Published: December 2016

Additive manufacturing (AM) receives an increasing industrial interest thanks to its advantages in the economic production of highly complex and small‐series components. Especially laser sintering (LS) is in this context of particular interest for the production of plastic components, as it is generally deemed the most robust AM technology for polymer parts and therefore is expected to enable AM for functional components in the near future. However, to date, designers are often confronted with a severe lack of knowledge on the possible mechanical behavior of AM components. More specifically, the unit‐to‐unit variability, heterogeneity (within‐part variation), and anisotropy of the mechanical properties very often prove to be substantial and therefore require more elaborated studies in order to take these effects into account in the engineering of reliable components. Moreover, typical experimental results that are used for the determination of the elastic stiffness tensor are subject to variability, caused by the influence of the difference in thermal history between produced parts. This work therefore focuses first on the identification and quantification of the variability and heterogeneity in the quasi‐static response of laser sintering‐polyamide 12 (LS‐PA12) components. Second, also the anisotropy in this quasi‐static response is studied. For the first part, uniaxial tensile tests are performed and the variability on the quasi‐static properties is quantified by means of statistical analysis. Also, the elastic stiffness tensor is identified based on these tests. Next, the heterogeneity in the tested specimens is investigated by means of digital image correlation. Finally, in order to study the anisotropy in the quasi‐static properties, the Virtual Fields Method is applied to determine the variability in the elastic stiffness tensor of the LS‐PA12 material. A variability with a coefficient of variance of up to 6.5% on Young's modulus was measured. It was also found that the production planning has an important influence on the homogeneity of the mechanical properties of the produced parts. Finally, the Virtual Fields Method showed that, contrary to most literature on the topic, the elastic properties of LS‐PA12 material is best described using an isotropic material model.
The gaps of architectural life: the affective politics of Gordon Matta‐Clark'sConical Intersect
Authors: Dekeyser Thomas
Published: December 2016

This paper contributes to a burgeoning concern with the ‘critical geographies of architecture’. The central argument is that recent architecture–geography encounters – inspired by non‐representational approaches to material mutability and affective inhabitation – are failing to connect with socio‐political framings of the architectural. In this light, the paper aligns Gordon Matta‐Clark's architectural artworkConical Intersect(1975) with the Deleuzo‐Guattarian axiom of micropolitics and macropolitics to re‐insert the architectural subject as a microtexture of political forms imbued with (1) asymmetrical assemblages of material volatility, (2) restricted capacities of ‘dwelling or being with’ architecture and (3) bounded notions of living affectively. I suggestConical Intersectforegrounds architectural space as a meeting of dreamworlds and institutional effects. In its piercing of that space of interaction, the artwork produces an architectural form freed from the conventions of legal and physical constraints to suggest the potency of alternative modes of living with and living in architecture that should be of primary interest to critical geographies of architecture and beyond.
Melanin granules melanophages and a fully‐melanized epidermis are common traits of odontocete and mysticete cetaceans
Authors: Morales‐Guerrero Blanca , Barragán‐Vargas Cecilia , Silva‐Rosales German R. , Ortega‐Ortiz Christian D. , Gendron Diane , Martinez‐Levasseur Laura M. , Acevedo‐Whitehouse Karina
Published: December 2016

Background

The cellular mechanisms used to counteract or limit damage caused by exposure of marine vertebrates to solar ultraviolet (UV) radiation are poorly understood. Cetaceans are vulnerable because they lack protective skin appendages and are obliged to surface continuously to breathe, thus being exposed repeatedly to UV light. Although molecular mechanisms of photoprotection of cetaceans have been studied, there is limited knowledge about their epidermal structure and photoprotective effectors.

Objective

To describe and compare the epidermis of mysticete and odontocete cetaceans and identify potentially photoprotective traits.

Animals

Twenty eight free‐living individuals belonging to six cetacean species were sampled in the Mexican Central Pacific and Gulf of California. Species sampled were the bottlenose dolphin, pantropical spotted dolphin, spinner dolphin, Bryde's whale, fin whale and humpback whale.

Methods

Histological and cytological evaluation of skin biopsy tissue collected in the field between 2014 and 2016.

Results

All cetaceans had only three epidermal layers, lacking both the stratum granulosum and stratum lucidum. A relatively thick stratum corneum with a parakeratosis‐like morphology was noted. Melanin was observed within keratinocytes in all epidermal layers, including the stratum corneum and apical melanin granules obscured the keratinocyte nucleus. Keratinocytes had a perinuclear halo. Keratinocyte diameter differed between cetacean suborders and amongst species. Melanophage clusters were common in most cetacean species.

Conclusions

The widespread presence of melanin and the unexpectedly high number of melanophages may constitute a unique photoprotective trait of cetaceans and could reflect primitive adaptations to their environment and to their obligate marine‐bound life.
Reasserting Monetary Policy: Sumner’s Nominal GDP Targeting and Beyond
Authors: Johnson Clark
Published: December 2016

Sumner’s (2016) article in Foreign Affairs reasserts the potential of monetary policy to influence economic conditions – following years of suboptimal growth in the US and elsewhere and an unraveling of consensus about central bank practice. This review provides theoretical and economic history context. From the 1960s onward, consideration of money quantity variables was prominent in monetary policy discussion. By the 1990s, central bankers had transferred focus to interest rate or inflation targeting, and sometimes to a combination of the two. Central bankers have proved effective at meeting, or approaching, inflation objectives – and doing so helps to stabilize market expectations for what the future price level will be. Sumner argues that if central bankers can stabilize inflation expectations, then they could also meet nominal GDP (NGDP) targets – and thereby stabilize expectations regarding future growth, unemployment, and interest rates. Also, NGDP targeting is counter-cyclical in its essence. The depth and length of the Great Recession were largely a result of contractionary monetary conditions from the third quarter of 2008 onward. But financial crises, including in that of 2007-2008 in the US, can trigger or contribute to downturns. NGDP trends are not a good predictor of such crises, which often have origins in compromised capital structure. A further limitation is that NGDP targeting emphasizes internal balance (domestic prices and employment) almost to the exclusion of external stability as an aim of monetary policy. Even if the primary goal remains internal balance, data from foreign exchange markets and from non-domestic price changes provide important information about the stance of monetary policy.
Compactness of the Set of Trajectories of the Control System Described by a Urysohn Type Integral Equation
Authors: Huseyin Nesir
Published: December 2016

The control system with integralconstraint on the controls is studied, where the behavior of the system by a Urysohn type integral equation is described.  It is assumed thatthe system is nonlinear with respect to the state vector, affine with respect to the control vector.  The closed ball ofthe space $L_p(E;\mathbb{R}^m)$ $(p>1)$ with radius $r$ and centered at theorigin, is chosen as the set of admissible control functions, where $E\subset \mathbb{R}^k$ is a compact set. Itis proved that the set of trajectories generated by all admissible control functions is a compact subset of the space of continuous functions.
Approximate solution of generalized pantograph equations with variable coefficients by operational method
Authors: Öztürk Yalçın , Gülsu Mustafa
Published: December 2016

In this paper, we present efficient direct solver for solving the generalized pantographequations with variable coefficients. The approach is based on the second kind Chebyshev polynomialstogether with operational method. The main characteristic behind this approach is that it reducessuch problem to ones of solving systems of algebraic equations. Only a small number of Chebyshevpolynomials are needed to obtain a satisfactory result. Numerical results with comparisons are givento confirm the reliability of the proposed method for solving generalized pantograph equations with variable coefficients.
The age‐dependent association between aortic pulse wave velocity and telomere length
Authors: McDonnell Barry J. , Yasmin  , Butcher Lee , Cockcroft John R. , Wilkinson Ian B. , Erusalimsky Jorge D. , McEniery Carmel M.
Published: December 2016

Key points

Age significantly modifies the relationship between aortic pulse wave velocity and telomere length.

The differential relationships observed between aortic pulse wave velocity and telomere length in younger and older individuals suggest that the links between cellular and vascular ageing reflect a complex interaction between genetic and environmental factors acting over the life‐course.

Ageing is associated with marked large artery stiffening. Telomere shortening, a marker of cellular ageing, is linked with arterial stiffening. However, the results of existing studies are inconsistent, possibly because of the confounding influence of variable exposure to cardiovascular risk factors. Therefore, we investigated the relationship between telomere length (TL) and aortic stiffness in well‐characterized, younger and older healthy adults, who were pre‐selected on the basis of having either low or high aortic pulse wave velocity (aPWV), a robust measure of aortic stiffness. Demographic, haemodynamic and biochemical data were drawn from participants in the Anglo‐Cardiff Collaborative Trial. Two age groups with an equal sex ratio were examined: those aged <30 years (younger) or >50 years (older). Separately for each age group and sex, DNA samples representing the highest (n = 125) and lowest (n = 125) extremes of aPWV (adjusted for blood pressure) were selected for analysis of leukocyte TL. Ultimately, this yielded complete phenotypic data on 904 individuals. In younger subjects, TL was significantly shorter in those with high aPWV vs. those with low aPWV (P = 0.017). By contrast, in older subjects, TL was significantly longer in those with high aPWV (P = 0.001). Age significantly modified the relationship between aPWV and TL (P < 0.001). Differential relationships are observed between aPWV and TL, with an inverse association in younger individuals and a positive association in older individuals. The links between cellular and vascular ageing reflect a complex interaction between genetic and environmental factors acting over the life‐course.
Peak oxygen uptake in a sprint interval testing protocol vs. maximal oxygen uptake in an incremental testing protocol and their relationship with cross-country mountain biking performance
Authors: Hebisz Rafał , Hebisz Paulina , Zatoń Marek , Michalik Kamil
Published: December 2016

In the literature, the exercise capacity of cyclists is typically assessed using incremental and endurance exercise tests. The aim of the present study was to confirm whether peak oxygen uptake (V̇O2peak) attained in a sprint interval testing protocol correlates with cycling performance, and whether it corresponds to maximal oxygen uptake (V̇O2max) determined by an incremental testing protocol. A sample of 28 trained mountain bike cyclists executed 3 performance tests: (i) incremental testing protocol (ITP) in which the participant cycled to volitional exhaustion, (ii) sprint interval testing protocol (SITP) composed of four 30 s maximal intensity cycling bouts interspersed with 90 s recovery periods, (iii) competition in a simulated mountain biking race. Oxygen uptake, pulmonary ventilation, work, and power output were measured during the ITP and SITP with postexercise blood lactate and hydrogen ion concentrations collected. Race times were recorded. No significant inter-individual differences were observed in regards to any of the ITP-associated variables. However, 9 individuals presented significantly increased oxygen uptake, pulmonary ventilation, and work output in the SITP compared with the remaining cyclists. In addition, in this group of 9 cyclists, oxygen uptake in SITP was significantly higher than in ITP. After the simulated race, this group of 9 cyclists achieved significantly better competition times (99.5 ± 5.2 min) than the other cyclists (110.5 ± 6.7 min). We conclude that mountain bike cyclists who demonstrate higher peak oxygen uptake in a sprint interval testing protocol than maximal oxygen uptake attained in an incremental testing protocol demonstrate superior competitive performance.
The Greenland vascular plant herbarium of the University of Copenhagen
Authors: Bay Christian , Daniëls Fred J.A. , Halliday Geoffrey
Published: December 2016

By the establishment of the Greenland Botanical Survey in 1962 at the Botanical Museum, University of Copenhagen, an era of regular and systematic exploration of the vascular plant flora of Greenland was initiated and it ended in 1996, when funding ended. Preceding this period, the vascular plant flora was mainly known from the results of more sporadic botanical investigations mostly in low arctic West and East Greenland, but after the 1980s, investigations expanded to include the more inaccessible high arctic Northeast and North Greenland. Nowadays, vascular plant species have been collected from most regions of Greenland. So far, three regional phytogeographical studies of South, North, and West Greenland have been published, and at present, two papers dealing with the vascular plant flora of East Greenland are ready for publication. These studies will be the basis for a synopsis of the phytogeography of Greenland and a new edition of the Flora of Greenland. The published distribution maps from South, West, and North Greenland based on these collections have been digitized and used for modelling the regional vegetation and flora and its relation to past glaciations and current climate. The specimens from East Greenland have been entered into a database and will be available for future modelling projects.
Biodiversity databases in Russia: towards a national portal
Authors: Ivanova Natalya V. , Shashkov Maxim P.
Published: December 2016

Russia holds massive biodiversity data accumulated in botanical and zoological collections, literature publications, annual reports of natural reserves, nature conservation, and monitoring study project reports. While some data have been digitized and organized in databases or spreadsheets, most of the biodiversity data in Russia remain dormant and digitally inaccessible. Concepts of open access to research data is spreading, and the lack of data publishing tradition and of use of data standards remain prominent. A national biodiversity information system is lacking and most of the biodiversity data are not available or the available data are not consolidated. As a result, Russian biodiversity data remain fragmented and inaccessible for researchers. The majority of Russian biodiversity databases do not have web interfaces and are accessible only to a limited numbers of researchers. The main reason for lack of access to these resources relates to the fact that the databases have previously been developed only as a local resource. In addition, many sources have previously been developed in the desktop database environments mainly using MS Access and, in some cases, earlier DBMS for DOS, i.e., file-server system, which does not have the functionality to create access to records through a web interface. Among the databases with a web interface, a few information systems have interactive maps with the species occurrence data and systems allowing registered users to upload data. It is important to note that the conceptual structures of these databases were created without taking into account modern standards of the Darwin Core; furthermore, some data sources were developed prior to the first work version of the Darwin Core release in 2001. Despite the complexity and size of the biodiversity data landscape in Russia, the interest in publishing data through international biodiversity portals is increasing among Russian researchers. Since 2014, institutional data publishers in Russia have published about 140 000 species occurrences through gbif.org. The increase in data publishing activity calls for the creation of a GBIF node in Russia, aiming to support Russian biodiversity experts in international data work.
Needle properties of host white spruce (Picea glauca [Moench] Voss) experiencing eastern dwarf mistletoe (Arceuthobium pusillum Peck) infections of differing severity
Authors: de Villier Johnathon A. , Reblin Jaret S. , Logan Barry A.
Published: December 2016

Eastern dwarf mistletoe (Arceuthobium pusillum Peck) parasitizes the branches of white spruce (Picea glauca [Moench] Voss) and ultimately kills this host species. Previous studies of host needle physiology generally focused on trees experiencing infections of moderate severity; here, we expanded upon previous research to investigate the morphological, physiological, and biochemical properties of needles from white spruce trees experiencing the full range of infection severities. We found that the impact of parasitism on host needle parameters did not scale uniformly with infection severity. Rather, parasitism reduced host needle size distal to infection and resulted in more negative carbon isotope ratios across all infection severities. Reduced foliar nitrogen and chlorophyll content were only evident in trees with moderate or severe infection, while photosynthetic capacity was depressed in only severely infected trees. Furthermore, while some impacts were confined to infected host branches, others, such as smaller needles and reduced photosynthetic capacity, were also evident in branches showing no visible signs of infection. We conclude that symptoms of infection appearing only after infection worsened in severity or appearing in uninfected branches may in whole or in part also be manifestations of a decline in resource availability and vigor of the whole tree.
Ecological limits to local species richness in Dusky Salamanders (genus Desmognathus)
Authors: Camp Carlos D. , Wooten Jessica A. , Graham Sean P. , Pauley Thomas K.
Published: December 2016

Species richness commonly varies with elevation, but in many montane regions, the greatest number of species occurs at mid-elevations. A recent regional analysis showed this pattern in Appalachian salamanders of the genus Desmognathus Baird, 1850. The authors proposed that the phylogenetic niche conservatism of these salamanders causes species to accumulate at intermediate elevations, which are characterized by the ancestral climate for the genus. They further suggested that physiological tolerances limit dispersal into higher or lower elevations. We tested this hypothesis using geographic information systems (GIS) based analysis of 235 local Desmognathus communities. Consistent with the regional analysis, local species richness was greatest at mid-elevations. However, the number of species is not limited by physiological tolerances but appears to be restricted ecologically by climate variables favoring aridity, as well as by biotic factors. Whether such ecological limits on species richness at the local level influences richness across regions or evolutionary clades remains to be tested.
Xi Jinping and the People’s Liberation Army Restructuring
Authors: LI Nan
Published: December 2016

Restructuring has empowered Xi to control the People’s Liberation Army by dismantling general departments and requiring new Central Military Commission agencies to report to him directly; by separating monitoring agencies from performing agencies to enhance "checks and oversight"; and by dividing powers for "construction" and for "operations" between services and theatres. Restructuring has also divested regional headquarters of responsibility of running army units. This enables theatres to become genuinely multi-service, laying the basis for joint operations.
China’s Rule of Law Dilemma
Authors: ZHENG Yongnian , LIM Wen Xin
Published: December 2016

China’s rule of law took an ugly turn in less than a year after the legal reform was announced. The country detained lawyers on 9 July 2015. The Chinese Communist Party seems to have inherited the "Rule of Man" from the past and acts like an "organisational emperor". While it took the West a few centuries to build its system of rule of law, it will take China even longer to do so.
China’s Supply-Side Reform: The Rationale and Implications
Authors: TONG Sarah Y , WAN Jing
Published: December 2016

Supply-side structural reform has been a catchphrase in China since 2015 in official media. While there is a lack of details, the government seems to have placed hope on formulating policies to address both short-term problems, such as production overcapacity, and long-term issues like cultivating growth engines for sustainable development. Although the importance of structural reforms has been stressed, formulating coherent and effective policies remains tricky. The outcome remains to be seen.
Rural Poverty Alleviation in China: Recent Reforms and Challenges
Authors: QIAN Jiwei
Published: December 2016

The "13th Five-Year Outline Plan" (2016-2020) has poverty alleviation as one of the major tasks for the Chinese government. Two sets of policies have been underlined: poverty alleviation (jinzhun fupin) plan to improve the targeting accuracy of these programmes and policies to focus on adjacent regions with disadvantaged natural and economic conditions. However, the efficacy of these programmes has been saddled with issues including low government capacity and the difficulties to mobilise the private sector.
Alibaba’s Media Conglomerate Dream
Authors: SHIH Hui Min , QI Lincey
Published: December 2016

Since 2009, Alibaba has aggressively built its media landscape by buying up media assets and integrating old and new media. Alibaba’s founder Jack Ma has reportedly maintained good relations with the Chinese government, a win-win situation that is beneficial to the development of China’s big data technology and internet/e-commerce sector. In 2016, China for the first time became the world’s biggest "acquiring nation" in the technology industry.
Human Resource Development in Peacebuilding: Japan’s Way of Contributing to Peace
Authors: IWAMI Tadashi
Published: December 2016

Japan has brought peacebuilding into the centre of its foreign and security policy since 2002. As it has widened the regional and international role of peacebuilding in Asia and beyond, Japan has also considered human resource development for fostering civilian peacebuilders as an important way of contributing to peace and stability in Asia even though Prime Minister Abe Shinzo’s security laws in 2015 had generated heated debated among scholars and the public.
Application Research of the Sparse Representation of Eigenvector on the PD Positioning in the Transformer Oil
Authors: Xie Qing , Liu Dan , Zhang Ying , Gao Shuguo , Li Tong , Wang Xinjie , Lü Fangcheng
Published: December 2016

The partial discharge (PD) detection of electrical equipment is important for the safe operation of power system. The ultrasonic signal generated by the PD in the oil is a broadband signal. However, most methods of the array signal processing are used for the narrowband signal at present, and the effect of some methods for processing wideband signals is not satisfactory. Therefore, it is necessary to find new broadband signal processing methods to improve detection ability of the PD source. In this paper, the direction of arrival (DOA) estimation method based on sparse representation of eigenvector is proposed, and this method can further reduce the noise interference. Moreover, the simulation results show that this direction finding method is feasible for broadband signal and thus improve the following positioning accuracy of the three-array localization method. And experimental results verify that the direction finding method based on sparse representation of eigenvector is feasible for the ultrasonic array, which can achieve accurate estimation of direction of arrival and improve the following positioning accuracy. This can provide important guidance information for the equipment maintenance in the practical application.
Recursive Reduced-Order Algorithm for Singularly Perturbed Cross Grammian Algebraic Sylvester Equation
Authors: Al-Iedani Intessar , Gajic Zoran
Published: December 2016

A new recursive algorithm is developed for solving the algebraic Sylvester equation that defines the cross Grammian of singularly perturbed linear systems. The cross Grammian matrix provides aggregate information about controllability and observability of a linear system. The solution is obtained in terms of reduced-order algebraic Sylvester equations that correspond to slow and fast subsystems of a singularly perturbed system. The rate of convergence of the proposed algorithm isOε, whereεis a small singular perturbation parameter that indicates separation of slow and fast state variables. Several real physical system examples are solved to demonstrate efficiency of the proposed algorithm.
Survey of Promising Technologies for 5G Networks
Authors: Le Nam Tuan , Hossain Mohammad Arif , Islam Amirul , Kim Do-yun , Choi Young-June , Jang Yeong Min
Published: December 2016

As an enhancement of cellular networks, the future-generation 5G network can be considered an ultra-high-speed technology. The proposed 5G network might include all types of advanced dominant technologies to provide remarkable services. Consequently, new architectures and service management schemes for different applications of the emerging technologies need to be recommended to solve issues related to data traffic capacity, high data rate, and reliability for ensuring QoS. Cloud computing, Internet of things (IoT), and software-defined networking (SDN) have become some of the core technologies for the 5G network. Cloud-based services provide flexible and efficient solutions for information and communications technology by reducing the cost of investing in and managing information technology infrastructure. In terms of functionality, SDN is a promising architecture that decouples control planes and data planes to support programmability, adaptability, and flexibility in ever-changing network architectures. However, IoT combines cloud computing and SDN to achieve greater productivity for evolving technologies in 5G by facilitating interaction between the physical and human world. The major objective of this study provides a lawless vision on comprehensive works related to enabling technologies for the next generation of mobile systems and networks, mainly focusing on 5G mobile communications.
Enhancing Mass Lesion of the Sphenoid: Atypical Presentation of Ongoing Pneumatization
Authors: Vallabhaneni Deepak , Mohamed Anthony , Badar Zain , Mangla Rajiv
Published: December 2016

Sinus pneumatization is a complex variable process that begins in early life and continues for many years. We present a case of a 6-year-old boy with progressive headaches and neurologic symptoms suggestive of intracranial pathology. The presence of enhancing tissue within the sphenoid sinus created a diagnostic dilemma which leads to a transsphenoidal biopsy. Knowledge of imaging characteristics associated with incomplete pneumatization can help differentiate it from more ominous skull base pathology and prevent unnecessary testing. We describe four-year imaging follow-up in a patient with incomplete pneumatization of the sphenoid sinus presenting as an enhancing mass lesion with subsequent follow-up imaging demonstrating gradual regression and increased aeration of the sphenoid sinus.
Reproductive Toxicity of Zishen Yutai Pill in Rats: The Fertility and Early Embryonic Development Study (Segment I)
Authors: Zhou Li , Huang Qiuling , Wang Rong , Zhou Jie , Ma Aicui , Chong Liming , Wu Yubing , Wang Yong , Xu Li , Chen Ying , Jia Yuling , Gui Bo , Sun Zuyue
Published: December 2016

Purpose. This study was aimed to investigate the reproductive toxicity of Zishen Yutai Pill (ZYP) on fertility and early embryonic development in rats. Methods. SD rats were randomly divided into 5 groups: vehicle control group (distilled water, i.g.), positive control group (80 mg/kg of cyclophosphamide, i.p.), and three ZYP‐treated groups (3, 6, and 12 g/kg/d, i.e., 12x, 24x, and 48x clinical doses, i.g.). The high dose was set as the maximum gavage dosage. Results. Cyclophosphamide showed diverse hazards, such as decreased weight of male reproductive organs and sperm density (P < 0.05). However, there were no obvious effects of ZYP on physical signs, animal behavior, and survival rate, as well as on weight and food intake during the premating and gestation periods. Importantly, there were no significant adverse effects of ZYP on indexes of copulation, fecundity and fertility indexes, weights and coefficients of male reproductive organs, epididymal sperm number and motility, estrous cycle, preimplantation loss rate, and implantation rate. Besides, the numbers of live and resorbed fetuses per litter were not significantly altered. Conclusions. ZYP had no reproductive toxicities on fertility and early embryonic development in rats at 48x equivalent clinical doses.