bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Biogeographically distinct controls on C3 and C4 grass distributions: merging community and physiological ecology
Authors: Griffith Daniel M. , Anderson T. Michael , Osborne Colin P. , Strömberg Caroline A. E. , Forrestel Elisabeth J. , Still Christopher J.
Published: December 2014

Aim

C4 photosynthesis is an adaptation that maintains efficient carbon assimilation in high‐light, high‐temperature conditions. Due to the importance of C4 grasses for carbon and surface energy fluxes, numerous models have been proposed to describe their spatial distribution and forecast their responses to climate change. These models often rely on broad climatic predictors (e.g. temperature and precipitation) but fail to integrate other ecologically relevant factors like disturbance and competition, which may modify realized C3/C4 grass distributions. Here, we present a combined evaluation of the contribution of ecological factors and climatic predictors to realized C3/C4 grass distributions. We consider multiple biogeographic regions of North America using a multisource database of over 40,000 vegetation plots.

Location

The conterminous United States of America (USA).

Methods

We identified a comprehensive pool of climatic models in the literature and used information theoretic criteria to select a primary climatic predictor of C3 and C4 grass distributions. Subsequently, the best model was combined with ecological predictors (e.g. fire, tree cover) using a multiple regression framework and tested within eight regions.

Results

Surprisingly, grass‐dominated communities across the USA exist largely in C3‐ or C4‐dominated states. Transitions between C3/C4 dominance were best explained by models that integrated temperature and precipitation with ecological factors that varied according to region. For some regions, like Eastern Temperate Forests, local ecological factors were comparable in strength to broad‐scale climatic predictors of C3/C4 abundance.

Main conclusion

Local ecological factors modify C3/C4 grass responses to broad‐scale climatic drivers in ways that manifest at regional scales. In Eastern Temperate Forests, for example, C4 grass abundances are maintained below climatic expectations where tree cover creates light limitation but above expectations where frequent fires reduce tree cover. Thus, local ecological factors, which vary among biogeographic regions, contribute to large‐scale climate disequilibrium.
Quantiferon TB‐Gold conversion can predict active tuberculosis development in elderly nursing home residents
Authors: Tsou Ping‐Hsien , Huang Wei‐Chang , Huang Chen‐Cheng , Lin Chen‐Fu , Wu Kun‐Ming , Hsu Jeng‐Yuan , Shen Gwan‐Han
Published: December 2014

Aim

The study was carried out on elderly nursing home residents in Taiwan. We assessed whether the serial QuantiFERON‐TB Gold (QFT‐G) assay and serial tuberculin skin test (TST) were reliable tools to predict or exclude the development of active tuberculosis (TB).

Methods

This prospective observational cohort study involved non‐bacillus Calmette–Guérin‐vaccinated 259 elderly nursing home residents free of active TB at baseline. Of these, 147 were eligible for follow up. Participants underwent serial QFT‐G and TST at baseline and 2‐year follow up, and were monitored for active TB over 5 years. Agreement between QFT‐G and TST, incidence rate ratio, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value for progression to active TB were measured.

Results

During 5‐year follow up, three participants developed active TB. The agreement between these two tests was 54.13% (ĸ = 0.167, P = 0.001). The incidence rate ratio was 15.8 (P = 0.016) for the QFT‐G‐conversion group compared with the TST‐positive group at baseline. Positive predictive value for QFT‐G conversion groups was 25%. Negative predictive value was 100% for the TST‐negative group at baseline.

Conclusion

In the elderly nursing home residents, QFT‐G conversion is a more reliable tool to predict the development of active TB. Meanwhile, TST is a valuable tool for predicting the chance of not developing active TB. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2015; 15: 1179–1184.
Prognostic factors for long‐term poor outcomes after acute ischemic stroke in very old age (>80 years) patients: Total cholesterol level might differently influence long‐term outcomes after acute ischemic stroke at ages above 80 years
Authors: Cha Jae‐Kwan , Lim Jun‐Ho , Kim Dae‐Hyun , Nah Hyun‐Wook , Park Hyun‐Seok , Choi Jae‐Hyung , Suh Hyun‐Kyung , Huh Jae‐Taeck
Published: December 2014

Aim

We investigated the differences in determinant factors for functional outcomes between patients aged >80 years and those aged <80 years after acute ischemic stroke (AIS). In particular, we would like to know the differential impacts of initial total cholesterol (TC) levels between the two groups.

Methods

We defined a poor outcome as 3–6 modified Rankin Scale 90 days after AIS.

Results

In the present study, 2772 participants were enrolled. Among them, 374 patients (13.5%) were aged >80 years, and 1061 patients had a poor outcome 90 days after AIS. The proportion was significantly higher in patients aged >80 years than in those aged <80 years after AIS. Regarding factors relating to poor outcomes, previous history of stroke, stroke severity and stroke subtypes of ischemic stroke were independent factors in patients aged <80 years, and the stroke severity and initial TC level independently influenced the outcome for patients aged >80 years. In particular, risk of poor outcome adjusted for age, stroke severity and subtypes of ischemic stroke for patients (OR [95% CI]) in the first quartile range (≤157 mg%) were 2.21 (1.06–4.62), in the third quartile range (184–210 mg%) 2.76 (1.27–6.01) and in the fourth quartile range (≥211 mg%) 2.75 (1.21–6.24) compared with those in the second quartile range (158–183 mg%) in patients aged >80 years.

Conclusions

There were also some differences in related factors regarding occurrences of poor outcome between the two groups. In particular, the initial TC level might play a crucial role for the outcome after AIS in the very old population. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2015; 15: 1227–1233.
A New Assessment Framework for Transience in Hydrogeological Systems
Authors: Currell Matthew , Gleeson Tom , Dahlhaus Peter
Published: December 2014

The importance of transience in the management of hydrogeologic systems is often uncertain. We propose a clear framework for determining the likely importance of transient behavior in groundwater systems in a management context. The framework incorporates information about aquifer hydraulics, hydrological drivers, and time scale of management. It is widely recognized that aquifers respond on different timescales to hydrological change and that hydrological drivers themselves, such as climate, are not stationary in time. We propose that in order to assess whether transient behavior is likely to be of practical importance, three factors need to be examined simultaneously: (1) aquifer response time, which can be expressed in terms of the response to a step hydrological change (τstep) or periodic change (τcycle); (2) temporal variation of the dominant hydrological drivers, such as dominant climatic systems in a region; (3) the management timescale and spatial scale of interest. Graphical tools have been developed to examine these factors in conjunction, and assess how important transient behavior is likely to be in response to particular hydrological drivers, and thus which drivers are most likely to induce transience in a specified management timeframe. The method is demonstrated using two case studies; a local system that responds rapidly and is managed on yearly to decadal timeframes and a regional system that exhibits highly delayed responses and was until recently being assessed as a high level nuclear waste repository site. Any practical groundwater resource problem can easily be examined using the proposed framework.
Recombinant factor IX (BAX326) in previously treated paediatric patients with haemophilia B: a prospective clinical trial
Authors: Urasinski T. , Stasyshyn O. , Andreeva T. , Rusen L. , Perina F. G. , Oh M. S. , Chapman M. , Pavlova B. G. , Valenta‐Singer B. , Abbuehl B. E.
Published: December 2014

A newly developed recombinant factor IX (BAX3261) was investigated for prophylactic use in paediatric patients aged <12 years with severe (FIX level <1%) or moderately severe (FIX level 1–2%) haemophilia B. The aim of this prospective clinical trial was to assess the safety, haemostatic efficacy and pharmacokinetic profile of BAX326 in previously treated paediatric patients. BAX326 was administered as prophylaxis twice a week for a period of 6 months, and on demand for treatment of bleeds. Safety was assessed by the occurrence of related AEs, thrombotic events and immunologic assessments. Efficacy was evaluated by annualized bleeding rate (ABR), and by treatment response rating (excellent, good, fair, none). PK was assessed over 72 h. None of the 23 treated paediatric subjects had treatment‐related SAEs or AEs. There were no thrombotic events, inhibitory or specific binding antibodies against FIX, rFurin or CHO protein. Twenty‐six bleeds (19 non‐joint vs. 7 joint bleeds) occurred (mean ABR 2.7 ± 3.14, median 2.0), of which 23 were injury‐related. Twenty subjects (87%) did not experience any bleeds of spontaneous aetiology. Haemostatic efficacy of BAX326 was excellent or good for >96% of bleeds (100% of minor, 88.9% of moderate and 100% of major bleeds); the majority (88.5%) resolved after 1–2 infusions. Longer T1/2 and lower IR were observed in younger children (<6 years) compared to those aged 6 to 12 years. BAX326 administered as prophylactic treatment as well as for controlling bleeds is efficacious and safe in paediatric patients aged <12 years with haemophilia B.
Helicobacter pylori‐induced Sonic Hedgehog Expression is Regulated by NFκB Pathway Activation: The Use of a Novel In vitro Model to Study Epithelial Response to Infection
Authors: Schumacher Michael A. , Feng Rui , Aihara Eitaro , Engevik Amy C. , Montrose Marshall H. , Ottemann Karen M. , Zavros Yana
Published: December 2014

Background

Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection leads to acute induction of Sonic Hedgehog (Shh) in the stomach that is associated with the initiation of gastritis. The mechanism by which H. pylori induces Shh is unknown. Shh is a target gene of transcription factor Nuclear Factor‐κB (NFκB). We hypothesize that NFκB mediates H. pylori‐induced Shh.

Materials and Methods

To visualize Shh ligand expression in response to H. pylori infection in vivo, we used a mouse model that expresses Shh fused to green fluorescent protein (Shh::GFP mice) in place of wild‐type Shh. In vitro, changes in Shh expression were measured in response to H. pylori infection using 3‐dimensional epithelial cell cultures grown from whole dissociated gastric glands (organoids). Organoids were generated from stomachs collected from the fundic region of control and mice expressing a parietal cell‐specific deletion of Shh (PC‐ShhKO mice).

Results

Within 2 days of infection, H. pylori induced Shh expression within parietal cells of Shh::GFP mice. Organoids expressed all major gastric cell markers, including parietal cell marker H+,K+‐ATPase and Shh. H. pylori infection of gastric organoids induced Shh expression; a response that was blocked by inhibiting NFκB signaling and correlated with IκB degradation. H. pylori infection of PC‐ShhKO mouse‐derived organoids did not result in the induction of Shh expression.

Conclusion

Gastric organoids allow for the study of the interaction between H. pylori and the differentiated gastric epithelium independent of the host immune response. H. pylori induces Shh expression from the parietal cells, a response mediated via activation of NFκB signaling.
Prevalence and Risk Factors of Helicobacter pylori Infection in Saudi Children: A Three‐Year Prospective Controlled Study
Authors: Hasosah Mohammed , Satti Mohammed , Shehzad Amir , Alsahafi Ashraf , Sukkar Ghassan , Alzaben Abdullah , Sunaid Areej , Ahmed Abdullah , AlThubiti Sami , Mufti Areej , Jacobson Kevan
Published: December 2014

Background

Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection is the most common chronic infections. The risk factors for H. pylori infection in both developing and developed countries are closely related to poor living conditions in childhood. This study aimed to establish the prevalence of H. pylori infection and its associated risk factors among children in the western and central regions of Saudi Arabia.

Methods

A prospective cross‐sectional study was performed among symptomatic children in National Guard hospitals who underwent esophagogastroduodenoscopy from 2010 to 2013. The gold standard diagnosis of H. pylori infection was histologic presence of the bacteria in the gastric biopsy. The variables analyzed as possible risk factors included demographic and living characteristics, socioeconomic status, potential mode of transmission, and clinical indications of H. pylori infection.

Results

A total of 303 children were included in the study. The overall prevalence of H. pylori infection was 49.8%. Among the studied variables, the following were positively associated with the presence of H. pylori in multivariable analyses: age above 10 years(OR = 11.84, 95% CI = 3.90–35.94, p < .0001), an income of <5000 SR (OR = 2.06, 95% CI = 1.07–3.95), more than eight persons in the household (OR = 3.46, 95% CI = 1.67–7.20), bed sharing (OR = 2.26, 95% CI = 1.32–3.86), and two affected parents (OR = 11.19, 95% CI = 1.29–97.27). Abdominal pain and anorexia were significant predictors of H. pylori infection (p = .005 and .009, respectively).

Conclusion

Helicobacter pylori infection had a high prevalence among Saudi children in the cities of Jeddah and Riyadh. It was a relatively common cause of abdominal pain and anorexia. In this cohort of children, H. pylori infection was associated with variables indicative of a crowded environment and poor living conditions, further supporting the conclusion that improving socioeconomic conditions and designing a preventive health strategy in Saudi Arabia will likely protect children against this infection.
Cardiac function and morphology studied by two‐dimensional doppler echocardiography in unsedated newborn pigs
Authors: Fugelseth Drude , Satas Saulius , Runde Martin , Hågå Per , Thoresen Marianne
Published: December 2014

The newborn pig is currently the most used species in animal neonatal research. Valid non‐invasive monitoring is important in particular for long‐term survival of unsedated animals. In the unsedated newborn pig (n = 35, median age 24 h, range 7–48 h) we standardized two‐dimensional Doppler echocardiography and determined the normal ranges for cardiac function. Probe positioning had to be adjusted to the V‐shaped thorax and the mid‐line position of the heart. Six out of the sixteen animals < 20 h had a patent ductus arteriosus compared with one of the twenty animals > 20 h old. One atrial septal defect (5 mm) and one small ventricular septal defect were diagnosed. The average heart size was 0.7‐0.9 % of body weight which is similar to human infants of the same size. The mean aortic diameter was 6.0 ± 0.5 mm (mean ± S.D.) and cardiac output was 0.38 ± 0.08 1 min−1; both correlate with body weight (r = 0.80 and 0.73, respectively). Tricuspid regurgitation velocity was 3.0 ± 0.4 m s−1 (mean ± S.D.), giving an estimated pressure gradient across the tricuspid valve of 37 ± 9.7 mmHg. The aortic diameter and the heart weight per kg body weight are comparable to those reported for preterm neonates. The cardiac output and velocities across the four valves are more comparable with term neonates.
The physiology of the mammalian urinary outflow tract
Authors: Brading Alison F.
Published: December 2014

Urinary outflow from the mammalian bladder occurs through the urethra. This outflow tract is a complicated structure composed of striated and smooth muscle and vascular urothelium. It is controlled by somatic and autonomic nerves and has several functions: it generates sustained tone to prevent urinary leakage during bladder filling; it generates transient reflex increases in pressure to prevent opening of the lumen when abdominal pressure rises; it undergoes relaxation preceding micturition and can generate urethral opening and shortening during micturition. A urethral pressure profile shows a peak pressure of ≥ 100 cmH2O. The outermost coat is striated muscle, the striated or external sphincter. The fibres are predominantly circularly oriented. The extent varies in different species and between sexes. In the human female it extends the length of the urethra, and is composed mainly of slow twitch fibres. In the male, the sphincter extends from the membranous urethra over the base of the prostate and has nearly equal numbers of slow and fast twitch fibres. In both sexes, the posterior border may be deficient in striated muscle, and filled by circularly oriented smooth muscle. Activity in the slow twitch fibres through somatic nerves may be continuous during bladder filling. Outer circular and inner longitudinal smooth muscle is present Strips from either layer will generate sustained tone particularly if dissected from the high pressure zone. This tone is myogenic, and may be achieved in the absence of action potentials, but relies on influx of calcium through L‐type calcium channels. Both layers receive sympathetic and parasympathetic excitatory innervation and nitrergic inhibitory innervation. Normal urethral pressure requires blood flow to the urothelium (lamina propria). Striated and smooth muscles are both thought to contribute to the resting urethral pressure in the human. The precise role of the smooth muscles during micturition is as yet unresolved.
Wellcome Prize Lecture Cell surface, ion‐sensing receptors
Authors: Riccardi Daniela
Published: December 2014

Changes in extracellular calcium (Ca2+0) concentration ([Ca2+]0) affect kidney function both under basal and hormone‐stimulated conditions. The molecular identification of an extracellular Ca2+‐sensing receptor (CaR) has confirmed a direct role of Ca2+0 on parathyroid and kidney function (i.e. independent of calciotropic hormones) as a modulator of Ca2+ homeostasis. In addition, evidence accumulated over the last 10 years has shown that CaR is also expressed in regions outside the calcium homeostatic system where its role is largely undefined but seems to be linked to regulation of local ionic homeostasis. The parathyroid and kidney CaRs are 1081 and 1079 amino acids long, respectively, and belong to the type III family of G protein‐coupled receptors (GPCRs), which includes other CaRs, metabotropic glutamate receptors and putative vomeronasal organ receptors. For the CaR, its low (millimolar) affinity for Ca2+, its positive cooperativity and its large ionsensing extracellular domain, indicate that the receptor is more sensitive to changes in net cationic charge rather than to a specific ligand. Mg2+, trivalent cations of the lanthanide series and polyvalent cations such as spermine and aminoglycoside antibiotics can all activate the receptor in vitro with EC50 values in the micromolar range for trivalent and polyvalent cations or in the millimolar range for Ca2+ and Mg2+. In addition to true CaR agonists, CaR sensitivity to Ca2+0 is also susceptible to allosteric modulation by ionic strength, l‐amino acids and by pharmacological agents. This review will address endogenous and exogenous CaR agonists, the role of the receptor in the calcium homeostatic system and some speculation on possible role(s) of the CaR in regions not involved in mineral ion homeostasis. Experimental Physiology (2002) 87.4, 403–411.
Professional mechanical plaque removal for prevention of periodontal diseases in adults – systematic review update
Authors: Needleman Ian , Nibali Luigi , Di Iorio Anna
Published: December 2014

Aim

To update previous systematic review investigating effect of professional mechanical plaque removal (PMPR) on prevention of periodontal diseases.

Methods

Search for randomized controlled trials: 2004 to April 2014. Screening and data abstraction conducted independently/in duplicate and narrative synthesis.

Results

From 1655 titles and abstracts, 24 full‐text articles screened and three new studies were eligible. Low–to moderate strength of evidence suggests that in adults, PMPR, particularly if combined with oral hygiene instructions (OHI), may achieve greater changes in measures of dental plaque and gingival bleeding/inflammation than no treatment. Moderate strength of evidence suggests there is no additional benefit to plaque and gingival bleeding outcomes from PMPR over that achieved by repeated and thorough OHI. There is no evidence from RCTs to inform on prevention of periodontitis. Low strength of evidence suggests that more frequent PMPR is associated with improved plaque and bleeding outcomes and possibly less annual attachment loss.

Conclusions

There are insufficient data to inform directly on the effect of PMPR on primary prevention of periodontitis. However, in relation to gingival health, new studies strengthen the evidence that there is little value in providing PMPR without OHI. In fact, repeated, thorough OHI can achieve a similar benefit to repeated PMPR.
Transition to retirement and participation in mainstream community groups using active mentoring: a feasibility and outcomes evaluation with a matched comparison group
Authors: Stancliffe R. J. , Bigby C. , Balandin S. , Wilson N. J. , Craig D.
Published: December 2014

Background

This paper reports on the feasibility and outcomes of a transition to retirement programme for older adults with disability. Without activities and social inclusion, retirees with disability are likely to face inactivity, isolation and loneliness.

Methods

Matched intervention and comparison groups each consisted of 29 older individuals with disability. There were 42 men and 16 women with a mean age of 55.6 years While attending their individual mainstream community group 1 day per week, intervention group participants received support from community group members trained as mentors. We assessed participants’ loneliness, social satisfaction, depression, life events, quality of life, community participation, social contacts, and work hours before and 6 months after joining a community group.

Results

Twenty‐five (86%) of the intervention group attended their community group weekly for at least 6 months. They increased their community participation, made an average of four new social contacts and decreased their work hours. Intervention participants were more socially satisfied post‐intervention than comparison group members.

Conclusions

The results demonstrate that participation in mainstream community groups with support from trained mentors is a viable option for developing a retirement lifestyle for older individuals with disability.
VALUE CREATION AND TRADE IN 21ST CENTURY MANUFACTURING
Authors: Baldwin Richard E. , Evenett Simon J.
Published: December 2014

The factors responsible for the spatial reorganization of contemporary manufacturing are presented here and the predictive power of long‐standing notions of comparative advantage revisited. While a growing number of commercial tasks and technologies are in principle mobile internationally, giving rise to the perception of evermore footloose manufacturing firms and greater job insecurity, there is much in the modern organization of manufacturing that is both viscid and involves location‐specific competitive advantages. This calls for a more nuanced assessment of the impact of an open world trading system on the spatial division of labor and on living standards.
Feeding habits of extant and fossil canids as determined by their skull geometry
Authors: Meloro C. , Hudson A. , Rook L.
Published: December 2014

The canids belong to one of the most prominent families of mammalian carnivores. Feeding adaptations of extant species is well documented by field observations; however, we are still missing palaeoecological insights for many enigmatic fossil specimens. We employ geometric morphometrics to quantify skull size and shape in extant and fossil members of the Canini tribe, inclusive of jackals and wolf‐like taxa. Skull data are tested to identify correlates of dietary adaptations in extant species for predicting adaptations in fossils. Main vectors of shape variation correlate with the relative skull‐palatal length, the position of the upper carnassial tooth and the anterior tip of the secondary palate. Allometry occurs in the palatal shape but size explains only a small fraction (about 4%) of shape variance. Although we quantified only palatal and tooth shape for the inclusion of fragmentary fossils, discriminant function analysis successfully classify extant Canini in dietary groups (small, medium and large prey specialist) with 89% of accuracy. The discriminant functions provide insights into many enigmatic specimens such as Eucyon adoxus (=small prey), fossil jackal‐like from Koobi Fora formation (=small prey) and the Plio‐Pleistocene Old World canid guild (Canis etruscus, C. arnensis and Lycaon falconeri). Clearly, both skull size and shape are excellent predictors of feeding habits in Canini thus also provide information about fossil taxonomic affinities.
Emotion, Authority, and Death: (Raced) Negotiations in Mock Capital Jury
Deliberations
Authors: Lynch Mona , Haney Craig
Published: December 2014

This article explores the role of emotion in the capital penalty‐phase
jury deliberations process. It is based on the qualitative analysis of data
from ninety video‐recorded four to seven person simulated jury deliberations
that examined the influence of race on death sentencing outcomes. The
analysis explores when and how emotions are expressed, integrated into the
jury's sentencing process, and deployed in penalty‐phase decision making.
The findings offer critical new insights into the role that emotion plays in
influencing these legal judgments by revealing how jurors strategically and
explicitly employ emotion in the course of deliberation, both to support
their own positions and neutralize or rebut the opposing positions of
others. The findings also shed light on the various ways that white male
capital jurors utilize a panoply of powerful emotion‐based tactics to sway
others to their position in a manner that often contributes to racially
biased outcomes.
Becoming a Threat: The Burqa and the Contestation Over Public Morality
Law in France
Authors: Fredette Jennifer
Published: December 2014

Through an examination of legislative debate and court opinions, this
article illustrates that the French understanding of public order policing
as a bulwark of freedom and national sovereignty deeply informed the
development of (and contestation surrounding) the 2010 ban on all facial
coverings in public. This ban notably includes the
burqa or niqab,
garments worn by a small minority of Muslim women in France. This article
has two aims. The first is to expand on the sociolegal argument about the
contested nature of rights protections and constitutional constraints on
legislative authority by highlighting how a nation's legal culture can
profoundly shape that contestation. The second aim of this article is to
show, through a technique called legal archaeology, how longstanding French
views on rights confront current European‐inspired alternative views that
would give more weight to individualistic protections against state action
than has traditionally been the case in France.
Uses and Abuses of Drug Decriminalization in Portugal
Authors: Laqueur Hannah
Published: December 2014

In 2001, Portugal decriminalized the acquisition, possession, and use of
small quantities of all psychoactive drugs. The significance of this
legislation has been misunderstood. Decriminalization did not trigger
dramatic changes in drug‐related behavior because, as an analysis of
Portugal's predecriminalization laws and practices reveals, the reforms were
more modest than suggested by the media attention they received. Portugal
illustrates the shortcomings of before‐and‐after
analysis because, as is often the case, the de jure legal change largely
codified de facto practices. In the years before the law's passage, less
than 1 percent of those incarcerated for a drug offense had been convicted
of use. Surprisingly, the change in law regarding use appears associated
with a marked reduction in drug trafficker
sanctioning. While the number of arrests for trafficking changed little, the
number of individuals convicted and imprisoned for trafficking since 2001
has fallen nearly 50 percent.
Law's Social Forms: A Powerless Approach to the Sociology of Law
Authors: Liu Sida
Published: December 2014

Since the law and society movement in the 1960s, the sociology of law in the United States has been dominated by a power/inequality approach. Based on a sociological distinction between the forms and substances of law, this article outlines a “powerless” approach to the sociology of law as a theoretical alternative to the mainstream power/inequality approach. Following Simmel and the Chicago School of sociology, this new approach analyzes the legal system not by its power relations and patterns of inequality, but by its social forms, or the structures and processes that constitute the legal system's spatial outlook and temporality. Taking a radical stance on power, this article is not only a retrospective call for social theory in law and society research, but also a progressive effort to move beyond US‐centric sociolegal scholarship and to develop new social science tools that explain a larger variety of legal phenomena across the world.
Fluorescent protein‐mediated colour polymorphism in reef corals: multicopy genes extend the adaptation/acclimatization potential to variable light environments
Authors: Gittins John R. , D'Angelo Cecilia , Oswald Franz , Edwards Richard J. , Wiedenmann Jörg
Published: December 2014

The genomic framework that enables corals to adjust to unfavourable conditions is crucial for coral reef survival in a rapidly changing climate. We have explored the striking intraspecific variability in the expression of coral pigments from the green fluorescent protein (GFP) family to elucidate the genomic basis for the plasticity of stress responses among reef corals. We show that multicopy genes can greatly increase the dynamic range over which corals can modulate transcript levels in response to the light environment. Using the red fluorescent protein amilFP597 in the coral Acropora millepora as a model, we demonstrate that its expression increases with light intensity, but both the minimal and maximal gene transcript levels vary markedly among colour morphs. The pigment concentration in the tissue of different morphs is strongly correlated with the number of gene copies with a particular promoter type. These findings indicate that colour polymorphism in reef corals can be caused by the environmentally regulated expression of multicopy genes. High‐level expression of amilFP597 is correlated with reduced photodamage of zooxanthellae under acute light stress, supporting a photoprotective function of this pigment. The cluster of light‐regulated pigment genes can enable corals to invest either in expensive high‐level pigmentation, offering benefits under light stress, or to rely on low tissue pigment concentrations and use the conserved resources for other purposes, which is preferable in less light‐exposed environments. The genomic framework described here allows corals to pursue different strategies to succeed in habitats with highly variable light stress levels. In summary, our results suggest that the intraspecific plasticity of reef corals’ stress responses is larger than previously thought.
Mediation analysis of health‐related quality of life among people living with HIV infection in China
Authors: Li Xianhong , Li Ling , Wang Honghong , Fennie Kristopher P , Chen Jia , Williams Ann Bartley
Published: December 2014

The effects of stigma, social support, and depressive symptoms on health‐related quality of life are well documented in the literature, but how these psychological factors interact with each other, and the combined effects when taken together on the health‐related quality of life for people living with HIV, remain unclear. This cross‐sectional study investigated 114 people living with HIV who were taking antiretroviral medication using the HIV/AIDS‐related Stigma Scale (Chinese version), the Social Support Rating Scale, the Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale, and the Medical Outcomes Study–HIV health survey. Multiple linear regression analyses were used to examine the mediation effect of the psychosocial factors on health‐related quality of life. Results showed that stigma and social support did not have direct effects, but indirect effects on health‐related quality of life through a full mediation effect of depressive symptoms. The results indicate that interventions targeting depression might be the most effective approach to improving health‐related quality of life among people living with HIV who are taking antiretroviral medication in China.
THE ROLE OF ISSUE LINKAGE IN MANAGING NONCOOPERATING BASINS: THE CASE OF THE MEKONG
Authors: DO KIM HANG PHAM , DINAR ARIEL
Published: December 2014

The Mekong River (MR) is the major water source in Southeast Asia, sharedby six countries. There is a rush, by riparian states, to acquire sources of alternative energy and other benefits to meet growing demands for water and energy. China and Myanmar have refused to cooperate fully in the MR Forum, leading to increase risks within the region. Development of the water resources of the MR Basin is the subject of intense debate both within the Mekong region and internationally. This paper investigates the concept of issue linkage to resolve unidirectional externalities in the MR. Using linked games, the paper shows that the downstream nations can consider the use of linkage as a form of side payment in achieving a basin‐wide agreement. While this approach supports the Integrated Water Resource Management‐based Basin Development Strategy adopted by the Mekong River Commission in April 2011 for managing the region's sustainability development, facts on the ground suggest that traditional issues to be linked may not be sufficient. The paper addresses this observation and suggests a cadre of issues, including nontraditional ones, to be analyzed in a future work.
DEGREE OF ECONOMIC UNSUSTAINABILITY IN THE MANAGEMENT OF RENEWABLE RESOURCES
Authors: KITTI MITRI
Published: December 2014

A criterion commonly used to determine economic sustainability posits that the discounted welfare should not decrease over time. Resource management problems involving fluctuating stocks may be exacerbated by a lack of sustainable policies unless some violations of this condition are accepted. Moreover, sustainable policies may lead to the minimal welfare levels. To alleviate these problems, a new notion of sustainability is suggested. In this new form of sustainability, violations of nondecreasing welfare are accepted to a certain degree. The policies that maximize the discounted welfare under the constraint for the largest accepted violation for sustainability satisfy a dynamic programming type of fixed‐point condition that can be effectively utilized for finding optimal policies. The new notion of sustainability can also be utilized in defining an index for measuring the degree of overall unsustainability of resource management problems and different harvesting policies.
The relationship between functional dispersion of mixed‐species leaf litter mixtures and species' interactions during decomposition
Authors: Tardif Antoine , Shipley Bill
Published: December 2014

We tested the hypothesis that interactions between plant species during the process of mixed‐species leaf litter decomposition increases with increasing functional diversity of leaves within the mixtures; specifically, there is a positive correlation between functional dispersion and the deviations from Grime's biomass‐ratio hypothesis, with a null intercept. We measured decomposition rates (mg g−1 d−1) of mixed‐species leaf litter from two experimental designs: 1) a microcosm experiment with litterbags of species mixtures combining six tree species, alone and in 42 combinations, and 2) an in situ litterbag experiment with all possible mixture combinations of four herb species (from one to four species). Interaction strengths and directions were measured as deviations from community‐weighted means (CWM) of monoculture decomposition values, following the biomass‐ratio hypothesis (BRH). Functional diversity was measured as Laliberté and Legendre's functional dispersion (FDis), using leaf dry matter content (LDMC), leaf nitrogen and carbon contents, and proportions of water soluble compounds, cellulose, hemicellulose and lignin. Correlations between FDis and deviations from BRH varied strongly, depending upon the combination of functional traits, the plant type or the environmental conditions, and the way in which prediction error was expressed (absolute or actual deviation). For tree species, FDis that was based on a combination of water soluble compounds, hemicellulose concentration, and LDMC was negatively correlated with interaction strength but positively with its absolute value. For herbs, interaction strength (absolute or actual) decreased as FDis of the mixtures increased, based on cellulose and lignin contents. There was no positive correlation between functional dispersion and the deviations from Grime's biomass‐ratio hypothesis, with a null intercept. Despite a relationship between litter interactions and functional divergence, this relationship was not generalisable. Other functional traits that were missing in our study might have played an important role.
Near‐infrared spectroscopy reveals link between chronic physical activity and anterior frontal oxygenated hemoglobin in healthy young women
Authors: Cameron Tracy A. , Lucas Samuel J. E. , Machado Liana
Published: December 2014

Cerebrovascular and cognitive functioning peak developmentally in young adults, yet recent evidence indicates they may benefit on these fronts from regular engagement in physical activity. In light of epidemiological trends for increasingly sedentary lifestyles and the importance of optimal cerebrovascular and cognitive functioning, here we investigated relationships between physical activity levels, anterior frontal hemodynamics, and cognitive performance in 52 healthy young women. Analyses positively linked chronic physical activity level (CPAL) with anterior frontal oxygenated hemoglobin and cognitive inhibitory control, indicating regular physical activity may lead to hemodynamic and cognitive benefits, even in a cohort at developmental peak. In addition, higher anterior frontal oxygenated hemoglobin was linked to better performance for the most difficult cognitive task. Given the importance of oxygen availability for cognitive functioning, the current discovery of a relationship with CPAL may provide important insight toward understanding exercise‐cognition links.
Comparison of the canine corneal epithelial cell sheets cultivated from limbal stem cells on canine amniotic membrane, atelocollagen gel, and temperature‐responsive culture dish
Authors: Nam Eunryel , Fujita Naoki , Morita Maresuke , Tsuzuki Keiko , Lin Hsing Yi , Chung Cheng Shu , Nakagawa Takayuki , Nishimura Ryohei
Published: December 2014

Objective

The current study compared canine corneal epithelial cell sheets cultivated from limbal stem cells on amniotic membrane, atelocollagen gel, and temperature‐responsive culture dish.

Procedures

We collected limbal epithelial cells from the intact eyes of beagles and cultivated the cells on denuded canine amniotic membranes, temperature‐responsive cell culture labware, and collagen gel with 3T3 feeder cells. Immunofluorescence staining for Ki‐67 was used to analyze the capacity of cell proliferation in the sheets. Immunofluorescence staining was also performed for the corneal epithelium‐specific marker cytokeratin 3 and putative stem cell markers ABCG2 and p63. Reverse‐transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR) was performed to detect ABCG2 and p63.

Results

The growth rates of the cultivated cells, or the times it took them to reach confluency, were different for the three scaffolds. The cultivated sheet on the temperature‐responsive dish consisted of 2–3 layers, while those on the collagen gel and on the amniotic membrane consisted of 5–8 layers. The basal layer cells grown on all three scaffolds expressed putative stem cell markers. In real‐time RT‐PCR analysis, the highest level of p63 was observed in the sheets grown on collagen gel.

Conclusions

In this study, the cells cultured on the collagen gel demonstrated a capacity for cell proliferation, and the expressions of stem cells in the sheets suggested that collagen gel is the most suitable carrier for clinical use.
Regeneration capacity of the small clonal fragments of the invasive Mikania micrantha H.B.K.: effects of the stolon thickness, internode length and presence of leaves
Authors: Huang Qiaoqiao , Shen Yide , Li Xiaoxia , Zhang Guoliang , Huang Dongdong , Fan Zhiwei
Published: December 2014

Mikania micrantha H.B.K., one of the top 10 worst weeds in the world, is now spreading quickly in southern China. Disturbance can fragment and spread the stolons of M. micrantha. A greenhouse experiment was conducted in order to assess the regeneration capacity of single‐node fragments with varying stolon thickness (diameters of 3.01, 2.49 and 1.96 mm), internode lengths (2 and 8 cm) and leaf presence status (with and without leaves). The results indicated that an increasing stolon thickness, internode length and the presence of leaves all increased the survival rate of the clonal fragments. An increasing stolon thickness, internode length and the presence of leaves also increased the growth of the clonal fragments and the presence of leaves exhibited the strongest effect. An increasing internode length and the presence of leaves also reduced the amount of time that was needed for emergence, while the effect of the stolon thickness was not significant. None of the effects of the interactions was significant, although the interaction between the stolon thickness and the internode length was nearly significant for fragment survival. These results suggest that M. micrantha has developed a strategy to cope with disturbance by storing reserves in the stolons and leaves, which could increase its regeneration capacity after fragmentation. Currently, the management of M. micrantha (such as manual or mechanical control) should avoid the generation of the small clonal fragments of M. micrantha, while repeated control with short time intervals is necessary in order to prevent reinvasion from the stolon fragments.
Distribution, delimitation and description of species of Archaphanostoma (Acoela)
Authors: Kånneby Tobias , Bernvi David C. , Jondelius Ulf
Published: December 2014

Acoela is a small group of microscopic marine worms that live interstitially in sandy or muddy sediments. Although Acoela is an abundant group of the meiofauna, knowledge of their diversity is incomplete. The Swedish fauna with 66 nominal species is one of the best studied in the world. Despite this new species and species new to the area are still found in Swedish waters. In this study, we describe four new species belonging to the family Isodiametridae: Archaphanostoma fontaneti sp. n., Archaphanostoma occulta sp. n., Archaphanostoma sublittoralis sp. n. and Archaphanostoma ylvae sp. n. The new species were collected on the Swedish west coast and in northern Germany during 2011. Each description is accompanied by drawings and microphotographs. Nucleotide sequences for the ribosomal genes 18S rRNA and 28S rRNA as well as for the mitochondrial COI mtDNA gene have been determined for the new species and used in Bayesian and maximum‐likelihood analyses to further support their classification. Diagnostic molecular characters are presented for each species, and we use Bayesian methods and statistical parsimony to delimit the new species within Archaphanostoma. We also use species of Archaphanostoma to test patterns of acoel diversity.
Temperature Distribution in Mechanically Stabilized Earth Wall Soil Backfills for Design Under Elevated Temperature Conditions
Authors: Kasozi Andrew M. , Siddharthan Raj V. , Mahamud Rajib
Published: December 2014

Two-dimensional (2D) transient numerical thermal modeling was undertaken using ansys fluent v12.1 software to estimate distribution of soil backfill temperatures in a typical mechanically stabilized earth (MSE) wall. The modeling was calibrated using field-measured temperature data from the Tanque-Verde MSE wall in Tucson, Arizona (AZ) in which computed temperature data were found to be within ±5% of the field data. The calibrated model predictions for Las Vegas, Nevada (NV) showed an overall average soil backfill temperature of 34.3 °C relative to a maximum outside surface temperature of 51.6 °C. Such a high average soil backfill temperature calls for modification of design procedures since conventional designs are based on geosynthetic tensile strength determined at 20 °C.
Lamellar slippage of bilayers—A hypothesis on low friction of natural joints
Authors: Pawlak Zenon , Urbaniak Wieslaw , Hagner-Derengowska Magda , Hagner Wojciech
Published: December 2014

The cartilage's amphoteric surface behavior is a physical phenomenon in biological lubrication. However, there is a lack of knowledge on amphoteric phospholipids bilayers and in overcoming friction in cartilage joints. In this paper, friction experiments were conducted, and the cartilage's surface was characterized using pH and wettability, while the interfacial energy and coefficients were determined. The lamellar slippage of bilayers and a short-range repulsion between the interfaces of negatively charged (-PO4−) cartilage surfaces resulted in low frictional properties of the joint.
Monitoring external beam radiotherapy using real‐time beam visualization
Authors: Jenkins Cesare H. , Naczynski Dominik J. , Yu Shu‐Jung S. , Xing Lei
Published: December 2014

Purpose:

To characterize the performance of a novel radiation therapy monitoring technique that utilizes a flexible scintillating film, common optical detectors, and image processing algorithms for real‐time beam visualization (RT‐BV).

Methods:

Scintillating films were formed by mixing Gd2O2S:Tb (GOS) with silicone and casting the mixture at room temperature. The films were placed in the path of therapeutic beams generated by medical linear accelerators (LINAC). The emitted light was subsequently captured using a CMOS digital camera. Image processing algorithms were used to extract the intensity, shape, and location of the radiation field at various beam energies, dose rates, and collimator locations. The measurement results were compared with known collimator settings to validate the performance of the imaging system.

Results:

The RT‐BV system achieved a sufficient contrast‐to‐noise ratio to enable real‐time monitoring of the LINAC beam at 20 fps with normal ambient lighting in the LINAC room. The RT‐BV system successfully identified collimator movements with sub‐millimeter resolution.

Conclusions:

The RT‐BV system is capable of localizing radiation therapy beams with sub‐millimeter precision and tracking beam movement at video‐rate exposure.