bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Developing a biodiversity‐based indicator for large‐scale environmental assessment: a case study of proposed shale gas extraction sites in Britain
Authors: Dyer Robert James , Gillings Simon , Pywell Richard F. , Fox Richard , Roy David B. , Oliver Tom H.
Published: September 2016

Environmental impact assessments are important tools for predicting the consequences of development and changes in land use. These assessments generally use a small subset of total biodiversity – typically rare and threatened species and habitats – as indicators of ecological status. However, these indicators do not necessarily reflect changes in the many more widespread (but increasingly threatened) species, which are important for ecosystem functions. In addition, assessment of threatened species through field surveys is time‐consuming and expensive and, therefore, only possible at small spatial scales. In contrast, planning changes in land use over large spatial scales (e.g. national infrastructure projects) require assessment and prioritization of biodiversity over large spatial extents.

Here, we provide a method for the assessment of biodiversity, which takes account of species diversity across larger spatial scales, based on occurrence records from 5553 species across 11 taxonomic groups. We compare the efficacy of the biodiversity‐based indicator we developed against one based on threatened species only and then use it to consider spatial and temporal patterns in ecological status across Great Britain. Finally, we develop a case study to investigate biodiversity status in regions proposed for shale gas extraction in Great Britain.

Our results show a strong relationship between the ecological status of areas defined by all biodiversity versus only threatened species, although they also demonstrate that significant exceptions do exist where threatened species do not always accurately indicate the ecological status of wider biodiversity.

Spatial and temporal analyses show large variation in ecological status across Great Britain both within the area made available for shale gas licensing and within individual environmental zones. In total, however, 63% of hectads across Britain have suffered a net reduction in our biodiversity‐based indicator since 1970.

Synthesis and applications. We provide a method and develop a biodiversity‐based indicator for the assessment and prioritization of biodiversity at large spatial scales. We highlight the potential applications of this approach for the prioritization of areas that would benefit from conservation and restoration. We also emphasize the danger of insufficient consideration of more widespread species and not just rare and threatened species and habitats as indicators of ecological status when prioritizing large‐scale national infrastructure projects. Our method should be a useful tool to complement existing environmental impact assessment methods.
Testing the link between perceived and actual risk of predation: mosquito oviposition site selection and egg predation by native and introduced fish
Authors: Segev Ori , Verster Ruhan , Weldon Ché
Published: September 2016

According to the threat‐sensitivity hypothesis, prey avoidance behaviour should reflect the magnitude of predation risk. Since predation can strongly affect reproduction success, ovipositing females are expected to adaptively adjust their predator avoidance response, or local breeding patch selectivity, in accordance with the perceived level of threat posed for their progeny by specific predators. However, association between avoidance and predation can be disrupted when the prey and the predator lack spatiotemporal opportunities to co‐evolve, such as in cases of non‐native predator introductions.

We examined the interactions between mosquitoes (from the genusCulex) and three species of sympatric predaceous freshwater fish, a native cyprinidBarbus paludinosus, a cichlidPseudocrenilabrus philanderand an introduced poeciliid, the western mosquitofishGambusia affinis.

In an outdoor mesocosm experiment, we quantified patterns ofCulexoviposition site selection across fish species using free‐roaming, caged and fish‐free treatments. In a complementary laboratory experiment, we tested the effectiveness of each fish species as predators of mosquito eggs and larvae.

Synthesis and applications. We found evidence for: (i) mosquito egg raft predation by free‐roaming fish; (ii) fish‐specific avoidance by ovipositingCulex; and (iii) a positive association between fish‐specific oviposition avoidance and fish‐specific efficiency as an egg predator. These results contribute towards a better understanding of predator–prey co‐evolution, predator‐borne cue recognition, and suggest local native fish, the southern mouthbrooderPseudocrenilabrus philander, as an alternative toGambusiafor the biocontrol ofCulexmosquitoes.
Federal Home Loan Bank Advances and Bank and Thrift Holding Company Risk: Evidence from the Stock Market
Authors: Deacle Scott , Elyasiani Elyas
Published: September 2016

Using bivariate GARCH models of stock portfolio returns and risk, we find that bank and thrift holding companies that relied the most on Federal Home Loan Bank (FHLB) advances exhibited less total risk and market risk than those that relied on them the least between 2001 and 2012. When we control for differences in holding company size, stock trading volume, residential mortgage lending, and holding company type (bank vs. thrift), the most FHLB‐reliant holding companies sustain the aforesaid risk advantages except during the crisis of 2007–2009, when they exhibit greater idiosyncratic risk. The latter finding suggests that investors perceived the high reliance of the borrowing institutions on advances as a sign of distress. Portfolios that consist of only bank holding companies show qualitatively similar results.
Association between the vascular endothelial growth factor single nucleotide polymorphisms and diabetic retinopathy risk: A meta‐analysis
Authors: Xie Xiu‐Jing , Yang Yun‐Mei , Jiang Jiu‐Kun , Lu Yuan‐Qiang
Published: September 2016

Background

The aim of the present study was to reveal the relationship between vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and susceptibility to diabetic retinopathy (DR).

Methods

A literature review was conducted (PubMed, Web of Science, Embase) to identify papers aboutVEGFSNPsandDRpublished up to 23 September 2015. TheVEGFgeneSNPsanalyzed with regard toDRsusceptibility were rs2010963 (G > C), rs833061 (T > C), rs699947 (C > A), rs3025039 (C > T) and rs1570360 (G > A). Pooled odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated, and meta‐analyses were performed using fixed or random effects models.

Results

Sixteen studies were included in the meta‐analysis. Significant associations between the rs3025039 (C > T) polymorphism and increasedDRrisk were found in the allele model (T/C; pooledOR1.60, 95%CI1.07–2.41,P= 0.02), homozygote model (TT/CC; pooledOR2.08, 95%CI1.29–3.35,P= 0.003), heterozygote model (TC/CC; pooledOR1.68, 95%CI1.04–2.72,P= 0.04), dominant model (TT+TC/CC; pooledOR1.72, 95%CI1.06–2.80,P= 0.03), and recessive model (TT/TC+CC; pooledOR1.80, 95%CI1.12–2.90,P= 0.02). For rs833061, a significant association betweenVEGFSNPsandDRwas found only in the allele model (C/T; pooledOR6.34, 95%CI2.10–19.14,P= 0.001).

Conclusions

The rs3025039 and rs833061SNPsare most likely associated with an increased risk ofDR. The T allele in rs3025039 and the C allele in rs833061 are associated with increasedDRsusceptibility.
mTOR regulates the expression of DNA damage response enzymes in long‐lived Snell dwarf, GHRKO, and PAPPA‐KO mice
Authors: Dominick Graham , Bowman Jacqueline , Li Xinna , Miller Richard A. , Garcia Gonzalo G.
Published: September 2016

Studies of the mTOR pathway have prompted speculation that diminished mTOR complex‐1 (mTORC1) function may be involved in controlling the aging process. Our previous studies have shown diminished mTORC1 activity in tissues of three long‐lived mutant mice: Snell dwarf mice, growth hormone receptor gene disrupted mice (GHRKO), and in this article, mice deficient in the pregnancy‐associated protein‐A (PAPPA‐KO). The ways in which lower mTOR signals slow aging and age‐related diseases are, however, not well characterized. Here, we show that Snell, GHKRO, and PAPPA‐KO mice express high levels of two proteins involved in DNA repair, O‐6‐methylguanine‐DNA methyltransferase (MGMT) and N‐myc downstream‐regulated gene 1 (NDRG1). Furthermore, we report that lowering mTOR enhances MGMT and NDRG1 protein expression via post‐transcriptional mechanisms. We show that the CCR4‐NOT complex, a post‐transcriptional regulator of gene expression, is downstream of the mTORC1 pathway and may be responsible for the upregulation of MGMT and NDRG1 in all three varieties of long‐lived mice. Our data thus suggest a novel link between DNA repair and mTOR signaling via post‐transcriptional regulation involving specific alteration in the CCR4‐NOT complex, whose modulation could control multiple aspects of the aging process.
Mining and Local Corruption in Africa
Authors: Knutsen Carl Henrik , Kotsadam Andreas , Olsen Eivind Hammersmark , Wig Tore
Published: September 2016

We investigate whether mining affects local corruption in Africa. Several cross‐country analyses report that natural resources have adverse effects on political institutions by increasing corruption, whereas other country‐level studies show no evidence of such “political resource curses.” These studies face well‐known endogeneity and other methodological issues, and employing micro‐level data would allow for drawing stronger inferences. Hence, we connect 92,762 Afrobarometer survey respondents to spatial data on 496 industrial mines. Using a difference‐in‐differences strategy, we find that mining increases bribe payments, and this result is robust to using alternative models. Mines are initially located in less corrupt areas, but mining areas turn more corrupt after mines open. When exploring mechanisms, we find that local economic activity relates differently to corruption in mining and non‐mining areas, suggesting that mining income incentivizes and enables local officials already present to require more bribes.
Levator ani trauma and pelvic organ prolapse – a comparison of three translabial ultrasound scoring systems
Authors: Trutnovsky Gerda , Kamisan Atan Ixora , Ulrich Daniela , Martin Andrew , Dietz Hans P.
Published: September 2016

Introduction

The study aimed to analyze the relation between the degree of puborectalis muscle trauma and subjective symptoms and objective findings of pelvic organ prolapse (POP), comparing two continuous scoring systems with a discrete scoring system for translabial ultrasound imaging.

Material and methods

In this retrospective observational study the records of patients attending a tertiary urogynecological unit between January 2012 and December 2014 were analyzed. POP assessment included a standardized interview, clinical examination using Pelvic Organ Prolapse Quantification and four‐dimensional translabial ultrasound. Puborectalis muscle trauma was assessed with tomographic ultrasound imaging using two continuous scoring systems and a previously established discrete system. Receiver operating characteristics and adjusted odds ratios were used for comparison of scoring systems in predicting symptoms and signs of POP.

Results

Of 1258 women analyzed, 52.6% complained of prolapse symptoms. On ultrasound imaging, 65.7% of women had sonographically significant POP. Complete avulsion was diagnosed in 25.3% of women, being unilateral in 13.9% and bilateral in 11.4%. A maximum score in the 6‐point and the 12‐point tomographic ultrasound imaging scale increased the odds for a diagnosis of any significant POP on ultrasound by 4.4 and 4.8 times, respectively, compared with 4.6 times for the discrete diagnosis of bilateral avulsion. For all avulsion scoring systems the relation was strongest for cystocele and uterine prolapse.

Conclusions

A continuous avulsion scoring system based on tomographic findings does not provide superior performance for the prediction of subjective symptoms and objective findings of prolapse compared with a discrete diagnostic system of unilateral or bilateral avulsion.
Perceptions of oocyte banking from women intending to circumvent age‐related fertility decline
Authors: de Groot Marije , Dancet Eline , Repping Sjoerd , Goddijn Mariette , Stoop Dominic , van der Veen Fulco , Gerrits Trudie
Published: September 2016

Introduction

Women can now opt to bank their oocytes with the intention of increasing their chances of achieving a pregnancy after their fertility has declined. This exploratory study aimed to gain insight into how women, considering oocyte banking to circumvent age‐related fertility decline, perceive this intervention.

Material and methods

We conducted a qualitative study in a Dutch university medical center and held in‐depth interviews with women on the waiting list for oocyte banking. We recorded the interviews, transcribed them verbatim and used thematic analysis.

Results

All women were financially independent and lived in single‐person urban households. They opted for oocyte banking because they wished to share parenthood with a future partner rather than becoming a single parent. This strong desire was key in their interpretation of all aspects of the intervention. Women set aside information about the limited success rates and potential risks, as they were optimistic about their own prognosis, thought that the chances for success were equally likely as the chances it would fail, and because of “anticipatory regret”. They perceived oocyte banking as a “helping hand” to achieve shared parenthood. Although women found the costs of the intervention high, they were willing to invest their money to increase their chances for shared parenthood.

Conclusions

Oocyte banking allows women to circumvent age‐related fertility decline. The prospect of potential shared parenthood overrules the perceived health risks and burden. Health professionals should take this into account when informing potential users of oocyte banking.
Bradykinin receptor blockade restores the baroreflex control of renal sympathetic nerve activity in cisplatin‐induced renal failure rats
Authors: Abdulla M. H. , Duff M. , Swanton H. , Johns E. J.
Published: September 2016

Aim

This study investigated the effect of renal bradykinin B1 and B2 receptor blockade on the high‐ and low‐pressure baroreceptor reflex regulation of renal sympathetic nerve activity (RSNA) in rats with cisplatin‐induced renal failure.

Methods

Cisplatin (5 mg/kg) or saline was given intraperitoneally 4 days prior to study. Following chloralose/urethane anaesthesia, rats were prepared for measurement of mean arterial pressure (MAP), heart rate and RSNA and received intrarenal infusions of either Lys‐[des‐Arg9, Leu8]‐bradykinin (LBK), a bradykinin B1 receptor blocker, or bradyzide (BZ), a bradykinin B2 receptor blocker. RSNA baroreflex gain curves and renal sympatho‐inhibitory responses to volume expansion (VE) were obtained.

Results

In the control and renal failure groups, basal MAP (89 ± 3 vs. 80 ± 8 mmHg) and RSNA (2.0 ± 0.3 vs. 1.7 ± 0.6 μV.s) were similar but HR was lower in the latter group (331 ± 8 vs. 396 ± 9 beats/min). The baroreflex gain for RSNA in the renal failure rats was 39% (P < 0.05) lower than the control but was restored to normal values following intrarenal infusion of BZ, but not LBK. VE had no effect on MAP or HR but reduced RSNA by some 40% (P < 0.05) in control but not renal failure rats. Intrarenal LBK infusion in the renal failure rats normalized the VE induced renal sympatho‐inhibition whereas BZ only partially restored the response.

Conclusion

These findings suggest that pro‐inflammatory bradykinin acting at different receptors within the kidney generates afferent neural signals which impact differentially within the central nervous system on high‐ and low‐pressure regulation of RSNA.
Peri‐Conceptual and Mid‐Pregnancy Alcohol Consumption: A Comparison between Areas of High and Low Deprivation in Scotland
Authors: Symon Andrew , Rankin Jean , Sinclair Hazel , Butcher Geraldine , Smith Lesley , Gordon Rhona , Cochrane Lynda
Published: September 2016

Background

Alcohol‐related mortality and morbidity among women has increased over recent decades, especially in areas of higher deprivation. Pre‐pregnancy alcohol use is associated with continued consumption in pregnancy. We assessed whether general population alcohol consumption patterns were reflected among pregnant women in two Scottish areas with different deprivation levels.

Methods

Cross‐sectional study in two health boards (HB1, lower deprivation levels, n = 274; HB2, higher deprivation levels, n = 236), using face‐to‐face 7‐day Retrospective Diary estimation of peri‐conceptual and mid‐pregnancy alcohol consumption.

Results

A greater proportion of women in HB2 (higher deprivation area) sometimes drank peri‐conceptually, but women in HB1 (lower deprivation area) were more likely to drink every week (49.6 vs 29.7%; p < 0.001) and to exceed daily limits (6 units) at least once each week (32.1 vs 14.8%; p < 0.001). After pregnancy recognition, consumption levels fell sharply, but women in HB2 were more likely to drink above recommended daily limits (2 units) each week (2.5 vs 0.0%; p < 0.05). However, women in HB1 were more likely to drink frequently. Women with the highest deprivation scores in each area drank on average less than women with the lowest deprivation scores.

Conclusions

Heavy episodic and frequent consumption was more common in the lower deprivation area, in contrast with general population data. Eliciting a detailed alcohol history at the antenatal booking visit, and not simply establishing whether the woman is currently drinking, is essential. Inconsistent messages about the effects of alcohol in pregnancy may have contributed to the mixed picture we found concerning peri‐conceptual and mid‐pregnancy alcohol consumption.
The elusive effects of trade on growth: Export diversity and economic take‐off
Authors: Eicher Theo S. , Kuenzel David J.
Published: September 2016

The hallmark of the voluminous growth determinants literature is the absence of a clear‐cut effect of trade on growth. Numerous candidate regressors have been motivated by alternative theories and tested by a multitude of empirical studies, but not one trade regressor has been robustly related to growth. In this paper, we leverage Melitz's (2003) insights regarding sectoral export dynamics and Feenstra and Kee's (2008) approach to productivity and sectoral export diversity to propose a structured approach to trade and growth determinants. Instead of relying on aggregate trade measures as previous studies have done, we examine the diversity of sectoral exports and the development of broad‐based comparative advantage as a potential growth determinant. Controlling for model uncertainty and endogeneity, we find that export diversity serves as a crucial growth determinant for low‐income countries, an effect that weakens with the level of development.
Raised interferon‐β, type 3 interferon and interferon‐stimulated genes – evidence of innate immune activation in neutrophilic asthma
Authors: da Silva J. , Hilzendeger C. , Moermans C. , Schleich F. , Henket M. , Kebadze T. , Mallia P. , Edwards M. R. , Johnston S. L. , Louis R.
Published: September 2016

Background

Interferons play an important role in innate immunity. Previous studies report deficiency in virus induction of interferon (IFN)‐α, IFN‐β and IFN‐λ in bronchial epithelial and bronchial lavage cells in atopic asthmatics. It is now recognized that asthma is a heterogeneous disease comprising different inflammatory phenotypes, some of which may involve innate immune activation in the absence of overt infection.

Objective

The aim of this study was to investigate whether the severity of asthma or a specific cellular sputum pattern may be linked to evidence of innate immune activation.

Methods

Here we investigate the expression of IFN‐β, IFN‐λ1 (IL‐29), IFN‐λ2/3 (IL‐28A/B) and the interferon‐stimulated genes (ISGs) such as myxovirus resistance 1 (Mx1), oligoadenylate synthetase (OAS) and viperin in unstimulated sputum cells in 57 asthmatics (including 16 mild, 19 moderate and 22 severe asthma patients) and compared them with 19 healthy subjects.

Results

We observed increased expression of IFN‐β, IFN‐λ1/IL‐29, OAS and viperin in asthmatics compared with healthy subjects, while IL‐28 was not expressed in any group. The overexpression was restricted to neutrophilic asthmatics (sputum neutrophils ≥ 76%), while eosinophilic asthmatics (sputum eosinophils ≥ 3%) did not differ from healthy subjects or even showed a lower expression of Mx1. No difference in interferon or ISG expression was observed according to clinical asthma severity.

Conclusion and Clinical Relevance

Neutrophilic, but not eosinophilic, asthmatics display overexpression of IFN‐β, IFN‐λ1/IL‐29 and ISGs in their sputum cells that may reflect ongoing innate immune activation.
The benefit of silicone stents in primary endonasal dacryocystorhinostomy: a systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Sarode D. , Bari D.A. , Cain A.C. , Syed M.I. , Williams A.T.
Published: September 2016

Objective

To critically evaluate the evidence comparing success rates of endonasal dacryocystorhinostomy (EN‐DCR) with and without silicone tubing and to thus determine whether silicone intubation is beneficial in primary EN‐DCR.

Design

Systematic review and meta‐analysis.

Search strategy

A literature search was performed on AMED, EMBASE, HMIC, MEDLINE, PsycINFO, BNI, CINAHL, HEALTH BUSINESS ELITE, CENTRAL and Cochrane Ear, Nose and Throat disorders groups trials register using a combination of various MeSH. The date of last search was January 2016. This review was limited to randomised controlled trials (RCTs) in English language. Risk of bias was assessed using the Cochrane Collaboration's risk of bias tool. Chi‐square and I2 statistics were calculated to determine the presence and extent of statistical heterogeneity.

Evaluation method

Study selection, data extraction and risk of bias scoring were performed independently by two authors in concordance with the PRISMA statement.

Results

Five RCTs (447 primary EN‐DCR procedures in 426 patients) were included for analysis. Moderate interstudy statistical heterogeneity was demonstrated (Chi2 = 6.18; d.f. = 4; I2 = 35%). Bicanalicular silicone stents were used in 229 and not used in 218 procedures. The overall success rate of EN‐DCR was 92.8% (415/447). The success rate of EN‐DCR was 93.4% (214/229) with silicone tubing and 92.2% (201/218) without silicone tubing. Meta‐analysis using a random‐effects model showed no statistically significant difference in outcomes between the two groups (P = 0.63; RR = 0.79; 95% CI = 0.3–2.06).

Conclusions

Our review and meta‐analysis did not demonstrate an additional advantage of silicone stenting. A high‐quality well‐powered prospective multicentre RCT is needed to further clarify on the benefit of silicone stents.
Fatigue in kidney transplant recipients
Authors: Bossola Maurizio , Pepe Gilda , Vulpio Carlo
Published: September 2016

Fatigue is still present in approximately 40%‐50% of kidney transplant recipients (KTR), rates comparable to that of the hemodialysis population. Correlates of fatigue include inflammation, symptoms of depression, sleep disorders, and obesity. Fatigue in KTR determines a significant severe functional impairment, either when globally considered or when analyzed at the level of the single domains such as sleep and rest, homemaking, mobility, social interaction, ambulation, leisure activities, alertness behavior, and work limitations. In addition, fatigue in KTR is significantly associated with a severe deterioration of quality of life. Fatigue is very common among KTR poorly adherent to immunosuppressive therapy. Unfortunately, there is no evidence of studies about the treatments of this symptom in KTR. Efforts to detect and treat fatigue should be a priority in order to improve quality of life of KTR.
Pigmented basal cell carcinoma: increased melanin or increased melanocytes?
Authors: Brankov Nikoleta , Prodanovic Edward M. , Hurley M. Yadira
Published: September 2016

Background

Studies on the precise cause of increased melanization in pigmented basal cell carcinomas (BCC) are limited. We aimed to determine whether the cause of melanization is from increased number of melanocytes or increased melanin pigment, and if there is a difference in the number of melanocytes on different sun‐exposed locations.

Methods

A retrospective review of 45 skin biopsies from January 2011 to February 2011 was performed; 30 were diagnosed as pigmented BCC and 15 as non‐pigmented BCC. Immunohistochemistry for MART‐1 (melanoma‐associated antigen recognized by T‐cell 1)/Melan‐A (clone M2‐7610 + M2‐9E3; Leica Microsystems Inc. Buffalo Grove, IL, USA) from Biocare Medical (Concord, CA, USA) was performed on all biopsies. Associations between histopathologic features, number of melanocytes, location, and specific diagnoses were analyzed by Mann–Whitney U test.

Results

The mean melanocyte count per high powered field in pigmented BCCs from sun‐exposed skin was 101.9 and from intermittently sun‐exposed skin was 122.5, as compared to the controls (nodular non‐pigmented BCC) of 27.4 (p = 0.002) and 34.9 (p = 0.002), respectively.

Conclusions

Pigmented BCCs have a higher mean melanocyte count as compared to non‐pigmented BCCs irrespective of location. Therefore, the pigment is not only due to increased melanin, but also due to increased melanocytes.
Impacts of habitat change and protected areas on alpha and beta diversity of Mexican birds
Authors: Hiley Jonathan R. , Bradbury Richard B. , Thomas Chris D.
Published: September 2016

Aims

To investigate how habitat change and different levels of protection interact to determine variation in the (alpha and beta) diversity of bird communities in three bioclimatic zones, considering the impacts of non‐native species, and the contribution of these effects to global (gamma) diversity.

Location

Sierra Gorda Biosphere Reserve, central Mexico.

Methods

We carried out bird surveys in a number of locations which varied according to their underlying vegetation type, their level of protection and the degree to which they had undergone modification by humans. We conducted a range of analyses to determine the impacts of protection and modification on the richness and mean global population trends of the species found in each location. We compared community composition to assess the homogenization effect of habitat modification.

Results

Human‐modified environments in each of three bioclimatic zones held significantly greater numbers of species (alpha diversity) than unmodified habitats. Human‐mediated changes to local bird communities altered patterns of beta diversity in opposite directions; communities across bioclimatic zones were more similar to one another in modified areas than in unmodified areas but, on a local scale, modification of vegetation increased community dissimilarity. The changes are likely to contribute to a decline in global (gamma) diversity, given that globally vulnerable (declining) birds were mostly associated with unmodified, strictly protected areas.

Main conclusions

We highlight that assessment of human impacts and conservation need depends on the metric of biodiversity used and scale considered: small‐scale habitat change increased local and regional avian diversity but strictly protected areas are still required to protect globally vulnerable species.
Inspiration in the Act of Reading: A Discussion of Ulrich H. J. Körtner's Hermeneutics
Authors: Zeller Kinga
Published: September 2016

In German‐language theology, Professor Ulrich H. J. Körtner's theory of inspiration, as it relates to the Bible reader's perspective, is well known. His attempt to gain fruitful insights from contemporary literary hermeneutics while linking them to theological concerns makes his approach a valued yet not uncontroversial example of a reception‐aesthetics twist on the Lutheran sola Scriptura. This article presents Körtner's hermeneutical considerations with special regard to inspiration related to the Bible reader's perspective and shows how this approach may be related to some aspects of the crisis that the Lutheran churches and theology suffer today.
The Roman Catholic Church and Slavery in José Evaristo d'Almeida's O Escravo (The Slave)
Authors: Pereira Jairzinho Lopes
Published: September 2016

This installment of Dialog's Theology in Film and Fiction series introduces the first Cape Verdean novel, The Slave, by José Evaristo d'Almeida (1856). This vivid story depicts a number of social and moral issues tied together within the tragic plot of the novel. The article discusses the historical relationship of the Roman Catholic Church to slavery, the colonial history of Portugal and Cape Verde, and the theological use of the Bible in this history. This discussion is applied to Almeida's novel, revealing the manifold nineteenth‐century varieties of the literary history and theology of colonialism.
Tullock's Puzzle in Pay‐and‐Play Lobbying
Authors: Gregor Martin
Published: September 2016

We explain Tullock's puzzle of small payments from special interests to policy‐makers by the hold‐up problem between the two parties. We construct a simple lobbying environment where an uninformed policy‐maker is a price‐setter who sells access to two opposed and privately informed lobbyists. The key equilibrium property is “the curse of the ex ante favored lobbyist”; the lobbyist proposing a project with the higher expected public value ends up worse off than the lobbyist proposing a project with the lower expected public value. In the absence of contribution caps, the ex ante favored lobbyist strategically devalues her project, and the resulting competitive devaluations destroy private values, revenues, as well as correlated public values. Ex ante, the policy‐maker benefits from a binding contribution cap protects the ex ante favored lobbyist, eliminates competitive devaluations, and thus remedies the hold‐up problem.
Early detection and integrated care for adolescents and young adults with severe psychotic disorders: rationales and design of the Integrated Care in Early Psychosis Study (ACCESS III)
Authors: Lambert Martin , Schöttle Daniel , Sengutta Mary , Ruppelt Friederike , Rohenkohl Anja , Luedecke Daniel , Nawara Luise Antonia , Galling Britta , Falk Anne‐Lena , Wittmann Linus , Niehaus Vivien , Sarikaya Gizem , Handwerk Ute , Rothländer Wiebke , Rietschel Liz , Gagern Charlotte , Lange Benjamin , Meigel‐Schleiff Christina , Naber Dieter , Schulte‐Markwort Michael , Krüger Helmut , Unger Hans‐Peter , Sippel Sven , Ott Sabine , Romer Georg , Daubmann Anne , Wegscheider Karl , Correll Christoph U. , Schimmelmann Benno G. , Bock Thomas , Gallinat Jürgen , Karow Anne
Published: September 2016

Aim

The Integrated Care in Early Psychosis (ACCESS III) Study examined the efficacy and cost‐effectiveness of a combined intervention consisting of strategies to improve early detection and quality of care (integrated care including therapeutic assertive community treatment) in adolescents and young adults in the early phase of a severe psychotic disorder from 2011 to 2014.

Methods

This is a prospective, single‐centre, 1‐year cohort study comparing an intervention condition (early detection plus integrated care, n = 120) to the historical control condition (standard care, SC, n = 105) for adolescents and young adults aged 12–29 years suffering from a severe, early‐phase psychotic disorder (i.e. within 2 years of treatment).

Results

Primary outcome is the rate of combined symptomatic (i.e. Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS) criteria) and functional (i.e. Global Assessment of Functioning scale (GAF) ≥ 60 points criterion) remission over at least 6 months at study endpoint. Secondary outcome comprises the comparison of the reduction in the duration of untreated psychosis within the 4‐year study duration between integrated care and SC, course of psychopathology, functioning, quality of life, satisfaction with care, cost and quality‐adjusted life years (QALYs) in comparison to a historical control group.

Conclusion

To the authors’ knowledge, this is the first study assessing the efficacy and cost‐effectiveness of a combined intervention consisting of early detection strategies and strategies to improve quality of care in both adolescents and young adults with early‐phase psychosis. The results will be published in 2016.
Identifying patterns of dispersal, connectivity and selection in the sea scallop,Placopecten magellanicus,usingRADseq‐derivedSNPs
Authors: Van Wyngaarden Mallory , Snelgrove Paul V. R. , DiBacco Claudio , Hamilton Lorraine C. , Rodríguez‐Ezpeleta Naiara , Jeffery Nicholas W. , Stanley Ryan R. E. , Bradbury Ian R.
Published: September 2016

Understanding patterns of dispersal and connectivity among marine populations can directly inform fisheries conservation and management. Advances in high‐throughput sequencing offer new opportunities for estimating marine connectivity. We used restriction‐site‐associatedDNAsequencing to examine dispersal and realized connectivity in the sea scallopPlacopecten magellanicus, an economically important marine bivalve. Based on 245 individuals sampled rangewide at 12 locations from Newfoundland to the Mid‐Atlantic Bight, we identified and genotyped 7163 single nucleotide polymorphisms; 112 (1.6%) were identified as outliers potentially under directional selection. Bayesian clustering revealed a discontinuity between northern and southern samples, and latitudinal clines in allele frequencies were observed in 42.9% of the outlier loci and in 24.6% of neutral loci. Dispersal estimates derived using these clines and estimates of linkage disequilibrium imply limited dispersal; 373.1 ± 407.0 km (mean ± SD) for outlier loci and 641.0 ± 544.6 km (mean ± SD) for neutral loci. Our analysis suggests restricted dispersal compared to the species range (>2000 km) and that dispersal and effective connectivity differ. These observations support the hypothesis that limited effective dispersal structures scallop populations along eastern North America. These findings can help refine the appropriate scale of management and conservation in this commercially valuable species.
Experimental metagenomics and ribosomal profiling of the human skin microbiome
Authors: Ferretti Pamela , Farina Stefania , Cristofolini Mario , Girolomoni Giampiero , Tett Adrian , Segata Nicola
Published: September 2016

The skin is the largest organ in the human body, and it is populated by a large diversity of microbes, most of which are co‐evolved with the host and live in symbiotic harmony. There is increasing evidence that the skin microbiome plays a crucial role in the defense against pathogens, immune system training and homoeostasis, and microbiome perturbations have been associated with pathological skin conditions. Studying the skin resident microbial community is thus essential to better understand the microbiome‐host crosstalk and to associate its specific configurations with cutaneous diseases. Several community profiling approaches have proved successful in unravelling the composition of the skin microbiome and overcome the limitations of cultivation‐based assays, but these tools remain largely inaccessible to the clinical and medical dermatology communities. The study of the skin microbiome is also characterized by specific technical challenges, such as the low amount of microbial biomass and the extensive human DNA contamination. Here, we review the available community profiling approaches to study the skin microbiome, specifically focusing on the practical experimental and analytical tools necessary to generate and analyse skin microbiome data. We describe all the steps from the initial samples collection to the final data interpretation, with the goal of enabling clinicians and researchers who are not familiar with the microbiome field to perform skin profiling experiments.
An Examination of the edTPA Portfolio Assessment and Other Measures of Teacher Preparation and Readiness
Authors: Russell Victoria , Davidson Devall Kelly F.
Published: September 2016

The authors examined the outcomes on several measures of world language teacher preparedness, including university‐ and state‐mandated summative evaluations and the edTPA portfolio assessment, for seven world language teacher candidates during their final semester of clinical practice. The candidates were enrolled in an initial certification program (Spanish P–12) at the same university in Georgia. The results revealed that edTPA scores were not well aligned with mentor teachers’ and supervisors’ evaluations on the university‐wide instrument and that measures of teacher content knowledge and target language proficiency did not correlate well with candidates’ edTPA scores. The disparity between edTPA scores and other measures of teacher preparation was most apparent for the two nonnative English speakers. The findings suggest that candidates whose primary language is not English may need additional support with academic English. Moreover, the present study found that candidates, mentors, and supervisors lacked an understanding of how the various university, state, and national assessments fit together to measure the knowledge, skills, and dispositions that are necessary for effectively teaching a world language. Training on the content and purpose of the edTPA may be needed so that stakeholders understand the benefit of having a national‐level view of candidates’ knowledge and skills.
How contexts promote and prevent relapse to drug seeking
Authors: Khoo S. Y.‐S. , Gibson G. D. , Prasad A. A. , McNally G. P.
Published: September 2016

The contexts where drugs are self‐administered play an important role in regulating persistent drug taking and in relapse to such taking after periods of abstinence. Here, we review the behavioral and brain mechanisms enabling contexts to promote and prevent relapse to drug seeking. We review the key brain structures, their neuropharmacology and their connectivity. We discuss the similarities and differences between the mechanisms for context‐induced reinstatement of drug seeking vs. other forms of relapse to drug seeking in animal models and we highlight the numerous deficits in our understanding. We emphasize that current understanding, although significant, defies explanations in terms of models at the level of brain structures and their connectivity. Rather, we show that there is significant functional compartmentalization and segregation within these structures during reinstatement and extinction of drug seeking that parallels their anatomical segregation into circuits and channels. A key challenge is to recognize this complexity, understand how these circuits and channels are organized, as well as understand how different modes of activity of ensembles of neurons within them promote abstinence or relapse to drug seeking.
Zfp462 deficiency causes anxiety‐like behaviors with excessive self‐grooming in mice
Authors: Wang B. , Zheng Y. , Shi H. , Du X. , Zhang Y. , Wei B. , Luo M. , Wang H. , Wu X. , Hua X. , Sun M. , Xu X.
Published: September 2016

Zfp462 is a newly identified vertebrate‐specific zinc finger protein that contains nearly 2500 amino acids and 23 putative C2H2‐type zinc finger domains. So far, the functions of Zfp462 remain unclear. In our study, we showed that Zfp462 is expressed predominantly in the developing brain, especially in the cerebral cortex and hippocampus regions from embryonic day 7.5 to early postnatal stage. By using a piggyBac transposon‐generated Zfp462 knockout (KO) mouse model, we found that Zfp462 KO mice exhibited prenatal lethality with normal neural tube patterning, whereas heterozygous (Het) Zfp462 KO (Zfp462+/−) mice showed developmental delay with low body weight and brain weight. Behavioral studies showed that Zfp462+/− mice presented anxiety‐like behaviors with excessive self‐grooming and hair loss, which were similar to the pathological grooming behaviors in Hoxb8 KO mice. Further analysis of grooming microstructure showed the impairment of grooming patterning in Zfp462+/− mice. In addition, the mRNA levels of Pbx1 (pre‐B‐cell leukemia homeobox 1, an interacting protein of Zfp462) and Hoxb8 decreased in the brains of Zfp462+/− mice, which may be the cause of anxiety‐like behaviors. Finally, imipramine, a widely used and effective anti‐anxiety medicine, rescued anxiety‐like behaviors and excessive self‐grooming in Zfp462+/− mice. In conclusion, Zfp462 deficiency causes anxiety‐like behaviors with excessive self‐grooming in mice. This provides a novel genetic mouse model for anxiety disorders and a useful tool to determine potential therapeutic targets for anxiety disorders and screen anti‐anxiety drugs.
Stability in a changing world – palm community dynamics in the hyperdiverse western Amazon over 17 years
Authors: Olivares Ingrid , Svenning Jens‐Christian , van Bodegom Peter M. , Valencia Renato , Balslev Henrik
Published: September 2016

Are the hyperdiverse local forests of the western Amazon undergoing changes linked to global and local drivers such as climate change, or successional dynamics? We analyzed local climatic records to assess potential climatic changes in Yasuní National Park, Ecuador, and compared two censuses (1995, 2012) of a palm community to assess changes in community structure and composition. Over 17 years, the structure and composition of this palm community remained remarkably stable. Soil humidity was significantly lower and canopy conditions were significantly more open in 2012 compared to 1995, but local climatic records showed that no significant changes in precipitation, temperature or river level have occurred during the last decade. Thus, we found no evidence of recent directional shifts in climate or the palm community in Yasuní. The absence of changes in local climate and plant community dynamics in Yasuní contrasts with recent findings from eastern Amazon, where environmental change is driving significant changes in ecosystem dynamics. Our findings suggest that until now, local forests in the northwest Amazon may have escaped pressure from climate change. The stability of this rich palm community embedded in the hyperdiverse Yasuní National Park underlines its uniqueness as a sanctuary for the protection of Amazonian diversity from global change impacts.
Robot‐assisted partial nephrectomy confers excellent long‐term outcomes for the treatment of complex cystic renal tumors: Median follow up of 58 months
Authors: Abdel Raheem Ali , Alatawi Atalla , Soto Irela , Kim Dae Keun , Kim Lawrence HC , Santok Glen Denmer , Lum Trenton GH , Choi Young Deuk , Rha Koon Ho
Published: September 2016

Objectives

To analyze long‐term outcomes of robot‐assisted partial nephrectomy for treatment of complex cystic renal tumors.

Methods

We retrospectively analyzed the data of patients who underwent robot‐assisted partial nephrectomy for cystic (n = 32) and solid (n = 263) renal masses at Severance Hospital, Seoul, Korea. The primary outcome was assessment of perioperative safety for cystic tumor. Secondary outcomes were evaluation of long‐term oncological and functional results.

Results

Patients' clinical and demographic characteristics were similar among both groups. The median follow up of cystic and solid masses were 58 and 46 months, respectively. Cystic masses were more likely to have low Fuhrman grade 1 and 2 (P = 0.03), and shorter operative time (P = 0.04) compared with solid masses. There was no statistically significant difference regarding warm ischemia time, estimated blood loss, trifecta achievement, length of hospital stay, complication rates and renal function preservation (P > 0.05) between groups. In the solid group, 12 patients (4.1%) recurred, and six patients (2%) died from metastatic renal cell carcinoma, whereas the patients in the cystic group did not have any local or distance recurrence, and the survival rates were 100%. The 5‐year cancer‐free survival (P = 0.77), cancer‐specific survival (P = 0.65) and overall survival (P = 0.83) rates were similar between the groups.

Conclusion

Robot‐assisted partial nephrectomy appears to be safe and feasible treatment for complex cystic renal masses. It confers excellent long‐term oncological outcomes. Robot‐assisted partial nephrectomy should be the treatment of choice for complex cysts whenever feasible.
Structural basis for decreased induction of class IB PI3‐kinases expression by MIF inhibitors
Authors: Singh Abhay Kumar , Pantouris Georgios , Borosch Sebastian , Rojanasthien Siripong , Cho Thomas Yoonsang
Published: September 2016

Macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) is a master regulator of proinflammatory cytokines and plays pathological roles when not properly regulated in rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, atherosclerosis, asthma and cancer. Unlike canonical cytokines, MIF has vestigial keto‐enol tautomerase activity. Most of the current MIF inhibitors were screened for the inhibition of this enzymatic activity. However, only some of the enzymatic inhibitors inhibit receptor‐mediated biological functions of MIF, such as cell recruitment, through an unknown molecular mechanism. The goal of this study was to understand the molecular basis underlying the pharmacological inhibition of biological functions of MIF. Here, we demonstrate how the structural changes caused upon inhibitor binding translate into the alteration of MIF‐induced downstream signalling. Macrophage migration inhibitory factor activates phosphoinositide 3‐kinases (PI3Ks) that play a pivotal role in immune cell recruitment in health and disease. There are several different PI3K isoforms, but little is known about how they respond to MIF. We demonstrate that MIF up‐regulates the expression of Class IB PI3Ks in leucocytes. We also demonstrate that MIF tautomerase active site inhibitors down‐regulate the expression of Class IB PI3Ks as well as leucocyte recruitment in vitro and in vivo. Finally, based on our MIF:inhibitor complex crystal structures, we hypothesize that the reduction in Class IB PI3K expression occurs because of the displacement of Pro1 towards the second loop of MIF upon inhibitor binding, which results in increased flexibility of the loop 2 and sub‐optimal MIF binding to its receptors. These results will provide molecular insights for fine‐tuning the biological functions of MIF.