bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The role of criteria in selecting important areas for conservation in biodiversity‐rich territories
Authors: Sánchez de Dios Rut , Cabal Ruano Ciro , Domínguez Lozano Felipe , Sainz Ollero Helios , Moreno Saiz Juan Carlos
Published: January 2017

Aim

To improve our knowledge of the process of selection of important plant areas (IPAs), a recent requirement of the Global Strategy for Plant Conservation. The study was conducted at a hotspot of plant conservation in the European continent, using a comprehensive database of plant species distribution in the area.

Location

Spain.

Methods

We used range distribution data for 3218 vascular plants found in Spain, in the form of 10 km UTM squares, totalling 169,124 species occurrences across 5508 UTM cells. We identified IPAs by scoring threat status, endemism, rarity, phylogeny and species richness. We then performed two different analyses, with and without incorporating the species richness score of every square. Finally, a null model was used to obtain a general pattern of species occurrences, we computed an index of occurrence richness (SI), and then we selected a number of specific territories of different sizes to reveal differences in sampling effort within the study area.

Results

We identified IPAs in Spain according to the proposed scoring method. We detected a positive relationship among richness and total score calculated with the rest of the criteria. However, endemism and threat status produced certain specific effects for species‐poor squares. Regarding sample bias, we detected over‐ and under‐recorded areas. This bias seems to be due to the accumulation of field prospecting in species‐rich areas in detriment to poor areas.

Main conclusions

We envisage two different approaches to address IPA selection in hotspots. First, we advocate a complementary scoring‐mapping method for areas where a relatively large amount of range distribution data and plant knowledge is available. Secondly, as richness per se encompasses a great amount of biogeographical information, we suggest using species richness or any other environmental surrogate to delineate preliminary IPAs in poorly known but species‐rich territories.
Intra‐ and interspecific interactions between aphidophagous ladybirds: the role of prey in predator coexistence
Authors: Rocca Margarita , Rizzo Estefanía , Greco Nancy , Sánchez Norma
Published: January 2017

Cannibalism (CANN) and intraguild predation (IGP) may provide energy and nutrients to individuals and eliminate potential competitors. These negative competitive interactions could also affect the coexistence of predatory species. The co‐occurrence of aphidophagous ladybird species in crops creates opportunities for CANN and IGP, especially when aphids become scarce. The Lotka–Volterra model predicts the coexistence of two species if intraspecific competition is stronger than interspecific interference interactions. Cycloneda sanguinea L. and Eriopis connexa (Germar) (both Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) coexist in sweet pepper crops in La Plata (Argentina) consuming mainly Myzus persicae (Sulzer) (Hemiptera: Aphididae). The present study used laboratory experiments to estimate levels of CANN and IGP by adults and larvae on eggs, and by adults on larvae, in both the presence and absence of prey (i.e., M. persicae), to explain the effect of prey on coexistence of these two predators. Levels of CANN by C. sanguinea and E. connexa were high in the absence of aphids, and decreased when prey was present. Intraguild predation was bidirectional and asymmetric. Adults and larvae of E. connexa were more voracious IG predators of C. sanguinea than vice versa, the former being the stronger IG predator and interference competitor. Eriopis connexa always won when larvae of the same instar were compared, whereas the larger larva always won when larvae were of different instars, regardless of species. In the presence of prey, CANN by both species decreased, but IGP by E. connexa on C. sanguinea remained high, suggesting that E. connexa could displace C. sanguinea via interspecific interference competition. Other factors potentially affecting the coexistence of C. sanguinea and E. connexa in sweet pepper crops are discussed.
Higher Education Learning Outcomes and their Ambiguous Relationship to Disciplines and Professions
Authors: Michelsen Svein , Vabø Agnete , Kvilhaugsvik Hanne , Kvam Endre
Published: January 2017

This article highlights the significance of professional and disciplinary spaces in the shaping of Learning Outcomes (Los) in higher education. It is based on empirical studies of three programmes (engineering, the humanities and medicine) at two Norwegian universities. The results demonstrate both similarities and differences in the dynamics of learning outcomes formation. In the humanities and engineering they were translated into learning objectives, closing in on course rationalisation and portfolio coherence. Whilst the focus in the humanities remained internal in orientation, in engineering, internal processes of implementation merged with quality assurance and external development processes mediated by the engineering profession. In medicine, the introduction and implementation of learning outcomes were mediated by prior experiences with problem‐based learning practices. During that process, learning outcomes became oriented towards professional identity and conformity to international quality standards. In that sense, learning outcomes could function as regulatory mechanisms sheltering medical education from outside interference rather than as a tool for structuring learning. Within the framework of learning outcomes, professional compliance with external scrutiny through the display of standards has become more important, but also more linked to the university as an organisational actor.
The thermal mismatch hypothesis explains host susceptibility to an emerging infectious disease
Authors: Cohen Jeremy M. , Venesky Matthew D. , Sauer Erin L. , Civitello David J. , McMahon Taegan A. , Roznik Elizabeth A. , Rohr Jason R.
Published: January 2017

Parasites typically have broader thermal limits than hosts, so large performance gaps between pathogens and their cold‐ and warm‐adapted hosts should occur at relatively warm and cold temperatures, respectively. We tested this thermal mismatch hypothesis by quantifying the temperature‐dependent susceptibility of cold‐ and warm‐adapted amphibian species to the fungal pathogen Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis (Bd) using laboratory experiments and field prevalence estimates from 15 410 individuals in 598 populations. In both the laboratory and field, we found that the greatest susceptibility of cold‐ and warm‐adapted hosts occurred at relatively warm and cool temperatures, respectively, providing support for the thermal mismatch hypothesis. Our results suggest that as climate change shifts hosts away from their optimal temperatures, the probability of increased host susceptibility to infectious disease might increase, but the effect will depend on the host species and the direction of the climate shift. Our findings help explain the tremendous variation in species responses to Bd across climates and spatial, temporal and species‐level variation in disease outbreaks associated with extreme weather events that are becoming more common with climate change.
First report of the ambrosia beetle Xylosandrus compactus and associated fungi in the Mediterranean maquis in Italy, and new host–pest associations
Authors: Vannini A. , Contarini M. , Faccoli M. , Valle M. Dalla , Rodriguez C. M. , Mazzetto T. , Guarneri D. , Vettraino A. M. , Speranza S.
Published: January 2017

In September 2016, a survey conducted in the Circeo National Park revealed an outbreak and serious damage caused by the black twig borer (Xylosandrus compactus) and its associated fungi in the Mediterranean maquis. Among the affected hosts, Quercus ilex, Viburnum tinus, Ruscus aculeatus, Pistacia lentiscus, Laurus nobilis and Ceratonia siliqua, showed flagging and wilting of branches and, in younger individuals, the death of the whole plant occurred. In total, 18 different fungal taxa were found associated with the insect. These included Ambrosiella xylebori, Geosmithia pallida, Fusarium spp., Epicoccum nigrum and Bionectria sp. This is the first report in Europe of X. compactus and associated ambrosia fungi in a natural environment.
Assessing the hydrologic and water quality impacts of biofuel‐induced changes in land use and management
Authors: Chen Yong , Ale Srinivasulu , Rajan Nithya , Munster Clyde
Published: January 2017

The Southern High Plains (SHP) of Texas, where cotton (Gossypium hirsutumL.) is grown in vast acreage, and the Texas Rolling Plains (TRP), which is dominated by an invasive brush, honey mesquite (Prosopis glandulosa) have the potential for biofuel production for meeting the U.S. bioenergy target of 2022. However, a shift in land use from cotton to perennial grasses and a change in land management such as the harvesting of mesquite for biofuel production can significantly affect regional hydrology and water quality. In this study,APEXandSWATmodels were integrated to assess the impacts of replacing cotton with Alamo switchgrass (Panicum virgatumL.) andMiscanthus × giganteusin the upstream subwatershed and harvesting mesquite in the downstream subwatershed on water and nitrogen balances in the Double Mountain Fork Brazos watershed in theSHPandTRPregions. Simulated average (1994–2009) annual surface runoff from the baseline cotton areas decreased significantly (P < 0.05) by 88%, and percolation increased by 28% under the perennial grasses scenario compared to the baseline cotton scenario. The soil water content enhanced significantly under the irrigated switchgrass scenario compared to the baseline irrigated cotton scenario from January to April and August to October. However, the soil water content was depleted significantly under the drylandMiscanthusscenario from April to July relative to the baseline dryland cotton scenario. The nitrate‐nitrogen (NO3‐N) and organic‐N loads in surface runoff andNO3‐N leaching to groundwater reduced significantly by 86%, 98%, and 100%, respectively, under the perennial grasses scenario. Similarly, surface runoff, andNO3‐N and organic‐N loads through surface runoff reduced significantly by 98.9%, 99.9%, and 99.5%, respectively, under the post‐mesquite‐harvest scenario. Perennial grasses exhibited superior ethanol production potential compared to mesquite. However, mesquite is an appropriate supplementary bioenergy source in theTRPregion because of its standing biomass and rapid regrowth characteristics.
Layers and gaps: the nature of the stratigraphical record
Authors: Bailey Robin
Published: January 2017

The fundamentals of stratigraphy have been well understood for more than three centuries and there is now a detailed stratigraphical record reaching back more than one billion years. But this sedimentary rock record is everywhere unpredictably incomplete and yet everywhere similar in its layered character. Computer analyses now reveal the fundamental nature of these two aspects of the record: gaps and layers are governed by simple, seemingly universal, laws that operate regardless of age and sediment type.
An assessment of the overexpression of BMP‐2 in transfected human osteoblast cells stimulated by mineral trioxide aggregate and Biodentine
Authors: Rodrigues E. M. , Gomes‐Cornélio A. L. , Soares‐Costa A. , Salles L. P. , Velayutham M. , Rossa‐Junior C. , Guerreiro‐Tanomaru J. M. , Tanomaru‐Filho M.
Published: January 2017

Aim

To evaluate the effect of MTA and Biodentine on viability, osteogenic differentiation and BMP‐2 expression in osteogenic cells.

Methodology

Saos‐2 cells were used as a model of osteoblastic cells. Overexpression of BMP‐2 was induced by transfection of a CMV‐driven plasmid construct including the human BMP‐2 coding sequence, and stably transfected cells were selected. Cell viability was assessed by the mitochondrial dehydrogenase enzymatic (MTT) assay. The bioactivity of the materials was evaluated by the alkaline phosphatase (ALP) assay and detection of calcium deposits with alizarin red staining (ARS). The gene expression of BMP‐2 and ALP was quantified with real‐time PCR. Statistical analysis was performed with analysis of variance and Bonferroni or Tukey post‐test (α = 0.05).

Results

Viability tests revealed that MTA and Biodentine were not cytotoxic at the higher dilution (1 : 8) to BMP‐2‐transfected cells. MTA and Biodentine exhibited the highest ALP activity when compared to the Saos‐BMP‐2‐unexposed control group (P < 0.05). Cell exposure to Biodentine and MTA had a significant stimulatory effect on the formation of mineralized nodules (P < 0.05). The highest increase in BMP‐2 gene expression was observed after 3 days of BMP‐2‐transfected cells exposure to MTA and Biodentine in non‐osteogenic medium in relation to Saos‐BMP‐2‐unexposed control cells (P < 0.05). Exposure of cells to MTA in osteogenic medium for 1 day increased ALP gene expression by approximately 1.3‐fold in relation to Saos‐BMP‐2‐unexposed control cells (P < 0.05).

Conclusions

Both MTA and Biodentine showed biocompatibility and bioactivity in Saos‐BMP‐2 overexpressing cells. Biodentine had a significantly greater effect on mineralization than MTA. Both MTA and Biodentine enhanced BMP‐2 mRNA expression in the transfected system. Both MTA and Biodentine are suitable materials to improve osteoblastic cell mineralization.
Are home visits an effective method for diabetes management? A quantitative systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Han Lin , Ma Yuxia , Wei Suhong , Tian Jinhui , Yang Xiaochun , Shen Xiping , Zhang Jun , Shi Yuexian
Published: January 2017

Aims/Introduction

Previous reviews have revealed uncertainty regarding the effectiveness of home visit interventions for managing diabetes. Therefore, we carried out a quantitative systematic review and meta‐analysis to evaluate the effects of home visit interventions among patients with diabetes.

Materials and Methods

We searched various electronic databases (PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, CINAHL, Wanfang and Chinese scientific full‐text databases) from their inception until March 2016. We included randomized controlled trials that included patients with diabetes, and evaluated the effects of home visit programs on glycated hemoglobin concentrations. Two reviewers independently used the Cochrane Collaboration methods to assess the included studies’ risk of bias and quality.

Results

We included seven randomized controlled trials with 686 participants. Compared with the usual care, the home visit group showed a greater reduction in glycated hemoglobin concentrations (mean difference −0.79% [−9 mmol/mol], 95% confidence interval [CI]: −0.93 to −0.25% [11 to −3 mmol/mol]; P < 0.05; I2 = 0%), systolic blood pressure (mean difference −5.94 mmHg, 95% confidence interval −11.34 to −0.54 mmHg) and diastolic blood pressure (mean difference −6.32 mmHg, 95% confidence interval −12.00 to −0.65 mmHg). Furthermore, home visits improved quality of life, high‐density lipoprotein, low‐density lipoprotein, total triglycerides and self‐management. However, there were no significant differences between the two groups in their bodyweight, total cholesterol, body mass index and self‐efficacy.

Conclusion

Home visits were associated with improved glycemic control and reduced cardiovascular risk factors, which shows that it is an effective method for diabetes management.
Passive acoustic monitoring, development of disturbance calls and differentiation of disturbance and advertisement calls in the Argentine croaker Umbrina canosai (Sciaenidae)
Authors: Tellechea J. S. , Fine M. L. , Norbis W.
Published: January 2017

Disturbance and advertisement calls of the Argentine croaker Umbrina canosai were recorded from coastal Uruguayan waters. Dissections indicate typical sciaenid extrinsic swimbladder muscles present exclusively in males. Disturbance calls were produced when captive U. canosai were startled, chased with a net or grabbed by the tail. Calls were unusual for sciaenids because each pulse consisted of multiple cycles. The number of cycles per pulse and dominant frequency did not change with U. canosai size, but pulse duration and interpulse interval increased. Advertisement calls were recorded from unseen choruses in the field and confirmed with captive individuals in a large tank. Advertisement calls were recorded throughout the known range of the species in Uruguay indicating a continuous belt of spawning populations. Tank recordings of the same individuals permitted explicit comparisons between the two calls. Advertisement call pulses averaged 2·4 more cycles (11·0–8·6) although pulses of both calls were basically similar as were durations and dominant frequencies. Pulse number, however, differed markedly, averaging 13·6 and 3·4 pulses for disturbance and advertisement calls respectively. Furthermore, disturbance calls were produced as a rapid series with an interpulse interval of 26–31 ms whereas advertisement call patterns were less stereotyped and ranged from <100 to 450 ms. Multicycle pulses distinguished U. canosai from other sympatric sciaenids.
Psoriasin has divergent effects on the innate immune responses of murine glial cells
Authors: Jansen Sandra , Kress Eugenia , Fragoulis Athanassios , Wruck Christoph J. , Wolf Ronald , Grötzinger Joachim , Michalek Matthias , Pufe Thomas , Tauber Simone C. , Brandenburg Lars‐Ove
Published: January 2017

Antimicrobial peptides are an important part of the innate immune defense in the central nervous system (CNS). The expression of the antimicrobial peptides psoriasin (S100A7) is up‐regulated during bacterial meningitis. However, the exact mechanisms induced by psoriasin to modulate glial cell activity are not yet fully understood. Our hypothesis is that psoriasin induced pro‐ and anti‐inflammatory signaling pathways as well as regenerative factors to contribute in total to a balanced immune response. Therefore, we used psoriasin‐stimulated glial cells and analyzed the translocation of the pro‐inflammatory transcription factor nuclear factor ‘kappa‐light‐chain‐enhancer’ of activated B‐cells (NFκB) in murine glial cells and the expression of pro‐ and anti‐inflammatory mediators by real time RT‐PCR, ELISA technique, and western blotting. Furthermore, the relationship between psoriasin and the antioxidative stress transcription factor nuclear factor erythroid 2‐related factor 2 (Nrf2) was investigated. Stimulation with psoriasin not only enhanced NFκB translocation and increased the expression of the pro‐inflammatory cytokines, interleukin‐6 (IL‐6) and tumor necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐ α) but also neurotrophin expression. Evidence for functional interactions between psoriasin and Nrf2 were detected in the form of increased antioxidant response element (ARE) activity and induction of Nrf2/ARE‐dependent heme oxygenase 1 (HO‐1) expression in psoriasin‐treated microglia and astrocytes. The results illustrate the ability of psoriasin to induce immunological functions in glia cells where psoriasin exerts divergent effects on the innate immune response.

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Bleeding in the retroperitoneal space under the broad ligament as a result of uterine perforation after dilatation and curettage: Report of a case
Authors: Tokuda Hisato , Nakago Satoshi , Kato Hiroki , Oishi Tetsuya , Kotsuji Fumikazu
Published: January 2017

Uterine perforation, a complication of dilation and curettage, is typically recognized immediately after the procedure by clinical symptoms of peritoneal irritation resulting from intraperitoneal bleeding. Our patient complained of having an uncomfortable feeling, slight dizziness, palpitation in the sitting position and abdominal discomfort but did not show signs of peritoneal irritation 24 h after dilation and curettage. However, she suddenly complained of abdominal pain. Tenderness and rebound tenderness were detected at the lower abdominal wall.

Ultrasonography and magnetic resonance imaging suggested uterine perforation. When the abdominal cavity was opened, a hematoma under the broad ligament of the uterus, laceration of the side wall of the uterine cervix and a small amount of bloody ascites and small clots in the abdominal cavity were observed. The uterine cervical wall was sutured. Physicians should postpone discharge and observe the clinical course carefully when a patient complains of inexplicable discomfort after dilation and curettage.
Greying the Budget: Ageing and Preferences over Public Policies
Authors: de Mello Luiz , Schotte Simone , Tiongson Erwin R. , Winkler Hernan
Published: January 2017

This paper looks at how individual attitudes towards the allocation of government spending change along the life cycle. As individuals age and re‐evaluate the benefits and costs of government programs, such as education, healthcare and old‐age pensions, they also influence the level and composition of government spending. Using the Life in Transition Survey II for 34 countries of Europe and Central Asia, we find that older individuals are less likely to support hikes in government outlays on education and more likely to support increases in spending on pensions. These results are very similar across countries, and they do not change when using alternative model specifications, estimation methods and data sources. To our knowledge, this the first paper to provide evidence of the “grey peril” effect for a large group of developed, middle‐income and low‐income economies. Our findings are consistent with a body of literature arguing that conflict across generations over the allocation of government expenditure may intensify in ageing economies.
The Mesolithic–Neolithic Transition in the Channel Islands: Maritime and Terrestrial Perspectives
Authors: Garrow Duncan , Sturt Fraser
Published: January 2017

This paper investigates the Mesolithic–Neolithic transition in the Channel Islands. It presents a new synthesis of all known evidence from the islands c.5000–4300 bc, including several new excavations as well as find‐spot sites that have not previously been collated. It also summarizes – in English – a large body of contemporary material from north‐west France. The paper presents a new high‐resolution sea‐level model for the region, shedding light on the formation of the Channel Islands from 9000–4000 bc. Through comparison with contemporary sites in mainland France, an argument is made suggesting that incoming migrants from the mainland and the small indigenous population of the islands were both involved in the transition. It is also argued that, as a result of the fact the Channel Islands witnessed a very different trajectory of change from that seen in Britain and Ireland c.5000–3500 bc, this small group of islands has a great deal to tell us about the arrival of the Neolithic more widely.
Housing in Late Antique Augusta Emerita: The End of The Peristyle House
Authors: Osland Daniel
Published: January 2017

This article presents the archaeological evidence for a comprehensive change in the residential pattern of late antique Mérida, Spain (Augusta Emerita) in the second half of the fifth century AD. By the fourth century AD, the peristyle house had become the fundamental unit of aristocratic late Roman housing, offering the ideal setting for high‐status interactions, aristocratic ceremony, and even private and public business. The peristyle house was gradually replaced by subdivision housing in the course of the fifth and sixth centuries, in a trend seen throughout the late Roman world. In Emerita, however, the transition was quite sudden. Here, a destructive event in the middle of the fifth century paved the way for the rapid introduction of subdivision housing, over just a few decades. While this new style of housing was typical of the late antique world, the evidence from Emerita highlights the role that a local catalyst might play in the adoption of new cultural forms.
Ultrasound‐Guided Diagnosis and Injection of the Lateral Femoral Cutaneous Nerve with an Anatomical Variation
Authors: Palamar Deniz , Terlemez Rana , Akgun Kenan
Published: January 2017

Meralgia paresthetica (MP) is an entrapment neuropathy of the lateral femoral cutaneous nerve (LFCN). There are many variations in the course of the LFCN. A 55‐year‐old woman presented with pain and tingling sensations on the anterolateral aspect of her left thigh. Physical examination revealed hypoesthesia of the proximal anterolateral thigh on the left side. During the electrodiagnostic study, sensory nerve action potential of the LFCN could not be obtained on both sides. Through those clinical and electrophysiological findings, we prediagnosed the case as MP and planned to perform diagnostic nerve block. For the injection to perform, ultrasonography was used. During the ultrasonographic evaluation, the left LFCN was visualized lateral to the anterior superior iliac spine (ASIS). Then ultrasound‐guided nerve block with 2 cc lidocaine 2% for diagnostic purpose was performed in this region. Immediately after the injection, the patient's complaints relieved completely, and hence the patient was diagnosed as having MP with an LFCN anatomical variation. Two months later her complaints persisted, and ultrasound‐guided LFCN injection with 2 mL of lidocaine 2% + 1 cc of betametazone was performed. One month after the second injection, her complaints were relieved markedly and she resumed her daily activities. In conclusion, the course of the LFCN is quite variable. We present a relatively rare anatomical variation of the LFCN, crossing lateral to the ASIS, diagnosed with ultrasonography. Ultrasonography can be performed to visualize the LFCN, especially a nerve with an anatomical variation.
Association Between Juvenile Myelomonocytic Leukemia, Juvenile Xanthogranulomas and Neurofibromatosis Type 1: Case Report and Review of the Literature
Authors: Paulus Samuel , Koronowska Sandra , Fölster‐Holst Regina
Published: January 2017

The occurrence of juvenile myelomonocytic leukemia (JMML), juvenile xanthogranuloma (JXG), and neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) together is relatively rare. Approximately only 20 cases have been reported in the literature. It is debated whether children with NF1 and JXG are at higher risk of developing JMML than children with NF1 alone. We present the case of a boy primarily diagnosed with NF1 with coexisting JXG who developed JMML at the age of 22 months. The clinical course from initial presentation to final diagnosis is detailed and the genetic features and hematologic characteristics are discussed. We report this case to underscore the importance of close monitoring of blood count and strict clinical follow‐up in children presenting with concurrent NF1 and JXG and provide a possible explanation for this association.
Portal vein reconstruction using vein grafts in pediatric living donor liver transplantation: Current status
Authors: Sabra Tarek Abdelazeem , Okajima Hideaki , Yoshizawa Atsushi , Okamoto Tatsuya , Anazawa Takayuki , Ygi Shintaro , Hata Koichiro , Yasuchika Kentaro , Taura Kojiro , Hatano Etsuro , Kaido Toshimi , Uemoto Shinji
Published: January 2017

PV reconstruction is an important aspect of LDLT, with post‐transplant outcomes depending on PV reconstruction methods. However, it is unclear whether the preferential selection of these techniques is dependent on preoperative recipient characteristics. This retrospective study assessed whether preoperative recipient factors differed in pediatric patients who did and did not receive VGs for PV reconstruction. Of 113 pediatric patients who underwent LDLT from January 2010 to July 2015, 31 (27%) underwent PV reconstruction with VGs and the other 82 (73%) without VGs. The presence of collateral vessels (P<.0001) and ascites (P=.02); PV size (P<.001), thrombosis (P=.01) and the direction of flow (P=.01), Child‐Pugh class A vs B/C liver function (P=.01), Alb concentration (P=.02), primary diagnosis: BA vs non‐BA (P=.03), and previous abdominal surgery (P<.005) differed significantly in patients who did and did not receive VGs for PV reconstruction. PV complications, patient survival, and graft survival did not differ significantly in patients with and without VGs at 1‐year follow‐up. VGs should be harvested for recipients with pretransplant hypoplastic PV, intense collaterals, hepatofugal flow, poor liver status, or previous abdominal surgery.
A temporary deficiency in self‐control: Can heightened motivation overcome this effect?
Authors: Kelly Claire L. , Crawford Trevor J. , Gowen Emma , Richardson Kelly , Sünram‐Lea Sandra I.
Published: January 2017

Self‐control is important for everyday life and involves behavioral regulation. Self‐control requires effort, and when completing two successive self‐control tasks, there is typically a temporary drop in performance in the second task. High self‐reported motivation and being made self‐aware somewhat counteract this effect—with the result that performance in the second task is enhanced. The current study explored the relationship between self‐awareness and motivation on sequential self‐control task performance. Before employing self‐control in an antisaccade task, participants initially applied self‐control in an incongruent Stroop task or completed a control task. After the Stroop task, participants unscrambled sentences that primed self‐awareness (each started with the word “I”) or unscrambled neutral sentences. Motivation was measured after the antisaccade task. Findings revealed that, after exerting self‐control in the incongruent Stroop task, motivation predicted erroneous responses in the antisaccade task for those that unscrambled neutral sentences, and high motivation led to fewer errors. Those primed with self‐awareness were somewhat more motivated overall, but motivation did not significantly predict antisaccade performance. Supporting the resource allocation account, if one was motivated—intrinsically or via the manipulation of self‐awareness—resources were allocated to both tasks leading to the successful completion of two sequential self‐control tasks.
Endocrine and paracrine controls of canine follicular development and function
Authors: Songsasen N , Nagashima J , Thongkittidilok C
Published: January 2017

Content

Canid reproduction is unique among other mammals in that females experience long and variable periods of ovarian inactivity. While the domestic dog exhibits a non‐seasonal, largely sporadic monoestrus occurring once or twice a year, most wild canids, such as the gray wolf (Canis lupus) and red wolf (Canis rufus), are seasonal breeders with onset apparently dependent on species, latitudinal location and/or variety of environment factors. Neuroendocrine controls of ovarian functions have been mostly studied in the dog, but less so in their wild counterparts, due to difficulties in regular blood sampling. Yet, development of non‐invasive hormone monitoring has advanced the understanding of reproductive cycle in wild canids. Recent advances in in vitro follicle culture technology also have begun to provide insights into paracrine controls of canid ovarian folliculogenesis. This review highlights current knowledge on canid reproduction with emphasis on endocrine and paracrine controls of follicular development. We also discuss future research priorities, including advancing the understanding of anoestrous termination and role of paracrine factors in canine folliculogenesis.
Explaining Caste Differences in Private School Attendance
Authors: Azam Mehtabul
Published: January 2017

Using a nationally representative education survey, we explore caste differences in private school attendance in India. We find lower private school attendance among the disadvantaged castes—Scheduled Castes (SCs), Scheduled Tribes (STs) and Other Backward Castes (OBCs)—when compared with the non‐disadvantaged group (non‐SC/ST/OBC). Controlling for geographical location, household and individual level factors reduces the gaps in private school attendance considerably; however, the gaps remain quite large. We find that variation in parental education and household consumption expenditure explains a significant proportion of the observed gaps. For ST students, geographical location remains important in explaining the gap in private school attendance.
Investigation of Genetic Defects in Severe Combined Immunodeficiency Patients from Turkey by Targeted Sequencing
Authors: Erman B. , Bilic I. , Hirschmugl T. , Salzer E. , Boztug H. , Sanal Ö. , Çağdaş Ayvaz D. , Tezcan I. , Boztug K.
Published: January 2017

Primary immunodeficiencies (PIDs) represent a large group of disorders with an increased susceptibility to infections. Severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID) is the most severe form of primary immunodeficiencies (PIDs) with marked T‐cell lymphopenia. Investigation of the genetic aetiology using classical Sanger sequencing is associated with considerable diagnostic delay. We here established a custom‐designed, next‐generation sequencing (NGS)‐based panel to efficiently identify disease‐causing genetic defects in PID patients and applied this method in SCID patients of Turkish origin with previously undefined genetic aetiology. We used HaloPlex enrichment technology, a targeted, NGS‐based method which was designed to diagnose patients with SCID and other PIDs. Our HaloPlex panel included a total of 356 PID‐related genes, and we searched disease‐causing mutations in 19 Turkish SCID patients without a genetic diagnosis. The coverage of targeted regions ranged from 97.47% to 99.62% with an average of 98.31% for all patients. All known SCID genes were covered with a percentage of at least 97.3%. We made a genetic diagnosis in six of 19 (33%) patients, including four novel disease‐causing mutations identified in RAG1, JAK3 and IL2RG, respectively. We showed that this NGS‐based method can provide rapid genetic diagnosis for patients suffering from SCID, potentially facilitating clinical treatment decisions.
How (Not) to Elide Negation
Authors: van Craenenbroeck Jeroen , Temmerman Tanja
Published: January 2017

This paper examines the behavior of English negative indefinites under VP ellipsis. The main empirical observation is that negative indefinites cannot take scope out of a verbal ellipsis site. We propose that negative indefinites involve fusion under adjacency between the clausal polarity head and an indefinite determiner and that this adjacency comes about under multidominance. Multidominance can feed the morphological coalescence of two syntactic terminals that on the surface do not appear to be linearly adjacent. The claim that there is a morphological relation between these two heads—rather than a syntactic one—is supported by the fact that it can be bled by ellipsis. Given that ellipsis is a process at Phonological Form (PF), it can block fusion, thus preventing high scope of negative indefinites out of an ellipsis site.
Analysis of synovial fluid of the Capybara's stifle joints
Authors: Brombini Giovanna C. , Rahal Sheila C. , Bergamini Bruno C. S. , Lopes Raimundo S. , Santos Ivan F. C. , Schimming Bruno C.
Published: January 2017

Background

Although normal synovial fluid has been well characterized in domestic animals such as dogs, cats, horses, and cows, the available information on larger rodents is scarce.

Objectives

The purpose of the study was to analyze the physical, chemical, and cytologic characteristics of the synovial fluid in stifle joints of Capybaras.

Methods

Five free‐ranging adult female Capybaras (Hydrochoerus hydrochaeris), weighing from 37 to 56 kg were used. Synovial fluid was obtained by aspiration of 10 stifle joints. Samples were analyzed for physical, chemical, and cytologic properties.

Results

Spontaneous clotting was negative in 9 samples. Most synovial fluids had pH 8, and protein concentrations ranged from 1.6 to 3.6 g/dL. The mucin clot test was good in all 6 samples that were tested. Nucleated cell counts ranged from 140 to 508 cells/μL. Relative differential leukocyte counts demonstrated a predominance of mononuclear cells (97.6%), including 76.2% undifferentiated mononuclear cells, 18.1% macrophages, and 3.66% lymphocytes. Polymorphonuclear cells included 1.83% neutrophils and 0.2% eosinophils.

Conclusion

The synovial stifle joint fluid of healthy free‐ranging adult Capybaras is clear, colorless, viscous, and with chemical features and cytologic findings similar to those seen in domestic animals.
Reviewer Acknowledgements
Authors: Evelyn Angelia
Published: January 2017

Applied Finance and Accounting [AFA] would like to acknowledge the following reviewers for their assistance with peer review of manuscripts for this issue. Many authors, regardless of whether AFA publishes their work, appreciate the helpful feedback provided by the reviewers. Their comments and suggestions were of great help to the authors in improving the quality of their papers. Each of the reviewers listed below returned at least one review for this issue.Reviewers for Volume 3, Number 1 Abdelaziz Hakimi, University of Jendouba, TunisiaAdam Zaremba, Poznań University of Economics, PolandAnastasia Kopaneli, University of Patras, GreeceAndrey Kudryavtsev, The Max Stern Yezreel Valley Academic College, IsraelArash Riasi, University of Delaware, USAAugustine Akhidime, Benson Idahosa University, NigeriaDesti Kannaiah, James Cook University, SingaporeFeng Jui Hsu, National Taichung Univ. of Sci. & Tech., TaiwanGheorghe Morosan, Stefan Cel Mare Univ. Suceava Romania, RomaniaIoan Bogdan Robu, Alexandru Ioan Cuza University of Iasi, RomaniaJames Estes, California State University San Bernardino, USAKesseven Padachi, University of Technology, MauritiusLasse Oulasvirta, University of Tampere, FinlandLuca Sensini, University of Salerno, ItalyMarco Muscettola, Independent researcher, ItalyMazurina Mohd Ali, Universiti Teknologi Mara, MalaysiaMohamed Jalloh, Eco. Community of West African States, NigeriaMojeed Idowu John Odumeso-Jimoh, Noble Integrated Resources & Management, NigeriaNicoleta Radneantu, Romanian – American University, RomanianNikolay Patonov, European Polytechnical University, BulgariaNoriaki Okamoto, Rikkyo University, JapanPeibiao Zhao, Nanjing University of Science & Technology, ChinaSawsan Saadi Halbouni, Canadian University Dubai, UAEVineet Chouhan, Sir Padampat Singhania University, IndiaWilson E. Herbert, Bingham University, NigeriaYu Peng Lin, University of Detroit Mercy, USA      Angelia EvelynEditorial AssistantOn behalf of,The Editorial Board of Applied Finance and AccountingRedfame Publishing9450 SW Gemini Dr. #99416Beaverton, OR 97008, USAE-mail: afa@redfame.comURL: http://afa.redfame.com
La representación de la política exterior del Gobierno Santos y su repercusión en el discurso mediático-político en Europa y Colombia
Authors: Dießelmann Anna-Lena , Hetzer Andreas
Published: January 2017

El artículo contrapone la comunicación estratégica de los Gobiernos durante la gira del presidente colombiano Juan Manuel Santos por Europa en 2014 a su repercusión en los medios de comunicación, con el fin de mostrar los vínculos y las cadenas de transcripción en el discurso mediático-político. Se comparan las notas oficiales de prensa de los Gobiernos europeos, de la Unión Europea y del Gobierno colombiano con los artículos de prensa de los seis periódicos de calidad y de ámbito nacional más leídos en cada uno de los seis países visitados por Santos durante su gira. Con gene-ración inductiva de categorías, se realiza una síntesis de proposiciones y se analizan diferentes dimensiones, entre otras, la representación de las relaciones internacionales, el contexto colombiano y la caracterización del presidente Santos. En el análisis, se pone énfasis en la descripción del contexto colombiano como “paz” y “posconflicto”. De esta forma, se pueden identificar tanto las posiciones hegemónicas y las estrategias de legitimación en el discurso como el grado de coincidencia entre la comunicación política y la cobertura por parte de la prensa. Además, se puede mostrar que la presentación del país como país en un posconflicto está fuertemente vinculada a la persona de Santos. Sin embargo, hay una brecha entre la puesta en escena del posconflicto y la realidad percibida por actores sociales y políticos como organizaciones de derechos huma-nos. Este artículo se une a la línea de investigación sobre la relación entre la comunicación política y las relaciones internacionales.
Inequidades en salud de la primera infancia en el municipio de Andes, Antioquia, Colombia. Un análisis desde la epidemiología crítica
Authors: Franco-Cortés Ángela María , Otálvaro-Castro Gabriel Jaime , Ochoa-Acosta Emilia , Ramírez-Puerta Susana , Escobar-Paucar Gloria , Agudelo-Suárez Andrés A. , Hernández-Paternina Guido , Manrique Néstor
Published: January 2017

En Colombia persisten inequidades en la salud de la primera infancia. Se realizó un estudio descriptivo para estimar las desigualdades en salud de la primera infancia del municipio de Andes, Antioquia. Las categorías teóricas utilizadas fueron la clase social y los modos de vida. Se hizo valoración clínica del crecimiento, del desarrollo y del estado de la dentición de 642 niños de cero a cinco años. Se encuestó a los adultos acompañantes para clasificar su posición de clase. El muestreo fue probabilístico en la zona urbana y por concentración en la rural. La población se clasificó en cinco fracciones de clase. Se observaron desigualdades en los modos de vida, en el desarrollo infantil y en la experiencia de caries dental; más graves en los niños de las familias subasalariadas. Las disparidades constituyen inequidades sociales, puesto que son producto de las condiciones de vida que les son impuestas a los grupos humanos de acuerdo con su posición social
Experimental Study on Instability Characteristics of Low-Swirl Flames in a Multinozzle Combustor With Different Swirling Arrays
Authors: Liu Weijie , Ge Bing , Tian Yinshen , Zang Shusheng , Weng Shilie
Published: January 2017

This paper presents experimental study on self-excited combustion instability characteristics of premixed low-swirl flames in a multinozzle can combustor with counterswirl and coswirl arrays. Experiments were carried out over a wide range of inlet velocity from 4 m/s to 15.5 m/s and equivalence ratio from 0.5 to 0.85. Phase-locked OH planar laser-induced fluorescence was employed to measure flame shape and identify heat release rate. Four operation regions: stable combustion region, unstable combustion region, flashback region, and extinguish region are observed for both array burners. The amplitude of pressure fluctuation for counterswirl arrangement is less than the coswirl array, and the stable operating window of the counterswirl array is wider. In the unstable combustion region, the counterswirl flame triggers the 2L mode of the combustion system, while the coswirl flame incites three longitudinal modes with the highest amplitude near 3L. Rayleigh index distribution reveals neighboring flame interaction results in thermoacoustic coupling for multinozzle flames. Additionally, for the counterswirl array, thermoacoustic couplings also exit in the flame base region and shear region while, for the coswirl array, the instability driving zones also locate at the lip region and the tail of center flame which is totally different with counterswirl flame.
Accuracy of Wearable Sensors for Estimating Joint Reactions
Authors: McGinnis Ryan S. , Hough Jessandra , Perkins Noel C.
Published: January 2017

Miniature wireless inertial measurement units (IMUs) hold great promise for measuring and analyzing multibody system dynamics. This relatively inexpensive technology enables noninvasive motion tracking in broad applications, including human motion analysis. This paper advances the use of an array of IMUs to estimate the joint reactions (forces and moments) in multibody systems via inverse dynamic modeling. In particular, this paper reports a benchmark experiment on a double-pendulum that reveals the accuracy of IMU-informed estimates of joint reactions. The estimated reactions are compared to those measured by high-precision miniature (6 degrees-of-freedom) load cells. Results from ten trials demonstrate that IMU-informed estimates of the three-dimensional reaction forces remain within 5.0% RMS of the load cell measurements and with correlation coefficients greater than 0.95 on average. Similarly, the IMU-informed estimates of the three-dimensional reaction moments remain within 5.9% RMS of the load cell measurements and with correlation coefficients greater than 0.88 on average. The sensitivity of these estimates to mass center location is discussed. Looking ahead, this benchmarking study supports the promising and broad use of this technology for estimating joint reactions in human motion applications.
Computational Analysis of the U.S. Forest Fires
Authors: Lopes António M. , Tenreiro Machado J. A.
Published: January 2017

This paper analyses forest fires (FF) in the U.S. during 1984–2013, based on data collected by the monitoring trends in burn severity (MTBS) project. The study adopts the tools of dynamical systems to tackle information about space, time, and size. Computational visualization methods are used for reducing the information dimensionality and to unveil the relationships embedded in the data.
Inverse Solution for Bolt Preload Using Surface Deformation
Authors: Zaki A. , Nassar S. A. , Kruk S. , Shillor M.
Published: January 2017

In this paper, an inverse biharmonic axisymmetric elasticity problem is solved by invoking measured out-of-plane surface deformation values at discrete locations around a preloaded bolt head, in order to calculate the underhead contact stress and joint clamp load that would have caused that out-of-plane surface deformation. Solution of this type of inverse problem promises to improve the automation process of bolted joint system assembly, especially in critical and safety-related applications. For example, a real-time optically measured joint surface deformation can be utilized for automating process control of bolted joint assembly in a reliable fashion. This would be a significant reliability improvement as compared to the commonly used method in mass production using torque-only control method in which there is wide scatter in the torque–tension correlation due to the normal scatter in frictional variables. Finite element analysis (FEA) method is used to validate the inverse problem solution provided in this paper.
Comparative Study on Reactor Pressure Vessel Failure Behaviors With Various Geometric Discontinuities Under Severe Accident
Authors: Zhu Jianwei , Mao Jianfeng , Bao Shiyi , Luo Lijia , Gao Zengliang
Published: January 2017

The so-called “in-vessel retention (IVR)” is a basic strategy for severe accident (SA) mitigation of some advanced nuclear power plants (NPPs). The IVR strategy is to keep the reactor pressure vessel (RPV) intact under SA like core meltdown condition. During the IVR, the core melt (∼1327 °C) is collected in the lower head (LH) of the RPV, while the external surface of RPV is submerged in the water. Through external cooling of the RPV, the structural integrity is assumed to be maintained within a prescribed period of time. The maximum thermal loading is referred to critical heat flux (CHF) on the inside, while the external surface is considered to perform in the environment of the boiling crisis point (∼130 °C). Due to the high temperature gradients, the failure mechanisms of the RPV is found to span a wide range of structural behaviors across the wall thickness, such as melt-through, creep damage, plastic yielding as well as thermal expansion. Besides CHF, the pressurized core meltdown was another evident threat to the RPV integrity, as indicated in the Fukushima accident on 2011. In illustrating the effects of internal pressures and individual CHF on the failure behaviors, three typical RPVs with geometric discontinuity caused by local material melting were adopted for the comparative study. Through finite-element method (FEM), the RPV structural behaviors were investigated in terms of deformation, stress, plastic strain, creep, and damage. Finally, some important conclusions are summarized in the concluding remark. Such comparative study provides insight and better understanding for the RPV safety margin under the IVR condition.