bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Efficacy of Psychological Interventions for Patients with Breast Hyperplasia
Authors: Chen Cxian-chun , Jiang Cheng-gang , Chen Qing-qiu , Gao Dong
Published: January 2015

To explore the efficacy of psychological interventions (PI) in patients with breast hyperplasia (BH). In total 120 BH patients who were treated in the Third Affiliated Hospital of the Third Military Medical University were randomly divided into PI group (n = 40; treated with oral XiaoYao Pill and psychological interventions), anti-anxiety/depression medication (AADM) group (n = 40; treated with oral XiaoYao Pill and paroxetine), and control group (n = 40; treated with oral XiaoYao Pill) and the treatment lasted for 1 year. Before the treatment and 4, 8, and 12 months after the initiation of treatment, the changes in the psychological indicators were measured using Toronto Alexithymia Scale (TAS), Hamilton Anxiety Scale (HAMA), Hamilton Depression Scale (HAMD), and Ways of Coping Questionnaire (WCQ), as well as the physiological indicators including estradiol, prolactin, and progesterone were determined. The overall response rates were evaluated at the end of the treatment, and the relapse rates were calculated during the 1-year follow-up. The HAMD and HAMA scores were declined in all three groups. The scores of TAS and WCQ negative coping subscales showed a declining trend after treatment for the AADM and PI groups. Compared to the control and PI groups, the HAMA and HAMD scores were significantly lower in the AADM group 4, 8, and 12 months after the initiation of treatment (P < 0.05). The scores of TAS and WCQ negative coping subscales were significantly lower in AADM group but were significantly higher than those in PI group and lower than the control group 4, 8, and 12 months after the initiation of treatment (P < 0.05). The HAMA and HAMD scores were significantly lower in PI group than in control group 4, 8, and 12 months after the initiation of treatment (P < 0.05). After the initiation of treatment, the estradiol and prolactin levels decreased while the progesterone levels increased in all three groups. Compared with the control group and AADM group, the PI group had significantly higher estradiol and prolactin levels and higher progesterone levels 4, 8, and 12 months after the initiation of treatment (P < 0.05). Compared with the control group, the AADM group had significantly lower levels of estradiol and prolactin and higher progesterone levels 4, 8, and 12 months after the initiation of treatment (P < 0.05). The overall response rate was not significantly different for both PI group and AADM group (P > 0.05), while the relapse rate was significantly lower in the PI group than the control and AADM groups (P < 0.05). However, the relapse rate did not significantly differ between the control group and AADM group (P > 0.05). PI can effectively improve the psychological status of BH patients and restore the disordered endocrine system. The efficacy lasts for long and the relapse rate is lower. Therefore, it could be an effective method for treating BH.
The importance of three-dimensional anorectal ultrasound in the study of patients with anal pain
Authors: Lima Doryane Maria dos Reis , Sagae Univaldo Etsuo , Kurachi Gustavo , Hamaoui Salua , Tanaka Tomaz Massayuki , Bonatto Mauro Willemann , Tsuchiya Ricardo Shigueo , de Carvalho Carlos Alberto
Published: January 2015

Objectives Anal pain can be caused by various medical conditions; the exclusion of organic causes for proper treatment is important. Three-dimensional anorectal ultrasound can identify organic causes of anal pain. The objective of this study was to evaluate the importance of three-dimensional anorectal ultrasound in the detection of organic abnormalities in patients with anal pain.

Methods Twenty-two patients (mean age: 49 years; 13 women) with chronic anal pain were enrolled to join a prospective study between June 2009 and June 2011. A complete proctology and colonoscopy examination was normal. Subsequently, the patients underwent three-dimensional anorectal ultrasound.

Results Intersphincteric sepsis was found in 14 patients (63.6%). Two female patients (9.1%) had anal sphincter injury, one of them with the presence of a grade II rectocele. There was an increase in the thickness of the subepithelial tissue in three patients (13.6%). In one patient (4.6%), the presence of a hypoechoic circular retrorectal (presacral) cyst of the middle and lower rectum was observed. The three-dimensional anorectal ultrasound examination showed no abnormalities in two patients (9.1%).

Conclusion The three-dimensional anorectal ultrasound is a simple, economical, fast and useful test for the study of anorectal diseases and should be included in the examination of patients with anal pain, to exclude organic causes.
Nanoparticle mediated silencing of DNA repair sensitizes pediatric brain tumor cells to γ‐irradiation
Authors: Kievit Forrest M. , Stephen Zachary R. , Wang Kui , Dayringer Christopher J. , Sham Jonathan G. , Ellenbogen Richard G. , Silber John R. , Zhang Miqin
Published: January 2015

Medulloblastoma (MB) and ependymoma (EP) are the most common pediatric brain tumors, afflicting 3000 children annually. Radiotherapy (RT) is an integral component in the treatment of these tumors; however, the improvement in survival is often accompanied by radiation‐induced adverse developmental and psychosocial sequelae. Therefore, there is an urgent need to develop strategies that can increase the sensitivity of brain tumors cells to RT while sparing adjacent healthy brain tissue. Apurinic endonuclease 1 (Ape1), an enzyme in the base excision repair pathway, has been implicated in radiation resistance in cancer. Pharmacological and specificity limitations inherent to small molecule inhibitors of Ape1 have hindered their clinical development. Here we report on a nanoparticle (NP) based siRNA delivery vehicle for knocking down Ape1 expression and sensitizing pediatric brain tumor cells to RT. The NP comprises a superparamagnetic iron oxide core coated with a biocompatible, biodegradable coating of chitosan, polyethylene glycol (PEG), and polyethyleneimine (PEI) that is able to bind and protect siRNA from degradation and to deliver siRNA to the perinuclear region of target cells. NPs loaded with siRNA against Ape1 (NP:siApe1) knocked down Ape1 expression over 75% in MB and EP cells, and reduced Ape1 activity by 80%. This reduction in Ape1 activity correlated with increased DNA damage post‐irradiation, which resulted in decreased cell survival in clonogenic assays. The sensitization was specific to therapies generating abasic lesions as evidenced by NP:siRNA not increasing sensitivity to paclitaxel, a microtubule disrupting agent. Our results indicate NP‐mediated delivery of siApe1 is a promising strategy for circumventing pediatric brain tumor resistance to RT.
WELFARE IMPLICATIONS OF WASHINGTON WHEAT BREEDING PROGRAMS
Authors: NOGUEIRA LIA , MICHALSKI JOEL , MARSH THOMAS L. , McCRACKEN VICKI
Published: January 2015

We calculate the welfare effects of the Washington State University (WSU) wheat breeding programs for producers and consumers in Washington, Oregon, Idaho, and the United States, and for importers of U.S. wheat. We develop a partial equilibrium multiregion, multiproduct, multivariety trade model for wheat that provides consumer, producer, and total surplus for each wheat class and region. Our results provide evidence suggesting that WSU wheat breeding programs have increased welfare for the state of Washington, the United States, and importers of U.S. wheat.
Professional Carer Experiences of Working with Young People in Specialist Care Placements in South Australia
Authors: Riggs Damien , Ogilvy Ryan
Published: January 2015

Despite the emphasis within Australian child protection upon family-based care as the preferred placement option, it has been increasingly recognised that some young people may be best served in specialist care placements, such as residential or therapeutic care. This paper presents a thematic analysis of 20 interviews undertaken with professional carers who, at the time, were working in a specialist care programme in South Australia known as Individual Packages of Care. The analysis suggests that three key issues were at stake for participants: (1) the impact of role conflict between engaging in caring relationships with young people and maintaining professional boundaries; (2) the impact of additional stakeholders (such as mental health professionals) upon the stability of the placement; and (3) the use of restraint as a form of behaviour management. The paper concludes by discussing the interesting relationship identified in the data between caring relationships and the use of restraint, and makes recommendations from the data for issues requiring further consideration with regard to specialist care placements.
The validation of a computer-based food record for older adults: the Novel Assessment of Nutrition and Ageing (NANA) method
Authors: Timon Claire M. , Astell Arlene J. , Hwang Faustina , Adlam Tim D. , Smith Tom , Maclean Lin , Spurr Daynor , Forster Sarah E. , Williams Elizabeth A.
Published: January 2015

Dietary assessment in older adults can be challenging. The Novel Assessment of Nutrition and Ageing (NANA) method is a touch-screen computer-based food record that enables older adults to record their dietary intakes. The objective of the present study was to assess the relative validity of the NANA method for dietary assessment in older adults. For this purpose, three studies were conducted in which a total of ninety-four older adults (aged 65–89 years) used the NANA method of dietary assessment. On a separate occasion, participants completed a 4 d estimated food diary. Blood and 24 h urine samples were also collected from seventy-six of the volunteers for the analysis of biomarkers of nutrient intake. The results from all the three studies were combined, and nutrient intake data collected using the NANA method were compared against the 4 d estimated food diary and biomarkers of nutrient intake. Bland–Altman analysis showed a reasonable agreement between the dietary assessment methods for energy and macronutrient intake; however, there were small, but significant, differences for energy and protein intake, reflecting the tendency for the NANA method to record marginally lower energy intakes. Significant positive correlations were observed between urinary urea and dietary protein intake using both the NANA and the 4 d estimated food diary methods, and between plasma ascorbic acid and dietary vitamin C intake using the NANA method. The results demonstrate the feasibility of computer-based dietary assessment in older adults, and suggest that the NANA method is comparable to the 4 d estimated food diary, and could be used as an alternative to the food diary for the short-term assessment of an individual's dietary intake.
Probiotic supplementation prevents high-fat, overfeeding-induced insulin resistance in human subjects
Authors: Hulston Carl J. , Churnside Amelia A. , Venables Michelle C.
Published: January 2015

The purpose of the present study was to determine whether probiotic supplementation (Lactobacillus casei Shirota (LcS)) prevents diet-induced insulin resistance in human subjects. A total of seventeen healthy subjects were randomised to either a probiotic (n 8) or a control (n 9) group. The probiotic group consumed a LcS-fermented milk drink twice daily for 4 weeks, whereas the control group received no supplementation. Subjects maintained their normal diet for the first 3 weeks of the study, after which they consumed a high-fat (65 % of energy), high-energy (50 % increase in energy intake) diet for 7 d. Whole-body insulin sensitivity was assessed by an oral glucose tolerance test conducted before and after overfeeding. Body mass increased by 0·6 (se 0·2) kg in the control group (P< 0·05) and by 0·3 (se 0·2) kg in the probiotic group (P>0·05). Fasting plasma glucose concentrations increased following 7 d of overeating (control group: 5·3 (se 0·1) v. 5·6 (se 0·2) mmol/l before and after overfeeding, respectively, P< 0·05), whereas fasting serum insulin concentrations were maintained in both groups. Glucose AUC values increased by 10 % (from 817 (se 45) to 899 (se 39) mmol/l per 120 min, P< 0·05) and whole-body insulin sensitivity decreased by 27 % (from 5·3 (se 1·4) to 3·9 (se 0·9), P< 0·05) in the control group, whereas normal insulin sensitivity was maintained in the probiotic group (4·4 (se 0·8) and 4·5 (se 0·9) before and after overeating, respectively (P>0·05). These results suggest that probiotic supplementation may be useful in the prevention of diet-induced metabolic diseases such as type 2 diabetes.
FORAGE YIELD, PROTEIN CONCENTRATION AND INTERSPECIFIC COMPETITION IN RED PEA-CEREAL INTERCROPS
Authors: VLACHOSTERGIOS D. N. , DORDAS C. A. , LITHOURGIDIS A. S.
Published: January 2015

Red pea (Lathyrus cicera L.) is an underutilized protein crop with broad adaptability. Intercrops of red pea with winter cereals have not been studied. A two years field study was conducted with the objective to determine the productivity of intercropping systems of red pea with barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) and triticale (xTriticosecale Wittmack) in two seeding ratios (60:40 and 80:20). Growth rate, dry matter yield, protein content and yield were determined. Several indices were used to evaluate the intercropping systems and analyse competition and interrelationships between mixture components. Growth rate of cereals was lower in the mixtures than in the monocrops. Dry matter yield were the highest in barley monocrop and its intercrop with red pea at 60:40 seeding ratio. Red pea monocrop showed the highest crude protein concentration followed by its intercrops. The land equivalent ratio, relative crowding coefficient (K), actual yield loss (AYL) and system productivity index values were greater for the red pea-barley 60:40 mixture, indicating an advantage of intercropping. The partial K, aggressivity, competitive ratio and partial AYL values indicated red pea as the dominated species in the intercrops. The highest monetary advantage value was recorded for the red pea-barley mixture (60:40). The results indicate that red pea-barley mixture (60:40) was the most productive and produced better forage quality and thus could be adopted by the farmers as alternative option for forage production.
Biostratigraphy and palaeoecology of Middle–Late Ordovician conodont and graptolite faunas of the Las Chacritas River section, Precordillera of San Juan, Argentina
Authors: SERRA FERNANDA , ALBANESI GUILLERMO L. , ORTEGA GLADYS , BERGSTRÖM STIG M.
Published: January 2015

A conodont-graptolite biostratigraphic study was carried out on the top strata of the San Juan, Las Chacritas and Las Aguaditas formations in the La Trampa Range, Precordillera of San Juan in western Argentina. Significant conodont records in the San Juan and Las Chacritas formations allow for the recognition of theYangtzeplacognathus crassus, Eoplacognathus pseudoplanus(Microzarkodina hagetianaandM. ozarkodellasubzones) andEoplacognathus suecicuszones of Darriwilian age. Index species and co-occurrences of graptolites and conodonts were recorded in the Las Aguaditas Formation allowing the identification of theNemagraptus gracilisand thePygodus anserinuszones, which represent the Sandbian Stage. These data indicate a hiatus between the Las Chacritas and the Las Aguaditas formations, corresponding to thePygodus serraZone and thePterograptus elegansandHustedograptus teretiusculuszones (upper Darriwilian). A total of 7287 identifiable conodont elements were recorded from the study section. The species frequency registered for each zone shows thatPeriodonandParoistodusare the most abundant taxa, which are indicative of open marine environments. The records of particular conodont taxa, such asHistiodella, Periodon, Microzarkodina, EoplacognathusandBaltoniodus, allow a precise global correlation with other regions such as south-central China, Baltoscandia, North America, Great Britain, Southern Australia and New Zealand. The graptolite fauna identified here are recognized worldwide in equivalent strata in the Baltic region, Great Britain, North America, China, southern Australia and New Zealand. The presence of graptolites in the ribbon limestones of the Las Chacritas Formation is documented for the first time.
CHILD ABDUCTION: RECENT JURISPRUDENCE OF THE EUROPEAN COURT OF HUMAN RIGHTS
Authors: Beaumont Paul , Trimmings Katarina , Walker Lara , Holliday Jayne
Published: January 2015

This article examines how the European Court of Human Rights has clarified its jurisprudence on how the 1980 Hague Child Abduction Convention Article 13 exceptions are to be applied in a manner that is consistent with Article 8 of the European Convention on Human Rights. It also analyses recent case law of the European Court of Human Rights on how the courts in the EU are to handle child abduction cases where the courts of the habitual residence have made use of their power under Article 11 of Brussels IIa.
THE UK GOVERNMENT‘S LEGAL OPINION ON FORCIBLE MEASURES IN RESPONSE TO THE USE OF CHEMICAL WEAPONS BY THE SYRIAN GOVERNMENT
Authors: Henderson Christian
Published: January 2015

On 29 August 2013, the UK government published a memorandum setting out its ‘position regarding the legality of military action in Syria following the chemical weapons attack in Eastern Damascus on 21 August 2013’. While other States had contemplated some form of military action, most notably the US, none had been as clear and candid as to the legal basis upon which this would be launched. It might seem in this respect perhaps a little surprising that the UK decided in its relatively brief opinion that ‘the legal basis for military action would be humanitarian intervention’. As this article will attempt to highlight, this basic justification is far from uncontroversial. This short article will seek to be clear as to what the UK's legal position exactly was, whether and how this position can be reconciled with the lex lata governing the use of force for humanitarian purposes and its immediate impact upon it, and finally offer some reflections upon the contribution the opinion and its central legal argument has made to future legal argumentation in this area.
CHOICE-OF-COURT AGREEMENTS, THE ITALIAN TORPEDO, AND THE RECAST OF THE BRUSSELS I REGULATION
Authors: Kenny David , Hennigan Rosemary
Published: January 2015

The Recast of the Brussels I Regulation (1215/2012/EC) reforms EU law on jurisdiction in civil and commercial matters and includes long-awaited changes designed to prevent the use of the abusive tactic known as the Italian Torpedo to frustrate choice-of-court agreements. The new rules give priority in determining jurisdiction to a court designated by a prima facie valid agreement, even if litigation underway elsewhere was first in time. While this development has been broadly welcomed, it is unclear if the Recast's solution applies to related actions underway in other states as well as identical actions. Using a recent case from the Irish Supreme Court, in this article, we highlight that this possible omission could create significant problems, and calls into question the comprehensiveness of the Recast's solution to the problem of the Italian Torpedo.
THE REPARATIVE EFFECT OF TRUTH SEEKING IN TRANSITIONAL JUSTICE
Authors: Lawry-White Merryl
Published: January 2015

The benefits of a ‘holistic’ approach to transitional justice are enhanced by considering how synergies between different transitional mechanisms may be optimized. Drawing upon multiple examples, this article explores the potential contribution of truth seeking to reparation efforts at a normative, institutional and operational level. The article emphasizes the importance of an awareness of the reparative potential of truth seeking on the part of those implicated in its design and implementation, as well as an appreciation of the influence of contextual factors on a delicate process. It cannot be conceived of simply as a technocratic exercise, but as an inherent part of empowering victims.
Military Objectives 2.0: The Case for Interpreting Computer Data as Objects under International Humanitarian Law
Authors: Mačák Kubo
Published: January 2015

This article presents the case for a progressive interpretation of the notion of military objectives in international humanitarian law (IHL), bringing computer data within the scope of this concept. The advent of cyber military operations has presented a dilemma as to the proper understanding of data in IHL. The emerging orthodoxy, represented by the 2013Tallinn Manual on the International Law Applicable to Cyber Warfare, advances the argument that the intangible nature of data renders it ineligible to be an object for the purposes of the rules on targeting in IHL. This article, on the contrary, argues that because of its susceptibility to alteration and destruction, the better view is that data is an object within the meaning of this term under IHL and thus it may qualify as a military objective. The article supports this conclusion by means of a textual, systematic and teleological interpretation of the definition of military objectives found in treaty and customary law. The upshot of the analysis presented here is that data that does not meet the criteria for qualification as a military objective must be considered a civilian object, with profound implications for the protection of civilian datasets in times of armed conflict.
The Notion of ‘Objects’ during Cyber Operations: A Riposte in Defence of Interpretive and Applicative Precision
Authors: Schmitt Michael N
Published: January 2015

This article responds to the two articles published in this journal that criticise the approach taken by the International Group of Experts (IGE) who prepared the Tallinn Manual on the International Law Applicable to Cyber Warfare. Their authors took issue with the approach of the majority of the IGE over the question of whether data qualifies as an ‘object’ under international humanitarian law such that, for instance, cyber operations that target civilian data violate the prohibition on attacking civilian objects. The majority of the experts took the position that the law had not advanced that far and that pre-existing law could not be definitively interpreted to encompass data within the meaning of ‘objects’. In this article, the Director of the Tallinn Manual Project responds to the authors' criticism of the majority view by explaining and clarifying its reasoning.
Three newStirtoniafrom Everglades National Park with a key to neotropical species
Authors: SEAVEY Frederick , SEAVEY Jean
Published: January 2015

Stirtonia byssoidea, S. coeiandS. latispora, all from coastal hammocks within Everglades National Park, are described as new to science.Stirtonia byssoideais characterized by a felty byssoid thallus, conspicuous immersed white pruinose-like lirelliform ascigerous zones, small ascospores and the presence of perlatolic acid. It is closest toS. albabut has a different thallus type and much smaller ascospores.Stirtonia coeiis recognized by its lirellate ascigerous zones raised well above a greyish crystallate thallus, large ascospores and a lack of chemistry. It is closest toS. curvatabut differs by its I+ blue thallus, strongly raised ascigerous zones and by having no lichen substances.Stirtonia latisporacan be identified by its white lirelliform ascigerous areas immersed in a greyish green thallus, large, broad ascospores with a conspicuously enlarged mid cell and lack of substances. It would also key out close toS. curvatabut differs by the aforementioned ascigerous zones, an I+ blue thallus, wider ascospores with a different locular configuration and its lack of chemistry. A key to the six species known from the Neotropics is also provided.
Diffuse growth in the fruticose beard lichenRamalina usnea(L.) R. Howe
Authors: SANDERS William B. , TOKAMOV Sherzod A.
Published: January 2015

Very little is known about how growth is distributed within thalli of fruticose lichens. To determine whether mature, non-apical regions of the beard lichenRamalina usneaelongate, segments of the broadest axes were marked with thread and measured; thalli were then returned to the field to resume growth for about one year. Growth was evident in all segments measured and increments were roughly proportional to length, suggesting that elongation occurs throughout the thallus. New thallus axes (branches) were organized from buds that emerged from mature tissue, usually along pseudocyphellae and surfaces exposed by breakage. Axes were very fine at their extremities and possessed an inrolled apex from the time of bud emergence. No evidence of apical branching was observed. The thallus cortex consisted of very thick-walled fungal cells oriented longitudinally. In transverse section, cells gave the appearance of being grouped within fascicles, indicating that branch cells grow within the older cell wall material of their neighbours, as occurs in the cortex ofRamalina menziesiiand the medullary cord ofUsnea longissima. A continued accumulation of cell wall layers may be related to the mature tissue's capacity to sustain elongation growth.
The effect of agriculture management and fire on epiphytic lichens on holm oak trees in the eastern Iberian Peninsula
Authors: GARRIDO-BENAVENT Isaac , LLOP Esteve , GÓMEZ-BOLEA Antonio
Published: January 2015

For a long time, agriculture and recurrent fires have been the main factors promoting diversity changes in Mediterranean areas. We examined the effect of irrigated and non-irrigated crops and fires on the epiphytic lichen diversity of holm oak trees in the Vall d'Albaida region (Valencia, Spain). Lichen diversity was studied by calculating the LDV (Lichen Diversity Value) and the proportion of functional groups. No significant differences were observed between areas located near irrigated or non-irrigated crops. Fire-affected areas tended to harbour lower LDV and species richness than those influenced by agriculture. By using lichen functional groups, it has been shown that eutrophication tolerance, substratum pH affinity and, to some extent, thallus growth form are the main factors driving epiphytic lichen diversity in this rural area.
Rhizines occasionally occur in the genus Hypogymnia (Parmeliaceae, Ascomycota)
Authors: WEI Xin-Li , CHEN Kai , LUMBSCH H. Thorsten , WEI Jiang-Chun
Published: January 2015

The genus Hypogymnia is morphologically characterized by swollen lobes, a hollow medulla, perforations in the lower surface, and the absence of rhizines. In our studies on Hypogymnia spp. we found rhizines and hapters were occasionally present on the lower surface of 35 species. Morphology and anatomy of the appendage-organs were studied using dissecting, compound, and scanning electron microscopy and compared with rhizines found in the related genus Arctoparmelia. Two types of rhizine-like structures were found in Hypogymnia: slender and elongated rhizines, and thick and short hapters, both of which were few in number and sparsely distributed on the lower surface. There are no obvious differences in the morphology of rhizines between Arctoparmelia and Hypogymnia, except that rhizines are abundant in Arctoparmelia. Within Parmeliaceae, Hypogymnia belongs to the hypogymnioid clade together with the genera Arctoparmelia, Brodoa, and Pseudevernia, most of which are considered to lack rhizines. The occurrence of rhizines in Hypogymnia is consistent with the placement of Arctoparmelia in the hypogymnioid clade based on molecular data.
Molecular data support Pseudoparmelia as a distinct lineage related to Relicina and Relicinopsis (Ascomycota, Lecanorales)
Authors: BUARUANG Kawinnat , SCHARNAGL Klara , DIVAKAR Pradeep , LEAVITT Steven D. , CRESPO Ana , NASH Thomas H. , MANOCH Leka , LÜCKING Robert , LUMBSCH H. Thorsten
Published: January 2015

The phylogenetic position of the genus Pseudoparmelia was addressed using molecular data from five loci (mtSSU, nuLSU, ITS, Mcm7, RPB1), generated from three species and aligned with sequences from 293 samples representing all major clades of Parmeliaceae. Pseudoparmelia species form a well-supported monophyletic group that is the sister group of a clade consisting of the genera Relicina and Relicinopsis. These three genera share a thallus with a pored epicortex, isolichenan as cell wall polysaccharide, and relatively small ascospores. Morphological and chemical characters that distinguish Pseudoparmelia from the closely related Relicina and Relicinopsis are discussed. To further elucidate the relationships of these three genera, we assembled a second dataset including 15 additional samples of Relicina and Relicinopsis using three loci (mtSSU, nuLSU, ITS). All three genera are monophyletic but monophyly of Relicina lacks support and, in the mtSSU single locus tree, the genus is paraphyletic with Relicinopsis nested within. Additional studies including more Relicina species are necessary to test delimitation of the genera Relicina and Relicinopsis.
Exploring Gender Differences in the Relationships between Eldercare and Labour Force Participation
Authors: Lee Yeonjung , Tang Fengyan , Kim Kevin H. , Albert Steven M.
Published: January 2015

Cette étude a examiné la relation réciproque entre les soins des parents et la participation au marché du travail, afin de déterminer si (1) la prestation de soins est liés à l’emploi subséquent; (2) un emploi est lié à la prestation de soins subséquente; (3) la participation de la prestation de soins et la population travaillant a montré une relation réciproque à travers le temps; et (4) s’il existe des différences entre les sexes dans ces relations. Pour l’analyse, nous avons utilisé la modélisation par équation structurelle. L’échantillon de l’étude comprenait les enfants adultes de 51 ans et plus, vivant avec des parents ou beaux-parents. Aucune relation de réciprocité a été trouvée entre la prestation de soins et la participation de la population active, mais des différences de sexe étaient évidentes. Femmes soignantes en 2006 étaient moins susceptibles de travailler en 2008, bien que le statut d’emploi n’ était pas liée à la prestation de soins subséquente. En revanche, les hommes qui travaillaient en 2008 étaient moins susceptibles d’être engagés dans la prestation de soins en 2010, bien que la prestation de soins n’était pas liée à l’état de l’emploi subséquent. Ces résultats suggèrent que le sexe joue un rôle important dans la relation entre la prestation de soins et la participation au marché du travail.
Atmospheric forcing of coastal polynyas in the south-western Weddell Sea
Authors: Haid Verena , Timmermann Ralph , Ebner Lars , Heinemann Günther
Published: January 2015

The development of coastal polynyas, areas of enhanced heat flux and sea ice production strongly depend on atmospheric conditions. In Antarctica, measurements are scarce and models are essential for the investigation of polynyas. A robust quantification of polynya exchange processes in simulations relies on a realistic representation of atmospheric conditions in the forcing dataset. The sensitivity of simulated coastal polynyas in the south-western Weddell Sea to the atmospheric forcing is investigated with the Finite-Element Sea ice-Ocean Model (FESOM) using daily NCEP/NCAR reanalysis data (NCEP), 6 hourly Global Model Europe (GME) data and two different hourly datasets from the high-resolution Consortium for Small-Scale Modelling (COSMO) model. Results are compared for April to August in 2007–09. The two coarse-scale datasets often produce the extremes of the data range, while the finer-scale forcings yield results closer to the median. The GME experiment features the strongest winds and, therefore, the greatest polynya activity, especially over the eastern continental shelf. This results in higher volume and export of High Salinity Shelf Water than in the NCEP and COSMO runs. The largest discrepancies between simulations occur for 2008, probably due to differing representations of the ENSO pattern at high southern latitudes. The results suggest that the large-scale wind field is of primary importance for polynya development.
Lazy Cops and Robbers on Hypercubes
Authors: BAL DEEPAK , BONATO ANTHONY , KINNERSLEY WILLIAM B. , PRAŁAT PAWEŁ
Published: January 2015

We consider a variant of the game of Cops and Robbers, called Lazy Cops and Robbers, where at most one cop can move in any round. We investigate the analogue of the cop number for this game, which we call the lazy cop number. Lazy Cops and Robbers was recently introduced by Offner and Ojakian, who provided asymptotic upper and lower bounds on the lazy cop number of the hypercube. By coupling the probabilistic method with a potential function argument, we improve on the existing lower bounds for the lazy cop number of hypercubes.
Towards a Culture of Creativity: Reflections on Europe’s Strive for Excellence in Research and Innovation
Authors: Krull Wilhelm
Published: January 2015

In recent years, the notion of ‘excellence’ and its interconnectedness with research, development and innovations has become extremely popular across Europe. At regional and national as well as at the EU level, various initiatives have been taken to strengthen the science base, and to establish centres, or clusters of outstanding achievements. Researchers, universities, and funding agencies will have to work their way towards a culture of creativity, which needs a leap of faith based on the high-trust principles of governance and accountability, and which provides more space for risk-taking and thorough rethinking of common wisdom in order to achieve real breakthroughs at the frontiers of knowledge.
Why Antimatter Matters
Authors: Kellerbauer Alban
Published: January 2015

Almost ten years after the first production of cold antimatter at CERN, the confinement of antihydrogen has recently been achieved for the first time. Several experiments installed at the Antiproton Decelerator intend to test the symmetry between matter and antimatter by means of trapped anti-atoms. In addition, in the coming years it is planned to study the effect of gravity on antiparticles for the first time. Meanwhile, evidence from the Large Hadron Collider hinting at a violation of charge–parity symmetry beyond the Standard Model of particle physics has yet to be confirmed. A violation of the discrete symmetries that describe the relation between matter and antimatter could explain the excess of ordinary matter in the Universe.
From Spatial Turn to GIS-Mapping of Literary Cultures
Authors: Juvan Marko
Published: January 2015

Despite its postmodern articulation, the spatial turn is productive for literary studies because, paradoxically revisiting Kant’s modern attempt to base the structure of knowledge on the presumably scientific character of geography and anthropology, it has improved methods of historical contextualization of literature through the dialectics of ontologically heterogeneous spaces. The author discusses three recent appropriations of spatial thought in literary studies: the modernization of traditional literary geography in the research of the relations between geospaces and fictional worlds (Piatti, Westphal), the systemic analysis of the genre development and diffusion with the help of analytical cartography (Moretti), and the transnational history of literary cultures (Valdés, Neubauer, Domínguez, and so on). In conclusion, the author presents the tentative results of the research project ‘The Space of Slovenian Literary Culture: Literary History and the GIS-Based Spatial Analysis’, which might represent a matrix for further developments of the spatially-oriented literary science. Using GIS technologies, the project maps and analyses data about the media, institutions, and actors of Slovenian literature in order to explain how the interaction between ‘spaces in literature’ and ‘literature in spaces’ has historically established a nationalized and aesthetically differentiated literary field.
Logic in Poland in the Twentieth Century: An Introduction
Authors: Woleński Jan
Published: January 2015

A. Fraenkel and Y. Bar-Hillel in their classic Foundations of Set Theory (published in 1958) wrote ‘There is probably no country which has contributed, relatively to the size of its population, so much to mathematical logic and set theory and Poland. Leaving the explanation of this curious fact to sociology…’.1 However, the development of logic (and any other scientific field as well) in a given country, is not a linear function of the size of its population. In fact, there are several factors that conditioned the enormous development of mathematical logic and the foundations of mathematics in Poland, particularly in the years 1918–1939. The following circumstances can be taken into account as elements for a sociological explanation of this fact (curious or not, but that is another matter): the philosophical context (the rise of the Lvov-Warsaw School), the mathematical context (Polish Mathematical School and the Janiszewski program, the co-operation of philosophers and mathematicians in teaching and doing logic, the amount of logical teaching in secondary schools and universities, and several organizational enterprises (the place of logic at universities, journals, scientific societies).
Łukasiewicz and the Several Senses of Possibility
Authors: Simons Peter
Published: January 2015

The most famous achievement of Jan Łukasiewicz (1878–1956) was to give the first rigorous formulation of many-valued logic. In this paper I discuss his motivations for this, which were philosophical, and the legacy of his work.
Stanisław Leśniewski: Rethinking the Philosophy of Mathematics
Authors: Urbaniak Rafal
Published: January 2015

Near the end of the nineteenth century, a part of mathematical research was focused on unification: the goal was to find ‘one sort of thing’ that mathematics is (or could be taken to be) about. Quite quickly sets became the main candidate for this position. While the enterprise hit a rough patch with Frege’s failure and set-theoretic paradoxes, by the 1920s mathematicians (roughly speaking) settled on a promising axiomatization of set theory and considered it foundational. In parallel to this development was the work of Stanislaw Leśniewski (1886–1939), a Polish logician who did not accept the existence of abstract (aspatial, atemporal and acausal) objects such as sets. Leśniewski attempted to find a nominalistically acceptable replacement for set theory in the foundations of mathematics. His candidate was Mereology – a theory which, instead of sets and elements, spoke of wholes and parts. The goal of this paper will be to present Mereology in this context, to evaluate the feasibility of Leśniewski’s project and to briefly comment on its contemporary relevance.
A cluster-randomized trial determining the efficacy of caterpillar cereal as a locally available and sustainable complementary food to prevent stunting and anaemia
Authors: Bauserman Melissa , Lokangaka Adrien , Gado Justin , Close Kelly , Wallace Dennis , Kodondi Kule-Koto , Tshefu Antoinette , Bose Carl
Published: January 2015

Objective

We conducted a cluster-randomized controlled trial to assess the efficacy of a cereal made from caterpillars, a micronutrient-rich, locally available alternative animal-source food, on reducing stunting and anaemia in infants in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Design

Six-month-old infants were cluster randomized to receive either caterpillar cereal daily until 18 months of age or the usual diet. At 18 months of age, anthropometric measurements and biological samples were collected.

Setting

The rural Equateur Province in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Subjects

One hundred and seventy-five infants followed from 6 to 18 months of age.

Results

Stunting was common at 6 months (35 %) and the prevalence increased until 18 months (69 %). There was no difference in stunting prevalence at 18 months between the intervention and control groups (67 % v. 71 %, P=0·69). Infants in the cereal group had higher Hb concentration than infants in the control group (10·7 v. 10·1 g/dl, P=0·03) and fewer were anaemic (26 v. 50 %, P=0·006), although there was no difference in estimates of body Fe stores (6·7 v. 7·2 mg/kg body weight, P=0·44).

Conclusions

Supplementation of complementary foods with caterpillar cereal did not reduce the prevalence of stunting at 18 months of age. However, infants who consumed caterpillar cereal had higher Hb concentration and fewer were anaemic, suggesting that caterpillar cereal might have some beneficial effect. The high prevalence of stunting at 6 months and the lack of response to this micronutrient-rich supplement suggest that factors other than dietary deficiencies also contribute to stunting.
The promises of farming in the city: Introduction to the urban agriculture themed issue
Authors: Dimitri Carolyn , Oberholtzer Lydia , Pressman Andy
Published: January 2015

As the finishing touches go on this themed issue, evidence of widespread enthusiasm for urban farming is apparent in many developed countries. Farming in the city, commonly referred to as urban agriculture, has been put forth as a solution to multiple social problems, including the provision of new green spaces, control of runoff and provision of shade that offsets the heat of the concrete city. In cities with abundant vacant land and abandoned plots, urban agriculture promises a reduction of urban blight.
Metabolomics in the developmental origins of obesity and its cardiometabolic consequences
Authors: Hivert M. F. , Perng W. , Watkins S. M. , Newgard C. S. , Kenny L. C. , Kristal B. S. , Patti M. E. , Isganaitis E. , DeMeo D. L. , Oken E. , Gillman M. W.
Published: January 2015

In this review, we discuss the potential role of metabolomics to enhance understanding of obesity-related developmental origins of health and disease (DOHaD). We first provide an overview of common techniques and analytical approaches to help interested investigators dive into this relatively novel field. Next, we describe how metabolomics may capture exposures that are notoriously difficult to quantify, and help to further refine phenotypes associated with excess adiposity and related metabolic sequelae over the life course. Together, these data can ultimately help to elucidate mechanisms that underlie fetal metabolic programming. Finally, we review current gaps in knowledge and identify areas where the field of metabolomics is likely to provide insights into mechanisms linked to DOHaD in human populations.
Der Ringversuch – gut und richtig eingesetzt
Authors: Fried Roman
Published: January 2015

Um Ringversuche zur externen Qualitätskontrolle in der Labormedizin wirksam einzusetzen, müssen optimale Voraussetzungen geschaffen werden. Es braucht Arbeitsanleitungen und Checklisten, damit die Ringversuchsproben korrekt vorbereitet und analysiert werden können. Es braucht aber auch ein grundlegendes Verständnis dafür, dass Qualitätssicherungswerkzeuge nur dann von Nutzen sind, wenn auftretende Fehler als Chance für die Verbesserung von Prozessen wahrgenommen werden. So eingesetzt können Ringversuche nicht nur analytische Probleme, sondern auch grundlegende Probleme im ganzen Ablauf einer Laboranalyse aufdecken. Dank der vielen Teilnehmer können die Qualitätskontrollzentren Erfahrungen sammeln und diese über die Berichte und Kommentare dem ganzen Teilnehmerkollektiv weitergeben. Auf diese Weise, sowie mit speziellen Weiterbildungsprogrammen können die Qualitätskontrollzentren einen Beitrag zur kontinuierlichen Weiterbildung in der Labormedizin leisten.
Outcome – Studien im Zusammenhang mit Laboranalysen
Authors: Huber Andreas R.
Published: January 2015

Biochemische Erkenntnisse und das Wissen über Stoffwechselvorgänge bis zum einzelnen Molekül und die rasche Entwicklung von neuen, sehr leistungsfähigen Methoden haben es erlaubt, dass die Labormedizin als wichtiger Bestandteil von Diagnose, Ausschluss, Therapie, Monitoring und als prädiktiver Test Einzug in die Medizin erhalten hat. Wichtig ist nicht nur die Qualität des Assays, sondern auch das Fachwissen um den Test, d. h. dass ein Test für die richtige Fragestellung eingesetzt wird und die Wertigkeit dem Kliniker bekannt ist. Hinzu kommen das Einhalten der präanalytischen Bedingungen, Kenntnisse über statistische Fakten wie Bayes Theorem und der gekonnte Miteinbezug anderer Resultate, klinischer Gegebenheiten. So lässt sich Berechnung oder wenigstens Abschätzung einer postanalytischen Wahrscheinlichkeit erheben. Der gleiche Test wird eine sehr unterschiedliche Performance haben je nach dem gewählten Einsatzort, resp. dem gewählten Patientenkollektiv. So macht z. B. ein erstmaliger PSA-Test bei einem 70-jährigen Patienten wenig Sinn. Weiter spielen auch die Qualitäten des Tests eine entscheidende Rolle. Es kann davon ausgegangen werden, dass gerade in der Labormedizin weitere Outcome-Studien folgen werden. Der Wert dieser nimmt zu, da die Tests in der Regel nicht bis wenig invasiv, relativ günstig und rasch erhältlich sind.
Komplexe Medikamentenregime bei multimorbiden älteren Menschen nach Spitalaufenthalt – eine qualitative Studie
Authors: Stauffer Yvonne , Spichiger Elisabeth , Mischke Claudia
Published: January 2015

Hintergrund: Ältere Menschen sind oft multimorbid und haben dadurch ein komplexes Medikamentenregime, das sich bei Spitalaustritt ändert und für sie herausfordernd sein kann. Die Sicht älterer Menschen im Umgang mit dem Medikamentenmanagement, vor allem nach Spitalaustritt, wurde bisher kaum erforscht. Fragestellung: Diese Studie geht der Frage nach, wie multimorbide ältere Menschen die Einnahme einer Vielzahl von Medikamenten nach Spitalaustritt erleben und wie sie damit umgehen. Methode: Ein qualitativ-deskriptives Verfahren wurde gewählt, zehn Interviews durchgeführt. Die Daten wurden offen in Anlehnung an Saldaña (2013) in zwei Zyklen codiert. Ergebnisse: Für ältere Menschen sind trotz Multimorbidität das Bewahren der Selbstständigkeit und die Verantwortungsübernahme für die Medikamenteneinnahme wichtig. Durch jahrelange Einnahme eignen sie sich Routine im Umgang mit Medikamenten an, neue Verordnungen werden in die Alltagsroutine integriert. Ungenaue Informationen der Gesundheitsfachpersonen und Schwierigkeiten der Befragten, die Medikamente nach Spitalaustritt zu beschaffen, können dazu führen, dass die medikamentöse Therapie zu Hause nicht korrekt und lückenlos weitergeführt wird. Vertrauensperson ist, auch für Informationen zur medikamentösen Therapie des Spitals, der Hausarzt/die Hausärztin. Schlussfolgerungen: Es empfiehlt sich, im Spital eine den Bedürfnissen der älteren Menschen angepasste Beratung durchzuführen, in der die medikamentöse Therapie, ihre Integration in den Tagesablauf und mögliche Lücken im Medikamentenmanagement für die Zeit nach dem Austritt besprochen werden.
Familiarity of Faces: Sense or Feeling?
Authors: Bonifacci Paola , Desideri Lorenzo , Ottaviani Cristina
Published: January 2015

Where does the experience of familiarity come from? Is it the same as sensory perception? Two novel approaches were combined to investigate the highly adaptive process of familiar face recognition: the inclusion of friends and family members as personally familiar faces and measures of eye movements and skin conductance responses (SCR). A sample of 16 university students was asked to look at photographs of 8 personally familiar faces (friends and relatives) and 8 unfamiliar faces. From the analysis of eye movement patterns, a preference for internal features (mouth, eyes, nose) for both familiar and unfamiliar faces emerged and a significant increase in electrodermal activity was found for personally familiar compared to unfamiliar faces. Higher SCR recovery values were found in response to friends. Findings from this exploratory investigation suggest that familiar faces are not looked at in a special way; instead we “feel” a sense of familiarity that comes and goes faster for relatives than for close friends.