bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Frontal fibrosing alopecia: clinical and prognostic classification
Authors: Moreno‐Arrones O.M. , Saceda‐Corralo D. , Fonda‐Pascual P. , Rodrigues‐Barata A.R. , Buendía‐Castaño D. , Alegre‐Sánchez A. , Pindado‐Ortega C. , Molins M. , Perosanz D. , Segurado‐Miravalles G. , Jaén P. , Vañó‐Galván S.
Published: April 2017

Background

Frontal fibrosing alopecia (FFA) is a chronic scarring alopecia with an unpredictable evolution. There are no current classifications of this disease that may predict its prognosis.

Objective

To analyse the differences in clinical presentation and evolution of FFA patients and to create a clinical and prognostic classification.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective analytical study of FFA patients. Clinical characteristics of frontal hairline recession were used as the sorting variable between patterns of presentation. A cohort of 106 patients homogenously treated with oral dutasteride and topical corticosteroid was followed 12 months.

Results

In all, 242 female patients with a mean age of 61.4 years were included. Patients were classified into three clinical patterns [118 (48.8%) patients as pattern I (linear), 109 patients (45%) as pattern II (diffuse) and 15 patients (6.2%) as pattern III (double line)]. Stabilization was achieved in 37.3% of the 106 patients treated with oral dutasteride and topical corticosteroid. Pattern III patients had less hairline recession and eyebrow involvement at the diagnosis and after treatment.

Limitations

Retrospective design.

Conclusions

Frontal fibrosing alopecia patients can be classified into three different clinical patterns with different prognosis. Pattern III patients have the best prognosis, while pattern II patients have the worst prognosis.
Evaluating therapeutic effect on WOMAC subscales in osteoarthritis RCTs: When model choice matters
Authors: Lorenzoni Giulia , Azzolina Danila , Soriani Nicola , Gregori Dario
Published: April 2017

Rationale, Aims, and Objectives

The study aimed at developing a method for modelling the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities index (WOMAC), accounting for correlation between its subscales and for heterogeneity of treatment effect (HTE), using data from 2 twin trials on knee osteoarthritis.

Method

Two randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled clinical trials (twin trials). Studies aimed at investigating the effectiveness of a pharmacological treatment on clinical outcomes of knee osteoarthritis, measured using WOMAC index. To take into account that the WOMAC subscales are correlated and skewed, we proposed and compared multivariate gamma and Gaussian approaches with latent variable capturing correlation between outcomes. Besides the latent term, the interaction between the latent term and treatment, accounting for HTE, was further estimated.

Results

Modelling the subscales by using a gamma approach accounting for skewness of data, we found out different results compared with Gaussian models. The main difference regarded the latent variable interacting with treatment (accounting for unobserved heterogeneity), which is not significant for the Gaussian approach (P value = .102) and significant in the gamma model (P value < .002). Thus, indicating that unobserved covariates affect treatment's performance.

Additionally, plotting the observed and the estimated values of WOMAC index of the Gaussian and gamma models, we showed that, compared with the Gaussian, the gamma one best fits the data, especially among poor responders.

Conclusion

Multivariate gamma approach accounting for correlation between outcomes and for HTE has been demonstrated to be more suitable to model WOMAC subscales and to provide more information on effect of therapy.
The patient safety climate in healthcare organizations (PSCHO) survey: Short‐form development
Authors: Benzer Justin K. , Meterko Mark , Singer Sara J.
Published: April 2017

Rationale, Aims, and Objectives

Measures of safety climate are increasingly used to guide safety improvement initiatives. However, cost and respondent burden may limit the use of safety climate surveys. The purpose of this study was to develop a 15‐ to 20‐item safety climate survey based on the Patient Safety Climate in Healthcare Organizations survey, a well‐validated 38‐item measure of safety climate.

Methods

The Patient Safety Climate in Healthcare Organizations was administered to all senior managers, all physicians, and a 10% random sample of all other hospital personnel in 69 private sector hospitals and 30 Veterans Health Administration hospitals. Both samples were randomly divided into a derivation sample to identify a short‐form subset and a confirmation sample to assess the psychometric properties of the proposed short form.

Results

The short form consists of 15 items represented 3 overarching domains in the long‐form scale—organization, work unit, and interpersonal.

Conclusion

The proposed short form efficiently captures 3 important sources of variance in safety climate: organizational, work‐unit, and interpersonal. The short‐form development process was a practical method that can be applied to other safety climate surveys. This safety climate short form may increase response rates in studies that involve busy clinicians or repeated measures.
Factors associated with sustainability of 2 quality improvement programs after achieving early implementation success. A qualitative case study
Authors: Ament Stephanie M.C. , Gillissen Freek , Moser Albine , Maessen José M.C. , Dirksen Carmen D. , von Meyenfeldt Maarten F. , van der Weijden Trudy
Published: April 2017

Rationale, aims, and objectives

Sustainability of innovations is a relatively new concept in health care research and has become an issue of growing interest. The current study explored factors related to the sustainability of 2 multidisciplinary hospital‐based programs 3 to 6 years after achieving early implementation success.

Method

An exploratory qualitative study was conducted into 2 implementation cases, an Enhanced Recovery After Surgery program for colorectal surgery and a short‐stay program for breast cancer surgery. Semistructured interviews were held with key persons involved in the care process in 14 hospitals from both cases minimally 3 years after the implementation, between March 2012 and May 2013. The Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research was used to direct the development of the interview guide, during data collection and during analysis. A directed content analysis was performed.

Results

A total of 21 interviews with 26 individuals were held, 18 regarding the Enhanced Recovery After Surgery case and 8 regarding the short‐stay program case. Respondents mentioned the following factors associated with sustainability of the programs: modification and adaptability of the program, cost‐effectiveness, institutionalization into existing systems, short communication lines within the multidisciplinary team, an innovative culture, benefits for patients, cosmopolitanism, the existence of external policies and incentives, trust and belief in the program, and spread of the program to other settings. Two factors are not covered by the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research, ie, modification of the program over the years and spread of the program to other contexts.

Conclusions

The factors associated with sustainability put forward in both cases were largely the same. Leadership and the implementation project were not mentioned as having influenced the long‐term sustainability of the benefits achieved. Sustainability of the innovations is influenced by determinants stemming from all ecological levels of the health care system and demands continuous effort in the postimplementation phase.
Conceptualizing movement by expert Bobath instructors in neurological rehabilitation
Authors: Vaughan‐Graham Julie , Patterson Kara , Zabjek Karl , Cott Cheryl A.
Published: April 2017

Rationale, aims, and objectives

Movement, a core aspect of physiotherapy practice, and integral to the clinical reasoning process has undergone limited theoretical development. Instead, research has focused on intervention effectiveness embedded within the positivist paradigm. The purpose of this study was to explore how expert neurorehabilitation therapists conceptualize movement as part of their clinical reasoning.

Method

A qualitative interpretive descriptive approach consisting of stimulated recall using video‐recorded treatment sessions and in‐depth interviews was used. Theoretical sampling was used to recruit members of the International Bobath Instructors Training Association (IBITA) who are recognized experts in neurorehabilitation. Interview transcripts were transcribed verbatim. Data analysis was progressive, iterative, and inductive.

Results

Twenty‐two IBITA instructors from 7 different countries volunteered to participate. They ranged in clinical experience from 12 to 40 years and instructor experience from 1 to 35 years. The conceptualization of movement by the IBITA instructors involves the following elements: (1) movement comprises the whole person and the whole body, not just individual body segments; (2) active alignment of body segments is integral to movement performance; and (3) efficient movement requires the relative integration of postural control/stability and selective movement/mobility.

Conclusions

The IBITA instructors conceptualize movement from a person‐centred perspective. The integration of postural control and selective movement, with alignment and variability as key components, forms the foundation of their understanding of movement. Further investigation into the role of postural control in movement recovery post central nervous system lesion is required. Likewise, the dimensions of movement critical to the conceptualization of movement are not well understood from the perspective of the physiotherapist or persons with neurological impairments.
Restraint stress increases prolactin‐mediated phosphorylation of signal transducer and activator of transcription 5 in the hypothalamus and adrenal cortex in the male mouse
Authors: Kirk S. E. , Xie T. Y. , Steyn F. J. , Grattan D. R. , Bunn S. J.
Published: April 2017

Prolactin is a pleiotropic peptide hormone produced by the lactotrophs in the anterior pituitary. Its rate of secretion is primarily regulated by a negative‐feedback mechanism where prolactin stimulates the activity of the tuberoinfundibular dopaminergic (TIDA) neurones, increasing their release of dopamine, which accesses the pituitary via the median eminence to suppress further prolactin secretion. In addition to its well established role in lactation, circulating prolactin is secreted in response to stress, although the mechanism by which this is achieved or its cellular targets remains unknown. In the present study, we show that 15 minutes of restraint stress causes an approximately seven‐fold increase in circulating prolactin concentration in male mice. Monitoring prolactin receptor activation, using immunohistochemistry to determine the level and distribution of tyrosine phosphorylated signal transducer and activator of transcription 5 (pSTAT5), we show that this stress‐induced increase in prolactin interacts with both central and peripheral targets. Restraint stress for 15 minutes significantly increased pSTAT5 staining in the arcuate nucleus, median eminence and the zona fasciculata of the adrenal cortex. In each case, this response was prevented by pretreating the animals with bromocriptine to block prolactin secretion from the pituitary. Interestingly, in contrast to many cells in the arcuate nucleus, stress reduced pSTAT5 staining of the TIDA neurones (identified by dual‐labelling for tyrosine hydroxylase). This suggests that there is reduced prolactin signalling in these cells and thus potentially a decline in their inhibitory influence on prolactin secretion. These results provide evidence that prolactin secreted in response to acute stress is sufficient to activate prolactin receptors in selected target tissues known to be involved in the physiological adaptation to stress.
Network analysis of adhesion/growth‐regulatory galectins and their binding sites in adult chicken retina and choroid
Authors: Manning Joachim C. , García Caballero Gabriel , Knospe Clemens , Kaltner Herbert , Gabius Hans‐Joachim
Published: April 2017

The highly ordered multilayered organization of the adult chicken retina is a suitable test model for examining zonal distribution of the members of a bioeffector family. Based on the concept of the sugar code, the functional pairing of glycan epitopes with cognate receptors (lectins) is emerging as a means to explain the control of diverse physiological activities. Having recently completed the biochemical characterization of all seven adhesion/growth‐regulatory galectins present in chicken, it was possible to establish how the individual characteristics of their expression profiles add up to shape the galectin network, which until now has not been defined at this level of complexity. This information will also have relevance in explaining the region‐specific presence of glycan determinants in the retina, as illustrated in the first part of this study using a panel of nine plant/fungal agglutinins. The following systematic monitoring of the galectins yielded patterns for which quantitative and qualitative differences were detected. Obviously, positivity in distinct layers is not confined to a single protein of this family, e.g. CG‐1A, CG‐3 or CG‐8. These results underline the requirement for network analysis for these proteins that can functionally interact in additive or antagonistic modes. Labeling of the tissue galectins facilitated profiling of their accessible binding sites. It also revealed differences among the galectin family members, highlighting the ability of this method to define binding properties on the level of tissue sections. Methodologically, the detection of endogenous lectins intimates that cognate glycans can become inaccessible, a notable caveat for lectin histochemical studies.
Nursing and pharmacy students’ use of emotionally intelligent behaviours to manage challenging interpersonal situations with staff during clinical placement: A qualitative study
Authors: McCloughen Andrea , Foster Kim
Published: April 2017

Aims and objectives

To identify challenging interpersonal interactions experienced by nursing and pharmacy students during clinical placement, and strategies used to manage those situations.

Background

Healthcare students and staff experience elevated stress when exposed to dynamic clinical environments, complex care and challenging professional relationships. Emotionally intelligent behaviours are associated with appropriate recognition and management of emotions evoked by stressful experiences and development of effective relationships. Nursing and pharmacy students’ use of emotionally intelligent behaviours to manage challenging interpersonal situations is not well known.

Design

A qualitative design, using semi‐structured interviews to explore experiences of challenging interpersonal situations during clinical placement (Phase two of a larger mixed‐methods study). Final‐year Australian university nursing and pharmacy students (n = 20) were purposefully recruited using a range of Emotional Intelligence scores (derived in Phase one), measured using the GENOS Emotional intelligence Inventory (concise version).

Results

Challenging interpersonal situations involving student–staff and intrastaff conflict, discourteous behaviour and criticism occurred during clinical placement. Students used personal and relational strategies, incorporating emotionally intelligent behaviours, to manage these encounters. Strategies included reflecting and reframing, being calm, controlling discomfort and expressing emotions appropriately.

Conclusions

Emotionally intelligent behaviours are effective to manage stressful interpersonal interactions. Methods for strengthening these behaviours should be integrated into education of nursing and pharmacy students and qualified professionals. Education within the clinical/workplace environment can incorporate key interpersonal skills of collaboration, social interaction and reflection, while also attending to sociocultural contexts of the healthcare setting.

Relevance to clinical practice

Students and staff are frequently exposed to stressful clinical environments and challenging interpersonal encounters within healthcare settings. Use of emotionally intelligent behaviours to recognise and effectively manage these encounters may contribute to greater stress tolerance and enhanced professional relationships. Nursing and pharmacy students, and their qualified counterparts, need to be educated to strengthen their emotional intelligence skills.
Should You Really Produce What Consumers Like Online? Empirical Evidence for Reciprocal Voting in Open Innovation Contests
Authors: Hofstetter Reto , Aryobsei Suleiman , Herrmann Andreas
Published: April 2017

In open innovation, firms increasingly rely on online consumer votes to evaluate ideas for new products and services. Votes can represent cost‐effective external information about idea quality that can inform and facilitate a firm's task of evaluating and screening of ideas at the early stages of the innovation process. Challenging this perception, we proposed that consumer votes provided in open innovation contests can be socially biased by reciprocal voting. On the basis of theories related to cooperation and social influence, we argued that both gregarious consumers (those who solicit social ties) and consumers who initiate direct reciprocity (those who vote for others) signal a willingness to cooperate that stimulates reciprocal voting from peers. We empirically investigated consumer voting behavior using a unique dataset with information obtained from actual open innovation contests in which consumers could submit their own ideas and see and vote for the ideas of others. We found that both gregariousness and the initiation of direct reciprocity positively influence votes received. Such cooperation pays off for consumers because firms indeed use votes to inform internal idea evaluations. We also found, however, that the votes an idea receives during an innovation contest cannot significantly explain its later revealed quality. Reciprocity may be an effective form of cooperation among consumers, but it has potentially negative implications for firms' evaluations. Our results also indicated that beyond reciprocity, consumers and firms value different types of ideas, which further differentiates their evaluations. Thus, firms should not only be aware of social biases in votes but also account for the diverging idea preferences of customers.
The homeostatic and circadian sleep recovery responses after total sleep deprivation in mice
Authors: Dispersyn Garance , Sauvet Fabien , Gomez‐Merino Danielle , Ciret Sylvain , Drogou Catherine , Leger Damien , Gallopin Thierry , Chennaoui Mounir
Published: April 2017

Many studies on sleep deprivation effects lack data regarding the recovery period. We investigated the 2‐day homeostatic and circadian sleep recovery response to 24 h of total sleep deprivation (TSD) induced by brief rotation of an activity wheel. Eight mice were implanted with telemetry transmitters (DSI F40‐EET) that recorded simultaneously their electroencephalography (EEG), locomotor activity and temperature during 24 h of baseline (BSL), TSD and 2 days of recovery (D1 and D2). In a second experiment, two groups of five non‐implanted mice underwent TSD or ad libitum sleep, after which they were killed, adrenal glands were weighed and blood was collected for analysis of corticosterone concentration. During TSD mice were awake at least 97% of the time, with a consecutive sleep rebound during D1 that persisted during D2. This was characterized by increases of non‐rapid eye movement (NREM) sleep (44.2 ± 6.9% for D1 and 43.0 ± 7.7% for D2 versus 33.8 ± 9.2% for BSL) and the relative delta band power (179.2 ± 34.4% for D1 and 81.9 ± 11.2% for D2). Greater NREM and REM sleep amounts were observed during the ‘light’ periods. Temperature and locomotor activity characteristics were unchanged during D1 and D2 versus BSL. In non‐implanted mice, corticosterone levels as well as adrenal gland and overall body weights did not differ between TSD and ad libitum sleep groups. In conclusion, 24 h of TSD in an activity wheel without stress responses influence homeostatic sleep regulation with no effect on the circadian regulation over at least 2 days of recovery in mice.
Elongation of barley roots in high‐pH nutrient solution is supported by both cell proliferation and differentiation in the root apex
Authors: Higuchi Kyoko , Ono Kota , Araki Satoru , Nakamura Shogo , Uesugi Tetsuya , Makishima Taira , Ikari Atsushi , Hanaoka Takahiro , Sue Masayuki
Published: April 2017

Many crops grow well on neutral or weakly acidic soils. The ability of roots to elongate under high‐external pH would be advantageous for the survival of plants on alkaline soil. We found that root elongation was promoted in some plant species in alkaline‐nutrient solution. Barley, but not tomato, root growth was maintained in pH 8 nutrient solution. Fe and Mn were absorbed well from the pH 8 nutrient solution by both barley and tomato plants, suggesting that the different growth responses of these two species may not be caused by insolubilization of transition metals. The ability of intact barley and tomato plants to acidify external solution was comparable; in both species, this ability decreased in plants exposed to pH 8 nutrient solution for 1 w. Conversely, cell proliferation and elongation in barley root apices were facilitated at pH 8 as shown by microscopy and cell‐cycle‐related gene‐expression data; this was not observed in tomato. We propose that barley adapts to alkaline stress by increasing root development.
Effects of ambient temperature in association with photoperiod on phenology and on the expressions of major plant developmental genes in wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)
Authors: Kiss Tibor , Dixon Laura E. , Soltész Alexandra , Bányai Judit , Mayer Marianna , Balla Krisztina , Allard Vincent , Galiba Gábor , Slafer Gustavo A. , Griffiths Simon , Veisz Ottó , Karsai Ildikó
Published: April 2017

In addition to its role in vernalization, temperature is an important environmental stimulus in determining plant growth and development. We used factorial combinations of two photoperiods (16H, 12H) and three temperature levels (11, 18 and 25 °C) to study the temperature responses of 19 wheat cultivars with established genetic relationships. Temperature produced more significant effects on plant development than photoperiod, with strong genotypic components. Wheat genotypes with PPD‐D1 photoperiod sensitive allele were sensitive to temperature; their development was delayed by higher temperature, which intensified under non‐inductive conditions. The effect of temperature on plant development was not proportional; it influenced the stem elongation to the largest extent, and warmer temperature lengthened the lag phase between the detection of first node and the beginning of intensive stem elongation. The gene expression patterns of VRN1, VRN2 and PPD1 were also significantly modified by temperature, while VRN3 was more chronologically regulated. The associations between VRN1 and VRN3 gene expression with early apex development were significant in all treatments but were only significant for later plant developmental phases under optimal conditions (16H and 18 °C). Under 16H, the magnitude of the transient peak expression of VRN2 observed at 18 and 25 °C associated with the later developmental phases.
TLR‐Stimulated Eosinophils Mediate Recruitment and Activation of NK Cells In Vivo
Authors: O'Flaherty S. M. , Sutummaporn K. , Häggtoft W. L. , Worrall A. P. , Rizzo M. , Braniste V. , Höglund P. , Kadri N. , Chambers B. J.
Published: April 2017

Eosinophils like many myeloid innate immune cells can provide cytokines and chemokines for the activation of other immune cells upon TLR stimulation. When TLR‐stimulated eosinophils were inoculated i.p. into wild‐type mice, and NK cells were rapidly recruited and exhibited antitumour cytotoxicity. However, when mice depleted of CD11c+ cells were used, a marked decrease in the number of recruited NK cells was observed. We postulated that CpG or LPS from the injected eosinophils could be transferred to host cells, which in turn could recruit NK cells. However, by inoculating mice deficient in TLR4 or TLR9 with LPS or CpG‐stimulated eosinophils respectively, NK cell recruitment was still observed alongside cytotoxicity and IFNγ production. CpG stimulation of eosinophils produced the pro‐inflammatory cytokine IL‐12 and the chemokine CXCL10, which are important for NK cell activation and recruitment in vivo. To demonstrate the importance of CXCL10 in NK cell recruitment, we found that CpG‐stimulated eosinophils pretreated with the gut microbial metabolite butyrate had reduced expression and production of CXCL10 and IL‐12 and concomitantly were poor at recruitment of NK cells and inducing IFNγ in NK cells. Therefore, eosinophils like other innate immune cells of myeloid origin can conceivably stimulate NK cell activity. In addition, products of the gut microbiota can be potential inhibitors of NK cell.
Subunit Vaccines Consisting of Antigens from Dormant and Replicating Bacteria Show Promising Therapeutic Effect against Mycobacterium Bovis BCG Latent Infection
Authors: Li F. , Kang H. , Li J. , Zhang D. , Zhang Y. , Dannenberg A. M. , Liu X. , Niu H. , Ma L. , Tang R. , Han X. , Gan C. , Ma X. , Tan J. , Zhu B.
Published: April 2017

To screen effective antigens as therapeutic subunit vaccines against Mycobacterium latent infection, we did bioinformatics analysis and literature review to identify effective antigens and evaluated the immunogenicity of five antigens highly expressed in dormant bacteria, which included Rv2031c (HspX), Rv2626c (Hrp1), Rv2007c (FdxA), Rv1738 and Rv3130c. Then, several fusion proteins such as Rv2007c‐Rv2626c (F6), Rv2031c‐Rv1738‐Rv1733c (H83), ESAT6‐Rv1738‐Rv2626c (LT40), ESAT6‐Ag85B‐MPT64<190‐198>‐Mtb8.4 (EAMM), and EAMM‐Rv2626c (LT70) were constructed and their therapeutic effects were evaluated in pulmonary Mycobacterium bovis Bacilli Calmette–Guérin (BCG) – latently infected rabbit or mouse models. The results showed that EAMM and F6 plus H83 had therapeutic effect against BCG latent infection in the rabbit model, respectively, and that the combination of EAMM with F6 plus H83 significantly reduced the bacterial load. In addition, the fusion proteins LT40 and LT70 consisting of multistage antigens showed promising therapeutic effects in the mouse model. We conclude that subunit vaccines consisting of both latency and replicating‐associated antigens show promising therapeutic effects in BCG latent infection animal models.
The Lombard effect observed in speech produced by cochlear implant users in noisy environments: A naturalistic study
Authors: Lee Jaewook , Ali Hussnain , Ziaei Ali , Tobey Emily A. , Hansen John H. L.
Published: April 2017

The Lombard effect is an involuntary response speakers experience in the presence of noise during voice communication. This phenomenon is known to cause changes in speech production such as an increase in intensity, pitch structure, formant characteristics, etc., for enhanced audibility in noisy environments. Although well studied for normal hearing listeners, the Lombard effect has received little, if any, attention in the field of cochlear implants (CIs). The objective of this study is to analyze speech production of CI users who are postlingually deafened adults with respect to environmental context. A total of six adult CI users were recruited to produce spontaneous speech in various realistic environments. Acoustic-phonetic analysis was then carried out to characterize their speech production in these environments. The Lombard effect was observed in the speech production of all CI users who participated in this study in adverse listening environments. The results indicate that both suprasegmental (e.g., F0, glottal spectral tilt and vocal intensity) and segmental (e.g., F1 for /i/ and /u/) features were altered in such environments. The analysis from this study suggests that modification of speech production of CI users under the Lombard effect may contribute to some degree an intelligible communication in adverse noisy environments.
The Arctic Ocean as a dead end for floating plastics in the North Atlantic branch of the Thermohaline Circulation
Authors: Cózar Andrés , Martí Elisa , Duarte Carlos M. , García-de-Lomas Juan , van Sebille Erik , Ballatore Thomas J. , Eguíluz Victor M. , González-Gordillo J. Ignacio , Pedrotti Maria L. , Echevarría Fidel , Troublè Romain , Irigoien Xabier
Published: April 2017

Atlantic surface circulation transports high loads of plastic debris to remote Arctic waters.
The nearly universal link between the age of past knowledge and tomorrow’s breakthroughs in science and technology: The hotspot
Authors: Mukherjee Satyam , Romero Daniel M. , Jones Ben , Uzzi Brian
Published: April 2017

Papers or patents that cite past work of a particular age distribution double their chances of being a hit.
Ecosystem management as a wicked problem
Authors: DeFries Ruth , Nagendra Harini
Published: April 2017

Ecosystems are self-regulating systems that provide societies with food, water, timber, and other resources. As demands for resources increase, management decisions are replacing self-regulating properties. Counter to previous technical approaches that applied simple formulas to estimate sustainable yields of single species, current research recognizes the inherent complexity of ecosystems and the inability to foresee all consequences of interventions across different spatial, temporal, and administrative scales. Ecosystem management is thus more realistically seen as a “wicked problem” that has no clear-cut solution. Approaches for addressing such problems include multisector decision-making, institutions that enable management to span across administrative boundaries, adaptive management, markets that incorporate natural capital, and collaborative processes to engage diverse stakeholders and address inequalities. Ecosystem management must avoid two traps: falsely assuming a tame solution and inaction from overwhelming complexity. An incremental approach can help to avoid these traps.
Thyroid skeletal metastasis: pain management withverteblation
Authors: Orgera Gianluigi , Krokidis Miltiadis , Rebonato Alberto , Tipaldi Marcello Andrea , Mascagni Luca , Rossi Michele
Published: April 2017

The combination of percutaneous vertebroplasty with radiofrequency ablation (verteblation) has not shown to be an effective measure of pain management in patients with metastatic lesions of the spine. The use of this novel technique has not been previously described in metastatic disease from thyroid cancer. We would like to report our experience after treating a patient affected by a thyroid carcinoma and an osteolytic spine metastasis. The patient suffered from life-limiting pain and was successfully treated with a combination of vertebroplasty and radiofrequency ablation. This case shows that the indications of verteblation may be expanded in the palliative treatment of metastatic disease from thyroid carcinoma.
Effect of zeolite utilization on volume change and strength properties of expansive soil as landfill barrier
Authors: Öncü Şerife , Bilsel Huriye
Published: April 2017

A sand–Na–bentonite mixture is widely used as engineering barrier material, which usually possesses hydraulic conductivity below the regulatory limit (10−7 cm/s). However, in some areas natural Na–bentonite is not readily available; instead, an abundantly prevailing local expansive soil can be an alternative. This study assesses the suitability of a local expansive soil mixed with zeolite, easily obtained from natural reserves in Turkey, proposed to be used as a landfill liner in a semi-arid climate. The choice of zeolite is due to its already well-understood high adsorption capacity for heavy metals as well as its pozzolanicity. The volume change, strength, and hydraulic conductivity characteristics were studied with respect to durability through ageing. When an expansive soil to zeolite ratio of 0.5 was used, the results indicated improved properties with curing. Swell potential was observed to decrease by 85% within a 90 day curing period, while a 30%–34% reduction was noted in shrinkage and compressibility characteristics. The hydraulic conductivity was observed to remain below the regulatory limit under all confining pressure ranges studied, provided the curing time was at least 90 days. Moreover, the mixture attained improved strength characteristics with time, and proved to be sustainable over the period studied. Therefore, it was concluded that expansive soil mixed with zeolite could be a good alternative to sand–Na-bentonite, mainly in developing areas of growing population and environmental degradation.
On the Evolution of Lactase Persistence in Humans
Authors: Ségurel Laure , Bon Céline
Published: April 2017

Lactase persistence—the ability of adults to digest the lactose in milk—varies widely in frequency across human populations. This trait represents an adaptation to the domestication of dairying animals and the subsequent consumption of their milk. Five variants are currently known to underlie this phenotype, which is monogenic in Eurasia but mostly polygenic in Africa. Despite being a textbook example of regulatory convergent evolution and gene-culture coevolution, the story of lactase persistence is far from clear: Why are lactase persistence frequencies low in Central Asian herders but high in some African hunter-gatherers? Why was lactase persistence strongly selected for even though milk processing can reduce the amount of lactose? Are there other factors, outside of an advantage of caloric intake, that contributed to the selective pressure for lactase persistence? It is time to revisit what we know and still do not know about lactase persistence in humans.
Identification of the fatty acid activation site on human ClC-2
Authors: Cuppoletti John , Tewari Kirti P. , Chakrabarti Jayati , Malinowska Danuta H.
Published: April 2017

Fatty acids (including lubiprostone and cobiprostone) are human ClC-2 (hClC-2) Cl− channel activators. Molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying this activation were examined. Role of a four-amino acid PKA activation site, RGET691, of hClC-2 was investigated using wild-type (WT) and mutant (AGET, RGEA, and AGAA) hClC-2 expressed in 293EBNA cells as well as involvement of PKA, intracellular cAMP concentration ([cAMP]i), EP2, or EP4 receptor agonist activity. All fatty acids [lubiprostone, cobiprostone, eicosatetraynoic acid (ETYA), oleic acid, and elaidic acid] caused significant rightward shifts in concentration-dependent Cl− current activation (increasing EC50s) with mutant compared with WT hClC-2 channels, without changing time and voltage dependence, current-voltage rectification, or methadone inhibition of the channel. As with lubiprostone, cobiprostone activation of hClC-2 occurred with PKA inhibitor (myristoylated protein kinase inhibitor) present or when using double PKA activation site (RRAA655/RGEA691) mutant. Cobiprostone did not activate human CFTR. Fatty acids did not increase [cAMP]i in hClC-2/293EBNA or T84 cells. Using T84 CFTR knockdown cells, cobiprostone increased hClC-2 Cl− currents without increasing [cAMP]i, while PGE2 and forskolin-IBMX increased both. Fatty acids were not agonists of EP2 or EP4 receptors. L-161,982, a supposed EP4-selective inhibitor, had no effect on lubiprostone-activated hClC-2 Cl− currents but significantly decreased T84 cell barrier function measured by transepithelial resistance and fluorescent dextran transepithelial movement. The present findings show that RGET691 of hClC-2 (possible binding site) plays an important functional role in fatty acid activation of hClC-2. PKA, [cAMP]i, and EP2 or EP4 receptors are not involved. These studies provide the molecular basis for fatty acid regulation of hClC-2.
Oncolytic Virus-Based Immunotherapies for Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Yoo So Young , Badrinath Narayanasamy , Woo Hyun Young , Heo Jeong
Published: April 2017

Hepatocellular carcinoma is highly refractory cancer which is resistant to conventional chemotherapy and radiotherapy, carrying a dismal prognosis. Although many anticancer drugs have been developed for treating HCC, sorafenib is the only effective treatment, but it only prolongs survival duration for about 3 months. Recently, oncolytic virotherapy has shown promising results in treating HCCs and the effects can be more enhanced by adopting immune modulatory molecules. This review discusses the current status of treating HCC and the effective strategy of oncolytic virus-based immunotherapy for the treatment of HCCs.
Tratamento de fobia social em adultos: considerações a respeito da inserção da família em programas psicoeducacionais
Authors: Sztamfater Silvia , Savoia Mariângela Gentil
Published: April 2017

A participação da família na recuperação psiquiátrica é um facilitador importante. Objetivo: mostrar a visão geral atual de estudos psicoeducacionais relacionadas ao envolvimento da família no tratamento da fobia social. Método: uma revisão sistemática de literatura foi realizada baseada nas bases de dados VHL, PsycInfo e SciELO. Foram considerados estudos em adultos entre 18 e 65 anos de idade com condições concomitantes, exceto transtornos de personalidade e psicose. Foram incluídos todos os tipos de estudo e diferentes intervalos de tempo das medidas de resultados. Resultados: as bases de dados exibiram uma quantidade baixa de estudos envolvendo psicoeducação familiar para fobia social. Discussão: a literatura recente evidencia um número muito baixo de estudos abordando a participação familiar no tratamento da fobia social. Conclusão: foram encontrados somente estudos com pacientes adolescentes
Mechanical and ballistic analysis of aramid/vinyl ester composites
Authors: Pagnoncelli Marlova , Piroli Vanessa , Romanzini Daiane , Pereira Iaci M , Rodrigues Dias Rafael , Amico Sandro C , Zattera Ademir J
Published: April 2017

This study focused on evaluating mechanical and dynamic-mechanical properties of polyaramid/vinyl ester composites, as a function of the fiber content. Furthermore, split Hopkinson pressure bar technique and V50 Ballistic limit tests were performed. Composites were prepared by resin transfer molding (RTM) with different fiber content, samples being identified as AD4, AD5 and AD6 (with 4, 5 and 6 polyaramid layers, respectively). Initially, fiber, void and matrix contents were calculated and statistically analyzed, in different regions of the composites. Mechanical and dynamical mechanical properties of the composites were improved by using higher fiber content. For example, impact strength of AD6 composite was 35% higher than AD4. Moreover, increase in the fiber content promoted an increase in tenacity and stress of the composites, in the same strain rate. Velocity limit in AD6 sample was estimated in ballistics tests and it was concluded that the composite obtained could accomplish the level I requisites of ballistic protection with V50 of 304 m.s−1.
Taking Stock of Corpus-Based Instruction in Teaching English as an International Language
Authors: Huang Li-Shih
Published: April 2017

Corpora are essential tools in the teaching of English as an international language (EIL). With the advent of high-powered computers, online corpora have been developed with the potential to transform how EIL is taught both inside and outside the classroom, since anyone with a mobile device and internet access can now take advantage of numerous corpora databases. But applying computer corpora to language pedagogy also requires teacher mediation; moreover, the issues involving the lack of corpus integration in either the EIL language classroom or teacher training programmes are both challenging and complex. Nonetheless, there is hope that empowering teachers with the necessary tools, skills, and knowledge in using online corpora will lead to the day when corpora resources and their use are no longer the exclusive preserve of researchers and reference material developers.
Robust integrated translational and rotational control for spacecraft rendezvous in unstructured environments
Authors: Feng Zhang
Published: April 2017

The problem considered in this paper is the robust integrated translation and rotation control for spacecraft rendezvous in unstructured environments. The pursuer spacecraft considered is equipped with a single main thruster, capable of only providing thrust along one axis of the body frame, and attitude control actuators, capable of providing manoeuvrability in three axes of the body frame. The formulated coupled translational and rotational dynamics of the spacecraft with various uncertainties performs an under-actuated highly nonlinear system. A technical state transformation is then proposed to transform the coupled dynamics into a cascaded nonlinear system with the first subsystem being a linear perturbed system. This special cascaded nonlinear structure inspires the synthesization of the eigenstructure assignment parametric technique and the backstepping philosophy to guarantee not only robust closed-loop stability but also a robust trajectory tracking performance in the presence of various system uncertainties coming from unstructured environments. Moreover, rigorous closed-loop stability analysis is undertaken by using singular perturbation theory. Finally, a space interception is used to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed control scheme.
Decriminalising Consensual Heterosexual Conduct outside Marriage: The Women's Case under International Human Rights Law
Authors: Zilli Livio
Published: April 2017

In many countries all over the world, women's real or alleged engagement in consensual sexual activity outside marriage can give rise to a criminal conviction, leading to the imposition of a sentence of imprisonment and/or corporal or even capital punishment. Criminalising women because of their real or alleged involvement in adultery or fornication is a form of discrimination against women and it serves to reinforce patriarchal dominance in the so-called ‘private sphere’ and contributes to women's vulnerability to abuse. Because of male dominance of law-making and its enforcement, traditional human rights discourses have – in the main – reflected societal attitudes and values as far as the criminalisation of adultery and fornication is concerned. As a result, human rights scholarship, monitoring and advocacy have largely ignored the plight of women accused of these ‘offenses’. However, as demonstrated by a feminist reformulation of human rights in international law, as well as by arguments pertaining to the prohibition of discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation, it is possible to map out a course of action for scholars, advocates and campaigners to spearhead efforts to decriminalise consensual sexual activity outside marriage using human rights law as a more responsive tool.
Transitional Justice and its Legitimacy: The Case for a Local Perspective
Authors: Oomen Barbara
Published: April 2017

Keynote speech delivered by B. Oomen at a seminar organized by the Foundation for Peace Sciences and the Netherlands Institute of Human Rights at the occasion of the inaugural lecture of professor G. Hesseling, 24 November 2006
Developmental Timing of Childhood Physical and Sexual Maltreatment Predicts Adult Depression and Post-Traumatic Stress Symptoms
Authors: Jaye Capretto Jessica
Published: April 2017

Child physical and sexual maltreatment have emerged as documented risk factors for a wide range of health problems in adulthood, including depression and post-traumatic stress symptoms. Prior research focuses on generalized childhood adversities without accounting for how different critical details about the maltreatment may affect outcomes in adulthood. The present study examines the impact of two critical details, timing and type of child maltreatment, on depression and post-traumatic stress symptoms in adulthood. Participants ( N = 104) completed the Maltreatment and Abuse Chronology of Exposure scale (MACE) and the Inventory of Depression and Anxiety Scale–Second Version (IDAS-II). Hierarchical multiple regressions compared three different models of child maltreatment predictors and their differential utility for predicting depression and post-traumatic stress symptoms in adulthood: (a) number of child maltreatment experiences, (b) severity of child maltreatment, and (c) timing of child maltreatment. Results indicate that severity of child maltreatment and timing of child maltreatment are greater predictors for adult depression and post-traumatic stress symptoms than number of child maltreatment experiences. Compared with other developmental periods, early childhood sexual maltreatment experiences (5 years of age and below) and late childhood physical maltreatment experiences (13 years of age and above) were stronger predictors of adult depression and post-traumatic stress symptoms. Children maltreated during these age groups may be prioritized for prevention and intervention efforts, particularly when there are limited resources. Clinical interviews with maltreated children should also be expanded to include information about developmental timing and severity of maltreatment, which have ramifications for later health problems. Implications for assessment of maltreated children, prevention of adult depression and post-traumatic stress symptoms, and future research directions are discussed.
The interplay between parties and media in putting EU issues on the agenda: A temporal pattern analysis of the 2014 European Parliamentary election campaigns in Austria, Germany and the United Kingdom
Authors: Maier Michaela , Bacherle Patrick , Adam Silke , Leidecker-Sandmann Melanie
Published: April 2017

We investigate the interplay between party communication and media coverage in putting EU issues on the agenda during the 2014 European Parliamentary election campaigns in Austria, Germany and the United Kingdom. A temporal pattern analysis focuses on the dynamic perspective of media–parties’ interactions based on a quantitative content analysis of (a) the press releases published by parties and (b) the coverage of two leading newspapers per country 12 weeks prior to the elections. We find that most public discourses are started by the media; however, political parties especially in Austria are also quite successful in initiating discussions about EU issues. Interestingly, once an issue has been placed on the agenda, only a few parties take the opportunity of exploiting their issue-ownership in response to the media agenda. On the other side, media react to publications of all party types, even radical parties.
‘Equally unequal or unequally equal’
Authors: Durojaye Ebenezer , Owoeye Yinka
Published: April 2017

The purpose of this article is to critically assess the approach of Nigerian courts to interpreting section 42 of the Constitution. This article argues that Nigerian courts are yet to develop a substantive equality approach to interpreting section 42 of the Constitution. Rather, the courts have tended to adopt the formal equality approach to interpreting the section. Analysing some decisions of the Court of Appeal and the Supreme Court, the article argues that in order to safeguard women’s rights and address gender inequality in the country, Nigerian courts should lean towards substantive equality approach to the interpretation of section 42 of the Constitution. This is not only consistent with Nigeria’s obligations under international law but also crucial to addressing historical imbalances between men and women in the country.