bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mathematical modelling of the drug release from an ensemble of coated pellets
Authors: Caccavo Diego , Lamberti Gaetano , Cafaro Maria Margherita , Barba Anna Angela , Kazlauske Jurgita , Larsson Anette
Published: March 2017

Background and Purpose

Coated pellets are widely used as oral drug delivery systems, being highly accepted by patients and with several advantages compared to single unit devices. However, their behaviour needs to be elucidated so as to improve the effectiveness of the formulations and reduce production costs. In spite of this important issue, few mathematical modelling studies have been attempted, mostly due to the complexities arising from the system's polydispersity (non‐homogeneous multiple‐unit particulate systems), which has been scarcely investigated using mechanistic models.

Experimental approach

A mechanistic mathematical model was developed that was able to describe the single pellet behaviour in terms of hydration, drug dissolution, diffusion and release and particle size. This model was then extended to describe and predict the behaviour of mono‐ and polydispersed ensembles of pellets.

Key Results

The polydispersity arising from the size and distribution of the inert core was shown to have a minimal effect on the drug release profile, whereas the thickness and distribution of the polymeric film was found to be the key parameter determining the drug release.

Conclusions and Implications

The mechanistic model developed, which is capable of determining the polydispersity of the drug delivery system, was able to predict the release kinetics from ensembles of pellets and to highlight the key parameters that need to be controlled in the production of pellet‐based drug delivery systems, demonstrating its use as a powerful predictive tool.
Near visual impairment and spectacle coverage in Telangana, India
Authors: Marmamula Srinivas , Khanna Rohit C , Kunuku Eswararao , Rao Gullapalli N
Published: March 2017

Importance

The study highlights the burden of near visual impairment (NVI) in India.

Background

NVI is a common condition that can be addressed through provision of spectacles. The study aims to assess the prevalence of NVI and spectacle coverage among those aged ≥40 years in south Indian state of Telangana.

Design

Population‐based cross‐sectional study using a rapid assessment methodology.

Participants

Five thousand one hundred forty participants enumerated from 123 clusters in two districts and have presenting distance visual acuity of ≥6/18 in the better eye.

Methods

Presenting near vision was assessed binocularly at a fixed distance of 40 cm using a log MAR chart with tumbling E optotypes in ambient lighting conditions. If the presenting near vision was worse than 6/12 (log MAR 0.3), then it was re‐assessed with addition lens appropriate to the age. NVI was defined as binocular presenting near vision worse than 6/12.

Main Outcome Measures

Prevalence of NVI and spectacle coverage.

Results

The mean age of the participants was 51.1 years (standard deviation: 9.3 years), and 46.5% (n = 2392) were women. About 80% (n = 4142) of them had no education, and 21.9% (n = 1126) were using spectacles for near vision. Nearly half of the participants were from Adilabad district (n = 2665). The prevalence of NVI was 58.3% (95% confidence interval: 56.9–59.6). NVI was associated with older age groups, male gender and no education. The spectacle coverage was 26.5%.

Conclusions and relevance

NVI is common in rural Telangana with low spectacle coverage. Service delivery programs should use a multi‐pronged approach to address the burden of NVI.
A children's space? Participation in multi‐agency early intervention
Authors: Lucas Steven
Published: March 2017

The common assessment framework provides a model of early intervention, which is familiar in local authorities throughout England, and asserts a participatory framework of child and family engagement. This article draws on data from a research project undertaken in 1 local authority in the Midlands of England, to explore the experiences of children, young people, and their families, who were engaged in the process of multi‐agency early intervention. The article considers the young people's involvement, including their accounts of attending common assessment framework meetings, and their engagement by practitioners. The research found that young people's participation was limited. The findings suggest that this is, in part, a response to disciplinary discourses around schooling and attendance. In addition, the narratives of parents and young people showed that under‐resourcing of work with young people meant that the time taken to build relationships and engage them in a process of self‐assessment, planning, and decision making was constrained and rationed. The article concludes that to achieve a participatory children's space, an active and more engaged model of childhood needs to be facilitated by practitioners and parents outside the school‐dominated space found in this study.
Foster children's experiences and expectations concerning the child‐welfare officer role—Prerequisites and obstacles for close and trustful relationships
Authors: Lindahl Robert , Bruhn Anders
Published: March 2017

The question of whether the Swedish social services are fulfilling their obligation to monitor and support children in foster care is attracting increasing attention. The importance of closeness and trust between children and their child‐welfare officers has been highlighted in particular. The aim of this article is to study foster children's experiences and expectations concerning the role of the child‐welfare officer, and how these constitute prerequisites for, and possible obstacles to the officers developing close and trustful relationships with the children under prevailing institutional conditions. Data from our evaluation of a national pilot project with supervision representatives provide the empirical basis. Our theoretical point of departure is that the relationship between the child and the child‐welfare officer is affected by the officer's role—a role that is negotiated under the prevailing institutional conditions and in interaction with the children's experiences of and expectations about that role. The results show that most children emphasize that the relationship with their officer is negatively affected by a lack of time, availability, and trust. It is also weakened by the children's general expectation that child‐welfare officers only act in their official role, a role that is associated with a formal and distanced relationship.
Second family provides further evidence for causation of Steel syndrome by biallelic mutations in COL27A1
Authors: Kotabagi S. , Shah H. , Shukla A. , Girisha K.M.
Published: March 2017

Steel syndrome is a rare disorder of the skeleton characterized by facial dysmorphism, short stature, carpal coalition, dislocated radial heads, bilateral hip dislocation and vertical talus. Homozygous variants in
COL27A1
were reported in an extending family from Puerto Rico. Here, we report a 5‐year‐old girl from a non‐consanguineous family with facial dysmorphism, short stature, carpal coalition, dislocation of radial heads, bilateral hip dislocation, scoliosis and vertical talus. Exome sequencing identified 2 novel compound heterozygous variants c.521_528del (p.(Cys174Serfs*34)) and c.2119C>T (p.(Arg707*)) in
COL27A1
in this child and the parents were heterozygous carriers. We hence report the second molecularly proven case of Steel syndrome and the first case to be reported among non‐Puerto Rican population. Our report further validates the role of
COL27A1
mutations in causation of Steel syndrome.
Implant‐guided supracrestal alveolar bone growth using scaffolds, BMP‐2, and novel scaffold‐retaining device
Authors: Wen Bo , Shafer David , Schleier Peter , Pendrys David , Kuhn Liisa , Freilich Martin
Published: March 2017

Objective

To evaluate the efficacy of various scaffold systems and a Ti scaffold‐retaining device with and without non‐glycosylated rhBMP‐2 (BMP‐2) for increasing the vertical alveolar bone growth in the intra‐oral mini‐pig model.

Methods

Forty‐eight Straumann Bone Level implants with hydrophilic (SLActive) surfaces were partially embedded in mandibles of 12 adult mini‐pigs with the shoulder of the implant located 3 mm above the bone crest. Twenty‐four implants were placed in conjunction with BMP‐2 (50 μg) incorporated within resorbable scaffolds. Twenty‐four additional control implants were placed with scaffolds only. Scaffolds were placed around the implant and stabilized with a newly developed Ti “umbrella” scaffold retainer. Scaffolds included (i) HA‐coated collagen (Healos); (ii) biphasic HA/β‐TCP crystals (Straumann Bone Ceramic, SBC); and (iii) SBC crystals infused with polyethylene glycol (PEG) hydrogel. Eight test and control pairs for each scaffold group were implanted. At 9 weeks, soft tissue healing was assessed and the extent of new vertical bone was evaluated with microCT and histomorphometry.

Results

microCT analysis revealed a mean of 167 ± 47 mm3 new supracrestal mineralized tissue volume formation around the test sites where BMP‐2 was released from the scaffold whereas the control group (no BMP‐2) showed a significantly lower mineralized tissue volume of 106 ± 55 mm3. The SBC+BMP‐2 group had the highest mineralized tissue volume of 189 ± 36 mm3. Histomorphometry showed bone‐to‐implant contact of 54.5% for the test groups and 33.3% for the control groups and new vertical bone growth of 2.2 ± 1.0 and 1.0 ± 0.9 mm, respectively. The SBC+BMP‐2 group again demonstrated the best outcome (2.7 ± 0.4 mm). The qualitative scoring of soft tissue dehiscence showed that the presence of BMP‐2 yielded far superior outcomes, 0.63 vs. 1.75 for all control implant sites (with scores ranging from 0, reflecting no soft dehiscence, to 4, showing a completely exposed umbrella).

Conclusion

The release of BMP‐2 from a SBC scaffold adjacent to a hydrophilic, rough Ti implant and scaffold retention umbrella consistently regenerated the greatest volume and height of new vertical bone along the length of the implant.
Does voluntary corporate social performance attract institutional investment? Evidence from China
Authors: Wang Mingzhu , Chen Yugang
Published: March 2017

Manuscript Type

Empirical

Research Question/Issue

This study analyses whether institutional investment in China is affected by the voluntary corporate social performance (CSP) of firms, after controlling for ownership structure, corporate governance, compensation, and other firm characteristics.

Research Findings/Insights

Firms with superior voluntary CSP attract more institutional investment, which remains robust after controlling for the reverse causality problem. Mutual funds are the main driver of the institutional investment pattern in China and they invest more in firms that achieve better voluntary CSP with respect to employment equality and customer care. Insurance companies and social security funds invest more in firms that take care of their customers. Qualified foreign institutional investors (QFIIs) are the only type of institutional investors tilting their investment in favor of firms doing well at saving energy.

Theoretical/Academic Implications

Our empirical evidence suggests that different types of institutional investors show preferences toward different aspects of investee firms’ voluntary CSP. We innovatively separate firms’ voluntary CSP into expected components that can be explained by firm characteristics and unexpected components (surprises) that cannot be explained by firm characteristics. Although institutional investors, in general, and mutual funds and QFIIs, in particular, own more shares in firms with more voluntary CSP surprises, only mutual funds trade on them in the subsequent year.

Practitioner/Policy Implications

Foreign institutional investors invest more in firms with better voluntary CSP, especially with respect to energy‐saving and environmental issues, but they do not show a significant preference toward firms with better corporate governance in China. Our paper offers implications for policy makers in transitory and emerging economies with regard to encouraging foreign institutional investors’ equity investment.
Birds as key vectors for the dispersal of some alien species: Further thoughts
Authors: Reynolds Chevonne , Cumming Graeme S. , Vilà Montserrat , Green Andy J.
Published: March 2017

W. Solarz, K. Najberek, A. Pociecha & E. Wilk‐Woźniak (, Diversity and Distributions, 23, 113–117) published a letter in Diversity and Distributions debating our view that waterbirds are important vectors of alien species (C. Reynolds, N. A. F. Miranda & G. S. Cumming, Diversity and Distributions, 21, 744–754; A. J. Green, Diversity and Distributions, 22, 239–247) and question whether future research into the mechanisms under‐pinning this phenomenon can be advantageous for the practical management of alien species. Additionally, Solarz et al. suggest that human activities are the primary source of all alien species introductions and that waterbirds may only act as vectors of secondary dispersal. In this letter, we respond to several arguments raised by the authors surrounding the relevance of waterbird‐mediated dispersal in the introduction and spread of alien species. We emphasize the partly deterministic nature of waterbird dispersal and the significance of long‐distance dispersal events (and hence the potential for primary introductions of new alien species across political boundaries). Finally, we reaffirm the importance of further research into dispersal by birds to improve our capacity to foresee and manage invasions of those alien species with strong capacity to spread via avian vectors.
The Eating and Drinking Ability Classification System in a population‐based sample of preschool children with cerebral palsy
Authors: Benfer Katherine A , Weir Kelly A , Bell Kristie L , Ware Robert S , Davies Peter S W , Boyd Roslyn N
Published: March 2017

Aim

To determine (1) the reproducibility of the Eating and Drinking Ability Classification System (EDACS); (2) EDACS classification distribution in a population‐based cohort with cerebral palsy (CP); and (3) the relationships between the EDACS and clinical mealtime assessment, other classifications, and health outcomes.

Method

This was a cross‐sectional population‐based cohort study of 170 children with CP at 3 years to 5 years (mean 57.6mo, standard deviation [SD] 8.3mo; 105 males, n=65 females). Functional abilities were representative of a population sample (Gross Motor Function Classification System level I=74, II=34, III=21, IV=18, V=23). The EDACS was the primary classification of mealtime function. The Dysphagia Disorders Survey was the clinical mealtime assessment. Gross motor function was classified using the Gross Motor Function Classification System.

Results

EDACS classification had 88.3% intrarater agreement (κ=0.84, intraclass correlation coefficient=0.95; p<0.001) and 51.7% interrater agreement (κ=0.36, intraclass correlation coefficient=0.79; p<0.001). In total, 56.5% of children were classified as EDACS level I. There was a strong stepwise relationship between the Dysphagia Disorders Survey and EDACS (r=0.96, p<0.001). Parental stress (odds ratio=1.3, p=0.05) and feeding tubes (odds ratio=6.4, p<0.001) were significantly related to more limited function on the EDACS.

Interpretation

The EDACS presents a viable adjunct to clinical assessment of feeding skills in children with CP for use in surveillance trials and clinical practice. A rating addendum would be a useful contribution to the tool to enhance reproducibility.
The Institutional Capacity for Forest Devolution: The Case of Forest Land Allocation in Vietnam
Authors: Dang Thi Kim Phung , Visseren‐Hamakers Ingrid J. , Arts Bas
Published: March 2017

The article assesses the institutional capacity of a devolution policy, namely forest land allocation (FLA) in Vietnam. We applied the governance capacity framework, which is based on the policy arrangement approach, to examine the extent to which the policy enables actors to work together in order to solve collective problems. The findings reveal that, overall, the institutional capacity ofFLAin Vietnam is rather low, although it varies from region to region. This result is determined by the restricted and ambiguous codification of property rights, the limited resource availability, the symbolic venues for deliberation and the lack of openness of actors towards others’ views in the policy process. External factors, particularly agricultural development, also had a major impact on institutional capacity.
Genetic population structure of sugarcane aphid, Melanaphis sacchari, in sorghum, sugarcane, and Johnsongrass in the continental USA
Authors: Medina Raul F. , Armstrong Scott J. , Harrison Kyle
Published: March 2017

In 2013, an outbreak of Melanaphis sacchari Zehntner (Hemiptera: Aphididae) was reported in sorghum in Texas, USA. Although this aphid has been reported in the continental USA for nearly a century, its occurrence was limited to Florida and Louisiana sugarcane. After 2013 and within just 3 years M. sacchari was reported in almost all sorghum growing regions from south central to southeastern states in the USA. Sorghum fields in affected areas have sustained considerable losses. This aphid has also been reported on Johnsongrass and other feral grasses. The speed at which this aphid has spread raises serious concerns about future infestations. Many aphid species present genetically distinct populations when feeding on different host plants. Thus, it was hypothesized that the recent outbreak in sorghum could be explained by a recent introduction of a sorghum‐specialized genotype. In this study, we genetically characterized M. sacchari in three of its most common host plants – sorghum, sugarcane, and Johnsongrass – across its geographic distribution in the continental USA. Although M. sacchari specimens were grouped within three genetically distinct clusters, we did not find evidence of host plant or geographic population structure. Our characterization of the genetic structure of this pest provides baseline data aimed to help explain its recent outbreak in sorghum, as well as information that may aid in the design of sustainable control strategies.
Benefits and potential trade‐offs associated with yeast‐like symbionts during virulence adaptation in a phloem‐feeding planthopper
Authors: Horgan Finbarr G. , Ferrater Jedeliza B.
Published: March 2017

Insect herbivores form symbioses with a diversity of prokaryotic and eukaryotic microorganisms. A role for endosymbionts during host feeding on nutrient‐poor diets – including phloem – is now supported by a large body of evidence. Furthermore, symbiont‐herbivore associations have been implicated in feeding preferences by host races (mainly aphids) on multiple plant species. However, the role of symbionts in mediating herbivore preferences between varieties of the same plant species has received little research attention despite the implications for virulence adaptation to resistant crops. This study investigates the role of yeast‐like symbionts (YLS) in virulence adaptation and host plant switching among populations of the brown planthopper, Nilaparvata lugens (Stål) (Hemiptera: Delphacidae), that were selected on various rice [Oryza sativa L. (Poaceae)] lines differing in their resistance against herbivores. Planthopper fitness (nymph weight) declined where YLS densities were depleted through heat treatment. However, compared to normal symbiotic planthoppers, the depletion of symbionts did not generally change the relative fitness of planthoppers (each ‘adapted’ to a single natal host) when switched to feed on a range of rice lines (exposed hosts). In some cases, this occurred despite differences in YLS density responses to the various hosts. Furthermore, we detected no fitness costs associated with YLS in adapted populations. Therefore, the results of this study suggest that, whereas YLS are essential for planthopper nutrition, changes in YLS density play little role during virulence adaptation and host plant switching by the brown planthopper.
Ten Years After the Spellings Commission: From Accountability to Internal Improvement
Authors: Liu Ou Lydia
Published: March 2017

Student learning outcomes assessment has been increasingly used in U.S. higher education institutions over the last 10 years, partly fueled by the recommendation from the Spellings Commission that institutions need to demonstrate more direct evidence of student learning. To respond to the Commission's call, various accountability initiatives have been launched, profoundly reshaping how assessment has been viewed, implemented, and used in higher education. This article reviews the conceptual and methodological challenges of the assessment agenda for one of the landmark accountability initiatives, the Voluntary System of Accountability, and also documents the notable shift from a strong focus on accountability to an increasing emphasis on internal improvement. This article then discusses the most recent developments in assessment approaches and tools, and proposes a four‐element, one‐enabler assessment cycle for institutions to maximally benefit from their assessment efforts.
Actual Interpretations and Use of Scores as Aspects of Validity
Authors: O'Leary Timothy M. , Hattie John A. C. , Griffin Patrick
Published: March 2017

Validity is the most fundamental consideration in test development. Understandably, much time, effort, and money is spent in its pursuit. Central to the modern conception of validity are the interpretations made, and uses planned, on the basis of test scores. There is, unfortunately, however, evidence that test users have difficulty understanding scores as intended. That is, although the proposed interpretations and use of test scores might be theoretically valid they might never come to be because the meaning of the message is lost in translation. This necessitates pause. It is almost absurd to think that the intended interpretations and uses of test scores might fail because there is a lack of alignment with the actual interpretations made and uses enacted by the audience. Despite this, there has only recently been contributions to the literature regarding the interpretability of score reports, the mechanisms by which scores are communicated to their audience, and their relevance to validity. These contributions have focused upon linking, through evidence, the intended interpretation and use with the actual interpretations being made and actions being planned by score users. This article reviews the current conception of validity, validation, and validity evidence with the goal of positioning the emerging notion of validity of usage within the current paradigm.
Operational classification of seizure types by the International League Against Epilepsy: Position Paper of the ILAE Commission for Classification and Terminology
Authors: Fisher Robert S. , Cross J. Helen , French Jacqueline A. , Higurashi Norimichi , Hirsch Edouard , Jansen Floor E. , Lagae Lieven , Moshé Solomon L. , Peltola Jukka , Roulet Perez Eliane , Scheffer Ingrid E. , Zuberi Sameer M.
Published: March 2017

The International League Against Epilepsy (ILAE) presents a revised operational classification of seizure types. The purpose of such a revision is to recognize that some seizure types can have either a focal or generalized onset, to allow classification when the onset is unobserved, to include some missing seizure types, and to adopt more transparent names. Because current knowledge is insufficient to form a scientifically based classification, the 2017 Classification is operational (practical) and based on the 1981 Classification, extended in 2010. Changes include the following: (1) “partial” becomes “focal”; (2) awareness is used as a classifier of focal seizures; (3) the terms dyscognitive, simple partial, complex partial, psychic, and secondarily generalized are eliminated; (4) new focal seizure types include automatisms, behavior arrest, hyperkinetic, autonomic, cognitive, and emotional; (5) atonic, clonic, epileptic spasms, myoclonic, and tonic seizures can be of either focal or generalized onset; (6) focal to bilateral tonic–clonic seizure replaces secondarily generalized seizure; (7) new generalized seizure types are absence with eyelid myoclonia, myoclonic absence, myoclonic–atonic, myoclonic–tonic–clonic; and (8) seizures of unknown onset may have features that can still be classified. The new classification does not represent a fundamental change, but allows greater flexibility and transparency in naming seizure types.
Elevated mitochondrial genome variation after 50 generations of radiation exposure in a wild rodent
Authors: Baker Robert J. , Dickins Benjamin , Wickliffe Jeffrey K. , Khan Faisal A. A. , Gaschak Sergey , Makova Kateryna D. , Phillips Caleb D.
Published: March 2017

Currently, the effects of chronic, continuous low dose environmental irradiation on the mitochondrial genome of resident small mammals are unknown. Using the bank vole (Myodes glareolus) as a model system, we tested the hypothesis that approximately 50 generations of exposure to the Chernobyl environment has significantly altered genetic diversity of the mitochondrial genome. Using deep sequencing, we compared mitochondrial genomes from 131 individuals from reference sites with radioactive contamination comparable to that present in northern Ukraine before the 26 April 1986 meltdown, to populations where substantial fallout was deposited following the nuclear accident. Population genetic variables revealed significant differences among populations from contaminated and uncontaminated localities. Therefore, we rejected the null hypothesis of no significant genetic effect from 50 generations of exposure to the environment created by the Chernobyl meltdown. Samples from contaminated localities exhibited significantly higher numbers of haplotypes and polymorphic loci, elevated genetic diversity, and a significantly higher average number of substitutions per site across mitochondrial gene regions. Observed genetic variation was dominated by synonymous mutations, which may indicate a history of purify selection against nonsynonymous or insertion/deletion mutations. These significant differences were not attributable to sample size artifacts. The observed increase in mitochondrial genomic diversity in voles from radioactive sites is consistent with the possibility that chronic, continuous irradiation resulting from the Chernobyl disaster has produced an accelerated mutation rate in this species over the last 25 years. Our results, being the first to demonstrate this phenomenon in a wild mammalian species, are important for understanding genetic consequences of exposure to low‐dose radiation sources.
The evolutionary trade‐off between stem cell niche size, aging, and tumorigenesis
Authors: Cannataro Vincent L. , McKinley Scott A. , St. Mary Colette M.
Published: March 2017

Many epithelial tissues within multicellular organisms are continually replenished by small independent populations of stem cells largely responsible for maintaining tissue homeostasis. These continually dividing populations are subject to mutations that can lead to tumorigenesis but also contribute to aging. Mutations accumulate in stem cell niches and change the rate of cell division and differentiation; the pace of this process and the fate of specific mutations depend strongly on niche population size. Here, we create a mathematical model of the intestinal stem cell niche, crypt system, and epithelium. We calculate the expected effect of fixed mutations in stem cell niches and their effect on tissue homeostasis throughout the intestinal epithelium over organismal lifetime. We find that, due to the small population size of stem cell niches, mutations predominantly fix via genetic drift and decrease stem cell fitness, leading to niche and tissue attrition, and contributing to organismal aging. We also explore mutation accumulation at various stem cell niche sizes and demonstrate that an evolutionary trade‐off exists between niche size, tissue aging, and the risk of tumorigenesis. Further, mouse and human niches exist at a size that minimizes the probability of tumorigenesis, at the expense of accumulating deleterious mutations due to genetic drift. Finally, we show that the trade‐off between the probability of tumorigenesis and the extent of aging depends on whether or not mutational effects confer a selective advantage in the stem cell niche.
Circumpolar arctic tundra biomass and productivity dynamics in response to projected climate change and herbivory
Authors: Yu Qin , Epstein Howard , Engstrom Ryan , Walker Donald
Published: March 2017

Satellite remote sensing data have indicated a general ‘greening’ trend in the arctic tundra biome. However, the observed changes based on remote sensing are the result of multiple environmental drivers, and the effects of individual controls such as warming, herbivory, and other disturbances on changes in vegetation biomass, community structure, and ecosystem function remain unclear. We apply ArcVeg, an arctic tundra vegetation dynamics model, to estimate potential changes in vegetation biomass and net primary production (NPP) at the plant community and functional type levels. ArcVeg is driven by soil nitrogen output from the Terrestrial Ecosystem Model, existing densities of Rangifer populations, and projected summer temperature changes by the NCAR CCSM4.0 general circulation model across the Arctic. We quantified the changes in aboveground biomass and NPP resulting from (i) observed herbivory only; (ii) projected climate change only; and (iii) coupled effects of projected climate change and herbivory. We evaluated model outputs of the absolute and relative differences in biomass and NPP by country, bioclimate subzone, and floristic province. Estimated potential biomass increases resulting from temperature increase only are approximately 5% greater than the biomass modeled due to coupled warming and herbivory. Such potential increases are greater in areas currently occupied by large or dense Rangifer herds such as the Nenets‐occupied regions in Russia (27% greater vegetation increase without herbivores). In addition, herbivory modulates shifts in plant community structure caused by warming. Plant functional types such as shrubs and mosses were affected to a greater degree than other functional types by either warming or herbivory or coupled effects of the two.
Effect of caregiving relationship and formal long‐term care service use on caregiver well‐being
Authors: Eom Kirsten , Penkunas Michael J. , Chan Angelique W.M.
Published: March 2017

Aim

Despite efforts to revise the traditional long‐term care (LTC) model, informal caregivers continue to provide a substantial amount of support to older adults as front‐line care providers. The present study aimed to understand the effect of informal caregiving on caregivers’ well‐being in Singapore with respect to different types of patient–caregiver relationships. Second, this study examined the association between formal LTC service use and caregivers’ well‐being.

Methods

Two waves of data for 781 dyads of patients with LTC needs and their caregivers from a longitudinal study were analyzed. Multilevel regression models were used to examine the association between caregivers’ well‐being (self‐rated general health, stress level and quality of life) and LTC service use among different patient–caregiver relationships.

Results

Spousal caregivers reported significantly lower quality of life compared with adult children caregivers. Non‐immediate family caregivers showed better overall well‐being compared with spouse and adult children caregivers. Caregivers of patients referred to nursing homes reported higher levels of stress and poorer self‐rated general health compared with caregivers of patients referred to community‐based services. Spouse and non‐immediate family caregivers of patients who utilized nursing home or home‐based services presented poorer self‐rated general health than caregivers of the patients who did not use any formal services.

Conclusions

Developing a better understanding of the associations between well‐being and formal LTC service use for different types of patient–caregiver relationships is critical for policy makers and healthcare providers who aim to create holistic systems of care. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2017; 17: 1714–1721.
Different clinical effect of four antidementia drugs for Alzheimer's disease patients depending on white matter severity
Authors: Fukui Yusuke , Hishikawa Nozomi , Ichinose Jin , Sato Kota , Nakano Yumiko , Morihara Ryuta , Ohta Yasuyuki , Yamashita Toru , Abe Koji
Published: March 2017

Aim

To examine the clinical effect of four antidementia drugs (donepezil, galantamine, rivastigmine and memantine) in Alzheimer's disease patients who were divided into subgroups based on their periventricular hyperintensity (PVH) severity.

Methods

A total of 551 Alzheimer's disease patients (201 men and 350 women) were divided into four subgroups based on their PVH severity (0–III). They received monotherapy for 12 months. We compared the clinical effects at the baseline, and at 3, 6 and 12 months after initiation.

Results

The baseline age became higher with PVH grades, and the Mini‐Mental State Examination and Hasegawa Dementia Scale‐Revised showed a decrease that was dependent on white matter severity. Although the PVH 0 subgroup showed stable cognitive, affective and ADL functions until 12 months in all four drug groups, the PVH I subgroup showed an improved Apathy Scale from the baseline in response to memantine at 3 and 9 months (P < 0.05), and galantamine at 9 months (P < 0.01). In the PVH II subgroup, the Mini‐Mental State Examination showed a significant improvement from the baseline in response to galantamine (P < 0.05) at 9 months and Hasegawa Dementia Scale‐Revised (P < 0.05) at 3 months. In the PVH III subgroup, cognitive and affective functions were preserved in all four drug groups until 12 months, but activities of daily living deteriorated in the riverstigmine group at 6 and 12 months (P < 0.05).

Conclusions

The present study shows that these four drugs showed sensitivity dependent on white matter severity that clinically affected cognitive, affective and activities of daily living functions. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2017; 17: 1991–1999.
A WORLD CONNECTING? FROM THE UNITY OF HISTORY TO GLOBAL HISTORY
Authors: FILLAFER FRANZ L.
Published: March 2017

Global history looms large in current historiography, yet its heuristic design and political functions remain ill‐reflected. My article seeks to uncover the historical origins of the assumption that the “world” has one common history and that it is feasible and desirable to write it. I analyze the epistemic infrastructure underlying this assumption and argue that global history as practiced today is predicated on a specific mode of world‐making that provides its basic template: Global history both grew out of and intellectually sustains the conception of an increasingly connected world. The type of connectedness thereby implied and reinscribed was established by what I call the “world‐historical process,” a cognitive framework that co‐emerged with the early modern and modern European conquest of the world through expansion, discovery, commerce, and culture. The article investigates how this process‐template emerged out of the crisis of universal history that could no longer integrate and reconcile the multiple pasts of the world. The format of the world‐historical process was central to Enlightenment historians' assertion of the secular and scientific prestige of their craft, as much as to its ability to discern global epochs, in particular the modern and the premodern. My article traces the fortunes of this template through historicism up to present‐day global history. Current global history remains structured around the growing connectedness of previously distinct parts of the planet whose pasts are transformed into relevant world history by the very process that makes them increasingly interrelated. Global history may be too much a product of the process of globalization it studies to develop epistemologically and politically tenable alternatives to “connectivity.”
WHAT IS HISTORY? WHAT IS LITERATURE?
Authors: LaCapra Dominick
Published: March 2017

Ivan Jablonka seeks something other than a mere combination of history, social science, and literature. He would like history, itself understood as a social science, to be a literature of the real world. He is also interested in literature informed not only by the results but, more important, by the forms of reasoning and inquiry of history and related social sciences (notably anthropology and sociology). Jablonka's own positioning within the Annales seems obvious, notably in his stress on cognition, problem‐oriented research, and the status of history as a social science. But the attention and research devoted in the work of scholars in and around the Annales to the relations among history, literature, and fiction have not been pronounced, and in this context Jablonka inflects the understanding of history in relatively underdeveloped directions. Despite possible disagreements one may have over specific issues, Jablonka's thought‐provoking book raises very important questions, opens many significant avenues of inquiry, and seeks a desirable interaction between historical and literary approaches.
POSTMODERNISM, SOCIAL SCIENCE, AND HISTORY: RETURNING TO AN UNFINISHED AGENDA
Authors: Roberts David D.
Published: March 2017

Recognizing that the vogue of postmodernism has passed, Simon Susen seeks to assess whatever enduring impact it may have had on the social sciences, including historiography. Indeed, the postmodern turn, as he sees it, seems to have had particular implications for our understanding of the human relationship with history. After five exegetical chapters, in which he seems mostly sympathetic to postmodernism, Susen turns to often biting criticism in a subsequent chapter. He charges, most basically, that postmodernists miss the self‐critical side of modernity and tend to overreact against aspects of modernism. That overreaction is evident especially in the postmodern preoccupation with textuality and discourse, which transforms sociology into cultural studies and historiography into a form of literature. But as Susen sees it, a comparable overreaction has been at work in the postmodern emphasis on new, “little” politics, concerned with identity and difference, at the expense of more traditional large‐scale politics and attendant forms of radicalism. His assessment reflects the “emancipatory” political agenda he assigns to the social sciences. Partly because that agenda inevitably affects what he finds to embrace and what to criticize, aspects of his discussion prove one‐sided. And he does not follow through on his suggestions that postmodernist insights entail a sort of inflation of history or historicity. Partly as a result, his treatment of “reason,” universal rights, and reality (including historiographical realism) betrays an inadequate grasp of the postmodern challenge—and opportunity. In the last analysis, Susen's understanding of the historical sources of postmodernism is simply too limited, but he usefully makes it clear that we have not put the postmodernist challenge behind us.
THE TRUTH HURTS: VERA SCHWARCZ'S HEARTFELT QUEST
Authors: Fogel Joshua A.
Published: March 2017

Vera Schwarcz offers a penetrating examination of the concept and meaning of “truth” in China (antiquity to contemporary) and elsewhere (primarily in the Jewish tradition, from the Hebrew Bible to contemporary thinkers). Highly critical of the sharp turn toward cultural relativism which abandons the search for truth in the name of everyone having his or her own situated truths, she examines in particular how scholars, philosophers, and writers living in dark times have sought to cut through the enforced amnesia of oppressive regimes, especially that of post‐1949 China. This broad‐ranging search brings numerous great minds into a kind of transtemporal, transcultural conversation, voices rarely, if ever, discussed between the covers of the same book.
Elevated concentrations of naturally occurring heavy metals inversely correlate with reproductive output and body mass of the Kagu Rhynochetos jubatus
Authors: Theuerkauf Jörn , Haneda Tokushi , Okahisa Yuji , Sato Nozomu J. , Rouys Sophie , Bloc Henri , Ueda Keisuke , Watanabe Izumi , Kuehn Ralph , Gula Roman
Published: March 2017

To assess the effects of naturally occurring heavy metals on wild birds, we compared reproductive success and heavy metal contents in feathers of Kagu Rhynochetos jubatus living on ultramafic (rich in heavy metals) soil with those of Kagu living on non‐ultramafic soil. From 2003 to 2016, we monitored breeding of 19 Kagu families by radiotracking and video‐monitoring, and collected rump down feathers from 69 wild Kagu. The metal concentrations in Kagu feathers correlated with the concentrations in the soil. The mean numbers of eggs laid and fledglings per year of Kagu families on non‐ultramafic soil were about four times higher, and home‐ranges three times smaller, than those of Kagu on ultramafic soil. Mass of eggs and the proportion of eggs that developed to fledglings were similar in the two areas, whereas the mass of adult Kagu on non‐ultramafic soil was nearly 10% higher than that of adult Kagu living on ultramafic soil. The impact of naturally occurring heavy metals on Kagu breeding productivity and body mass appears to act through their effects on food supply rather than being caused directly by metal toxicity. The results imply that conservation of Kagu might be more effective in non‐ultramafic areas, as populations can recover much faster on these soils and Kagu can then recolonize and bolster populations in ultramafic areas.
Initial diagnosis and management of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in Australia: views from the coal face
Authors: Bereznicki Bonnie , Walters Haydn , Walters Julia , Peterson Gregory , Bereznicki Luke
Published: March 2017

Background

Early diagnosis and management can mitigate the long‐term morbidity and mortality of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

Aims

To gain insights into the initial diagnostic process and early management of COPD by Australian general practitioners (GP).

Methods

A random sample of Australian GP was invited to complete a postal survey, which assessed familiarity with and use of contemporary practice guidelines, diagnostic criteria and management preferences for COPD.

Results

A total of 233 GP completed the survey. While most GP based a COPD diagnosis on smoking history (94.4%), symptoms (91.0%) and spirometry (88.8%), only 39.9% of respondents recorded a formal diagnosis of COPD after the patient's first symptomatic presentation. Tiotropium was the preferred treatment in 77.3% of GP for the initial management of COPD, while only 27.5% routinely recommended pulmonary rehabilitation. GP routinely recorded patients’ smoking status and offered smoking cessation advice, but the timing of this advice varied. Less than half of the respondents routinely used COPD management guidelines or tools and resources provided by the Australian Lung Foundation.

Conclusion

There is scope for major improvement in GP familiarity with and use of COPD management guidelines and readily available tools and resources. Some systematic issues were highlighted in the Australian primary care setting, such as a reactive and relatively passive and delayed approach to diagnosis, potentially delayed smoking cessation advice and underutilisation of pulmonary rehabilitation. There is an urgent need to devise strategies for improving patient outcomes in COPD using resources that are readily available.
Contrasting abundance and contribution of clonal proliferation to the population structure of the corkscrew sea anemone Bartholomea annulata in the tropical Western Atlantic
Authors: Titus Benjamin M. , Daly Marymegan , Macrander Jason , Del Rio Annelise , Santos Scott R. , Chadwick Nanette E.
Published: March 2017

Clonal propagation is an important life history trait for many sessile organisms, and often leads to the formation of monoclonal aggregations. In the marine environment, sea anemones have been model species for testing theory regarding the evolution of sex and understanding the contribution of sexual versus asexual reproduction to the population structure in facultatively clonal animals. However, little attention has been paid to tropical actiniarians. The corkscrew anemone Bartholomea annulata is common in tropical marine habitats in the western Atlantic and Caribbean; it forms small aggregations (2–4 anemones) on coral reefs and larger aggregations (>10 anemones) in mangrove habitats. We used field surveys and molecular analyses to investigate patterns of distribution, abundance, and genetic structure of aggregations formed by B. annulata on a reef in the US Virgin Islands and in a unique mangrove habitat in the Florida Keys. Abundance was greatest at the abandoned rock quarry mangrove habitat in the Florida Keys, where anemones formed continuously distributed aggregations carpeting the exposed limestone walls. Genetic diversity assessed via intersimple sequence repeats (ISSRs) and six microsatellite loci revealed that asexual reproduction plays only a minor role in the formation of both small and large anemone aggregations. Specifically, ISSR analyses showed that only ~10% of anemone aggregations were clonal in the US Virgin Islands, while microsatellite genotyping identified clonality in only 1 of 35 aggregations. In the Florida Keys, only four clonal genotypes were recovered within aggregations, but eight clones, representing 33% of the total surveyed population, had individuals in multiple aggregations. Thus, population structure of B. annulata appears to rely primarily on sexual reproduction, although asexual reproduction may play a nontrivial role in some environments. Mechanisms that drive the formation of genotypically diverse aggregations remain unknown, but may include attraction toward conspecifics, shared use of preferred habitats, or the local retention of larvae in partially enclosed habitats.
Island hopping, long‐distance dispersal and species radiation in the Western Indian Ocean: historical biogeography of the Coffeeae alliance (Rubiaceae)
Authors: Kainulainen Kent , Razafimandimbison Sylvain G. , Wikström Niklas , Bremer Birgitta
Published: March 2017

Aim

The Western Indian Ocean region (WIOR) is home to a very diverse and largely unique flora that has mainly originated via long‐distance dispersals. The aim of this study is to gain insight into the origins of the WIOR biodiversity and to understand the dynamics of colonization events between the islands. We investigate spatial and temporal hypotheses of the routes of dispersal, and compare the dispersal patterns of plants of the Coffeeae alliance (Rubiaceae) and their dispersers. Rubiaceae is the second most species‐rich plant family in Madagascar, and includes many endemic genera. The neighbouring archipelagos of the Comoros, Mascarenes and Seychelles also harbour several endemic Rubiaceae.

Location

The islands of the Western Indian Ocean.

Methods

Phylogenetic relationships and divergence times were reconstructed from plastid DNA data of an ingroup sample of 340 species, using Bayesian inference. Ancestral areas and range evolution history were inferred by a maximum likelihood method that takes topological uncertainty into account.

Results

At least 15 arrivals to Madagascar were inferred, the majority of which have taken place within the last 10 Myr. Most dispersal events were supported as being from mainland Africa, but Catunaregam may have dispersed from Asia. Although most Coffeeae alliance lineages are zoochorous, the general pattern of dispersals from Africa is incongruent with the biogeographic origins of the extant Malagasy volant frugivores. Several out‐of‐Madagascar dispersals were inferred to the neighbouring islands, as well as back‐colonizations of Africa.

Main conclusions

The African flora has been of foremost importance as source of dispersal to the islands of the Western Indian Ocean. Following the colonization of Madagascar, rapid radiations appear to have taken place in some clades, and Madagascar has also been an important source area for subsequent dispersal to the Comoros, Mascarenes and Seychelles.