bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A modified normal strain ratio fatigue life model based on the hybrid approach of critical plane and crystallographic slip theory
Authors: Mu L.J. , Dong X.Z. , Gao Q. , Tan C.Q.
Published: December 2017

Based on the method combining the critical plane with crystallographic slip theory, an anisotropic low cycle fatigue life model is proposed to reflect the effects of orientation dependence and damage factors on fatigue life. According to this method, the crystallographic slip plane is adopted as the critical plane by searching for 30 potential slip systems. In addition, considering the effects of normal strain and strain ratio on fatigue failure, the normal strain ratio is introduced into model and regression model is obtained by fitting method. The proposed model is verified by estimating the low cycle fatigue lives of single crystal nickel–based superalloys PWA1480, CMSX‐2 and DD3 for different loading conditions. The results show that the proposed model is applicable for more complicated loading situations and give a higher prediction accuracy compared to Sun's model.
Dispersal barriers and climate determine the geographic distribution of the helicopter damselfly Mecistogaster modesta
Authors: Amundrud Sarah L. , Videla Martin , Srivastava Diane S.
Published: December 2017

Species’ ranges are typically constrained by the interplay of physical barriers to dispersal, environmental requirements such as suitable climatic conditions and biotic constraints such as from predation or competition. However, teasing apart the relative importance of these constraints in determining species distributions still represents a major challenge for ecologists.

The Neotropical damselfly Mecistogaster modesta (Coenagrionidae: Odonata) inhabits wet and moist forests in mainland Central America and north‐western South America. This habitat specialist spends its larval development exclusively in tank bromeliads, where it acts as a keystone predator within the aquatic food web. Although tank‐forming bromeliads occur from the southern United States throughout most of South America, M. modesta is absent from the Caribbean islands and South America south‐east of the Andes mountain chain.

We employed species distribution models to explore the relative importance of physical barriers (Andes mountain range and oceanic barriers), climate (mean annual temperature and annual precipitation) and biotic interactions (competition from other bromeliad‐dwelling odonates) in limiting the geographic distribution of M. modesta.

We found that dispersal barriers strongly limit the geographic distribution of M. modesta. In addition, its range is restricted by low temperatures and low precipitation. Competition from other bromeliad‐dwelling odonates was not important in limiting the damselfly's range. Because of the physical barriers to dispersal, M. modesta does not occupy its full potential geographic range. Specifically, our model predicted suitable habitat on the Caribbean islands and throughout most of South America, where the species is currently absent.

These findings have important conservation implications, particularly as the aridification of rainforests and subsequent localised extinctions due to climate change continue. On the other hand, the species may respond to warming temperatures by tracking climate to higher elevations, with subsequent effects on naïve high‐elevation bromeliad food webs. An upwards migration could also increase the probability of M. modesta overcoming the dispersal barrier presented by the Andes, enabling the damselfly to invade large areas of suitable habitat in South America.
COMTVal158Met moderates the link between rank and aggression in a non‐human primate
Authors: Gutleb D. R. , Roos C. , Noll A. , Ostner J. , Schülke O.
Published: December 2017

TheCOMTVal158Met polymorphism is one of the most widely studied genetic polymorphisms in humans implicated in aggression and the moderation of stressful life event effects. We screened a wild primate population for polymorphisms at theCOMTVal158Met site and phenotyped them for aggression to test whether the human polymorphism exists and is associated with variation in aggressive behavior. Subjects were all adults from 4 study groups (37 males, 40 females) of Assamese macaques (Macaca assamensis) in their natural habitat (Phu Khieo Wildlife Sanctuary, Thailand). We collected focal animal behavioral data (27 males, 36 females, 5964 focal hours) and fecal samples for non‐invasive DNA analysis. We identified the humanCOMTVal158Met polymorphism (14 Met/Met, 41 Val/Met and 22 Val/Val). Preliminary results suggest thatCOMTgenotype and dominance rank interact to influence aggression rates. Aggression rates increased with rank in Val/Val, but decreased in Met/Met and Val/Met individuals, with no significant main effect ofCOMTgenotype on aggression. Further support for the interaction effect comes from time series analyses revealing that when changing from lower to higher rank position Val/Val individuals decreased, whereas Met/Met individuals increased their aggression rate. Contradicting the interpretation of earlier studies, we show that the widely studied Val158Met polymorphism inCOMTis not unique to humans and yields similar behavioral phenotypes in a non‐human primate. This study represents an important step towards understanding individual variation in aggression in a wild primate population and may inform human behavioral geneticists about the evolutionary roots of inter‐individual variation in aggression.
Cretaceous tectonic and biotic evolution of the southeastern Russian continental margin
Authors: Kirillova Galina L.
Published: December 2017

The Cretaceous tectonic and geodynamic settings of the southeastern Russian continental margin are discussed using data generated during several recent geological studies. The structural patterns of the East Asian Cretaceous continental margin are the result of the influence of global and regional processes. The interaction and reorganization of the Eurasian, Pacific and other related plates induced intraplate tectonic processes such as rifting, subduction, collision, transform faulting, and basin formation. Three major basin types are recognized in this area: (i) mainly marine active continental margins associated with shear components (Sangjian–Middle Amur Basin); (ii) passive continental margins (Bureya, Partizansk, and Razdolny basins); (iii) intracontinental basins (Amur–Zeya Basin). The evolution of the biota in this region allows the examination of Early and Late Cretaceous biostratigraphy, faunal and floral changes, and the phytogeography of the southeastern Russian continental margin.
TESTING FOR SPECULATIVE BUBBLES USING SPOT AND FORWARD PRICES
Authors: Pavlidis Efthymios G. , Paya Ivan , Peel David A.
Published: December 2017

The probabilistic structure of periodically collapsing bubbles creates a gap between future spot and forward (futures) asset prices in small samples. By exploiting this fact, we use a recently developed recursive unit root test and rolling Fama regressions for detecting bubbles. Both methods do not rely on a particular model of asset price determination, are robust to explosive fundamentals, and allow date stamping. An application to U.S. dollar exchange rates provides evidence of bubbles during the interwar German hyperinflation, but not during the recent floating‐rate period. A further application to S&P 500 supports the existence of bubbles in the U.S. equity market.
TESTING STRICT STATIONARITY WITH APPLICATIONS TO MACROECONOMIC TIME SERIES
Authors: Hong Yongmiao , Wang Xia , Wang Shouyang
Published: December 2017

We propose a model‐free test for strict stationarity. The idea is to estimate a nonparametric time‐varying characteristic function and compare it with the empirical characteristic function based on the whole sample. We also propose several derivative tests to check time‐invariant moments, weak stationarity, and pth order stationarity. Monte Carlo studies demonstrate excellent power of our tests. We apply our tests to various macroeconomic time series and find overwhelming evidence against strict and weak stationarity for both level and first‐differenced series. This suggests that the conventional time series econometric modeling strategies may have room to be improved by accommodating these time‐varying features.
Outcomes of indwelling metallic stents for malignant extrinsic ureteral obstruction
Authors: Asakawa Jumpei , Iguchi Taro , Tamada Satoshi , Ninomiya Noriko , Kato Minoru , Yamasaki Takeshi , Nakatani Tatsuya
Published: December 2017

Objectives

To report the treatment outcomes of patients with extrinsic ureteral obstruction treated with metallic stents and to identify the factors predicting stent failure.

Methods

A total of 52 patients with extrinsic ureteral obstruction as a result of malignancy (66 ureters) were treated with metallic stents (Resonance®) and included in the study. The median observation period was 118 days.

Results

The median survival time of these patients was 210 days, and the stent patency rate was 86.0% at 6 months and 60.0% at 1 year. Eight (15.4%) patients underwent nephrostomy as a result of stent failure. The occlusion rate of bilateral ureteral obstructed cases was significantly higher than that of unilateral cases. There was no correlation between the preoperative serum creatinine level, causes of ureteral occlusions (compression by tumor, lymph node metastasis, peritoneal dissemination), obstructed site (upper, middle, lower ureter) and stent failure.

Conclusions

Metallic stents are excellent in maintaining patency compared with the conventional stents. Therefore, they can be used as first‐line treatment of malignant ureteral obstructions.
Evaluating effectiveness in adolescent mental health inpatient units: A systematic review
Authors: Hayes Claire , Simmons Magenta , Simons Christine , Hopwood Malcolm
Published: December 2017

Adolescent mental health research is a developing area. Inpatient units are the most widely used acute element of adolescent mental health services internationally. Little is known about inpatient units, particularly when it comes to measuring improvement for adolescents. Clinical outcome measurement in the broad context has gathered momentum in recent years, driven by the need to assess services. The measurement of outcomes for adolescents who access inpatient care is critical, as they are particularly vulnerable and are often considered the most difficult to treat. Following the PRISMA guidelines, the aim of this review was to assess whether adolescent inpatient units are effective and understand how outcomes are measured. CINAHL, MEDLINE with Full Text, ERIC, PsycINFO, and Cochrane databases were systematically searched. Studies were included if the inpatient units were generic and adolescents were between the mean age of 12‐25 years. Furthermore, studies published in English within the last ten years were included. Exclusions were outpatient and disorder‐specific inpatient settings. A total of 16 studies were identified. Each study demonstrated effectiveness on at least one outcome measure in terms of symptom stabilization. However, several outcome measures were used and therefore inpatient units lack consistency in how they measure improvement. Inpatient units are effective for the majority of young people as they result in symptom stabilization. Whilst symptom stabilization can be achieved, future research examining the mechanism of change is needed.
Solving the bi‐objective capacitated p‐median problem with multilevel capacities using compromise programming and VNS
Authors: Irawan Chandra Ade , Imran Arif , Luis Martino
Published: December 2017

A bi‐objective optimisation using a compromise programming (CP) approach is proposed for the capacitated p‐median problem (CPMP) in the presence of the fixed cost of opening facility and several possible capacities that can be used by potential facilities. As the sum of distances between customers and their facilities and the total fixed cost for opening facilities are important aspects, the model is proposed to deal with those conflicting objectives. We develop a mathematical model using integer linear programming (ILP) to determine the optimal location of open facilities with their optimal capacity. Two approaches are designed to deal with the bi‐objective CPMP, namely CP with an exact method and with a variable neighbourhood search (VNS) based matheuristic. New sets of generated instances are used to evaluate the performance of the proposed approaches. The computational experiments show that the proposed approaches produce interesting results.
Complete taxon sampling of the avian genus Pica (magpies) reveals ancient relictual populations and synchronous Late‐Pleistocene demographic expansion across the Northern Hemisphere
Authors: Song Gang , Zhang Ruiying , Alström Per , Irestedt Martin , Cai Tianlong , Qu Yanhua , Ericson Per G. P. , Fjeldså Jon , Lei Fumin
Published: December 2017

Previous studies have suggested that bird populations in east Asia were less affected by Pleistocene climatic fluctuations than those in Europe and North America. However, this is mainly based on comparisons among species. It would be more relevant to analyse geographical populations of widespread species or species complexes. We analyzed two mitochondrial genes and two nuclear introns for all taxa of Pica to investigate 1) which Earth history factors have shaped the lineage divergence, and 2) whether different geographical populations were differently affected by the Pleistocene climatic changes. Our mitochondrial tree recovered three widespread lineages, 1) in east Asia, 2) across north Eurasia, and 3) in North America, respectively, with three isolated lineages in northwest Africa, Arabia and the Qinghai‐Tibet Plateau, respectively. Divergences among lineages took place 1.4–3.1 million yr ago. The northwest African population was sister to the others, which formed two main clades. In one of these, Arabia was sister to Qinghai‐Tibet, and these formed the sister clade to the east Asia clade. The other main clade comprised the North American and north Eurasian clades. There was no or very slight structure within these six geographical clades, including a lack of differentiation between the two North American species black‐billed magpie P. hudsonia and yellow‐billed magpie P. nutalli. Demographic expansion was recorded in the three most widespread lineages after 0.06 Ma. Asymmetric gene flow was recorded in the north Eurasian clade from southwestern Europe eastward, whereas the east Asian clade was rooted in south central China. Our results indicate that the fragmentation of the six clades of Pica was related to climatic cooling and aridification during periods of the Pliocene–Pleistocene. Populations on both sides of the Eurasian continent were similarly influenced by the Pleistocene climate changes and expanded concomitantly with the expansion of steppes. Based on results we also propose a revised taxonomy recognising seven species of Pica.
Analysis of arrhythmic events is useful to detect lead failure earlier in patients followed by remote monitoring
Authors: Nishii Nobuhiro , Miyoshi Akihito , Kubo Motoki , Miyamoto Masakazu , Morimoto Yoshimasa , Kawada Satoshi , Nakagawa Koji , Watanabe Atsuyuki , Nakamura Kazufumi , Morita Hiroshi , Ito Hiroshi
Published: December 2017

Background

Remote monitoring (RM) has been advocated as the new standard of care for patients with cardiovascular implantable electronic devices (CIEDs). RM has allowed the early detection of adverse clinical events, such as arrhythmia, lead failure, and battery depletion. However, lead failure was often identified only by arrhythmic events, but not impedance abnormalities.

Objective

To compare the usefulness of arrhythmic events with conventional impedance abnormalities for identifying lead failure in CIED patients followed by RM.

Methods

CIED patients in 12 hospitals have been followed by the RM center in Okayama University Hospital. All transmitted data have been analyzed and summarized.

Results

From April 2009 to March 2016, 1,873 patients have been followed by the RM center. During the mean follow‐up period of 775 days, 42 lead failure events (atrial lead 22, right ventricular pacemaker lead 5, implantable cardioverter defibrillator [ICD] lead 15) were detected. The proportion of lead failures detected only by arrhythmic events, which were not detected by conventional impedance abnormalities, was significantly higher than that detected by impedance abnormalities (arrhythmic event 76.2%, 95% CI: 60.5–87.9%; impedance abnormalities 23.8%, 95% CI: 12.1–39.5%). Twenty‐seven events (64.7%) were detected without any alert. Of 15 patients with ICD lead failure, none has experienced inappropriate therapy.

Conclusions

RM can detect lead failure earlier, before clinical adverse events. However, CIEDs often diagnose lead failure as just arrhythmic events without any warning. Thus, to detect lead failure earlier, careful human analysis of arrhythmic events is useful.
Association of metabolic syndrome with carotid thickening and plaque in the general population: A meta‐analysis
Authors: Cuspidi Cesare , Sala Carla , Tadic Marijana , Gherbesi Elisa , Grassi Guido , Mancia Giuseppe
Published: December 2017

We performed a meta‐analysis of population studies reporting data on carotid intima‐media thickness and plaque in patients with and without metabolic syndrome (MetS) to provide a new piece of information on the relationship of MetS with both phenotypes of vascular damage. The Ovid MEDLINE, PubMed, and Cochrane CENTRAL databases were searched without time restriction up to December 31, 2016. Overall, 19 696 patients (22.2% with MetS) were included in eight studies. Common carotid intima‐media thickness was greater in patients with MetS compared with those without it (788 ± 47 μm vs 727 ± 44 μm), with a standard means difference of 0.28 ± 0.06 (P = .00003). Increased intima‐media thickness in patients with MetS was paralleled by a higher prevalence of plaques. The present meta‐analysis shows that MetS is associated with both ultrasonographic phenotypes of carotid damage. This finding is consistent with the view of MetS as a cluster of hemodynamic and nonhemodynamic factors promoting vascular hypertrophy and plaque.
Microneedling for the treatment of hair loss?
Authors: Fertig R.M. , Gamret A.C. , Cervantes J. , Tosti A.
Published: December 2017

Microneedling is a minimally invasive dermatological procedure in which fine needles are rolled over the skin to puncture the stratum corneum. This therapy is used to induce collagen formation, neovascularization and growth factor production of treated areas. It has been used in a wide range of dermatologic conditions, including androgenetic alopecia (AGA) and alopecia areata, among others. While there are a limited number of studies examining this therapy in the use of hair loss, microneedling has been successfully paired with other hair growth promoting therapies, such as minoxidil, platelet‐rich plasma and topical steroids, and shown to stimulate hair follicle growth. It is thought that microneedling facilitates penetration of such first‐line medications, and this is one mechanism by which it promotes hair growth. To date, the area most studied and with the most success has been microneedling treatment of AGA. While the current evidence does not allow one to conclude superiority of microneedling over existing standard therapies for hair loss, microneedling shows some promise in improving hair growth, especially in combination with existing techniques. This review summarizes the current literature regarding microneedling in the treatment of alopecia and calls for further studies to define a standard treatment protocol.
How the expression of green fluorescent protein and human cardiac actin in the heart influences cardiac function and aerobic performance in zebrafish Danio rerio
Authors: Avey S. R. , Ojehomon M. , Dawson J. F. , Gillis T. E.
Published: December 2017

The present study examined how the expression of enhanced green fluorescent protein (eGFP) and human cardiac actin (ACTC) in zebrafish Danio rerio influences embryonic heart rate (RH) and the swim performance and metabolic rate of adult fish. Experiments with the adults involved determining the critical swimming speed (Ucrit, the highest speed sustainable and measure of aerobic capacity) while measuring oxygen consumption. Two different transgenic D. rerio lines were examined: one expressed eGFP in the heart (tg(cmlc:egfp)), while the second expressed ACTC in the heart and eGFP throughout the body (tg(cmlc:actc,ba:egfp)). It was found that RH was significantly lower in the tg(cmlc:actc,ba:egfp) embryos 4 days post‐fertilization compared to wild‐type (WT) and tg(cmlc:egfp). The swim experiments demonstrated that there was no significant difference in Ucrit between the transgenic lines and the wild‐type fish, but metabolic rate and cost of transport (oxygen used to travel a set distance) was nearly two‐fold higher in the tg(cmlc:actc,ba:egfp) fish compared to WT at their respective Ucrit. These results suggest that the expression of ACTC in the D. rerio heart and the expression of eGFP throughout the animal, alters cardiac function in the embryo and reduces the aerobic efficiency of the animal at high levels of activity.
A Grounded Theory Study of How Couples Desist from Intimate Partner Violence
Authors: Merchant Lisa V. , Whiting Jason B.
Published: December 2017

Intimate partner violence is a common and damaging experience for many couples, and therapists struggle to address it adequately (Johnson, 2008). Despite its negative effects, many violent couples stay together, with some stopping their violent behaviors. Unfortunately, we know little about the systemic factors affecting violence desistance. This study used grounded theory methods to analyze the process of desistance in formerly violent couples. A model of desistance consisting of three categories was developed, which for most couples included a (a) Turning Point, (b) Decision to Change, and (c) Doing Things Differently. Therapists are encouraged to use the model to better understand the varied and systemic nature of violence and desistance, and to make more sophisticated decisions about referral and treatment.
‘On the Perimeter of the Lawful’: Enduring Illegality in the Irish Family Planning Movement, 1972–1985
Authors: Cloatre Emilie , Enright Máiréad
Published: December 2017

Between 1935 and 1985, Irish law criminalized the sale and importation of condoms. Activists established illegal markets to challenge the law and alleviate its social consequences. They distributed condoms through postal services, shops, stalls, clinics, and machines. Though they largely operated in the open, their activities attracted little direct punishment from the state, and they were able to build a stable network of medical and commercial family planning services. We use 30 interviews conducted with former activists to explore this history. In doing so, we also examine the limits of ‘illegality’ in describing acts of everyday resistance to law, arguing that the boundaries between legal and illegal, in the discourses and practices of those who sought to challenge the state, were shifting and uncertain. In turn, we revisit ‘illegality’, characterizing it as an assemblage of varying selectively‐performed political practices, shaped by complex choreographies of negotiation between state and non‐state actors.
Bodily Integrity, Embodiment, and the Regulation of Parental Choice
Authors: Fox Marie , Thomson Michael
Published: December 2017

In this article we develop a new model of bodily integrity that we designate ‘embodied integrity’. We deploy it to argue that non‐therapeutic interventions on children should be considered within a decision‐making framework that prioritizes embodied integrity. This would counter the excessive decision‐making power that law currently accords to parents, protecting the child's immediate and future interests. Focusing on legal responses to genital cutting, we suggest that current legal understandings of bodily integrity are impoverished and problematic. By contrast, adoption of an ‘embodied integrity’ model carves out a space for children's rights, while avoiding these negative consequences. We propose that embodied integrity should trump competing values in any best‐interests assessment where a non‐therapeutic intervention is requested. Drawing on Drucilla Cornell and Joel Feinberg's theories we argue that protecting a child's embodied integrity is essential to guarantee his/her right to make future embodied choices and become a fully individuated person.
How complex is your love? The case of romantic compromises and polyamory
Authors: Ben‐Ze’ev Aaron , Brunning Luke
Published: December 2017

This article highlights a somewhat neglected aspect of love (and of emotions in general): their complexity. We suggest distinguishing between three major related types of emotional complexity: emotional diversity, emotional ambivalence, and emotional behavior. The notion of emotional complexity has far‐reaching implications for understanding emotions and our wellbeing. This is illustrated by examining the notion of emotional complexity in two common yet complex phenomena in the romantic realm: romantic compromises and polyamory.
Delayed viral suppression during antiviral therapy is associated with increased hepatocellular carcinoma rates in HBeAg‐positive high viral load chronic hepatitis B
Authors: Nam J. Y. , Chang Y. , Cho H. , Kang S. H. , Cho Y. Y. , Cho E. J. , Lee J.‐H. , Yu S. J. , Yoon J.‐H. , Kim Y. J.
Published: December 2017

The treatment option in chronic hepatitis B (CHB) patients with persistent low‐level viremia despite entecavir or tenofovir monotherapy is unclear. This study investigated the development of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) or cirrhosis in hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg)‐positive high viral load CHB patients, according to the time needed to achieve complete viral suppression. A total of 325 HBeAg‐positive CHB patients with high viral load who were recently started on antiviral therapy with entecavir or tenofovir were included. The enrolled patients were divided into 2 groups with 4 separate criteria based on the time needed to achieve complete viral suppression: within 1, 2, 3 or 4 years of therapy initiation. The outcomes were development of HCC and cirrhosis. The cumulative incidence of HCC was significantly higher in patients failing complete viral suppression within 1 year (hazard ratio (HR), 4.54; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.03‐19.93; P = .045) or 2 years (HR, 3.38; 95% CI, 1.24‐9.23; P = .018), than patients who achieved complete viral suppression within 1 or 2 years, respectively. Cumulative incidence of cirrhosis was also significantly higher in patients failing suppression within 1 year (HR, 1.95; 95% CI, 1.04‐3.66; P = .037) or 2 years (HR, 2.44; 95% CI, 1.41‐4.22; P = .001). When the time for achieving viral suppression exceeded 2 years, the cumulative incidence of HCC or cirrhosis was not different regardless of viral suppression. Complete hepatitis B virus suppression within 2 years of antiviral therapy initiation is associated with risk reduction in HCC or cirrhosis development.
Contrasting understorey species responses to the canopy and root effects of a dominant shrub drive community composition
Authors: Wang Xiangtai , Michalet Richard , Chen Shuyan , Zhao Liang , An Lizhe , Du Guozhen , Zhang Xiaochen , Jiang Xingpei , Xiao Sa
Published: December 2017

Questions

Contrasting understorey species responses to the effects of dominant species might occur within a single community even with neutral community‐level interactions. However, no studies have assessed the contribution of below‐ and above‐ground effects for all species of a community and their consequences for community composition. We tested the following hypotheses: (i) there are contrasting responses of understorey species to the canopy and root effects of a dominant shrub; (ii) the contrasting understorey responses to the canopy and root effects of the shrub are related to community composition.

Location

Species‐rich sub‐alpine community, eastern Tibet Plateau, China, dominated by Dasiphora fruticosa.

Methods

We used a removal procedure and shade cloth treatment to separate root from canopy effects and quantified the biomass responses of 41 species of the understorey community. Species‐level responses to the root and canopy effects were quantified with the relative interaction index. We conducted multivariate analyses to assess the relative contribution of root and canopy effects to community composition.

Results

We found contrasting species‐level responses to the canopy and root effects of D. fruticosa that could be grouped into six cluster groups. Dominant effects were positive for the roots and negative for the canopy, with a tendency for a trade‐off between the two. Community‐level effects were less strong and weakly significant, in particular for species richness. Root and canopy effects strongly explained understorey species composition but net shrub effects did not.

Conclusions

This study highlights that communities include species having contrasting responses to both the canopy and root effects of dominant species that importantly explain species composition.
Quantified moorland vegetation and assessment of the role of burning over the past five millennia
Authors: Fyfe Ralph M. , Ombashi Havananda , Davies Heather J. , Head Katie
Published: December 2017

Aims

To apply the Landscape Reconstruction Algorithm (LRA) to pollen count data from multiple sites to estimate local vegetation abundance and compare with charcoal‐derived records of burning.

Location

Exmoor, southwest England, UK.

Methods

Pollen count data from 16 sites were transformed to estimates of distance‐weighted vegetation abundance using the LRA (REVEALS and LOVE models), correcting for bias in pollen production and dispersal. Charcoal concentration data from six sites were normalized using Box‐Cox transformation to produce z‐scores. Moving‐window correlation was undertaken to compare pollen percentage values for key taxa (Calluna, Poaceae) and localized burning. Estimates of distance‐vegetation abundance (LRA output) and time‐averaged charcoal z‐scores were compared to assess the role of burning as a driver for upland vegetation cover.

Results

Comparison of pollen percentage and normalized charcoal z‐scores show little correlation between vegetation cover and burning. Estimates of distance‐weighted vegetation abundance and normalized charcoal data show relationships between vegetation change and burning at four of the six sites. The relationships are site‐specific: three sites suggest burning promoted grass‐dominated vegetation, at one site burning promoted heather‐dominated vegetation, and in two sites there is no apparent relationship.

Conclusions

The patterning of vegetation within uplands is a crucial part of ecosystem service delivery, and contemporary and future management benefits from understanding of ‘long‐term’ development, i.e. patterns over millennia. The correction of biases within pollen production and dispersal to produce local vegetation estimates has demonstrated spatial heterogeneity in vegetation cover on Exmoor that is not otherwise evident in the pollen percentage data (which retain a strong influence of the regional vegetation cover). The relationship between LRA‐derived vegetation cover and burning is not apparent in comparisons between pollen percentage data and charcoal records. This implies that studies that use pollen proportional data alone can misrepresent the relationship between vegetation cover and fire. This study demonstrates that fire has been an important part of the development of this cultural landscape.
Impact of Climate Change on the Technical Efficiency of Striped Catfish, Pangasianodon hypophthalmus, Farming in the Mekong Delta, Vietnam
Authors: Nguyen Lam A. , Pham Tung B. V. , Bosma Roel , Verreth Johan , Leemans Rik , De Silva Sena , Lansink Alphons O.
Published: December 2017

The technical efficiency of randomly sampled pangasius farms in the Mekong Delta of Vietnam was estimated using data envelopment analysis, and factors affecting technical and scale efficiency were examined with bootstrap truncated regression. The mean technical efficiency score assuming variable returns to scale was 0.84. The technical efficiency of downstream farmers was higher due to lower energy costs and stocking once a year. Most of the up‐ and midstream farms needed to pump water and stocked at least three times in 2 yr. Regression analysis showed a positive effect on technical efficiency of the farmers' education level and having experienced climate change impact through flooding or salinity intrusion in the past. Farms affected by salinity intrusion had a lower scale efficiency as they reduce stocking frequency and rate. In general, reducing fish mortality and the cost of inputs, increasing scale of operation, and being trained, using appropriate methods, in management strategies may improve technical efficiency.
Automation, skill requirements and labour‐use strategies: high‐wage and low‐wage approaches to high‐tech manufacturing in the automotive industry
Authors: Krzywdzinski Martin
Published: December 2017

In light of debates about advanced manufacturing and concepts like Industrie 4.0, this article compares labour‐use strategies in highly automated automotive supplier plants in a high‐wage country (Germany) and a low‐wage region (Central Eastern Europe). It shows considerable differences regarding skill requirements on the shop floor and the use of precarious employment contracts and examines three potential factors that explain them: national institutional frameworks, the power of employee representatives and the role of the plant within the companies and value chains. The analysis shows that the labour‐use strategies depend less on process technologies per se, but rather on the institutional framework and the role of the factory in the rollout and ramp‐up of new products and new process technologies. Such a role requires close cooperation between employees in the manufacturing areas and in product development, which in turn requires particularly high skills. The role of employee representatives in influencing labour‐use strategies proves less important. The article uses quantitative data from a survey of employee representatives, as well as qualitative data from in‐depth company case studies.
Electrophysiological markers predicting impeding AV‐block during ablation of atrioventricular nodal reentry tachycardia
Authors: Fragakis Nikolaos , Krexi Lydia , Kyriakou Panagiota , Sotiriadou Melani , Lazaridis Charalambos , Karamanolis Athanasios , Dalampyras Panagiotis , Tsakiroglou Stelios , Skeberis Vassilios , Tsalikakis Dimitrios , Vassilikos Vassilios
Published: December 2017

Background

Radiofrequency (RF) ablation of the slow pathway (SP) in atrioventricular nodal reentry tachycardia (AVNRT) is occasionally complicated with atrioventricular block (AVB) often predicted by junctional beats (JB) with loss of ventriculo‐atrial (VA) conduction.

Methods

We analyzed retrospectively 153 patients undergoing ablation of SP for typical AVNRT. Patients were divided into two age groups: 127 ≤ 70 years and 26 > 70 years. We analyzed the interval between the atrial electrogram in the His‐bundle position and the distal ablation catheter [A(H)‐A(RFd)] and between the distal ablation catheter and the proximal coronary sinus catheter [A(RFd)‐A(CS)] before RF applications with and without JB. We evaluated if these intervals can be used as predictors of JB incidence and also of JB with loss of VA conduction. We also assessed if age influences the risk of loss of VA conduction.

Results

The A(H)‐A(RFd) and A(RFd)‐A(CS) intervals were significantly shorter in RF applications causing JB than those without JB (33 ± 11 ms vs 39 ± 9 ms, P < 0.001, 14 ± 9 ms vs 20 ± 7 ms, P < 0.001, respectively). The A(H)‐A(RFd) and A(RFd)‐A(CS) intervals were also significantly shorter in RFs causing JB with VA block than those with VA conduction (29 ± 11 ms vs 35 ± 11 ms, P < 0.001, 8 ± 8 ms vs 17 ± 8 ms, P < 0.001, respectively). Patients > 70 years had shorter intervals (36 ± 11 ms vs 29 ± 8 ms, P  =  0.012, 17 ± 8 ms vs 13 ± 7 ms, P  =  0.027, respectively), while VA block was more common in this age group.

Conclusions

The A(H)‐A(RFd) and A(RFd)‐A(CS) intervals can be used as markers for predicting JB occurrence as well as impending AVB. JB with loss of VA conduction occur more often in older patients possibly due to a higher position of SP.
Evidence for Palaeozoic orthoconic cephalopods with bimineralic shells
Authors: De Baets Kenneth , Munnecke Axel
Published: December 2017

Based on the aragonite composition of extant and exceptionally preserved fossil cephalopods going back to the early Palaeozoic, it is commonly assumed that all externally shelled cephalopods had an aragonitic shell wall. We demonstrate herein that at least two taxa of Siluro‐Devonian orthoconic nautiloids (Dawsonoceras, Spyroceras) had an original bimineralic shell, which developed convergently with gastropods and bivalves.
Causal beliefs in people experiencing psychosis: The relationship to treatment accessed and the perceived helpfulness of treatment
Authors: Carter Lucy , Read John , Pyle Melissa , Law Heather , Emsley Richard , Morrison Anthony
Published: December 2017

Purpose

Research suggests that the way an individual understands a health difficulty can influence their subsequent behaviour. The aim of this study was to explore the psychometric properties of a new causal belief questionnaire for people who have experience of psychosis. We also planned to provide an overview of current causal beliefs within this group and to explore the relationship between these beliefs and the perceived helpfulness of treatment and the treatment accessed.

Methods

Three hundred and eleven service‐users with experience of psychosis completed a questionnaire designed to explore how they understand the cause of their difficulties. Additional information was collected about different aspects of treatment.

Results

The results of the exploratory factor analysis indicated a two‐factor solution comprising a psychosocial and biogenetic scale. Individuals in this study endorsed a variety of different causes, with an overall preference for psychosocial explanations. No relationships were established between beliefs and perceptions about the helpfulness of treatment. Individuals who had accessed cognitive behavioural therapy were more likely to endorse the psychosocial factor.

Conclusions

Individuals with psychosis consider a number of factors to be important in relation to the development of their experiences. These beliefs should be explored as part of the therapeutic process as this appears to be important to the individual and could potentially help inform treatment decisions.

Practitioner points

The causal belief questionnaire captured two underlying constructs relating to psychosocial and biogenetic causes.

Individuals within this group endorsed a range of factors; however, they prefer psychosocial causes overall.

There was an indication that some aspects of an individual's beliefs were associated with the treatment they accessed.
Natural regulatory IgM‐mediated autoimmune responses directed against malondialdehyde regulate oxidative and nitrosative pathways and coupled with IgM responses to nitroso adducts attenuate depressive and physiosomatic symptoms at the end of term pregnancy
Authors: Roomruangwong Chutima , Barbosa Decio S. , de Farias Carine C. , Matsumoto Andressa K. , Baltus Thiago H. L. , Morelli Nayara R. , Kanchanatawan Buranee , Duleu Sebastien , Geffard Michel , Maes Michael
Published: December 2017

Aim

We aimed to delineate the effects of immunoglobulin (Ig)M‐mediated autoimmune responses directed against malondialdehyde (MDA) and nitroso (SNO) adducts on nitro‐oxidative stress and depressive and physiosomatic symptoms (DPSS) at the end of term.

Methods

IgM responses to MDA, NO (nitroso) adducts formed by nitrosylation, and NO2 tyrosine formed by nitration were measured as well as hydroperoxides (ferrous oxidation xylenol orange), advanced protein oxidation products (AOPP), and NO metabolite (NOx) levels in women at the end of term pregnancy and in normal controls.

Results

IgM responses to MDA were significantly and inversely associated with AOPP, ferrous oxidation xylenol orange, and NOx and DPSS. IgM responses to NO adducts were significantly and inversely associated with DPSS and positively with NOx levels. There were significant associations between IgM responses to MDA, NO adducts, and NO2 tyrosine. The DPSS score was predicted by AOPP and a lifetime history of premenstrual syndrome (both positively) and IgM responses to NO adducts (inversely). Furthermore, 71.8% of the variance in the index of nitro‐oxidative stress was explained by lowered IgM responses to MDA, antioxidant levels (zinc, total radical trapping parameter), and inflammatory mediators.

Conclusion

Lowered levels of IgM responses to MDA during pregnancy are accompanied by a reduced regulation of nitro‐oxidative processes thereby explaining increased oxidative and nitrosative stress biomarkers in association with DPSS. IgM responses to NO adducts, which reflect nitrosylation as a consequence of increased NO production, regulate DPSS symptoms at the end of term and are a trait marker of major depression. IgM responses to MDA are a key part of the compensatory anti‐inflammatory responses system.
Resolution of methylphenidate osmotic release oral system‐induced hair loss in two siblings after dose escalation
Authors: Ardic Ulku Akyol , Ercan Eyup Sabri
Published: December 2017

This report describes the cases of two siblings who experienced hair loss after treatment with methylphenidate (MPH) osmotic release oral system (OROS). Hair loss was resolved after discontinuation of the drug, but the children re‐initiated treatment, after which hair loss again occurred, but they continued the treatment. After dose escalation, the hair loss resolved. This is the first report to describe resolution of OROS‐MPH‐induced hair loss after dose escalation.
Localization of the glucosinolate biosynthetic enzymes reveals distinct spatial patterns for the biosynthesis of indole and aliphatic glucosinolates
Authors: Nintemann Sebastian J. , Hunziker Pascal , Andersen Tonni G. , Schulz Alexander , Burow Meike , Halkier Barbara A.
Published: December 2017

Glucosinolates constitute the primary defense metabolites in Arabidopsis thaliana (Arabidopsis). Indole and aliphatic glucosinolates, biosynthesized from tryptophan and methionine, respectively, are known to serve distinct biological functions. Although all genes in the biosynthetic pathways are identified, and it is known where glucosinolates are stored, it has remained elusive where glucosinolates are produced at the cellular and tissue level. To understand how the spatial organization of the different glucosinolate biosynthetic pathways contributes to their distinct biological functions, we investigated the localization of enzymes of the pathways under constitutive conditions and, for indole glucosinolates, also under induced conditions, by analyzing the spatial distribution of several fluorophore‐tagged enzymes at the whole plant and the cellular level. We show that key steps in the biosynthesis of the different types of glucosinolates are localized in distinct cells in separate as well as overlapping vascular tissues. The presence of glucosinolate biosynthetic enzymes in parenchyma cells of the vasculature may assign new defense‐related functions to these cell types. The knowledge gained in this study is an important prerequisite for understanding the orchestration of chemical defenses from site of synthesis to site of storage and potential (re)mobilization upon attack.
The international law on transboundary haze pollution: What can we learn from the Southeast Asia region?
Authors: Alam Shawkat , Nurhidayah Laely
Published: December 2017

Transboundary haze pollution from land and forest fires is considered one of the most serious environmental problems in Southeast Asia. Almost every year, haze pollution risks the health and lives of people living in the region, especially children, elderly people and people who already suffer from asthma. The international law of the atmosphere plays an important role in reducing the air pollution problem. The current trends in addressing transboundary environmental harm show that States prefer to adopt and implement a prevention and cooperation regime, as shown in Southeast Asia. This article explores how international law responds to transboundary pollution. Particularly, it examines how the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) addresses transboundary haze pollution, and the effectiveness of its regional legal measures. This article argues that international law, particularly the State responsibility principle, plays an important role in pushing States to exercise due diligence. Nevertheless, State responsibility and civil liability regimes appear particularly difficult to implement in Southeast Asia due to the non‐interference principle in the ASEAN Charter. Therefore, improving cooperation is the only viable option for addressing the haze pollution problem.
Levels of serum sclerostin, metabolic parameters, and periodontitis in ­postmenopausal women with diabetes
Authors: Pinho Roberto Carlos Mourão , Pimentel Larissa Bastos , Bandeira Francisco Alfredo Farias , Dias Rayanne Soraia Aguiar Melo , Cimões Renata
Published: December 2017

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a metabolic disease defined by hyperglycemia, which is associated with periodontal disease and exerts an effect on bone metabolism. The aim of this study was to determine serum levels of sclerostin in postmenopausal women with diabetes and determine a possible association with periodontal disease. Sixty‐one postmenopausal women (32 with diabetes and 29 without diabetes) were evaluated. Blood was collected for biochemical analysis and the determination of serum sclerostin. The participants were also submitted to a clinical examination for the evaluation of periodontal status. A total of 75.4% of the volunteers had periodontal disease and levels serum sclerostin were altered in 48.7% of the patients with diabetes. In the diabetic population, mean levels of LDL (p = 0.035) and urea (p = 0.032) were higher in the patients without periodontal disease and the plaque index was higher in those with periodontal disease (p = 0.039). The prevalence of periodontal disease and the levels serum sclerostin were high in the postmenopausal women analyzed, but the data do not allow the determination of whether periodontal disease is related to high levels of this peptide.
Immigration, Politics and Democracy: The World Jewish Congress in Europe, 1936–1939
Authors: Segev Zohar
Published: December 2017

During the 1930s, the leadership of the World Jewish Congress (WJC) tried to turn the question of European Jews into an international political issue that transcended traditional philanthropic assistance to Jews in need. This article presents examples of the broad political activities that demonstrate the desire of the WJC's founders to deviate from the patterns of conventional philanthropic activity traditionally adopted by American Jewish organizations in the latter half of the 1930s, and to work on behalf of Europe's Jews and Jewish refugees in Europe by political means that involved blending the Jewish issue into Europe's international political and economic texture and promoting the Jewish cause in ways that transcended mere provision of economic assistance.