bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Innate immune responses in the ageing lung
Authors: Boe D M , Boule L A , Kovacs E J
Published: October 2016

The world is undergoing an unprecedented shift in demographics, with the number of individuals over the age of 60 years projected to reach 2 billion or more by 2050, representing 22% of the global population. Elderly people are at a higher risk for chronic disease and more susceptible to infection, due in part to age-related dysfunction of the immune system resulting from low-grade chronic inflammation known as ‘inflamm-ageing’. The innate immune system of older individuals exhibits a diminished ability to respond to microbial threats and clear infections, resulting in a greater occurrence of many infectious diseases in elderly people. In particular, the incidence of and mortality from lung infections increase sharply with age, with such infections often leading to worse outcomes, prolonged hospital stays and life-threatening complications, such as sepsis or acute respiratory distress syndrome. In this review, we highlight research on bacterial pneumonias and pulmonary viral infections and discuss age-related changes in innate immunity that contribute to the higher rate of these infections in older populations. By understanding more clearly the innate immune defects in elderly individuals, we can design age-specific therapies to address lung infections in such a vulnerable population.
History of Guillain–Barré syndrome
Authors: Kusunoki Susumu
Published: October 2016

Guillain–Barré syndrome (GBS) is an acute self‐limited polyneuropathy. The original paper was reported by Guillain, Barré and Strohl in 1916. GBS was considered to be a demyelinating disease of the peripheral nervous system, called acute inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy. In the 1980s, the acute axonal type of GBS was first reported. This subtype was later called acute motor axonal neuropathy. In addition to acute inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy and acute motor axonal neuropathy, several subtypes including Miller Fisher syndrome were reported. GBS was shown to be an immune‐mediated disease. The frequent presence of antibodies against various glycolipids have been reported in the acute‐phase sera from GBS patients since the end of the 1980s, including anti‐GM1 antibody in acute motor axonal neuropathy and anti‐GQ1b antibody in Miller Fisher syndrome. The efficacy of plasmapheresis and intravenous immunoglobulin therapy has been established since the mid 1980s. However, despite those therapies, there are still severe or refractory cases. Further investigation is necessary for the development of novel therapeutic strategies.
Parental reaction towards radicalization in young people
Authors: Sikkens Elga , Sieckelinck Stijn , van San Marion , de Winter Micha
Published: October 2016

This paper focuses on radicalization from a parenting perspective; we propose an approach that sees radicalization as a possibility in adolescent development, and as part of the interaction with the adolescent's social environment and socialization. The aim of the study is to discover how parents react when their adolescent develops extreme ideals. Using 55 in‐depth interviews with young people who have extreme ideals and their parents, the parental reactions towards these ideals are explored. Subsequently, the reactions are categorized according to two dimensions (control and support). This study shows how parents struggle when confronted with radicalization and shift to less demanding responses due to powerlessness, dissociation and parental uncertainty.
Effects of S906T polymorphism on the severity of a novel borderline mutation I692M in Nav1.4 cause periodic paralysis
Authors: Fan C. , Mao N. , Lehmann‐Horn F. , Bürmann J. , Jurkat‐Rott K.
Published: October 2016

Hyperkalemic periodic paralysis (HyperPP) is a dominantly inherited muscle disease caused by mutations in SCN4A gene encoding skeletal muscle voltage gated Nav1.4 channels. We identified a novel Nav1.4 mutation I692M in 14 families out of the 104 genetically identified HyperPP families in the Neuromuscular Centre Ulm and is therefore as frequent as I693T (13 families out of 14 HyperPP families) in Germany. Surprisingly, in 13 families, a known polymorphism S906T was also present. It was on the affected allele in at least 10 families compatible with a possible founder effect in central Europe. All affected members suffered from episodic weakness; myotonia was also common. Compared with I692M patients, I692M‐S906T patients had longer weakness episodes, more affected muscles, CK elevation and presence of permanent weakness. Electrophysiological investigation showed that both mutants had incomplete slow inactivation and a hyperpolarizing shift of activation which contribute to membrane depolarization and weakness. Additionally, I692M‐S906T significantly enhanced close‐state fast inactivation compared with I692M alone, suggesting a higher proportion of inactivated I692M‐S906T channels upon membrane depolarization which may facilitate the initiation of weakness episodes and therefore clinical manifestation. Our results suggest that polymorphism S906T has effects on the clinical phenotypic and electrophysiological severity of a novel borderline Nav1.4 mutation I692M, making the borderline mutation fully penetrant.
Genetics of Mayer–Rokitansky–Küster–Hauser (MRKH) syndrome
Authors: Fontana L. , Gentilin B. , Fedele L. , Gervasini C. , Miozzo M.
Published: October 2016

Mayer–Rokitansky–Küster–Hauser (MRKH) syndrome, also referred to as Müllerian agenesis, is the second most common cause of primary amenorrhea. It is characterized by congenital absence of the uterus, cervix, and the upper part of the vagina in otherwise phenotypically normal 46,XX females. MRKH syndrome has an incidence of about 1 in 4,500–5,000 newborn females and it is generally divided into two subtypes: MRKH type 1, in which only the upper vagina, cervix and the uterus are affected, and MRKH type 2, which is associated with additional malformations generally affecting the renal and skeletal systems, and also includes MURCS (MÜllerian Renal Cervical Somite) characterized by cervico‐thoracic defects. MRKH syndrome is mainly sporadic; however, familial cases have been described indicating that, at least in a subset of patients, MRKH may be an inherited disorder. The syndrome appears to demonstrate an autosomal dominant inheritance pattern, with incomplete penetrance and variable expressivity. The etiology of MRKH syndrome is still largely unknown, probably because of its intrinsic heterogeneity. Several candidate causative genes have been investigated, but to date only WNT4 has been associated with MRKH with hyperandrogenism. This review summarizes and discusses the clinical features and details progress to date in understanding the genetics of MRKH syndrome.
Factors associated with rhinostomy shape after endoscopic dacryocystorhinostomy
Authors: Shin H.J. , Woo K.I. , Kim Y.‐D.
Published: October 2016

Objective

To determine the factors associated with rhinostomy shape after endoscopic dacryocystorhinostomy (DCR) in patients with primary acquired nasolacrimal duct obstruction.

Design

Retrospective comparative study.

Setting

University hospital.

Participants

One hundred and two cases in 70 patients were included in the study.

Main outcome measure

All cases were classified into three groups according to the healed appearance of the rhinostomy: flat, ladle and ice scoop type. The flat shape was characterised by an opening with a flat surrounding and no clear border between the lacrimal sac and the nasal mucosa. The ladle shape had a depressed base without markings of a lacrimal sac. The ice scoop shape had a depressed base with a clear border between the lacrimal sac and the nasal mucosa. Anatomic success was defined as patency with syringing and endoscopic evidence of ostial patency. Functional success was defined as visualisation of fluorescein dye at the ostium and relief from epiphora. Clinical information and intra‐ and postoperative endoscopic video findings were compared between the three groups.

Results

Of the 102 cases, 19 flat, 37 ladle and 46 ice scoop type rhinostomies were observed during the follow‐up examinations. Among the variables studied, patient demographics and rhinostomy size and location did not differ between the three groups. However, intraoperative lacrimal sac findings (sac size, wall thickness and mobility), postoperative ostial shrinkage and rhinostomy movement were associated with postoperative rhinostomy shape (all P < 0.05). With regard to surgical outcomes, there were no differences in anatomical patency between the three groups. However, the flat group had a worse functional success rate (73.7%) than the ladle (91.9%) and ice scoop (97.8%) groups (P = 0.008). A higher degree of ostial shrinkage and poor rhinostomy movement was observed with the flat shape appearance, which had a small, thick and poorly mobile lacrimal sac.

Conclusions

Lacrimal sac characteristics play a prominent role in determining rhinostomy shape after endoscopic DCR. The rhinostomy shape, along with the degree of ostial shrinkage and rhinostomy movement, is predictive of functional success after endoscopic DCR.
Grammaticality, Acceptability, and Probability: A Probabilistic View of Linguistic Knowledge
Authors: Lau Jey Han , Clark Alexander , Lappin Shalom
Published: October 2016

The question of whether humans represent grammatical knowledge as a binary condition on membership in a set of well‐formed sentences, or as a probabilistic property has been the subject of debate among linguists, psychologists, and cognitive scientists for many decades. Acceptability judgments present a serious problem for both classical binary and probabilistic theories of grammaticality. These judgements are gradient in nature, and so cannot be directly accommodated in a binary formal grammar. However, it is also not possible to simply reduce acceptability to probability. The acceptability of a sentence is not the same as the likelihood of its occurrence, which is, in part, determined by factors like sentence length and lexical frequency. In this paper, we present the results of a set of large‐scale experiments using crowd‐sourced acceptability judgments that demonstrate gradience to be a pervasive feature in acceptability judgments. We then show how one can predict acceptability judgments on the basis of probability by augmenting probabilistic language models with an acceptability measure. This is a function that normalizes probability values to eliminate the confounding factors of length and lexical frequency. We describe a sequence of modeling experiments with unsupervised language models drawn from state‐of‐the‐art machine learning methods in natural language processing. Several of these models achieve very encouraging levels of accuracy in the acceptability prediction task, as measured by the correlation between the acceptability measure scores and mean human acceptability values. We consider the relevance of these results to the debate on the nature of grammatical competence, and we argue that they support the view that linguistic knowledge can be intrinsically probabilistic.
Let's talk about sex: where are the young females in blood flow restriction research?
Authors: Counts Brittany R. , Rossow Lindy M. , Mattocks Kevin T. , Mouser J. Grant , Jessee Matthew B. , Buckner Samuel L. , Dankel Scott J. , Loenneke Jeremy P.
Published: October 2016

Low‐load resistance exercise with the blood flow restriction (BFR) has been shown to increase muscle size similar to that of traditional high‐load resistance training. Throughout the BFR literature, there is a vast difference between the quantity of young females included in the literature compared to young males, older males and older females. Therefore, the purpose of this minireview is to discuss the underrepresentation of young females in the BFR literature and review the potential physiologic reasons as to why they may have been excluded. In conclusion, the female menstrual cycle, a normal physiological occurrence, is presumably the reason as to why majority of young females are excluded from participation in BFR studies. Instead of excluding females, we recommend that BFR studies should include both sexes and plot the results separately to determine whether a sex difference exists.
Relation between lymphocyte to monocyte ratio and short‐term mortality in patients with acute pulmonary embolism
Authors: Ertem Ahmet Goktug , Yayla Cagri , Acar Burak , Kirbas Ozgur , Unal Sefa , Uzel Sener Melahat , Akboga Mehmet Kadri , Efe Tolga Han , Sivri Serkan , Sen Fatih , Gokaslan Serkan , Topaloglu Serkan
Published: October 2016

Introduction

The relationship between inflammation and mortality after acute pulmonary embolism (APE) has previously been investigated with different variables (platelet/lymphocyte ratio, etc).

Objectives

We investigated the predictive value of lymphocyte to monocyte ratio (LMR) for mortality in first 30 days after APE.

Methods

The study population included 264 APE patients of which 230 patients were survivors, 34 patients were non‐survivors.

Results

LMR was significantly lower in non‐survivors after APE (P < .001). Neutrophil‐to‐lymphocyte ratio (NLR) was higher in non‐survivors after APE (P < .001). Platelet‐to‐lymphocyte (PLR) had no significance between both groups (P: .241). Simplified pulmonary embolism severity index and LMR were independent predictors of mortality in patients with APE (P: .008 and P: .001, respectively).

Conclusion

LMR as a novel marker of inflammation seemed to be an independent predictor of short‐term mortality in patients with APE.
A wolf in sheep's clothing? Patients’ and healthcare professionals’ perceptions of oxygen therapy: An interpretative phenomenological analysis
Authors: Kelly Carol A. , Lynes Dave , O'Brien Mary R. , Shaw Ben
Published: October 2016

Background

Despite emerging evidence and guidelines, poor prescribing and administration of oxygen therapy persists. This study aimed to explore healthcare professionals’ (HCPs) and patients’ perceptions of oxygen.

Design

Semi‐structured interviews with 28 patients and 34 HCPs.

Findings

Three master themes uncovered: oxygen as a panacea, the burden of oxygen and antecedents to beliefs. Patients used oxygen for breathlessness and as an enabler; they were grateful to oxygen and accepted it as part of the disease. HCPs used oxygen because it helps patients; it works; and it makes HCPs feel better. But oxygen is not benign and a burden is evident with potential antecedents to beliefs revealed.

The findings suggest that a set of fixed beliefs regarding oxygen exist, influenced by several impacting factors. The perception that oxygen is a universal remedy presides, but is, at times, contradictory. These findings will raise awareness of entrenched cultures, influence future educational and research strategies, and inform policy.
Geographical variation in the contribution of planted and natural pine forests to the conservation of bird diversity
Authors: Martínez‐Jauregui María , Soliño Mario , Díaz Mario
Published: October 2016

Aim

Tree plantations can have beneficial or detrimental effects on regional biodiversity. Here, we focus on how the contribution of pine plantations to the maintenance of regional bird diversity varies geographically compared to natural pine forests, after controlling for the effects of other factors that are known to influence the regional richness of pine forest dwelling birds.

Location

Spain.

Methods

We combined large‐scale datasets from diverse sources (i.e. the Spanish Breeding Bird Atlas, the Third Spanish Forest Inventory, land use and forest distribution maps) to analyse the geographical variation of the contribution of pine plantations in relation to their natural counterparts to the maintenance of the regional species richness of pine forest dwelling birds. To do so, we also controlled for the main environmental, land use and forest structure factors using GLM models.

Results

Differences in bird diversity among planted and natural pine forests varied along latitudinal and longitudinal gradients after accounting for altitude, climate, land uses and vegetation structure of pine forests. Planted pine forests in the north‐west of the Iberian Peninsula have the lowest bird species richness as compared to natural pine forests, and that difference decreased following a north‐west–south‐east gradient. Differences also varied among pine species; they were larger for the species with a higher productive vocation (Pinus sylvestris, Pinus nigra and Pinus pinaster) and not significantly different from zero for species with low commercial interest and mainly used for the restoration of tree cover (i.e. Pinus halepensis).

Main conclusions

The potential of plantations or natural pine forests to enhance biodiversity is highly dependent on both the pine species and the geographical location. On this basis, we identify the geographical areas (and pine species) where a major naturalization effort of plantations would be needed to increase bird diversity.
Multiprofessional evaluation in clinical practice: establishing a core set of outcome measures for children with cerebral palsy
Authors: Mäenpää Helena , Autti‐Rämö Ilona , Varho Tarja , Forsten Wivi , Haataja Leena
Published: October 2016

Aim

To develop a national consensus on outcome measures that define functional ability in children with cerebral palsy (CP) according to the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) framework.

Method

The project started in 2008 in neuropaediatric units of two university hospitals and one outpatient clinic. Each professional group selected representatives to be knowledge brokers for their own specialty. Based on the evidence, expert opinion, and the ICF framework, multiprofessional teams selected the most valid measures used in clinical practice (2009–2010). Data from 269 children with CP were analysed, classified by the Gross Motor Function Classification System, Manual Ability Classification System, and Communication Function Classification System, and evaluated.

Results

The process aimed at improving and unifying clinical practice in Finland through a national consensus on the core set of measures. The selected measures were presented by professional groups, and consensus was reached on the recommended core set of measures to be used in all hospitals treating children with CP in Finland.

Interpretation

A national consensus on relevant and feasible measures is essential for identifying differences in the effectiveness of local practices, and for conducting multisite intervention studies. This project showed that multiprofessional rehabilitation practices can be improved through respect for and inclusion of everyone involved.
The impacts of the food, fuel and financial crises on poor and vulnerable households in Nigeria: A retrospective approach to research inquiry
Authors: Chiripanhura Blessing M. , Niño‐Zarazúa Miguel
Published: October 2016

This article examines the impacts of the financial, food and fuel crises on poor and vulnerable households in two states of Nigeria: Lagos and Kano. It uses retrospective household‐level data to analyze the impacts of induced price variability on household welfare. The results indicate that aggregate shocks have significant adverse effects on household consumption, schooling and child labour decisions, with a degree of impact heterogeneity across regions and rural and urban areas of the country. We find that the coping strategies adopted by the poor to deal with the short‐term effects of the crises can lock households in a low‐income equilibrium or poverty trap. Provided that covariate shocks exacerbate these effects, they become central for policy design.
Youth Perspectives on Social Insurance in Egypt: Qualitative Insights on the Gap between Legal and Effective Coverage
Authors: Sieverding Maia
Published: October 2016

A gap between legal and effective coverage rates is a common challenge facing social insurance systems in Low‐ and Middle‐Income Countries. This article draws on an exploratory qualitative study with youth in Egypt to examine how labour market dynamics and worker preferences contribute to this gap. Labour market factors, particularly instability of employment and job mobility, were found to reduce the perceived value of social insurance. Poor understanding of how social insurance works was another contributing factor. However, youth displayed a high level of trust in the public social insurance system and saw pensions as valuable in the abstract. In combination with awareness promotion, eliminating penalties to discontinuous labour force participation could make social insurance more attractive to youth.
ON THE DESIRABILITY OF TAX COORDINATION WHEN COUNTRIES COMPETE IN TAXES AND INFRASTRUCTURE
Authors: Han Yutao , Pieretti Patrice , Zou Benteng
Published: October 2016

This article contains two distinct messages. First, when jurisdictions compete in two independent strategic variables, the decision to coordinate on one variable (a tax rate) induces a carry‐over effect on the unconstrained instrument (infrastructure expenditures). Consequently, classical results of the tax coordination literature may be qualified. A second message is that the relative flexibility of the strategic instruments, which may depend on the time horizon of the decision making, does matter. In particular, tax coordination is more likely to be detrimental (in terms of revenue and/or welfare) when countries can compete simultaneously in taxes and infrastructure, rather than sequentially. The reason is that simultaneity eliminates strategic effects between tax and nontax instruments. (JEL H21, H87, H73, F21, C72)
Genetic variation and the relationship between stream and lake ecotypes of a threatened desert Catostomid, the Warner sucker (Catostomus warnerensis)
Authors: DeHaan Patrick W. , Von Bargen Jennifer , Scheerer Paul D.
Published: October 2016

Many fish species exhibit diverse life history strategies that help maintain population viability. An understanding of the relationships among these strategies is crucial for prioritising conservation actions. The Warner sucker, endemic to the Warner Lakes Basin in southern Oregon, USA, is one example of a taxon where a lack of information regarding relationships among life history strategies has hampered conservation efforts. Warner suckers have two distinct life history types: stream‐type fish that have a fluvial life history and lake‐type fish that have an adfluvial life history. There are advantages and disadvantages associated with each life history, and presently the relationship between life history types is not well understood. Our objectives were to determine the amount of genetic variation within and among tributary populations of Warner suckers and to determine the origins of suckers collected in the Warner Lakes. We collected individuals from four tributary populations, a refugial population, and Hart and Crump lakes and genotyped them at 16 microsatellite loci. Estimates of genetic variation among populations suggested low levels of gene flow (FST = 0.153) and genetic variation among populations seemed to be influenced by population and habitat characteristics. Nearly all of the individuals collected in Hart and Crump lakes originated in a single tributary, Deep Creek, which likely reflects reduced habitat connectivity between most other tributaries and the Warner Lakes. Data presented in this study are useful for evaluating the status of Warner sucker populations and for prioritising conservation actions such as the removal and modification of barriers.
Everyday Entrepreneurship—A Call for Entrepreneurship Research to Embrace Entrepreneurial Diversity
Authors: Welter Friederike , Baker Ted , Audretsch David B. , Gartner William B.
Published: October 2016

This essay contrasts a perspective that places an excessive focus on technology businesses and growth with a view of entrepreneurship that embraces its heterogeneity. We challenge a taken–for–granted belief that only certain kinds of entrepreneurship might lead to wealth and job creation and additionally suggest that these two outcomes (wealth and job creation) need to be placed within a broader context of reasons, purposes, and values for why and how entrepreneurship emerges. We suggest that a wider and nondiscriminatory perspective on what constitutes entrepreneurship will lead to better theory and more insights that are relevant to the phenomenon.
Weird genotypes? Don't discard them, transmissible cancer could be an explanation
Authors: Riquet Florentine , Simon Alexis , Bierne Nicolas
Published: October 2016

Genetic chimerism is rarely considered in the analysis of population genetics data, because assumed to be an exceptionally rare, mostly benign, developmental accident. An unappreciated source of chimerism is transmissible cancer, when malignant cells have become independent parasites and can infect other individuals. Parasitic cancers were thought to be rare exceptions, only reported in dogs (Murgia et al., Cell, 2006, 126, 477; Rebbeck et al., Evolution, 2009, 63, 2340), Tasmanian devils (Pearse and Swift, Nature, 2006, 439, 549; Pye et al., Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, 2016, 113, 374), and soft‐shell clams (Metzger et al., Cell, 2015, 161, 255). However, the recent simultaneous report of four new contagious leukemias in marine mollusks (Metzger et al., Nature, 2016, 534, 705) might change the rules. By doubling up the number of naturally occurring transmissible cancers, this discovery suggests they may essentially be missed because not sufficiently searched for, especially outside mammals. We encourage population geneticists to keep in mind infectious cancer when interpreting weird genotypes in their molecular data. It would then contribute in the investigation of how widespread contagious cancer could really be in the wild. We provide an example with our own data in Mytilus mussels, a commercially important shellfish. We identified genetic chimerism in a few mussels that suggests the possible occurrence at low prevalence in European M. edulis populations of a M. trossulus contagious cancer related to the one described by Metzger et al. (Nature, 2016, 534, 705) in populations of British Columbia.
Contact allergens induce CD8+ T cell‐derived interleukin 10 that appears dispensable for regulation of contact hypersensitivity
Authors: Dolch Anja , Kunz Stefanie , Dorn Britta , Roers Axel , Martin Stefan F. , Jakob Thilo
Published: October 2016

Interleukin 10 (IL‐10) has been implied in the regulation of allergic contact dermatitis. Using transcriptional reporter mice we analyzed cellular sources of IL‐10 during contact hypersensitivity (CHS) and identified IL‐10 expressing CD8+ T cells in the skin that are antigen‐specific, display PD‐1, an effector memory phenotype, and IL‐10 expression comparable to that of CD4+ T cells. However, in mice with a selective IL‐10 deficiency in CD8+ T cells CHS responses were comparable to that of controls, even in the absence of CD4+ cells, suggesting that CD8+ T cell‐derived IL‐10 does not contribute significantly to the resolution of CHS responses.
Low cycle fatigue life prediction in shot‐peened components of different geometries—part I: residual stress relaxation
Authors: You C. , Achintha M. , Soady K. A. , Smyth N. , Fitzpatrick M. E. , Reed P. A. S.
Published: October 2016

In this study, the residual stress relaxation behaviour occurring during low‐cycle fatigue in shot‐peened specimens with either a flat or a notched geometry has been studied. A representative low‐pressure steam turbine material, FV448, was used. The residual stress and strain hardening profiles caused by shot peening were measured experimentally and were then incorporated into a finite element model. By allowing for both effects of shot peening, the residual stress relaxation behaviour was successfully simulated using this model and correlated well with the experimental data. Although more modelling work may be required to simulate the interaction between shot peening effects and external loads in a range of notched geometries, the model predictions are consistent with the specimens tested in the current study. The novelty of this study lies in the development of such a modelling approach which can be used to effectively simulate the complex interaction between shot peening effects and external loads in notched regions. Compared with the un‐notched geometry, the notched geometry was found to be more effective in retaining the improvement in fatigue life resulting from shot peening, by restricting the compressive residual stress relaxation during fatigue loading.
Woodland expansion in South African grassy biomes based on satellite observations (1990–2013): general patterns and potential drivers
Authors: Skowno Andrew L. , Thompson Mark W. , Hiestermann Jens , Ripley Brad , West Adam G. , Bond William J.
Published: October 2016

Increases in woody plant cover in savanna grassland environments have been reported on globally for over 50 years and are generally perceived as a threat to rangeland productivity and biodiversity. Despite this, few attempts have been made to estimate the extent of woodland increase at a national scale, principally due to technical constraints such as availability of appropriate remote sensing products. In this study, we aimed to measure the extent to which woodlands have replaced grasslands in South Africa's grassy biomes. We use multiseason Landsat data in conjunction with satellite L‐band radar backscatter data to estimate the extent of woodlands and grasslands in 1990 and 2013. The method employed allows for a unique, nationwide measurement of transitions between grassland and woodland classes in recent decades. We estimate that during the 23‐year study period, woodlands have replaced grasslands over ~57 000 km2 and conversely that grasslands have replaced woodlands over ~30 000 km2, a net increase in the extent of woodland of ~27 000 km2 and an annual increase of 0.22%. The changes varied markedly across the country; areas receiving over 500 mm mean annual precipitation showed higher rates of woodland expansion than regions receiving <500 mm (0.31% yr−1 and 0.11% yr−1, respectively). Protected areas with elephants showed clear loss of woodlands (−0.43% yr−1), while commercial rangelands and traditional rangelands showed increases in woodland extent (>0.19% yr−1). The woodland change map presented here provides a unique opportunity to test the numerous models of woody plant encroachment at a national/regional scale.
Prioritizing Disaster Mapping Tasks for Online Volunteers Based on Information Value Theory
Authors: Hu Yingjie , Janowicz Krzysztof , Couclelis Helen
Published: October 2016

In recent years, online volunteers have played important roles in disaster response. After a major disaster, hundreds of volunteers are often remotely convened by humanitarian organizations to map the affected area based on remote sensing images. Typically, the affected area is divided using a grid‐based tessellation, and each volunteer can select one grid cell to start mapping. While this approach coordinates the efforts of volunteers, it does not differentiate the priorities of different cells. As a result, volunteers may map grid cells in a random order. Due to the spatial heterogeneity, different cells may contain geographic information that is of different value to emergency responders. Ideally, cells that potentially contain more valuable information should be assigned higher priority for mapping. This article presents an analytical framework for prioritizing the mapping of cells based on the values of information contained in these cells. Our objective is to provide guidance for online volunteers so that potentially more important cells are mapped first. We present a method that is based on information value theory and focus on road networks. We apply this method to a number of simulated scenarios and to a real disaster mapping case from the 2015 Nepal earthquake.
Distinct biogeographical patterns of marine bacterial taxonomy and functional genes
Authors: Haggerty John Matthew , Dinsdale Elizabeth Ann
Published: October 2016

Aim

While paradigms of macroecology are challenged by the high rates of reproduction, dispersal and horizontal gene exchange of bacterial communities, environmental DNA sequencing makes community profiles accessible. We test fundamental hypotheses of macroecological theories, showing that both taxonomic and functional classifications have distinct biogeographical variation across distance and environments depending on trophic composition.

Location

Studies spanning the global oceans.

Methods

Taxonomic and functional profiles were obtained from metagenomes and were compared across oceanographic regions and tested for patterns of co‐occurrence. The influences of sampling method (filter size), environmental variables and geographical distribution were compared with distance‐based linear models to test predictors of taxonomic and functional composition. Macroecological drivers were compared with bacterial community structure to test four biogeographical hypotheses: (1) no biogeographical patterns, (2) community structure reflects environmental dissimilarity, (3) community structure reflects distance, (4) community structure reflects environment and distance.

Results

Bacterial families were clustered into four trophic groups – phototrophic, oligotrophic, eutrophic and copiotrophic – by changes in abundance across oceanographic regions and co‐occurrence with core functions. Changes in community composition were best modelled by longitude for free‐living communities and dissolved oxygen for mixed communities of free‐living and particle‐associated bacteria. Both microhabitat and community assignment had an impact on biogeographical patterns, with taxonomic compositions following our hypotheses 2 and 4 and functional gene compositions following hypotheses 3 and 4.

Main conclusions

We described four trophic groups adding to the current dichotomy of the classification of marine bacteria as oligotrophic or copiotrophic. Taxonomic composition of mixed communities reflected environmental differences but not geographical distance, whereas functional gene composition in free‐living communities was independent of environmental dissimilarity and reflected geographical distance. Patterns of biogeography in bacterial communities differed depending on the description of taxa or function. Therefore, we developed a new paradigm for bacterial ecology which shows that some aspects of bacterial evolution depend on trophic complexity, history and current environmental conditions.
Ethnographic Reviews
Authors: deRoche Constance
Published: October 2016

Books reviewed in this issue.

The Need to Help: The Domestic Arts of International Humanitarianism. Liisa H. Malkki
Intertwining Gender Inequalities and Gender‐neutral Legitimacy in Job Evaluation and Performance‐related Pay
Authors: Koskinen Sandberg Paula
Published: October 2016

This article analyses the intertwining inequalities in wage determination and the gender‐neutral legitimacy that pay systems provide by masking these inequalities. Job evaluation and performance‐related pay were originally designed for purposes other than promoting equal pay, namely as managerial tools for determining wage levels. Typically, the main objective of a pay system is not to promote equal pay. Still, as a tool for assessing the value of work, job evaluation is regarded as a central method in promoting equal pay. The use of job evaluation is recommended by the European Commission and the International Labour Organization, and often features in gender‐equality policy and legislation. In contrast with the status of job evaluation, little research exists on performance‐related pay and gender pay equity. The findings show that the wages determined by pay systems reflect gendered cultural valuations of jobs and occupations. Pay systems provide gender‐neutral legitimacy for gender‐based wage disparities.
The Role of Permitting Regimes in Western United States Groundwater Management
Authors: Nelson Rebecca , Perrone Debra
Published: October 2016

Related Content
Usefulness of assisted procedures for arteriovenous fistula maturation without compromising access patency
Authors: Park Hoon Suk , Lee Youn Hee , Kim Hyung Wook , Baik Jun Hyun , Won Yong Sung , Park Cheol Whee , Kim Young Ok , Yang Chul Woo , Jin Dong Chan
Published: October 2016

Introduction: To increase the rate of arteriovenous fistula (AVF) use, assisted procedures for immature AVF have been strenuously performed. However, this is controversial in that an AVF matured by these assisted procedures may require more frequent intervention to maintain its patency, and have decreased long‐term patency.

Methods: Eighty four AVFs that were matured with assisted maturation procedures and 266 AVFs that matured spontaneously without intervention, created between November 2009 and March 2013 from the hemodialysis (HD) vascular access (VA) cohort, were compared retrospectively and we also investigated the factors that may influence AVF long‐term patency. Median follow‐up was 26.8 months (interquartile range, 6.6–45.0 months).

Findings: Access survival did not differ between AVFs matured by assisted procedures and spontaneously mature AVFs (P = 0.29). In multivariate Cox regression analysis of AVF survival, age (HR, 1.029; 95% CI, 1.004–1.056; P = 0.024), maturation without assisted procedures 4–6 weeks after AVF creation (HR, 0.233; 95% CI, 0.107–0.506; P < 0.001), and AVF thrombosis (HR, 26.511; 95% CI, 10.986–63.978; P < 0.001) were significantly associated with AVF survival. Performance of assisted procedures to induce AVF maturation did not influence AVF survival (HR, 0.437; 95% CI, 0.191–1.002; P = 0.05).

Discussion: Our results support that idea that assisted maturation procedures can ensure the success of immature AVF without compromising long‐term patency. These procedures can be considered more positively for increasing AVF use for VA placement in HD patients.
Female Prothonotary Warblers Protonotaria citrea sing during the mate acquisition period
Authors: Matthews Alix E. , Slevin Morgan C. , Worm Alexander J. , Boves Than J.
Published: October 2016

Female song in passerine birds may be more common than traditionally assumed, but it is not well‐documented or understood, especially in migratory species. We describe the first evidence of sex‐specific songs produced by female Prothonotary Warblers, as well as the results of playback trials aimed at exploring the adaptive function (if any) of this female‐specific vocalization. Based on the behaviour of three females and our playback trials, we suggest that these unique songs are related to mate acquisition during the early stages of courtship.
Long‐term effects of perinatal exposure to low doses of cadmium on the prostate of adult male rats
Authors: Santana Viviane P. , Salles Évila S. , Correa Deborah E. , Gonçalves Bianca F. , Campos Silvana G. , Justulin Luiz A. , Godinho Antonio F. , Scarano Wellerson R.
Published: October 2016

Developmental toxicity caused by environmental exposure to heavy metals during the perinatal period has raised questions about offspring health. Cadmium (Cd) is an endocrine‐disrupting chemical with the potential to interfere with morphogenesis and susceptibility to diseases in reproductive organs. Taking into account that in the rat prostate morphogenesis occurs during the perinatal period, and that pregnant females absorb and retain more dietary Cd than their non‐pregnant counterparts, it is important to understand the effects of perinatal Cd exposure on the adult rat prostate. Therefore this study investigated the effects of gestational and lactational Cd exposure on adult offspring rat prostate histopathology. Pregnant rats (n = 20) were divided into two groups: Control (treated with aqueous solution of sodium acetate 10 mg/l) and treated (treated with aqueous solution of cadmium acetate 10 mg/l) administered in the drinking water. After weaning, male offspring from different litters (n = 10) received food and water ‘ad libitum’. The animals were euthanized at postnatal day 90 (PND90), the ventral prostates (VPs) were removed, weighed and examined histopathologically. Blood was collected for the measurement of testosterone (T) levels. Immunohistochemistry for androgen receptor (AR) and Ki67, and a TUNEL assay were performed. There were no differences in T levels, cell proliferation and apoptosis indexes, or AR immunostaining between the experimental groups. Stromal inflammatory foci and multifocal inflammation increased significantly in the treated group. These changes were associated with inflammatory reactive epithelial atypia and stromal fibrillar rearrangement. In conclusion, VP was permanently affected by perinatal Cd exposition, with increased incidence of inflammatory disorders with ageing.
The Hermeneutics of Theological Interpretation: Holy Scripture, Biblical Scholarship and Historical Criticism
Authors: East Brad
Published: October 2016

This article seeks to clarify the disagreement between theological interpretation of Scripture and academic biblical scholarship that is governed by the historical‐critical method. First, it sets forth four basic convictions of theological interpretation, that is, presuppositions about the text's relationship to God and church that are crucial for fruitful Christian exegesis of the Bible. Second, it discusses the hermeneutical implications that follow, with particular reference to divine authorship and spiritual interpretation. Third, it criticizes the methodological assumptions and totalizing claims of historical criticism as ultimately inimical to the kind of scriptural reading practices necessary for the church's faith and theology.
Laparoscopic transperitoneal adrenalectomy in morbidly obese patients is not associated with worse short‐term outcomes
Authors: Pędziwiatr Michał , Major Piotr , Pisarska Magdalena , Natkaniec Michał , Godlewska Magdalena , Przęczek Krzysztof , Dworak Jadwiga , Dembiński Marcin , Zub‐Pokrowiecka Anna , Budzyński Andrzej
Published: October 2016

Objectives

To evaluate the impact of obesity and morbid obesity on short‐term outcomes after laparoscopic adrenalectomy.

Methods

The study included 520 consecutive patients undergoing laparoscopic adrenalectomy for adrenal tumor. The entire study group was divided depending on the body mass index: group 1 (normal weight), <25 kg/m2; group 2 (overweight), 25–30 kg/m2; and group 3 (obese) 30–40 kg/m2. Additionally, group 4 (morbidly obese) was distinguished. Study end‐points were: operative time, intraoperative blood loss, total length of hospital stay, morbidity rate and 30‐day readmission rate.

Results

The mean operative times were 88.8, 94.7, 93.5, and 99.9 min in groups 1, 2, 3 and 4, respectively (P = 0.1444). Complications were comparable between groups (12.8% vs 8.8% vs 8.2% vs 11.5%, P = 0.5295). The mean intraoperative blood loss was 66.8 versus 78.3 versus 60.7 versus 92.4, P = 0.1399. There were no differences in conversion rate between groups.

Conclusions

Obesity has no influence on short‐term outcomes of laparoscopic transperitoneal adrenalectomy. This procedure is feasible regardless of the body mass index. Therefore, it can be offered to all patient groups including those morbidly obese individuals in whose case preoperative weight loss seems unnecessary.
Selecting haematological malignancy patients for intravenous immunoglobulin
Authors: Paxton L. , Hawkins C. , Crispin P.
Published: October 2016

Prior randomised studies of immunoglobulin replacement therapy have studied mixed populations with or without a history of infections. Immunoglobulin therapy is expensive and in limited supply suggesting that optimising patient selection is of value. In this retrospective study, infection history identified high‐risk groups benefiting from treatment. A group of patients without any infection history had a low risk of infection without immunoglobulin.
Fulminant type 1 diabetes in pregnancy
Authors: Farrant M. T. , Rowan J. A. , Cundy T.
Published: October 2016

We report two cases of fulminant type 1 diabetes in previously well migrants from South East Asia. This entity, which is rare outside East or South‐East Asia, has a high perinatal mortality. The clinical presentation differs markedly from that of typical newly recognised type 1 diabetes in pregnancy. In both our cases, the neonates required intensive care but survived.
Heroic Sacrifice or Tragic Mistake? Revisiting the Eyam Plague, 350 Years on
Authors: Didelot Xavier
Published: October 2016

When plague struck the village of Eyam in the year 1665, a quarantine was imposed. A third of the residents succumbed to the disease, but was it an effective control measure? Xavier Didelot investigates
Nickel and Lanthanum Hydroxide Nanocomposites with Much Improved Electrochemical Performance for Supercapacitors
Authors: Ho Kuan‐Hung , Liu Huajun , Ke Qing Qing , Mao Lu , Hu Yating , Li Xu , Wang John
Published: October 2016

By developing a facile low temperature hydrothermal process, we demonstrate the direct growth of nickel and lanthanum hydroxide nanocomposites on Ni‐foam substrate. The hydroxide nanocomposites thus derived show much enhanced overall electrochemical capacitance and improved stability of the alpha nickel hydroxide phase in alkaline solution. By adjusting the initial molar ratio between nickel and lanthanum nitrates from 1:0 to 1:2, the electrochemical behavior, such as specific capacitance, shows a dramatic change, while the nickel hydroxide phase evolves from beta nickel hydroxides (1:0) to alpha nickel hydroxide (1:2). Lanthanum hydroxide is not expected to contribute to the pseudocapacitance as it only shows a capacitance of <10 F/g. The specific capacitance is increased from 970 F/g (Ni:La = 1:0) to 1874 F/g (Ni: La = 1:2) at the discharging current of 1 A/g. At high discharging currents (e.g. 10 A/g), the Ni:La = 1:2 sample can retain a capacitance of 1055 F/g. An excellent cycling performance is demonstrated for the Ni:La = 1:2 nanocomposite sample upon 2000 cycles at the discharging current density of 2 A/g, where the stability of alpha nickel hydroxide in the alkaline solution is improved. The low temperature hydrothermal method compares favorably to other previously documented preparation processes, such as chemical coprecipitation and electrochemical deposition, for lanthanum‐doped nickel hydroxides, where the specific capacitance is typically less than 1000 F/g (1 A/g).
Ferroelectric to Relaxor Transition in BaTiO3–Bi(Zn2/3Nb1/3)O3 Ceramics
Authors: Wu Longwen , Wang Xiaohui , Shen Zhengbo , Li Longtu
Published: October 2016

The (1−x)BaTiO3–xBi(Zn2/3Nb1/3)O3 (x = 0.01–0.30) ceramics were synthesized by solid‐state reactions. The solubility limit was determined to be x = 0.20. A systematic structural transition from a tetragonal phase (x ≤ 0.034), to a mixture of tetragonal and rhombohedral phases (0.038 ≤ x ≤ 0.20), and finally to a pseudocubic phase (x ≥ 0.22) at room temperature was identified. Dielectric measurement revealed a ferroelectric (x ≤ 0.04) to relaxor (x ≥ 0.06) transition with permittivity peak broadening and flattening, which was further verified by Raman spectroscopy and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). Activation energies obtained from the Vogel–Fulcher model displayed an increasing trend from ~0.03 eV for x ~ 0.05, to unusually high values (>0.20 eV) for the compositions with x ≥ 0.15. With the increase in Bi(Zn2/3Nb1/3)O3 content, the polarization hysteresis demonstrated a tendency from high nonlinearity to sublinearity coupled with the reduction in remnant polarization and coervice field. The deconvolution of the irreversible/reversible polarization contribution was enabled by first‐order reversal curve distributions, which indicates that the decreasing polarization nonlinearity with the increase in Bi(Zn2/3Nb1/3)O3 concentration could be related with the change from the ferroelectric domain and domain wall contributions to the weakly coupled relaxor behaviors.