bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Assessing the effect of neighbourhood structure on residents’ perceptions of safety in gated communities: a case study of Iran
Authors: Hedayati-Marzbali Massoomeh , Maghsoodi Tilaki Mohammad Javad , Abdullah Aldrin
Published: January 2017

Purpose

The contribution of neighbourhood structure to residents’ perceptions towards built environment is becoming recognised. Although considerable theoretical evidence exists to support the idea that natural surveillance is related to perceptions of safety, the empirical literature on examining the effect of neighbourhood structure and residents’ attitude towards their neighbourhood on perceptions of safety is limited, especially in developing countries. The purpose of this paper is to assess the relationships between natural surveillance, perceived disorder, social cohesion and perception of safety in a gated community.

Design/methodology/approach

A total of 250 households from Babolsar, Iran, participated in this study. The structural equation modelling technique was employed to examine the research model.

Findings

The results indicate that natural surveillance is negatively related to disorder and is positively related to social cohesion and perception of safety. The model also shows no significant relationship between social cohesion and perception of safety in the study area. Residents perceived relatively high levels of social cohesion, but their perceptions of safety were moderate.

Originality/value

Findings emphasise the importance of neighbourhood structure and active roles of local communities in enhancing neighbourly relations and perceptions of safety.
Mobilizations of Race, Place, and History in Santiago de Cuba's Carnivalesque
Authors: Wirtz Kristina
Published: January 2017

I offer a model of racialization, the ongoing process of making race meaningful, by proposing the concept of micro‐mobilities: people's movements through immediate lived space. I examine how qualities of movement in an annual carnival procession normalize racialized bodies and places. In Santiago de Cuba's carnival, neighborhood‐basedcongasocieties participate in official competitive displays and grassroots neighborhood activities. The grassroots Invasion evokes Cuba's wars for independence. Thousands join the Conga de Los Hoyos to process through the “territories” of other congas. I examine the Invasion as a performed diagram of “routes of Blackness” mapped onto a reenactment of Cuba's national “roots” to argue that it mobilizes the racialization of bodies, cultural forms, and neighborhoods. My focus on bodies in motion challenges static mappings of identity, place, and history to instead show how Blackness and whiteness are constituted in the relation between race as embodied experience and object of discourse. [race, racialization, mobilization, festive performance, Cuba]
A Dog's Life: Suffering Humanitarianism in Port‐au‐Prince, Haiti
Authors: Beckett Greg
Published: January 2017

In the Bel Air neighborhood of Port‐au‐Prince, Haiti, most residents are dependent on humanitarian and foreign assistance for food, services, aid, and jobs. Yet, some residents feel that the conditions under which such aid is provided actively blocks their ability to live a life they find meaningful. In this article, I explore how some Haitians theorize this humanitarian condition through the figure of the dog, an animal that exemplifies, for Haitians, the deep history of violence, dehumanization, and degradation associated with foreign rule. I then contrast this with how foreign aid workers invoke the figure of the dog to illustrate their compassionate care for suffering others. Drawing on research among Bel Air residents and foreign aid workers in the years after a devastating earthquake destroyed much of Port‐au‐Prince, I show how the figure of the dog is central both to Haitian critiques of humanitarian aid and to the international humanitarian imaginary that responds to forms of suffering it deems cruel. [humanitarianism, suffering slot, anthropology of ethics, compassion and cruelty, Haiti]
Dr. Esperanto, or Anthropology as Alternative Worlds
Authors: Heller Monica
Published: January 2017

In this 2015 presidential address, I use the story of so‐called artificial (invented, constructed) languages to discuss anthropology as an act of imagining alternative worlds. I argue that this activity becomes particularly salient at moments of crisis in liberal democratic capitalism and takes a variety of forms according to the position of social actors with respect to the political economic conditions they face. From Esperanto to Klingon and beyond, artificial languages illustrate some key dilemmas and responses, of which anthropology is a part. [Presidential Address, language, anthropology, artificial languages]
Fibrillatory wave amplitude on transesophageal ECG as a marker of left atrial low‐voltage areas in patients with persistent atrial fibrillation
Authors: Yin Ran , Fu Yongnan , Yang Zhongming , Li Bingong , Pen Jintian , Zheng Zeqi
Published: January 2017

Background

Low‐voltage areas (LVAs) are frequently observed in patients with persistent atrial fibrillation (PeAF) and may represent adverse atrial remodeling. However, noninvasive method of evaluating LAVs is not well established.

Methods

In a cohort of 68 patients with PeAF, endocardial voltage maps of left atrium (LA) were created during sinus rhythm after pulmonary vein isolation (PVI). LVAs were defined as areas with electrogram amplitudes <0.5 mV. LA‐LVAs were correlated with clinical, echocardiographic, surface, and transesophageal electrocardiography (TE‐ECG) variables.

Results

LA voltage mapping revealed any degree of LA‐LVAs in 50 (73.5%) patients. Patients with LA‐LVAs were older, had a longer history of AF, and lower fibrillatory wave (F wave) amplitude on TE‐ECG (0.27 ± 0.06 vs 0.39 ± 0.08 mv, p < .01) as compared to patients without LA‐LVAs. The extent of LA‐LVAs was weakly correlated with age (R = 0.36, p = .03) and AF duration (R = 0.26, p = .02), but significantly correlated with F‐wave amplitude on TE‐ECG (R = −0.57, p < .01). Only F‐wave amplitude on TE‐ECG was found as independent predictor for the presence of LA‐LVAs (OR = 1.53, 95% CI = 1.09–2.96, p = .03). A receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve identified an F‐wave amplitude of 0.29 mV (AUC = 0.788; sensitivity = 68.4%; specificity = 73.2%) on TE‐ECG as the optimal cutoff value for predicting LA‐LVAs.

Conclusions

As a noninvasive investigation, F‐wave amplitude on TE‐ECG may be used as an indicator for the presence of LA‐LVAs.
MUTUAL HEALTH ORGANIZATIONS AS FACILITATORS AND/OR BARRIERS TOWARDS THE SUCCESSFUL IMPLEMENTATION OF NHIS IN GHANA
Authors: ADOMAH‐AFARI Augustine
Published: January 2017

There are many constraints to implementing comprehensive health insurance in the context of Sub‐Saharan Africa. Mutual health organizations are under pressure to resolve the inadequacies, accordingly. The objective of this study is to explore the extent to which the mutual health organizations constitute facilitators and/or barriers to the successful implementation of the health insurance scheme nationwide. Data were gathered through interviews and review of literature. The findings of the empirical data were analyzed using theories of health seeking behaviour and reflexive communities. The findings of the paper suggest that the mutual health organizations are beneficial to their communities as they have broadened the understanding of the community members, regarding what the concept of health insurance was in Ghana, a country where it was a relatively new concept in public health financing and delivery. However, the paper also observes that the mutual health organizations are facing problems that are likely to affect sustainability overtime under a national health insurance scheme. Therefore, the need for continuous public education to sustain the enthusiasm among community members is recommended.
The development of semantic blocking in children
Authors: Boelens Harrie , La Heij Wido
Published: January 2017

Pictures are named more slowly in the context of semantically related pictures than in the context of unrelated pictures. This semantic blocking effect has been studied extensively in adult participants, and one study has revealed its presence in 6‐year‐old children. However, little is known about the development of the effect with age. In this study, a blocked cyclic naming procedure was arranged for 5‐ to 7‐year‐old and 10‐ to 12‐year‐old children. The semantic blocking effect obtained did not differ in size between the two age groups. This finding is tentatively interpreted as evidence that the semantic blocking effect does not have the same underlying cause as interference effects typically observed in naming tasks involving a distractor stimulus, like the Stroop task.

Statement of contribution

What is already known on this subject?

The semantic blocking effect has been demonstrated in adults, but little is known about its development in childhood.

Age‐related changes in performance in children have been used to distinguish various types of inhibitory control.

What does this study add?

A semantic blocking effect was obtained in 5‐ to 7‐year‐old children and – for the first time – in 10‐ to 12‐year‐old children.

In the two age groups, the effect was equal in size and did not show up in the first cycles of the experiment.

The findings are argued to be in line with the distinction unintentional vs. intentional inhibitory control.
Carfilzomib, lenalidomide and dexamethasone in patients with heavily pretreated multiple myeloma: A phase 1 study in Japan
Authors: Suzuki Kenshi , Ri Masaki , Chou Takaaki , Sugiura Isamu , Takezako Naoki , Sunami Kazutaka , Ishida Tadao , Izumi Tohru , Ozaki Shuji , Shumiya Yoshihisa , Ota Kenji , Iida Shinsuke
Published: January 2017

This is the first study in which the carfilzomib, lenalidomide and dexamethasone (KRd) regimen was evaluated in heavily pretreated multiple myeloma. This study is a multicenter, open‐label phase 1 study of KRd in Japanese patients with relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma (RRMM) patients. The objectives were to evaluate the safety, tolerability, efficacy and pharmacokinetics of the regimen. Carfilzomib was administrated intravenously over 10 min on days 1, 2, 8, 9, 15 and 16 of a 28‐day cycle. In cycle 1, the dosage for days 1 and 2 was 20 mg/m2, followed by 27 mg/m2. Lenalidomide and dexamethasone were administered at 25 mg (days 1–21) and 40 mg (days 1, 8, 15 and 22), respectively. Twenty‐six patients were enrolled. Patients had received a median of four prior regimens and 88.5% and 61.5% received previous bortezomib and lenalidomide, respectively. High‐risk cytogenetics were seen in 53.8% of patients. The overall response rate was 88.5%. A higher rate of hyperglycemia was observed than in a previous carfilzomib monotherapy study, but this was attributed to dexamethasone. Carfilzomib pharmacokinetics were not affected by lenalidomide and dexamethasone. The KRd regimen was well tolerated and showed efficacy in Japanese RRMM patients.
International consensus principles for ethical wildlife control
Authors: Dubois Sara , Fenwick Nicole , Ryan Erin A. , Baker Liv , Baker Sandra E. , Beausoleil Ngaio J. , Carter Scott , Cartwright Barbara , Costa Federico , Draper Chris , Griffin John , Grogan Adam , Howald Gregg , Jones Bidda , Littin Kate E. , Lombard Amanda T. , Mellor David J. , Ramp Daniel , Schuppli Catherine A. , Fraser David
Published: January 2017

Human–wildlife conflicts are commonly addressed by excluding, relocating, or lethally controlling animals with the goal of preserving public health and safety, protecting property, or conserving other valued wildlife. However, declining wildlife populations, a lack of efficacy of control methods in achieving desired outcomes, and changes in how people value animals have triggered widespread acknowledgment of the need for ethical and evidence‐based approaches to managing such conflicts. We explored international perspectives on and experiences with human–wildlife conflicts to develop principles for ethical wildlife control. A diverse panel of 20 experts convened at a 2‐day workshop and developed the principles through a facilitated engagement process and discussion. They determined that efforts to control wildlife should begin wherever possible by altering the human practices that cause human–wildlife conflict and by developing a culture of coexistence; be justified by evidence that significant harms are being caused to people, property, livelihoods, ecosystems, and/or other animals; have measurable outcome‐based objectives that are clear, achievable, monitored, and adaptive; predictably minimize animal welfare harms to the fewest number of animals; be informed by community values as well as scientific, technical, and practical information; be integrated into plans for systematic long‐term management; and be based on the specifics of the situation rather than negative labels (pest, overabundant) applied to the target species. We recommend that these principles guide development of international, national, and local standards and control decisions and implementation.
Inferring infection hazard in wildlife populations by linking data across individual and population scales
Authors: Pepin Kim M. , Kay Shannon L. , Golas Ben D. , Shriner Susan S. , Gilbert Amy T. , Miller Ryan S. , Graham Andrea L. , Riley Steven , Cross Paul C. , Samuel Michael D. , Hooten Mevin B. , Hoeting Jennifer A. , Lloyd‐Smith James O. , Webb Colleen T. , Buhnerkempe Michael G.
Published: January 2017

Our ability to infer unobservable disease‐dynamic processes such as force of infection (infection hazard for susceptible hosts) has transformed our understanding of disease transmission mechanisms and capacity to predict disease dynamics. Conventional methods for inferring FOI estimate a time‐averaged value and are based on population‐level processes. Because many pathogens exhibit epidemic cycling and FOI is the result of processes acting across the scales of individuals and populations, a flexible framework that extends to epidemic dynamics and links within‐host processes to FOI is needed. Specifically, within‐host antibody kinetics in wildlife hosts can be short‐lived and produce patterns that are repeatable across individuals, suggesting individual‐level antibody concentrations could be used to infer time since infection and hence FOI. Using simulations and case studies (influenza A in lesser snow geese and Yersinia pestis in coyotes), we argue that with careful experimental and surveillance design, the population‐level FOI signal can be recovered from individual‐level antibody kinetics, despite substantial individual‐level variation. In addition to improving inference, the cross‐scale quantitative antibody approach we describe can reveal insights into drivers of individual‐based variation in disease response, and the role of poorly understood processes such as secondary infections, in population‐level dynamics of disease.
Urban‐rural disparity and determinants of delivery care utilization in Oromia region, Ethiopia: Community‐based cross‐sectional study
Authors: Kenea Dinke , Jisha Hunduma
Published: January 2017

Low delivery care utilization continues to be a public health problem that significantly contributes to maternal morbidity and mortality, especially in developing countries like Ethiopia.

The aim of the study is to determine the extent of urban‐rural disparity of delivery care utilization and its determinants.

A community‐based cross‐sectional quantitative study supplemented with qualitative data was conducted from February 15 to March 10, 2014. Data were collected from eligible woman using interviewer‐guided semistructured questionnaires and focus group discussions. Logistic regression analysis with 95% confidence interval and p‐value less than 5% was used to identify potential determinant variables.

From 567 women, institutional delivery care was attended by 45.9% (260) respondents of whom 69.3% were urban and 21.3% were rural. Mass media and antenatal care attendance were the major determinants in urban respondents, whereas children ever born, partners' occupation, women's autonomy, and pregnancy‐related health problems were statistically significant associations in rural women.

The need for maternal health care is not met to the required level. There is a significant disparity in delivery care attendance among urban and rural women of the study area. Women's empowerment and awareness creation should be extensively worked on through mass media and posters or health information.
Nursing students' attitudes toward research and development within nursing: Does writing a bachelor thesis make a difference?
Authors: Uysal Toraman Aynur , Hamaratçılar Güler , Tülü Begüm , Erkin Özüm
Published: January 2017

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of writing a bachelor's thesis on nursing students' attitudes towards research and development in nursing. The study sample consisted of 91 nursing students who were required to complete a bachelor's thesis and 89 nursing students who were not required to complete a bachelor's thesis. Data were collected via self‐report questionnaire that was distributed in May and June 2012. The questionnaire comprised 3 parts: (1) demographic items; (2) questions about “scientific activities,” and (3) the nursing students' attitudes towards and awareness of research and development within nursing scale (version 2). The mean age of the students was 23 (1.3) years. The students who wrote a bachelor's thesis achieved a median score of 110.0, whereas the students in the other group had a median score of 105.0 on the scale. All the items were assigned a 3 or higher. A statistically significant difference was found between the 2 groups in their attitudes towards and awareness of research (U = 3265.5; P = .025). The results of this study suggest that writing a thesis in nursing education has a positive influence on nursing students' attitudes towards and awareness of research and development in nursing.
Songbirds are resilient to hurricane disturbed habitats during spring migration
Authors: Lain Emily J. , Zenzal Theodore J. , Moore Frank R. , Barrow Wylie C. , Diehl Robert H.
Published: January 2017

The Gulf of Mexico is a conspicuous feature of the Neotropical–Nearctic bird migration system. Traveling long distances across ecological barriers comes with considerable risks, and mortality associated with intercontinental migration may be substantial, including that caused by storms or other adverse weather events. However, little, if anything, is known about how migratory birds respond to disturbance‐induced changes in stopover habitat. Isolated, forested cheniere habitat along the northern coast of the Gulf of Mexico often concentrate migrants, during weather conditions unfavorable for northward movement or when birds are energetically stressed. We expected hurricane induced degradation of this habitat to negatively affect the abundance, propensity to stopover, and fueling trends of songbirds that stopover in coastal habitat. We used spring banding data collected in coastal Louisiana to compare migrant abundance and fueling trends before (1993–1996 and 1998–2005) and after hurricanes Rita (2006) and Ike (2009). We also characterized changes in vegetative structure before (1995) and after (2010) the hurricanes. The hurricanes caused dramatic changes to the vegetative structure, which likely decreased resources. Surprisingly, abundance, propensity to stopover, and fueling trends of most migrant species were not influenced by hurricane disturbance. Our results suggest that: 1) the function of chenieres as a refuge for migrants after completing a trans‐Gulf flight may not have changed despite significant changes to habitat and decreases in resource availability, and 2) that most migrants may be able to cope with habitat disturbance during stopover. The fact that migrants use disturbed habitat points to their conservation value along the northern coast of the Gulf of Mexico.
Health care professionals knowledge and perception of pharmacovigilance in a tertiary care teaching hospital in Amman, Jordan
Authors: Abu Hammour Khawla , El‐Dahiyat Faris , Abu Farha Rana
Published: January 2017

Rationale, aims, and objectives

Underreporting of adverse drug reactions (ADRs) by health care professionals is a common inherent health problem encountered in many countries. This could be explained by the lack of awareness and knowledge about the guidelines to follow to identify and report ADRs. Thus, this study aimed to evaluate the awareness, knowledge, and perceptions among medical doctors and nurses regarding their role as ADRs reporters in Jordan.

Methods

A cross‐sectional study was conducted between September 2015 to January 2016 at the Jordan University Hospital in Amman. During the study period, a total of 670 validated questionnaires were distributed to medical doctors and nurses in different departments.

Results

Most of health care professionals were not aware of the concept of pharmacovigilance. Medical doctors showed a better overall knowledge compared with nurses (P < .05). Interestingly, despite the low level of awareness, the majority of respondents believed in the necessity of reporting ADRs.

Conclusion

Although there is a low level of awareness among health care professionals regarding pharmacovigilance, there is strong agreement among them about the necessity of reporting ADRs and attending educational sessions about pharmacovigilance which will help them to improve the quality of services they provide.
Aging, the Medical Subspecialties, and Career Development: Where We Were, Where We Are Going
Authors: Hurria Arti , High Kevin P. , Mody Lona , McFarland Horne Frances , Escobedo Marcus , Halter Jeffrey , Hazzard William , Schmader Kenneth , Klepin Heidi , Lee Sei , Makris Una E. , Rich Michael W. , Rogers Stephanie , Wiggins Jocelyn , Watman Rachael , Choi Jennifer , Lundebjerg Nancy , Zieman Susan
Published: January 2017

Historically, the medical subspecialties have not focused on the needs of older adults. This has changed with the implementation of initiatives to integrate geriatrics and aging research into the medical and surgical subspecialties and with the establishment of a home for internal medicine specialists within the annual American Geriatrics Society (AGS) meeting. With the support of AGS, other professional societies, philanthropies, and federal agencies, efforts to integrate geriatrics into the medical and surgical subspecialties have focused largely on training the next generation of physicians and researchers. They have engaged several subspecialties, which have followed parallel paths in integrating geriatrics and aging research. As a result of these combined efforts, there has been enormous progress in the integration of geriatrics and aging research into the medical and surgical subspecialties, and topics once considered to be geriatric concerns are becoming mainstream in medicine, but this integration remains a work in progress and will need to adapt to changes associated with healthcare reform.
Boundary Spanning in Global Organizations
Authors: Schotter Andreas P. J. , Mudambi Ram , Doz Yves L. , Gaur Ajai
Published: January 2017

Global organizations are inherently complex. The spatial dispersion of activities results in organizational subunits becoming embedded in local host‐country contexts that differ from their parents’ home country contexts. These subunits are also embedded in their parents’ corporate networks, causing them to differ from their locally embedded peers. The dual embeddedness and associated complexities create complex and often implicit boundaries. In addition, the contextual and operational diversity that affects the boundaries in global organizations are continually changing. Hence managing and coordinating across different inter‐ and intra‐organizational boundaries has emerged as an important capability for the success of global organizations. So far, we have a limited understanding of the factors that affect the complexity and effectiveness of the boundary spanning function. In this article, we focus on clarifying these key issues and propose a model for effective boundary spanning in global organizations.
The impact of a creative play intervention on satisfaction with nursing care: A mixed‐methods study
Authors: Teksoz Emel , Bilgin Ibrahim , Madzwamuse Suna Eryigit , Oscakci Ayse Ferda
Published: January 2017

Purpose

Hospitalisation can lead to distress for children. Creative play may reduce the adverse effects of hospitalisation on children, as it could lead to children associating satisfaction and fun with their hospital experience. The aim of the current study is to investigate the impact of a creative play intervention on service‐care satisfaction measurements of children and their parents.

Design and Methods

A mixed‐methods design consisting of quantitative pre/post‐assessments and qualitative interviews was used within this study. The research was conducted with 30 children (nexperimental group = 15; ncontrol group = 15). Their parents (n = 30) and their nurse practitioners (n = 20) were also contacted in order to capture their reflections of this intervention which included creative activities with unused clean medical materials. Child participants completed the Patient's Nursing Care Perception Tool and their parents completed the PedsQL Health Care Satisfaction Tool.

Results

The two groups did not differ in relation to the Patients’ Nursing Care Satisfaction Tool (PNCST) (t(28): 0.348, p = .730) and the PedsQL (t(28): –0.189, p = .852) scores at Time 1 before the intervention; however, significant differences were observed at the end at Time 2 (PNCST: t(28): –11.63, p < .001; PedsQL: t(28): –12.416, p < .001). In qualitative interviews, nurses indicated that their play skills with children had been enhanced by this intervention. Family attendants reported that the intervention improved the nurse–child relationship and their satisfaction with care.

Practice Implications

The results have shown that creative play intervention are a feasible nursing intervention which has a strong potential to be effective on child patients’ and their attendants’ satisfaction with care services.
Food of otters Lutra in a freshwater lough and an adjacent brackish lough in the West of Ireland
Authors: Gormally M. J. , Fairley J. S.
Published: January 2017

The food of otters Lutra lutra was investigated around two adjacent loughs in Co. Mayo, Ireland: one freshwater (Lough Feeagh), the other brackish (Lough Furnace), by analysis of monthly collections of faeces from August 1980 to January 1981. Eels, Anguilla anguilla and Salmonidae (species available Salmo salar and S. trutta) were the most important foods, showing seasonal fluctuations corresponding to their known respective abundances. Sticklebacks (Gasterosteidae) were also important in Lough Furnace. Minor foods included frogs, Rana temporaria, various saltwater fish and aquatic birds. The faeces also yielded a variety of invertebrates, at least some of which were almost certainly from the guts of the fish consumed by the otters.
The ecology of the Common tree shrew, Tupaia glis in peninsular Malaysia
Authors: Langham N. P. E.
Published: January 2017

The Common tree shrew was studied over three and half years in tropical rainforest habitats in West Malaysia, using various trapping methods. It was more terrestrial than arboreal and the overall sex ratio remained close to unity. The main reproductive period was between February and June and the litter size invariably two. Some females bred more than once a season and the age at first pregnancy was seven months. Growth rate was measured from weaning to adult weight. Density varied from about two to five animals per hectare. The monthly survival rate was 0·75–0·93, and the maximum age recorded was over 4 years. The main period of emigration or mortality was during the breeding period or the North East Monsoon. The main food was invertebrates with some vegetable matter.

These results support captive studies that T. glis are territorial with about two pairs per hectare prior to breeding. Predation did not seem to be important. Although survival resembled that of temperate insectivores, the litter size was more like lower primates. The annual breeding coincided with the abundance of invertebrates after the dry season, also shown by insectivorous birds. The low production of young was compensated for by the relatively high longevity of adults.
Aspects of digestion and in vitro rumen fermentation rate in six species of East African wild ruminants
Authors: Maloiy G. M. O. , Clemens E. T. , Kamau J. M. Z.
Published: January 2017

Studies were carried out to compare digestive functions in six species of East African wild ruminants (viz. African buffalo, giraffe, Eland, waterbuck, oryx and Gerenuk). Digestive processes within the reticulorumen, abomasum and caecum of each species were assessed by measurements of pH, ammonia‐nitrogen, osmolality, volatile fatty acids, lactic acid and in vitro fermentation rates. Blood glucose and serum urea‐nitrogen were also measured in all species. The results are discussed in relation to the dietary habits and ecology of each species.
A light and scanning electron microscope study of microstructure, growth and development of the dermal skeleton of Polypterus (Pisces: Actinopterygii)
Authors: Meinke Deborah K.
Published: January 2017

The microstructure, growth and development of the dermal skeleton of Polyptenus (Pisces, Actinopterygii) shows many similarities to that of other living fishes and, by inference, to a variety of fossil groups. Scales, dermal bones and fin spines contain vascular and lamellar bone, dentine and hypermineralized ganoine arranged in distinctive, repeating configurations. Teeth and the jawbone exhibit both types of bone and dentine, an enameloid tooth cap and a collar tissue that bears a close resemblance to ganoine, though in Polypterus the collar is a radially‐fibered dentine and not enamel or enameloid. Regenerated fin spines and larval material of fin spines and scales show that bone tissue develops first in the mesoderm. Development of dentine and ganoine is specifically associated with the epithelio‐mesenchymal interface, contrary to earlier descriptions of the process. It is unclear whether ganoine is enamel or enameloid but an epithelial origin is favoured. The dental tissues form separately from bone and then fuse with it, a process like that which occurs in oral teeth. Growth of fin spines occurs by addition of bone on all surfaces. Units of dentine and ganoine or ganoine alone are added to the dorsal and lateral surfaces by continued epithelio‐mesenchymal interaction; thus, growth processes are an extension of the original ontogenetic pathway. The presence of enameloid, which is a product of combined epithelial and dermal secretions, and ganoine, possibly an epithelial product, in the same organism, is further evidence that changes in timing of gene activity play a large role in ontogeny of, and may have played an equally important part in evolutionary change in, the dermal skeleton of fishes.
Hindlimb joint angle changes and action of the primary ankle extensor muscles during posture and locomotion in the Striped skunk (Mephitis mephitis)
Authors: Goslow G. E. , Van De Graaff Kent M.
Published: January 2017

Knee (femorotibial), ankle (talocrural) and metatarsophalangeal joint angles during posture and locomotion were determined for the adult Striped skunk, Mephitis mephitis. Cinematography of animals moving overground and cineradiography of animals walking on a treadmill are the basis for joint angle measurements. These data allowed for the documentation of muscle length change of the primary ankle extensors, soleus, medial and lateral gastrocnemius and plantaris during stepping. Whole muscle length—active tension curves were determined on anaesthetized skunks. Appropriate moment arms were measured over the physiological range of knee and ankle angles. This study provides some mechanical and musculoskeletal data of the ankle of M. mephitis and provides for comparison and contrast to similar data for the domestic cat. Major findings include: (1) the length—active tetanic tension curves of the ankle extensors tend to be broad over a wider range of lengths in M. mephitis than in the cat, (2) the range of lengths at which the ankle extensors are actively used is relatively narrow in both species, (3) as both animals walk faster the working range of the muscles is closer to the maximum in situ length, (4) a broader range of ankle joint angles exists for M. rnephitis than for the cat at which the length—active tension curve and moment arm curve interact to provide maximum or near maximum torque, and (5) in general, the stance phase of the skunk is initiated at muscle lengths (relative to standing length) that are much shorter than those of the cat which may result in greater elastic storage for the cat durine E2.

These data coupled with an analysis of gait selection of M. mephitis lead us to conclude that many features of the posture, locomotion and musculoskeletal design of the ankle extensor system of this species are primitive. The cat deviates from the primitive condition to some extent related to its more extreme specialization toward a jumping and sprinting way of life. Nevertheless, the domestic cat is a useful musculoskeletal model for studies concerned with the neural control of mammalian locomotion.
Three new species of scuttle‐fly (Diptera:Phoridae) that parasitize ants (Hymenoptera:Formicidae) in North America
Authors: Disney R. H. L.
Published: January 2017

Apocephalus feener. sp nov. is described from specimens attacking Pheidole deniat. Mayr in Texas. Microselia texan. sp. nov. is described from specimens attacking Paratrechina melander. Wheeler in Texas. Pseudacteon aduncu. Borgmeier is transferred to the genus Microselia. M. texan. is the first record of the genus in the Nearctic, with M. aduncu. becoming the only known Neotropical member of the genus. Pseudacteon californiensi. sp. nov. is described from specimens attacking Liometopum occidental. Emery in California.
The feeding ecology of five species of gulls (Ayes: Larini) in the inner Bristol Channel
Authors: Mudge G. P. , Ferns P. N.
Published: January 2017

The relative importance of different feeding sites to gulls in the inner Bristol Channel was determined by an analysis of chick regurgitations during the breeding season (1973–76), and by direct counts of birds at feeding sites during the winter (1973–77). About 70% of the local Herring gull population fed at refuse tips throughout the year. Tips were also of considerable importance to Lesser black‐backed gulls in summer and winter, and to Great black‐backed gulls in winter (c. 45% of birds). Common and Black‐headed gulls fed mainly on fields (c.90% and 70% of birds, respectively) and these areas were also used by about 50% of Lesser blackbacked gulls in winter. Littoral and inshore areas were utilized mainly by Great blackbacked gulls throughout the year (c. 50% of birds) and by Lesser black‐backed gulls in summer (c. 20% of birds). Foods provided directly or indirectly by man were clearly of major importance to all species. These findings are discussed in relation to the partitioning of food resources by gulls, their increasing populations and possible control measures.
The energetics of lactation: accurate measurements from a large wild mammal, the Grey seal (Halichoerus grypus)
Authors: Fedak Michael A. , Anderson Sheila S.
Published: January 2017

Female Grey seals transfer large amounts of energy rapidly and efficiently to their pups. Using information from serial weighings and from carcase analysis the energy costs of repro duction and the efficiency of lactation for female Grey seals have been calculated. Females use over 125·6 MJ/day for maintenance and milk production. Pups consume 71·2 MJ/day in milk and can convert 58·6 MJ/day into growth and stored fat. The gross efficiency of the transfer from mother to pup is about 57%. Over 80% of the females' energy reserves are used to feed their pups. This massive transfer of resources in a short time period is thought to be an adaptation of an offshore aquatic feeder which has to return to land to give birth.
Winter mortality in Red deer (Cervus elaphus)
Authors: Clutton-Brock T. H. , Albon S. D.
Published: January 2017

Previous analysis has suggested that inter‐year variation in mortality of adult Red deer in Scotland is principally affected by summer weather conditions. Data collected over fourteen years on the Isle of Rhum (Inner Hebrides) show that mortality was negatively correlated with winter temperatures and positively with rainfall in late winter. In conjunction, these two factors accounted for 82% of the observed variation between years.
What Kind of Normativity is the Normativity of Grammar?
Authors: Appelqvist Hanne
Published: January 2017

The overall goal of this article is to show that aesthetics plays a major role in a debate at the very center of philosophy. Drawing on the work of David Bell, the article spells out how Kant and Wittgenstein use reflective judgment, epitomized by a judgment of beauty, as a key in their respective solutions to the rule‐following problem they share. The more specific goal is to offer a Kantian account of semantic normativity as understood by Wittgenstein. The article argues that Wittgenstein's reason for describing language as a collection of language games is to allow for a perspective that shows those games as internally purposive without any extralinguistic purpose. This perspective also allows for that union of the general rule and its particular application in practice that the original paradox of rule‐following is wanting.
The Square Circle
Authors: Angere Staffan
Published: January 2017

This article shows that there are square circles (or equivalently, round squares) in the sense that there are mathematical objects that are at the same time both perfectly circular and perfectly square. The philosophical significance of this is discussed, especially in view of philosophy's widespread use of “square circle” as a typical example of an impossibility. In particular, the focus is on what the existence of square circles means for the possibility of conceptual analysis, and more generally what we can learn about the nature of non‐formal concepts and their use in philosophy.
A Partial Defence of Descriptive Evidentialism About Intuitions: A Reply to Molyneux
Authors: Andow James
Published: January 2017

Bernard Molyneux presents some new arguments against descriptive evidentialism about intuitions. Descriptive evidentialism is the thesis that philosophers use intuitions as evidence. Molyneux's arguments are that: (1) the propositions that intuition putatively supports are treated as having a degree and kind of certainty and justification that they could not have got from being intuited; (2) intuitions influence us in ways we cannot explain by supposing we treat them as evidence; and (3) certain strong intuitions that persuade us of their contents are treated as inadmissible in the context of justification. This article presents a partial defence of descriptive evidentialism against these new arguments.
Resource availability determines the importance of niche‐based versus stochastic community assembly in grasslands
Authors: Conradi Timo , Temperton Vicky M. , Kollmann Johannes
Published: January 2017

Niche‐based selection and stochastic processes can operate simultaneously to generate spatial and temporal variation in species composition. Yet, the conditions under which ecological dynamics are dominated by niche‐based versus stochastic processes are poorly understood. Using a field experiment in early‐successional temperate grassland and null models of beta diversity, this study investigates the effects of soil nutrient supply on the relative importance of niche‐based selection versus stochastic dynamics for variation in species composition among sites. Nutrient availability was manipulated experimentally, individual seed mixtures with 25 species were sown in each experimental plot, and then stochastic and deterministic niche‐based assembly processes were allowed to happen. We found that compositional variation among grassland plots with low nutrient supply was driven by stochastic immigration and extinctions. In contrast, nutrient enrichment reduced the importance of stochasticity and imposed a deterministic environmental filter that homogenized communities through the selection of few species with greater competitive ability for light. This demonstrates that soil nutrient availability is a critical environmental feature that dictates the degree to which terrestrial plant communities are controlled by niche‐based selection versus stochastic assembly processes. Our study shows further that alternative states of eutrophic grasslands emerge from initial stochastic variation in the composition of a particular functional group of species that can become dominant at high nutrient supply. We discuss potential mechanisms underlying the shift from stochastic to niche‐driven dynamics along soil nutrient gradients.
Re‐evaluation of Phenotypic Expression in Differentiated‐type Early Adenocarcinoma of the Stomach
Authors: Hayakawa Masato , Nishikura Ken , Ajioka Yoichi , Aoyagi Yutaka , Terai Shuji
Published: January 2017

A total of 313 cases of differentiated‐type early gastric adenocarcinomas, including 113 cases of small‐sized carcinoma (5< × ≤10 mm) and 121 cases of microcarcinoma (0< × ≤5 mm), were examined immunohistochemically to clarify the phenotypic expressions. They were classified into four categories (gastric phenotype (G‐type), intestinal phenotype, gastrointestinal phenotype, and null phenotype) by a two‐step process: the phenotype based on an immunoprofile of mucin core proteins (MUCs) with CDX2 (w/.CDX2‐assessment); and the phenotype of MUCs only (w/o.CDX2‐assessment). CDX2 expression was observed in 89.1% (279/313); it was highly expressed in 87.6% (106/121) of microcarcinomas. MUC2 expression increased as tumor size increased (P < 0.05). Compared with w/o.CDX2‐assessment, w/.CDX2‐assessment showed significantly fewer G‐type carcinomas (P < 0.05). Each phenotype marker was less expressed in the submucosal part than in the mucosal part. In conclusion, CDX2 was a sensitive marker for assessing intestinal phenotype. A large portion of the early differentiated‐type adenocarcinomas expressed CDX2 from the very early stage of carcinogenesis, and the proportion of G‐type was unexpectedly low. Lower expression of each phenotype marker was considered the cause of phenotype alteration during submucosal invasion.
Nematic Equilibria on a Two‐Dimensional Annulus
Authors: Lewis A. H. , Aarts D. G. A. L. , Howell P. D. , Majumdar A.
Published: January 2017

We study planar nematic equilibria on a two‐dimensional annulus with strong and weak tangent anchoring, in the Oseen–Frank theoretical framework. We analyze a radially invariant defect‐free state and compute analytic stability criteria for this state in terms of the elastic anisotropy, annular aspect ratio, and anchoring strength. In the strong anchoring case, we define and characterize a new spiral‐like equilibrium which emerges as the defect‐free state loses stability. In the weak anchoring case, we compute stability diagrams that quantify the response of the defect‐free state to radial and azimuthal perturbations. We study sector equilibria on sectors of an annulus, including the effects of weak anchoring and elastic anisotropy, giving novel insights into the correlation between preferred numbers of boundary defects and the geometry. We numerically demonstrate that these sector configurations can approximate experimentally observed equilibria with boundary defects.
Hemodialysis Treatment Time: As Important as it Seems?
Authors: Daugirdas John T.
Published: January 2017

Hemodialysis treatment time and Kt/V can both be considered to be primary measures of hemodialysis adequacy, because when either goes to zero, mortality is certain in patients without residual kidney function. Treatment time is important, but it needs to be adjusted based on surface‐area‐normalized Kt/V, residual kidney function, and expected ultrafiltration rate. Rescaling dose of dialysis measured as Kt/V to body surface area prevents ultrashort dialysis in small patients, women, and children with minimal residual kidney function. Most if not all of the observational studies of associations between outcome and dialysis session length are probably confounded by dose targeting bias. Once adequate Kt/V (taking into account body surface area) has been provided, adequate dialysis time probably is most relevant in terms of limiting the need for a high fluid removal rate. The latter may adversely impact survival by causing recurrent ischemia to cardiovascular and other tissues. There is little high‐quality evidence at this time to support a minimum 4‐hour treatment time for all patients, regardless of body size, solute removal, or residual kidney function. On the other hand, there is little evidence that prolonging weekly treatment time up to 24 hours per week is harmful. The final decision regarding treatment time is best individualized, based on patient acceptability and experience, residual kidney function, body surface‐area‐normalized Kt/V, and expected ultrafiltration rate.
Excess of exercise increases the risk of atrial fibrillation
Authors: Müssigbrodt A. , Weber A. , Mandrola J. , van Belle Y. , Richter S. , Döring M. , Arya A. , Sommer P. , Bollmann A. , Hindricks G.
Published: January 2017

An interesting and still not well‐understood example for old medical wisdom “Sola dosis facit venenum” is the increased prevalence of atrial fibrillation (AF) in athletes. Numerous studies have shown a fourfold to eightfold increased risk of AF in athletes compared to the normal population. Analysis of the existing data suggests a dose‐dependent effect of exercise. Moderate exercise seems to have a protective effect and decreases the risk of AF, whereas excessive exercise seems to increase the risk of AF. The described cases illustrate clinical manifestations within the spectrum of AF in elderly athletes, that is, exercise‐induced AF, vagal AF, chronic AF, and atrial flutter. As the arrhythmia worsened quality of life and exercise capacity in all patients, recovery of sinus rhythm was desired in all described cases. As the atrial disease was advanced on different levels, different treatment regimes were applied. Lifestyle modification and temporary anti‐arrhythmic drug therapy could stabilize sinus rhythm in one patient, whereas others needed radiofrequency ablation to achieve a stable sinus rhythm. The patient with the most advanced atrial disease necessitated anti‐arrhythmic drug therapy and another left atrial ablation. All described patients remained in sinus rhythm during the long‐term follow‐up.