bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Refugees and Shifted Risk: An International Study of Syrian Forced Migration and Smuggling
Authors: Mandić Danilo , Simpson Charles M. 
Published: July 2017

AbstractThe role of smuggling in forced migration has been a leading policy challenge of the Syrian refugee crisis in Europe and the Middle East. This study investigates how anti‐smuggling government policies have shaped migratory risks for Syrian refugees in five countries: Jordan, Turkey, Greece, Serbia and Germany. Original evidence from in‐depth interviews (n=123), surveys (n=100), expert interviews (n=75) and ethnography reveal that government anti‐smuggler policies have: (a) endangered Syrian refugees by shifting risk from smugglers to their clients; (b) distorted refugees’ perceptions of risk, and; (c) decreased refugees’ confidence in government representatives while increasing dependence on smugglers. These data are unique in scope and topic, expanding the existing literature with an emphasis on understudied experiences during migration. The paper concludes with a policy recommendation that acknowledges the reality of smugglers’ role in forced migrants’ decisions, offering a pragmatic alternative of strategic pre‐emption of smugglers.
Interleukin‐27 signalling induces stem cell antigen‐1 expression in T lymphocytes in vivo
Authors: Liu Zhihao , Wu Lisha , Zhu Jing , Zhu Xiaotong , Zhu Jianmin , Liu Jin‐Qing , Zhang Jianchao , Davis Jonathan P. , Varikuti Sanjay , Satoskar Abhay R. , Zhou Jie , Li Ming‐Song , Bai Xue‐Feng 
Published: July 2017

SummaryStem cell antigen‐1 (Sca‐1/Ly6A/E) is a cell surface glycoprotein that is often used as a biomarker for stem cells and cell stemness. However, it is not clear what factors can directly induce the expression of Sca‐1/Ly6A/E in T lymphocytes in vivo, and if induction of Sca‐1 is associated with T cell stemness. In this study, we show that interleukin‐27 (IL‐27), a member of the IL‐12 family of cytokines, directly induces Sca‐1 expression in T cells in vivo. We found that mice‐deficient for IL‐27 (either P28 or EBI3) or its signalling (IL‐27Rα) had profound reduction of Sca‐1 expression in naive (CD62L+ CD44−), memory (CD62L+ CD44+) and effector (CD62L− CD44+) T cells. In contrast, in vivo delivery of IL‐27 using adeno‐associated viral vectors strongly induced the expression of Sca‐1 in naive and memory/effector T‐cell populations in an IL‐27 receptor‐ or signal transducer and activator of transcription 1‐dependent manner. Interestingly, IL‐27‐induced Sca‐1+ T cells do not express or up‐regulate classic stem cell‐associated genes such as Nanog, Oct4, Sox2 and Ctnnb1. However, IL‐27‐induced Sca‐1+ T cells had increased expression of effector/memory‐associated transcription factor T‐bet, Eomes and Blimp1. Hence, IL‐27 signalling directly induces the expression of Sca‐1/Ly6A/E expression in T cells. Direct expansion of Sca‐1+ CD62L+ CD44− T memory stem cells may explain why IL‐27 enhances T‐cell memory.
Comparison of two picosecond lasers to a nanosecond laser for treating tattoos: a prospective randomized study on 49 patients
Authors: Lorgeou A. , Perrillat Y. , Gral N. , Lagrange S. , Lacour J.‐P. , Passeron T. 
Published: July 2017

AbstractBackgroundQ‐switched nanosecond lasers demonstrated their efficacy in treating most types of tattoos, but complete disappearance is not always achieved even after performing numerous laser sessions. Picosecond lasers are supposed to be more efficient in clearing tattoos than nanosecond lasers, but prospective comparative data remain limited.ObjectiveTo compare on different types of tattoos the efficacy of a nanosecond laser with two types of picosecond lasers.MethodsWe conducted a prospective randomized study performed from December 2014 to June 2016 on adult patients with all types of tattoos. The tattoos were divided into two halves of equal size. After randomization, half of the tattoo was treated with a picosecond laser and the other half with a nanosecond laser. The evaluation was performed on standardized pictures performed before treatment and 2 months after the last session, by two physicians, not involved in the treatment, blinded on the type of treatments received. The main end point was a clearance above 75% of the tattoos.ResultsA total of 49 patients were included. Professional tattoos represented 85.7%, permanent make‐up 8.2% and non‐professional tattoo 6.1%. The majority were black or blue and 10.2% were polychromatic. No patient was lost during follow‐up. A reduction of 75% or more of the colour intensity was obtained for 33% of the tattoos treated with the picosecond lasers compared to 14% with the nanosecond laser (P = 0.008). An improvement superior to 75% was obtained in 34% monochromic black or blue tattoos with the picosecond lasers compared to 9% for the nanosecond laser. Only one of the five polychromic tattoos achieved more than 75% of improvement with the two types of laser.ConclusionOur results show a statistically significant superiority of the picosecond lasers compared to the nanosecond laser for tattoo clearance. However, they do not show better efficacy for polychromic tattoos and the difference in terms of side‐effects was also minimal with a tendency of picosecond lasers to be less painful.
E‐Commerce Effects on Energy Consumption: A Multi‐Year Ecosystem‐Level Assessment
Authors: Dost Florian , Maier Erik 
Published: July 2017

SummaryThis research investigates the impact of e‐commerce on energy consumption in all four sectors of the U.S. economy (commercial, industrial, residential, and transportation), using macroeconomic data from 1992 to 2015. These data capture all the development phases of e‐commerce, as well as direct and rebound effects in and across sectors. Empirical dynamic models (EDMs), a novel methodology in industrial ecology, are applied to the e‐commerce/energy relationship to accommodate for complex system behavior and state‐dependent effects. The results of these data‐driven methods suggest that e‐commerce increases energy consumption mainly through increases in the residential and commercial sectors. These findings contrast with extant research that focuses on transportation effects, which appear less prominent in this investigation. E‐commerce effects also demonstrate state dependence, varying over the magnitude of e‐commerce as a percentage of the total retail sector, particularly in commercial and transportation realms. Assuming these effects will continue in the future, the findings imply that policy makers should focus on mitigating the environmentally deteriorating effects of e‐commerce in the residential sector. However, this investigation cannot provide root causes for the uncovered e‐commerce effects. Robustness of the empirical findings, limitations of the novel EDM methodology, and respective avenues for future methodological and substantial research are discussed.
Multichannel wide‐field microscopic FRET imaging based on simultaneous spectral unmixing of excitation and emission spectra
Authors: DU M. , MAI Z. , YANG F. , LIN F. , WEI L. , CHEN T. 
Published: July 2017

SummarySimultaneous spectral unmixing of excitation and emission spectra (ExEm unmixing) has inherent ability resolving spectral crosstalks, two key issues of quantitative fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) measurement, of both the excitation and emission spectra between donor and acceptor without additional corrections. We here set up a filter‐based multichannel wide‐field microscope for ExEm unmixing‐based FRET imaging (m‐ExEm‐spFRET) containing a constant system correction factor (fsc) for a stable system. We performed m‐ExEm‐spFRET with four‐ and two‐wavelength excitation respectively on our system to quantitatively image single living cells expressing FRET tandem constructs, and obtained accurate FRET efficiency (E) and concentration ratio of acceptor to donor (RC). We also performed m‐ExEm‐spFRET imaging for single living cells coexpressing CFP‐Bax and YFP‐Bax, and found that the E values were about 0 for control cells and about 28% for staurosporin‐treated cells when RC were larger than 1, indicating that staurosporin induced significant oligomerisation.
Ten implementations of ptychography
Authors: LI PENG , MAIDEN ANDREW M. 
Published: July 2017

SummaryPtychography is an increasingly popular phase retrieval imaging technique, able to routinely deliver quantitative phase images with extended field of view at diffraction limited resolution. Different variants of this technique, like Bragg ptychography and Fourier ptychography, have also been developed and applied to various fields. Here we experimentally demonstrate 10 ways to implement the conventional real space transmission ptychography, and compare their properties to provide a guide to choosing the optimal setup for a specific application.
Breastfeeding Outcomes After Oxytocin Use During Childbirth: An Integrative Review
Authors: Erickson Elise N. , Emeis Cathy L. 
Published: July 2017

IntroductionDespite widespread use of exogenous synthetic oxytocin during the birth process, few studies have examined the effect of this drug on breastfeeding. Based on neuroscience research, endogenous oxytocin may be altered or manipulated by exogenous administration or by blocking normal function of the hormone or receptor. Women commonly cite insufficient milk production as their reason for early supplementation, jeopardizing breastfeeding goals. Researchers need to consider the role of birth‐related medications and interventions on the production of milk. This article examines the literature on the role of exogenous oxytocin on breastfeeding in humans.MethodsUsing the method described by Whittemore and Knafl, this integrative review of literature included broad search criteria within the PubMed, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL), Cochrane, and Scopus databases. Studies published in English associating a breastfeeding outcome in relation to oxytocin use during the birth process were included. Twenty‐six studies from 1978 to 2015 met the criteria.ResultsStudies were analyzed according to the purpose of the research, measures and methods used, results, and confounding variables. The 26 studies reported 34 measures of breastfeeding. Outcomes included initiation and duration of breastfeeding, infant behavior, and physiologic markers of lactation. Timing of administration of oxytocin varied. Some studies reported on low‐risk birth, while others included higher‐risk experiences. Fifty percent of the results (17 of 34 measures) demonstrated an association between exogenous oxytocin and less optimal breastfeeding outcomes, while 8 of 34 measures (23%) reported no association. The remaining 9 measures (26%) had mixed findings. Breastfeeding intentions, parity, birth setting, obstetric risk, and indications for oxytocin use were inconsistently controlled among the studies.DiscussionResearch on breastfeeding and lactation following exogenous oxytocin exposure is limited by few studies and heterogeneous methods. Despite the limitations, researchers and clinicians may benefit from awareness of this body of literature. Continued investigation is recommended given the prevalence of oxytocin use in clinical practice.
Multiobjective Path Optimization for Critical Infrastructure Links with Consideration to Seismic Resilience
Authors: Wang Zengfu , Wang Qing , Zukerman Moshe , Guo Jun , Wang Yu , Wang Gang , Yang Jun , Moran Bill 
Published: July 2017

AbstractWe study the generic problem of path optimization for a critical infrastructure link between two locations on the surface of the Earth in the vicinity of earthquake‐prone areas. The problem has two (conflicting) objective functions, one for minimizing the construction cost of the link and the other for minimizing the number of potential repairs along the link in the wake of earthquakes. In our model, the Earth's surface is approximated by a triangulated manifold, and ground motion intensity data are used to provide a measure of repair rate. We approach the multiobjective variational problem by first converting it into a single objective variational problem using the weighted sum method. Then, we show that the problem can be further transformed into an Eikonal equation and solved by a computationally efficient algorithm based on the fast marching method. Extensive simulations are performed on real‐world three‐dimensional geographical data, from which we obtain Pareto optimal solutions that provide insight and guidance to design trade‐offs between cost effectiveness and seismic resilience.
Changes in the distribution of colonising and infecting Candida spp. isolates, antifungal drug consumption and susceptibility in a French intensive care unit: A 10‐year study
Authors: Sasso Milène , Roger Claire , Sasso Magali , Poujol Hélène , Barbar Saber , Lefrant Jean‐Yves , Lachaud Laurence 
Published: July 2017

SummaryMonitoring fungal ecology and resistance to antifungal agents within intensive care units (ICU) is essential for the management of invasive fungal infections. Therefore, a retrospective descriptive study was carried in the ICU of Nimes University Hospital, France, from 2007 to 2016. As the majority of invasive fungal infections in ICU are caused by Candida species, the study objectives were to describe Candida species distribution, to assess candidaemia incidence and to monitor the antifungal drug susceptibility of Candida isolates and the consumption of antifungal agents. Among the recorded invasive Candida infections (n=244), 43% were intra‐abdominal and 22% bloodstream infections. Candida albicans was the most frequent species (55.8%), followed by Candida glabrata (14.1%), Candida tropicalis (10%), Candida parapsilosis (8%) and Candida krusei (5.3%). Candidaemia incidence was 4.49 per 1000 admissions. The mean consumption of antifungal agents was of 170.5 defined daily doses (DDD) for 1000 hospital days (HD) per year. Changes in antifungal drug consumption were observed, with an increased use of echinocandins (from 17.96 DDD/1000 HD in 2007 to 48.76 DDD/1000 HD in 2016), and the total treatment cost tripled during the study period. No significant change in fungal ecology or in the emergence of resistant species was observed; indeed, only 1.1% of isolates presented an unusual resistance to antifungal agents.
Diverse belowground resource strategies underlie plant species coexistence and spatial distribution in three grasslands along a precipitation gradient
Authors: Li Hongbo , Liu Bitao , McCormack M. Luke , Ma Zeqing , Guo Dali 
Published: July 2017

Summary

Functional traits and their variation mediate plant species coexistence and spatial distribution. Yet, how patterns of variation in belowground traits influence resource acquisition across species and plant communities remains obscure.
To characterize diverse belowground strategies in relation to species coexistence and abundance, we assessed four key belowground traits – root diameter, root branching intensity, first‐order root length and mycorrhizal colonization – in 27 coexisting species from three grassland communities along a precipitation gradient.
Species with thinner roots had higher root branching intensity, but shorter first‐order root length and consistently low mycorrhizal colonization, whereas species with thicker roots enhanced their capacity for resource acquisition by producing longer first‐order roots and maintaining high mycorrhizal colonization. Plant species observed across multiple sites consistently decreased root branching and/or mycorrhizal colonization, but increased lateral root length with decreasing precipitation. Additionally, the degree of intraspecific trait variation was positively correlated with species abundance across the gradient, indicating that high intraspecific trait variation belowground may facilitate greater fitness and chances of survival across multiple habitats.
These results suggest that a small set of critical belowground traits can effectively define diverse resource acquisition strategies in different environments and may forecast species survival and range shifts under climate change.
The phenomenology of self‐critical thinking in people with depression, eating disorders, and in healthy individuals
Authors: Thew Graham R. , Gregory James D. , Roberts Kate , Rimes Katharine A. 
Published: July 2017

ObjectivesTo explore the phenomenology of self‐criticism, and the relationship with constructs such as rumination and perfectionism.DesignThe study followed a three‐group (Depression, n = 26; Eating Disorder, n = 26; Non‐clinical, n = 26) mixed methods design.MethodParticipants completed a set of questionnaires and were interviewed about the occurrence, impact, and content of self‐critical thinking, along with their beliefs about self‐criticism.ResultsBoth clinical groups reported more frequent, persistent, and less controllable self‐criticism compared to controls, present on average 50–60% of the time. They reported a negative impact on mood, and a moderately severe impact on daily activities. They indicated greater desire to change self‐criticism whilst judging it more difficult to reduce. Habitual self‐criticism was highly correlated with lower self‐esteem, lower self‐compassion, greater rumination, and greater negative perfectionism. Compared to those with depression, the eating disorder group reported harsher self‐criticism, felt it was more part of their personality, and was more beneficial.ConclusionsThe findings highlight the importance of exploring people's beliefs about their self‐criticism, and imply that treatment for self‐criticism may be more challenging with people with eating disorders than people with depression.Practitioner points

This study highlights that self‐criticism is common in depression and eating disorders and that some people find this a significant problem in its own right.

Careful assessment of self‐criticism is recommended when working with these clinical presentations, which should include the perceived positive consequences and desire to change.
Eccrine Chromhidrosis in an Adolescent with Sickle Cell Disease
Authors: Park Jong G. , Prose Neil S. , Garza Reed 
Published: July 2017

AbstractEccrine chromhidrosis can occur secondary to hyperbilirubinemia. We report an adolescent with sickle cell disease who presented with eccrine chromhidrosis on his palmar and plantar surfaces. He had extremely high levels of conjugated bilirubin but no fever. This is the youngest known reported patient with eccrine chromhidrosis and the first in a patient with sickle cell disease.
Leucemia inhibitory factor; investigating the time‐dependent effect on viability of vitrified bovine embryos
Authors: Kocyigit A , Cevik M 
Published: July 2017

ContentsLeucemia inhibitory factor (LIF) is involved in various reproductive processes, including sperm development, regulation of ovulation, as well as blastocyst formation, hatching and implantation in embryos. Moreover,LIFhas also been shown significantly to enhance the blastocyst formation rates of bovine embryos, a finding that remains controversial. Our purpose was to investigate time‐dependent effect ofLIFon bovine embryo culture, especially in terms of addition timing. Presumptive zygotes were cultured in five different groups. In this study, 100 ng/mlLIFwas added to the culture medium were as follows; control:SOFalone, group A: at day 0 (fertilization day), group B: at day 4 post‐insemination (p.i.), group C: at day 4 to 7 (p.i. before vitrification) and group D: at day 8 (p.i. after thawing). Addition ofLIFto the culture medium at day 4 significantly increased the percentage of blastocyst rate when compared day 0, day 4 at 6/7 and control group (41.8% versus 24.3%, 19.7%, 34.6%). In conclusion, the addition ofLIFonly on day 4 (p.i.) to the culture medium was found to be beneficial for bovine embryonic development based on several measures, including blastocysts rate, re‐expansion rate and cellular cryotolerance after vitrification.
Dominant follicles development and estradiol‐17β concentrations in non‐ovulating and ovulating post‐partum Bulgarian Murrah buffaloes
Authors: Yotov S , Atanasov A 
Published: July 2017

ContentsThis study was designed to evaluate the dominant follicles development and the estradiol‐17β concentrations in non‐ovulating and ovulating post‐partum buffaloes. Sixteen Bulgarian Murrah buffaloes were submitted to transrectal ultrasonographic examination from the 1st post‐partum day until day 50, 3 days apart. The follicular diameter of the different categories of follicles and the ovulations was recorded. The animals were allocated into two groups: I (n = 6) non‐ovulating andII(n = 10) ovulating buffaloes. Serum estradiol‐17β concentrations on the days for dominant follicle registration were measured by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay. The results were statistically processed by analysis of variance, non‐parametric and correlation analysis. The mean intervals between calving and first dominant follicle detection differed significantly (p < .05) among the groups (19.5 ± 6.2 vs. 13.8 ± 5.1 days), while the mean intervals between registered dominant follicles from two successive waves were comparable. The mean follicular diameters for the same category follicles in both groups were similar. Different estradiol‐17β concentrations (p < .05) for the first dominant follicle between non‐ovulating (23.5 ± 7.0 pg/ml) and ovulating (33.3 ± 8.4 pg/ml) buffaloes were determined. The cumulative percentages of buffaloes with firstly detected dominant follicle and ovulating animals correlated positively (r ≥ .84;p < .05) to post‐partum days. In conclusion, non‐ovulating and ovulating post‐partum Bulgarian Murrah buffaloes showed differences in the development of the first dominant follicle and estradiol‐17β concentrations during the time of dominant follicles detection.
Effect on health‐related quality of life of ongoing feedback during a 12‐month maintenance walking programme in patients with COPD: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Wootton Sally L. , McKeough Zoe , Ng Cindy L.W. , Jenkins Sue , Hill Kylie , Eastwood Peter R. , Hillman David , Jenkins Christine , Cecins Nola , Spencer Lissa , Alison Jennifer 
Published: July 2017

ABSTRACTBackground and objectiveIn patients with COPD, this study evaluated the effect on health‐related quality of life (HRQoL) of adding ongoing feedback to a 12‐month unsupervised maintenance walking programme.MethodsParticipants were randomized to either an intervention group (IG) or control group (CG). Both groups completed the same 2‐month supervised, walking training programme followed by a 12‐month unsupervised maintenance walking programme. During the maintenance programme, the IG received ongoing feedback (telephone calls, biofeedback and progressive goal setting) and the CG received no feedback.ResultsA total of 75 participants completed the study (mean (SD): age 69 (8) years; forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1) 43 (15) % predicted). There was no between‐group differences in the magnitude of change in HRQoL when data collected on completion of the 12‐month maintenance programme were compared with that collected either before the 2‐month supervised programme (mean between‐group difference (MD) in total St George's Respiratory Questionnaire change scores: 1 point, 95% CI: −9 to 7) or on completion of the 2‐month supervised programme (MD: 4 points, 95% CI −2 to 10).ConclusionFollowing a 2‐month supervised walking training programme, ongoing feedback was no more effective than no feedback in maintaining HRQoL during a 12‐month unsupervised walking programme.