bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Impacts of temperature and water table manipulation on grassland phenology
Authors: Cornelius Christine , Heinichen Jan , Drösler Matthias , Menzel Annette 
Published: May 2014

AbstractQuestionRe‐wetting drained peatlands is a common restoration method to reduce carbon loss, but little is known on its likely consequences on reproductive plant development, especially in a warming world. Thus, the aim of this study was to test whether the phenological development of plant species in a peatland ecosystem changed with higher temperatures, increased water table level or a combination of the two.LocationFen peatland site in Bavaria, Germany.MethodsIn 2010, manipulative experiments with two different treatments (control and warming) and in 2011 with four different treatments (control, warming, increased water table level, warming + increased water table level) were conducted. Temperature was raised 0.4–1.5 °C with open‐top chambers (OTCs) from August 2009 onwards, and water table level was elevated 12 cm using a pumping system, however the latter was not continuous for the whole growing season of 2011 due to technical difficulties. Phenological development of different grassland species was observed weekly using the BBCH code. Attention focused on reproductive phenology (from flower development to fruit senescence) and on key single phenological phases, such as flower development, flowering, ripening and fruit senescence, as well as the duration of key phases. Additionally, vegetation height was measured.ResultsOur study showed that higher temperatures advanced reproductive phenology and most key phases, except fruit senescence. Water table manipulations had no significant influence on phenology. The duration of key phases was generally not significantly influenced by treatments, whereas vegetation height differed between control and higher temperature plots.ConclusionIn general, raising the water table to reduce carbon release from drained peatland sites will not dramatically affect phenological development of grassland species, whereas increased temperatures will affect reproductive phenology.
The acylated (AG) to unacylated (UAG) ghrelin ratio in esterase inhibitor‐treated blood is higher than previously described
Authors: Delhanty Patric J. D. , Huisman Martin , Julien Michel , Mouchain Karine , Brune Patrick , Themmen Axel P.N. , Abribat Thierry , van der Lely Aart J. 
Published: May 2014

SummaryContextThe acylated/unacylated ghrelin (AG/UAG) ratio has been reported to range from 0·02 to 0·3, suggesting biologically relevant independent regulation of each ghrelin isoform. However, AG is deacylated to UAG by esterases in blood samples, and esterase inhibition is critical for their accurate measurement. Our hypothesis is that at least part of the variation in reported AG and UAG values is due to inconsistent sample preparation.DesignA non‐interventional study. Quantification with two different, commercially available, ELISA formats of AG and UAG in venous plasma stabilized or not with 4‐(2‐aminoethyl) benzenesulphonyl fluoride (AEBSF) and stored for 0–6 months at −20 or −80 °C.ParticipantsHealthy, non‐obese, adults (n = 8; 4 women), age 26–42 yrs, after an overnight fast.MeasurementsAG and UAG stability following different methods of sample treatment and storage.ResultsNon‐AEBSF plasma contained low AG and high UAG (>270 pg/ml) indicating rapid conversion of AG to UAG. However, AEBSF plasma, stored at −80 °C and measured at 0, 1, 3 and 6 months contained AG and UAG ranges of 12–350 and 17–170 pg/ml, respectively. Mean (SEM) AG/UAG ratios were 1·7(0·3), 1·2(0·2), 1·5(0·3) and 1·8(0·5) at each time point with no significant effect of storage period.ConclusionsAG and UAG levels measured in AEBSF‐stabilized plasma indicate that the AG/UAG ratio is markedly higher than previously described and that UAG is a physiological component of the circulation. This highlights the importance of immediately stabilizing blood samples on collection for determination of both AG and UAG concentrations and provides a valuable tool for their measurement in physiological and interventional studies.
Seizures in fetal alcohol spectrum disorders: Evaluation of clinical, electroencephalographic, and neuroradiologic features in a pediatric case series
Authors: Nicita Francesco , Verrotti Alberto , Pruna Dario , Striano Pasquale , Capovilla Giuseppe , Savasta Salvatore , Spartà Maria Valentina , Parisi Pasquale , Parlapiano Giovanni , Tarani Luigi , Spalice Alberto 
Published: May 2014

SummarySeizures are observed with a frequency of 3–21% in children with fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD). However, clinical, neuroradiologic, and electroencephalography (EEG) features are poorly described. In this study, 13 patients with FASD and epilepsy or seizures were identified retrospectively from the databases of seven Italian pediatric neurology divisions. Eleven children were affected by epilepsy, and two had at least one documented seizure. Both generalized and focal seizures were observed. EEG showed diffuse or focal epileptic activity; two children developed electric status epilepticus during sleep (ESES). Structural brain anomalies, including polymicrogyria, nodular heterotopia, atrophy, and Arnold‐Chiari type 1 malformation, were discovered in almost 50% of patients. Control of seizures was not difficult to obtain in 11 cases; one patient showed pharmacoresistant epilepsy. EEG and clinical follow‐up are recommended in children with FASD and epilepsy, since severe conditions requiring aggressive treatment, such as in ESES, may develop. Neuroradiological evaluation is warranted because several types of brain anomalies could be associated with maternal alcohol consumption during pregnancy.A PowerPoint slide summarizing this article is available for download in the Supporting Information section here.
Extraoperative neurostimulation mapping: Results from an international survey of epilepsy surgery programs
Authors: Hamberger Marla J. , Williams Alicia C. , Schevon Catherine A. 
Published: May 2014

SummaryObjectiveExtraoperative electrical stimulation mapping (ESM) to identify functional cortex is performed prior to neurosurgical resection at epilepsy surgery programs worldwide. However, the procedure remains unstandardized, with no established clinical guidelines. We sought to determine the current range in ESM practice parameters across established epilepsy surgery centers.MethodsWe developed and distributed a 31‐question survey to 220 epilepsy centers worldwide regarding current practice parameters of ESM. Questions addressed preoperative assessment, technical stimulation parameters, language testing protocols, criteria for identification of positive or negative functional sites, management of mapping complications, and postoperative functional outcome.ResultsSurvey responses were obtained from 56 centers. These revealed marked practice variability in virtually all aspects of the ESM procedure. These aspects included critical procedure components such as electrical stimulation settings, the types of language functions tested, the operational definition of a language error, size of surgical resection margin, cortical locations mapped for language, testing in the presence of afterdischarges, and medical management of mapping complications. Forty‐one percent of centers reported at least one persistent adverse language outcome despite preserving all eloquent sites defined by their stimulation mapping procedure.SignificanceThe striking variations in practice across centers are likely to influence mapping results, which directly affect the boundaries of cortical resection and, consequently, might worsen either seizure or functional outcomes. Clearly, adverse functional outcomes occur despite mapping procedures that were perceived to be adequate. Investigation of critical technical and procedural aspects of stimulation mapping is warranted, with the ultimate goal of establishing empirically based practice guidelines to improve the safety and efficacy of ESM and resective epilepsy surgery.A PowerPoint slide summarizing this article is available for download in the Supporting Information section here.
Using scenarios to project the changing profitability of fisheries under climate change
Authors: Jones Miranda C , Dye Stephen R , Pinnegar John K , Warren Rachel , Cheung William W L 
Published: May 2014

AbstractOver‐exploitation and economic underperformance are widespread in the world's fisheries. Global climate change is further affecting the distribution of marine species, raising concern for the persistence of biodiversity and presenting additional challenges to fisheries management. However, few studies have attempted to extend bioclimatic projections to assess the socio‐economic impacts of climate‐induced range shifts. This study investigates the potential implications of changes in relative environmental suitability and fisheries catch potential on UK fisheries by linking species distribution modelling with cost‐benefit analyses. We develop scenarios and apply a multimodel approach to explore the economic sensitivity of UK fisheries and key sources of uncertainty in the modelling procedure. We projected changes in maximum potential catch of key species and the resulting responses in terms of net present value (NPV) over a 45‐year period under scenarios of change in fuel price, discount rate and government subsidies. Results suggest that total maximum potential catch will decrease within the UK EEZ by 2050, resulting in a median decrease in NPV of 10%. This value decreases further when trends of fuel price change are extrapolated into the future, becoming negative when capacity‐enhancing subsidies are removed. Despite the variation in predictions from alternative models and data input, the direction of change in NPV is robust. This study highlights key factors influencing future profitability of UK fisheries and the importance of enhancing adaptive capacity in UK fisheries.
Residence time, expansion toward the equator in the invaded range and native range size matter to climatic niche shifts in non‐native species
Authors: Li Yiming , Liu Xuan , Li Xianping , Petitpierre Blaise , Guisan Antoine 
Published: May 2014

AbstractAimIdentifying climatic niche shifts and their drivers is important for the accurate prediction of the risk of biological invasions. The niches of non‐native plants and birds have recently been assessed in large‐scale multispecies studies, but such large‐scale tests are lacking for non‐native reptiles and amphibians (herpetofauna). Furthermore, little is known about the factors that contribute to niche shifts when they occur. Based on the occurrence of 71 reptile and amphibian species, we compared native and non‐native realized niches in 101 invaded ranges at a global scale and identified the factors that affect niche shifts.LocationGlobal except the Antarctic.MethodsWe assessed climatic niche dynamics in a gridded environmental space that allowed niche overlap and expansion into climatic conditions not colonized by the species in their native range to be quantified. We analysed the factors that affect niche shifts using a model‐averaging approach, based on generalized linear mixed‐effects models.ResultsApproximately 57% of the invaded ranges (amphibians, 51%; reptiles, 61%) showed niche shifts (≥ 10% expansion in the realized climatic niche). Island endemics, species introduced to Oceania and invaded ranges outside the native biogeographical realm all showed a higher proportion of niche shifts. Niche shifts were more likely for species that had smaller native range sizes, were introduced earlier into a new range or invaded areas located at lower latitudes than the native range.Main conclusions The proportion of niche shifts for non‐native herpetofauna was higher than those for Holarctic non‐native plants and European non‐native birds. The ‘climate‐matching hypothesis’ should be used with caution for species undergoing niche shifts, because it could underestimate the risk of their establishment.
A quality improvement assessment of multiple, concurrent flow cytometry analyses at a tertiary care center
Authors: Karnes H. E. , Frater J. L. 
Published: May 2014

SummaryIntroductionThe utility of flow cytometry (FC) in diagnosis and staging of hematologic malignancy is controversial. Often, multiple specimens from the same patient are processed concurrently forFCanalyses, alongside tissue for histomorphologic diagnosis.MethodsTo assess the diagnostic utility of multiple, concurrentFCanalyses, a 10‐year retrospective review of cases with ≥2 concurrent specimens (from the same patient) submitted forFCwas conducted. Light microscopic (LM) diagnoses were compared toFCfindings, and the contribution ofFCresults to final diagnoses was examined.ResultsOf 4058 specimens (predominantly lymph nodes, bone marrows, and oropharyngeal tissues) submitted forFCanalyses, 129 (3.2%) represented cases with multiple (average: 2.19) concurrentFCanalyses. All were accompanied by tissues and/or aspirates forLMexamination. In 115 (89.1%) cases, multipleFCanalyses were performed prior to morphologic examination. In 87.0% of those cases, ≥1FCresult(s) aligned withLMfindings. In 15 (13.0%) cases whereFCresults differed from morphologic diagnoses, 86.7% (13/15) failed to detect an abnormal cell population byFCin the presence of a hematologic malignancy byLM. In one case (0.9%),FCdetected a lymphoma, without morphologic evidence byLM.ConclusionsOverall, multipartFCfailed to demonstrate a significant contribution in initial diagnoses of hematologic malignancies compared with analysis of a single specimen.
Advanced Manufacturing Technologies: Work Organisation and Social Relations Crystallised
Authors: Webster Juliet 
Published: May 2014

This paper considers the ways in which technologies are underpinned by patterns of work organisation and power relations in manufacturing industry. It takes as its starting point the emergence of manufacturing technologies during the Industrial Revolution, showing how these were imbued with the methods of factory organisation which were then gaining currency - the visions of industrial entrepreneurs, engineers and political economists. Technologies have continued to be associated with particular patterns of work organisation, both actual and envisioned. The major concern of the paper is with a contemporary manufacturing technology, Computer-Aided Production Management (CAPM). It shows how CAPM has developed according to the dominant templates of manufacturing organisation - first American and now Japanese. It charts the growth of the ‘enterprise culture’ in the West — a discourse which stresses flexibility and prescribes production methods, such as just-in-time, which mimic those of the Japanese. It looks at the promotion of CAPM as a technology which can assist in this process and at the incorporation within CAPM of facilities for doing so. Finally, the paper shows that these manufacturing agendas are not easily implemented. CAPM user organisations find the technology inappropriate to their existing patterns of work, and so modify systems to fit these. CAPM technology therefore embodies patterns of work organisation at several levels. It incorporates both the dreams and programmes for work organisation which are promoted by the industrially powerful at anyone time, and the actual practices of work organisation which pertain in the sphere of use.
A Community That Can Communicate? The Linguistic Factor in European Integration
Authors: Wright Sue 
Published: May 2014

Language is an important but often neglected aspect of the political process, this chapter gives a brief overview of the main phases of the past thousand years of European history in terms of language choice and shift, showing how communities of communication developed in tandem with political power centres. This history reveals that all political associations develop the communication solutions which promote and serve their political ambition and that new ways of organising society are accompanied by new language practices. In this context it is unlikely that the European Union will prove an exception. Europeanisation is not happening within a vacuum. Political power is also leaking away from state governments to relocate at global and regional level. The growing use of English as a global lingua franca and the renaissance of languages eclipsed in the period of nation building are further factors that affect the community of communication which is developing in Europe. Since the European project is developing in tandem with these other societal changes, the communication solutions it provokes will not be simple cause and effect relationships. Nonetheless, we can be sure that, if European integration progresses, new language practices will evolve to facilitate the circulation of information and ideas, the construction of democratic governance and individual access to centres of power. If they do not, then European integration will find itself halted at the level of a common market and a technocratic bureaucracy.
The Two Traditions in the Sociology of Emotions
Authors: Shilling Chris 
Published: May 2014

The sociology of emotions is an established specialism within the discipline and its products have become increasingly visible parts of the sociological landscape since the late 1970s. This specialism has also demonstrated, at least to its own satisfaction, the importance of emotions for social action and order, and for those related moral issues concerned with self-determined and other-oriented action. Paradoxically, however, the relationship between the sociology of emotions and mainstream sociology remains relatively cool. Emotional issues are still portrayed in many general accounts of the discipline as a luxurious curiosity that properly resides on the outer reaches of the sociological imagination. Just as unfortunately, certain sociologists of emotions have accused the foundations of the discipline of neglecting emotional issues, and have sometimes excluded classical theorists from their discussions. This chapter argues that emotional phenomena occupy an important place in sociology's heritage which has yet to be explicated fully by the sub-discipline. The subject of emotions, like the closely related subject of the body, may fade from various classical writings. Nevertheless, the major traditions of sociological theory developed particular orientations towards the social and moral dimensions of emotional phenomena. I begin by examining the relevance of emotions to the context out of which the discipline emerged, and then focus on how the major theorists of order (Comte and Durkheim) and (inter)action (Simmel and Weber) conceptualized emotional phenomena. The chapter concludes with a brief assessment of Parsons's contribution, and suggests that his analysis of the religious foundations of instrumental activism provides a provocative account of the relationship between values, emotions and personality that can usefully be built on.
Complex Emotions: Relations, Feelings and Images in Emotional Experience
Authors: Burkitt Ian 
Published: May 2014

In this chapter I argue that emotions are experienced primarily as structures of feeling which give meaning to relational experience. These feelings can be articulated through speech genres or discourses which give them form as specific emotions that have a place in the emotional vocabulary of a culture. Thus, I seek to distinguish between feeling and thought and attempt to trace the complex process through which feelings become emotions. This involves a reconsideration of the relation between body and thought, and the material and the ideal, as it appears in the work of various thinkers. Central to this is the role of image-schemata (Johnson, 1987) that mediate between the recurring relational patterns of bodily activity in the world, which makes experience meaningful, and the symbolic structures of the social group that can be used to articulate bodily feelings metaphorically. Feelings and emotions, then, while in a complex relationship to one another, are not always identical: they can in fact diverge, giving rise to the ambiguous nature of much emotional experience. Finally, all of this is considered in the light of power relations and the way that emotional dynamics play a central role in power. Anglo-Saxons who are uncomfortable with the idea that feelings and emotions are the outward signs of precise and complex algorithms usually have to be told that these matters, the relationship between the self and others, and the relationship between self and environment, are, in fact, the subject matter of what are called ‘feelings’— love, hate, fear, confidence, anxiety, hostility, etc. It is unfortunate that these abstractions referring to patterns of relationship have received names, which are usually handled in ways that assume that the ‘feelings’ are mainly characterized by quantity rather than by precise pattern. This is one of the nonsensical contributions of psychology to a distorted epistemology (Bateson, 1973: 113).
For every complex problem, there is an answer that is clear, simple and wrong
Authors: Sturmberg Joachim , Topolski Stefan 
Published: May 2014

AbstractRationale, MethodThis essay examines the notions of knowledge, truth and certainty as they apply to medical research and patient care. The human body does not behave in mechanistic but rather complex adaptive ways; thus, its behaviour to challenges is non‐deterministic. This insight has important ramifications for experimental studies in health care and their statistical interrogation that are described in detail.Results and ConclusionsFour implications are highlighted: one, there is an urgent need to develop a greater awareness of uncertainties and how to respond to them in clinical practice, namely, what is important and what is not in the context of this patient; two, there is an equally urgent need for health professionals to understand some basic statistical terms and their meanings, specifically absolute risk, its reciprocal, numbers needed to treat and its inverse, index of therapeutic impotence, as well as seeking out the effect size of an intervention rather than blindly accepting P‐values; three, there is an urgent need to accurately present the known in comprehensible ways through the use of visual tools; and four, there is a need to overcome the perception, that errors of commission are less troublesome than errors of omission as neither's consequences are predictable.
Application of system thinking concepts in health system strengthening in low‐income settings: a proposed conceptual framework for the evaluation of a complex health system intervention: the case of the BHOMA intervention in Zambia
Authors: Mutale Wilbroad , Balabanova Dina , Chintu Namwinga , Mwanamwenge Margaret Tembo , Ayles Helen 
Published: May 2014

AbstractBackgroundThe current drive to strengthen health systems provides an opportunity to develop new strategies that will enable countries to achieve targets for millennium development goals. In this paper, we present a proposed framework for evaluating a new health system strengthening intervention in Zambia known as Better Health Outcomes through Mentoring and Assessment.ApproachWe briefly describe the intervention design and focus on the proposed evaluation approach through the lens of systems thinking.DiscussionIn this paper, we present a proposed framework to evaluate a complex health system intervention applying systems thinking concepts. We hope that lessons learnt from this process will help to adapt the intervention and limit unintended negative consequences while promoting positive effects. Emphasis will be paid to interaction and interdependence between health system building blocks, context and the community.