bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Factors influencing the quality of life of haemodialysis patients according to symptom cluster
Authors: Shim Hye Yeung , Cho Mi‐Kyoung
Published: May 2017

Aims and objectives

To identify the characteristics in each symptom cluster and factors influencing the quality of life of haemodialysis patients in Korea according to cluster.

Background

Despite developments in renal replacement therapy, haemodialysis still restricts the activities of daily living due to pain and impairs physical functioning induced by the disease and its complications.

Design

Descriptive survey. Two hundred and thirty dialysis patients aged >18 years. They completed self‐administered questionnaires of Dialysis Symptom Index and Kidney Disease Quality of Life instrument‐Short Form 1.3.

Methods

To determine the optimal number of clusters, the collected data were analysed using polytomous variable latent class analysis in R software (poLCA) to estimate the latent class models and the latent class regression models for polytomous outcome variables. Differences in characteristics, symptoms and QOL according to the symptom cluster of haemodialysis patients were analysed using the independent t test and chi‐square test. The factors influencing the QOL according to symptom cluster were identified using hierarchical multiple regression analysis.

Results

Physical and emotional symptoms were significantly more severe, and the QOL was significantly worse in Cluster 1 than in Cluster 2. The factors influencing the QOL were spouse, job, insurance type and physical and emotional symptoms in Cluster 1, with these variables having an explanatory power of 60.9%. Physical and emotional symptoms were the only influencing factors in Cluster 2, and they had an explanatory power of 37.4%.

Conclusions

Mitigating the symptoms experienced by haemodialysis patients and improving their QOL require educational and therapeutic symptom management interventions that are tailored according to the characteristics and symptoms in each cluster.

Relevance to clinical practice

The findings of this study are expected to lead to practical guidelines for addressing the symptoms experienced by haemodialysis patients, and they provide basic information for developing nursing interventions to manage these symptoms and improve the QOL of these patients.
Effect of transcranial direct current stimulation on neuroplasticity in corticomotor pathways of the tongue muscles
Authors: Kothari M. , Stubbs P. W. , Figlewski K. , Pedersen A. R. , Jensen J. , Baad‐Hansen L. , Svensson P. , Nielsen J. F.
Published: May 2017

The aim of this study is to investigate effects of transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) on neuroplasticity in corticomotor pathways related to tongue muscles evoked by a training task using the tongue drive system (TDS). Using a crossover design, 13 healthy participants completed two sessions of tDCS while performing 30 min of TDS training. Sessions were spaced at least 2 weeks apart and participants randomly received anodal and sham tDCS stimulation in the first session and the other condition in the second session. Single and paired pulse transcranial magnetic stimulation was used to elicit motor evoked potentials (MEPs) of the tongue at three time‐points: before, immediately after and 30 min after training. Participant‐based reports of fun, pain, fatigue and motivation, level of difficulty and effort were evaluated on numerical rating scales. There was no consistent significant effect of anodal and sham stimulation on single or paired pulse stimulation MEP amplitude immediately or 30 min after TDS training. Irrespective of tDCS type, training with TDS induced cortical plasticity in terms of increased MEP amplitudes for higher stimulus intensities after 30 min compared with before and immediately after training. Participant‐based reports revealed no significant difference between tDCS conditions for level of fun, fatigue, motivation, difficulty and level of effort but a significant increase in pain in the anodal condition, although pain level was low for both conditions. In conclusion, tongue MEP amplitudes appear to be sensitive to training with the tongue using TDS; however, anodal tDCS does not have an impact on training‐evoked neuroplasticity of tongue corticomotor pathways.
Concomitant screening for liver fibrosis and steatosis in French type 2 diabetic patients using Fibroscan
Authors: Roulot Dominique , Roudot‐Thoraval Françoise , NKontchou Gisele , Kouacou Narcisse , Costes Jean‐Luc , Elourimi Ghassan , Le Clesiau Hervé , Ziol Marianne , Beaugrand Michel
Published: May 2017

Background

Type 2 diabetes is a risk factor for steatohepatitis and fibrosis. Non‐invasive liver stiffness (LS) and controlled attenuation parameter (CAP) measurements by Fibroscan allow assessing liver fat and fibrosis.

Aim

To determine the prevalence of steatosis and significant fibrosis in a community‐based diabetic population.

Methods

LS and CAP were measured in 705 patients using the standard “M probe.” A second “XL probe” was used, without CAP measurement, in case of failure with the “M probe.”

Results

LS and CAP measurements were obtained in 437 patients (the M group), LS measurements (LSM) with the XL probe being available in additional 232 patients. After the combined use of both probes, LSM failure and unreliable result were 1.6% and 5.6% respectively. Overall, 12.7% (n=85), 7.3% and 2.1% exhibited significant or advanced fibrosis or cirrhosis (LSM≥8 kPa, ≥9.6 kPa, ≥13 kPa respectively), half of the patients with LSM≥8 kPa displayed normal liver tests. Significant and severe steatosis were measured in 75% and 24% of the M group patients. By multivariate analysis, factors associated with severe fibrosis were age, overweight, high GGT. Forty‐seven patients with LSM≥8 kPa underwent liver biopsy; 93% had steatosis and 51% severe fibrosis. A significant correlation was found between LSM values and fibrosis score with an accuracy rate of 83%, 68% and 83% for LSM≥8 kPa, ≥9.6 kPa and ≥13 kPa respectively.

Conclusions

The prevalence of significant steatosis is very high and significant fibrosis affect 12.7% of the patients. Fibroscan is an effective procedure to screen for fibrosis and steatosis in diabetic patients.
From song dialects to speciation in white‐crowned sparrows
Authors: Toews David P. L.
Published: May 2017

The behavioural signals used in mate selection are a key component in the evolution of premating isolating barriers and, subsequently, the formation of new species. The importance of mating signals has a long tradition of study in songbirds, where many species differ in their song characteristics. In oscine songbirds, individual birds usually learn their songs from a tutor. Mistakes during learning can help generate geographic dialects, akin to those within human language groups. In songbirds, dialect differences can often be substantial and there is an intuitive connection between the evolution of song amongst populations at a small scale, and the more substantive song differences between bird species and presumably used in species recognition. However, studies investigating the concordance between putative genetic and behavioural boundaries have generated mixed results. In many cases, this is possibly a function of the poor resolving power of the genetic markers employed. In this issue of Molecular Ecology, Lipshutz et al. () combine genomic markers with a robust behavioural assay to address the importance of song variation amongst white‐crowned sparrow (Zonotrichia leucophrys) subspecies.
A novel streptococcal cell–cell communication peptide promotes pneumococcal virulence and biofilm formation
Authors: Cuevas Rolando A. , Eutsey Rory , Kadam Anagha , West‐Roberts Jacob A. , Woolford Carol A. , Mitchell Aaron P. , Mason Kevin M. , Hiller N. Luisa
Published: May 2017

Streptococcus pneumoniae (pneumococcus) is a major human pathogen. It is a common colonizer of the human respiratory track, where it utilizes cell–cell communication systems to coordinate population‐level behaviors. We reasoned that secreted peptides that are highly expressed during infection are pivotal for virulence. Thus, we used in silico pattern searches to define a pneumococcal secretome and analyzed the transcriptome of the clinically important PMEN1 lineage to identify which peptide‐encoding genes are highly expressed in vivo. In this study, we characterized virulence peptide 1 (vp1), a highly expressed Gly–Gly peptide‐encoding gene in chinchilla middle ear effusions. The vp1 gene is widely distributed across pneumococcus as well as encoded in related species. Studies in the chinchilla model of middle ear infection demonstrated that VP1 is a virulence determinant. The vp1 gene is positively regulated by a transcription factor from the Rgg family and its cognate SHP (short hydrophobic peptide). In vitro data indicated that VP1 promotes increased thickness and biomass for biofilms grown on chinchilla middle ear epithelial cells. Furthermore, the wild‐type biofilm is restored with the exogenous addition of synthetic VP1. We conclude that VP1 is a novel streptococcal regulatory peptide that controls biofilm development and pneumococcal pathogenesis.
The impact of recipient BKV shedding before transplant on BKV viruria, DNAemia, and nephropathy post‐transplant: A prospective study
Authors: Verghese P. S. , Schmeling D. O. , Filtz E. A. , Matas A. J. , Balfour H. H.
Published: May 2017

We previously demonstrated that detectable BKV replication in donor urine pretransplant was significantly associated with post‐transplant recipient BKV viremia. In this 4‐year prospective study, we assessed whether recipient BKV replication pretransplant was associated with post‐transplant viremia/BKV nephropathy. We studied 220 primary adult and pediatric organ transplant recipients for 490 person‐years and 2100 clinical visits. BKV viruria was detectable in 28 (16%), 26 adults and two children; and viremia in none pretransplant. Post‐transplant viruria occurred in all recipients with pretransplant BKV viruria, significantly more than in recipients without pretransplant viruria on univariate (P<.005) and multivariate analysis including type of organ transplanted and immunosuppression type (P .008). Time to post‐transplant viruria was significantly shorter in recipients with pretransplant viruria (P .01). By univariate and multivariate analysis, BKV viruria in recipients pretransplant did not impact post‐transplant BKV viremia (P=.97 and .97, respectively) even when stratified by type of organ transplant (kidney P=.6; liver P=.5). The peak serum and urine BKV PCR post‐transplant were not significantly different in patients with pretransplant BKV viruria and no one developed BK nephropathy. In conclusion, recipient BKV viruria prior to transplant predicts post‐transplant viruria but not viremia or BKV nephropathy.
Reducing the build‐up of Plasmodiophora brassicae inoculum by early management of oilseed rape volunteers
Authors: Zamani‐Noor N. , Rodemann B.
Published: May 2017

Clubroot of oilseed rape (OSR), caused by Plasmodiophora brassicae, is a disease of increasing economic importance worldwide. Previous studies indicated that OSR volunteers, Brassica crops and weeds play a critical role in the predisposition of the disease. To determine the effect of timing of foliar application of the herbicide glyphosate or mechanical destruction of OSR volunteers in reduction of clubroot severity and resting spore production, a series of studies was conducted under controlled conditions with a susceptible OSR cultivar and an isolate of P. brassicae. Plants were inoculated by injecting a spore suspension beside the root hairs at growth stage 11–12 (BBCH scale) and were terminated at 7 (early) or 21 (late) days post‐inoculation (dpi). Under controlled conditions, the first symptoms on roots were observed as early as 7 dpi. The early application of glyphosate as well as early mechanical destruction resulted in significant (P ≤ 0.05) reduction in the development of clubroot symptoms, root fresh weight and the number of resting spores⁄g root. Furthermore, the effect of volunteer management on clubroot severity in the succeeding OSR was studied by inoculating plants with the resting spores obtained from treated clubbed roots. Inoculated OSR exhibited root clubs similar to the initial symptoms after 35 dpi. Plants that were inoculated with spore suspension from early treated roots resulted in significant reductions in clubroot incidence and severity. Conversely, plants inoculated with the spore suspension from the late treated roots displayed levels of clubroot similar to the plants inoculated with the spore solutions of positive controls.
Rhizoctonia solani: taxonomy, population biology and management of rhizoctonia seedling disease of soybean
Authors: Ajayi‐Oyetunde O. O. , Bradley C. A.
Published: May 2017

Rhizoctonia solani, the most important species within the genus Rhizoctonia, is a soilborne plant pathogen with considerable diversity in cultural morphology, host range and aggressiveness. Despite its history as a destructive pathogen of economically important crops worldwide, our understanding of its taxonomic relationship with other Rhizoctonia‐like fungi, incompatibility systems, and population biology is rather limited. Among the host of diseases it has been associated with, seedling diseases inflicted on soybean are of significant importance, especially in the soybean growing regions of North America. Due to the dearth of resistant soybean genotypes, as well as the paucity of information on the mechanisms of host–pathogen interactions and other molecular aspects of pathogenicity, effective management options have mostly relied upon a combination of cultural and chemical control options. The first section of this review summarizes what is currently known about the taxonomy and systematics, population biology and molecular genetics of R. solani. The second section provides an overview of the pathology and management of rhizoctonia root and hypocotyl rot of soybean, a seedling disease of importance in North America.
Species prevalence and disease progression studies demonstrate a seasonal shift in the Alternaria population composition on potato
Authors: Vandecasteele M. , Landschoot S. , Carrette J. , Verwaeren J. , Höfte M. , Audenaert K. , Haesaert G.
Published: May 2017

To assess the incidence of early blight/brown spot (EB/BS) in Flanders (Belgium), potato fields in 22 locations were monitored and scored over the duration of the growing seasons 2014 and 2015. The average disease incidence was shown to be higher in 2014 than in 2015. Soil type, rainfall and temperature were also analysed in relation to disease incidence. In 2014, potato plants grown in sandy soils had more EB/BS disease than those grown in clay or loamy soils. However, the low disease incidence in 2015 meant that differences in disease levels between soil types could not be discerned for that growing season. A windowpane analysis demonstrated that rainfall and humidity accounted for the differences in disease incidence between the two growing seasons. During the course of the survey, the species composition in leaves with symptoms was assessed using real‐time PCR. Remarkably, small‐spored Alternaria species, such as A. alternata and A. arborescens, rather than the more virulent A. solani were the predominant species on potato leaves throughout the growing season. As the disease progressed, the proportion of A. solani increased. In view of these results, the virulence of a collected set of Alternaria isolates was assessed by an in vitro assay. Despite A. solani being more virulent than A. alternata or A. arborescens, the most abundant species isolated from potato leaves with symptoms was A. arborescens.
Towards a robust and versatile method for monitoring E‐modulus of concrete since casting: Enhancements and extensions of EMM‐ARM
Authors: Granja José , Azenha Miguel
Published: May 2017

In face of the importance of assessing mechanical properties of cement‐based materials since early ages, as well as the known limitations of existing methods, the EMM‐ARM (Elasticity Modulus Measurement through Ambient Response Method) was initially proposed in 2009. Since its first application, this method has been under constant development and extension to the study of other materials such as stabilized soils or epoxy resins. Extensive use has revealed several limitations on robustness and versatility that are addressed through a set of improvements proposed in this paper. Such improvements attempt to make EMM‐ARM more appropriate for systematic applications both in laboratory and in situ environments. These objectives were achieved through the application of a new test mould material, redesigned support systems, and the development of a new reusable mould. Additionally, the use of a small excitation applied to the beam to decrease the sensitivity of the method to the environmental noise was assessed.
A novel HLA‐G allele, HLA‐G*01:01:01:07, was identified in a Chinese patient with Posner‐Schlossman syndrome
Authors: Zhao J. , Huang X.‐S. , Peng S.‐M. , Mei S.‐Y. , Xu Y.‐P.
Published: May 2017

A novel HLA‐G allele, HLA‐G*01:01:01:07, was identified in a Chinese patient with Posner‐Schlossman syndrome.
A novel nuclear forensic tool involving deposit type normalized rare earth element signatures
Authors: Spano Tyler L. , Simonetti Antonio , Wheeler Thomas , Carpenter Grace , Freet Devonee , Balboni Enrica , Dorais Corinne , Burns Peter C.
Published: May 2017

Identifying the provenance of uranium‐rich materials is a critical objective of nuclear forensic analysis. Rare earth element (REE) distributions within uranium ores are well‐established forensic indicators, but quantifying and correlating trace element signatures for U ores to known deposits has thus far involved intricate statistical analyses. This study reports average chondrite normalized (CN)‐REE signatures for important U deposit types worldwide, which are then employed to evaluate U ore paragenesis using a simple linear regression analysis. This technique provides a straightforward method that can aid in determining the deposit type of U ores based on their REE abundances, and combined with other forensic indicators (e.g. radiogenic isotope signatures) can provide essential provenance information for nuclear materials.
The association between interval from acceptance to first‐time donation, missed first appointment and future donation behaviour
Authors: Mousavi S. A. , Hermundstad B. , Knutsen T. R. , Llohn A. H.
Published: May 2017

Background and objectives

We examined the association of the interval between the date an individual is accepted for blood donation and the date of first donation (IFD‐interval, index‐to‐first‐time donation interval) and missed first appointment with future donation behaviour among new donors. These two variables have not been analysed in previous studies of donation behaviour among new donors.

Methods

Categories were generated for age (18–29 vs 30–65 years), missed‐appointment status (no‐show vs same‐day cancellation) and the IFD‐interval [short (≤median time) vs long (>median time)]. Accepted donors (n = 807) were followed for 19 months. Outcome measures were first‐appointment attendance rates, return rates among first‐time donors and the proportion of experienced donors, defined as those who gave ≥5 donations.

Results

In logistic regression analyses, high no‐show rates were significantly associated with decreased likelihood of first‐time donation. Long IFD‐intervals were significantly associated with decreased likelihood of returning for a second donation among first‐time donors. Experienced donors, compared to novice donors, were more likely to be male than female, older than younger and with shorter vs longer IFD‐intervals.

Conclusions

No‐show and long IFD‐intervals may be behavioural markers of low levels of motivation for making the first donation and for returning for a second donation, respectively.
Behaviour change intervention to improve shared toilet maintenance and cleanliness in urban slums of Dhaka: a cluster‐randomised controlled trial
Authors: Alam Mahbub‐Ul , Winch Peter J. , Saxton Ronald E. , Nizame Fosiul A. , Yeasmin Farzana , Norman Guy , Masud Abdullah‐Al , Begum Farzana , Rahman Mahbubur , Hossain Kamal , Layden Anita , Unicomb Leanne , Luby Stephen P.
Published: May 2017

Objectives

Shared toilets in urban slums are often unclean and poorly maintained, discouraging consistent use and thereby limiting impacts on health and quality of life. We developed behaviour change interventions to support shared toilet maintenance and improve user satisfaction. We report the intervention effectiveness on improving shared toilet cleanliness.

Methods

We conducted a cluster‐randomised controlled trial among users of 1226 shared toilets in 23 Dhaka slums. We assessed baseline toilet cleanliness in January 2015. The six‐month intervention included provision of hardware (bin for solid waste, 4 l flushing bucket, 70 l water reservoir), and behaviour change communication (compound meetings, interpersonal household sessions, signs depicting rules for toilet use). We estimated the adjusted difference in difference (DID) to assess outcomes and accounted for clustering effects using generalised estimating equations.

Results

Compared to controls, intervention toilets were more likely to have water available inside toilet cubicles (DID: +4.7%, 95% CI: 0.2, 9.2), access to brush/broom for cleaning (DID: +8.4%, 95% CI: 2, 15) and waste bins (DID: +63%, 95% CI: 59, 66), while less likely to have visible faeces inside the pan (DID: −13%, 95% CI: −19, −5), the smell of faeces (DID: −7.6%, 95% CI: −14, −1.3) and household waste inside the cubicle (DID: −4%, 95% CI: −7, −1).

Conclusions

In one of few efforts to promote shared toilet cleanliness, intervention compounds were significantly more likely to have cleaner toilets after six months. Future research might explore how residents can self‐finance toilet maintenance, or employ mass media to reduce per‐capita costs of behaviour change.
Dengue data and surveillance in Tanzania: a systematic literature review
Authors: Ward Tara , Samuel Moody , Maoz Dorit , Runge‐Ranzinger Silvia , Boyce Ross , Toledo Joao , Velayudhan Raman , Horstick Olaf
Published: May 2017

Objective

Although there is evidence that dengue virus is circulating in Tanzania, the country lacks a dengue surveillance system. Consequently, the true estimate of dengue seroprevalence, as well as the incidence in the population, the frequency and magnitude of outbreaks is unknown. This study therefore sought to systematically review available dengue data from Tanzania.

Methods

The systematic review was conducted and reported using the PRISMA tool. Five databases (PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, WHOLIS and Google Scholar) were searched for articles using various keywords on the illness, data and geographical location. Identified articles were assessed for inclusion based on predefined eligibility criteria. Data were extracted from included articles, analysed and reported.

Results

Based on the 10 seroprevalence studies in defined populations with estimates of acute confirmed infections that were included in the review, the estimated seroprevalence of past dengue infection in Tanzania ranged from 50.6% in a health facility‐based study to 11% in a population‐based study. Acute confirmed infections of dengue were estimated to be as high as 38.2% of suspected cases. Only one study reported on an outbreak.

Conclusions

It is evident that dengue needs to become part of regular disease surveillance in Tanzania. Control measures need to be instituted with a focus on building human resource capacity and integrating dengue control measures in ongoing health programmes, for both preventive and curative interventions. Systematic reviews are valuable in assessing health issues when surveillance data are not available.
Household coverage of Swaziland's national community health worker programme: a cross‐sectional population‐based study
Authors: Geldsetzer Pascal , Vaikath Maria , De Neve Jan‐Walter , Bossert Thomas J. , Sibandze Sibusiso , Bärnighausen Till
Published: May 2017

Objectives

To ascertain household coverage achieved by Swaziland's national community health worker (CHW) programme and differences in household coverage across clients’ sociodemographic characteristics.

Methods

Household survey from June to September 2015 in two of Swaziland's four administrative regions using two‐stage cluster random sampling. Interviewers administered a questionnaire to all household members in 1542 households across 85 census enumeration areas.

Results

While the CHW programme aims to cover all households in the country, only 44.5% (95% confidence interval: 38.0% to 51.1%) reported that they had ever been visited by a CHW. In both uni‐ and multivariable regressions, coverage was negatively associated with household wealth (OR for most vs. least wealthy quartile: 0.30 [0.16 to 0.58], P < 0.001) and education (OR for >secondary schooling vs. no schooling: 0.65 [0.47 to 0.90], P = 0.009), and positively associated with residing in a rural area (OR: 2.95 [1.77 to 4.91], P < 0.001). Coverage varied widely between census enumeration areas.

Conclusions

Swaziland's national CHW programme is falling far short of its coverage goal. To improve coverage, the programme would likely need to recruit additional CHWs and/or assign more households to each CHW. Alternatively, changing the programme's ambitious coverage goal to visiting only certain types of households would likely reduce existing arbitrary differences in coverage between households and communities. This study highlights the need to evaluate and reform large long‐standing CHW programmes in sub‐Saharan Africa.
Dihydroartemisinin‐piperaquine versus artesunate‐amodiaquine for treatment of malaria infection in pregnancy in Ghana: an open‐label, randomised, non‐inferiority trial
Authors: Osarfo Joseph , Tagbor Harry , Cairns Matthew , Alifrangis Michael , Magnussen Pascal
Published: May 2017

Objective

To determine whether dihydroartemisinin‐piperaquine (DHA‐PPQ) is non‐inferior to artesunate‐amodiaquine (ASAQ) for treating uncomplicated malaria infection in pregnancy.

Methods

A total of 417 second/ third trimester pregnant women with confirmed asymptomatic Plasmodium falciparum parasitaemia were randomised to receive DHA‐PPQ or ASAQ over 3 days. Women were followed up on days 1, 2, 3, 7, 14, 28 and 42 after treatment start and at delivery for parasitological, haematological, birth outcomes and at 6‐week post‐partum to ascertain the health status of the babies. Parasitological efficacy (PE) by days 28 and 42 were co‐primary outcomes. Analysis was per‐protocol (PP) and modified intention‐to‐treat (ITT). Non‐inferiority was declared if the two‐sided 95% confidence interval for PE at the endpoints excluded 5% lower efficacy for DHA‐PPQ. Secondary outcomes were assessed for superiority.

Results

In PP analysis, PE was 91.6% for DHA‐PPQ and 89.3% for ASAQ by day 28 and 89.0% and 86.5%, respectively, by day 42. DHA‐PPQ was non‐inferior to ASAQ with respect to uncorrected PE [adjusted difference by day 28 (DHA‐PPQ‐ASAQ); 3.5% (95%CI: −1.5, 8.5); and day 42: 3.9% (95%CI: −2.7, 10.4)]. ITT analysis gave similar results. PCR to distinguish recrudescence and reinfection was unsuccessful. DHA‐PPQ recipients had fewer adverse events of vomiting, dizziness, and general weakness compared to ASAQ. Both drugs were well‐tolerated, and there was no excess of adverse birth outcomes.

Conclusion

DHA‐PPQ was non‐inferior to ASAQ for treatment of malaria infection during pregnancy. No safety concerns were identified. Our findings contribute to growing evidence that DHA‐PPQ is useful for control of malaria in pregnancy.
The giant cryptic amphipod species of the subterranean genus Niphargus (Crustacea, Amphipoda)
Authors: Delić Teo , Švara Vid , Coleman Charles Oliver , Trontelj Peter , Fišer Cene
Published: May 2017

Amphipods from the genus Niphargus represent an important part of the Western Palearctic subterranean fauna. The genus is morphologically diverse, comprising several distinct ecomorphs bound to microhabitats in the subterranean environment. The most impressive among them are “lake giants,” a series of massive, large‐bodied species. These range from morphologically distinct to morphologically cryptic taxa. We analysed the taxonomic structure of the Niphargus arbiter–Niphargus salonitanus species complex, belonging to “lake giants” from the Dinaric Karst (West Balkans), and assessed their phylogenetic, morphological and ecological diversity. Multilocus phylogeny suggested that the complex is monophyletic and nested within other cave lake ecomorphs. Unilocus and multilocus coalescence species delimitations indicated that the complex totals nine species. These species substantially overlap in morphology and cannot be unambiguously told apart without the use of molecular markers. An analysis of splitting events within a palaeogeological context, and modelling of environmental characteristics on the phylogeny unveiled a complex history of diversification. Part of this diversification might have been influenced by ecological divergence along the altitudinal gradient reaching from the Adriatic coast to inland Dinaric mountain chains and Poljes. Other splits coincide with the marine regression–transgression cycles during Pliocene. We describe Niphargus alpheus sp. n., Niphargus anchialinus sp. n., Niphargus antipodes sp. n., Niphargus arethusa sp. n., Niphargus doli sp. n., Niphargus fjakae sp. n. and Niphargus pincinovae sp. n., and by doing so hope to prompt their further research.
Altered post‐capillary and collecting venular reactivity in skeletal muscle with metabolic syndrome
Authors: Lemaster Kent A. , Farid Zahra , Brock Robert W. , Shrader Carl D. , Goldman Daniel , Jackson Dwayne N. , Frisbee Jefferson C.
Published: May 2017

Key points

With the development of the metabolic syndrome, both post‐capillary and collecting venular dilator reactivity within the skeletal muscle of obese Zucker rats (OZR) is impaired.

The impaired dilator reactivity in OZR reflects a loss in venular nitric oxide and PGI2 bioavailability, associated with the chronic elevation in oxidant stress.

Additionally, with the impaired dilator responses, a modest increase in adrenergic constriction combined with an elevated thromboxane A2 production may contribute to impaired functional dilator and hyperaemic responses at the venular level.

For the shift in skeletal muscle venular function with development of the metabolic syndrome, issues such as aggregate microvascular perfusion resistance, mass transport and exchange within with capillary networks, and fluid handling across the microcirculation are compelling avenues for future investigation.

While research into vascular outcomes of the metabolic syndrome has focused on arterial/arteriolar and capillary levels, investigation into venular function and how this impacts responses has received little attention. Using the in situ cremaster muscle of obese Zucker rats (OZR; with lean Zucker rats (LZR) as controls), we determined indices of venular function. At ∼17 weeks of age, skeletal muscle post‐capillary venular density was reduced by ∼20% in LZR vs. OZR, although there was no evidence of remodelling of the venular wall. Venular tone at ∼25 μm (post‐capillary) and ∼75 μm (collecting) diameter was elevated in OZR vs. LZR. Venular dilatation to acetylcholine was blunted in OZR vs. LZR due to increased oxidant stress‐based loss of nitric oxide bioavailability (post‐capillary) and increased α1‐ (and α2‐) mediated constrictor tone (collecting). Venular constrictor responses in OZR were comparable to LZR for most stimuli, although constriction to α1‐adrenoreceptor stimulation was elevated. In response to field stimulation of the cremaster muscle (0.5, 1, 3 Hz), venular dilator and hyperaemic responses to lower frequencies were blunted in OZR, but responses at 3 Hz were similar between strains. Venous production of TxA2 was higher in OZR than LZR and significantly higher than PGI2 production in either following arachidonic acid challenge. These results suggest that multi‐faceted alterations to skeletal muscle venular function in OZR may contribute to alterations in upstream capillary pressure profiles and the transcapillary exchange of solutes and water under conditions of metabolic syndrome.
Conceptos básicos de la Teoría Funcional de la Cognición y algunas de sus aplicaciones
Authors: Munoz Sastre Maria Teresa , López-López Wilson , Pineda-Marín Claudia
Published: May 2017

La vida cotidiana demanda la toma de juicios o decisiones constantes. Algunas de esas decisiones pueden ser más o menos complejas dependiendo de factores éticos, sociales, históricos y políticos del contexto social y, de la interacción de estos factores en los sujetos que juzgan. El objetivo de este artículo es exponer cómo la Teoría Funcional de la Cognición permite hacer un análisis detallado del proceso cognitivo de toma de decisión, en el que operan: la valoración de los estímulos, la integración de la representación psicológica de esos estímulos y finalmente, la respuesta explícita. Este proceso de juicio cumple con tres reglas: adición, multiplicación y promedio, que permiten observar las funciones que se generan entre los factores implicados en las decisiones y la emisión de un juicio. Esta teoría tiene importantes aplicaciones en las áreas de la psicología clínica y de salud, la psicología política, la psicología del deporte y la psicología del desarrollo, áreas en las cuáles el artículo presenta los hallazgos más relevantes.
Comprensión de las dinámicas de relación de parejas del mismo sexo a partir de la intervención clínica sistémica
Authors: Herrera Small Carolina , Torres Orozco Simón
Published: May 2017

Este artículo surge de una investigación que pretendió comprender las dinámicas relacionales de parejas del mismo sexo que acuden a terapia y proponer un modelo de intervención clínica desde el enfoque sistémico. Se revisaron las premisas constructivistas y los conceptos de pareja, terapia de pareja y diversidad sexual. La metodología de investigación-intervención con diseño mixto incluyó la revisión de 98 historias clínicas y el análisis del proceso terapéutico con 6 parejas. Se definieron dos tipos de parejas con características distintas en cinco ejes asociados a la emergencia del conflicto conyugal. El modelo terapéutico desarrollado requiere una evaluación completa de la dinámica conyugal que conecte el motivo de consulta y proponga estrategias que faciliten el posicionamiento de los cónyuges frente a las posibilidades de la relación.
Equidad en el apoyo social recíproco y satisfacción vital en personas mayores
Authors: Bueno Martínez Belén , Buz José , Navarro Ana Belén , López-Martín Lara
Published: May 2017

Se examinó la asociación entre equidad en el apoyo social y bienestar en personas mayores españolas (Rango 60-98, M = 74.04; DT = 7.75; N = 585). Se obtuvo información sobre variables sociodemográficas y de autonomía funcional, miembros activos de varias redes de apoyo, apoyo dado y recibido emocional e instrumental, y satisfacción vital. La equidad caracteriza la mayoría de los intercambios de apoyo de los mayores con sus redes familiares y sociales. Los intercambios recíprocos equitativos y ser proveedor activo en el intercambio, se relacionan positivamente con la satisfacción vital en la vejez. La naturaleza del apoyo emocional o instrumental modifica esos resultados. La teoría de la equidad obtiene más evidencia empírica que la teoría del intercambio social.
Improvement of UNS S32205 Duplex Welds by GMAW and Controlled Magnetic Field for Offshore Pipelines and Flowlines Applications
Authors: Salazar M. , García R. , López V. H. , Galván-Martínez R. , Contreras A.
Published: May 2017

Mechanical properties and corrosion resistance of UNS S32205 duplex stainless steel (DSS) welds obtained under the application of controlled magnetic fields were evaluated in the context of offshore pipelines and flowlines applications. Tensile tests, impact toughness, and hardness measurements were performed. Corrosion behavior was evaluated by linear polarization resistance (LPR) and potentiodynamic polarization curves (PCs) using a synthetic seawater solution at different temperatures. An improvement in tensile strength, impact toughness, and corrosion resistance was observed with the application of magnetic fields during welding. This effect is attributed to the refinement in the microstructure of the weld metal along with the suppression of detrimental intermetallic tertiary phases. Applying an axial magnetic field of 3 mT during DSS welding by the gas metal arc welding (GMAW) process is a potential technique for improving the performance of offshore pipeline welds and may be implemented in both, double-sided single pass and single-sided multipass butt joints.
Active Delayed Control of Turning and Milling Dynamics
Authors: Long Xinhua , Zheng Pingxu , Ren Song
Published: May 2017

In this paper, a novel controller is developed for control of turning and milling dynamics. The controller design benefits from the use of time-delays in controlling a dynamic system. The gains of the controller are determined by using the discrete optimal control method. Numerical simulations are carried out in order to verify the efficiency of the controller. The findings show that the designed controller can be effective in suppressing chatter in both turning and milling processes as well as improve the stability of the cutting processes with the introduced time-delay. The authors discuss the influence of designed time-delay on control performance and robustness, and point out the advantages of using a time-delayed controller for controlling cutting dynamics.
Tribological Behavior of Tool Steel Under Press Hardening Conditions Using Simulative Tests
Authors: Mozgovoy Sergej , Hardell Jens , Deng Liang , Oldenburg Mats , Prakash Braham
Published: May 2017

Press hardening is employed in the automotive industry to produce advanced high-strength steel components for safety and structural applications. This hot forming process depends on friction as it controls the deformation of the sheet. However, friction is also associated with wear of the forming tools. Tool wear is a critical issue when it comes to the dimensional accuracy of the produced components and it reduces the service life of the tool. It is therefore desirable to enhance the durability of the tools by studying the influence of high contact pressures, cyclic thermal loading, and repetitive mechanical loading on tool wear. This is difficult to achieve in conventional tribological testing devices. Therefore, the tribological behavior of tool–workpiece material pairs at elevated temperatures was studied in a newly developed experimental setup simulating the conditions prevalent during interaction of the hot sheet with the tool surface. Uncoated 22MnB5 steel and aluminum–silicon (Al–Si)-coated 22MnB5 steel were tested at 750 °C and 920 °C, respectively. It was found that higher loads led to lower and more stable friction coefficients independent of sliding velocity or surface material. The influence of sliding velocity on the coefficient of friction was only marginal. In the case of Al–Si-coated 22MnB5, the friction coefficient was generally higher and unstable due to transfer of Al–Si coating material to the tool. Adhesion was the main wear mechanism in the case of uncoated 22MnB5.
On the Development of a Chip Breaker in a Metal-Matrix Polycrystalline Diamond Insert: Finite Element Based Design With ns-Laser Ablation and Machining Verification
Authors: Elkaseer Ahmed , Lambarri Jon , Ander Sarasua Jon , Cascón Itxaso
Published: May 2017

This paper reports the development of an original design of chip breaker in a metal-matrix polycrystalline diamond (MMPCD) insert brazed into a milling tool. The research entailed finite element (FE) design, laser simulation, laser fabrication, and machining tests. FE analysis was performed to evaluate the effectiveness of different designs of chip breaker, under specified conditions when milling aluminum alloy (Al A356). Then, the ablation performance of an MMPCD workpiece was characterized by ablating single trenches under different conditions. The profiles of the generated trenches were analyzed and fed into a simulation tool to examine the resultant thickness of ablated layers for different process conditions, and to predict the obtainable shape when ablating multilayers. Next, the geometry of the designated chip breaker was sliced into a number of layers to be ablated sequentially. Different ablation scenarios were experimentally investigated to identify the optimum processing conditions. The results showed that an ns laser utilized in a controllable manner successfully produced the necessary three-dimensional feature of an intricate chip breaker with high surface quality (Ra in the submicron range), tight dimensional accuracy (maximum dimensional error was less than 4%), and in an acceptable processing time (≈51 s). Finally, two different inserts brazed in milling tools, with and without the chip breaker, were tested in real milling trials. Superior performance of the insert with chip breaker was demonstrated by the curled chips formed and the significant reduction of obtained surface roughness compared to the surface produced by the insert without chip breaker.
Parametric Trough Solar Collector With Commercial Evacuated Receiver: Performance Comparison at Plant Level
Authors: Núnez Bootello Juan Pablo , Schramm Markus , Silva Pérez Manuel , Doblaré Castellano Manuel
Published: May 2017

A new anidolic parametric trough solar collector (PmTC) having 8.12 m net width aperture has been recently proposed for a commercial evacuated receiver tube with an absorber diameter of 70 mm. Since the collector was designed ignoring transmission, absorption, and reflection optical losses, calculations of the optical efficiency and the incidence angle modifier (IAM) by means of Monte Carlo spectral raytracing simulations using real slope errors distributions and taking into account Fresnel reflection losses were done. Comparison with an Eurotrough parabolic trough collector (PTC) shows an optical penalization of 5.1% due to the reflectivity and additional soiling of the secondary mirror, to an increase in the end losses and to the Fresnel reflection losses. The National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) system advisor model (SAM) was used to perform annual simulations of two commercial 50 MWe oil power plants without thermal energy storage located in Seville. A PTC solar field consisting of 90 loops, each one having four Eurotrough solar collector assemblies (SCA) with 150 m length was first modeled resulting in a gross production of 386 kWh/(m2 yr). A PmTC solar field with the same module length and similar SCA net aperture area was also simulated. A final configuration of 94 loops and four SCAs with 100 m length per loop yields a gross production of 379 kWh/(m2 yr) showing no improvement compared to the reference PTC plant. The present study allows to advance in the understanding of the potential of the anidolic optic to produce optical geometries able to effectively improve the PTC technology in the short-term projecting results at a commercial plant level.
New faunistic and taxonomic data on oribatid mites (Acari, Oribatida) of Taiwan
Authors: Ermilov Sergey G. , Liao Jhih-rong
Published: May 2017

The present study is based on oribatid mite materials (Acari, Oribatida) collected from Taiwan in 2009–2010. A list of identified taxa, including 34 species from 30 genera and 21 families, is presented; of these, the subspecies Tectocepheus velatus sarekensis, the species Suctobelbella (Flagrosuctobelba) cf. elegantula, Paralamellobates misella, Protoribates paracapucinus, Perscheloribates nodosus and Scheloribates (Bischeloribates) dalawaeus, the subgenera Uracrobates (Parauracrobates) and Scheloribates (Bischeloribates), and the genera Scapheremaeus and Brassiella are recorded in the fauna of Taiwan for the first time. The species Camisia hamulifera and Fissicepheus defectus are recorded in the Oriental region for the first time. Two new species belonging to the genera Galumna (Galumnidae) and Uracrobates (Mochlozetidae) are described. Galumna (Galumna) tsengi sp. nov. differs from G. (G.) makilingensis Ermilov, Corpuz-Raros & Tolstikov, 2014 by the clavate heads of the bothridial setae, slightly dilated  porose areas Aa in posterolateral parts, not boomerang shaped, and by the erect interlamellar setae, which are shorter than the lamellar setae. Uracrobates (Parauracrobates) newtaipeiensis sp. nov. differs from U. (P.) truncatus Ermilov & Martens, 2015 by the absence of well-developed lateral teeth on the lamellar cusps, foveolate notogaster and anogenital region and the medium length of the anal and adanal setae.
A Novel Physical Activity and Sedentary Behavior Classification and Its Relationship With Physical Fitness in Spanish Older Adults: The PHYSMED Study
Authors: Aparicio-Ugarriza Raquel , Pedrero-Chamizo Raquel , Bibiloni María del Mar , Palacios Gonzalo , Sureda Antoni , Meléndez-Ortega Agustín , Tur Marí Josep Antoni , González-Gross Marcela
Published: May 2017

Background:

As there is no gold-standard methodology to classify older people in relation to physical activity (PA) and sedentary behavior (SB), this paper aimed to propose a classification combining PA and SB.

Methods:

Within a broader study, 433 subjects, aged 55 years and older (57% females) from Madrid and Majorca, were evaluated for PA and SB by means of validated questionnaires. Physical fitness was analyzed objectively using the EXERNET test battery. Cluster analyses were used to establish behavioral patterns, combining PA and SB.

Results:

Males spent more time doing regular PA but less time walking and working at home than females (P < .001). Comparing the groups (inactive and high sedentary, inactive and low sedentary, active and high sedentary, and active and low sedentary), the worst aerobic endurance (P < .001) and lower body strength (P < .05) were obtained in males from both inactive groups. Agility was highest in the active and low sedentary group (P < .05). No significant differences were observed in females.

Conclusions:

The proposed classification is valid, as it classifies subjects according to their PA and SB, and outcomes are related to objectively measured fitness. It could facilitate the work of public health authorities, researchers, and physicians.
From Communist Fan Clubs to Professional Hooligans: A History of Polish Fandom as a Social Process
Authors: Kossakowski Radoslaw
Published: May 2017

The main aim of this article is to present the history of Polish football fandom as a social process which has coincided with the processes of transformation of Polish society over the last few decades. The fan movement in Poland dates back to the early 1970s when the communist authorities attempted to channel the activity of supporters. The 1980s, however, brought the development of a spontaneous movement with strong accents of hooliganism. The post-1989 transformation led to an economic and social crisis, with the rule of anarchy in football stadiums. Along with the formation of the democratic order, the fan movement evolved into different sections focused on particular aspects of activity. The paper is also devoted to the ideological dimension of fan culture, related to the conflict with the government at the turn of the 2010s.