bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Dietetic Scope of Practice in Saskatchewan: Dietitian Perceptions
Authors: Selinger Martina , Berenbaum Shawna
Published: August 2014

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to explore the concept of scope of practice for dietetics in Saskatchewan.

Methods: Using interpretative description methodology, data were collected through 4 phases. This article reports on phases II and III. In phase II, 92 Saskatchewan Registered Dietitians (RDs) participated in an online survey on scope of practice. In phase III, 8 Saskatchewan RDs participated in a 3-week online focus group.

Results: Results from phases II and III indicate that participants saw numerous opportunities in defining, understanding, and working with a scope of practice. Without a scope of practice, participants were interpreting their role from a combination of documents (e.g., ethics, research) and stakeholders (e.g., employers and colleagues). Current confusion amongst employers, other health professions, and RDs themselves regarding the role of dietitians was identified.

Conclusion: Most participants believed a scope of practice would provide guidance to employers, other health professions, the public, regulatory bodies, and RDs themselves about the role of a dietitian. Dietetic regulators should continue to provide clear guidelines to their members and employers on safe dietetic practice. Dietitians need to be certain they are safely practicing within provincial policies and their own professional knowledge and skill at all times.
Enterocutaneous fistula in the setting of ventriculoperitoneal shunt extrusion through the skin and perforation through the small bowel
Authors: Voronovich Zoya A. , Albright A. Leland
Published: August 2014

The authors report a case of a 2-year-old boy with postinfectious hydrocephalus, managed with a ventriculoperitoneal (VP) shunt and complicated by shunt extrusion through the cranial skin. The shunt was removed due to concern for infection, and the child was found to have an enterocutaneous fistula (ECF) communicating along the shunt track between the small bowel and a clavicular sinus. Self-closure of the ECF was anticipated. Thus, the fistula was managed expectantly with dressing changes of the clavicular sinus, while the patient's malnutrition was managed in accordance with World Health Organization protocols. The presentation, prognosis and management of ECFs, including the likelihood of self-resolution and the role of expectant management, are discussed. Additionally, proposed mechanisms of ECF formation in the setting of a VP shunt are discussed, with an emphasis on the roles of infection and malnutrition.
Utility of routine biopsy at vertebroplasty in the management of vertebral compression fractures: a tertiary center experience
Authors: Mukherjee Soumya , Thakur Bhaskar , Bhagawati Dolin , Bhagawati Dimpu , Akmal Samira , Arzoglou Vasileios , Yeh John , Ellamushi Habib
Published: August 2014

Object

The authors assess the utility of routine biopsy at vertebroplasty for vertebral compression fracture (VCF) as a tool in the early detection of malignancy in presumed benign VCF.

Methods

A prospective observational study was conducted on a cohort of consecutive patients undergoing vertebroplasty over a 5-year period between April 2006 and March 2011 at the Royal London Hospital. Polymethylmethacrylate cement injection was used in every procedure. Intraoperative vertebral body biopsy was performed routinely at every level of VCF. Pain visual analog scale (VAS) scores, Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) scores, analgesic usage, and complications were recorded preoperatively and at 1 day, 1 week, 1 month, 6 months, and 1 year postoperatively.

Results

A total of 202 levels were augmented in 147 patients. The most common levels augmented were T-12 (17%), L-1 (18%), and L-4 (10%). Analysis of 184 routine vertebral biopsies in 135 patients revealed that in 86 patients with presumed osteoporosis and no prior cancer diagnosis, 4 (4.7%) had a malignant VCF. In 20 known cancer patients presumed to be in remission, 2 (10%) had a malignant VCF. Routine vertebral biopsy returned an overall cancer diagnosis rate of 5.5% (6 of 109) when combining the 2 groups (patients with no prior history of cancer or cancer thought to be in remission). In these 6 patients, history, examination, laboratory tests, and preprocedure imaging all failed to suggest malignancy diagnosed at routine biopsy. Significant reductions in pain VAS and ODI scores were evident at Day 1 and were sustained at up to 1 year postoperatively (p < 0.001). They were not dependent on the level of fracture (T3–10, T11–L2, or L3–S1) (p > 0.05), number of levels treated (single level, 2 levels, or > 2 levels) (p > 0.05), or etiology of VCF (p > 0.05). The complication rate was 6% (9 of 147). There were 5 deaths, none of which were directly related to surgery.

Conclusions

Routine vertebral biopsy performed at vertebroplasty may demonstrate cancer-related VCFs in unsuspected patients with no previous cancer diagnosis or active malignancy in patients previously thought to be in remission. This early diagnosis of cancer or relapsed disease will play an important role in expediting patients' subsequent cancer management. In cases of multiple-level VCF, the authors advocate biopsy at each level to maximize the diagnostic yield from the specimens and to avoid missing a malignancy at a single level.
Long-term patient outcomes after posterior cervical foraminotomy: an analysis of 151 cases
Authors: Bydon Mohamad , Mathios Dimitrios , Macki Mohamed , de la Garza-Ramos Rafael , Sciubba Daniel M. , Witham Timothy F. , Wolinsky Jean-Paul , Gokaslan Ziya L. , Bydon Ali
Published: August 2014

Object

The authors conducted a study to investigate the rate and timing of reoperation due to symptom recurrence after unilateral posterior cervical foraminotomy (PCF).

Methods

The authors retrospectively reviewed demographic, surgical, and clinical data from 151 patients who underwent unilateral PCF at their institution with an average follow-up of 4.15 years. The main outcome variables were reoperation rate, time to reoperation, and short- and long-term radiculopathy improvement rates. Kaplan-Meier analyses were conducted to assess risk of reoperation and recurrence of radiculopathy over time.

Results

After index PCF in 151 patients, the overall reoperation rate was 9.9% (15 patients). The average time until reoperation was 2.4 years, and the average last follow-up examination was 4.15 years after the first surgery. Patients who presented with preoperative neck pain in addition to radiculopathy had a higher risk for reoperation and a shorter time to reoperation. The majority of patients who underwent a reoperation had an anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (80%). A smaller number of patients had reoperation that included a repeat PCF (6.7%) or laminectomy with posterior cervical fusion (13.3%). The rate of same-level reoperation (6.6%, 10 patients) was significantly higher (p = 0.05) when compared with adjacent-segment (1.3%, 2 patients) or distant-segment (1.9%, 3 patients) reoperation. At last follow-up, the overall rate of improvement in radiculopathy was 85%, with the majority of patients (91.4%) experiencing resolution as early as 1 month after index surgery. Following the subgroup that experienced initial symptom improvement, 16.1% of these patients experienced radiculopathy recurrence an average of 7.3 years after the initial operation. While the reoperation rate for the overall cohort in this series was 9.9%, patients with follow-up periods longer than 2 years had a reoperation rate of 18.3%. Moreover, patients with more than 10 years of follow-up had a reoperation rate of 24.3%.

Conclusions

PCF is a procedure performed to address nerve root compression in the cervical spine. The authors evaluated 151 patients who underwent unilateral PCF and found a reoperation rate of 9.9% at an average of 2.4 years after the initial surgery (6.6% at same level, 3.3% elsewhere). The reoperation rates reached 18.3% and 24.3% in patients with follow-up periods longer than 2 and 10 years, respectively. The authors' analysis revealed that patients with no preoperative neck pain had the lowest rates of revision surgery after PCF.
Progression of ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament of the thoracic spine following posterior decompression and stabilization
Authors: Sugita Shurei , Chikuda Hirotaka , Takeshita Katsushi , Seichi Atsushi , Tanaka Sakae
Published: August 2014

Object

Despite its potential clinical impact, information regarding progression of thoracic ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament (OPLL) is scarce. Posterior decompression with stabilization is currently the primary surgical treatment for symptomatic thoracic OPLL; however, it remains unclear whether thoracic OPLL increases in size following spinal stabilization. It is also unknown whether patients' clinical symptoms worsen as OPLL size increases. In this retrospective case series study, the authors examined the postoperative progression of thoracic OPLL.

Methods

Nine consecutive patients with thoracic OPLL who underwent posterior decompression and fixation with a minimum follow-up of 3 years were included in this study. Thin-slice CT scans of the thoracic spine obtained at the time of surgery and the most recent follow-up were analyzed. The level of the most obvious protrusion of ossification was determined using the sagittal reconstructions, and the ossified area was measured on the axial reconstructed scan at the level of the most obvious protrusion of ossification using the DICOM (digital imaging and communications in medicine) software program. Myelopathy severity was assessed according to the Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA) scale score for lower-limb motor function on admission, at postoperative discharge, and at the last follow-up visit.

Results

The OPLL area was increased in all patients. The mean area of ossification increased from 83.6 ± 25.3 mm2 at the time of surgery to 114.8 ± 32.4 mm2 at the last follow-up visit. No patients exhibited any neurological deterioration due to OPLL progression.

Conclusions

The present study demonstrated that the size of the thoracic OPLL increased after spinal stabilization. Despite diminished local spinal motion, OPLL progression did not decrease or stop. Physicians should pay attention to ossification progression in patients with thoracic OPLL.
Thermal Conductivity Analysis and Lifetime Testing of Suspension Plasma-Sprayed Thermal Barrier Coatings
Authors: Curry Nicholas , VanEvery Kent , Snyder Todd , Markocsan Nicolaie
Published: August 2014

Suspension plasma spraying (SPS) has become an interesting method for the production of thermal barrier coatings for gas turbine components. The development of the SPS process has led to structures with segmented vertical cracks or column-like structures that can imitate strain-tolerant air plasma spraying (APS) or electron beam physical vapor deposition (EB-PVD) coatings. Additionally, SPS coatings can have lower thermal conductivity than EB-PVD coatings, while also being easier to produce. The combination of similar or improved properties with a potential for lower production costs makes SPS of great interest to the gas turbine industry. This study compares a number of SPS thermal barrier coatings (TBCs) with vertical cracks or column-like structures with the reference of segmented APS coatings. The primary focus has been on lifetime testing of these new coating systems. Samples were tested in thermo-cyclic fatigue at temperatures of 1100 °C for 1 h cycles. Additional testing was performed to assess thermal shock performance and erosion resistance. Thermal conductivity was also assessed for samples in their as-sprayed state, and the microstructures were investigated using SEM.
Information Entropy-Based Metrics for Measuring Emergences in Artificial Societies
Authors: Tang Mingsheng , Mao Xinjun
Published: August 2014

Emergence is a common phenomenon, and it is also a general and important concept in complex dynamic systems like artificial societies. Usually, artificial societies are used for assisting in resolving several complex social issues (e.g., emergency management, intelligent transportation system) with the aid of computer science. The levels of an emergence may have an effect on decisions making, and the occurrence and degree of an emergence are generally perceived by human observers. However, due to the ambiguity and inaccuracy of human observers, to propose a quantitative method to measure emergences in artificial societies is a meaningful and challenging task. This article mainly concentrates upon three kinds of emergences in artificial societies, including emergence of attribution, emergence of behavior, and emergence of structure. Based on information entropy, three metrics have been proposed to measure emergences in a quantitative way. Meanwhile, the correctness of these metrics has been verified through three case studies (the spread of an infectious influenza, a dynamic microblog network, and a flock of birds) with several experimental simulations on the Netlogo platform. These experimental results confirm that these metrics increase with the rising degree of emergences. In addition, this article also has discussed the limitations and extended applications of these metrics.
Socioeconomic Factors and Vulnerability to Outbreaks of Leptospirosis in Nicaragua
Authors: Bacallao Jorge , Schneider Maria , Najera Patricia , Aldighieri Sylvain , Soto Aida , Marquiño Wilmer , Sáenz Carlos , Jiménez Eduardo , Moreno Gilberto , Chávez Octavio , Galan Deise , Espinal Marcos
Published: August 2014

Leptospirosis is an epidemic-prone zoonotic disease that occurs worldwide, with more than 500,000 human cases reported annually. It is influenced by environmental and socioeconomic factors that affect the occurrence of outbreaks and the incidence of the disease. Critical areas and potential drivers for leptospirosis outbreaks have been identified in Nicaragua, where several conditions converge and create an appropriate scenario for the development of leptospirosis. The objectives of this study were to explore possible socioeconomic variables related to leptospirosis critical areas and to construct and validate a vulnerability index based on municipal socioeconomic indicators. Municipalities with lower socioeconomic status (greater unsatisfied basic needs for quality of the household and for sanitary services, and higher extreme poverty and illiteracy rates) were identified with the highest leptospirosis rates. The municipalities with highest local vulnerability index should be the priority for intervention. A distinction between risk given by environmental factors and vulnerability to risk given by socioeconomic conditions was shown as important, which also applies to the “causes of outbreaks” and “causes of cases”.
Complete Proteome of a Quinolone-Resistant Salmonella Typhimurium Phage Type DT104B Clinical Strain
Authors: Correia Susana , Nunes-Miranda Júlio , Pinto Luís , Santos Hugo , De Toro María , Sáenz Yolanda , Torres Carmen , Capelo José , Poeta Patrícia , Igrejas Gilberto
Published: August 2014

Salmonellosis is one of the most common and widely distributed foodborne diseases. The emergence of Salmonella strains that are resistant to a variety of antimicrobials is a serious global public health concern. Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium definitive phage type 104 (DT104) is one of these emerging epidemic multidrug resistant strains. Here we collate information from the diverse and comprehensive range of experiments on Salmonella proteomes that have been published. We then present a new study of the proteome of the quinolone-resistant Se20 strain (phage type DT104B), recovered after ciprofloxacin treatment and compared it to the proteome of reference strain SL1344. A total of 186 and 219 protein spots were recovered from Se20 and SL1344 protein extracts, respectively, after two-dimensional gel electrophoresis. The signatures of 94% of the protein spots were successfully identified through matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS). Three antimicrobial resistance related proteins, whose genes were previously detected by polymerase chain reaction (PCR), were identified in the clinical strain. The presence of these proteins, dihydropteroate synthase type-2 (sul2 gene), aminoglycoside resistance protein A (strA gene) and aminoglycoside 6'-N-acetyltransferase type Ib-cr4 (aac(6')-Ib-cr4 gene), was confirmed in the DT104B clinical strain. The aac(6')-Ib-cr4 gene is responsible for plasmid-mediated aminoglycoside and quinolone resistance. This is a preliminary analysis of the proteome of these two S. Typhimurium strains and further work is being developed to better understand how antimicrobial resistance is developing in this pathogen.
Expert Panel Workshop Consensus Statement on the Role of the Environment in the Development of Autoimmune Disease
Authors: Parks Christine , Miller Frederick , Pollard Kenneth , Selmi Carlo , Germolec Dori , Joyce Kelly , Rose Noel , Humble Michael
Published: August 2014

Autoimmune diseases include 80 or more complex disorders characterized by self-reactive, pathologic immune responses in which genetic susceptibility is largely insufficient to determine disease onset. In September 2010, the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS) organized an expert panel workshop to evaluate the role of environmental factors in autoimmune diseases, and the state of the science regarding relevant mechanisms, animal models, and human studies. The objective of the workshop was to analyze the existing data to identify conclusions that could be drawn regarding environmental exposures and autoimmunity and to identify critical knowledge gaps and areas of uncertainty for future study. This consensus document summarizes key findings from published workshop monographs on areas in which “confident” and “likely” assessments were made, with recommendations for further research. Transcribed notes and slides were reviewed to synthesize an overview on exposure assessment and questions addressed by interdisciplinary panels. Critical advances in the field of autoimmune disease research have been made in the past decade. Collaborative translational and interdisciplinary research is needed to elucidate the role of environmental factors in autoimmune diseases. A focus on exposure assessment methodology is needed to improve the effectiveness of human studies, and more experimental studies are needed to focus on causal mechanisms underlying observed associations of environmental factors with autoimmune disease in humans.
Challenges and Alternatives to Plastics Recycling in the Automotive Sector
Authors: Miller Lindsay , Soulliere Katie , Sawyer-Beaulieu Susan , Tseng Simon , Tam Edwin
Published: August 2014

Plastics are increasingly a preferred material choice in designing and developing complex, consumer products, such as automobiles, because they are mouldable, lightweight, and are often perceived to be highly recyclable materials. However, actually recycling the heterogeneous plastics used in such durable items is challenging, and presents very different scenarios to how simple products, such as water bottles, are recovered via curbside or container recycling initiatives. While the technology exists to recycle plastics, their feasibility to do so from high level consumer or industrial applications is bounded by technological and economical restraints. Obstacles include the lack of market for recyclates, and the lack of cost efficient recovery infrastructures or processes. Furthermore, there is a knowledge gap between manufacturers, consumers, and end-of-life facility operators. For these reasons, end-of-life plastics are more likely to end up down-cycled, or as shredder residue and then landfilled. This paper reviews these challenges and several alternatives to recycling plastics in order to broaden the mindset surrounding plastics recycling to improve their sustainability. The paper focuses on the automotive sector for examples, but discussion can be applied to a wide range of plastic components from similarly complex products.
Oxygenated Eremophilane- and Neolemnane-Derived Sesquiterpenoids from the Soft Coral Lemnalia philippinensis
Authors: Xio Yun-Jie , Su Jui-Hsin , Tseng Yen-Ju , Chen Bo-Wei , Liu Wangta , Sheu Jyh-Horng
Published: August 2014

Five sesquiterpene-related metabolites (1–5), including two new eremophilane-type compounds, philippinlins C and D (1 and 2) and a 4,5-seconeolemnane philippinlin E (3), were isolated from the organic extract of a Taiwanese soft coral Lemnalia philippinensis. The structures of the new metabolites were determined on the basis of extensive spectroscopic analysis and by comparison of NMR data with those of related metabolites. Compound 3 was suggested to be derived from the neolemnane skeleton.
Accumulation of Astaxanthin by a New Haematococcus pluvialis Strain BM1 from the White Sea Coastal Rocks (Russia)
Authors: Chekanov Konstantin , Lobakova Elena , Selyakh Irina , Semenova Larisa , Sidorov Roman , Solovchenko Alexei
Published: August 2014

We report on a novel arctic strain BM1 of a carotenogenic chlorophyte from a coastal habitat with harsh environmental conditions (wide variations in solar irradiance, temperature, salinity and nutrient availability) identified as Haematococcus pluvialis Flotow. Increased (25‰) salinity exerted no adverse effect on the growth of the green BM1 cells. Under stressful conditions (high light, nitrogen and phosphorus deprivation), green vegetative cells of H. pluvialis BM1 grown in BG11 medium formed non-motile palmelloid cells and, eventually, hematocysts capable of a massive accumulation of the keto-carotenoid astaxanthin with a high nutraceutical and therapeutic potential. Routinely, astaxanthin was accumulated at the level of 4% of the cell dry weight (DW), reaching, under prolonged stress, 5.5% DW. Astaxanthin was predominantly accumulated in the form of mono- and diesters of fatty acids from C16 and C18 families. The palmelloids and hematocysts were characterized by the formation of red-colored cytoplasmic lipid droplets, increasingly large in size and number. The lipid droplets tended to merge and occupied almost the entire volume of the cell at the advanced stages of stress-induced carotenogenesis. The potential application of the new strain for the production of astaxanthin is discussed in comparison with the H. pluvialis strains currently employed in microalgal biotechnology.
Partial Characterization of an Enzymatic Extract from Bentong Ginger (Zingiber officinale var. Bentong)
Authors: Nafi' Ahmad , Ling Foo , Bakar Jamilah , Ghazali Hasanah
Published: August 2014

Extraction of protease from a local ginger rhizome (Zingiber officinale var. Bentong) was carried out. The effect of extraction pH (6.4, 6.8, 7.0, 7.2, 7.6, 8.0, 8.4, and 8.8) and stabilizers (0.2% ascorbic acid, 0.2% ascorbic acid and 5 mM EDTA, or 10 mM cysteine and 5 mM EDTA) on protease activity during extraction was examined. pH 7.0 potassium phosphate buffer and 10 mM cysteine in combination with 5 mM EDTA as stabilizer were found to be the most effective conditions. The extraction procedure yielded 0.73% of Bentong ginger protease (BGP) with a specific activity of 24.8 ± 0.2 U/mg protein. Inhibitory tests with some protease inhibitors classified the enzyme as a cysteine protease. The protease showed optimum activity at 60 °C and pH 6–8, respectively. The enzyme was completely inhibited by heavy metal cations such as Cu2+, and Hg2+. SDS stimulated the activity of enzyme, while emulsifiers (Tween 80 and Tween 20) slightly reduced its activity. The kinetic analysis showed that the protease has Km and Vmax values of 0.21 mg mL−1 and 34.48 mg mL−1 min−1, respectively. The dried enzyme retained its activity for 22 months when stored at −20 °C.
Fishy Business: Effect of Omega-3 Fatty Acids on Zinc Transporters and Free Zinc Availability in Human Neuronal Cells
Authors: De Mel Damitha , Suphioglu Cenk
Published: August 2014

Omega-3 (ω-3) fatty acids are one of the two main families of long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA). The main omega-3 fatty acids in the mammalian body are α-linolenic acid (ALA), docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA). Central nervous tissues of vertebrates are characterized by a high concentration of omega-3 fatty acids. Moreover, in the human brain, DHA is considered as the main structural omega-3 fatty acid, which comprises about 40% of the PUFAs in total. DHA deficiency may be the cause of many disorders such as depression, inability to concentrate, excessive mood swings, anxiety, cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, dry skin and so on. On the other hand, zinc is the most abundant trace metal in the human brain. There are many scientific studies linking zinc, especially excess amounts of free zinc, to cellular death. Neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer’s disease, are characterized by altered zinc metabolism. Both animal model studies and human cell culture studies have shown a possible link between omega-3 fatty acids, zinc transporter levels and free zinc availability at cellular levels. Many other studies have also suggested a possible omega-3 and zinc effect on neurodegeneration and cellular death. Therefore, in this review, we will examine the effect of omega-3 fatty acids on zinc transporters and the importance of free zinc for human neuronal cells. Moreover, we will evaluate the collective understanding of mechanism(s) for the interaction of these elements in neuronal research and their significance for the diagnosis and treatment of neurodegeneration.
Heterogeneity of Pharmacy Education in Europe
Authors: Atkinson Jeffrey
Published: August 2014

The 1985 European Economic Community (EEC) directive on the sectoral profession of pharmacy assumed that the comparability of pharmacy education across Europe could provide a basis for the mutual recognition of diplomas. A study by the European Association of Faculties of Pharmacy (EAFP) in 1994 showed, however, that there was large variability in course content. The 2011 PHARMINE study investigated whether such variability had decreased. Information from across the EU countries on the number of contact hours in specific subject areas was compared for the years of 1994 and 2011. Data was obtained from the original 1994 Bourlioux/EAFP study and the 2011 PHARMINE survey. As the latter was based on the 1994 survey, the questions and categories were similar. Results show that there has not been a fall in the variability of course content. Furthermore, EU pharmacy courses have become more “clinical” with an increase in contact hours in the subject area of medicinal sciences.
Wave Dispersion and Attenuation on Human Femur Tissue
Authors: Strantza Maria , Louis Olivia , Polyzos Demosthenes , Boulpaep Frans , Van Hemelrijck Danny , Aggelis Dimitrios
Published: August 2014

Cortical bone is a highly heterogeneous material at the microscale and has one of the most complex structures among materials. Application of elastic wave techniques to this material is thus very challenging. In such media the initial excitation energy goes into the formation of elastic waves of different modes. Due to “dispersion”, these modes tend to separate according to the velocities of the frequency components. This work demonstrates elastic wave measurements on human femur specimens. The aim of the study is to measure parameters like wave velocity, dispersion and attenuation by using broadband acoustic emission sensors. First, four sensors were placed at small intervals on the surface of the bone to record the response after pencil lead break excitations. Next, the results were compared to measurements on a bulk steel block which does not exhibit heterogeneity at the same wave lengths. It can be concluded that the microstructure of the tissue imposes a dispersive behavior for frequencies below 1 MHz and care should be taken for interpretation of the signals. Of particular interest are waveform parameters like the duration, rise time and average frequency, since in the next stage of research the bone specimens will be fractured with concurrent monitoring of acoustic emission.
Lake Fluctuation Effectively Regulates Wetland Evapotranspiration: A Case Study of the Largest Freshwater Lake in China
Authors: Zhao Xiaosong , Liu Yuanbo
Published: August 2014

Lakes and wetlands provide valuable water resources. Wetland evapotranspiration (ET) is a key hydrologic component; however, the effects of lake fluctuation on wetland ET remain unclear. The Poyang Lake is the largest freshwater lake in China and experiences a dramatic fluctuation in water level and inundated area. This study used remote sensing data to estimate the wetland ET for Poyang Lake and to illustrate the distribution of wetland ET and its response to lake fluctuations. Our results showed that wetland ET was related to lake fluctuation both spatially and temporally. Within the same year, the difference between annual water evaporation (Ewater) and wetland ET (ETwetland) was primarily attributed to lake fluctuation through its effects on inundated area and exposure days. A 1% increase in inundated area would result in a 7.87 ± 1.13 mm a−1 reduction in annual Ewater-to-ETwetland differences, and a 10-day elongation of exposure could lead to an 11.1 ± 1.6 mm a−1 increase in annual Ewater-to-ETwetland differences, on average. Inter-annually, the Ewater-to-ETwetland differences were attributed to the combined effects of atmospheric and environmental variables and lake fluctuation. The lake fluctuation contributed 73% to the inter-annual ET difference, followed by relative humidity (19%), net radiation (5%), and wind speed (4%). Overall, lake fluctuation effectively regulates wetland ET, and its effect should receive careful consideration in hydrological and water resources studies under the current changing climate.
Drivers of a riparian forest specialist (Carex remota, Cyperaceae): It is not only a matter of soil moisture
Authors: Uria‐Diez Jaime , Gazol Antonio , Ibáñez Ricardo
Published: August 2014

•Premise of the study:Plants respond to the prevailing conditions in the surrounding environment, but since they are dynamic systems this response may vary during their life. Thus, the identification of key aspects for the maintenance of plant populations requires the consideration of plant performance across environmental gradients and along life stages. This study examines how abiotic conditions and biotic interactions and processes determine the spatial distribution of two life‐story stages that play a key role in the functioning of a representative population ofCarex remota.

•Methods:We used structural equation modeling (SEM) to test for direct and indirect influences of abiotic and biotic factors on seedlings and adults ofCarex remota. The variables used in the analysis were number of seedlings, cover of adults, soil moisture, leaf litter cover, relative light, and topographic position.

•Key results:Population patterns partially depend on direct and indirect effects of abiotic conditions. Whereas adult individuals were only affected by topsoil moisture, seedling emergence was largely affected by multiple environmental conditions. The number of seedlings increased with high topsoil moisture, low leaf‐litter values, high light values as well as in low parts of the study area. The importance of adult individuals in determining seedling success is also highlighted: higher abundance provides seed rain in the surroundings and modifies the microenvironmental conditions favoring high seedling establishment.

•Conclusions:As hypothesized, adults and seedlings responded to the environmental conditions differently. Seedling emergence was a critical aspect inC. remotaperformance, and abrupt changes in the environment during this stage may strongly influence population performance.
Genetic diversity in Carthamus tinctorius (Asteraceae; safflower), an underutilized oilseed crop
Authors: Pearl Stephanie A. , Burke John M.
Published: August 2014

• Premise of the study: Underutilized crops are potentially valuable resources for meeting increasing food demands. Safflower, an oilseed crop, is an example of one such underutilized crop that thrives in moisture‐limited areas. Characterization of the genetic diversity maintained within the gene pools of underutilized crops such as safflower is an important step in their further development.

• Methods: A total of 190 safflower individuals, including 134 USDA accessions, 48 breeding lines from two private North American safflower breeding companies, and eight wild safflower individuals, were genotyped using 133 single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) markers. We then used the resulting data to assess the amount and distribution of genetic diversity within and among these collections of safflower.

• Key results: Although just a modest reduction in gene diversity was observed in the commercial breeding lines (relative to the other safflower groupings), safflower domestication was accompanied by a significant decrease in allelic richness. Further, our results suggest that most safflower breeding lines originated from a single pool of diversity within the Old World safflower germplasm.

• Conclusions: Taken together, our results suggest that both the safflower germplasm collection and related, wild species harbor previously undocumented genetic diversity that could help fuel future improvement efforts. Paired with analyses of functional diversity, the molecular resources described herein will be thus be useful in the continued development of safflower as an oilseed crop.
Longterm Followup of Rituximab Therapy in Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis: Results from the Belgian MabThera in Rheumatoid Arthritis Registry
Authors: De Keyser Filip , Hoffman Ilse , Durez Patrick , Kaiser Marie-Joëlle , Westhovens Rene ,   The MIRA Study Group
Published: August 2014

Objective.

Our study reports the results of the MIRA (MabThera In Rheumatoid Arthritis) registry, set up to collect data about clinical usage, patient profile, and retention of rituximab (RTX) treatment in daily clinical practice in Belgium.

Methods.

Patients with active rheumatoid arthritis (RA) who failed at least 1 anti-tumor necrosis factor (anti-TNF) treatment were included in our study between November 2006 and October 2011. At baseline, demographics, medication, disease history, disease activity, rheumatoid factor (RF), and anticyclic citrullinated peptide antibodies (anti-CCP) status were recorded. Evolution of the 28-joint Disease Activity Score (DAS28)-erythrocyte sedimentation rate, retreatments, and reasons for therapy stop were followed prospectively.

Results.

The MIRA registry included 649 patients, with mean disease duration of 12.8 ± 0.4 years and DAS28 values at inclusion of 5.85 ± 0.48. Patients received on average 2.82 ± 0.07 (range 1–9) RTX treatments, over a mean followup period of 93.1 ± 2.6 weeks. At database lock, 433 patients (66.7%) were still under RTX treatment, 182 (28.0%) had stopped treatment, and 34 (5.2%) were lost to followup. Ineffectiveness (n = 108, 59%) and safety concerns (n = 39, 22%) were the most frequent reasons for discontinuing RTX therapy. From 2006 to 2011, RTX practice patterns clearly evolved toward RTX being started in patients with a lower number of previously failed anti-TNF drugs and lower baseline DAS28 values. A lower number of previous anti-TNF drugs, and positivity for RF and anti-CCP, predicted more successful longterm treatment. RTX treatment provided adequate longterm disease control.

Conclusion.

In our daily practice study, RTX provided good longterm disease control and treatment retention in refractory patients with RA. Over the years, rheumatologists tended to start this treatment in patients with fewer previous anti-TNF treatments and lower disease activity.
Infections Increase Risk of Arterial and Venous Thromboses in Danish Patients with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus: 5102 Patient-years of Followup
Authors: Baronaite Hansen Renata , Jacobsen Søren
Published: August 2014

Objective.

Infections and thromboses are known complications of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). We investigated if infectious episodes in patients with SLE were followed by an increased risk of thrombotic events.

Methods.

A cohort of 571 patients with prevalent or incident SLE was followed for a mean of 8.9 ± 7.6 years. All episodes of hospitalized infections or episodes of cutaneous herpes zoster as well as arterial and venous thrombotic events were identified by retrospective chart review and prospective updating of a clinical database. For time-dependent analyses adjusted for age, sex, and ever-presence of antiphospholipid antibodies, thrombotic events were classified as occurring during the time at risk of 1 year after an infection or during the remaining control observation time.

Results.

Of 271 infections identified, 104 were respiratory, 41 cutaneous herpes zoster, and 126 others. Of 159 thromboses identified, 98 were arterial. Incidence for arterial and venous thromboses within 1 year after infection was 2.18% and 2.56%, respectively, compared to patients who never had an infection (0.58 and 0.67). The adjusted 1-year risk of arterial and venous thrombosis after any infection was increased [relative rate (RR) 2.5, 95% CI 1.4–4.6, and RR 2.8, 95% CI 1.3–5.9, respectively]. Venous thromboses were in particular more prevalent after respiratory infections (RR 5.4, 95% CI 2.3–13).

Conclusion.

The temporal associations observed in this study indicate that infections could be risk factors for arterial or venous thromboses in patients with SLE, although causality was not addressed by this study.
E-Participation and Deliberation in the European Union
Authors: Radu Roxana
Published: August 2014

Civic online participation garnered much interest during the last decade relative to the transformation of the concept of democracy in a move from representative to participatory. In the European Union (EU), both the types and the number of online opportunities for citizen empowerment have diversified tremendously with the advancement of information and communication technology (ICT). The present study undertakes an in-depth research of Debate Europe, an online deliberation mechanism initiated in 2008 by the European Commission. A quantitative and qualitative content analysis was carried out in order to examine thoroughly the contributions received from posters for the two most popular discussion threads on the English-language portal in the 2009 EP electoral year. The empirical evidence allowed for the identification of participation dynamics based on two dimensions: interactivity and rationality. Findings suggest that such moderated discussions advanced high interactivity and rationality that could provide valuable input at the EU level. While the prerequisites for a transition from micro-public spheres to transnational civic engagement exist, this is done only partially due to the lack of an adequate infrastructure to feedback opinions into institutional decision-making mechanisms in the EU.
Social Tyranny and Democratic Governance in the Information Age
Authors: Ward Andrew
Published: August 2014

The development and diffusion of inexpensive, reliable and easy to use public Internet access means that large portions of the U.S. and global populations now regularly communicate with one another. Will the increasing penetration of the Internet into the social and political lives of people facilitate Thomas Jefferson's vision of a world “founded on the primacy of individual liberty and a commitment to pluralism, diversity, and Community”? While many people believe that the answer to this question is “yes”, such affirmations often rest on adducing cases not theoretically linked to one another. In contrast, the present paper provides a broadly philosophical, conceptual analysis of how use of the Internet can lead to forms of “social tyranny” in which one or more elements of a community impose their own beliefs and interests on others in that community. For instance, dependence on Internet access and use for social action or pertinent information about social activities may lead to marginalization and exclusion for people whose Internet access or use is limited. Furthermore, the connectedness or mode of connectedness of groups or organizations may give them an unfair advantage disseminating and advocating the messages they deliver to members of the communities in which they exist. The conclusion is not that we should adopt attitudes and policies that are antithetical to the use of the Internet. Rather, using ideas from Dewey and Habermas, amongst others, the conclusion is that it is important to reflect broadly and critically on how use of the Internet can transform the character of the public domain and the deliberations about governance that occur within that domain.
The Diabetes, Depression, and Alcohol Triad
Authors: Strand Mark A , Warne Donald
Published: August 2014

Type 2 diabetes, depression and alcohol abuse exist in many populations as co-morbidities. These conditions contribute to worsened health status and lost productivity. Such diseases also contribute to high medical expenses and other societal costs. Diabetes, depression and alcohol abuse are individually associated with compromised financial status. Treating these combined conditions as a syndrome rather than as isolated disease states may result in improved quality of care, better health outcomes, and reduced costs to society. A conceptual model that could be used to address this triad is the Social Ecological Model in which intrapersonal, interpersonal, institutional and community factors as well as public policy are considered for their impact on outcomes. The triad of diabetes, depression and alcohol abuse may have common etiological factors such as social isolation and poverty, and such a holistic approach to the common determinants underlying all three conditions holds out the most hope to reduce both the prevalence of this unique disease triad and the associated costs to society.
A Simple Model of Financial Epidemiology
Authors: Hackney Donald D. , Friesner Daniel L. , McPherson Matthew Q.
Published: August 2014

Declining economic conditions over the past several years have identified a disturbing trend; more and more households in the US are being pushed to the brink of financial insolvency. Current legal and market protections (including, but not limited to the use of collateral and mortgage insurance, consumer credit counseling and bankruptcy protection) provide relief after financial distress occurs, but do nothing to prevent the likelihood of distress. Recent research argues that the use of preventive measures are superior to ex post measures, but can only be implemented with the help of predictive models to identify at risk households. This paper uses tools drawn from evolutionary game theory, economics and public health to create a simple model of “financial epidemiology”, which illustrates the role that social dynamics play in shaping household financial decisions. The model facilitates the prediction of financial insolvency by constructing phase diagrams which illustrate “tipping points” beyond which households move down an inexorable path towards insolvency.
The Non-Cartesian Way
Authors: Vogt Sebastian , Maschwitz Annika
Published: August 2014

Based on the seamless learning approach (Wong, 2012), this paper illustrates how media competence can be developed, what didactic design is necessary, and what features this design possesses for teaching media competence at university. The ‘Natural History Museum Berlin project' is considered as an example of this. In this project, during the 2009 summer term, students at the Carl von Ossietzky Universität Oldenburg (Germany) in cooperation with the Natural History Museum Berlin (Germany) developed and produced media products (magazine articles, audio and video podcasts) in which they explored and reflected on the topic of knowledge transfer in terms of constructivism in an authentic context. The closeness to research activities at the university, especially in the Department of Continuing Education, is one of the essential aspects.
Freeze/thaw processes in complex permafrost landscapes of northern Siberia simulated using the TEM ecosystem model: impact of thermokarst ponds and lakes
Authors: Yi S. , Wischnewski K. , Langer M. , Muster S. , Boike J.
Published: August 2014

Abstract. Freeze/thaw (F/T) processes can be quite different under the various land surface types found in the complex tundra of the Arctic, such as polygonal tundra (wet center and dry rims), ponds, and thermokarst lakes. Proper simulation of these different processes is essential for accurate prediction of the release of greenhouse gases under a warming climate scenario. In this study we have incorporated the water layer into a dynamic organic soil version of the Terrestrial Ecosystem Model (DOS-TEM), having first verified and validated the model. Results showed that (1) the DOS-TEM was very efficient and its results compared well with analytical solutions for idealized cases, and (2) despite a number of limitations and uncertainties in the modeling, the simulations compared reasonably well with in situ measurements from polygon rims, polygon centers (with and without water), and lakes on Samoylov Island, Siberia, indicating the suitability of the DOS-TEM for simulating the various F/T processes. Sensitivity tests were performed on the effects of water depth and our results indicated that both water and snow cover are very important in the simulated thermal processes, for both polygon centers and lakes. We therefore concluded that the polygon rims and polygon centers (with various maximum water depths) should be considered separately, and that the dynamics of water depth in both polygons and lakes should be taken into account when simulating thermal processes for methane emission studies.
Evaluation of Sap Flow Sensors to Measure the Transpiration Rate of Plants during Canopy Wetting and Drying
Authors: Uddin Jasim , Smith Rod , Hancock Nigel , Foley Joseph
Published: August 2014

Accurate measurement of transpiration is required to estimate the various components of evaporation losses during sprinkler irrigation. Among the methods, sap flow measurements have widely used for direct measurements of transpiration rate in plant. To evaluate the applicability of this method to field experiments involving canopy wetting (by sprinkler irrigation), stem flow measurements were compared with transpiration values estimated from successive mass measurements of small potted plants using pre-calibrated mini-lysimeters in a glasshouse at the University of Southern Queensland, during the period August–October 2010. From this study it was found that when the canopy was dry, the sap flow measurements mirrored the transpiration rate of plants with reasonable accuracy, overestimating the transpiration rate by about 11%. The measurements showed no evidence of time lag between sap flow and transpiration.  Following wetting of the plant canopy the sap flow declined rapidly reflecting a decline in the transpiration rate transpiration and sap flow. Location of the sap flow gage on the stem was seen to be a factor with gages at different heights giving different sap flow rates again due to the buffering capacity of the stem.