bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The training—injury prevention paradox: should athletes be training smarterandharder?
Authors: Gabbett Tim J
Published: January 2016

Background

There is dogma that higher training load causes higher injury rates. However, there is also evidence that training has a protective effect against injury. For example, team sport athletes who performed more than 18 weeks of training before sustaining their initial injuries were at reduced risk of sustaining a subsequent injury, while high chronic workloads have been shown to decrease the risk of injury. Second, across a wide range of sports, well-developed physical qualities are associated with a reduced risk of injury. Clearly, for athletes to develop the physical capacities required to provide a protective effect against injury, they must be prepared to train hard. Finally, there is also evidence thatunder-trainingmay increase injury risk. Collectively, these results emphasise that reductions in workloads may not always be the best approach to protect against injury.

Main thesis

This paper describes the ‘Training-Injury Prevention Paradox’ model; a phenomenon whereby athletes accustomed to high training loads havefewerinjuries than athletes training at lower workloads. The Model is based on evidence that non-contact injuries are not caused by training per se,but more likely by an inappropriate training programme. Excessive and rapid increases in training loads are likely responsible for a large proportion of non-contact, soft-tissue injuries. If training load is an important determinant of injury, it must be accurately measured up to twice daily and over periods of weeks and months (a season). This paper outlines ways of monitoring training load (‘internal’ and ‘external’ loads) and suggests capturing both recent (‘acute’) training loads and more medium-term (‘chronic’) training loads to best capture the player's training burden. I describe the critical variable—acute:chronic workload ratio—as a best practice predictor of training-related injuries. This provides the foundation for interventions to reduce players risk, and thus, time-loss injuries.

The appropriately graded prescription of high training loads should improve players’ fitness, which in turn mayprotectagainst injury, ultimately leading to (1) greater physical outputs and resilience in competition, and (2) a greater proportion of the squad available for selection each week.
Models of antenatal care to reduce and prevent preterm birth: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Fernandez Turienzo Cristina , Sandall Jane , Peacock Janet L
Published: January 2016

Objective

To assess the effectiveness of models of antenatal care designed to prevent and reduce preterm birth (PTB) in pregnant women.

Methods

We conducted a search of seven electronic databases and reference lists of retrieved studies to identify trials from inception up to July 2014 where pregnant women, regardless of risk factors for pregnancy complications, were randomly allocated to receive an alternative model of antenatal care or routine care. We pooled risks of PTB to determine the effect of alternative care models in all pregnant women. We also assessed secondary maternal and infant outcomes, women's satisfaction and economic outcomes.

Results

15 trials involving 22 437 women were included. Pregnant women in alternative care models were less likely to experience PTB (risk ratio 0.84, 95% CI 0.74 to 0.96). The subgroup of women randomised to midwife-led continuity models of antenatal care were less likely to experience PTB (0.78, 0.66 to 0.91) but there was no significant difference between this group and women allocated to specialised care (0.92, 0.76 to 1.12) (interaction test for subgroup differences p=0.20). Overall low-risk women in alternative care models were less likely to have PTB (0.74, 0.59 to 0.93), but this effect was not significantly different from that in mixed-risk populations (0.91, 0.79 to 1.05) (subgroup p=0.13).

Conclusions

Alternative models of antenatal care for all pregnant women are effective in reducing PTB compared with routine care, but no firm conclusions could be drawn regarding the relative benefits of the two models. Future research should evaluate the impact of antenatal care models which include more recent interventions and predictive tests, and which also offer continuity of care by midwives throughout pregnancy.

PROSPERO registration number

CRD42014007116.
Code Blue: methodology for a qualitative study of teamwork during simulated cardiac arrest
Authors: Clarke Samuel , Carolina Apesoa-Varano Ester , Barton Joseph
Published: January 2016

Introduction

In-hospital cardiac arrest (IHCA) is a particularly vexing entity from the perspective of preparedness, as it is neither common nor truly rare. Survival from IHCA requires the coordinated efforts of multiple providers with different skill sets who may have little prior experience working together. Survival rates have remained low despite advances in therapy, suggesting that human factors may be at play.

Methods and analysis

This qualitative study uses a quasiethnographic data collection approach combining focus group interviews with providers involved in IHCA resuscitation as well as analysis of video recordings from in situ-simulated cardiac arrest events. Using grounded theory-based analysis, we intend to understand the organisational, interpersonal, cognitive and behavioural dimensions of IHCA resuscitation, and to build a descriptive model of code team functioning.

Ethics and dissemination

This ongoing study has been approved by the IRB at UC Davis Medical Center.

Results

The results will be disseminated in a subsequent manuscript.
Global dietary quality, undernutrition and non-communicable disease: a longitudinal modelling study
Authors: Green Rosemary , Sutherland Jennifer , Dangour Alan D , Shankar Bhavani , Webb Patrick
Published: January 2016

Objectives

To determine the relationship between global dietary energy availability and dietary quality, and nutrition-related health outcomes.

Design

A worldwide longitudinal modelling study using country-level data. Data on total dietary energy availability and dietary energy from 10 distinct food groups (as a proxy for dietary quality) were obtained from the FAO Food Balance Sheets database. Indicators of development were abstracted from the World Bank's World Development Indicators database. Data on nutrition and health outcomes were taken from the WHO mortality database and major cross-country analyses. We investigated associations of energy availability from food groups and health and nutrition outcomes in the combined data set using mixed effects models, while adjusting for measures of development.

Population

124 countries over the period 1980–2009.

Main outcome measures

Prevalence of stunting in children under 5 years and mortality rate from ischaemic heart disease (IHD) in adults aged 55+ years.

Results

From 1980 to 2009, global dietary energy availability increased, and rates of child stunting and adult IHD mortality declined. After adjustment for measures of development, increased total dietary energy availability was significantly associated with reduced stunting rates (−0.84% per 100 kcal increase in energy, 95% CI −0.97 to −0.72) and non-significantly associated with increased IHD mortality rates (by 4.2 deaths per 100 000/100 kcal increase, 95% CI −1.85 to 10.2). Further analysis demonstrated that the changing availability of energy from food groups (particularly fruit, vegetables, starchy roots, meat, dairy and sugar) was important in explaining the associations with health outcomes.

Conclusions

Our study has demonstrated that by combining large, publicly available data sets, important patterns underlying trends in diet-related health can be uncovered. These associations remain even after accounting for measures of development over a 30-year period. Further work and joined-up multisectoral thinking will be required to translate these patterns into policies that can improve nutrition and health outcomes globally.
Association study of TREM2 polymorphism rs75932628 with leucoaraiosis or Parkinson's disease in the Han Chinese population
Authors: Li Zhiming , Zhong Li , Gu Long , Huang Wenqing , Shi Xinzhen , Zhang Xilin , An Xingkai , Lin Qing , Tzeng Chi-Meng
Published: January 2016

Objectives

The previously reported functional mutation rs75932628-T (p.R47H) in the triggering receptor expressed on myeloid cells 2 (TREM2) is a genetic risk factor for Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease (PD) and frontotemporal dementia, in European populations. This study aims to assess the genetic association of the variant rs75932628-T with PD and leucoaraiosis (LA) in a Han Chinese population.

Setting

This population-based study was conducted in China by Xiamen University and its affiliated hospital.

Participants

308 patients with LA, 342 patients with PD and 198 healthy blood donors were recruited from the First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University.

Outcome measures

Genotyping was performed by molecular beacon real-time PCR and Sanger sequencing.

Results

None of our participants carried the rs75932628-T mutation.

Conclusions

Our results corroborate and extend previous findings, concluding that the variant rs75932628-T (p.R47H) in TREM2 is not a risk factor for LA or PD in the Han Chinese population.
Exploring general practitioners’ views and experiences on suicide risk assessment and management of young people in primary care: a qualitative study in the UK
Authors: Michail Maria , Tait Lynda
Published: January 2016

Objective

To explore general practitioner (GP) views and experiences of assessing, communicating with and managing suicidal young people with the aim of co-producing an educational intervention on youth suicide prevention tailored to GPs’ perceived needs.

Design

Qualitative focus group study using framework analysis.

Setting

5 inner city general practices in Nottingham.

Participants

28 GPs took part (9 males) with mean age of 37 years. The median number of years of professional experience was 13. Participants were recruited through convenience sampling based on accessibility, interest in the study and willingness to participate.

Results

3 themes emerged from the data in relation to GP's attitudes and beliefs towards suicide; the challenges GPs experience when it comes to the assessment and management of suicide risk in young people; and optimal ways of addressing some of these challenges through the provision of specialist education and training targeting GPs’ knowledge and clinical skills in this field.

Conclusions

The findings revealed wide variations in the understanding and operationalisation of risk among GPs, which has subsequent implications to how GPs perceive risk should be assessed. GP education on suicide risk assessment and management in youth should promote a holistic understanding and assessment of risk and its individual, social and contextual influences.
Preoperative prediction of potentially preventable morbidity after fast-track hip and knee arthroplasty: a detailed descriptive cohort study
Authors: Jørgensen Christoffer C , Petersen Morten Aa , Kehlet Henrik
Published: January 2016

Objectives

Construction of a simple preoperative risk score for patients in high risk of potentially preventable ‘medical’ complications. Secondary objectives were to construct simple preoperative risk scores for ‘severe medical’, ‘surgical’ and ‘total’ potentially preventable complications.

Design

Prospective observational study.

Setting

Elective primary unilateral total hip and knee arthroplasty with prospectively collected preoperative patient characteristics; similar standardised fast-track protocols; evaluation of complications through discharge and medical records; and complete 90 days follow-up through nationwide databases.

Participants

8373 consecutive unselected total hip arthroplasty (THA) and knee arthroplasty from January 2010 to November 2012.

Results

There were 557 procedures (6.4%) followed by potentially preventable complications resulting in hospitalisation >4 days or readmission. Of 22 preoperative characteristics, 7 were associated with 379 (4.2%) potentially preventable ‘medical’ complications. Patients with ≥2 of the following, age ≥80 years, anticoagulant therapy, pulmonary disease, pharmacologically treated psychiatric disorder, anaemia and walking aids, composed 19.1% of the procedures; 55.7% constituted potentially preventable ‘medical’ complications that were mainly falls, mobilisation issues, pneumonias and cardiac arrhythmias. The number needed to be treated for a hypothetical intervention leading to 25% reduction in potentially preventable ‘medical’ complications was 34. THA, use of walking aids and cardiac disease were associated with 189 (2.2%) ‘surgical’ complications, but no clinically relevant preoperative prediction was possible.

Conclusions

Preoperative identification of patients at high risk of preventable ‘medical’, but not ‘surgical’, complications is statistically possible. However, clinical relevance is limited. Future risk indices should differ between ‘medical’ and ‘surgical’ complications, and also consider ‘preventability’ of these.

Trial registration number

NCT01515670.
Cost-effectiveness analysis of arthroscopic surgery compared with non-operative management for osteoarthritis of the knee
Authors: Marsh Jacquelyn D , Birmingham Trevor B , Giffin J Robert , Isaranuwatchai Wanrudee , Hoch Jeffrey S , Feagan Brian G , Litchfield Robert , Willits Kevin , Fowler Peter
Published: January 2016

Objective

To determine the cost-effectiveness of arthroscopic surgery in addition to non-operative treatments compared with non-operative treatments alone in patients with knee osteoarthritis (OA).

Design, setting and participants

We conducted an economic evaluation alongside a single-centre, randomised trial among patients with symptomatic, radiographic knee OA (KL grade ≥2).

Interventions

Patients received arthroscopic debridement and partial resection of degenerative knee tissues in addition to optimised non-operative therapy, or optimised non-operative therapy only.

Main outcome measures

Direct and indirect costs were collected prospectively over the 2-year study period. The effectiveness outcomes were the Western Ontario McMaster Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) and quality-adjusted life years (QALYs). Cost-effectiveness was estimated using the net benefit regression framework considering a range of willingness-to-pay values from the Canadian public payer and societal perspectives. We calculated incremental cost-effectiveness ratios and conducted sensitivity analyses using the extremes of the 95% CIs surrounding mean differences in effect between groups.

Results

168 patients were included. Patients allocated to arthroscopy received partial resection and debridement of degenerative meniscal tears (81%) and/or articular cartilage (97%). There were no significant differences between groups in use of non-operative treatments. The incremental net benefit was negative for all willingness-to-pay values. Uncertainty estimates suggest that even if willing to pay $400 000 to achieve a clinically important improvement in WOMAC score, or ≥$50 000 for an additional QALY, there is <20% probability that the addition of arthroscopy is cost-effective compared with non-operative therapies only. Our sensitivity analysis suggests that even when assuming the largest treatment effect, the addition of arthroscopic surgery is not economically attractive compared with non-operative treatments only.

Conclusions

Arthroscopic debridement of degenerative articular cartilage and resection of degenerative meniscal tears in addition to non-operative treatments for knee OA is not an economically attractive treatment option compared with non-operative treatment only, regardless of willingness-to-pay value.

Trial registration number

NCT00158431.
Comparison of informal caregiver and named nurse assessment of symptoms in elderly patients dying in hospital using the palliative outcome scale
Authors: Dawber Rebecca , Armour Kathy , Ferry Peter , Mukherjee Bhaskar , Carter Christopher , Meystre Chantal
Published: January 2016

Objectives

A prospective study of symptom assessments made by a healthcare professional (HCP; named nurse) and an informal caregiver (ICG) compared with that of the patient with a terminal diagnosis. To look at the validity of HCP and ICG as proxies, which symptoms they can reliably assess, and to determine who is the better proxy between HCP and ICG.

Methods

A total of 50 triads of patient (>65 years) in the terminal phase, ICG and named nurse on medical wards of an acute general hospital. Assessments were made using the patient and caregiver versions of the palliative outcome scale (POS), all taken within a 24 h period. Agreement between patient-rated, ICG-rated and HCP-rated POS and POS for symptoms (POS-S) was measured using weighted-κ statistics. Demographic and clinical data on each group of participants were collected.

Results

ICG assessments have higher agreement with those of the patient than HCP. Better agreement in both groups was found for physical symptoms, and best agreement was for pain. The worst agreements were for psychological symptoms, such as anxiety and depression, and for satisfaction with information given. Psychological symptoms are overestimated by both ICG and HCP.

Conclusions

ICGs are more reliable proxies than HCPs. A trend for overestimation of symptoms was found in both groups which may lead to undervaluation of the quality of life by proxy and overtreatment of symptoms. This highlights the need to always use the patient report when possible, and to be aware of the potential flaws in proxy assessment. Reasons for overestimation by proxies deserve further research.
Experience of providing palliative care in critical care settings
Authors: Davies James , Vora Vandana
Published: January 2016

Background

Changing demographics and medical advances have led to an increased demand for beds in critical care units. Patients in critical care are at risk of physical and psychosocial suffering. The goal of palliative care is to achieve the best quality of life for patients and families irrespective of diagnosis or location of care. The delivery of high-quality end-of-life care in critical care units can be challenging.

Objectives

Our aim was to (1) identify patient characteristics and timing of referral to Hospital Palliative Care Team (HPCT) since admission to critical care unit; (2) assess the impact of HPCT on patient care and location of death; (3) describe challenges of providing input in this setting by HPCT.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed all referrals to HPCT from critical care units of a large teaching hospital over a 6-year period. Data were extracted from an electronic database storing details of all patient referrals and contacts.

Results

As a proportion of all referrals to HPCT, those from critical care rose from 1.7% to 3.17%. The proportion of patients with non-malignant diagnoses referred has risen from 29% to 39%. Of total referrals, 96/144 (66.6%) patients died within the same episode of care. 65% of these died within 1 week. 51% of patients died on critical care. We also describe challenges encountered and impact of the HPCT on patient care.

Conclusions

The HPCT provide an important contribution to patients in critical care, through symptom control, family support, continuity of care and in end-of-life care. On the basis of our review, the challenge is to move from a sequential model of care to a more integrated approach.
Are cattle dangerous to walkers? A scoping review
Authors: Fraser-Williams Angharad P , McIntyre K Marie , Westgarth Carri
Published: January 2016

Anecdotal evidence suggests that people coming into contact with cattle while participating in outdoor pursuits can sustain severe, even fatal injuries. This has negative implications for farmers, cattle and the public. This study outlines findings from a review of published literature, UK media reports and internet guidelines currently available to the UK public for walking near cattle. A total of 54 cattle attacks were reported in the UK media from 1 January 1993 to 31 May 2013; approximately one-quarter resulted in fatality and two-thirds involved dogs. Walking with dogs among cows, particularly with calves present, was a problematic context. Twenty pieces of commonly occurring advice were found within various guidelines. However, there are no definitive approved guidelines, no published studies describing the prevalence of cattle attacks on members of the public and no system in place to document them. Attacks by cattle are underinvestigated and further work should assess their public health impact.
Birth control policies in Iran: a public health and ethics perspective
Authors: Aloosh Mehdi , Saghai Yashar
Published: January 2016

In less than one generation, a unique demographic transition has taken place in Iran. A population growth rate of 4.06% in 1984 fell to 1.15% in 1993 and a total fertility rate of 6.4 births per woman in 1984 declined to 1.9 in 2010. In 2012, Iranian policymakers shifted away from a birth control policy towards a pro-natalist policy. At first glance, this may seem reasonable since its goal is to avoid the consequences of an aging population. However, we argue that the policy package raises serious public health, socioeconomic, environmental and ethical concerns and is likely to fail on its own terms.
Lupus anticoagulant is the main predictor of adverse pregnancy outcomes in aPL-positive patients: validation of PROMISSE study results
Authors: Yelnik Cecile M , Laskin Carl A , Porter T Flint , Branch D Ware , Buyon Jill P , Guerra Marta M , Lockshin Michael D , Petri Michelle , Merrill Joan T , Sammaritano Lisa R , Kim Mimi Y , Salmon Jane E
Published: January 2016

Objective

We previously reported that lupus anticoagulant (LAC) is the main predictor of poor pregnancy outcome in antiphospholipid antibody (aPL)-positive patients. We sought to confirm this finding in an independent group of patients who were subsequently recruited into the PROMISSE study.

Methods

The PROMISSE study is a multicentre, prospective, observational study of pregnancy outcomes in women with aPL and/or systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) that enrolled patients from 2003 to 2015. All consecutive, aPL-positive patients from the PROMISSE study who completed their pregnancy between April 2011 and January 2015 (after the previous PROMISSE report) are included in the current report. Patients were followed monthly until delivery, and aPL was tested at first, second and third trimesters of pregnancy and at 12 weeks post partum. Adverse pregnancy outcomes (APOs) were defined as fetal death after 12 weeks of gestation, neonatal death, delivery prior to 36 weeks of gestation due to pre-eclampsia or placental insufficiency or small-for-gestational age (birth weight <5th percentile).

Results

Forty-four aPL-positive patients are included in this paper. Thirteen patients had APOs, which occurred in 80% of cases during the second trimester of pregnancy. LAC was present in 69% of patients with APOs compared with 27% of patients without APOs (p=0.01). No association was found between anticardiolipin antibodies (aCL) or anti-β2 glycoprotein I antibodies (aβ2GPI) IgG or IgM positivity and APOs. Definite antiphospholipid syndrome (history of thrombosis and/or pregnancy morbidity and aPL) was found in 92% of patients with any APOs compared with 45% of patients without APOs (p=0.004). Conversely, the frequency of SLE was not statistically different between those with and without APOs (30% vs 39%).

Conclusions

Our findings, in an independent group of aPL-positive patients from the PROMISSE study, confirm that LAC, but not aCL and aβ2GPI, is predictive of poor pregnancy outcomes after 12 weeks of pregnancy.

Trial registration number

NCT00198068.
Estimating fatigue design load for overhead steel sign support structures under truck-induced wind pressure
Authors: Hong H.P. , Zu G.G. , King J.P.C.
Published: January 2016

Experimental results of the truck-induced wind gust pressure were used as the basis to develop the equivalent static truck-induced wind pressure for fatigue design in the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO). The development does not explicitly quantify the stress range distribution, nor does the development discuss the implied reliability. No recommendation is given to consider truck-induced pressure for fatigue design in the Canadian Highway Bridge Design Code (CHBDC). This study quantifies the stress range due to truck traffic, and calibrates the equivalent static truck-induced wind pressure for fatigue design of overhead steel sign support structures. The reliability-based calibration is focused on the CHBDC. For the vertical excitations, the calibrated pressure is less than 50% of that suggested in the AASHTO. For the horizontal excitations, the calibrated pressure can be greater or smaller than that for the site-dependent natural wind gusts. Therefore, the truck-induced horizontal wind pressure could govern the fatigue design for some sites.
Paleolatitudinal morpho-gradient of the early Silurian brachiopodPentameroidesin Laurentia
Authors: Gushulak Cale A.C. , Jin Jisuo , Rudkin David M.
Published: January 2016

Pentameroides is a large-shelled pentameride brachiopod, which was widespread throughout Laurentia in the early Silurian (Telychian). Evolving from Pentamerus in the early Telychian, it dispersed from its subtropical – high tropical origin to subequatorial intracratonic seas by the late Llandovery. In this study, large collections of reef-dwelling Pentameroides septentrionalis from the Attawapiskat Formation, Akimiski Island, Nunavut, and level-bottom-inhabiting Pentameroides subrectus from the Fossil Hill Formation, Manitoulin Island, Ontario, and the Jupiter Formation, Anticosti Island, Quebec, were biometrically analyzed for seven external morphological features. Bivariate and ordination analysis (principal components analysis) revealed that P. septentrionalis has a more globose, more biconvex shell with a larger ventral umbo than P. subrectus. These morphological differences, coupled with their excellent preservation in shallow-water reefal environments, suggest that P. septentrionalis was adapted to a relatively low-turbulence, hurricane-free, nutrient-stressed environment near the equator (<10°S) while P. subrectus lived in storm-dominated higher tropical latitudes (∼15°S–25°S). This interpretation is corroborated by the morphology of level-bottom-dwelling Harpidium and Sulcipentamerus from the paleoequatorial lower Silurian of North Greenland, which exhibit morphological features similar to those of P. septentrionalis, even though they did not inhabit a reefal environment. Principal components analysis reveals that P. septentrionalis resembles P. subrectus in early ontogeny, suggesting that P. septentrionalis evolved from P. subrectus as it moved northwards from high tropical to near-equatorial settings.
Sensitivity and uncertainty analysis of the carbon and water fluxes at the tree scale inEucalyptusplantations using a metamodeling approach
Authors: Christina M. , Nouvellon Y. , Laclau J.P. , Stape J.L. , Campoe O.C , le Maire G.
Published: January 2016

Understanding the consequences of changes in climatic and biological drivers on tree carbon and water fluxes is essential in forestry. Using a metamodeling approach, sensitivity and uncertainty analyses were carried out for a tree-scale model (MAESPA) to isolate the effects of climate, morphological and physiological traits, and intertree competition on the absorption of photosynthetically active radiation (APAR), gross primary production (GPP), transpiration (TR), light use efficiency (LUE), and water use efficiency (WUE) in clonal Eucalyptus plantations. The metamodel predicting daily TR was validated using one year of sap flow measurements and showed close agreement with the measurements (mean percentage error = 11%, n = 2155). Simulations showed that APAR, GPP, and TR were very sensitive to the tree morphology and to a competition index representing its local environment. LUE and WUE were, in addition, very sensitive to the natural variability of the physiological leaf and root parameters. A maximum percentage error of 10% in these parameters leads to 18%, 17%, 16%, 9%, and 18% uncertainty for APAR, GPP, TR, LUE, and WUE, respectively. The uncertainties in TR were highest for the smallest trees. This study highlighted the need to take account of the spatial and temporal variability of tree traits and environmental conditions for simulations at the tree scale.
Gallery success, brood production, and condition of mountain pine beetles (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) reared in whitebark and lodgepole pine from Alberta, Canada
Authors: Esch Evan D. , Langor David W. , Spence John R.
Published: January 2016

Breeding pairs of mountain pine beetle (Dendroctonus ponderosae Hopkins) were introduced into freshly cut bolts of whitebark pine (Pinus albicaulis Engelm.) and lodgepole pine (Pinus contorta var. latifolia Engelm. ex S. Watson) in the laboratory. Brood adults emerging from the bolts were collected and galleries were dissected to compare reproductive success, brood production, and adult condition between the two pines. Beetles were more likely to establish egg galleries that produced brood in lodgepole pine than in whitebark pine. Larval gallery density per centimetre of egg gallery was significantly higher in whitebark pine than in lodgepole pine; however, egg galleries also tended to be shorter in whitebark pine bolts, and consequently, brood adults emerging production per gallery did not differ between the two host species. Female body size, mass, and fat content of brood adults and survival from larva to adult did not differ between beetles reared in the two hosts. Though this no-choice assay did not simulate the sequence of events occurring during host selection, these results are consistent with other data suggesting that beetles could be less likely to attack whitebark pines in southwestern Alberta. Whitebark pines that are attacked will produce brood in similar numbers and condition as those from lodgepole pines.
Macroanatomy and compartmentalization of recent fire scars in three North American conifers
Authors: Smith Kevin T. , Arbellay Estelle , Falk Donald A. , Sutherland Elaine Kennedy
Published: January 2016

Fire scars are initiated by cambial necrosis caused by localized lethal heating of the tree stem. Scars develop as part of the linked survival processes of compartmentalization and wound closure. The position of scars within dated tree ring series is the basis for dendrochronological reconstruction of fire history. Macroanatomical features were described for western larch (Larix occidentalis Nutt.), ponderosa pine (Pinus ponderosa Douglas ex P. Lawson & C. Lawson), and Douglas-fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii (Mirb.) Franco) injured by fire in 2003 and harvested in 2011 at the Lolo National Forest near Missoula, Montana, USA. Bark scorch did not necessarily indicate the formation of a scar. Wound-initiated discoloration inward from the scar face was bounded tangentially by reaction zones. In western larch, the transition between earlywood and latewood was much less abrupt in woundwood rings than in rings formed the same year but not associated with a scar. Wood formed the year after injury contained tangential rows of resin ducts in the earlywood. Compartmentalization plays a key role in resisting the spread of infection and the loss of healthy sapwood and heartwood. Wound closure restores some degree of circumferential continuity of the vascular cambium and reinforces stem structure. The terminology presented here should facilitate communication among tree pathologists, wound anatomists, and dendrochronologists.
Tree species mixing can increase maximum stand density
Authors: Pretzsch Hans , Biber Peter
Published: January 2016

Mixed-species stands are on the advance in Europe. They fulfil many functions better than monocultures. Recent papers show that mixed stands can have higher yields, but it remains open whether mixed stands simply grow faster along the same self-thinning lines as pure stands or have higher maximum stand densities. We analyzed the effect of species mixing on maximum density based on triplets of pure and mixed stands at approximately maximum density. Most considered mixtures include Norway spruce (Picea abies (L.) H. Karst.). We show that (i) in mixed stands, maximum density is, on average, 16.5% higher than in neighbouring pure stands, and (ii) species mixtures with Norway spruce exceed densities of pure stands by 8.8%, on average. For individual species mixtures, we find a significant density effect of +29.1% for Norway spruce mixed with European larch (Larix decidua Mill.) and +35.9% for Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) in association with European beech (Fagus sylvatica L.). No significant links with stand variables such as age and mean tree size and site fertility were found. The results indicate that species mixing substantially increases stand density, indicating a higher carrying capacity caused by a higher supply and use efficiency of resources. The implications for inventory, silviculture, and forest modelling are discussed.
Density functional theory (DFT) and Hartree–Fock (HF) calculations of potential p–vinylbenzyl chloride-based macroinitiator for atom transfer radical polymerization
Authors: Akman Feride
Published: January 2016

The spectroscopic properties of poly (styrene–co–p–vinylbenzyl chloride) (poly (St-co-VBC)) were investigated by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and 1H nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopic techniques. The molecular geometry and vibrational frequencies of macroinitiator, poly (St-co-VBC), were calculated by using density functional theory (DFT) and Hartree–Fock (HF) methods with 6–31 G+ (d, p) as a basis set. Calculated theoretical values are shown to be in good agreement with that of experimental values. An excellent harmony between the two data sets was verified. Besides, the experimental data of macroinitiator were compared with experimental data of its corresponding monomers such as St and VBC. The dimer and trimer forms of macroinitiator are used as significant contributions for getting an accurate interpretation of the experimental frequencies of poly (St-co-VBC). The results revealed that the change from St and VBC to poly (St-co-VBC) should be characterized by the disappearance of the CH2=CH bonds of the vinyl group and the appearance of the aliphatic C–H and CH2 bonds. The geometrical parameters, Mulliken atomic charges and frontier molecular orbitals energies were also calculated using the same theoretical methods. The chemical shifts were calculated by using the gauge–including atomic orbital method and all the theoretically predicted values were shown to be in good agreement with experimental values. Molecular orbital properties, molecular electrostatic potential, and the potential energy surface for the atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP) of the macroinitiator were studied with DFT and HF calculations. The potential energy surface of the ATRP initiator is decided by their electronic effect and steric hindrance effect simultaneously.
自我區分與個人的焦慮、 抑鬱及情緒智能的關係： 在香港華人社區的先導研究
Authors: 崔 志暉 , 吳 燕玲
Published: January 2016

本文嘗試參照梅利博蘊的自我區分的概念，分別就香港的婦女及本地的大學生兩個組群，探討區分情緒與理智的能力與個人精神心理狀況的關係，及測試梅利博蘊的家庭系統理論在華人社區的效用及重要性。兩次的調查均發現區分情緒與理智的能力(CED)與焦慮、抑鬱及情緒智能均有顯著的關係。而分析結果顯示區分情緒與理智的能力與個人心理狀況有關。與預期的一樣，愈能區分自我的情緒及理智的被訪者，情緒智慧愈高。相反，愈能區分自我的情緒及理智的被訪者，焦慮及抑鬱愈少，這結果一方面証明了CED指標在華人社區的建構的有效性(construct validity)。另一方面，亦証明了博蘊家庭系統理論中所指區分自我的能力與精神健康有關。但是調查發現，區分情緒及理智的能力與學術成績並沒有顯著的關係。
IMPLEMENTING NEW PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT: A STUDY OF PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS AMONG MANAGERS
Authors: JESPERSEN KRISTINA RISOM , BYSTED RUNE
Published: January 2016

Strategy implementation is an important aspect of innovation, as only 30% of planned strategies are matched by realised innovation outcomes. The present study investigates this in a setting of strategic implementation of New Product Development (NPD). In the implementation process, the managers’ characteristics are what lead to successful implementation of NPD. Managers’ characteristics affect the decision outcome. This study incorporates curiosity as a personal trait and NPD experience as a personal characteristic of the manager as moderating effects of the strategy implementation process of NPD. 131 NPD managers of Scandinavia SBUs participated in the study. Data were analysed using partial least squares regression. The study finds that managers influence the realised NPD strategy. NPD managers impose competence traps on strategy implementation. Curious NPD managers implementing aggressive strategic intentions create information overload in the NPD process, which decreases the new product novelty. In contrast, realisation of defensive strategic intentions makes experienced NPD managers focus on known NPD competences, thereby decreasing the new product novelty of NPD efforts. The study identified inadequately developed information competences among NPD managers. The result shows the importance of analysing how personal characteristics facilitate or hinder NPD strategy implementation. The competitive advantage of NPD efforts relies on such an analysis.
Constraining Frequency Distributions with the Probable Maximum Precipitation for the Stochastic Generation of Realistic Extreme Events
Authors: Chen Jie , Brissette François P. , Zielinski Przemyslaw A.
Published: January 2016

Stochastic weather generators are widely used to produce large ensembles of climate time series for assessing risk-based environmental impacts. However, they often perform poorly at generating extreme values since the fitting of traditionally used distribution functions is limited by short historical records. In such cases, extreme values are generated by extrapolating the fitted distributions far outside of observations, and can result in values outside of the physically possible range. This work uses a curve-fitting approach constrained on the probable maximum precipitation (PMP) to allow for the generation of realistic precipitation over the entire range of daily precipitation amounts. The method differs from the traditional parametric approach which assumes that the daily precipitation follows a specific probability distribution. Instead, the curve-fitting approach uses a second-degree polynomial to fit the Weibull experimental frequency distribution of observed daily precipitation. In this process, the PMP is specifically represented with its associated probability of occurrence, thus ensuring the realistic representation of extreme precipitation events. The proposed algorithm is compared to three distribution functions (of varied complexity) for simulating daily precipitation amounts at 35 stations dispersed across central and southern Quebec, Canada. The curve-fitting approach is presented in two versions: with and without constraint on the PMP. The results show that compound distribution functions perform better than their single distribution counterparts at representing the overall distribution of daily precipitation amounts, especially when simulating the upper tail. The unconstrained curve-fitting approach consistently performs better than all of the distribution functions with respect to preserving the statistical characteristics (e.g., mean, standard deviation and overall distribution) of daily precipitation amounts. Constraining the second-degree polynomial to the PMP is an effective way to generate the entire range of daily precipitation amounts with no risk of generating physically impossible values for events with extremely small probability. However, its overall performance is slightly less than that of its unconstrained counterpart.
AMPKγ3 is dispensable for skeletal muscle hypertrophy induced by functional overload
Authors: Riedl Isabelle , Osler Megan E. , Björnholm Marie , Egan Brendan , Nader Gustavo A. , Chibalin Alexander V. , Zierath Juleen R.
Published: January 2016

Mechanisms regulating skeletal muscle growth involve a balance between the activity of serine/threonine protein kinases, including the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) and 5′-AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK). The contribution of different AMPK subunits to the regulation of cell growth size remains inadequately characterized. Using AMPKγ3 mutant-overexpressing transgenic Tg-Prkag3 225Q and AMPKγ3-knockout ( Prkag3−/−) mice, we investigated the requirement for the AMPKγ3 isoform in functional overload-induced muscle hypertrophy. Although the genetic disruption of the γ3 isoform did not impair muscle growth, control sham-operated AMPKγ3-transgenic mice displayed heavier plantaris muscles in response to overload hypertrophy and underwent smaller mass gain and lower Igf1 expression compared with wild-type littermates. The mTOR signaling pathway was upregulated with functional overload but unchanged between genetically modified animals and wild-type littermates. Differences in AMPK-related signaling pathways between transgenic, knockout, and wild-type mice did not impact muscle hypertrophy. Glycogen content was increased following overload in wild-type mice. In conclusion, our functional, transcriptional, and signaling data provide evidence against the involvement of the AMPKγ3 isoform in the regulation of skeletal muscle hypertrophy. Thus, the AMPKγ3 isoform is dispensable for functional overload-induced muscle growth. Mechanical loading can override signaling pathways that act as negative effectors of mTOR signaling and consequently promote skeletal muscle hypertrophy.
A case of mistaken identity: are reactive oxygen species actually reactive sulfide species?
Authors: DeLeon Eric R. , Gao Yan , Huang Evelyn , Arif Maaz , Arora Nitin , Divietro Alexander , Patel Shivali , Olson Kenneth R.
Published: January 2016

Stepwise one-electron reduction of oxygen to water produces reactive oxygen species (ROS) that are chemically and biochemically similar to reactive sulfide species (RSS) derived from one-electron oxidations of hydrogen sulfide to elemental sulfur. Both ROS and RSS are endogenously generated and signal via protein thiols. Given the similarities between ROS and RSS, we wondered whether extant methods for measuring the former would also detect the latter. Here, we compared ROS to RSS sensitivity of five common ROS methods: redox-sensitive green fluorescent protein (roGFP), 2′, 7′-dihydrodichlorofluorescein, MitoSox Red, Amplex Red, and amperometric electrodes. All methods detected RSS and were as, or more, sensitive to RSS than to ROS. roGFP, arguably the “gold standard” for ROS measurement, was more than 200-fold more sensitive to the mixed polysulfide H2Sn ( n = 1–8) than to H2O2. These findings suggest that RSS may be far more prevalent in intracellular signaling than previously appreciated and that the contribution of ROS may be overestimated. This conclusion is further supported by the observation that estimated daily sulfur metabolism and ROS production are approximately equal and the fact that both RSS and antioxidant mechanisms have been present since the origin of life, nearly 4 billion years ago, long before the rise in environmental oxygen 600 million years ago. Although ROS are assumed to be the most biologically relevant oxidants, our results question this paradigm. We also anticipate our findings will direct attention toward development of novel and clinically relevant anti-(RSS)-oxidants.
Integrative mRNA-microRNA analyses reveal novel interactions related to insulin sensitivity in human adipose tissue
Authors: Kirby Tyler J. , Walton R. Grace , Finlin Brian , Zhu Beibei , Unal Resat , Rasouli Neda , Peterson Charlotte A. , Kern Philip A.
Published: January 2016

Adipose tissue has profound effects on whole-body insulin sensitivity. However, the underlying biological processes are quite complex and likely multifactorial. For instance, the adipose transcriptome is posttranscriptionally modulated by microRNAs, but the relationship between microRNAs and insulin sensitivity in humans remains to be determined. To this end, we utilized an integrative mRNA-microRNA microarray approach to identify putative molecular interactions that regulate the transcriptome in subcutaneous adipose tissue of insulin-sensitive (IS) and insulin-resistant (IR) individuals. Using the NanoString nCounter Human v1 microRNA Expression Assay, we show that 17 microRNAs are differentially expressed in IR vs. IS. Of these, 16 microRNAs (94%) are downregulated in IR vs. IS, including miR-26b, miR-30b, and miR-145. Using Agilent Human Whole Genome arrays, we identified genes that were predicted targets of miR-26b, miR-30b, and miR-145 and were upregulated in IR subjects. This analysis produced ADAM22, MYO5A, LOX, and GM2A as predicted gene targets of these microRNAs. We then validated that miR-145 and miR-30b regulate these mRNAs in differentiated human adipose stem cells. We suggest that use of bioinformatic integration of mRNA and microRNA arrays yields verifiable mRNA-microRNA pairs that are associated with insulin resistance and can be validated in vitro.
Association ofACTN3 R577Xbut notACEI/D gene variants with elite rugby union player status and playing position
Authors: Heffernan S. M. , Kilduff L. P. , Erskine R. M. , Day S. H. , McPhee J. S. , McMahon G. E. , Stebbings G. K. , Neale J. P. H. , Lockey S. J. , Ribbans W. J. , Cook C. J. , Vance B. , Raleigh S. M. , Roberts C. , Bennett M. A. , Wang G. , Collins M. , Pitsiladis Y. P. , Williams A. G.
Published: January 2016

We aimed to quantify the ACE I/D and ACTN3 R577X (rs1815739) genetic variants in elite rugby athletes (rugby union and league) and compare genotype frequencies to controls and between playing positions. The rugby athlete cohort consisted of 507 Caucasian men, including 431 rugby union athletes that for some analyses were divided into backs and forwards and into specific positional groups: front five, back row, half backs, centers, and back three. Controls were 710 Caucasian men and women. Real-time PCR of genomic DNA was used to determine genotypes using TaqMan probes and groups were compared using χ2and odds ratio (OR) statistics. Correction of P values for multiple comparisons was according to Benjamini-Hochberg. There was no difference in ACE I/D genotype between groups. ACTN3 XX genotype tended to be underrepresented in rugby union backs (15.7%) compared with forwards (24.8%, P = 0.06). Interestingly, the 69 back three players (wings and full backs) in rugby union included only six XX genotype individuals (8.7%), with the R allele more common in the back three (68.8%) than controls (58.0%; χ2= 6.672, P = 0.04; OR = 1.60) and forwards (47.5%; χ2= 11.768, P = 0.01; OR = 2.00). Association of ACTN3 R577X with playing position in elite rugby union athletes suggests inherited fatigue resistance is more prevalent in forwards, while inherited sprint ability is more prevalent in backs, especially wings and full backs. These results also demonstrate the advantage of focusing genetic studies on a large cohort within a single sport, especially when intrasport positional differences exist, instead of combining several sports with varied demands and athlete characteristics.
Risk Analysis Based on AHP and Fuzzy Comprehensive Evaluation for Maglev Train Bogie
Authors: Fan Chengxin , Dou Fengshan , Tong Baiming , Long Zhiqiang
Published: January 2016

The maglev bogie is the key subsystem for maglev train security. To ensure life and property security, it is essential to evaluate its risk level before its operation. In this paper, a combinational method of analytic hierarchy process and fuzzy comprehensive evaluation is proposed to assess hazards in a complex maglev bogie system associated with multiple subsystems’ failures. The very comprehensive identification of risk sources has been done by analyzing the structure of maglev bogie. Furthermore, based on the fuzzy theory, linguistic evaluation set is classified according to risk tolerance. The score of each risk factor is obtained by weighted sum of the result of fuzzy comprehensive evaluation. Our results show that the degree of maglev bogie’s risk is within the range of acceptability. The merits of this work facilitate finding the weak links and determining the maintenance of maglev bogie system.