bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Expansion of the Pseudo-autosomal Region and Ongoing Recombination Suppression in the Silene latifolia Sex Chromosomes
Authors: Bergero Roberta , Qiu Suo , Forrest Alan , Borthwick Helen , Charlesworth Deborah
Published: June 2013

There are two very interesting aspects to the evolution of sex chromosomes: what happens after recombination between these chromosome pairs stops and why suppressed recombination evolves. The former question has been intensively studied in a diversity of organisms, but the latter has been studied largely theoretically. To obtain empirical data, we used codominant genic markers in genetic mapping of the dioecious plant Silene latifolia, together with comparative mapping of S. latifolia sex-linked genes in S. vulgaris (a related hermaphrodite species without sex chromosomes). We mapped 29 S. latifolia fully sex-linked genes (including 21 newly discovered from transcriptome sequencing), plus 6 genes in a recombining pseudo-autosomal region (PAR) whose genetic map length is ∼25 cM in both male and female meiosis, suggesting that the PAR may contain many genes. Our comparative mapping shows that most fully sex-linked genes in S. latifolia are located on a single S. vulgaris linkage group and were probably inherited from a single autosome of an ancestor. However, unexpectedly, our maps suggest that the S. latifolia PAR region expanded through translocation events. Some genes in these regions still recombine in S. latifolia, but some genes from both addition events are now fully sex-linked. Recombination suppression is therefore still ongoing in S. latifolia, and multiple recombination suppression events have occurred in a timescale of few million years, much shorter than the timescale of formation of the most recent evolutionary strata of mammal and bird sex chromosomes.
Testing for the Footprint of Sexually Antagonistic Polymorphisms in the Pseudoautosomal Region of a Plant Sex Chromosome Pair
Authors: Qiu Suo , Bergero Roberta , Charlesworth Deborah
Published: June 2013

The existence of sexually antagonistic (SA) polymorphism is widely considered the most likely explanation for the evolution of suppressed recombination of sex chromosome pairs. This explanation is largely untested empirically, and no such polymorphisms have been identified, other than in fish, where no evidence directly implicates these genes in events causing loss of recombination. We tested for the presence of loci with SA polymorphism in the plant Silene latifolia, which is dioecious (with separate male and female individuals) and has a pair of highly heteromorphic sex chromosomes, with XY males. Suppressed recombination between much of the Y and X sex chromosomes evolved in several steps, and the results in Bergero et al. (2013) show that it is still ongoing in the recombining or pseudoautosomal, regions (PARs) of these chromosomes. We used molecular evolutionary approaches to test for the footprints of SA polymorphisms, based on sequence diversity levels in S. latifolia PAR genes identified by genetic mapping. Nucleotide diversity is high for at least four of six PAR genes identified, and our data suggest the existence of polymorphisms maintained by balancing selection in this genome region, since molecular evolutionary (HKA) tests exclude an elevated mutation rate, and other tests also suggest balancing selection. The presence of sexually antagonistic alleles at a locus or loci in the PAR is suggested by the very different X and Y chromosome allele frequencies for at least one PAR gene.
Outcomes of Infants Born at 22 and 23 Weeks’ Gestation
Authors: Ishii Nozomi , Kono Yumi , Yonemoto Naohiro , Kusuda Satoshi , Fujimura Masanori ,   for the Neonatal Research Network, Japan
Published: June 2013

OBJECTIVE:

To provide instructive information on death and neurodevelopmental outcomes of infants born at 22 and 23 weeks’ gestational age.

METHODS:

The study cohort consisted of 1057 infants born at 22 to 25 weeks in the Neonatal Research Network, Japan. Neurodevelopmental impairment (NDI) at 36 to 42 months’ chronological age was defined as any of the following: cerebral palsy, hearing impairment, visual impairment, and a developmental quotient <70. A systematic review was performed by using databases of publications of cohort studies with neonatal and neurodevelopmental outcomes at 22 and 23 weeks.

RESULTS:

Numbers and incidences (%) of infants with death or NDI were 60 (80%) at 22 weeks and 156 (64%) at 23 weeks. In logistic regression analysis, gestational ages of 22 weeks (odds ratio [OR]: 5.40; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 2.48–11.76) and 23 weeks (OR: 2.14; 95% CI: 1.38–3.32) were associated with increased risk of death or NDI compared with 24 weeks, but a gestational age of 25 weeks (OR: 0.65; 95% CI: 0.45–0.95) was associated with decreased risk of death or NDI. In the systematic review, the medians (range) of the incidence of death or NDI in 8 cohorts were 99% (90%–100%) at 22 weeks and 98% (67%–100%) at 23 weeks.

CONCLUSIONS:

Infants born at 22 and 23 weeks’ gestation were at higher risk of death or NDI than infants at born at 24 weeks. However, outcomes were improved compared with those in previous studies. There is a need for additional discussions on interventions for infants born at 22 or 23 weeks’ gestation.
Adult Prescription Drug Use and Pediatric Medication Exposures and Poisonings
Authors: Burghardt Lindsey C. , Ayers John W. , Brownstein John S. , Bronstein Alvin C. , Ewald Michele Burns , Bourgeois Florence T.
Published: June 2013

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES:

Nontherapeutic medication ingestions continue to be a major pediatric health problem, with recent increases in ingestions despite a number of public health interventions. It is unknown how changes in adult prescription drug use relate to pediatric medication poisonings. The objective of the study was to measure the association between changing adult prescription drug patterns and pediatric medication exposures and poisonings and identify high-risk classes of medications and pediatric age groups.

METHODS:

We measured monthly pediatric exposures and poisonings using the National Poison Data System and prescriptions written for adults using the National Ambulatory Medical Care Surveys for 2000 through 2009. Associations between adult prescriptions for oral hypoglycemics, antihyperlipidemics, β-blockers, and opioids and exposures and poisonings among children 0 to 5, 6 to 12, and 13 to 19 years were analyzed by using multiple time-series analysis. Emergency department visits, serious injuries, and hospitalizations stemming from these associations were described.

RESULTS:

Adult medication prescriptions were statistically significantly associated with exposures and poisonings in children of all ages, with the strongest association observed for opioids. Across medications, the greatest risk was among children 0 to 5 years old, followed by 13- to 19-year-olds. Rates of emergency department visits were highest for events related to hypoglycemics (60.1%) and β-blockers (59.7%), whereas serious injuries and hospitalizations occurred most frequently with opioids (26.8% and 35.2%, respectively) and hypoglycemics (19.5% and 49.4%, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS:

Increasing adult drug prescriptions are strongly associated with rising pediatric exposures and poisonings, particularly for opioids and among children 0 to 5 years old. These associations have sizable impacts, including high rates of serious injury and health care use.
Ten-Year Review of Major Birth Defects in VLBW Infants
Authors: Adams-Chapman Ira , Hansen Nellie I. , Shankaran Seetha , Bell Edward F. , Boghossian Nansi S. , Murray Jeffrey C. , Laptook Abbot R. , Walsh Michele C. , Carlo Waldemar A. , Sánchez Pablo J. , Van Meurs Krisa P. , Das Abhik , Hale Ellen C. , Newman Nancy S. , Ball M. Bethany , Higgins Rosemary D. , Stoll Barbara J. ,   for the Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development Neonatal Research Network
Published: June 2013

OBJECTIVE:

Birth defects (BDs) are an important cause of infant mortality and disproportionately occur among low birth weight infants. We determined the prevalence of BDs in a cohort of very low birth weight (VLBW) infants cared for at the Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development Neonatal Research Network (NRN) centers over a 10-year period and examined the relationship between anomalies, neonatal outcomes, and surgical care.

METHODS:

Infant and maternal data were collected prospectively for infants weighing 401 to 1500 g at NRN sites between January 1, 1998, and December 31, 2007. Poisson regression models were used to compare risk of outcomes for infants with versus without BDs while adjusting for gestational age and other characteristics.

RESULTS:

A BD was present in 1776 (4.8%) of the 37 262 infants in our VLBW cohort. Yearly prevalence of BDs increased from 4.0% of infants born in 1998 to 5.6% in 2007, P < .001. Mean gestational age overall was 28 weeks, and mean birth weight was 1007 g. Infants with BDs were more mature but more likely to be small for gestational age compared with infants without BDs. Chromosomal and cardiovascular anomalies were most frequent with each occurring in 20% of affected infants. Mortality was higher among infants with BDs (49% vs 18%; adjusted relative risk: 3.66 [95% confidence interval: 3.41–3.92]; P < .001) and varied by diagnosis. Among those surviving >3 days, more infants with BDs underwent major surgery (48% vs 13%, P < .001).

CONCLUSIONS:

Prevalence of BDs increased during the 10 years studied. BDs remain an important cause of neonatal morbidity and mortality among VLBW infants.
Trisomy 18 and Complex Congenital Heart Disease: Seeking the Threshold Benefit
Authors: Boss Renee D. , Holmes Kathryn W. , Althaus Janyne , Rushton Cynda H. , McNee Hunter , McNee Theresa
Published: June 2013

A prenatal diagnosis of ductal-dependent, complex congenital heart disease was made in a fetus with trisomy 18. The parents requested that the genetic diagnosis be excluded from all medical and surgical decision-making and that all life-prolonging therapies be made available to their infant. There was conflict among the medical team about what threshold of neonatal benefit could outweigh maternal and neonatal treatment burdens. A prenatal ethics consultation was requested.
Invasive Pneumococcal Disease in Infants Younger Than 90 Days Before and After Introduction of PCV7
Authors: Olarte Liset , Ampofo Krow , Stockmann Chris , Mason Edward O. , Daly Judy A. , Pavia Andrew T. , Byington Carrie L.
Published: June 2013

BACKGROUND:

Introduction of the heptavalent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV7) changed the epidemiology of invasive pneumococcal disease (IPD). We evaluated the changes that occurred after PCV7 introduction among Utah infants aged 1 to 90 days, too young to be fully immunized.

METHODS:

We identified children <18 years with culture-confirmed IPD from 1997–2010. We analyzed demographic, clinical, and serotype data for infants aged 1–90 days. The pre– and post–vaccine introduction periods spanned 1997–2000 and 2001–2010, respectively.

RESULTS:

Of 513 children with IPD, 36 were 1 to 90 days and accounted for 7% of IPD cases in both the pre– and post–vaccine introduction period. The pre–vaccine IPD incidence rate was 5.0 per 100 000 live births, and was unchanged in the post–vaccine introduction period. IPD caused by PCV7 serotypes decreased by 74% (from 2.2 to 0.58 per 100 000), whereas non-vaccine serotype IPD increased by 57% (from 2.8 to 4.4 per 100 000). Sixteen infants (44%) required intensive care, and 3 (8%) died. Bacteremia without focus (56%) and meningitis (44%) were the predominant syndromes in the pre– and post–vaccine introduction periods, respectively. In the post–vaccine introduction period, serotype 7F was the most common serotype among infants and was responsible for 50% of meningitis.

CONCLUSIONS:

The incidence of IPD in Utah infants aged 1 to 90 days caused by PCV7 serotypes decreased after PCV7 introduction, but overall incidence was unchanged. In the post–vaccine introduction period, serotype 7F predominated in this age group and was associated with meningitis.
The electron transport within bulk wurtzite zinc oxide in response to strong applied electric field pulses
Authors: Hadi Walid A. , Shur Michael S. , O’Leary Stephen K.
Published: June 2013

Strong short electric field pulses are used to generate broadband terahertz radiation. Understanding the transport properties under such conditions is very important for the understanding of numerous terahertz photonic and electronic devices. In this paper, we report on transport simulations of the electrons within bulk wurtzite zinc oxide for pulsed high electric fields, with pulse durations of up to 400 fs. We focus on how key electron transport characteristics, namely the drift velocity and the corresponding average energy, vary with time since the onset of the pulse. For sufficiently high-field strength selections, we find that both of these parameters exhibit peaks. In addition, an electron drift velocity undershoot is observed following this peak. A contrast with the case of gallium nitride is considered; undershoot is not observed for the case of this material. Reasons for these differences in behavior are suggested.
A Thermal Decomposition Approach for the Synthesis of Iron Oxide Microspheres
Authors: Sharma Geetu , Pethaiyan Jeevanandam
Published: June 2013

Iron oxide microspheres possess a wide range of applications in lithium storage batteries, sensors, photocatalysis, environmental remediation, magnetic resonance imaging and drug delivery. The most commonly used method for the preparation of iron oxide microspheres is hydrothermal synthesis. Besides this, other synthetic methods such as co-precipitation, electrostatic self- assembly, microwave and sol-gel have been reported. The reported synthetic methods usually require longer time (2 to 48 hours) and expensive experimental set up. In the present study, a novel low temperature thermal decomposition approach for the synthesis of iron oxide microspheres has been reported. Thermal decomposition of an iron-urea complex ([Fe(CON2H4)6](NO3)3) in a mixture of diphenyl ether and dimethyl formamide at 200 °C for 35 minutes leads to the formation of iron oxide microspheres. The microspheres were characterized using a variety of analytical techniques such as X-ray diffraction (XRD), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (DRS) and magnetometry. The XRD results indicated amorphous nature for the as prepared iron oxide, whereas after calcination at 500 °C, crystalline α-Fe2O3 phase is obtained. The SEM images indicated uniform spheres with an average diameter of 1.2 ± 0.3 μm. The DRS results too gave evidence for the formation of α-Fe2O3 on calcination of the microspheres at 500 oC.The field and temperature dependent magnetic measurement results indicated superparamagnetic behavior for the as prepared iron oxide microspheres indicating that the microspheres consist of iron oxide nanoparticles. On the other hand, an antiferromagnetic behavior was observed for the microspheres calcined at 500 °C. The present synthetic method is a novel method to produce magnetic materials with controlled morphologies.
Ce0.97Cu0.03O2 Nanocatalysts Synthesized via Microwave-assisted Hydrothermal Method: Characterization and CO-PROX Catalytic Efficiency
Authors: Araújo Vinícius D. , Avansi Waldir , Mascarenhas Artur J.S. , Andrade Heloysa M.C. , Longo Elson , Bernardi Maria I.B.
Published: June 2013

In the work presented here, Ce0.97Cu0.03O2 nanoparticles were synthesized by a microwave-assisted hydrothermal method under different synthesis temperatures. The obtained nanoparticles were tested as catalysts in preferential oxidation of CO to obtain CO-free H2 (PROX reaction). The samples were characterized by X-ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy (EPR) and temperature-programmed reduction (TPR). X-ray diffraction measurements detected the presence of pure cubic CeO2 for all synthesized samples. TEM images of the Ce0.97Cu0.03O2 nanoparticles revealed that samples synthesized at 80°C are composed mainly of nanospheres with an average size of 20 nm. The formation of some nanorods with an average diameter of 8 nm and 40 nm in length, and the size reduction of the nanoparticles from 20 to approximately 15 nm is observed with increasing synthesis temperature. EPR spectra indicated that copper is found well dispersed in sample synthesized at 160°C, located predominant in surface sites of ceria. For samples synthesized at 80 and 120°C, the species are less dispersed than in the other one, resulting in the formation of Cu2+−Cu2+ dimmers at the surface of ceria. TPR profiles presented two reduction peaks, one below 400°C attributed to the reduction of different copper species and a second peak around 800°C attributed to the reduction of Ce4+→ Ce3+ species located in the volume of the nanoparticles. The peak related to the reduction of copper species shifts to lower temperatures with increasing synthesis temperature, i.e., the sample synthesized at 160°C is more easily reduced than the ones synthesized at 120 and 80°C. The nanoparticles showed active as catalysts for the CO-PROX reaction. The microwave-assisted method revealed efficient for the synthesis of Ce0.97Cu0.03O2 nanoparticles with copper species selective for the CO-PROX reaction, which reaches CO conversions up to 92% for the sample synthesized at 160°C.
The use of religious/spiritual coping among patients with cancer undergoing chemotherapy treatment
Authors: Mesquita Ana Cláudia , Chaves Érika de Cássia Lopes , Avelino Carolina Costa Valcanti , Nogueira Denismar Alves , Panzini Raquel Gerhke , Carvalho Emilia Campos de
Published: June 2013

OBJECTIVE: to investigate the use of religious/spiritual coping among people with cancer undergoing chemotherapy. METHODS: a quantitative, descriptive and cross-sectional study of 101 patients undergoing intravenous chemotherapy in an oncology outpatients center in a public hospital in Minas Gerais, made in the first semester of 2011. For data collection, an interview was held, using a questionnaire for characterizing the sample and the Brief Spiritual/Religious Coping Scale. RESULTS: all subjects made use of religious/spiritual coping (mean=3.67; sd=0.37); the younger individuals, those with no religion and those who consider spiritual support unimportant tend to use coping negatively; individuals who would like to receive spiritual support and who participate in support groups for cancer patients, on the other hand, use coping positively. CONCLUSIONS: the study reinforces that religious/spiritual coping is an important strategy for coping with cancer, and contributes to an understanding of the same as a useful tool for spiritual care.
Assessing the care of children under one year old in Primary Health Care
Authors: Furtado Maria Cândida de Carvalho , Braz Janaina Carvalho , Pina Juliana Coelho , Mello Débora Falleiros de , Lima Regina Aparecida Garcia de
Published: June 2013

OBJECTIVE: to analyze the presence and extent of Primary Health Care attributes and the strength of affiliation of children under one year old in a Family Health Unit. METHOD: cross-sectional, descriptive study conducted between October 25, 2010 and May 14, 2011 with 44 mothers, using the Primary Care Assessment Tool to collect data. Data were analyzed by calculating the Essential Primary Health Care and General Primary Health Care scores. RESULTS: mothers recognized and experienced aspects of accessibility, comprehensive care and coordination of care, as well as community guidance, marked by a concern and involvement on the part of the health team in the children's care, their families and community. CONCLUSION: The Primary Health Care team makes efforts to approach the community and meet their health needs, seeking instruments that aid the promotion of qualified care to children.
Content validation of the Self-perception of Family Health Status scale using the Delphi technique
Authors: Lima-Rodríguez Joaquín Salvador , Lima-Serrano Marta , Jiménez-Picón Nerea , Domínguez-Sánchez Isabel
Published: June 2013

OBJECTIVE: To ascertain the content validity of the Self-perception of Family Health Status scale. METHOD: A validation study of an instrument with an online Delphi panel using the consensus technique. Eighteen experts in the subject were intentionally selected, with a multidisciplinary origin and representing different professional fields. Each of the proposed items was assessed using a five-point scale, and open-ended questions, to modify or propose items. Descriptive analysis was performed of the sample and the items, applying criteria of validation/elimination. RESULTS: The first round had a response rate of 83.3% and validated 75 of the 96 proposed items; the second had a response rate of 80%, and validated the 21 newly created items, concluding the panel of experts. CONCLUSIONS: We present an instrument to measure self-perception of family health status, from a nursing perspective. This may be an advance in scientific knowledge, to facilitate the assessment of the state of health of the family unit, enabling detection of alterations, and to facilitate interventions to prevent consequences to the family unit and its members. It can be used in clinical care, research or teaching.
The use of music in group educational activities in Family Health
Authors: Silva Líliam Barbosa , Soares Sônia Maria , Silva Maria Júlia Paes da , Santos Graziela da Costa , Fernandes Maria Teresinha de Oliveira
Published: June 2013

OBJECTIVE: describe how music is used in the development of group educational activity in Family Health. METHODS: a qualitative, descriptive and exploratory study, developed with 10 group coordinators, distributed in five basic care units in Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil. Data were collected from March to July, 2009, with non participant observation in the group itself, and semi-structured interviews with the coordinators. Information was organized and categorized according to thematic analysis. To interpret the data, the Snyderian concepts in addition to theoretical references about music, communication and health education were used. RESULTS: three thematic nuclei were found: the affective dimension of music; recreative dimension of music and the reflexive dimension of music. CONCLUSION: an attempt by the coordinators was observed, to overcome the pathological barriers with the use of music, considering the group as a whole. As advancement for the production of knowledge, this study shows the need for qualification of these coordinators, by means of workshops and constant follow-up of their musical practices.
Confiabilidade teste-reteste do Índice de Capacidade para o Trabalho (ICT) em trabalhadores de enfermagem
Authors: Silva Junior Sérgio Henrique Almeida da , Vasconcelos Ana Glória Godoi , Griep Rosane Harter , Rotenberg Lúcia
Published: June 2013

Este artigo avalia a confiabilidade teste-reteste do Índice de Capacidade para o Trabalho (ICT) em trabalhadores de enfermagem. Foi aplicado questionário autopreenchível duas vezes a um grupo de 80 trabalhadores de enfermagem (enfermeiros, técnicos e auxiliares de enfermagem) de um hospital público no Município do Rio de Janeiro, com intervalo entre sete e quinze dias. A confiabilidade foi estimada pela estatística kappa ponderada quadrática, pelo coeficiente de correlação intraclasse (CCI) e pelo gráfico de Bland e Altman. Dos participantes, 81% eram mulheres e com idade variando de 22 a 67 anos (média = 39,1; DP = 10,8anos) e 36,3% tinham ensino superior completo. O escore global do ICT apresentou CCI = 0,79 (IC95% 0,67 a 0,86) e kappa = 0,69 (IC95% 0,50 a 0,80) para o ICT categórico (classificado em baixo, moderado, bom e ótimo). O kappa dos itens do ICT variou de 0,39 a 0,82 e o gráfico de Bland e Altman não mostrou um padrão sistemático. A concordância entre as medidas de teste-reteste indica grau aceitável de confiabilidade, sugerindo adequação do processo de aferição entre trabalhadores de enfermagem.
Failure in shear bands for granular materials: thermo-hydro-chemo-mechanical effects
Authors: Veveakis M. , Stefanou I. , Sulem J.
Published: June 2013

The failure of geomaterials in localised shear bands is one of the most common features in geomechanics. Early studies have provided the necessary criteria for the conditions of localisation, inclination angle with respect to the loading axes and thickness of the shear bands, when loaded at room temperature. This work extends these criteria for the problem of simple shear of a chemically active granular cohesionless material at higher temperatures, where thermal or chemical pressurisation may set in and influence the response of the material. It is deduced that failure occurs at higher positive values of the hardening modulus as temperature increases, that the shear band thickness also depends on the chemical reaction characteristics and that micro-inertia due to grain translations and rotations introduce the necessary rate dependency to regularise the system.
Dynamic splitting-tensile testing of highly fluidised geopolymer concrete
Authors: Luo Xin , Xu Jin-yu
Published: June 2013

Slag and fly ash were used in the fabrication of geopolymer concrete (GC). NaOH and Na2CO3 were used for slag and fly ash activation, and then highly fluidised C30 GC was prepared. Dynamic splitting-tensile tests were conducted using the ∅100 mm split Hopkinson pressure bar apparatus improved by the pulse shaper technique. The dynamic splitting-tensile mechanical properties of GC, including strength, deformation and energy dissipation, were then studied. In addition, the mechanism of the dynamic properties of the GC was analysed. The results indicate that dynamic splitting-tensile mechanical properties of GC exhibit a strong strain rate dependency. Strength and deformation increase approximately linearly with the logarithm of the average strain rate and, from an energy perspective, the correlation between energy dissipation and average incident pulse energy rate is obvious, the equation following a binomial curve; for GC, the strain rate sensitivity threshold is 5·027 s−1. This research on dynamic splitting-tensile testing thus adds to a comprehensive understanding of the mechanical characteristics system of GC.
Efficiency factors of recycled aggregate concrete bottle-shaped struts
Authors: Singh Bhupinder , Sahoo Dipak Kumar , Jacob Nobi Mathew
Published: June 2013

Efficiency factors of steeply inclined unreinforced recycled aggregate concrete bottle-shaped struts have been experimentally found and compared with their natural coarse aggregate (NCA) concrete counterparts and the predictions of ACI 318–08, AASHTO bridge design specifications and Eurocode 2. The experiments involved testing of scaled deep beam specimens configured so as to develop bottle-shaped struts under applied loading. The replacement level of the coarse recycled concrete aggregate (RCA) in the saturated surface-dry moisture condition was the only parameter under investigation. Service load crack widths in the NCA and the RCA concrete bottle-shaped struts were smaller than the permissible value, their failure modes were similar, their measured efficiency factors were comparable and the coarse aggregate replacement level had an insignificant effect on the measured efficiency factors. The efficiency factor models in the ACI 318–08 and Eurocode 2, which are insensitive to strut inclination, gave overly conservative predictions, whereas relatively accurate predictions were obtained from the AASHTO bridge design specifications and an efficiency model given in the literature, both of which account for the effect of inclination on efficiency factors of bottle-shaped struts.
Social Withdrawal of Persons With Vascular Dementia Associated With Disturbance of Basic Daily Activities, Apathy, and Impaired Social Judgment
Authors: Honda Yukiko , Meguro Kenichi , Meguro Mitsue , Akanuma Kyoko
Published: June 2013

Patients with vascular dementia (VaD) are often isolated, withdrawn from society because of negative symptoms and functional disabilities. The aim of this study was to detect factors associated with social withdrawal in patients with VaD. The participants were 36 institutionalized patients with VaD. Social withdrawal was assessed with the social withdrawal of the Multidimensional Observation Scale for Elderly Subjects (MOSES). Possible explanatory variables were the MOSES items depression and self-care, Cognitive Abilities Screening Instrument (CASI), apathy evaluation scale (AES), and Behavioral Pathology in Alzheimer’s Disease Frequency-Weighted Severity Scale (BEHAVE-ADFW). Multiple regression analyses were conducted for two groups: Analysis 1 was performed in all patients (N = 36) and Analysis 2 was performed in the patients with the ability to move by themselves (i.e., independent walking or independent movement with a cane or a wheelchair; n = 28). In Analysis 1, MOSES item social withdrawal was correlated with AES and MOSES item self-care. In Analysis 2, MOSES item social withdrawal was correlated with AES and CASI domain abstraction and judgment. Decreased social activities of VaD were not related to general cognitive function or depression. Disturbed activities of daily living (ADLs) for self-care may involve decreased frontal lobe function, indicating that comprehensive rehabilitation for both ADL and dementia are needed to improve the social activities of patients with VaD.
Improving Hierarchical Clustering of Genotypic Data via Principal Component Analysis
Authors: Odong T. L. , van Heerwaarden J. , van Hintum T. J. L. , van Eeuwijk F. A. , Jansen J.
Published: June 2013

Understanding the genetic structure of germplasm collections is a prerequisite for effective and efficient use of crop genetic resources in genebanks. Currently, hierarchical clustering techniques are most popular for describing genetic structure in germplasm collections. Traditionally performed using dissimilarities based on raw genotypic data, recent studies have shown that cluster analysis can be improved by first condensing the genotypic data using principal component analysis (PCA). Although the two‐step approach (PCA followed by cluster analysis) is gaining popularity, no systematic study into its benefits over traditional clustering methods has been performed. In particular, the relationship between the number of principal components (PCs) to be retained and the performance of cluster analysis have not been established. It is also not clear whether genetic data should be scaled before performing PCA. Here we present a detailed study comparing cluster analysis using distances based on condensed data using significant PCs and clustering based on the full dataset. We also studied the effect of data scaling on PCA‐based clustering. Using simulations, we show that in discretely subdivided populations, maximum clustering performance is attained by using a subset of PCs that relate to differentiation between subpopulations and that scaling of the data is key to achieving improvement in PCA‐based clustering. For scaled data, we report consistently higher clustering success for PCA, particularly at lower levels of population differentiation, while gains for unscaled data are minor. This is confirmed by real data, where PCA‐based clustering of scaled genotypic data leads to visible improvements in resolving finer patterns of geographic subdivision. Our results show clearly that proper scaling and reduction of genotypic data is key to improving clustering performance.
A Fusarium Head Blight Resistance Quantitative Trait Locus on Chromosome 7D of the Spring Wheat Cultivar Catbird
Authors: Cativelli Mariana , Lewis Silvina , Appendino M. Laura
Published: June 2013

Fusarium head blight (FHB) is a fungal wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) disease associated with yield and quality losses and mycotoxin grain contamination. Host plant resistance is the most economical and efficient way of control. However, novel sources of resistance are required. The objectives of this study were to identify quantitative trait loci (QTL) for type II resistance against FHB in the spring wheat cultivar Catbird, released by CIMMYT, and to find low cost molecular markers linked to these QTL. A population of 102 doubled haploid lines derived from the cross between Catbird and Milan (a FHB‐susceptible cultivar) was genotyped with 209 microsatellite markers and assessed by single floret inoculation in a greenhouse during 2007, 2008, and 2011. One significant QTL, named QFhs.inta‐7D, was detected on chromosome 7DS. Additionally, two minor and unstable QTL were also detected on chromosomes 3BS and 5DL. Favorable alleles for all three QTL were derived from Catbird. QFhs.inta‐7D peaked at simple sequence repeat (SSR) marker cfd14, flanked by markers barc128 and wmc702, and explained, on average, 20% of the phenotypic variation. The chromosomal region associated with FHB resistance in this work represents an interesting source of type II resistance and adds diversity to the FHB resistance gene pool. Stacking QFhs.inta‐7D with other QTL may achieve more acceptable levels of FHB resistance in new commercial cultivars. Once validated, markers linked to QFhs.inta‐7D could be used in marker‐assisted selection programs.
A Split Application Approach to Nitrogen and Growth Regulator Management for Perennial Ryegrass Seed Production
Authors: Koeritz Eric J. , Watkins Eric , Ehlke Nancy J.
Published: June 2013

Experiments were conducted during 2009 and 2010 in first year perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.) fields under limiting or adequate spring N. Three N application methods (single, two‐split, and three‐split), five growth regulators (split and single applications of prohexadione Ca or trinexapac ethyl) and two spring N rates (56 or 100 kg N ha−1) were evaluated in a split‐split plot design. Under adequate spring N, all N application methods resulted in similar seed yields but when spring N was limiting, a single application of N resulted in up to 14% greater yield vs. the three‐split. The three‐split N application improved relative chlorophyll index (RCI) 6 to 20% late in the harvest season and reduced stem rust (Puccinia graminis Pers. subsp. graminicola) area under the disease progress curve (AUDPC) by 18 to 39% vs. the single N application. Other effects of three‐split N applications observed in 2010 were 8 to 19% less biomass, 2 to 3% greater harvest index (HI), 4% greater seedling vigor, and 25% less lodging. The split prohexadione Ca treatment gave the most consistent results and when vegetative growth was greatest it resulted in a 36% increase in seed yield, a 5.5% increase in HI, 14 cm shorter plants, 70% less lodging, 30% greater RCI, 13% lower stem rust incidence, and 3% lower stem rust severity. Development of a model to optimize rates and timings for split N and growth regulator applications based on growth stage, soil N availability, and growing degree days (GDD) could improve efficacy of split applications.
Correlations Between Parental Inbred Lines and Derived Hybrid Performance for Grain Filling Traits in Maize
Authors: Prado Santiago Alvarez , Gambín Brenda L. , Novoa A. Daniel , Foster David , Senior M. Lynn , Zinselmeier Christopher , Otegui María E. , Borrás Lucas
Published: June 2013

Individual kernel weight (KW) is largely genetically determined, and its variability is achieved through different combinations of rate and duration of kernel growth. Genetic variability for grain‐filling patterns has been observed among inbred lines and commercial hybrids, and there is current interest on dissecting its genetic basis. However, suitable grain filling phenotyping protocols are still to be determined, such as the value to study traits at the inbred or hybrid levels. The objective of our study was to evaluate the correlation between parental inbred line and derived hybrid performance for several grain‐filling traits in maize (Zea mays L.). We hypothesized that there would be high correlations due to the relative high heritability of grain‐filling traits. Three trials were conducted (two in Argentina and one in the United States) with commercial relevant germplasm (totaling 25 parental inbreds and 31 single‐cross hybrids). Traits were KW, kernel growth rate (KGR), grain‐filling duration (GFD), maximum water content (MWC), moisture concentration at physiological maturity (MCPM), and kernel desiccation rate (KDR) during the effective grain filling. Both heterosis and correlations between midparental value and hybrid performance were significant (p < 0.05) for all traits (r values of 0.63, 0.71, 0.81, 0.83, 0.61, and 0.71 for KW, KGR, GFD, MWC, KDR, and MCPM, respectively). Our results confirm that studying inbred lines for grain‐filling traits generates valuable information for derived hybrid performance.
Identification of Metabolites Associated with Superior Heat Tolerance in Thermal Bentgrass through Metabolic Profiling
Authors: Xu Yan , Du Hongmei , Huang Bingru
Published: June 2013

Heat stress affects various metabolic processes and limits the growth of cool‐season plants. The objectives of this study were to compare metabolite profiles of two Agrostis species exhibiting differential heat tolerance and identify key metabolites associated with heat tolerance in cool‐season grass species. Heat‐tolerant thermal bentgrass (Agrostis scabra Willd.) and heat‐sensitive creeping bentgrass (Agrostis stolonifera L.) were exposed to 40/38°C (day/night) (heat stress) or 20/18°C (day/night) (control) for 10 d in growth chambers. Polar metabolites (remaining in the methanol–water phase and separated from those in the chloroform phase during extraction) from leaves and roots were quantified separately using gas chromatography–mass spectrometry. The major heat‐responsive metabolites in the two Agrostis grass species included organic acids (lactic acid, threonic acid, and aminomalonic acid) and sugars (glucose, fructose, sucrose, and maltose) in leaves and amino acids (valine, alanine, proline, aspartic acid, γ‐aminobutyric acid, and asparagines), organic acids (threonic acid, gluconic acid, and citric acid), and sugars (fructose, floridoside, and turanose) in roots. Compared to heat‐sensitive A. stolonifera, heat‐tolerant A. scabra maintained higher accumulation or lesser degradation of soluble monosaccharides (fructose and glucose) necessary for energy production, branched‐chain amino acids (valine and isoleucine) used in secondary signaling, and 5‐oxoproline and putrescine for antioxidant defense as well as sucrose, proline, and myo‐inositol involved in osmotic regulation. The results suggest that maintaining active cellular metabolisms for energy production, stress signaling, antioxidant protection, and osmoregulation could contribute to superior heat tolerance in cool‐season grass species.
Variations in Stand Structure and Diversity along a Soil Fertility Gradient in a Brazilian Savanna (Cerrado) in Southern Mato Grosso
Authors: Vourlitis George Louis , de Almeida Lobo Francisco , Lawrence Shelley , Codolo de Lucena Isabela , Pinto Osvaldo Borges , Dalmagro Higo José , Carmen Eugenia , Rodriguez Ortiz , de Souza Nogueira Jose
Published: June 2013

Brazilian savanna (cerrado) is composed of vegetation and soil types that are spatially variable, and links between cerrado physiognomy and soil properties are poorly understood. To reduce this uncertainty, we measured the plant community structure within cerrado vegetation types located near Cuiaba, Mato Grosso, Brazil, that varied in soil physical and chemical properties. We hypothesized that vegetation composition, including tree density, leaf area index (LAI), grass cover, and tree species diversity would be highly correlated with soil C content and fertility. Our results indicate that soil organic matter content (SOM) was significantly (p< 0.05) correlated with tree density and LAI but negatively correlated with grass cover. Moreover, SOM content explained almost all of the spatial variation in cation exchange capacity (CEC) and soil N content (Pearsonr> 0.90), and tree species diversity and richness increased significantly with soil fertility. These data suggest that cerrado species richness and diversity is coincident with more fertile soils, which is qualitatively similar to results reported for tropical forests across regional fertility gradients in the Amazon Basin. These results have implications for the maintenance of soil C storage and fertility and tree species diversity in cerrado.
Linking Wetland Functional Rapid Assessment Models with Quantitative Hydrological and Biogeochemical Measurements across a Restoration Chronosequence
Authors: Berkowitz Jacob F. , White John R.
Published: June 2013

The need for practical, repeatable, and technically sound ecosystem assessment methods remains essential to natural resource management. Rapid assessment methodologies determining ecosystem condition and function continue expansion, especially within wetlands. Few studies determine the accuracy of rapid assessment approaches by applying quantitative parameters, especially with respect to biogeochemical functions. Functional measurements require extensive sampling and analytical expertise, beyond financial and time constraints of most restoration projects. Further, measuring biogeochemical ecosystem functions requires the coupling of abundance measures (e.g., soil nutrient concentrations) with processing or transport mechanisms (e.g., microbial activity, flood frequency). This work assessed nutrient cycling, organic C export, and water quality improvement functions applied to >300 km2 of restored bottomland hardwood forests, Mississippi River Valley. Assessment parameters (e.g., sapling shrub density, organic soil horizon thickness) and biogeochemical measures (e.g., microbial biomass C, potentially mineralizable N) were determined at 45 reforested areas and 21 control locations representing an 80‐yr restoration chronosequence. Significantly higher rapid assessment outcomes were associated with increased ecosystem functionality (P = 0.001–0.029). These findings suggest that rapid assessment tools serve as reliable proxies for measurements of nutrient and biogeochemical cycling; validating the procedure examined. Assessment scores were also associated with increased restoration stand age (ps < 0.001) supporting further development of similar rapid assessments using ecosystem classification, qualitative data collection, and scaling based on reference data. The wide variety of rapid assessments in use underscores the need for validation with biogeochemical and hydrological measurements.
‘My Dress is Not a Yes’: Subversion and the Slutwalk Message
Authors: Healicon Alison
Published: June 2013

This article explores the debate surrounding the SlutWalk events in the United Kingdom between April and July 2011 by reviewing relevant newspaper articles, blogs and websites. Additional material and insight was drawn from an ongoing three-year ethnographic research study in a feminist voluntary organisation which supports women who have experienced sexual violence, where dialogue about SlutWalk with staff and service users (emotionally and practically connected to the debate) was recorded. The troubling of SlutWalk, a particular political action of third-wave feminism with an ambiguous relationship with earlier forms, is considered in relation to feminist and wider debates. Accepting a position of ambivalence reflects a more personal engagement with these debates, which acknowledges the author's own theoretical transformation and praxis. The development of a more fluid theoretical toolkit allows for critical examination of ambiguities and complexities, whilst retaining a political praxis in which inequality is articulated. SlutWalk provides a context in which these ambivalences can be explored. This article therefore critically reflects on post-feminist developments, identifying differences and continuities with more traditional feminist debates, to highlight the complexity of this worldwide collective public action.
bUzZ: A Guide to Authentic and Joyful Creative Learning
Authors: Rufo David
Published: June 2013

Early in the 2010–2011 school year, the author noticed that the students in his fourth-grade classroom did their best creative work when allowed student agency and choice in a child-centered learning environment, often resulting in an energized cooperative working paradigm they came to refer to as the ‘bUzZ’. During the spring semester, the author decided to see if he could ascertain the classroom characteristics that lead to a bUzZ and how it might be sustained once under way. The author found that the bUzZ closely resembled swarm dynamics found in nature, which led him to a whole new understanding of education, how students function within a classroom space and what it means to be a teacher. This article summarizes relevant and correlating research and findings by a classroom teacher to tell the story of how the bUzZ ultimately redefines creativity in education.
Community Performances and Performative Texts as Tools for Critical Exploration: The Practice of Being Labeled Disabled
Authors: Gabriel Rachael , Lester Jessica Nina
Published: June 2013

In this article, the authors present the process and experience of sharing research findings in the format of a participatory community performance. This community performance, presented in the format of a performative text, was drawn from a qualitative interview study that examined the experiences of parents, students, teachers, psychologists and teacher educators in special education meetings in the USA. The authors highlight the ways in which performative texts, and community performances in general, function as tools to explore issues of power in education and also to invite broader audiences to engage with research findings.
Academic Activism in the Face of Enclosure in the Digital University
Authors: Hall Richard
Published: June 2013

The role of the academic, both inside and beyond the university, is under scrutiny across global higher education. In part, this is tied to the neo-liberal agenda for universities, which is underpinned by a discourse of marketisation and commodification. In part, it is amplified by the production and use of digital technologies, and the contested nature of those technologies in reproducing or reinscribing existing practices. One emerging area of interest is the role of digital technology in academic futures, especially in a world of increasing complexity and disruption. In future scenarios that are disrupted by socio-environmental crises like peak oil and climate change, the development of individual and social resilience, or the ability to adapt to such disruption, becomes imperative. This article examines how digital technologies might impact the practices of the academic in the face of disruption. Three key areas of interplay between academics and technologies are identified: firstly, in developing open educational opportunities; secondly, in engaging with the preservation of data, relationships and narratives; and thirdly, in understanding the interconnections between technology and humanity, revealed as the ‘cybernetic hypothesis’. Thus, it is argued that digital technologies might enable academics to take an activist role in helping communities to engage with uncertainty.