bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Complete genomic congruence but non‐monophyly of Cymodocea (Cymodoceaceae), a small group of seagrasses
Authors: Petersen Gitte , Seberg Ole , Short Frederick T. , Fortes Miguel D.
Published: February 2014

The Cymodoceaceae is a small family of five genera (Amphibolis, Cymodocea, Halodule, Syringodium, Thalassodendron) that are easily recognizable when reproductive organs are present. To test monophyly of the five genera and clarify relationships among them, a phylogenetic analysis was conducted on data from two plastid genes and four mitochondrial genes. Most extraordinarily, the two genomic data partitions are completely congruent with an incongruence length difference of zero. However, the molecular data show that Cymodocea is non‐monophyletic. The taxonomic consequences will be either to split Cymodocea into two genera, to merge all genera except Halodule, or to merge Syringodium with one or two species of Cymodocea. Though monophyly of Cymodocea is strongly contradicted, the necessary taxonomic changes should not be made until a more strongly supported resolution of some relationships has been attained, and a few critical species have been added to the phylogeny.
Lectotypification of Linnaean names in the genus Amaranthus L. (Amaranthaceae)
Authors: Iamonico Duilio
Published: February 2014

The typification of the names Amaranthus flavus L., A. mangostanus L., A. polygamus L., A. sanguineus L. and A. tristis L. (Amaranth aceae) are discussed as well as their current recognition. Specimens from the Linnaean Herbarium (LINN) are designated as lectotypes for these four names. Amaranthus mangostanus, A. polygamus and A. tristis are treated as synonyms of A. tricolor L., while A. flavus and A. sanguineus are synonyms of A. cruentus L.
Molecular phylogeny and biogeography of the arctic‐alpine genus Lagotis (Plantaginaceae)
Authors: Li Guo-Dong , Kim Changkyun , Zha Hong-Guang , Zhou Zhuo , Nie Ze-Long , Sun Hang
Published: February 2014

It has been suggested that many plants now found in the arctic originated from ancestors that occurred at high altitudes in the southern mountains of the Northern Hemisphere during the Tertiary. However, this hypothesis has rarely been tested using a molecular phylogenetic approach. Here, we present a fossil‐calibrated molecular phylogeny of Lagotis, an arctic‐alpine genus with the greatest diversity in the Qinghai‐Tibetan Plateau (QTP) and Central Asian mountains, based on five chloroplast (matK, psbA‐trnH, rps16, trnG‐S, trnL‐F) and nuclear ribosomal ITS DNA markers. Within this framework, we infer the ancestral area and biogeographic history of the genus. Four major clades (A–D) within Lagotis were recovered with strong support, which largely correspond to the previous classification of the genus. Within clade A, Lagotis species from QTP were distributed among several subclades, and L. integrifolia from Central Asia was sister to L. glauca and L. minor from the arctic and subarctic region. The Bayesian molecular dating and the ancestral area reconstruction analyses suggested that Lagotis could have originated in the QTP in the Miocene (Tertiary), and that the genus radiated from the Miocene to Pleistocene. The diversification of Lagotis probably took place predominantly in the QTP and it subsequently spread to the Central Asian highlands, followed by northward migration into the arctic. Our results support the hypothesis that the “Central Asiatic Highland Corridor” as an important route for the migration of the flora between the arctic and QTP.
Lectotypification of names of lichen taxa described by Ödön Szatala
Authors: Şenkardeşler Ayhan , Lőkös László , Farkas Edit
Published: February 2014

The Hungarian lichenologist Ödön Szatala described 169 species and infraspecific taxa, with a majority of these being based on his own collections. He also described taxa from material sent to him for identification. In this study, original material for 27 names (Aspicilia latiloba, A. microspora var. astroidea, A. microspora var. insensibilis, A. subpercaena, Bacidia rhodi, Buellia samothrakiana, Catillaria lenticularis var. transsilvatica, C. servitii, C. zsakii, Dermatocarpon fuscatum, Diplotomma alboatrum var. virescens, Lecania nylanderiana var. ochracea, Lecanora atra var. aegaeica, L. cengiae‐samboae, L. rhodi, Lecidea aegaeica, L. aegaeica f. acrustacea, L. aegaeica f. albida, L. aegaeica var. verruculosa, L. euphorea f. decussata, L. iranica, L. stigmatea f. armeniaca, Pertusaria baskalensis, Physcia grisea var. elbursiana, Placodiella olivacea var. stampaliana, Porina rechingeri and Verrucaria filarszkyana) of taxa described by Szatala and based on material collected by others from Greece, Hungary, Iran, Iraq, Jordan, Palestine, Romania, Turkey and Ukraine was examined, and lectotypes were chosen. In addition, Catillaria servitii has been found to be the earliest name for C. praedicta.
Fluid Limits for Bandwidth-Sharing Networks with Rate Constraints
Authors: Remerova Maria , Reed Josh , Zwart Bert
Published: February 2014

Bandwidth-sharing networks as introduced by Roberts and Massoulié [Roberts JW, Massoulié L (1998) Bandwidth sharing and admission control for elastic traffic. Proc. ITC Specialist Seminar, Yokohama, Japan], Massoulié and Roberts [Massoulié L, Roberts JW (1999) Bandwidth sharing: Objectives and algorithms. Proc. IEEE Infocom. (Books in Statistics, New York), 1395–1403] model the dynamic interaction among an evolving population of elastic flows competing for several links. With policies based on optimization procedures, such models are of interest both from a queueing theory and operations research perspective. In the present paper, we focus on bandwidth-sharing networks with capacities and arrival rates of a large order of magnitude compared to transfer rates of individual flows. This regime is standard in practice. In particular, we extend previous work by Reed and Zwart [Reed J, Zwart B (2010) Limit theorems for bandwidth-sharing networks with rate constraints. Revised, preprint http://people.stern.nyu.edu/jreed/Papers/BARevised.pdf ] on fluid approximations for such networks: we allow interarrival times, flow sizes, and patient times (i.e., abandonment times measured from the arrival epochs) to be generally distributed, rather than exponentially distributed. We also develop polynomial-time computable fixed-point approximations for stationary distributions of bandwidth-sharing networks, and suggest new techniques for deriving these types of results.
Spatial statistics in ecological analysis: from indices to functions
Authors: Szmyt Janusz
Published: February 2014

This paper presents a review of the most common methods in ecological studies aimed at spatial analysis of population structures (horizontal and vertical), based on point process statistics. Methods based on simple spatially explicit indices as well as more sophisticated methods relying on functions are described in a comprehensible manner. Simple indices revealing the information on spatial structure at the scale of the nearest neighbor can be easily implemented in practical forestry. On the other hand, spatial functions, based on much more detailed data, describe the spatial structure in terms of the spatial relationships between the natural processes and population structures and because of this complexity they are rarely used in forest practice. Including both methods in a single paper is also valuable from the potential readerâs point of view saving their time for searching and choosing the appropriate method to make their spatial analysis. This paper can also serve as an initial guide for young researchers or those who are going to start their studies on spatial aspects of bio-systems. Avoiding the statistical and mathematical details makes this paper understandable for readers who are not statisticians or mathematicians. Readers will find many references related to each method described here, allowing them to find solutions to different problems observed in practice. This paper ends with a list of the most common specific software packages available to support spatial analysis.
A Study of Higher Order Terms in Shallow Water Waves via Modified PLK Method
Authors: Demiray Hilmi
Published: February 2014

In this work, by utilizing the modified PLK (Poincare-Lighthill-Kou) method, we studied the propagation of weakly nonlinear waves in a shallow water theory and obtained the Korteweg-deVries (KdV) and the linearized KdV equations with non-homogeneous term as the governing equations of various order terms in the perturbation expansion. The result obtained here is exactly the same with that of Kodama and Taniuti [6], who employed the so-called “re-normalization method”. Seeking a progressive wave solution to these evolution equations we obtained the speed correction terms so as to remove some possible secularities. The result obtained here is consistent with the results of Demiray [12], wherein the modified reductive perturbation method had been utilized.
Changes in morphology and optical properties of polyvinyl alcohol foils induced by Congo red dye concentration and stretching degree
Authors: Zelinschi Carmen Beatrice , Stoica Iuliana , Dorohoi Dana Ortansa
Published: February 2014

To establish correlations between the optical and morphological properties of anisotropic polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) foils containing Congo red (CR) dye in various concentrations, characteristics such as degree of crystallinity, dichroic ratio, order parameter, birefringence, surface morphology, and three-dimensional texture parameters were estimated before and after stretching. An increase in morphological and optical anisotropy with the degree of stretching has been evidenced for both pure and CR-containing PVA foils, this behavior being facilitated by the presence of the dye. The study of these properties lays the foundation for understanding the circumstances in which PVA foils containing CR can be used as polarizing filters.
Performance study of polyurethane/silicon carbide composite repairing asphalt pavements
Authors: Li Li , Li Ji , Zhao Yali , Li Wanjie , Wang Hongbin , Yao Liang
Published: February 2014

Polyurethane (PU)/silicon carbide composites, which can rapidly repair cracked asphalt pavements, were synthesized by addition polymerization. The materials were characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and mechanical performance tests. Liquid diphenylmethane diisocyanate (L-MDI) type prepolymer/toluene diisocyanate (TDI-80) type prepolymer weight ratio, curing agent and silane coupling agent 3-aminopropyltriethoxysilane (KH550) were investigated mainly in this paper. In addition, silicon carbide was treated with KH550. Results show that the crystal structure of silicon carbide had subtle changes and the correct amount of KH550 can enhance the mechanical performance and thermal endurance.
Fatigue Crack Growth Behavior of Ferritic and Austenitic Steels at Elevated Temperatures
Authors: Nani Babu M. , Sasikala G.
Published: February 2014

For the integrity assessment and damage-tolerant design of components operating at elevated temperatures under cyclic loading conditions, evaluation of fatigue crack growth (FCG) properties in the threshold and Paris regimes is important. The FCG behaviors of a modified 9Cr-1Mo steel (P91) and SS 316L(N) for applications in the prototype fast breeder reactor to be commissioned shortly at Kalpakkam, India have been studied extensively in our laboratory over a wide range of temperatures. Some aspects of high-temperature FCG observed in these investigations will be reviewed in this paper. It has been observed that for many engineering alloys, dynamic strain aging plays an important role in the temperature-dependent variations in deformation and fracture behavior, including the FCG parameters. Another important aspect in deciding the FCG behavior is the crack closure behavior, the mechanisms of which may vary with temperature. Effect of crack closure and DSA on the FCG properties of P91 steel and SS 316L(N) welds will be discussed. The DSA mechanism has been identified from the activation energy for the process determined from the temperature dependence of the crack tip strain rates. During FCG of engineering materials, there can be stress shielding at the crack tip because of various factors, like crack bridging, branching, closure, etc. Effect of stress shielding at the crack tip at different conditions was quantified using a procedure incorporating the inter relations between compliance, crack length, and stress intensity factor. The paper will summarize the results of the above studies.
In-situ TEM studies of ion-irradiation induced bubble development and mechanical deformation in model nuclear materials
Authors: Donnelly S E , Greaves G , Hinks J A , Pawley C J , Beaufort M-F , Barbot J-F , Oliviero E , Webb R P
Published: February 2014

The MIAMI* facility at the University of Huddersfield is one of a number of facilities worldwide that permit the ion irradiation of thin foils in-situ in a transmission electron microscope. MIAMI has been developed with a particular focus on enabling the in-situ implantation of helium and hydrogen into thin electron transparent foils, necessitating ion energies in the range 1 – 10 keV. In addition, however, ions of a variety of species can be provided at energies of up to 100 keV (for singly charged ions), enabling studies to focus on the build up of radiation damage in the absence or presence of implanted gas.

This paper reports on a number of ongoing studies being carried out at MIAMI, and also at JANNuS (Orsay, France) and the IVEM / Ion Accelerator Facility (Argonne National Lab, US). This includes recent work on He bubbles in SiC and Cu; the former work concerned with modification to bubble populations by ion and electron beams and the latter project concerned with the formation of bubble super-lattices in metals.

A study is also presented consisting of experiments aimed at shedding light on the origins of the dimensional changes known to occur in nuclear graphite under irradiation with either neutrons or ions. Single crystal graphite foils have been irradiated with 60 keV Xe ions in order to create a non-uniform damage profile throughout the foil thickness. This gives rise to varying basal-plane contraction throughout the foil resulting in almost macroscopic (micron scale) deformation of the graphite. These observations are presented and discussed with a view to reconciling them with current understanding of point defect behavior in graphite.

*Microscope and Ion Accelerator for Materials Investigations
Proliferation and Adhesion of L929 Fibroblasts on Surface with Different Microtopography
Authors: Kurashina Yuta , Miyata Shogo , Komotori Jun , Koyama Tadayoshi
Published: February 2014

Three types of 316L stainless steel surface with different topography were prepared by a Fine Particle Peening (FPP) treatment using titania, silica and alumina shot particles and analyzed the cell proliferation and cell-scaffold interaction. FPP-treated surface with titania and silica particles had micro asperities at low frequency. On the other hand, the alumina treated surface had micro asperities at high frequency. L929 fibroblasts were seeded on these specimens and then the number of cells was counted after 72 hours of culturing. The FPP-treated surfaces showed good cell proliferation comparing to polished surface. This indicates that micro asperities formed on the surface encourage cell adhesion. Cell adhesion behavior was evaluated by a scanning electron microscope (SEM) and a fluorescence microscope. Dense filopodia were observed when cells cultured on the FPP-treated surface. This means that FPP treatment enhances cell adhesion and proliferation. The number of cells observed on the FPP-treated surface depended on the shape of asperities formed by FPP treatment; the highest cell counts were obtained on alumina treated surface. This is because cell migration was not inhibited by the shape of alumina treated surface asperities.
Composição centesimal e perfil dos ácidos graxos de sementes de porongo
Authors: Santos Daniela Batista dos , Petry Claudia , Bortoluzzi Edson Campanhola
Published: February 2014

O fruto do porongueiro se destina à fabricação de cuias, utensílios e artesanatos. Em regiões produtoras comerciais de porongo, grande quantidade de frutos e, por conseguinte, de sementes são descartadas durante o processo de produção agrícola e industrialização. Nesse sentido, este estudo teve por objetivo avaliar a composição centesimal e o perfil dos ácidos graxos presentes nas sementes de porongo com vistas ao seu uso como matéria prima e alimento. Amostras de sementes de plantas de porongo, semeadas em diferentes épocas de semeadura, foram coletadas em um experimento no município de Rondinha - RS, no ano de 2008. Após secagem das sementes, fez-se a separação e determinação da proporção entre cascas e amêndoas. As amêndoas foram submetidas à avaliação do teor de lipídios, cinzas, proteína bruta, fibra bruta e carboidratos. A composição dos ácidos graxos presentes nos lipídios foi determinada por cromatografia gasosa. As sementes apresentaram elevado teor de carboidratos (33,0%), lipídios (37,6%) e proteína (25,2%), sendo que os teores desses componentes não foram afetados pelas épocas de semeadura das plantas. Entretanto, nas plantas semeadas na época mais tardia do ano (terceira época-21/10), elas apresentaram ciclo mais curto (tempo entre semeadura e senescência das plantas, de 149 dias) e frutos cujas amêndoas das sementes apresentaram maior proporção relativa de ácidos graxos insaturados (79,5%). Os ácidos graxos predominantes em ordem decrescente foram ácido linoleico (C18:2, ômega-6), ácido palmítico (C16:0), ácido oleico (C18:1, ômega 9) e ácido esteárico (C18:0). Os resultados da composição centesimal e do perfil dos ácidos graxos sugerem que as sementes de porongo apresentam um potencial alimentício que necessita ser melhor estudado, com vistas à sua exploração.
Atividade da fosfatase alcalina no lavado broncoalveolar de equinos de policiamento montado no Estado do Rio de Janeiro
Authors: Jorge Maria Luisa Lorêdo Abreu , Viscardi Vanessa , Silva Katia Moreira , Otaka Juliana Nabuco Pereira , Alencar Nayro Xavier de , Torres Filho Rodolpho de Almeida , Lessa Daniel Augusto Barroso
Published: February 2014

A utilidade da determinação das atividades enzimáticas no trato respiratório posterior como ferramenta diagnóstica já foi demonstrada em várias espécies. Nesse contexto, este trabalho teve por objetivo determinar a atividade da Fosfatase Alcalina (FAL) no lavado broncoalveolar (LBA) de equinos da Polícia Militar do Estado do Rio de Janeiro, comparando animais sadios com portadores assintomáticos de doença inflamatória das vias aéreas (DIVA). Para tal, foram avaliados 28 animais adultos, machos, sem histórico de doença respiratória nos dois meses anteriores ao estudo, com os resultados dos exames físicos e laboratoriais (FAL sanguínea, hematócrito, leucograma, proteína total e fibrinogênio plasmáticos) dentro dos parâmetros fisiológicos. Os equinos foram divididos em dois grupos de acordo com o resultado da citologia broncoalveolar. A determinação da atividade da FAL foi realizada por meio de espectrofotometria a partir de alíquotas do sobrenadante do LBA preservadas em nitrogênio líquido. Para a estimativa do fluido epitelial pulmonar e da atividade da FAL neste, foi realizada a correção da diluição provocada pelo lavado. Os equinos com contagem diferencial de tipos celulares compatível com DIVA apresentaram atividade de FAL no LBA menor, quando comparados aos animais sadios, podendo essa dosagem ser utilizada como complementação do diagnóstico da DIVA.
Ocorrência e diferenciação de espécies de Listeria spp. em salsichas tipo hot dog a granel e em amostras de carne moída bovina comercializadas no Distrito Federal
Authors: Andrade Rafael Rocha de , Silva Patrícia Helena Caldeira da , Souza Nara Rúbia , Murata Luci Sayori , Gonçalves Vitor Salvador Picão , Santana Angela Patrícia
Published: February 2014

Listeria monocytogenes é um patógeno relevante veiculado por alimentos. Sua identificação precisa é importante para a correta determinação do risco associado à ingestão do alimento. O objetivo deste trabalho foi verificar a ocorrência das espécies de Listeria spp. em amostras de salsichas tipo hot dog e carne moída bovina, comercializadas a granel no Distrito Federal. Foram analisadas 162 amostras, sendo 127 de salsichas tipo hot dog e 35 amostras de carne moída bovina. O isolamento e a identificação do gênero foram feitos por metodologia convencional e a distinção das espécies foi verificada por kit bioquímico específico (API-Listeria®) e por análise de restrição de fragmentos da reação em cadeia da polimerase (RFLP-PCR) do gene 23 rRNA. Foram isoladas 26 cepas de Listeria spp. das amostras de salsichas tipo hot dog, sendo identificadas 18 cepas de Listeria innocua e 08 cepas de Listeria monocytogenes. Das 35 amostras de carne moída bovina, foram isoladas 16 cepas de Listeria spp., sendo identificadas 12 cepas de Listeria innocua e 04 de Listeria monocytogenes. Houve concordância total na distinção das espécies de Listeria spp. através dos dois métodos empregados. A presença de Listeria spp. em amostras de salsicha do tipo hot dog a granel e em carne moída bovina a granel, de estabelecimentos comerciais do Distrito Federal, representa risco à saúde do consumidor.
Métodos físicos e cal hidratada para manejo do cascudinho dos aviários
Authors: Wolf Jônatas , Gouvea Alfredo de , Silva Everton Ricardi Lozano da , Potrich Michele , Appel Alessandra
Published: February 2014

A estabilidade de ambiência na avicultura moderna tem favorecido a proliferação de insetos praga. Nesse cenário, Alphitobius diaperinus (Panzer) (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae), comumente denominado cascudinho, surge como principal inseto cosmopolita infestando camas de aviários. Neste sentido o objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar os fatores cal hidratada, temperatura e umidade na cama de aviários sobre a mortalidade de A. diaperinus em condições de laboratório. Foram realizados bioensaios laboratoriais simulando o ambiente de criação em recipientes com a adição de cama de aviário, ração e adultos e larvas de A. diaperinus. A variável resposta foi a mortalidade aos sete e 10 dias após a instalação dos experimentos. A adição de cal hidratada na cama de aviário na dosagem de 400g m-² promoveu mortalidade parcial de adultos (35,62%±2,74) e larvas (45,62%±1,75) de A. diaperinus. O fator umidade na cama de aviário, independente do percentual, não provocou mortalidade significativa de adultos de A. diaperinus. A temperatura da cama de aviário em 45°C proveu mortalidade total de adultos e larvas de A. diaperinus nas condições propostas.
A novel soft soil curing agent using waste residue
Authors: Jia-Ying Sun , Xie Jinglai
Published: February 2014

In working towards the goal of sustainable development, a soft soil hardener is developed using industrial waste. A curing agent (hereafter referred to as GSC) is formed by mixing proportions of desulfurised gypsum, steel slag and slag. The strength of the GSC is evaluated by orthogonal tests, enabling it to be optimised. The microscopic features of the hydration products are established by using a scanning electron microscope. The unconfined compressive strengths of soil–GSC and soil–cement mixtures are compared by way of experiments. The strength of GSC is strongly influenced by the amount of steel slag; it exhibits excellent setting time and strength performances. The hydration of GSC behaves similarly to cement. The unconfined compressive strengths of the soil–cement and soil–GSC mixtures increase approximately equally with time, but the early strength of GSC is lower. Additionally, cement can be solidified with GSC by adjusting the GSC mixing ratio or the water–GSC ratio.
Satyam Fraud: A Case Study of India's Enron
Authors: Brown Veena L. , Daugherty Brian E. , Persellin Julie S.
Published: February 2014

This case provides students a unique opportunity to examine and reflect on the challenges of auditing in today's global environment. Students examine a real-world billion dollar plus embezzlement and fraud at Satyam Corporation, an international company based in India and previously trading on the New York Stock Exchange. The case focuses on auditors' responsibilities related to obtaining and evaluating audit evidence, particularly as it relates to confirming cash and receivables. It also explores the quality control responsibilities related to audit procedures performed by foreign affiliates of a large international audit firm. The case illustrates the role of culture in performing an audit in accordance with auditing standards issued by the U.S. Public Company Accounting Oversight Board. Additionally, case details provide opportunities for class discussions and foster students' critical thinking skills on other auditing topics such as audit risk and planning, related party transactions, tone-at-the-top, and internal control deficiencies. By using a foreign issuer to explore these issues, the case highlights both the technical and international challenges of performing auditing procedures.
Farm Tourism Across Europe
Authors: Potočnik-Slavič Irma , Schmitz Serge
Published: February 2014

Based on evidence from nine countries (UK, Belgium, France, Germany, Italy, Poland, Croatia, Slovenia, and Ireland), this special issue analyses the fabrics of farm tourism in Europe. It identifies two main development trends: on one hand, a small scale and dispersed activities, at the other hand a product in response to tourist market demand. A brief overview of existing farm tourism practices in the European rural areas indicated an interesting interface between the forms and dimension of farm tourism embeddedness in local environment and at the same time, the ways and range of internationalization of farm tourism business
Farm Tourism in Wales. Products and Markets, Resources and Capabilities. The Experience of Six Farm Tourism Operators
Authors: Talbot Mandy
Published: February 2014

Wales’ high quality natural environment is a key attraction for tourists from more urban parts of the UK and this has provided opportunities for many farmers to diversify into tourism. This study provides a qualitative examination of the experience of six farm tourism operators, whose businesses are performing well. The study examines the farm tourism operators’ resources and capabilities and how these have contributed towards the performance of their businesses in order to provide examples to other farmers. The study identifies the key resources that farmers have drawn on in creating their tourism products and found these to be: a favourable location, the working farm, farm land and buildings, farm produce, the farm family, the farmer’s business ethos and the business’s reputation. It also highlights the market appeal of these resources to different tourist markets. The research also finds that this group of farmers has demonstrated the necessary capabilities to transform their resources into tourism products that meet evolving market needs. The study highlights that farmers have identified market gaps, niches and trends to cater for in developing their businesses and that they have focused on maintaining the quality and utility of their tourism product. It found that these factors have influenced their business performance. The study also examines the extent to which agriculture (in this case the working farm and farm produce) features as part of the farm tourism product. It concludes that there is scope for a greater focus on agriculture in the farm tourism sector in Wales and that this could create a stronger farm tourism product.
Morphological characterisation and diagnostics of Xiphinema non-americanum group species (Nematoda: Longidoridae) from Romania using mutiplex PCR
Authors: Groza M. , Lazarova S. , Costache C. , Luca F. , Rosca I. , Fanelli E. , Peneva V.
Published: February 2014

Additional data on the occurrence and distribution of Xiphinema non-americanum group species in Romania are provided. Xiphinema diversicaudatum, X. index, X. vuittenezi and X. italiae were recovered from vineyards and cherry fruit trees; adults and juvenile stages were described and analysed and the morphology/variability discussed. Multiplex PCR diagnostic test using species-specific primers designed by Wang et al. (2003) yielded amplification products with expected lengths for all screened populations of these four species. Two ribosomal markers (D2-D3 28 LSU rDNA and ITS) were sequenced and ITS RFLP patterns were obtained from two X. vuittenezi populations, which have shown some morphological differences. Comparatively low level of interpopulation genetic dissimilarity (<1 %) was revealed for both markers (for D2D3 — 0.5 %; for ITS — 0.7 %). Both populations of X. vuittenezi studied produced identical ITS-RFLP specific pattern that clearly identify this species.
The Capacity to Restore Steady Gait After a Step Modification Is Reduced in People With Poststroke Foot Drop Using an Ankle-Foot Orthosis
Authors: van Swigchem Roos , Roerdink Melvyn , Weerdesteyn Vivian , Geurts Alexander C. , Daffertshofer Andreas
Published: February 2014

Background

A reduced capacity to modify gait to the environment may contribute to the risk of falls in people with poststroke foot drop using an ankle-foot orthosis.

Objective

This study aimed to quantify their capacity to restore steady gait after a step modification.

Design

This was a cross-sectional, observational study.

Methods

Nineteen people in the chronic phase (>6 months) after stroke (mean age=55.0 years, SD=10.1) and 20 people of similar age (mean age=54.6 years, SD=12.0) who were able-bodied were included. Participants were instructed to avoid obstacles that were suddenly released in front of the paretic leg (stroke group) or left leg (control group) while walking on a treadmill. Outcomes were success rates of obstacle avoidance as well as post-crossing step length, step duration, hip flexion angle at foot-strike, and peak hip extension of the steps measured within 10 seconds following obstacle release.

Results

Success rates of obstacle avoidance were lower for people poststroke. Moreover, their first post-crossing step length and duration (ie, the nonparetic step) deviated more from steady gait than those of people in the control group (ie, the right step), with lower values for people poststroke. Similar deviations were observed for post-crossing hip flexion and extension excursions.

Limitations

People poststroke were relatively mildly impaired and used an ankle-foot orthosis, which may limit the generalizability of the results to other populations poststroke.

Conclusions

People with poststroke foot drop using an ankle-foot orthosis had reduced gait adaptability, as evidenced by lower success rates of obstacle avoidance as well as an impaired capacity to restore steady gait after crossing an obstacle. The latter finding unveils their difficulty in incorporating step modifications in ongoing gait.
Evidence for the Validity of the Modified Dynamic Gait Index Across Diagnostic Groups
Authors: Matsuda Patricia Noritake , Taylor Catherine S. , Shumway-Cook Anne
Published: February 2014

Background

The modified Dynamic Gait Index (mDGI) measures the capacity to adapt gait to complex tasks utilizing 8 tasks and 3 facets of performance. The measurement stability of the mDGI in specific diagnostic groups is unknown.

Objective

This study examined the psychometric properties of the mDGI in 5 diagnostic groups.

Design

This was a cross-sectional, descriptive study.

Methods

A total of 794 participants were included in the study: 140 controls, 239 with stroke, 140 with vestibular dysfunction, 100 with traumatic brain injury, 91 with gait abnormality, and 84 with Parkinson disease. Differential item functioning analysis was used to examine the comparability of scores across diagnoses. Internal consistency was computed using Cronbach alpha. Factor analysis was used to examine the factor loadings for the 3 performance facet scores. Minimal detectable change at the 95% confidence level (MDC95%) was calculated for each of the groups.

Results

Less than 5% of comparisons demonstrated moderate to large differential item functioning, suggesting that item scores had the same order of difficulty for individuals in all 5 diagnostic groups. For all 5 patient groups, 3 factors had eigenvalues >1.0 and explained 80% of the variability in scores, supporting the importance of characterizing mobility performance with respect to time, level of assistance, and gait pattern.

Limitations

There were uneven sample sizes in the 6 groups.

Conclusions

The strength of the psychometric properties of the mDGI across the 5 diagnostic groups further supports the validity and usefulness of scores for clinical and research purposes. In addition, the meaning of a score from the mDGI, regardless of whether at the task, performance facet, or total score level, was comparable across the 5 diagnostic groups, suggesting that the mDGI measured mobility function independent of medical diagnosis.
Delivery Practices among Rajbanshi
Authors: Subba Nawa Raj
Published: February 2014

This is a cross-sectional study with the objective of uncovering home and hospital delivery practices among Rajbansi of Nepal. Quantitative tools semi-structured questionnaires, check lists were used covering 375 samples of its resident districts Morang, Jhapa and Sunsari districts. Among Rajbanshi population 69.33% has done hospital delivery and 30.67% has home delivery. Home delivery is practiced by economic condition very poor (18.87%), poor (8.8%) and rich (4%). Hospital delivery is practiced by economic condition very poor (20.53%), poor (20.27%) and rich (28.53%). Similarly, home delivery is higher by occupation labour (24.27%), by education illiterate (10.67%), by geography rural (34.28%). Hospital delivery is increasing and home delivery is decreasing in trend. Status of hospital delivery of Rajbanshi is better than the levels of Morang district and country Nepal, but which is significantly lower among very poor, illiterate, labour and rural Rajbanshi population. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/researcher.v1i2.9886 Researcher 1(2) 2013: 63-71
Distributive Veterinary Clinical Education: A Model of Clinical-Site Selection
Authors: Gordon-Ross Paul N. , Schilling Elizabeth F. , Kidd Linda , Schmidt Peggy L.
Published: February 2014

The distributive model at the Western University of Health Sciences College of Veterinary Medicine (WesternU-CVM) utilizes third-party clinical sites rather than a traditional on-campus teaching hospital during years 3 and 4 of the curriculum. All veterinary schools are required by the American Veterinary Medical Association's accreditation standards to ensure that students are exposed to a diverse case load of sufficient number with active participation in the diagnostic work-up and treatment of patients. With one centralized teaching hospital, monitoring this aspect of the student experience is relatively straightforward. The distributive model of clinical veterinary education poses several challenges not encountered in a teaching hospital due to the number of clinical sites involved in delivering the curriculum. This article describes a clinical-site and preceptor selection process and the guidelines currently used to evaluate whether clinical sites and preceptors are suitable for initial inclusion in the program at WesternU-CVM. Outcomes data regarding the number and variety of student case exposures, student involvement in case management, and student evaluations of clinical experience are presented. These data suggest that the recruitment and selection process described here results in diverse and ample case-load exposure opportunities in a distributive model of veterinary education.
Ischaemic Heart Disease–Related Knowledge, Behaviours, and Beliefs of Indo-Canadians and Euro-Canadians: Implications for Physical Therapists
Authors: Rodrigues Giselle , Jongbloed Lyn , Li Zhenyi , Dean Elizabeth
Published: February 2014

Purpose: To examine knowledge, behaviours, and beliefs related to ischaemic heart disease (IHD) of Indo-Canadians (ICs), thereby helping target health education strategies. Methods: In a cross-sectional descriptive/comparative study, 102 Indian-born Indo-Canadians (ICs) and 102 Canadian-born Euro-Canadians (ECs) completed a standardized questionnaire on IHD knowledge and lifestyle-related behaviours and beliefs. Results: Compared with ECs, ICs were less aware of IHD-risk factors. ICs' lifestyle practices and beliefs were consistent with having less perceived control over health than ECs. ICs reported more stress from various sources and resorted less to exercise for stress relief and more to religious/spiritual activities. Conclusions: In accordance with health belief theory, approaches to educating immigrants from collectivistic cultures such as India to assume responsibility for their personal health may need to be different from those used with ECs, which stress self-management. Such programmes may need to emphasize lifestyle-related health knowledge and beliefs as bases for health behaviour change.
Development and Phenotyping of Recombinant Inbred Line (RIL) Populations for Peanut (Arachis hypogaea)
Authors: Holbrook C. C. , Isleib T. G. , Ozias-Akins P. , Chu Y. , Knapp S. J. , Tillman B. , Guo B. , Gill R. , Burow M. D.
Published: February 2014

The identification of molecular markers for economically significant traits should greatly improve the speed and efficiency of all peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.) breeding programs. Development and phenotypic evaluation of recombinant inbred line (RIL) populations of peanut, along with molecular genotyping, will be essential for association of markers with traits. The primary objectives of this research were to develop 16 structured RIL populations that can be used by the peanut research community, and to begin high-resolution phenotyping of these populations. Crosses were made using a 2 by 8 (common by unique) factorial nested association mapping design. Parents were selected to attempt to maximize genetic diversity while meeting practical breeding objectives. First, two modern runner cultivars (Tifrunner and Florida-07) were selected as common parents because runner cultivars account for about 80% of the production in the U.S. Second, the eight unique parents were selected to supply diversity across market classes and botanical varieties and are donors of favorable alleles for enhancing drought tolerance and resistance to most important disease of peanut in the U.S. The eight unique parents are N08082olJCT (a Bailey derived high oleic breeding line), C76-16, NC 3033, SPT 06-06, SSD 6 (PI 576638), OLin, New Mexico Valencia A, and Florunner. The 16 populations were advanced using summer and winter nurseries. Input from multiple disciplines has resulted in a prioritized list of populations and traits that should be examined, and seed increase has begun to provide the community with material for extensive phenotyping. In-depth phenotyping and genotyping of these populations should result in markers that can be deployed by breeding programs for the development of improved cultivars.
The Value of Diploid Peanut Relatives for Breeding and Genomics
Authors: Stalker H. T. , Tallury S. P. , Ozias-Akins P. , Bertioli D. , Bertioli S. C. Leal
Published: February 2014

Collection, evaluation, and introgression research has been conducted with Arachis species for more than 60 years. Eighty species in the genus have been described and additional species will be named in the future. Extremely high levels of disease and insect resistances to immunity have been observed in many species of the genus as compared to the cultivated peanut, which makes them extremely important for crop improvement. Many thousands of interspecific hybrids have been produced in the genus, but introgression has been slow because of genomic incompatibilities and sterility of hybrids. Genomics research was initiated during the late 1980s to characterize species relationships and investigate more efficient methods to introgress genes from wild species to A. hypogaea. Relatively low density genetic maps have been created from inter- and intra-specific crosses, several of which have placed disease resistance genes into limited linkage groups. Of particular interest is associating molecular markers with traits of interest to enhance breeding for disease and insect resistances. Only recently have sufficiently large numbers of markers become available to effectively conduct marker assisted breeding in peanut. Future analyses of the diploid ancestors of the cultivated peanut, A. duranensis and A. ipaensis, will allow more detailed characterization of peanut genetics and the effects of Arachis species alleles on agronomic traits. Extensive efforts are being made to create populations for genomic analyses of peanut, and introgression of genes from wild to cultivated genotypes should become more efficient in the near future.
Smellmelon Control and Peanut Response to Flumioxazin and Paraquat Alone and in Combination
Authors: Grichar W. J. , Dotray P. A.
Published: February 2014

Field studies were conducted in the Texas High Plains and south Texas to determine peanut response to flumioxazin and paraquat applied preemergence or 7 days after ground cracking (DAC). These herbicides were applied either alone or in combination. Smellmelon control was greater than 90% with all 7 DAC treatments while preemergence (PRE) treatments of flumioxazin plus paraquat controlled 87 to 97% in one of two years. No peanut injury was noted following either herbicide applied preemergence; however, early-season injury (stunting and leaf chlorosis/necrosis) was evident with flumioxazin and paraquat alone or in combination when applied 7 DAC. Early-season injury in south Texas from the 7 DAC applications of flumioxazin and paraquat varied from 9 to 63% with flumioxazin alone, 18 to 65% with paraquat alone, and 33 to 83% with combinations of the two herbicides. Injury in the Texas High Plains was never more than 40% with either herbicide alone or in combination. Mid-season injury in south Texas was at least 13% with any combination that included flumioxazin at 0.11 kg/ha while injury in the Texas High Plains varied from 12 to 25%. Peanut yields were not affected by flumioxazin and paraquat in the High Plains area although yields in south Texas were reduced from the untreated weed-free check with combinations of flumioxazin and paraquat.
Changing our culture
Authors: Benzil Deborah L.
Published: February 2014

Today, a great challenge of our profession is to envision how we will deliver exemplary neurosurgical care in the future. To accomplish this requires anticipating how economic, political, and societal influences will affect our ability to provide the highest quality of patient care in an arena that will look increasingly different from today's world of medicine. Already, our profession is battling a relentless assault as numerous sectors implement change that impacts us and our community every day. Surviving this requires an effective strategy that will involve significant cultural change. To accomplish this, neurosurgery must take an honest look inward and then commit to being the agents of positive cultural change.

Such a path will not be easy but should reap important benefits for all of neurosurgery and our patients. Several practical and proven strategies can help us to realize the rewards of changing our culture. Vital to this process is understanding that effecting behavioral change will increase the likelihood of achieving sustainable cultural change. Innovation and diversity are crucial to encourage and reward when trying to effect meaningful cultural change, while appreciating the power of a “Tipping Point” strategy will also reap significant benefits.

As a profession, if we adopt these strategies and tactics we can lead our profession to proceed in improvement, and as individuals we can use the spirit that drove us into neurosurgery to become the agents of an enduring and meaningful cultural change that will benefit our patients and us.
Surgical options for treatment of traumatic subdural hematomas in children younger than 2 years of age
Authors: Melo José Roberto Tude , Di Rocco Federico , Bourgeois Marie , Puget Stephanie , Blauwblomme Thomas , Sainte-Rose Christian , Meyer Philippe G. , Zerah Michel
Published: February 2014

Object

Subdural hematoma (SDH) is the most common finding on cranial CT in pediatric victims of abusive head trauma (AHT). The hematomas are commonly bilateral and sometimes associated with interhemispheric hyperdensity and/or convexity hemorrhages. There is no consensus regarding the best surgical treatment in such cases nor are there standardized surgical protocols. The authors report their experience and discuss the routine surgical options in the management of traumatic SDH at a Level 1 Pediatric Trauma Center.

Methods

In this paper, the authors describe a cross-sectional study with consecutive revision of data described in the medical records of Hôpital Universitaire Necker–Enfants Malades between January 2008 and January 2013. During this period, all children younger than 2 years of age who were admitted with a traumatic SDH identified on CT scans were included in this study.

Results

One hundred eighty-four children who had SDH and were younger than 2 years of age were included. Their median age was 5.8 months (range 5 days–23 months), and 70% of the children were male. On admission CT scans, the SDH was bilateral in 52% of cases and homogeneously hypodense in 77%. Neurosurgical treatment was undertaken in 111 children (60%) with an admission Glasgow Coma Scale score of 12 or less, bulging fontanels, or other signs suggestive of intracranial hypertension. The first surgical option was craniotomy in 1.8% (2) of these 111 cases, decompressive craniectomy in 1.8% (2), transcutaneous subdural puncture in 15% (17), external subdural drainage in 16% (18), subdural-subgaleal shunt placement in 17% (19), and subdural-peritoneal shunt placement in 48% (53). In 82% of the children initially treated with transcutaneous subdural puncture and in 50% of those treated with external subdural drainage, increase or persistence of the SDH, CSF or skin infection, or shunt system malfunction was observed and further surgical intervention was required. There was a 26% rate of complications in patients initially treated with a subdural-peritoneal shunt. Although 52% of the patients had bilateral SDH, bilateral drainage was only required in 9.4%.

Conclusions

The choice of treatment should be determined by the clinical and radiological characteristics of the individual case. Although effective on an emergency basis, subdural puncture and external subdural drainage are frequently insufficient to obtain complete resolution of SDH, and temporary placement of a subdural-peritoneal shunt is needed in most cases.