bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
In‐Situ Reactor Radiation‐Induced Attenuation in Sapphire Optical Fibers
Authors: Petrie Christian M. , Windl Wolfgang , Blue Thomas E.
Published: September 2014

The purpose of this work was to determine the suitability of using instrumentation utilizing sapphire optical fibers in a nuclear reactor environment. In this work, the broadband (500–2200 nm, or 0.56–2.48 eV) optical transmission in commercially available sapphire optical fibers was monitored in‐situ prior to and during reactor irradiation. The sapphire fibers were irradiated at a neutron flux of 1.5 × 1012 n/(cm2·s) and a gamma dose rate of 75 kGy/h (dose in sapphire) to a total neutron fluence of 1.1 × 1017 n/cm2 and total gamma dose of on the order of 1.5 MGy. Consistent with previous gamma irradiation experiments, an absorption band centered below 500 nm (the minimum measurable wavelength using the measurement system described in this work) and extending as far as ~1000 nm reached saturation during irradiation in the gamma shut‐down field (the gamma‐ray radiation field that is present in the reactor post‐operation, as a consequence of the decay of radioisotopes that were produced during reactor operation) of the reactor prior to reactor irradiation. Beginning reactor irradiation and increasing the reactor power caused rapid increases in attenuation, followed by a linear increase with irradiation time at constant reactor power. Shutting down the reactor caused a decrease in the added attenuation; however, restarting the reactor caused the added attenuation to rapidly return to values almost identical to those observed at the end of the previous irradiation. The decrease in attenuation that was observed after the reactor was shut down shows the importance of the in‐situ nature of the measurements made in this work (previous ex‐situ attenuation measurements could not have captured this effect). A model is proposed for the experimentally obtained values of the radiation‐induced attenuation that involves three previously identified color centers including a composite V‐center, a center, and a center. The model accounts for gamma radiation‐induced ionization of pre‐existing defects, generation of new defects via displacement damage, and conversion between defect centers via ionization and charge recombination.
Integrating NIR Spectroscopy and Electronic Tongue Together with Chemometric Analysis for Accurate Classification of Cocoa Bean Varieties
Authors: Teye Ernest , Huang Xingyi , Takrama Jemmy , Haiyang Gu
Published: September 2014

This article examined the potential of sensor fusion of near‐infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) and electronic tongue (ET) together with multivariate analysis, for the accurate and rapid classification of five cocoa bean varieties. Optimum data extraction was done from each sensor and principal component analysis was used for data fusion by normalization. Support vector machine was used to develop the classification model. The model was optimized by cross‐validation and assessed by the numbers of principal components (PCs) and the classification rate. The single sensors (NIRS and ET) has a classification rate between 83 and 93%, while, data fusion (ET‐NIRS) had a classification rate of 100% at three PCs in both the training and prediction. Comparatively, the data fusion technique was superior to the single techniques. The findings could be exploited for reliable and rapid identification and discrimination of cocoa bean varieties. The study showed its novelty in the possibility of combining ET and NIRS data for accurate classification of cocoa bean varieties.

Practical Application

Cocoa processor will always demand high‐quality cocoa beans and breeders are in the business of releasing new varieties. The analytical methods used to assess and differentiate varieties are cumbersome, time consuming, and require an elaborate sample preparation and chemical usage. Also, single‐sensor technique does not also always provide accurate means to differentiate very similar varieties. This research investigated the feasibility of integrating near‐infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) and electronic tongue (ET) together with multivariate calibration analysis for rapid classification of cocoa bean varieties. This research has demonstrated that data fusion of NIRS and ET together with support vector machine could be used to differentiate cocoa bean varieties. These findings would be very useful to cocoa‐producing countries, processors, and quality assurance managers for overcoming mislabeling and adulteration. Breeders can also use this technique for rapid and easy differentiation of cocoa bean varieties to facilitate breeding process
Effect of Chia (Salvia hispanica L) Addition on the Quality of Gluten‐Free Bread
Authors: Steffolani Eugenia , de la Hera Esther , Pérez Gabriela , Gómez Manuel
Published: September 2014

The objective of this study was to analyze the influence of chia seeds and flour on the organoleptic quality of gluten‐free breads. Rice breads were elaborated with the addition of 15 g of chia flour or seed, either dry or pre‐hydrated, per 100 g of rice flour. The influence of the addition of chia on flour pasting properties and dough proofing behavior was analyzed. The specific volume, weight, texture, color and acceptability of the breads were studied. The addition of chia reduced specific volume and increased the hardness of breads, and the effect was more evident with the flour than with seed. Chia addition minimized weight loss during baking in all cases. The addition of chia flour produced a darker crust and crumb. There were no significant differences between the different breads in the global acceptability, but chia seed breads presented better values in terms of texture than control.

Practical Applications

This study shows that the use of chia seed and flours in rice bread making allows results in breads with good acceptability. However, the correct selection of seed or flours and previous hydration or not are essential to achieve appropriate results. Thereby, breads with chia seeds showed a better aspect valued by consumers, a higher specific volume and a lower firmness than breads made with chia flour, without a quality improvement in the case of a previous prehydration.
Inhibition of Salmonella by Bacteriocin‐Producing Lactic Acid Bacteria Derived from U.S. Kimchi and Broiler Chicken
Authors: Kim Ji Yeun , Young Janay A. , Gunther Nereus W. , Lee Jung‐Lim
Published: September 2014

In this study, lactic acid bacteria (LAB) were isolated from kimchi prepared in the U.S.A. and from broiler chickens. The resulting isolates were examined for potential probiotic characteristics. A total of 488 LAB strains were isolated, and among them, 16 originating from kimchi and 14 from broilers produced bacteriocin‐like substances, which showed antimicrobial effects against Salmonella Enteritidis, Heidelberg, Newport and Typhimurium. These strains were investigated with regard to additional probiotic properties such as tolerance to gastric juice and bile, resistance to enzymes, and antibiotics susceptibilities. Lactobacillus casei or paracasei Cab‐18, Lb. saniviri Cuc‐1, and Leuconostoc mesenteroides Com‐54 isolated from kimchi and Lb. johnsonii F‐6 and Lb. crispatus F‐59 isolated from broiler chicken demonstrated promising probiotic properties with the ability to produce bacteriocin‐like substances with relatively strong antimicrobial activity against Salmonella. These strains could potentially be applied as supplements to poultry in order to reduce Salmonella contamination.

Practical Applications

Salmonellosis associated with consumption of contaminated meats, especially poultry products, is a major concern due to the common outbreaks in the U.S.A. Although it has been shown that lactic acid bacteria (LAB) could reduce Salmonella contaminations, LAB isolated from kimchi have not been studied for the potential to inhibit the persistence of Salmonella spp. in live poultry. The present study screened LAB, which showed antimicrobial effects against four clinically important serotypes of Salmonella. Additionally, we selected LAB that had additional probiotic properties, which would allow for the strains use as potential feed additives. Therefore, the LAB strains isolated in this study could be applied as feed supplements to poultry for the purpose of reducing colonization of Salmonella in poultry as well as contamination during processing.
Role of plant myosins in motile organelles: Is a direct interaction required?
Authors: Buchnik Limor , Abu‐Abied Mohamad , Sadot Einat
Published: September 2014

Plant organelles are highly motile, with speed values of 3–7 µm/s in cells of land plants and about 20–60 µm/s in characean algal cells. This movement is believed to be important for rapid distribution of materials around the cell, for the plant's ability to respond to environmental biotic and abiotic signals and for proper growth. The main machinery that propels motility of organelles within plant cells is based on the actin cytoskeleton and its motor proteins the myosins. Most plants express multiple members of two main classes: myosin VIII and myosin XI. While myosin VIII has been characterized as a slow motor protein, myosins from class XI were found to be the fastest motor proteins known in all kingdoms. Paradoxically, while it was found that myosins from class XI regulate most organelle movement, it is not quite clear how or even if these motor proteins attach to the organelles whose movement they regulate.

Einat Sadot
Larvae of the small white butterfly, Pieris rapae, express a novel serotonin receptor
Authors: Qi Yi‐Xiang , Xia Ren‐Ying , Wu Ya‐Su , Stanley David , Huang Jia , Ye Gong‐Yin
Published: September 2014

The biogenic amine serotonin (5‐hydroxytryptamine, 5‐HT) is a neurotransmitter in vertebrates and invertebrates. It acts in regulation and modulation of many physiological and behavioral processes through G‐protein‐coupled receptors. Five 5‐HT receptor subtypes have been reported in Drosophila that share high similarity with mammalian 5‐HT1A, 5‐HT1B, 5‐HT2A, 5‐HT2B, and 5‐HT7 receptors. We isolated a cDNA (Pr5‐HT8) from larval Pieris rapae, which shares relatively low similarity to the known 5‐HT receptor classes. After heterologous expression in HEK293 cells, Pr5‐HT8 mediated increased [Ca2+]i in response to low concentrations (< 10 nM) of 5‐HT. The receptor did not affect [cAMP]i even at high concentrations (> 10 μM) of 5‐HT. Dopamine, octopamine, and tyramine did not influence receptor signaling. Pr5‐HT8 was also activated by various 5‐HT receptor agonists including 5‐methoxytryptamine, (±)‐8‐Hydroxy‐2‐(dipropylamino) tetralin, and 5‐carboxamidotryptamine. Methiothepin, a non‐selective 5‐HT receptor antagonist, activated Pr5‐HT8. WAY 10635, a 5‐HT1A antagonist, but not SB‐269970, SB‐216641, or RS‐127445, inhibited 5‐HT‐induced [Ca2+]i increases. We infer that Pr5‐HT8 represents the first recognized member of a novel 5‐HT receptor class with a unique pharmacological profile. We found orthologs of Pr5‐HT8 in some insect pests and vectors such as beetles and mosquitoes, but not in the genomes of honeybee or parasitoid wasps. This is likely to be an invertebrate‐specific receptor because there were no similar receptors in mammals.

image

We isolated a cDNA (Pr5‐HT8) from larval Pieris rapae, which shares relatively low similarity to the known GPCRs. After heterologous expression in HEK293 cells, Pr5‐HT8 mediated increased [Ca2+]i in response to low concentrations (< 10 nM) of 5‐HT and various 5‐HT receptor agonists. We found orthologs of Pr5‐HT8 in some insect pests and vectors such as beetles and mosquitoes, but not in the genomes of honeybee, parasitoid wasps, or mammals.
Discourse, Defiance, and Rationality: “Knowledge Work” in the “Obedience” Experiments
Authors: Gibson Stephen
Published: September 2014

In this article, I present a secondary qualitative analysis of archived audio data from two conditions (“voice‐feedback” and “women as subjects”) in Milgram's experiments. Using a perspective informed by rhetorical and discursive psychologies, I focus on the rhetorical strategies employed by participants. This highlights the use of strategies based around direct invocations of “knowledge.” Analysis explores the ways in which participants could use such strategies to challenge the experimenter's definition of the situation in their efforts to extricate themselves from the experiment. Findings are discussed in relation to two ongoing debates in the study of Milgram's experiments: First, the importance of attending to defiance and resistance as much as compliance and obedience; second, the questioning of the status of the phenomena captured in Milgram's studies as necessarily being concerned with “(dis)obedience.”
Milgram's Unpublished Obedience Variation and its Historical Relevance
Authors: Rochat François , Blass Thomas
Published: September 2014

In May 1962, Milgram ran the last experimental condition of his obedience experiments in which participants brought a friend to the laboratory. This article reports on previously unpublished findings from this “Bring‐a‐Friend” condition. First, if a participant questions the experimental procedure before administering a punishment more than 10 times to his fellow participant or to his friend, he will succeed in opposing the experimenter's demands to complete the experiment. Early resistance predicts participants’ successful defiance. Second, when the friend is in the role of learner, participants who resist either early or late consequently lessen the number of times they administer the demanded punishment. Having to punish a friend shortens the period of cooperation between reluctant participants and experimenter. These findings are then related to the case of Carl Lutz saving Jews from deportation to their death during WWII.
The Explanatory Value of Milgram's Obedience Experiments: A Contemporary Appraisal
Authors: Miller Arthur G.
Published: September 2014

A contemporary appraisal of the explanatory value of the obedience experiments is presented, focusing upon a sample of recent generalizations linked to Milgram's theoretical interpretation. Processes emphasized include justification, the agentic shift, dehumanization, and resistance. These constructs have helped explain diverse phenomena in business ethics and corporate corruption, harmful obedience in legal practice, and whistleblowing, in addition to genocide. The major legacy continues to be the situational thesis that serious harm may be perpetrated upon protesting victims by ordinary, good people under the influence of authority. However, this thesis is still limiting and problematic in the view of many scholars, particularly with respect to the Holocaust. Unanswered questions are discussed. Individual differences in obedience (or disobedience) were noteworthy in Milgram's research, and convincing explanations for these differences remain unaddressed. An empirically validated theory, accounting for Milgram's entire set of observations, is needed, which would facilitate generalizations to relevant contexts.
Is it feasible to identify preterm infants with respiratory distress syndrome for early extubation to continuous positive airway pressure post‐surfactant treatment during retrieval?
Authors: Priyadarshi Archana , Quek Wei Shern , Luig Melissa , Lui Kei
Published: September 2014

Aim

Preterm infants with respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) requiring surfactant treatment are often retrieved mechanically ventilated to the receiving hospital. INSURE (INtubate, SURfactant, Extubate) technique is not routinely performed by Newborn and Pediatric Emergency Transport Services NSW (NETS) during retrieval. This study aims to evaluate the likelihood of using INSURE technique during retrieval. We attempted to study the clinical characteristics of preterm infants with RDS who were favourably extubated (FE) shortly after admission to the receiving hospital.

Methods

Retrospective study of preterm infants, gestational age (GA) > 28 weeks with RDS requiring retrieval by NETS.

Results

Two hundred twenty‐three infants, median GA of 33 weeks (range 29–36), median birthweight 2200 g (1000–4080) were examined. A percentage of 49.7 received CPAP, and 50.3% required MV. Eighteen (16%) infants were FE (<6 h) at receiving hospital. FiO2 on stabilisation (FiO2(st)) by NETS correlated with FiO2 on admission to receiving hospital (r = 0.863). A percentage of 81 of ventilated infants received premedications including morphine. No significant differences were noted for GA, stabilisation ventilator settings, surfactant dose (mean 155 mg/kg) and mode of transport between FE and non‐FE groups. FiO2(st) post‐surfactant treatment was significantly lower in FE compared with non‐FE group (mean 0.28 vs. 0.41 respectively). The area under the curve from receiver operating characteristic based on FiO2(st) was 0.646 (P = 0.050), the sensitivity and specificity of FiO2(st) cut‐off points (between 0.25 and 0.30) was low.

Conclusion

FiO2 on stabilisation post‐surfactant treatment has a weak predictive value and may not be adequate to be used as sole criteria to extubate to CPAP prior to transport. FiO2 at stabilisation should be included as an eligibility criteria for a randomised trial of INSURE during retrieval, but other clinical assessments are needed.
Skin permeation enhancement effects of the gel and whole-leaf materials of Aloe vera, Aloe marlothii and Aloe ferox
Authors: Fox Lizelle T , Gerber Minja , L du Preez Jan , du Plessis Jeanetta , Hamman Josias H
Published: September 2014

Objectives

The aim of this study was to investigate the in-vitro permeation enhancement effects of the gel and whole-leaf materials of Aloe vera, Aloe marlothii and Aloe ferox using ketoprofen as a marker compound.

Methods

The permeation studies were conducted across excised female abdominal skin in Franz diffusion cells, and the delivery of ketoprofen into the stratum corneum-epidermis and epidermis-dermis layers of the skin was investigated using a tape-stripping technique.

Key findings

A. vera gel showed the highest permeation-enhancing effect on ketoprofen (enhancement ratio or ER = 2.551) when compared with the control group, followed by A. marlothii gel (ER = 1.590) and A. ferox whole-leaf material (ER = 1.520). Non-linear curve fitting calculations indicated that the drug permeation-enhancing effect of A. vera gel can be attributed to an increased partitioning of the drug into the skin, while A. ferox whole leaf modified the diffusion characteristics of the skin for ketoprofen. The tape stripping results indicated that A. marlothii whole leaf delivered the highest concentration of the ketoprofen into the different skin layers.

Conclusions

Of the selected aloe species investigated, A. vera gel material showed the highest potential as transdermal drug penetration enhancer across human skin.
Short‐term melatonin consumption protects the heart of obese rats independent of body weight change and visceral adiposity
Authors: Nduhirabandi Frederic , Huisamen Barbara , Strijdom Hans , Blackhurst Dee , Lochner Amanda
Published: September 2014

Chronic melatonin treatment has been shown to prevent the harmful effects of diet‐induced obesity and reduce myocardial susceptibility to ischaemia‐reperfusion injury (IRI). However, the exact mechanism whereby it exerts its beneficial actions on the heart in obesity/insulin resistance remains unknown. Herein, we investigated the effects of relatively short‐term melatonin treatment on the heart in a rat model of diet‐induced obesity. Control and diet‐induced obese Wistar rats (fed a high calorie diet for 20 wk) were each subdivided into three groups receiving drinking water with or without melatonin (4 mg/kg/day) for the last 6 or 3 wk of experimentation. A number of isolated hearts were perfused in the working mode, subjected to regional or global ischaemia‐reperfusion; others were nonperfused. Metabolic parameters, myocardial infarct sizes (IFS), baseline and postischaemic activation of PKB/Akt, ERK42/44, GSK‐3β and STAT‐3 were determined. Diet‐induced obesity caused increases in body weight gain, visceral adiposity, fasting blood glucose, serum insulin and triglyceride (TG) levels with a concomitant cardiac hypertrophy, large postischaemic myocardial IFSs and a reduced cardiac output. Melatonin treatment (3 and 6 wk) decreased serum insulin levels and the HOMA index (P < 0.05) with no effect on weight gain (after 3 wk), visceral adiposity, serum TG and glucose levels. It increased serum adiponectin levels, reduced myocardial IFSs in both groups and activated baseline myocardial STAT‐3 and PKB/Akt, ERK42/44 and GSK‐3β during reperfusion. Overall, short‐term melatonin administration to obese/insulin resistant rats reduced insulin resistance and protected the heart against ex vivo myocardial IRI independently of body weight change and visceral adiposity.
Modafinil in the treatment of idiopathic hypersomnia without long sleep time—a randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled study
Authors: Mayer Geert , Benes Heike , Young Peter , Bitterlich Marion , Rodenbeck Andrea
Published: September 2014

In 2010 the European Medicines Agency withdrew the indication of modafinil for the treatment of obstructive sleep apnea, shift work sleep disorder and for idiopathic hypersomnia (IH). In uncontrolled studies, modafinil has been reported to be efficacious in the treatment of sleep disorders. We therefore performed a randomized, placebo‐controlled study with the aim of proving the efficacy of modafinil treatment in these patients. Drug‐free IH patients without long sleep according to ICSD2 criteria, age >18 years and disease duration >2 years were included. After a washout phase, patients at baseline received placebo or 100 mg modafinil in the morning and at noon over 3 weeks, followed by 1 week without medication. At each visit the Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS) and Clinical Global Impression (CGI) rating scale were performed. At baseline and on days 8 and 21 four Maintenance of Wakefulness Tests (MWTs)/day or per day were performed. Patients kept a sleep–wake diary throughout the study. Between 2009 and 2011 three sleep centres recruited 33 participants. Compared to placebo, modafinil decreased sleepiness significantly and improved mean sleep latency in the MWT non‐significantly. The CGI improved significantly from baseline to the last visit on treatment. The most frequent adverse events were headaches and gastrointestinal disorders; skin and psychiatric reactions were not reported. The number of reported naps and duration of daytime sleepiness decreased significantly. Total sleep time of nocturnal sleep was slightly reduced. The sleep diaries showed increases in feeling refreshed in the morning; the diurnal diaries showed significant improvement of performance and of exhaustion. Modafinil is an effective and safe medication in the treatment of IH. Adverse events are mild to moderate.
Male and Female He Created Them: Gender Traditionalism, Masculine Images of God, and Attitudes Toward Same‐Sex Unions
Authors: Whitehead Andrew L.
Published: September 2014

Prior research demonstrates that religion and gender traditionalism are associated with less favorable attitudes toward same‐sex unions because of its deviation from customary religious doctrine and traditional patterns of gender behavior. This study examines the link between religion, gender traditionalism, and attitudes toward same‐sex unions by utilizing a novel measure of gender traditionalism that is distinctly religious as well. Recent work on images of God reveals that individuals’ views of the divine provide a glimpse of their underlying view of reality. The results suggest that individuals who view God as a “he” are much less favorable toward same‐sex unions than those who do not view God as masculine, even while controlling for gender traditionalist beliefs and other images of God. Individuals who view God as masculine are signaling a belief in an underlying gendered reality that influences their perceptions of the proper ordering of that reality, which extends to marriage patterns. These findings encourage future research to identify innovative measures of religion that incorporate aspects of other social institutions to account for their interconnected nature.
A Muslim President? Misperceptions of Barack Obama's Faith in the 2008 Presidential Campaign
Authors: Layman Geoffrey C. , Kalkan Kerem Ozan , Green John C.
Published: September 2014

Rumors that President Barack Obama is a Muslim were rampant during the 2008 presidential campaign and continued well into his presidency. These rumors were widely believed, were electorally consequential, and are part of a growing trend of politically motivated misconceptions. Thus, relying principally on the theory of motivated reasoning, we examine the factors that shaped citizens’ beliefs about and responses to messages about Obama's faith. Using an original survey experiment and data from the 2008–2009 American National Election Study panel, we show that citizens’ responses to rumors about Obama's religion were shaped by political predispositions, political awareness, and their interactions. Identification of Obama with Islam was most widespread, and the cues encouraging such identification were most successful, among individuals with low levels of political awareness, conservative and Republican identifications, and negative views of cultural out‐groups. Viewing Obama as Muslim was significantly less prevalent among people with high levels of awareness and with the opposite set of predispositions.
PRICE SETTING OF MARKET MAKERS: A FILTERING PROBLEM WITH ENDOGENOUS FILTRATION
Authors: Kühn Christoph , Riedel Matthias
Published: September 2014

This paper studies the price‐setting problem of market makers under risk neutrality and perfect competition in continuous time. The classic approach of Glosten–Milgrom is followed. Bid and ask prices are defined as conditional expectations of a true value of the asset given the market makers' partial information that includes the customers' trading decisions. The true value is modeled as a Markov process that can be observed by the customers with some noise at Poisson times. A mathematically rigorous analysis of the price‐setting problem is carried out, solving a filtering problem with endogenous filtration that depends on the bid and ask price processes quoted by the market maker. The existence and uniqueness of the bid and ask price processes is shown under some conditions.
Synergistic interactions of begomoviruses with Sweet potato chlorotic stunt virus (genus Crinivirus) in sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas L.)
Authors: Cuellar Wilmer J. , Galvez Marco , Fuentes Segundo , Tugume Joab , Kreuze Jan
Published: September 2014

Three hundred and ninety‐four sweet potato accessions from Latin America and East Africa were screened by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for the presence of begomoviruses, and 46 were found to be positive. All were symptomless in sweet potato and generated leaf curling and/or chlorosis in Ipomoea setosa. The five most divergent isolates, based on complete genome sequences, were used to study interactions with Sweet potato chlorotic stunt virus (SPCSV), known to cause synergistic diseases with other viruses. Co‐infections led to increased titres of begomoviruses and decreased titres of SPCSV in all cases, although the extent of the changes varied notably between begomovirus isolates. Symptoms of leaf curling only developed temporarily in combination with isolate StV1 and coincided with the presence of the highest begomovirus concentrations in the plant. Small interfering RNA (siRNA) sequence analysis revealed that co‐infection of SPCSV with isolate StV1 led to relatively increased siRNA targeting of the central part of the SPCSV genome and a reduction in targeting of the genomic ends, but no changes to the targeting of StV1 relative to single infection of either virus. These changes were not observed in the interaction between SPCSV and the RNA virus Sweet potato feathery mottle virus (genus Potyvirus), implying specific effects of begomoviruses on RNA silencing of SPCSV in dually infected plants. Infection in RNase3‐expressing transgenic plants showed that this protein was sufficient to mediate this synergistic interaction with DNA viruses, similar to RNA viruses, but exposed distinct effects on RNA silencing when RNase3 was expressed from its native virus, or constitutively from a transgene, despite a similar pathogenic outcome.
Deep sequencing reveals a novel closterovirus associated with wild rose leaf rosette disease
Authors: He Yan , Yang Zuokun , Hong Ni , Wang Guoping , Ning Guogui , Xu Wenxing
Published: September 2014

A bizarre virus‐like symptom of a leaf rosette formed by dense small leaves on branches of wild roses (Rosa multiflora Thunb.), designated as ‘wild rose leaf rosette disease’ (WRLRD), was observed in China. To investigate the presumed causal virus, a wild rose sample affected by WRLRD was subjected to deep sequencing of small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) for a complete survey of the infecting viruses and viroids. The assembly of siRNAs led to the reconstruction of the complete genomes of three known viruses, namely Apple stem grooving virus (ASGV), Blackberry chlorotic ringspot virus (BCRV) and Prunus necrotic ringspot virus (PNRSV), and of a novel virus provisionally named ‘rose leaf rosette‐associated virus’ (RLRaV). Phylogenetic analysis clearly placed RLRaV alongside members of the genus Closterovirus, family Closteroviridae. Genome organization of RLRaV RNA (17 653 nucleotides) showed 13 open reading frames (ORFs), except ORF1 and the quintuple gene block, most of which showed no significant similarities with known viral proteins, but, instead, had detectable identities to fungal or bacterial proteins. Additional novel molecular features indicated that RLRaV seems to be the most complex virus among the known genus members. To our knowledge, this is the first report of WRLRD and its associated closterovirus, as well as two ilarviruses and one capilovirus, infecting wild roses. Our findings present novel information about the closterovirus and the aetiology of this rose disease which should facilitate its control. More importantly, the novel features of RLRaV help to clarify the molecular and evolutionary features of the closterovirus.
Spiritual care and kidney disease in NZ: A qualitative study with New Zealand renal specialists
Authors: Egan Richard , MacLeod Rod , Tiatia Ramona , Wood Sarah , Mountier Jane , Walker Rob
Published: September 2014

Aim

People with chronic kidney disease have a shortened life expectancy and carry a high symptom burden. Research suggests that attending to renal patients' spiritual needs may contribute to an improvement in their quality of life. The aim of this qualitative study was to investigate the provision of spiritual care in New Zealand renal units from the perspective of specialists.

Methods

The study followed a generic qualitative approach and included semi‐structured interviews with specialists recruited from New Zealand's ten renal centres.

Results

Five specialist doctors and nine specialist nurses were recruited for interviews. Understandings of spirituality were broad, with most participants having an inclusive understanding. Patients' spiritual needs were generally acknowledged and respected though formal spiritual assessments were not done. Consideration of death was discussed as an often‐unexamined need. The dominant position was that the specialists did not provide explicit spiritual care of patients but there was some ad hoc provision offered through pre‐dialysis educators, family meetings, Māori liaison staff members and the efforts of individuals. Chaplains were well used in some services. Participants had received no pre and little in‐service training or education in spiritual care. Suggestions for improvements included in‐service training, better utilization of chaplaincy services and training in advance care planning.

Conclusion

Most participants indicated they would attempt to provide some form of spiritual care, either directly or by referring the patient to appropriate services. However, participants generally demonstrated a lack of confidence in addressing a patient's spiritual needs.
Effect of preoperative statin therapy on postoperative acute kidney injury in patients undergoing major surgery: Systemic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Pan Szu‐Yu , Wu Vin‐Cent , Huang Tao‐Min , Chou Hou‐Chang , Ko Wen‐Je , Wu Kwan‐Dun , Lee Chien‐Chang ,   NSARF group
Published: September 2014

We aimed to examine the association between preoperative use of statins and postoperative acute kidney injury (AKI) in patients undergoing major surgery by performing a systemic review and meta‐analysis. MEDLINE and EMBASE, from inception to April 2013, and the reference lists of related articles were searched for relevant studies. Trials comparing preoperative statin therapy with no preoperative statin in patients undergoing major surgery were included. Outcome measures of interest were the risk of cumulative postoperative AKI and postoperative AKI requiring renal replacement therapy (RRT). Fixed or random effect meta‐analysis was performed to derive summary effect estimates. In five randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and 19 observational studies, comprising a total of 989 173 patients undergoing major surgery, 112 840 patients (11.41%) received preoperative statin therapy. The specific type, dosage, and duration of statin therapy were not available in most studies. Preoperative statin therapy was associated with a significant risk reduction for cumulative postoperative AKI (weighted summary odds ratio (OR) 0.87, 95% CI 0.79 to 0.95). The effect of risk reduction was also significant when considering postoperative AKI requiring RRT (OR 0.80, 95% CI 0.72 to 0.90). When restricting the analysis to the five RCTs, preoperative statin therapy did not show significant protective effect on postoperative AKI (OR 0.49, 95% CI 0.22 to 1.09). In patients undergoing major surgery, preoperative statin therapy could associate with a reduced risk for postoperative AKI. However, considerable heterogeneity existed among included studies. Future randomized trials were warranted for this critical clinical question.
Flood meadows in Finland – their development during the past century
Authors: Huhta Ari‐Pekka , Rautio Pasi
Published: September 2014

Flood meadows represent semi‐natural vegetation by the great rivers in northern Finland. Physical forces acting on the river banks such as ice, floods and annual sedimentation create temporarily oxygen‐free conditions as well as open space for the growth of grasses and herbs. Besides flood dynamics, clearing and mowing for winter forage maintained flood meadow series representative for centuries. When the regular management for winter forage ceased by the end of 1950's, flood meadows started to overgrow by trees and shrubs, and thus change back to their virgin state.

Different meadow types are traditionally arranged into a grassland continuum on the basis of their soil moisture gradient: from dry to wet meadows, from which dozens of vicariating associations emerge. Fine‐featured vegetation types may be categorized into six functional groups according to their vicinity to riverside and flooding frequency.

The aim of this study was to define the state of flood meadows in Finland by studying the data collected during the nationwide inventory (NWI) of traditional rural biotopes in Finland 1992–2001, and by comparing NWI with the vast material collected by 14 different researchers starting from the beginning of the 1900's and reaching into first decade of present millennia. First, the NWI and the researchers’ data were studied alone and thereafter the material was pooled and compared.

Results show that management cessation have had only minor effect on wet flood meadows close to mean water level. Equisetum fluviatile‐, tall Carex‐ and moist grass flood meadows remain largely open without human influence. However, combined effect of ceased mowing and decreased sedimentation due, e.g. to watercourse regulation and hydraulic engineering, changes also the wet types into open‐ and shrub‐covered swamps. In contrast, without management the uppermost tall herb‐, moist grass‐ and small herb flood meadows turn quickly into thickets. As a consequence, today moist grass‐, tall‐ and small herb flood meadows are critically endangered habitat types in Finland.
Oberonia manipurensis sp. nov. (Orchidaceae) from Manipur, India
Authors: Chowlu Krishna , Devi Yumnam Nanda , Rao Abbareddy Nageswara , Angela Nengpilhing , Bishwajit Sharma Hidangmayum , Akimpou Goimei
Published: September 2014

A new species Oberonia manipurensis Chowlu, Nanda, A. N. Rao, Angela, Bishwajit & Akimpou sp. nov. (Orchidaceae) is described from Manipur, India. It is closely allied to O. pachyphylla King & Pantl. but differs in longer inflorescence, bilaterally flattened to terete leaves, entire bract, subserrate petals and anther cap with obtuse front margin. The species is described in detail and illustrated with a colour plate. The chromosome number for the species is also reported: 2n = 36.
Systematic review of behavioural interventions with culturally adapted strategies to improve diet and weight outcomes in African American women
Authors: Kong A. , Tussing‐Humphreys L. M. , Odoms‐Young A. M. , Stolley M. R. , Fitzgibbon M. L.
Published: September 2014

Behavioural interventions incorporating features that are culturally salient to African American women have emerged as one approach to address the high rates of obesity in this group. Yet, the systematic evaluation of this research is lacking. This review identified culturally adapted strategies reported in behavioural interventions using a prescribed framework and examined the effectiveness of these interventions for diet and weight outcomes among African American women. Publications from 1 January 1990 through 31 December 2012 were retrieved from four databases, yielding 28 interventions. Seventeen of 28 studies reported significant improvements in diet and/or weight change outcomes in treatment over comparison groups. The most commonly identified strategies reported were ‘sociocultural’ (reflecting a group's values and beliefs) and ‘constituent involving’ (drawing from a group's experiences). Studies with significant findings commonly reported constituent‐involving strategies during the formative phases of the intervention. Involving constituents early on may uncover key attributes of a target group and contribute to a greater understanding of the heterogeneity that exists even within racial/ethnic groups. Available evidence does not, however, explain how culturally adapted strategies specifically influence outcomes. Greater attention to defining and measuring cultural variables and linking them to outcomes or related mediators are important next steps.
Outside‐of‐school time obesity prevention and treatment interventions in African American youth
Authors: Barr‐Anderson D. J. , Singleton C. , Cotwright C. J. , Floyd M. F. , Affuso O.
Published: September 2014

Outside‐of‐school time (OST; i.e. before/after‐school hours, summer time), theory‐based interventions are potential strategies for addressing increased obesity among African American youth. This review assessed interventions across multiple settings that took place during OST among African American youth aged 5–18 years old. Seven databases were searched for studies published prior to October 2013; 28 prevention and treatment interventions that assessed weight or related behaviours as a primary or secondary outcome were identified. Overall, these studies reported heterogeneous intervention length, theoretical frameworks, methodological quality, outcomes, cultural adaption and community engagement; the latter two attributes have been identified as potentially important intervention strategies when working with African Americans. Although not always significant, generally, outcomes were in the desired direction. When examining programmes by time of intervention (i.e. after‐school, summer time, time not specified or multiple time periods), much of the variability remained, but some similarities emerged. After‐school studies generally had a positive impact on physical activity, fruit/vegetable consumption and caloric intake, or body composition. The single summer time intervention showed a trend towards reduced body mass index. Overall findings suggest that after‐school and summer programmes, alone or perhaps in combination, offer potential benefits for African American youth and could favourably influence diet and physical activity behaviour.
Effectiveness of Diabetes Prevention Program translations among African Americans
Authors: Samuel‐Hodge C. D. , Johnson C. M. , Braxton D. F. , Lackey M.
Published: September 2014

The Diabetes Prevention Program (DPP) demonstrated risk reduction for incident diabetes through weight loss among all participants, including African Americans. Several DPP translations have been conducted in less controlled settings, including primary care practices and communities; however, there is no detailed compilation of how effective these translations have been for African Americans. This systematic literature review evaluated DPP translations from 2003 to 2012. Eligible records were retrieved using a search strategy of relevant databases and gray literature. Retrieved records (n = 1,272) were screened using a priori criteria, which resulted in 21 full‐text studies for review. Seventeen studies were included in the full‐text qualitative synthesis. Seven studies had 100% African American samples and 10 studies had mixed samples with African American subgroups. African American participants’ average weight loss was roughly half of that achieved in the DPP intervention. However, with few higher‐quality studies, small sample sizes and differences in intervention designs and implementation, comparisons across interventions were difficult. The suboptimal effectiveness of DPP translations among African American adults, particularly women, signals the need for enhancements to existing evidence‐based interventions and more high‐quality research that includes other at‐risk African American subgroups such as men and younger adults of lower socioeconomic status.
Simple solution for difficult face mask ventilation in children with orofacial clefts
Authors: Veerabathula Prardhana , Patil Manajeet , Upputuri Omkar , Durga Padmaja
Published: September 2014

Significant air leak from the facial cleft predisposes to difficult mask ventilation. The reported techniques of use of sterile gauze, larger face mask and laryngeal mask airway after intravenous induction have limited application in uncooperative children. We describe the use of dental impression material molded to the facial contour to cover the facial defect and aid ventilation with an appropriate size face mask in a child with a bilateral Tessier 3 anomaly.
Nousin Aristotle'sDe Anima
Authors: Cohoe Caleb Murray
Published: September 2014

I lay out and examine two sharply conflicting interpretations of Aristotle's claims aboutnousin theDe Anima(DA). On the human separability approach, Aristotle is taken to have identified reasons for thinking that the intellect can, in some way, exist on its own. On the naturalist approach, the soul, including intellectual soul, is inseparable from the body of which it is the form. I discuss how proponents of each approach deal with the key texts from theDA, focusing on four of the most important and interesting topics in this area. Two of these topics concern the activity of understanding (noêsis): first, what does Aristotle mean when he claims that the intellect cannot have a bodily organ and, secondly, what role does Aristotle thinkphantasmata(“images” or “representations”) play in understanding something? Two of the topics concernDA3.5, one of the most difficult passages in Aristotle's corpus: first, what is the nature and role of the productive intellect (nous poiêtikos) introduced there and, secondly, what are this chapter's implications for the question of whether the intellect or intellectual soul can exist apart from the body? I conclude by identifying areas where further research is necessary.
Photo‐Wolff Rearrangement of 2‐Diazo‐1,2‐naphthoquinone: Stern–Volmer Analysis of the Stepwise Reaction Pathway
Authors: Ladinig Manfred , Ramseier Markus , Wirz Jakob
Published: September 2014

2‐Diazo‐1,2‐naphthoquinone (1) and its derivatives are the photoactive components in Novolak photoresists. A femtosecond infrared study has established that the photoreaction of 1 proceeds largely by a concerted Wolff rearrangement yielding the ketene 1H‐inden‐1‐ylidene‐methanone (3) within 300 fs after excitation, but earlier trapping studies gave evidence for a minor reaction path via a carbene intermediate 1‐oxo‐2(1H)‐naphthalenylidene (2) with a lifetime of about 10 ps. Here, we provide a quantitative assessment of the stepwise pathway by Stern–Volmer analysis of the trapping of 2 by methanol to yield 2‐methoxy‐1‐naphthol (4). We conclude that the lifetime of the carbene 2 is at least 200 ps. Moreover, [3 + 2]cycloaddition of 2 and acetonitrile yielding 2‐methylnaphth[2,1‐d]oxazole (5) was observed. A comparison of the yields of 5 formed upon photolysis and upon thermolysis of 1 in acetonitrile provides evidence that a substantial part of the hot nascent carbene 2 formed photolytically rearranges to the ketene 3 during its vibrational relaxation (hot ground‐state reaction).
Causal Mediation Analysis in the Multilevel Intervention and Multicomponent Mediator Case
Authors: Zheng Cheng , Zhou Xiao-Hua
Published: September 2014

Mediation analysis is an important tool in social and medical sciences as it helps to understand why an intervention works. The commonly used approach, given by Baron and Kenny, requires the strong assumption ‘sequential ignorability’ to yield causal interpretation. Ten Have and his colleagues proposed a rank preserving model to relax this assumption. However, the rank preserving model is restricted to the case with binary intervention and single mediator and needs another strong assumption ‘rank preserving’. We propose a new model that can relax this assumption and can handle both multilevel intervention and multicomponent mediators. As an estimating-equation-based method, our model can handle both correlated data with the generalized estimating equation and missing data with inverse probability weighting. Finally, our method can also be used in many other research settings, using mathematical models similar to mediation analysis, such as treatment compliance and post-randomized treatment component analysis. For the causal mediation model proposed, we first show identifiability for the parameters in the model. We then propose a semiparametric method for estimating the model parameters and derive asymptotic results for the estimators proposed. Simulation shows good performance for the proposed estimators in finite sample sizes. Finally, we apply the method proposed to two real world clinical studies: the college student drinking study, and the ‘Improving mood promoting access to collaborative treatment for late life depression’ study.