bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Supporting emergent literacy for English language learners with computer‐assisted instruction
Authors: Cassady Jerrell C. , Smith Lawrence L. , Thomas Christopher L.
Published: March 2017

The growing number of students whose primary language does not match the language of their schools and a steadily growing performance gap has prompted widespread attention to support emergent literacy gains for those students. This study randomly assigned schools in a Southwestern U.S. state with English language learners (ELLs) in kindergarten and first grade to an experimental computer‐assisted instruction (CAI) condition or a ‘business as usual’ control. The study tracked ELLs performance over one academic year using a nationally normed standardised reading test. The results demonstrated first‐grade students in the experimental condition demonstrated greater gains compared with the control students in the domains of vocabulary, phonics, phonological awareness and text comprehension. Gains for kindergarten were less consistent; however, the lowest language proficient students using CAI experienced greater gains in vocabulary when compared with controls. Results extend prior studies targeting ELL students' reading skill development with targeted CAI interventions.

What is already known about this topic

English language learners (ELLs) face additional struggles in gaining literacy proficiency in the early grades.

Computer‐assisted instruction (CAI) programs support learning for non‐ELLs, provided the instructional materials target specific literacy needs directly.

Efficacy of CAIs (and any instructional program) is dependent upon the match between learner needs, classroom curriculum and programmatic features.

What this paper adds

Large randomised control trial testing the effects of a CAI on ELL literacy development in kindergarten and first‐grade students.

Measures of progressive learner development in critical literacy skills using a nationally normed measure of reading achievement.

Explicit attention to the levels of language proficiency intersecting with the use of the CAI to identify interaction effects

Implications for theory, policy or practice

Computer‐assisted instruction support for second language learners can be effective for targeted literacy gains, provided the program materials support critical literacy needs.

Use of CAI may be instrumental to support emergent literacy given the ability to capitalise on the proposed pedagogical interventions for second language learners.

Stress the importance of maintaining attention to the existing language skills of second language learners when examining the efficacy of literacy interventions.
‘No Condition IS Permanent': Informal Transport Workers and Labour Precarity in Africa's Largest City
Authors: Agbiboa Daniel E.
Published: March 2017

This article pieces together an understanding of everyday life grounded in the social imagination and everyday experiences of informal transport workers (ITWs) in Lagos, Nigeria's commercial capital and Africa's largest city. The article has two core objectives: to elevate the everyday practices of ITWs to the status of a critical concept in order to advance a sociology of everyday life, and to ground these practices on the precarious rhythm of everyday life as lived by people with the experience of radical uncertainty. By using crisis as a context of action and meaning, the article shows how uncertainty serves as a social resource that ITWs leverage to negotiate the precarious nature of everyday life and to make the most of their time. This foregrounding of uncertainty enhances our hitherto tenuous grasp of labour precarity, informal agency and the everyday struggle for survival in Africa's informal transport sector.
Almond Polyphenols: Methods of Analysis, Contribution to Food Quality, and Health Promotion
Authors: Bolling Bradley W.
Published: March 2017

Almond is a nutrient‐dense tree nut recognized for its favorable lipid profile, vitamin E content, and polyphenols. The objectives of this review were to determine the polyphenols reported in almond, summarize the methods of analysis, and determine the polyphenol contribution to almond quality and health‐promoting activity. Approximately 130 different polyphenols have been identified in almond, although not all of these have been quantitated. The mean and 25% to 75% percentile contents reported in literature were 162 mg (67.1 to 257) proanthocyanidins (dimers or larger), 82.1 mg (72.9 to 91.5) hydrolysable tannins, 61.2 mg (13.0 to 93.8) flavonoids (non‐isoflavone), 5.5 mg (5.2 to 12) phenolic acids and aldehydes, and 0.7 mg (0.5 to 0.9) isoflavones, stilbenes, and lignans per 100 g almond. Following solvent extraction of almond, hydrolysis of the residue liberates additional proanthocyanidins, phenolic acids and aldehydes, and total phenols. Blanching and skin removal consistently reduces almond polyphenol content, but blanch water and almond skins retain enough polyphenols to be used as antimicrobial and antioxidant ingredients. Roasting and pasteurization have inconsistent effects on almond polyphenols. Almond polyphenols contribute to shelf life by inhibiting lipid oxidation and providing pigmentation, flavor, astringency, and antimicrobial activity. The health‐promoting activity of whole almonds has been widely investigated, but few have considered the contribution of polyphenols. Preclinical studies of polyphenol‐rich almond skin or almond extracts suggest putative effects on antioxidant function, detoxification, antiviral activity, anti‐inflammatory function, and topical use for inhibiting ultraviolet A damage. Therefore, almond has a diverse polyphenol profile contributing to both its food quality and health‐promoting actions.
Effect of Freezing Rate and Microwave Thawing on Texture and Microstructural Properties of Potato (Solanum tuberosum)
Authors: Phinney David M. , Frelka John C. , Wickramasinghe Anita , Heldman Dennis R.
Published: March 2017

Food freezing is a preservation process that works by lowering temperature while simultaneously decreasing water activity. It is accepted that although freezing preserves foods, it generally has a negative effect on textural quality. This research investigated the texture response of potatoes (Solanum tuberosum) as a function of time to freeze (defined as the time for the center temperature to reach −20 °C) and thawing process. Potatoes slices (6 mm) were blanched then frozen in an ethanol/carbon dioxide bath, a pilot scale high velocity air freezer (HVAF) and a still air freezer to achieve various times to freeze. Slices were stabilized at –20 °C and thawed by 2 methods; room temperature air and microwave. Afterwards, samples were allowed to come to room temperature prior to texture profile analysis (TPA). Results indicate a maximum texture loss of the potato was reached at a time to freeze of approximately 8 min (corresponding to the HVAF). The texture difference between room temperature and microwave thawing methods was not shown to be significant (P = 0.05). SEM images showed the cellular structure of the potato in a HVAF to be similar to that of the still air freezer, validating that the matrix was maximally damaged in both conditions. This work created a continuous quality loss model for the potato as a function of time to freeze and showed no textural benefit to high velocity over still air freezing.
Water Prism: A Tool to Assess Water Availability Risk and Investigate Water Management Strategies
Authors: Weintraub Laura H.Z. , Tao Hua , Redder Todd M.
Published: March 2017

Water availability risk is a local issue best understood with watershed‐scale quantification of both withdrawal and consumptive demands in the context of available supply. Collectively, all water use sectors must identify, understand, and respond to this risk. A highly visual and computationally robust decision support tool, Water Prism, quantitatively explores mitigation responses to water risk on both a facility‐level and basin‐aggregated basis. Water Prism examines a basin water balance for a 40‐ to 60‐year planning horizon, distinguishes among water use sectors, and accounts for ecosystem water needs. The 2012 Texas State Water Plan was used to apply Water Prism to the Big Cypress‐Sulphur Basin (Texas). The case study showed Water Prism to be an accurate and convenient tool to provide fine‐scale understanding of water use in the context of available supply, evaluate multi‐sector combinations of conservation strategies, and quantify the effects of future demands and water availability. Analyses demonstrated water availability risks for rivers and reservoirs can vary within a basin and must be calculated independently, simulation of water balance conditions can help illuminate potential impacts of increasing demands, and scenario simulations can be used to evaluate relative conservation efficacy of different water resource management strategies for each sector. Based on case study findings, Water Prism can serve as a useful assessment tool for regional water planners.
Soft tissue infections from fish spike wounds: normal commensal bacteria are more common than marine pathogens
Authors: Collins Hannah , Lee Kin Mun , Cheng Paul T.‐Y. , Hulme Sarah
Published: March 2017

Background

A fish spike injury can be sustained by anyone handling fish; during fishing, meal preparation or in retail. Case reports of fish spikes inoculating victims with virulent marine‐specific pathogens and causing systemic illness led us to question whether empirical treatment of these injuries with amoxicillin and clavulanic acid is adequate.

Methods

This 2‐year prospective observational study was conducted at Middlemore Hospital, Auckland, New Zealand. Wound swabs and tissue samples belonging to patients presenting to the Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery with an upper limb fish spike injury were sent to the laboratory (n = 60). A series of stains and cultures were performed to look specifically for marine bacteria not typically isolated in other soft tissue injuries. Patient demographic data and injury details were collected.

Results

Of the patients with adequate microbiology samples, 12% (6/50) grew clinically relevant bacteria resistant to amoxicillin and clavulanic acid. These included methicillin‐resistant Staphylococcus aureus (8%, 4/50), Enterobacter cloacae (2%, 1/50) and an anaerobic sporing bacillus (2%, 1/50). Only one patient grew a true marine‐specific bacteria, Photobacterium damselae, which was susceptible to amoxicillin and clavulanic acid.

Conclusion

The authors concluded that amoxicillin and clavulanic acid is an adequate first‐line antibiotic for fish spike injuries but that flucloxacillin may be more appropriate given most bacteria were from patients’ own skin flora. The authors suggest that clinicians consider the presence of resistant marine‐specific bacteria in cases where there is sepsis or inadequate response to initial therapy.
Caecal bascule: a case series and literature review
Authors: Park Jin‐Soo , Ng Kheng‐Seong , Young Christopher J.
Published: March 2017

Background

Caecal bascule is a rare condition characterized by the inferior pole of the caecum folding on a horizontal axis antero‐superiorly towards the ascending colon, potentially causing obstruction. An unusual variant of volvulus, diagnosis is challenging due to its obscurity. We present the experience of an Australian tertiary‐referral hospital with the diagnosis/management of caecal bascule, and review cases reported in the literature to raise awareness of this uncommon diagnosis.

Methods

Medical records of patients diagnosed with caecal bascule during 2001–2016 were reviewed. Data relating to their presentation, investigations, management and outcomes were obtained. A literature search was conducted through PubMed and Medline databases.

Results

Caecal bascule was diagnosed in four patients (median age: 60.5 (range: 48–75) years, two females). Patients presented with abdominal pain (4/4), distension (3/4), vomiting (3/4) and confusion (1/4) over a 1‐ to 4‐day period. Computed tomography identified caecal displacement in three cases, and bascule was diagnosed at laparotomy in all cases. All patients underwent right hemicolectomy, with primary ileo‐colic anastomosis in three cases and formation of Abcarian stoma in one case. Median length of stay was 15.5 days (range: 10–24), with no mortality. Fifteen cases of caecal bascule have been reported in the literature to date, with authors suggesting resection as definitive treatment.

Conclusion

Correct diagnosis of caecal bascule requires a high index of suspicion and avoids delay of appropriate management. Recent operation, particularly laparoscopic cholecystectomy, may be contributing factors. Resection is recommended, a sentiment echoed by reported cases in the literature.
Effects of ranolazine in a model of doxorubicin‐induced left ventricle diastolic dysfunction
Authors: Cappetta Donato , Esposito Grazia , Coppini Raffaele , Piegari Elena , Russo Rosa , Ciuffreda Loreta Pia , Rivellino Alessia , Santini Lorenzo , Rafaniello Concetta , Scavone Cristina , Rossi Francesco , Berrino Liberato , Urbanek Konrad , De Angelis Antonella
Published: March 2017

Background and Purpose

Doxorubicin is a highly effective anticancer drug, but its clinical application is hampered by cardiotoxicity. Asymptomatic diastolic dysfunction can be the earliest manifestation of doxorubicin cardiotoxicity. Therefore, a search for therapeutic intervention that can interfere with early manifestations and possibly prevent later development of cardiotoxicity is warranted. Increased doxorubicin‐dependent ROS may explain, in part, Ca2+ and Na+ overload that contributes to diastolic dysfunction and development of heart failure. Therefore, we tested whether the administration of ranolazine, a selective blocker of late Na+ current, immediately after completing doxorubicin therapy, could affect diastolic dysfunction and interfere with the progression of functional decline.

Experimental Approach

Fischer 344 rats received a cumulative dose of doxorubicin of 15 mg·kg−1 over a period of 2 weeks. After the assessment of diastolic dysfunction, the animals were treated with ranolazine (80 mg·kg−1, daily) for the following 4 weeks.

Key Results

While diastolic and systolic function progressively deteriorated in doxorubicin‐treated animals, treatment with ranolazine relieved diastolic dysfunction and prevented worsening of systolic function, decreasing mortality. Ranolazine lowered myocardial NADPH oxidase 2 expression and oxidative/nitrative stress. Expression of the Na+/Ca2+ exchanger 1 and Nav 1.5 channels was reduced and of the sarcoplasmic/endoplasmic reticulum Ca2+‐ATPase 2 protein was increased. In addition, ranolazine lowered doxorubicin‐induced hyper‐phosphorylation and oxidation of Ca2+/calmodulin‐dependent protein kinase II, and decreased myocardial fibrosis.

Conclusions and Implications

Ranolazine, by the increased Na+ influx, induced by doxorubicin, altered cardiac Ca2+ and Na+ handling and attenuated diastolic dysfunction induced by doxorubicin, thus preventing the progression of cardiomyopathy.

Linked Articles

This article is part of a themed section on New Insights into Cardiotoxicity Caused by Chemotherapeutic Agents. To view the other articles in this section visit http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/bph.v174.21/issuetoc
Ethnic Identity Development and Acculturation Preferences Among Minority and Majority Youth: Norms and Contact
Authors: González Roberto , Lickel Brian , Gupta Manisha , Tropp Linda R. , Luengo Kanacri Bernadette P. , Mora Eduardo , De Tezanos‐Pinto Pablo , Berger Christian , Valdenegro Daniel , Cayul Oscar , Miranda Daniel , Saavedra Patricio , Bernardino Michelle
Published: March 2017

This article tests a longitudinal model of the antecedents and consequences of changes in identification with indigenous (Mapuche) among indigenous and nonindigenous youth in Chilean school contexts over a 6‐month period (633 nonindigenous and 270 Mapuche students, Mages = 12.47 and 12.80 years, respectively). Results revealed that in‐group norms supporting contact and quality of intergroup contact at Time 1 predicted student's changes in Mapuche identification at Time 2, which in turn predicted changes in support for adoption of Chilean culture and maintenance of Mapuche culture at Time 2; some of the relationships between these variables were found to be moderated by age and ethnicity. Conceptual and policy implications are addressed in the Discussion.
Non-neutralizing epitopes induce robust hepatitis C virus (HCV)-specific antibody-dependent CD56+ natural killer cell responses in chronic HCV-infected patients
Authors: Long L , Jia M , Fan X , Liang H , Wang J , Zhu L , Xie Z , Shen T
Published: March 2017

Natural killer (NK) cell-mediated antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (NK-ADCC) is of considerable interest in viral infection. However, little is known about NK-ADCC responses in chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. In this study, impaired non-specific antibody-dependent CD56+ NK cell responses were observed in chronic HCV infection, as shown by decreased degranulation (extracellular CD107a expression) and interferon (IFN)-γ production in response to antibody-bound P815 cells. A peptide pool composed of epitopes recognized by anti-HCV-E1/E2 antibodies could induce pronounced HCV-specific antibody-dependent NK cell responses in sera from approximately half the chronic HCV carriers. Additionally, HCV-specific epitopes with the capacity to induce robust NK-ADCC activity were identified. Five linear NK-ADCC epitopes (aa211-aa217, aa384-aa391, aa464-aa475, aa544-aa551 and aa648-aa659 of the HCV envelope) were identified and do not overlap with putative linear neutralizing epitopes. This study revealed the dysfunctional characteristics of antibody-dependent CD56+ NK cell responses in chronic HCV carriers. The key non-neutralizing NK-ADCC epitopes identified in this study may act as new targets for immunological intervention.
Efficient and Reliable Self‐Collision Culling Using Unprojected Normal Cones
Authors: Wang Tongtong , Liu Zhihua , Tang Min , Tong Ruofeng , Manocha Dinesh
Published: March 2017

We present an efficient and accurate algorithm for self‐collision detection in deformable models. Our approach can perform discrete and continuous collision queries on triangulated meshes. We present a simple and linear time algorithm to perform the normal cone test using the unprojected 3D vertices, which reduces to a sequence point‐plane classification tests. Moreover, we present a hierarchical traversal scheme that can significantly reduce the number of normal cone tests and the memory overhead using front‐based normal cone culling. The overall algorithm can reliably detect all (self) collisions in models composed of hundreds of thousands of triangles. We observe considerable performance improvement over prior continuous collision detection algorithms.
Marginal ulcers after one anastomosis (mini) gastric bypass: a survey of surgeons
Authors: Mahawar K. K. , Reed A. N. , Graham Y. N. H.
Published: March 2017

Many surgeons believe that one anastomosis (mini) gastric bypass (OAGB/MGB) is associated with a high marginal ulcer (MU) rate and that this is associated with complications in a significant number of patients. The purpose of this survey was to find out the participant‐reported incidence of MU after OAGB/MGB and its complications. We also aimed to understand practices in this cohort concerning prophylaxis, diagnosis, treatment and management of complications. Bariatric surgeons who perform OAGB/MGB procedures were invited to participate in a confidential, online survey using SurveyMonkey®. A total of 86 surgeons performing OAGB/MGB procedures participated in the survey. The total number of OAGB/MGB procedures reported was 27 672, revealing 622 MU, giving an MU rate of 2.24 %. Most participants (69/84, 82.4%) routinely use proton pump inhibitor (PPI) prophylaxis, but there was variation in drugs, dosages and duration. The majority (49/85, 57.6%) of participants ‘always’ use endoscopy for diagnosis, and 48.1% (39/81) ‘always’ perform an endoscopy to ensure healing. Most (49/55) perforated ulcers were treated with laparoscopic repair +/− omentoplasty +/− drainage. Most (55/59, 93.0%) of the bleeding ulcers were managed with PPI +/− blood transfusions +/− endoscopic intervention (23/59, 39.0%). Non‐healing ulcers were treated by conversion to Roux‐en‐Y gastric bypass (RYGB) in 46.5% of patients (n = 20/43). The participants did not report any MU‐related mortality but described a number of risk factors for it. This survey is the first detailed attempt to understand the incidence of MU following OAGB/MGB; its complications; and practices concerning prophylaxis, diagnosis, treatment and management of complications.
On Darwinian Networks
Authors: Butz Cory J. , Oliveira Jhonatan S. , dos Santos André E.
Published: March 2017

We suggestDarwinian Networks(DNs) as a simplification of working withBayesian networks(BNs). DNs adapt a handful of well‐known concepts in biology into a single framework that is surprisingly simple yet remarkably robust. With respect to modeling, on one hand, DNs not only represent BNs but also faithfully represent the testing of independencies in a more straightforward fashion. On the other hand, with respect to three exact inference algorithms in BNs, DNs simplify each of them while unifying all of them. DNs can determine good elimination orderings using the same platform as used for modeling and inference. Finally, we demonstrate how DNs can represent two additional frameworks. Practical benefits of DNs include faster algorithms for inference and modeling.
Applying a New Ensemble Approach to Estimating Stock Status of Marine Fisheries around the World
Authors: Rosenberg Andrew A. , Kleisner Kristin M. , Afflerbach Jamie , Anderson Sean C. , Dickey‐Collas Mark , Cooper Andrew B. , Fogarty Michael J. , Fulton Elizabeth A. , Gutiérrez Nicolás L. , Hyde Kimberly J.W. , Jardim Ernesto , Jensen Olaf P. , Kristiansen Trond , Longo Catherine , Minte‐Vera Carolina V. , Minto Cóilín , Mosqueira Iago , Osio Giacomo Chato , Ovando Daniel , Selig Elizabeth R. , Thorson James T. , Walsh Jessica C. , Ye Yimin
Published: March 2017

The exploitation status of marine fisheries stocks worldwide is of critical importance for food security, ecosystem conservation, and fishery sustainability. Applying a suite of data‐limited methods to global catch data, combined through an ensemble modeling approach, we provide quantitative estimates of exploitation status for 785 fish stocks. Fifty‐three percent (414 stocks) are below BMSYand of these, 265 are estimated to be below 80% of the BMSYlevel. While the 149 stocks above 80% of BMSYare conventionally considered “fully exploited,” stocks staying at this level for many years, forego substantial yield. Our results enable managers to consider more detailed information than simply a categorization of stocks as “fully” or “over” exploited. Our approach is reproducible, allows consistent application to a broad range of stocks, and can be easily updated as new data become available. Applied on an ongoing basis, this approach can provide critical, more detailed information for resource management for more exploited fish stocks than currently available.
Uptake of wheel‐filtration among clients of a supervised injecting facility: Can structured education work?
Authors: Steele Maureen , Silins Edmund , Flaherty Ian , Hiley Sarah , van Breda Nick , Jauncey Marianne
Published: March 2017

Introduction and Aims

Wheel‐filtration of pharmaceutical opioid tablets is a recognised harm reduction strategy, but uptake of the practice among people who inject drugs is low. The study aimed to: (i) examine perceptions of filtration practices; (ii) provide structured education on wheel‐filtration; and (iii) assess uptake of the practice.

Design and Methods

Frequent opioid tablet injectors (n = 30) attending a supervised injecting facility in Sydney, Australia, received hands‐on instruction on wheel‐filtration based on recommended practice. Pre‐education, post‐education and follow‐up questionnaires were administered.

Results

Wheel‐filtration was generally regarded as better than cotton‐filtration (the typical method) in terms of perceived effects on health, ease of use and overall drug effect. Sixty‐eight percent of those who said they would try wheel‐filtration after the education had actually done so. Of those who usually used cotton‐filtration, over half (60%) had used wheel‐filtration two weeks later.

Discussion and Conclusions

Uptake of safer preparation methods for pharmaceutical opioid tablets increases after structured education in wheel‐filtration. Findings suggest that SIFs are an effective site for this kind of education. Supervised injecting facility workers are uniquely positioned to provide harm reduction education at the time of injection. [Steele M, Silins E, Flaherty I, Hiley S, van Breda N, Jauncey M. Uptake of wheel‐filtration among clients of a supervised injecting facility: Can structured education work? Drug Alcohol Rev 2018;37:116–120]
Widespread latent infection of Cryptostroma corticale in asymptomatic Acer pseudoplatanus as a risk for urban plantations
Authors: Kelnarová I. , Černý K. , Zahradník D. , Koukol O.
Published: March 2017

Sooty bark disease (SBD) caused by the pathogen Cryptostroma corticale is currently one of the risks to the population of Acer pseudoplatanus in Europe. After a number of records of symptomatic and dead trees in Prague, assessment of the latent non‐symptomatic stage of SBD was questioned as a means to forecast the health risk of the A. pseudoplatanus population. We used two methods of early detection of C. corticale in non‐symptomatic trees: cultivation from wood tissue on agar plates and a culture‐free approach based on nested PCR with newly designed species‐specific primers. The pathogen was detected in 25% of 112 examined trees from seven localities in Prague, but the disease incidence might be higher if more A. pseudoplatanus trees in Prague were included and if the crown infections were considered. The presence of C. corticale was positively correlated with discoloured wood, but its presence did not depend on the occurrence of external symptoms. Infected trees were more frequently found in groups on steep sites at higher elevations. In addition, heavier NOx pollution combined with more paths and roads increased the incidence of C. corticale.
Evaluating the psychosocial impact of hemophilia B: The Bridging Hemophilia B Experiences, Results and Opportunities into Solutions (B‐HERO‐S) study
Authors: Sidonio Robert , Holot Natalia , Cooper David L.
Published: March 2017

The needs of individuals living with hemophilia B, especially those with mild or moderate hemophilia and affected females, are not well understood. The Bridging Hemophilia B Experiences, Results and Opportunities into Solutions (B‐HERO‐S) initiative was developed in an effort to obtain greater insights into the unique issues and challenges faced by those with hemophilia B. This study explored the impact of hemophilia B on education, employment, engagement in physical activities and other psychosocial aspects of the lives of affected individuals and their families. The B‐HERO‐S findings reveal a number of unmet needs in the hemophilia B population, and these results may be leveraged to inform patient outreach and education initiatives.
High N, dry: Experimental nitrogen deposition exacerbates native shrub loss and nonnative plant invasion during extreme drought
Authors: Valliere Justin M. , Irvine Irina C. , Santiago Louis , Allen Edith B.
Published: March 2017

Hotter, longer, and more frequent global change‐type drought events may profoundly impact terrestrial ecosystems by triggering widespread vegetation mortality. However, severe drought is only one component of global change, and ecological effects of drought may be compounded by other drivers, such as anthropogenic nitrogen (N) deposition and nonnative plant invasion. Elevated N deposition, for example, may reduce drought tolerance through increased plant productivity, thereby contributing to drought‐induced mortality. High N availability also often favors invasive, nonnative plant species, and the loss of woody vegetation due to drought may create a window of opportunity for these invaders. We investigated the effects of multiple levels of simulated N deposition on a Mediterranean‐type shrubland plant community in southern California from 2011 to 2016, a period coinciding with an extreme, multiyear drought in the region. We hypothesized that N addition would increase native shrub productivity, but that this would increase susceptibility to drought and result in increased shrub loss over time. We also predicted that N addition would favor nonnatives, especially annual grasses, leading to higher biomass and cover of these species. Consistent with these hypotheses, we found that high N availability increased native shrub canopy loss and mortality, likely due to the higher productivity and leaf area and reduced water‐use efficiency we observed in shrubs subject to N addition. As native shrub cover declined, we also observed a concomitant increase in cover and biomass of nonnative annuals, particularly under high levels of experimental N deposition. Together, these results suggest that the impacts of extended drought on shrubland ecosystems may be more severe under elevated N deposition, potentially contributing to the widespread loss of native woody species and vegetation‐type conversion.
The effect of engagement in an HIV/AIDS integrated health programme on plasma HIV‐1 RNA suppression among HIV‐positive people who use illicit drugs: a marginal structural modelling analysis
Authors: Ti L , Dong H , Kerr T , Turje RB , Parashar S , Min JE , Montaner J , Wood E , Milloy M‐J
Published: March 2017

Objectives

HIV treatment‐as‐prevention campaigns emphasize early diagnosis and immediate access to care and antiretroviral therapy for HIV‐positive individuals in order to increase levels of plasma HIV RNA viral load (VL) suppression. However, the possible role of harm reduction‐based programmes in this objective has not yet been well evaluated. The objective of the study was to examine the relationship between being a client of the Dr. Peter Centre (DPC; an HIV/AIDS‐focused adult integrated health programme) and VL suppression among highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART)‐exposed HIV‐positive people who use illicit drugs (PWUD) in Vancouver, Canada.

Methods

Data were derived from the AIDS Care Cohort to Evaluate Exposure to Survival Services (ACCESS) study, a study of a community‐recruited cohort of HIV‐positive PWUD. A marginal structural model using inverse probability of treatment weights was used to estimate the longitudinal relationship between being a DPC client and exhibiting a VL < 50 HIV‐1 RNA copies/mL plasma.

Results

Between 2005 and 2014, 746 HAART‐exposed participants were included in the study, of whom 269 (36.1%) reported being a DPC client at some time during the study period. A marginal structural model estimated a 1.54 greater odds of achieving VL suppression (95% confidence interval 1.20–1.99) among DPC clients.

Conclusions

Our findings demonstrate that participating in an innovative HIV/AIDS‐focused adult integrated health programme that provides a broad range of clinical, harm reduction, and support services may contribute to optimizing the benefits of HAART in terms of morbidity, mortality and viral transmission among PWUD, and as a result help to fulfill the goals of the treatment‐as‐prevention strategy.
Post‐fledging survival of Little Owls Athene noctua in relation to nestling food supply
Authors: Perrig Marco , Grüebler Martin U. , Keil Herbert , Naef‐Daenzer Beat
Published: March 2017

Among the range of determinants of post‐fledging survival in altricial birds, the energy supply to the growing juveniles is likely to play a central role. However, the exact mechanisms shaping post‐fledging survival are poorly understood. Using a food supplementation experiment, we determined the effect of variation in food supply on the survival of juvenile Little Owls Athene noctua from hatching to 2 months post‐fledging. Experimental broods were food‐supplemented for 36 days during the nestling and the early post‐fledging period. The fate of 307 juveniles (95 of them provided with extra food) was determined by nest monitoring and radiotelemetry. In unsupplemented birds, the rates of survival measured at 5‐day intervals were lowest during the nestling stage, remained low during the early post‐fledging stage and steadily increased after about 2 weeks post‐fledging. Food supplementation substantially increased nestling survival, but we detected no direct treatment effect on post‐fledging survival. Instead, we found a strong indirect effect of food supplementation, in that fledglings of good physical condition had markedly higher chances of surviving the post‐fledging period compared with those in poor condition. Experimental food supplementation increased survival over the first 3 months from 45% to 64.6%. This suggests that energy reserves built up during the nestling stage influence post‐fledging survival and ultimately parental reproductive output. The low nestling and post‐fledging survival shows that the early life‐history stages constitute a crucial bottleneck of reproductive ecology in Little Owls. The strong treatment effects on the number of independent offspring indicate that natural variation in food supply is an important determinant of spatio‐temporal patterns in Little Owl demography.
The effectiveness of familiar auditory stimulus on hospitalized neonates' physiologic responses to procedural pain
Authors: Azarmnejad Elham , Sarhangi Forogh , Javadi Mahrooz , Rejeh Nahid , Amirsalari Susan , Tadrisi Seyed Davood
Published: March 2017

Hospitalized neonates usually undergo different painful procedures. This study sought to test the effects of a familiar auditory stimulus on the physiologic responses to pain of venipuncture among neonates in intensive care unit. The study design is quasi‐experimental. The randomized clinical trial study was done on 60 full‐term neonates admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit between March 20 to June 20, 2014. The neonates were conveniently selected and randomly allocated to the control and the experimental groups. Recorded maternal voice was played for the neonates in the experimental group from 10 minutes before to 10 minutes after venipuncture while the neonates in the control group received no sound therapy intervention. The participants' physiologic parameters were assessed 10 minutes before, during, and after venipuncture. At baseline, the study groups did not differ significantly regarding the intended physiologic parameters (P > .05). During venipuncture, maternal voice was effective in reducing the neonates' heart rate, respiratory rate, and diastolic blood pressure (P < .05). Maternal voice is effective in reducing some physiologic parameters during and after performing the painful procedure of venipuncture. Nurses are recommended to use familiar sounds to effectively manage neonates' physiologic responses to procedural pain of venipuncture.
The Cr‐doping effect on white light emitting properties of Ce:YAG phosphor ceramics
Authors: Tang Yanru , Zhou Shengming , Yi Xuezhuan , Zhang Shuai , Hao Deming , Shao Xiuchen
Published: March 2017

The Cr/Ce‐doped YAG transparent ceramic was fabricated by the solid‐state reaction in vacuum. The Cr/Ce‐doped YAG ceramic phosphor effectively complement the red spectral component and improve the color rendering performance when excited by blue light that is due to the effective energy transfer between Cr3+ ion and Ce3+ ion. However, the energy transfer from Ce3+ to Cr3+ ion leads to energy loss and therefore the luminous efficacy of the WLED which is composed of blue LED chip and the Cr/Ce‐doped YAG ceramic phosphor decreases. The composite phase structure of ceramic phosphor is designed for improving the extraction efficacy and increasing the luminous efficacy by breaking the total internal reflection (TIR) at the interface between air and ceramic.
Microwave‐assisted YBa2Cu3O7 precursors: A fast and reliable method towards chemical precursors for superconducting films
Authors: Rijckaert Hannes , De Roo Jonathan , Roeleveld Kevin , Pollefeyt Glenn , Bennewitz Jan , Bäcker Michael , Lynen Frederic , De Keukeleere Katrien , Van Driessche Isabel
Published: March 2017

Highly stable, pure, and anhydrous organometallic YBa2Cu3O7‐δ (YBCO) precursor solutions were prepared by dissolving commercial YBCO powder in acetone by trifluoroacetic anhydride (TFAA) or a mixture of TFAA with propionic acid for low fluorine precursors. It is shown that compared to conventional oil bath heating reported in literature, the reaction to produce YBCO precursor occurs 72 times faster by microwave heating. More importantly, the formation of byproducts is suppressed, as shown by nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) and mass spectrometry (MS). This approach allows a highly reproducible preparation of superconducting coatings which is of interest for low‐cost manufacturing processes capable of large‐scale production of the coated conductors via chemical solution deposition (CSD). This technology requires reliable and stable precursor solutions for continuous deposition. In this work, we obtained YBCO thin films on single‐crystal substrates ((100)‐LaAlO3) with a high critical current density (Jc) of 3‐4 MA/cm² in self‐field at 77 K using TFA‐based YBCO precursors and Jc of 5‐6 MA/cm² using low fluorine YBCO precursors.
Anionic effect of chloride, fluoride, and sulfide ions on the viscosity of slag melt
Authors: Lee Sunghee , Min Dong Joon
Published: March 2017

The effect of the addition of CaX (X=Cl2, F2 and S) on the viscous behavior and structure of CaO–SiO2–Al2O3–MgO–CaX slag was investigated by measuring its viscosity. The viscosity of the slag without CaX gradually decreased with an increase in the C/S ratio because of the depolymerization of the silicate groups in the slag. While the viscosity of the CaX‐bearing slag decreased with an increase in the CaX content, depolymerization was not observed in this case. Three distinct compositional regions for the activation energy of the viscous flow were observed because of the effect of the equilibrium of the polymeric silicate groups. The relaxation effect of the CaX groups on the activation energy was also observed. Raman spectroscopic analysis indicated that the relaxation in the viscosity and activation energy by CaX addition stemmed from the breaking of the NBO‐M2+‐NBO linkage to form NBO‐M2+‐F−, NBO‐M2+‐Cl−, or M2+‐S2−. All these results are discussed in detail with the help of a viscous flow model based on the ionic interactions.
Ecological diversification of the Australian Coptotermes termites and the evolution of mound building
Authors: Lee Timothy R. C. , Evans Theodore A. , Cameron Stephen L. , Hochuli Dieter F. , Ho Simon Y. W. , Lo Nathan
Published: March 2017

Aim

The Australian Coptotermes (Family: Rhinotermitidae) are a small monophyletic group of termites, some of which build mounds. In this study, we construct predicted distributions based on environmental data (niche models) for all Australian species of Coptotermes to test whether specific environmental factors have contributed to the evolution of mound‐building behaviour and whether the degree of niche similarity and degree of phylogenetic similarity are correlated.

Location

The Australian mainland, including the known native ranges of all Australian species of Coptotermes.

Methods

We estimated the phylogenetic relationships between the species of Australian Coptotermes. We then generated and compared environmental niche models in a phylogenetic framework for all study species to test niche conservation. Our analyses were based on location data from our own sampling and from the Atlas of Living Australia, genetic data from a previous study of Australian Coptotermes, and environmental data from WorldClim and ASRIS.

Results

We found that no environmental variable differed consistently between mound‐building and non‐mound‐building taxa and that the differences in niches between pairs of Australian species of Coptotermes are uncorrelated with time since divergence. The environmental tolerances of the Australian Coptotermes termites are more restricted by rainfall than they are by soil or temperature.

Main conclusions

Our results show that mound‐building behaviour has not necessarily evolved in response to similar abiotic conditions. Our results are consistent with ecological speciation leading to niche divergence since Coptotermes first arrived in Australia ~12.5 million years ago.
Cathelicidin‐encoding Lactococcus lactis promotes mucosal repair in murine experimental colitis
Authors: Wong Clover C M , Zhang Lin , Wu William K K , Shen Jing , Chan Ruby L Y , Lu Lan , Hu Wei , Li Ming X , Li Long F , Ren Shun X , Li Yi F , Li Jiang , Cho Chi H
Published: March 2017

Background and Aim

The preventive effect of intrarectal administration of mouse cathelicidin (mCRAMP) and oral administration of mCRAMP‐encoding Lactococcus lactis (N4I) has been shown in murine experimental colitis. It is pivotal to understand the ability of N4I whether it can promote mucosal repair in existing colitis.

Methods

Mice with dextran sulfate sodium‐induced ulcerative colitis (UC) were treated orally with L. lactis or its transformed strain with or without nisin induction. The body weight, clinical symptoms, and histological changes of colonic tissues were determined. Sulfasalazine was used as a reference drug. Young adult mouse colon cells were used to further elucidate the direct action and possible mechanisms of mCRAMP to promote colonic wound repair.

Results

Results showed that N4I could improve the clinical symptoms, maintain crypt integrity and preserve mucus‐secreting layer in colitis animals. The preparation also could prevent cell death and promote cell proliferation. In contrast, effective dose of sulfasalazine only alleviated clinical symptoms but not the mucosal damage and repair in the colon. In vitro study further showed that mCRAMP could directly promote wound repair by accelerating cell migration but not cell proliferation through the GPCR/MAPK pathway.

Conclusions

mCRAMP‐encoding L. lactis could be a potential therapeutic preparation better than the traditional anti‐inflammatory agent in the treatment of UC.
Actor and Partner Effects of Attachment on Relationship Satisfaction and Sexual Satisfaction Across the Genders: An APIM Approach
Authors: Conradi Henk Jan , Noordhof Arjen , Dingemanse Pieter , Barelds Dick P. H. , Kamphuis Jan H.
Published: March 2017

Previous studies found gender differences in relationship satisfaction and sexuality. We tested gender differences in associations between attachment, a lasting relationship determinant, and two outcomes, relationship and sexual satisfaction. This study improves on earlier research by examining these associations in one Actor‐Partner‐Interdependence‐Model, making direct statistical testing between outcomes possible. Furthermore, a community and a distressed sample (N = 113 heterosexual couples each) were included to attempt replication across samples and to examine clinical implications. In both genders, actor attachment avoidance negatively affected relationship satisfaction and (with one exception) sexual satisfaction. Also in both genders, partner attachment avoidance negatively affected sexual satisfaction. However, whereas partner attachment avoidance influenced female relationship satisfaction, it did not affect male relationship satisfaction. The findings replicated across samples. Clinical implications are discussed.
MRF‐ANN: a machine learning approach for automated ER scoring of breast cancer immunohistochemical images
Authors: MUNGLE T. , TEWARY S. , DAS D.K. , ARUN I. , BASAK B. , AGARWAL S. , AHMED R. , CHATTERJEE S. , CHAKRABORTY C.
Published: March 2017

Molecular pathology, especially immunohistochemistry, plays an important role in evaluating hormone receptor status along with diagnosis of breast cancer. Time‐consumption and inter‐/intraobserver variability are major hindrances for evaluating the receptor score. In view of this, the paper proposes an automated Allred Scoring methodology for estrogen receptor (ER). White balancing is used to normalize the colour image taking into consideration colour variation during staining in different labs. Markov random field model with expectation‐maximization optimization is employed to segment the ER cells. The proposed segmentation methodology is found to have F‐measure 0.95. Artificial neural network is subsequently used to obtain intensity‐based score for ER cells, from pixel colour intensity features. Simultaneously, proportion score – percentage of ER positive cells is computed via cell counting. The final ER score is computed by adding intensity and proportion scores – a standard Allred scoring system followed by pathologists. The classification accuracy for classification of cells by classifier in terms of F‐measure is 0.9626. The problem of subjective interobserver ability is addressed by quantifying ER score from two expert pathologist and proposed methodology. The intraclass correlation achieved is greater than 0.90. The study has potential advantage of assisting pathologist in decision making over manual procedure and could evolve as a part of automated decision support system with other receptor scoring/analysis procedure.
Label‐free identification of the microstructure of rat spinal cords based on nonlinear optical microscopy
Authors: LIAO C.X. , WANG Z.Y. , ZHOU Y. , ZHOU L.Q. , ZHU X.Q. , LIU W.G. , CHEN J.X.
Published: March 2017

The spinal cord is a vital link between the brain and the body and mainly comprises neurons, glial cells and nerve fibres. In this work, nonlinear optical (NLO) microscopy based on intrinsic tissue properties was employed to label‐freely analyze the cells and matrix in spinal cords at a molecular level. The high‐resolution and high‐contrast NLO images of unstained spinal cords demonstrate that NLO microscopy has the ability to show the microstructure of white and grey matter including ventral horn, intermediate area, dorsal horns, ventral column, lateral column and dorsal column. Neurons with various sizes were identified in grey matter by dark spots of nonfluorescent nuclei encircled by cytoplasm‐emitting two‐photon excited fluorescence signals. Nerve fibres and neuroglias were observed in white matter. Besides, the spinal arteries were clearly presented by NLO microscopy. Using spectral and morphological information, this technique was proved to be an effective tool for label‐freely imaging spinal cord tissues, based on endogenous signals in biological tissue. With future development, we foresee promising applications of the NLO technique for in vivo, real‐time assessment of spinal cord diseases or injures.