bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Deep microbial life in high‐quality granitic groundwater from geochemically and geographically distinct underground boreholes
Authors: Ino Kohei , Konno Uta , Kouduka Mariko , Hirota Akinari , Togo Yoko S. , Fukuda Akari , Komatsu Daisuke , Tsunogai Urumu , Tanabe Akihumi S. , Yamamoto Satoshi , Iwatsuki Teruki , Mizuno Takashi , Ito Kazumasa , Suzuki Yohey
Published: January 2016

Deep granitic aquifer is one of the largest, but least understood, microbial habitats. To avoid contamination from the surface biosphere, underground drilling was conducted for 300 m deep granitic rocks at the Mizunami underground research laboratory (URL), Japan. Slightly alkaline groundwater was characterized by low concentrations of dissolved organic matter and sulfate and the presence of > 100 nM H2. The initial biomass was the highest (∼105 cells ml−1) with the dominance of Hydrogenophaga spp., whereas the phylum Nitrospirae became predominant after 3 years with decreasing biomass (∼104 cells ml−1). One week incubation of groundwater microbes after 3 years with 13C‐labelled bicarbonate and 1% H2 and subsequent single‐cell imaging with nanometer‐scale secondary ion mass spectrometry demonstrated that microbial cells were metabolically active. Pyrosequencing of microbial communities in groundwater retrieved at 3–4 years after drilling at the Mizunami URL and at 14 and 25 years after the drilling at the Grimsel Test Site, Switzerland, revealed the occurrence of common Nitrospirae lineages at the geographically distinct sites. As the close relatives of the Nitrospirae lineages were exclusively detected from deep groundwaters and terrestrial hot springs, it suggests that these bacteria are indigenous and potentially adapted to the deep terrestrial subsurface.
Human Capital in Economic Development: From Labour Productivity to Macroeconomic Impact
Authors: Hermannsson Kristinn , Lecca Patrizio
Published: January 2016

Microeconometric evidence reveals high private returns to education, most prominently in low‐income countries. However, it is disputed to what extent this translates into a macroeconomic impact. This paper projects the increase in human capital from higher education in Malawi and uses a dynamic applied general equilibrium model to estimate the resulting macroeconomic impact. This is contingent upon endogenous adjustments, in particular how labour productivity affects competitiveness and if this in‐turn stimulates exports. Choice among labour market assumptions and trade elasticities results in widely different outcomes. Appraisal of such policies should consider not only the impact on human capital stocks, but also adjustments outside the labour market.
Striatal dopaminergic reward response relates to age of first drunkenness and feedback response in at‐risk youth
Authors: Weiland Barbara J. , Zucker Robert A. , Zubieta Jon‐Kar , Heitzeg Mary M.
Published: January 2016

Dopamine receptor concentrations, primarily in the striatum, are hypothesized to contribute to a developmental imbalance between subcortical and prefrontal control systems in emerging adulthood potentially biasing motivation and increasing risky behaviors. Positron emission tomography studies have found significant reductions in striatal dopamine D2 receptors, and blunted amphetamine‐induced dopamine release, in substance users compared with healthy controls. Extant literature is limited and inconsistent concerning vulnerability associated with having a family history of substance abuse (FH+). Some studies have reported familial liability associated with higher dopamine receptor levels, reduced dopamine response to stimulant challenges and decreased response to oral alcohol. However, other reports have failed to find group differences based on family history. We explored the interaction of familial liability and behavioral risk with multi‐modal molecular and neural imaging of the dopaminergic system. Forty‐four young adult male subjects performed monetary incentive delay tasks during both [11C]raclopride positron emission tomography and functional magnetic resonance imaging scans. FH+ subjects were identified as low (n = 24) or high risk (n = 9) based on early initiation of drunkenness. FH+ high‐risk subjects exhibited heightened striatal dopamine response to monetary reward but did not differ in neural activations compared with FH+ low risk subjects and controls with no familial loading (n = 11). Across all subjects, a negative relationship was found between dopamine release and age of first drunkenness and a positive relationship with neural response to reward receipt. These results suggest that in at‐risk individuals, higher dopamine transmission associated with monetary reward may represent a particularly useful neurobiological phenotype.
Conflicting traffic: characterization of the hazards of birds flying across an airport runway
Authors: Viljoen Ignatius M. , Bouwman Hindrik
Published: January 2016

Bird–aircraft collisions cost millions of dollars to aviation globally and cause deaths. We designed and tested a protocol to study the hazards to aircraft from birds flying across runways where aircraft rotate and climb during take‐off. We recorded birds and flight height of birds flying across runway 03L at OR Tambo International Airport, South Africa. A total of 7,938 birds of pigeon size or larger crossed a 400 m length of runway during 14 h and 15 min, a rate of 8.8 birds per minute; there were 200 aircraft taking off during this period. The biggest bird–aircraft collision hazard is posed by African Sacred Ibis and Grey‐headed Gull. Respectively, these species contribute a mean of 111 kg per 10 min and 47.2 kg per 10 min biomass flying across the runway. We identify possible management options to reduce the hazard of bird–aircraft collisions. Our survey protocol and data treatment is easy to use, will add additional and important definition to existing activities to reduce bird–aircraft collisions and can provide comparable hazard information to aerodrome authorities and pilots.
Mini‐incision microdissection testicular sperm extraction: a useful technique for men with cryptozoospermia
Authors: Alrabeeah K. , Witmer J. , Ruiz S. , AlMalki A. , Phillips S. , Zini A.
Published: January 2016

Microdissection testicular sperm extraction (micro‐TESE) was developed to minimize the testicular injury associated with multiple open TESEs. We sought to evaluate a mini‐incision micro‐TESE in men with cryptozoospermia and non‐obstructive azoospermia (NOA). We conducted a retrospective study of 26 consecutive men with NOA and cryptozoospermia who underwent a primary (first) micro‐TESE between March 2015 and August 2015. Final assessment of sperm recovery (reported on the day of intra‐cytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI)) was recorded as (i) successful (available spermatozoa for ICSI) or (ii) unsuccessful (no spermatozoa for ICSI). The decision to perform a mini‐incision micro‐TESE (with limited unilateral micro‐dissection) or standard/extensive (with unilateral or bilateral micro‐dissection) was guided by the intra‐operative identification of sperm recovery (≥5 spermatozoa) from the first testicle. Overall, sperm recovery was successful in 77% (20/26) of the men. In 37% of the men (8/26), the mini‐incision micro‐TESE was successful (positive sperm recovery). The remaining 18 men required a standard (extensive) microdissection: 61% (11/18) underwent a unilateral and 39% (7/18) a bilateral micro‐TESE. We found that 90% (9/10) of the men with cryptozoospermia and 63% (10/16) of the men with NOA underwent a unilateral (mini or standard micro‐TESE). The mini‐incision micro‐TESE allowed for successful sperm recovery in 60% (6/10) of the men with cryptozoospermia and 13% (2/16) of the men with NOA. The data demonstrate that a mini‐incision micro‐TESE together with rapid intra‐operative assessment and identification of spermatozoa recovery can be useful in men undergoing microTESE, particularly, men with cryptozoospermia.
Retinal vessel oxygen saturation in a healthy young Chinese population
Authors: Yang Wei , Fu Yue , Dong Yanmin , Lin Leilei , Huang Xia , Li Yujie , Lin Xiaofeng , Gao Qianying
Published: January 2016

Purpose

To measure retinal vessel oxygen saturation in a healthy young Chinese population and to determine the effects of multiple factors (gender, age, dioptre, vessel diameter and ocular perfusion pressure – OPP) on retinal oxygen saturation.

Methods

A total of 126 healthy Chinese individuals aged from 19 to 30 were included in this study. A retinal oximeter (Oxymap T1) was used to measure retinal vessel oxygen saturation by retinal imaging at two different wavelengths. The mean retinal vessel oxygen saturation (Sat_O2) of arterioles, venules and arteriovenous (AV) difference overall and in four separate quadrants were measured. Intra‐ocular pressure, blood pressure, finger pulse oximetry value, vessel diameter and dioptre were also measured. The correlations between OPP and dioptre, OPP and vessel diameter, and dioptre and vessel diameter were analysed. And the effects of multiple factors on the retinal oxygen saturation were analysed.

Results

The mean oxygen saturation was 93.2 ± 6.3% in the retinal arterioles, 60.4 ± 5.3% in venules and 32.9 ± 6.4% in AV difference. The temporal quadrants had lower measurements of arteriolar and venular oxygen saturation and AV difference compared with nasal quadrants (p < 0.001). The oxygen saturation of the arterioles, venules and AV difference were unaffected by any unique factor. Arteriolar and venular retinal oxygen saturation correlated negatively with the product of dioptre and OPP. Arteriolar retinal oxygen saturation correlated positively with the product of dioptre and vessel diameter.

Conclusions

This study provided a normal reference of Sat_O2 in healthy young Chinese individuals. It was a reflection of the normal state of retinal oxygen metabolism affected by several factors.
The maintenance of inserted titanium implants: in‐vitro evaluation of exposed surfaces cleaned with three different instruments
Authors: Bertoldi Carlo , Lusuardi Donatella , Battarra Francesca , Sassatelli Paolo , Spinato Sergio , Zaffe Davide
Published: January 2016

Objective

Changes to titanium implants smooth‐surfaces after instrumentation were comparatively analyzed using low‐vacuum scanning electron microscopy (LV‐SEM) and white‐light confocal (WLC) profilometry, to accurately evaluate curved surfaces.

Material and methods

Sixty titanium implants screwed to their abutments were randomly split into three groups for cleaning treatment with (S) stainless‐steel Gracey‐curettes, (T) titanium Langer‐curettes, and (P) an ultrasonic‐device with the probe covered with a plastic‐tip. One sector of each implant was left unprocessed (U). The other sectors were cleaned for either 60 s, to simulate a single cleaning session, or 180 s to simulate a series of sessions. Surface morphology was analyzed by LV‐SEM, without metal sputtering. Quantitative evaluations of the roughness of surfaces were performed using a WLC‐profilometer. The Wilcoxon and the Mann–Whitney tests were used in statistical comparisons.

Results

U‐surfaces showed that thin transverse ridges and grooves, i.e. a polarized surface roughness was substantially compromised after S‐instrumentation. Small surface alterations, increasing with time, were also recorded after T‐·and·P‐instrumentation, although to a lesser degree. The gap of the fixture‐abutment connection appeared almost completely clean after T‐, clotted with titanium debris after S‐, and clotted with plastic debris after P‐treatment. The mean roughness (Ra) was unchanged after P‐, significantly increased after S‐ and decreased after T‐treatment, when compared with U. The Rz roughness‐parameter, calculated along the fixture Y‐axis, of S, T, and P resulted similar and significantly lower than that of U. Rz (X‐axis) resulted unchanged after P‐, slightly increased (+40%) after T‐, and greatly increased (+260%) after S‐treatment, this latter being statistically significant when compared with U.

Conclusions

The careful use of titanium‐curettes could produce only minimal smooth surface alteration particularly over prolonged treatments, and avoid debris production that could endanger implant preservation.
Incorporating tree‐thinking and evolutionary time scale into developmental biology
Authors: Kuraku Shigehiro , Feiner Nathalie , Keeley Sean D. , Hara Yuichiro
Published: January 2016

Phylogenetic approaches are indispensable in any comparative molecular study involving multiple species. These approaches are in increasing demand as the amount and availability ofDNAsequence information continues to increase exponentially, even for organisms that were previously not extensively studied. Without the sound application of phylogenetic concepts and knowledge, one can be misled when attempting to infer ancestral character states as well as the timing and order of evolutionary events, both of which are frequently exerted in evolutionary developmental biology. The ignorance of phylogenetic approaches can also impact non‐evolutionary studies and cause misidentification of the target gene or protein to be examined in functional characterization. This review aims to promote tree‐thinking in evolutionary conjecture and stress the importance of a sense of time scale in cross‐species comparisons, in order to enhance the understanding of phylogenetics in all biological fields including developmental biology. To this end, molecular phylogenies of several developmental regulatory genes, including those denoted as “cryptic pan‐vertebrate genes”, are introduced as examples.
Efficacy and safety of liraglutide 3.0 mg for weight management are similar across races: subgroup analysis across the SCALE and phase II randomized trials
Authors: Ard J. , Cannon A. , Lewis C. E. , Lofton H. , Vang Skjøth T. , Stevenin B. , Pi‐Sunyer X.
Published: January 2016

The efficacy and safety of liraglutide 3.0 mg versus placebo, as adjunct to diet and exercise, was evaluated in racial subgroups. This post hoc analysis of pooled data from five double‐blind randomized, placebo‐controlled trials was conducted in 5325 adults with either a body mass index (BMI) ≥27 kg/m2 plus ≥1 comorbidity or a BMI ≥30 kg/m2. Statistical interaction tests evaluated possible treatment effect differences between racial subgroups: white (4496, 84.4%), black/African‐American (550, 10.3%), Asian (168, 3.2%) and other (111, 2.1%). Effects of liraglutide 3.0 mg on weight loss, associated metabolic effects and safety profile were generally consistent across racial subgroups. All achieved statistically significant mean weight loss at end‐of‐treatment with liraglutide 3.0 mg versus placebo: white 7.7% versus 2.3%, black/African‐American 6.3% versus 1.4%, Asian 6.3% versus 2.5%, other 7.3% versus 0.49%. Treatment effects on weight and cardiovascular risk markers generally showed no dependence on race (interaction test p > 0.05). Adverse events were similar across racial subgroups.
Linking watershed and microhabitat characteristics: effects on production of Atlantic salmonids (Salmo salar and Salmo trutta)
Authors: Foldvik Anders , Einum Sigurd , Finstad Anders G. , Ugedal Ola
Published: January 2016

The spatial scale of environmental factors influencing population dynamics ranges from microhabitat to continental or even global scales. Integration of multiple spatial scales is important in order to understand links between environmental variation and population processes. In the present study, we investigate how multiscale drivers influence the production of stream‐rearing Atlantic salmonids (Atlantic salmon, Salmo salar L. and brown trout, Salmo trutta L.) measured in terms of abundance. Variation in juvenile production was studied using data from single‐pass electrofishing surveys (measured as biomass per m2) from nine rivers. These data were combined with habitat data ranging from an important in‐stream microhabitat variable (shelter availability) to properties of the catchment. Variation in productivity within and among rivers was affected by both properties of in‐stream habitat and catchment properties. Shelter availability and the proportion of the catchment consisting of cultivated land and lakes influenced biomass positively, while catchment area had the opposite effect. For a different set of rivers (N = 20), river gradient and catchment area were shown to positively affect the amount of shelter. Finally, the variables identified in the two preceding analysis were included in the analysis of population productivity using catch statistics from 160 rivers. The proportion of cultivated land and lakes, estimated shelter availability were found to have positive effects. In addition, temperature had a positive effect, while river width had a negative effect. This study shows that combining multiple‐scale environmental factors can explain a substantial proportion of variation in population productivity among and within the populations of Atlantic salmonids.
Accounting for littoral primary production by periphyton shifts a highly humic boreal lake towards net autotrophy
Authors: Vesterinen Jussi , Devlin Shawn P. , Syväranta Jari , Jones Roger I.
Published: January 2016

The prevailing view that many humic lakes are net heterotrophic is commonly based on pelagic measurements alone. Poor light conditions in humic lakes are assumed to constrain littoral primary production (PP), such that the littoral zone has been considered an insignificant contributor to whole‐lake PP. However, that assumption is based on models and inferences from pelagic processes which do not take littoral zone structure into account. Many lakes have an extensive ring of aquatic vegetation lying near the water surface, which provides substratum for epiphytic algae under well‐illuminated conditions.

We measured both pelagic and littoral PP and community respiration (CR) in Mekkojärvi, a small, highly humic headwater lake, in southern Finland throughout the open water season in 2012. We used a 14C incorporation technique to measure pelagic PP, while littoral PP was determined using changes in dissolved inorganic carbon concentrations during in situ incubations. We then estimated whole‐lake PP and CR for both the littoral and pelagic zones.

We found that littoral PP usually dominated whole‐lake PP, contributing >90% to total PP in summer. A mean pelagic production to respiration ratio (GPP : CR) of 0.4 clearly indicated strong net heterotrophy, but a value of 2.2 for the littoral zone indicated strong autotrophy. For both habitats combined, the mean whole lake GPP : CR was 1.6, indicating net autotrophy.

We suggest that littoral PP can contribute significantly to whole‐lake PP even in highly humic lakes, and that the littoral contribution can shift some lakes which have been considered net heterotrophic to metabolic balance or even net autotrophy during the ice‐free period. Small humic lakes like Mekkojärvi with rings of littoral vegetation are widespread, especially in the boreal zone, and at least for similar lakes, evaluating lake metabolism from pelagic measurements alone is likely to be misleading.
Turbidity amplifies the non‐lethal effects of predation and affects the foraging success of characid fish shoals
Authors: Figueiredo Bruno R. S. , Mormul Roger P. , Chapman Ben B. , Lolis Lucas A. , Fiori Leandro F. , Benedito Evanilde
Published: January 2016

In aquatic systems, many species rely primarily on visual cues to choose optimal foraging sites, capture prey and avoid potential threats. Increases in the turbidity of water reduce visibility and impede animals in determining the precise location of both predators and food. How individuals balance foraging decisions with anti‐predator behaviour in turbid environments is not well understood.

We tested the effects of turbidity and predation risk on the foraging behaviour and feeding of an invertivorous fish,Moenkhausia forestii(Characidae), using a mesocosm experiment with a 2 × 2 design, crossing water clarity (clear versus turbid) with predation risk as reflected by the presence or absence of the piscivorous wolf‐fishHopliasaff.malabaricus(Erythrinidae). We predicted that turbidity and predator presence would interact additively to reduce foraging rates, and that increased turbidity or predator presence would result in disproportionate food partitioning among shoal members.

The combination of high turbidity and predator presence resulted in a significant reduction in prey consumption. Foraging success exhibited a skewed distribution in the turbid treatment, i.e. there was a decreased evenness of food partitioning within shoals. Hence, both turbidity and predator presence affect the prey consumption and foraging behaviour of invertivorous fish, with turbidity amplifying the non‐lethal effects of predation risk on foraging success.

Our results imply that turbidity‐induced visual obstruction amplifies the negative effects of predator presence on invertivorous fish feeding behaviour, resulting in higher prey survival. Also, our finding that food intake by an intermediate consumer decreased in turbid water with a top predator lends no support to the hypothesis that intermediate consumer fish reduce their anti‐predator behaviour in turbid water.

From a management perspective, our findings suggest that the oligotrophication of aquatic systems could dramatically increase predation on basal prey organisms naturally adapted to turbid waters, and reduce within‐shoal differences in feeding behaviour.
Observing climate change trends in ocean biogeochemistry: when and where
Authors: Henson Stephanie A. , Beaulieu Claudie , Lampitt Richard
Published: January 2016

Understanding the influence of anthropogenic forcing on the marine biosphere is a high priority. Climate change‐driven trends need to be accurately assessed and detected in a timely manner. As part of the effort towards detection of long‐term trends, a network of ocean observatories and time series stations provide high quality data for a number of key parameters, such as pH, oxygen concentration or primary production (PP). Here, we use an ensemble of global coupled climate models to assess the temporal and spatial scales over which observations of eight biogeochemically relevant variables must be made to robustly detect a long‐term trend. We find that, as a global average, continuous time series are required for between 14 (pH) and 32 (PP) years to distinguish a climate change trend from natural variability. Regional differences are extensive, with low latitudes and the Arctic generally needing shorter time series (<~30 years) to detect trends than other areas. In addition, we quantify the ‘footprint’ of existing and planned time series stations, that is the area over which a station is representative of a broader region. Footprints are generally largest for pH and sea surface temperature, but nevertheless the existing network of observatories only represents 9–15% of the global ocean surface. Our results present a quantitative framework for assessing the adequacy of current and future ocean observing networks for detection and monitoring of climate change‐driven responses in the marine ecosystem.
SCHILLERS ‘DAS LIED VON DER GLOCKE’ – EIN LIED UM VON DEN STÜHLEN ZU FALLEN?
Authors: Hahn H. J.
Published: January 2016

Schiller's ‘Das Lied von der Glocke’, the most quoted, most parodied poem in German became, in the 1950s, the subject of a damaging literary quarrel between Hans Magnus Enzensberger and Marcel Reich‐Ranicki. This article analyses the literary and social aspects of the poem in order to examine why this work lost the controversial reputation it had gained during the Romantic period. The reasons lie in Schiller's approach to popular poetry, but also in the nature of a society which defined itself as ‘Kulturnation’, thereby ignoring contemporary social and political realities. The article argues that Schiller's attempt at ‘folk literature’ was influenced by two fellow poets, Johann Heinrich Voß and Gottfried August Bürger, both of whose poems he admired, but whom he considered too close to the ‘masses’. Attempting to add philosophical weight to his poem, Schiller overloaded it with ideas which could not be expressed in such simplistic vocabulary. The theme of casting the bell, the conservative social order, and the poem's vehemently anti‐revolutionary tone met with harsh criticism from the young Romantics, who advocated the emancipation of women, political freedom and equality. It was, however, admired in nineteenth century German society, which, unsettled by numerous political changes, sought refuge in the poem's imagined pre‐revolutionary, pre‐industrial political and social order.

Schillers ‘Das Lied von der Glocke’, das meist zitierte, meist parodierte Gedicht in deutscher Sprache, wurde Mitte des zwanzigsten Jahrhunderts Gegenstand eines Literaturstreits (Hans Magnus Enzensberger versus Marcel Reich‐Ranicki), von dem es sich nicht mehr erholte. Dieser Beitrag untersucht die poetologischen und inhaltlichen Gründe, welche der ‘Glocke’ ihre ‘Umstrittenheit’ (Segebrecht) zur Zeit der Romantik geraubt haben, wobei neben dem Gedicht und seinem Autor auch die Gesellschaft jener Zeit miteinbezogen wird, die sich als selbsternannte ‘Kulturnation’ von den gesellschaftlichen und politischen Realitäten distanzieren wollte. Schillers Versuch als ‘Volksdichter’ wird mit zwei Zeitgenossen in Verbindung gebracht, Johann Heinrich Voß und Gottfried August Bürger, deren Volksnähe er zwar bewunderte, deren mangelnde Distanz gegenüber der gemeinen ‘Masse’ er aber kritisierte. Das Resultat ist ein ideologisch überfrachtetes Poem, dem die schlichte Sprache der Folklore nicht gelingen wollte. Auch thematisch wurde das Gedicht seiner Zeit nicht gerecht: Das Thema des Glockengießens, die geschilderte soziale Ordnung und die vehement antirevolutionäre Haltung des Autors stießen bei der Generation der Jungromantiker auf heftigste Kritik, da sie ihrerseits für die Emanzipation der Frau und die revolutionäre Forderung nach Freiheit und Gleichheit kämpften. Dennoch erregte das Gedicht die Bewunderung einer durch zahlreiche politische Umbrüche verunsicherten Gesellschaft, die sich in Schillers vorrevolutionärer, vorindustrieller Ordnung geborgen fühlte.
Beards and Bloomers: Flight Attendants, Grievances and Embodied Labour in the Canadian Airline Industry, 1960s–1980s
Authors: Sangster Joan , Smith Julia
Published: January 2016

This paper examines union grievances dealing with the body, appearance and demeanour fought by the Canadian Air Line Flight Attendants Association, on behalf of its female and male members over a 30‐year period. Taking a historical, materialist‐feminist approach, we examine how workers used the grievance system to resist regulations they believed contradicted their right to dignified labour. We ask how and why bodily regulation differed for men and women, and how this changed over time, as the union merged its male and female job occupations. Using arbitrated grievances, union records and discussion of these issues in the mass media, we show how both feminism and service union activism encouraged flight attendant resistance to airlines’ efforts to regulate the appropriate body and attire for male and female workers. The use of labour law offered workers some respite from regulation, but did not facilitate fundamental questions about the power of management to ‘dress’ its workers.
Assessing Risks of Shallow Riparian Groundwater Quality Near an Oil Sands Tailings Pond
Authors: Roy J.W. , Bickerton G. , Frank R.A. , Grapentine L. , Hewitt L.M.
Published: January 2016

The potential discharge of groundwater contaminated by oil sands process‐affected water (OSPW) is a concern for aquatic ecosystems near tailings ponds. Groundwater in the area, but unaffected by OSPW, may contain similar compounds, complicating the assessment of potential ecological impacts. In this study, 177 shallow groundwater samples were collected from riparian areas along the Athabasca River and tributaries proximate to oil sands developments. For “pond‐site” samples (71; adjacent to study tailings pond), Canadian aquatic life guidelines were exceeded for 11 of 20 assessed compounds. However, “non‐pond” samples (54; not near any tailings pond) provided similar exceedances. Statistical analyses indicate that pond‐site and non‐pond samples were indistinguishable for all but seven parameters assessed, including salts, many trace metals, and fluorescence profiles of aromatic naphthenic acids (ANA). This suggests that, regarding the tested parameters, groundwater adjacent to the study tailings pond generally poses no greater ecological risk than other nearby groundwaters at this time. Multivariate analyses applied to the groundwater data set separated into 11 smaller zones support this conclusion, but show some variation between zones. Geological and potential OSPW influences could not be distinguished based on major ions and metals concentrations. However, similarities in indicator parameters, namely ANA, F, Mo, Se, and Na‐Cl ratio, were noted between a small subset of samples from two pond‐site zones and two OSPW samples and two shallow groundwater samples documented as likely OSPW affected. This indicator‐based screening suggests that OSPW‐affected groundwater may be reaching Athabasca River sediments at a few locations.
A Fractured Rock Geophysical Toolbox Method Selection Tool
Authors: Day‐Lewis F.D. , Johnson C.D. , Slater L.D. , Robinson J.L. , Williams J.H. , Boyden C.L. , Werkema D. , Lane J.W.
Published: January 2016

Article impact statement: A spreadsheet‐based software is presented to identify methods for use at fractured‐rock sites, based on project goals and site description.
Trifolium species associate with a similar richness of soil‐borne mutualists in their introduced and native ranges
Authors: McGinn Kevin J. , van der Putten Wim H. , Duncan Richard P. , Shelby Natasha , Weser Carolin , Hulme Philip E.
Published: January 2016

Aim

While plant species introduced to new regions may benefit from escaping natural enemies, their success may be impaired by losing key mutualists. We aimed to elucidate whether a selection of annual and perennial Trifolium (clover) species have lost associations with nitrogen‐fixing bacteria (rhizobia) and arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) in their introduced range.

Location

Introduced range in New Zealand (NZ) and native range in the United Kingdom (UK).

Methods

We compared the strain richness of rhizobia associated with five Trifolium species in both ranges using genetic fingerprinting (rep‐PCR with ERIC primers). Phylogenetic analysis of the nodD gene was conducted to test for between‐range differences in rhizobia genotypes associated with seven Trifolium species. We also used TRFLP to compare the richness of AMF associated with three Trifolium species in both ranges.

Results

Genetic fingerprinting indicated that Trifolium associate with a similar richness of rhizobia strains in NZ as they do in the UK. According to variation in the nodD gene, genotypes of rhizobia were indistinguishable between NZ and UK provenances. A total of 17 AMF operational taxonomic units were detected but there were no significant between‐range differences in richness or in community structure.

Main conclusions

Contrary to general expectations regarding the loss of mutualists following species introduction, our findings suggest that alien plants, including those accidentally introduced, can have access to rich communities of soil‐borne mutualists that are likely to facilitate successful naturalization.
Pitch Ability As an Aptitude for Tone Learning
Authors: Bowles Anita R. , Chang Charles B. , Karuzis Valerie P.
Published: January 2016

Tone languages such as Mandarin use voice pitch to signal lexical contrasts, presenting a challenge for second/foreign language (L2) learners whose native languages do not use pitch in this manner. The present study examined components of an aptitude for mastering L2 lexical tone. Native English speakers with no previous tone language experience completed a Mandarin word learning task, as well as tests of pitch ability, musicality, L2 aptitude, and general cognitive ability. Pitch ability measures improved predictions of learning performance beyond musicality, L2 aptitude, and general cognitive ability and also predicted transfer of learning to new talkers. In sum, although certain nontonal measures help predict successful tone learning, the central components of tonal aptitude are pitch‐specific perceptual measures.
Prospective comparison of magnetic resonance imaging to transient elastography and serum markers for liver fibrosis detection
Authors: Dyvorne Hadrien A. , Jajamovich Guido H. , Bane Octavia , Fiel M. Isabel , Chou Hsin , Schiano Thomas D. , Dieterich Douglas , Babb James S. , Friedman Scott L. , Taouli Bachir
Published: January 2016

Background & Aims

Establishing accurate non‐invasive methods of liver fibrosis quantification remains a major unmet need. Here, we assessed the diagnostic value of a multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) protocol including diffusion‐weighted imaging (DWI), dynamic contrast‐enhanced (DCE)‐MRI and magnetic resonance elastography (MRE) in comparison with transient elastography (TE) and blood tests [including ELF (Enhanced Liver Fibrosis) and APRI] for liver fibrosis detection.

Methods

In this single centre cross‐sectional study, we prospectively enrolled 60 subjects with liver disease who underwent multiparametric MRI (DWI, DCE‐MRI and MRE), TE and blood tests. Correlation was assessed between non‐invasive modalities and histopathologic findings including stage, grade and collagen content, while accounting for covariates such as age, sex, BMI, HCV status and MRI‐derived fat and iron content. ROC curve analysis evaluated the performance of each technique for detection of moderate‐to‐advanced liver fibrosis (F2–F4) and advanced fibrosis (F3–F4).

Results

Magnetic resonance elastography provided the strongest correlation with fibrosis stage (r = 0.66, P < 0.001), inflammation grade (r = 0.52, P < 0.001) and collagen content (r = 0.53, P = 0.036). For detection of moderate‐to‐advanced fibrosis (F2–F4), AUCs were 0.78, 0.82, 0.72, 0.79, 0.71 for MRE, TE, DCE‐MRI, DWI and APRI, respectively. For detection of advanced fibrosis (F3–F4), AUCs were 0.94, 0.77, 0.79, 0.79 and 0.70, respectively.

Conclusions

Magnetic resonance elastography provides the highest correlation with histopathologic markers and yields high diagnostic performance for detection of advanced liver fibrosis and cirrhosis, compared to DWI, DCE‐MRI, TE and serum markers.
Local Segregation and Well‐Being
Authors: Alonso‐Villar Olga , Del Río Coral
Published: January 2016

This paper deals with the quantification of the well‐being loss/gain of a demographic group associated with its occupational segregation, an issue that has not been formally tackled in the literature. For this purpose, this paper proposes several properties to take into account when measuring this phenomenon. Building on standard assumptions of social welfare functions, it also defines and characterizes a parameterized family of indices that satisfy those properties. In particular, the indices are equal to zero when either the group has no segregation or all occupations have the same wage, and the indices increase when individuals of the group move into occupations that have higher wages than those left behind. In addition, ceteris paribus, the indices increase more the lower the wage is of the occupation left behind, and consider small improvements for many people to be more important than large improvements for a few.
A Topology‐Inferred Graph‐Based Heuristic Algorithm for Map Simplification
Authors: Guo QiuLei , Karimi Hassan A.
Published: January 2016

In this article we present a heuristic map simplification algorithm based on a novel topology‐inferred graph model. Compared with the existing algorithms, which only focus either on geometry simplification or on topological consistency, our algorithm simplifies the map composed of series of polylines and constraint points while maintaining the topological relationships in the map, maximizing the number of removal points, and minimizing error distance efficiently. Unlike some traditional geometry simplification algorithms, such as Douglas and Peucker's, which add points incrementally, we remove points sequentially based on a priority determined by heuristic functions. In the first stage, we build a graph to model the topology of points in the map from which we determine whether a point is removable or not. As map generalization is needed in different applications with different requirements, we present two heuristic functions to determine the priority of points removal for two different purposes: to save storage space and to reduce computation time. The time complexity of our algorithm is
which is efficient enough to be considered for real‐time applications. Experiments on real maps were conducted and the results indicate that our algorithm produces high quality results; one heuristic function results in higher removal points saving storage space and the other improves the time performance significantly.
Comparison of Kernel Density and Local Convex Hull Methods for Assessing Distribution Ranges of Large Mammalian Herbivores
Authors: Chirima George J , Owen‐Smith Norman
Published: January 2016

When assessing distribution range shifts, precise information is required on distribution limits, densities in occupied regions, unoccupied gaps, and changes in these measures over time. The local convex hull method recently developed for home range delineation to provide these measures was compared with that of the widely applied parametric kernel density estimation and with the commonly used tile method. The assessment used location records from 14 years of aerial surveys on four mammalian herbivores selected because of their distinct distribution patterns. Impala showed an almost continuous distribution with few gaps, wildebeest a wide distribution with regional concentrations, waterbuck a linear distribution along rivers, and sable antelope a widespread but patchy distribution. The kernel method tended to extend ranges beyond observed records, obscuring gaps within distributions. With parametric kernel approaches, bandwidth obtained via Least Squares Cross Validation techniques was not optimal when the local abundance was widely disparate, as was the case for wildebeest. The LoCoH method most effectively revealed meaningful gaps. The LoCoH method is advantageous for precisely mapping the distributions of conspicuous species for which the absence of records indicates true gaps in occurrence.
Oxidative stress and rheologic properties of stored red blood cells before and after transfusion to surgical patients
Authors: Nagababu Enika , Scott Andrew V. , Johnson Daniel J. , Dwyer Ian M. , Lipsitz Joshua A. , Barodka Viachaslau M. , Berkowitz Dan E. , Frank Steven M.
Published: January 2016

BACKGROUND

The loss of structural and functional integrity of red blood cells (RBCs) during storage, collectively referred to as “storage lesion,” has been implicated in reduced oxygen delivery after transfusion. RBCs are highly susceptible to oxidative damage from generation of reactive oxygen species by autoxidation of hemoglobin. Therefore, we examined whether increased oxidative stress (OS) in stored RBCs is associated with impaired cell membrane deformability before or after transfusion.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS

Thirty‐four patients undergoing multilevel spine fusion surgery were enrolled. OS in RBCs was assessed by the presence of fluorescent heme degradation products and methemoglobin, which were measured with fluorimetric and spectrophotometric methods, respectively. Deformability and aggregation were determined by ektacytometry in stored RBCs, autologous salvaged RBCs, and posttransfusion blood samples.

RESULTS

OS in stored RBCs was significantly increased with longer storage (R = 0.54, p = 0.032) and significantly higher than that in fresh RBCs (9.1 ± 1.3 fluorescent arbitrary units vs. 7.7 ± 0.9 fluorescent arbitrary units, p < 0.001). Deformability decreased (R = −0.60, p = 0.009) with increasing storage duration. OS was elevated (p < 0.05) and deformability was decreased (p < 0.05) in postoperative blood from patients who had undergone moderate (≥4 RBC units) but not minimal or no transfusion. Neither the decrease in deformability of RBCs nor the aggregation changes were correlated with OS.

CONCLUSIONS

Although stored RBCs show signs of increased OS and loss of cell membrane deformability, these changes were not directly correlated and were only evident after moderate but not lower dose transfusion in postoperative surgical patients. These findings suggest that factors other than OS may contribute to impaired rheology with stored RBCs in the clinical setting.
Surgical Correction of Traumatic Lateral Patellar Luxation
Authors: Marchionatti Emma , Desrochers André , Sheen Ashley D. , Lardé Hélène , Babkine Marie
Published: January 2016

Objective

To report successful surgical repair of a grade IV lateral patellar luxation in a 437‐kg heifer.

Study Design

Case report.

Animal

Seventeen‐month‐old Holstein heifer (437 kg).

Methods

Diagnosis of traumatic lateral patellar luxation was made based on physical examination, and confirmed on radiographs. Arthroscopic examination of the stifle assessed joint changes. Lateral patellar luxation was surgically repaired using lateral release of the patella and medial imbrication of the joint capsule.

Results

The heifer presented nonweight‐bearing lameness of the left hind limb (5/5 lameness score). Unilateral grade IV lateral patellar luxation was diagnosed based on physical examination and radiography. Arthroscopic examination of the stifle showed synovitis and cartilage eburnation of the medial articular surface of the patella and of the lateral trochlear ridge of the femur. Lateral release of the patella and medial imbrication of the joint capsule was performed. The heifer remained lame (4.5/5 lameness score) and developed severe disuse muscle atrophy after surgery. By day 112, the heifer was walking easily and was completely weight bearing on the left hindlimb but did have a gait alteration (2/5 lameness score). On day 229, the heifer calved for the first time and lameness was no longer evident.

Conclusion

This report documents successful surgical treatment of traumatic lateral patellar luxation in a large heifer but additional case evaluation is required to provide an accurate prognosis for this condition and treatment in large cattle.
Frequency of Dehiscence in Hand‐Sutured and Stapled Intestinal Anastomoses in Dogs
Authors: Duell Jason R. , Thieman Mankin Kelley M. , Rochat Mark C. , Regier Penny J. , Singh Ameet , Luther Jill K. , Mison Michael B. , Leeman Jessica J. , Budke Christine M.
Published: January 2016

Objective

To determine the frequency of dehiscence of hand‐sutured and stapled intestinal anastomoses in the dog and compare the surgery duration for the methods of anastomosis.

Study Design

Historical cohort study.

Sample Population

Two hundred fourteen client‐owned dogs undergoing hand‐sutured (n = 142) or stapled (n = 72) intestinal anastomoses.

Methods

Medical records from 5 referral institutions were searched for dogs undergoing intestinal resection and anastomosis between March 2006 and February 2014. Demographic data, presence of septic peritonitis before surgery, surgical technique (hand‐sutured or stapled), surgery duration, surgeon (resident versus faculty member), indication for surgical intervention, anatomic location of resection and anastomosis, and if dehiscence was noted postoperatively were retrieved. Estimated frequencies were summarized and presented as proportions and 95% confidence intervals (CI) and continuous outcomes as mean (95% CI). Comparisons were made across methods of anastomosis.

Results

Overall, 29/205 dogs (0.14, 95% CI 0.10–00.19) had dehiscence, including 21/134 dogs (0.16, 0.11–0.23) undergoing hand‐sutured anastomosis and 8/71 dogs (0.11, 0.06–0.21) undergoing stapled anastomosis. There was no significant difference in the frequency of dehiscence across anastomosis methods (χ2,P = .389). The mean (95% CI) surgery duration of 140 minutes (132–147) for hand‐ sutured anastomoses and 108 minutes (99–119) for stapled anastomoses was significantly different (t‐test,P < .001).

Conclusion

No significant difference in frequency of dehiscence was noted between hand‐ sutured and stapled anastomoses in dogs but surgery duration is significantly reduced by the use of staples for intestinal closure.
PROPERTIES AND PERFORMANCE OF WATER TREATMENT SLUDGE (WTS)-CLAY BRICKS
Authors: Md Nor Mohd Asri , Abdul Hamed Alia Syafiqah , Hj Ali Faisal , Keat Khim Ong
Published: January 2016

Every year, large quantity of water treatment sludge (WTS) is produced from water treatment plant in Malaysia. Sanitary landfill disposal of sludge at authorized sites is the common practice in Malaysia. However, searching the suitable site for landfill is the major problem as the amount of sludge produced keeps on increasing. Reuse of the sludge could be an alternative to disposal. This study investigated the reusability of WTS as brick making material. The performance of clay-WTS bricks produced by mixing clay with different percentages of WTS with increments of 20% from 0% up to 100% was investigated. Each molded brick with optimum moisture content was pressed under constant pressure, oven-dried at 100˚C for 24 hours followed by heating at 600˚C for 2 hours and 1000˚C for 3 hours. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and energy dispersive X-ray (EDX) analysis were used to characterize clay, WTS and clay-WTS bricks.  The performance of the bricks were evaluated with firing shrinkage, loss on ignition (LOI), water absorption, bulk density, and compressive strength tests. Increasing the sludge content results in a decrease of brick firing shrinkage, and increase of water absorption and compressive strength. The results revealed that the brick with 100% by weight of sludge could generate the highest compressive strength of 17.123N/mm2. It can be concluded that the bricks with 20 to 100% of water treatment sludge comply with the Malaysian Standard MS7.6:1972, which can fulfill the general requirement for usage of clay bricks in wall construction.
A CONCEPTUAL REVIEW OF WEATHERING TESTING USING MALAYSIAN TROPICAL TIMBER
Authors: Syed Mokhtarruddin Syarifah Hanisah , Ahmad Zakiah , Hassan Rohana , Ashaari Zaidon
Published: January 2016

History of accelerated weathering testing as a tool to explain the nature of weathering with a faster outcome has been documented since the 1940s. There are various method applied as accelerated weathering testing, i.e., cyclic boil-dry test, automatic boil test and QUV instrument. One of the recently conducted worldwide in accelerated weathering testing was QUV accelerated weathering. QUV instrument gives information about how materials degrade to the extended exposure environment within a reasonable time frame. Furthermore, QUV instrument employs the wavelength simulating with real-life solar radiation. Thus, applications of accelerated weathering testing in timber industry really give fast response to manufacturer in improving their timber product for long term usage. The conceptual review has studied on the application of QUV instrument in the accelerated weathering testing since 1997 till 2014. Accelerated weathering testing as a simulation of natural weathering was used in determining the long-term serviceability of Malaysian tropical timber in the extended environmental exposure.