bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The ecology of the False Bay estuarine environments, Cape, South Africa. 2. Changes during the last fifty years
Authors: O'Callaghan M.
Published: July 2015

Aerial photographs taken between 1936 and 1987 of the eleven rivers flowing into False Bay were studied. Various techniques were used to obtain quantitative values and value judgements for the changes that had taken place. It was found that large increases in industrial, residential, recreational areas and alien plant cover have taken place at the expense of open sand and natural vegetation types. The rivers along the eastern shore of the Bay are relatively undisturbed. Those along the western shore are more disturbed but still contain some noteworthy environments. The most detrimental changes have occurred around the rivers of the Cape Flats, along the northern shore.
LILIACEAE/ASPHODELACEAE
Authors: Smith G. F.
Published: July 2015

THE TYPE OF  CHORTOLIRION BERGFRIANUM (ALOOIDEAE)
Three new species of Diascia (Scrophulariaceae) from the western Cape
Authors: Steiner K. E.
Published: July 2015

Three annual Diascia species are described from the western Cape. Two species, D maculata K.E. Steiner and D. humilis K.E. Steiner have small flowers and are closely related.  D. maculata is characterized by a slightly gibbous corolla with no spurs or sacs, erect stamens, and a distinct patch of oil-secreting trichomes in the tube at the base of each upper and lateral corolla lobe. D. humilis is characterized by a bisaccate corolla, forward projecting stamens and oil-secreting trichomes localized in corolla sacs. The third new species,  D hexensis K.E. Steiner, is most similar to D. sacculata Benth.. but it differs from that species by its larger flowers and much longer spurs which curve downward instead of upward.
PTERIDOPHYTA-ADIANTACEAE
Authors: Roux J. P.
Published: July 2015

A NEW CYTOTYPE FOR  ACROSTICHUM AUREUM
FABACEAE
Authors: Edwards T. J.
Published: July 2015

NOTES ON THE GENUS  ARGYROLOBIUM (CROTALAR1EAE) INCLUDING A NEW SPECIES FROM SOUTHERN AFRICA
New records and new species of Asclepiadaceae from Namibia
Authors: Bruyns P. V.
Published: July 2015

Eleven species of Asclepiadaceae not previously recorded from Namibia are discussed. Of these. Brachystelma codonanthum Bruyns.  B. recurvatum Bruyns and Schizoglossum saccatum Bruyns are new species. The new combinations Brachy­stelma gymnopodum (Schltr.) Bruyns (for Ceropegia pygmaea Schinz) and B. schultzei (Schltr.) Bruyns [for  Tenaris schultzei (Schltr.) E. Phillips] are proposed and the delimitation of Brachystelma R. Br. against  Ceropegia L. and  Tenaris E. Mey. is discussed. Notes are also included on little-known species, and the species of Gomphocarpus R. Br. in Namibia are enumerated.
LUNULARIACEAE
Authors: Perold S. M.
Published: July 2015

FRUITING LUNULARIA CRUCIATA, NOW ALSO REPORTED FROM SOUTHERN AFRICA
OBITUARY
Authors: Archer R. H.
Published: July 2015

LESLIE CHARLES LEACH (1909-1996)
A new species of Nivenia (Iridaceae)
Authors: Goldblatt P.
Published: July 2015

No Abstract available
FSA contributions 8: Ceratophyllaceae
Authors: Wilmot-Dear C. M.
Published: July 2015

No Abstract available
OBITUARY
Authors: Smith G. F. , Steyn E. M. A
Published: July 2015

BAREND PETRUS BARKHUIZEN (1921-1995):AMATEUR BOTANIST, SUCCULENT PLANT SPECIALIST AND EDUCATOR
ERICACEAE: TWO NEW SPECIES OF ERICA FROM WESTERN CAPE, SOUTH AFRICA
Authors: Oliver E. G. H. , Oliver I. M.
Published: July 2015

TWO NEW SPECIES OF ERICA FROM WESTERN CAPE, SOUTH AFRICA
Montane flora of the southern Langeberg, South Africa: a checklist of the flowering plants and ferns
Authors: Mcdonald D. J.
Published: July 2015

The flora of the southern Langeberg is rich, w ith 1 228 species and intraspecific taxa (referred to collectively as species) recorded in 361 genera and 105 families. An analysis of the montane flora of the southern Langeberg. Western Cape, South Africa based on an annotated checklist shows that the Asteraceae has the highest number of species per familv (167) and the genus  Erica has the most infrageneric taxa per genus (130) as well as the most endemic species (51). One endemic monotypic family, the Geissolomataceae, two endemic genera Geissoloma and Langebergia (Asteraceae) and a total of 167 endemic species are found on the southern Langeberg The plant families of the southern Langeberg flora are ranked according to species-richness of the families and compared with floras of other areas (mainly montane) in the Fynbos Biome and marginally to the east of this biome (the Amatole Mountains). The greatest similarity of ranking is evident betw een the plant families of the southern Langeberg and those of the Cape Hangklip Area.
A review of generic concepts in the Stilbaceae
Authors: Rourke J. P.
Published: July 2015

The generic concepts in the Cape endemic family Stilbaceae (± 14 species), are reviewed. Proposals by various authors to include Retzia capensis Thunb. in the Stilbaceae are supported.  Xeroplana Briq. and  Eurylobium Hochst. are shown to be congeneric with  Stilbe L.. resulting in one new combination and one new name in  Stilbe. Seven currendy recognised species of Stilbe are enumerated. A key to the genera of the Stilbaceae, as presently understood, is provided. A new genus Kogelbergia is described to accommodate two species previously assigned to Stilbe sect. Amphistilbe and two new combi­nations in Kogelbergia are proposed
HYACINTHACEAE
Authors: Dold A. P. , Moberg R.
Published: July 2015

CORRECTION OF A HISTORICAL ERROR IN THE TAXONOMIC DESCRIPTION OF URGINEA CILIATA
Vegetation of the coastal fynbos and rocky headlands south of George, South Africa
Authors: Hoare D. B. , Victor J. E. , Lubke R. A.
Published: July 2015

Community structure and composition of the coastal fynbos and rocky headland plant communities south of George, southern Cape, were studied. Vegetation was analysed using standard sampling procedures of the floristic-sociological approach of Braun-Blanquet. The releve data were subject to TWIN SPAN-based divisive classification, and ordinated by Principal Coordinates Analysis with the aim to identify vegetation coenocline subsequently interpreted in terms of under­lying environmental gradients. Most of the sampled vegetation was classified as coastal fynbos. The  Leucadendron salignum-Tetraria cuspidata Fynbos Community was found to occupy sheltered habitats, whereas the  Relhania calyci- na-Passerina vulgaris Fynbos Community was found in exposed habitats The other two communities characterise strong­ly exposed rocky headlands. The Pterocelastrus tricuspidatus-Ruschia tenella Community is wind-sheared scrub, and the Gazania rigens- Limonium scabrum Rocky Headland Community is a loose-canopy, low-grown herbland, characterised by the occurrence of partly salt-tolerant and succulent herbs. The ordination of the fynbos communities revealed a horseshoe structure allowing a direct recognition of a coenocline spanning two fynbos communities along the Axis 1 interpreted in terms of exposure to wind and salt spray. A considerable amount of alien plant infestation was also present. This appears to be the largest threat to the continued existence of this coastal fynbos.
OBITUARY
Authors: Een G. , Perold S. M.
Published: July 2015

IN MEMORY OF S.W. ARNELL. HEPATICOLOGIST (1895-1970)
OBITUARY
Authors: Killick D. J. B.
Published: July 2015

ROSEMARY CHARLOTTE HOLCROFT (1942-2000)
Revision of the Tarchonanthus camphoratus complex (Asteraceae-Tarchonantheae) in southern Africa
Authors: Herman P. P. J.
Published: July 2015

The  Tarchonanthus camphoratus L. complex in southern Africa is revised. Five species are recognized on the grounds of differences in synflorescences, flowering times, leaf shape and margin, and distribution. Two names.  T. minor Less, and T. ohovatus DC., are resurrected and two new species. T. littoralis P.P.J.Herman and  T. parvicapitulatus PP.J.Herman. are described. A key, lull descriptions of each taxon and distribution data are presented.
A checklist of the plants of Mahwaqa Mountain, KwaZulu-Natal
Authors: Meter E. B. , Edwards T. J.
Published: July 2015

A checklist o f the plants of Mahwaqa Mountain. KwaZulu-Natal, is presented. The list includes 1 030 indigenous and naturalized flowering plants and ferns. Comparisons are made with the floras of KwaZulu-Natal (Ross 1972). the Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve, Cape Point (Taylor 1985). the southern Natal Drakensberg (Hilliard Burtt 1987). the Amatolas (Phillipson 1987). the Langeberg (McDonald 19991  and Umtamvuna Nature Reserve (Abbott  et al. 2000). It is hoped that the publication of this list w ill contribute towards the recognition of the area as a natural heritage site.
HYACINTHACEAE AND CRASSULACEAE
Authors: Van Jaarsveld E. J. , Van Wyk A. E.
Published: July 2015

TWO NEW CREMNOPHILOUS TAXA FROM SEMI ARID REGIONS IN SOUTH AFRICA
Commiphora kaokoensis (Burseraceae), a new species from Namibia, with notes on C. dinteri and C. namaensis
Authors: Swanepoel W.
Published: July 2015

Commipora kaokoensis W.Swanepoel. here described as a new species, is known only from the Kaokoveld Centre of Endemism, an arid region in northwestern Namibia. Illustrations of the plant and a distribution map are provided. Diagnostic characters include the petiolate or subsessile. all-simple and relatively large leaves with the lamina obovate or elliptic. New information is provided on the leaf morphology and geographical distribution of C. namaensis Schinz and C.  dinteri Engl., species with which the new species shares some similarities. When without leaves or fruit, the three species can easily be con­fused. A comprehensive table with diagnostic morphological features to distinguish between the three species is presented.
AMARYLLIDACEAE: A NEW VARIETY OF CLIVIA ROBUSTA
Authors: Swanevelder Z. H. , Forbes-Hardinge A. , Truter J. T, , Van Wyk A. E.
Published: July 2015

A NEW VARIETY OF CLIVIA ROBUSTA
ASTERACEAE
Authors: Mckenzie R. J. , Herman P. P. J. , Barker N. P.
Published: July 2015

ARCTOTIS DECURRENS (ARCTOTIDEAE). THE CORRECT NAME FOR A. MERXMUELELLERI AND A. SCULLYI
CRASSULACEAE: CRASSULA STREYI RECORDED FROM THE EASTERN CAPE, SOUTH AFRICA
Authors: Crouch N. , Edwards T. J.
Published: July 2015

CRASSULA STREYI RECORDED FROM THE EASTERN CAPE, SOUTH AFRICA
DROSERACEAE
Authors: Fleischmann A. , Gibson R. , Rivadavia F.
Published: July 2015

DROSERA ERICGREENII. A NEW SPECIES FROM THE FYNBOS OF SOUTH AFRICA
A NOTE ON N. E. BROWN’S SUB-DIVISION OF THE GENUS ANTHOLYZA LINN.
Authors: Phillips E. P.
Published: July 2015

No abstract available
The Taxonomy, Anatomy and Cytology of Pseudobromus africanus (Hack.) Stapf.
Authors: De Winter B.
Published: July 2015

No abstract available
New and Interesting Records of South African Fungi. Part iii.*
Authors: Talbot P. H. B
Published: July 2015

No abstract available
Notes on Aristothamnion purpuriferum (Kiitz.) J. Ag.
Authors: Simons R. H.
Published: July 2015

No abstract available
Notes and New Records of African Flowering Plants.
Authors: Authors Various
Published: July 2015

No abstract available
Addenum
Authors: Simons R. H.
Published: July 2015

Cladophora
A Revision of the South African Species of Anthericum, Chlorophytum and Trachyandra
Authors: Obermeyer A. Amelia
Published: July 2015

No abstract available
The Cucurbitaceae of Southern Africa
Authors: Meeuse A. D. J.
Published: July 2015

No abstract available
The South African Species of Dipcadi
Authors: Obermeyer A. A.
Published: July 2015

No abstract available
A Fast Semi-Implicit Level Set Method for Curvature Dependent Flows with an Application to Limit Cycles Extraction in Dynamical Systems
Authors: You Guoqiao , Leung Shingyu
Published: July 2015

We propose a new semi-implicit level set approach to a class of curvature dependent flows. The method generalizes a recent algorithm proposed for the motion by mean curvature where the interface is updated by solving the Rudin-Osher-Fatemi (ROF) model for image regularization. Our proposal is general enough so that one can easily extend and apply the method to other curvature dependent motions. Since the derivation is based on a semi-implicit time discretization, this suggests that the numerical scheme is stable even using a time-step significantly larger than that of the corresponding explicit method. As an interesting application of the numerical approach, we propose a new variational approach for extracting limit cycles in dynamical systems. The resulting algorithm can automatically detect multiple limit cycles staying inside the initial guess with no condition imposed on the number nor the location of the limit cycles. Further, we also propose in this work an Eulerian approach based on the level set method to test if the limit cycles are stable or unstable.
The folk-medicinal plants of Kadişehri (Yozgat – Turkey)
Authors: Han Muhammed İhsan , Bulut Gizem
Published: July 2015

This paper contains significant ethnobotanical information on folk-medicinal plants and their ethnopharmacological uses in Kadışehri. The aim of the study was mainly to collect and identify the plants used therapeutically by the local people, and to make available information about traditional herbal medicine. It was undertaken during the period 2011–2012 and is based on plants collected during field work. Fifty-six plants used in folk-medicine and belonging to 34 families were identified in this study. Of these, 48 species were wild, and 8 species were cultivated plants. The most common families were Rosaceae (12.5%), Lamiaceae (8.9%) and Asteraceae (7.1%); and the most common preparations were decoctions (36.7%). In addition, a cultural importance index (CI) and use report (UR) were calculated for each species. Based on the CI, the most important plants were Cydonia oblonga (0.77), Ecballium elaterium (0.66), Urtica urens (0.66), Vitis vinifera (0.66), Plantago lanceolata (0.65), Plantago major subsp. major (0.65) and Rosa canina (0.62). We found three species of plant (Astragalus noaeanus, Populus ×canescens and Salvia cyanescens) which had never before been reported to have medicinal properties.
Therapeutic comparison of Surgery combined with chemotherapy and chemotherapy alone for Primary Gastrointestinal Lymphoma: A single center study
Authors: Kim Je Hun , Lee Ho Sup , Lee Jun Seop , Lee Jin Young , Kim Su Young , Kim Cheol Su , Yang Joung Wook , You Ga In
Published: July 2015

Objectives There is still no consensus on the optimal treatment for primary gastrointestinal lymphoma (PGIL). The aim of this study was to compare surgery combined with chemotherapy and chemotherapy alone in PGIL. Methods We retrospectively reviewed and analyzed the treatment outcomes of 107 patients with primary gastrointestinal lymphoma diagnosed between March 1999 and December 2009 at Kosin University Gospel Hospital. Patients were divided into two groups: 35 patients who underwent surgery combined with chemotherapy (group A) and 72 patients who were treated with chemotherapy alone (group B). And we analyzed prognostic factors associated with short survival. Results The 5-year progression free survival rates (PFS) of group A and B were 86.7% and 66.1%, respectively (P = 0.037), while the 5-year overall survival rates (OS) were 86.8% and 68.4%, respectively (P = 0.129). In multivariate analysis, Both PFS and OS were not changed by treatment strategies (surgery combined with chemotherapy or chemotherapy only). The international prognostic index (IPI) was the only independent predictive factor for PFS. Conclusions In our study, surgery combined with chemotherapy and chemotherapy only make no difference of survival rate. And further randomized prospective studies are needed to confirm a treatment strategies at improving survival outcomes in PGIL patients.
Effects of L-ascorbic acid on the production of pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokines in C57BL/6 mouse splenocytes
Authors: Kong Eun Hee , Ma Sun Young , Jeong Jee Yeong , Kim Kwang Hyuk
Published: July 2015

Objective The imbalance between pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokines may underlie different pain states. Although ascorbic acid is the most important physiological antioxidant that affects host defense mechanisms and immune homeostasis, there is limited information on the effects of ascorbic acid on the production of cytokines. Methods In this study, we investigated the in vitro effect of L-ascorbic acid (AA) on the production of pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokines by stimulating C57BL/6 mouse splenocytes with the polyclonal activators lipopolysaccharide or concanavalin A. Results AA significantly downregulated the expression of IL-6, IL-12, and TNF-α at 48 h and 72 h in mouse splenocytes treated with a combination of polyclonal activators and AA. AA treatment also resulted in upregulation of IL-4 and IL-10 at 72 h. These findings demonstrated that AA significantly potentiated production of anti-inflammatory cytokines whereas there was an inverse association between AA and expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines in mouse splenocytes. Conclusion AA may have potential applications in the reduction of inflammatory pain because of its function in modulating the production of cytokines. However, further in vivo investigations are necessary to elucidate the mechanisms involved.
Factors Associated with Post Stroke Shoulder Subluxation
Authors: Lee Jae Hyun , Jeon Woo Hyun , Jeong Ho Joong , Kim Ghi Chan , Sim Young Joo
Published: July 2015

Objectives Shoulder subluxation is common complication after stroke. And it can result in delayed neurological recovery in hemiplegic stroke patients. The aim of this study is identifying the incidence and associating factors of shoulder subluxation in stroke patients. Methods Stroke patients from 1 rehabilitation center from January 2008 to January 2012 were enrolled in the present study. The basic demographic data were registered at the time of admission or transfer to rehabilitation center. To assess the shoulder subluxation, we have used fingers'breadth method and plain radiography. We diagnosed shoulder subluxation with vertical distance (VD) were more than 12.4cm on plain anteroposteior view. And then shoulder subluxation was analyzed with associated factors. Results Of 154 stroke patients, this retrospective study included 109 patients who met the inclusion criteria, 28 patients had shoulder subluxation. After univariated analysis, shoulder subluxation was significantly associated with motor power of shoulder and elbow, loss of proprioception, stroke duration and functional ability. Especially elbow extensor less than poor grade is mostly related to shoulder subluxation among the motor powers. Then multivariated analysis was carried out including all significant subjects, elbow extensor less than poor grade, loss of proprioception and stroke duration more than 6 months were related to shoulder subluxation. Conclusions Post stroke shoulder subluxation was commonly observed, and the incidence was 25.6% in this study. Shoulder subluxation was correlated with muscle power of elbow(less than F grade), loss of proprioception and stroke duration more than 6 months
A Case of Focal Segmental Glomerulosclerosis in Turner Syndrome
Authors: Han A Rum , Lee Young Ki , Jung Hyun Yon , Park Jae Hyun , Noh Jung-Woo , Nam Eun Suk
Published: July 2015

Turner syndrome is usually accompanied with various anomalies. Congenital urological and renal abnormalities are often associated with this syndrome. The occurrence of glomerulonephritis is uncommon. An 18-year-old woman showed fatigue and profound proteinuria. She had been diagnosed with Turner syndrome in her age of 15. The kidney biopsy specimen examined by light microscopy, immunofluorescence and electron microscopic examination revealed focal segmental glomerulosclerosis. This is the first case report of focal segmental glomerulosclerosis in turner syndrome in South Korea.
Tricuspid and pulmonary valve endocarditis associated with double-chambered right ventricle
Authors: Myeong Jin Cheol , Chin Jung Yeon , Choi Jin Ho , Rah Young Min , Park Jun Hyung
Published: July 2015

We report a rare case of tricuspid valve and pulmonary valve endocarditis associated with a double-chambered right ventricle in an adult female with pulmonary artery aneurysm and septic pulmonary embolism by Streptococcus mitis. She was treated with aggressive antibiotic therapy followed by debridement of the infective lesion of tricuspid valve, pulmonary valve replacement using xenograft and resection of obstructing muscular bundles in right ventricle.
Peritoneal and gastric metastasis from invasive lobular breast carcinoma: a case report
Authors: Kim Yoon Seok , Jae Eun Ae , Ryu Dong Won , Lee Chung Han
Published: July 2015

Peritoneal and gastrointestinal metastasis from breast cancer is very rare. We report here a rare case of metastatic peritoneal and gastric cancer from breast lobular carcinoma after modified radical mastectomy. A 65-year old woman presented with anorexia, nausea, vomiting and dyspepsia for several weeks at 44 months after surgery. Radiologic study showed peritoneal metastasis, and surgical histopathology reported peritoneal and omental metastatic carcinoma. Esophagogastroduodenoscopic (EGD) biopsy also confirmed metastatic carcinoma originated from breast primary.
National Policy on Libraries at a Time of Convergence: The UK Experience
Authors: Stephens Andy
Published: July 2015

The United Kingdom does not have a formal overarching national information and library policy. Nevertheless there may be some interest in what we do as a country which does not have such a policy – and the role of the national library in this – particularly at a time of digital/analogue convergence. The presentation will start by describing the landscape of library provision in the UK and its governance, funding and policy framework. It will then go on to review recent developments at regulatory, policy and practical levels. These include: developments in open access (including the Access to Research initiative), reviews of the future of public libraries including e-lending, and the national role of the British Library in, for example, e-legal deposit, the national roll-out of Business and IP centres, and in providing national underpinning for a national distributed collection.
The National Library of Latvia: A New Beginning
Authors: Baklāne Anda
Published: July 2015

In 2014, the National Library of Latvia (NLL) relocated to a new building, the Castle of Light / Gaismas pils, which brought together five former sites. The long-awaited new building significantly improved both the conditions for preservation of the collections and the reader services. The Castle provides spacious and cosy reading rooms as well as many individual and group work carrels and training spaces. Furthermore, the building features conference and concert facilities, exhibition rooms and other event spaces, providing a performance platform for the events of the Library and other institutions. The Castle of Light has become an icon of the city and encompasses many current trends of contemporary philosophy of library buildings: it is open, lucid, technologically abundant, multifunctional, flexible and extraordinary. Meanwhile the NLL explores the strategies of balancing traditional library services and event management.
Visual Impairment Information Centre at the National Taiwan Library
Authors: Chen Hsuch-Yu
Published: July 2015

In July 1975, the National Taiwan Library (NTL) established a special unit called the Blind Centre. The Centre has since been renamed the Visual Impairment Information Centre (VIIC). The NTL is the first public library in Taiwan to provide services for visually impaired people. In December 2011, the Ministry of Education designated NTL as a library for: allocating special subsidies; being responsible for collecting, integrating and archiving resources on visual impairment; and promoting the right of visually impaired people to gain knowledge fairly through reading or by accessing information. In this article we present the services for visually impaired patrons at the Centre and give details of its Braille collections, facilities, promotion activities and the digital library of Visual Impairment Information System (VIIS). We briefly address the new legislation concerning equal rights to access information in Taiwan, as a reference for promoting visual impairment services in libraries.
Memory and the Nation: On the Singapore Memory Project
Authors: Pin Wan Wee
Published: July 2015

The Singapore Memory Project (SMP) is a whole-of-nation movement that aims to capture and document precious moments and personal memories related to Singapore – recollections not merely from individual Singaporeans, but also from organizations, associations, companies and groups. The SMP currently involves partners (academic, research and library institutions, heritage agencies, public agencies, private entities and community organizations) and Memory Corps – volunteers who serve various roles, such as helping individuals with difficulties documenting their memories, thereby connecting the SMP to people with memories of key Singapore events, personalities and places, and who enrol more volunteers to join the SMP cause. This article aims to illustrate the main purpose of SMP, which is not just to drive the collection but more to start a ground-up movement to encourage the public and the citizenry to take ownership and to sustain the momentum and drive even if the project no longer exists in an official capacity. More than just a nostalgic exercise, the intention is to catalyse a real, organic civic undertaking that represents the cultivation of a real Singaporean culture.
Towards a Networked National Library
Authors: Savenije Bas
Published: July 2015

As a consequence of developments in information technology, libraries are more than ever confronted with new threats and opportunities. This concerns national libraries, as well as public libraries and university libraries. Services and logistical processes are to be redesigned, but also the role of libraries in society comes under scrutiny. From a social and political point of view, one might argue that libraries are needed more than ever, but as information becomes digitally available, this is far from evident for all those responsible for libraries' sustainability. National libraries have a special position, not only within the library sector but also in society, in their own right as well as on behalf of the library sector. This is even more true in the information society. After a short overview of the history of national libraries, the article describes a number of relevant trends in the information society that affect libraries and considers the medium-term consequences, especially for the national library, its role in the library world and within modern society. Finally a more speculative, long-term vision of national libraries as networked organisations is presented, not as a blueprint, but as a guiding perspective for decisions about national infrastructure.
Treatment of Posttraumatic Abdominal Autonomic Neuropathy Manifesting as Functional Dyspepsia and Chronic Constipation: An Integrative East-West Approach
Authors: Shubov Andrew , Taw Lawrence
Published: July 2015

A 52-year-old male with a history of spinal cord injury and cauda equina syndrome resulting in neurogenic bladder presented with chronic constipation and functional dyspepsia that was refractory to medical management. He was treated with an integrative East-West approach including acupuncture, trigger point injections, and Tui Na massage. Both his pain and constipation improved after a series of treatments, and this improvement was largely sustained at 2-year follow-up.

This patient's symptoms are consistent with damage to the visceral parasympathetic nervous system. Interestingly, many studies evaluating the mechanisms of acupuncture point to restoration of parasympathetic tone as a mechanism of action. In this article, we describe a case of complex functional gastrointestinal disorders associated with posttraumatic autonomic neuropathy that was refractory to pharmacotherapy and was successfully treated with an integrative East-West approach
Does Mindfulness Improve after Heart Coherence Training in Patients with Chronic Musculoskeletal Pain and Healthy Subjects? A Pilot Study
Authors: Soer Remko , De Jong Annemieke B. , Hofstra Bert L. , Preuper Henrica R. Schiphorst , Reneman Michiel F.
Published: July 2015

Background:

Mindfulness and heart coherence training (HCT) training are applied increasingly in the treatment of patients with chronic musculoskeletal pain (CMP). Questionnaires have been developed to assess changes in mindfulness but no gold standard is available.

Objective:

Explore the relationship between changes in mindfulness scores and changes in heart coherence after 3 sessions of HCT in patients with CMP and in healthy subjects.

Research Method/Design:

Ten patients with CMP and 15 healthy subjects were trained in self-regulation with the use of HCT following a standardized stress relief program developed by the HeartMath Institute. A heart coherence-score (HC-score) was constructed with scores ranging from 0-100 with higher scores reflecting more heart rate variability (HRV) coherency. Change scores, Spearman correlation coefficients, and Wilcoxon Signed Rank test were calculated to test relationships and differences between HC-score, the Mindfulness Attention and Aware ness Scale (MAAS) and Five Facet Mindfulness Questionnaire (FFMQ). A new questionnaire was constructed to explore on which mindfulness-related domains patients with CMP report changes after HCT.

Results:

Increases were present on HC-score in healthy subjects (P<.01) and in patients (P<.01) between baseline and follow-up. Effect sizes on change on the MAAS and FFMQ were low. Weak (r<0.25) and non-significant correlations were observed in change scores between HC-score and MAAS or FFMQ. Patients reported significant favorable differences on 6 mindfulness related domains in the new questionnaire: breathing rhythm, physical awareness, positive or negative emotions, recognition of stressful situations, thoughts, and tendency to actively self-regulate.

Conclusions:

In this pilot study, mindfulness as assessed by the MAAS and FFMQ does not appear to improve after HCT. HRV coherency, MAAS, and FFMQ measure different constructs and are weakly related. It is of great importance to choose and develop valid measures that reflect patients’ states of mindfulness. Content and face validity of measures of mindfulness may be considered in the light of performance-based measures.
Dietary Preferences and Nutritional Information Needs among Career Firefighters in the United States
Authors: Yang Justin , Farioli Andrea , Korre Maria , Kales Stefanos N.
Published: July 2015

Background:

Considerable cardiovascular disease and cancer risk among firefighters are attributable to excess adiposity. Robust evidence confirms strong relationships between dietary patterns and the risk of chronic disease. Dietary modification is more likely to be effective when the strategy is appealing and addresses knowledge gaps.

Objective:

To assess career firefighters’ diet practices and information needs, compare the relative appeal of proposed diet plans, and examine how these vary in association with body composition.

Methods:

Cross-sectional, online survey distributed to members of the International Association of Fire Fighters.

Results:

Most firefighters do not currently follow any specific dietary plan (71%) and feel that they receive insufficient nutrition information (68%), but most are interested in learning more about healthy eating (75%). When presented with written descriptions of diets without names or labels and asked to rank them in order of preference, firefighters most often rated the Mediterranean diet as their favorite and gave it a more favorable distribution of relative rankings (P<.001) compared to the Paleo, Atkins, Therapeutic Lifestyle Changes, and Esselsteyn Engine 2 (low-fat, strictly plant-based) diets. Obese respondents reported more limited nutritional knowledge (P<.001) and were more likely to feel that they received insufficient nutritional information (P=.021) than participants with normal body weight.

Conclusions:

Most career firefighters are overweight or obese and do not practice a specific diet; however, 75% want to learn more about healthy eating. Among popular dietary choices, firefighters were most receptive to a Mediterranean diet and least receptive to a strictly plant-based diet.
Functional effects of distinct innervation styles of pyramidal cells by fast spiking cortical interneurons
Authors: Kubota Yoshiyuki , Kondo Satoru , Nomura Masaki , Hatada Sayuri , Yamaguchi Noboru , Mohamed Alsayed A , Karube Fuyuki , Lübke Joachim , Kawaguchi Yasuo
Published: July 2015

Inhibitory interneurons target precise membrane regions on pyramidal cells, but differences in their functional effects on somata, dendrites and spines remain unclear. We analyzed inhibitory synaptic events induced by cortical, fast-spiking (FS) basket cells which innervate dendritic shafts and spines as well as pyramidal cell somata. Serial electron micrograph (EMg) reconstructions showed that somatic synapses were larger than dendritic contacts. Simulations with precise anatomical and physiological data reveal functional differences between different innervation styles. FS cell soma-targeting synapses initiate a strong, global inhibition, those on shafts inhibit more restricted dendritic zones, while synapses on spines may mediate a strictly local veto. Thus, FS cell synapses of different sizes and sites provide functionally diverse forms of pyramidal cell inhibition.
Response of the Amazon carbon balance to the 2010 drought derived with CarbonTracker South America
Authors: van der Laan‐Luijkx I. T. , van der Velde I. R. , Krol M. C. , Gatti L. V. , Domingues L. G. , Correia C. S. C. , Miller J. B. , Gloor M. , van Leeuwen T. T. , Kaiser J. W. , Wiedinmyer C. , Basu S. , Clerbaux C. , Peters W.
Published: July 2015

Two major droughts in the past decade had large impacts on carbon exchange in the Amazon. Recent analysis of vertical profile measurements of atmospheric CO2 and CO by Gatti et al. (2014) suggests that the 2010 drought turned the normally close‐to‐neutral annual Amazon carbon balance into a substantial source of nearly 0.5 PgC/yr, revealing a strong drought response. In this study, we revisit this hypothesis and interpret not only the same CO2/CO vertical profile measurements but also additional constraints on carbon exchange such as satellite observations of CO, burned area, and fire hot spots. The results from our CarbonTracker South America data assimilation system suggest that carbon uptake by vegetation was indeed reduced in 2010 but that the magnitude of the decrease strongly depends on the estimated 2010 and 2011 biomass burning emissions. We have used fire products based on burned area (Global Fire Emissions Database version 4), satellite‐observed CO columns (Infrared Atmospheric Sounding Interferometer), fire radiative power (Global Fire Assimilation System version 1), and fire hot spots (Fire Inventory from NCAR version 1), and found an increase in biomass burning emissions in 2010 compared to 2011 of 0.16 to 0.24 PgC/yr. We derived a decrease of biospheric uptake ranging from 0.08 to 0.26 PgC/yr, with the range determined from a set of alternative inversions using different biomass burning estimates. Our numerical analysis of the 2010 Amazon drought results in a total reduction of carbon uptake of 0.24 to 0.50 PgC/yr and turns the balance from carbon sink to source. Our findings support the suggestion that the hydrological cycle will be an important driver of future changes in Amazonian carbon exchange.
Effects of water clarity on lake stratification and lake‐atmosphere heat exchange
Authors: Heiskanen Jouni J. , Mammarella Ivan , Ojala Anne , Stepanenko Victor , Erkkilä Kukka‐Maaria , Miettinen Heli , Sandström Heidi , Eugster Werner , Leppäranta Matti , Järvinen Heikki , Vesala Timo , Nordbo Annika
Published: July 2015

Recent progress of including lake subroutines in numerical weather prediction (NWP) models has led to more accurate forecasts. In lake models, one essential parameter is water clarity, parameterized via the light extinction coefficient, Kd, for which a global constant value is usually used. We used direct eddy covariance fluxes and basic meteorological measurements coupled with lake water temperature and clarity measurements from a boreal lake to estimate the performance of two lake models, LAKE and FLake. These models represent two 1‐D modeling frameworks broadly used in NWP. The results show that the lake models are very sensitive to changes in Kd when it is lower than 0.5 m−1. The progress of thermal stratification depended strongly on Kd. In dark‐water simulations the mixed layer was shallower, longwave and turbulent heat losses higher, and therefore the average water column temperatures lower than in clear‐water simulations. Thus, changes in water clarity can also affect the onset of ice cover. The more complex LAKE modeled the seasonal thermocline deepening, whereas it remained virtually constant during summer in the FLake model. Both models overestimated the surface water temperatures by about 1°C and latent heat flux by >30%, but the variations in heat storage and sensible heat flux were adequately simulated. Our results suggest that, at least for humic lakes, a lake‐specific, but not time‐depending, constant value for Kd can be used and that a global mapping of Kd would be most beneficial in regions with relatively clear lakes, e.g., in lakes at high altitudes.
Run‐of‐river power plants in Alpine regions: Whither optimal capacity?
Authors: Lazzaro G. , Botter G.
Published: July 2015

Although run‐of‐river hydropower represents a key source of renewable energy, it cannot prevent stresses on river ecosystems and human well‐being. This is especially true in Alpine regions, where the outflow of a plant is placed several kilometers downstream of the intake, inducing the depletion of river reaches of considerable length. Here multiobjective optimization is used in the design of the capacity of run‐of‐river plants to identify optimal trade‐offs between two contrasting objectives: the maximization of the profitability and the minimization of the hydrologic disturbance between the intake and the outflow. The latter is evaluated considering different flow metrics: mean discharge, temporal autocorrelation, and streamflow variability. Efficient and Pareto‐optimal plant sizes are devised for two representative case studies belonging to the Piave river (Italy). Our results show that the optimal design capacity is strongly affected by the flow regime at the plant intake. In persistent regimes with a reduced flow variability, the optimal trade‐off between economic exploitation and hydrologic disturbance is obtained for a narrow range of capacities sensibly smaller than the economic optimum. In erratic regimes featured by an enhanced flow variability, instead, the Pareto front is discontinuous and multiple trade‐offs can be identified, which imply either smaller or larger plants compared to the economic optimum. In particular, large capacities reduce the impact of the plant on the streamflow variability at seasonal and interannual time scale. Multiobjective analysis could provide a clue for the development of policy actions based on the evaluation of the environmental footprint of run‐of‐river plants.
Imaging continental breakup using teleseismic body waves: The Woodlark Rift, Papua New Guinea
Authors: Eilon Zachary , Abers Geoffrey A , Gaherty James B , Jin Ge
Published: July 2015

This study images the upper mantle beneath the D'Entrecasteax Islands, Papua New Guinea, providing insight into mantle deformation beneath a highly rifted continent adjacent to propagating spreading centers. Differential travel times from P and S‐wave teleseisms recorded during the 2010–2011 CDPapua passive seismic experiment are used to invert for separate VP and VS velocity models of the continental rift. A low‐velocity structure marks the E‐W axis of the rift, correlating with the thinnest crust, high heat flow, and a linear trend of volcanoes. This slow region extends 250 km along strike from the oceanic spreading centers, demonstrating significant mantle extension ahead of seafloor breakup. The rift remains narrow to depth indicating localization of extension, perhaps as a result of mantle hydration. A high‐VP structure at depths of 90–120 km beneath the north of the array is more than 6.5% faster than the rift axis and contains well‐located intermediate depth earthquakes. These independent observations place firm constraints on the lateral thermal contrast at depth between the rift axis and cold lithosphere to the north that may be related to recent subduction, although the polarity of subduction cannot be resolved. This geometry is gravitationally unstable; downwelling or small‐scale convection could have facilitated rifting and rapid lithospheric removal, although this may require a wet mantle to be realistic on the required time scales. The high‐V structure agrees with the maximum P,T conditions recorded by young ultra‐high pressure rocks exposed on the rift axis and may be implicated in their genesis.
Under‐canopy turbulence and root water uptake of a Tibetan meadow ecosystem modeled by Noah‐MP
Authors: Zheng Donghai , Van der Velde Rogier , Su Zhongbo , Wen Jun , Booij Martijn J. , Hoekstra Arjen Y. , Wang Xin
Published: July 2015

The Noah‐MP land surface model adopts a multiparameterization framework to accommodate various alternative parameterizations for more than 10 physical processes. In this paper, the parameterizations implemented in Noah‐MP associated with under‐canopy turbulence and root water uptake are enhanced with: (i) an under‐canopy turbulence scheme currently adopted by the Community Land Model (CLM), (ii) two vertical root distribution functions, i.e., an exponential and an asymptotic formulation, and (iii) three soil water stress functions (βt) controlling root water uptake, e.g., a soil water potential (ψ)‐based function, a nonlinear soil moisture (θ)‐based power function and an empirical threshold approach considering preferential uptake from the moist part of the soil column. A comprehensive data set of in situ micrometeorological observations and profile soil moisture/temperature measurements collected from an alpine meadow site in the northeastern Tibetan Plateau is utilized to assess the impact of the augmentations on the Noah‐MP performance. The results indicate that (i) implementation of the CLM under‐canopy turbulence scheme greatly resolves the overestimation of sensible heat flux and underestimation of soil temperature across the profile, (ii) both exponential and asymptotic vertical root distribution functions better represent the Tibetan conditions enabling a better representation of the measured soil moisture dynamics, and (iii) the ψ‐based βt functions overestimate surface soil moisture, the default linear θ‐based βt function underestimates latent heat flux during the dry‐down, while both the nonlinear power function and empirical threshold approach simultaneously simulate well soil moisture, and latent and sensible heat fluxes. Additionally, the parameter uncertainty associated with soil water stress function and hydraulic parameterization is addressed.
Explaining Physical Activity Maintenance After a Theory‐Based Intervention Among Patients With Rheumatoid Arthritis: Process Evaluation of a Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Knittle Keegan , De Gucht Véronique , Hurkmans Emalie , Vlieland Thea Vliet , Maes Stan
Published: July 2015

Objective

Regular physical activity (PA) benefits patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), particularly when maintained over time. Research in this area has largely focused on factors associated with initiating PA, while factors contributing to PA maintenance, particularly after lifestyle interventions, have received less attention. This study examined whether higher levels of autonomous motivation, self‐efficacy for PA, and greater use of self‐regulation skills mediated PA initiation and maintenance 6 months after a theory‐based motivational interviewing and self‐regulation coaching intervention.

Methods

Seventy‐eight individuals with RA were randomized to receive either a patient‐education session (control group), or the patient‐education session plus 1 motivational interview and 2 self‐regulation coaching sessions (treatment group). Mediation analyses examined the effects of this intervention on PA initiation and maintenance through the intermediate variables autonomous motivation, self‐efficacy for PA, and use of self‐regulation skills. Analyses were controlled for age, sex, and previous levels of PA.

Results

The treatment group reported significantly higher autonomous motivation and greater use of self‐regulation skills than controls at posttreatment. Increases in PA from baseline to posttreatment were not mediated by any intermediate variables. However, maintenance of PA from posttreatment to followup (6 months later) was mediated by greater autonomous motivation and use of self‐regulation skills.

Conclusion

Greater autonomous motivation and use of self‐regulation skills predict maintenance of PA following a motivational interviewing and self‐regulation coaching intervention. In promoting PA among patients with RA, supporting patient autonomy and teaching self‐regulation skills, which focus attention on achieving PA goals, may improve long‐term maintenance of PA.
Electrochemically Stable Rechargeable Lithium–Sulfur Batteries with a Microporous Carbon Nanofiber Filter for Polysulfide
Authors: Chung Sheng‐Heng , Han Pauline , Singhal Richa , Kalra Vibha , Manthiram Arumugam
Published: July 2015

As a primary component in lithium–sulfur (Li–S) batteries, the separator may require a custom design in order to facilitate electrochemical stability and reversibility. Here, a custom separator with an activated carbon nanofiber (ACNF)‐filter coated onto a polypropylene membrane is presented. The entire configuration is comprised of the ACNF filter arranged adjacent to the sulfur cathode so that it can filter out the freely migrating polysulfides and suppress the severe polysulfide diffusion. Four differently optimized ACNF‐filter‐coated separators have been developed with tunable micropores as an investigation into the electrochemical and engineering design parameters of functionalized separators. The optimized parameters that are verified by electrochemical and microstructural analyses require the coated ACNF filter to possess the following: (i) a porous architecture with abundant micropores, (ii) small micropore sizes, and (iii) high electrical conductivity and effective electrolyte immersion. It is found that the ACNF20‐filter‐coated separator demonstrates an overall superior boost in the electrochemical utilization (discharge capacity: 1270 mA h g−1) and polysulfide retention (capacity fade rate: 0.13% cycle−1 after 200 cycles). These results show that the modified thin‐film‐coating technique is a viable approach to designing ultratough ACNF‐filter‐coated separators with outstanding mechanical strength and flexibility as an advanced component in Li–S cells.