bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Gravity currents flowing upslope: Laboratory experiments and shallow-water simulations
Authors: Lombardi V. , Adduce C. , Sciortino G. , La Rocca M.
Published: January 2015

This paper investigates the dynamics of lock-release gravity currents propagating upslope by laboratory experiments and shallow-water simulations. Both the interface between the dense and the ambient fluid and the instantaneous velocity field were measured by image analysis. Different runs were carried out by varying the initial density of the lock fluid and the bed upslope. As a gravity current moves upslope, the dense layer becomes thinner, and an accumulation region of dense fluid in the initial part of the tank occurs. The current speed decreases as the bed upslope increases, and for the highest up sloping angles, the gravity current stops before reaching the end of the tank. A new two-layer shallow-water model is developed and benchmarked against laboratory experiments. The present model accounts for the mixing between the two layers, the free surface, and the space-time variations of the density. The effect of the horizontal density gradient in the simulation of gravity currents is investigated by comparing the numerical results of both the present model and the model proposed by Adduce et al. [“Gravity currents produced by lock-exchange: Experiments and simulations with a two layer shallow-water model with entrainment,” J. Hydraul. Eng. 138, 111-121 (2012)] with laboratory measurements. The comparison shows that the present model reproduces both the current shape and the front position better than the Adduce et al. model, in particular, for gravity currents flowing up a slope. For these currents, the presence of a backflow near the lock is shown by the analysis of the streamwise depth-averaged velocity predicted by the present model and the velocity measured by particle image velocimetry as well.
An Au nanofin array for high efficiency plasmonic optical retarders at visible wavelengths
Authors: Ishii Miho , Iwami Kentaro , Umeda Norihiro
Published: January 2015

An Au nanofin array was designed and fabricated for in a microscale optical retarder with high transmittance at visible wavelengths. The array was designed on the basis of the theory of waveguides. The adopted nanocoating process realized a high aspect ratio Au structure with a period of 400 nm and a height of 800 nm. The transmittance of transverse magnetic polarized light at visible to near-infrared wavelengths exceeded 40% and a retardation of 170° was achieved at 633 nm.
Three axis vector magnet set-up for cryogenic scanning probe microscopy
Authors: Galvis J. A. , Herrera E. , Guillamón I. , Azpeitia J. , Luccas R. F. , Munuera C. , Cuenca M. , Higuera J. A. , Díaz N. , Pazos M. , García-Hernandez M. , Buendía A. , Vieira S. , Suderow H.
Published: January 2015

We describe a three axis vector magnet system for cryogenic scanning probe microscopy measurements. We discuss the magnet support system and the power supply, consisting of a compact three way 100 A current source. We obtain tilted magnetic fields in all directions with maximum value of 5T along z-axis and of 1.2T for XY-plane magnetic fields. We describe a scanning tunneling microscopy-spectroscopy (STM-STS) set-up, operating in a dilution refrigerator, which includes a new high voltage ultralow noise piezodrive electronics and discuss the noise level due to vibrations. STM images and STS maps show atomic resolution and the tilted vortex lattice at 150 mK in the superconductor β-Bi2Pd. We observe a strongly elongated hexagonal lattice, which corresponds to the projection of the tilted hexagonal vortex lattice on the surface. We also discuss Magnetic Force Microscopy images in a variable temperature insert.
Interface nano-confined acoustic waves in polymeric surface phononic crystals
Authors: Travagliati Marco , Nardi Damiano , Giannetti Claudio , Gusev Vitalyi , Pingue Pasqualantonio , Piazza Vincenzo , Ferrini Gabriele , Banfi Francesco
Published: January 2015

The impulsive acoustic dynamics of soft polymeric surface phononic crystals is investigated here in the hypersonic frequency range by near-IR time-resolved optical diffraction. The acoustic response is analysed by means of wavelet spectral methods and finite element modeling. An unprecedented class of acoustic modes propagating within the polymer surface phononic crystal and confined within 100 nm of the nano-patterned interface is revealed. The present finding opens the path to an alternative paradigm for characterizing the mechanical properties of soft polymers at interfaces and for sensing schemes exploiting polymers as embedding materials.
Relativistic corrections for screening effects on the energies of hydrogen-like atoms embedded in plasmas
Authors: Poszwa A. , Bahar M. K.
Published: January 2015

The influence of relativistic and plasma screening effects on energies of hydrogen-like atoms embedded in plasmas has been studied. The Dirac equation with a more general exponential cosine screened potential has been solved numerically and perturbatively, by employing the direct perturbation theory. Properties of spectra corresponding to bound states and to different sets of the potential parameters have been studied both in nonrelativistic and relativistic approximations. Binding energies, fine-structure splittings, and relativistic energy shifts have been determined as functions of parameters of the potential. The results have been compared with the ones known from the literature.
NixCd1−xO: Semiconducting alloys with extreme type III band offsets
Authors: Francis Christopher A. , Detert Douglas M. , Chen Guibin , Dubon Oscar D. , Yu Kin M. , Walukiewicz Wladek
Published: January 2015

We have synthesized alloys of NiO and CdO that exhibit an extreme type III band offset and have studied the structural, electrical, and optical properties of NixCd1−xO over the entire composition range. The alloys are rocksalt structured and exhibit a monotonic shift of the (220) diffraction peak to higher 2θ angles with increasing Ni concentration. The electron mobility and electron concentration decrease with increasing x, and samples become insulating for Ni content x > 0.44. This decrease in n-type conductivity is consistent with the movement of the conduction band minimum from below to above the Fermi stabilization energy with increasing Ni content. The optical absorption edge of the alloys can be tuned continuously from CdO to NiO. The intrinsic gap of the alloys was calculated with the electrical and optical measurements and accounting for Burstein-Moss carrier filling and carrier-induced bandgap renormalization effects. We observe an uncommon composition dependence of the intrinsic bandgap on the alloy composition. The effect is tentatively attributed to an interaction between extended states of the conduction band and localized d-states of Ni.
H-tailored surface conductivity in narrow band gap In(AsN)
Authors: Velichko A. V. , Patanè A. , Capizzi M. , Sandall I. C. , Giubertoni D. , Makarovsky O. , Polimeni A. , Krier A. , Zhuang Q. , Tan C. H.
Published: January 2015

We show that the n-type conductivity of the narrow band gap In(AsN) alloy can be increased within a thin (∼100 nm) channel below the surface by the controlled incorporation of H-atoms. This channel has a large electron sheet density of ∼1018 m−2 and a high electron mobility (μ > 0.1 m2V−1s−1 at low and room temperature). For a fixed dose of impinging H-atoms, its width decreases with the increase in concentration of N-atoms that act as H-traps thus forming N-H donor complexes near the surface.
Growth, capital accumulation and economic porosity in Mozambique: social losses, private gains
Authors: Castel-Branco Carlos Nuno
Published: January 2015

The Mozambican economy has been growing at an annual average of 7.5% for the best part of two decades, and has become one of the three most attractive economies for foreign direct investment (FDI) in sub-Saharan Africa. Yet, it has been ineffective and inefficient at reducing poverty and providing a broader social and economic basis for development. It is argued here that the dominant political economy of Mozambique is focused on three fundamental and interlinked processes, namely the maximisation of inflows of foreign capital – FDI or commercial loans – without political conditionality; the development of linkages between these capital inflows and the domestic process of accumulation and the formation of national capitalist classes; and the reproduction of a labour system in which the workforce is remunerated at below its social cost of subsistence and families have to bear the responsibility for maintaining (especially feeding) the wage-earning workers by complementing their wages or trying to maintain the availability of the enormous idle reserve of labour. This article focuses on economic porosity, which, arguably, is a dominant factor in promoting the linkages between domestic and foreign capital, nurtured, supported and mediated by the state.
Carbapenem Therapy Is Associated With Improved Survival Compared With Piperacillin-Tazobactam for Patients With Extended-Spectrum β-Lactamase Bacteremia
Authors: Tamma Pranita D. , Han Jennifer H. , Rock Clare , Harris Anthony D. , Lautenbach Ebbing , Hsu Alice J. , Avdic Edina , Cosgrove Sara E.
Published: January 2015

Background.  The effectiveness of piperacillin-tazobactam (PTZ) for the treatment of extended-spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL) bacteremia is controversial. We compared 14-day mortality of PTZ vs carbapenems as empiric therapy in a cohort of patients with ESBL bacteremia who all received definitive therapy with a carbapenem.

Methods.  Patients hospitalized between January 2007 and April 2014 with monomicrobial ESBL bacteremia were included. A decrease of >3 doubling dilutions in the minimum inhibitory concentration for third-generation cephalosporins tested in combination with 4 µg/mL of clavulanic acid was used to confirm ESBL status. The primary exposure was empiric therapy, defined as antibiotic therapy administered to a patient before ESBL status was known. Patients were excluded if they did not receive a carbapenem after ESBL production was identified. The primary outcome was time to death from the first day of bacteremia. Propensity scores using inverse probability of exposure weighting (IPW) were used to estimate the probability that a patient would receive PTZ vs carbapenems empirically. We calculated overall hazard ratios for mortality censored at 14 days using Cox proportional hazards models on an IPW-adjusted cohort.

Results.  A total of 331 unique patients with ESBL bacteremia were identified. One hundred three (48%) patients received PTZ empirically and 110 (52%) received carbapenems empirically. The adjusted risk of death was 1.92 times higher for patients receiving empiric PTZ compared with empiric carbapenem therapy (95% confidence interval, 1.07–3.45).

Conclusions.  PTZ appears inferior to carbapenems for the treatment of ESBL bacteremia. For patients at high risk of invasive ESBL infections, early carbapenem therapy should be considered. Our findings should not be extended to β-lactam/β-lactamase inhibitor combinations in development, as limited clinical data are available for these agents.
Hydroxychloroquine reduces risk of incident diabetes mellitus in lupus patients in a dose-dependent manner: a population-based cohort study
Authors: Chen Yi-Ming , Lin Ching-Heng , Lan Tsuo-Hung , Chen Hsin-Hua , Chang Shih-Ni , Chen Yi-Hsing , Wang Jun-Sing , Hung Wei-Ting , Lan Joung-Liang , Chen Der-Yuan
Published: January 2015

Objective. SLE is associated with increased risk of diabetes mellitus. Treatment for SLE requires high-dose glucocorticoids that may worsen glucose homoeostasis. HCQ can reduce diabetes risk in RA. This study aimed to investigate the association of HCQ use and diabetes mellitus risk in SLE patients.

Methods. This nationwide, population-based cohort study was conducted using the Taiwan National Health Insurance Research Database. In the period 2001–10, 8628 newly diagnosed SLE patients were identified after excluding those with a previous diagnosis of RA, psoriasis or diabetes mellitus. Incidence of diabetes mellitus was identified as a new diagnostic code using a diabetes mellitus-specific medication.

Results. Two hundred and twenty-one newly diagnosed diabetes mellitus patients were identified among SLE patients (6795 had taken HCQ and 1833 had never taken HCQ), with an average follow-up period of 5.6 years. Compared with patients without HCQ treatment, the hazard ratio (HR) of diabetes mellitus in patients taking HCQ at a cumulative dose ≥129 g was reduced [HR 0.26 (95% CI 0.18, 0.37), P < 0.001]. Daily glucocorticoid ≥10 mg prednisolone-equivalent dose was associated with increased risk of developing diabetes mellitus [HR 2.47 (95% CI 1.44, 4.23), P = 0.001], which was minimized by concomitant HCQ use at a cumulative dose ≥129 g.

Conclusion. In SLE patients, the use of HCQ is associated with reduced risk of incident diabetes mellitus in a dose-dependent manner. High-dose glucocorticoids increase the risk of diabetes, which can be decreased by concomitant HCQ use.
Terrestrial basking sea turtles are responding to spatio-temporal sea surface temperature patterns
Authors: Van Houtan Kyle S. , Halley John M. , Marks Wendy
Published: January 2015

Naturalists as early as Darwin observed terrestrial basking in green turtles (
Chelonia mydas
), but the distribution and environmental influences of this behaviour are poorly understood. Here, we examined 6 years of daily basking surveys in Hawaii and compared them with the phenology of local sea surface temperatures (SST). Data and models indicated basking peaks when SST is coolest, and we found this timeline consistent with bone stress markings. Next, we assessed the decadal SST profiles for the 11 global green turtle populations. Basking generally occurs when winter SST falls below 23°C. From 1990 to 2014, the SST for these populations warmed an average 0.04°C yr
−1
(range 0.01–0.09°C yr
−1
); roughly three times the observed global average over this period. Owing to projected future warming at basking sites, we estimated terrestrial basking in green turtles may cease globally by 2100. To predict and manage for future climate change, we encourage a more detailed understanding for how climate influences organismal biology.
C
60
fullerene promotes lung monolayer collapse
Authors: Barnoud Jonathan , Urbini Laura , Monticelli Luca
Published: January 2015

Airborne nanometre-sized pollutants are responsible for various respiratory diseases. Such pollutants can reach the gas-exchange surface in the alveoli, which is lined with a monolayer of lung surfactant. The relationship between physiological effects of pollutants and molecular-level interactions is largely unknown. Here, we determine the effects of carbon nanoparticles on the properties of a model of lung monolayer using molecular simulations. We simulate phase-separated lipid monolayers in the presence of a model pollutant nanoparticle, C
60
fullerene. In the absence of nanoparticles, the monolayers collapse only at very low surface tensions (around 0 mN m
−1
). In the presence of nanoparticles, instead, monolayer collapse is observed at significantly higher surface tensions (up to
ca
10 mN m
−1
). Collapse at higher tensions is related to lower mechanical rigidity of the monolayer. It is possible that similar mechanisms operate on lung surfactant
in vivo
, which suggests that health effects of airborne carbon nanoparticles may be mediated by alterations of the mechanical properties of lung surfactant.
Using argument notation to engineer biological simulations with increased confidence
Authors: Alden Kieran , Andrews Paul S. , Polack Fiona A. C. , Veiga-Fernandes Henrique , Coles Mark C. , Timmis Jon
Published: January 2015

The application of computational and mathematical modelling to explore the mechanics of biological systems is becoming prevalent. To significantly impact biological research, notably in developing novel therapeutics, it is critical that the model adequately represents the captured system. Confidence in adopting
in silico
approaches can be improved by applying a structured argumentation approach, alongside model development and results analysis. We propose an approach based on argumentation from safety-critical systems engineering, where a system is subjected to a stringent analysis of compliance against identified criteria. We show its use in examining the biological information upon which a model is based, identifying model strengths, highlighting areas requiring additional biological experimentation and providing documentation to support model publication. We demonstrate our use of structured argumentation in the development of a model of lymphoid tissue formation, specifically Peyer's Patches. The argumentation structure is captured using A
rtoo
(
www.york.ac.uk/ycil/software/artoo
), our Web-based tool for constructing fitness-for-purpose arguments, using a notation based on the safety-critical goal structuring notation. We show how argumentation helps in making the design and structured analysis of a model transparent, capturing the reasoning behind the inclusion or exclusion of each biological feature and recording assumptions, as well as pointing to evidence supporting model-derived conclusions.
Modelling the propagation of social response during a disease outbreak
Authors: Fast Shannon M. , González Marta C. , Wilson James M. , Markuzon Natasha
Published: January 2015

Epidemic trajectories and associated social responses vary widely between populations, with severe reactions sometimes observed. When confronted with fatal or novel pathogens, people exhibit a variety of behaviours from anxiety to hoarding of medical supplies, overwhelming medical infrastructure and rioting. We developed a coupled network approach to understanding and predicting social response. We couple the disease spread and panic spread processes and model them through local interactions between agents. The social contagion process depends on the prevalence of the disease, its perceived risk and a global media signal. We verify the model by analysing the spread of disease and social response during the 2009 H1N1 outbreak in Mexico City and 2003 severe acute respiratory syndrome and 2009 H1N1 outbreaks in Hong Kong, accurately predicting population-level behaviour. This kind of empirically validated model is critical to exploring strategies for public health intervention, increasing our ability to anticipate the response to infectious disease outbreaks.
Basis properties of the
p
,
q
-sine functions
Authors: Boulton Lyonell , Lord Gabriel J.
Published: January 2015

We improve the currently known thresholds for basisness of the family of periodically dilated
p
,
q
-sine functions. Our findings rely on a Beurling decomposition of the corresponding change of coordinates in terms of shift operators of infinite multiplicity. We also determine refined bounds on the Riesz constant associated with this family. These results seal mathematical gaps in the existing literature on the subject.
How to catch more prey with less effective traps: explaining the evolution of temporarily inactive traps in carnivorous pitcher plants
Authors: Bauer Ulrike , Federle Walter , Seidel Hannes , Grafe T. Ulmar , Ioannou Christos C.
Published: January 2015

CarnivorousNepenthespitcher plants capture arthropods with specialized slippery surfaces. The key trapping surface, the pitcher rim (peristome), is highly slippery when wetted by rain, nectar or condensation, but not when dry. As natural selection should favour adaptations that maximize prey intake, the evolution of temporarily inactive traps seems paradoxical. Here, we show that intermittent trap deactivation promotes ‘batch captures' of ants. Prey surveys revealed thatN. rafflesianapitchers sporadically capture large numbers of ants from the same species. Continuous experimental wetting of the peristome increased the number of non-recruiting prey, but decreased the number of captured ants and shifted their trapping mode from batch to individual capture events. Ant recruitment was also lower to continuously wetted pitchers. Our experimental data fit a simple model that predicts that intermittent, wetness-based trap activation should allow safe access for ‘scout’ ants under dry conditions, thereby promoting recruitment and ultimately higher prey numbers. The peristome trapping mechanism may therefore represent an adaptation for capturing ants. The relatively rare batch capture events may particularly benefit larger plants with many pitchers. This explains why young plants of manyNepenthesspecies additionally employ wetness-independent, waxy trapping surfaces.
Global ontology research progress: a bibliometric analysis
Authors: Zhu Qiaoli , Kong Xuesong , Hong Song , Li Junli , He Zongyi
Published: January 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to analyse the global scientific outputs of ontology research, an important emerging discipline that has huge potential to improve information understanding, organization, and management.

Design/methodology/approach

– This study collected literature published during 1900-2012 from the Web of Science database. The bibliometric analysis was performed from authorial, institutional, national, spatiotemporal, and topical aspects. Basic statistical analysis, visualization of geographic distribution, co-word analysis, and a new index were applied to the selected data.

Findings

– Characteristics of publication outputs suggested that ontology research has entered into the soaring stage, along with increased participation and collaboration. The authors identified the leading authors, institutions, nations, and articles in ontology research. Authors were more from North America, Europe, and East Asia. The USA took the lead, while China grew fastest. Four major categories of frequently used keywords were identified: applications in Semantic Web, applications in bioinformatics, philosophy theories, and common supporting technology. Semantic Web research played a core role, and gene ontology study was well-developed. The study focus of ontology has shifted from philosophy to information science.

Originality/value

– This is the first study to quantify global research patterns and trends in ontology, which might provide a potential guide for the future research. The new index provides an alternative way to evaluate the multidisciplinary influence of researchers.
Defining user risk in social networking services
Authors: Haynes David , Robinson Lyn
Published: January 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to identify the risks faced by users of online social networking services (SNSs) in the UK and to develop a typology of risk that can be used to assess regulatory effectiveness.

Design/methodology/approach

– An initial investigation of the literature revealed no detailed taxonomies of risk in this area. Existing taxonomies were reviewed and merged with categories identified in a pilot survey and expanded in purposive sample survey directed at the library and information services (LIS) community in the UK.

Findings

– Analysis of the relationships between different risk categories yielded a grouping of risks by their consequences. This aligns with one of the objectives of regulation, which is to mitigate risks.

Research limitations/implications

– This research offers a tool for evaluation of different modes of regulation of social media.

Practical implications

– Awareness of the risks associated with use of online SNSs and wider social media contributes to the work of LIS professionals in their roles as: educators; intermediaries; and users of social media. An understanding of risk also informs the work of policy makers and legislators responsible for regulating access to personal data.

Originality/value

– A risk-based view of regulation of personal data on social media has not been attempted in such a comprehensive way before.
Perception of bank employees’ towards working environment of selected Indian universal banks
Authors: Kaur Gagandeep
Published: January 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the job satisfaction level of universal bank employees in India. It focusses on identifying the factors of job satisfaction and their influence on the overall job satisfaction of universal bank employees.

Design/methodology/approach

– Data were collected from a sample of 380 bank employees using convenience sampling technique.

Findings

– The results of exploratory factor analysis reveal that eight factors, i.e. workplace environment, supervision, cooperation from peers, work discrimination, employee acceptance, work allocation, job security and remuneration extracted as important determinants of job satisfaction. The results of multiple regression analysis shows that supervision, cooperation from peers, work allocation and employee acceptance (independent variables) influences the level of job satisfaction (dependent variable of bank employees.

Originality/value

– Since liberalization, banking sector is considered to be one of the major recruiters. People prefer bank as a career and social status. In order to further improve the satisfaction level of bank employees, bank management should provide regular feedback to the employees about their performance. In the absence of feedback, employees will be discouraged because they do not know how they are doing or may believe their contribution is unacknowledged. The most important factor effecting employee satisfaction with their job is their immediate supervisor. Many employees dislike their supervisor though they like the work they do. To make employees happier in their position, stay longer and the most important to ensure that customers receive better services, banks must start improving the management skills of supervisors.
Improving university facilities services using Lean Six Sigma: a case study
Authors: Isa Mohsen F. Mohamed , Usmen Mumtaz
Published: January 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to present a case study on the use of Lean Six Sigma principles and tools to study the improvement in design and construction services at a university. The quality of facilities services at universities has been criticized by users calling for improvement.

Design/methodology/approach

– Quality of facilities services at universities has been criticized by users calling for improvement. The purpose of this paper is to present a case study on using Lean Six Sigma principles and tools to study improving design and construction services at a university.

Findings

– It was found that non-value-added general improvement review form (GIRF) process steps involving revisions and rework for the design and construction result in time delays, cost increases and quality deficiencies and render cost estimates unreliable; these are unnecessary and should be minimized or eliminated. It was additionally noted that administrative reviews and approvals embedded in GIRF processes slow down work flow, leading to similar problems. Because such steps may be needed for institutional reasons precluding elimination, it was recommended that efforts be directed toward reducing their durations and costs. Overall, the Lean Six Sigma methodology proved to be successful for the intended purpose.

Originality/value

– Although universities are aware of their facilities services’ quality issues and have been addressing them, no published information is available on how to systematically evaluate and improve such services to increase customer satisfaction. This paper aims at filling this gap.
Lean implementation in Indian process industries – some empirical evidence
Authors: Panwar Avinash , Jain Rakesh , Rathore A.P.S.
Published: January 2015

Purpose

– In the present era of intense competition, industries are adopting lean manufacturing for successful survival. The concept of lean manufacturing is new for Indian process industries. The purpose of this paper is to investigate the status of lean manufacturing in Indian process industries in terms of lean practices, reasons and challenges of implementing lean manufacturing.

Design/methodology/approach

– A survey was carried out to assess the level of lean implementation in Indian process industries. Statistical tests were conducted to assess the significant lean practices, reasons and challenges of implementing lean in Indian process industries.

Findings

– It is observed that the level of implementation of lean manufacturing in Indian process industries is still low. Results indicate that Indian process industries those who have implemented lean found lean to be very useful to reduce wastes and to increase quality. Major lean practices being implemented by Indian process industries are primarily those which are related to waste elimination or improvement in quality. Indian process industries found that important challenges to implement lean are to produce in small batches, to arrange for lean experts and to impart training to employees.

Research limitations/implications

– In the present study, the sample size is small and hence, the findings should be generalized cautiously. Although the study indicates that lean can be very useful if implemented in Indian process industries but further empirical studies are required to quantify performance improvements through adoption of lean.

Originality/value

– The paper explores status of lean adoption in Indian process industries. Considering the unique characteristics of process industries, the present research would be helpful for making strategies to implement lean in process industry setups.
Moose browsing alters tree diversity effects on birch growth and insect herbivory
Authors: Muiruri Evalyne W. , Milligan Harriet T. , Morath Simon , Koricheva Julia
Published: January 2015

Producer diversity is known to affect a wide range of ecosystem processes including plant growth and insect pest resistance. Consumers such as mammalian herbivores too have been shown to modify plant growth and insect herbivory by triggering changes in host plants. However, few studies have investigated whether consumer effects interact with plant species diversity effects on a focal plant.

To unravel consumer‐diversity interactions, we recorded both the presence and intensity of winter browsing by moose (Alces alces) on silver birch (Betula pendula) in a long‐term forest diversity experiment in Finland and measured birch tree growth as well as insect chewing damage during the following growing season.

Although browsing on birch by moose was not affected by tree species richness, the intensity of moose damage altered tree diversity effects on birch tree growth. At minor browsing intensity, tree height, trunk diameter and canopy projections showed positively humped relationships with tree diversity, peaking at 3‐species mixtures. Growth of moderately browsed trees increased with tree species richness, but growth of severely browsed birch trees was unaffected.

Moose browsing also altered the direction of tree diversity effects on insect herbivory on birch. Unbrowsed trees experienced lower insect chewing damage in mixed stands (associational resistance) whilst browsed trees suffered more insect chewing damage in diverse stands (associational susceptibility). Increasing browsing intensity also reversed the relationship between tree species richness and insect chewing damage from negative to positive.

The observed interactions between moose browsing and tree species richness effects could be explained by lower canopy cover of more diverse stands compared with birch monocultures, leading to increased re‐growth capacity and more high‐quality foliage of browsed birch trees in more open diverse stands.

Our findings demonstrate that both the presence and intensity of mammalian browsing may modify the magnitude and even the direction of tree diversity effects on tree growth and susceptibility to insect herbivory. Differences in consumer impact among studies may thus potentially explain much of the observed variability in plant diversity effects on ecosystem functioning and must therefore be taken into account in future studies.
Effect of the number of presentations on listener transcriptions and reliability in the assessment of speech intelligibility in children
Authors: Lagerberg Tove B. , Johnels Jakob Åsberg , Hartelius Lena , Persson Christina
Published: January 2015

Background

The assessment of intelligibility is an essential part of establishing the severity of a speech disorder. The intelligibility of a speaker is affected by a number of different variables relating, inter alia, to the speech material, the listener and the listener task.

Aims

To explore the impact of the number of presentations of the utterances on assessments of intelligibility based on orthographic transcription of spontaneous speech, specifically the impact on intelligibility scores, reliability and intra‐listener variability.

Methods & Procedures

Speech from 12 children (aged 4:6–8:3 years; mean = 5:10 years) with percentage consonants correct (PCC) scores ranging from 49 to 81 was listened to by 18 students on the speech–language pathology (SLP) programme and by two recent graduates from that programme. Three conditions were examined during the transcription phase: (1) listening to each utterance once; (2) listening to each utterance a second time; and (3) listening to all utterances from a given child a third time after having heard all of its utterances twice.

Outcomes & Results

Statistically significant differences between intelligibility scores were found across the three conditions, i.e. the intelligibility score increased with the number of presentations while inter‐judge reliability was unchanged. The results differed markedly across listeners, but each individual listener's results were very consistent across conditions.

Conclusions & Implications

Information about the number of times an utterance is presented to the listener is important and should therefore always be included in reports of research involving intelligibility assessment. There is a need for further research and discussion on listener abilities and strategies.
Dietary patterns and body mass indices among adults in Korea: evidence from pseudo panel data
Authors: Kwock Chang Keun , Park Junhyung
Published: January 2015

The debate over the association between dietary patterns and obesity has not been settled in the literature. Some studies suggest that there are significant differences in mean body mass index across dietary patterns whereas other studies refute that result. The objective of this study is to test whether dietary patterns have a significant effect on body mass index in Korean adults when controlling for calorie intake and several sociodemographic factors. We present new evidence derived from pseudo panel data created from a series of cross‐sections. Our results from the pseudo panel analysis show that some of the dietary patterns that were identified from the Korean adults’ food intake survey have a significant effect on body mass index. Specifically, males with the “beef and processed food” (P < 0.05), or “pork and alcohol” (P < 0.05) dietary pattern had significantly higher BMIs, whereas females with the “fast food” (P < 0.1) or “ramen and bakery” (P < 0.01) dietary pattern had higher BMI.
Exceptions to the rule: Case studies in the prediction of pathogenicity for genetic variants in hereditary cancer genes
Authors: Rosenthal E.T. , Bowles K.R. , Pruss D. , van Kan A. , Vail P.J. , McElroy H. , Wenstrup R.J.
Published: January 2015

Based on current consensus guidelines and standard practice, many genetic variants detected in clinical testing are classified as disease causing based on their predicted impact on the normal expression or function of the gene in the absence of additional data. However, our laboratory has identified a subset of such variants in hereditary cancer genes for which compelling contradictory evidence emerged after the initial evaluation following the first observation of the variant. Three representative examples of variants in BRCA1, BRCA2 and MSH2 that are predicted to disrupt splicing, prematurely truncate the protein, or remove the start codon were evaluated for pathogenicity by analyzing clinical data with multiple classification algorithms. Available clinical data for all three variants contradicts the expected pathogenic classification. These variants illustrate potential pitfalls associated with standard approaches to variant classification as well as the challenges associated with monitoring data, updating classifications, and reporting potentially contradictory interpretations to the clinicians responsible for translating test outcomes to appropriate clinical action. It is important to address these challenges now as the model for clinical testing moves toward the use of large multi‐gene panels and whole exome/genome analysis, which will dramatically increase the number of genetic variants identified.
New insulin glargine 300 U/ml compared with glargine 100 U/ml in insulin‐naïve people with type 2 diabetes on oral glucose‐lowering drugs: a randomized controlled trial (EDITION 3)
Authors: Bolli G. B. , Riddle M. C. , Bergenstal R. M. , Ziemen M. , Sestakauskas K. , Goyeau H. , Home P. D. ,   on behalf of the EDITION 3 study investigators
Published: January 2015

Aims

To compare the efficacy and safety of new insulin glargine 300 U/ml (Gla‐300) with that of glargine 100 U/ml (Gla‐100) in insulin‐naïve people with type 2 diabetes using oral glucose‐lowering drugs.

Methods

The EDITION 3 study was a multicentre, open‐label, parallel‐group study. Participants were randomized to Gla‐300 or Gla‐100 once daily for 6 months, discontinuing sulphonylureas and glinides, with a dose titration aimed at achieving pre‐breakfast plasma glucose concentrations of 4.4–5.6 mmol/l (80–100 mg/dl). The primary endpoint was change in glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) from baseline to month 6. The main secondary endpoint was percentage of participants with ≥1 nocturnal confirmed [≤3.9 mmol/l (≤70 mg/dl)] or severe hypoglycaemia from week 9 to month 6. Other measures of glycaemia and hypoglycaemia, weight change and insulin dose were assessed.

Results

Randomized participants (n = 878) had a mean (standard deviation) age of 57.7 (10.1) years, diabetes duration 9.8 (6.4) years, body mass index 33.0 (6.7) kg/m2 and HbA1c 8.54 (1.06) % [69.8 (11.6) mmol/mol]. HbA1c levels decreased by equivalent amounts with the two treatments; the least squares mean difference in change from baseline was 0.04 [95% confidence interval (CI) −0.09 to 0.17] % or 0.4 (−1.0 to 1.9) mmol/mol. Numerically fewer participants reported ≥1 nocturnal confirmed (≤3.9 mmol/l) or severe hypoglycaemia from week 9 to month 6 [relative risk (RR) 0.89 (95% CI 0.66 to 1.20)] with Gla‐300 versus Gla‐100; a significantly lower risk of hypoglycaemia with this definition was found over the 6‐month treatment period [RR 0.76 (95% CI 0.59 to 0.99)]. No between‐treatment differences in adverse events were identified.

Conclusions

Gla‐300 is as effective as Gla‐100 in reducing HbA1c in insulin‐naïve people with type 2 diabetes, with lower hypoglycaemia risk.
Prevalence of Left Ventricular Dyssynchrony in Patients with Congenital Atrioventricular Block and Long‐Term Pacing: A Three‐Dimensional Echocardiographic Study
Authors: Guerra Vitor Coimbra , de Menezes Martins Luciana , Oliveira Roberto Marcio , da Silva Kátia Regina , Binotto Maria Angelica , Tsutsui Jeane M. , Kallil Roberto , Costa Roberto , Mathias Wilson
Published: January 2015

Background

Left ventricular (LV) dysfunction is the major reason for poor outcomes in patients with congenital complete atrioventricular block (CCAVB) and pacemaker. Long‐term pacing has been associated with LV mechanical dyssynchrony. However, the relationship of dyssynchrony and LV dysfunction is not clear.

Objective

We sought to evaluate the prevalence of LV dyssynchrony by real time three‐dimensional echocardiography (RT3DE) in patients with CCAVB and its association with LV dysfunction. In addition, we evaluated the agreement between RT3DE and tissue Doppler imaging (TDI) for detecting LV dyssynchrony.

Method

We studied 50 patients [median age 20 years old (5 months to 62 years), 68% women] with CCAVB and pacemaker who underwent complete two‐dimensional echocardiography and RT3DE. LV dyssynchrony was considered if the systolic dyssynchrony index (SDI) was ≥5%. Intraventricular mechanical delay was defined by TDI when differences in electromechanical activation between LV walls were >65 msec.

Results

LV systolic dysfunction was present in 16 patients (32%) by two‐dimensional and in 20 patients (40%) by RT3DE. There was a good correlation between LV ejection fraction by two‐dimensional and RT3DE (r = 0.75; P < 0.001). Fourteen (28%) patients had intraventricular dyssynchrony by TDI, while 12 (24%) had intraventricular dyssynchrony by RT3DE. There was a good agreement between LV dyssynchrony by TDI and RT3DE (Kappa=0.735; P < 0.001). There was a negative correlation between LV ejection fraction and SDI obtained by RT3DE (r = −0.58; P < 0.001)

Conclusions

In patients with CCAVB and long‐term pacing, LV dyssynchrony occurred in one‐third of patients and was related to LV dysfunction. There was a good correlation between dyssynchrony obtained by RT3DE and TDI.
Resilience as Regulation of Developmental and Family Processes
Authors: MacPhee David , Lunkenheimer Erika , Riggs Nathaniel
Published: January 2015

Resilience can be defined as establishing equilibrium subsequent to disturbances to a system caused by significant adversity. When families experience adversity or transitions, multiple regulatory processes may be involved in establishing equilibrium, including adaptability, regulation of negative affect, and effective problem‐solving skills. The authors' resilience‐as‐regulation perspective integrates insights about the regulation of individual development with processes that regulate family systems. This middle‐range theory of family resilience focuses on regulatory processes across levels that are involved in adaptation: whole‐family systems such as routines and sense of coherence; coregulation of dyads involving emotion regulation, structuring, and reciprocal influences between social partners; and individual self‐regulation. Insights about resilience‐as‐regulation are then applied to family‐strengthening interventions that are designed to promote adaptation to adversity. Unresolved issues are discussed in relation to resilience‐as‐regulation in families, in particular how risk exposure is assessed, interrelations among family regulatory mechanisms, and how families scaffold the development of children's resilience.
Models of Resilience: Developing Psychosocial Interventions for Parents of Children with Chronic Health Conditions
Authors: Mullins Larry L. , Molzon Elizabeth S. , Suorsa Kristina I. , Tackett Alayna P. , Pai Ahna L. H. , Chaney John M.
Published: January 2015

Research regarding family adaption and resilience in children with chronic health conditions has resulted in the development of a number of theoretical models and data‐driven psychosocial interventions in the field of pediatric psychology, some of which may not be well known in the field of family science. These models incorporate family systems theory and multiple resiliency factors within their framework to better describe the complex process of adaptation and subsequent adjustment outcomes. In this article, three contemporary resilience models within pediatric psychology are briefly reviewed and discussed. The development of a psychosocial intervention targeting uncertainty management for caregivers of children with cancer and the preliminary results are also presented as an exemplar of how such models may utilized to build interventions. Finally, the implications of the authors' findings and future research directions involving psychosocial interventions for families of children with chronic health conditions are discussed.
Recent advances in intestinal lymphomas
Authors: Foukas Periklis G , de Leval Laurence
Published: January 2015

A large variety of lymphoma types may develop as primary intestinal neoplasms in the small intestines or, less often, in the colorectum. Among these are a few entities such as enteropathy‐associated T‐cell lymphoma or immunoproliferative small intestinal disease that, essentially, do not arise elsewhere than in the gastrointestinal tract. In most instances the primary intestinal lymphomas belong to entities that also occur in lymph nodes or other mucosal sites, and may show some peculiar features. In the case of follicular lymphoma, important differences exist between the classical nodal cases and the intestinal cases, considered as a variant of the disease. It is likely that the local intestinal mucosal microenvironment is a determinant in influencing the pathobiological features of the disease. In this review we will present an update on the clinical, pathological and molecular features of the lymphoid neoplasms that most commonly involve the intestines, incorporating recent developments with respect to their pathobiology and classification. We will emphasize and discuss the major differential diagnostic problems encountered in practice, including the benign reactive or atypical lymphoid hyperplasias, indolent lymphoproliferative disorders of T or natural killer (NK) cells, and Epstein–Barr virus (EBV)‐related lymphoproliferations.
Macroscopic handling and reporting of breast cancer specimens pre‐ and post‐neoadjuvant chemotherapy treatment: review of pathological issues and suggested approaches
Authors: Pinder Sarah E , Rakha Emad A , Purdie Colin A , Bartlett John M S , Francis Adele , Stein Robert C , Thompson Alastair M , Shaaban Abeer M ,   the Translational Subgroup of the NCRI Breast Clinical Studies Group
Published: January 2015

Neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NACT) is used increasingly in the treatment of invasive breast cancer and presents challenges for the pathologist in the handling and interpretation of tissues. Potential issues include pathological identification and localization of the residual tumour site; how best to assess pathological response (given the diversity of scoring systems described); the timing and assessment of axillary node biopsy; and the value of retesting any residual tumour for dissonance between core biopsy and post‐treatment residual cancer cells for biomarker expression such as oestrogen and progesterone receptors and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2). The role of the pathologist is critical in modern NACT approaches to breast cancer and is likely to remain challenging as novel agents and newer biomarkers become available. In this manuscript we review these issues and describe some practical approaches to handling and reporting these samples in the routine histopathology laboratory.
The Voice of Ambiguity: Simone de Beauvoir's Literary and Phenomenological Echoes
Authors: Morrison Alexandra , Zebuhr Laura
Published: January 2015

In this essay we investigate several moments in Simone de Beauvoir's philosophical and literary texts in which she refers to echoes and echoing. We notice that echoes help Beauvoir to figure and amplify the ethical character of her concept of ambiguity, which is so central to her thought. We argue that, for Beauvoir, literature has privileged access to the ambiguity of existence and therefore maintains a special status in exposing us to alterity and bringing us face to face with ethical responsibility. Considering her literary portrayals of echoing helps to explain why, despite her life‐long philosophical engagement, Beauvoir preferred not to call herself a philosopher. Finally, Beauvoir's phenomenological insight is that in order to carry ethical resonance, the form of a written work must mirror the fundamentally ambiguous or echolalic ontological structure of human existence.