bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Current Clinical Evidence on Rapid Deployment Aortic Valve Replacement: Sutureless Aortic Bioprostheses
Authors: Barnhart Glenn R. , Shrestha Malakh Lal
Published: February 2016

Aortic stenosis is the most common valvular heart disease in the Western world. It is caused primarily by age-related degeneration and progressive calcification typically detected in patients 65 years and older. In patients presenting with symptoms of heart failure, the average survival rate is only 2 years without appropriate treatment. Approximately one half of all patients die within the first 2 to 3 years of symptom onset. In addition, the age of the patients presenting for aortic valve replacement (AVR) is increased along with the demographic changes. The Society of Thoracic Surgeons (STS) database shows that the number of patients older than 80 years has increased from 12% to 24% during the past 20 years. At the same time, the percentage of candidates requiring AVR as well as concomitant coronary bypass surgery has increased from 5% to 25%. Surgical AVR continues to be the criterion standard for treatment of aortic stenosis, improving survival and quality of life. Recent advances in prosthetic valve technology, such as transcatheter AVR, have expanded the indication for AVR to the extreme high-risk population, and the most recent surgical innovation, rapid deployment AVR, provides an additional tool to the surgeons’ armamentarium.
Dynamic Limb Bioimpedance and Inferior Vena Cava Ultrasound in Patients Undergoing Hemodialysis
Authors: Tiba Mohamad H. , Belmont Barry , Heung Michael , Theyyunni Nik , Huang Robert D. , Fung Christopher M. , Pennington Amanda J. , Cummings Brandon C. , Draucker Gerard T. , Shih Albert J. , Ward Kevin R.
Published: February 2016

Assessment of volume status in critically ill patients poses a challenge to clinicians. Measuring changes in the inferior vena cava (IVC) diameter using ultrasound is becoming a standard tool to assess volume status. Ultrasound requires physicians with significant training and specialized expensive equipment. It would be of significant value to be able to obtain this measurement continuously without physician presence. We hypothesize that dynamic changes in limb’s bioimpedance in response to respiration could be used to predict changes in IVC. Forty-six subjects were tested a hemodialysis session. Impedance was measured via electrodes placed on the arm. Simultaneously, the IVC diameter was assessed by ultrasound. Subjects were asked to breathe spontaneously and perform respiratory maneuvers using a respiratory training device. Impedance (dz) was determined and compared with change in IVC diameter (dIVC; r = 0.76, p < 0.0001). There was significant relationship between dz and dIVC (p< 0.0001). Receiver-operator curves for dz at thresholds of dIVC (20% to70%) demonstrated high predictive power with areas under the curves (0.87–0.99, p < 0.0001). This evaluation suggests that real-time dynamic changes in limb impedance are capable of tracking a wide range of dynamic dIVC. This technique might be a suitable surrogate for monitoring real-time changes in dIVC to assess intravascular volume status.
Extracorporeal Life Support for Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation for Adults: Evolving Evidence
Authors: Kehrl Thompson , Kaczorowski David J.
Published: February 2016

For years, conventional cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) has been the cornerstone of treatment for cardiac arrest. However, the survival of patients that suffer a cardiac arrest is unsatisfactory despite the use of CPR. The use of extracorporeal life support (ECLS) to aid in the resuscitation of patients in cardiac arrest has the potential benefit of immediate restoration of circulation. Previously, several case reports and small series have suggested that ECLS might provide benefit for patients with refractory cardiac arrest. Several recent larger series, including a number of prospective studies, have emerged that provide further evidence for the utility of emergent institution of ECLS as an adjunct to conventional CPR in the management of cardiac arrest. These studies, which are reviewed here, have provided useful insight into the role of ECLS in cardiac arrest and have set the stage for randomized controlled trials. Ongoing ECLS trials, logistical issues, and future direction of ECLS are reviewed as well.
The long-term sand crab study: phenology, geographic size variation, and a rare new colour morph inLepidopa benedicti(Decapoda: Albuneidae)
Authors: Faulkes Zen
Published: February 2016

Little is known about the basic ecology of albuneid sand crabs because they conceal themselves by digging in sand, and are typically found at low densities. I sampled sand crabs,Lepidopa benedictiwere sampled at South Padre Island, Texas, regularly for more than five years. Density is high in the summer, and low in the winter. The sex ratio is slightly, but consistently, female skewed. Ovigerous females, carrying about one thousand eggs, are found in mid-summer, with most of the young of the year settling in autumn. The average size of individuals in the South Texas population is smaller than individuals in the Atlantic Ocean, but the population density appear to be higher in Texas. I also describe a new orange colour morph. The results are not consistent with an earlier suggestion that South Texas acts as a population sink forL. benedicti.
Dynamic quantum crystallography: lattice-dynamical models refined against diffraction data. I. Theory
Authors: Hoser Anna A. , Madsen Anders Ø.
Published: February 2016

This study demonstrates and tests the refinement of a lattice-dynamical model derived from periodicab initiocalculations at the Γ point against elastic diffraction data (X-ray or neutron). Refinement of only a handful of parameters is sufficient to obtain a similar agreement with the data as the conventional crystallographic model using anisotropic displacement parameters. By refinement against X-ray data, H displacement parameters are obtained which compare favourably with those from neutron diffraction experiments. The approach opens the door for evaluating thermodynamic properties, and for refinement against multi-temperature data, against inelastic diffraction data, spectroscopic information and thermal diffuse scattering data.
Consumer preferences in food packaging: CUB models and conjoint analysis
Authors: Arboretti Rosa , Bordignon Paolo
Published: February 2016

Purpose

– Packaging features have been shown to be of great importance for the consumer final choice of fresh products (Silayoi and Speece, 2007). Packaging is an extrinsic attribute, which consumers tend to rely on, when relevant intrinsic attributes of the product are not available. In the current literature, studies on the influences of packaging features on consumer preferences are mainly related to classical preference evaluation methods like conjoint analysis (CA). The purpose of this paper is to apply both CA and the less known combination of uniform discrete and shifted binomial distributions (CUB) models to food packaging evaluations.

Design/methodology/approach

– Starting from a real case study in this field, along with CA, the author apply CUB models (Iannario and Piccolo, 2010) as a useful tool to evaluate preferences. CUB models can grasp some psychological characteristics of consumers related to the “feeling” toward packaging attributes and related to an inherently “uncertainty” that affects the consumers’ choices. Both psychological characteristics “feeling” and “uncertainty” can be linked to relevant subject’s information. At first we detect preferred packaging attributes of fresh food by means of CA, then we apply CUB models to some relevant attributes from the CA study.

Findings

– Results show that attributes like packaging material and size/shape of packaging are the most important attributes and that biodegradable packaging, reclosable trays/bags and long “best by” date are also valuable features for consumers. The introduction of covariates showed that specific demographic characteristics are linked to both feeling and uncertainty.

Originality/value

– The “data driven” segmentation results give to the integrated approach “CUB models and Conjoint Analysis” the most important added value.
Increasing fruit and vegetable intake among manufacturing workers
Authors: Rueff Allison , Logomarsino John
Published: February 2016

Purpose

– Blue-collar manufacturing workers are more likely to have lifestyle risk factors, including a lower intake of fruit and vegetables, for the development of chronic diseases. The purpose of this paper is to assess the effects of worksite health-promotion interventions on fruit and vegetable intake among manufacturing workers.

Design/methodology/approach

– This paper reviews the evidence for the effectiveness of interventions and makes recommendations on best practices. Types of interventions and theoretical frameworks used in the workplace are reviewed, and findings are presented through research examples. Research for this paper was conducted using PubMed, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature, and PsycINFO.

Findings

– Positive results were found for the effectiveness of interventions to increase fruit and vegetable consumption. Multiple levels of intervention, an emphasis on employee participation in planning, higher self-efficacy, and social support were found to be effective.

Research limitations/implications

– Limitations of this review included self-reported data on fruit and vegetable intake. Also, determining if one intervention was more efficacious than another was difficult when multiple interventions were used within a study. Questions have been raised regarding the long-term impact of increased fruit and vegetable intake among employees.

Practical implications

– When planning programs, multiple levels of intervention will be needed to increase fruit and vegetable intake among workers. Also, employee participation should be emphasized when planning and implementing programs.

Originality/value

– The use of manufacturing companies should be considered as a platform for health-promotion programs. Increasing fruit and vegetable intake has the potential to impact numerous blue-collar workers to help reduce the risk of chronic disease.
Grounded theory and ethnography combined
Authors: Bamkin Marianne , Maynard Sally , Goulding Anne
Published: February 2016

Purpose

– Libraries are closing or reducing opening hours in the UK due to budgetary cuts. Library provision for children is consequently diminishing and libraries have to justify their existence. Therefore a reliable methodology for assessing the importance of libraries is vital to demonstrate their value to children’s literacy. Two methodologies were combined to study children visiting children’s mobile libraries (CMLs). The purpose of this paper is to consider whether the combined, qualitative methodology was the correct choice.

Design/methodology/approach

– Aspects of each methodology are examined for their appropriateness for researching children. The compatibility of their philosophical stance and the validity of combining ethnography and grounded theory is explored and questioned.

Findings

– It is found that grounded theory and ethnography were the optimum combination to form a powerful research tool that allows children to be active participants in research. The combined methodology was successful because the ethnographic elements allowed the researcher to enter to the children’s world, whereas the grounded theory elements provided a structural framework, exploration into a novel research topic and ensured that a valid conclusion was drawn.

Originality/value

– It is unusual for qualitative methodologies such as grounded theory and ethnography to be combined in order to study learning in a non-pedagogic, library environment. This paper is valuable reading for librarians, or educationalists wishing to examine how libraries aid literacy because it verifies the benefits of the combined methodology of grounded theory and ethnography and provides a template which can be used by other researchers.
Applying the theory of information worlds within a health care practise in Finland
Authors: Känsäkoski Helena , Huotari Maija-Leena
Published: February 2016

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to increase understanding about value creation to families in childhood obesity care in multiprofessional collaboration in an integrated care pathway (ICP).

Design/methodology/approach

– The qualitative case study involves the ICPs of two Finnish University Hospital districts. The empirical data, collected between 2009 and 2012, consists of semi-structured interviews of 30 health professionals in primary and special health care, of three children and their mothers, a family questionnaire (n=13) complemented with care path instructions and memos of an ICP work group.

Findings

– The findings indicate that organisational culture confirms boundaries which hinder transfer of information and sharing of knowledge between organisations and professional groups. The concepts of Chatman’s theory of everyday life information seeking complemented with the concepts of Burnett’s and Jaeger’s theory of information worlds are applicable to describe aspects of organisational culture on patient value creation in the ICP for obese children.

Research limitations/implications

– The data of the patients and families were limited. Interviews were completed with a questionnaire which has its limitations in qualitative research. In future studies, e.g., families’ focus-group interviews could bring new insights.

Practical implications

– The practise of information transfer between Finnish primary and special health care need changes. Modern information technology, e.g., videoconference could be used to increase family involvement in the value creation and the environment should be more supportive for healthy lifestyle.

Originality/value

– The study is one of the first which empirically applies Chatman’s and Burnett’s and Jaeger’s theories in a work-related setting.
The utilization of ISO 9004: case study of the maintenance area of a public transportation company
Authors: Vanalle Rosângela Maria , Lucato Wagner Cezar , Rodrigues Roberto Torres
Published: February 2016

Purpose

– The continuous improvement in the performance and satisfaction of all stakeholders is a permanent management objective and part of an organisation’s strategy. To achieve this goal, organisations invest in technological upgrades, process improvements and management models that assure efficiency. The purpose of this paper is to verify the possibility of measuring the management maturity level of an organisation that is dedicated to passenger public transportation; this organisation is used as a reference framework for the self-evaluation maturity-level measurement tool provided by the ISO 9004:2009 standard.

Design/methodology/approach

– The objective of this paper was accomplished through a case study in which the selected measurement instrument was applied to the management system of the maintenance area of one of the largest subway companies in Brazil.

Findings

– The results of the study showed that the referential method was capable of precisely and adequately measuring the maturity level of the appraised management system. The method also enabled the researchers to identify best practices for the study organisation, which can be employed by the administration to develop action plans to improve their management system.

Research limitations/implications

– As a limitation, the results obtained by this paper cannot be generalised, because they were based on only one company. As a result, the conclusions established cannot be extended to other types of companies since their competitive priorities and management practices may be different and generate characteristics of maturity that were not considered in this work. However, these limitations can be minimised if additional researches ponder other types of organisations.

Practical implications

– On the practical side, this paper motivates companies to improve their operations management by using the self-evaluation tool to identify gaps in their management systems and consequently plan actions to achieve the related improvements.

Originality/value

– The ISO 9004:2009 standard provides a self-evaluation instrument that can support companies on measuring their respective management system maturity level. However, this paper was able to demonstrate that the aforesaid tool can be used in a broader way as it allows management to define action plans to boost their management systems towards a full utilisation of best management practices.
Adapting the SHEL model in investigating industrial maintenance
Authors: Metso Lasse , Marttonen Salla , Thenent Nils E. , Newnes Linda B.
Published: February 2016

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to identify and categorise problems in knowledge management of industrial maintenance, and support successful maintenance through adapting the SHEL model. The SHEL model has been used widely in airplane accident investigations and in aviation maintenance, but not in industrial maintenance.

Design/methodology/approach

– The data were collected by two separate surveys with open-ended questions from maintenance customers and service providers in Finland. The collected data were coded according to SHEL model -derived themes and analysed thematically with NVivo.

Findings

– The authors found that the adapted SHELO model works well in the industrial maintenance context. The results show that the most important knowledge management problems in the area are caused by interactions between Liveware and Software (information unavailability), Liveware and Liveware (information sharing), Liveware and Organisation (communication) and Software and Software (information integrity).

Research limitations/implications

– The data were collected only from Finnish companies and from the perspective of knowledge management. In practice there are also other kinds of issues in industrial maintenance. This can be a topic for future research.

Practical implications

– The paper presents a new systematic method to analyse and sort knowledge management problems in industrial maintenance. Both maintenance service customers and suppliers can improve their maintenance processes by using the dimensions of the SHELO model.

Originality/value

– The SHEL model has not been used in industrial maintenance before. In addition, the new SHELO model takes also interactions without direct human influence into account. Previous research has listed conditions for successful maintenance extensively, but this kind of prioritisation tools are needed to support decision making in practice.
Governance structure in IT outsourcing: a network perspective
Authors: Lin Tingting , Hekkala Riitta
Published: February 2016

Purpose

– The governance of information technology outsourcing (ITO) has been identified as an essential determinant for ITO success. Prior studies have shed light on effective governance structures in different organizational contexts. This study aims to advance this prior knowledge by exploring how interpersonal networks, as an important aspect of such context, reflect and influence ITO governance.

Design/methodology/approach

– A single case study was conducted from a vendor’s perspective in an ITO dyad. Social network analysis was leveraged to reveal the interpersonal networks, with whole-network analysis on 24 team members in an ITO vendor company. In addition, open-ended interviews with six selected team members were utilized to identify the perceived governance structure.

Findings

– The findings of this study suggest certain features of interpersonal networks, i.e. network density and cross-network comparison, can reflect governance structure in multiple aspects. Meanwhile, the authors also argue that interpersonal networks can influence the form of governance structure.

Research limitations/implications

– As a single case study, the context of the research site cannot be ignored in the inference of findings. To increase the confidence for further generalization, future empirical studies are needed especially in contrasting sites, such as ITO relations based on network governance.

Originality/value

– This study associates intra-organizational characteristics of the vendor to the inter-organizational governance structure of the ITO relationship. It also provides an innovative methodology for both researchers and practitioners to assess ITO governance structure.
Eyelid edema as a predictive factor for sensitization to Pru p 7 in peach allergy
Authors: Inomata Naoko , Miyakawa Mami , Aihara Michiko
Published: February 2016

The clinical and laboratory factors related to Pru p 7 sensitization in peach allergy, compared with those associated with sensitization to Pru p 1, which is related to pollen‐food allergy syndrome (PFAS), have still not been clarified. The aim of the present study was to identify the clinical and laboratory features associated with sensitization to Pru p 7. Fifty patients (male : female, 14:36; mean age, 31.8 years) with peach allergy were enrolled in this study. Specific immunoglobulin E (sIgE) against the purified nPru p 7 was measured by enzyme‐linked immunoassay, whereas using ImmunoCAP, sIgE levels against peach, rPru p 1, rPru p 3 and rPru p 4 were measured. Correlations between the clinical characteristics of peach allergy and sensitization to the allergens were statistically analyzed. In 50 patients with peach allergy, 13 and 33 patients were sensitized with nPru p 7 and rPru p 1, respectively. Laryngeal tightness, conjunctival injection, facial edema, eyelid edema and urticaria were significantly associated with Pru p 7 sensitization. In contrast, oropharyngeal symptoms were strongly related to Pru p 1 sensitization but were significantly less common in the Pru p 7‐positive group. Co‐sensitization to the representative pollens related to PFAS, such as alder pollens, was significantly related to Pru p 1 sensitization, but not Pru p 7 sensitization. Along with the absence of co‐sensitization to pollens related to PFAS, facial edema and especially eyelid edema after the ingestion of peaches could be a predictive factor for sensitization to Pru p 7.
Connectivity between surface and deep waters determines prokaryotic diversity in the North Atlantic Deep Water
Authors: Frank Alexander H. , Garcia Juan A. L. , Herndl Gerhard J. , Reinthaler Thomas
Published: February 2016

To decipher the influence of depth stratification and surface provincialism on the dark ocean prokaryotic community composition, we sampled the major deep‐water masses in the eastern North Atlantic covering three biogeographic provinces. Their diversity was evaluated using ordination and canonical analysis of 454 pyrotag sequences. Variance partitioning suggested that 16% of the variation in the bacterial community composition was based on depth stratification while 9% of the variation was due to geographic location. General linear mixed effect models showed that the community of the subsurface waters was connected to the dark ocean prokaryotic communities in different biogeographic provinces. Cluster analysis indicated that some prokaryotic taxa are specific to distinct regions in bathypelagic water masses. Taken together, our data suggest that the dark ocean prokaryotic community composition of the eastern North Atlantic is primed by the formation and the horizontal transport of water masses.
Calcium transcriptionally regulates the biofilm machinery of Xylella fastidiosa to promote continued biofilm development in batch cultures
Authors: Parker Jennifer K. , Chen Hongyu , McCarty Sara E. , Liu Lawrence Y. , De La Fuente Leonardo
Published: February 2016

The functions of calcium (Ca) in bacteria are less characterized than in eukaryotes, where its role has been studied extensively. The plant‐pathogenic bacterium Xylella fastidiosa has several virulence features that are enhanced by increased Ca concentrations, including biofilm formation. However, the specific mechanisms driving modulation of this feature are unclear. Characterization of biofilm formation over time showed that 4 mM Ca supplementation produced denser biofilms that were still developing at 96 h, while biofilm in non‐supplemented media had reached the dispersal stage by 72 h. To identify changes in global gene expression in X. fastidiosa grown in supplemental Ca, RNA‐Seq of batch culture biofilm cells was conducted at three 24‐h time intervals. Results indicate that a variety of genes are differentially expressed in response to Ca, including genes related to attachment, motility, exopolysaccharide synthesis, biofilm formation, peptidoglycan synthesis, regulatory functions, iron homeostasis, and phages. Collectively, results demonstrate that Ca supplementation induces a transcriptional response that promotes continued biofilm development, while biofilm cells in nonsupplemented media are driven towards dispersion of cells from the biofilm structure. These results have important implications for disease progression in planta, where xylem sap is the source of Ca and other nutrients for X. fastidiosa.
Contrasting strategies used by lichen microalgae to cope with desiccation–rehydration stress revealed by metabolite profiling and cell wall analysis
Authors: Centeno Danilo C. , Hell Aline F. , Braga Marcia R. , del Campo Eva M. , Casano Leonardo M.
Published: February 2016

Most lichens in general, and their phycobionts in particular, are desiccation tolerant, but their mechanisms of desiccation tolerance (DT) remain obscure. The physiological responses and cell wall features of two putatively contrasting lichen‐forming microalgae, Trebouxia sp. TR9 (TR9), isolated from Ramalina farinacea (adapted to frequent desiccation‐rehydration cycles), and Coccomyxa solorina‐saccatae (Csol), obtained from Solorina saccata (growing in usually humid limestone crevices, subjected to seasonal dry periods) was characterized. Microalgal cultures were desiccated under 25%–30% RH and then rehydrated. Under these conditions, RWC and ψw decreased faster and simultaneously during dehydration in Csol, whereas TR9 maintained its ψw until 70% RWC. The metabolic profile indicated that polyols played a key role in DT of both microalgae. However, TR9 constitutively accumulated higher amounts of polyols, whereas Csol induced the polyol synthesis under desiccation–rehydration. Csol also accumulated ascorbic acid, while TR9 synthesized protective raffinose‐family oligosaccharides (RFOs) and increased its content of phenolics. Additionally, TR9 exhibited thicker and qualitatively different cell wall and extracellular polymeric layer compared with Csol, indicating higher water retention capability. The findings were consistent with the notion that lichen microalgae would have evolved distinct strategies to cope with desiccation–rehydration stress in correspondence with the water regime of their respective habitats.
Preschool children's exposure to story grammar elements during parent–child book reading
Authors: Breit‐Smith Allison , van Kleeck Anne , Prendeville Jo‐Anne , Pan Wei
Published: February 2016

Twenty‐three preschool‐age children, 3;6 (years; months) to 4;1, were videotaped separately with their mothers and fathers while each mother and father read a different unfamiliar storybook to them. The text from the unfamiliar storybooks was parsed and coded into story grammar elements and all parental extratextual utterances were transcribed and coded for (1) their relationship to the story grammar elements found within the storybook, and (2) the natural strategies parents used to direct their children's attention to these elements. Children's overall exposure to story grammar elements during book reading was also explored for its relationship to their language abilities. Results indicated that parents focused significantly more on the resolution, attempt, and consequence compared to the initiating event and plan, and most frequently used the text and pictures as strategies for recruiting their children's attention to the story grammar elements within the book. In addition, the frequency of parental utterances related to story grammar elements was negatively correlated with children's language abilities. This study did not examine the complexity or depth of parental utterances related to story grammar elements. These findings provide initial evidence that children may derive their understanding of story grammar at least in part through their parents' extratextual discussions during parent–child book reading.
BJOG Editor's Choice
Authors: Marsh Michael
Published: February 2016

Deputy Editor‐in‐Chief, Mr Michael Marsh, discusses his top articles from this issue in an audio podcast available at https://soundcloud.com/bjog/march-editors-choice-2016
Impatient in Experiments, but Patient in Simulations: A Challenge to the Heckman‐Type Model
Authors: Gahramanov Emin , Tang Xueli
Published: February 2016

Intertemporal labour–leisure choice models typically assume agents have a very low degree of impatience. Yet there is a lot of empirical evidence indicating a high degree of impatience. Using a life‐cycle model of consumption–saving and labour–leisure choice, we show that even if an agent displays a relatively moderate degree of impatience, his labour supply choice delivers highly counterfactual patterns. We resolve this counterfactual finding by augmenting the standard model with a time‐dependent marginal utility of leisure assumption that is consistent with some recent evidences from leisure studies. We also introduce various extensions and discuss their relative importance and associated challenges.
Microcredit Programme Participation and Household Food Security in Rural Bangladesh
Authors: Islam Asadul , Maitra Chandana , Pakrashi Debayan , Smyth Russell
Published: February 2016

Lack of access to credit prevents poor households in developing countries from diversifying into income‐generating activities that could safeguard them against unforeseen shocks and seasonality, leaving them susceptible to food deprivation, even when aggregate food supplies are adequate. Microcredit programmes help these households to access financial capital that could help improve their food security situation. We examine how microcredit affects different measures of food security; namely, household calorie availability, dietary diversity indicators and anthropometric status of women of reproductive age (15–49 years) and children under the age of 5 years. We find that microcredit programme participation increases calorie availability both at the intensive and extensive margins, but does not improve dietary diversity and only has mixed effects on the anthropometric measures. We also find that the effect of microcredit participation on food security may be non‐linear in which participation initially has either no effect on food security or may actually worsen it, before improving it in the longer run. Our results help to explain why existing short‐term evaluations of microcredit sometimes do not show any positive effects.
Analysis of Mitochondrial DNA from a Burned, Ninhydrin‐Treated Paper Towel
Authors: Buś Magdalena M. , Nilsson Martina , Allen Marie
Published: February 2016

Contact‐based evidence is likely to have limited quantities of DNA and may yield mixed profiles due to preexisting or contaminating DNA. In a recent arson investigation, a paper towel was collected and used as circumstantial evidence. The paper towel was partially burned and was likely set on fire with flammable liquid. As part of the investigation, the paper towel was treated with ninhydrin to visualize fingerprint evidence. Initial DNA analysis of two swabs was negative for short tandem repeat (STR) markers and revealed a mixture of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA). Analysis of 13 additional cuttings yielded four more mixed profiles, but also two samples with a common single‐source profile. The single‐source mtDNA profile matched that of the primary suspect in the case. Thus, even if initial mtDNA analysis yields a mixed profile, a sampling strategy involving multiple locations can improve the chance of obtaining valuable single‐source mtDNA profiles from compromised evidence in criminal casework.
Factors that influence dietary intake in adults with stable chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
Authors: Shalit Natalie , Tierney Audrey , Holland Anne , Miller Belinda , Norris Naomi , King Susannah
Published: February 2016

Aim

Malnutrition is common amongst people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and nutrition status is an important determinant of symptoms, morbidity and prognosis. Inadequate diet is recognised as a contributor to malnutrition in this population; however, there are limited studies exploring individual perspectives on nutrition amongst people with COPD. The aim of this study was to identify factors that influence dietary intake patterns in a metropolitan, stable COPD population.

Methods

This qualitative study investigated participants with stable COPD who attend pulmonary rehabilitation programs. Thirty participants underwent body composition measurements, completed a validated food frequency questionnaire and participated in a semi‐structured interview to explore influences on food choices. Qualitative responses were examined using thematic analysis to identify major barriers and enablers shaping nutrition‐related behaviours.

Results

Mean (±SD) body mass index was 26.6 ± 7.6 kg/m2. Analysis of food intake showed inadequate servings per day of dairy, fruit and vegetables. Common themes influencing food choices included: breathlessness and fatigue affecting appetite, swallowing problems, limited social and financial supports, reduced motivation and limited knowledge about the impact of nutrition on COPD.

Conclusions

Nutrition assessment of patients with COPD should encompass physical and social circumstances influencing dietary intake and support networks that promote healthy eating behaviours. Nutrition intervention should be tailored to individual circumstances, with ongoing follow‐up to maintain motivation and adapt to changing clinical status.
HYSTAR Sediment Model: Distributed Two‐Dimensional Simulation of Watershed Erosion and Sediment Transport Using Time‐Area Routing
Authors: Her Younggu , Heatwole Conrad
Published: February 2016

An erosion and sediment transport component incorporated in the HYdrology Simulation using Time‐ARea method (HYSTAR) upland watershed model provides grid‐based prediction of erosion, transport and deposition of sediment in a dynamic, continuous, and fully distributed framework. The model represents the spatiotemporally varied flow in sediment transport simulation by coupling the time‐area routing method and sediment transport capacity approach within a grid‐based spatial data model. This avoids the common, and simplistic, approach of using the Universal Soil Loss Equation (USLE) to estimate erosion rates with a delivery ratio to relate gross soil erosion to sediment yield of a watershed, while enabling us to simulate two‐dimensional sediment transport processes without the complexity of numerical solution of the partial differential governing equations. In using the time‐area method for routing sediment, the model offers a novel alternative to watershed‐scale sediment transport simulation that provides detailed spatial representation. In predicting four‐year sediment hydrographs of a watershed in Virginia, the model provided good performance with R2 of 0.82 and 0.78 and relative error of −35% and 11% using the Yalin and Yang's sediment transport capacity equations, respectively. Prediction of spatiotemporal variation in sediment transport processes was evaluated using maps of sediment transport rates, concentrations, and erosion and deposition mass, which compare well with expected behavior of flow hydraulics and sediment transport processes.
Applications of Explicitly Incorporated/Post‐Processing Measurement Uncertainty in Watershed Modeling
Authors: Yen Haw , Hoque Yamen M. , Wang Xiuying , Harmel Robert Daren
Published: February 2016

In the field of watershed modeling, the impact of measurement uncertainty (MU) on calibration results indicates the potential issue of inaccurate model predictions. It is important to note that MU refers to the uncertainty in measured data such as flow and nutrient values that are used to evaluate model outputs. The calculation of error statistics assuming measured data are deterministic may not be appropriate as has been frequently stated in literature. Although MU can affect model calibration results, it is rarely incorporated in modeling practice. MU can be incorporated in two schemes: explicitly incorporated (MU‐EI) during model calibration and post‐processed (MU‐PP) after calibration is completed. In this study, both schemes are implemented in a case study of the Arroyo Colorado Watershed, Texas. Unexpectedly, no substantial differences were observed between each scheme for flow predictions. Although MU did not cause dramatic differences in most sediment and NH4‐N predictions, error statistics were affected in cases with MU greater than 50%, especially for sediment and NH4‐N. Therefore, it is concluded that MU may not exert a significant impact on model predictions until certain threshold is reached. This study demonstrates that high levels of uncertainty in measured calibration/validation data significantly affect parameter estimation, especially in the auto‐calibration process.
Daily Precipitation Extremes in Iran: Decadal Anomalies and Possible Drivers
Authors: Tabari Hossein , Willems Patrick
Published: February 2016

This study focuses on the empirical statistical analysis of the anomalies in daily precipitation extremes by applying the quantile perturbation method (QPM) to data from 31 Iranian weather stations during the period between 1961 and 2005. The possible causes behind the anomalies in precipitation extremes are identified by analyzing their relationship with the anomalies in eight atmospheric indices (i.e., NAO, SOI, PDO, AMO, NCP, DMI, WeMO, SSN). In terms of decadal oscillations, the country was generally wet in the 1960s and 1970s with most stations exhibiting periods of higher quantile perturbations, whereas lower quantile perturbations were dominant in the 1980s and 1990s. The highest perturbation in extreme precipitation quantiles prevails in Central Iran during the early 1980s, in which the quantiles are about 50% higher than the ones based on the full time series. The frequency of significant precipitation anomalies for winter season was greater than that for spring and autumn seasons. For the summer season, the humid region in North Iran demonstrates strong positive anomalies. The results highlight the noticeable role of large‐scale climatic factors in the anomalous behavior of precipitation extremes in Iran. The atmospheric drivers of the quantile anomalies in extreme precipitation were found to differ from one season to another.
Autonomic Modulation by Electrical Stimulation of the Parasympathetic Nervous System: An Emerging Intervention for Cardiovascular Diseases
Authors: He Bo , Lu Zhibing , He Wenbo , Huang Bing , Jiang Hong
Published: February 2016

The cardiac autonomic nervous system has been known to play an important role in the development and progression of cardiovascular diseases. Autonomic modulation by electrical stimulation of the parasympathetic nervous system, which increases the parasympathetic activity and suppresses the sympathetic activity, is emerging as a therapeutic strategy for the treatment of cardiovascular diseases. Here, we review the recent literature on autonomic modulation by electrical stimulation of the parasympathetic nervous system, including vagus nerve stimulation, transcutaneous auricular vagal stimulation, spinal cord stimulation, and ganglionated plexi stimulation, in the treatment of heart failure, atrial fibrillation, and ventricular arrhythmias.
Baseline sensitivity and efficacy of fluopyram against Botrytis cinerea from table grape in Italy
Authors: Vitale A. , Panebianco A. , Polizzi G.
Published: February 2016

Succinate dehydrogenase inhibitor (SDHI) fungicides constitute a relatively recent fungicide class registered for the treatment of grey mould on grapevine in Italy. The sensitivity profile to a novel compound fluopyram was established for a set of 203 Botrytis cinerea isolates collected from Sicilian vineyards within 2009–2012 prior its introduction into market. In addition, its performances were compared in in vitro and in vivo assays with other registered SDHI fungicide boscalid, to evaluate their frequency distributions EC50 values and cross‐resistance patterns. Results of the article showed that EC50 values for fluopyram ranged from 0.05 to 1.98 µg mL−1. Although EC50 values of boscalid ranged from 0.01 to 89.52 µg mL−1, no cross‐resistance relationship was observed between the two fungicides (r = 0.003; P = 0.964) within our B. cinerea population. On further confirming these data, boscalid failed in controlling grey mould infections when boscalid‐resistant isolates were inoculated on grape berries whereas fluopyram exhibited a good efficacy against the same isolates. This study represents the first report on the baseline sensitivity to fluopyram within B. cinerea population from Sicilian table grape vineyards in Italy, and it clearly shows the lack of cross‐resistance in vitro and in vivo between fluopyram and boscalid for the field pathogen isolates. These results provided useful information for managing of fungicide resistance suggesting that fluopyram could be a valid alternative to boscalid for the control of grey mould of table grape.
A randomized controlled trial of buprenorphine taper duration among opioid‐dependent adolescents and young adults
Authors: Marsch Lisa A. , Moore Sarah K. , Borodovsky Jacob T. , Solhkhah Ramon , Badger Gary J. , Semino Shelby , Jarrett Kate , Condon Kathleen DiGangi , Rossettie Kate , Vincent Phillip , Hajizadeh Neda , Ducat Elizabeth
Published: February 2016

Background and Aims

Few randomized controlled trials have evaluated buprenorphine treatment interventions for opioid‐dependent youth. Consequently, optimal administration strategies for this cohort are unclear. Our aim was to evaluate the relative efficacy of two different buprenorphine taper lengths in promoting abstinence from illicit opioids and treatment retention among opioid‐dependent youth.

Design

A double‐blind, placebo controlled, multicenter randomized controlled trial.

Setting

Two hospital‐based research clinics (Manhattan and Brooklyn) in New York City, USA from 2005 to 2010.

Participants

Volunteer sample of 53 primarily Caucasian participants between the ages of 16 and 24 (n = 11 under age 18) who met DSM‐IV opioid dependence criteria.

Intervention

Participants were assigned randomly to either a 28‐day buprenorphine taper (n = 28) or 56‐day buprenorphine taper (n = 25) via a parallel‐groups design during a 63‐day period. Both groups received behavioral counseling and opioid abstinence incentives. Both taper conditions had a minimum of 1 week of placebo dosing at the end of the taper.

Measurements

The primary outcome was opioid abstinence measured as a percentage of scheduled urine toxicology tests documented to be negative for opioids. The secondary outcome was treatment retention, measured as number of days attended scheduled visits.

Findings

Intent‐to‐treat analyses revealed that participants who received a 56‐day buprenorphine taper had a significantly higher percentage of opioid‐negative scheduled urine tests compared with participants who received a 28‐day buprenorphine taper [35 versus 17%, P = 0.039; Cohen's d = 0.57, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.02, 1.13]. Participants who received a 56‐day buprenorphine taper were retained in treatment significantly longer than participants who received a 28‐day buprenorphine taper (37.5 versus 26.4 days, P = 0.027; Cohen's d = 0.63, 95% CI = 0.06, 1.19). Daily attendance requirement was associated with decreased abstinence and shorter retention compared with a two to three times weekly attendance requirement, independent of taper duration. Follow‐up data were insufficient to report.

Conclusion

Longer (56‐day) buprenorphine taper produces better opioid abstinence and retention outcomes than shorter (28‐day) buprenorphine taper for opioid‐dependent youth.
Nonlinear effect of density on trophic niche width and between‐individual variation in diet in a neotropical cichlid
Authors: Mateus Lúcia , Ortega Jean , Mendes Angélica , Penha Jerry
Published: February 2016

Density‐dependent dynamics have considerable effects in many ecological processes and patterns that characterize natural populations. In the present study, we aim at evaluating the effect of density on the diet width and between‐individual variability in nine different pike cichlid Crenicichla lepidota populations dwelling in floodplain lagoons. Our results indicated that low‐density populations exhibit small diet breadth as well as small between‐individual variability in their diet. In addition, these populations were characterized by a nested diet pattern, where the diet of specialist individuals represented a subset of the food items consumed by generalist individuals. Populations with intermediate densities had a larger populational diet breadth while the individual diet breadth remained unchanged. This pattern was due to an increase in between‐individual variability in diet, which consequently decreases the diet overlap among individuals and thus lower diet nestedness. Finally, under high densities, the niche width at the population level decreased because of lower between‐individual variability and higher diet overlap. Together, these results showed that niche width exhibits a non‐linear function with density. At first, an increase in density increased the niche width because of greater between‐individual diet variability. However, after a threshold density value, the effect was reversed, and the niche width decreased because of a higher diet overlap among individuals.
Helminth parasite diversity discloses age and sex differences in the foraging behaviour of southern lapwings (Vanellus chilensis)
Authors: Silveira Tiago S. , Calegaro‐Marques Cláudia
Published: February 2016

Parasites with heteroxen cycles are important sources of information on the trophic relations of hosts. This is particularly instructive for species whose age‐based or sex‐based differences are hardly detected by behavioural observations. Here, we describe the helminth community of the omnivorous southern lapwing (Vanellus chilensis) and evaluate whether it is affected by the host's sex, age and body size. The species is sexually monomorphic in body length, but males are slightly heavier than females. We analysed 112 individuals collected in Curitiba, Brazil, in March 2010. All hosts were parasitized. The helminth community was composed of 10 species (the digeneans Leucochloridium parcum and Athesmia sp., the cestode Infula macrophallus, the acantocephalans Plagiorhynchus sp., Centrorhynchus sp., Mediorhynchus sp., and an unidentified Gigantorhynchida, and the nematodes Heterakis psophiae, Dispharynx nasuta and an unidentified Capillariidae), seven of which were novel reports for this host species. Prevalence ranged from <1% to 99%. Whereas I. macrophallus was the most prevalent species, D. nasuta showed the highest mean intensity and abundance of infection. The former was found in most hosts as single male–female pairs, suggesting the occurrence of intrasexual competition. The infracommunities of juvenile birds showed a higher parasite species richness than those of adult males and females, suggesting the exploitation of a wider array of prey. However, the three classes harboured seven parasite species. Differences in parasite diversity (lower in juveniles, intermediate in adult males and higher in adult females) reflect the evenness in the distribution of parasite specimens among taxa in each age–sex class and are compatible with differences in their foraging strategy. Finally, we conclude based on the cycles of the heteroxen species that southern lapwings preyed upon molluscs, coleopterans, woodlice and earthworms.