bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Subgingival microbiome in smokers and non‐smokers in Korean chronic periodontitis patients
Authors: Moon J.‐H. , Lee J.‐H. , Lee J.‐Y.
Published: October 2014

Smoking is a major environmental factor associated with periodontal diseases. However, we still have a very limited understanding of the relationship between smoking and subgingival microflora in the global population. Here, we investigated the composition of subgingival bacterial communities from the pooled plaque samples of smokers and non‐smokers, 134 samples in each group, in Korean patients with moderate chronic periodontitis using 16S rRNA gene‐based pyrosequencing. A total of 17,927 reads were analyzed and classified into 12 phyla, 126 genera, and 394 species. Differences in bacterial communities between smokers and non‐smokers were examined at all phylogenetic levels. The genera Fusobacterium, Fretibacterium, Streptococcus, Veillonella, Corynebacterium, TM7, and Filifactor were abundant in smokers. On the other hand, Prevotella, Campylobacter, Aggregatibacter, Veillonellaceae GQ422718, Haemophilus, and Prevotellaceae were less abundant in smokers. Among species‐level taxa occupying > 1% of whole subgingival microbiome of smokers, higher abundance (≥ 2.0‐fold compared to non‐smokers) of seven species or operational taxonomic units (OTUs) was found: Fusobacterium nucleatum, Neisseria sicca, Neisseria oralis, Corynebacterium matruchotii, Veillonella dispar, Filifactor alocis, and Fretibacterium AY349371. On the other hand, lower abundance of 11 species or OTUs was found in smokers: Neisseria elongata, six Prevotella species or OTUs, Fusobacterium canifelinum, Aggregatibacter AM420165, Selenomonas OTU, and Veillonellaceae GU470897. Species richness and evenness were similar between the groups whereas diversity was greater in smokers than non‐smokers. Collectively, the results of the present study indicate that differences exist in the subgingival bacterial community between smoker and non‐smoker patients with chronic moderate periodontitis in Korea, suggesting that cigarette smoking considerably affects subgingival bacterial ecology.
Negative predictive value of drug provocation tests in children
Authors: Misirlioglu Emine D. , Toyran Muge , Capanoglu Murat , Kaya Aysenur , Civelek Ersoy , Kocabas Can N.
Published: October 2014

Background

The negative predictive value of the drug provocation test is important for both the patient and the physician. However, in children, this predictive value is unresolved.

Methods

The study included patients who had drug provocation test with a suspected drug and was diagnosed as ‘not allergic to the drug’. Three months after allergy workup, the patients were contacted and asked for reexposure to the tested drug. Patients who have reported reactions during reexposure were reevaluated with skin tests and drug provocation.

Results

During the study period, 217 provocations were performed to 203 patients. Of these, 163 patients (80.3%) with 175 negative drug provocation tests could be contacted. Ninety‐one (52%) of the 175 cases reported to use the tested drug again, and 11 (12%) of these cases declared that they had a new reaction. Two of the eleven cases refused reevaluation. Nine cases were evaluated by drug allergy workup. Two of the nine cases were classified as allergic after retests. Collectively, the negative predictive value was 95.6% (87 of 91 cases) for all drug challenges.

Conclusions

The negative predictive value of the drug provocation test is abundant in children; however, negative drug provocation tests do not necessarily predict tolerance for the drug.
Natural history of allergic sensitization in infants with early‐onset atopic dermatitis: results from ORCA Study
Authors: Just Jocelyne , Deslandes‐Boutmy Emmanuelle , Amat Flore , Desseaux Kristell , Nemni Ariane , Bourrat Emmanuelle , Sahraoui Fatia , Pansé Isabelle , Bagot Martine , Fouéré Sébastien
Published: October 2014

Background

Early‐onset atopic dermatitis (AD) is a particular phenotype that may convey a risk of developing multiple sensitizations to allergens but little is known about the pathway of sensitization. The aims of this study were to describe the natural history of sensitization to allergens for this phenotype and to identify the most predictive marker associated with the risk of developing sensitization to inhaled allergens in a well‐selected cohort of infants with AD.

Methods

Infants with active AD were enrolled and prospectively explored for biological markers of atopy every year until the age of 6 yr. Allergic sensitization was defined as the presence of positive specific IgEs to allergens and multiple sensitizations as being sensitized to ≥2 allergens. Elevated blood eosinophilia was defined as an eosinophil blood count ≥470 eosinophils/mm3 and elevated total IgE as a serum IgE level ≥45 kU/l.

Results

Two hundred and twenty‐nine infants were included. Elevated blood eosinophilia was observed at baseline in 60 children (26.2%) and elevated total IgE in 85 (37.1%). When elevated at baseline, eosinophilia and IgE levels remained significantly higher during the follow‐up period. Sensitization to food allergens decreased from 58% to 34%, whereas sensitization to inhaled allergens increased over time from 17% to 67%. Initial multiple sensitizations to food allergens were the most predictive factor for the risk of developing sensitization to inhaled allergens at 6 yr (OR 3.72 [1.68–8.30] p < 0.001).

Conclusions

In the early‐onset AD phenotype, multiple sensitization to food allergens conveys a higher risk of sensitization to inhaled allergens than single sensitization.
Realism in Normative Political Theory
Authors: Rossi Enzo , Sleat Matt
Published: October 2014

This paper provides a critical overview of the realist current in contemporary political philosophy. We define political realism on the basis of its attempt to give varying degrees of autonomy to politics as a sphere of human activity, in large part through its exploration of the sources of normativity appropriate for the political and so distinguish sharply between political realism and non‐ideal theory. We then identify and discuss four key arguments advanced by political realists: from ideology, from the relationship of ethics to politics, from the priority of legitimacy over justice and from the nature of political judgement. Next, we ask to what extent realism is a methodological approach as opposed to a substantive political position and so discuss the relationship between realism and a few such positions. We close by pointing out the links between contemporary realism and the realist strand that runs through much of the history of Western political thought.
Slippery Slope Arguments
Authors: Jefferson Anneli
Published: October 2014

Slippery slope arguments are frequently dismissed as fallacious or weak arguments but are nevertheless commonly used in political and bioethical debates. This paper gives an overview of different variants of the argument commonly found in the literature and addresses their argumentative strength and the interrelations between them. The most common variant, the empirical slippery slope argument, predicts that if we do A, at some point the highly undesirable B will follow. I discuss both the question which factors affect likelihood of slippage and the relation between the strength of the prediction and the justificatory power of the argument.
Emotion and Value
Authors: Todd Cain
Published: October 2014

The nature of the general connection between emotion and value, and of the various connections between specific emotions and values, lies at the heart of philosophical discussion of the emotions. It is also central to some accounts of the nature of value itself, of value in general but also of the specific values studied within particular philosophical domains. These issues all form the subject matter of this article, and they in turn are all connected by two main questions: (i) How do emotions disclose or create values? (ii) What are the epistemic credentials of emotion in justifying evaluative thought and discourse? This second question obviously presupposes some answer to the first question concerning the way in which emotions reveal, constitute, or create value.
Persons, Minds, and Bodies: Christian Philosophy on the Relationship of Persons and Their Bodies, Part II
Authors: Visala Aku
Published: October 2014

The relationship of minds, bodies, and persons has been a central topic of debate in Western philosophy and theology. This article reviews the ongoing debates about the relationship and nature of bodies, minds, and persons among contemporary Christian analytic philosophers and theologians. The first two parts present some general theological constraints for philosophical theories of persons and describe the basic concepts used (substance, property, supervenience, and physicalism). The views themselves fall into three broad categories. Dualists think that persons are either identical with or partly constituted by non‐physical souls. On this view, there are immaterial substances and properties. Hylomorphists maintain that persons are composites of bodies and the souls that inform them. Finally, physicalists claim that there are no immaterial parts to persons. Instead, persons are composed of bodies and brains; the mental properties they have supervene on physical properties.
Updating the Definition and Role of Public Health Nursing to Advance and Guide the Specialty
Authors: Bekemeier Betty , Walker Linderman Tessa , Kneipp Shawn , Zahner Susan J.
Published: October 2014

National changes in the context for public health services are influencing the nature of public health nursing practice. Despite this, the document that defines public health nursing as a specialty—The Definition and Role of Public Health Nursing—has remained in wide use since its publication in 1996 without a review or update. With support from the American Public Health Association (APHA) Public Health Nursing Section, a national Task Force, was formed in November 2012 to update the definition of public health nursing, using processes that reflected deliberative democratic principles. A yearlong process was employed that included a modified Delphi technique and various modes of engagement such as online discussion boards, questionnaires, and public comment to review. The resulting 2013 document consisted of a reaffirmation of the one‐sentence 1996 definition, while updating supporting documentation to align with the current social, economic, political, and health care context. The 2013 document was strongly endorsed by vote of the APHA Public Health Nursing Section elected leadership. The 2013 definition and document affirm the relevance of a population‐focused definition of public health nursing to complex systems addressed in current practice and articulate critical roles of public health nurses (PHN) in these settings.
Histopathology of infection and colonization of Quercus ilex fine roots by Phytophthora cinnamomi
Authors: Ruiz Gómez F. J. , Navarro‐Cerrillo R. M. , Sánchez‐Cuesta R. , Pérez‐de‐Luque A.
Published: October 2014

Quercus ilex is one of the European forest species most susceptible to root rot caused by the oomycete Phytophthora cinnamomi. This disease contributes to holm oak decline, a particularly serious problem in the ‘dehesas’ ecosystem of the southwestern Iberian Peninsula. This work describes the host–pathogen interaction of Q. ilex and P. cinnamomi, using new infection indices at the tissue level. Fine roots of 6‐month‐old saplings inoculated with P. cinnamomi were examined by light microscopy and a random pool of images was analysed in order to calculate different indices based on the measured area of pathogen structures. In the early stages of invasion, P. cinnamomi colonizes the apoplast and penetrates cortical cells with somatic structures. On reaching the parenchymatous tissues of the central cylinder, the pathogen develops different reproductive and survival structures inside the cells and then expands through the vascular system of the root. Some host responses were identified, such as cell wall thickening, accumulation of phenolic compounds in the middle lamella of sclerenchyma tissues, and mucilage secretion blocking vascular cells. New insights into the behaviour of P. cinnamomi inside fine roots are described. Host responses fail due to rapid expansion of the pathogen and a change in its behaviour from biotrophic to necrotrophic.
Estimating impact of white spot disease on economic risk in semi‐intensive shrimp farms in Mexico: the case of the State of Sinaloa
Authors: Hernandez‐Llamas Alfredo , Cabanillas‐Ramos Julio , Magallon‐Barajas Francisco J.
Published: October 2014

We estimated the impact on economic risk associated with the prevalence of white spot disease in shrimp farms in the State of Sinaloa, Mexico. Farms located in the jurisdiction of Local Aquaculture Health Boards (LAHBs) were used for preparing estimates during 2008–2010. Probability distributions of economic losses were calculated by comparing net revenues obtained under normal operations and operations affected by the disease, using Monte Carlo simulation, to estimate the impact of prevalence on losses in absolute and relative terms, probability of losing and loss per unit risk at USD$484.27/ha, 28.9%, 72.9% and 0.20. Regression analysis allowed estimating that, by an increases of 1% in prevalence, there were increases in the estimators of risk of USD$11.49/ha, 0.96%, 0.47% and 0.005. Correlation analysis showed that there were significant differences in prevalence among LAHBs districts and years. The higher prevalence coincided with the districts and years that exhibited higher risk. The source of water and use of nursery systems were the main differences in operating conditions among the districts, possibly determining to a large extent the differences in economic risk calculated for the districts. Sensitivity analysis indicated that prevalence was the main factor determining risk. A significant inverse relationship was found between shrimp prices and prevalence, as a consequence of speculative market conditions. The possibility of using this relationship for syndromic surveillance is considered. We propose the use of the estimators employed in this study for assessment of economic risk associated with white spot disease (and possibly others) and standardization of results for future research.
Endogenous Product Differentiation, Market Size and Prices
Authors: Ferguson Shon M.
Published: October 2014

This paper provides a framework to understand how market size affects firms' investments in product differentiation in a model of monopolistic competition. The theory proposes that consumers' love of variety makes them more sensitive to product differentiation efforts by firms, which leads to more differentiated products in larger markets. The framework also predicts an inverted U‐shaped effect of trade liberalization on product differentiation, with trade liberalization leading to more differentiated products when starting from autarky but then leading to less differentiated products as the countries approach free trade.
Poor cognitive flexibility, and the experience thereof, in a subclinical sample of female students with obsessive‐compulsive symptoms
Authors: Sternheim Lot , van der Burgh Maureen , Berkhout Lotte J. , Dekker Maria R. , Ruiter Channah
Published: October 2014

Research indicates that people with obsessive‐compulsive disorder (OCD) have poor cognitive flexibility. However, studies have largely focused on actual abilities and while individuals' emotional responses may be just as important, little is known about how those with OCD experience a situation that requires cognitive flexibility. It is furthermore largely unknown whether cognitive flexibility may also be important for people with OCD symptoms, rather than only to those with full blown disorders. This study investigates the relationship between cognitive flexibility, and the experience thereof in female students with and without OCD symptoms. It was expected that poor cognitive flexibility would be positively associated to OCD symptoms, and that those with OCD symptoms would display poor cognitive flexibility, and experience situations requiring cognitive flexibility as more difficult, than those without OCD symptoms. Participants completed a measure for OCD symptoms, a neuropsychological task to measure cognitive flexibility, and a self‐report measure assessing emotional experience of situations requiring cognitive flexibility. Positive associations between OCD symptoms and both poor cognitive flexibility and negative experience of situations requiring cognitive flexibility were found. Furthermore, those with OCD symptoms performed poorer on the cognitive flexibility task than those without OCD symptoms, and reported higher scores on the cognitive inflexibility questionnaire. Results confirm a relation between OCD symptoms and poor cognitive flexibility in a subclinical sample and identify a relation between OCD symptoms and a negative experience of situations that require cognitive flexibility. Overall findings suggest that poor cognitive flexibility may be an important part of OCD symptomatology.
Pathways Between Concealable Stigmatized Identities and Substance Misuse
Authors: Talley Amelia E. , Littlefield Andrew K.
Published: October 2014

Individuals with concealable stigmatized identities often possess no obviously devalued attributes, yet are at greater risk for problematic substance use compared to their privileged counterparts. We present a conceptual model, which proposes that identity‐relevant content and characteristics have important implications for cognitive, affective, and behavioral consequences of stigma‐related stress. In doing so, we synthesize stigma‐related models from the extant literature and attempt to integrate these concepts with previous work detailing potential contributors to substance use behaviors specifically. Finally, we ask readers to consider the various ways in which the content and characteristics of an individual's stigmatized identity might combine with situational and additional individual difference factors to influence the likelihood of substance misuse.
Antecedents of Message Processing in Persuasion: Traditional and Emergent Perspectives
Authors: Clark Jason K.
Published: October 2014

From more than a half century of formal inquiry, social psychological research on persuasion has revealed a number of distinct processes through which peoples' attitudes can be formed or changed. In particular, a considerable amount of work has been aimed at identifying and understanding factors that determine how much people carefully process persuasive communications. This article provides a review of past approaches, contemporary directions, and key findings corresponding to this mechanism of influence. Furthermore, it focuses on the scientific progression across three primary research generations as a means to describe the current literature and potential avenues for future endeavors.
IRF5rs2004640 single nucleotide polymorphism is associated with susceptibility to rheumatoid arthritis in South Indian Tamils
Authors: Negi V. S. , Muralidharan N. , Mehra S. , Devaraju P. , Mariaselvam C. M. , Gulati R. , Salah S. , Fortier C. , Charron D. , Krishnamoorthy R. , Tamouza R.
Published: October 2014

Polymorphism of interferon regulatory factor 5 (IRF5), a latent transcription factor gene has been associated with various auto‐immune diseases. Our aim was to study the IRF5rs2004640 gene polymorphism and its association with disease susceptibility, disease phenotype and treatment response in South Indian Tamil patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA).The study was conducted on 217 RA patients fulfilling the American College of Rheumatology (ACR) 2010 criteria and 482 healthy controls (HCs) without family history of autoimmune disease. The IRF5rs2004640 genotyping was performed using a TaqMan 5′ allelic discrimination assay. We found that the IRF5rs2004640T allele [P < 0.0001, odds ratio (OR) 3.25, 95% confidence interval (CI) 2.55–4.12] and TT genotype (P < 0.0001, OR 4.60, 95% CI 3.23–6.57) were significantly more frequent in RA patients as compared with HCs. No association was found between IRF5rs2004640 polymorphism, clinical manifestations, autoantibody profile and treatment response. IRF5rs2004640 T (mutant) allele may be a susceptibility factor conferring risk for RA in South Indian Tamils, whereas G allele (wild type) may be protective.
Genomic full‐length sequence of two HLA‐A alleles, A*02:05:01 and A*02:06:01 identified by cloning and sequencing
Authors: Zhang H. , Xu Y. P.
Published: October 2014

Genomic full‐length sequences of HLA‐A*02:05:01 and A*02:06:01, were identified by cloning and sequencing from two Chinese donors.
Precision genome editing in plants via gene targeting and piggyBac‐mediated marker excision
Authors: Nishizawa‐Yokoi Ayako , Endo Masaki , Ohtsuki Namie , Saika Hiroaki , Toki Seiichi
Published: October 2014

Precise genome engineering via homologous recombination (HR)‐mediated gene targeting (GT) has become an essential tool in molecular breeding as well as in basic plant science. As HR‐mediated GT is an extremely rare event, positive–negative selection has been used extensively in flowering plants to isolate cells in which GT has occurred. In order to utilize GT as a methodology for precision mutagenesis, the positive selectable marker gene should be completely eliminated from the GT locus. Here, we introduce targeted point mutations conferring resistance to herbicide into the rice acetolactate synthase (ALS) gene via GT with subsequent marker excision by piggyBac transposition. Almost all regenerated plants expressing piggyBac transposase contained exclusively targeted point mutations without concomitant re‐integration of the transposon, resulting in these progeny showing a herbicide bispyribac sodium (BS)‐tolerant phenotype. This approach was also applied successfully to the editing of a microRNA targeting site in the rice cleistogamy 1 gene. Therefore, our approach provides a general strategy for the targeted modification of endogenous genes in plants.
Reference values for hematology and plasma biochemistry variables, and protein electrophoresis of healthy Hermann's tortoises (Testudo hermannissp.)
Authors: Andreani Giulia , Carpenè Emilio , Cannavacciuolo Annunziata , Di Girolamo Nicola , Ferlizza Enea , Isani Gloria
Published: October 2014

Background

Hermann's tortoise,Testudo hermanni, is currently on the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) red list of endangered species. Reptile medicine relies also on laboratory analyses to evaluate health status, but reference ranges for hematology and biochemistry variables and protein electrophoresis in plasma of healthy tortoises are not available.

Objective

The purposes of this study were to establish reference ranges for select hematologic and biochemical variables in clinically healthy Hermann's tortoises, and evaluate the impact of sex and season.

Methods

Blood samples were collected from 34 healthy tortoises at the end of September and beginning of July. Blood smears,HCT, concentrations ofHGBand select plasma biochemical analytes, select enzyme activities, and plasma protein fractions were evaluated. Reference ranges were determined and checked for influence of sex and sampling time point.

Results

Typical reptilianRBCandWBCwere observed in blood smears.HCTand concentrations ofHGB, uric acid and urea, andALTandASTactivities were significantly higher in males than in females. Concentrations of glucose, uric acid, and phosphate, andASTactivity were significantly higher at the beginning of July, whereas concentrations of urea and Cl were higher at the end of September prior to hibernation. The electrophoretic protein fractions included albumin, and α, β, and γ globulins.

Conclusions

The reference ranges defined in the present study are useful for clinical tortoise medicine and conservation. Sex and seasonal sampling were identified as factors significantly affecting hematology and blood chemistry analytes; they should be taken into consideration when assessing tortoise health status.
Influence of environmental factors on seed germination and emergence of Iresine diffusa
Authors: Acosta J M , Bentivegna D J , Panigo E S , Dellaferrera I , Alisio M , Perreta M G
Published: October 2014

Iresine diffusa has become more abundant under no‐till soyabean in Argentina. The influence of temperature, light, cold‐wet storage, osmotic potential, dry storage and depth of seed burial on germination and emergence of I. diffusa was examined in a growth chamber experiment. Iresine diffusa seeds germinated at the highest proportion (>0.80) in all fluctuating day/night temperatures tested. Conversely, under a constant temperature regime, maximum germination rates occurred at 15 (0.78) and 20°C (0.82), and minimum germination rates occurred at 10 (0.19) and 30°C (0.36). Seed germination was not influenced by light exposure. However, germination decreased after 12 (0.76) and 16 (0.65) weeks in cold‐wet storage. To reduce germination significantly, −0.4 MPa of osmotic potential (induced by PEG‐6000) or 120 mmol L−1 of salt (NaCl) concentration was required. Seeds of I. diffusa showed high viability (0.85) after 720 days of dry storage. Low emergence was recorded for seeds buried at 2 cm, and seedling emergence was completely inhibited when seeds were buried at 5 and 10 cm. Iresine diffusa seeds had high viability and were capable of emerging in a broad range of environmental conditions. The thermal germination conditions, shallow soil depths and high moisture conditions in germination phase for I. diffusa are congruent with the conditions in Argentina no‐tillage soyabean. Thus, no‐tillage could provide better conditions for germination than conventional tillage systems. However, due to the fact that I. diffusa can reproduce by rhizomes, further research should be conducted to understand the relative importance of the vegetative reproductive strategy in relation to the presence and persistence of this weed in fields.
Simplifying Reliability Testing of Wire Bonds Using On-Chip Heater and Pad Resistance Method
Authors: Kim S. , Mayer M. , Persic J. , Moon J. T.
Published: October 2014

In situ sensors can measure wire bond reliability nondestructively during thermal aging. Conventional thermal aging of ball bonds requires ovens heating the entire microchip along with the wire bonds, also affecting interconnects for in situ sensors. To protect the interconnects and on-chip logic components of in situ sensor chips, conventional thermal aging is kept below a safe temperature limit of 200 °C. At higher temperatures, the doped Si components change their characteristics and transistors stop working. Localized on-chip heating is introduced to circumvent these drawbacks using a new microheater to increase the safe temperature limit for nondestructive reliability assessment with in situ sensors. The effect of temperature on surrounding components is reduced. The microheater is a rectangular design resistive heater made from N+ silicon. In addition, a pad resistance measurement is introduced that indicates bond aging more conveniently than previously reported bond resistance measurements.
A Combined Experimental and Numerical Study of the Turbine Blade Tip Film Cooling Effectiveness Under Rotation Condition
Authors: Rezasoltani Mohsen , Lu Kun , Schobeiri Meinhard T. , Han Je-Chin
Published: October 2014

Detailed numerical and experimental investigations of film cooling effectiveness were conducted on the blade tips of the first rotor row pertaining to a three-stage research turbine. Four different blade tip ejection configurations were utilized to determine the impact of the hole arrangements on the film cooling effectiveness. Plane tip with tip hole cooling, squealer tip with tip hole cooling, plane tip with pressure side (PS) edge compound angle hole cooling, and squealer tip with PS-edge compound angle hole cooling. To avoid rotor imbalance, every pair is installed radially. Film cooling effectiveness measurements were performed for three blowing ratios (M) of 0.75, 1.25, and 1.75. Film cooling data was also obtained for three rotational speeds; 3000 rpm (reference condition), 2550 rpm and 2000 rpm. Film cooling measurements were performed using pressure sensitive paint (PSP) technique. In a parallel effort, extensive numerical investigations of the above configurations were performed to give a better view of flow behavior using a commercially available code. The experimental investigations were performed in the three-stage multipurpose turbine research facility at the Turbomachinery Performance and Flow Research Laboratory (TPFL), Texas A&M University.
Drop-Induced Shock Mitigation Using Adaptive Magnetorheological Energy Absorbers Incorporating a Time Lag
Authors: Choi Young-Tai , Wereley Norman M.
Published: October 2014

This study addresses the nondimensional analysis of drop-induced shock mitigated using magnetorheological energy absorbers (MREAs) incorporating a time lag. This time lag arises from two sources: (1) the time required to generate magnetic field in the electromagnet once current has been applied and (2) the time required for the particles in the magnetorheological fluid to form chains. To this end, the governing equations of motion for a single degree-of-freedom (SDOF) system using an MREA with a time lag were derived. Based on these equations, nondimensional stroke, velocity, and acceleration of the payload were derived, where the MREA with a time lag was used to control payload deceleration after the impact. It is established that there exists an optimal Bingham number that allows the payload mass to achieve a soft landing, that is, the payload comes to rest after utilizing the available stroke of the MREA. Finally, the shock mitigation performance when using this optimal Bingham number control strategy is analyzed, and the effects of time lag are quantified.
Behaviour of bell and spigot joints in buried reinforced concrete pipelines
Authors: Becerril García David , Moore Ian D.
Published: October 2014

Joint behaviour in reinforced concrete pipes when buried and subjected to service live loading needs to be assessed to define the expected response of these elements, as excessive rotation and (or) shear across the joint could generate structural damage or leakage and subsequent loss in soil support that can bring the system to its serviceability or resistance limits. Two reinforced concrete pipelines with bell and spigot joints, one 600 mm (24 in.) and the other 1200 mm (48 in.) in diameter, were buried and subjected to the maximum service live loading for a simulated wheel pair at three independent locations above the pipeline. The smaller specimen was also tested with the protruding bells placed directly on the stiff foundation. Each pipeline was then tested up to and beyond the fully factored load at shallow cover and with the load applied directly over the central joint. The response of a single joint within the pipe system can be conservatively evaluated considering two rigid pipes connected by a hinge, and considering a single wheel pair (not axle loads), the most severe surface load condition. Neglecting leakage that was not studied, the joint strength was controlled by the circumferential response of the bells.
Influence of padeye offset on bearing capacity of three-dimensional plate anchors
Authors: Tian Yinghui , Gaudin Christophe , Randolph Mark F. , Cassidy Mark J.
Published: October 2014

This paper reports advanced three-dimensional large-deformation finite element analyses investigating the effect of the padeye offset on the behaviour of plate anchors. The analyses varied the normalized padeye offset from 0 to 0.5 and identified two counterbalancing effects on the anchor bearing capacity induced by the padeye offset. These are the change in anchor inclination with respect to the direction of loading (detrimental due to the reduction of bearing area) and the reduction of loss of embedment (beneficial, as the anchor mobilizes stronger soil). The results provide insights to optimize the design of plate anchors. The underlying concepts also have applications for other types of anchors.
Pulp mill fly ash for stabilization of low-volume unpaved forest roads — field performance
Authors: Arm Maria , Vestin Jenny , Lind Bo B. , Lagerkvist Anders , Nordmark Desirée , Hallgren Per
Published: October 2014

Increased temperatures and rainfalls will give more settlements and less bearing capacity in gravel roads, which will have implications for the forestry. Pulp mill fly ash without additives was used for stabilizing the road base of a low-volume gravel road. A two-year monitoring of the road was conducted, including measurements of achieved ash content, density, water infiltration capacity, and load bearing capacity. The results showed that the ash-stabilized sections performed better than conventionally upgraded sections and also achieved increased bearing capacity over time. Hydration of the fly ash increased the stiffness and decreased the permeability of the road base. The differences were more pronounced during spring thaw. Best performance was achieved in the section with thicker ash stabilized layer.
Recreational angling intensity correlates with alteration of vulnerability to fishing in a carnivorous coastal fish species
Authors: Alós Josep , Palmer Miquel , Trías Pedro , Díaz-Gil Carlos , Arlinghaus Robert
Published: October 2014

Increased timidity is a behavioral response to exploitation caused by a combination of learning and fisheries-induced selection favoring shy fish. In our study, the potential for angling-induced change in fish behavior was examined in two marine coastal fishes exploited by boat recreational fishing in the Mediterranean (Mallorca, Spain). It was expected that the mean vulnerability to capture of surviving individuals would differ across a gradient of previous exposure to recreational angling and that this effect would be present in multiple species. The prediction received partial empirical support. Recreational angling intensity was correlated with enhanced gear-avoidance behavior in only one of the two study species, the carnivorous painted comber (Serranus scriba). By contrast, the omnivorous fish species in our study, the annular seabream (Diplodus annularis), did not differ in its behavior towards hooks in exploited compared with unexploited sites. These results suggest that recreational angling may contribute to patterns of hyperdepletion in catch rates because of increased timidity and associated reduced vulnerability to fishing gear in some exploited species. Such effects would lead to erroneous interpretations about the status of the fish stocks when assessed by fishery-dependent data and would negatively affect catch rates and quality of the fishery in the affected species.
Assessing the probability of sustained flaming in masticated fuel beds
Authors: Schiks T.J. , Wotton B.M.
Published: October 2014

Mechanical mastication is increasingly used as a fuel management treatment to reduce fire risk at the wildland–urban interface, although ignition and fire behaviour in these novel fuel beds are poorly understood. We investigated the influence of observed fuel moisture content, wind speed, and firebrand size on the probability of sustained flaming of masticated fuel beds under both laboratory and field settings. Logistic regression techniques were applied to assess the probability of sustained flaming in both datasets. Models for the field were also developed using estimated moisture from three sets of weather-based models: (i) the hourly Fine Fuel Moisture Code (FFMC) from the Canadian Forest Fire Weather Index System, (ii) the National Fire Danger Rating System (NFDRS) moisture estimates for 1 h and 10 h fuels, and (iii) a masticated surface fuel moisture model (MAST). In both laboratory and field testing, the likelihood of a successful ignition increased with decreasing moisture content and increasing wind speed; the effect of firebrand size was only apparent in laboratory testing. The FFMC, NFDRS, and MAST predictions had somewhat reduced discriminative power relative to direct moisture in predicting the probability of sustained flaming based on our field observations. Our results speak to the disparity between the fire behaviour modeling that occurs in the laboratory and the fire behavior modeling that occurs in the field, as the methodology permitted comparison of predictions from sustained flaming models that were developed for one experimental setting and applied to the other.
Diversity of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi in soil from the Pampa Ondulada, Argentina, assessed by pyrosequencing and morphological techniques
Authors: Colombo R.P. , Fernández Bidondo L. , Silvani V.A. , Carbonetto M.B. , Rascovan N. , Bompadre M.J. , Pérgola M. , Cuenca G. , Godeas A.M.
Published: October 2014

The aim of this study was to assess the effects of agronomic practices on the arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungal community in soils from the Pampa Ondulada region (Argentina), and to compare conclusions reached when using pyrosequencing or a morphological approach. The AM fungal diversity of 3 agricultural exploitations located in the Pampa Ondulada region (Argentina) was assessed by using 454 amplicon pyrosequencing and morphological (based on spore traits) approaches. Two kinds of soil managements are found in these sites: agronomic and non-agronomic. A total of 188 molecular operational taxonomic units and 29 morphological species of AM fungi were identified. No effect of soil management on AM richness was detected. AM fungal communities were more diverse and equitable in the absence of agronomic management. In contrast, the results on β-diversity varied according to the methodology used. We concluded that agronomic management of soil has a negative effect on AM fungal community biodiversity in the Pampa Ondulada region. We also conclude that both methodologies complement each other in the study of AM fungal ecology. This study greatly improved the knowledge about AM fungi in South America where the molecular diversity of AM fungi was practically unknown.
Diversity and distribution of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi along altitudinal gradients in Mount Taibai of the Qinling Mountains
Authors: Shi Zhaoyong , Wang Fayuan , Zhang Kai , Chen Yinglong
Published: October 2014

Elevational patterns of plant and animal diversity have been studied for centuries; however, the effects of land elevation on arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungal diversity remains unclear. We examined AM fungal diversity and distribution along 19 elevation belts in Mount Taibai of the Qinling Mountains, with the aim to assess the altitudinal diversity patterns. In total, 63 AM fungal taxa belonging to 12 genera were discovered. Mycorrhizal colonization rates on roots; AM fungal spore density; and fungal species richness, evenness, and diversity had different patterns in terms of the changes of elevation. Root colonization followed a cubical parabolic pattern, with a peak and a foot at an elevation of about 2000 and 3000 m above sea level, respectively. Species richness decreased monotonically from the lowest to the highest elevations. Spore density and α-diversity exhibited a unimodal pattern and peaked at an elevation of 2107 and 1350 m, respectively. Species evenness increased monotonically at an elevation of between 1050 and 2250 m. β-Diversity also presented a basically incremental pattern along altitudinal gradients. Our findings suggest that elevation changes were the main factor governing the patterns of AM fungal diversity.
Double effects of projectile charge state on Nb L-shell ionization by slow highly ionized Xe ions
Authors: Guo Yipan , Yang Zhihu , Song Zhangyong , Xu Qiumei
Published: October 2014

Nb L-shell ionization cross sections induced by Xeq+ (12 ≤ q ≤ 29) ions were measured as a function of the incident charge state q in the energy ranging from 1500 to 2500 keV. In this experiment, we observed a new dependence phenomenon that ionization cross sections revealed an increasing first and then decreasing trend with increasing q, which is different from the previously reported charge state-dependent behavior. New results are interpreted as evidence of charge state double effects on the inner-shell ionization in ion–solid collisions.
Magic wavelengths of the optical clock transition at 877 nm of barium
Authors: Yu Geng-Hua , Xu Qi-Ming , Zhou Chao , Liang Liang , Li Long , Chai Rui-Peng
Published: October 2014

Magic wavelengths for laser trapping of barium atoms in the optical lattices are investigated while considering the optical clock transition at 877 nm between the 6s21S0 state and 6s5d 1D2 state. Theoretical calculation shows that there are several magic wavelengths with the linearly polarized trapping laser. The trap depths of the optical lattice and the slope of light shift difference with different magic wavelengths are also discussed and analyzed. Some of these magic wavelengths are selected and recommended for the optical lattice trapping laser.
INTRA-OPERATIVE CORRECTION OF VOLAR TILT OF DISTAL RADIUS FRACTURES USING VOLAR LOCKING PLATE AS REDUCTION TOOL: REVIEW OF 24 CASES
Authors: Sreedharan Sechachalam , Mohd Fadil Muhammad Farhan , Lim Winston Shang Rong
Published: October 2014

In surgical fixation of distal radius fractures with metaphyseal comminution, volar tilt can be restored using an anatomical volar locking plate as a reduction tool. The purpose of our study is to assess the degree of over or under correction of volar tilt that can result with our 'lift' technique and to determine the ratio between theoretical and actual angular correction. We retrospectively reviewed 24 patients who underwent distal radius fracture fixation using this technique and assessed intra-operative radiographs for parameters including pre-'lift' and post-'lift' volar tilt and pre-'lift' plate-shaft angles. The ratio between actual angular correction and theoretical angular correction was calculated. The 'lift' technique is found to be reliable in restoring volar tilt in most fractures. Over- or under-correction does occur due to errors in visual estimation and actual angular correction is generally less than the theoretical angular correction.
Oil Price Shocks: Causes and Consequences
Authors: Kilian Lutz
Published: October 2014

Research on oil markets conducted during the last decade has challenged long-held beliefs about the causes and consequences of oil price shocks. As the empirical and theoretical models used by economists have evolved, so has our understanding of the determinants of oil price shocks and of the interaction between oil markets and the global economy. Some of the key insights are that the real price of oil is endogenous with respect to economic fundamentals and that oil price shocks do not occur ceteris paribus. As a result, one must explicitly account for the demand and supply shocks underlying oil price shocks when studying their transmission to the domestic economy. Disentangling cause and effect in the relationship between oil prices and the economy requires structural models of the global economy including the oil market.
The Intersection of Trade Policy, Price Volatility, and Food Security
Authors: Anderson Kym
Published: October 2014

The volatility of food prices has always concerned national governments, especially those of open developing economies, as it undermines their perceived national food security. A common policy approach has been to partially insulate their domestic market from international food price fluctuations by varying restrictions on their imports or exports. Unfortunately, such domestic stabilization measures amplify international price fluctuations. This article explains conceptually, and illustrates empirically, how insulation measures do little to advance national food security and collectively imperil global food security. Many countries also intervene to alter the trend level of domestic farm product prices, again most commonly with the use of trade restrictions. The latter policies have the unintended consequence of thinning international food markets, adding to their volatility. The article concludes by pointing to alternative ways for governments to boost food security for vulnerable households; such alternatives have become far more feasible in recent times, thanks to the information and communication technology revolution.
The goblin spider genus Xyphinus (Araneae; Oonopidae)
Authors: KRANZ-BALTENSPERGER YVONNE
Published: October 2014

The goblin spider genus Xyphinus Simon 1893 presents several peculiar characters, such as spines and spikes on carapace and abdomen in different sizes and shapes, strongly modified male palps with distinct apophyses and female epigastric modifications with sclerotized scapi, which can be short or long or even contorted. The genus is restricted to the Old World tropics, except for one species collected also in Australia; as revised here, the group currently comprises 20 species, 10 are newly described: X. holgeri sp. nov., X. deelemanae sp. nov., X. acutus sp. nov., X. sabal sp. nov., X. krabi sp. nov., X. infaustus sp. nov., X. rogerfedereri sp. nov., X. pachara sp. nov., X. baehrae sp. nov., and X. distortus sp. nov. Pseudotriaeris Brignoli 1974 is placed as junior synonym of Xyphinus.
Observed Spatial Characteristics of Beijing Urban Climate Impacts on Summer Thunderstorms
Authors: Dou Jingjing , Wang Yingchun , Bornstein Robert , Miao Shiguang
Published: October 2014

This study investigates interactive effects from the Beijing urban area on temperature, humidity, wind speed and direction, and precipitation by use of hourly automatic weather station data from June to August 2008–12. Results show the Beijing summer urban heat island (UHI) as a multicenter distribution (corresponding to underlying land-use features), with stronger nighttime than daytime values (averages of 1.7° vs 0.8°C, respectively). Specific humidity was lower in urban Beijing than in surrounding nonurban areas, and this urban dry island is stronger during day than night (maximum of −2.4 vs −1.9 g kg−1). Wind direction is affected by both a mountain–valley-breeze circulation and by urbanization. Morning low-level flows converged into the strong UHI, but afternoon and evening southerly winds were bifurcated by an urban building-barrier-induced divergence. Summer thunderstorms also thus bifurcated and bypassed the urban center because of the building-barrier effect during both daytime and nighttime weak-UHI (<1.25°C) periods. This produced a regional-normalized rainfall (NR) minimum in the urban center and directly downwind of the urban area (of up to −35%), with maximum values along its downwind lateral edges (of >15%). Strong UHIs (>1.25°C), however, induced or enhanced thunderstorm formation (again day and night), which produced an NR maximum in the most urbanized area of up to 75%.