bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An Application of Hydraulic Tomography to a Large‐Scale Fractured Granite Site, Mizunami, Japan
Authors: Zha Yuanyuan , Yeh Tian‐Chyi J. , Illman Walter A. , Tanaka Tatsuya , Bruines Patrick , Onoe Hironori , Saegusa Hiromitsu , Mao Deqiang , Takeuchi Shinji , Wen Jet‐Chau
Published: April 2016

While hydraulic tomography (HT) is a mature aquifer characterization technology, its applications to characterize hydrogeology of kilometer‐scale fault and fracture zones are rare. This paper sequentially analyzes datasets from two new pumping tests as well as those from two previous pumping tests analyzed by Illman et al. (2009) at a fractured granite site in Mizunami, Japan. Results of this analysis show that datasets from two previous pumping tests at one side of a fault zone as used in the previous study led to inaccurate mapping of fracture and fault zones. Inclusion of the datasets from the two new pumping tests (one of which was conducted on the other side of the fault) yields locations of the fault zone consistent with those based on geological mapping. The new datasets also produce a detailed image of the irregular fault zone, which is not available from geological investigation alone and the previous study. As a result, we conclude that if prior knowledge about geological structures at a field site is considered during the design of HT surveys, valuable non‐redundant datasets about the fracture and fault zones can be collected. Only with these non‐redundant data sets, can HT then be a viable and robust tool for delineating fracture and fault distributions over kilometer scales, even when only a limited number of boreholes are available. In essence, this paper proves that HT is a new tool for geologists, geophysicists, and engineers for mapping large‐scale fracture and fault zone distributions.
Protected species and development control: the merits of widespread invertebrate species in the European Habitats Directive and UK legislation
Authors: Hopkins Graham W. , Thacker Jonathan I.
Published: April 2016

Nature conservation legislation affords different degrees of protection to specifically named species, ranging from recognition within the planning system to strict protection from harm and habitat loss. This review considers two groups of species that do not have strict protection but are recognised within ‘development control’ (the process that regulates the planning of land use and new buildings), namely Annex II species of the Habitats Directive (HD) and Species of Principal Importance identified under UK legislation and policy.

A critical point often forgotten by the HD's detractors is that Annex II is not only a list of species that require protection but also a list of species that represent criteria for the designation of protected sites. It is not feasible for all threatened species to be protected due to administrative and legal ramifications, so the subset of species listed need to have wider merit as umbrella species.

The selection of widespread species on Annex II results in the creation of a better network of Special Areas of Conservation than if geographically localised or endemic species are used, and benefits a suite of rare and scarce species beyond those named in Annex II. Species of Principal Importance enable recognition of invertebrates in the UK planning system even though many of them are not directly threatened with national loss.

Given the intense scrutiny to which nature conservation legislation is exposed, it is important for critics to understand the function of legislation and its application in the sociopolitical arena.
Shades of Grey: Guidelines for Working with the Grey Literature in Systematic Reviews for Management and Organizational Studies
Authors: Adams Richard J. , Smart Palie , Huff Anne Sigismund
Published: April 2016

This paper suggests how the ‘grey literature’, the diverse and heterogeneous body of material that is made public outside, and not subject to, traditional academic peer‐review processes, can be used to increase the relevance and impact of management and organization studies (MOS). The authors clarify the possibilities by reviewing 140 systematic reviews published in academic and practitioner outlets to answer the following three questions: (i) Why is grey literature excluded from/included in systematic reviews in MOS? (ii) What types of grey material have been included in systematic reviews since guidelines for practice were first established in this discipline? (iii) How is the grey literature treated currently to advance management and organization scholarship and knowledge? This investigation updates previous guidelines for more inclusive systematic reviews that respond to criticisms of current review practices and the needs of evidence‐based management.
Utilizing Zoos Victoria's Connect‐Understand‐Act model to enable social and biological gains in northern Kenya
Authors: Squires B. , Lowry R. , Banks C.
Published: April 2016

As human populations grow, wildlife across the globe is increasingly threatened. As a zoo‐based conservation organization, Zoos Victoria (ZV) in south‐east Australia is dedicated to fighting wildlife extinction locally and globally. Our international partnerships work with local communities, governments and non‐governmental organizations. The focus of theZVconservation programmes is on alleviating threats to wildlife while addressing the needs of the community. The shared vision of a partnership with the Melako Community Conservancy (MCC) in northern Kenya is to foster sustainable development that allows communities to live in balance with wildlife. In 2011, an opportunity arose to trialZV's Connect‐Understand‐Act (CUA) model for influencing visitor behaviour change, and this led to the first practical application of this model in Kenya. The model utilizes best‐practice conservation, education and social science to shape wildlife‐friendly values and behaviours. The impact of this model is now being trialledin situthrough a conservation‐based sports programme called ‘Kicking Goals for Wildlife’. After conducting a conservation‐needs assessment in 2010, the community identified human–wildlife conflict as an issue negatively impacting species such as the Beisa oryxOryx gazella beisaand Grevy's zebraEquus grevyi. The Kicking Goals for Wildlife programme is targeted at morans (initiated youth ranging from 15 to 30 years of age, and also referred to as warriors), filling their ‘idle time’ with football as an alternative to harming wildlife or engaging in intertribal conflict. The outcomes of the programme will be measured through changes in warrior attitude, knowledge, behavioural efficacy, reduction in biological threat and social change. Preliminary feedback is showing positive progress across all aspects. An additional measure, in an effort to assess the programme's impact on target species, was distance sampling to monitor the changes in flight distance. This paper outlines the theoretical framework underpinning the model, using the Kicking Goals for Wildlife programme in theMCCas a case study for what is involved in planning, designing and implementing a conservation‐education programme in the field.
Microwave Absorption of SiC/HfCxN1−x/C Ceramic Nanocomposites with HfCxN1−x‐Carbon Core–Shell Particles
Authors: Wen Qingbo , Feng Yao , Yu Zhaoju , Peng Dong‐Liang , Nicoloso Norbert , Ionescu Emanuel , Riedel Ralf
Published: April 2016

The dielectric properties of high‐temperature stable single‐source precursor‐derived SiC/HfCxN1−x/C ceramic nanocomposites are determined by microwave absorption in the X‐band (8.2–12.4 GHz) at room temperature. The samples synthesized at 1700°C, denoted as SiC/5HfCxN1−x/C‐1700°C and SiC/15HfCxN1−x/C‐1700°C ceramics, comprising ≈ 1.3 and ≈ 4.2 vol% HfCxN1−x, respectively, show enhanced microwave absorption capability superior to hafnium‐free SiC/C‐1700°C. The minimum reflection loss of SiC/5HfCxN1−x/C‐1700°C and SiC/15HfCxN1−x/C‐1700°C are −47 and −32 dB, and the effective absorption bandwidth amount to 3.1 and 3.6 GHz, respectively. Segregated carbon, including graphitic carbon homogeneously dispersed in the SiC matrix and less ordered carbon deposited as a thin film on HfCxN1−x nanoparticles, accounts for the unique dielectric behavior of the SiC/HfCxN1−x/C ceramics. Due to their large reflection loss and their high chemical and temperature stability, SiC/5HfCxN1−x/C‐1700°C and SiC/15HfCxN1−x/C‐1700°C ceramics are promising candidate materials for electromagnetic interference applications in harsh environment.
Surface Analysis and Treatment of Extruded Fluoride Phosphate Glass Preforms for Optical Fiber Fabrication
Authors: Kalnins Christopher A. G. , Spooner Nigel A. , Monro Tanya M. , Ebendorff‐Heidepriem Heike
Published: April 2016

Fabrication of fluoride phosphate glass optical fibers using the extrusion method for preform fabrication has been studied using the commercial Schott N‐FK51A glass. The extrusion step was found to create a surface layer of differing composition from the bulk glass material, leading to defects drawn down onto the optical fiber surface during fiber fabrication, resulting in high loss and fragile fibers. Similar phenomena have also been observed in other fluoride‐based glasses. Removal of this surface layer from preforms prior to fiber drawing was shown to improve optical fiber loss from >5 dB/m to 0.5–1.0 dB/m. The removal of this surface layer is therefore necessary to produce low‐loss fluoride phosphate optical fibers.
Crystallization Kinetics and Dielectric Properties of a Low‐Fire CaO–Al2O3–SiO2Glass + Alumina System
Authors: Wu Chun‐Wei , Jean Jau‐Ho
Published: April 2016

The crystallization kinetics and dielectric properties of a low‐dielectric, low‐temperature, cofirable ceramic system comprised of CaO–Al2O3–SiO2(CAS) glass and alumina have been investigated. Crystalline phases including pseudowollastonite (CaSiO3), anorthite (CaAl2Si2O8) and cristobalite (SiO2) are formed during firing the pureCASglass. The crystallization kinetics of both pseudowollastonite and cristobalite exhibit Avrami‐like behavior, and the results show apparent activation energies close to that of diffusion of alkali ions in the glass. With added alumina content greater than a critical value, the above crystalline phases are completely suppressed but more anorthite is formed. This result is attributed to the rapid dissolution kinetics of alumina into theCASglass. As the degree of crystallization increases with firing time, the dielectric loss of the composite decreases significantly, however, with dielectric constant remaining relatively unchanged.
Discordance between morphological and taxonomic diversity: land snails of oceanic archipelagos
Authors: Triantis Kostas A. , Rigal François , Parent Christine E. , Cameron Robert A. D. , Lenzner Bernd , Parmakelis Aristeidis , Yeung Norine W. , Alonso María R. , Ibáñez Miguel , de Frias Martins António M. , Teixeira Dinarte N. F. , Griffiths Owen L. , Yanes Yurena , Hayes Kenneth A. , Preece Richard C. , Cowie Robert H.
Published: April 2016

Aim

Morphological and taxonomic diversity are intuitive measures of biological diversity. Previous studies have shown discordance between these measures at large spatial and temporal scales, but the implications of this pattern for the underlying processes are not understood. Using oceanic archipelagos as spatial units, we examine potential links between the morphological and taxonomic diversity of their land snail faunas in a biogeographical framework.

Location

Eleven major oceanic archipelagos.

Methods

For each archipelago, we assembled lists of indigenous land snail species, classified by family and genus, with shell height and width for each species (1723 species in total). We used biogeographic and climatic variables as potential predictors of diversity patterns. We employed regression analyses to evaluate (1) whether morphological diversity scales with taxonomic diversity at the species, genus or family level, and (2) whether morphological and taxonomic diversity correlate similarly with biogeographic/climatic factors. We also assessed which taxonomic level contributes most to morphological variation within archipelagos.

Results

Morphological diversity across archipelagos was strongly related to genus but not species richness. Within archipelagos, morphological variation reflected differences among genera and families but not species. Species richness was best explained by archipelago area, but morphological diversity was not significantly related to any of the physical features of archipelagos.

Main conclusions

Across archipelagos, species richness and morphological diversity of land snail faunas are decoupled. The relationship between species richness and the available ecological space (captured mainly by area) indicates the prevalence of niche‐based processes while, for morphological diversity, the strong conservatism of morphology at the genus level suggests the presence of diversification‐based limits. Assuming genera effectively reflect diversification, our findings indicate that morphological space on oceanic archipelagos depends primarily on the number of evolutionary units that have colonized and/or diversified through time.
Procedural versus content‐related hints for word problem solving: an exploratory study
Authors: de Kock W.D. , Harskamp E.G.
Published: April 2016

For primary school students, mathematical word problems are often more difficult to solve than straightforward number problems. Word problems require reading and analysis skills, and in order to explain their situational contexts, the proper mathematical knowledge and number operations have to be selected. To improve students' ability in solving word problems, the problem solving process could be supported by procedural and content specific guidance or with only procedural support.. This paper evaluates the effect of two types of hints, procedural only and content‐procedural, provided by a computer programme presented in two versions. Students of grade 6 were randomly assigned to these two versions, which offered five lesson units consisting of eight word problems each. The results indicate that on average the students in the procedural‐content hints group (n = 54) finished about just as many problems in the programme as their counterparts in the procedural‐only condition (n = 51). However, the participants in the first group solved more problems correctly and improved their problem‐solving skills more as indicated by the scores on the problem‐solving post‐test. Apart from presenting our analysis of the findings of this study, also its limitations and its possible implications for future research are discussed in this paper.
Benefits and Risks of Aliskiren Treatment in Patients With Type 2 Diabetes: Analyses of the 3A Registry
Authors: Kistner Iris , Zeymer Uwe , Dechend Ralf , Hagedorn Ina , Riemer Thomas , Bramlage Peter , Pittrow David , Senges Jochen , Schmieder Roland E.
Published: April 2016

The authors sought to retrospectively analyze the real‐world evidence on aliskiren in diabetic patients with or without concomitant renin‐angiotensin system (RAS) blocker use based on the Registry for Ambulant Therapy With RAS Inhibitors in Hypertension Patients in Germany (3A). Of 14,986 patients included, 3772 patients had diabetes and 28.5% received aliskiren, 14.3% received angiotensin‐converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors/angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs), 35.4% received aliskiren plus an ACE inhibitor/ARB, and 10.5% received other drugs. Ambulatory blood pressure (BP) monitoring (baseline BP 148±15.8/84.0±10.9 mm Hg) revealed stronger diastolic BP reduction for aliskiren plus ACE inhibitor/ARB than aliskiren alone in the low (2.8±0.5 vs 0.6±0.6; P=.004) and intermediate (5.9±0.5 vs 4.5±0.5; P=.04) baseline BP groups. There was a lesser ambulatory BP reduction observed for patients receiving non‐RAS in the high baseline category for both systolic (12.5±1.8 vs 17.1±1.0; P=.02) and diastolic (6.9±1.0 vs 9.8±0.6; P=.01) BP. In patients with hypertension and type 2 diabetes, aliskiren was beneficial in lowering BP, with no observed increases in major adverse effects compared with RAS‐blocking therapy alone.
Morphology of Nyctotheroides hubeiensis Li et al. 1998 from Frog Hosts with Molecular Phylogenetic Study of Clevelandellid Ciliates (Armophorea, Clevelandellida)
Authors: Li Ming , Sun Zong‐Yi , Grim J. Norman , Ponce‐Gordo Francisco , Wang Gui‐tang , Zou Hong , Li Wen‐xiang , Wu Shan‐gong
Published: April 2016

The morphology of Nyctotheroides hubeiensis (Acta Hydrobiol. Sin. 1998, 22(suppl.):187), collected from the rectum of Phelophylax nigromaculatus, is presented in this paper based on detailed morphological information and molecular data. Our phylogenetic analysis showed that N. hubeiensis fell into the Nyctotheroides clade, which was strongly supported as monophyletic and clustered as basal to the genera Nyctotherus and Clevelandella. Also, the monophyly of the Order Clevelandellida and the affinity of parasitic nyctotherids and free‐living metopids were indicated in our work. The origin of clevelandellid ciliates as well as their possible evolutionary history was also discussed here; however, the analysis of more species from other vertebrate hosts (fish, reptiles) should be made before a well‐supported conclusion can be drawn.
Mesophotic fishes of the Abrolhos Shelf, the largest reef ecosystem in the South Atlantic
Authors: Simon T. , Pinheiro H. T. , Moura R. L. , Carvalho‐Filho A. , Rocha L. A. , Martins A. S. , Mazzei E. , Francini‐Filho R. B. , Amado‐Filho G. M. , Joyeux J.‐C.
Published: April 2016

Fishes inhabiting rhodolith beds and reefs at mesophotic depths on the Abrolhos Shelf, which encompasses the largest and richest coral reef formation in the South Atlantic Ocean, were assessed through technical diving and remotely operated vehicles (ROVs). A total of 74 fish species were recorded, including at least one new species, one new record for the south‐western Atlantic and six new records for the Abrolhos region. Overfishing, mining and port activities are already threatening many endangered and commercially important species recorded on the mesophotic reefs of Abrolhos Shelf, and the establishment of marine protected areas and off‐reserve fisheries regulations are urgently needed.
Concurrent Osmotic Dehydration and Vacuum Drying of Kiwi Fruit (Actinidia Deliciosa cv. Hayward) Under Far Infrared Radiation: Process Optimization, Kinetics and Quality Assessment
Authors: Chakraborty Rajat , Samanta Ritika
Published: April 2016

A novel dehydration protocol for Kiwi fruit (KF) involving simultaneous osmotic dehydration (OD) and vacuum drying (VD) viz. ODVD under far‐infrared (FIR) radiation has been developed. This is the first report for OD of KF using fructose as osmotic solution. The ODVD process had been optimized using Taguchi orthogonal design to obtain KF with minimum moisture content in minimum time. Dehydrated KF with 4.70% (w/w) moisture content was produced in 100 min ODVD time at 50°B, 40°C radiator temperature and 20 mbar chamber pressures. The optimally dehydrated KF demonstrated a significant increase in the ascorbic acid content (16.60%), total phenolic content (13.09%), total flavonoid content (21.01%) and radical scavenging activity (5.85%). At optimal condition, Newton's drying model could best represent the dehydration kinetics. The high moisture diffusivity viz. 9.78 × 10−10 m2/s and low activation energy viz. 10.78 kJ/mol computed through Fick's law in ODVD indicated a fast and energy‐efficient process.

Practical Applications

Kiwi is an important commercial, seasonal and tropical fruit. It is marketed in the forms of marmalade, jam, jellies, etc. which are usually prepared using chemical preservatives. The use of such preservatives may be avoided through effective dehydration of Kiwi by concurrent osmotic‐dehydration (OD) and vacuum drying (VD) [ODVD]. The application of simultaneous ODVD under far‐infrared (FIR) radiation improves the mass and heat transfer rates and thereby hastens the inflow of external solute and outflow of internal moisture facilitating faster dehydration and compositional reforms. The application of FIR radiation reduces the drying time appreciably making the process energy‐efficient and economically sustainable. The evaluated optimal conditions and associated drying kinetics of the novel ODVD process enables design of drying equipment for similar foodstuffs. The qualities of the dehydrated Kiwi fruit viz. ascorbic acid, phenols, flavonoids and antioxidant activity conform to market status.
Annular hymenotomy for imperforate hymen
Authors: Cetin Cihan , Soysal Cenk , Khatib Ghanim , Urunsak Ibrahim Ferhat , Cetin Turan
Published: April 2016

Aim

Imperforate hymen is the most common obstructive anomaly of the female genital tract. Conventional surgical treatment for this condition is the cruciate incision made on the hymen. The aim of this study was to evaluate a novel technique that preserves virginity after hymenotomy using electrocautery.

Methods

Patients diagnosed with imperforate hymen and treated with annular hymenotomy between 2009 and 2013 were included in this retrospective cohort study. Annular incision was done using electrocautery on the hymen whilst sparing the intact hymenal tissue circumferentially at least 5 mm from the base.

Results

Fifteen patients were included in the study. Mean age of patients was 14.2 ± 2.2 years. The median operation time was 5 min (3–9 min). No complications occurred. During the follow‐up examinations, none of the patients had hymenal closure and all had regular menstrual bleeding.

Conclusion

This novel technique showed complete success without any observed complication. This technique might be a good alternative for patients seeking to preserve virginity after surgery.
Investigating the Influence of Technology Inflows on Technology Outflows in Open Innovation Processes: A Longitudinal Analysis
Authors: Sikimic Uros , Chiesa Vittorio , Frattini Federico , Scalera Vittoria G.
Published: April 2016

The open innovation (OI) paradigm emphasizes the importance of integrating inbound and outbound flows of technology to increase a firm's innovation performance. While the synergies between technology inflows and outflows have been discussed in conceptual OI articles, the majority of empirical studies have typically focused on either the inward or the outward dimension of OI. According to recent reviews of OI literature, there is a need for further research that takes an integrated perspective on this topic and studies the combination of the inbound and outbound dimensions of OI. This paper follows these calls by focusing on technology licensing as the main contractual form for OI, and by investigating the relationship between technology in‐licensing and out‐licensing activities at the firm level of analysis. In particular, this paper argues that technology in‐licensing positively influences the volume of technology out‐licensing through two mechanisms. The first—resource‐based—occurs because in‐licensing investments expand and enrich the firm's technology base, thus increasing its value and, as a result, creating more opportunities for out‐licensing. The second—capabilities‐based—occurs because, due to commonalities between technology in‐licensing and out‐licensing in terms of performed tasks and required skills, repeated execution of in‐licensing transactions contributes to the development of higher out‐licensing capabilities and, as a result, increase out‐licensing volume. These arguments are tested using a panel dataset of 837 Spanish manufacturing firms over the period 1998–2007. Consistent with the predictions, the empirical analysis shows that higher investments in in‐licensing and more extensive in‐licensing experience lead to superior volumes of technology out‐licensing. These results contribute to research on OI and licensing, by empirically showing the existence of positive interactions between technology inflows and outflows and of synergies in the development of absorptive and desorptive capacities.
Complex longitudinal diversification across South China and Vietnam in Stejneger's pit viper, Viridovipera stejnegeri (Schmidt, 1925) (Reptilia: Serpentes: Viperidae)
Authors: Guo Peng , Liu Qin , Zhu Fei , Zhong Guang H. , Chen Xin , Myers Edward A. , Che Jing , Zhang Liang , Ziegler Thomas , Nguyen Truong Q. , Burbrink Frank T.
Published: April 2016

Viridovipera stejnegeri is one of the most common pit vipers in Asia, with a wide distribution in southern China and Vietnam. We investigated historical demography and explored how the environment and climatic factors have shaped genetic diversity and the evolutionary history of this venomous snake. A total of 171 samples from 47 localities were sequenced and analysed for two mitochondrial gene fragments and three nuclear genes. Gene trees reveal the existence of two well‐supported clades (Southwest China and Southeast China) with seven distinct and strongly supported, geographically structured subclades within V. stejnegeri. Estimation of divergence time and ancestral area suggests that V. stejnegeri originated at ~6.0 Ma in the late Miocene on the Yunnan–Guizhou Plateau. The estimated date of origin and divergence of the island populations of Taiwan and Hainan closely matches the geological origin of the both islands. The mtDNA gene tree reveals the presence of west–east diversification in V. stejnegeri populations. Complex orogenesis and heterogeneous habitats, as well as climate‐mediated habitat differentiation including glacial cycles, all have influenced population structure and the distribution of this taxon. The validity of V. stejnegeri chenbihuii is questionable, and this subspecies most probably represents an invalid taxon.
Imaging the Microcirculation
Authors: Murray Andrea , Dinsdale Graham
Published: April 2016

This special issue includes the abstracts from, and three reviews by invited speakers at, the British Microcirculation Society's Annual Meeting in 2015. The reviews cover topics from the meeting symposium of “Imaging the Microcirculation” and discuss noninvasive methods of visualizing and measuring the microvasculature's structure and function.
Coordinated disassembly of the divisome complex in Escherichia coli
Authors: Söderström Bill , Mirzadeh Kiavash , Toddo Stephen , von Heijne Gunnar , Skoglund Ulf , Daley Daniel O.
Published: April 2016

The divisome is the macromolecular complex that carries out cell division in Escherichia coli. Every generation it must be assembled, and then disassembled so that the sequestered proteins can be recycled. Whilst the assembly process has been well studied, virtually nothing is known about the disassembly process. In this study, we have used super‐resolution SIM imaging to monitor pairs of fluorescently tagged divisome proteins as they depart from the division septum. These simple binary comparisons indicated that disassembly occurs in a coordinated process that consists of at least five steps: [FtsZ, ZapA] ⇒ [ZipA, FtsA] ⇒ [FtsL, FtsQ] ⇒ [FtsI, FtsN] ⇒ [FtsN]. This sequence of events is remarkably similar to the assembly process, indicating that disassembly follows a first‐in, first‐out principle. A secondary observation from these binary comparisons was that FtsZ and FtsN formed division rings that were spatially separated throughout the division process. Thus the data indicate that the divisome structure can be visualized as two concentric rings; a proto‐ring containing FtsZ and an FtsN‐ring.
On the widespread capacity for, and functional significance of, extreme inbreeding in ferns
Authors: Sessa Emily B. , Testo Weston L. , Watkins James E.
Published: April 2016

Homosporous vascular plants utilize three different mating systems, one of which, gametophytic selfing, is an extreme form of inbreeding only possible in homosporous groups. This mating system results in complete homozygosity in all progeny and has important evolutionary and ecological implications. Ferns are the largest group of homosporous land plants, and the significance of extreme inbreeding for fern evolution has been a subject of debate for decades.

We cultured gametophytes in the laboratory and quantified the relative frequencies of sporophyte production from isolated and paired gametophytes, and examined associations between breeding systems and several ecological and evolutionary traits.

The majority of fern species studied show a capacity for gametophytic selfing, producing sporophytes from both isolated and paired gametophytes. While we did not follow sporophytes to maturity to investigate potential detrimental effects of homozygosity at later developmental stages, our results suggest that gametophytic selfing may have greater significance for fern evolution and diversification than has previously been realized.

We present evidence from the largest study of mating behavior in ferns to date that the capacity for extreme inbreeding is prevalent in this lineage, and we discuss its implications and relevance and make recommendations for future studies of fern mating systems.
Functional compatibility in cucumber mycorrhizas in terms of plant growth performance and foliar nutrient composition
Authors: Ravnskov S. , Larsen J.
Published: April 2016

Functional compatibility in cucumber mycorrhizas in terms of plant and fungal growth, and foliar nutrient composition from all possible combinations of six cucumber varieties and three species of arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi was evaluated. Measurements of foliar nutrient composition included N, P, K, Mg, Ca, Na, Fe, Zn, Mn and Cu. Growth of AM fungi was measured in terms of root colonisation, as examined with microscopy and the AM fungus biomarker fatty acid 16:1ω5 from both phospholipids and neutral lipids. Different responses of plant growth and foliar nutrient profiles were observed for the different AM symbioses examined. The AM fungus Claroideoglomus claroideum caused growth depression in association with four out of six cucumber varieties; Rhizophagus irregularis caused growth promotion in one of six cucumber varieties; whereas Funneliformis mosseae had no effect on the growth performance of any of the cucumber varieties examined. All three AM fungi markedly altered host plant shoot nutrient composition, with the strongest contrast observed between cucumber–R. irregularis symbioses and non‐mycorrhizal cucumber plants, independent of cucumber variety. On the other hand, AM fungal growth in roots differed between the three AM fungi, but was unaffected by host genotype. Strong build‐up of storage lipids was observed for R. irregularis, which was more moderate in the two other AM fungi. In conclusion, strong differential responses of cucumber varieties to inoculation with different AM fungi in terms of growth and shoot nutrient composition revealed high functional diversity in AM symbioses in cucumber plants.
What is hot in plant mitochondria?
Authors: Møller Ian Max
Published: April 2016

In this overview of recent trends in plant mitochondrial research, four questions are considered: (1) How large is the mitochondrial proteome? It appears to be in excess of 1500 proteins in a tissue at any given time. It is proposed that the fusion–fission frequently observed for plant mitochondria provides a vital mixing function ensuring that all low‐abundance proteins are present in each mitochondrion at least some of the time. (2) What is the significance of posttranslational modifications (PTM) of proteins? As a result of PTM, many proteins are present in a very large number of slightly different forms. The most well‐studied PTMs, such as protein phosphorylation, acetylation and reversible cysteine oxidation, are known to regulate mitochondrial function. Recent studies have provided examples of the importance of this regulation, but it remains a research area with a massive growth potential. (3) What is the role(s) of pentatricopeptide repeat (PPR) proteins in plant mitochondria? There is general agreement that PPR proteins are involved in RNA metabolism such as RNA editing. Recent comprehensive proteomic studies raise the question of how many of the potential 250–300 mitochondrial PPR proteins encoded in the nuclear DNA are required to be present for a mitochondrion to be able to grow and divide. (4) What is the mechanism(s) of retrograde signal transduction from the mitochondria to the nucleus? The nature of the signal transduction molecule is still unknown, but calcium ions, hydrogen peroxide and/or oxidized peptides are potential candidates. Recent results place a receptor for the activation of a group of nuclear genes on the endoplasmic reticulum, possibly close to ER–mitochondrial contact points.
An In Vitro Evaluation of Biochemical Processes Involved in Lead‐Induced Changes on Ram Spermatozoa
Authors: Castellanos P , Maroto‐Morales A , García‐Álvarez O , Garde JJ , Mateo R
Published: April 2016

Contents

Lead (Pb2+) is a toxic heavy metal which interferes with several physiological processes regulated by Ca2+, including those characterized by changes of the membrane stability and the motility of spermatozoa necessary for the fertilization of the oocyte. In this study, ejaculated sperm from six rams (Ovis aries) have been incubated in vitro with or without 50 ng Pb2+/ml during 30 min and in the presence or absence of three different potential modulators of the effects of Pb2+ on changes in the sperm membrane before fertilization: charybdotoxin, quinacrine and staurosporine. Sperm samples incubated with Pb2+ have shown significant reductions in acrosome integrity and sperm viability and an increase in progressive movement. None of the studied potential modulators had a protective effect against Pb2+ action. On the contrary, Pb2+‐incubated sperm in the presence of staurosporine had lower acrosome integrity, and lower sperm viability was observed when spermatozoa were incubated with Pb2+ + charybdotoxin. Quinacrine was the only tested substance capable of increasing the concentration of Pb2+ in spermatozoa; thus, the enhancement of Pb2+ effects produced by staurosporine and charybdotoxin was not produced by an increased uptake of Pb2+ by spermatozoa. However, the increase of intracellular Pb2+ in those spermatozoa incubated with quinacrine did not result in an adverse effect on sperm motility or viability although the acrosome integrity was negatively affected.
Exchange Rate Flexibility in China: Measurement, Regime Shifts and Driving Forces of Change
Authors: Dixon Robert , Zhang Zhichao , Dai Yang
Published: April 2016

With an emphasis on government intervention that hinders market forces in currency movements, this paper presents a nuanced investigation of the degree and dynamics of flexibility in China's exchange rate regime. A high‐frequency data model is developed to more accurately detect the extent to which the Chinese currency is market‐driven. This indicator is then utilized in a Markov switching model to examine shifts in RMB regime flexibility. The results suggest a moderate increase in exchange rate flexibility since the 2005 reform. Additionally, two switching states are captured, and possible driving factors are discussed.
Familias Unidas’ Crossover Effects on Suicidal Behaviors among Hispanic Adolescents: Results from an Effectiveness Trial
Authors: Vidot Denise C. , Huang Shi , Poma Sofia , Estrada Yannine , Lee Tae Kyoung , Prado Guillermo
Published: April 2016

The long‐term impact of Familias Unidas on suicidal behaviors among Hispanic 8th graders (N = 746) was examined along with parent–adolescent communication as a moderator of intervention effectiveness. At baseline, 9.2% (95% CI = 7.3%–11.6%) of adolescents reported suicide ideation and 5.7% (95% CI = 4.1%–7.7%) reported a past year suicide attempt. There were no significant intervention effects on suicidal behaviors; however, parent–adolescent communication was a moderator of suicide attempts in the past year, across the intervention (b = −.01, p = .01). Results suggest that Familias Unidas reduces suicidal behaviors among Hispanic adolescents with low levels of parent–adolescent communication despite no suicide‐specific intervention content. Implications of these findings are discussed.
The Effects of the Family Bereavement Program to Reduce Suicide Ideation and/or Attempts of Parentally Bereaved Children Six and Fifteen Years Later
Authors: Sandler Irwin , Tein Jenn‐Yun , Wolchik Sharlene , Ayers Tim S.
Published: April 2016

Findings concerning the long‐term effects of the Family Bereavement Program (FBP) to reduce suicide ideation and/or attempts of parentally bereaved children and adolescents are presented. Parental death is a significant risk factor for suicide among offspring (Guldin et al., 2015). This study is a long‐term follow‐up of 244 children and adolescents who had participated in a randomized trial of the FBP, examining the intervention effects on suicide ideation and/or attempts as assessed through multiple sources. Results indicate a significant effect of the FBP to reduce suicide ideation and/or attempts at the 6‐ and 15‐year follow‐up evaluation. The findings support the potential benefits of further research on “upstream” suicide prevention.
Febrile neutropenia in cats treated with chemotherapy
Authors: Pierro J. , Krick E. , Flory A. , Regan R. , DeRegis C. , Boudreaux B. , Barber L. , Saam D. , Saba C.
Published: April 2016

The purpose of this study was to describe the clinical presentation, potential causative agents, treatment and outcome of febrile neutropenia (FN) in chemotherapy‐treated cats. Medical records from eight institutions were retrospectively reviewed. A total of 22FNevents in 20 cats were evaluated. Lymphoma was the most common cancer diagnosis; lomustine and vinca alkaloids were the most frequently implicated causative agents. Presenting clinical signs included decreased appetite, lethargy, vomiting and diarrhoea. Median body temperature and absolute neutrophil count at presentation were 104.1 °F; 40 °C (range: 103.1–105.1 °F; 39.5–40.6 °C) and 246mL‐1(range: 0–1600mL‐1), respectively. Median number of days between chemotherapy administration andFNonset was 5 (range: 4–25 days). All but one cat were treated with intravenous fluids and broad spectrum antibiotics. Fevers resolved in all cases and absolute neutrophil counts returned to normal in 19 cats. Clinical presentation of cats withFNappears similar to that of dogs.
A SYSTEMATIC LITERATURE REVIEW ON SAFE HEALTH INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY USE BEHAVIOUR
Authors: Salahuddin Lizawati , Ismail Zuraini , Zainal Abidin Wardah
Published: April 2016

The implementation of health information technology (IT) is one of the strategy to improve patient safety due to medical errors. Nevertheless, inappropriate use of health IT may have serious consequences to the quality of care and patient safety. Most of the previous studies have been focused on the sociotechnical factors contributed to health IT related errors. Little focus has been given on the use behavior that influence the safety of health IT adoption. In order to address this gap, this study investigates the use behavior that influence the safety of health IT adoption. Systematic literature review was conducted to identify articles pertinent to safety of health IT. Science Direct, Medline, EMBASE, and CINAHL database were searched for reviews relevance articles. A total of 23 full articles were reviewed to extract use behavior that influence the safety of health IT adoption. Workarounds, adhere to procedure, vigilant action, and copy and paste behavior were discerned as the significance use behavior that influence health IT safety adoption. This study may be of significance in providing useful information on how to safely practice health IT adoption.
OPTIMAL CATHETER SELECTION FOR ANOMALOUS RIGHT CORONARY ARTERIES (RCA)
Authors: Rauf Usman , Ur-Rahman Sami- , Zafar Adeel , Muhammad Uzair
Published: April 2016

Coronary artery angiography is a procedure in which a catheter is used to inject a contrast dye into the coronary arteries. However, in different humans a common catheter cannot be used due to the anatomical variation of the aorta and coronary arteries. Therefore, a cardiologist has to test different catheters on a patient and selects the one that best suits the patient. The whole process is time consuming and there is minor possibility of cancer due to the extreme exploitation to rays. To overcome the mentioned problems, we propose a computer-aided catheter selection procedure. In this paper, we present novel approach for patient specific optimal catheter selection for the angiography of the coronary arteries with high take off (anomalous RCA). It involves segmentation of the aorta and coronary arteries, nding the centerline and computing some important geometric parameters. These parameters include computing coronary arteries curve angle (CACA), distance of the Ostium from the aortic valves (DOAV) and the aorta diameter (AD) near the Ostium. Afterwards tip angle of the catheter (CTA), catheter curve two depth (CC2D) and catheter curve two width (CC2W) are computed. Finally, we compare CACA with CTA, DOAV with CC2D, AD with CC2W and suggest a catheter that is the closest to the patients arteries geometry. This solution avoids testing of many catheters during catheterization.
A NOVEL EXPERIMENTAL PROCEDURE FOR DIGITIZING FLEXIBLE WEARABLE ANTENNAS FOR BODY AREA NETWORKS (BANS)
Authors: Kamal Babar , Ullah Sadiq , Khan Shahbaz
Published: April 2016

This paper considers the performance of a square microstrip patch antenna designed from two layers of non-flexible conducting material (copper) separated by foam or other material which is deformable and having an approximate relative permittivity, εr≈ 1. The antenna can be incorporated into smart clothing for multi band reception and transmission in Body Area Networks (BANs). An empirical technique is presented for obtaining the shape of the antenna when it has been deformed due to body movement or by applying force at two adjacent edges. The reflection coefficient, radiation pattern and surface currents of the wearable antenna under consideration are analyzed under various bending conditions. It is found that H-plane bending did not significantly affect performance of the patch. The antenna can be used in multi-band body worn wireless applications.
REVIEW OF OFFLINE TEXT INDEPENDENT WRITER IDENTIFICATION TECHNIQUES
Authors: Khalid Shehzad , Naqv Uzma , Shokat Sana
Published: April 2016

This paper reviews various text independent writer identification techniques through offline documents. Different features extraction methods are discussed. Classification approaches that are mainly used for identification by the researchers and verification by different groups and individuals are presented.  Identification rates achieved by the reviewed papers are tabulated and analyzed. A survey of different databases used in the reviewed papers is performed. Application of writer identification in different language domains is also discussed. Future directions for the automated writer identification are presented in the end.
AEGRP: AN ENHANCED GEOGRAPHICAL ROUTING PROTOCOL FOR VANET
Authors: Qureshi Kashif Naseer , Abdullah Abdul Hanan , Anwar Raja Waseem , Anwar Muhammad , Awan Khalid Mahmood
Published: April 2016

Vehicular ad hoc network (VANET), is a derivative type of mobile ad hoc networks with its unique characteristics and an essential part of intelligent transportation system (ITS). In VANET, the vehicles can disseminate information to certain or all vehicles within a region for different applications. Applications can be categorized as safety, convenience and comfort of the driver and passengers such as trafﬁc conditions, accident detection, roadway safety, mobile sensing, and infotainment. These promising applications require intelligent and efﬁcient routing protocols, which are capable of adapting rapidly changing topologies, high mobility in the network. Geographic routing protocols have become a popular routing type because of its simplicity and low overhead features, but recent research has recognized these protocols are not considering many particular constraints of the vehicular environment. However, existing routing protocols offered limited performance due to frequent disconnectivity, high signal interference in the presence of obstacles and lead to network delay and overhead issues. The main objective of this paper is to design an enhanced geographical routing protocol that addresses the network delay problems and provide necessary improvements over conventional geographic routing in light of constraints of these environments.
DESIGNING DISULFIDE CYCLIC PEPTIDE AS FUSION INHIBITOR THAT TARGETS DENV ENVELOPE PROTEIN
Authors: Friend Tambunan Usman Sumo , Chua William , Parikesit Arli Aditya , Kerami Djati
Published: April 2016

Dengue has been a major health concern and currently there is no available option to treat the infection. It is an arboviral disease caused by dengue virus (DENV), an enveloped flavivirus. DENV initiates fusion process between viral envelope and host cell membrane, transfers its viral genome into target cell and infects host. Our research is focused on designing disulfide cyclic peptides that can fit into fusion cavity and interact with fusion peptide, interrupt conformational changes and therefore inhibit the fusion process. Computational approaches were conducted to calculate the binding affinity and stability of disulfide cyclic peptide ligands with target DENV E glycoprotein. Molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulation were performed using Molecular Operating Environment 2008.10 software (MOE 2008.10). Screening of 1320 designed ligands resulted in 3 best ligands, CLREC, CYREC and CYREC that can form interaction with target cavity and peptide fusion. These ligands showed good affinity with target DENV E glycoprotein based on free binding energy and interactions. To evaluate protein-ligand stability, we performed molecular dynamic simulation. Only CLREC showed protein-ligand stability and maintained interaction between ligand and target cavity. Therefore we propose CLREC as potential DENV fusion inhibitor candidates.
PREDICTION OF MORTALITY RATES USING AUGMENTED DATA
Authors: Sern Tan Chon , Pooi Ah Hin
Published: April 2016

Prediction of future mortality rate is of significant priority in the insurance industry today as insurers face challenging tasks in providing retirement benefits to a population with increasing life expectancy. A time series model based on multivariate power-normal distribution has been used in the literature on the United States (US) mortality data in the years 1933 to 2000 to predict the future mortality rates in the years 2001 to 2010. To improve the predictive ability, the US mortality data is augmented to include more variables such as death rates by gender and death rates of other countries with similar demographics. Apart from having good ability to cover the observed future mortality rate, the prediction intervals based on the augmented data performed better because they also tend to have shorter interval lengths.
UTILIZATION OF EMERGENCY DEPARTMENT, UKM MEDICAL CENTRE: PATTERN OF PATIENT
Authors: Wan Mohd Aminuddin Wan Malissa , Ismail Wan Rosmanira , Harunarashid Husyairi , Azman Ali Raymond , Mohd Saiboon Ismail , Jaafar Mohd Johar
Published: April 2016

An emergency department (ED) is a front door for a hospital where a huge number of patients visit the department to seek immediate treatment. This has led to ED overcrowding. A cross sectional study was conducted to determine the pattern of patients attending the ED in a public teaching hospital in Malaysia. 2013 daily census data contained 66,603 patients were used. In this study, 62.1% of ED attendances are non-critical case. They commonly utilized the ED in the early morning, during weekends, and early part of the week. In conclusion, non-critical patients are seen to be the most frequent ED users. They are commonly present at the ED with minor problems. Hence, ED management should implement various solving methods in order to educate such people regarding the real functions of an ED.