bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Introduction: Identity, Transdisciplinarity, and the Good Language Teacher
Authors: De Costa Peter I. , Norton Bonny
Published: January 2017

What constitutes a “good teacher” and “good teaching” has come under much scrutiny in an age of globalization, transnationalism, and increased demands for accountability. It is against this evolving landscape and the pathbreaking work of the Douglas Fir Group (DFG, 2016) that this special issue engages the following two broad questions: (a) In what ways is language teaching “identity work”? and (b) To what extent does a transdisciplinary approach to language learning and teaching offer insight into language teacher identity? We begin this Introduction with a discussion on identity research in second language acquisition and applied linguistics, and then address innovations in language teacher identity research, exploring how this work has been advanced methodologically through narratives, discourse analysis, and an ethical consideration of research practices. We then consider how the transdisciplinary framework of the DFG, and its focus on macro, meso, and micro dimensions of language learning at the ideological, institutional, and classroom levels, respectively, might contribute to our understanding of language teacher identity. In the final section, we argue that the host of complementary theories adopted by the six contributors supports the view that a transdisciplinary approach to language teacher identity is both productive and desirable. Further, the contributors advance the language teacher identity research agenda by taking into consideration (a) how teacher identity intersects with the multilingual (Higgins and Ponte) and translingual (Zheng) realities of contemporary classrooms, (b) the investment of teachers in developing the semiotic repertoires of learners (Stranger–Johannessen and Norton) and a socially inclusive learning environment (Barkhuizen), and (c) the emotions (Wolff and De Costa) and ethical practices (Miller, Morgan, and Medina) of teachers. Central to all articles in this special issue is the need to recognize the rich linguistic and personal histories that language teachers bring into the classroom in order to promote effective language learning.
Expanding the Language Teacher Identity Landscape: An Investigation of the Emotions and Strategies of a NNEST
Authors: Wolff Dominik , De Costa Peter I.
Published: January 2017

This article aims to broaden the scope of language teacher identity research by investigating the emotional demands on teachers‐in‐training and nonnative English‐speaking teachers (NNESTs) in particular. We examined how our focal NNEST participant, Puja, was confronted with and successfully negotiated numerous emotional challenges in her first year in a U.S. MATESOL program. Furthermore, we investigated the impact emotions had on her overall teacher identity development and how her growth as an educator was evident in her use of strategies. Following past research that viewed teacher emotions through a narrative lens (e.g., Barkhuizen, Benson, & Chik, ; De Costa, ), we created Puja's ‘story’ by analyzing data sources that included interviews, teaching observations, journal entries, and stimulated verbal and written reports. Our narrative construction focuses on the reflexive relationship between Puja's emotions and her subsequent identity development. While we acknowledge that emotional tensions are part of teachers’ identity development (and potentially more so for NNESTs), Puja largely navigated emotional challenges in a positive manner. The article concludes with a call for new pedagogical models that help teachers develop their reflexivity and negotiate potential emotion‐related challenges they might encounter.
Translingual Identity as Pedagogy: International Teaching Assistants of English in College Composition Classrooms
Authors: Zheng Xuan
Published: January 2017

The article aims to expand the scope of research on international teaching assistants (ITAs) by foregrounding identities as pedagogical resources. Employing an ethnographic multiple case study approach, the study examined the experiences of 2 English department ITAs in learning to teach College Composition classes at a public university in the United States. Guided by Morgan's () “identity as pedagogy” and Canagarajah's () conceptualization of “translingualism,” the study found that the ITAs’ becoming of translingual teachers was constrained by their perceived linguistic membership and competence, which intersected with other identity categories such as accent, nationality, ethnicity, and religion. In addition, they adopted different orientations to their multilingualism to manage the challenges of teaching diverse groups of students, and were able to deploy various identities as pedagogy. The findings suggest that the ability to re‐imagine oneself as a translingual and to draw on translingual identities to enact a translingual pedagogy should not be taken for granted: Only when the ITAs become aware and critical of the link between identity and pedagogy can they utilize their translingual identity‐as‐pedagogy more fully in ways that benefit both the teacher and the diverse student body.
Nurses' prioritization of enteral nutrition in intensive care units: a national survey
Authors: Bloomer Melissa J , Clarke Angelique B , Morphet Julia
Published: January 2017

ABSTRACT

Background

Enteral nutrition is important in critically ill patients to improve patient outcomes, with nurses playing a pivotal role in the delivery and ongoing care of enteral nutrition. A significant deficit in nurses' knowledge and education relating to enteral nutrition has been identified, leading to iatrogenic malnutrition and potentially compromising patient care. Enteral nutrition appears to be prioritized lower than many other aspects of care. However, there is scant research to show how nurses prioritize enteral nutrition.

Aim

This study aimed to explore how nurses prioritize enteral nutrition when caring for a critically ill patient.

Method

A descriptive online questionnaire, administered in May 2014, was utilized to explore the study aim. Descriptive statistics were performed to evaluate quantitative data. Content analysis was used to evaluate qualitative data.

Results

A total of 359 responses were included in data analysis (response rate 20.8%). All respondents were registered nurses working within an Australian intensive care unit or high dependency unit. Nurses agreed that enteral nutrition was very important and should be commenced as soon as possible. However, life‐saving procedures always took priority and there were often multiple barriers that hindered optimal delivery of enteral nutrition.

Conclusion

Respondents relied on their clinical judgement to inform decisions in relation to enteral nutrition in critically ill patients. Most respondents agreed that enteral nutrition was an important aspect of patient care, but acknowledged that other aspects of care were prioritized more highly. Despite this, some delays to enteral nutrition were perceived to be avoidable, and nurses recognized a need to advocate on the patient's behalf to increase the visibility of enteral nutrition.

Relevance to clinical practice

The findings of this study demonstrate that enteral nutrition is often prioritized lower than other competing care needs in the critically ill patient. Given the importance of enteral nutrition to patient recovery, changes to clinical practice to improve enteral nutrition management are necessary.
Insights into the genetics of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and GERD‐related disorders
Authors: Böhmer A. C. , Schumacher J.
Published: January 2017

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is associated with obesity and hiatal hernia, and often precedes the development of Barrett's esophagus (BE) and esophageal adenocarcinoma (EA). Epidemiological studies show that the global prevalence of GERD is increasing. GERD is a multifactorial disease with a complex genetic architecture. Genome‐wide association studies (GWAS) have provided initial insights into the genetic background of GERD. The present review summarizes current knowledge of the genetics of GERD and a possible genetic overlap between GERD and BE and EA. The review discusses genes and cellular pathways that have been implicated through GWAS, and provides an outlook on how future molecular research will enhance understanding of GERD pathophysiology.
Normal values of esophageal pressure responses to a rapid drink challenge test in healthy subjects: results of a multicenter study
Authors: Marin I. , Cisternas D. , Abrao L. , Lemme E. , Bilder C. , Ditaranto A. , Coello R. , Hani A. , Leguizamo A. M. , Meixueiro A. , Remes‐Troche J. , Zavala M. A. , Ruiz de León A. , Perez de la Serna J. , Valdovinos M. A. , Serra J.
Published: January 2017

Background

Multiple water swallow is increasingly used as a complementary challenge test in patients undergoing high‐resolution manometry (HRM). Our aim was to establish the range of normal pressure responses during the rapid drink challenge test in a large population of healthy subjects.

Methods

Pressure responses to a rapid drink challenge test (100 or 200 mL of water) were prospectively analyzed in 105 healthy subjects studied in nine different hospitals from different countries. Esophageal motility was assessed in all subjects by solid‐state HRM. In 18 subjects, bolus transit was analyzed using concomitant intraluminal impedance monitoring.

Key Results

A virtually complete inhibition of pressure activity was observed during multiple swallow: Esophageal body pressure was above 20 mm Hg during 1 (0‐8) % and above 30 mm Hg during 1 (0‐5) % of the swallow period, and the pressure gradient across the esophagogastric junction was low (−1 (−7 to 4) mm Hg). At the end of multiple swallow, a postswallow contraction was evidenced in only 50% of subjects, whereas the remaining 50% had non‐transmitted contractions. Bolus clearance was completed after 7 (1‐30) s after the last swallow, as evidenced by multichannel intraluminal impedance.

Conclusions & Inferences

The range of normal pressure responses to a rapid drink challenge test in health has been established in a large multicenter study. Main responses are a virtually complete inhibition of esophageal pressures with a low‐pressure gradient across esophagogastric junction. This data would allow the correct differentiation between normal and disease when using this test.
Soybean domestication: the origin, genetic architecture and molecular bases
Authors: Sedivy Eric J. , Wu Faqiang , Hanzawa Yoshie
Published: January 2017

Domestication provides an important model for the study of evolution, and information learned from domestication research aids in the continued improvement of crop species. Recent progress in de novo assembly and whole‐genome resequencing of wild and cultivated soybean genomes, in addition to new archeological discoveries, sheds light on the origin of this important crop and provides a clearer view on the modes of artificial selection that drove soybean domestication and diversification. This novel genomic information enables the search for polymorphisms that underlie variation in agronomic traits and highlights genes that exhibit a signature of selection, leading to the identification of a number of candidate genes that may have played important roles in soybean domestication, diversification and improvement. These discoveries provide a novel point of comparison on the evolutionary bases of important agronomic traits among different crop species.
Frequency and maintenance of unreduced gametes in natural plant populations: associations with reproductive mode, life history and genome size
Authors: Kreiner Julia M. , Kron Paul , Husband Brian C.
Published: January 2017

Fertilization involving unreduced (2n) gametes is considered the dominant mechanism of polyploid formation in angiosperms; however, our knowledge of the prevalence of and evolutionary mechanisms maintaining 2n gametes in natural populations is limited. We hypothesize that 2n gametes are deleterious consequences of meiotic errors maintained by mutation–selection balance and should increase in species with relaxed opportunities for selection on sexual processes (asexuality), reduced efficacy of selection (asexuality, selfing) and increased genome instability (high chromosome number).

We used flow cytometry to estimate male 2n gamete production in 60 populations from 24 species of Brassicaceae. We quantified variation in 2n gamete production within and among species, and examined associations with life history, reproductive mode, genome size and chromosomal number while accounting for phylogeny.

Most individuals produced < 2% 2n male gametes, whereas a small number had > 5% (up to 85%) production. Variation in 2n gamete production was significant among species and related to reproductive system; asexual species produced significantly more 2n gametes than mixed‐mating and outcrossing species.

Our results, unique in their multi‐species perspective, are consistent with 2n gametes being deleterious but maintained when opportunities for selection are limited. Rare individuals with elevated 2n gamete production may be key contributors to polyploid formation.
Herbivore‐induced plant volatiles accurately predict history of coexistence, diet breadth, and feeding mode of herbivores
Authors: Danner Holger , Desurmont Gaylord A. , Cristescu Simona M. , van Dam Nicole M.
Published: January 2017

Herbivore‐induced plant volatiles (HIPVs) serve as specific cues to higher trophic levels. Novel, exotic herbivores entering native foodwebs may disrupt the infochemical network as a result of changes in HIPV profiles.

Here, we analysed HIPV blends of native Brassica rapa plants infested with one of 10 herbivore species with different coexistence histories, diet breadths and feeding modes. Partial least squares (PLS) models were fitted to assess whether HIPV blends emitted by Dutch B. rapa differ between native and exotic herbivores, between specialists and generalists, and between piercing–sucking and chewing herbivores. These models were used to predict the status of two additional herbivores.

We found that HIPV blends predicted the evolutionary history, diet breadth and feeding mode of the herbivore with an accuracy of 80% or higher. Based on the HIPVs, the PLS models reliably predicted that Trichoplusia ni and Spodoptera exigua are perceived as exotic, leaf‐chewing generalists by Dutch B. rapa plants.

These results indicate that there are consistent and predictable differences in HIPV blends depending on global herbivore characteristics, including coexistence history. Consequently, native organisms may be able to rapidly adapt to potentially disruptive effects of exotic herbivores on the infochemical network.
An operon for production of bioactive gibberellin A4 phytohormone with wide distribution in the bacterial rice leaf streak pathogen Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzicola
Authors: Nagel Raimund , Turrini Paula C. G. , Nett Ryan S. , Leach Jan E. , Verdier Valérie , Van Sluys Marie‐Anne , Peters Reuben J.
Published: January 2017

Phytopathogens have developed elaborate mechanisms to attenuate the defense response of their host plants, including convergent evolution of complex pathways for production of the GA phytohormones, which were actually first isolated from the rice fungal pathogen Gibberella fujikuroi. The rice bacterial pathogen Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzicola (Xoc) has been demonstrated to contain a biosynthetic operon with cyclases capable of producing the universal GA precursor ent‐kaurene. Genetic (knock‐out) studies indicate that the derived diterpenoid serves as a virulence factor for this rice leaf streak pathogen, serving to reduce the jasmonic acid‐mediated defense response.

Here the functions of the remaining genes in the Xoc operon are elucidated and the distribution of the operon in X. oryzae is investigated in over 100 isolates.

The Xoc operon leads to production of the bioactive GA4, an additional step beyond production of the penultimate precursor GA9 mediated by the homologous operons recently characterized from rhizobia. Moreover, this GA biosynthetic operon was found to be widespread in Xoc (> 90%), but absent in the other major X. oryzae pathovar.

These results indicate selective pressure for production of GA4 in the distinct lifestyle of Xoc, and the importance of GA to both fungal and bacterial pathogens of rice.
Resistance diagnosis and the changing epidemiology of antibiotic resistance
Authors: McAdams David
Published: January 2017

Widespread adoption of point‐of‐care resistance diagnostics (POCRD) reduces ineffective antibiotic use but could increase overall antibiotic use. Indeed, in the context of a standard susceptible‐infected epidemiological model with a single antibiotic, POCRD accelerates the rise of resistance in the disease‐causing bacterial population. When multiple antibiotics are available, however, POCRD may slow the rise of resistance even as more patients receive antibiotic treatment, belying the conventional wisdom that antibiotics are “exhaustible resources” whose increased use necessarily promotes the rise of resistance.
Identification of the QTL underlying the vitamin E content of soybean seeds
Authors: Liu Huancheng , Cao Guanglu , Han Yingpeng , Jiang Zhenfeng , Zhao Hongwei , Li Wenbin
Published: January 2017

Vitamin E (VE) is an important antioxidant supplement for human health. Soybean seed extracts are the main source of VE supplements. Therefore, increasing the VE content of soybean seeds is important issue in breeding programmes. To detect quantitative trait loci (QTL) associated with VE in soybean seeds, 238 F6:7 recombinant inbred lines (RILs) were created by crossing a high VE cultivar, ‘Beifeng 9’, with a low VE cultivar, ‘Freeborn’. A genetic map was constructed using 218 polymorphic simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers. Composite interval mapping analysis detected 66 QTLs for contents of individual and total VE, 21 for α‐tocopherol, seventeen for γ‐tocopherol, thirteen for δ‐tocopherol and fifteen for total VE. The QTLs were located on chromosomes 9, 10, 15, 18 and 19. Phenotypic variance underlain by each QTL ranged from 2.4% to 32.6%. Two major QTLs (BARCSOYSSR_10_1140–BARCSOYSSR_10_1188 and BARCSOYSSR_15_0855 to BARCSOYSSR_15_0887) associated with α‐Toc, γ‐Toc, δ‐Toc and total VE contents were mapped on chromosomes 10 and 15. They explained 12.0% and 32.6% of phenotypic variance for α‐Toc; 5.5% and 13.0% for γ‐Toc; 6.6% and 23.6% for δ‐Toc; and 19.6% and 21.8% for total VE. QTL intervals BARCSOYSSR_15_0790–BARCSOYSSR_15_0855 (Qα15_1, Qγ15_1), BARCSOYSSR_15_1113–BARCSOYSSR_15_1159 (Qα15_3, Qδ15_2, QTVE15_4) and BARCSOYSSR_15_1159–BARCSOYSSR_15_1190 (Qα15_4, Qγ15_5, QTVE15_5) were associated with α‐Toc and explained 22.2%, 23.8% and 24.4% of the phenotypic variation in multiple environments. BARCSOYSSR_09_1098–BARCSOYSSR_09_1128 (QTVE9_1) and BARCSOYSSR_15_0887–BARCSOYSSR_15_0935 (QTVE15_2, Qγ15_3) associated with total VE content explained 21.8% and 16.4% of the phenotypic variation in two environments. These QTLs allow for marker‐assisted selection for cultivars with high VE contents.
Use of Phototherapy in Children
Authors: Eustace Karen , Dolman Sophie , Alsharqi Ali , Sharpe Graham , Parslew Richard
Published: January 2017

Background

Phototherapy is a well‐recognized treatment in adults and children. Previous articles have reported success in treating recalcitrant skin disorders such as atopic dermatitis (AD), psoriasis, pityriasis lichenoides chronica, and vitiligo in children.

Methods

This was a retrospective review over an 18‐month period from June 2012 to December 2013 of all children receiving phototherapy in a tertiary pediatric dermatology center.

Results

Seventy‐five patients 3 to 17 years of age (mean 10.6 years; 35 male, 40 female) were included. Forty‐eight (64%) patients had AD and 21 (28%) had psoriasis. Seventy received narrowband ultraviolet B (NBUVB) treatment and five received hand and foot psoralen and ultraviolet A (PUVA) treatment. All patients with AD were treated with NBUVB and four (8.3%) were also treated with hand PUVA. After phototherapy, 76% had documented clear to almost clear skin. At the 12‐month follow‐up, 52% of the patients with AD remained clear. All 21 patients with psoriasis underwent NBUVB phototherapy. The clearance rate after phototherapy was 86%. At the 12‐month follow‐up, 43% of the patients with psoriasis remained clear.

Conclusion

Phototherapy can reduce disease burden in individuals with severe AD and psoriasis and should be considered as a second‐line therapy if standard topical regimens are unsuccessful.
Reproductive biology of the native forage grass Trichloris crinita (Poaceae, Chloridoideae)
Authors: Kozub P. C. , Barboza K. , Galdeano F. , Quarin C. L. , Cavagnaro J. B. , Cavagnaro P. F.
Published: January 2017

Trichloris crinita is a perennial forage grass species native to arid regions of the American continent. Due to its extensive area of distribution, good forage quality and resistance to drought and grazing, this species is widely utilised as forage and for revegetation purposes in environments with low water availability. Despite its importance, genetic improvement of T. crinita has been very limited, partly as consequence of the lack of knowledge on its mode of reproduction.

In the present work, we studied the reproductive biology of T. crinita by means of embryological analyses, flow cytometric seed screen (FCSS), self‐compatibility tests and progeny testing with morphological and molecular markers.

Cytological analyses revealed embryo sacs with eight nuclei and of Polygonum type for all T. crinita accessions analysed. FCSS histograms exhibited two clear peaks corresponding to 2C and 3C DNA content, indicating embryo sacs of sexual origin. Controlled pollination experiments designed to evaluate seed set (%) demonstrated that T. crinita is self‐compatible, whereas results from morphological and simple sequence repeat (SSR) marker analysis of progeny revealed lack of outcrossing.

Together, these results indicate that T. crinita reproduces sexually. It is a self‐compatible and autogamous species. It is expected that these data will have a positive impact in the genetics and breeding of this species, and therefore contribute to its proper utilisation in arid regions.
Selection on intra‐individual variation in stigma–anther distance in the tropical tree Ipomoea wolcottiana (Convolvulaceae)
Authors: Arceo‐Gómez G. , Vargas C. F. , Parra‐Tabla V.
Published: January 2017

It is well known that animals can exert strong selective pressures on plant traits. However, studies on the evolutionary consequences of plant–animal interactions have mainly focused on understanding how these interactions shape trait means, while overlooking its potential direct effect on the variability among structures within a plant (e.g. flowers and fruits). The degree of within‐plant variability can have strong fitness effects but few studies have evaluated its role as a potential target of selection.

Here we reanalysed data on Ipomoea wolcottiana stigma–anther distance to test alternate mechanisms driving selection on the mean as well as on intra‐individual variance in 2 years. We found strong negative selection acting on intra‐individual variation but not on mean stigma–anther distance, suggesting independent direct selection on the latter.

Our result suggests that intra‐individual variance has the potential to be an important target of selection in nature, and that ignoring it could lead to the wrong characterisation of the selection regime.

We highlight the need for future studies to consider patterns of selection on the mean as well as on intra‐individual variance if we want to understand the full extent of plant–animal interactions as an evolutionary force in nature.
Speaking one more language in early life has only minor effects on cognition in Taiwanese with low education level: the Taishan Project
Authors: Liu Yi‐Chien , Liu Yen‐Ying , Yip Ping‐Keung , Meguro Mitsue , Meguro Kenichi
Published: January 2017

Background

Increasing evidence shows that bilingualism or multilingualism may have beneficial effects on preventing dementia. We performed a cross‐sectional, community‐based study in Taiwan. Some elders (older than 70 years) in Taiwan can speak Japanese because of the formal Japanese education they received before World War II, when Taiwan was under Japanese rule. After the war, Mandarin Chinese was adopted as the official language of Taiwan. We assessed whether constantly using three languages had an effect on dementia prevalence and cognitive function.

Methods

We defined multilingualism as the ability to fluently speak Taiwanese (T), Japanese (J), and Mandarin Chinese (C) in daily life. We evaluated the Mini‐Mental State Examination and AD8 questionnaire results of 514 community‐dwelling people older than 70 years in Taishan, Taiwan.

Results

Seventy‐three of the subjects (14.2%) were multilingual (T, J, C) and 441 (85.8%) were bilingual (T, C). No difference was noted in dementia prevalence between multilingual (6.8%) and bilingual (7.4%) populations, but multilinguals were older than bilinguals (mean age: 79.9 vs 77.3 years). Multilinguals had higher Mini‐Mental State Examination scores than bilinguals (mean: 24.6 vs. 22.7). However, after the subjects were stratified into low and high education level groups, the Mini‐Mental State Examination difference was found to be significant in only the low education level group.

Conclusions

Dementia prevalence did not significantly differ between the multilingual (T, J, C) and bilingual (T, C) groups. However, given that the average age of the multilingual group was approximately 2 years older than that of the bilingual group, there may have been minor effects in the multilingual group.
A Model of Smuggling and Trafficking of Illegal Immigrants with a Host Country Policy
Authors: Kar Saibal , Beladi Hamid
Published: January 2017

This paper deals with illegal immigration via two distinct activities—smuggling and trafficking of workers. A destination–source model determines economic pay‐offs and a standard labor market policy works as a deterrent. Tax paid by legal unskilled workers at the destination is determined endogenously and it finances inland monitoring against illegal immigration, holding the border patrol at a given level. The tax also finances unemployment benefit to legal workers at the destination. The number of immigrant smugglers and traffickers is also determined endogenously along with employer penalty and market wage for illegal immigrants. Higher unemployment benefits may reduce illegal wages, raise traffickers’ rent and reduce flow of illegal immigrants from the source countries.
Recent Trends in Premarital Fertility across Sub‐Saharan Africa
Authors: Clark Shelley , Koski Alissa , Smith‐Greenaway Emily
Published: January 2017

The rising age of first marriage across sub‐Saharan Africa over the past 25 years has led many scholars to predict a concurrent increase in premarital childbearing. We examine whether this anticipated increase has materialized using data from 27 countries. Our results reveal considerable heterogeneity. Although levels of premarital fertility have risen by up to 13 percent in recent years in some African countries, other countries have experienced a 7 percent decline. Adolescent premarital childbearing, in particular, has shown marked decline in several countries. Furthermore, although the rising age of marriage exerts clear upward pressure on premarital fertility, decomposition analyses indicate that in half of the countries examined, other factors such as delayed sexual debut and use of contraception counteract this effect. These results temper concerns about the rising numbers of unwed mothers and demonstrate that countries can simultaneously delay marriage and achieve relatively stable, or even declining, levels of premarital childbearing.
Effects of biochar, urea and their co‐application on nitrogen mineralization in soil and growth of Chinese cabbage
Authors: Baiga R. , Rajashekhar Rao B. K.
Published: January 2017

Experiments were conducted to study the effect of soil applications of kunai grass (Imperata cylindrica) biochar (0 and 10 t/ha) and laboratory grade urea (0, 200 and 500 kg N/ha) and their co‐application on nitrogen (N) mineralization in an acid soil. The results of an incubation study showed that the biochar only treatment and co‐application with urea at 200 kg N/ha could impede transformation of urea to ammonium‐N (NH4+‐N). Soil application of biochar together with urea at 500 kg N/ha produced the highest nitrate‐N (NO3−‐N) and mineral N concentrations in the soil over 90 days. Co‐application of urea N with biochar improved soil N mineralization parameters such as mineralization potential (NA) and coefficient of mineralization rate (k) compared to biochar alone. In a parallel study performed under greenhouse conditions, Chinese cabbage (Brassica rapaL. ssp.chinensisL.) showed significantly greater (P < 0.05) marketable fresh weight, dry matter production and N uptake in soil receiving urea N at 500 kg/ha or co‐application of biochar with urea N compared to the control. Application of biochar only or urea only at 200 kg N/ha did not offer any short‐term agronomic advantages. The N use efficiency of the crop remained unaffected by the fertilizer regimes. Applications of biochar only at 10 t/ha did not offer benefits in this tropical acid soil unless co‐applied with sufficient urea N.
Phosphatidylethanolamine is progressively exposed in RBCs during storage
Authors: Larson M. C. , Karafin M. S. , Hillery C. A. , Hogg N.
Published: January 2017

Background

It is well established that as a blood unit ages, fewer of the unit's red blood cells (RBCs) remain in circulation post‐transfusion. The mechanism for clearance is not well defined. Phosphatidylethanolamine (PE) is a phospholipid that is primarily found on the inner leaflet of healthy cells, and is an important ligand for phagocytosis of dead cells when exposed.

Objectives

The objective of the present study was to measure the change in PE exposure in donor RBCs over increasing storage ages using the novel PE‐specific probe, duramycin.

Methods

Five adsol (AS‐1) preserved RBC units were sampled weekly for 6 weeks and were labelled with duramycin. The percentage of PE exposed on red cells in each sample was determined using flow cytometry. Surface phosphatidylserine (PS) was evaluated for comparison.

Results

We found that RBCs in AS‐preserved donor units increasingly exposed PE, from less than 1% in freshly processed RBCs, to nearly 20% at 42 days of storage and correlated with increased relative vesiculation or microparticle concentration and release of cell‐free haemoglobin. By comparison, only 5% of cells exposed PS at 42 days.

Conclusion

We conclude that exposure of PE in the RBC outer membrane was higher than that of PS during 42 days of storage and correlated significantly with increased vesiculation and release of haemoglobin.
Chinese Migrants and their Impact on Homeland Development
Authors: Wei Yingqi , Liu Xiaohui , Lu Jiangyong , Yang Jingjing
Published: January 2017

This paper aims to systematically examine the impact of Chinese migrants on the economic activities of indigenous Chinese firms from two dimensions: foreign direct investment (FDI) by ethnic Chinese (ECI) and returnees. Using a unique data set for firms in Zhongguancun Science Park, Beijing, we carry out an in‐depth empirical study on the effects of ECI and returnees on indigenous Chinese firms’ productivity, exports and R&D in comparison with the effects of non‐ethnic Chinese FDI. The findings have important policy implications.
Intra‐ and inter‐observer agreement in histological assessment of canine soft tissue sarcoma
Authors: Yap F. W. , Rasotto R. , Priestnall S. L. , Parsons K. J. , Stewart J.
Published: January 2017

Background

The diagnosis of canine soft tissue sarcoma (STS) is based on histological assessment. Assessment of criteria such as, degree of differentiation, necrosis score and mitotic score, gives rise to a final tumour grade, which is important in the recommendation of treatment and prognosis of patients.

Materials and Methods

Previously diagnosed cases of STS were independently assessed by three board‐certified veterinary pathologists. Participating pathologists were blinded to the original results. For the intra‐observer study, the cases were assessed by a single pathologist six months apart and slides were randomized between readings. For the inter‐observer study, the whole case series was assessed by a single pathologist before being passed onto the next pathologist. Intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) and Fleiss's Kappa (ƙ) for the intra‐ (single observer) and inter‐observer agreement.

Results

Strong agreement was observed for the intra‐observer assessment in necrosis score, mitotic score, total score and tumour grading (ICC between 0.78 to 0.91). The intra‐observer agreement for differentiation score was rated perfect (ICC 1.00). The agreement between pathologists for the diagnosis and grading of canine STS was moderate (ƙ = 0.60 and 0.43 respectively).

Conclusion

Histological assessment of canine STS had high reproducibility by an individual pathologist. The agreement of diagnosis and grading of canine STS was moderate between pathologists. Future studies are required to investigate further assessment criteria to improve the specificity of STS diagnosis and the accuracy of the STS grading in dogs.
The cutaneous ecosystem: the roles of the skin microbiome in health and its association with inflammatory skin conditions in humans and animals
Authors: Rodrigues Hoffmann Aline
Published: January 2017

Background

Inhabiting a sterile world is no longer an acceptable or desirable concept. Recent studies developed in the microbiome field have unveiled complex microbial populations inhabiting the skin, digestive, respiratory and reproductive tracts. Microbiome studies have opened new venues to explore the human and animal second genome, its functions and its importance in maintaining health.

Skin microbiome in health

The composition of the skin microbiome varies across different body sites and across individuals, being influenced by different host habits, including for instance age, sex, diet, hygiene and lifestyle. Exposure to a diverse skin microbiome is now considered to be a key component in immune regulation, and imbalances in these microbial populations are being associated with human and animal skin inflammatory disorders.

Skin microbiome in inflammatory skin conditions

We have learned that in several skin conditions, there is a significant alteration in the diversity and composition of the microbiota colonizing the skin. For instance, in human and animal patients with atopic dermatitis, dysbiosis of the skin microbiota results in lower diversity of microbial populations. Whether these altered microbial populations are the cause or the effect of inflammatory skin conditions seen in humans and animals are still under investigation, but there is no doubt that the microbiome has an important role in maintaining skin health.

This review focuses on the most current studies describing the skin microbiome in humans and animals, its role in modulating the immune system, and its association with human and animal skin diseases.
Total skin electron therapy as treatment for epitheliotropic lymphoma in a dog
Authors: Santoro Domenico , Kubicek Lyndsay , Lu Bo , Craft William , Conway Julia
Published: January 2017

Background

Mycosis fungoides (MF) is an uncommon cutaneous neoplasm in dogs. Treatment options are limited. Total skin electron therapy (TSET) has been suggested as a possible therapy for canineMF.

Objective

To describe the use ofTSETas palliative treatment forMFin a dog.

Results

An adult dog, previously diagnosed with nonepidermolytic ichthyosis, was presented with generalized erythroderma, alopecia and erosions. Histopathology revealed a densely cellular, well‐demarcated, unencapsulated infiltrate extending from the epidermis to the mid‐dermis compatible withMF. The infiltrate exhibited epitheliotropism multifocally for the epidermis, infundibula and adnexa. Due to a lack of response to chemotherapy,TSETwas elected. Six megavoltage electrons were delivered using a 21EXVarian linear accelerator. A dose of 6 Gy was delivered to the skin surface and a 100 cm skin to surface distance was used for dog setup. The treatment time for the cranial half treatment was 3 h. The treatment was divided in two sessions (cranial and caudal halves of the body) 15 days apart. Clinical and histopathological complete remission was achieved and the dog was kept in remission with no additional treatments for 19 months before relapse and development of Sézary syndrome.

Conclusion and clinical significance

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first case reporting the use ofTSETfor medically refractory canineMFwith post treatment follow‐up. This case suggests that the use ofTSETmay be an effective palliative treatment for canineMF.
Evaluation of intraepidermal nerve fibres in the skin of normal and atopic dogs
Authors: Laprais Aurore , Dunston Stanley M. , Torres Sheila M. F. , Favrot Claude , Olivry Thierry
Published: January 2017

Background

Interest in intraepidermal nerve fibres (IENFs) is rising in human medicine, because variations in fibre density occur in some diseases and these neurites might contribute to disease pathogenesis. An increase in IENF density is seen in human atopic dermatitis (AD); there are no such data in atopic dogs.

Objectives

To compare the prevalence of IENFs in normal and atopic canine skin.

Methods

Eight millimetre skin punch biopsies were taken from six sites of 25 healthy dogs without dermatitis and compared to lesional and nonlesional skin samples of dogs with AD (23 and 14 dogs, respectively). Thirty micrometre‐thick paraffin‐embedded sections were stained by indirect immunofluorescence for neuronal beta‐3 tubulin. Only sections with detectable dermal nerves were then screened for the presence of IENFs.

Results

IENFs were identified in all 25 normal nasal planum sections, but in only one biopsy collected from each of the normal canine haired skin (NCHS) sites. As there was no significant difference in IENF prevalence between NCHS areas, they were grouped together. The rate of detection of IENFs was significantly higher (one‐tailed Fisher's test, P = 0.004) in lesional AD specimens (18 of 23; 78%) than in nonlesional AD (four of 14; 29%) and NCHS specimens (four of 111; 4%, P < 0.0001). The prevalence of IENF detection in nonlesional AD samples was significantly higher than in normal canine skin (P = 0.006).

Conclusions and clinical importance

IENFs are detected more commonly in canine AD than in normal haired skin; these results are comparable to those seen for human AD.
On Microstructure and Wear Behavior of Microwave Processed Composite Clad
Authors: Kaushal Sarbjeet , Gupta Dheeraj , Bhowmick Hiralal
Published: January 2017

In the present study, wear resistance composite cladding of Ni-based + 20% WC8Co (wt. %) was developed on SS-304 substrate using domestic microwave oven at 2.45 GHz and 900 W. The clad was developed within 300 s of microwave exposure using microwave hybrid heating (MHH) technique. The clad was characterized through scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Vicker’s microhardness, and dry sliding wear test. Microstructure study revealed that the clad of approximately 1.25 mm thickness was developed by partial mutual diffusion with substrate. It was observed that the developed clad was free from visible interfacial cracks with significantly less porosity (∼1.2%). XRD patterns of the clad confirmed the presence of Cr23C6, NiSi, and NiCr phases that eventually contributed to the enhancement in clad microhardness. Vicker’s microhardness of the processed clad surface was found to be 840 ± 20 HV, which was four times that of SS-304 substrate. In case of clad surface, wear mainly occurs due to debonding of carbide particles from the matrix, while plastic deformation and strong abrasion are responsible for the removal of material from SS-304 substrate.
High Energy Efficiency With Low-Pressure Drop Configuration for an All-Vanadium Redox Flow Battery
Authors: Kumar S. , Jayanti S.
Published: January 2017

In this paper, we present experimental studies of electrochemical performance of an all-vanadium redox flow battery cell employing an active area of 103 cm2, activated carbon felt, and a novel flow field, which ensures good electrolyte circulation at low pressure drops. Extended testing over 151 consecutive charge/discharge cycles has shown steady performance with an energy efficiency of 84% and capacity fade of only 0.26% per cycle. Peak power density of 193 mW cm−2 has been obtained at an electrolyte circulation rate of 114 ml min−1, which corresponds to stoichiometric factor of 4.6. The present configuration of the cell shows 20% improved in peak power and 30% reduction in pressure drop when compared to a similar cell with a different electrode and a serpentine flow field.
Evaluation of a multiple scattering filter to enhance defect detection in heterogeneous media
Authors: Shahjahan Sharfine , Rupin Fabienne , Aubry Alexandre , Derode Arnaud
Published: January 2017

Ultrasonic evaluation of coarse-grain materials generates multiple scattering at high frequency and large depth. Recent academic experiments with array probes showed the ability of a random matrix method [multiple scattering filter (MSF)] to reduce multiple scattering, hence improving detection. Here, MSF is applied to an industrial nickel-based alloy with coarse-grain structure. Two samples with average grain sizes 90 ± 60 μm and 750 ± 400 μm are inspected with wide-band 64-element arrays at central frequencies 2, 3, and 5 MHz. They contain cylindrical through-holes (1-mm radius) at various depths. The array transfer matrix is recorded and post-processed both in the flawless area and for eleven positions above each defect, which allows for a statistical analysis. MSF is compared with two conventional imaging techniques: the total focusing method (TFM) and the decomposition of the time-reversal operator (DORT). Several parameters to assess the performance of detection techniques are proposed and discussed. The results show the benefit of MSF, especially at high frequencies and for deep defects: at 5 MHz and 70 mm depth, i.e., more than three scattering mean-free paths, the detection rate for MSF ranges between 55% and 100% while it is found to be 0% both for TFM and DORT.
Cerebral venous thrombosis as the first presentation of classical homocystinuria in an adult patient
Authors: Woods Emily , Dawson Charlotte , Senthil Latha , Geberhiwot Tarekegn
Published: January 2017

A 30-year-old woman presented with severe headache, dysarthria and right hemiparesis. She was treated for suspected viral encephalopathy and recovered over the following weeks although the headaches persisted. Two months later she was treated in-hospital for pulmonary embolism. The following year she was readmitted for increased frequency of headaches and was given a diagnosis of migraine. A subsequent MRI head scan was suggestive of longstanding venous sinus infarcts and neuroradiology review concluded that encephalitis had been the incorrect initial diagnosis. Subsequent investigations for an underlying cause of the two episodes of venous thrombosis revealed a total homocysteine level of >350 μmol/L (<15 μmol/L). An underlying diagnosis of homocystinuria secondary to cystathionine β-synthase deficiency was made although this metabolic condition is normally recognised in childhood. Treatment with pyridoxine and betaine normalised her homocysteine levels and she has had no further thrombotic event since.
Subcorneal pustular dermatosis and episcleritis associated with poorly controlled ulcerative colitis
Authors: Wargo Jeffrey J , Adams Megan , Trevino Julian
Published: January 2017

A man aged 56 years with a history of ulcerative colitis (UC) status postsubtotal colectomy was hospitalised with fevers, dry cough, eye redness and a new bloody, mucoid rectal discharge. 2 months prior to admission, the dermatologist had started him on dapsone for subcorneal pustular dermatosis but did not recognise that he had recently self-discontinued mesalamine enemas, inducing a flare of his UC. After a thorough inpatient evaluation, including flexible sigmoidoscopy, active UC involving the rectal stump was determined to be driving his dermatological and ophthalmological findings. By reinstituting mesalamine enemas, control of his UC was achieved and the extraintestinal manifestations of his inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) resolved. This case illustrates the importance of careful history taking and of early recognition of extraintestinal manifestations of IBD in order to appropriately target treatment and prevent unnecessary morbidity.
Bilateral thigh methicillin-resistantStaphylococcus aureusnecrotising fasciitis in a man with newly diagnosed Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)
Authors: Chaudhary Dhruv , Subhash Amith , Galvis Juan , Guardiola Juan
Published: January 2017

Methicillin-resistantStaphylococcus aureus(MRSA) necrotising fasciitis (NF) is rare and constitutes a medical and surgical emergency. We report a case of a 53-year-old man with type-2 diabetes mellitus and newly diagnosed HIV infection who presented with 1 week of progressively worsening bilateral sharp thigh pain. On presentation, he was febrile, tachycardic and had bilateral thigh erythema and mild tenderness without open wounds. He had leucocytosis, lactic acidosis and acute kidney injury. Urgent incision and drainage (I&D) was performed for suspected NF. Blood cultures and I&D were positive for MRSA. Biopsy of bilateral thighs showed NF. He was treated with wound washout and 6 weeks of intravenous antibiotics. After undergoing skin graft for wounds, he was discharged to physical rehabilitation. Here we report severe sepsis from bilateral thigh MRSA NF in a patient with newly diagnosed HIV.
Paralysis that easily reverses: a case of thyrotoxic periodic paralysis
Authors: Tachamo Niranjan , Lohani Saroj , Nazir Salik , Juliano Noelle
Published: January 2017

Thyrotoxic periodic paralysis is a potentially life-threatening condition associated with recurrent episodes of muscle weakness and hypokalaemia due to hyperthyroidism. Diagnosis is often delayed or misdiagnosed due to its rarity in the western world and subtle features of hyperthyroidism on initial presentation. Here we present the case of a 25-year-old man who presented to the emergency department (ED) with sudden onset weakness of bilateral upper and lower extremities. His labs revealed hypokalaemia with elevated T4 and suppressed thyroid-stimulating hormone and he was diagnosed with thyrotoxic periodic paralysis. He was treated with potassium repletion, atenolol and methimazole with complete reversal of his paralysis within the next day. Unfortunately, he failed to keep the follow-up appointment after discharge, ran out of his methimazole and landed up in the ED again.