bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of the Role of Heterogeneities on Transverse Mixing in Bench‐Scale Tank Experiments by Numerical Modeling
Authors: Ballarini E. , Bauer S. , Eberhardt C. , Beyer C.
Published: April 2014

In this work, numerical modeling is used to evaluate and interpret a series of detailed and well‐controlled two‐dimensional bench‐scale conservative tracer tank experiments performed to investigate transverse mixing in porous media. The porous medium used consists of a fine matrix and a more permeable lens vertically aligned with the tracer source and the flow direction. A sensitivity analysis shows that the tracer distribution after passing the lens is only slightly sensitive to variations in transverse dispersivity, but strongly sensitive to the contrast of hydraulic conductivities. A unique parameter set could be calibrated to closely fit the experimental observations. On the basis of calibrated and validated model, synthetic experiments with different contrasts in hydraulic conductivity and more complex setups were performed and the efficiency of mixing evaluated. Flux‐related dilution indices derived from these simulations show that the contrasts in hydraulic conductivity between matrix and high‐permeable lenses as well as the spatial configuration of tracer plumes and lenses dominate mixing, rather than the actual pore scale dispersivities. These results indicate that local material distributions, the magnitude of permeability contrasts, and their spatial and scale relation to solute plumes are more important for macro‐scale transverse dispersion than the micro‐scale dispersivities of individual materials. Local material characterization by thorough site investigation hence is of utmost importance for the evaluation of mixing‐influenced or ‐governed problems in groundwater, such as tracer test evaluation or an assessment of contaminant natural attenuation.
Benzene Dynamics and Biodegradation in Alluvial Aquifers Affected by River Fluctuations
Authors: Batlle‐Aguilar J. , Morasch B. , Hunkeler D. , Brouyère S.
Published: April 2014

The spatial distribution and temporal dynamics of a benzene plume in an alluvial aquifer strongly affected by river fluctuations was studied. Benzene concentrations, aquifer geochemistry datasets, past river morphology, and benzene degradation rates estimated in situ using stable carbon isotope enrichment were analyzed in concert with aquifer heterogeneity and river fluctuations. Geochemistry data demonstrated that benzene biodegradation was on‐going under sulfate reducing conditions. Long‐term monitoring of hydraulic heads and characterization of the alluvial aquifer formed the basis of a detailed modeled image of aquifer heterogeneity. Hydraulic conductivity was found to strongly correlate with benzene degradation, indicating that low hydraulic conductivity areas are capable of sustaining benzene anaerobic biodegradation provided the electron acceptor (SO42–) does not become rate limiting. Modeling results demonstrated that the groundwater flux direction is reversed on annual basis when the river level rises up to 2 m, thereby forcing the infiltration of oxygenated surface water into the aquifer. The mobilization state of metal trace elements such as Zn, Cd, and As present in the aquifer predominantly depended on the strong potential gradient within the plume. However, infiltration of oxygenated water was found to trigger a change from strongly reducing to oxic conditions near the river, causing mobilization of previously immobile metal species and vice versa. MNA appears to be an appropriate remediation strategy in this type of dynamic environment provided that aquifer characterization and targeted monitoring of redox conditions are adequate and electron acceptors remain available until concentrations of toxic compounds reduce to acceptable levels.
Estimating Preferential Flow in Karstic Aquifers Using Statistical Mixed Models
Authors: Anaya Angel A. , Padilla Ingrid , Macchiavelli Raul , Vesper Dorothy J. , Meeker John D. , Alshawabkeh Akram N.
Published: April 2014

Karst aquifers are highly productive groundwater systems often associated with conduit flow. These systems can be highly vulnerable to contamination, resulting in a high potential for contaminant exposure to humans and ecosystems. This work develops statistical models to spatially characterize flow and transport patterns in karstified limestone and determines the effect of aquifer flow rates on these patterns. A laboratory‐scale Geo‐HydroBed model is used to simulate flow and transport processes in a karstic limestone unit. The model consists of stainless steel tanks containing a karstified limestone block collected from a karst aquifer formation in northern Puerto Rico. Experimental work involves making a series of flow and tracer injections, while monitoring hydraulic and tracer response spatially and temporally. Statistical mixed models (SMMs) are applied to hydraulic data to determine likely pathways of preferential flow in the limestone units. The models indicate a highly heterogeneous system with dominant, flow‐dependent preferential flow regions. Results indicate that regions of preferential flow tend to expand at higher groundwater flow rates, suggesting a greater volume of the system being flushed by flowing water at higher rates. Spatial and temporal distribution of tracer concentrations indicates the presence of conduit‐like and diffuse flow transport in the system, supporting the notion of both combined transport mechanisms in the limestone unit. The temporal response of tracer concentrations at different locations in the model coincide with, and confirms the preferential flow distribution generated with the SMMs used in the study.
Membrane Interface Probe Protocol for Contaminants in Low‐Permeability Zones
Authors: Adamson David T. , Chapman Steven , Mahler Nicholas , Newell Charles , Parker Beth , Pitkin Seth , Rossi Michael , Singletary Mike
Published: April 2014

Accurate characterization of contaminant mass in zones of low hydraulic conductivity (low k) is essential for site management because this difficult‐to‐treat mass can be a long‐term secondary source. This study developed a protocol for the membrane interface probe (MIP) as a low‐cost, rapid data‐acquisition tool for qualitatively evaluating the location and relative distribution of mass in low‐k zones. MIP operating parameters were varied systematically at high and low concentration locations at a contaminated site to evaluate the impact of the parameters on data quality relative to a detailed adjacent profile of soil concentrations. Evaluation of the relative location of maximum concentrations and the shape of the MIP vs. soil profiles led to a standard operating procedure (SOP) for the MIP to delineate contamination in low‐k zones. This includes recommendations for: (1) preferred detector (ECD for low concentration zones, PID or ECD for higher concentration zones); (2) combining downlogged and uplogged data to reduce carryover; and (3) higher carrier gas flow rate in high concentration zones. Linear regression indicated scatter in all MIP‐to‐soil comparisons, including R2 values using the SOP of 0.32 in the low concentration boring and 0.49 in the high concentration boring. In contrast, a control dataset with soil‐to‐soil correlations from borings 1‐m apart exhibited an R2 of ≥0.88, highlighting the uncertainty in predicting soil concentrations using MIP data. This study demonstrates that the MIP provides lower‐precision contaminant distribution and heterogeneity data compared to more intensive high‐resolution characterization methods. This is consistent with its use as a complementary screening tool.
Analytical Solution for Modeling Discharge into a Tunnel Drilled in a Heterogeneous Unconfined Aquifer
Authors: Maréchal Jean‐Christophe , Lanini Sandra , Aunay Bertrand , Perrochet Pierre
Published: April 2014

Predicting transient inflow rates into a tunnel is an important issue faced by hydrogeologists. Most existing analytical solutions overestimate the initial discharge due to the assumption that drilling was instantaneous over the entire tunnel length. In addition, they assume a homogeneous system. An alternative model was recently developed for tunnels intersecting heterogeneous formations, but its application was reduced to the case of confined flow to deep tunnels in weakly diffusive aquifers. In this paper, we adapt existing analytical solutions for drainage systems to the specific case of a tunnel progressively drilled in a highly diffusive heterogeneous unconfined aquifer. The case of a tunnel overlying an impervious layer is analytically solved by applying the superposition principle, while the case of a tunnel constructed some distance above an impervious layer is solved by discretizing the tunnel length into subsectors. Both models can simulate transient discharge into a tunnel drilled at various speeds through a heterogeneous unconfined aquifer, and allow the prediction of discharge rates in shallow tunnels located in highly diffusive aquifers. We successfully applied this approach to a tunnel in heterogeneous volcanic rock.
Post Processing of Zone Budgets to Generate Improved Groundwater Influx Estimates Associated with Longwall Mining
Authors: Mackie C.D.
Published: April 2014

Impacts of underground longwall mining on groundwater systems are commonly assessed using numerical groundwater flow models that are capable of forecasting changes to strata pore pressures and rates of groundwater seepage over the mine life. Groundwater ingress to a mining operation is typically estimated using zone budgets to isolate relevant parts of a model that represent specific mining areas, and to aggregate flows at nominated times within specific model stress periods. These rates can be easily misinterpreted if simplistic averaging of daily flow budgets is adopted. Such misinterpretation has significant implications for design of underground dewatering systems for a new mine site or it may lead to model calibration errors where measured mine water seepage rates are used as a primary calibration constraint. Improved estimates of groundwater ingress can be made by generating a cumulative flow history from zone budget data, then differentiating the cumulative flow history using a low order polynomial convolved through the data set.
Infection mechanism of biofilm‐forming Staphylococcus aureus on indwelling foreign materials in mice
Authors: Makino Taro , Jimi Shiro , Oyama Takuto , Nakano Yuki , Hamamoto Kouichi , Mamishin Kanako , Yahiro Tomoko , Hara Shuuji , Takata Tohru , Ohjimi Hiroyuki
Published: April 2014

Indwelling foreign‐body infections are a critical medical problem, especially in immunocompromised patients. To examine the pathogenicity of biofilm‐forming bacteria settling on foreign materials, mice implanted with plastic discs were infected with Staphylococcus aureus. After opening a wide subcutaneous pocket on the dorsal side of mice with or without temporal leukocytopenia, a plastic sheet was placed in the left subcutaneous space; subsequently, bacteria in a planktonic state were dispersed over the subcutaneous space. Bacterial numbers were examined 7 days after inoculation. In subcutaneous tissue on the right, S. aureus was found only in leukocytopenic mice. Meanwhile, bacteria were detected on the plastic and neighbouring tissue in both leukocytopenic and normal mice; however, colony‐forming analysis indicated that leukocytopenic mice possessed significantly more bacteria. Tissue reaction against bacteria was pathologically examined. Invading S. aureus induced severe inflammation. In transient leukocytopenic mice, bacterial microcolonies formed on the plastic as well as in the developed necrotic tissue – both of which were shielded from inflammatory cell infiltration – result in bacteraemia. These results indicate that biofilm‐forming S. aureus settling on indwelling foreign material are tolerant against host immunity and assault neighbouring tissue, which may lead to chronic wound infection.
Developmental Social Policy, Social Welfare Services and the Non‐profit Sector in South Africa
Authors: Patel Leila
Published: April 2014

The potential and challenge of constructing a democratic developmental welfare state through synergistic state‐civil society relations is the focus of this article. The author argues that while South Africa's pluralist approach, involving a leading role for the state in partnership with voluntary organizations, is a viable policy option to address the country's developmental challenges, anomalies between policy proclamations and actual practice raises questions about the efficacy of the partnership model and the gendered nature of welfare provision. Key governance issues and challenges, namely financial policies and institutional capability, underlie current failures in the delivery of welfare and care services, resulting in the non‐realization of these constitutionally guaranteed social rights. Further public action is needed to remedy the situation. Non‐profit organizations can advocate for policy reforms and challenge the instrumental nature of state‐civil relations and the abrogation of state responsibility for welfare services in contemporary South Africa.
Transferring HIV/AIDS Related Healthcare from Non‐governmental Organizations to the Public Healthcare System in South Africa: Opportunities and Challenges
Authors: Knijn Trudie , Slabbert Mariette
Published: April 2014

Almost two decades after the transition to a post‐apartheid regime, South Africa is still high‐ranking in the incidence of chronic diseases like tuberculosis, HIV/AIDS, diabetes and hypertension. This article explores the transition from HIV/AIDS related healthcare offered by internationally supported non‐governmental organizations (NGOs) in rural areas to the inclusion of this healthcare into the public healthcare system. This transition is part of a wider process that represents the exact reverse of healthcare reforms in Western industrialized countries. Instead of a transition from public healthcare to privatized or marketized healthcare, the transition in South Africa is from partly private healthcare to a public healthcare system in which the private commercial health sector as well as all services provided by NGOs will be integrated. In that process, many obstacles obscure intended outcomes, such as equal access to healthcare. Some obstacles are evident in the case studies of two internationally supported NGOs in the field of HIV/AIDS healthcare. We will conclude that governance structures of public and private NGO‐based healthcare are often difficult to integrate; implementation timelines and priorities do not always coincide; and the public healthcare system is still too weak to deliver good quality healthcare in rural areas without continued NGO support.
(Mis)framing Higher Education in South Africa
Authors: Bozalek Vivienne , Boughey Chrissie
Published: April 2014

The question of how to make higher education more inclusive has been a central concern in South Africa and elsewhere over the past two decades. However, in South Africa there remains a disjuncture between policy aimed at promoting inclusivity and the experiences of students and staff in the higher education sector. In this article, the relationship between equity of access and equity of outcomes and the expectations that follow from these policy imperatives are examined from the perspective of Nancy Fraser's normative framework of social justice. In particular, her notion of misframing is used to analyze the current situation in the higher education sector in South Africa. The article concludes that a focus on individual higher education institutions is not sufficient to gain a perspective on the social arrangements required for participatory parity in higher education; and, in fact, such a focus is an instance of misframing and thus a form of injustice.
Multimodal species abundance distributions: a deconstruction approach reveals the processes behind the pattern
Authors: Matthews Thomas J. , Borges Paulo A. V. , Whittaker Robert J.
Published: April 2014

It is becoming increasingly apparent that the species abundance distribution of many ecological communities contains multiple modes, a phenomenon that has been largely overlooked. Here, we test for multiple modes in the species abundance distribution using a combination of one, two and three mode Poisson lognormal distributions and an extensive arthropod dataset from the Azores. We consider the abundance distribution of twelve native laurisilva forest fragments and the combination of fragments within five islands, allowing us to detect whether patterns are consistent across scales. An information theoretic approach is employed to determine the best model in each case. To explore the processes driving multimodal abundance distributions we tested various potential mechanisms. We classified species as core if they are present in over half the fragments in our study, and as satellite if they are sampled in fewer than half the fragments. Furthermore, species are classified based on body size, whether they are indigenous (i.e. endemic or native non‐endemic) or introduced to the Azores, abundance in land uses other than native forest, and dispersal ability. We find that models incorporating multiple modes perform best for most fragments and islands. A large number of communities are bimodal, comprising a mode of very rare species and a mode of relatively common species. Deconstructing the full assemblages into their constituent subsets reveals that the combination of ecologically different groups of species into a single sample underpins the multimodal pattern. Specifically, the rarer mode prevailingly contains a higher proportion of satellite taxa, introduced species and species that are more adapted to anthropogenic land uses that surround the native forest.
Ontogenetic shift in host tolerance controls initiation of a cleaning symbiosis
Authors: Skelton James , Creed Robert P. , Brown Bryan L.
Published: April 2014

When the interests of mutualists are not perfectly aligned, control mechanisms that modulate interactions can maintain mutually beneficial outcomes and stabilize mutualisms over evolutionary time. However, the costs and benefits of symbiosis often change with ontogeny and whether control mechanisms are adjusted to reflect ontogenetic changes is largely unknown. We examined the recently described cleaning symbiosis between crayfishCambarus chaugaensisand ectosymbiotic annelids (Xironodrilus appalachius) for evidence of ontogenetic changes in symbiont control.Xironodrilus appalachiusprovide a beneficial cleaning service toC. chaugaensisby removing epibiotic accumulations from the gills, but crayfish also incur costs via density‐dependent facultative parasitism of gill tissue. A series of laboratory experiments using crayfish from three size (age) – classes demonstrated that crayfish use grooming to limit cleaner density and grooming effects on cleaners varied with crayfish age. Small crayfish quickly removed essentially all of their cleaners. Intermediate crayfish removed most of their cleaners, but some cleaners persisted at a location apparently inaccessible to grooming and far from the gill chamber. Large crayfish removed a smaller proportion of cleaners and cleaners were allowed access to the gill chamber, thus initiating the cleaning symbiosis. Cleaner removal was not dependent on cleaner density, suggesting that crayfish do not regulate cleaners to a specific density. Experimental results were corroborated by patterns observed during a field survey. We argue decreased cleaner removal and relaxed control of cleaner attachment sites corresponds to ontogenetic changes in the costs and benefits of symbiosis. This study integrates two major theoretical perspectives from ecological literature; control mechanisms and ontogenetic shifts, and illustrates how changes in control mechanisms with ontogeny may favor life‐long positive outcomes of symbiosis. Ontogenetic shifts in the costs and benefits of symbiosis may be common; therefore future theoretical and empirical studies of symbioses should incorporate both perspectives.
Mental health: outcomes of 10 babies of mothers with a history of serious mental illness
Authors: McCauley K. M. , Cross W. , Kulkarni J.
Published: April 2014

Accessible summary

Women with serious mental illness are frequently on antipsychotic medications to maintain their mental health (MI).

Antipsychotic medications are currently not approved for use in pregnancy because of the lack of evidence about their risk of harming the baby. These include kidney malformations, limb malformation and congenital heart disease.

This case study series identifies the outcomes for 10 babies of women with serious MI.

Gestation of the 10 babies at birth ranged between 29 and 40 weeks, average weight 2.9 kg. Two babies were born preterm.

This study identifies the neonatal complications for these vulnerable babies as not outside the norm for births in Australia.

There was however a high rate of mother–baby separation (4/10) which is of great concern.

Women with serious mental illness are frequently on antipsychotic medications to maintain their mental health. During pregnancy there is much debate as to whether to continue or cease these medications. The possibility of adverse effects is of concern to clinicians and the women. This study used a case study methodology to identify the outcomes for 10 babies of women with a history of serious mental illness. The results provide further evidence in regard to women and the use of antipsychotic medications throughout pregnancy and during the first year after birth. Separation of mother and baby occurred in five of the 10 babies. This study identifies the neonatal complications for these vulnerable babies as not outside the norm for births in Australia. The high rate of mother–baby separation is of great concern and needs further longitudinal studies.
Buffer nitrogen solubility, in vitro ruminal partitioning of nitrogen and in vitro ruminal biological activity of tannins in leaves of four fodder tree species
Authors: Cudjoe N. , Mlambo V.
Published: April 2014

This study explores the chemical composition, buffer N solubility, in vitro ruminal N degradability and in vitro ruminal biological activity of tannins in leaves from Gliricidia sepium, Leucaena leucocephala, Morus alba and Trichanthera gigantea trees. These tree leaves are a potential protein source for ruminants, but their site‐influenced nutritive value is largely unknown. Leucaena leucocephala leaves had the highest N content (42.1 g/kg DM), while T. gigantea leaves had the least (26.1 g/kg DM). Leucaena leucocephala had the highest buffer solubility index (20%), while 10% of the total N in leaves of the other three species was soluble. The rapidly fermentable N fraction ‘a’ was highest in M. alba leaves (734.9 g/kg DM) and least in T. gigantea leaves (139.5 g/kg DM). The rate of fermentation (c) was highest for M. alba (7%/hours) leaves. No significant correlations were recorded between buffer solubility index of N and in vitro ruminal N degradability parameters: a, b, and c. The highest response to tannin inactivation using polyethylene glycol, in terms of percentage increase in 36‐hours cumulative gas production, was recorded in M. alba (39%) and T. gigantea (38%) leaves. It was concluded that buffer solubility of N is not a good indicator of ruminal N degradation in the leaves of these tree species. Leaves of M. alba could be more valuable as a source of rapidly fermentable N when animals are offered low‐protein, high‐fibre diets compared with other tree species evaluated in the current study. However, when feeding M. alba leaves, the role of tannins must be considered because these secondary plant compounds showed significant in vitro ruminal biological activity.
Plasma biomarkers profile of female dogs with mammary carcinoma and its association with clinical and pathological features
Authors: Estrela‐Lima A. , Araújo M. S. S. , Soares R. P. , Ribeiro L. G. R. , Damasceno K. A. , Costa A. T. , Teixeira‐Carvalho A. , Martins‐Filho O. A. , Cassali G. D.
Published: April 2014

The immunological biomarkers profiles were evaluated using Luminex as putative measures to monitor canine mammary carcinomas (MCs). Forty female dogs were categorized into benign mixed tumour (MC‐BMT = 28) and mammary carcinoma (MC=12). The ascendant biomarker signatures were used to compare the groups. For example, a higher frequency of MC‐BMT animals producing IL‐6, CXCL‐8 and CXCL‐10 was observed, whereas for the MC group IL‐2 and CXCL‐8 were detected. MC‐BMT animals without metastasis had an increase in the levels of IL‐2, CXCL‐8, CXCL‐10, IL‐6, TNF‐α, IL‐15 and a decrease in IL‐10 and CXCL‐8. MC‐BMT animals with metastasis showed only an increase in CXCL‐10 and a decrease in IL‐18. After comparing the ascendant signatures following the presence of metastasis in both groups, a higher frequency of dogs exhibiting IL‐10 production was observed. Pearson correlation (P = 0.0273) and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis revealed that this pattern was associated with worse outcome and lower survival rates in MC animals.
Asymmetric Magnet-Based Nonlinear Energy Sink
Authors: AL-Shudeifat Mohammad A.
Published: April 2014

The nonlinear energy sink (NES) is a light-weighted device used for shock mitigation in dynamic structures through its passive targeted energy transfer (TET) mechanism. Here, a new design for the NES is introduced based on using an asymmetric NES force. This force is strongly nonlinear in one side of the NES equilibrium position, whereas it is either weakly nonlinear or weakly linear in the other side. This is achieved by introducing the asymmetric magnet-based NES in which the asymmetric nonlinear magnetic repulsive force is generated by two pairs of aligned permanent magnets. Consequently, this proposed design is found to provide a considerable enhancement in the shock mitigation performance compared with the symmetric stiffness-based NESs for broadband energy inputs.
Wavelet-Based Multifractal Analysis to Periodic Time Series
Authors: Chen Changzheng , Wang Zhong , Gou Yi , Zhao Xinguang , Miao Hailing
Published: April 2014

Many processes are characterized by their oscillating or cyclic time behavior. This holds for rotating machines or alternating currents. The resulting signals are then periodic signals or contain periodic parts. It can be used for fault detection of rotating machines. In this paper, we studied the periodic time series of the superposition of two oscillations from the multifractal point of view. The wavelet transform modulus maxima method was used for the singularity spectrum computations. The results show that the width and the peak position of the singularity spectrum changed significantly when the amplitude, frequency, or the phase difference changed. So, the width and the peak position of the singularity spectrum can be used as a new measure for periodic signals.
Preservation of a Preglacial Landscape Under the Center of the Greenland Ice Sheet
Authors: Bierman Paul R. , Corbett Lee B. , Graly Joseph A. , Neumann Thomas A. , Lini Andrea , Crosby Benjamin T. , Rood Dylan H.
Published: April 2014

Deep Freeze

Geologists usually consider glaciers and ice sheets to be gigantic abrasives, scouring the ground beneath them and carving out relief on the underlying landscapes.

Bierman
et al.

(p.
402
, published online 17 April) show that this is not always the case. They found that the silt at the very bottom of the Greenland Ice Sheet Project 2 core contained significant amounts of beryllium-10, an isotope produced in the atmosphere by cosmic rays and which adheres to soils when it is deposited on them. Hence, the dust at the bottom of the ice sheet indicates the persistence of a landscape under 3000 meters of glacial ice that is millions of years old.
Draft Genome Sequence of
Ochroconis constricta
UM 578, Isolated from Human Skin Scraping
Authors: Chan Chai Ling , Yew Su Mei , Na Shiang Ling , Tan Yung-Chie , Lee Kok Wei , Yee Wai-Yan , Ngeow Yun Fong , Ng Kee Peng
Published: April 2014

Ochroconis constricta
is a soilborne dematiaceous fungus that has never been reported to be associated with human infection. Here we report the first draft genome sequence of strain UM 578, isolated from human skin scraping. The genomic information revealed will contribute to a better understanding of this species.
Complete Genome Sequence of a Wild-Type Measles Virus Isolated during the Spring 2013 Epidemic in Germany
Authors: Sparrer Konstantin M. J. , Krebs Stefan , Jäger Gundula , Santibanez Sabine , Mankertz Annette , Blum Helmut , Conzelmann Karl-Klaus
Published: April 2014

Measles virus induces an acute disease with rash and fever. Despite ongoing vaccination and elimination campaigns, the measles virus still sustains long-lasting transmission chains in Europe. Here we report the complete genome sequence of a wild-type measles virus isolated from a patient in Munich (MVi/Muenchen.DEU/19.13[D8]) during a German measles outbreak in 2013.
Complete Genome Sequence of CHYJ130330, a Highly Virulent Strain of Porcine Epidemic Diarrhea Virus in South China
Authors: Jia Aiqing , Feng Xiaosheng , Liu Qi , Zhou Ruyue , Wang Guiping
Published: April 2014

Porcine epidemic diarrhea virus (PEDV) strain CHYJ130330 was isolated from southern China and shown to be highly virulent when inoculated into neonatal pigs. This report describes the complete genome sequence of CHYJ130330. These data will provide important insights into the variation of PEDV in China.
Draft Genome Sequence of Bacillus pumilus Fairview, an Isolate Recovered from a Microbial Methanogenic Enrichment of Coal Seam Gas Formation Water from Queensland, Australia
Authors: Vockler Cassandra J. , Greenfield Paul , Tran-Dinh Nai , Midgley David J.
Published: April 2014

Despite its global abundance,
Bacillus pumilus
is poorly studied. The Fairview strain was obtained from a methanogenic anaerobic coal digester. The draft genome sequence was 3.8 Mbp long and contained 3,890 protein-coding genes. Like the SAFR-032 strain, it includes
B. pumilus
-specific proteins that likely confer enhanced resistance to environmental stresses.
Complete Genomic Sequence of a Novel Porcine Circovirus 2 Strain, CC12
Authors: Xing Zeli , Zhu Lisai , Jia Chuanchuan , Guo Changming , Gai Xiaochun , Mu Lianzhi , Wang Xinping
Published: April 2014

The genome sequence of a novel porcine circovirus 2 strain (CC12) is composed of 1,767 nucleotides, with two major open reading frames (ORFs). ORF1 encodes two replication-associated proteins (Rep and Rep′) with the unique mutation N186S, and ORF2 encodes a viral capsid protein (Cap) with two rare mutations, R59K and A190T.
Complete Genome Sequence of the Treponema pallidum subsp.
pallidum
Sea81-4 Strain
Authors: Giacani Lorenzo , Iverson-Cabral Stefanie L. , King Jordon C. K. , Molini Barbara J. , Lukehart Sheila A. , Centurion-Lara Arturo
Published: April 2014

Using the rabbit model of syphilis, the Sea81-4 strain of
Treponema pallidum
subsp.
pallidum
has been found to be more likely than other strains to invade the central nervous system (CNS). To identify possible explanations for this important phenotype at the genomic level, we sequenced the Sea81-4 strain genome.
The effect of the electronic transmission of prescriptions on dispensing errors and prescription enhancements made in English community pharmacies: a naturalistic stepped wedge study
Authors: Franklin Bryony Dean , Reynolds Matthew , Sadler Stacey , Hibberd Ralph , Avery Anthony J , Armstrong Sarah J , Mehta Rajnikant , Boyd Matthew J , Barber Nick
Published: April 2014

Objectives

To compare prevalence and types of dispensing errors and pharmacists’ labelling enhancements, for prescriptions transmitted electronically versus paper prescriptions.

Design

Naturalistic stepped wedge study.

Setting

15 English community pharmacies.

Intervention

Electronic transmission of prescriptions between prescriber and pharmacy.

Main outcome measures

Prevalence of labelling errors, content errors and labelling enhancements (beneficial additions to the instructions), as identified by researchers visiting each pharmacy.

Results

Overall, we identified labelling errors in 5.4% of 16 357 dispensed items, and content errors in 1.4%; enhancements were made for 13.6%. Pharmacists also edited the label for a further 21.9% of electronically transmitted items. Electronically transmitted prescriptions had a higher prevalence of labelling errors (7.4% of 3733 items) than other prescriptions (4.8% of 12 624); OR 1.46 (95% CI 1.21 to 1.76). There was no difference for content errors or enhancements. The increase in labelling errors was mainly accounted for by errors (mainly at one pharmacy) involving omission of the indication, where specified by the prescriber, from the label. A sensitivity analysis in which these cases (n=158) were not considered errors revealed no remaining difference between prescription types.

Conclusions

We identified a higher prevalence of labelling errors for items transmitted electronically, but this was predominantly accounted for by local practice in a single pharmacy, independent of prescription type. Community pharmacists made labelling enhancements to about one in seven dispensed items, whether electronically transmitted or not. Community pharmacists, prescribers, professional bodies and software providers should work together to agree how items should be dispensed and labelled to best reap the benefits of electronically transmitted prescriptions. Community pharmacists need to ensure their computer systems are promptly updated to help reduce errors.
STOP!: a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled study of the efficacy and safety of methoxyflurane for the treatment of acute pain
Authors: Coffey Frank , Wright John , Hartshorn Stuart , Hunt Paul , Locker Thomas , Mirza Kazim , Dissmann Patrick
Published: April 2014

Objective

To evaluate the short-term efficacy and safety of methoxyflurane for the treatment of acute pain in patients presenting to an emergency department (ED) with minor trauma.

Methods

STOP! was a randomised, double-blind, multicentre, placebo-controlled study conducted at six sites in the UK. A total of 300 patients, 90 of whom were adolescent patients (age 12–17 years), were randomised 150:150 to receive either methoxyflurane via a Penthrox inhaler or placebo. The primary end point of the study was the change in pain intensity as measured using the visual analogue scale (VAS) from baseline to 5, 10, 15 and 20 min after the start of study drug inhalation. Patients were supplied with one inhaler containing 3 mL methoxyflurane or 5 mL placebo after enrolment and initial assessments. Age group (adolescent/adult) and baseline VAS score were controlled for in the statistical analyses.

Results

A total of 149 patients received methoxyflurane, and 149 patients received placebo. Demographic and baseline characteristics were comparable between the groups. Methoxyflurane reduced pain severity significantly more than placebo (p<0.0001) at all time points tested, with the greatest estimated treatment effect of −18.5 mm (adjusted change from baseline) seen at 15 min after the start of treatment. Methoxyflurane was well tolerated, with the majority of adverse reactions being mild, transient and in line with anticipated pharmacological action.

Conclusion

The results of this study suggest that methoxyflurane administered via the Penthrox inhaler is an efficacious, safe, and rapidly acting analgesic.

Trial registration number:

NCT01420159.
The experiences and perceptions of family planning of female Chinese asylum seekers living in the UK
Authors: Verran Alice , Evans Sarah , Lin Daniel J , Griffiths Frances
Published: April 2014

Introduction

Chinese family planning policy is unique. There is limited sex education and the state is highly influential. This has resulted in extremely wide coverage of contraception with long-acting methods being favoured. The Chinese constitute a large proportion of asylum applicants to the UK. This study examines how their experiences and decisions about family planning in the UK are shaped by their cultural background.

Methods

Data were drawn from 10 semi-structured qualitative interviews with female Chinese asylum seekers recruited through a family planning clinic in the UK.

Results

The increased autonomy provided by the UK system was appreciated by the participants. Choice of contraceptive method was influenced by traditional cultural beliefs and values, and the effect of hormonal contraception on menstruation was particularly concerning. Women arrived from China with little knowledge of contraception. Friends from a similar background were the most trusted source of advice. When transitioning from China to the UK unwanted pregnancies had occurred amongst unmarried women who had missed out on sex education while living in China.

Conclusions

Chinese societal and cultural practices continue to influence family planning decisions made within the UK. Culturally competent health strategies are needed to ensure Chinese immigrant women fully benefit from family planning within the UK.
Seismic geomorphology and sequence stratigraphy as tools for the prediction of reservoir facies distribution: an example from the Paleocene and earliest Eocene of the South Buchan Graben, Outer Moray Firth Basin, UKCS
Authors: Thomas Ruth , Hartley Adrian J.
Published: April 2014

A seismic stratigraphic analysis constrained by well and wireline log data has been undertaken on the Paleocene and earliest Eocene succession of the South Buchan Graben (Quadrants 20 and 21), Outer Moray Firth Basin (OMFB). Two principal sequences have been described relating to two regressive/transgressive second-order cycles of relative sea-level change. The Maureen, Andrew, Glamis Tuff and Balmoral sandstone members are expressed as a stacked set of lowstand basin floor fans separated by mudstone intervals representing four cycles of third-order relative sea-level change. The Sele and Balder formations contain both basinal and shelfal packages as an expression of two cycles of third-order relative sea-level change. The Forties Sandstone Member is deposited within highly mounded, levee-confined channels downlapped by a prograding slope succession with well-defined clinoforms and deltaic topsets attributed to the Dornoch and Beauly formations. The individual parasequences of the prograding wedge are related to higher-order eustatic fluctuations with incision and slope fans, attributed to the Cromarty Sandstone Member, deposited during periods of relative sea-level lowstand.

It is demonstrated that through the integration of lithostratigraphic, seismic geomorphological and sequence stratigraphic analyses an understanding of depositional environments and the distribution of facies within them can be obtained. The identification of basinal and slope features with reservoir potential, along with an understanding of their chronostratigraphic relationship to sealing facies, play an important role in regional play fairway mapping and risk analysis in this area and beyond. Future prospectivity within mature basins, such as the OMFB, relies on subtle stratigraphic traps typical of lowstand systems tracts, where the main risk is associated with reservoir quality and containment.
Local Labor Markets and the Evolution of Inequality
Authors: Black Dan A. , Kolesnikova Natalia , Taylor Lowell J.
Published: April 2014

US labor markets have experienced rising inequality over the past 30 years—as evidenced by an increased gap in wages earned by high-skill workers (e.g., college graduates) and low-skill workers (e.g., high school graduates). Empirical evidence documenting this evolution of inequality comes from studies that assess wage-education gradients at the national level. But of course people work in local labor markets that differ in important ways. We provide a theoretical framework for evaluating inequality changes when individuals work in local labor markets, and we give an empirical reassessment of inequality changes in light of the insights that emerge from our framework.
Aging-associated oxidative stress leads to decrease in IAS tone via RhoA/ROCK downregulation
Authors: Singh Jagmohan , Kumar Sumit , Krishna Chadalavada Vijay , Rattan Satish
Published: April 2014

Internal anal sphincter (IAS) tone plays an important role in rectoanal incontinence (RI). IAS tone may be compromised during aging, leading to RI in certain patients. We examined the influence of oxidative stress in the aging-associated decrease in IAS tone (AADI). Using adult (4–6 mo old) and aging (24–30 mo old) rats, we determined the effect of oxidative stress on IAS tone and the regulatory RhoA/ROCK signal transduction cascade. We determined the effect of the oxidative stress inducer LY83583, which produces superoxide anions (O2·−), on basal and stimulated IAS tone before and after treatment of intact smooth muscle strips and smooth muscle cells with the O2·− scavenger SOD. Our data showed that AADI was associated with a decrease in RhoA/ROCK expression at the transcriptional and translational levels. Oxidative stress with a LY83583-mediated decrease in IAS tone and relaxation of IAS smooth muscle cells was associated with a decrease in RhoA/ROCK signal transduction, which was reversible by SOD. In addition, LY83583 caused a significant decrease in IAS contraction produced by the RhoA activator and a known RhoA/ROCK agonist, U46619 , that was also reversible by SOD. The inhibitory effects of LY83583 and the ROCK inhibitor Y27632 on the U46619-induced increase in IAS tone were similar. We conclude that an increase in oxidative stress plays an important role in AADI in the elderly and may be one of the underlying mechanisms of RI in certain aging patients.
Role of nitric oxide-containing factors in the ventilatory and cardiovascular responses elicited by hypoxic challenge in isoflurane-anesthetized rats
Authors: Mendoza James P. , Passafaro Rachael J. , Baby Santhosh M. , Young Alex P. , Bates James N. , Gaston Benjamin , Lewis Stephen J.
Published: April 2014

Exposure to hypoxia elicits changes in mean arterial blood pressure (MAP), heart rate, and frequency of breathing (fr). The objective of this study was to determine the role of nitric oxide (NO) in the cardiovascular and ventilatory responses elicited by brief exposures to hypoxia in isoflurane-anesthetized rats. The rats were instrumented to record MAP, heart rate, and fr and then exposed to 90 s episodes of hypoxia (10% O2, 90% N2) before and after injection of vehicle, the NO synthase inhibitor NG-nitro-l-arginine methyl ester (l-NAME), or the inactive enantiomer d-NAME (both at 50 μmol/kg iv). Each episode of hypoxia elicited a decrease in MAP, bidirectional changes in heart rate (initial increase and then a decrease), and an increase in fr. These responses were similar before and after injection of vehicle or d-NAME. In contrast, the hypoxia-induced decreases in MAP were attenuated after administration of l-NAME. The initial increases in heart rate during hypoxia were amplified whereas the subsequent decreases in heart rate were attenuated in l-NAME-treated rats. Finally, the hypoxia-induced increases in fr were virtually identical before and after administration of l-NAME. These findings suggest that NO factors play a vital role in the expression of the cardiovascular but not the ventilatory responses elicited by brief episodes of hypoxia in isoflurane-anesthetized rats. Based on existing evidence that NO factors play a vital role in carotid body and central responses to hypoxia in conscious rats, our findings raise the novel possibility that isoflurane blunts this NO-dependent signaling.
Sensitivity Analysis of Deviation Source for Fast Assembly Precision Optimization
Authors: Tang Jianjun , Tian Xitian , Geng Junhao
Published: April 2014

Assembly precision optimization of complex product has a huge benefit in improving the quality of our products. Due to the impact of a variety of deviation source coupling phenomena, the goal of assembly precision optimization is difficult to be confirmed accurately. In order to achieve optimization of assembly precision accurately and rapidly, sensitivity analysis of deviation source is proposed. First, deviation source sensitivity is defined as the ratio of assembly dimension variation and deviation source dimension variation. Second, according to assembly constraint relations, assembly sequences and locating, deviation transmission paths are established by locating the joints between the adjacent parts, and establishing each part’s datum reference frame. Third, assembly multidimensional vector loops are created using deviation transmission paths, and the corresponding scalar equations of each dimension are established. Then, assembly deviation source sensitivity is calculated by using a first‐order Taylor expansion and matrix transformation method. Finally, taking assembly precision optimization of wing flap rocker as an example, the effectiveness and efficiency of the deviation source sensitivity analysis method are verified.
A Rare Presentation of Lymphoma of the Cervix with Cross-Sectional Imaging Correlation
Authors: Korivi Brinda Rao , Jensen Corey T. , Patnana Madhavi , Patel Keyur P. , Bathala Tharakeswara K.
Published: April 2014

Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma of the cervix is an extremely uncommon entity, with no standard established treatment protocol. A 43-year-old asymptomatic female with a history of dual hit blastic B-cell lymphoma/leukemia in complete remission presented with an incidental cervical mass, which was initially felt to represent a cervical fibroid on computed tomography (CT). It was further evaluated with ultrasound, biopsy, and positron emission tomography-computed tomography (PET-CT), which demonstrated a growing biopsy-proven lymphomatous mass and new humeral head lesion. The patient was started on chemotherapy to control the newly diagnosed humeral head lesion, which then regressed. She then underwent radiation to the cervix with significant improvement in the cervical lymphoma. A review of cross-sectional imaging findings of lymphoma of the cervix is provided, including how to differentiate it from other more common diseases of the cervix. Clinical awareness of rare cervical masses such as lymphoma is very important in order to achieve timely diagnosis and appropriate treatment.
Investigating Acid Stress Response in DifferentSaccharomycesStrains
Authors: Brandão Rogelio Lopes , Rosa Júlio César Câmara , Nicoli Jacques Robert , Almeida Marcos Vinicius Simi , do Carmo Ana Paula , Queiros Heloa Teixeira , Castro Ieso Miranda
Published: April 2014

Yeast cells need to respond to a variety of stresses found in such different conditions as gastrointestinal tract after probiotic ingestion or fermentation vat during ethanol production. In the present study, H+neutralisation capacity, membrane fatty acid composition, H+-ATPase activity, and cytosolic Ca2+concentration were evaluated in yeast cells used for probiotic (Saccharomyces boulardii) and laboratory (Saccharomyces cerevisiaeW303) purposes, as well as in some W303 mutant strains forENA1gene andS. cerevisiaeBY4741. Results show that the H+internal concentration of yeast is regulated by several systems, including the plasma membrane H+-ATPase, and that Ena1p has an important but undefined role in the cellular response to acid. Membrane fatty acid composition ofS. cerevisiaeW303 strain was affected by exposure to acidic pH, but the presence of 86 mM NaCl prevented this effect, whereas membrane fatty acid composition ofS. boulardiiwas unaffected by acidic pH. We also demonstrated that the acid stress response is dependent on calcium metabolism and blocked by FK 506.