bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Radiation-based near-field thermal rectification with phase transition materials
Authors: Yang Yue , Basu Soumyadipta , Wang Liping
Published: October 2013

The capability of manipulating heat flow has promising applications in thermal management and thermal circuits. In this Letter, we report strong thermal rectification effect based on the near-field thermal radiation between silicon dioxide (SiO2) and a phase transition material, vanadium dioxide (VO2), separated by nanometer vacuum gaps under the framework of fluctuational electrodynamics. Strong coupling of surface phonon polaritons between SiO2 and insulating VO2 leads to enhanced near-field radiative transfer, which on the other hand is suppressed when VO2 becomes metallic, resulting in thermal rectification. The rectification factor is close to 1 when vacuum gap is at 1 μm and it increases to almost 2 at sub-20-nm gaps when emitter and receiver temperatures are set to 400 and 300 K, respectively. Replacing bulk SiO2 with a thin film of several nanometers, rectification factor of 3 can be achieved when the vacuum gap is around 100 nm.
Investigation of carrier transport properties in semipolar (112¯2) GaN films with low defect density
Authors: Jang Soohwan , Kim Hyonwoong , Soo Kim Doo , Hwang Sung-Min , Kim Jihyun , Hyeon Baik Kwang
Published: October 2013

We report on the anisotropic carrier transport properties of semipolar (112¯2) GaN films with low defect density. We utilized the asymmetric lateral epitaxy to obtain various semipolar (112¯2) GaN films having significantly reduced partial dislocations and basal-plane stacking faults (BPSFs). The directionally dependent carrier transport was observed with the lower sheet resistances (Rsh) along the [11¯00] direction. The Rsh ratios of semipolar (112¯2) GaN films were found to be relatively smaller than those of nonpolar a-plane GaN films, possibly due to low BPSF density and the reduced in-plane electric field induced by BPSF along the [112¯3] direction at wurtzite domain boundaries.
Energy and hydrodynamic analyses of coalescence-induced jumping droplets
Authors: Nam Youngsuk , Kim Hyunsik , Shin Seungwon
Published: October 2013

We report our dynamic analysis of coalescence-induced jumping on superhydrophobic surfaces with a full 3D numerical model supported with experiments. The analysis shows that approximately half (40%–60%) of the released surface energy during the coalescence is converted to kinetic energy before the detachment starts. The rapid increase in the kinetic energy at the beginning is initiated from low pressure associated with the high negative curvature of a liquid bridge. The asymmetric nature of the droplet evolution with a superhydrophobic wall generates high pressure at the bottom, which provides driving force to make the merged droplet spontaneously jump from the wall.
Homing in the New Zealand eagle ray, Myliobatis tenuicaudatus
Authors: Marcotte Megan M.
Published: October 2013

Homing after experimental displacement is widespread among bony fishes but has only been documented in two species of elasmobranchs, lemon sharks, Negaprion brevirostris, and Port Jackson sharks, Heterodontus portusjacksoni. To test if a species of batoid was capable of homing, New Zealand eagle rays, Myliobatis tenuicaudatus, were experimentally displaced 1.3–9.4 km from the Whangateau Estuary, where they feed, rest and are protected from predators. Significantly more rays returned to the estuary than expected by chance (seven out of eleven rays). The present study demonstrated for the first time that rays are capable of homing after experimental displacement. Homing success was not predicted by day or night capture, displacement distance, ray size, water depth at the displacement site or time in captivity. The homing rates and speeds of the rays were lower than those recorded for sharks, possibly due to a disparity in motivation and behavioural differences. Analysis of active tracks for associations with potential navigational stimuli may indicate which stimuli the rays use to home.
Trawl impacts and biodiversity management in Shark Bay, Western Australia
Authors: Kangas Mervi , Morrison Sue
Published: October 2013

Trawl by-catch species composition and impact of trawling on soft bottom habitats was investigated in Shark Bay over four seasons. Spatial and temporal variability in faunal abundance and assemblages were investigated for sites with varied levels of trawl intensity, including areas permanently closed to trawling. Environmental conditions were found to be more important in determining differences in faunal assemblages between sites than trawl intensity. In total, 241 fish and 360 invertebrate species were recorded in Shark Bay during this study. The 20 most abundant fish species contributed to 80% of the total number of fish caught overall and these occurred at 73 to 100% of the sites sampled whilst the 20 most abundant invertebrate species contributed to 88% of the total number of invertebrates caught and these occurred at 62 to 100% of sites sampled. Depletion experiments during two time periods were undertaken to determine the catchability (vulnerability) of fish and invertebrate species within these assemblages to better understand trawl impacts. These results, combined with the spatial and temporal distribution patterns of individual species, indicate that long-term trawl impacts can be mitigated by restricting trawling within current trawl areas that constitute 20–40% of the fishery area and for daily monitoring of the trawl fleet with the Vessel Monitoring System for adherence to permanent, spatial and temporal closures.
Trophic transfer between coastal habitats in a seagrass-dominated macrotidal embayment system as determined by stable isotope and fatty acid signatures
Authors: Park Hyun Je , Choy Eun Jung , Lee Kun-Seop , Kang Chang-Keun
Published: October 2013

Stable isotope and fatty acid analyses were used to examine trophic transfers within a seagrass bed and its adjacent shallow subtidal and intertidal habitats in a macrotidal embayment system in Korea. Suspended particulate organic matter (POM), sedimentary organic matter, benthic microalgae (BMA), green and decomposing leaves of Zostera marina, its epiphytes and a variety of consumers in different habitats were collected between May and June 2007. Z. marina, epiphytes and BMA were more 13C-enriched than offshore POM. The δ13C values of consumers from all habitats overlapped with those of BMA, Z. marina leaves and epiphytes, indicating the trophic importance of locally produced organic matter. Tissues of the dominant consumers in all habitats contained high quantities of fatty acid biomarkers for diatoms, but very low quantities of fatty acid biomarkers for seagrass. Principal component analysis based on fatty acids of consumers showed a very complex distribution, suggesting that they have diverse nutritive origins irrespective of feeding guilds and habitats. The isotopic mixing model showed that epiphytes and BMA served as major nutritional sources for consumer production in the seagrass and the adjacent intertidal habitats. Moreover, our results suggest that epiphytes and BMA outwell into the adjacent shallow subtidal habitats and provide considerable trophic subsidy for consumer production.
Central place foraging and feather regrowth rate in bridled terns (Onychoprion anaethetus): an insight from stable isotopes
Authors: Labbé Aurélie M. T. , Dunlop James N. , Loneragan Neil R.
Published: October 2013

In this study, the stable isotope ratios of δ13C and δ15N of bridled terns’ (Onychoprion anaethetus) tail feathers were used to investigate changes in the food sources assimilated by the birds on Penguin Island, Western Australia, during different phases of the breeding season. Samples were taken immediately after they arrived on the island returning from migration (BM), before egg-laying (BEL), after egg-laying (AEL), after hatching (AH) and from fledglings (F). A one-way MANOVA (excluding the BM phase) and two one-way ANOVAs (including all phases), showed that the δ13C and δ15N values differed significantly between the stages of the breeding season, with the greatest differences between the BM and BEL stages. The mean δ13C values were higher and those for δ15N were lower for BM birds than all other stages, indicating that the food source assimilated by the birds, and their foraging locations, changed during the breeding season. These results support the hypothesis of the Central Place Foraging Theory, i.e. that adult breeding birds adjust their foraging strategies when they are bound to a central place to care for their young. Induced feathers were regenerated over ~70 days and their regrowth rates were similar before and after egg-laying.
Intraspecific variability in reproductive patterns in the temperate hermaphrodite fish, Labrus bergylta
Authors: Villegas-Ríos David , Alonso-Fernández Alexandre , Domínguez-Petit Rosario , Saborido-Rey Fran
Published: October 2013

For many fish populations reproductive patterns remain unknown, which often results in inadequate management strategies. Timing and intraspecific variability in the main reproductive traits of ballan wrasse (Labrus bergylta) were investigated based on microscopic analysis of gonads sampled from NW Spain in 2009–2012. This species displays two main body colour patterns, plain and spotted, which coexist in sympatry. Females spawned from January to April whereas spawning capable males were present almost year-round. Length at 50% maturity did not differ between colour patterns and was above the minimum catch size. Plain individuals attained the length and age at 50% sex change earlier than spotted individuals, which might be explained by differences in growth patterns, mortality rates or by an evolutionary genetic divergence between populations. Individuals with gonads infected by encysted trematode metacercariae were associated with an earlier timing of sex change, which represents one of the few examples of a possible parasitic influence on the sex allocation of its host. Our findings provide a framework for scientific-based management of this hermaphrodite fish.
Comparative habitat use by large riverine fishes
Authors: Koehn John D. , Nicol Simon J.
Published: October 2013

The present radio-tracking study compared adult daytime microhabitat use by three large Australian native freshwater fishes (Murray cod, Maccullochella peelii, trout cod, M. macquariensis, golden perch, Maquaria ambigua) and introduced carp, Cyprinus carpio, in the Murray River, south-eastern Australia. The paper describes habitat patches used by all species and quantifies differences among species. All species were strongly associated with structural woody habitat (>68% cover), deeper (>2.4 m), slower water (<0.2 m s–1) closer to the river bank, with variations in substrate. Murray cod and trout cod used deeper habitats (2.8 m and 2.9 m, respectively), with higher surface water velocities (0.37 m s–1 and 0.49 m s–1, respectively) and further from the bank than the habitats of golden perch (2.6 m; 0.31 m s–1) or carp (2.4 m; 0.20 m s–1), the latter species using wood higher in the water column than did cod species. Trout cod used habitats furthest from the bank and carp those closest. These data provide support and direction for reintroduction of structural woody habitat patches for rehabilitation which, in general, should have >70% cover, be >1.5 m high, located <15% of the river channel (width) closest to the bank, with surface water velocities of 0.3–0.6 m s–1.
Are Australian sexual health clinics attracting priority populations?
Authors: Ali Hammad , Donovan Basil , Fairley Christopher K. , Ryder Nathan , McNulty Anna , Chen Marcus Y. , Marshall Lewis , O'Connor Catherine C. , Dickson Bridget , Grulich Andrew E. , Hellard Margaret E. , Kaldor John M. , Guy Rebecca J.
Published: October 2013

To answer a key question (‘Are Australian sexual health clinics attracting priority populations?’), we used data from 44 Australian sexual health clinics between 2004 and 2011. We assessed the proportion of patients that were from priority populations (deemed to be at risk of sexually transmissible infections) and compared this to their proportions in the general population using data from Australian Bureau of Statistics and the Australian Study of Health and Relationships. A χ2-test was used. A total of 278 154 new patients attended during 2004–2011. The proportions from each priority population were significantly higher (P < 0.01 for all) than for the general population: young people aged 15–29 years (58.1% v. 20.1%), men who have sex with men (26.0% v. 6.0%), female sex workers (10.8% v. 0.5%), and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people (4.2% v. 2.3%). This study confirms that Australian sexual health clinics attract higher proportions of priority populations and are thus meeting their mandate as defined in the 2010–2013 National Sexually Transmissible Infections Strategy.
The formins Cdc12 and For3 cooperate during contractile ring assembly in cytokinesis
Authors: Coffman Valerie C. , Sees Jennifer A. , Kovar David R. , Wu Jian-Qiu
Published: October 2013

Both de novo–assembled actin filaments at the division site and existing filaments recruited by directional cortical transport contribute to contractile ring formation during cytokinesis. However, it is unknown which source is more important. Here, we show that fission yeast formin For3 is responsible for node condensation into clumps in the absence of formin Cdc12. For3 localization at the division site depended on the F-BAR protein Cdc15, and for3 deletion was synthetic lethal with mutations that cause defects in contractile ring formation. For3 became essential in cells expressing N-terminal truncations of Cdc12, which were more active in actin assembly but depended on actin filaments for localization to the division site. In tetrad fluorescence microscopy, double mutants of for3 deletion and cdc12 truncations were severely defective in contractile ring assembly and constriction, although cortical transport of actin filaments was normal. Together, these data indicate that different formins cooperate in cytokinesis and that de novo actin assembly at the division site is predominant for contractile ring formation.
Nonrandom template segregation: A way to break the symmetry of stem cells
Authors: Yamashita Yukiko M.
Published: October 2013

Whether DNA segregates in a biased way has been a subject of intense controversy and debate. Although highly provocative in its biological implications, if true, technical problems have limited researchers from drawing firm conclusions from the data. Elabd et al. (2013. J. Cell Biol. ) now show a high frequency of nonrandom template segregation during differentiation of embryonic stem cells using rigorous experimentation and implicate the methyltransferase Dnmt3 as a key regulator of this process.
Formin’ the cytokinetic ring
Authors: Short Ben
Published: October 2013

Study reveals how two formin proteins cooperate to assemble the contractile ring in fission yeast.
Yohanns Bellaïche: Mastering multiscale morphology
Authors: Sedwick Caitlin
Published: October 2013

Bellaïche uses physics and genetics to study tissue morphogenesis.
Failure of the Laryngeal Mask Airway Unique™ and Classic™ in the Pediatric Surgical Patient
Authors: Mathis Michael R. , Haydar Bishr , Taylor Emma L. , Morris Michelle , Malviya Shobha V. , Christensen Robert E. , Ramachandran Satya-Krishna , Kheterpal Sachin
Published: October 2013

Background:

Although predictors of laryngeal mask airway failure in adults have been elucidated, there remains a paucity of data regarding laryngeal mask airway failure in children.

Methods:

The authors performed a retrospective database review of all pediatric patients who received a laryngeal mask anesthetic at their institution from 2006 to 2010. Device brands were restricted to LMA Unique™ (Cardinal Health, Dublin, OH) and LMA Classic™ (LMA North America, San Diego, CA), and primary outcome was laryngeal mask failure, defined as any airway event requiring device removal and tracheal intubation. Potential risk factors were analyzed with both univariate and multivariate techniques and included medical history, physical examination, surgical, and anesthetic characteristics.

Results:

Of the 11,910 anesthesia cases performed in the study, 102 cases (0.86%) experienced laryngeal mask failure. Common presenting features of laryngeal mask failures included leak (25%), obstruction (48%), and patient intolerance such as intractable coughing/bucking (11%). Failures occurred before incision in 57% of cases and after incision in 43%. Independent clinical associations included ear/nose/throat surgical procedure, nonoutpatient admission status, prolonged surgical duration, congenital/acquired airway abnormality, and patient transport.

Conclusions:

The findings of the study support the use of the LMA Unique™ and LMA Classic™ as reliable pediatric supraglottic airway devices, demonstrating relatively low failure rates. Predictors of laryngeal mask airway failure in the pediatric surgical population do not overlap with those in the adult population and should therefore be independently considered.
Perioperative Organ Injury
Authors: Bartels Karsten , Karhausen Jörn , Clambey Eric T. , Grenz Almut , Eltzschig Holger K.
Published: October 2013

Despite the fact that a surgical procedure may have been performed for the appropriate indication and in a technically perfect manner, patients are threatened by perioperative organ injury. For example, stroke, myocardial infarction, acute respiratory distress syndrome, acute kidney injury, or acute gut injury are among the most common causes for morbidity and mortality in surgical patients. In the current review, the authors discuss the pathogenesis of perioperative organ injury, and provide select examples for novel treatment concepts that have emerged over the past decade. Indeed, the authors are of the opinion that research to provide mechanistic insight into acute organ injury and identification of novel therapeutic approaches for the prevention or treatment of perioperative organ injury represent the most important opportunity to improve outcomes of anesthesia and surgery.
Immobilization with Atrophy Induces De Novo Expression of Neuronal Nicotinic α7 Acetylcholine Receptors in Muscle Contributing to Neurotransmission
Authors: Lee Sangseok , Yang Hong-seuk , Sasakawa Tomoki , Khan Mohammed A. S. , Khatri Ashok , Kaneki Masao , Martyn J. A. Jeevendra
Published: October 2013

Background:

Mature acetylcholine receptor (AChR) isoform normally mediates muscle contraction. The hypothesis that α7AChRs up-regulate during immobilization and contribute to neurotransmission was tested pharmacologically using specific blockers to mature (waglerin-1), immature (αA-OIVA), and α7AChRs (methyllycaconitine), and nonspecific muscle AChR antagonist, α-bungarotoxin.

Methods:

Mice were immobilized; contralateral limbs were controls. Fourteen days later, anesthetized mice were mechanically ventilated. Nerve-stimulated tibialis muscle contractions on both sides were recorded, and blockers enumerated above sequentially administered via jugular vein. Data are mean ± standard error.

Results:

Immobilization (N = 7) induced tibialis muscle atrophy (40.6 ± 2.8 vs. 52.1 ± 2.0 mg; P < 0.01) and decrease of twitch tension (34.8 ± 1.1 vs. 42.9 ± 1.5 g; P < 0.01). Waglerin-1 (0.3 ± 0.05 μg/g) significantly (P = 0.001; N = 9) depressed twitch tension on contralateral (≥97%) versus immobilized side (approximately 45%). Additional waglerin-1 (total dose 1.06 ± 0.12 μg/g or approximately 15.0 × ED50 in normals) could not depress twitch of 80% or greater on immobilized side. Immature AChR blocker, αA-OIVA (17.0 ± 0.25 μg/g) did not change tension bilaterally. Administration of α-bungarotoxin (N = 4) or methyllycaconitine (N = 3) caused 96% or greater suppression of the remaining twitch tension on immobilized side. Methyllycaconitine, administered first (N = 3), caused equipotent inhibition by waglerin-1 on both sides. Protein expression of α7AChRs was significantly (N = 3; P < 0.01) increased on the immobilized side.

Conclusions:

Ineffectiveness of waglerin-1 suggests that the twitch tension during immobilization is maintained by receptors other than mature AChRs. Because αA-OIVA caused no neuromuscular changes, it can be concluded that immature AChRs contribute minimally to neurotransmission. During immobilization approximately 20% of twitch tension is maintained by up-regulation of α-bungarotoxin- and methyllycaconitine-sensitive α7AChRs.
Therapeutic Benefit of the Anesthesiologist–Patient Relationship
Authors: Egbert Lawrence D. , Jackson Stephen H.
Published: October 2013

The Value of the Preoperative Visit by an Anesthetist: A Study of Doctor-Patient Rapport. By Egbert LD, Battit GE, Turndorf H, and Beecher HK. JAMA 1963; 119:1465-8. Reprinted with permission. Copyright © 1963 American Medical Association. All rights reserved.

The psychologic effect of the preoperative visit by an anesthetist has been compared with the effect of pentobarbital for preanesthetic medication. Patients receiving pentobarbital 1 hour before an operation became drowsy but it could not be shown that they became calm. Patients who had received a visit by an anesthetist before operation (informing them about the events which were to occur on the day of operation and about the anesthetic to be administered) were not drowsy but were more likely to be calm on the day of operation. The importance of the preoperative visit probably explains, in part, the difficulties previous investigators have had in showing sedative effects from the barbiturates and narcotics before operation. The tremendous emotional significance to a patient of illness or an operation may explain why physicians are able to exert such influence upon their patients.
Diagnostic and Therapeutic Utility of Double‐Balloon Enteroscopy in Children
Authors: Urs Arun N. , Martinelli Massimo , Rao Prithviraj , Thomson Mike A.
Published: October 2013

Objectives:

Diagnostic and therapeutic benefits of double‐balloon enteroscopy (DBE) have been documented in adults, with few data available on pediatric patients. We evaluated the diagnostic and therapeutic utility of DBE in children.

Methods:

A prospective assessment of 113 DBE procedures in 58 consecutive children younger than 18 years (36 boys, 22 girls; median age 12.7 years, range 1–18 years) was performed for a variety of suspected small bowel (SB) disorders from January 2008 to August 2012 in a tertiary referral center for pediatric patients. All of the children had undergone upper gastrointestinal endoscopy and ileocolonoscopy. A total of 19 patients had undergone radiological investigations for SB (n = 11 magnetic resonance imaging; n = 5 barium enterography; n = 3 computed tomography) and 54 patients had undergone wireless capsule endoscopy (WCE).

Results:

The overall median (range) examination time was 92.5 (45–275) minutes. The median (range) estimated insertion length of SB distal to pylorus was 230 (80–450) cm and proximal to ileocecal valve was 80 (5–275) cm. The common indications for DBE were polyposis syndromes (n = 21) and obscure gastrointestinal bleeding (n = 16). The findings included polyps (n = 19), mucosal ulcers and erosions (n = 8), submucosal elevations with white nodules (n = 4), and angioma/angiodysplasia (n = 2). The overall diagnostic yield for SB lesions using DBE was 70.7% (41/58) and for WCE was 77.7% (42/54). Endotherapeutic intervention was successfully used in 46.5% (n = 27/58). The endoscopic, medical, and surgical contributions to change in management by DBE were 72.4% (n = 42/58). Three complications (5.2%) were noted with uneventful recovery.

Conclusions:

The diagnostic yield of DBE was comparable to WCE, but with the addition of therapeutic possibility and histological yield. We believe this technique could be a valuable addition to existing endoscopic techniques, complementary to WCE, and may be considered as an alternative diagnostic and therapeutic option in the SB in children.
Spa13 of Shigella flexneri has a dual role: chaperone escort and export gate-activator switch of the type III secretion system
Authors: Cherradi Youness , Hachani Abderrahman , Allaoui Abdelmounaaïm
Published: October 2013

The type III secretion apparatus (T3SA) is used by numerous Gram-negative pathogens to inject virulence factors into eukaryotic cells. The Shigella flexneri T3SA spans the bacterial envelope and its assembly requires the products of ~20 mxi and spa genes. Despite progress made in understanding how the T3SA is assembled, the role of several predicted soluble components, such as Spa13, remains elusive. Here, we show that the secretion defect of the spa13 mutant is associated with lack of T3SA assembly which is partly due to the instability of the needle component MxiH. In contrast to its Yersinia counterpart, Spa13 is not a secreted protein. We identified a network of interactions between Spa13 and the ATPase Spa47, the C-ring protein Spa33, and the inner-membrane protein Spa40. Moreover, we revealed a Spa13 interaction with the inner-membrane MxiA and showed that overexpression of the large cytoplasmic domain of MxiA in the WT background shuts off secretion. Lastly, we demonstrated that Spa13 interacts with the cleaved form of Spa40 and with the translocator chaperone IpgC, suggesting that Spa13 intervenes during the secretion hierarchy switch process. Collectively, our results support a dual role of Spa13 as a chaperone escort and as an export gate-activator switch.
Increasing the rigor of grounded theory research – a review of the SCM literature
Authors: Denk Nikola , Kaufmann Lutz , Carter Craig R.
Published: October 2013

Purpose

This study aims to examine the quality of the extant supply chain management (SCM) research which has utilized a grounded theory (GT) approach. The purpose of this research is to better understand the current state of the field, by introducing and highlighting the distinctions between the Glaserian and Straussian schools of thought and examining the extent to which existing SCM research has either complied with or diverged from the six dimensions which distinguish the two schools of thought. By doing so, it aims to provide guidelines to both reviewers and researchers who might use GT in future studies, with the goal of improving the validity and rigor of GT research.

Design/methodology/approach

The method underlying this paper followed the steps of a systematic literature review process. GT works within leading SCM journals were examined to determine the extent to which they complied with the methodological tenets of GT.

Findings

The systematic literature review shows that, while the use of GT in the field of SCM appears to be increasing over time, over half of the investigated studies deviate from the chosen school of thought by not adhering to the six dimensions distinct to Glaser's or Strauss's approach to GT.

Research limitations/implications

This study calls for researchers to revisit the methodological roots of GT in order to improve the validity of such studies and ultimately the acceptance of the GT methodology by the broader community of SCM researchers. Transparency must be increased with regard to the chosen school of thought and the research process itself. GT is an appropriate methodology for investigating behavioral and social aspects of organizations and inter‐organizational relationships, and thus should be utilized more frequently in future SCM research.

Originality/value

The paper aids researchers in understanding the methodological tenets of grounded theory and the divergence of schools of thought within this methodology.
Towards a methodology for studying supply chain practice
Authors: Borgström Benedikte
Published: October 2013

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to describe and analyse a methodology for studying the practice of logistics and supply chain management (SCM), namely the mystery methodology.

Design/methodology/approach

Many SCM and logistics researchers share methodological presuppositions concerning the “reality status” that are usually unspoken and deviating from presuppositions of the methodology here investigated. By proposing an alternative methodology, the paper stimulates further ideas that will advance the discussion of research methodologies in SCM.

Findings

The methodology facilitates exploration and elaboration of anomalies in theory and in practice. The mystery construction process facilitates SCM research in three ways: as a consistent methodology for practice research; for learning and responsiveness to new insights; and with the problem of bounding the case.

Research limitations/implications

The methodology is delimited by its constructivist/interpretivist assumptions in order to provide accurate representations. It makes possible richer insights into, and the meaning of, SCM phenomena in which social action can be understood in an intelligible way.

Practical implications

Construction of mysteries opens up for learning during the research process by refining the research question and the literature base. Under the assumption that the researcher is knowledgeable about the literature in a variety of areas, the methodology implies rigour and relevance in SCM research.

Originality/value

This paper is grounded in contemporary supply chain integration problems and develops the discipline further with its alternative approach in which practice of action is in focus.
Dataspace and its application in digital libraries
Authors: Borjigin Chaolemen , Zhang Yong , Xing Chunxiao , Lan Chao , Zhang Jian
Published: October 2013

Purpose

– This paper aims to introduce dataspace into digital libraries in order to address its emerging data management challenges which stem from cross-domain, heterogeneous, and uncertain nature of data resources, based on looking into the fundamental principles, significant features, and research directions of dataspace.

Design/methodology/approach

– This research mainly employs three types of research methodologies: a literature study was conducted for revealing the fundamental principles, analyzing the significant features, and discussing the new research topics; knowledge engineering methodology is used to design the data model; software engineering methodology is applied to develop the reference framework and the digital library.

Findings

– This paper for the first time proposes a motion to build a Dataspace Support Digital Library (DSDL), and provides its data model, data management policies and a reference framework. Further, its implementation is described and some implications learned from the case study are also discussed.

Practical implications

– Introducing dataspace technologies into developing a digital library frees the developer to just focus on solving business challenges, rather than addressing non-business related, data management level tasks. In addition, the data model and the reference framework presented in this paper lay foundations for constructing Dataspace Support Digital Libraries.

Originality/value

– This is the first paper to introduce dataspaces into the design of digital libraries and is also the first paper to propose a novel data model, data management and reference framework for Dataspace Support Digital Libraries.
Belfast's iron(ic) curtain
Authors: McCord John , J. McCord Michael , McCluskey William , Davis Peadar , McIhatton David , Haran Martin
Published: October 2013

Purpose

– Belfast's “peace walls” exist to physically segregate and provide a measure of security to the communities on the religious divide in Northern Ireland. Whilst they do ostensibly achieve this aim, it may well be that these structures have the capacity to prevent the restoration of normal community interactions and market processes and may also be providing their benefits at a high price with regard to issues such as house price reduction. Indeed, the effect of these structures on surrounding residential property values remains somewhat of an unknown quantity. This paper therefore measures the effect of proximity to locations with social and political conflicts. The paper aims to quantify and measure the disamenity implications and costs of artificial barriers (peace walls) within the Belfast housing market.

Design/methodology/approach

– This paper attempts to measure the disamenity effect of peace walls on house prices, primarily focusing on the effect of distance, calculated using a hedonic pricing specification and spatially referenced data. The data are derived from 3,836 house sales transactions over a one year period in 2011.

Findings

– The emerging findings demonstrate that a greater negative pricing effect is evident with proximity to the peace walls, with the exception of the apartment sector. The findings also highlight the complex market pricing structure of Belfast and offer insight as how to best classify submarkets.

Practical implications

– The results of the research are of particular interest to property valuers and social policy makers in regions with contested space.

Originality/value

– Tactile barriers scar the urban terrain, formalise ethno-segregation across Belfast and have implications for spatial planning in the urban environment and housing studies and policy. Such an externality may have a pervasive and endogenous effect on house prices and the identification of submarkets yet there is implicit acceptance of peace lines as de facto standard and a dearth of empirical evidence relating to direction and magnitude of the location-specific effects of peace walls on house prices in Belfast. This paper is arguably the first to empirically examine the location-specific effects of peace walls on property value across the Belfast area.
Invasive plants escape from suppressive soil biota at regional scales
Authors: Maron John L. , Klironomos John , Waller Lauren , Callaway Ragan M.
Published: October 2013

A prominent hypothesis for plant invasions is escape from the inhibitory effects of soil biota. Although the strength of these inhibitory effects, measured as soil feedbacks, has been assessed between natives and exotics in non‐native ranges, few studies have compared the strength of plant–soil feedbacks for exotic species in soils from non‐native versus native ranges.

We examined whether 6 perennial European forb species that are widespread invaders in North American grasslands (Centaurea stoebe, Euphorbia esula, Hypericum perforatum, Linaria vulgaris, Potentilla recta and Leucanthemum vulgare) experienced different suppressive effects of soil biota collected from 21 sites across both ranges.

Four of the six species tested exhibited substantially reduced shoot biomass in ‘live’ versus sterile soil from Europe. In contrast, North American soils produced no significant feedbacks on any of the invasive species tested indicating a broad scale escape from the inhibitory effects of soil biota.

Negative feedbacks generated by European soil varied idiosyncratically among sites and species. Since this variation did not correspond with the presence of the target species at field sites, it suggests that negative feedbacks can be generated from soil biota that are widely distributed in native ranges in the absence of density‐dependent effects.

Synthesis. Our results show that for some invasives, native soils have strong suppressive potential, whereas this is not the case in soils from across the introduced range. Differences in regional‐scale evolutionary history among plants and soil biota could ultimately help explain why some exotics are able to occur at higher abundance in the introduced versus native range.
Raiffeisenism abroad: why did German cooperative banking fail in Ireland but prosper in the Netherlands?
Authors: Colvin Christopher L. , McLaughlin Eoin
Published: October 2013

Why did imitations of Raiffeisen's rural cooperative savings and loans associations work well in some European countries, but fail in others? This article considers the example of Raiffeisenism in Ireland and in the Netherlands. Raiffeisen banks arrived in both places at the same time, but had drastically different fates. In Ireland they were almost wiped out by the early 1920s, while in the Netherlands they proved to be a long‐lasting institutional transplant. Raiffeisen banks were successful in the Netherlands because they operated in niche markets with few competitors, while rural financial markets in Ireland were unsegmented and populated by long‐established incumbents, leaving little room for new players, whatever their institutional advantages. Dutch Raiffeisen banks were largely self‐financing, closely integrated into the wider rural economy, and able to take advantage of economic and religious divisions in rural society. Their Irish counterparts were not.
The use of fiducial markers in image‐guided radiotherapy for gastric cancer
Authors: Sia Joseph , Glance Simon , Chandran Sujievvan , Vaughan Rhys , Hamilton Chris
Published: October 2013

The use of fiducial markers (FM) in image‐guided radiotherapy (IGRT) to increase treatment precision is emerging for upper gastrointestinal malignancies. To our knowledge there is no data beyond technical reports for the use of FMs in IGRT for gastric cancers in the current literature. We report a case of an 89‐year old gentleman with localised gastric cancer who was deemed unfit for surgery and chemotherapy. He had FMs inserted endoscopically around the tumour via ultrasound guidance and received radiotherapy with a high‐dose palliative intent via a two‐phase technique to 54 Gy in 30 fractions with IGRT. The use of FMs allowed confidence in tumour delineation and together with IGRT enabled precise and safe delivery of a higher dose. The patient tolerated the treatment without significant toxicity and had no evidence of residual or recurrent tumour 12 months following radiotherapy. The use of FMs with IGRT in upper gastrointestinal malignancies warrants further collaborative studies.
The effect of vitamin D on nonspecific low back pain
Authors: Sandoughi Mahnaz , Zakeri Zahra , Mirhosainee Zahra , Mohammadi Mahdi , Shahbakhsh Sogol
Published: October 2013

Background

Nonspecific low back pain is known as one of the most common reasons for chronic low back pain (CLBP) that burdens healthcare systems with high costs. According to a hypothesis, CLBP has been associated with vitamin D3 deficiency, the goal of this study is to evaluate the effect of vitamin D3 administration on improvements in CLBP.

Materials and Methods

This double blind randomized clinical trial included 53 patients aged between 18–40 years with nonspecific CLBP. Pain was measured using the pain visual analogue scale score (VAS), and serum 25‐OH‐vitamin D level was measured using an enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay kit. The patients were randomly divided into two groups based on sex and weight. Pearl of vitamin D3 (50 000 IU) or placebo was administered orally every week for 8 weeks. Data were analyzed via SPSS 17th edition software using two‐tailed paired t‐test and chi‐square test.

Results

There were 26 and 27 patients in drug and placebo groups respectively. Out of 53 subjects, 75.47% were female. There was no statistically significant difference in the mean age, sex, and mean weight between the two groups. The mean serum 25‐OH‐vitamin D level was 18.86 ± 9.24 nmol/L on the first visit. After 8 weeks of intervention, the mean serum 25‐OH‐vitamin D level changed from 17.88 ± 9.04 to 27.52 ± 9.04 (P = 0.043) and from 19.81 ± 9.60 to 18.91 ± 7.84 (P = 0.248) in drug and placebo groups, respectively. The mean VAS score for pain decreased from 5.42 ± 1.65 to 3.03 ± 3.14 (P = 0.001) and from 6.42 ± 1.62 to 3.11 ± 3.08 (P = 0.001) among drug and placebo groups, respectively. The mean changes in chronic pain were 2.38 ± 2.62, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.32–3.44 in the drug group and 3.33 ± 3.67, 95%CI = 0.61–2.55 in the placebo group. No significant statistical difference between the two groups was observed.

Conclusion

According to our results, both vitamin D3 and placebo treatments improved CLBP and there was no significant difference between vitamin D3 and placebo groups.
Anaerobic ammonium oxidation with an anode as the electron acceptor
Authors: Qu Bo , Fan Bin , Zhu Shikun , Zheng Yali
Published: October 2013

Anaerobic ammonium oxidation with an anode as the electron acceptor was realized in a dual‐chamber microbial electrolysis cell (MEC). Nitrate was the main product that accounted for approximately 95% of ammonium consumed, but nitrite was also detectable. Using 16S ribosomal RNA analysis, we found that the microbial community attached to the electrode was dominated by Nitrosomonas europaea (40.3%) and the genus Empedobacter (34.7%), but no anammox bacteria were detected. Nitrosomonas europaea was shown to be necessary with an inhibition assay using allylthiourea. Certain soluble metabolites were found to have an important effect on the current production. These results show that there are many ways to oxidize ammonium biologically.
A shift in the archaeal nitrifier community in response to natural and anthropogenic disturbances in the northern Gulf of Mexico
Authors: Newell Silvia E. , Eveillard Damien , McCarthy Mark J. , Gardner Wayne S. , Liu Zhanfei , Ward Bess B.
Published: October 2013

The Gulf of Mexico is affected by hurricanes and suffers seasonal hypoxia. The Deepwater Horizon oil spill impacted every trophic level in the coastal region. Despite their importance in bioremediation and biogeochemical cycles, it is difficult to predict the responses of microbial communities to physical and anthropogenic disturbances. Here, we quantify sediment ammonia‐oxidizing archaeal (AOA) community diversity, resistance and resilience, and important geochemical factors after major hurricanes and the oil spill. Dominant AOA archetypes correlated with different geochemical factors, suggesting that different AOA are constrained by distinct parameters. Diversity was lowest after the hurricanes, showing weak resistance to physical disturbances. However, diversity was highest during the oil spill and coincided with a community shift, suggesting a new alternative stable state sustained for at least 1 year. The new AOA community was not significantly different from that at the spill site 1 year after the spill. This sustained shift in nitrifier community structure may be a result of oil exposure.
Feasibility of computed tomography‐guided core needle biopsy in producing state‐of‐the‐art clinical management in Chinese lung cancer
Authors: Chen Hua‐Jun , Yang Jin‐Ji , Fang Liang‐Yi , Huang Min‐Min , Yan Hong‐Hong , Zhang Xu‐Chao , Xu Chong‐Rui , Wu Yi‐Long
Published: October 2013

Background

A satisfactory biopsy determines the state‐of‐the‐art management of lung cancer in this era of personalized medicine. This study aimed to investigate the suitability and efficacy of computed tomography (CT)‐guided core needle biopsy in clinical management.

Methods

A cohort of 353 patients with clinically suspected lung cancer was enrolled in the study. Patient factors and biopsy variables were recorded. Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) gene mutations and echinoderm microtubule‐associated protein‐like 4 (EML4)‐anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) rearrangement were detected in tumor specimens. Adequacy of biopsic obtainment for clinical trial screening and tissue bank establishment were reviewed.

Results

Overall diagnostic accuracy of malignancy achieved 98.5%. The median biopsy time of the cohort was 20 minutes. In patients with non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), 99.3% (287/289) were diagnosed as specific histologic subtypes, and two patients (0.7%) were determined as NSCLC not otherwise specified (NOS). EGFR mutations were analyzed in 81.7% (236/289) of patients with NSCLC, and 98.7% (233/236) showed conclusive results. EML4‐ALK gene fusion was tested in 43.9% (127/289) of NSCLC patients, and 98.4% (125/127) showed conclusive results: 6.4% (8/125) of those had gene fusion. Ninety‐six NSCLC patients participated in clinical trial screening and provided mandatory tumor slides for molecular profiling. Pathological evaluation was fulfilled in 90 patients (93.8%); 99.4% (320/322) of patients with malignancy provided extra tissue for the establishment of a tumor bank.

Conclusions

CT‐guided core needle biopsy provided optimal clinical management in this era of translational medicine. The biopsic modality should be prioritized in selected lung cancer patients.
In Vivo Study of Ethanol‐Activated Brain Protein Kinase A: Manipulations of Ca2+ Distribution and Flux
Authors: Baliño Pablo , Ledesma Juan Carlos , Aragon Carlos M. G.
Published: October 2013

Background

The cAMP‐dependent protein kinase (PKA) signaling transduction pathway has been shown to play an important role in the modulation of several ethanol (EtOH)‐induced behavioral actions. In vivo, short‐term exposure to EtOH up‐regulates the cAMP‐signaling cascade. Interestingly, different Ca2+‐dependent cAMP–PKA cascade mediators play a critical role in the neurobehavioral response to EtOH, being of special relevance to the Ca2+‐dependent adenylyl cyclases 1 and 8. We hypothesize an intracellular PKA activation elicited by EtOH administration, which may be regulated by a Ca2+‐dependent mechanism as an early cellular response. Thus, the present work aims to explore the role of Ca2+ (internal and external) on the EtOH‐activated PKA cascade.

Methods

Swiss male mice received an intraperitoneal injection of EtOH (0 or 4 g/kg), and brains were dissected following a temporal pattern (7, 15, 30, 45, 90, or 120 minutes). Either the enzymatic PKA activity or its fingerprint was analyzed on different brain areas (cortex, hypothalamus, hippocampus, and striatum). To explore the role of Ca2+ on the EtOH‐activated PKA cascade, mice were pretreated with diltiazem (0 or 20 mg/kg), dantrolene (0 or 5 mg/kg), or 3,7‐Dimethyl‐1‐(2‐propynyl)xanthine (0 or 1 mg/kg) 30 minutes before EtOH (4 g/kg) administration. After 45 minutes of EtOH administration, brains were removed and dissected to measure the PKA activity or its fingerprint.

Results

Results from these experiments showed an EtOH‐dependent activation of PKA in different brain areas. Manipulations involving a disruption of intracellular Ca2+ release from the endoplasmic reticulum resulted in a decreased EtOH‐induced activation of PKA. On the contrary, extracellular‐to‐cytoplasm Ca2+ manipulations did not prevent the PKA activation by EtOH.

Conclusions

Altogether, these results show the critical role of stored Ca2+ as an intracellular mediator of different neurobiological actions of EtOH and provide further evidence of a possible new target for EtOH within the central nervous system.
The capacity of conophthorin to enhance the attraction of two Xylosandrus species (Coleoptera: Curculionidae: Scolytinae) to ethanol and the efficacy of verbenone as a deterrent
Authors: VanDerLaan Nicole R. , Ginzel Matthew D.
Published: October 2013

Exotic invasive ambrosia beetles are among the most economically important pests of nursery stock and forest systems in the U.S.A.

Conophthorin, a common bark volatile of deciduous trees, acts as an attractant for the exotic black stem borer, Xylosandrus germanus (Coleoptera: Curculionidae: Scolytinae). Nevertheless, the extent to which a congener, Xylosandrus crassiusculus and other ambrosia beetles are attracted to conophthorin remains unclear. It is also unknown whether conophthorin enhances the attraction of these Xylosandrus beetles to traps baited with ethanol.

In the present study, we evaluated the extent to which conophthorin enhances the attraction of X. crassiusculus and X. germanus to ethanol‐baited traps. We also tested the capacity of verbenone, an anti‐aggregation pheromone component of several coniferophagous bark beetles, to deter both species.

More X. crassiusculus were captured in traps baited with both conophthorin and ethanol than in those containing either compound alone, suggesting that conophthorin enhances the response of X. crassiusculus to ethanol. This combination was also attractive to the checkered beetles Madoniella dislocatus and Pyticeroides laticornis (Coleoptera: Cleridae).

Verbenone deterred both X. germanus and X. crassiusculus, suggesting that the use of conophthorin and ethanol as an attractant and verbenone as a deterrent can be incorporated into an effective integrated pest management programme.