bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Imported furniture – A pathway for the introduction of plant pests into Europe
Authors: Ostojá‐Starzewski J. C.
Published: March 2014

The finding of two pests which are on the EPPO Lists of pests recommended for regulation and are EU quarantine listed pests: Monochamus alternatus and Bursaphelenchus xylophilus, within the structural components of imported furniture are discussed. This highlights the plant health risks associated with this neglected pathway.
Protocol for the conduct of field small plot cage (barriered) trials used for testing molluscicide efficacy
Authors: Mattock S.
Published: March 2014

Trials assessing the effectiveness of molluscicides are described in EPPO Standards PP 1/95(3) and PP 1/96(3) for various crops. These Standards refer to additional supporting evidence being generated under more controlled conditions in semi‐field, caged trials or laboratory studies. Such studies are particularly useful to generate supporting data when making formulation changes, justifying doses and evaluating effectiveness in more minor crops. Brief information on the conduct of such trials is provided in Appendix 1 of both Standards. This article discusses a detailed protocol for the design of semi‐field caged studies, based on UK experiences, which may in future form the basis of additional guidance in the relevant EPPO Standards.
The Ycf54 protein is part of the membrane component of Mg‐protoporphyrin IX monomethyl ester cyclase from barley (Hordeum vulgareL.)
Authors: Bollivar David , Braumann Ilka , Berendt Kasper , Gough Simon P. , Hansson Mats
Published: March 2014

The biosynthesis of chlorophyll has been demonstrated to require an extensive set of enzymes, the initial stages of which are shared with the synthesis of heme. Of these enzymes, the most enigmatic is the Mg‐protoporphyrin IX monomethyl ester cyclase (EC 1.14.13.81). This enzyme requires components found associated with the plastid membrane and the plastid soluble fraction. One of the components, XanL, is found associated with the membrane and another protein, Ycf54, has recently been identified based upon association with XanL. This study describes a deeper analysis of the role of Ycf54 in the enzyme and the localization of the protein in barley plastids. The results clearly demonstrate a strong association of Ycf54 with XanL, absence of Ycf54 from soluble fractions necessary for activity and more evidence for a third membrane localized component of the enzyme.

Structured digital abstract

Ycf54 and Ycf54 bind by molecular sieving (1, 2)
Ecological criteria for the selection of materials in fatigue
Authors: Chaves V.
Published: March 2014

This work provides some ecological criteria for fatigue designers so that they can quantitatively consider the ecological impact as a factor during the process of design. In particular, during the selection of materials for fatigue applications, two kinds of applications have been examined. The first one is related to components under cyclic loading with no energy consumption during their use, as a pipe under variable pressure. In this case, the highest impact takes place during the material production phase. The second application refers to components used in means of transport, as planes or cars components. For them, the highest environmental impact occurs during the use phase, through fuel consumption. For both applications, a parameter is provided, named Ecological‐Fatigue Factor, that combines both the ecological impact and the fatigue endurance of the materials. For the two applications, a ranking of materials based on the Ecological‐Fatigue Factor is given. Great differences can be found between the two rankings.
A framework for variable amplitude corrosion fatigue materials tests for offshore wind steel support structures
Authors: Brennan F. P.
Published: March 2014

Climate change and sustainability have driven enormous development programmes for offshore wind. These large structures are mainly fabricated of welded steel tubular and plate sections not dissimilar to structural details commonly encountered in the ship, and offshore oil and gas sectors, but design requirements differ significantly due to environmental aspects, loading regime and low capital expenditure and operational expenditure requirements. There is therefore a requirement to quickly update corrosion fatigue knowledge and data bases in order to assist operations and designers to optimise structures with respect to fatigue strength and cost. This paper reviews seawater corrosion fatigue and potential approaches to developing appropriate test procedures and analysis methods to produce reliable and meaningful corrosion‐fatigue behaviour under stochastic loading conditions and sets out some fundamental principles for any such testing programme.
Critical‐weight‐range marsupials in northern Australia are declining: a commentary on Fisher et al. (2014) ‘The current decline of tropical marsupials in Australia: is history repeating?’
Authors: Woinarski J. C. Z.
Published: March 2014

Many mammal species are declining in parts of Australia's tropical savannas, for reasons that are not yet well defined. A recent paper (Fisher et al., 2014, Global Ecology and Biogeography, 23, 181–190) suggested that the primary cause is predation by feral cats, with the main evidence presented being a purported over‐representation of small species amongst the marsupials that have contracted in range (‘small body size signifies high current extinction risk’). However, a review here of the information presented in that paper shows that no marsupial species smaller than 100 g has shown range contraction in northern Australia, and that most (15 of 17) declines are of species in the ‘critical weight range’ (35 g to 5.5 kg).
Characterization of Scale‐Dependent Dispersivity in Fractured Formations Through a Divergent Flow Tracer Test
Authors: Sharifi Haddad Amin , Hassanzadeh Hassan , Abedi Jalal , Chen Zhangxin , Ware Antony
Published: March 2014

Scale‐dependency of dispersivity has been reported from field tracer tests. We present a simple methodology for characterization of dispersivity as a linear function of scale around an injection well using divergent flow tracer test data conducted in fractured formations. Results show that the slope of this linear dispersivity function can be estimated using tracer concentration measurements in a monitoring well. The characterized dispersivity function has applications in modeling of field‐scale transport processes in fractured formations.
Headache Care in China
Authors: Yu Shengyuan , Zhang Mingjie , Zhou Jiying , Liu Ruozhuo , Wan Qi , Li Yansheng
Published: March 2014

Headache disorders are problematic worldwide. China is no different. A population‐based door‐to‐door survey revealed that the 1‐year prevalence of primary headache disorders in China was 23.8%, constituting a major societal burden. Many headache centers and clinics have been established in China, and headache disorders (and associated stress) are receiving an increased level of expert attention. This review summarizes the outcomes of the epidemiological survey and the progress of clinical and basic research in China, describes the present situation in terms of headache diagnosis and treatment, and discusses the future of headache care in China.
Patients' preferences for post‐treatment breast cancer follow‐up in primary care vs. secondary care: a qualitative study
Authors: Roorda Carriene , de Bock Geertruida H. , Scholing Christian , van der Meer Klaas , Berger Marjolein Y. , de Fouw Marlieke , Berendsen Annette J.
Published: March 2014

Objective

To explore patients' preferences for follow‐up in primary care vs. secondary care.

Methods

A cross‐sectional design was employed, involving semi‐structured interviews with 70 female patients with a history of early‐stage breast cancer. Using descriptive content analysis, interview transcripts were analysed independently and thematically by two researchers.

Findings

Patients expressed the strongest preference for annual visits (31/68), a schedule with a decreasing frequency over time (27/68), and follow‐up > 10 years, including lifelong follow‐up (20/64). The majority (56/61) preferred to receive follow‐up care from the same care provider over time, for reasons related to a personal doctor–patient relationship and the physician's knowledge of the patient's history. About 75% (43/56) preferred specialist follow‐up to other follow‐up models. However, primary care‐based follow‐up would be accepted by 57% (39/68) provided that there is good communication between GPs and specialists, and sufficient knowledge among GPs about follow‐up. Perceived benefits of primary care‐based follow‐up referred to the personal nature of the GP–patient relationship and the easy access to primary care. Perceived barriers included limited oncology knowledge and skills, time available, motivation among GPs to provide follow‐up care and patients' confidence with the present specialist follow‐up.

Conclusions

More than half of the patients were open to primary care‐based follow‐up. Patients' confidence with this follow‐up model may increase by using survivorship care plans to facilitate communication across the primary/secondary interface and with patients. Training GPs to improve their oncology knowledge and skills might also increase patients' confidence.
Assignment of primary site in high‐grade serous tubal, ovarian and peritoneal carcinoma: a proposal
Authors: Singh Naveena , Gilks C Blake , Wilkinson Nafisa , McCluggage W Glenn
Published: March 2014

The revised FIGO 2013 staging for carcinomas of the ovary, fallopian tube and peritoneum has introduced a single system for tumours originating at these sites. The system requires pathologists to assign a primary site (ovary, tube or peritoneum), but does not provide guidance to aid this assignment. This is particularly problematic in cases of advanced‐stage (stage II or greater) high‐grade serous carcinoma (HGSC), where there is commonly involvement of two or more sites by tumour, and practice among pathologists in determining where a tumour has arisen varies widely. This has significant implications for recording of tumour incidence and mortality, data collection by cancer registries, and entry into clinical trials. We propose guidelines for assigning the primary site of HGSC based on careful macroscopic and histological assessment. The use of these guidelines, in conjunction with the new FIGO staging system, is intended to act as an impetus to promote debate and provide a uniform and consistent approach in assigning primary tumour site which will facilitate comparison of data between centres.
Studies in African Cyperaceae 36. Mapania pallescens sp. nov. from Gabon
Authors: Lye Kåre Arnstein
Published: March 2014

A new species, Mapania pallescens Lye, is described from medium altitude rain forests (340–430 m) in two districts in western Gabon. Only two localities are known, and the plants were collected in 2003 and 2005. In Gabon large areas of forests are subject to logging every year and the plants must therefore be considered as ‘Vulnerable’ (VU). Mapania pallescens is the smallest and most delicate of Mapania species in Africa. It is slightly similar to M. africana and M. mangenotiana.
Applying quality assurance in real time to compliant long‐term periodontal maintenance patients utilizing cost‐effectiveness and cost utility
Authors: Fardal Øystein , Grytten Jostein
Published: March 2014

Background

Little work has been done on quality assurance of long‐term maintenance of periodontal therapy

Materials/methods

A quality assurance model was applied to 80 patients (50 females, 30 males) with an average age of 64.3 years (SD. 8.83, range 45–91) and with 21.6 (SD. 2.65, range 16–26) maintenance years. The main elements were patients' expectations, objectives and patient‐based outcomes, human and financial costs and treatment deviations. For cost‐effectiveness, this group was compared with a control group of 25 patients with an average of 9.96 years not complying with maintenance therapy.

Results

The patients' main expectations and reasons for seeking treatment were to save teeth and a desire for better oral health. The patients had a total tooth‐year loss of 3.3%. 81.3% reported improved oral health. Total treatment discounted cost was €5842. The cost of buying an extra tooth year was €20.2. Patients reported anxiety of 4.6 (SD10.5, range 0–47) and discomfort of 11.8 (SD13.2 range 0–70) for the maintenance visits on the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS).

Treatment deviations showed 3.8% extreme downhill patients, 6.3% with poor oral hygiene, 3.8% reported a worsening of their oral health, 3.8% had high anxiety whereas 5.0% experienced a high level of discomfort.

Conclusion

It is possible to apply a number of elements of a quality assurance measure to a patient population of compliant maintenance patients in real time. The results obtained compare well with previous internal and external studies. This model should be useful to patients and practitioners as well as for larger population‐based studies.
Is persistence of metabolic syndrome associated with poor health‐related quality of life in non‐diabetic Iranian adults? Tehran Lipid and Glucose Study
Authors: Amiri Parisa , Hosseinpanah Farhad , Jalali‐Farahani Sara , Mehrabi Yadollah , Montazeri Ali , Azizi Fereidoun
Published: March 2014

Aims/Introduction

Previous research showed the association between health‐related quality of life and metabolic syndrome (MetS). The present study aimed to examine the impact of persistence of MetS on health‐related quality of life in non‐diabetic Iranian adults.

Materials and Methods

This was a cross‐sectional study. A representative sample of 643 non‐diabetic individuals (67% female), aged ≥20 years, who participated in the Tehran Lipid and Glucose Study in 2005–2007 were recruited for the study, and categorized into four groups, those without, with transient, with intermittent and with persistent MetS. Health‐related quality of life was assessed using the Iranian version of the Short Form Health Survey. MetS was diagnosed using the Joint Interim Statement criteria.

Results

Women with transient, intermittent and persistent MetS scored lower on the Physical Component Summary than those without the syndrome (51.03 ± 1.41, 48.16 ± 1.46 and 46.58 ± 1.29 vs 52.18 ± 1.20) after adjusting for potential confounders (P = 0.04). In women, there was also a significant decreasing trend in the scores of bodily pain (P for trend = 0.006) and general health (P for trend = 0.005) across the study groups. Compared with women without MetS, the odds ratio of reporting poor health‐related quality of life for women with intermittent MetS was 2.75 (95% confidence interval 1.19–6.37, P = 0.01). Among men, however, no significant difference was observed in any of the health‐related quality of life domains.

Conclusions

Compared with women without, with transient and with persistent MetS, those with intermittent MetS reported poorer physical health‐related quality of life.
Characterization of Weissella ceti infections in Brazilian rainbow trout, Oncorhynchus mykiss (Walbaum), farms and development of an oil‐adjuvanted vaccine
Authors: Costa F A A , Leal C A G , Schuenker N D , Leite R C , Figueiredo H C P
Published: March 2014

Weissella ceti is an emerging bacterial pathogen that affects rainbow trout, Oncorhynchus mykiss (Walbaum), farms. The aims of this study were to genotype W. ceti strains isolated from distinct geographical origins and to determine the efficacy of an oil‐adjuvanted vaccine against the disease. Between 2010 and 2012, outbreaks were recorded in five Brazilian farms, and 34 W. ceti isolates were genetically characterized by repetitive extragenic palindromic PCR, enterobacterial repetitive intergenic consensus sequences PCR and pulsed‐field gel electrophoresis. Two different W. ceti vaccines were tested: an aqueous‐based whole‐cell inactivated vaccine (bacterin) and oil‐adjuvanted vaccine. Their efficacy was evaluated in rainbow trout at 30 and 60 days post‐vaccination (d.p.v.). W. ceti was found to be a highly homogeneous population in Brazil, with clonally related genotypes. Oil‐adjuvanted vaccine exhibited the best (P < 0.05) protection against disease, reaching relative percentage survival (RPS)values of 92% at 30 and 60 d.p.v. Bacterin resulted in RPS values of 67% and 58% at day 30 and 60, respectively. The oil‐adjuvanted vaccine provided effective protection against W. ceti infection in rainbow trout.
Digital imaging approaches for phenotyping whole plant nitrogen and phosphorus response in Brachypodium distachyon
Authors: Poiré Richard , Chochois Vincent , Sirault Xavier R. R. , Vogel John P. , Watt Michelle , Furbank Robert T.
Published: March 2014

This work evaluates the phenotypic response of the model grass (Brachypodium distachyon (L.) P. Beauv.) to nitrogen and phosphorus nutrition using a combination of imaging techniques and destructive harvest of shoots and roots. Reference line Bd21‐3 was grown in pots using 11 phosphorus and 11 nitrogen concentrations to establish a dose–response curve. Shoot biovolume and biomass, root length and biomass, and tissue phosphorus and nitrogen concentrations increased with nutrient concentration. Shoot biovolume, estimated by imaging, was highly correlated with dry weight (R2 > 0.92) and both biovolume and growth rate responded strongly to nutrient availability. Higher nutrient supply increased nodal root length more than other root types. Photochemical efficiency was strongly reduced by low phosphorus concentrations as early as 1 week after germination, suggesting that this measurement may be suitable for high throughput screening of phosphorus response. In contrast, nitrogen concentration had little effect on photochemical efficiency. Changes in biovolume over time were used to compare growth rates of four accessions in response to nitrogen and phosphorus supply. We demonstrate that a time series image‐based approach coupled with mathematical modeling provides higher resolution of genotypic response to nutrient supply than traditional destructive techniques and shows promise for high throughput screening and determination of genomic regions associated with superior nutrient use efficiency.
Early Osmotic Adjustment Responses in Drought‐Resistant and Drought‐Sensitive Oilseed Rape
Authors: Hatzig Sarah , Zaharia L. Irina , Abrams Suzanne , Hohmann Marie , Legoahec Laurie , Bouchereau Alain , Nesi Nathalie , Snowdon Rod J.
Published: March 2014

The impact of osmotic stress on growth, physiology, and metabolism of winter oilseed rape (Brassica napus L.) was investigated by detailed analysis of biomass traits, hormone metabolites and osmolytes in two genetically unrelated drought‐tolerant genotypes and two unrelated drought‐sensitive genotypes. Seedlings were grown in vitro under controlled conditions and osmotic stress was simulated by applying a gradual treatment with polyethylene glycol (PEG 6000), followed by hypo‐osmotic treatment of variants used for metabolite determination. The results provide a basis for the identification of reliable selection criteria for drought resistance in oilseed rape. The in vitro cultivation system established during this study enabled effective discrimination of early osmotic stress responses between drought‐resistant and ‐susceptible oilseed rape genotypes that also show large differences in relative seed yield under drought conditions in the field. Clear physiological and metabolic differences were observed between the drought‐resistant and drought‐sensitive genotypes, suggesting that osmotic adjustment is a key component of drought response in oilseed rape. Unexpectedly, however, the drought‐resistant genotypes did not show typical hormonal adjustment and osmolyte accumulation, suggesting that they possess alternative physiological mechanisms enabling avoidance of stress symptoms.
Coexistence of garnet blueschist and eclogite in South Tianshan, NW China: dependence of P–T evolution and bulk‐rock composition
Authors: Tian Z. L. , Wei C. J.
Published: March 2014

Coexisting garnet blueschist and eclogite from the Chinese South Tianshan high‐pressure (HP)–ultrahigh‐pressure (UHP) belt consist of similar mineral assemblages involving garnet, omphacite, glaucophane, epidote, phengite, rutile/sphene, quartz and hornblendic amphibole with or without paragonite. Eclogite assemblages generally contain omphacite >50 vol.% and a small amount of glaucophane (<5 vol.%), whereas blueschist assemblages have glaucophane over 30 vol.% with a small amount of omphacite which is even absent in the matrix. The coexisting blueschist and eclogite show dramatic differences in the bulk‐rock compositions with higher X(CaO) [=CaO/(CaO + MgO + FeOtotal + MnO + Na2O)] (0.33–0.48) and lower A/CNK [=Al2O3/(CaO + Na2O + K2O)] (0.35–0.56) in eclogite, but with lower X(CaO) (0.09–0.30) and higher A/CNK (0.65–1.28) in garnet blueschist. Garnet in both types of rocks has similar compositions and exhibits core–rim zoning with increasing grossular and pyrope contents. Petrographic observations and phase equilibria modelling with pseudosections calculated using thermocalc in the NCKMnFMASHO system for the coexisting garnet blueschist and eclogite samples suggest that the two rock types share similar P–T evolutional histories involving a decompression with heating from the Pmax to the Tmax stage and a post‐Tmax decompression with slightly cooling stage, and similar P–T conditions at the Tmax stage. The post‐Tmax decompression is responsible for lawsonite decomposition, which results in epidote growth, glaucophane increase and omphacite decrease in the blueschist, or in an overprinting of the eclogitic assemblage by a blueschist assemblage. Calculated P–X(CaO), P–A/CNK and P–X(CO2) pseudosections indicate that blueschist assemblages are favoured in rocks with lower X(CaO) (<0.28) and higher A/CNK (>0.75) or fluid composition with higher X(CO2) (>0.15), but eclogite assemblages preferentially occur in rocks with higher X(CaO) and lower A/CNK or fluid composition with lower X(CO2). Moreover, phase modelling suggests that the coexistence of blueschist and eclogite depends substantially on P–T conditions, which would commonly occur in medium temperatures of 500–590 °C under pressures of ~17–22 kbar. The modelling results are in good accordance with the measured bulk‐rock compositions and modelled temperature results of the coexisting garnet blueschist and eclogite from the South Tianshan HP–UHP belt.
The challenge of intratumour heterogeneity in precision medicine
Authors: Seoane J. , De Mattos‐Arruda L.
Published: March 2014

Cells within tumours have diverse genomes and epigenomes and interact differentially with their surrounding microenvironment generating intratumour heterogeneity, which has critical implications for treating cancer patients. Understanding the cellular and microenvironment composition and characteristics in individual tumours is critical to stratify the patient population that is likely to benefit from specific treatment regimens. Here, we will review the current understanding of intratumour heterogeneity at the genomic, epigenomic and microenvironmental levels. We will also discuss the clinical implications and the challenges posed by intratumour heterogeneity and evaluate noninvasive methods such as circulating biomarkers to characterize the cellular diversity of tumours. Comprehensive assessment of the molecular features of patients based on tumour specimen characterization (including intratumour spatial and temporal variations), ancillary noninvasive methods (such as circulating biomarkers and molecular imaging approaches) and the correct design of clinical trials are required to guide administration of targeted therapy and to control therapeutic resistance. Finding the means to accurately determine and effectively control tumour heterogeneity and translate these achievements into patient benefit are major goals in modern oncology.
Taxonomic identification of algae (morphological and molecular): species concepts, methodologies, and their implications for ecological bioassessment
Authors: Manoylov Kalina M.
Published: March 2014

Algal taxonomy is a key discipline in phycology and is critical for algal genetics, physiology, ecology, applied phycology, and particularly bioassessment. Taxonomic identification is the most common analysis and hypothesis‐testing endeavor in science. Errors of identification are often related to the inherent problem of small organisms with morphologies that are difficult to distinguish without research‐grade microscopes and taxonomic expertise in phycology. Proposed molecular approaches for taxonomic identification from environmental samples promise rapid, potentially inexpensive, and more thorough culture‐independent identification of all algal species present in a sample of interest. Molecular identification has been used in biodiversity and conservation, but it also has great potential for applications in bioassessment. Comparisons of morphological and molecular identification of benthic algal communities are improved by the identification of more taxa; however, automated identification technology does not allow for the simultaneous analysis of thousands of samples. Currently, morphological identification is used to verify molecular taxonomic identities, but with the increased number of taxa verified in algal gene libraries, molecular identification will become a universal tool in biological studies. Thus, in this report, successful application of molecular techniques related to algal bioassessment is discussed.
Bladder Neck Rupture and Vesicovaginal Fistula Associated with Pelvic Fracture in Female
Authors: ICHIHARA Koji , MASUMORI Naoya , TAKAHASHI Satoshi , MIYAO Noriomi , KATO Ryuichi
Published: March 2014

Case

Female urethral injury or bladder neck rupture associated with pelvic fracture is rare. The experience of this injury is limited and the management is still challenging. Here we describe a young female patient with urethral injury and vesicovaginal fistula associated with pelvic fracture due to traffic accident. We discuss the recommendation and management about this problem.

Outcome

We selected staged surgical management for this case, and fortunately succeeded in the repair of the urethral and vaginal injury and acquired favorable continence.

Conclusion

Appropriate management should be selected according to the condition in each patient. But it should be taken into consideration that a patient with pelvic fracture is critically ill, and an experienced urologist of this field is not always available at that time.
Gastrodin alleviates memory deficits and reduces neuropathology in a mouse model of Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Hu Yikui , Li Chengyan , Shen Wei
Published: March 2014

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a progressive, neurodegenerative disease, characterized by excessive accumulation of amyloid‐beta (Aβ) and activation of microglia cells and astrocytes. In this research, we evaluated whether gastrodin, an active component isolated from the rhizome of Gastrodia elata, has neuroprotective effects in a mouse model of AD, Tg2576 mice. Treatment of gastrodin (60 mg/kg for 15 days) significantly improved memory impairments in the Morris water maze test and probe test. Moreover, immunohistochemical and ELISA results indicated that gastrodin significantly attenuated Aβ deposition and glial activation in brains of these transgenic mice. These findings suggested that gastrodin exerted neuroprotective activity via anti‐inflammatory and anti‐amyloidogenic effects and that gastrodin may be a potential option for AD therapy.
Genetic and environmental effects on the occurrence of speltoids in winter wheat cultivars
Authors: Förster Sebastian , Schumann Erika , Pillen Klaus , Eberhard Weber Wilhelm
Published: March 2014

The occurrence of speltoid off‐types during seed multiplication is one of the major causes for rejection of a wheat cultivar candidate due to phenotypic inhomogeneity. These aberrant plants express an atypical spear‐shaped spike with tenacious glumes. To analyse the frequency of speltoids under field conditions, field trials were conducted at three locations and two sowing times over 2 years based on speltoid off‐type spikes derived from 14 different wheat genotypes. One hundred single ear progeny were developed from the normal and speltoid progeny plants in 2007. A mean frequency of 21.1% and 36.6% speltoid off‐types in plots from normal and speltoid lines was observed, respectively. Plots sown late in the season displayed on average 5.3% less speltoid off‐types, in particular when both sowing times were far apart. Field trials from 2010 revealed 7.9% more aberrant plants compared with 2011. The percentage of speltoids within the field plots ranged from 0.2% to 83.7%, which indicates a large effect of the respective genotype. Finally, strategies to reduce the number of speltoid off‐types are discussed.
Genetic analysis of falling number in three bi‐parental common winter wheat populations
Authors: Mohler Volker , Albrecht Theresa , Mrva Kolumbina , Schweizer Günther , Hartl Lorenz
Published: March 2014

The objective of the present study was to analyse the genetic basis of falling number in three winter wheat populations. Samples for falling number determination for each population originated from at least three test environments that were free from the occurrence of preharvest sprouting at harvest time. Quantitative trait locus (QTL) analysis employing falling number values from single environments identified eight, five and three QTL in the populations Dream/Lynx, Bussard/W332‐84 and BAUB469511/Format, respectively. A major QTL common to all three populations and consistently detected in each environment mapped to the long arm of chromosome 7B. The QTL was located to a similar genomic region as the previously described major QTL for high‐isoelectric point α‐amylase content. The T1BL.1RS wheat‐rye translocation and the dwarfing gene Rht‐D1 segregating in Dream/Lynx and BAUB469511/Format were found to be important factors of falling number variation. In both populations, the presence of Rht‐D1b or the absence of T1BL.1RS increased falling number. The results indicate that late maturity α‐amylase, responsible for low falling numbers, has now been documented in German wheat germplasm.
Benefits of Hybrid Lateral Transshipments in Multi‐Item Inventory Systems under Periodic Replenishment
Authors: Glazebrook Kevin , Paterson Colin , Rauscher Sandra , Archibald Thomas
Published: March 2014

Lateral transshipments are a method of responding to shortages of stock in a network of inventory‐holding locations. Conventional reactive approaches only seek to meet immediate shortages. The study proposes hybrid transshipments which exploit economies of scale by moving additional stock between locations to prevent future shortages in addition to meeting immediate ones. The setting considered is motivated by retailers who operate networks of outlets supplying car parts via a system of periodic replenishment. It is novel in allowing non‐stationary stochastic demand and general patterns of dependence between multiple item types. The generality of our work makes it widely applicable. We develop an easy‐to‐compute quasi‐myopic heuristic for determining how hybrid transshipments should be made. We obtain simple characterizations of the heuristic and demonstrate its strong cost performance in both small and large networks in an extensive numerical study.
Life Is All about Timing: An Examination of Differences in Treatment Quality for Trauma Patients Based on Hospital Arrival Time
Authors: Anderson David , Gao Guodong (Gordon) , Golden Bruce
Published: March 2014

In health care, most quality transparency and improvement programs focus on the quality variation across hospitals, while we know much less about within‐hospital quality variation. This study examines one important factor that is associated with the fluctuation of quality of care in the same hospital—the timing of patient arrival. We analyze data from the National Trauma Data Bank and find that patients arriving at the hospital during off‐hours (6 PM–6 AM) receive significantly lower quality care than those who arrive during the daytime, as reflected in higher mortality rates, among other measures. More importantly, we try to uncover the mechanism for the quality variation. Interestingly, we find consistent evidence that the inferior care received during off‐hours is not likely due to unobserved heterogeneity, disruptions in circadian rhythms, or delays in receiving treatment. Instead, it is more likely due to the limited availability of high‐quality resources. This leads to a higher surgical complication rate, a higher likelihood of multiple surgeries, and longer patient length of stay in the intensive care unit. These findings have important implications for optimal resource allocation in hospitals to improve the quality‐of‐care delivery.
Effects of donepezil dose escalation in Parkinson's patients with dementia receiving long‐term donepezil treatment: an exploratory study
Authors: Ishikawa Kei‐Ichi , Motoi Yumiko , Mizuno Yoshikuni , Kubo Shin‐Ichiro , Hattori Nobutaka
Published: March 2014

Background

The benefits of escalating the dose of donepezil in patients who are already receiving long‐term treatment with it have not been well evaluated. Therefore, an exploratory study to assess the effects of donepezil dose escalation in patients with Parkinson's disease with dementia, and specifically on patients receiving long‐term treatment with donepezil, was performed.

Methods

Patients treated with 5‐mg/day donepezil for at least 3 months and having a Mini‐Mental State Examination (MMSE) score between 10 and 26 were included in this study. Donepezil dosage was then increased to 10 mg/day for 12 weeks. The outcome measures were a modified form of the Neuropsychiatric Inventory (NPI) with an extra domain for additional evaluation of fluctuation in cognitive functions (NPI‐11) and the MMSE.

Results

Of the nine patients enrolled, two withdrew because of nausea and inability to be assessed on the predetermined date; this left seven participants (four men and three women) with a mean age of 74.6 ± 6.9 years, a mean period of Parkinson's disease of 11.7 ± 7.5 years, and median donepezil use of 7 months (range: 3–56 months). At baseline, the mean total NPI‐11 and mean MMSE scores were 18.3 ± 5.6 points and 21.3 ± 5.3 points, respectively. At week 12, they improved by 8.3 points (P < 0.01) and 3.0 points (P = 0.08), respectively, from the baseline. The NPI symptom domains that improved by 1 or more points were hallucination (1.3 points), depression (1.0 points), anxiety (1.6 points), and aberrant motor behaviour (1.7 points). None of the patients withdrew because of worsening of parkinsonism.

Conclusions

The present results suggest that treatment with dose escalation of donepezil from 5 mg/day to 10 mg/day may be therapeutically useful for patients with Parkinson's disease with dementia who have taken donepezil 5 mg/day in the long term.
Analysis of Regional Scale Risk of Whirling Disease in Populations of Colorado and Rio Grande Cutthroat Trout Using a Bayesian Belief Network Model
Authors: Ayre Kimberley Kolb , Caldwell Colleen A. , Stinson Jonah , Landis Wayne G.
Published: March 2014

Introduction and spread of the parasite Myxobolus cerebralis, the causative agent of whirling disease, has contributed to the collapse of wild trout populations throughout the intermountain west. Of concern is the risk the disease may have on conservation and recovery of native cutthroat trout. We employed a Bayesian belief network to assess probability of whirling disease in Colorado River and Rio Grande cutthroat trout (Oncorhynchus clarkii pleuriticus and Oncorhynchus clarkii virginalis, respectively) within their current ranges in the southwest United States. Available habitat (as defined by gradient and elevation) for intermediate oligochaete worm host, Tubifex tubifex, exerted the greatest influence on the likelihood of infection, yet prevalence of stream barriers also affected the risk outcome. Management areas that had the highest likelihood of infected Colorado River cutthroat trout were in the eastern portion of their range, although the probability of infection was highest for populations in the southern, San Juan subbasin. Rio Grande cutthroat trout had a relatively low likelihood of infection, with populations in the southernmost Pecos management area predicted to be at greatest risk. The Bayesian risk assessment model predicted the likelihood of whirling disease infection from its principal transmission vector, fish movement, and suggested that barriers may be effective in reducing risk of exposure to native trout populations. Data gaps, especially with regard to location of spawning, highlighted the importance in developing monitoring plans that support future risk assessments and adaptive management for subspecies of cutthroat trout.
Evaluating the Potential for a Helicobacter pylori Drinking Water Guideline
Authors: Ryan Michael , Hamilton Kerry , Hamilton Michael , Haas Charles N.
Published: March 2014

Helicobacter pylori is a microaerophilic, gram‐negative bacterium that is linked to adverse health effects including ulcers and gastrointestinal cancers. The goal of this analysis is to develop the necessary inputs for a quantitative microbial risk assessment (QMRA) needed to develop a potential guideline for drinking water at the point of ingestion (e.g., a maximum contaminant level, or MCL) that would be protective of human health to an acceptable level of risk while considering sources of uncertainty. Using infection and gastric cancer as two discrete endpoints, and calculating dose‐response relationships from experimental data on humans and monkeys, we perform both a forward and reverse risk assessment to determine the risk from current reported surface water concentrations of H. pylori and an acceptable concentration of H. pylori at the point of ingestion. This approach represents a synthesis of available information on human exposure to H. pylori via drinking water. A lifetime risk of cancer model suggests that a MCL be set at <1 organism/L given a 5‐log removal treatment because we cannot exclude the possibility that current levels of H. pylori in environmental source waters pose a potential public health risk. Research gaps include pathogen occurrence in source and finished water, treatment removal rates, and determination of H. pylori risks from other water sources such as groundwater and recreational water.
Modulational Instability and Variational Structure
Authors: Bronski J. C. , Hur V. M.
Published: March 2014

We study the modulational instability of periodic traveling waves for a class of Hamiltonian systems in one spatial dimension. We examine how the Jordan block structure of the associated linearized operator bifurcates for small values of the Floquet exponent to derive a criterion governing instability to long wavelengths perturbations in terms of the kinetic and potential energies, the momentum, the mass of the underlying wave, and their derivatives. The dispersion operator of the equation is allowed to be nonlocal, for which Evans function techniques may not be applicable. We illustrate the results by discussing analytically and numerically equations of Korteweg‐de Vries type.
The Affordable Care Act, Dependent Health Insurance Coverage, and Young Adults' Health
Authors: Carlson Daniel L. , Lennox Kail Ben , Lynch Jamie L. , Dreher Marlaina
Published: March 2014

This study examines the consequences of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA) dependent coverage provision for the health of U.S. young adults aged\–25. Using data from the Current Population Survey—March Supplement for the years 2007–2012 and ordered logistic regression analyses, we examine self‐rated health and its association with dependent health insurance coverage for 19‐ to 25‐year‐olds and a comparison group of 28‐ to 34‐year‐olds before and after implementation of the ACA. Compared to 28‐ to 34‐year‐olds, results indicate the post‐ACA period (2010–2011) is associated with increased access to dependent health insurance coverage and improved health for young adults aged 19–25 relative to the period before implementation (2008–2009). More than half of the difference in health improvement across age groups can be attributed to changes in dependent coverage. These results are the first to demonstrate a positive health benefit resulting from the implementation of the ACA.
Diversification and Re‐feminisation of Norwegian Farm Properties
Authors: Heggem Reidun
Published: March 2014

Female potential successors of farm properties are increasingly choosing not to take over the farm, with the result that rural areas are becoming masculinised. The question asked in this article is, how will the current shift in European and Norwegian agriculture towards increased diversification affect the recruitment of young women to rural areas? This study employs quantitative methods to answer this question. The findings are a significant and positive relationship between the potential recruitment of women, a higher level of education among farm property owners, and farm property owners’ involvement in farm diversification associated with farm tourism and Green Care. The article concludes that there are more options for a farm‐based life than there used to be, and that this increases the probability that daughters are wanted as successors of their parents’ farm properties. This outcome is of importance for recruitment of women to rural areas and for rural viability.
Effect of the regional environment on the skin properties and the early wrinkles in young Chinese women
Authors: Kim E. J. , Han J. Y. , Lee H. K. , He Q. Q. , Cho J. C. , Wei L. , Wang X. , Li L. , Wei L. , Liang H. , Gao X. , Kim B. J. , Nam G. W.
Published: March 2014

Background

There are ethnic differences in the skin characteristics, also the skin is susceptible to be influenced by the external environment such as UV radiation and the climates. It can be shown that the skin in same race or twins varies by the environment.

Objectives

This study was designed to investigate the skin characteristics and the early wrinkles of young Chinese women from four different regions, and to identify the correlation among the wrinkles, the other skin characteristics, and environmental conditions.

Methods

A total of 441 healthy Chinese women aged between 20 and 35 years participated in the study: 110 from Beijing, 110 from Shanghai, 111 from Wuhan, and 110 from Guangzhou. The skin hydration, sebum contents, TEWL, pH, elasticity, and wrinkles were measured on the crow's feet area.

Results

There were regional differences in the skin characteristics and the wrinkles. Beijing women had dry skin and more wrinkles, but Guangzhou women had high sebum contents, low pH, and less wrinkles (P < 0.01). Shanghai women's TEWL and Wuhan's women's skin elasticity were higher compared with that of women from other regions. The wrinkles' form (area, depth, and length) was different from region to region. Beijing women's wrinkles were deep and large, but Guangzhou women's wrinkles were shallow and small. The skin physical parameters that influenced the wrinkles were low sebum content and hydration, high TEWL, and pH (P < 0.05).

Conclusion

In the Chinese women aged 20–35 years, the skin was influenced by the climates, so they had regionally a different skin. The skin hydration, sebum contents, TEWL, and pH can affect the early wrinkle formation than skin elasticity.
Lotus japonicus SUNERGOS1 encodes a predicted subunit A of a DNA topoisomerase VI that is required for nodule differentiation and accommodation of rhizobial infection
Authors: Yoon Hwi Joong , Hossain Md Shakhawat , Held Mark , Hou Hongwei , Kehl Marilyn , Tromas Alexandre , Sato Shusei , Tabata Satoshi , Andersen Stig Uggerhøj , Stougaard Jens , Ross Loretta , Szczyglowski Krzysztof
Published: March 2014

A symbiotic mutant of Lotus japonicus, called sunergos1‐1 (suner1‐1), originated from a har1‐1 suppressor screen. suner1‐1 supports epidermal infection by Mesorhizobium loti and initiates cell divisions for organogenesis of nodule primordia. However, these processes appear to be temporarily stalled early during symbiotic interaction, leading to a low nodule number phenotype. This defect is ephemeral and near wild‐type nodule numbers are reached by suner1‐1 at a later point after infection. Using an approach that combined map‐based cloning and next‐generation sequencing we have identified the causative mutation and show that the suner1‐1 phenotype is determined by a weak recessive allele, with the corresponding wild‐type SUNER1 locus encoding a predicted subunit A of a DNA topoisomerase VI. Our data suggest that at least one function of SUNER1 during symbiosis is to participate in endoreduplication, which is an essential step during normal differentiation of functional, nitrogen‐fixing nodules.
The efficacy of the ultraviolet C pathogen inactivation system in the reduction of Babesia divergens in pooled buffy coat platelets
Authors: Castro Emma , González Luis Miguel , Rubio Jose Miguel , Ramiro Raquel , Gironés Núria , Montero Estrella
Published: March 2014

Background

Babesia spp. is an intraerythrocytic parasite that causes human babesiosis and its transmission by transfusion has been extensively demonstrated. The aim of this study was to ascertain the efficacy of an ultraviolet C (UVC)‐based pathogen inactivation system in the reduction of Babesia divergens–infected platelet (PLT) concentrates and to determine the parasite's ability to survive in PLT concentrates stored under blood bank conditions.

Study Design and Methods

This study was conducted using in vitro cultures of B. divergens. The detection limit of the culture assay was established and, subsequently, 15 buffy coat–derived PLT concentrates (BC‐PCs) were inoculated with 107 B. divergens–infected red blood cells. Infected BC‐PCs were irradiated with 0.2 J/cm2 UVC light using the THERAFLEX UV‐Platelets method (Macopharma). Viability and parasite growth were evaluated before and after inactivation. Culture growth kinetics were monitored by DNA incorporation of [3H]thymidine. The ability of B. divergens to survive in PLT concentrates was also analyzed.

Results

The limit of detection in cultures was established at 0.1 × 10−6% parasites. The THERAFLEX UV‐Platelets system inactivated B. divergens to below the limit of detection in 12 of 15 BC‐PCs (log reduction, >6.0) and to the limit of detection (log reduction, 5.0) in three of 15. It was also demonstrated that B. divergens remains viable in BC‐PCs stored up to 7 days.

Conclusion

Since B. divergens can survive in PLT concentrates and given the performance of UVC, this system could be considered as an alternative to prevent B. divergens and other Babesia species from being transmitted through PLT transfusions.
Whither Islamic Banking?
Authors: Ariff Mohamed
Published: March 2014

Islamic banking is visibly on the rise across the globe, supported by a growing clientele, both Muslim and non‐Muslim, although it has yet to demonstrate that it is a viable alternative to conventional banking. Islamic banking is still under the shadow of conventional banking, not only with products that are strikingly similar to those offered by conventional banks, but also with conventional banks having a strong presence as stakeholders in the Islamic banking industry. Islamic banking is still in the early phase of a presumably long evolutionary process, apparently stuck in the initial phase of product differentiation. Islamic banks are competing with conventional banks rather than among themselves, which does not augur well for innovations and creativity, as it tends to keep them preoccupied with modifications of conventional products with Shari'ah compliance. Islamic banks have arrived at a new crossroads. They could either continue on the same path of what may be termed as ‘head‐on competition’ with conventional banks or change their direction in favour of a ‘niche market’ strategy.