bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Facile Synthesis and Optical Performance of Y2.9Ce0.1Al5O12 Phosphor Thick Films from Sol–Gel Method
Authors: Zhao Yunyun , Xu Huarui , Zhang Xiuyun , Zhu Guisheng , Yao Yuan , Lu Shouqiang , Yu Aibing
Published: February 2015

Transparent luminescent Y2.9Ce0.1Al5O12 (YAG:Ce3+) phosphor films (PFs) with thickness of 4.30 μm and homogeneous grain size about 80 nm were successfully synthesized by a facile sol–gel method via 40 layers deposition process on quartz substrate. The crystallization, morphology, and optical properties of the as‐prepared samples were investigated by X‐ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, ultraviolet‐visible spectrophotometer, spectroffluorophotometry, and absolute photoluminescence quantum yield (QY) measurement system. The as‐synthesized YAG:Ce3+ PFs exhibited high transparency, broad absorb peaks at blue‐light range and excellent photoluminescence performance with a QY of 47% at 457 nm excitation, which could be used in solid‐state lighting and display system applications.
Ag Nanoparticles‐Enhanced Photoluminescence in LaPO4: Eu Three‐Dimensional Ordered Macroporous Films
Authors: Li Jun , Yang Zhengwen , Shao Bo , Liao Jiayan , Lai Shenfeng , Qiu Jianbei , Song Zhiguo , Yang Yong
Published: February 2015

The three‐dimensional ordered macroporous (3DOM) LaPO4:Eu3+ films and Ag nanoparticles (NPs) were prepared via a template‐assisted process and sodium citrate reduction method, respectively. Composite systems consisting of 3DOM LaPO4:Eu3+ films and Ag NPs were obtained by adding the Ag NPs into voids of 3DOM LaPO4:Eu3+ films. The influence of Ag NPs on photoluminescence of 3DOM LaPO4:Eu3+ was investigated. The results show that photoluminescence properties of 3DOM LaPO4:Eu3+ films were enhanced after addition of Ag NPs, which was attributed to the local surface plasmons resonance effect of Ag NPs.
Ancient Gondwana break‐up explains the distribution of the mycoheterotrophic family Corsiaceae (Liliales)
Authors: Mennes Constantijn B. , Lam Vivienne K. Y. , Rudall Paula J. , Lyon Stephanie P. , Graham Sean W. , Smets Erik F. , Merckx Vincent S. F. T.
Published: February 2015

Aim

Many plant families have a disjunct distribution across the southern Pacific Ocean, including the mycoheterotrophic family Corsiaceae, which provides a prime example of this biogeographical pattern. A better grasp of the family's evolutionary relationships is needed to understand its historical biogeography. We therefore aimed to (1) test the uncertain monophyly of Corsiaceae, (2) define its phylogenetic position, and (3) estimate divergence times for the family, allowing us to assess whether the distribution of the family is the result of vicariance.

Location

Southern South America and Australasia.

Methods

We analysed various combinations of mitochondrial and nuclear data to address the monophyly, phylogenetic position and age of Corsiaceae. To test its monophyly, we used a three‐locus data set including most monocot orders, and to infer its exact phylogenetic position, we used a five‐locus extended data set. We corroborated these findings using an independent plastome dataset. We then used a two‐locus dataset with taxa from all monocot orders, and a three‐locus dataset containing only taxa of Liliales, to estimate divergence times using a fossil‐calibrated uncorrelated lognormal relaxed‐clock approach.

Results

Corsiaceae is a monophyletic family and the sister group of Campynemataceae. This clade is the sister group of all other Liliales. The crown age of Corsiaceae is estimated to be 53 Ma (95% confidence interval 30–76 Ma).

Main conclusions

Corsiaceae is an ancient family of mycoheterotrophic plants, whose crown age overlaps with the plate‐tectonic split of Gondwana, consistent with a vicariance‐based explanation for its current distribution.
Improvement of scalp and nail lesions with ixekizumab in a phase 2 trial in patients with chronic plaque psoriasis
Authors: Langley R.G. , Rich P. , Menter A. , Krueger G. , Goldblum O. , Dutronc Y. , Zhu B. , Wei H. , Cameron G.S. , Heffernan M.P.
Published: February 2015

Background

Scalp and nail psoriasis have a major impact on quality of life and are traditionally resistant to therapy. Ixekizumab is a monoclonal antibody that targets IL‐17A, a key cytokine in psoriasis pathogenesis.

Objective

Changes in nail and scalp psoriasis associated with ixekizumab treatment were evaluated in a post hoc analysis of a phase 2 study comprising a 20‐week randomized, placebo‐controlled (RCT) period and 48 weeks of an open‐label extension (OLE) period.

Methods

There were 142 patients with moderate‐to‐severe plaque psoriasis at baseline of the RCT. Patients were randomized to receive placebo, 10, 25, 75 or 150 mg of ixekizumab injected subcutaneously at weeks 0, 2, 4, 8, 12 and 16. In the OLE, all patients received 120 mg ixekizumab every 4 weeks. Nail Psoriasis Severity Index (NAPSI) and Psoriasis Scalp Severity Index (PSSI) were used to evaluate nail and scalp psoriasis respectively. Fifty‐eight (41.0%) patients had nail psoriasis (NAPSI > 0) and 105 (74.0%) had scalp psoriasis (PSSI > 0) at baseline; these cases were evaluated for the present analyses.

Results

At RCT week 20, patients with scalp psoriasis in the 25‐, 75‐ and 150‐mg groups had significant mean change and percent improvement from baseline PSSI of −16.3 (75.3%; P = 0.001), −11.6 (83.7%; P = 0.001) and −18.2 (82.2%; P < 0.001) respectively compared to −6.0 (18.8%) in placebo. Patients with nail psoriasis in the 75‐ and 150‐mg groups had significant improvements from baseline NAPSI of −26.3 (63.8%; P = 0.003) and −23.1 (52.6%; P = 0.009) respectively compared to 0.4 (−1.7%) in placebo. By OLE week 48, 78.0% of patients with scalp psoriasis and 51.0% of patients with nail psoriasis experienced complete resolution of lesions (PSSI = 0 or NAPSI = 0).

Conclusions

Ixekizumab monotherapy improved scalp psoriasis quickly with maintenance of clinical response and complete resolution of plaques in the majority of patients. Additionally, over 50.0% of patients with nail psoriasis experienced complete resolution of nail lesions by OLE week 48.
The connection of cytoskeletal network with plasma membrane and the cell wall
Authors: Liu Zengyu , Persson Staffan , Zhang Yi
Published: February 2015

The cell wall provides external support of the plant cells, while the cytoskeletons including the microtubules and the actin filaments constitute an internal framework. The cytoskeletons contribute to the cell wall biosynthesis by spatially and temporarily regulating the transportation and deposition of cell wall components. This tight control is achieved by the dynamic behavior of the cytoskeletons, but also through the tethering of these structures to the plasma membrane. This tethering may also extend beyond the plasma membrane and impact on the cell wall, possibly in the form of a feedback loop. In this review, we discuss the linking components between the cytoskeletons and the plasma membrane, and/or the cell wall. We also discuss the prospective roles of these components in cell wall biosynthesis and modifications, and aim to provide a platform for further studies in this field.
Epifluorescence microscopy: a sensitive tool for studying the morphology and oriented growth of europium precipitates in KI single‐crystal hosts
Authors: CORDERO‐BORBOA A.E. , UNDA‐ANGELES R.
Published: February 2015

The morphology and oriented growth of europium precipitates in well‐annealed Eu2+‐doped KI single crystals are investigated by epifluorescence microscopy using the proper doping ions as fluorochromes. To make this, electronic spatial reconstructions of some fields of precipitates and of some individual precipitates were built from epifluorescence microscope images of different optical cross‐sections of these objects. The building procedures are carefully explained. Previously, the KI:Eu2+ system was characterized by fluorescence spectrophotometry and the KI‐host long‐range translational order was tested by single‐plate X‐ray diffraction. Precipitates are shaped as plates, with their broad faces being parallel to host lattice planes of either {100}‐ or {110}‐forms (the {100}‐ or {110}‐plates, respectively) and as rods lying along host lattice <100>‐directions. The {100}‐plates have rhomboidal broad faces with a side lying along a <100>‐direction, an internal angle of about 45°, as measured on the corresponding {100}‐plane, and, consequently, another side (the {100}<110>‐side) lying along a <110> direction on this plane. The {110}‐plates have rectangular broad faces with a side lying along a <100>‐direction and with another side (the {110}<110>‐side) lying along a <110>‐direction on the corresponding {110}‐plane. Spatial reconstructions of a typical precipitate field, a typical {100}‐plate, a typical {110}‐plate and a typical rod are described in detail. Precipitates were measured in their different dimensions and the measuring procedures are explained. The plate thicknesses and rod diameters are into a common narrow range of values (0.5–0.2 μm) which contains also the inferior limits of the obtained length ranges for the {100}<110>‐ and {110}<110>‐sides (5.1–0.3 and 4.9–0.3 μm, respectively). It is discussed that that three different europium precipitation states are responsible for the studied precipitation and that plates grew from rods during annealing.
Balancing my disease: women's perspectives of living with inflammatory bowel disease
Authors: Sykes Dorothy N , Fletcher Paula C , Schneider Margaret A
Published: February 2015

Aims and objectives

The purpose of this research was to examine the lived experiences of women with inflammatory bowel disease, by specifically exploring their management of their illness after diagnosis.

Background

Inflammatory bowel disease is a chronic autoimmune disease that has no known cause or cure. It is composed of two types of conditions: Crohn's disease and Ulcerative Colitis which have similar signs and symptoms, but have distinct physiological properties. Currently, Canada has the highest reported prevalence and incidence rates of inflammatory bowel disease in the world (Molodecky et al. 2012). Despite these increasing rates, there is a lack of knowledge and understanding of the burdens associated with inflammatory bowel disease, in particular from the participant's perspective.

Design & Methods

Heuristic phenomenology was the theoretical orientation used for this study. Eight women (aged 30–50 years) with inflammatory bowel disease who resided in Southern Ontario were recruited. Each participant completed background questionnaires and a one‐on‐one semi‐structured interview.

Results

Several salient themes were identified; however, this paper will solely focus on one theme, balancing my disease. To achieve balance, the women described changing dietary behaviours, adjusting daily routines and managing symptoms through medications. These modifications were described as being important in controlling inflammatory bowel disease symptomatology on a day‐to‐day basis.

Conclusion

There are many triggers for inflammatory bowel disease symptomatology. As such, the means in which those with inflammatory bowel disease manage their conditions varies. Participants discussed using a combination of strategies to control their condition.

Relevance to clinical practice

This information is important for patients living with inflammatory bowel disease, their support people, and healthcare professionals to identify various key strategies to improve the quality of life and well‐being of those affected by inflammatory bowel disease. Furthermore, this research provided a voice to women diagnosed with inflammatory bowel disease by allowing them to openly convey their experiences of living with inflammatory bowel disease.
A FORMAL MEDICATION RECONCILIATION PROGRAMME IN A HAEMODIALYSIS UNIT CAN IDENTIFY MEDICATION DISCREPANCIES AND POTENTIALLY PREVENT ADVERSE DRUG EVENTS
Authors: Chan Winnie WY , Mahalingam Geetha , Richardson Robert MA , Fernandes Olavo A , Battistella Marisa
Published: February 2015

Background

Patients on haemodialysis have been identified as high‐risk for medication discrepancies and adverse drug events. Medication reconciliation is an important patient safety initiative to prevent adverse drug events. The primary objective of our study was to determine the number and types of medication discrepancies and drug therapy problems (DTPs) identified in patients on haemodialysis. Our second objective was to assess the potential clinical impact and severity of all unintentional medication discrepancies identified.

Methods

Patients in an academic haemodialysis unit were interviewed to obtain a best possible medication history (BPMH) between May and August 2010. The BPMH was documented and discrepancies were identified, classified and resolved with the interprofessional team. An interprofessional panel conducted a discrepancy clinical impact assessment for potential adverse drug events.

Results

Two hundred and twenty‐eight patients on haemodialysis were interviewed and 512 discrepancies were identified for 151 patients (3.4 discrepancies per patient). Of these, 174 (34%) were undocumented intentional discrepancies and 338 (66%) were unintentional discrepancies. The unintentional discrepancies were classified as 21% omissions, 36% commissions and 43% incorrect dose/frequency. Most drug therapy problems were related to patient taking a medication that was not indicated (25%), medication required but patient not taking (25%), patient not willing to take the medication as prescribed (28%) or incorrect dosing of a drug (20%). Overall, 6% of discrepancies were classified as clinically significant potential adverse drug events.

Conclusion

Medication discrepancies appear to be common in patients on haemodialysis. Formal interprofessional medication reconciliation practice models are essential to identify discrepancies and prevent patients from experiencing adverse drug events.
Spontaneaous linear gastric tears in a cat
Authors: Gualtieri M. , Olivero D. , Costa Devoti C.
Published: February 2015

An 11‐year‐old female cat presented for chronic vomiting. Endoscopy revealed an altered gastric mucosa and spontaneous formation of linear gastric tears during normal organ insufflations. The histopathological diagnosis was atrophic gastritis with Helicobacter pylori infection. Medical treatment permitted a complete resolution of clinical signs. The linear tears observed resembled gastric lesions rarely reported in humans, called “Mallory‐Weiss syndrome”. To the authors’ knowledge this is the first report of spontaneous linear gastric tears in animals.
Residue depletion of ampicillin in eggs
Authors: Zhao M. , Xie K.‐Z. , Guo H.‐S. , Li A.‐H. , Xie X. , Zhang G.‐X. , Dai G.‐J. , Wang J.‐Y.
Published: February 2015

A residue depletion study of ampicillin (AMP) was performed after oral dosing (60.0 mg/kg and 120.0 mg/kg body weight once a day for 5 days) to laying hens, through the use of reversed‐phase high‐performance liquid chromatography with fluorescence detection (RP‐HPLC‐FLD) to achieve detection of ampicillin residue in eggs. Limit of detection was 0.5 ng/g, and limit of quantitation was 1.2 ng/g for ampicillin. Extraction recoveries of ampicillin from samples fortified at 5.0–125.0 ng/g levels ranged from 77.5% to 84.6% in albumen, 77.9% to 87.5% in yolk, and 77.9% to 88.6% in whole egg, with coefficients of variation ≤9.3%. The maximum concentrations of ampicillin in albumen, yolk, and whole egg were detected at 1, 2, and 1 day after the last administration of ampicillin, respectively. Ampicillin was not detectable in albumen at day 9 of withdrawal time, at day 10 and 11 in yolk, and day 9 and 11 in whole egg at each of those 2 dose levels. The theoretical withdrawal time of AMP in whole egg was 6.730 and 7.296 days for 60 and 120 mg/kg oral dosage, respectively. This method also proved to be suitable as a rapid and reliable method for the determination of ampicillin in other poultry eggs.
Variability and Variation in Second Language Acquisition Orders: A Dynamic Reevaluation
Authors: Lowie Wander , Verspoor Marjolijn
Published: February 2015

The traditional morpheme order studies in second language acquisition have tried to demonstrate the existence of a fixed order of acquisition of English morphemes, regardless of the second language learner's background. Such orders have been taken as evidence of the preprogrammed nature of language acquisition. This article argues for a process‐based, dynamic explanation of development, in which each developmental step is based on the dynamic interaction of all processes involved. Due to the complexity of these interactions, the developmental process cannot be predetermined and fixed. Although stages of development like the acquisition order of morphemes are commonly observed as a grand sweep effect at the group level, these stages may be meaningless at the level of the individual language learner. This paradox shows we can only make the observations that our method allows us. If we are interested in grand sweep effects that may be generalizable to large populations of learners, we will have to carry out group studies with representative samples that can be analyzed using Gaussian statistics based on the normal distribution. But if we are interested in how an individual learner progresses over time as a result of changing variables in a changing context, we will have to conduct longitudinal studies and use nonlinear methods of analysis.
Natural or Artificial: Is the Route of L2 Development Teachable?
Authors: Zhang Xian , Lantolf James P.
Published: February 2015

The current study was designed to assess the central claim of the Teachability Hypothesis (TH), a corollary of general Processability Theory (PT), which predicts instruction cannot alter posited universal, hierarchically organized psycholinguistic constraints behind PT's developmental sequences. We employed an interventional design, which adhered to instructional procedures of Systemic Theoretical Instruction, and we taught four university learners at Stage 2 (subject‐verb‐object) Chinese topicalization for Stage 4 (object‐first, e.g., Pizza tā yě chī le, Pizza 他 也 吃了, ‘Pizza he also ate’). We believe the findings show that, under the instructional conditions utilized in the study, the predictions of TH do not hold. We conclude it is possible to artificially construct a developmental route different from the one predicted by natural developmental sequences, in agreement with the claims of Vygotsky's developmental education.
Narratives, memorable cases and metaphors of night nursing: findings from an interpretative phenomenological study
Authors: Zannini Lucia , Ghitti Maria Grazia , Martin Sonia , Palese Alvisa , Saiani Luisa
Published: February 2015

The aim of the study was to explore the experiences of night nurses. An interpretative phenomenological study was undertaken, and 35 nurses working in Italian medical, surgical and intensive care units were purposely recruited. Data were gathered in 2010 by semi‐structured interviews, collecting nurses' narratives, memorable cases and metaphors, aimed at summarising the essence of work as a nurse during the night. The experience of night nursing is based on four interconnected themes: (i) working in a state of alert, (ii) growing by expanding autonomy and responsibility, (iii) assuring sensitive surveillance and (iv) experiencing deep intimacy. Memorable episodes were polarised along (i) expected/unexpected events; (ii) positive/negative epilogues; and (iii) life/death issues. Many of the emergent metaphors described working during the night as being in the middle of a space where an apparent calm scene takes place, but unpredictable factors may suddenly change the order of events and the outcomes, creating chaos. Working during the night alerts nurses, who increase autonomy, expanding their role and assuming more responsibility with respect to that assumed during daily shifts. The nurses' clinical reasoning is based on data they carefully listen to, and on the meaning that nurses give time by time to different noises and silence. While in the past a sense of companionships was reported, a loneliness or a ‘neutral’ experience concerning the relationships with colleagues seems to prevail during night nursing. Working night shifts is a complex task, and specific training must be assured to students/novices.
The reverse transcriptase–RNase H: from viruses to antiviral defense
Authors: Moelling Karin , Broecker Felix
Published: February 2015

Ubiquitous, reverse transcriptase may have contributed to the transition from the RNA to the DNA world, a transition that also involved RNase H–like activities. Both enzymes shaped various genomes and antiviral defense systems as endogenous retroviruses (ERVs) and transposable elements (TEs). A close relationship between a dozen components of retroviruses and the small interfering RNA (siRNA) antiviral‐defense machinery has been characterized. Most antiviral‐defense systems involve RNase H–like enzymes destroying invading nucleic acids, RNA, or DNA. Such enzymes include RNases H, Argonaute, Dicer, Cas9, transposases, integrases, and enzymes for immunoglobulin rearrangement and splicing. Even in mammalian cells, where protein‐based defense dominates, the siRNA machinery remains active, demonstrated by increased virus production and apoptosis after Dicer knockdown. We have noticed a surprising homology between the siRNA silencing system and the interferon response, as well as to siDNA and the CRISPR system. Further, ERVs serve in defense, in addition to having roles in gene regulation and cancer.
Classification of prokaryotic genetic replicators: between selfishness and altruism
Authors: Jalasvuori Matti , Koonin Eugene V.
Published: February 2015

Prokaryotes harbor a variety of genetic replicators, including plasmids, viruses, and chromosomes, each having different effects on the phenotype of the hosting cell. Here, we propose a classification for replicators of bacteria and archaea on the basis of their horizontal‐transfer potential and the type of relationships (mutualistic, symbiotic, commensal, or parasitic) that they have with the host cell vehicle. Horizontal movement of replicators can be either active or passive, reflecting whether or not the replicator encodes the means to mediate its own transfer from one cell to another. Some replicators also have an infectious extracellular state, thus separating viruses from other mobile elements. From the perspective of the cell vehicle, the different types of replicators form a continuum from genuinely mutualistic to completely parasitic replicators. This classification provides a general framework for dissecting prokaryotic systems into evolutionarily meaningful components.
Disentangling the effects of local and regional processes on biodiversity patterns through taxon‐contingent metacommunity network analysis
Authors: Borthagaray Ana Inés , Berazategui Mauro , Arim Matías
Published: February 2015

Metacommunity theory, which has gained a central position in ecology, accounts for the role of migration in patterns of diversity among communities at different scales. Community isolation has a main role in this theory, but is difficult to estimate empirically, partly due to the taxon‐dependent nature of dispersal. Landscapes could be perceived as either fragmented or connected for organisms with contrasting dispersal abilities. Indeed, the dispersal ability of a taxon, and the spatial scale at which eco‐evolutionary processes shape local diversity, determine a taxon‐dependent metacommunity network. In this paper, we introduce a methodology using graph theory to define this taxon‐dependent metacommunity network and then to estimate the isolation of local communities. We analyzed the relative importance of local conditions versus community isolation as determinants of community richness for 25 taxa inhabiting 18 temporary ponds. Although local factors have been the foci of most previous empirical and theoretical considerations, we demonstrate that the metacommunity network is an equally important contributor to local diversity. We also found that the relative effect of local conditions and the metacommunity network depend on body size and taxon abundance. Local diversity of larger species was more affected by patch isolation, while taxon abundances were associated with positive or negative effects of isolation. Our results provide empirical support for the proposed role of metacommunity networks as determinants of community diversity and show the taxon‐dependent nature of these networks.
Intraspecific phenotypic differences in fish affect ecosystem processes as much as bottom–up factors
Authors: El‐Sabaawi Rana W. , Bassar Ronald D. , Rakowski Chase , Marshall Michael C. , Bryan Brynne L. , Thomas Steven N. , Pringle Catherine , Reznick David N. , Flecker Alexander S.
Published: February 2015

Evolution of life history traits can occur rapidly and has the potential to influence ecological processes, which can also be shaped by abiotic and biotic factors. Few studies have shown that life history phenotype can affect ecological processes as much as commonly studied biotic ecological variables, but currently we do not know how the ecological effects of life history phenotype compare in size to the effects of abiotic factors, or whether the ecological effects of phenotypes are sensitive to variability in abiotic conditions. Using a factorial mesocosm experiment we compared the ecosystem effects of guppy Poecilia reticulata life history phenotypes in two light treatments representing a four‐fold difference in light levels, which was comparable to upstream downstream differences in light availability in Trinidadian streams. Light and phenotype had significant effects on similar aspects of ecosystem function. Whereas light had a stronger effect on ecosystem structure (algal and invertebrate stocks) than phenotype, phenotype and light had nearly equal effects on many ecosystem processes (nutrient recycling, nutrient fluxes, ecosystem metabolism and leaf litter decomposition). Light had a stronger effect on most guppy life history traits and guppy fitness than differences between phenotypes. The effect of light on these traits was consistent with higher availability of food resources in the high light treatments. Interactions between light and phenotype were weak for the majority of response variables suggesting that abiotic variability did not alter the mechanisms by which phenotypes affect ecosystem function. We conclude that subtle phenotypic differences in consumers can affect ecosystem processes as much as meaningful variability in abiotic factors which until recently were thought to be the primary drivers of ecosystem function in nature. However, despite its effects on traits and the ecosystem, light did not alter the effect of guppy phenotype on ecosystem function.
Influence of hybridization on animal space use: a case study using coyote range expansion
Authors: Ellington E. Hance , Murray Dennis L.
Published: February 2015

Hybridization between animal species is likely to increase as distributional and reproductive barriers continue to break down due to anthropogenically driven changes in habitat and climate. Yet, the influence of hybridization on ecological interactions and ecosystem function remains understudied. Animal space use, an important component of ecosystem dynamics, is a complex relationship between intrinsic factors, which hybridization can influence, and extrinsic factors, such as environmental heterogeneity. Using the coyote Canis latrans, a well‐studied species with a long history of hybridization with wolves and dogs Canis spp., we sought to assess the influence of hybridization relative to environmental factors in determining animal space use. We conducted a meta‐regression analysis of 67 datasets on coyote home range size across North America and generated models to predict coyote home range size. Climate (latitude) and environmental variability played important roles in determining patterns of coyote space use, likely through their influence on availability of prey resources. However, we found hybridization to be the preeminent factor driving variation in coyote space use, with non‐introgressed populations having considerably smaller home ranges than those from within the Canis hybrid zone of eastern North America. This pattern was upheld despite the variation in environmental factors between areas inside and outside the Canis hybrid zone. Our findings suggest that hybridization may serve as an important factor affecting ecosystems, as hybrids may have altered space requirements, and presumably different niche dimensions, compared to parental species. This, in turn, may influence the role that particular species play within communities.

Synthesis

Hybridization between animal species is likely to increase due to anthropogenically driven changes in habitat and climate. We used a meta‐regression analysis (n = 67) to examine the relationship between hybridization and coyote Canis latrans space use across North America. We found that independent of environmental factors, introgressed coyotes had larger home ranges. Our findings suggest that hybridization may serve as an important factor affecting ecosystems, as hybrids may have altered space requirements, and presumably different niche dimensions, compared to parental species. This, in turn, may influence the role that particular species play within communities.
Transparency of Assessment Centers: Lower Criterion‐related Validity but Greater Opportunity to Perform?
Authors: Ingold Pia V. , Kleinmann Martin , König Cornelius J. , Melchers Klaus G.
Published: February 2015

Assessment centers (ACs) are popular selection devices in which assessees are assessed on several dimensions during different exercises. Surveys indicate that ACs vary with regard to the transparency of the targeted dimensions and that the number of transparent ACs has increased during recent years. Furthermore, research on this design feature has put conceptual arguments forward regarding the effects of transparency on criterion‐related validity, impression management, and fairness perceptions. This study is the first to examine these effects using supervisor‐rated job performance data as the criterion. We conducted simulated ACs with transparency as a between‐subjects factor. The sample consisted of part‐time employed participants who would soon be applying for a new job. In line with our hypothesis, results showed that ratings from an AC with nontransparent dimensions were more criterion valid than ratings from an AC with transparent dimensions. Concerning impression management, our results supported the hypothesis that transparency moderates the relationship between self‐promotion and job performance, such that self‐promotion in the nontransparent AC was more positively related to job performance than self‐promotion in the transparent AC. The data lent no support for the hypothesis that participants’ perceptions of their opportunity to perform are higher in the transparent AC.
Does the adolescent patellar tendon respond to 5 days of cumulative load during a volleyball tournament?
Authors: van Ark M. , Docking S.I. , van den Akker‐Scheek I. , Rudavsky A. , Rio E. , Zwerver J. , Cook J.L.
Published: February 2015

Patellar tendinopathy (jumper's knee) has a high prevalence in jumping athletes. Excessive load on the patellar tendon through high volumes of training and competition is an important risk factor. Structural changes in the tendon are related to a higher risk of developing patellar tendinopathy. The critical tendon load that affects tendon structure is unknown. The aim of this study was to investigate patellar tendon structure on each day of a 5‐day volleyball tournament in an adolescent population (16–18 years). The right patellar tendon of 41 players in the Australian Volleyball Schools Cup was scanned with ultrasound tissue characterization (UTC) on every day of the tournament (Monday to Friday). UTC can quantify structure of a tendon into four echo types based on the stability of the echo pattern. Generalized estimating equations (GEE) were used to test for change of echo type I and II over the tournament days. Participants played between eight and nine matches during the tournament. GEE analysis showed no significant change of echo type percentages of echo type I (Wald chi‐square = 4.603, d.f. = 4, P = 0.331) and echo type II (Wald chi‐square = 6.070, d.f. = 4, P = 0.194) over time. This study shows that patellar tendon structure of 16–18‐year‐old volleyball players is not affected during 5 days of cumulative loading during a volleyball tournament.
Quadriceps neural alterations in anterior cruciate ligament reconstructed patients: A 6‐month longitudinal investigation
Authors: Lepley A. S. , Gribble P. A. , Thomas A. C. , Tevald M. A. , Sohn D. H. , Pietrosimone B. G.
Published: February 2015

The purpose of this investigation was to evaluate differences in quadriceps corticospinal excitability, spinal‐reflexive excitability, strength, and voluntary activation before, 2 weeks post and 6 months post‐anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLr). This longitudinal, case‐control investigation examined 20 patients scheduled for ACLr (11 females, 9 males; age: 20.9 ± 4.4 years; height:172.4 ± 7.5 cm; weight:76.2 ± 11.8 kg) and 20 healthy controls (11 females, 9 males; age:21.7 ± 3.7 years; height: 173.7 ± 9.9 cm; weight: 76.1 ± 19.7 kg). Maximal voluntary isometric contractions (MVIC), central activation ratio (CAR), normalized Hoffmann spinal reflexes, active motor threshold (AMT), and normalized motor‐evoked potential (MEP) amplitudes at 120% of AMT were measured in the quadriceps muscle at the specific time points. ACLr patients demonstrated bilateral reductions in spinal‐reflexive excitability compared with controls before surgery (P = 0.02) and 2 weeks post‐surgery (P ≤ 0.001). ACLr patients demonstrated higher AMT at 6 months post‐surgery (P ≤ 0.001) in both limbs. No MEP differences were detected. Quadriceps MVIC and CAR were lower in both limbs of the ACLr group before surgery and 6 months post‐surgery (P ≤ 0.05) compared with controls. Diminished excitability of spinal‐reflexive and corticospinal pathways are present at different times following ACLr and occur in combination with clinical deficits in quadriceps strength and activation. Early rehabilitation strategies targeting spinal‐reflexive excitability may help improve postoperative outcomes, while later‐stage rehabilitation may benefit from therapeutic techniques aimed at improving corticospinal excitability.
Representation of Romantic Love in Children's Drawings: Age and Gender Differences
Authors: Brechet Claire
Published: February 2015

This study was designed to fill our current knowledge gap in children's representation of romantic love. To this end, we used a drawing task: 127 children ages 6 to 10 were asked to draw a person and a person in love. Performing content analysis, we identified seven graphic indicators used by children to depict romantic love in their drawings. As expected, results exhibited age and gender differences. First, older children used a higher number of graphic indicators than younger children. The use of each type of indicator (except for one) varied with age. Second, girls used a higher number of graphic indicators than boys. These gender differences were specific to three graphic indicators. Results are discussed in terms of children's developing representation of romantic love and of the potential impact of their socio‐cultural environment on this representation.
“For They Knew What They Did” – What Swiss Voters Did (Not) Know About The Mass Immigration Initiative
Authors: Milic Thomas
Published: February 2015

After the vote of 9 February 2014, many attributed the surprising result to voter ignorance. The basic claim was that the majority of those voting in favour of the initiative possessed only a weak understanding of what the likely outcome(s) would be if their choice prevailed. However, the analysis of the voters' knowledge level shows that they were comparably well aware of what the proposal at hand was about. Moreover, most voters voted their true preferences. They were also well aware about the possible economic ramifications acceptance could have for the relationship between Switzerland and the European Union and they were willing to take the risk. However, what should give the initiative's opponents a glimmer of hope is the fact that a majority believed that the principle of free movement would somehow be negotiable. Given the ongoing refusal of the EU to renegotiate that principle, these voters might have become less confident about its negotiability than they were before the vote.
Professor Yamuna Kachru and creativity in Hindi linguistics
Authors: BHATIA TEJ K.
Published: February 2015

The aim of this paper is to identify the salient features of Professor Yamuna Kachru's contributions to Hindi linguistics. The paper begins by identifying the seven research areas of her contributions and then goes on to focus on her pioneering work on Hindi syntax and her final work on Hindi grammar. The seven areas embody a wide range of topics. Although a detailed treatment of the topics is beyond the scope of an article such as this, it suffices to say the papers offer state‐of‐the art treatments of these topics within the latest theoretical framework of that time. The specific aspects of her theoretical and methodological contributions are underscored in the conclusion after noting the wide‐ranging impact of her scholarship on succeeding generations of Hindi linguists. Simply put, she was the Chomsky of Hindi linguistics – a pioneer, a visionary, a teacher and a scholar.
Creativity and ‘expanding noetics’ in world Englishes
Authors: Nelson Cecil L.
Published: February 2015

The title of Professor Yamuna Kachru's paper, ‘Culture, Style, and Discourse: Expanding Noetics of English’ (1992a) immediately raises an intriguing aspect of the spread and functions of world Englishes. The code, with all its potential variations in forms, may well serve as a window into and a means of approaching the ‘cultures, styles, and discourses’ of groups and people who are outside our own first‐hand and comfortable experiences. Excerpts from some culturally relevant texts, including some cited by Kachru, may serve to explicate and further substantiate this approach.
English as a plural language: The significance of Yamuna Kachru
Authors: SRIDHAR S. N , SRIDHAR KAMAL K.
Published: February 2015

In a distinguished career spanning five decades Professor Yamuna Kachru enriched several areas of linguistics and applied language studies. This initial appreciation attempts to show how her family background, education, and experience on three continents shaped her interests and perspectives. The evolution of her research is structured as a series of concentric circles, each informed by the previous ones. The inner circle is her monumental work on Hindi grammar and sociolinguistics. The second circle concerns contrastive analysis, second language acquisition and teaching, and multilingualism. The third circle involves pragmatics, discourse structure, and world Englishes. The salient features of her scholarship are outlined, along with her vital role in bringing about world‐wide recognition of the new paradigm of world Englishes through original research, teaching, and building the academic infrastructure for the field through texts, reference works, the journal World Englishes, and the professional society IAWE.
Effect of medicinal plants on wound healing
Authors: Budovsky Arie , Yarmolinsky Ludmila , Ben‐Shabat Shimon
Published: February 2015

In the United States alone, chronic wounds affect 6.5 million patients. It is expected that the number of chronic wounds will increase worldwide due to the increase in age‐related conditions and pathologies such as diabetes, obesity, and cardiovascular diseases. An estimated excess of US$25 billion is spent annually on treatment of chronic wounds, and the burden is rapidly growing due to increasing healthcare costs, an aging population, and a sharp rise in the incidence of diabetes and obesity worldwide. While current therapeutic agents have generally inadequate efficacy and number of serious adverse effects, the medicinal plants have been used in medicine since ancient times and are well known for their abilities to promote wound healing and prevent infection without grave side effects. Thus, herbal therapy may be an alternative strategy for treatment of wounds. The purpose of this review is to provide the verified data on the medicinal plants of the world flora with wound healing activity including the biologically active substances belonging to these herbal preparations and describe in detail the various cellular and molecular mechanisms of their actions.
Cardiovascular afferents cause the release of 5‐HT in the nucleus tractus solitarii; this release is regulated by the low‐ (PMAT) not the high‐affinity transporter (SERT)
Authors: Hosford Patrick S. , Millar Julian , Ramage Andrew G.
Published: February 2015

Key points

The nucleus tractus solitarii (NTS) integrates visceral afferent information essential for cardiovascular haemostasis.

Using fast‐cyclic voltammetry in anaesthetized rats, 5‐HT (serotonin) release was detected in NTS in response to activation of these afferents.

Removal of 5‐HT from the extracellular space is usually regulated by the low‐capacity, high‐affinity 5‐HT transporter (5‐HTT/SERT).

The present data demonstrate that 5‐HT removal in the NTS is regulated by the plasma membrane monoamine transporter (PMAT), a high‐capacity, low‐affinity transporter.

The present data also demonstrate that the 5‐HT released by afferent activation comes from at least two different sources. It is suggested that one of these sources is the afferents themselves.

These results demonstrate a physiological role for the low‐affinity uptake transporter in the regulation of 5‐HT concentration in NTS.

The nucleus tractus solitarii (NTS) integrates inputs from cardiovascular afferents and thus is crucial for cardiovascular homeostasis. These afferents primarily release glutamate, although 5‐HT has also been shown to play a role in their actions. Using fast‐cyclic voltammetry, an increase in 5‐HT concentrations (range 12–50 nm) could be detected in the NTS in anaesthetized rats in response to electrical stimulation of the vagus and activation of cardiopulmonary, chemo‐ and baroreceptor reflexes. This 5‐HT signal was not potentiated by the serotonin transporter (SERT) or the noradrenaline transporter (NET) inhibitors citalopram and desipramine (1 mg kg−1). However, decynium‐22 (600 μg kg−1), an organic cation 3 transporter (OCT3)/plasma membrane monoamine transporter (PMAT) inhibitor, increased the 5‐HT signal by 111 ± 21% from 29 ± 10 nm. The effectiveness of these inhibitors was tested against the removal time of 5‐HT and noradrenaline applied by microinjection to the NTS. Citalopram and decynium‐22 attenuated the removal of 5‐HT but not noradrenaline, whereas desipramine had the reverse action. The OCT3 inhibitor corticosterone (10 mg kg−1) had no effect. Blockade of glutamate receptors with topical kynurenate (10–50 nm) reduced the vagally evoked 5‐HT signal by 50%, indicating that this release was from at least two sources. It is concluded that vagally evoked 5‐HT release is under the regulation of the high‐capacity, low‐affinity transporter PMAT, not the low‐capacity, high‐affinity transporter SERT. This is the first demonstration that PMAT may be playing a physiological role in the regulation of 5‐HT transmission and this could indicate that 5‐HT is acting, in part, as a volume transmitter within the NTS.
Individual Phase Mechanical Properties at Different Temperatures of Sn–Ag–Cu Lead-Free Solders Incorporating Special Pileup Effects Using Nanoindentation
Authors: Sadiq Muhammad , Lecomte Jean-Sebastien , Cherkaoui Mohammed
Published: February 2015

Sn–Ag–Cu (SAC) alloys are considered as good replacements of Sn–Pb alloys which are banned due to the toxic nature of Pb. But, SAC alloys have a coarse microstructure that consists of β-Sn rich and eutectic phases. Nanoindentation is a useful technique to evaluate the mechanical properties at very small length scale. In this work, continuous stiffness measurement (CSM) nanoindentation setup (CSM Instruments SA, Peseux, Switzerland) is used to determine the individual phase mechanical properties like Young's modulus and hardness at high temperatures. It is demonstrated that these properties are a function of temperature for both β-Sn rich and eutectic phases. Loadings starting from 500 μN up to 5000 μN are used with 500 μN steps and average values are presented for Young's modulus and hardness. The loading rates applied are twice that of the loadings. High temperatures result in a higher creep deformation and therefore, to avoid it, different dwell times are used at peak loads. The special pileup effect, which is more significant at elevated temperatures, is determined and incorporated into the results. A better agreement is found with the previous studies.
Numerical Optimization of the Inlet Velocity Profile Ingested by the Conical Draft Tube of a Hydraulic Turbine
Authors: Galván Sergio , Reggio Marcelo , Guibault Francois
Published: February 2015

Past numerical and experimental research has shown that the draft tube inlet velocity is critically important to hydropower plant performance, especially in the case of low-head installations. However, less is known about the influence of flow parameters on turbine performance particularly swirl distribution. Based on the influence of draft tube flow characteristics on the overall performance of a low-head turbine, this research proposes a methodology for optimizing draft tube inlet velocity profiles as a new approach to controlling the flow conditions in order to yield better draft tube and turbine performance. Numerical optimization methods have been used successfully for a variety of design problems. However, addressing the optimization of boundary conditions in hydraulic turbines poses a new challenge. In this paper, three different vortex equations for representing the inlet velocity profile are applied to a cone diffuser, and the behavior of the objective function is analyzed. As well, the influence of the quantitative correlation between the swirling flow at the cone inlet and the analytical blade shape, flow rate, and swirl number using the best inlet velocity profiles is evaluated. We also include a discussion on the development of a flow structure caused by the inlet swirl parameters. Finally, we present an analysis of the influence of flow rate and swirl number on the behavior of the optimization process.
Numerical Study on Heat Transfer and Fluid Flow in Pin Fin-Dimple Channels With Fillet on Dimple Edge
Authors: Meena Muralikrishnan Gopalakrishnan , Anandakrishnan Abhijith , Kavumcheril Madhu Anandarajan
Published: February 2015

Pin fins and dimples are used for enhancing heat transfer from surfaces and here we take into account their use in cooling the trailing edge of gas turbine blades. The main problem is the increase in pressure drop with increase in dimple depths. This is a vital factor for the total work done by the turbine. The models for which study has been conducted are the ones with dimple depths of 1mm, 2mm and 3mm. Also, as a modification, fillets are added to the edges of the dimples with 3mm depth. Turbulent flow with Re of about 55,000 is employed through the surface, which is heated with constant heat flux of 50,000 W/m2. The results showed that the modified model reduces the frictional loss to a large extent without creating much disturbance to the heat transfer capability of the original structure. The modified model gave the lowest amount of friction factor at the same time providing reasonable amount of heat transfer compared to the other three models.