bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A night soil collection point: the public toilets in Hong Kong, 1860s-1920s
Authors: Chong Yuk-sik
Published: January 2017

Purpose

This paper aims to understand the implication of night soil selling at the public toilets for the shared interests between colonial state and business in nineteenth-century Hong Kong. More specifically, this paper attempts to look at the ways the toilets were sustained by the sharing interests over night soil profits between state and business sector.

Design/methodology/approach

It is argued from the political economy perspective that the night soil profit determined the public toilet development.

Findings

The successful emergence of the modern state of colonies was generally attributed to colonial modernization, a force that was widely recognized for having introduced hygienic modernity. It was easily assumed that the public toilets would be provided by colonial government. Instead, sanitary problems during the early colonization of this colony were addressed by the privately-owned public pail toilets provided by big Chinese landowners through the selling of night soil. Based on this quasi-commercial mode, these toilets, which served as night soil collection points, were certainly inefficient; they however survived for half a century into the early twentieth century.

Originality/value

The paper challenges the long-established assumptions of binary relations and hierarchical public roles that put them into zero-sum competition of capacity. It rather argues that the interests aligned with each other.
Taking stock: the establishment of a distinctive criminological tradition
Authors: McLaughlin Eugene
Published: January 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to offer an insider account of the establishment of Hong Kong University (HKU’s) Master of Social Sciences in Criminology.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper is biographical in approach, based on the author’s recollections and departmental documentation relating to the establishment of the MSocSc criminology degree.

Findings

The author argues that for all the practical complications, a distinctive criminological tradition was forged in the early years that has had a lasting influence. The paper concludes by considering the challenges faced by criminology in contemporary Hong Kong.

Originality/value

The paper provides an account of the origins and development of academic criminology in Hong Kong.
Implementing policy and good practice in services for people with learning disabilities: factors influencing commissioning and service provision
Authors: Kerrigan James Colman , Hopper Caroline
Published: January 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore the implementation of learning disability (LD) policy among LD commissioners and managers in Kent (South East England) and a neighbouring area.

Design/methodology/approach

Participants’ views were elicited by semi-structured interviews focussed on two key national policy documents: Valuing People (DH, 2001) and the Mansell report (DH, 1993; 2007a).

Findings

Valuing People had a significant impact at the time of publication but initial enthusiasm and impetus faded over time. The Mansell report was thought to have had little impact on local services. Good progress was reported with respect to the development of more integrated services. Limited progress was identified with respect to the development of local mental health and challenging behaviour services. Factors influencing policy implementation were identified.

Originality/value

The similarity of findings to those of McGill et al. (2010) suggest their more general relevance. In the light of the subsequent investigation into Winterbourne View, common themes from both studies are considered in relation to the current Transforming Care programme in England.
The zone of parental control, the “gilded cage” and the deprivation of a child’s liberty: getting around Article 5
Authors: Horowicz Edmund Marcus
Published: January 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to specifically analyse whether parents should have the legal authority to authorise a deprivation of liberty for children with a learning disability. As a result of parental consent being recognised as holding legal authority, these children have their right to liberty under Article 5 engaged. It will be argued that the courts’ failure to support this view stems from the confusing concept of the “zone of parental control”.

Design/methodology/approach

A doctrinal methodology is used, examining domestic law and the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR), with analysis of relevant literature.

Findings

Decisions regarding deprivation of liberty in children under the age of 16 should undoubtedly include parental consent. The concern expressed here is the sovereignty of parental consent over all else. The law is confusing. In one respect rights under the ECHR are universal. However, both UK and European courts have accepted the premise that it is entirely within the zone of parental control to effectively deprive a child of liberty without procedural or judicial review. Furthermore, there are wider potential issues for children being considered to be deprived of liberty following Cheshire West.

Originality/value

The paper is a discussion piece that is critical of the existing law and uses the literature and original opinions to recommend an alternative approach.
Classification of normal screening mammograms is strongly influenced by perceived mammographic breast density
Authors: Ang Zoey ZY , Rawashdeh Mohammad A , Heard Rob , Brennan Patrick C , Lee Warwick , Lewis Sarah J
Published: January 2017

Introduction

To investigate how breast screen readers classify normal screening cases using descriptors of normal mammographic features and to assess test cases for suitability for a single reading strategy.

Methods

Fifteen breast screen readers interpreted a test set of 29 normal screening cases and classified them by firstly rating their perceived difficulty to reach a ‘normal’ decision, secondly identifying the cases' salient normal mammographic features and thirdly assessing the cases' suitability for a single reading strategy.

Results

The relationship between the perceived difficulty in making ‘normal’ decisions and the normal mammographic features was investigated. Regular ductal pattern (Tb = −0.439, P = 0.001), uniform density (Tb = −0.527, P < 0.001), non‐dense breasts (Tb = −0.736, P < 0.001), symmetrical mammographic features (Tb = −0.474, P = 0.001) and overlapped density (Tb = 0.630, P < 0.001) had a moderate to strong correlation with the difficulty to make ‘normal’ decisions. Cases with regular ductal pattern (Tb = 0.447, P = 0.002), uniform density (Tb = 0.550, P < 0.001), non‐dense breasts (Tb = 0.748, P < 0.001) and symmetrical mammographic features (Tb = 0.460, P = 0.001) were considered to be more suitable for single reading, whereas cases with overlapped density were not (Tb = −0.679, P < 0.001).

Conclusion

The findings suggest that perceived mammographic breast density has a major influence on the difficulty for readers to classify cases as normal and hence their suitability for single reading.
Behavioral Ecology, Technology, and the Organization of Labor: How a Shift from Spear Thrower to Self Bow Exacerbates Social Disparities
Authors: Grund Brigid Sky
Published: January 2017

Self‐bows replaced spear throwers as primary terrestrial hunting weapons on nearly all continents at different time periods throughout human prehistory. Many scholars have debated whether this transition occurred because of a shift in resource exploitation toward smaller fauna or because of the bow's supposedly superior performance in warfare. Before causal hypotheses explaining this technological shift can be tested, performance characteristics of atlatls versus bows must be well understood. Studies of performance characteristics often address topics such as the range, accuracy, or maintainability of weapons systems, but this study quantitatively compares the learnability of each weapon. Learning curves for spear throwers and bows are established using contemporary data generated by archers from the Society for Creative Anachronism and atlatlists from the World Atlatl Association. The hypothesis that spear throwers are easier to learn and can be wielded effectively by a wider segment of human populations than bows is supported. Implications for the organization of labor are contextualized in light of socioecological changes generally characterizing the conditions under which shifts from atlatl to self‐bow technology occurred in prehistory. [learning curve, division of labor, atlatl, performance characteristics, skill]
Diaspora and the Afterlife of Violence: Eritrean National Narratives and What Goes Without Saying
Authors: Bernal Victoria
Published: January 2017

This article explores the legacies of political violence, the workings of state power in mobilizing identities around collective suffering, and the effects of political culture that reside in people even after they have left the time and space of war. I interrogate the silence on Eritrean diaspora websites regarding personal suffering related to the war that produced Eritrea as an independent nation, elevated its current president and ruling party to government leadership, and established the Eritrean diaspora. I argue that national narratives of the Eritrean state that celebrate sacrifice for the nation operate on Eritreans as a secondary form of violence that renders their personal losses unspeakable. Eritrean websites reveal complex communicative terrains where power is constructed and contested in ways that cannot be captured by the opposition between the diaspora and the homeland, between online and offline, or between silence and speech. [political violence, suffering, diaspora, internet, war, Eritrea]
Prenatal prediction of significant intertwin birthweight discordance using standard second and third trimester sonographic parameters
Authors: Hehir Mark P. , Breathnach Fionnuala M. , Hogan Jennifer L. , Mcauliffe Fionnuala M. , Geary Michael P. , Daly Sean , Higgins John , Hunter Alyson , Morrison John J. , Burke Gerard , Mahony Rhona , Dicker Patrick , Tully Elizabeth , Malone Fergal D.
Published: January 2017

Introduction

Our study aim was to evaluate standard ultrasound‐derived fetal biometric parameters in the prediction of clinically significant intertwin birthweight discordance defined as ≥18%.

Material and methods

This was a secondary analysis of a prospective cohort study of 1028 unselected twin pairs recruited over a two‐year period. Dichorionic twins underwent two‐weekly ultrasonographic surveillance from 24 weeks’ gestation, with surveillance of monochorionic twins two‐weekly from 16 weeks. Ultrasonographic biometric data from 24 to 36 weeks were evaluated for the prediction of an intertwin birthweight discordance threshold ≥18%. Umbilical artery Doppler waveform data was also analyzed to evaluate whether it was predictive of birthweight discordance.

Results

Of the 956 twin pairs analyzed for discordance, 208 pairs were found to have a clinically significant birthweight discordance ≥18%. All biometric parameters were predictive of significant inter‐twin birthweight discordance at low cut‐offs, with low discriminatory powers when ROC curves were analyzed. Discordance in estimated fetal weight was predictive of a significant birthweight discordance at all gestational categories with cut‐offs between 8 and 11%. A low‐discriminatory power and poor sensitivity and specificity were also observed. An abnormal umbilical artery Doppler was predictive of birthweight discordance ≥18% between 28 and 32 weeks’ gestation, although with poor sensitivity and specificity.

Conclusions

Calculation of estimated fetal weight and birthweight discordance between twins allows minimal margin for error. These margins make it difficult to accurately predict those who are at or above the discordance threshold of 18%. These findings highlight that small intertwin discrepancies in weight and biometry should not be overlooked and merit further investigation.
Elevated nitric oxide in recurrent vulvovaginal candidiasis – association with clinical findings
Authors: Alvendal Cathrin , Ehrström Sophia , Brauner Annelie , Lundberg Jon O. , Bohm‐Starke Nina
Published: January 2017

Introduction

Recurrent vulvovaginal candidiasis is defined as having three to four episodes per year and causes substantial suffering. Little is known about the mechanisms leading to relapses in otherwise healthy women. Nitric oxide is part of the nonspecific host defense and is increased during inflammation. Nitric oxide levels were measured and the expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase was analyzed in the vagina during an acute episode of recurrent vulvovaginal candidiasis and after treatment with fluconazole.

Material and methods

Twenty‐eight women with symptoms of recurrent vulvovaginal candidiasis were enrolled together with 31 healthy controls. Nitric oxide was measured with an air‐filled 25‐mL silicon catheter balloon incubated in the vagina for five minutes and then analyzed by chemiluminescence technique. Vaginal biopsies were analyzed for the expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase. Symptoms and clinical findings were surveyed using a scoring system. The measurements and biopsies were repeated in patients after six weeks of fluconazole treatment.

Results

Nitric oxide levels were increased during acute infection (median 352 ppb) compared with controls (median 6 ppb), p < 0.0001. The levels decreased after treatment (median 18 ppb) but were still higher than in controls. Increased expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase was observed in the epithelial basal layer in patients before and after treatment compared with controls. Before treatment, there were positive correlations between nitric oxide and symptom (rs = 0.644) and examination scores (rs = 0.677), p < 0.001.

Conclusions

Nitric oxide is significantly elevated in patients with recurrent vulvovaginal candidiasis during acute episodes of infection and decreases after antifungal treatment. The results illustrate the pronounced inflammatory response in recurrent vulvovaginal candidiasis correlating to symptoms of pain and discomfort.
Effects of enzymatically treated Artemisia annua L. on growth performance and some blood parameters of broilers exposed to heat stress
Authors: Wan Xiaoli , Jiang Luyi , Zhong Haoran , Lu Yufang , Zhang Lili , Wang Tian
Published: January 2017

To evaluate the effects of enzymatically treated Artemisia annua L. (EA) on growth performance and some blood parameters of broilers exposed to heat stress (HS), 320 22‐day‐old Arbor Acres male broilers were randomly allotted into five groups with eight replicates of eight birds each. Broilers in the control group were housed at 22 ± 1°C and fed the basal diet. Broilers in the HS, HS‐EA0.75, HS‐EA1.00 and HS‐EA1.25 groups were reared under HS (34 ± 1°C for 8 h/day and 22 ± 1°C for 16 h/day), and fed basal diet with 0, 0.75, 1.00 and 1.25 g/kg EA, respectively. The experiment ended at 42 days. Dietary 1.00 and 1.25 g/kg EA decreased blood pH and elevated body weight gain, feed intake and carcass yield compared to the HS group. Broilers fed EA diets had lower serum concentrations of malondialdehyde and corticosterone and activities of alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase, and higher serum total superoxide dismutase activity, tri‐iodothyronine concentration and tri‐iodothyronine/thyroxine than the HS group. Serum catalase activity in HS‐EA1.00 and HS‐EA1.25 groups and activity to inhibit hydroxyl in the HS‐EA1.00 group were higher than the HS group. In conclusion, dietary 0.75–1.25 g/kg EA addition alleviated HS induced impairments in broilers.
Ticagrelor Compared with Clopidogrel Increased Adenosine and Cyclic Adenosine Monophosphate Plasma Concentration in Acute Coronary Syndrome Patients
Authors: Li Xiaoye , Wang Qibing , Xue Ying , Chen Jiahui , Lv Qianzhou
Published: January 2017

Ticagrelor produces a more potent antiplatelet effect than clopidogrel and inhibits cellular uptake of adenosine, which is associated with several cardiovascular consequences. We aimed to explore the correlation between adenosine and cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) plasma concentration and antiplatelet effect by clopidogrel or ticagrelor in patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) receiving dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT). We conducted a prospective, observational and single‐centre cohort study enrolling 68 patients with non‐ST‐segment elevation ACS from January 2016 to May 2016. We monitored the inhibition of platelet aggregation (IPA) and assessed adenosine, adenosine deaminase (ADA) and cAMP plasma concentrations by immunoassay on admission and 48 hr after coronary angiography. The demographic and clinical data were collected by reviewing their medical records. The two groups exhibited similar baseline characteristics including adenosine, ADA and cAMP. The mean IPA in patients receiving ticagrelor was significantly higher than that in patients receiving clopidogrel (93.5% versus 67.2%; p = 0.000). Also, we observed that patients treated with ticagrelor had a significantly higher increase in levels of adenosine and cAMP compared with those treated with clopidogrel (1.04 (0.86; 1.41) versus 0.04 (−0.25; 0.26); p = 0.029 and 0.78 (−1.67; 1.81) versus 0.60 (−1.91; 4.60); p = 0.037, respectively). And there was a weak correlation between IPA and adenosine as well as cAMP plasma concentration (r = 0.390, p = 0.001 and r = 0.335, p = 0.005, respectively). Ticagrelor increased adenosine and cAMP plasma concentration compared with clopidogrel in patients with ACS.
Canonical hedgehog signalling regulates hepatic stellate cell‐mediated angiogenesis in liver fibrosis
Authors: Zhang Feng , Hao Meng , Jin Huanhuan , Yao Zhen , Lian Naqi , Wu Li , Shao Jiangjuan , Chen Anping , Zheng Shizhong
Published: January 2017

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) are liver‐specific pericytes regulating angiogenesis during liver fibrosis. We aimed to elucidate the mechanisms by which hedgehog signalling regulated HSC angiogenic properties and to validate the therapeutic implications.

EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH

Rats and mice were treated with carbon tetrachloride for in vivo evaluation of hepatic angiogenesis and fibrotic injury. Diversified molecular approaches including real‐time PCR, Western blot, luciferase reporter assay, chromatin immunoprecipitation, electrophoretic mobility shift assay and co‐immunoprecipitation were used to investigate the underlying mechanisms in vitro.

KEY RESULTS

Angiogenesis was concomitant with up‐regulation of Smoothened (SMO) and hypoxia inducible factor‐1α (HIF‐1α) in rat fibrotic liver. The SMO inhibitor cyclopamine and Gli1 inhibitor GANT‐58 reduced expression of VEGF and angiopoietin 1 in HSCs and suppressed HSC tubulogenesis capacity. HIF‐1α inhibitor PX‐478 suppressed HSC angiogenic behaviour, and inhibition of hedgehog decreased HIF‐1α expression. Furthermore, heat shock protein 90 (HSP90) was characterized as a direct target gene of canonical hedgehog signalling in HSCs. HSP90 inhibitor 17‐AAG reduced HSP90 binding to HIF‐1α, down‐regulated HIF‐1α protein abundance and decreased HIF‐1α binding to DNA. 17‐AAG also abolished 1‐stearoyl‐2‐arachidonoyl‐sn‐glycerol (SAG) (a SMO agonist)‐enhanced HSC angiogenic properties. Finally, the natural compound ligustrazine was found to inhibit canonical hedgehog signalling leading to suppressed angiogenic properties of HSCs in vitro and ameliorated liver fibrosis and sinusoidal angiogenesis in mice.

CONCLUSION AND IMPLICATIONS

We have provided evidence that the canonical hedgehog pathway controlled HSC‐mediated liver angiogenesis. Selective inhibition of HSC hedgehog signalling could be a promising therapeutic approach for hepatic fibrosis.
Resource variation in colorectal surgery: a national centre level analysis
Authors: Drake T. M. , Lee M. J. , Senapati A. , Brown S. R.
Published: January 2017

Aim

Delivery of quality colorectal surgery requires adequate resources. We set out to assess the relationship between resources and outcomes in English colorectal units.

Method

Data were extracted from the Association of Coloproctology of Great Britain and Ireland resource questionnaire to profile resources. This was correlated with Hospital Episode Statistics outcome data including 90‐day mortality and readmissions. Patient satisfaction measures were extracted from the Cancer Experience Patient Survey and compared at unit level. Centres were divided by workload into low, middle and top tertile.

Results

Completed questionnaires were received from 75 centres in England. Service resources were similar between low and top tertiles in access to Confidential Enquiry into Patient Outcome and Death (CEPOD) theatre, level two or three beds per 250 000 population or the likelihood of having a dedicated colorectal ward. There was no difference in staffing levels per 250 000 unit of population. Each 10% increase in the proportion of cases attempted laparoscopically was associated with reduced 90‐day unplanned readmission (relative risk 0.94, 95% CI 0.91−0.97, P < 0.001). The presence of a dedicated colorectal ward (relative risk 0.85, 95% CI 0.73−0.99, P = 0.040) was also associated with a significant reduction in unplanned readmissions. There was no association between staffing or service factors and patient satisfaction.

Conclusion

Resource levels do not vary based on unit of population. There is benefit associated with increased use of laparoscopy and a dedicated surgical ward. Alternative measures to assess the relationship between resources and outcome, such as failure to rescue, should be explored in UK practice.
Echocardiographic follow‐up after transcatheter aortic valve replacement
Authors: Sokalskis Vladislavs , Muraru Denisa , Fraccaro Chiara , Napodano Massimo , D'Onofrio Augusto , Tarantini Giuseppe , Badano Luigi Paolo
Published: January 2017

The use of transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) for high‐risk patients with aortic stenosis has rapidly increased during the past years. Accordingly, more and more patients are referred for a follow‐up echocardiographic study after TAVR. However, the echocardiographic evaluation of patients who underwent TAVR places specific demands on echocardiographers. Furthermore, TAVR may be associated with new types of complications, which are frequently unrecognized or underestimated due to lack of familiarity with the normal and pathological appearance of TAVR. Therefore, this review summarizes the echocardiographic parameters describing the structural and functional status of bioprostheses used in TAVR, procedures taking into account their peculiar hemodynamics. We also describe the strengths and the limitations of echocardiography and of other imaging modalities in detecting long‐term complications of TAVR (eg, infective endocarditis, thrombosis). The aim of this review was to serve as a guide for a structured echocardiographic follow‐up of TAVR patients, as well as for the echocardiographic diagnosis of the procedure‐associated complications.
Fast life history traits promote invasion success in amphibians and reptiles
Authors: Allen William L. , Street Sally E. , Capellini Isabella
Published: January 2017

Competing theoretical models make different predictions on which life history strategies facilitate growth of small populations. While ‘fast’ strategies allow for rapid increase in population size and limit vulnerability to stochastic events, ‘slow’ strategies and bet‐hedging may reduce variance in vital rates in response to stochasticity. We test these predictions using biological invasions since founder alien populations start small, compiling the largest dataset yet of global herpetological introductions and life history traits. Using state‐of‐the‐art phylogenetic comparative methods, we show that successful invaders have fast traits, such as large and frequent clutches, at both establishment and spread stages. These results, together with recent findings in mammals and plants, support ‘fast advantage’ models and the importance of high potential population growth rate. Conversely, successful alien birds are bet‐hedgers. We propose that transient population dynamics and differences in longevity and behavioural flexibility can help reconcile apparently contrasting results across terrestrial vertebrate classes.
Detection of intermolecular transferred‐NOE interactions in small and medium size protein complexes: RANTES complexed with a CCR5 N‐terminal peptide
Authors: Abayev Meital , Srivastava Gautam , Arshava Boris , Naider Fred , Anglister Jacob
Published: January 2017

NMR is a powerful tool for studying structural details of protein/peptide complexes exhibiting weak to medium binding (KD > 10 μm). However, it has been assumed that intermolecular nuclear Overhauser effect (NOE) interactions are difficult to observe in such complexes. We demonstrate that intermolecular NOEs can be revealed by combining the 13C‐edited/13C‐filtered experiment with the transferred NOE effect (TRNOE). Due to the TRNOE phenomenon, intermolecular NOE cross peaks are characterized by both the chemical shifts (CSs) of the protein protons and the average CSs of the peptide protons, which are dominated by the CSs of the protons of the free peptide. Previously, the TRNOE phenomenon was used almost exclusively to investigate the conformation of small ligands bound to large biomolecules. Here, we demonstrate that TRNOE can be extended to enable the study of intermolecular interactions in small‐ and medium‐sized protein complexes. We used the 13C‐edited/13C‐filtered TRNOE experiment to study the interactions of the chemokine regulated upon activation, normal T cell, expressed and secreted (RANTES) with a 27‐residue peptide, containing two sulfotyrosine residues, representing the N‐terminal segment of the CCR5 receptor ((Nt‐CCR5(1–27). The TRNOE phenomenon led to more than doubling of the signal‐to‐noise ratios (SNRs) for the intermolecular NOEs observed in the 13C‐edited/13C‐filtered experiment for the 11.5‐kDa monomeric RANTES/Nt‐CCR5(1–27) complex. An even better improvement in the SNR was achieved with dimeric Nt‐CCR5(1–27)/RANTES (23 kDa), especially in comparison with the spectra measured with a 1 : 1 protein to peptide ratio. In principle, the isotope‐edited/isotope‐filtered TRNOE spectrum can discern all intermolecular interactions involving nonexchangeable protons in the complex.
Phosphorus in agricultural soils: drivers of its distribution at the global scale
Authors: Ringeval Bruno , Augusto Laurent , Monod Hervé , van Apeldoorn Dirk , Bouwman Lex , Yang Xiaojuan , Achat David L. , Chini Louise P. , Van Oost Kristof , Guenet Bertrand , Wang Rong , Decharme Bertrand , Nesme Thomas , Pellerin Sylvain
Published: January 2017

Phosphorus (P) availability in soils limits crop yields in many regions of the World, while excess of soil P triggers aquatic eutrophication in other regions. Numerous processes drive the global spatial distribution of P in agricultural soils, but their relative roles remain unclear. Here, we combined several global data sets describing these drivers with a soil P dynamics model to simulate the distribution of P in agricultural soils and to assess the contributions of the different drivers at the global scale. We analysed both the labile inorganic P (PILAB), a proxy of the pool involved in plant nutrition and the total soil P (PTOT). We found that the soil biogeochemical background corresponding to P inherited from natural soils at the conversion to agriculture (BIOG) and farming practices (FARM) were the main drivers of the spatial variability in cropland soil P content but that their contribution varied between PTOT vs. PILAB. When the spatial variability was computed between grid cells at half‐degree resolution, we found that almost all of the PTOT spatial variability could be explained by BIOG, while BIOG and FARM explained 38% and 63% of PILAB spatial variability, respectively. Our work also showed that the driver contribution was sensitive to the spatial scale characterizing the variability (grid cell vs. continent) and to the region of interest (global vs. tropics for instance). In particular, the heterogeneity of farming practices between continents was large enough to make FARM contribute to the variability in PTOT at that scale. We thus demonstrated how the different drivers were combined to explain the global distribution of agricultural soil P. Our study is also a promising approach to investigate the potential effect of P as a limiting factor for agroecosystems at the global scale.
Effectiveness of a multi‐layer foam dressing in preventing sacral pressure ulcers for the early acute care of patients with a traumatic spinal cord injury: comparison with the use of a gel mattress
Authors: Richard‐Denis Andréane , Thompson Cynthia , Mac‐Thiong Jean‐Marc
Published: January 2017

Individuals with spinal cord injury are at risk of sacral pressure ulcers due to, among other reasons, prolonged immobilisation. The effectiveness of a multi‐layer foam dressing installed pre‐operatively in reducing sacral pressure ulcer occurrence in spinal cord injured patients was compared to that of using a gel mattress, and stratified analyses were performed on patients with complete tetraplegia and paraplegia. Socio‐demographic and clinical data were collected from 315 patients admitted in a level‐I trauma centre following a spinal cord injury between April 2010 and March 2016. Upon arrival to the emergency room and until surgery, patients were transferred on a foam stretcher pad with a viscoelastic polymer gel mattress (before 1 October 2014) or received a multi‐layer foam dressing applied to their sacral‐coccygeal area (after 1 October 2014). The occurrence of sacral pressure ulcer during acute hospitalisation was similar irrespective of whether patients received the dressing or the gel mattress. It was found that 82% of patients with complete tetraplegia receiving the preventive dressing developed sacral ulcers as compared to only 36% of patients using the gel mattress. Although multi‐layer dressings were suggested to improve skin protection and decrease pressure ulcer occurrence in critically ill patients, such preventive dressings are not superior to gel mattresses in spinal cord injured patients and should be used with precaution, especially in complete tetraplegia.
Directional properties of ordered 3‐3 piezocomposites fabricated by sacrificial template
Authors: Sharifi Olyaei Nafiseh , Mohebi Mohammad Masoud , Kaveh Reza
Published: January 2017

Fabrication of piezoelectric composites with 3‐3 connectivity and their properties have attracted attention due to the application of these composites in acoustic transducers, medical imaging, and nondestructive testing. In this research, directional piezoelectric‐polymer composites with 3‐3 connectivity are prepared by a relatively simple fabrication process of dipping an ordered polymeric template (mesh) into lead zirconate titanate suspension followed by drying, pyrolysis, and sintering. The resulting porous ordered structures of lead zirconate titanate‐5A ranging from 18 to 32 vol% ceramic were subjected to polymer injection to form composites to be cut and polarized in different directions. In the composites, the effects of (i) polarization direction and (ii) active piezoelectric phase content on the dielectric and piezoelectric properties were investigated. The results showed that the dielectric constant and the piezoelectric properties are significantly dependent on the direction in composites of directional structure. In these composites, dielectric constant values were found to be higher in the direction parallel to ceramic ligaments. Moreover, the highest values for piezoelectric charge and voltage coefficient and figure of merit were found in the direction 45° to ceramic ligaments. In all composites, both dielectric constant and piezoelectric property values were proportional to the active piezoelectric phase content.
Structural study of β‐SiC(001) films on Si(001) by laser chemical vapor deposition
Authors: Zhu Peipei , Xu Qingfang , Chen Ruyi , Zhang Song , Yang Meijun , Tu Rong , Zhang Lianmeng , Goto Takashi , Yan Jiasheng , Li Shusen
Published: January 2017

β‐SiC thin films have been epitaxially grown on Si(001) substrates by laser chemical vapor deposition. The epitaxial relationship was β‐SiC(001){111}//Si(001){111}, and multiple twins {111} planes were identified. The maximum deposition rate was 23.6 μm/h, which is 5‐200 times higher than that of conventional chemical vapor deposition methods. The density of twins increased with increasing β‐SiC thickness. The cross section of the films exhibited a columnar structure, containing twins at {111} planes that were tilted 15.8° to the surface of substrate. The growth mechanism of the films was discussed.
On the prenatal initiation of T cell development in the opossum Monodelphis domestica
Authors: Hansen Victoria L. , Miller Robert D.
Published: January 2017

Thymus‐dependent lymphocytes (T cells) are a critical cell lineage in the adaptive immune system of all jawed vertebrates. In eutherian mammals the initiation of T cell development takes place prenatally and the offspring of many species are born relatively immuno‐competent. Marsupials, in contrast, are born in a comparatively altricial state and with a less well developed immune system. As such, marsupials are valuable models for studying the peri‐ and postnatal initiation of immune system development in mammals. Previous results supported a lack of prenatal T cell development in a variety of marsupial species. In the gray short‐tailed opossum, Monodelphis domestica, however, there was evidence that αβT cells were present on postnatal day 1 and likely initiated development prenatally. Demonstrated here is the presence of CD3ε+ lymphocytes in late‐stage embryos at a site in the upper thoracic cavity, the site of an early developing thymus. CD3ε+ cells were evident as early as 48 h prior to parturition. In day 14 embryos, where there is clear organogenesis, CD3ε+ cells were only found at the site of the early thymus, consistent with no extra‐thymic sites of T cell development in the opossum. These observations are the first evidence of prenatal T cell lineage commitment in any marsupial.
Changes in in vitro ruminal and post‐ruminal degradation of tropical tannin‐rich legumes due to varying levels of polyethylene glycol
Authors: Knowles M. M. , Pabón M. L. , Hess H. D. , Carulla J. E.
Published: January 2017

We evaluated the effects of tannins from Flemingia macrophylla (CIAT 17403) and Calliandra calothyrsus (San Ramón CIAT 22310 and Patulul CIAT 22316) on in vitro ruminal and post‐ruminal dry matter and apparent protein degradation. For each tannin source (legumes), different dosages of polyethylene glycol (PEG) (8000 Da) in McDougall buffer were added to achieve ratios of 0:3, 1:3, 2:3 and 3:3 PEG:condensed tannin (CT). Ruminal fluid mixed with McDougall buffer (1:4) was added to tubes containing only legume foliage (control) or PEG‐treated legume foliage. For both Calliandra varieties, a higher ruminal dry matter degradation was observed at a PEG:CT ratio of 3:3. For F. macrophylla, no differences were found between 2:3 and 3:3 ratios (p > 0.05), indicating that a PEG:CT ratio of 2:3 might be enough to bind tannins. Increasing PEG:CT ratios increased apparent ruminal degraded protein and ammonia concentration (p < 0.0001) differing among species (species × ratio: p < 0.0001). The degradation of bypass crude protein (dBCP) was influenced by both legume type and PEG:CT ratio (p < 0.0001). For Patulul, as PEG:CT ratio increased, dBCP increased, but after tannin ratio of 2:3, there was not a significant increase, and for San Ramón, dBCP degradation was higher as PEG:CT ratio increased up to 2:3. For Flemingia, dBCP was higher than PEG:CT ratio of 0:3 but not different among 1:3, 2:3 or 3:3. Low concentration of CT (116 mg/g DM) increased the proportion of protein digested in the abomasum, but higher levels of CT (252 mg/g) clearly reduced the proportion of digested CP. For Flemingia, PEG:CT ratio of 2:3 is enough to inactivate tannins, while PEG:CT ratio of 3:3 was needed for Calliandra and consequently increased ruminal degradation of dry mater (rdDM), and crude protein (rdCP), total degradation of dry matter (tdDM), crude protein (tdCP) and ammonia levels.
The Effect of Lactobacillus isolates on growth performance, immune response, intestinal bacterial community composition of growing Rex Rabbits
Authors: Wang C. , Zhu Y. , Li F. , Huang L.
Published: January 2017

The objective of this experiment was to investigate the effect of Lactobacillus isolates on intestinal bacterial community composition of growing Rex Rabbits. A total of 120 weaned Rex Rabbits (30 days old, 30 per group) were used for the experiment, which started after an adaptation period of 7 days. The control group was fed with basal diet only, while the treatment I, II and III groups were fed with basal diet adding antibiotics, Lactobacillus zeae (LB1) and Lactobacillus casei (L3) respectively. Growth performance, immune response and intestinal flora have been examined. The results obtained were as follows: (i) F/G of the rabbits fed with Lactobacillus isolates was significantly lower than that of the control group (p < 0.05). (ii) The concentration of ALT decreased significantly (p < 0.05) and that of IgG and IgM increased significantly (p < 0.05) after feeding rabbits with Lactobacillus isolates. (iii) Lactobacillus isolates had no influence on the number of mast cells in duodenum and jejunum, but increased the number of mast cells in caecum significantly (p < 0.05). (iv) The data from pyrosequencing‐based analysis suggested that the bacterial community in the rabbit's intestinal flora can be changed by Lactobacillus isolates and antibiotics, especially for the microbial diversity and abundance in the caecum. In conclusion, the application of proper Lactobacillus isolates can improve the growth performance, enhance the immunological function and adjust the intestinal micro‐ecosystem of growing Rex Rabbits.
The coexistence of generalist and specialist clonal lineages in natural populations of the Irish Famine pathogen Phytophthora infestans explains local adaptation to potato and tomato
Authors: Kröner Alexander , Mabon Romain , Corbière Roselyne , Montarry Josselin , Andrivon Didier
Published: January 2017

Phytophthora infestans, causing late blight on Solanaceae, is a serious threat to potato and tomato crops worldwide. P. infestans populations sampled on either potato or tomato differ in genotypes and pathogenicity, suggesting niche exclusion in the field. We hypothesized that such niche separation can reflect differential host exploitation by different P. infestans genotypes. We thus compared genotypes and phenotypes in 21 isolates sampled on potato (n = 11) or tomato (n = 10). Typing at 12 microsatellite loci assigned potato isolates to the 13_A2, 6_A1 and 1_A1 lineages, and tomato isolates to the 23_A1, 2_A1 and unclassified multilocus genotypes. Cross‐inoculations on potato and tomato leaflets showed that all isolates were pathogenic on both hosts. However, tomato isolates performed much better on tomato than did potato isolates, which performed better on potato than did tomato isolates, thus revealing a clear pattern of local adaptation. Potato isolates were significantly fitter on potato than on tomato, and are best described as potato specialists; tomato isolates appear to be generalists, with similar pathogenicity on both hosts. Niche separation in the field may thus result mainly from the large fitness gap on tomato between generalists and unadapted potato specialists, while the small, but significant fitness difference on potato between both types of isolates may prevent population invasion by generalists. Extreme specialization to potato seems very costly relative to performance loss on the alternative host. This study therefore shows that local adaptation and niche separation, commonly expected to involve and generate specialists, can occur with generalists.
Managing the spread of alfalfa stem nematodes (Ditylenchus dipsaci): The relationship between crop rotation periods and pest reemergence
Authors: Jordan S. , Nischwitz C. , Ramirez R. , Gordillo L.F.
Published: January 2017

Alfalfa is a critical cash/rotation crop in the western region of the United States, where it is common to find crops affected by the alfalfa stem nematode (ASN) (Ditylenchus dipsaci). Understanding the spread dynamics associated with this pest would allow growers to design better management programs and farming practices. This understanding is of particular importance given that there are no nematicides available against ASNs and control strategies largely rely on crop rotation to nonhost crops or by planting resistant varieties of alfalfa. In this paper, we present a basic host‐parasite model that describes the spread of the ASN on alfalfa crops. With this discrete time model, we are able to portray a relationship between the length of crop rotation periods and the time at which the density of nematode‐infested plants becomes larger than that of nematode‐free ones in the postrotation alfalfa. The numerical results obtained are consistent with farming practice observations, suggesting that the model could play a role in the evaluation of management strategies.
Solitary pigmentation of the tongue: lentigo simplex or pigmented fungiform papilla?
Authors: McCarthy C. , Holt D. , Triantafyllou A.
Published: January 2017

The report discusses a solitary pigmentation on the dorsal tongue of an adult female, featuring variably concentrated melanocytes, hyperpigmened keratinocytes and pigmentary incontinence spatially related to fungiform and adjacent filiform papillae. Interpretations included lentigo simplex and pigmented fungiform papilla, and are critically discussed in conjunction with clinical considerations.
Evaluating South Africa's Open Economy
Authors: Algu Yashvir , Creamer Kenneth
Published: January 2017

The competing theories of the macroeconomic trilemma and dilemma are empirically tested for South Africa. The empirical findings show evidence of the trilemma theory being applicable to South Africa, supporting the country's ability to maintain monetary independence (MI). An empirical puzzle, however, emerged as South Africa's MI index decreased during the country's 2000–2014 inflation‐targeting period. A possible explanation, and subject for further research, is that the increasing opening of South Africa to international flows since 1995 may have caused South Africa to be more exposed to international business cycles and shocks, resulting in a reduction in measured MI.
Samarium and europium beta”-alumina derivatives characterized by XPS
Authors: Myhre Kristian , Meyer Harry , Du Miting
Published: January 2017

Characterization of samarium, and europium beta”-alumina derivatives has been carried out using x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy(XPS). Beta”-alumina has been widely studied as a material capable of incorporating many different cations into its lattice structure, such as sodium and many of the lanthanide elements. This unique behavior has been recently explored at Oak Ridge National Laboratory for separating samarium and europium from each other. The XPS of samarium and europium in the beta”-alumina structure are reported here. Additionally, the XPS spectra of the europium and samarium trichloride starting materials are presented in the database.
Normalization of lexical tones and nonlinguistic pitch contours: Implications for speech-specific processing mechanism
Authors: Zhang Kaile , Wang Xiao , Peng Gang
Published: January 2017

Context is indispensable for accurate tone perception, especially when the target tone system is as complex as that of Cantonese. However, not all contexts are equally beneficial. Speech contexts are usually more effective in improving lexical tone identification than nonspeech contexts matched in pitch information. Some potential factors which may contribute to these unequal effects have been proposed but, thus far, their plausibility remains unclear. To shed light on this issue, the present study compares the perception of lexical tones and their nonlinguistic counterparts under specific contextual (speech, nonspeech) and attentional (with/without focal attention) conditions. The results reveal a prominent congruency effect—target sounds tend to be identified more accurately when embedded in contexts of the same nature (speech/nonspeech). This finding suggests that speech and nonspeech sounds are partly processed by domain-specific mechanisms and that information from the same domain can be integrated more effectively than that from different domains. Therefore, domain-specific processing of speech could be the most likely cause of the unequal context effect. Moreover, focal attention is not a prerequisite for extracting contextual cues from speech and nonspeech during perceptual normalization. This finding implies that context encoding is highly automatic for native listeners.
Managing the Training Load in Adolescent Athletes
Authors: Murray Andrew
Published: January 2017

While historically adolescents were removed from their parents to prepare to become warriors, this process repeats itself in modern times but with the outcome being athletic performance. This review considers the process of developing athletes and managing load against the backdrop of differing approaches of conserving and maximizing the talent available. It acknowledges the typical training “dose” that adolescent athletes receive across a number of sports and the typical “response” when it is excessive or not managed appropriately. It also examines the best approaches to quantifying load and injury risk, acknowledging the relative strengths and weaknesses of subjective and objective approaches. Making evidence-based decisions is emphasized, while the appropriate monitoring techniques are determined by both the sporting context and individual situation. Ultimately a systematic approach to training-load monitoring is recommended for adolescent athletes to both maximize their athletic development and allow an opportunity for learning, reflection, and enhancement of performance knowledge of coaches and practitioners.
Optimal Loading for Maximizing Power During Sled-Resisted Sprinting
Authors: Cross Matt R. , Brughelli Matt , Samozino Pierre , Brown Scott R. , Morin Jean-Benoit
Published: January 2017

Purpose:

To ascertain whether force-velocity-power relationships could be compiled from a battery of sled-resisted overground sprints and to clarify and compare the optimal loading conditions for maximizing power production for different athlete cohorts.

Methods:

Recreational mixed-sport athletes (n = 12) and sprinters (n = 15) performed multiple trials of maximal sprints unloaded and towing a selection of sled masses (20–120% body mass [BM]). Velocity data were collected by sports radar, and kinetics at peak velocity were quantified using friction coefficients and aerodynamic drag. Individual force–velocity and power–velocity relationships were generated using linear and quadratic relationships, respectively. Mechanical and optimal loading variables were subsequently calculated and test–retest reliability assessed.

Results:

Individual force–velocity and power–velocity relationships were accurately fitted with regression models (R2 > .977, P < .001) and were reliable (ES = 0.05–0.50, ICC = .73–.97, CV = 1.0–5.4%). The normal loading that maximized peak power was 78% ± 6% and 82% ± 8% of BM, representing a resistance of 3.37 and 3.62 N/kg at 4.19 ± 0.19 and 4.90 ± 0.18 m/s (recreational athletes and sprinters, respectively). Optimal force and normal load did not clearly differentiate between cohorts, although sprinters developed greater maximal power (17.2–26.5%, ES = 0.97–2.13, P < .02) at much greater velocities (16.9%, ES = 3.73, P < .001).

Conclusions:

Mechanical relationships can be accurately profiled using common sled-training equipment. Notably, the optimal loading conditions determined in this study (69–96% of BM, dependent on friction conditions) represent much greater resistance than current guidelines (~7–20% of BM). This method has potential value in quantifying individualized training parameters for optimized development of horizontal power.